Volume 100, Issue 16

Obama what students want

Jones wins Miss Black NSU 2008

By Sasha Bunch TNE Contributing Writer A crowning moment takes place, as Sherelle Jones, Muskogee senior, takes her title as Miss Black NSU 2008. Jones will receive an $800 tuition waiver and will get the opportunity to give back to her community. It felt great and I have no words I was tired and my brain was not thinking right, and Im still in shock, said Jones. Alicia Hunt, Tulsa senior and first runner up will receive a $400 tuition waiver and second runner up Jacoiya Sanders, Tulsa senior, will receive a $200 tuition waiver. Anita Kennedy, Louisiana junior goes home with the title of Miss Congeniality. Miss Black NSU first came to NSU 10 years ago, but was not around for long. Since 2006, Nana Benyarko has been in charge of putting together Miss Black NSU. No one wanted to put together a big event like this, said Benyarko, Queens, N.Y. senior. I always wanted to do Miss Black NSU, but no one wanted to take on that responsibility, and this is something I find very exciting and it makes me feel good to see that this is something I put together. Miss Black NSU sparked a little controversy last year when a student wrote a letter to The Northeastern saying the pageant was unfair and racist to other ethnicity groups that wanted to participate. It made me aware that there is a lot of ignorance here at NSU, said Benyarko. It didnt stop me though; instead I worked even harder to prove people wrong. The Association of Black Collegians, the primary sponsor of the Miss Black NSU pageant. One of the reasons that

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008

Tahlequah, OK 74464

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Miss NSU 2009 Thursday, CPA

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Arango leads senior class

AIDS Memorial Quilt displayed at NSU

By Melissa Pedersen TNE Writer Every 15 seconds, someone between the ages of 15-24 is infected with HIV. More than 524,000 Americans have died of AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic in the 80s. In tribute to those who have lost their lives because of this disease, NSU will display nine panels of The AIDS Memorial Quilt, as a part of The NAMES Project Foundation to commemorate World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. The idea for the quilt began in 1985. Political activist Cleve Jones found that more than 1,000 San Franciscans passed away because of AIDS. Jones effort to document lives that may have been otherwise lost to statistics ended up a memorial. In June of 1987, the first 40 panels of the quilt were displayed at San Francisco City Hall. Each panel featured the name of an individual lost to AIDS. The 3 feet by 6 feet size of each panel is, by no coincidence, the same measurement as a human grave. Nearly 10 years after the quilts inaugural display, it occupied an area equivalent to 24 football fields. Today, The 54-ton quilt contains at least 47,000 panels representing more than 88,000 individuals. This is not the first time the quilt has visited NSU. In 1994, the quilt came, as did the stigma surrounding AIDS. AIDS was perceived differently then, said Tammie Willis, assistant director of University Housing. It was a death sentence then. Now its considered a chronic illness. Willis completed the proposal for the quilt to return to NSU.

see Jones on Page 2

Sasha Bunch/TNE Sherelle Jones, Muskogee senior, won the title of Miss Black NSU 2008. Along with the title, Jones collected an $800 tuition waiver.

However, last year, students from Ross, Logan and Hastings Hall began raising money to bring panels to campus. It started out as something that was totally student-driven, said Willis. The students raised more than $1,000 to bring the quilt to Tahlequah. The generosity of sponsors, combined with student fundraising, has generated enough money for NSU to host nine quilt panels. Each panel has been handmade

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see Quilt on Page 2

To err is human. To fix it is TNE policy. Corrections can be found on Page 2. To report a correction call 918.444.2890 TNE Web site: http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~tne. Classifieds: http://www.nsuexchange.com.

Jones
we have the Miss Black NSU is because there are little to no scholarships for African American students on this campus, said Shakeesha Johnson, Tulsa senior. There are lots of scholarships for Native Americans, but I dont know of any for African Americans. The contestants who competed for the title of Miss Black NSU were judged on six categories; casual wear, business wear, swimsuit, talent, evening gown and interview question. We practiced for five weeks, three days a week. We practiced the walking and spending a lot of time on our talents, said Jones. Jones has participated in Miss NSU and Miss Black and Gold. Miss Black NSU enables black women to show their diversity than the Miss NSU pageant, said Jones. Jones is in the process of developing a confidence program for young minority girls. I feel there were a lot more contestants and the bar was set high because every contestant looked great and their talents were

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amazing, said Andrea Lang, Okmulgee junior. The setup and the decorations looked very good. I can tell it was time consuming because everything looked neat and in order. To participate in Miss Black NSU, contestants must be enrolled, have a 2.5 GPA, carry 24 hours and be in an organization. It is one of the best feelings in the world to know that you can prove to yourself that you can do anything, said Hunt. e-mail Sasha Bunch at bunchsd@ nsuok.edu.

Quilt
-made by hundreds of thousands of friends, lovers and family members of the represented deceased. The wide variety of contributors makes it the largest piece of community art in the world. The formal Unfolding Ceremony of the quilt will include reading the names of the people represented by each panel. The ceremony begins Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. in the UC ballroom. NSU President Dr. Don Betz and Tahlequah Mayor Ken Purdy are the events keynote speakers. Oklahoma Blood Institutes CEO Thomas F. Zook will also be present to address the global issues surrounding AIDS. Our theme is Three voices, one chorus, one song, said Willis. What were trying to convey is that HIV and AIDS is something that affects multiple communities across the world. Our community is now a global community and we have to care whats going on in Africa and Bosnia. Theyre our neighbors. Following the Unfolding Ceremony, two of the panels will be sent to the Broken Arrow campus for display. The remaining seven panels will be distributed among Admissions, Housing, Student Activities office, Financial Aid office, College of Optometry, Health Services and The Riverhawk Shoppe. In these locations, students will view the panels as part of the scheduled walking tour, or at their leisure during regular business hours until Dec. 5. I think the quilt is a great opportunity for campus, said Dana Boren-Boer, university marketing coordinator and vice president for University Relations. It will be

Nov. 18, 2008

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neat to see the reaction from the Unfolding Ceremony and see all nine pieces together. At each panel location, visitors will have the opportunity to reflect in a room set aside for meditation. A book will also be present to share ones thoughts on the viewing experience with others. Its often emotional to see the quilt and I think its pretty important to show our support, said Libby Rogers, nurse practitioner and director of Student Health Services. Rogers will do more in the Student Health Center than displaying a panel; the health center will close down Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow free HIV testing. Barbara Williams, American Red Cross certified HIV educator, counselor and tester through the Green Country Coalition, will be on campus to administer the confidential tests. Around 25 free tests are available. The types of testing available include the Rapid test and the Oral Rapid test. Each test provides results within 10 minutes. I think the free HIV testing will be a real draw, said Williams. We thought this would be a really good time to provide (HIV and AIDS) information. In addition to the universitysponsored World AIDS Day events, YAGNSU will show, The Band Plays On, a movie that highlights the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. The time and location is yet to be announced. For more information about this event, contact Aaron Cummings at cummings@nsuok.edu. e-mail Melissa Pedersen at pedersem@nsuok.edu.

Obama loses in Oklahoma but not at NSU

By Jacob Briggs TNE Contributing Writer The election is over and for all 50 states the votes have been counted. Oklahoma was the only state in the country where President-elect Barack Obama lost the popular vote in every single county. In fact, Senator John McCain won Oklahoma by a wider margin than in any other state. With a vote of 959,645-to502,286, McCains 66 percentvictory in Oklahoma was more substantial than in his home state of Arizona or his running mates, Alask Governor Sarah Palin. The county where the election was the closest was Cherokee County. Obama lost in Cherokee County but was still able to capture 44 percent of the votes. A significant reason that Obama was more successful in Cherokee County than in the rest of Oklahoma is because of the number of young voters living in and around Tahlequah and attending NSU. The atmosphere on campus is not one of defeat, but rather that of celebration. During election week, many students could be seen walking to and from classes wearing shirts, pins and stickers supporting Obama. Although McCain won in Oklahoma decisively, for some NSU Obama supporters, victory was no shock. I wasnt surprised, said Sam Settlemyre, Muskogee sophomore. ZI figured hed take it. I have heard of some people having an issue with him but I think that once he actually starts, people may accept him a little more. Confidence in Obama is high among young Americans. In order for President-elect Obama to be successful in the next four years, he will have to build confidence among Americans who did not vote for him. Its going to be a rocky road at first, said Sara McKay, Muskogee senior. The the color of peocountry is reples skin. What ally messed up America needs right now, its is someone who not like he is smart enough to see past all can just f lip that. Obama is a switch and the reason I regmake it all better. People istered to vote need to be fair this year and I with him and wanted him to give him a win because he chance before really spoke to they criticize people about ishim. sues that matter. Obama has McCain and Paeven been able lin didnt seem to capture the Courtesy Photo to have anything Obama lost in Cherokee County but was still able to capture that wasnt just hearts of high school stu- 44 percent of the votes. A significant reason that Obama was like President dents. During more successful in Cherokee County than in the rest of Okla- Bush. T hey homa is because of the number of young voters living in and his campaign should have run around Tahlequah and attending NSU. he was able as independents to create an ment, the race of the candidates so people didnt online network using social net- seemed to be less of a factor. associate them with Bush. working Web sites like Myspace Perhaps the most promising asBeing president of the United and Facebook. pect of the entire electoral process States is said to be the loneliest It does not take a political ge- this year was that most Ameri- job in the world. For Presidentnius to understand that using tools cans under the age of 50 seemed elect Barack Obama, the victory like these helps a candidate appeal to throw out any concerns about lap will have to be short. The to younger Americans. Unlike race when they cast their ballots. country is in a real tough posithe previous two elections, young The future of the country is tion right now. Stock markets in people, even those too young to very bright when a minority can- America and the rest of the world vote, found themselves being spo- didate can aspire to the highest lost hundreds of points in the days ken to directly by Obama. office in America and win, not in following the election. Added to I like him, said Madeline spite of his race, but rather as a the two months worth of losses Hart, Muskogee High School se- judgment of his qualifications and dating back to the middle of Sepnior. If he runs again I will vote temperament. tember, America now finds itself for him. My grandmother keeps I would have voted for him if he in its greatest financial crisis since saying he is a socialist, but Im not was purple, said Matt Fallaschek, the Great Depression. worried about that. Obviously, I University of Oklahoma alumnus Obama is responsible for apdidnt vote because Im not 18, and first-time voter. I think it is pointing the men and women who but I really wanted to. I think Mc- just ignorant to get caught up in will try to steer America out of Cain was for all those people who want the country to stay in the same place. Im glad he didnt win because I didnt like how he ran his campaign. The issue of race was discussed extensively by the media during the campaign. On the night of Obamas victory, many news anchors spoke of how historic his election was for the United Statesfor young Americans born a generation after the civil rights move-

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these troubled times. If Obama wants his presidency to be a successful one, he must work as a bipartisan leader and reach out to all the people that voted against him, showing them he intends to represent them as well. People didnt freak out that bad with Bush as president because it wasnt hitting them in the wallet that bad, except maybe for gas prices, said Mark Ingold, Muskogee senior. Now that all these people are losing their money and their houses, Obama is going to be expected to fix the problems or people are going to hold him responsible. Its just the way it goes. People blame whoevers in office. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John G. Roberts Jr. will inaugurate President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2009. He is in line to be Americas 44th president and the first person of African-American descent to hold the position. e-mail Jacob Briggs at briggsjp@ nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

