COLLEGIAN Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

T H E C A M E R O N U N I V E R S I T Y

Monday, November 9, 2009 Volume 84 Issue 10

News

A&E

Sports

VoicesDear Student,Dear Student,Th e Cameron University community is preparing Th e Cameron University community is preparing

for our ten-year accreditation review by the Higher for our ten-year accreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission, which will culminate in an Learning Commission, which will culminate in an HLC site visit in November of 2010. As part of the HLC site visit in November of 2010. As part of the process, Cameron University is conducting a Self-process, Cameron University is conducting a Self-Study to present to the commission members, and Study to present to the commission members, and we need your help. We are asking students, faculty, we need your help. We are asking students, faculty, staff , alumni, and community members to complete staff , alumni, and community members to complete surveys to provide us with necessary information for surveys to provide us with necessary information for the self-study.the self-study.

Please respond to each of the items below as Please respond to each of the items below as honestly as possible; only an honest assessment of honestly as possible; only an honest assessment of the university will enable us to report accurately on the university will enable us to report accurately on the state of the university. For most items, we have the state of the university. For most items, we have provided scales to use in your response. We believe provided scales to use in your response. We believe the survey will take approximately 15 minutes to the survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. We appreciate your help in this matter. complete. We appreciate your help in this matter. Th ank you again!Th ank you again!

Th ank you,Th ank you,Cameron UniversityCameron University

MMany students will see this message in the any students will see this message in the coming weeks between today and Nov. coming weeks between today and Nov.

22. Th e message is designed to notify students 22. Th e message is designed to notify students of the survey process that they are being asked of the survey process that they are being asked

By Jim HorinekCollegian Staff

By Kyle LuettersCollegian Staff

Business Building dedicationStudents, faculty, staff move into new building, take care of business

CU calls on students to participate in surveyCU calls on students to participate in surveyto participate in. As a part of the Higher Learning to participate in. As a part of the Higher Learning Commission accreditation process Cameron will be Commission accreditation process Cameron will be asking students to complete a short survey that will asking students to complete a short survey that will allow the institution to evaluate itself. allow the institution to evaluate itself.

As laid forth in the criterion for the As laid forth in the criterion for the accreditation, it is necessary for the institution to accreditation, it is necessary for the institution to evaluate its performance in all areas of its function. evaluate its performance in all areas of its function. Accordingly, it is important that the students are Accordingly, it is important that the students are able to voice their opinions and views on several key able to voice their opinions and views on several key aspects of their experiences as Cameron students. aspects of their experiences as Cameron students. Th e Self-Study, although it is one of Th e Self-Study, although it is one of several diff erent aspects that will be several diff erent aspects that will be involved in the accreditation process, involved in the accreditation process, is the aspect that relies most heavily on is the aspect that relies most heavily on student input. student input.

Students who wish to complete the Students who wish to complete the survey can do so from any computer by survey can do so from any computer by going to http://StudentSurvey.cameron.going to http://StudentSurvey.cameron.edu.edu.

Another way to access the survey Another way to access the survey is provided when students log into is provided when students log into any campus computer. Th is option is any campus computer. Th is option is provided by way of a prompt that asks the provided by way of a prompt that asks the student to input the link into the Internet student to input the link into the Internet browser. browser.

See SURVEYPage 2

“We want to meet your educational needs but we need your responses in order to identify those needs for a very diverse student body.”

— Dr. John McArthurVice President for Academic Affairs

Photos by Jim Horinek

Graphic courtesy of Public Affairs

CU health plan offers students insurance option

With the Oklahoma sunset in the background, Cameron University President Cindy Ross, along with a large crowd of dignitaries, faculty, staff and students, offi cially dedicated the new Business Building on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Funding for the new building came, in large part, from Cameron’s share of the Higher Education Act that the state of Oklahoma passed in 2005. Cameron received more than $12 million from the bill, with the new Business building costing approximately $8.7 million.

Th e new building replaced the old Business facility, which had been constructed in 1964 and used as a dormitory until 1985 when it was converted for academic use. Th e new building broke ground on the site of the previous building in October of 2006. Th e School of Business moved into the facility in May of this year with the fi rst classes being held this fall.

Joining President Ross at the podium was Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins; State Regent Bill W. Burgess Jr; Larry Wade, Vice Chairman of Th e University of Oklahoma; Cameron University and Rogers State University Board of Regents and Cameron student Ryan Faucett. Each took their respective turn at the podium and off ered their experiences

and hopes for the future of Cameron.“It is only fi tting that the opening of

this building is the fi rst major event of Cameron’s second century of changing lives through education,” President Ross said.

Future students will fi nd the facility to be very spacious with more than 32,000 square feet of room. Inside that space, a 114-seat auditorium is one of the main highlights. Th e auditorium can be used for presentations or large gatherings such as the weekly meetings of the Cameron Student Government Association (SGA).

Open for business: Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins speaks of the importance of the newest building to the CU campus.

See BUSINESSPage 4

“Takin’ Care of Business”: Ole Kim and students Ryan Faucett and Anna Pollard do the business shuffl e.

Through students’ eyes: Senior Ryan Faucett refl ects on what the Business Building means to the students.

By Tori StreckerNewswriting Student

Cameron University, in conjunction with Academic Health Plans (AHP), is now offering an accessible, affordable health insurance option to its students.

The health insurance will provide students enrolled in at least six credit hours with a way to cover unexpected illnesses, medical bills or hospitalization. This coverage is also available to the spouses and children of qualified students.

Dean of Student Services Jennifer Holland feels that it is important for Cameron to provide these types of options

for students and their families. “I think it is vital that

students have insurance coverage,” Holland said. “If you were to need your appendix out or if you were to become ill, then the medical expenses can add up. If students don’t have insurance to help cover those expenses, then it can keep them from continuing their education.”

The health insurance plan will act as an accident and sickness policy. The coverage includes a 24-hour nurse line to assist with any questions or concerns and a number of dental, vision and prescription discounts.

According to Dean Holland, the plan is also available at a

reasonable price. “It ends up being about $60

a month and includes a $100 deductible, which is pretty good for insurance,” Holland said. “This equates out to $2 a

day. Most insurance plans are a lot more expensive.”

See INSURANCE Page 2

Courtesy of academichealthplans.com

Workers lose their rights and get left out in cold.

SEE PAGE 5

CU Athletics demonstrates caring attitude.

SEE PAGE 8

Student and professor publish paper.

SEE PAGE 4

Trekkies unite for showing of “Star Trek.”

