VolumeVolume 43, 43, Issue Issue 44 Sept. 28,Sept. 28, 2011 2011studentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatementstudentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatement

OPINIONS

FEATURES

SPORTS

Use your voice Page 3

See MSC-TV for more stories!

Twins on court Page 12

Dr. Cantwell�’s anthologyPage 2

Blood Drive Page 7

NEWS

Wednesday, Sept. 28BLUE STORM DAYMacon Campus Lakeside7 p.m.THE SPANISH TABLEForeign Language Lab4 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 29Artist & Lecturers: Adam MansbachWRC Academic Services Building Auditorium3 p.m. and Macon Campus Rehearsal Hall 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 16Dr. David Sutherland presents Permutations and TableauxMacon Campus - Professional Sciences Center, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, SundayOct. 1 & 2Crossroads Writers Conference & Literary

Festival567 Cafe 8 a.m.�–6 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 3Domestic Violence Awareness MonthMacon and Warner Robins All day

Tuesday, Oct. 4Health Information FairMacon Campus - Professional Sciences CenterStarbucks Lobby, 8 a.m. �– 10 a.m.

View complete information about campus events by clicking on the �“Campus Calendar�” link at studentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatement.

What’s happening around campus and community

The library extends operating hours

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Twins on cou

BY JESSICA SPENCER|NEWS EDITOR

Need more time to study? The Macon State library is extending its hours in order to provide further assistance to students. Beginning Oct. 3, the Macon campus library will start opening its doors at 7:30 a.m. Monday�–Thursday in hopes of accommodating more students. Currently, both the on campus residents and the school�’s general population do not have a library facility open on Saturdays. There is not a study room or housing conference room available where residential students can study after traditional class hours. In fact, outside of the four bedroom apartments with the shared kitchen and living space, on campus students are solely dependent on the Macon State campus library. In response to student inquires about the library�’s current business hours, Macon State�’s SGA president Summer Leverett set up a meeting with the Director of Library Services Pat Borck. The goal of this meeting was to discuss extending the library hours from its current closing-time 10 p.m. until midnight and opening the library on Saturdays.

Borck said, �“When we [the library] close at 10 p.m. we don�’t have the student attendance to justify keeping power on, keeping lights on, and keeping it staffed until midnight.�”

Story continued on page 2

Photo by Alexis Meeks | Copy Editor

Sept. 28, 2011 NEWS 2

Continued from front page

Macon State College is currently working in Energy-Saving-Mode, which it has adhered to since February 2009. This model was put into operation when there was not on-campus housing, neither were there as many students as there are now currently attending the Macon Campus. According to the Macon State Factbook 2010-201, the college has seen an expediential increase in its student population. Just last year alone, the student count was a little over 1500 students; 907 of those students were beginning freshmen. Borck remembers the former president of Macon State College Dr. David A Bell, �“cut [ing] the operating hours of the campus to 4.5 days per week so that the campus would close at noon on Friday, which we still do.�” Bell altered the school�’s operating hours in response to the budget situation in 2009. Colleges are always looking for ways to save energy and cut spending. Borck said of the complaints she hears are about the library closing on Friday afternoons and it not being open on Saturday, �“All of which I completely understand.�” Talking with Borck, there was a general sense of mutual consideration in the air from faculty to student. Leverett asked, �“Would it be possible to have a small room in Resident�’s Life, where students can have a study room?�” Director of Library Services, Borck said that prior to the opening

of the school�’s on-campus housing, librarian Felicia Haywood and Residence Life director Chris Summerlin spoke of doing just that. �“It just did not happened,�” said Borck. She explained, �“The room that was going to be used had no data ports and there was no wireless at the beginning right when residence life opened.�” Students are encouraged to use the new library hours to their advantage.

Don�’t forget to check out studentweb.maconstate.edu/msctv for a video related to this piece. There are other stories on

MSC-TV about campus happenings as well.

NEED MORE INFORMATION? It�’s on MSC-TV!

