New NSUOCO faculty

Cherokee cultural play

NSU College of Optometry hires six new faculty members.

See page 17

Galaxy of the Stars to perform Nanyehi: Beloved Woman of the Cherokees.

See page 18

Vo l u m e 1 0 5 , I s s u e 6 Tu e s d a y, A u g u s t 2 7 , 2 0 1 3 | Ta h l e q u a h , O k l a . 7 4 4 6 4

Dr. Wilds conducts domestic violence research

AUDRA HURLEY TNE WRITER A statewide effort to stop domestic violence is being researched by NSUs director of the criminal justice institute, Dr. Michael Wilds. Wilds project researches the speculation that offenders who complete court ordered counseling are less likely to repeat the offense and analyzes the effectiveness of community response teams with helping recovering victims. Approximately ten years ago, I was asked by the district attorney counsel to participate in a pilot project called the Coordinated Community Response team approach to domestic violence, said Wilds. Through this initiative, Oklahoma created CCR teams where multidisciplinary teams attempt to provide community level solutions for victims and abusers that include intervention services, shelters and education regarding the negative impacts of domestic violence. Wilds said his research involves developing data about victims and abusers by visiting local shelters to speak with these individuals. He said his role is an independent evaluator of the Violence Against Women grants received by the district attorney counsel. To date, 28 CCR teams have been created in Oklahoma, said Wilds. Equally important, the Oklahoma legislature have adopted the attitude that domestic violence is a crime against the state of Oklahoma that costs valuable resources and merits strict penalties. These CCR teams meet with domestic violence victims at shelters and within the community to help support them through the recovery of these crimes. NSU and the Tahlequah community also support domestic violence awareness through contributions to charities and events. T h e continued on page 2

Courtesy Photo Campaigns raising awareness about domestic violence have been implemented using images such as this in a variety of media. These campaigns are part of a state wide effort to end crimes of domestic violence.

Arrest made in homicide of assistant chemistry professor

JACCI ALWORDEN TNE WRITER Following a multiple day manhunt, authorities made an arrest in the homicide of NSUs late chemistry professor Dr. Tiffany Maher. July 27, a Broken Arrow man was taken into custody in Tulsa. Joshua John Schneider was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Maher on July 29. Im thankful that an arrest has been made, especially for the sake of Dr. Mahers family and friends, said Sabrina Prater, Sallisaw senior. The evidence is clearly stacked against Schnieder. There is no question of whether he is responsible for her death. Dr. Maher had a big heart and faith in people. Sadly, this is a heartbreaking example of why good people cant be too trusting. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said Schneider and Maher may have met through a dating website. There are records to indicate Maher had communicated with several people on the dating site plentyoffish.com. The last communication was from an individual with the user name CanIFindHer1980 on May 15. Schneider continued on page 2

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

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NSU raises awareness for domestic violence

continued from page 1 f o u n d a t i o n for successful domestic intervention has been established, said Wilds. NSU has participated in statewide events such as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes to promote domestic violence awareness. The CCR team of Tahlequah sponsors the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event annually. It entails a mile long parade during which men, women and children wear high heels in support of domestic violence victims. Many NSU faculty and students participate to help raise awareness about domestic violence and raise contributions for local shelters including campus police. Every year, some of our male officers take part in this very popular event, said detective Sgt. Jim Flores. Prior to the event, they go out into the community seeking donations to help fund the Help and Crisis Domestic Abuse Shelter here in Tahlequah. Flores said the event gets the community talking about domestic abuse and provides the perfect place to show how to prevent it from happening. NSU student affairs is also taking action to spread awareness for domestic violence and offer assistance to victims. Last semester, student affairs dedicated funding to hire a fulltime position to focus on education and outreach related to issues such as domestic violence, said Dr. Laura Boren, student affairs vice president. This summer, we submitted a federal grant proposal to advance our efforts on domestic violence education and support. We anticipate a response to our grant proposal soon. Boren said domestic violence is a very serious issue and student affairs is committed to educating students about domestic violence and being a resource to students who are victims of domestic violence. Our campus police department constantly educates students, faculty and staff about how to prevent and report domestic abuse incidents via Facebook, said Flores. We also provide new and existing employees with safety training and oftentimes talk about domestic violence prevention and awareness. Flores said the best way to raise awareness is by simply talking about the issue and letting everyone around them know that not only is domestic abuse wrong, but it is illegal. People also need to realize domestic abuse is not just a womens issue. It affects every individual and the campus community needs to work together to educate each other. For more information on NSUs domestic violence awareness, call student affairs at 918444-2120.

Broken Arrow man taken into custody in southTulsa

continued from page 1 was born in 1980. He also faces two counts of first-degree arson and three counts of larceny in Cherokee County District Court. Dr. Maher was a one of a kind instructor and person, said Douglas Thompson, Rose senior. I am grateful for the arrest but it doesnt change what happened and the lives it has impacted. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, several fires were intentionally set inside the home. These fires also left burns on the victim but are not believed to be the cause of death. The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause of death. Schneider also stole and pawned many items from Mahers home. One stolen item in particular was most helpful in linking Schneider to the crime. Mahers Kindle Fire was pawned at a business on June 28. Schneider provided a Broken Arrow address during this transaction. Agents soon learned that a person using the name Big Daddy had registered a Kindle Fire, on May 28 just three minutes after deregistering it in Mahers name. They email address and other contact information provided was the same as Schneiders. With this information, authorities obtained arrest warrants for Schneider for false declaration of ownership in a pawn and for failing to register as a sex offender. Agents received a tip that his vehicle was in a hospital parking lot. They followed the car and attempted to make a stop. Schneider fled. The chase ended in a wooded area. Authorities found the car and Schneiders 2-yearold child abandoned. July 19, OSBI agents searched the truck and found a checkbook belonging to Maher. They also found items in the road including Mahers credit card, drivers license. A subsequent police search uncovered Mahers NSU identification card. Schneider is also being charged with felony child neglect and eluding police officers. He is currently being held in the Tulsa County Jail.

