Volume 69 Number 4

Volume 69 Number 4WVSU Yellow Jacket

YJ

In This Issue:- New Television Studio On-Campus Page 3- Homecoming 2010 Retrospective Page 7

First Copy Free January 31, 2010

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YJYe l l o wJ a c k e t

Editor-in-ChiefWilliam Oldani Jr.

Managing EditorMary Casto

Executive EditorBrett Mannon

Senior Copy EditorMichelle Miller

Design Editor/Photographer Katheryne Hawkins

Design Apprentice/PhotographerMark Talbert

Design ApprenticeJessica Martin

Campus EditorStephanie Ann Barnett

News EditorDarin Drane

Editorial EditorMark Talbert

Opinion EditorKris Casdorph

Sports EditorScott Waggener

Entertainment EditorNicholas Casto

Ad ManagerBrett Mannon

Faculty AdvisorDr. Robin Broughton

Office ContactsPhone: 304.766.3212

214 Wilson Student Union Institute, WV 25112

YJ StaffDear Yellow Jacket readers,

On The Cover:Production of Coaches Corner with new equippment for the on-campus television studio in the Cole Complex. Photo by Katheryne Hawkins

Welcome to an all new semester for the Yellow Jacket. I am excited to say that with new management will come a more distinguished paper that brings great news, sports, and entertainment.

This first issue will be a retrospective look into some of the highlights of homecoming that will include photos and stories that we were not able to make the previous semester.

Be on the lookout for new issues of the yellow jacket, which will now be hitting stands more regularly. Thank you readers for you never ending support, and love of our campus paper.

Get the Word Out!Campus Events

can be advertised here!

We would love to help students get involved.

Events, activities, and agendascan be e-mailed to

[email protected]

Sincerely, William E. Oldani JrEditor-in-Chief

Campus News

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Collegiate Support & Counseling Services

Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:00pmFor more info contact Kelly Toledo at [email protected]

West Virginia State Univer-sity recently revamped its on-campus television studio. The renovation began during the summer of 2010. All new state-of-the-art equipment was installed which is comparable to both Marshall and WVU’s television studios.

The outdated equipment from the 1970’s, along with being loud and disruptive, was bulky and difficult to handle. The new equipment is smaller and more compact, making it easier to manipulate.

“The new equipment completely makes a new atmosphere for anyone in there trying to concentrate,” said Jireh Beacom, sophomore communications major.

The update includes new cam-eras, television screens, switchboard

New TV Studio Presents Exciting Opportunities for Studentsby Rikki Spinks

and soundboard all in HD. New props, such as a stage, brick wall and desk used for Campus Connection were also purchased.

Communications professor, Amy Trent stated that the transformation of the television studio cost $350,000. This includes the $100,000 spent on

new lighting, which has not yet been installed. Funds for the studio came from research and development with communications funding.

Jessica Isner, communications professor, teaches courses that utilize the television studio. Having worked with the old equipment, as well as the new, Isner said, “It’s a very exciting opportunity for our students to have access to the new equipment. It will give them better advantages in their job search.”

Those involved with the televi-sion studio are still adjusting to the changes and learning to use the equip-ment.

While this is an ongoing process, it is clear the changes present a wide range of opportunities for students and professors.

The Rev. Jeff Wood’s opening remarks, speaking about the 2010 WVSU football team said, “This group of young may not have won any games so far this year, but they are the kindest and most well-behaved group of young men I have been around since serving WVSU athletics.”

The great Earl Lloyd, alumni of the Class of 1951 and the first black to be drafted and play professional basketball, was in attendance.

Leading the honorees this year was current Men’s Head Basketball Coach Bryan Poore, who is a 1988 graduate of WVSU. He will be start-ing his 12th season as Head Coach at WVSU.

Coach Poore is the first active coach to be inducted into the HOF.

The “W” Club, sponsors of the event, also presented the WVSU Ath-

31st Annual WVSU Sports Hall of Fame Inductionby Bobby Miller

Scott Waggener interviews Coach Bostic for Coaches Corner in the new recording facility. Left to Right: Skip Shannon, Garvey Price, Kim Cobb and Jeff Higley. Photo by Katheryne Hawkins

letic Department with a donation check of $750,000 to go towards the Fleming Hall renovations project.

