Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, March 28, 2022
Volume 106 Issue 3
Photo by Ka’Tavia West
CAMERON LIBRARY UPDATE
Turning a new page: At 10:30 a.m. on March 23, the CU Library opened it’s new coffee corner, Aggie Books and Brew, to all. The new site features new furniture, drink options and collaboration tables in an open space. The site offers Starbucks beverages, energy drinks and teas.
Aggies Now Open!
Jackson Miller and Cam Alsbrook At 10:30 a.m. on March 23, the Cameron University Library hosted a grand opening of their newly added wing to the facility, “Aggie Books and Brew (ran by Sodexo)”, complete with prize drawings. This newly built addition features a fullservice coffee bar and an area near the main entrance where students can collaborate and work on projects with their peers, separate from the quieter bounds of the old main entrance. This way, everyone can get the learning experience they seek. Sodexo General Manager Joseph Worrell said that the location is licensed to serve Starbucks coffee. “Just like the one in the McMahon Centennial Complex (MCC),” Worrell said. Worrell also said that the new coffee shop features many of the other Starbucks signature drinks such as the “Refreshers”, “Teavana” tea and the Frappuccino blend beverage line. Associate Vice President for Academic
Graphic by Cam Alsbrook
Affairs Dr. Margery Kingsley is involved with the project as one of direct supervisors for the library staff and facilities. Kingsley said her main concern was how students would be able to use the new facility and how the design would seek to benefit those within the building itself, whether aesthetically or physically. “It has been exciting to plan a brand-new space like this and to think what it will offer for students and the Cameron community,” Kingsley said. What separates the
said they like the idea of having an open area for students to work with each other on projects while getting some sun. “I think it will give the library a better vibe,” Miller said. “All of those study rooms in the back don’t have windows to my knowledge, and being able to look outside will make the experience more noteworthy and less depressing.” Another student in attendance at the opening event, junior Richard Routon, works in the Library’s Digital Media Lab. Although Routon said he is not a fan of coffee, he is pleased with
wing of the library from the other areas — aside from the open atmosphere for students — is “It has been the unique exciting to plan architecture showcased a brand-new inside and out. space like this and “The space to think what it will is also an atrium, so offer for students there is a lot of and the Cameron light coming community,” in,” Kingsley said. “It has - Margery Kingsley high ceilings, Associate Vice President bright colors and even some cozy corners where patrons can eat the completion of the and study.” project. Senior Skyler Miller “We have a lot of
projects still floating around,” Routon said, “and I am glad that we have our old entrance back because I missed those doors.” Library Senior Associate William Poole, also involved in the project, said that there are more plans for the library, which has had numerous renovations and additions since the university’s start in 1908. “This is only phase one,” Poole said. “In phase two, they are going to remodel the inside portion of the library and renovate the restrooms — along with splitting the main lobby area down the middle to create two enclosed study rooms.” “We conduct two surveys each year so the students can tell us what we can do better to serve them,” Poole said. “We sure look forward to hearing from the students.” Students and faculty alike are welcome to visit the Aggie’s Books and Brew located in the Library from 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., Monday Thursday, and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday. Joseph Worrell said that time schedule is subject to change at a later time.
