Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, February 21, 2022
Volume 106 Issue 1
Pandemic Perspectives COVID-19 and Cameron life Brittney Payette
Co-Managing Editor From Jan. 18-30, Cameron converted to virtual instruction and required masks for everyone in indoor, public spaces. Cameron offices and services continued to be available for Cameron employees, students and any visitors. Cameron sent out the instruction format changes through email, voicemail and text messages, attributing the change to COVID-19 quickly spreading throughout campus. Cameron recommended that people use N95 and KN95 masks, as recommended by the CDC. Cybrien Dussenne, a graduate school student going for his Master of Business Administration degree, said that the change to a virtual format did not affect him much because most of his classes were already online. However, he did notice some changes made on campus because of COVID-19. “There is a lot less people on campus, first of all,” Dussenne said. “And then, all Photos by Brittney Payette the rules about wearing masks.” Dussenne tries to remain active despite He’s all booked: Bryce Johnson is the assistant manager for the Cameron Bookstore. COVID-19 and the changes that have arisen. “I play baseball at Cameron,” Dussenne noticed some differences at Cameron because of don’t think there is anything else that could have said. “so it’s pretty busy outside of school.” COVID-19. been done. At this point, we just have to adapt. Milka Forty, a Cameron bookstore worker, has “We have to disinfect constantly,” Forty said. I think Cameron is doing a good job handling “We have to wear masks at all times, COVID correctly. Only so much can be done.” specifically when we have a rush time. Brathwaite said that although there could It is required for us to wear a mask.” potentially be some negatives to moving to virtual Forty said she would like for instruction, there were also some positives. Cameron to push for more people to “I felt great because I didn’t have to get ready for wear masks if Cameron experiences class,” Brathwaite said. “Instead, I could just lay in another spike in COVID-19 cases like bed and prepare.” Cameron did this time and to sanitize Brathwaite tries to ensure that she still gets to more, to help prevent COVID-19 from do some normal things despite COVID-19, such as spreading more. having movie nights or taking walks. “Where they have the lunchtime Jerrett Phillips is the Vice President for and all that, I feel that it should be Enrollment Management and Student Success at constantly disinfected more,” Forty Cameron, and his department runs the COVID-19 said. hotline. Phillips said that there are steps students COVID-19 has been highly can take to protect themselves and others from challenging for Forty, as it has for so COVID-19. many people. “If you’re sick, stay home and notify the “For myself personally, it’s a little COVID-19 hotline,” Phillips said. “Consider bit difficult dealing with this situation wearing a mask indoors around groups of people, since I have four kids this is a good way to protect others.” at home that I have to Phillips also said there are things students can do COVID-19 at Cameron: Freshman Daesha Brathwaite (above) and take care of,” Forty to try to stay safe during spring break. graduate student Cybrien Dussenne (below) have both attended Cameron during the pandemic and have noticed some on-campus changes. said. “It worries “Have fun but mainatain situational awareness anybody that works of surroundings and people,” Phillips said. “Plan or studies. If you feel in advance for awareness of any restrictions at sick, don’t come in to destinations. Before you go, check out the CU get the books. Just wait Spring Break Travel webpage.” for you to feel better.” Phillips said that there were over 1,500 students Daesha Brathwaite who participated in the Vaccine Incentive program, is a freshman which offered 100 dollars to anyone who recieved a Psychology major COVID-19 vaccine. who lives in the Phillips also said that Cares Act funds released Shepler dorms. this week. Brathwaite said “This was the final round of payments,” Phillips that she thinks said. “All students should check their BankMobile Cameron is handling account. Contact the One Stop (cashiers) with any COVID-19 well, Bankmobile questions.” considering the The One Stop cashiers can be contact by circumstances. emailing cashiers@cameron.edu, calling (580) “I think realizing 581-2393, or by going in person to the office in the the problem early and McMahon Centennial Complex. moving to virtual For more information about how Cameron is was the best option,” dealing with COVID-19, visit https://www.cameron. Brathwaite said. “I edu/covid-19.
