Volume 23, issue 13, November 10, 2000

Metronews

Campus eateries run gamut of health department inspections
Edward B. Winslow
The Metropolitan

Inspectors noted food safety violations, including evidence of insects or rodents, dangerous food temperature controls and inaccessible restaurant employee hand-washing facilities at Auraria Campus eateries during inspections that occurred between June 12 and Sept. 29.

The restaurant with the worst report also had one of the best. The B Movie Café was inspected Sept. 27 and was cited for employee smoking, eating or drinking in an area where food is prepared. The hand to mouth contact that occurs during these activities can result in contamination of workers’ hands and food, said Department of Environmental Health web site information.

Another violation was the failure to hold cold at 41 degrees or less. When foods are not kept at safe temperatures, the rate of bacterial growth increases and food poisoning can occur.

A third violation mentioned inaccessible hand-washing and toilet facilities. Department information warns food workers might not wash their hands unless proper facilities are accessible in the immediate work area.

Finally, there was evidence of insects or rodents. Rodents carry disease-causing microorganisms in their hair, feces and urine. Microorganisms can be transmitted to people when rodents come in contact with food or food preparation surfaces. Flies also carry disease-causing microorganisms, which can be transmitted to people when they contaminate food and food preparation surfaces.

But a follow-up inspection two days later at the B Movie Café noted "no critical violations" for any violations.

There were three new cooks that B Movie Café no longer employs, said Alisa Yeazel, the restaurant’s manager. The semester had just started and "I think it was a bad day," she said. The violations were cleaned up immediately.

McDonald’s had six violations July 31, including employee hand washing and toilet facilities that were inaccessible and without soap and hand drying devices.

McDonald’s was also cited for evidence of insects or rodents and inappropriate pesticide application.

Carolyn Gust, McDonald’s marketing director said, "We have taken care of all the violations." The restaurant is in compliance.

The Boiler Room was inspected on June 12 and was found to have three violations regarding food temperature control and the sanitation rinse that assures equipment and utensils are virtually free of disease-causing microorganisms. In addition, there were seven less serious violations comprised of improper equipment design, inadequate equipment and inadequate maintenance of the occupied space.

Another inspection a week later revealed that although numerous items noted by inspectors were corrected, temperature control in food storage compartments failed to hold temperature at 41 degrees or less. The building’s floors and walls were also still in disrepair.

"It’s a positive thing when (inspectors) come in," said the Boiler Room’s co-owner Lawrence Gonzales. "We’ve always had a good relationship with (the department)."

He said the reason the remaining items were not completed was because it took time to get the refrigerator and the building repairs ordered. Since the last inspection a new refrigerator was installed and the building repairs were completed, Gonzales said.

The Mercantile was reported to have three violations Aug. 3, including food temperature control problems and not properly sanitizing equipment, utensils or food contact surfaces.

The food temperature problems have been fixed and we have an incredibly clean restaurant, said Mercantile co-owner Sandy Donohue. She said she has initiated procedural changes to ensure the restaurant is clean.

Mandarin Palace had refrigeration problems that did not hold temperatures to 41 degrees or less Sept. 26. Also, the in-place sanitation rinse did not conform to code.

Other violations reported were food unprotected from contamination, improper cleaning of food and nonfood surfaces and building disrepair.

Mandarin Palace owner Sook Kim was not available for a prearranged telephone interview Nov. 3. An interview could not be rescheduled by this edition’s deadline.

On July 25, an inspector reported The Daily Grind did not have adequate refrigeration to hold temperatures at 41 degrees or less. Other violations inspectors reported were food labeling and refrigeration units not provided with an accurate and conspicuous thermometer.

Refrigerators are in compliance, said The Daily Grind’s owner, Debbie Arseneau who added, "we employ a firm that sends a technician to inspect the refrigerators and perform needed maintenance every three months."

The inspector came during a rush when the refrigerators were being opened and closed more often, allowing the temperature to be higher than required, Arseneau said.

When the inspector came, employees were restocking some of the food items and that was what drew the citation for improper labeling. Also, the food bins were uncovered during the restocking and the inspector cited them for that infraction, Arseneau said.

The thermometers that are in the refrigerators got pushed to the back of the refrigerator when the shelves were being restocked, she said.

Campus C-Store did not have a food thermometer available and food contact surfaces were not properly cleaned during an Aug. 23 inspection.

"I really don’t know how to respond," said store manager Tom Cook. He started working at C-Store about two months ago, after the inspection occurred. "I think conditions here are pretty good," he said.

Cook also stated that he did not know why they would need a food thermometer because C-Store has only drinks in the cooler. The citations might be "due to (the former manager’s) lack of attention," Cook said. "The old manager quit before I got here."

Domino’s Pizza was cited for not having soap and drying devices for hand washing when it was inspected July 25.

But a new franchisee owns that Domino’s store and the restaurant passed all city-required inspections when it purchased the business in September, said store manager Josh Smith. He added that the restaurant is kept very clean.

Subway was cited for employees smoking, eating or drinking during food preparation Sept. 26.

