Phoebe Christine Bush – Page 37

Freshman makes the magic happen at Ohio Wesleyan

By Margaret Bagnell
Transcript Reporter

Freshman Bill Boaz performs a card trick for junior Rebecca Overbeeke in Smith Hall.

Freshman Bill Boaz may appear to be a typical college student, but he’s got something different up his sleeve. Boaz is an 18-year-old magician.

At a very young age Boaz said he fell in love with magic and now has dozens of awards and his own company, Magic & Illusions.

“I first got interested in magic when I was about four years old,” Boaz said. “I remember watching TV and back then there were all these shows of magic on TV, and I saw David Copperfield making a glass ball float and it was the most beautiful thing in the world. So for my fifth birthday my parents gave me a magic kit and I never grew out of it.”

Boaz said receiving the kit for his birthday was the first inspiration to get into magic. Now he can perform the glass ball illusion trick, just as Copperfield did.

Boaz said Copperfield was something of an idol as he began his journey into the world of magicians. By the time Boaz was in middle school he was performing for small events and birthday parties. Up until the age of 15, Boaz said he taught himself all of his own tricks.

Magicians can perform tricks by using a “close up” show or “stage illusion.” Boaz said his favorite way to perform is through the use of a close up show, which is magic that uses small objects like cards, coins or a watch.

“It’s the most effective form of magic,” he said. “Stage magic is a grand illusion where on stage you can make tigers appear, girls vanish, things like that. I can’t bring large illusions to college. I can’t store them in my dorm room. But I enjoy both of them in different ways.”

Two of Boaz’s more recent acts are called “Luck be Lady,” which is one of his originals and “Shape of my Heart.”

“The hardest one that I’ve learned is choreographed to music,” he said. “Incorporating music into your show makes the audience feel the show more. It’s a routine to music by Sting and during the song they talk about all of the different playing cards and all of the sudden all of the aces pop out of the deck on queue with the music. A sequence of that kind of nature is very difficult.”

Some of Boaz’s favorite tricks to perform involve cards and a lot of hand movement. He is an international champion of close up magic with cards and started using cards when he was 8.

One trick Boaz performs is the “nun” trick, where all of the Queens, the sisters, find each other in the deck. Another card trick Boaz said he likes to perform involves the question of fate or chance.

“I believe in fate,” said Boaz as he performed another trick involving a deck of cards.

Before every show Boaz said he performs a series of four hand exercises to warm up and the last one onstage leads into a trick.

“In class I do these exercises sometimes when I’m just sitting there and I start twiddling my fingers,” he said. “I did one trick in class before, but what happens a lot is people will tend to call upon you to entertain the class, so I don’t really publicize myself as a magician in class. I keep it secret unless people already know about me, but I don’t want anyone to treat me differently.”

All of Boaz’s effects are his own and he said he created the majority of his magic, but when he does buy special props for a certain trick they come from custom sites used primarily by magicians.

Boaz was a self-taught magician throughout his earlier years of training and during this time he learned some tricks by other magicians at conferences. At 15, Boaz received a scholarship to go to Canada and learn from some of the world’s best magicians, which is where a lot of his influence came from.

In Canada he spent one week in the summer learning the tricks of the trade and hanging out with well-known magicians. Boaz has won numerous awards based on his skills and has been recognized for his exceptional talent in stage and up close magic.

“My home conference was at Magi-fest, the world’s oldest magic organization, where I won my first award at age 14,” Boaz said.
“It’s in Columbus and it’s kind of an underground thing. It’s sort of like a gathering for magicians. It’s one of my favorite conventions.”

Boaz said he travels frequently with his magic from New Jersey to Las Vegas, and has performed all over the country. “Las Vegas was my favorite concert week, I was one out of 10 magicians in the world to be showcased and perform in the showroom,” said Boaz.

Traveling has been set aside for Boaz as he focuses on his college education. However, Boaz is still performing his magic
“Because of college it’s a lot harder to book shows, it makes traveling a bit more difficult. It would be cool if a show appeared at Ohio Wesleyan. If someone asked me to do a show I would definitely go for it,” Boaz said.

Field hockey defeats Oberlin and Wittenberg to gain two conference wins

By Heather Kuch
Sports Editor

The Ohio Wesleyan Women’s Field Hockey team finished last week with two conference wins over Oberlin and Wittenberg bringing their record to 5-4.

