To err is human. To fix it is TNE Policy. Corrections can be found on Page 4. To report a correction call 918.444.2890. TNE Web site: www.nsunews.com

Volume 104, Issue 6 | Tuesday, August 28, 2012 | Tahlequah, Okla. 74464

ROTC aidsNSU’s ROTC program offers students help in their academic careers.

See page 6

Students struggleWith the stress of classes combined with work, many face weight gain.

See page 11

Spencer receives honoring OSCPA award

Loan debt increasingly becoming issue for students

continued on page 2

Ashley RogeRsTNe WRiTeR

More than 18 million students are currently enrolled at colleges and universities across the coun-try.

As numbers increase each year,

so does the amount of debt for this group.

According to American Stu-dent Assistance, an estimated 60 percent of bachelor’s degrees re-cipients borrowed to fund their education. In addition 84 per-cent of undergraduates had least

one credit card, with the average number of cards 4.6 per student. Undergraduates are currently carrying record-high credit card balances.

Students from middle income families are more likely to rack up student loan debt, and in greater

amounts, than students from both lower and higher income back-grounds. Students whose families make over $40,000 are less likely to qualify for grant packages, thus requiring student loans.

As tuition costs rise and out-pace inflation, students are rely-

CAleb DobbsTNe WRiTeR

The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants is the only statewide association for CPAs. Founded in 1918, the num-ber of OSCPA members is con-stantly growing. With thousands of members, this association is the premier source for accounting and financial contacts according to www.oscpa.com.

Of the thousands of members, the OSCPA gives a total of four awards for individuals embracing community involvement, profes-sionalism and activism in the field of accounting and finance.

NSU’s own Vicki Spencer, in-structor of Accounting, received the 2012 distinguished CPA award on June 8 in Oklahoma City. She

ing more on loans as a primary means of financial aid.

As college graduates struggle to find high-wage jobs in today’s economy, inflated student-loan debt forces many students to be-gin careers at an increased risk of default and

continued on page 2

Caleb Dobbs/TNEVicki Spencer, instructor of accounting, assists a student attending her Monday morning class. Several students were unaware

of Spencer’s achievement until well after she was awarded.

The Northeastern

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Accounting professor receives prestigious award

Loan debt remains challenge for graduates

continued from page 1

continued from page 1

said she was humbled by her peers’ nomi-nation.

“The four of us receiving awards got up and gave speeches,” said Spencer. “It was uncomfort-able for me because I prefer being behind the scenes to the forefront, but it was truly an honor.”

Spencer had served as the pres-

ident of the eastern chapter of the OSCPA.

As president, she was respon-sible for organizing and delegat-ing meetings, speakers and the resources of the chapter.

Excluding Spencer herself, the faculty and students surrounding Spencer said they felt her nomi-nation came at no surprise.

Dr. Roger E. Collier Jr. Dean of College of Business and Tech-nology Administration, wrote a nomination letter in support of Spencer. Though Collier was un-available for comment in India, the Associate Dean of Business and Technology Administration, Dr. Kathleen Reese, presented a concise praise. Reese spoke of

Spencer’s friendliness and stu-dent-focused nature.

“She is genuinely nice and in-telligent,” said Jamie Christensen, Gentry senior. “Spencer is one of the professors that makes going to class truly worth it.”

Spencer’s success with OS-CPA and her students could be viewed as a positive reflection of

the NSU experience because of her notable history with the uni-versity. Spencer graduated from NSU with both an bachelors and masters degree.

She has been an instructor since 2000 and continues to love teaching.

For more information, email dobbsc@nsuok.edu.

p e n a l t i e s for late payments.

Americans are increasingly fall-ing behind on their student loans. Long-term delinquency rates now stand at 8.69 percent, up from 6.13 percent a decade ago.

That is higher than the delin-quency rates of mortgages, auto loans and home equity lines of credit.

More than 50 percent of

graduates are currently underem-ployed or unemployed.

Earlier this year congress ap-proved legislation extending for another year the 3.4 percent in-terest rate on subsidized Stafford loans for undergraduates.

Under a law passed five years ago, these rates were expected to double this year.

Congress also made a few changes to the requirements for

obtaining federal student aid. Students enrolling for the first time after July 1 must have a high school diploma or GED to be eli-gible.

Graduate and professional stu-dents are no longer able to obtain subsidized federal student loans.

They will only be able qualify for unsubsidized federal loans.

Pell grants will have a maxi-mum grant award of $5,550, but students will only be able to use them for 12 semesters instead of 18 semesters.

This change is effective for all students, including those close to graduation.

Rachel McAlvain, adjunct pro-fessor for health administration, believes there are two main issues surrounding student loans.

“It is hard to expect students to pay back loans without a job,” McAlvain said. “And with the waning economy and employ-ment rates this is becoming more and more difficult. Additionally students tend to borrow beyond their means, not anticipating the

payback down the road.” Some students feel that without

student loans they could not com-plete their education.

Brandy Avery, Hulbert sopho-more, said it was never discussed because she knew it was impera-tive.

“My family would not be able to make it financially without one,” Avery said. “It was either take out additional student loans, or drop out of school to get a job that would only cover the cost of child care.”

Avery said she had not spent much time thinking about how she was to pay them back.

“I was hoping to get a teaching job somewhere that would help me pay them back,” Avery said. “Another plan I have is to make myself available at all times as an on call substitute until a position opens up.”

For more information, email rogers05@nsuok.edu

Wingman T-shirts on sale nowThere are currently Wingman T-shirts, sizes small, medium and

large, for $5.They are available to purchase in the Student Affairs Office in the basement of the UC. For those at the BA office, please email Matt Broz to confirm sizing. A shirt will then be mailed to the Student Affairs Office in Broken Arrow to be picked up. For more information email broz@nsuok.edu or call Department of Student affairs at ext. 2526.

burn ban still in effect As many of know, there is a Statewide Burn Ban in effect. With the first football game quickly approaching, Campus Police

feel it would be helpful for those who will be tailgating, to familiarize themselves with the laws associated with the burn ban.

For more information, visit www.forestry.ok.gov. Or call the Uni-versity Police Department (918-444-2468) with any questions.

information meeting planned for study tour of spainDr. Melissa Strong and Dr. Donna Shelton will lead an Education

First College Study Tour of Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao, Spain. Companion courses offered during the spring 2013 term are Ameri-can Writers in Spain, an online English elective; and Contemporary Culture of Spain, a blended Spanish elective. An ITV informational meeting is August 28 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 104 of Bagley Hall and Room 121 of Education at Broken Arrow. For more information call Strong at 918-444-3613 or write to strong01@nsuok.edu.

