Nov. 17, 2010

s e r v i n g t h e u n i v e r s i t y o f n o r t h e r n c o l o r a d o s i n c e 1 9 19

the mirror Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

uncm i r r o r . c o m

Volume 93, Number 37

Look in The Mirr or Page 3

Cooking chili for charity

Sports Men’s hoops beats Wyoming The UNC men’s basketball team beats Wyoming with a big firsthalf run.

PAGE 10

Arts Classic Mozart opera transformed Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, UNC’s Opera Theatre to perform opera PAGE 7

Online Facts about frequent tobacco use Information and statiscal posters have been set up around campus.

Read more at uncmirror.com Wed: 43 | 26 Thur: 58 | 36 Fri:

55 | 30

Sat:

53 | 31

Upcoming In Friday’s issue of The Mirror, read about a young honorary cheerleader on the UNC cheerFILE PHOTO | THE MIRROR leading squad.

Former UNC head football coach Scott Downing runs a team practice last season. Downing was relieved of his duties after going 3-8 in 2010.

SOURCE: WEATHER.COM

@

w w w. u n c m i r r o r. c o m C A M P U S N E W S . C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . Y O U R N E W S .

News

2 The Mirror

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

Film about cultural differences ignites discussions SARA VANCLEVE news@uncmirror.com

Students traveled to Morocco and back on Monday night without leaving campus, learning about themselves and each other along the way.

“Crossing Borders,” a documentary following eight university students making their way through Morocco, was shown in Lindou Auditorium. The film was presented by the International Film Series and the Center for Honors, Scholars and Leadership.

The documentary was created and directed by Arnd Wächter, who found four American university students studying abroad in Spain and invited them to visit Morocco

where they met four Moroccan students.

The students lived together for a week and visited different parts of Morocco, from Rabat to a shanty in Casablanca to Spanish Ceuta.

In the week they were together, the students discussed hard-pressed issues, such as cultural differences and religion, and shared some laughs.

Most importantly, though, they were able to break the oftenmisled stereotypes they had of the people that they had never met and the land that they never visited.

Despite differences in religion and culture, the students were able to form friendships through a mutual respect for each other and the many simi-

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RADIO

HEAR US ON CHANNEL 3 IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS OR WWW.UNCO.EDU/UNCRADIO OR WWW.UNCRADIO.COM

DAMAGED ORGANS, SLOWED REFLEXES, MEMORY LAPSES, BLACKOUTS, LACK OF SELF CONTROL, IMPAIRED JUDGEMENT RESULTING IN DRUNK DRIVING OR UNPROTECTED SEX, ALCOHOL POISONING, OR DEATH. UNDERAGE DRINKING IS JUST TOO RISKY. THE GREELEY POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED AN ENFORCING UNDERAGE DRINKING LAWS GRANT FROM THE COLORADO STATE LIQUOR DIVISION, THROUGH THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE. THE GREELEY POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED MONETARY FUNDS TO PAY POLICE OFFICERS TO WORK ADDITIONAL SHIFTS ENFORCING UNDERAGE DRINKING LAWS.

larities they shared, even though they were from opposite sides of the world.

Two of the major points made in the film were people should experience members of another culture before judging them, and conflict is a human characteristic regardless of ethnic background.

“I thought it was interesting to see how different cultures relate and how people can have similarities no matter where they’re from,” said Kacey Johnson, a sophomore prenursing major.

Afterward, some students took part in a discussion about the film and intercultural interactions in general.

The discussion included topics such as the effects of the media on people’s perceptions of different places, how the United States is an individualist culture in comparison to others and cultural differences regarding time management.

“It’s hard to go from one perspective, then to go and see another perspective,” said Craig Gordon, a graduate student studying education psychology, said while discussing his experi-

DAN OBLUDA | THE MIRROR

Students talk about the differences between American culture and other cultures around the world after the screening of the film “Crossing Boarders” Monday in Lindou Auditorium in Michener Library. ences in Yemen and Kuwait.

“Others’ perspective and customs should always be respected.”

UNC students who analyzed the film concluded that the way time is perceived is very different among different cultures.

The U.S. is seen as very schedule-oriented and monochronic, whereas many other cultures are more leisurely and polychronic, which speaks of the

values of each culture.

“It helps to understand people in America when you go away from the media and go to the people,” said Hussain Alawami, an international student from Saudi Arabia and a sophomore business major.

“You can understand the culture and life situations. Instead of just seeing them; you live with it.”

News

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

The Mirror 3

Cooking contest heats up state fundraising campaign CARRISSA OLSZEWSKI news@uncmirror.com

The changing seasons gives cold students the chance to eat a variety of hot foods, most notably chili. The 6th annual chili cook-off was hosted by the Colorado Combined Campaign Monday in the University Center.

