LCC TORCH.COM
LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S S T U D E N T- R U N N E W S PA P E R
M AY 2 2 , 2 0 1 4
The Torch v o l u me 5 0 , e d i t i o n 2 5
INSIDE BUDGET CONFUSION DANCERS WORK IT MUSIC LAB TEACHES TECH EUGENE, ORE.
TRACK AND FIELD
BACK TOBACK CHAMPIONSHIPS PAGE 6
The Lane men’s and women’s track and field team each won their second consecutive NWAACC Championship in Spokane, Wash. on May 20.
CONTRIBUTED BY GRADY O’CONNOR
Commencement speaker chosen for 2014 graduation ceremony Students compete to address graduating class Chris Piepgrass Reporter Alan Overwater, a 36-year-old Lane student who will graduate with a 3.5 GPA and a transfer degree, will
deliver the commencement speech at this year’s graduation after winning a May 16 contest to find the most qualified speaker. Overwater was attending Lane during a period of homelessness,
from 2006 to 2009. He recently returned to Lane to finish his degree. “It’s hard to keep yourself motivated when you don’t know where you’re going to sleep and you haven’t had a meal in a while. There is a population of people, and I don’t know if it’s that they’re lost or if they’ve just
given up, but you can’t surround yourself with that,” Overwater said. “I don’t want to sound too pompous or anything, but I think I earned the right to say my piece.” Overwater also congratulates the graduating class of 2014 for pushing SPEAKER ON PAGE 3
Hula dancers enchant students
BASEBALL
Hawaiian culture preserved through dance Penny Scott A&C Editor
EUGENE JOHNSON / THE TORCH
Lane sophomore Jarren Goddard hit a grand-slam against Southwestern Oregon Community College on May 17 in Coos Bay.
Titans earn tournament trip Beam, Goddard lift Lane to playoffs
Jarrid Denney Sports Editor The Lane baseball team has faced plenty of high pressure situations this season. Last weekend, the Ti-
tans saw their toughest test thus far and didn’t blink. With the season on the line, Lane swept a three games series against the Southwestern Oregon BASEBALL ON PAGE 6
Two Hawaiian instructors, Kalimakuhilani “Kuhi” Southard and Christopher “T.C.” Southard, shared their art and their personal stories with approximately 20 students at Lane’s Longhouse on May 16. Eugene resident Belle Caracol, who was born and raised in the Philippines, and who dances hula, said she appreciated hearing from the instructors that being Hawaiian is not about a bloodline. “I really like what they said about being Hawaiian being an attitude,” Caracol said. “Their love for Hawaii is so great, they just want to share it with those who want to share it with them.”
EUGENE JOHNSON / THE TORCH
Christopher “T.C.” Southard performs a hula dance with his wife, Kalimakuhilani “Kuhi” Southard, accompanying him on a traditional ipu, a drum made of two large gourds of unequal size joined together.
Being Hawaiian is about embodying the culture, T.C. said. It’s about the values, tradition and essence of what it means to be Hawaiian.
“It’s not about blood. It’s about how you act. That’s being Hawaiian,” Kuhi said. Computer networking inHULA ON PAGE 7
2 The Torch LCC TORCH.COM LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S S T U D E N T- R U N N E W S P A P E R
OPINION&COMMENTARY EDITORIAL
Colleges and universities should be responsible. Students should be the number one priority, with an emphasis on students’ safety.
STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alyssa Sutton MANAGING EDITOR Sean Hanson SPORTS EDITOR Jarrid Denney A&C EDITOR Penny Scott REPORTERS Jackson Dietel Eddie Leach Laura Newman Chris Piepgrass Courtney Springer Chayne Thomas PHOTO EDITOR Eugene Johnson PHOTOGRAPHER August Frank Alex Quadrini CARTOONIST Riley Webber PRODUCTION MANAGER Byron Hughey GRAPHIC ARTISTS Wes Fry James Capps WEB EDITOR Tenaya Smith AD MANAGER Randy Maxwell NEWS ADVISER Paige Parker PRODUCTION ADVISER Dorothy Wearne
POLICY • Letters to the editor should be limited to 300 words. • Guest commentaries should be limited to 500 words. • Please include the author’s name, phone number and address (for verification purposes only). • The Torch reserves the right to edit letters and commentary for length, grammar, spelling, libel, invasion of privacy and appropriate language. • The Torch reserves the right to publish at its discretion. All web and print content is the property of The Torch and cannot be republished without editiorial permission. • Up to two copies per issue per person of The Torch are free; each additional copy is $2.
One IN five womeN In College are sexually assaulted SOURCE: U.S. Department of Justice
UO incident highlights need for Clery compliance On March 9, the father of a University of Oregon student reported to Eugene Police that his daughter had been sexually assaulted by three of the school’s basketball players. University officials learned of the report the same day, and learned the names of the athletes under investigation on March 19. The Lane County District Attorney’s office ultimately decided not to charge the men. The university kicked them off the basketball team in early May. But the fact that campus police didn’t log the reported assault when they first learned of it, or issue a campuswide alert, led Jennifer Freyd, a UO psychology professor, to complain to the U.S. Department of Education that the university violated the Clery Act, which requires U.S. colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Freyd — who has been recognized by the White House for her research on sexual assault on college campuses — contends that the university police should have logged the reported assault back in March.