"It’s a no-no," said Annie Smith, of Subway’s public relations department. "Let’s hope that (the inspection) makes a difference." She added that it’s up to the franchisees to abide by the laws.

Smith declined to release the franchisee’s name, saying the information was proprietary.

An inspector found Sept. 29 that Taco Bell did not have refrigeration units provided with an "accurate and conspicuous" thermometer. Also, the report said that there was improper cleaning of equipment and utensils on nonfood surfaces.

Taco Bell public relations director Laurie Gannon e-mailed the following statement: "Taco Bell is very committed to providing the highest level of food safety to our customers. Taco Bell adheres to strict food safety and handling procedures, including regular training of employees on proper food handling. When minor infractions such as these two are brought to our attention, we take immediate steps to correct them."

Of the Auraria Campus restaurants inspected since June, only Café Fresco had no violations when it was inspected Sept. 26.

The department has two levels of violations. Type one violations are more serious and are comprised of a possible 34 violations, which "may not necessarily cause, but are likely to cause food-borne illness," according to the department’s web site. Type one violations include unsanitary conditions regarding personnel, food temperature control, plumbing problems, hand-washing and toilet facilities, pest control and the presence of toxic items not properly stored, labeled or used.

Type two violations are less serious because the likelihood of food-borne illness is minimal. These violations include improper cleaning of equipment, building disrepair and improper equipment design and construction.

The department emphasizes any inspection report is a snapshot of the inspection’s day and time. The inspection conducted on a given day might not be representative of an eatery’s long-term cleanliness or operation. In many cases the inspection violations that are recorded are corrected "on-the-spot" before the inspector leaves the establishment.

The results of the Auraria Campus and other Denver restaurant, delicatessen, cafeteria, convenience store inspections are posted on the city’s web page at www.denvergov.org/eh.

"It’s a positive thing when (Department of Health) inspectors come in."

-Lawrence Gonzales,

co-owner, The Boiler Room
Back to Table of Contents

Fee passes with second vote
Chris Ward
The Metropolitan

The bond fee referendum was passed 857 to 270 in an election held Nov. 1 and 2.

This was the second vote held on the bond fee, which was originally voted down May 11. Students went back to the polls after student governments at Metro and the University of Colorado at Denver claimed the procedure was flawed.

"The bond fee passed by a good margin last semester," University of Colorado at Denver student government president Paul Lopez said. "It was legal the first time."

The fee didn’t pass in May because the support of every school at Auraria was required; the Community College of Denver voted against the fee.

In November’s election, all three schools voted in favor of the fee. Metro, CU-Denver, and CCD passed the bond fee 455 to 76, 284 to 109, and 118 to 85, respectively.

The fact that out of more than 30,000 students only 1,127 voted distressed Lopez.

"It’s disappointing that such a small number is deciding for the whole campus," Lopez said. "It’s unacceptable, but you have to remember that this campus isn’t traditional."

Metro student government president Stefanie Vassilaros was satisfied with the voter turnout, saying it was "actually a pretty good number for this campus."

Metro and CU-Denver received some criticism for their campaigning, Lopez said. The campaign included caution tape on the walls of the Tivoli and "Closed due to lack of funds" signs.

"Our students already voted for it," Vassilaros said. "As student representatives we felt we should represent the students."

Once the governing boards approve it, the bond fee will add $18.50 to each student’s tuition. The extra funding will go to Auraria, which Vassilaros hopes will use it to reopen Sigi’s and other facilities around campus, as well as for maintenance of the Tivoli and other campus buildings.

Although he was glad the bond fee passed, Lopez said the student governments should have more say in how the money is spent.

"I think it’s unfortunate that we don’t have enough say," Lopez said. "Over a matter of years student governments have had their tongues ripped out."
Back to Table of Contents

State college pot smoking tops U.S. rate
By The Associated Press


The percentage of students at three major Colorado college campuses who use marijuana exceeds the national average, according to recent studies.

A study by Harvard University's School of Public Health focuses on drug use in 1999 at the University of Colorado in Boulder and Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

The University of Denver did its own survey.

Harvard's results, which will be published in the November issue of the academic journal Addiction, found that 34 percent of students at CU admit they used marijuana in the month before the survey. At CSU, 25 percent said they used marijuana in the same period.

The national average was 15.7 percent in 1999.

Use of other illicit drugs, including heroin, amphetamines and hallucinogens, increased by 21 percent.

According to the study, between 1993 and 1999 overall marijuana use increased by 22 percent.

"These new findings should be a source of concern for those involved with the prevention and treatment of illicit drug use among young people,'' study author Henry Wechsler said. ``Although rates of drug use stabilized at the end of the decade, no significant decreases have yet been observed.''

Researchers suggest the upswing in the use of marijuana and other illicit drugs on campus could be linked to a surge in drug use by middle and high school students in the early 1990s. That finding was included in a separate study by the National Institutes of Health.

In the 1960s, drug use often started on campus and trickled down to younger populations, the authors noted.

Another factor is Colorado's status as a state with the most marijuana users. A recent study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that 8.1 percent of the state's residents admitted using the drug during a 30-day period last year.

As in all studies, false responses can cloud results even when the responses are anonymous.