Also inducted into the HOF were James Charley ‘76, Football and Base-ball; Wilbert Goff ‘62, Baseball and

Football; Thomas Goodwin ‘62, Bas-ketball; Marvin Layne ‘71, Football and Track; Herbert “Chilly” Thompson ‘62, Basketball; and William Tose’ ‘72, Honorary Inductee.

Hall of Fame Inductees pictured from Left to Right: Marvin Layne, Thomas Goodwin, Wilbert Goff, Bryan Poore, James Charley, and William Tose. Not Pictured: Herbert Thompson. Photo by Katheryne Hawkins

“Being able to be part of the WVSU basketball tradition has been an honor. Watching players transform from high school graduates to young men through education and athletics at WVSU has been awesome.”

-Coach Bryan Poore

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Campus News

Women in Communicationswill be meeting

Thursday, Feburary 10, 2011 at 12:30am in Room 214

of Student Union

For more information contact President Mary Casto at 304.766.3212

University President Hazo W. Carter Jr., opened the Ceremonial Ground-breaking of the Fleming Hall Renovation & Addition project with “What a fabulous journey it has been, being a part of this wonderful project.”

The renovation will re-furbish most of the historical building and add state-of-the art athletic accommodations, including a new gymnasium. The event included the WVSU band, numerous local political figures, and a WVSU ‘Family Portrait,’ on the East Lawn. The ceremony offered an architectural design of the $15 million dollar project. Look for the design, as it makes its way through campus buildings on display.

WVSU 1954 graduate Sandra Morgan, traveled from her home in Colum-bus, Ohio for Homecoming, said, “This is the most beautiful campus. Its beauty and wonder were unforgettable to me, and my time here was unforgettable.”

Several of WVSU’s staff were involved in “breaking ground” with a gold shovel, including Athletic Director Sean Lloyd. Lloyd, an Assistant Coach to the Baseball team, said, “With the efforts of President Carter and several key staff members, alumni, and local businesses, the renovation of Fleming Hall is now here.” Construction will begin soon.

Be sure to check periodic updates for possible classroom changes during construction.

Fleming Hall Renovation Project Kicks Offby Bobby Miller

The homecoming parade ended with a major announcement. The West Virginia State University Hall of Fame donated $100,000 dollars to the school in an effort to show their support for the Yellow Jackets.

University President, Dr. Hazo Carter Jr., was on hand to accept this gracious donation from the Hall of Fame and name the 2010 Alumnus of the Year. This prestigious award is given each year to deserving alum who have helped improve the school and their community during the past year.

While the football game may have been the main attraction during Homecom-ing week, other events on campus could have kept you busy for an entire afternoon. Several campus social organizations sold food and goods to students and visitors.

Vendors sold t-shirts, sunglasses, refreshments, and CDs among other trinkets. Inflatable slides and a variety of activities were available for children to enjoy.

Although the game did not come out in the Yellow Jackets favor, the stands were packed for this difficult contest. Despite the loss, the game and its surround-ing events helped showcase the school.

Major Donation to WVSU Just Before 2010 Homecoming Kickoffby Kris Casdorph

South Exterior view of the Chester Burris Natatorium. This wing of Flemming Hall is included in the renovation plans for the facility. Photo by Katheryne Hawkins

ADVERTISE YOUR STUDENT ORGANIZATION

HERE!

WVSU Student Organizations get free advertisement through the

Yellow Jacket Newspaper!

Have a meeting coming up? A fund-raising or social event?

Let us know and we’ll tell everyone else!

[email protected] or visit our office in the

Student Union Room 214

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EditorialNearly 120 years have passed since State’s first graduating class. Decades

of racial segregation did not hinder its growth. Like a blooming flower, West Virginia State University has transformed into an equalized establishment, free from the bonds of societal division.

WVSU hosts an adult environment with a touch of fun added. Most students are sociable and seem to know what it takes to get along well with others. The best part of WVSU is there are many people who want you to succeed.

Opportunities for college undergrads have never been better. WVSU pro-vides many campus events. The first thing that comes to mind for some people when thinking of campus activities may be athletics.