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Upcoming eventsWadley Reading Center opening08/28/12 4 PM , Bagley Hall, third floorRSVP requested. Send an RSVP to Anita Thompson at hylton@nsuok.edu or call 918-444-3751.Pep Rally08/28/12 6-8 PM , Norris ParkoeA/NeA meeting08/29/12 11:45 AM , Room 219, Education, Broken ArrowTopic is social media in the classroom. Free lunch. For more information call Dr. Jocelyn Lee Payne at 918-449-6586 or Dr. Stephan Sargent at 918-449-6513.NAb pre-game tailgate08/30/12 4:30 PM , Doc Wadley StadiumFor more information call 918-444-2526.Women’s soccer – NsU vs. oklahoma baptist08/30/12 6 PM , ShawneeVisit www.goriverhawksgo.com for more information.Fb – NsU vs. Pittsburg state08/30/12 6 PM , Doc Wadley StadiumVisit www.goriverhawksgo.com for more information.Men’s soccer – NsU vs. Missouri-st. louis08/31/12 7 PM , St. LouisVisit www.goriverhawksgo.com for more information.

ethicsPoint link available on NsU home page The Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma wishes to remind regional university employees of its Internet-based reporting system, EthicsPoint. A link is available on the NSU home page. EthicsPoint is a reporting tool that helps the univer-sity communities prevent, detect and correct fraud, abuse, misconduct and other violations while cultivating a positive environment. It is intended to complement existing management and supervisory oversight. When

possible, employees are still encouraged to bring concerns to supervisors, human resources or another appropriate campus entity.

osRC sponsoring illinois River Cleanup The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission hosts the 2012 Illinois River Cleanup on August 30. Volunteers begin the day by checking in at the OSRC office on High-way 10 between 8-9:30 a.m. The OSRC provides supplies, including trash bags and gloves, and assigns vol-unteers to one of the commercial float operations along the river. The operation puts volunteers on a short canoe trip, where they remove litter as they float. The clean-up ends around noon, followed by lunch and a prize-drawing at Peyton’s Place. Volunteers must sign up by August 28 by calling the OSRC at 918-456-3251.

Faculty, staff portraits to be taken August 29 Faculty and staff are invited to have a portrait taken for use in NSU’s online directory. Visit the NSU Photo Studio in the basement of the Journalism building on the Tahlequah campus during the assigned times. The session is open on August 29 from noon-1:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary and the process takes about two minutes. For more information e-mail Pete Henshaw at henshaw@nsuok.edu. If you have an official NSU portrait on file, or if you have had your portrait taken in the last year and wish to use it, please notify Henshaw. If your photo is already posted in the online directory, no further action is necessary. If you have a photo you would like to submit for the directory please

e-mail it to Henshaw for approval.

information meeting planned for study tour of spain Dr. Melissa Strong and Dr. Donna Shelton will lead an Education First College Study Tour of Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao, Spain. Companion courses offered during the spring 2013 term are American Writers in Spain, an online English elective; and Contemporary Culture of Spain, a blended Spanish elective. An ITV informational meeting is August 28 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 104 of Bagley Hall and Room 121 of Education at Broken Arrow. For more information call

Strong at 918-444-3613 or write to strong01@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

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August 28, 2012OP INION

Adviser: Cassie Freise ext. 2874

Editor-in-Chief: Amber Covington ext. 2890 Ad Manager: Kyle Eubanks ext. 2890 Senior Staff: Nichole Kamies Chelsea Moser Ashley Rogers Elizabeth White

TNE Staff: James Cosby Caleb Dobbs Tori Gilmartin Blake Harris Bailey Martindale Michelle Miron Haley Stocks Ad Staff: Kana Hatano Mai Kobayashi Kristen Roberson Michael York POSTMASTER: Send PS from 3579 to NSU, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. The Northeastern (USPS # 395-580) is published weekly throughout the year except college holidays by Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. Periodicals postage paid at Tahlequah. Postmaster: send address changes to Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. For more information about advertising, classified or display, call 444-2890, seven days in advance of desired publication date. Editorial statements in The Northeastern and readers’ letters reflect those of the individual writers and not necessarily those of The Northeastern, its editors, staff, adviser or the administration of NSU. The opinions and comments therein do not necessarily reflect the policies or beliefs of the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges or the regional universities and that the student newspaper is not an official medium or expression of the Board or the regional universities. The Northeastern is a public forum. All submissions become property of The Northeastern. This publication was printed by The Muskogee Phoenix and issued by NSU as authorized by House Bill 1714. Four thousand copies were printed at a total cost of $695 for 32 pages. The Northeastern is a member of the Associated College Press Association, Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association, Society of Collegiate Journalists and College Media Advisers. e-mail address: tne@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern accepts and encourages letters to the edi-tor. Submissions should be relatively short and to the point, and must include your name, and contact information in case we need to contact you about your submission. We also encourage submission of any story ideas or pictures. Email letters, stories or pictures to tne@nsuok.edu.

Letters to the Editor

Elections draw near, education can be key to successful voting It is impossible not to notice the

slew of campaign commercials right now focused on President Obama’s re-election or electing Republican nominee Mitt Rom-ney. Those who are versed in politics have it easy. They either know which party they intend to support, or they know which is-sues hold the most importance to them.

Many college students will vote in their first Presidential election this November. Some know who they plan on voting for, and why. Others may only hold a certain belief simply because their par-ents have always held that belief. A few may plan on not voting at all, either because they do not like either candidate, or do not want to take the time to educate them-selves.

It can be hard at times to even

follow some of the national news channels. Even more so with many pundits holding strong political views themselves. Tun-ing into “Real Time with Bill Maher” will get you the liberal views, while “Hannity” host Sean Hannity brings you the conserva-tive opinion every weeknight. It can be hard for anyone, even the most experienced voter, to follow the opposing viewpoints con-stantly in your face.

Every day, social media is flooded with opinions about each party and candidate. More often than not these accusations are false, but few people take the time to do the research necessary and will pass on bogus claims. It be-comes very easy to take this infor-mation at face value.

Social networking also leads to many heated political debates.

A c c o r d i n g to Mashable.com, in 2011, 48 percent of young Ameri-cans said they got their news from Facebook; Facebook can be great, it al-lows you to voice your sup-port or disdain for certain can-didates or poli-cies.

U n f o r t u -nately this can also spread false informa-tion. If it is too outrageous to be-lieve, or it says “the mainstream media won’t report this,” check with reputable media sources or

fact-checking websites. There is far too much blatantly false infor-mation being represented as fact.

It is important to educate your-self on every issue, not just the hot-button topics. Often indi-viduals will know a candidate’s stance on the major subjects like abortion or same-sex marriage and never take the time to learn about the other issues.

Just because a candidate aligns with your views socially does not mean they will align with you fis-cally.

It can be so hard to keep up on these issues, especially for students. Our schedules are hec-tic enough without adding other things to it. But remember, there is a world outside of papers, tests and presentations. There is a

world beyond college, a world that includes student loan pay-ments and career searches. The political figures we elect today could greatly impact who we could become in future years.