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Mathematics author lectures at NSU

SYDNEY ASBILL TNE WRITER Joseph A. Gallian, Ph.D., is scheduled to speak in a series of lectures in September. Gallian received his Ph.D. from Notre Dame in 1971. He taught at the University of Minnesota Duluth since 1972. The majority of his courses include mathematics with the occasional humanities and liberal arts courses. He is the author of the book Contemporary Abstract Algebra, with 8 editions, and co-author of For All Practical Purposes, with 7 editions. He has received several prestigious awards for teaching from the MAA, the Carnegie Foundation and the University of Minnesota. He has published over 100 articles and presented more than 250 lectures. The first lecture is an all-campus lecture at 2 p.m. on Sept. 18 in the Webb Auditorium. This lecture will include how Gallian broke the drivers license codes. He was successful in breaking the codes for states including Minnesota, Michigan, New York and Missouri. He will explain the methods, and no advanced mathematics is required. The second lecture is a science community lecture at 10 a.m. on Sept. 18 in the lower level of the science building, Room 62. This lecture is The Mathematics of Identification Numbers. He will explain some of the common bar coding and check digits schemes on a day-today basis. Many include UPC bar codes, ZIP bar code, and check methods used on credit cards, airline tickets, money orders, travelers checks, personal checks, pop cans, books and magazines. With this lecture, no advanced mathematics is required. This lecture is made possible by John C.D. Diamantopoulos, Ph.D., associate professor of Mathematics, who has known Gallian personally since his acceptance into Project NExT, which was an original concept of the MAA and the Exxon foundation, in the summer of 1997. With the help from the Presidents Ambassadors Network grant, it has made this lecture possible. Once I got Dr. Gallians approval to include him in the proposal, I completed the necessary paperwork and submitted the grant application, said Diamontopoulos. I wasnt sure my chances of success, especially since this was a brand new program. I figured everyone would be applying. I knew how it could richly bless our students and campus, so I just had to apply! He found out late in the spring that all his efforts had paid off with the application being the first grant the Presidents Ambassadors Network chose to fund. Both lectures are available to all students and faculty and are solely funded by the first Presidents Ambassadors Network Grant. For more information on the lectures, visit arapaho.nsuok. edu/~diamantj/gallian/gallianposter.pdf.

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2012 Heisman Trophy winner under investigation

With the college football season officially upon us, by now many people have heard the name Johnny Football. If you have not, then you are either out of the loop or do not watch college sports. Coming out of Kerrville Tivy High School in Texas, Johnny Manziel was highly recruited by several big name universities to play quarterback. After choosing Texas A&M over Stanford and Oregon, Manziel redshirted his true freshman season. Fast forward a year later, to A&Ms first real test in their new conference, the SEC, against defending national champion Alaside look at the real Johnny Manziel. The article goes into great detail about the Manziel family wealth, their most recent vacations, Johnnys temper and his current problem with alcoholism. One has to question if the constant public scrutiny is a contributing factor to Manziels alcohol abuse. The man who wrote the article, Wright Thompson, brings up a good point about those who follow Manziel, or choose not to. Thompson said in a Twitter post on July 30 that those who like Manziel will read the article and feel he is being humanized, others who do not like Manziel will read the article and think he is just a wealthy, privileged prima donna. At what point does one draw the line defining Manziel between an everyday college kid and an over privileged, arrogant athlete? It is evident that Manziels par Adviser: Cassie Freise ext. 2874 Editorial Board: Meredith Barker ext. 2890 ents enable him. All signs point Blake Harris ext. 2890 to his parents when it comes to Ad Manager: Kyle Eubanks ext. 2890 where Johnnys problems stem Circulation Manager: Hutch Anderson from. Senior Staff: Jacci Alworden Tricia Price The media has not really in TNE Staff: Sydney Asbill Philip Curry dulged in the role his parents play Stephanie Dorsch Audra Hurley with Manziel. It is pretty appar Zach Jones Roldan Ochoa ent through interviews that Man Brittany Porter Sarah Settgast ziels father, Paul, is an entitled, Jayden Warner arrogant snob. It is not a stretch TNE Ad Staff: Greg Holbird Kendrea James to say that Johnny is a chip off the Bobby Marshall James Parker old block. Upon release of the ThompPOSTMASTER: Send PS from 3579 to NSU, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. The Northeastern (USPS # 395-580) is published sons article, news broke that 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, Manziel is currently under invesOkla., 74464-2399. For more information about advertising, classified or display, call 444-2890, seven days in advance of tigation for selling autographs. desired publication date. Editorial statements in The Northeastern and readers letters reflect those of the individual writers Under NCAA rule, student-athand 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 letes are not allowed to sell any regional universities and that the student newspaper is not an official medium or expression of the Board or the regional memorabilia, whether that be universities. The Northeastern is a public forum. All submissions become property of The Northeastern. This publication was merchandise or autographs for printed by The Muskogee Phoenix and issued by NSU as authorized by House Bill 1714. Four thousand copies were printed personal profit. 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. It seems strange for a person edu. coming from a wealthy backbama. Manziel solidified himself as a potential Heisman candidate that day after beating the Crimson Tide, and the legend that is Johnny Football was officially created. After winning the Heisman Trophy as a freshman, and becoming the youngest to do so, Manziel has been the focal point for many media outlets. Being a poster child for the NCAA, Manziel has to consider the repercussions of every action. Winning such a prestigious award as the Heisman, Manziel has an image to uphold to fans and the general public. At this point, Manziel has failed to do so in almost every aspect of the matter. From underage drinking at a nightclub after winning the Cotton Bowl, courtside seats at NBA games, rounds at Pebble Beach country club, backstage passes at a Drake concert, to reportedly selling autographs for profit, Manziel has made poor decisions at every turn. He comes from a family who has had no problems financially and they have been able to continuously fund Manziels every want and need. Recently, an ESPN reporter followed the Manziel family for several weeks to give fans an ingound to be selling autographs for money. The pressure of being a student athlete and being in the spotlight may have gotten to him. Manziel is undoubtedly a star football player. He has achieved so much already and the accolades could potentially pile up even higher. The question is, can Manziel keep his composure and make it to the next level of play? NFL teams have very strict rules and Manziel will need to abide by those rules to even have a chance at the next level. Can Johnny Football even make it to that level without getting into further trouble, and if so what NFL team will want all of the possibly bad publicity? As of now, Manziel is still with the Aggies on the practice field preparing for the upcoming season. One has to wonder whether Manziel will even be eligible to play in the season opener. The NCAA is continuing their investigation of whether Manziel sold autographs for profit. If the investigation holds up, it is not a stretch to say that Manziel may never play for the Aggies again. Much less any team whether that be collegiate or professional. At the end of the day is Johnny Manziel just another studentathlete or should he be held to a higher standard because of his achievements on the field? Wright Thompson says Manziel will remain with the Aggies because of who he is, and what he comes from. It is unlikely that the NCAA will allow Manziel to continue playing without some sort of penalty if theses allegations are true.

