The Cameron University Collegian: October 8, 2012

Monday, October 8, 2012 Volume 87 Issue 4www.aggiecentral.com

The Cameron UniversiTy

CollegianSports A&E

Voices Sports

Crossroads News

TennisAggie Men’s and Women’s Tennis

travel to Abilene for ITA regionals.

Page 8

Greek lifeAlpha Sig Phi pedal

their way towards prosperity for 24

hours.Page 5

HollywoodGreed in tinsletown

becomes a major turnoff for one

movie fan.Page 4

GolfWomen’s Golf team travels to Oklahoma

City for the Broncho Classic.

Page 7

Roller derby580 Roller Girls entertain while

giving back to the community.

Page 6

Future plansCameron announces

Plan 2018 along with Campus

Master Plan 2025.Page 2See CONVOCATION

Page 2

Convocation celebratesacademic excellence

Addressing the crowd: Senior International Languages major Briar Bohach speaks at the Convocation Ceremony held Sept. 28 at the Aggie Rec Center. Bohach was one of four students invited to speak at the event.

Teewhy DojuteleganNews Editor

Tewnty-two honor students carried gonfalons as representatives of their departments at this year’s Academic Convocation Ceremony.

The convocation took place at 10 a.m. on Sept. 28 in the Aggie Rec Center. Convocation celebrates students and faculty for academic excellence and contributions to higher learning.

The event began as Chair of Faculty Senate Dr. James Heflin led an academic procession, after which the Cameron University Army ROTC Color Guard presented

the colors.President of the University

Dr. Cindy Ross then gave a welcome address, and Provost Dr. John McArthur ended the introductions with a Call to Convocation.

Student Government Association President Colten Kennedy then recognized honor students, calling all honor societies and scholarship recipients.

Four students, Wahid Gbadamosi, Brandy Peters, Briar Bohach and Kristen Worthen were selected to speak at this year’s convocation.

Gbadamosi is an international student from Nigeria and a freshman majoring in Business. He

discussed his background and his goal to achieve excellence at Cameron University.

“I have always has always had one dream; to succeed in life,” he said. “I have always had the drive to prove myself worthy, to prove that I can make a difference and to prove to the world that I am not just a number, but a person.”

He also offered advice to students on making a difference.

“Students should strive to make a difference while they are at CU and redefine success,” he said. “They need to set a legacy they can be proud of in the future.”

Briar Bohach, a Mustang native and senior International

Languages major, is a member of Cameron University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He spoke on the opportunities CU’s ROTC program has afforded him, such as allowing him to train in a variety of Army programs both in and outside the United States.

He said it was an honor to be asked to speak at the convocation.

“It was a great honor as well as a compliment to be asked by the dean of my department of studies to speak at the convocation,” he said.

CU among top military friendly schools Amanda Goemmer

Staff Writer

Cameron University has once again been identified by G.I Jobs magazine as a military friendly school.

According to Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, Jamie Glover, CU earned its place on the list after being compared to roughly 12 thousand other universities and trade schools throughout the United States.

“This is the third consecutive year that we have been named among the top of 12 thousand schools that were surveyed in terms of what we do to serve active duty military members and veteran students on campus,” Glover said.

She also said that CU makes every effort to support its students as they pursue higher education.

“We bend over backwards to help students,” Glover said. “We are sympathetic to the challenges that our military students and their families face.”

One way that CU makes acquiring a degree easier for military students is by offering many courses online.

“Most of our general education program is available completely online — and that is a lot of what our soldiers are looking for — but we also have some programs at the masters

level that are completely available online,” Glover said.

Another program that is available to military students at CU is called Freedom to Learn. The program is geared toward military students who may be deployed during a semester and, as a result, have no access to a computer.

“Freedom to Learn provides laptop computers to active duty military who are enrolled in six or more

credit hours online,” Glover said.

According to CU’s Admissions Counselor aboard Fort Sill, Traci Ritchey, CU also serves the military community by offering courses on post, during times that are convenient for military members.

“CU offers courses during the lunch hour from 11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m., five days a week, as well as during the evenings here on post at the Harry S.

Truman education center,” Ritchey said.

Located in Fort Sill ’s Welcome Center, the admissions office on post is a place for military members to get advice about programs, enrollment and courses that are offered by CU.

“If a service–member has prior transcripts from other colleges they are welcome to bring those in and we will work out a degree plan to see where they stand,” Ritchey said.

“It is unofficial with no appointment necessary.”

However, Glover said that CU does not limit assistance to the service member or veteran. Military spouses are also offered support through several programs, such as the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (My CAA).

“My CAA is designed to help military spouses obtain certifications, education and in some cases collegiate degrees — usually at the

associate level — in career areas that are deemed to be very portable,” Glover said.

Glover said that military members would be hard-pressed to locate a university that is as committed to serving their unique needs as CU.

“CU provides a top quality education at an affordable price … they would be challenged to find an institution that is more dedicated to serving the military population than we are,” Glover said.

Photo courtesy of Public Relations

Photo courtesy of Public Relations

News2 October 8, 2012www.aggiecentral.com

CU presents future campus plansTiffany Martinez

News Editor

Cameron University has released its future endeavors in two separate, but equally prominent, plans this semester: Plan 2018 and Campus Master Plan 2025. Though both of the plans seek to benefit the faculty, staff and students of CU, they both have independent focuses.

Plan 2018, entitled, “Values Driven, Action Oriented,” is the third five-year strategic plan Cameron University has produced and President Cindy Ross has administered. The plan will begin implementation in the fall of 2013.

Associate Professor of Communication Dr. Christopher Keller was the head of the plan.

“I was approached by the university administration in the spring of 2011 about possibly leading the Plan 2018 initiative,” Dr. Keller said. “I jumped at the opportunity.”

According to Dr. Keller, heading Plan 2018 was a once in a lifetime career opportunity he was not going to let pass him by.

President Ross said that Dr. Keller’s technological background made him the perfect choice for the position.

“I hand-pick a faculty member to lead each plan’s development,” President Ross said. “Dr. Keller, being so tech-savvy, allowed a lot of opportunity for

electronic input. I think this really improved the interaction of the plan — allowing more people to share more observations and inputs and ideas.”

According to President Ross, Dr. Keller held several “listening sessions” throughout the year between faculty, students and staff. She stressed that the strategic plan involved many people on campus.

“A great deal of work goes into something like this,” President Ross said.

