April 20, 2010

the scribe

The official student newspaper of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

4-20 to 26, 2010 [Volume 34; Issue 24]

NEWS

Student on Wheel of Fortune: I would like to buy a vowel page 3

Marijuana dispensaries: Not your mother’s vending machines page 6 Hemp v. Marijuana: Reefer madness & cannabis legalization

page 6

The DL on MMJ users

page 7

CULTURE Cheech and Chong aren’t here, man: Top 5 Movies, dude page 4

Top 5 ways to eat weed (and a few ways not to)

page 4

Top ten songs to listen to in a Chevy Blazer

Going in depth with the UCCS Track & Field Team

page 5

Unpaid internships: A crime against students?

Averi Walker

PARADOX

awalker@uccs.edu

I am disturbed by your lack of faith

page 9

Attending class on 4/20 bad idea in retrospect, says blazed-out

page 9

Top 10: Things to roll

page 9

OPINION | Dueling Opinions| MMJ: Gateway Legalization

page 10

Photos by James O’Shea IV Top left to bottom right: Alli Watson, Tracy Falsetto, Kelsey Barry, Preston Williams, Carl Lum, Chris Reynolds and Jason Shaver celebrate another successful meet.

As the spring semester draws closer and closer to its end, the RMAC Outdoor Championship and NCAA D-II National Outdoor Champage 10 pionships are just around the corner for the UCCS Track and Field Team. The team has been extremely successful this season, both as a | This Week’s Chalwhole and individually. The upperclassmen go under the microscope lenge | Healthcare, not over till the Justices sing and reveal their secrets to success.

Continued on page 11 | Dueling Opinions | Marijuana and the Dutch

page 10

UCCS students, along with students around the nation, compete for internships every year, hoping for any possible advantage from the experience. Unpaid internships, however, are now being questioned as a violation of labor laws.

According to The New York Times, unpaid internships are on the rise, which has caused officials to question if employers are illegally using unpaid internships for free labor. In response, states like California and Oregon have been conducting investigations and serving fines to employers.

“If you’re a for-profit employer or you want to

pursue an internship with a for-profit employer, there aren’t going to be many circumstances where you can have an internship and not be paid and still be in compliance with the law,” said Nancy J. Leppink, the acting director of the Labor Department Wage and Hour Division, in The New York Times.

For example, The New York Times quoted Bob Estabrook, spokesman for Oregon’s labor department, explaining times when unpaid internship positions can be abused.

“We’ve had cases where unpaid interns really were displacing workers and where they weren’t being supervised in an educational capacity,” said Estabrook.

Continued on page 3

CONTACT | phone: (719) 255 - 3658 | fax: (719) 255 - 3600 | email: scribe@uccs.edu | website: www.uccsscribe.com

2

editorial

4-20 to April 19, 2010

scribe staff

Marijuana isn’t going anywhere, so let’s talk about it Scribe Staff If you flip through our pages this week, you’ll notice they are rather inundated with the topic of weed. Almost beyond any sane or reasonable level of inundation for such a touchy topic.

You may also wonder why, exactly, we have chosen to fill this issue with what some might consider an out-ofbounds subject for a student newspaper. Two reasons: One, it’s 4/20, dude. Two, in case you haven’t noticed, marijuana is sort of a big part of our culture, and it needs to be talked about.

Yes, weed’s illegal, and yes, it’s probably bad for you, but lots of folks still use the stuff, and because of the cultural (we might even say legal) taboo against talking about it, they often do so unaware of the effects pot can have on the body and the psyche. It’s one of those things stupid kids love to do because Uncle Sam says they can’t, much like underage binge drinking (notice that both are probably bad for you, and both tend to happen no matter what the law says). We believe that, with the recent rise in medical marijuana usage and the sudden explosion of dispensaries across the nation, leaving the public uninformed about such things is utter nonsense. Utter and irresponsible nonsense.

Hence, we have devoted this entire issue to weed. We have a look at marijuana’s effect on our culture; some

opinion pieces about the legitimacy of legalizing the stuff; a feature on the rise of dispensaries and some personal stories highlighting the medical marijuana movement; and some laughs about the whole subject over on the Paradox page (on an unrelated note, we also happen to have a pretty good track team here at UCCS; take a look at the Sports Page to view a feature on that).

Look, we’re not trying to convince you that weed is okay, or that it’s good for you (like any medicine, weed has side effects, and these should be duly noted and considered before consumption, even legal consumption, takes place). We’re not trying to make some bold statement endorsing the medical marijuana movement, or legalization of marijuana in general, for that matter. That debate should be left for the public arena, and really is no place for a college newspaper.

But we do realize that marijuana is part of the culture, and that, if our society is going to make any progress towards settling the legalization issue, the subject must be broached. It must be talked about from all perspectives, and it must be scrutinized and inspected from every angle possible.

Otherwise, whatever policy comes of this whole debate will be ill-informed and, quite possibly, bad. A substance like marijuana is too potent to have the policy concerning it left to the fog of uncertainty. Its wide-

spread usage means it’s too important a topic for us not to talk about it. So we’re talking about it.

Weed has been part of the culture since at least the ‘60s, and it isn’t going away anytime soon. People smoke, and they love to smoke, and they’re going to smoke whether the Surgeon General says it’s good for you or not. It’s sort of like the whole “Don’t teach kids about sex” argument: Kids are going to find ways to do it no matter how strict the rules; may as well teach them to do it in the safest way possible, right?

Put simply, marijuana usage is an unstoppable force.

To pretend it doesn’t exist or simply dismiss the subject because it’s illegal or immoral is as silly as denying kids a decent sex education because adults wish their children wouldn’t do such things. It’s wishful thinking, and The Scribe is having none of it.

So welcome to the 4/20 issue. Peruse these pages for the information you wish, and, whether or not you plan on engaging in licit or illicit activities involving marijuana in the future, if you don’t find what you’re looking for, do further research. Erowid.com is a good place to start.

A little research and discussion never hurt anyone, so read up and don’t feel bad about it. That way you, too, can legitimately join the legalization debate, and get this whole issue settled in a smart, intelligent and well-informed manner.

Correction In Volume 24, Issue 24 of The Scribe, Samantha Carty should have been listed as a Political Science major, Spanish minor, Senator of Multicultural Affairs and President of the Senate. Also, SGA President Daniel Garcia as a Senator was not removed from the PR committee, just removed from his position as chairman of that committee.

I have a few thoughts in response to Tim Canon’s recent editorial on a paperless Scribe. I noticed he omitted the numbers regarding how many issues of the scribe are actually read when he mentioned that less than six percent are returned. Returning less than six percent of not many papers is not that impressive, don’t try to divert our attention by citing international readership numbers, tell us how many are read at UCCS. Based on observations during my time at UCCS (starting fall of 2005) it seems few students read the print edition. With regard to sustainability, the entire mantra (in order of importance) is REDUCE, reuse, recycle meaning it is better to reduce resource consumption rather than recycle. Consumption for the sake of consuming like Canon advocates is a laughable idea to those in the field of sustainability. With papers failing nationwide, the writing is on the wall for print editions. The Scribe staff needs to come up with some creative ideas to make the online edition work rather than desperately clinging to a failing business model. Finally, Canon’s claim that the Scribe makes the administration “more transparent” is laughable. Scribe coverage has been woefully lacking regarding events at the Heller Center and development of the master plan for the east campus (and likely others). Any transparency regarding these issues is due to the involvement of a few caring and dedicated students, staff, and faculty. The Scribe can continue to do this woefully inadequate job of forcing transparency in the online edition without wasting resources by printing a hard copy. I respectfully urge students to vote YES for TRUE sustainability and a paperless scribe (and no I am not in Carole Huber’s class).

