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(07/14/05 2:56am)
For many people, when they think about cinema, they tend to neglect films that are not multi-million-dollar Hollywood blockbusters. Included in this negligence are many films from outside the U.S., including the African film community.\nIn collaboration with the Summer Cooperative African Language Institute at IU, the Buskirk-Chumley is helping to shed some light on the thriving and vivacious but little-known African film community. \nThe ongoing African Film Series presented by the Buskirk-Chumley features contemporary films from Chad, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. The genres of the films include documentaries, dramas and fairy tales, and display the diversity of African film.\nThe idea for the film series was proposed to the Buskirk-Chumley by the associate director of the African Studies Program at IU, Maria Grosz-Ngate. \nGrosz-Ngate proposed the idea because of the ongoing Summer Cooperative African Language Institute she said. \n"One goal of the film series is to showcase the various African languages that are being taught in the language institute," Grosz-Ngate stated. \n"We also wanted to show the diversity of the African continent through the eyes of Africans focusing on the issues that they consider important," Grosz-Ngate continued. \nGrosz-Ngate said she believes that the film series is also important in that it highlights the lively African film community that perhaps isn't so well-known. \n"Some people aren't aware that Africans have been making fantastic films and different types of films with different perspectives that showcase the diversity of African film production," Grosz-Ngate said.\nGrosz-Ngate also said she is delighted that the Buskirk-Chumley was so enthusiastic about the idea, and agreed to show the film series, because it allows the community in general, not just the students, to see the films.\nIn the first year of the series, Suzanne Strick, marketing director at the Buskirk-Chumley, said she is very pleased with the turnout for the films.\n"We're consistently having over 100 people at each screening. It's been a very positive atmosphere," Strick said. \nThe African Film Series began on June 28, and continues until August 2, with showings every Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Tickets are $5 per showing or $20 for the entire series. \nThe series continues July 19 with "Fathers," a film featuring three short films from Tanzania, Nigeria and Ethiopia that examines the relationships between fathers and their children in contemporary Africa. The films of "Fathers" are directed by Celine Gilbert, Ermias Woldeamlak and Amaka Igwe.
(07/11/05 1:02am)
Sports and nicknames go to together like milk and honey, and once an athlete has earned a nickname, he or she has transcended their sport and entered into the realm of general pop culture. An unforgettable nickname can turn a mediocre player into a household name, and it can turn a great athlete into a multi-million dollar corporation (e.g.: "Air" Jordan). \nFor your reading pleasure, I have taken the time to develop a complicated formula in which I take the Pythagorean Theorem, divide it by Bernoulli's Principle, multiply that by Pi and finally divide that quotient by the circumference of the sun. The result is the following list of the 10 greatest sports nicknames of all-time.\n10. Earl "the Pearl" Monroe -- Earl's nickname in high school was actually "Thomas Edison" because of his ability to invent moves on the basketball court. "The Pearl" became known for his smoothness as a member of the Washington Bullets, and later as a New York Knick. \n9. Bill "the Spaceman" Lee -- Lee was a slightly above average left-handed pitcher in the '70s, but he became known for his off the field antics as much as for his play on the field. As a member of the Boston Red Sox, Lee showed up for a game wearing an astronaut suit to protest air pollution. He would often jog from his home to Fenway Park on gameday, a distance of nearly 20 miles. Lee was also outspoken about his "training regimen," which included the use of marijuana, LSD, mushrooms, and \nmescaline. \n8. Pete Rose, aka "Charlie Hustle" -- Rose has became synonymous with controversy since his retirement and subsequent lifetime ban from baseball. Nevertheless, "Charlie Hustle" left it all on the field day after day as a player. Rose became known for giving 110 percent at all times, \nsliding head first into every base, and sprinting to first base after drawing a walk. \n7. "Iron" Mike Tyson -- There has been no more intimidating sight in the history of boxing than "Iron" Mike entering the ring in his black trunks, black shoes, and black gloves and immediately obliterating his opponents. \n6. William "the Refrigerator" Perry -- The defensive lineman/fullback for the Chicago Bears earned his nickname by becoming hyperly obese, yet amazingly maintaining the ability to run and function as an otherwise normal human being. "The Fridge" has since gone on to embarrass himself in hot-dog eating contests and celebrity boxing matches against Manute Bol.