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Tennessee Tech University | Cookeville, TN | 38505

Budget cuts claim engineering program Industrial and Systems Engineering will no longer be offered at Tech by 2012

WTTU to launch online streaming in March

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By AMBER McCARTY Staff Writer

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Have you ever tried to tune into WTTU 88.5 radio but had problems? Well here is some good news for you. WTTU is now going to be accessible online through the Tech Web site. It is estimated to be up and running by the first or second week of March. According to Beth Rupe, director of WTTU public affairs, staff members are often asked why the radio station does not have a Web stream because most people do not have radios, just MP3 players or online music. People have also stated that if WTTU was online, they would tune in and listen a lot more. “I feel it will really help our listenership,” Rupe said, “I think by word of mouth, Facebook and flyers it will inform people and make them listen a lot more than now.” The Web stream will be available 24/7 so that the consistency will be convenient for listeners. The format of the music will be the current daytime college rock. Evenings will consist of different varieties of anything from electronica, hip-hop, classic rock, and more. The stream will be available 365 days a year, which means you will never have a problem tuning in to listen even during breaks. “It’s automated,” said WTTU program director Kyle Prince, “We’ll be using the same system as we currently use if there is not a DJ in the booth. The playlist is 99 percent music with some brief station IDs voiced by local and national celebrities.” Once the web streaming is up and running, it can be accessed through the main Tech Web site. But also there will be a button on WTTU Web site which you can click that will say “Listen Live.” After clicking that button it should start. The stream will play through Windows RealPlayer or iTunes. Eva Dingwall, student media secretary, said, “Online will be live. Exactly what you hear on the radio will be exactly

Tech’s College of Engineering plans to terminate its Industrial and Systems Engineering program as a result of recent funding reductions. The ISE program has 53 students enrolled as of Fall 2009, making it the smallest of Tech’s engineering programs. The college has formulated a plan which will ensure degree completion in a timely manner for current students. “Closing the Industrial and Systems Engineering program is a bad idea, in my opinion,” said Brice Bennett, senior ISE major. “Industrial engineering is one of the fastest growing of all the engineering programs. “I think they could have found a more efficient way to find the money for the budget reductions that would have Number of made more sense.” students in The College of Engineering has endured a rethe ISE program as duction of approximately $1 million in state approof Fall 2009 priation over the last two fiscal years. The ISE program cancellation is one of many severe cuts brought about by nearly two decades of budget reductions. Both Tech and the College of Engineering face two years of critical cutbacks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Outlook Handbook, more industrial engineers are employed in Tennessee than any other engineers. “According to substantial evidence, the industrial engineering discipline is one of the fastest growing nationally and most prevalent for engineering jobs in the state,” said Jessica Matson, professor of industrial and systems engineering. “I think the removal of this program is unfortunate for the state of Tennessee.” Beginning July 30, 2012, the ISE program will no longer offer regular ISE courses. By this time, current ISE students should have completed degree requirements. Along with most engineering programs, the ISE program at Tech is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, which will coordinate the closure to further ensure the quality of the program.

Volume 93 | Issue 4 | Free in single copy | February 26, 2010

By GERILYN LEMONS Staff Writer

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what you hear online.” The only setbacks that have been detected so far with the testing is that if you are using an older computer or slower Internet access, you may experience some skipping throughout the program. Earl Hutchison, WTTU station adviser, said, “This is a student-run organization. Students have wanted the streaming for two years, but we did not find it feasible.” Dave Dickerson, music director, and Kyle Prince, program director, collaborated to figure out a way to make streaming possible. Finally, after talking to Hutchison about what they wanted, Hutchison checked with WTTU’s station engineer, Austin Stinett, and found out that streaming was actually affordable. After checking with multiple providers, Stinett recommended a streaming pro-

vider called DRS 2006, which is used by local JWC-Broadcasting stations. WTTU is the fifth radio station to use the provider. WTTU actually saved $700 with this stream provider. Through DRS 2006 there will initially be 30 listeners who can access the stream at one time. WTTU is able to upgrade the number of listeners if WTTU staff thinks the Web stream is constantly full, which will affect the cost. Compared to the most expensive provider, which costs $1070 a year, the noticeably lower price tag got WTTU’s attention. Be sure to listen for additional information about WTTU’s Web stream and tune in once it is available. For additional information about the Web stream, tune in to WTTU or contact WTTU Program Director, Kyle Prince, at mkprince21@tntech.edu, or WTTU Music Director, Dave Dickerson, at davewttu@ gmail.com

Kyle Prince, a WTTU DJ, interacts with listeners during his show, “Radar’s Hit List.” Chuck Acheson

Two appointed to oversee learning villages By DAKOTA WEATHERFORD Staff Writer

Photo Services Paula Hinton, associate professor of history, and Lenly Weathers, associate professor of civil engineering, will lead the service and environmental villages, respectively.

