February 23, 2000
Soon the dark side of students may be the outside
By RYAN JOHNSON
Assistant News Editor
When a student thinks of the FSU racquet facility, the first thing that comes to mind may not be the color brown, but soon it might be one of the first. The installment of new tanning beds there is a source of cheering for some, and concern for others.
Robert Palmer, professor of biology, feels strongly about tanning and the danger he believes it represents. "My opinion is that it is not healthy. Ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) can cause changes in a person's DNA. This can lead to many problems, including cancer growth."
"I think," Palmer said, "that since the racquet facility is a sports fitness organization, the beds don't seem appropriate."
"We don't push tanning," Wendy Oertling, Fitness Coordinator at the FSU Racquet and Fitness Center, said. "It is a new service for members."
"This center serves as a hands-on lab for our PTM (Professional Tennis Management) students," R. J. Tessier, Program Coordinator for the Racquet Center, said. "Newer centers have many services, including tanning, and those students need to know about it."
Furthermore, "we recommend they use lotions," Tessier said.
Mary Murnik, biology professor, has her own take on tanning lotions. "Lotions do protect you from burning. I advise you use them. I use them.
"But there is a danger there. People may stay out in the sun longer because they feel they are protected by the sunscreen, and they still get burned. This could lead to a lot more people getting burned, which could mean a lot more people possibly developing skin cancer later in life."
At the Racquet Center though, tanners are urged to take the utmost of caution. All tanners must not only sign a waiver, but they are also made completely aware of any dangers present to them. Tanners are also made to wear goggles to protect their eyes.
"This stuff is insidious," Murnik said. "Cancer from damage caused by UV rays takes a long time to show up. It could take ten or twenty years before the cancer emerges."
"Many tanning places say that they don't have a certain type of UV ray (there are alpha and beta types), but UV radiation is UV radiation. Both types are dangerous," Murnik said. "There is no such thing as a safe tan.
"In fact," Murnik said, "tanning is the skin's reaction to damage. It gets darker to protect itself. It is damage that releases the melanin (dark, protecting skin pigment)."
"Ultraviolet radiation can cause mutations," Palmer said. "Not only that, the damage is cumulative." Damage that may be gained on the tenth visit will be added to damage that may have been gained on the ninth, and so on.
"Some bases on DNA especially absorb the energy level (of UV rays)," Murnik said. "They can gum up and cause a lot of problems."
"The longer we live, the longer we are exposed to things that mess with our DNA," Palmer said. "Exposure to UV radiation speeds it up. What we see is a series of breakdowns in DNA."
Celebrate Black History Month
By RYAN JOHNSON
Assistant News Editor
After all the glamour and fanfare of Presidents' Day and Groundhogs day, students may feel that there is nothing special about the month of February. Thanks to Black History Month, that is simply not true.
Black History Month has its origins with the inception of "Negro History Week" Feb. 19, 1926 by black high school teacher and Harvard graduate Dr. Carter G. Woodson. This week was chosen because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
In 1976, the week was changed into a month-long celebration called Black History Month.
"The main reason for Black History Month was to educate not only African Americans, but all people about the contributions we've made," Matt Chaney, Assistant Director of Minority Affairs, said.
"Especially since our educational system from elementary school to high school doesn't accurately and efficiently cover a lot of the inventions and contributions that African Americans have made."
Students at Ferris do appreciate the idea of Black History Month, but seem to resent it the fact that it is just a month.
"I think that Black History should be celebrated all year around, not just in one month. I don't think we should just have a certain month and that's it," Mary Kennedy, a sophomore in Pre-Criminal Justice, said.
"I don't think it should be in February," Shannon Keys, a junior in Music Industry Management, said. "It is the shortest month of the year and the coldest month of the year."
This year though, Black History Month will be celebrated into March as well, in a partnership with Women's History Month. There are plenty of events planned for both months.
The Office of Minority Affairs sponsored speaker Dr. Na'im Akbar in honor of Black History Month. Dr. Akbar is one of the world's preeminent African-American psychologists. His topic was "The Millennium's Challenge for Black History."
"I was very impressed with Dr. Akbar," Sandra Strothers, Special Assistant to the President on Multicultural Affairs. "He is a leader in the field of psychology."
A former president of the National Association of Black Psychologists, Akbar teaches in the Department of Psychology at Florida State University in Tallahassee, and directs his private consulting firm, Mind Productions and Associates.
"He's known as one of the great orators and thinkers of this age," Chaney said.
"There will be a knowledge bowl, but that is sponsored by the Black Greek Council," Raymond Gant, Director of Minority Affairs, said. "We are also hosting speaker Bev Smith, anchor of BET talks. There will also be a black history presentation by Grand Rapids public school students here on March 24."
But the spirit of the month lies in celebrating the contributions of African Americans to society. "It was Martin Luther King Jr. who really spearheaded the movement," Chaney said. "He himself instilled a lot of pride in the African American community, and I think he set the pace for us as a people to want to learn more, and thirst for knowledge about our people."
