WVUP Enrollment Up

By Betsy Curry
As WVUP continues to reach out to gain partnerships with area public schools it is no surprise that the spring full-time enrollment has increased over last year’s enrollment by 2.5 percent, to 3,556.

We may think of the college as being diverse with the range of students beginning at 18 and continuing through till the late 60s. Traditional aged students, defined as those students less than 25 years of age, make up nearly 59 percent of the students attending the college. Non-traditional students are slightly less with 41.7 percent. Female students make up the majority of students with 63.6 percent, as males add 36.4 perecent to the total.

With the help of President Marie Foster Gnage, WVUP continues to improve and allow more opportunities for students to access courses and programs. The Parkersburg campus is the only community college in West Virginia accredited to offer baccalaureate programs. The Associate in Arts currently has the most students enrolled with 659. Nursing comes in second with 436. Beginning with December 2005 graduation, the Regents Bachelor of Arts has been awarded by the Parkersburg campus instead of from Morgantown as in the past. More than 284 students declared RBA their major in the spring semester.

WVUP currently services seven surrounding counties, including Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt, and Wood. Wood and Jackson County make up most of the school’s population with 60 percent of the residents residing in Wood and 19 percent in Jackson County.

Theater Ready for Fresh Air

By John Hickey
West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s College Theatre is undergoing extensive renovation. The ceiling has been torn out and seats removed to ready the theater for the replacement of its entire heating and ventilation system, along with painting and cosmetic improvements, says Wayne Riley, director of purchasing and the project coordinator. Under a $188,000 contract, West Virginia Heating and Plumbing is installing a new, larger air-conditioning and heating unit and replacing the HVAC electrical system and ductwork.

Work began Feb. 20. If the project is not completed by July 20 as expected, WVUP will be paid $1000 per day “liquidated damages,” Riley says, for every subsequent day the project remains uncompleted.

Last summer, the theater underwent a complete cleaning of carpets and curtains and upholstery to remedy the effects of years of poor ventilation, which had given the theater a musty, stale smell of mold to those with acute senses. The new HVAC system, designed by CMA Engineering, will ventilate the theater more thoroughly so that the problem does not recur.

Ironworker Ok After Fall

By John Hickey
Ironworker Jason Hashman fell headfirst through the ceiling of the WVUP school nurse’s office the morning of Monday Feb. 20, broke Nurse Charlene McNulty’s desk with his head, and “tore up his ear,” according to fellow workers. But Hashman, a member of Ironworkers Local 787, was back on the job that afternoon. Fellow workers told the Chronicle: “Those ironworkers have hard heads.”

Hashman was in an awkward position welding steel support beams for WVUP’s ongoing classroom-tower stabilization project when he fell through a ceiling panel onto the desk of Student Health Nurse Charlene McNulty, who arrived at her desk only a few minutes later. McNulty herself would give no information on the incident, citing patient confidentiality. Wayne Riley, coordinator of the stabilization project for WVUP, said Hashman was taken to the hospital, was treated and released, and was back on the job by noon.

Sigma Omega Recognized

By Betsy Curry
The Sigma Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was recognized for the seventh year as a Distinguished Chapter and for the eighth year for their 5-Star Chapter. Sigma Omega also received the Hallmark Awards for the following; second place in Leadership, fourth in Service and second in Best Web Page. Rose Etta Kazak and Rebecca McClung were inducted into the Virginia Hall of Fame for their involvement in helping the Virginia Region.

The Honor Society recently participated in the 27th Annual Virginia Regional Convention held at the Ramada Plaza Resort, in Virginia Beach, VA. On March 4, the convention presented awards to recognize outstanding performances from the Virginia Region’s chapters. Those participating in the event included three Sigma Omega members: Patricia Klapper, Tara Williamson and Rebecca McClung. Paul and Dottie Bibbee and Dianne Davis served as advisors.

Advisors Paul and Dottie Bibbee were awarded plaques for their outstanding service with Phi Theta Kappa from the Virginia Region and International. With ten years of service behind Dottie and eighteen for Paul, the two will retire at the end of the spring semester.

The chapter is also in the process of forming a team for the 2006 Wood County Relay for Life. The American Cancer Society asks each team to set a goal of $1,000, plus the cost of shirts. Costs of shirts are $10 per shirt, and money goes directly to the American Cancer Society. There are many ways you can contribute to the team. All thoughts and ideas are welcomed on Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society and how they have become a part of popular culture.