UO President Michael Gottfredson has defended the university’s response. “In my opinion, at the time, the balance of our interest favored protection of the integrity of the criminal process, and not interfering with a criminal investigation,” he said in a May 4 faculty senate meeting. Regardless of how the UO thought it was protecting an investigation, they should have instead been thinking about how to protect their students. The Clery Act is in place for a reason. It is not only to hold universities and colleges accountable to criminal activities (alleged or proven) on and around their campuses, but also to keep students safe. UO may have not violated the act. We don’t know yet. If something happens that in any way affects students negatively while they are in college, the university should be concerned. Students are in college to learn. They are not in college to worry about their safety. The federal government needs to impose serious sanctions on universities that violate
the Clery Act. Currently, universities that fail to file under the act can be fined as much as $35,000 per violation, by the U.S. Department of Education, and in some cases they can have federal funds completely withdrawn. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, one in five women in college are sexually assaulted. The issue is serious enough that the U.S. Department of Education recently announced that 55 institutions — none of them in Oregon — of higher education are “under investigation for possible violations of federal law over the handling of sexual violence and harassment complaints.” With a number that high, it’s about time. Colleges and universities should be more responsible. Students should be the number one priority, with an emphasis on students’ safety. It’s good that people are starting to pay attention — people who can make a difference on a federal level — but frankly we should be making a difference on our campuses long before we gain federal attention.
RILEY WEBBER / THE TORCH
CONTACT The Torch Lane Community College 4000 E. 30th Ave. Eugene, OR 97405 torch@lanecc.edu (541) 463-5654
THE TORCH / Thursday, May 22, 2014
RILEY WEBBER / THE TORCH
3
NEWS&FEATURES Budget officials seek more information Students will only support $1.88 tuition increase Chayne Thomas Reporter Lane’s budget committee will meet at least once more to grapple with a $12.6 million shortfall in the college’s 201415 budget. Incoming student government President Michael Weed addressed budget committee members for the first time at their May 21 meeting. He took the opportunity to reiterate the student government’s position, that the committee should vote against any tuition increase above $1.88 per credit, in addition to the $2-per-credit inflationary increase the board approved earlier this year. Faculty union President Jim Salt also spoke at the meeting, where he presented data from the last 11 years that indicated the average year-end balance of the college’s reserve fund is approximately $8.8 million. Salt asked the committee if this indicates a crisis. “Put it in context,” he said. “Let the data decide that.” Budget Committee member Chris Matson said the balance of the reserve fund was not included in documents distributed to committee members. Lane President Mary Spilde said the fund is counted as revenue in the audit, and the reserves were carried over to the beginning of the next year’s costs. “If there’s money outside of the purview of the Budget Committee, we need to see that,” Matson said. Salt later said he was concerned that the information provided to committee members was insufficient, especially when it came to the costs and benefits of cutting classes taught by part-time instructors, some of which might be profitable or prerequisites for other profitable classes. “It’s happening, with no public info on it,” Salt said. “(The budget committee is) in a position to require this.” Most who spoke at the meeting agreed that the committee, instructors and students must work together collaboratively. “There’s been a crisis budget every year since I’ve been on this board,” Matson said. Board member Pat Albright agreed. “Since I’ve been here, they’ve characterized budget planning as crisis management,” Albright said. Budget talks will continue in the Building 3 boardroom on May 28 at 5:30 p.m.
CHRIS PIEPGRASS / THE TORCH
Alan Overwater peruses the library after winning the keynote speaker contest on May 19.
SPEAKER: Participant wins by addressing difficult circumstances CONTINUED FROM P. 1 themselves to achieve their dreams. “All these students put in the work it takes to get their certificates, degrees and diplomas,” Overwater said. “They didn’t just sit through class. They put work into it and they kept living their daily lives. Not a lot of people have the will and determination to do that.” Each speaker had to touch on four main points. They were to discuss the time and energy students put into attaining their individual de-
gree, diploma or certification. The speaker also had to give examples of their own personal successes and offer inspiration for students, as well as recognize contributions that the staff, family and friends had in helping students succeed. Christina Lymath, the department coordinator of Student Life and Leadership Development, has been coordinating the graduation ceremony since 1998. “Classmates feel a sense of kinship when there is a
student speaker who can identify with the daily struggles and positive experiences of student life,” Lymath said. “There are some truly inspiring student success stories, and when I hear them share theirs with the audience and fellow graduates, I am truly touched by their stories.” She advertises the keynote speaker contest a term in advance to provide plenty of time for students to hear about the opportunity and prepare their speeches.
This year, the deadline was extended by one week due to scarce participation. Six contestants turned in hard copies of their three- to five-minute speeches on May 14. Alena Vasquez will be graduating with a degree in psychology this June and was a participant in the keynote speaker contest. “I think I did about five drafts total,” Vasquez said. “There was a lot I wanted to say. It was challenging to fit it all into a five-minute speech.”