Photo by Sarah Frye-Mitchell

English professor publishes new anthologyBY DANIELLE QUESENBERRY | FEATURES EDITOR

The Fall Line Review and the English Studies Organization (ESO) hosted a reception honoring Dr. Kevin Cantwell�’s newest anthology �“Writing on Napkins at the Sunshine Club�” last Wednesday, Sept. 22. Dr. Kelly Whiddon, a contributor, read her poem, �“Swans and Mosquitoes.�” Cantwell read his poem, �“These Hights�” along with a poem by deceased contributor Adrienne Bond. The collection consists of poets spanning from 1905�–1972 who have written or are writing in Macon. Included in the anthology are Georgia�’s former poet laureate, David Bottoms, and nationally known poet, Reginald Shepherd. Cantwell said that this was important for students to realize Macon�’s talent because �“they have a community.

There are writers in Macon. They are not alone.�”Showing that Macon is an inspiring community the anthology should bring notice to the talent that is here, and spur even more writers to pursue what many consider a dying art form. Whiddon said, �“You just have to keep trying. I�’ve gotten lots of rejection letters. But it is the acceptance letters that matter. With my perseverance, I was asked to be in this anthology, and now, have a book offer.�” The anthology stands to remind students to follow their dreams, even if they feel isolated or they strive to create something that won�’t be appreciated. Cantwell and his fellow poets have proven that poetry still lives and lurks vibrantly in Macon. You can now pick up a copy of the anthology at the Macon State Bookstore.

History and Political Science Tutoring Center

Monday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday 8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., 4:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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Using your voice in governmentBY KATHRYN BONIOL | STAFF WRITER

Can you name your state�’s senators or what bills are currently in Congress? According to projectvote.org only 17 percent of Americans between the ages of 18- to 29- year-olds voted in 2008. It may seem ludicrous to think that the population has to abide by these laws, yet we have no idea what is being passed, how they are passed and most importantly who is passing them. Getting involved in the government seems like a daunting task, yet if one is passionate enough about a cause, writing a congressmen or attending a protest can be an exciting experience. Dr. James Decker, a political science professor, said the first step in being more involved in the government is registering to vote. Decker also advised getting involved in local government by attending meetings and making contacts within the community. Controversial issues are not just for the congressmen to decide. How are they to represent the people when citizens are not telling them what is needed? A great example for Americans is a protest that occurred just two weeks ago. A large group of people organized by the magazine Adbusters (adbusters.org) demonstrated against banks and large corporations. The protestors claimed that the corporations have too much power and are not held responsible for the lack of employment when they could be hiring. With signs such as �“People, not profit�” the protestors were using their demonstration to try and make a difference. Although these demonstrations are not

government related, it shows that Americans can come together and tell these faceless intuitions what is needed. If contacting a representative is not appealing or answered, try contacting some interest groups. Finding an interest group is as easy as typing your interest into a search engine. Want marijuana to be legalized or want same-sex marriages to be recognized by the state of Georgia? Start contacting Washington or your state lobbyist. There is strength in numbers. Laws get passed and lives are changed by the voices of the people. Together we can change the world. You do not have to be in office to decide what laws we abide by. The first step to change is by breaking the chains of ignorance and silence.

4 OPINIONS Sept. 28, 2011

BY ANDREW HILL | COLUMNIST

Looking at students around campus, I�’ve noticed an unacceptable trend. Students, male and female alike, wearing plaid shirts of predominantly one color; for the sake of example let�’s make that color turquoise. Now, there is nothing wrong with wearing a turquoise plaid shirt, but the problem presents itself when the rest of the out t is coordinated to match the shirt exactly. This usually consists of a shirt worn under the plaid that matches the color, a hat that matches the plaid, jeans of some type, and shoes the same color as the shirt. I understand how one could believe this to be style, or that heinously popular word �“swag�”, but it is not so. When we were younger, we were taught matching was the way to dress. But the rules of old have been banished by the new gods of fashion. Matching has been transformed and its newest embodiment is Color Blocking. While color blocking is certainly not a new concept for the fashion world, it has made huge waves in the industry in recent years. Color blocking is really all about wearing various bright colors in one look. You can use graphic lines to make it look Mondrian-esque; art baby, look it up. However, color blocking can be done in a number of ways, not necessarily to mimic a Mondrian painting. The always fresh