\n5. "Shoeless" Joe Jackson -- Forever memorialized in "Field of Dreams", Jackson is unfortunately banned from the Hall of Fame because of his involvement in fixing the 1919 World Series, despite evidence suggesting the contrary. \n4. Charles Barkley aka "The Round Mound of Rebound" -- Charles didn't always keep himself in the best of shape during his career, but his ability to play was never in question. \n3. Dominique Wilkins aka "The Human Highlight Reel" -- 'Nique became one of the all-time great dunkers the NBA has ever seen, as well as one of its most prolific scorers. 'Nique's ability to throwdown a 360 or a windmill dunk at any given moment earned him this unforgettable nickname.\n2. Rod Smart aka "He Hate Me" -- As a member of the Las Vegas Outlaws of the now defunct XFL, Smart put "He Hate Me" on the back of his jersey, where his last name would normally be. The nickname quickly took off, and Smart explained that it was a phrase he used when things didn't go his way. Smart currently plays for the Carolina Panthers and trademarked the nickname, which has become the only thing anyone remembers about the XFL, thank God.\n1. Darrell Griffith, aka "Dr. Dunkenstein" -- Griffith was a high-flyer from the University of Louisville who played his entire career in the NBA for the Utah Jazz. "Dr. Dunkenstein" is undoubtedly the coolest nickname one could possibly have. In fact, I wish it was my nickname, but unfortunately I can't dunk, and "Dr. Lay-upenstein" doesn't have quite the same ring to it.
(07/07/05 4:24am)
Kenny Rogers of the Texas Rangers, with his recent rampage against unsuspecting cameramen, prompted me to think about other athlete vs. media battle royales. \nThese clashes are often hilarious, and provide memories for a lifetime. So here goes with my Top 5 moments of athletes embarrassing themselves in front of the media:\n5. Allen Iverson's now infamous "Practice" tirade: During a press conference, AI went off on a question regarding his spotty attendance record for 76ers practices. Iverson seemed baffled at the question, repeating the word "Practice" an estimated 472 times, and the phrase, "We're talking about practice, not a game," at least 128 times. \n4. Joe Namath and Suzy Kolber: This is less an example of an outburst, and more an example of pure drunken buffoonery. Broadway Joe repeatedly asked ESPN sideline reporter Kolber if he could kiss her during halftime of a Jets game on Dec. 20, 2003. I think a sample of the dialogue works best here:\nKolber: Joe, it's been a tough season for Jets fans. What does it mean to you now that the team is struggling?\nNamath: I wanna kiss you. I couldn't care less about the team struggling. What we know is we can improve. Chad Pennington, our quarterback, missed the first part of the season, and we struggled. We're looking to next season, we're looking to make a noise now and ... I wanna kiss you!\n3. Jim Everett and Jim Rome: Former NFL quarterback and Purdue grad Jim Everett was the guest on notorious instigator Rome's first ESPN talk show. Rome had recently been publicly referring to Jim Everett as Chris Everett, the star women's tennis player. When Everett went on the show, he had some words for Rome. The following dialogue ensued:\nJim Rome: You may have even been Jim Everett back there (in 1989) but somewhere along the way Jim, you ceased being Jim and you became Chris. \nJim Everett: Well, let me tell you a little secret ... that, you know, we're sitting here right now, and if you guys want to take a station break, you can. But if you call me Chris Everett to my face one more time ... \nMinutes Later...\nJE: I think that you probably won't say it again. \nJR: I'll bet I do. \nJE: OK. (short pause) \nJR: Chris. (Everett tosses aside coffee table, pounces on Rome)\nA classic moment in television history.\n2. Tommy Lasorda and reporter Paul Olden: Lasorda had numerous run-ins with the Los Angeles media during his long stint as the Dodgers manager, but this profanity laced tirade regarding Mets slugger Dave "King Kong" Kingman's three home run performance against his team in 1976 is perhaps his finest work:\nOlden: What's your opinion of Kingman's performance? \nLasorda: What's my opinion of Kingman's performance!? What the BLEEP do you think is my opinion of it? I think it was BLEEPING BLEEP. Put that in, I don't give a BLEEP. Opinion of his performance!!? BLEEP, he beat us with three BLEEPING home runs! What the BLEEP do you mean, "What is my opinion of his performance?" How could you ask me a question like that? \nThe "BLEEPS" speak for themselves.\n1. Jim Mora's "Playoffs" press conference: Whenever I'm feeling down and out, I just think back to former Colts coach Mora's classic meltdown following the Colts 40-21 loss to San Francisco during the 2001 season. \nThe loss put the Colts at 4-6 on the season, and a reporter asked Mora about the Colts playoff chances. It's important to note that Mora's voice reached an impressive soprano-like pitch that has yet to be achieved by man, barring castratos, since. I still marvel at the epic crescendos that Mora achieved, particularly as he screamed "Playoffs!" repeatedly. So the next time you face tragedy, like the death of your dog or upon learning you have contracted an incurable STD, just picture Jim Mora crying, "Playoffs!", over and over again, and a smile will quickly return to your face.
