Volume 23, issue 9, October 13, 2000

Metronews

Anti-abortion demonstrators spark hate speech debate on campus
Sean Weaver
The Metropolitan

Debate over free-speech rights has raged on campus since anti-abortion demonstrators and students clashed Oct. 2 and 4.

"We’re all concerned about First Amendment issues," said Auraria chief of Police Joe Ortiz.

Auraria police arrested Chuck Spigola Oct. 4 after he and his group harassed students on campus.

"There is a difference between an individual and a group," Ortiz said.

"An individual can come down here and spout off anything he wants, as long as he doesn’t disrupt the campus. When they come down here as a group, they are in violation of our policy.

"(Spigola’s group) couldn’t grasp that distinction. They were not acting as individuals, but acting collectively. They were fully informed that we did not deny them the right to speak, we just regulate it for the students’ protection."

Tracy Rhines, Metro’s student government vice president of Administration and Finance, said he was glad to see the protesters arrested.

"They should have arrested, but that’s exactly what they want," he said. "So how can you deter people where the deterrent is what they want? I just feel like my hands are tied in so many ways. I really do feel it’s dangerous for the students to get involved because it’s going to escalate each time. They will endanger more students and start to interferer with our academic courses."

Metro’s assistant vice president of college communications, Debbie Thomas said the college has clear rules regarding groups speaking on campus.

"Obviously we support everyone’s right to free speech," Thomas said. "If people do want to conduct some sort of group demonstration, they are required to get a permit. It’s not an issue of free speech."

The use permits regulating speech are allowed if three conditions are met. First, the government must show there is an important reason for permits, such as to receive advance notice to ensure public safety. Second, the procedure for obtaining a permit must be clear to prevent bias from decision making, and third, safeguards must be in place, which allow a full hearing before speech is prevented.

In order for a group to obtain a permit to hold a demonstration on campus, a student organization or institutional organization must sponsor them, Ortiz said. After a group sponsors speakers or a demonstration, Auraria administrators consider if security will be needed, if the event would disrupt campus by means such as amplified sound, or if there is a schedule conflict for space.

Ortiz said the anti-abortion demonstrators crossed the boundary of protected free speech when they began to taunt and harass individual students.

"It got to a point to where if we didn’t remove him, the crowd was worked up enough to where violence could have erupted," Ortiz said.

The Supreme Court has made a distinction in several cases between fighting words, which is not protected speech under the First Amendment, and speech, which might be considered offensive.

"Resort to epithets or personal abuse is not in any proper sense communication of information or opinion safeguarded by the Constitution," wrote Supreme Court justice Frank Murphy in delivering the court’s 1942 opinion on fighting words. The court has also held the more broad category of hate speech or other offensive speech is protected.

"Displays containing abusive invective, no matter how vicious or severe, are permissible," wrote justice Antonin Scalia. "Those who wish to use ‘fighting words’ in connection with other ideas — to express hostility for example, on the basis of political affiliation, union membership, or homosexuality — are not covered."

Rhines said he feels off campus groups are more protected than students.

"What I really feel is unfair, is the students are held to a higher standard than people who come in from off campus," he said. "The students stand more a chance of getting in trouble than people who come in from off campus. Rhines said the student government is considering ways to prevent clashes between students and off-campus protesters in the future.

One of the options the group is considering is a student marshalling program where selected students can help diffuse a confrontation.

"I think that will be as effective as pouring gasoline on a fire, but we have to try," he said. " I hope it does work"

Ortiz said students should consider other avenues, besides violence when confronted with offensive speech.

"We have the option of listening or going out about our business," he said. "If you don’t want to listen, just keep walking."
‘We have the option of listening, or going about our business. If you don’t want to listen, just keep walking.’

— Joe Ortiz
Auraria Chief of Police
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Auraria deans discuss gallery's fate
Chris Ward
The Metropolitan

The deans of the three campus art departments met with student representatives and Auraria executive vice president for Administration Dean Wolf Oct. 11 to discuss the future of Emmanuel Gallery.

Metro student representative James McLellan said the gallery, which has been closed since July 1, should be open for the spring 2001 semester.

"I’d say it’s almost 100 percent that it will be open this spring," McLellan said.

Mark Heckler, dean of University of Colorado at Denver’s college of arts and media, simply said the chances of the gallery being open in January were "better than 50 percent."

The main result of the meeting was an agreement between the art department deans and Wolf to prepare a proposal on how to generate the $20,000 needed to get the gallery open by spring. The proposal, which "will make sure Emmanuel is open this spring," according to McLellan, will be presented to Auraria Higher Education Center Oct. 17.

"We think that it will cover half a year," Heckler said. The $20,000, which will come from the three schools and Auraria, will cover the operating costs of the gallery and the salary of whoever runs it during that semester. The gallery had previously been operating on a budget of $37,499 for the 1999-2000 fiscal year.

A long-term proposal will be presented to Auraria executives Nov. 21. The long-term plan will include finding a permanent director and taking steps to ensure that Emmanuel Gallery would remain open. Heckler said the proposal would mean having everything in place by July 1, 2001, for the start of the next fiscal year.

Heckler said no one has been selected to run the gallery until the new director is hired, but he has suggested contacting Ken Peterson. Peterson was the interim gallery director until his salary was eliminated from the budget July 1. The Auraria Visual Arts Council will be handling the search.

"I’ve asked them to work with Dick Feurborn," Heckler said. Feurborn, the division director of Facilities Planning and Use, has been trying to find a way to reopen the gallery since August.

Heckler also pointed out that operating the gallery during the spring would not necessarily include hiring someone new.

"It’s not a job, it’s not a position," Heckler said. "It’s just a way to fill the requirement until we find someone permanent."

Among the factors affecting the meeting was a petition circulated by Metro’s Art Guild. The petition, which was turned in to Wolf Oct. 9, contained 2,109 signatures of students who wanted the gallery reopened as soon as possible.

"The signatures were very encouraging," Art Guild member Arlene Bergslien said. "They showed that there were a lot of students not only who supported the gallery, but even a few who were interested in working there once it reopened."

"I think it had an important impact on the meeting," Heckler said of the petition. He also commented on the guild’s ability to clearly articulate what the gallery meant to them.

"I think they handled themselves very professionally," he said. "That goes a long way."
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Human rights activist scheduled for lecture
Jennifer Youngman
The Metropolitan

To some he’s known as the "moral voice of Mexico."

To others he’s known as Don Samuel.

He is Samuel Ruiz Garcia, a former Catholic bishop who mediated the conflict between the indigenous Zapatistas and the Mexican government after a 1994 rebellion and has since been nominated for four Noble Peace Prizes.

Ruiz Garcia is spending the weekend of Oct. 13-15 in Denver, speaking both privately and publicly about his human rights work in Mexico.

Ruiz Garcia’s first public speaking engagement is at the Tivoli Turnhalle at 7 p.m. Oct. 13. The lecture is called Developing a Global Human Rights Campaign.

Anna Sampaio, a political science professor at the University of Colorado at Denver and the chairwoman of the committee which brought Ruiz Garcia to Denver, said the lecture will detail the history of the former Bishop’s fight for human rights. She said the lecture will also address ways for indigenous people from around the world to link together, hence Developing a Global Human Rights Campaign.

On Oct. 14, from 4-6 p.m., Ruiz Garcia will be listening, instead of speaking. At the Four Winds American Indian Center, the former Bishop will listen to those who come to share their struggles as indigenous people, Sampaio said. However, Ruiz Garcia will close out the session with a 30-minute statement.

Ruiz Garcia’s final meeting with the public will be Oct. 15 as he hosts Mass at St. Dominic’s Church at 5 p.m.

All three of these events are free and open to the public and Sampaio said she hopes that many will attend.