The Northeastern

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Opinion

Nov. 18, 2008

Life lesson numero uno: Always be positive

Every column I have put out I feel like there is some kind of life lesson that I throw out there for all of you to try to understand and embrace. Sometimes I put a witty twist on things in hopes that if you do not take it to heart you will at least remember something from it and maybe it will make some kind of a change in your life. This week I am going to attempt to do the same thing, with a little less wit. So many times in life people are faced with things that can be dramatic, but we choose how these things affect our future. Let go of the things that people have done to you in your past. If you dwell on the past then nothing good will come out of your future. Everyday I see people whining around about things that are very minute. We spend so many hours being upset about things that have happened to us that we are not aware or appreciative of good things when they are staring us right in may not be your fault, but the the face. It seems to me sometimes way you allow it to affect your futhe only things ture will be your people rememfault and then ber are the bad. you will have let What kind of an that other peroutlook on life is son win. Is that that? the justification I urge you all you are looking to try something for? new. If you catch People can be yourself being mean and heartovercome by less and it is OK a negative into be hurt and stance in your upset, but overlife, instead of come it. Show staying upset them that you about it think are in control about how that and that they instance altered did not have the your perception Cassandra Brubaker power to ruin and made you you. Beat the re-think the way bully mentality you view things. Think about how that that person is thriving on. you can grow from it in a positive I know of a man who had sevway. eral negative child-hood experiThis is where the whole, glass ences. He never let go of the way half empty, glass half full theory his parents treated him. He grewcomes into play. up, went to college, got married If you continue to have hang- and had children. His wife and ups about the past you will have children were great, but because a very sad future because you he was so busy remaining upset will be stuck in that bad period about the things that had hapof your life, by your own choice. pened to him, he never appreciUnderstand that this is something ated these people in his life and that you are doing to yourself. You would never really let them in. will push people away, people who Instead he took them for grantmay have been a very positive ed and after 20 something years thing in your life. he abandoned them to go back Whatever happened to you to his family that he was so angry

Im Sandra D

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with. Because the man never let go of his past, he never could appreciate the great things that were in his future. It is as if he quit allowing himself to develop as a person and his mind-set remained in the same state as that sad adolescent. He allowed his anger from his past to consume him and now is alone. Is this the kind of life you want? Do not give others the power to control your life. It is the one thing that you can truly control. You are not responsible for others actions, nor can you predict or control what they do. Sometimes things happen in your life and they hurt, but I promise you can overcome these obstacles and at the end of the day you will be the better person. I see people use their past as an excuse to not productively proceed into the future. This is not an excuse. To put it blunt, shit happens, to everyone. Be the bigger person and do things that you can be proud of and appreciate the good things that happen. I want you all to try to reflect on the good things in your life and with just that one change you will see that you can and will be a happier person with a much more successful and bright future than you ever imagined possible. e-mail Cassandra Brubaker at brubaker@nsuok.edu.

Politics is to religion as truth is to Scientology

What is pissing you off this week? Cassandra asked me that in the newspaper office Friday when I told her I was running on empty for thoughts on this weeks column. I found that I really did not know what was irking me at the moment. Usually there is something I can effortlessly pinpoint. I guess there are a number of small things I have not had time to get around to, with these chaotic presidential campaigns battling like a reality show. That was too much entertainment for my demented mind; then, back-toback with the election, was that wild Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislation session. That much excitement, in addition to shelling out those two stories a day, could be responsible for my recent writing standstill. So, after pondering, I realized something was missing. An immense shadow cast by the presidential campaigns was hiding something in its depths. It was, yet again, another quick move by the conservative Christians that makes me want to ask, What happened to separation of church and State? It is difficult not to hear about Proposition 8, as much as it has been dragged through the dirt by every major network. The incredible irony is that a gay marriage ban has even been considered in California, one of the most liberal states in the union. Besides the fact that I am a hetero, I find it unbelievable and completely unconstitutional that the ridiculous ballot question passed. Who ignited this crusade against gays? Conservative Christians, as with every crusade. Why? They want to preserve the tradition of marriage, they say. Well, as much as conservative Christians refer to scripture for their political stances, why not take a glance back to the days of Abraham and the rampancy of polygamy in Christian- a sacred institution that has been ity? The Mormon religion may be around since the beginning of closer to scripture than Christians time. It originated as a property thought. exchange; a man How about the would acquire antradition that diother mans daughvorce is an abominater. He would do tion? Jesus scorned this as many times this act of adultery Whats your favorite color? as he wanted bein his teachings, yet cause, unfortunever spoke of gay nately for women at marriage. Statistics the time, they were reflect that divorce worth a few sheep, rates are stronger or some chickens in Christianity than or whatever. Men any other religion. It had 20 to 30 wives; is contradictory for that was tradition, a Christian to argue if you conservative this is preserving a Daniel Thomas Christians want to traditional definistick to it. tion when Christian marriages Then there are also the juvenile have a survival rate of 50 percent arguments such as homosexual in its own demographic. relationships are short-lived and I am not here to knock down according to the Christian relianyones religion, but if you want gion, based upon lust. How the to go as far as traditional, check hell would they know, unless they the history before making or tak- have had their own homosexual ing assumptions. Marriage is not fantasies? Oh yes, I went there.

Nov. 18, 2008

Opinion

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The Elf

Buddy

Just think about it for a moment. Relationships, whether heterosexual or homosexual, are short-lived until maturity ripens in the individual. A great majority of heterosexuals indulge in lust from middle school to the end of their college years and beyond, until they find that someone. Do not argue this fact with me; Christians are the largest group of hypocrites when it comes to sexual relations before marriage. So, they say it is wrong for a homosexual to do the same? A majority of homosexuals over age 25 have found themselves in that long-term relationship, while single or divorced heterosexuals surpass that age to 28 to 30 before settling. How can a conservative Christian refer to his or her beliefs on political decisions, yet contradict them in the same instance? This is consistent in every political argument presented by a single member or group of whatever denomination. They love the death

penalty, but Thou shalt not kill. They back oil wars, but Thou shalt not steal. They believe in some spiritual authority over these political decisions, yet judgment is strictly forbidden by all, except their god. Weve seen how dangerous throwing scripture at each other can be. Like I have mentioned previously, so many times, this country was founded on the principle of separating church and state. Religion has no right in politics; this is the reason our great America rebelled from England. Preserving the tradition of marriage is a replacement clause for Im homophobic, Im scared that a homosexual may have the same benefits as me, or Im ignorant and follow whatever my church, parents or friends say. All this entire situation boils down to is America looking for a new group to suppress. e-mail Daniel Buddy Thomas at thomasdg@nsuok.edu.

Spend thrifty, act swiftly, bundle up and suck it up

The recent change in weather has changed a lot of things, beside just that of the temperature. It is a constant reminder of many things: the holiday season is right around the corner (good for family and friends, but bad for ones pocket book.), the semester is coming to an abrupt end (which can be good in some cases and bad in others.) and flu season is back. These are all things to take into account. To begin, as far as the holiday season goes, remember that it is better to give than it is to receive. It is not about how much money one spends; it is about the quality time spent with loved ones. Memories are priceless and as people creep into their own adult years, these times together become more and more sparse. These are the times that should be appreciated. Secondly, one should keep up with their schoolwork and not put things off until last minute. Finals week can be stressful and it is in a students best interest to ration out their work throughout the semester and not try to cram it all in at once. There are approximately five weeks of school left so it is still possible for one to catch up. Third, sickness seems to be overwhelming this time of year. Colds and flu are all around for anyone to catch. There are precautions that can be taken to minimize ones chances of becoming ill this in the months ahead. Be sure to wash ones hands often. Bundle up when going outside and most importantly of all get adequate rest. An adult requires a minimum of eight hours of sleep per night to be fully rested. If one does not get enough rest, their immune system is lowered and the chances of becoming ill increase. Fourth and last, as 2008 comes to an end and 2009 nears, now is the prime time to begin thinking of New Years resolutions. As it is with every resolution, there is a little leeway. Resolutions are resolved very few and far in between, but at least the thought counts. Now is the time to think back on the months behind where misdeeds may have been performed and ill-conceived thoughts may have been carried out. It is time to right the wrongs. Everyone should take these four things into account so that they can get the most out of their winter break. It may be just that little thing that one needs to maintain their sanity. Breaks are good from time to time and for many winter break could not come soon enough. So spend thrifty, act swiftly, bundle up and suck it up because 2008 is nearly gone ladies and gentlemen. Out with the old and in with the new, or something to that effect. Good luck with the rest of the semester and see you soon.

On the house

Letters to the editor policy

The Northeastern accepts and encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be relatively short and to the point, and must include your name, and contact information

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in case we need to contact you back. We also encourage submission of any story ideas or pictures. E-mail letters, stories or pictures to tne@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

The Northeastern

Student government leadership conference held

By Patrick Fitzgibbon TNE Contributing Writer The Renaissance Hotel in St. Louis, Mo. was rapidly filled with active college students from all over the country earlier this month for the 30th Annual National Leadership Conference on Student Government. From Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, seasoned presidents, vice presidents and deans of colleges congregated in this centrally located city to speak to ambitious young people with hopes of changing their schools policies, procedures and student involvement. Students from as far as Eastern Connecticut State University all the way to University of California attended, seeking advice, ideas and techniques for improving their respective student governments. With the help of other highranking college officials from around the country, Pat Bosco, vice president of student life and dean of students for Kansas State University, has held this annual conference for 30 years, giving aid to students who want to be effective leaders. Listen, be assessable and real. said Bosco. Promise little and deliver big. Keep a balance in your life and remember who you represent. This year, the conference dealt with innovative and diverse subjects including budget cuts, campus smoking policies, commuter events, legal rights, campus safety, lobbying efforts and campus diversity as well as returning workshops such as Turning Conflict into Collaboration, Project Planning for Student Leaders and Goal Setting. The seminars daily workshop sessions allowed all students to attend any topic of their choice at different intervals throughout the day. Some workshops gave specific advice concerning student government relations to other branches of college such as Building Relationships with Your Advisor, Administration, Faculty, and Students, which explored strategies in building and strengthening key alliances with university personnel. Students could agree that there was something useful to be learned. Theres so much I found helpful, said Stephanie Wisniewski, Ullin, Illinois sophomore from Shawnee Community College. While some felt the workshops were generally useful, others had issues that needed addressing I found the Imaging and Branding and Teamwork and Trust workshops to be very helpful, said Garret Munro, Marie, Minnesota Junior from Lake Superior State University. The featured speakers were diverse and from different parts of the country, just like the students. The cultural differences among all of the attendees allowed for a free exchange of converse and opposing viewpoints. The conference administrators felt strongly about the need for centralized, cohesive and knowledgeable student governments in order to achieve a productive student body. In general, I dont think student governments are making good enough use of their power, said Trum Simmons, senior English professor, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They dont see the need to be activists. Student governments need to do better research of what is going on with

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News

Nov. 18, 2008

YAG supports H.O.P.E.

