The most remarkable characteristic that all great athletes share isn’t how often they win. Rather, it is how often they pick themselves up after each fall.

Clackamas wrestler Richard Jensen knows how to lose, and he has lost big-time. He lost 17 hazy years of his life to alcohol and meth addic-tion, as well as 13 months spent in prison for drug-related crimes.

“I just can’t believe I’m here (on the team),” said Jensen about making a spot for himself on the Clackamas wrestling team. “I used to wrestle in high school; I loved it. But then I just threw it all away.”

Jensen has been clean and sober for approxi-mately four years, and he plans to remain that way. He has enrolled in a certification course and is now learning a legitimate trade in the college’s automotive program.

Clackamas PrintTh e

C l a c k a m a s C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e , O r e g o n C i t y, O R We d n e s d a y, F e b . 2 7 , 2 0 0 8 Vo l u m e 4 1 , I s s u e 1 4

A n i n d e p e n d e n t , s t u d e n t - r u n n e w s p a p e r

F i r s t c o p y F R E E ; a d d i t i o n a l c o p i e s 1 ¢

Jensen overcomes a life of trial to triumph on the mat

A r m o n d o B o r b o aThe Clackamas Print

After years of bad choices and wrong turns, Richard Jensen has turned his life around by rediscov-ering a familiar pasttime

Please see JENSEN, Page 2

‘Student of Concern’ released, speaks upStudent Benjamin Caldwell was

taken into custody Feb. 15 after Clackamas Community College turned him in for threatening mes-sages toward students written on his MySpace page. Caldwell was held by Clackamas County Mental Health for a mental evalu-ation until Feb. 20. On Monday, News Editor Lydia E. Bashaw interviewed Caldwell about the events of the last two weeks and his experience with the college and Clackamas County officials. Bashaw and Caldwell were col-leagues on The Clackamas Print for two terms. She was the only individual with whom he agreed to speak. The interview has been edited for space and clarity.

The Print: What were you thinking when you wrote those things?

Caldwell: I don’t believe I need to explain myself to anyone what I was thinking when I wrote those things. It doesn’t matter.

The Print: What was your reaction when you were pulled into custody?

Caldwell: Basically, C.C.S.O.

(Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office) lied to me about the reason they needed to speak with me. Then, when I showed up, within 30 seconds there, were six officers pointing Tasers at me. In all, it was a really bad day.

The Print: What happened while you were in custody?

Caldwell: Nothing really hap-pened while I was in custody. A few other inmates really scared me, but there is nothing like spending a week knowing at any moment you could be shanked with a toothbrush. They took my shoes and belt and wouldn’t let me have my iPod.

The Print: How do you think the situation should have been handled?

Caldwell: The school really let this balloon into something it wasn’t. They (school officials) needed to handle this internally.

The Print: What was your experi-ence like?

Caldwell: This has definitely been a learning experience. I don’t think I will do it again anytime soon. Next time, I will not try to piss off so many people.

The Print: Do you feel that your rights were violated?

Caldwell: Of course I feel my rights were violated. The school thinks they are McCarthy, and can suspend your civil rights just because you are a student there. I wonder what will be next – random bag searches? Oh, but wait – it is perfectly fine to talk about illegal activities like smoking pot, but write something and you’re going down.

The Print: What’s going to happen now?

Caldwell: I haven’t a clue as to

what will happen from here. I do know that I no longer wish to have anything to do with CCC.

The Print: What kind of communi-cation have you had with the college regarding your suspension?

Caldwell: I tried to talk to the school and straighten this out, but they are morons. They want me to admit guilt as if I had done something wrong.

The Print: Will any of this go on your record?

Caldwell: That is the funniest part; nothing will go on my record, and I was never charged with anything. They never even asked me to lock up my guns or take them out of the house.

The Print: How did the (mental) evaluation go?

Caldwell: The evaluation never really happened. A lot of my old friends were called by the county, and I only talked to them (Clackamas County Health officials) for about 15 minutes.

The Print: What will happen with your concealed handgun license?

Caldwell: I don’t know what will happen with my C.H.L. As of now, it has been revoked. I don’t really know if I can get it back or not.

The Print: How will this affect your future?

Caldwell: Well, I can never be a cop in Oregon, so I don’t know yet how this will affect my future. It is too early to tell what will happen in the future, but I don’t think it will stop me from achieving any long-term goals.

The Print: What are you going to do now?

Caldwell: I have no idea what I will do now. I guess I will catch up on some work I need to get done around the house for the time being.