"Black History is part of American history." Gant said.
But above all, Black History Month is about remembering those who helped drive this country along. Usually it is a time to focus in on those who are normally not included in an average account of African American influence.
Among these lesser-known people are the African American men of the USS Mason. During World War II, when a storm stopped a naval convoy station in Normandy, the USS Mason was chosen to escort them to safety. During the journey the deck split, but the crew was able to repair the ship at sea, rescuing the entire convoy.
Report offers the University a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses
By MELISSA CASSIDAY
Ferris State Torch
After a campus visit and meetings with key University officials, administrators, faculty, staff and students, Dr. Lee Noel and Dr. Randi Levitz of USA Group Noel-Levitz offered their Executive Consultation, an enrollment potential report for Ferris.
Their consultation was meant to define additional recruiting and retention potential and to highlight the University's efforts in enrollment development. Besides the campus visit, Noel-Levitz was also based on a number of reports, documents, publications and letters.
The Noel-Levitz report offered an analysis of Ferris' strengths and weaknesses as well as offering numerous recommendations. Concerning the weaknesses mentioned in the report, Sue Hammersmith, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said, "There is a lot of meat in the report that the University should take into consideration."
One of the main points in the consultation addressed Ferris' lack of four-year programs. Hammersmith wished to express that "the college of Arts and Sciences is opening new four-year programs to meet the educational needs of students." "We are especially proud to be opening up the new elementary education major," Hammersmith said.
Margaret Avritt, vice president of University Advancement and Marketing, further expounded on the issue of four-year programs at Ferris. "Positioning ourselves as a two-year institution, not so much on four-year, that is what we need to do," Avritt said. This is because Ferris' draw to students is highly based on its two-year programs.
However, Avritt does take into consideration the pull of Ferris' four-year programs. "At the same time, we need to take a look at what is available at Ferris from the perspective of prospective students and to emphasize four-year programs," Avritt said.
The perspective of prospective students is very important to Avritt. "We need to realize what a seventeen-year-old is looking for in a college, and then show them what Ferris has to offer," she said.
From a marketing standpoint, Ferris improves its image and draw to students each year. "Noel-Levitz was critical of brochures that are three and a half years old. We are introducing new marketing materials this fall. We were able to bring in one thousand more applicants this year, but still we can do a better job," Avritt said.
James Maas, the acting dean of the College of Business, felt that Noel-Levitz was on target with many of their recommendations. "We do need to improve centralized marketing and recruiting to keep it from being too fragmented," Maas said.
The Noel-Levitz report brought up an issue that Maas felt was an important dilemma for Ferris: the retention of only 33% of new students after one year. "It is crucial to focus on what to do to keep students enrolled," Maas said.
Maas particularly approved of a few Noel-Levitz suggestions. "We could definitely benefit from a database system that tracks students from their application to their enrollment," Maas said.
Noel-Levitz also suggested having spring orientations. "Enrollment potential could definitely be boosted by getting students on campus earlier. For those potential students whose grades or ACTs are not yet up to par, we could host summer workshops to get these students prepared to enroll in the fall," Maas said.
On the whole, the Noel-Levitz report commended Ferris on its strengths while offering suggestions for boosting enrollment. Jerena Keyes, director of the Communication Center, said, "A number of suggestions will help a great deal, especially since we talk one-on-one with potential students, and we give them contact with people who can answer their questions."
Noel-Levitz offered the reminder that recruiting cycles are eighteen months in length. Keyes agreed with this tremendously. "We acknowledge that recruitment is not reserved only for when they are seniors," she said. Keyes also wished to express Ferris' strengths, which Noel-Levitz highlighted. "Ferris has good options, programs, faculty support, positive recruitment and simply a lot to offer," she said.
The Communications Center strives to turn potential students into enrolled students. Noel-Levitz mentioned that a focused approach to the needs of students interested in Ferris would help achieve enrollment success. The Communication Center, the various colleges of Ferris and the Marketing and University Advancement are taking steps to make improving Ferris a campus-wide effort.
"Addressing enrollment concerns should be a campus-wide effort and we are definitely moving in that direction," Keyes said. |
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 The truth about the tunnels under Ferris is unearthed
By BRIAN VAN STEENKISTE
Amusement Editor
Many Universities have subterranean tunnel systems which serve students. The campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth is built on the steep hills adjacent to the westernmost point of Lake Superior. The campus of UMD is connected by tunnels built into the hills which allows students a different level of comfort when traveling to class in bad weather.
"Every classroom is connected (by the tunnels). Once you get inside any door you can get to everything. You don't have to go outside at all," Dawn Koenig, a UMD sophomore, said. "The only things on campus not connected are the apartments and the Health Services building. It's awesome!"
Many students at Ferris have dreamed of such luxuries, but the tunnel system at Ferris serves students in a different way.
According to Bill Fuller, a boiler operator for FSU's Physical Plant, the oldest tunnel at Ferris was built in 1955 connecting the steam plant and the Alumni (West and Prakken) building. As campus expanded, the tunnel system was expanded as well.
