November 17, 1999
Club protests "unfair treatment"
By CARRIE ZIEGLER
News Editor
The slew of alcohol-related incidents at Ferris State University has been a little daunting for administrators and students alike. However, Adam Helm and other members of both the men's and women's rugby clubs are claiming that they have been unfairly treated. After Ferris decided to suspend the rugby team after allegedly throwing a rugby-affiliated party at a member's house, Helm and many other players are questioning the university's consistency and fairness in dishing out consequences.
The alleged rugby party occurred on at a house on Michigan Ave. "It's referred to around the grapevine as the _rugby house,'" Michelle Burke, Director of Student Leadership and Activities, said. Earlier that day, according to Helm, the rugby team had a party with the team they played against earlier in the afternoon. Later, the party broke up and most of the rugby players went to the football game. The people at the house then decided to throw a party, which Helm claims wasn't affiliated with the rugby team and wasn't a rugby function.
According to Helm, there were about 100 to 150 people there, which he says is pretty small. The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety busted the party later that evening. "We expected to get in some trouble with Big Rapids," Helm said. The clubs didn't expect to get in trouble with the University as well.
"(There was) evidence in a police report that members of both clubs were present and that there was service and sale to underage drinkers," Burke said.
In addition to the party, Burke claims that both rugby clubs were in violation of one or more RSO policies. "We found that (the men's rugby team) wasn't following RSO financial policy," Burke said. Registered student organizations are required to use a two-signature system on their checks. According to Burke, the club was not using this system, and members took a rugby check to Szots to purchase alcohol for the party.
"Ferris said that, because we're a member of U-Rec, they have the right to suspend us," Helm said. "They were supposed to come to a decision two weeks after (the party). They kept stringing it out they purposely killed our season."
Rugby, according to Helm, has been a club sport at Ferris for the past ten years. This year the team's record, before its suspension, was 2-0 the best record in the league.
"As far as what I'm seeing, a lot of similar cases have been handled quite quickly," Chris Edwards, a junior in English Education and the newly-elected president of men's rugby, said.
"Both rugby clubs were given due process, which is the right of all students," Burke said. "We took a little longer (than we should have) -- Dan Burcham (Vice President of Student Affairs) had some health problems." However, Burke says that the final decision was to cancel the season, no matter when the decision was made.
Helm says that the rugby team has been treated unfairly, compared to the way other organizations have been treated after alcohol offenses. "The point is that these are different standards," Helm said. "The punishment should fit the crime."
According to Helm, there should be a difference between punishments for an organization who allegedly witnesses a death due to alcohol poisoning versus just throwing a party. "We have never hurt anybody," Helm said. "If we feel that somebody (could have alcohol poisoning), we take the initiative and cut them off. We have called the ambulance before."
"I think that we were very fair," Burke said. "A lot of people could have gotten hurt."
"The school should realize that the Ferris State University rugby team isn't a bunch of barbarians," Helm said. "People think that we're out of control, but we never cause any problems to the school.
"This is just such nonsense," Helm said. "It's really disappointing; I am very disappointed in Ferris State University. I've really lost a lot (of respect) for this school."
Di Raddo goes to Bordeaux
By RYAN JOHNSON
Assistant News Editor
Late this October, when many students were dressing up and looking scary for Halloween, a group of scientists in France were discussing the truly scary. At the 17th International Symposium on Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds, in Bordeaux, France, a crowd of scientists, including Ferris professor Dr. Pasquale Diraddo, gathered from the four corners of the earth to discuss environmental pollutants.
"There was genuine concern among scientists for the future of our planet and our health," Diraddo said. "It was very rewarding to meet scientists from all around the world that were dedicated to researching environmental pollutants caused by polycyclic hydrocarbons [complex ring-shaped molecules consisting mainly of carbon and hydrogen] found in the burning of fossil fuels, automobile exhaust and cigarette smoke. They are found in the air we breathe, food that we eat, and water that we drink."
Diraddo himself was accepted to the conference because of a project that he worked on with Associate Professor of ICT Bill Killian, entitled "Mechanistic Representation for the Syntheses of Benzanthrone and Vioanthrone [dye compounds]."
"We had to send out an idea or an abstract, and it was our abstract that got accepted," Diraddo said."
In addition to the actual experiment, Diraddo was helped by two Ferris students: Mark Cooper, a senior in Chemistry Education and ICT, and Carolyne Fritz, a senior in Applied Biology/Pre-Vet. "Mark and Carolyne helped me out with the posters and with ideas for the presentation," Diraddo said.