SEE PAGE 7

News2 November 9, 2009

Furthermore, the survey can be reached by a link that is on the Cameron Web site at www.cameron.edu/selfstudy. On top of helping their University better itself, students who complete the survey also will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize. However, the survey will only be available for completion from today until Nov. 22, so students should complete it as soon as possible.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. John McArthur urges students to understand the gravity of this survey and to participate in the process.

“Student learning is our top priority. That is more than what happens in the classroom alone. In this survey, you have the opportunity to provide feedback on all aspects of the student experience at Cameron University,” Dr. McArthur said. “We want to meet your educational needs but we need your responses in order to identify those needs for a very diverse student body.”

Self-Study Coordinator Dr. Marge Kingsley furthers the point of the importance of the Self-Study to Cameron as a healthy institution.

“The study allows the University to evaluate all of the services that it provides, finding out where we’re doing a good job of meeting the needs of the people we serve and where there are needs that still need to be met,” Dr. Kingsley said, “as well as making sure that we’re planning for the future in a way that will help us better serve our students. That’s important for the health of the institution.”

According to Dr. Kingsley, part of the process of evaluation is the survey of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. Furthermore, students who respond to the survey can provide important information about their experience at Cameron. This information will then be used to allow CU to more effectively help its students achieve their educational goals.

With this information in mind, Cameron University asks its students for their understanding and time to help fulfill the goals of the Self-Study. The survey is a relatively short task that can have very large impact.

SURVEY continued from page 1

See page 4 for solutions.

Sneak Peek presents CU to prospective students

INSURANCE continued from page 1

By Rashmi Th apaliyaCollegian Staff

Cameron University hosted Aggie Sneak Peek Fall Preview Day on Nov. 7 in the University Theatre. The three-hour event provided an opportunity for prospective college students and parents to learn more about enrolling at Cameron and becoming an Aggie.

“Aggie Sneak Peek provides prospective students a glimpse into the opportunities available at Cameron University by allowing them to interact with faculty, staff and students from the university,” Jamie Glover, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management said. “Choosing a university is a serious decision, and we want all prospective students to be fully informed about Cameron as they consider their options. Our goal is to demonstrate that Cameron can meet each student’s educational goals

as well as provide valuable information about the steps involved in becoming an Aggie.”

The program started in the University Theatre with registration and breakfast. Students and their families will received a packet of material and goodies to view while enjoying the breakfast before the program began. The mascot, Ole Kim, and Cameron Cheerleaders taught the fight song, followed by a welcome speech by Cameron University President Ross.

CU Faculty and staff were available to discuss academic programs, student organizations and more. Detailed information about scholarships, financial aid, campus housing and the admissions process was provided during the event. CU students shared their experiences as college students attending Cameron University.

Attendees had the

opportunity to meet one-on-one with faculty and advisers during the Sneak Peek Browsing Fair in the Band Room of the Music Building. The Browsing Fair gives prospective students an opportunity to explore degree programs and more. Representatives from student activities, student clubs and student governance

organizations were on hand to answer questions.

“The one-on-one time that exists between our faculty and students is one of the reasons Cameron is the University of Choice for Southwest Oklahoma. The Browsing Fair is a great example of the personal interaction that Cameron students experience,” Glover said. “It’s also an

excellent opportunity for prospective students to learn about different majors and their requirements, as well as to find out about the student organizations that are vital to the complete college experience at Cameron.”

Following the browsing fair, Cameron’s Aggie Ambassadors provided tours of Cameron’s campus and student housing.

Graphic courtesy of Cameron.edu

In addition, the health insurance plan will cover annual well woman examinations and general physicals.

“We thought that it was important to have a physical and well woman exam included in the plan,” Holland said. “Th is encourages people to maintain their long term health.”

Th is plan is not designed for long term coverage, but rather for students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degrees.

According to Dean Holland, this health insurance plan has the potential to benefi t a number of students on campus, however very few people are even aware that the option is available.

“My biggest struggle has been with providing the information to the students,” Holland said. “We send literature to the academic departments, print the information in the handbook each year, and send emails to all students and parents

in our database, but it is still hard to get people informed. Until you are seeking something like this out, you do not really pay attention.”

Health issues are the types of things students and parents do not like to think about. But in all reality, they should be taken into consideration Holland said. Signifi cant medical expenses can get in the way of obtaining an education, and that is not something Cameron wants its

students to worry about.“You never know when you

will have a medical emergency,” Holland said. “Th at is why it is called an emergency. So it is important to make sure you have insurance to cover yourself in the event of that happening. If you have a lot of medical bills, it is going to limit your ability to aff ord your college experience and we do not want that to get in the way of students completing their degree.

So we have So we have really worked really worked hard to fi nd hard to fi nd an aff ordable an aff ordable quality quality health health insurance insurance program that program that is designed is designed for students.”for students.”

MCT Campus

News 3November 9, 2009

News4 November 9, 2009

Student, professor co-author published paper

BUSINESS continued from page 1

“Holding meetings in the new Business building is a great change,” Daniel Brown, SGA President, said. “It’s a great location to allow for members to get more involved and communicate with each other over legislation.”

Other features of the building include state of the art computer and accounting labs, a finance lab with a real time stock ticker, interaction areas where students can interact

and work with fellow students and faculty and a career center. In the career center, students

can practice interviews with the help of a special room, which allows faculty and other students to observe without being seen.

“All of these unique features combine to provide that perfect environment that will equip Cameron students to succeed in a highly competitive,

international business world,” President Ross said.

Once the speeches had been finished, Cameron’s mascot, Ole Kim, made a grand entrance from the front doors, fired a confetti cannon and danced to the song, “Takin’ Care of Business.” Once the dance had concluded, the music continued and guests were allowed to tour the new building. Cameron students provided tours and answered questions as attendees dined on refreshments provided for the event.

With the dedication complete, eyes will now be

A paper co-authored by Cameron University graduate student Quincy Jones, 28, has been published in the peer-refereed academic journal Th e Global Studies Journal.

Jones co-authored the paper titled, “A Continuous Struggle: Employment Discrimination,” with Dr. Ali Soylu, Assistant Professor of Management in the Cameron University School of Business.

Th e article discusses the many diffi culties that human resource managers have in handling workplace discrimination regarding legal ramifi cations and the impact these hardships have on employees, Jones said.

Along with discussing the impact discrimination can have on employees, the paper also covers the functions of human resources and how to successfully minimize discriminatory practices in the workplace.

Jones said he chose this topic because he is aware of discrimination that occurs in the workplace and sees the consequences of it.

“I chose this topic because I am aware of the discriminatory practices that exist in the workplace, which subsequently provides minorities preconceived notions regarding the workplace,” Jones said. “Th erefore, these preconceived notions tamper employee morale and productivity.”