Break into print ... with a job that will give you a valuable life experience
Applications for 2014-2015 Torch and Denali editors will be available Wednesday, May 7, in The Torch office, Building 18, Room 214, Lane Community College, 4000 E. 30th Ave. Eugene, Ore. Applications are due Friday, May 23, at noon. Return applications to Building 18. Room 214 Denali Editor
Torch Editor L CC TORCH.COM
LaNE COMMuNITy COLLEGE’s s T u d E N T- R u N N E W s Pa P E R
APRIL 17, 2014
Denali editor selects and manages the 2014-2015 student staff, organizes a production schedule and has the final word on all matters concerning the magazine. He or she must have a concrete understanding of, or the commitment to learn, the technical skills of the prodution process of a magazine. He or she can expect to work an average of 20 hours per week. A background in literature and art is recommended. Knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop is extremely helpful. The editor must be an officially registered Lane student and must maintain a 2.00 GPA or higher. The Denali editor will be paid a stipend of $550 per term and will serve, fall, winter and spring terms of the 2014-2015 academic year.
The TORCH
INSIDE DENTAL CLINIC OPENS HARD CHOICES FOR PARENTS BASEBALL RECAPS
VOLUME 50, EDITION 20
EUGENE, ORE.
The Torch editor is responsible for directing newsgathering and the publication process, and has control of the news and editoral content of the paper. The editor should have journalistic, management and organizational abilities, training and/or experience. He or she should also have previous service 2014-15 ASLCC candidates Presidential candidates begin look for student support campaigns, politicking on a newspaper staff, and have gained an adequate understanding of the operation of a newspaper. The applicants must have completed at least six credits at Lane within the last 12 months and be registered for three credits per term at Lane while editor. The editor must maintain a 2.00 GPA or higher, can expect to work 3040 hours per week, and will recieve a monthly stipend of $700 per month for 12 months. The editor will serve fall, winter, and spring terms of the 2014-2015 academic year.
COLORRUN
CHRIS PIEPGRASS / THE TORCH
ashley Mills (left), anes Koushkbaghi (center) and ashley Ford (right) get weird after the Color Me Rad 5k fun run april 12.
Third annual running event hits maximum capacity for runners
Chris Piepgrass Reporter
The Color Me Rad 5k visited Eugene for its third consecutive year on April 12. As the crowd gathered before the
sound of the starting horn, participants were given a shirt and a pair of shades; at the end, that once-pristine white T-shirt — along with the rest of them — was caked in color. Color Me Rad goes to cities all over the U.S. The organization al-
so tours select cities in Europe, Australia and South Korea. Color Me Rad works with the same local charity each year. That charity receives a portion of the proceeds made by the 5k in the host city. In Eugene, Relief Nursery has been selected as the
beneficiary. “Relief Nursery supports the prevention of child abuse and neglect,” Jennifer Anderson said, a volunteer representing the charity. “Relief Nursery will receive $75 for each
Instructors negotiate for power to eject unruly students
Polls open April 28 to May 1 J. Wolfgang Wool News Editor
With a little more than two weeks to campaign, 20 students officially announced their intention on April 14 to run for office in Lane’s student government. Students are elected to four different positions in the Associated Students of Lane Community College. The positions are president, vice president, senator and Student Finance Board student-at-large. This is the first year where the treasurer and the multicultural programs coordinator will not be elected. A ballot measure passed last year turned both titles into appointed positions. The presidential and vice
presidential candidates run together on a joint ticket, whereas the other two positions run alone. According to the student government’s bylaws, the elected presidential ticket will receive a monthly stipend and up to 12 free credits. According to an email from Elections Committee Chairwoman Rebekah Ellis, there are currently three presidential election tickets: Francisco “Kiko” Gomez for president and Ben Buchanan as his vice president; Michael Weed for president and Malisa Ratthasing as his vice president; and Clinton Fear as president and Kathy Renfrowand as vice president. Gomez and Ratthasing are senators in the student government. Weed is the ELECTION ON PAGE 3
COLOR ON PAGE 6
Leaked faculty safety proposal causes controversy
ELECTION
Tran Nguyen Reporter
Michael Weed
Francisco “Kiko” Gomez
Fundraising puts campaign under scrutiny
Senator becomes candidate after meeting blow-up
J. Wolfgang Wool News Editor
J. Wolfgang Wool News Editor
Nearly two months ago, Lane student government Sustainability Coordinator Michael Weed announced his intention to run for student government president.
