April 5, 2000
RSOs talk about sexual assault
By MELISSA CASSIDAY
Ferris State Torch
Sexual assaults have occurred for centuries but have only recently become part of statutes that prosecute offenders. Today, sexual assault is a prevalent concern on most college campuses. In an effort to combat sexual assault, nationally April is sexual assault awareness month.
According to Annual Crime Statistics, there have been seventeen reported forcible sexual offenses on the Ferris campus from 1996 to 1999. "In the past five years, two stranger-to-stranger offenses occurred, the rest were all acquaintance related," said Stanley Dinius, director of Public Safety.
The Department of Public Safety coordinates several events on campus to keep students aware of and informed about sexual assault. Professor and sexual assault services coordinator Stephen Thompson of Central Michigan University is invited every fall to give a guest lecture. Also, beginning this fall two DPS officers will have completed training in the R.A.D. program, Rape Aggression Defense Systems. These officers will be equipped to instruct learners on methods of possible protection from sexual assaults.
The Department of Public Safety also urges anyone who is a victim of sexual assault to contact them at X5000. DPS can notify the victim of all his/her options. "We also provide brochures for W.I.S.E., Women's Informational Services of Big Rapids, brochures on sexual assault awareness and acquaintance rape and also we can provide them with the Ferris Handbook which outlines options and the regulations for sexual assault," said Dinius.
Student organizations on campus also strive to keep members aware of sexual assault awareness month. As a part of the observance of sexual assault awareness month, Heather Crossman, a sophomore in Corporate Fitness and Wellness, is the Risk Management chair for the Delta Zeta sorority. This past weekend at a retreat, Crossman utilized categories of the Intersections workshop that was introduced at FLEX training in January to inform the members on issues such as alcohol and drug awareness, STDs, date rape and sexual assault. Crossman also facilitated the Intersections workshop at the Greek Summit in February with Phi Sigma Sigma, Alpha Sigma Tau and Zeta Tau Alpha sororities as well.
Also in February, Crossman organized a date rape lecture with a guest speaker, Carrie Belanger from W.I.S.E. Belanger earned her B.S.W. from Ferris last May. In her lecture, she began by defining sexual assault as, "Any unwanted sexual activity including when no consent is given. No consent in the State of Michigan means that the victim is under age 16, incapacitated in any way, physically or mentally handicapped or threatened with force or coercion."
W.I.S.E. houses 20 women and children who are victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault. "Our sexual assault program offers advocacy as well," said Belanger. W.I.S.E. offers a 24-hour crisis line: 1-800-374-9473. "We never tell a victim what to do, but we do suggest the options to him/her," said Belanger.
Besides guest lectures and workshops, Heather Crossman uses other ideas to keep her members informed.
"It really hits home when we hear actual victims describe their experiences," said Crossman. She brings to meetings local newspapers to show what is happening locally and also articles on awareness.
"I always make a point to remind the girls to be careful. They should watch out for each other when going out, not to leave their friends alone or without a ride home and to watch what they drink, who it is from, and who has had access to it," Crossman said.
Personal testimonies of victims of sexual assault send the message of its prevalence on college campuses the most effectively. "I was at this rape lecture and this speaker was this tiny little woman with a really soft voice. She was going through the lecture and all of a sudden she stopped and then she said, _Your mother, your sister, your daughter.' Everyone got so quiet and just had these facial expressions because they were thinking about what she had just said. I'll never forget that speaker or the message she gave," said Meghan Reece, a junior in English Education.
Students need to keep their awareness of sexual assault and how to prevent becoming a victim because they are the most likely group to be victimized. According to Big Rapids Department of Public Safety records, there were 17 reports of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the city and five more on campus from 4/1/99 to 3/31/00. That's not including any of the reports made to the county Sheriff's office or the Michigan State Police for Mecosta County.
Six of the complaints involved the use of alcohol by the victim, the suspect or both. Three were suspected of using one of the "date rape" drugs. Three had the use of other illegal drugs. Three reports were later determined to be unfounded or false. Only one of these reports would be defined as a stranger rape, and included the threatened use of bodily harm to the victim.
Officer Brian Gillum put together the information from the BRDPS with this final piece of information, if current trends in reporting are still the same, these figures would only represent about 25 to 33 percent of actual occurrences.
Therefore, about 75 percent of sexual assaults are not even reported, and there have been five reported cases already this year.
April is sexual assault awareness month, so one final reminder: one out of every four females will be sexually assaulted during her college career.
Ferris reaches out to stop alcohol abuse
By RYAN JOHNSON
Assistant News Editor
In the wake of the tragic death of Steve Petz, Allen Mingus gave a talk last Tuesday in the lobby of Merrill-Travis about his friend Adrian Allan and her alcohol-related death last year.
"Adrian had been drinking since 5 p.m. that day after a hard test," Mingus said. "She just kept getting drunker and drunker. We all went to the bar later, and Adrian stayed behind to wait for a few friends.
"I was at the bar, and all of a sudden my name was being screamed throughout the building. They came in and said, _Adrian's fallen, we think she's dead.' I have nightmares about that moment. I met her parents for the first time at the hospital," Mingus said. "The police started calling, asking about how she got the alcohol. I felt so responsible.
