A couple of former Demon basketball stars brought good karma, and more, to the NSU basketball team before and after Saturday's heartening win over Texas-Arlington in the Southland Conference opener.
Last year's point guard, Kennan Jones, talked to the team just before the game. He spoke about playing unselfishly and with the team's success as the total focus. This is a guy who played three seasons behind Tyronn Mitchell at point guard, yet wound up fourth all-time at NSU in assists. There were times when coach Mike McConathy would call for Kennan to sub in for Tyronn, and "Chief" (Jones' nickname) would tell his coach to let Tyronn stay in because he was playing so well. That's unselfish.
Jones is in school working toward his degree.
Back from a little farther away was Chris Lynch, one of the standouts on the Demons' first NCAA team in 2001. Lynch visited with the team after the win, and coach Mike and he explained that they didn't always see eye to eye except in one area -- they were working to win games. It helped coach Mike reinforce the point he made after the lopsided loss at Oklahoma State: he was going to be hard on the players, but he was still in their corner and they shouldn't lose faith in him or each other.
Lynch is playing pro ball in South America after earlier seasons in China, the Middle East and Australia. His time in Melbourne tops his list of experiences.
He stays in touch with NSU teammate Michael Byars-Dawson, who is now playing in Tehran, Iran.
"You go where the money is, while you're young enough to do it," explained Lynch. He said Byars-Dawson is about to go nuts because of the communication barriers, but is doing well on the court.
Lynch said his world travels have definitely made him appreciate America and our standard of living. That's something he does not take for granted any more.
Doug Ireland, SID
Monday, January 07, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
Waiting and worrying in Kenya
Here's the latest update from Kenya and former Demon basketball assistant coach Joe Peterson (1999-2001):
"It feels like an addiction. Every day, watching the news on television, listening to the radio and checking on-line for some sign of an end to the stalemate. I am always thinking the end is near…After the rally, we will know more or there will be a resolution. The President is holding a press conference; maybe something will happen then. Certain foreign diplomats are coming to mediate so that will change things. The chairmen of the Electoral Commission is admitting he doesn't know who won the election and the attorney general has come out to say there should be an independent inquiry into the vote counting and vote tallying. Always thinking that one side will back down or that an event will occur to bring an end to the violence and settle the dispute between the two presidential candidates. Nothing has helped. We are praying for a miracle from God.
Both President Kibaki and Opposition Leader Raila Odinga are unwavering and stubborn. Kibaki claims that the election was fair and that he is the President and he will not step down. If any one disputes that, then he should take his evidence to court. The opposition claims that the election was rigged and that Raila is the winner. They are saying that they will continue to protest until the President steps down. I personally do not see either side giving up an inch. Many outside observers are saying that they need to come up with a power sharing structure, but in my opinion, I don't see how that can work. Raila helped to get Kibaki elected five years ago and was a minister in his cabinet for two years, but they had many disputes and Raila was eventually sacked from his cabinet post. The divisions and hatred is deep, going back over 40 years ago. Also, in Kenya there really isn't a way to share power because the President has all the power and everyone else is under him.
The opposition attempted to hold a million man rally on Thursday, but the police were out in force to impose the ban on public rallies. They doused people with water bombs and tear gas to disperse any crowds gathering on the roads in Naiorbi. There were on-going battles throughout the day with protestors and the police across the country. Another church was set on fire Thursday. Kenya is very fortunate that the common man does not own firearms; otherwise these protests would be unimaginable. After reaching the destination for the rally, the opposition leaders discussed with the police and peacefully agreed to turn around. They have vowed to continue trying every day until they are allowed to hold a peaceful rally.
Some media reports are trying to make it look like it is only Raila's Luo Tribe vs. Kibai's Kikuyu Tribe. While it is true that those two tribes are against each other, it is oversimplifying the problem. There are over 40 tribes in Kenya and most of them have thrown their support behind one of the two candidates. The violence and killing is not limited to only two tribes. It has affected everyone and there are many passionate people from various tribes on both sides of the equation. Also, it is wrong for people to say that the violence and problems are limited to only one area. It is widespread from the coast of Mombasa, through the streets of Nairobi, into Kisumu and Eldoret in western Kenya and in many smaller towns throughout the country. That is why it is too dangerous for anyone to travel the roads between towns.
In Mbita yesterday, there were over a thousand people protesting. Some had walked for over 30 kilometers to join the protests. The mob was walking up and down the roads carrying tree branches to symbolize peace while singing and chanting from the early morning hours until evening time when they were dispersed by gun shots from the police. Similar protests were carried out country wide.
