Volume 35, Issue 2 - Aug. 23, 2012

Back to school events commenceTheMetropolitan

Volume 35, Issue 2 www.metnews.orgAugust 23, 2012 Serving the Auraria Campus

InSightBaseball and

beer from the Heartland

9

MetroSpectiveMonday Madness kicks off welcome

back week 10

MetNewsMSU Denver

opens doors with new tuition rate

4

MetSportsRoadrunners’

regain chemistry with preseason

alumni game 17

At the New Student Convocation, which was held by the First Year Success program on Aug. 16, an MSU Denver newcomer enjoys the festivities that accompanied the academic presentation. Photo by Melanie J. Rice • [email protected]

Fall semester launches with First Year program

At the New Student Convocation, which was held by the First Year Success program on Aug. 16, an MSU Denver newcomer enjoys the festivities that

MSU Denver thinks smart card

MSU Denver’s student identification cards may be getting smarter. According to Emilia Paul, Associate Vice-President of Student Wellness and Engagement, it’s about time.

“We’re way behind the times,” Paul said. “This [smart card] has been on the table for 12 years. The technology has been out there for 20 years.”

Plans for a proximity ID card — dubbed the “Rowdy Card” — fit in with the timing of MSU Denver’s name change and with the university’s new branding standards. That, combined with RTD’s changing bus fare system, the smart card system, an ID card with an information-filled microchip, seems like it should be a done deal.

So what’s the hold-up?MSU Denver’s buildings and property

are owned and maintained by the Auraria Higher Education Commission, which also owns and operates both CCD’s and UCD’s facilities. MSU Denver cannot change or adapt the locks or security measures without first receiving approval from AHEC.

CCD already uses a smart card, and UCD is in the process of transitioning to smart-card technology. MSU Denver ap-pears to be next in line. According to Paul, a few offices, including the Office of Student Wellness and Engagement, have already had their locks changed for proximity cards. AHEC could not be reached for comment.

“[The process] been a great deal of frus-tration,” Paul said.

In January, RTD will stop accepting student cards with stickers as fare for bus rides because they will be transitioning to a proximity card fare. The university admin-istrators would like to see RTD’s informa-tion added to the chip in the Rowdy Card so students won’t have to carry both a bus card and a student ID. Paul said that the goal is

to have everything ready in October when orientations for spring students begin. The new cards will cost $15, and current students will be able to replace their student IDs with Rowdy Cards.

Incoming student Sadie Connell said that she hopes that RTD will collaborate with MSU Denver.

“It would be nice if the new card could be made to use on the Light Rail,” she said.

Along with the new card would come a policy that students would always need to carry their Rowdy Card with them while on campus. Not only will it get them into events and the recreation facilities, it will identify them as current students on an open campus that sees visitors not associated with any of the three schools at Auraria.

Student Chris McAdams said that the new Rowdy Card will be “nice if it works.” He hopes that it can be used to make the campus safer.

“If it makes the campus more secure, I wouldn’t be against the random checking of IDs,” McAdams said.

Light Rail to move westward

KHT: According to your website, RTD is planning to have the W-line running in late April. How is that going? Are you still on schedule?RR: We are on schedule. We’ve been keeping in touch with our contractors and they tell us that it’s going well. We plan to have an opening ceremony on April 26, and then we plan to have the line open to the public on April 28. There is no reason right now to think that won’t happen. KHT: The W-line is going to run between Union Station and Golden. Will that affect any bus lines?RR: The 16L is going to be discontinued, and the 16 is going to be extended. Right now, the 16 turns around at the Federal Center. Once the W-line is running, every other 16 will go to the Golden stop at 13th and Oak. Those who ride the 16L now will be able to either take the 16, or they can ride the MallRide to Union Station and take the W-line into Golden. KHT: RTD is building a new light rail sta-tion at Federal and Decatur. Will you still be using the bus transfer station at Colfax and Federal?RR: I guess the answer here is yes and no. There will definitely be reduced activity there. We’ll mostly be using it for turning the buses that are going out of service and for those south-bound buses that end at Colfax. Once the Decatur station is fin-ished, that will be the new transfer station. This should help speed up those Federal buses. And we’re putting in a underpass that will connect Colfax with Decatur so no one will have to try to cross Federal. KTH: Are there any ways that you can think of that the opening of the W-line might impact MSU Denver’s students?RR: Well, we’re going to be running an owl service on Fridays and Saturdays. Owl service is when a line runs after most other lines have stopped running. We’ll have Friday and Saturday runs until two in the morning. That means all of those students will be able to stay out and enjoy themselves ridiculously late.

Kelli [email protected]

Students in the Tivoli pick up their student IDs and RTD bus stickers. MSU Denver is working to implement a new smart card system that would replace both the IDs and the stickers. Photo by Christopher Morgan • [email protected]

As Light Rail’s westbound line from Union Station to Golden sits unfinished, questions arise about when it will be completed.

Robert Ryerson, senior service planner and scheduler for RTD, spoke to The Metropolitan about the new W-line that is scheduled to open this spring.


Rowdy Card system in the works for fall

Above and below: Construction continues on the westbound W-line of the Light Rail. It is expected to be completed in April of 2013. Photos by Melanie J. Rice • [email protected]

TheMetropolitan August 23, 2012 3

MetNews

4 August 23, 2012 MetNews TheMetropolitan

MSU Denver junior receives new lower tuition rate Maalikah [email protected]

For many undocumented students, the path to higher education is expensive and challenging. For Lilia Chavez, MSU Denver junior, the hardest part of growing up un-documented was � nding her identity.

“I was hidden, with my own fear of telling people, even though it wasn’t my fault,” Chavez, 20, said. “I wasn’t at liberty to [travel] with the school or with my friends. I couldn’t drive for the longest time, because I was scared. I can’t identify myself in the schools that I feel like I could [have.] I want-ed to go to CU Boulder for the longest time. � at was my dream and I can’t do that.”

Chavez and her family moved to Amer-ica when she was seven years old to escape the dangers of Mexico City. In elementary school, there was no bilingual program, her peers could not understand her, and her teachers were tough.

“I remember staying up at night trans-lating every single word in a sentence. I learned English within a year and because I was so good at math that kept me going,” said Chavez. I feel like it’s been somewhat of a challenge just because I have to � nd out who I am with this. I was being raised with Caucasian little kids and I was learning their heritage but I didn’t learn mine. My parents were trying to change that somehow so I knew where I came from.”

In high school, Chavez came into her dual culture. As a straight-A student, she decided to apply to all of her top colleges.

She was accepted to each one, but ended up going to Community College of Denver.

“When I started I was only taking one class,” said Chavez “[It] was hard for me just knowing that I worked my butt o� then hav-ing to come to community college. [It’s] not a bad thing, but I felt like I could have gotten a higher education.”

Chavez earned an associate’s degree over three years, and knew her next move would be MSU Denver, where she could easily transfer her credits. She feared she would have to take time o� because of the high out-of-state tuition rate, and was elated to hear about MSU Denver’s reduced rate.

“I’m pretty sure I cried. I’m paying just a little more than CCD, but I’m willing to pay that,” Chavez said. “I understand [out-of-state student’s] frustration, but at the same time I’ve lived in Colorado my whole life, Colorado is my home so I’m really glad [the new rate] is somewhere in between.”

Chavez disagrees with Attorney Gener-al’s John Suthers’ argument that the new rate is a public bene� t because she says undocu-mented students are accounted for in high school, they earn good grades, and they’ve grown up here.