What’s Inside
A bloody great time: Cameron blood drive
Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse review
Turn up the Beet at the Farmers Market
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News
February 21, 2021
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CAMERON HOSTS CU BLOOD DRIVE
Photos by Ka’Tavia West
Give it a shot: from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 1, in the McCasland Ballroom, Cameron hosted a CU Blood Drive. Donors received a free t-shirt, candy and a free adult admission to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum located at 1700 NE 63rd St. in Oklahoma City. For more information about future Blood Drive events, visit www,yourbloodinstitute.org.
FEB. 25:
FEB. 24: FEB. 23: FEB. 22: FEB. 21: PAC’s Novelty: Balloon Artist - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., McMahon Centennial Complex Lobby
PAC’s Family Feud - 6 p.m., McMahon Centennial Complex, McCasland Ballroom,
Campus Life hosts a Chickfil-A Giveaway - 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Library Parking Lot PAC’s Hypnotist -6:30 p.m. - McMahon Centennial Complex, McCasland Ballroom
PAC’s Homecoming Dance - 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., McMahon Centennial Complex, McCasland Ballroom
Aggie Fun in the Aggie Recreation Center - 5 - 6:30 p.m., Aggie Recreation Center
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Voices
February 21, 2022
d a y y r e in v E COLOR
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Ka’Tavia West Staff Writer
February is known as Black History Month. Most usually take this time to celebrate those that are most talked about, such as Martin Luther King or Rosa Parks, but what about those who helped advance everyday life? The inventors behind many devices that make our everyday lives easier are African American, from the traffic light to the clothes dryer. Garrett Morgan invented the three-position traffic signal in 1923. Morgan, with only an elementary school education, came up with many significant inventions; among those being a superior sewing machine and what would become the gas masks in WWI. The three-position traffic light is arguably his
most influential invention. After patenting the design, this was the beginning of what would be adapted by the world, and something we take for granted. Without them, city roads would be a scary place to drive on. Another invention by an African American inventor helps ease our minds: the home security system. Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the home securty system in 1966, a nurse who lived in Queens, New York and who spent many nights alone. Her husband, an electric technician, drew up the foundation, and Marie constructed the early forms of a security system. Her blueprint is what helps keep many homes safe and allows those in them to sleep with ease.
During times when black people were not treated kindly, or even as human beings, we still managed to change the way many lived through our contributions. Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner is the inventor of the toilet tissue holder. The tissue holder helped to keep the free end of the toilet paper roll easily in reach. She invented it because she was disabled, having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1970s. Kenner turned her hardship into something she did not have to be ashamed of and, in turn, created something that everyone continues to benefit from. As did George T. Sampson when he invented the America’s first automatic clothes dryer in 1892. As you celebrate Black History Month, remember those who have helped make your everyday lives a bit easier.