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NAB shows pride Swon brothers perform

ROLDAN OCHOA TNE WRITER RiverHawk Pride is a committee of the Northeastern Activities Board who is responsible for all of the different school events on campus. NAB is in charge of the half time entertainment, give aways and promotions that go on during sport events. RiverHawk Pride will have a mens soccer tailgate, said Derek Combs, RHP chairman. We will be giving away both green and white Get Rowdy tank-tops, along with free corndogs and beverages. This event is important for the students and athletes because this is a way for student organizations like NAB to offer support to the sports events at NSU. RHP wants to promote activities by drawing student to the games, said Sara Johnson, coordinator of campus activities. The next RiverHawk Pride event is on Thursday next week. Its going to be at the mens soccer game, and we will have giveaways and free food. This RHP event is at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 29 at DeLoach field, preceding the mens soccer teams first home game against Bacone College. We want students to have a great time and they can support NSU athletics while they do at this event, said Tricia Price, administration chairman. The people involved in the planning of this event are students such as Derek Combs, who coordinates events for NSU athletics such as tailgates and halftime games. My job is to plan and run events associated with NSU athletics, said Combs. The goal is to attract students in order to gain support for our sports teams. Students are encouraged to come to the event and show their support not only for the athletic department but also for NSU as a whole. We have been doing this for about the same time I have been working here, around four years, said Johnson. The effort by NAB has been seen in different sports events such as the half-time at basketball and soccer games to bring entertainment for students. I think is great that a student organization like NAB is interested in bringing some people to our games, said Juan Gonzalez, mens soccer midfielder. Our team has been doing well for the past two seasons and some support is always good for the game and the team. We want to feel the support from the students of NSU because we have worked hard to be where we are right now. Other athletic teams are excited about the prospect of working with NAB and gaining more support through NSU. I think NAB could help us to

Sarah Settgast/TNE The Northeastern Activities Board recently booked the Swon Brothers to perform at the NSU track as part of Welcome Week festivities. The concert drew an audience of nearly 2,000.

bring a good amount of people to the tennis matches during our season, said Martina Bruzikova, womens tennis player. We had a good season last year and it would mean a lot for us if we get more support from students organizations when we play at home. If you have any questions, call Sara Johnson at 918-444-2526 or email at johns014@nsuok.edu.

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out a bid. Men and womens rush events are separated into two weeks. The primary reason for the separation of weeks is because the style between sorority and fraternity recruitment is different. The entire structure is different because there are two governing bodies for sororities and fraternities so there are many differences, but both are fun and great opportunities to meet people, said Whitney Reese, panhellenic vice president of recruitment. Womens recruitment involves the potential new members attending organized parties, which are themed to enable the sororities and potential new members to better acquaint themselves as the week progresses. There are four nights of recruitment parties for potential new members, with the fifth night being bid day. The first night is Floor Night, which is a chance for the potential new members to take a tour on the sororities floors and to make a first impression on each other. The second and third evenings are Philanthropy and Skit Night, respectively. Bid day is the final day when all the bids are disbursed and the new members are revealed to the sorority. Bid days

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Greek organizations seek members during Rush Week

STEPHANIE DORSCH TNE WRITER The term rushing can be defined in several ways when speaking to a Greek student at NSU. The term can be used in the sense of accomplishing a task quickly and making last minute preparations, or in terms of recruitment. Rushing is the process of sororities and fraternities accepting new members in their organization. Members of the greek community utilize rushing to meet potential new members. This process is also known as giving

Stephanie Dorsch/TNE Sabina Burton, Locus Grove sophomore and Mara Demuth, Bartlesville freshman sign up for fall rush at NSU. The pair register online before deadline approaches.

entail the same process for fraternities, using different activities. Mens rush showcases the fraternitys purpose, while also forming friendships with new members. Rush week involves round robin which is a rotation of guys coming to a fraternities room, said Casey Mathis, Lambda Chi Alpha recruitment chair. Mathis said they talk to the potential new members and show them different achievements. This also allows them to share more information about their fraternity. Requirements differ within each organization for both men and women. The primary qualification for rush is the person must be a full time student enrolled at NSU. Ive been excited to rush since the beginning of summer, and I cant wait to see what rush week has in store, said Kelcie Farley, Muskogee freshman. Sorority rush dates are Aug. 2630 and fraternity rush dates are the following week Sept. 3-7. The deadline to sign up for sorority recruitment is Aug. 24.The deadline for fraternity recruitment is Aug. 30. Applications for fall rush are available at offices.nsuok.edu/ studentaffairs/GreekLife.aspx.

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Hometown Hope Run supports local mission

SARAH SETTGAST TNE WRITER Beginning a new school year can be the perfect time to change fitness habits. Many students have spent time working on their physiques at the fit. Those who are looking for a chance to get in shape and make a difference in the community will have an opportunity at 8 a.m. Sept. 7. The first Hometown Hope 5k and One Mile Fun Run will take place in Muskogee, starting at the Gospel Rescue Mission. All proceeds from this event go to the Gospel Rescue Mission, a faith based organization that serves Muskogee county and the surrounding area. We provide food, shelter and clothing to the poor and homeless, said Jack Merr, executive director of the Gospel Rescue Mission. Merr said aside from monetary needs, the mission is using this event as a way to spread the word about who they are and who they help. The mission is looking for volunteers. The Hometown Hope run is a way for volunteers to see what the mission has to offer. I fell in love with the place, said Cheramy Rouse, event coordinator for the Hometown Hope 5k and fun run. These are people who are not in a big city. They do not go overseas to help people. They help people we see on a daily basis in our own community. Rouse and her committee started putting together the event when she and three friends noticed the mission could use some monetary help. Rouse said they chose a 5k and Fun Run because three of the four friends are runners, and it was something they would enjoy doing. The 5k has been sanctioned, so if the committee chooses to make this event a yearly race, they will be able to do so. Runners will compete for top three male and female in each age bracket, but anyone can participate in the 5k or the fun run. Every contestant is also entered to win door prizes. Since the event surfaced as a fundraiser idea in May, the community has stepped up with support. Several Muskogee businesses and even Rouses church have gotten involved. It has been very encouraging and even humbling to see so many people care, said Amber Walker, committee member. We knew people wanted to get involved, but it was like no one really knew what to do. When the Hometown Hope Run idea was announced, community members suddenly had something they could do to help the community. In turn, the committee saw several businesses offer financial help for the event. Registration for the 5K is $25 if registered on or before Sept. 5 and $30 after that date. Registration for the 1 mile fun run is $15 for preregistration and $20 after that. Free T-shirts are available for all who register by Aug. 30. Members of Wings of America will receive a $5 discount. For more information, call Amber Walker at 918-441-2877.

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NAB kicks off the school year with pool party

ZACH JONES TNE WRITER Students can begin their semester with fun in the sun. Northeastern Activities Board will organize a pool party next week. The event takes place at the pool located at the Seminary Suites behind the clubhouse. This is the first NAB pool party of the 2013-2014 academic year. All students who attend NSU are welcome by NAB to come out and enjoy a safe and fun event that includes many outdoor activities and prize giveaways. It will be a great event to kick off the school year right and have a little fun, said Sarah Johnson, coordinator of campus activities. NAB works best when students help promote the events. Word of likely to meet new friends and get involved with a new organization on campus. I am looking forward to attending the pool party and seeing all the different people that will be there, said Shane Devers, Sand Springs senior. All NAB sponsored events, in my opinion, are fun. I expect this pool party to be just as great as previous events I have enjoyed. There will also be free beverages and food catered by Sodexo available to those who attend the pool party. There will be a drawing for cool prizes such as Beats by Dre Pill. There will be good music, pool games, corn toss and more activities, said Sadie Spurlock chairman of the NAB board. We are going to have volleyball, Frisbee, corn toss, football and other outdoor activities. With school underway it has been evident in the past that events can relieve some stress for students getting used to the fast college pace. NAB is looking forward to doing just that and also showing how fun campus life can be here at NSU. Im looking forward to swimming and enjoying the free food, said TaDranique Broades, Idabel sophomore. NAB usually gives away good prizes since Ive been here at NSU, so I am very excited about the raffle drawing. The NAB pool party is scheduled for Sept. 5. For more information about the pool party, call NAB at 918-4442526 or visit their office, located in the basement of the University Center.