Dr. Soylu co-wrote the paper with Jones, and Jones said that he greatly benefi ted from Dr. Soylu’s assistance.

“It was amazing working with Dr. Soylu in this writing. He is not only a great professor but also a great mentor,” Jones said. “He was there every step of the way and wanted to help in every way possible.”

Jones’ paper came from an assignment made by Dr. Soylu in an MBA class covering current issues in human resource management, Dr. Soylu said.

Dr. Soylu said that the submission process to Th e Global Studies Journal was ongoing, with more than one revision already made.

Dr. Soylu said that both he and Jones are glad to have their paper published.

“We are glad to have our paper published in this refereed journal,” Dr. Soylu said. “Refereed journals are important for academia.”

As a graduate student, having a paper published in an academic journal provides many benefi ts, Dr. Soylu said.

“Having a paper published in a refereed journal is a big plus for students,” Dr. Soylu said. “For their further education or for their work or career, whatever they want, it is a big plus.”

Th e course that Dr. Soylu taught and Jones was a student in was an online course, and Dr. Soylu said that all communication was online. He said that the interesting thing about writing the paper was that they continued to communicate via the Internet and telephone.

Dr. Soylu and Jones, co-authors of the article, still have not met face-to-face, Dr. Soylu said.

Even though they have not met in person, Dr. Soylu said that Jones is a great student.

“He in a smart and intelligent person,” Dr. Soylu said. “He has a good future.”

Jones, who attained his bachelor’s in Economics with a minor in Marketing from Oklahoma State University, is pursuing his Master of Business Administration at CU.

Jones currently works for Groendyke Transport, Inc. and plans to continue working for them and utilizing his education to provide an edge in today’s competitive trucking market.

Jones said that there is something he wants readers of the paper to understand.

“I want readers to understand where discrimination stands in our society and some basic expectations on both sides, including employee and employer,” Jones said. “Having a keen understanding of what to expect in today’s workplace can help dampen the continuous struggles many deal with on a daily basis.”

By Megan CarothersCollegian Staff

— Quincy JonesCo-author of “A Continuous

Struggle: Employment Discrimination”

“It was amazing working with Dr. Soylu in this writing. He is not only a great professor but also a great mentor. He was there every step of the way and wanted to help in every way possible.”

turning increasingly towards the nearly completed Bentley Gardens and the McMahon Centennial Complex. In the past five years, Cameron has spent almost $55 million to improve the campus and many are noticing the improvements.

“Today when I arrived on campus, I was struck by the beauty of Cameron’s transformed skyline and grounds,” Wade said. “The Regents share Cameron’s resolve to changing students’ lives through education and Cameron’s commitment to each student writing his or her own Cameron Story.”

Promising future: President Ross dedicates the Business Building as another improvement to the campus.

Photos by Jim Horinek

Cameron is looking for ideas from all CU students, faculty and staff on ways it can save money. Given the tough economic times and recent budget cuts, CU is having to tighten its belt.

Ideas can be submitted from Nov. 9-20 either online at www.cameron.edu/cusaves, or by fi lling out a form at one of several drop-box locations around campus:

• Student Union

• Cashier’s Desk

• One Stop

• Student Activities Building

The people who put in the top implemented suggestions will each receive $250.

Voices 5November 9, 2009

Editorial BoardEditor-in-Chief - Joshua RouseNews Editor - Jim HorinekA&E Editor - Rachel Engel Sports Editor - Bennett DewanCopy Editor - Justin CliburnBack Page Editor - Monica GarnerDigital Editor - Kyle LuettersCirculation Manager - Matthew Penick

Newsroom Staff Financial Offi cer - Susan HillStaff Writers - Jeramy Edison, Saman Samii, Megan Carothers, Andrew Osbourne, Rashmi Th apaliya, Jacob Russell, Melissa Rogers, Alyssa Knerr

Faculty Adviser Dr. Christopher Keller

Newswriting StudentsBrad Franks, Amanda Finch, Michael Faggett, Codye Watson, Rachel Engel, Amanda Phillips, Gabe Crawford, Alyssa Knerr, Anjana Prasain, Tammy Anderson, Hannah Muirhead, Tori Strecker, Taylor Th ompson, Ifeoma Osanife, Anthony Foreman, Jessica Martinez, Jennifer Knapp, Tanesha Wilson, Stacy Hill, Aduke Adesida.

About UsTh e offi cial student newspaper of Cameron University, Th e Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Letters PolicyLetters to the editor will be

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

Th e 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 fi rst and last names, classifi cation and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verifi cation.

Letters can be sent by regular mail or e-mail to collegian@cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our offi ce - Nance Boyer 2060.

Our Views Th e opinions expressed in Th e Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. Th e unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. Th e opinions expressed in Th e 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.

COLLEGIAN

Founded in 1926veritas sempiterna

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

Somewhere between the 1950s and today, the labor movement and support for unionized labor in general has become unpopular. Workers in general have turned their back on their own history, a history that drove the very nature of the nation during the industrial era.

From the anthracite coalmine strikes to the Flint GM plant sit-ins, workers organized for the betterment of all employees rather than just themselves; the collective is valued over the individual.

With the fall from grace of automobile giant General Motors in recent months, political pundits, citizens and even Cameron University faculty have waxed philosophically on the reasons behind the unprecedented collapse. For almost inexplicable reasons, all brought their negative attentions on the unions.

Apparently, corporate propaganda has done its job because the scathing attacks were not pointed at the non-competitive warranties, stagnant car designs or the company’s reputation for producing unreliable vehicles. Blame wasn’t even placed on a corporate structure that regularly rewarded executives’ bonuses during years the company lost

Current economic model not working for common manmoney; it was placed solely on the workers that produced the vehicles and their union.

People were outraged by the idea that an autoworker could make $65,000 per year. Th e white collar workers were off ended by the idea of a “day laborer” making that much money while blue collar workers were angered by the high rate of pay for what they viewed as equal work. News reports failed to

mention that the high salaries and good benefi ts were a refl ection of union negotiations after proving that exposure to the chemicals in an automobile factory can lead to leukemia, lung disease, lead poisoning, liver disease, emphysema or nasal cancer.

Th e union’s sole duty is to protect the worker from exploitation by an employer, yet they have been demonized to the point that the labor movement has been rejected by many of the people that desperately need their voice to be heard.

In Lawton, two of the largest employers have taken aggressively anti-union positions or have outright banned them. Th is fact has not surprisingly resulted in Lawton having the highest percentage of minimum wage jobs in the state and one of the lowest per-family yearly earnings rankings

in the state. Excluding the military that is

a system based on itinerancy, the major employers within the city are Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Lawton Public Schools.