concept of color blocking allows you to use bold and vibrant colors at the same time without it being overwhelming and scary. More importantly this means you�’re wearing the out t, and the out t isn�’t wearing you. Though one would typically wear bright colors, as aforementioned, in color blocking it isn�’t just for the spring and summer. With fall and winter just around the corner, you can still have fun with it! Try wearing khaki pants with a mauve blouse (for les femmes) and a wine colored leather/vegan leather aka faux motorcycle jacket. Throw on a pair of nude heels and you�’ve got color blocking for fall! For les hommes, try a burnt orange tweed blazer, dark blue slim tting (not necessarily skinny, just tting) jeans, a plum Oxford, and camel loafers. Make fall a time for new fashion and adventure! Just because the weather is becoming less vibrant doesn�’t mean your style takes a nosedive. Fall is the season of major accessories, layering, and coats! Make good use of them. Just don�’t forget not to over-accessorize and match all of your accessories to your look. If you�’re wearing a red shirt, purple coat, and blue trousers do not stack your wrists with every color you are wearing. My advice is to pick the least dominant color and wear one or two accessories of the same. As always: If you like something, wear it, own it, and make it your own; just make sure you know your body. But that, my lovelies, is another lesson altogether. �‘Til the next time my lovelies.

BY DANIELLE QUESENBERRY| FEATURES EDITOR

I recently took note of the plethora of Student Life activit ies geared toward sex. I overheard a conversation that sex was running rampant in the student housing. I was a l i t t le disgruntled, I�’l l admit, when I heard that the event �“Sex and Candy�” was about the �“fears�” of sex. Fears, people? Really. I think Macon State has been a commuter college for so long that sometimes people forget that i t is st i l l a college. Scare tactics aren�’t going to work. If they did, STDs wouldn�’t be radiating through our country l ike a forest f ire. I think I�’d rather discuss the implications of promiscuous sexual activity. Education on these matters is key. There are moral and ethical reasons aligned with medical to keep your party in your pants. Sex is a part of human life. Instead of degrading i t , and making i t a dirty topic, discuss i t openly. Teach the students how to protect themselves. Focus on the emotional issues that work that make a woman or man feel the necessity to �“sow their wild oats�” as the saying goes.

Let�’s just say that I�’ve had the same idea about the sex problem since I was younger and a person very close to me told me, �“Sex complicates things,�” which is just as passive aggressive phrase as �“Guns kil l people.�” Even then I knew that this isn�’t true. Come on people, let al l of us be responsible for our actions as adults. Guns don�’t kil l people, and sex doesn�’t complicate anything unless you allow it to. Once you get down to i t sex is a very basic activity. I t�’s people that complicate something that, lets face i t kids, is completely natural and healthy for a human body. The question you must ask yourself , at the end of the day, is how many people do you want to carry around a t iny piece of yourself , that has cracked open in one of your most vulnerable moments? This question is one that only you can figure out an answer for, seeing how every one has a different view point on sex. If you need more information, or have an issue, both the Counseling Center (maconstate.edu/counseling), and the Health Clinic (maconstate.edu/nursing/healthclinic) would be more than happy to assist you. That�’s what they are there for, and they are completely confidential .

The art of color blocking F r o m t h e e x c l u s i ve d e s k o f yo u r b u s i n e s s d i vo - f a s h i o n i s t a

Sex: What to do with it?

5 OPINIONS Sept. 28, 2011

The Macon Statement Staff

Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Frye-Mitchell editor@maconstate.edu

News Editor: Jessica Spencer newseditor@maconstate.edu

Opinions Editor: Kenny Logan opinionseditor@maconstate.edu

Features Editor: Danielle Quesenberryopinionseditor@maconstate.edu

Sports Editor: Kaleb Clark sportseditor@maconstate.edu

Photo Editor and Layout: Meaghan Smith photoeditor@maconstate.edu

Online Editor: Harry Underwood onlineeditor@maconstate.edu

Copy Editors: Alexis Meeks, Stephanie Miller

Writers/Columnists: Kathryn Boniol, Andrew Hill

Photographers: Kayla Barton, Robert Reese

Cartoonists: Patrick Lippert, Elisha Faulks

Contact Student Media Coordinator Katherine Tippins (katherine.tippins@maconstate.edu) if you�’re interested in being a part of The Macon Statement staff.

Letters PolicyThe editor of The Macon Statement will try to print all letters received. Letters should be, at maximum, 250 to 300 words long. The writer must include: full name, professional title if a Macon State employee or Georgia resident, or year and major if a student. An address and phone number are required with all letters sent, but this personal information will not be published. The student newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for style, length or possible libel. The newspaper will not, under any circumstance, withhold names.