Student government senator Francisco “Kiko” Gomez began campaigning for the presidency April 14 after saying he would resign last week. During the April 2 student
SCRUTINY ON PAGE 2
GOMEZ ON PAGE 3
Students might find themselves removed from the classrooms under the faculty union’s negotiating safety proposal, giving instructors authority to dismiss students with inappropriate behaviors without filing a Code of Conduct complaint. The current proposal reads: “Faculty members have the right to permanently remove students from their class for disruptive, threatening or otherwise inappropriate behavior. Faculty members exercising this authority shall notify their supervisor within 24 hours. Students may be returned to the class by the FACULTY ON PAGE 3
The Torch / Thursday, MAY 22, 2014
4
SPORTS&RECREATION BASEBALL
“As soon as (Kyle) Beam hit that home run, the momentum just changed … after that, we saw SWOCC and their demeanor and could just tell that they really didn’t want to be there.” Jarren Goddard
Lane sophomore first baseman
EUGENE JOHNSON / THE TORCH
Lane first baseman Jarren Goddard waits for the ball in an attempted pick off against Mount Hood Community College sophomore shortstop Cole Hamilton in a May 2 game.
BASEBALL: Titans will face Edmonds during first round CONTINUED FROM P. 1
Community College Lakers and are now headed to the NWAACC Playoffs for the first time since 2011. The Titans picked up a 9-6, nine-inning victory to begin the series on May 17 and, later in the day, bested the Lakers with a 7-1 seven-inning win. The next day, they finished a game that had been suspended due to darkness on April 26. The game was tied 2-2 when it was suspended, but the Titans exploded for four runs in extra innings to cap off a 6-2 win. They outscored the Lakers 22-8 in the series and committed just one error while surrendering only two walks. “We played unbelievable catch and we made all the routine plays,” Lane head coach Josh Blunt said. “Every single time they scored, we scored on top of it. It’s kind of a recipe for success.” In the first inning of Game 1, the Lakers scored two quick runs to gain an early advantage. However, freshman catcher Kyle Beam put the Titans ahead with one swing when he launched a three-run home run in the top of the second inning. From that moment, the Titans never trailed. “As soon as Beam hit that home run, the momentum just changed,” sophomore first baseman Jarren Goddard said. “We started putting runs up and after that, we saw SWOCC and their demeanor and could just tell that they really didn’t want to be there.”
Beam went 2-for-5 and sophomore outfielder Darrin Nelson was 3-for-3 with three RBIs for the Titans. Freshman Malik Evans picked up the win out of the bullpen and fellow freshman Shane Quarterly tossed three innings and surrendered no hits or runs to close out the game. The following game, Goddard picked up the big hit for the Titans. The game was tied 1-1 entering the top of the seventh until Goddard smashed a grand slam and essentially clinched the series for the Titans. “It felt great,” Goddard said. “It was probably the first ball I’ve hit hard in about a month and after that, as a team, it kind of took all the pressure off of us.” Goddard and sophomore shortstop Tucker Campbell each went 2-for-4 and sophomore pitcher Travis Kelly stymied the Lakers offense in his first start of the season. Kelly threw six innings and surrendered just one run and six hits while striking out seven Laker batters. The Titans knew they had already clinched a playoffs berth after the second game, but continued their hot offensive streak the next day in a third game that had no actual implications. They scored four runs in the top of the 13th inning, and sophomore pitcher Parker Sherrell closed the door on any chance of a Laker comeback with a perfect performance in the bottom of the 13th. Sherrell struck out all
THE TORCH / Thursday, May 22, 2014
EUGENE JOHNSON / THE TORCH
Lane sophomore shortstop Tucker Campbell went 3-for-6 with two doubles in two wins over Southwestern Oregon Community College on May 17.
three batters he faced. After a regular season in which they finished 27-16 overall and 19-11 in Southern Region play, the Titans will head to Longview, Wash., on May 22 to begin the NWAACC Tournament. In the first round of the
five-day tournament, the Titans will face the Edmonds Community College Tritons (34-7)(20-5), the tournament’s top seed. “I have been told throughout the year that most people thought Edmonds and us were the best two teams in the
NWAACC,” Blunt said. “But who knows. We’re not going to deviate from what we do … You play against the baseball.” The Titans will take on the Tritons at David Story Field with first pitch scheduled for 4:35 p.m. on May 22.
5
SPORTS&RECREATION
NWAACC Baseball Tournament Preview May 22-26, 2014, David Story Field, Longview, Wash. Lane Community College Titans (27-16) (19-11) Second Place, South Region While the Titans haven’t put up gaudy offensive stats and their pitchers don’t have incredible strikeout numbers, they have one advantage over every team in the tournament: pitching depth. Nine Titans have tossed 20 innings or more, and all but one of them have 2-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratios. They have a true ace in sophomore Jeff Hardy (5-4, 2.52 ERA, 56 strikeouts) and three relief pitchers who have combined to strikeout 64 batters and surrender just three runs in 82 innings. On offense, the Titans feature a balanced lineup that relies on a small-ball approach, but also has longball threats in first baseman Jarren Goddard and catcher Kyle Beam. The Titans’ biggest challenge could be simply putting up runs. Bellevue is the only team in the tournament who has scored fewer.
By finishing second in the NWAACC Southern Region, Lane clinched a trip to the NWAACC baseball playoffs for the first time since 2011. The Titans will be joined by seven other teams at the five-day, doubleelimination tournament held at David Story Field in Longview, Wash. The Titans will open the tournament against the Edmonds Community College Tritons in a first-round matchup at 4:35 p.m. on May 22.
