The long and winding road

May 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

My journey at Sinclair Community College has seen its share of mountains, and because of one enjoyable climb I have become who I am today.

With the final edition of the Clarion on stands, my time at Sinclair is nearly finished. After spending the last two years of my life with the Clarion, I can’t help but get a little emotional.

I’ve met some unbelievable people, interviewed hundreds related to the college, covered various departments and made friendships along the way. I’ve become more connected to Sinclair than I ever thought possible.

There is no doubt I’m going to miss Sinclair’s attractive features — Suzie’s wraps, for example — but there are a few aspects to my personal experience that I’m forever grateful.

Sandy Hilt, the Clarion advisor and Journalism instructor, has truly helped mold me, not only into a better journalist, but a better person. Sandy’s continued devotion to the Clarion’s progression makes every staff member feel as though they are part of something important to the college.

Without her, the Clarion wouldn’t be the learning lab it truly represents.

The Clarion staff has made this year unforgettable. We’ve had our laughs, arguments, jokes, frustrations and pizza parties, but I’ll always remember everybody for helping me become a polished journalist.

News Editor Samuel Huist’s on-the-job dedication has pushed me to strive for improvement and Online Editor Meagan Ewton’s journalistic persistence has helped me realize that there are always two sides to every story. Without Samuel and Meagan, I couldn’t have survived the year.

I’m extremely grateful for spending the previous 12 months working with both Samuel and Meagan, and I know the two of them will be highly successful in their next endeavors.

Senior Graphic Designer Heather Stamm is the Robin to my Batman. Heather’s talent and patience made her a pleasure to work with. She logged quite a bit of long hours at Sinclair while she worked on the layout and I can’t thank her enough for making the Clarion look amazing every week. Assistant Graphic Designer Alexander Linton has loads of talent and a knack for page layouts. I have 100 percent confidence that Alex will carry on Heather’s performance into the next academic year.

Distribution Coordinator Syed Ahmed worked his butt off this year to get the papers to the stands around campus. Staff Writer Zach Gregory was a pleasure to work with (even though he’s a University of Michigan fan).

News Editor Georgia Howard came on to the staff toward the end of the year and her enthusiasm is going to help her become a wonderful journalist and a fine piece to next year’s staff.

Even with the end of my Sinclair career coming to a close without a degree, I feel as though I’m graduating from the Clarion. And with all that I’ve gained over the previous two years at the paper, I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything.

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The summer of LeBron

May 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The countdown to LeBron James’ impending free agency began the moment the clock hit zero in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

After willing the Cleveland Cavaliers to the best regular season record in the NBA, King James and his disciples took a pounding at the hands of the Boston Celtics. Now, as James looks on to possibly the most anticipated free-agent class in sports history, it all comes down to one question: Where does he have the most opportunity to win a title?

Cleveland Cavaliers

Until the Cavaliers find a replacement for coach Mike Brown, James isn’t making any moves. The decision to hire a big-time, successful head coach could be the biggest stepping-stone in James’ ultimate decision.

If the Cavs fill the position with, say, Phil Jackson, I don’t see how James can walk away from Cleveland.

But does James have enough sidekicks in Cleveland for a serious title run? The Lakers, Celtics and Magic all have multiple players that can bring it each and every night. That’s the biggest difference between Cleveland and the elite teams in the NBA.

If James can persuade fellow free-agent Chris Bosh to join him in Cleveland, it should be a no-brainer to stay where it all started.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are the likely front-runners if James decides to rule out Cleveland.

With young stars like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, Chicago would be a nice fit for James to enter the prime years of his illustrious career. Noah and Rose showed James first-hand that the two own the intensity needed for the NBA Playoffs in the opening round against Cleveland.

The Bulls are in a similar position as Cleveland in that they are without a head coach.

New York Knicks

The Knicks have almost everything James would want in a new city: Bright lights, a huge market and the ability to become unquestionably the biggest sports figure in the world. Therefore, the Knicks can’t be counted out of this equation.

The one piece New York seems to be missing, though, is a talented roster. Signing with the Knicks would mean James is fine with waiting around a few years before becoming relevant again. James would carry the Knicks to the playoffs every year, but until help arrives the Knicks wouldn’t be a serious threat.

Other candidates

New Jersey Nets: no John Wall, no King James.

Los Angeles Clippers: I don’t see James sharing the spotlight with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

Miami Heat: Don’t be surprised if James and Dwayne Wade have some diabolical scheme to tag-team the NBA in South Beach.

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Moving in and moving on: Sinclair sports

May 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Sinclair Community College resembles a revolving door when it comes to athletes. Being a junior college, athletes often spend no more than two years wearing Sinclair colors.

While the Tartan Pride sports loses a chunk of its student athletes, a new flux of players look to make an impact next season. The Clarion takes a look at some of the potential arrivals and departures for Sinclair athletics.