Please address all correspondence to Letter to the Editor at editor@maconstate.edu. Where current events are concerned, priority will be given to those letters written by students, faculty and staff of Macon State College.DISCLAIMER: The Macon Statement is the registered student newspaper of Macon State College and is published biweekly (Mondays) during fall and spring semesters. Opinions and ideas expressed in The Macon Statement are those of the individual artists, authors and student editors, and are not those of Macon State College, its Board of Regents, the student body or the advertisers. The Macon Statement is paid for, in part, through student activity fees.

Contact Us:The Macon StatementStudent Life Center Room 120100 College DriveMacon, GA 31206478-757-3605, Fax: 478-757-2626editor@maconstate.edu

Got opinions? Share them by commenting here: studentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatement. Also, check the student media blog for polls and updates: blogs.maconstate.edu/studentmedia.

BY KENNY LOGAN | OPINIONS EDITOR

A little more than ten years ago the World Trade Center were attacked, resulting in the death of 3,000 people. Ever since we failed to realize the reason not just for the attacks but the overall animosity segments of the world has for country. Only by addressing the cause of why such feelings exist and x them do we nally make some kind of progress. Until we do so we will continue to be under constant attacks. America has a record of interfering in other countries�’ politics for its own agenda, especially in the last three decades. We supported Hosni Mubarak in oppressing his people for 30 years until the Arab Spring forced President Obama�’s reluctant call for him to resign. It was recently revealed Senators John McCain, Lindsay Graham and Joe Lieberman supported giving military aid to Libya�’s Muammar Gadda . We are working with a former Al-Qaeda ally who not only openly admits to housing the mastermind behind the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, but also to deceiving the CIA in order to protect him and his group. These don�’t even scratch the

surface of what we�’re doing internationally. Osama bin Laden told us before and after the WTC attacks what they want us to do: get out of their country and stop meddling. If Canada did the same thing to us that we�’re doing in Afghanistan or Iraq we would shit a house of bricks. Why would anyone expect them to act any differently? The mantra of �“we have to ght them over there so we don�’t ght them over here�” is so easy to debunk anyone who has a good knowledge of recent history can tell you how that�’s untrue. During the Vietnam con ict the American people were told the same thing, yet when we withdrew the North Vietnamese Army, which had airplanes, didn�’t follow. What makes anyone think the Afghani or Iraqi ghters would �“come over here�”? It seems at least in the case of Afghanistan we only have so much time. Tribal elders in the country are voicing concerns about their diminishing numbers, stating the younger generations are becoming increasingly uncontrollable. In just a few years there may be an entire population hating us without any idea of why or how to nd a resolution. If what they fear comes to pass happens nobody, not the citizens or ghters on either side, will be able to come to a peaceful end to this international tragedy.

Ten years later what have we learned?

BY KATHERINE BONIOL|STAFF WRITER AND DANIELLE QUESENBERRY|FEATURES EDITOR

Macon has always been a known place for the artists that support its rich history. Unfortunately, this has been overlooked in recent times. One such event to grow from the push to celebrate artists and writers in Macon is the literary gathering known as Crossroads Writing Conference. It is described by Crossroadswriters.org as a conference featuring almost three-dozen professional writers who have come to share their insight and expertise. The conference will kick off Friday night with a reading and panel discussion, honoring the new anthology produced by Macon State�’s Creative Writing professor Kevin Cantwell, �“Writing on Napkins at the Sunshine Club.�” Cantwell will read from his anthology, and Dr. Kelly Whiddon, Seaborn Jones, Anya Silver, and former Georgia poet laureate David Bottoms

will be reading their work from the book and answering questions. Registration will begin on Saturday at the 567 Center for Renewal otherwise known as the 567 Café, followed by a series of lectures and small panels at the Café. Authors will speak on subjects ranging from crafting a novel, to marketing work successfully. Some of the classes will be focused on using the new media explosion, and how a writer can utilize this new technology for distributing his or her work. Big names like Rick Moody, Adam Mansbach, Gail Simone, and Ad Hudler will be presenting small lectures on many forms of literary art, from comics to poetry to screenwriting. Sunday there will be a literary festival, giving attendees the opportunity to go to the Bookfair or meet their favorite Crossroads�’ authors. Kids are encouraged to attend the event. Braun got to the heart of the issue Crossroads wishes to target; she said