Jarrid Denney Sports Editor
Bellevue Community College Bulldogs (25-21) (19-6) Second Place, North Region Bellevue posted the worst overall record of any team in the tournament, but won 13 of its first 14 regional games to help clinch second in the North. The Bulldog’s lineup was one of the most efficient in the conference with just 112 strikeouts, and also one of the top power lineups. They posted the sixth-best slugging percentage in the NWAACC and the seventhmost doubles. No Bulldog has outstanding offensive numbers, but six different starters batted .280 or better and drove in at least 15 runs. Bulldog starting pitcher Nick Kiel scorched NWAACC hitters this year; he struck out 85 batters, by far the most in the conference, and opposing batters hit just .207 against him. However, he received very little run support and has a win-loss record of just 6-4.
Treasure Valley Community College Chukars (34-10) (25-7) First Place, East Region
Edmonds Community College Tritons (34-7) (20-5) First place, North Region
Walla Walla Community College Warriors (27-14) (18-13) Second Place, East Region
The Chukars climbed as high as third in the NWAACC coaches’ poll during the season and have been one of the conference’s most consistent teams throughout the year. They have lost consecutive games on just two different occasions this season and are near the top of the conference in nearly all major offensive categories, including fifth in home runs and RBIs. Treasure Valley’s sophomore utility man Brady Baker is one of the most versatile players in the conference. Baker has crushed eight home runs and and 36 RBIs and was also the stopgap of the Chukars’ bullpen. He has earned either a win or a save in 8-of-9 appearances and has struck out 14 batters in nine innings in the Chukars’ closer role.
The Tritons own the top overall record in the conference and boast one of the NWAACC’s most prolific offenses. They batted .302 as a team, second best in the conference, and were led by a quartet of players who batted .340 or better during the regular season. Tritons first baseman Ryan Budnick led Edmonds’ offensive attack with a .386 average, 44 RBIs and six home runs, and Edmonds’ three starting outfielders combined to steal 57 bases, including 28 by sophomore Travis Beck. On the mound, the Tritons were led by three starting pitchers who all earned at least eight wins and boast ERAs of 2.12 or lower. Edmonds’ ace Zach Johnson leads the team with eight wins, a 1.20 ERA and 71 strikeouts.
Five players had 40 hits or more for the Warriors, the most of any team in the NWAACC. Their high-powered offense was second in the conference in doubles and RBIs and no player had a bigger impact for Walla Walla than designated hitter JJ Robinson. Robinson led the NWAACC with 11 home runs and tied for fourth with 42 RBIs. He has the potential to change a game with one swing of the bat, but is essentially a bang-or-bust player; he racked up 25 strikeouts and grounded into 5 double plays, extremely high numbers for a player who is his team’s top offensive threat. While the Warriors have a plus offense, their pitching staff ranked in the NWAACC’s bottomfive in runs, hits and walks surrendered.
Pierce Community College Raiders (27-11) (22-3) First Place, West Region
Tacoma Community College Titans (37-6) (22-5) Second Place, West Region
Clark Community College Penguins (31-13) (21-9) First Place, South Region
The top offensive team in the NWAACC, the Raiders hit an astounding .339 as a team — 37 points higher than any other team in the conference. They were led by four players who hit .336 or better, including outfielder Dillon Gee at .383. While they don’t have a true middle-of-the-lineup power hitter, the entire Raider’s batting order hits the ball all over the park. They were second in the conference in extra-base hits and only one team had fewer strikeouts. Pierce has three strong starting pitchers, but does not have an extremely deep staff, as only six pitchers have thrown 20 innings or more. Pierce’s Achilles heel could be their defense; they made 64 errors this season.
The Tacoma Titans have more depth offensively than any team in the tournament. Eight of their everyday players hit .270 or better and drove in at least 19 runs, and four Tacoma players hit .350 or better. Tacoma leadoff hitter and right fielder Jeremy Spring led the way for the Tacoma with a .366 batting average, five doubles, six triples and 29 RBIs. Although they have a standout offense, the Titans’ pitching and defense are their strongest assets. They have made just 38 errors this season, and are led on the mound by Jake Vernia, a sophomore with a 10-0 record and a 0.90 ERA. They have four other starters with at least four wins and ERAs lower than 2.70, and closer Ryota Koiwai has struck out 21 batters and walked just one in 24.2 innings.
The Penguins do not have a great overall offense, but the top of their batting order may be the strongest of any team in the tournament. Penguin leadoff hitter Kyle Vanderkin reached base in 47 percent of his 153 at-bats and is one of the top defensive shortstops in the conference. Left fielder Michael Gonzales is one of the NWAACC’s top baserunners and led the South Region with 16 stolen bases, and cleanup hitter Brady Maney provides a true power bat in the middle of the Penguins’ order. He hit hit .363 and drove home 33 runs this season. On the mound, the Penguins are led by the tournaments top pitcher, sophomore Tanner Eckert. Eckert boasts a 0.70 ERA and led the NWAACC with 10 wins while striking out 65 batters.