According to Larry Erickson, the supervisor of plumbing and boiler operations for the physical plant, West campus apartments, the Creative Arts Center, the General Services building and South and East campus apartments provide their own heat and do not have any sort of piping connected to them. The rest of campus gets it's heat from the steam plant.
Although not every building is connected to the tunneling system, the majority of them are. Insulated, buried pipe is used to connect the South campus area with the tunnel system near Business and the U-Rec. is connected to the system near Clark hall by a 3'X3' crawl tunnel. The tunnels themselves are approximately 6 foot high and 5 foot wide and are made of poured concrete.
According to Fuller, the tunnels are an asset to Ferris. "We wish all of (steam pipe and cabling system) was tunnels," Fuller said. Burying pipe is expensive and doesn't last as long as pipe placed in the tunnels. The tunnels are walked once a week and the pipes are inspected.
The tunnels contain a variety of things which serve campus. According to Fuller, the steam pipes transfer 50,000 to 60,000 pounds of steam, at 90 pounds of pressure, every hour which the University needs for heat and hot water in the winter time. The tunnels house electrical cable containing 7200 Voltz of power for campus.
According to Quentin Kramer, a communications technician at Telecommunications, the tunnels also house a variety of telecom. cables. Fiberoptic cable is used for the data network as well as distance learning video support and some phone services. Coaxial cable is used for cable TV and transferring signals from the satellite dish and signal tower. Telco cable, which comprises the bulk of cable in the tunnels, is used for the majority of phone services, Ferris' two way radio system and the alarm system monitored by DPS.
The tunnels house many interesting things, but students should stay away from them because of the many dangers associated with them. "Nothing lives in the tunnel," Fuller said. Fuller has worked at Ferris for 27 years, and he pointed out that there are no spider webs, spiders, bugs, snails, cockroaches, frogs, snakes or anything alive in the tunnels. Besides the lack of food, Fuller said the air quality may play a factor in the lack of life.
Anyone entering or exiting the tunnels must radio a central dispatch to prevent anyone from being trapped in the tunnels. Air clearance must also be obtained when entering the tunnels. People in the tunnels carry air monitors which check for oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and explosive gases. According to Fuller trained workers had to be treated at the hospital after being exposed to bad air in the tunnels near Business one time.
If temperatures that can vary from 30 degrees to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, potentially hazardous steam pipes, deadly electrical cables and poisonous gases aren't enough to scare the curious away from the tunnels, Judicial Services and DPS have their own deterrents.
Stan Dinius, the Director of Public Safety, said entering the tunnels constitutes criminal trespassing and if buildings were entered through the tunnels the culprits could be charged with illegal entry as well. Rick Shafer, the Director of Student Judicial services, mentioned that each case is unique, but exploring the tunnels would break Student responsibilities code section B part 8, unauthorized entry, found on page 39 of the Student Handbook.
Fraternities and student groups team up to help the needy
By STEVE COOK
Assistant Amusement Editor
As the home-stretch drive of winter arrives, students at Ferris are preparing for a worthy cause. The 8th annual "Freezing for a cause" event will take place on Feb. 23. The event is scheduled to take place at the Center Campus Quad between Vandercook and Clark hall's from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Students from Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta will be putting their time and effort into the cause.
Rayshaun Voltz, Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha, is very happy and proud to be involved with the event. "Doing things like this make you feel good inside." Voltz feels that this is one of the more important events on campus every year. According to Voltz the purpose of the event is to stand outside and raise money and clothing for the homeless. "We go around town and ask for donations. We usually get a good turnout."
Voltz believes that events such as "Freezing for a cause" are the reason there are fraternities and sorties on campus in the first place. "I want fraternities and sorties to realize their purpose is to perform community service, not to make money, be non-profit." Voltz stated that he believes both organizations involved find ways to perform community service. "We're joining together to do something good," Voltz said.
Students involved with the event find a variety of ways to keep themselves busy and forget about the cold. "While we're outside we will make smores, have snowball fights and try to have fun as we ask for support," Voltz said.
Voltz is also very pleased with the amount of student and faculty participation. According to Voltz, several members of the Ferris faculty and the Ferris student body turn out annually for the event.
After all the donations are collected by the groups, they are then handed over to Project Starburst and WISE (Women's Information Services Corporation). Project Starburst and WISE will then distribute them to needy people in the area.
Voltz also has some advice to those at Ferris who plan on attending the event, "Dress warm, bring some donations and just have a good time." Voltz stated that it can get really cold outside, especially when you're standing out there all night, but he doesn't mind because it's for a good cause.
Jerron Thorton, President of Alpha Phi Alpha, is also actively involved with the event for the third straight year. "It's good to see organizations work together, this event is very multicultural, it brings together many different races," Thorton said. According to Thorton, the event is all about people joining together for the same purpose. Thorton also stated that there is a lot of Greek and non-Greek help with the event, Y.B.B.W. (You Beautiful Black Women) and B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders Aspiring For Critical Knowledge) are also lending their services to help out.