(07/07/05 4:02am)
If you've never seen a work of art by a decidedly significant artist of the 20th century, here is your chance. The IU Art Museum is currently displaying Henri Matisse's "Still Life (Histoire Juive)."\nMatisse's "Still Life" was painted in 1924, and represents the style that he cultivated following his Fauvist period earlier in the century. The painting is an actual recreation of objects in his studio in Paris.\nJenny McComas, curator of Western Art after 1800 at the IU Art Museum, said, "Matisse was living in South France in the city of Nice during this time, and I think the patterns and colors are heavily influenced by this environment." \nThe story of the arrival of Matisse's "Still Life" on IU's campus is quite interesting as well, McComas said.\n"Our display of Stuart Davis' 'Swing Landscape' was on loan in Paris, and upon its return, the Philadelphia Museum of Art requested a loan as well," she said. "In exchange, we received Matisse's 'Still Life' from the Philadephia Museum of Art."\nThe "trade" was also facilitated by the fact that the current curator of Western Art at the Philadelphia Art Museum previously held McComas' current job at the IU Art Museum. \nMatisse was born in France in 1869, where he became a lawyer. However, Matisse soon enrolled in art classes at the noted French art school, École des Beaux-Arts, in 1892. While there, he became highly influenced by the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist schools of painting, led by such luminaries as Cezanne, Gauguin, Pisarro and van Gogh.\nMost art experts agree that the year 1905 is when Matisse discovered his own definitive style with the creation of one of his most famous paintings, "The Joy of Life." With this painting, Matisse clearly established himself within the Fauvist movement of painting, and many experts concur that he indeed headed the Favuist school.\nMatisse continued to define himself as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century with such works as "Blue Nude," "Harmony in Red," "The Red Studio" and "Open Window, Collioure."\nOn Matisse's lasting impact, famed writer and art historian Robert Hughes stated in his seminal work "The Shock of the New" that, "In the 1960s, when we all believed art could still change the world, this seemed a limited aim, but in fact one can only admire Matisse's common sense. He, at least, was under no illusions about his audience. He knew that an educated bourgeoisie was the only audience advanced art could claim, and history has shown him right ..."\nMatisse died in 1954, upon which Picasso remarked, "All things considered, there is only Matisse." \n"Still Life (Histoire Juive)" will be on display at the IU Art Museum until Oct. 31. It can be seen in the Doris Steinmetz Kellett Endowed Gallery of Twentieth Century Art, and is complemented by several other paintings by Matisse from the IU Art Museum's permanent collection.
