A Complicated Problem Housing Scrambles Some Cases, We Have Seen a Decline.” Addressing a Complex Problem for Enforcing the Honor Code

www.insidevandy.com MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2009 THE VOICE OF VANDERBILT SINCE 1888 121ST YEAR, NO. 28

OPINION: The graduating Hustler columnists oﬀ er advice to students at their departure. SEE PAGE 6

VERSUS: Check out Versus on Wednesday for an in-depth coverage of Rites of Spring. SEE WEDNESDAY’S VERSUS Rites of Spring Confetti, rain and crowd surfing marked the end of Rites of Spring 2009. To read more about the performances, see Wednesday’s Versus.

NIKKY OKORO / The Vanderbilt Hustler CHRIS PHARE / The Vanderbilt Hustler OLIVER WOLFE / The Vanderbilt Hustler Hip-hop artist T.I. gave one of his last performances Friday night Pharrell Williams of Virginia Beach hip-hop group N.E.R.D. per- Lead singer Wayne Coyne of Saturday night headliner The Flaming Lips crowd surfs in his signature plastic bubble at the start of his set. The show before his one year and one day jail sentence begins in mid-May. formed Saturday night, urging the audience to crowd surf. featured confetti, streamers, giant balloons and the onstage engagement of two performers costumed as Teletubbies.

NIKKY OKORO / The Vanderbilt Hustler NICOLE MANDEL / The Vanderbilt Hustler NIKKY OKORO / The Vanderbilt Hustler Indie rock band Okkervil River of Austin, Texas, performed songs from their latest album “The Sara Watkins of the band Nickel Creek performed several bluegrass songs with fellow band Brooklyn artist Santigold performed songs from her latest album “Friday the 13th” Friday night. Stage Names” Friday afternoon. member and brother Shan Watkins Saturday afternoon. Her music has been featured on shows like “Gossip Girl.” A complicated problem Housing scrambles some cases, we have seen a decline.” Addressing a complex problem for enforcing the Honor Code. Cheating an The study asked students about the But while the data shows no real According to the Honor Code, the important issue for cheating they have witnessed rather increase or decrease, the numbers system should work so that students than what they have done. Heuser said paired with statistics provided by the and professors enforce and the Honor to assign Vanderbilt community he has found that students will often Honor Council, Swinton says, show Council prosecutes. to address according factor what they have done in the way cheating is an important issue on Students may not be responsible for they form their own perceptions. campus. turning students into the Honor Council students to professors, experts. In 2008, 15.6 percent of students “If students are witnessing 10 or 15 — though they are encouraged — but reported witnessing plagiarism of percent of students cheating, then that some action, perhaps in an expression by KELLY JONES by SYDNEY WILMER some kind, 22 percent witnessed is a problem,” he said. of disapproval, is expected, he said. News Reporter Editor-in-Chief cheating of some kind and 36.6 percent Heuser said the key to a strong of students witnessed unauthorized academic Honor Code goes beyond the Need to work together ough it usually leaves some Brian Heuser, lecturer in sharing of information of some kind. Honor Council and students. Research Assistant Professor of students unsatis ed, the housing international education and public These numbers have not changed Swinton agreed, saying the university Electrical Engineering and Computer selection process for the 2009-2010 policy, has spent the last five significantly in the past five years, should see low and consistent reports Science Tim Holman agreed, saying he academic year has left more than years monitoring the self-reported Heuser explained. of cheating in the report as a positive, thinks ideally the process should work usual frustrated with their future academic integrity habits of Vanderbilt Similarly, Director of Student but any cheating is an issue that needs so each factor works together. housing assignments. students. Conduct Daniel Swinton, who advises to be dealt with on campus. “Students have a responsibility to “I’ve had 379 scheduled meetings The results of his study are not the Honor Council, offered data on “Cheating happens,” said read the Honor Code and abide by its with students as well as a large unremarkable, but perhaps not what the number of cases heard by the senior Matthew Specht, outgoing rules,” Holman said. “Professors have number of walk-ins in regards to students looking for trends want to student-led group. The information organizational vice president of the a responsibility to enforce the Honor students who want to talk about hear, he said. also showed no real increase in the Honor Council. “I don’t think there is Code by taking reasonable steps to their housing assignment,” said “We have seen very little fluctuation last six years save an unexplained dip rampant cheating across campus.” prevent academic misconduct in their Director of Housing Assignments in student reporting in personally during the 2004-2005 school year, he e question for a lot of students and classes. Jason Jakubowski. “I want to help witnessing incidences,” he said. “In said. faculty, though, is who is responsible Please see VANDY TABOO, page 5 whenever possible.” Jakubowski said that during meetings with students he reiterates how the lottery is seniority-based and that all rooms on campus have been assigned through the lottery process. “When all spaces are assigned, we don’t have vacancies to work Please see HOUSING, page 5

SPORTS: The Hustler sports staﬀ looks back on the best in Commodore sports in the 2008-09 seasons. SEE PAGE 89 2 Monday, April 20, 2009 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com

CALENDAR

SNAPSHOTS compiled by NORAH SCANLAN WEATHER With classes ending tomorrow and ﬁ nals descending THE WEEK AHEAD WEATHER.COM TUESDAY, APRIL 21 upon campus, we thought we would dedicate page 2 to TODAY • Last day of classes helping you procrastinate and relax. Classes end in all undergraduate schools. So close to summer — just have to get through exams ﬁ rst.

Check out the calendar to fi nd out ways to unwind as • Desserts with Kirkland classes end and how to gear up to study for fi nals. Stop by Rand Terrace between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. for free Las Paletas popsicles and other desserts and to talk with administrators and Vanderbilt Student Government executive board members in a causal atmosphere. HIGH 63, LOW 44 And fi nally, instead of our usual news briefs, enjoy a Few showers • International Stress Fest couple extra Sudoku puzzles. No reason for you to do An opportunity to relax with jewelry making, tie-dying, tile painting, henna tattoos and other TUESDAY more reading than is necessary right now. activities will be provided from 3-6 p.m. at the Student Life Center Ballroom.

• Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day EXTRA SUDOKU PUZZELS Venture oﬀ -campus to 21st Avenue for a free ice cream cone at Ben and Jerry’s.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 FRIDAY, APRIL 24 • Coff ee break HIGH 62, LOW 43 Forget about your fi nals for a few hours and unwind with free coff ee from 8-11 p.m. in Sarratt Partly cloudy Promenade.