"Fraternities or sororities, under the gun with regard to alcohol policy, may systematically lie to lower the rates,'' said Robert Granfield, associate professor of sociology at the University of Denver.

But those lying about not doing drugs may balance out those who claim they did when they didn't, Granfield said.
Back to Table of Contents

College begins new fund raiser
Chris Ward
The Metropolitan

A series of events on Nov. 8, 9, and 10 signified the beginning of the public phase of Metro’s first formal fund-raising campaign.

The fund-raising events include a donor apparition dinner Nov. 8, a campus pep rally Nov. 9, and Nov. 10’s basketball game between the Roadrunners and the Harlem Globetrotters.

The goal of the campaign, titled "Building Denver’s Future One Mind at a Time," is to raise $15 million for scholarships, retention programs, and educational programs that deal with business and community needs. College Communications media representative Cathy Lucas said the campaign will continue "until we raise $15 million. There’s no set date like December of 2000 or anything like that."

Preliminary fund raising began three years ago. Pledges from members of the Foundation Board and Metro’s Alumni Board total more than $2.7 million. Between those pledges and money raised through other events Lucas said the campaign has achieved more than two thirds of its goal.
Back to Table of Contents


Corrections

The Metropolitan strives for accuracy. If you spot a mistake, please call Sean Weaver at 303-556-8353.
Back to Table of Contents

Metroeditorial

Claims of domestic abuse not addressed

Dear Editor,

One thing I remember from my classes at Metro that covered opinion writing was to always do research on a column, not just write your opinion on a subject.

I’ve read your columns weekly, and have been impressed, for the most part, with what you’ve written. You always seem to take a serious look at the subject.

It is obvious, however, that you did little research for your column on domestic violence.

Patrick Roy did not rip his doors off their hinges after a bad night on the ice or a frustrating day or anything of that nature. He did so after or during an argument with his wife over his in-laws.

Roy was not arrested for the destruction of the doors. According to newspaper reports, he was arrested after his wife said she was afraid.

The law doesn’t treat physical abuse and broken objects the same. It’s when those objects are destroyed as a means of intimidation that it falls under the realm of domestic violence, and that’s the way it should be.

Before you wrote your column, you should have at least contacted a domestic violence organization, or checked out one on the Web, such as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. You would have at least learned that one of the predictors of domestic violence is the destruction of objects when a person is upset.

Add all of those up, argument with wife, destruction of doors, her fear, how can you not consider it a domestic violence case? Should the subject have been left alone to see if Roy ever gets around to actually beating her up?

Finally, it’s good the media went after it. One, because athletes, high school, college and professional, get away with domestic violence far more than they should. To see how bad things are there, pick up a copy of the book Pros and Cons. Second, it brings attention to a subject that people still will not address seriously. They either prefer to not look the other way, or write poorly researched opinion columns.

-Kevin Juhász
Metro Alumnus
Back to Table of Contents

Letters Policy

The Metropolitan welcomes letters of 500 words or fewer on topics of general interest.
Letters must include a full name, school affiliation and a phone number or e-mail address.
Letters might be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.

Mailbox:

The Metropolitan
900 Auraria Parkway, Suite 313
Denver CO 80204

e-mail: haraburd@mscd.edu
phone: 303.556.2507
fax: 303.556.3421
Back to Table of Contents

Metroactive

Chicano Studies Department expands awareness in schools
Troy Markgraf
The Metropolitan

If its true that Auraria Campus has an uninvolved student population, don’t try telling the people at the Chicano Studies Department; it is too busy to notice.

That’s because, almost across the board, the Chicano Studies Department has staff and students who are actively involved in their communities.

The department, which has been in place since summer 1995, was established for "Expanding awareness of the multicultural world and the contributions of Chicanos." Since then, the department has remained consistent with that goal.

"It takes an academic understanding of Chicanos to really help change the situation in our society. We have to understand, for example, what our situation is in education, in business, in housing, and in health," said Luis Torres, the department chair.

Torres has helped make the department a success, but also cites the contributions of the students and faculty in the department.

The following is a brief list of the department’s accomplishments.

El Alma de la Raza Project

El Alma de la Raza is the effort of the Metro, along with the Denver Public Schools, to implement Chicano Studies curriculum in the public school system. The Chicano Studies Department was hardly solidified before this first project was underway.

"I started here August 15 of 1995. My first document that would become this (pointing to an outline of Alma de la Raza) was written September 11 of 1995. So about three weeks later," Torres said.

The theory behind writing the proposal for Alma de la Raza is a sound one. It starts in the legislature, which mandates the teaching of ethnic world views in public schools. There is also a big push by students in Chicano Studies to develop teaching jobs.

"So that tells you that one of the things we knew the students wanted, was to become teachers, so that they could teach this material in K through 12."

Why the big push to create teaching jobs? This is what keeps the department moving, because it is important that students have some type of work after completing their degrees. Teaching the information in public schools helps the Chicano Studies Department meet their primary goal. So it is only natural to create a program like El Alma de la Raza.