John Davis

striving to present the truth to the students by creating an open forum for opinions and ideas

Editor-in-Chief

Columnists Tim Canon, Steve Farrell, Byron Graham, Veronica Graves, Brock Kilgore

Jackie Parkinson

Managing Editor Tim Canon

Reporters

Rhiannon Conley, Jessica Lynch, Lauren Mueller, Rob Versaw, Averi Walker, Kay Wynarsky

Copy Editor Randy Robinson

Culture Editor

Photographers

Kevin Kassem, Ariel Lattimore, Carrie Woodruff

Avalon Manly

Opinion Editor Byron Graham

Campus News Editor Catherine Jensen

Sports Editor Matthew Crandall

Photo Editor Ariel Lattimore

Advertising Manager Sarah Tindell

Business Manager

Layout Designer Shreya Raj

Cartoonist Arno

Web Designer Dorian Rogers

Marketing Intern Amanda Luchini

Interning Reporter Carly Webb

Interning Photographer James O’Shea IV, Chelsea Bartlett

Distributor

Donald Trujillo

Advisor

Robert Rodriguez

Laura Eurich

Information: Archives

Additional copies of the current publication volume will be available in The Scribe office. The Scribe keeps issues from the past five volumes for internal use only. The Office of University Records will handle any request for additional issues from the past five years and beyond.

Letters to the Editor

The Scribe strongly encourages Letters to the Editor. Letters intended for publication must not exceed 300 words, must be legible and must include the writer’s name and telephone number. Letters must be turned into The Scribe office, emailed or delivered to The Scribe mailbox in the ROAR office by 5 p.m. the Friday before publication. The Scribe reserves the right to reject Letters to the Editor that are libelous or obscene or anonymous, and has the right to edit as necessary due to space limitations, grammatical or spelling errors and AP style guideline errors.

Distribution Policy

The following conduct is prohibited by The Scribe: Publication and News Rack theft. A person commits the offense of publication and/or news rack theft when he or she willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than three copies of an edition of a publication distributed on campus. A “publication” includes any periodical that is distributed on a complimentary basis. A person who violates this provision is responsible for compensating the publication for all reasonable costs incurred, including, where appropriate, the refund of advertising fees.

For more information about The Scribe, email requests to: scribe@uccs.edu

Planned Parenthood is offering $10 STD testing* on April 23rd & 27th

1 IN 2 SEXUALLY ACTIVE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL GET AN STD BY 25 –MOST WON’T KNOW IT

at all of our health centers.

719.573.8880 3958 North Academy Blvd., Suite 108

719.475.7162 1330 West Colorado Ave.

pprm.org

*This applies to gonorrhea/chlamydia tests and HIV tests. Coupons cannot be used and some additional fees may apply.

campus news

4-20 to April 19, 2010

Unpaid internships: A crime against students? (cont.)

In Colorado Springs, businesses such as The Broadmoor offer various internships, often unpaid and requiring their interns to receive college credit to be eligible.

However, The New York Times cited, “Federal regulators say that receiving college credit does not necessarily free companies from paying interns, especially when the internship involves little training and mainly benefits the employer.”

In addition to being illegal, in many cases unpaid internships perpetuate the advantage of students who don’t have to work summer jobs to pay rent or tuition.

Those students who have to pay bills often find that unpaid internships are impossible to manage due to their other commitments, leaving the internships and the subsequent advantages to other students.

The result is that students who must work and miss

out on internships are less competitive in the job market after graduation.

UCCS student Stephanie Canales worked an unpaid internship during the Fall 2009 semester for a city campaign with a Colorado Springs councilwoman.

“I definitely think I would not have been able to handle another job while being a full time student and doing the internship,” Canales reflected..

“I had to be very flexible to go to meetings, debates, honk n’ waves, fundraisers, networking groups, plus all the lobbying I did on my

own and on campus. It was all a lot of work.”

Political campaigns, which generally operate on a nonprofit or not-for profit basis, are one of the few types of organizations allowed to offer such internships, but Canales’ experience suggests that legal or not, unpaid work can be difficult.

To top off an already bad situation, many student interns are afraid to complain or report mistreatment out of fear of losing favor in their desired field. Afraid of being deemed a complainer, interns often will not report mistreatment out of fear. ◆

Freedom is

Student on Wheel of Fortune: I would like to buy a vowel

Cherise Fantus Photo by Chelsea Bartlett

Jessica Lynch jlynch@uccs.edu Last October UCCS student Cherise Fantus set out to capitalize on her passion for words at Cripple Creek’s Wheelmobile event. The wheelmobile, a 32-foot Winnebago, tours the nation in search of contestants for TV’s number one game show, Wheel of Fortune.

Fantus, a borderline Wheel of Fortune groupie, decided to try her luck in Cripple Creek after continually solving the puzzles before the contestants on TV. Wheelmobile events, like the one held in Cripple Creek, attract huge crowds of game show junkies. During the event, competitors are randomly selected to participate in hour-long Wheel of Fortune auditions. Few are chosen to compete, and many

word-of-the-day enthusiasts leave the event speechless with disappointment. Unlike the majority, Fantus was selected the second day of the event. She responded by sweeping the competition with ease, solving the puzzle Lunch break, with letters L, A and N. Her performance solidified a spot in the final auditions, which took place in November at a Colorado Springs hotel. “Final auditions lasted all day and we did a lot of five minute timed puzzles,” Fantus explained.

Not long after, Fantus received notification in the mail promising her a spot on the show within the next 18 months.

In January, Fantus packed her bags and made the trip to Los Angeles, California

to spin the wheel. Fantus was one of 18 contestants chosen, and as Fantus reflected, “Everyone was really cool, except these two people.” The 18 contestants were then randomly divided into six shows to be taped

that day, and as luck would have it, Fantus was paired with her two least favorite people.

Though it was her first time on television, Fantus did not hesitate to interrupt the host, Pat Sajak, when he forgot to ask about her husband serving in Iraq. She followed this bold move with an easy win in the $1,000 toss up round. The word was “Humpback Whale” and Fantus solved it knowing only two of the letters.

Soon after, she sang the song lyrics, “Clang clang clang went the trolley,” and won a seven-day trip to San Francisco. As Fantus explained, “I was ahead the whole time with $9,410.” However, in the last round another contestant pulled ahead after solving the coincidental puzzle, “Come from behind victory.”

Although the win was snatched from her hands, Fantus was pleased. “[The experience] was surreal,” she said.

“It was like a dream.”

Fantus will receive her winnings of $9,410 no later than Aug. 1. When asked what she was going to do with the money, a responsible Fantus answered, “The money will most likely go toward bills.” The trip to San Francisco, which includes airfare and show tickets, is scheduled for June. ◆

an auto loan that’s easy on my budget.