This past homecoming, there was enough pride to suggest that people love their university. Attending a football game is one thing, but to cheer for them is even more special. We should treat every week like homecoming week; college is too beautiful of an experience for just one celebration.

To deal with the trouble of daily life is something we must all do. However, the best way to make it through the bad times, we should take everything good about the university, and be more positive. If this can be done (and yes, it can), you will be making your life easier.

The Beauty of West Virginia Stateby Adam Striker

According to a recent article in U.S. News Magazine, as many as one in three first time freshmen do not return for their sophomore year. The national average is only 66%, which is the lowest it has been since 1989. The decreas-ing freshmen retention rate is mainly attributed to financial issues and family problems.

The problem of retaining freshmen is no different at West Virginia State University. Danny Cantrell, who is the Director of Enrollment Management and Retention, states that WVSU’s 2009 freshmen retention rate was 60%. Ac-cording to Cantrell, WVSU is only about 4% lower than other local universities such as WVU and Marshall University.

These numbers seem to vary among faculty within the different depart-ments at WVSU. Regardless of whatever numbers are given, the freshmen retention rate at West Virginia State University is lower than what it should be. Like many other universities, WVSU is taking measures to try to bring the freshmen back for their sophomore year.

In an effort to raise the freshmen retention rate, WVSU recently incorpo-rated the freshmen experience class in the course schedule. The class, which is a one credit hour class, is taken by all first time freshmen. Its purpose is to help students get better acquainted with the university, and hopefully encourage them to return as a sophomore.

“Because of freshmen experience, I’ve become a lot more familiar with my surroundings on campus, and I have also met people who are in the same boat as I am,” says freshman Jessica Oxley. Retention rates for all major uni-versities in the United States can be found by logging on to http://nces.ed.gov/.

On-Campus Happiness is Measureableby Keri Thomas

Goldston Dining Hall

Monday - FridayBreakfast 7:30 a.m. - 9:25 a.m.Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Dinner (Friday) 5:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Late Night 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (Monday - Thursday)

Saturday & SundayBrunch 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.Dinner 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

SubwayMonday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.Friday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Taco BellMonday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Friday 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Hours of operation subject to change

For menues and more information go tohttp://wvsu.avifoodweb.com

WVSU Student Union Food Court Hours for

Spring 2011

Free movie tickets to Nitro Great EscapeTheater

Student Activities Office (Union 103)9:00am-12:00pm

MUST HAVE VALID WVSU ID!(First Friday of every month)

Editorial

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Have you ever wished that there was a way to alleviate some of the stress that occurs toward the end of the semester? Here’s a hint: early advising. Most students are unaware that they can be advised, and obtain their pin number needed for electronic registration, long before the end of the semester.

In fact, last semesters advising began on September 13, 2010. Mary Wick-iser, Secretary for the Communications Department, said, “Getting advising done early reduces the stress for both students and faculty by allowing them more time to decide what will be best for the upcoming semester.”

Unfortunately, not many students take advantage of early advising. “Out of the forty-three students I have to advise, only one has taken advantage of this opportunity to get a head start,” said Sherri Shafer, Communications De-partment Chair.

Shafer also said that although the list of classes that will be offered dur-ing the upcoming semester is not immediately available to students, many studentsmay still feel comfort in knowing that there is one less thing to do before preparing for finals.

Advise Now for no Stress Laterby Christin Daugherty

West Virginia State University student Sarah Herold said she based her recent Toyota Corolla purchase on cost efficiency and environmental friendliness. According to a recent study by AutoPacific, most Generation Y’ers are basing their automobile pur-chases on the same criteria as Herold.

Generation Y’ers are purchas-ing cars sized appropriately to their needs, that are more fuel efficient, and environmentally friendly. However, they do not necessarily prefer compact cars, which is exactly why the size of compact cars has grown with their car purchasing criteria over the years. Yes, compact cars are much bigger nowadays then they were in the past. Additionally, Generation Y’ers actu-ally prefer mid size cars, or mid size crossover SUVs. Rather than being forced to purchase compact cars, Y’ers expect technology to improve fuel efficiency and environmental friend-liness of the larger cars we prefer. According to the article on Autoblog.

by Cassie Canterbury

Shortly after Homecoming week I began thinking about what it means to be a ‘Yellow Jacket.’ Although our football team was defeated, school spirit was not. Everywhere I looked, black and gold was alive in the hearts of students, faculty, and staff, and people were showing what school spirit means to them.

