Northwest Missouri State University - Tower Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

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Ona warm August night, Aaron Kauffman pours ketchup on his hotdog during a Residence Hall Association late night barbecue on theTundra. As part of the festivities, freshmen danced “The Macarena,” talked and listened to rock music from KDLX until early morning. Photo by Chris Tucker Hector Lugo waits at the curb with his daughter’s television set as David Miller, Cat Crew member, assists with the moving in process. The Cat Crew helped move personal belongings and answered questions during Advantage °96. Photo by Lesley Thacker Advantage 96 « 11 Boo

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Advantage °96 ortents freshmen with mix of information SESSIONS and entertainment Intro to indeoh o nta e, 96 was helpful to freshmen because it got them acquainted with campus,” Amy Hill said. “Tt allowed them to get their bearings when Mon- day came and classes oh By Beth Dorrel 10 Student Life BESTT For five days freshmen made the transition to independence with a little educational entertain- ment. During Advantage °96, freshmen met with seminar instructors and peer advisers, settled into their rooms, became acquainted with the campus and had fun. Organizers said the one mishap concerned hyp- notist Jim Wand’s 8 p.m. show. Unfortunately, Northwest double-booked him with Central Mis- souri State University. Wand was going to fly from CMSU straight into the Maryville airport for his third show of the day, but the airport was closed. He flew to St. Joseph instead, where he was picked up and whisked to Northwest. However, on the way the car got pulled over and the driver was given a speeding ticket. Wand’s show did not start until 11 p.m. While they waited, students danced repeatedly to “The Macarena.” The delayed Wand perfor- mance was not the only thing that was different about Advantage °96. Shari Schneider, Advantage coordinator, and the entire admissions staff changed the format of Advantage '96 from previous years. Information sessions helped students learn more about Northwest, and the computer center had sessions to help students understand the ben- efits of The Electronic Campus. Organizers said these changes and others helped make Advantage ‘96 a successful week. “Advantage was a success every year because it was buiJt up across campus and everyone was always happy to help’ and get involved,” Schneider said. There were more cultural events incorporated into the week, including Dallas Chief Eagle hoop dancer. There was also a Distinguished Gentle- men concert anda Jazz Feast. Muhammad Bilaal, from MTV's “The Real World,” discussed his life on and after the show. Tiger by the Tail also performed several skits for students about serious issues that they might have faced in life, such as date rape and drinking. Organizers said Advantage '96 focused on stu- dents’ changing needs. It was a more comprehen- sive program than it had been in past years. Programmers also provided more career guid- ance. “Advantage was helpful,” Richard Miller said. “It helped me learn about the campus and some of the options and advantages of The Electronic Campus. I also thought the activities were pretty cool.” Of course, Schneider had a lot of help with Advantage 96. “The admissions staff, recruiters, Resident Assistants, student helpers, peer advisers and seminar faculty helped a lot,” Schneider said. The admissions staff said they were also really proud of the Bearcat Rally. This peprally gave the students a chance to see the cheerleaders, step- pers, sports teams and coaches. They were also introduced to Bobby Bearcat. “Advantage 96 was helpful to freshmen be- cause it got them acquainted with campus,” Amy Hil! said. “It allowed them to get their bearings when Monday came and classes started.” Students and staff were pleased with the way things went. They were particularly happy with attendance and participation. Schneider said at- tendance for Advantage 96 was better than past years. “Advantage '96 provided an opportunity for freshmen to break away from the structure they had at home and get into the swing of things at Northwest,” Jenny Reynolds, Resident Assistant and peer adviser, said. “It allowed them new windows of opportunity and started them on their path to the future.” With changes incorporated into Advantage 96, including more cultural events and informa- tion sessions, the week proved to be a successful beginning for Northwest freshmen.

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Roaring supporters crowd the stands, cheerin g On their Bearcats ans contraeé e players had goals and were excited,” Natalie Schwartz said. “Two years ago football wasn't exciting, but in 1996 it was like a spirit was alive. By Nate Olson 12 Student Life Bearcat fever caught on carly in the football season, turning into an epidemic after the team won six games in a row and brought home the Hickory Stick. The Bearcats knocked off Truman State Uni- versity to bring the oldest traveling trophy in Division I] back to Maryville forthe first time in Il years. Inthe process, the Cats made their first appear- ance in the Division II top 20 national polls, emerging at [8th. This caused Bearcat fever to spread across campus and put excitement into players, coaches and fans. “It was wonderful because we hadn't beaten them (Truman State) in so long,” Ambrows Moreland, defensive tackle, said. “It was real embarrassing losing to them at home so we paid them (back) the favor, We had fun and executed well.” Wide receiver Jason Melnick said he would always remember the game and hysteria. “IL was great because it was my first win over Truman State,” Melnick said. “It was a great win, and one I would remember the rest of my life.” Head coach Mel Tjeerdsma said the 52-22 rout of the Bulldogs was something for his players to savor when the final gun sounded. “It had been Il years since we had il, and we had only had it twice in the last 20 years,” Tjeerdsma said. “It was something our kids ap- preciated a lot more after the game was over.” Natalie Schwartz, who traveled to Kirksville, Mo., to watch the game, said it was great to see the Cats take the stick away from the Bulldogs. “It was pretty cool tosee them win because they tried so hard in 1995 and lost,” Schwartz said. “The crowd was so excited and it was neat to see how excited the players were when they won. They played their hearts out. They wanted to win.” Schwartz said the game was an example of how fans had taken to the Cats. She credited the players with creating enthusiasm on and off the field. “I had known some of the guys the past four years and I saw two years ago how no one was fired up,” Schwartz said. “In 1996 the players had goals and were excited. Two years ago football wasn’ texciting, but in 1996 it was like a spirit was alive.” Other fans also believed the winning season did wonders for attendance and support. “When it was bad there was no support,” Steve Tomps said. “No one came to the games and then in 1996 people really showed their support.” The players were credited with the hard work they put into bringing a winning team to North- wesl. “There were so many great players,” Tomps said. “It was a great fecling to finally have a winning team (al Northwest).” Left guard Adam Dorrel said a lot of the fan support had to do with of f-the-field relationships. “It all came back to how the community and students looked at us,” Dorrel said. “A few years ago we had some guys on this team doing some bad things, and community members didn’t like it. In 1996 we showed we wanted lo gel involved in the community and on campus, so we gained support.” Tjeerdsma said he made an effort to encourage his players to get involved in the community and campus to show the fans were appreciated. Dorrel said he did not fault fans for not follow- ing the team in the past, but he was pleased to see them back in 1996, “It was great to have the fan support,” Dorre! said. “Two years ago when we went 0-11 a lot of people didn’t follow us, but who could blame them? It was just great to see them supporting us in 1996.” With symptoms such as roaring cheers, jam- packed attendance and downright school spirit, fans showed a severe case of Bearcat fever.