According to Diraddo, the conference was more than just a thinking session. "Their [the scientists'] work and collaborative efforts will eventually be passed on to manufacturers, laborers, engineers, environmentalists and physicians. This basic research will help to identify and quantify pollutants. Hopefully, their information will be passed on to engineers to develop new and safer manufacturing techniques, filter systems and ease environmental pollutants."
Diraddo's research relates specifically to how certain pollutants are made, and that knowledge can be used to help manufacturers avoid creating them in the first place.
Overall, Diraddo had a very positive and enlightening experience. "The scientists were eager to discuss their findings, questions and concerns with each other. There seemed to be no political, ethnic, social or gender barriers. Where language barriers were a problem, the scientists resorted to drawing pictures of chemical compounds to bridge the gap. Conversations often took place in a melange of languages.
"It was a culturally enriching experience to visit France. It was inspiring to walk the streets where once strolled Voltaire, Curie, Pasteur and Hugo. Science can bridge cultural barriers, and we as a group can work together to help humanity, not just our corner of the world.
"I recommend to anyone anywhere, take a trip. Go somewhere else. There are students that grow up in Baldwin, study pharmacy at Ferris, and become a pharmacist in Reed City. There is such a huge world out there, with so many different experiences. Go out of the country, go out of the state. See the world."
A Whole New World
By RYAN JOHNSON
Assistant News Editor
Some students, when coming to college for the first time, feel like they are entering a foreign land, full of strange customs and unusual people. Other students, when coming to college for the first time, actually do.
"We have students here from 58 different countries," Clarissa Kaiser, International Student Advisor and Immigration Specialist, said. "All international students go through the Office of International Affairs, because of immigration regulations."
The top countries that students come from, according to Kaiser, are (in descending order) Canada, Botswana, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, Kenya, Thailand and Columbia, and Brazil and Nigeria.
Kaiser has had a slew of opportunities to witness every problem that an international student might face at Ferris, and how the student could deal with it.
"I want to point out that these are all very much generalizations, because it is hard to group such a variety of students, but it usually depends on a student's background whether or not they have trouble adapting to the new culture," Kaiser said.
"If they are well-traveled, then it is easier to adapt to new environments. It also helps if they have studied outside their own countries, especially if they have studied at other schools in the U.S.
"The American education system is far different than other systems," Kaiser said. "For instance, in the U.K., they typically have no exams until the end of the year. Then they have about a month of straight exams.
"Students here are required to do much more reading, write more papers, and have more frequent testing than many students from other countries are used to. Typically, students are surprised that they can ask questions of a professor during class.
"I had one student from India, his first day here, and when he came into my office I invited him to sit down. He was shocked," Kaiser said. "He wasn't used to being able to sit down in the presence of professors or authority figures before."
Debbie Carley, Study Abroad Coordinator, worked with many international students before she moved into the Study Abroad program. "Learning a new language, being in a new culture, many are frightened, shy, homesick and even lost for awhile. But they begin to make contacts, friends, and they can get used to this small town of Big Rapids, making it sort of a home away from home."
Chris Bogotsu of Botswana, who is pursuing a Master's degree in Information Systems Management, arrived at Ferris in 1991. "I got here in the winter, so I had a really tough time. I missed home a lot. It was really a nightmare. But I made friends with many Americans. One guy who really helped me was named Tyrone Bennet. He was really a good friend, always willing to help. I don't know where he is now, but I'll never forget him."
"American culture is very different," Dorothy Tse, a junior in Medical Records Administration and a Hong Kong native, said. "American people are very bold. If they like you, they say it right to you, and if they don't like you they will still say it right to you. I am from Hong Kong, and was in Canada for seven years, and things are so different here.
"I'm the only Chinese student on campus, and so I don't get to speak Cantonese, my language, to anyone. I tend to hang out more with other international students," Tse said.
Still, some students have much less difficulty than others finding how to fit in Big Rapids. "I have had no trouble adapting here," Sasha Orlova, a freshman from Russia in International Business, said. "I came here with an international student program and went to Big Rapids High School before going home and then coming back to Ferris. I didn't originally plan on coming back, but I have a wonderful host family that takes great care of me, and the people here at Ferris are very nice."
So once students finally adapt to American culture, they normally have no more trouble with their education than the average American Ferris student. They study, pass tests, and eventually graduate. What they do after graduation is another story.