As you flip through the pages of this paper and relive black and gold festivities, I want you to ask yourself something: What does being a Yellow Jacket mean to me?

To me, it means doing all that I can for my school. It means I attend school events every chance I get, I cheer on my sports teams with pride, and I even try (and fail miserably) to ride the mechanical bull during Homecoming week. It means that when I pass a stranger on the quad, I shoot them a friendly smile and say “hi” as I walk by.

It means that I own a ridiculous number of West Virginia State University t-shirts and just spent money on another one with girly sparkles.

It even means that I bought the black and gold boas and beads that were being sold in the Union.

Regardless of what being a Yellow Jacket means to you, we are all con-nected and we all have some level of pride in our school.

So next time you walk on campus, take a breath, stand back, and really think about what being a Yellow Jacket means to you. You might surprise yourself; you might actually be a true WVSU fan.

To be a Yellow Jacket has Meaningby Sara Price

New Generation Means a New Kind of Ride

com, Generation Y More Likely to Buy a Hybrid, AutoPacific’s President, George Peterson said, “Though many Generation Y consumers would choose

a trip around the world over a luxury vehicle, Generation Y does expect that the vehicle they buy will be more than just basic transportation. Generation Y

is more likely than older generations to own portable electronics, more likely to research their vehicle options on the Internet, and an astonishing 29% is more likely to frequently multi-task while driving. They know what’s out there, they know the economical and environmental problems we face, and their vehicle expectations reflect that knowledge. The Auto Pacific study is conducted annually to analyze Gen-eration Y consumers and what they want from their future cars, including size, engine, transmission, accessories, luxuries, and communication features.

Auto Pacific’s study – The Gen-eration Y Opportunity – is based on the results of AutoPacific’s annual survey of over 32,000 new car and light truck buyers in the United States. They study compares and contrasts Generation Y car purchasing criteria to that of older generations. According to the study, in many ways, Generation Y is following the footsteps of their Baby Boomer parents, but they are more extreme.

West Virginia State University Health Center Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Phone (304)766-3323 email: [email protected] Located on the Lower Level of the Wilson Student Union

Information for these and other important dates can be found on WVSU’s home page at www.wvstateu.edu under the

Academic Calendars link.

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Retrospect on Homecoming

The WVSU Marching Band outside Wilson Student Union for the 2010 Homecoming Parade. WVSU Army ROTC

Students Enjoy Homecoming Festivities. Stevi Rider performs at Homecoming Halftime. Mechanical Bull vs. Sara Price. Bull one Sara zero.

A live Salsa Band entertains Students during Homecoming week at the Student Union. Hall of Fame Inductees stroll down the Welcoming line.

Retrospect on Homecoming

yellow jacket 9Jermain King Photos by Katheryne HawkinsJosh Johnson leads the Yellow Jackets to the Field.

Shannon Maura

Fabian Payne

Jermain King

Homecoming

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Opinion

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As U.S. servicemen and women currently remain in the line of fire across Iraq and Afghanistan, our nation’s political leadership seems determined to cre-ate a third war with the people of Iran. While former Secretary of State Colin Powell told NBC’s Meet the Press that he believes there is no push to fight with Iran, one need only look at the evidence on the table to see the specter of war looming on the horizon.

Economic sanctions are often the precursor to war. Before our military intervention in Iraq, we sought to weaken the economy of our future adversary through sanctions that would limit their ability to pay for arms and soldiers.

The main opponent to that war was Senator Robert Byrd who often spoke out against such sanctions, knowing where they would lead. As Senator Byrd entered the hospital for the last time the U.S. Senate passed its toughest set of sanctions against the nation of Iran.

