16 -The Michigan Daily - Tuesday, September 22, 1998 Spartans to keep lips shut, ears open in preparation for Saturday's contest EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State has had its ups and downs this season. Now it plays a game that could say a lot about whether the whole season follows that trend. The Spartans - lackluster in their first two games but dominant against Notre Dame - travel to Ann Arbor to take on in-state rival Michigan at noon Saturday. Unlike many years, the Spartans and Wolverines each enter the game with 1-2 records. At stake: In-state bragging rights and a possible sal- vaging of a potentially dismal season. "It's not just another game," Michigan State coach Nick Saban said yesterday. "Seldom do you go through a day when you don't confront somebody that's on the other side, or for the other side. And even though we respect them and we respect their fol- lowing of people, I think it's impor- tant for our players and our fans and our institution. "This game's an important game. I'm sure they feel the same way about it because it is an in-state riaIry." Michigan State opened the season with losses to Colorado State and Oregon, then stunned Notre Dame. Michigan lost to Notre Dame and Syracuse before rebounding last weekend against Eastern Michigan. But don't expect any badmouthing of Michigan - at least from Saban. He knows better. "I would most certainly hope that our players would show nothing but the ultimate respect for the University School of Public Health Graduate Student. Information Day Saturday, October 3, 1998 Over the next decade, the demand for public health graduates will increase. On any given day in the United States there are 2,500 to 5,000 vacant public health positions. There is a shortage of 1,800 public health nutritionists. The need for medical epidemiologists will more than double by the year 2000. With just two more years of study, you can gain unlimited career options in fast-track positions that are in high demand. Preliminary Program of Michigan, their coaches, their players and their team, and represent themselves that way," Saban said. "I don't see any reason to talk trash relative to the other side, because talk is cheap and the game will be decid- ed on the field." "Tell me that hasn't happened yet," he almost begged reporters at his weekly news conference. At least Bill Burke, the Michigan State quarterback, is firmly on board when it comes to respecting Michigan. "Michigan is Michigan. It's going to be a formidable task," Burke said of the approaching game. "There's a tremendous amount of respect for each other." And as for Saban, he has enough to worry about at home without putting down Michigan. "We don't talk much or focus much on Michigan and how good they are or what they've accomplished and what they've done and all that, because really our focus is on what we can control here and what we can do here with our players," he said. "We don't make a lot of compar- isons relative to them." Michigan State isn't saying much about this week's matchup in Ann Arbor, ind, rect contrast to last year's trash talking. The Spartans hope that their actions on Saturday will speak for themselves. Oakes jumps in, takes charge of defending Big Ten champions 8:30 am- 9:00 am- 9:30 am- 10:15 am: 10:30 am- 10:30 am- 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm- 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:15 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 3:00 pm Registration and Continental Breakfast Welcome and Introduction to the field of Public Health Faculty Speaker Break Biostatistics Departmental Session Panel discussion-faculty, staff, students and alumni- on admissions, financial aid, careers, diversity, student life Lunch and chance to chat with SPH students Departmental Sessions and optional tour Environmental and Industrial Health, Epidemiology, Health Behavior and Health Education, Health Management and Policy, On Job/On Campus Biostatistics continues By Josh Borkin and Joanna Freeman-Solman For the Daily When goalkeeper Amy Helber left after helping lead the Michigan field hockey team to a Big Ten champi- onship last year, she left big shoes for her successor to fill. Kati Oakes, the Wolverines' goal- keeper, has filled those shoes admirably thus far this season. After redshirting in 1996, her first season - while Helber recorded five shutouts - Oakes has stepped in and provided similar numbers. Ever since she took the goalkeeping reins from Helber this season, Oakes has won defensive player of the week honors two consecutive times. So far this season, she has 3 1/2 shutouts and a 6-1 record. Oakes has accomplished much without any buzz to boost her ego. She doesn't need any such confidence- builders. her coaches say. "Kati is quite mature for her status," says head coach Marcia Pankratz. "Everyone's confident with her back there," agrees assistant coach Tracey Fuchs. "She's a good commu- nicator - she keeps the defense solid. We like to play aggressively, and she allows us to do that." With her 3 1/2 shutouts putting her in the race to reach Helber's record of shutouts, Oakes focuses surprisingly little on the tally. "I haven't really thought about that. Shutouts are more of a team thing than an individual thing," Oakes said. "When we talked about team goals at the beginning, we didn't talk about that." She also claims that any compari- son to Helber is misplaced. She describes herself as a risk taker who's not afraid to call out orders as the game progresses. It's not uncommon for Oakes to suggest a daring play to one of her teammates at a pivotal point - but these traits are Oakes originals. She is unaffected by Helber's legacy and, beyond seeing the graduated goalie as an inspiration, she sets her own goals. "You can't compare Kati to Amy because they are two different-style goalkeepers," Fuchs explains. During the BC and Northeastern games "she kept us in the first half." Fuchs said. "We want to play attack- ing - we can concentrate on the offensive game with Kati." But while Oakes is an individual, her coaches are definitely taking a hand in her development. "She got a chance to learn from Amy," Pankratz concurs. "We sit down and discuss how we're going to devel- op every player. So, yes, we do have goals" for Oakes. The recent trip to Boston didn't seem to detract much from Oakes' focus. The team easily beat Northeastern and narrowly missed an upset at Boston College. "In one respect, traveling makes it easier to focus," Oakes said. "On weekend, there are football games and everything - on a road trip, you real- ly don't get to do that kind of stuff" Next up is Michigan State and the Big Ten season. Oakes said she is con- fident in her team's ability to succeed, and cites its depth of talent and com- munication skills as major advan- tages. To participate in this event, you will need to register by visiting our web site at www.sph.umich.edu/admissionsinfo.htm or by calling 764-5425. Please register by September 25, 1998. p v OVER ONE MILLION OF THE BEST MINDS IN AMERICA HAVE ALREADY CHOSEN THE BEST RETIREMENT SYSTEM. TIAA-CREF kI 1 W hen it comes to planning a comfort- world (based on assetsu able future, America's best and Today, TIAA-CREF brightest turn to the expert: TIAA-CREF. achieve even more of yo With over $230 billion in assets under From tax-deferred annu management, we're the world's largest mutual funds, you'll find retirement system, the nation's leader in and choice you need, ba customer satisfaction,' and the overwhelm- history of performance, ing choice of people in education, research, expenses, and peerlessc and related fields. personal service. Expertise You Can Count On Find Out For For 80 years, TIAA-CREF has intro- To learn more about1 duced intelligent solutions to America's long- mier retirement organiz term planning needs. We pioneered the of our retirement planni portable pension, invented the variable 1 800 842-2776. Or bett annuity, and popularized the very concept one of your colleagues.I c ~. ~ m. c~ u f...~ whein it comes ton Dlannir under management). 'can help you ur financial goals. cities and IRAs to d the flexibility acked by a proven remarkably low commitment to Yourself the world's pre- ation, talk to one ng experts at er still, speak to Find out why, ina for tomorrow, I ? I I it