Beginning with Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, which are both part of the same umbrella corporation, has a company-wide no union policy, has a history of ruthless employee relations with an emphasis on preventing organization amongst employees.

In 2008, a full-time associate who worked an average of 34 hours per week took home $19,165 per year. For a family of four, two parents and two children, that is $2,000 below the federal poverty line. While employees struggled to make ends meet, Wal-Mart’s CEO made $29.7 million last year -- or 1,549 times the average yearly salary of the employees that he is supposed to represent.

If anyone is still under the misguided idea that Wal-Mart cannot aff ord to increase employee pay, they need only to look at their $12.73 billion profi t margin recorded last year.

Labor unions fi ght for the wages, benefi ts and working conditions of their employees. Th ere are currently lawsuits alleging Wal-Mart violated

mandated laws guaranteeing employees breaks and overtime pay. With no oversight on the side of the workers, employees may have little to no knowledge that they have rights to certain job conditions.

While Wal-Mart is a corporation with the higher goal of making money at all costs, including the rights of their workers, Lawton Public Schools, because of the mandates of the Oklahoma legislature, also must uphold anti-union policies.

Due to the propaganda-laden “Right to Work” laws, much of the power has been drained from the teachers unions. Th is fact is slightly amusing considering many of the State Senators that championed the law called the labor movement “socialism,” while voting to take out teacher safeguards in a public

education system that is funded by taxes

without pay for admittance, the

very defi nition of a socialist institution.

While many politicians

were railroaded by

the idea that breaking the union

would put more money in the pocket of teachers due to

no more union dues, Oklahoma is now 43rd in the nation in rate of pay.

Many Lawton teachers are still a part of teaching associations, like the National Education Association, these organizations do

not provide the same protections that a union does. Associations represent their members in court in class action and liability suits, while unions negotiate labor contracts, are present for members in meetings with employers to promote a fair work environment and prevent wrongful termination and exploitation of workers.

Union busting no longer occurs through baton-wielding rented police, but in the back rooms of State Capitols. Rather than standing strong in picket lines and going on strike for basic labor rights, the populace watches their hard-fought freedoms taken away with nary a whisper.

Education is the fi rst line of self-defense.

Do not forget Veterans Day TuesdayIt seems that when the holidays

roll around, everyone pulls out their pumpkins, turkeys and evergreen trees. It’s a time of joy and happiness as people gather together to celebrate what’s good in life and hope the next year is better than the last.

Amongst the commercial onslaught between Halloween and Christmas, however, there’s always a day that gets lost in the crowd: Veterans Day.

Because we live in the Lawton-Fort Sill area, Veterans Day is not as forgotten as it seems to be elsewhere, as most businesses in the area have “Support the Troops” signs up year-round. But for an area that’s so patriotic and so bent on making sure that everyone supports the troops, Veterans Day has become just another day.

Th e history of Veterans Day dates back to just after the end of World War I. Over the years, there have been many ideas on how to

observe it. Initially, it was observed with a two-minute suspension of business at 11 a.m. though other years schools didn’t even cancel classes for the day. It often went unnoticed — except by veterans.

Granted, one cannot exactly buy gifts or decorate a house for Veterans Day, and there are more important commercial days on the horizon like Christmas and Th anksgiving. We’re in a tough economy right now; one has to ration how many holidays they can celebrate in one given time period without spending too much money. But Veterans Day is a holiday that doesn’t need money to be done right. Sadly, that may be the problem; Americans prefer fi reworks, feasts, gifts and parties on their holidays.

Th at is what makes this time of the year so depressing: no one seems to care about Veterans Day. Perhaps it doesn’t have to do with a lack of caring for veterans. Instead,

it’s likely due to a lack of caring for the day itself.

Perhaps, there shouldn’t be elaborate celebrations or huge parties being thrown. Opinions vary on exactly how it should be observed, but what happened to at least acknowledging it a little more than we do now?

In such a military-centric community, we should be more aware of Veterans Day. Th e Post Offi ces close, the banks all close, schools now close, but everyone at Cameron goes on with normal classes.

Whether it’s a day off for collective observance or a day on with lectures, seminars and discussions, the spirit of the day should not be forgotten.

One doesn’t have to agree with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to acknowledge the sacrifi ces of the men and women who served in the nation’s armed forces, both during their service and after, and

what that service has done for the country.

Th is Veterans Day, take time to truly consider the meaning of the day. Whether it is a moment of refl ection or a letter to Congressmen about Veterans Aff airs funding , how one chooses to observe Veterans Day is up to the individual. Whether supporting the troops means displaying a ribbon or arguing for more VA funding is up for debate, but nothing is worse than apathy.

When we start ignoring the sacrifi ces of the men and women of the armed services, we ignore our own history. Th ere should be more done to remember Veterans Day, for ourselves and for our veterans. A fl ag fl ying at half-mast simply isn’t going to cut it any longer.

Th ese are the views of the Collegian Newspaper Editorial Staff . For comments, e-mail collegian@cameron.edu

Bennett Dewan

MCT Campus

A&E6 November 9, 2009

Iron Chef: Cameron to returnBy Kyle LuettersCollegian Staff

From the bright lights to the f lying pieces of food, “Iron Chef ” is one of the most popular shows on the Food Network. The frantic pacing and dramatic close-ups fuel the show about two competing chefs. All the excitement from the real show is making its way to Cameron as PAC and Student Housing present “Iron Chef: Cameron.”

The annual event was first held in the fall of 2007. Students on campus had expressed interest in participating in cooking classes, and the show itself had generated a large following. Eventually, enough interest was shown to merit an event.

“Zeak Naifeh and the previous Women’s Hall Director, Jenny Head, had the idea and organized the first Iron Chef: Cameron,” Krystle McCorgary, Women’s Hall Director, said. “I was even a participant in the first event.”

While the rules and structure of the competition itself hasn’t changed for this year, the way the students are selected is new for the event being held on Nov. 12.

“This year we are taking applications for teams,” Zeak Naifeh, Director of Student Activities, said. “In the past, we had cooking classes, and six

people were chosen at random to participate, and this year we have

decided to allow teams to apply for

the two open spots.”The teams will

need to explain why they should be chosen.

Students can do this by filling out applications

that are available at the Student Activities

Building.“Zeak and I

will then choose the two teams to go head to head in the

competition,” McCorgary said.Selecting the teams is just

a small part of the process involved with planning the event. A great deal of time is spent preparing food and the stage for the competition. Contestants must have their

recipes ready and grocery list made out for the event planners so that all the ingredients required for the dishes are present.