Now that the dean of the Senate is no longer here to stir the opposition against this looming conflict, we are bombarded daily with the possibility of an

Future in Iran Looks Bleak for US Militantsby Kris Casdorph

When Barack Obama was elected in 2008, he walked into a political dream come true. Sitting in the most powerful post in our government, the President was set to enjoy a Congress that would be led by his party. Dur-ing his first few months in office, he enjoyed one of the highest approval ratings of any president in history. It seemed we were all hopeful for positive change. Two years, several bailouts, and an unpopular health care bill later, the tide has turned. Now, with less than half the nation supporting the President and his agenda, many Democrats are shying away from the White House.

Here in West Virginia, both long term representatives and highly popu-lar ones are feeling the heat directed at America’s first African American president. Governor Joe Manchin has

Presidential Disapproval Threatens Congressional Majorityby Kris Casdorph

been trailing perennial Senate candi-date John Raese; a man who has never received forty percent of the popular vote in a statewide election. Congress-

man Nick Rahall, a former staffer for recently deceased West Virginian of the twentieth century Senator Robert Byrd, is hanging on by a thread against

disgraced West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Spike Maynard.

Nationally, disappointment in the Obama administration has led to unlikely races and unbelievable candidates. In Delaware, Christine O’Donnell, who could easily imper-sonate former Vice Presidential con-tender Sarah Palin in looks and policy, has stepped forward to pose a serious challenge for Vice President Biden’s former seat. Most notably, she felt compelled to publicly declare she is not a witch. Will college students, who formed the backbone of the Obama campaign, be able to help turn the Re-publican tide and keep the majority in the Democrats hands? If current public opinion polls hold true on Election Day, the answer looks to be no.

Campus Events and Activities can be advertised here! Please send agendas to [email protected]

We would love to help get students involved!

The USS Enterprise is one of many aircraft carriers in the US naval Fleet.

Iranian war by the media. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has spoken in support of the new round of sanctions, which are the first steps of modern warfare. How can we sustain three wars during a time of economic hardship at home? Perhaps all of our economic woes have more to do with these expensive military actions than we realize.

Entertainment

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Compiled by Lori TompkinsStress to the Press

-Use your [*!#&@%^] turn signal! They are there for a reason.

-West Virginia State University DOES exist! No matter what you may think, it is not just you WVU!

-D.C. was a blast! Thank you Dr. Tee. [The company was not too shabby either lol!]

-Mid-terms shall be the death of me.

-Even though we lost the game, homecoming was still exciting.

-Finally, financial aid, you are getting things together.

-Please bring the mechanical bull back again very soon.

-I am really looking forward to graduation however; I am really going to miss my friends on campus.

Dorm life is the one thing many high school students long for. What could be more fun than being away from home sharing a room on the same floor as other college students? As fun as it is portrayed, the college life isn’t what some make it out to be, if you aren’t prepared.

What does it take to be prepared? First, you need to start with a roommate. This can be done by either requesting one or having one assigned. Once you and your roommate move into your dorm, talk to each other and set boundaries so neither of you cross any lines. Then, make it a point to be polite and considerate. This makes things run a lot smoother considering you’ll be spending a lot of time with each other.

Second, you need to bring along some necessities from home. This includes: an alarm clock, bed linens, personal hygiene items, laundry detergent and dryer sheets, quarters, and flip flops for the shower. For the room itself you should bring: an area rug, a mini refrigerator, memorabilia from your home, and a laptop or desktop computer.

Third, consider investing in a floor lamp so that the overhead light can be turned off when needed to accommodate you or your roommate. Also, since space is minimal, closet organizers and under-the-bed stor-age compartments can be very useful.

Altogether, everyone starts to adapt to the dorm life once they delve into it. This is the bare essential list for dorm survival, but many more things can be added to make dorm life more accommodating. As former student Elizabeth Karnes said, “College life is what you make it, so make your dorm room your home away from home.”

Make Your Home Away From Home a Safe Haven by Amber North

West Virginia State University students got the opportunity to par-ticipate in an evening full of laughs for homecoming.

On Thurs., Oct 14, 2010, Kevin Hart debuted his “Laugh at My Pain” comedy tour at the Clay Center.

Hart, who hails from Philadel-phia, has been in an array of films, with such works that include Soul Plane, 40-Year-Old Virgin, and Fools Gold.

In addition to film, the comedian has also released two DVD specials. In 2009 Hart released his first hour-long stand up special titled, “I’m a Grown Little Man.”