Within the published document of Plan 2018 there are the actual values and actions to be implemented by CU, as mentioned in the full title of the plan.

“Altogether, there are six values and 42 actions,” President Ross said.

Though Plan 2018 will not officially start until the fall semester of 2013, some of its values and actions are being executed immediately. One stated value is that of Student Learning, which heads Cameron’s plan to exceed the regional university average for student retention and graduation.

President Ross said that measures are being taken to ensure Aggies are able to acquire the essential tools needed to earn their college degree, such as the establishment of tutoring labs that are open for extended hours and the requirement of study strategies courses

for students who have been placed on academic probation or suspension,.

Plan 2018 was presented for approval at the same meeting that the Campus Master Plan 2025 was presented. President Ross said this was the second campus master plan she has directed. She asked Professor of Communication Dr. Matt Jenkins to manage the project.

This project, taking just

as much preparation and scheduling as Plan 2018, had more of an external focus, as Dr. Jenkins explained.

“The Campus Master Plan 2025 is a guide to shaping how Cameron University will grow and look over the next 12 years,” Dr. Jenkins said.

As the Chair of the Campus Master Plan Update Committee, Dr. Jenkins oversaw the information gathering

processes and worked with an architect as they drafted the plan.

“It is an exciting time to be at Cameron University,” Dr. Jenkins said. “I think this plan is important to everyone associated with CU. It is a unified and comprehensive plan for growth.”

The physical changes detailed in the master plan range from nurturing more plant life on campus to constructing another

student apartment complex. Perhaps the greatest change to campus will be moving the main entrance from Gore Boulevard to 38th Street.

Dr. Jenkins expressed faith in President Ross’ vision for Cameron future.

“President Ross and her administration have this awesome vision for nurturing a new atmosphere for learning all over campus,” Dr. Jenkins said.

Future plans: President Cindy Ross shows off the 2025 Campus Master Plans at a meeting with faculty and CU regents. Communication Professor Matt Jenkins spent a year working with university staff and archi-tects planning out the new look of CU that is planned to be completed in the next 12 years.

BCM hosts ‘See You at the Pole’Amanda Goemmer

Staff Writer

CONVOCATION continued from Page 1

“Convocation is important for students, especially freshmen, because it is a way to kick off the academic school year,” he said. “It also displays the academic excellence that Cameron provides through every school and department.”

Kristen Worthen, a Lawton native and senior Chemistry major, talked about her CU experience. Worthen said faculty at CU takes the time to know their students outside of the classroom.

“I think the most critical thing is that at Cameron, your professors really take the time to get to know you,” she said.

Sophomore Business major Stacy Hill attended the convocation ceremony. He said he appreciated the motivation that the speeches gave him.

“I attended the convocation as a PLUS Scholar,” he said. “I valued the inspiration I received through the students’ testimonies.”

On Sept. 26, several students and some faculty members here at Cameron spent the early hours of their morning gathered around the flagpole in front of the Administration building engaging in prayer, during the annual See You at the Pole event.

According to the Director of Cameron’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), Danny Toombs, the core goal of See You at the Pole is rather simple.

“It is to get students praying,” Toombs said. “Typically they pray for their country and the nations leaders because God tells us to pray for those in authority over us.”

Although it began in Burleson, Texas 22 years ago as a small grassroots movement, See You at the Pole is now recognized internationally and is celebrated in countries such as Canada and Japan, among others. Students across the globe meet at a designated time to stand together in prayer, usually beneath a flagpole.

It is held yearly on the fourth Wednesday of Sept. and the event is unique in that it

is initiated, organized and led completely by students.

The event brings members of the Christian community together, while also fostering the development of leadership skills in those who choose to actively participate. Toombs said that he is happy to let students take the reigns.

“I want them to have ownership in it and for it to be more their event than my event,” Toombs said. “Part of the goal is to develop leaders and if I am doing everything for them, then I am not developing leaders.”

Students at the BCM organize the event each year, which means that they are in charge of contacting Christian organizations on campus to see if members would like to lead in a prayer or get involved in other ways.

Members of Chi Alpha, an interdenominational fellowship of Christian students at CU, participated in the event and have done so for roughly the last 18 years.

According to Dr. Clinton Bryan, the Faculty Advisor and Chapter Director of Chi Alpha, students in the organization are compelled to participate in See You at the Pole because they

feel that prayer is essential to Christian life.

“Corporate prayer is important.” Dr. Bryan said. “Scripture says that where two or three are gathered in his name he will be there in their midst.”

Prayer sessions were organized in several ways at this year’s event. Students prayed silently for a time, groups prayed together verbally and students prayed together in a unified group as well.

The event has previously been held in the afternoon during or near lunchtime at CU. However, because campus is generally buzzing around that time, Toombs said that it was decided that early morning hours would be more effective. This year, the event began at 7:15 a.m.

Toombs said that he was thrilled with the turnout at CU’s See You at the Pole prayer rally this year and said that the number of students who want to join together in prayer at the event continuously amazes him.

“I am always surprised,” Toombs said. “We had about 45 people there this time and I was very pleased with that turnout.”

Patriotic prayers: Students of Cameron University celebrated a worldwide event in which they prayed for the leaders of their country beneath a flag pole. This Christian event takes place annually, every fourth Wednesday of September.

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

Photo courtesy of CU Public Affairs

News 3October 8, 2012www.aggiecentral.com

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61 Uneaten morsels62 They’re blue when they’re fair63 Inca territory64 Hissed “Hey!”65 Fashionably dated66 Periods in history

Down1 Popular tourist destinations2 Caution earnestly3 Highest point in a satellite’s orbit4 Info5 Sings like Ella Fitzgerald6 Synagogue reading7 Poland-Germany border river8 Sounded the bell9 Biblical twin10 Many a junior high student11 Violin-playing comedian12 Rogues’ gallery item13 Shogun’s capital21 In the buff22 English Lit. majors’ degrees26 Over there, back when28 Act the accessory29 Opera headliners30 Foreboding March day

31 Fresh-mouthed34 Artistic style of the Empire State Building35 Hoped-for Christmas weather36 Ferris wheel, e.g.37 Speed trap setters38 Under-the-gun situations39 Company doctor40 Comfort from mom, briefly43 WWII fliers45 Produce producer46 __ borealis47 Touchscreen-touching tool49 Expect loyalty from50 In pursuit of51 Last word54 Georgia was a part of it: Abbr.55 Emcee’s need56 Leave57 Sprinter’s goal58 Jazz genre

Crossword

Answers onPage 6

Cameron encourages financial independence

Taking care of personal finances: The Financial Bootcamp series aims to help CU students understand the importance of being financially independent.

