Earl Bennett Announced He Coaches, My Friends and Close Coach Johnson Finishing with 236 Career Announcement of His Decision, Go To: P.M

TODAY’s Weather How will the sam kim The freshmen

election change Traffic andP arking just / The

step up against V after NH? can’t catch a break… anderbilt Hustler South Carolina… See News, page 3 See The Rant, page 5 A.J. Ogilvy See Sports, page 6 Partly Cloudy, 48/34 Extended forecast, page 2

THE VOICE OF VANDERBILT SINCE 1888

TH chris phare / The Vanderbilt Hustler friday, january 11, 2008 • 120 YEAR, NO. 2 THE WALL Bennett forgoes senior season, declares for NFL Draft compiled by lakendra scott Today by will gibbons It was the end of a long decision- and make myself eligible for the when I was committed to Kentucky, caught 70 passes for 830 yards and Swim Meet Senior Sports Reporter making process for Bennett, who NFL Draft,” Bennett said. “There is and I thank them for allowing me had five touchdowns to earn first- Vanderbilt will host consulted many close to him. no other place I the chance to come in and help this team All-SEC honors. its first home meet The Southeastern Conference’s “After thinking for weeks and would’ve rather program and continue to build on it.” Please see bennett, page 7 since the program all-time leader in receptions will weeks about the situation, talking been these three Bennett had an extremely was reestablished. not be adding to his record next with my family, talking with my years. I just thank productive career for Vanderbilt, —To listen to a podcast of Bennett’s The event begins at 1 fall. Earl Bennett announced he coaches, my friends and close coach Johnson finishing with 236 career announcement of his decision, go to: p.m. at the Centennial would forgo his senior season to relatives, mainly talking to God to and his staff for receptions, 2,852 yards and Sportsplex. enter the 2008 NFL Draft at a press guide me through this process…I continuing to 20 touchdowns. In 2007, the conference Thursday afternoon. decided to skip my senior year bennett recruit me even Biltetnikoff Trophy semifinalist

Today Human diseases mini symposium As political Vanderbilt will host a mini symposium entitled “Mouse d e races heat up, Models of Human January mA N s Diseases” in the S Student Life Center VANDY GAMeDAY: 13vanderbilt 80 South carolina 73 Lower Meeting attack ads Rooms from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in question This Weekend Original Cast by Jarred Amato auditions Editor in Chief Vanderbilt’s premier Broadway revue Sen. John McCain may have a problem with troupe will hold negative campaigning, but he shouldn’t, according auditions today at to Vanderbilt political science professor John 7 p.m. and Saturday Geer. and Sunday at 4 p.m. With heated races for both the Democratic in the Branscomb Rec and Republican nominations underway, both room. candidates and voters will benefit from the expected increase in political attack ads, since negative ads contain more substantive information Saturday, Jan. 12 than positive ads, Geer said. VU Theatre callbacks “Some candidates such as McCain Callbacks for “The Last may decry negative ads, but we need Five Years” will be held to hear both sides of all issues,” Geer at 10 a.m. in Neely said. “Positive ads are especially Auditorium. Callbacks poor vehicles for accomplishing that geer are posted on the VUT worthy goal.” Web site. oliver wolfe / The Vanderbilt Hustler McCain, who defeated Mitt Romney in Tuesday’s Senior Shan Foster and the rest of the Commodores (16-0) were all business during their 80-73 victory over South Carolina on Wednesday. New Hampshire primary, disagreed. After being bitten by political attacks in South Saturday, Jan. 12 Free Foster jerseys highlight of Carolina in the 2000 primary, his supporters have CD release party Business as usual set up what they’re calling a “Truth Squad” in Come celebrate the inaugural pep rally response to negative campaigning. variety of artifacts for undefeated Geer said he doesn’t understand why. collected in the “God by Jarred Amato to receive them. “Many pundits view negative ads as in Music City” CD in Commodores Editor in Chief The long lines outside of the counterproductive, but nothing could be further the Commons Center by andrew barge Memorial Gym student entrance from the truth,” Geer said. “They generate a at 7 p.m. Senior Sports Reporter Senior Shan Foster smiled as highlighted the first ever dialogue that helps voters understand the he watched Vandy Fanatics and Memorial Madness, a pep rally respective positions of the candidates.” Coach Kevin Stallings said he Vanderbilt Student Government that preceded No. 13 Vanderbilt’s Another benefit of attack ads is that they will Monday, Jan. 14 had never seen South Carolina play members handle his replica 80-73 victory over South Carolina make the eventual nominee tougher for the Harry Belafonte better. Against the still-undefeated jerseys following Tuesday’s Please see memorial madness, page 3 general election, which is even more vicious, Geer lecture Commodores, however, even its best practice. The next day, students —To view a slideshow of the game and said. Belafonte will speak as wasn’t enough. waited up to two hours to ensure the pep rally, go to: “How candidates handle the criticism will part of the Chancellor’s Vanderbilt (16-0, 1-0 Southeastern they were one of the fortunate 500 provide insight to how they might govern, since Lecture Series Conference) displayed tough defense those who occupy the Oval Office are the frequent commemorating and clutch shooting down the stretch target of harsh attacks,” Geer said. Martin Luther King Jr. to beat the Gamecocks (8-7, 0-1 SEC) Still, McCain refuses to use negative campaigning The lecture will be at 6 80-73 at Memorial Gym on Wednesday and instead has welcomed his status as the self- p.m. in the Student Life night. proclaimed “underdog.” Center Ballroom with a The game was close throughout, and “The Republican establishment has never reception at 5 p.m. South Carolina had cut the lead to two embraced me in my entire life,” said McCain, with 2:35 remaining when senior Alex who is preparing for primaries in Michigan on Gordon responded with an NBA-range Jan. 15 and then in Nevada and South Carolina SUNDAY 3-pointer, and the Dores never looked on Jan. 19. “But I think we just proved that we can ‘Somewhere in back. get the support of enough Republicans to win an Please see sec opener, page 7 chris phare / The Vanderbilt Hustler election.” Between: Recent Fans waited in line for up to two hours for a chance to receive one of 500 free Shan Foster jerseys. Prints by Xiao Xin Lu’ On the Democratic side, Sen. Hilary Clinton The Fine Arts Gallery captured an upset victory over Sen. Barack Obama is hosting an exhibit in New Hampshire’s primary on Tuesday. Still, of works by Xiao Xin Geer said he hopes that does not let Obama off Lu, a 2006 Vanderbilt School schedules stymie sorority recruitment the hook. alumna and recipient “While Hillary Clinton’s surprise win in New of the of the Hamblet by Sara Gast Panhellenic recruitment middle of rush is) difficult spend extra hours at their Hampshire may lessen the push by some of her Award. Lu’s works News Editor resumed Thursday evening because I feel like I start the houses preparing. supporters to criticize Barack Obama’s record,” will be on display as prospective members semester already behind. I “A lot more prep work Geer said, “the public would be better served if all until Jan. 31. Gallery elizabeth middlebrooks visited up to five houses in have to play catch-up from goes into rounds than most of the remaining candidates undergo this type of hours are noon-4 p.m. Managing Editor the entertainment round. day one,” said junior Laura people realize,” said junior scrutiny.” ■ Monday-Friday and For the upperclassmen, Layton, a member of Kappa Please see SORORITIES, page 3 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Freshman and this was one of the most Delta sorority. “It’s difficult, —The Associated Press and Vanderbilt News —To view a slideshow of sorority Sunday. upperclassman women time-consuming rounds but it’s manageable; the Service contributed reporting to this article. going through recruitment to prepare for — and it most difficult part is the lack rush rounds, go to: have enough to do this week came two days after school of sleep.” —Jarred Amato can be reached at jarred.s.amato@