During the competition, the two teams will have one hour of kitchen prep time. The teams will then get another hour to prepare their dishes. Once all the cooking is done, the dishes will be taste-tested by a panel of three judges. The judges’ scores will then be tallied up and a winner announced.

In previous years, the judges have been very impressed with the atmosphere and spirit of competition.

“I was fortunate enough to judge last year’s event, and it was simply fabulous,” Dr. Justin Walton, CU Faculty-in-Residence, said. “There was a great deal of fun and excitement in the air, and I hope that it continues to be that way at this year’s event.”

With such praise being heaped upon the event itself, McCorgary will be looking at this year’s event to help her plan for next year.

“I am going to assess the format of selection from this year compared to the previous year to figure out which one was more successful,” McCorgary said.

Photo by Jim Horinek

Bon appetit: Whitney Jackson prepares a dish while participating in last years Iron Chef: Cameron on Nov. 13, 2008. Jackson was part of Team Delicious.

Aggie Showstoppers hold fundraising danceBy Rachel EngelCollegian Staff

On Oct. 29, the Aggie Showstoppers, a hip-hop dance group at Cameron University, hosted a fundraising dance in order to raise money for uniforms.

Billed as a “Night of Illusions,” students were allowed to bring one guest. Th ey paid $3 for access to the dance and received a bag of candy, as well as a masquerade mask decorated in sequins.

“I was just really hoping a lot of people came and had a good time,” Captain Acacia Stone said. “Th at way, the next time we have an event, people will come because they will remember they

had fun at our last one.”Th e team performed a routine

during the dance to give the audience a feel of who they were, Stone said.

Aggie Showstoppers co-adviser Saundra Mitrovich was pleased at the overall turnout of the event.

“Approximately 92 students showed up for the dance,”

Mitrovich said. “Even though the

event started off slow, myself and co-adviser Teresa

Briggs were pleasantly surprised with the overall attendance by the end of the evening.”

Despite the better-than-expected interest in the event, the Aggie Showstoppers still came

up short on the money needed to purchase their uniforms after having to pay $200 out of the profi ts for the security provided at the event.

“After payment for two campus police offi cers, the Showstoppers actually made a profi t of $172,” Mitrovich said. “Th is is not enough to cover every expense their organization will need to pay for, but this is only one fundraiser. Th e Showstoppers will hold another fundraiser this fall and will perform spring fundraisers as

well.”Past fundraisers for the

Showstoppers have included a pajama party, garage sales and

car washes, Stone said.

“I think the pajama party we had last year was more profi table than the dance,” Stone said. “But most of our fundraisers average about the same. Th is month we are planning to have a Coca-

Cola fundraiser as well as a speed-dating event.”

Mitrovich acknowledges the dedication of the Showstoppers to become a well-known

“These young women and men have worked hard to create a student organization that promotes Cameron pride.”

— Saundtra MitrovichCo-adviser

organization on campus.“As a prior student

and member of a student organization, I understand all the hard work it takes to not only keep an organization running, but also the time it takes to plan events, fundraise, and recruit fellow students,” Mitrovich said. “Th ese young women and men have worked very hard to create a student organization that promotes Cameron pride.”

Even though the Aggie Showstoppers are responsible for raising any money needed for expenses, the organization means a lot to Stone.

“I’ve been on other dance groups in the past, and I’ve stuck this one out because it’s like a team,” Stone said. “We’re all performing, just doing the thing we love, and we enjoy being together.”

MCT Campus

A&E 7November 9, 2009

Perfect fi t for ‘Too Many Sopranos’By Alyssa KnerrCollegian Staff

The Cameron University Department of Music is putting on an opera performed by the Cameron Opera Workshop at 8 p.m. Nov. 12, 13 and 14 in the McCutcheon Recital Hall.

The workshop is a class that was previously offered only in the fall for credit towards students’ curriculum and now will be available every semester. Last year, the opera workshop only put on individual opera scenes; however, this year they will be putting on a full opera, “Too Many Sopranos” by Edwin Penhorwood. Dr. Jan Logan, Assistant Professor of Music, is the musical director of the opera, and her husband, Dr. Earl Logan, is also an Associate Professor of Music and is as stage director for “Too Many Sopranos.”

“It is a fairly new opera, but it is very popular and is being performed a lot around the country,” Dr. Jan Logan said. “We chose it because

the title kind of ref lects the problem with every college opera department: too many sopranos. Young sopranos come along so quickly and there is always so many of them. So, we have very fine sopranos and very fine men singers too, but not as many.”

Since “Too Many Sopranos” is a perfect fit for college departments and the storyline is a comedy, opera students are able to partake in the musical delivery for very diverse characters, Dr. Jan Logan said.

“The tongue in cheek storyline is quite hilarious,” she said. “There are a lot of big ensembles and a variety of styles. The students are doing wonderfully, and they have really brought their own

characters to life. It’s just a cute show. It should just be a real good time for all; we’re just looking forward to having a great time with it.”

Students are picked each semester based on the casting from the opera professors. This semester, there are 11 students

in the opera workshop, and the voices fit each character in the opera f lawlessly, Dr. Jan said.

“We casted for them,” she said. “Basically, every semester, we kind of think ‘oh who is it going to be?’ Sometimes we have to do some recruiting for it,

but most singers want to sing so we have a good group to choose from. These students this semester ended up perfectly because each role is a match. The names and the character in the opera are like an icon for the performers.”

In this opera, there are four women trying to get into the heaven choir; however, there is not enough men in the choir to balance them. So, they have to audition. The voices of each soprano are what professors linked with each character.

“Dame Doleful, played by sophomore Melissa Delgado, is a rich and sad mettzo soprano,” she said. “Madame Pompous, played by junior Sabrina Harrell, is the full-of-herself icon. Miss Titmouse, played by sophomore Anjelika Ramsdell, is the happy-go-lucky icon and Just Jeannette is played by two seniors, Seonja Detweiler and Jasmine Glass, which is the sweet woman always looking for the greater good rather than promoting herself all the time.”

Even though the opera is humorous, the work that each student is putting in for each character’s vocals is a different tale, Dr. Jan Logan said.

“What makes it so funny is all the work is contemporary and quite challenging. There are little snatches of operatic

works in there which the audience will recognize.”

Over the last few years, the workshop has done several full operas, mostly in the theater, although the McCutcheon Recital Hall is much better for new opera students, Dr. Jan Logan said.

“The Recital Hall is real conducive for young singers,” she said. “The theater is bigger and it is harder to project without using a microphone, which we don’t really want them to do when training young singers.”

