The Saint :: Issue 6

The Myth of Introversion Saint Reporter Anne Stitt speaks up about being quiet

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theSaint

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Volume 34, Issue 6

>>NEWS Not Guilty | 2 Saint Repor ter, Natalie Przybyla tells us about the cause of riots and protests around the world

Ho, Ho, Homework.

The Spreading of Holiday Cheer On campus events prepare the AQ community for the holiday eason

UkeKnighted | 3

Staff Writer Chucky Blackmore gives us the lowdown on AQ club, UkeKnighted

>>CULTURE Mary Poppins | 5

Saint Reporter Anne Stitt reviews this classic at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

SHOUT! | 6

Staff Writer Jess Coffman tells you why SHOUT! A Mod Musical was a show you didn’t want to miss

>>SPORTS Men’s Basketball | 7 Staff writer Anna Musiyenko reveals a promising season for the Men’s Basketball team Maggie Keiffer| 8

Staff Writer Haley Brink talked to this AQ champion and discusses her accomplishments here at AQ

By Mariah Cowsert The Saint Reporter This season,Aquinas celebrated with joyous events that anyone could enjoy including ornament decorating, festive group pictures, annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Aquismas tradition, and a fireside chat with President Oliverez and the newest member to the Aquinas Community, Provost Gilda Gely.

AQPB and Campus Life cosponsored Christmas in The Moose offering students the opportunity to make ornaments, create homemade snow globes using mason jars, and family pictures courtesy of Josh Weiland Photography. Students took a well-needed break from studying to enjoy the arts and crafts reminiscent of childhood christmas traditions. Christmas music was underscoring the event while elf hats and presents were used as fun props for pictures with friends.

Following the Christmas at the Moose event, the annual C h r i s t m a s Tr e e L i g h t i n g w a s hosted by President Oliverez and Father Stan before the fireside chat.

The women’s choir performed Christmas hymns as students, f a c u l t y, a n d a l u m n i g a t h e r e d around the luminous glow of the tree which distracted everyone from the bitter cold. The decorated t r e e u s e d f o r t h e l i g h t i n g wa s planted in 2010 in an effort for Sustainability and provides a Christmas tradition to look forward to before the stress of exams.

President Oliverez and Provost Gely sat in front of the Aquinas community in the Moose to provide a comfortable question and answer

Obama Announces decision on New Immigration Reform

By Anna Musiyenko Staff Writer “We shall not oppress a stranger for we know the heart of a stranger — we were strangers once, too,” Barack Obama, the President of the United States, said on November 21 , after making a controversial decision on the future of 11 million undocumented and illegal immigrants in the country.

President Obama announced his immigration plan in prime-time from the White House on November 21, in which he will allow up to five million undocumented immigrants to apply for a program that protects them from deportation and allows them to work legally in the country, reports The New York Times.

Undocumented immigrants who have lived in America at least five years and do not have any kind of criminal record would be able to stay in the country after passing background checks, paying taxes and different fees.

Furthermore, the current Differed A c t i o n s f o r C h i l d h o o d A r r i va l s (DACA) program was expanded by removing the age limit for eligibility.

Young immigrants or Dreamers who came to the United States as children no longer need to be under 30 years old to apply for the citizenship or the social security card. “ Yo u c a n c o m e o u t o f t h e shadows,” The President of the United States said.

E ve n t h o u g h B a r a c k O b a m a almost changed the Constitution of America, there are some rules which still are able to limit the flow of illegal immigrant to the country. People who recently arrived as illegal immigrants or managed to sneak into the country after 2010 do not have rights to apply for the new immigration program.

Moreover, farm workers and the Dreamers’ parents will not receive

the specific protection from the deportation.

One of the biggest issues with a new immigration law is that none of the five million immigrants who will get legal protection by government will be given the same right for the medical health care covered by the Affordable Care Act. “Just as the president has broad discretion to decide whether to allow undocumented individuals to get a temporary reprieve from deportation, he also has broad authority to decide whether to grant them work authorization and health benefits,” Stephen W. Yale-Loehr, the professor of the immigration law in Cornell University, said.

The President of the United States highlighted that the main idea of the new immigration plan is to give an opportunity to people for a better living situation and not be afraid of coming back to the third world with poverty and life threats.

Despite the controversy, program g i ve s a h u g e p o s i t i ve a s p e c t t o those five million undocumented immigrants and protects their future in America, there are some negative sides of this law which makes Obama’s decision to be so controversial.

“I’m sad there are people who will be left out. For them in particular, I recommend to fight until we see the day that they are protected from deportation,” Lorella Praeli, the director of advocacy for United We Dream, said.

November 21, 2014 became a life-changing day for almost eleven million undocumented immigrants and current American citizens.

s e s s i o n t o c o n n e c t o u r s t u d e n t There will be cookie decorating, adults and runs until January 4. The body to it’s upper administration. an ugly sweater contest, prizes and Grand Rapids Art Museum, GRAM, Free cookies, hot chocolate, and a photobooth. The annual Wege is featuring a new exhibit for the an Ipad that featured a fireplace Merry Christmas Dinner will be holidays entitled “Re-Envisioning background set the tone for the taking place Thursday, December The Nutcracker ” which includes cozy and informative fireside chat. 11 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. On Saturday, work from Grand Rapids native and Students were able to ask personal D e c e m b e r 1 3 , d a n c e yo u r e x a m author of The Polar Express, Chris questions including their favorite stress away at the Winter Formal Van Allsburg, and Eugene Lee, Tony author, hidden talents, and even if hosted by Residence Life in Wege award winner and Emmy winning they would be an Amy Poehler or a Ballroom from 8p.m. to midnight. p r o d u c t i o n d e s i g n e r f o r N B C ’s Tina Fey. Questions dug deeper as There will be carriage rides and a Saturday Night Live. This exhibition students asked about their views on photobooth. Tickets are $5 if ordered is free and featured until January 11. the new three year residency policy, i n a d va n c e a n d $ 7 a t t h e d o o r.

The holiday season is for the censorship of speakers, and what You can register by filing out the spending time with family friends, lessons they learned during their form located on the Residence Life whether it be the AQ family or years in college inside and outside Website. Frederik Meijer Garden is families back at home. offering horse drawn carriage rides, the classroom.

Happy Holidays AQ! O t h e r e v e n t s f e a t u r e d o n a Polar Express themed railway campus for the holidays included garden, and over 40 international an Aquismas tradition. Professor tree displays. Admission is $12 for McDaniel, Professor Pinheiro, Dean Matzke, Professor Ya r b o u r o u g h , M a r y C l a r k Kaiser and Terry Marshall, as well as junior Nate Schall read Christmas stories to students in their pajamas while they enjoyed milk and cookies. This enabled students to experience a christmas event with the joys of childhood storytelling and reflect together on the Aquinas community and the friendships t h e y ’ ve b u i l t . I t a l s o s e r ve d as a bonding experience with students and professors.

The fun doesn’t end there, Grand Rapids and Residence Life offer more festive celebrations, shows, and exhibits for the winter season. Put on an ugly sweater and go out to the Regina Hall Christmas Party for cookies and a viewing of National COURTESY JOSH WEILAND Lampoons Christmas Vacation on D e c e m b e r 1 0 f r o m 7 - 9 p . m . Rocking Around the Christmas Tree: AQ’s Christmas tree is located by Regina Hall across from Holmdene.

Act on Racism brings light to the Issues on campus and in the world

By Mariah Cowsert The Saint Reporter As part of International Education Week, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at Aquinas College hosted Act on Racism, an event that aimed to open discussion of race and racism to the Aquinas community.