"She died that night at the hospital."
After such an incident, the immediate question of the public is "How could something like this happen?" After a second such incident, the question is "How could something like this happen again?" Another, more voiced, question is "What is the University doing to stop it?"
Mingus's speech was an RA-initiated event that is part of a campus-wide University effort to reduce campus drinking and end alcohol-related tragedies.
"I would say that there has been an effort to reduce alcohol abuse for at least the past decade," Jana Hurley, dean of Student Life and director of Housing, said. "But when there is a critical incident like this, the University is going to investigate thoroughly to try and determine, to see, what things we can do to prevent it."
"Our risk management program for student organizations won an award," Michelle Burke, director of Student Leadership and Activities, said. "Our program won $1500 from M.U.S.I.C., the Michigan University Self-Insurance Corp."
The program that Burke referred to is a strict set of guidelines that RSOs must follow if they plan to host activities where alcohol will be present.
"RSOs that are going to host events with alcohol must attend risk management programs each semester," Burke said. "We have three leaders of the group and the advisor attend, mainly because they are the ones most liable if something happens."
"A year ago when we started this, a lot of people complained," Burke said. "But once they found out that they could be held responsible for anything that went wrong, they were more cooperative."
"The president of the group can be held responsible even if they are not present at the event," Burke said.
As for students that do not belong to a student organization, "we try to reach everyone with orientation classes (FSUS classes)," Burke said.
Furthermore, "summer orientation is now mandatory," Burke said. "We used to get only about 80 percent of the incoming students. Now we'll get them all. Students will have to attend about 12 hours of programming the weekend before classes begin.
"We'll cover the risks of being a college student. We're not doing a lot with students who might be hazed. We need to educate them," Burke said.
As to why students drink at Ferris, Hurley said, "I think that the perception that there is nothing to do in Big Rapids is a misconception. _Things to Do' has an incredible range of activities."
"Anywhere you live you're going to think that there's nothing to do," Burke said. "Obviously, we're not a major metropolitan area, but every two weeks we put out _Things to Do'. College is a time to try new things."
"What's five dollars? If it's free, what's an hour?" Burke said.
"Usually those who say there's nothing to do are not involved themselves," Hurley said. "I feel we've been trying a very diverse approach. I like to think we're making a difference."
"Why does this happen? That's a tough question," Hurley said. "You don't want to make assumptions about who makes those choices. I think there is pressure to fit in, and the popular media glorifies alcohol and drug use."
But even with the University's concerted effort against alcohol abuse, the tragedies still occurred, and the general student opinion is one of criticism.
"I think that there are enough programs, but the school doesn't advertise enough," Amanda Radice, a freshman in Math Education, said.
"I don't think they are doing enough," Karen Breslin, a senior in Health Information Management, said. "I know they now have mentors, and I know they have counseling, but students are still getting alcohol and they are getting it from non-traditional students and students who are over 21."
"I don't think the University could enforce that," Breslin said.
Lastly, Petz slipped through a hole in the University's blanket of programs. He had virtually no contact with Ferris's alcohol abuse prevention programs. "Steve just got here in January," Burke said. "A lot of the fall and summer stuff didn't reach him."
Furthermore, since the group for which Steve was allegedly being initiated was not an RSO, he never had any contact with the award-winning program either.
"I don't know what more we could do," Burke said.
"A lot of people bring their own baggage with them. It is very hard to change them if they already drink," Burke said.
Unhappy dismissal
By RYAN JOHNSON
Assistant News Editor
At the end of this school year, Social Work professor Barbara Pillsbury will retire. She is not happy about it.
In an article titled "A Professor's Farewell," printed in the FFA (Ferris Faculty Association) newsletter, Pillsbury detailed some recent history about her work at Ferris and the reason for her retirement.
About two years ago, according to the article, Robert Langdon Little, social work professor of Howard, Columbia and University of Michigan, and brother of Malcolm X, volunteered to teach a social work course at Ferris's off-campus program in Lansing. Ferris turned him down, claiming the student numbers were too low.
The article goes on to say that Pillsbury offered to pay him from her own salary, and Little finally offered to do it for free, but they were again turned down. Pillsbury ended up teaching the class herself as an independent study, without pay.
"This incident left me bitter, indeed angry," Pillsbury wrote. "However, this was only the beginning. In the ensuing months I was accused of improperly registering students, of fabricating students, of lying to administrators. I have seen our social work students harassed by Ferris administrators in a futile effort to _get the goods' on me. And when I was, at last, totally exonerated of their trumped-up charges, the administrators in question refused even to give me an apology."
"It's a horrible thing to say, but she was treated like the enemy," Donald Roy, professor of social sciences and friend of Pillsbury, said. "She was treated unfairly, and it typifies what happens when they are after you, when they are investigating you."
"There was absolutely no basis for the accusations, the investigation revealed," Roy said, "and then they were reluctant to give an apology."
Roy named two administrators in particular that he said were heavily involved in the accusations: Bruce Forintos, Dean of University Center for Extended Learning, and Cheryl Cluchey, Executive Director of University Center for Extended Learning.
Forintos had no recollection of Barbara Pillsbury's retirement or accusations.