(06/27/05 6:57pm)
It seems like every year come mid-baseball season, there is some controversy regarding fan voting for all-stars in Major League Baseball. This year is no exception.\nAt weeks end, such undeserving players as Tino Martinez of the Yankees, Manny Ramirez of the Red Sox, Scott Rolen with St. Louis and Mike Piazza and Carlos Beltran of the Mets were all leading in fan votes for their respective positions. This just isn't right, and something must be done.\nFor those of you who aren't aware, the starters in the All-Star game are determined by fan voting, whether it be online or by sending in a ballot -- which can be found at ballparks and other various baseball-related establishments. Inevitably, there are always players voted in who have missed a significant part of the season due to injury (see Rolen), or some who just aren't having the All-Star caliber season that they usually do (see Beltran). In turn, these undeserving players take the starting spot from players who are having magnificent years. \nForemost among these victimized players is Derrek Lee of the Chicago Cubs. Lee is approaching God-like status at the plate this year, and should unquestionably be the National League's All-Star starter at first base. However, Lee is currently second in votes, trailing Cardinal first baseman Albert Pujols. Don't get me wrong, Pujols is having an outstanding year himself, and would undoubtedly be the starter any other year. In fact, Pujols is so good, he doesn't even appear to be human. I recently heard a rumor that Pujols was created by the U.S. Military in a top-secret Air Force Base in Roswell, N.M., by fusing molecules of Plutonium and Uranium. He was then released on an unsuspecting baseball populous in 2001, where he has since gone on to wreak untold havoc and awe-inspiring damage. \nA rumor like that has got to be true. Regardless, Lee is chief among those wronged by the perils of fan voting. \nThere are several things discouraging about fan voting. First, any dolt with a computer can vote up to 25 times, and this same dolt could vote endlessly with mail-in ballots. In theory, this would allow some crazed, over-zealous Cubs fan to vote for Nomar Garciaparra a 1,000 times. In fact, up until last week, Garciaparra was indeed the leading vote getter for National League shortstops, despite being injured since April 20. \nThe concept of voting for an injured player that you wouldn't get to see play anyway is mind-boggling -- it's like writing in Harry Truman for President in every election, despite knowing that he's been dead for 33 years. \nPerhaps Major League Baseball should create an All-Injured Game to appease these incorrigible fans. For example, this year you could probably get a decent game going, with such names as Garciaparra, Barry Bonds, Eric Gagne, Curt Schilling and the entire Chicago Cubs roster on the disabled list. Throw in heavyset slugger Cecil Fielder and the evil spirit of former Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott just for fun, and I think you'd have a fairly interesting game. \nAnother side-effect of fan voting that is particularly unfortunate is the fact that smaller market teams like the Brewers, Marlins, Tigers and others have their superstars nearly forgotten, as teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Cubs dominate voting. \nFor example, Carlos Lee of the Milwaukee Brewers is currently 15th in National League outfield voting, despite the imposing numbers he has put up so far this year. Undeserving large market players in front of him include Larry Walker of the Cardinals at sixth and Corey Patterson of the Cubs at 12th. \nTo correct the egregious problems of fan voting, I suggest that a short quiz be added to the front of the fan ballots. In order to vote, you must pass a quiz that would feature questions like:\nWho is more deserving of being on an all-star team -- Player 1, who has missed nearly the entire season due to a horrific groin injury, or Player 2, who has a batting average of .300 and has played the entire year?\nIf you picked Player 1, there's a special game for you to watch, where a double play combo of Garciaparra and Schott reigns supreme, and the titanically swollen right knee of Bonds roams left field. \nIf you picked Player 2, you would now be eligible to vote for the starters of the All-Star game, and hopefully help to right some of these All-Star wrongs.
(06/23/05 2:24am)
Former IU women's golf star Danah Ford qualified for the 2005 Women's U.S. Open on June 14, recording rounds of 73 and 68 for a three-under par total of 141 at Wynstone Golf Club in North Barrington, Ill. Ford also earned co-medalist honors in the process of qualifying for the Open, which will be held today through Sunday at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. \nFord's qualification came as no shock to her, \n"I wasn't surprised that I qualified, but I was extremely excited," she said.\nFord attributed her success to her ability to stay attentive on the task at hand, she said.\n"I stayed consistent and focused on my game," she said. "This helped me going into the qualifier and I think it will help me at the Open."\nFord, who played for the Hoosiers from 1999-2004, nearly qualified last year for the Open, which she said gave her confidence in her quest this year. The U.S. Open will not be Ford's debut on the LPGA. In April, she played in the Franklin American Mortgage Championship in Franklin, Tenn. Ford finished tied for 130th, but she said playing the tournament gave her much valuable understanding of how to compete in the LPGA.\n"It was great experience and should help me be comfortable here."\nDespite the magnitude of the U.S. Open, Ford isn't nervous about her ability to perform.\n"It's just like any other tournament; I'm going to take it shot by shot and really enjoy myself," Ford said. "Every round I play I try to enjoy myself. I'm really fortunate to be playing professional golf."\nThe presence of women's golf superstars such as Annika Sorenstam, Michelle Wie, and defending champion Meg Mallon won't intimidate \nFord either.\n"I'm not nervous, more excited," she said. "I don't really get nervous." \nAs a Hoosier, Ford capped her outstanding career in her senior year by winning the Women's Big Ten Championship title. In winning the title, Ford also set a new Big Ten Conference record with her four-round score of 287, which bested the previous mark by one stroke. Ford finished her Hoosier career with the fifth lowest average round score in school history at 77.28 strokes per round.
