Midland College Volume XXXV, No. 8 March 7, 2008 Check out the softball team, page 8 El Paisano Student Newspaper Campus recycling Express Chaparral Royalty effort begins anew Time changes Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m., Sunday, March 9. Remember to spring forward and move your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed on Saturday night. DST will be in effect until Nov. 2, 2008. Circle Drive open Chaparral Circle Drive is now open but drivers are cautioned to drive carefully as construction projects continue around campus. MC closes for Spring Break Midland College will close for Spring Break and Easter beginning Monday, March 17 through Monday, March 24. Classes resume at 8 a.m., Tuesday, March 25. Beschloss/Smith speak March 13 The Davidson Distinguished Lecture Series presents, presidential historians, Michael Beschloss and Richard Norton Smith speaking on “Dialogue on the Presidency” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 13, 2008 at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center. Free tickets are available online at http://www.midland.edu/events/ or by calling 685-4526 and can be picked up at the Midland College Foundation office in the Pevehouse Administration Building, Room 141. AEROS, March 25 The Phyllis & Bob Cowan Performing Arts Series presents AEROS, a breathtaking fusion of theatre, art and athleticism, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center. Due to spring break and Easter, MC offices will be closed March 17-24. The last day to order tickets by phone or online for AEROS is March 12. Tickets may be picked up on March 25 at the Midland College Foundation office in the Pevehouse Administration Building, Room 141. Students honored Students who achieved academic excellence during the spring and fall 2007 semesters were honored at a reception on Feb. 26. More than 120 students made the President’s List which takes a 4.0 grade point average while carrying 12 plus hours. More than 130 students qualified for the Dean’s List which takes at least a 3.5 grade point average while carrying 12 or more hours. Hispanic group offers scholarships The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities will award more than $350,000 to eligible students who demonstrate a financial need, meet program criteria and attend a HACU-member institution at the time scholarship awards are made (Midland College is a member of HACU). Interested applicants can find scholarship information and an online application at https://scholarships.hacu.net/applications/appl icants/. Deadline for applications and supporting documentation is May 23, 2008. Scholarships will be awarded in August. For more information, please call (210) 692-3805 ext. 145. Photo courtesy of Jan Reed. MC student activities Queen Laura Ramirez and King Chad Madrid after the announcement of the homecoming winners during the half-time of the Chaps vs. Wranglers game on Feb. 21. Ramirez and Madrid respresented SIP (Student in Philanthropy) and won by popular student vote. In the Chaps’ final home game they beat Odessa College 87-79. By Chris Speight Staff Reporter Several times in the past, recycling has been discussed both formally and informally on the Midland College campus. Last month, recycling was on the agenda of the Faculty Senate. President Katherine Allen, speech instructor, and members Claudia Hinds, assistant professor of biology, and Terry Gilmour, associate professor of government, initiated the latest movement. The faculty senate approved a recycling program and formed a committee headed by Hinds. The current campaign is being managed by a group of faculty members, with additional help provided by Student Government and Students in Philanthropy. “This program will not work if students are not involved,” Hinds said. Student, Rebekah Karth, has been involved with recycling since she stepped off a bus from Michigan in August of last year and saw aluminum cans in the trash can. “In Michigan, you can turn these same cans in for 10 cents a piece,” Karth said. Karth wrote an English research paper last semester that outlined steps to solve the “recycling problem.” The first step she proposed was to educate students and faculty of the benefits of recycling; the second is to provide a means to make recycling easier for everyone. These are the steps that are being implemented in the program, according to committee members. Members have already started to educate colleagues and students on the new program with several meetings and luncheons. Although various students, student groups and faculty have attempted to initiate recycling campaigns at Midland College before, none have had the support in donations of this campaign, Hinds said. “We have office containers donated from Ken Riley, MC physical plant director,” Hinds said. “An anonymous Keep Midland Beautiful donor provided several 30-cubic-yard containers that will go in parking lots.” See Recycle, page 3 Higher voter turnout of 18-24 year olds expected By Rebekah Karth Staff Reporter “I predict we’re probably going to see a higher than usual 18-21 turnout,” said Terry Gilmour, associate professor of government at Midland College. The passage of the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1971 extended voting rights to citizens who were 18. The highest voter turnout in a presidential election by those in the 18-24 age bracket occurred in the 1972 presidential election, with 52.1 percent of citizens in that age bracket voting according to figures at John McCain Tuesday clinched www.youngvoterstratethe Republican nomination. gies.org. Since that time, voting Clinton won primaries in Texas, in the same age bracket Ohio and Rhode Island, halting decreased gradually until Obama's winning streak. Obama the 1992 election when won in Vermont. 48.6 percent voted. Voter turnout in the 18-24 age high turnout of young voters, was bracket decreased to a low of 35.6 won by Bill Clinton, who “was pretty percent in 1996, but rebounded to young, dynamic, much like Barack 46.7 in 2004. Obama,” Gilmour said. “Obama’s Higher turnout in the latest election definitely getting the younger vote.” could have been influenced by war in If a voter is registered in another Iraq, Gilmour said. Texas county from the one where they The 1992 election, which had a will be on Election Day, “you can request that a ballot by mail be sent to you,” according to the Texas Secretary of State Web site. Residents of states outside of Texas should check their state’s guidelines for absentee voting and can “check the National Association of Secretaries of State page for other state Web sites,” said the Web site of the Texas Secretary of State. Information about any of the candidates is a click away with the Internet, Gilmour said, and she recommended visiting the candidates’ Web sites and watching “the debates on television,” See Voters, page 3 Spring Break plans vary among students By Ashley Worley Staff Reporter Spring break is just around the corner and Midland College students have plans varying from sleeping to working in an orphanage. Having a good time is most often the theme for spring break. “I think people are going to hang out with friends, see movies and party,” said student Carl Dennis. Student Chelsea Varner agreed. “I am going to Lubbock to visit some friends,” she said. Friends and parties aren’t the only ways to have fun over spring break. For some going to an air show to see the Thunderbirds is where the excite- ment lies. “I’m going to an air show,” said MC student Triston Hudgins. “I am a pilot and I love this kind of stuff,” he said. Sleep and work appear to play a big role in spring break as well. “I haven’t talked to anybody that has special plans; probably most will sleep and work,” said MC student Miriam Craney. “The first half of the break I am going to Sea World. After that I am going to sleep a lot,” she said. “My plan for spring break is to sleep and work,” said Melody Wiseman, also an MC student. However, there is at least one stuSee Spring Break, page 3 ‘Big Top’ plays at Chap Center By Justin McGill Page Editor Hoola-hoop cowgirls, male and female acrobats, clowns and Spongebob Squarepants were among the many attractions under the big top of the Al G. Langford Chaparral Centerat this year’s edition of Circus Gatti. Circus Gatti, derived from the American Continental and Canadian International circuses and founded by Major Matthew J. Gatti in 1963, has been performing at Midland College for more than 20 years. This year’s performances spanned over Sunday and Monday evenings, and included a horse/pony showcase, male and female acrobats, a juggler, a dog showcase, a lady with a boa constrictor, Spongebob Square-pants, Patrick Star, pony/elephant rides, Poderito the clown and the almost human gorilla. Christiana Velez, 4, said that the act she liked the most, was the lady acrobats that “twirled in the air.” Alexis Polk, 3, said that she liked seeing Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick. One act that was “death defying,” was the Extreme Metal Ball Riders, who rode motorized dirt bikes in a See Circus, page 3 Photo collage by Justin McGill Commentary Page 2 Editorial Let’s make recycling routine On the front page of the March 8, 1990 El Paisano, is a story about how Keep Midland Beautiful’s Sharla Hotchkiss, director at the time, had talked to students, faculty members and administrators about the importance of recycling. According to the story, her efforts were met with much resistance. The opposition included one professor saying he would recycle “when hell freezes over.” The college tried to recycle then, but without the proper organization and follow through, it just did not work well. Well, that was 18 years ago and we hope the attitude of those who use the campus has changed. MC’s Faculty Senate along with Student Government and Students in Philanthropy are supporting a campus-wide effort to recycle. Keep Midland Beautiful’s latest director, Doreen Richardson, spoke to a group of those interested