WEDNESDAY

SNAPSHOT

HIGH 69, LOW 44 BATTLE OF THE BANDS Partly cloudy

Managing Editor Eve Attermann [email protected]

Online Editor Ben Gotow [email protected]

News Editorial Board Member Hannah Twillman [email protected]

News Editorial Board Member Norah Scanlan [email protected]

Opinion Editor Thomas Shattuck [email protected]

Sports Editor David Rutz [email protected]

Art Director Matt Radford [email protected]

Photo Editor Chris Phare [email protected]

Journalist-in-Residence Tim Ghianni [email protected]

SERVICE GUIDE The Vanderbilt Hustler (ISSN 0042-2517), the student newspaper of Vanderbilt University, is published every Monday and Friday during the academic year except for during exam periods and vaca- tions. The paper is not printed during summer break. The Vanderbilt Hustler allocates one issue of the newspaper to each student and is available at various points on campus for free. Addi- tional copies are $.50 each. The Vanderbilt Hustler is a division of Vanderbilt Student Com- munications, Inc. Copyright © 2008 Vanderbilt Student Communica- tions. LOCATION The Hustler oﬃ ces are in 130 Sarratt JUSTIN MENESTRINA / The Vanderbilt Hustler Student Center on the Vanderbilt Battle of the Bands took place Thursday night to kick o Rites of Spring weekend. The winner opened the concert festival Friday night. University Campus. Address postal mail to 2301 Vanderbilt Place, VU Station B 351504, Nashville, Tenn. 37235-1504. AFFILIATIONS The Hustler is a member of the As- sociated Collegiate Press, Colum- bia Scholastic Press Association, College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers, Southern University Newspapers and the Southeastern Journalism Confer- ence and is an associate member of the Associated Press. TO ADVERTISE Display ads: (615) 322-4237 or e-mail advertising@vanderbilthustler.com Display fax: (615) 322-3762 Oﬃ ce hours are 9 a.m. — 4 p.m., Monday — Friday Visit us online at http://www.vscmedia.org/advertising.html TO REPORT A NEWS ITEM learn.explore.discover. Campus news: Call 322-2424 or e-mail [email protected] Entertainment news: Call 343-0967 or e-mail vibe@vanderbilthustler. SUMMER in BOSTON com Sports results: Call 343-0967 or e-mail [email protected] Summer 1: May 19–June 26 Summer 2: June 29–August 7 CORRECTIONS The Hustler strives for accuracy and fairness and will correct errors SUMMER TERM is more than a chance to get ahead in your studies— of substance. See our correction policy on the Opinion page for in- it’s an opportunity to expand your horizons. Find over 600 courses in formation about notifying us. PRINTER more than 70 subjects, taught by Boston University’s award-winning The Hustler is printed at Franklin Web Printing Company in Franklin, faculty. Learn more today. Tenn. SUBSCRIPTION RATES Call 617-353-5124 Visit bu.edu/summer Subscriptions are available for $125 per semester or $200 per year. Checks should be made payable to The Vanderbilt Hustler. A pdf subscription order form is available at http://www.vscmedia.org/hustler. html BACK ISSUES Back issues are available in Sarratt 130 during business hours.

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COLOR B+W www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Monday, April 20, 2009 3

The Vanderbilt Alumni Association would like to thank the Student Alumni Board for a wonderful year of building class community and meaningful alumni connections through:

• Seniorfest • Junior Networking Lunch • Commons Carnival • Junior’s Focus on Your Future Series • Senior “Almost Alumni” Lunch • Sophomore Slam Dunk Tailgate • Las Paletas Fall Popsicle Break • Sophomore Feed the Children Event

Thank you to all our class Student Alumni Boards!

Class of 2012 Class of 2010 Meghana Chalasani Pat Anderson John Chen Cate Blankenship Tim Duckworth Eliott Bond Cherie Fathy Kelly Cashen Kristen McCabe Brittany Crye Travis Meyer Megan Gilbert Tessa McLain Tyler Godoff Mary Lamar Washburne Kathleen Grunder Alison Weiner Marland Hobbs Miron Klimkowski Class of 2011 Laura Nemer Robbie Bok Jonathan Snider Benjamin Goodman Courtney Towner Karissa Hammer Tim Henry Morgan Knapp Class of 2009 Dean Mengaziol Chrissy Baccich Spencer Montalvo Janani Balasundaram Zach Pﬁ nsgraff Maggie Fesmire Emily Rosenthal Kristina Hilsheimer Cynthia Villamizar Katie Hunter Eric Walk Keon Jones Chaloea Williams Adam Rabinowitz Ashley Wallace

SAB 4 Monday, April 20, 2009 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Monday, April 20, 2009 5 vandy taboo: Honor housing: Students will be accomodated