(06/23/05 2:21am)
Famous works of art aren't strictly located in The Louvre or the Guggenheim. They are also located right here on IU's campus. Students can see the works of IU's own T.C. Steele in the IU Art Museum and the Indiana Memorial Union, among other buildings.\nRenowned Indiana artist Steele was the subject of a lecture given by the Indiana State Museum's Fine Arts Curator Rachel Perry on Tuesday afternoon at the IU Art Museum. Perry's lecture focused primarily on Steele's years spent in Brown County, starting in 1907, and as the artist-in-residence at IU. \nSteele first gained recognition upon returning from his formal art training in Munich in 1885. While there, Steele completed what many art experts consider to be his best work, "The Boatman", painted in 1884. \n"Many consider this Steele's masterpiece because of the attention to shadows, which is difficult to obtain in a backlight subject," Perry said. "I'm very pleased that this piece remained in the state."\nPerry's lecture continued with Steele's relocation to Brown County in 1907. Steele's picturesque paintings of Brown County landscapes solidified his standing as the most prominent member of a quintet of Indiana artists referred to as the "Hoosier Group."\nPerry stated that Steele's Brown County years are "very dear to her heart," particularly since she spent 10 years working at the T.C. Steele Historic Site in Brown County.\n"It's a fantastic place to visit because you can see the actual subjects of his paintings," he said.\nSteele's years in Brown County produced such famous paintings as "The Cabin," "House of the Singing Winds," and "Cows in the Woods." These Impressionistic landscapes of Brown County permanently solidified Steele's status as an Indiana artist of great importance.\nPerry characterized Steele's importance.\n"His interpretation and emphasis on the beauty of the Indiana countryside when most prominent artists painted in more dramatic areas made him extremely important and the preeminent Indiana artist of his lifetime," she said.\nIn 1922, Steele became the artist-in-residence of IU, at the request of then president William Lowe Bryan. Steele remained artist-in-residence until his death in 1926.\nSteele's influence as artist-in-residence can be widely seen on today's campus, with the Indiana Memorial Union collection housing 36 Steele paintings. Steele paintings can also be seen in the Bryan House, Bryan Hall, the Chemistry Building, the Geology Building, Kirkwood Hall, the Law School, the Lilly Library, Merrill Hall, the Woodburn House, the IU Foundation, and in various residence halls. \nThe IU Art Museum is currently displaying a collection titled "T.C. Steele and Indiana University: A Collector's Legacy." This collection includes seven paintings by Steele, which were donated by the estate of Hubert and Cordelia Collins. The collection includes "The Boatman" and "House of the Singing Winds." The collection will be on display at the IU Art Museum until \nAugust 7.
(06/20/05 12:56am)
With the number one pick, the Milwaukee Bucks select..."\nAs these words leave the mouth of NBA Commissioner David Stern, the 2005 NBA Draft will commence. This year's draft, which is to be held June 28, features the usual mix of overly-sized college players, high schoolers and international players. \nWhile this draft might not contain any superstars like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony or Emeka Okafor from the past two drafts, it does contain some notable names who could make an immediate impact in the NBA. This draft also holds the possibility of the first Hoosier draftee since Jared Jeffries in 2002, in Bracey Wright. However, Wright is projected by many analysts to be a late second round pick at best, and not drafted at all at worst. On the other hand, Wright's former high school teammate at The Colony in Texas, Deron Williams, is expected to be a high pick. The former Illini standout is a lottery lock, and a potential top-five pick. The local connections in this year's draft don't end with Wright, as Sean May of the University of North Carolina is projected to be a first round pick, with the possibility of sneaking into the lottery. May is the son of Hoosier legend Scott May. Sean attended Bloomington High School North before leading North Carolina to the national championship this year. \nThe NBA has taken many a "surefire" or "can't miss" prospect and exposed them for the frauds, charlatans and worse yet, overpaid NBA journeymen, that they are. Some notable high profile selections who didn't quite pan out, to say the least:\n1. Michael Olowakandi -- Taken No. 1 in 1998 by the Los Angeles Clippers. "Olo's" career has been a disappointment from nearly the moment he stepped on the court. As a Timberwolf last year, Olowakandi's most notable contribution to his team was getting suspended for his involvement in a bar fight in Indianapolis.