Opinion • A2

News • B1, B2

Arts & Life • C1, C2

Sports • D1, D2

INDEX

RANGER ROCKET

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER AFTER READING

PAGE B2

The student newspaper of Northwest Mississippi Community College

January 26, 2012

Mr. and Miss Northwest

Senatobia, Miss. VOL. 79 • No. 5

CONTINUING EDUCATION, B1

PAGE B1

SMOKING BAN, C1

BASKETBALL, D2

INSIDE

Inclement weather policy

By: Brian Lentz

By: Deissac House

College hosts Biggest Loser contest

What happens in the buffet line stays at the buffet line. Pound shed-ding is coming back to Northwest as a version of the hit show “Biggest Loser.” Not only will the main campus be hosting this spectacular event, but all three of Northwest’s campuses will be join-ing in. Branch campus information can be found on the Northwest website. Registration is Jan. 16-27 and can be found under Biggest Loser on North-west’s website. “This event is to pro-mote wellness and fitness campus wide at North-west,” Liesl Davenport, intramural coordinator, said. Anyone wanting to lose weight or just get into shape will have an opportunity to do so. Anyone can par-ticipate in the contest, including faculty and staff, but only students

can win. “The winner will not only win a one-year gym membership to ATC Fitness, $100 Nike.com gift certificate, and

a ‘Winners’ hoodie, but they also will receive a lifetime of great health, a great body, and lifetime of healthy habits,” Dav-enport said. The first weigh-in will be held on Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. in the Union.

The first workout will be held the next day, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m., also at the Union. There will be one weigh-in every month. The times and dates

will be announced at each previous weigh-in. The final weigh-in and finale will be held on April 26. For those who are participating, there will be a nutrition class and an exercise class that is mandatory.

“No one will be elimi-nated unless they break their contract by missing more than three of each classes, so there is only self-elimination,” Daven-port said. Northwest will be hoping for a great turn-out from each campus to help promote a healthy life. No one should be ashamed or discouraged, because it is something that is going to help them out in the long run, ac-cording to Davenport. Davenport is hoping to see a healthier Northwest.

While most Northwest students were out for Christ-mas break, members of the Ranger football team were beginning their journey to the next level of college foot-ball, signing with a diverse variety of schools. Offensive lineman Donald Hawkins of Tunica signed with the University of Texas, where he will play for the Longhorns and head coach Mack Brown. Hawkins, a graduate of Rosa Fort High School, was joined by his parents and high school coach Lynord Crutchfield in the signing ceremony. Hawkins was previously committed to Oklahoma State before making the switch to Texas and cited several reasons for the switch to the Longhorns. “Early on, I was commit-ted to Oklahoma State, and Texas came in late in the season,” said Hawkins. “At first, I wasn’t real interested in Texas, but once I gave them a look, I was sold. The town of Austin is great, and Texas also has a top recruit-ing class coming into this season. I will be around a lot of talent.” “He’s a very good pass blocker,” said Northwest head coach, Ricky Woods. “Not only that, but he has also worked out since com-ing out of high school and has constantly improved. He’s definitely a Division 1 athlete.” Hawkins wasn’t the only Ranger to sign football scholarships. Defensive back Bakari Trotter of Horn Lake

High School signed with Clark-Atlanta University, a Division II school in Atlanta. Trotter finished the 2011 season with 39 total tackles and three interceptions for the Rangers, while starting in eight of the nine games of the season. “I’m excited at the op-portunity to move to the next level,” said Trotter. “The coaching staff here has helped me to grow and ma-ture a lot on and off the field, and I’m very thankful for my time here at Northwest.” Defensive back Jaterio Merritt also signed to play at the NCAA college level, choosing Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena. Merritt finished with 13 total tackles in six games of ac-tion for the Rangers this past season. “I’m excited to join the Delta Devils next season,” said Merritt. “I feel like I bring a lot to the table in experience, size and talent. I feel like I can play a big role for Mississippi Valley State next season, which will hopefully add up to wins.” The Rangers also have several other players who-have either signed or are waiting to sign. National College Football Sigining Day is Feb. 1. Check the next edition of the Ranger Rocket for more information on other Rangers moving to the NCAA, including receiver Marcus Henry and quarter-back, Ryan Mossakowski.

Northwest lineman Donald Hawkins (first row center) signs with the Uni-versity of Texas with Rosa Fort High School Coach Lynord Crutchfield (first row left), Northwest head coach Ricky Woods (first row right), (back l-r) Northwest assistant coaches Scott Oakley and Trenell Edwards.

Ranger football sends three signees to NCAA

Northwest defensive back Jaterio Merritt (left) signs with Mississippi Val-ley State University with assistant coach Trenell Edwards (right).

Northwest defensive back Bakari Trotter (left) signs with Clark-Atlanta University with assistant coach Trenell Edwards (right).

Football players sign with NCAA schools

Ranger on the Spot By Shelby Louwerens, Brian Lentz & Shaneka Flowers

“What is your New Year’s resolution?”