See http://calendar.vanderbilt.edu — and that’s before they started. The behind-the-scenes vanderbilt.edu. for more events. consider classes. “(Starting classes in the work required women to

Ask about our affordable online advertising opportunities Call George Fischer at at InsideVandy.com 615-322-1884 2 Friday, January 11, 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 Elizabeth middlebrooks THE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

saturday starting • Listen to a podcast of Earl Bennett announcing his decision compiled by lakendra scott to go pro, then check out a full transcript of the press con- Sir Edmund Hillary, first man to reach top ference. 1of Everest, dies at 88 • Listen to “Three and Out” with Amato and Sports Editor NEW ZEALAND — Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper Andrew Hard, as they discuss the effects of who conquered Mount Everest to win renown as one of the 20th Bennett’s departure on the Commodore football program. century’s greatest adventurers, has died, announced New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. He was 88. • To find out what Opinion Editor Katherine Miller thinks “The legendary mountaineer, adventurer and philanthropist is about Sen. Barack Obama’s recent endorsements, check the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived,” Clark told The Partly Cloudy, 54/39 Associated Press. out her blog. Hillary reached Everest’s summit shortly before climbing • Don’t forget to vote for “Who’s Now?”. Voting for the first companion Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953. He did not reveal whether he or Norgay reached the summit first round of the Derrick Byars Regional ends Sunday at 5 p.m. sunday until 1999. —Check InsideVandy.com for more Web-exclusive content. Kerry endorses Obama for president, 2 bypassing Clinton, Edwards CHARLESTON, S.C. — 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry gave Barack Obama a timely endorsement Thursday, snubbing both Hillary Rodham Clinton and his own vice presidential running mate. snapshot Kerry came to South Carolina to embrace Obama, two weeks before the state’s primary and after Clinton’s emotional victory in Showers, 50/32 New Hampshire, according to The Associated Press. beginning of the end The Massachusetts senator said there were other candidates he had worked with and respected, but Obama was best able to bring Americans together.

monday Study: HIV needs lots of human help to do 3 its damage WASHINGTON — The AIDS virus hijacks human proteins to do its damage, but until now few of its targets were known. On Thursday, Harvard researchers unveiled a longer list, an important step in the hunt for new drugs, The Associated Press reported. HIV consists of just nine genes, but it makes up for that bare-bones structure in a sinister way — by literally taking over the protein’s cellular machinery so it can multiply and then destroy. The new research, published online Thursday by the journal Partly Cloudy, 45/30 Science, found 273 of these potential targets.

Bush predicts Mideast peace treaty before VUPD CRIME LOG 4 he leaves White House compiled by lakendra scott RAMALLAH, West Bank — President Bush said Thursday a peace There is no crime to report accord between Israel and Palestine will require “painful political concessions” by each. “Now is the time to make difficult choices,” Bush told The lauren fondriest / The Vanderbilt Hustler Associated Press after a first-ever visit to the Palestinian territories, a Seniors Andy Johns and Walker Kahle soak in the first day of classes of their last semester. Classes began Wednesday after a two-and-a- Check out http://police.vanderbilt.edu/ day after separate meetings with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem. half week break between semesters. crimelog.htm for complete listings. Bush is in the Mideast for eight days, trying to bolster his goal of achieving a peace agreement by the end of his presidency in a year. SERVICE GUIDE The Vanderbilt Hustler (ISSN US formally protests Iranian harassment 0042-2517), the student newspaper of Vanderbilt University, is pub- 5 of US warships in Persian Gulf lished every Monday, Wednesday WASHINGTON — The United States on Thursday lodged a formal and Friday during the academic diplomatic protest with Iran over an incident in which Iranian year except for during exam peri- ods and vacations. The paper is not speedboats harassed U.S. warships, The Associated Press reported. Undergraduate printed during summer break. The protest repeats U.S. complaints about Sunday’s “provocative” The Vanderbilt Hustler allocates action in the Strait of Hormuz, the State Department said. one issue of the newspaper to In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry officials said they were unaware each student and is available at various points on campus for free. of the U.S. protest. Honor Council Additional copies are $.50 each. At a Pentagon news conference, Defense Secretary Robert Gates The Vanderbilt Hustler is a said the Iranian boats had acted “in a pretty aggressive manner.” division of Vanderbilt Student Communications, Inc. Copyright © 2004 Vanderbilt Student Com- Best Wok added to Commodore card munications. VANDERBILT — Students now have another good option on APPLICATIONS DUE: Location 6 The Hustler offices are in 130 the card in Chinese restaurant Best Wok. Sarratt Student Center on the Best Wok began taking online orders Monday and has already seen Vanderbilt University Campus. a tremendous increase in sales, said junior Tyler Armstrong, co-chair Address postal mail to VU Station of Vanderbilt Student Government’s Campus Services committee. January 18th, 2008 B 351504, Nashville, Tenn. 37235- 1504. “Students suggested the idea, and it got done,” Armstrong said. Affiliations “We’re always open to adding new restaurants to the card.” The Hustler is a member of the As- Taste of Nashville should expand even further in the coming sociated Collegiate Press, Colum- month, Armstrong said. bia Scholastic Press Association, College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers, Southern Documents: Missing Marine claimed officer University Newspapers and the Southeastern Journalism Confer- 7 raped her, though family says history of lying ence and is an associate member JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — A pregnant Marine who vanished last month of the Associated Press. before she was to testify in a military probe claimed “a senior To Advertise officer ... had raped her and that the investigation had gone sour,” Display ads: (615) 322-4237 or e-mail advertising@vanderbilthu according to new court documents. Apply to join stler.com The woman made the allegation to her stepmother, who told Display fax: (615) 322-3762 investigators looking for the 20-year-old lance corporal that her Office hours are 10 a.m. — 5 p.m., stepdaughter had a history of compulsive lying, the documents Monday — Friday Visit us online at http://www. filed this week state. vscmedia.org/advertising.html The Associated Press reported Thursday military officials said they the Honor Council To Report a News Item ordered the missing Marine’s roommate, Sgt. Daniel Durham, to Campus news: Call 322-2424 or e- answer questions about the case. mail [email protected] Entertainment news: Call 343-0967 or e-mail vibe@vanderbilthustler. Tennessee receives C+ for education com Pick up applications in Branscomb, Sports results: Call 343-0967 or e- 8 TENNESSEE — Tennessee ranks 16th nationally in education mail [email protected] with an overall grade of C-plus, according to an annual report that the Honor Council Ofﬁ ce (Zerfoss) Corrections ranks states on school quality. The Hustler strives for accuracy The journal Education Week found that while Tennessee has some and fairness and will correct errors of the nation’s best education policies, it lags behind on national or on the Honor Council website: of substance. See our correction policy on the Opinion page for math and reading achievement tests, The Tennessean reported. http://studentorgs.vanderbilt.edu/HonorCouncil/ information about notifying us. Tennessee increased its high school graduation rate by almost 15 Printer percent between 2000 and 2004, the study showed. The Hustler is printed at Franklin Web Printing Company in Franklin, Tenn. Richardson ends campaign for Democratic Subscription Rates Call (615) 343-3064 9 a.m. — 5 9 presidential nomination, endorses no one p.m., Monday — Friday. SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson ended his bid One semester’s delivery via U.S. for the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday after poor Postal Service is available for $125 finishes in the first two contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, or $200 per year. Checks should be made payable to The Vanderbilt according to The Associated Press. Hustler. Richardson said although his support at the polls lagged, many of his Back Issues leading rivals moved closer to his positions on such issues as the war in Iraq. Back issues are available in Sarratt On a less serious note, he estimated the long campaign had included 130 during business hours. 200 debates. He quickly amended that to 24 but said, “it felt like 200.” www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Friday, January 11, 2008 3 memorial madness: Organizers expect pep rally to become tradition

