TODAY’s Weather Vanderbilt football Will rising retooled on Signing What’s it like being sophomores live Day. Read about the white in NPHC? Erica

/ The Vanderbilt Hustler Vanderbilt The / in Kissam, Towers top five recruits. Schlemmer explains. See News, page 3 or … Starbucks? Mostly Sunny, 56/37

See Sports, page 6 mon ge k i m See the Top 10, page 4 Extended forecast, page 2

THE VOICE OF VANDERBILT SINCE 1888 Friday, February 8, 2008 • 120TH YEAR, NO. 14

THE WALL national news compiled by lakendra scott Twisters kill at least 54 THE PROJECT: TODAY WHAT IT IS ABOUT across South Yearbook portraits Today is the last day LAFAYETTE, Tenn. — One man pulled a couch over the Commodore The Driving Question: his head. Bank employees rushed into the yearbook’s portrait vault. A woman trembled in her bathroom, Are the racial photographers will clinging to her dogs. College students huddled divisions many students be in Sarratt 112. in dormitories. notice on campus Undergraduates are At least 54 people were killed and hundreds shaped by Greek life, invited to stop by injured Tuesday and Wednesday by dozens or are they simply a from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. of tornadoes that plowed across Mississippi, There is no cost to sit Bridging reflection the larger Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama, Vanderbilt culture? for portraits. The Associated Press reported. It was the Greek chapters from all three What this project is nation’s deadliest barrage of twisters in at councils begin to tackle the about: Today the gap least a decade. issue of racial division. We hope it reflects Industry career day: The death count in Tennessee remained at —To hear members what the message Health care 30 as of press time. of the Greek com- of this title, Driving Companies in the by daniel cunningham More than 1,000 tornado warnings had munity speak about Questions, evokes — healthcare industry Contributing Reporter been broadcast for hours in the 11-state area this Driving Ques- a desire to illuminate will be recruiting the storm hit, and when the sirens finally tion in an interactive a subject by asking for many jobs and announced that the twisters had arrived, sydney wilmer graphic, go to: questions rather than internships. Students many people across the South took shelter Senior Reporter making assertions and have an opportunity and saved their lives. But others simply had proving them. For this to meet with top nowhere safe to go, or the storms proved too first project, we chose industry employers powerful, too numerous, too unpredictable. who are coming About the Greek Greek system is responsible to take a closer look at together to recruit, Community The for racial segregation on the way race functions campus. Well, maybe not. in the Greek system. screen and source Vanderbilt Greek life The accusation comes up almost We aren’t the first qualified candidates consists mainly of the every year in a blog, an article, a ones to notice it — that from 3 to 6 p.m. in the 11 Panhellenic Council sociology class: Vanderbilt is racially is our initial concession. Living the ‘Jena Student Life Center sororities, the 17 divided. And the Greek system is no The racial divisions on Ballroom. fraternities of the exception. campus have been a 6’ march — and Interfraternity Council, But if this is true — that the school is racially split — favorite topic of almost Today and the four fraternities where does the division come from? Are Greek life and the every Vanderbilt a little bit of its Blakemore Trio and three sororities of racial division even related, and how can it change? publication. And in performance the National “It’s like the question of the chicken and the egg,” said our research, we came The Blakemore Trio Pan-Hellenic Council. reality will perform as part Whitney Hubbard, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. across much of the work Through Hubbard’s eyes, “they seem to reinforce each done by students who of the Blair Signature NPHC is predominantly other,” but opinions on the issue are more than a little diverse. also see this topic as Series at 8 p.m. in African-American, as it Some see it as a reflection while others see it as a force worthy of discussion. Ingram Hall. has been since Omega that shapes part of the campus culture. Today in print you Psi Phi became the first “I feel like right now there are for sure areas of will see three articles Saturday and chiefly black fraternity segregation. You see it when you walk into Rand at lunch,” that, we hope, take a Sunday on campus in 1971. The said Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity President Danny Neelon. fresh approach to the ‘Fiddler on the other two councils are But the recently elected Interfraternity Council officer, subject. Roof’ mostly white. Vanderbilt Off- who identifies himself as black, said he does not see the Online, you will see Broadway, Vandy’s Greek system as the culprit when it comes to student these articles and more. own student musical division. Over the course of the theater troupe, will “I see that happening on campus, but we shouldn’t be next week, we will present the classic and blaming a specific organization for the problem.” post additional articles, beloved Broadway Others disagree, though. podcasts, videos and musical “Fiddler on “Greek life holds a lot of power in shaping the campus interactive graphics to the Roof” at 8 p.m. on social atmosphere,” said Dave Edwards, president of the show, rather than tell, Saturday and 2 p.m. National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi. what we have found on Sunday in Ingram “And race definitely plays a role in Greek life.” in our exploration. We Hall. “It’s a result of having a small minority population,” encourage you to take a said Omega Psi look, blog about it and Saturday Phi Fraternity Inc. send in letters. Let us erika burnett / photo provided ‘Portraits of Black President Aubrey know if we are missing Thousands traveled to Jena, La., in September to rally and protest Opera’ Hammond. “At a something. against the legal system on behalf of the six black teenagers who Shuttles will leave bigger university, were charged with attempted murder when white students received much lighter punishments. Graduate student Erika Burnett spoke from Branscomb at Please see about the march Wednesday in the Student Life Center. 6:30 p.m. to go to the bridging the gap, by tamesha derico 15th Avenue Baptist page 3 Senior Reporter Church. Operatic works kim monge / The Vanderbilt Hustler by George Gershwin, Scott Joplin and The Driving Question: Tens of thousands of protesters load buses to Sharon J. Willis will be protest civil rights abuses against blacks in Louisiana. performed in the event Black activists and celebrities are present, but this co-sponsored by the Being Hispanic — and Greek isn’t the ’60s. It’s 2007. Office of Leadership On Sept. 20, people from cities across the United Development & by lakendra scott Gonzales, former president of Lambda States gathered to protest the unfair punishment of Intercultural Affairs Asst News Editor Theta Alpha, found it difficult to find a six black teens, the “Jena 6,” who were accused of and the Blair School of place where she really fit in. beating a white classmate at Jena High School in Jena, Music. Choices are not always black and “I felt out of place with the La. Racial tensions in the town had been building white, and when it comes to sororities Panhellenic sororities,” Gonzales said. since nooses were hung from the “white tree” in the Sunday — sometimes it’s the minority that gets “I feel like Hispanic women just don’t schoolyard after a black student sat there. Chinese Spring lost. fit that sorority image, but in Lambda The climax came when the Jena 6 were charged Festival As the Hispanic presence on campus Theta Alpha it —To view a slideshow with attempted murder and white students involved The Spring Festival is