January 23, 2002
 Photo by Mike Termini, Assistant Photo Editor
Marchers are ending their travel from Merrill/Travis Halls, up through State Street and to the quad. They are shown just moments before different university members speak.
A man of vision and hope
By Oshotayo Adedeji
Ferris State Torch
Different organizations, faculty, staff, students and community members participated in the annual tributary events recognizing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision for not only African-Americans but for all Americans. The annual on-campus events honoring the man included a faculty and staff in-service, a freedom march and a tribute.
This past Monday the Diversity Counts! Committee sponsored the annual Martin Luther King Jr. faculty and staff in-service, which was themed, Building Community: Voices for Inclusion. The program took place in the president’s room of the Rankin Center from 10:00 am to noon.
Various individuals told stories, read essays and poems, gave presentations and listened to one another converse about Dr. King. Some of the readers included Raymond Gant, Phillip Middleton, Sandra Alspach, Dan Noren, Doug Haneline, John Thorp, Mary Murnik, Roxanne Cullen, Maude Bigford, Randall Doyle, Sue Hammersmith and Rachel Pisacreta.
A Martin Luther King Award was also presented at the ceremony.
John P. Thorp, Academic Department Head of Social Sciences said, “Since 1995, faculty, staff and administrators who have participated in the College of Arts & Sciences Diversity Counts! initiative have been gathering on the morning of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday to remember his life, contemplate his example, and attempt to continue his vision of equality and justice for all in American society.”
Thorp also said, “In recent years, Dr. David Pilgrim of the Social Sciences Department has been facilitating these gatherings where participants share stories, poems and original essays. This year’s theme will give us a chance to consider how much more remains to be done so that all who consider the United States their home will be considered Americans.”
“This is the ninth year that we have honored Dr. King’s legacy with this program; we are living out his ideas,” David Pilgrim, a sociology professor and the moderator for the faculty and staff in-service, said.
Students, faculty, children and community members once again gathered to join in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom March this past Sunday. The march began at Merrill/Travis Hall and ended at the quad in front of Rankin Center with a reception.
“It’s an annual event, and we always look forward to doing it. However, we still have a long way to go; In that record, we must endeavor to keep Dr. King’s dream and vision alive,” Matt Chaney, assistant director of minority affairs, said.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. is a significant figure in not only African-American history but our entire country’s history. Being an African-American, I feel that it is important to show my gratitude for the struggle he endured. If it was not for him and other civil rights leaders like him, I may not be on this university’s campus today. The march is a way to say ‘thanks,’” Mietta Richardson, a junior in public administration, said.
Todd Price, the hall director at Merrill/Travis, participated in the march. “It brings about an understanding of what Dr. King went through and also a day of tribute to the man,” Price said.
According to Raymond Gant, director of Minority Student Affairs, “Since Sept. 11, the philosophy of Dr. King resonates even more in America. Now, more than ever, is a time for us to set aside our differences and work together and value the uniqueness that each of us offer and to begin to build and move forward.”
Tanisha Silas and Darrell Singleton were the MCs for the Tribute to Dr. King, which was in the Rankin Center Dome Room this past Monday at 6 p.m. Gant began by welcoming everybody to the program, as done in previous years. Some of the organizations that participated in the tribute are Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, You Beautiful Black Woman, Lyrical Praise, Alpha Omega, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Phi Delta Psi Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
 Photo by Mike Termini, Assistant Photo Editor
President Sederburg notes many wonderful qualities that make Sen. Stabenow a true contributor to university efforts. Her hard work resulted in federal allocations to Ferris.
Big Rapids welcomes U.S. senator
By Laura Chene
News Editor
“It’s wonderful to be here. . . ” Those were the first few words spoken by United States Senator Debbie Stabenow at her honorary reception last Wednesday.
Senator Stabenow, the first Michigan woman elected to the United State Senate, is a Democrat originally from Clare, MI, according to her website. “She has earned a reputation for working with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get things done,” the website proclaimed.
President William Sederburg, Student Government of Ferris State University, Social Work faculty, Social Work Student Association and Social Work Honor Society Phi Alpha all thought it appropriate to acknowledge the senator’s contributions to Ferris.
Stabenow’s hard work resulted in a federal Pell Grant increase, as well as federal allocations in the amount of $500,000 towards the school’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program. The $18 million project involves expansion that will house as many as 200 more students.
According to a legislative update posted last December on the Student Aid Alliance website, Congress raised the fiscal year 2002 Pell Grant maximum to $4,000 and also deleted language prohibiting the secretary of education from decreasing that amount even if dollars come up short. That is equivalent to a $250 increase per student, or $1.6 billion total.
Many agreed that Stabenow played a big role in the two federal allocations. “Well, basically it’s her vote,” Vice President of Governmental Relations Mircea-Ioan Cotosman said. Contacting colleagues regarding the issues also played a role. “So that’s a tremendous amount of power,” cotosman said.