Following suit in 2010 he re-leased his second comedy series titled “Seriously Funny.”

Since the release of his 2010 spe-cial, Hart has become widely popular among the masses. His current DVD

by Michelle MillerKevin Hart comes to Charleston for Homecoming 2010

special, Seriously Funny, has gone double platinum.

Performing all new material, the comic also brought along friends. Will

“Spank” Horton, and Na’im Lynn, were the opening acts of the night. Hart took the stage around 9 p.m. and delivered a laugh worthy routine to an energetic crowd.

Among those in attendance was Sara Parker, a University student. Parker said, “The crowd was decent but I wish there would have been a packed house.”

Parker also said, “I have been familiar with his stand up comedy and was looking forward to seeing him live. He definitely did not disappoint.”

Elizabeth Doing, also a student in attendance, said, “I did not know who Kevin Hart was before attending the show, but he was hilarious and I am glad I came.”

All in all, the comedy show proved to be a successful homecoming event for WVSU students and staff.

Comedian Kevin Hart performs.

Entertainment

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Think About It…by Brett Mannon

Laugh About It…by Sara Price

Most Americans find themselves overweight by middle age; an enviable minority stays slim throughout their lives. One does not find a person who has never become overweight sitting around with junk food in their laps. Out of the group of always slim respondents, only 3 percent reported that they ate whatever they wanted. Those always slim respondents also maintained similar eating and exercise habits of those who had lost weight and kept it off.

When we were 10 years old, Halloween was a month-long event full of coordinating matching costumes with our friends, scheduling trick-or-treat times at each other’s houses, and fighting over who got to eat the candy.

Flash forward 10 years. Shopping for matching cos-tumes, scheduling Halloween festivities, and eating candy has taken on completely opposite meanings, especially for the gentler sex.

Eating healthy foods, avoiding excessive dietary fat, using portion control, and regular vigorous exercise are key components of staying thin. For those who struggle with their weight this may take a little more effort in their diet and exercise habits. The Consumer Reports survey received over 21,000 responses. The always thin group comprised only 16 percent of the sample while failed dieters who were overweight made up 42 percent. More than half of those who had successfully lost weight did so, on their own “without the aid of a com-mercial diet program, a medical treatment, a book, or diet pills.

Six key behaviors were identified that contributed to a healthy body mass index (BMI). These six behaviors are: watch portions, limit fat, eat fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains over refined, eat at home, and regular vigorous exercise. Proper portion control appeared to be the most influential in obtaining a healthy BMI. A common diet, going low-carb, was found to be ineffective. The low-carb plans may work or help some, but they are not effective for a majority of the population.

Strategies suggested include setting realistic goals, don’t get discouraged, ask for support, and get up and move. Many people are unaware of the time and effort needed to lose weight and keep it off. This can be discouraging but persistence is needed. Support of family and friends is also key in helping a person stick to their goals as well as acknowledging their achievements. Finally, regular vigorous exercise has not substitute. A proper diet combined with a proper exercise routine will get the results. Maintaining those will keep it off.

Costumes are no longer something fun and inventive to coordinate with your friends. Gone are the days of full-coverage overalls with pigtails. Now, a sweet little farm girl has been replaced by Lil’ Ho Peep. Costume coordination still exists of course, but it’s usually on the level of which outfit can be the most revealing rather than who should be which Disney princess.

The term “trick-or-treat” has also changed entirely. True, it can still refer to the Halloween tradition of going door-to-door, saying “trick-or-treat,” and receiving goodies in return. But in girl land, it often means something along the lines of playing naughty in return for something nice, especially at a Halloween party. I’ll show you my tricks if you show me your treats.

Even candy has taken on a different role. Before when Dots and the vanilla Tootsie Rolls were fought over, now people are fighting over who gets Candy first. If you choose to do so, women can even be candy themselves with shelves stocking outfits such as Candyland Queen and mini-skirted Snickers bars.

When did Halloween turn into a competition to see which girl can show the most skin? My only answer is no answer, as myself and some friends have participated in this new tradition.

All I can say is to take it for what it is and when we see someone looking a little underdressed, just laugh it off. To all his (or her) own.