“We’re still paying a lot of money,” she said. “We still have to work to pay that money. As long as we don’t have a criminal record and stay in school I don’t think it’s a bene� t I think it’s something we deserve. It’s not a� ecting U.S. citizens, if anything it’s a bene� t for the school, who will be able to get money from this. Bitterness is not the right way.”

Although Chavez cannot pursue her ultimate goal of nursing school due to her undocumented status, she is determined to get a bachelors degree in nutrition by 2014 and work toward nursing because she says she loves to help people.

“I’m really excited to go to Metro,” Chavez said with a smile. “I’m proud to be a student at a school that’s doing this- no other school is really doing this in Colorado and I’m excited to be in school.”

According to Judi Diaz Bonacquisti, associate vice president for enrollment man-agement, 275 students have � led the neces-

sary paperwork to apply for the new rate, but not all are enrolled in classes.

“About 180 new students [applied for the rate,] but likely, a good chunk of them would have been here anyway,” said Diaz Bonac-quisti. “We have always had our undocu-mented students coming to our institution, so now it’s just a matter of being able to see how many of them are applying for this particular rate.”

Diaz Bonacquisti said that the university is on track in its goal to become a Hispanic Serving Institute, and is up 10 percent from last year in Hispanic enrollment.

Lilia Chavez, a junior at MSU Denver, is one of the � rst students to receive the Colorado High School/GED non-resident tuition rate. Photo by Mike Fabricius • [email protected]

TheMetropolitan MetNews August 23, 2012 5

Graduating this semester?

1. All students wishing to graduate must apply for graduation. Applications are available in SSB 160 or online at www.msudenver.edu/registrar/student/forms.

2. You must meet the following require-ments by the end of the semester you apply for graduation:

Minimum of 120 semester hours All requirements for your major

and minor All General Studies requirements Minimum of 40 Upper Division

credit hours Multi-cultural requirement Cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher

3. Walking in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee that you have graduated.

4. It is your responsibility to report any repeated courses to the Office of the Registrar. Failure to do so may negatively affect your ability to graduate as planned.

5. If you apply for graduation but end up not meeting all requirements, you must reapply for a subsequent graduation.

6. Diplomas are not provided at Commencement. You will be notified on how to obtain your diploma.

Here’s what you need to know:

For additional information, visit: www.msudenver.edu/registrar/student/graduationevaluation and www.msudenver.edu/commencement.

The deAdline To submiT The ApplicATion for grAduATion is 5 p.m., sepTember 14 in The regisTrAr's office, ssb 160.

if mAiled They musT be posTmArked on or before sepTember 14.

Office of the Registrar

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New student housing will not be among the many changes at MSU Denver.

According to the provost’s o� ce, dor-mitories are not on the table, making the university one of the few in the state without its own dorms.

Auraria does have a few options in student lodgings, though, including the Auraria Student Lo� s, Campus Village and � e Regency. Housing in the three locations o� ers students a wide array of amenities that range from bowling alleys to theaters to room service. � e Auraria Student Lo� s and Campus Village are within walking distance of the campus.

Websites for all three housing complexes list cyber cafés, high speed Internet, fully furnished rooms and on-site laundry facili-ties among their conveniences. � ey all cite courtesy patrols and secure access as secu-rity measures. A� er these similarities, the amenities change and each complex becomes a little more individual, o� ering options that become tipping points for many students.

Freshmen Cailee Van Norman and Krista Rivera chose to live at the Auraria Student Lo� s. Located on 1501 14th St., two blocks from the campus, the building o� ers apartments for up to four students as opposed to the dorm room style of both the Regency and the Campus Village.

“It feels more grown up,” Van Norman said.

Both Rivera and Van Norman had a number of reasons that they preferred the Auraria Student Lo� s over both the Regency

and Campus Village, mainly because of security.

“We have a night guard on � ursday, Fri-day and Saturday,” Rivera said. “And there’s an o� -duty cop who lives here, too.”

Chris Barnes, who mans the front desk at the Auraria Student Lo� s, said that the building has been getting a face li� from a new management company. He said that the company has also put more e� ort into adver-tising and making the lo� s a better place to live. Among these measures is an agreement with the Curtis hotel, which backs against the building, to provide 24-hour room ser-vice to residents.

“For the � rst time in the building’s his-tory, we’re full,” Barnes said.

UCD student Sarah Miller lives in a dorm at Campus Village. She says the safety is good, but that the residence is costly.

“It’s expensive,” Miller said, “especially with someone living right there in the room with you.”

� e other dorm-style residence, the Re-gency broke ground last month for the Villas at Regency, a new complex being built just north of the original building at 3900 Elati St. According to a statement released by Ca-mille Courtney, executive director of student housing for developer Central Street Capital, the Villas will o� er students “a continuum of student living during their entire college career, from dorm style rooms to studios to traditional apartments.”

� e company plans to have the Villas ready for lease in the fall of 2013.

Times a’changing, housing is not

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Fall semester kicked off Aug. 16 for MSU Denver students at the new student con-vocation, put on by the First Year Success program.

With around 450 in attendance, the program introduced first-year students, both freshman and transfer, to the FYS program and to what MSU Denver has to offer.

The convocation began with a welcome from the provost, Dr. Vicki Golich, and an address from alum Dr. Zelda DeBoyes, the students recited the Roadrunner pledge and were given MSU Denver pins. After meeting with student ambassadors and participating in team-building activities, students were treated to a barbecue.

“I enjoyed meeting new people,” said Priscilla Calderon, a freshman, “I was intro-duced to a lot of my learning community, and I was more comfortable being here after I met them.”

This was the first event of the semester to help students transition into MSU Denver and to help them succeed.

“We are a comprehensive first-year program,” said Cynthia Baron, associate director of learning communities and First Year Success. “We’re an academic program — we offer learning community courses so that we can instill the sense of community and student engagement for incoming first year students.”

The learning community courses are pooled classes for the program’s participants. In addition, the FYS program offers peer support, student ambassadors, and resources to connect students to clubs and organiza-tions. This year, about 1,000 new students are participating in the program.

“Since 2009, as the program has been growing exponentially, [the program’s] re-tention rates are definitely higher than [those of] students who choose not to participate, and in addition to that, our students perform

better academically,” Baron said. According to Judi Diaz Bonacqusiti,

associate vice president for enrollment man-agement, there has been a 4 percent increase in new student enrollment since last year, though overall enrollment is down.

“The admissions office was doing email campaign and phone calling,” said Bonac-quisti. “This year, our Office of New Student Orientation did a great job.”

Bonacquisti said that the new SOAR pro-gram — Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration — is more engaging, and helps students get acclimated.

“[The students] got a lot of excitement, tradition and what it means to be a roadrun-ner [in the program.] I think that had a lot to do with our new students coming in, getting excited, and wanting to be registered. And for our transfer students, we make it pretty easy for them,” Diaz Bonacquisti said.

All of these programs for new students are instrumental in the university’s plan to increase retention rates.

“We know, because research tells us, that if our students are engaged in their first year and get that support during their first year at MSU Denver they’re more likely to

stay,” Baron said.The University is also changing their fo-

cus on retention initiatives to target students before they fall at risk of dropping out.

“Historically, we’ve had some programs where we focus on students a little bit too late. We do some marketing and targeting with them right as they fall under a 2.0.,” Diaz Bonacquisti said. “What we want to focus on this year is increasing the types of communication and outreach that we have to students before they get to that point. It’s trying to be more proactive. “

New students see playful side of Auraria

MSU Denver student slides down the bouncy castle at the New Student Convocation. Photo by Melanie J. Rice • [email protected]

Word on the streetWas parking an issue during the first week?