Zach Jones/ TNE Students enjoy the weather at the Seminary Suites pool. The Northeastern Activities Board has scheduled a pool party for all students Sept. 5.

mouth is the best way to go. NAB is a university-sponsored organization that is broken up into committees that each put on a variety of campus events throughout the year. These events include the pool party and the NAB Merchant Mall, which brings out a large number of NSUs population. The pool party is not only

anticipated by students as a fun gathering but a way to meet new people and get more information about organizations NSU has to offer. A lot of the fraternities thought this would be a great event taking place during recruitment, said Johnson. With multiple organizations attending the event, students are

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Staff Council recognizes outstanding employees

Acknowledging the service of dedicated staff at Northeastern State University, the NSU Staff Council presented its annual STAR Awards and the first Dr. Steve Turner Staff Council Award to Joyce Deckard, Brittany Kjonegaard and Joyce Matlock, respectively. Deckard was given the STAR Award, Kjonegaard was named Rising STAR and Matlock received the Turner Staff Council Award. The presentations were made in the University Center Sen. Herb Rozell Ballroom during the Employee Appreciation Reception on May 2. We designate the staff awards as STAR because these employees possess the traits of service, teamwork, attitude and reliability, said Staff Council representative Amanda Chappelle. The selection process is always difficult, but exciting. Those employed at NSU for at least two years may be nominated for the STAR award. Nominees for the Rising STAR award must be in their first two years of employment. Nominations are submitted by faculty and staff. Deckard, a custodian with the Physical Plant whose duties include building maintenance, was hired by NSU in 2007. She said it was a shocker when she was named the recipient of the STAR Award. Im not sure who nominated me or why, she said. I do know that I love working for NSU and being around the people here. Everyone here is very nice and I appreciate the award. I thank the whole NSU family. Kjonegaard was hired in November 2012 as an international student recruitment and retention specialist for the Office of International Programs. She works to increase NSUs international enrollment by attending recruitment fairs overseas and supplying information to potential students and their parents. She also oversees the application process for international students. She holds bachelors degrees in Spanish and international studies from NSU. I take my job very seriously and put my whole heart into what I do, and it is exciting to be recognized for that, Kjonegaard said. I work with a wonderful group of people who also love what they do. The administration cares about us and the students. It is nice to know you have the support of the whole system. Matlock serves as custodial manager and has worked for NSU since 2008. She oversees the universitys custodial staff. As winner of the Turner Staff Council Award, she will receive funds to enroll members of her staff in training and development programs in September. I was only told that Deckard had won her award, and I had to fib a little bit to make sure she was in the audience when they called her name, Matlock said. Later they called mine and I was shocked. I am very grateful to the Staff Council members for choosing our department to win this award. The additional training will be very helpful. The NSU Staff Council was formed in 2010 as the representative body of NSUs full-time, nonfaculty employees. Members are elected to serve two-year terms and may not be elected to more than two terms in succession. The STAR winners each received a crystal star trophy and a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble, courtesy of the RiverHawk Shoppe. They also receive Dell Latitude Tablets courtesy of Allen Wilson from Dell and free parking passes for a year. Their names and photos will also be placed in a public display board in Administration beside winners of NSUs Model the Way and Circle of Excellence awards. For more information regarding STAR Awards visit nsuok.edu. Story courtesy of NSU marketing and communication.

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Career Services presents seminar to help students

BRITTANY PORTER TNE WRITER The What Can I Do With a Major In presentation was created to help students realize the countless possibilities they have upon graduation. Dusty Bailey, career counselor, will conduct this session 4-5 p.m. Sept. 10 at on the Broken Arrow campus. The purpose of this presentation is to help students increase the likelihood of earning a job they actually enjoy. Bailey said it is common for people to end up with a career they did not plan on having in college. This workshop encourages such flexibility. Basically it is a workshop that is designed to help students in preparation, for thinking about after graduation and what fields they can work in, said Bailey. My goal is to give them the understanding that they do not have to do one thing once they graduate, that they do have options. If they are not happy, they should not stay in a job that they hate. Once considered taboo, changing jobs frequently has now become more prevalent. According to the Bureau of Labor, statistics have shown the average American will change jobs roughly ten times over the course of their lifetime. Regina Portman, career counselor, said this presentation will help students prepare for a constantly changing environment. We all know that our careers take a lot of different paths, said Portman. You start with this particular job, get your foot in the door, and then you realize, Oh, this is where I really want to go. And then you start pursuing that. The whole idea of this particular workshop is to open up to students the possibilities that are out there. Its amazing. The presentation will discuss on tools available to aid students in their journey toward happiness in the workforce, such as the FOCUS career assessment. FOCUS is an interactive online assessment that helps people determine the right major and career direction for them based on things such as personal interests and aspirations. Located in the career services section of NSUs website, FOCUS typically confirms the direction a student is already going in or acts as a wake-up call for students to reconsider their current path. The cost of a college education is not cheap, and attending this presentation could be one to guarantee students are getting their moneys worth. Ben Ellis, NSU alumnus, said his entire NSU experience prepared him to be a working adult and although his major was not directly related to his current job, it was definitely beneficial. My job is only related to my major in that I have a business major, and I work for a business, said Ellis. My degree is in entrepreneurship and I work for a natural gas and pipeline company. The entrepreneurship degree gives you a good idea of what goes into running a business from top to bottom. I would say that having a degree in general opened up more doors than having an entrepreneurship degree specifically. For more information, call Broken Arrow career services at 918449-6140.

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Campus ministries welcome new students

AUDRA HURLEY TNE WRITER Students who move away from home to attend college may become displaced from many of the comforts of home. A church or ministry is one of the comforts some students have left behind them. For those students, a campus ministry may be able to fill that void. Baptist Campus Ministry, Campus Christian Fellowship, Chi Alpha Campus Ministries and NSU Wesley Foundation are four of the campus ministries available at NSU. Campus ministries strive to be welcoming to all students, regardless of their background, religious affiliation or faith, said Andrew Scott, CCF member. CCF meets at 8 p.m. Tuesdays and is located on the northeast corner of Crafton and Lewis. Scott said despite the fact each ministry was started by a different denomination, they all want anyone to feel welcome to attend and become part of the group. CCF is very welcoming, said Scott. We try to make it as much like a family as we can. For freshmen, it will give them a connection to people with whom they can become very close. BCM has services at 8 p.m. Mondays. Their building is located on the northwest corner of Grand and Crafton. They also have Cultural Coffeehouse at 8 p.m. Tuesdays. It is a gathering for international students to have fellowship and help with language skills. We offer students a safe place to make new friends, share their faith and learn new things, said to a university, they are exposed to different thinking and being part of a campus ministry could help students through those times of question. Chi Alphas services are at 7:50 p.m. Thursdays in the Webb Auditorium. Campus ministries can help students connect with God and other students going through the same things they are, said Baxter Stewart, Chi Alpha pastor. They can find their purpose and identity in Christ before they make huge decisions such as who their spouse will be and what career path they will choose. Students will find deep and long lasting friendships and make awesome memories along the way. Stewart said being a part of a campus ministry does bring a real belonging. Students can find peers who help them through tough times as a college student. The Wesley Foundation partners with United Methodist Church, located at 300 N. Delaware. Their services are at 8:30 and 10:40 a.m. Sundays. They also offer a free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays at 403 Goingsnake. For more information, visit www.nsuok.edu.