It’s time. You need a new set of wheels to get to work on Monday and get you to the mountains on Friday.

With low rates and flexible terms, we’ve got the auto loan you need to work with your budget.

Apply Online at Ent.com or ask for Ent financing at the dealer.

Ent.com/Apply (719) 574-1100 or 800-525-9623 Ent is a community-chartered credit union Equal Opportunity Lender Federally insured by NCUA *Standard credit qualifications apply. Loans are subject to final credit approval. © Ent Federal Credit Union, 2010 • Ent is a registered trademark of Ent Federal Credit Union.

3

FUEL UP WITH PREMIUM. NEVADA & AUSTIN BLUFFS

4

culture

Cheech and Chong Aren’t Here, Man: Top 5 films, dude The stoner movie is an unloved, ignominious subgenre, populated by disposable straight-to-DVD fare with cheeky bgraham2@uccs.edu titles such as “Sex Pot” and “Evil Bong.” The driving idea behind these movies is that potheads, inebriated as they tend to be, are easily seduced by entertainment laced with sophomoric humor and generous nudity; therefore, all a story requires to succeed with a stoner audience is a central duo of blazed goofballs on a shiftless odyssey with some low-stakes conflict, interrupted with plenty of boobs and Buddha breaks. I’ve also noticed that these films are often anachronistically childish – Dave Chapelle once remarked that “Half Baked” was essentially “a kid’s movie about weed” – and tend to fetishize marijuana and exaggerate its psycho-active properties.

The movies I chose from the stoner movie canon are true diamonds in the rough, and were selected for ranking according to the following criteria: 1. Is the film visually appealing to an intoxicating degree?

2. Do the characters seem authentic and relatable?

3. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the movie about more than just getting high?

The following are all great movies in their own right and should prove to delight tokers and teetotalers alike.

Byron Graham

4-20 to April 19, 2010

Top 5 Ways to Eat Weed (and a few ways not to) Brock Kilgore bkilgore@uccs.edu

Disclaimer - Without a medical marijuana license, eating weed is illegal. Eating too much can cause uncomfortable anxiety attacks, so experiment cautiously if so inclined, and surround yourself with safety.

5. Friday

“Friday” begins with Chris Tucker’s voice over black leter, uttering the immortal line, “I know you don’t smoke weed, I know this; but I’m gonna get you high today. ‘Cause it’s Friday; you ain’t got no job, and you ain’t got shit to do.” A humble ambition perhaps, but one that became a rallying cry for smokers everywhere. “Friday” is the most traditional stoner movie on this list: a classic of the home video market that has been eclipsed by its inferior successive sequels that foolishly cast Michael Epps in the role Tucker immortalized, the movie stands up to repeat viewing on the strength of the performances and the authenticity of the low-key story by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh.

4. American Beauty

An ounce of G13 haze coupled with persistent Lolita fantasies about a rose petal bedazzled Mena Suvari is all it takes to stir Kevin Spacey from his suburban ennui in the debut feature from English theatre director Sam Mendes. “American Beauty” is a visually sumptuous film full of elaborate dream sequences, teen and middle-aged angst framed by an inventive narrative twist.

The film also has the rare distinction of being the most pro-weed Best Picture Winner in history.

3. Jackie Brown

Though describing Quentin Tarantino’s criminally underrated third feature film as a stoner movie seems reductive, as “Jackie Brown” is an equally excellent heist story, literary adaptation and homage to Blaxploitation cinema. However, an early scene that features Bridget Fonda and Robert DeNiro bonding over bong hits establishes a freewheeling vibe for the rest of the movie and plays a crucial role in the development of the unlikely and ultimately doomed pair. Tarantino’s films have a seemingly effortless visual panache and often reward viewers with a unique balance of meta and visceral entertainment.

2. Pineapple Express

“Pineapple Express” is by far the most successful stoner movie to ever hit screens. Anchored by relatable performances by Seth Rogen and a never-funnier James Franco, “Pineapple Express” proceeds according to the hazy logic of two paranoid potheads, whose every suspicion is confirmed until the conflict erupts into an action movie. Such drastic shifts in tone would wear thin in the hands of a less capable director, but David Gordon Green, the indie stalwart behind critical darlings such as George Washington and Snow Angels, balances whimsy with sentiment, arriving at a relentlessly entertaining movie.

1. The Big Lebowski

The grand epic of weed cinema, The Coen Brothers created an enduring masterpiece with “The Big Lebowski.” Although the film opened to tepid reviews and was widely considered a flop, a cult following developed when “Lebowski” hit video store shelves. Fans gather annually at Lebowskifest, where the film is screened as part of a day long celebration of all things Lebowski.

The Dude, portrayed by Jeff Bridges, has inspired an almost taoist philosophy of celebrating small pleasures like white russians, bowling and smoking a joint in the bath tub listening to whale songs. The dude abides.

Stoner’s Delight Strawberry-Banana French Toast

Photo by Brock Kilgore

5. Straight out of the bag –

Not recommended, but sometimes necessary when being busted by the cops. “He’s already pulled over, he can’t pull over any further!” (“Super Troopers”). Like weed-flavored shredded wheat, without the milk.

4. Date a CC student – Do not eat the dreadlocks, they are nasty.

Seriously, most Colorado College students have the proper credentials, connections and finances to facilitate the creation of delectable treats like Lucky Charms Squares or Magic Chocolate Mini-Muffins. Labor flows freely from the community man, so everyone gets a brownie.

3. Weed butter

– Most medical marijuana dispensaries sell tubs of weedinfused butter ($30 per 8 oz.), usually made from clippings growers would otherwise have wasted. The interested connoisseur can easily make his or her own from recipes on the Internet. Simply spread on toast or use in recipes in place of oil, butter or margarine.

2. Stoner’s Delight Strawberry-Banana French Toast Prep Time - 20 minutes (without smoking first) Serves 2 (easily doubled) 4 thick slices of bread 2 eggs, whisked 3 tbs weed butter 4 strawberries sliced 1 banana sliced 3 tbs honey Can of whipped cream Salted nuts Use whatever bread is on hand, but French or raisin bread are best. Coat bread with whisked eggs and cook in large skillet over medium heat, 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Place finished toast two per plate and keep warm. Add weed butter to skillet over medium-high, add strawberries and bananas and cook 2 minutes, stirring often. Add honey, mix, then top toast equally with fruit mixture. Finish with whipped cream and nuts.

1. Homemade treats from a dispensary

– With the best selection, highest quality and, not to mention, complete legality (with credentials), local dispensaries offer by far the safest option for stony edibles. Muffins, pastries, cakes, pies, truffles, turtles, ice cream treats, you name it. It’s like Ben and Jerry and Little Debbie went into the baking business with Snoop Dog and Woody Harrelson.

0. Having eaten weed, you now need something to do. “A Child’s Garden of Grass,” the 1970 classic record about the history of weed, will satisfy and enlighten while you eat.

4-20 to April 19, 2010

culture

5

Blazed and confused: Top ten herbally infused music tracks Matt Crandall mcrandal@uccs.edu

The topic of marijuana and its effects (both good and bad) has found its way into mainstream music for decades. From modern hip-hop to ‘60s rock, pot has inspired the lyrical poise of many songs, the top ten of which we have gathered here for your (purely educational) enjoyment.

10. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple

Even though the song was inspired by a house fire seen from across a lake as smoke hovered on the water, the simple yet intense guitar riffs allow for maximum comfort and relaxation.

9. “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre

If you graduated high school in the early to mid part of the last decade, there is no way you didn’t see teenagers bumping their heads to the bass in a 1995 Ford Explorer, filled as they headed to Abercrombie and Fitch.

8. “Smoking” by Boston

Throw on a pair of Aviator sun glasses, jump into your 1982 Z28 Camaro, and prepare to be transported back to a time when smoking grass was just a part of life. Now come back to reality and get something to eat, you must be very hungry.

7. “Because I got High” by Afro Man

If there was an ever an anthem that informed the public about what happens when you do smoke marijuana beyond the bounds of moderation, this would be the number one contender of all time. Enough said.

6. “How High” by Methodman and Redman

With the song coming directly from the movie about two under-achieving pot smokers that make it into college because their dead friend comes back reincarnated as a ghost to take their SAT exams, which they ace, you are either watching the dumbest movie ever made or you are higher than a kite. Excellent song though.

5. “Pass me the green” by Master P

If you don’t know who this rapper is or have never heard this song before, quickly and quietly make your way to the nearest computer and look it up. For those of you who have, remember to “inhale and slowly exhale.”

4. “Light My Fire” by The Doors

For a song that has stood the test of time for over 40 years, turning this tune on brings a little bit of the early days of rock ‘n roll back to life as Jim Morrison amplifies the fact of why he was one of the greatest front men of all time.

3. “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix

For those seeking a bit more of a spiritual experience and lift toward the euphoric universe of no return, Hendrix exposed a side of music that made the 1960’s such an iconic event in American history. Smoking just isn’t smoking without Jimi.

2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin

Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll were made a way of life by this band. Without question, their most well renowned song of the bands’ career lay with this song. It begins soft and gentle, only to end with a barrage of high octane rock. Adding this song to one’s “Herbal Playlist” makes for an excellent addition.

1. “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd

Incredible lyrics mixed with musical poetry bring to life a song that elevates a person out of his or her own consciousness and into a realm only known to few. Beyond the stereotypes and labels associated with marijuana use, there exists only Pink Floyd. Period.

6

news

4-20 to April 19, 2010

Marijuana dispensaries: Not your mother’s vending machines What’s with all the new dispensaries in Colorado Springs?

Catherine Jensen cjensen@uccs.edu

Amendment 20, approved

by Colorado voters in 2000, allows patients with qualified conditions, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/ AIDS and severe pain to use medical marijuana and outlines the protocol for registering medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado.

Licensed patients may have up to two ounces of loose marijuana and six plants. Patients, according to Amendment 20, may also choose primary caretakers to help them.

There are currently 43

dispensaries in Colorado Springs. “We have done, through dispensaries, what the government has not been able to do,” said K.C. Stark, a member of the Medical Marijuana Council and patient at Aroma’s and Herbs LLC, of the dispensaries. “They’ve taken drugs off the streets and placed them in a controlled environment. The product is grown locally and provides amazing results for those who use it.”

Registration requirements are outlined by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPE). Applicants must fill out an application form for an identification card, have a signed physician

certification form signed by a DO or MD allowed to practice in Colorado, a copy of a photo ID verifying that the applicant is a Colorado resident, and pay a cover charge.

Growth in Colorado Springs dispensaries exploded after President Obama declared the US Attorney General no longer responsible for prosecuting citizens abiding by their state’s marijuana laws.

The Colorado Medical Marijuana Council is working with the City Task Force on establishing standards for security in dispensaries, according to Stark. Currently, there are none, and many view this as a problem. According to Stark,

the number one concern of these standards and of the dispensaries already in place is safety. Dispensaries use surveillance, and 24-hour mobile monitoring and may carry panic buttons for cases

of non-violent self defense.

“Ignorance and stereotypes are our prime opponents. If the community was aware of the industry, as it is today, they could be proud of us rather than fear us,”

he said. “We are not reefer mad, we are not criminals, we are professionals, veterans and hardworking neighbors. We pay our sales taxes of 4.7 percent and expect to be treated as legitimate.”

Hemp v. marijuana: Reefer madness & Cannabis legalization Avalon Manly amanly@uccs.edu

In 1936, the movie “Reefer Madness (Tell Your Children)” was released. It was part of an alleged government push that began in the ‘20s to sway public opinion against marijuana. The following year, the Marijuana Tax Act passed, starting the nation down the path towards ultimately criminalizing the growing, buying or selling of cannabis in the U.S. The act took effect in early 1938, about the same time that “Popular Mechanics” ran an article titled ‘New Billion-Dollar Crop,’ which highlighted the value and versatility of a plant called hemp – which is also, incidentally, a member of the cannabis family.

Though the 1937 act blanketed all cannabisplants, hemp and marijuana are related but with many and significant differences.

Marijuana (cannabis sativa indica), for instance, usually contains up to 20 percent THC (psychoactive cannabinoids) – but hemp (the male plants), less than one percent, which means that if you smoke it, it won’t get you high (in fact, it is so rich in antipsychoactive cannabinoids that smoking it would actually inhibit a marijuana high). Indica strains of marijuana grow short and bushy and are of poor fibrous qual-

ity, but hemp stalks can grow to a height of about 25 feet, to look more like bamboo than their state-altering cousin – and the fibrous quality of hemp is relatively high.

Hemp, in fact, can be formed into some of the strongest, most resilient resinous fibers available. “Popular Mechanics” raved about the versatility of hemp, and how easy and beneficial it would be for American farmers to grow. Hemp has a short growing season and can take back fields abandoned to weeds, because its lower leaves force back more invasive plants; it doesn’t leech the soil, so fields can be reused for other crops later; it requires no pesticides to aid its survival; by using machinery that was new in 1938, hemp can be used to make literally almost anything, from shampoo to plastic to food to paper to cloth, which could decrease America’s dependency on foreign imports of such things, especially fiber.

There are a few main obstacles to hemp farming in the U.S. Probably the most stunting is that Americans do not tend to distinguish between the subspecies of cannabis sativa, and bracket hemp into the category of marijuana, ignoring its amazing commercial and industrial potential. The illegality of marijuana still, by association, is the illegality of hemp, just as it was in 1938, though it is no longer illegal to buy products made

from hemp – just to grow it or produce said products.

The debate over legalization of marijuana is raging now, especially across Colorado. The almost viral spread of medicinal marijuana dispensaries will doubtless soon be reined in by state or federal government rulings, but the lingering illegality of hemp is no less an industrial travesty for marijuana’s slow steps toward acceptance as a legitimate drug.

It has been speculated by

proponents of legalization (such as Hemp.com) that there is a more expansive market for hemp product in the U.S. than for marijuana: People all over the country celebrate the ecofriendliness and versatility of hemp products. The rapidly-growing plant could conceivably replace timber as the source of paper, saving trees while retaining its ability to be recycled.

The hemp seed contains a plethora of amino acids

and essential nutrients that the human body requires, making it a useful and easily provided food. The fibrous innards of the stalk can be made into plastic or woven into a remarkably resilient material – it was used early on to produce sails because, unlike cotton, hemp does not rot when subjected to salt water.