SportsWest Virginia States women’s tennis team took home the WVIAC regular season crown in 2010. It was their third regular season championship in the last

five years. They finished 17-2 with seven matches in which they shut out opponents winning 9-0. One of the biggest stories from this past season was their strength from top to bottom of the roster. Andrea Slusarciuc is a freshman and took claim as the number one for Coach Simms right away.

Slusarciuc only lost four matches and was named 2010 WVIAC co-player of the year and also freshman of the year. “It shows the balance of the team,” said Simms. “And the fact that they were all good players and they worked hard.”

A’lee Miller was the sixth starter and gave WVSU a solid line up from top to bottom. The other new starter for Coach Simms was Ana Juarez, a transfer from another Division II school where she played two seasons.

The regular season title came down to the last match of the season. The match was against arch rival University of Charleston. The two teams were tied for first, with the winner taking the title and top seed into the conference tournament. With one match still going on, WVSU and UC were tied.

Junior Brittany Craig was named all-WVIAC for the third straight season. Craig won that match in three sets. “I was so nervous,” said Craig. “I just pulled it together because I knew the team needed me to win. It just all came together for me. After we won that was one of the best feelings you could have.”

As the top seed, State advanced to the tournament finals. It would be a grudge match versus UC. In another close one, UC got the victory.For the first time in school history State made the ranks, coming in 39th nationally. WVSU is also fourth in the Atlantic region which is also a school best.

The year is not over for WVSU as the regional and national tournaments are held in the Spring.

WVSU Women’s Tennis 2010 Season Conclusionby Scott Waggener

If you have something to say about your favorite Holiday email the YJ @[email protected].

Sports

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CATCH SPORTS ZONE

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. on106.7 FM Campus Radio

The West Virginia State football team finished 0-10 this past season. They were a team with a lot of youth after several key players departed from the program last year. Coach Monroe served as an assistant coach for WVSU since 1986 and last season was his fourth as the head coach. His roots are as a defen-sive coordinator. Before the first week of practice Will King left his position as coordinator of the defense to take the same position at Concord University. Monroe, not wanting to bring in a new system just weeks before the season opener, took over as the defensive coordinator of a team full of freshman and asked them to step up into starting roles. “We were awful young and we knew we were going to have some growing pains,” said Monroe. “But we did not know the pains were going to be that severe.”

It is not very hard to find bright spots from last years’ Yellow Jacket foot-ball team. A lot of freshman got game experience that will make them better players in the future. One that stood out however was fourth year senior Jer-maine King. King did all he could to put the team on his back. Jermaine is the all-time leading receiver in WVSU history. He broke records for both career receptions and receiving yards in 2010. Both records were previously held by Mario Lewis who set them in 1993.

The receptions record came easily in the first few weeks of the season. Going into senior day game against Wesleyan, Jermaine needed just 5 yards to set the yardage record. He said he knew it would be a challenge but it was a goal of his. “As soon as the season started,” said King. “I felt like I wanted to be remembered. I wanted to leave my mark.” Jermaine did just that and was invited to play in the HBCU Division II all-star game in Atlanta, GA where he got the opportunity to show off his talents for several professional scouts.

“This team had a lot of character,” said Monroe. “That’s something we have to build on during the off season. The guys didn’t quit and they fought for all 60 minutes.” Monroe is proud of the heart his team showed last season.

WVSU Sporting Events February 1 - 14, 20112/5 – Men’s and Women’s Basketball versus Alderson Broaddus2/7 - Men’s and Women’s Basketball versus Fairmont State2/10 – Men’s and Women’s Basketball @ Concord2/12 – Men’s and Women’s Basketball versus Bluefield State

The volleyball team at WVSU had a difficult season this past year, win-ning only four conferences matches. This team is not used to losing but had a lot of obstacles to overcome.

“It was a little bit rough,” said Coach Gerencir. “We were plagued with some unbelievable injuries and we were young. Injuries on top of youth came to be our downfall.” They lost in the first round of the WVIAC tournament to Pitt-Johnstown.

The Yellow Jackets volleyball team lost three all-WVIAC performers from a year ago. This was Gerencir’s ninth season as head coach. WVSU’s volleyball program had little history of winning before she came aboard. Since she has been the coach, she has led two teams to conference titles.