continues to grow and many Latinas was like family from the Driving in related incidents received lesser punishments. the most significant choose sororities, they are presented immediately.” Questions project, go to: The march was a protest against racial injustice in one for Chinese with a racial dilemma. Vanderbilt’s lack L a m b d a the legal system, and Vanderbilt graduate student people. The party of a multicultural Greek council leads T h e t a Erika Burnett witnessed the historic event firsthand. includes traditional to three distinct rushing processes Alpha, while Burnett recounted her experiences on Wednesday Chinese performances, for Hispanic females: National Pan- technically considered part of the in the Student Life Center in her presentation “The activities and Hellenic Council, Panhellenic Council Panhellenic system, follows more Jena 6: The case, the rally and the aftermath,” which surprising prizes and or Lambda Theta Alpha, an associate casual rushing guidelines than other was part of the “World on Wednesdays” program. will be held in the member of Panhellenic Council that is Panhellenic sororities, and this system Burnett attended the march with a group of Nashville Student Life Center a predominantly Hispanic sorority. leads to a different outlook. Maria residents. Ballroom at 5 p.m. The sentiments surrounding Maldonado, a freshman, admits she kim monge / The Vanderbilt Hustler They departed from Tennessee State University Hispanic members of sororities on never thought of rushing Lambda Freshmen Maria Maldonado and Jackie Enriquez in eight to nine buses, loaded with an ample supply both disregarded their Hispanic race when they went See http://calendar.vanderbilt.edu campus prove to be as diverse as the Theta Alpha, despite her Puerto of water, food and other necessities, because for more events. Hispanic population. Senior Bethany Please see hispanic, page 3 through Panhellenic Council recruitment. Please see jena 6, page 3

Ask about our affordable online advertising opportunities Call George Fischer at at InsideVandy.com 615-322-1884 2 Friday, February 8, 2008 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com what’s new on in s i d e va n d y .c o m

weATher compiled by lakendra scott THE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Saturday starting • Vote in the “Who’s Now?” finals between Earl Bennett and compiled by lakendra scott Ryan Flaherty. McCain seals GOP nomination as Romney 1ends campaign • Read Tamesha Derico’s blog for student reactions to the presiden- WASHINGTON — John McCain effectively sealed the Republican tial primaries and to find out what issues matter to Vanderbilt. presidential nomination on Thursday as chief rival Mitt Romney suspended his faltering campaign, The Associated Press reported. • Watch Aarika Patel’s “Twisted Tuesday” video of the Super Tues- “I must now stand aside, for our party and our country,” Romney told conservatives. day viewing party that was interrupted by a passing tornado. “If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I Sunny, 55/32 would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more • Listen to “Three and Out,” in which Jarred Amato and An- likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win.” drew Hard will discuss National Signing Day and the Com- modores’ first road victory. Obama raises $7 million, Clinton pulls in Sunday 2 $4 million —Check InsideVandy.com often for more web-exclusive content. NEW ORLEANS — Democrat Barack Obama raised $7.2 million in less than 48 hours post-Super Tuesday, and rival Hillary Clinton collected $4 million, giving him a financial edge that’s caused consternation within a Clinton campaign clamoring for attention- getting debates. The remarkable outpouring of contributions recorded since Tuesday’s contests in 22 states comes on the heels of an eye- popping $32 million raised by Obama in January and the record- snapshot shattering $100 million each Obama and Clinton raised in 2007, Sunny, 39/25 according to The Associated Press. exhibiting ‘rage and redemption’ UK to extradite Islamic preacher to US 3 LONDON — Britain’s Home Office on Thursday approved the extradition of an Islamic preacher who is accused of trying to Monday establish a terrorist training camp in Oregon, a spokesman said. Abu Hamza al-Masri was arrested on a U.S. extradition warrant in May 2004, but the process was put on hold while he stood trial in Britain and then appealed his convictions, The Associated Press reported. Iraqis start reconstruction of Samarra mosque 4 2 years after bombing of golden dome BAGHDAD — Iraqi and U.N. officials toured a bomb-damaged Shiite Partly Cloudy, 47/37 shrine in northern Iraq on Wednesday as workers took the first steps in a long-delayed reconstruction — nearly two years after the attack on the famed golden dome became a rallying point for Shiite rage, according to The Associated Press. Crews in blue jumpsuits and orange helmets picked through VUPD CRIME LOG mounds of rubble spilling from the mosque in Samarra, about 60 compiled by lakendra scott miles north of Baghdad, which became the spark for a vicious cycle There is no crime to report. of sectarian violence after the Feb. 22, 2006, blast blamed on al- Qaida in Iraq.

brett kaminsky / The Vanderbilt Hustler Lawmakers opposed to Georgia tapping “Of Rage and Redemption,” works by Oswaldo Guayasamin, one of the most highly regarded 20th century Latin-American artists, Check out http://police.vanderbilt.edu/ Tennessee River opened Thursday in the Fine Arts Gallery and Sarratt Gallery. Visit InsideVandy.com for a slideshow of the exhibit. crimelog.htm for complete listings. 5 NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee lawmakers say they sympathize with Georgia’s water shortages but they will oppose an effort to redraw SERVICE GUIDE the states’ border, The Associated Press reported. The Vanderbilt Hustler (ISSN A proposal in the Georgia Legislature argues that a flawed survey 0042-2517), the student newspa- in 1818 mistakenly marked Georgia’s border one mile south of per of Vanderbilt University, is pub- the Tennessee River. The legislation would create a “boundary line lished every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the academic commission” to possibly resolve the dispute and give the state year except for during exam peri- access to a stretch of the 652-mile long river and ease Atlanta’s ods and vacations. The paper is not water shortages. printed during summer break. The Vanderbilt Hustler allocates one issue of the newspaper to Union University damage could reach $40 each student and is available at various points on campus for free. million Additional copies are $.50 each. 6 JACKSON, Tenn. — Union University President David Dockery The Vanderbilt Hustler is a has estimated damages from Tuesday night’s tornado could reach FREE division of Vanderbilt Student $40 million, The Associated Press reported. Communications, Inc. Copyright A severe storm that hit the school in 2002 caused $2.6 million in © 2004 Vanderbilt Student Com- munications. damages. Location Dockery says he had expected damages from Tuesday’s storm to Law School Forum The Hustler offices are in 130 be similar but was shocked by the new estimate. Sarratt Student Center on the He says 40 percent of the dorms have been devastated, and three Vanderbilt University Campus. Address postal mail to VU Station academic buildings have received major damage. B 351504, Nashville, Tenn. 37235- Officials say 13 students were trapped in the rubble. Fifty-one 1504. students were taken to the hospital, and two remain in critical Affiliations condition. The Hustler is a member of the As- At this free event you’ll learn how to craft a competitive sociated Collegiate Press, Colum- bia Scholastic Press Association, Shuttle Atlantis blasts off after lengthy law school application, gain valuable score-raising College Newspaper Business and * Advertising Managers, Southern