• Format
  • Publications (documents)
• Type
  • Text
• Source institution
  • Western Carolina University
• Identifier
  • HL_WesternCarolinian_1989-02-02_Vol54_No17_06

Voices The Western Carolinian Page 6 Thursday February 2,1989 The Making of a Legacy Dealing With Drugs Martha McAfee EDITOR By Terry Houseman In 1987, when WCU wanted to acquire a research team for the upcoming centennial year, 1989-90, itdidn'thave to go far to find them. It just so happened that two suitable candidates were here on campus: Dr. Curtis Wood and Dr. Tyler Blethin, both professors of history. Both Wood and Blethin have collaborated before in their research of the Scotch-Irish Migration for the Mountain Heritage Center. Dr. Wood began the interview by telling how this all began. "In the Spring of 1987, we, Dr. Blethin and I, were asked by the University if we would be willing to research and write a historical catalogue that would be comprised of a collection of material from the Hunter Library Special Collections (this is an in-house repository of archives for Western), along with manuscripts and photos that were in the hands of alumni, staff, and other private individuals." He added to this that, "I was surprised at the amount and depth of material that we found. Some of the material held by private individuals goes back all the way to the Madison Era." The work on the publication also contains information from a limited number of oral interviewing. All together it will contain text and over 300 photos comprising approximately 200- 240 pages about the past of the University and the surrounding community. Dr. Wood added, "Neither Tyler, nor I, thought we would become so heavily involved in the overall creation of the book as we truly have. We have worked in negotiations with the publisher, also on the design and lay-out, product and promotion, and also on marketing". I pointed out that it would seem as if the book were the "brain child", and he replied, "Yes, in some Coach Possinger's Critics Too Embarrassing To Accept By Larry Gray It's very disappointing when certain members of WCU's alumni, faculty, and the community of western North Carolina continue to voice negative criticism about Western's first year head basketball coach Dave Possinger. In the most promising season in recent years, WCU basketball is back on the road to respectability, and Possinger is the reason why. If certain individuals want to call Dave Possinger's coaching style irresponsible, childish, and irrational, then they must be living in the dark ages. It's so sad that a man is doing everything he can to get a win for Western Carolina, and all that's heard is cruel and negative criticism. If somebody deserves the criticism it has to be the officials in the Southern Conference. At Greenville this weekend Western defeated Furman for the first time since the 1982- 83 season, but the officiating was the most inconsistent that I have ever witnessed. Western not only had to beat the Paladins, but the officials as well. Last month, Southern Conference Commissioner Dave Hart issued a public reprimand to Coach Possinger for his public criticism of the officials. Coach Possinger apologized for the incident and has since vowed to represent WCU in a respectable manner. Word to the wise: forgive and forget. Another complaint heard by word of mouth and through the media is the coaching style of Possinger. Certain alumni and faculty of WCU continue to bellyache about a coach that screams at his players. Such terms as "temper tantrums," "childish behavior," and "irresponsible verbal blasts" are just too much to stomach. Either the people that say such negative comments do not understand the keys to successful basketball, or they are just simply over-jealous of the impact that Possinger and his new-look Catamounts have made on the Southern Conference. In any other conference, including the ACC, Big 10, and Big East, Possinger's style of coaching would be highly respected and accepted rather than criticized and ridiculed. Indiana's Bobby Knight, Purdue's Gene Keady and Villanova's Rollie Massimino, to name a few, are all winners using this technique and are the envy of many programs. Their coaching style is not unlike Possinger's, but their support has their head on straight. Western Carolina basketball is an exciting commodity and Dave Possinger is the savior, according to the students at WCU. If certain faculty and alumni cannot accept such impressive strides and improvements, then maybe they would rather attend a UNC-A basketball game. The Bulldogs play only an hour away, but were beaten by the Cats beat the Bulldogs 76-72 last Thursday night. In conclusion, the Cats are much improved and play great basketball. Considering a team that has no player over 6'5", a new coach, and basically a new team with no experience makes the results so far this season even more amazing. Western is an excellent team and will be even better next season. The Cats need all the support they can get, but if certain displeased members of WCU's alumni and faculty still refuse to come to the games because of Coach Possinger's coaching style, then it's nobody's loss but their own. respects it is. It has also been the origin of an enormous amount of fun. I have made some very good friends in my contact with the people that hold some of the photos and manuscripts. I have