�“Our goal is to open a writing center for after-school programs serving children 6-18 years old, similar to the 826 National centers founded by writer Dave Eggers.�” Student ticket prices are discounted to $40. Whiddon said, �“Comparable confverences�’ fees are in the hundreds of dollars, but we are charging only $40 for students, a huge discount from the regular registration of $75, which is a phenomenal deal in itself.�” This conference is a perfect opportunity for students who are serious about any form of writing and to reap the bene ts that many of our English faculty at Macon State worked hard to put together. For more information on registration, ticket prices and the conference schedule, visit crossroadswriters.org. If you�’re interested in volunteering or for more information, email Dr. Heather Braun (heather.braun@maconstate.edu) and Dr. Shane Trayers, (shane.trayers@maconstate.edu). FE

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The Crossroads series is here

7 FEATURES Sept. 28, 2011

Macon State College Blood Drive

Wednesday October 510 am- 2 pm

On the PSC patio (outside of the Starbucks Lobby)

Central Georgia is an important region, meaning that 2500 units of blood are needed in an average day. But the reality is that the Red Cross only receives 1700 units per day. This year the Blood Drives goal is to recieve at least 60 units of blood. In order to meet this goal, the Drive aims to be a school-wide event, This year�’s sponsors of the Blood Drive include NSN (Natural Sciences Network), MSCAHE (Macon State College Association of Healthcare Executives) and MSCARE (Macon State College Association of Respiratory Education). Currently, anyone that is interested in having a table in the Starbucks Lobby during the event can contact Trinika Addison (478-757-2656). The table can be used for promotional or informational purposes. Any school organization or of ce is welcome to participate.

MACON

We Appreciate You!

Introducing a fresh new taste:hand-crafted sandwiches, salads andspuds. Made with our new Black Angus roast beef, Black Forest ham, artisan breads and premium ingredients. And right now, use this $3 gift certificate towards your next order. It doesn’t get any sweeter than that!

Comic by Elisha Faulks

Sept. 28, 2011 FEATURES 8

Tribes gather for a fun filled dayBY ALEXIS MEEKS|COPY EDITOR

For the past twenty years various tribes of the Southeastern Native Americans have come together at the Ocmulgee National Monument as a way to not only ensure the continuation of their various cultures but to also educate others. This year�’s festivities began on Sept. 18 with the grand entry and standing salute to the Mvskoke Nations Honor Guard. The Guard was made up of veterans of the American Armed Forces including four former Marines and two former Army members. During a rousing prayer and song the Guard invited any military veterans to join them in a dance to honor fallen soldiers and to celebrate those who have survived. As the festival continued, dancers and speakers from various tribes were able to perform and to educate spectators. Every dance that was

performed included a spoken lesson about what type of dance was shown and what its place was within tribal ceremonies or life. Since the festival is held at the Monument many current and former Macon State College students attended the festivities. When asked about his favorite part of the festival, former Macon State student Glen Stone said, �“While the actual Indian mounds are a permanent and fascinating part of the Ocmulgee National Monument, I think that it�’s the ceremonial dances that really bring to life the whole experience of this annual Celebration. Hearing the narrative of each dance as it is performed sheds much light on the cultural signi cance of these creative expressions.�” Along with sharing cultural aspects of each tribe the festival also lent itself to the enrichment of the Macon community through reminding people that Macon was originally built buy a vastly thriving group of people. The festival also used the excellent backdrop of the Ocmulgee mounds to tell local stories and show how the original tribes lived during their heyday.

Current Macon State student Christinia King said, �“Besides seeing the actual artifacts there were plenty of people telling amusing stories that were authentic to the culture. Plus, the mounds are a wonderful part of the festival�’s authenticity since they�’re surviving links to the past.�” To this day the Ocmulgee National Monument remains a link to the rich past that Macon has. Having such a link to our past and our nations history allows new generations to experience other cultures. For more information about the Ocmulgee National Monument visit their website at nps.gov/ocmu.

Photos by Alexis Meeks| Copy Editor Plainmen dancer Jacob Gober demonstrating a traditional Grass Dance. Gober was also a drummer at the Festival.

Plainsmen dancers taking a break before their next set of dances begin.

View of the Lesser and Great Temple mounds as seen from the Village Site.