The Torch / Thursday, MAY 22, 2014
6
SPORTS&RECREATION TRACK & FIELD
BY THE NUMBERS
7'3.25" High jump mark by Lane freshman Dakarai Hightower, a personal best and NWAACC record.
85
Points scored by Lane’s men in jump events; 18 in pole vault, 23 in triple jump, 20 in long jump and 24 in high jump.
contributed by Grady O’connor
TOP: Lane sophomore Alex Sattley finished second in the triple jump with a distance of 45'05.75" in the NWAACC Championships in Spokane, Wash. on May 20.
4
RIGHT: Sophomre Janelle Noga won the women’s pole vault title with a height of 11'09.25" at the NWAACC track and field championship. Fellow sophomore Anna Jensen placed second.
TRACK TEAMS TAKE TITLES Jarrid Denney Sports Editor For the second season in a row, Lane’s men and women have claimed the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges’ track titles. The Titans wrapped up both titles at Spokane Community College on May 20. Lane women’s team won with a score of 241 points, while the men prevailed with 183 points. Both finished 22 points ahead of runner-up the community colleges of Spokane Sasquatch. Lane freshman Dakarai Hightower was named Outstanding Male Field Athlete of the meet and Titans sophomore Kara Hallock scored the second-most points of any woman athlete. Lane head coach Grady O’Connor was named men’s coach of the year.
Men
With eight of their athletes competing injured, Lane’s men had their backs against the wall going into the final day of the NWAACC championship. However, the Titans received numerous strong performances late in the meet’s second day, and one recordbreaking jump to help earn their second consecutive title. The Titans trailed the Community Colleges of Spokane Sasquatch by two points after the first day of action and found themselves narrowly behind the Sasquatch, en-
tering the second day’s final event, the triple jump. Four Lane athletes finished second through fifth in the triple jump to earn a total of 23 points, while no Spokane athletes placed, leaving Lane victorious in one of the closest meets in recent memory. “They exceeded expectations,” Lane head coach Grady O’Connor said. “That jumps crew really reveled in the pressure with their teammates on the fence line screaming at them. That was awesome that they answered the bell.” Lane sophomore Alex Sattley led the Titans in the triple jump with a leap of 45'04.75". He was followed by freshman Caleb Buzzas, sophomore Diego Gonzalez and freshman Kaelen Byrum. “Caleb, who basically has a torn hamstring that’s literally black and blue, just wrapped his leg and was able to finish as an All-American,” O’Connor said. The highlight of the meet for the Titans came in the high jump, where freshman Dakarai Hightower broke his own school record for the third time this season and set a personal best and NWAACC record with a jump of 7'3.25". “It was my first PR in a year or two. I almost forgot what it felt like,” Hightower said. “It was good to be back up there again, nationally ranked.” On his final jump, Hightower narrowly missed clearing 7'5".
THE TORCH / Thursday, May 22, 2014
In total, the Titans earned 84 total points in jump events. Sophomore Zach Olivera claimed Lane’s only individual title of the first day with a win in the pole vault. Olivera cleared 15'11.75" to earn his second consecutive title and was joined on the podium by fellow sophomores Connor White (fourth) and Erik Jorgensen (sixth). Jorgensen’s day ended early when his pole snapped in half during an attempt, leaving him with a broken thumb and a laceration that required stitches. Sophomore Sean McGetrick, last year’s 110-meter hurdle champion, finished second in the event this year, despite breaking the Lane record with a time of 14.37. McGetrick also finished second in the 400-meter hurdles.
Women
Lane’s relay team already sprinted their way into the school record books once this season. Tuesday, they did so again and won a combined seven NWAACC titles to cap off a historical season. Sophomores Jahzelle Ambus, Jalen Tims and Maculay Wilson, as well as freshman Kristine Dunn, teamed up to break the Lane 4x100meter relay record with a time of 47.29 and captured the conference title. Each member of the relay team also won an individual title, and to finish off the meet, they won the 4x400meter relay. Ambus claimed both the
100-meter and 200-meter dash titles; Dunn won the 400 and placed third in the 200; Tims won the 400-meter hurdles and placed second in the 100; and Wilson won the 800-meter run. “To have NWAACC titles in every event from the 800 down, I don’t think has ever been done,” O’Connor said. “It’s just a testament to those women — this sophomore class is going out with some huge accolades.” Titans sophomore Kara Hallock won the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.76 seconds to help Lane complete a sweep of all running events 800-meters and shorter. Hallock also placed third in the long jump, third in the 400-meter hurdles and fourth in the high jump. She scored 36 total points, including 10 from her April 29 heptathlon title. Lane won eight total individual titles. Aside from Hallock and the Titans’ sprint group, sophomores Janelle Noga and Kristin Clark each won an event. Noga cleared 11'09.25" to capture the the pole vault title, and four other Titans vaulters finished on the podium. Clark was victorious in the triple jump and also finished second in the long jump. Sophomore Madison Seaman placed second in the discus and third in the shot put, and sophomore Leah Wilson and freshman Simone Reynolds placed second in the javelin the pick up points in the throwing events.