a great admiration for them. These individuals have been a great asset in our research." Dr. Wood went on to point out that the use of human resources is a powerful way of recreating the past. "This manner of research brings you to a close involvement with the people around the events - it's a powerful human interaction." Drawing the interview to a close, I asked if there was anything else that has had a large impact on him in his research. "Yes. I've been very taken with the struggle of keeping and maintaining the University here. There have been, at times, those who wished it moved, and the tenacity and endurance of those that did not want it moved, that wanted a regional, rural atmosphere, a practical and service oriented university that would give back to the region, these people have impressed me a great deal". Finally as I was leaving his office, I asked Dr. Wood what his attitude was on the upcoming centennial celebration, the soon to be built Alumni Tower, and how this was in many ways the creation of a legacy for Western Carolina University. "Yes! The key thing is that we see this all, here and now, and later we achieve a deeper understanding." By June Wytock The dilemma of drug use can feel like a war going on inside of you.". Has this happened to you? Stop and think for a minute about the words. "I know I could not get by without it." What does this say about this person's life? The person is no longer in control of managing his life. His life is dependent on getting the drug. "I enjoy it so don't ask me to stop." How can life really be enjoyed if it has to be perceived through a chemically induced high? There is no freedom, spontaneity, or exuberance for believing in oneself. "Nothing else I know of gives me such a lift, takes away my worries and makes everything all right." Worries come from problems and will not go away until faced. Temporarily getting high or blacking out may help to forget, but the problems are still there after the drug wears off. Unfortunately procrastinating can make the problems more immediate and the pressure to resolve them even greater. Drug abuse is an escape that can cover up problems of depression, low self esteem, and lack of self worth. Drug users relinquish power and control for managing their lives. As a result it is doubly hard for them to face or overcome underlying emotional problems. If you have problems or concerns about your drug use, the Counseling Center at 114 Scott will give you information, support, and help. Confidentiality will be strictly maintained and the power for your treatment will be placed on you. Call 227-7469 to make an appointment. Hats Off to Poss 's Pit By Frederick Mason It was January 26th, a rainy Thursday afternoon, which is common at WCU. Still, this time the rain seemed more critical than usual. Tonight the Western Carolina Catamounts would play the UNC-Asheville Bulldogs. But this was no ordinary game. In the last contest at Ramsey, the Catamounts lost a heartbreaker to the Bulldogs in double-overtime. The past is enough to make the battle a classic, but the fact that on this night both teams would be viewed by a television audience. WLOS would be there along with WWNC and KISS-FM, along with the Asheville Citizen. This was a game we could not afford to lose, so the call went out to Catamount supporters to come out and cheer for the team. Two buses were reserved, but neither was used because there weren't enough students interested in taking the trip. Needless to say, I was worried. As I rode up to Asheville with Bryan Queen and Beth Young (Sports Team for WWCU) I wondered how many people would show to root for our team. Indeed the weather was bad, but was it that bad? As we walked in the Civic Center, we saw a number of Bulldog fans out in full force to back their team on this media night. I looked over to the Catamount bench to see our players practicing, their heart our to win tonight for Coach Possinger, the loyal fans and WCU. At first I did not see many, but gradually the crowd grew. All of a sudden it seemed like the whole side was either wearing purple Catamount hats or coats or wearing the Poss's Pit t- shirts. It was good to see so many people come out to cheer for our team. It's one thing to see the game on television, but when you're there live everything is amplified a hundred times, and even more so it we win-which we did! Congratulations Coach Possinger, WCU Catamounts and Poss's Pit. Abortion: A Controversial Debate By Curtis Pate The Supreme Court may soon be reviewing one of the most controversial decisions ever in its history. A case involving a Missouri law placing severe restrictions on women seeking abortions is now before the court and many conservatives hope that it will be used to overturn Roe vs. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. The head of the National Organization for Women declared a 'state of emergency" for the nation's women and promised a stiff fight to stop the reversal of the decision. The Court will most likely not rule on the matter until some time this summer, and trying to determine what they will decide is almost pure speculation. It may well be that they will address only the specific law and avoid the larger issue; and if they do review Roe vs. Wade they could do any number of things: let the decision stand, modify it to some degree, overturn it, or outlaw abortion altogether. In its announcement of this action, the Court did not state that it would attempt to set policy in this matter, but feminist leaders are assuming the worst. Abortion is one of the most, if not the most, divisive issues of modem times. Last year's Republican party platform called for the unborn to be granted all the rights found in the 14th amendment, while the Democrats adopted a pro-choice position. The two sides of the issue are highly polarized, those who are against a right to abortion consider the issue to be one of human life, those who are for it see it in terms of a woman's choice about what happens to her own body. While the right-to-life position certainly raises some important points, it also has several serious problems. Most of the appeal of the right-to-life position is emotional, but as is all too often the case such an appeal is very effective. This is mixed with more vicious attacks which decry the nature of a woman who would "murder" her own baby, draw parallels between child abuse and abortion, and usually end up speculating about what kind of society would murder its children. On a slightly higher plane are those who worry about the Supreme See "Abortion" Page 7 Inauguration a day to remember By Andrea Oakes When il became possible at trie Republican rally in Asheville for me to have the chance to interview Mickey Marvin, formerly of the L.A. Raiders, Marvin Bush, the son of President George Bush, and Charles Taylor, I must admit I wasn't that excited about interviewing anybody except the football player. After all, politics were boring and I really wasn't that interested in the issue. But alot has happened to me since that day in October. I had the chance to go to Washington, D.C. and observe history being made at the inauguration of the 41st President of the United States - George Herbert Walker Bush. Despite the fact that I am now two weeks behind in my work, my parents are out of some money, and I'm exhausted from all of the activities, I would do it again because it was definitely worth it. There were some things at the inauguration that I've never experienced at that level before. Those two things are patriotism and faith in the American way. There was electricity in the air in Washington this past week. You could feel the excitement in the air and you could see iton peoples' faces. And you can be sure that I felt the words in Lee Greenwood's song "God Bless the USA" in my heart as he sang at the opening ceremony. I truly felt blessed just as the words "and I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free...'cause there ain't no doubt I love this land GOD BLESS THE USA." It inspires every American to be proud of this country. At the end of the opening ceremony the patriotic songs combined with the fireworks actually brought tears to the eyes of the crowd, just as the word's Bush would speak at the actual swearing-in on Friday did. As one of two of the youngest reporters from the state of NC, and possibly the country, I was interviewed by several television stations including two ABC affiliates, one out of Philadelphia and the other from Columbus, Ohio. CB S radio out of Detroit, Michigan was interested as well as Channel 36 from Asheville. One of the most exciting parts of the trip was being escorted backstage at the education forum to meet Peter Vidmar, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics. Another exciting event was meeting Rep. James McClure Clark, former U.S. Senator Bill Hcndon, and Governor Jim Martin at the North Carolina Congressional Reception. But the most exciting event of all was being there while the 41st President of the United States, George Bush, took the oath of office. There are several people that made it possible for me to witness that historic event and I would like to thank them for that. Big thanks' go to Ms. Catherine Kinney, Mr. Veech, Charles Taylor, Gov. Jim Martin, Rep. James McClure Clark, ACCN, WLOS-TV 13, Franlyna Barrett and Lona Ocampo, and to Dr. Glenn Stillion and his staff - thank you for the support and the faith. But most of all, the biggest thanks go to eight very special people in my life - without their help - this trip wouldn't have been possible. To Gene, Cynthia and Michelle Ray -1 wouldn 't have gotten as far as I did without your support, love and prayers. How will I ever repay you? And to my parents and and the rest of my family -1 love you very much and thanks for everything.

The Western Carolinian is Western Carolina University’s student-run newspaper. The paper was published as the Cullowhee Yodel from 1924 to 1931 before changing its name to The Western Carolinian in 1933.

• Creator
  • Western Carolina University
• Format
  • Publications (documents)
• Type
  • Text
• Date
  • Date original: 1989-02-02
  • Date digitized: 2019-09-12
• Extent
  • Dimension: 22.75" x 14.25"
  • Pages: 20 pages
• Subject - Topic
  • College student newspapers and periodicals
  • Cullowhee (N.C.) -- Newspapers
  • Universities and colleges -- North Carolina -- Cullowhee -- Newspapers
• Location
  • Jackson County (N.C.)
  • Cullowhee (N.C.)
• Source institution
  • Western Carolina University
• Source Collection
  • WCU Students Newspapers Collection
• Identifier
  • HL_WesternCarolinian_1989-02-02_Vol54_No17
• Repository
  • Western Carolina University Hunter Library