Expand outside of your com-fort zone and what you grew up with. Try to take yourself out of other peoples’ opinions and bias-es and decide for yourself what is right, wrong or important to you, and why.

The great thing about the United States is the ability to vote for whomever we choose. We are allowed to have and voice what-ever opinion we choose. Never let others make you feel as if your beliefs and choice do not matter.

Find your voice and be proud of it.

Courtesy PhotoRepublican candidate Mitt Romney and Democratic candidate Barack Obama

will face off in this year’s presidential election. As an American it is important to be educated in the voting process.

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Meig’s Jewelry offers latest fashionsAMbeR CoviNgToNTNE WRITER

Meig’s Jewelry has been in serving Tahlequah for many years and has all the latest fash-ions. One of which is Vera Brad-ley.

“Vera Bradley was designed by women for women,” said Debbie Miller sales manager at Meig’s. “Two friends were sitting in an airport looking at boring plain luggage, and they went home and designed a line of beautiful bags for women.”

The Vera Bradley bags have come a long way since their birth. Extending from purses and lug-gage to planners, stationary, sun-glasses, pens, cups and many oth-er items. “We get a large amount of our Vera sales from students

on NSU’s campus,” said Chelsea Buttress. “Many girls buy bags for themselves and their friends and since we do special orders we are able to get any piece they might be looking for.”

To provide unmatched cus-tomer service and jewelry qual-ity while offering each person a memorable jewelry experience. To have honesty and integrity above all else, and to have fun while doing it is Meig’s mission, according to their Facebook page.

“We look like a fancy jewelry store on the outside and students don’t realize you can get a $12 gift for a friend,” said Miller.

Vera Bradley seems to be pop-ping up all over campus.

“I recommend them to anyone. They make bags of all shapes and colors and if you don’t love the

patters there are solid col-ors available,” said But-tress. “The great things is that Vera Bradley stands by the quality of their bags- if a stitch comes out or a zipper breaks, they will replace the entire piece.”

“I’ve bought Vera for my mom, my sister, my friends- they have pieces starting at $10 so it’s easy to find something to give as a gift,” said But-tress. “We can do custom monograms on the bags- including Greek and Cherokee letters so it’s really easy to personalize them.”

For more information contact covingta@nsuok.edu.

Courtesy PhotoTaylor Eversole, Putnam City North freshman receives congratula-

tions from Taylor Pride, Meigs employee. Eversole received a Meigs promotion card during the NSU Welcome Week’s Merchant Mall. She took her card to Meigs and found out her scratch-off number was the winning number for the $500 shopping spree.

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NSU’s ROTC program off to exciting start for fall semesterhAley sToCksTNe WRiTeR

This summer, five NSU seniors from both the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses attend-ed a four-week summer training in Ft. Lewis, Wash. named the Leadership Development and As-sessment Course, which utilized all of the skills learned during their previous years of ROTC.

Students entering their senior year are eligible to attend the LDAC.

“When these juniors return as seniors, they are allowed the posi-tion to run the program from the top,” said Captain Jason Uphoff. “They must take the lessons they learned from LDAC and the pre-vious three years of ROTC and use that experience to train the next generation.”

Uphoff said the cadets went through rigorous evaluations in order to not only become lead-ers during this school year, but qualify them as eligible to become

lieutenants in the Army. “LDAC to me was not just a

summer ordeal, but rather a cul-mination of two years of training and hard work,” said Jordan Ben-nett, Tulsa senior. “I had been to Basic training and another train-ing when I was enlisted in the Army, so I knew a little of what I was getting myself into. I used ev-erything I knew about the Army in my time at LDAC.”

This true test of endurance, strength and culmination of abili-ties provided a variety of tech-niques the cadets were asked to display. A few were more fright-ening for some than others.

“I have a healthy fear of heights and at LDAC there are many challenges in which heights plays a factor,” said Bennett. “My platoon helped not only me, but the others as well that had chal-lenges in all areas of the LDAC.”

Other challenges were more enjoyable for the cadets.

“The water confidence course was the most fun event we had

the chance of doing,” said Ver-non Long Jr., Henryetta senior. “We dropped in water about from about 25 feet after we slid down a cable going about 25mph.”

During these tests, it was im-portant for the cadets to show their character. Leadership is a major part of the ROTC pro-gram.

Long said he has learned to stay confident in everything he is doing so he is able to achieve his goals.

“I have learned so much from

my time at LDAC and also my time in ROTC,” said Zachery Whatley, Tahlequah senior. “I have really been able to become a better leader and a better per-son. ROTC has helped shape me to become more focused on the important things in my life. I am more responsible and ma-ture now then when I first started the program. Also, I am in great shape because of my involvement in ROTC.”

Uphoff said he has confidence in his seniors this year and knows

there will be some mistakes and growing opportunities, but it will be a great experience for the ca-dets to be leaders.

“Like all transitions, there are some bumps in the road to suc-cess, but the seniors are, in my somewhat biased opinion, the hardest working students on cam-pus,” said Uphoff. “We produce exceptional leaders and the only way to learn leadership is through practice and execution. They have and will make mistakes, but with each new lesson efficiency grows. I am confident that the se-niors will be fully prepared to join the Officer Corps after gradua-tion, and equally confident that the mentoring and one-to-one leadership they provide under-classmen is second to none.”

Many opportunities arise from involvement with ROTC during collegiate years.

Uphoff said any students want-ing to become involved are not too late, because a course they of-fer during the semester is only an 8-week course.

It is available to all students in-terested.

There is also an available ROTC scholarship for freshman interested in committing time and energies to the program. This scholarship would cover the costs of four years of school.

“ROTC is one of the best programs to do in college,” said Long. “It not only allows you to finish college with a bachelor’s degree but gives you the chance to receive three to four years of experience in being a leader.”

The ROTC Color Guard will present the American flag for the opening football game against Pittsburg St. this Thursday, Au-gust 30.

The game begins at 6:00p.m. at Doc Wadley Stadium.

For more information, email stocksh@nsuok.edu.

Courtesy PhotoThe ROTC is a college-based program, for training commis-

sioned officers of the United States Armed Forces. ROTC of-ficers serve in all branches of the US Armed Forces.

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Learning to eat on a budget crucial for students

GATHER HERE.STAY HEALTHY.

NSU’s Student Health Services office offers the following services to students with no charge for office visits:

» Treatment of acute illness or injury » Family planning and contraceptive counseling » Physical Exams » Health Education

www.nsuok.edu/studentaffairsPhone: (918) 444-2120

ToRi gilMARTiNTNe WRiTeR

Eating out can be expensive, especially as a college student. Sometimes people do not have the time to eat at home between work and school.

Other times they do not want to cook or eat at home. Not all places are expensive.

There are a few restaurants that are sit down that are reason-ably priced.

“Going straight from school to work, I just do not have time to go home and eat,” said Stephanie Howdeshell, Muskogee junior. “So driving thru somewhere is the option for me unless I pack my lunch.”