Fakhry KhulfanSudan, Africa • Sophomore

Criminal Justice“To graduate.”

OPINION A2 • January 26, 2012 Senatobia, Miss.

STAFF

Editor...................................Shelby Louwerens

Lifestyle Section Editor..........Shaneka Flowers

Sports Section Editor.....................Brian Lentz

Staff Reporters................Michael Haskins, Sta-cia Schommer, Brandy Paciorek & Deissac House

Northwest Mississippi Community CollegeSenatobia • Mississippi

The Ranger Rocket is published monthly during the regular academic sessions by students at Northwest Mississippi Community College

ADVISERCarroll Gunn

SPONSORSSarah SappJulie BauerBrittany GreerKevin Maloney

ADVERTISING & NEWS

E-mail:rangerrocket1@northwestms.eduor rangerrocket2@northwestms.eduTelephone: (662) 562- 3276Advertising materials should be sub-mitted to: jrbauer@northwestms.edu

Address all materials to : The Ranger RocketNWCC Drawer 70394975 Hwy. 51 N.Senatobia, MS 38668

The Ranger Rocket is located in the Ann Y. Whitten Media Center in Yalo-busha Hall on the Senatobia campus. The Ranger Rocket is printed by The Panolian in Batesville.

Letters to the Editor

The Ranger Rocket encourages letters to the editor. Letters should betyped, double-spaced and signed by the author. Letters should include a name, address and phone number. This information will be withheld upon request. All letters are subject to editing for length and clarity. Submit letters to: rangerrocket1@northwestms.edu

Statement of Responsibility

Northwest Mississippi Community College supports and encourages an atmosphere of responsible discussion through student publications. Funding for publications is provided by the General Fee that students pay each semester by monies budgeted by the College for their support. Designated by the administration — advisers, college employees who are competent in their fields — provide an environment in which student editors and staff members have opportunities to develop journalistic and literary skills. Insuring the integrity, quality and fiscal responsibility of the publications, advisers offer guidance and supervision, while providing First Amendment guarantees to publications staffs. The College administration supports the efforts of participants to be creative, unbiased, fair, intelligent, and responsible in being representative of and speaking for the student body.

Affirmative Action

Northwest Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a veteran or disabled veteran in employment, programs or provision of services. Compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act is coordinated by Mr. Michael Dottorey, Disability Support Services Coordinator, McLendon Student Center, P.O. Box 5555, 4975 Highway 51 N., Senatobia, MS 38688, telephone number 662-562-3309, e-mail address mldottorey@northwestms.edu. Compliance with Title II of the Age Discrimination Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is coordinated by Mr. Gary Mosley, Vice President for Fiscal Affairs, James P. McCormick Administation Building, P.O. Box 7017, 4975 Highway 51 N., Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number 662-562-3216, e-mail address gtmosley@northwestms.edu.

Accreditation

Northwest Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree, and certificates in career education. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA, 30033-4097, or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Northwest Mississippi Community College.

RANGER ROCKET

Katie DunawaySouthaven • Sophomore

Pre-Nursing“To get all As so I can join Phi

Theta Kappa.”

Matt RichSenatobia • SophomoreBusiness Administration

“I don’t have one.”

Cameron ClarkSenatobia • Freshman

General College“To get an education.”

Maria EscamillaTunica • Sophomore

Accountancy“To have a 4.0 GPA this

semester.”

By: Shelby Louwerens

Will you be my Valentine?

We want to hear from you.

Write a letter to the editor:

rangerrocket1@northwestms.edu.

For most college stu-dents, Feb. 14 is either a day full of stuffed bears, chocolate hearts and warm, fuzzy feelings, or it is known as Singles Aware-ness Day for those who have yet to find someone. This being said, a person’s enjoyment of this holiday normally relies on their relationship status. Regard-less, most have wondered at some point why Val-entine’s Day came into existence. Saint Valentine has become a well-known name associated with the holiday, but why? Ac-cording to history.com, Valentine’s Day has roots in both Christian and ancient Roman-tradition. Today, the Roman Catho-lic Church recognizes at

least three different saints with the name Valentine or Valentinus, all of which were martyred. No one knows exactly which of these Valentines is the one for whom Valentine’s Day is named. There are very infamous legends that elude to a priest named Valentine. This priest is said to have served in Rome during the third century. Claudius II was the em-peror of Rome during that time and decided that single men made better soldiers than men with wives and family. Claudius then declared marriage il-legal for young men,because he aimed to use them as soldiers. Valentine refused to abide by this new law and continued

to perform marriages for young couples in secret. When Valentine was dis-covered performing these illegal marriages, Claudius ordered him to be put to death. According to another legend, Valentine was the first to send a “Valentine’s” card as well. It is believed that Valentine, while in prison, fell in love with a young girl. This girl visited Valentine during his im-prisonment and is thought to have been his jailor’s daughter. It is alleged that, before his death, Valentine wrote her a letter, signing it “from your Valentine.” Though the details of Valentine and his actions are unclear, he is made out to be heroic and romantic. Okay, Valentine was a ro-