“The parking is too expensive so I use the LightRail instead.

Interviews by Maalikah [email protected] by Melanie J. [email protected]

“I don’t really have too much of a prob-lem with it. I don’t mind walking that far as long as they have an option and there’s parking spots available for $2.50. I’m only down here twice a week.”

“It’s a little expensive but it’s fine. I don’t always drive; I park here once in two months. I never could afford [driving to campus every day.]”

“It’s disorganized, it’s just a pain. People drive terribly in the parking garages. Prices are exorbitant, I mean, we’re col-lege students. I’d put speed bumps in the parking garages. I’d try to make it where there’s more parking spots for cheaper.”

Nikki [email protected]

>Robert Bellamy, MSU Denver senior>Urna Bayar, MSU Denver junior>Elliot Charles, MSU Denver sophomore>Krisann Barksdale, MSU Denver junior


Graphic Artists Wanted

Student Media at MSU Denver has a graphic artist

position available. You would be designing with Mac

workstations in our production room. If you are an

MSU Denver student and available 15–25 hours

each week with a set schedule, we’d like to meet with

you. Must know InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop

and Acrobat.

Call 303-556-2507, or email Kathleen Jewby,

[email protected], for more information. Pay

is based on experience. Work-Study preferred.

Apply at www.metrostudentmedia.com by Aug. 31

to be considered for current opening.

www.metrostudentmedia.com

Campus resources assist students with various issues

The Phoenix Center at Auraria is a service that provides free educational resources and assistance to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence. They assist and support students through academic advocacy and safety planning. The PCA serves students, faculty, and staff for all Auraria students including CCD, CU, and MSU Denver. The center does not provide therapy or legal advice.

Phoenix Center – Tivoli 227

The Tutoring Center offers help with preparation for the AccuPlacer Math, Eng-lish, and Reading assessments, as well as one-on-one walk-in study sessions.The walk-in schedule will be posted beginning September 4, 2012.

Tutoring Center – Student Success Building 230

The Health Center provides medical services to all students, faculty and staff of Auraria Campus. They provide coverage for illnesses, injuries, physicals, x-rays, immunizations, lab testing, birth control, HIV testing, and minor surgical opera-tions. They also provide information on many health problems.

Health Center at Auraria - Plaza 150

Technology Support Services manages and maintains the many on-campus com-puter labs and the student online portals. For technological issues, the IT Technol-ogy Support Services Help Desk is available via phone or in person.

Technology Support Services – Admin 480L, West 241

The counseling center offers a wide variety of ways for students to maintain their cool during the craziness of the semester. Students, staff, and faculty can use the center to get support, advice, stress management tips, and therapy. “I like how easy it is to make an appointment with anyone here at the counseling center, its very convenient,” said Travis Nicoletti, MSU Denver sophomore.

Counseling Center - Tivoli 651

The Career Services Center offers help with a variety of student questions and is-sues, including choosing a major, planning a career, and finding opportunities for jobs during school and after graduation.

Career Services - Tivoli 215

The Internship Program is a part of the Applied Learning Center and has been serving MSU Denver since 1974. They offer students assistance in finding paid and volunteer positions in their fields of study. Internship Center helps coordinate site visits, job development, referrals and placements, and recruitment.

Internship Center - Historic house number 1045

The brand new Student Success Building has a wide assortment of offices, class-rooms, and other Metro student resources, including Advising, Financial Aid, Human Resources, the Registar’s Office, Scholarship Center, Tutoring Center, Enrollment Services, Cashier’s Office, First Year Success center, Student Academic Success and Admissions, among others. It is a hub for students and faculty alike.

Offices of the Student Success Building

By Ariel DeGruy and Chigozie Regina Echeozo [email protected], [email protected]

M – Th - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., F – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

24/7 Help line at 303-556-2255Appointments at 303-556-6011

Appointments at 303-556-2525

M-Th — 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., F-Sat — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Immediate assistance at 1-877-352-7548

M-F — 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments at 303-556-3132

M — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., T — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., W — 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Th — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., F — 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.Appointments at 303-556-3664

M-F — 8 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Appointments at (303) 556-3290

� e Metropolitan accepts submissions in the form of topic-driven columns and letters to the editor. Column article concepts must be submitted by 1 p.m.. � ursdays and the deadline for columns is 9 p.m. Sundays. Columns range from 500 to 600 words. Letters to the editor must be submitted by 5 p.m. Mondays to be printed in that week’s edition. � ere is a 500-word limit for letters to the editor. � e Metropolitan reserves the right to edit letters for formatting and style. All submissions should be sent by e-mail to [email protected].

� e Metropolitan is produced by and for the students of Metropolitan State College of Denver and serves the Auraria Campus. � e Metropolitan is supported by advertising revenue and student fees and is published every � ursday during the academic year and monthly during the summer semester. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily re� ect those of Metropolitan State College of Denver or its advertisers.

MetStaffEditor-in-Chief

Brian T. McGinn: [email protected]

Managing EditorIan Gassman: [email protected]

News EditorNikki Work: [email protected]

Assistant News EditorMaalikah Hartley [email protected]

MetroSpective EditorCaitlin Sievers: [email protected]

Assistant MetroSpective EditorKayla Whitney: [email protected]

Sports EditorAngelita Foster: [email protected]

Assistant Sports EditorZilingo Nwuke: [email protected]

Copy EditorsJ. Sebastian Sinisi Kate RigotMegan Mitchell

Photo EditorRyan Borthick: [email protected]

Assistant Photo EditorChris Morgan: [email protected] Fabricius: [email protected]

Web EditorSteve Anderson: [email protected]

Multimedia EditorDerek Broussard: [email protected]

AdviserGary Massaro: [email protected]

WebmasterDrew Jaynes: [email protected]

Director of Student MediaSteve Haigh: [email protected]

Assistant Director of Student MediaMarlena Hartz: [email protected]

Administrative Assistant of Student MediaElizabeth Norberg: [email protected]

Production Manager of Student MediaKathleen Jewby: kjewby@ msudenver.edu

“…decades a� er a person has stopped col-lecting bubble-gum baseball cards, he can still discover himself collecting ball parks. And not just the stadiums, but their surround-ing neighborhoods, their smells, their special seasons and moods…”

--Tom Boswell, from his “How Life Imi-tates the World Series” collection (1982)

CHICAGO - � e long drive late last June through the American Heartland was to simply get out to Louisville, Ky., on family business and back to Denver.

But because I like to play Jack Kerouac on the road — with a credit card — the jour-ney wound up taking in two art museums, in Kansas City and Chicago; three presi-dential libraries; Mark Twain’s Hannibal, Mo., on the Mississippi River; a Frank Lloyd Wright house in Spring� eld, Ill.; an architec-ture walking tour in Chicago’s Loop and two favorite steak houses.

� ere were also ball games in three ball-parks — in Kansas City and Chicago on the way out and in St. Louis on the way back.

Of the three, the Royals’ park (now called Kau� man Stadium), with its water-falls in center � eld, has weathered well since its 1973 debut. � e Cardinals’ third incarna-tion of Busch Stadium (2006) in St. Louis is a big improvement over the last version. But the undisputed jewel remains the Cubs’ Wrigley Field on Chicago’s North Side.