9 FEATURES Sept. 28, 2011

BY SARAH FRYE-MITCHELL|EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Looking for something to do? Tired of the humdrum of restless classes and dull dorm rooms? Macon State has put together an organization to alleviate boredom and provide opportunities for students to socialize on campus. Please welcome CAB, the Campus Activities Board, a student organization that gives its student members the chance to organize events for their peers. According to Amy Carter, Student Life Programm coordinater and staff adviser for this organization, �“The purpose of CAB is to provide programming by students for students.�” CAB has already put together some lively events on campus, including the recent Pirate Trivia and screening of Pirates of the Carrabin 4, as well as campus cookouts. The club aims to get as many students involved as possible. �“CAB plans to offer a variety of different types of programming to appeal to a variety of students. While some students will get excited about making their own paper boats to race against their friends, we have other students who may prefer to earn Pirate Booty through pirate trivia,�” Carter said.

While the club provides opportunities for students who are not members of CAB to improve their campus experience, it also gives students who join the club experience that can be used after college. Carter said, �“CAB is a great opportunity for students to build their leadership skills and build up their resumes with marketable experiences.�” Herman Drislull III, a biology major and member of CAB, said, �“I think the programs are great�…we get to have a say, a voice for the students.�” Students can give feedback to the club, which helps those organizing the events know what would be popular. Carter said, �“Once we get of cers selected, students can communicate directly with them. Also, CAB will send out various surveys through the Blue Storm Report seeking student input and feedback as well.�” Carter also talked about events coming later in the semester. Come November �“CAB will be hosting the Mindfreeze Gameshow at both campus locations. Students will get the opportunity to play for real cash prizes,�” she said. For more information about CAB activities, go to the Macon State onl ine calendar, or check out the CAB facebook page (facebook.com/msccampusactivitiesboard).

Campus Activities Board provides fun for studentsYour CAB is here: Talk like a pirate, cookouts and movies

Photo courtesy of CAB

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BY CLINARD N. STOKES|STAFF WRITER

Blue Storm Soccer Club�’s fall 2011 season started off on a very hot and humid Sept. 10. Blue Storm�’s first opponent of the season was the Valdosta State Blazers. Knowing the type of opponent they were about to face, Blue Storm came out an hour early to get in some last minute practicing. Even with the blazing sun beaming down on the players they still had enough energy to play hard and aggressive. During the game there was a lot of shirt tugging, pushing, and sliding tackles. Player Carlos Lizotte said referring to the rough play, �“It�’s a part of the game. It stays in the game. We don�’t take it. We all pull shirts when nobody is looking.�” Blue Storm came out strong in both quarters. Still with the sun on top of the player�’s heads all game, Blue Storm was able to show their improved footwork and a lot of strategy. They showed their strategic plays when they knew exactly when to kick the ball out of bounds and when to pass the ball to keep it on the Blazer�’s side of the field.

The Blazers played most of the first half intensely, taking many shots at Blue Storm�’s goal, and due to the superb playing of Blue Storm goalie Joseph McAllister, the Blazers were unable to score at all. McAllister did whatever he could to prevent the ball from touching the net behind him. The second half of the game continued to be a tight game that would lead the game to end with a 0-0 tie. President of the Soccer Club James Murphy said, �“For the first game I think it went really well.�” Last season Blue Storm soccer fought tough, but it was hard for them to commence with a losing record for their first season. Although they did not win the game, the tie was a great way to start off the season. McAllister was arguably the MVP of the game because of his multiple scores blocked and fearless playing on the field. Especially considering that he was not even supposed to play in that position. McAllister said �“I had no idea I was going to play goalie today.�” Even though it may have been a very hot home opener for the Storm, they showed what they are capable of doing this season.

Soccer Club holds hot season opener

Photo by Kaleb Clark | Sports EditorSoccer club, from left to right: Andrew Intaphan, Michael Purvis, Manny Coker, Marco Filipponi, Andy Haney, James Murphy, Michael Poston, Jessica Dallenbach, Dustin Selin, Matt Poley, Alex Wilson.

