Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, September 20, 2021
Volume 105 Issue 1
Photo by Cam Alsbrook
New update available: The McMahon Centennial Complex serves as the social hub and food court for the campus community. The university has hosted vaccination clinics for the Comanche County Health Department throughout the pandemic, offering students a way to remain safe.
A COVID-19 Update
with Vice President Jerrett Phillips By Cam Alsbrook Managing Editor
Over the summer, Cameron has made changes to mask and classroom policies to reflect federal mandate and as a result, masks are encouraged but not required, and classrooms can move to online / Zoom format. Cameron Vice President Jerrett Phillips said that the new classroom policy, passed on Sept. 7, said that if a positive COVID-19 case is reported to the Coronavirus Hotline, a classroom could move teaching to Zoom for 14 calendar days.. “Additionally, the Hotline will send (an) email to affected students with a text message to refer the student to read their email,” Phillips said. “As we
work cases, the Hotline will both doses of either Moderna or to improve, Phillips said the notify students about their Pfizer’s vaccines. Coronavirus Hotline’s name individual status.” The type of vaccine, dose would change depending on the The classroom future. policy was one of “The Coronavirus many topics discussed Hotline will remain “As we work cases, the by Phillips, the active so long as our Coronavirus Taskforce Hotline will notify students students, faculty about their individual status.” and staff might be Chair, Faculty Senate Council of Chairs, — Jerrett Phillips negatively impacted Human Resources and Vice President by the coronavirus,” Executive Council. Phillips said. “Looking Enrollment Management forward, we will likely other topics and Student Success close the Hotline when included the recent Comanche we are clear from this County Health pandemic. However, Department (CCHD) clinics for counts and possible booster we will complete a full aftervaccinations, Covid testing and shots are determined by the action review of our pandemic the vaccine incentive. CCHD, and Cameron will response in preparation for any The vaccine incentive allows continue to host clinic drives future outbreaks.” students, faculty and staff to to assist the department in The university is evaluating receive $100, with proof of full contacting the community. the possibility of incorporating vaccination, which counts for If the pandemic begins the Coronavirus Hotline model
toward other areas, such as enrollment. Students who receive testing on-campus will be notified via emails and texts about their Covid status as soon as possible, since it is policy that if a student is ill, they cannot attend classes. The university highly encourages students, faculty and staff to wear masks and follow safety precautions, and signs are currently placed across campus. University action against the Covid pandemic is ongoing and is expected to remain ongoing past the Spring 2022 semester. For more information, contact the Covid Hotline at 581-2676.
CU Succeed Workshop
Respect: The Black and Golden Rules By Brittney Payette
Assistant Managing Editor At 9 a.m., Aug. 7, in Blackboard, Cameron Director of student development Dr. Jennifer Pruchnicki presented the first CU Succeeds video of Fall 2021. This prerecorded video covered some basic rules for communicating and interacting with others respectfully. After introducing herself, Pruchnicki defined respect as consideration for others. Pruchnicki said some ways that students can ensure that they are being respectful in a classroom environment are to be punctual, be prepared, not to be disruptive, do assignments on time, and pay attention. Pruchnicki also said that students
What’s Inside
should make an effort to participate in class discussions. “Don’t be afraid that your answer might be wrong,” Pruchnicki said. “If we all knew the answers, we wouldn’t need to be in college.” Pruchnicki recommends that when students participate in class discussions, they should do so in a courteous manner. This means doing things like not talking over classmates when it is their turn to speak, letting others have time to speak (not monopolizing the conversation or discussion) and stay on topic. Pruchnicki said students should remain professional when they speak to professors, both in person and in emails or other forms of communication. She also said that students should endeavor to keep their commitments.
Pruchnicki wants students to be sure that they do contribute when they are working in a group setting in school because they may end up working on a project in a group or on a team after college. The hope is that group work in college will prepare students to work with others more effectively after college. “In many professional settings, you know, you might be placed on a team,” Pruchnicki said. “If you have group work in college, it’s most likely… preparing you for the real world, for things that you will be expected to do.” Next, Pruchnicki mentioned that students need to remember college is a challenge and some classes are going to be more difficult than others. “Some classes, you know, should be challenging,” Pruchnicki said.