From housing, page 1 reserve rooms in the area or will Council, faculty question with. So we wait for vacancies be Resident Advisers. that open up as students plans Another question on the change: They decide to study minds of many is whether abroad, travel, work, intern,” he there is enough room to occupy said. “As we collect vacancies, students required to living on responsibility of enforcement we can look for opportunities campus as part of the university’s to help. This takes time and effort to become an entirely From vandy taboos, page 1 and grading the assignments. several options,” Van Schaack less efficient. patience since most vacancies residential campus. According “The Honor Council has a Faculty must take the time to said. “I can ignore it, have a are not confirmed until to Jakubowski, there is a wait responsibility to make certain know whether the learning is stern discussion with them, Understanding a cultural issue summer.” list of 34 students. He said he is that students are aware of the happening.” lower their letter grade on the While the enforcement of Michelle Colvin, a rising not worried about the current Honor Code, and that it is He said professors should assignment or give them a zero the Honor Code is a difficult junior, was switched from a situation, however. applied in a fair and uniform take measures to make the on the assignment.” problem to tackle, Swinton single room in the all-women “I’ve been in touch personally manner,” he said. process not only less tempting But for a stronger and Heuser agreed culture is Cole Hall to a single room in with every student on the wait but also more difficult. punishment, the professor has an important factor in why Carmichael Towers II after list to explain how we work to Faculty responsibility currently “Oftentimes the cry for doing to turn the student into the students cheat. requesting the change. find them rooms,” he said. “We overlooked professor says more comes from the faculty,” he Honor Council, which can be “I think that there is a culture “Mr. Jakubowski was know vacancies will occur and Heuser identifies similar said. “But if there is a breakdown a long and frustrating process, that expects perfection,” very helpful and thoughtful then we’ll be able to get them points on ensuring academic it is ironically the same source he said. Swinton said. “Anytime you get throughout the whole process. situated.” integrity. He offers four points that raises the issue.” “I can take the student to the around students that have been He understood my predicament To help open up some rooms to that allow the system to work. Honor Council,” Van Schaack at school their entire lives, it is and helped me optimize my house those students on the wait He believes Vanderbilt is Cheating arms race between students, said. “But there is no guarantee going to be difficult.” situation,” she said. list and to have more students strong in three of the areas: a faculty a part of campus life that the student will be found A student may have been at Currently, 8 percent — or 47 receive their preferred housing, comprehensive Honor Code, Programs like SafeAssignment guilty.” the top of their class most of students — of future Kissam Jakubowski said Housing has an Honor Council charged with allow professors to make sure Van Schaack said he would their life, he said, and the first Quadrangle residents are rising also permitted an additional 100 enforcement and an Office of students are not plagiarizing, not be surprised if the actual low grade can be a blow. juniors. Contrary to rumors that off-campus requests to rising Student Conduct to represent but still require effort on the process becomes a deterrent “All of the sudden someone housing ran out of room for seniors. Of the 325 seniors who the institution. professors’ parts, Lecturer of for some professors. gets a C and it alters their them elsewhere, however, these originally received permission, He worries that faculty Education Andrew Van Schaack Heuser cited other reasons perception of self,” he said. students have either chosen to many declined. ■ monitoring and reporting of said. Even still, the program that for what he sees as a problem. “One of the things we try to violations is a weak point in the offers up a raw percentage score “Oftentimes, faculty feel help students recognize is that process. can allow professors to pinpoint like institutional penalties they are not their grades.” He said while students are areas of question in student don’t appropriately fit the Both Heuser and Swinton said asked to report incidences of papers. There is no easy way to malfeasance,” he said. “Faculty the key to truly getting beyond cheating, in the end, professors monitor students, but it has to want the autonomy because the problems of academic are the ones who have to ensure be done, he explained. they feel the institutional integrity is teaching students that students are not breaking Van Schaack said he takes penalties are too high. They that there is more to their rules. the raw score offered by the also worry faculty will fear education than transactional “The No. 1 reason students program, looks through it, and that the institution will turn on relationship embodied by cheat is because they think decided then whether or not them.” simply receiving a grade. 5360 Edmondson Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 they can get away with it. And the passage in question is worth Swinton said the most “We live in a living-learning Phone 615-837-8776 Fax 615-837-8706 the No. 1 reason they think they discussing with a student. common complaint he hears, environment and we need to [email protected] can get away with it is because “These tools are good, but though, is that it is an arduous teach students to experience faculty won’t turn them in,” they aren’t fool proof,” Heuser process. college as well as make the Spacious 2 & 3 br apts Heuser said. said. “We can try to make the grades,” Swinton said. excellent location, minutes from Heuser said the reality is that process that is in place as good It is a tough process, he students do not think faculty Punishment process too complicated as possible and refine it,” he admitted, especially as students Maryland Farms and Cool Springs. will turn them in because 90 Even after students are said. aim to get into graduate schools Gated community, percent of the time they do not. caught, Van Schaack said, there The reality, though, he said, and look for jobs. full size washer/ dryer in unit “Faculty are on the front is more to the process. is that the organization is “I try to approach cheating lines,” Heuser said. “They are “If I am a professor and I have student run, which makes it as a learning moment,” Heuser We offer discounts to the ones giving the assignments seen a student cheat, I have more effective but sometimes said. ■ Vanderbilt Faculty and Students! International accepted students meet in London by ruth kinsey Vanderbilt University Greater decision to attend Vanderbilt. Senior Reporter London chapter. It was intended “It helped one of the admitted to help accepted European students confirm that she CONGRATULATIONS Vanderbilt University Class of 2009! Decision time is fast students meet other accepted really wanted to attend Vandy,” approaching for the accepted students, answer any queries said Patti White, the Europe/ students of the class of 2013. To they may have about college UK representative for the Welcome. On behalf of the Vanderbilt University Alumni Association, I would help them decide, there have life in America and encourage Vanderbilt University Alumni like to congratulate you and welcome you into your Alumni Association family. been a number of opportunities them to attend Vanderbilt. Association Board and parent The Vanderbilt University Alumni Association is 120,000 strong and eager for over the past few weekends for It was a small gathering with of current student Frances you to join our ranks. I use the term “your Alumni Association” because that is accepted students and their only 11 people in attendance, White. “Although she had been families to visit campus. including two accepted admitted to four or five other exactly what it is. However, it is usually difficult students and their parents, the top schools, I suspect this was for the accepted international parents of a current Vanderbilt the only admitted students’ While you were at Vanderbilt University, you had the opportunity to make students to make their final student and three alumni. reception she was invited to, connections with people from all over the world, from professors to administrators decisions, due to the distance “It was very insightful,” and so it showed outreach and to students. Now, you can continue the connections you have made, continue to and expense of traveling. To said accepted student caring.” amend this, Vanderbilt hosted James Mathers. “I wanted to Currently, international strengthen them, and make new ones. Your Alumni Association has 42 Chapters an informal meet-and-greet learn more about attending students, coming from 97 in cities around the world. I encourage you to find the Chapter in the city or in the Orangery of Kensington Vanderbilt and it was a good different countries, make up region where you find yourself, and make that connection. We are here to help Palace in London on Saturday. experience to talk to alumni and 8 percent of the Vanderbilt you network with other Vanderbilt Alumni, to help you discover people and things The event was the first of parents of current students.” student body. However, due in your new city you did not know and, in so doing, to help you continue that its kind in London and was Attendees felt the event was to events like this across the organized by alumna Maureen a success with one accepted world, this number is expected familiar connection. Each Chapter sponsors events that will offer you all of these Doolan, the president for the student confirming her to increase. ■ things.

To find out what is happening in your city, I encourage you to make the iTunes price hike could turn away more connection by: consumers according to some students - Signing up for Dore2Dore (www.dore2dore.net), the online Vanderbilt by allie morris copyright-protection technology. are still willing to pay for music?” Community, and keep your information updated so your friends can Senior Reporter Now, consumers are able to make said junior Marcus Jones. find you; (And we’ll send you info soon on the new VUconnect online unlimited copies and play the Sophomore Anne Hopkins said community launching in early summer!) Students purchasing music songs on any device. she thinks an increase in price will through iTunes may notice a Releases from new artists will be encourage students to illegally cost increase that took effect last sold at a lower price, while more download music. AND Tuesday. well-known artists will be tagged “The extra 30 cents adds up,” Popular music will cost as much with a higher rate. Most of the 10 Hopkins said. - Logging on to Vanderbilt.edu/alumni to find exciting events the as 30 percent more through a new million songs in the iTunes catalog In 2007 the Recording Industry Chapter in your area is hosting. variable pricing system. Before the are expected to remain at 99 cents. Association of America sued 23 new pricing, Apple charged a flat Students who listen to older Vanderbilt students for illegally 99 cents for every tune. However, music or buy CD’s instead of downloading music from their Upon graduation, you are automatically a lifetime member of the Vanderbilt record companies had been singles won’t be as affected by the computers. Alumni Association. pressuring Apple for more pricing price hike. Although Vanderbilt supplies flexibility to offset declining CD “Basically it’s just a logical legal music download options, Congratulations again, and I look forward to seeing you at a Vanderbilt University sales. In January, Philip Schiller, business move,” said junior earlier this year Napster terminated Apple’s senior vice president of Rebecca Price. “It doesn’t really its nationwide Napster on Campus Alumni Association event soon! worldwide product marketing, affect me because I don’t buy that program, which had provided a said the company would switch many songs, and I listen to a lot of free and legal music downloading Sincerely, to tiered pricing: 69 cents a song older music.” service to Vanderbilt students for for the older catalog, 99 cents for Other Vanderbilt students said the last four years. Although Napster most new song and $1.29 for the they think that the price hike could offers a discount to Vanderbilt most popular tracks. Steve Jobs, be a fatal decision for the music students, it is no longer free. ■ Billy Ray Caldwell, Jr., BA’85 CEO and co-founder of Apple Inc., giant. President also said at the time that Apple “Wouldn’t it make sense to Morgan Smith-Williams Vanderbilt University Alumni Association would offer its whole catalog free try to price it cheaper instead of contributed reporting to this of digital-rights management, a turning away the few people who article. 6 Monday, April 20, 2009 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com