What’s Inside A Hypnotizing Performance
Reviewing the Batman
Court King Interview: Katie King
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News
March 28, 2022
www.aggiecentral.com
Homecoming Hypnotist Brittney Payette
Co-Managing Editor At 6:30 p.m. on March 9 in the McCasland Ballroom, the Programming Activities Council (PAC) hosted award-winning, Ohio hypnotist David Anthony. He entertains for corporate and university events, and also does hypnosis consulting. Anthony invited volunteers to come on stage to be hypnotized and nine volunteers came on stage and sat down, ready to participate. Anthony introduced himself, demonstrated with the audience, and then was ready to begin hypnotizing the volunteers. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are now going to start what is called the induction process,” Anthony said. “During this process, I will ask that you guys be as quiet as you possibly can. If you give these people up here the courtesy of being quiet for the next few moments, then we will give you a show unlike any other.” After the induction process was complete, Anthony showed the volunteers were hypnotized by getting each one to fall asleep. Then, he hypnotized them to think that they were all famous rock stars and had them pretend to play an instrument of their choosing. PLUS scholar Sara Zimmerman said she was not expecting the hypnosis to work on her, but it did. “When you’re looking at somebody and you kind of like zone out, it was like that the whole time,” Zimmerman said. “I was like, super tired. Like, really relaxed.” Zimmerman was hypnotized to believe that her belly button was
missing during the performance, which caused her distress. Cameron student Ajay Eseino, another volunteer on stage, was hypnotized to think he was the world’s greatest detective. He decided to help Zimmerman find her missing belly button. Ajay Eseino said that although this was not his first time going to a hypnotist event, this one was better than the previous one he had attended. “This one was more in front of friends,” Eseino said. “Usually sometimes you just got to sit and watch, and it was fun that you were able to be active and get in with it.” Eseino said that it was enjoyable to
participate in the performance. “My favorite part was just like, just
hearing everybody’s reaction,” Eseino said. “You were aware, and I could hear people laughing. It’s always fun having stuff enjoyable to Photos by Ka’Tavia West do on campus. It’s always fun whenever we get the emails, or we see flyers for fun things to do. It gives us something to look forward to in the week.” Brian Easter was one of the volunteers that went on stage to be hypnotized. He said he enjoyed going up on stage and getting hypnotized, and he was
glad he had attended the performance. “Some of my friends were going, and so I was like why not,” Easter said. “We all just came here and thought it would be fun. He was funny. This was really fun.” Jadance Black is a part of PAC, a Cameron organization that frequently does events on campus, including some homecoming events. “For homecoming week, we have our four events,” Black said. “We wanted to have one that was more interactive with the students. So, we brought in the hypnotist.” Black also said that the Homecoming Dance is rescheduled for 9-12 p.m. on March 31. “The dress code is anything you want,” Black said. “Just, clothes on. That’s it. Come to the Homecoming Dance! It will be a lot of fun!” For more information, follow David Anthony on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram or visit his website at http://danthonyhypnosis. com/.
Be audit you can be Income Tax Session
Photo by Brittney Payette
Let’s get fiscal: Cameron student Sushil Singh asked the hosts and Dr. Aubree Walton about his cryptocurrency mining, and Walton recommended that because cryptocurrency is so new, he should get professional help for his taxes._____
Brittney Payette
Co-Managing Editor At 2 p.m. on March 10 in Ross Hall, room 101, the Student Enrichment Center (SEC) hosted “What’s the Deal with Taxes?” on Zoom and in-person. Jeremy Toombs and Yaping Ligon of the SEC gave the presentation, and Dr. Aubree Walton, a professor of Business Law and Accounting at Cameron, was also featured. First, Toombs and Ligon covered the fundamental question that many people ask: do I need to file income taxes? In their presentation, the hosts said that you must file if you owe special taxes, if you have had an early withdrawal from an IRA or 401K, if you have received tips, or if you withdrew money from a health savings account. Furthermore, Toombs and Ligon’s presentation said that you must also file taxes if you have net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more or if you have a gross income exceeding a certain threshold. Walton said that people can be self-employed without actually owning their own business. “It has nothing to do with the format of your business,” Walton said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a corporation, or a partnership, or an LLC. If you are a single owner of an income-producing activity, you would likely be considered a sole proprietor.” The threshold in which you have to pay taxes depends on whatever your status was on the last day of