mantic. But why February? Again, history.com has many suggestions on the reasoning behind the February celebration. Some believe that Valen-tine’s Day is celebrated in February to commemorate Valentine’s execution and burial, which, according to history.com, occurred around 270 A.D. However, other’s claim that Valen-tine’s Day was an attempt to “Christianize” the pagan Lupercalia festival. Lupercalia was a Roman fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. This festival was held on Feb. 15, as February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a ritual

time for purification. On that night, all the young women in the city would put their names in a large urn from which the bach-elors would draw. The said bachelor and the woman whose name was chosen would then become part-ners for the next year. This often led to marriage. Pope Gelasius declared that Feb. 14 would be known as Valentine’s Day. The Roman system of choosing partners was deemed un-Christian and outlawed. Valentine’s Day has grown tremendously since and is now known for all the pink, frilly hearts, chocolate candies and Valentine’s Day cards that are common in today’s society. According to the

Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year. This makes Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holi-day of the year, with the exception of Christmas, when an estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent out annually. With this new knowl-edge, students can enjoy the holiday regardless of a relationship status. Couples can enjoy the festivities and happy feel-ings it brings. If single, one can enjoy the thought of someone being mercilessly put to death for allowing romance and marriage into a society in the first place.

Daniel Jones, a freshman theatre major from Kai-serslautern, Germany, rides his unicycle outside of the Fine Arts Auditorium on Jan. 20. (Photo by Shelby Louwerens)

Feature Photos

A2 • January 26, 2012 Senatobia, Miss. NEWS THE RANGER ROCKET B1

Officials clarify winter weather policyBy: Mike Haskins

Continuing Education classes to start

By: Shaneka Flowers

Spring classes for the Continuing Education pro-gram will start Feb. 13. Northwest’s Continu-ing Education program offers personal develop-ment classes, an ACT Prep Workshop, ServSafe Certification training for restaurant managers, Lifelong Learning out-ings and Kids Kollege for children during the sum-mer months. The program also offers CEU credits

for teachers. “The CEU classes are for teachers who are fulfilling requirements, but I want them to enjoy the classes in the midst of filling their requirements,” Pam Wooten, coordinator of Continuing Education, said. If you could not get in a class last semester, you have the opportunity to sign up this semester. New classes will also be

offered for those who enjoyed taking a non-aca-demic class. The new classes include jewelry making with precious metal clay, bullying in the classroom and more. “I expect a good turn-out this semester; I have had a lot of people to sign up and some classes are already full,” Wooten said. People who normally take a class are from

around the community, but a small number of Northwest students also take the classes. “I want people to take our classes because they enjoy them, and it gives them a feeling of satisfac-tion,” Wooten said. Wooten also wants the ones who are taking non-CEU classes to enjoy them enough to come back for more next semester.

Brenda Fuquay (right) holds her leath-er stool she upholstered at a Continu-ing Education course in October 2011. (Photo by Shaneka Flowers)

As the spring semes-ter begins at Northwest, so does the likelihood of winter weather and school closings. Though snow, sleet and ice are not every day occurrences, they do happen in North Mississip-pi, and students and faculty should watch the weather carefully. Dan Smith, vice presi-dent for Student Affairs at Northwest, assures stu-dents that safety is always the top priority. “If there are gener-ally hazardous conditions across our 11-county district, or an area of our district where both the bad weather and students are concentrated, then we close the school,” Smith said.

However, students should not assume that the school will be closed due to inclement weather in one part of the Northwest region. “If bad weather condi-tions are highly localized and the college is not closed, individuals in the affected counties, if they feel road conditions are poor near where they live, should stay home,” Smith said. “We simply can-not as a College cancel operations every time part of our district is experienc-ing a snow shower that is creating slick conditions on a road, or a heavy fog is reducing visibility or a thunderstorm is flooding underpasses.”

Smith also warns students that the absence policy for classes is still in effect if the college re-mains open. “Students who feel that it is unsafe to travel should not travel and instead re-member that the College’s attendance policy allows a small number of absences in each course. If you have used up all of your absenc-es due to no fault of your own, there is an appeal process,” Smith said. In the event that North-west must close due to inclement weather condi-tions, school administrators will notify Memphis-area television and radio sta-tions who will announce the closing.

The snowy James P. McCormick Administration Building in December 2011. (Staff photo)

An announcement will also be posted on the school website, as well as the Northwest Rangers

Facebook page (www.face-book.com/northwestms). For more information regarding school closings,

Smith can be contacted by e-mail at dsmith@north-westms.edu, or by phone at (662) 562-3319.

Debbie Williams (left) of Hernando works on her newly upholstered chair during a Continuing Educa-tion course. (Photo by Shaneka Flowers)

ARTS & LIFE C1 • January 26, 2012 Senatobia, Miss.

Theatre department to attend regional festivalBy: Shelby Louwerens

By: Shelby Louwerens

Northwest’s Theatre department is scheduled to attend the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. The regional fes-tival begins the first week of February, where nomi-nees attend to compete for scholarships in different categories, such as play-writing, acting, criticism, directing and design. The winners of the regional festival win a trip to the Kennedy Center in Wash-ington D.C. to compete at the national level.