Because it is still illegal to grow hemp in the U.S., America imports hemp products from Canada,

France and China, where hemp is grown freely for industrial purposes. There used to be more than 400,000 acres of hemp farmland across the U.S., when the realizations about the plant’s potential were new. Since the cannabis ban, federal resources have been expended to eradicate ditchweed, the feral descendant of the hemp that was once farmed, according to the North American Industrial Hemp Council.

Where is it legal? Cannabis laws by state

State with legal medical cannabis.

State with decriminalized cannabis possession laws.* State with both medical and decriminalization laws. *Nevada has laws decriminalizing cannabis possession for adults age 21 and over; non-medicinal cannabis possession remains a felony with a minimum one-year and a maximum four-year prison sentence for adults under age 21. Thus, Nevada is not considered to have decriminalized marijuana. *Maryland has an active medical marijuana program, but this is really an affirmative defense law rather than an active program. Therefore, it is not included above. Information acquired through the Drug Enforcement Agency records.

All photos were found through Wikimedia Commons and were not personally photographed by any members of The Scribe.

4-20 to April 19, 2010

news

7

The DL on MMJ users Avalon Manly amanly@uccs.edu

The stories are often similar. A person suffering from chronic pain as a result of injury or illness seeks help.

The pharmaceutical drugs they receive either do not help, or are too laden with side-effects to make their use worthwhile. So patients look for alternative treatments, some black-market, some legal, for solace. Many end up using marijuana.

But with the recent strides toward the legality of medical marijuana, and the swell of dispensaries in Colorado Springs, many people who were forced to the back alleys for treatment can now get help from licensed, insured, certified – and legal – growers.

In the stories below, names have been changed to protect the identities of some of Colorado Springs’ medical marijuana users.

Sandra, 52, began thinking about medical marijuana when she was still a student.

Sandra has Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), one of the symptoms of which is chronic pain.

“I was talking to a student who had MS,” Sandra said, “and we were discussing how many of our medications were similar. He told me that he used marijuana for the pain and muscle spasms, and suggested I do the same.

It stayed in the back of my mind, but I still couldn’t bring myself to break the law and try marijuana.”

She also recounted the story of watching the news with her mother and observing the story of a terminal cancer patient who illegally obtained marijuana for his pain. “He was arrested,” Sandra recounted, “they took his marijuana, and he died. At that time my mother told me that if I ever thought this was something that would help me she would support it.”

Sandra ultimately decided to see if marijuana might help control

her pain, and “was amazed at how well it worked in making my pain disappear.”

She used it for five years or so before chatting about it with her doctor, who fully supported her decision.

“Marijuana works better than any prescribed pain medication I’ve received,” she said. “When I smoke I don’t have to take any pain medication (pills), so that in itself is good. I also have better use of my body after using marijuana because the pain is not there to restrict me.”

Currently, Sandra smokes approximately twice a week, but she “can’t stand the smell or taste,” so she’s thinking about trying the oil available at dispensaries. She thinks that for those who suffer severe pain, marijuana may be better than prescription medication. “I still have very strong beliefs in personal responsibility in anybody’s use of marijuana – i.e., no driving, drinking of alcohol.

Marijuana has been a Godsend for me. Marijuana is the only thing I have found that has made my pain bearable.”

Adam, 27, was medically discharged from the Army a couple of years ago for an injury he sustained during Special Forces training. His mother had used medical marijuana to help treat her Multiple Sclerosis (MS), so he was aware of its use and effects.

He was first referred to the substance in California in 2002, but was later stationed in Colorado. He took pharmaceutical drugs for depression and anxiety, and more for his pain after the injury.

“I was taking nine to 12 pills a day,” he said, “and they were eating my stomach.”

He struggled at one

point with an addiction to Percocet, but that was only one of many strong prescriptions he was taking. When Amendment 20 passed, he switched to medical marijuana – and it became the only drug he took.

“It works better than pharmaceuticals,” he praised. “If you don’t want to take eight million pills a day.” He recounted one story from his time using pharmaceutical medications: “I took one experimental drug for anxiety, and ended up sitting in a shed with a blanket on my head because I got so weirded out.” He said that marijuana, however, “calmly takes away what is going on [and] lets you rest.”

Adam stated that the use of marijuana is easier on his stomach and saves more money than pharmaceutical medications. “It’s been a battle, but this is helping.”

He mentioned that while he was on so many different drugs at once, his wife became worried and he couldn’t function well in his daily life. “I can function now; I feel like myself,” he said. Adam usually takes two or three hits per day, but often waits for evening so that he can keep his use private.

His wife is actually allergic to marijuana, but began to support his use when she realized how much it helped.

Adam is glad that he can now spend quality time with his eight-month old son because his pain and anxiety are under control. “It’s for responsible people for responsible use,” he said. “It’s a plant. Let it grow.”

With special thanks to KC Stark of Go Green Cross, LLC. (gogreencross.com), for his help collecting these stories.

student life

undies in brief:

Yesterday was the National Hanging Out Day, in which millions (or perhaps a few hundred) of rich people throughout the world (who incidentally are perfectly capable of affording the luxury of an electric dryer) hang out their washed garments and linens to dry in an effort to raise awareness about air drying laundry. Accordingly, one club last week emailed all other clubs asking them to donate all their underwear to be air dried. On campus.

Perhaps a scavenger hunt would have been appropriate for cleaning up the undies at the end of the day. It is unclear, as we write this, what will be done with the old skivvies.

flaming cigs in brief: quote of the week: “Here’s the point – you’re looking at affirmative action, and you’re looking at marijuana. You legalize marijuana, no need for quotas, because really, who’s gonna wanna work?” ~ Jon Stewart of the Daily Show

A fire outside Dwire Hall was caused last Tuesday when a most likely term-papered-out senior dropped a cigarette and forgot to put it out.

Though the mini-blaze was quickly extinguished by an alert faculty member, business students in Dwire Hall caught wind of the incident for the next hour as their lungs filled up with smoke.

email quotes of the week to: scribelayout@gmail.com

sudoku puzzles

the first person to bring both of these completed sudoku puzzles will receive 2 tickets to the 3OH!3 concert bottom floor of Univ. Center, rm. 106

1 medium, 1 hard

tues: 4/20

wed: 4/21

thurs: 4/22

fri: 4/23

Bookstore Inventory Sale

Bookstore Inventory Sale

Bookstore Inventory Sale

Bookstore Inventory Sale

Annual Health Fair @ MPV Room (Old Gym) 11 a.m.

Student Commuter Donuts @ UC 7:30 a.m.

VAPA Jazz Ensemble @ Upper Lodge 7 a.m.

Kappa Sigma’s 2nd Annual Alcohol Free Party @ Rec Center 5 p.m.

Hypnotist Jim Wand @ Upper Lodge 7:30 p.m.

Games People Play: Library Lecture @ Library 12:15 p.m.

Earth Day Festival @ West Lawn 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tails on the Turf @ West Lawn 2 p.m.