“She’s also well known for being very hard working,” Sederburg said in his introduction of the legislator.
In her address, Stabenow reminded the audience to hold positive outlooks towards the future despite the current economic state. “My challenge to all of us is to do what we have to do to be safe … but we have a challenge beyond that,” Stabenow said.
“It’s critical that students maintain focus skills.,” Stabenow said. Continuing to become educated by concentrating on learning and thinking skills within the changing world is key, she noted. Individuals must not overlook the importance and the always significant value of education.
Cotsoman agreed that focusing on the future is important despite the country war involvement.
“ . . . And it’s very important not to forget about things like higher education. I really enjoyed that part of her speech,” Cotosman said. “I was really impressed with her knowledge of history and applying it to the present time.”
“So I’m here to listen, to learn, and to be able to have a chance to see what you would like to see for next year,” Stabenow said.
After the speech, Stabenow answered a few questions in a brief session.
Cotosman hoped that having an elected official present in Big Rapids impacted students’ decisions in becoming involved, either by running for an elected position or in other ways.
“Students need to know how powerful Student Government really is,” Cotosman said. “We even helped with lobbying. Lobbying efforts are impacted when students travel with Ferris representatives to lobbying meetings.
“So basically this year, Student Government had more behind-the scenes work,” Cotosman said. The student senate also personally met with the senator for about ten minutes right before the reception.
Although Ferris originally had asked for a higher contribution amount to its HVACR program, the school is grateful for the award granted. Stabenow did mention her plans to work on receiving funds for the second installment. “She admitted that this is the first installment,” Cotosman said.
In her address, Stabenow admitted that it tool a lot of work in receiving the first installment. “It’s definitely needed.,” Stabenow said.
Hopefully Stabenow left feeling warmer than when she arrived, not only from the receptive, friendly and thankful individuals; but from the scarf and slippers Sederburg gave her on behalf of Ferris State University.
Plenty of opportunities for success
By Amy McElmurray
Assistant News Editor
In just one short week, FSU will be flooded with information regarding career and leadership success. The “FLEX” for Success” conference is next Wednesday., Jan. 30 beginning at 11 a.m. in the Rankin Student Center.
This semester’s conference is a collaboration of the FLEX Leadership Conference and Career Success Conference of the past. Career Services and Student Leadership and Activities decided that the full day of activities would serve the interests of all participants better.
“It has been a real smooth transition,” Ladi Terry, director of Career Services, said.
Each session of the conference will consist of two leadership sections and two career sessions, according to Terry. The sessions will all have door prizes and other giveaways from local businesses, as well as offer Registered Student Organizations the chance to achieve 5-Star Recognition.
In the past, Career Services has had close to 150 students attend the Career Success Conference, but would love to see over 500 students attend the new FLEX for Success conference that has been put together.
An advisory board works throughout the year to see what students want in regards to professional advice. Members of the advisory board represent the RSO’s: Delta Sigma Pi, Social Work Association, Professional Recreation Association, Health Care Management Association, Automotive and Heavy Equipment Management Student Organization and the Student Alumni Gold Club.
The day will start off with an Alumnus Keynote from Robert Scranton, Allied Health Sciences, 1964 at 11 a.m. Scranton is the director of the Division of Community Health in the Michigan Department of Community Health, and was awarded a Distinguished Alumnus award last year from the Alumni Association. He has worked over 40 years in the health field, and is excited to share his success story with current FSU students.
At noon, there is a networking luncheon and address from Tim Augustine, author of the book “How Hard Are You Knocking?” He spoke at Ferris this past fall, and received rave reviews, according to Terry. He is the Vice President of Human Resource Worldwide for Unitech Systems Inc. out of Chicago, Illinois. Although not a Ferris grad, Augustine has degrees in marketing and speech communication from Kent State University. Delta Sigma Pi, the professional business fraternity, was able to connect with Augustine to get him to Ferris, as he is an alumnus of the organization.
Terry suggested that attendees bring business cards to the lunch, as it will be a great networking opportunity. There will also be gifts at the lunch, including the chance to job-shadow with company executives.
“We want to make it fun and a value for students to spend their time at the conference,” Terry stated.
One breakout session even includes the chance to win a business makeover and interview suit. Retailers such as Men’s Warehouse, J.C. Penney and Casual Corner have donated gift certificates for interview suits. Also included in the makeover are hair styling and makeup, provided by Mary Kay Cosmetics, Mr. Karls Hairdressing, Denezai’s and Select Cuts, all of Big Rapids.
Two of the breakout sessions follow lunch, running from 2 p.m. till 3:50 p.m. A reception will start at 4 p.m. featuring Julie Doyle of the hospitality program.
She will teach proper etiquette for business dinners and hosting events.
Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., with guest Kevin Wanzer speaking about living with authenticity and making positive choices. Wanzer has spoken to over two million students across the United States and around the world. His keynote address will include the importance of attitude, leadership, overcoming obstacles and the importance of laughter.