"A lot of people have heard of Chiapas, and the turmoil there," Sampaio said. "We wanted to construct a more meaningful dialog on the topic."

Sampaio also noted that both English and Spanish translations will be available at the events.

For more information contact Anna Sampaio 303-556-8318.
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police briefs

Police seek bumper car driver

Auraria Police are looking for the driver who hit a parked car in Lot E, next to the Auraria administration building, sometime between 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 3.

The car, a green Geo Metro belonging to Ryan Cosyns, 27, of Broomfield, was hit on the drivers’ side front door, causing slight damage, said Mark Bradley of the Auraria Police Department.

Cosyns could not be reached for comment.

Car assulted in parking garage

Someone broke off the windshield wipers and scratched and dented the front, rear hoods, and the passenger side of a 93 Nissan Sentra, according to Auraria Police reports.

The car was parked on the third floor of the Auraria parking garage.

Kelly Meigs, a Metro student and Auraria Parking employee who owns the car noticed the damage around 10 p.m. on Oct. 3 as she was leaving for the night.

"I have no clue (who did this)" Meigs said.

Juveniles attempt to take bike

Police arrested four juveniles for attempted bike theft Oct 11 on the east side of the Tivoli, John Stahl of the Auraria Police department said.

The four juveniles cut the bike lock on a Silver GT Aggressor, Stahl said. Students witnessed the crime and reported it to the Auraria Police, who caught three of the four on the east side of the Tivoli. The fourth fled on the bike, abandoning it in front of the Denver Phone Company building on Auraria Parkway then fled on foot, finally being caught just outside the player entrance of the Pepsi center.

Auraria Police refused to give any information on the four, other then that they had no campus affiliation. The owner of the bike has not yet been located.

—Kearny Williams
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Representative believes financial aid provision unfair
Sean Weaver
The Metropolitan

The author of a bill to repeal denial of federal financial aid to people convicted for drug offenses said he will reintroduce the measure next year if it is turned down.

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), the bill’s author, said the current law discriminates against poor and minority students.

"It’s and example of the stupidity in the way we are trying to prevent people from doing drugs," Frank said. "Bush and Gore, if they needed financial assistance, would have been turned down under the law. By definition, if you have enough money, it doesn’t hurt you."

Under the current law, any student who has been convicted of any drug offense under state or federal law is ineligible to receive any grant, student loan, or work assistance, unless he or she completes an approved rehabilitation program. For a person convicted of a first-time offense for possession of drugs, a student is ineligible for financial aid for one year. For the second possession offense, a student is ineligible for two years, and for a third possession conviction, a student is ineligible indefinitely. For a person convicted of selling drugs, a first-time offense carries a one-year term, and for a second selling conviction, the term is indefinite.

Colorado colleges and universities mostly rely on a student’s honesty about drug convictions, since financial aid offices are not required to verify students’ answers regarding drug convictions.

The Colorado Department of Education, however, conducts random checks on financial aid forms, and a student caught lying faces the loss of all financial aid privileges.
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Minority student population growing across Colorado

DENVER (AP) — A state education official said a new report that shows minorities now make up 20 percent of Colorado's in-state public college students is proof that measures to promote campus diversity are working.

A study released Oct. 5 by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education said there are 31,746 minority undergraduates in Colorado public colleges — 20 percent of the total and 3,000 more than four years ago.

The report shows the state's system for attracting minorities to college is working, says Jeanne Adkins, director of policy and planning for the commission.

"We’re seeing consistent improvement, and that's what we're looking for," Adkins said.

In 1998, Colorado dropped a controversial quota system in favor of a system in which each college sets its own goals and methods for attracting students from minority groups.

While the numbers do not show a dramatic difference between the quota and the new system in drawing minority students, Adkins said she thinks the new system is at least as effective as quotas. Two years is not enough time for enrollment numbers to fully reflect the new system, she said.

Adkins said Colorado’s public schools use a wide variety of avenues for minority recruitment and retention.

"None of the 28 institutions is doing the exact same thing," she said. "They’ve all tailored their efforts to take advantage of the strengths of their campuses to attract and keep minority students."

For example, the Colorado School of Mines is working to increase the number of qualified minorities through high-school outreach and summer programs. Fort Lewis College said it will live up to its mission to provide access to Native Americans, among other goals.

The report defines minorities as students of Hispanic, Asian, black or Native American descent.

Skeptics said diversity breakdowns can be deceptive.

"You have to be careful when you start lumping groups together — that’s a dangerous game," said Cecil Glenn, former director of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado at Denver. "Some groups can go up (in enrollment), but who goes down? Hispanics are a fast-growing population. But if blacks and Native Americans go down, what have we accomplished? When all groups go up, then you can boast about it."
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Computers & technology

Number of online classrooms going up
Veronica Carpio
The Metropolitan

With the introduction of the Internet a new kind of classroom has come into existence — the 21st Century virtual classroom.

Online courses have become common among higher education institutions in Colorado.

According to Cathy Lucas, director of communications at Metro, there are 144 online courses this fall. Out of the 17,504 students attending this semester there are 2,638 students enrolled in online courses. Online courses range from Accounting to Women of Color.

All online teachers must use a homepage and have a web site in order for the virtual classroom to exist. Teachers are able to use the school’s server and run a website through it to the World Wide Web.

Professor Petra Meyer-Frazier found connecting to the Metro system to be the most difficult thing in the creation process.

"I had problems figuring out all the logistics and commands to upload from home to the Metro server and get the site on the server," said Meyer-Frazier, a teacher of Music Appreciation in both the traditional classroom and in the virtual classroom. "Pregnancy was the primary reason I decided to teach online. Secondary was to have the experience in such a new venue of education."

Learning is a community process and it is very difficult to create that community experience in an online class said Henry Norton, an accounting teacher at Metro.

"Students tend to have a tendency to become islands, isolated from other students and from me," he said. "This leaves them out there with their computers and their textbooks, not asking question or discussing problems they are having with material."

None the less, Norton felt it was important to get the course online and make it more accessible to students who have other things, like family and work, going on in their lives.

Although student participation and interaction is a common obstacle in online courses, Megan McClard, who retired from traditional classroom teaching in 1996, sees the biggest advantage of teaching an online course to be access to materials and flexibility of time.

"An online workshop allows students to interact in much the same way as a conventional workshop, with the added advantage of having time to think about their response and with out one or two students dominating the discussion," she said.

McClard said she loves being able to communicate with her students via e-mail instead of trying to have a productive conversation in the hall as she hurries to another class.

"The amount of interaction is about the same, but without the unpleasant facial expressional or body language interfering with the consideration of the work itself," McClard said.

Depending on the course, the personal study habits and organizational skills of a student, online courses can either be easier or harder than the traditional classroom methods of learning.

Advantage and disadvantages to online classes vary from one instructor to the next. There is a consensus among educators that successful online students tend to be more independent, disciplined and dedicated.

As the 21st Century classroom allows teachers to maximize the international access that they have been give to unlimited teaching resources which they are using to better educate use, learning will continue to evolve to a whole new level.

‘ L earning is a community process.’

— Henry Norton
Metro accounting teacher
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Internet company sets out to poll the world on everything
Brian Bergstein
Associated Press

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Remember the old commercial about buying the world a Coke? In an Information Age version of that notion, 3Com Inc. plans to use the Internet to poll people around the world for their views on sex, education, dreams and other personal topics.

The computer networking company said Oct. 5 it is working with the Harris Poll and technology leaders such as Sun Microsystems Inc. and Oracle Corp., to carry out its "Planet Project" during four days next month.

"The poll is the biggest, fastest, most sophisticated survey of its kind ever attempted,’’ said 3Com’s chief executive, Bruce Claflin, in a statement from the "Planet Project Mission Control Center."