"I don't know anything about that," Cluchey said.
"What happened," Roy said, "was that she was helping students out with their scheduling problems, and the University got suspicious that she was registering students for courses that they didn't want to be in."
"That's crazy," Roy said. "It was a personal attack. It was very nasty and disrespectful. It's one thing to be suspicious, but it's another to get personal and be demeaning."
Social Sciences Department Head John Thorpe had little to say about Pillsbury. "Barbara Pillsbury retired."
Sue Hammersmith Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, had a little more to say, although she could not comment on the details of Pillsbury's retirement.
"We always hate to see valuable people go," Hammersmith said. "She's been here for a very long time, and she's been a very energetic member of the faculty."
"She was devoted to student programs, and we will regret seeing her go. She's been a major builder of the Social Work program," Hammersmith said.
Michael Ryan, biology professor and faculty union president, said that he knew nothing about the reasons for Pillsbury's retirement.
Pillsbury herself wished not to comment, saying that it was too emotional of a situation. Her article though, says enough.
"What was my sin? I cared for my students; I was willing to sacrifice for them; I was willing to be their advocate."
I think there is something else going on here that has nothing to do with Pillsbury," Roy said. They had some reason to think that faculty were falsifying student registration in their classes."
"I think they made a case out of her to intimidate the rest of us [the faculty]. That's their mode of operation," Roy said.
"On May 15," Pillsbury wrote, "I will retire from Ferris--not because I am of retirement age, but because I am tired of the struggle. I have loved the Social Work Program at Ferris ever since I came here 20 years ago."
"These accusations became personal, and I don't know why," Roy said. "It typifies the poor relations between both faculty and administrators." |
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 "Smash' hit brings laughter to campus
By STEVE COOK
Assistant Amusement Editor
Funnyman Ron Gallagher, younger brother of Leo Gallagher, entertained the people in Williams Auditorium on Thursday, March 30.
Ron Gallagher is currently battling his brother in court over the right to use the name "Gallagher II." Ron Gallagher stated that it was his brother's idea to have him do the Gallagher skit on stage with him and that suddenly one day, his brother told him if he didn't stop doing the stage show that he would sue him. "I will always love my brother, I'm just confused at what he is doing," Gallagher said. Gallagher also acknowledged that he is very comfortable with people knowing that he is not the "Gallagher."
According to Gallagher, he and his brother got the idea for using a Sledge-O-Matic by watching a Veg-A-Matic commercial. "My brother and I chopped down a cherry tree and turned it into a mallet, because we wanted to smash things," Gallagher said. Gallagher also stated that he and his brother developed the act together. "It was my brother's idea to use the phrase _Gallagher II' in 1988." Gallagher also acknowledged that he lets everyone know that he and Leo are brothers.
Gallagher is very disappointed with his current relationship with his brother. "We currently have a very strained relationship. He is the only family member that I can't talk to." Gallagher also stated that he thinks his brother might have become jealous of his success.
As for why Gallagher does what he does on stage, his answer is simple. "I like to smash squishy things," Gallagher said. According to Gallagher, he tries to hit the watermelon as hard as he possibly can.
Gallagher feels his show can bring everyone together. "Everyone who leaves this show will be Gallagherized and look at life in a different light." Gallagher acknowledged that everything he hits on stage hits him in the crotch but that he tries to get the audience as much as possible.
As for the show itself, sheets of plastic covered the first nine rows of the audience. There were also a couple of good ol' boys wearing cowboy hats in the front row. Two very out-of-shape men were given tickets in the front row because they took their shirts off.
When Gallagher came out onto the stage he squirted the audience with a giant squirt gun and then he dumped a giant bucket of water on the people sitting in the front row. "Before I leave here tonight, everyone is going to be wet," Gallagher said. After Gallagher was done with the squirt gun, he then proceeded to pull out what he called a "Crazy Daisy." It shot out water and soaked everyone in the crowd. "God has a sense of humor--just look around the room," Gallagher said.
Continuing with the squirting theme of the show, Gallagher pulled out what he called a "Pissing Beethoven" and pressed it by the ears. Instantly a flood of water erupted from the dog toy and soaked the crowd even further. To make sure that he got everyone wet, Gallagher pulled out a squirting elephant and walked through the crowd hitting everyone in his path.
Between the squirt-fests, Gallagher made fun of his present hair loss. "How would you like it if your breast fell off?" Gallagher also stated that he can talk about ugly--look what God did to him. "God gave me two of everything except for the stuff that I like." Gallagher also wondered aloud if dogs ever do it people-style.
Gallagher covered many subjects during his show, like the ignorance and stupidity that surrounds every corner of the world and the stupidity of what humans create. "The signs on the freeway tell us why we fart: gas, food and lodging," Gallagher said. Gallagher also described how the word "politics" really means bloodsucking leeches.
The show wasn't limited to the stage by any means. At one point Gallagher whipped out a box of Kix cereal and poured some into his hand. Then he sprayed a bunch of whipped cream on it, rolling the mix into a large ball. Then Gallagher walked through the audience asking anyone if they wanted to try it. One man stood up and Gallagher fired it right into his mouth from about 20 feet away.