3OH!3 Concert @ Mountain Lions Stadium 7 p.m.

sat: 4/24

sun: 4/25

Sand Dunes Adventure @ Contact dbowan@ uccs.edu

Sand Dunes Adventure @ Contact dbowan@uccs.edu

Softball vs. Regis @ Mountain Lion Field 12 & 2 p.m.

Softball vs. Regis @ Mountain Lion Field 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

weekly calendar

mon: 4/26 Bookstore Inventory Sale Begin Fall Registration Get Fit Club @ Rec Center 12 p.m.

CodeBaby Chairmen Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk speak at CC at 7 p.m.

satire : irony : hilarity

- Student Press Law Center

I am disturbed by your lack of faith Randy Robinson [rrobinso@uccs.edu] An uncanny episode of mischief, mayhem, and divine tomfoolery has exploded amidst the current scandal that has rocked the Vatican.

While the international press has relayed the accusations, name-calling, and finger-pointing between various parties regarding Pope Benedict’s possible involvement in cover-ups, the cryogenically frozen corpse of the late Pope John Paul II was hijacked by the International Satanist Conspiracy (ISC) that some believe may be behind a series of scandals involving the Vatican. The body of Pope John Paul II, which was artificially preserved in liquid nitrogen in the hopes that he may someday be revived to lead the Catholic Church into yet another Golden Age, went missing this past Monday, April 19.

The corpse was taken by a group disguised as American tourists. Their cacophonous guffaws, enthusiasm for taking poorly composed photographs, and diet of salted sugars dipped in fats were overlooked by the Vatican’s security as being typical of American visitors.“They meandered into the basements of the Vatican where the body was stored, and they slipped out with the body by dressing it up in designer American clothes and walking it out in, how do you say, ‘Weekend at Bernies’ style,” said Inspector Vincent Vincini of the Rome Police Force.

The body did not go far, however, as the infernal chariot disguised as a tour bus was intercepted by, as witnesses described, Luke Skywalker. “He came down from the sky with a pillar of emerald light in his hand- with white robes flowing behind him,” recalled one bystander. “The light cut the bus in half and all the criminals and the pope’s body came pouring out.”

Although initial reports purported that the hero of the Star Wars saga was the one responsible for the rescue, the Vatican and the BBC have confirmed that the savior was not Luke Skywalker but was, in fact, Jesus of Nazareth himself.

“I know it can be a little confusing. A lot of heavenly powers resemble those of the Force. What some would call a miracle, others might call midichlorians,” stated Jesus at a press conference.

The body has been returned to the Vatican intact. Regarding the sanctity of reviving the late pope, Jesus made no comment, but simply pointed to himself. ✪

Attending Class on 4/20 Bad Idea in Retrospect, Says Blazed-Out

lmueller@uccs.edu photos by Ariel Lattimore

the news is full of contradictions

“Still, if a statement cannot reasonably be interpreted to be one of express or implied fact, it cannot be libelous. This means that humor columns, spoofs, cartoons and satire are protected as long as readers understand that the material is not intended to be taken seriously.”

Lauren Mueller

paradox the

10 9 8

Things to roll Lettuce. It is green, abundant, full of fiber and easy to fill with good eats.

Egg rolls. Egg rolls are a little smaller than a lettuce roll, but are still packed with vegetables, only they are deep fried to satisfy any fried food craving.

Tortillas. Tortillas now come in an assortment of colors and flavors. They can be eaten hot or cold, and are best with cheese.

Byron Graham [bgraham2@uccs.edu]

In recent years, the date of April 20 has held special significance for the marijuana subculture.

Apparently these dopers just love to light up on Hitler’s birthday, and tend to congregate under clouds of smoke in public parks and college campuses across the country on this now culturally significant date.

Unlike our sister university in Boulder, however, UCCS’ unlovely grounds are free from the scourge of a daylong smokeout like the annual gathering on CU’s Farrand Field. However, fragile students are at increased risk of exposure to students under the influence of the devil’s weed.

Red-eyed, laconic, highly dodgy and dodgily high, students like Nigel Groovington skulk shiftlessly through UCCS’ great halls on 4/20, stoned out of their skulls amongst their unwitting classmates. I spoke to Groovington, who managed, in his blunted state, to grant The Scribe exclusive insight into the psyche of the indecently blazed.

“It was probably a mistake, in hindsight, to come to class today,” Groovington began, with an unfocused look in his bloodshot eyes. “In a way, it goes against the whole spirit of 4/20. When my British Lit professor said our essay workshop was today, I was like ‘how can you do this to me, man?’ you know?” Nigel chuckled as he explained his hazy logic. “Obviously, I’m not going to not wake and bake on 4/20, so what was I supposed to do?”

Groovington then continued to regale this reporter with a detailed account of his imbibing rituals, punctuated by several “mans” and vacant pauses before describing his experience inside the classroom. “I walked in a little late because I underestimated how long it would take to walk down from the Bluffs,” said Groovington. “My professor doesn’t seem to care too much, so I think I’m cool. Then I smelled myself, and man, I reeked.”

“Anxiety started to creep in and every time the teacher looked in my direction I felt like his eyes were taking pictures of my stoned brain and sending them to the campus police who would swoop in any second to arrest me,” he continued. Then Groovington shuddered with these words and it was clear that his earlier paranoia still plagued him.

“Anyway, during the workshops we separated into groups and my friend poked me and said, way too loudly by the way, ‘I can smell that weed in your pockets, bro,’ and I started to freak out. I tried to play it off and said something like ‘what are you talking about’ and the he said ‘you brought weed to class dude?’ and everyone looked. I almost pissed myself, but then the professor just moved on with his lecture.”

Let that be a lesson to the pot-smoking readers eager to celebrate this holiday: Wait until after class to light up or face minor awkwardness, something Groovington now concedes “was a waste of good bud.” Indeed. ✪

Top Ten

7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Jelly rolls. Turn to a jelly roll to satisfy your fruity needs.

Cinnamon rolls. Similar to jelly rolls in satisfaction levels, cinnamon rolls kick it up a notch with some spice.

Crescent rolls.

These are so easy to make, just pop the tube, roll up and bake. You can even stuff crescent rolls with hot dogs!

Sushi or seaweed. There is always rice, wrapped up in a green, leaf-like wrapper.

Cellulose: Cellulose is an edible, flammable, organic substance that can be purchased in small square shapes. It is fun to look through your wrapper and look at what you are consuming.

Filo Dough: This stuff is great: you can fill it with sweets, cheese, meats or vegetables. Just roll up, slap on some butter, then bake.

Pocket bible pages. Perfect size, perfect weight and perfect for rolling. Get closer to your favorite bible character by smoking. Or just rip out the intro. Smoking the bible doesn’t have to be naughty.

After all, the last few pages are blank, right?

10 opinion MMJ: Gateway Legalization?

C

Byron Graham

oncerns over legalizing cannabis have been part of American political discourse since long before the launch of the war on drugs.

The tone of the debate has reached a fever pitch since 2008, when Attorney General Holder vowed to end DEA raids on medical marijuana (MMJ) dispensaries, resulting in a boom in the legal weed economy.

Here in Colorado, the Department of Public Health and Environment is overwhelmed by requests for MMJ cards, receiving more than one thousand requests a day. MMJ dispensaries, licensed to grow and sell cannabis to qualifying patients, have opened up shops en masse and begun to thrive.