The event included a lecture by guest speaker Dr. Jessica Cruz, the cofounder and director of the Center for Latino Studies at Ferris State University. Dr. Cruz earned her bachelor ’s degrees in French and Public Administration f r o m G r a n d Va l l e y S t a t e University before moving on to earn her masters and doctorate degrees from COURTESY AQ CENTER FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Columbia.

Cruz, who was born in #SpeakUp: Act on Racism brings dynamic performances and discussion to Aquinas P u e r t o R i c o , a d vo c a t e s a greater access to higher education The second half of the event scenarios of everyday racism that f o r s t u d e n t s o f m a r g i n a l i z e d included performances by Act on m a n y m e m b e r s o f m a r g i n a l i z e d b a c k g r o u n d s a n d w h o a r e R a c i s m , a s t u d e n t o r g a n i z a t i o n identities have to face every day. c h i l d r e n o f i m m i g r a n t s o r w h o founded in 2005 at Grand Valley Each performance handled a a r e i m m i g r a n t s t h e m s e l v e s . I n S t a t e U n i ve r s i t y. A c t o n R a c i s m different aspect of racism. Aquinas h e r l e c t u r e , D r. C r u z d e t a i l e d s e e k s t o h e l p u n d e r s t a n d a n d College Sophomore Erick Ramirezr e s e a r c h s h e c o n d u c t e d w h i l e d i s c u s s r a c e a n d r a c i s m t o d a y Guerrero performed a poem entitled studying for her doctorate degree. through various creative outlets, “Coconut” which dealt with issues Her research found that the less s u c h a s s p o k e n w o r d p o e t r y, o f i d e n t i t y a n d r a c e d e f i n i t i o n . inclusive a college environment is t h e a t r i c a l s k i t s , s i n g i n g a n d “Politics of Hair ” portrayed the to Latino students, the more likely music, and other forms of creative r a c i s t a n d d i s c r i m i n a t o r y d r e s s Latino and Latina students are to expression. code policies African-Americans drop out and not complete their T h e p e r f o r m a n c e s s t r u c k face in the work place. “Mike education. These findings led her personal chords, with performers Brown” was a poem dedicated to to help create the Center for Latino acting out pieces that portrayed the African-American men who lost Studies at Ferris, a “counter space”, r a c i s m t h e y h a d e x p e r i e n c e d their lives due to police brutality. where students can unite and feel i n r e a l l i f e . S o m e p i e c e s , s u c h The event ended with an open included in their community. as “Unfinished Letters” and Q&A section where audience In Michigan, only two other “ 6 5 % Wa t e r ” d e a l t w i t h l a r g e r, m e m b e r s e x p r e s s e d t h e i r universities play host to centers s y s t e m a t i c f o r m s o f r a c i s m t h a t gratitude and appreciation of the of Latino studies or other similar n e g a t i v e l y i m p a c t s l i v e s , b u t performance. entities: Wayne State University p e r f o r m a n c e s s u c h a s “ T h e 5 0 ” and Michigan State University. and “McBurgersons” explored

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Aquinas: Exam Cram and Finals Week

Michigan: Grand Rapids hosts a Black Lives Matter Workshop

National: NYPD Officer Daniel Pantelo

World: Remains of Student in Mexico Found

The Fall 2014 semester is coming to an end. Exam Cram events are being sponsored through a variety of campus RSOs and departments. Check out the AQ website or posters located throughout campus. Library hours are extended until 3a.m.

An introductory workshop on police brutality was held in Grand Rapids at Heartside Ministries to discuss civil rights and the importance of community and the nonviolent fight for change, in light of recent controversial occurences like the Ferguson case. The next workshop will be held Thursday December 11 at Heartside Ministries.

On Wednesday December 3, the court decided not to charge Officer Daniel Pantelo for the death of Staten Island Father and husband, Eric Garner. Garner who reportedly resisted arrest was put into a chokehold by Officer Pantelo and died within minutes.

After 43 students were abducted in Mexico City in September 2014, one of the students’ bodies has been found and identified. The theory in place says that the students were killed after being kidnapped by municipal police and turned over to a drug gang. Families hold out hope as the government and citizens attempt to find the others.

Rebecca Kiessling shares her story of tragedy and triumph

not Charged for the Death of Eric Garner

Darren Wilson: Not Guilty

World News

COURTESY NEW YORK TIMES

United: Hong Kong: Protesters continue to campaign through their tenth week of the “Umbrella Movement.”

By Yasmeen Ahmed News Editor LIZ PTASZYNSKI//THE SAINT

Liz Ptaszynski The Saint Reporter On December 2, dozens of students and faculty piled into the Wege ballroom to listen to National Pro­ Life speaker, Rebecca Kiessling share her story. At 6 p.m. in the Wege Ballroom. Kiessling came rushing in with three young girls under her arm. Her story started tragic but ended with nothing but happiness and an overall message to the audience that you should stand up for what you believe in.

The event began with a message from her youngest daughter. An aspiring Pro ­L ife speaker herself, she shared a story she wrote for the audience explaining that adoption was good and always a healthy alternative.

After a round of applause, Kiessling came back to explain her story. She was just eighteen when she was informed that she was conceived out of rape. She explained with tears in her eyes that she was devastated the day she found out, “I was heartbroken,” Kiesslingexplained. “I wondered how anyone could love me when I was so damaged.” She spoke with such emotion that everyone in the audience felt a tug at their heart.

Kiessling went on to say that it was that belief that resulted in her landing in abusive relationship after abusive relationship until one day she was so badly injured from a boyfriend that she lost her front teeth. Though she healed, the pain was still evident. The pain she knew came from a more repressed issue. It wasn’t long after that, that she was granted permission to receive her birth certificate and more information on her mother. She learned that her real name was Judy Ann Miracle and was able to write to her biological mother for the first time. Soon after she was able to meet her mother and half brother.

“It was really weird for me knowing that there was a chance we could have grown up together.”

At the memory of the first time she met her biological family it seemed that her eyes lit up as if just thinking about it made her feel complete. However, her tone turned dark once again when she continued her story. She learned that her mother had wanted to abort her when she realized she was pregnant.

She explained that she had tried twice, but it “never worked out”. Her hand flew to her heart at the mention of this.

“For the second time in my life I was truly devastated.” She explained that despite that, she nurtured a relationship with her mother until the day came when she received a phone call on her birthday just last year saying that she was glad that she had her in her life.

“It was the greatest gift, I could ever received,” she said in response.

Once her story was explained she went on to discuss why being Pro Life is so important.

“People don’t realize that it’s not just a fetus we are talking about, it’s a person. I think people struggle with this because people don’t put a face to the issue, to them it’s merely a concept.”

Her opinions were unshakeable and truly left everyone in the audience moved. Aquinas Junior Nick Beallsaid “I’m really happy I went to this event, her story was so touching and it really made me think.”

COURTESY JULIANA JIMENES

Ferguson, Missouri: Protesters look for their next move in the city’s crowds.

By Natalie Przybyla The Saint Reporter On November 25, history was made. Darren Wilson was ruled to not be indicted for killing Mike Brown, a past resident of Ferguson, Missouri. When the ruling became public, protests echoed in the streets and riots quickly took over Ferguson.

Here is what the encounter of the two men ended like: Brown was shot six times at close range by Wilson who suffered a bruise on his cheek from a punch Brown gave. The grand jury was presented with this information, multiple eyewitness testimonies, both for and against the indictment, and a speech from Wilson.