As Gallagher's show came to a close, he brought out the usual assortment of food to smash. He pulled up four different pies and covered them with beans, applesauce, chips and dip. Then Gallagher pulled out his large wooden mallet and smashed them to bits. The remains of the pies flew into the crowd nailing several of the people in attendance. After the pies were done, Gallagher did his usual show closer--smashing giant watermelons into the audience.
Looking towards a greener future
By BRIAN VAN STEENKISTE
Amusement Editor
April fools day brought a crowd of thousands to the Ann Arbor, University of Michigan campus for its annual "Hash Bash." A variety of people of every race and age were on hand for the event. Everyone had their own reasons and motivations for being there, including a large number of groups who attempted to get their messages across to the crowd.
The one group that really seized the day were the supporters of the PRA2000 petition. Beginning at noon, and ending a little after 1 p.m., the U of M Diag was the site of an energetic rally for Michigan marijuana law reform. 1995 Freedom Fighter of the Year, Adam Brook, was the emcee, and he, as well a number of other marijuana supporters, spoke about the current prohibition.
Marijuana facts and statistics were given during a message of common sense and tolerance while police arrested peaceful spectators for smoking pot. Historical omissions were pointed out while a pro-marijuana future's benefits were given. When 1 p.m. came, the police pulled the plug on the events amplified sound, but Brook still had more to say.
With the help of the crowd and a group who identified themselves as "the small town sound," Brook was able to continue his amplified broadcast through the use of a makeshift sound system. This act of civil disobedience allowed Brook his freedom of speech for a little while longer until University of Michigan Police Lt. Piersante issued a direct order to shut down the sound system.
What made all these people go through so much trouble to get their message across? Brook and his friends claim that 80% of the people incarcerated in this country are behind bars because of drug laws. According to PRA2000 literature, almost 30 percent of the employees of the State of Michigan work for the Department of Corrections. This large expenditure of the taxpayer money goes towards funding an ineffective war on drugs that the PRA2000 proposed amendment seeks to change.
The plan involves legalizing possession of marijuana (for personal use) of an amount not to exceed 3 mature plants, seedlings, and three ounces of dried usable marijuana preparation, within the curtilage of a person's private residence (or place of private residential medical confinement only if incident to treatment of a diagnosed bonafide serious and debilitating medical condition, as described above, in direct consultation with a licensed physician) in a non-public manner not readily accessible by or visible to minor children, and either 1) incident to treatment of a diagnosed bonafide serious and debilitating medical condition by a person under 21 years old, in direct consultation with a licensed physician and with written consent of a custodial parent or guardian in the case of a minor or incompetent person, or 2) by a competent adult at least 21 years old for any personal reason.
The group does not advocate drug addiction, nor does it advocate lawlessness. The amendment states: The gross proceeds of any drug, alcohol, or gambling related asset forfeiture, and any federal funds, personnel, or other valuable federal government resources (except record access) derived from or relating to illicit drug law enforcement, shall not be used for or by state or local law enforcement agencies or for any purpose other than voluntary Personal Responsibility Education Programs for domestic violence, gambling, drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse awareness and treatment.
The group needs over 300,000 signatures by July 10, 2000 to get the amendment on the November 2000 ballot. The group is already claiming victory in the west where in states such as California medical marijuana is already legal. Michigan is their next step in a countrywide legalization effort to change a law that is not supported by the people. PRA2000 seeks to end a costly drug war that is being waged on the citizens of this country by changing prohibition policies proven ineffective by years of futile implementation.
Anyone interested in helping support the PRA2000 initiative or for anyone curious as to the amendment's details can find complete information at www.ballot2000.net . While many people left Hash Bash with little more than a buzz and a cheesy Smoke'mon T-shirt, some others left with knowledge and the message that only the people can make a difference in a democracy when things aren't working as they should be.
Partha Bose provided an exceptional performance
By NOMITA PAUL
Ferris State Torch
On Sunday, April 02, 2000, Sitarist Partha Bose performed in the Big Rapids High School Auditorium for a decent sized crowd of interested world music conisouriers. The performance was the final installment of FSU's 1999/2000 Arts and Lectures series. Bose and his accompanist on tabla, Subha Jyoti Guha, have toured most of Europe, Canada and the USA.
The sitar is an ancient instrument, originating from the "veena" (an instrument dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning). The main shaft of the sitar is made from wood and the two sound boxes called "tumba' are made from the vegetable gourd. The tumba causes tone and amplifies it. The top "soundbox" is to aid the player and allow him to keep in tune. There are twenty strings out of which seven are the main strings and the remaining thirteen are the sympathetic strings they are tuned for a particular raga in order to get the depth or the extra effect although they are not directly pulled. The player uses a "mijrab" (plectrum or stroker) to pull the strings.
The tabla, which is used as the accompaniment, is a percussion instrument. It consists of two pieces a right hand piece called "daya" and a left hand one called "baya." The daya is hollow inside and is made of wood with a membrane of stretched skin on one side. By adjusting the tension of the skin, pitch is achieved. The baya is made of metal usually copper and has a similar membrane. The two instruments are secondary and complementary.