I’d been to Wrigley many times before, starting when I was 16 and had been selected for Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, in Evanston, to be part of its summer program for high school jour-nalists. It was there that I decided what I wanted to do with my life. � e rest isn’t history, but Chicago has ever since le� an imprint of magic in my mind.

� is time, I had to drive several hundred miles out of my way, o� Interstate 70, to get to Chicago. But to see Wrigley anew, and a� er a 13-year hiatus – not to mention Chi-cago’s great architecture and excellent art museum – was well worth the detour.

If the American League Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park is, as John Updike put it, “a lyric little bandbox of a ballpark,” Wrig-ley is the National League’s grande dame dowager. � e stadium opened in 1914, just two years a� er Fenway debuted a century ago. Chicago-based conservative columnist George Will, whose considerable body of baseball writing, for me, goes down far more smoothly than his political pieces, has called Wrigley a “Williamsburg of baseball,” hark-ing to the Virginia touchstone of Colonial America in the 1600s.

Wrigley’s human scale, celebrated as “cozy con� nes” with gracefully sloping stands and ivy-covered brick out� eld walls, made it, like Fenway, a favorite for years on TV’s baseball “Game of the Week.” Bat-ted balls have been lost in the thick ivy that was planted in 1938. Coincidentally, the Cubs went to the World Series that year and again in 1945. But the Cubbies have never been to the Series since and haven’t won a World Series since 1908. While the Cubs

usually can be counted on to � nish closer to last than � rst in their division, devoted fans still adore their loveable losers and have been � ling into Wrigley in droves for decades.

When I saw the Mets beat the Cubs by the football-like score of 17-1 on June 27, the announced attendance was 35,837. For a day game.

If the team on the � eld is seldom stellar, the park is. Wrigley’s center � eld bleachers, backing up to She� eld Avenue and its row of turn-of-last-century houses, are the inspira-tion for Coors Field’s “Rockpile” bleachers. Wrigley’s curves, nooks, crannies and ivy make it a classic ball park and not a stadium. It’s the di� erence between old-style down-town streets, once served by trolleys, and a suburban mall.

Wrigley’s South Side counterpart, Comiskey Park (now U.S. Cellular Field) and home to the White Sox, doesn’t have that problem. As with Wrigley, Yankee Stadium, the N.Y. Mets’ Citi Field (opened 2009, along with Yankee Stadium III) and Boston’s Fenway Park, you can get there by subway. But, while the old Comiskey was a ballpark, Comiskey/U.S. Cellular is a vast and sterile stadium whose upper levels are much too steep. Although it works marginally better for night games, Comiskey II completely lacks the rich urban-neighborhood ambi-ance found around Wrigley Field.

For decades, Wrigley had no night games and was the only ball park in the majors not to have lights. Lighting equip-ment was set for installation in 1941, but a� er the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Cubs owner and chewing gum magnate Phil Wrigley donated the metal and wiring to the American war e� ort. Only midway into the 1988 season, a� er years of protests from neighbors who didn’t want night games, did Wrigley Field � nally install lights. For the � rst-ever night game, it rained torrentially, prompting pundits to suggest the baseball gods of tradition must be angry. � e game was rained out.

While Wrigley’s cozy interior lends much to the park’s ambiance, the surround-ing neighborhood also has its charms. But

as the gentri� cation of Denver’s former skid row LoDo and “Ballpark” neighborhoods got a big boost when Coors Field opened in 1995, the same process – not always an unal-loyed blessing – took place in recent years in Wrigley’s adjacent neighborhood.

Leafy streets, lined with old sycamores and pre-First World War homes of carved stone, o� er pleasant strolls. But the trans-formation of the stretch of She� eld Avenue right behind the curving-walled bleachers is a bit unsettling. � e row of stone houses, once the unpretentious homes of ordinary folks, has taken on the air and airs of a mini-theme park with elaborate bleacher stands built onto roofs and buildings turned into o� ces and private clubs, with buzzer-gated apartments carrying cutesy names like “BrixenIvy” and “Behind the Ivy.” Gone is the neighborhood’s urban grit – just like LoDo’s – along with the multi-ethnic gumbo of residents that included whites from the American South who were called, locally, “Appalachians.”

When Cubs fan Allen Rachels, who’d driven from Indianapolis, told me those pro� t-driven and yuppie-centric enterprises along She� eld and Waveland Avenue, behind le� � eld, were losing money, I wasn’t sorry. Rachels, who grew up in the Bronx not far from Yankee Stadium, is even older than I and related great stories about the Yankees of his youth in the 1940s.

Although I was wearing a sweat-stained Mets cap during the lopsided Mets-Cubs game, Cubs fan Arnie Kuprec — a Chicago Bohemian Jew who went to school at CSU in Ft. Collins — bought some beer to share. Several of us in that row talked baseball and drank Old Style to make it a near-perfect a� ernoon in the upper deck above third base, under pu� y white clouds in a sapphire sky over the thin blue line of Lake Michigan in the distance beyond right � eld. You can hardly do better – being in a setting like that and talking with fans who know the game. � at’s much harder to � nd at Coors Field.

Not far from Wrigley’s on the way home, I enjoyed the same Midwest friendly fan vibe in St. Louis — a good baseball town, where Busch Stadium’s scoreboard proclaimed 2012 to be the Cardinals’ 127th season. A� er that Saturday game, I took some pictures of the St. Louis’ famed Gateway Arch, but didn’t tarry and got back on I-70 West because I had miles to go before I slept that night, near Kansas City.

When � e Metropolitan sta� puts this edition to bed Tuesday night, I’ll be in Bos-ton’s Fenway Park. It won’t be as dramatic, with the same fan hostility, as when the hated Yankees come to town, but the L.A. Angels will do. As is true at Wrigle, at nearly a century old, the game on the � eld isn’t as important as savoring the setting.

I’ve had religious experiences among the centuries-old soaring arches and stained glass of European cathedrals. America isn’t nearly that old, but its classic ballparks con-note, for me, similar stirrings. Football fans, whose blood-lust screams echo in concrete-oval stadiums, might not get it.

“Wrigley’s curves, nooks,

crannies and ivy make it a

classic ball park and not a

stadium. It’s the difference

between old-style downtown

streets, once served by trolleys,

and a suburban mall.

Old Style beer; old style baseball: A postcard from the Heartland

J. SEBASTIAN [email protected]

InSightTheMetropolitan August 23, 2012 9

MetroSpectiveStudents ring in school year with fun festivities

Above: D.J. Staxx scratches at the Monday Madness back to school event in the Tivoli commons on Aug. 20.

Left: D.J. Staxx at the Newegg booth set the mood with beats at Monday Madness which was sponsored by CCD student life, UCD student life, and MSU student activities.

Below: Bijoux Barbosa played base in The Rob Drabkin Band at Monday Madness.

Above: Rob Drabkin of the Rob Drabkin Band livened up the crowd at the back to school event at Auraria on Aug. 20. Monday Madness also featured food trucks, games and booths from various campus clubs and organizations.

Bottom right: Bijoux Barbosa played bass as The Rob Drabkin Band rocked the Tivoli commons.

Above: Aurae-Ann Reyes, a MSU sophomore majoring in secondary math education, spun the wheel to win a T-shirt at the Newegg booth during Monday Madness.

Photos and captions by Melanie J. Rice • [email protected]

Left: Joseph Trefry, a MSU junior in business marketing, hangs out on campus on Aug. 20. Trefry looks forward to meeting new people and learning new things this semester.