Howdeshell said My Place West barbecue, Chets, Chavas

and some other places all of Muskogee are some of the rea-sonably priced restaurants that are sit down.

“Trying to keep reasonable prices and trying to make a profit at the same time can be hard, but I just try to keep the prices reasonable so I can keep weekly repeat customers,” said Bruce Shropshire, My Place West own-er. “Some ways for me to keep prices down are buying in bulk and buying from different dis-tributors. Sometimes I just have to look from a customer’s point of view and think of reasonable prices with the economy these days and leave them high enough so I can make a profit. Anyone can come here and get a good sized portioned meal and drink under $10.”

Other reasonably priced res-taurants in Muskogee include Paul’s Diner, Beacon Drive Inn, Gino’s and Pisano’s.

All of the following have take out services as well if you are on the go.

“Every time I make it home to Muskogee and have cash on me I try to go to Beacon,” said Kin-sey Scott, Muskogee senior. “It is one of my favorite places to eat. Muskogee has a lot of restaurants that are pretty cheap to eat at, you just have to know where they’re at.”

Finding places to eat for less can be hard to find these days, but it is not impossible. People just have to put in the time to look for those places.

For more information, email gilmartv@nsuok.edu.

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Students question ability to afford of collegeNiChole kAMies TNe seNioR sTAFF

College, some students believe going through college is finan-cially putting them behind before graduation. With the national stu-dent loan debt climbing over the national credit card debt, NSU helps students become aware and informed before and throughout their college experience.

“We encourage all students to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 every year,” said Shelly Dreadfulwater, Assistance Director of Student Financial Services. “However the FAFSA may not be the only step needed to be awarded, this is why it is equally important to check NSU email as well as goNSU regularly. Our Office may need additional information from the student before they can be award-ed.”

NSU’s financial aid depart-ment strives to inform students of financial cost of college. Com- pared to other public Oklahoma Universities NSU, is a more eco-

nomical option. “Our main goal is to provide

students with the information they need to make informed deci-sions regarding the costs and pay-ment of their educations,” said Dreadfulwater. “The financial aid website is full of important infor-mation all financial aid recipients should become familiar with. “

By the time students chose to attend NSU they have researched

price and have an idea of the cost. After the help of financial aid students are assisted through the paperwork , but prepar-ing for the cost of books is something financial aid cannot pre-pare a student for. A profes-sor who re-cently bought books for his daughter ex-plains how he saved money on books.

“After com-paring book-store prices to online we

picked our best option,” said Dr. Wallace, Speech Professor. “I knew to do this from listening to students in my class, however un-til I had to purchase them myself I had no idea what students were paying for text books and I must say I was sticker shocked.”

For students, the on-campus bookstore convenience may be worth its sticker price. They also have other options such as used and rentable textbooks to cut

down on the cost. “An idea that we did when I

was in school was when someone was done with a book they posted a flier on campus and sold their book independently,” said Wal-lace. “During my time at NSU I have not seen a flier of such, it would be beneficial for students to set up a more modern version and could potentially save stu-dents money.”

Attending college can be finan-cially straining for student but to excel in the workforce it is a nec-essary step to take.

“A college degree is one of the best investments a person can make,” said Dreadfulwater. “All students who take federal loans are required to complete an en-trance counseling session. This entrance counseling session is designed to inform the student of their responsibilities in regards to repayment of their loans.”

Learning to manage funds and keep track of loans is a transition for most students.

Financial counseling assistance is available by appointment for students.

“Budget, Budget, Budget. It is important students understand although a college education may help them attain a better standard of living in the future, while in college they may have to live on a strict budget,” said Dreadful-water. “If students can create a budget and stick to it in the long run it may help alleviate financial stress and aid in their academic success.”

For more information email Nichole Kamies at Kamies@nsuok.edu.

Courtesy PhotoAs college tuition prices surge, some students are asking the question of abil-

ity to afford. They are not asking in vain, with financial aid levels lowering, they have a right to worry.

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Chelsea Perryman/TNETim Fountain, Chik-fil-A worker, and Rebecca Kuelper,

Little Kansas sophomore, utilize the computers in the UC basement. The computers are available for all students on campus to use free of charge.

Chelsea Perryman/TNEPhilip curry, Wagner junior, and Heather Butler, Checotah senior, practice filming for a class

camera assignment at the housing help desk. The help desk assists residents with housing needs.

Students help one another Students multitask

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AquaFit classes coming to NSU Tahlequah campusJAMes CosbyTNe WRiTeR

There is a new public interest in the benefits of aquatic exercise.

From pro athletes stressing the rewards to doctors referring pa-tients, aquatics are seen more fre-quently in athletic and rehabilita-tion programs.

Continuing Education is offer-ing an AquaFit class at the NSU Fitness Center pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Class dates will run Tuesday, Sept. 11 through Thursday, Dec. 20. Debbie Amlin, Coordinator of Continuing Education and Ac-ademic Outreach, is one member from the department who will be teaching the class. Amlin is very passionate about the program.

“I have taught aerobics: high impact, low impact, step and wa-ter aerobics from 1979-2008,” said Amlin. “In 1987 my first job at NSU was through Continu-ing Education I taught the Water Aerobics class at the Fitness Cen-ter for 15 years.”

Participants do not have to be the best in the water to enjoy these benefits

“You do not have to know how to swim to take this class,” said Amlin. “It is conducted in the shallow end of the pool.”

There are many key aspects that make water a productive training element.

“Water is one of the best fitness tools,” said Amlin. “It provides resistance which strengthens mus-cles and boosts the cardio intensi-

ty. Water also helps support some of your body weight.”

Amlin is not the only person happy about the new program, Andrea Sprague, administrative assistant, is also eager to assist. Classes outside of colleges can be expensive.

“The Aqua Fit class was de-signed to cater to our faculty, staff and student body,” said Sprague.

One of the greatest problems facing college staff and students today is time.

“We have boosted the cardio work out and shortened the time frame, so that you can come on your lunch break,” said Sprague.

Even for those who do not take the class, Continuing Education offers the idea of water training to improve awareness throughout

the community.“Many people don’t know

water exercise is one of the best forms of exercise you can get,” said Sprague.

According to an article in The Contra Costa Times, San Fran-cisco 49ers’ Randy Moss stresses the benefits of swimming to teammates. Moss hits the swim-ming pool at the 49ers facility each day to help keep his 35-year-old body in tiptop shape.

His influence has led to his 49ers teammates also hitting the pool regularly. Now NSU has brought the training of profes-sional athletes to the students.

Alexy Lewis, Claremore junior, is one of many students interested in this signing up for the aquafit class this fall.

“I have attended an aquatics class before and it really gives you a great workout without the pres-sure on your joints and bones,” said Lewis.