The Vanderbilt Hustler Editorial Board sydney wilmer Eve Attermann Ben Gotow hannah twillman Norah Scanlan thomas shattuck David Rutz opinion Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Online Editor News Editorial Board News Editorial Board Opinion Editor Sports Editor letter from the editor Stand and be judged by the Hustler opinion staff! Compiled by Thomas Shattuck Where does it come from, that stack of thin, my role was little more than one of a facilitator. The Verdict folded papers called The Vanderbilt Hustler? Staffers knew what they wanted out of the Robbery A 13-year-old boy who police say was caught red-handed a block away was accused on It is a mystery most students will never fully semester and went for it. Tuesday of robbing a bank in Peoria. The unidentified boy was charged with felony armed understand. In February, The Hustler won Best of the South robbery in juvenile court, accused of threatening a teller with a gun and demanding cash. As outgoing editor-in-chief, I come from a at the Southeastern Journalism Conference. Bears Slovenian police sealed off an area of Ljubljana on Thursday to hunt down a wild brown long line of predecessors who know all too well Although I was technically at the helm, it was the bear, the first seen roaming the capital in decades. The bear was seen on a hill called how the paper comes into being in the basement previous semester’s hard work that earned the Roznik, which is only about a mile away from the center of the city and usually full of of Sarratt twice a week. I also come from a long paper the honor. I believe that this semester our joggers and hikers. line of students who, against their own better strong staff has continued to grow and mature. Snakes A Kenyan man bit a python who wrapped him in its coils and hauled him up a tree in a judgment, willingly sign their lives away one I simply want to congratulate them on excellent struggle that lasted hours. Farm manager Ben Nyaumbe was working at the weekend semester at time. The job requires passion and a work and all of their devotion. when the serpent, apparently hunting for livestock, attacked him. tinge of masochism. Expect a great deal of innovation from I knew what I was getting into when I signed Vanderbilt Student Communications and Money Taiwanese police have arrested a 55-year-old man for lobbing bank notes worth about up for the position of editor-in-chief last fall and The Hustler next year. Both will be guided by $29,600 from vehicles. The man tossed the bills from a taxi in a crowded part of Taichung would be lying if I said I was not petrified at the extremely capable students. Also, an increased city on Sunday. He is believed to have thrown heaps more money on an earlier road trip onset. Because of one incredible staff, though, focus on the accompanying InsideVandy.com starting in the capital Taipei. this has been the most rewarding experience Web site should make for a more engaging Russia Three off-duty Russian policemen were fired on Monday for driving drunk through I have had here at Vanderbilt. I am genuinely experience online. Moscow’s Red Square in the early hours of the morning, dressed in their police uniforms. proud of the product. As for me, I may be leaving the post of EIC, Russians are some of the world’s heaviest drinkers and demographers often cite high I hope readers have taken the opportunity but I plan to continue writing and leading alcohol consumption as a factor in the low life expectancy of Russian men. to listen to the many podcasts that have VSC in the production of multimedia. Thank accompanied articles this semester online. Our you for all of your interest in The Hustler and Cleaning Japanese expatriates took to the streets of Paris on Sunday armed with brooms to clean up staff ended the semester with a special project InsideVandy.com. As always, the staff welcomes the city for the tens of thousands of Japanese tourists who visit each year. Founded in 2003 to that launched Friday online and in print — please your comments, thoughts and suggestions. Let clean a fashionable Tokyo street, the organization started in Paris in 2007. take a look. Also, I hope students enjoyed the us know what we can do to be more relevant. Science Scientists have detected two substances in tobacco smoke that directly cause lung cancer, longer articles and our staff’s efforts to increase and they said the finding may help one day predict which smokers will develop the investigative reporting this semester. Sincerely, disease. In all of these accomplishments, I have to say, Sydney Wilmer