the year that you are filing for. some people say, ‘well then, I do not have to file because Your status can include being married, single, my employer did not send me the paperwork.’ False.” dependent on someone else, having dependents or being If you are filing your own taxes, you must turn in all head of the household. There are different thresholds for of the necessary documents. There is a 1098-T form for people over 65 and people under 65. students in your Aggie Access. “Single means not married The 1098-T lists how much and without dependents for tax Cameron charged to your account purposes,” Ligon said. “If you are “If you are a single and how much you received married, you have the option of owner of an income- financially in scholarships and grants. married filing jointly, as in the couple Individual tax forms are due to be producing activity, files on one return, or you can do filed by midnight on April 18 this your own separate return. Head of year. you would likely be household means you are not married considered a sole “You need to know the social but have dependents.” security numbers and dates of birth proprietor.” If you are single and earned over for everyone in the household,” Ligon -Dr. Aubrey Walton $12,500 from earned and unearned said. “Turbotax has this handy, more Professor of Business Law comprehensive sort of checklist.” income, or if you provided more than and Accounting half of your own support, you need You can get tax help at the Center to file your tax return. If you had for Creative Living (by appointment unearned income over $1,100 or are only) at 3501 Elsie Hamm Dr. Call self-employed and earned more than $400, you need to (580) 248-0471 to make an appointment. The Great file your own tax return. Plains Improvement Foundation at 2 SE Lee Blvd #200 Financial Resource Specialist Jeremy Toombs said can also provide tax help but has income limitations. that people sometimes incorrectly think they do not Call (580) 353-2364 to contact the Great Plains need to file their taxes when they actually do. Improvement Foundation. “Even if you can be claimed as a dependent, that does Some sites also offer free filing for taxes. You can not make you exempt you from filing a return,” Toombs search “free file on IRS” to find software to help you file said. “Another misunderstanding that sometimes comes your taxes for free. up with students is that if you worked, but you worked For more information, contact the SEC sec@ minimally and did not receive a W2 or a 1099 form, cameron.edu or call (580) 581-5908.
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Voices
March 28, 2022
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A journey of mental health: My story of C-PTSD Cam Alsbrook Managing Editor
To preface, I would like to stress that what I discuss here with my own experience does not invalidate the struggles of other people and that there are some concerning subject matters ahead. Rather, I aim for this piece to serve as advice for readers who relate in any form, and I want to also emphasize that my symptoms are not a diagnosis. What I discuss here is purely based off independent research and conversation with diagnosed individuals about my experiences. The terms I use are meant to highlight my current point in my mental health journey. I encourage people to seek professional advice/counseling. With that said, my struggle with C-PTSD – known unabbreviated as Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – coupled with ADHD (Attentiondeficit/Hyperactivity disorder) has rooted itself in my life from early childhood. I was born with what many do not know as Goldenhar Syndrome, and even though my circumstances were comparatively minor to what other children in my boat were given, I was still lucky enough to be able to undergo 20+ medical operations in my life, with my most recent being a neck operation in 2020, which saved my ability to walk and the use my hands. While, yes, I have been very fortunate to be able to receive the degree of care and
love from family that I did I made new friends, but I (and have, for the latter), I still doubted myself as a part of was unable to escape from the those friendships. I made it to bullying I went through in a classes on time, but only after local children’s church program, not resting the whole night neglect from authority figures worrying that I was going to be in that program, and religious late. I passed my classes, but indoctrination which demonized only because my anxiety pulled children such as I – who were me along – last minute by last confusingly “made in god’s minute. image” and yet dismissed as During this whole time, I less than others. questioned what I wanted to do After those years, I had accepted the internal dialogue that I was unworthy of the good things I had, and my only purpose was to be a lesson for others in some way. This did not get better for many, many years – and to save time, I am going to say that the things mentioned up to this point are likely the deepest roots of my problems, and the other stuff is not as important Photo by Brittney Payette to list here, other than the COVID-19 pandemic of course. in anything. I had no answers To move forward – my or ways to define myself – I was symptoms were not necessarily (and still feel at times) alone “awakened” until I came to in my identity in a plethora of Cameron in 2017 and faced ways. mental stressors that I did in The more I passed and both early childhood/teen years, succeeded in faking my way as well as stressors I had not towards appearing confident encountered before as someone to my peers and professors, homeschooled from birth to the more I felt the mounting college. pressure to control my image Yet, I still passed all my and success as best I could. classes with flying colors, made I got involved in many ways it to class on time and made new on campus, and my intentions friends left and right. were honest and real, but I never At least, that is what it ended felt like I was on par with my up looking like on the outside. peers as they pushed forth.