According to Thorton, the event is like going on a walk, willing to collect for the homeless. "We passed out letters to businesses in town notifying them of the upcoming event. We have to send the letters out very early and let the business prepare any items they may have to donate," Thorton said. "Some people donate hot chocolate and donuts." Thorton also stated that the event can provide some public exposure, "In 1998 we had channel 7&11 come down here."
At this year's event, clothing is in high demand. "We need clothes the most, more than any food, it seems like clothes are a little harder to come by," Thorton said. Thorton also believes that this year there will be a better turn out than last year.
Thorton also has some advice for those who will not be able to attend this year's event. "Students that can't come (this year) can prepare for next years event. That's why I'm happy that it happens every year."
 DPS works to satisfy students' limited safety concerns
By STEVE COOK
Assistant Amusement Editor
As students at Ferris go to and from their classes, they have many things on their minds. The stress of classes and student life can be enough to drive anyone crazy at times. Can everyone feel safe and sound on campus as they enjoy college?
Stan Dinius, the Director of FSU's Department of Public Safety, is in charge of most safety concerns that students might have while their on campus. "We like to control the flow of traffic on campus." According to Dinius 575 traffic tickets were given out during 1999 down from 1998's total of 576. "We had 59 tickets for speed violations and 68 for stop sign violations," Dinius said. "Most people are now stopping for the stop signs."
Dinius feels that the safety program at Ferris is pretty solid. "We have a good program, (we) hire students and foot patrol." Dinius also stated that there is a 24 hour dispatch system at DPS and the Communication Center from 5 p.m.-8 a.m. "We have a well trained staff of officers that are retrained each year."
One of Dinius' main concerns aside from traffic is the GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid) drug. "The discovery of the new GHB drug on campus is concerning me, I am very concerned that it's being used in this area." Dinius also stated that students should go out with people they know and should watch their drinks. Use of GHB can cause vomiting, comas and liver disease. It comes in liquid and powder form. It has reportedly been used in cases of date rape, and because it is odorless and tasteless, it can be easily slipped into someone's drink without them noticing.
Dinius is happy that Ferris is surrounded by the Big Rapids community. "Schools like the University of Michigan and Michigan State have much more crime because the population is so much bigger; because Ferris is located in a small town it helps fight criminal activity on campus."
Ferris also has an emergency response team for any kind of emergencies that occur on campus. "We have alarm systems set up all over campus to help insure students safety," Dinius said. According to Dinius, there were twelve false fire alarms that were reported during the 1999 calendar year in the residential halls.
According to a Dec. 1999 issue of "The Pioneer" there is a proposed 3 year, $1.5 million competitive Michigan Department of Transportation Enhances Grant. The grant would pay for the major alternations of the grassy median that separates the northbound and southbound lanes on State street. If the grant goes through it wouldn't start until 2001-2002. The grant would fund 80% of the project while Ferris would pickup the other 20%.
Kenneth Neumann, an architecture with Neumann, Smith and Associates of Southfield thinks the grant can be very successful. "It would beautify the image of state street for the benefit of the university." Neumann also stated that it would knit the two halves of the campus together. "It will also provide safe crossing points by enhancing the visibility and reducing the number of informal crossing locations."
Traci Blair, a junior in General Business, doesn't really have many safety concerns, but she does have one gripe. "I feel Ferris has adequate security and I have no concerns (about that), but they should post signs between Carlisle hall and the Rankin Center (because) people drive too fast." Blair acknowledged that she is more cautious when turning by the Business building. Blair stated that she feels a surrounding area like the Big Rapids community makes her feel very safe. According to Blair her main safety concern are the people that drive recklessly through the campus. "I never feared for my safety, except when I cross the streets."
Beth Peterson, a junior in Pharmacy does have a few concerns while on campus. "I hate all the snow that's on top of the stairwell in the Starr building, " Peterson said. Peterson is also curious where one can call for an escort when one is on campus.
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 Ohio State fooled in the third period
By CHRIS MILLER
Sports Editor
An exciting comeback win that clinched a birth in the CCHA playoffs was the biggest highlight for Ferris State hockey this past weekend against Ohio State University.
Friday FSU lost to the Buckeyes 2-1, but returned the favor in Saturday's game with a 4-3 victory. The win improves the Bulldog's record to 19-13-2 overall and 12-12-2 in the CCHA.
"We deserved the win on Saturday because we were the better team," FSU Head Coach Bob Daniels said. "We needed to play our top game for the win." Ferris out-shot Ohio State 36-18 in the second game and managed to pull off the comeback victory.
The Buckeyes scored first on a goal from junior Jean-Francois Dufour. Assisting on the goal were senior Eric Meloche and sophomore Scott Titus. Four minutes later, OSU added another goal on the board from junior Rob Gubala.
"Even though they jumped out to an early lead, we played very aggressive," Daniels said. "We just didn't get shots to fall. I was very proud, though, with the way our guys played." The first period ended with the Buckeyes looking at a 2-0 lead, yet the Bulldogs walked into the locker room out shooting OSU 18-8.