Because the water holds so much of a person’s weight it makes it a safe exercise for people in physically sensitive situations

“I am now pregnant and my doctor said taking this class will help me keep my body strong without hurting my back,” said Lewis.

Those with an interest in water aquatics now have an opportunity at NSU.

“Don’t miss your chance to learn a new way to add to your lifespan,” said Lewis.

For more information, email cosby@nsuok.edu.

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Weight gain can pose problems for studentseliZAbeTh WhiTeTNe WRiTeR

Getting older, maturing and growing up does not necessarily mean growing bigger.

An epidemic that infiltrates college campuses is the dreaded freshman 15.

Freshmen, more than any oth-er class struggle with their health and nutrition while adjusting to their newfound freedom.

Before students find their pants getting too tight and find them-selves shopping for bigger sizes, they should take a minute to iden-tify the problem and take steps to prevent their unhealthy weight gains.

“Avoiding the freshman 15 is simple, all students have to do is exercise and avoid the causes: Eating unhealthy cafeteria food, drinking excessive amounts of al-cohol, eating food late night, and keeping unhealthy snacks in the dorm room,” according to fresh-man15.com.

Students should take a look at the source of the potential weight gain. What are they filling their bodies with and how much? While NSU has several healthy eating options, the university also has several indulgent options on campus.

The marketplace grill is a great example of how a student may pack on the pounds if they are not careful.

The marketplace grill, or café as students know it, have a variety of healthy eating options sprin-kled with fun favorites like fresh-cooked pizza, a waffle station and a dessert bar.

It is up to the discretion of each student what they choose to eat and how much as the cafe has buffet style serving accommoda-tions.

“Freshman should try to stay away from sweets such as ice cream, cookies, fried foods, un-identifiable meat, cream cheese, chips and donuts,” according to freshman15.com. “By avoid-ing these foods, freshman will be more effective in fighting the freshman fifteen.”

Freshmen are away from home for the first time.

Without home cooking or someone else’s rules to follow, the tendency is to splurge.

Not monitoring their diet is the first step in the wrong direction. College students have a history

of staying up later and have been targeted by the fast food industry for such reason.

Fast food chains in college towns extend their hours and market their meals to the late night eaters. So students are faced with the option fo eat later.

Even the seasoned college student can fall victim to the oc-casional late night drive thru, but are usually more disciplined thanks to their previous experi-ences.

Freshmen should beware of the late night meals, which are usu-ally followed by sleep.

Their bodies are taking in loads of extra calories and not burning them off; a recipe for disaster.

Besides not having the same diet at college most students fall out of their active lifestyles.

Whether it was a high school sport they were involved in or their favorite gym back home, most incoming students led a much more active lifestyle back home.

Now that they are in a new town without their old fitness rou-tines, it is easy to slack off.

Not staying active is another major contributor to the weight gain.

“Regular exercise can be your biggest weapon against fighting the Freshman Fifteen,” accord-ing to freshman15.com. “Work-ing out helps tone muscle, and running helps burn fat and calo-ries. All college students should include some type of exercise in their daily routine.”

NSU offers a free fitness center to students who live on campus.

The fitness center is also a rela-tively inexpensive option for com-muter students.

Another way to stay active in college is intramural sports. Stu-dents interested in some healthy competition among their peers can look for sign ups at the NSU fitness center.

Getting older, maturing and growing up means learning les-sons and figuring out what works for the individual.

Freshmen who can discipline themselves are sure to reap the benefits, whether that is their diet, physical activity, or whatever new challenges they are faced with.

To learn more about the fresh-man 15 challenge visit www.fresh-man15.com.

For more information email white25@nsuok.edu.

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Safe Zone program to be instituted on NSU campusesblAke hARRisTNe WRiTeR

The NSU campuses of Broken Arrow and Tahlequah are start-ing a Safe Zone program.

Safe Zone is a program that helps educate individuals on les-bian, gay, bisexual and transgen-der issues that some NSU stu-

dents face. A student committee that is both on the Tahlequah and the Broken Arrow campuses leads Safe Zone.

Their goal is to not only make students and faculty aware of some of the LGBT community’s struggle and concerns, but to also train them to be an ally.

An ally is a person who will be

able to talk to anyone who is in the LGBT community and helps them with any of their problems.

“Safe Zone helps create a more inclusive, non-discriminatory campus which can have a signifi-cant impact on the success of the students,” said Jessica Deckert, Fargo, N.D., graduate student.

After attending several train-

ing sessions and becoming an ally, the student and faculty’s goal is to spread the word about LGBT issues and help in any way they can.

The allies are trained to let oth-ers in the NSU community know about some of the challenges that LGBT students have and how to assist them with any of their is-sues.

This program hopes to ensure that all students regardless of sexual orientation can be fully en-gaged in the college experience. There are currently seven stu-dents on the student committee, five of which are from Tahlequah campus and the other two are from the Broken Arrow campus.

“We are getting more prepared to train the faculty and students,” said Amber Cleek, Dallas, Texas, junior. “We are also responsible for putting on some events so we can spread the word even more.”

Tahlequah students Deckert and Cleek are both members on the student committee on cam-

pus and they are doing their own training so that they may be able to train others.

They had a booth at the mer-chant mall and plenty of people came to show their support. Also, at the last training session there were 18 faculty members in at-tendance to learn more about the program.

“This program is a great way for the faculty to understand the students more and help them with any of their questions,” said Matt Broz, Lawrence, Kan., graduate student.

After a faculty member com-pletes the training they will be able to show that by placing a sticker on their office door with the Safe Zone logo. Email Safe Zone at safezone@nsuok.edu to find individuals and resources in-volving the group.

Students can also be identified as allies by wearing Safe Zone at-tire, and a NSU Safe Zone Face-book group has been formed to help the students stay up to date with any changes or events com-ing up that involve Safe Zone. Through education, advocacy and awareness of LGBT issues, the program assists in promoting a safe and welcoming climate, ac-cording to the NSU Safe Zone pamphlet.

The next training session in Tahlequah will be 1-6 p.m. on Sept. 21, and for Broken Arrow it will be 1-6 p.m. Aug. 31. There will be more training sessions coming up in Oct. For more in-formation call student activities in Tahlequah at 918-444-2526 or email Matt Broz at broz@nsuok.edu.

To get involved on the Broken Arrow campus call student activi-ties at 918-449-6143 or email Jes-sica Roberts at rober020@nsuok.edu.

For more information, email harris28@nsuok.edu.

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Danish, German visiting students learn CherokeeMiChelle MiRoN TNe WRiTeR

This summer NSU welcomed Danish students to learn about the great depths of Cherokee lan-guage and culture. The visitors

were housed in Haskell Hall An-nex and stayed from July 29 until Aug. 19.

“I feel that this year’s group benefitted greatly from the expe-riences of the group last year,” said Dr. Les Hannah, Director of Cherokee Programs. “This group was much more prepared and ea-ger to explore the limits of their knowledge of America and cer-tainly American Indians.”