Popular Culture to Mountain Stage

By Betsy Curry
Dottie Bibbee's Popular Culture class is currently sponsoring a trip March 26 to Mountain Stage Live and the Clay Center in Charleston, WV. The Clay Center is a 240,000 square foot establishment, which houses performing arts, visual arts and the sciences under one roof. The Center which opened in July 2003, is one of the few centers of its kind in the country. Mountain Stage is a two-hour radio show recorded live in front of an audience. The shows are taped at the Cultural Center Theater at the Capitol Complex in Charleston, WV. Mountain Stage is currently in its 20th year of existence. The show is a combination of both traditional music as well as innovators focusing on moving ahead.

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Coal Miners in Demand

By Brian Ash
According to USA Today, coal is in hot demand to fuel power plants, as other fuel sources skyrocket in price such as oil and natural gas. As other fuels spike, coal remains relatively cheap; which makes it a practical energy source.

The average age of miners in West Virginia is 55, and many are considering retirement. With more and more retiring there will be an increase in demand for miners in WV. In fact, the state will need as many as 7,000 new miners over the next ten years to satisfy the empty spots left by retiring coal miners. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics there are approximately 15,000 workers working in the mines of WV. This will be quite a shake-up in the mines, replacing retirees with new mineworkers. Especially since the replacement percentage is close to 50 percent.

The salary starts at 12 or 13 dollars an hour and steadily increases to $64,000 a year. Is the pay enough to outweigh the danger of dying in a mine? Evidently, considering that there is still many workers willing to work despite the recent tragedy at the Sago mine which tragically trapped 13 miners and all but one died. Many of the future prospects for the job of being a miner in the industry know of the mining hazards and dangers. An accident in 2005 killed three miners and in 2004 12 died at the hand of the mines. Despite all these facts, many are willing to risk their lives. Why is this? Miner Ryan Boyd says, “Mining is the job that pays the most here, it puts food on the table and roofs over our heads. You’re just as likely to get killed on the highway.”

There are many reasons for mining coal. It is used for generating electric power, it is used in industry, making steel, and for exports, all of which are essential in the ever yday operations of this country. The United States produces over a billion short tons of coal each year, over 1/5 of the world’s coal. Coal is mined in 27 states and out of all of them in the United States West Virginia ranks second in coal output. Therefore, WV is a state that helps in the everyday operations of this country.

New $10 Bill to Hit Registers

By Brian Ash
According to MSNBC a new colorful $10 bill has made its debut and will be seen in registers all over America. It will have shades of yellow, red and orange. The bill will mimic the colorized versions of the $50 and $20 bills. The new $10 bill will still feature Alexander Hamilton, the nation’s first Treasury Secretary, on one side, and the Treasury building on the other side. These two images are joined by the Statue of Liberty’s torch and “We the People” in red along with small yellow 10s and a subtle orange background.

What is the reason for the new look? The Bureau of Engraving and Printing explains that it is getting harder and harder to stay ahead of new sophisticated copying machines and counterfeiters who want to make a quick buck. “Staying ahead of would-be counterfeiters is a top priority of the United States government and in order to do that our currency will need to be redesigned every seven to ten years,” said U.S. Treasurer Anna Escobedo Cabral.

The Federal Reserve recently shipped 800 million of the new $10 bills to commercial banks. You will be seeing more and more of this bill in upcoming weeks as it circulates throughout America’s cash registers.

Good and Bad in Online Journals

Opinion
By Rachel Nowery
In the last issue of the Chronicle, MySpace was under our writer’s telescope, so to speak. The articles discussed the good and the bad about the internet journals. Yes, online journals can be dangerous to people, especially children, but not all of it is bad or destructive.

I personally do not use MySpace, but I do have an online journal at a similar site: Xanga.com. I have had my own journal for roughly a year now, and I have never received any comments from people I did not know. I use my journal mostly to talk to my friends who live anywhere from across town to across the country. It is my way of keeping in touch. I also use it to “publish” my writings/poetry. The site lets me have good and bad feedback from my friends and family and boosts my confidence in myself as a writer.

However, with the positive aspects come the negative ones as well. Unlike MySpace, Xanga has more pre-teens and younger teenagers as users. This makes the younger users of Xanga more vulnerable to “danger.” Just like on any site, users are given the option of posting their names, ages, what state they live in, and what city even (used mostly for the bigger cities). Despite precautions from parents, school officials, and police, some kids still post this personal information for the whole internet community to see. I have noticed that the older people get on Xanga, the less likely they are to post that close information. But the younger users don’t seem to see the harm in posting their information.