“I was nominated for the Barbizon Award for Theat-rical Design,” Kevar Maf-fitt, a sophomore theatre major from Olive Branch, said. “That means that if I win, I get scholarships and a trip to the Kennedy Center in Washington.” To nominate students, the Kennedy Center sends a respondant to a perfor-mance. The respondants stay roughly an hour to ask questions and give feed-back and will later give nominations in the differ-

ent categories. The students are respon-sible for the $65 registra-tion fee and the cost of food for the week, though fundraisers from the Play-er’s Club, Northwest Idol and the concessions from the shows cut the cost. “How many students we take depends on how much money we can raise,” Sadie Shannon, theatre instructor, said. “This year, we get to take eight students and they will all be competing in at least

one area.” Camille Bishop and Abi Wiggins both received the Irene Ryan Acting nomi-nation, Garrett Atkinson received the Irene Ryan Acting nomination and is also a One-Act Play semi-finalist. Katie Hardeman received the Irene Ryan Acting nomination, as well as the Alcone Makeup Design nomination. Kevar Maffitt is nominated as an Irene Ryan partner and in Barbizon Theatrical De-sign. Gabby D’Arcangelo,

a sophomore theatre major from Southaven, was also nominated as an Irene Ryan partner, and received a National Stage Manage-ment nomination. Daniel Jones, a freshman theatre major from Kaiserslautern, Germany, and Anthony Guy, a sophomore theatre major from Olive Branch, were both nominated as Irene Ryan partners. The students look for-ward to the experience. “I look forward to KCACTF; it’s my second

year to go,” Hardeman, a sophomore theatre major from Horn Lake, said. “It’s awesome to go and meet people with the same pas-sions, and it’s definitely a learning experience. I’m very thankful for Mr. King and Mrs. Shannon for be-ing so adamant in exposing us to all different forms of art.”

The Northwest Theatre department held audi-tions for one of two spring shows, “Joined at the Head,” on Jan. 11. “Joined at the Head” will open on March 29 and run through April 1. The auditions were open to all Northwest students as well as to the public. Thirty-one people auditioned on Jan. 11 by performing a one-to two-minute contemporary monologue, and 21 were

called back on Jan. 12. “Joined at the Head,” written by Catherine But-terfield, is a drama with co-medic elements. The cast consists of nine people— five men and four women. Of them, one man and two women play leading roles, and three men and three women perform in the ensemble. The show revolves around two women, one of whom is a writer, and the other who has cancer. They

help teach each other to live and die. “It’s really an abstract show,” Kevar Maffitt, a sophomore theatre major from Olive Branch, said. “It’s kind of in and out of reality. It’s definitely something completely new and different.” Camille Bishop, a freshman theatre major from Orlando, Fla., will be playing Maggie Mul-roney. Garrett Atkinson, a sophomore theatre major

from Olive Branch, will be playing Jim Burroughs. Abi Wiggins, a sopho-more theatre major from Senatobia, will be playing Maggy Burroughs. The three male ensemble roles will be played by Maffitt, Nic Temple, a sophomore theatre major from South-aven, and Daniel Jones, a freshman theatre major from Kaiserslautern, Ger-many. The three female en-semble roles will be played

by Katie Hardeman, a sophomore theatre ma-jor from Horn Lake, Yaz Lynch, a freshman theatre major from North Caro-lina, and Haley Miller, a sophomore theatre major from Coldwater. The show is directed by Sadie Shan-non. “We chose this show because we needed some-thing with a flexible set, and also because it’s a beautiful story,” Shannon said.

The show will also feature onstage seating, with 70 seats available per night. Rehearsals for the show will begin the last week of February. “I’m excited to be a part of the show,” Harde-man said. “It’s bittersweet, because it is my last show at Northwest, but we have a lot of really talented people participating.”

Cast picked for spring production

Smoking ban protest fails

A student-led smoking ban demonstration was planned at the Haraway Center (above) on Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. Even though hundreds of students were said to have signed a smoking ban petition, no one showed up to participate in the protest. (Photo by Shelby Louwerens)

Northwest student James Griffith held a smoking ban protest on Jan. 18 in front of the Haraway Center. Only the turnout was not quite what he expected. Griffith started a smok-ing ban petition and col-lected hundreds of student signatures. Although, when it came time for students to show up at the protest, no one came. The smoking ban on campus was passed July 14, 2011 and for Griffith, a sophomore pre-dental major from Southaven, the rule violated his freedom. “I live on campus; I enjoy smoking, and it re-lieves my stress,” Griffith said. He came up with the idea to start a petition after getting his first ticket for smoking on campus. He wants to at least be able to smoke in his truck on campus he says. “It is not going to harm

others if I smoke in my truck,” Griffith said. He said that he has not talked to anyone who has a problem with others smok-ing around them. “They should have smoking areas for people who want to smoke so that non-smokers will not have to be around them,” Paula Gallagher, a freshman general college major from Olive Branch, said. He has been trying to get signatures from student government and other or-ganizations on campus. “Everyone should speak out. If you do not like something, you should get together and try to change it,” Gallagher said. As for Griffith, he still wants to make his peti-tion a success. If not, his pockets will hurt because of ticket increases, Griffith said.