11 SPORTS Sept. 28, 2011

Are You Interested in Sports?Come and join our team! If you would like to know more, please contact

Sports Editor Kaleb Clark at sportseditor@maconstate.edu

BY KALEB CLARK| SPORTS EDITOR Due to an increase in club membership, Blue Storm rugby is no longer reliant on the Macon Love in order to fill their roster. With the addition of some new players, the Rugby Club has closed all affiliations with the Macon Love rugby team and now has enough players to fill their own rosters no matter whether they choose to play rugby sevens or fifteens. Blue Storm Rugby fought the first game of their fall 2011 season in the form of a scrimmage against Georgia College State University in Milledgeville where the club played their first rugby fifteen�’s game with all team members being from Macon State. During the rugby club�’s debut this past spring, the club was held back by having a low number of players, twelve in total. This led the team, in their first season, to borrow players from the local Macon Love soccer team so that they would have enough players to play a game of fifteens against GCSU. Because of their lack of players Blue Storm leaned toward playing rugby sevens.�“We are a sevens team,�” said Billy Stephens, president of the rugby club. While competing at a Valdosta State rugby sevens tournament, Blue Storm played five games using the same seven players without any substitutes and they still placed second. With the new players comes a new opportunity for Blue Storm rugby. �“We�’re trying to go to rugby fifteens,�” said Stephens. The current rugby roster includes around seventeen players. Stephens expressed that this would be beneficial to the club by allowing them to be able to play rugby fifteens and when they play sevens they can have substitutes. The rugby club�’s first official game will be on October 22 in Milledgeville where they will participate in a fifteen�’s tournament against GCSU and the Macon Love. According Macon State senior Xavier Cross, one of the goals of the team is to teach the new players how to play the game. Cross said, �“I want to encourage anyone that likes to run and kick to come out and check us out.�” Currently the club is still inviting new players interested in

joining the team to come out to their practices on Tues. and Thurs. from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the track field on the east side of campus.

Photo by James McMurran Rugby club practices for their next game.

For news on sports or game times go to bluestorm.maconstate.edu

Rugby Club membership increases

12 SPORTS Sept. 28 2011

BY KALEB CLARK|SPORTS EDITOR Twins Kristina and Kristen Blake have been playing basketball since they were little, and now they have decided to storm the courts with Blue Storm�’s new women�’s basketball team. �“We�’ve played together all our lives,�” said Kristen. The two sisters have played basketball together in recreation, on a team at Bear Creek Middle School, and while they were attending high school at West Orange High. �“Now we�’re in college trying to, you know, make up a woman�’s basketball team,�” said Kristina. On the court, you can tell the sisters apart by their positions. Kristen is a dominant point guard while her sister Kristina is dominantly a shooter. Kristen shared that she and her sister have chemistry on the court. According to the sisters, Kristen helps Kristina out with her dribbling and Kristina assists Kristen with her shooting skills. For those of you that have played a sport before you have probably heard the saying that your team is like your family. �“I mean, once I get close to my, um, teammates it be the same like as they�’re my sisters as well,�” said Kristen. One of the problems the sisters stressed about the team was its decreasing numbers. �“It�’s like we�’re decreasing. Girls aren�’t coming. We started off with at least 9 but now it�’s like 5, today it�’s four,�” said Kristen at their Sept. 15 practice. While they watched their number of teammates decrease or at least the number of woman attending practices decrease, why are the sisters still playing? They both clearly stated that they loved basketball. Adding to their love for the game, Kristen listed the benefits of being on the woman�’s basketball team, �“meeting new people, getting in shape, just having fun. That�’s the main thing.�” The woman�’s basketball team is part of the Blue Storm

basketball club as a whole, so the boys and the girl�’s teams practice together and share the same coach, Jayce Goosby. Kristina said referring to the upcoming season, �“I�’m not sure once the season starts we�’ll have enough, but we come out every day and practice with the boys. It�’s pretty good, pretty fun, hard work, but hopefully before the season starts we�’ll have a full team. If not, i don�’t know what we are going to do.�” The woman�’s basketball team�’s first game is scheduled against Trinity Baptist on November 4th and 5th in Jacksonville Florida. Sisters, Kristen and Kristina, play basketball at Macon State because they love the game and to stay in shape, but their ultimate goal is make up a woman�’s basketball team. Kristen invited any woman to play, �“Just come, I mean, if you feel like you want to play. Just come. We are here with welcome arms.�”

T w i n s o n t h e c o u r t

Photo by Kaleb Clark | Sports EditorKristen and Kristina Blake have been playing basketball together since they were little.