in helping. That meeting led to several luncheons around campus and at some of the off-campus sites where more information was distributed. We found that an anonymous Keep Midland Beautiful donor provided several 30-cubic-yard containers that will go in parking lots. Containers that hold 50-gallons of material will be placed in the faculty pools and other key areas to manage the mass of paper that is wasted. Smaller containers will be available for instructors’ offices. MC is working with Keep Midland Beautiful, City of Midland Utilities and Butt’s Recycling. As with any new project, everyone must “get onboard.” Instructors need to talk about recycling in their classes and encourage students to help. We need posters that outline the “dos and don’ts” of recycling. When the recycling bins are in place, we all need to “police” the areas and be sure that the appropriate things are put in the appropriate bins. Using recycling bins as trash cans is not acceptable. Most importantly, someone or some group must take responsibility for managing the recycling efforts. Bins do not empty themselves. There must be some organization in the disposal of what is recycled. Maybe some campus clubs could handle this … or maybe the college needs to hire a “recycling manager” to coordinate the efforts. This is a big job but we think the Midland College community can handle it. After all, the college is considered by many to be a community leader and as such should take the lead on such an important issue as recycling. As stated on the flyer given at the initial meeting, “our efforts will set an example that many in our community can and probably will follow. We have the added advantage of influencing and molding young minds, future leaders. If by our efforts more students take up the cause, everyone benefits; the college, the students and the community.” Learning to recycle is just like learning other daily tasks … bathing, brushing teeth, making the bed … it is a learned activity and as a college campus, we should help teach it. College Culinary By Lindsey Stamper Page Editor Warm weather is finally heading our way. Warmth and sunshine scream outdoor activities like tennis, jogging and picnics. A great way to celebrate is to cool down with some made-from-scratch strawberry lemonade and a fun, fruity and colorful fruit pizza. Unlike my usual recipes, these require a blender and an oven. So, when you go home for spring break to visit, impress your family with this satisfying snack. Strawberry Lemonade Juice of one lemon 1 tbl. sugar 10 ripe strawberries, leaves removed 1 cup water Put the lemon juice, sugar, strawberries and water into a blender and mix until fairly smooth. Serve over ice. Garnish with a sliced strawberry or lemon on the side of the glass. Makes one glass. Now let’s talk about the yummy fruit pizza idea. Fruit Pizza 1 roll of sugar cookie dough Cinnamon sugar 1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened ½ cup sugar 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tub fat-free cool whip 1 sliced banana 1 carton sliced strawberries 1 carton blueberries 1 jar cherries Any other fruit of your choice (kiwi, grapes, etc.) First, roll out the sugar cookie dough on a round pizza pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake it according to the package’s directions. Allow it to completely cool. Mix the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Spread mixture onto the giant cookie. Then spread a layer of whip cream on top. Next, decorate your cookie with fruit. On the outer layer, start with the strawberries. Work your way to the middle alternating the other fruits. Enjoy. March 7, 2008 Forgive me for being so blunt... By Ethan Higginbotham Editor I’m sure many students have been sitting in class at the back of the room and wondering why they bothered to show up that day. Now, I know it seems that I am treading into the familiar “students are lazy” waters, but in this case I am compelled to take the side of the students. I, too, have been in the situation where I feel that I am gaining nothing by sitting through an incomprehensive and pedantic lecture. I understand that some teachers simply do not have the ability to hold the class’s attention, and in that situation I politely sit and at least attempt to listen. I do not, however, try as hard when the instructor insists on reading the text to us. I’m in college. I know how to read. In this situation, I’m not even trying to listen anymore. I am focusing all of my energy to make it look like I am listening. This is followed by a blank stare. That’s the face I make when I have tapped out to the inescapable submissive hold of absolute boredom. Of course, this doesn’t bother me as much as classes that hardly use the textbook at all. These books cost just as much as the classes. I don’t think a $100 paper weight is a very smart investment. I’ve had at least a couple of classes in which I rarely needed to use my textbook, and in some cases I haven’t even bought the book until the class starts using it. On the opposite side of the same coin are the instructors who don’t really “teach” the class, rather they just talk and expect the student to be able to distinguish essential information from “fun fact.” While I appreciate the enthusiasm shown for the class, I don’t want to be in the middle of a math test when I suddenly remember that a “jiffy” is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second. While most students try to avoid instructors who have a reputation of having a difficult or challenging course, I think they should also be wary of classes who have a reputation of being too easy. What? Did he just say we shouldn’t take classes that are too easy? That’s right. I’m sure there are some students who do not mind having a class in which they can shut off their brains, but I think that if I am going to spend money on something, I should get something out of it. I don’t live in Midland and I don’t think I should have to get up early and find a ride over here and then sit for more than an hour in a class that isn’t worth my time. The same can be said about classes that not only have easy assignments, but also an instructor who rarely if ever assigns work and is a little too lenient with deadlines. The same can be said about classes that are notorious for letting out before the end of class. I don’t mean getting out five or 10 minutes early here and there, I mean up to 40 minutes early. I appreciate the extra “study” time, especially if there is a test I need to study for, but if the instructor is going to make a habit of only teaching for 30 out of 80 minutes, then I suggest we start the class 50 minutes later. Does anyone agree with me? Opinion Lack of awareness hinders campus recycling By Rebekah Karth Staff Reporter There is an apathy problem on the Midland College campus when it comes to recycling. Evidence of this problem includes trash being put into existing recycling bins and items that are recyclable being thrown away. We as a campus must become better informed about the importance of recycling and how it can be done. Recycling has economic benefits. According to a report by the National Recycling Coalition in 2001 “more than 56,000 recycling and reuse establishments in the United States employ approximately 1.1 million people, generate an annual payroll of $37 billion and gross $236 billion in annual revenues.” Recycling also yields net energy reduction benefits, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, “in 2000, recycling resulted in an annual energy savings of at least 660 trillion BTUs, which equals the amount of energy used in 6 million households annually.” The environment benefits by materials being reused instead of discarded. “Recycling, including composting, diverted 79 million tons of material away from disposal in 2005,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency. There is an apparent lack of awareness about the importance of recycling in West Texas. This is especially true on the MC campus. I realized how great a problem this is a few weeks ago when I was in a discussion with other students about what we thought were some problems in the City of Midland. Even though students may hear about the depletion of the ozone layer in their science classes, some students do not seem to understand or care how recycling can be beneficial to themselves and to the environment. Plastic items, which do not decompose very well, are being discarded instead of being recycled. As I see it, the problem has two parts. First, there is a lack of awareness regarding the importance of recycling. The second part of the problem is that there are limited opportunities to do so. The solution should begin with education, because students need to know why they should be doing something before they will become motivated to do so. The first component of the solution could be to heighten student and faculty awareness of both the environmental benefits of recycling and how to do so effectively. Students and faculty could also be informed of the opportunities already available for them to be able to recycle. Posters could be placed above recycling bins so that everyone can clearly tell which containers are recycling bins and which are garbage bins. For ease of use, both recycling and trash containers could be placed next to each other. Fliers could be posted to inform students of the existence of recycling bins. The teachers from the science department could have a series of special presentations explaining how recycling can help the environment and how students can benefit by living in a better environment. Science teachers could offer extra credit to students who write reports on the impact recycling has on the environment. Students could also be made aware about Texas Recycles Day in November, when they can bring computer equipment, plastic, aluminum, paper, etc., to the college campus to be recycled. The second component of the solution involves creating additional opportunities for students to be able to