OWU played Oberlin on Sept. 27 and Wittenberg on Saturday at Selby Stadium. The Bishops were able to defeat Oberlin with a score of 2-1.
Senior midfielder Lauren Bailey and freshman attacker Montana Knapp scored the two goals for the win against Oberlin on Thursday.

Bailey said each win helps the team to learn about what works best for them.

“Our team is young but we are progressively growing and building confidence,” Bailey said. “Each win continues to help us realize that we are a good team with the potential to win the conference this year.It’s nice that our team’s talent is spread throughout every player instead of having one or two standout players because everyone contributes.”

The Bishops scored at the end of the first half in the game against Oberlin as Bailey rebounded a blocked shot into the Yeowomen goal.
In the beginning of the second half, Knapp increased the Bishop lead to 2-0 when she scored the second goal for the Bishop offense.

Despite a comeback attempt from Oberlin, which brought the score to 2-1, the Bishop defense was able to hold off further scoring attempts and end the game.

Freshman keeper Karson Stevenson, said the win was challenging because most of the team members are not at their full performance.

“Most of the team is actually sick right now so everyone was working extra hard to play past that,” Stevenson said.

“Securing the win gave us the motivation to continue forward. This season has been about pushing past limits and achieving new heights. Even when we lose we are learning new things, constantly improving.”

Junior attacker Jenna Ortega agreed with Stevenson and said the game could have gone better even though they were able to pull off the win.

“Our game against Oberlin was not our best performance but we were able to come out with the win nonetheless,” Ortega said. “We were inconsistent on Thursday and did not connect as a team until the second half.”

The Bishops were also able to defeat Wittenberg with a score of 2-1 with goals from Ortega and junior attacker Sadie Slager.

Knapp said the team is ready for every game they play and they rely on working on their fundamental skills.

“We (were) really excited about our game today and we (couldn’t) wait to get on the field and do our best as a team,” Knapp said.
The first goal of the game came in the second half when Slager was able to score on the Tiger keeper with an assist from Knapp.

The Tigers were able to tie the game shortly after Slager’s goal and tried to score twice more but Stevenson was able to stop both shots.

Ortega was able to score a goal for the Bishops with a penalty shot in the final seconds of the game which gave the Bishops their second conference win of the week.

Sophomore attacker Daylin Stevens said the team played well because they wanted each other to succeed.

“Our team is a family as well as the many connections throughout the field,” Stevens said. “If someone falls there is always someone there to catch them. We work as a unit, not as individual players; it’s a team sport and some games are better than others.”

Ortega said she believes the wins last week will help the team in the coming weeks.

“I think the back to back wins this week has given us the momentum that we need,” Ortega said. “We hope to keep up the winning and dominate the second round of conference games. When we started the season no one expected anything from our team. Now after our first round of games I think that we are a threat to each and every team in our conference.”

Bailey agreed with Ortega and said getting two big wins within the conference season are essential.

“We have eight games left and seven of those games are conference teams, so every game is important,” Bailey said. “I think we are definitely gaining respect within the conference and our opponents are realizing that we are competitors.”

Stevens agreed with Bailey and said the team plans to keep working hard no matter what their record shows.

“Our team goals are to just keep improving and once we hit a high point on the ladder we cannot go back down,” Stevens said. “Every win or loss is just more fire underneath us to do better the next day.”

The Bishops play Saturday at Selby Stadium at 11 a.m. against the DePauw Tigers.

OWU brings Prop 8 trial to the stage

By Breanne Reilly
News Editor

Last Saturday at 8 p.m., Ohio Wesleyan students brought the fight over marriage equality to Chappelear Drama Center’s main stage.

Students preformed “8,” a play based on the 2008 Proposition 8 case in California. The play was written by Dustin Lance Black and narrates the trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the case filed by the American Foundation of Equal Rights to overturn Proposition 8 because it prevented same sex couples from getting married.

Students read trial transcripts that included both sides’ testimonies and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families. According to Chaplain Jon Powers, who played U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker, each of the 25 cast members researched their roles to get into character, no matter which side they supported.

The main stage was set to look like a courtroom with the plaintiffs sitting on the audience’s left, the defendants on the audience’s right and Judge Walker’s bench set between the American and the California flags.