Events won by Spokane sophomore Jessica Mildes; the 1,500-meter, 5,000-meter, 10,000-meter runs and the the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
10
Individual champions for the Titans; seven on the women’s side and three on the men’s.
75
Points scored by Titan sophomore Kara Hallock in her Lane career, including 35 this year.
2 Lane athletes who won consecutive individual titles; Zach Olivera in the pole vault and Dylan Hamming in the decathlon.
Freshman Nicole Maurmann finished second in the 1,500-meter run, and freshman Katy Potter took fourth in the 5,000-meter run to lead a Lane distance crew that scored 19 points, after scoring none at last year’s meet. “Most of this sophomore class hasn’t experienced anything but victory,” O’Connor said. “This team wasn’t as top-heavy as last year’s — last year’s was ridiculous. This year’s team had a little more depth in all of the events.”
7
ARTS&CULTURE
August Frank / THE TORCH
Katie Buchanan, Eviana Dan, Lacey Porter, Courtney Snow and Elana Sutton perform the dance “Follow the Chance” during The Works in Ragozzino Performance Hall on May 15.
Lane dancers give audience The Works Annual event showcases student creations
Courtney Springer Reporter Lane dance students showcased their choreography, lighting and costuming skills in a three-day event at Ragozzino Performance Hall that began May 15. The Works, an annual event, featured individually designed pieces by the students, giving them complete control over what the audience experienced. Lighting ranged from flashy bright pinks to white spotlights, and costumes varied from tan outfits to shiny dresses.
The choreography was varied as well. Movements included ballet, modern dance and jazz, to name a few. This is no talent show, Lane lead dance instructor Bonnie Simoa said, and the dancers go through a competitive audition to earn a spot on stage. Each dancer is required to present about a minute and a half of individually designed choreography at the audition. Most dancers began this journey by taking three choreography classes at Lane. The entire process took about a year and included dance improvisation, dance composition and group choreography.
“They get to feel what it’s like to make your own work and make decisions about costumes, lighting and the overall design of the show in detail,” Simoa said. After each dance, the audience waited for the last beat of music to completely fade out before applauding. Lane dance student Katie Buchanan participated in the event. She was a choreographer, along with Courtney Snow, and both were dancers in an improvised piece entitled “Follow the Chance.” “We didn’t know what song would
play,” Buchanan said. “We gave them a list and told them to play whatever.” Buchanan said there weren’t any pre-choreographed moves. They were literally drawing ideas out of a hat. Three other Lane dancers participated in the piece: Eviana Dan, Lacey Porter and Elana Sutton. Lane marketing specialist John Watson said this year’s performers are talented. “I’ve been following the concert for publicity purposes and have watched the dancers evolve,” Watson said. “It’s a great, great show.”
HULA: Culture preserved through dance traditions CONTINUED FROM P. 1
structor Joseph Colton arranged for the instructors to come to Lane as part of the Storytelling Model for Social Justice Program. He said he was very pleased with the event. “I thought it was really impressive,” Colton said. There are two types of hula, Kuhi and T.C. said, and both have cultural significance for Hawaii. Traditional hula requires research and discipline. It’s what preserves the heritage and traditions of Hawaiian culture through dance. The lineage of teachers, to which Kuhi and T.C. belong, are custodians entrusted with keeping the integrity of the dance intact. A more free-flowing hula, exists within and alongside traditional hula, which allows for individual expression from the dancer. It’s about freedom and creativity in the moment. Both styles of hula work together. The tradition never changes, but the
individual stories do, T.C. said. Kuhi started dancing the hula at 5 years old, and T.C. began his career with hula as a teenager. They are both kumu hula, which literally translates to “teacher of dance.” T.C. played competitive sports when he was younger, but when he began competing in hula competitions, he learned humility, he said. “The competition allows you to grow as a group,” T.C. said. “You learn to pick each other up when you fail. It’s a bonding experience. Even though it’s about you, it’s also about the group.” While exploring the significance of her role, Kuhi has thought about the future of hula and what it will be like in 20 years. She said her role, and that of any teacher, is to help students navigate their way through life. “We keep what we were given and keep it as it was meant
to be,” Kuhi said. Regarding making changes to hula, Kuhi said, when you know the history and the tradition, you know what you are changing and why you are changing it, and you have the ability to change it back again. Kuhi said hula has taught her that she is being guided. “It’s like watching a movie and being in it at the same time,” she said. Both Kuhi and T.C. emphasized the importance of blending the masculine and feminine in hula. They each uphold their own lineages and respective female and male characteristics, while honoring and embracing them all. James Florendo, steward to the Longhouse and Lane Native American Programs coordinator thanked Kuhi and T.C. for the spirit and energy they brought to the longhouse. “When you add your spirit, people come in here and can
EUGENE JOHNSON / THE TORCH
Kalimakuhilani “Kuhi” Southard performs a traditional hula before a small audience in the Longhouse May 16.
feel it,” he said. In 2008, Kuhi won the title of “Miss Aloha Hula” at the annual weeklong Merrie Monarch Festival, which has been
held in Hilo, Hawaii, since 1963. The Merrie Monarch Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Hawaiian culture.