recycle. Once the student body is aware of opportunities for them to recycle and the reasons why they should do so, additional means could be provided so that more recycling could be done. Additional recycling bins could be placed around campus so there can be no excuses to avoid using recycling bins. There are no means on campus to recycle plastic materials. Many people drink bottled beverages, especially here in Midland. If the college wanted to have plastic recycled on campus, a small container could be placed outside the Student Center. The plastic could then be taken to Butts Recycling, where plastic products grades one through six are recycled. There is nowhere to recycle glass in the Permian Basin region. Glass “can be recycled over and over again. In fact, 90 percent of recycled glass is used to make new containers. Other uses for recycled glass include kitchen tiles, counter tops and wall insulation,” according to the EPA. A committee composed of students, faculty members and interested community members could be formed to research and plan the founding of a glass recycling facility in the Permian Basin. This would benefit the community at large and give students research and leadership skills. Recycling on college campuses is not a new idea. In fact, it’s not even a new idea at MC. In 1990, there was a push for recycling on campus, but it failed. Touting the importance of recycling and caring for the environment, in an area where the primary economic resource has always been oil, is a challenge. However, if the region is to prosper as alternative sources of energy become the status quo, changes will have to occur in the lives and livelihoods of the citizens. Change can be difficult to accept, but it can be made easier if the change is shown to be for the better. In order for people to change their habits, they must be convinced why they should do something differently and then be given the means to do it. El Paisano Question: How would you feel if Hillary Clinton won presidency? Dayna Epley “I would hope and pray that all the agendas and plans she made don’t take place. I hope they get ousted in Congress.” El Paisano The student newspaper of Midland College MC Student Publications Andy Andrews “I am not an American so it doesn’t really effect my lifestyle. I know there have been women leaders in Asia and they have been very successful.” Danielle Ruiz “I don’t think she would make a good president. Women are too dramatic.” Alex Pacheco “I think she would be more lenient against gay rights than Obama because she’s a woman. I think she would make a good president.” Editor: Ethan Higginbotham Reporters: Krystle Cantu, Lauren Disney, Andrew Eaton, Zachary Forest, Rebekah Karth, Ashley Lee, Justin Page Editors: Andrew Eaton, Justin McGill, McGill, Kierra Powell, Ismael Rosa, Jaclyn Shackelford, Ismael Rosa, Lindsey Stamper, Shanley Christopher Speight, Lindsey Stamper, Ashley Worley, Wright Shanley Wright, Jessica Youngblood Advertising: Bailee Hennis Photographers: Raquel Peña Cartoonist: Michael Montalvo 3600 N. Garfield, AFA 185, Midland, Texas 79705 Lab Instructor: Karen Lanier Adviser: Bob Templeton Dean of Fine Arts & Communications: Billy Feeler 432-685-4768 email: [email protected] Julie Fragoso “I dont think its right for a woman to have control over a country. In the Bible it says that man should control things, and the woman should follow” Comments and views expressed in El Paisano reflect the thoughts of individual student writers and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of other students, faculty members, administrative officers or the board of trustees. El Paisano is a member of the Texas Community College Press Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. The publication and its student staff members have won numerous statewide awards. www.midland.edu/studentactivities/studentpublications News March 7, 2008 Page 3 MC offers safe, fun dorm activities year-round By Jessica Youngblood Staff Reporter When classes are over for the day or week and things start to slow down around campus, students who live in the Midland College resident halls are still keeping busy with extracurricular activities and things going on around the dorms. Whether it is movie nights, Halo tournaments, Texas Hold ‘Em or field days, the residents always have something to do, according to manager of the men’s residence halls, Jennifer Whilden. The students in the men’s dorm are up all hours of the night playing video games in the lobby and hanging out in each other’s rooms, they can be a handful at times, Whilden said. “The first day that the residents move into the dorms we have an ‘Alcohol Awareness’ program that evening in the Jack E. Brown dining hall,” Whilden said. “We want to make sure that the residents know if they are caught with alcohol or drugs on campus, they will have major con- sequences. We want to make the residence halls a safe environment for everyone living here.” In between Craddick Hall and the men’s residence hall, there is a basketball court available for all residents. On the south side of the dining hall there is a sand volleyball court that was built last spring, which is also available for residents. “After I’m done with my classes and homework, I meet my friends at the dining hall for dinner,” resident of Craddick Hall, Derek Slaughter, said. “After we eat, we usually throw the football around in the parking lot or get some people together for a game of basketball. We always have something to do around here.” The residence halls have at least one planned activity a month, according to Whilden. She said they have at least two movie nights a month, where everyone from all three residence halls is invited to watch a movie in the designated resident hall lobby. “We have also had actvities like ‘Random Act of Kindness’ and the ‘White Elephant’ gift exchange before the students left for Christmas break,” Whilden said. “I love to get involved with the students and participate in all the events that are going on.” The resident halls have “dorm room checks” once every month to ensure that the residents are keeping clean. Small fines can be placed on students who aren’t keeping their room in good shape, manager of Craddick Hall, Louisa Ball, said. “We check every dorm room once a month to make sure that the students are keeping them clean,” Ball said. “We check the sink, shower, toilet and overall cleanliness. We just want to make sure that they are staying tidy. Sometimes college students can be messy. We want to keep the residence halls nice, especially for students that will be living here in the future.” All students who attend MC can workout in the P.E. building for free from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It offers workout equipment like MCBHC provides quality counseling when Herd was able to get a grant from the Meadows Foundation and the Fasken Foundation to start the MCBHC, which opened in 2006. The MCBHC “serves the community and students,” Herd said. MC students and people in the community are able to receive “high-quality, low-cost services.” ADAC students get the chance to “apply knowledge and skills in an actual, real-life counseling setting,” Herd said. ADAC students do this under supervision of a licensed chemical dependency counselor when “they’ve completed at least six ADAC courses,” Herd said. “Then they can enroll in their first practicum.” The MCBHC has been meeting a Voters from as ways to find out more about the candidates and the issues of this election. Issues of concern to students at MC include “immigration,” according to students Lara Boley and Allison Tull and “the war,” according to student Mariela Campos. Campos also said, “People should be involved, know the issues.” Polling places are based on county precincts. Polling places can be found by visiting the Midland county Web site. In Texas, early voting is available for anyone starting 17 days before an election and ending four days before the election. Those who vote in person do not need any excuse to vote early, although those requesting a ballot by mail do, said the Web site of the Texas Secretary of State. “Most of you within the next four years are going to Spring Break from dent who brought new meaning to spring break by combining fun with servanthood. “My friend, Carl, has a really cool idea for spring break,” Wiseman said. Carl Moore decided to use part of his spring break to work in an orphanage with children who have been taken from their parents to alternative housing. “I’ve recently returned from Mexico in a missionary apprentice program and on March 15 I will be graduating according to Ball. “I feel very safe living in the dorms,” said Elly Albers, a resident of Craddick Hall. “They are sure to make everyone who doesn’t live here check in at the front desk. To get into my room at night after 10 p.m., I have to unlock not only one, but two doors. It’s nearly impossible for somebody who’s not a resident to get in and cause trouble. It is a great feeling to know that I am being protected.” Feeling safe and making new friends seems make MC dorm life a good experience. “I have met some really good friends since I moved into the dorms,” resident of Craddick Hall Bubba Youngblood, said. “There are students from many different towns and many different countries that live in the residence halls. Everyone has their own story to tell, I’ve met some very interesting people, some that I can now call my best friends. It has truly been a great experience living in the residence halls.” Recycle Community welcome By Rebekah Karth Staff Reporter The Midland College Behavioral Health Center (MCBHC) offers counseling services starting at $5 per hour to anyone in the community. Individual counseling is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Group counseling is 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday. To schedule an appointment with the MCBHC, call 686-4219. The MCBHC is located at portable building 6A and is “a facility that is open to anyone who is