Do you like to help others or the planet? Beginning this fall Tech will have learning villages in both New Hall dormitories to increase student involvement. Learning villages have been used in Ivy-League colleges such as Oxford and Cambridge Universities. There will be two parts of the villages separated between New Hall North and New Hall South: environmental and service. Tech recently selected two faculty members to be involved with the villages. Paula Hinton will be in charge of the service village,

while Lenly Weathers will be part of the environmental village. “We want it to be their idea,” said Charles Macke, director of Residential Life, referring to students. The learning villages are open to all students and faculty. “It is an additional chance to connect with students,” Macke said. Weathers said, “My vision for the Green Village is that of an active, stable and supportive community populated by students who are interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle, are interested in promoting sustainable development, embrace an eagerness to learn, and the willingness to help others learn, seek to

enrich the village by organizing and participating in formal or informal social, cultural and recreational village activities.” Each of the villages will have its own budget. The budget will allow them to work on their choice of projects pertaining to their village. The budget could also be used for trips or activities planned by students. They will develop a name, logo and mascot. Eventually, they want the villages to venture into intramurals, debate teams and engineering contests. “Developing a strongly student-led atmosphere, especially with respect to social, cultural and recreational activities, will be essential for

the LLC (villages) to thrive,” Weathers said. The villages are created to help students find likeminded friends and faculty. Macke said that if everything worked out, there could be a village designated to each dorm on campus. By doing this, it will create more opportunities for students to make friends. “We got to give it a chance. It’s going to be slow going,” Macke said. Residential life is going to start advertising for the villages soon. When future students sign up for housing there will also be information on the learning villages. For more information, call Macke at (931) 372-3414.

IN THIS EDITION Tech alumnus survives 100-foot fall from cliff - Page 6

Tech brings home York Trophy - Page 4 Those Darlins arrive at Tech on Thursday - Page 5

SPORTS

Booker, Townsend address foreign aid in Haiti - Page 2

OPINION

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Page 2 | February 26, 2010

Government aid should go to its citizens first EMILY BOOKER Editorial Editor

The earthquake in Haiti was devastating, and people generously rushed to the poor country’s aid. There are hundreds of thousands of people homeless, hungry and needing medical attention there. They were there before the earthquake too, but no one seemed concerned about them then. Why were we so quick to help Haiti after the earthquake? Because a group of celebrities answered phones for a few hours asking us to give money? When it comes to giving aid, America loves to jump on the band wagon, then take the reins and be the headstrong leader of the wagon, showing the world that we’re the country that helps people, usually by throwing money at the problem. That’s not charity. That’s competitiveness. Can we afford to always be number one? It’s been over a month since the earthquake now, and the U.S. is still down there giving emergency assistance. But there are hundreds of thousands of people homeless, hungry, and needing medical attention right here in the U.S. I don’t see the government pouring troops, reporters and celebrities into its

own communities. Volunteers who do help locally usually face a shortage of resources. I’m not saying that Haiti doesn’t need aid. Please, if you can give, give. It’s your personal choice how you want to spend your money, time and resources.

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ing it’s enough to buy food and medicine, build roads and bridges, and hire teachers and doctors. But really, it’s a political move, either to make that country like us or to empower it against a country we’re not too fond of. Remember when we gave the Taliban all that money and all those weapons? It was never to kindly help them, but to weaken the Soviets. And now the Taliban has the resources to fight us for years on end. Because foreign aid is

If this is still the land of plenty, why do we allow our fellow citizens to go without as we export our troops, our clean water, our doctors, and our money to another country? -- Emily Booker Editorial Editor

There are plenty of worthy causes that need charity, both locally and internationally. But a government’s money, time and resources should first go to its own people, then abroad. Most of the time, foreign aid has nothing to do with wanting to help the average citizen “over there,” wherever there is at the time. It is much more political and selfinterested than that. We’ll give good ole greenbacks to a poor country, hop-