The Colorado Combined Campaign is an organization that sponsors more than 700 charities designed specifically to help Coloradans. The CCC focuses on workplace fundraising from businesses in the state.

The campaign has representatives who make sure each charity provides the services they claim, according to the CCC’s website.

Twenty-four participants competed in the chili cook-off this year. Each competitor was either from a local charity or an organization within UNC. “We thought this would be a good way to get people to learn more about the Colorado Combined Campaign,” said Lori Brachtenbach, assistant to the senior vice president of Finance and Administration.

The cost of admission was $3. Brachtenbach said this money paid for the expenses of the event, and the rest was split among each charity.

Brachtenbach said normally, about 300 people show up to the event each year.

Three winners are awarded a trophy for creating a chili that best fits one of the following categories: most unique, best green chili and best red chili.

“I joined (the competition) to get more people aware of it,” said Hal Brown, the director of Dining Services.

Brown won the most unique

chili category with the creation of his wild duck chili. He said he tries to create a distinct-tasting

chili for attendees to experience. It goes without saying that to make an outstanding

AMANDA NEIGES | THE MIRROR

From left to right: Tyler Short, senior, Dan Larson, senior and Matt Robbins, senior, sample chili Monday at the annual Colorado Combined Campaign chili cook-off in the University Center Ballrooms.

chili, contestants had to challenge their culinary comfort zone.

The other winners were the UNC Foundation’s red chili and It Men’s green chili.

All the charities at the cookoff were umbrella agencies under United Way, an organization dedicated to funding programs that aid children, families or those living in the Greeley community, said Sandie Cantrell, the account manager for the United

Way in Weld County.

The University of Northern Colorado offers students a chance to volunteer with the United Way. This program allows students to help the community for an entire year or through one-time projects.

To find out more about how to volunteer with United Way, contact Zach Scully at zach.scully@unco.edu or Lori Brachtenbach at lori.brachtenbach@unco.edu.

Editor: Eric Heinz

4 The Mirror

LETTERS The Mirror appreciates your opinions. You can submit your columns or letters to the editor to editor@uncmirror.com. Columns can be no longer than 400 words.

Include your name, year and major.

Amazon.com boycott, literature censorship skirts issue Josh DIVINE

POLL This week’s poll question: Do you or your family celebrate Thanksgiving?

Cast your vote at www.uncmirror.com

Mirror Staff 2010-2011 KURT HINKLE | General Manager khinkle@uncmirror.com ERIC HEINZ | Editor editor@uncmirror.com BENJAMIN WELCH | News Editor news@uncmirror.com JORDAN FREEMYER | Sports Editor sports@uncmirror.com RUBY WHITE | Arts Editor arts@uncmirror.com MELANIE VASQUEZ | Visual Editor photo@uncmirror.com ERIC HIGGINS | Advertising Manager ads@uncmirror.com RYAN ANDERSON | Ad Production Manager adproduction@uncmirror.com

editor@uncmirror.com

I

t’s no secret — controversial material is printed every day, and publications are released that have even transcended controversy and are blatantly regarded by the general population as dangerous. Last week’s fiasco concerning Amazon.com and Phillip R. Greaves II’s book, “The Pedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure: a Child-lover’s Code of Conduct,” shows this blatant danger.

Threats of an Amazon boycott littered Facebook and Twitter last week when word got out that the online book giant was selling

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Greaves’ pedophile guide. After first failing to comment on the issue and then saying that Amazon does not censor against authors, the corporation finally pulled the publication.

Heated debate has since ensued with some people saying Amazon should never have sold a publication as reprehensible as Greaves’, while others insist on an expansion of information regardless of content.

Both sides of these arguments have some ground. If Amazon and other publication retailers started censoring information, then our world would be cast into Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit-451,” and no publication would survive unless it adhered to Amazon’s agenda.

On the flipside, the First Amendment doesn’t mention Amazon anywhere, and because

Amazon is a privately owned corporation, it has a definitive right to not sell anything that it wants — just like Wal-Mart has the right to not sell Kroger-brand products — especially when that product endorses a criminal act.

Despite claims by Greaves that the book does not encourage pedophilia, he said it serves as a guide to help pedophiles make the situation safer for kids. Even though Greaves might not agree, any publication that gives people advice on performing acts necessarily endorses said acts.

The real question here is not what Amazon should or should not have done, it isn’t concerned with Amazon’s response and subsequent removal of said material, and it is disjoint from First Amendment arguments.

