WEDNESDAY
February 24, 2010
Vol. 93 • No. 6 ONLINE:
www.therambler.org
The Rambler The voice of Texas Wesleyan University students since 1917
Homecoming week explodes at Wesleyan. Campus Life, page 4
Theater student takes to the big screen. A&E, page 5
Ex-Cowboy tackles community issues
Wesleyan Village to receive consulting Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
David Howard helps client Allyson Tunes on a dynovox, a computer that helps people with speaking challenges. Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
About a year ago, Monty Todd was a baseball player from Mineral Wells on the verge of receiving a scholarship to Texas A&M when he suffered traumatic brain injuries in a car accident that left him in a wheelchair. Today, Todd is able to stand—and
even dance—thanks in part to David Howard, CEO and president of Empower Me, a program which serves individuals with developmental and cognitive challenges whose corporate headquarters will soon call the Wesleyan neighborhood home. “[Todd] fought back,” Howard said. “He goes out in the community.
He’s got his own home. He’s doing well.” Howard calls Todd his brother, as the unlikely pair jokes and carries on. At 6-feet-2, one could say Howard is built like a linebacker—because he actually was. Howard played professional football for 11 years as an outside line-
Jonathan Resendez | Rambler Staff
backer for the Minnesota Vikings. He was then traded to Dallas in the Herschel Walker trade in 1989 before finishing his career with the Patriots in 1992. “It was a fun, illustrious career, but during my years playing professional football I became an entrepreneur
SGA approves funds for dorm upgrades John Liontos
jcliontos@mail.txwes.edu
The Student Government Association approved $4,500 in upgrades for the campus dorms. The proposal includes four LCD televisions, five DVD players, four surge protectors and two printers for Stella Russell Hall, Elizabeth Hall and the Wesleyan Village Clubhouse. “This proposal looks pretty good,” said Nicholas Demetre, representative for school of natural and social science. “The students are the reason why we’re here. This would help them bond together.” The proposal passed SGA 10 to 1, but there was concern expressed over how the new items would be protected. “We believe that when we start putting nicer things in the dorms, we shouldn’t have to worry about anyone walking away with them,” said SGA President Heath Scott. The goal of the proposal is to create a better environment for socialization as well as homework. “My goal for this is to build individual homework stations so that when students walk in, they can print stuff off and not have that hassle of walking all the way to the library,” Scott said.
HOWARD, page 3
Wesleyan student housing will come under professional review March 1 and 2. The board of trustees charged Wesleyan President Harold Jeffcoat to “develop a plan to maximize revenue from student housing with emphasis on Wesleyan Village occupancy.” Dean of Students Carey Poole cites the consultant’s history as a positive point. John White, past housing consultant for University of Texas at San Antonio, and Bambi Harris, real estate specialist, will perform an analysis to get a feel of what residents think about Wesleyan Village. “They’re going to interview students, RAs, former residential students and administrators,” said Pati Alexander, vice president for enrollment and student services. Before Wesleyan Village was built in 2002, Danter Student Housing Research did a feasibility study to determine the advantages of apartmentstyle dorms. “They said ‘we think that we could have occupancy of 85 percent in Wesleyan Village,’” Alexander said. “We opened the facility, and we have never been at 85 percent.” Wesleyan Village holds 260 beds. Alexander said Jeffcoat also suggested turning Wesleyan Village into the scholarship dorms, which poses new problems. “Apparently there’s not one answer, there’s a combination,” Alexander said. “We need a group of experts to say, ‘This is what we think.’” The board of trustees will read the consultants’ report at a meeting March 23.
“My
goal for this is to build individual homework stations so that when students walk in, they can print stuff off and not have that hassle of walking all the way to the library.” Heath Scott
SGA President
IT supplied three new computers for the effort, and two of them are already set up in Stella. “Stella is going to have two homework stations; Elizabeth is going to have one, and all of the TVs will be going in the main lobbies,” Scott said. The second and third floor of Stella will receive smaller televisions, he said. “It is my firm belief that a lot of students that live in these dormitories will be most grateful for the actions we have just taken,” Scott said.
Rebecca Moore | Rambler Staff Michael Greer Hall acts as the parent liaison for the Ram Parent Association.