I did not learn about Medical PTSD until I found it online, defined as one of the understudied areas of C-PTSD. Now, C-PTSD and PTSD differ by one key difference: the amount of events that wrap together in episodes. PTSD relates to one event, so we would have separate flavors of beverages that pop up in certain circumstances after being blended. Yes? C-PTSD is if all flavors were put in a blender at once, and became a singular drink, consumed in all circumstances. I mention my undiagnosed ADHD because part of the reason I adopted the label of C-PTSD is due to fighting myself each time I feel affected; to successfully pick apart what past event(s) influence a current response. I need to compare emotions, circumstances, and signs. As a result, sometimes I cannot identify the root of the “boost” of emotional turmoil amidst the unrelenting dialogue in my mind. Knowing things about myself has not been easy to discover, and I find that adopting labels based on symptoms has helped me to organize my problems as I prepare to seek diagnosis (that is if I remember to schedule appointments). I want to be open here in writing so anyone that reads this can see several things. Figuring ourselves out comes with pain, and it can be rough to figure out
a path closer to mental stability. Mental health is a race with no end, and everyone has mental health (though mental wellness is in decline, nationally). There is no shame in advocating for yourself or others and using any ladder rungs available (such as me adopting the labels of C-PTSD/ADHD until diagnosis). Now, that said, I want to also stress that it is important that if someone does adopt labels prior to diagnosis that the adoption is emphasized, and not treated as if it was diagnosed. There are many reasons I have not been diagnosed: I flew under the radar until college, I forget to schedule appointments for myself, I fear the discrimination that comes with presenting as a diagnosed person. However, none of those things are heavy enough to dismiss my own diagnosis, and I would urge people to seek it. As a result of the internet and the movements of mental wellness advocates across the globe, we are the most connected we have ever been and have the potential to form deeper grace towards ourselves and other people. In conclusion, the fear I have of mental health discrimination is dissipating thanks to many positive influences in my life, and I know that I am getting better. For other people, regardless of diagnosis, I hope that mental wellness and advocacy only continues to grow and that our children have a better experience than us.
Autism Spectrum Disorder in women Alison Malawey Voices Editor
For the majority of my life, I thought heart attacks where experienced roughly the same way for everyone who had them. We’ve all seen them in movies. Someone starts to sweat. Maybe there’s a pain in their left arm. Suddenly, they grab their chest and fall to the ground. When I look back at all the examples of representation for heart attacks, they’re all examples of men. It wasn’t until I was older that I learned that heart attacks display differently for women. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, and I had no idea what that looked like for my gender. Learning this led me to wonder if there were any other medical diseases or disorders that manifest differently in women than in men. As it turns out, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of those disorders. The article, “Comparison of Males and
Females with ASD: Gender Differences in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” written by Heather Gilmore for PsychCentral, said that the identification of ASD in females is substantially lower than in males. Males are diagnosed at a 4:1 ratio when compared to females. Females with ASD exhibit different traits than males and are often overlooked when it comes to doctors and their diagnostic tools. Thus, girls tend to get missed when it’s time to perform studies. Because girls get missed in these studies, researchers don’t know enough about gender differences in autism. As a result, women are often diagnosed with ASD much later in their lives. “Even within the range of average intelligence,” Gilmore said, “females with higher intelligence can use their intelligence to develop coping strategies and to learn ways to navigate their life experiences despite their ASD symptoms.” Many girls and women feel
Correction: In Vol. 106, Issue 2, the “Cameron Collegian” incorrectly attributed the editorial “Who gets the leftovers?” to Jashua Orndorff. The editorial should have been attributed to Jackson Miller. The Collegian deeply regrets this error. 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.