By Eric Davis TNE Senior Staff Writer Diamonds may be a girls best friend, but glitz and glamour define the divas that will rock NSU for the third annual Illuzions drag show. The event is sponsored by Young Allied Gays and H.O.P.E. to raise money for the H.O.P.E. clinic in Tulsa. The Health Outreach Prevention Educations clinic is an independent, nonprofit organization thats served Tulsa and surrounding areas since 98. According to their Web site, they are one of the largest health promotion facilities in Oklahoma and the only clinic that offers free, anonymous HIV testing in a 23 county area. We are proud to support H.O.P.E. and this cultural event. We hope that everyone will come to show their support as well, said Aaron Cummings, Muskogee senior. HIV/AIDS is a global problem that has killed more than 25 million people worldwide since 81. This is not a male/female, gay/ straight or young/old disease. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, there were 4,521 people with HIV/AIDS living in Oklahoma at the end of 2007. The largest percentage was the 20-29 year old age bracket.

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their campus issues. Northeastern Student Government Associations representation had expectations of its own. Each college represented had unique problems and differing ways of conducting business. Socializing with other student governments opened a window, allowing NSGA to gain sight of new objectives. Other student governments in our nation get 100 percent of their budgets, said Dustin McGowen, Moore senior and NSGA vice president, Id like to see a change in that at NSU. There was much to be learned at the four-day conference for advisers, teachers and students alike. With the help and cooperation of the student body, NSGA executives intend to take this information and apply it for the good of the students of NSU. NSGA can expect a newly refreshed leadership team, said McGowen. e-mail Patrick Fitzgibbon at fitzgibp@nsuok.edu.

Im glad there is going to be another drag show at NSU. I have a lot of friends who are gay and its time that we learn to accept people for who they are, said Corey Lowe, Coweta sophomore. December is AIDS awareness month. In a season where so much energy is put into buying gifts; support the fight against an unbiased disease. The show begins at 8 p.m. in the UC ballroom. Tickets can be purchased in advance in the UC lobby from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Wednesday for $3 or $4 at the door. For more information on visit www.hopetesting.org. e-mail Eric Davis at davis02@ nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

The Northeastern

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News Briefs

Nov. 18, 2008

News Briefs
Students must declare to enroll
For those who have not officially declared their major now is the time to do so. Students who are approaching 45 hours earned will need to declare so that it is possible to enroll for their spring 2008 semester. NSUs enrollment system does not allow students to enroll if they have earned more than 45 hours and still have not officially declared their major. Broken Arrow students are exempt from this because they must declare their major upon entry. Classes fill up fast so it is important to not wait until the last minute to do so. College is one of the most rewarding times in ones life and it is important to see ones way through it. If in need of declaring a major at the Tahlequah campus that can be done by simply stopping by the First Year Experience office (LIB 121) and they will be more than happy to help get a student on the right path. If confused about what to major in talk to friends and other students. Instructors may also be a good source of information in suggesting what fields of study may suit the students interest. It is important to talk to other people to find the most suitable major for ones self. Students must have at least 15 hours completed as well as ENGL 1113 to declare in any field of study.

Veterans Memorial Day Parade a success

By Daniel Thomas TNE Senior Staff Writer The Veterans Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by the Cherokee County Veterans Council, was all cheers and smiles Tuesday, Nov. 11, as veterans, atop convertibles and floats, rode by waving to and saluting the crowds. Many of the organizers and others in the parade were pleased by the turnout. I think this was the best one weve had in several years, said Jerry Gay, American Legion Chaplain of Post 135. The only thing that couldve made it any better is if it were five degrees warmer. Gay, in charge of the Honor Guard of the American Legion, had at first thought it lasted over an hour, but realized the downtown stroll was only 30 to 45 minutes from Chickasaw Street to Goingsnake Street on Muskogee Avenue. Though it does not seem like a lot of time, most parades are lucky to reach the half-hour mark. Of course I was carrying an eight and a half pound rifle, and by the end it felt like it was 75 pounds, said Gay, laughing. But overall, it was pretty remarkable. Downtown Tahlequah was a pool of waving American flags, draping in windows, hanging from poles, painted on banners and flying in the hands of children, who shouted for the defenders of the nation, although their little minds may not have come to fully understand the holiday. I looked down Main Street and saw so many American flags waving in the wind, said David Moore, executive director of Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce. Some flags were a part of floats, some were in color guards, others were being held by spectators. It was amazing to see. Another time, I saw some young cub scouts walk in formation down the street and when they saw a man or woman in uniform, they would salute that person. Each branch of the military was represented among the different floats, and organizations across Cherokee County including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Tahlequah High Schools Orange Express, the Band of Cherokee County and several churches and local businesses, all participated in honor of the nations veterans We have a lot of veterans here in our area, many of them older, said Tammy Phillips, one of the parade onlookers. My brother-in-law spent a year in Iraq, and its just heartwarming to know that he and all these people have fought for our freedoms. e-mail Daniel Buddy Thomas at thomasdg@nsuok.edu.

Nov. 18, 2008

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Social networking site launched

After 15 months of development, KollegeLife.com was created and launched on Sept.18. The creator is 22-year-old, Bryant University student Brandon Hodson. KollegeLife.com is the quintessential social networking and content site designed exclusively for college students-only in a marketplace vacated by industry giant Facebook. Exclusivity and privacy are key components of KollegeLife. com. The site uses aliases to protect the identity of the user. Also, a confirmed .edu e-mail address is required to enter the site. The aim is to give college students a place to blow off some steam, to have some fun, and to decrease the worry about potential employers or others snooping in on their online activites. The project was seen as an opportunity to give college students more than just pictures of drunken kids on spring break. Hodson did some research and found that almost 40 percent of Facebook users were over 35 years of age and that 70 percent of U.S. users were out of college. Feeling that this was a problem, Hodson decided he would try his hand at his entrepreneurial skills and thus created KollegeLife.com. KollegeLife.com has many of the best features common to social networking and content sites, including pictures and story posts, personal pages accessible by friends with personal blog space and a notepad where friends can leave messages. It also includes an intra-site e-mail over 2,000 message boards, chat rooms and a market-place to sell textbooks, electronics, vehicles and more.

The Northeastern

The Northeastern

NSU student journalist excels at Capitol

By Kara French TNE Co-Editor One of The Northeasterns own, Daniel Buddy Thomas, Ketchum senior, went to the state Capitol Wednesday, Nov. 5 through Nov. 9 for Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislatures Second Session of the 40th Legislature. This is where he won 1st place in O.I.L.s journalism competition and a paid internship with The Journal Record Publishing Company in Oklahoma City. He definitely deserved it. He was in that room for hours on end, said Patrick Fitzgibbon, Miami sophomore and Thomas roommate at O.I.L. I was very impressed. There were many schools participating such as Oklahoma State University, Tulsa University, Oral Roberts University, Rogers State University and University of Oklahoma. Wednesday consisted of opening remarks, Thursday, Friday and Saturday were spent in the Oklahoma Capitol from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. working on legislation and Sunday, working legislation until 3 p.m. Rewards and closing remarks followed until 6 p.m. Thomas went on this trip to obtain real, first-hand experience on how journalism works handin-hand with legislation and government. He learned what was covered, how terms are used, how to cover an internal election, how to cover legislation and how to get interviews in the hectic situation. It was difficult, as busy as everyone is, to get statements, interviews, find representatives, senators, and the board of directors, said Thomas. I felt like a chicken with its head cut off, but everyone was very helpful, and took the time to explain to me what was going on, if I was lost in a situation. By the second night I felt like I knew what I was doing, I was able to discuss legislation with delegates, I was being recognized, people knew who I was and why I was there. I felt like I made a connection with everyone there, being their journalist. Some were excited when I would come ask them their thoughts on a piece of legislation. Some journalists rely on their pen, paper and memory, but Thomas knew this was not enough to get by in a chaotic chamber of congress. My voice recorder was my best friend; there is no way anyone can write down or type all the things going on there, said Thomas. I would take my voice recorder home, separate and type statements, and it made my stories so much easier. By going on this trip, Thomas was assigned two stories a day. I write two stories a week for The Northeastern, but as Ive been told from Dr. Eversole and others in the field, two stories a day in that kind of environment is normal, said Thomas. You have to be organized and prepared for anything, and also develop good relationships with the people you will be talking to. Connections are key in this field. Earlier this semester, Dustin Woods, Atlanta, Texas junior and Secretary of Public Relations within the presidents cabinet came to talk to the staff of The Northeastern and Thomas jumped at the chance. There were a few in the meeting that I saw their eyes light up, said Woods. Buddy was the only one that got the paper work filled out and we went to the capitol.

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Benefit dinner held for former student

Charles Innis TNE Contributing Writer Kappa Kappa Psi will hold a benefit spaghetti dinner for a fellow brother and a cancer patient Nov. 21. Twenty-two year-old Amanda Shaffer, better known simply as Shaffer to her friends and family, is a former NSU student and an alumna of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. In May 2008, Shaffer was diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosis Lymphoma. This type of lymphoma is fairly common and has a 93 percent survival rate. In Shaffers case, however, the mass is located behind her lungs and heart which makes it hard for her to breathe at times and causes her to have erratic heart palpitations. She has had a history of heart problems before we even knew she had cancer, said Jared Brown, Catoosa senior. Cancer is just one of the problems Shaffer is facing. Another problem is lack of Medicaid and no health insurance. Under Title 19 of the Medicaid Code, Shaffer does not qualify for any financial aid because they do not consider this type of cancer to be debilitating, said Kathryn Johnson, Shaffers mother. Shaffer could qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI helps those who have a disability and cannot work enough to pay in to a social security plan due to their inability to work long hours or to endure strenuous work of any kind. This kind of aid is very conditional. Approval is pending based on the doctors assessment of the illness. The good news in Shaffers case is that the mass has dwindled in size due to chemotherapy and could go in remission soon. The down side to that is SSI may deny her claim simply because it will not be considered a long term disability. Her first hospital bills are in the thousands, said Johnson. In addition are the oncologist bills and the chemo treatments. Bill collectors are already calling day and night. It is for this reason that Kappa Kappa Psi is holding a benefit spaghetti dinner this Friday. As soon as we found out that she was denied any financial aid, we started thinking of ways to help her out. said Jason Ashmore, Tulsa senior and President of Kappa Kappa Psi. Kappa Kappa Psi is hoping to at least put a dent in Shaffers medical bills with the benefit dinner and would appreciate all the help that NSU and the Tahlequah community as a whole can offer. Cancer is a disease that kills millions of Americans each year and leaves many survivors with insurmountable bills that loom over them for the rest of their lives. Any help via donations or by eating at the spaghetti dinner will be greatly appreciated. said Ashmore. The location for the dinner on Friday is at the Cherokee Nation Community Ballroom in the Cherokee Nation Complex on Highway 62. The dinner will start at 7 p.m. and is $10. Those wishing to just donate can do so at Armstrong Bank through Kappa Kappa Psi, Special Account #60264306. To RSVP or for more information call Ashley Thompson at 1-479-739-1887 or e-mail her at alpharho@kkpsi. org. e-mail Charles Innis at innis@ nsuok.edu.