From memorial madness, page 1 “The basketball team speaks annual event and also said more pleased with the results. in its Southeastern Conference for itself, and they’re a huge he was open to adding and “I had butterflies in my opener. reason why people were here improving things in the future. stomach,” she said. “We’ve “It’s just awesome to see so early,” Levit said. “We do it Vice Chancellor for University all been planning this, and that kind of support,” said for them, and we do it for the Affairs David Williams hoping people would come senior George Huddleston, students.” agreed. and share the enthusiasm that who worked with fellow According to Levit, 1,021 “We’re open from the we have for this and then to Fanatics Doug BeCraft students attended the pep athletic side to anything, so we see all the people out there and Kate Corvese and VSG rally. Sophomore Garrett really want to get the feedback was amazing.” athletics co-chair Marc Levit Spiegel won the 3-point from the students and find out It is clear that students take to plan the event. “The team contest in a tiebreaker, and what else we need to do,” he pride in making Memorial loves it. Shan was giddy. We freshman Dana Reynolds said. “We certainly love this Gym one of the toughest were doing preparations for received a free year of tanning sort of environment.” places to play in the SEC. Wednesday, and he came out after winning the hula hoop As for switching to a more “Just because we have of the gym and saw some of contest. At halftime, freshman traditional Midnight Madness fewer students than the rest the jerseys and just had a grin Lindsay Baird came up short to kickoff the season, Levit of these huge SEC schools from ear to ear. on her half-court shot for said he was less certain that doesn’t mean we don’t have “The team is successful, $30,000. would happen. to be as spirited,” Levit said, jason Leelee kristanna and it’s awesome for them to “I thought it was exciting and “We’re going to think about “and our guys have proven it statham sobieski loken see that we support them. I innovative,” said sophomore that,” he said. “It depends a lot tonight that we’re a (heck) of think they know we’ve been Joseph Mikhail. “I hope to on the coach, Kevin Stallings, a school.” ■ supporting them since they see more of them in years to and the players, as well as the were 0-0.” come.” students.” —Jarred Amato can be reached It doesn’t hurt, though, that Levit expects Memorial But for the inaugural year, at jarred.s.amato@vanderbilt. the Commodores are now 16-0. Madness to become an Corvese could not have been edu sororities: Lack of sleep, time commitment wear members down

From sororities, page 1 Nicole Goetsch, also a member of Kappa REGAL HOLLYWOOD REGAL OPRY MILLS Delta. “It might be more emotionally STADIUM 27 STADIUM 20 NOW PLAYING! 719 Thompson Ln. 570 Opry Mills Dr. straining on the freshmen, but physically (800) FANDANGO 363# (800) FANDANGO 364# CARMIKE THOROUGHBRED 20 CARMIKE WYNNSONG 16 CARMIKE WYNNSONG 10 it’s harder on the members.” FRANKLIN MURFREESBORO MADISON 633 Frazier Dr. 2626 Cason Sq. Blvd. 721 Myatt Dr. And concentrating on classes on top of (615) 778-0770 (615) 893-2253 (615) 860-7686 CARMIKE SHADY BROOK 12 ROXY 10 MOVIE recruitment can be stressful for some. BELLEVUE 8 CINEMAS THEATRE 120 Belle Forest Cir. 800 Campbell Blvd. 200 Legends Dr. “For the upperclassmen in a sorority, (615) 662-0855 (931) 381-7469 (615) 444-4RXY it’s more stressful making sure the rounds CARMIKE HICKORY 8 GREAT ESCAPE 16 ANTIOCH CLARKSVILLE CALL THEATRE are going to come together and getting 901 Bell Rd. 1810 Tiny Town Rd. FOR SHOWTIMES (615) 731-5516 (931) 920-8800 enough sleep after spending hours at the house, while for the girls going through recruitment, it’s more stressful for them since they aren’t as familiar with the Want to work process,” said senior Kristin Hoevel, vice for the Hustler? president of chapter relations for Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. E-mail us at “Luckily most classes don’t give much 2 x 5 FRI 1/11 work this week so you can usually can [email protected] catch up over the weekend without too many problems.” The timing of entertainment round can oliver wolfe / The Vanderbilt Hustler VANDERBILTThe Department of HUSTLERPsychology be difficult to manage with school, as Kappa Alpha Theta sorority’s Theta KATs perform for potential new members during Panhellenic recrtuiment entertainment at Vanderbilt University well. rounds Thursday. Sororities performed original skits and dance routines to promote their houses to women participating in rush. is looking for subjects “It’s a little tricky starting classes and “I made sure I (registered for) classes involved a lot of time and effort, Kappa toNashville, participate in research TN studies. having rounds, especially since some I think I can handle to make sure I Alpha Theta Recruitment Chair Maggie classes go late on Thursday and rounds wouldn’t be too stressed out,” Rothen Fesmire said she thought classes gave You will be compensated for your time. start before (the classes) end,” Hoevel said. “I know being in a sorority would be everyone a chance to take their mind off said. a big commitment.” of recruitment. Studies examine aspects of cognition, emotion and brain functioning. Freshman Erica Rothen said she tries Upperclassmen spent first semester “It takes the pressure off the whole week to focus on getting enough sleep to help and their winter breaks preparing for the being about rush,” she said. “I think school To nd out more about participating in studies, her get through the week. week to make things easier. diffuses the stress that comes with the see http://vanderbilt.sona-systems.com/ “I’ve just been trying to get to bed early “All the girls in our house work really recruitment process, and it gives people since I have a 9 a.m. class,” she said. “I hard throughout the first semester so by something else to think about besides make sure I plan everything out so I’m the time recruitment week rolls around only worrying about recruitment.” ■ not stressing out in the morning.” we are really prepared,” said senior Jessi Even though recruitment requires Peterson, a member of Alpha Delta Pi —Sara Gast can be reached at sara.m.gast@ a substantial time commitment, most sorority. vanderbilt.edu. Elizabeth Middlebrooks women said they went into the process And while setting up and practicing can be reached at e.middlebrooks@ knowing that. for the entertainment round skits vanderbilt.edu Six Republicans debate tax and spending cuts in SC, hoping to make a move in crowded race