I have said before that morality is not a subjective topic, that

there exists a definitive right and wrong and that the only subjective piece comes with discerning the often fine line in some situations (and broad boundary in others), but even those moral skeptics out there must agree that if nothing else, Greaves’ attempt at imparting advice on pedophilia shakes the ground that society stands on.

Pedophilia clearly violates moral code, but it also deteriorates society and is therefore reprehensible. We should not fight over Amazon’s decisions; we should be concerned with the fact that there are people out there who want to encourage and provide channels for pedophilic behavior.

—Josh Divine is a junior math major and a weekly columnist for The Mirror.

Binge drinking occurs frequently because of high age limit Mark MAXWELL

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Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

editor@uncmirror.com

O

n Monday, The Mirror published a column by Greeley Police Detective Mark E. Stumpf on the dangers of underage drinking. I applaud him in his effort to make clear that police “are not out to get you.” Too often I’ve heard insults hurled at officers who are doing no less and no more than the job they are assigned to, and a brave job it is.

It’s no fairer to hate police for handing out MIP’s than it is to hate our overseas troops for participating in war. In both cases, I think the issue lies in the law of

the land, not the men and women who enforce it.

Drinking as a teen can lower inhibitions and lead to risky behaviors, just as drinking at the age of 40 can and does. Underage drunk driving causes thousands of deaths a year. But so does drunk driving by adults.

Since 2008, 135 university and college presidents, including our neighbor to the south, Colorado College, have signed the statement of the Amethyst Initiative, which aims to open discussion about the drinking age. The presidential statement declares in no uncertain terms that 21 is a failed experiment.

The legal age has created a culture of binge drinking and dangerous behaviors on and off campuses.

The problem the Amethyst presidents face is one of present environment, not upbringing.

College students use alcohol perhaps more than any other age group. In a mostly closed society where drinking is celebrated as a means to social interaction, entertainment and sex, how can we justify the age of 21 as legal for drinking, when students are as young as 17? Without a legal means to get alcohol, young students engage in binging because it’s the only way.

In recent years, some have suggested an alcohol education approach wherein teens of a certain age would be required to pass an alcohol-awareness course and test before being able to purchase alcohol. I see the merits of this, given adults would also have to

pass. Some have recommended stricter enforcement and harsher punishment for minors in possession and for drunk drivers. Rather than scare tactics, I support, instead, a combination of environmental approaches that make binge drinking less attractive: lowering the legal age to 18, serving limited drinks on campus and giving parents the right to drink with their own children at home.

I don’t mean to solve the problems of alcoholism, alcohol-related death, liver cancer or drunken idiocy. These are far too complex. The issue of binge drinking, though, it seems, is quite simple: If they can’t get it here, they’ll go get it there.

—Mark Maxwell is a junior theater arts major and a weekly columnist for The Mirror.

News

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

Volunteering offers experience TESSA BYRNS news@uncmirror.com

Along with work experience, volunteering is also a resumebooster that employers look at when hiring.

UNC hosted a volunteer fair Tuesday in the University Center Ballrooms. More than 200 students attended.

“Education alone is not what is getting students jobs — experience within an organization is key, and volunteering not only helps to provide that outside experience, but it also shows that the potential employee has more interests than just making money,” said Loree Crow, associate director for honors at the Center for Honors, Scholars, and Leadership.

Some students said volunteering not only benefits the students who participate, but it is a vital contribution to surrounding communities.

“Volunteering looks great on a resume,” said Chelsea Nelson, a staff member of the Student Activities Office. “With volunteering, prospective employers, graduate schools and anyone else who may look at your resume can see your dedication to something other than yourself. I think volunteering shows something else about a person that can’t come from a job as a paid position. If you are doing something and not getting paid for it, that shows your dedication and that you have a heart for the cause.”

Students also said they do not volunteer for the possibilities it opens up in the workforce exclusively, but also because they want to give back to the community.

“Some students want to give back to their community, some

students have requirements in their fields of discipline and some students really feel that service and stewardship are part of their values,” said Zachary Doyle, a senior psychology major.

Doyle also said volunteering helps students gain experience and forge relationships with people in the community.

“All of us have a responsibility to our own communities,” Crow said. “We are benefiting by having the opportunity to attend an institution of higher education, and if we are not becoming the educated citizens to help mold the direction of the community and the country, then who is?”

Because many students who are actively involved with a variety of organizations at UNC may be too busy to volunteer, organizers said they wanted to bring the opportunity to the general population.

“Many students have a large desire to participate in their

AMANDA NEIGES | THE MIRROR

Sarah Metcalfe, right, and Andrea Rivard, browse at the Volunteer Fair Tuesday in the UC. community and help out as much as possible,” Crow said.