A Financial Bootcamp five-part workshop will be held Monday evenings throughout the month of October in the Shepler Center Wichita Room.

Financial Assistance Director Donald Hall is leading the workshop series and said he hopes to teach students many different aspects of financial aid from scholarships, managing personal finances and preventing identity theft, as well setting up a savings plan.

The workshop titled “Financial Aid 101,” is the first in the series. Hall taught different types of financial aid that students could apply for and how to qualify for aid.

As the evening progressed, Hall went through the process of getting student loans and teaching students how to apply for them. He also covered what to look out for in the process of obtaining one.

“Federal student aid

is basic financial help for students to help pay for educational expenses,” Hall said. “It covers such things as tuition, fees, housing, meals, costs for transportation, school supplies and can also be utilized for other things such as purchasing laptops and computers.”

Hall said that in order to be eligible for Federal

aid, students must have proof of financial need, be a U.S citizen or an eligible noncitizen of the U.S with a valid social security number and maintain a satisfactory GPA.

Students also received tips on what to avoid when looking for financial aid, such as high application fees and unsubsidized loans.

“On a subsidized loan, the government will cover the cost of interest while you are in school, so if you borrow $3,000 and graduate after five years you will still owe the $3,000, but with no interest,” he said. “With an unsubsidized loan it will be $3,000 plus the interest.”

During the workshop, students received a pamphlet

on all the different types of financial aid and what they mean, as well as some organizations that are well known in the aid area.

According to the pamphlet, Grants are free money that typically do not have to be repaid and are normally awarded to students that are determined to have a high financial need based on completion of FAFSA.

Loans help pay for and defer the cost of a college education, and these programs require that all funds be repaid.

Scholarships are another type of financial assistance that does not have to be repaid. These funds are provided through the institution, civic and religious organizations, professional groups, foundations, corporations and cultural groups.

Tuition waivers are institutional awards that are used to offset the amount of tuition owed and can be applied against in-state and

out-of-state tuition. Most tuition waivers are awarded based upon high school grade point average, ACT/SAT scores, high school class rank and transfer retention.

Students were also given a sheet listing where they could go to learn more about financial aid, as well where they can go to get the aid they need.

Hall explained that students wanting to quickly find out if they are receiving financial aid could to go to their AggieAccess account and look under the “My Info” tab.

The next Financial Bootcamp workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 8. The workshop will discuss personal budgets and how to maintain them. Dinner will be provided during the workshops and students are welcome to attend.

Those seeking more information on Finaicial Aid can contact the Financial Assitance Office at 580.581.2293.

Career services aim to help more students

Expansion for students’ benefit: CU students talk to job providers at a career expo. The Career Services Department recently expanded to cater for the needs of more students.

James MeeksStaff Writer

The Career Services department has grown and is now able to help more Cameron University students.

Angie Best, Career Services Coordinator, said the department has received a new office, Employee Relations Coordinator and the ability to guide more students toward a successful career.

“I am excited that we have been given the opportunity to grow this department so we can help more students,” she said.

The career center has added a new faculty member to its staff and has also relocated the office to a larger space. Along with the new facelift, Best said the Career Center is trying to become more involved with Cameron students.

“We are going to get involved with more on-campus hiring events and spend more time at student events so that we become a familiar face to the students,” she said.

Because of a previous lack of student body involvement, some younger students may misperceive the career center

as the office that graduating seniors frequent in order to get prepared for job hunting — though the center’s nature is more inclusive.

The career center is for college students of all ages, Best explained, whether they are freshmen deciding on a major or seniors needing help

building a resume.“Even though they may

not be looking for a career, they may be looking for a job,” she said. “We are here to help

every grade level.”Wendy Locke, the

new Employee Relations Coordinator, said she seeks out regional businesses to

“bridge the gap” and create more career opportunities and more paid and unpaid student internships. Her first day on the job was spent at a luncheon in Oklahoma City with a potential Cameron student employer.

According to Best, Cameron University students will catch the attention of many more employers with Locke advancing regional career opportunities.

“We want Cameron University students to be the first place they look,” Best said.

The career center does not directly place students, Best explained, but encourages equality to all.

“We advertise all positions to all students,” she said. “Everyone has a fair shot.”

Best said that the career center is taking advantage of its new momentum and expanding impact to as many Cameron students as possible.

“We have maximized our capabilities as well as the students’ opportunities,” she said.

Students seeking more information on the new Career Services can visit them in the School of Business, suite 225. Job postings are also updated daily at www.hirecameronaggies.com.

Jamie O’BannonNewswriting Student

Photo courtesy of CU Public Affairs

Voices4 October 8, 2012www.aggiecentral.com

Editorial StaffEditor-in-Chief - Matthew BerbereaNews Editors - Teewhy Dojutelegan, Tiffany MartinezCrossroads Editor - Dianne RiddlesA&E Editor - Sarah BrewerSports Editor - Tyler BoydstonCopy Editor - Alex Rosa-FigueroaAggie Central Editors- Mitch WatsonArchivist - Mitch Watson

Newsroom StaffFinancial Officer - Susan HillStaff Writers - Amanda Goemmer, Lizzy OwoyemiCirculation Manager - Matt ThompsonAdvertising Manager - Matthew BerbereaPhotographers - Kali Robinson, Misty Neal

Newswriting StudentsCharlene J. Belew, Jordan K. Godlewski, Terry I. Gonzalez, Mei Ling Grooms, Michaela D. Haire,Philip D. Harrington, Eloise A. Herbert, Dena N. Jennings, Kaylee M. Jones, Sadie L. Jones, Whitney N. Mefford, Jaime R. O’Bannon, Melissa C. Solis, Shelby M. Stancil, Kaitlyn M. Stockton, Carson B. Stringham, Matthew L. Thompson, Cindy A. Walter, Skylar D. Williams

Faculty Adviser Dr. Christopher Keller

About UsThe official student newspaper of

Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution The first issue is provided free of charge. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.

Letters PolicyLetters to the editor will be

printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.

The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks.

All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification.

Letters can be sent by regular mail, by e-mail to [email protected] or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.

Our Views The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Aggie Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.

Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.