The Print: How are your family and friends dealing with everything that happened?

Caldwell: My family and friends seem to be more upset about this than I am. But I can’t really get upset right now.

An e-mail was sent to the campus community Feb. 20 at 5:47 p.m. sharing the information that Benjamin T. Caldwell had been released from Clackamas County Mental Health. The e-mail, sent by William Leach, dean of campus ser-vices, stated that there was no “further reason” to hold Caldwell.

A “no trespass order” has been issued to ban Caldwell from all college-owned property. His concealed weapon permit will also remain revoked.

In response to the incidents of the past two weeks, the campus expanded security and offered employee assistance and campus counseling to students and staff. The college is also communicating with local mental health and law enforcement agencies to keep updated on the situation.

A photo of Caldwell was attached to the e-mail. If anyone sees Caldwell on campus, he or she should call 911 or contact Campus Safety at ext. 6650.

– Compiled by Lydia E. Bashaw

CALDWELL

Instructor accidentally shoots his foot in campus bathroom

Oregon City Police responded to an unintentional dis-charge of a firearm in the Clairmont Hall restrooms Feb. 18.

An unidentified male Clackamas instructor dropped the firearm onto the floor, causing the bad firing pin in his handgun to set it off. The discharged bullet struck the owner in the leg but didn’t cause him serious harm; the individual was able to drive himself to the hospital to tend to the wound, according to police.

“We took a statement from him at the hospital,” said Lieutenant Mike Conrad of the Oregon City Police Department.

At the hospital, Oregon City Police became aware of the incident and investigated the Clairmont restroom where the gun was fired. The instructor, who has a concealed weapon permit, was in his right to carry the firearm on campus under the rules of the college, so no criminal charges were filed by the officers.

Dick Ashbaugh, criminal justice department chair and supervisor of campus security, would not comment regard-ing the incident.

Oregon City Police Department confiscated the fire-arm due to the faulty firing pin. Campus security filed an incident report, which was sent to the Environmental Health and Safety Office and to College President Joanne Truesdell.

K y l e S t e e l eThe Clackamas Print

Photo contributed by Tracy Swisher - fotozoneonline.com

He is finally learning what it means to win. After two seasons of competing, he has won back his self-respect and earned the admiration of his teammates. Most important, how-ever, he came back from the devastating edge over which too many drug addicts fall.

Despite being 37 years old and com-peting in a sport dominated by men in their early twenties, Jensen placed second in his weight class at this month’s regional finals. With his team making third place overall in the Region 18 Championships, he is already a winner in the eyes of his teammates and fans for the long road he has traveled.

“Not everybody can do this (com-petition sports), and especially not at his age,” said Men’s Wrestling Coach Josh Rhoden at the teams’ final practice before the champion-ship match. “This guy has heart like

you wouldn’t believe.”But Jensen’s goals involve more

than simply wrestling. He aspires to secure a career through the automo-tive program and perhaps receive a

scholarship. In addition, he

hopes to become a motivational speaker and be able to share his insights on drugs and redemption. He wants the oppor-tunity to counsel younger people fac-ing their own hard choices.

“Once you hit bottom, you have to decide for yourself that you want some-thing different,” he said. “Nobody can

decide for you, and nobody can make you do it.”

It is this drive gained from his experiences that makes Jensen push himself to achieve. Despite a mis-spent youth, the scars still visible on his face and body, he has an indomi-table will and a positive attitude

that cannot help but motivate those around him.

“We have a lot of exceptional students in our sports program,” said Athletics Director Jim Jackson. “Some of them stand out in more ways than one.”

To be fair, not all attention is posi-tive attention. According to Jensen, now that he has received so much coverage from the local media, it sometimes feels like he has a target on his back during competitions.

“Some of these guys I’m facing, I just know they want to take me down hard,” Jensen said with a laugh.

2 Clackamas PrintThe

Sports Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008

Games This Week

Continued from JENSEN, Page 1

JENSEN: On motivation and bouncing back strong

ESPN is featuring a story on Richard Jensen.It will be aired shortly. For more information, e-mail Head Wrestling Coach Josh Rhoden at joshr@clackamas.edu.

“Once you hit bottom, you have

to decide for yourself that you want something

different.”