"The Immigration and Naturalization Service [INS] allows students to apply for one year in a position at the level they have studied for," Kaiser said. "Many take it and then go home. Many just go home. Some are required by their sponsor to stay for an advanced degree."
"I received my undergraduate and then went home to work for three years," Bogotsu said. "Then I decided that I really wanted a management job. I realized that the ISM Master's program is really good for managers, so I came back."
"I plan on getting my Master's degree in ISM," Tse said.
"I want to work here for one year, and then apply for an international company," Muka Meleki of Zambia, a junior in International Business, said.
One may wonder, in addition to all else, how all of these students from such distant places ever find out about Ferris in the first place.
"The number one way the they hear about Ferris is through word of mouth from family and friends. The second is the Internet, and third, our Director of International Affairs goes off to other countries and recruits them himself."
"I found about Ferris through the Internet," Tse said. "I planned on coming to the U.S. from the start, and I came to Ferris mainly because of the program."
"I am sponsored by a company that pays for my education. They sent me here," Meleki said.
But above all else, the friendships made and the experiences had are the most important and long remembered aspect of the international experience, according to Carley.
"A lot of the time when they leave, we hear from them, how they miss people, places, the culture, the food and a lot of other things. It has a lasting effect on them. They can make lasting friendships, and these connections can stay with them for the rest of their lives." |
Students still displeased with parking
By STEVE COOK
Assistant Amusement Editor
As students rush to leave their classes, students who drive may find a yellow pouch clinging to the windshield wipers of their car. This yellow pouch contains a ticket, the result of a parking violation.
Stan Dinius, Director of Public Safety, is in charge of the parking at Ferris. According to Dinius, people try to park from class to class, and this causes most of the daytime violations. "Certain people just can't seem to follow the rules," said Dinius. He feels that if students wouldn't park from class to class then there would be fewer parking problems on the campus.
Dinius feels that recent construction on campus has disrupted parking for the students. Dinius also acknowledges that when the library is completed, parking should improve for students.
Despite several complaints by students over the years, Dinius feels that Ferris has made several steps to improve campus parking. Over the last three years there have been 500 parking spaces added to the campus. "We've added Lot 28, the Student Rec Center, expanded Lot 4 by 125 spaces, (and we've) also paved Lots 55 and 47 and added meter spaces in Lots 31 and 32 along new East Campus Drive."
A Campus Parking Committee meets during the fall semester to discuss parking problems on campus and report possible solutions to William Sederberg, president of Ferris State University. The committee is made up of the director of Public Safety, a facility representative, an ASG student representative, Student Administration and the university architect. The Parking Committee held a forum at West Campus Community Center on Oct. 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. and none of the student body showed up.
While Ferris feels it's doing everything in its power to make parking pleasant, students seem to disagree. Traci Bair, a Ferris junior in General Business, feels the university should make some changes. "Off-campus students should be able to park overnight and all meters should be destroyed." Jody Swartz, a Ferris junior in Optometry, also has some gripes with campus parking. Swartz lives in Pickell Hall, but must park in the lot by the softball field, which is a 15-minute walk. "They should try and build some parking garages," Swartz said.
Students aren't the only ones disappointed with parking. So is Michelle Burke, Director of Student Activities. Burke feels students could be accommodated better from class to class. "The university should have a campus shuttle for the students to use." Alan Morris, a Ferris sophomore in Professional Golf Management, feels it's necessary for some students to park in different lots. "Some students need to park from class to class because of the length of their classes." The loss of the Rankin Center lot, which held 185 spaces, has also helped create parking problems.
The Business and Health Center lots also used to be big problems for the university, but a gate arm was installed recently and has helped cut down on violations in those areas. Lots 9E and 9W, student and faculty lots respectively, are currently a big problem for the campus. "We're trying to determine how to address the problem there," said Dinius. According to Dinius, people are parking in these lots even though they are not registered for them.
Parking violations are $50 for parking in a handicap zone, which is mandated by Michigan law. The fine for an unregistered vehicle/unlawful display of a permit is $20, $10 for parking in a prohibited area and $5 for a meter violation. Prices for these tickets are determined by a university ordinance.
According to Dinius, all ticket money is put into a university fund and used for various things for the university. Over the last three to four years, there has been an average of 25,000-30,000 tickets given out and $300,000 in fine money collected per year from parking violators.