“It was difficult in the beginning,” said Gerencir. “But it is absolutely one of my most proud moments I could have taking a program with no history of winning to two titles. One of those titles we went undefeated in the conference. It’s something we definitely want to get back to. This past year’s team had no seniors so they expect the core of the team back for next year.

WVSU Yellow Jacket Football 2010 Season Wrap upby Scott Waggener

Jermain King is the all-time leading receiver in WVSU history. Photo by Katheryne Hawkins

Lady Yellow Jackets Volleyball 2010 Season Ends With Promiseby Scott Waggener

Spotlight

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Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a nationally recognized student organization that is open to all majors but specifically focuses on public relations, marketing, advertising, website development and research.

PRSSA’s parent organization, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), is an organization for public relations professionals.

WVSU’s Robert C. Byrd chapter of PRSSA produced its own student-run PR firm called Tower Communica-tions in 2006.

The firm, named for the iconic water tower on campus, has brought in approximately $60,000 in contracts since its inception.

One of their major clients was the Midland Trail Byways Program, for which PRSSA helped develop a

by Stephanie Ann Barnett

Charleston native and WVSU Communications Senior Justin Litton ex-plores video production with a passion that began in high school when he and his best friend came up with ideas for videos and filmed them. He has recorded on 8mm video tape, DV, and HDV. He now uses SDHC cards with a HDSLR camera that records files to flash media.

Litton began college as a Computer Science major. However, his love of computers merged with his interest in photography and moved him towards a degree in Communications and a talent for film making.

The two short films that Litton has completed while at WVSU have earned awards at the WV Filmmakers Festival, WV International Film Festival, WVSU Student Film Festival, and the Mountaineer Short Film Festival. His work is available to view online at http://www.j332ny.com.

Although he has survived thus far using himself and close friends, Litton will be searching for a full crew in the spring of 2011 for his Senior Project dur-ing his final semester. Interested parties may contact him through his website.

After life at State, Litton plans to attend film school and move westward to find a job doing something he loves.

by Stephanie Ann Barnett

Award-winning Student Filmmaker

Justin Litton Photo by Stephanie Ann Barnett

Student-run PR Firm Exciting International Audiences

PRSSA members attending the 2010 National Conference. Left to Right: Bradley Burke, Zack Bandak, Lori Tompkins, Billy Dillinger, Sara Price, and Miriam Kajomovitz.

For more Information

Contact; Faculty Advisor

Dr. Tee Ford-Ahmed at [email protected]

or President Sara Price at [email protected].

sub-trail that stretches from WVSU’s campus through Fayette County.

In addition to taking care of cli-ents, PRSSA strives for excellence in community service with continual par-

ticipation in community clean-up proj-ects and sponsorship of events such as their supply drive for Sojourner’s Women’s Shelter last Christmas.

The organization has also won

various Crystal Awards for achieve-ments in marketing.

During the Fall 2010 semester they attended a national PRSSA con-ference in Washington D.C. where they discussed how even a small organiza-tion could get big things done in an international marketplace.

Is there someone you know who should be in the Student Spotlight? Is there a Student Organization that needs a little highlight?

Tell us about them! Email the YJ Staff at [email protected]

The Yellow Jacket NewspaperAdvertising Rates

Rates below are regular price per issue and we plan to publish six more issues this Spring semester.

Back page – Full Color $20012” h X 9.75” w (117 Sq. in.) 5 horizontal columns

Back page –B/W $16012” h X 9.75” w (117 Sq. in.) 5 horizontal columns

Full page inside – $14012”h X 9.75”w (117 Sq. in)

Half page $100

6” h X 9.75” w (58.5 Sq. in.) 5 horizontal columns

Quarter page $606” h X 4.75” w (28.5 Sq. in.) 2.5 horizontal columns

1/8 page $303” h X 4.74” w (14.25 Sq. in.) 2.5 horizontal columns

(Ask about our special Alumni rates!)

Ads places for 3 consecutive issuesrecieve a 20% discount.

If you have any questions please call Brett at304-766-3212 or e-mail [email protected]

ALL ADS MUST BE PRE-PAIDunless prior arrangements have been made.

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