compelled to camouflage their traits in order to fit into societal expectations. Gilmore goes on to suggest that the restrictive and ritualistic behaviors displayed by a female with ASD might simply be more socially acceptable than male behaviors and are, therefore, overlooked as normal behaviors. Whatever the reasons, the exclusion of girls and women from scientific research skews our understanding of ASD. In her article, “Righting the gender imbalance in autism studies,” Emily Sohn discussed a study by Clare Harrop, a developmental psychologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her team in which they attempted to recreate a study that previously only included one girl. The first study tracked the eyes of subjects in an attempt to show that preschoolers with autism prefer to look at objects rather than at another person’s face. Harrop’s team performed the same protocols with children aged 6 to 10 and found that autistic girls look at faces
longer and more quickly than autistic boys do. “We just replicated one study and we found totally different results by including girls,” Harrop said. “Improving the sex and gender balance in autism studies could transform our understanding of the condition, just as it did for heart disease in women,” said Sohn. Things are changing. Scientists are working with people like Sharon daVanport, the founding executive director of the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, an organization that provides community, support and resources for Autistic women, girls, nonbinary people and all others of marginalized genders. Lauren Kenworthy, the leading researcher of the study that DaVanport has been an adviser on for more than a year, said without that balance of genders in studies, “we certainly miss opportunities to provide effective treatment or to understand what effective treatment might be.”
Correction: In Vol. 106, Issue 2, the “Cameron Collegian” incorrectly spelled the headline “CMM celebrates Black History Month.” The headline should have read “CCM celebrates Black History Month.” The Collegian deeply regrets this error. 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
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
The Batman: A grim, dark masterpiece By Blake Moren
was wrong to doubt Pattinson. His performance is absolutely fantastic in Staff Writer this film. His nuanced portrayal of a tortured, broken and angry Bruce This review contains spoilers. Wayne is incredible. His Batman voice My first favorite superhero was is perfect as well. Batman. I enjoyed watching the In most films and shows, Bruce has “Batman” animated series of the nineties. I also really enjoyed most of the two personas: himself and Batman. “Batman” films directed by Tim Burton, Typically, Wayne’s public facade is like a rich irresponsible playboy. His true Joel Schumacher, Christopher Nolan self is only really known to Alfred and and Zack Snyder. Heck, I even enjoyed the other members of the Bat-Family, watching the Adam West show of the sixties! Overall, I am a huge Batman fan. like the many versions of Robin and Batgirl. “The Batman,” directed by Matt In this film, Bruce and Batman act Reeves, is arguably the best Batman exactly the same. While some may movie ever made. Before I watched the not be too happy with the non-playboy film, I would have deemed “The Dark Knight” the best Batman movie, but “The aspect of Wayne’s portrayal, this is a Batman” may actually take the title of the young Bruce Wayne still developing his identity as Bruce and Batman. So, in Best Batman Movie Ever, but that’s just my opinion. Just about everything about future films, Wayne could still develop the typical rich playboy façade. the film is near perfection. To be honest, all of the performances Let’s start with the elephant in the in this film are perfect. When I room: Robert Pattinson. Never could heard that Jeffrey Wright was cast I have ever imagined that the former as James Gordon, I thought he was “Twilight” actor would be cast as the a great choice for the character. His next Caped Crusader. I strongly dislike performance as James Gordon is the “Twilight” films with a passion, so I also fantastic. Additionally, Andy wasn’t exactly ecstatic when I heard that Serkis’s performance as Alfred is he was cast. also unsurprisingly among the best That was until I heard that some of performances in the film. his more recent films had received very Paul Dano’s performance as the positive reviews, including “High Life,” Riddler is perfectly creepy and haunting. “Good Time,” and “The Lighthouse.” While I still have a soft spot for Jim I have not seen those films yet, to be Carrey’s wacky portrayal of the Riddler perfectly honest. in “Batman Forever,” this version is I could not be happier to admit I
March 28, 2022