FSU finally scored their first goal on a power play goal by junior Kevin Swider only 34 seconds into the second period. Assisting on Swider's 14th goal of the year were junior Rob Collins and the Bulldog's senior scoring leader Brian McCullough.
Three minutes later, the Buckeyes tossed a goal past junior goalie Vince Owen. Freshman T.J. Latorre scored his first goal of the year with the aid from senior Louie Colsant.
"Owen had an off night tonight. I wanted a new chemistry on the ice, which is why I switched to Osaer," Daniels said. After Owen saved a total of six shots, sophomore Phil Osaer came in to finish the game for the Bulldogs.
"Buckeye's senior goalie Ray Aho kept them in the game for the first two periods. It was a matter of time before we got to him in the third period," Daniels said. Aho saved 32 shots for OSU.
Ferris dominated the third period by scoring three goals in less than two minutes. OSU led 3-1 until nine minutes in the period when McCullough pounded in his 20th goal of the year. Freshman Chris Kunitz got the assist for the goal.
It only took the Bulldogs one minute to tie the game at three a piece. Senior assistant captain Rob Kozak received the puck from Collins and sophomore Chad McIver for his fifth goal of the season.
"Our student section deserves a lot of credit for pushing our guys on the ice," Daniels said. "After we tied the game, the fans went crazy which gave us the energy to score once again."
The Bulldogs took the lead after sophomore Jason Basile scored his fifth goal of the season. Assisting Basile on the goal were Swider and senior Brent Wishart.
In the game against OSU the previous night, the Bulldogs didn't fair as well, losing 2-1. Ferris jumped out to an early lead on a goal by Collins in the first period. Ohio State tied the game four minutes into the second period.
"Our guys played well which makes me proud. We wanted to win, but had a feeling of only hoping that we would win," Daniels said.
Ohio State pulled ahead and held off FSU later in the second period. Freshman Miguel Lafleche scored the equalizer while freshman Ryan Smith tacked on the winning goal. Aho (10-16-4) saved 29 shots for the win while Owen (11-6-2) stopped 26 shots.
Going into the weekend, Ohio State led the all-time series, 44-27-9, but is 17-18-2 all-time in Big Rapids. The Bulldogs took on OSU last year in five games winning twice yet losing four straight including two in the first round of the CCHA playoffs.
"Our next goal is to sweep Western Michigan. We can then worry about the first round of the playoffs and trying to make it to the Joe Louis Arena," Daniels said. "It would be nice to win the CCHA Championship."
Ferris has the next couple of weeks off until they face Western on March 3-4. The Bulldog's last home game against WMU is at 7:05 p.m. They travel to Kalamazoo for the second game against the Broncos.
 Women's basketball moves into first place conference tie
By NICK WASMILLER
Ferris State Torch
The Bulldogs basketball teams opened the week with a sweep of Grand Valley State on Monday. After 18 straight league losses, the men's basketball team opened up a long awaited winning streak by beating GVSU 73-71.
The Bulldogs overcame 31 fouls and a huge Grand Valley rally in the final five minutes to record the victory. The win was the Bulldogs second straight, after beating LSSU on January 10th.
"We've struggled, had so many injuries and have gone through so much this season, which is why this win is so sweet," Ferris State Head Coach Edgar Wilson said.
Senior guard Aaron Nauta led the upset with 17 first half points. Sophomore center Adam Anderson added 16 points and eight rebounds before fouling out with around three minutes to go, and Leaondre Salter scored ten points. The win moved the Bulldogs record to 2-13 in the Great Lakes Conference's North Division.
"We took it upon ourselves the last couple games to have more intensity before the games, and then keep that intensity going throughout the games," Anderson said.
"We had to be physical to win this game," Wilson said. "We were almost too physical with all those fouls."
GVSU coach Terry Smith added that Ferris's win over GVSU didn't come as a shock, "Ferris is way, way better that two and whatever. They've underachieved all season, and they get up for us." With Nauta scoring 17 in the first half, the Bulldogs went on a 14-3 run to move the score to 41-27 with just a few minutes remaining. Grand Valley scored the final six points before the break to bring the score to 41-33.
The first 15 minutes of the second half definitely belonged to the Bulldogs, as their lead never dropped below double digits. With the score 70-59, the Lakers went on a 12-2 scoring run to bring the score to 72-71 with 57 seconds left.
Grand Valley took five shots in the final 20 seconds, but couldn't connect on a single one. With four seconds to go, Bulldogs freshman guard Brian Monahan stole a GVSU pass and was fouled. Monahan hit one of two free throws with one second remaining to seal the victory.
Ferris State's women game wasn't as exciting as the men's victory over GVSU, but the results were the same with the Bulldogs coming out on top 80-59.
The Bulldogs frontcourt dominated inside against GVSU, including a 48-34 rebounding edge to gain the victory. Ferris also controlled the offensive glass, with a 22-12 rebounding advantage.