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Photograph by Dustin Woods Thomas is taking a break from working to take a picture in the Chambers of the House of Representatives in Oklahoma City. He plans on returning as a delegate next semester.

After this trip, Thomas has decided to go back to the capitol for O.I.L.s spring session and become a delegate, although it did not start out that way. The first day and a half, I was ready to jet out of there, said Thomas. I felt like the intern that couldnt find his way. By Saturday I knew I shouldve joined as a delegate long ago, and when awards came around Sunday, I realized how big of a deal the whole thing

was. This organization means a lot to delegates, and meant a lot to me to be a part of it. Taking home the 1st place trophy and internship was more of a bonus to Thomas, rather than the significant summit of his time spent. I remember playing my guitar in the hotel while delegates made up goofy songs, and I played some of my own that really had people laughing, said Thomas. Winning first place was not the high point of my being present. The relationships and times I spent with the delegates was the most rewarding part of the trip. e-mail Kara French at frenchkw@ mail.nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

The Northeastern

Local wildlife conservatory offers escape

By William Grayson TNE Contributing Writer There is not a better place to take in the fall colors than the J.T. Nickel Family Wildlife Preservation. Nestled in the foot hills of the Ozark Mountains lay 15,000 acres of wildlife preservation dedicated to the conservation of scenic landscape in Oklahoma. The J.T. Nickel Family Wildlife Preservation was established in 2000 when John T. Nickel donated more than 15,000 acres of land in Cherokee and Adair counties to The Nature Conservatory, making it the largest privately protected conservation in the Ozarks. Nickel has been involved in agriculture for most of his life. His parents founded Greenleaf Nurseries in 1945, and by 1957 John was a respected partner in the family business. Nickel has always been passionate about wildlife conservation and the protection of lands and waters; it was this passion that led him to his generous donation of land to The Nature Conservatorys Oklahoma chapter. The unique landscape and topography of the expansive reserve serves as the ideal ecosystem for many diverse plants and animals, some of which occur nowhere else outside the Ozarks. I accidentally stumbled upon the reserve last summer when a couple friends and I were driving down back roads, said Troy Lynch, Little sophomore. We saw the signs and decided to go have a look. I try to go out to the preserve once a month. It is where I go when I need to get away from everything for a while. Its a very peaceful place. Sightings of coyotes, foxes and bobcats occur frequently throughout the reserve with the occasional spotting of black bears and mountain lions. These habitats provide countless opportunities to view deer, turkey, songbirds and other wildlife as well. I always enjoy taking a trip out to the preservation, especially this time of year when the weather begins to change, said Parker Newkirk, Jay junior. It is the perfect opportunity to spot wild turkey, deer and elk. It is a preservation, so obviously you cant hunt them; but I enjoy it none-the-less. All the wildlife can be observed from one of the many dirt roads that bisect the reserve. The Savanna, Pine Ridge and Wetland trails provide different ecosystems to enjoy. The Savanna Trail ascends above the headquarters and is a higher altitude hike that snakes along the top of ridges. The trail occasionally forks to give hikers a variety of paths to take throughout their endeavor. The Pine Ridge Trail takes visitors through the forested areas and meadows that spot the preservation. From evergreens to hickories to towering oaks, these trails will immerse guests in the vast ecosystem that surrounds them. The last trail, the Wetland Trail, starts just off the six-mile road that bisects the reserve. It completes a 1.3 mile loop around swamp and marshlands. This trail is ideal for looking at species of waterfowl and other wildlife that call the reservation home. Just from working out there I go down those trails quite often, said Jordan Anderson, Tahlequah sophomore. I enjoy the Savanna Trail most. It provides spectacular views of the reserve, and if youre lucky you can catch a glimpse of a coyote or wild turkey. In 2003, Nickel dedicated the headquarters and furthered his dream in 2005 by reintroducing 20 Rocky Mountain elk, once native to the northeastern part of the Ozarks, after 150 years of absence. In 2006, another six more animals of varying species were released onto the reserve. These reintroductions were the first such projects on a Natural Conservatory preserve in the U.S. Ive seen the elk several times but it never gets old, said Ryan Hieronymus, Muskogee senior. Every time I see them the alpha male is staring me down, making sure Im not a threat to his females. Its an incredible sight. I can usually spot them crossing the gravel road that cuts through the reserve. According to its Web site, www. nature.org, what the Conservancy is doing will restore and maintain the natural plant and animal communities of this former cattle ranch. Fields that were once in-

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Nov. 18, 2008

National fraternity dedicated to bettering bands

By Cashen Ponds TNE Contributing Writer Home-grown fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, spread across the nation becoming a well known fraternity in America. Founders William Scroggs and Bohemil Makorsky, started to realize the decrease in band members after World War I. As a result, they started coming up with plans to renew interests in musical performances. Established Nov. 27, 1919 at Oklahoma State University Kappa Kappa Psi became a fraternity dedicated to developing the best college bands with the highest performance standards possible. Kappa Kappa Psi is a national honorary service fraternity dedicated to bettering the band. The fraternity participates in fundraising, providing drinks during rehearsals and games, transportation of equipment and helps band members and the instructor(s) with whatever they may need. Kappa Kappa Psi members raised money to help purchase the music and the brand new uniforms, said Shayna Rini, Tahlequah junior. NSUs chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi meets every Monday, but still some students feel they do not have the time needed to be a valued member. During meetings, members discuss upcoming events and brainstorm how to make things better and run smoother. Other band members find Kappa Kappa Psi to be one of the best things they are involved in and find it fits just fine into their schedules. Kappa Kappa Psi is really great, I love being a part of it, said Maria Keesee, Siloam Springs sophomore. Keesee has been a member of Kappa Kappa Psi since fall 2007 and will continue her membership ter Maynard Ferguson, John Denver, Neil Armstrong, Ray Charles and Bill Clinton. Dont ask what your band can do for you; ask what you can do for your Courtesy Photo band, is a saying NSUs chapeven after she graduates. ter uses to invite students to join Becoming a member of Kappa the fraternity and help it grow. Kappa Psi is not all about work To become an active member though. They take time off for the students need to be in band. themselves as well. At the beginning of the 2008 fall semester ,Kappa Kappa Psi invited the whole band on a trip to float the river. The purpose of the trip was to have a great time and meet new people, said Jason Ashmore, Tulsa senior. Since Kappa Kappa Psi began, there have been a number of well-known members. Among them are John Philip Sousa, Wal-

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Courtesy Photo The Nickel Preserve has been identified as a key area in the protection of biological diversity in the Ozarks Ecoregion. Conservation plans include elk reintroduction, savanna restoration and invasive species elimination.

Members of Kappa Kappa Psi do not always see things the same, but they work through it and get the job done. When I rushed, I wouldnt trade that for anything, said Krystin Johnson, Broken Arrow junior. We butted heads but who doesnt. It is hard to imagine Kappa Kappa Psi as a small 10-member fraternity that has grown to more than 45 thousand members strong. The fraternity has 171 active chapters and is still growing. e-mail Cashen Ponds at ponds@ nsuok.edu.

habited by invasive species are being replaced with tall grasses and woodland areas in an effort to re-create a native landscape. Since 2000, the return of fire on site has produced an increase in botanical diversity and abundance. Prescribed burns here will restore the open woodland conditions that conservancy scientists believe historically existed. The exclusion of fire on this region has contributed to the decline of a multitude of plants, animals, and natural communities. There are several invasive species that have moved in over past decades and choked out many native grasses and wildflowers. Controlled burning allows the soil to be enriched and clears land for the reintroduction of native plants. According to The Nature Conservatory, the Nickel Preserve is perhaps the last landscape-scale

opportunity to address these threats in the Oklahoma Ozarks by protecting and restoring a fully functioning ecosystem. When I worked out there we did several controlled burns a year, said Anderson. It is done with extreme caution and precision. This process is vital to the reintroduction of many species. With offices in all 50 states and more than 20 countries, the conservatory owns and manages approximately 1,400 nature preserves worldwide. The Oklahoma chapter was founded in 1986, and owns and operates 13 reserves protecting 68,000 acres across the state. They employ more than 150 staff and have offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Pawhuska, Tahlequah and Ada. I am so glad that someone is trying to do something for the environment rather that taking away from it, said Blake Starnes, Gore freshman. I hope that there are still pristine ecosystems like these when I have kids. Everybody, young and old, deserves to enjoy this seamless landscape. e-mail William Grayson at graysowh@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

The Northeastern

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Dobbins dedicated to NSU

Liza Posson TNE Contributing Writer For over 60 years, retired athletic director Jack Dobbins has contributed to the growth and success of NSU. Dobbins has earned many titles throughout the years, including student, professor, coach and athletic director. Dobbins enrolled at NSU in 1947, World War II had just ended and times were hard. I hitchhiked from Coweta to enroll, enrolling was one of greatest things of my life, said Dobbins. He played both baseball and basketball at NSU, but scholarships and grants were not offered back then. With focus and drive, Dobbins refused to sit on the sidelines of life. I worked as a custodian for all four years I went to school; in the summer I would hall hay. I paid for all three of my degrees out of my own pocket, Im proud about that, said Dobbins. In 1994 Dobbins retired from NSU after 35 years as athletic director. That same year, Dobbins made NSU history by having the Jack Dobbins Field House dedicated to him. I was flabbergasted and humbled, it was a tremendous honor. If you can imagine the scenario of when I was 17 and confused, to have a structure named after me, it was unreal, said Dobbins. Jack is passionately dedicated to the progress of the university, still lending support to team NSU whenever it is needed. NSU is a wonderful place to get an education. It has always had caring faculty and staff members, said Dobbins. Dobbins has strong encouragement for anyone interested in the university. Get your degree and your future can be unlimited with what you can do, said Dobbins. e-mail Posson at posson@nsuok.edu.

Coach reflects on years past

By Jeremy Short TNE Contributing Writer The name Dr. Jack Dobbins has, to some on campus, become synonymous with the basketball field house, but the story of the man himself is one that has had a profound effect not only on the athletic programs, but on the university itself. Dobbins, who is still affiliated with NSU, working as an adjunct instructor, has ties to the university that date back 61 years. He can truly be described as someone who bleeds green and white. I told Dr. Betz if I can assist in any way to call me, said Dobbins. I want to help the university in any way I can. Dobbins came to NSU in 1947, after graduating from Coweta High School. Tough money situations as a result of World War II forced his high school to abandon bus travel; as a result Dobbins and his teammates got to games by riding in the back of a cattle truck. It was one of the greatest events of my life to come to Northeastern, said Dobbins. When he arrived on campus he had never seen a college basketball game before, but decided to tryout for the team. A self-described 17year-old kid, Dobbins was able to make the team and found himself among several war veterans as his teammates. I wanted to play so I tried out, said Dobbins. Nearly all the guys trying out were veterans.