Parent association adapts Melissa Bates
mdbates@mail.txwes.edu
In these times of change, Wesleyan parents are going with the flow and changing the Ram Parent Association. The association began last semester, but after a series of monthly meetings, the parents
decided they didn’t like that format, said Michael Greer Hall, parent liaison with the association. The parents decided there were better uses of their time than to sit in a room discussing their student’s academic lives. They’re now
PARENT, page 3
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Opinion
February 24, 2010
Guide to the Governors
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Democrats may be right choice Conner Howell
chowell@mail.txwes.edu
It’s been nearly 20 years since a Democrat last held the governor’s seat in Texas. Our state is one that values a Republican ideology; where fiscal conservatism, strong moral values, and a love for business and economic growth characterize the lives of average Texas citizens and the leadership those citizens support. But with elections coming up and the governorship of Texas up for debate, it might be time to evaluate which of the candidates possess those values and beliefs that have proven time and again to improve the state of Texas and its people. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to look at a Democratic candidate. Sure, the Republican candidates -- Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Debra Medina and incumbent Rick Perry -- are emblematic of those familiar traditions. They talk about
breaking away from Washington politics, but they don’t convey the resolve required to pursue that agenda and ensure that their goals for Texas will be achieved without compromise. Now government officials need to be practical and rational in their political actions, but to promise a unified Texas separate from the reach of federal involvement is asinine and counter-productive when we already know that Texas has worked in collusion with the federal government by accepting federal funds on a consistent basis. Texas needs the Fed as much as the Fed needs Texas. Texas doesn’t need separation from Washington, and it doesn’t need radicalized agendas of secessionist ideology. That’s a selfdamaging philosophy if I’ve ever heard one. Texas needs balance. Balance between the values we as Texans and a state hold dear, and the values of the nation as a whole. Balance is not what Perry offers with his constant tort reform and his trite remarks towards Hutchison. Balance is not what Hutchison offers with her granny tactics of softly backbiting at Perry and her obsession with TxDot. Balance is not what Medina offers by selling a T-shirt that defines freedom as prolife, pro-gun and pro-property at her online
What students can do to save the planet Suhasini Yeeda
suyeeda@mail.txwes.edu
Among the many problems our generation has inherited, the environment seems to be one of the greatest problems. The ongoing effects of climate change is affecting many areas including Indonesia, India and most recently Haiti. While many of us here in America might believe this is only affecting foreign soil, that is not the case. Devastating forest fires have ravished both California and parts of Canada for several years - and let’s not forget those affected by the tragedies of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana only five years ago. These travesties have a number of causes, some natural and some by human hand. Though there may be many disputes about what has caused our environment to shift so quickly, almost everyone agrees that we should do something to help fix it. So, what can a normal college kid do to help the environment? Our biggest concern as students is cost. We do not have the money to go out and buy new hybrid cars or change our living conditions entirely, but there are many daily things we can change to try to help the cause in defeating this environmental damage. One easy thing you can do as a college student is to change the way you shop. Yes, that may sound very simple, but it’s true. Almost every store around has environmentally friendly supplies. These supplies usually include paper products, folders, spirals, pens, pencils and even backpacks. Cut out the middleman and buy reusable supplies. This will decrease your carbon foot-
Founded in 1917 as The Handout Publisher: Harold G. Jeffcoat
Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press, Student Press Law Center, College Media Advisers and College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers. Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole.
R ambler Contribution
Please send all news briefs to twurambler@ yahoo.com. Submissions due by noon Friday to see brief in the following week’s issue.