Currently, the project has more than sixty units. One of the titles is In Memory of Sand Creek, which tells the story of the Nov. 29, 1964 Sand Creek Massacre. In the course, students are given the historical facts of the massacre and asked to write an opinion paper on their interpretation of the events.

Another title, Pepper, Pepper, Plants!, gives students agricultural knowledge using the growth processes of Mexican crops as examples.

La Jornada de Nuestra Herencia

The activity that has brought so many of Colorado’s schools together is La Jornada de Nuestra Herencia or The Journey Through our Heritage, which is very similar to Odyssey of the Mind.

Last year eight of Colorado’s schools participated in a competition which tests their geographic, historical, verbal, and quantitative skills. This year, that number will increase to thirteen schools, with participants coming from as far as Durango and Grand Junction.

"The students are meeting a lot in the spring on a competition basis. But they are also being brought together as a community and getting to know each other,." said Renee Fresquez, one of the directors of the journey. "It’s not East High School versus West High School, like it might normally be, we try to stress friendly competition."

The Journey was established three years ago by the Chicano Studies Department. It has evolved into a series of three competitions, which take place in the spring semester. The competitions include essay contests and interpretation events. Students who win at the competitions are awarded scholarship money.

The journey has now become a critical part of meeting the department’s goals.

"Our first goal is to have Indigenous history established as curriculum in public schools. Our second goal is to encourage indigenous students to move on to higher education," stated Fresquez.

The journey might be helping the Chicano Studies Department meet its expected goals, but there are a few results that the staff has not been able to predict.

"At the competitions I really get the feeling that the students are excited about the material. It’s almost like a revelation. You can literally feel all the energy and all the excitement. You can see a glow in the student’s face, because they are finally given something to build on and work with. Something that is a part of them, which gives them a direct connection to where they come from," said Fresquez. "This in turn gives them something to look forward to. I’ve seen a lot of people grow from this experience."

Abelardo "Lalo" Delgado Day

Abelardo "Lalo" Delgado, a poet and community activist, has spent most of his lifetime making a difference in his community.

On Nov. 2, Delgado received recognition for his contributions to poetry and his community. James Mejia representing the office of Mayor Wellington Webb honored Delgado by dubbing November 2 Abelardo "Lalo" Delgado Day.

"If there is anybody that deserves to be recognized for their contributions and effort it is Lalo," said Dr. Torres. "I don’t think that there is anybody who has done more for their community."

Delgado first arrived in El Paso, Texas in 1943 from Mexico. Delgado and his mother originally left Mexico to escape poverty.

In 1977 Delgado came to Colorado and began work with the Colorado Migrant Council, helping undocumented and migrant workers. Delgado also began teaching citizenship classes as well as literature and history at the Metropolitan State College of Denver.

Today, Delgado is an accomplished poet and novelist. Delgado’s literature and poetry have people referring to "Lalo" as the grandfather of Chicano Literature.

In the November 2 ceremony, Delgado was praised for his activism by fellow poets. One poet wrote of Delgado’s nonconformity.

"With the eye of an eagle, from above the high ground of morality. The Chicano Renaissance poet captures evil, and crushes it into mortality," poet Ramon del Castillo said.

These accomplishments are just a few of the happenings in the Chicano Studies Department, which is earning a name for its community activism.

"We are always working to improve the situation for children and others in the Chicano community," said Dr. Torres. "It’s just part of our existence and part of our activism."
Back to Table of Contents

St. Francis Center offers tutoring
Melissa Ross
The Metropolitan

The Tutoring Center can be a big help to students who are struggling with their studies this semester

Located in the St. Francis Center on the second floor, the Tutoring Center is open to all students on the Auraria Campus. Tutoring is available in a wide variety of subjects from history to biochemistry. According to Kelly Espinoza, assistant vice president for Student Services, the tutoring center conducts an analysis every semester to see what tutors the students need. Each semester, tutors go into the classroom and pass out leaflets to let students know what is available.

"We have 30 tutors this semester and it is still not enough," Espinoza said.

All of the tutors working at the center are required to go to a basic skills session, Espinoza said. The tutors also receive training to learn about the American Disabilities Act, and how to work better with students who have disabilities, Espinoza added. The Disabilities Services office provided the training for tutors, and students who have disabilities also talked to tutors about how to work well with people who have disabilities, Espinoza said.

Midterms and finals for the semester are coming up, and in some cases, are already upon us. The Tutoring Center is a good place for students to go if they need a place to study or need to get some help, Espinoza said.

"Walk-in tutoring will be made available if needed," Espinoza said.

One of the goals of the Tutoring Center is to get a positive image with the students, Espinoza said.

"We are here to help," he added.

In order to help students even more, a tutoring hotline might be added to the Tutoring Center, Espinoza said. It will be a number that students can call to talk to a tutor if they have a question or need some help, Espinoza said.

Tutoring is available to any student who needs help with his or her classes. Students who wish to seek help through the Tutoring Center can call the center at 303-556-8472 or stop by the St. Francis Center.
Back to Table of Contents

Activist to speak at Auraria campus
Elena Brown
The Metropolitan

A man is made from his character. Not his material worth. A man is made from his values and from his beliefs. Not some hollow achievements. How many of us know what our natural life desire is…what we will pursue until the end? In speeches? In protests? In jail? In death?