Associated Press Arizona Sen. John McCain he launched an attack on The economy dominated stressed spending cuts to Huckabee, standing a few feet the first portion of the debate, get the budget deficit under away on the debate stage. reflecting increased concern Republican presidential control. He pledged to “wield “This is a battle for the heart that a recession may be rivals backed a blend of tax the veto pen” and block all and soul of the Republican imminent. and spending cuts Thursday pork barrel spending bills that Party and its future. On the Former New York Mayor night to head off an election- Congress sends him. one hand you have the Reagan Rudy Giuliani, who is not year recession they generally While the debate was held in Revolution ... on the other making a strong effort in either agreed is avoidable. South Carolina, the Michigan hand you have the direction Michigan or South Carolina, “We should reduce taxes on primary is next on the that Governor Huckabee also advocated tax cuts, and middle-income Americans campaign calendar, a contest would take us ... liberal his campaign purchased an immediately,” former in which Romney, Huckabee economic policies, liberal advertisement during the first Massachusetts Gov. Mitt and McCain are the principal foreign policies,” he said. commercial break that said he Romney said in a debate in antagonists. Huckabee seemed unruffled. would send the largest tax cut the run-up to presidential South Carolina’s primary “The Air Force has a saying in history to Congress on his primaries in Michigan and is scheduled for Jan. 19 and that if you’re not catching flak first day in the White House. South Carolina, two states has drawn a different group you’re not over the target. I’m The first three contests of where unemployment exceeds of competitors. Former Sen. catching the flak. I must be over the Republican campaign the national average. Fred Thompson of Tennessee the target,” he said. He added have yielded three different “The first thing is not to raise has made it clear he needs he had cut taxes as governor of winners: Huckabee, first in taxes,” said former Arkansas a victory or something close Arkansas and was re-elected by the leadoff Iowa caucuses; Gov. Mike Huckabee. “Cut the to it, while McCain and his constituents, a sure sign, he Romney, victor in the little- marginal tax rate, if anything, Huckabee also are counting added, that they were pleased contested Wyoming caucuses; and eventually go to a fair on a strong showing. with his performance. and McCain, triumphant in tax,” he added, referring to his Thompson underscored The debate was sponsored by last Tuesday’s fiercely fought plan for a national sales tax to the urgency of a strong South the South Carolina Republican New Hampshire primary. ■ replace the income tax. Carolina showing when Party and Fox News Channel. 4 Friday, January 11, 2008 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com opinionopinion The OUR VIEW column Vanderbilt Hustler Editorial Board Earl, thanks for 3 great years Men are When asked what he would buy with He never looked back. Players like Bennett do not come Jarred Amato his first NFL paycheck, Earl Bennett did We saw him torch Florida in “The around often, and while selfish Editor in Chief not hesitate. Swamp” and unfairly get called for an Commodore fans and players would “My mom a house,” he said. excessive celebration penalty, which have liked to see him return for his not to elizabeth The answer reaffirmed what we was ironic considering his modesty, and final season, we both understand and already knew — that, as talented a then again in 2006, when he made two support his decision. middlebrooks player as Bennett is, he’s an even a defenders knock heads. To the NFL team that drafts Bennett, Managing Editor better person. For No. 10, it was never We saw him make The Catch on a slant you will not regret it. You are not only blame about the records. In fact, those seemed over the middle to give the Commodores getting a great route-runner with sara gast to matter more to us than to him. After their first victory over Tennessee since exceptional hands and fearless attitude, News Editor games, Bennett used to say he would 1982. Bennett said that game was his but over 6,000 new fans. trade all of his catches in for a bowl favorite. “Hopefully people will remember me for single katherine miller berth. And he meant it. This season, we saw Bennett earn first- by my character and not my outstanding Opinion Editor Looking back at his remarkable career, team All-SEC honors, despite constant ability on the football field,” Bennett said so many games stand out. double teams and erratic quarterback Thursday. andrew hard We saw him break out against play. And we saw him play through pain How about we do both? women Sports Editor Richmond on Family Weekend in 2005. most of us have never felt. andrew solomon Columnist STAFF News Editor I know it may come as a shock to some Sara Gast Days Vanderbilt Should Have of you, but I like to consider myself a fairly tolerant person. I love animals. I’m polite Asst. News Editors (when sober). I fully support women’s David Brown Top 10 Off of Classes suffrage. But one thing I cannot stand is Lakendra Scott Adam Weinstein Here at Vanderbilt, class churns on no matter what fabulous excuse we have not to go to class. people who complain constantly. sydney wilmer In honor of our incredibly brief break this year and in sad, sad recognition of next year’s short I swear, I can’t walk to class and back Opinion Editor Guest Columnist vacation, we break down the top 10 days we should be getting free passes on. without someone griping to me about Katherine Miller how tough and miserable their life is. Asst. Opinion Editor Take Your Child To Work Day: “I have so much work. My girlfriend was Spencer Montalvo The Career Center should back this one. Properly placed on a resume, this could look like internship. sleeping with her T.A. Daddy beat me.” 10. Seriously, I sometimes put disconnected Sports Editor headphones on just so people won’t have Andrew Hard Mental Health Day: an opportunity to bitch to me. No way! Your eyeball is twitching too? Asst. Sports Editors 9. But there’s one complaint I get more David Namm than anything: Girls always want to know David Rutz Valentine’s Day: why they can’t find a boyfriend at Vandy. This is a rough day for most people. There is too much chocolate, affection and low self-esteem. Why Eric Silver 8. Now before I continue, a disclaimer: make it worse with classes? I’m not sexist. I love women. A few of Assistant Photo Directors Lauren Fondriest Midterm Reading Day: them are even crazy enough to hook up Brett Kaminsky If midterms are theoretically 50 percent of final grades, students should demand a reading day in late February. with me. I just think this issue needs to Francis Simpson 7. be addressed once and for all so people England’s National Sleep-In Day: stop talking to me about it. Lead Photographers I know. It’s hard being single in college. Sam Kim The British sleep in on Halloween. Let’s move it to Nov. 1. Oliver Wolfe 6. After you get through the hundreds of Talk Like A Pirate Day: friends you’ve made, a family who loved Multimedia Editor Arrg, Mateys! How can Vanderbilt students fully appreciate the significance of this holiday in class? you enough to send you to college and Ben Gotow 5. the thousands of opportunities you have each day to meet someone new, it can be Supervising Copy Editors Arbor Day: pretty lonely. Seriously girls, I know. If Medora Brown Vanderbilt’s campus is a national arboretum, after all. As much time as the Vanderbilt Hannah Twillman 4. you want, you can come over to my place landscaping crews put into the school, we could all use a day to honor their work. later, and we can talk about it. Copy Editors Unfortunately, at the end of the day. Taylor Davis Cornelius Vanderbilt’s Half Birthday: it’s true. Statistically very few people are Madeleine Evans Spencer Montalvo So, the Commodore’s birthday rolls around in late May, but Nov. 27 marks the university’s namesake’s half in committed relationships with another Amy Roebuck 3. birthday. It might be a week after Thanksgiving, but the original Hustler deserves a party. student here at Vandy. Most people are Aimee Sobhani single, and a significant portion of people Avery Spofford Martin Luther King Day: in relationships date someone outside the school. What’s the problem? Senior Reporter Stevie Wonder said it best in his song “Happy Birthday” — Martin Will Gibbons 2. Luther King’s birthday deserves recognition. And Vanderbilt students Well, from what I can gather from the bits need adequate time to reflect on both one of America’s most of conversation I actually paid attention Web Director to, the girls blame us. Apparently men at Chris Thompson courageous and inspiring leaders and the civil rights movement in general. Vanderbilt are immature, irresponsible and not interested in commitment. Those Marketing Director George Fischer Today are big words, and a guy like me finds it It would be really great if we could sleep in guilt-free because we don’t have classes. tough to avoid behavior he can barely Advertising Manager 1. REALLY great. spell. But most of the guys here at Vandy Madeleine Pulman seem normal to me and should have no trouble finding someone to date if they Asst. Advertising Manager Angela Booker column wanted. So if the guys aren’t the problem, we’re going to need to find another sex to Advertising Staff blame this on … Ashley Banks Gentle readers, if you want to date Carolyn Fisher someone, you have to be dateable. Using David Gaffney Fan support critical to team Killian Lamkin a scientific process I like to refer to as “drinking until the phone calls go away,” Art Director and accolades, Foster cares most night proved once again that Memorial I have come up with a list of things girls Matt Radford marc levit about staying together as a team and Gymnasium houses the best college Guest Columnist can do to become more dateable to guys believes, “If we stay together, anything basketball experience in the SEC. on this campus. It’s not that good guys Designers “Teamwork on three!” the undefeated is possible.” Wear your jerseys, T-shirts and Cassie Edwards aren’t out there; we just don’t want to Madeleine Evans men’s basketball team shouted in Staying together is exactly what Vanderbilt memorabilia with pride. date you. Yet. Jose Garza unison just before erupting onto the Memorial Madness is about. Memorial Show up early, and show up loud. First off, stop playing games. I know Emily Green court. Although this year’s team is Madness was not a one-time event, but Heckle the other team, belt the alma “guys do it too,” but we pale in comparison Hunter Kinsella loaded with primetime players and rather a season long celebration of the mater, chant “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!” to what you try to pull off. Don’t ignore Katie Quille star power, Southeastern Conference team — the teamwork between players Go crazy! South Carolina looked Courtney Rogers his phone calls purposely. Don’t act Avery Spofford Player of the Year candidate Shan and students. The student section was absolutely terrified to see an entire aloof when he’s around your friends. Morgan Webb Foster believes, “Our main goal is to packed, loud and crazy! Our players student section filled far before Playing games is one of the quickest ways stay humble and hungry.” loved it, South Carolina hated it, and they took their warm-up shots. Our short of sleeping with the best friend to VSC Director Whereas big egos, razzle-dazzle the Commodore faithful had a great classmates and friends deserve our get thrown into the “manipulative bitch” Chris Carroll SportsCenter highlight reels and the time watching another impressive support. After all, basketball is a team category. Being honest and genuine is Asst. VSC Director glitzy lure of the NBA often muddle victory. game, and we students must do our one of the most underrated and attractive Jeff Breaux team chemistry (ask Southern But what makes college basketball part. qualities for a girl to have. Grow up and California fans what they think of so unique is we students did not only be okay with genuinely being interested Asst. VSC Director O.J. Mayo now), our team is different. watch the game, we truly affected —Marc Levit is a sophomore in the in someone. Paige Clancy Our team is selfless, supportive and the game’s outcome. Home-court College of Arts and Science. He is the Second, drop the act. I can only speak truly devoted to one another. Despite advantage is huge during SEC play, and Athletics Co-Chair for VSG. He can be for myself when writing, but one of the piling up regional and national praise our spirit and enthusiasm Wednesday reached at [email protected]. Please see solomon, 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, January 11, 2008 5 column “What is up with the truck that drives around Alumni Lawn every morning and evening with bird screeches blaring through the Never underestimate mounted speakers on top? If they’d just told me they wanted to get rid of the squirrels, I could have brought my squirrel gun from back home. Might have supplemented the interesting stuff I’ve been the Clintons’ power getting at Rand lately, too. Mmm, how I miss home cookin’!”