10 August 23, 2012 MetroSpective TheMetropolitan

TheMetropolitan MetroSpective August 23, 2012 11

‘One Home’ entertains the local scene

Gun Street Ghost is an alternative folk band with a country twist that’s fresh in the Denver scene. Their new EP One Home, which released Aug. 17, is a 5-track album that captures the group’s indie folk essence.

The band got its start Summers 2010 after vocalist and guitarist Mike Perfetti began working on tunes in his bedroom following the breakup of his band, Johnny Knows Karate.

After a few shows, friendships, and a “whole lot of Miller High Life,” Gun Street Ghost became what it is today.

“I guess what sets us apart, if that’s even possible, is that we’d fit in with a few different genre of music,” Perfetti said.

Gun Street Ghost has the perfect sound for music lovers looking for something groovy to play while studying, commuting or just kicking back.

One Home is a short listen, clocking in at 24 minutes, but it’s totally worth the money to have something local and refreshing on your mp3 player, though you may have trouble deciding what genre to categorize it under.

“What genre are we? I know it’s sort of roots/country based, but there are elements of folk and rock in these songs,” Perfetti said.

“I guess what I like most about this music is that we’ve put our own little twist on a genre and style that we all really love but didn’t make it weird or unaccessible. It wasn’t on purpose either. It’s just how these songs came out after what these wonderful people contributed to them. These songs come from the heart and they, for the most part, are about real events and real people. Songs about life.”

Some tracks to pay close attention to are “I Never Learned Karate,” which has some

humorous lyrics and funky beats,

and the final, title track, where Gun Street Ghost get a

little personal and finish with a sound sample that allows

the listeners to hear the band laugh and

get a little goofy. Gun Street

Ghost are not show stoppers by any means, but they are a band that are clearly in tune with the music they are creating and want fans to have a good listen. They are defi-nitely worth checking out for anyone into alternative folk with an interesting country feel.

“After [the Sept. 16 show] we plan on heading back to the studio this winter to record another EP or maybe a full length, but that’s up to the band to decide, after all, it is a democracy,” Perfetti said. “Mean-while, we’re probably gonna drink and play music!”

Kayla [email protected]

Band page: www.facebook.com/gunstreetghost

One Home streaming: www.gunstreetghost.bandcamp.com

Next Show: Sept. 16th, Slim Cessna’s Auto

Club BBQ show at the Larimer Lounge

Additional information

“These songs come from the heart and they, for the most part, are about real events and real people.”

-Mike Perfetti

One Home track list1. Fine

2. Block of Stone 3. I Never Learned

Karate4. Dead Pets5. One Home

Mike Perfetti: Vocals/Guitar

Danny White: Guitar/Vocals

Tyler Campo: Bass/Vocals

Kim Baxter: Drums

Tiffany Meese: Keyboards/Vocals

Band Members

Photos by Ryan Borthick • [email protected]

Photo courtesy of Gun Street Ghost

Top left: The members of Gun Street Ghost rock out at their “One Home” EP release show at the Hi-Dive on Aug. 17.Above: Guiarist/vocalist Mike Perfetti jams out at the Gun Street Ghost EP release show.

Local band Gun Street Ghost offer fresh folk to Denver


The MeTropoliTan

ThUrS: 8/23/12 BW

5” x 7” TV

all.BTS-p.0823.MeTro

AvAilAble August 28 on blu-rAy™ Combo PACk,

with DvD, DigitAl CoPy AnD All-new ultrAviolet™

The film is rated PG-13.

There is no charge to text 43KIX. Message and data rates from your wireless carrier may apply. Check your plan. Text HELP for info, STOP to opt-out. Late and/or duplicate

entries will not be considered. Limit one entry per cell phone. Winners will be drawn at random and notified via text message with how to claim their prize by 8/28 at 5PM.

Sponsors and their dependents are not eligible to receive a prize. Supplies are limited. All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of prizes assumes any and

all risks related to use of prize, and accepts any restrictions required by prize provider. Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Allied-THA, 43KIX, The Metropolitan and

their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of prizes. Prizes cannot be exchanged, transferred

or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. Not responsible if, for any reason, winner is unable to use his/her prize in whole or in part. Not responsible for lost, delayed

or misdirected entries. All federal, state and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. NO PHONE CALLS

enter to win A blu-rAy™ Combo PACk eDition of

TexT The word COMBAT and your ZIP CODE To 43549!example Text: CoMBaT 80246 • entry Deadline: Monday, august 27

METROPOLITAN

WED 8/23 BW

5” x 7” SS

ALL.APP-P.0823.metro

IN THEATERS AUGUST 24 www.theapparitionmovie.com

THIS FILM IS RATED PG-13. PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED. Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13.

PLEASE NOTE: Passes are limited and will be distributed on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis while supplies last. No phone calls, please. Limit one pass per person.

Each pass admits two. Seating is not guaranteed. Arrive early. Theatre is not responsible for overbooking. This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording.

By attending, you agree not to bring any audio or video recording device into the theatre (audio recording devices for credentialed press excepted) and consent to a

physical search of your belongings and person. Any attempted use of recording devices will result in immediate removal from the theatre, forfeiture, and may subject

you to criminal and civil liability. Please allow additional time for heightened security. You can assist us by leaving all nonessential bags at home or in your vehicle.

THIS FILM IS RATED PG-13. PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED. Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13.

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to opt-out. Please note: All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of tickets assumes any and all risks related to use of

ticket, and accepts any restrictions required by ticket provider. Warner Bros., The Metropolitan and their affi liates accept no responsibility

or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. RESTRICTIONS: A. Certifi cates are valid at

participating theatres for any exhibition of THE APPARITION including those designated as “no certifi cates, no passes” in local listing

guides. B. If lost, cannot be replaces. Void if resold. C. No reproductions will be accepted. D. Cash value 1/100th of one cent. E. No

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TEXT THE WORD

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SEE

Colorado is a national leader in the trend of “going green,” and the Denver Art Mu-seum is following suit with the new Open for Design exhibition.

� e idea of the exhibition was for mem-bers of the public to take an everyday object and change it into something that could better the community, a challenge from the museum to Coloradans everywhere. It was a feat that the community met with zeal. A total of 165 pieces are on display in the An-schutz gallery.

“It has been great seeing people connect-

ing in the gallery over the ideas and projects on display,” said Jaime Kopke, adult and college program coordinator at the museum. “� e exhibition has not only supported the creative energy of our community, it has be-come a platform for dialogue, which are both very important to the Denver Art Museum.”

� e museum wanted to create an exhibi-tion that was community driven, according to Kopke, while still linking to the other shows that focus on the element of design. It was also important that the challenge had an impact. � ey wanted to get people thinking about how to change their communities.

Entries included a free homemade library, a bird house made from a tra� c cone, and a

lamp made with plastic spoons. � e variety of submissions allowed the viewers relate to di� erent pieces. � e success of this commu-nity exhibition has prompted the DAM to evaluate this project and see if it’s possible to do more like it in the future.

On Aug. 31, there will be activities in the Anschutz gallery, including short classes on how to re-create some of the projects in the show. Open for Design is running until Sept. 2. � e Denver Art Museum is located at 100 W. Ave. Parkway in Denver. Adult general admission tickets are $10 for residents and $13 for non-residents.

DAM goes green with community artKailyn [email protected]

Left: Free library in DAM’s Open for design exhi-bition. Open for design is a display of everyday objects by members of the public.