The witness stand, an ordinary classroom desk, sat at the forefront of the scene. Although the scene was set and the actors were in character, senior Leah Shaeffer, director and social media coordinator of “8” said it is not just a play.

“I know this is a courtroom drama, but it is also very human,” Shaeffer said.

The student actors provoked their audience, which was a compilation of 304 students, faculty members and Ohio residents, to consider both sides of the argument about the legalization of same-sex marriage.

The plaintiffs argued that marriage is a fundamental human right. The defense argued same-sex marriage would ruin the institution of marriage, cause familial life to unravel and harm children.

Junior Alex D’Amore-Braver said he did not agree with certain statements in the play, such as the idea that legalizing same-sex marriage will protect children with parents of the same sex from discrimination.

He also did not agree with the defense’s claims that same sex marriages could invoke harm.

“It’s just ridiculous how Proposition 8 supporters claimed children and procreation could be hurt by marriage equality,” D’Amore-Braver said.

Sophomore Ryan Haddad, the show’s producer, said the production’s purpose was to provide information on Proposition 8 and same-sex marriage, no matter a person’s stance on the issue.

“I’d like to hope we could shift people’s point of view to be in favor of it, but it was, for me, more about giving people the dialogue and a forum to talk about it,” Haddad said. “Especially since it’s so relevant to right here, right now.”

Ohio resident Barb Zeller said she and her husband found the performance on the EqualityOhio Facebook page and drove two and half hours to see the production.
She said she has been a marriage equality supporter and the production reaffirmed her opinion on it.

“Same-sex marriage should be recognized across the country as a basic human right,” Zeller said. “It’s an important right, and an important issue. I’m impressed the university allowed it to be performed on campus.”

OWU is the first college in the state to host the production. Ohio state law strictly defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized. Marriages of same sex couples from other jurisdictions are also not recognized in Ohio.

A poll conducted in 2004 showed more than 3 out of 5 voters were against same-sex marriage. As of 2012, FreedomOhio, an organization dedicated to ending marriage discrimination, is working to place a proposal on the 2013 ballot to amend the state constitution and guarantee two consenting adults, regardless of sexual orientation, the right to marry in the state.

In a post-show talk-back, junior Margaret Knecht, marriage equality supporter and “8” stage manager, said she enjoyed putting on the production, but she wishes Ohio law did not discriminate against same-sex couples.

“I am so passionate about this issue, but I hate that I have to be,” Knecht said.

Senior Ariel Hively said the play was a “huge step in the right direction” towards marriage equality. She said it showed “marriage is for any two people who think their relationship is important.”

Students from the Spectrum Resource Center, Women Resource Center and PRIDE tabled before and after the event to raise awareness about their groups and to answer questions about sexual discrimination.

Junior Ian McCaslin, a member of Spectrum, said the play addressed the fact that same-sex couples have to introduce each other as partners instead of as husband or wife.

He said when many people hear the word “partner,” they link it to businesses or teams, not to two people who are in love.

McCaslin also said the play demonstrated the societal struggles gays and lesbians can face on a daily basis.

“It does show how difficult it is to come out in society,” McCaslin said. “There is that risk of an awkward or hostile reaction.”

When asked whether students have received any hostile reactions toward their production, Shaeffer said there has not been any.

According to Haddad, people reacted positively to the show. Although tickets were free, people donated $212 towards AFER.

He also said those who participated in the post-production survey wrote that they “learned a lot” and the play was “funnier than they thought it would be.”
Haddad said he would like to perform the play again in a couple years if he can work it into the theatre schedule.

He said the show would be different the second time around because the play is always changing and evolving as the case is debated.

“The issue is destined to go to the Supreme Court, Haddad said. “Will it be these people? Will it be the Proposition 8 case? I don’t know. There will be other cases. I hope something bigger will happen.”

The play “8” will be performed at Toledo College and the Ensemble Theatre in Cincinnati this fall.

Zumba blends Latin music, dance to stay fit

By Sadie Slager
Transcript Reporter

Ohio Wesleyan students now have the opportunity to test their dance skills with a popular Latin-infused cardio workout.