katherine miller a Mill Worker” Edwards with voters whose “Parking still sucks.” Opinion Editor income is less than $50,000. The reason behind this is unclear. Perhaps Basically, Sen. Hillary Clinton ruins Clinton’s policy-heavy speeches resonated “‘Grey’s Anatomy’ needs to stop making every character suffer cruel, everything. with the unheard electorate, who found What is on your mind? The Rant is cruel fates. Bailey’s son, Alex’s moral corruptness, Meredith’s pitiful As she stood there Tuesday night, smiling more substance with Clinton’s razor-sharp your place to anonymously sound off dreams being crushed by ‘Plot Contrivance’ ... er ... Rose, and the genuinely in her Chairman Mao jacket made robotronics than Obama’s mysterious “hope.” on any issue you want. Send in your of fabric ripped straight off an expensive sofa, If she can maintain a vice-like hold on the never ending saga of the George-Izzie relationship from hell: Who’s rants with the subject “Rant” to: Clinton proved once again that polls aren’t less affluent, he could face serious problems writing this, the Marquis de Sade?” always accurate. Mere days ago, Clinton was in the near future. [email protected] dead, now she’s overcome a broken campaign His dueling opponent, though, faces bigger to square off again with Sen. Barack Obama decisions. Clinton reportedly spent Tuesday “I heard winter break is even shorter next year. Who was in charge for the nomination. planning a complete reconstruction of her of that one?” Her entire campaign, constructed around campaign under the assumption that she the principles of ironclad experience and would lose and lose badly. Does she keep to inevitability, failed her in Iowa as youth and the status quo? Does she attempt to maintain “It has come to my attention that our ‘beloved’ Rand received a score populism shunned the establishment and her Humanized Hillary? She can’t go crying in of 54 on the Health and Safety rating system. That’s a 54 out of a inevitability cracked. just any roadside stop. Does she strike at 100, that’s an F. For $52,000 a year, we deserve a little better than Reportedly, Clinton staffers anticipated Obama while she can, as former President the loss in Iowa as soon as they heard that Bill Clinton has advocated, and attempt to a damn 54.” 280,000 people participated, rather than the undercut his viability as a national candidate? 260,000 they hoped — Obama had mobilized There’s an incredibly high risk in that pursuit “George and Izzie need to learn the concept of the word ‘tact’ and younger, more highly-educated voters. — Obama’s bipartisan message of hope, albeit Clinton, bitterly disappointed that she had vague, could turn the other cheek and destroy stop running up to people and telling them really inappropriate lost the young idealists she and her husband Clinton if she goes negative. statements.” championed more than a decade ago, left Regardless, in a series of events so divergent Iowa under the cover of night, while Obama from their Republican counterparts, Obama rolled into New Hampshire on a chariot of and Clinton have finally broken free from “I hate the people who got a Shan Foster jersey and didn’t even stay optimism, expecting a decisive win in the their shifting mantle of inevitability that for the game.” Compiled by Katherine Miller Granite State. has plagued them this fall. Super Tuesday The disastrous string of events leading up will resemble a saloon shootout, unlike the to and through Iowa culminated in Clinton’s mediocre game of duck-duck-goose the emotional breakdown. Ironically, her revival Republicans are currently engaged in. has been attributed to the breakdown of her To win the shootout and go Republican icy Manchurian Candidate-like image — her duck hunting, Clinton needs to maintain her SOLOMON: To get a date, ladies, you playing the lady of woe card. ladylike openness, court Edwards’s followers Did emotion save Clinton? It sure as hell and rebuild her image as the candidate didn’t hurt. that strikes terrible, terrible fear into the must first actually be ‘dateable’ While the headline of Clinton crying in downtrodden hearts of Republicans. a diner sounded straight out of a Loretta Nonetheless, Tuesday’s message is clear: From SOlomon, page 4 of you would show it to me own tells us you’ve got it Lynn song, the emotion resonated with Never underestimate the Clintons. They’re things I can’t stand is when when we meet. Intelligence together, and you won’t go voters. Women comprised a record-breaking like a hydra or a really sadistic rhododendron: girls act dumber than they is sexy; don’t cover it up. Britney Spears on us when 57 percent of New Hampshire primary You can try to cut one part off or slap it around really are. You were smart Last, be OK being single. we break up with you. We voters, carrying Clinton to winged victory. in Iowa, but it will just come back. Harder. enough to get in here, so I Despite the fact your like our cars just the way Apparently, Oprah Winfrey’s divine mandate Better. Faster. Stronger. Wearing bright know you’ve got it in you biological clock is urging you they are, thanks. to vote for Obama simply could not compete. scarves and saying nasty things about Barry A large majority of the to marry the first handsome Clinton’s rejuvenated tap dance to victory Obama, crying when they need to. girls I get to know end up millionaire you meet —Andrew Solomon is a might have had little to do with gentle being much smarter than I before you turn 24, know senior in the College of Arts weeping, though. She of the establishment —Katherine Miller is a sophomore in the originally thought when first confidence is as attractive and Science. He can be reached and centrist policies carried a 2:1 advantage College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached meeting them. It’s awesome in a female as it is in a male. at andrew.j.solomon@ over Obama, and even edged John “Son of at [email protected]. to discover, but I wish more The fact you’re fine on your vanderbilt.edu.