delay with Columbus science lab LSAT strategies, and meet with local law professionals University Newspapers and the 7 CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — After two months of delay, shuttle Southeastern Journalism Confer- Atlantis blasted into orbit Thursday with Europe’s gift to the ence and is an associate member International Space Station, a $2 billion science lab named of the Associated Press. Columbus that spent years waiting to set sail. To Advertise Meet with Admissions Officers Display ads: (615) 322-4237 or Atlantis and its seven-man crew safely roared away from their e-mail advertising@vanderbilthu seaside launch pad at 2:45 p.m., overcoming fuel gauge problems from top-ranked law schools stler.com that thwarted back-to-back launch attempts in December, The Display fax: (615) 322-3762 Associated Press reported. Office hours are 10 a.m. — 5 p.m., February 19, 2008 | 5:30–8:30pm Monday — Friday Visit us online at http://www. Vanderbilt awarded $4.5 million drug vscmedia.org/advertising.html Scarritt Bennett Center–Fondren Hall (located near Vanderbilt University) To Report a News Item discovery grant for fragile X syndrome Campus news: Call 322-2424 or e- 8 NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center mail [email protected] has received a $4.5 million grant from Seaside Therapeutics to find Entertainment news: Call 343-0967 potential treatments for fragile X syndrome, the most common or e-mail vibe@vanderbilthustler. com inherited form of mental retardation and the most common genetic Space is limited. Sports results: Call 343-0967 or e- cause of autism. Call or visit us online to register today! mail [email protected] “It’s a really innovative idea,” said Dr. Jeffrey Conn, director of the Corrections Vanderbilt Program in Drug Discovery and principal investigator The Hustler strives for accuracy of the fragile X project. “If it works, it could be transformative, and fairness and will correct errors of substance. See our correction and it could totally change the way people view developmental policy on the Opinion page for disorders.” information about notifying us. Printer The Hustler is printed at Franklin CIA director Hayden doubts legality of Web Printing Company in Franklin, waterboarding Tenn. WASHINGTON — CIA Director Michael Hayden cast doubt on Subscription Rates 9 Call (615) 343-3064 9 a.m. — 5 the legality of waterboarding on Thursday, a day after the White p.m., Monday — Friday. House said the harsh interrogation tactic has saved American lives 1-800-KAP-TEST | kaptest.com/law One semester’s delivery via U.S. and could be used in the future, The Associated Press reported. Postal Service is available for $125 Hayden told the House Intelligence Committee that he officially *LSAT is a registered trademark of the Law School Admission Council, Inc. †Conditions and restrictions apply. For complete guarantee eligibility requirements, visit kaptest.com/hsg. The or $200 per year. Checks should be Higher Score Guarantee applies only to Kaplan courses taken and completed within the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and France. FGR01793 made payable to The Vanderbilt prohibited CIA operatives from using waterboarding in 2006 in the Hustler. wake of a Supreme Court decision and new laws on the treatment Back Issues of U.S. detainees. higher lsat score guaranteed or your money back.† Back issues are available in Sarratt 130 during business hours. www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Friday, February 8, 2008 3 bridging the gap: ‘Culture change’ needed for impact

From bridging the gap, page 1 system to promote diversity in least one sorority or fraternity says, “Racial interaction is another — more than a working present a more united front to or a more heavily black the councils and awareness?” from each of the three councils. probably better in Greek life relationship, an actual long- the community.” university, the division wouldn’t Kristin Torrey, director of Greek The members in each circle than on campus as a whole.” term friendship,” Hubbard said. Torrey understands the be as apparent.” Life, explained that a recent participate in various activities Kwarteng and other NPHC Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. concerns, though. For Hammond, the division is initiative, Tri-Council Circles, with each other throughout the members emphasize the president John Fonge said he “It is getting better and better, a matter of comfort level. was created to bridge gaps school year. importance of such joint thought the councils needed to and it depends on who you ask, “People gravitate toward those between the councils and help But some students feel like endeavors as the circles, reach out beyond their comfort but people get out of a program they have the most in common sustain student relationships the tri-council support system is StompFest, Greek Week and levels to achieve this goal. what they put into it,” Torrey with,” he said. within the Greek community. not helpful. Greek retreat. “NPHC has historically been a said. Edwards said he feels “Six years ago, there was not “It was fun team-building, but But they still feel the three refuge of sorts,” Fonge said, “but Sophomore Morgan Turner similarly. as much interaction across I’m not sure how much people Greek branches need more right now we need to open up. agreed. “From freshman year on, you the councils,” Torrey said. “In get much out of it long-term,” lasting interaction. We want to stick to our roots, but “It is going to require a bit of end up with people who share my opinion, you have to start Sam Betten said, a sophomore “Things like Stompfest and we have to branch out, too.” a culture change on campus to the same interests as you,” he on a smaller scale. What we in Phi Kappa Sigma. “There are Greek Week are great,” Edwards Kwanteng agreed for the most change things completely. And said. “You form relationships are working on is building the still those barriers.” said, “but they’re not long-term. part. time.” ■ based on who you identify with.” personal relationship.” But Zeta Phi Beta president You see each other at Stompfest, “I think it’s fine the branches —Daniel Cunningham can be Neelon agrees — and so does In Tri-Council Circles, all Kirstie Kwarteng is a little more and then you don’t talk again for are separate,” Kwarteng said, reached at daniel.l.cunningham@ the Office of Greek Life. Greek chapters are divided into optimistic. two or three months.” “I just wish we could work vanderbilt.edu, and Sydney The question now, he said, five circles with seven chapters She agrees that Greek life is “We need something that together more. We can’t make Wilmer can be reached at is “how can we use the Greek in each circle. Each circle has at racially divided, but she also will allow us to know one people be friends, but we can [email protected]