The Hot Topic Talk will begin at 6:35 p.m. to let students know how to “Make Differences Work for You.” Delta Sigma Pi will present this exciting session. Guests include representatives of Coca Cola Bottling Company, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Urban City Kids, Unitech Systems Inc. and State Farm Insurance.
The day concludes with two more breakout sessions running from 7:25 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Students are encouraged to dress professionally, and attend any or all of the sessions throughout the day. Registration information can be picked up at the Leadership SPOT or at Career Services. The deadline is Jan. 25, but walk-in registration is welcome for all events except the lunch, reception and dinner.
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 Courtesy photo
Brad Sherwood from Whose Line is it Anyway?, tops the list of comics coming this semester to Entertainment Unlimited's Comedy Series.
Comedy series brings laughs to Ferris
By Matt Cherry
Assistant A&E Editor
Comedy comes to Ferris for yet another semester. Thanks to Entertainment Unlimited, with fees alloted by SAPC from the Student Activity Fee, a diverse grouping of comedians with grace the stage.
The acts that come to Ferris include a return performance by Brad Lowery, “Whose Line is it Anyway” veteran Brad Sherwood, college performer extraordinaire Tim Young, “Energy Boy” Jon Reep and the quick-witted impersenator Kivi Rogers.
All shows will take place in the Rankin Center Dome Room, and start at 7:30 pm.
The series starts out with Lowery, who appears tonight. As many people may remember, Lowery was the opening act for D.L. Hughley. He is a common sight on the college scene, as he performs in excess of 200 colleges per year.
Lowery can definitely hold his own on the stage. In addition to appearing on numerous television shows, including NBC’s “Showtime at the Apollo” twice, he has also opened for such comedians as Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Tommy Davidson and now D.L. Hughley.
Lowery has also appeared on A&E’s “Caroline’s Comedy Hour,” “Star Search” and “Comedy Flava” on the FOX Network. He also worked as the audience warm-up for “The Queen Latifah Show,” also on FOX.
As a testament to his comedy greatness, Lowery has been nominated for the “Comedian of the Year” an amazing four times in a row.
Following Lowery on Feb. 20 is Sherwood. As a veteran of television and film, Sherwood brings a very improv-like style of comedy to the stage. Most famous for his work on “Whose Line is it Anyway,” Sherwood could boast of having a large fanbase all over the country, as well as in other countries.
His Website (www.bradsherwood.com) also shows his humor as a founder of the fictional “U.S. Department of Monkeys” which is part of a large message board. The board also includes “Brad & Colin’s Chat Shack,” featuring fellow “Whose Line is it Anyway” star Colin Mochrie.
After Sherwood comes Young, who performs on March 20. Young draws from his college years, all seven of them, in his act. This allows college kids to relate to his jokes, and also makes him very popular on the college scene as he has performed at over 200 colleges. His style, which is more offbeat than some, also includes some intricate characters and storylines.
Young has been seen on television as well, including shows like MTV’s “Apartment 2F,” “The Jim Bruer Show,” “Daria” and also on NBC’s “Friday Night.” Young has also been nominated for “Comedian of the Year” twice.
According to his press release, in his own personal La-La land, Young is also a very successful rock star.
“Energy Boy” will arrive after Young on April 10. Reep’s high energy shows keep listeners laughing and craving for more. Having worked with people such as comedian Wendy Liebman and rap star Busta Rhymes, Reep’s diverse stylings remain clean and appropriate for all ages.
Having performed at the Montreal Comedy Festival, as well as at clubs and colleges around the country, Reep always keeps his comedy fresh, and his audience rolling in the aisles.
Closing out this semester’s Comedy Series is Rogers. With a quick wit, and impersonations galore, Rogers’ first comedy stylings were in front of his family. After finally being persuaded by them to turn to comedy full-time, Rogers never looked back.
He won first comedy competition where he performed, and that finalized his entry into the comedy scene.
Illustration by Scott Carmichael, Assistant Production Manager
Anime at Ferris
Karen Langolf
Ferris State Torch
Ever wonder where those people who are so into something they call anime meet?
Ever wonder what the heck anime meant?
Anime is a shorter name for animation, or more accurately, Japanese animation.
These animations are first created and marketed in Japan and then later translated in English, Spanish or French and marketed overseas.
Japanese animation differs from the American cartoons because American cartoons are designed more for children and the young at heart. Japanese animation, however, interests people of all age times and all genre categories.
Throughout the last few decades, there have been swarms of anime coming into the USA. Basically, there is an anime that will fit most everyone’s television viewing habits. From romance to action, sci-fi to drama, if someone has an idea of what they like, there is an anime created with that idea in mind.
These animations have been marketed over here since the 1960s and are still a hot item today, with some of the more popular shows being the Dragon Ball series seen on Cartoon Network’s Toonami. Dragon Ball features also Dragon Ball Z and also Dragon Ball GT, which are licensed by Toei Animation.