Audra Hurley/TNE Michelle Jepson, BCM discipleship intern, and Katy Peacock, BCM member, speak with students about campus ministries. The two conducted a Popsicle stand under the breezeway during welcome week.

Michelle Jepson, BCM discipleship intern. We also make sure we have something for everyone, and we are always open to suggestions. Jepson said she tries to help students begin and continue their relationship with Christ. Each ministry encourages students to come together through services, meetings and activities to celebrate faith and invite newcomers to their organizations. Some students who continue to attend church services during college find personal growth. Scott said after students become involved with a campus ministry, there are opportunities to stay connected and develop their personal faith. It has helped me grow in my faith and to find my own faith rather than my parents faith, said Scott. Campus ministries get students plugged in with the people who will encourage them through life. It is a place to come to be with like-minded people. Scott said when students come

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Page 12 August 27, 2013

NSU partners with Oklahoma Blood Institute for blood drive

BRITTANY PORTER TNE WRITER NSU will conduct multiple blood drives on the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses in the upcoming weeks. The Oklahoma Blood Institute blood drive is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 27 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 28 in Tahlequah in the University Center. The Red Cross will conduct a blood drive from 12:30-5:30 p.m. on Sept. 3 on Broken Arrows campus in the Annex. Sarah Wilson, OBI communications specialist, says donating blood directly affects the community, sometimes even circling right back to the NSU students themselves. One thing some students are aware of is student Taron Pounds, who had an accident on July 7 of last year with a commercial-grade firework, Wilson said. He had needed donated blood when the accident first occurred. I just think of those blood donors that did not know why they were giving, that gave any way. They did not know who it was for, but that it was for somebody that needed it. That has given Taron a remarkable opportunity to be on the healing path he is on. Wilson says 85 percent of the blood supply in Oklahoma comes from Oklahoma donors. On average, 700 Oklahomans are needed per day to keep a 2 to 3 day blood supply. Tahlequah donors will receive two tickets to the Tulsa Zoo and an OBI FEEL FIERCE T-shirt for their contribution. The will also receive free health
Brittany Porter/TNE NSU students Jason Powell (front) and Colton Stopp (back) are checking out a Donate Blood poster in Leoser Hall, Tahlequah. The next blood drive in Tahlequah is Aug. 27 and 28.

screenings and donor rewards points that can be redeemed in OBIs online store. Donors also have the opportunity this year to forgo their T-shirt and donate the funds from the shirt to the Global Blood Fund instead. Global Blood Fund blood centers in the worlds poorest countries. American Red Cross representative April Inman says donations in Broken Arrow have increased over the years. Weve collected 183 units of blood over the past eight years, Inman said. This equates to potentially saving 549 lives. Weve had drives since 2005 at this location and usually have a drive

twice a year. The most recent dates land between 20-25 units. According to the American Red Cross website, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. The share of the U.S. population that is eligible to give blood is less than 38 percent and the blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O. NSU student Jason Powell has a rare blood type and is already signed up to donate this month in Tahlequah. My blood type can be used for anybody else, but I have to have my own type of blood type if I needed blood, Powell said. So I figure I could help more people with mine. Blood donations are used in

many different ways. Not only is the blood needed for victims of car accidents and gunshot wounds, it is also needed for lifesaving treatments such as chemotherapy and blood transfusions for sickle cell patients. This can benefit people ranging from babies to the elderly and is only made possible by the selfless acts of donors. NSU is one of our strongest blood drives annually, Wilson said. We are always blessed to see the turnout from the NSU students and wed like to express to them they are making a huge difference in the lives of many, many people. To make an appointment, call 877-340-8777 or visit ww.obi.org.

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Students participate in RHA

RAs conduct opening meetings

Audra Hurley/TNE Resident assistants conduct mandatory dorm meetings during Welcome Week. Seminary Suite residents from building A learn regulations and safety measures they must follow while living on campus.

Sarah Settgast/TNE Kaitlyn Hamiltion, RHA vice president, places a lei on Meri Dallis, Tahlequah freshman at the RHA Student Luau. RHA provides multiple events throughout the semester.

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Page 14 August 27, 2013

Golf tournament raises funds for scholarship

MEREDITH BARKER TNE EDITORIAL BOARD The sixth annual Frank Haven Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament looks to raise further funds for student scholarships. The Frank Haven Memorial Scholarship began in 2006, a year after NSU staff member, Frank Haven, died of cancer. Eric Pool, security administrator, information technology infrastructure, founded the scholarship. He has raised more than $30,000 since the scholarship was established. The first few years were spent building the fund and raising money. This is the fourth consecutive year the scholarship has been awarded. In those four years, five students have received the $2,000 scholarship. Pool said he normally awards one scholarship per year, but he did once awarde two scholarships in one year. The scholarship recipient should be an IT major, said Pool. One year, I didnt have very many applicants, so I did give it to somebody that wasnt an IT major, but she worked in the IT field. Applicants must be classified as a sophomore or higher, provide proof of financial need and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. In addition, the applicant must write a two page essay about how technology has changed their life. IT student workers are given preference. I came to work in IT right after Frank Haven passed away, said Pool. He was a best friend with a close friend of mine. He was such a nice person, and everyone had something good to say about him. Ive never heard anything bad about him. Pool said he wanted to start a scholarship for IT students in memory of Haven, and other faculty and staff in the Webb building jumped on board to help. Right now, I get right around $2,000 yearly from employee giving, said Pool. The way I started the employee giving was just walking around to all of the employees in the Webb building and asking for donations. The main source of funding for the scholarship is an annual golf tournament, which raises between $5,000 to $7,000 each year. There are usually about 60 golfers who usually have something to do with IT, faculty, staff, vendors or someone associated with NSU, said Pool. We also get hole sponsorships from vendors and local companies. This years golf tournament begins at 9:30 a.m., Sept. 28, at Sequoyah State Park in Hulbert. It is a four person scramble and costs $50 per player. The entrance fee covers the green fee, cart and food. For more information about signing up for the golf tournament or to apply for the scholarship, call Pool at 918-444-5881 or emal pooled@nsuok.edu