The Torch / Thursday, MAY 22, 2014
8
ARTS&CULTURE
Lane creates music industry leaders of tomorrow Music technology lab helps take students’ music to new heights
Fencing students need blades ASLCC approves equipment funds
Penny Scott A&C Editor Lori Hawley, a music technology tutor, began as a culinary arts major at Lane, but once she’d experienced commercial editing, music composition, mixing, and mastering in the music lab, she changed her major. “It totally changed my life and my career path,” Hawley said. “I decided I wanted to be a tutor and now a year later I am. I’m studying music technology and audio engineering.” Lane’s state-of-the-art music technology lab sets Lane apart as an industry leader among community colleges. Twelve years ago, the college constructed the lab, which has remained top in its class ever since. A portion of the fees from music, dance and theater students are saved each year and earmarked for major upgrades to equipment every five or six years. The lab has a research center, sound studio, isolation booth and 20 individual high-tech stations. Each student is assigned a station that resembles a personal home recording studio. Instead of being assigned lab time throughout the week, students have access to individual stations until the lab closes each day at 5 p.m. “There are students who are really passionate about what they’re doing, and they don’t want to spend two, three, or four hours. They want to spend 10 or 20 hours working on their creative projects,” Alberto Redondo, music lab coordinator, said. Lane’s music program offers courses in both formal music theory and music technology. Many students share both disciplines, which expands their musical capabilities, taking them beyond the thresholds that a single discipline imposes, acording to Redondo. The lab was the brainchild of lead music technology instructor Ed McManus. “Ed changed my life. He is such a great teacher and has been the shining star of developing this music program,” Hawley said. The lab has eight tutors in music technology and music theory. The tutors are being trained to become music industry leaders, Redondo said. “Tutoring is about communication between human
Carl Knoch Fencing Club representative
Penny Scott A&C Editor
Penny scott / THE TORCH
Music theory tutor Matt Noble (left), and music technology tutor Kyle McCready (right), are working in the research department of Lane’s high-tech music lab on April 14.
beings,” music theory tutor Matt Noble said. “You’ve got to be really clear and really specific. You’ve got to really understand where the student is coming from.” “The best thing is meeting new people,” music technology tutor Kyle McCready said. “I get to work with people with different learning styles, having different troubles, and ways they get over their obstacles in understanding music.” The music instructors are high -caliber and they each bring something unique to the program, Redondo said. “Seth Mulvihill is a local artist and a really fun teacher,” Hawley said. “He plays in a lot of jam bands. He has his doctorate, and it’s so great that he gives back and plays in the community.” Redondo sees opportunities for people emerging in the music industry. He said people educated in music go to concerts, stimulate that economy and bring money back into the arts. “You have people who are doctors or professionals in other careers who, because of a musical or artistic background, may be more creative thinkers when they are in another job,” Redendo said. “Music is in everything. It’s in the way we commu-
THE TORCH / Thursday, May 22, 2014
Penny scott / THE TORCH
Lane’s 20 high-tech individual music stations in the state-of-theart music technology lab in Building 6 provide personal space for students to create and mix virtually any kind of music.
nicate and work with each other. So music or arts translates into a higher quality of whatever they are doing.” Students collaborate and things have a way of falling into place in a synchronistic way, Redondo said. Musicians and bands can meet just the right person for their projects. Relationships form and their creative efforts are taken to new heights. According to Redondo,
students perform for each other, and other students show up and get inspired. They, in turn, compose something and perform for each other, and it creates community awareness of the arts; be it music, dance or theater. “We have such an influx of students and so many creative things happening,” Redondo said. “We are producing a very sustainable thing.”
A request by Lane’s Fencing Club for $435.90 to replace six broken fencing blades was approved at the May 21 senate meeting after the Council of Clubs failed to make quorum. Fencing Club representative Carl Knoch requested the funds for a tournament at Lane on May 31. The club purchased beginner level blades, which have been breaking because club members are fencing at a higher level than expected, he said. “We’ve got about eight people who are at the national level right now,” Knoch said. Chairwoman Jyoti Burns said she was reluctant to accept the funds request, stating that the Fencing Club was not represented at the council’s recent council event. She suggested that the club postpone the tournament pending a review of funds requests over the summer. Knoch said the club has been planning the event for three months. For students to experience what it’s like to be in a tournament environment, they need new blades, he said. Knoch added that his club participated in every fair prior to the 2014 event. Emily Aguilera said the Outdoor Adventure Club is planning a camping trip for the summer. She did not make a formal funds request, but announced that the club will be requesting more than $200 for the event at the senate meeting. Absent from the meeting were the Chess, Green Chemistry and Anime-Manga clubs. The Student Nurses Association had been excused. Council of Clubs will meet once more this term on June 3. Members will bring food.