The children and staff of CGA are all safe as far as we know. The government has postponed the opening of schools for another week. Our leadership team will meet today to discuss our course of action. Please pray for wisdom.
It is not a simple problem. There is no easy solution. It seems like it could be a long time before things return to normal in Kenya. We are not far from a civil war. We need God to intervene at this time
JOe Peterson"
"It feels like an addiction. Every day, watching the news on television, listening to the radio and checking on-line for some sign of an end to the stalemate. I am always thinking the end is near…After the rally, we will know more or there will be a resolution. The President is holding a press conference; maybe something will happen then. Certain foreign diplomats are coming to mediate so that will change things. The chairmen of the Electoral Commission is admitting he doesn't know who won the election and the attorney general has come out to say there should be an independent inquiry into the vote counting and vote tallying. Always thinking that one side will back down or that an event will occur to bring an end to the violence and settle the dispute between the two presidential candidates. Nothing has helped. We are praying for a miracle from God.
Both President Kibaki and Opposition Leader Raila Odinga are unwavering and stubborn. Kibaki claims that the election was fair and that he is the President and he will not step down. If any one disputes that, then he should take his evidence to court. The opposition claims that the election was rigged and that Raila is the winner. They are saying that they will continue to protest until the President steps down. I personally do not see either side giving up an inch. Many outside observers are saying that they need to come up with a power sharing structure, but in my opinion, I don't see how that can work. Raila helped to get Kibaki elected five years ago and was a minister in his cabinet for two years, but they had many disputes and Raila was eventually sacked from his cabinet post. The divisions and hatred is deep, going back over 40 years ago. Also, in Kenya there really isn't a way to share power because the President has all the power and everyone else is under him.
The opposition attempted to hold a million man rally on Thursday, but the police were out in force to impose the ban on public rallies. They doused people with water bombs and tear gas to disperse any crowds gathering on the roads in Naiorbi. There were on-going battles throughout the day with protestors and the police across the country. Another church was set on fire Thursday. Kenya is very fortunate that the common man does not own firearms; otherwise these protests would be unimaginable. After reaching the destination for the rally, the opposition leaders discussed with the police and peacefully agreed to turn around. They have vowed to continue trying every day until they are allowed to hold a peaceful rally.
Some media reports are trying to make it look like it is only Raila's Luo Tribe vs. Kibai's Kikuyu Tribe. While it is true that those two tribes are against each other, it is oversimplifying the problem. There are over 40 tribes in Kenya and most of them have thrown their support behind one of the two candidates. The violence and killing is not limited to only two tribes. It has affected everyone and there are many passionate people from various tribes on both sides of the equation. Also, it is wrong for people to say that the violence and problems are limited to only one area. It is widespread from the coast of Mombasa, through the streets of Nairobi, into Kisumu and Eldoret in western Kenya and in many smaller towns throughout the country. That is why it is too dangerous for anyone to travel the roads between towns.
In Mbita yesterday, there were over a thousand people protesting. Some had walked for over 30 kilometers to join the protests. The mob was walking up and down the roads carrying tree branches to symbolize peace while singing and chanting from the early morning hours until evening time when they were dispersed by gun shots from the police. Similar protests were carried out country wide.
The children and staff of CGA are all safe as far as we know. The government has postponed the opening of schools for another week. Our leadership team will meet today to discuss our course of action. Please pray for wisdom.
It is not a simple problem. There is no easy solution. It seems like it could be a long time before things return to normal in Kenya. We are not far from a civil war. We need God to intervene at this time
JOe Peterson"
Thursday, January 03, 2008
The tie between LSU football and Demon basketball
The LSU football team and Tiger fans who have adopted the players' "we're going to the 'ship! We're going to the 'ship!" chant can thank a recent Demon basketball star for it.
Say hello, again, to Luke Rogers. The Chicago native was a starting guard for the Demons in the two previous seasons, helping the Demons reach the second round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament and the brink of a return trip last year to the Big Dance, with a three-point loss in the Southland Conference Tournament final.
Luke was one of the ringleaders in the Demons' trademark "Bus Number 2!" chant that became the emotional rally cry for the 2006 SLC champion and NCAA Tournament "Demons of Destiny." After hearing about his role in "we're going to the 'ship!" I think Luke should go into advertising, marketing or rap music production!
For the purpose of this story -- masterfully told in today's Baton Rouge Advocate (www.2theadvocate.com) sports section by columnist Carl Dubois -- Luke was involved in creating the "we're going to the 'ship!" cheer when he was playing youth baseball in Chicago.