The Healthy Bishop Initiative, a campus program which enforces balanced and healthy lifestyles among students, is hosting Zumba classes in Benes Room A. Every Monday from 4:30 to 5:30 PM, students can try Zumba for a fee of five food points.

The start of a Zumba class at OWU is evident of the program’s growing popularity as a cardio workout. Zumba uses a blend of Latin dance music and Grammy-Award-winning music for a unique “dance fitness” experience. The program was originally developed in 2001 by native Colombian Alberto Perez and has since gained popularity throughout the US. The Zumba trademark has been successful in its classes, DVD sales and “Zumbawear” apparel sales.

While there are currently eight types of Zumba classes offered around the US and other countries, The Healthy Bishop Initiative offers the “Zumba Fitness” program instructed by Bobbi Huston. Huston is a Zumba expert with Urban Active fitness center in Columbus.

Junior Sarah Jilbert of the Healthy Bishop Initiative called Huston “fantastic.”

“The students seem to respond really well to her,” Jilbert said. “She makes the sometimes-tedious task of working out seem really fun!”

Jilbert recalls a large turnout for the first two Zumba session as 26 students attended each time. Jilbert said the Healthy Bishop Initiative started the Zumba class as a new fitness option on campus and the class will run throughout the semester and possibly into next semester as well.

“Zumba is an up-and-coming fitness class that seems to interest many students,” she said. “So we thought it would be a good thing to try.”

Jilbert first tried Zumba this summer and said she wanted to get involved with organizing the class this year.

“Everyone kept talking about how fun and easy it was to get started,” she said. “So, I gave it a try, and loved it.”

Sophomore Abby Reynolds attended the first Zumba session, held on Sept. 10.

She said she really enjoyed the first session and that it was a lot of fun. Reynolds had tried Zumba prior to OWU’s first session and said she hopes to continue attending the class in upcoming weeks.

“I would attend the class every day if that’s when it was offered,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds stated that Zumba is different from other workouts because it works the whole body and is fun at the same time.

Freshman Kelsey Thornton tried Zumba for the first time at The Healthy Bishop Initiative’s first class. Thornton said it was “energetic and sexy!”

“The music is so upbeat and fun!” Thornton said.

Thornton said the class was similar to a dance class and the “bootylicious-ness” is what makes Zumba so appealing as opposed to more traditional cardiovascular workout methods.

Sophomore Elizabeth Simmons also first tested her hand at Zumba through OWU’s class. Simmons, a member of the women’s volleyball team, said the class was a lot of fun and a good way to work out with friends.

“Zumba provides a great cardio workout but it doesn’t feel like cardio,” Simmons said. “You can actually enjoy working out as opposed to feeling like you’re running for an hour and just want to stop.”

Simmons said she didn’t want the class to end and will definitely attend future classes once volleyball season is over. She said Zumba has become so popular recently because it allows people who aren’t stellar dancers to try a different form of cardio.

“It’s a workout that you can enjoy while you’re getting in shape,” she said.

The next Zumba class will be held on Monday, Sept. 24 and is accompanied by several other Healthy Bishop Initiative endeavors. Jilbert said these include the fitness bikes in the old location of Welch café and signs on academic buildings alerting students to how much they have just walked from the residential side of campus. Jilbert and the Healthy Bishop Initiative are also in the process of starting a spinning class for students and will host their annual Healthy Bishop Day again this year.

More information can be found at the Healthy Bishop Blog at blog.owu.edu/healthybishopblog.

Art collaborative explores femininity

Senior Chelsea Leed’s newest pieces for the series.

Senior Leif Sayvetz observes paintings in the gallery

By Taylor Stoudt
Transcript Reporter

Women’s bodies have always been a hot topic of discussion.

Whether it is the many things the female body can do or the rising number in body image disorders, it is something people notice.

However, four fine arts students have taken the discussion and turned it into art.

Seniors Chelsea Dipman, Allyson Hays, Chelsea Leeds and Danielle Muzina are the featured artists in the “Women by Women” exhibit in Edgar Hall.

The series consists of 19 paintings and drawings depicting women in a range of poses and varying from fully clothed to completely nude.

One of the models featured in the show is senior Carly Hallal.

“I definitely had some hesitation because I was in my underwear when (Dipman) was taking the pictures,” Hallal said.