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Dobbins appreciates NSUs influence NSU changed Dobbins life

By Joe Weavel TNE Contributing writer In 1947 NSUs campus consisted of only few buildings. This is what a small wiry 17-year-old country boy from Coweta, Okla. saw after hitchhiking to Tahlequah from his home to enroll in his freshman year of college. This was the fall of 1947, the war had ended and there was a lot of veterans enrolling that year. Enrollment was being held in the north end of the old north gym, I didnt even know what to do to enroll, said Coach Jack Dobbins. Dobbins had played basketball in high school, which was the only sport that was available because most male teachers had been drafted for the duration of the war. Everything was rationed in those days so they could not use the school bus to transport players to the game if it was away from home; the solution was transportation by cattle truck. Let me tell you it was cold in the back of that old truck, in those days only the players went to away games there was no room for your parents to come along, said Dobbins. In the 40s, the government had passed the G.I. Bill, this allowed veterans returning from the service to get a college education, so NSUs campus was swarming with returning veterans. I had never seen a college basketball game and I wanted to play college ball, so when they held tryouts I went, I did not think I would have a chance, because there were so many men there that had been in the service and were older than me, but when all was done Coach Tom Rousey kept me on the team, he was a great man, I looked up to him all my life, said Dobbins. Today students get all sorts of financial aid, but in the 40s if one wanted to go to college they paid By Malorie Jones TNE Writer There have been many coaches through the years here at NSU. The coach that stands out among the rest is NSU basketball coach Dr. Jack Dobbins. Dobbins coached from 1959 to 1981 and enjoyed every minute. How he got to NSU is a story not many forget. Dobbins went to Coweta High School during World War II and Coweta contained female teachers because the male teachers had been drafted. He was interested in football, but the school had dropped the football program and had kept the basketball program. He joined the basketball team and since gas was rationed, the team had a different way of transportation. The team had to travel in a cattle truck instead of buses in the middle of winter to away games, said Dobbins, former NSU basketball coach and athletic director. The girls team did too and our parents didnt go to away games because the gas was too rationed. After World War II Dobbins wanted to go to college. He was interested in NSU and being that it was only 40 miles from his home, it would not be hard to travel there since he had no source of transportation. In Fall 1947, he hitchhiked from Coweta to Tahlequah to enroll. Once arriving at NSU, he went to enroll in the North Gym. Having no background on how to enroll, I really didnt know what to do, said Dobbins. It was one of the greatest events in my life. It completely changed my life coming here to NSU. Dobbins had never seen a college basketball game and wanted to play college ball. NSU had hired Tom Rousey, who had been a tank commander in World War II, and Dobbins tried-out at 17-years-old and made the team. That was a big turning point in his life. Rousey had the greatest impact in my life besides my family, said Dobbins. I am still indebted to him today. Dobbins had been living week to week until he got a job as a custodian for NSU. He would go home on the weekends to haul hay and have extra money for food for the next week. After playing ball for NSU and graduating with a degree, Dobbins coached at public schools before coming back to NSU. He started in Haskel, then Tahlequah, Snider and afterwards came back to NSU. While he was coaching at public schools, NSU started a graduate program and started integrating in 1954. Dobbins recruited and coached the first African-American basketball player at NSU, Travis Stevenson in 1961. He coached from 1957 and is still at NSU helping in any way he can. I love this university so much for all it did for me, said Dobbins. I could never repay. e-mail Malorie Jones at jonesmk@nsuok.edu.

Courtesy Photo Pictured above are Tom Morgan, Allison McCune, Jack Powhatan and Jack Dobbins. This picture was featured on Page 83 of the Tsa-La-Gi in 1951.

For some reason Coach Rousey kept me on the team. It was a big turning point in my life. After making the Redmen basketball squad, Dobbins found himself playing for Tom Rousey. Rousey who became the coach in 1947, the same year Dobbins arrived, and inherited a program that was just 63-149 all-time. The team made strides in Dobbins four years, going from 4-20 in his freshman season to 19-11 in his senior year. Rousey became one of the greatest influences on Dobbins life. Coach Rousey has the greatest impact on my life outside of family, said Dobbins. After graduating in 1951, Dobbins taught at the public school level for eight years before returning to NSU as an instructor and basketball coach in 1959.

He went on to coach to 21 seasons and now sits as the active leader in school wins with 327. In 1994, he was honored with the naming of the field house in his honor. It was a tremendous honor and something I never dreamed of, said Dobbins. I was very humble by that occasion. Dobbins attributes much of the success in his life to NSU and claiming he can never pay off the amount he is indebted to the school. I would tell people that Northeastern is just a wonderful place to get an education, said Dobbins. The faculty is so caring and the administration is so caring that it was like another home for me here. e-mail Jeremy Short at short@ nsuok.edu.

Editors Note Dr. Jack Dobbins was a guest speaker in Dr. Dana Eversoles reporting for the media class. Each student was asked to write a vignette and these are the four vignettes chosen.

for it out of their own pocket, and most of the time it was done from the sweat of ones own brow. There were no scholarships or grants to be had in those days, so when the G.I. Bill came along it provided an opportunity for people to get a college education that probably would never have had a chance. Coach Tom Rousey told me that I was on a basketball scholarship, I was a custodian, I swept the Education building every night for 30 cents an hour, said Dobbins. I graduated in 1951 and started teaching, I taught at Tahlequah, Haskell and Shidler, Okla. Dobbins taught in the public school system for eight years before becoming the head basketball coach at NSU wherre he was also Athletic Director, Chair for Health and Physical Education and a professor. He retired after 35 years. Dobbins is still affiliated with NSU as an adjunct professor, this year began his 61 year with NSU. I love Northeastern State University, it has done so much in my life, first and foremost I met my wife here in the 40s, and she passed away seven years ago, we had three sons, I will tell you how much this university means to me, I am a lifetime member of the Alumni Association as was my wife, our three sons are lifetime

members and even our two and a half week old grandchild is a lifetime member of Northeastern State Universities Alumni Association, said Dobbins. Dobbins retired from the University in 1994, at which time, President Webb honored him by naming a building after him, The Jack Dobbins Field House. I love NSU, it changed my life, that day in the fall of 47, when this little skinny farm boy walked into the north gym to enroll changed my life forever, how was I to know that 61 years later I would still be affiliated with Northeastern. I have an upstairs room full of Northeastern memorabilia; I call it the Redman room. NSU is a great school; give your top effort on the field as well as in the classroom, which is what I have told students for years, and you can not go wrong, said Dobbins. NSU will celebrate its centennial next year and you can bet Dobbins will be there on Founders Day to celebrate along with former students, faculty, the city of Tahlequah and Cherokee Nation where it all began so many years ago. e-mail Joe Weavel at weavelj@ nsuok.edu.

Courtesy Photo

When Dobbins came to Tahlequah, NSUs campus consisted of Seminary Hall, the north gym, the building that is now Financial Aid, Wilson and Haskell Halls and the football field, which was located where the library parking lot stands. The bleachers still remain where the rock wall is between Haskell Hall and the library parking lot.

The Northeastern

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Miss NSU 2009 contestants ready

for center stage Thursday at CPA

Miss NSU 2008, Ashley Gharibvands platform was Unite for Sight, helping children see a brighter future, vision screening testing and advocacy. The Miss NSU 2009 pageant is Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Center for Performing Arts. Admission is $5. The pageant will run in the same format as the Miss America pageant in which the contestants are judged on; personal interview, swimsuit, talent, evening wear and on stage question. However, the atmosphere of a Miss NSU pageant is not just for the contestants. It presents the audience with a chance to participate in the judging, unlike Miss America. A Crowd Pleaser category is a fundraiser so that the audience has a chance to vote for their contestant. Each vote normally costs $1. The winner of the Crowd Pleaser actually receives an award, however does not affect the final outcome of the pageant. Cassidy Wildermuth is a 19year-old sophomore from Pryor, Okla. Wildermuth is a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and was Miss Pryor 2007. She loves playing intramurals and singing. Wildermuth is majoring in Mass Communication and plans on obtaining her Masters in the same field of study. Her platform is based upon a user-friendly environment for wheelchair users. If Wildermuth becomes Miss NSU, she would like to represent NSU and Tahlequah by being a good role model for all the younger girls to look up to. Wildermuth will be singing, Gimme-Gimme from the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Michelle Bruffett is a 20-yearold junior from McAlester, Okla. Bruffett is a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, the executive board of National Panhellenic Council and Delta Mu Delta honors society. She has competed in several pageants and was Miss McAlester in 2008 and Miss NSU Talent winner in 2008. Bruffett is majoring in Accounting and also hope to obtain her CPA. Her platform is the American Heart Association hopes to start a chapter here at NSU. If Bruffett becomes Miss NSU, she hopes to represent a great role model for young girls and participate in various philanthropies. Bruffett will be performing a jazz dance to the song My Strongest Suit.

Kendyl Sexton is a 21-year-old sophomore from Apache, Okla. Sexton is a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and was 2nd runner-up in Miss Lawton 2007. She enjoys being a middle school mentor and working at the Boys and girls Club of Tahlequah. Sexton is majoring in Early Childhood Development and plans on becoming a pre-school teacher. Her platform is learning disability awareness and hopes to start a mentor program similar to the one she participated in for middle school students called, Mentorship of Academic Challenges. If Sexton becomes Miss NSU, she would like to hold conferences informing teachers about how children learn with disabilities. Sexton will be singing, Sam You Made the Pants Too Long.

DeeAnn Amlin is an 18-yearold freshman from Tahlequah, Okla. Amlin is a member on the NSU Majestics, PLC student and NAB. She has lived in Tahlequah her whole life and has received numerous awards for her academics. Amlin is majoring in Dance Education and plans to work in Higher Education after obtaining her Masters. Her platform is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals While Promoting a Healthier Life Choice for Americans. If Amlin becomes Miss NSU, she hopes to increase school spirit at NSU and the community by informing students about being involved in campus organizations. Amlin will be performing a contemporary dance to Free Falling.

Holly Rongey is a 22-year-old junior from Jenks, Okla. Rongey is a member of the social dance society and Collegiate Music Educators National Conference. She was 2nd runner-up and Miss Congeniality in the 2008 Miss NSU. Rongey is majoring in Music Education and plans on obtaining her Masters in the same field of study, in which one day she would like to teach elementary students music and pursue a career with Disney. Her platform is advocating involvement in the arts. If Rongey becomes Miss NSU, she would like to bring music to children who cannot afford lessons. Rongey will be singing Orange Colored Sky.

Amber Burnett is a 21-year-old senior from Ochelata, Okla. Burnett is a member of Alpha Chi and Ro Theta Sigma and has been on the Honor Roll since 2005. Burrnett is a Pre-Optometry student and encourages people to get more involved in eye care. Burnett plans on owning her own optometry practice and teaching physiology undergraduate classes. Her platform is educating society on Pit-bull Terriers and how people view them as a dangerous animal. If Burnett becomes Miss NSU, she wants to inform students about the advantages of being involved in organizations on campus. Burnett will be performing a modern dance to The Fast and the Furious soundtrack.

Dinah Hill is a 22-year-old senior from Bixby, Okla. Hill is a member and president of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and vice president of Student Council for the Exceptional Child. Hill is majoring in Special Education and plans on obtaining a Masters in Educational Administration. Her platform is autism awareness and she hopes to educate teachers and administrative staff about autism. If Hill becomes Miss NSU, she hopes to represent NSU to younger children and become a prominent role model to her fellow classmates and those in the community. Hill will be performing a sign language interpretation.