Men’s basketball

Sinclair men’s basketball coach Jeff Price announced last week the signing of Centerville High School point guard Patrick Crawford.

Crawford starred for the Elks over the past few seasons averaging 10 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists during his senior season. Crawford moves from a slow, structured offense at Centerville to an up-tempo scheme in place at Sinclair.

Price said he began following Crawford toward the end of his sophomore season and saw his skills adapt to a quicker pace in AAU summer leagues.

“I think he’s going to fit in real well,” Price said. “(Crawford) was pushing the ball really good (in AAU) and he was making good decisions. Pat really controls the game offensively and defensively. We feel confident that no matter what we ask him to do he has the tools to get things done.”

Price also announced the signing of Toledo Scott forward Austen Alabata, Cincinnati Princeton swingman Darrien Wilkins and Lebanon guard Blake Davenport. Davenport earned All-Greater Western Ohio Conference honors during his junior and senior seasons.

Price said he expects only forward Colton Everett to return from a team that won 20 games for the fourth consecutive season. Guard Charles Winkfield and forward Mike Anderson are expected to contribute after redshirting the 2009-10 season.

Women’s basketball

After finishing with a 19-10 record in 2009-10, Lady Pride coach Jeff Dillon expects six players to return. Dillon said his top-four offseason recruits ended up signing with Sinclair.

“We’re really happy with the kids we’ve gotten to this point,” Dillon said.

Dillon said guards Shelby Pettit and Haleigh Hickenbottom will help bring experience to next season’s roster that lost five key players. Guards Jana Gross and Chelcie Gullett, along with forwards Jessica Pierre and Jessica Myers are not returning, according to Dillon. Dillon said forward Emily Frey is “probably heading off.”

Dillon said the recruiting class for next season is very strong and is filled with girls from the Dayton area. Due to NJCAA rules, Dillon could not comment directly on recruits.

“It’s a class with strong guards and post players,” he said. “We really tried to focus on getting depth in the post.”

Men’s baseball

The Sinclair Tartan Pride baseball team is set to see a handful of important pieces move on to four-year schools. Because baseball is held in the spring, the team doesn’t announce signings until the summer.

Six players are moving to universities in the fall: catcher Justin Marrero and pitcher Zach Botjer to Ashland University, pitcher Erik Lamka to Old Dominican University, pitchers Justin Schultheiss and Chuck Calhoun to Northern Kentucky University and outfielder Zach Stewart to the University of Dayton.

After falling in the NJCAA Region 12 Tournament, Sinclair coach Steve Dintaman began hitting the recruiting trails last week. Dintaman said that recruiting doesn’t stop at any point during the year.

“We’re still looking for players as we speak,” he said.

Dintaman said his recruiting class is fairly strong up to this point.

“Our success has helped a lot and our facilities are second to none,” Dintaman said.

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Tartan Pride fall in regional tournament

May 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Despite high hopes heading into the NJCAA Region 12 Tournament, the Sinclair Tartan Pride was quickly sent home on May 14.

The No. 4 seeded Tartan Pride were eliminated in the double-elimination tournament in Battle Creek, Mich. after falling in their opening two games. After averaging nearly nine runs per contest through the regular season, Sinclair’s offense stalled in both losses as the Tartan Pride collected only five runs and 10 hits in the tournament.

“We weren’t the same offensive team,” Sinclair coach Steve Dintaman said. “Usually, a couple guys struggle and then a couple guys lead, but we couldn’t get a lot of production from some of our big bats. Its just one of those things.”

Muskegon 4, Sinclair 2

In the opening regional game for the Tartan Pride, Sinclair found itself in a 1-0 deficit after Muskegon outfielder Brandon Bongard hit a leadoff home run off pitcher Justin Schultheiss to start the bottom of the first.

The Pride fought back to knot the score at 1-1 on a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded by shortstop Brandon Napier. Without the wind blowing in, Dintaman said Napier’s fly ball was a certain grand slam.

“It was a no doubter, but it didn’t go anywhere,” he said. “That would have been a huge momentum booster.”

Muskegon added another run in the third inning on a throwing error by catcher Corey Throckmorton and two runs in the fourth on a sacrifice bunt and a RBI single.

Muskegon pitching kept the Sinclair offense calm until the top of the seventh. Down to their final out and facing a two-run deficit, the Tartan Pride had runners on second and third with outfielder Clay Ragland at the plate. Ragland grounded out to third to leave the tying run stranded in scoring position.

Ragland and outfielder Zach Stewart, the first two hitters in Sinclair’s lineup, finished 0-for-7.

Schultheiss pitched six innings, giving up three earned and striking out seven.

Kellogg 6, Sinclair 3

With their backs abruptly against the wall in the loser’s bracket, the Tartan Pride faced Kellogg Community College in a rematch of last year’s Region 12 Championship game.