SPRINGS STUDIO is celebrating TEN YEARS of Certiﬁed Caring PILATES instruction in our NEWLY REMODELED STUDIO Offering: privates, duos, trios, small group mat/tower classes Fully equipped with all the traditional Pilates apparatuses

ACT NOW AND SAVE 10% ON ANY PACKAGE OF TEN SESSIONS Send us your email address and receive an additional $5.00 off of your next package

2021 21st Avenue South 615-292-1930 [email protected] Located in historic Convent Place, just south of Hillsboro Village, between The Gardens of Hillsboro Village and Friedman’s Army and Navy Surplus CRAVE CURB ALL NATURAL STIMULANT FREE

Eat Less. Lose Weight...

It’s That Simple

H 1•866•566•5754 B www.cravecurb.com BetterHealth 6 Friday, January 11, 2008 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com SPORTSSPORTSSPORTS

THE DOWN column RUN Freshmen more than up to par Bennett’s W2W4 Youngsters enjoy success in SEC debut. legacy saturday adam weinstein minutes that they played, Andre, Men’s Basketball Asst News Editor Darshawn, Keegan and of course @ Kentucky A.J. are just working hard and reaches 12:30 p.m., CBS With 9:59 to go in the first half going with what Coach is saying.” The undefeated and a one-point lead over South Of course, now that the Commodores (16-0, Carolina, the Vanderbilt players freshmen all have some SEC beyond 1-0 Southeastern on the court were as follows: A.J. experience under their belts, Conference) visit a Ogilvy, Keegan Bell, Andre Walker, another challenge looms this struggling Kentucky football Darshawn McClellan and George weekend as Vanderbilt heads team in their first Drake. to Rupp Arena to take on the SEC road contest this That’s four freshmen and a Kentucky Wildcats. season. Vandy has will gibbons redshirt sophomore, all playing The veterans know playing their defeated Kentucky Senior Reporter at once during a hotly contested first SEC away game in Lexington four straight times, Southeastern Conference contest. will be baptism by fire for the When coach Bobby Johnson including two wins With the exception of Drake, it was freshmen. continued to recruit Earl Bennett at Rupp Arena. The the first time any of these players “We have a lot of young guys on even after he had committed to Wildcats (6-7) are led had gotten a taste of league play. this team who really don’t know Kentucky, he probably didn’t by freshman forward Clearly coach Kevin Stallings what to expect from SEC play,” realize the dividends that choice Patrick Patterson with had faith. Foster said. “We feel confident. would pay. 16.8 points and 8.1 “I thought our freshmen really We know Kentucky is going to be Three years later, Bennett stands rebounds per game. did a nice job,” Stallings said. “I well prepared, and they are going as the SEC’s all-time leading Patterson struggled wasn’t hesitant to put any one of to be fired up. Their fans are going receiver and, more importantly, a mightily in Kentucky’s them in there.” to be fired up and ready to help mature and intelligent individual. last game, an 89-75 And for good reason. While get those guys going.” “It goes without saying that loss to Louisville. Tubby Ogilvy was the unquestioned focal Gordon understands Earl Bennett was a fantastic Smith will not be in point of the Vanderbilt offense leadership will play a big role in football player for us, a fantastic attendance, but maybe in the second half, scoring 21 of how the freshmen adjust to the ambassador for Vanderbilt Ashley Judd will. his 25 points, the Commodores big stage. football,” Johnson said, “and SUNDAY (16-0) also got huge contributions “I’m just gonna tell them that it’s you go through, and you look Women’s Basketball from their other young guns. crazy,” Gordon said. “They have at the way he has represented @ LSU Bell, Walker and McClellan 25,000 fans screaming, yelling, our program in every way, you 4:30 PM combined for eight points, 12 painting themselves blue. They’ll couldn’t ask for any more from Vanderbilt kicks rebounds and four assists in just listen to us, and they’ll be ready. chris phare / The Vanderbilt Hustler Earl Bennett.” off Southeastern 27 minutes, all of which were Kentucky has a lot of tradition, Freshman A.J. Ogilvy scored 21 of his game-high 25 points in the second half as the No. 13 Com- On Thursday, Bennett Conference road critical in a game where senior so we have to be ready to go out, modores defeated South Carolina 80-73 Wednesday night at Memorial Gym. announced his intentions to enter play when it visits standout Shan Foster had his first starting tomorrow, and prepare.” the NFL draft. His contributions No. 11 Louisiana real off night of the season. South Carolina coach Dave plays very good basketball. They between the seniors and the on the field have been well- State on Sunday. “We’ve got a team where Odom came away impressed with play team basketball. They are very new freshmen, you can expect documented. Less known is The Commodores everyone is confident right now,” the Commodores. fun to watch on tape when you to see Vanderbilt work its way how much Bennett has grown enjoyed success over said senior Alex Gordon, who “I think Kevin Stallings has don’t have to play them. He and toward a top seed in the NCAA as a human being, a student and the Tigers last season, knocked down a huge 3-pointer the makings of his best team,” his staff have done a marvelous Tournament. ■ a leader. He leaves Vanderbilt defeating them in the to put the Commodores up five said Odom. “It’s not necessarily job with this team.” -Weinstein can be reached at prepared for adulthood. regular season 68- with 1:30 to go in the game. “In the because they are 16-0. His team With the continuing stability adam.w.weinstein@vanderbilt. “For a while I thought Earl 58, and then beating only knew two words: ‘yes, sir,’” them again in the SEC Johnson said. “Obviously that’s championship game, friday not true. He’s very smart. He’s a 51-45. great student for us. It was fun The Tigers (11-3) are conversation EARL BENNETT getting to know Earl, and that’s winners of seven of Earl Bennett talked to the media on Thursday afternoon about his what you have to do.” their last eight games. decision to leave school early and declare himself eligible for the NFL In the classroom, Bennett Vanderbilt (11-4) has Draft, and here are a few of the highlights. is an accomplished student. won its last two games He finished with a 3.25 in the but has not beaten fall semester and is close to a ranked team since Q: When did you start getting the concept in your mind that this and those types of things. Just preparing myself mentally and receiving his