Richard JensenClackamas Wrestler

Clackamas basketball made the cut, while wrestling finished their sea-son. Both the men’s and women’s bas-ketball teams will compete in this year’s Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) championship. The women placed third and the men placed second in the NWAACC standings. Last weekend, Clackamas’ wres-

tling team placed seventh nation-ally in the National Junior College Championships. Three wrestlers (Derick Bartlemay, John Bates and Vance Beeson) made All-American. Bates was the national runner-up and the first Clackamas finalist since 1997. With the basketball champion-ships still looming ahead, the men and women each played a hard game against their Chemeketa counterparts during last Wednesday’s home game. The women’s team had to beat Chemeketa in order to even qualify for the NWAACC championships, so

last Wednesday’s game was a pas-sionate one. “We were down 17 in the second half and wound up winning by six,” said Women’s Basketball Coach Jim Martineau. “Rachel Copeland hit five straight threes and got us back in it.”

The women’s team ended up defeating Chemeketa 64-60. That left the women’s standings at 9-5 in league play and 19-9 in season play. The men’s team also won their home game against Chemeketa, 106-105. Missing two players at the beginning of the game, including a starter, the men faced an uphill battle. Clackamas was down 13 points with a minute and a half left in the game. “Basically, we were shooting threes to get back in the game,” said freshman J.C. Cook. “We ended up winning on a buzzer beater.” This leaves the men’s standings at 9-5 in league play and 17-12 in season play. The women will start out playing Centralia at 8 p.m., while the men will face off against Puget Sound at 10 p.m. Information regarding the NWAACC championships – hosted in Kennewick, Wash., from Feb. 28 to March 2 – can be found at the col-lege’s athletics Web site, http://depts.clackamas.edu/athletics/Basketball.

M e g a n K o l e rEditor in Chief

Clackamas’ teams finish winter season

Women’s Basketball2-20-08 – Clackamas 64, Chemeketa 60Women’s BasketballWomen’s Basketball2-20-08 – Clackamas 64, Chemeketa 602-20-08 – Clackamas 64, Chemeketa 60

Men’s Basketball2-20-08 – Clackamas 106, Chemeketa 105

Sp rts Sc resSp rts Sc resSp rts Sc res

WrestlingNational Junior Colleges Athletic Association National ChampionshipsTeam points: 57, seventh in Division 1, ninth overall

Men’s BasketballFeb. 28 through March 2

2008 NWAACC championship at Toyota Center

Kennewick, Wash.

Women’s BasketballFeb. 28 through March 2

2008 NWAACC championship at Toyota Center

Kennewick, Wash.

BaseballMarch 1 against Spokane CC in The Dalles

at 10 a.m.March 2 against Grays Harbor CC in

The Dalles at 3 p.m.

Track and FieldMarch 1, Linfield Icebreaker at Linfield

College

ABOVE LEFT: Ashley Cunningham, 24, jumps to block an opponent from Chemeketa CC. ABOVE RIGHT: Scott Martin, 22, left, holds off a defender from teammate Adam Brickley, 32.

All photos by Mistymarie Wilks-Salguero Clackamas Print

3Clackamas PrintThe

Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008Feature

On Monday, Feb. 12, the first 2008 meeting of the Black Student Union was held on campus, only to be canceled just minutes after its start due to lack of attendance.

The Black Student Union is not new to Clackamas by any means, but it has been defunct for approximately a year and a half.

Tony Davis, a counselor at the college, has been trying to restart the club. His efforts, he says, have been met with much enthusiasm from stu-dents.

But, considering the recent meeting cancellation, is there enough enthusiasm to enable the BSU to once again hold strong?

As stated in the winter term class catalog, in 2006-2007, 30,906 students were enrolled

at Clackamas, 1,813 of whom are full-time. According to the last enrollment manage-ment report of the college, taken in 2006, at that time a mere 13.2 percent of students were racial minorities – mean-ing that an estimated 4,080 individuals were of a racial minority – and 239 were tak-ing a full-time course load.

These numbers are split between Asians and Pacific Islanders, African Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics.

The percentage of African American students, in par-ticular, is uncertain because the college demographics have changed since the 2006 enrollment report.

The number of black stu-dents at Clackamas has risen in the past few years, said Kristin Christophersen, the former adviser of the Black Student Union. In the near future, the school will likely experience an increase in stu-dents who are of an ethnic minority, making an absence of interest in the BSU more disheartening.

Apathy toward campus diversity is not a recent devel-opment; in fact, it led to the initial decline of the Black Student Union almost two years ago.

A c c o r d i n g t o Christophersen, the club was set in motion during

the 2003-2004 school year, and the first president was Brendon Campbell. With the direction of Christophersen and Counselor Guadalupe Martinez, Campbell led the group with a charisma that has been unmatched since he left Clackamas.