Russell Means knows his natural desire. He will speak about it, he will protest for it, he will and has been arrested for it, and he will die for it. Russell Means fights for the freedom and respect of the Indian.

Don’t call him a "Native American" — the 1970s term was created by the government’s Department of the Interior. Russell Mean is an Indian.

"…Because I know where that came from," he said in a recent interview with Linda Brookover. The word Indian is ‘a bastardization" of two Spanish words: En Dios, which translates into, "in with God". In addition, he noted, the ,American Indian is the only group with the word American in front of the ethnicity.

This Indian is a warrior. He has been shot three times while defending his ideals; he’s been bombed, sniped at, tear-gassed, harassed, beaten by police and incarcerated.

The 61-year-old leader, activist, entertainer and author, recalls his life experiences in his 1997 autobiography, Where White Men Fear to Tread. Generation X, born in the 70s, and Y, born in the 80s, have a vague concept on who Russell Means is. He’s not just that Indian-guy in Natural Born Killers or The Last of the Mohicans. He’s not just that real familiar voice in Disney’s movie, Pocahontas.

Means jumped into the entertainment industry with both feet. Means uses the media to further his political activism. He’s been in movies, on television, written a book, has two musical albums, hosts an Internet site and founded T.R.E.A.T.Y Productions, the first American Indian film company to write, produce and direct a feature film. But Russell Means has been in the spotlight, long before his movie roles.

In 1969 Means joined the American Indian Movement (AIM). He quickly rose to become A.I.M’s first national director. During his leadership he has staged several events to bring the importance of the Indian plight into the consciousness of the American people. The A.I.M. leaders are dedicated to be the advocates for any Indian man or woman, any Indian family, any Indian community, or any Indian nation.

He conducted a prayer vigil on Mount Rushmore. He filed a $9 million dollar lawsuit against the Cleveland Indians baseball team, alleging that the teams’ nickname defamed American Indians

Means currently is working with the AIM chapter in Denver.

Means was one of the 147 people arrested in Denver over the Columbus Day holiday parade. The protesters are against celebrating a day for explorer Christopher Columbus. Many believe Columbus was a slave trader and the ultimate cause for the genocide of the Indian people, who inhabited America when Columbus arrived. The protesters held a non-violent demonstration during the parade and were arrested. Means vowed, in an Oct. 8, Denver Post article, that next year the "wall of racism" and "trailer-trash mentality" in Denver would be defeated.

Tensions and tempers flared in the weeks leading up to the holiday, even Reform Party presidential candidate Pat Buchanan criticized the American Indians for blocking Denver’s Columbus Day parade. In the 1960s and 1970s the Lokata-born Means was part of the siege and destruction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and he gained much of his world fame for the 1973 takeover at Wounded Knee. The site was chosen to remind the public of the 1890 American Indian massacre at the hands of U.S. soldiers. AIM’s attempt was to take back the land that was promised the Oglala Sioux in the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. After 71 days the FBI and South Dakota National Guard arrested leaders and followers of the takeover.

Means is a dedicated warrior. He has been able to do what many have failed to do for their cause. He can adapt. He can evolve. It is through this ability he can enlighten and teach the public about the importance of joining and supporting the Indian Movement.

Means will lecture about the plight of the American Indian in America on Thursday, November 16, at 12:30 p.m. in the Tivoli Turnhalle. MSCD Student Activities, UCD Student Life, UCD Political Science, UCD American Indian Student Services and MSCD Political Science Department sponsor this event. This event is free to all students, faculty and staff and the general public.
Back to Table of Contents

horoscope by miss anna

ARIES:
An unusual opportunity may present itself, which may involve public appearances. Loving thoughts are expressed to you and these remarks may not be just passing pleasantry, but an invitation for something deeper. Clear communication can smooth the way.

TAURUS: If you are feeling tied down by some relationship which is draining you, it may be time to declare your independence. Make your break in a quiet, but firm manner. Check and recheck your money resources, and be sure you are doing something to create future security.

GEMINI: There is a wonderful sense of the many possibilities life holds in store for you this week. This attitude will fill you with optimism and high energy. Those around you may be turned off by your manner; remember you cannot convince everyone to feel the same way you do.

CANCER: If you are feeling a bit crowded, it is very important to speak up and take time and space for yourself, even if only temporarily. You may receive news about money, the information will not be as positive as you'd like - learn not to get attached to expectations.

LEO: You are finding yourself in a rut this week, and it will take a bit of effort on your part to get out of it. Try something new. You need time to play. It may be best to get to the bottom of some emotional upheaval before proceeding - logical approach is not satisfactory.

VIRGO: This week feels like a new lease on life. Do something which gets your blood pumping. Physical overexertion will do you good. You and your mate may experience greater attraction for each other if you put a little distance between yourselves. Get more input before making any moves.

LIBRA: An emotional upset may leave you feeling rather sorry for yourself, but things are really not as bad as they may seem right now. Give it all a second chance. Find a way to give away items which have lost their usefulness, to those who will appreciate them.