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a political tool more than a charity, quite a bit of that money does not go to schools and medicine like it’s intended. It will go to pet projects of that government, or worse, corrupt leaders just pocket the money. “It is heart-breaking that global society has evolved a highly efficient way to get entertainment to rich adults and children, while it can’t get twelve-cent medicine to dying poor children,” said William Easterly, an econom-

ics professor on development and aid issues on the U.S. and Foreign Aid Assistance’s web site. Maybe that’s because we’re going about it all wrong. Should we help countries in need? Yes. Should we ignore the need in our own country for political means? No. In efforts to help Haiti, America has proved it has money and resources to care for people in need. But why must that willingness to help only come when a foreign country is struck by natural disaster? Where is that willingness to help when Americans are struggling to survive every day? If this is still the land of plenty, why do we allow our fellow citizens to go without as we export our troops, our clean water, our doctors, and our money to another country? America can be a leader without being the country that always rushes to the popular disaster to give aid. Let’s set a good example by helping our own suffering citizens first. Then there will be more people able to donate both materials and time to the ongoing problems around the world.

If you would like to donate items to Haiti, a collection box for water, food and supplies is located on the first floor of the RUC next to the Service Learning Center office.

America should help weaker countries in need SARAH TOWNSEND Asst. Editorial Editor

The recent disaster in Haiti has killed and injured hundreds of thousands of people. The U.S., along with many other nations, is trying to aid the country in as many ways as possible. Supplying medical assistance and resources to countries in the midst of chaos has been an American tradition since our beginning. I was shocked to find out that many people do not agree with our government spending money to help support the disaster-stricken nation. In fact, there are even two online petitions demanding our government to stop funding to Haiti and the victims of the earthquake. According to the sites both titled, “U.S. Should Not Help Haiti Earthquake Victims”, the U.S. doesn’t have the resources to spare. I understand that America is in debt and we should be

focused on our problems, however part of what makes this country such a symbol of hope is the fact that we help other places when in desperate need such as now. The site reads, “By giving money, we will prevent Haitian citizens from rising up in their own Tea Party Revolution and taking their country back from the Marxists.” Frankly, I don’t think the people of Haiti are organized enough to free themselves from any government oppression at the moment because their country is now ruins from a natural disaster that no political power created. The site also claims that they do not discourage private organizations from donating to help the victims. I agree that the majority of supplies and relief workers should be from private sources. Maybe companies and in-

dividuals are helping out in their own ways, such as volunteering and fundraising. Even here on our own campus, I have seen one group collecting donations for the cause. One of the best things about religiously affiliated organizations is the amount of volunteering that churches do during this kind of global catastrophe. The problem I have is the fact that these people believe that we as a nation should do nothing to help these people who have been put in such a helpless position that is not their fault. You may argue that their government is corrupt. That may be so; however I don’t understand how the victims of such a horrific event have corrupted their government. Glenn Adamson ends the message with, “The U.S. government should not give one dime: it isn’t their money to give and it will only reward failed choices.” I would like to know how a child left as an orphan from this earthquake has made a choice in the Haitian government. The idea that U.S. should not participate in disaster relief because we have a debt and unemployment

Poll of the Week >> Should the U.S. spend money and resources to help Haiti?

is reasonable to an extent, however we all have food to eat and a place to live. If you don’t have a job, the U.S. government will help you out and supply you with welfare so you can feed your family. On the other hand, this nation is in such bad shape from this tragic occurrence some people really do have nothing there. Children will go without meals and medical attention if the United States ignores this problem. It is hard to imagine that American people, who in comparison have life pretty well, want to be selfish and withhold help from an area that is suffering more than most Americans ever will. Our nation is a symbol of hope for so many other nations. America should be committed to helping nations as well as staying mindful of our own limited resources, instead of only looking out for number one.