In the primary debate with fellow Democratic rival, Farouk Shami, both White and Shami addressed the same issues and concerns that were asked of the Republican candidates in their debate. But while the Republican candidates answered questions through a combination of rhetoric and attacking their rivals, White answered each question asked of him and his agenda with concise, specific language that suggested his knowledge of the facts and the issues that face Texas, while showing respect to his opponent despite how ridiculous Shami’s answers may have been. Unfortunately, Shami by himself does not pose much of a competition to White, especially when Shami considers “a day without Mexicans, is a day without sunshine,” to be a legitimate stance on verifying an employee’s legal status to work in Texas. But I do think in comparison with his opposite party opponents, White stands to do much more for Texas than Perry, Medina or Hutchison are capable of doing, because White doesn’t get caught up in cutting down his opponents. He’d rather focus on defining his agenda of a balance between promises and reality and communicating it to his constituents.
print dramatically. Many of these companies that supply enviro-friendly products also give portions of profits to help the rainforest and other global causes. Next on the list is the way you consume. Try as much as possible not to waste. Especially away from home, you may enjoy quite a few delicious foods wrapped in plastic products. This is OK, but try to buy products in bulk as to not waste as much plastic. Concerning bottled water, always remember there are alternatives. Buy eco-friendly bottles or metal bottles. Metal bottles usually keep your drinks colder and are much easier to carry around from class to class. Instead of buying many bottles of water or soda, buy one big bottle to store in your dorm, and then use your metal bottles when on the go. Conservation is very important, especially when driving. In college, you want to go out and have fun with friends, but that doesn’t mean you all have to meet up somewhere separately. Carpooling is of great importance to fight carbon dioxide wastes. If you are going out with a group of friends, have them meet up with you, or you go meet up with them and carpool to go into the city. Not only will it save money, but it will also save unnecessary waste of fuel. This seemingly simple task, although it might be time consuming, will do much to help our environment. These small tasks will ultimately help better the environment, even if started on a local level. Our only hope is to try to be a part of the solution and not the problem. We cannot continue to be dependent on those in charge, but rather take charge ourselves, on an individual level, to help spread awareness. This awareness, eventually, will help create a safe, beautiful world that future generations will thank us for.
The Rambler
Jonathan Resendez, editor-in-chief Chuck Fain, opinion editor, arts & entertainment editor Conner Howell, college life editor, special projects editor Joakim Söderbaum, sports editor Rebecca Moore, photo editor Rachel Horton, multimedia editor Kelli Lamers, faculty adviser Dr. Kay Colley, faculty liaison
store. Nice try Medina, but I think there’s more to freedom than that. What forum do we possibly have to communicate to the rest of country that “Yes, Texas is a great state, but we want to be part of a great nation,” when candidates like these are so divisive in their opinions of Washington and so demeaning in their comparison of Texas to other states? Who cares that Texas is doing better than California; we’re all in this together. But I digress. As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, it’s been 20 years since a Democrat has been governor of Texas. But for the 2010 elections, the best candidate Texas has for balancing our values, morals and policies with those of the entire nation could be the former mayor of Houston, Bill White. Having served as the mayor of Houston for six years, White has now set his eyes on the governor’s seat on the Democratic ticket. Through his political experience, White understands Texas politics and the Texas legislative process, but he balances that experience with a strong presence of mind to let himself be questioned and the confidence and ethical fiber to refrain from repeatedly bashing his opponents.
Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication welcomes all letters. All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature. Confidentiality will be granted if requested. While every consideration is made to publish letters, publication is limited by time and space. The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for space, grammar, clarity and style. Letters to the editor may be subject to response from editors and students on the opinion page.
What is your favorite event in the Winter Olympics?
Amber Sanders Junior International Business
“Curling!”
Jeska Lopez Freshman Music
“I never watch the Olympics.”
“We are not afraid to follow the truth ... wherever it may lead.” — Thomas Jefferson
Melissa Macduffee Junior Religion
“Hockey: blood, ice and hot bodies - what else do you need?”
Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University
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Margo Wring Junior Sociology
“Because I am a dancer, I want to say figure skating. But for the adrenaline rush, I’ll say snowboarding.”
Justin Mikulencak Freshman Religion
“Five on five professional snowball fighting, or polar bear ‘rastling.”
Campus
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
David Howard mentors Eugene Graham in the daily aspects of running one’s own business.