The Driving Question: Blurring the racial boundaries ‘Fiddler’ makes a match Erica Schlemmer dropped her People would ask, “‘Are you trying to change what NPHC is about?” Panhellenic sorority to join She said she wasn’t out to change anything, historically black Delta Sigma though. “This was a place I went because I felt Theta — even though she’s comfortable. I believed in the sisterhood, white scholarship and service that they promoted.” Schlemmer said a huge part of NPHC is by allie morris the pride in race and history, and she had no Staff Reporter intention of standing in the way of that. “There is a huge pride in the history. The girls Sydney wilmer see themselves in these (older sisters),” she said. Senior Reporter “In general there is a pride in everything (the sisters) do with race.” Her sisters may have called her “Top Secret” Members say they identify themselves as smart because she was the only white girl, but Erica black women, Schlemmer said, and she doesn’t Schlemmer did not join Delta Sigma Theta disagree with them. Sorority Inc. to make a statement or stand out. But she likes to think of the Delta Sigma Theta “That was my name because I was the white women in broader terms — simply college- girl,” said Schlemmer, the first and only white educated women. Sara Gast / The Vanderbilt Hustler student in the historically black sorority at “Race was what it was built on,” Schlemmer Vanderbilt Off-Broadway will present “Fiddler on the Roof,” a musical about traditional life in a Vanderbilt. “But I was there as a Delta because it said. Ukrainian village amid the changes of the Russian Revolution, Saturday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, was where I felt comfortable.” But she said she sees herself in these women, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. in Ingram Hall at the Blair School of Music. The group will also be performing the Nevertheless, when Schlemmer made the too. show next weekend, Feb. 15 and 16, at 8 p.m. decision to drop out of her Panhellenic sorority Now a graduate student at the nursing school VOB, now in its 10th year, is a student-run musical theater troupe. And since students do and rush a National Pan-Hellenic Council and resident adviser in North Hall, she said her everything from casting and securing the rights to perform their annual musical to building the sorority, she admits she “was making the hard long hours at the hospital prevent her from being sets and performing the show, there is a sense of pride among the group. choice.” as involved with the Deltas. “It makes the experience as a member of VOB even more rewarding to take part in every aspect “When I was there, I was just sort of sitting “I am not the best at keeping in touch, but the of the show,” said senior and choreographer Maggie Stephens. around, watching people,” she said. “I realized girls in my pledge class always push and call me VOB president Ashley Van Horn agreed. this wasn’t me. This wasn’t what I signed up for. to keep me in the loop,” she said. “Some people “Everyone has put their heart and soul into sharing this wonderful story with others,” she said. “I finally said, ‘I can’t do this. I don’t feel close give up on me — my sisters won’t. They try so “We think you will enjoy it as much as we have (enjoyed ourselves) in creating it.” to anyone.’” hard and are more than just some girls in my Schlemmer did her research and approached sorority. —To view a slideshow of photos the sisters of Delta Sigma Theta. She felt accepted, “They will never belittle anyone because of from the musical, go to: but she knew it wouldn’t be easy. race. I think by allowing me in their sorority, they Schlemmer had to know the same amount of stand by that.” ■ information to join the chapter and had to take the same tests as the other sisters, but more than —Allie Morris can be reached at allison.d.morris@ hispanic: Culture, community everyone else, she had to know exactly why she vanderbilt.edu and Sydney Wilmer can be reached wanted to do it. at [email protected] “More people asked me — because of my color factor into recruitment process — why I wanted to do it.” Schlemmer said her membership in Delta From hispanic, page 1 was the only member. Their involvement with the Sigma Theta was accepted by Vandy students, Rican background, greatly due to the minimal Panhellenic sororities goes up and down based on many whom even considered her decision information she received. the number of women involved at that moment.” fascinating. “The sorority was only mentioned to me once,” The involvement in Lambda Theta Alpha Most opposition came from black students at Maldonado said. “I wanted to be part of a sorority reflects the sentiments of many Hispanic girls surrounding schools. that was more well-known.” who don’t necessarily identify with their ethnicity. “I had to prove myself,” Schlemmer said. “Girls While low levels of publicity affect interest levels, The guiding factor in choosing NPHC, other would look at me and think, ‘You don’t look like social interaction seems to play as important a role Panhellenic sororities, Lambda Theta Alpha or no me, so why are you here?’” as accessibility. The rush process for Panhellenic Greek life at all seems to be based on the people in Some of the questioning even came from her sororities dominates the beginning of the spring a woman’s social network. family, who remained in her small, homogenous, semester and draws high levels of interest on “I didn’t want to be involved in a sorority. I’m somewhat racist Illinois hometown and didn’t campus. This popularity factors greatly in decision not the typical Hispanic person, and I didn’t feel understand why she was doing something so making with regards to Greek rush. like I could fit in with any type of sorority,” said different. “I never thought of myself as a minority, so sophomore Cathya Olivas. “I have always had a different mindset than when I thought about rushing I rushed with my Culture commonly takes second place to the people in the town,” she said. “I had to have friends,” Maldonado said. “I don’t go looking for comfort, and sometimes students find similar a good reason.” a certain type of friend — it doesn’t matter what ethnicity does not necessarily create an automatic And even with a good reason, Schlemmer ethnicity they are.” bond. admits, “I almost quit. I wondered if I really However, a desire for a cultural connection “I joined a sorority because I wanted to meet wanted to do it — the sorority thing in general. commonly factors into sorority choices and, in new people and get involved, not in order to meet It was more to go through than Panhellenic Vanderbilt’s case, led to the establishment of other Latinas,” Maldonado said. “The friends I recruitment. I had to be ready to make that Lambda Theta Alpha. The journey for the Latin have are diverse — it’s just the kind of person that decision.” sorority has not been easy, and with only four falls into my lap.” ■ Schlemmer said she also had a more obvious members, the sorority is the smallest one on concern. kim monge / The Vanderbilt Hustler campus. —Lakendra Scott can be reached at lakendra.j.scott “No one had done it before, so I didn’t Erica Schlemmer, a white graduate student, joined Delta Sigma “Lambda Theta Alpha is still cultivating their @vanderbilt.edu know how people would react or if I would be Theta, a historically black sorority, where she said she found the chapter,” said Kristin Torrey, director of Greek Life. accepted.” “sisterhood” she was looking for. “There was one point where Bethany Gonzales jena 6: Protest garners mixed reaction from Jena residents

From jena 6, page 1 remembered. “Some of us talked “Two young men in a pickup said they repeatedly apologized easy to “focus on international ‘World on Wednesdays’ Black they did not intend to support the to the police officers, who were truck circled around us, and to the group and wanted them to issues but neglect domestic History Month Schedule city of Jena economically once great. None of the ones I met were some of us noticed it,” Burnett know the two men were not from (problems) happening in our they arrived. from Jena. They were called in said. “They circled us a second Alexandria. own backyard. … The Jena 6 was Feb. 13: Burnett recalled the dirt roads, from neighboring towns to work time, and this time we could see “The mayor came out in his about injustice that minorities all “The Harlem Renaissance and its effects extreme heat and thousands the event, and some didn’t know a noose hanging from the pick-up pajama pants,” she said. “He was over the country are facing.” on the present day” upon thousands of protesters that what was going on.” truck.” very nice, very apologetic.” “We cannot isolate ourselves met them in Jena. The reaction from Jena The group was understandably After returning to Nashville, to Vanderbilt because we go to Feb. 20: “People came from as far residents was mixed. Some were frightened. Burnett submitted her video school here,” she said. “The justice Black