“The expectation is you perform to standards, and then you will get the grade that you earn.” Pruchnicki said that students need to be mindful of others and be respectful of their opinions because people have different experiences. It is important, especially in college, to try to keep an open mind. One person does not need to agree with another person’s beliefs or actions to be respectful toward them. “Everybody comes to college with a different journey of how they got there,” Pruchnicki said. “Closing your mind keeps you stagnant and we want you to grow.”
See SUCCEED Page 2
Welcome, Aggies
Club highlight
Esporting a good vibe
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News
September 20, 2021
CU at Welcome Week www.aggiecentral.com
Welcome Back Aggies
Photos by Ian Snyder Sohl
Brittney Payette
Assistant Managing Editor CU welcomed its students back with a week of special events to help students get excited for the new semester. New students moved in on Aug. 13, and returning students moved in on Aug. 14 for North and South Shepler, along with the Cameron Village Apartments.
Block Party
At 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 15 at the Bentley Gardens, CU hosted a block party for students. Event attendees enjoyed free food, snow cones, drinks, and school supplies. Students could visit various vendors who participated, like the CU Wellness Center.
“We provide medical services Monday through Friday.” Dawn Price said. “We also do some counseling. We have a full-time licensed therapist. If they need counseling, they can call, and we can take the initial information and try to get them scheduled.” At the Wellness Center’s booth, they gave out information on different services that they can provide. They also asked students which one of three statements was false, and students got a bag of candy for answering correctly. Other campus organizations also participated, such as the Distance Learning Center, Student Support Services, different Sororities and Fraternities. Off-campus organizations
came as well, such as Cricket Wireless and the District Six10 Apartments.
Color Me Cameron
At 10:30 a.m., Aug. 16, on the Science Complex Lawn there was a Color Me Cameron Tie-Die event where students could create unique tie-dyed shirts.
Snow Cones
Starting at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 17, there were free snow cones for students available in the library parking lot.
Paint Night
Additionally, at 5:30 p.m., Aug. 17, in the McMahon Centennial Complex (MCC), Programming Activities Council (PAC) hosted paint night, and students painted original artwork under guided instruction.
Sweet Thang Giveaway and Pep Rally
At 10 a.m. on Aug. 18 in the MCC Lobby, PAC hosted a “sweet thang giveaway,” providing students with sweet treats, such as muffins and chocolate chip cookies, along with lemonade and strawberry lemonade from Viridian Coffee. Coordinator of Campus Life Daniel McFadden and PAC president Makenna Hill both were on scene handing out treats. “I know that a lot of students go to Viridian, and so it just kind of seemed like the ideal choice,” Hill said. PAC was also involved with a Pep Rally at 5:15 p.m. on Aug. 19. “We’re going to be doing stuff for that (pep rally),” Hill said, “along with the scrimmage for volleyball. So, it’ll be like a teamed-up event.” The rally started in the Aggie Gym, with a Volleyball scrimmage to follow. The scrimmage consisted of half of the CU volleyball team on one side, and half on the other side. Additionally, students with Cameron IDs were given 5-dollar tickets to use at the concession stand. CU’s cheerleaders cheered on the volleyball squad as the team scrimmaged to prepare for their first volleyball match, scheduled at 6:30 p.m. in Topeka, Kansas against Washburn. Welcome Week at CU began on Aug. 15, and ended on Aug. 19, providing students and staff with some fun events and activities to kick off the new semester. For more information and updates about campus events, keep an eye on CU’s calendar at https://www.cameron. edu/university-calendar.
SUCCEED continued from page 1 Pruchnicki said people should try to be proactive and try to make changes if they do not like something, but they should do so properly and respectfully. “If you have strong opinions,” Pruchnicki said, “there’s probably a role for you somewhere.” Students should also make an effort to dress appropriately for the situation. This is true for both in-person classes and online classes. “When you dress more professionally, we tend to behave more
professionally as well,” Pruchnicki said. Sophomore and Accounting major Shalei Okamura watched and enjoyed the CU Succeed workshop. “I thought that the workshop was informative and helpful,” Okamura said. “It pointed out aspects in life that I hadn’t considered before and was overall good advice.” This CU Succeed workshop, along with other future workshops can be found on Blackboard.