HOWARD or business person,” Howard said. Howard received a degree in economics and history from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn. After more than a decade of owning his own restaurant, Howard moved back to Texas in 2001 and developed afterschool food and nutrition programs at D. McRae and Meadowbrook elementary schools, to name a few, which eventually led him to opening Empower Me. “I started learning about autism, developmental challenges, diagnoses and physical challenges,” he said, “and that led me to open up Empower Me Inc.” Empower Me is certified by Social Security and the Department of State Rehabilitative Services and keeps a caseload of 35 to 55 individuals. The program also helps individuals find jobs and supports them at the jobs. “The [economic] part of my schooling was economic development,” he said. “That’s what led me to the Poly-retail or Texas Wesleyan area. I was noticing some of the dilapidated buildings along here, and I looked at Texas Wesleyan in conjunction to the buildings, and that’s what brought me to 3116 [Rosedale].” Albert Woolridge, owner of the old Poly Goodyear build-
HOT JOBS Traffic Manager For Requirements and Application: http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/index.html
PhotograPher/ Live truck oPerator
Rebecca Moore | Rambler Staff
In Brief...
continued from page 1 ing since the 1920s, said he met Howard casually while Howard was looking for a building for Empower Me’s headquarters two years ago. “I’m grateful to him because he’s a good man,” Woolridge said. “And he’s an ex-Dallas Cowboy, too. I said, ‘All right, that’s a plus.’” Howard’s willingness to help has allowed others to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams. Through his own ambitions and motivations, along with Howard’s help, Eugene Graham went from living homeless on the west side of Baltimore to president and CEO of his own janitorial and vocational training services, GMMG Enterprise. “There was a lot of obstacles there and challenges growing up,” Graham said of Baltimore. Baltimore’s heroin problem is one of the worst in the country, according to a study done by the Abell Foundation. Graham’s mother died of a drug overdose when he was only 7. “In the middle of high school, my grand-folk went to jail, and I had to become the man of the house,” Graham said. “From there, I did
things outside in the streets to support my family, but I overcame all that.” He said sports was what kept him focused on school. He drifted through several colleges throughout the nation. In spring 2008, while training to compete internationally, Graham was injured and came to Texas. “I thought, ‘What am I going to do now, once this ball stops bouncing?’” he said. Graham’s life changed when he got an attendant care position to take care of Monty Todd in February 2009. “By the graces of that, I met Mr. Howard,” Graham said. “He looked past the tattoos and the facial hair and was able to give me an opportunity.” Graham now works 18hour days while Howard mentors him and shows him the ins and outs of owning a business. “I’ve been waiting for a long time for someone to come in my life and give me this opportunity,” he said. “Right now, I’m on cloud nine, and it’s a blessing for all the hard stuff I went through.”
Chinese New Year Learn more about the Chinese New Year while enjoying Chinese food and the movie Eat Drink Man Woman at 7 p.m. Feb. 24. at the Wesleyan Village Clubhouse. Sponsored by Texas Wesleyan International Programs. Resume Clinic Students interested in updating or writing their resume can to set up an appointment with the career services office before the career fair March 23. To RSVP, visit http://txwescsm.symplicity.com/students. Log on to CareerLink using Ramlink information. Click on “Events,” then the “Career Fair/Workshops” tab. If students have questions or problems, call career services at 817531-6512 or e-mail careerservices@txwes.edu.
February 24, 2010
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focusing their get-togethers around events, Hall said. “We want to change to a more member-driven format,” said Hall, learning specialist at Wesleyan. “The parents didn’t want to be reminded of parent-teacher associations or booster clubs. The parents didn’t like the idea of the monthly meetings, which was our original idea when we formed last semester. They just want to be involved with their kids and help them in any way they can.” The association is also raising money for a scholarship. “We’re hoping to raise money for a scholarship for a student of one of the members of the parents association,” said Blair Ensign, parent liaison. When the idea of the parent association came about, Hall researched other schools of similar size and culture to see how they had conducted the groups. She said that not all of the associations fared well, because they came across the same problems that Hall and Ensign are now encountering like the parents not wanting the monthly meetings. The association has taken ideas from other schools, as well as what they know students experience at Wesleyan every day, and pooled them together to make a new parent association, said Ensign, coordinator of new student programs and transfer liaison. “We’re anticipating a lot of changes to the association compared to last semester, but we’re learning as we go,” Hall said. “Most of the bigger changes wouldn’t be implemented until next semester though.”