If a car is ticketed several times during the semester, the driver is put on a list of repeat offenders. Three to six tickets can put you on this list, and your car can be towed away. If a student still won't pay his/her tickets, then he/she may have to go to District Court. Tickets are given out by Student Service Officers and can be paid at the Department of Public Safety office.
Parking on campus is an old problem that's just not going to go away. Efforts are being made to solve the assorted problems associated with on-campus parking, but until they are resolved, Ferris students will have to keep taking their chances with tickets.
 The Torch takes a look at Ferris artmaking
By BRIAN VAN STEENKISTE
Amusement Editor
Ferris State is currently in the third year of its twenty-year plan to develop the university into an indoor/outdoor museum dedicated to Michigan artists. The plan calls for 50 major pieces of art to be installed, and in the past three years, seven works have already been unveiled. "In my opinion, (this will be) the most substantial collection of Michigan artists ever," Robert Barnum, FSU's resident artist, said.
This Friday, Nov. 19th, at 11 a.m. artist Fritz Olsen's carved Indiana limestone sculpture, "Ripples," will be unveiled in a ceremony outside of the Elastomers Building. The reception is free, the public is invited and refreshments will be served.
Every piece on the FSU Artwalk has to fit the university either by sight/location of the piece or by content. Every piece along the Artwalk, with the exception of "The Visionary," has to go through a statewide competition. The competition begins with a written application of concept, an artist resume and slides of their work. Three finalists are chosen, and they must then submit specific, technical proposals (with sketches) to the Renaissance Committee, who then makes the final decision. Before Olsen carved his statue, he had to be selected through this competition.
The university's art development plan has two phases working at the same time. Phase I deals with work by Michigan artists, such as Olsen's sculpture, and Phase II deals with art made here at Ferris. Barnum plays a major role in Phase II and is responsible for much of the new artwork on campus.
"As new buildings and areas get developed on campus, they look to me to get new ideas and art on campus," Barnum said. He works with university architects, the building's architects and critics to develop defined spaces on campus. "We work as a team," Barnum said.
One of the challenges of Phase II was developing the Student Recreation Center and the new Convocation Center. "I've never seen fine arts in an athletic facility," Barnum said. "That was the challenge." Barnum wanted color and active shapes, but he knew paintings wouldn't work. "We needed something tough and strong," he said. Barnum decided to use 1/4" steel as the sculptural medium.
"One of the reasons we chose steel is it's indestructible. Nothing's going to hurt it." In describing his new sculptural style, Barnum said it's "A graphic form of my painting. If I were to reduce my paintings to graphic sculptural forms, that's what it's all about. To me it's important the activity makes sense, but I'm not worried about how realistic it looks."
 "Jump Shot," which is hung in the Convocation Center's basketball floor, is one of Barnum's colorful steel sculptures. He also plans on creating a women's volleyball piece to be hung in the convocation center this year. Future plans for the convocation center include an 80-foot athletic monument for the hallway between the ice arena and basketball floor.
The monument will feature 21 life sized figures who will represent every men's and women's sport at Ferris. The figures will be relief sculptures made from aqua-resin which has been used in the dental industry for years in the making of dentures. The monument is dedicated to the history of athletics at Ferris and will feature an athletic wall of fame at one end with plaques honoring star athletes.
The Student Recreation Center will also be getting a new piece of art very soon. "Continuous Game" is a 35 foot long sculpture comprised of 18 characters that is being made with the help of Ferris students. "(The piece is) essentially the same people playing the game over and over again," Barnum said. "Continuous Game" will be hung in the U-Rec lobby after it is completed. Barnum created the piece with the help of fine arts students, welding students and auto students. "(The students) are a key component in artmaking at Ferris," Barnum said.
"Continuos Game" will join Barnum's other work, the "Stained Glass" series of hanging sculptures in the U-Rec. The stained glass series hangs above the U-Rec's walking track and came about when Barnum was considering ideas to fill the cathedral-like ceiling peaks inside the U-Rec. The "sculptural version of stained glass" is comprised of four different sculptures depicting various activities. The 16 figures in the works in this series were completed over the summer by Barnum, as he worked 14-hour days, seven days a week.
Barnum says it took about a month of dedicated time such as this to complete the piece. "Artmaking is not a job where you think about the clock. It's too much fun; you get caught up in it." Barnum's future challenges include trying to solve the lighting problems with artworks on campus. "(The light problem) is something we will be working on in the future." |
Ferris takes advantage of depth
By CHRIS MILLER
Sports Editor
A sense of winning and dedication is the key that has fired up the FSU women's basketball team this season. The Bulldog season begins with a deep team that has strength in the paint.