Some of the jurors asked for more information after three days of trial. It was clear that the ruling was going to be cloudy.

None the less, a verdict came in and the people of Ferguson and others throughout the United States were not happy about it.

Protests sprung up all around, including that of St. Louis, Washington D.C., and even Grand Rapids. The protests weren’t only for Mike Brown but for the people who lost their lives to police brutality. Some of the protests resulted in riots which lead to the destruction of much of Ferguson and other cities.

However, the destruction did nothing for the better of the cause. Many businesses are left crippled and families are trying to dig through the ashes of what was once their cars, their jobs, and their homes. A few kick-starters were made to help raise

money for Ferguson’s repairs as well as money raised to help pay the bail of the rioters.

Forensic evidence shows that Brown was shot near the police car and walked until he fell in the street where he was left for four and a half hours before being moved. Brown’s record was not clear and he was caught on camera for theft shortly before that, in addition to an autopsy revealing evidence of marijuana and alcohol. Police brutality is beginning to become a huge concern for Americans.

Within the past few months, a man was strangled and killed by a NYPD officer, a twelve-year-old boy with a toy gun was shot and killed by an officer in Cleveland, and a mentally ill man was shot three times laying down to comply to the police and survived to tell the tale. All were unarmed.

In light of the controversial ocurrences that continue to happen with police officers, protesters and concerned citizens, especially Michael Brown’s parents have been urging a ruling for police officers to wear body cameras. Although many people would celebrate this decision, some see it as an invasion of their privacy and their jobs as police officers.However, Obama plans to spend a significant amount of money outfitting police officers with cameras.

As far as the protests go, it is important to remember that violence is only fighting fire with fire. Many protests and riots could lead to more trouble, but there are little steps being taken to prevent what has happened with police officers thus far.

Yemen Navy Seals responsible for hostage-rescue operation in Yemen were unaware that civilians had privately negotiated the release of a South African man who was killed along with an American hostage Saturday. The result of a failed mission, U.S. officials reported.

Guantanamo Six Guantanamo Bay war prisoners jailed for 12 years are being settled as refugees in Uruguay today after the United States transferred them there this past weekend. The Obama administration has plans to announce additional transfers in the coming weeks.

Obama promised in his 2008 campaign to close Guantanamo, The New York Times reported.

New Delhi After a Uber driver in New Delhi was charged with the rape of a 26-year old female passenger, the city has banned the start-up’s operations. The taxi driver was arrested and charged with sexual assault three years ago. Punishments for rape in New Delhi are becoming increasingly strict as the citizens bring more attention to the increasing problems of harassment.

Olympics The International Olympics Committee voted on Monday to allow new sports at the games, baseball or softball are even possibilities. There have also been significant changes made to the bidding to be a host city that could make it much easier and cheaper for hopeful cities.

Greece Greece’s Parliament approved the first balanced budget in decades on Monday. This signals the nation’s first step in a gradual emergence to end their six year recession.

China China’s trade surplus soared in November and hit a record, as exports continue to capture a growing share of world markets their imports still remain at an all time high.

Germany: Amazon workers walk off the job at a warehouse on Monday in a continuous campaign for wage negotiations.

Israel Israeli warplanes struck at least two areas close to Damascus this past weekend, the Syrian Armed Forces General Command reported. Israel has not confirmed or denied the reports of this.

Philippines At least 21 people were killed and many homes were destroyed in the Philippines after Typhoon Hagupit struck this weekend.

Hong Kong Demonstrations continue through their 10th week of protests in Hong Kong. What’s known as the Umbrella Movement, has brought many students and citizens together in a fight for Hong Kong’s governmental decision to be made by the people. Professors and students compare this movement to the civil rights movement, something that could last for years and that they are ready to continue.

United States of America Former President George W. Bush joined ex-officials of the C.I.A. in a criticism of a Senate Report, not yet released, on the use of torture by the agency. Bush appeared on CNN to assert that supposed claims in the report that

International Student Profile:

Maria Moon

By Veronica Burns Staff Writer S o p h o m o r e Maria Moon is an adventure seeking, International Business major who fell in love with Aquinas. Her experiences she has made, not only here at AQ, but her others have given her opportunities she wouldn’t have found in Korea.

Her Hometown, Suwon, she said is, “a suburb city where there are many apartments and also mountains near the apartments.” She would go hiking every day, and her one complaint is that she cannot go hiking every day in Michigan.

Traveling is something she loves and she has been to many different countries. When Moon was younger she participated in choir and got to travel because of that. Places they traveled to included; Germany, Austria and Italy. Here they would sing with choirs from different countries as well. She also said, “ I have been to Vietnam and Cambodia with my mom. It was very HOT, so i got sick when i was in Cambodia.”

Something that people can depend on when they talk to Maria is a laugh.

She is very active on campus and loves meeting new people. This ability to adapt to situations easily and make new friends led her to become a foreign exchange student. She came to the U.S. when she was a sophomore in high school and attended Rockford.

She s p o ke about her experience, saying, “I loved it here so much, so I decided to finish high school in the US. I went to the Divine Child High School, in Dearborn, for both my Junior and Senior year. I got so lucky when I was staying here during my high school years, because I had four great host families who still invite me to come stay at their homes for the holidays.”

When comparing the experience to back home, she said, “Since the Korean schools are so strict and tough,

News Editor Yasmeen Ahmed E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

I would only study at school all day everyday (high school students have to be at school from 7am to 10 pm everyday except for Sunday). But here, I joined many clubs and made so many friends.

Tw o t h i n g s that I really enjoyed doing i n c l u d e d Marching Band and the Forensics ( P u b l i c Speech) team.

I got to travel around the U.S with my teams and they made me more confident.”

She added though that, COURTESY MARIA MOON “At first, it was ve r y h a r d t o adjust to the culture and language,” having only a few years experience of English and didn’t really know how to speak the language other than basic words. Transportation is a culture difference Maria has to work around.

She would be able to walk everywhere and use public transportation in

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

Korea. Here she doesn’t have a license and is limited on where she can go.

When describing the food differences, Maria added some humor.

She said, “Korean foods are mostly spicy and healthy food,” while adding, “I love American food… so bad [for you], but so good!” Her favorite dish here would be pasta, and laughed a lot when saying she gained about twenty pounds when she came to the U.S. When describing her AQ experience, she said, “I am really enjoying being an Aquinas college student. Everyone is so nice and I love everybody! I loved freshman orientation because everyone was welcoming and very kind. My orientation leaders were the sweetest people I have ever met and they made me want to become an orientation leader as well. I felt very inclusive in the community. I came to Aquinas because it is a small Catholic school and I heard the international business program is very nice here.

I love being able to get to know professors and faculty members. As I walk to my class, i can say hi to everyone because we all know each other.”

Maria is involved in AQPB, CAVA, and is a peer mentor for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Along with her International Business major, she has an Economics minor. When describing her dream job, she said, “I

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NEWS

THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Professor Spotlight:

AQ Gives Back

Carmen Ruiz-Sanchez shares her love for languages with AQ ended up working there for a few ye a r s a s we l l . S h e s a i d , “ I t wa s a g o o d j o b , e a s y, b u t I c o u l d n ’t participate in meetings or vote.”

She started looking around and

By Veronica Burns Staff Writer

She coordinates the first year spanish program, and made changes to the program. This includes a different textbook and online spanish work. Lower level spanish classes are normally taught by adjuncts, and this semester she started a hybrid program.

The class m e e t s two times a week, instead of four times a week.