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New high-ropes course offers high-flying thrills

By Melissa Pedersen TNE Writer Some NSU students are gearing up for high-flying adventures at Heart O Hills new high ropes course. The 65 foot tall challenge course is not only designed to push ones limits, but to raise the bar for courses like it in the country. Its the premiere high ropes course in the country, said Jeff Mosher, executive director of Heart O Hills. Unlike most courses, this four layer, 25 element course is nonlinear. This means there is no one way to maneuver through the course. Each participant can decide which elements they would like to tackle before heading to the ground on one of two zip lines or the giant swing. Its not just the swing that excites me; its all of the elements, said Stephen Kristeller, ropes instructor. Just being suspended 60 feet in the air gets me excited. To enter the course, there is the option of taking a sieve or a draw bridge. From there, participants can cross beams, climb nets and swing on ropes to reach the fourth layer and the entrance to the zip line. The most incredible thing is the fear factor, said Mosher. The zip line on most courses is 300 feet and were double that. In addition to testing any fears of heights one may have, the amount of trust one has in equipment will also be tested during the initial 15 foot freefall before the zip line loads. The ropes course is all about team building and in some cases, trusting a stranger, said Kristeller. And applying this to real life. In addition to team building, the high elements force each individual to test their limits. Its more challenging for yourself, said Jeri Melton, Cleveland sophomore and ropes instructor. It helps build skills you need in and out of college. Sigma Theta Epsilon, NSUs Christian mens fraternity, has been helping the camp with finishing touches. For the past few weekends, members have been picking rocks and mulching the course to prepare for its opening Nov. 23. The Sigma Thetas plan on seeing their hard work put to good use though. The fraternity has already booked to use the high ropes Dec 6. A lot of people have a fear of heights, and (to) overcome them is what Im looking forward to seeing, said John Mason, Wagoner senior, ropes instructor and Sigma Theta Epsilon member. The STEs will not be the only ones from NSU utilizing the new course. The spring Leisure and Outdoor Education class will spend a few weeks of their semester at the camp on both the low and high ropes courses. As with this semesters class, spring students will have to learn to step out of their comfort zone.

Thanksgiving plans on students minds

By Glen Evans TNE Contributing Writer With one of the favorite holidays quickly approaching it is important for students to not just set back and let this fun festive time slip by and do nothing with it. Holidays bring time for families and friends to come together and celebrate good times and with Thanksgiving it also brings a break from class. I am so busy during the school year with class and with all the organizations I am involved with so I look forward to every break, but especially Thanksgiving break, said April Collins, Westville junior. My family is always entertaining and they help me forget about all the stress that I am dealing with at school. Thanksgiving is good time for rest. For a lot of students the comfort of their family and home is exactly what a student needs to get them well rested and back on the right track. This is what Nov. 26 through 30 will bring for a lot of students. For other students Thanksgiving can be a little stressful. If you are celebrating Thanksgiving festivities at your home it can be chaotic. For others it is trying to plan prepare the holiday meal their home that can cause the stress. I have a big family on both sides and we always have Thanksgiving at our house, said Lexi Woods, Salina Junior. It can get a little crazy preparing for the day, it is a lot of hard work, but in the end it is definitely worth it. With all this time of rest and family fun, it is important to not waste time away. There is a lot of fun and exciting things to do beside just spend time with family. During the break I am going hunting, said Josh Gilles, Stillwell freshman. I love hunting and this is one of the best times of the year to do it, and I dont have to worry about going to class. As we know a popular Thanksgiving tradition is to watch football. With the Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions on at 12:30 p.m. and the Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys on at 4:15 p.m. and the Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles 8:15 p.m., there will be plenty to choose from. I always watch the games every year, said Casey Dillard, Sallisaw freshman. It gets pretty heated sometimes, it is kind of a big deal at my house. We are really into football at least the guys are. We also have karaoke too, that is always a good time. Thanksgiving can be more than just about eating with the family. It is making memories and family traditions. This is a good time to draw name for Christmas gifts, donate blood, volunteer at a soup kitchen or bring canned goods and old clothes to the local shelter, get together with old high school friends or share thoughts with family and friends. One thing I am looking forward to is all the political discussion. With this election being over I know my family is going to have a lot to say about it. I cant wait to talk about it all, said Magen Calahan, Newkirk junior. What ever the plans are for this holiday break, just remember there is a lot to be thankful for, and it is Thanksgiving, so do that if nothing else. Give thanks. e-mail Glen Evans at evansmg@ nsuok.edu.

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Courtesy Photo The four tiered course ranges in height from 15 feet on the lowest layer, to 65 feet on the fourth layer. The new high ropes course features elements like the Trolley, Floating Planks and Postmans Walk.

This course can show people there are no boundaries, said Kristeller. People can do whatever is set before them. For those interested in trying out high ropes that are unable to enroll in the Leisure and Outdoor Education class are able to rent

the course for a day. Interested groups should consist of no more than 40 people and all should be in good health. There are no height or age requirements to use the course, but it is designed for people not far over 250 pounds. For rates booking details, call Heart O Hills at (918)4565325 or e-mail Heart O Hills at jeff_mosher@uss.salvationarmy. org. e-mail Melissa Pedersen at pedersem@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

The Northeastern

Delta Zeta performs service, offers sisterhood

By Malorie Jones TNE Writer All NSU fraternities and sororities are proud of what their organization represents internationally and locally. The Delta Zeta sorority was founded in 1902 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. This organization began with six founders, Mary Collins, Julia Bishop, Anne Simmons, Anna Keen, Mabelle Minton and Alpha Lloyd. People recognize Delta Zeta by the colors of pink and green, their flower the killarney rose, the diamond as their jewel, and their international mascot, the turtle. The president of Delta Phi chapter of Delta Zeta expressed her opinion on what their sorority means to her. I like that we have a wide variety of girls, said Gentry Henry, Stigler senior. We are all very different and unique, and whatever a sister needs can find it here. I also liked how we are very involved and connected with the university and the Greek system. Being involved and helping others is important to Delta Zeta. There are many local fundraisers Delta Zeta holds to raise money for their philanthropy such as a car wash, the Chili Dinner and the Toilet Bowl. Their philanthropy is the Speech and Hearing Impaired. Delta Zeta has two main projects it contributes to, they are the Galluedet University that supports college students whom are hearing impaired and the Painted Turtle Camp that is a camp for children who have diseases. Some of these diseases have affected the children in many ways, such as not having the chance to be around other children. This camp lasts one to two weeks and gives the children the chance to have fun and be around others. It means a lot to me because I have a cousin who is hearing impaired, said Amanda Adney, Oktaha senior. Knowing that our organization contributes to

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BCM travels to Africa

By Stevy Rystedt TNE Contributing Writer No cell phones, no Internet and most of all no God or even a religion to call their own, third world countries struggle to stay up to date. Sitting in front of a television or even driving on paved roads seem like a necessity, but the people of Chakakala and Chiliza, Africa do not have these things. Spreading the word of God and fighting for what is right may seem like part of the past. NSU Baptist Collegiate Ministries is taking a trip to Malawi, Africa May 1730 to do just that. Chakakala and Chiliza are the selected villages within Malawi, Africa. It is nice to be so welcomed by the people; they were so hungry for the Gospel and their hospitality is wonderful. They paid close attention to what we were saying and hung off every word, said Bobby Lipscomb, BCM director. Each student is placed with an interpreter and is sent into the village to go from hut to hut spreading the Gospel to the people. The first couple of conversations with people were nerve racking, but after a while you and your interpreter become close because everything that you say goes through him as well, so by the end you are best friends, said Bryce Stafford, Locust Grove senior. This is the second year BCM has been involved in this trip. Stafford was among the eight pioneers who attended the trip for the first time and hopes to be able to go again. It means a lot to be involved in this because it is something we have been praying about for years, said Debbie Lipscomb, associate director of BCM. The cost is $3,000. Many students put in applications to attend; unfortunately only eight students get to make this trip.

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Courtesy Photo Pictured above are Delta Zeta members walking by Seminary Hall on the way to start during Bid Day. Delta Zeta takes pride in their sisterhood and the many people they serve and help.

philanthropies, it makes me feel good to be a part of this. Anyone that wants to has a chance to run for an office. These positions can provide leadership experience and help the member become well organized. I would have to say what I would expect out of me would be sisterhood, to be the best, and represent Delta Zeta, said Elizabeth Cook, Watts sophomore. For the other members I would expect them to be classy ladies, to be involved on campus, represent

Delta Zeta, and to be compassionate about the community. The members of Delta Zeta look up to the sisterhood they all share. Many have expressed that being a part of an organization can really help with a social atmosphere and long lasting friendships. The sisterhoods are my favorite moments of Delta Zeta, said April Collins, Westville junior. I really enjoy the sisterly bounding we all share. e-mail Malorie Jones at jonesmk@ nsuok.edu.

Im really excited to find out if this is what Gods will is for me. It will answer a lot of questions, said Jacob Scheffel, Pryor junior. Training starts in the spring and takes place at least once a month. The students will learn culture, customs and some language. The selected five will spend time in prayer about this topic. The students who go will have something to hold onto forever and the people they help will not forget the words students shared. Everything was very eye opening; across the world seems so far away, and you think they are going to be different people, but when you get there the people are the same they just grew up in a different culture, Stafford said. e-mail Stevy Rystedt at rystedt@ nsuok.edu.

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The Northeastern

Program receives awards at conference

By Melissa Pedersen TNE Writer September was an impressive month for NSUs Speech-Language Pathology program. Not only did NSU hold its first Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association conference, two faculty members and one graduate student took home honors. NSUs Dr. Karen Patterson served as the convention chair for the conference, held at the Broken Arrow campus Sept. 18-20. After serving as vice president of OSHA in 2008, Patterson has now been nominated for president. If she receives the position, Patterson already set some goals she would like to work toward. Id like to see us increase membership, said Patterson. I dont think people understand the organizations benefit to the field. Jennifer Ohlson, a second-year graduate student in the SpeechLanguage Pathology program, received a $1,000 award after being named an outstanding graduate student. Ohlsons student-clinician work, combined with academic excellence, made her stand apart from other candidates. The way they have their clinical school set up is wonderful, said Ohlson. We have clinicals set-up from our first year of grad school. Ohlson receiving this award did not come as a surprise to the department. Of the 15 graduate scholarships that have been awarded the past nine years, six of them have been won by NSU students. I was very surprised, said Ohlson. Im not surprised someone from NSU won, but I was very surprised it was me. Ohlson attributes her success to not only the program layout, but also those instructing. Its a great program, said Ohlson. Professors and supervisors are the ones that make it possible for this program and the students in it to be successful. Dr. Ronald Schaefer, a professor of Speech Language Pathology took home one of the biggest honors at the conference. Schaefer received the Honors of Association award for his dedicated service to OSHA. He has held offices of president, vice president and chairman of honors and awards for OSHA. In addition, Schaefer served as chair for the SpeechLanguage Pathology program for 15 years and the Special Services department chair for four years. Schaefer has not just contributed to OSHA; he has continually worked to improve NSUs SpeechLanguage Pathology program. After arriving to NSU in 1987, he guided the program from its small beginning to accreditation. Schaefer is the first NSU faculty member to receive this award. This award should be carved up in little pieces and shared with the wonderful faculty I have to work with at NSU, said Schaefer. A bit of it should go to the visionary people who took a leap of faith in 1987 and hired me to help develop our masters program in SLP. Although this conference brought some recognition to NSU students and faculty, more is coming. Seven members of the Northeastern Student SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association are preparing to attend an annual Speech-Language Pathology convention in Chicago Nov. 20-24. Schaefer and Patterson, along with Dennis Tibbits, clinical instructor of Speech-Language Pathology, Amber George, clinic director and instructor of Speech-Language Pathology and two graduate students, will be presenting at the convention with an estimated 14,000 in attendance. As one can imagine, the department is pleased with the participation this year. Presentations submitted were judged and had to be accepted, said George. Were very proud and excited we have four faculty presenting. Convention attendees will not only represent NSU; they will learn about the latest treatments, products and programs available. At this convention, the department bonds a little more in the process as well. The whole speech program is like a family because were off in the special services building all by ourselves, said Stefani Wiley, Broken Arrow senior. The awards from conference and the things learned from the convention may not answer all the questions surrounding the field, but they will help to continue enhancing the training of future speech-language pathologists. Although there is still a shortage of SLPs in the state, that shortage would be substantially greater if it werent for NSUs contributions, said Schaefer. e-mail Melissa Pedersen at pedersem@nsuok.edu.