Adapting to change (and why you should get good at it)
Jashua Orndorff Staff Writer
The natural process that is change is a prominent feature of life that occurs every second of every day. Change is an aspect of our world that happens to everything. Whether it be popularity or drastic lifestyle transformations, alterations of all sorts tend to tread close behind us as we progress throughout our endeavors. Change is an inevitable experience that is commonplace within the day-to-day grind. It is an unavoidable element of life we are intertwined with that can have positive or negative effects. While it is a constant that everyone deals with, adapting effectively can be a struggle. At times, there will be developments wherein we cannot affect the outcome or revert the actions that led to it, forcing us to acclimate to the current experience overall. As such, it is crucial to learn how to adjust. The ability to adapt is an acquired skillset in itself. One’s capability to readjust themselves develops as they grow and gather their own experiences. Throughout our lives there will be several occasions that will force us to adapt out of necessity. With the ongoing pandemic, many have been placed into positions where
they have no other option except to comply with the new societal norms. Because change continuously occurs over time, many have created strategies to cope with the process of adaptation. There are a variety of ways to deal with the process of adapting to change. According to Homewood Health, an individual might find experiencing change easier by keeping an open mind. By taking this step, one does not only keep themselves open to new possibilities but also provides the chance to develop a different frame of thought toward those possibilities. Being open to new experiences allows us to delve into new perspectives as well, rather than staying in the lanes we are used to. It is important to also manage your self-care. Self-care can involve things such as having a healthy diet or maintaining your overall physical health. This allows for better preparation against stressful situations. By keeping proper health and continuously caring for ourselves, we can build up our own support as we tackle what situations may come. One other way someone may adapt to change is through the process of stress management. Stress can be a debilitating
About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available twenty Mondays during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
factor when it comes to adapting to change. Some strategies to manage stress include exercise, meditation and listening to music. By managing your own stress, you allow more room to settle into what is changing. One primary factor in all these strategies is one’s overall ability to stay positive. Upholding positivity enables one to have control over their response to change. Although this may seem difficult at times, keeping a positive outlook on the situation can help thwart the negative effects of stress that may come from change. Sometimes it seems like the ability to adapt to changing situations is undervalued and overlooked, despite change being particularly prevalent in today’s society. The concept of change can be daunting to consider. For something that is inevitable, the effect it leaves constantly alters the rest of
the world around it. How you deal with change can have a crucial effect to your overall happiness
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Letters Policy
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Managing Editors - Cambron Alsbrook and Brittney Payette Voices Editor - Alison Malawey A & E Editor - Ashlin Penn Student Life Editor - Ryan Martin Sports Editor - Jimm Alley Copy Editor - Brittney Payette
Newsroom Staff
Staff Writers - Jackson Miller, Blake Moren, Jashua Orndorff, Rylan Stiles, Ka’Tavia West Photographers - Ka’Tavia West Financial Officer - Susan Hill Faculty Adviser - Prof. David Bublitz
throughout life. Learning how to easily adapt is a skill that will save you stress and effort.
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off to the Academic Commons 101.
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A&E
February 21, 2022
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Tribune News Service
‘No Way Home’ swings to new heights By Blake Moren Staff Writer
Warning: This review contains spoilers. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is one of the highest-grossing films during the pandemic era and the highest-grossing film of 2021. As of right now, the film has grossed $1.739 billion, which is a very impressive achievement. Not only that, but the film is also the highestgrossing film ever released by Sony Pictures. With the amount of love the film is getting from fans and critics, this film is undoubtedly a monumental success. But the question you may be asking is: Did this film live up to the hype? The answer to this question is a resounding “yes.” This film exceeded almost every expectation I had for it. The hype surrounding “SpiderMan: No Way Home” was, in my personal opinion, was unprecedented. With the numerous leaks and rumors surrounding the film, and for an extremely long time, this film was shrouded in mystery. My hype for this film grew when I learned that Alfred Molina and Jamie Foxx were returning to reprise their