MySpace and Xanga are very good tools to use for someone who is venting about a bad term paper, or a breakup, or even their views on God. Sites like this are good to an extent, but stricter security needs to be placed on the younger users. This way, they will be protected and still have their freedom of speech.

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WVUP Internationalizes

By John Hickey
The International Student Club counts 17 countries of origin among its 25 members, says student development administrator Emmanuel Ogwude, who advises the recently formed club.

The International Club’s recent focus has been the March 9 International Luncheon and performance of the Groove Project sponsored by WVUP’s Social Justice Committee, where the club reserved three tables to present the foods and crafts of its members’ nations.

Ogwude says the club’s international students meet about twice a month to share experiences as they encounter American culture, to support each other in their common experience of being far from home in a new culture.

The club’s members come from Cuba, South Korea, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, South Africa, Germany, Colombia, China, Pakistan, Belgium, Nigeria, India, Switzerland, Mexico, and Panama, says Ogwude, who is himself originally from Nigeria. Ogwude teaches documentary video production and theater appreciation at WVUP.

WVUP about a year ago formed an Internationalization Committee of about a dozen faculty and staff and community members, with the goal of nurturing the growth of an international campus community by creating a campus environment responsive to the needs of international students and scholars. The work of the Internationalization Committee, Ogwude said, helped lead to the formation of the International Student Club, which aims to facilitate the integration of international students to American culture and student life. Student Daniel Dafo, president of the club, who is from Ethiopia, now sits on the Internationalization Committee, as does Brian Oosthuizen, club vice president, from South Africa, and Reyna Bracamontes, club secretary, from Mexico.

For more information on the club, contact Emmanuel Ogwude, Room 1213, at 424-8243 or Emmanuel.Ogwude@mail.wvu.edu.

'Students Helping Students'

By Betsy Curry
A new program geared toward benefiting incoming freshmen is currently being designed. Emmanuel Ogwude, Program Manager of Student Services is developing a mentoring program titled Students Helping Students, starting in the fall semester 2006.

The program is dedicated to making the adjustment to college a little easier for freshmen. WVUP is home to nearly 800 new students each semester. On an average, half of those students would be better prepared if they had a peer to whom they could relate. Ogwude’s program is designed to do just that. With the use of peers, instead of faculty as in the past, Ogwude has high hopes of the program being very successful.

Students Helping Students is strictly a volunteer run program. Any student interested must meet a few requirements to be sure the freshmen receive the needed help. The students may be either full time or part time and must have finished at least two semesters at WVUP in good standing. A 2.5 GPA is considered good academics. Those interested are expected to have good interpersonal skills and a willingness to meet new people. Volunteers must be available for meeting times with freshmen. Students must also be able to manage their time and be accessible.

The program is not only designed to help freshmen, but also those mentoring. Students who choose to mentor will develop leadership skills for future job experience. The program also offers the chance to develop organizational skills, make friends, gain insight into the college and it allows for good exposure. Being involved in mentoring programs will attract the attention of possible future employers when added to your resumé.

Underground Railroad Tour

By Betsy Curry
The Social Justice Program is sponsoring a two-day bus trip to tour the Underground Railroad in Ohio. Thanks to a partial grant received from the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, students are only responsible for paying $50 to take part. The bus is scheduled to depart from WVUP April 7 at 8:30 a.m. and will return around 5:30 p.m. Saturday evening. Transportation for the weekend is provided by Park Tours.

The trip consists of touring The John Rankin House and the John P. Parker House in Ripley, Ohio. Located on Liberty Hill, the Rankin House is a National Historic Landmark, made popular for being a station in the Underground Railroad. The house built in 1828, overlooks the Ohio River. Reverend John Rankin was a firm believer in the freedom of slaves and with the help of Rankin’s 13 children the home was a safe haven to most of the 2,000 escaped slaves that passed through Ripley. Rankin, author of Letters on American Slavery published in 1826, also helped organize the Ripley Anti-Slavery Society.

Another National Historic Landmark is home to African-American abolitionists, John P. Parker. Parker a former slave was allowed to buy his freedom in 1845. He later moved to Ripley where he successfully became known as a patented inventor and businessman before the Civil War. Parker is known for his help in assisting hundreds of slaves find their way north to freedom.

