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Popular class speeds reading comprehension

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As you read this you are wasting time. Unless of course, you’ve taken junior Daniel Byler’s speed reading course. Students from his last class averaged a 415 percent increase in their reading rate.

p. The class started last semester when Byler decided to offer fellow students the chance to learn this skill. “I really love speed reading and I’m passionate about efficiency,” he said. “It really frustrates me it’s not part of the core curriculum.”

p. Students use Peter Kump’s revised “Breakthrough Rapid Reading” to train their eyes and learn how to quickly dissect reading content. This semester’s class has 100 students — 80 more than last semester’s. Byler teaches three sections of the class every Sunday.

p. “Natural speed readers look at books the same way you look at pictures,” Byler said. He has the students look at their books and pick one word to stare at while seeing which other words are in their field of vision. One method of reading faster called “circling” involves reading one line normally and then reading the next three or four lines in backwards circles. Another involves covering most of the lines on the page, and moving your hand over the words in a circular motion to direct our eyes acrpss the page more precisely.

p. “Then aren’t you reading it out of order?” one student asked. “Yes, think of it more as an eye exercise,” Byler said.

p. Exercises similar to this are the basis of the students’ homework drills. The class also has four teaching assistants who help students to track their progress. “Every week we get statistics of drills from students and enter their results into a spreadsheet,” TA Kelsy Mihaloew said. “From there we come up with graphs that show improvement. Then, we send a personalized e-mail to everyone.” All the TAs completed the course last semester and hold office hours during which students can ask questions.

p. Thaddee Valdelievie ’08 saw a flyer for the class and signed up. “I’ve tried teaching myself before, but it helps to have a class,” she said. Valdelievie is already reading twice as fast, though he is still unsure of his comprehension.

p. Another student, sophomore Amelia Becker, is reading a third faster than before. “At first I didn’t feel I was making any progress, but with this week’s drills I’ve started reading faster with good comprehension,” she said. “I’ve definitely started using the techniques in my classes.” Though the class has homework every week, Becker says it’s manageable. “The drills are definitely helpful and as long as you’re committed to finding time, you can do it.”

p. The class has even extended to Facebook via the “Speed Reading Interest Group.” Each section of the class has its own group, and there is already a waiting list for spring semester’s class. Byler uses Facebook to send out messages to his class, calling it a “mini-Banner,” and also has a website, wmspeed.com.
“Some of you are reading fast enough now that it feels different when you read. Don’t be scared. It feels strange but it’s good — you’re reading differently,” Byler said.

p. The summer after his senior year of high school, Byler taught himself how to speed read. “I read five to seven times faster with really good comprehension,” he said. He then tested his skills at the College by taking a history research seminar with a hundred pages of reading every week. “I would finish the reading in one or two hours,” said Byler, who still comprehended enough to get an A in the seminar, a class that required reaction papers and class discussion. According to one of his students, Byler finished the 784-page “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in two and a half hours.

p. Students seem very satisfied with Byler’s organization of the class. Becker remarked on his efficiency, “I think he’s really organized and really on top of emails. He usually responds in about 20 minutes. He’s also really receptive to questions.” Valdelievie commented on Byler’s enthusiasm, “He’s got a lot of energy.”

p. The class has two fees: $25 which goes to classroom use and TAs, and a $40 commitment fee. Students get $5 back every week they attend, and any money that is collected from missed classes goes to a literacy fund. This semester, Byler said he is leaning toward the Rita Welsh Adult Literacy Program.

Choosing families, one holiday at a time

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I have a lot of guilty pleasures; I’ve exposed most of them in this column. One of my most favorite vices is “Engaged and Underage,” the reality show on MTV. I’d like to provide a transcript for the closing of every show.

p. Chick: This is my husband [insert baby-daddy’s name here] Dude: This is my wife [insert baby-mama/soon-to-be-knocked-up girl’s name here] Together: Some say we’re too young, but we’re our own family now.

p. And then everyone turns off the television and breathes a sigh of relief that they’re not part of that couple. Behold the power of schadenfreude TV.

p. Except that I kind of feel that I have found a second family and it makes me think I’m on my way to reality television.

p. No, I’m not talking about big/little sorority family stuff or that naive freshman BFF pact. I’ve come to a pivotal moment of my life in the liminal space between childhood and adulthood and between parent-guided and self-guided decisions. Decisions that may well only be the result of birth family or chosen family?