SCORPIO: You are definitely in a good mood. Just be careful what you wish for since you just may get it. Treat yourself to a luxury you seldom consider. Have patience concerning a current project. Your ship will come in, and worrying will not hasten the process.

SAGITTARIUS: An organized approach will get the job done. Money may come from an unexpected source to help you realize your goals. Your lover needs attention now. Make sure it is quality time and the two of you discuss matters of mutual importance and goals.

CAPRICORN: It may be hard to maintain your optimism - there isn't anything wrong, you are just in a dark, brooding mood. Your health, both physical and mental may be affected by stress either at home or at work. Make necessary changes and accept what you can't change.

AQUARIUS: A very generous financial gift may materialize and can remove a great deal of worrying. Now you can really go after what's important, and a creative endeavor is at the top of your list. Remove yourself from an obligation which takes too much energy with little return.

PISCES: If something has been lost, you are likely to find it. Don't allow your pride to stand in the way of asking forgiveness of someone you may have wronged. This estrangement may take awhile to patch up, and may never be the same. It is a hard lesson to learn.

IF THIS WEEK IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Attractive and keenly articulate, you are always at your best in front of people. Very few people can resist you, and very few try. Talking to much is an admitted problem for you, and you may have alienated a friend or lover with your words. Try to make amends.
Back to Table of Contents

Metrosports

Metro looks for rematch with Kearney
Eric Eames
The Metropolitan

Yes, Metro’s volleyball team has the ability to win the Rocky Mountain Conference title. No, IT won’t let its season finale loss to Regis on Nov. 4 affect them.

"Winning conference was one of our goals that we set early in the season," Metro coach Debbie Hendricks said. "I don’t think that we should be distracted from that goal."

And yes they–along with the four other teams in the tournament–can knock off No. 11 Nebraska-Kearney, the defending RMAC champions.

Just ask Colorado Christian coach Ed Garrett, whose sub-.500 team handed the Lopers its second RMAC defeat of the season on Nov.4.

"Everybody says Kearney is great and is a machine," Garrett said. "Well they’re not. They’re human like everyone else and they make mistakes."

Despite their defeats, Nebraska-Kearney (26-4, 17-2 RMAC) and Metro (21-7, 16-3) are the No. 1 and 2 seeds in the tournament. The two will get a bye in the first round, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the favorites.

No.5 seed, New Mexico Highlands (22-5, 15-4), is no slouch and started the season with an overall record of 14-0. They will square off against Regis (20-8, 15-4), who with its win against Metro, drew the No. 4 seed and has reinvented themselves as a force.

"After watching Regis play this (past) weekend, I think they can be right there with anyone," Hendricks said.

The winner between those two takes on Nebraska-Kearney in a semifinal match.

On the other side of the bracket, No. 6 seed Mesa State (13-15, 10-9) will try its luck against the Western Division champions and No. 3 seed, Western State (21-5, 16-3), with the winner advancing to face the Roadrunners on Nov. 10.

Mesa State upset Western State earlier in the season (Sept. 5). But Western State has vastly improved and is riding an 11-match win streak, having last lost to Metro (Sept. 30).

"They’ve got two or three players on offense that can absolutely dominate a match if you allow them to get in a situation to go to those players as much as they like to," Hendricks said of Western State.

All considered, the terms wide open and up for grabs are the only set of words that can describe this year’s RMAC tournament. Add the intensity that will rise to the next level, the heart that will pound faster, the juices that will flow more–welcome to the postseason.

"That is the great thing about college play is that you don’t know what to expect from different teams," said senior Laura Darling, Metro’s defensive specialist. "Some of them may have been doing poorly during the season, but they step up at the end and just come out of nowhere, just because of the emotions added in tournament play….It’s basically about who can step it up when the pressures on."

Darling along with junior Tiffany Baird are the only two Metro players left from the 1998 squad that lost in the RMAC title match to Regis. The rest of the team personnel doesn’t know what to expect in the tournament, but Darling and Hendricks concur that inexperience in this case can be plus, because the players won’t take any team for granted.

"Hopefully, (inexperience) makes us play at a really high level throughout, instead of just sailing through or thinking that we can sail through, when someone might sneak in and bite you from behind," Darling said.

While Hendricks is certain the Roadrunners won’t look past any team, she and the team know it’ll take an ample bite to dethrone Nebraska-Kearney. Especially when you consider the 1,000 plus fans that will percolate into the 6,000-seat Health & Sports Center at Nebraska-Kearney. But having a chance to jettison the Lopers on their home floor is the exact situation Darling wants.

"It’s an added motivator to play them there," she said.

Nebraska-Kearney is the only RMAC team Metro has yet to beat and if the two choose to do battle for a third time this year, it’ll be in the championship match, Nov. 11. Garrett says the onus of breaking the Lopers isn’t that hard, once you get past the team’s winning aura.

"We proved loudly that their mystique doesn’t mean anything," Garrett said.

Garrett mentioned that his team was "on their game" against Nebraska-Kearney and for any team to beat them, they have to play as a unit. Something Hendricks has been preaching since day one.

Not one Metro player stands out, but put then together and you’ve got a band.