By: Shaneka Flowers

ARTS & LIFE THE RANGER ROCKET C2 C1 • January 26, 2012 Senatobia, Miss.

The dorms on the Senatobia campus accept a certain number of stu-dents every year, and this number and the decision acceptance are affected by many factors. As the student body at Northwest grows, it affects the campus capacity as a whole as well as the dorm capacity. The dorms are made to occupy a certain amount of students. These students must apply by a certain deadline and must meet a GPA requirement in order to be considered for acceptance. This fall semester, there was a headcount of 8,364 students who enrolled at Northwest. Separated by campus and residences, it is noted that 1,063 reside on the Senato-bia campus (the number of students the dorms are able to occupy), 2,058 com-mute to Senatobia, 3,199 commute to the DeSoto

Center, 1,366 commute to the Oxford Center and 678 take only virtual classes. There were 1,617 stu-dents who applied to live in a dorm this semester. Due to the capacity lim-its and the requirements needed to be met, 554 did not get in. According to Vice President for Student Af-fairs, Dan Smith, there are many reasons for students not being accepted into the dorms. Smith said these reasons include one or more of the following: the student changes their mind about their college choice, a returning student decides to transfer or not come back, the student did not meet the GPA requirement, the student lived out of state or out of district and was not in a special pro-gram, the student missed a deadline or the student did not like their room assign-ment.

“As a first-time college student having to cover all my own expenses, I found it best to stay at home, go to work and save money,” Morgan Daniels, a fresh-man psychology major from Walls, said. “I find not being up to my eyes in student loans more fulfill-ing than a short-lived inde-pendence from home.” Although space has been added in the past to the campus as far as resi

dency is concerned, Smith said there are no current plans to renovate, expand or build new campus hous-ing in the near future. Some students say the dorms are fun to live in and the accommodations are up to their standards, but they wish the rules could be bent a little. Monique Biggins, a biology major from Horn Lake, said she loves the feeling of being indepen-

dent that she gets from living in the dorms but, she wishes the dorm rules could be bent a little. “Curfew is a 10 p.m., which is really unneces-sary, and you can’t even walk the campus at night without an officer asking you where you are going, and you have to be going to Walmart. All these strict rules are pointless,” Big-gins said. “While demand is high for housing, growth and demand is even greater for classroom space at DeSoto Center and for par-ticipation in our eLearning program, along with other programs,” Smith said. “In order to maintain quality, there is a need for new spaces for several other programs on our cam-puses.” Smith also states that, like all the public colleges and universities in Mis-sissippi, Northwest has

more needs than resources. However, he also states that Northwest should be proud of its accomplish-ments in their efforts to meet student needs, includ-ing the Haraway Center, the new Physical Science building addition, the expansions of the DeSoto and Oxford centers, the Ag Tech building and the nursing building. If you have any ques-tions about dorms or cam-pus, contact Dan Smith at (662) 562-3319, or at dsmith@northwestms.edu. His office is located in the Administration Building, and he is available upon appointment.

By: Stacia Schommer

Dorm capacity limits number of residents

Senior nightFeb. 13 at 5:30 p.m.

Northwest vs. Itawamba basketball game

Admission is freeAll high school seniors in the district are invited to come

The Northwest Art Department will host the “Mississippi Exposed” art exhibition Feb. 1-24 in the Art Gallery on the Senato-bia campus. The show will feature works from multiple artists from the Craftsman’s Guild of Mississippi, including Independence artist Sha-ron Williams, who will be showing several pieces.

The opening reception for the show will take place on Feb. 2 from 5-7 p.m. in the Art Gallery. “The Mississippi Crafts-man’s Guild is always an excellent exhibition which highlights a variety of handmade works created by a host of talented crafts persons,” Lawayne House, Northwest art department chair, said. “Imaginative

and inventive, this exhibi-tion has been a highlight which we look forward to every time they’ve exhib-ited here at Northwest.” Admission is free and open to the public. For more information on the show, contact House by phone at (662) 562-3399 or by e-mail at lhouse@northwestms.edu.

DeSoto Hall (above) houses co-ed students on the Senatobia campus. (Photo by Stacia Schommer)

Craftsmen featured in February art exhibitionBy: Mike Haskins

Oxford: Congratulations to the Practical Nursing class instructed by Jayne River and Linda Williams. They had a 100 percent pass rate.

Ashland: Hair cuts, shampoos, manicures and pedicures

and paraffin hand and feet dip are available from the Cosmetology Department on a walk-in basis Mon-day-Friday. Hair coloring and relaxing are avail-able by appointment only. Senior citizen discounts available. For the month of Feb-

ruary, an ad will be placed in the Southern Advocate newspaper offering basic hair styling, pedicures, hot oil manicures, shampoos, and facials for $5 each. For appointments, contact Glynda Honeycutt at (662) 224-8999.