On Saturday, the group will tour the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Freedom Center is the nation’s newest monument to freedom. According to the Freedom website, the center is made up of three buildings that symbolize the cornerstones of freedom: courage, cooperation, and perseverance.

Those attending the trip will spend Friday night at the Quality Hotel & Suites in Cincinnati. Each room is furnished with two double beds and will accommodate two adults.

Wired for Lunch

By John Hickey
Dave Thompson’s Industrial Wiring class recently got some real-world wiring experience courtesy of the Pizza Place on Blizzard Drive. They were treated to Sicilian pizza, too, proving that there is such a thing as a free lunch.

When the Pizza Place owner, Frank Scotto, learned that employee Ken McCloy was a student in WVUP’s Engineering Technology-Electronics program, he suggested that McCloy recruit his classmates (and their professor) to perform some re-lamping and minor electrical repairs around the shop. It took little persuasion to gain the unanimous agreement of the ELEC 133 class and that of Instructor Thompson.


From left to right are Kathy Winkler, Frank Scotto, Kenny Kay, Dominique Irizarry, Ty Keener, Dustin Piggott, Adam Farnsworth, Chris Davis, Patrick Richards, Bob Wine, and Ken McCloy. Hiding behind Ty Keener is John Simmons. Photo by Dave Thompson.

Forensics Team Takes Third Place

By Rachel Nowery
West Virginia University at Parkersburg forensics team took third place in the individual events and overall team sweeps at the annual state tournament of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Forensics Association.

Participants included all state colleges and universities involved in intercollegiate forensics. The competition was held Feb. 24 and 25 at Shepherd University.

In the competition categories, WVUP students and their honors included: Duo Dramatic Interpretation: Brittany Huffman/Kaleb Smith-first place and Jon Corra/Adam Heflin-fourth place; Poetry: Brittany Huffman - first place; After Dinner Speaking: Adam Heflin - second place, Jon Corra - third place, and Brittany Huffman - fifth place; Program Oral Interpretation: Brittany Huffman - first place; Impromptu: Jon Corra - fifth place; Informative Speaking: Brittany Huffman - third place, Rebecca McClung - fourth place, and Jenny Metz - fifth place; Single Dramatic Interpretation: Brittany Huffman - fourth place; Prose Interpretation: Brittany Huffman - first place, and Kaleb Smith - fourth place; Persuasion: Jon Corra - sixth place; Pentathlon, Overall Speaker: Brittany Huffman- first place.

Team members also adding to the team sweeps points included Jane Eyberg and Candi Jacekiw. Parkersburg’s forensics team is coached by Barbara Harris, instructor of speech.

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FFH Concert Rocked

By Katy Full
Christian band “Far From Home,” labeled FFH, rocked the Fairlawn Baptist sanctuary on March 3. Performing for a packed house, lead vocalist Jeromy Deibler stated, “We’ve been to all the major cities and seen crowds of all sizes, but we never expected to come to Parkersburg, West Virginia, and have such an enormous audience.” Beginning the concert with songs from previous albums, FFH had listeners of all ages on their feet, singing the lyrics along with the band. Singing many older songs, Deibler established the “three-for-one” deal with viewers, promising to play three old songs for every new one. He came up with this idea because he said he knows people do not attend concerts to hear the newer songs, they come to appreciate the music they have heard and enjoy.

Brokeback at Oscars

By Rachel Nowery
Back in January, it was reported that Brokeback Mountain swept the Golden Globe awards off its feet. The Academy Awards (also known as the Oscars) was held on March 5. To the surprise of many, Brokeback Mountain only took home three Oscars, but it was nominated in six categories. One of these categories was Best Film of the Year, which Brokeback did not win; the award went to Crash by producers Paul Haggis and Cathy Schulman.

Memoirs of a Geisha tied Brokeback in total awards, each winning three Oscars.Geisha had received nominations in six categories. No film actually “swept the awards” away from anyone. This year, things seemed to be quite calm and noncompetitive.

The biggest thrills of the night were the performances by Dolly Parton, Kathleen “Bird” York, and Three 6 Mafia. Throughout the broadcast, the singer performed the songs nominated for Best Original Song. Songs in the past such as “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Into the West,” and “Shaft” were some unique songs that won the awards in the past. This year’s song was no exception to the “uniqueness” of the night. The winning song was “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp,” a rap song performed by Three 6 Mafia for the movie Hustle and Flow. The performance by Three 6 Mafia was also supposed to change Oscar history, being the first time that “bitches” was ever said at the awards. However, when it came time for the word to be said in the song, the female singer said “witches” instead. It sounded a little funny, but this way no one was offended.