"Last year, we knew what it took to win in our tough conference." second-year Head Coach Tracey Fisk said, "This year, I think we will take that further and go for the conference championship."
Last year, the Bulldogs finished with an overall record of 18-10. They set a record for the most consecutive wins with 11. FSU also set records with the most three-point field goals with 164 and most assists with 497.
FSU is returning with depth and experience, with two seniors and four juniors on the team. Senior co-captain Carrie Roys led the GLIAC last year in assists with 6.6 per game at the point guard position. She finished ranked seventh in the nation in assists. "Roys was a key competitor on both defense and offense. She stepped up and proved to be a team leader," Fisk said.
Also returning for her senior year, Amy Pickard provides long-range shooting. Last year, she was ranked 23rd in the nation in three-point field goal percentage with .419. "Pickard has been having problems with her Achilles tendon and will return to the starting line-up after the Christmas break," Fisk said.
Along with Roys, junior and forward Dawn Baker was voted by the team as captain for this season. Baker emerged as one of the Bulldogs' top offensive threats last year. She led the team in scoring with 10.7 points per game. She is a versatile player who can play at both the post and perimeter.
"We have a lot of depth on the team this year." Fisk said, "I feel confident when I know that I can put anyone in the starting line-up and they will perform."
Along with Baker, three juniors will provide the strong presence in the post. Junior Tianna Kirkland will be preparing for her senior year, coming off a 6.3 rebound per game season. She also scored 6.6 points per game.
"Kirkland has been a very vocal leader. She has brought leadership and domination in the paint to our team," Fisk said. "I feel that Tianna is our best all-around athlete on the team, and at times, she can be unstoppable."
Also banging the boards are two transfer juniors, Veronica Joseph and Dana Bull. Joseph averaged nine points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game for Kirkwood Community College in Iowa last season. She also led all NJCAA Division II players in field goal percentage at (.590).
"Bull has been our biggest off-season pick-up this year," Fisk said. Bull averaged 16.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game for Lake Michigan Community College in 1998-99. She was ranked seventh in the rebounding department among all junior college players.
Another vocal leader returning for the Bulldogs, sophomore Debbie Killips is coming off a successful freshman year, leading the team in steals with 51 and finishing second in assists with a total of 60. Killips will start for the Bulldogs at point guard.
"Her level of play is amazing. Somehow, she has the ability to get others to step up and take people to the next level with her," Fisk said. "Killips has earned her way onto the starting line-up."
Returning sophomores and small forwards Patti Larson and Jenny Newsone will provide depth on defense. Newsone led the GLIAC in free throw percentage (.849) and will see some playing time at shooting guard. She finished second on the team in scoring, with 10.4 points per game last season.
The Bulldogs will be competing for the GLIAC Conference Championship. This year, Fisk feels that there will be five teams with a shot for the championship.
"Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan, Grand Valley State and Lake Superior State will be our toughest opponents," Fisk said. "I feel that the team that plays the most consistent will be there in the end. We scheduled a tournament in North Dakota this year, so we can gain recognition." The Bulldogs open their season away against Findlay on Nov. 20 and Hillsdale on Nov. 22. Their first home game is against Westminster College, on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
"Our fans have supported us in every game," Roys said. "I am looking forward to a great productive season."
Bulldogs beat up on Lakers
By NICK WASMILLER
Ferris State Torch
After falling behind early in the first quarter, Ferris State was able to hold off Grand Valley State to win their final game of the year 48-23 and a share of the GLIAC Championship.
Grand Valley scored first against the Bulldogs on a 10 play, 80-yard touchdown drive. The score remained at 6-0 after a missed extra point by GVSU.
Ferris struck right back though, scoring on their first play from scrimmage, a 65-yard Clarence Coleman grab from Matt McCarthy. Doc Proctor kicked the extra point to give the Bulldogs a 7-6 lead. Seven minutes later Coleman scored again, this time on a 12-yard pass from McCarthy. Senior wideout Neal Mozdzierz caught McCarthy's next touchdown pass, his third of the day to move the score to 20-6 at the end of the first quarter.
Grand Valley scored the first two touchdowns of the second quarter to tie the game at 20 with about four minutes remaining in the first half. The Bulldogs then drove 80-yards on 11 plays to move the score to 26-20. Senior tailback Mo Harris scored the touchdown from 26-yards out. The extra point attempt was blocked.