Initiatives like the one that recently passed in Fruita, CO, will collect city taxes from dispensaries and finance and facilitate the regulation of those businesses.

All of this is progress, to be sure, but the MMJ industry is in danger of imploding on itself. The explosion of the Colorado pot economy, for example, has already met with resistance, from residents angry about weed shops in their neighborhoods to Colo. Attorney General John Suthers, whose efforts have successfully mandated school zone and operating hours regulations, among others.

I support MMJ, and I believe patients who are seriously afflicted with cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, multiple sclerosis and arthritis when they describe the relief me-

dicinal cannabis provides.

However, I concede that a majority of dispensary patrons are manipulating legal ambiguity to get high; a fact that undermines the legitimacy of the medical marijuana cause.

The whole question of MMJ reminds me of a fallacious argument perennially deployed by anti-drug crusaders. You’ve heard it, perhaps from a D.A.R.E. cop or your own mother: “marijuana is a gateway drug. When you smoke a joint, you go through the marijuana gateway, out onto cocaine street and straight That’s the essential thrust of the contention. Many proponents of MMJ favor widespread legalization and regard the legal limbo MMJ creates as an intermediary step toward legalization.

Activists in California are pushing for statewide legalization in the coming election, which should be certainly be applauded by freedom fans. Legalization on a state-by-state basis, however, would create almost as much regulatory gridlock as MMJ. Let’s say California voters decide to legalize ganja for everyone above 18.

Weed tourism would boom, alienating local residents in a phenomenon I’ll call “the Amsterdam effect,” not to mention creating a nightmare for state-border enforcement. As long as sticky icky icky remains federally illegal, any pro-green legislation has a mighty foe to face.

4-20 to April 19, 2010

Dueling Opinions

|Marijuana Legalization|

Marijuana and the Dutch P

Veronica Graves

ot, Mary Jane, weed, kush, blunt, Joint, bombers, doobie.

Marijuana.

bgraham2@uccs.edu

vgraves@uccs.edu

Generally, the effects of alcohol are worse than the effects of marijuana. Marijuana is considered to be a safer drug than alcohol by many, an assertion supported in widespread and extensive testing of the drug and its effects.

Marijuana can be used as a gate way drug, and so can beer. However, marijuana is more likely to be a gateway drug due to the fact that it is illegal. Pot users already break the invisible ‘law’ barrier when they score grass, not to mention that turning to the black market exposes users to harder drugs. So why not just make it legal?

The Dutch tried this approach. They legalized marijuana (and heroin). However, the Dutch have decided that this may not be the best idea; accordingly, they have once again made heroin illegal and are backing way off on marijuana. Why? This free drug policy was shown to have an extremely negative effect on the Dutch society. Many societal issues they already had were amplified.

We are not considering removing alcohol and replacing it with weed. We are asking if we should make weed legal along with alcohol. It is already exceedingly clear that alcohol is not beneficial to our society as a whole.

According to the Report of

the Re-entry Policy Council, three out of four inmates have a substance abuse problem.

The legalization of any drug will not decrease the crime rate. To think so is foolishness. There will always be those people not allowed to have weed due to age restrictions and so on. These restrictions will always establish an illegal demand and yet another illegal market.

As David Raynes, part of the National Drug Prevention Alliance in Great Britain, commented, “No country alone, (as the Dutch have found to their cost) can operate a policy which is substantially more liberal than neighbors, without suffering from “drug tourism”…

There is the big lie that legalizing drugs will take the criminality out of supply.

What nonsense. Illegal traders who pay no taxes of any sort can always undercut legitimate traders.”

Organized crime, including illegal drug trafficking, has persisted in the Netherlands despite the Dutch government’s relaxed attitude toward drugs. Why should we expect a different effect here?

Once the government legalizes something, there can be no take backs. It is amazing to me how we are even considering legalizing something so clearly detrimental to society when we need everyone working and putting out 100% for their families in this time of recession.

This Week’s Challenge: Healthcare not over ‘til the justices sing

Stephen Farrell sfarrell@uccs.edu

I was on Facebook a few weeks ago when a friend of mine who works for a certain Democratic Colorado congressman posted on her status: “We did it!” It quickly became clear to me that she was talking about the House of Representatives passing healthcare reform. Of

course, being the informed, opinionated and intelligent citizen that I am, I promptly posted a comment directly under hers stating something to the affect that the Easter Bunny is real.

The fact is that the Democratic Party has accomplished nothing until a certain 9 very powerful individuals have had their say; these individuals are the United States Supreme Court Justices.

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the new healthcare reform legislation into law. Needless to say, this bill was and is still largely unpopular with many American people.

Just minutes after President Obama had set down the pen which he used to sign the law, Attorneys General

from 13 states rushed to the courthouses to file suits against the new law. These lawsuits will inevitably hit the Supreme Court within the next year, which is exactly what these Attorneys General are shooting for.

As most are already aware, the United States Supreme Court has the power to strike down any law it deems unconstitutional. The challenge to Congress’ health care law states that the bill violates the 10th Amendment of the Constitution because government has no authority beyond powers granted to it by the Constitution to force states to carry out its provisions without reimbursing them for costs.

A violation of the Congress’s Commerce Clause has also been asserted.

When these lawsuits hit the Supreme Court, they will go before the review of 9 Supreme Court Justices, all of whom were appointed

by Presidents as far back as Gerald Ford (until Justice Stevens retires, of course).

If these Justices decide that healthcare legislation is indeed unconstitutional, the law will be worth as much as a package of Charmin Double Roll on a Wal-Mart shelf.

But will the Supreme Court Justices rule this law unconstitutional? To answer this question, I recently interviewed UCCS Political Science Professor and author of “Complex Justice: The Case of Missouri v.

Jenkins,” Joshua Dunn to get his take on the situation in Washington:

In Article One of the Constitution, Congress has enumerated powers. The idea is that if their action does not fall under one of those enumerated powers, then Congress has exceeded its constitutional authority.

If healthcare legislation exceeds Congress’s authority, then it’s unconstitutional.

Okay, so that’s a pretty basic rundown of the framework from which the justices will work. What are the chances the current court views this law as outside of the enumerated authority of Congress?

I think that these lawsuits are unlikely to succeed but they have a better chance than most people give them credit for, for two reasons: One, this legislation is very unpopular, so concerns over

political backlash won’t weigh heavily on the court. Two, it will likely come down to Justice Kennedy who is quite mercurial and unpredictable, but who does seem to dislike it when the government intrudes too far into the individual choices of citizens.

So it looks like, in the end, we’ll have to see what the justices have to say about the law. This fight is far from over, as polls continue to show most Americans against this new law, and the 2010 elections will likely attest to that with widespread Republican victory. Still, only one thing is certain: the United States Supreme Court will soon have its say on this matter. Until that time, keep knocking down those impetuous Facebook claims. ◆

sports

4-20 to April 19, 2010

11

Going in depth with upperclassmen of the UCCS Track Team Rob Versaw rversaw@uccs.edu

Track is a diverse sport, requiring very different physical demands from its different participants. Here we take a look at some of the different athletes who compete for the UCCS Track and Field Team. Photos by James o’Shea IV

Men’s Long Distance: Chris Reynolds ( JR):

Women’s Middle Distance Runner: Kelsey Berry (SR):

Originally from Evansville, Indiana, junior Chris Reynolds is a Captain for the UCCS Track team. “I’ve always been a runner. I don’t see myself doing anything else,” he said.