One of the changes they are currently thinking about is instituting by-the-school-year membership dues, excluding founding members, Hall said. They have yet to settle on a price but are considering $25 to $50, Hall said. The Ram Parent Association currently has a fundraiser for the scholarship. They are selling Texas Wesleyan doormats. Also to help raise money, the association sells “study bags” near finals time. The “study bags” can be bought by everyone, and then gifted to their favorite student. Parents are also invited to attend a homecoming tailgate Feb. 27, Hall said. “They will be the special guests of the president, and I’m not sure, but I believe they will have special seating as well,” Hall said. “We just want to stay involved with our students and we are trying to put together a scholarship with fundraisers. We just want to be involved and help out with the activities that are going on on-campus,” said Jamie Jones, Ram Parent Association member. “We want to find a different source of funds to help them in school.” Anyone interested in placing an order for a doormat or becoming a member of the association can contact Michael Greer Hall at 817-531-4219 or migreer@txwes.edu or Blair Ensign at 817-531-4923 or bensign@txwes.edu. Doormats are $15 for members of the association and $20 for all others. The deadline to place an order for a doormat is March 12.
“We just want to stay involved with our students.”
Jamie Jones
Ram Parent Association Member
YES, WESLEYAN HAS RELIGIOUS STUFF! Tuesdays - 12:15 (Free Period) - MSM FREE lunch with Discussion/Dialogue All Are Welcome and Meet in PUMC 312
Thursdays - 5 PM - University Chapel Worship with live music and speakers All Are Welcome and Meet in PUMC 117 (With FREE dinner after in PUMC 312)
For Information Contact:
http://www.txwes.edu/religiouslife/index.htm
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1 out of 3 college students experienced the illness or loss of a family member or close friend in the last year. Talk about loss and help your friends in need by starting a National Students of AMF Support Network Chapter at your school.
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College Life
February 24, 2010
Photos by Conner Howell | Rambler Staff
Expressions of the Heart
A variety of performers speak about their experiences with love and relationships at the Valentine-themed open mic Feb. 16. at the Coffee X Spot.
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Spirit blast Homecoming week takes off Conner Howell
mhowell@mail.txwes.edu
The Wesleyan homecoming week officially started Feb. 22 to attract more support for the Wesleyan basketball teams at its games Feb. 27. Coordinator of Student Activities Michael Chaney said the entire week is designed around certain themes so students, faculty and staff can show their Wesleyan spirit. “This is the Ram-Plosion homecoming week,” Chaney said, “that’s the concept we came up with in centering our ideas.” Chaney said for each day of the week, people are encouraged to dress up for the theme of the day, get their picture taken at the student life office and fill out an entry form to go along with the photo. People can also e-mail their photos to Chaney as well. “And then at the end of the day, we’re going to go through all the pictures and determine who’s going to be the winner of the day,” Chaney said. Chaney said each winner will be announced the following day and will receive a prize for their participation. Chaney also said the Greeks will compete to show their Wesleyan spirit by painting miniature basketballs to present at the pep rally Feb. 25. The pep rally will be held in the Sid Richardson gym during free period and students can go and vote for their favorite ball. Also during the pep rally, students will see performances by the cheer and dance team, the announcement of the homecoming court and a
shoot off contest. But the finale of the week will be the Ram-Plosion tailgate party at noon Feb. 27 in the SUB. Chaney said the party will provide free food, activities, music and plenty of social interaction leading up to the men’s and women’s basketball games later that afternoon. “If you’re not present, you’re gonna miss out,” Chaney said. Chaney said the Blu Cru will be the primary group helping with the tailgate party and a lot of the activities. Student Government Association President Heath Scott said the tailgate party is a great opportunity for the Blu Cru to get some exposure and at the same time help out Chaney and the student life office. “Michael wants a group of students he can count on right now to help see homecoming through,” Scott said. And Scott said the group will participate each day by dressing up for the individual themes as well. Scott said the Blu Cru still had to finalize its game plan with Chaney, but the group will be ready by Saturday. Chaney said he is hopeful the games will see a lot more student attendance. “I’m hoping that we’ll see more people at this basketball game than we’ve seen at any other basketball game this year,” Chaney said.