COLLEGIANFounded in 1926

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THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

Alex Rosa-FigueroaCopy Editor

Love literally comes in many forms

Greed runs rampant in Hollywood

Tyler BoydstonSports Editor

Love takes a lot of abuse in our language. We use the word so casually, so easily, that it has very nearly lost its meaning. In one day, I can say that I love my mother, my father, my friends, my God, my laptop, my favorite comics, my iPod, my games and that chili cheese burrito I had at Taco Bell the other night. At what point does one love overlap the other? Are there any distinctions at all?

Is my love of burritos as valid as my love for my family?

While the answer to that last question is an obvious yes, I believe more thought should be given to the idea of multiple words for love.

As I said, love is quite the dynamic word. This one word carries the weight of so many emotions and contexts it is something of a wonder it hasn’t split off into multiple words already. But, for the sake of conversation, let us travel back to a time where love was divided into four quadrants, each one distinct from the other. Let us for a moment don our togas — and as a college man I know we all have them — and place ourselves in ancient Greece.

Our first word for love is one we are most familiar with. Agape closely refers to the kind of love one has for their spouse. This word covers the love we all know, the love off which Hollywood makes no small fortune. We know agape when we find our soul mate, that one special someone who completes and

complements us. Agape can also cover the

bonds of blood, the love we share for family. Agape is at one a simple and complex concept, and at one point Christians used the word to describe the kind of pure love God has for mankind. Agápe is partly the love of Valentine’s Day.

Éros covers the other half.Eros is passionate love,

full of sensual desires and longing. The word is

commonly associated with sexual attraction — after all, it is the root for the word “erotic” — though it specifically refers to intimate love. Plato was fond of eros, and in his works would often argue that the word refers to our appreciation of beauty.

Eros can be projected onto a person, and as we know the person more and more we gain an appreciation for the beauty of their soul, and this inner beauty leads

to the sexual attraction we feel for people. Eros doesn’t refer to our desire the reproduce, but the love that spurns that desire on.

Of course, our friend Plato went on to argue that the eros-based love of the soul led to a love of the very concept of beauty, and that all lovers and philosophers should seek truth through pursuit of eros; however, this aspiration is a touch off topic, and it distracts us

from our next distinction of love.

Storge is our word for affectionate love. When we are waxing storge for someone, we are feeling that love and loyalty toward our friends. And is that not one of the truest loves? Talk all we want about our lovers and our family, but when someone steps into our lives in that platonic, eros-exclusive way, they deserve a word to themselves.

Our modern language — which as you will recall does not exist yet, since we are presently ancient Greeks — has come up with a few stand ins, such as best friend or the ever dynamic “bro,” but even those words come short of the close bonds that are not quite agape enough to produce lovers and share no blood ties between them.

Our last form of love, philia, refers to a general type of love. Here we find the loyalty to fellow man, the love of activities, the passion for our lives. This is a comparatively simple love, but some word has to cover a man’s passion for chili and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.

Alas, as we snap back to our modern times, togas drifting behind with an air of solemnity, I let out a single, quiet sigh. Love once again is stretched over far too many feelings with but one word to describe it all.

I love the English language — it is my philia, my passion — but of all the thousands of words, phrases and innuendos, I feel we need to come up with a few more for the heart.

Hollywood has gotten greedy. When I say this, I mean that it happened a long time ago, but I was too slow to catch on until the 3D craze of the most recent years. Having already ranted about that on numerous occasions, though, I feel that it’s time I tackle a newer, but no less ludicrous problem in the film and television industries right now: the double dip.

We have all seen it take place at this point, whether it be the stupid decision to split the “Harry Potter” finale into two parts, or the multiple releases of “Evil Dead” on DVD and Blu-Ray, with different special editions released every few years with one or two additional features. At first the nerds sang out in a collective chorus over a star commentary courtesy of Bruce Campbell, but now we all moan and complain each time we see the release date for a new one.

The re-release of older films in theaters also shows the greedy Hollywood agents grabbing at our pockets. I cannot tell a lie, I did go see “The Lion King” last year when the movie found its way back to the local theater, and

I enjoyed it. Disney, please stop making me give you my money. At least my parents can be thankful that it is not their money being wasted now, though.

The worst re-release of the past several months, though, was the re-release of this summer’s “The Avengers” during the Labor Day weekend. A last minute cash grab, the Labor Day weekend totals for the film bumped it up just 2.7 million dollars, a small speck in the mountain that is the money collected from “The Avengers.”

The splitting of movies into parts instead of longer films also shows a big change in the industry. Movies that would originally be anywhere from three to four hours are now trimmed into two halves and thrown at the general public within one year of each other. Though it was not a trend until the split of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” into two parts from November 2010 and July 2011, it was done before with “Kill Bill” in 2003 and 2004. Gone are the days of the epic films with intermissions to give the audience time to breath, and here are the films that make the audience wait for months to see the conclusion, taking a bit more of the audience’s money while they ride off into the sunset.

The last film I can even recall featuring an intermission is “Grindhouse,” and that film was really two films put together.

The rise of Blu-Ray gives studios even more reason to milk their

customers dry, releasing newer editions of movies with seemingly state of the art graphics and sound. The rule of thumb that I use with these re-releases of films on Blu-Ray is to not buy them unless you don’t already own them on DVD. I broke that rule with

the “Star Wars” box set last year, but do what I say, not what I do.

Though I had found this trend palatable before,

the final straw for this nerd was the recent

news that broke concerning the

prequel to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Hobbit.” The book was set to be released in two parts,

already angering

some fans who

thought that the studios were milking them of their money. Apparently, two was not a big enough number for the studio, who would later announce that “The Hobbit” would instead split

into three parts to be released in December 2012, December 2013 and July 2014.

What possible reason is there in splitting “The Hobbit,” a book far shorter than any of the individual “Lord of the Rings” novels, into three parts, other than money? While I was initially excited about the project’s release, I am now hesitant to throw my money in the direction of the studio for fear that the film will then be split into four parts when they realize how much additional money they can make. Granted, I probably still will throw my money at the studio

because I’m a hopeless nerd, but I would like to think

that I have the will to stay away.

At this point, what is there

that we can do? Sadly, with the way the general

audience is, the chances of seeing

a longer movie with an

intermission are done. The box office returns for

“Grindhouse” in 2007 proved

that point, and nothing like it has

been attempted since. With the impending releases of the second

part of the last film in the “Twilight” series, as well as “The Hobbit” trilogy and the announcement of the third “Hunger Games” novel being split into two films, it has become very apparent that Hollywood is trying to rob us blind.