All in all the night was mundane and had no major happenings to liven up the evening. The most comical thing that happened would be host Jon Stewart who acted like a complete idiot throughout the entire broadcast. His jokes, comments and acting kept the audience from falling asleep from the long, droned on speeches that usually started with “I would like to thank the Academy…”

Celebrities Acting Foolishly

Opinion
By Brian Ash
Hollywood. What are some of the thoughts that come to mind? Glamour? Money? Fame? All of these? None of these? What comes to my mind are spoiled brats. Now, don’t get me wrong. Not all are spoiled brats. However, it appears that the ones who make the news are. According to my sources.

A good example of spoiled is Britney Spears. Several weeks ago Britney was trying to escape from the paparazzi. Gasp! The evil paparazzi are out to kill me with their cameras! This was probably the first bubble-brained thought that ran through her mind. The second was: “No time to strap baby in so I’ll just put the baby on my lap!” Britney in her frenzy to get away from the paparazzi, roars off in her vehicle with her baby on her lap! If she would have crashed the baby would have instantly been killed by the airbag. This is a great example of how celebrities think that the world revolves around them!

And in part, it does, because they are rich and famous and get off the hook much easier than the normal public could. They may even think the world does revolve around them, but sorry that is not the case. It only works if one either has a lot of money or a lot of fame, both preferably. If one has fame, that can work to the benefit in your trial. If one has money he can bail himself out most of the time. Having both is a very powerful combination.

This is made quite evident by the fact that Britney didn’t take the time to safely secure her baby in a car seat. Why is that? She said, it was because, she was scared and took measures to protect her baby. Looking at the situation in hindsight, anyone can clearly see that the child would have been in less danger if she had put the child in a car seat.

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Backdoor Comedy Returns

By Robert Walling
The Multipurpose Room will be transformed into a professional comedy venue Saturday, April 1 when the Backdoor Comedy Club returns. The show’s name comes from comedians having to enter the Multipurpose Room through the “backdoor,” and is back after a two- year hiatus. Performing in this year’s show will be traveling comedians Josh Wade and Randy Riggle.

Riggle, of Pittsburgh, has performed in the ABC sketch comedy show, America’s Funniest People, and has written for comedians such as Jay Leno and Joan Rivers. Wade, based in New York, is a sarcastic man who enjoys frequenting the New York comedy club circuit as well as dozens of colleges across the country.

Everyone Will Win a Prize

By Betsy Curry
Have you ever felt your hobby was worthless or sometimes annoying to others? Do you often find yourself shouting out music titles before the singing begins or quoting movies word for word? Well perhaps “The BIG Show” is for you.

Student Activities and Student Government Association is sponsoring a game show known as “The BIG Show.” The game show is a combination of skills and well known knowledge of music and movie trivia. The game show is being held March 24 in the Cafeteria starting at 7 p.m. This marks only the second year the event is being held. With the immediate success of last year’s event with approximately 100 students in attendance, Student Activities was eager to add “The BIG Show” again this year.

Tom Yencha, student activities director, stated that last year almost everyone won a prize. A 38 inch T.V. was given away, which also included surround sound. This years prizes will range from TVs to an iPod or as simple as a candy bar.

Tickets will go on sale starting March 20. The ticket booth will be located near the Cafeteria. Actual ticket price is unknown, but Yencha claims tickets will be no more than $2.

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Twins Star Puckett Dead at 45

By Heath Bloxton
For 12 years, Kirby Puckett played the game of baseball. As a Major League player, Puckett enjoyed the game as much as one could. Opposing hitters would look to the outfield to see a 5’8, pudgy man, jump as high as the wall that stood above him. Although short and rather chubby, Puckett played the centerfield position to the best of his ability. Throughout his career, Puckett made a habit of making teammates, fans and even rivals, laugh. However, on March 6, Puckett made the world cry in agony, as he passed away at the age of 45.

Puckett’s sudden death was caused by a massive stroke at his home in Arizona. “Puck” was a “walking bowling ball” that could hit, field, and simply win. Throughout his years with the Minnesota Twins organization, Puckett donned a .318 batting average, six gold gloves, and two World Series titles. Kirby Puckett also earned a spot in Cooperstown, where his legacy will remain forever in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Puckett was the heart and sole of the Minnesota Twins organization. When fans came to the ballpark, they wanted to see Kirby Puckett. He was a man that was loved by many people. He was a role model, a baseball player, and had a smile that would stretch across the entire state of Minnesota.