Another popular show that has really caught on with the female pre-teens is Sailor Moon; a young girl who discovers that she is a princess from another time. This series has circulated throughout the USA for at least six years and has progressed from Sailor Moon to Sailor Moon R and Sailor Moon S.
This is what the Oni No Anime members have been spending their Sunday nights doing for the past few years. It all started in 1998 with Matthew Howes and Travis Cole. At the time, Howes attended Grand Valley, where they had an anime club, Otaku No Anime, and Cole transferred to Ferris where there wasn’t an anime club at the time.
Howes said, “We had been talking about school and the topic that Ferris didn’t have a club of its own came up. Mainly because Travis is an anime fan and the nearest club was in Grand Rapids while he had no car, and we talked about how cool it would be to found a club of our own.”
To this day, they still show Japanese animations every Sunday night at 6 p.m. in the Pug in the Rankin Center.
“The Japanese ‘Oni’ is a spirit. Often depicted as being mischievous or gremlin-like, though sometimes it’s a bit more sinister in depiction. So our translation is this ‘Mischievous Spirits of Japanese Animation.’ We chose that name to pay a bit of homage to our sister club at GVSU, though most of our ties have been severed.”
It is not just Ferris State that has an anime club. University of Michigan hosts Animania, Western Michigan University has Anime Addicts and dozens of other colleges and universities across North America host different anime clubs. For a listing of their websites, visit http://www.dmoz.org/Arts/Animation/Anime/Clubs_and_Organizations/.
Want some ideas as to what is already out on the market and don’t know where to look? Some of the larger companies that sell animation series are Suncoast, a movie retailer, and Amazon.com, as well as our local on-cue.
Here are a few of the more recent and popular picks shown at previous Oni No Anime gatherings.
“Dual” is a story of a young man who is sent to another realm because he can see robots in what might be called “day dreams” in his realm. By being sent to this realm, he becomes a pilot for the gigantic robots, which previously could only be piloted by women. Currently there are four volumes released on VHS and DVD for audience viewing pleasure.
A series entitled “Blue Seed” tells the story of an ancient legend about a line of princesses called the Kushinada and how they must protect Japan from ancient demons, the Aragami.
In order to put all the demons to sleep, the newest generation of the Kushinada must be sacrificed, but the story revolves around trying to keep Momiji alive, the present day Kushinada. Four full volumes have been created with 25 episodes.
On another comical side is a series called “Trigun,” starring Vash the Stampede. He is a man who has the best aim in the world but refuses to kill a living soul. He has received the most damage ever possible for a living man to suffer, yet he is unchanging in his vows to protect lives. With six volumes of this series, it takes awhile to get through, but well worth the effort.
As for feature length animated films, here are a few recommendations. A popular among horror/science-fiction fans is “Vampire Hunter D,” the story of a half-breed vampire who hunts other vampires, with an almost surprising ending as to who this D guy actually is.
As with all types of films, there are also some bad choices in anime feature films, for instance “Tokyo Project.” The dubbing for this film was very bad and the lack of plot made this movie rather dull.
So, anime sounds interesting, but you’re not exactly sure if it is worthwhile?
Check out the Oni No Anime website for further information about the organization at Oni No Anime.
It starts with child's play
By Heather Johnson
Ferris State Torch
Residents of Bond and Cramer Halls occasionally get an extra, happy gift. Anyone standing outside at or around these halls can often hear the (mostly) happy screams and laughter that can come only from those unleashed upon a playground without the worries of impending homework that the rest of us must suffer.
The sounds are coming from the Tot’s Place Child Development Center playground, tucked neatly away behind Bishop Hall.
Tot’s Place was created in 1987 in response to the changing faces of both education and families. As the need for student childcare grew, Ferris responded in kind. Parents could now return to classes with the assistance of conveniently accessible childcare. Additionally, students in fields requiring contact with children now had an on-campus location for internship work.
Today, there are approximately 55 children at Tot’s Place ranging in age from one month to five years. Each classroom comes equipped with a fully certified childcare professional, or Lead Teacher, and a various array of interns and student employees.
Each employee must undergo criminal clearance with the Michigan State Police, abuse and neglect clearance with the Family Independence Agency, as well as medical clearance before being allowed to work with the children.
Brightly colored walls are crammed with preschool artwork and posters depicting shapes, letters, numbers and proper manners. Book-shelves are full of much-read and much-loved stories, and the teachers are friendly and interested in their young charges, creating a warm and happy atmosphere for both new and old kids’ educational journeys.
Children at Tot’s Place experience a range of daily activities, similar to a typical student schedule at Ferris. There are assigned times for meals and snacks, clean up, naps, small and large group sessions and play.
Group sessions are divided into units designed to offer children experiences in many different subjects, such as animals, weather, languages, countries and cooking. Hands-on activities allow children the opportunity to see, touch, hear, smell and taste their learning experiences.
The children have participated in such fun activities as visiting a fire station, collecting money for firefighter’s families affected by Sept. 11th and cooking and frosting their own cookies.