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Special education workshop educates members of SCEC

SARAH SETTGAST TNE WRITER The little things can make the biggest difference. One organization is making the choice to conduct a dance for special needs children and donating funds to the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics event is a priority for Student Council for Exceptional Children. Every year SCEC presents six themed dances for the local special needs community. They also organize a spaghetti dinner and other small events to raise funds for the organization. This year Jessica Breske, SCEC president, has set her sights higher than fundraisers and small events. I came up with the idea a work shop in November to educate parents, teachers and students on special education, said Breske. The goal of the event is to have several students and teachers speak at different sessions throughout the day. NSU faculty members will speak about topics related to special education needs and teaching techniques. Special education is still a new thing, said Breske. There is a lot to be learned due to the fact many people do not know how to handle special needs or what it is all about. The SCEC Special Education Workshop is expected to take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m in early November. Many details are still in the works, but the plan is to wrap up the workshop with the keynote speaker Breske is keeping secret. This workshop is going to be available for local school teachers, parents of children with disabilities and anyone who would like to learn more about educating children or adults with disabilities, said Dr. Lisa Tritschler, SCEC faculty advisor. Tritschler is one of the faculty members speaking at the workshop. She said her plan is to have a session discussing individualized education plans. SCEC welcomes all who are interested to be a part of their student organization. I think it is good they work to bring people together, said Sydney Neri, Sallisaw senior. They should bring more awareness to SCEC, because I did not know this group existed on campus. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to join SCEC. The only expectations of members are attendance to meetings, participation and a nominal fee of $15. If you just love children and love making a difference in your community, Student Council for Exceptional Children is the campus organization for you, said Breske. It is currently the beginning of a new school year and many students are looking for community service opportunities. Members of SCEC will have many opportunities each semes-

Courtesy Photo Members of SCEC dance at the Elks Lodge last year. The organization works closely with the Elks Lodge and presents multiple dances every year for members of the community.

ter to fill required community service hours. The members and officers of SCEC here at NSU are very talented, said Tritschler. They have amazing ideas that will greatly benefit those with disabilities in our local area. Students interested in being a part of SCEC can email Jessica Breske at breske@nsuok.edu.

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Page 16 August 27, 2013

NSU donates land use to community garden

AUDRA HURLEY TNE WRITER The Tahlequah Community Garden has relocated to NSU property. Any student, faculty or community member is welcome to participate at no cost. The beginning plot is located on Smith Street. Sue Catron suggested that we ask NSU to host the garden and it has been a wonderful process, said Julie Gahn, community garden director. NSU has been very supportive. NSU still owns the land, but they have donated full use. We are responsible for keeping the land looking nice and accessible to anyone in the community. The garden will continue to expand, beginning with a vegetable garden plot and adding flower gardens and self-watering irrigation systems. Workers use permaculture, a planting system. Part of the permaculture technique is to not just plant the crops you want to grow but plant insectary plants to attract natural insects and plant types of plants that have deep root systems to bring up nutrients and plant others that fixes nitrogen levels, said Gahn. Gahn said these systems can become self-sustaining in three to seven years. I hope that we can beautify the space for them, said Gahn. I think it has been a struggle because the plot is in a flood plain and so I am committed to doing that. It is going to be a step by step process but we are getting there. NSUs permaculture club is helping make the garden possible in its new location. The permaculture club is a club based on the principles of permaculture, which is a design system whose three main tenets are care of the earth, care of the people and return of surplus, said Rusty Robison, club member. Robison said it is great NSU is hosting the community garden, because it gives students the opportunity to be active outside, learn about gardening and have access to healthy, organic food. I started working with the community garden because I like growing plants, eating fresh vegetables, and I didnt have a good garden space at home, said Catron, assistant vice president for business finacnce. Since then, I find that I like the camaraderie of visiting with other gardeners and having the benefit of their experiences and expertise. The garden will benefit NSU in the long run. There are several immediate benefits to affiliating the garden with the university, said Catron. It is a way in which the university can support the Tahlequah community. It also provides NSU students and employees with the resources they may need to grow their own produce. Vegetables harvested from the garden are divided between workers and charity organizations. For more information, email Gahn at juliegahn@yahoo.com.

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College of Optometry expands with new faculty

SYDNEY ASBILL TNE WRITER NSUs College of Optometry is one of only 20 optometric training schools in the U.S. This makes the college competitive and distinct to NSU. Students in the optometry college are able to experience hands-on training beyond the classroom. Since July 29, 1981 NSU has had a full four-year professional program in optometry. This college is a competitive one to achieve. This year, they had 291 applicants for 28 seats. Out of these 291 people, only 70 interviews were given. We are happy to be welcoming a new class of 28 students this fall and are excited to see our students returning from last year. said Dr. Michelle Welch, O.D., associate dean of optometry. Among the NSUOCO campus clinic there are many locations served. The nine clinics are Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, Bartlesville Health Clinic, Sam Hider Community Health Center in Jay, Three Rivers Health Center in Muskogee, Will Rogers Health Center in Nowata, A-Mo Health Center in Salina, Redbird Smith Health Center in Sallisaw, Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center in Stilwell, and the Vinita Health Center. The College of Optometry is growing. Welch said they have hired some new faculty members this year to fill teaching positions open due to retirement and to accommodate the growing system of clinical facilities. The new faculty includes Dr. Joseph Shetler, Dr. Neal Whittle and Dr. Patrick Stark who will be on the Tahlequah campus. Dr. Saunya Smith, who will be at the Vinita Health Center, Dr. James Thirion, who will be at the Will Rogers Health Center and Dr. April Parker, who will be at the Rural Eye Program. Among the other opportunities the College of Optometry offers, they have now implemented a new clinic located at the NSU Broken Arrow campus. The clinic at the Broken Arrow campus will be called the Leslie Walls Vision Center and will provide rehabilitative care for people who have lost vision from eye disease or have experienced loss of function from brain injury, said Dr. David Lewerenz, O.D. Lewerenz said services may also be provided for children with eye coordination and/or focusing problems. The clinic will open and begin providing services in January 2014. Lewerenz said for patients who have become visually impaired from eye disease, services will also be offered for orientation and mobility, occupational therapy and assistive technology. For more information on the Northeastern State University College of Optometry visit http://optometry.nsuok.edu, or call 918-444-4000.

Sydney Asbill/TNE Charles Gallegos, fourth year optometry student, performs an eye exam on Erin Shinn, South Coffeyville sophomore. This is one of the many machines NSUOCO teaches students to use.