“I knew that they were going to be all up over the school but at the same time it’s quite an honor to be hanging up in a gallery and she does such a great job.”

A shared desire throughout the artists was the desire to convey the beauty and strength they see in the models as women who impact their lives every day.
“Personally, I chose models who are women in my life who I admire,” Leeds said.

“I am surrounded by strong, independent and driven women and my motive for painting them is to be able to portray their personalities and those qualities in my paintings.”

Each of the artists made the decision to create pieces using female models during their second and third semesters of college painting.

It was not until later that the overlapping themes were taken notice of by the artists and a collaborative show was presented as an idea. A collaborative show was planned thereafter.

“Women by Women” exists because of a shared fascination with the bodies, lives and intricacies of women,” Leeds said.

“As a woman, painting the women in my life who I have admired has also allowed me to reflect on my own self.”

“There is a personal connection with the piece because of the subject matter that encourages an inner struggle.”

According to Leeds, her fascination in the female form has been progressing since she first came to college her freshman year.

However, for Dipman, the inspiration was sparked unintentionally.

“At the beginning of last year I struggled with finding something I was passionate about painting so one day I just ripped out a page from a Victoria’s Secret catalogue,” Dipman said.

“What I discovered by painting these models was that their bodies were so contorted and the angles of their bodies reflected what society has decided women should aspire to look like.”

“It was then that at the end of the semester and into the spring that I began to paint real women around me. I chose these women because they were more than just beautiful on the outside; they all had an inner beauty as well,” she said.

“Women by Women” is currently up for viewing in the Werner Gallery of Edgar Hall and there will be a formal reception held on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

New football coach invigorates team

By Tim Alford
Transcript Correspondent

Ohio Wesleyan’s new head football coach Tom Watts began the season with wins against Denison University and Oberlin College with the help from junior quarterback Mason Espinosa, who broke two long-standing records.

Espinosa became OWU’s all-time passing yards leader and all time passing completions leader in the first game against Denison.

These records were previously held by Jay Hood from 1982 to 1985.

Espinosa said he did not know he broke the records and he tries not to keep track of those statistics.

Watts said Espinosa is the “backbone” of the team’s offense, but he also has a great group of other offensive players around him.

Espinosa said the team is focusing on coming together because it takes all 11 players to make a play successful.

“We have some phenomenal players on the edge and in the backfield that can really be playmakers and our offensive line has been working extremely hard and is poised for a big season,” Espinosa said.

“If we continue to do this and play to the best of our ability every week, this season can be special.”

Watts said the team can continue to be successful if they focus on each game individually.

“Our expectations are to go 1-0 every single week,” Watts said. “When you look forward to games, that’s when things can go awry.”

Junior George Newcomb, a starting defensive tackle, said the mindset of the team is the key for their success.

“Key points for us as a team are just to be relentless all the time in practice and in games,” Newcomb said. “We must have a mindset to know that we can and will go undefeated and make the playoffs if we do our jobs and do it to the best of our ability every day.”

The Battling Bishops’ offense (right) lines up against the Yeomen defense in Saturday’s NCAC opener at Savage Stadium against Oberlin. The Bishops defeated Oberlin 29-17 to bring their record to 2-0.

Espinosa said having Watts as the new head coach brought a new attitude to the team.

“Coach Watts brings a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for the game every day and that is something we feed off of as a team,” Espinosa said.

“Every day we are doing a new drill or a different competition that keeps you on your toes and keeps us working at practice. Coach Watts has also really put an emphasis on team chemistry and has given us a sense of pride in playing for this University and I think that has made all the difference.”

Newcomb said Watts has the team working harder this year than in previous years.

“Coach Watts has really brought a new mentality to the team and everyone seems to be working much harder this season with him as our coach,” Newcomb said. “We all have tremendous respect for him and want to work hard and do whatever he tells us in order to win games this season.”

Senior James Huddleston, a starting defensive end, said Watts has brought a different energy to the team.

“Coach Watts has been a phenomenal influence for the OWU football family,” Huddleston said. “He is a very observant coach and really stresses the importance of details.”

According to the OWU athletics website, Watts spent the last three years as the special teams coordinator, defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator for the football team at Baldwin-Wallace University.

Watts also worked as a defensive coordinator at both Westminster College and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The website also said Watts is only the 6th head football coach for Ohio Wesleyan since 1920.