"It’s a bold demonstration of how technology can be used to foster greater understanding across geographic, cultural and economic barriers."

The goal of the project is less altruistic than world peace, however. 3Com, which spun off its Palm handheld computer division, wants to show off how its products and systems work behind the scenes of the Internet.

"Every phone in mission control is a 3Com NBX phone," the company dryly boasts, "streaming both voice and data in one network for superior inter-office connectivity.’’

Harris Interactive developed the poll’s questions, to be offered in eight languages.

Questions will be posed at www.planetproject.com, and participants will be able to see how their answers compare to those of people around the world.
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Metroeditorial

Generation X voting inaction
Danielle Haraburda

The other day I had lunch with my old friend Joe. Joe enthusiastically showed me his new tattoo. He had spent months designing the ultimate "tatt"—getting two different friends, both artists, to work on it. After perfecting his creation, he spent a few weeks finding the "right" artist to copy his masterpiece and recreate it across Joe’s pectorals. As far as tattoos go, it was pretty cool, I guess. I expressed my appreciation and we turned our attention to other things.

As a political activist , I talk about politics quite a lot (it’s a hazard of being my friend), so eventually my discussion with Joe turned to a more civic-minded topic. Imagine my surprise when my friend casually mentioned that he really hadn’t had time to think about the upcoming election. In fact, he stated he wasn’t even sure if he was registered to vote.

"You’d take five months of your life to research a tattoo, but you don’t have time to vote?" I exclaimed.

Joe pointed out that while elected officials are only around for a few years, tattoos are forever. Guess he had me there.

Joe’s really not all that different from other youth these days. Apparently, the 18-30 age bracket is rife with political apathy. Only one-third of people in this category even bothers to vote. That means that this year approximately 35 million generation X’ers will not be found in the polls.

It seems we really love the Rock the Vote concerts, but the final analysis states we’re too busy surfing the web and driving around town with a cell phone strapped to our head.

Don’t tell me you’re too busy with your full-time job and full-time school schedule. So am I. Reading the newspaper to educate yourself on current issues, and taking 20 minutes once every couple of years isn’t going to derail your life.

And don’t tell me your vote won’t make a difference. This is a common statement, and during a presidential election year people have a tendency to forget there are other issues on the ballot. I heard this excuse the last time Coloradans had the chance to vote. Now I’m paying for a damn stadium I never wanted and won’t use.

This year voters can get a chance to vote on a great many things from medical marijuana, to a measure that effects state funding for public services, to an anti-abortion measure. Maybe not as cool and sexy as dragon of death tattoo across you chest, but, I assure you, it’s worth it.
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Auraria campus shouldn’t embrace hate speech

Dear Editor,

First off, I would like to commend Sean Weaver on his article "Free speech rights trampled on campus," in the Oct. 5 Metropolitan, for the sentiment in which it was written. However, I would caution his tone of condescension in the rights of students to bristle at the message being portrayed.

The rights of the protesters were not at all "trampled." The protesters were allowed to spread their message with little or no control from the police. They were only forced to leave when they had broken the laws, which have been upheld by courts and the Constitution.

It should also be noted that the students rights to free speech are somewhat controlled on the campus due to the "Rights and Responsibilities" which are printed in the Student Handbook and Calendar 2000. According to these guidelines, "participation in campus demonstrations which disrupt the normal operations of the College ...may be subject to disciplinary proceedings including, but not limited to, removal from campus, sanctions, and suspension (86-87)." I would like to know why Mr. Weaver chooses to champion the cause of an off-campus group and their freedom of hate speech, but does not question the limitation of free speech for students on this campus.

When comparing the message of the protesters this week on campus to the civil rights protests of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he leaves out the fact that Dr. King carried his message in a peaceful, lawful, and organized manner. The people on our campus last week were not claiming to be a group, in order to be outside of the reach of the laws that we all abide by.

Mr. Weaver states, "society does not need Hitler or Stalin to be a dictatorship. Freedom can be just as easily decimated by intolerant citizens." While this statement is certainly true, it brings about a whole other truth: Hitler used hate speech to rally support for his political agenda. Our Constitution might protect hate speech, but the campus community is not required to embrace the sentiment.

I hope that the newspaper will encourage students who are disturbed by the images and hateful speech to seek out support and help through the counseling center. I would also like to compliment the students who did witness the rally because they did not erupt into violence or destruction or property like the students at CU or CSU have done over something as trivial as a football game. I am proud to call myself an alumna of the Metropolitan State College of Denver

Theresa Aho
Metro Graduate
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History of Science video misunderstood, misinterpreted

Dear Editor,

As I read through the Metropolitan Oct. 6, I came across a letter to which I would like to respond. It is in regard to the video that was shown in the class History of Science 2800. I am also in that class and was one of the students who did not feel offended by it because it did not exist. The video offers a sarcastic voice and dry humor; this humor and voice are not pointed at non-westerners, but pointed at all. The video did look at the West, but that is not because the video says that other cultures are unimportant.

I do not believe that Mr. Utton was too sensitive, but I do believe that he misinterpreted the video and its message. I also find that the professor’s handling of the video discussion was professional.

The majority of the class did not find the video objectionable, but did find the idea of having the video censored very objectionable. This college class is a great class where everyone’s opinion is allowed. The class listened to the concerns raised about the video and decided that they were not found in the video.

In the university setting there is a need for the academic freedom not to be censored because of a misunderstanding or a misinterpretation. I respect Mr. Utton for his concern, but strongly disagree with his evaluation of the video and the suggestion of intolerance in our class. Our class and the way it is conducted is about tolerance and people’s right to say what they feel as well as other people’s response to their ideas.

Candace Farmer
Metro Student
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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
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Denver International Film Festival

Ron Henderson: the man behind the festival
Troy Markgraf
The Metropolitan

Tchuss, Auf Wiedersehen, Au Revoir, Hasta La Vista … These are just a few of many ways that the Denver International Film Festival will help you say goodbye to your typical movie experience. However, after enjoying the festival, be sure to thank the executive director of the Denver Film Society, Ron Henderson.

Why the gratuity? Henderson has been a force in keeping the reels moving on one of Colorado’s premier film festivals. Henderson, who originally arrived in Colorado in the mid 70’s, worked on the Festival during its first year when the script for a new film festival had yet to be written.

"I heard that a film festival was getting started and that they were looking for a volunteer public relations director. So I volunteered. This was in 1978, in May, in fact it (the Festival) was called 10 Days in May. We had about 78 films and we used about three venues, none-of-which exist as movie theatres anymore," said Henderson.

Most of Henderson’s public relations work was done during the original three years of the festival. The founding group ran the original festival as a pilot of sorts, to test the public’s reaction.

"The event initially was an experiment just to see if there was an audience here for a film festival. It was very successful and exceeded the organizer’s expectations. So we decided to try it again," added Henderson.

The festival ran for another three years when the group decided to condense into The Denver Film Society, which is a non-profit organization. After the third year, Henderson became the executive director of D.F.S. The festival has now enjoyed over twenty-two years of successful runs.

"I think, to be modest, that it’s always been a festival that’s respected in the International Film Community, by the various National Film Institutes and producers," added Henderson.

Now Henderson uses the first part of the year preparing for festival by flying to other international film festivals. He also takes the time to meet with directors of other film festivals. Though it’s not exactly what some people would term "work," Henderson views all of the films from a scrutinizing seat.

"I go to Sundance in January, I go to Berlin in February. Berlin is the first major international film festival on the calendar. And then I go to Cannes," said Henderson. "At Sundance we’re looking for what’s new in the independent film world. At Berlin and Cannes, it’s the new international features, as well as documentaries and independently produced films."