A&E 5October 8, 2012www.aggiecentral.com

Fledgling fraternity still spinningNew Cameron fraternity

Alpha Sigma Phi hosted two on campus events: a student game night, and a “Keep the Wheels Turning” philanthropy event.

Alpha Sigma Phi established its colony on Cameron’s campus one year ago, and has been taking steps to gain student attention.

Alex Franco, 19-year-old Lawton native and current Alpha Sigma Phi Vice President, said the fraternity has eight members and is hoping to gain in the coming year. He said the colony is seven members short of their end-of-the-year recruitment goal.

“Once we get 15 members total, we will be recognized as an established chapter rather than a colony,” Franco said. “We hope these events will help us in that goal.”

One such event, Franco explained, was the fraternity’s game night, an event meant to draw students toward the colony.

“We are excited for the game night,” he said, “We hope to generate a lot more attention for our own organization as well as all Greeks on campus.”

Alpha Sigma Phi’s game night took place at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27 in the CETES

conference center. All students were welcome to play games such as Dance Central for the Wii, FIFA World Cup 13 for the Xbox 360, or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 for the PlayStation 3.

Franco said the members of the fraternity colony took advantage of the amenities offered at CETES.

“We liked the idea of being able to use all of the projectors, speakers, and screens available to play the games we like in a way that made them bigger and better,” Franco said.

While the inf lux of students was not as large as hoped, Franco explained that the turnout was greater than previously attempted events.

“We attempted to put on a poker night last semester, but without an adviser’s assistance we weren’t able to turn it into anything big,” Franco said. “Luckily this game night had a good turnout and got a lot more people talking about Greek life at Cameron.”

Though Alpha Sigma Phi’s initial focus was on fun, the fraternity has turned to philanthropy as well.

“Keep the Wheels Turning” was a charity event where the members of Alpha Sigma Phi took turns on a stationary bike with the commitment to prevent the wheels from stopping for 12 consecutive

hours. Each member of the organization went out and asked for donations based on miles rode.

The event took place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 2 in the Bentley Gardens Gazebo.

Daniel Caldwell, sophomore Psychology major and recruitment director for Alpha Sigma Phi, said the location was a great choice for the event.

“We chose the gazebo on the suggestion of one of our other members, because we were going to do this event even if there was inclement weather,” Caldwell said.

Franco explained how Alpha Sigma Phi prepared for the event.

“Twelve hours is a big endurance test even on a stationary bike,” Franco said. “We all committed to going to the gym and practicing at least 30 minutes a week in the weeks preceding the event.”

According to Franco, Livestrong is the national philanthropic institution for Alpha Sigma Phi, the CU event took its own shape through the work of f ledgling fraternity members.

Caldwell said he was excited and energized to be raising money for cancer awareness.

“It is great that this event has been successful and gotten donations, it just gives you a good feeling” Caldwell said.

Skylar WilliamsNewswriting Student

Wheels keep turning: Senior Psychology major Justin Carpenter takes a turn on the Livestrong bike. Carpenter and others hope to establish Alpha Sigma Phi at CU.

CU students showcase art in exhibition

Comic books have earned a place in Cameron’s curriculum.

This past summer, Cameron University English Professor Dr. John Hodgson decided to teach a seminar dedicated to the study of graphic literature.

Dr. Hodgson’s own introduction to the graphic novel genre took place when he was in college.

“I’ve been reading graphic novels since I was a college freshman,” Dr. Hodgson said. “Someone convinced me to read ‘The Dark Knight Returns,’ and then from there I read ‘Watchmen.’ Ever since then, I have kept my eye on them. Whenever a really good one comes out, or I hear a lot of people talking about it, I pick up a copy and read it.”

One of the things that surprised Dr. Hodgson, he explained, was the overwhelming response from students and how quickly the class filled up. All 20 openings for the class were filled and enrollment was closed fairly quickly.

“I thought I should have gone around and posted some fliers, but the buzz about it was really strong,” he said. “It’s very rare that a summer seminar fills up the way that this one did. Having the class max out before the end of enrollment was a big surprise.”

Seth Copeland, a senior English major, was one of the students who participated in the graphic literature class. He said he enrolled for the seminar because he already had an interest in the medium.

“As a young lad I really liked comics — they were good stuff,” Copeland said. “At an early age, you have these colorful, gaudily dressed role models that do good things. As you mature, you learn that there are other subjects to discuss and no topic is off limits.”

Dr. Hodgson has previously taught classes on Arthurian legends and science fiction. The summer seminars are dynamic, with different professors each year.

“Generally, the summer seminar is an interest outside the normal curriculum. Usually it is a side interest or

something that we think the students will respond well to,” Dr. Hodgson said.

The class was as much a learning experience for Dr. Hodgson as it was for the students. In developing the reading list for the course, Dr. Hodgson turned to not only the graphic novels that he already knew, but sought out novels that had literary merit or were part of popular culture.

“I looked at a lot of graphic literature courses being taught at other universities to see what types of things were being offered,” Dr. Hodgson said. “I had not read Maus and had only seen the movie for V for Vendetta. I had also not had a chance to read the scholarship that is available on a lot of the novels.”

Outside of incorporating graphic literature into the reading for currently-offered classes, Dr. Hodgson also pointed out that there are some classes that would benefit from adding graphic novels to their reading lists.

“If someone ever taught a course on Holocaust literature, Maus is a great holocaust narrative,” he said.

“Without considering its medium, it is just a great story with all the poignancy and humanity of a narrative like Schindler’s List.”

Copeland said the interdisciplinary aspect of graphic literature is something that most students may have experienced with other subjects, and encouraged them to take the course.

“Journalism is Communication, English and Psychology, and we consider that a great class,” Copeland said. “Shakespeare is the same way, where the English language, this beautiful thing, merges with literature and the theater. I think students should take the class because it is this great convergence moment where representational art and writing come together.”

Dr. Hodgson said he hopes that he gets a chance to teach it again in the future.

“I would like to teach it again,” he said. “There are some other titles I would like to explore; I think we have only begun to scratch the surface of what the genre can do and what the possibilities are for literary study.”

Carson StringhamNewswriting Student

Students understand comics: During the graphic novel seminar, students read some of the most popular and critically-acclaimed graphic novels for a grade.