Watts said each position he has held has helped him in his transition to being a head coach.

“I have taken a piece from each step,” Watts said. “It’s a lot of hard work from me, my staff, and my players.”

“We are moving as fast as we can to make the best team we can this season. The players, staff and administration have been through the roof and incredible.”

The Bishops play their first two home games on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. against Case Western Reserve University and on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. against Hiram College.

Harrius Potter breathes life into dead language

By Emily Hostetler
Transcript Reporter

“Harry Potter” is more than a children’s book to the Ohio Wesleyan Classics Club, it’s an interesting way of introducing students to the Latin language and the ancient world.

Harrius Potter is a weekly event held by the Classics Club on Fridays from 1-2 p.m. in Sturges room 105. During meetings, students join faculty members to read and decipher a Latin translation of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

Junior Liz Simmons, co-consul (co-president) of Classics Club, said that people have more interest in reading Latin when the book is current.

During the meetings, students receive photocopied pages of “Harrius Potter,” as well as a list of vocabulary in order to figure out some words that may be unknown to even the people well-versed in Latin.

“We are not just reading the ‘Sorcerer’s Stone’ Latin, we are looking up verb tenses so it can be academic as well as fun,” she said.

Caroline Stark, visiting assistant professor of classics, began writing “Harry Potter”-themed sentences in her beginning Latin classes to keep people engaged in the language.

“It’s a great way to practice translation without being afraid,” she said. “You can focus more on the grammar without worrying.”

Junior Marissa Popeck, co-consul of Classics Club, said this is her first time reading “Harry Potter” in Latin, but she can better understand what the text is referring to and why because she has read the English version previously.

“Students can think ‘I’ve seen this construction before’ when they see it in a paragraph that they are already familiar with,” she said.
“Harrius Potter” allows people who share a love of Harry Potter and a curiosity of Latin to come together.

“We have different people coming together from different grades and departments,” Popeck said.

“Some people are not sure what we (Classics Department) do and this is a good way to reach out to the campus.”

Freshman Selena Ross took a few years of Latin in high school and wanted to continue her Latin studies at OWU.

“I have always loved ‘Harry Potter,’ and while Latin is a more recent interest, it is fascinating for me to see the two combined,” she said.

“Some people have backgrounds in Latin, some people do not, but everyone seemed excited about the idea of ‘Harrius Potter.’”

Lee Fratantuono, associate professor of classics, William Francis Whitlock professor of Latin and co-moderator of Classics Club, said the Classics Club usually does various activities throughout the semester connected to the ancient world.

“It is a tradition for great works of modern literature to be translated into Latin,” he said. “Many great works of fantasy are indebted to the classics. J.K. Rowling’s study of classics informs her books.”

While the main focus of the Harrius Potter events is to read and translate, it is also a time for “Harry Potter” fans to talk about their love of the series and franchise.“All levels of Latin are welcome as well as people who love ‘Harry Potter’ and have an interest in classics,” Stark said. “Come enjoy classical language and just see what it looks like.”

Classics professor feels at home

By Emily Hostetler
Transcript Reporter

Caroline Stark joined the OWU faculty this semester as the new Assistant Professor of classics in the humanities-classics department.

Stark said she decided to teach at OWU after her campus visit, during which she was able to meet with faculty and students.

“I enjoyed my campus visit and loved the faculty and students,” Stark said.

“They all have really great and broad interests and can draw from all different skills to face today’s problems to make the world a better place,” she said.

Stark received her Ph.D in Classics and Renaissance Studies from Yale University and then went on to teach classics at Temple University.

“One of the best things about (OWU) is how everyone is intellectually curious about so many things,” Stark said.

She said she appreciates how students have the opportunity to do so many different things in Delaware and on campus and how service-based OWU students tend to be.

“The students are really enthusiastic, curious and really want to learn and work hard,” Stark said.

“There is the same energy in the faculty, so it is nice to be around people who love what they do.”

In her first few weeks of teaching, Stark said she has had a good experience at OWU.

“(My students and I) love the material we are covering and we meet with enthusiasm each time even if the skill levels are different,” Stark said.

She said she enjoys how all of the nice, little things that happen on campus have added up and made her feel welcome and at home in a new place.