seeking counseling for really any problem,” said Chesly Herd, director of the alcohol and drug abuse counseling (ADAC) program. The ADAC certification program had been in place for several years treadmills, weight machines, free weights and a padded floor mat. There is also a gym located in the P.E. building where students can play basketball, volleyball or any other sport desired. “I try to workout every day if I can because I want to stay fit,” said Jacy Welbourn, a Craddick Hall resident. “I run around the circle of MC because I feel safe and they recently put in a nice wide sidewalk around the campus. After running, I go to the gym and lift weights and do an abdominal workout in the P.E. building. They have all the equipment I need, plus it’s free.” Room and board for all of the residence halls is currently $1,800 plus tax per semester. This includes rent, 19 meals a week, cable, local phone, Internet service and a 24-hour help desk. Each dormitory has somebody working the front desk 24 hours a day. Every visitor who enters the building must check in and leave their I.D. at the front desk for safety reasons, community need. “People who weren’t able to get services before are now able to,” Herd said. The MCBHC recently gained a new clinical director, Ronald Meyer, who is a licensed chemical dependency counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist. Herd said that “there’s a huge need” for more people to become ADAC counselors because many “current workers are retiring.” After receiving licensure, initial salary for an ADAC counselor in this region varies around $30,000 $35,000, Herd said. More information about the ADAC program is available from Herd in the Abell-Hangar Science Faculty building, room 128 or by calling 685-4729. page 1 graduate; you need to be concerned about who’s going to take over,” Gilmour said. Voters must be registered at least 30 days before an election. While the Texas primary has passed, it is not too late to register for the general election in November. In order to register, one must be at least 17 years and 10 months old. Midland county residents can download a registration form at http://www.co.midland.tx.us/Elections or pick up a form at such locations as the Texas Department of Human Services, the driver’s license office and the Midland county public main library. Local issues on the ballot may include (depending on precinct and party): U.S. Senator, railroad commissioner, state Supreme Court Justices, criminal appeals judges, state representative, county commissioner and constable. page 1 from the program in Lubbock,” Moore said. “From there I am going to work with kids in an orphanage in Fort Worth. When I go I spend time playing with the kids,” he said. According to Moore, true religion is to visit widows and orphans. “So, I am going to serve God through the orphans,” he said. His plans stem from his understanding of the book of Luke in the Bible, chapter 17, verse 10: “…we are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” Circus from page 1 to participate in another act. metal-caged sphere. The Tuscado Troop, a seven-man The element that made this act more death defying, was the addition of a acrobatics act from Columbia, South 10-year-old named Christian, who was America, wowed audiences by going to ride a bike himself in the cage attempting to create a seven-man pyramid, with Christian on top, while along with two other riders. Katie Lovett, who was in atten- walking across a tight rope. Already at the edge of your seat, the dance, said that the act was, “too dangerous for a 10-year-old to be doing.” troop made it across the rope and Christian impressed the audience by Christian yet again left audiences making it out in one piece, just in time impressed. -- from page 1 parking lots.” encing and molding young minds, Containers that hold 28-quarts, sim- future leaders. If by our efforts more ilar to the size of an office trash can, students take up the cause, everyone will be available for the offices of fac- benefits; the college, the students and ulty members. the community.” Committee member and math proAs for the future, Tomás Hernández, fessor Sonia Ford said that “containers biology instructor, said he thinks that, that can hold 50-gallons of material “just getting them [students] to care will be placed in the faculty pools and will be tough.” Hernández said he has other key areas to manage the mass of recycled since he was in college. paper that is wasted. “Participation is the big thing,” The Chap Center, Abell-Hanger Hinds said. “If we can get enough peoScience Faculty building and dorm ple in all areas to encourage others it parking lots will hold containers that will be a big help. Communication is are 30 cubic yards each.” very important.” MC is working in conjunction with “Ideally in six to nine months I hope Keep Midland Beautiful, City of to see an ‘Eco-Group’ here on campus Midland Utilities and Butt’s as well as having everyone on campus Recycling. having an idea that recycling is a Morris Williams Jr., the city of necessity,” Hinds said. Midland superintendent of solid waste According to Hinds, an Eco-Group said, “The campaign will start by recy- is an environmentally conscious group cling paper and cardboard first. As the that is in place at many four-year uniprogram gains success, plastic and versities nationwide, such as aluminum will follow.” University of Texas and University of Doreen Richardson of Keep Colorado. They help with the recyMidland Beautiful discussed the eco- cling effort. nomic benefits that are possible with “I think that a student environmenrecycling. A “Cash for Trash” program tal group here on campus would help enables recyclers to get money back promote awareness, educate, do projfrom their recycling efforts. ects, participate in Earth Day and help Giving the money earned through us haul trash around,” Ford said. recycling to student groups who were Apathy towards the program and in charge of helping with the program recycling in general is a concern was discussed. shared by faculty and students. A flyer given at the meeting said: “There is a problem on the MC cam“The college is considered by many to pus with an apparent attitude of apathy be a community leader and as such toward the concept of recycling,” should take the lead on such an impor- Karth said tant issue as recycling.” “The real question is how do we get And it continued “Our efforts will apathetic students involved? Until it set an example that many in our com- hits them in the pocket book in a posmunity can and probably will follow. itive or negative way, they will continWe have the added advantage of influ- ue to be apathetic,” Hernández said. News Page 4 March 7, 2008 Angel Food Ministries lends helping hand By Lauren Disney Staff Reporter Permian Basin citizens now have a way to stretch food budgets for only $30 once-a-month, which can feed a family of four for one week or an individual for a month. The provider is Angel Food Ministries, a non-profit, non-denominational national organization. This benefit comes in the form of a box but contains a variety of fresh and frozen meat, vegetables and even a dessert. The food is never out-of-date, dented or of second-hand quality, according to the angelfoodministries.com Web site. There are no applications, qualifications or limits on the amount that can be ordered. Additional food specials, including extra meat choices, are discounted at $15-20 a box. Distribution is handled through eight host church sites in the area: North Birdwell Lane Methodist, Big Spring; Christian Church, Midland; CrossWay Church, Midland; Church on the Journey, Midland; Second Baptist, Midland; CrossRoads Fellowship, Odessa; West Odessa First Baptist, Odessa; Faith Church of the Nazarene, Odessa. Janet Taylor, volunteer Angel Food Coordinator for Christian Church of Midland, said that most sites accept food stamps (EBT), cash, checks or money orders and that the food would normally cost about $60-$80 for the same quantity in a regular grocery store. “Those interested in the program can view the menu online or at any host site; pre-payment is required upon ordering; the food is delivered at the end of the month from a warehouse in Georgia and pick-up is required at the host site,” Taylor said. The program is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture and is recommended by such pastors as Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston. According to Taylor, the Permian Basin currently averages about 900 orders a month, with at least 500,000 families served nationally on a monthly basis. “Anyone of any income level can participate. Since there are no ordering limits, those taking advantage of the program are not taking (food) away from those less fortunate,” Taylor said. “This program is especially great for college students, as it would last up to an entire month for a single person,” Taylor said. “Parents can order a box for their child in the host city where the school is and the student can pick it up.” Some sample menu items from the March menu include chicken breast, pork, French fries, mixed vegetables, waffles, milk, butter, soup and macaroni-and-cheese. In addition, there are three specials that can be purchased for an extra $18-$20 each. More information is available at the national Web site: www.angelfoodministries.com, including menus and a list of host sites. By Shanley Wright Page Editor Local St. Patrick’s Day celebrations seem to be few and far between, especially since St. Paddy’s Day falls on a Monday this year. A Guinness beer along with a green shirt for CatholicIrish, orange for Protestant-Irish and some music by Dropkick Murphy’s or Flogging Molly just may have to do. For a pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration the 6th Annual Scottish-Irish live performers of Celtic music and dance. “I just usually wear green and go out for a drink,” said Heather Bullard, a former Midland College student with Irish/Scottish heritage. Matt Vanley, an MC student, said, “If I feel like it, I’ll go looking for a leprechaun to find a pot of gold.” After the Great Potato Famine in Ireland in 1845, more than a million Irish people began to pour into America to escape starvation. They realized they had strength in numbers. Soon the St. Patrick’s Day parade became a symbol of strength for the Irish Americans. “The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762,” according to www.history.com. “I am really proud of my heritage, I like everything Irish. I even know the story of St.Patrick,” Bullard said. St. Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland. Once a pagan he superimposed the sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to become what is known as the Celtic cross, stated www.history.com. St. Patrick died March 17, around 460 A.D. It is no longer just an Irish holiday. St. Patrick’s Day is now observed around the world: Japan, Singapore and Russia. Until the 1970s it was held as a religious holiday, Irish law stated. Pubs were to be closed on March 17. In 1995, the Irish government saw a tourism opportunity and began a national campaign. “Last year, close to one million people took part in Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, a multiday celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions and fireworks shows,” according to www.history.com. To make St. Patrick’s Day an official holiday visit Guinness.com. If you are 21 or over you can sign the petition for Proposition 3-17. It “requests that St. Patrick’s Day be made an official holiday not only to officially commemorate the spirit of this day, but to celebrate and honor St. Patrick himself,” according to www.propsition317.com. The brewers at Guinness need 1 million votes before midnight March 16 in order to present this motion before Congress. St. Patrick’s Day met with modest fanfare Faire is taking place March 7-9 at the Horseshoe Arena. There will be vendors as well as Continuing Ed offers ‘Instant Guitar/Piano’ classes By Justin McGill Page Editor The Instant Guitar for Hopelessly Busy People continuing education class at Midland College offered participants a crash course into the basic building blocks needed to set a foundation for a long-lasting musical experience. The course is the first guitar class to be taught by Craig Coffman, who also teaches piano and the Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People continu- ing education class. The class, which lasted for two and a half hours, covered the basics of guitar playing, with the help of a selfinstruction book. Students learned how to tune the guitar, the basic chords, how to conquer the fears of strumming and were shown some advanced techniques. “One of the first things you’re going to want to do is learn how to tune your guitar,” Coffman said. The guitar can be tuned by match- ing strings to the correct pitch on a piano, by a handheld, electronic tuner or by ear. After tuning the guitars, Coffman shifted to the basic chords students should remember when playing the guitar. There are many chords that can be learned when playing the guitar, but the few that were used to get students started, were the G, E minor, A, C, D and E chords. To play the chords, students took their left index, third and fourth fingers and placed them firmly on the specific string and fret and added a specified strum. Coffman said that many students might “feel a little bit overwhelmed,” but he encouraged them to remember that “practice makes perfect.” Coffman briefly discussed strumming and put students’ fears of strumming to rest by explaining that most professional musicians just strum the guitar and don’t over analyze while they are playing. Coffman finished the class by skipping ahead in the self-instruction book. He gave students a sample of finger-picking techniques and other techniques they will encounter as they make their way through the book. Coffman reminded students that it would take time, practice and probably months to finish the self-instruction book, but that with their newfound skills in guitar, they would “have a job for the rest of their lives.” News March 7, 2008 Page 5 What does MC lack? Money-saving tactics By Ismael Rosa Page Editor Starbucks, career-related classes and more sports programs are just some of the ideas students and faculty would like to see at Midland College. MC offers a variety of classes, programs and facilities to its students and faculty. Some people see the college “fine the way it is” but others seem to want more from their experience at MC. MC student Joe Lujan said he thinks it would be a great idea to have a football team. “MC needs more sports and it would attract more people,” Lujan said. A football team could encourage more students and opportunities. According to MC student Creede Reinecker, football would be great because everyone likes the sport. Reinecker said that something else that might be interesting would be a little shopping center that’s open all day. When it comes to meals and snacks, MC has a cafeteria, the Jack E. Brown Dining Hall. If not interested in the cafeteria food, the Chaparral Grill in the Schaubaurer Student Center offers a variety of drinks, meals and snacks. According to MC student Jackie Cazares, Starbucks “would be awesome and convenient.” She said she thinks it would be beneficial for the college and its faculty and students. “The best thing about a Starbucks is that it will offer a bigger selection of snacks and drinks to the college,” Cazares said. “Starbucks on the campus would motivate a lot more people to come to class,” said MC stu- dent Luis Moreno. Moreno said he would also like to see more classes that are related to more careers instead of just basics. A class Moreno said he would like to see offered is Petroleum Engineering. Moreno is active in intramural sports and would like to have any of the intramural sports become official programs at MC. Monica Valdez, MC student relations specialist, would enjoy seeing a television station at the college. It would give students in this field an opportunity to get experience in their chosen field, she said. Valdez also said that a dental program would also help students who can’t afford programs at bigger colleges. Valdez also said Starbucks, Burger King or any small snack places would be great to have at the college. What she would also like to see are more programs for kids. These programs can help kids in the community and help students get involved, she said. According to Susan Benham, another MC student relations specialist, having a swimming pool would be enjoyable for students and faculty to relax at MC. According to Dale Williams, MC counselor, requests for classes and programs that MC doesn’t already have, rarely happen. “It’s limited what we can offer and there’s not much that we don’t offer,” he said. “Starbucks would be nice and there might be plans for a coffee shop at the college, but MC does a good job about what we need and have,” Williams said. Battle of the Bands 7 p.m., Friday, April 4 Scharbauer Student Center Bands on board so far: My Corporate Sellout Yakuza Crime Boss Oh Infamous City The Great Divorce And others to come … If you know any bands please contact: Chris Dailey @ [email protected] Jeremy Lysinger @ [email protected] Free for Midland College students (please bring ID) $5 admission fee to the general public By Lindsey Stamper Page Editor Considering almost all college students struggle somewhat financially, smart moneysaving tactics can have an impact on students’ finances and their futures. Many people turn to budgeting to start saving money. Having a budget may help direct money into different areas so it is not all spent in the same place. Students should know their cost of living. They should make a list of mandatory monthly expenses so they understand where the money has to go. Planning should pay off. “One way to save money in the long run is to take all the courses you can at a community college,” said Jan Reed, Midland College student activities director. Attending a community college before a university usually saves money. It is also important to make sure that classes will transfer to the desired university. This way, money will be saved and time will not be wasted, Reed said. “Where you go does make a difference in cost—both in tuition and living expenses. An example is that housing in Austin is almost double that of College Station. The tuition differs, too,” Reed said. Food is one of the top priorities in a college student’s life. Grocery shopping in college, instead of eating out, is another money-saving choice. “Stay away from your favorite food places and stores,” said Kathleen Chaney, MC sophomore. “This will help reduce the temptaName: Smoothie King Fazolis Great American Cookie Luca Pizza Tropical Stop Sincerely Flowers and Gift Shop Ski Skeller Super 8 America’s Best Value Inn Motel Cactus Lanes Clarion Hotel Vela Bay Seafood tion.” MC sophomore Cortney Curtis offered the following tip. “When shopping for groceries or everyday items, always purchase the generic brand. More times than not, you can’t even tell the difference.” Eating out may sound easy and quick, but students should think twice. “I spent so much money on eating out,” Curtis said. “I suggest not eating out unless it is absolutely unavoidable.” Gloria Hernandez, MC sophomore, suggested eating in the cafeteria as much as possible if living in the dorms. “After all, you’ve already paid for it,” Hernandez said. “Just use your common sense on things,” Hernandez said. “Walking to class is an obvious solution to save gas.” Books and supplies are more costly necessities. According to collegescholarships.org, before a student thinks about buying a new textbook at the campus bookstore, they should check around campus. Borrow if it’s possible. If not, buy used college textbooks on sites like Amazon.com. “There are lots of online options for buying cheaper books,” Reed said. It seems difficult to save more and spend less. However, it is never too late to start saving. Some area businesses offer discounts to MC students. Usually a current college I.D. is all that is needed. Please see box. VIP Discounts Discount: .50 cents 10% 10% $5> Buy 1 slice get 1 free 20% 5% any silk flower arrangement 10% excluding sale items Special rate 79.00 w/disc. 67.15 $ 2.00 game/ free shoes Steven directly free tea with meal Address: 2200 W Wadley 4505 W Loop 250 4511 N. Midkiff 4511 N. Midkiff 4511 N. Midkiff 4410 N Midkiff 3327 W Wadley 3828 W Wall 3904 W Wall 3920 W Wall 4300 W Wall 307 N Midland Dr Entertainment Page 6 Music Review Vampire Weekend makes auspicious debut Photo courtesy of vampireweekend.com By Andrew Eaton Staff Reporter There’s something refreshing in seeing a much-hyped-about band actually deliver the goods. Why? Because it rarely happens. Vampire Weekend found themselves in that predicament only a few months ago. Their demo CD had been circulating around the Internet on countless music blogs, first on the African music audioblog “Benn loxo du taccu,” and again on Stereogum. Interestingly enough, the album being reviewed here sounds nearly identical to that original demo. Aside from a few mastering changes and the delegation of song Ladies of Cambridge to a B-side on the stellar Mansard Roof single, there are virtually no differences. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” indeed. The band explores a very different subgenre: “Upper West Side Soweto” as they describe it, or even better, “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa.” Translation: New York, Ivy league indie pop-rock. These subgenres the band have dubbed themselves are pretty spot-on descriptions; think Paul Simon’s Graceland by way of The Strokes’ Is This It. The driving percussion perfectly complements the African pop influ- ences and yes, even the classical western style. The music prowess on display by this band is exemplified not by lavish production or complicated melodies, rather the guys of Vampire Weekend keep their songs tightly knit and surprisingly reserved. A perfect example was one of their early successes with the song Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa. The song is rather subdued, a song that flirts with a dancing drum rhythm and a hiccupy guitar line. It’s so startlingly simple and it manages to say more about the band’s versatility than most other bands can in an album. The biggest grief from non-enthusiasts emphasizes the clean cut “preppiness” of it all. Why should they bother changing though? Too many bands now are too quick to dirty up their music to give it a texture that really just feels superfluous. That’s not to say that rough noise to shave off the edges doesn’t work to great effect for bands like My Bloody Valentine for instance, but Vampire Weekend has drawn their line in the sand; between rock and pop, they’ve made their choice–they’re pop first. The other highlights of this eponymous debute: Oxford Comma, A-Punk and Campus. Oxford Comma’s sly jabs at money-flashing are playful and witty, but the humor’s there too – there aren’t nearly enough references to Lil Jon in indie-rock these days, so thank God for that. “Campus” benefits from a expertly-crafted, softlysung hook by vocalist Ezra Koenig. “A-Punk” however, is just drumbanging fun – download it immediately. Vampire Weekend, the album and the band, benefit from just being refreshingly fun. What a way to kick off music in 2008. Rated 8 ½ out of 10. March 7, 2008 Movie Review Vantage Point excites, intrigues imdb.com By Zachary Forest Staff Reporter Vantage Point is now out in theaters. The movie stars Dennis Quaid (The Day After Tomorrow), Matthew Fox (Lost), Forest Whitaker (Fast Times at Ridgemont High), John Hurt (Syriana) and Sigourney Weaver (Alien film series). The story is told from different character’s perspectives and is based on the Asian film Rashomon. The movie follows the events leading to and after a presidential assassination attempt and a terrorist attack. The attempt and attack take place right when the president is about to give a speech at a peace conference. Quaid and Fox are Secret Service agents assigned to protect the president of the United States (Hurt). Whitaker plays a tourist who videotapes the attempt and terrorist attack. Weaver plays a news producer whose crew is at the event. The film is told from the views of the producer, Secret Service agents, Whitaker’s character, the president and the terrorists. When I went to see it, the audience moaned each time the movie would go to a different perspective. This movie is very exciting. Moviegoers will enjoy it. Vantage Point is rated PG-13 for violence, extreme action and some mild language. DVD Review Pirates 3 unleashes swashbuckling fun By Zachary Forest Staff Reporter It’s time to set sail with Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew again in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End now on DVD, blue ray and highdefinition DVD. The movie stars Johnny Depp (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Orlando Bloom (Lord of the Rings trilogy), Keira Knightly (Bend it like Beckham), Geoffrey Rush (House on Haunted Hill), Chow Yun-Fat (Bulletproof Monk), rocker Keith Richards and more. The movie, based on the popular ride at Disney theme parks, continues where Dead Man’s Chest left off as Captain Barbossa (Rush) along with Elizabeth Swann (Knightly) and Will Turner (Bloom) and the rest of the crew of the Black Pearl as they head to World’s End to rescue Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp). Along the way they encounter Captain Sao Feng, a Chinese pirate, T-Shirt Design Contest Midland College Drama Club is holding a T-shirt design contest. Entries should include the drama club’s Greek symbols or name, Alpha Psi Omega (!QS), and should avoid profanities or vulgar images. All entries must be received by Friday, March 14, 2008. The winning design will be used as this year’s club T-shirt and the winner will also receive a special gift from the drama club members. Please refer all questions to Evelyn Armstrong at [email protected]. Any format is acceptable. Entries can be turned in at the student activites office in Scharbauer Student Center, or at the call board outside of the Wagner-Brown Auditorium, Allison Fine Arts bldg. imdb.com who offers them a ship to go there. After they rescue Sparrow, they head to Shipwreck Island to have a meeting with the Pirate Lords, including Captain Teague (Richards) who is Sparrow’s father and king of the pirates. The meeting is to decide if they need to release Calypso, a sea goddess from Greek mythology, to help them in the battle with Davey Jones and the East India Trading Company—a battle that will decide the fate of all pirates. Will Sparrow and his friends defeat Jones or go down fighting like the pirates they are? The movie answers questions fans have been asking such as: Whose heart did Davey Jones put in the Dead Man’s Chest? Tia Dalma and the mystery surrounding her are finally answered. Also, the fate of the prison dog, from the ride with the keys in his mouth, is revealed along with what those keys open. The DVD features a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie as well as a featurette on the pirate lords, bloopers, a featurette on Jack Sparrow and his father and more. Fans of the ride and the movies, will enjoy seeing this installment in the series. Next El Paisano, April 4 March 7, 2008 Sports Page 7 Basketball teams seeded No. 2 at regionals Chaps From staff reports The Chaps men’s basketball team went into the National Junior College Athletic Association Region V Tournament in Belton as the No. 2 seed out of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference. The Chaps played the opening game of the tourney yesterday, March 6, against Collin County Community College, the No. 2 seed out of the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference. The winner of that game will play the winner of the Weatherford/South Plains game on March 8. In Borger last week, the No. 7 Midland College men’s basketball team clinched a share of the WJCAC title with a 92-87 victory over Frank Phillips College on Thursday, Feb. 28. Coupled with a 73-71 upset by Western Texas College over Odessa College, the Chaparrals will share the title with the Wranglers. The title is the first for MC since 2004 and first under head coach Grant McCasland in his four years at the helm. The Chaps (27-3, 13-3) were led by two of their sophomores as Tyrone Appleton equaled a game-high with 27 points, while Darris Santee added 26. “I’m just so proud for our guys and our sophomores,” said McCasland about winning the WJCAC. “Our guys put so much work into this season and we were able to finish with the best regular season record since I’ve been here. I couldn’t be more proud for this group. It’s a credit to our sophomores, they were the difference tonight. As you can see they put us on their shoulders just to put us in position to win the title.” Early in the game, Frank Phillips had MC on its heels as the Plainsmen packed it in defensively and played behind the Chap post players. McCasland added his team missed eight 3pointers in the first half and were out of a groove as FPC took a 40-34 halftime lead. McCasland said in the second half his team turned it up defensively and took the lead early in the period. MC held as much as an 81-73 advantage with 3:41 remaining in the contest. David Terrell added 12 for Midland College. On Feb. 21, MC played Odessa College in their final game at home this season. It was also MC’s annual homecoming. Brad Kelleher led the Chaps with 20 points and his aggressive play helped the rest of his team as they defeated No. 5 OC 87-79 at Chap Center. The win kept MC’s conference title hopes alive. The loss for OC, which had a 14-game winning streak snapped by the Chaps, meant they had to wait to see if they would clinch their first league title since 2001. On Feb. 19, there was no way Tyrone Appleton was going to allow the MC men’s basketball team to fall victim to an upset on its home court. The