roles as Doctor Octopus and Electro. Seeing Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus and the Goblin bomb in the trailer made me laugh and made my excitement for the film grow even more. Sony Pictures released the official main trailer many weeks later, confirming Willem Dafoe has returned to reprise his role as the Green Goblin. This trailer also confirmed the Lizard and Sandman. Most of the rumors and leaks were confirmed to be accurate due to these trailers, but not all of them. When the film officially premiered, I heard nothing but extremely high praise for it. This film currently has 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. When I saw it the weekend of its official premiere, I left the theater overwhelmed but also overjoyed by how much I enjoyed it. It is not a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination, but it was pretty darn close. Most aspects of this film were near-perfect. The acting was phenomenal. Tom Holland’s performance is arguably his best performance as Spider-Man. However, he’s not the only SpiderMan in the film. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s return as their Spider-Men made me feel thrilled and
nostalgic. Both Maguire and Garfield’s performances were excellent. The chemistry between Holland, Maguire and Garfield was amazing, pun intended. Speaking of chemistry, Holland and Zendaya’s chemistry is fantastic in this film. Every actor and actress in this film did an excellent job. Willem Dafoe’s performance as the Goblin was great in the original 2002 film, but his performance in this film was absolutely frightening and an improvement over the original. The same could be said for Alfred Molina and Jamie Foxx. The musical score for this film is among Michael Giacchino’s best work. While his scores for “Homecoming” and “Far From Home” were really good, his score for “No Way Home” is the absolute best of the trilogy. His inclusion of previous musical scores by Danny Elfman, James Horner, Christopher Young, and Hans Zimmer was pretty flawless as well. The story itself is really good. Along with the multiverse aspect of the story and the inclusion of several villains, I was a bit worried that the film would feel extremely crowded and convoluted. Thankfully, for the most part, the story was relatively easy to follow and made
sense. Additionally, the film has many dark and super-emotional moments that made me cry a few times. I am not ashamed to admit it. But to be fair, there have been many other films that have caused me to cry, either out of sadness or joy. “Avengers: Endgame” was a film that made me cry tears of joy and sadness. “No Way Home” had the same effect on me. In terms of flaws, this film has a few of them. Some of the humor didn’t really work, and I felt that Sandman and Lizard were underused in this film. Another minor complaint that I have could apply to a lot films that have been released recently, which is that the CGI looks a bit unfinished in some places. The CGI is really good for the most part, but like “Shang-Chi” and “Eternals”, some of the CGI could have used a little more work. The action sequences in this film are also very well-done and exciting. For the first time ever, we get to see Tom Holland’s Spider-Man fighting in hand-to-hand combat while not relying too much on Iron Man technology. Overall, this film is among the best Spider-Man films ever made, and I cannot wait to watch it again. My rating: 4.4 / 5.
‘Macbeth’ Reimagined By Jimm Alley Sports Editor
On Jan. 14, Apple TV+ released “The Tragedy of Macbeth”, a modern retelling of the Shakespearean classic. Joel Coen, one-half of the famous Coen
Apple TV+ Press
brothers, directed the project. features Corey Hawkins, known for his performance as Dr. The brothers are well known for directing movies Dre in “Straight Outta Compton”, and Harry Melling from such as “The Big Lebowski”, “Fargo”, and “No the Harry Potter series. Country for Old Men.” However, this is Joel Coen’s The performances in this film are nothing short of first solo directing job without his brother Ethan Coen. spectacular on every level. Washington himself delivers an Macbeth features a star-studded cast, including Oscar-worthy portrayal of Macbeth. Tribune News Service Denzel Washington as the titular character. It also It is easy to get lost in his tortured and hauntingly beautiful soliloquies throughout the film. Washington is not the only one giving his all for the production; Kathryn Hunter provides a very unsettling depiction of the three witches. The Tragedy of Macbeth is a directing masterpiece. Coen’s rendition feels like something taken straight out of the Globe Theater. The entire film was in black and white, which provides an interesting textured and deep picture on the screen. The sets and backgrounds might be the most mesmerizing part of this film. Each set looks as if it is cut right out of a broadway stage, yet every one of them seems big enough to be its own world. Coen and this star-studded cast could not have done better bringing this story to life, which was to be expected given his already impressive resume. Thrilling, suspenseful, and eye-catching are all excellent ways to describe this film. The story of Macbeth has been told a million times over, but none of them are comparable to what Coen was able to do in this silver screen adaptation. This version of Macbeth is a must-watch for any fan of Shakespeare. If you want to show someone the difference between a movie and a film, you would show them this. Overall, “Tragedy of Macbeth” receives a 9.5 out of 10 and should be the next thing on almost anybody’s watch list. “Macbeth” is already one of the best films of the year and will probably still be at the end of it. The directing, acting, set design, sound and everything else about this film is stellar, and there should be plenty of buzz surrounding it once the Academy Awards roll back around.