\n2. Shawn Bradley -- Taken No. 2 by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1993. Bradley, a freakishly large center at 7'6", can be seen nightly on SportsCenter, being dunked on by an endless parade of far more gifted athletes. No joke, it seems like Bradley is on the receiving end of every Vince Carter 360, no matter who the Nets are playing. \nNaturally, there have of course been high profile players who have lived up to the hype. For example, here are some former #1 overall picks who have achieved the superstardom that was seemingly destined for them:\n1. Magic Johnson -- Taken by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979. Perhaps the greatest point guard of all time.\n2. Shaquille O'Neal -- Taken by the Orlando Magic in 1992. "The Diesel" has been the most dominating force in the NBA since Wilt Chamberlain. \nSome players enter the draft without the ballyhoo or the accolades of a James or O'Neal. Here are some notable players who flew in under the radar and went on to become superstars after being draft day steals:\n1. Kobe Bryant -- Taken No. 13 by the Charlotte Hornets and traded to the Lakers in 1996. Kobe became the youngest player to ever play in the NBA, as well as one of the best all-time scorers. \n2. Manu Ginobili -- Taken No. 57 by the San Antonio Spurs in 1999. Some names taken ahead of Ginobili in the '99 draft: everyone -- except Eddie Lucas, who was the last pick that year. \nSo as you can see, you never know what you're going to get in the NBA Draft, the proverbial Gumpian box of chocolates. But, the fun in the draft lies in the futility of speculation. So here goes with my top-five for the NBA Draft.\n1. Milwaukee -- Andrew Bogut, C, Utah\n2. Atlanta -- Marvin Williams, F, UNC\n3. Portland -- Chris Paul, G, Wake Forest\n4. New Orleans -- Deron Williams, G, Illinois\n5. Charlotte -- Gerald Green, G, High School\n57. Phoenix -- Bracey Wright, G, IU, the next Ginobili?
(06/12/05 11:46pm)
Former IU men's golf star Jeff Overton played an integral role in helping the United States win the Palmer Cup Thursday on the Irish course at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis. \nOverton won a singles match and a foursome match, as the U.S. team reclaimed the Cup by a 14-10 score.\nIn the foursome match, Overton teamed with Georgia Tech University junior Roberto Castro to defeat Pablo Martin and Alejandro Canizares, of Oklahoma State University and Arizona State University respectively, 5 and 4. At that point, the U.S. and European teams were tied at 8-8 overall. \nIn singles play, Overton defeated Martin 4 and 3 to earn his second point for the U.S. team. With this victory, Overton contributed 2.5 points out of the U.S. team total of 14. \nOverton was dominant in his play, never trailing in either match, and remarkably losing only one hole the entire day. \nOverton halved his singles match with Martin on Wednesday, but he jumped out to an early lead on Thursday with the help of his putter, birdieing the second, third, fifth, and eighth holes to take a 5-up lead. \nOverton felt he was unbeatable the whole weekend, he said in a statement. \n"I just got off to a quick start," he said. "The putter felt really good today and I hit a lot of tough putts and was confident in my game. I really didn't think there was anyone here that could beat me. I just went out there, played my game, executed some shots and won a couple points for my team."\nThe U.S. team's victory pushed the Palmer Cup series score to a 5-3-1 U.S. advantage over the Europeans. It was the first Palmer Cup victory for the U.S. since 2002. \nOverton was grateful to have played in the Palmer Cup, the college-level equivalent to the Ryder Cup, he said. \n"This was a great experience. I had a lot of fun playing out here and competing with my teammates," Overton said. "Once again, this continues to show me I can play with anyone in the country"
(06/12/05 11:45pm)
Corby Heckman, an infielder for the IU baseball team, was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball's Amateur Draft Wednesday afternoon. The Mariners selected Heckman in the 32nd round with the 953rd overall pick. \nHeckman was surprised the Mariners drafted him, he said.\n"I knew a couple of teams were interested in drafting me, but the Mariners weren't one of them," he said. "The Mariners called me on Wednesday afternoon and asked if I was still interested in playing, and I said 'Yes,' and they called me back during the 32nd round. That was actually the first time I had talked to the Mariners."\nFormer IU baseball coach Bob Morgan was pleased to see one of his players drafted, he said. \n"We're really excited about Corby getting a chance to play at the next level," Morgan said. "He's a great student-athlete and it's great to see one of your seniors get to realize his dream of playing professional baseball. He's a classy young man and I wish him the best in his career."