On offensive, they march to the five steady beats of junior Mirana Bazana, freshman Jesse Roy, freshman Michelle McBurney, junior Diana Marques, and junior Mei-Rong Lu. Each has over 190 kills, which is something the ’98 team lacked–multiplicity.

"I think we are more balanced this year," said Hendricks, who in ’98 coached her West Texas A&M team against Metro in the regional tournament. "We have more go to players. Then again that requires us to ball control well enough to put the ball in a variety of different peoples’ hands, for us to be effective."

Being aggressive mentality in every phase of the match is instrumentally to survival in the postseason, Hendricks said.
Back to Table of Contents

Week in review

Volleyball (21-7, 16-3 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference): The Roadrunners split weekend matches with Colorado School of Mines and Regis.

No. 22 Metro defeated Mines in three games, 15-8, 15-4, 15-5, and lost to Regis in four (15-11, 7-15, 15-9, 15-9).

Junior Mei-Rong Lu led the way for Metro, recording 12 kills while junior Marina Bazana had 10 kills. Freshman Devon Herron, the Division II leader in assists, had 37 assists.

Against Regis, the Roadrunners had four players in double-digits in kills: Bazana leading the way with 23, followed by Lu (14 kills), freshman Jessy Roy (13) and freshman Michelle McBurney.

Men’s Soccer (14-3-2, 9-3): No. 19 Metro defeated Colorado Christian 3-1, but tied Fort Lewis in the first round of the RMAC tournament. Metro didn’t advance on because they lost in a shootout 4-3.

After Colorado Christian took the early 1-0 lead, the Roadrunners came back with three goals of their own: senior Tony Thomas, and sophomores Danny Gallardo and Domonic Duran. Freshman Andy Jennings got the win, his second of the season.

In the RMAC tournament, the Roadrunners trailed 2-1 at halftime. In the second, Metro got goals from Tony Thomas and senior Chris Thomas to take the lead. Fort Lewis tied the game in the final minutes and won in the shootout.

Women’s Soccer (11-8-1, 8-4): For the second consecutive season, the Roadrunners bowed out of the RMAC tournament in the first round, this time losing to Regis 6-1. The Rangers scored three goals in the first 11 minutes of the game. Metro finally got on the scored board, but it was not enough.

RMAC Awards: The RMAC honors came out Nov. 6 and three Roadrunners made first team. From men’s soccer, Gallardo, who lead the RMAC in goals scored, and Tony Thomas, who was in the top five in assists. Armstrong was the lone first teamer from the women’s team. On the second team, junior Justin Lowder and senior senior Brett Manning made it from the men while juniors Sara Norkoli, Jennifer Kitano and Jole Wilson were from the women’s side. Sophomore Eric Butler and freshman Victor Adetoye were honorable mention from the men.
Back to Table of Contents

Dunlap: Discipline builds teams, wins games
Mike Dunlap

We use teaching techniques from education and parenting. It is a blend that has been successful for many years.

Motivation comes from knowledge. We appeal to our player’s intellect. If the coach knows his or her material and displays genuine enthusiasm, then the player should be receptive. The key ingredient for us is discipline. A set routine which requires that both coach and player be prompt, stress fundamentals, and show respect for each other. We believe that there should be a consequence for action- both positive and negative.

Consider how and why you want things done before the season begins. Each coach has his or her own philosophy. Yet, fundamentals are fundamentals.

Establish formal and informal lines of communication. The changes with young adults are ever changing. We must constantly be searching and listening. We have our players keep a notebook for school, schedule, and basketball information. We can check this notebook at anytime. Moreover, each player must come to the office once a day. Good habits are hard to break.

Perfect repetition makes perfect. We believe that habits are built by each act, thus we insist on absolute concentration with such skills as passing to the outside hand. We rarely have trouble with boredom.

Many players fight change. We teach through resistance. We use our older players to explain how important our culture is to winning. Peer pressure can be a very positive teaching technique.

No distractions– we practice at 5:45 a.m. and this requires discipline and takes care of most outside influences.

Be demanding– a breakdown in learning is fatigue. We teach through fatigue, as this is when most games and championships are won.

Videos are used for learning. We believe short segments daily can teach the whole and part. We do not like to beat the players down with film. Show them good and bad examples.

Rules–we do not believe in separate standards for individuals, no matter how good or different each person might be. We get conformity and everyone will sacrifice for the good of the team.

Cross teach–this means that we use many different ways to communicate and teach. Students have different learning styles (e.g. visual, kinetic, auditory, verbal, writing, etc.) Specifically, the instructor should use the whiteboard, videos, player notebooks, sacratic method, demonstrations, repetition, players as teachers, feedback sessions, and many more.

Guest speakers–this is one of the most powerful ways to teach. Bring in a specialist (e.g. free throws, shooting, etc.) on an older each that can evaluate. What a wonderful resource.

Love your job and appreciate your players. They will reward you daily and for the rest of your life.
Back to Table of Contents

Metro experiences first regional tournament
Jennifer Youngman
The Metropolitan

The Metro men's soccer team is headed for unchartered territory.