“He was the first presi-dent of the organization and really the impetus for creat-ing the Black Student Union,” Martinez said. “He really ral-lied the troops.”

Under Campbell’s leader-ship, the BSU made a list of both long- and short-term goals, including raising funds for a scholarship, networking with other colleges’ BSUs and having a soul-food cookout.

The cookout took place while Campbell was still pres-ident, but many of the club’s additional ambitions were eventually forgotten.

Davis aspires for the Black Student Union to become a place where African American students can experience a connection with those around them. He hopes that it will help “break away from the ignorance” that surrounds certain cultures.

Davis’ job in the BSU is simply to advise. Once the group gets rolling again, its members will determine its role within the school and community.

The Black Student Union

will have its next two meet-ings Feb. 25 and 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Community Center ’s Fireside Lounge. The club is not exclusive to

black students; anyone who is interested in the celebration of black culture is welcome to attend.

J o h n H u r l b u r tThe Clackamas Print

Black Student Union struggles to find voice

Kayla Berge Clackamas PrintBlack Student Union Adviser Tony Davis posts information on the diversity board in the Community Center.

Having a difficult time with registration, mid-terms or life in general?

Since the college opened in 1966, it has offered students psychiatric help by way of its counselors, who can be found in the Community Center.

Counselor and Co-chair Guadalupe Martinez assists students with dilemmas ranging from money issues to mental health problems.

“They aren’t referred to as patients,” Martinez said. “They’re students seeking help.”

Stress and relationship issues rank among the most common problems for which individuals seek guidance.

Although Martinez is a well-rounded coun-selor, she specializes in multicultural counseling. Foreign students who have trouble fitting into

American culture may come to her for support. Martinez has found that the highest number

of students visit her and other counselors in the wintertime due to seasonal stress. Finals week is also a particularly emotionally-taxing period.

Clackamas has five full-time counselors, some of whom are by-appointment and, there-fore, meet students at designated times. Others are on-call, for individuals who are having a crisis situation and need to speak with someone right away.

Students who have sought counseling at the college don’t seem to be disappointed by the help they have received.

Josh Sanchez consulted Counselor Casey Sims about his struggles to manage stress and, with Sims’ encouragement, was eventually able to determine what classes he should take.

“It was extremely helpful and motivating,” Sanchez said. “I would definitely recommend it for any student.”

Counseling Center offers assistanceN i c k K o r n a f e lThe Clackamas Print

Mistymarie Wilks-Salguero Clackamas PrintA student receives advice from Paul Creighton, left, in the Advising Center, located in the Community Center. The college has provided counseling since its opening in 1966.

The once-popular Black Student Union has restarted after a year and a half absence but still has to overcome obstacles to become the club it once was

Rhapsody4 Clackamas Print

TheWednesday, Feb. 27, 2008

FeathersBy Jess Sheppard

This night is passing swiftlyI hear their voices hissingI just want to fade away

Is it your voice that’s calling?Are those your tears falling?Why did you pass away?

I’m looking for you

Out beyond the nightI’ve sent out my gazePast the searing light

Pluck out my wingsFeather by feather

It won’t change a thingI will still remember

Your eyes in my dreams As your life was severed

Your dying screamsThey will haunt me forever

I’m letting my time stand still

Until I’m at your sideI’m shattering from within

And washing out with the tide

The dawn is fast approaching On my tears I am chokingWhy won’t I cease to be?

The daybreak’s light, it flashes

At last I turn to ashesIs this the end of me?

Cat~astropheBy Rose Lefebvre Up you leap then, pause and ponder, precariously perched upon the precipice of the spa. Gentle sly glances, gold-green eyes gleaming, greet my gawking gaze. A smile sweetens your silvery face, speaking “See me! Such superb stability I show!” Taunting eyes tense as a tremor in tread threatens to topple tightening toes. Plop! Paws ply at pure air, not preventing plunge into the tepid pool. Wet and waterlogged you woefully wander away, walking with wounded gait, weighty wet tail wilting.

Observation By Rose Lefebvre

Shadows and sunlight weave

lace patterns upon the leaf-shrouded pathas I stroll, camera tapping rhythm

upon my chest. Behind the lens I seekpeace, beauty. Bees plunder

a patch of wildflowers. Thistle fluff teasesthrough the breeze to the pulsing

buzz of the cicada. Spooked clouds floatlike tattered ghosts across a flawless

watercolor-blue sky. Wind teasingly nipsat my face; the shock of a cobalt Stellar Jay splashes

against miniature flames of autumn leaves.A spiders web, trembling in the breeze, shimmers

as sunlight caresses its silken strands.My stroll within this scene is interrupted

by a young couple, arm in arm, seeing nothingbut each others eyes.