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far more threatening and terrifying. In my opinion, it was pretty ingenious to make this version of Riddler similar to the real-life Zodiac Killer who, like the Riddler in this film, left a Halloween card and letters filled with cryptograms and ciphers. For a grounded, realistic film, this inspiration makes a lot of sense. I was actually really excited to see Dano’s performance as the Riddler, unlike Pattinson. He did an amazing job in the 2013 film “Prisoners.” John Turturro’s performance as Carmine Falcone is also great. Colin Farrell’s performance as Oswald Cobblepot is another great example of fantastic acting in this film. The prosthetics and makeup for Cobblepot is super impressive. I also love his Robert De Niro-like accent in this film. This is arguably the most comic book-accurate Penguin in a live-action Batman film, far more accurate than the version portrayed by Danny DeVito in “Batman Returns.” But, don’t get me wrong, I still love Danny DeVito’s performance as the Penguin. When Zoë Kravitz was cast as Catwoman, I thought she was an amazing choice for Selina. Her portrayal of Selina Kyle is nothing short of amazing and is now my favorite Catwoman. This is the best portrayal of Catwoman in a live-action Batman since “Batman Returns” when she was portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer, who is also an amazing Catwoman. Her chemistry with Pattinson’s Batman is fantastic. This film is extremely dark and violent. The film’s tone is very reminiscent of David Fincher films like “Seven” and “Zodiac.” This is something I have been waiting for: a dark Batman film where he is actually being a detective, something that was lacking in previous portrayals of the character. It reminded me of the 1990s “Batman” animated series, albeit a lot darker and more violent. The action in this film is also another
highlight of the film. The hand-tohand combat was brutal, relentless, and very reminiscent of the “Batman: Arkham’’ video game franchise. The fight choreography is fantastic. This is where I will lend my first criticism of the film, which could honestly refer to the movie as a whole: I wish there were more! That’s how I feel about this film: I didn’t want it to end. But like all things in life, it has to end sometime. Another minor criticism is that some of the CGI was a bit unconvincing in a scene where Batman is gliding; his head looks like a bobblehead. Frankly, those are only two criticisms I have for the film. This film is almost three hours long, but I barely felt it. It might not be the same for everyone, but I don’t mind films being long if it properly fleshes out the story. A good example of this is “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” which is four hours long. The musical score by Michael Giacchino is absolutely fantastic. Giacchino is among my favorite film music composers, so I had high expectations, and Giacchino fully exceeded every one of them. All three of his themes, the Batman, Catwoman, and Riddler themes, are all pitch-perfect and fit the overall dark tone of the film. The director Matt Reeves, who previously directed “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” and “War for the Planet of the Apes,” is one of my favorite directors. I love the direction he and writer Peter Craig took with the story and direction. Another technical aspect that I loved in this film is the cinematography; it’s absolutely gorgeous to look at. Greig Fraser, who previously worked on “Zero Dark Thirty,” “Rogue One,” and the 2021 “Dune” film, did an amazing job in this film. Overall, this film is a near-perfect Batman film. My Rating: 4.8 / 5
Morgan Wallen sells out Paycom Center National ‘Dangerous’ Tour proves critics wrong By Ashlin Penn A&E Editor
Popular Country Music Artist, Morgan Wallen, performed a concert in Oklahoma City at the Paycom Center on March 5. Wallen is currently on his national tour, “Dangerous.” The tour is named after his double album, which was released in 2021. This album is Wallen’s second release and has received many awards and recognitions. Its debut
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claimed a spot on the Billboard Charts and the Top Country Album Charts at number one during the first week of its release. It remained at the top of the Billboard charts for ten weeks. This album received mixed reviews. Writers at the New York Times praised Wallen. However, critics at Rolling Stone and The Washington Post did not agree. Listeners do seem to have an overwhelmingly positive response. Out of Wallen’s 54 tour stops, all but six sold out. One of these concert goers is Cameron University freshman Abby Powell who attended the concert with her family. “It was my favorite concert that I’ve been to,” she said. “I also really liked his opener, HARDY.” Two days later, Wallen attended the American Country Music Awards and won Album of the Year. Wallen was among other well-known artists such as Thomas Rhett and Jack Ingram. Morgan Wallen was not expected to win this award due to previous controversy. Last year,
he was barred from appearing or receiving nominations at these Music Award Events. As a Country Music fan, Powell also listens to the other artists but feels like Wallen deserved it the most. She discovered him on YouTube when an early release of his “Chasing You” started playing. Powell encourages others to listen not only to Morgan Wallen but to more Country music in general. Another Country music and Morgan Wallen Fan is Cameron University Junior Blakelee Marco, who attended the concert with some of her friends. Marco has listened to Morgan Wallen for over four years and found out about his concert through his Instagram. She also agreed that Morgan Wallen is growing in popularity and deserved the award. His tour will continue through September and hit numerous cities and Music Festivals. Despite his controversy, he is still receiving a lot of fan support. He has shattered Country Music records and continues to break the mold for the industry.