Ruiz-Sanchez grew up in Seville, a city in southern Spain, and lived there until she was 23 years old.

When she was 22 she participated in a year long study abroad program that took her to London, England.

Afterwards she returned to Spain where she finished her degree at the University of Seville.

Wa n t i n g t o d o another year of international study, Being a in 1999 she made teacher is the University of something Indiana her next she always stop. What was dreamed originally going of. If she to be one year in COURTESY CARMEN RUIZ-SANCHEZ w a s n ’ t a the United States has AQ Pride: Professor Ruiz-Sanchez has brought many new classes, experiences and p r o f e s s o r turned into fifteen. She h e knowledge to Aquinas with her passion and knowledge for the Spanish language. s laughed when asked, would do “Why Indiana?” She something said a lot of people ask her that saw a job posting at Aquinas. Her in the field of translation, having same question but that her choice strengths and strong resume got a l o v e f o r l a n g u a g e s . Te a c h i n g c a m e d o w n t o a c a d e m i c s . T h e her the job in August 2011. kickboxing classes, zumba classes, U n i ve r s i t y h a s a g o o d p r o g r a m and flamenco are some activities and reputation. She graduated S h e h a d a l w a y s a t t e n d e d o r she does outside of Aquinas. She i n 2 0 0 7 , a n d s a i d , “ I d i d t w o worked in large colleges but her says exercise and dance are some M a s t e r s ( Te a c h i n g E n g l i s h a s a transition to Aquinas went well. of her passions and she also loves Second Language, and Hispanic Ta k i n g o n m o r e r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s Breaking Bad. She manages to do Linguistics) and a PhD in Hispanic was part of this large change as t h i s a l l w h i l e r a i s i n g t wo k i d s , Linguistics.” w e l l . A Q d i d n ’t h a v e s o m e o n e Lucia and Andres, alongside her Ruiz-Sanchez met her husband to teach Linguistics for Spanish; husband. at Indiana University and his job SH301 and other courses have been brought the two to Michigan. He added to the curriculum because worked at Michigan State and she of her work.

RSO Spotlight:

UkeKnighted

By Chucky Blackmore Staff Writer One beautiful aspect of Aquinas College is the recognition of the student body, especially through registered student organizations (RSOs). Each RSO brings forth a collective interest and mission to engage students of all backgrounds. There are academic-oriented associations, culture and faith-based groups, advocacy alliances, and entertainment organizations, among many others.

One distinct and talented RSO includes the instrumental troupe that makes up Uke Knighted. The group is noted for taking part in several recent on-campus events, including open mic nights, festivals, and dances. The history of Uke Knighted goes back roughly three years.

When Marin Haffey, senior and president of Uke Knighted, was a first year, she would regularly play the ukulele around campus, wishing there were fellow ukuleleists she could share her passion with. It wasn’t until the very last day of school when she found that person.

“We had a little jam session together,” said Haffey. “It turns out he lived in my building and we had never met before.”

Haffey was overjoyed at the thought of coming back to AQ the following fall to finally get a club going for ukulele players. To her surprise, however, the friend she met on the last day of school had transferred to a different college.

This didn’t discourage her one bit. Haffey entered Saint Stock that year with her ukulele in hand and a sign-up sheet.

“I got 24 people who were interested in starting a ukulele club with me,” said Haffey. “Uke Knighted was born.”

Nowadays, Uke Knighted members range from a variety of grades and experience levels, with Haffey still sustaining as the backbone of the musical club. Some of those members include freshmen Kati Doering, Jenny McCullen,

“We forgot some lyrics,” said Doering, “but it was exciting to play for fellow students.”

No member ever goes without having his or her voice heard in Uke Knighted.

Each member has a say in what events they want to be a part of or put on as a club.

The philosophy the club puts forth in an effort to sustain that sense of family is as follows: “If there is a song someone wants to learn or something someone wants to do with the club, their voice and ukulele will be heard,” said Haffey.

“We all teach each other.”

COURTESY ERIN ELLIS Fond memories flourish Madison Hoeft; sophomores Erin Ellis throughout the Uke Knighted and Brione Caviness; and junior Chelsey family as they perform on campus and McNees--to name just a few. While some bond during meetings. members joined the club knowing how “All of the memories I have had with to fluently play the ukulele, others came Uke Knighted have been special to me,” in eager to learn. said Haffey. She remembers playing at “Marin and Erin were very kind and the Christmas dance her sophomore year showed me how to play the ukulele right as people walked in the Wege Ballroom. at their Saint Stock table,” said Doering, “I would have to say open mic night who played guitar in middle school. “I last year was pretty memorable,” said really love music and the ukulele is lots Ellis. “We all got up one by one to play of fun and super easy to learn.” with Marin, and we ended up with about Ellis, who assumes the role of the seven or eight people on the stage. It was vice president for the club, remembers awesome.” entering the club with an eagerness to “I [have] met some of closest friends learn. through Uke Knighted,” said Doering, “Marin was one of my orientation encouraging students to get involved leaders and she always walked around with that resonate with their passions. playing the Ukulele,” said Ellis, who “If there’s a club or group out there that joined the club as a freshman. “Eventually interests you, go ahead and try it. You’ve she taught me the basic four chords (C, got nothing to lose.”

G, Am, F) and I wanted to learn more As Uke Knighted continues to ever since.” put smiles on the faces of many who Uke Knighted has participated are embraced by their warm, serene in numerous campuswide events, performances, the club looks to raise performing at such events like Fall Fest, money to bring in renowned ukulele Earth Day, open mic night, and Winter player, Alfa Garcia, to campus. A bake sale Formal. The group had a table set up at is currently in the works. Uke Knighted is Fall Fest, playing a repertoire of classics also learning Christmas carols for anyone for those who attended. Quite recently, that is looking for local talent to supply Uke Knighted members performed at a great deal of Christmas spirit at their the musical-themed open mic, kicking it holiday gathering. Those interested in off with their ukulele-infused rendition hiring the club are encouraged to email o f “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” Marin Haffey at mah002@aquinas.edu. a notorious song from the 1964 Disney movie Mary Poppins.

News Editor Yasmeen Ahmed

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

The AQ Community Leadership club joins forces with volunteers at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Grand Rapids to demonstrate the AQ Charism of Service the more time people will invest in helping others. The awareness just needs to be shown.”

For students who would like The Aquinas Community to start making a difference, Leadership Club kicked off their yo u c a n f i n d m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n service this semester on Saturday, o n t h e c l u b ’s F a c e b o o k p a g e December 6, with the “Breakfast Aquinas College Community with Santa” event. Held at the Leadership Club, or go to aquinas.

Salvation Army Kroc Center, this edu/servicelearning/, then click on event welcomed the Grand Rapids “volunteer locally.”

Community to come and enjoy Blackmore believes that some holiday fun and activities. “it is important to volunteer Charles because most Blackmore, nonprofits the Aquinas are in a place Community to recognize Leadership issues and C l u b solve them.