THE

• Letters are edited for grammar but not for content. Please limit letters to 300 words in length. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Deadline for letters is 4 p.m. Tuesday.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I don’t understand SGA’s need for the SOLO Bill. Isn’t TAB responsible for this? According to TAB’s Web site, “TAB is a student organization that provides a forum where students can express their individuality and interests through planning and promoting special events on campus.” However, the SGA Web site states, “SGA’s sole purpose is to represent the student body and voice their concerns to the administration.” Students are already charged an activities fee by TAB. While attending Tech, I noticed TAB spent this money on snowcones and bounce houses. Perhaps if the organization fronted ideas more relevant to students, SGA wouldn’t have to take its focus from governing the student body to also entertaining it. While I appreciate Stephenson’s article on the bill front, I don’t understand why it reeks of SGA press release. It doesn’t question why this bill is needed. I wish I could read about the flip side. Who interviewed TAB regarding its ill-fated attempts

at its own job? I ask as a two-month-old Tech alumna who is already being bombarded by donation/input requests. My input is that if TAB cannot fund remotely interesting activities with a previously existing fund, SGA shouldn’t be able to take advantage of students for another $20. Students, how about holding student-organizations responsible for the way they spend your money? Don’t shrug your shoulders at a boring campus. Your apathy will stamp another fee onto your already spiked bill. How about writing to SGA President Sean Ochsenbein or TAB President Tiffany Biggs? Heck, their office doors are 30-feet apart on the main floor of the RUC. How about knocking on one? It’s so frustrating to me that in 20 years my children will ask me about a Tech that I may no longer recommend. You really can’t blame the administration for problems caused by a complacent student community.

Dear Editor, This letter is in reference to Brandon Goodwin’s editorial in the February 19th edition of The Oracle. Gym crowding is not a new issue. If you visit any gym at a busy time of day you will find it to be crowded, which has always been the case. He makes some good points about underused space, but for more than half of his article he berates people for going to the gym. That is awfully hypocritical coming from a person who is “all for people getting in shape.” While other parts of the paper addresses issues professionally, like the recent issue with stolen newspapers or the Olympics, he resorts to insulting people for their gym attire. If someone wants to work out in a chipmunk outfit, that’s their prerogative. If he is tired of girls in boots blocking his running path,

he should try politely asking them to move instead of whining in his column about it. Why does it bother him that Tech athletes are playing basketball at the Fit? I play basketball regularly, and when I’m looking for a pickup game, I go to the Fit. Is it that offensive if a Tech athlete does the same? Finally, wouldn’t the sports editor’s time be better spent writing an article that involves Tech sports and not his frustrations at the gym? Perhaps next week he should write an article about the golf team instead of copying a press release I can find on Tech’s athletic site. If he doesn’t like overcrowding at the gym, I suggest he wakes up earlier, when the Fit is less crowded.

This week: What are you doing for spring break? Go to tntechoracle.com to vote!

Jason Ware jrwmod@gmail.com

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CHRISTINE SEIBER Managing Editor

SARAH TOWNSEND Asst. Editorial Editor

WILL HOUSLEY Asst. Managing Editor

BRANDON GOODWIN Sports Editor

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ALLISON WHEELER DIANA CARSON Ad Assistants

CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor TALLULAH GILLIAM BAILEY DARROW Copy Editors

BRENDA WILSON, Faculty Adviser

Yes 58%

Amanda Russell ‘09 Tech alumna adrussell22@tntech.edu

O RACLE

EMILY BOOKER Editorial Editor

No 42%

• Send Letters to the Editor to oracle@tntech.edu, TTU Box 5072 or tntechoracle.com/home/ lettertotheeditor.

Tennessee Technological University--nondiscriminatory on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities including employment and admission of students to the University as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and regulations based therein and published in CFR, part 86. Tennessee Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.

BEAT REPORTERS: Erica Betschart, Ellie Boles, Courtney Clifford, Matt Davis,

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Page 3 | February 26, 2010

International students express thoughts of experience, atmosphere at Tech By SAMANTHA KENDALL Staff Writer There are approximately 350 international students at Tech. They come from many cultures and backgrounds. Steve Ngwira, a freshman from Malawi, Africa, is studying Manufacturing and Industrial Technology at Tech with the sponsorship friends back home. He considered attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Portland State University before deciding on Tech. “What I usually did

was send e-mails to the international student directors, and then I would learn more about the school from their responses, but some of the schools were a little bit rude,” Ngwira said. “One thing that got me interested in Tech was the response I got from the international student office. They were very willing to help.” Anara Kudabayeva, a junior from Kazakhstan, is at Tech as an exchange student studying international business. “I am here because of my scholarship programIREX,” Kudabayeva said. “I didn’t chose Tech honestly they just sent me here, but before, they of course told

me.”