degree in Secondary upsetting then-No. 11 year would be it for you? physically for that process is the next step for me. Education. His parents set the Duke on Nov. 28. A: It was after the season. During the season, I had no thoughts rule that he must finish his degree of the NFL; I was just helping us try to go to a bowl game. That Q: From the homework you’ve done, where do you feel like you fall regardless of whether he decided today was my No. 1 goal, and even when I was out there with nagging in the draft? to stay at Vanderbilt or leave early. Swimming vs. Miami injuries; I’m still trying to play to help this team go to a bowl A: Hopefully, I’m one of the top receivers taken in this year’s draft. It was Bennett’s mother who 1 p.m., Centennial game. My coaches have prepared me a lot to be one of the top players required the most convincing. Sportsplex in the nation. Thanks to my hard work and dedication and their Perhaps it was the extensive Vanderbilt returns Q: What about passing up the chance to break the all-time NCAA great coaching, it really helped me to be one of the top players. thought process that showed to the pool after a receiving record? Bennett’s sensibility. 2-month layoff to A: It’s not all about records. It’s about your character, what kind of Q: The Titans need some receivers. Would you want to come back “I actually had to sell her a lot host its first dual meet person you are, and how you carry yourself on and off the field. I and play for them? on this one,” Bennett said. “That’s since 1992. Freshman feel like Vanderbilt University and my coaches helped me a A: (Laughs) It would be great to come back here and play in all she kept saying. I am going to Leigh-Ann Axt and lot to mature into the man that I am today. Hopefully, Nashville, in the state of Tennessee. It’d be great to play with get my degree. I’m going to sit coach Jeremy Organ people will remember me by my character and Vince Young; they’ve become a great team, they made it to down with coach Johnson and lead the Commodores not my outstanding ability on the football field. the playoffs this year, so I’m up for it. with our counselor (Elizabeth (0-6) against the Wright) to make sure I receive my Miami Hurricanes Q: Earl, was it tough to tell Coach Johnson your Q: I’ve been told your mom was a big fan of you getting degree within a year and a half (5-1). decision? your degree. How much did you have to sell her on and not put it off.” A: Definitely. I love Coach Johnson to death; the idea of coming out early? Too often, athletes leave school, he’s been there by my side, anything A: I actually had to sell her a lot on this one,” opting for a pay day over an they said it... I needed help with he was always Bennett said. “That’s all she kept saying. I education. It is apparent that was “It goes without saying helping, whether it was on the field, am going to get my degree. I’m going to not the case for Bennett. that Earl Bennett was off the field or in the classroom. It was sit down with coach Johnson and with our “His siblings all finished high a fantastic football a tough decision to tell him because counselor (Elizabeth Wright) to make sure I school, went to college and player for us, a I just love being around him; he’s a receive my degree within a year and a half finished college,” said Sarah fantastic ambassador great guy. I really thank him a lot and not put it off. I won’t wait two years Bennett, his mother. “He’s got a for Vanderbilt for allowing me to come here and try to come back. brother working on his master’s. football, and you go and play. Earl knows it’s very important.” through, and you Perhaps it was the support look at the way he Q: You look at all t h e Q: Did you think that coming back for system that included his family, has represented our things you’ve done o v e r another year could help your draft stock, Johnson and the rest of the program in every way, the years; what will you or did you think you’ve proven all you can coaching staff, his teammates, you couldn’t ask for remember most a b o u t prove? friends and faith that made his any more from Earl your Vanderbilt career? A: Anytime you can come back, you can decision more comfortable. Bennett.” A: When we beat Tennessee. always improve your status, especially if you For Johnson, the important Bobby Johnson That will probably be the one I do well. You also have to think about the negatives; if you thing was to keep his interests as Football Coach remember the most. It was a great game. do come back and you don’t have a productive season coach out of the equation and to and you don’t meet expectations, you have to wonder focus on his role as a mentor and Q: A lot of times people cut their hair when it’s time if you’d fall. If you get hurt, then people wonder, “Can he advisor. daily # to be a professional; is that the inspiration for the play through injuries?” Those are types of things you have “When you see a family trying haircut? to think about also. to make a decision, you realize A: (Laughs) No, I actually was that you can’t be selfish,” Johnson 236 gonna cut Q: What’s the first thing you want to buy? said. “You’ve got to go with what’s The number of career it either A: My mom a house. best for the young man and the catches for the SEC’s w a y . family. It was tough. For a minute all-time receptions I got there we all just had to sit down leader, Earl Bennett. tired and say, ‘Hey, whatever happens of it; I was —Read all of Bennett’s comments and listen to Editor in is going to be great. Whether he ready for a new look. This is the Chief Jarred Amato and sports editor Andrew Hard discuss comes back and plays another 5 second time I’ve had the dreads and cut them year or not, it’s going to be great.’” The number of off, so it really wasn’t a big deal. Bennett’s remarkable career on : And while she may have remaining unbeatens had her doubts about the NFL, in college basketball Q: Earl, in the next few weeks and months, what do you have to Bennett’s mother was all smiles after Tennessee do to make football a business now? on Thursday afternoon. defeated Ole Miss 85- A: Now that this process is over, I have to go into a whole new “It’s a proud day to see my son, 83 Wednesday night. process: who I will hire as an agent, getting ready to train and my baby, do what he has wanted work out, that’s the biggest thing. In the NFL, everyone wants to do,” she said. ■ to see if you can run, if you can jump, if you can lift weights -Gibbons can be reached at [email protected]. www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Friday, January 11, 2008 7