In addition to preparing children for kindergarten, social skills and awareness are developed and fostered at Tot’s Place. Conflict resolution, diversity, acceptance, creativity and imagination are taught alongside potty training, shoe-tying and ABC’s.
Children are especially encouraged to practice conflict resolution by talking openly with their peers and teachers, using “I feel...” statements in everything from choosing toys, to solving playground and classroom disputes.
In addition to usual daily childcare, Tot’s Place houses several other programs
available to parents and children, designed to assist parents in their educational endeavors.
In 1998, NEMCSA (North-East Michigan Community Service Agency) Head Start combined its resources with Tot’s Place in a collaborative effort to give Ferris’ students and the community a full day of educational programming. The addition extended the hours available to parents needing care for their children, since Head Start’s classes only run until 2 P.M.
More recently created is the CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents In School) program, made possible by a federal grant from the Department of Education, by whom Tot’s Place was awarded $250,141 for the years 2001-2005.
The grant serves parents and children in several ways: 1. Providing a subsidy for Pell Grant-eligible parents to help offset the cost of childcare at Tot’s Place; 2. Funding to further staff training; 3. Funding for special needs equipment; and 4. Funding to provide any Ferris-enrolled student free childcare on Monday and Tuesday evenings for the purposes of study time, tutoring or lab time at Bishop Hall. Any parent interested in further information should call 591-2390.
When the children were asked to name their favorite part of attending Tot’s Place, their answers were as diversified as the children themselves. Playing with friends, snack, playing basketball and computer time were among the most loved activities.
The teachers and staff of Tot’s Place do their best to insure a safe and fun environment, and the children are benefiting greatly from their tremendous efforts.
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 Photo by James Bednarick, Photo Editor
Freshman goalie Mike Brown (#30) looks on as teammates Chad McIver (#9) and Phil Lewandowski (#27) battle for the puck with MSU player Lee Falardeau (#22).
Tired team ready for more action
By Chris Miller
Editor in Chief
Three games in five days is a lot to handle, but the Ferris State hockey team is actually ready to get back on the ice.
“I admit, the team was a bit sluggish during the second period of a couple of games ,including this one,” head coach Bob Daniels said after Ferris lost to Michigan State University 3-2 on Jan. 15. “It’s a concern that we let down our guard during the second period. It’s like we didn’t threaten their net during the second period.”
The Bulldogs take on Bemidji State (Minn.) for a two-game series this coming weekend.
“Our goal for this weekend is to get back on track. The second half of the season started with a weird schedule, and we need to get back in the competition,” Daniels said.
“It seems like a theme with us trying to put three periods of solid play together,” senior Rob Collins said.
FSU’s loss to MSU put them in seventh place in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) going into this weekend’s action against the Beavers, who haven’t played FSU in three years.
“The biggest thing that I feel this team needs to work on in order to improve is our ability to kill off penalties. As of late, our biggest improvement has been in our power-play department. We are scoring nearly 20 percent of the time now on it,” Daniels said.
The Michigan State game was brutal. Fans were going crazy at some of the calls referee Duke Shegos was making. At one point, a Spartan player and a Bulldog player collided at mid-ice.
During the game against MSU junior Chris Kunitz, the CCHA leader in goals, scored FSU’s only two goals. This gives Kunitz a total of 21 goals for the season. Freshman Matt York assisted Kunitz on both goals. Also freshman Jeff Legue added an assist for Kunitz’s second goal.
Freshman goalie Mike Brown started the MSU game and saved 26 shots. MSU’s Ryan Miller, who won the Hobey Baker Award last season as the nation’s best collegiate hockey player, also stopped 26 shots on the night.
Along with Kunitz, Collins has been dominating play in the CCHA. Collins is tied for second in the league with 33 points behind Northern Michigan’s Chad Theuer.
“I do whatever it takes to help our team get points. I am not as much concerned with my personal points as long as the team benefits,” Collins said.
“These two guys have led our team to a surprising start. Hopefully they can help lead our team to home-ice advantage for the playoffs,” Daniels said.
According to Daniels, Ferris has been a surprise this year.
“It’s not bad being in the thick of things. After having lost our top goalie with Phil Osaer, a lot of people didn’t think we would be that great,” Daniels stated.
Against Bemidji State, Daniels hopes the team can put together three straight strong periods of play. “If we are going to win, we have to play consistent with a complete game,” Daniels said.
Ferris takes on the Beavers Friday at 7:35 p.m. and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at Ewigleben Ice Arena. After Bemidji State, FSU travels next week to Northern Michigan. In 1999, against Bemidji, Ferris won both games with scores of 8-0 and 4-2.
For the future, Ferris has been looking at upcoming recruits. According to Daniels, FSU has three players sitting on commitment and ready to sign, but FSU also has two more that will be ready by next week.
“We can’t give out names until they actually sign due to NCAA regulations, but the talent that we are looking at will hopefully make up for the loss of Collins after this season,” Daniels said.