Photo by Cam Alsbrook
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ALL GROWN UP?
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Voices
September 20, 2021
What makes us adults and does it really matter? Alison Malawey Voices Editor
Are you a grown up? Are you sure? How do you know? What defines being grown up? Do you suddenly become a grown up when you turn 18? Move out of your parents’ house? Is it when you get married? Have children? When do you become adult? More importantly, when do you start to feel like one? When I was younger, I always thought my mom exuded an adult like aura and that when I got older, I would be an adult like her. As I get closer to the age that she was, I keep waiting for that moment when I finally feel like an adult. Most of the time, I still feel like I did when I was a teenager only without the pressures of high school. There’s certainly a specific freedom that comes with the responsibilities of being older. I can do whatever I want whenever I want within the limits of the law and my own sense of morality. I started my “adulthood” late. I didn’t get my first job until I had already graduated high school, and I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 21. I lived in my mother’s house for several years after graduating high school. I started late, but when did being an adult actually start?
Photo Courtesy of Tribune News Service
The legal age of majority is the age when a child is granted the rights and responsibilities of an adult by the state. That means that you are held liable to any contracts you sign, that you can sue someone, and so on and so forth. In most states, the age of majority is 18 years old. In Alabama, the age is 19. Are you an adult because the law says so? Is there a biological moment when you are no longer classified as an adolescent, and you fall into the adult category? According to Dr. Sandra Aamodt, a neurosurgeon who coauthored the book, “Welcome to Your Child’s Brain: How the Mind Grows from Conception to College,” the brain does not fully finish developing until around the age of 25. People tend to graduate high school around the age of 18, which means if they enter college immediately afterwards and study a 4-year program, they will graduate around they age of 22. While it seems crazy to expect someone to decide the rest of their life before they’ve really lived, there are benefits to it. After our brains are fully developed, they are less capable of change which means that higher education comes easier for those whose brains are not fully developed. Of course, everyone is different. I’m not saying that every 20-year-old is a better learner than every
30-year-old. It just means that the 30-year-old would have an easier time of it when they were 20. So, does the absence of growth make you an adult? I’m certainly not a child anymore, but I don’t feel like an adult. Most “adults” that I ask say that they don’t feel like one either. Maybe that’s the trick. Maybe there’s no such thing as adults. Perhaps adulthood is just a construct created by society to fool everyone into keeping in line. Is adulthood what we’re searching for in life? Everyone has told themselves as a child that when they get older, they would do…something. I’m going to own as many dogs as I want. I’m going to eat dessert for breakfast. I’m going to stay up as late as I want. Video games all day. Tattoos all over my body. Does adulthood represent freedom? When do we ever become free, and what are we free from? Our parents? Authority? Can we be adults and children at the same time? I don’t think anyone has a real answer for when you become an adult. I don’t think it really matters either. If adulthood is just a construct, why force yourself to fit it. That seems to be a something we must answer individually to ourselves. Maybe being childish is how to stay sane in a world that just keeps getting crazier.
The age of retirement: Jackson Miller Staff Writer
As college students here at Cameron, we may choose to pursue a degree for several reasons. Some of which may include expectations for higher paying jobs, attaining knowledge about a subject one is passionate about or simply your parents wanted you out of the house. For those seeking higher paying jobs, they are usually also after added benefits such as job security and retirement options. Many people who are currently working in the US are older and well past the age of 65. This means that they can start collecting Social Security and other savings allowances. In spite of being old enough, many are unable to retire, either due to their own specified financial constraints, or they feel driven to continue being impactful to society. Even if they are able to retire, they are usually not able to do so in luxury. Many companies feel that these people’s usefulness reaches its peak well before 65, and they are let go before reaching the age of retirement. According to an AARP survey with 3,900 respondents, roughly 76% of people who are 45 and older find it extremely
How low can you go?