Student Alliance presentation away as Cleveland, Los Angeles happy to see the protesters, while “They drove around us three footage to CNN, and some of system is universal.” and New York City,” she said. some “sat in their front yards with times. We had no way of knowing it was broadcast on their Web When asked if this issue has a “In my opinion, the media guns,” she said. what they were going to do or site. She also started “Voices for positive side, Burnett responded, Feb. 27: underestimated the numbers. I Burnett’s own experiences later what they had inside the truck.” Justice: Letters to my Brother,” a “It caused people to wake up. It “Health Problems in Rural Minority think that there were about 50,000 were arguably as shocking as what Male members of the group letter writing campaign intended shows that the community will Communities” people.” originally occurred in Jena. summoned the police, who to encourage the Jena 6 families. mobilize if an issue is pertinent She stressed that the movement Burnett and about 60 others arrested the two men. Burnett chose to share her enough.” ■ All are open to the public and held from was extremely peaceful. were waiting for their bus to Burnett praised the Alexandria experiences because she feels “the 12:10 to 1 pm. in the Student Life Center, “Members of the new Black arrive in nearby Alexandria. It was police department and mayor Vandy community (sometimes) —Tamesha Derico can be reached Lower Level Rooms 1 and 2. Lunch is Panther Movement were present, dark, and the group was waiting for being swift and effectively ignores the real issues.” She said at tamesha.s.derico@vanderbilt. provided. but there was no violence,” she together outside. controlling the situation. She she believes sometimes it is too edu 4 Friday, February 8, 2008 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com opinionopinion The column Vanderbilt Anonymous content entertains, offends Over the past two weeks, anonymous a message board seems innocuous While often hilarious, reading through Valentine Hustler communication about members of enough, anonymous forums about the and editing Rant submissions involves Editorial Board this campus has become something of “biggest sluts on campus” really aren’t wading through quite a bit of obscenity an issue in two different forums: Juicy something an admissions officer would and sheer vindictiveness about various gifts should Jarred Amato Campus and The Rant. direct the nearest prospective student students — sometimes directed at Editor in Chief As firm believers in free speech, we to. members of the editorial board. face something of a contradiction when In this publication, of course, we have Thus, beginning today, we’re re- correspond elizabeth considering JuicyCampus.com. On the our own anonymous forum: The Rant. instituting a policy regarding The Rant: middlebrooks one hand, people are certainly entitled Beyond its value as an entertaining No student names will appear, with the to length of Managing Editor to say what they wish; however, in the feature, The Rant does serve as a means exception of those who have submitted anonymous, public forum, there is no of isolating specific honest criticisms of themselves into the public forum and sara gast opportunity for open discourse or a way services like dining, housing and parking only in that context, such as writing relationship, News Editor to defend oneself without it coming off on campus by actual students. in the Opinion section (for example, poorly. Recently, however, there have been a Andrew Solomon or Mike Warren). katherine miller Overall the site reflects rather poorly few rants mentioning specific students Unfortunately, as we’ve seen, even ultimate goals Opinion Editor on the university and serves to renew in a less than ideal manner. The though anonymously posted content the old, somewhat outdated Vandy publication of these items was editorial can be entertaining as hell, all too stereotypes about Greek life and oversight, and we sincerely apologize often it reveals a dark side of people’s andrew solomon andrew hard the student body in general. While for any harm incurred as a result. character. Columnist Sports Editor It’s everyone’s favorite time of year once STAFF again: Valentine’s season. No other holiday News Editor can spark romance quite like Valentine’s Sara Gast Housing Options for Day can. And no other holiday can end romance quite like Valentine’s Day if you Asst. News Editors forget to buy your girlfriend a gift. David Brown Top 10 No one is really sure how Valentine’s Day Lakendra Scott Rising Sophomores started, but most experts believe it began Adam Weinstein Rebecca Reichardt Historically sophomores have called the Bod home. However, with The Commons with collusion between corporate candy Opinion Editor Columnist opening up for business next fall, the Class of 2011 may have to explore some more conglomerates and women everywhere. In Katherine Miller unique housing options. a twisted scheme to turn a profit and create another opportunity for men to buy them Asst. Opinion Editor Towers: crap, the two parties united to create what Spencer Montalvo Whether a single, double or suite, it’s hard to beat Towers’ location and amenities. If it’s a suite you desire, abandon your first-year we know today as Valentine’s Day. 10. friends now and start sucking up to upperclassmen, as it will be an arduous challenge convincing them to let you become the Sports Editor I have to admit it ladies, you pulled a good liability on their housing ballots. Andrew Hard one on us. But instead of sitting here all day bitching about it, I figured I’d help out and Asst. Sports Editors Stevenson Science and Engineering Library: David Namm With 24-hour access except on weekends, this library is the optimal choice for those willing to take the walk of shame twice each offer a small gift of my own: The Andrew David Rutz 9. week. Solomon Valentine’s Day Gift Guide. It’s Eric Silver a comprehensive list of the perfect gifts Mayfield: guaranteed to get you either laid or sent Assistant Photo Directors home because you were stupid enough to Lauren Fondriest Ten friends, 10 singles, two bathrooms, a common room and a “living/learning experience” … sounds like a reality show to me. Brett Kaminsky 8. listen to me. Francis Simpson McGill: For those of you in relatively young They may not be your typical Vandy students, but all the McGillites I have met have been very interesting, articulate people. From relationships (less than a month) the waters Lead Photographers 7. what I’ve heard, pretty much anything goes in McGill. You can be close to everything and diversify your friend portfolio. can be tricky to navigate. You want to give Sam Kim something that says, “I care,” but you don’t Chris Phare Oliver Wolfe Starbucks: want her to start picking out curtains. My Why tie yourself to one location when you can have three? With locations on 21st, West End and the SLC, this option is perfect for any suggestion: Stick with something fun. Multimedia Editor 6. caffeine-addicted individual who needs headquarters on more than one section of campus. Added bonus: a plethora of free parking Perhaps a hula-hoop. Moon Shoes are a Ben Gotow (at non-peak hours)! blast. Or you could just get down to brass tacks and buy a book on Kama Sutra. It’s Supervising Copy Editors Kissam and Branscomb: fun, inexpensive and everybody wins! Plus Medora Brown 5. While each has pros and cons, the facilities of each quad basically match each other, and with promises of amenity upgrades to it’s a great way to subtly imply he/she needs Hannah Twillman Kissam, the two will soon match each other in services as well. Choosing between the two should come down to a preference for to step up his/her game in the sack. & single or double living, location (class or parties) and general environment (quiet or noise). Copy Editors 4. But what if things are a little more mature? Kelley Cook So