Technical Foul Costs KG

By Heath Bloxton
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward, Kevin Garnett, was fined $5,000 by the NBA for his actions in a game February 26. Garnett was ejected from the game because he threw the ball into the stands after he was called for an offensive foul. Not only did Garnett throw the ball into the stands, he hit a fan in the face.

Garnett claimed that he tossed the ball because he was upset with the officials and was trying to draw a delay of game call. He said that he had no intention for the ball to go into the stands and hit a fan. Garnett was immediately given a technical foul and was ejected from the game.

WVU Baseball Hot

By Delano Farley
The WVU baseball team is off to its best start in several years. As of March 6, the Mountaineers had compiled a 6-3 record and was chosen No. 10 by the Northeast Baseball Review. That is a welcome sight for Mountaineer baseball fans considering the baseball team has had losing seasons three of the last four years.

Big East conference members Notre Dame and Pittsburgh join the Mountaineer baseball team in the Northeast Baseball Review ratings. Notre Dame received a fourth place vote and Pittsburgh took the fifth slot. The number one pick was given to UNC-Wilmington who has surpassed 10 wins already.

The Mountaineers have posted early season victories over Bucknell, Virginia Tech, Penn State, and Coastal Carolina. In the season opening series, they recorded a three game sweep of the Bucknell baseball team before sandwiching wins against Virginia Tech and Penn State around a loss to N.C. State. A loss to Furman and a split with Coastal Carolina helped create the Mountaineers 6-3 win-loss standing.

Lady Cagers in the Game

By Delano Farley
The women’s basketball team at WVU started the season with high expectations. With a group of talented athletes and returning star player Meg Bulger leading the way, the Lady Mountaineers and head coach Mike Carey expected nothing less than building on the success they had displayed in the past two seasons, back-to-back 20-win seasons, an NIT championship appearance in 2005, and an NCAA berth in 2004. The only question that remained was if they could do it.

The Lady Mountaineers got off to a good start, compiling a record of 10 wins and 4 losses in their first 14 games, losing by 3 points or less three times in that span. But the women drifted backwards in the second half of their season schedule, losing Meg Bulger for the season due to injury and 11 of their last 13 games including the final eight. Despite the shortcomings of the season’s second half of play by the Lady Mountaineers, they did manage to gain the final seeding for the women’s Big East Conference tournament. Moreover, that is where the unseen benefit lies in the Lady Mountaineers 2006 season.

Scheduled in the lowest position of the tournament bracket due to only four conference wins versus 12 losses, the Lady Mountaineers were forced to play the best teams in the league. Having lost their last eight games in a row with a compiled record of 12 wins - 15 losses overall, it gave the WVU women one last chance to make something good come out of a horrendous season that once displayed promise.

The Mountaineer women had set big goals in place at the season’s start. But apparently they waited until the last moment to execute their plan of attack, as they marched through the conference tourneys best of the best to get into the Big East championship title game. Surprisingly, they did it using talented but less experienced players from the bench.

The Lady Mountaineers may not have their third straight 20-win season, but they have shown promise with their upset victories inside the conference tournament, and they became the first number-12 seed to advance to the finals in the leagues 23-year history. The younger players have stepped up and shown they are not only talented, but also perfectly capable of helping build the women’s basketball program at WVU into an NCAA championship contender.

Big East May Dominate NCAA

By Anthony Sellers
With the NCAA tournament starting up, the debate begins: Which conference in college basketball is the best conference this season? Three conferences that come to mind are the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big East Conference, and Big Ten Conference. Each conference has made strong cases for themselves, but the Big East has made a very strong argument to be the best conference.

The conference has the chance to send an unprecedented eight teams to the NCAA tournament. That is half of the conference! Furthermore, this is the first year that the Big East fielded 16 teams. At any point throughout the regular season, there were four to five teams ranked in the top 25.

The top teams, Connecticut and Villanova, have been virtually unstoppable. Even the bottom half of the conference, teams like Notre Dame and St. John’s, have been competitive most of the season. Notre Dame lost six of their first seven conference games by a total of 24 points. The only team in the Big East that really was not competitive throughout the season was South Florida.