difficult to find employment. More than half of those people get pushed out of their long-time positions before making it to retirement. Although age discrimination is supposed to be outlawed under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, many companies may offer up other excuses for terminating elderly employees, such as poor job performance and budget restraints. Thus, making an early and rugged retirement a reality. It is a tactic that employers use to get out of paying out benefits, such as contributions to 401K accounts and pensions. One could say that this is also why the government wishes to do the same with Social Security benefits by raising the retirement age. The current maximum benefit for people retiring at the standard age is $3,148 per month. The Social Security Administration currently allows someone to start collecting their retirement benefits no earlier than the age of 62. However. the penalty for doing so could mean $800 less a month for the rest of their lives. No matter where one lives in the US, that is a considerable amount of lost money that people could use to simply survive. Since many Americans seem to not
About Us
even reach retirement age and must be punished by the system for simply being too old, it is necessary to lower the retirement age to 60-62. That way, if a person is out of luck in the job market when they are at the tail end of their 50s, they may choose to withdraw their retirement benefits early. Unfortunately, the federal government thinks that since people are living longer lives, with many people living into their 80s and 90s, the age requirement should be raised. In 1983, Congress drafted a law in which the retirement age will increase by two months each year until it reaches 67, which started counting in 2000. After it reaches this point, I have a suspicion that they may want to increase it some more. With lowering the retirement age there is a cost that needs to be paid upon the American taxpayer. This should not be too much of a burden on anyone, mainly due to current events. According to Brown University research, the US has spent over 2.2 trillion dollars since the war in Afghanistan started, with 85 billion dollars going to equip the Afghan Army. By diverting revenue away from the military, these resources could be used to fund Social Security even more, which
would make up for the necessary revenue to fund a proposal such as lowering the retirement age, without raising taxes elsewhere. The current pandemic has also forced many older working people into early retirement. According to NPR, around 2 million more Americans decided to retire during the pandemic than in previous years. This could be due to involuntary layoffs, which happened to many at the start of the pandemic, or fears of catching the virus while on the job. However, this phenomenon is not new as indicated by the AARP survey results. It is just more prevalent because of current events. One could say that with how everything has unfolded in the past year, the discussion of new ideas such as this is necessary for society to recover in a new and meaningful way. Lowering the retirement age will fix many of the age-related discrimination issues that this country has and will free up jobs for younger generations entering the workforce, such as us students who attend Cameron. That way, everyone gets a bit of what they want in life, and they can live out what is left of what we called the American Dream. Letters Policy
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
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.
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.
Our Views
Editorial Staff
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.
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.
Managing Editor - Cambron Alsbrook Assistant Managing Editor - Brittney Payette Voices Editor - Alison Malawey A & E Editor - Shianne Taylor Student Life Editor - Ryan Martin Sports Editor - Jimm Alley Copy Editor - Brittney Payette
Newsroom Staff
Staff Writers - Charles Ajjarapu, Jackson Miller, Jashua Orndorff, Ashlin Penn, Cade Taylor Photographers - Joshua Dodge, Ian Snyder Financial Officer - Susan Hill Faculty Adviser - Prof. David Bublitz
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
Magic Lantern Brittney Payette
Assistant Managing Editor
Brief
The Magic Lantern Film Society opened its Fall 2021 semester with a screening of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 in the McCasland Ballroom. Sophomore Keegan McCray and Freshman Brennan Price said that they enjoyed the film, which dealt with regret, relationships, and memories. They both agreed that they would not want to get rid of their memories of someone, even if some of the memories were negative. McCray said that although she was confused at first, the plot started making sense later in the movie. Additionally, she felt like she knew what to expect and was able to better understand the movie because one of her professors had discussed the movie in class before. She also said that she felt like the movie was relatable because of the themes. “I thought that was a really cool story,” McCray said. “I feel like if that happened to me, I feel like that’s how I would be,” McCray said. Price also enjoyed watching the movie and found it interesting and relatable, although she said that she would not feel comfortable erasing someone from her memories. “You would not want to forget them.” Price said. Magic Lantern invites everyone to attend their free film screenings. Attendees of the film screenings can request classic films that they would like to see at the future Magic Lantern screening by visiting https://www. cameron.edu/magiclantern/suggest-afilm. Magic Lantern’s advisor Dr. John Morris encourges people to request classic films to be shown. “We have always defined classic films as movies at least ten years old that have received critical acclaim of some kind,” Morris said. “Other than that, the only limitation is that the movies have to be available from Swank Motion Pictures, the company from which we license the films.” The next screening for the Magic Lantern Film Society is the cult-
September 20, 2021 www.aggiecentral.com
A Brief and Review
classic Clerks at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 in the McCasland Ballroom. For more information, students can go to Magic Lantern’s website at https://www. cameron.edu/magiclantern.