The story of Luke's baseball team was the core of a book that was the basis for the 2001 movie "Hardball," starring Keanu Reeves and Diane Lane.
I could fill in the details, but instead, let's enjoy Dubois' tale ...
http://www.2theadvocate.com/columnists/dubois/12997987.html
Doug Ireland, SID
Say hello, again, to Luke Rogers. The Chicago native was a starting guard for the Demons in the two previous seasons, helping the Demons reach the second round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament and the brink of a return trip last year to the Big Dance, with a three-point loss in the Southland Conference Tournament final.
Luke was one of the ringleaders in the Demons' trademark "Bus Number 2!" chant that became the emotional rally cry for the 2006 SLC champion and NCAA Tournament "Demons of Destiny." After hearing about his role in "we're going to the 'ship!" I think Luke should go into advertising, marketing or rap music production!
For the purpose of this story -- masterfully told in today's Baton Rouge Advocate (www.2theadvocate.com) sports section by columnist Carl Dubois -- Luke was involved in creating the "we're going to the 'ship!" cheer when he was playing youth baseball in Chicago.
The story of Luke's baseball team was the core of a book that was the basis for the 2001 movie "Hardball," starring Keanu Reeves and Diane Lane.
I could fill in the details, but instead, let's enjoy Dubois' tale ...
http://www.2theadvocate.com/columnists/dubois/12997987.html
Doug Ireland, SID
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
More news from our man in Kenya
The latest update from former Demon basketball assistant coach Joe Peterson:
"In some ways, I can say the violence is reducing, but in other ways it is getting worse. Most of the rural places, such as Mbita, have returned to somewhat normal conditions except that most shops are closed and food and other materials are in short supply. Transportation is still non-existent between towns. In the major towns, police are in full force and there are running battles going on at different times throughout the day.
Over 150 people have died throughout the country since December 28th. The violence has been based on ethnicity. Certain tribes are ganging up against other ones and chasing them away, burning their houses, shops and threatening their lives. While I was stuck at the airport in Kisumu on Saturday several Kikuyu families (the same tribe as President Kibaki) had fled to the airport after their houses and all their possessions were burnt. They had no money and were trying to figure out how to get out of that area. In Mbita, they have attacked any Kikuyu or Kisii because they believe they are the enemies. The mother of one of our students at CGA had her small kiosk burned down and had to hide her family in Lillian's house (our orphan overseer) for a night. Several others from different tribes stowed away in her house that night before being taken into police protective custody. This has put Lillian in danger as some of our ignorant local leaders have threatened to burn her house down. They seem to be pretty empty threats, but it is a risk. A former teacher, Beatrice Ollimo, is now living in Eldoret and her house has also become a rescue center for many different tribes. Many Christians and churches and police stations across the country have become havens for over 70,000 people who have been displaced because of the violence. Lack of food and basic supplies will become a huge issue in the upcoming days. In the bigger cities there was a mad dash for food and supplies as some stores opened up today.
One such church in Eldoret was holding over 300 people that had been chased from their homes and were in serious danger. Late this afternoon, thugs set the church on fire and ended up killing 30 people. So sad.
I had the opportunity to walk around town today and visit friends. While most normal people are sane and can understand the situation and look at it through biblical eyes, many are just plain ignorant. They can blame certain tribes for all their problems and all the problems in the country. They can make huge generalizations that an entire tribe is evil. Even religious leaders can be very ignorant. It is sad to say, but I think there are people who actually want a civil war in this country. Can you imagine? Kenya has been such a peaceful and stable nation for so long. I think some people really don't understand the grave consequences of war. That amazes me since Kenya is surrounded by many examples of the results of war such as Rwanda, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda.
On the political side, there is a lot of pressure coming from the U.S., U.K., and EU about re-counting votes or re-tallying or having another election. The government has given no indication of following any of those recommendations and claims that people should accept the results of a free and fair election. President Kibaki has said he is ready to meet with the opposition. Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, has said he will not talk with President Kibaki unless he is willing to admit the election was rigged and give up the Presidency. He is claiming to have won by over one million votes. The opposition has been busy flying in a helicopter to each constituency to meet with the election officials and collect their official results. They are still planning a "peaceful" demonstration in Nairobi on the 3rd. I don't know if that is really possible and it could be a very ugly day across the country. I hope all the political leaders in the country realize how delicate things are now and are very careful of their words and how they incite their followers.
I don't think there will be much more news to report until the 3rd when the rally is supposed to take place.
Thank you for your continued prayers. We know and believe that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). God can even use the very worst situations for his glory. We pray that his light will shine down in the darkness that is here now! It seems that there really is not much hope unless we turn to him!