“Normally it is other constraints that help students from being able to help out more such as needing to work and other school commitments.”

The Mirror 5

Quote of the day

“

“Always do right. This will gratify some and astonish the rest.”

— Mark Twain

”

News

6 The Mirror

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

Professor speaks on radio show about sustainability DEVON NAPLES news@uncmirror.com Among UNC’s most significant faculty assets is Richard Jurin, a biology professor and the Environmental Studies program coordinator, whose expertise lies in an increasingly important and relevant field: sustainability.

Sustainable 1000 Radio host Shane Snipes interviewed Jurin Oct. 6 about environmental sustainability. He was asked to speak on the show to provide an academic perspective on a topic that is frequently a catalyst for bias.

“It is an equitable and more common-sense way to live (…) it is a way to resolve all our environmental problems while giving a good standard of living to everyone on the planet, not just the fortunate ones in

developed nations,” Jurin said.

Originally from England, Jurin said his trips back to Europe have revealed that the United States is not far behind in sustainable l i v i n g . Richard Jurin Europe’s primary advantage is the commonality of national energy policies concerning carbon emissions, global climate change and sustainability.

When tracking the progress of resource depletion, it is clear the rate at which people consume resources increases as the supply decreases; therefore, complete sustainability must become a reality sooner rather than later.

Jurin said the goal of a sustainable nation is difficult to realize, considering the “advertising juggernaut,” which surrounds Americans on a daily basis, communicates only one vision: consumerism. He said this obsession with consuming leaves no room for sustainability.

“We expect sustainability to be a big, complex solution because the problems are all complex and interrelated,” Jurin said. “But when you look at the root problems, we actually do not have as many problems to solve as we think we do.”

Jurin said these “root problems,” if resolved, could result in sustainability. Sheer over-population, overconsumption by humans, use of finite fossil fuels for energy and inefficient cost systems are some of the biggest problems sustainability faces.

Tonight!

sustainability this spring. Several other classes on sustainable living are also offered, and beginning as soon as Fall of 2011, a new sustainability degree will be available at the University of Northern Colorado through Environmental Studies.

Jurin said things are going to change; sustainability is a definite “buzz word” all over the country, and when the shift occurs, it is going to mean better quality of life, not better standard of living.

Jurin will teach Environmental Studies 100 as an introduction to

College recognizes members

TESSA BYRNS news@uncmirror.com The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is organizing a dinner to recognize the efforts of outstanding students and faculty in the department.

“We will be mentioning each department/school, as well as HSS clubs and organizations. A point to remember is that no matter how different our majors may be, we all belong under one umbrella: the College of HSS.” said Fiza Johari, a senior criminal justice major.

Johari, the president of the HSS Student Council and the HSS representative on Student Senate, said the purpose of the dinner is to

gather all members of HSS and socialize.

Though this is the first year the dinner, organizers said they want to construct an annual ceremony for HSS members and students.

“I would really like to know what else students really want to see the council doing,” said Shelby Williams, the vice president of Public Affairs for HSS. Williams said she wants to increase philanthropic and work to improve the awareness and visibility of the council.

The appreciation dinner will be 7-9 p.m. Thursday in Brown Hall. Weekly CCC meetings are at 5 p.m. Thursdays in the Council Room in the University Center.

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Editor: Ruby White

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

The Mirror 7

Opera, orchestra celebrate centennial UNC, Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra collaborate for play TOTIANNA WEEKLY arts@uncmirror.com The masterful comedic opera, “Cosi fan tutte,” will be revived for UNC students and Greeley community members to enjoy at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Monfort Concert Hall, located at the Union Colony Civic Center.

“Cosi fan tutte” was originally composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart about two centuries ago. The Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and the University of Northern Colorado’s Opera Theatre will perform the piece as a collaborative work. A change in this production that differs from the original opera Mozart wrote is the all-English performance, rather than original Italian production.

“The production stays true to the light and fun style of the opera, while updating the events to the mid-20th century,” said

Brian Luedloff, director of UNC’s Opera Theatre.

Members of the GPO and UNC’s Opera Theatre said they decided to use this famous Mozart opera, written in the prime of his fame, as a means to commemorate GPO’s gala cen-

tennial season, which celebrates 100 years of musical excellence in Greeley.

“Historically, the GPO and UNC Opera Theatre have (coordinated to produce) operas in the past, and we’ve been working to restore this collaboration for

COURTESY OF BRIAN LEUDLOFF

Members of UNC’s Opera Theatre will perform “Cosi fan tutte” in collaboration with the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra to commemorate GPO’s 100th year in Greeley.

many years,” Leudloff said.