Above: A lamp made of plastic spoons shows that plastic doesn’t have to go into a land� ll. Photos courtesy of Denver Art Museum

Now Boarding July 15-Oct. 7

Design Lab: Three Studios July 27-Sept. 2

Open for Design: a DAM Challenge Aug. 4-Sept. 2

Demonstrations in the fashion studio every Satur-day from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from

12 p.m.-3 p.m. until Sept. 1

El Anatsui Sept. 9-Dec. 30

Becoming Van Gogh Oct. 21-Jan. 20

Current and up-coming exhibitions

Ingredients:2 packages of udon soup noodles2 cups vegetable broth2 cups water2 tsp. sugar1 package/block of tofu2-3 cups of vegetables, to taste

(mushrooms, bok choy, scallions and onions were used in soup photo-graphed; spinach, leeks, shitake mushrooms, snow peas, cabbage and carrots are also popular udon soup veggies)

*Additional ingredients that will spice up the dish, but aren’t essential:4 tsp. sesame oil 2 tsp. crushed red pepper/red pepper � akes1/2 tsp. ginger

(Vegetable broth and tofu can be switched with chicken broth and chicken for the carnivorous).

Preparation:1. Cut the tofu into small squares.2. Chop vegetables to preferred size.

Cooking instructions:1. Cook udon noodles according to their packaging (this usually means boil the noodles for a few minutes). If the package came with its own seasoning, set it aside or toss about half in with the veggies (step 2). Once the noodles are done, strain and place in a bowl and set o� to the side with a paper towel over the top.

2. In larger pot, combine water, vegetable broth, sugar, and other spices you wish to add (red pepper, ginger, or others to taste). Bring this mixture to a boil and then add vegetables. Keep broth at a boil.

3. Once the veggies are cooked to your taste (about 5-10 minutes), add the chunks of tofu to the broth and turn the burner to the lowest setting. (*To give tofu a little more kick and � avor, add tofu to a splash of olive oil in a small frying pan on medium heat. Drizzle some teriyaki sauce and/or sriracha over the tofu and fry for about a minute or two.)

4. With the broth at a simmer, take out a few bowls and � ll them nearly halfway with udon noodles. � en scoop a few ladles of broth over the noodles, give it a quick stir and enjoy!

Quick and Easy Udon SoupWant a delicious Japanese soup made at home with

fresh ingredients? Here’s a quick and easy recipe that will � ll your tummy with savory � avors.

1. Shop smarter Many of you have been shopping on your own

for years and already know all the tricks, but here are some tips just to make sure we have our bases covered.

Use coupons or shop for groceries that are on sale, and stock up on non-perishable items that you use frequently — for example, peanut butter, grains, or canned or dry beans.

Don’t forget that generic or store brands are o� en signi� cantly cheaper than name brands.

Buy stu� you use a lot of in bulk, or scoop the amount you want out of bulk bins, which is usually cheaper than getting pre-packaged groceries.

2. Do It Yourself One of the quickest ways to pile up food costs is by getting into the habit

of letting your student schedule get the better of you and eating out all the time. Even eating at fast food restaurants or the food court on campus can quickly add up.

Try packing a lunch with non-refrigerated items, like sandwiches and fruit, instead. If you want to bring hot food, like soup or casseroles, to school with you, consider investing in a good thermal food jar, like the ones made by Nissan, � ermos, or Reduce.

Cook food from scratch whenever you can. If you’re not in the habit of daily cooking already, you can check this column for ideas, or look for more inspiration on online recipe sites like allrecipes.com, recipesource.com, and foodnetwork.com. It also helps to own a basic all-around cookbook.

Also, cooking double portions and eating the le� overs for dinner the next night cuts the cooking in half.

If you’re a regular co� ee or tea drinker, making your own co� ee or tea and taking it to school with you in a thermal mug, instead of buying it at Starbucks or Einstein’s every day, can make a huge dent in your food/bever-age budget. � e same goes for smoothies.

3. Many hands make light work One of the most painless ways to cook your

own food rather than eating out is by making it a social activity instead of a chore. � e following are some variations of the time-honored tradition of the potluck.

Basic version: Get together with a few friends, and have everyone bring their favorite dish to share.

Pizza party: Instead of going out for pizza with friends, consider having a pizza pot-luck party. Have everyone bring a topping or sauce, and then make the dough for the crust together.

Have a brunch potluck instead of going out for brunch. Birthday party potluck: Instead of going out somewhere fancy to celebrate, make a

homemade cake and have guests show up with the birthday person’s favorite foods.

4. You Can’t Beat Free A� er textbook costs have cleaned you out, you might not even be le� with enough for

basic groceries. However, Metro has its own food bank, located o� of Sigi’s pool hall in the Tivoli. All

Metro students, regardless of income, are eligible for up to the equivalent of six standard-sized cans of food per week. � e food bank is open from 11am to 2pm Mondays and Wednesdays, 9am to noon Tuesdays, 11am to 2pm Wednesdays, and noon to 4pm Fridays.

Check with the food bank for information on other local food assistance.

When you’re living the student lifestyle, whether you’re taking three credits or 18, you quickly realize that the costs add up – costs you can’t do anything about. In addition to costs like rent and utilities that plague pretty much everyone, you’ve also got tuition, student fees, textbooks, and any class equipment or extra required expenses — and there’s no negotiating your way out of any of that. Everyone needs to eat, but there are plenty of ways to cut costs without starving. The following are some general suggestions for cutting down on food and beverage costs. “Cheap eats” will be featured regularly throughout the school year. Check back for future recipes and tips.

Photos and recipe by Kayla [email protected]

Cheap eats for busy, broke studentsKate Rigot [email protected]

sale, and stock up on non-perishable items that you use frequently — for example, peanut butter, grains,

amount you want out of bulk bins, which is usually

social activity instead of a chore. � e following are social activity instead of a chore. � e following are

featured regularly throughout the school year. Check back for future recipes and tips.

came with its own seasoning, set it aside or toss about half in with the veggies (step 2). Once the noodles are done, strain and place in a bowl and set o� to the side with a paper towel over the top.

2. In larger pot, combine water, vegetable broth, sugar, and other spices you wish to add (red pepper, ginger, or others to taste). Bring this mixture to a boil and then add vegetables. Keep broth at a boil.

graphed; spinach, leeks, shitake mushrooms, snow peas, cabbage and carrots are

Cut your grocery budget so you can spend it on textbooks

TheMetropolitan MetroSpective August 23, 2012 13

MetSportsTheMetropolitan August 23, 2012 15

Men’s soccer split two in exhibition play

MSU Denver redshirt freshman Jacob Candelaria nutmegs a Northeastern Junior College defender. Roadrunners beat the Plainsmen 7-0, Aug. 18 at Auraria Fields. Photo by Cosme Lindstrom-Furutani • [email protected]

Men’s Soccer

2012 Schedule

Aug.

25

31

Sept.

2

7

8

14

16

21

23

28

30

Oct.

3

5

7

12

19

21

23

28

Sat. Fri.

Sun.

Fri.

Sat.

Fri.

Sun.

Fri.

Sun.

Fri.

Sun.

Wed.

Fri.

Sun.

Fri.

Fri.

Sun.

Tues.

Sun.

Alumni Game!

at Upper Iowa

University of Mary

Texas A&M Intl.

St. Martin’s (Wash.)