Comics become college textbooks in summer class

The 14th Biennial “Oklahoma: Centerfold” 2012 National Juried Art Show will be held at the Leslie Powell Gallery in Lawton starting Nov. 3 and ending Dec. 31.

The exhibition will feature the works of CU students, faculty, and alumni.

Five CU art students, Zaeed Kala, Hailey Harris, Karen Ortega, Dalisha Hayes and Megan Royal, one faculty member, Monika Linehan, and one alumni member, Elle Fulton, were accepted in to

the “Oklahoma: Centerfold” exhibition.

This exhibition has been running for nearly three decades, starting in 1989 as a local show. According to the Leslie Powell Gallery, the show has grown into a nationally recognized show, with artists from all over the United States participating.

Associate Professor and Chair of the Art Department Edna McMillan sad the show has also become more competitive over the years as more and more professional artists enter their works in the competition.

“This is a national showcase for a professional artist,” she said, “and it is highly competitive.”

The exhibition will award a prize total of nearly $6,000: First place in the exhibition will be awarded $3,000; second place will receive $1500; and third place will be awarded $800.

Although the financial benefits of the exhibition appear appealing, McMillan said that the exhibit is much more than a chance for a prize. She said that it allows students to begin to develop a portfolio and have their work professionally

critiqued by jurors. “This is a wonderful

opportunity for the students to build their portfolio right here in Lawton,” she said. “It really encourages students when they see that their work has been recognized by a juror who selects their work from literally hundreds of entrees.”

According to McMillan, Cameron students are capable of vying for the first place price of 3,000 dollars. She also said that Art students at Cameron University are required to enter shows for their senior portfolios.

On a student budget,

entering professional art exhibitions can get expensive. McMillan said that a student can easily spend upwards of $200 entering art exhibitions in just one semester.

“It’s a professional expense that can be a financial burden on the students,” she said.

McMillan said that the acceptance of students’ work into the “Oklahoma: Centerfold” exhibition reflects well on the faculty in the Cameron University Art Department. She said that it also proved their students can compete on a professional level.

“Acceptance into the art

exhibitions demonstrates that students have met requirements for professionalism prior to graduation, and reflects the skills being taught by our faculty,” McMillan said.

One of the works that has been accepted into the exhibition is Zaeed Kala’s, “The Scar of Mother Gaia.” A senior at Cameron University, Kala said that he is using this opportunity to show his work and to begin building a resume.

“This is a great opportunity to get my name out there,” Kala said, “and also a chance for me to show my work outside the department.”

Matthew ThompsonNewswriting Student

Photo by Carson Stringham

Photo by Sarah Brewer

Crossroads6 October 8, 2012www.aggiecentral.com

Sarah BrewerA&E Editor

580 Rollergirls: Skull and crossbones

are synonymous with the Lawton 580 Rollergirls, a local roller derby league, and the presence of this team has surged with community spirit and philanthropy with each of their knockdown, drag-out bouts.

But the 580 Rollergirls do more than push each other around on the track; they lend a hand to local non-profit organizations through fundraisers and volunteer in community events.

The Lawton 580 Rollergirls first hit the scene back in

October 2010, when founding member Christi Chambers began telling others how much she was enjoying skating with the Red Dirt Rebellion Rollergirls in Oklahoma City.

Her enthusiasm soon became infectious, and after meeting with other women who also wanted to form a league in their own, they assembled a team of female athletes who made their mantra “‘til the wheels fall off.”

Chambers said supporting charities has also been their objective since the beginning.

“We have always tried to work with local non-profit organizations in some form or fashion,” Chambers said. “We

set up vendor tables during our bouts and allow any non-profit organization to setup their information for free and promote their cause.”

During a recent sibling rivalry bout with the Oklahoma City Lighting Broads, the Lawton 580 Rollergirls raised money for the J. Roy Dunning Children’s Shelter.

Senior Psychology major Kaley Meyer, known as “Trigger Trixie” on the track, said she was pleased to the see the girls she had befriended at the Marie Detty Youth & Family Services Center cheering her on.

“We actually went there the

other night and played board games with the girls, and they are here tonight to watch us play,” Meyer said. “We give to them, but they give so much to us. We really enjoy being involved as much as we are.”

Crystal Morris or “Riga’Morris” when blocking in jams currently serves on the sponsorship and raffle committee, asking local businesses for donations for their raffle.

“We want to our efforts to be tangible and impact the people we talk to all the time,”

Morris said. Last June, the Lawton

580 Rollergirls worked with Southwestern Medical Center and Comanche County Memorial Hospital to promote cancer awareness. They sold pink T-shirts and set aside part of the proceeds for cancer research.

According to Morris, their contributions to the cause made a visible impact.

“When we went to the Spirit of Survival kickoff, we all wore our pink shirts and we donated the money we raised. Giving under 1000 dollars made us sponsors for the Spirit of Survival marathon,” Morris said.

Morris said the Lawton 580 Rollergirls have even joined forces with their opposing team on one occasion to contribute to another cause, much to their surprise and delight.

“One time — the last time we had a fundraiser for the Lawton Food Bank — the team that came from Kansas City found out and brought a car load of groceries with them. When representatives from the Lawton Food Bank came to set up their table, it was already full of food,” Morris said.

Off of the track, the Lawton 580 Rollergirls have participated in several events, such as the Arts for All Festival and the Mayor’s Blues Ball in Medicine Park. They also socialize with veterans at the VA Center during their monthly Monday Bingo Night.

The Lawton 580 Rollergirls are planning fundraisers for the Humane Society for their next bout.

The Lawton 580 Rollergirls are currently recruiting Sponsors, Referees, Non-Skate Officials and others for support positions. Interested candidates can contact the Lawton 580 Rollergirls via e-mail at [email protected].

Providing entertainment and giving back to the community

Photos by Tiffany Hudson

Rough and ready: The 580 Rollergirls bring lots of action to their roller derby fans. These ladies have also brought much funding to several community agencies.

Sports 7October 8, 2012www.aggiecentral.com

Aggie golfers take on Broncho ClassicTyler Boydston

Sports Editor

Tee time: Sophomore Jaqueline Strickland aims down the fairway. Strickland played at the UCO Broncho Classic Oct. 1 and 2, where she shot a second round 69 at the tournament, tying for 17th. The women’s golf team placed 11th in the tournament overall, and are next set to play on Oct. 15 in the Dallas Baptist University Classic.