“Since this year is the centennial celebration of the GPO, it seemed like a logical time to honor that tradition with a production. Maestro Glen Cortese is a real advocate of opera and has wanted to include it on the GPO season. So for us, it was a no-brainer.”

A year of planning went in to making “Cosi fan tutte,” and operas are in general expensive to produce. GPO has a number donors who helped make the opera a possibility. Corporate sponsorships from the Greeley area also helped fund the performance, as well as individuals who are either current or former faculty members of the UNC School of Music.

“Cosi fan tutte” has a cast of six characters: Fiordiligi, Dorabella, Guglielmo, Ferrando, Despina and Don Alfonso, who are accompanied by a chorus.

The production’s cast is double

casted, so there will be different performers each night. There will be a returning cast performing and as well as a new-student cast performing. The returning cast includes Katie Dukes, Ryan Parker, Zach Wilson, Justin Hick, Chris Puckett and Emily Cox. The new-student cast includes Colleen Jackson, Logan Snook, Dana Kinney, Kara Stark, Michael Kilcoyne and Adam Luhrs.

Luedloff said “Cos fan tutte” is a story that centers on a bet between three men based on whether women can be faithful. The ending is a surprise, for the audience to find out through comedic proportions of who wins and who loses the bet.

Tickets are available at the Union Colon Civic Center box by calling 970-356-5000 or 1-800-315ARTS. For the campus community, tickets are available at Frasier Hall Performing Arts box office, by visiting www.arts.unco.edu or by calling 970-351-2200.

Fraternity to celebrate Mexican Revolution 100th year STAFF REPORT arts@uncmirror.com The men of Nu Alpha Kappa fraternity, a Latino based fraternity with a multicultral

membership, will host their second annual “La Revolucion de 1910,” event tomorrow at 6 p.m. in the Panorama Room, located in the University Center. The men are hosting the event to celebrate the 100year anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.

The event is free for students and Greeley community members and will feature a small art display. Robert Weis, a UNC history professor, will

provide the audience with a brief history of the Mexican Revolution and its effects.

Dance troupe Baile Folklorico, a traditional Mexican dance group, will perform as well.

Cory Wilson, a senior sociology major and member of Nu Alpha Kappa fraternity, said the men are expecting a bit more than 100 people in attendance.

“We are putting on this event to celebrate the 100-year

anniversary of the Mexican Revolution that took place in 1 9 1 0 , ” Wilson said.

“We are having Dr. Weis give a presentation to educate people

We are putting on this event to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Mexican Revolution that took place in 1910.

“

— Cory Wilson, a senior sociology major and member of Nu Alpha Kappa

on the revolution’s history, and we will be serving food and there will be a dance performance. We are hoping for a great turnout.”

For more information on the event, contact Carlos Cruz at 719-287-9700.

Arts & Entertainment

The Mirror 8

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

Ask Alex: My best friend is pregnant Alexandria VASQUEZ

arts@uncmirror.com

D

ear Alex,

I just found out my best friend is pregnant. She is very scared and doesn’t know what to do. Her family is very religious, and she thinks when they find out, they will disown her. I keep trying to tell her that everything will be all right, but she just keeps losing hope.

I’m trying very hard to be a good friend, but I do not know what else to tell her. She has been with her boyfriend for three solid years, and they are very committed to each other.

She’s 23 years old and is about to graduate. I know she will land a good job after graduation, and her boyfriend makes pretty decent money. Her biggest concern is that her family will not accept her pregnancy because she and her boyfriend are not married. I’ve explained to her many times that many couples have children out of wedlock, but that doesn’t mean the child won’t have a good life or that she and her boyfriend won’t eventually get married. Might you have some advice on how I can calm her down and come up with a plan to tell her family? God Bless.

Thank you, -Got A Friend Who’s Preggers Dear Preggers, It sounds to me like you are a great friend and supporting her in a time when she really needs it the most. I cannot say

what I would or would not do in this situation, seeing as how I’ve never been pregnant, but I can tell you that honesty is always the best policy. Even though the thought seems scary, I think it might be best if your friend shares her dilemma with her family. There is the risk that they will disown her, but they might surprise her and be more accepting than she initially thought they would be. Remind your friend that she is a fully capable young woman and that she will land on both her feet, regardless of what happens. Most of all, continue what you’re doing and offer her the shoulder she needs to lean on.

To Drop, or Not to Drop Dear Alex, Lately I have been thinking of dropping out of school. The thing is, I only have two semesters left before I get my degree.