Regis University*

UC-Colorado Springs*

Colorado Mines*

Colorado State-Pueblo*

Fort Lewis*

Colorado Mines*

Colorado Christian*

Colorado State-Pueblo

Regis Univeristy*

Colorado Christian*

Colorado Mesa*

Adams State*

Adams State*

UC-ColoradoSprings

3:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

* RMAC game! Exhibition gameHome matches are in BOLD

Visit metnews.org/sports to keep up with the latest Roadrunner athletic news, includ-ing all playoff action as the spring season winds down and the championship races heat up.

MetOnline

Angelita [email protected]

MSU Denver men’s soccer started its preseason at Auraria Fields with a 2-0 loss to Otero Junior College Aug. 17. � e Roadrun-ners made some adjustments to their game and redeemed themselves the next day with a 7-0 win over Northeastern Junior College.

“Preseason is not results oriented, it is about seeing what the players’ strengths and weaknesses are, and a chance to see what the chemistry of the team looks like,” MSU Denver head coach Ken Parsons said.

Parsons is looking beyond the Jekyll and Hyde team he saw in the � rst two exhibition games – now he knows what he has to work with.

Roadrunner team captain Andrew Majia agreed that preseason is the time for work-ing out the kinks.

“I think what happened Friday was that we haven’t had much time to work together as a team, and we didn’t show enough ef-fort,” Majia said. “I think we have a good team with a lot of young talent and I think other teams are not going to know what to expect.”

� e ‘Runners had a successful 2011 season with a 14-7-1 record overall, and were 10-4-0 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Con-ference, taking the team to its � � h NCAA tournament appearance. But, this is a new season with new players.

“Our goal is to play well for 90 minutes week in, week out, which should put us in a good place in the conference and a good place in the NCAA,” Parsons said.

Parsons’ 2012 team signed nine new players – seven of them freshman, all of whom are expected to contribute this sea-son.

“When I bring these players in, they are ready to play, and don’t need a lot of develop-ment,” Parsons said. “� ey mostly need to adjust to coming from youth clubs or high school teams to a college level of play.”

Freshman Danny Arrubla, Arizona Player of the Year, has high expectations for himself this season and is ready to meet the challenge of contributing to the team this year.

“I know I need to come in and work hard and show the coaches that I can contribute to the team,” Arrubla said. “I came in with the attitude of a fresh start. Old accolades for high school don’t mean much now because everyone on the team has had those same

accolades.” In eight seasons as Roadrunners head

coach, Parsons has led his team to four NCAA tournament berths and eight RMAC appearances. With a record 106-48-17, Par-sons carries the highest winning percentage in MSU Denver history. So Parsons knows a thing or two about winning and has con� -dence that this team has what it takes.

“With players like Mark Herschberger and Andrew Mejia, I think they carry on the culture of the program and they set a high standard for new players,” Parsons said. “We have 17 goals to make up this year, losing Scott Grode, and I think we can get those goals from a lot of di� erent players.”

MSU Denver freshman Danny Arrubla moving the ball down � eld in exhibition game against Northeastern Aug. 18 at Auraria Fields. Photo by Cosme Lindstrom-Furutani • [email protected]

In the Aug. 16 issue, on P.16, “Two-time Olympian Proving his ‘Worth,’ � e Metropolitan misspelled Mark Worthington’s name.

Correction

Women’s soccer alumni game

Mile high expectations unreachable?

New associate athletic director

MSU Denver women’s soccer beat a team of former players 8-2 in the annual alumni game at Auraria Fields Aug. 19.

For the Roadrunners, the preseason game allows the team to � nd it’s chemistry.

“We have a pretty young team so just trying to � nd ways to connect with everyone is important in the preseason,” sophomore Karisa Price said.

For the coaching sta� , it is an opportu-nity to evaluate players in di� erent lineup combinations to determine the best way to win games.

“Some players had a good game today but I think some players need to seperate themselves and prove they deserve to be there,” MSU Denver head coach Adrianne

Almaraz said.Alumni players look forward to this

annual matchup becuase they get to see teammates they haven’t seen for a while and they get to size up the new ‘Runners and the coming season.

“� is game is always fun becuase it is a lot like a family reunionm,” former goal-keeper Mandy Allen-Nale said.

Allen-Nale likes the chances of success for the 2012 team.

“I think they move the ball really well and I think they have a good chance for a great season,” Allen-Nale said.

� e Roadrunners will play Northwestern (Iowa) Aug. 25, 7:30 a.m. at Auraria Fields.

MSU Denver forward Karisa Price, left, dribbles past alum Kristen Sonsma in the annual alumni game Aug. 19 at Auraria Fields. Price contributed one goal and one assist to the Roadrunners 8-2 win over the alumni team. Photo by Cosme Lindstrom-Furutani • [email protected]

Angelita Fosteramayer1@msudenver@edu

Nick Ohlignohlig@msudenver@edu

Although diehard Broncos fans are expecting their team to win a Super Bowl this season, all I have to say is: “Hold your horses,” because history isn’t on the Broncos’ side.

I get it. Expectations are a mile high, as well they should be. � e Broncos have Peyton Manning, the best regular season quarterback in NFL history. Manning should have a great career in Denver, but it takes more than just a great quarterback to win a Super Bowl.

One area of concern is our defense. Par-ticularly, the linebacker position, since D.J. Williams is going to be suspended for the � rst six games of the regular season due to a failed drug test. Williams could be subject to further punishment from the NFL because of a conviction for DWAI. So now the Bron-cos will be weak at the linebacker position for at least half the season or more.

� at means the Broncos could start Wesley Woodyard or rookie Danny Treva-than. Woodyard brings more experience, but at only 6-feet, his size will be a problem, considering he has a history of fading toward the end of the season. Trevathan was a tack-ling machine at Kentucky, but he also has a small stature at 6-feet-1-inch. If his body cannot get used to the physical grind of 17 weeks in the NFL, he could fade as well.

Another concern I have is the defensive line — pass-rushing won’t be a problem this season, it will be stopping the run. In the AFC West the Broncos have to deal with the Oakland Raiders’ Darren McFadden, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles and the San Diego Chargers’ Ryan Mathews; these guys have a history of tearing up the Broncos defense.

In the o� season the Broncos selected Derek Wolfe during the second round of the NFL dra� hoping he will clog up the hole in the defensive line. � e Broncos also have Jason Hunter but he might miss the entire season because of an injury. Ty Warren was a good defensive lineman for the New England Patriots, before signing with the Broncos in 2011 but he missed the entire season with torn triceps. Broncos’ fans are hoping War-ren can return to his old form of stopping the run on a constant basis.

Rookie Malik Jackson could be a comple-

mentary player to Elvis Dumervil, but he is more of a pass-rusher than run-stopper. Plus, Jackson could face the same problem of Trevahan — being an undersized player (270lbs) that might fade in the end of the season. However, Jackson might not play a lot this year because the depth at the defen-sive line is deeper than the linebacker core.

On the o� ensive side I am a little worried about the wide receivers. Eric Decker is just an average wide-out at best. He drops a lot of easy passes and wouldn’t exactly put fear into my eyes if I was an opposing defense back. And don’t give me that garbage saying Decker was hampered by Broncos great, Tim Tebow. Decker struggles to get away from defensive backs and doesn’t exactly know how to catch passes in tra� c either.

� e other wide-out is Demaryius � om-as. Who showed his potential last year (Look at the Pittsburgh playo� game). My con-cern with him, he drops passes. But unlike Decker, � omas has shown the ability to be a number one option for Manning. � e other wide-outs are Andre “Bubba” Caldwell, Matt Willis and former Bronco Brandon Stokley, who are average at best, however, their stats will be in� ated because Manning is throw-ing the ball.