When the festival is close to production, Henderson’s schedule becomes a work of organized chaos. Along with preparing the festival for the public, Henderson must also please sponsors and the film’s creative staff.

"We’re getting ready to host more than 85 filmmakers, so we’re dealing with all the travel arrangements. There’s a huge interest on the part of the media to do press interviews, so we’re dealing with that. Our opening night is a big celebration. We have filmmakers calling all day long wanting to know when their film is playing, whether they can get a press interview, that sort of thing."

Although the festival spends so much of Henderson’s time and energy, he seems to enjoy his work. When asked about which upcoming film he likes the most and would most like people to see, Henderson becomes almost sentimental about the films.

"That’s like asking me ‘Which is my favorite child?’"

‘I think, to be modest, that it’s always been a festival that’s respected in the International Film Community’
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Festival honors Claire Denis
Chris Ward
The Metropolitan

As part of its Salute to French Cinema, the Denver International Film Festival will feature a tribute to French director Claire Denis. Denis will be appearing at the festival with three of her recent films: Beau Travail (1999), Nenette et Boni (1996), and I Can’t Sleep (1994).

Best known to American audiences for her 1988 debut Chocolat, Denis has directed a dozen movies in as many years, five of which she wrote. She has also dabbled in acting, most recently in "Venus Beauty Institute," which can also be seen at this year’s festival.

The three films selected for Denis’ tribute are all very character driven, and provide a good sense of Denis’ style for those who are unfamiliar with her work.

I Can’t Sleep is probably the low point of the tribute. The film focuses on three characters, using a story about a series of murdered elderly women to tie the film together. With the character emphasis as strong as it is however, the story of the film fades almost entirely to the background.

Two of the characters the I Can’t Sleep follows are Camile and his brother Theo. Theo’s marital problems as he attempts to raise his daughter make an interesting side story, which unfortunately never really pays off.

Camile rarely interacts with his brother, instead spending much of the film at drag clubs or meeting his lover in a hotel. His unlikable character is never really developed until the last third of the film. Even then, what should be an intriguing plot twist comes off more as an afterthought.

Daïga, the third central character, is given the least depth of the three. Arriving in Paris from Lithuania as the film opens, and leaving just before the closing credits, Daïga does little except get a job at the hotel Camile lives in.

Though at times visually intriguing, I Can’t Sleep leaves the viewer wanting for something more.

That something can be found in Nenette et Boni, which succeeds where I Can’t Sleep failed by following a story line that forces the characters not only to interact with each other, but to grow and develop at the same time.

Boni, a high school dropout who lives in his late mother’s house, spends his days operating a pizza van and his nights fantasizing about raping the neighborhood baker’s wife.

Boni’s sister, Nenette, shows up on his doorstep one day several months pregnant. As was the case when their mother died and their father left, Boni is forced to take responsibility for his younger sister as she decides what to do with her impending child.

Especially interesting here is Boni’s relationship with the baker’s wife. While his late-night fantasies are violent, graphic, and at times disturbing, his interaction with her on a day-to-day basis is by contrast very polite and understated.

Denis’ latest film, Beau Travail, was unavailable for review prior to the festival. The film is about life in a French Foreign Legion camp in Africa.

Denis has described filmmaking as "sharing, and that’s what interests me." What also appears to interest her is character, and when she can develop a good story around interesting characters, the result she shares with her audience is cinematic excellence.
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Director profile: Elizabeth Holder
Chris Ward
The Metropolitan

Elizabeth Holder has been working in movies since she was a production assistant on 1988’s Hairspray, but this year’s Denver International Film Festival will feature her first experience directing a feature film.

Holder will be appearing with The Acting Class, which she directed with Jill Hennessy. Hennessy, who is most well known for her three-year stint on Law & Order, also plays one of the films major characters.

"She’s a real joy to work with," Holder said of Hennessy. The two previously worked together in Weekend Getaway, a short film by Holder that was shown at last year’s festival.

The Acting Class is a pseudo-documentary in the style of Waiting for Guffman and other Christopher Guest films. In it college students Liz, played by Holder, and Jill, who is never seen but played by Hennessy, are two college students who set out to make a documentary about Ken LaPoubelle, one of New York’s most prominent acting teachers.

What they find is that LaPoubelle isn’t nearly as good as he’s cracked up to be. Training his students to use over-act or draw on unrelated memories for inspiration, LaPoubelle is also abusive to all but his favorite students.

His current favorite is Amanda Smythe, also played by Holder. Although neither one will admit it, there are indications of a comical sexual relationship between the two.

The rest of the class is made up of Will Bennett (played by Will Arnett, also of Weekend Getaway), Paolo Conte (played by Paolo Mastropetro) and Jacque Everton (played by Jacqueline Hennessy, Jill Hennessey’s sister).

LaPoubelle is portrayed wonderfully by newcomer Ken Murton. Both in the class and during interviews, LaPoubelle is one of those characters audiences love to hate. He’s egotistical, narcissistic, and critical of anyone who doesn’t see him as a genius.

Bookended by a visit to LaPoubelle’s class and Smythe’s audition for a walk-on part on a fictional TV show, the majority of the film is interviews with former students of LaPoubelle’s. This sets the stage for a series of entertaining cameos, the best of which is by Benjamin Bratt, who is reduced to tears by the very mention of LaPoubelle’s name.

Bratt’s reaction is one of the two extremes shown by a variety of actors interviewed. While many agree with Bratt, others can’t praise LaPoubelle enough. Among the later is Alec Baldwin in an uncredited role as an actor in Canadian air safety videos.

Denver will be the third place The Acting Class is shown, having visited film festivals in Lake Placid and Maryland. So far, Holder said, audiences have enjoyed the film.

"It’s been really good," she said of the audiences’ reactions at the two festivals. "We sold out in Maryland and got a good review in the local paper."

Despite the similar style, Holder said that she hasn’t had anyone compare her film to other mock documentaries.

"No one’s really compared it to anything except their own experience. A lot of people have had stories about being abused by acting teachers."

While she’s enjoyed the other festivals, Holder is especially looking forward to coming to Denver. In addition to being impressed with the Denver audience’s reaction to Weekend Getaway last year, she is hoping to meet up with friends and family while she’s in town.

"I’m so excited," she said when asked about Denver’s festival. "I have a lot of connections here, so it’s absolutely thrilling." The connections she referred to are her sister, her cousin, and one of her good friends form college, all of whom live in Denver.

As for the making of The Acting Class, Holder said she was glad to be able to work with Baldwin and other well-known stars, but was also impressed by the actors who haven’t received as much recognition.

"I think it’s great if people want to see actors they know and recognize, but there’s a lot of talented actors who aren’t famous in this film."

Her future projects include Family Recipe, a second short film currently in post-production, and a documentary (a real one this time) about women on Wall Street. She also hopes to collaborate with Hennessy again.

"I would be so lucky," Holder said about the possibility of working with Hennessy again. "She’s an incredible actress and I look forward to directing her in other features."
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‘Harry’ combines suspense, dark comedy
Chris Ward
The Metropolitan

As Harry, He’s Here to Help opens, Michel and Claire are taking a typical family vacation. Typical in that their three daughters are constantly complaining, crying, or kicking the back of Michel’s seat.

Growing weary of the drive to the family’s summer home, which is in the process of being renovated, Michel pulls into a rest stop so the family can have a break from the hot, cramped car. This is where he runs into Harry, an old high school friend of his who he hasn’t seen in years.

Harry seems to have made all the right decisions since high school. He has a great job, a devoted girlfriend, and he makes enough money to buy cars as gifts. Upon meeting his old friend, Harry is more than eager to join Michel’s family for a few days and help out any way he can. It isn’t long, however, before Michel and Claire wonder how helpful Harry really is.