Ferris scored on the opening possession of the second half, going 61 yards in four plays. McCarthy scored his fourth touchdown, this time running it in from one yard out. A two-point conversion gave the Bulldogs a 14-point lead at 34-20. The drive was mainly set up by a 52-yard Mo Harris run. Sophomore Doug Searles put the game out of reach late in the third quarter, scoring on a seven-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy. McCarthy went 4-6 on the drive, completing passes to three different receivers.
"It was nice to be part of such a big win," Searles said. "I just have to thank my teammates for putting me in a position to make a play."
Grand Valley scored first in the fourth quarter on a 36-yard field goal, this was the last score for GVSU of the game. Neal Mozdzierz caught a three-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to finish out the scoring.
McCarthy scored six touchdowns (5 passing, 1 rushing) in his final game for the Bulldogs. Coleman and Mozdzierz each caught two touchdown passes, while Harris rushed for 189-yards on 27 carries.
Mordzierz caught a total of 10 passes on the day for 106-yards while Coleman had seven catches for 137-yards. The Bulldogs gained a total of 502-yards on Saturday and held the Lakers to 423-yards.
Sophomore free safety, Alvin Grier led the Bulldog's defense with 14 tackles and a interception. The Bulldogs also recorded four sacks against GVSU including two by senior middle linebacker, Steve Dillon.
The Bulldogs finished the season with a 7-3 record.
Ferris also captured a share of the GLIAC Championship by beating GVSU since Ferris and Northwood each finished the season with a 7-2 conference record. "Having both of our loses being so close, it was nice to still win the conference," Student Assistant Ryan Persails said. "It's just a great feeling."
The Bulldogs beat Northwood 46-36 earlier in the season. Northwood came into last weekend with only one lost in the conference, but lost to Michigan Tech 23-14 on Saturday.
"Having worked so hard this year, it was great to end on an up note," Searles said. "We had our ups and downs but this makes it all worth while."
 Volleyball places second in GLIAC Tournament
By PAM PRESTON
Assistant Sports Editor
The volleyball team placed second at the GLIAC Tournament for the second season in a row. The team defeated Hillsdale (15-10, 15-6, 15-13) in the first round.
"We were confident going into the Hillsdale game," Alaina Olds said. "We thought we could beat them."
The Bulldogs defeated the nationally ranked Northern Michigan, three games to two (16-14, 11-15, 15-11, 11-15, 17-15) to advance to the championship match. This five game rollercoaster seemed to fuel the fire for the team. "Once it came down to the fifth game it was like do or die," Katie Pickvet said. "We never got tired or started to give up, we just wanted to beat them more."
"We figure we would play them (Northern Michigan) and knew we were capable of beating them," Pickvet said.
The team began to run low on fuel when they faced Northwood the next day. "We knew this would be a tough match so were mentally prepared," Olds said.
The Bulldogs fell short of victory to Northwood (15-10, 15-2, 15-8) in the championship match at Kellogg Arena.
"It was hard to come off a hard fought game like Northern that we played with so much heart and emotion," Pickvet said. "We were exhausted."
Sophomore setter, Lisa Chard and junior middle hitter, Sarah VanderMolen were named to the All-Conference First Team. Both Chard and VanderMolen were named to the all-tournament team also. Junior outside hitter, Morgan Buckner was named to the All-Conference Second Team.
Due to the outstanding regular season play, the Bulldogs qualified for the GLIAC tournament before the regular season play ended. Many teams have to wait until the end of regular season play until they find out for sure if their team continues on.
"We were really excited, but were still focused on winning our regular season games," Olds said. "We wanted to still beat Grand Valley and win our last game." Ferris beat GVSU three games to one (11-15, 15-11, 15-3, 15-12) at home.
The Bulldogs qualified for the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region Tournament at Northern Kentucky University their overall record is 26-7 while their GLIAC record is 14-5.
The whole team will leave on Friday for Kentucky for a Saturday (Nov.20) match. The Bulldogs face, Northern Kentucky has an overall record of 30-1 and a conference (Great Lakes Valley) record of 15-0. "We are getting prepared for this match," Pickvet said. "We are getting their videos and doing the usual scouting on them as normally do- looking at their defense and offense patterns and adjusting to them." |
What makes Ferris motorists so insensitive?
By BRIAN VAN STEENKISTE
Amusement Editor
Maybe I just have a different perspective. This is my third year at a university, but only my second at Ferris. Perhaps my freshman year at a different school taught me that things don't have to be the same everywhere, and I think there needs to be a change at Ferris.