The Big East will also have the best chance to have a team win the NCAA tournament. Connecticut and Villanova will easily dispose of there opening round games. West Virginia will be the hardest for teams to prepare for, but has shown that when there 1-3-1 zone’s weakness is exposed, they can be challenged, not disposed of completely, but having to fight to have a chance to win. Cincinnati proved that.

Speaking of Cincinnati, they have been competitive to finish out the season. Senior Eric Hicks and freshman Devan Downing are leading the team right now, and will continue to do so in the NCAA tournament.

Of the teams making it in the NCAA tournament, Villanova will be the toughest to beat, as well as West Virginia. Cincinnati will make a good run in the tournament, with a good chance to get to the sweet sixteen.

As for being the Big East being the best conference in college basketball, just watch the teams in the big dance from the conference.

Senior Night

By Heath Bloxton
It seemed like just yesterday that Mountaineer fans were greeting the arrival of Coach John Beilein and his recruits, Kevin Pittsnogle, Joe Herber, J.D. Collins, Mike Gansey, and Patrick Beilein. Now these young men are the 2006 senior class of the West Virginia University basketball program. In a night filled with excitement, emotion, and pride, a sold out crowd packed into the WVU Coliseum to see this group of young men one last time on the home floor. They did not disappoint with a farewell win over their bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Panthers.

The Mountaineers came into the game with revenge on their mind. The Panthers beat WVU earlier in the season, in a night that Kevin Pittsnogle did not score. However, on senior night in Morgantown, Pittsnogle hit 26 points for the Mountaineers and led the team to a 67-62 victory.

Other seniors that led the scoring charge for the Mountaineers were Joe Herber, 16 points, Mike Gansey, 8 points, J.D. Collins, 7 points, and Patrick Beilein with 6 points.

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World Vision Reaches Children

By Katy Full
World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. Fortunately, for less than the price of a new pair of shoes, individuals can support a child struggling with famine, for an entire month. A simple $35 a month can provide immunizations against deadly diseases to both the sponsored child and his or her family. In addition, sponsorship forms a bond with burdened children, building a friendship that both the supporter and the recipient will cherish.

After making the $35 payment, which can be done through automatic giving (bank or debit/credit card deductions), check or money order, sponsors will receive a welcome kit from World Vision. This kit includes a picture of the needy child, information about his or her community and country, and details about the goals and benefits made possible through monthly donations. Along with the welcome kit, individuals are given the address of the office in which the child will receive their letters.

World Vision is the opportunity to form an international relationship with someone yearning for a friend. When the friendship begins, the child will send an introductory letter and a greeting card. Holidays and birthdays also receive some type of recognition, usually in the form of a card. Sponsors will also be granted an annual update on how their child is doing, along with an up-to-date picture and written letter.

Underage Drinking Problem

By Jasmine Delane
According to Focus Adolescent Services, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are not only huge problems with adults; they are becoming a problem with a significant number of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 20. A child who reaches the age of 21 without abusing alcohol is most likely never going to abuse it. The average age when individuals of youth first try alcohol is age 11 for males and age 13 for females. The average age at which teenagers begin drinking regularly is around 16-years-old.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s research says that adolescents who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at the legal age of 21. It has been estimated that over three million teenagers are alcoholics already and several million more have serious drinking problems that they cannot manage on their own.

The three leading causes of death for individuals that are 15 through 24 are: automobile accidents, homicides, and suicides and alcohol is a leading factor in all three of these. Dependence on alcohol is associated with several psychiatric problems too: depression, anxiety, and more.

The most common and effective way for adolescents to fight their addictive behavior is by going to self-help groups. The National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service provides a toll-free telephone number, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), offering information to those who want it. If any individual would like more information, please go to www.focusas.com/Alcohol.html.

Childhood Obesity on Rise

By Jasmine Delane
According to a study published recently, scientists say that the number of overweight children will increase significantly by the end of the decade. Almost fifty percent of children in the North and South America regions will be overweight by 2010, which was a report published by the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity. Dr. Philip James, a chairperson of the International Obesity Task Force, said that obesity could become a huge global epidemic because it affects so many countries throughout the world.

Studies are saying that there are many reasons why children today outweigh children who were born in earlier years. Nowadays kids have computers, the internet, and so many games and game systems that they cannot even count them. Before all of these electronics came out children had played outside. They played tag, hide and seek, etc. Now that the electronics are taking over their lives, they do not get as much exercise, besides in their fingers.