The Cherokee Programs Of-fice worked to make this program welcoming for the visitors. The office welcomed a group last year and has seen major progress of development.

“We learned from the clos-ing interviews that they enjoyed these events best, but most favor-able was the shooting range,” said Danielle Morgan, Bridge Creek senior. “For many of the students, this was their first time to shoot a gun.”

The visitors encountered two German students that became a part of the visit.

“The German girls were quiet and a little shy, but, like the visi-tors, they were very interested in learning about one another’s cul-

ture,” said Morgan. The students took a survey that

listed some resourceful questions. “I really liked it, and I could

spend more time over here. I liked being with the American students and to see how school is over here,” said Signe Sussemiehl Jensen, Danish student.

By living on campus for a few weeks the visitor had a chance ex-plore the campus and understand how American college is.

“I have learned more English and the American Culture. Also I have learned about the Native Americans and the Cherokees,” said Dina Sigmunelsen, Dan-ish student. “I am glad I got this experience, it is really different

from Denmark so it really makes me want to consider going to the US to study.”

Many Interna-tional and Ameri-can students are eager to excel in the language of the Cherokee.

“I have had great success in teaching citizens from other coun-tries about the worlds of Ameri-can Indians,” said Hannah. “I remain in con-tact with so many

of the people I have met from other nations. So long as people are eager and willing to learn the Cherokee language and culture will never die.”

The Cherokee Program em-ployees have gained many ex-periences with the visitors. The program will constantly grow by educating more students about the Cherokee language.

“In building this program, we were more focused on ideals;

these students came in and added more realistic perspective,” said Morgan. “Based on their input and reactions to the program, we were able to see what really worked, and what didn’t.”

NSU offers a suitable environ-ment for the international stu-dents to learn on a scale of ex-cellence and still encounter the American culture around them.

“I watched these international visitors bond with our Cherokee Promise Scholars and even many from NSU’s general population,” said Hannah. “I witnessed friend-

ships being forged, and barri-ers coming down. I saw cultural understanding grow from a tiny seed planted during a stickball game or an afternoon sitting on the bank of the river.”

The students engaged them-selves with NSU and in return NSU gave them memories that will last a lifetime.

“I had the best experience any teacher could ever have,” said Hannah. “I was in the presence of learning.”

For more informatio, email miron@nsuok.edu.

Danielle Morgan/Contributing PhotographerThe Danish and German students took many tours during their time in the

US. During one they all congregated around the Cherokee lands.

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Commuting students face financial hardshipsbAiley MARTiNDAleTNe WRiTeR

Yesterday’s nontraditional stu-dent is today’s traditional student. Previously, students came straight to college after high school, lived on campus, and graduated just four years later. T

oday, most students have work, family and financial obligations to balance along side of their educa-tion.

“One advantage I’ve found to commuting is that I’m more com-mitted to making an excellent

grade in my classes,” said Christi-na Duhaime, Tulsa senior. “Hav-ing to travel so far and invest so much time and money, on top of tuition, to my classes really keeps me motivated.”

The ratio of students to jobs in Tahlequah, family issues and other circumstances have forced many to commute in order to at-tend classes. Commuting offers benefits as well as drawbacks for students.

“Last year, after two years of being miserable in a tiny town with no job, I moved back to

Tulsa,” said Amy Howe, NSU alumna.

Despite many obstacles, com-muting students are still trying to further their education.

“I have to commute because I need to have a full time job to pay for my school and living expens-es,” said Duhaime. “I don’t have parents that can help so it’s just me and I just can’t find the job I need in Tahlequah. That’s why I had to move from Tahlequah to Tulsa in the first place.”

Isaac Jamison, Tulsa senior also commutes from Tulsa. For Jamison, as well as others, the choice to commute was not vol-untary.

“It’s funny because I chose NSU specifically because there was a campus in Broken Arrow and I valued the classroom ex-perience over the online option,” said Jamison. “Then after talking to the advisor and deciding on my major, it turned out that I could only pursue it by commuting to Tahlequah.”

Other students have the same frustration.

While there are a couple of other campuses, the vast majority of those commuting do not have an option of taking courses else-where.

“NSUBA offers no courses in Mass Communication except for the occasional basic PR class,” said Howe. I even considered changing majors to something

more conducive to my new life in Tulsa.”

Students are finding benefits living in other cities such as Tulsa.

“A major advantage is overall size of the city and surrounding communities, to a student that equals more job opportunities and makes it easier to support yourself. Another advantage is the comfort that comes with fa-miliarity of living there. Tulsa is more feasible at this point,” said Jamison.

Nontraditional students are faced with many barriers. Those could be situational, institutional or even dispositional. Commut-ing presents a whole other set of difficulties.

Elizabeth Reamy, Tulsa senior, said the difficulties of paying high gas prices, turnpike fees and wear and tear on her vehicle are very frustrating.

Students having to commute are finding it a struggle to keep it up.

“A major disadvantage is pay-ing for gas and the turnpike,” said Jamison. “I don’t know how I’ve been able to do it this long and honestly I may not be able to fin-ish the way things are looking. So far I have been able to keep my schedule to Tuesday-Thursday so I only have to make the drive twice a week but I know there are classes coming up that I need in order to graduate that are only offered on Monday, Wednesday

and Friday.” Along with situational burdens,

there are dispositional burdens such as commuting students not feeling part of the university. There is a vast assortment of ac-tivities for students to be involved in on campus.

However, students that com-mute feel that they do not get the opportunity to be involved.

Students who commute are ex-pressing frustration the university is not helping their efforts to at-tend class.

Commuting students seem to agree that most teachers try to be considerate of them but the uni-versity, as a whole, does not offer much assistance.

Financial aid allows commut-ers the opportunity to file paper-work that looks into the costs and may help financially.

Commuting students such as Jamison have not seen much come of that in the way of as-sistance but they have ideas for other types of aid.

The students have thrown around many ideas that they think would benefit the students.

Jamison said that one of the best ideas he can think of would be broadening the availability of Tuesday-Thursday classes.

He said that if there had been more options on those days he would have already graduated.

“I really think NSU should have a shuttle from BA or Tulsa to Tahlequah like OSU has from Tulsa to Stillwater,” said Du-haime.

Commuting comes with its ad-vantages as well as disadvantages. While the commuting students have more prospective for em-ployment, they are facing other obstacles that are hindering their education opportunity and are searching for solutions.

For more information contact martin63@nsuok.edu.

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John Vaughan Library welcomes Boston Photo exhibitCAleb DobbsTNe WRiTeR

With school in full swing, students who returned to John Vaughan Library might have chanced upon a diverse Boston photo exhibit. Ten students, led by Mike Brown 2012 advanced photography tour instructor, spent the first week of July cap-turing images ranging from tiny subway travelers to moments of baseball glory in Bean Town. A multitude of Boston’s unique fac-ets were explored.