S e c r e t a r y, Vo l u n t e e r s reports that a r e t h e it included, reinforcement “a delicious that holds the breakfast organization buffet of up... simple pancakes, tasks like scrambled filing papers, eggs, milk, making phone and juice; calls, raking storytime COURTESY MOLLY THIEL l e a v e s , with Santa; Service: AQ students helped out at Breakfast with or even holiday art Santa at the Grand Rapids Salvation Army Kroc s e r v i n g p r o j e c t s , ” Center breakfast and more. might seem unimportant, but Volunteers set up, served, greeted, e a c h a n d e ve r y vo l u n t e e r i s a n helped with art projects, and extra hand towards solving those cleaned up after the event. problems. Grand Rapids is a great Blackmore has been excited place for making a difference.” for this event saying, “During a time of giving and receiving, we tend to forget that many people aren’t able to do either. Providing something joyful to those in need is something that impacts m e g r e a t l y. ” B l a c k m o r e h o p e s that this event has helped to “... spread community awareness of homelessness, disenfranchisement, a n d h u n g e r- a l l t h i n g s t h a t t h e Salvation Army seeks to end- to the community of Grand Rapids.

The more awareness that is shown,

By Jess Coffman Staff Writer

Violent Interrogations Report indicates that the CIA used violent and ineffective means of torture to al-Queda prisoners

By Mackenzie Murphy Staff Writer The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released a report on Tuesday, December 6 detailing the interrogation tactics the Central Intelligence Agency used on alQaeda suspects following the 9/11 attacks.

The report stated that the CIA’s use of interrogation techniques “ wa s n o t a n e f f e c t i ve m e a n s o f acquiring intelligence or gaining cooperation from detainees” and that use of these tactics “rested on inaccurate claims of their effectiveness.”

President Barack Obama released a statement following the report saying that the practices were “contrary to our values” and he pledged to “continue to use [his] authority as president to make sure we never resort to those methods again”, according to the Associated Press.

T h e c o m m i t t e e ’s investigation of the CIA followed and documented the agency’s actions that occurred between 2001 up to 2009, when the Obama administration ended the detention and interrogation program.

A l o n g w i t h waterboarding described in internal CIA records as a “series of near drownings”, the committee found that

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d e t a i n e e s we r e s u b j e c t t o s l e e p d e p r i va t i o n , s e r v e a n d r e g u l a r beatings known as “wallings” and “rough takedowns”, a lack of heat that contributed to at least one detainee’s death, and threats made out to personal friends and family members.

The GOP released a report the same day the committee’s report wa s r e l e a s e d i n d e f e n s e o f t h e tactics, saying that “the rendition, detention, and interrogation program [the CIA] created, of which enhanced interrogation was only a small part, enabled a stream of collection and intelligence validation that was unprecedented” according to CBS. NBC reports that 2,000 marines h a ve b e e n p u t o n h i g h a l e r t i n Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea as the US military braces for potential threats made in response to the findings of the reports.

COURTESY NEW YORK TIMES

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

opinion >>

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Teen Drivers Screw Up

FROM THE CROWD

By Haley Brink Staff Writer

APPLAUSE TO...

Student Senate and the Library, for being open until 3am to aid us in our time of procrastination and insomnia; Exam Cram week, for providing wonderful distractions from all of the dreadful studying we have to do; Winter break, for saving us and our sanity after finals week; Wege, for being on point with their tiramisu ice cream; Trivia Crack, for being infromative, addicting, and more fun than it deserves to be; SHOUT! the Mod Musical, for providing groovy tunes and a great show; French Toast Crunch, for returning to us and finally saving our taste buds.

I was driving down the Beltline the other day, and the amount of ice was deceiving. I slid through an intersection as the light turned red, and luckily, the older man in the red pick-up truck noticed me and didn’t go when his light was green. I would have gotten T-boned and my car would have been wrecked. Why did this happen? There was ice. I started to stop really far in advance. I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life; I know how bad the roads get here.

I can’t imagine what would have happened if I would have gotten in an accident.

Isn’t it annoying that there is such a giant social stigma about teen drivers, especially during the

Finals, for making us actually do schoolwork during college; Procrastination, for dooming us all to sleeples nights and stress eating; Michigan weather, for giving us climate whiplash; Bill Cosby, for ruining our childhood dreams; Trivia Crack, for demanding more attention than the neediest of significant others;

After a long look at the rich art community, it has become clear that street art has taken over the house. With Banksy pieces going for $10,000 or more and the popularity of Shepard Fairey’s “Obama Hope” print during the 2008 presidential election, street art is making its way into the home. As time goes on, street art is in high demand and price--both economically and socially.

Street art is a part of postmodern culture that usually consists of making a social or political statement and is scattered throughout cities for all to see. Downtown Grand Rapids is a great place to see street art from nameless graffiti to the rumored Banksy on the side of The B.O.B..

Kourtney and Scott, for repopulating the Earth with yet another Kardashian spawn;

theSaint 2014-2015 E D I T O R I A L B O A R D Mayra Monroy Yasmeen Ahmed Abigale Racine Emily Higham

Sports Editor Managing Editor Opinion Editor Adviser

Taylor Hodges Aaron Campbell Chuck Hyde Dr. Dan Brooks

*** Please note that the views expressed on this page are those of their respective author(s), and do not necessarily represent the views of The Saint as a whole.

MISSION The Saint has worked diligently for the past 31 years to produce an informative, entertaining and journalistically-correct student publication. The Saint is distributed by students at Aquinas College and in the surrounding community.

Our goal is to continue to provide an open forum for the ideas, views and concerns of the Aquinas community.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR All letters must include a signature, typed or handwritten, and include a phone number for the sole purpose of verification. The Saint reserves the right to edit letters to the editor based on content, punctuation, length and libel issues.

Letters should not exceed 300 words. We will not print anonymous letters to the editor and will not accept letters to the editor over the phone.

>>write us a letter!

e-mail — saint.editors@aquinas.edu, or use the form on our website.

physical copies – AB, Room 20

Opinion Editor Chuck Hyde

A GUN IN THE BACK SEAT, PROBABLY ON A DRUG RUN, WHILE IN A POSSIBLE STOLEN VEHICLE. And the accusations go on. They were probably shooting heroine when the cops came too. And while the cop was writing the ticket, the teen was probably doing a line of coke on the center console of their newly totaled 1972 Fleetwood Cadillac. Then the teen probably tried to make a run for it. Or they got in a fight with the cop. Or they jumped in the cop car and drove away. Or they tried to pin it on the other driver. But obviously it had to have been the teen’s fault. They are a teen driver for God’s sake.

But why does this happen?

Who texts a lot? Teens. Who are new drivers? Teens. Just because we’ve only been driving for a few years and most of us own cell phones doesn’t mean that we are at fault for every accident we get in.

It’s funny how situations involving teens get exaggerated to the point of disbelief. It’s sickening.

“This’ll look nice when it’s framed” is a piece by the father of new-aged street art, Banksy, and it is meant to make an ironic statement about how street art cannot really be framed both in concept and by tactical means. A lot of street art has to do with anticonformity and making a powerful statement for many people to see. Street art is usually temporary, and its existence is special because of its power to come and go with the times.

Is it right, then, to make these statements permanent and sheltered by putting them in the home?

What was once a subject that could be seen by millions, regardless of class, race, or gender, is now limited to the eyes of only those who can afford a $50,000 work of art. Buying what was once plastered to the side of a skyscraper only so one can keep it to themselves restricts many from

the meanings of the work. Does that not defeat the purpose of street art?

It has been proposed we free what we can see. A basic right of being able to see something beautiful is beginning to be blockaded by income. A symbol of anticonformity and fighting against injustice is becoming a symbol of wealth and conformity in the upper class. What are we if our act of anarchy is made pleasurable for the wrong reasons by the favorers of capitalist society?

Street art is to remain where it started: on the streets. If one wishes to view the art, it’s best to simply explore the cities or the internet for more beauty. It is to belong to the people and spread among the intersections of the internet. Money should not arrest the purpose the art holds.