Another question I have is: “Who is go-ing to be the backup quarterback?” Former Colorado State Ram, Caleb Hanie, appears

to be the backup for Manning, but has strug-gled during preseason. And as a Chicago Bear, Hanie didn’t impress anybody stepping in for the injured Jay Cutler. If I had to pick a backup QB, I would go with Adam Weber. Weber is looking impressive running the third team o� ense, while Hanie is looking incompetent. Finally there is Brock Osweiler, the rookie out of Arizona State. As much as I like his potential, I think he should wait and watch Manning.

Super Bowl or bust. � at is what I am hearing from Broncos’ fans. And, as much as I would love to see Manning win his second Super Bowl playing for the Broncos, he’ll have trouble. A� er all, Manning has a history of struggling in playo� games and his 9-10 playo� record won’t necessarily be part of his Hall of Fame acceptance speech. Weather could be another negative factor for Manning, who played half of his games in a dome and in the warm climates of Jackson-ville and Houston. As those living in Colo-rado know, once late October comes around, so does the snow.

� e last time the Broncos had high preseason expectations was a� er the 2005 season, in which the Broncos went to the AFC Championship game and lost. � e 2006 Broncos went 9-7; it was also the start of the short Jay Cutler era. Let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself.

Zee [email protected]

MSU Denver has a new associate athletic director for compliance.

A� er 24 years with the athletic depart-ment at Western State College, Scott Groom has decided to make a change and work at the university. Groom replaced Sandee Mott, who resigned to become the athletic director at Johnson and Wales University in Denver.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Scott Groom on our sta� ,” said Joan McDermott, director of athletics. “Our previous associate AD was really very good. Actually she had one time worked at Western State with Scott and she suggested that we hire him.”

Groom is happy about his new position and will assist McDermott by overseeing the work of the coaches and sta� involved in the athletic program. � ey will be responsible for ensuring that the athletic programs com-ply with NCAA conference regulations.

“It’s a neat challenge a� er being at one school for 24 years,” Groom said. “Being able to take that experience that I gained there and bring it to Metropolitan State and be a positive addition to the athletic depart-ment is my goal.”

A former track coach for Western State from 1991-2002, Groom has an extensive resume. His team won two indoor and three outdoor national championships along with two top � ve national indoor track � nishes. Groom has also trained 85 All-Americans and 10 national champions, and has been awarded four Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors.

Groom said he has taken many things from his experience as a coach that has helped him be successful as Western State’s

compliance coordinator and their assistant athletic director. He hopes to be as success-ful here.

Groom said he le� Western and accepted the job here because he was looking for a new challenge. He was impressed with what the university and its athletic sta� have done building a great reputation.

“� at just shows a commitment to athletics and Division II athletics and that’s something that’s exciting to be a part of,” Groom said.

Currently, Groom doesn’t have any big plans for the university. He said he wants to ease into the university’s program.

“It’s about making a smooth transition. Taking my experiences and if there’s things that I have done in the past that can help the athletic department run potentially smooth-er then we’ll implement those,” Groom said, explaining that he has a lot to learn about the program, but is looking forward to the challenge.

“I think it’s an exciting time in Division II athletics and Metropolitan State has a great reputation,” Groom said. “It’s a great sta� , there’s a lot of cohesiveness and with that— the tendency is to have a lot of suc-cess.”

New Associate Athletic Director, Scott Groom.Photo courtesy of www.gometrostate.com

TheMetropolitan MetSports August 23, 2012 17

TimeOut

8.24-9.8

Metrosphere and Artists of CVAView the fine art and literary works featured in the 2011-2012 edition of Metrosphere.Center for Visual Arts, 10 a.m.Free

8.24

1964: The Beatles Anniversary Concert TributeRed Rocks Ampitheatre 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.$29 General Admission

8.25

Reggae on the Rocks 25th AnniversaryRed Rocks Amphitheatre3:00 p.m. Doors open at 2:00 p.m.$73.90

8.27

Investigative Reporting ContestFind clues and solve the me-dia mystery in this student-media sponsored contest!Lawrence st. Plaza 12:00 p.m.

8.27

Food Truck Challenge Opening RoundDenver’s best food trucks go head to head to earn stu-dents’ votes! The top 3 will be back for the final showdown August 30!Tivoli Commons, 11:00 a.m.

ThisMonth

Today in History 8.23

1784: American Revolution: The State of Franklin declares Indepen-dence.

1904: Patent for the tire chain is issued.

1926: Famous silent � lm star, Rudolph Valentino dies at age 31.

1966: Vietnam War: U.S. cargo ship strikes a mine near Saigon

1979: Cold War: Aleksandr Godunov defects to United States.

1989: Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose is banned from MLB for placing bets on baseball games.

Texts From Last Night

Hey have you ever thought about � shing cause I’d like to go � shing but don’t know anyone that � shes and I’m gonna cry because. FISHING

Me and this 7 year old almost � n-ished a large pizza. And when I say me and this 7 year old I really mean me.

I have � reworks and redbull; let’s make heart attack inducing magic happen.

I woke up and found a doughnut on our front porch. It’s not sketchy though. More like a gift from the gods.

Today, I woke up to a Rubber Duck on my car and a note that read, ‘This is a friendly warning to make you aware of the upcoming chaos. The Rubber Duck apocalypse has started. We suggest you stock up on grapes and lemonade and wish you the best of luck. Quak. MLIA

Today, I forgot my ipod when I went to the gym, so instead I put my own words to the soap opera on the tv for enter-tainment. I don’t think I need music anymore. MLIA

My Life is Average


Across1- Of� cial records; 5- Wight or Man; 9- Grenoble’s river; 14- Scheme; 15- Mariners can sail on seven of these; 16- Executive of a municipality; 17- Father’s of� ce; 19- Squeeze; 20- Able to read and write; 21- Crystal-lined rock; 22- Appears; 23- Building for storing hay; 24- Proverb ending?; 25- Dexterity; 28- Criminal; 31- Egg exterior; 32- Be in the red; 34- Chemical used on trees; 35- Land measures;

36- Send out; 37- Like some ears; 38- Impostor; 39- Basic monetary unit of Sweden; 40- Young tree; 42- The 19th letter of the Greek alphabet; 43- Lukas of “Witness”; 44- Confuse; 48- Collect; 50- Menacing; 51- Shatter; 52- Rabid; 53- Lofty nest; 54- Utopia; 55- Flower holder; 56- Lock of hair; 57- Sunset direction; 58- K-6; Down1- “Forbidden” fruit;

2- Assert as a fact; 3- Sensation provided by buds on the tongue; 4- Earlier; 5- Sharon’s land; 6- Chairs; 7- Overdue; 8- Legal ending; 9- Endanger; 10- Loose-� tting skirtlike garment; 11- Watched intently; 12- Ascended, � ower; 13- Trauma ctrs.; 18- Church instrument; 21- Some Celts; 23- Run in the wash; 25- Gesture of indifference; 26- ___ sapiens; 27- One of a matching pair; 28- Blubber;

29- Some Ivy Leaguers; 30- Actress Turner; 31- Examines closely; 33- Sorority letter; 35- Met highlights; 36- Bursting forth; 38- Flares; 39- Gold standard; 41- Aspect; 42- Occupant; 44- Languishes with longing; 45- Express alternative; 46- Clear the board; 47- Plant tissue; 48- From the U.S.; 49- Female horse; 50- Created; 51- Posed; 52- Not many;

Documents

Volume 35, Issue 2 - Aug. 23, 2012