When asked why Boston for the tour, Brown’s response came instantly.

“Why not Boston?” said Brown. “For one, it was just perfect at 81 degrees. Wonderful. Also, when I mentioned potential destinations to my students, they said sign me up; we’ll go to Boston.”

One such student, Alicia De-Mellier, Granada Hills, Cali., se-nior, exemplified this excitement.

“Boston was Fantastic,” said DeMellier. ‘Singing “Sweet Caro-line’ with the Red Sox fans after we beat the Yankees had to be the best moment. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Actually, I want to live there.”

Christine Crockett, Owasso se-nior, agreed. Crockett said though expensive, the trip was well worth an estimated $2,000.

“Even being packed like sar-dines on the subway was fun,”

said Crockett. “There were so many travel memories, like Alicia missing the plane. Oh, and the accents; ‘Bahstan Habah’ T-shirts were so cool.”

The city dwellers might have been used to tourists, but not of the okie-variety. Natalie Sul-livan, Cleveland, Okla., senior, was prepping to shoot fireworks amidst the harbor gathering on Independence Day with Demi Gilliam, Muskogee senior.

“It was crazy crowded when the announcer called off the fire-work show due to severe thun-

der,” said Gilliam.The NSU women did not leave

the harbor like everyone else, however. Sullivan attributed ig-

noring the storm warning to her O k l a h o m a n roots.

“When we see storms, we go sit on our porches,” said Sullivan. “One of the an-nouncers even s y m p a t h i z e d because of the distance we traveled, but we stuck it out. Of course we were not going to miss this.”

Fifteen min-utes later the fireworks started, leaving Sullivan and Gilliam in perfect position for great photos.

“Everyone came rushing back,” said Gilliam. “We had to guard our tripods from the crowd like they were a herd of cattle.”

Gilliam went on to describe a cinematic one drop, two drops and finally a whooshing down-pour. The moment was brief, but fondly remembered by both stu-dents as they spoke of laughing while protecting their cameras from the deluge.

The exhibit of photos, each with a specific Boston story, are on display until Aug. 31 on the second floor of John Vaughan Library compliments of the NSU Department of Communication, Art & Theatre.

In order for trips like these to be possible, students must con-tinue to enroll in the class. Brown did not know anything for certain regarding the next tour’s destina-tion, there was talk of the West. The Seattle area, close to the Vancouver Islands, was specifi-cally mentioned.

Students who are interested are encouraged to stop by the exhibit while you still can.

For more information, email dobbsc@nsuok.edu.

Caleb Dobbs/TNEThis photo exhibit, on display on the second floor of John Vaughan Library,

showcases the work of 10 student photographers. “Fenway Favorite,” a photo by Demi Gilliam, Muskogee senior, was a hot item with the opening-reception crowd.

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Community ralliesToRi gilMARTiNTNe WRiTeR

NSU RiverHawk football sea-son opens Thursday, Aug. 30 at home against the NCAA Division II defending national champions Pittsburg Kan. State University.

To get the football players, student body, and Tahlequah residents pumped up for the game, the Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce, Tahlequah Main Street Association, NSU, Reasor’s and Love Bottling are sponsoring a community-wide pep rally on Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Norris Park.

The pep rally will include the NSU cheerleaders, marching band, football players and coach-es.

“We are very excited and very apprehensive about this upcom-ing season,” said Evans. “Open-ing with the defending national champions and number one ranked team in the country is a big challenge and will allow us to see where we are with our pro-gram.”

Evans said he thinks the pep

rally will be a really great touch and will definitely excite the play-ers when they see that the com-munity and fellow students are excited.

“People can expect the players to be there and some to say a few words, as well as the cheerleaders

and the band participating,” said Evans.

“We are definitely excited to see all the people come out and sup-port us,” said Prince McJunkins, Wagoner sophomore. “As players we’ve really made progress since the first practice and we all feel really good about our first game.”

There will be free chips, soft drinks and hotdogs that will be cooked by the Tahlequah fire de-partment, and a movie by Tahle-quah Main Street Association.

“We will be showing the Blind-side after the pep rally ends,” said Drew Haley, TMSA Director. The movie will start about 8:30 p.m.

Haley said he is extremely ex-cited that the TMSA is involved with the rally.

For more information, email gilmartv@nsuok.edu

Courtesy PhotographerDuring their first practice, the RiverHawks football team fo-

cused on improvement. Their first game will be this coming Saturday against Pitt State.

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NSU RiverHawks soccer joins MIAA conference MiChelle MiRoNTNe WRiTeR

The Men and Women’s soccer

teams have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming season. NSU recently switched to the MIAA conference which is solid competition for both teams.

“I think it will be a unique tran-sition, but something that we are looking forward to,” said Lauren Stanley, Graduate Assistant. “It is going to challenge us as a team, but it is definitely a step in the right direction as we want to con-tinue to strengthen our Women’s soccer program and move onto a conference championship.”

The MIAA conference cur-rently has 15 schools that com-pete. NSU has smoothly tran-sitioned into this conference by leaving the Lonestar Conference.

“It will be interesting to see how the conference change will affect us,” said Michael Wilson, Gradu-ate Assistant. “Many of the teams in the MIAA are teams we have never played before so our scout-ing skills will be put to the test to make sure we prepare our lads to the same high standard that we did in the Lonestar Conference.”

The Dan F. Deloache soccer field has been under reconstruc-tion this summer. The field re-ceived a facelift with new leveling and grass.

“This is the best field we’ve had in my three years of being here,” said Jordan Ladbrooke, NSU se-nior. “We have no concerns with practicing on the field this year, and it definitely helps our game too. I am happy that I got to play my senior year on such a great surface, I’m sure we will provide some entertaining games for ev-eryone to enjoy.”

NSU has been improving the quality of athletics in past years. NSU wants to make the athletes feel supported and by creating

more state of the art athletic fa-cilities.

“We have needed a new surface for a while,” said Jennifer Clark, Allen, Texas junior. Our playing should benefit greatly.”

Both teams have been practic-ing against each other to prepare for the season. The coaches have been working on team leadership and bonding with the new incom-ing freshmen.

“During preseason we like to separate the girls who came in prepared from those who did not work as hard over the summer so we tend to focus on fitness testing and chemistry of the girls playing together on the field, so lot’s of scrimmaging,” said Stanley.

Building strong bonds between each player can be hard. The men’s team has created team chemistry with the 12 new incom-ing freshmen bonding with the returning players. The women’s team is welcoming 15 new fresh-men, recovering from the 8 senior losses. Both teams have only been playing together for a short pe-riod of time and creating friend-ships is key to a successful season.

“As a team were coming into our own, we have a lot of new players this year and are hop-ing the new talent can comple-ment what we already have,” said Clark. “Everyone is slowly finding their own niche.”