In Indian classical music in general, there are a huge number of modes or ragas. There are ragas to depict every hour of the day, all four seasons and the many different possible moods. The Ragas have originated from the time of the Vedas (the authoritative scriptures on Hinduism dating back roughly 5000 years) and thus have a religious connotation as hymns and incantations forming a major part of worship.
Indian Music focuses on melody as opposed to European that focuses on harmony. Talas or beat cycles or rules of melody and rhythm define Indian music. Within this framework the musician is free to improvise. Musicians will elaborate a single mode or "raga" in detail, largely through improvisation but also based on compositions and formal demands. Thus the same raga can be condensed into a performance ten minutes in duration or even up to two hours. There are also pieces (called "ragamala" or "ragamalika") in which modulations are employed.
In Indian music songs are usually preceded by an improvised, unmeasured prelude or introductory note called an alap/alaapana. The alap can be extensive and is played with no accompaniment and no beats. This is followed by the "composition section" in which a specific rhythm cycle (tala) is used (usually with a percussion accompaniment).
Bose began his recital with the late afternoon raga called the "pat deep". It depicts a mood of loneliness and creates the mental image of a hot summer afternoon, with a scorching sun, where the humming of the bees and the sound of cattle returning home reach the ears of one who is encompassed in loneliness of one's spirit. It heralds the gradual arrival of evening at the end of the day. It had three talas, or 16 beats, and began on a slow tempo that was accelerated on.
This was followed by the Raga "Khamaj" which is a late evening raga rendition. It reflects a romantic mood and has a short introduction or alap or auchar. This also had a catchy rhythm of 16 beats it is supposed to depict the movements of a camel.
When asked about reception abroad, Bose said, "Ironically we get more time and attention for Indian music abroad than in India."
When asked about his most important accomplishment as a musician, he said "Music breaks all barriers and carries a message of peace, tranquility and love. We need music in this world which is being torn asunder with war, blood shed and all kinds of problems. I would consider myself successful if I could carry the message of world peace, harmony, unity and amity through my music"
Debbie Heddon a student of humanities said, " The concert was absolutely wonderful. I was wowed by the pace, tone and melody and to describe it in one word it was a spiritual experience. I honestly believe western music cannot compete with such pace."
Anyone interested in hearing the music of Partha Bose can find mp3 files or his work at www.mp3.com
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 Strength in pitching guides softball
By CHRIS MILLER
Sports Editor
The Ferris State Women's softball team stepped onto the FSU Softball Field for the first time this season and walked off with a pair of wins.
After coming away from a successful tournament in Detroit, where the Bulldogs took three out of five games, FSU took on Lake Superior State University in a double-header on Sunday. The Bulldogs defeated the Lakers 3-2 in the first game and 5-0 pouncing in the second game.
Both victories improved FSU's overall record to 18-9 and 3-1 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. In the first game, senior pitcher Nadine Crowl tossed a complete game allowing six hits, two runs and striking out 11 batters. Crowl improved her record to 3-4 over the weekend.
LSSU pitcher Jean Pergande started off the game with a double in the top of the fourth inning. The Lakers added another run when catcher Brooke Hall singled in a run in the sixth. FSU came out firing though in their bottom half of the sixth inning scoring three straight runs to top Lake Superior 3-2.
"It was a big win to have the team come up big in the final inning for the victory. We are still struggling with out offense, but I feel the pitching is the key to our success," Head Coach Keri Becker said.
Senior Brandy Coe, pitch hitting for senior Melissa Carrick, drove in the first two runs of the inning. Crowl and freshman Rebekah Stoutenburg crossed the plate setting the game at two runs a piece. the Bulldogs. Junior first baseman Mila Prieur nailed in the go-ahead run to finish off the Bulldog's 17th victory of the season.
Leading the way in hitting for the Bulldogs was senior centerfielder Jaymee Kent. Kent was FSU's leading batter with a pair of hits on three at-bats.
"The seniors are all different in their leadership roles. Having six seniors is an advantage because of their experience," Becker said. "They are starting to come together when it comes to leadership."
Coe started the second game on the mound pitching over six hitless innings for the Bulldogs while improving her record to 5-3 overall after nine appearances. She has six complete games on the year and leads the team with most innings pitched at 54.
The Lakers struggled from plate only getting one hit while FSU smacked in five runs on eight hits for the shutout victory. The only hit for the Lakers came in the seventh inning off of Vallerie Dammer's bat.
Senior Ann Bentley led the way with two hits, two runs and a RBI on four at-bats. Bentley started the scoring in the third inning hitting a solo home run over the center field fence. Coe also added two hits on three at-bats while scoring a run.
The scoring continued for the Bulldogs when senior Kristine St. Andre knocked in a run. Stoutenburg then scored on a Laker error making the score 3-0. The other two runs were scored during the seventh inning when junior catcher Ann Koltvedt came through on a pass ball. She also doubled in a run.
Next up for the Bulldogs is a trip to the GLIAC South Cluster Tournament held in Erie, PA. The trip is from April 7-9. During the trip, FSU will take on Gannon, Mercyhurst and Westminster for two games each.
"This trip to Erie is big for us. It will allow us to establish ourselves as being one of the top teams in the GLIAC," Becker said.