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The Northeastern

The Northeastern

Freedman Cherokees struggle with their history

By Ashley Logan TNE Writer Culture has many languages. It speaks differently through people on a daily basis. Some people are black and they look black. Some people are Native American and do not look Native American. Freedmen Cherokee Indians have struggled with this identity crisis for several generations. Unfortunately the Freedmen Cherokees have to get federally recognized from the Cherokee tribe to receive tribal citizenship, but not all Freedmen are readily available. Freedmen Cherokees are scattered all over the place, said Edward Crittendend, Cherokee activist. Its finding the young people first and then educating them. Some people think that Freedmen Cherokees do not have any culture and that Freedmen do not know Cherokee traditions. Their culture is different from Cherokees culture because Freedmen Cherokees were in bondage. Few could read and write so the traditional Cherokee culture was not directly shared with the Freedmen Cherokees. The only difference between being a Freedman and a Cherokee is bondage. Once the black Freedmen Cherokees were no longer in slavery they dispersed. They had little to no tribal citizenship so many left the tribal land in pursuit of a better life. Tribal leaders worked hard to hide Freedmens rights, said Marilyn Vann, president of the descendents of Freedmen and the Five Civilized Tribes Association. Leaders didnt go to the Freedmen communities to let them know their rights. Now it is the Freedmens responsibility to investigate and find their ancestors. People can do easy research by asking their parents and grandparents. Libraries can offer genealogy classes and information about where they are able to and how they can begin researching their lineage. Many Freedmen are working

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Ashley Logan/TNE King-Brown has a non-profit organization called Project A and one of its sponsors is Cherokee Nation. Edward Crittendend is not a Freedman Cherokee but he is on their side.

together to help each other, but those who are not working with us is because of the lack of knowledge, said Vann. We dont have a way of contacting all of these individuals. With the help of the Freedmen, people can become more aware of the history. Where Freedmen are concentrated in certain areas they have to come together and pursue this journey of spreading history and tribal citizenship awareness. I feel as though we have to come together in numbers as one strong voice, said Rodslen KingBrown, founder and president of Project A. Project A is a non-profit organization geared towards helping children become leaders in their community and one of Project As sponsors is Cherokee Nation. Freedmen should avoid intimidation from the Cherokees who are not on their side. It is important that Freedmen Cherokees come together in great numbers. So it is necessary for all who can to become pro-active in their Native American culture. My family and I participate in all that we can pertaining to our Native American culture, said Melissa Chaplin, Freedmen activist. Its important we Freedmen Cherokees take action and come together as a whole so that we can make a difference in each others life. e-mail Ashley Logan at logan@ nsuok.edu.

Mens basketball drop season M e n s s o c c e r opener to the Wonder Boys receives honors
NSUs Marlon Burnett scored a game high 13 points but it was not enough as Arkansas Tech cruised to a 60-37 victory at Tucker Coliseum last Saturday evening. A dismal second half shooting performance was the difference as the Wonder Boys held the RiverHawks to just 19 percent shooting as the RiverHawks went 5-26 from the field. Arkansas Tech dominated the boards holding a 41-28 advantage in the contest. Thiago Cordeiro led the Wonder Boys with 11 points, followed by Laithe Massey and Troy Marcus with eight points, Dusan Radivojevic and Irvin Humphrey chipped in seven points apiece and John Clark rounded ou thte Wonder Boy scoring with six points. Burnett led the RiverHawks with 13 points, while Ben Rovenstine followed with eight points and Aaron Arango chipped in with seven points. ATU caught fire early and hit eight of its first 13 attempts to jump out to a 17-2 advantage midway through the first half of play. The lead would to grow to 16 points at 28-12 before the RiverHawks began to chip away at the deficit. Arangos three pointer and jumper cut the ATU lead down to 11 at 28-17. Rovenstines three and Burnetts jumper with 24 seconds remaining in the half pulled the RiverHawks to with in eight points at 32-24 at the half. The Wonder Boys used an 18-4 run over the first 10 minutes of the second half to extend its lead to 24 points at 52-28, a deficit the RiverHawks would not be able to overcome. The biggest difference in the game was Arkansas Techs ability to controlled the paint. They outscored the RiverHawks 4012. NSUs 12 turnovers led to 16 points for the Wonder Boys while NSU couldnt convert on the eight Wonder Boy turnovers. The RiverHawks will play their first home game of the season Thursday at 8 p.m. against Rogers State before they travel to Joplin Nov. 24 where they will take on Missouri Southern State University.

NSUs Alex Petrou highlighted four players that received post-season honors as the conference office released the All-Conference and AllAcademic teams last Wednesday afternoon. In just his first season with the RiverHawks, Petrou started in 15 of the 16 games and collected one assist. Although he did not score a goal, he prevented numerous goals from the opposition. Zach Schmoker and A.J. Dingledine were also honored with second team selections. Schmoker played in all 18 games while collecting a team high six assists and goal for the RiverHawks. Dingledine led the RiverHawks with 10 goals while appearing in 17 games. Northeastern State also had two players receive accolades for their efforts in the classroom as well as on the field. Bo Evans and Schmoker were voted to the SSC All Academic Team.

The Northeastern

The Northeastern

Lofton: A poster boy for mixed martial arts

By Richard Perrin TNE Contributing Writer Mixed Martial Arts is quickly becoming one of the biggest sports in the world. With devastating knockouts, limb-breaking submissions and nonstop action, what more could someone ask for? MMA has expanded across the globe and Oklahoma is no exception. Triton MMA is one of the top gyms in the world and it is located in Tulsa. Triton MMA is also the home for Aron The Poster Boy Lofton, NSU graduate and light-heavyweight fighter for the Maximum Fighting Championship in Edmonton Alberta, Canada. Lofton was a strong safety for NSUs football team before graduating with a degree in kinesiology. He has a good 6-1 record and always puts on an exciting fight. I definitely know playing football helped me with my MMA career, said Lofton. The coordination, strength and power that are involved in football go hand in hand with MMA. Once I applied MMA skills with my athleticism I have been a force to be reckoned with in the light-heavyweight division. I am currently ranked in the top 100 light-heavyweight division in the world by Top Gun MMA. Lofton is ranked 86 on Top Gun MMAs list of light-heavyweight fighters and should move up with more wins. I watched Aron Lofton fight on HDNet Fights and his fight with Jason Kuchera, it was an all out war, said Mark Drain, Stillwell freshman. I was very impressed with his power and his heart. He literally split Kucheras lip wide open with one of his punches. Loftons style is athletic, aggressive and very big for 205 pounds according to his biography on MFCs Web site. I would say that all of these reign true for Lofton, said Spencer Carson, Keys sophomore. He always looks in shape for his fights and he looks convincingly bigger than the other fighters at l ight-heav yweight. Lofton got his first taste of fighting when he entered some tough man contests and grappling tournaments.

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ton and Kuchera to fight in a rematch and they will get what they want at MFC 19, Dec 5. The fans want this fight to happen, said Mark Pavelich, ow ner a nd I h ave president of competed and MFC through done very well an interview on in grappling MFCs Web site. tournaments It was a fantasCourtesy Photo winning some tic fight, a real Aron The Poster Boy Lofton, NSU graduate and lightlocal ones and heavyweight fighter for the Maximum Fighting Championship, old-fashioned have won a is ranked 86 on Top Gun MMAs list of light-heavy-weight brawl, the first tough man fighters. time I expected contest i n both guys to 2002, said come out lookLofton. That is what really got test to date. I was happy with a ing for a spectacular knockout. me into MMA. I am two fights lot of things. My only regret was Kuchera wants revenge and Lofaway from the Canadian light- my lack of endurance but I think ton wants to do it all over again. I heavyweight title. we both showed a lot of heart- guarantee this fight will bring the Through an interview from just two guys still going at it and fans out of their seats. the MFC Web site, Lofton talked punching it out looking for a win, Lofton is bringing Oklahoma a about his fight with Kuchera. said Lofton. name in MMA , by putting on a Fighting Jason was my best MMA fans are asking for Lof- show during his fights. Fans should like this guy because he goes out there to knock his opponents head off his shoulders, said Tyler Blizzard, Checotah sophomore. He is very exciting and he will do whatever it takes to win. Lofton does not want to stop with the MFC. There are many larger fight promotions out there and he could get a shot with one of them. I would like to go from MFC to UFC, said Lofton. I have already met with an agent. In MMA every fighter wants to end the fight by knock out or submission. No fighter wants to leave the fight in the judges hands and Aron Lofton is no exception. I definitely like the K.O., said Lofton. But Ill take either or. e-mail Richie Perrin at perrinrs@ nsuok.edu.

Senior Arango to lead RiverHawks in season

By Casey Haggard TNE Writer It is basketball season again and the Mens Riverhawk basketball team is ready to lace up their high-tops and compete. This years season is graced with four strong returning seniors. As a returning senior, Aaron Arango is ready to step up to the challenge of leading the team in what they hope to be an undefeated season. Arango is a Los Angeles native and is enjoying his second season with the Riverhawks. Oklahoma is really different from where I come from, and I like the coaching staff. I trusted them because they were straight up with me about their expectations from the beginning. These guys told me if I worked hard, Id make it, and theyve never given up on me as a player. They stay on me, said Arango. Arango started playing at a young age as a self-described tall, lanky kid. As a senior in high school, he was the leading scorer in California, averaging 34 points per game and received Honorable Mention All-State. As a younger player, he was moved up in camps and leagues to play against older athletes. Arango said this was the key to making his skill develop. I had the confidence against the players everybody was talking about, that was my mind frame. You have to have that competitive confident swagger in the game of basketball, thats how I feel, said Arango. Arangos confidence is well founded after receiving second place in the team All-Conference last year. This year he was presented as the Lonestar Conference North Division pre-season Player of the Year. However, his confidence is not arrogance. Its not about that, its about the team and what we do. This years team is going to go far and win it all, I think, said Arango. I love my teammates, theyre all great guys, very talented. Were a tight group, thats why were a great team, were unified like a family. The Riverhawks will play their first home game against Rogers State University Thursday. Its fun being a leader on the team and Aaron is a good player. We work well together now after playing last year, said JaMal Stewart, senior Junction City, Kan. Hes always assisting and helping out on defense, so I kind of know his style. Were here to show the younger players how its done on the court and off. Were ready to get to the tournament, we want to go all the way. Head coach Larry Gipson has helped define and lead the players into the dedicated team they are through strict expectation and hard work. The seniors are going to have to be leaders and show the way, because theyve been through the worst before. Aaron has continually improved and stuck with the system. Hes a strong wing-player, excellent shooter and defender, said Gipson. Aaron and I have developed an interesting relationship. Early on, he wasnt buying in to what was going on, but when hes playing on a high level I think he trusts the coaching staff and I can trust him to do what we ask. After his graduation, Arango considers playing professionally overseas. Basketball is his passion. Hes either thinking about it, working on it, playing it or watching it. Youre most likely to catch him in the gym working on his shots or lifting weights in his free time, said Lee J. Kirkpatrick, graduate assistant coach, Crestview, Fla. Aaron is a good leader and an overall good guy. Hes coachable, respectful and he listens. Hes worked hard for his recognition and earned everything hes gotten. Hes matured since last season and he and the other seniors feed off each other and mesh well. e-mail Casey at casey.haggard@ gmail.com.