The Myth of Introversion

Discovery Channel, for providing screen time and money for Paul Rosolie to get eaten by an anaconda; The Staten Island grand jury, for denying Eric Garner a chance at justice.

winter months? If you don’t know what I’m talking about, ask an adult if they’ve heard about and what their view is on the latest accident involving a teen driver. It’s bound to be a stereotypical ‘blame the teen’ answer.

If an ‘adult’ got in a car accident due to sliding on ice, the headlines would read: CAR ACCIDENT INVOLVING TWO ADULT DRIVERS. One driver will get pegged with the fault, and that’s the end of it. No one makes false accusations about one of the adults. Adults are all experienced drivers. They couldn’t possibly be at fault.

While in the same situation, if a teen got into a car accident due to sliding on ice, the headlines would be a lot different: TEEN DRIVER CAUSES CAR ACCIDENT, PROBABLY HIGH AND DRUNK AT THE SAME TIME, MORE THAN LIKELY TEXTING AND DRIVING, WITH AN ALLEGEDLY PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND IN THE FRONT SEAT, THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN

Bringing the Street to the Home: Is It Right?

By Natalie Przybyla The Saint Reporter

HECKLES TO...

Editor-in-Chief News Editor Culture Editor Creative Director

4

By Anne Stitt The Saint Reporter

We live in a culture where those who are loudest, fastest and cleverest succeed, where confidence and self-promotion are rewarded, and privacy is getting close to extinct, so it is easy to see why extroverts are given preferential treatment in Western society.

Extroverts tend to have better social skills, appear more charming, and portray themselves as having higher self-esteem than introverts. Perhaps all of those qualities contribute to the introvert being swept under the rug.

What’s so wrong with being an introvert, though? Why is it so misunderstood? The outgoing, sometimes outspoken American population is split almost directly in half between the two personality types, but the stigma and pressure surrounding introverts makes them bend more to the extrovert spectrum, thus creating an inhospitable environment for introverts.

The societal bias toward extroverts makes it impossible to not live on extroverted terms, eliminating any chance at introverts getting the home-field advantage.

Maybe the word “shy” in association with introversion creates an unfavorable image. What comes to

mind when thinking of a shy person is the nerd who cannot find a date or the person with the uncontrollable blushing mechanism.

Shy people are viewed as seekers of privacy who avoid large groups of people, and perhaps have something to hide. Or maybe extroverts see introverts as shy folks who live in a cabin in the woods plotting their next murder or bombing, because they’re obviously mentally unstable.

If all introverts live solely within their own evil minds, all extroverts must be vapid, bumbling idiots. Turns out stereotyping fails again. Sure, there have been a few poor examples of introverts in our society, such as The Unabomber and Jeffrey Dahmer, but why does no one think of extroverts as evil?

Hitler and Stalin were far from being shy.

All stigma aside, what is it that makes introversion unwanted? Being introverted means that a person’s energy is drained during social situations, contrary to extroverts who thrive from interaction with others. By no means does that indicate that there is anything wrong with introverts, and that their opinions and place in our culture are unneeded. Out of the intellectually gifted people in America, the majority (60 percent) are introverts, and the attitudes regarding

introverts are mainly concentrated to Western culture.

In the East, quiet, solitary people are revered as deep thinkers, while their gregarious counterparts are seen as short-sighted. Maybe it’s time America takes a second look at our quiet peers (hopefully without them realizing we’re staring).

Group and teamwork are becoming the norm not only in classes but in the workplace, as well. Synergy and team-building exercises are an actual occurrence, which further helps to alienate the introvert. Although the ability to work together toward a common goal is a vital and learnable skill, what is forgotten is the ability to work alone and reflect upon ideas without the outside sway of another ’s opinion. Sometimes a worker who can work well in teams may not be self-driven or able to work without constant feedback and supervision. Therein lies a great pitfall of extroverted employees.

So maybe instead of thinking of introversion as a handicap or personality flaw, consider the drawbacks of being an extrovert.

Just because introverts are not the center of attention or life of the party doesn’t mean they should be completely set to the side and ignored.

Happy Holidays,BestAQ! of Luck with Finals!

From, your Saint Newspaper Staff E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

Have a Fun and Safe Winter Break!

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

culture

page

Controversy: Hugh Hefner defends Bill Cosby, despite allegations

Books: J.K. Rowling gives fans 12 Harry Potter short stories to gush about

Television: NBC’s Peter Pan Live! considered a network flop

With the new allegations of Bill Cosby molesting a 15 year old at the Playboy Mansion along with numerous former Bunnies, Hugh Hefner spoke out to the press and addressed the issue. “Bill Cosby has been a good friend for many years and the mere thought of these allegations is truly saddening,” said the Playboy mogul in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter.

Throughout the month of December, Harry Potter series author J.K. Rowling, is releasing 12 short stories that expand upon the widely popular series.

Rowling announced the publishing of these stories in a newsletter on the fan-site Pottermore. The new material is said to include background stories on the insufferable Dolores Umbridge and rival Malfoy.

Compared to the ratings of NBC’s “Sound of Music Live!” showing last year, this season’s “Peter Pan Live!” tanked. While the “Sound of Music Live!”, staring country superstar Carrie Underwood, reached 18.5 million viewers last year, “Peter Pan Live!” only reached 9.1 million when it premiered December 4.

father stan | campus chaplain

Fr. Stan, how do I make the girl I want fall in love with me?

Dear Love Struck, My first inclination is to say, “You can’t.”

In the world of love you can’t make anyone do anything. Not only that you shouldn’t even try. That would only make you less desirable but most likely turn her off completely.

I might simply have chose some unfortunate words to formulate your question.

There is a girl to whom you are attracted and you would like to pursue a mutually caring relationship with her. Is this the real question you want to ask?

If so, have you asked her out?

If she has refused, I would refer you to my response to the fellow who found himself in “the friend zone.”

I would say: work your way into the friend zone and let her get to know you better.

If, however, my reworking of your question is not what you wanted to ask and you stand by your original query, I would say you need to rethink your approach to women.

If not you might want to talk to me about how to live a celibate life.

Do you like Wege food, Fr. Stan?

Dear Foodie, I confess to being an unabashed and a totally unrepentant groupie of Marla, Chef Andy, and Megan, the new pastry chef. The food operation they’ve put together in service to the AQ community is nothing short of awesome in my opinion. Having gone through college when the main menu item in the cafeteria was “mystery meat”, the quality of the items we have at Wege is nothing short of phenomenal. Anyone who had the pretzel rolls last week will understand.

<<

IN THE SPOTLIGHT >> beyonce

Once again Beyonce sneezed on the beat and the beat got sickah. She recently surpassed a record previously held by country star Dolly Parton, becoming the most-Grammy-nominated woman.

Queen Bey has been nominated for 47 Grammy awards and has won 17 thus far.

Artist Spotlight: You+Me

Bless Me, Father Fr. Stan, AQ is too clique-y I plan on transferring.

Dear Giving Up, You do not ask a question. At the same time, I can tell that there is a tumultuous whirling of emotions in you: anger, disappointment, frustration, confusion, and all sorts of other things that can have a profound impact on our self-esteem. Though you appear to have made your decision to leave, I am responding on behalf of other students who feel alone.

While you do not say so I am extrapolating that you are a first semester First Year student.

Questions I would ask are: - What have you done to engage other students such as through clubs or other interest groups?

Did you go to Saint Stock?

- With whom have you spoken about this?