Campus BriefsBy: Mike Haskins

As a community college transfer, your move to The University of Mississippi will be one of the most important in your life—and also one of the smoothest. Here are just a few of

the reasons why transferring to Ole Miss is the right move:

•Youracademiccourseworkduringyourfirsttwoyearswill plug right into our bachelor’s degree programsandletyoustayontrack.

•Averagejunior-andsenior-levelclasses at Ole Miss have 20-30 students and are probably smaller than some of the classes you are takingnow.

•OurFinancial Aid Office works hard to help you receive the combination of grants, scholarships, loans and employment you willneedtofinanceyoureducation.

•OurPhi Theta Kappa scholarship is worth $6,000 ($3,000 per yearfortwoyears)!Transferstudentswitha3.5GPAonatleast48 transferable community college credit hours and membership in Phi Theta Kappa are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. PleasecontactJasonMcCormickorTyAllushuskiintheOfficeofEnrollmentServicesat800-OLE-MISS(inMississippi)or662-915-7226formoredetails.

•OurCommunityCollegeExcellenceScholarshipisworth1,000ayear(atotalof2,000overyourlasttwoyears).CommunityCollegestudentswitha3.0GPAon48transferablehourswillbeeligibleforthisscholarship.ContactJasonMcCormickorTyAllushuskiintheOfficeofEnrollmentServicesat662-915-7226for more details.

Comeandvisitcampus,talkwithourfaculty,staffandstudents,andseehoweasyitwillbetotakethenextstep!

Ole Miss!@You’ll Fit

Right in

It’stherightmove

SPORTS D1 • January 26, 2012 Senatobia, Miss.

By: Brian Lentz

Baseball reloads for 2012 season After coming off of a 31-21 record and a trip to the Region 23 tournament last season, the Northwest Ranger baseball team is getting set to open their 2012 season, which will begin on Feb. 15 against Jackson State (Tenn.). Despite losing a few big names from last season, the Rangers return with many familiar faces and some new signees look-ing to make an impact this season. Pitching There are plenty of arms returning this season for the Rangers, and while Coach Mark Carson has yet to decide on a rotation, he expects to see many different players seeing action on the mound. “We have a few projections made for our pitching staff this season,” Carson said. “Jeremy Massie, Colt Burns, Garrett Radicioni and Chris Casto are four guys that got a lot of in-nings of action last season. I feel that all four will be major contributors to our rotation.” Also returning to the Ranger pitching staff is Bill Higdon, who sat out the latter part of last season rehabilitating from arm surgery last season. “So far he’s had a good preseason up to this point and we’re excited to have him back

to see what he can do this season,” Carson added. The Rangers also picked up a few transfers and new signees as well. Phillip Malatesta, who Carson believes will also play a big part in the Rang-ers rotation, comes in as a transfer from Arkansas State. Freshmen Cody Reed (Horn Lake HS) and Jim Tom Copeland (North Delta) are among some of the new faces on the Ranger pitching staff this season. “(Reed) is a left-handed pitcher and a guy that we think will also be a big help to us in the rota-tion,” Carson said. Infielders Despite losing some key pieces in infielder Drew Griffin and catcher Drew Klepzig, Carson is optimistic about his crop of infielders this season. “With the exception of Griffin and Klepzig, we have nearly everyone re-turning from last season,” said Carson. “Josh John-son, who split playing time with Griffin last season at shortstop, is returning. Austin Overall comes back in at third base, and when you add Bradley Noland at second base, it makes for a good returning group.” Adding to the returning infielders are three choices at first base: Jeremy Carlisle, Chris Casto and

Jimmy Braswell. “All three of those guys bring back talent and experience, not just at first base, but at the plate as well,” said Carson. Meanwhile, returning

behind the plate is Justin Rose. “Rose is a guy who saw a little bit of action backing up Klepzig and Joseph Blair last season,” Carson added. “He’s had a great offseason, he’s worked hard, and I think with him behind the plate, we’ll be in good shape.” Outfielders The outfield is another area that features several returning players. How-ever, the outfield is also an area of some concern, due to the departure of Chad Wardlaw, now at Belhaven University. “Wardlaw is

a big loss for us in the outfield,” said Carson. “Not only do we lose his tremendous skills in the outfield, but also his skills at the plate. So that will

definitely be a big blow for us.” Despite losing Wardlaw, the Rangers do possess several other options, one of them being power hitter and Senatobia native Dex Herrington. Other outfield options are Carlisle (who, according to Carson, will rotate from first base to outfield through the sea-son), and also Luke Mc-Cullough and Kyle Blount, both of whom could battle for the centerfield job. Car-son also says that rotating all outfielders throughout the season is a distinct pos-