 Photo by James Bednarick, Photo Editor
Senior guard Debbie Killips (#4), the GLIAC North Division Player of the Week, defends a GVSU player during action in Saturday's game.
Lady Bulldogs split, keep pace in the GLIAC
By Jason Nelson
Assistant Sports Editor
The women’s basketball team continues to play with the conference’s elite, in hopes that their play could possibly get them a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) crown.
The Bulldogs took a big step back, and solid step forward to achieving that goal this past week with a victory over Grand Valley State University and a loss against Ashland.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs jumped out early and often on the visiting Lakers as they bolted to a commanding 39-24 halftime lead.
Any thought of the Bulldogs blowing out the Lakers the rest of the way was erased quickly in the second half as Grand Valley mounted a ferocious comeback that nearly cost the Bulldogs the game.
After a close loss to Ashland last week, the Bulldogs were primed for an upset, but blowing a big halftime lead could have been devastating to the Lady Bulldogs. Fortunately, the GLIAC North Division Player of the Week Debbie Killips and Lucy DeMartin would have no part of two losses in the same week, as the duo teamed up to hold off the Lakers by a score of 80-74.
Killips led the Bulldogs in scoring with 22 points on eight of 18 shooting, including three of seven from behind the three-point arch. DeMartin did not have one of her better shooting nights, hitting only four of 14 shots, however, her free-throw shooting was the key as she hit on eight of 10 from the charity stripe.
Jennifer Brogger chipped in with 14 points to help lead the Bulldogs to victory.
On Thursday, the Bulldogs took on Ashland in a crucial conference game. The Bulldogs came out with something to prove as they coasted to a comfortable halftime lead of 40-33.
The Bulldogs must have been taking lessons from Houdini as their lead quickly disappeared in the second half. However, this was no magic show, as the Bulldogs’ lead never re-appeared and the Eagles came back to outscore the Bulldogs 38-26 in the second half and take the game by a score of 71-66.
Killips led the Bulldogs in scoring with 17 points, Bridget Horwitz added 15 points. With the split last week, Ferris State moved to 10-5 on the season and 6-2 in the GLIAC.
The women’s basketball team takes on Saginaw Valley State University on Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. and Lake Superior State University Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. Both games will be located in the Wink Arena.
 Photo by James Bednarick, Photo Editor
During action in Saturday's game against GVSU, freshman guard Timothy O'Brien (#12) attempts to steal a pass from Grand Valley guard Jason Boucher.
Wallace leads Bulldogs to near victory
By Jason Nelson
Assistant Sports Editor
The Bulldogs are coming close. This past week, the Bulldogs nearly picked up their first conference win of the season twice. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were unable to put it all together to piece together the victory the team desperately deserves.
Last Thursday, the Bulldogs traveled to Midland, Mich., to take on conference rival Northwood. The game was conceivably out of reach at halftime as the Bulldogs fell behind by a seemingly insurmountable 19 points at the half, down 44-25.
However, as it has been all season long for the Bulldogs, they failed to give up and fought back into the game. Chipping away at the lead to cut the deficit to under 10 points with just seven minutes to play, the Bulldogs were poised to pick up a victory.
In the end, the halftime deficit was just too much to overcome, as the Bulldogs went down in defeat to the Timberwolves by a score of 71-66, even after outscoring Northwood 41-27 in the second half.
The Bulldogs were led in scoring by sophomore Marcus Wallace, who totaled 24 points on nine for 21 shooting, including three of six from behind the three point line. Other Bulldogs in double figures were freshman Corey Epps, who chipped in 16 points.
Ferris State came even closer to a victory on Saturday as they took on their biggest rival Grand Valley State University in Jim Wink Arena. The Bulldogs and Lakers played a fairly even first half as the Lakers were able to take a five point cushion into halftime, leading 36-31.
The Bulldogs responded to the Lakers’ onslaught in the second half as they put up 44 points to the Lakers’ 29 to force overtime. In the extra stanza Grand Valley State was able to finagle one more point as they edged Ferris State 86-85, dropping Ferris to 3-13 overall and 0-8 in the Great Lakes Inter-collegiate Athletic Conference.
Marcus Wallace again led the Bulldogs with a career-high 40 points on 14-28 shooting. Wallace also converted nine of 11 free throws to cap off his banner night. Nathan Wruble and Epps each added 11 points to pace the Bulldogs.
Upcoming for the men’s basketball team will be the Cardinals of Saginaw Valley State on Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. and the Lakers of Lake Superior State on Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. at Wink Arena.
FSU Football is ready to welcome newcomers
By Adam Gasper
Ferris State Torch
Being the head football coach for Ferris State has proven to be a year-round job for Jeff Pierce. Coach Pierce recently wrapped up his seventh season as head coach, going 7-4 during the 2001 campaign and finishing third in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), but preparations for next year have already started.