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Page 18 August 27, 2013

Sequoyah Institute presents Galaxy of the Stars

STEPHANIE DORSCH TNE WRITER Because NSUs community is in the center of Cherokee county, history about the towns roots are not hard to find in a performance from the Sequoyah Institute. The upcoming school year presents numerous performances from Galaxy of Stars. Each performance will highlight many parts of Cherokee history. NSU students and the community have a unique opportunity to see a musical, which has only been performed on one other stage, said Anita Thompson, director of Sequoyah Institute. The first musical is Nanyehi: Beloved Woman of the Cherokees. The storyline is based on a Cherokee warrior, Nanyehi, also known as Nancy Ward. It is set in the 1700s. The story tells of the bravery of Nanyehi during the difficult times of battles among the Cherokee nation. They will walk away and know more about the history leading up to the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears and will have the opportunity to enjoy the music and choreography associated with the show, said Thompson. Admittance is free, but due to growing demand, tickets must be reserved. This show has three performances at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 27, 30, and 31, in the Center for Performing Arts at NSU. I really enjoy seeing Galaxy of Stars performances, said Tijana Skalusevick, Belgrade junior. They truly focus on the historic features of Indian culture, which is something I like learning more about, since I am originally from Serbia, said Skalusevick. A few upcoming performances for the year include Don Williams, Dave Bennettes Benny Goodman Holiday, Bravo Brass Quintet, At Last: Jaimee Paul and Flipside: the Patti Page Story. You can find all six shows with a brief description on our website, said Thompson. Many students and the Tahlequah community are eager to watch the original series of musicals put on by the Sequoyah Institute. Ive never been to any of the Galaxy of Stars performances, but I have been seeing a lot of posters around campus lately and it looks interesting, said Keegan Wilson, Stigler senior. Ill probably attend several shows this semester. Tickets for Nanyehi: Beloved Woman of the Cherokees are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, $12 each for groups of 10 or more, $10 for children under 18, $6 for NSU students in the orchestra level, and admission is free for students to sit in the balcony. Season ticket are available. Prices range from $24 for students to $90 for adults. For more information about the shows or to reserve tickets, visit the Sequoyah Institutes website at http://academics.nsuok.edu/ si/GalaxySeries.aspx.

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zikova, Jeanne Mallem, junior Barbora Jirickova, and sophomore Lucia Cerchlanova. In order to qualify as an ITA Scholar- Athlete, one must be a varsity letter winner, have a GPA of 3.5 or better for the current academic year, and be a full- time student at their present school for at least two semesters. It feels great to be a scholar athlete and play for NSU, said Jeanne Mallem. I am really proud to be part of this team. All the girls are studying so hard and it is really nice to get academic recognition for it as a team. These women showed great fortitude by displaying greatness on the court as well as the classroom. Last season, the team finished with a 23-4 overall record and a 9-1 record in the MIAA. This made the team the runner- up contestant in the postseason. I am proud to be a part of NSUs athletic community, especially part of our successful tennis team, said Cerchlanova. It is nice to get an academic recognition and it shows that we are trying our best not only on the courts, but also in the classrooms. Head coach Amanda Stone said the team is not required to comply with a mandatory study hall session. She said this shows a lot about the individual character of the members of this team. Stone said they show a great deal of discipline and sacrifice a great amount of their time to get the job done in both academic and athletic areas. Some weeks are easier than others but usually it is really difficult, said Cerchlanova. Day is for tennis and night is for studying, so it is a bit difficult to find some time to hang out with friends. Earning a team award of this caliber is not easy to sustain over years. It requires the team to hold themselves and each other accountable to produce just as well in the class room as they do on the court. I am very impressed by the academic performance of the team especially since they had such a successful season, said Coach Stone. To excel so highly on the court and in the classroom is something not every student can achieve and it really speaks to the work ethic and drive the team has. Maintaining excellence as a team in the classroom in the midst of collegiate season seems to be a heavy load for athletes all around America. That load is carried well by the womens tennis program here at NSU. For more info about the team, visit goriverhawksgo.com.

Womens tennis receives ITA All-American Team Award

ZACH JONES TNE WRITER The Intercollegiate Tennis Association has announced the Northeastern State womens tennis team as one of their selections for the 2013 ITA All-Academic Team Award. For a team to obtain the ITA All- Academic Team award, one must have a cumulative team grade- point average of 3.20 or higher. This is the sixth straight year that the NSU Tennis program has received the award. This makes this the seventh time out of an eight year span. Five of the girls also received individual accolades and where named ITA Scholar- Athletes. This group includes seniors Houda Bellamine, Martina Bru-

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Page 20 August 27, 2013

NSU rugby program seeks new members

PHILIP CURRY TNE WRITER Rugby is a sport not commonly played in the United States, but with many high schools and colleges embracing the sport, it is becoming more common. NSU started its first rugby team in 2001. Now Travis Goldsworthy, with the help of Kyle Kuenning, the team is emerging as strong as ever. Kyle Kuenning played rugby at NSU from 2005-2007. Now, he is back and ready to train the rugby team as head coach. The team is looking for talented players who are excited and ready to play on NSUs first Division I team. Anyone can join the rugby team, said Travis Goldsworthy, Tulsa sophomore. Rugby is not the most popular sport in Amercompete and are ready to go out and play their hardest. No requirement, most guys have never heard of rugby, said Kuenning. They might have heard of it or seen it but most of the guys we get that come out have never played before. Tulsas 6A schools have rugby unless you went to a school like that you might have not played rugby in high school. We go after guys that used to play football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, guys that are athletic. The rugby team is classified as a student organization on campus. As of now, they cannot give out scholarships or tuition waivers to players. It is a club sport, through the school we are recognized as a team but we do not have any

Philip Curry/TNE The rugby team had their first practice this week. Head coach Kyle Kuenning is looking for new players.

ica a lot of the times its just trying to get the word out trying to spread the sport. As long as we get athletic people thats all we

care about no experience is necessary. Kuenning is looking for dedicated team players who love to

school funding, said Red Walker, Sand Springs sophomore. All of our funding comes from sponsors or from our pockets. Travis helped start the club and he is determined to get rugby back to NSU. It took about a year of paperwork and they had to get a bank account through business affairs and had gotten their club started. From then it was working on USA rugby. Kuenning and Travis traveled to the Kansas City to get voted in to be a Division I team. The rugby team was established in 2001, and when we went away we were just an inactive student organization, said Kuenning. Travis had to fill out the paperwork to take the club from inactive status to active status. Once we were approved through the school, we had to go to the annual conference in Kansas City for USA rugby and heart of America, which is the conference that we are in. They play all DI schools. Even under the D1 level, they go under USA rugby rather than NCAA. There are four college conferences in USA rugby; there is DIA, we are in DIAA, DII NSCRO, whenever we were here when I played we were DII, said Kuenning. We were told to play at the DII level in Kansas City. We told them that we preferred to play at DI level and that we are confident to play at a DI level. Practices are at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. All interested players are welcome to come. For more information, e-mail Kyle Kuenning at kyle.kuenning@gmail.com or Travis Goldsworthy at goldswor@nsuok.edu.