After a quick first inning, Kellogg batted around as they touched Sinclair pitcher Zach Botjer for five runs in the top of the second with three singles, a double and a three-run home run.

Kellogg added another run in the third on an RBI double and Sinclair saw their hopes of a World Series run fade.

The Tartan Pride added two runs in the bottom of the third and another in the fifth, but it was too late. Dintaman said the team wasn’t accustomed to hardship, so being in the position the team found itself in was not a comfortable feeling.

“There wasn’t a lot of adversity this year,” he said. “Outside of the opening weekend (against Young Harris Community College), we never lost back-to-back games this year.”

Kellogg made its way through the loser’s bracket and met Vincennes University in the championship game. Vincennes, who Sinclair defeated in all four matchups this season, earned a World Series berth with a 9-7 victory.

“It was a shock for everybody, especially after seeing Vincennes win it,” Dintaman said. “They’ve got a good program and do a lot of good things. Their leaders stepped up.”

Memorable season

Although Sinclair didn’t perform as well as they had hoped in the Regional Tournament, the Tartan Pride finished the season with a 42-10 record, earned their first national ranking in school history, swept the OCCAC tournament and postseason awards and are sending six players to four-year universities, as of May 21.

Dintaman said he would trade 30 of the team’s wins for a World Series berth in a heartbeat.

“Overall, it was definitely a good year,” Dintaman said. “I know this team is extremely disappointed now, but it will still go down as one of the better in school history.”

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Tuition increase necessary for proper growth

May 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Sinclair Community College Board of Trustees approved a 3.5 percent increase in tuition at their annual meeting on May 11.

Beginning in the fall, the college is escalating the cost of a credit hour to $48.20 for Montgomery County students. Out-of-county now pays a rate of $78.70 per credit hour and out-of-state and international students will fork over $156.20 a credit hour.

It’s understandable to feel upset at the increase, even if it’s just a $1.65 jump for Montgomery County residents. Being a broke college student that’s in debt, I can comprehend a slight feeling of irritation at the news of an increase.

One thing Sinclair students must remember, though, is that the cost of an education isn’t cheap. The cost of a 15-credit hour education at Sinclair in the fall is exactly $723. Spanned over three quarters and a year’s worth of education checks in at $2,169.

Since last Fall quarter, Sinclair’s credit hour cost has increased $3.20 for in-county residents, according to the Ohio Board of Regents website. When comparing Sinclair’s tuition rates to Cincinnati State Technical Institute, Sinclair dwarfs Cincinnati State by charging $34.80 less per credit hour. Over a span of 45 credit hours, Sinclair would save Cincinnati State students $1,566 a year.

Again, as a broke and debt-heavy 23-year-old, it’s seems fairly simple to roll with Sinclair. Busting out the checkbook three times a year to pay somewhat close to $500 to take classes I might not be particularly interested in can be brutal at times, but I’ve learned during my days at Sinclair that it’s all worth it.

That is what students must take away from their experience at the college: In order to get to where you want to be in life, you have to put yourself in the right position.

I’ve spent a lot of dollars at this school over the past few years and it’s been worth almost every penny. During our day in age, it’s a necessary task to find the right bargain and I truly believe Sinclair is one of the best values around.

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Summer enrollment heating up

May 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

As Sinclair Community College winds down the academic year, enrollment for the following quarter continues to boom.

Melissa Tolle, interim senior director of Enrollment management, said more students than ever before are preparing to take classes this summer. Through 30 percent of the registration cycle, Sinclair counts nearly 7,200 students attending the college this summer with less than three weeks to register.

At this same point in last year’s enrollment process, the head count was 6,018 students. The final number recorded from last year’s enrollment count was 10,844 students.

Tolle said the headcount is up 21 percent and the number of full-time enrollment students is up 27 percent.

“By no means does summer have the same volume (as Fall, Winter or Spring quarter), but it is a leader for us in terms of what sets the trend for going into the Fall quarter,” Tolle said.

With payment for Summer quarter due on June 11, Tolle believes the final number is going to overshadow the previous record totals of the past few summers.

“We’re only 3,000 (students) away from last year’s numbers at 30 percent through the cycle,” Tolle said.

Summer quarter at Sinclair offers A-term, B-term, C-term and D-term to help students plan around flexible schedules. Tolle said the majority of summer classes are general education-based to help accommodate four-year college students who may be home for the summer.

“A big population that we market to that’s not typical for the rest of the quarter are called transient students,” she said. “Those are students who have a different home college that might be coming home this summer and want to pick up some classes.”

Tolle said enrollment has risen steadily every quarter over the past few years.

“We expect (enrollment) to level out at some point,” she said. “We’ve had a 28 enrollment increase in enrollment in the last two years and we’re projecting another double-digit increase in the fall.”

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