JOe Peterson"
"In some ways, I can say the violence is reducing, but in other ways it is getting worse. Most of the rural places, such as Mbita, have returned to somewhat normal conditions except that most shops are closed and food and other materials are in short supply. Transportation is still non-existent between towns. In the major towns, police are in full force and there are running battles going on at different times throughout the day.
Over 150 people have died throughout the country since December 28th. The violence has been based on ethnicity. Certain tribes are ganging up against other ones and chasing them away, burning their houses, shops and threatening their lives. While I was stuck at the airport in Kisumu on Saturday several Kikuyu families (the same tribe as President Kibaki) had fled to the airport after their houses and all their possessions were burnt. They had no money and were trying to figure out how to get out of that area. In Mbita, they have attacked any Kikuyu or Kisii because they believe they are the enemies. The mother of one of our students at CGA had her small kiosk burned down and had to hide her family in Lillian's house (our orphan overseer) for a night. Several others from different tribes stowed away in her house that night before being taken into police protective custody. This has put Lillian in danger as some of our ignorant local leaders have threatened to burn her house down. They seem to be pretty empty threats, but it is a risk. A former teacher, Beatrice Ollimo, is now living in Eldoret and her house has also become a rescue center for many different tribes. Many Christians and churches and police stations across the country have become havens for over 70,000 people who have been displaced because of the violence. Lack of food and basic supplies will become a huge issue in the upcoming days. In the bigger cities there was a mad dash for food and supplies as some stores opened up today.
One such church in Eldoret was holding over 300 people that had been chased from their homes and were in serious danger. Late this afternoon, thugs set the church on fire and ended up killing 30 people. So sad.
I had the opportunity to walk around town today and visit friends. While most normal people are sane and can understand the situation and look at it through biblical eyes, many are just plain ignorant. They can blame certain tribes for all their problems and all the problems in the country. They can make huge generalizations that an entire tribe is evil. Even religious leaders can be very ignorant. It is sad to say, but I think there are people who actually want a civil war in this country. Can you imagine? Kenya has been such a peaceful and stable nation for so long. I think some people really don't understand the grave consequences of war. That amazes me since Kenya is surrounded by many examples of the results of war such as Rwanda, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda.
On the political side, there is a lot of pressure coming from the U.S., U.K., and EU about re-counting votes or re-tallying or having another election. The government has given no indication of following any of those recommendations and claims that people should accept the results of a free and fair election. President Kibaki has said he is ready to meet with the opposition. Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, has said he will not talk with President Kibaki unless he is willing to admit the election was rigged and give up the Presidency. He is claiming to have won by over one million votes. The opposition has been busy flying in a helicopter to each constituency to meet with the election officials and collect their official results. They are still planning a "peaceful" demonstration in Nairobi on the 3rd. I don't know if that is really possible and it could be a very ugly day across the country. I hope all the political leaders in the country realize how delicate things are now and are very careful of their words and how they incite their followers.
I don't think there will be much more news to report until the 3rd when the rally is supposed to take place.
Thank you for your continued prayers. We know and believe that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). God can even use the very worst situations for his glory. We pray that his light will shine down in the darkness that is here now! It seems that there really is not much hope unless we turn to him!
JOe Peterson"
Update from Kenya
NOTE - Here's an update from Joe Peterson, the former Demon assistant basketball coach from 1999-2001 who is a missionary teacher in Kenya, where civil unrest has resulted in widespread violence after a disputed presidential election. He keeps many of his NSU friends in an e-mail loop with monthly updates on his experiences. If you need some background on Joe and his mission, visit the Demon Dust archives and read the April 4, 2004 column by Doug Ireland titled "Jumpin' Joe is on a mission of the most profound kind." Now, here's the latest from our man in Kenya:
"Thank you so much for all of your encouraging e-mails. More so, thank you for your many prayers for the school, our staff and students and for the country of Kenya. This country has long been recognized as the most peaceful and stable country in East Africa and one of the best on the continent so the recent troubles are really disconcerting.
Things are OK here in Mbita, Kenya. Immediately after the election results and swearing in of the incumbent President, major violence broke out all over Kenya. The police and military used force to try and stop the rioting. In Mbita there were protests, but most retreated quickly to their houses after the police began firing their guns. Some managed to burn and destroy small kiosks locally owned by people of different tribes. Luckily there were no deaths and only minor injuries sustained. As far as we know all of the CGA staff, students and their families are safe right now. Our orphan overseer, Lillian Ombori, had to house a few families from other tribes that were fearing for their lives last night. They were taken into protective custody by the police this morning.