The next home game for the Bulldogs is on April 11 when they host Grand Valley State at 3:30 p.m. All home games are at the softball field located across from Cramer Hall.
For the love of the game
By CHRIS MILLER
Sports Editor
The FSU wrestling club was started this year to set a foundation for the future of wrestling at Ferris. The club hopes to get it through administrators' heads that the wrestling program should be brought back.
"Basically, everyone that is here is because they love the sport," Big Rapids High School Head Coach John Simaz said. "This might send a message to the college to bring back the wrestling program, along with other programs missed."
Wrestling, along with baseball and swimming, were cut in 1995 due to Title IX. The Title IX issue sparked a big investigation with the Office of Civil Rights. The investigation started after the sports were cut in Nov. 1995.
In a 1995 Torch article, according to the Women's Sports Foundation, Title IX is part of the Education Amendments of 1972. This amendment states that a school that receives any federal funds is prohibited to discriminate against sex.
Basically it states that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Wrestling at Ferris has had a rich tradition ever since Ferris joined the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) in 1973. The Bulldogs captured a record eight GLIAC titles from 1987-1994. They also took the championship in 1982, 1983 and 1984. Former FSU coach Dr. Jim Miller was named coach of the year four times.
"It's a shame that a winning program has vanished from a campus that thrives on tradition," Simaz said. Simaz works with the wrestling club as a team manager that helps with setting up matches and providing a place to practice.
"This club was started because the students have spoken" sophomore Jason Grasman said. "Everyone has wrestled on a high school team before. There is a wide variety of wrestlers in the club ranging from all-state high wrestlers to those who just want to hit the mat."
Along with wrestling, FSU baseball had a rich tradition of winning seasons. From 1973-1993, FSU took the GLIAC title a total of 11 times, including a string of six seasons in a row. With an 11-4 record in 1993, Head Coach Judd Folske ended his streak of six straight years as coach of the year in the GLIAC.
The Ferris baseball club started in 1995. The team takes on the likes of Grand Rapids Community College, Northwood, Muskegon CC, Mott CC and Kellogg CC. With their first two games against Mott on March 21, FSU lost both to the Bears from Flint.
"The majority of the team has been together for the past three years, which gives us unity and experience needed to face some of the top Division III schools in the state," senior Ben Schomen, president of the club, said. This year's team started with 15 returning players, but they added another 15 more to the roster since tryouts were held in September.
The Athletic Department tried to bring back the program a few times, but all attempts were unsuccessful. In early 1995, talks about bringing back baseball to FSU for the 1996 season failed due to financial problems.
"Hopefully in the next two years it will happen, but ideally we'd like to have one sport opened in the fall of 1996," former Athletic Director Larry Marfise said in a 1995 Torch article. He went on to say, "When we add a sport, we want to add one for both men and women. We're lobbying hard to get some athletics reinstated."
"Atlthough the swimming and diving team was closed down in 1995, the team continued to get together for the rest of the year and maintained practicing," former Head Coach Rick Kowalkoski said. Swimming was another major sport that was dropped as a result from Title IX. The FSU swim team at one point was ranked 20th in the nation.
The first two sports that have been added to FSU were the women's soccer team and men's cross-country team this year. The women's soccer team had finished their inaugural season at FSU losing all seven games.
"It was tough to say how the women would perform," Head Coach Pete Watkins said. "Of course, nerves and experience were factors. For being the first year, it was major accomplishment just getting the chance to play."
For the men's cross-country team, the season was difficult because the team was a little short on members. Although the team was not exactly a full team, they did make a lot of progress.
"For those who run track, it was a big accomplishment to make the transition to long distance running." Head Coach Jeff Kavalunas said.
Kavalunas looks forward to next season, where he believes that the team has been very understanding about the situation. Kavalunas thinks that a lot more interest will be shown in next year's recruiting.
Thoughts about bringing back baseball and wrestling have yet to be discussed among the Board of Trustees at FSU. "They keep talking about bringing back these sports, but those are just talks. I want to see some action taken towards the situation," Simaz said.
Talented throwers key to track team success
By: NICK WASMILLER
Ferris State Torch
The Ferris State track team started off the outdoor season this past weekend at the Northwest Track and Field Classic held at Bowling Green University.
"We had a good trip," fourth year Head Coach Jeff Kavalunas said. "The team performed very well. We were very happy with the performances."
Tianna Kirkland led the Bulldogs strong showing with a second place finish in the shot put. With a throw of 44 feet and three inches, Kirkland broke the school record and qualified for the NCAA tournament held on April 25th through the 27th.
Michelle Terry also placed second for the Bulldogs, running a 4:53.62 in the 1500 meter run, while teammate Carla Buechler finished fourth in the javelin throw. The 114-foot toss also placed Buechler fifth all time on the FSU performance list.
Two FSU pole-vaulters tied the school record of nine feet this past weekend. Kristyn Buck and Adrianne Desenzio finished ninth and tenth, respectively, with their throws. Junior Morgan Buckner finished fourth for Ferris in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.13 seconds. The run placed her fourth at the competition and fifth on the Ferris record charts.
The men's teams also faired well at Bowling Green, with sophomore Jason Thompson leading the way with a third place finish in the long jump.Each team looks to have a promising outdoor season, with the women looking to take the GLIAC title.