If I were to tell my parents about dropping out, they would cut me off from everything. My parents pay my rent, car note and insurance, tuition and phone bill. I hardly pay for anything. I mean, I like school, but right now it’s getting to be too stressful. I have also been thinking about moving in with my boyfriend, so then they wouldn’t be able to threaten me with my rent. He and I have been in a relationship for one year now, and I think I am old enough to make my own decisions. Also, I am a straight A student, so me wanting to take a break from school shouldn’t be that bad of an idea. It’s just stressing me out too much right now. Trying to balance a 4.0 GPA and a relationship is a lot of work, and at the moment, I

kind of want the relationship.

What would you do if you were me? Can you give me some great advice? Thanks!

-I Love My Boyfriend Dear, I Love My Boyfriend, I can understand feeling stressed out by school, especially if you’re trying to maintain a 4.0 GPA and a relationship on top of that. It’s natural to want to push the harder things aside and stick with what feels good — namely, your boyfriend. I encourage you to sit down and really think about your motiva-

tion for dropping out. Are you going through a rough patch in your relationship? Are your classes proving to be more difficult than you thought they would be? Focus on trying to solve those problems before making any rash decisions. You might want to try couples counseling, which is available on campus at the UNC Counseling Center located in Cassidy Hall, to work on strengthening your relationship. If you’re having trouble with your schoolwork, perhaps try communicating this to your professors so that you

can get extra help. Life is full of decisions we have to make for ourselves and for our futures, and I know you are fully capable of doing this for yourself. Since you asked what I would do, I’ll tell you: I would stay in school.

While it may seem impossible now, pushing through and graduating will be easier in the long run than returning to school after life hits you (repeatedly) where it hurts.

—To submit a question to Alexandria Vasquez’s advice column, visit her page at formspring.me/uncadvice.

Editor: Jordan Freemyer

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

The Mirror 9

Football coach will not be retained JORDAN FREEMYER sports@uncmirror.com

After five mostly unsuccessful seasons, UNC head football coach Scott Downing was relieved of his duties Tuesday.

Downing was 9-47 as head coach at the University of Northern Colorado and led the Bears to a 3-8 mark in 2010. The Bears closed the season with a 3530 win at Portland State on Saturday.

“Coach Downing has done a very good job under challenging conditions in building a Division I FCS Big Sky Conference football program here at Northern Colorado,” UNC director of athletics Jay Hinrichs said in a press release.

UNC junior quarterback Dylan Orms also applauded Downing’s effort at UNC.

“Coach Downing was a great guy,” Orms said. “He did tremendous things for this program; it’s sad to see him have to leave.”

A search committee f o r Scott Downing D o w n i n g ’ s compiled a record replacement of 9-47 in five seais being sons as UNC head formed. football coach.

Offensive coordinator Greg Peterson and defensive coordinator Cody Deti will oversee the team’s offseason activities and recruiting until a new head coach is hired. All of UNC’s assistants will stay on at least until the hiring process is complete.

“Coach Deti and Coach

Peterson will keep us going in the right direction,” Orms said.

Hinrichs said although Downing’s commitment to the program was admirable, the decision not to retain him as head coach came down to the simple matter of performance.

“Football is a game that must be measured in wins and losses,” Hinrichs said. “We have not made those improvements on the field, at the end of the game and at the end of the season that must be what we aspire to.”

Downing’s teams never won more than three games in a season, and 2010 was the only year in which the Bears won more than one Big Sky Conference game under Downing.

The Bears won just one game in each of Downing’s first three seasons at UNC, with 1-10 records in 2006 and 2008 and a 1-11 record

in 2007, and had matching 3-8 records in Downing’s final two seasons.

“A few more wins could have changed things,” Orms said.

The Bears started the 2010 season 2-1, but they endured a sevengame losing streak before defeating PSU for the team’s third road victory under Downing. The Bears had close calls this season, losing 35-28 against No. 12 Eastern Washington on Oct. 16 and falling at No. 15 Montana State, 37-35, the following week.

“We just didn’t win enough games,” Orms said.

Despite the lack of success on the field, UNC had the highest graduation rate and Academic Progress Rating among Big Sky football teams in the NCAA’s latest report.

“I want to personally thank Coach Downing for all that he has

unselfishly done for the Bears football program and the entire department of athletics,” Hinrichs said.

Charlie Charbonneau tributed to this story.

con-

UNC Football Coaches since 1965: Coach:

Record:

Scott Downing O. Kay Dalton Joe Glenn Ron Simonson Bob Blasi

9-47 39-31 98-35 13-30 107-71-3

Volleyball senior has excelled for UNC program DAVID WILSON sports@uncmirror.com

Imagine having to adjust from a home town of 33,000 people in Iowa to a city of 100,000 people in Colorado, all while trying to survive the Monfort College of Business and help build a Division I women’s volleyball program.