Mentorship mix & mingle
Yeah. We’re everywhere. But start here: www.therambler.org
The Rambler
The Voice of Texas Wesleyan University Students Since 1917
Photos by Conner Howell | Rambler Staff Mentors and mentees share an afternoon lunch at Lou’s Place Feb. 17. Natesha Wright and Trena Watson (lower left) talk about their success story as a mentor and mentee. Blair Ensign lets Joe Brown (mid right) draw tickets for the raffle held at the end of the luncheon.
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Arts & Entertainment
Wesleyan thespian moves to movies
Chuck Fain
cmfain@mail.txwes.edu
The Wesleyan theater department has a reputation for turning out talent. Actors working locally and nationally, Broadway producers and Emmy award winners have all attended the hallowed halls of Wesleyan. With students like sophomore theater major Parker Fitzgerald, that tradition is sure to continue. “I started acting when I was 8 years old,” Fitzgerald said, performing a comedy routine he wrote called World Wide News for his school’s talent show. Since then, he’s acted in a number of plays in both school and local theater productions. Fitzgerald said his parents have provided plenty of love and support for his acting ventures, and his dad is even beginning to get in on the act. “My dad began to follow me into it [acting]. “He plays the guitar, and sometimes he plays in the [orchestra pit in musical productions].” Fitzgerald’s father accompanied him from the pit when Parker starred as Huck Finn in Theatre Arlington’s production of Big River in the fall. They’ve even shared the spotlight together on two separate occasions. Now, after spending so much time on the live stage, Fitzgerald has ventured into the world of cinema. Recently, due to his role in Big River, Fitzgerald was approached by a filmmaker, James Johnson, who wanted to work with him on a movie project. The movie, titled Naked, is about a
and locks him in the garage. The abusive caretaker also teaches Michael how to play piano, with which he has a love/hate relationship. As a result of his childhood trauma, Michael’s life begins to spiral out of control with drug use and excessive partying. When confronted with a chance to perform playing the piano, he realizes that he must get his life in order to pursue his dream. “It’s really about [Michael] letting down his shield and letting his boyfriend, and everyone else, see him emotionally naked – hence the title of the film,” Fitzgerald said. The script itself, written by Johnson, has already won best screenplay at last year’s Austin film festival. A Facebook and Myspace page is also in the works to help promote the movie. Shooting should conclude in April or May. Fitzgerald said the film will be shown on the film festival circuit to generate interest in distributing the movie. As well as staring in a movie, Fitzgerald will also be featured in Wesleyan’s spring musical, Working. He also has a prospect of working with Kids Who Care in Fort Worth and plans on auditioning for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Bass Hall. “It’s really wide open at this point,” Fitzgerald said about his future. “I’ve thought about going Photo courtesy of Parker Fitzgerald to graduate school, to the homeParker Fitzgerald looks forward to a bright future. land – Canada. Or I may just see where the next two years take me. young man named Michael, played foster parent. It’s amazing how little you can by Fitzgerald, who, after the death of Enraged by Michael’s sexual orien- plan, as all of this has just sort of haphis parents, is adopted by an abusive tation, his foster father took beats him pened out of nowhere.”
Phantom of the Thad
Chuck Fain | Rambler Staff
Davis Gains, a working actor in New York and Los Angeles, visits with Wesleyan theater students Feb. 22 to talk about his experience with the craft. His credits include the role of the phantom in Phantom of the Opera.