With three Hustler columnists graduating in May, they each leave us Senior sound-off with some of their unique parting wisdom in their final columns. Words of wisdom So you’re entering Lessons learned Carolyn Pippen neily todd Columnist the real world Columnist While teetering dangerously on the edge of senior year, I’ve Justin poythress Hindsight is always 20/20. In the past four years, I’ve learned a lot been thinking lately about my time at Vanderbilt and what this Columnist about life at Vanderbilt. In my parting column, I’d like to share my place has meant to me. I’ve learned a lot — academically, sure, lessons learned. but mostly about the ins and outs of life and how to get through Sooner or later all of us have to do it. 1. Going out until 4 a.m. and making it to your 9 a.m. class gets the day having the most fun and causing the least amount of I know as a currently jobless senior, I may not be the most progressively more difficult with each school year. Plan accordingly. permanent damage. In my last official column, I want to impart qualified person to speak on this issue, but that’s also part 2. Meal Money is the closest thing to Monopoly money you will ever upon my younger peers some of the more pivotal points of of the reality of life. I also want to apologize at the onset for find. Nothing like it exists in the real world. Don’t ever let a single wisdom I’ve gained over the last four years: writing a more somber article, but I feel like I’ve earned it, dollar of it go to waste. Living with practical strangers is a challenge for everyone and one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned in four years is 3. If you buy your friends’ birthday card in the bookstore, there is a involved, but communication is key. By that I mean don’t use that there are some times when you need to be serious. 95 percent chance that someone else has gotten him or her the exact a random pot from the kitchen to catch leaking rain water Now whether you’re a freshmen or have two weeks of school same card. without first consulting your housemate about the sentimental left, you’re still staring down the barrel of responsibility, 4. The Vanderbilt staff works incredibly hard so we can have everything value of said pot. Should such an unfortunate event arise, and it’s closer than you think. Sure, you can always take a we need right at our finger tips. Whether it’s the cashier who rings up however, a good mix of tequila and ammonia should get that year off to travel, or do grad school, but you’re really just your Bagel Bites in the Munchie Mart or the librarian who finds the grime right off. If you’re an RA, try not to be sleeping with your postponing the inevitable. When you graduate, you’ll have book you need, thank them for their hard work. door open and your candles lit when people show up on move- spent at least 16 years of your life being a student, and now 5. Don’t ever try to cut through Stevenson when you’re in a hurry. in day, it doesn’t instill a ton of confidence in the parents of you must turn around and begin contributing back. 6. Freezing weather doesn’t automatically mean class is canceled. your freshmen hallmates. I’m not there, but I know what that future looks like. It’s no 7. When a class is canceled, you’ll probably have to make up for it later. Don’t be afraid of morning classes. Bonding emerges through more going out on weekdays, it’s paying bills and keeping 8. Never, ever, count on Vanderbilt’s wireless. It will work for two weeks suffering, and you’d be surprised by the friendships formed at 8 a budget, it’s making all new friends and then having to straight with no problems, and at 11:59 p.m., when you’re paper must a.m. when the only thing everyone has in common is that you’re drive out to see them once or twice a week. It’s a family, a be submitted by midnight, you’ll lose connection. wearing your pajamas and you want to die. If you can study house, kids and petty gripes about your job and coworkers. 9. Always double-check to make sure you have your Vandy card. Entire abroad, do it. If you can’t, change your major. It’s an experience It’s gradually cutting down your “me” time more and more. days are ruined by simply leaving that little piece of plastic behind. you’ll never get anywhere else, and lessons you would never But that’s it. 10. When looking for an F parking spot, you will inevitably drive learn on campus. For example: Roof parties are awesome, but There’s no alternative reality, not really. Sound boring? Of around for 20 minutes before resigning yourself to parking in the 25th European skylights were not, in fact, built to support full-sized course it does, that’s because you’re still in college. That’s Avenue garage. On your trek back from the garage, you will find at college students. Who knew? part of maturing: changing your expectations for life. least two spots have opened up right in front of your building. Take advantage of the fact that you attend the only One essential lesson to understand is that you control 11. Give yourself that extra five minutes. It’s always better not to be Southeastern Conference school that doesn’t make you jump your own reality. How else could it be that starving families rushed. through hoops to attend amazing athletic events. Fan support in southeast Asia and Africa can still be happy? If you don’t 12. On the day you don’t give yourself extra time, you will inevitably can move mountains, and my class saw an SEC championship, take this attitude with you, you will forever be a victim of forget your book and have to turn back or run into that friend who just a Sweet 16, a bowl victory and a national title, so please don’t your circumstance, and soon you and all around you will won’t stop talking. drop the ball. not take any pleasure in life. 13. The Pub > Rand. Problem: All your friends are in Rand. I can’t Live up the frat scene while you still can, it will get old faster While we’re on the subject of contentment, I want to touch help you with that one. than you think. And so will you. Don’t forget that you live in on ambition. We’ve all been told since the age of five that 14. Foster friendships with your professors. They are really intelligent Music City, and don’t be too much of a snob to reap the benefits. we’re the cream of the crop, and we certainly would not be people with a lot of life experience. Whether it’s giving you insight Sometimes dirty old rappers grope sorority girls on stage, and at Vanderbilt if it weren’t for ambition, drive and hard work. on classes in the department or advising you about internship sometimes Keith Urban makes a surprise appearance right as But we’ve also been fed the great American lie: “You can be opportunities, never underestimate their power as a resource. you’re about to give up and go home. Either way, you won’t whatever you want, you can do whatever you set your mind 15. Watch out for Frisbees when walking across Alumni Lawn on a want to miss it. to.” Nonsense. Even if I’d practiced from the age of two, I’d sunny day. Say what you will about this campus, there is a plethora never be an NBA player. 16. Avoid the Wall at lunch time. In the 30-second walk past, it is quite of bathroom options in almost every location. So there’s no This is the kind of Disney sugarcoating that has America possible to donate five dollars to a charity you’ve never heard of, sign reason for you to lose your crap (literally) on the stairs in the believing that we can all be athletes, glamorous actors, rock up to donate an organ, buy a ticket to the philanthropy event of a football stadium, or pee on the concrete outside Sarratt after stars or CEOs. You won’t, but it’s okay. Sure, it’s great to want sorority in which you don’t know a single person and sign a petition Rites. No one around you appreciates that. Dining do: Ken’s to make a meaningful impact on the world, to leave a legacy, written in Greek. It’s dangerous. bento box contains three weeks worth of food for about 12 to make something of yourself. These are noble desires, and 17. When it comes to studying or paper-writing, there is a sweet spot bucks. Skip lunch in preparation for this magical event. Dining lead to the betterment of others, but are not what’s most somewhere between beginning weeks ahead and cramming all night in don’t: Obie’s stops delivering at 2 a.m. Be aware of this, because important. This is a tough and sometimes impossible idea the library. When you find it, life becomes exponentially easier. they’ll take your order anyway. And your money. And no food to grasp in the most materialistic culture where everything 18. Fire alarms don’t always mean someone was attempting to comes. Sad day. is simply about getting the most for yourself. So what? Let’s play a funny joke in the middle of the night. Go to church, if for no other reason than it’s quiet, and try say you outstrip Donald Trump and Gates combined. Who 19. Traffic and Parking will catch you. They’re tied in with the dark everything once. That’s right, everything. Ten years from now, cares 200 years after you’re dead? side. you won’t look back and regret the things you did, you’ll Not to be morbid, but the true virtue is to be charitable 20. One day, typically about mid-April of senior year, you’ll realize the regret the things you didn’t do. That being said, never live in a and selfless, love others and enjoy each moment for what friends you’ve loved for four years are about to scatter around the world. Mayfield. it is. Don’t wait until then to really appreciate them.

—Carolyn Pippen is a senior in the College of Arts and Science. —Justin Poythress is a senior in Peabody College. He can be —Neily Todd is a senior in the College of Arts and Science. She can be She can be reached [email protected]. reached at [email protected]. reached at [email protected].