Photo by Abby Powell
March 28, 2022
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Student Life
5
Ask an Aggie
What did you do over Spring Break?
“My Spring Break was great! I spent half of it in Norman and the other half in Lawton. I met some of my boyfriend’s family. We traveled and visited a bunch of places. We went to Build-A-Bear in the mall, and I got a Frog. Pretty excited about it.” Hannah Owens, Freshman - Major: Strategic Communication
“I spent a lot of time catching up on sleep. My girlfriend and I went to Dallas. That was pretty fun.” Saige Schmidt, Freshman - Major: Psychology
“I went to a rodeo in Houston and a Sam Hunt concert. I’m a country girl at heart, so I enjoyed every second of it. I was singing my heart out!” Ka’Tavia West, Senior - Major: Strategic Communication
“Spring Break was pretty good. I just kinda chilled, caught up on some sleep, and had a good time. I caught up on some work and had some photoshoots too.” Glen Archer, Senior - Major: Journalism and Media Production
“My Break didn’t start off very well. I had to attend a field training exercise with my unit. For the first couple of days, I was training. Afterwards I spent some days playing games and relaxing. I did some homework and started to prepare for the Military Science Club raffle.” Moises Jaime, Junior - Major: Biology
“I went back to my hometown in El Reno. I really enjoyed getting to see my family and my boys. It’s not as often that I get to see them anymore, so it’s always great to see the people I know best.” Franky Dicintio, Freshman - Major: Criminal Justice
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Sports
March 28, 2022
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Aggie Athletics Feature Featuring Katie King of Women’s Basketball Jimm Alley Sports Editor
Katie King of the Aggie women’s basketball team came to Cameron from Harrah, Oklahoma, where she received all-state recognition and even won a state championship in 2017. King quickly fell in love with basketball at the young age of four and has not looked back ever since. “I started playing in pre-k,” King said. “It’s been my life ever since then. I started playing AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) in third grade, so all of my years until now, I’ve been playing basketball.” King is majoring in business, focusing on finance, and hopes to attend law school to become a corporate lawyer. “I’ve got so many goals,” King said. “Like I wanna do this, this and this, but my main goal is to go to law school.” When the time came to pick where she would play her college basketball, King said the decision to go to
Cameron was an easy one. “I loved the atmosphere when I first visited,” King said. “I loved the people, and it really just felt like home.” In her two seasons at Cameron, King has shined on the court, averaging 10.8 points per game in her second campaign while also averaging
Photos by Jimm Alley
three assists and 4.6 boards a game. Arguably her best game of the season came in an overtime victory against UT Tyler, in which King made 46 percent of her shots for 20 points while grabbing seven rebounds and three assists. King has a big jump in her shooting numbers between her freshman and
sophomore seasons. She was able to raise her overall field goal percentage up from 37.9 to 41.7 and drastically improved her three-point shooting going from 32.2 to 43.8. Looking ahead to next season, King hopes to improve her offensive abilities even more as she steps into a more prominent role on the team in her Junior year. “I need to improve to be a better offensive threat and score more,” King said. “A lot of times I don’t, and I became really passive this year, but now as I’m getting ready to be a junior and a leader, I have the opportunity and the skill set to do that.” King and the rest of the squad will have to find a way to make up for the team losing some of their senior players. She believes that they can continue their success even though there will be a transition to get used to. “It’s gonna hurt us a little bit in the scoring aspect,” King said. “But I feel like we have the talent on our team that people can be an
Aggie Athletics spotlight
offensive threat and score more, so I feel once we get people’s confidence up, we’ll be fine.” King put on a strong performance in the Aggies playoff games to finish off the season. Across their two games in the tournament, King scored 32 points total while hitting 42 percent of her shots and added 11 rebounds. King and the Aggies are looking to build on another great season that ended with another appearance in the Lonestar Conference tournament and an overall 17-11 record, the team’s most wins since 2002. King has a lot to be proud of from this past season, but said she wants to keep building and improving to reach her full potential on the court and in the classroom. King is another in a long line of spectacular Aggie athletes with a very bright future ahead. If King can make the changes she is looking for; then opposing teams could have a lot of trouble on their hands next year. For more information on women’s basketball and other Cameron athletics, visit cameronaggies.com.