UNC senior outside hitter Ashley Lichtenberg, a native of Bettendorf, Iowa, has not only responded to the challenge, but she has exceeded expectations, becoming one of the University of Northern Colorado’s most powerful scorers. Lichtenberg is the only four-year starter on this year’s squad and ranks second on

the team in kills with 363. She is first on the roster with a .396 attacking percentage.

“I think what people will remember about her is how powerful she is,” Bears head coach Lyndsey Benson said. “That’s something, as coaches, we can’t take credit for or teach. She had that coming in here.”

Lichtenberg reached 1,000 kills for her career on Oct. 30 against Weber State, making her just the 14th player in UNC history to eclipse that mark. Her success in volleyball is no surprise; she is the daughter of a high school volleyball coach in Iowa.

“They put a volleyball in my hands when I was little, and I’d go

watch her matches when I was growing up,” Lichtenberg said. “She never pressured me into playing — I just grew to love the game.”

Though Lichtenberg has been in a starting role since she first arrived at UNC, her teammates said she has stayed humble and has helped lead a younger group of hitters along the way.

“You always know what you are going to get from her out on the court, and she always holds everyone’s best interest at heart, on and off the floor,” sophomore outside hitter Kelley Arnold said. “On the court, she is really dominant, but See Volleyball, Page 11

FILE PHOTO | THE MIRROR

UNC senior outside hitter Ashley Lichtenberg (8) jumps to block a shot alongside sophomore outside hitter Kelley Arnold.

Lichtenberg has exceeded 1,000 kills in her career at UNC.

Sports

10 The Mirror

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

Bears use strong first half to overwhelm Wyoming DAVID WILSON sports@uncmirror.com

For the first 12 minutes of Tuesday night’s contest against the University of Wyoming, the UNC men’s basketball team was flawless as it jumped out Men’s Basketball to a 16-0 lead before the Cowboys could find the bottom of the net, en route to a 67-53 win in front of 2,051 fans at ButlerHancock Sports Pavilion.

The University of Northern Colorado (2-0) led by as many as 27 points in the first half, and it looked like the only thing the Cowboys (1-1) would lead in was disappointed fans. But the Bears’ shooting went cold, and Wyoming closed the gap to as close as eight points at the 5:20-minute mark in the second half.

“They’re a good team, and they have good players, so I knew they were going to make a run,” UNC head coach B.J. Hill said. “Our guys stepped up to the challenge when they needed to.”

Sophomore guard Elliott Lloyd

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hit back-to-back 3-pointers to keep the Bears’ lead at 11, senior guard Devon Beitzel then scored the next seven UNC points within a minute span to boost the lead to 18 points inside the last two minutes to seal the game away. Lloyd finished with 11 points and Beitzel led all scorers with 20 on the night.

“It was a little nerve-racking to let them back in the game, but we have confidence as a team,” Beitzel said. “We showed some maturity tonight.”

Though the Bears’ shooting at times was inconsistent, the defensive effort never faltered and solidified the victory. UNC forced 18 turnovers, notching six steals, and held the Cowboys to 34 percent shooting from the floor.

“We really had to focus in on our defensive rebounding,” said Lloyd, who had seven rebounds in the game. “Defense wins games.”

Tuesday marked the first time since 1938 that the Bears have defeated Wyoming, and the win

CASSIE NUCKOLS | THE MIRROR

UNC junior forward Mike Proctor attempts a layup in the Bears’ 67-53 victory over Wyoming on Tuesday. Proctor scored four points, grabbed six rebounds and had two steals in the win. moves the Bears to 5-1 against Mountain West conference opponents in the last two years. The only loss was a six-point defeat to

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the Cowboys last season. The win also made B.J. Hill the second head coach in school history to start a season 2-0.

UNC won’t return home until Dec. 4, but the first two games at home and the support they have received from fans has not gone unnoticed by the coaches or players.

“First and foremost, I want to thank our crowd for coming out and supporting us,” senior forward Chris Kaba said. “We want to make this place somewhere other teams fear. We want them to know it’s going to be tough to come in here and get a win.”

Kaba finished with 15 points, 12 of them during the Bears’ firsthalf offensive clinic.

Next Game: Arizona 3 p.m.

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Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

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Firing of coach is necessary for success Charlie CHARBONNEAU

sports@uncmirror.com

I

t’s official: the Scott Downing era, or rather the Scott Downing error, is finally over.

Five long years, five losing seasons and nine measly wins — 47 tough losses.