opinion POLICY correction POLICY The Vanderbilt Hustler opinion page aims to stimulate discussion in the a Vanderbilt e-mail address where the identity of the sender is clear. With rare Accuracy is our profession. As the “Voice of Vanderbilt,” we are committed Vanderbilt community. In that spirit, columnists, guest columnists and authors of exception, all letters must be received by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday. to ensuring our work is fair and accurate. Errors of substance will be cor- letters to the editor are expected to provide logical argument to back their views. The editor reserves the right to edit and condense submissions for length as well rected. With very rare exception, these corrections will be listed on Page 2. Unreasonable arguments, arguments in bad faith or arguments in vain between as clarity. Bring corrections to the Hustler office in Sarratt 130 or e-mail us at hustler. columnists have no place in the Hustler and will not be published. The Hustler Lengthy letters that focus on an issue affecting students might be considered [email protected]. You may also report them by telephone to the news welcomes reader viewpoints and offers three methods of expression: letters to the for a guest column at the editor’s discretion. line at (615) 322-2424. editor, guest columns and feedback on InsideVandy.com. All submissions become the property of the Hustler and must conform to the Letters must be submitted either in person by the author to the Hustler office legal standards of Vanderbilt Student Communications, of which the Hustler is a or via e-mail to [email protected]. Letters via e-mail must come from division. additional contacts Your voice doesn’t stop here. President Joseph Williams U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander U.S. Sen. Bob Corker Rep. Jim Cooper Rep. Brenda Gilmore Sen. Douglas Henry Jr. Councilmember Keith Durbin The Vanderbilt Hustler encourages Vanderbilt Student Government United States Senate United States Senate U.S. House of Rep. Tenn. District 54 Tenn. District 21 Metro District 18 its readers to voice their opinions on 5009 Station B Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515 P.O. Box 281934 11 Legislative Plaza 1704 Sweetbriar Avenue legislative issues. The following stu- [email protected] (202) 224-4944 (202) 224-3344 (202) 225-4311 Nashville, TN 37228 Nashville, TN 37243-0021 Nashville, TN 37212 dents and legislators represent Sarratt 355 (615) 736-5129 (615) 279-9488 (615) 736-5295 (615) 876-3665 (615) 741-2380 (615) 673-4210 the Vanderbilt community. (615) 322-8742 www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Monday, April 20, 2009 7 The silent and creepy majority Things you will claire costantino of the dumber ideas I’ve ever had. The closer you Columnist look at them, the scarier they are! From a distance You have heard tour guides tell hilarious lies they’re eccentric and funny, but up close they are about them to prospective students and you have sort of horrifying. They don’t just run, they scamper. looked for the reassuring safety of a blue light Squirrels don’t just associate in groups, they have lose at home phone after getting shifty looks from them at dusk: freak-out conventions on sidewalks and in trees. They are Vanderbilt’s squirrels. These scampering They don’t just dig holes to hide their food; they devils have such a strong presence on campus that move so fast and frantically they must be burrowing I think they deserve a senator in Vanderbilt Student halfway to China and hiding nuts in Earth’s core. Government and a slice in the pie charts profiling The squirrels still terrify me. The way they hold over the summer the student body in admissions fliers. Even if those eye contact with you as you pass them sends chills outlandish squirrel-to-student ratios cited by tour up my spine. Yet I think I have reached a delicate guides are an exaggeration, they are still a force to truce with them. We each respect the other’s frannie boyle cause you to miss two meals a day and take be reckoned with. boundaries. Sometimes I have dreams of a career Columnist showers at 3 a.m. Despite my certainty that there are squirrels in in diplomacy (Especially after this year’s IMPACT my hometown, I don’t think I ever thought about Symposium because Madeleine Albright is such a These past two semesters at Vanderbilt Everything you learned (much less felt intimidated by) them until I arrived badass. I just want to be her.), and I consider my have gone by pretty fast, but you have Cramming for all of those exams and the at Vanderbilt. They run around our campus like experience with Vanderbilt’s aggressive squirrels probably gotten much more out of them long all-nighters you pulled for those papers they run the place, and I’m beginning to think they important practice in the art of negotiating with a than you really think. Summer at home may have gotten you some A’s, but you for do. To squirrels, we students are little more than hostile opponent. will be beautiful after two hardcore weeks sure will forget everything you learned by food transporters and potential victims for their Despite the allegations of some recent letters of exams, but just remember, after being the time report cards come out. strange antics. They torment our hardworking to the editor, I am no misanthrope. I consider intensely subjected to the Vandy way of life, groundskeepers as well, running through the myself a friend to humanity just as much as to … there will be a lot to lose. The tolerance of a champion flowerbeds and tearing up the lawns when they squirreldom? To that end, I have found a new way Rites of Spring weekend was a true test store food. to learn to relate to Vandy’s squirrel population: Extra pounds of strength for most students. Two full days After living in terror for most of my freshman year, Twitter. The crowded and instantaneous nature of There aren’t many who drink as much of raging, the concert and going out after I decided to be brave. After all, when I change the Twitter’s social network plays perfectly to squirrels’ at home as they do here. It is also doubtful both nights … it is a wonder the majority fundamental habits of my life to accommodate my short and sweet communication style. One that there will be as many fourth meals, free of Vanderbilt students survived. Most fear, the squirrels win. So I started my sophomore impressively tech-savvy squirrel has become the Rand dinner rolls or Styrofoam cups of fro- students won’t be able to keep this up over year off courageously: using the trashcans outside clever voice for Vanderbilt’s squirrel community. If yo. Most of us will be back in the routine the summer, and they definitely should not (even though I have seen a squirrel jump out of one you would also like to learn more about our fellow of mom’s good home cooking. And if not, expect to manage a weekend like this when and attack some poor guy’s arm) and walking on campus residents, follow doresquirrel on Twitter. meals still won’t be easily accessible. Ten- they get back. It will take a whole semester paths on which more than one squirrel was running Seriously, it’s a really account. minute drives to get some grub won’t be of tailgating in addition to a long spring around. nearly as enticing as a short walk to the break and a couple of formals to get back on I wanted to go beyond conquering my fear — I —Claire Costantino is a sophomore in the Munchie Mart or the minute-long elevator the same pace. wanted to learn to appreciate the squirrels for all College of Arts and Science. She can be reached at ride down to Quiznos. of their special quirkiness. That may have been one [email protected]. Being semi-cool Ability to get away with anything You are going back home to your nerdy It’s the real world. There is no way you friends and the lame way of life you led cartoon will be able to drink underage in the front before college. As awesome as everyone yard, keep up that consistent drug habit, thinks you are here, your old high school or even make loud, belligerent claims in friends and enemies remember who the the Qdoba line at 3 a.m. Most people will “real you” is. They remember the Pi contest have to adhere to local laws and/or family you won in fifth grade, the geography bee rules from the beginning of May until mid- you won in eighth and even the time you August, and that will take some getting used missed the prom after-party in order to to. study for the ACT. No matter how hard you try to erase that from their memories Sleep deprivation with crudely titled facebook albums and This is definitely not a bad thing. A status updates about how awesome the weekend of Rites followed by a week and Flaming Lips were last night, they will still a half of all-nighters and insufficient naps remember. will pretty much kill that first week at home. If your parents aren’t used to it by now, —Frannie Boyle is a sophomore in the College they will probably wonder what in the heck of Arts and Science. She can be reached at is wrong with you, but they will eventually [email protected]. get used to the weird sleeping patterns that meryem dede / The Vanderbilt Hustler 8 Monday, April 20, 2009 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com sports The year’s best Commodores We wrap up the school year with our picks for the tops in Vanderbilt sports in 2008-2009. Agree? Disagree? Go to InsideVandy, see our Honorable Mentions and voice your opinion. Men’s and women’s Teams of the Year First bowl win in 53 years capped Women’s basketball earned another incredible season for football team. SEC Championship, Sweet 16 berth. by nick gallo by david rutz Sports Reporter Sports Editor