p. My mother is now the matriarch, a terrifying thought for her with terrifying repercussions for her children. As the youngest of three daughters and the only remaining unmarried child, I am the only one over whom my mother still has full holiday rule. I am therefore obligated to be at her beck and call for Thanksgiving, Christmas, solstices and Arbor Day.

p. But, like Jennifer Hudson, I’ve told her I’m not going.

p. That boyfriend I’m constantly writing about, well I guess he’s (among a very select few) my new family and I’m spending Thanksgiving with him this year. I already feel the seeds of guilt growing. I am abandoning my parents to celebrate a holiday with a significant other. This is Savino family blasphemy.

p. I thought I could blame my absence on distance. It’s an inconvenient trip to cold New York. Oh Mom, I have so much work due afterward, it would just make more sense academically to stay in the area.

p. She’s quick, that Emily Savino. My parents are coming down to Washington, D.C. to stay with my sister who lives there. My excuses go out the window, and now there are reservations and hotel rooms thrown into the mix. I hold my ground.

p. This is the e-mail I received from my D.C. sister: “Good Luck. Mom wouldn’t let me skip a holiday until after I married Leo.”
But now, it’s confirmed. I’m off the hook. I’ve chosen my Thanksgiving family and it feels weird. It feels heavy. I’m thrilled to have all of that time with my boyfriend, but I can’t help but feel awful that I get joy out of not seeing my parents.

p. The thing about holidays is that they’re a lot of pressure, at least in my household. There’s the eating everything while miraculously being thin, the forced conversation that on any other day of the year would be comfortable. There’s a certain level of judgment between the sisters, what’s our ranking this year? (To which I say, for the past few years or so I’ve been a solid second place.)

p. Last year, I was in Rome for the fall and became really depressed and then really full and then really drunk on Thanksgiving. I missed the comfort of my mother, the gossip from my sisters, the cousins and aunts and uncles in various states of food-coma around the house. And then, suddenly, this year I’m over it.
Like everything new this year, I chalk it up to being a senior.

p. Suddenly everything works toward or against independence. This step away from the home is just one of many that will have to happen before I create my new life. I’ve already made a firm decision not to move in with my parents (for more than six months) after graduation because I think it would stunt my emotional growth.

p. And as scared as I am to create an entirely independent life, it’s nice to think I could be successful. The most comforting part is knowing that I will always have a little piece of crazy to return to if I need it. Although, I’d rather not.

p. __Charlotte Savino is a Confusion Corner columnist. She’s spending the winter solstice with Jennifer Hudson.__

College Bowl: a sport we can win

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Sunday, a new sport will be coming to campus — but there are no letters or jackets associated with it, and the event will be taking place in Lodge 1, not Kaplan Arena. That’s because this sport isn’t one that you’ve heard of before: It’s the annual College Bowl.

p. “It’s a fun way to test your knowledge about everything from science to Britney Spears,” Patrick Ross, a graduate assistant in student activities at the University Center, said. “It’s a bonding experience for the teams and it’s generally a high-energy situation.”

p. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., teams consisting of the brightest minds at the College will battle it out for the chance to go to the regional competition at Virginia Tech next February. If there are too many teams for one day, competition will continue Sunday Oct. 21. Whichever team wins the regional competition will advance with 14 other teams to a national tournament.

p. “I would recommend people participate in the College Bowl because it is a fun and entertaining event that also calls on people to use their minds,” Latasha Eley, one of Ross’s fellow graduate assistants, said. “It is one of the few activities that colleges have to offer that brings entertainment and academics together.”

p. College Bowl was born in 1953 as a radio show, and remained such for four years. In 1959 it began airing as a weekly TV series, and then in 1977 it became the official intercollegiate competition that it remains today. Last year’s event at the College featured 12 teams and was considered a success by the organizers.

p. To find out more about the College Bowl, visit the Facebook group, “William and Mary College Bowl,” or check out the official website at collegebowl.com.