Review
The “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” cast list includes Jim Carrey as Joel, Kate Winslet as Clementine, Tom Wilkinson as Dr. Howard Mierzwiak, Elijah Wood as Patrick, Mark Ruffalo as Stan, and Kirsten Dunst as Mary. Joel is an unreliable narrator whose story is told mostly through memories, which are subjective and skewed. The romance between Joel and Clementine is shown through Joel’s memories. Joel is cautious, lonely, socially awkward, artistic and often quiet. Conversely, Clementine is sociable and quirky. She frequently engages in incredibly risky and impulsive behaviors. She has no issue breaking rules, such as breaking into a house or driving drunk. She has a substance abuse problem, along with mental issues. These issues and differences cause strife in her relationship with Joel. Joel and Clementine met initially at a party. Joel was immediately enamored by her vivid appearance and her tendency to throw caution to the wind. The juxtaposition of their very different personalities is also shown through their appearances. Joel’s world is grey and bland before he meets Clementine, whose colorful and ever-changing hair and personality brings brightness into his life that he did not have before meeting her. However, their contrasting personalities lead to problems with their relationship, which ultimately leads to them breaking up. Impulsive Clementine decides to get a procedure done by a company called Lacuna, which erases people’s memories of someone. Clementine chooses to have Joel removed from her memories. Joel is heartbroken when he finds out what Clementine has done, and he decides to get back at her by erasing her from his memories as well. During the procedure, we see Joel and Clementine’s past moments, from Joel’s perspective as Lacuna workers fcommence the eradication of Clementine from Joel’s memories. During the operation, he remembers his and Clementine’s relationship- the good
and the bad. While the procedure is taking place, Clementine’s new boyfriend is trying to win her over by using Joel’s memories of her. This triggers Clementine as she tries to figure out why she feels that something is wrong with her, as she does not remember erasing Joel from her memories. Joel ends up changing his mind during the procedure and decides that he does not want to go through with erasing Clementine from his memories, even if reflecting on the past hurts. He attempts to stop the procedure from destroying any more memories of Clementine by taking and hiding Clementine into other memories, where she was not supposed to be. Meanwhile, Patrick, one of the Lacuna Company’s workers that erases Joel’s memories of Clementine, has to contact Dr. Howard because Joel successfully hides Clementine in past memory, thus stopping the procedure from progressing. Dr. Howard does end up finishing the procedure, and Joel forgets Clementine. However, they meet again, not realizing that they have a shared history together. The movie does a remarkable job of tying things back together and making things that may have seemed unimportant, at first, relevant later on. Initially, viewers may experience some confusion as to what is happening, but things come together in the end. It is a truly masterful and immersive experience that takes the audience into the memories of its protagonist. The movie reminds the audience that all relationships have their ups and downs. It also has a theme of regret, especially with Joel’s decision to erase his memories of Clementine and Mary’s realization that she had her memories of her affair with Dr. Howard erased at his
Photos by Brittney Payette
wife’s insistence. Joel, Clementine, and Mary all regretted having their memories erased once they learned what they had done because the feelings were still there, but the memories were not. It left them feeling confused and hurt. The movie brings up important points about memories. Our memories make up an integral part of who we are, regardless of whether we perceive them to be good or bad. Even bad memories are worth remembering because our memories have shaped the person that we are now. The movie was extremely well put together. The actors were wonderful, especially Jim Carry and Kate Winslet, both of whom brought their respective characters to life in a relatable and poignant way. I thoroughly enjoyed the film, and I would highly recommend that you watch it if you have not already seen it. If you have seen it, consider watching it again. It is definitely a memorable film that can be enjoyed again and again. I would rate this film 5 out of 5 stars.
Theatre season opener: Blithe Spirit Raising spirits: The Cameron University Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts will host a student production of “Blithe Spirit” at 7:30 p.m. from Sept. 30 through Oct. 2; and 2 p.m. on Oct. 3. The play is about getting exactly what one asks for, but not necassarily what one wants.