For the first time since the school's athletics program moved up to compete in Division II, the Roadrunners earned a berth in the NCAA regional tournament. Metro will play West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas on Nov. 12.

Knowing that the Roadrunners handed West Texas A&M one of only two losses (1-0 on Sept. 17 on the Auraria Fields) in Division II play this season, coach Brian Crookham said he is confident going into the game.

"We're defending well, and we're dangerous offensively," Crookham said, adding that since the Roadrunners switched to using three forwards, they've averaged more than three goals per game.

However, Crookham won't delve too deeply into his plan of attack for the game.

"We're developing that," he said laughing.

"We want to impose what we're doing on them, we want them to have to adjust to us."

One thing the Roadrunners will have to adjust to is the large crowd on hand for the game. Very few fans crowd the sidelines of Auraria Fields to watch the Roadrunners play, but Crookham said he anticipates a strong West Texas A&M following in Canyon.

"It's a different environment," he said. "We've got to minimize the distractions. We know how to play soccer. We know how to play good soccer. We just have to go out and do that."

Crookham said he is expecting sophomore goalie Eric Butler and sophomore forward Danny Gallardo to step up and lead the Roadrunners to victory over the Buffs.

Butler, who averages less than one goal against per game, was named as an honorable mention to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference team.

Gallardo, on the other hand, was named to the first RMAC team. Gallardo leads the Roadrunners in goals scored with 17, but did not score in Metro's Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament game with Fort Lewis on Nov. 4.

Instead, Gallardo assisted two goals in the 3-3 game that the Roadrunners lost in a shootout with the Skyhawks.

Fort Lewis made four penalty kicks in the shootout, while Metro made only two on four attempts.

Crookham said he isn't exactly fond of the shootout system.

"Sometimes I feel like they might as well just flip a coin," he said.

Crookham said that he wasn't disappointed in his players, as they had put everything into the game during regulation and overtime, but knew they had a chance to win.

"We felt like we should have won that game," Crookham said. "The fact that we let them score a goal with seven minutes to go, we're not happy about that."

Yet, even with the defeat in the shootout, Crookham said the Roadrunners remained hopeful that they'd still earn a berth in the regional tournament.

"I don't think we ever put our heads down and thought it was over," he said, adding that he talked to the team immediately following the game. "We expected to meet Monday and practice Tuesday."

The Roadrunners did practice Tuesday and will continue to practice until they face West Texas A&M. And Crookham doesn't think it'll end there.

"We don't feel like we're done yet," Crookham said.
Back to Table of Contents

Women’s soccer rides rollercoaster season
Eric McConnell
The Metropolitan

If there were one word that could describe the Metro women’s soccer season, it would be unpredictable.

"This year was a roller coaster," said senior midfielder Janice Armstrong. "You just never knew which team was gonna show up. I’ve never played on a team where you can beat the best (Mesa) one-week and then allow six goals the next. That’s just how the season went."

The Roadrunners finished the season 11-8-1, 8-4 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, but all things considered, the record is a bit more respectable than it may look.

Metro lost eight seniors last year but never dropped out of the hunt for the post-season.

After posting a convincing win over conference champion Mesa State and a hard fought win in overtime with Fort Lewis, Regis ended Metro’s season with a thud, beating them 6-1 in the RMAC Tournament on Nov. 3.

In a year that was viewed by many as a chance to rebuild, the Metro women still managed to sneak back into the RMAC Tournament for the third straight season, the only RMAC team to perform the feat. Also, the Roadrunners allowed more than 40 goals this year and were still able to finish with a winning record.

"It’s rare to see a team give up more goals than it scores and still finish above .500," said coach Ed Montojo. "We had some really good games this season, then we had games where we gave up six goals. But we’re the only team to be in the RMAC Tournament every year that it’s been held. We have to feel successful from that standpoint."

In the RMAC tournament, Regis scored the first goal even before the Roadrunners could blink, just needing the first 43 seconds to go up. Then, before the Roadrunners knew what had happened, they found themselves in a 3-0 hole at halftime.

"We gave them three early goals," Montojo said. "We just shot ourselves in the foot, which really gave them an opportunity to rest some people and stay fresh."

Knowing how dangerous Regis has been in the second half this season, the Roadrunners discussed how they might get themselves back in the game.

"At halftime we talked about how we could get the momentum back," Montojo said. "We knew we’d have to take some risks."

Those risks resulted in three more goals by Regis. Metro would add a late goal, scored by Armstrong, with an assist by senior Julie Zanon to make the game respectable. When all was said and done, though, Metro had lost 6-1. The game was over and so was the season.

Even though the team didn’t’ make it into the regional, Armstrong was named to the RMAC All-Conference first team. Sophomore Sara Norkoli and juniors Jennifer Kitano and Jole Wilson were named to the second team all-conference.

Now the focus will turn to next season and the improvements that must be made to contend for the RMAC title yet again.

"Number one, we need to improve our goalkeeping and we need to improve our defense all over the field," Montojo said. "We gave up a lot of goals this year. Second, we have to learn to be consistent. We just have to take it up another notch."

Should the Roadrunners reach that next notch in 2001, it will definitely be a force to contend with in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
Back to Table of Contents