Students kick off their shoes for charity

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Sunday, kick off your shoes to kick off a great fundraiser. Building Tomorrow is sponsoring the Grassroots Soccer Tournament, a charity event to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS prevention. Barksdale Field will accommodate the three-person co-ed barefoot teams as they lose their shoes to kick HIV/AIDS.

p. Building Tomorrow is a student organization at the College that promotes HIV/AIDS education and awareness in underprivileged countries. According to the Student Activities website, the organization is “a non-profit initiative aimed at giving students the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for infrastructure projects benefiting orphans impacted by the disease.” Each year, members choose an impoverished area where outside help would be beneficial. This year, the team will work to build a school in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.

p. Past Building Tomorrow endeavors range from building clinics to dispensing HIV/AIDS education to bonding with orphaned children already afflicted with the disease. Throughout the school year, Building Tomorrow will host fundraising events to raise money to purchase building supplies for the construction projects. Students who go on the trip pay the expenses out of pocket ­— all fundraising directly supports the charity effort.

p. Ashlei Cooke ’09, the president of Building Tomorrow, noted that the Grassroots Soccer Tournament contributes not only to the HIV/AIDS awareness efforts, but also to promoting youth soccer in sub-Saharan Africa. Grassroots Soccer is a national organization with chapters at college campuses including the College, Virginia Tech and Dartmouth College. “The money we raise [helps us hold] soccer camps for young children in Africa to teach them AIDS awareness and prevention,” Cooke said.

p. The soccer tournament features a unique element — all players will be barefoot. Co-ed teams of three will compete in an elimination-style series of games on Barksdale Field. The suggested donation per player is $10, and the event includes food, music and a raffle for prizes. Cooke said that the prizes will also be awarded to the winning team. Additionally she emphasized team fundraising. “We encourage fundraising, and the team that raises the most money will also win prizes,” she said. Students who prefer to be spectators rather than players are also welcome to come, watch and learn more about the Building Tomorrow and Grassroots Soccer initiatives.

p. This Sunday’s barefoot soccer tournament is the first of several events Building Tomorrow anticipates hosting on campus. Students interested in fielding a team can sign up at the University Center tables or at Barksdale the day of the event. For more information about Building Tomorrow visit www.wm.edu/so/destinationkampala.

That Guy: Rob Tisdale

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Rob Tisdale is the epitome of grace and humility. Open, honest and comfortable in his own skin, he candidly shares personal experiences with me about his family, growing up, coming out of the closet and his time at the College. The depth of his conversation and feelings showcase this warmth and compassion. Rob has reaped the full benefit of his time at the College; using his four years to truly learn, develop and grow as an individual.

p. **Where are you from?**

p. I am from Midlothian, Virginia, just south of Richmond. I usually tell people I’m from Richmond just because no one has ever really heard of Midlothian. We didn’t have big gates or anything, but I did live in one of those planned communities. There were two pools, three thousand houses and tons of people. I think half of my high school lived in the same community as me. It was how I met a lot of my friends. Hanging out with them was incredibly easy because of how close we all lived to one another.

p. I didn’t know the Richmond area that well when I was growing up because I didn’t venture much outside of the community. In fact, I didn’t even visit William and Mary before applying. Since coming to the College, though, and meeting people from the area, I’ve gotten to explore and experience a lot more in the city.

p. **You applied to the College without ever visiting?**

p. [laughs] I really wanted to stay in Virginia because they have good in-state schools for my major [government], so I didn’t see the point of going out of state. My parents fully endorsed the decision as well. I did not know a lot about William and Mary, but my grandfather was a ’50 alumni, and he really encouraged me to look at the school. I read up about it and looked at their website, saw they had a government major program, and decided to apply. I came on Admitted Students Day, and that was the first time I had ever set foot on the campus. During our lunch break, I approached my mom and said “we need to pay the deposit now.” I loved the beautiful campus, the small size and the nice people. I loved the history behind everything and was sold when I heard [former President] Timmy Sullivan speak on our tour. I owe thanks to my grandfather for encouraging me to learn and apply to this place.

p. **After four years, do you still view the campus in that manner?**

p. Definitely. Everyone on this campus is so kind. My friends here treat me incredibly well. Last spring, two years ago, my grandfather passed away. It was in April, and I was with four other people in the UC planning skit stuff for orientation. We were starting a dress rehearsal of the skit when my parents called. I asked if I could call back, and my dad said that I couldn’t and that he was at my dorm room and needed to talk. That’s when I knew something was wrong. He told me about my grandfather’s passing and that we were going to cremate him and scatter the ashes along the Appalachian Trail, which is what he always wanted. I was really depressed and didn’t want to talk or see anyone. One of my friends read my away message and came over. At that point, I was in my room listening to Narissa Blonde, a small-time guitarist and singer who produces very mellow and calming music that I like.