"Our post players are capable of dominating the boards against anyone, and they proved it in this game, because we really took it to them," Ferris State coach Tracey Fisk said.
Junior forward Dawn Baker led the Bulldogs with 19 points and eight rebounds, while junior Tianna Kirkland scored 15 points and 10 rebounds. Debbie Killips added nine rebounds to the lead Ferris to their fourth straight win.
Senior guard Carrie Roys, who added 17 points, said, "I always want to play well here (in Grand Rapids), because I'm from here, so it turned out to be a good night all around."
Grand Valley coach Claudette Charney said, "The first time we played them (Ferris) we got beat on a lot of perimeter shots. This time, we got flat-out beat inside."
On Thursday the Bulldogs hosted two highly ranked Northern Michigan teams. Looking for their fifth straight win, the women's team got off to a strong start. Led by Tianna Kirkland's 12 first half points, the Bulldogs had scoring runs of 10-0 and 13-1 in the opening half. With just over four minutes left in the first half, Ferris lead had moved to 20. The 11th ranked Wildcats cut the lead to single digits in the final four minutes and headed into the locker room down 39-30.
The Bulldogs were on fire in the first half, shooting 53.6 percent from the floor and 71.4 percent from three-point range. Ferris also connected on all four free throw attempts in the opening half.
In the opening eight minutes of the second half, the Wildcats of Northern Michigan closed the score to within two.
Northern stretched its lead to three, but the Bulldogs then went on a 15-3 scoring run to go back on top by nine. NMU once again brought the score back to within one, with two minutes remaining. The Bulldogs would not allow Northern to get any closer though, with Ferris widing the margain to three with seven seconds remaining. Northern got up one final attempt to tie the game, but missed badly to secure a Bulldog win.
With the win Ferris moved into second place in the GLIAC North Division. Ferris was led by Kirkland, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Jen Newsome scored 13, while Carrie Roys and Amy Pickard each added ten. The win was the first for Ferris over Northern since Jan. 12, 1995, a 12 game span. It was also FSU coach Tracey Fisk's first win over Northern Michigan, the school at which she played for in college.
"I knew it could be done. We played hard ad new knew that's what it would take to get it done," said Fisk. "Obviously it was a big win."
The win tied Ferris with Michigan Tech for the GLIAC North Division lead with only two games to play. Michigan Tech holds the tie-breaker edge although.
The lost was the first for Tech in the team's last 11 games.
The men's team once again didn't fare as well as the women's, losing 74-63. Michigan Tech led by only two at the half, but used a 12-3 run midway through the second half to build a lead they would never surrender.
Ferris was led by Donald Tinsley's 23 points, while Nauta and Anderson each scored 17. The Bulldogs shot 41.1 percent from the floor, and 31.6 percent from three point range. The loss dropped Ferris's GLIAC record to 2-15.
Let Out the Dawg
By CHRIS MILLER
Sports Editor
A plunger, sled, some indecent exposure, colorful clothing, a Ferris State University hockey game and a few gymnastic tricks all have one thing in common: the Bulldog.
The Bulldog is FSU's exciting mascot that attends almost all of the college's sporting events. With his big head and number one jersey, the Bulldog gets the crowd pumped even when a team is losing.
He not only defines the phrase "Ferris Pride," he sets the standard for how that pride is shown by those around him. During games that may seem boring, the Bulldog does whatever it takes to get the crowd back into the game. His antics are well known around the campus and community to those who follow Ferris sports.
Hockey at Ferris State University is the Dawg's forte, as he will pull anything out of his sleeve to gain attention. Ferris State played Ohio State in hockey this past weekend and won a big 4-3 comeback on Saturday. Despite the incredible victory pulled off by the hockey team, it was the night of the Dawg.
During all FSU home hockey games, fans heckle opposing goalies, referees and teams while the Bulldog picks on everyone.
While players bang into the boards for a loose puck, children lurk around the outside coverings and wait for the Bulldog so they can get involved. As the Bulldog makes his way around the arena, he runs into them with different ideas as to how he can tease them and provide a smile for the crowd.
During "Crunch Time", the Bulldog carries around a bucket filled with candy bars, hockey pucks and cans of Surge. After getting the crowd off of their feet, he pulls items out of the bucket and launches them into the seats.
It takes a lot to become a mascot. There is a reason why he deserves a full-ride scholarship. A mascot needs to be able to keep the crowd into the game. He also needs to have athletic ability. It also helps to have a background in gymnastics, for the Bulldog performs flips, somersaults, handstands and more.
At the intermission after the second period, it was time for the Bulldog to come out of his costume for the first time in four years. As he skated around the rink, the crowd responded with chants for his first public appearance. For four years, it was kept a secret as to whom was behind the madness.
It was only appropriate that the Bulldog at first faked out the fans by tearing off a mask and having another underneath to keep the crowd waiting with anticipation. Once the final ensemble was taken off though, the crowd responded with nothing but props towards their cheering hero.