Coach Pierce has spent the last two weeks hosting dozens of prospective scholar athletes on campus. For the visiting athletes, the campus visitation proves to be a great opportunity to get to know the coaching staff, the university and the academic programs available. For coach Pierce, it’s a great opportunity to try and sell the university and program to the high school seniors, both academically and athletically. There have been four visitations so far.
The students have an opportunity to meet with university professors to learn more about the various academic programs provided by the university. Academics are a very important part of a scholar athlete’s time at the university. “On top of athletic scholarships, we also try to make academic and housing scholarships available to the players,” coach Pierce, who is looking to qualify for the NCAA Division II playoffs for the sixth time in his career in the 2002 season, explained.
The coaching staff’s decisions on what players to invite to the on-campus visitations are primarily based on game footage that has been sent in by the players and made available to the coaches. The visitations are a great way for the staff to also get a firsthand look at an athlete’s skills. The players spend part of their stay here getting timed in the 40-yard dash and being observed in the weight room.
After the visits are over, the next step for coach Pierce is to decide who to offer scholarships to and exactly how much to offer.
“The maximum amount of scholarship dollars we can offer as a Division II program is the equivelant of 36 full rides,” coach Pierce explains. If they exceeded that amount, they would have to move up to the next level, Division 1-AA. It has been rumored that Grand Valley State University is considering a move to Division 1-AA.
Although the amount of scholarship money made available to an upcoming class depends on the number of scholarship players leaving the team, coach Pierce says he has about the same amount of money available every year. Coach Pierce has made offers to about 15-20 players already, but due to NCAA regulations he cannot release the names of the players until they have made a commitment. So far, nobody has committed to the team this eary in the recruiting season.
There’s a sense of optimism in the air about this year’s prospective recruiting class. “We had a great group of guys in this week,” exclaimed coach Pierce, who holds the FSU football coaching record for best career-winning percentage. He also says they have players who have been recruited by Division I schools, but in almost every case were not offered a scholarship by those schools.
The new class of Bulldog football players will kick off their collegiate careers at Top Taggart Field on Sept. 7 against the Hillsdale Chargers.
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 Photo by Brian Vansteenskite, Opinions Editor
The Ferris bathrooms could use a higher grade of T.P. Some students are having problems sitting through class, and this culprit maybe to blame.
Rough stuff on campus
By Brian VansteenKiste
Opinions Editor
In my four years at Ferris I’ve had the “pleasure” of using its facilities more times than I care to count. While some of my peers can’t seem to hit their target, for the most part I’ve found this University’s restrooms clean and welcoming. This is due in part to the hard work of fine janitors such as the janitors of the Rankin Center. We don’t often think about these unsung heroes, but they’re owed our thanks regardless.
While they do their part to make our private acts pleasant, our University does not.
There are all sorts of problems students have with University services (like limiting access to the Business labs this semester), and some of them can’t be helped. Logistically, heated sidewalks aren’t going to happen anytime soon. Realistically, this school isn’t going to do ANYTHING about the horrible parking situation by the time your little siblings are done with college.
“Butt,” there are some things that can be done for us. Some of these things are funded with fees, and some of the services we take advantage of are funded by our (ever-rising) tuition. I propose Ferris provide us students with things we can appreciate, and not software meant to cover the true purpose of a technology fee.
I think it’s about time Ferris started stocking its bathrooms and dorms with real toilet paper.
You may laugh, question my maturity or look down on my choice of worthy journalism topics, but I can’t stay quiet on this topic any longer.
I’d have no problem paying a $5 fee or even a $10 fee to get something in the bathrooms that doesn’t resemble fine grit sand paper. Paying this small fee would be a lot more convenient than packing a daily “survival kit.” As it stands now, I feel like I’m in a wood shop, when I’d rather be floating on an absorbent, quilted cloud with angelic cherubims.
I have it on good advice from a physician that “holding it” is bad for you. If you still want to risk it, please give sympathy to our cause. You’ve probably blown your nose once or twice on the wretched stuff, so whether or not you’re one who can’t resist the call of nature, you probably know my pain.
I was just talking with some of my friends who live in an off-campus house that should be condemned. Their toilet hasn’t worked in quite some time, so they either do their business outside or walk four blocks to use a bathroom on campus.
Throughout this ordeal, their landlord (the same one who knowingly rents them a house with multiple severe holes in their roof) continues to charge them rent, and even wants to charge them exorbitant fees to fix a problem that is surely the result of his criminal neglect. I don’t know how he thinks a house without a toilet is rentable, but I guess that’s why he needs to advertise so much to get renters.
So, while its students are facing an academically-interfering challenge on one side, Ferris offers them low quality T.P. in their time(s) of need. I’ve heard similar stories throughout the years, and I don’t see the situation ending anytime soon.
The least this school can do to help us out is upgrade our toilet tissue quality.