Wile effective as both black comedy and suspense, "Harry" ultimately succeeds as a character study. Harry, played by Sergi Lopez, gets what he wants by any means necessary. And what he wants in this film is to do what he thinks is best for Michel.

When Michel’s children complain about the heat, Harry lets them ride in his air-conditioned car. When Michel’s own car breaks down, Harry buys him a new one. When Michel’s parents threaten to get in the way of his happiness, Harry does what he can to prevent them from doing so.

Living by the mantra, "Excess is the only way to fulfillment," Harry serves to show Michel how his life could have been different if he had gone for material wealth instead of starting a family, while reminding him of the talent he once had as a writer.

Also effective in the film is the apparent irony of the title. When Harry’s help becomes more trouble than it is worth, the basic irony becomes obvious. Less blatant, however, is the fact that by the end of the film, Harry has actually helped quite a bit.

Although there is some question as to whether the ends justify the means, by the time the credits roll Michel feels much closer to his family and has started writing again. He even finishes filling in the well near his house, a task he had been putting off for most of the film.

While Lopez carries much of the movie, credit must also be given to Laurent Lucas, who’s Michel serves as the ideal inspiration to Lopez’ Harry. Also worth mentioning are director Dominik Moll and Gilles Marchand, who co-wrote the screenplay with Moll.

Harry may not become a classic suspense film, but it is an entertaining piece of cinema, and has the ability to incite discussion of the characters long after leaving the theater. And unlike recent American films of the same genre, it gives its audience enough credit not to make every single plot point excruciatingly obvious. Rather, each development is given just enough time to be effective, and then isn’t revisited unless something new can be drawn from it.

Maybe French filmmakers just assume their audience can think on its own.

Harry, He’s Here to Help

Directed by: Dominik Moll

Country: France

Language: French

Runtime: 117 min.

When: Oct. 13 at 7:00 and Oct. 16 at 9:30
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‘Cow’ provides fresh take on genre
Chris Ward
The Metropolitan

The majority of American romantic comedies are essentially identical in format: An attractive man meets an attractive woman, they date, fight, make up, and live happily ever after.

Perhaps that’s why Germany’s The Wedding Cow is so refreshing. The man and woman aren’t immediately drawn to each other (although there is little doubt on the part of the audience that they will end up together) and they aren’t endangering the careers of any supermodels.

The other saving grace of The Wedding Cow is that it concentrates on the comedy more than the romance. Putting the characters into situations just bizarre enough to be believable, first-time director Tomi Streiff makes it a priority to entertain the audience. As a result, these characters are more likable than those in the more melodramatic films of the genre.

The story follows Flora as she tries to get to Appenweier, where she has plans to work as a librarian. Flora has an optimistic outlook, which remains intact even after her money and traveling papers are stolen, forcing her to hitchhike.

Tim, a plumber on the way to his wedding, picks Flora up and agrees to take her as far as he can. Traveling with Tim is Hannah, the titular cow who was given to Tim as a wedding present.

It’s not long before Hannah predictably escapes, setting off a series of events that serve to delay Tim’s return home to his fiancée while forcing him to spend more time in close proximity with Flora.

One of the more subtle plot devices of The Wedding Cow, and one of the reasons the romance between Flora and Tim is believable, is the drawing of parallels between the two lead characters. Both Tim and Flora are trying to get somewhere to start a new phase of their lives, and they both are constantly trying to live by the standards of a family member. Tim is trying to gain approval from his mother while Flora lives by the words of her sister.

Another effective technique employed by Streiff is the use of cinematography normally reserved for more serious films. The image of a man leading a woman on horseback across the horizon while her dress billows in the wind has a much different effect when the horse is replaced with a cow.

Although some of the humor is predictable, and there’s nothing groundbreaking to be found in the movie, The Wedding Cow is still a fun and entertaining film. At the very least, it provides a lighthearted moment in a festival largely made up of serious, thought-provoking, films.

The Wedding Cow

Directed by: Tomi Streiff

Country: Germany

Language: German

Runtime: 87 min.

When: Oct. 14 at 2:00

Preceded by: "Are You Luigi?" (8 min.)

In Person: Tomi Streiff
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Slow-moving ‘Here Am I’ falls short
Chris Ward
The Metropolitan

Here Am I, the first film by Canadian directors Joshua Dorsey and Douglas Naimer, accomplishes something few films can. It makes 72 minutes seem to last several hours.

What could easily have been a very interesting study on the nature of religion is lost in a film that consists largely of the same shots being repeated ad nausea while one of the film’s four characters talks to another while the two travel through the desert.

The two central characters, a young boy and a silent man, aren’t given names, and referred to simply as "Boy" and "Man" in the credits.

The premise of the film is that the boy found his village destroyed, the work of the rarely seen "Horseman." The films fourth character, a dying elderly woman, tells the boy he must find the inks. After gathering up these inks, the boy finds the man, who hasn’t seen the sun in several years. Apparently he was once a well-respected teacher in the village, but the shock of the sunlight has turned him into little more than a clumsy mute.

The boy and man set out to find a river of ink, and during the next hour the audience is constantly reminded that the religion of the former village revolved around words. Someone who could write was respected; writing well was cause for reverence. The boy is sure that once they find this river of ink, the man will be able to teach him to write the most powerful words in existence.

The final ten minutes of the film, when the horseman finally catches up with the boy and man, is a work of cinematic excellence. There are several interesting revelations, and an ending ironic enough to forgive the shoot-out that precedes it. But none of this really makes up for the hour that the audience has to sit through to get there.

This needed to be a short film, perhaps 30 to 45 minutes in length. The ideas Dorsey and Naimer present are interesting, and the dramatic twists employed in the climactic scene are excellent, but too much time is spent in the redundant set-up.

The actors portraying the man and the horseman, Ivailo Christov and Josef Serchigiev respectively, have already established themselves in Bulgarian cinema, and Dorsey and Naimer definitely have the potential to lead successful careers as filmmakers, but "Here Am I" is not going to be the defining film of anyone involved in making it.

For some, Here Am I may be worth seeing for it’s ideas on religion, but viewers shouldn’t expect that alone to keep their attention.

Here Am I

Directed by: Joshua Dorsey and Douglas Naimer

Country: Canada

Language: Bulgarian and Hebrew

Runtime: 72 min.

When: Oct. 15 at 9:15
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Story, style prevail in ‘Why Get Married’
Chris Ward
The Metropolitan

It’s not often a film that can be considered tragic romance opens with one of the lovers being hit by a speeding car.

More often they end that way, leaving the audience weeping for the run-down hero of heroine. And that’s only one of the ways Why Get Married the Day the World Ends sets itself apart form the majority of modern cinema.

Written and directed by Harry Cleven, Why Get Married opens when Juliette, running from the obsessive Guido, is struck by a passing car, leaving her to lie in the road, staring at the moon and wondering what will become of her now.

What becomes of her is that Gaspard, an ambulance driver who she clings to as if her life depended on it, picks her up. Gaspard, on the other hand, is struck by this woman’s methods of dealing with her current situation, and keeps tabs on her after delivering her to the hospital. The combination of her seeing him as a savior and his concern for her welfare quickly leads to the films short-lived romance.

Not long after being visited by Guido, Juliette convinces Gaspard to help her sneak out of the hospital, to where she can get away from Guido’s fixation with her. After helping her escape, Gaspard continues to worry about Juliette, especially after a disturbing encounter with Guido.

Soon the two have run off to where they believe themselves to be free of Guido. Not only has Juliette escaped her stalker, Gaspard has severed his connections to his unrewarding job and dysfunctional family.