Let me explain. When I was a wee freshman, I attended a university that had a "pedestrian-oriented campus." This entailed the following: the speed limit everywhere on campus was five miles an hour (a law which was strictly enforced by a task force as enthusiastic as our own ticket Nazis), all pedestrians had the right of way, which meant if you were trying to cross the street, all vehicles had to slam on their brakes (because they were going five miles an hour) and let you pass before resuming, and finally, unfounded rumors floated around campus stating that full lifetime tuition would be paid to anyone lucky enough to be struck by a motor vehicle on campus.
All of this seemed rather strange at the time, but I never had a problem crossing the street. Motorists were very respectful of people walking, biking, skating or what-have-you. Maybe they feared the stiff penalties associated with reckless driving, or maybe they were just kind. Whatever the case, the relaxed atmosphere this policy produced made students feel safe and at home on their campus.
Fast forward to FSU in 1999. I don't remember having a problem with motorists last year, but this year people seem a little hectic. Instead of drivers looking for people, I find people warily looking for cars before crossing the street. I think this is wrong.
I've heard students express fear, fear for their lives, in regards to local drivers. I've also seen the fear in pedestrians' eyes while attempting to cross local streets. When I'm driving and I come to a complete stop to let a pedestrian pass, they hesitate. People just don't trust drivers around here, and I don't blame them. I've been offended by the lack of respect for human life some drivers in Big Rapids display. Selfish drivers who put human life in jeopardy to save minuscule amounts of time make me sick.
I understand that not every person who gets behind the wheel fits this description. I have seen courteous behavior displayed on and off campus. It's not just students who should be praised or criticized; townies and students are both to blame for their respective acts, and I think this campus needs to regulate its driver behavior before someone gets killed.
Ferris students would undoubtedly whine about speed limit reductions. Who wouldn't? I'd probably be a little miffed, too, if someone tried to curb my unsafe habits of flying around campus at 50 mph. But I do know that a college campus is a little different than the streets of a major city. Speed bumps, anyone? Do we need crossing guards on State Street? What do we have to do? Personally, I'd like to hand out common sense.
The fatal accident on Ives at the beginning of this year shows how deadly a motor vehicle can be. Many students at Ferris have an invincibility complex when they get behind the wheel. Drunk driving occurs on a daily basis, and no one thinks twice. Even if the car may protect the driver, how about the delicate flesh of an unsuspecting pedestrian as a car barrels down the sidewalk?
Two new stop signs on Campus Drive aren't enough to fix the problem. What needs to happen is an attitude shift by FSU motorists. People are more important than whatever it is you're rushing off to. Everyone's heard the expression, "Where's the fire?" I just think FSU students need to chill out when they're behind the wheel.
Science is here to stay
By JOSH LAREAU
Ferris State Torch
There is a war going on right now, but most of us are not even aware of it. It is not a war for land, or for world dominance, or even for oil. It is a war of the "Jesus Fish" that you see on the backs of peoples' cars.
Everywhere you go nowadays, you are likely to see two kinds of things glued to peoples' rear bumpers: Either a modest looking fish symbol that represents Jesus Christ and the Christian faith; or the same fish symbol, but with legs sticking out of it and the name Darwin etched inside it. What does it all mean, and what are the implications for our society?
It means that there has been a recent surge in popularity for the creationist theory of life, and likewise, a retaliation effort by the evolutionists. Creationism is an alternative to evolution, in terms of describing how life came to exist on our planet, and how it came to exist in its current form.
Creationism contends that approximately 6000 years ago, a divine being created the heavens, the earth and all the living things you see before you, including humans. This is outlined in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Evolution, on the other hand, predicts that the earth is billions of years old, and that life began with a primordial ooze that evolved (changed over time) into the more complex life forms that exist today, without the help of a guiding hand.
The Encyclopedia Britannica has this to say concerning evolution: "The evolutionary origin of organisms is today a scientific conclusion established with the kind of certainty attributable to such scientific concepts as the roundness of the Earth, the motions of the planets, and the molecular composition of matter. This degree of certainty beyond reasonable doubt is what is implied when biologists say that evolution is a "fact"; the evolutionary origin of organisms is accepted by virtually every biologist."