you’ve been dating for less than six Alex Daly The Commons Center: Sarah Davis Just because the administration says you can’t live over on the Bod doesn’t mean you should listen! With good eats, nice furniture, months; you’re happy, but you’re still not Madeleine Evans 3. study space and its own fitness equipment, The Commons Center is pretty much the top of the line when it comes to facilities and ready to go furniture shopping together. In Jessica Miles amenities. Just be sure to find a place to shower. these cases I believe a more personal touch Amy Roebuck is in order. Really think about something Aimee Sobhani Vandy-Barnard: that you’re both mutually interested in and There is a reason a room in Vandy-Barnard was the model for the tour of campus before The Commons. An aesthetic upgrade from Senior Reporter 2. use that to your advantage. Does she love to Will Gibbons both Kissam and Branscomb, the residence halls that are sometimes referred to as “the hotel” of first-year housing may as well cook? Then have her cook you dinner. Does become the resort of sophomore living. he like to work out? Then have him carry Web Director you around all day. Is she a furry? Bittner’s McTyeire: Chris Thompson is having a sale on Easter Bunny costumes! McTyeire has its own dining hall, and it is in a great location for engineers and pre-meds. You can have your own room, get an A in You see, it’s all about putting that personal Marketing Director 1. your language class and not have to eat Rand for dinner ever again! George Fischer touch on the gift so you both can enjoy your column special day together. Advertising Manager Once you get past six months, things Madeleine Pulman get a little more intense. She’s probably Asst. Advertising Manager seriously considered the thought of being Angela Booker Beah brings awareness to with you forever. He probably wakes up at night in a cold sweat thinking about the Advertising Staff same thing. So what are you going to do? Ashley Banks There’s the jewelry option, but I’ve always Carolyn Fisher problem of child soldiers felt diamonds should be saved for a more David Gaffney Killian Lamkin legitimate holiday, like Independence Day soo yang taken to a special rehabilitation center for to 300,000 soldiers under the age of 18 or Chinese New Year. Art Director Columnist child soldiers and ultimately brought to participating in armed conflicts around Instead, really impress her with Matt Radford New York to meet United Nations leaders the world. something you both can cherish, like a red Designers Call him Ishmael. Orphaned by a concerned about the exploitation of In Sudan, both the national military pickup with a heart–shaped hot tub in the Cassie Edwards violent civil war in Sierra Leone, the 13- children in wartime. It was in that fateful forces and the resistance groups bed. Think about it. No matter where you Madeleine Evans year-old boy was forcibly adopted into place where he met Laura Simms, a regularly recruit children, and there are, you can have a romantic evening under Jose Garza a new family of government military. professional artist who would eventually are approximately 7,000 child soldiers the stars, letting the warm waters heat up Emily Green In his new home, the army replaced adopt him and train him to become a fighting in Darfur. The insurgency in Iraq the night in the back of your F-250. For Hunter Kinsella Katie Quille his pencil with an AK-47, his toys with fighter for peace and love. similarly employs children as young as bonus points, install a champagne chiller Courtney Rogers marijuana and his education with pro- Now, as a college graduate and an 10 years old and forces them to fight in in the back for those special occasions. Avery Spofford war propaganda. acclaimed author, Beah has dedicated urban guerrilla warfare where most die “Hey honey, want to watch ‘The Notebook’ Morgan Webb As a child soldier, Ishmael Beah learned himself to promoting children’s rights by from crossfire between the American and under the stars in the hot tub with a bottle to endure bloodshed, deny his self-worth making sure his horrific experience as a anti-coalition forces. In Palestine, Hamas of champagne while I give you a massage?” VSC Director Chris Carroll and obey his officers without question. child soldier is not repeated. has a recent history of pressuring their Money in the bank. His growing addiction to drugs, violence Beah’s story does indeed fill us with own children to execute suicide missions. Asst. VSC Director and hate intensified his desperation to hope. However, the sad reality is when An international human rights group —Andrew Solomon is a senior in the Jeff Breaux kill, and he was on his way to becoming he left his country, he left behind more reported between 2000 and 2004, at least College of Arts and Science. He can be an unstoppable killing machine. than 10,000 child soldiers with a very nine suicide bombings in Palestine were reached at andrew.j.solomon@vanderbilt. Asst. VSC Director Paige Clancy However, in the midst of his military different fate. According to the Human carried out by minors and more were edu duty, Beah, at the age of 15, was suddenly Rights Watch, there are currently 200,000 Please see yang, page 5

opinion POLICY correction POLICY The Vanderbilt Hustler opinion section aims to stimulate discussion in the from a Vanderbilt e-mail address where the identity of the sender is clear or be Accuracy is our profession. As the “Voice of Vanderbilt,” we are committed Vanderbilt community. In that spirit, columnists, guest columnists and authors of accompanied with a phone call to the editor-in-chief. With rare exception, all 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. letters must be received by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday. The editor rected. With very rare exception, these corrections will be listed on Page 2. Unreasonable arguments, arguments in bad faith or arguments in vain between reserves the right to edit and condense submissions for length as well as clarity. Bring corrections to the Hustler office in Sarratt 130 or e-mail us at editor@ 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 vanderbilthustler.com. You may also report them by telephone to the news line welcomes reader viewpoints and offers three methods of expression: letters to the for a guest column at the editor’s discretion. at (615) 322-2424 or the editor-in-chief at (615) 322-3757. editor, guest columns and feedback on our Web site. 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 or legal standards of Vanderbilt Student Communications, of which The Hustler is a via e-mail to [email protected]. Letters via e-mail must either come division. additional contacts Your voice doesn’t stop here. President Cara Bilotta U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander U.S. Sen. Bob Corker Rep. Jim Cooper Rep. Brenda Gilmore Sen. Douglas Henry Jr. Councilor Ginger Hausser 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 1542 Station B Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515 35 Legislative Plaza 11 Legislative Plaza 521 Chesterfield Avenue legislative issues. The following stu- [email protected] (202) 224-4944 (202) 224-4944 (202) 225-4311 Nashville, TN 37243-0154 Nashville, TN 37243-0021 Nashville, TN 37212 dents and legislators represent Sarratt 355 (615) 736-5129 (615) 250-8160 (615) 736-5295 (615) 741-1997 (615) 741-3291 (615) 783-0106 the Vanderbilt community. (615) 322-8742 www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Friday, February 8, 2008 5 column “Yes, I know I have something on my forehead! No, it is not from the newspaper. No, I am not being hazed. And no, a volcano did McCain would beat Obama not explode on my forehead! God, I wish I had gone to 9 p.m. Mass katherine miller falling behind McCain — so will independents. instead of 7 a.m.” Opinion Editor Months of intense general election campaigning will reveal that “hope” does