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Baseball team presents high school fall league

ROLDAN OCHOA TNE WRITER NSUs baseball team is planning its third annual High School Baseball Fall League at the baseball field, where high school players will have the opportunity to learn different aspects of the game in a college environment. The Fall League is a good opportunity for high school kids that staff the opportunity to evaluate the players for the area. We always try to recruit players from the area, which is a really good thing for everyone involved. The Fall League has helped the NSU baseball team recruit many players during the past two years who have been part of the baseball team. I would say that for sure two players from last years Fall team have a variety of players from different places and from Tahlequah who would not get the opportunity to be seen otherwise. Coming to the fall league gave me an opportunity to be looked at by coach Janssen, said Ryan Helsley, pitcher. I think it gives me some advantage over players from other places. Coming to the fall league helped me to show the coaches what I can do on the field. If I wouldnt have come over, coach wouldnt have the opportunity to see me playing as much. The High School Fall League is a great opportunity for players of different parts of the country. It is a bigger opportunity for those players who want to stay local and have a college career at NSU. With the continuation of the Fall League in coming years, more players from the area will become part of the NSU baseball team. It will also encourage others to learn about the game in a college environment and become better players. Players that come to the Fall League have a chance to become better baseball players and showcase their skills in front of college coaches, said Dusty Hess, NSU assistant hitting coach. The program raises some money as a result, and we feel that the quality of the fall league is a good value for parents and players alike. The High School Baseball League is also a fundraiser for the baseball team, which, in the long run will help the team with some expenses such as equipment and traveling costs. The baseball league runs for five consecutive Sundays starting Sept. 8. The cost is $140, which will include all five Sundays and a T-shirt. For more information, call Janssen at 918-444-3910 or email janssent@nsuok.edu.

Roldan Ochoa/TNE Ryan Helsley, pitcher is warming up in the bullpen at the NSU baseball field. Helsley attended the High School Fall League last year and is now a freshman on the baseball team.

want to come and play on Sundays, said Travis Janssen, NSU baseball head coach. I think the Fall League gives high school players number one the opportunity to get better in the fall, which is obviously a really good thing. The second thing for us is that it gives guys the chance to be recruited. It also gives the coaching

League are on our team this year, and the year before that we recruited two players out the Fall League, said Janssen. It is a thing that does produce some players. Recruiting players from the area helps keep the local talent in the community. The Fall League will help the

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Page 22 August 27, 2013

RiverHawks football prepares for season opener

JAYDEN WARNER TNE WRITER The start of a new school year means the start of a new football season for NSU. The RiverHawks look to improve from their previous season. The team is returning 15 starters, including eight defensive players and seven offensive players. We have to improve over last years performance based on an efficiency standpoint, said Paul Lane, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The RiverHawks have two preseason All-Americans on the team, senior outside linebacker Langston Jones and senior running back Joel Rockmore. Jones led the MIAA Conference in tackles and was also third in the nation in tackles a year ago. Rockmore rushed for more than 1,000 yards in eight games during the previous season and was also the second leading rusher in the MIAA Conference. Weve got great depth on our team, said Lane. In all the years I have coached, this is as deep a team that Ive seen at this level in a long time. Senior quarterback, Johnny Deaton, leads the RiverHawk football team. Deaton had more than 1,800 total yards the previous season. It means a lot to be considered a leader, said Johnny Deaton, Sand Springs senior. You have to be that guy that everyone looks at to know what is going on. The expectations for the RiverHawk football team this year are high.

Jayden Warner/TNE Offensive line for the NSU football team practices blocking in preparation for the season opener against Pitt State. The RiverHawks open the season on the road Sept. 7

These expectations include the team competing week in and week out. They hope to be playing for a conference championship late this season. We want to have a chance to win our conference and make it to the playoffs, said Deaton. I feel like we are capable of achieving that.

Kenny Evans, head football coach, said they are probably in the toughest conference in division two football. The RiverHawks open up the season Sept. 7 on the road against Pittsburg State University. We are going to game plan as hard as we can, go to Pitt State and show them what we are made of and come out with a win, said

Deaton. Pittsburg State is preseason ranked 21st in the nation in division two. We are going in with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of anticipation, said Evans. We are going in with the expectation of playing our best and winning the game. Lane said they are going to look a lot at what they did last year. Offensively we moved the ball well, said Lane. It is a matter of taking what the defense gives us. The RiverHawks football team will return home for back to back games against Missouri Southern at 2:30 p.m., Sept. 14, which is the MIAA game of the week. The second game is against Washburn University at 6 p.m., Sept. 21. For more information, visit goriverhawksgo.com.

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Mens soccer enters season nationally ranked

PHILIP CURRY TNE WRITER The NSU mens soccer team prepares to defeat any opponent that tries to come between them and the MIAA championship this season. The RiverHawks finished the 2012 season with a record of (135-3). They were ranked No. 11 in the country. This season, the team has earned a preseason National Soccer Coaches Association of America rank of No. 14. This is not only an honor for the coaches and players but also an honor for NSU. It is huge for the program, said Eric Crawford, Ontario, Canada center back. We have come a long way now to be ranked with the preseason top 20. Its definitely a huge honor. It just shows how far our program has come. With this season quickly approaching, the RiverHawks are training hard to get in shape. We have been doing three-adays, a lot of running and a lot of fitness work to get back to where we were, said Crawford. Keeping up with fitness over the summer can be difficult for anyone, which is why head coach Rob Czlonka is pushing the players to make sure they stay in great shape. We had an extremely tough first five days, said Czlonka. We did early morning running, which were meant to be extremely challenging and followed up with two training sessions in which we worked very hard to get the foundation of what we do defensively and offensively. With a season like last year, the RiverHawks expect to have an even better season this year. Many of the players believe they can win the MIAA championship. My expectation for this year is high, I expect to make it to the national championship, said Juan Peralta, Tulsa forward. We just have to put in the hard work during practice. Other players also believe the team has the drive and skills to do great things here at NSU. I am shooting for a national championship, I think we have the tools to do it, said Crawford.We are returning a lot of guys and, realistically, thats an expectation we hope to make. We want to win the first MIAA title the school has ever had, and from there we just want to keep going up. Not only are the players expectations high, but the coachs expectations are, as well. He believes his team has what it takes to make it far this season. My expectation is that we work hard and that we earn every bit of success that we get, said Czlonka. My hope and plan is that we make ourselves a contender and eligible for play in the MIAA tournament as well as the NCAA tournament. Those are goals we can attain, but we are going to have to go out there and play games and prove that we deserve to be there. Last year, we finished second in the conference and second in the tournament, so we have things we can still achieve that we havent yet. The coaches and players want to prove how successful they can be.

Philip Curry/TNE The NSU mens soccer team trains for their upcoming season. The team opens the season ranked No. 11 nationally.

They plan on doing this by attempting to set more records here at NSU. Czlonka said they want to set another school record for fewest goals allowed in the season. We have done that two of the seasons I have been here, so we have been really tightening up our defense, said Czlonka. We did very well in goals scored last year. Our goal is to try to improve that and we would like to try and break into most goals scored during the season by a team. As well as break the schools record number of wins record and fewest losses. Czlonka said they have the goals in place, but it is going to take a team effort to make them a possibility. For more information, visit goriverhawksgo.com.

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