Since the opera singers are able to create a helpful student environment to perform “Too Many Sopranos,” the audience will be cut down on attendance. The McCutcheon Recital Hall will only be able to seat about 80 people, so reservations are required. It will be $6 for adults and $4 for other students and military. People are able to order tickets or reservations through the Music department at 581.2440.

It should be a real good time for all; we’re just looking forward to having a great time with it.

— Dr. Jan LoganMusical Director

Faculty-in-residence prepares to beam up studentsBy Joshua RouseCollegian Staff

No fear: Seth Geiger participates in Fear Factor hosted by Student Housing on Oct. 29 at the McMahon Center. Students competed through four rounds, including bobbing for apples in ice water, eating live worms and warmed-up yogurt.

Heads or tails: Jenny Whitaker attempts to eat worms during Fear Factor.

Photo by Jim Horinek

Photo by Jim Horinek

MCT CampusUnder construction: The fi rst ‘Constitution’ class starship sits in drydock in the cornfi elds of Iowa in ‘Star Trek.’ Students are invited to a screening of the summer blockbuster on Nov. 18 in the Shepler Ballroom.

Cameron students will get an opportunity to go boldly where no one has gone before.

As part of his series of events, Dr. Justin Walton, Faculty-in-Residence, has organized a “Star Trek” movie night at 8 p.m. on Nov. 18 in the Shepler Ballroom. Dr. Walton, a self-professed “Trekkie,” said he wants students to share in one of the best movie experiences of the year.

“When I fi rst heard they were rebooting the series and going back to the beginning, I was afraid they would not respect it,” he said. “We live in remake land these days where they go back and try to dress up a story. We’re so concerned now with action, and with technology, that the characters and the story that we originally loved become secondary. But I think J.J. Abrams did a great job of staying true to the canon of ‘Star Trek.’”

Th e 11th movie in the series was also the most popular at the box offi ce, earning more than $257 million in its theatrical run. Dr. Walton said he went to see “Star Trek” with a group of Cameron students . Th ey had such a great experience that he wanted to do something again when the movie came out on

DVD.“I invited a number of

students in my Fundamentals of Speech class to attend the movie with us,” he said. “We had about 15 students show up, and that was a lot of fun. I knew then I wanted to have a movie night when it came out to celebrate the ‘Star Trek’ culture and the latest fi lm.”

Dr. Walton has been an avid fan of “Star Trek” ever since he was in grade school. When he returned from school each day, he would fi nd an episode on channel 34 out of Oklahoma City, as the original series was on syndicated reruns at the time. When the franchise was

renewed with “Star Trek: Th e Next Generation,” Dr. Walton said he made sure to see every episode he could.

“Looking back, I really enjoyed the philosophical and ethical questions the characters struggled with,” he said. “When I was a kid, I was fascinated with the transporter and the concept of beaming in and beaming out. In the 80s and 90s, I became a big fan of the movies, and some of my college buddies shared my enthusiasm for ‘Star Trek’ as well.”

Like many Trekkies, Dr. Walton holds “Star Trek II: Th e Wrath of Khan” in high regard as the best fi lm in the franchise.

While the newest fi lm does a good job of rebooting the series and opening the doors for more people to enjoy “Trek,” Dr. Walton said it doesn’t compare to the classic battle of good versus evil.

“It’s not only a ship-versus-ship, good guy-versus-bad guy drama, but it also takes fans back to the original series,” he said. “Although, there are several references to the series, someone who’s never seen it before can still enjoy it.”

With the holiday season around the corner, Dr. Walton wanted to take advantage of his movie night to help out those who are less fortunate.

He’s encouraging every person who attends the “Star Trek” screening to bring one or two canned food items, which will be collected and donated to the Lawton Food Bank.

“I think it’s incredibly important we think about those families that are in need,” he said. “Th e Lawton Food Bank is low right now in terms of its reserves, and I thought one way we could contribute to this important community service is to have students voluntarily bring some canned goods. It’s not going to be required. While admission is free, we’d certainly encourage students to bring some food items for donation. We want those families to have an enjoyable holiday season without worrying about putting food on the table.”

Dr. Walton is hoping for a strong turnout. “Star Trek” did a good job of bridging the gap between the traditional “Trek” audience and new fans who have never seen an episode or movie before. He hopes to continue that tradition with his movie night.

“I think when they enter the neutral zone, they will experience a state of tranquility and kinship,” he said. “Th e Federation welcomes students, staff , faculty and Klingons alike.”

Sports8 November 9, 2009

Cameron Athletics promotes breast cancer awarenessbreast cancer awareness By Melissa Rogersand Collegian Staff

Sporting events campus-wide were “thinking pink” this October in an effort to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The national campaign theme for this year, according to the NBCAM Website, is “Celebrating 25 Years of Awareness, Education and Empowerment.” The first program began in 1985 as a week-long event to fill the void on what the public knew about breast health. This campaign has now f lourished into a national event where the pink ribbon symbol is synonymous with breast cancer.

The women’s golf team began participating in this event five years ago when one of Cameron’s donors, Leah Fitch, died from breast cancer, said head coach Rick Goodwin. Fitch was a ardent Cameron supporter and women’s golf benefactor. In her honor, the female golfers wore pink ribbons in their hair during the Oklahoma Intercollegiate for Women tournament that was hosted by the Aggies on Oct. 11-13 in Duncan.

The volleyball team showed their support for the cause at

their game on Oct. 29 with a theme of “Pink out the Aggie Gym.” Everyone in attendance was encouraged to wear pink in solidarity with survivors, the families of those who have died and to raise awareness of the disease. Coaches and fans wore

pink, while athletes wore pink shoelaces, ribbons and headbands.

Volleyball players also sold pink carnations for $2.00 each during a break between sets. All proceeds

from the carnation sales went towards breast cancer research.

Head Coach Brianne Smedley was excited by how the “Pink Out” was embraced by fans and players alike.

“I think ‘Pink Out’ went really well, and I was pleased that a lot of people came out wearing pink,” Smedley said. “Our carnation sale went great and was successful. Overall, for the first year of doing it I was very pleased with the turnout and support.”

This was the first year that Beth

Watson, head coach of the softball team, participated in the activities. In honor of breast cancer awareness, the girls wore pink t-shirts during their last exhibition game.

“I think it’s important for female athletes to embrace this cause.” Watson said. “Next year, I look forward to expanding what the softball team does for this and possibly do some fundraising.”

Even though October is designated as the official month of breast cancer awareness, Craig Martin, Director of Sports Information, hopes that the championing of causes will continue.