highly-recruited Appleton keyed a huge first half comeback with 10 of his team-high 23 points in the critical first half as the Chaparrals erased an early 18-0 deficit to defeat Western Texas College 91-67 at Chaparral Center. “We always feel we’re in the ballgame,” said Appleton, the preseason NJCAA All-American, who’s had 19 scholarship offers from Division I programs. “We had heart and pulled it off,” he told the Midland Reporter-Telegram. With the victory, the Chaps improved to 25-3 overall and 11-3 in theWJCAC. The win also sat up a showdown against league leader Odessa College. The Chaps could have very well gone into that big rivalry game with the Wranglers limping thanks to what could only be described by MC head coach Grant McCasland as a “nightmarish start.” The Chaps were actually down by as many as 23 (27-4) in the first half. It didn’t help matters that the Chaps missed their first 16 shots and turned the ball over four times before Giorgi Gaprindashvili finally hit a basket at the 11:55 mark. “You hope it never happens to you,” said McCasland of the bad start. “I can’t explain how it happened; I just know how we got out of it.” The Chaps got out of it by playing defense as McCasland went to a full court press and started pressuring every Westerners’ inbounds pass. “We confused (the Westerners) a little bit there and they didn’t know how to react,” Appleton said. “We’ve worked on that full court press a lot in practice.” Slowly but surely, MC took back the momentum. Kelleher (12 points) hit some big 3-pointers and Appleton kept driving in for layups and drawing fouls for trips to the free-throw line. MC tied the game at 36 with 1:02 remaining in the first half before WTC took a 38-36 lead into the locker room. “I thought the crowd was the difference in the game,” McCasland said in the MRT. “We needed a run there and they were giving us some energy. I thought they hung in there and they kept cheering for us. Our guys just played hard and didn’t give them any easy looks on defense.” McCasland also credited his sophomore leader for giving his team a spark. “(Appleton) played with a purpose tonight and that’s what we need from him,’ McCasland said. Added Appleton, “I just felt I had to step up and be a leader. I figure if I play hard, everybody else will too.” The Chaps took over the second half as the Westerners appeared to run out of gas. McCasland, however, said he was concerned that it would be his team which would be the one to tire in the second half. “Coming back from such a big push at halftime, I tried to give them some energy in the locker room,” McCasland said. “But I could hardly hear myself because everybody was coughing. I was hoping that didn’t zap us. That’s where depth was huge for us.” Greg Hill scored 14 points for MC, with Darris Santee and Marcus Washington each adding 10. Editor’s Note: Information for this story came from mywesttexas.com and the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Baseball team playing strong From staff reports The Midland College baseball team poured on the offense in their opening Western Junior College Athletic Conference doubleheader Sunday, March 2, but the team did not ignore playing defense either as they kept New Mexico Military Institute from scoring many runs. With pitching at a premium for the back-toback doubleheader scheduled at Christensen Stadium, bullpens figured to take a more prominent role for two days. MC survived the early conference test by getting clutch relief performances which enabled the hitting to hold up and sweep NMMI 13-6 and 11-3. On paper, it looks as if the Chaps (10-6 overall, 2-0 WJCAC) routed the Broncos (5-10, 0-2), but they needed some big late innings to finally pull away in both games, according to the Midland Reporter-Telegram. “I thought that both games were a lot closer than the scores indicated,” MC coach David Coleman said in the MRT. “We had to bring our closer in during the eighth inning of the second game.” And Cole Stephens did his job. With MC leading 4-3 heading into the eighth inning, Stephens relieved another reliever, Aaron Haley, who had come on after Kyle Maynor had thrown seven solid innings, but then he walked two batters with one only out in the eighth. Stephens struck out the next two hitters to end the inning and earned the save, even though the Chaps scored seven runs in the bottom of the inning to bring the game to an early end. However, the best MC relief appearance on the day came in the first game, as Brandon Williamson came on in the third inning to relieve Jordan Chambers, who allowed the first three runners to reach base via an error and two walks. The Chaps led 8-3 when Williamson came in the game and gave up a two-run single to Matthew Delgado. But that was the extent of the damage from NMMI. Williamson ended up pitching the final five innings and allowed only three hits and one run. Not until the Chaps scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth did Williamson take the mound with a nice cushion. “I was just trying to keep us in it and if going the whole way was what I needed to do I was happy to do it,” Williamson said in the MRT. “We just got a big enough lead that we didn’t need to use Cole at the end.” The Chaps had 12 hits in the first game, as Carson Grizzard set the tone with a two-run double in the first inning which helped the Chaps take a 6-0 lead. Grizzard drove in three runs, while Blake McNabb and Chad Stang both had three hits and drove in two runs. The Chaps were effective in the second game with 12 hits. Matt Roam was 3-for-5 and drove in four runs, including a two-out, two-run single which capped a seven-run eighth inning and ended the game due to the eight-run rule. Travis Lee and Ryan Burnett each had two hits and drove in two runs for MC in the second game. In Cisco on Feb. 26, MC starting pitchers Ryan Turner and Taylor Walton combined to allow three earned runs during a doubleheader. Though neither received a victory, the Chaparrals earned a split with Cisco Junior College. The Chaps (9-7) were shut out in the opener but rallied to win 3-2 in the second game, scoring in their last at-bat on a wild pitch. Walton allowed two runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings in his first start of the season. Cole Stephens recorded the win in relief. Turner limited Cisco to one earned run on five hits in a complete game during game one but didn’t receive any run support. The teams combined for 20 hits over two games. At the West Texas Spring Tournament, the Chaps made two early leads stand up in winning twice on Monday, Feb. 18, to close the West Texas Spring Tournament. The Chaparrals defeated Butler County (Kan.) Community College, 4-2, and held off Ranger Junior College, 12-8. The team split two games to open tournament, losing to Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, 2-1, early in the afternoon before defeating Western Texas College, 10-2, on Sunday, Feb. 17, at Christensen Stadium. The Chaps finished 3-1 for the tournament. The games planned for Monday, March 3, against NMMI were postponed due to the weather and are rescheduled for 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 25. Editor’s Note: Information for this story came from mywesttexas.com and the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Lady Chaps From staff reports The Lady Chaparral basketball team went into the Region V tourney in Belton as the No. 2 seed and will face Temple College, the No. 3 seed out of the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference at 5 p.m., today, March 7. In Borger on Feb. 28, The Frank Phillips College women’s basketball team used a strong second half to upset No. 16-ranked Midland College Lady Chaparrals, 68-65, at the Borger Community Activity Center. MC ended the regular season at 25-5 overall and finished in second place in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference with an 11-3 mark. The Lady Chaps led by as much as 37-18 with six minutes remaining in the first half before Frank Phillips (19-9, 6-8) closed the half on a 13-0 run to pull to within 37-31 at the break. “It’s disappointing more than anything,” said MC coach Ron Jones about the loss. “The game didn’t mean anything as far as seeding or the conference standings, but you would like to have some momentum going into next week’s regional tournament.” Jones said Frank Phillips didn’t take its first lead until there was less than 15 seconds remaining in the game. “We just didn’t do the things that we were doing while we were playing well,” Jones said. “I don’t think we were competitive tonight. I would guess (Frank Phillips) got 15-20 points off offensive rebounds.” Tori Slusher led the Lady Chaps with 16 points, while Lyrell Barfield added 12. At the last home game this season, the No. 16ranked Lady Chaps beat rival Odessa College 75-57, on Feb. 21. It was homecoming at MC. Freshman guard, Dymond Morgan, was the spark of the game with 15 points off the bench. Sophomores Sylwia Zabielewicz had 17 points and Tori Slusher added 12 for the Lady Chaps, who improved to 25-4 overall and 11-2 in conference play. MC also guaranteed itself no worse than a No.2 seed in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region V Tournament in Belton in early March. On Monday, Feb. 18, behind the play of Lyrell Barfield and Zabielewicz, the Lady Chaps started fast and never let up in a 95-56 victory over the Lady Westerners at Chaparral Center. The night began with a tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness as the Lady Chaps warmed up in special “pink” T-shirts. The team also presented pink and purple basketballs to breast cancer survivors in the crowd. The Lady Chaps improved to 24-4 overall and 10-2 in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference and shook off a sluggish performance from last Thursday when they had to go to double overtime for a 75-69 victory. Barfield and Zabielewicz made sure the Lady Chaps didn’t have to worry about having a victory. The sharp-shooting Barfield