The majority of non-scientists today accept evolution as scientific fact, even if they haven't researched it thoroughly. I am happy to report that creationists only represent a minority of the Christian faith. Most Christians accept evolution as a fact, and they do this by not interpreting the Bible literally, especially the book of Genesis. Some even contend that evolution is in fact a process set in motion by God in the first place.
So if only a radical minority believe in this theory of life, then why is it a problem? Well, we have all seen how a minority can adversely affect the majority. Take the Columbine school shooters, for instance. A couple of kids turned our country's schools into maximum security prisons because administrators now fear that there is a potential Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold lurking around every corner.
As it stands, schools all across the country are adopting some sort of anti-evolution measures. An obscure state committee in Oklahoma is requiring that all textbooks carry a disclaimer that reads: "Evolution is a controversial theory that refers to the unproven belief that random, undirected forces produced a world of living things." This summer, the Kansas Board of Education passed new testing standards, minimizing the importance of evolution. And last month, Kentucky's Education Department deleted the word "evolution" from its standards, replacing it with "change over time."
If this trend continues, we could be risking the minds of children all across the country by teaching them a theory that doesn't even deserve to be called a theory at all. Creationism is a direct assault on the scientific method, and a rallying call for those too ignorant to understand how science actually works.
More importantly, creationists do not have a testable, scientific theory with which to replace evolution. Even if evolution turned out to be wrong, it would simply be replaced by another scientific theory. Creationists do not conduct scientific experiments, nor do they seek publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Much of their output is "preaching to the choir."
The scientific-minded among us cannot allow this trend to continue. It doesn't matter what your religious beliefs are; creationism in our schools is a problem. Evolution is not a direct assault on Christianity, as some might think. For those of you who find difficulty in the idea that God operates through intermediate causes, I only have this to say: Just like the origin and motion of the planets can be explained by the law of gravity and other natural processes (without denying God's creation and providence), evolution can be seen as the natural process through which God brought living beings into existence and developed them according to His plan.
New businesses offer everyone more opportunities
By STEPHANIE GUILES
Opinions Editor
In the past few months, many new businesses have opened, been built or been announced to be built in Big Rapids. This recent business boom is impressive. If businesses keep being built at this rate, we may end up having a 24-hour restaurant like an IHOP or a Denny's before too long. Soon, Big Rapids citizens may have someplace to go in the middle of the night. People may actually be compelled to leave their house/dorm at night.
I'm not sure if that is a good thing. What effect would a 24/7 business have on this community? Would students soon be compelled to stay awake past 11 p.m.? Would Big Rapids, as a result of these businesses, develop nightlife? I think these are questions we need to consider before we allow any more late night businesses to open in this town.
I am being extremely sarcastic. Believe it or not, there are people who actually, "genuinely" feel this way and they are in our midst every day. They are the main reason that any college town, such as the one we live in, does not commercially expand at the rate it should. This is the same reason there are no "all night" restaurants or coffee shops in this town. Lack of interest certainly isn't preventing these businesses from "setting up shop" in Big Rapids. So one can't help but wonder, what is?
We have recently been blessed with an Arby's, a BP Gas Station and a Shell Gas Station. The Soul Spot opened on Maple St.; it's about time we got some soul food around here. Another new business is the Staples over by Denny's Valu-land and, of course, we cannot forget the Bulldog Party StoreGrrrrrrr!
This is really impressive, and it is obvious that Big Rapids is slowly but steadily heading into a state that can economically support the volumes of people that travel through here and live here. Another new addition is the Applebee's that will soon be opening on Perry Street. In the future we have a Meijer in the works; Wal-Mart will become a 24-hour superstore.
I think all this business will be really good for the community, in the long run. There is a possibility that with all of the new jobs being offered, pay rates will rise a little higher than minimum wage. It seems like this is logical, since there will be more jobs offered and employers will have to offer more competitive salaries to keep employees happy. This could be a good thing.
There is nothing wrong with a little competition within the community. This is a great way to keep product prices down and keep restaurant service in high standards.
Increased businesses could also be good because people who live here, residents and students alike, deserve to have these types of businesses offered to them in the town in which they live. Some people may not have the transportation to travel to Grand Rapids, so they would not be able to experience life in the same way that someone who had that transportation might.
When faced with the opportunity to bring new business into the community, there are two main positions one can take on the issue. The first is to be afraid and try to prevent such growth, but the second is to embrace commercial growth as a sign that the community is thriving. It is up to each individual to decide what type of community it seems we should live in. What it all really comes down to is figuring out whether the glass is half-empty or half full.
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