Hockey is the biggest sport at FSU because of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association conference and the Division I schools that we take on. With the win against the Buckeyes, FSU clinched a spot in the CCHA playoffs. In order for them to earn a playoff home game, the Bulldogs need to sweep Western and Notre Dame needs to lose against Michigan State. They also need a loss from either Michigan or Northern Michigan to host a game.
The crowd, especially the student section, was extremely loud Saturday. Fans went insane when FSU scored three times in less then two minutes. According to Head Coach Bob Daniels, it gave his team the added leverage they needed to get to the Buckeye goalie.
"They were quiet during most of the game until the third period. In fact, the Bulldog stole the show before the ice heated up," Daniels said.
After the game was done, the Bulldog was found signing autographs for fans.
It was a defining night for the Bulldog. He got the recognition that he deserved along with the admiration from Ferris State. For those of you who couldn't attend the game, I will let you find out for yourselves the true identity of the Bulldog. |
A presidential campaign is a beautiful thing
By STEPHANIE GUILES
Opinions Editor
We are doomed as Americans to be subjected to a disappointing display of political folly every four years. With the recent smear tactics that have been gracing our radios and television, I have been wondering why anyone would give either John McCain or Governor Bush funds toward his campaign. I wouldn't want to be politically associated with either of those two.
They both remind me of these two brothers who used to go to the same daycare as my brother and myself when we were just little tykes. Both brothers wanted to be the king of the sandbox. Each was a bully in his own right. The two of them would end up duking it out with each other after pushing every one else around. The two would fight like cats and dogs, but would always stick up for each other anyway. That is what I see in McCain and Bush. The two will end up pals, if they aren't already. Both of them insist on being "king of the sandbox" right now.
The two of them speak about family values. What kind? Dysfunctional? Aren't families supposed to at least try to be civil? I sure wouldn't want to be at a Thanksgiving dinner with both Uncle George and Uncle John. Imagine the friendly dinner conversation quickly escalating into a bickering match and then an all-out food fight.
It would be frightening to be a member of any special interest group and to know that your organization contributed major funds to Governor Bush so that he could make commercials stating that John McCain is a liar, or vice versa. Both candidates are behaving in a rather embarrassing fashion. What would we do if we had two children who got along as well as McCain and Bush?
Well, let's see.
We would probably scold both children and send each of them to the corner. Then we would make them write an essay about the importance of treating people the right way. The most disappointing part is that both of these two men are old enough to know better (or so we thought). I sometimes wonder if a five-year-old could run the country better than the candidates we are looking at in the upcoming election.
I bet they are both faithful to their wives, though.
Just when we think it's safe to turn on the TV, there is one of our fantastic candidates telling us how lousy the other one is. It would be outrageous to request that each candidate actually have a reasonable political platform that makes sense and that each candidate should try to promote his own political ideas instead of demeaning the opponent. Politics is simply not a gentleman's sport.
It is hard to say how many rounds Bush and McCain have fought now. I keep waiting for someone to ring the bell and break them up. Eventually one of them is going to win, though, and then we will again be free of this presidential rattle. I'm just grateful that they are not biting each other's ears off.
Religious ideas are only dangerous when they are misused
By JACOB CRAFT
Ferris State Torch
Religion is a subject that has the power both to bind and divide people. Few topics are more controversial, and the world has seen the consequences of this controversy visited upon it time and time again. However, although most have an opinion on what their religious beliefs are, with few exceptions these beliefs are supported by little more than a passing knowledge of a religious or scientific text, with glib cliches providing secondary support. All sides seem to be wholly ignorant of the basic tenants of their beliefs, whether they are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Pagan, Atheist, or any of the other choices available. To my way of thinking, this is a topic of paramount importance, of which we cannot afford to address with ignorance.
For hundreds of years, the Bible has been abused to fit the needs of the religious authorities. The Pharisees and Saducees used it to kill Jesus. In the Middle Ages, it provided the justification for the crusades. It has been used to control and bend the wills of countless people since its canonization. Does this abuse by humans justify ignoring the Bible as worthless? No, quite the contrary.
We must see where the true message has been warped, and apply it correctly. The problem is that most Christians do not have this ability. They know only what they are taught by their pastors and priests on Sunday mornings, and have no real working knowledge of the historical context that the Scriptures work within. Is it an easy task to gain this knowledge? Certainly not. Is it necessary? If one wishes to fully understand the true meaning of the Bible, or any religious text, it requires great devotion and scholarship.
It is not easy, but it is required if one is to be equipped to see the abuses that can occur by those in control of religion.
Those who deny the existence of a God usually fall into two camps. The first is composed of individuals that, under the guise of science and reason, deny a deity a role in the world because that would be wholly unscientific, and unobservable. They cling to such theories as evolution, because that gives them a handy explanation with which to circumvent that whole origin of man conundrum. The problem is, that evolution is as unscientific as creation. The theory rests on occurrences that are unobservable, and therefore, fall outside the realm of science, the study of things that can be observed. It is an interesting idea, but no more and certainly not scientific truth.