sibility. “We’ll basically platoon a lot of guys and send them to other spots in the outfield,” said Car-son. “We do a lot of work where that’s a common occurrence and it’s some-thing I like to do, based on what our opponents use. Schedule As for the Rangers’ schedule, Carson is expect-ing another interesting year in the MACJC North Divi-sion, which the Rangers split with Holmes for the division title last season. “I like our situation because we return so many start-ers from last season, but at the same time so does Northeast and Holmes.” Carson went on to add that Northeast was “one of the toughest teams” he saw during the offseason and that Itawamba would be a “much-improved team than last season.” Another team that might bear watching this season is Mississippi Delta. “They have a brand new coaching staff down there that has brought in a lot of transfer players around Christmas break and have generated a little excitement in that aspect,” Carson noted about Mississippi Delta. “With that being said, I expect this to be another exciting year in the North Division.” The Rangers also play

several non-conference games, with opponents ranging from Southwest Tennessee Commu-nity College to Ellsworth (Iowa). “We play both Jackson State and South-west Tennessee again this season, and the teams we play from Tennessee are always competitive, year in and year out,” said Carson. Jones County and Arkansas Baptist are two other potential threats on the Rangers’ non-confer-ence slate. “Jones County played for the national championship last year and beat us for the MACJC championship, so they’ll be one of our toughest non-conference oppo-nents,” Carson said. “Ar-kansas Baptist is the same way. They went deep last season and return several starters as well.” Although cautious about the season schedule, Carson is excited about the Rangers’ potential this season. “It’s kind of scary to look and see the teams and what each one brings to the table in talent,” said Carson. “(But) in the end, it makes your club better and helps to prepare you for the postseason.” For a complete roster, schedule and starting times for each game, visit www.northwestms.edu/athletics.

Coach Mark Carson, now in his seventh sea-son as head coach, is looking for his ball club to make another run at the MACJC State title.

D1 • January 26, 2012 Senatobia, Miss. THE RANGER ROCKET D2

Baseball reloads for 2012 seasonSPORTS

By: Ranger Rocket Staff

Northwest sophomore defender Fakhry Khulfan was named an NJCAA Men’s Soccer Third Team All-American on Friday, the first Ranger since 2003 to earn the postseason award. Khulfan is just the second men’s soccer player in school history to earn All-American honors, with Tommy Robison a two-time second team selection in 2002 and 2003. Khulfan finished his two-year soccer career at Northwest with 17 goals and five assists for 39 total

points, having a breakout sophomore season with 12 goals. He finished with a .213 shot percentage and .587 shot-on-goal percentage in 24 games played, knock-ing in four game-winners and connecting on all three penalty kick attempts. In a league full of tal-ented players, the Memphis native was the only men’s soccer player from the MACJC to be named an All-American.

Khulfan named third team All-American

Sophomore midfielder Morgan Taylor and sopho-more forward Nathan Smith have been named to the 2011-12 Capital One Academic All-District VI Team as voted upon by more than 2,700 mem-bers of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). The selections for Northwest are the first in the school’s soccer history. Taylor, a native of Gre-nada, boasted a 3.74 GPA

in nursing while helping the women’s soccer team to its most conference wins since 2006. A 2011 MACJC All-State selection, Taylor led the Lady Rangers in all statistical categories, scor-ing seven goals and adding four assists for a team-best 18 points. She owned a .194 shot percentage and .611 SOG percentage, knocking in game-winners against East Central and Holmes.

Smith had his best sea-son for the Rangers in 15 starts, scoring eight goals and adding five assists for 21 total points. He scored his first career hat-trick on Aug. 30 in a hard-fought, 6-5 loss to Jones County. The Hernando native had a 3.53 GPA in ac-counting. The Academic All-District VI team is com-prised of student-athletes from schools in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi,

New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. To be nominated, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve (at least 50 percent of the team’s games) with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) at his/her current institution.

By: Ranger Rocket Staff

Taylor, Smith tabbed Capital One Academic All-District VI

To many students it was just the beginning of a new semester, but to the North-west basketball teams it was a re-boot to their season. The first two games after the break were home games. On the Tuesday following the break in the match-up against Co-lumbia State, the Lady Rangers were slow getting started. The offense shot a very low 30 percent, but the defense forced 26 turnovers and held them to a lowly 37 percent from the field. The Lady Rangers went into halftime down by only 7. Coming out of halftime both teams were even, but Columbia State began to take control with a 53-38 lead with 11:50 left in the game. With 4:46 left, the Lady Rangers cut the lead down to eight. The effort of the Lady Rangers was not enough, as they could not hold off Columbia State as they lost 72-61. Freshman Monique Biggins had a double-dou-ble with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Also, contributing was freshman Brittany Patton with 15 points and nine rebounds. “Monique and Brittany are both great players, they are giving their best effort every night,” Coach

Don Edwards said. Next was the North-west men’s team as both teams came out on fire. In the first five minutes of the contest there were six lead changes, but Kendrick Moore sparked an 11-3 run for the Rangers. This would lead to a 19-12 lead that didn’t last long. The game turned into a battle leading into half-time, as both teams were tied 35-35 at the half. Coming out of halftime, both teams remained neck-and-neck as they had six more lead changes, until Columbia State too con-trol. The Rangers would not take back the lead until 5:49 left in the game. The game stayed close un-til it was tied up in the final 18 seconds of the game.