Cameron University’s women’s golf team recently set out to Oklahoma City to play as a part of the Broncho Classic. The event took place Oct. 1 and 2.

Five women from the team played on the course over the length of two days, with a combined first round score of 308, leading them to tie for tenth place at the end of the day.

Head women’s golf coach Rick Goodwin said the girls planned on coming out stronger for the second day of the tournament.

“We were tied for tenth in the first round, and it is always our goal to do better in the second round,” Goodwin said.

Junior Lindsey Alexander was tied for seventh at the end of the first day with a score of 73, while junior Kylee Johnson was three points behind her with a total 76.

The team returned the second day to add 309 points, giving them a 617 total for the tournament, landing them in 11th place.

Goodwin sad he was less than pleased with the end score of the classic.

“We are not satisfied with that outcome,” Goodwin said. “We are better than that, so we have to start proving it. We have to identify what the problem areas are and work on getting those better.”

Despite the fall weather affecting other tournaments, Goodwin said the wind managed to avoid

the Broncho Classic.“We had great weather,”

Goodwin said. “I feel like we were really lucky — ordinarily we fight the weather at this time of the year.”

According to Goodwin, the team’s problem from the tournament was inconsistency among the group.

“We did not play consistently well throughout the tournament,” Goodwin said. “We have to be more consistent. We are trying to get everyone to show up with a good game all at the same time. If we can all show up and play well at the same time, we will crawl up the leaderboard.”

On the second day of the competition, sophomore Jaqueline Strickland shot a 69 while the other Aggie golfers on the course shot in the 80s. Strickland tied for 17th overall in the tournament.

Coach Goodwin was pleased with Strickland’s performance in the competition.

“It’s a career best for her,” Goodwin said. “We are really proud of her, and we are trying to get her to put two rounds together where she can play like that.”

Goodwin explained that he team currently has one player, junior Candice Swartz, as a red shirt during the fall season.

“Candice will work out and practice with the team but will not play in the events,” Goodwin said.

The women’s golf team is now preparing for their next two tournaments

taking place this month. First, they will play in the Dallas Baptist University (DBU) Classic Oct. 15 and 16 in Dallas, and then the Oklahoma Intercollegiate on Oct. 22 and 23 at home.

“We have two tournaments ahead,” Goodwin said. “We will not have much time between those two to prepare.”

Until the DBU Classic, the team will be getting

ready and preparing to correct mistakes made at the Broncho Classic, while also keeping with their school work.

“They are practicing, working on their games,

trying to make some fixes and we have been in the weight room a couple of times,” Goodwin said. “Another thing is that the kids have to hit the books and keep their grades up.”

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Aggie volleyball attempts to find stride amidst gamesMatthew Berberea

Managing Editor

After struggling early in conference play, Aggie Volleyball looked to get back on track with a four game home stretch this past week against conference opponents.

First up for the Black and Gold was the visiting Pioneers of Texas Woman’s University on Sept. 28. The Aggies looked strong in the first set but could not find an answer for the Pioneers as they fell in three straight sets to TWU (21-25, 14-25, 16-25).

The Aggies were led by freshmen Kathryn Evans and Shannon Dulaney with 11 kills each along with Jenna Risoli who contributed 27 assists.

The team could not dwell on the tough loss as they hosted Texas A&M Commerce and St. Mary’s the following day at Aggie Gym.

CU came out determined to snap their three-game skid and came out on top with a decisive 3-1 victory (25-18, 28-26, 18-25, 25-15) in the first game of the double-header.

Head Volleyball Coach Doug Tabbert said avoiding mistakes and taking care of the ball were key in setting up opportunities for the Aggies.

“Our hitters across the board really took care of the ball a lot better than we have been,” Coach Tabbert said. “A lot of the errors we have been making, we didn’t make. That was good to see, and a big part of the win.”

Shannon Dulaney and Rebecca Green paced the Aggies on offense with 15 kills apiece while

Julisa Ocasio and Mariah Westlake had 30 and 16 digs respectively on defense.

Coach Tabbert said the win over A&M-C was important not only for the team’s confidence but also for

the conference standings.“The conference win

over Commerce was huge,” he said. “They have been a hot team and we have been struggling, so we needed that to stay in the conference

tournament race. It was a good win, we played well and really cleaned up a lot of issues we have had lately.”

The second half of the doubleheader started off as planned for the Aggies as

they jumped out to a 2-0 set lead but were unable to finish and dropped three straight sets and fell to St. Mary’s in five (25-19, 25-21, 22-25, 20-25, 17-19).

The loss came in spite

of one of the Aggies best statistical matches of the year. Jenna Risoli set a new career record with 58 assists and added 16 digs for a double-double. Kathryn Evans also posted a career high for kills with 24.

Cameron had multiple opportunities to finish the match after winning the first two sets, but St. Mary’s was able to shut the door in the final three sets.

“It is disappointing that we put ourselves in a situation to finish and did not do it,” Coach Tabbert. “We had some bright spots and played well at times, but it is hard to see those right now when we let one get away that we really should have taken care of.”

After the tough loss, the Black and Gold had a couple of days to regroup before hosing conference rival Midwestern State Oct. 2.

Once again the Aggies came out firing, taking the first 25-19 behind a 14-5 rally. In the first set, Rebecca Green and Kathryn Evans were each a perfect 6-6 kills as the team combined for 16 kills.

Cameron had trouble building off the early momentum however, and MSU took the next three sets to secure the match in four sets (25-19, 19-25, 18-25, 23-25).

Evans and Green led the Aggies offense finishing with 15 kills each while Risoli pitched in 39 assists and 15 digs for another double-double.

Following the week, the Aggies record stands at 6-12 overall with a conference record of 2-6. Additional information for volleyball and all Aggie athletics is available at www.cameronaggies.com.

License to kill: Freshman Shannon Dulaney rises up above the competition during the match against Midwestern State on Oct. 2. The volleyball team won their first set of the night, but later fell in four sets to Midwestern. They are set to play at home again on Oct. 12 and 13 as part of their Lone Star Conference schedule.

Photo by Matthew Berberea

Sports8 October 8, 2012www.aggiecentral.com

OKC Thunder prepare for new seasonThe Oklahoma City

Thunder has recently begun training for their upcoming season, adding new players to the team while bringing back core players from the previous year.