Get to know the Cameron Softball team Rylan Stiles
playing for men [Head Coaches] and Kayla [Adams] off home run by future Aggie Hall of Famer, Callie is a bit different than that, less vocal, but it has not Busby who holds the all-time home run record at Staff Writer been too bad of a transition.” Webb said. Cameron. The players felt they grew with While The Cameron Aggies softball team has a trio of Edwards new leaders for the 2022 season as three best friends Adams, who is a first-time head coach. “We have seen agreed with from Oklahoma her mature and French, City. understand that Webb will be Kylie French, we are leaders and remembered for Breley Webb, and to take feedback her no-hitter Khmari Edwards from us, that in 2021 against led the softball has been a big Oklahoma team through thing to mesh us Baptist their unique bond. all together as a University. The team has team,” Webb said. “In the third finished with a In the midst inning, I was winning record of their final so confident, each season season together, we scored a lot since 2014, the Aggies have of runs, and my making them turned in a 17defense was the winningest 13 record thus backing me, program at far, boasting a and we were Cameron Kylie French winning record all hyped up,” University in that at home and in natural site Webb said. span. Photos by Bobby Hines contests this season. The Aggies run-ruled OBU that day 12-0 in In that time, The Black and Gold sit five innings as Webb did not surrender a hit, only the Aggies have Khmari Edwards inside the top ten of the Lone allowing one walk to keep her from a perfect game, cycled through Star Conference, which sees and striking out six batters. three head In that same game, Webb got it coaches and countless student-athletes who have left four teams ranked nationally. done at the plate as well collecting a mark on the Black and Gold. Sitting just three a pair of hits, including an RBI Webb, French and Edwards have been right in the games back of fourth double and scoring a run. middle of the success since 2019. place in the LSC, French and Edwards also Under Dennis Furr, who recruited the trio, the this senior group collected hits that day during Aggies finished with a 37-18 record, 20-10 within wants to have fun, Webb’s no-hitter. the Lone Star Conference, en route to the NCAA With the great success of the Super Regionals where they eventually fell to Texas and finish strong together the rest of Aggie softball problem, fans A&M-Kingsville. this season, enjoying around the Lawton community That was just the beginning for the tight-knit their last time have taken note, packing the trio who spent their summers playing travel ball sharing the diamond McMahon Field and Athletic together. together. Center for every contest. Edwards said that when they found out they all When asked one The trio praised the fan committed to play at Cameron University “it was word to describe atmosphere in their time at the best thing ever, you get to go to college for four their time at Cameron. years with your besties!” Cameron, French and Each year on campus, the trio Dennis Furr, the Aggies head coach from 2017Webb said “blessed.” has experienced postseason play, 2020, recruited all three players separately from Edwards added despite a coaching change thrown the same travel ball roster, as the group arrived in “unforgettable.” in the middle of their tenure. Lawton, the transition was made easier by having Breley Webb One of those For Khmari Edwards, she made familiar faces. unforgettable games an immediate impact becoming an The Aggies hired now head coach Kayla Adams All-American as a freshman at second base. after the trio’s freshman season forcing them to deal was freshman year, against Texas A&M-Commerce at regionals. With over half the season to go, the sky is the with even more adjustments. French jumped at the chance to say, a game in limit for what the most successful Athletic group on “Having to learn two completely different which the Aggies topped the Lions 6-5 on a walkcampus can achieve. personalities, and coaching styles, we are used to