With the game on the line, the Rangers could not hold off the attack of Columbia State in the final seconds of the game. With 8 seconds remaining, Columbia State got the go ahead bucket to take the lead. The Rangers’ Bernard Jones took a desperation shot, but could not hit it as they lost 75-73. “They had the game right there but just could not turn the corner,” Coach Jimmy Adams said. Leading the Rangers, was sophomore Everick Morris with 16 points and 9 assists. Also contributing was freshman DeMarcus McVay with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. On Jan. 12, the Rangers and Lady Rangers hosted Arkansas Baptist. First up,

the Lady Rangers were looking to stop a three game skid. The Lady Rangers came out strong and never let up because they held on to the lead for the entire first half. They came out shooting 43 percent from the field, but caught a spark from behind the arc shooting a season high 50 percent. Follow-ing halftime, the game was very close down until the final shot. Arkansas Baptist took the game-winning shot with 1:20 left on the clock. Many thought the Lady Rangers were going to take the lead with ease, but their opponent played great defense. The Lady Rangers were forced into a situation where they controlled their

own fate with a game win-ning shot in their possession. In the final two seconds of the game, the ball was placed in the hands of sophomore Sherneal Thompson. With a great attempt for the final shot, it just was not meant to be as the shot rimmed out. The Lady Rangers fell 59-58 which dropped their record to 6-5. “Even though we lost, we played hard and we are improving,” Edwards said. Freshmen Monique Biggins and Shaquilla Isom lead the team with 12 points each. Sophomore Erica Turner was included in the mix with 9 points, 10 assists, and 3 blocks. Next, the Northwest men’s team was looking to help their record, but with

a career-high 25 points from freshman Kenyatta Jones, the game was in the bag. The Rangers came out smoking as they shot 43 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc. Coming out of the gate and for the entire game it was close, as the Rangers went into halftime with a 37-33 lead. After halftime, the Rangers were super-charged and went on a 13-3 run which helped secure the win. The Rang-ers dominated the second half to win with a final of 86-75. The Rangers ended the game shooting 47 percent from the field and 44 per-cent from the arc. A huge reason for such a great vic-tory was due to freshman Kenyatta Jones who lead the team with a career-high 25 points, while knocking down six three-pointers. “When Kenyatta shot his first shot, his eyes got big and the basket got big. That is when he knew he was on fire,” Adams said. On the other hand, freshman DeMarcus Mc-Vay and sophomore Darius Woods had 15 points each.

By: Deissac House

Basketball off to bumpy start after break

Kenyatta Jones has a career high of 25 points as the Rangers win over Arkansas-Baptist 86-75. (Photo by Deissac House)

Brittani Smith hustles for a loose ball as the Lady Rang-ers fall to Arkansas-Baptist 59-58. (Photo by Deissac House)

NEWSB2 • January 26, 2012 Senatobia, Miss.

Numerous FiNaNcial aid opportuNities For NWcc Graduates!

ScholarShipS include:• DeSoto Center 2+2 Scholarships (Exclusively for NWCC transfers)

• Ole Miss-DeSoto Outreach Academic Leadership Scholarships (Exclusively for NWCC transfers, 1/2 tuition scholarship)

• Ole Miss Academic Excellence Scholarships for Community College Transfers ($750 per semester)

• Phi Theta Kappa Members ($1,500 per semester)

• MTAG: Miss. Tuition Assistance Grants ($500 per semester Jr. & Sr. years)

• UM Luckyday Scholarships for Community College Transfers (Up to $2,300)

$250 ScholarShipS available for:• UM-DeSoto Student Ambassadors• Selected Business Majors/ Phi Beta Lambda Business Organization members

find out more about these and other funding options at:

www.olemiss.edu/desotoor call 662-342-4765 or 1-888-343-4765 (toll-free)

DeSoto

facebook.com/umdesoto

Henson Anderson of HernandoUM-DeSoto 2011 Accountancy Graduatetransferred from NWCC receiving the DeSoto Center 2+2 Scholarship

5197 W.E. Ross Pkwy., Southaven, MS 38671

Mr. and Miss Northwest

Kristi Ray, an office systems technology major from Oxford, and Mark Guillory, a practical nursing major from Oxford, (left) were named Mr. and Miss NWCC for the 2011-2012 academic year at Northwest Mis-sissippi Community College’s Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center in Oxford.

Oxford

Senatobia

DeSoto

Taylor Pounders, a respiratory therapy major from Horn Lake, (left) and Ashlea Stephenson, a nursing major from Hernando, (right) have been named Mr. and Miss NWCC for the 2011-2012 academic year at Northwest Missis-sippi Community College’s DeSoto.

Josiah Jones, an EMT major (right), and Whitney Smith, a nursing ma-jor, (left) were named Mr. and Miss NWCC for the 2011-2012 academic year at Northwest Mississippi Community College’s main campus in Senatobia.