not solve a war, nor Following Mitt Romney’s departure from the race, does it solve immigration, nor does it solve health “I am not sure whether the defeat of the VSG experience requirement Sen. John McCain is now solidly the Republican care. When Obama stands next to the genuine referendum demonstrates the poor judgment or the poor reading nominee. Accepting this, we must turn to this article of moderate, bipartisan politics, he can question: Who does he have the better chance of speak as eloquently as he can, but can Obama skills of Vanderbilt students, but I am concerned either way.” beating? Conventional wisdom says that candidate say he is a member of the Gang of 14? No. McCain is Sen. Hillary Clinton, launcher of 1,000 ships of can. Is Obama’s name on McCain-Feingold? No. “The tornado sirens should not go off at 1 a.m. on test week for any hate; however, I think McCain has much stronger And, while he co-sponsored the first incarnation odds against Sen. Barack Obama. of McCain’s immigration bill, the amnesty position What is on your mind? The Rant is reason. Ever.” Tuesday, Obama and McCain each won plenty was far less of a political risk that he backed away your place to anonymously sound off of states across the country, including Georgia and from this year. on any issue you want. Send in your “Dear Vanderbilt University: I am writing to thank you for your Alabama for Obama and New York and California Obama can say he opposed the war in 2002 as rants with the subject “Rant” to: for McCain. McCain will not carry those states in a state senator — requiring no legislative decision highly effective emergency warning system. I received your the general election, and should Obama be the on his part, but nevertheless a popular rallying cry. [email protected] text message, indicating a tornado was 15 minutes away from Democratic nominee, he will not win Kansas. He cannot say he significantly contributed to any campus approximately 20 minutes after the warning had expired. So, what does this mean? Independent voters resolution while in the U.S. Senate that significantly and swing states — the ability to appeal to the voter changed the course of the war. McCain can make I am pleased to be under the care of such a competent and able who truly values bipartisanship — will matter even clear that his legislative support for the troop surge institution as this. It is comforting to know this university takes more. Against McCain, Obama’s inexperience will has dramatically improved the conditions there; he care of its students’ safety needs so efficiently.” be glaringly clear, as will his textbook liberalism. For stayed firm on his position and acted accordingly. a candidate who speaks so lovingly of bipartisan I suspect that, if Obama is indeed the nominee, unity, Obama’s relatively insignificant stint in the we will see a campaign far different from the “I understand Mannafit may be for a good cause — but think of the Senate has not followed that trend. messages of hope and honor; it will be nasty. trees! Or at least pity the janitors who have to clean up the shitload For each and every aspect the currently Obama’s greatest fear has to be McCain turning dissenting “core” of the GOP lambastes McCain to him on a broadcast watched by millions and of fliers from every crack and crevice of the campus.” on — immigration, campaign finance reform, saying, “Sen. Obama, what have you done to unite judicial nominations — McCain has proven this country?” “OMG!!!!!!!!!! My little is soooooo cute and sweet and fun and nice bipartisan efforts where Obama does not. The —Katherine Miller is a sophomore in the College Republicans, from Romney to President Bush, of Arts and Science. She can be reached at and awesome and cool and fantastic and neat and adorable!!! and commentators like William Kristol are already [email protected] I just want to hug her and squeeze her and buy her all sorts of ridiculous monochromatic crap that she will just give away again next year, and I’m never going to shut up about any of it ever again! yang: Global use of children in war HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *vomiting sounds*” has gone unnoticed in US “When you’re studying in a public place, can’t you turn your music From yang, page 4 humans are capable of so much help them in their uphill battle down a little bit or use headphones? I’d like to do my reading recruited to active duty. evil. However, as we approach for the rights of these helpless, without hearing Flo Rida in the background.” Surprisingly, a brief glance Feb. 12, the official day of forgotten children. at similar reports reveals that protesting the use of children In short, the global scope the stereotype of child soldiers in war, we must allow our better of this problem is truly “I’m so over-committed!” as vindictive, hyper-masculine nature to do something about overwhelming, but our collective boys is untrue. In fact, there this ongoing crisis. Fortunately, indifference is also equally are thousands of young girls the University has provided a frightening. However, when “Damn tornadoes carried Mitt Romney right out of the election. Will who are forced to become sex unique opportunity to learn we realize that generations of an earthquake please shake Hillary Clinton out of the race too?” slaves for the resistance military more about the military use innocent children are being in countries like Uganda and of children by inviting the systematically destroyed for the Sierra Leone. In other conflicts, former child soldier, Ishmael sake of war, I believe our courage “Juicy Campus isn’t worth the time everyone is spending on it.” groups of weaker and younger Beah, to speak in Ingram Hall to take action will ultimately children are sent to minefields on Feb. 18th. Additionally, prevail. “Why did they stop carrying the good kind of yogurt at The in order to clear the path for UNICEF, Human Rights Watch —Soo Yang is junior in the military units. and other human rights College of Arts and Science. He Commons? Bring back the fruit-on-the-bottom!” Clearly, this terrible reality organizations welcome any can be reached at soo.r.yang@ Compiled by Katherine Miller of child abuse represents how sort of contribution that will vanderbilt.edu 6 Friday, February 8, 2008 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com SPORTSSPORTSSPORTS

THE DOWN RUN National Signing Day Dores seek W2W4 by david shochat hidden gems SATURDAY TOP FIVE 2008 VANDY COMMITMENTS Sports Reporter Men’s Basketball at by andrew barge South Carolina Sports Reporter 4 p.m. Name DeAndre Jones TV: FSN Size 6’0 220 lbs It’s no secret Vanderbilt stands as a recruiting The Commodores head 40-yard dash 4.6 underdog in the nation’s best college football to Columbia going for School Memphis University School (Memphis, TN) conference. Stringent academic requirements, a lack a season sweep of the of national exposure and that pesky bowl-less streak rival Gamecocks 1. Position Linebacker all contribute to the Dores being overlooked both on (11-10, 3-4 Southeastern Why you should be excited he’s a Dore: With offers from Kentucky, Ole Miss, Stanford, Indiana, Michigan and off the field. Not surprisingly, Rivals.com rated Conference). Vanderbilt State and Duke, Jones was one of the most sought-after prospects of all the Vandy commitments. One Vanderbilt’s class as the weakest in the SEC. comes off its first SEC of the top 10 players in Tennessee according to Rivals.com, he is a defensive playmaker who plays Fortunately for Vandy fans and players like Chris road win of the season aggressively and quickly on every snap. He comes from the same high school as John Stokes, Vandy’s Williams, Curtis Gatewood and Theo Horrocks, after defeating Georgia top prospect last year, according to Rivals.com. Look for him to join up with his former teammate and recruiting experts don’t always get it right. These on Wednesday. compete for playing time as a freshman with