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Student Life
February 21, 2022
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Photo by Cambron Alsbrook
Lawton Farmer’s Market
Oklahoma-fresh, locally sourced Jackson Miller Staff Writer
The Lawton Farmer’s Market had their grand opening of a new facility at 2 p.m on Feb. 11, 77 Southwest 4th St. The following day, the festivities continued with many local businesses– from freelancers to farmers looking to widen their scope of customers. One of these businesses was “Penelope’s” by Stella Stanton, which is ran solely by herself. Stanton specializes in making soaps, candles, lotions and balms, with the idea of catering to people who may have allergic reactions to other products that are on the current market. “There’s no oats, no wheat, no soy and no animal products in mine,” Stanton said. “Most of my stuff has coconut oil in it, but I also have products that don’t have coconut.” Stanton also saw an unexpected outcome from one of her products after giving her mother a sample of “Puppy Noses and Toeses,” which is a balm made to protect the noses and feet of dogs. “My mom started using the product
because she has arthritis really bad,” Stanton said, “and she said I should rename it to ‘it really works.’” Another business that was at the Market was “A Perfect Brew” which is owned and operated by Katrina Battle. Started at the beginning of 2020, Battle’s business focuses on brewed coffee and teas that are locally roasted and sourced. “I really started getting into coffee while in college.” Battle said. “My first job on campus at UCO, I worked in a coffee shop my first year, and I just knew that I wanted to own my own coffee shop after that.” As for the teas, Battle has her own personal favorite. “I’m more of a coffee drinker, but my favorite tea would have to be the black raspberry,” Battle said. Although Battle does not have her own store, she hopes that having a space at the local market will help her eventually get her own space. “The farmer’s market is my primary location,” Battle said. “I do think the new building will help bring in new customers and will help me open my own coffee shop one day.” Another baking buiness baking present was “Treats by Sisters” which
is operated by the sisters Joan Legako Froude and Mary Legako Stillick. Although the sisters started mainly focusing on growing with the help of their brother, Dr. Ed Legako, they realized that growing crops in the Winter was a hassle, so they switched to baking. “We grew up in Fletcher,” Froude said, “and when we retired, my brother started doing stuff at the family farm when my parents passed away and was instrumental in our business.” They started their businesses with a small table and an assortment of produce at the market in 2008, and then shortly after that, went on to make dog treats and other baked goods, such as cookies. “We have bacon, peanut butter and peanut-butter and bacon combinationflavored dog treats, which are some of our best-sellers.” Froude added. Their brother Dr. Ed Legako was also in attendance, and helped oversee the operations of the market’s new facility. Legako said Cameron played a vital role in making the new market possible by allowing the previous farmer’s markets to operate in the Animal Science facility that is off the
main campus. “We couldn’t have been this busy without the fact that Cameron let us use the Animal Science building all these years.” Legako said. “Everything was already in place by this point.” Legako’s passion for farm-sourced food was instilled in him at a young age by his father, who grew up during the Great Depression. “Those people thought differently about food back then,” Legako said. “I had to take over our farm after my dad got sick, and pretty soon I was doing all of the gardening.” Legako hopes that the current space will not only work as a local market, but also as a community building with many uses. “I want this to be the place where people go on Saturdays,” Legako said. “It’s a very multicultural and open place, and that is a very good thing.” Some upcoming events for the Lawton Farmer’s Market include Dog Days which will take place in May, and the Tomato Festival, which should take place in June. For those wishing to attend the market, it is opened every Saturday from 8 a.m-1 p.m at 77 Southwest 4th St in Lawton.