p. My friend came over and just sat with me for an hour or two listening to her music. He knew something was wrong but never asked what it was. He didn’t have to. It is the small, yet special things like that that confirm my love for the individuals on this campus and my decision to come.

p. **What else do you think you are going to miss about the College?**

p. The Daily Grind. It’s my favorite place on campus because it is just so nice and outdoorsy. I spend a lot of my time there; I will have worked there for two years this February. I never even drank coffee before I came here because I thought it was pretty nasty. I used to sit inside with two of my friends freshman year at those round tables until closing time. We would come for 12 to 13 hour days on Sunday, and we really learned to call that place our home. Eventually, I got a job inside which made sense given the large amount of time I was already spending there.

p. I usually grab breakfast from the University Center and will hang out with Scott [the owner] and his kids while I do work and study for the LSATs. I don’t come as much at night because it gets really social, and I just can’t work then. It’s nice to walk in and see familiar faces because of how popular it is. I love that place, and it is one of the reasons I’m so upset to leave in May. You don’t find many places like the Grind … a small, individual coffee shop that retains its character. Everyone who works there or comes often knows each other so well. I am friends with Scott and his entire family. There is a sticker on the fridge that says “Daily Grind: for students, by students,” and that saying couldn’t be more true. You identify with the people that come to work, relax or work there. We’re all just one big family.

p. **You’re taking the LSATs? Do we have a future lawyer on our hands?**

p. I already have a set of jobs I plan on having. It’s a funny story actually … I am going to be president in the year 2036 or 2040. I picked 2036 for a while, and this past weekend I was at my grandmother’s surprise party. I was talking to her friend and told her that was what I wanted to do, and she said that she “liked my optimism.” I couldn’t help but think “why not?” You should set your goals as high as you want, and even if you don’t achieve it, you’ll still get something out of it.

p I didn’t always want to be president though. When I was younger, I wanted to be the person at the cash register because I assumed that they got to take home all the money with them at the end of the night. I soon learned that this is not the case and moved on to other career aspirations. After college, I am planning on attending law school and then opening up my own private practice. I would like to work in some type of government law making position and could see myself serving as a judge or getting involved in politics at the state or federal level. I know it sounds ridiculous that I have all of this lined up but I’ve always loved law and politics.

p **How did you come out? What were some of the responses?**

p. Freshman year, one of my best friends was a girl who lived right above me in Spotswood. My room was situated right next to the fire escape, and she would come down all the time to smoke out there, and I would sometimes keep her company. During one of our times sitting in the outdoor stairwell, I told her I was gay. She started laughing and would not stop. She didn’t believe me for some reason and told me it was the best joke she had ever heard. I told her again the next day, and the next day, until finally she realized I wasn’t kidding.

p. After her, I would just tell one person at a time, building courage along the way. I started going room by room telling my hallmates, and then venturing off into the neighboring hall. I would walk into the room and somehow drop into the conversation, “By the way, I’m gay.” They always responded in a very nonchalant “oh ok, cool” manner. In the beginning, it was really tough. Since then, it has gotten much easier.

Gotta keep those lovin’ good vibrations

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There are a lot of important firsts in a person’s life — first steps, first words and the first day of school all come to mind. But there is another pinnacle that some women have yet to experience: the first vibrator. Many women are afraid of vibrators for different reasons — some believe it will affect their sexual enjoyment by damaging their sensitivity, some have sanitation concerns and others are simply turned off by some of the colors, materials and sizes they’ve seen. Vibrators shouldn’t be feared though, they should be celebrated. They add a whole new dimension to the bedroom, whether you are alone or with company. If you’re a woman who wants to know what to look for in their first vibrator, a veteran user who wants an upgrade, or a man who is open to bringing toys into their sex lives and needs help finding the right match, look no further.