the losses of Jonathan Goff and Marcus Buggs. players all have legitimate chances at long-lasting South Carolina beat Name John Cole NFL careers afteer starring with the black and gold. then-No. 24 Mississippi Coming out of high school, they were all rated as “two- on Feb. 2 in Oxford Size 5’11, 170 lbs star” prospects on Rivals.com, the lowest ranking a for its first-ever road 40-yard dash 4.4 Division I football player can receive. win over the Rebels. School Somerset High School (Somerset, KY) What about future NFL draftee Earl Bennett? Rivals Sophomore guard 2. ranked the record–breaking wide receiver as the 18th Position Wide- Receiver Devan Downey, who best prospect … in the state of Alabama. He didn’t leads the SEC in scoring Why you should be excited he’s a Dore: Cole has tremendous speed, route running ability even crack the top 70 in the 2005 receiver rankings. with 19.8 points per and hands. He had an offer from Stanford, and Florida became interested near signing day. Cole Don’t get me wrong — Rivals, Scout and other online game, had 25 to pace was one of the top 10 prospects in Kentucky according to Rivals.com. He was named the 2007 providers offer important analysis that helps fans get the Gamecocks. Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year, and he played on the Orlando Sentinel’s All-Southern a better grasp of their school’s recruiting, and the sites Vanderbilt (19-4, 4-4 team. He set two state records this past season with 1,826 receiving yards on 86 catches and 28 are often accurate in their predictions. Still, coach touchdowns. SEC) has beaten South Bobby Johnson is excited about his sixth recruiting Carolina in their last Name Taylor Loftley class and knows it is better than advertised. four meetings and Size 6’2, 250 lbs “I don’t compare them to other people’s classes. I hasn’t lost in Columbia don’t care who they sign; we only care who we sign for 40-yard dash 4.8 since 2005. Vanderbilt Vanderbilt,” Johnson said. “We only start comparing won 80-73 on Jan. 9 at School Chamblee High School (Chamblee, GA) them when we’re about to take them on in football.” Memorial Gym in their 3. Position Defensive Tackle Johnson also cited the talented graduating class as most recent meeting. a selling-point for recruiting. Why you should be excited he’s a Dore: Loftley is extremely explosive off the snap for a guy his “It’s important for recruits to know that if they size, wreaking havoc in the opponents’ backfield. Between his junior and senior seasons, Loftley SATURDAY come here, they’ll be surrounded by guys that can combined to record 142 tackles, 23 for loss, 11 sacks, and five fumble recoveries. Loftley had offers No. 6 Georgetown at take them to the next level.” Johnson said. “Chris Louisville from South Carolina, Stanford, Duke and UCF. He could play as a freshman with the losses of Gabe Hall, Curtis Gatewood and Theo Horrocks. Williams is a great example of that — he went from 8 p.m. basically a nobody in recruiting to possibly a first- TV: ESPN round draft pick, and part of that comes from what Two Big East teams on Name Casey Hayward our weight room can do, as well as our line coach hot streaks meet at Size 6’0, 178 lbs Robbie Caldwell. We have people here who can help, Louisville’s Freedom 40-yard dash 4.5 and guys like Chris and Jay Cutler are proof of that.” Hall on Saturday night. School Perry High School (Elko, GA) Regardless of a team’s national prestige, signing Georgetown (19-2, day is an exciting time to gauge the future of college 9-1 Big East) sits atop 4. Position Cornerback football. It’s easy to get frustrated about the lack of the conference riding Why you should be excited he’s a Dore: Heyward is an all-around athlete who played QB and CB blue-chip recruits, but it’s also important to remember a six-game winning for his high school as well as returned kicks. He had offers from Troy and Southern Miss and was the satisfaction of watching an unheralded prospect streak, while Louisville recruited by UNC. In his junior and senior seasons, Heyward threw for 27 touchdowns and rushed develop into an the NFL player. If recent history serves just swept then-No. for 29. He also racked up 2,584 yards of total offense his senior year and recorded 30 tackles as a as any indication, some of the 21 athletes that signed 17 Marquette with an senior with four interceptions to earn Class 3A All-State honors. on Wednesday will leave other SEC coaches praying emphatic 71-57 win on for a time machine. How do you think Steve Spurrier Feb. 4. Name Tristan Strong feels about passing on D.J. Moore? The Cardinals (17-6, 7-3 This week marks the welcoming of the football class Big East) have moved Size 6’1, 220 lbs of 2008. For all we know, the Commodores landed the into a tie for third place 40-yard dash 4.6 next Earl Bennett while the rest of college football was in the conference. A School Grayson High School (Loganville, GA) looking elsewhere. win would get them 5. Position Linebacker If signing day reminds Commodore fans of within one game of the anything, it’s that being the underdog has its bright Hoyas. Why you should be excited he’s a Dore: Strong had offers from South Carolina, Kentucky, spots. Appreciating these moments is what being a Auburn and Connecticut. A 2007 Class 5A All-State selection, Strong combined for 97 tackles, Vandy fan is all about. ■ SUNDAY 10 sacks and 14 tackles for loss over the past two years. He has great instincts and is a good run- Women’s Basketball stopper. —Andrew Barge can be reached at andrew.barge@ at Alabama vanderbilt.edu. 2 p.m. Radio: 560 AM A meeting of two teams heading in opposite directions Women Dores aim for another road victory happens in Tuscaloosa on Sunday. Vanderbilt Vandy travels to “Senior experience is supposed to (17-6, 6-2 SEC) looks win give you productivity in tough games, to continue its recent South Carolina after especially on the road, so we need strong play when it outlasting Georgia. him to keep playing that way.” visits the Crimson When the Commodores take on Tide. After a period fourth by Andrew barge South Carolina (11-10, 3-4) this of sluggish play, the Sports Reporter Saturday, they’ll face a rejuvenated Commodores have Gamecocks squad. Since losing in soared to third place It wasn’t pretty, but Vanderbilt Memorial Gym, South Carolina has in the SEC with four straight (19-4, 4-4 Southeastern Conference) gone to a new lineup that has gotten straight wins. finally picked up its first SEC road win, Stallings’ attention. Meanwhile, Alabama HUSTLER STAFF REPORT defeating Georgia 67-69 Wednesday “They’re going with a smaller lineup (8-15, 1-7 SEC) is in Athens to snap a four-game road now, hitting a lot of threes,” Stallings mired in the SEC cellar, Another home game, another losing streak. said. “I think they’re playing their best losers of seven in a row lopsided victory for Vanderbilt. “It’s like getting that monkey off basketball of the season right now.” and three straight in The Commodore women got off to a of your back,” said senior guard Last Saturday, the Gamecocks Tuscaloosa. staggering 27-8 start and never looked Alex Gordon. “We had a tough road upset Ole Miss on the road, with back Thursday night, taking down the schedule early on, so it felt great to get sophomore Devan Downey scoring South Carolina Gamecocks 78-48 at that win.” 25 points. The guard torched Vandy Memorial Gym for their fourth straight The Georgia game welcomed Ross for 22 points earlier in the season, so win. Vanderbilt has won its last two Neltner back into the starting lineup containing Downey will be a priority. they said it... home games by a combined 63 points after two games coming off the bench. Still, Stallings will rely on his regular “We have been getting a and now stands at 6-2 in league play, When the forward made the most of lineup adjusting to South Carolina’s Chris phare / The Vanderbilt Hustler lot of grief for not being good for third in the Southeastern his opportu