The loss of the championship to the Miami Heat in June has had an effect on the players of the team as they have prepared to go into training and get ready to come back.

According to Kendrick Perkins, the team’s loss in the finals was due to being overwhelmed.

“I think we all understand what it takes to get to the finals, but the finals were overwhelming to a lot of us,” Perkins said. “At the end of the day, you still have to give credit to the Heat because they beat us. At the end of the day, we know what it takes to win.”

Head coach Scott Brooks said that the team reacted differently than other teams would in the position of losing the final to the Miami Heat.

“When you do lose, the fingers are pointed and you look for blame, but the thing

that I am proud of with our guys is that I never saw that,” Brooks said.

Over the team’s summer off-season, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant played basketball as a part of Team USA in the Olympics.

According to Harden, playing at the summer Olympics managed to help block out the loss of last season’s final.

“It’s been a long, enjoyable summer, especially with Kevin and Russell,” Harden said. “I think the Olympics kind of blocked the finals out, and now getting ready for a new season is exciting.”

According to Kevin Durant, working alongside LeBron James, a member of the Miami Heat, was a challenge.

“To play on the same team after losing to him was the toughest thing, but I had to let that go and just focus on Team USA,” Durant said. “I grew a lot mentally when I did that.”

Durant said he realizes that the team will not always make it to the finals like they did last year.

“It is not a guarantee that we will make it to the finals every year,” Durant

said. “Every team is hungry and wants to make to the championship. We just have to take it one day at a time. That is the approach I want to bring to this group. I want to let them enjoy this process and just know that it will be a tough, long road full of ups and downs.”

Durant also said that he plans to lead the team by example during the coming season.

“I think I came back as a more vocal leader,” Durant

said. “I have to try to help my team. There may be times when I am upset at myself when I return to the bench, but I can not let my team see me like that.”

While Durant, Harden and Westbrook were playing in London, other team members were preparing for the upcoming season in other ways.

Thabo Sefolosha said that he has prepared to have better aim and a better offense for the upcoming season.

“Every time I want to come back a better shooter,” Sefolosha said, “and I think I did a good job this summer, working on my shots and on my game offensively.”

According to Sefolosha, the team’s goal is to always try to be better than they were in seasons past.

“The main thing for us is to never be satisfied with what we did,” Sefolosha said. “We lost a lot of veteran guys, so it is going to be on us as players now to motivate one

another.”Though Harden remains

under contract this season, a contract extension has not yet been reached.

Teammate Russell Westbrook said that Harden’s decision to stay with or leave the team will be based on what is best for his family.

“James is going to make the best decision for him and his family,” Westbrook said.

The Thunder’s training camp began Oct. 2.

Tyler BoydstonSports Editor

Tennis players rocket to regionalsCameron University’s

women and men’s tennis players recently swung away in their matches at the ITA Regionals from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 in Abilene, Texas.

The individual players started strong on the first day, with women’s tennis players Julia Puckhaber, Elvira Shooles and Amanda Moberg advancing to the sweet 16, while Duje Janjic and Nicolai Ferrigno represented men’s tennis, making it to the second day of competition.

According to head tennis coach James Helvey, the ITA Regionals faced weather conditions in the form of rain on the first day, though matches instead took place indoors.

“We were indoors some of the time,” Helvey said. “Indoor tennis is completely different from outdoor tennis, with no weather elements there in the way.”

Sophomore Nicolai Ferrigno got two wins against Incarnate Word’s Mario Jakovijevic with scores of 6-3 in both matches, following with two wins against Western New Mexico’s Rodrigo Almeida with scores of 6-3 and 6-2.

Ferrigno later advanced to the championship match against the number one seed in the tournament, Hans Hach of Abilene Christian. Though Ferrigno won the first set against Hach 6-4, Hach came back in the second and third sets with scores of 6-2 and 6-2 to win his third ITA Regional title.

Helvey expressed his pride in Ferrigno’s run,

given the circumstances the sophomore was in.

“Nicolai had a lot of tough matches,” Helvey said. “To win five matches in that tournament is tough, and he got to the sixth match. He played consistently well, and I’m really proud of Nicolai.

Not many people get that opportunity.”

Seniors Julia Puckhaber and Amanda Moberg both made their ways into the elite eight. Puckhaber won the first round of the second day, but met defeat courtesy of Barbora Bozkova from Oklahoma Christian, who

hit them scores of 6-2 and 6-3 later in the day.

Moberg won her first match of the second day against Incarnate Word, but later fell to Mariana Rong of St. Mary’s with scores of 6-4 and 6-2.

According to Helvey, Puckhaber and Moberg

faced difficult matches in this tournament.

“They had some good draws,” Helvey said. “They played some tough people. There were no easy matches in this draw. These are two seniors that played really well.”

Junior Elvira Sholles

beat Christina Lopez of St. Mary’s with scores of 6-3 and 7-5 and then went on to defeat Allcia Perez of Tarleton State with scores of 6-3 and 6-3 in the opening day. Sholles was eliminated in the sweet 16 when she lost to Oklahoma Christian’s Barbora Bozkokva with scores of 6-3 and 6-2.

The selection process for the tournament is picked so as to not place certain players against others early on.

“We do not usually toss players in the competition,” Helvey said. “You usually try to place the better players so you do not have the possibility of the two best players meeting in an early round.”

According to coach Helvey, the ITA Regional, unlike other competitions, is not an indicator for the rest of the season.

“The ITA Regional is the highlight of the fall and kind of sets everything up for the rest of the year,” Helvey said, “but it’s a very poor indicator of where you might actually be, because it is one giant draw. Your number one and two players could play somebody else’s number five and six one round and your number six could play someone’s number one, so it’s a tough judge to see where everybody is.

“There have been years where I have a great ITA Regional and then we struggle afterward, and there have been years where I have a bad regional and then we have a great year in the spring.”

Tyler BoydstonSports Editor

Ready, set, swing: Sophomore Nicolai Ferrigno strikes at the ball during practice. Ferrigno made his way to the championship match at the ITA Regionals, where he fell to the tournament’s number one seed Hans Hach of Abilene Christian after a first match win. The tennis players set out to the ITA Regionals from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.

Photo by Tyler Boydston

Ready to return: Kevin Durant tells the press about the upcoming season. Durant, alongside the rest of the Thunder team and coach Scott Brooks, talked to the press as a part of Thunder’s annual media day on Oct. 1.

Photo by Tyler Boydston