p. To start with the basics, there are two broad categories of vibrators: those meant for clitoral stimulation and those meant for penetration. There are also combination vibrators that are outfitted for both simultaneously. Think about your purpose in using the toy. Are you a virgin? Then it would probably be best if you stuck with a vibrator that is intended for clitoral stimulation, or a smaller-than-average penetration vibrator. Look into the range of 4 to 5 inches, and keep the diameter small. Some virgins find losing their virginity is less painful if they have gotten used to the feel of a penetration toy, but this is an individual decision. If you’re an experienced user, guy or girl, who wants an upgrade, what was wrong with your last toy? Think about what could have been improved: battery life, width, texture, etc. Look online and you can see all of the features of the vibrator laid out.

p. You can also use the dildo to try out something new. Does your partner want you to try out anal sex but you’re a bit nervous? Lube up a dildo that is smaller than your man and have him guide it into you. That will let him show you how gentle he’ll be, and you can see if the sensation is a turn on for you.

p. Nearly all clitoral stimulators are small enough to discreetly carry in your pants pocket, which explains the nickname “pocket rocket.” If penetration is your goal the next thing to decide is size. There are a multitude of lengths and girths available in the toy market. Shop around and figure out which one is right for you. That will all come back to your experience level, and what you think would be comfortable with your body that you can handle. Look for one with a curved head because the shape of this toy makes it perfect for G-spot stimulation. Guys should look into curved head models as well, because the P-spot can be stimulated this way too.

p. Next, you should think about what you’d like the surface of the vibrator to feel like. There are vibrators with ridges covering them, smooth ones, realistic penetration vibrators covered with veins and clitoral finger vibrators with different stimulating attachable heads. If you are a beginner, think about how sensitive you normally are. Vibrators can be a little overwhelming while you are getting used to them, and too many nubs or bumps could lead to some after-play soreness. Stick with something friendly looking. You’ll be less intimidated by a smooth, hot pink number than one that’s flesh-colored and covered in budging veins. That being said, there is such a variety out there that if you want to get an exact replica of the man of your choice (to play with while he’s away or not) you can definitely find a near match.

p. A waterproof toy is best for most people because that guarantees privacy if it’s a solo game, or slippery fun if a friend is involved. Look for Cyberskin and silicone products, because they are the most sanitary and can be cleaned with lukewarm water and mild hand soap.

p. Finally, it is time to think of the almighty dollar. Prices for vibrators range from as low as $20 to over $100. Prices can also fluctuate depending on where you buy the toy. Vibrators are usually more expensive when you buy them in a sex shop, so web purchasing can be a plus. Most toy-selling websites will list the transaction with an innocuous title on your credit card or bank statement to hide the exact item you are buying, so there’s no need to explain the payment to spicygear.com.

p. Don’t forget to purchase plenty of the right type of battery for your toy. There is nothing more depressing than buying a vibrator and having to postpone the test run because you have to track down some special battery. Stock up, but go somewhere discrete where you’re just a face in the crowd.

p. __Emily Powell is the Flat Hat sex columnist. She buys extra-long-lasting batteries.__

‘Make it or break it’

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__Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Andrew McAdams relishes the pressure of starting role for Tribe__

After the men’s soccer team conceded nine goals in the first three games of the season, Andrew McAdams was given a chance to start in net for the Tribe. The redshirt-freshman goalie has helped transform the defense into one of the most formidable in the CAA, anchoring a backline that has held opponents to an average of one goal per game while registering two shutouts over the six games McAdams has started.

p. Through Oct. 1, McAdams ranked fourth in the CAA with a .814 save percentage. McAdams also ranked fourth in the CAA for total saves, recording 35 on the season.

p. “We are not going to be a high scoring team, but if we can keep the ball out of the net we will have a good chance,” McAdams said. This defensive emphasis has led the Tribe to a 2-2-2 record over the last six games, including two tremendous ties against the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Virginia Tech.

p. “I like the feeling of it’s all up to you. You are either the hero or in the doghouse. It is make it or break it. Everyone is depending on you and I like being put in that position,” McAdams said.

p. “He is a very good shot stopper, has great reflexes, is very communicative and kicks the ball extremely well,” Head Coach Chris Norris said. “His game as a whole is very well rounded; he is a very good goalkeeper.”

p. Another strength in McAdams’ game is his vocal input on the field.

p. “He provides us with a voice in the back and helps organize the defense,” junior captain Doug McBride said.

p. “More and more it is difficult to find people who are willing to take control on the field and we are very happy that he is willing to accept that role,” Norris said.