The Commodore football team, our Vanderbilt Quietly overshadowed by the giant to the east men’s Team of the Year, won the Music City that is Pat Summitt and her Lady Volunteers, Bowl. for years Vanderbilt women’s basketball has That should in itself be enough reason to succeeded but gone unnoticed. award the Vanderbilt Commodores with the This past season, the Commodores finally crown, but many other factors are included. received recognition as a team to be reckoned In a way unlike any other on campus, the with and lived up to the billing, and for that football team galvanized the spirit of the they are our Vanderbilt women’s Team of the campus when they moved to 5-0 on the season Year, winning the Southeastern Conference with a home victory against then-13th ranked tournament championship and advancing to the Auburn. In the days leading up to the game, Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. ESPN’s “College GameDay” came onto campus, With a star-packed lineup led by All-American broadcasting right outside The Commons Chris Carroll / The Vanderbilt Hustler Christina Wirth and Defensive Player of the Year Center. The “GameDay” crew was extremely Larry Smith (10), Bryant Hahnfeldt (8) and Chris Nickson (3) Jen Risper, Vanderbilt used Melanie Balcomb’s complimentary of the Vanderbilt fans, saying celebrate after Hahnfeldt put Vandy ahead in the Music City Bowl. well-coached combination of crisp shooting zac hardy / The Vanderbilt Hustler the Friday turnout for the show was the best Field, just a few miles away from the Vanderbilt and stellar defense to roll to its best conference Vanderbilt women’s basketball knocked off Tennessee for the first they had ever seen. campus, where the Commodores won 16-14 in start ever under her tenure at 10-2. time in 16 tries and went on to make a deep run in the postseason. The win on that Saturday night catapulted thrilling fashion. Although Wirth and Risper led the team all and the team earning its 10th straight NCAA the Commodores to a No. 13 ranking in the Throughout the season, the Commodores year long, other players emerged as forces. Tournament bid. The Commodores didn’t stop country. Although it took the Commodores had trouble scoring, but their defense played Merideth Marsh, despite being just 5-foot-6, their run there, defeating Western Carolina five more games after Auburn to reach that well throughout. Vanderbilt’s on-field success became the SEC’s best 3-point threat, making and Kansas State in the NCAA Tournament to ever-important sixth win, they eventually beat has already produced visible dividends. The nearly 50 percent of her shots from beyond the advance to a second straight Sweet 16. Fourth- Kentucky, making the Commodores bowl Commodores signed their best recruiting class arc. Hannah Tuomi was among the nation’s seeded Vanderbilt met top-seeded Maryland eligible for the first time since 1982. ever this spring with 17 quality players. leaders in shooting percentage and led the team in the regional semifinal, losing a thriller 78-74 The Commodores managed a 4-4 conference Despite a few bumps in the road, the season in rebounding. despite leading the first 38 minutes of the game. record and a 6-6 overall record, which pitted as a whole was a great success, and this team Despite not having Tuomi for the postseason, It was a heartbreaking end but the season them in a matchup with Boston College in set the foundation for Commodore teams in the Vanderbilt rolled to the SEC Tournament was still another major triumph for a very the Music City Bowl. The game was held at LP years to come. ■ championship, with Wirth earning MVP honors underrated program. ■ Men’s and women’s Athletes of the Year Dynamic, versatile Moore was a Wirth and Risper formed formidable major spark for Commodore football. tandem and were drafted by WNBA. by david shochat by mike kranzler Sports Reporter Sports Reporter

D.J. Moore has been a starter since he Smash and Dash, Double Trouble or even stepped foot on campus three years ago, and the Dynamic Duo. No matter what you call he was one of the most critical components of seniors Christina Wirth and Jennifer Risper, the Vanderbilt winning a bowl game for the first fact remains that they have done a fantastic job time in 53 years last season. For his versatility complementing each other for the past four years. and star power while with the Black and Gold, And now, they are our Vanderbilt women’s he’s our Vanderbilt men’s Athlete of the Year. Co-Athletes of the Year. Jake Schoellkopf / AP As the Commodores were going for their With Wirth leading the way on offense and Jen Risper (2) and Christina Wirth (34) were an outstanding pair sixth win against Kentucky, Moore had a huge Risper locking down opponents on defense, yet again in 2008-09 for the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team. game catching two touchdowns and picking the Commodores have given opponents fits on National Defensive Player of the Year for her off two passes, the second one to seal the the hardwood during these two stars’ decorated efforts. She was also a two-time Second Team game and make the team bowl eligible for the careers. All-SEC Pick for the Commodores, and her first time since 1982. Moore was named the Francis Simpson / The Vanderbilt Hustler Wirth came to Vanderbilt already a heralded efforts setting the tone on defense keyed some Walter Camp Player of the Week. D.J. Moore (17) did it all this past year for the football team: corner- player, as the McDonald’s High School All- major victories for the team, as well as the near- back, wide receiver, quarterback and punt and kick returner. He also was one of the most versatile American was also named the Gatorade upset of top-seeded Maryland in the Sweet 16 of players in the country last year as he was the was named an SEC First Team All-American. Arizona Player of the Year. She lived up to those the Women’s NCAA Tournament. only player in the SEC to play four different In this coming weekend’s NFL draft, Moore expectations, being twice named to the All- Both were recently drafted into the WNBA, positions: quarterback, wide receiver, should be drafted in the first or second round, Southeastern Conference First Team and leading with Wirth going to the Indiana Fever and Risper defensive back and punt returner. and throughout his career, he has helped to the Commodores to two SEC Tournament going to the Chicago Sky. Moore’s versatility was on display against bring exposure to the football program as Championships. She was also recently named to Vanderbilt fans should be proud of what Miami (Ohio) and Rice as he had 91- and 67- Vanderbilt was on national television five the All-Senior All-America Team by the Lowes Christina Wirth and Jennifer Risper have yard punt returns, respectively; both returns times last season. Senior CLASS award committee. accomplished in their four years in Nashville, led to touchdowns. Moore finished the season Whoever gets Moore in the NFL will be Risper made a name for herself with her play because no matter where their games take them, with five interceptions and 59 tackles and getting a star; that much is for sure. ■ on defense and was recently named the WBCA they will always be Commodores at heart. ■ Men’s and women’s Freshmen of the Year Hard-throwing righty passed up the to pinpoint the Highly touted Wu has starred for Following the location of his loss, Wu reeled off major leagues to play for Vanderbilt. fastball, change-up tennis team with a 25-9 record. three consecutive and curve. triumphs at the by meghan rose While Gray’s by brian linhares I n t e r c o l l e g i a t e Sports Reporter physical strength Sports Reporter Tennis Association and arm speed has Southeast Regional, Appearing in 14 games to date this season, played a vital role The transition for many high school athletes the final over No. Sonny Gray has become a vital part of the in his successes, to the college level is certain to be difficult. At 23 Katrina Tsang of Commodore pitching rotation from the start his mental game the Division I level, the difference can be even North Carolina. and our Vanderbilt men’s Freshman of the sets the freshman Chris Phare / The Vanderbilt Hustler more jarring. In doubles, the Abdullah Radzai / The Hustler Year. apart. Gray’s Pitcher Sonny Gray’s strong Someone forgot to tell Jackie Wu, our Wu and Steinbauer Jackie Wu started her freshman Gray recorded his first career win in game d e t e r m i n a t i o n , arm and competitiveness have Vanderbilt women’s Freshman of the Year. partnership may season on fire and hasn’t let up, two of doubleheader action against Ole Miss in knowledge of the made him an instant success for In her first year as a member of the Vanderbilt not have matched compiling a 25-9 record for the Commodore baseball. women’s tennis team. the middle of March, holding the Rebels to one sport and desire women’s tennis team, Wu has notched an (pun intended) her run throughout three and two-thirds innings to win has made the right-handed pitcher a overall record of 25-9 (through April 16). singles play, yet the two still have proven to be of work, securing a 7-6 win for Vanderbilt. volatile threat to opposing lineups. The New Jersey native has earned the 57th formidable foes. Despite earning his first loss of the season in a In fact, winning is nothing new to Gray. In position in the national rankings. In addition, The unit opened with three consecutive tough outing against Southeastern Conference high school baseball play, the four-year starter she joins doubles partner freshman Heather victories over Middle Tennessee State, Yale foe Alabama on Friday night, Gray has shown and varsity letter winner helped the Smyrna Steinbauer to form the 49th-ranked tandem. and South Carolina. a promising maturity and confidence while Bulldogs to a No. 3 Tennessee state ranking Wu started the fall hot. She won in her first In the No. 1 slot, the twosome has faced on the mound. While the Smyrna native (3-1) during the 2007 season. eight contests through mid-October, emerging considerable opposition. Despite struggles, notched impressive wins against Florida and In the end, it was the combination of Gray’s from the Furman and Hoosier Classics Wu and Steinbauer have demonstrated their Middle Tennessee this season, Gray has made physical talent and intangible assets that got unscathed. prowess, most notably in defeats of No. 26 the most impact while in the relief role. the pitcher noticed by major league scouts and After a three set victory in her second match Hilary Bartlett and Taylor Marable of Princeton, Transitioning from high school ball to made him a success for Vanderbilt. of the June Stewart Invitational, over No. 94 and No. 20 Noelle Hickey and Christy Stiplin of collegiate and conference play is often an With impressive pitching form, mental savvy Katarina Zoricic of William and Mary, Wu’s Georgia Tech. overwhelming process for pitchers. However, and a competitive drive, Gray will be a crucial initial defeat of her career came against a The leader of a talented class of freshmen, Wu Gray has found success in working with asset in the Commodores’ pitching staff over fellow Commodore in 40th-ranked Catherine will figure to be a mainstay of the program for Commodores’ pitching coach Derek Johnson the course of his collegiate career. ■ Newman. the next several years. ■ www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Monday, April 20, 2009 9 Moment of the Year Head Coach of the Year Bobby Johnson helmed Commodore football’s best season in a generation.