“I’m motivated by competition and opportunity. I have a great opportunity to put some good work in and hopefully make NCAAs, and our competition is excellent so it works out great.”

Reynolds said he’s been following a careful training regimen to earn all conference honors and help his team secure a conference title in the 4 by 400-meter relay race. “Right now I’m making the transition between higher miles and longer workouts to sharpening and citing down my miles to be quicker.”

Reynolds is optimistic that the whole team will be strong this year. “The team is in a great position, every season we set a new high score record at the RMAC meet, and this year we have an even more motivated and talented group of kids. I’m expecting big things.”

Mitchell High graduate and Senior Team Captain Kelsey Berry is very motivated to run. “I love the sport. I love to compete. I love to get up in the morning and see how hard I can push myself that day,” she said. “Every day is a new challenge, but when you succeed it is an incredibly rewarding feeling. The track team is my second family, and I love having them in my life.”

Barry said her greatest accomplishments were broken records during the 2010 indoor track season. “I broke 4 school records this season indoor – 400, 600, 800 and 1000 meters.

I ran my fastest 800 (2:16.34) to date, which is only .14 away from provisionally qualifying for nationals.”

This has motivated her to set goals for herself. “I want to provisionally qualify for Nationals in the 800, break the school record in the outdoor 400, and run under 4:50 in the 1500; I also want the team to run under 4:05 in the 4X400.”

She is training hard to accomplish these goals, she said. “Right now we are doing some harder training, which includes lifting weights twice a week, longer workouts on the track at a faster pace, and one long run a week if we don’t have a meet.”

Men’s Sprinter: Jason Shaver ( JR): Having attended high school at Coronado, Junior team Captain Jason Shaver is a Colorado Springs native. His motivation for track and field comes from a couple different places. “I am very proud to be a part of the UCCS track and field team,” he explained. “It is an honor to wear the uniform and represent this institution each week on the track.”

“Next, I really do love track. The adrenaline rush that I get before and during a race is like none other,” he continued. “Lastly, running on the team gives me the opportunity to meet a lot of great people and go to a lot of great places.

All of these things motivate me to continue to run track and give it my all.”

Like Reynolds, Shaver was part of the indoor RMAC 4 by 400-meter championship team.

“The biggest RMAC accomplishment I have been a part of was winning the 4 by 400-meter conference championship. It was such a big moment for the program and for me as well to be a part of such a strong, winning team.”

While personally wanting to break 50 seconds in the 400-meter, Shaver also has high expectations for the team. “The goal is to run a fast 4 by 400, and hopefully we can get that outdoor conference 4 by 400 championship as well,” he said.

“I would also like the 4 by 400 meter school record to be lowered this outdoor season. I would like to place 5th or 6th in our conference as a team. I feel like we have the potential.”

Men’s Sprinter: Carl Lum (SR): Rampart High School graduate Carl Lum is now a captain on the UCCS track team. He specializes in the shorter sprints, and is driven to succeed. “I have always been a competitive person and, for me, nothing is better than the start of the 200 and just running down whoever I can.”

One of Lum’s favorite memories came from his sophomore season. “The race I will always remember is running the anchor leg of the 4 by 100-meter relay in Memorial Stadium at Kansas

University.”

He also hopes to finish off his collegiate career well. “Hopefully I will have a good leg as a part of our 4 by 100-meter team and help set a new school record in the event,” he said.

Carl also said he was “hopeful our sprint crew can have a dominating performance in our individual races at conference and have a good 4 by 100-meter relay.”

The team is currently working hard towards these goals, said Lum. “For the outdoor season we are working on our starts and speed training to hopefully improve our times and become faster and more powerful.”

Women’s Middle Distance Runner: Tracy Falsetto (SR): An alumni of Trinidad High School, Tracy Falsetto now captains the UCCS women’s track team. “I believe a lot of things motivate me to run.

Running with great friends, keeping in shape, getting away from school for a bit, time away from the excitement and nerves from competing, traveling, the feeling after a good hard workout,” she said.

She has fond memories of her past experiences, and said, “I earned 3rd team all-RMAC last year in the 800-meter. Another career highlight for me is running well enough to break into the top times of the record books for a few races, receiving an all-RMAC title, and competing at a level I didn’t think I could before.”

Her goals for the team this season are simple. “My goals for my event group vary. For the most part, I would like us all to [achieve personal records] and have great races the rest of the season. Also, for the injury prone, I hope we do what we can and need to get better and race well.”

Men’s Thrower: Preston Williams (SR): Like Lum, Preston Williams is from Rampart High School in Colorado Springs. Unlike most of the track team, Williams competes in field events that do not involve running. “I just have a passion for throwing objects a long distance,” Williams explained. “I have thrown competitively for 10 years and still love everyday that I can throw.”

“One of the best feelings I can have is when I train hard and get a personal best in a meet and place high or even win the meet,” he continued. “I can never see myself not throwing in my life, and plan on throwing for fun after college is over.”

A throwers’ training schedule is much different from a runners’.

“Preparation for the throwing season involves a lot of time in the weight room, getting stronger and doing drills to increase the explosiveness of the throwing moments,” Williams added. “Offseason training began in June, a few weeks after outdoor season concluded. My coach pushed me to perfect my technique. He also required a written report on a world-renowned discus thrower. We analyzed their technique and applied it to our own throws.”

“The goals for the throwers are to support each other during the meets and help with technique issues,” Williams said of the throwers’ aspirations this year. “The team goals include having great sportsmanship throughout the competitions and [supporting] everyone on the team to achieve the best results.”

Women’s sprinter/jumper: Alli Watson

Palmer High School graduate Alli Watson is a first year track competitor.

She specializes in field events like the jumps and hurdles. “I love running, it just makes me happy. Motivation isn’t a big problem, because being able to run in college feels like a gift,” she said. “My teammates are also a lot of fun, which definitely helps during the harder practices.”

Working hard to succeed is part of the demands of a track team member.

“We’re doing a lot of speed/endurance training, so longer sprints, and a lot of technique work for the jumping events. We do plyometrics, lift weights, and try to get on the track – or the runway for the jumping events – as much as possible.”

Though new to the sport, Watson has already learned what she sees as the key to her events. “Multi-events athletes have to be well-rounded because we compete in events all across the board, from throwing javelin and doing high jump, to running hurdles and distance events, so we’re trying to build up endurance and get all of the different techniques down,” she explained. “The goal isn’t really to be an all-star at any one thing, just to be pretty solid in every event. That’s the way to win points in the heptathlon and decathlon.”

Personally, Watson is looking for consistency this year. “I’d just like to get better at all of my events, especially hurdles and high jump. I’m still learning most of them, so my goal is to improve every week.”

Psst...

I think you’re cool... like way cool...

Do you want to go out with me?

Yes No What if I take you to Salsa Brava?

No Yes Monday - Thursday 4pm - Close 1/2 Price Burritos with a valid UCCS ID (Rockrimmon location only)

802 Village Center Dr

719.266.9244

www.SalsaBravaOnline.com