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Vicky Green/TNE Aaron Arango, Los Angeles senior, sets up at the free throw line during practice before the opening game. Arango is enjoying his second season with the RiverHawks and is ready to try to lead the team to a great season.

The Northeastern

The Northeastern

Senior athletes ready to lead teams

Amanda Felix TNE Contributing Writer Every year new athletes come to NSU as young adults determined and eager to begin a new chapter of their lives. Some athletes transfer from other colleges and others begin their athletic career at NSU as freshman. They grow into a true player who then becomes a leader, a role model. They are called seniors. Lindsey Sams, Rogers Arkansas senior and Aaron Arango, Los Angeles California senior are two seniors this season that make up the womens and mens starting lineup for the 2009 basketball season. This is Sams fifth season here at NSU, she was injured her freshman year when she tore her anterior cruciate ligament. This injury did not stop Sams as she was awarded All Academic Player Lonestar Conference and Honorable All Mention Conference last season. Sams recently graduated with her bachelors degree in psychology and Arango transis working on her ferred from Citmasters degree in rus College in kinesiology. 2007 to NSU. With six new He earned freshmen walking two All Team on NSU womens To u r n a m e n t basketball team Team awards this year, Sams at Citrus. Last feels she has to season he was step up as a leader awarded second in ways the seniors Team All Condid for her when ference and was she was a freshchosen this man. Vicky Green/TNE season as PreRiverHawk Lindsey Sams, Rogers, Ark. senior steps into po- Season Player I got to come sition to receive a pass against Southwest Baptist Saturday. in with a real of the Year. A good group of lot of practice girls when I was a freshman, said to the team by communicating and the heart for the sport are Sams. I feel I can lead our young well with other players, said Ran- encouraging him to step up as a girls like the seniors my freshman dy Gibson, womens head coach. leader for the team. year impacted me. I feel real lucky Shes not a loud type, she only Im really hyped about my last to be in the position Im in. speaks when she has something year, I feel we have the players and Sams determination and dedi- to say, so because of that the team tools to win it all this year, but its cation to the team is a great ex- really respects her, her advice is going to take some real work and ample of leadership qualities that always well taken. determination, said Arango. I can push the womens basketball Aaron Arango, is a returning feel as if Im one of the leaders of team to succeed with a great be- player from last seasons mens the team but I have to step it up ginning to the end. basketball team where he helped in that role. Lindsey brings the leadership led the team to the LSC playoffs. Arango has goals for the team

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to be able to take home the NCAA title. Our team goal is to get a ring. Were not settling for anything else, if were playing hard and dedicated then no one in the country can beat us, said Arango. The desire to get better from last year is helping him step up as leader for his team this season. Arangos senior year is very important to him and he hopes to be able to make an impact on the future seniors to come. I think we are counting on Aaron to provide leadership based on his experiences from a year ago, said Scott Reed, mens assistant coach. I think he is a good combination of athletic ability; he is both strong and quick. He is a skilled offensive player that can go make plays for his team and himself. Sams and Arango have plans after college and it still involves basketball. Sams plans to stick around and finish off her masters degree in kinesiology while hoping to be a graduate assistant for the womens basketball team. I could also see myself in the future coaching basketball somewhere, said Sams. Arango is not finished; he is determined and willing to go far beyond college basketball. His plans are to play professional basketball after this year. I know I can play the next level and I will because I have the hunger for more, said Arango. With the heart and leadership of the seniors this year NSU should have no problem bringing home a title this season. I know that Sams and Arango are going to play hard. They are two really great players and leaders, said Lee J. Kirkpatrick, graduate student. For a schedule of the RiverHawks go to nsuoksports.com. e-mail Amanda Felix at felix@ nsuok.edu.

RiverHawks fall in opener, 77-64

Northeastern States Jasmine Webb scored a team high 17 points and collected six rebounds in a season opening loss to Southwest Baptist University 77-64 at Jack Dobbins Field House here Saturday afternoon. The Bearcats move to 1-0 on the year, as the RiverHawks fall to 0-1. SBU broke open a close game over the final four minutes of the first half using a 16-6 run and lead 40-30 at the break. The Bearcats hit eight three pointers in the first half led by Cortney Shewmaker who was 2-3 from behind the arc and 4-5 overall to lead the SBU attack with 11 points. NSU was able to stay close thanks to the play of Webb. She scored 13 of her 17 points in the first stanza, hitting 6-7 from the floor. The RiverHawks started the final stanza with an impressive 13-3 run over the opening four minutes as Lindsay Sams trey at the 16:26 mark tied the game at 43-43. The Bearcats were not fazed and reeled off a 12-0 to take a commanding 55-43 lead. Turnovers and poor shooting down the stretch allowed the Bearcats to cruise to the 77-64 victory. SBUs Courtney Creed led all scores with 19 points, Rachel Graves and Mia Gilreath each chipped in 14 points and Cortney Shewmaker added 13 for the Bearcats. Webbs 17 points and six rebounds led NSU, Jessica White was 3-5 from behind the arc to finish with 13 points and freshman Alix Perkins added 12 points. The RiverHawks next game will be Thursday when they take on St. Marys University at 6 p.m.

The Northeastern

The Northeastern

RiverHawk players finish season with honors

NSUs Broderick Mondy was named the Lone Star Conference North Division Defensive Back of Year and the RiverHawks place 12 on the LSC-North Division All-Conference team and five on the All-Academic Team. Mondy picked up the award for the second straight season after leading the RiverHawks with 90 tackles and two interceptions. He was also tabbed as an AllLSC North first team performer for third year in a row. Mondy ended his NSU career with 346 tackles and five interceptions. Jarrett Byers claimed first team honors in two categories, as a receiver and return specialist. Byers was the RiverHawks leading receiver with 57 catches for 699 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also honored for his special teams play; Byers averaged 37.6 yards per return, including the two kick-off returns for touchdowns against Commerce. He finished his NSU career as one of the best to put on a NSU jersey. Byers holds school records for most receiving yards in a career with 2,545 yards, most receptions in a career with 165, most touchdown receptions in a career with 28 and set the mark for most return yards in a game with 170 yards against Commerce. Jared Homer was an All-LSC North Division first team selection for the second year in a row. He connected on 14-30 field goals this season and broke the school record for longest field goal twice. Homer first broke the record with a 55-yard field goal at Tarleton State. He then broke his own record at SW Oklahoma State with a 56- yard field goal. Homer was also honored for his efforts in the classroom for the second time as he was voted to the LSC All-Academic Team. T.J. Raymond was honored for his efforts as a selection to the All-LSC North Division first team on defense. Raymond was a second team selection in 2007. He helped anchor a strong defensive line collecting 62 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five quarterback sacks. Curtis Mayfield claimed the final spot on the All-LSC North first team. He collected 46 total tackles, six

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Puzzle

Courtesy Photo NSUs Broderick Mondy was named the Lone Star Conference North Division Defensive Back of Year and the RiverHawks play 12 on the LSC-North Division All-Conference team and five on the All-Academic Team released by the conference office Friday afternoon.

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Nov. 18, 2008

interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and recovered two fumbles. Damein Henderson picked up All-LSC North second team honors after catching 33 passes for 555 yards and four touchdowns. Prince McKinney earned second

team honors as a return special. McKinney returned 21 kick-offs for 492 yards. Terrance Gaston was an AllLSC North second team selection in his first season with the RiverHawks. Gaston was second on the team in tackles with 85 to go along with eight tackles for loss and three quarterback sacks. Jon Evans was an Honorable Mention selection. Punter Joe Kok earned AllLSC North Honorable Mention and for the second straight season is a member of the All-LSC North All-Academic team. McCoy Campbell also was a selection to the North Division AllAcademic Team while Shantel Mackey and Kevin Smart were recognized on the Commissioners Honor Roll. Overall, 81 student-athletes were recognized by the LSCs postseason awards program, with 32 players named to the first team, 26 second team and 23 earning honorable mention. The head coaches of the six North Division teams selected the all-conference honors.

Crossword Fun

Clues
Across 1- Smack 5- Projecting columns at end of wall 9- High up 14- Combustible heap 15- Milk source 16- Nose bone 17- Quod ___ demonstrandum 18- Combine with a halogen 20- Adulterate 22- Doctors org. 23- Between white and black 24- Monetary unit of S. Africa 26- Petty quarrel, ejected saliva 28- Miscellaneous items 32- Chooses 36- Downed 37- Russian country house 39- Shaft shot from a bow 40- Tears 42- Like Thor 44- Bog 45- Winged 47- Debris 49- Computer add-on? 50- Treasure State capital 52- Rear curtain of a stage 54- ___ sow, so shall 56- ___-do-well 57- Brother of Hoss 60- You ___ here 62- Standards of perfection 66- Neophyte 69- Winglike parts 70- Opening 71- Liquid measure 72- Slight 73- Compact 74- Woody plant 75- Oceans Down 1- Rushed, drove too fast 2- Harp relative 3- Riyadh resident 4- Explosive device 5- Like the Acropolis? 6- Teachers org. 7- Monetary unit of Western Samoa 8- Tiny particle 9- Hail, to Caesar 10- Lasting for an extended period 11- Actor Epps 12- Goats milk cheese 13- Deuce topper 19- Open wide 21- Reddish-brown gem 25- Furnishings 27- Like 28- Mother of Isaac 29- Functional 30- Sherpas home 31- Small tree 33- Old newsman 34- Trunk 35- Remove dirt with a broom 38- Continental identity of a Chinese person 41- Soft-shell clams 43- Pregnant 46- Nav. officer 48- Timetable, for short 51- Indian nursemaid 53- Visions 55- Blow ones top 57- Biting 58- Hamlet, e.g. 59- Env. notation 61- Chieftain, usually in Africa 63- Away from the wind 64- Zhivagos love 65- Goes out with 67- Cedar Rapids college 68- Wind dir.

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The Northeastern

The Northeastern