In the bigger cities, the stakes were much higher. Over 120 people have died throughout the country in the past day, including 43 in Kisumu. Things have died down in most places throughout the country now, but riots continue to persist in the slums of the bigger cities where many impoverished people from various tribes live very closely to one another. Much of the violence is based on tribal lines or against the police force.
We are hoping that peace can be restored very quickly. Currently, the transportation around Kenya is totally paralyzed. No vehicles (public or private) are traveling anywhere because of the violence and road blocks set up by locals. This can be very difficult for rural areas like Mbita. The citizens are already starting to feel it. It is difficult to get basic necessities such as bread, flour, cards for cell phone credit, etc. It is not so serious now, but could develop into a major problem soon if things are not settled quickly. Luckily, in Mbita, we live on a lake and will always have fish to eat at the very least. Other areas are not as fortunate as us.
Things seem to be quieting down across the country and we pray that things will return to normal soon, though the political situation may not be settled for a while.
The European Union, U.S. and U.K. have all come out strongly against the transparency of the election. Observers were not allowed to watch the counting or tallying process in many areas. Others observed one set of results being read at the constituency level and then another being announced by the electoral commission. There are many red flags. It is hard to say who would have won if the election was fair, but I don't know if we will ever know the answer to that one. Four members of the electoral commission have come out and said there were many irregularities and are asking for a fresh inquiry.
Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, has urged his supporters to maintain peace. He has also called for a million people rally in Nairobi on January 3rd. That will be a very volatile situation. They have talked about setting up a parallel government. Their claim is that Kibaki has the police and military, while they (ODM) have the people. The way the leaders handle this situation is critical for the country to remain peaceful.
The government side has also called for peace and says they are trying to reach out to the opposition. In an effort to stem incitement, they have also banned all live media broadcasts which has infuriated many within Kenya and others outside the country.
Thank you for your prayers.
JOe Peterson"
"Thank you so much for all of your encouraging e-mails. More so, thank you for your many prayers for the school, our staff and students and for the country of Kenya. This country has long been recognized as the most peaceful and stable country in East Africa and one of the best on the continent so the recent troubles are really disconcerting.
Things are OK here in Mbita, Kenya. Immediately after the election results and swearing in of the incumbent President, major violence broke out all over Kenya. The police and military used force to try and stop the rioting. In Mbita there were protests, but most retreated quickly to their houses after the police began firing their guns. Some managed to burn and destroy small kiosks locally owned by people of different tribes. Luckily there were no deaths and only minor injuries sustained. As far as we know all of the CGA staff, students and their families are safe right now. Our orphan overseer, Lillian Ombori, had to house a few families from other tribes that were fearing for their lives last night. They were taken into protective custody by the police this morning.
In the bigger cities, the stakes were much higher. Over 120 people have died throughout the country in the past day, including 43 in Kisumu. Things have died down in most places throughout the country now, but riots continue to persist in the slums of the bigger cities where many impoverished people from various tribes live very closely to one another. Much of the violence is based on tribal lines or against the police force.
We are hoping that peace can be restored very quickly. Currently, the transportation around Kenya is totally paralyzed. No vehicles (public or private) are traveling anywhere because of the violence and road blocks set up by locals. This can be very difficult for rural areas like Mbita. The citizens are already starting to feel it. It is difficult to get basic necessities such as bread, flour, cards for cell phone credit, etc. It is not so serious now, but could develop into a major problem soon if things are not settled quickly. Luckily, in Mbita, we live on a lake and will always have fish to eat at the very least. Other areas are not as fortunate as us.
Things seem to be quieting down across the country and we pray that things will return to normal soon, though the political situation may not be settled for a while.
The European Union, U.S. and U.K. have all come out strongly against the transparency of the election. Observers were not allowed to watch the counting or tallying process in many areas. Others observed one set of results being read at the constituency level and then another being announced by the electoral commission. There are many red flags. It is hard to say who would have won if the election was fair, but I don't know if we will ever know the answer to that one. Four members of the electoral commission have come out and said there were many irregularities and are asking for a fresh inquiry.
Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, has urged his supporters to maintain peace. He has also called for a million people rally in Nairobi on January 3rd. That will be a very volatile situation. They have talked about setting up a parallel government. Their claim is that Kibaki has the police and military, while they (ODM) have the people. The way the leaders handle this situation is critical for the country to remain peaceful.
The government side has also called for peace and says they are trying to reach out to the opposition. In an effort to stem incitement, they have also banned all live media broadcasts which has infuriated many within Kenya and others outside the country.
Thank you for your prayers.
JOe Peterson"
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