Have you sought guidance or help from someone like an RA or AC? Other people who could have helped include Brian Matzke, Associate Vice President for Student Services (don’t let the imposing title fool you, he actually is available to help students personally).

Also, Heather Hall or Tim Ramsay in the Student Life office in the Carriage House?

- Since this is a Catholic school and I am, after all a priest, I have to ask whether you have looked for and found a worshiping community to find support there?

I can find only two possible interpretations to your writing. The first is that you are angry and lashing out in frustration and feel the need to leave AQ in a blaze of accusations to rationalize your decision to leave. The second is that you are reaching out and are looking for a possible way to make this work. If it is in fact the latter, please consider some of the resources I cite above.

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THE SAINT |WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

COURTESY THE GUARDIAN

Unlikely duo: Alecia Moore and Dallas Green of City & Colour use their friendship to create a beautiful, spontaneous album.

By Mariah Cowsert The Saint Reporter Artist: You+Me Genre: Indie Comparisons: City & Colour, Iron & Wine, Fleet Foxes, The Civil Wars Popular Tracks: “You & Me”, “Break the Cycle”, “Capsized” P!nk and Dallas Green expanded

their friendship with a collaborative album that is sure to soothe anyone’s ear with relatable lyrics to tug at the listeners heartstrings.

After meeting at a City & Colour concert, Alecia spoke with Dallas about hanging out and playing some music just for fun. Neither of them knew that when their busy schedules of touring as P!nk and City & Colour that they would make an indie album

Jingle bells, Grumpy Cat Christmas movie smells attention of the pet store, desperate to stay afloat, is not focused on Grumpy however, but the store is reliant on selling a rare dog breed, whose price is estimated at a million dollars. Grumpy is forgotten and unloved, returned by two previous owners who cited grumpiness for the reason of their abandonment.

The only person who eventually tolerates the sour puss?

Chrystal, an obnoxiously optimistic COURTESY ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY schoolgirl, new to town and friendless, who is Meow: As Grumpy Cat once famously said, “I had fun as lonesome as a cat once. It was horrible.” caged in a mall. She

By Abigale Racine likes to hang out in the mall, particularly Culture Editor in the pet shop. This friendship develGrumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Movie ops after some Christmas magic is perEver is exactly what one would expect formed and Chrystal finds one late night from a television movie about an online that she has become a cat whisperer and sensational cat only with an underlying she can communicate with Grumpy.

The plot thickens when two rockdarker meaning.

This Lifetime original movie is… star wannabes decide to rob the pet store something. Something that stirs dark, and dog-nap the million-dollar pooch, mysterious forces from within oneself conveniently while Chrystal is in the and yet it compelling enough to leave store after-hours. Naturally, she takes it upon herself to apprehend the villains. the channel unchanged.

Grumpy Cat takes a page out of the Or at least that is what happened to me as I viewed the abomination when it Home Alone movies series handbookaired on the Lifetime Channel on Satur- inserting many paintball shots to the crotch and inflicting as many injuries day, November 29.

For those unfamiliar, Grumpy Cat and misfortunes to the robbers as posis a meme that broke the Internet. Sorry, sible.

“It was sheer awful,” said Junior Kim Kardashian.

Grumpy Cat is the bitter depiction Jake Eccleston of the movie. “Especially of the real-life cat Tardar Sauce, whom when you could tell they attempted to lives with kitty dwarfism and whose use a green screen and they cut to the face will permanently remain cantan- actress voicing the cat.”

What saved the made-for-television kerous due to her condition. Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza voices the film is the fact that Lifetime is in on the disgruntle feline, narrating the coming- joke, mocking its own network and its of-age story that reminds viewers of the notoriety.

When Chrystal’s concerned mother precious gift of friendship.

Throughout the movie, the screen asks her if men had hurt her during the would cut to the widely-known, bitter robbery Grumpy Cat quips, “No, that’s actress who would interrupt with her another Lifetime movie.”

This holiday season, kick back and own comments. These disruptions were unnecessary and, frankly, were stupid. watch the Grumpy Cat Worst Christmas The premise of the movie doesn’t re- Movie Ever- you have nothing else better to do. deem itself either.

Grumpy Cat lives in a mall pet store that is slowly going out of business. The Culture Editor Abbi Racine

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

that is refreshingly down to earth, raw, and heartfelt which is just what Alecia was itching to produce due to spending most of her free time with her husband and young daughter.

Dallas also wanted to create an album without the pressure to have a hit single or satisfy a big name record label which is the main reason they named their side project simply, You+Me. The album title did not stem from

COURTESY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Alecia’s rose-tinted stage name, P!nk, but from the street Rose Avenue by a beach in Venice where they recorded the album. Rose Ave. is infused with folksy, stripped down acoustic tracks that are easy to listen to while studying, baking, or curled up with a good book on a crisp snowy morning.

The endearing track titled “Break the Cycle” illuminates struggling with the past and shows how some people can be a positive influence on shattering those mental barriers we put on ourselves with lines like “Break the cycle, break the chains, love is louder than all your pain” and “let me heal the wounds you’ve held onto for all these years”.

Rose Ave. flows freely between slow passion filled tracks to lighthearted messages of love. Their debut track “You+Me” grasps the comforting feeling of being able to count on someone and work together through difficult times and enjoyable moments with verses including “You and me we’re searching for the same light.

Desperate for a cure to this disease.

Well some days are better than others.

But I fear nothing as long as you’re with me”.

Their rustic nature, comforting acoustic harmonies, and meaningful lyrics will keep you engaged from the opening song entitled “Capsized” to the final chord on the last track.

Although Dallas Green and Alecia Moore won’t be on tour, you can stream Rose Ave. for free on Spotify so curl up with a cup of tea or jam out with a few friends to unwind over winter break.

Civic Theatre’s Mary Poppins a spoonful of Splenda

COURTESY WOTV

Lukewarm production: Civic Theatre’s Mary Poppins does not live up to hype.

By Anne Stitt The Saint Reporter The Civic Theatre premiered its stage version of the British children’s classic Mary Poppins in early November and now has been extended, due to popular demand, with four more shows during the weekend before Christmas.

The stage musical about the mystical nanny, Mary Poppins, who inexplicably flies into the Banks family home, entails musical numbers describing events centered around the magical encounters with the unruly Banks children. Deviating from the 1964 Academy Award nominated film, the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Banks are much more developed, creating a deeper back story and a more elaborate explanation of the behavior of each character.

Many of the classic movie songs are included such as, “A Spoonful of Sugar ”, “Chim Chim Cheree” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” with several songs written to further enrich the newer storyline.

Although not terrible, Mary Poppins was quite unremarkable live. Not only did the actress playing Ms. Poppins miss more than a few notes, the crew poorly flew her around on stage in an ungraceful manner, and the wardrobe was bland.

Surely most people do not

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Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

think of Mary Poppins as a fashion icon, but the way Mary Poppins looked in the film, portrayed

by Julie Andrews, did not translate well on the Civic stage. This Mary Poppins looked frumpy and instead of early 20th century period pieces, it seemed as if she was wearing dowdy, ill-fitting costumes. The original nanny with her maxi length skirts, heeled oxfords and enchanted oversized carpet bag were truly inspired, but the stage Mary Poppins wore cheap-looking red felt and massive plastic flowers.

Bert, Mary’s chimney sweeping friend and narrator of the story, showed the most talent of the cast, overshadowing the other actors who noticeably stumbled over their lines. By far the highlights of the production were the set and the quick witted child actors.