Rush Week: Why not Kappa Sigma? Ryan Martin Student Life Editor Over the past week, Cameron’s own Kappa Sigma Fraternity hosted their annual Rush Week, consisting of a game night, competitions at the Aggie Rec Center and catered Raising Canes — absolutely free. Sophomore Alec Santos is the rush chair of the fraternity, and had specific plans in mind of attacking his first year in the position. “We normally have bowling night but we decided to switch it up a bit (this spring),” Santos said. “We decided to do a game night here and invited everybody to come out and play all types of board games, card games, and video games. That was a great success.” Santos was sure to include a night of learning as well as fun, giving visitors insight on what the fraternity’s values and missions are as a group. “One of our biggest nights was definitely
Photo by Jimm Alley
the Canes night. We had Canes come and cater an entire dinner. A bunch of people came out and we just talked about our values, and what we do within the community.” Since becoming an official fraternity at Cameron in 2016, Kappa Sigma has been
consistently involved with a wide range of student activities, community outreach, and all around volunteer activities in the Lawton area. Not only will Cameron’s chapter soon become a nationally recognized fraternity, but they have also allocated
a ton of resources trying to build upon the already established relationships within the group itself. Sophomore Logan Edwards recently became the new President of Kappa Sigma through the fraternity’s election process. He emphasized the
idea of taking the term “brotherhood” to a new level, and is very excited to see what positive changes he can bring to the chapter. “As we get ready to become a chapter and initiation all of these guys, I’d really like to shift the focus toward
growing as brothers and young men,” Edwards said. “In the past we’ve focused a lot on numbers, but I really want my guys to see growth in themselves on every level. Overall, this entire experience is continuing to be an incredibly rewarding opportunity.”
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Sports
February 21, 2022
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BUCKET AFTER BUCKET
Maighan Hedge breaks school record for career points Jimm Alley Sports Editor
The Cameron women’s basketball team put on a show-stopping performance on Jan. 20, pulling out the win thanks to an incredible buzzerbeater by Katie King for the one-point victory. Still, the night’s biggest story came earlier in the second half when Senior guard Maighan Hedge set a new school record. It’s late in the third quarter; Cameron University is down by four points in a close game against UT Permian Basin. Number ten King, dumps off a pass to number four Hedge at the three-point line. Hedge makes her advance, lines up the shot, and takes it, swish! The Aggies bench roars with excitement to celebrate this incredible achievement. Hedge has broken the school record for points. After the game, head coach Emma Andrews had much to say about Hedge and the record. Andrews gave much praise to her growth as a player and as a person throughout her years at Cameron. “People don’t realize how much work this kid puts in every day,” Andrews said. “There is a reason why she is the best player to come through Cameron, and it’s because she is the first one in the gym everyday. She is not afraid of the big moments or to take the shot.” Even though Hedge is happy to have the record, it does not mean she is content. Hedge has her eyes set on a championship and plans to secure one before her time is up at Cameron. “That’s what I’ve set out to do in my four years here,” Hedge said. “Each year, we keep getting closer, and this year I think we have
a good shot at it, so I’m gonna give it everything I have to try and go out with a ring.” Hedge came to Cameron all the way from Melbourne, Australia. She is a sports and exercise science major with hopes of being a physical therapist one day. After Hedge finishes playing at Cameron, she would like to go back home to Australia and continue her playing career while also furthering her studies in physical therapy. “I hate seeing people being injured and on the sideline.” Hedge said. “I just wanna help people be able to get back to their sport.” Whether at Cameron or back home, Hedge is a dominant offensive player. Through 18 games this season, Hedge is currently averaging 22.4 points per game with a 3.9 average on assists and 2.3 steals per game on the defensive side. Hedge’s career statistics are equally impressive. Through her three seasons with the Aggies, Hedge has 17.1 PPG while also averaging 3.5 APG and 3.4 in total rebounds. Hedge has cemented her place as the leader for this team and has no problem handling the pressure. While the Aggies play there is rarely a moment when the ball is not in her hands. Once she has the ball Hedge is liable to cause damage to opposing defenses. Hedge’s playing career has indeed been something special, and it is highly unlikely this team will have another player like her anytime soon. Now that Hedge has become the school record holder, it will be hard to deny that she might be the best basketball player the Aggies have had to date.