“We need real leaders, and they are made in places like OWU,” Stark said.

College Republicans cheer on their candidates

By Heather Kuch
Sports Editor

With the 2012 elections drawing near, both political parties are making their final efforts to gather support for their respective candidates.
On Ohio Wesleyan’s campus, the College Republicans are holding events and raising awareness for the Republican party.

The College Republicans are a national organization described on their website as “the nation’s oldest, largest, and most active youth political organization.”

They have upwards of 250,000 college republicans in the United States represented on over 1,800 college campuses in every state.

OWU’s College Republicans are involved in everything from raising awareness, hosting debates, campaigning and interning for candidates.

According to junior Tim Alford, president of OWU’s College Republicans, members have diverse beliefs, but come together to raise awareness on the issues for themselves and for other students.

“College Republicans is not about telling members what to believe, it is about meeting together and being aware of the current events and issues so that members can draw their own conclusions,” Alford said.

Alford said his goal for the College Republicans on OWU’s campus is to generate a group of educated members.

He said he wants some of his members to get involved with campaigning for the Republican candidates.

“For my organization, I am hoping to have a solid group of informed members and have at least some of those members be active in campaign efforts,” Alford said. “While I don’t expect everyone to campaign, it is a critical election and it is important for us to help the Republican Party as much as we can.”

Alford said he and some other members of the College Republicans have been active in the campaigns of Republican congressmen and for Mitt Romney.

“Over the summer, I was a campaign intern for Congressman Steve Stivers and junior Sarah JanTausch works for Young Americans for Romney,” Alford said.
According to JanTausch, the College Republicans and the Young Americans for Romney are working together to increase the span of their campaigning efforts.

“Ohio Wesleyan University’s College Republican club and Young Americans for Romney are teaming up to make sure OWU College Republicans are part of youth-led national phone banking nights and participate in statewide door knocking efforts on Saturdays, known as Buckeye Blitz,” she said.

Alford said in the coming months the College Republicans will be working to make the campus community of their organization as well as the election by tabling on campus.

He also said they will host debate viewing parties as the candidates begin debating.

JanTausch said the College Republicans have been involved in making phone calls to further their efforts.

“This past Thursday our club made 714 calls in just a few short hours,” JanTausch said.

“In the coming weeks, we plan to increase our numbers and continue our efforts. Next month, we will be having various debate watch parties and discussions concerning the main issues surrounding the election. We also plan to work with various local candidates.”

Alford said his personal goals for this election are for all Republican candidates to be elected to office and to see changes in policy which he believes will benefit the country.

“I hope the November election gets Romney and Ryan to the White House, Mandel to the Senate, and Tiberi and Stivers back to the House of Representatives,” Alford said.

“Obama had four years with two of those having control of Congress, and couldn’t get the job done. I believe Romney and Ryan can balance the budget, turn the economy around, and get the job done that Obama was unable to accomplish.”

JanTausch said she too hopes to see Romney-Ryan elected to office in order to facilitate an improvement in the economy and to bring new leadership to the White House.

“President Obama has failed to deliver the hope and change he promised America’s youth,” JanTausch said. “As young people, we are the ones that will be working with the economy for decades to come.Because of concern for our futures, we have seen an influx in membership and grassroots participation from young Americans. We are facing a difficult job market and high tuition costs so our main goal is to elect Romney-Ryan in order to have the right leadership in the White House that will truly turn around this economy.”

JanTausch said students who are interested in the College Republicans may attend meetings on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Crider Lounge on the second floor of Hamilton Williams Campus Center. Those interested in more information may contact srjantau@owu.edu.

Corrections

CORRECTIONS
In the Sept. 13 issue of The Transcript, on page one there was an article titled “Ohio’s no texting and driving ban officially in effect.” The law states those under 18 are unable to make or take phone calls nor use handsfree devices. Drivers over 18 are allowed to do so. Under the law, no one is allow to send, type or read texts, even when the car is not in motion.

In the Sept. 13 issue of The Transcript, on page three there was an article titled, “Alumni’s donation funds Ham-Will makeover.” There was a grammatical error in the headline; it should have read “Alumnus’ donation funds Ham-Will makeover.” The Alumnus identified was Ashel G. Bryan, not Bryant, and was a man from the class of ‘43, not ‘47.