p. Not only has McAdams helped the team improve their play, he has also gained the support of his teammates. “He has a lot of respect from his teammates and is one of the hardest working guys,” Norris said. When asked if the team can depend on McAdams to make the big save, McBride responded, “absolutely.”

p. Senior goalie Brennan Wergley and McAdams knew coming into preseason that they would compete for the starting position.
“In previous years the goalkeeping spot has been up for grabs. It has really been up to [Wergley and McAdams]. They are constantly battling for the position. [McAdams] is going to have to work to keep the starting role,” McBride said.

p. Neither goalie stood out during the preseason, according to McAdams. Wergley eventually won the starting job thanks in part to his past experience with the College.

p. After a shaky 1-2 start of the season for the Tribe, McAdams was given a chance to start against Temple University following an appearance in the second half of a game against Ohio State University.

p. “As a team we were bad in that game. We wanted to give a number of people an opportunity to play,” Norris said. “After the OSU game we made the decision [to start McAdams], following a week of training. We felt that Andrew separated himself and was a little sharper.”

p. McAdams has capitolized on the opportunity.

p. “I worked hard in practice and they gave me a chance and everything has been good since,” McAdams said. McAdams’ confidence and stellar play has led him to be named the CAA Rookie of the Week. Ironically, the last Tribe player to be named Rookie of the Week was Wergley in 2005.

p. His recent success is no indication of how McAdams’ soccer career began. After picking up soccer at age five, McAdams moved to goalie three years later.

p. “I was a lot slower than everyone else on the field so my coach put me in goal,” McAdams said. The goalie has not looked back since his days as ‘the slow kid.’”

p. Northwestern University, Brown University, Columbia University and the College were McAdams’ top four choices.

p. “The great combination of good soccer and good academics [at the College] gave me the best chance to succeed,” McAdams said.
The Tribe begins league play Friday night hosting Hofstra University.

Tribe ready to tame the ’Cats

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__College goes up against evenly matched CAA opponent Villanova__

p. At 6’4” and 271 lbs., Sean Lissemore hardly looks like someone who is used to getting picked on. So it should come as no surprise that the sophomore defensive tackle says that he and the rest of the Tribe’s rush defense, ranked last in the conference, are going to do whatever they can to avoid being bullied by their opponents’ rushing attacks.

p. “We have to watch out for the run, because the run has been a point of emphasis for other teams to kind of pick on us,” Lissemore said.

p. Lissemore and the Tribe defense will have the opportunity to right the ship this weekend as they travel north to take on the Villanova University Wildcats Saturday night in what looks to be a very close matchup.

p. Both teams enter the game with identical 3-2 overall and 1-1 CAA records. In the debut release of the Gridiron Power Index (GPI), a ranking system of the FCS compiled by CollegeSportingNews.com, the Wildcats grabbed the 20th spot while the Tribe were just one back at no. 21.

p. In addition to stopping the run, the Tribe defense will have to pay close attention to Villanova’s sophomore quarterback Antwon Young, an athletic signal-caller who poses a threat both through the air and on the ground. He currently ranks 6th in the CAA in both total offense and passing yards per game. He has thrown for 10 touchdowns so far this season and rushed for another.

p. “I think the biggest thing is getting some kind of pressure on him,” Head Coach Jimmye Laycock said of defending Young. “Whether it’s out of the four-man line or if it’s five or if it’s six, we’ve got to bring pressure.”

p. Lissemore agreed with his coach’s assessment.

p. “Most importantly, [we have to] contain him,” Lissemore said. “An athletic quarterback like that, you have to worry about him in the open field making a play out of something you should have taken care of.”

p. Initially the Wildcats do not look like much of a threat to run the ball (their leading rusher, senior Matt Dicken, is only averaging 57 yards per game on the ground), but it is important to note that the Towson rushing offense, last in the CAA at 87 yards per game, exploited the Tribe rush defense for 214 yards last Saturday.
“We didn’t do as well against the running game last week as we really needed to,” Laycock said. “We need to improve ourselves a little bit there.”

p. On the other side of the ball, the Tribe offense is coming off a game in which it only compiled 284 total yards, but was able to come up with enough big plays to secure the win.