There were 11 other schools to which she could have been assigned.

“

at Tech because it is hard to get a visa to come to the United States. Charlie Wilkerson, director of International Stu-

I have no home, this is my home! -- Steve Ngwira Freshman International Student

Since arriving in August, both have experienced good and bad things about Cookeville. Ngwira is currently the only student from Malawi

”

dent Affairs, helped Ngwira with the transition. “I didn’t really encounter problems because every question that I was asking, Charlie was able to answer,”

Ngwira said. Ngwira said that Wilkerson’s dedication to getting him the information that he needed quickly made the hardest parts of the process easier. Kudabayeva didn’t encounter any problems on her trip, but they both have experienced some challenges adjusting to the campus culture. “It’s like there is nobody living on campus during the weekends because students go home,” Ngwira said. “I have no home this is my home!” One thing that has helped Ngwira is the new Cookeville Area Transit System.

“This is one of the best gifts that Tennessee has given to us,” Ngwira said. “I was excited when I heard about them because now you can move freely, if you want to go to Wal-Mart, you go without thinking about how much you have to spend for the taxi.” “I really want to say thanks to the international office because each question, even the personal questions, they always are patient to hear and give advice which really helps,” Kudabayeva said. “They have so much experience working with international students. Charlie is like our dad because...he helps us and gives us advice.”

Iwanyszyn seeks school board chair By DAVID LANE Staff Writer Tech student Jordan Iwanyszyn is running for Putnam County School Board in the August general election. Although heavily involved in politics and helping other candidates get elected, Iwanyszyn is putting together his first campaign for office. Iwanyszyn, a political science major with minors in both business and speech communication, will be putting all the knowledge he has learned over the years of helping local and state officials to make his own campaign successful. “I feel like I am young enough to remember how being in school is, but ma-

Iwanyszyn

ture enough to make choices to help this county’s young minds,” Iwanyszyn said. “With my priority in public service, I have a lot to contribute through the education process. I would like to sit down with some of the students in middle school and talk to them

about how the board can help them stay focused in high school.” Iwanyszyn is currently working on four other campaigns as the Putnam County Republican Party Vice Chairman. He was in SGA at Tech and was president of the College Republican club. When he has a free moment away from school and the busy life of local politics, Iwanyszyn plays intramural frisbee and basketball. He is also involved in the UCSC and SOC campus ministries on campus. For more information on Jordan’s campaign, you can visit his web site at http:// jordanforputnamschools. web.officelive.com/default. aspx or the Facebook group “Jordan M. Iwanyszyn For Putnam County School Board – District 2.”

Tech to host A Major Discovery Fair Undecided students can preview different majors offered at Tech By ELLIE BOLES Staff Writer Sixty percent of students who withdraw from Tech never declare a major. In an attempt to lower that number, The Office of Academic Affairs is hosting a majors fair geared toward undecided students. A Major Discovery is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the RUC Multipurpose Room. Event coordinator Brittni Simmons said the event will have the same feel as a career fair, with booths set up to display some of the different majors offered at Tech. “We want this to help undecided students attach themselves to the university,” Simmons said. While A Major Discovery is primarily geared toward students who have yet to declare a major, Simmons said students who have chosen a major could also benefit from the fair by seeing the potential career opportunities available with a degree in their field.

“Some students may not be in the right major, and some students who are in the right major don’t have a clue what they can do with it,” Simmons said. “This gives them a chance to see what jobs are out there.” At the event, students will have the chance to take a career assessment test given by Career Services. “This will hopefully give unsure students confidence in any decision they make when choosing a major and, ultimately, a career path,” Simmons said. A Major Discovery will have both student and faculty representatives from 19 different academic departments. Roy Loutzenheiser, associate dean of the College of Engineering, said he plans to bring a student from each major in the College of Engineering to offer advice. Simmons said she hopes the fair is more successful than it was the first time it was held. “We have games, we have door prizes, we even have entertainment,” said Simmons. “We really want students to want to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Hope without Hope Scholarship By ALEKSANDR PETERSON Staff Writer “Hope” isn’t just the title of one of Tennessee’s most popular scholarships; it’s an amenity students can call their own . . . even if they lose the Hope Scholarship. Every spring, more than 700 Tech students drop below the minimum grade point average and are disqualified from the Tennessee Hope Education Lottery Scholarship. The GPA requirement differs depending on which 24-credit-hour benchmark a

student has reached. At 24 and 48 hours, the minimum is 2.75. At 72 hours or more, it’s 3.0. What you may not know, however, is that 100 students regain the Hope Scholarship each semester. Students who send a request online will be reevaluated at the next benchmark to determine if they are eligible to regain their scholarship. Sometimes, simply retaking a course will do the trick. In other cases, “it takes a couple semesters of good, old-fashioned hard work,” said Adriane King, assistant director of financial aid.