You tell me, was it time?

Was it justified? Was it needed? Absolutely.

I’ve missed one home game in the last three years at UNC, and I’ve had to sit through some of the worst losses in

school history.

I was there three years ago when we fumbled on the 1-yard line at the end of the game to lose to Texas State. I was watching on TV this season when we lost to Weber State in four overtimes after missing four field goals and having a plus-six turnover margin.

I understand Scott Downing isn’t the one on the field missing field goals and fumbling away victories, but I also understand that it is a rare situation when the University of Northern Colorado coaching staff has outcoached another staff.

It is extremely rare when our football team has been set

up for success, regardless of its execution on the field.

Yes, we are not the most talented team in the Big Sky Conference, but we are also not the third-worst. There is too much talent on this team for us to average only two wins a season under Downing’s tenure.

The combination of Dylan Orms, Andre Harris and Jace Davis is one of the best combinations in the conference, and all we have to show for it is constant underperforming.

The most frustrating thing for me is how the funding at UNC is split. Football still gets the most money and the most exposure despite its awful per-

formance.

Sports like basketball and volleyball, teams that have succeeded in recent years, are the ones bringing the most money and publicity to UNC, yet they still sit in the shadow of the football program.

Regardless of the circumstances around UNC, this firing was a long time coming.

It was wanted; it was needed; it simply had to happen.

Downing has brought talent to the program, hopefully his replacement will be able to use it.

– Charlie Charbonneau is a junior journalism major and a sports writer for The Mirror.

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Volleyball star has set records Volleyball from Page 9

that, she is really shy and quiet, and that’s something not many people would expect.”

Lichtenberg had other offers to play closer to home, but she said the coaching staff, the family atmosphere at UNC and the business school are all reasons that made Greeley feel like the right fit. After her four years of dominance, Lichtenberg’s name will forever be stapled to the program.

“She is very coachable, and we’ve had a great coach-player relationship,” Benson said. “She’s very deserving of that 1,000th kill, and she is one of the best players to play here at UNC.”

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Sports

12 The Mirror

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

Expect Vick to shine for second consecutive week Charlie CHARBONNEAU

sports@uncmirror.com

I

don’t know about everyone else, but I thought this was by far one of the best weeks in the NFL season.

The Broncos showed they still had a pulse and trounced the Chiefs. My favorite NFL player, Michael Vick, went off on the Redskins to the tune of six touchdowns and 400-plus yards in an Eagles’ rout.

It’s unlikely we’ll see the same craziness in the league this week, but nonetheless, life

is good in football country.

Here are my start-and-sit picks for Week 11.

San Francisco running back Frank Gore has continued to be quiet in the 49ers’ offense this season. Last week, though, San Francisco showed it can compete and win games.

This week’s opponent, the Tampa Bay Bucs, hasn’t beaten a team with a winning record yet this season.

I think the 49ers will bring the confidence from their win last week, as well as a rejuvenated offense with the help of Troy Smith to shred Tampa Bay. Gore will run all day. accumulating 150 yards and two touchdowns in a 49ers’ win.

Like I said, Vick tore apart

the Redskins defense last week.

He has yet to throw an interception and has more than proven his worth on the ground and through the air.

Last week, the New York Giants looked lost against a mediocre Jon Kitna, and I don’t see them being able to handle Vick, either. The Giants do boast one of the best defenses in the NFL, but they haven’t seen an offense like the one in Philadelphia yet.

Look for Vick to again succeed, throwing for 250 yards, rushing for 60 yards and scoring three to four touchdowns in another Eagles victory.

Texans running back Arian Foster has been virtually unstoppable this season and

leads the NFL in rushing. This week, Houston travels to New York to visit a Jets team that is fifth in the league against the run. I see the Jets jumping on the Texans quick to keep away from playing a third straight overtime game, meaning Matt Schaub will be passing a lot and not handing the ball to Foster.

I see the NFL’s leading rusher only going for 75 yards and not scoring as the Jets compete for the best record in the league.

With the top two quarterbacks hurt in Miami, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will have a lot to do in order to pick up the slack.

Unfortunately, they have to

start doing it against the NFL’s second-best rush defense, the Chicago Bears. The Bears have shut down the likes of Adrian Peterson and DeAngelo Williams this season and have proven stopping the run will win games.

I think with Tyler Thigpen running the Dolphins’ offense, the Bears will blitz all day. He will struggle,as will the running game.

Look for the combination of the two backs to rush for maybe 60 yards without scoring a touchdown as the Bears win big for the second straight week.

– Charlie Charbonneau is a junior journalism major and a sports writer for The Mirror.