\nThe next step for Heckman is to leave for the Mariners draftee camp in Arizona in a week. The Mariners will then send him to Washington or have him remain in Arizona camp. \nHeckman, a senior from Spencer, Ind., hit .328 with 33 RBIs and 29 runs last year for the Hoosiers, while playing first, second and third base. Heckman's career totals as a Hoosier include a .336 average, 97 RBIs, and 117 runs. \nCurrent major leaguers drafted in the 32nd round include Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Joe Borowski, Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Bobby Howry, Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Kirk Bullinger and outfielder Joey Gathright, second baseman Nick Green, and starting pitcher Mark Hendrickson, all of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Former major leaguers drafted in the 32nd round include Mike Krukow, a 124-game winning starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs, Kurt Bevacqua, a 14-year veteran, and Robb Nen, who notched 314 career saves as a Florida Marlin and San Francisco Giant.\nThe last Hoosier to appear in a Major League game was outfielder Doug DeVore, who played for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004. DeVore is currently in the San Francisco Giants' organization. Other former Hoosiers to recently play in the major leagues include former Philadelphia Philly and Chicago Cub Mickey Morandini, and Kevin Orie, who spent several seasons with the Florida Marlins and Chicago Cubs.\nThe Mariners 32nd-round pick in the 2004 amateur draft was right handed pitcher Donald Clement. Clement is currently playing in a rookie league within the Mariners' organization.
(06/02/05 12:43am)
Men's swimming coach Ray Looze will also be the new coach of the women's swimming team, IU Athletics Director Rick Greenspan announced Friday. Looze will take over for former women's coach Dorsey Tierney, who left IU for Auburn University May 17.\nLooze said he believes the announcement to combine the programs will precipitate certain inherent advantages.\n"This allows us to specialize coaches," Looze said. "The second advantage is that it makes recruiting more efficient -- it allows us to look at both males and females with one coach. It allows us to put forth one face for IU swimming, much like the track and field program. Ultimately, we will have more budget resources, and we will be able to succeed at a higher level that's best for the program."\nGreenspan's announcement to consolidate the swimming program is not unprecedented. National swimming superpowers such as Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, and Southern California employ one head coach for both the men's and women's teams.\nAs the coach of the IU men's swimming team, Looze has guided the Hoosiers to three consecutive seasons of finishing among the top four teams in the Big Ten Conference. In addition, the Hoosiers have finished in the top 20 nationally the past two seasons under Looze.\nLast season, the men's swimming team placed second at the Big Ten Conference Championships, a mere three points behind Minnesota. IU extended their successful conference season to the national level, as it placed 16th at the NCAA Championships. The 16th place finish was the highest by a Hoosier team in 14 years. \nLooze will inherit a women's team fresh off a highly successful 2004-2005 season. The Hoosiers placed ninth at the 2005 NCAA Championships, the highest finish at the national level for any IU women's swim team. The Hoosiers also extended their streak of top-three Big Ten Conference finishes to five straight seasons when they placed second at the 2005 Big Ten Championship meet.\nGreenspan said he believes Looze will be successful as coach of both teams. \n"Ray has done an outstanding job in his three years with our men's program, and we are confident that he will build upon the recent success that both teams have had," he said in a statement. "In a combined setting, Ray has a plan to maximize the efficiency of individualized training. This translates to even better team-wide success. Ray is extremely enthusiastic about this opportunity, and he will bring a lot of energy to both programs."\nLooze has previous experience serving as a men's and women's coach at the same time. Before coming to IU, Looze coached the University of Pacific men's and women's swimming teams for four years. While at Pacific, Looze was highly successful, earning four consecutive Big West Conference Coach of the Year awards, and winning the same honor for his work as the women's coach in 2002. Looze guided both the Pacific men's and women's teams to Big West Conference Championships during the 2001-2002 season. It was the first conference title for the men's team in 28 years, while it was the first ever conference championship for the women's team.