The financial aid department tries to notify students when they should send a request, but King said it’s ultimately the student’s responsibility. There are second chances available if students are unable to regain the Hope Scholarship. Tech has a privately endowed fund, called the Second Chance Hope, that offers financial assistance for this exact purpose. Applicants must have previously been awarded the Hope scholarship, and eligibility is determined primarily by financial need and is given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Page 4 | February 26, 2010

Get in shape, take a fitness class York Trophy awarded to Tech at O’Charley’s Dinner of Champions Levels of classes range from yoga to kickboxing

By HANNAH HARRIS Staff Writer

Working out at Tech, there are numerous ways to get in shape. Fitness classes are growing in popularity on college campuses. But which class is the best? There are 13 classes at Tech’s Fitness Center, and knowing where to start can be a challenge. “People come in and ask me what class do I go to? ” said Ramona Mahood-Pennington, University Recreation and Fitness Center coordinator. “ It all depends on what your goal is.” There are classes for every personality and fitness level. Aqua Dance is an in-water cardio workout class. It is a gentle workout for people and great for water lovers. Step Express is another cardio class for high-energy people who want an aerobic workout. The level of intensity can be controlled in this class by changing the height of the step. “Any workout is as hard as you make it,” Mahood-Pennington said. Boredom is an issue people face when working out, and changing a routine is a great way to combat it. That’s why Tech offers different kinds of classes, such as the High Hips class. This is a middle-eastern dance workout that is great for abs. If boredom is an issue, this is a great way to step up a workout. If High Hips isn’t enough, say goodbye to being bored, and join in on the high-energy kickboxing dance party, Turbo Kick. This workout is for people who want to have fun and not feel like they are working out. For cardio lovers, Pedal I.T. is a high-energy, total cardio cycling class for those at an advanced fitness level. For those focusing on strengthening the body, Sculpt Zone is a great choice. This class is a resistance workout for those who want to weight train but do not like the weight room. Those who like a challenge and want a detoxifying, relaxing workout

should try Every Bodies Yoga. Yoga is a hard, strength- training workout and is difficult because of the slow pace movements that tone the body. If having a fabulous tummy and tush is the goal, TNT is the perfect workout. TNT goes well with the Ab Lab workout class. This class concentrates on combining cardio and strength training to achieve a toned core and back. For an all-over total body workout, try Bootcamp. Interval training makes Bootcamp a great fat burning workout and is for those who like sweating and hard work. Another cardio and strength training combo class is Cycle Circuit. This fast-pace class is on the stationary bike. “Prepare to sweat,” Mahood-Pennington said. “One minute you are on the bike three minutes later you’re on the floor doing push-ups.” Cardio Kick is another combo class like Turbo Kick. However, Cardio Kick is a longer workout that adds muscle-strengthening exercises. Water Works is another class for those who love water but also desire an aerobic feel. It is great for targeting individual muscle groups. “You are working hard in this class, but don’t feel like it,” Mahood-Pennington said. “It’s ok if you are a beginner,” Mahood-Pennington said. Here are some tips for beginners from Mahood-Pennington. •Introduce yourself to your instructor. If you let the instructor know you are a beginner they can keep their eye on you. •Make sure to drink plenty of water, even if you are doing an in-water class because dehydration occurs. •Everyone was a beginner at some point so don’t be afraid. •Know that once the music turns on all eyes are on the instructor. For more information about the fitness classes offered by Tech, visit www.tntech. edu/recreation/fitclasses or call 372-6511 for details on pricing and available times.