Photo by Jimm Alley
AGGIE MEN’S BASKETBALL
COVID-19, COACHING CHANGES, AND CALLING SHOTS Rylan Stiles Staff Writer
The Cameron Aggies came into this season in a pandemic for the second straight year, with Andrew Brown as the Black and Gold bench boss in his fourth season. As the 12th Aggie head coach, Brown looked to turn the program around after a difficult 2020-21 campaign that saw CU boast a 2-15 record. With a new crop of recruits, things were more optimistic surrounding the 2021-22 Aggies, who got off to a 1-1 start to the season, halfway to their season win total from a year ago. However, with a plethora of COVID-19 cancellations, a coaching change and a nine-game losing streak later, there has been no lack of adversity for the Aggies this season as they turn in a 2-12 record with nine games to go. With Jeff Mahoney taking over Head Coaching duties, the team looks for player-based leadership to get them through the turbulence. Enter student athletes Darius Green, Brock Schreiner, and M.J. Warrior. Mahoney and his staff have leaned on the trio throughout this challenging season. Darius Green and Brock Schreiner
have seen not only basketball, but also life change at Cameron University. They have both seen life preCOVID and were the lone players on the roster to reach the postseason Lone Star Conference Tournament in Frisco, Texas. The most pressing problem is the Global Pandemic that has shifted college life as we know it, especially for student-athletes. There was one difference in particular that Green noticed. “Coming in to begin the week, expecting to have a game, and it gets taken away from you last minute,” Green said. “It is frustrating for sure.” Green also has been exasperated because of being quarantined. “This season [COVID-19] was more impactful than last year,” Green said. He gave the example of earlier this month when the Aggies entered a quarantine period for a week before getting clearance only to return to isolation the next day. The Junior forward explained that being isolated affects their body as well. After being in isolation, when they can return to the hardwood, it can take time to get used to training again. “You have to spend a day or two just getting your legs back, instead of preparing for other teams,” Green said. “There are a lot more conditioning days than preparation days. Those preparation days are key [for winning
Darius Green
games]. It has been a change.” Unlike Green and Schreiner, M.J. Warriors became student-athlete during the pandemic. The Oklahoma City native feels like he missed out on some of the usual college experiences because of the pandemic. “Not being around the college atmosphere, I was stuck in my room all day,” Warrior said. Schreiner mentioned the pandemic had been a culture shock, especially when he transitioned from his first two seasons to the last two. This was because attendance had been limited, or non-existent, over the last two years. Photos by “We have Jimm Alley just had to create our own vibes,” Warrior said. This made life challenging during games at the Aggie Gym. While adjusting to life in a pandemic, the trio is also adjusting to a new head coach in the middle of the 2021-22 campaign, playing under Jeff Mahoney instead of the head coach who recruited the three out-of-towners to Lawton, Oklahoma. “We are all extremely grateful that [Andrew Brown] gave us the opportunity to come here,” Schreiner said. “But we have stayed locked in, and we’re in the gym non-stop. It has been different, but we have all embraced the opportunity to play.”
The team leaders had no shortage of praise for Jeff Mahoney’s “attention to detail.” This is a phrase all three immediately used regarding their new head coach, who is pulling double-duty as the top assistant for the Cameron Women’s Basketball program. Now serving as head coach of the Men’s program. Warrior said that both his role on the team and the team’s mindset overall have changed. Warrior is in the proccess of enetering the transfer portal while the Cameron Aggies have seen an offensive overhaul on the court in just a few weeks since Jeff Mahoney took over as head coach. “He gets us in better spots. I think the biggest thing is Mahoney is more up-tempo, and that fits our roster,” Green said. “Mahoney, lets us go play.” Schreiner explained the change goes beyond gameday. He said that Mahoney draws up plays at practice. “That is something I have not seen in four years here,” Warrior said. “We have plays that have a second and third option! The beauty in his detail is ten times different. Everything has a purpose [under Jeff Mahoney]!” Despite only being head coach for two weeks and battling a global pandemic and a losing record, Mahoney is steering the program in the right direction and has team leaders buying in and believing.
Brock Schreiner