Of course, Guido finds them, and the pursuit that follows includes several well-crafted plot twists and character developments. Among these is Guido’s motivation behind pursuing Juliette. For reasons that are as unexpected as anything in this film, he feels that anyone except him who even touches Juliette is soiling her beyond redemption.

While the characterization and storyline are different than those in most films, what really sets this film apart more than anything, however, is its unique visual style. While Cleven clearly borrows from Darren Aronofsky’s ¹, he does so in such a way as to make the style his own. Where ¹ had a paranoid, unsettling feeling to it, Why Get Married comes off as a dream, and not a very unpleasant one at that.

Also, Aronofsky’s cinematography was unique enough that using it as a stepping-off point almost guarantees visuals unlike what most audiences are accustomed to.

Well written with intriguing characters and an interesting story line, "Why Get Married" proves entertaining and mentally stimulating from start to finish. Films this interesting and unique are the reason festivals are held.

Why Get Married the Day the World Ends

Directed by: Harry Cleven

Country: Belgum

Language: French

Runtime: 75 min.

When: Oct. 18 at 9:30

In Person: Harry Cleven
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Metroactive

horoscope by miss anna

ARIES: Your ideas and information could make the difference, be sure you inform those who can get the wheels turning. Self- sacrifice for the sake of loved ones is a joyful gift. But there are those who might want to take exception to your plans.

TAURUS: Clear communication will be very important. Follow up as soon as possible on all correspondence. You are set to make things happen and now have all you need at your disposal to do so. Changes need to be made at home - the suggestions won't be met with enthusiasm.

GEMINI: An unexpected money gift will give you the chance to try something new. You feel like you're walking off the edge of your usual routine, and the feeling is exhilarating. Take care of your own needs, which may include taking some time for yourself. Be prudent.

CANCER: Always remember that change is the only constant - for your idea of self may be a bit shaken up now. Attitude is everything when dealing with situations and people out of the norm. There are a few relationships important to you that need attention; be sure to state your needs clearly.

LEO: Something important you have been looking forward to is about to appear. Don't let your ego get the best of you and induce you to do something really risky. You're looking for a leadership role, but the time isn't right. Wait for the perfect moment to make your bid.

VIRGO: All seems quite well this week. In fact, you are probably sitting on top of the world. This satisfaction can come from several areas. Perhaps your love life is improving, or you may have just accomplished something at work. Pay very close attention to all you hear now.

LIBRA: Although you are an easy going character, you may easily offend someone if you are not at your diplomatic best. Spiritual inspiration comes in the company of like-minded friends. There is a real opportunity for success, but only if you're willing to change.

SCORPIO: Continue to insist on quality and honesty in all your dealings, especially when issues are in the spotlight. It may be the best time to examine how to best use your talents and abilities, and whether or not you need to shift gears where a job is concerned.

SAGITTARIUS: The darker side of family members' personalities may emerge if you are dealing with money. Remember that you can only do so much when someone else controls the situation. A requirement of personal interaction must be that you will be treated as an equal. No need to divulge secrets.

CAPRICORN: You are in danger of being seduced by something that has an attractive outer appearance, but won't hold up under close scrutiny. If greed is a part of your motivation, put a stop to it immediately. Don't criticize another unless it is done with the compassion.

AQUARIUS: Your energy level is at top speed - slow down and be a bit more cautious. It's time to talk about your need for a great deal of independence in relationships, so there are no uncomfortable surprises later. Clarify your point of view and assure others no offense was meant.

PISCES: Romance is in the picture, but be aware of jealous behavior. Point out that you are no one's possession. Words of love may get an immediate response, but be assured that you are appreciated. Your primary relationship will distract you from your work if you don't get a grip.

IF THIS WEEK IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Your daily grind may now become more frantic and all-consuming, which may lead to depleted health. Rest and relaxation are definitely in order for the next several months - to rejuvenate your frazzled energies. Make sure all communications are crystal clear; messages may get easily confused.
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Student Forum: Should all four of the presidential candidates be allowed to debate throughout the election year?

Michael Stone
Age: 25

School: Metro

Major: Biology
"Yeah, more voices out there couldn’t hurt. It gives you more of a choice."

Jeanna Lovato
Age: 18

School: Metro

Major: Undecided
"Yes, if they’re all running for president they all have the right to voice their opinion."

Gustabo Bermudas
Age: 30

School: Community College of Denver

Major: Engineering
"No, I like Al Gore and Bush and I don’t care about the opinions of the other two guys. The important things are the democrats and republicans"
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Only in Boulder...

Road rage hits rock bottom

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Call it a case of rock rage. One mountaineer drilled climbing hardware into a rock face, another took it out, and the sheriff’s office doesn’t want to get involved. Steve Dieckhoff and Christopher Alber are feuding over climbing styles on a climbing route in scenic Boulder Canyon.

Alber told Boulder County deputies he attached bolts and hangers to the rock so other climbers could use the route. Dieckhoff said that limits the options of other climbers, so he and a friend took them out.

"The challenge to climbing is something you create and the ways you find it," Dieckhoff said. "It shouldn’t be done to create handholds."

A sheriff’s report said Dieckhoff refused to give the bolts back, but a friend of his gave Alber a $225 check as compensation. Deputies said no theft occurred because the hardware amounted to abandoned property. Deputies suggested the climbers settle the dispute themselves.

Alber could not be reached for comment. Dieckhoff suggested a mediator could help.

There are no standards or rules for rock climbing in Boulder Canyon, Dieckhoff said.

"It’s like if in baseball, teams got together and disagreed on which way to run around bases or the size of the bat or the ball," he said. "It’s sort of like that for climbing right now.''
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And we thought Denver was a cow town

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — A herd of 217 cows trampled a fence, wandered onto a highway before rush hour and caused several accidents in morning fog Monday before sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, firefighters and a farmer could round them up.

Some stragglers were still missing Monday night, said John Schlagel, who owned the cattle.

The cattle were involved in seven accidents, Colorado State Patrol Trooper Carol Nero said. Six died.

One driver whose air bag inflated suffered a bloody nose after a collision with a cow shattered his windshield and totaled his car, Nero said.

The man was estimated to be driving the speed limit of 55 mph.

Nero responded to a call of a cow-car crash around 5 a.m. and saw about 20 cattle in the median of Colorado 119 between Boulder and Longmont.

"While I was on scene, I heard a car hit another cow," Nero said. "It was a loud thud and then screeching tires, and I said, ‘There’s another one’"

Some of the cattle were scattered over several miles.

They escaped from Schlagel’s farm south of Longmont on Ogalalia Road.

Schlagel said the cattle were only six months old and had just been taken from their mothers in New Mexico. They may have broken through the fence because they were uncomfortable with their new surroundings, he said.

Deputies, troopers and firefighters managed to herd many of the cattle off the road and into fields by lunchtime.
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Metrosports

Roadrunners split weekend series
Nick Garner and Eric Eames
The Metropolitan

The Metro women’s soccer team split a weekend series with two teams from Texas, the University of the Incarnate Word on Oct. 6 and St. Edwards University on Oct. 8.

Somewhere in between the two games, an epiphany struck Metro.

After being outplayed in a 6-1 loss to Incarnate Word, the Roadrunners made the necessary changes to slip past St. Edwards 2-1 at the Auraria Fields.

In the game against St. Edwards, senior forward Julie Zanon scored the game winner in the 65th minute to help freshmen goalkeeper Stephanie Boucher earn her first win. For Boucher, it was her first start of the season.

Two days prior, the Roadrunners could not find the offense as Incarnate Word took a 3-1 halftime lead and scored three more goals in the second to beat Metro 6-1. The lone Metro score came from sophomore Sara Norkoli, her seventh on the season. This was the first meeting between Metro and the Incarnate Word ever.