4th and Long BY BRANDON GOODWIN

Sports Editor bagoodwin21@tntech.edu I’m going to venture away from talking about Tech this week to take a look at someone we’ve all had our eyes on for the last few years: Tim Tebow. Tebow is set to debut his new NFL-style of play at the Florida Pro Day on March 17. His release, as well as his footwork, is said to have improved dramatically. With the NFL draft approaching, I have decided to take a look back on his career to see if he is as ill-equipped for the pro’s as most people say he is. I’ve grown tired of hearing commentators saying ‘he isn’t accurate enough’. Take a look at the stats. In 2009, Tebow broke the NCAA record for passing efficiency (formulating completion percentage, yards per pass, touchdowns per pass, and interceptions per pass) with a 170.8. One of the reasons for this was his extremely low interception percentage. Only 1.6 percent of his passes were intercepted, just slightly

more than the NCAA recordholding Billy Volek of Fresno State (1.3). He ranks second all-time in NCAA completion percentage (67.1). Sam Bradford, who played just 30 games, ranks first with a 67.6. Tebow is a running quarterback, right? Wrong. He passed for 88 touchdowns, ranking him third in SEC history, just one fewer than Peyton Manning (89). Florida great Danny Wuerffel holds the reins in that category with 114. Let’s add in those rushing touchdowns now to bring his career total to a staggering 145. That is an SEC record and also ranks second in NCAA history. That’s 44 more than Manning, in case you were wondering. Statistics aside, Tebow is probably the strongest man to ever play quarterback. Rumor has it, he can bench over 400. At the Tallahassee NIKE

camp before his freshman year, he benched 185 pounds 38 consecutive times. No, he will not be able to run the spread in the NFL, nor will he be able to fully transform to a pure pocket passer. I think Jacksonville (who has publicly announced it wants to draft Tebow) will form some new type of hybrid offense combining spread, standard, and option styles. Super Bowl champion Drew Brees ran the spread when he was in college and now is one of the best passing quarterbacks in the league. His 6-foot-3-inch, 245 pound frame will not be used as a battering-ram in the pros like it was in college. Instead, he will be forced to use his mind. My prediction: Tebow is drafted by Jacksonville in the first round and becomes their starter on opening day.

“He was like Moby Dick in a goldﬁsh bowl.“ - Steve Sabol

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The Golden Eagles golf teams were on fire last weekend, each finishing in second place in their tournaments. Seniors Diana Carson and Josh Simer were named to the all-tournament teams for their efforts. Carson shot a 153 and Simer scored a 148, each finishing third in their respective tournaments.

After winning four in a row to round out January, the Golden Eagles have lost six of their last seven games and have just one win in the month of February. Tech’s point margin in those losses is a staggering -14 points. It’s only win in that time was against a UT-Martin team who has won only one road OVC game. Tech is 7-10 in conference and, if it loses to Jacksonville State this weekend, can end up finishing eighth in the OVC.

Kelvin Quarles (left) and Derek Dickerson with the Sgt. York Trophy

PRESS RELEASE They’ve been waiting since October to pick up their hardware and on Tuesday night in Nashville, Tennessee Tech football coach Watson Brown and his senior players accepted the coveted Sgt. York Trophy. Tech won the award for the first time in 2009 after sweeping to a perfect 3-0 record against its Ohio Valley Conference in-state foes Austin Peay, Tennessee State and UT Martin. The Sgt. York Trophy, sponsored by the OVC and the Nashville Sports Council, was given to the Golden Eagles at the O’Charley’s Dinner of Champions at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville. “It was worth the wait,” said Brown. “Winning the York Trophy was one of the major goals of our team and we are extremely proud to have accomplished it. It’s

something that these seniors will always remember, and hopefully its the first of many. “We’d like to keep this trophy in Cookeville for many years to come,” Brown said. Joining Brown on the stage to accept the award were most of the team’s 2009 seniors, including offensive guard Taylor Askew, who drew the task of carrying the 150-pound wood-and-bronze trophy to the team’s bus for the ride back to Cookeville. “The coaches and players talked about winning the York Trophy throughout Spring drills and from the first day of fall camp,” Askew said. “Every player on the team is aware of Sgt. York’s accomplishments and contributions as a Soldier, and every player took it upon himself to do all he could to win this trophy and bring it back to the Cookeville. We think this trophy belongs here, and winning

Courtesy of Sports Information

it is something we are all extremely proud of.” In addition to Brown and the players, Tech’s contingent at the Dinner of Champions included three members of Sgt. Alvin C. York’s family (center in photo at left), his oldest son George Edward York, his only surviving daughter Betsy Ross Lowery, and his grand-daughter, Angie York. Tech history professors Michael Birdwell, Calvin Dickinson and Jeff Roberts were also at the dinner. It was Birdwell who did much of the research on York when the trophy was established in 2007. Retired Cookeville surgeon Sam Barnes sculpted the bust, while Birdwell and former OVC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher designed the base. The conference also had a large contingent on hand for the presentation, including first-year Commissioner Beth DeBauche.