Photos by Shianne Taylor
www.aggiecentral.com
By Cade Taylor Staff Writer
At 5 p.m. on Sept. 8 in the Center for Writers in Nance Boyer, Cameron University PRIDE (CU PRIDE) held their first meeting for the 2021-2022 school year. Discussions were mostly about what the group hopes to achieve this semester and what they would like to see happen inside the organization. Topics discussed at the first meeting consisted of the new CU Pride logo, fundraising ideas, Fall and Spring events, and potentially setting up brand new social media accounts. The long term plan discussed was a potential Drag Show for Cameron University
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Student Life
September 20, 2021
Cameron Pride reborn
students in the Spring semester. CU Pride, like many other organizations, is in its rebuilding stages having it’s membership count affected by COVID-19. Before the pandemic, there were four times the number of members, and they are hoping to gather those numbers again. CU Pride President Cam Alsbrook hopes that, amid the Covid pandemic, the organization can be a safe space for students on campus and members of the lawton community. “We want to be an open space for people to come and find solace from any problems that they might have,” Alsbrook said. “And, also have an environment to where
they may feel safe to talk about their problems with people.” Alsbrook was elected President of the organization just before the pandemic went into full effect, but he has been a valued member of CU Pride since 2017. Academic Success Coordinator Rachel Monzingo is also part of the organization, helping it run efficiently as the Club Advisor — assisting Alsbrook and the other officers on whatever they might need. “It’s very new this year in the sense that we’re trying to rebrand and recreate to get people to be actively involved,” Mozingo said. “So we’re kind of at the foundation stage right now. So, I just support students in that
whether it be helping communicate between faculty and staff, organizing rooms, or making sure the budgets good. But really, Cam and the students are the star[s] of the show.” Since the current members are in the process of rebuilding the organization from the ground up, CU Pride is currently looking for members who wish to fill permanent spots for their officer positions. The current positions that need coverage are vice president, treasurer, secretary, and a possible social media coordinator once the group can regain a reputable number of members again. Alsbrook is the current sitting president for CU Pride, however, at the end of October,
the organization will also be looking for his replacement, as he steps down to focus on his studies and upcoming graduation. Members of the organization meet bi-weekly at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, but officers must attend weekly meetings. Officers need to meet twice a month for officer meetings and twice a month for regular meetings with the other active mebers of the group Students have the choice to attend the meetings in person or join via the Zoom link that is located on the CU Pride Facebook page. With the current rebranding in process, there is no limit to what the pride organization could do or become.
In the past, the organization has had monthly potlucks, hosted panels open to students and the community, and participated in multiple different community events. CU Pride is open for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as any allies who wish to join. Although the organization may be intended for CU students, it is open for the entire community, not just people who attend Cameron University. For CU Pride registration or any questions you may have, you can contact Cam Alsbrook at cambron. alsbrook@cameron.edu or Rachel Mozingo at rmozingo@cameron. edu.
Ask an Aggie
How do you feel about returning to classroom instruction this Fall?
“I definitely do think it is a good thing we are slowly easing into it, but we also have to remember to stay cautious. Being in person helps me a lot. It’s been mainly positive because I have personally been staying safe. A lot of other of my classmates have been staying safe as well.” Kyleigh Garmon, Freshman, Theatre Performance major
“I am ecstatic about returning to in person classes. I learn a lot better in person. Being face-to-face prevents that barrier for me from actually getting an in-depth explanation on the subject. I love being around people again.” Mikel Weatherspoon, Junior, Accounting major
“It’s nice to be able to see everyone’s face. Personally, I am more of an in-person learner. Online classes don’t do anything for me. It’s also really nice that they keep us distant and are still thinking about our safety”. Araia Heathcott, Sophomore, Theatre Performance major
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Sports
September 20, 2021 www.aggiecentral.com
Aggie Athletics Feature: with Spirit Coach Adla-Marie Tait Ashlin Penn Staff Writer
Cameron University’s nearly 30 member Spirit Team is led by Head Coach, Adla-Marie Tait. In just her second season in the program, Tait became Cameron’s Athletics’ Coach of the Year. Tait used to be a member of the collegiate squad, herself, when she was a student. “It was a complete surprise,” she said. “I had absolutely no idea and then I saw it posted, and I was in shock. It was a very cool feeling.” Tait also mentioned how her boss congratulated her, as well as receiving text messages from some of the team members. This award is important to the spirit team because it has given them confidence going into the upcoming season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the team had to remain in the stands, wear masks and social distance. Tait plans to continue to incorporate different things she learned at her Alma Mater, Bowling Green State University. She mentioned accountability partners as well as team building and continuing to grow the program. Sophomore dancer Madalynn Elkouri spoke about the changes that are being made from the 2020 season. “Just being able to dance on the court,” Elkouri said. “That’s a really big change from last year.”