Incarnate Word would get the first three goals of the game before Metro came back with an answer. Incarnate would get three more in the second, as Crusader Brooke Hopkins recorded a hat trick and Natalie Bice came close, scoring two goals.

The one noticeable change was that in in net.

Coach Ed Montojo gave way to the freshman keeper and gave sophomore Bridget Gallagher a game off.

"We just felt that as a staff, we had to give her a chance," Montojo said. "And Stephanie responded the way we hoped she would."

The Roadrunners wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard to against St. Edwards. Five minutes into the game, Norkoli found the ball at her feet, after Zanon chipped a corner kick in front of the Hilltoppers’ goal. A St. Edward’s player made an attempt to clear the ball from the goal box, but instead left Norkoli in perfect position to score her seventh goal of the season

"Julie Zanon played a perfect ball in, but it went by us," Norkoli said, who left the game with a bruised knee later on in the first half. "Their defender knock it back straight to me and you need to put the ball in when that happens. You need to take advantage of your opportunities."

Metro (7-5-1) couldn’t capitalize on any more of its chances for the rest of the game, giving the Hilltoppers a chance to claw their way back.

In the 58th minute, St. Edward’s tied the game and regained some of the momentum on a goal that left Boucher with a slim chance of stopping it.

Forward Kelly Dacy dribbled free from two Metro defenders and smoked a shot from outside the penalty box that curved away from and out of the reach of Boucher to squeeze just below the far cross bar.

"I thought I was in a good position. But once I was on the ground and looked I realized that I was a little bit out of position," Boucher said.

Montojo said that Dacy had an open shot at Boucher because of a defensive breakdown, which made even more difficult for her to defend it.

The goal brought a sense of urgency to Metro, since they started off slow in the second half and they didn’t want to lose for a second time in three contests.

"We played so poorly against Incarnate Word that we needed to re-establish ourselves and get our confidence back in this game," Montojo said.

Zanon would add the finishing touches with her fifth goal of the season.

Off a deflected pass by senior Janice Armstrong, Zanon found herself all alone behind the Hilltoppers’ defenders and just a couple feet from goal. She took a quick look at St. Edwards’s goalkeeper Delina Lindsey before sending the ball into the net for the game winner.

"She took away my shot to the far post," Zanon said about Lindsey’s position. "So I just hit it left footed to the near post and it went in."

The last good scoring chance for St. Edwards came on a corner kick that Boucher punched out of the goal area with two minutes to play.

"Stephanie did a really good job," Zanon said. "She’s young, but she stayed strong, mentally and physically."

When asked to grade his teams performance against St. Edwards, Montojo gave high praise to the team effort, but said that the offense could have played better.

"For a overall team effort and commitment a A," Montojo said when asked to grade the Roadrunner's’ performance. "Finishing, scoring the goals, probably a C minus.

"We had some great opportunities in front of the net and we just didn’t put them away."

When asked how could his team go from a poorly played game against Incarnate Word to playing an almost perfect game against St. Edwards Montojo said it’s all about team work.

"(Against Incarnate Word) we were playing as individuals, not as a team," Montojo said. "We had a total team effort (against St. Edward’s). People were covering for each other, working hard for each other and not passing the buck or pointing the finger."
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Weekly Wrap-Up

Volleyball (14-5, 9-1 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference): The No. 25 Roadrunners won two more games on the road, defeating Adams State 15-5, 15-7, 15-7 and Fort Lewis 15-10,17-15, 15-4, extending their winning streak to 10 matches.

Against Adams State, junior Marian Bazana recorded a match-high 16 kills and teammate Mei-Rong Lu had 12 kills. Freshman Devon Herron, who leads the nation in assists, had 48. Metro dominated all aspects of the game, out hitting (63-46) out blocking (25-12) out dug 41-38 and out assisted the Skyhawks (59-44).

It didn’t take Metro long to get past Fort Lewis, only an hour and 38 minutes. The Roadrunners were led by Bazana's 21 kills. Freshmen Jessy Roy and Michelle McBurney had 19 and 10 kills, respectively. McBurney had seven block assists, while Herron had 57 assists and seven block assists.

Men’s Soccer (10-1-1, 5-1): No. 6 Metro was in Texas for two games this past weekend. The Roadrunners tied the Incarnate Word 1-1 and defeated St. Edwards 1-0.

The Incarnate Word would score first in the second half when they got a goal from Casey Smith who headed the ball past sophomore keeper Eric Butler to give his team the lead. No sooner did the Incarnate Word take the lead, Metro came back and tied the game, getting a goal from junior forward Tony Thomas.

Against St. Edwards three days later, on Oct. 9, both teams played tough defense, but it was senior defender Scott Gardner who broke the ice with 4:15 left in regulation. For Butler, it was his seventh shutout of the season.

Women’s Soccer (7-5-1, 4-2): While the men’s team was playing Incarnate Word and St. Edwards in Texas, the women’s team was playing them at the Auraria Fields. Metro lost against Incarnate Word 6-1 then came back two days later and defeated St. Edwards 2-1.

Against Incarnate Word on Oct. 6, Metro fell behind early and could not recover. Incarnate Word scored three goals in the first half then added three more in the second. The only goal for Metro came from sophomore forward Sara Norkoli late in the first half.

Two days later, the Metro offense would get going, getting goals from Norkoli and senior Julie Zanon. Freshman goalie Stephanie Boucher started in net for the first time all season, getting her first victory.
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Injury creates problem for Northern Colorado

GREELEY (AP) -- The health of quarterback Jon Boyer could have more far reaching effects for Northern Colorado.

Coach Kay Dalton said Boyer’s status for Saturday’s game against North Dakota and beyond could force him to look to the defense for a backup quarterback.

Sophomore Josh Stewart, will move to the starting job.

"Josh did all right,’’ Dalton said Oct. 9. "He knows the offense. He can throw the ball, but he is not a threat to run.’’

Boyer’s long-term status is uncertain.

"I’ve talked with trainers and after being examined again on Sunday, they aren’t sure," Dalton said.

Boyer left last week’s game after he was sacked late in the second quarter in the 17-7 loss to Nebraska-Omaha. He was diagnosed as having a separated right shoulder.

Trainers later said he also had a strained ligament in the shoulder.

"We’ll take some X-rays to look for structural damage and go from there," Dalton said.

The coach said he will likely go to the defense for a backup quarterback.

"We have a defensive back, Erik Viken, who worked with us as a quarterback for a year and he will be our backup quarterback," Dalton said.

Viken, a redshirt freshman from Burlington, is listed as the backup free safety on defense. During his high school career, he led Burlington to three state championships.

Dalton wants to redshirt the highly touted freshman.

"The reason I say that is I don’t think he would be ready to play.’’ Dalton said. "He has had no snaps and I don’t see any reason to use a year of eligibility up.’’
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Coach’s Corner

Editors Note: Every other week, a different Metro coach will give his or her personal insight about what is going on with their team.

This week: Men’s Soccer coach, Brian Crookham.

Sitting in a hotel room in Austin, Texas reflecting on the first half of the season. Today we beat St. Edwards University to go undefeated with our non-conference schedule. What factors have contributed to our success thus far? This is what I think:

Talent and Consistency — We returned 14 players to this year’s roster. Recruiting success is a must in college athletics. We have to have the players to make it work. Academic success the key to building a roster of good players over a period of time. The depth on our roster allows for competition at practice every day. The dedication of individual players to being successful both on and off the field has been evident.

Preparation — The next game is always the most important one that we will play. Our players and coaches have prepared for each opponent individually and we have not looked ahead. Part of the process is learning from mistakes and I feel we have done a good job of this. Hard work every day is key. Somewhere someone is working as hard as we are and we want to be prepared for them.