Upcoming Events: Thursday
Friday
Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday
Time/Place Museum event: A Salute to Marilyn - Amon Carter Museum - FREE Performance: Faculty Voice Recital - Martin Hall Play: Macbeth - Thad Smotherman Theatre Concert: The Rocket Summer, Analog Rebellion - Granada Theatre Performance: Guitar Fort Worth - Martin Hall Play: Macbeth - Thad Smotherman Theatre Play: From the Mississippi Delta - Jubliee Theatre Stockyards Championship Rodeo - Cowtown Coliseum Play: Macbeth - Thad Smotherman Theatre Play: Macbeth - Thad Smotherman Theatre Concert: Dropkick Murphys - House of Blues Performance: Guest Recital: Melanie Hadley, piano - Martin Hall Play: The Phantom of the Opera - Music Hall at Fair Park, runs through
Wednesday March 14
Performance: Henry Rollins - Lakewood Theatre
February 24, 2010
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Rambler Review: Notable notes from this week Entertaining Events: Feb. 26, 1869 - Franz Schubert’s 4th Tragic premieres. Feb. 26, 1916 - Mutual signs Charlie Chaplin to a film contract Feb. 26, 1983 - Michael Jackson’s Thriller album goes to No. 1 and stays there for 37 weeks Feb. 27, 1967 - Pink Floyd release their first single Arnold Layne Feb. 27, 1981 - Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder record Ebony & Ivory Feb. 28, 1983 - Final TV episode of M*A*S*H airs, a record 125 million watch Birthdays: Feb. 25, 1943 - George Harrison Feb. 25, 1965 - Carrot Top Feb. 26, 1908 - Tex Avery Feb. 26, 1932 - Johnny Cash Feb. 27, 1902 - John Steinbeck Feb. 27, 1932 - Elizabeth Tayolr Deaths: Feb. 24, 1983 - Tennessee Williams
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Sports
February 24, 2010
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Wesleyan table tennis hosts national team trials
Courtesy of athletic department
Mark Hazinski will represent Wesleyan at the national team trials.
Joakim Soederbaum
jjsoederbaum@mail.txwes.edu
Texas Wesleyan will host the national team trials in table tennis on March 4 and 5. This is the first time that
Wesleyan put in a bid for the tournament, and the Sid Richardson Center and the nearby accommodation possibilities helped Head Coach Jasna Rather’s cause as she prepared the bid.
“We want to show the table tennis world that we can host well,” she said. “Our main goal is to be a good host and have everything run smoothly, but we also hope for a strong local interest.”
Head Coach Mike Jeffcoat said. “He is a good young man on and off the field.” With his final season in progress, Jacobi said he is willing to do whatever it takes to make it a successful year with the other 15 seniors. “We aren’t going to hold anything back,” he said. “We are going to leave it all on the field and play like it might be our last competitive season.” Jacobi said he also wants to win the conference tournament and make it to the NAIA
World Series. As a personal goal, Jacobi said he is hoping to be selected to the first team all-conference team. Prior to Wesleyan, Jacobi played baseball for Mansfield High School. In his senior year he was named first team all-district outfield player and was a member of the district championship team. When looking to attend college, Jacobi said he was attracted to the Wesleyan baseball program and went on a tour of the campus.
Rather has received marketing support from the board of trustees, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Chuck Burton, assistant vice president of marketing and communications at Wesleyan. Rather said she hopes for a crowd of 400 to 800 people. “This is a great opportunity for us to promote the university and our program,” she said. The tournament will consist of men’s singles and women’s singles. To be eligible to play, a player must have placed top-16 at last year’s nationals. Out of the top contenders at nationals, a total of 11 men and seven women will enter the national team trials to attempt to make the cut for the national team. For the men, three players will be able to qualify through advancement through the round-robin and single elimination. A fourth player will then be selected by a panel consisting of national coaches. For the women, the top two contenders of the roundrobin tournament will qualify directly, while a third player will be selected by the panel
of national coaches. Mark Hazinski, who won nationals, is the only Wesleyan player qualifying for the national team trials. He is entering the tournament as the No. 1 seed. “I think it is really cool that I get to play at my home court and help promote the university,” he said. “Of course I hope to win, but my main goal is to make the team.” A successful tournament for Hazinski would give him the chance to represent the U.S. in the Table Tennis World Championships in Moscow, May 20-23. “Mark is the top-seed, and with the support from a home crowd, he definitely has a big chance of making it,” Rather said. Hazinski is playing to qualify for the World Championship. For Wesleyan, a successfully hosted event will be beneficial when it is time to bid for the trials for the London 2012 Olympics. “To host an Olympic trial would be even bigger,” Rather said. “It would definitely be big for Wesleyan.” The Wesleyan Rams are sixtime National Intercollegiate
Champions and have won 38 out of the possible 52 collegiate championships since 2002. “Beyond bringing positive attention to our university, this tournament will draw many top players here to participate in the Newgy Texas Wesleyan Open,” Athletic Director Kevin Millikan said. The Newgy TWU Open takes place March 6 and 7 and will feature many strong international players in addition to the domestic talents participating in the trials. A total of $9,000 will be handed out in prize money during the tournament. As one of the largest tournaments, featuring both domestic and international players, the open singles will be even tougher than that of the national team trials, and the winner will receive $3,000. “There is a new generation of very talented players emerging,” Hazinski said. “I have good chances and will hope for the best.” For more information about the national team trials and the Newgy TWU Open, contact Jasna Rather at jrather@ txwes.edu or (817) 531-7555.