Cameron Athletics is adhering closely to both CDC and NCAA guidelines in light of the ongoing pandemic. They will be able to return to the sidelines, perform and support the Aggies from the court. Elkouri also mentioned how deserving Coach Tait is of the award. “Coach has worked really hard,” Elkouri said. “I think it is well deserved for her, and it has brought the team closer together.” The Spirit Team is also involved in Volleyball and Men and Women’s Basketball. The squad members are excited to perform during these sports and are looking forward to seeing a crowd. Tait said that she likes the Spirit Team perform at basketball games the most. “My personal favorite is Basketball because we get to do a lot,” she said. “We can go out onto the court multiple times during the game...but for Volleyball, because of the net, we don’t get to go out very much.” The first Women’s Volleyball game took place at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 15 in the Aggie Gym and was CU versus Southeastern Oklahoma State. The Aggies will have nine home games this season. Both Men’s and Women’s Basketball will start in November with about 15 home games a piece. For more information or for a detailed composite schedule with all Aggie Athletics game times and locations, visit CameronAggies.com/ calendar.
Photo courtesy of Cameron Athletics
Photo by Ashlinn Penn
Let’s Go PickAxes!
In depth on Cameron esports with John Cunningham Photo by Jimm Alley
Charles Ajjarapu Staff Writer
For the second year, the Cameron PickAxes will be preparing for the upcoming esports season with high hopes. Cameron esports Coach, John Cunningham said, after getting the first year under their belt, the team is looking forward for the continued growth of the program. “When you are joining esports, how committed are you?” Cunningham said. “Obviously, we want you to be committed to your school work because graduating is number one, but if you are in the esports – that should be number two,” Cunningham said. For esports athletes ready to make the commitment, Cameron is holding tryouts for the team starting the week of Sept. 13.
The squad is currently looking to fill spots for the four gameplay teams: Overwatch, League of Legends, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. To bring out better competition for the team, Cunningham wants to hold tryouts to help improve the team for the competition ahead. “An example would be our Super Smash team; it gets to the point where I have really good players on the team already, so I have to base these tryouts on how good you are and how you can help us win against other schools,” Cunningham said. Esports athletes have the opportunity to put their talents to work competing against many Oklahoma schools, from University of Oklahoma to Rogers State University. Athletes can win gaming accessories like new computer mouses, keyboards, and a variety of other materials to help boost their gameplay experience.
Students can also receive tuition waivers throughout the season as well. “For students just thinking about trying out, I will give them access to the esports room even if they are not on the team, so they can practice before tryouts to get familiar to all equipment,” Cunningham said. “I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to do their best.” Communication, English and Foreign Languages Department Chair Christopher Keller and Information Technology Director Kelly McClure, drafted the original proposal to bring esports to Cameron. The McMahon Foundation generously provided a grant of $110,000 to start up the program. “Kelly McClure took the money and bought all the equipment, lights and everything for the room,” Cunningham said. “Both of them (Keller and McClure) began designing the room.
They broke down walls... put new glass, lights, and fresh paint to make a whole esports room.” Cunningham said the program has been a success – resulting in busy days and relentless practice for esports athletes. Cunningham wants to win. “I reiterate this to everyone that shows up; is this what you want to do? Cause this is what it will entail; I am going to need your time,” Cunningham said, “twice a week in practice and maybe a game week for a league or tournament.” Even though Cunningham takes practicing very seriously, he also stresses team-building. “You will see a shy and quiet person turn into that talkative and excited person,” Cunningham said. “The way they change their personality over time, you just see them grow as a person and for me, that excites me the most.”