“Breast cancer awareness is one of the many causes that students and faculty can actively participate in throughout the year,” Martin said.

With the prevalence of cancer, and the increasing mindfulness of the disease, Martin feels that this issue is relevant to all.

“Now days everyone has been

touched, or knows

someone that has been touched by breast cancer,” Martin said. “Everyone in the Athletic

Department wanted to take time out to honor and draw attention to the cause and

what so many people are doing to fight this disease.”

“I think it’s important for female athletes to embrace this cause.”

— Beth WatsonSoftball Head Coach

Photos courtesy Sports Information and Bennett Dewan

Pink is the color of power: The Athletic Department participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout Oct. (top) The women’s golf team dedicated their recent tournament to the memory of Leah Fitch. (middle left) The Volleyball team sold pink carnations during the “Pink Out” game. (middle right) The cheerleading squad cheered recent games wearing pink shirts and shorts. (bottom) The CU Volleyball team wore pink shoelaces during the month of October.

Volleyball team wins big in fi nal home game

By Saman SamiiCollegian Staff

The Cameron Aggie volleyball team (16-11, 4-7 LSC) stayed on the winning track this past weekend as they recorded a home win against the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions (22-8, 7-4 LSC) on Oct. 31. The Black and Gold played

tremendously well and captured the match in five sets, as the final score was 19-25, 25-13, 14-25, 25-23, 15-12.

This particular match was special since it was Senior Day and the last home match of the season for the Aggie ladies.

Additionally, with the victory the Aggies win total improves to 16 with just two

matches left. The Aggies went 14-13 in 2008.

Head coach Brianne Smedley has five seniors on her squad this year: setter Laura Ellerbrock; libero/defensive specialist Lindsay Carroll; middle blockers Jelia Janssen and Sydney Stewart; and right-side hitter Lindsay Paziuk.

“This win couldn’t have made Senior Day any better,” Smedley said. “The crowd was into it, the girls played well and we were successful in a five-set match.”

In front of a packed Aggie Gym, the CU girls suffered a rough start when TAMU-C was the better team in the first set.

However, just like many other times this season at home, the Aggies fought their way back into the match and

won the second set in decisive fashion by the score of 25-13.

“We have struggled a little bit with recovering when we get down, so it was great to see the girls not let anything affect them,” Smedley said.

Looking to claw their way back on top, the Lions played great in the third set and put pressure on the Aggies. Not giving the Aggies a chance to come back, TAMU-C captured the set by the score of 25-14.

Once again, the Aggies were able to refocus and take control of the fourth set. After battling it out and showing incredible commitment, the CU ladies did not let the pressure get the best of them. They won the fourth set by the score of 25-23 to force the match into a deciding fifth set.

Cameron has suffered a few

close, five-set losses this season, but this match was a different story.

Using the home crowd to their advantage, the Aggies played great and showed mental toughness as they prevailed and captured the fifth set by the score of 15-12.

“With it being a five-set match with a huge crowd on Senior Day, it was definitely a pressure situation, so it was good to see the girls come through against a team that doesn’t quit,” Smedley said.

Sophomore outside hitters Nikita Abbott and Adrienne Lawson had great matches and both played a big part in the outcome. Abbott contributed with a team-high 16 kills, 5 defensive digs and 3 blocks. Lawson recorded 12 kills, 2 service aces and an incredible 16 defensive digs.

This win was incredibly important as it gives the Aggies the confidence they need to make it to post-season.

Hoping to use this momentum for the upcoming matches, Smedley said she was extremely pleased with the victory

“This was obviously a big win because it’s Senior Day, but it’s also a big win because of how good of an opponent TAMU-C was and how high they are in the LSC standings,” Smedley said. “As a coach, you always want to see your team fight for everything, and I can see the girls doing that right now: fighting hard for wins.”

The 2009 season is coming close to an end, and CU still has an outside shot at clinching a berth in the Lone Star Conference Championship tournament, which takes place on Nov. 12-14. The Aggies need to win out and hope for a few teams ahead of them to lose.

“I’m glad the team’s efforts have been rewarded, and I’m really glad that the seniors got this win because they have put a lot of time and energy into the program; they really deserved it,” Smedley said.

Photos by Bennett Dewan

Keep your eye on the ball: Senior Right-Side Hitter Lindsay Paziuk passes a short serve in her fi nal home game at Cameron.

Never give up on a play: Senior Setter Laura Ellerbrock makes a diving one-handed dig to save a point in the fi rst set.

Sports 9November 9, 2009

Lone Star Conference power rankings releasedBy Jeramy EidsonCollegian Staff

The Lone Star Conference power rankings have been posted, and Cameron’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are ranked third and eighth, respectively, out of eight teams in the LSC North Division.

The CU men’s basketball team finished last season 14-13 and exceeded expectations with a berth in the LSC tournament, losing in the first round to Midwestern State.

In the offseason, CU men’s basketball has gotten much better with 12 newly-signed players to add to only three returning players from last season’s squad, but, with so many new players, the ability to work as a team and succeed could be a difficult task.

“That can always be the case. Unless the players can mesh and play together,” coach Wade Alexander said.

With CU holding one of the top rankings in the division, they now have a target on their back that Alexander feels will be tough to bear with the LSC getting a lot stronger as a whole. However, with the growth of talent in the LSC, comes the growth of talent at CU.

Alexander has spent the offseason recruiting and has brought in some good talent such as Dernodo Eiland.

Eiland, a 6’6” shooting guard, is a transfer student from Texas Christian University in Forth Worth, Texas. Alexander feels the acquisition of Dernodo Eiland is huge for CU.

“Dernodo is a great scorer who can play on the perimeter and go inside. He will be a very

solid player in the Lone Star Conference,” Alexander said.

With all the new acquisitions, the men’s basketball team will look to build on last year’s phenomenal season and defend their third place ranking as games begin in November.

The CU women’s basketball team finished a lowly 6-21 last season.

First-year coach Tom Webb inherited a team that will go through growing pains and

a rebuilding process

before they find success.

Webb felt last year’s

team had no depth, shooting, passing or ball-

handling. He feels this year’s team is more talented by a

large margin. Webb does not feel that is in any way

disrespectful to the squad from last season; they were young and immature as a

whole.Webb,

when asked if he thought CU would shock the LSC this season, just smiled and

said that the team is going to take the season one game at a time and have their sights set no further than the LSC tournament at this point.

Webb has mostly juniors and freshmen

on this year’s squad but likes where the team is going. He spoke of an

instance where a few juniors took it upon

themselves to help a freshman with footwork drills, a sign of leadership — a characteristic that last season’s squad lacked.