There are some ways to help trim down your children doctors say. Give them a specific amount of time to play video games, get on the computer, etc. Like an hour or two a day. Make your kids go outside and skateboard, or ride their bikes. Even during the cold weather, these activities can be fun for your child. There is even a real crazy going on right now with a video game that can help your child lose weight. Buy them Dance Dance Revolution.

Smoking Classes Resume

By Rachel Nowery
Quit taking chances with your life. The next free smoking cessation class will begin after Spring Break. Regular classes resume on March 20. For more information, stop by the Health Center or call 424-8205.

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Bookstore Celebrates Women

By Rachel Nowery
The Campus Bookstore announces March as Women’s History Month and has some selected books on display at 20 percent off the retail price.

Women’s Letters: America from Revolutionary War to the Present by Lisa Grunwalk consists of more than 400 letters and over 100 photographs by women spanning over three centuries. The letters gathered depict historical events and provide an insight to women’s personal thoughts and experiences. Women such as Abigail Adams (John Adams’ wife), Harriet Beecher Stowe, and even recent women such as Monica Lewinsky and Martha Stewart are featured. The first-person reports collected by family members, historical societies and libraries are printed in their original format and presented in chronological order.

Former Vice President Al Gore’s oldest daughter, Karenna Gore Schiff, recently authored Lighting the Way: Nine Women Who Changed Modern America, which is also on sale. The collective biography spotlights nine 20th Century women who worked behind the scenes and in the heat of major political movements. These little-known heroes had major roles in changing controversial political policies of the last century.

Also on display is Women’s America: Refocusing the Past by Linda Kerber and Jane Dehart. The book is currently being used in Professor Robert Cordell’s History of American Women class.

Scuba Classes at YMCA

By Chris Carez
West Virginia is the last place anyone would expect to find a group of people teaching others how to scuba dive. The people of Scuba WV have been teaching community members how to dive for years through classes offered at numerous YMCAs. Classes are offered at the Parkersburg, Charleston, and Marietta YMCAs. Classes are currently underway but more will be starting in March. The classes consist of classroom activities followed by learning different techniques in the pool. The Parkersburg class starts March 24, the Marietta class begins March 26, and the Charleston class begins March 27. If there are not enough people participating by the second or third class, the class will be cancelled.

Scuba WV is located down the road from the WVUP across from Helen’s Family Restaurant. Scuba WV does more than teach classes, they also sell gear. Students in the scuba classes are encouraged to buy their gear from Scuba WV, that way they know they are getting good gear. Being a diver opens up a completely new world of adventures.

Trips are one thing Scuba WV does perfectly. Throughout the years the club has taken divers to the Florida Keys, the Galapagos Islands, Truk & Palau, and Bonaire just to name a few. Those attending the trip to Bonaire are not required to be certified divers. Bonaire is an island off the coast of Venezuela and is part of the ABC island chain; Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Those who are not certified to dive can take part in island activities such as shopping or taking tours. The Galapagos Island trip is a great experience where the participants get to live aboard boats for up to two weeks at a time, traveling from dive site to dive site. The Florida Keys trip is April 27-June 1. Scuba WV will be celebrating their 20th Anniversary trip at Bonaire this year. The trip goes from July 29-Aug. 5.

A mixture of four individuals teach the course, James Carez, Marvin Trippett, Don Schrader, and WVU-P’s very own Professor Roger Lewis. If any student has an interest in scuba diving they can contact Scuba WV by phone at (304) 422-4398 or by e-mail at ScubaWV@ScubaWV.com. They also have a website, www.scubawv.com. Students can contact Professor Lewis in Room 1016 D for more information. Scuba diving is a great opportunity for people to explore the beauty of the deep.

Help Build a Better West Virginia

By Katy Full
Students across West Virginia will be given the chance to join together and help build a better state on April 22. Sponsoring the Third Annual West Virginia Touch a Life Day, a network of volunteers will have the opportunity to pull together with individuals across the country, on the same day and donate millions of hours to service. Participating schools and organizations are in complete control of their project, and are left to decide who will benefit and who will participate. Volunteers are encouraged to be creative in finding new ways to help the community.

Various service project ideas such as helping the hungry and homeless through distributing food, gathering clothing, and tutoring the children, are given as inspiration for new projects. Also mentioned is adopting a “grandfriend,” picking up groceries for senior citizens, painting a mural over graffiti, cleaning up a vacant lot, and volunteering at a Special Olympics event. Many other suggestions are given, yet a great amount of emphasis is placed on creativity.