Jacobi in his last inning, looks to add conference championship Jacqueline Wittman
jrwittman@mail.txwes.edu
Ryan Jacobi, a member of the Texas Wesleyan baseball team, is in his final season as a Ram and aiming for the NAIA World Series. As a starting outfielder, Jacobi has made a significant difference for the baseball program and hopes to finish his Texas Wesleyan baseball career with success. “Jacobi has been a quality player for our team, and he does a great job defensively,”
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“I liked the fact that Wesleyan has a coach that was a major league player and that the team plays at La Grave Field,” he said. The small campus size and the aroma of food in Dora’s cafeteria were additional sellers for Jacobi. “I got to venture into Dora’s during my campus tour, and it smelled amazing, so I knew I would never go hungry,” he said. As a junior, Jacobi received the Champions of Character Award for Texas Wesleyan and second team all-conference recognition. He also received the Red River Athletic Conference Golden Glove award as a sophomore for his performance as a right fielder. As a pitcher in his freshman year, Jacobi helped the Rams to a RRAC title, the first in 27 years. “In the final inning against Northwood, I threw out a player at the plate and my assist sealed our victory to make it to the championship game where we won the long-awaited title,” he said. Since the win, the Texas Wesleyan baseball team has yet to reclaim the conference title. However, Jacobi said he hopes to leave the baseball program just as he started it. “I want to create a new favorite memory by winning the conference championship
The University of Dallas is a private, Catholic, co-educational university founded in 1956
title again this year,” he said. Jacobi is also active outside of Texas Wesleyan. In summer 2007, he played for the Niagara Power in the New York Collegiate Baseball League. He also played in a summer league after his sophomore year in Alberta, Canada, for the Sherwood Park Dukes. “I gained a lot from playing in the summer leagues, and I enjoyed the different experiences with each team,” he said. Jacobi said he also likes to share his passion for baseball with others through coaching. This past summer, he coached 16-year-olds on the DFW Twins, an organization run by former Wesleyan player Ross Elmore. Jacobi also coached
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Rebecca Moore | Rambler Staff Ryan Jacobi swings in during practice.
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with the Mansfield Legacy High School teams at the freshman, junior varsity and varsity levels. Off the field, Jacobi has achieved a cumulative GPA higher than a 3.0 and will graduate in May with a degree in business management. After Wesleyan, if given the opportunity, Jacobi is looking to sign as a free agent with an independent baseball team. “My baseball career will depend on how well I do this season,” he said. “I would like to sign with an affiliated team and continue playing ball at the professional level.” Jacobi also aspires to open his own business while coaching baseball.
Wesleyan Week in Sports • The Rams Softball team (1-4) lost to University of Science & Arts (3-1 & 8-5) and Oklahoma Baptist University (3-0 & 10-2) but beat Evangel University (32) in the Cowtown Classic Feb. 19-20. • The Rams Baseball team (5-3) picked up a pair of wins (3-1 & 6-3) against LSU-Alexandria Feb. 20 and added a third straight win, 11-1, against LSU Feb 21. • The Women’s Basketball team (18-7, 14-3 RRAC) recorded a 62-53 win against Wiley College on Feb. 18 before suffering a 58-46 loss at Jarvis Christian College Feb. 20. • The 19th-ranked Rams Basketball team (21-7, 143) beat Wiley College 77-51 Feb. 18. They followed up with a 89-68 win on the road against Jarvis Christian College Feb. 20.