Liberatore gets OVC Pitcher of Week Honors, Golden Eagles Take Series

By JAMES SCHIERMEYER Asst. Sports Editor The Golden Eagles (2-1) baseball team opened the 2010 campaign, taking two of three games from the defending Southern Conference champion Georgia Southern Eagles (1-4). Adam Liberatore, the Ohio Valley Conference pitcher of the week, set the tone for the weekend pitching six scoreless innings and striking out five in route to Tech’s 5-2 victory. It was Liberatore’s first action since Tommy John surgery last season. “It was really tough coming back from surgery, being forced to watch all last year,” Liberatore said. “It felt great to help my team win a game and be back on the mound.” “He picked up right where he left off, which was great to see,” Head Coach Matt Bragga said. “He got out there, did what he does and won a huge game for us. It’s great to have him back.” Georgia Southern took the Saturday contest 16-9, but Tech won the rubber match and the series on Sunday 12-9. The Golden Eagles erased an early eight run deficit on Sunday in a dramatic come-from-behind victory. Clutch RBI’s from sophomore Ben

Burgess and junior A.J. Kirby-Jones late in the final game secured the series win. “Our guys were really resilient,” Bragga said. “It takes a lot of resolve to win in an environment as hostile as Georgia Southern. Southern is a really good team, so it was great to finally compete against someone besides ourselves.” The Golden Eagles welcome Cleveland State Vikings (0-3) this weekend for a three game series at Bush Stadium. The Vikings were swept by UNC-Greensboro last weekend. “These early non-conference games you don’t know your opponent that well,” Bragga said. “All we can do is go out and play the best possible baseball we are capable of playing and if we do that, we will have a great opportunity to win some games regardless of who we are playing.” Tech has won its last four home openers and was 20-9 last year at home. Admission is free for students at every home game. “We’re just excited another season is here. We are the last sport on campus to start, so it’s just great to finally get started,” Bragga said. The Golden Eagles travel to Nashville next Tuesday for a mid-week contest with instate rival Vanderbilt (4-0) at Hawkins Field.

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Page 5 | February 26, 2010

Those Darlins set to rock the Backdoor Playhouse The members of Those Darlins are bringing their unique fusion of pop, rock ‘n roll and country music to the Backdoor Playhouse By CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor The highly acclaimed band, Those Darlins, will be gracing the stage at Tech on Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Backdoor Playhouse. Those Darlins brings an original sound to the stage with their blend of pop, rock and country. Laced within the lyrics of their songs are messages about female empowerment, music history and egalitarian ideals. On top of all that, add a pinch of late 1970s punk and you have a band that appeals to nearly every taste. The band has recently won several awards including a New York Times’ Pick and a Boston Globe “Band to Break in ‘09.” In addition, they have earned coverage in Bust and American Songwriter. Billboard’s Bill Werde named them “Best Band I Didn’t Really Know Before

I Got to SXSW (South by Southwest).” Following the festival, Paste and USA Today listed Those Darlins among the best performances for the entire show. Although Those Darlins is now based out of Murfreesboro, Tenn., the members hail from all over the Southeast. Kelley Darlin, the band’s bassist, hails from South Carolina. Guitarist Jessi Darlin comes from Kentucky and Nikki Darlin, who plays the baritone ukulele, is from Virginia. In addition to Those Darlins, Jill Andrews will be joining the show. Andrews’ musical stylings are very soulful and reminiscent of her moving fron Johnson City, Tenn. to Knoxville. With so much talent on one stage, your Thursday night plans need to include this concert. The show is free to Tech students. Center Stage, WTTU, Tech Players, and The Women’s Center are sponsoring the show.

Left: The creative poster for the show is up around campus, lists the sponsors and location. Right: Kelley, Jessi and Nikki Darlin make up Those Darlins.