The Vanderbilt Hustler presents derrick byars WHO’S REGIONAL

Shan Foster, senior Basketball, guard NOW • Leading candidate for SEC Player of the Year • School’s all-time leader in 3-point shooting • Also an accomplished pianist and stylish dresser The Hustler’s Take: • “The Truth” helped lead team to Sweet 16 in ’07 While Earnest did help her team What is this? 1 win the school’s first ever na- We’re running a 32-athlete, single-elimination tournament? to find Vander- tional title, she’s a heavy under- JOSIE EARNEST, junior bilt’s biggest star. You can check out the voting criteria, bracket and voting dog against “The Truth,” the stylin’ 8 Bowling schedule below. swingman with the silky smooth • Second team All-American jumper. how do i Vote? • MVP of 2007 NCAA Championship Go to www.InsideVandy.com to cast your vote. Voting for the first round of • Team-leading 198 average in 70 games last season the Derrick Byars Regional ends Sunday at 5 p.m. Results will be posted in • Helped lead team to first national title in school history the following issue. MIKIE MINOR, sophomore Baseball, Pitcher voting CRITERIA • 9-1 with 3.09 ERA as No. 2 starter behind David Price in ’07 • Individual accolades • Starred for Team USA last summer The Hustler’s Take: How big is your trophy room? Have you broken any school records, • Earned Freshman All-American honors Minor’s the No. 1 starter on a • Team won SEC regular season and tournament championships earned All-SEC honors or taken home any big-time awards? 4 nationally-ranked squad, but • Team success Williams is about to make some You may be talented, but remember the name on the front of the jersey is CHRIS WILLIAMS, Senior serious cash. While linemen don’t more important than the one on the back. Have you led your team to the 5 Football, Offensive tackle usually get any love, we’ll still the future NFLer the nod here. Big Dance or won an SEC title? • First team All-SEC • National exposure • Potential first-round pick in April’s NFL Draft • Captain who allowed just two sacks, protecting quarterback’s blindside You may be a hero in Nashville, but do people around the country even • Best offensive lineman in modern Vanderbilt history know you exist? Have you earned All-American status or appeared on Mel Kiper’s Draft Board? • Fan appeal RYAN FLAHERTY, Junior Baseball, Shortstop You may be big-time, but when you walk around campus, can fans even recognize you? Do they wear your jersey, cheer for you at games and • Preseason second-team All-American friend (maybe even poke) you on Facebook? • “Flash” enters this season with 35-game hitting streak • Played for Team USA and in Cape Cod League past two summers The Hustler’s Take: • “It” factor • Crowd-favorite for his at-bat music from “The Departed” Jorgensen has a bright future with It’s hard to quantify, but do you have the intangibles every star needs? 2 the black and gold, but it will be tough to upset “Flash,” the starting RITA JORGENSEN, Freshman shortstop who could threaten Joe bracket schedule 7 Cross Country D’s 56-game hitting streak. • Placed first at Commodore Classic Derrick Byars Regional First Round 1/11: Derrick Byars Regional 1. Earl Bennett 1. Shan Foster • Earned SEC Female Freshman of the Week honors 1/14: Jay Cutler Regional • Team MVP at postseason banquet 8. Leigh-Ann Axt 8. Josie Earnest 1/16: David Price Regional 4. Ross Neltner 4. Mikie Minor 1/18: Dee Davis Regional • Highly recruited out of high school 5. Sarah Dennis 5. Chris Williams Second Round 2. A.J. Ogilvy 2. Ryan Flaherty 1/21: Byars Regional 7. Margie Curran 7. Rita Jorgensen 1/23: Cutler Regional MACKENZI ADAMS, Junior 3. Jacqui Concolino 3. Mackenzi Adams 1/25: Price Regional Football, Quarterback 6. Ryan Preston 6. Jen Risper Jay Cutler Regional Cutler Jay 1/28: Davis Regional • Led team to 17-6 victory over then-No. 6 South Carolina Quarterfinals The Hustler’s Take: 1/30: Byars and Cutler Regionals • Took over as starting QB midway through season

Dee Davis Regional 2/1: Price and Davis Regionals • Threw for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns Everyone knows Adams, “QB1,” 1. Pedro Alvarez 1. Liz Sherwood although he’s yet to accomplish 8. Jon Curran 8. Austin Williamson Semifinals 3 4. Big C 4. Dominic de la Osa 2/4: Byars Winner vs. as much as Risper, the heart and 5. Mr. C 5. Christina Wirth Davis Winner soul of the Commodores. Fans 2. Alex Gordon 2. Jonathan Goff 2/6: Cutler Winner vs. JEN RISPER, Junior Price Winner will have to decide whether 7. Vijay Paul 7. Karen Grygiel 6 Basketball, Guard popularity or performance is 3. D.J. Moore 3. Jermaine Beal Finals • Led Commodores to SEC Tournament title 6. Katie Schulz 6. Catherine Newman 2/8: Byars/Davis Winner vs. more important in this one. David Price Regional Price David Cutler/Price Winner • Team’s Defensive Player of the Year in ’07 Reveal Champion • Crowd-favorite for her intensity and hustle 2/11 • Averaging 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.9 steals per game

BENNETT: Turns focus to April draft Dores win SEC opener

From bennett, page 1 and the minuses and finding out what was best on nfldraftscout.com and is rated the sixth-best Bennett rewrote the record book during for him and his family.” receiver in the draft. his time on West End. He is the school leader Perhaps Bennett will be remembered for “If they want a great guy on and off the field, in touchdowns in a game (5), yards in a game stepping up in bigger SEC games, shown most I can provide that,” Bennett said. “Hopefully, I (223) and most games with 10 catches or more by his winning touchdown catch at Tennessee. can provide some excitement on the field.” (9). “Earl is a huge part of us having a chance to Bennett plans on finishing his degree in “We’re certainly sad about it from a selfish win some of the big games we won and also Secondary Education, and may still enroll in point of view, but we’re also very thrilled for the chance that we had to move our program classes this semester after planning his workout Earl,” Johnson said, who joined Bennett for the forward,” Johnson said. “I think he can help do and combine schedule. The NFL Draft takes press conference along with Bennett’s family. that in the NFL. He’s going to immediately add place April 26-27. ■ “This is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. a lot of class to any team.” -Gibbons can be reached at Earl did a fantastic job of weighing the pluses Bennett is projected as a second-round pick [email protected].

SEC Opener: Business as usual for Vandy chris phare / The Vanderbilt Hustler

From sec opener, page 1 shooter in the country, missed Jermaine Beal, who finished It’s not necessarily because they The women’s basketball team relied on a balanced “I thought the play before that that shot, and I wanted to step with 13 and 11 points are 16-0,” Odom said. “His team attack and stifling defense to open Southeastern Shan (Foster) missed a shot, up and help out our team. I said respectively, joined Foster and plays very good basketball. They Conference play with a 72-50 victory over Mississippi and I said to myself I need to if I get that ball, I am going to Ogilvy in double figure scoring. play team basketball. They are State Thursday night at Memorial Gymnasium. step up,” said Gordon, referring shoot it.” Beal also handed out 6 assists. very fun to watch on tape when Sophomore guard Merideth Marsh led the to Foster’s rare off night, where The team also got a significant South Carolina Coach Dave you don’t have to play them.” Commodores (12-4, 1-0 SEC) with 15 points, while junior the senior finished with a boost from freshman A.J. Ogilvy, Odom left the game impressed If the opener serves as any Jennifer Risper added 13, junior Christina Wirth 12 and season-low 13 points. “I mean, who scored 21 of his game-high with the Commodores’ effort. indication, the Commodores senior Liz Sherwood 11. Shan Foster, the best shooter 25 points in the second half. “I think Kevin Stallings has don’t have any plans of slowing in the SEC, maybe the best Gordon and sophomore the makings of his best team. down in conference play. ■

monday sunday on the patio on the patio (2 for 1 specials) (2 for 1 specials) pizza & draft pizza & draft ntn poker seating @ 7pm (–win prizes–)

sunday – thursday drink specials CLASSES IN ALL LEVELS 4 - 7pm $ $ AFRICAN • BALLET • BALLROOM • BELLY DANCE • BHARATANATYAM 1 off all bottle & draft beer 3 off house wines CHOREOGRAPHY • HIP HOP • HIP HOP FUNK • IRISH DANCE $2 off all liquor drinks $5– $6 martini specials JAZZ • LATIN/SALSA • MODERN • PILATES • POINTE SWING • TAP • YOGA

REGISTRATION BEGINS JANUARY 14 AT SARRATT STUDENT CENTER.

CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 21 IN MEMORIAL GYM. reservations: 615.577.2262 (BANA) j Performance opportunities available j we accept Vandy Dining card with Vandy ID 1910 belcourt avenue, nashville, tn a randy Online Reservations: cabananashville.com For information, visit www.vanderbilt.edu/dance or call 322-6400 rayburn restaurant