The men’s soccer team has been picked second in the pre-

season coaches’ poll. The team takes con-fidence and pride but understands the need to work together and win the national champion-ship. Both graduate as-sistants understand the importance of staying focused and keeping that one goal in mind of winning the national title.

“Chase, the women’s head coach, has a phi-losophy that he would like to make each girl on the soccer team experi-ence here at NSU a top five experience,” said Stanley. “Going along with that I would like to strive to be available for the girls throughout the season and even during post season.”

Both head coaches provide great leadership opportunities on and off the field. The posi-tive energy the seniors are pass-ing down to the lower classman is impactful.

“I want the lads to enjoy playing together and winning as a team,” said Wilson. “If we all work hard and trust each other this year has the potential to be record break-ing year for NSU soccer.”

For more information, email miron@nsuok.edu.

Lauren Stanley/Contributing PhotographerJennifer Clark, Allen junior stealing the ball away from two aggres-

sive ECU tigers. The RiverHawks women’s soccer team welcomes 15 new players this season.

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Czlonka enters second year as head coachhAley sToCksTNe WRiTeR

Entering his second full year as head men’s soccer coach, Rob Czlonka has all the support in the world from his team, full of his recent recruits as well as return-ing players.

“Coach [Czlonka] is the best coach I have ever had,” said Bo White, Durant senior. “Under Czlonka the team has really ma-tured. He demands we be respon-sible on the field and in the class-room. We have just gotten better. I have been here two years under Czlonka, this being the second

year, and our team is just continu-ing to move forward.”

Juan Gonzalez, Ecuador junior, said he is both motivated and en-couraged by the leadership he saw in Czlonka this past year.

“Things completely turned around when Rob Czlonka be-came our coach,” said Gonzalez. “He brought really good recruits and a big improvement to the soc-cer facilities and the program as a whole.”

It was Czlonka’s dedication, vi-sion and knowledge of the game that persuaded Golden, Colo. freshman, Crosby Lee, to come to NSU and be a part of the team.

“Coach really showed that he cared,” said Lee. “He knows the game very well and is completely dedicated to the school and the team. He has really invested in

the school and the players, and that shows.”

Lee is excited to see all the play-ers grow together as a team rather than as individual players, so they are really a team, through and through.

“Coach can be frustrating, but he always challenges us to do better,” said White. “He’s deter-mined to be perfect, which is very respectable.”

Coach Czlonka had previous coaching experience at the Uni-versity of Rhode Island for three years before taking the reins here at NSU.

“I really want our guys to work hard at improving each day,” said Czlonka. “I am looking forward to the time when we put all of our talent together, add a bit of timing and start really playing like a team should. We are seeing glimpses of it, certainly we did at see it at ORU when we beat them 3-2, but we still aren’t at that point yet. Once we get there, we will be really fun to watch. We are going

to take each game as they come, doing our best to be prepared, healthy and successful.”

NSU men’s soccer joined the MIAA conference last year, which hosts eight teams. Along with the new conference comes the oppor-tunity to compete in a postseason conference tournament, some-thing unavailable before. If the team makes the conference tour-nament by being one of the top four teams, Coach Czlonka said they may have a shot at making the NCAA tournament.

“Now that we are in a new con-ference, we really want to win and lift up that championship confer-ence cup,” said Gonzalez.

Some of the improvements the soccer program has undergone in the past year include the com-plete resurfacing of the field, join-ing the MIAA conference, and other facility additions to improve the soccer experience for both players and fans.

For more information, email stocksh@nsuok.edu.

Men’s soccer schedule through september8/17 Oral Roberts University(Exh) Tulsa, OK8/24 Oklahoma Baptist University Deloache Field8/26 Green vs. White(Exh) Doc Wadley Stadium8/31 University of Missouri-St. Louis St Louis, MO9/2 Maryville University St Louis, MO9/7 Colorado Mesa University Hays, KS9/9 University of Sioux Falls(S.D.) Hays, KS9/14 Harding DeLoache Field9/20 Fort Hays State University Hays, KS9/22 Southern Nazarene University Bethany, OK9/28 Truman State University DeLoache Field9/30 Upper Iowa University DeLoache Field

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A & E

NSU baseball organizes instructional fall league

blAke hARRisTNe WRiTeR

The RiverHawk baseball team will organize an instructional fall league for high school students on the Tahlequah campus. This league focuses on helping high school baseball players learn more about the game of base-ball and get some experience at a college level. The NSU coaching staff will be assisting these high school students in practicing the fundamentals as well as learning new skills.

“This camp will give you an opportunity to meet new friends as well as learn about the game of baseball a little more,” said Mike Nisco, assistant baseball coach.

The first day of workout will start at 2 p.m. with registration at 1 p.m. The league will begin on Sept. 9 and will run five Sundays in a row through Oct. 7. The only time commitment will be on those Sundays. There will not be prac-tices during the week. The league will start by evaluation of play-

ers’ skills such as batting, fielding, pitching and decision making. There will be open games where the coaches can see each of the athletes in action. Each game will be a six inning game or until two hours have been reached playing. This gives each player plenty of time to learn and get time on the field. Teams will be divided after the first day of practice. Carpool-ing and distance traveled will be taken into account while picking the teams.

In-game instructions will be constant through the contest and each team will have a minimum number of players in the roster to ensure ample playing time, ac-cording to the website www.goriv-erhawksgo.com/sports.

The players will get some ex-perience working with new team-mates and get some pointers from the trained staff. Not only will the coaching staff be standing by, but some of the players currently on the RiverHawk baseball team will be there to help.

“There will definitely be five to

six of our student athletes on the different days there to help coach the teams,” said Travis Janssen, head baseball coach.

Having some of the current NSU student athletes there will help in assisting the coaches as well as the high school players. They may be able to share some of their knowledge of the game too. This can also be good for the students to grow a friendship with some of the NSU players. Individuals may enter the league at a cost of $130. Athletes will re-ceive a T-shirt along with that fee. This league can be a way for the coaches to see some high school players and talk to them to see if they would be interested in com-ing to NSU.

“This is the first place we look for in recruitment because if a

high school student is willing to come to this camp they must have some interest in our university,” said Janssen. “We will not just have local talent either, there will be students that come from other parts of the state not just north-eastern Oklahoma.”

This league can give any high school player who will gradu-ate from 2013 through 2016 a chance to show their skills. It will also give them more experience which may benefit their current high school career.

“I think this will give us a chance to see some talent of these young athletes and it will be fun for the coaches and the players,” said Dusty Hess, assistant baseball coach.

For more information about the fall league or for registration

you may contact Travis Janssen at 918-444-3910 or by email at jans-sent@nsuok.edu visit the website at www.goriverhawksgo.com.

For more information, email harris28@nsuok.edu.

Courtesy PhotoThe RiverHawks baseball team prepares for instructional fall

camp to high school students. The camp is used as one re-cruitment tool for the team.