With last year’s season ending in a slump, and this season, beginning at the bottom of the food chain, Webb likes what he sees.

“I kind of like being at the bottom, there’s no pressure. I don’t think it’s an insult either. There’s no need for respect until it’s earned,” he said.

Being ranked eighth out of eight teams, there is nowhere for the team to go but up. With the acquisitions Webb has made this offseason, it looks like that is where CU will be going.

One notable signee was former Division-I and Southern Utah University standout Lyndie NeVille.

“Lyndie NeVille brings a ton of experience to Cameron,” Webb said. “She’s a kid that has played at the highest level of college basketball as a point guard and a shooting guard.”

Despite a few freshmen injuries, the team is healthy and ready to go.

The CU Men will begin their season Nov. 13 at the University of North Texas in Denton. The CU women will begin theirs Nov. 7 at the University of Tulsa.Photos by Bennett Dewan

Favre, football still go hand-in-handBy Joshua RouseCollegian Staff

As a man, I am willing to admit when I’m wrong.

Earlier this year, I wrote a letter to Brett Favre telling him it was time to retire and he should leave the game. I told him he was becoming an embarrassment to the league and it was time to step aside. Halfway through the season, I was wrong. Brett Favre is the best quarterback playing in the league right now.

I can hear the boos and hisses as I write this, but it’s true. I don’t know what lit a fire under him, but the man is playing like he was still in his 20s.

I’m neither a fan of the Minnesota Vikings nor the Green Bay Packers. In fact, I have a strong disdain for the Packers for a number of reasons.

I’ve been fairly impartial to the Vikings, at least since before Adrian Peterson became one of the hottest running backs in the league. But after watching that Sunday afternoon game when Favre threw four touchdowns against the Packers, I couldn’t help but laugh.

In a league where the lowly Oakland Raiders can ink out a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles and the Carolina Panthers can somehow knock off Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals with six turnovers, it’s hard to find a quality match these days. The season has become an absolute mess with nothing going right for any team, except the Vikings.

I have to admit, I was one of those dissenters that spit on the ground Favre walked on after

he came out of retirement for a second time. The guy is trying to catch up to Michael Jordan’s record, that’s what’s really going on. But it’s not easy to continue to be a dissenter when the man makes most other quarterbacks look like high school players.

The supposedly superior Aaron Rodgers has been disappointing the entire year. Sure, a lot of his receivers have butterfingers, but it’s not like Favre’s receivers are much better.

I lost count of all the dropped passes in that game. Balls were f lying all over the place and no one could hang on to them. We need to bring back stickum to the NFL so that players can hold onto balls better. The NFL seems to want to move to a more offensive-style league, so why not?

Looking at the first eight games of the year, I can’t believe that he’s playing as well as he is. I’d be amazed if I was a Vikings fan. I kind of wish I was one at the moment. At least they have a decent quarterback to compliment their running game.

The truth is, Favre is the one reason the Vikings will go deep into the playoffs this year, if he stays healthy.

Though, New York Jets fans were surely saying that last year when he was playing well the first half of the season.

Favre may be the ironman of the game, but his consistentcy leaves something to be desired after a while. Looking at the Vikings’ quarterback selections, I really don’t think Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels would offer any sort of playoff hope for the Vikings. Peterson can’t carry the team by himself, though he did a good job last season.

It looked like the Vikings would be in the toughest division in the NFC earlier in the season. The East has come alive though, and the Packers and Bears are f loundering at the moment. Unless Favre absolutely chokes this year, the Vikings have the division in the bag.

So why all the hate still? Favre has already won at least two games by beautiful last-minute drives. Neither Jackson nor Rosenfels would have stood a chance in those situations. Favre is the best option for the Vikings to win. Yet, I read on message boards and a lot of Vikings fans are saying Brad Childress sold out. If bringing in an elite quarterback to help win a Super Bowl is selling out, I hope John Fox sells his soul this offseason, if he’s still coach, to help the Panthers to the Super Bowl next year.

Packers fans are going to keep on hating and booing probably until Favre finally retires and fades into obscurity like good quarterbacks normally do. Packers fans should get over it already. He’s no longer with the team, but he doesn’t hold any grudges against his former teammates. Packers fans are as bad as San Diego Chargers fans still being bitter over Eli Manning going to the New York Giants.

But while Favre is playing well, I say more power to him. He proved me wrong and most of the other haters who said he was washed up. Who knows how long it will last. But until then, I hope he makes a run for the Super Bowl so most of the league has egg on their faces. If nothing else, he makes the game fun to watch again, which is saying something this year.

MCT Campus

MCT Campus

Variety10 November 9, 2009

Soliders and spikers: Soldiers from Ft. Sill pose for pictures with the entire 2009 Cameron Volleyball team after winning a thrilling fi ve-set match in their fi nal home game of the season. The game was “Senior Night” and featured a pre-game with the team’s senior class receiving fl owers and being recognized along with their parents. The military personnel were on hand as a part of the ongoing effort by the Athletic Department to honor the troops.

Hits so hard call her the “Pazooka”: Senior Right-Side Hitter Lindsay Paziuk goes up for a spike during her fi nal game in Aggie Gym. Paziuk led the team in kills in 2009 for the second straight season by accumulating over 300 each year.

So long and thanks for all the memories: The 2009 Aggie Seniors, Jelia Janssen, Lindsay Paziuk, Lindsay Carroll, Laura Ellerbrock and Sydney Stewart pose together after the final home victory of their college careers.

Jack of all trades: Senior Setter Laura Ellerbrock sets the ball for an oncoming spiker early in the season. Ellerbrock, who spent all four years as a member of the Cameron Volleyball team, has amassed well over 2,000 sets in the last two seasons alone. Ellerbrock was awarded the Lone Star Conference Setter of the Week honor for her play in her fi nal home game as an Aggie.

Overall, the season Overall, the season was positive. We had a was positive. We had a better record than last better record than last year, and we had a lot year, and we had a lot of great, memorable of great, memorable wins. I hope the girls wins. I hope the girls will take that from this will take that from this season, not the fact season, not the fact that we didn’t make that we didn’t make conference playoffs. We conference playoffs. We got to celebrate some got to celebrate some great wins and great great wins and great comebacks, so I hope comebacks, so I hope they focus on that.they focus on that.

— Brianne Smedley— Brianne SmedleyHead Volleyball CoachHead Volleyball Coach

Last line of defense: Senior Libero Lindsay Carroll controls a pass from a hard serve. Carroll rarely shied away from physical play, often diving for tough digs.

Page Design by Monica GarnerPhotos by Bennett Dewan