Communication — We feel that it is important to have clear lines of communication between players, coaches, professors, support personnel and administrators. This has been the biggest area of improvement on our team this year and one of the hardest things to do well on a commuter campus. With the number of good players that we have on our roster, it extremely important that they are able to talk about playing time and other issues that can be destructive to the team concept if not addressed.

Respect — Respect for teammates, coaches, opponents, support staff, professors and everyone else that plays a role in our success. When you are ranked in the top five in the country everyone is going to play their best game against you. Not once since we entered the Top 25 has an opponent lacked in preparation or intensity against us. Off the field it is important that we realize that we cannot be successful without the support of all of the people who will never get public recognition.

Composure - As I mentioned earlier, everyone is going to play their best game against you when you are at the top. We have done a good job of recognizing when we need to weather the storm and outlast a team. We have also done a good job of avoiding unnecessary cards and situations that can cost us a ballgame because of a lack of composure.

Assistant Coaches - These are the guys that do a lot of work that doesn’t get recognized. They are a major part of communication with the team and two great sets of eyes in helping solve tactical problems. Their value cannot be properly stated.

Thanks to all of the people who have supported us to this point. The next eight weeks will be defining for our program. Hopefully we are prepared for the challenge.

Next time: Oct. 27, Women’s Volleyball coach Debbie Hendricks
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on deck

Men’s Soccer:

Friday, Oct. 13 at 2:30 p.m.

No. 24 Colorado School of Mines @ No. 6 Metro --- This game will be a grudge match for the Roadrunners, since Mines handled them the only loss on the season, a 6-2 dribbling on Oct. 1

All-time record: 18-17-1

Sunday, Oct. 15 at 3 p.m.

No. 6 Metro @

University of Sourthern Colorado --- The first and only meeting on the year between the Roadrunners and the Thunderwolves. Last year, Metro lost to Southern Colorado 3-2 in double overtime.

All-time record: 10-11-0

Women’s Soccer:

Friday, Oct. 13 at 2:30 p.m.

Metro @ New Mexico Highlands--- This game will start off a four game road stretch for the Roadrunners. This is the second time Metro has ran into New Mexcio Highlands, the first time was a 3-0 shutout for the Roadrunners.

All-time record: 8-1-0

Sunday, Oct. 15 at 12:30 p.m.

Metro @ Southern Colorado--- This is the first meeting of the season between the Roadrunners and Thunderwolves. Metro won last year at the Auraria Field 3-2 in overtime. All-time record: 6-6-0

Women’s Volleyball:

Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.

New Mexico Highlands @ No. 25 Metro --- This is a match-up between the second place Roadrunners in the Eastern Division against Western Division leader New Mexico. This match will start a nine-game home stretch for Metro.

All-time record: 5-1

Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

CU-Colorado Springs @ No. 25 Metro --- The Roadrunners are a perfect 6-0 against CU-Colorado Springs at the Auraria Events Center in 17 meetings.

All-time record: 16-1

Sunday, Oct. 15 at 3 p.m.

Southern Colorado @ No. 25 Metro --- Metro lost in two meetings with the Thunderwolves last season, at the Auraria Events Center and at Southern Colorado.

All-time record: 18-7

Friday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.

Nebraska-Kearney @ No. 25 Metro --- This match will determine if the Roadrunners or the Lopers will be hosting the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament. The winner of this match also will have the upper hand of taking the Eastern Division crown.

All-time record: 5-10
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Final six games will test the Roadrunners
Eric Eames
The Metropolitan

With six games left in the Metro women’s soccer season, the Roadrunners want more then just the proverbial entry into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament.

Metro has the next four games on the road, its longest stretch of the season. They will face New Mexico Highlands, Southern Colorado, Regis and Colorado Christian before they return home to finish out the regular season against Mesa State and Fort Lewis. Four out of the six teams they face down the stretch, Metro has beaten.

"Our most important games are coming up," said sophomore forward Sara Norkoli. "I think we are a little disappointed (about our record). We lost a couple of important games, but a lot of them were not league games and we’re looking, right now, to finish at the top in the RMAC. That’s the No. 1 goal."

Coach Ed Montojo said that he doesn’t mind where the team is now, but he knows that the record could be better.

"We’ll take 7-5-1, but looking back on it, we probably could be 8-4, maybe 9-3, which would be more realistic for us," Montojo said.

What the Roadrunners want to do in reality is capturing the RMAC title.

Metro’s remaining six games are against conference opponents, but Montojo admits they will have to win them all to be crowned RMAC Champions.

"For us to achieve our goal of winning the RMAC Conference and finishing No. 1, we need to run the table in the last games," Montojo said. "If we stub our foot along the way we still want to qualify for the RMAC tournament. We’re looking for a top three finish in (the RMAC).

The road to the No. 1 spot will not be easy for Montojo’s team.

"We have another match with Mesa (State) coming up here, another match with Colorado Christian–two teams that beat us early on. We didn’t play particularly well in those games, but we think we can reverse our fortunes and change some things."

Mainly, removing the "I" that some how sneaked its way into "team."

"We’re progressing," Montojo added. "We just have to keep in mind and keep in focus that we are a team and play with our strengths and play for each other. We cannot lose that focus and just play as individuals."
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No. 7 Miami shocks No. 1 Florida State 27-24

Associated Press — Ken Dorsey threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jeremey Shockey with 46 seconds left as No. 7 Miami beat No. 1 Florida State 27-24 at the Orange Bowl.

The Oct. 7 game ended when Florida State’s Matt Munyon was wide right on a 49-yard field-goal attempt.

"Wouldn’t you know it?’’ Florida State coach Bobby Bowden asked. "He’s been wide left all year, and then that happens. We had him out there pretty far, though.’"

Bowden well remembers wide right field goals in 1991 and 1992 against Miami that probably cost his team a pair of national titles. The Hurricanes went on to win the national crown in ‘91.

Chris Weinke’s third touchdown pass of the game, a 29-yarder to Atrews Bell with 1:37 left, lifted the Seminoles into the lead for the first time at 24-20. And just when it appeared Florida State (5-1) would survive a gigantic scare, Dorsey rallied Miami (4-1) for its biggest win in Butch Davis’ six years as coach.

"It’s huge for the program," said linebacker Dan Morgan, who led Miami with 15 tackles and an interception. "This is definitely going to put us in national contention.’"

Florida State is the first No. 1 team to lose in the regular season since Ohio State was beaten by Michigan State 28-24 in 1998.

No. 2 Nebraska 49, Iowa St. 27

Eric Crouch ran for 138 yards and a late touchdown as Nebraska rallied to beat Iowa State.

Correll Buckhalter scored on two short touchdown runs for Nebraska which trailed 14-13 at halftime.

No. 3 Virginia Tech 35, Temple 13

Freshman cornerback Eric Green intercepted two passes and Virginia Tech held Temple to 116 yards.

Green, making his first start, intercepted a pass and returned it 41 yards to set up a touchdown that gave the Hokies a 28-13 lead. He also intercepted a pass in the end zone with nine minutes left to play.

Tech quarterback Michael Vick turned the ball over three times, was sacked four times, and rushed for just 55 yards.

No. 4 Kansas St. 52, Kansas 13

Jonathan Beasley ran for four touchdowns and passed for another.

Beasley had TD runs in the 31-point second quarter of 1, 4 and 15 yards. His fourth touchdown, on a 2-yard run with 4:04 left in the third quarter, put the Wildcats on top 45-6 en route to their 35th victory in 36 regular-season games.

No. 5 Clemson 34, NC State 27

Woody Dantzler rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another for the Tigers. Dantzler ran for 103 yards, and completed 18 of 30 passes for 220 yards. Philip Rivers, the freshman who has led North Carolina State to three comeback victories, passed for 370 yards, including three long touchdowns throws.
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