In closing, I’d like to pass along an invitation to all students to attend the Good Neighbor’s Association meeting that will take place on Monday, Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. in the Hospital Board Room. Just go down Oak, turn left on Winter Street and walk right in. Amongst others, they’re here to help off-campus students get protection from bad landlords, but without students showing an interest in them, their powers are seriously diminished.
New FDNY statue: good or bad?
By Mike Domerese
Ferris State Torch
Being a firefighter is always a trying job. The events of Sept. 11 couldn’t be more representative of such a statement. As a firefighter, you look death in the eye every time the alarm goes off. It’s a choice one makes when joining such a profession. People are always gracious for whatever you can do in their time of need.
Now, in the light of everything that happened, a statue is to be erected in front of the fire headquarters building in Brooklyn to honor those fallen heroes.
Problems have since arisen due to the nature and political correctness of the statue. It was to be based on the photograph published on Sept. 12 that was taken by Thomas E. Franklin of the The Record in Bergen county, New Jersey.
The picture, that I’m sure all of you have seen, is of three firefighters raising a flag at ground zero. The three firefighters were all white. The statue that was to be erected featured one white, one black and one Hispanic firefighter to make it “politically correct.”
On Firehouse.com, the lawyer for the firefighters that were featured stated, “moments such as this should not be used to make political statements.” I couldn’t agree with him more.
What the hell is wrong with people when we have to be correct in the midst of such a grave tragedy. The statue was to be based on a photo. While this is a controversial subject, it was merely a way to honor the 343 firefighters who gave their lives on that horrible September day. To me this is a huge slap in the face.
People are trying to do something good and somebody has to go and mess it all up. Granted, there are people of all origins and sexes who are firefighters in New York. The statue is to be an 18-foot bronze monument. So it’s not like you are going to be able to tell the exact origin or race of the people in the statue anyway, unless you are mindless and inconsiderate enough to look at some something so sharply. The fact is, they are all firefighters! Regardless of their sex, color or race, they’re firefighters, plain and simple.
Personally, this makes me sick. I take great offense that this is not being looked at as a beautiful memorial, but as a place where some stupid politician or other person has to get their name in the paper or their face on TV crying about political correctness.
It’s time for the world to wake up and quit looking at everything as black, white, red, yellow, etc., etc. I realize that this is a pipe dream, but it needs to happen.
These brave men and women who gave their lives trying to save those of others have the right to be honored, and their sacrifices should not be put under this kind of dark cloud. Remember them as heroes and for who they were, not for what color they were.
They were my fellow brothers and sisters and I will never forget them. I think this is a great way to honor them and the idea should move forward as planned. End of story.
Jams concert fuss
By Chris Miller
Editor in Chief
January is a time for fun in the snow. It’s a time to cuddle with your loved one next to a warm, blazing fire. It’s also a time to tread across Ferris State University’s campus at 8 a.m. everyday to class.
Every year at Ferris, January is time for jams. That’s right, in another week, the January Jams concert will hit the stage.
This year, Delta Chi fraternity coordinators are bringing in Nickelback and Default. Nickelback is one of the top mainstream groups out there today with their two successful albums. Before the sound of “How You Remind Me,” one of the over-played songs on the radio today, hits Wink Arena, let’s examine whether this show is going to be top-notch.
Those in charge of the show have done an incredible job putting it together. Thanks to members of Entertainment Unlimited (E.U), Delta Chi, SAFAC, SAPC and Student Activities, January Jams would not be possible.
It’s hard to bring a top name band to a smaller college like Ferris. Trying to find a group that will be affordable and has the time to play here, I am sure was tough. Other bands considered were either too expensive or busy during this time of year.
Bands are starting to go across to Europe again to play. Ferris is very lucky to get Nickelback.
There is something though that has bothered me about this concert. The way this concert has been promoted gets to me. It’s great knowing that the coordinators have set a record for amount of tickets sold in a few days, but what got to me was the Ferris hockey game last Tuesday against MSU.
Usually, those who run the sound system play a wide variety of music for the fans and players. Music at the game was almost nothing but Nickelback songs. Of course, they had to announced the concert a good five times.
Tell me, who is going to get pumped up for a hockey game to “Leader of Men”? It’s a good song, but listen to the lyrics. It basically tells the players that it’s fine to follow and not be a leader. What kind of message are we sending our teams? Has this been going on during basketball games?
Getting back to the actual concert, I am all for January Jams. Last year, I didn’t go because the bands were horrible. Two years ago was the best with Jimmie’s Chicken Shack stealing the show from Michigan native The Verve Pipe.
In the future, consider bringing in someone who is older. Bring in some hair bands or old-school hip-hop groups. Look into bringing in some classic rock-and-roll groups. It would be sweet to watch Styx at Wink. Who cares about top 10 bands?
My final advice goes out to the students. Despite my griping about this coming concert, it will be good. Go see the show!
However, after the show, complain like you usually do about how entertainment on-campus sucks. This is the usual thing for Ferris State students to do anyway.
Just remember that some people have really worked hard to bring this concert to FSU.
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