In reality, denying an existence of a God makes life much simpler for this scientific camp. It allows them to believe that they are their own gods, with nothing superior to man. Because of this, they have no fear of post mortem eternal consequences, and can live this life as they will. It is easier, but it cannot be proved as the truth. The second camp is one that has suffered extreme hurt or loss. They cannot believe that a loving God could allow tragedy to visit upon them, and because of this, they deny that a divine being exists. Again, this makes life much easier for these types of Atheists, but it provides no proof as to the non-existence of God.
The same reasons motivate both religious and irreligious. They have a sense that there is an unanswered question, a hole in their existence that needs to be filled. Both camps offer temporary solutions to the problem. Religion offers simplicity of existence by having the church lay down the law, and there are no questions as to what acceptable or unacceptable behavior is. Structure is provided, and many find solace in it. Atheism provides the same. Scientific "truth" is provided, and the moral requirements are non-existent, leaving the individual free to choose what is acceptable and unacceptable moral behavior. The problem is, both sides can't be right.
The truth is an ideal that has been stuffed in the closet, gathering dust. In today's world, diversity is key. Somehow, diversity is the magic wand that enables mutually exclusive ideas to exist, and allows both ideas to be correct. The notion that everyone has their own truth is logically unfeasible. We can't all be right. In our quest for comfort and non-confrontationalism, the idea of truth has been lost.
Seek not to justify what you believe already, but start over. Find that which is true. Start from the ground up, and find not that which makes your life easier, but that which is eternally right. This is a matter of either infinite importance, or of no importance at all. You can't afford to be wrong. Remember, the truth shall set you free.
Benetton ad campaign has gone too far
By KELDA BARNUM
Ferris State Torch
According to United Colors of Benetton's most recent advertisement campaign featuring death row inmates, Jesse Caleb Compton is guilty of aggravated murder. A black and white photograph of Compton's somber face lies on glossy magazine paper, next to an interview in which Compton shares his dream to work in the woods and complains about the prison cots.
What the interview fails to reveal is that Compton brutally murdered and sexually assaulted the 3-year-old daughter of his girlfriend. Tesslynn O'Cull was found buried in the woods near Oakridge, Ore. on June 14, 1997.
An autopsy showed that Tesslynn had been beaten, shocked hundred of times with electrical cords, sexually tortured and burned with the same propane torch which Compton used to fire up his methamphetamines. Rubbing alcohol had been poured into open wounds which covered her small body, and her back had been broken two to three weeks before her death, which finally occurred less than a week after her third birthday.
Clothing company United Colors of Benetton's new ad campaign is a collection of photographs of 26 death row inmates and commentaries with the inmates on topics ranging from fishing to their own impending death. Yet nowhere in these advertisements, which adorn billboards and magazine pages around the world, is there any discussion of the crimes for which the inmates are now sentenced to death. And nowhere is there any mention of the 46 victims who were collectively killed by the 26 featured death row inmates.
In another interview with convicted murderer Conan Wayne Hale, the slick black magazine page holds the story of Hale's childhood activities and his present imprisonment, which he describes as "a daily struggle." A two-page photograph of Hale, pressed against the walls of his small jail cell, reveals an overweight man in his 20's wearing prison issue clothing. Yet Hale's "daily struggle" is the result of his own actions. In Dec 1995, Hale murdered three teenagers in the woods of Springfield, Ore. near Eugene.
When 15-year old Kristal Bendell broke up with Hale to date 15-year old Brandon Williams, Hale took them, and their 13-year old friend Patrick Finley, into the woods. There, he raped Bendell and then shot all three in the head. United Colors of Benetton's advertisement never mentions the three young lives Hale took, and the photographs don't show the numerous swastikas carved into both of Hale's arms.
Photographer Oliviero Toscani has led the often-controversial United Colors of Benetton ad campaigns since 1982. Over the years, the United Colors of Benetton poster campaign has featured images of a priest making out with a nun, a newborn child with umbilical cord still attached and covered with blood and a black stallion mounting a white mare. Toscani's ad designs were meant to shock consumers, who would then associate that edginess with United Colors of Benetton clothing.
Unfortunately, United Colors of Benetton's most recent campaign, which first appeared in Britain on Jan. 31, is gaining shock value through the exploitation of the 46 victims' families and communities. Since the release of the ad campaign, the United Colors of Benetton headquarters and the offices of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have received complaints from across the globe. According to Steve Ballinger, spokesperson for ASA, most of the complaints deal with the fact that United Colors of Benetton is exploiting a serious issue to sell sweaters.
One clothing company's advertising is not going to end capital punishment. By plastering the images of serial killers on billboards and magazine pages around the world, United Colors of Benetton is only further battering the families of the victims who fell prey to the now-glorified inmates. In today's world, people like O.J. Simpson get more attention from the press than the president, until of course, the president becomes involved in a sordid affair with an intern. United Colors of Benetton is further fueling a society which gives more media attention to its criminals than its victims. |
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