The women's team is led by junior Farrah Sewell of Corunna, MI, who is regarded as one of the top women throwers in Division II. "Sewell finished eighth in the nation last year and will hopefully exceed that this year. She is a very talented athlete," Kavalunas said.
"The team's depth will really improve this season. We have a lot of runners that didn't run during the indoor (season) that will be running now. That will be a big help," Kavalunas said.
Samantha Masters will also help the team this season, competing in the pole vault. Masters finished second in the last indoor pole vault event of the season, clearing a height of nine feet.
"Our goal this season is to move into the top three of the GLIAC Conference. I think we are going to have a good year with all the talent the team has," Kavalunas said.
Despite the high expectations for the 25 members of the women's track team, the group is still very young. "We are a very young team. But we will still contend this season and look forward to many strong seasons to come," Kavalunas said.
On April 8th, Ferris State will hold the second annual Bulldogs Classic. Track events are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., while the field events begin at 10 a.m. The meet is at Top Taggart Field.
"Hopefully we can continue to have this event at Ferris for years to come," Kavalunas said. "It help Ferris towards our goal of building a winning track team." The Bulldog Classic is the only track meet that will be held at FSU this spring.
Many members posted their personal bests this winter in the indoor season, according to Kavalunas, two-time coach of the year in the GLIAC. Hopefully the team will continue to improve and FSU will contend for the GLIAC championship this season.
The seven-member men's team are also looking to improve from last season. Like the women's team, the men are also a very young team with only one junior and six sophomores on the team's roster.
During the indoor season, the team continued to improve on last year's season. Sophomore Brian Green recorded a third place finish at a meet at Central Michigan University this winter in the pole vault, while Steve Picucci finished 11th at another CMU meet in the mile run with a time of 4:50.42.
Teammate Jared Kramer finished 14th in the same event with a time of 4:55.57. Other members of the team are Andrew Blakemore, Mike Maynard, Jason Thompson and Ken Zimmerman.
The Bulldogs will travel to Saginaw Vally State on April 14-15 for the Saginaw Valley Collegiate Invitational. |
We blame failure on others
By JACOB CRAFT
Ferris State Torch
We have lost the idea of failure as Americans. When once failure was simply something that encouraged us to try harder, it has now taken on the connotations of a dirty word. Our entire system is now set up to eliminate the experience of failure from our lives. Even when such failure is inevitable, we placate ourselves with the cries of the also-rans. "I did my best", or finding fault with some element in the process that kept us from success. Rarely, if ever, do we place the blame where it belongs, square on our shoulders.
This process begins from the very start of our educational system. From the first footraces in Kindergarten, we are told not that we won or lost, but in fact, we are all winners. Hogwash. The smallest child intuitively knows that someone had to win or lose, and at first they protest. Slowly however, we are conditioned, and the victories become distilled with the notion that all are worthy of a taste of the glory of the victor.
As we progress, venues are found for all to find success of some kind, no matter how hollow. On little league teams, all players are given equal playing time, no matter if they field like Ray Charles at midnight, or run like Christopher Reeves. Instead we feed into their delusion that they can actually play baseball, and are just as viable ball players as the future MVP of the National League. Some of you may think that I am against teaching children the value of sportsmanship. That is not the case. Everyone can find at least a modicum of success at something, but to delude him or her with false merit benefits no one.
I think that this could be part of the reason that Americans have lost their competitive edge. When we raise a nation of children that have been taught that any one of them could be president, few of them look at themselves in a realistic light. Rather than realizing shortcomings, they feel supremely confident in non-existent skills. When those that have the potential to excel are pulled down to the level of their lesser counterparts, this not only hampers individual growth, but the forward motion of our nation as well. Through this sense of false equality in competition, we limit ourselves to the lowest common denominator, and eliminate the motivational factor that failure can create.
Rather than continuing on in this vein, and limiting our future growth, why don't we return to a more realistic view of life? In life there are successes and failures. We must view these honestly, and not rationalize away the pain of failure with excuses. Few things allow for a more raw view of our nature than how we work under the shadow of failure. Abraham Lincoln was a miserable political failure before he finally became senator, and then president. Thomas Edison tried thousands of possible filaments before he tried carbonized string for the electric light. If we had told Edison that it was okay that he had failed, and that he did his best, we would be living in a much darker world today.
The next time that you fall short, whether it be in competition, or a paper for class, or just in everyday life, remember: it's probably your fault. You could have done something better, or done something different. Realize that you failed, and learn from it, as did Lincoln and Edison. If you blame others, you will remain right where you are, a failure.
MTV is rotting students' brains
By JOSH LAREAU
Ferris State Torch
Last night I thought of a simple question: Where do I go to complain about the cable channels we get on Campus? Who can I yell at for providing those of us who live in the dorms with 3 channels of MTV and not a single Discovery Channel or History Channel? I know that there will be riots if students can't watch spring break 2000, but I'm not suggesting we replace MTV with the learning channel. I simply want a choice in the matter.