Voyeur By Rose Lefebvre

Heavy-shouldered waves rise and thrust themselves upon the sand, thrashing as they twist and turn, releasing husky sighs from their depths. Gulls scream as they witness each plunge against the supple, moist shore. The feral assault ebbs as waning waves retreat, easing the relentless thrusts. The lighthouse aims its watchful eye.

Rhapsody was part of The Clackamas Print several years ago. It was a place for people associated with the college to see their art, poetry and other short fiction pieces of writing in print as a true representation of excellent ama-teur literary works. To submit a piece, drop it by room 135 in Roger Rook Hall or e-mail it to aced@clackamas.edu.

As finals week approaches, the average stress level on campus is sure to rise. A proven relief countermeasure is horti-culture, better known as gardening.

Gardening may not hold the interest of very many young people, but according to those who enjoy the art, it is worth it.

“I like the type of garden that actually produces some-thing,” said student Lindsey Hurlburt, who is a fan of herbal gardening. “It is a product of my work; I plant the seeds, and I can watch them grow. It is rewarding to see what I have created.”

For individuals who have never attempted to plant any-thing, the learning curve may be a challenge. Aside from searching books on particular plants and the seed packet for the necessary information, a way to gain knowledge is to follow the advice of experienced green-thumbs.

There are generally three types of gardens to suit one’s interest, Hurlburt explained, specifically herb, flower and veg-etable gardens. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses as a candidate for a starter garden.

“There’s probably a lot (of plants) you should start this time of year,” said student Steph Cuvelier-Holenda, “so if somebody is interested in a vegetable garden, which I think is the most beneficial thing to have, then I would imagine that they would want to do research on which vegetables they want to grow and to make sure that they are starting them at the right time.”

For many plants, it’s time to begin planting seeds, although most vegetables need to be started indoors about six weeks in advance.

An example of a plant variety that should not be planted now is peppers, as they require hotter soil temperature and grow best if planted in May or later.

Transplanting outside should be done after the threat of frost has diminished around early April, but the soil should be prepared around the same time as planting indoors. This requires removing grass and weeds from the final site.

Vegetables, which should be prepared early, need to be set in a raised bed and not stuck into the ground directly.

Beginners should focus on plants that are fairly easy to manage. Cuvelier-Holenda recommends “lettuce, especially in this part of the country,” as well as carrots and tomatoes.

However, “you definitely have to do a little work with tomatoes,” she noted.

As with anything, gardening is a learning experience, but some mistakes can be avoided by keeping a detailed log of everything from soil composition to date and temperature data in order to track down problems and weed out failed attempts.

“I also think it’s important not to become too dependent on any kind of chemicals; none at all preferably,” Cuvelier-Holenda said.

“The main thing,” she added, “is to learn about what you are doing while you are doing it.”

Gardening releases built-up stressK e n t o n B e n f i e l dThe Clackamas Print

As the spring season comes closer, green thumbs begin planting environment-friendly gardens

A beautiful trillium, with its leaves outstretched, sits in the sunlight in a student’s personal garden.

Jess Sheppard Clackamas Print

&Arts Culture

The Clackamas Print19600 S. Molalla Ave.Oregon City, OR 97045503-657-6958, ext. 2309

Editor in Chief: Megan KolerCopy Editor: Colleen WatkinsNews Editor: Lydia E. BashawA&C Editor: Emily WaltersSports Editor: Andrea SimpsonFeature Editor: Kyle SteelePhoto Editor: Kayla BergePhoto Associate : Mistymarie Wilks-SalgueroNews Associate: Matt Garrison

A� M������: Meredith James

S���� W������/ P������������: Dale Balbi, Armondo Borboa, Kenton Benfield, Helen Conley, John Hurlburt, Nick Kornafel, Genyva Laubach, Riley Lundgren, Christina Maggio, Jess Shepard, John Shufelt

P��������� A���������: Dusty Ragsdale, Chris Young

D��������� A������:Melissa Jones

D��������� S��������: Pat Thompson

G����: The Clackamas Print aims to report the news in an honest, unbiased, professional manner. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the stu-dent body, college administration, its faculty or The Print. E-mail comments to chiefed@clackamas.edu.

TheClackamas Print