by david Rutz Sports Editor

When you think of how great the 2008 Vanderbilt football season was, you have to compare it to the 2007 season, which ended in excruciating fashion. The backbreaker wasn’t the concluding rout by Wake Forest; it was the 25-24 loss at Tennessee when the Commodores blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead. Bryant Hahnfeldt missed a 49-yard field goal just to the left at the end and everyone in oliver wolfe / The Vanderbilt Hustler Commodore Nation groaned. Vanderbilt students came out in droves for the live broadcast of ESPN’s “College GameDay” on Oct. 4 Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson at The Commons, the first time the popular college football show had ever come to Nashville. looked up as the kick missed and the collapse was complete. He calmly took “College GameDay” The performance on “College off his headset and prepared to walk to made its first ever visit to GameDay” gave the country the middle of the field and shake Phil a close look at a Vanderbilt Fulmer’s hand, while the players and Vanderbilt’s campus. program that had spent much coaches around him looked despondent. of its time in the shadows And Johnson went right back to work by mike kranzler previously, and Bobby Johnson’s for next week. Disappointed, sure. But Sports Reporter crew did not disappoint. The despairing? Never. Cardiac Commodores made sure Bobby Johnson always gets up after he Has Vanderbilt Stadium ever to provide the fans with an edge- gets knocked down, and that’s why he was rocked as hard as it did on “College of-your-seat game that kept fans an easy choice for our Vanderbilt Coach GameDay” against Auburn? in the stands long after the final of the Year for 2008. Thirteen months after With a rare sell-out followed whistle. that debacle in Knoxville, Johnson and by an even rarer performance in Not only that, but it also Hahnfeldt were heroes after winning the a 14-13 victory over the visiting exposed Vanderbilt football Music City Bowl, Vanderbilt’s first bowl Tigers, Vanderbilt finally arrived to an extremely important win since 1955, with Hahnfeldt drilling a on the national scene. No single demographic — the current high 45-yard field goal for the winning points. event in years has energized the school stars looking to take their Johnson never stopped believing mark humphrey / AP student body and the Vanderbilt games to the next level. “College in himself and his coaching staff, and Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson looks on after the Commodores scored a touchdown against South Carolina on Sept. 4. community as a whole more than GameDay” made Vanderbilt more importantly, he never stopped The eventual 24-17 Vanderbilt victory marked the second straight year Johnson defeated legendary coach Steve Spurrier. the “GameDay” performance. It relevant on the national stage for believing in his players. The end result turned around a program long beset by opponents. was truly a watershed moment in the first time in recent memory, was Vanderbilt’s best football season in a failure. Nothing could make him happier In every interview he did after the history of Vanderbilt athletics, and it was reflected in February generation. than seeing his hard-working players Vanderbilt’s big wins, Johnson said he and the Moment of the Year in by Johnson’s best recruiting class It was supposed to be a rebuilding year. rewarded by their success. was happy most of all for his players and Commodore sports. since he came to Nashville. It turned out to be a monumental one “This is what coaches live for,” he said staff. After winning the Music City Bowl, The excitement all across The “College GameDay” instead. after the Commodores beat then-No. the man who had endured six seasons campus was palpable in the week experience set the stage for Johnson is all about hard work, 13 Auburn on Oct. 4. “I live to walk into of consistent defeat didn’t take a well- leading up to the game, and there Vanderbilt to take the next step discipline and development. Vanderbilt the locker room and see how happy our deserved moment to say it was a moment was an electricity felt in the air that to becoming a consistent winner doesn’t get five-star recruits, but he and players are.” of personal vindication, because that’s rarely remained this deep into against the Goliaths of the college his staff turn their players into four or five- A team of defensive playmakers not how he operates. the football season. The stadium football world. star talent. You have to if you want to win, developed by Johnson’s staff bullied South At the same time, he’s never satisfied was filled to the brim well before But perhaps nothing says it let alone compete, in the Southeastern Carolina, Ole Miss, Auburn and Kentucky either. To Johnson, success should beget the opening kickoff, and for once, better than the thousands of Conference. into 12 turnovers. In the national spotlight more success; a 7-6 record shouldn’t be Vanderbilt Stadium seemed like Commodore fans in attendance, Johnson has the respect of his players almost all season, Vanderbilt delivered; the top of the mountain. it belonged with its Southeastern screaming in one unified voice: and staff because he respects them and in all three games they played on ESPN, And with him at the helm of the Conference brethren. “Vanderbilt, all hail!” ■ puts them first. And in doing so, he has the Commodores took down ranked Commodores, it won’t be. ■ 10 Monday, April 20, 2009 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com THE BACK PAGE

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