I could be wrong, but shouldn't a college be in the business of furthering the minds of students? A simple way to do this would be to provide some educational channels through cable TV service. Actually, my idea is quite insidious: If you put enough educational channels on television, the people who ordinarily enjoy that kind of thing will gain knowledge and understanding about the world. Hopefully, the people who are in the business of making fun of people who watch educational channels will further themselves because they won't be spending every waking moment in front of the television. They will be forced to focus on more worthwhile tasks.
So back to my original question: Whom can I call to complain? I did a little digging and this is what I found. According to the Ferris Website, and I quote: "Channel lineup is determined by the Director of Residential Life. Requests for programming changes should be directed to the Residential Life Office at x3745." So I called them up and was told that there is going to be a Student Satisfaction Survey in the very near future, administered by the RAs of our halls. In this survey, we will get to rate our living conditions, as well as our preferences for the cable lineup.
Sounds great then, my problem is solved; except for a few minor details. First off, we won't get to demand any channels we want, we only get to pick from a pool of channels currently being considered by the Director of Residential life. I was told that there were currently 11 new channels being considered. Secondly, once the surveys are completed the residential life office will look at the cost and other factors to decide what gets added and what doesn't. In other words: Amish Farming channel yes, Discovery channel no.
Actually, there might be hope if enough people fill out their surveys. The residential life office is looking to get one hundred percent returns this year. That's quite a lofty goal considering that where I lived last year, my floor didn't even get the survey. Still, there's a slim chance that TV in the dorms will be worth watching again. The only way for me to watch the Discovery Channel, TLC, the History Channel, or the Sci-fi channel is to go to someone's apartment off campus. Of course, they have to pay for it while people in the dorms get it free. Still, I don't think I would accept a stinking piece of dog crap on a stick even if someone did offer it to me for free.
Administrators might be under the false impression that we "young kids" don't watch anything but MTV or Jerry Springer. They probably think that the Discovery Channel is only for the freaks in the honors dorms, and no one else would watch it. The truth is, the discovery channel is not PBS. They show some very cool things. Everything from Secrets of the Navy SEALS to open heart surgery.
And The Learning Channel is no nerd convention either. They have something called Adrenaline Rush Hour, and Incredible Machines. Ever want to know what it's like to ride in rocket propelled cars that can break the sound barrier? How about learning how real Top Gun fighter pilots train, or what it's like to fly the F-117A stealth? I have talked to lots of people who don't have scotch tape on their glasses who all say that the History Channel and Discovery are the only things they will watch.
So it is up to everyone who reads this that lives on campus to make sure they fill out their surveys at the end of the year. It might also not be a bad idea to call the residential life office and make your opinion heard. Tell them what you want instead of letting them guess. Who knows, maybe one day your television will be worth turning on.
Strange experiments lead to strange results
By KELDA BARNUM
Ferris State Torch
There are innumerable actions or characteristics that people believe indicate someone's sexual orientation. If a man has good table manners and dresses well, he could be gay. If a woman cuts her hair short and wears combat boots, she could be gay. If a guy wears an earring in his right ear or has more girlfriends than guy friends, he could be gay. If a woman has her tongue pierced or works construction, she could be gay.
And now, thanks to a study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, people can make possibly false conclusions about one's sexual orientation based on the size of a person's index finger.
The study was lead by Marc Breedlove, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. His study is based on the concept that women's index fingers tend to be the same length as their ring fingers, while in men, the second finger is generally shorter than the fourth. Scientist know that the differences in male and female finger sizes are caused because male fetuses are exposed to high levels of testosterone and other male sex hormones in the womb. The higher the exposure to these male sex hormones, known collectively as androgens, the more likely that the index finger will be shorter than the ring finger.
With this in mind, Breedlove and a group of undergraduates visited several street fairs in the San Francisco area this fall. Breedlove and his students found 720 willing subjects to fill out questionnaires about their sexual orientation and birth order after images were created with a portable photocopier of their hands.
Through this evidence gathering, Breedlove found that homosexual women's fingers tend to be more "masculine," meaning that their index fingers tended to be shorter than their ring fingers. Breedlove interpreted this to mean to exposure to androgens in the womb may determine a women's sexual orientation.
"It's a bit of a leap, but it's an interesting finding," Dr. Alan DeCherney, chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA School of Medicine, told ABC News. "And it does validate a biologic phenomenon to explain homosexuality."
While this study may serve the medical community by providing more evidence toward the concept of biological origination of one's sexual orientation, it also creates more confusion for people questioning their own sexual orientation while providing yet another tool of discrimination for homophobics and hate groups.
This study in no way proves conclusively that all women with ring fingers longer than their index fingers are gay, or that all gay women have longer ring fingers. Breedlove stated in his report that out of the 720 volunteers, gay women just tended to have more "masculine" hands.
A study like this could potentially create an uproar on playgrounds and in job interviews across the country. Recess bullies have been given a new reason to pick on their classmates and bigoted job interviewers have a new way to measure the sexual orientation of an applicant.
Further research is needed in the biological origination of sexual orientation. Sociologists and psychologists long ago concluded that, in the case of sexual orientation, the outcome has more to do with nature than it does with nurture. But perhaps research money would be better spent through the funding of a more conclusive and solid research that doesn't involve portable photocopiers and San Francisco street fairs. |
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