p. The rushing offense had some trouble against Towson (only 108 yards, 42 of them by Phillips), partially due to the ineffectiveness of starting running back Courtland Marriner (20 yards on 11 carries), a redshirt freshman. Marriner is still recovering from a hand injury that kept him out of two games this season, and, according to Laycock, is still adjusting to having his thumb taped down during games. If he continues to take time adjusting, senior Tony Viola and redshirt freshman Thomas Schonder (a combined 44 yards rushing vs. Towson) will likely be called upon to contribute.

p. Last year’s meeting with Villanova did not end well for the Tribe, as the Wildcats scored a touchdown with 35 seconds remaining to win 35-31 at Zable Stadium in the College’s homecoming game. The Tribe has the opportunity to return the favor this year, as Saturday’s contest is Villanova’s homecoming game.

p.Senior left tackle Brent Cochran stressed the importance of Saturday’s game, as it is the first game in a two-game road trip that leads into the Tribe’s final four games, all of which are against top-25 FCS opponents.

p. “This is a really huge game for us,” Cochran said. “We could set the tone for the rest of the season Saturday night.”

p. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in Villanova, Penn.

A surprise-filled four NFL weeks

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We are just four weeks into the NFL season and already it has been full of surprises. Many might have expected the Patriots to start out 4-0, but few would have guessed that Brady would gel with his new receivers as well as he has this early in the season.

p. Brady is putting up numbers that would make his baby’s mama proud and, if he keeps his pace, even break records. Brady is leading the NFL with a 134.7 quarterback rating while new teammate and best friend Randy Moss is leading all receivers in both yards and touchdowns. Anyone who follows sports is aware of the Patriots’ signal-stealing controversy that has been talked about more times than Bad Newz Kennels has abused dogs. In fact, part of the fine will be used to set up a charity that will use Belichick’s torn sweatshirt sleeves and turn them into clothes for the needy.

p. San Diego (1-3) was a team that many picked to win the Super Bowl but has certainly gotten off to a rough start after last year’s 14-2 season. Now San Diego is wondering, as do most teams that sign him, why the hell they hired Norv Turner. LaDainian Tomlinson, last year’s MVP, has gotten off to a lackluster start as his team has been outscored 102-68.

p. The Saints (0-3), a team many picked to win the NFC, are off to an atrocious start and after a bye week hope to have some solutions to their many problems, including the loss of Deuce McAllister. But it’s okay Saints fans, because Reggie Bush, with his astounding 2.8 yards per carry, says that he is all New Orleans needs to turn their season around.

p. The Eagles (1-3) were another team that many thought would compete in the NFC. As a Redskins fan, nothing made me happier than watching Donovan McNabb get sacked an NFL-record 12 times last Monday. With the exception of one game, McNabb has looked more lost than my parents trying to read The Flat Hat’s sex column.

p. Another team off to a tremendous start is the Cowboys (4-0). Dallas is being led by Tony Romo, the top player in fantasy football right now (fortunately for me, I picked McNabb over him). The question is how long Jerry Jones will let new coach Wade Phillips stay in control once things fall apart.

p. Mark Bulger and the Rams (0-4) have started off so poorly that Bulger is being benched for Gus Frerotte. Yes, that Gus Frerotte. The same Gus Frerotte who ended his season 11 years ago by ramming his head into a cement wall after celebrating a touchdown. Needless to say, things don’t seem to be getting much better for St. Louis.

p. However, this year’s surprise of the season is none other than Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers (4-0). The 38-year-old quarterback has already broken both the career victories and touchdown passes records this season.

p. Well, four weeks down and 13 left to go. The only thing you can be sure about is that they will be full of surprises and controversy.

p. **Andy’s Power Rankings**
1. New England
2. Dallas
3. Indianapolis
4. Seattle
5. Pittsburgh

p. __Andy Andrews may be e-mailed at raandrews@wm.edu.__

College well above national average in graduation rate

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The NCAA released their Graduation Success Rate report Wednesday, and the College performed well above the national average. The report, covering graduation rates from 1997 to 2000, showed that the Tribe was at or above the national average in every sport.

p. The men’s teams in gymnastics, soccer, swimming and tennis all boasted 100 percent graduation rates. The women’s teams in basketball, cross country/track, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis and volleyball all had 100 percent graduation rates as well. The sport with the lowest graduation rate was field hockey, with an 80 percent rate.

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