poured in a game-high 26 points, while the 6-foot-5 Zabielewicz muscled her way inside for 25 points and 13 rebounds. When Barfield and Zabielewicz weren’t scoring, their teammates were hustling for loose balls, playing solid defense and rebounding tough. Western Texas (12-14, 5-6) was held to 30 percent shooting, and the Lady Chaps out-rebounded the Lady Westerners 53-32. On Feb. 14 in Clarendon it took two overtimes but the No. 20 Lady Chaps came home with a 76-69 victory. With the win, MC improved to 23-4 overall and 9-2 in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference. Clarendon College dropped to 1313 and 3-8 in the WJCAC. Head Coach Ron Jones said his Lady Chaparrals were never sharp, and as a result, Clarendon gave them all they could handle. But in the second OT, Jones said his team was able to get some stops, make some baskets in transition, and more than anything, forced the Lady Bulldogs to miss some shots. “It was strange, the whole evening,” Jones said in the MRT. “The energy was okay, it wasn’t great. And we did a lot of things to hurt ourselves.” MC was a paltry 11 for 28 from the free-throw line, plus Jones said his team allowed too many offensive rebounds to a Clarendon team, which MC beat 89-52 on Jan. 14 at Chaparral Center. Clarendon led 34-31 at the half, but then both teams were tied at 59 at the end of regulation and then tied at 65 at the end of the first overtime. MC actually trailed 65-62 with six seconds remaining at the end of the first overtime before Jessica Wallis hit a 3-pointer to send it to a second OT. Editor’s Note: Information for this story came from mywesttexas.com and the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Appleton commits to Big-12 power, Kansas From staff reports Tyrone Appleton verbally committed to the University of Kansas on Feb. 25. Appleton chose the Jayhawks after taking official visits to Kentucky and Iowa State. He had also considered Texas and Indiana among his top five and had a total of 19 scholarship offers from Division I programs. Commitments are non-binding and Appleton won’t be able to sign until mid April, when the signing period begins for NCAA basketball. Appleton said when he and his dad, James Dye, went to Lawrence, Kan., for his official visit, they were impressed with what they saw. “We liked the coaching style and we liked the players, but my dad also liked the academic situation they have,” said Appleton, who has started in every game this season and is averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game. “I liked the players, that was the big thing for me. They get along real well. They’ll tell you the truth and they’ll tell you that you have to come in and work hard for everything you get.” Recruiting interest in the 6-foot-3, 190-pound guard picked up after last year when he helped lead the Chaps to a 28-9 record and the NJCAA National Championship. As a freshman at MC he averaged 14 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists after switching over from his natural shooting guard position to point guard. Prior to this season, Appleton was named as a preseason first-team NJCAA All-American and was regarded as the No. 3 junior college prospect by jucojunction.com. MC Coach Grant McCasland said Appleton should fit in nicely with the Jayhawks, who run similar things to the Chaparrals. “When they saw him, they could see in their system,” said McCasland about the Jayhawks’ recruitment of Appleton. “He could play anywhere. I don’t see a school where he couldn’t play. What he brings to a team is what every coach wants. He’s tough, he can guard any of the three guard positions and he only cares about one thing and that’s winning.” Editor’s Note: Information for this story came from mywesttexas.com and the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Softball team sweeps Clarendon From staff reports CLARENDON—The Midland College softball team improved to 9-1 in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference with a doubleheader sweep of Clarendon College on Saturday. The Lady Chaps won the opener 7-0 and took the second game 6-2. Mindy Scott pitched a shutout in the first game as MC (17-6 overall) made the most of 10 hits. In the second game, Clarendon amassed nine hits but Alex Riedeman worked out of several jams with the help of three double plays. The Lady Chaps broke the game open with a two-run sixth inning. MC committed two errors the entire day. “Defensively we did a great job in both games,” MC coach Tommy Ramos said. “Offensively they did a good job executing and moving runners when we needed to.” The Lady Chaps completed a successful WJCAC road trip, adding to their sweep of Frank Phillips College on Friday. BORGER—The MC softball team didn’t have much trouble in a Western Junior College Athletic Conference doubleheader sweep over Frank Phillips College on Friday, Feb. 29. The Lady Chaparrals got solid pitching from Alex Riedeman and had 13 hits in a 9-1 victory in the first game. And then in the second game, MC belted out 17 hits, including 10 doubles, in a 193 rout of the Lady Plainsmen in five innings. The Lady Chaps improve to 15-6 overall and 7-1 in WJCAC play. MC Coach Tommy Ramos said he thought his team came out kind of slow in the first game but picked it up as the game went along. Nina Cabrales was 3-for-4 with a triple, while Amber Kamaka was 2-for-3 to lead the Lady Chaps. Ramos said his team started executing in the second game and pitching was a little stronger with Carly Britton starting for MC in the circle. “We started playing to the level we’re capable of playing,” Ramos said. The Lady Chaps broke things open with a nine-run third inning as MC had four doubles in that frame. Rebecca Gawlista and Dina Ortiz each had three doubles, while Lindsey Robillard was 2-for-2 with a double to lead MC. Editor’s Note: Information for this story came from mywesttexas.com and the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Diamond Lady Chaps Page 6 Nina Cabrales Dessie Farmer Position: Third Base Class: Sophomore Hometown: Mira Loma, Calif. Position: Outfielder Class: Sophomore Hometown: Sun City, Calif. Karina Nava Lindsay Robillard Position: Short Stop Class: Sophomore Hometown: Riverside, Calif. Position: Catcher/Outfielder Class: Sophomore Hometown: Hesperia, Calif. Position: Pitcher Class: Sophomore Hometown: Benicia, Calif. Melissa Di Pane Annessa Garcia Position: Outfielder Class: Freshman Hometown: Temple City, Calif. Rebecca Gawlista Katy Griffin March 7, 2008 Erin Ho Position: Center Field Class: Sophomore Hometown: Portland, Ore. Position: Utility Class: Sophomore Hometown: Midland, Texas Mindy Scott Alexandra Borrego Carly Britton Position: Outfield/Pitcher Class: Freshman Hometown: Midland. Texas Position: Pticher/Infielder Class: Freshman Hometown: Midland, Texas Brooke Hernandez Taylor Howard Amber Kamaka Position: Infielder Class: Freshman Hometown: Riverside, Calif. Position: Catcher/Infielder Class: Freshman Hometown: Lake Elsinore, Calif. Position: Infielder Class: Freshman Hometown: Midland, Texas Position: Outfielder Class: Freshman Hometown: Mililani, Hawaii Alex Riedeman Dina Ortiz Logan Zamora Position: Pitcher Class: Freshman Hometown: Snohormish, Wash. Position: Catcher Class: Freshman Hometown: Monahans, Texas Position: Infielder Class: Freshman Hometown: Sun City, Calif. Nicole Garcia Assistant Coach Entering her fifth season as assistant coach, Garcia is a former Lady Chap who played for Coach Ramos. She was one of the players who established the winning tradition for the MC softball program. Garcia is from Riverside, Calif. and graduated from Murrieta Valley High School. While at MVHS, Garcia excelled in fastpitch softball, was a scholar athlete and was a memeber of the student senate. Garcia earned a BA in child and family studies with a minor in English from UT Permian Basin. She is working on an MS in kinesiology while raising her daughter, Audrey. Tommy Ramos Head Coach Going into his tenth season, Coach Ramos is the constant that allows the Lady Chaps to excel. The Lady Chap softball team finished 2007 with a 409-1 overall record and a conference record of 288 winning their conference. Led by Coach Ramos, the Lady Chaps softball program won five consecutive WJCAC titles (2001-2005), seven consecutive NJCAA Region V Tournament appearances (three Region V Championships) and three appearances in the NJCAA National Softball Tournament (2001-2003) finishing 7th, 4th and 7th. During his nineyear tenure as head coach, Ramos has compiled a career record of 419-122-3. MC Softball Schedule Remaining Games Spring 2008 Sonja Mikeska Head Trainer In her twelfth year at MC, Mikeska started the MC athletic training program. From Magnolia, Texas, her interest in a career as an athletic trainer began as a studenttrainer at Magnolia High School. After high school, she enrolled at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. There she worked as a student-trainer and ultimately as a graduate assistant trainer. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Kinesiology from Angelo State. *Mar. 7 *Mar. 12 Mar. 14-15 *Mar. 19 *Mar 20 *Mar 26 *Apr. 4 *Apr. 5 *Apr. 11 *Apr. 12 *Apr. 18 *Apr. 19 *Apr. 25 *Apr. 26 May 3-4 May 15-17 Odessa College Odessa, Texas Western Texas Snyder, Texas Eastern Arizona. Thatcher, Ariz. El Paso CC El Paso, Texas El Paso CC El Paso, Texas Western Texas Snyder, Texas Odessa College Midland, Texas. Odessa College Midland, Texas Howard College Big Spring, Texas. Howard College Big Spring, Texas. Frank Phillips College Midland, Texas Frank Phillips College Midland, Texas Clarendon CC Midland, Texas Clarendon CC Midland, Texas Region V West Tournament Midland, Texas NJCAA National Tournament Plant City, Flor. *Conference games BOLD = home games 1 p.m. 1 p.m. TBA 2 p.m. MST 11a.m. MST 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 5 p.m. Noon 4 p.m. 11 a.m. TBA TBA GO DIAMOND GIRLS Position: Right Field Class: Sophomore Hometown: Stafford, Texas
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