Each beautifully constructed piece of the set moved throughout the stage almost seamlessly creating a different feel in each location without ruining the flow of the play. The boy who playing young Michael Banks showed perfect comedic timing with some scathingly sarcastic one-liners.

Overall, Mary Poppins seems hastily put together and the production was just okay. It was entertaining and watchable, but it did not amaze.

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CULTURE

THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

SHOUT! a revolutionary story

By Jess Coffman Staff Writer Five AQ theatre actresses, clad in a variety of brightly colored retro outfits, took audiences back to the 1960’s with SHOUT! The Mod Musical December 4-7, created by Philip George and David Lowenstein, with the “mod musings and groovy gab” by Peter Charles Morris and Phillip George. They danced, sang, and delivered their lines on a stage adorned with the British Flag. Set in 1960’s London, this musical follows the lives of five women as they forge their own paths through the decade.

They are simple known as Yellow Girl, Blue Girl, Green Girl, Orange Girl, and Red Girl. Yellow Girl, played by junior Emily Ambs, is a an American who has gone a bit fan-crazy over Paul McCartney. Blue Girl, played by senior Taylor Nefcy, is said to be perfect and gorgeous, and unfortunately knows it. Marisa Purcy, a junior, plays Green Girl; who is known to sleep around. Senior Maris Wimmer plays Orange Girl, an older woman destined to be a housewife. Finally, Red Girl is played by sophomore Maggie Wissman, who doesn’t think she is attractive enough to get a guy.

As the musical progresses, these seemingly simple characters bring to life a complex story that leaves the audience

wondering what will happen next.

Director Kathy Gibson described the play in the program as, “The journey between 5 girlfriends in England gives us a glimpse into how women experienced immense changes in their lives during this tumultuous decade. We were finding our voice in being COURTESY AQ THEATRE PHOTO GALLERY unashamed to speak out about Fab Five: Aquinas’ talented cast delivers the liberating plot line sex, relation- of SHOUT! and fairly absent of props, provided a slate ships, physical abuse and divorce.Gay and lesbian indi- on which the characters told their stories viduals were coming out. We were talking free of distractions. The brightly colored to each other and sharing our experiences outfits provided an easy way for the audience to distinguish who was who. All in good and bad as never before.”

The cast did fantastic job with the all, a play that is worth your time to see.

For those who would like to get inmany musical numbers in this, well, musical. The song list included “Don’t Sleep in volved with an upcoming play with the the Subway,” “These Boots are Made For AQ theatre, there will be auditions for Walking,” “Downtown,” a humorous ren- Melancholy Play by Sarah Ruhl on December 8th from 6:00-8:00p.m. or Decemdition of “Goldfinger,” and many others.

Musicians Wright McCargar, Chris ber 10th from 6:00-7:00p.m.. It will show Kelly, David DeVos, and Paul Sherwood from February 26th- March 1st. Also, AQ kept the play lively without overpowering Theatre will be performing I Hate Hamlet any of the voices. The set, though simple by Paul Rudnick from April 16th-19th.

As part of their Meanwhile Movie series, Wealthy Theatre and Meanwhile Bar, both in Eastown, have teamed up once again to bring the citizens of Grand Rapids an elegant and cozy cinematic experience.

On December 2, the series continued with the 1969 cult classic, Easy Rider, directed

by Dennis Hopper. The showing was held in the Peter Wege Auditorium, the Wealthy Theatre’s prized attraction. This particular movie was certainly an offset to the typical moviegoer nowadays.

Easy Rider follows two freewheeling hippie bikers from Los Angeles to New Orleans, in search of a place to free their minds. Wyatt, nicknamed “Captain America,” played by Peter Fonda, is an easy going, free-spirited guy who is appreciative of the help of others in the movie, including a rancher, a hitchhiker belonging to a commune of hippie farmers, a prostitute with whom he celebrates Mardi Gras, and their cocaine dealer with bananacolored glasses. Wyatt’s amigo, Billy, played

by Hopper, is a reluctant counterpart of his solemn “Captain.” Billy is hostile at times and often disagrees with Wyatt’s decisions.

The movie’s normalcy rapidly changes after Wyatt and Billy get put in jail for riding through the Mardi Gras parade without a permit. Here, they are in the presence of local drunk and lawyer named George Hanson, played by Jack Nicholson. Many hearts are

broken when he is senselessly beaten to death by a group of local men from a diner in New Orleans, leaving the two bikers to mourn over his death, before rushing off to a brothel.

The true obscurity of Hopper’s directing and cinematography is put to the test, through what one could only describe as a bad psychedelic trip. Wyatt and Billy are with two women in a New Orleans cemetery amidst towering grave sites. The sound effects become incoherent and the zooming in and out of the camera is apparent to the drug reference.

The plot takes a turn for the worse. Wyatt and Billy are en route to the next destination when two conniving Southerners in a pickup truck conjure up the plan to “scare” the bikers with a fully-loaded shotgun. The scare tactic ends with the fatality of Billy, who is lying on the pavement of the road, Wyatt at his side.

With no time to lose, Wyatt jumps on his chopper in attempt to find help. The same pickup waits up the road for him. His intentions are to put the pedal to the metal and zoom past the truck to get help, but another scare from the local’s shotgun barrel sends a bullet into the engine of Wyatt’s chopper blowing it to smithereens. The undignified deaths end the movie with an ascent towards the sky as the credits start rolling.

Apromising element was the soundtrack that played over the odd plot. A repertoire of classics were a definite highlight, including tracks from Jimi Hendrix, The Byrds, Steppenwolf, The Electric Prunes, Bob Dylan, and The Band, among many other carefully-selected classics that defined popular music of the ‘60s.

Now only if the insufficiently-developed plot and references to counterculture were selected just as carefully as the sensational tunes.

Writer Spotlight: Mary Webster

“Adoption”

Years ago, did you know I had a distaste for pain?

Did you know, despite this, I would imagine my own blood flowing down my arms, covering my dark skin, a penance of its own kind.

Did you know there has either been sunshine or darkness in my soul, there has never been such a thing as ‘middle ground’?

Did you know I left a trail of I’m sorry’s and thank you’s. I people pleased the best I knew how, even then.

Did you know that as a child I realized I was unlovable?

Did you know that my mother was the first one to make clear I was unwanted?

Did you know that for years I have felt like I was on borrowed time? I was never meant to have a place in this world.

Did you know she gave me away?

Did you know she chose but she did not choose me?

Did you know she was willing to spare my life? She was human, but cold.

Did you know sometimes I think I might take after my mother? After all, she had a heart of stone surrounded by walls of emotion and feeling.

Did you know she was the one to teach me how invaluable my own blood was, and how I was not worth the skin I was given?

me?

Plagued by late shipments of barstools and paperwork mishaps, The Bandit Queen seemed like it was going to be stuck in port forever.

Thankfully for those looking for something a little heartier than Maruchan, the long awaited Division St. ramen bar is now open for business. Using ingredients that are fresh, organic, and locally sourced whenever possible, the Queen’s bowls are a bit pricier than your average package of dehydrated noodles, but the quality is well worth the investment for ramen lovers.

Walking into the Bandit Queen is a bit like walking into a far eastern steampunk novella.

The brick walls are adorned with empty antique picture frames and the chandelier above the only table in the room is a sparse amalgam of rustic metal trinkets. The water is served out of small mason jars and the tea selection sits in jars behind the bar, labelled by wooden placards. Decoration is a bit sparse but I wouldn’t be surprised to see more art adorning the walls in the future.

Like the decor, the menu is not too complex, consisting of only three main dishes and a market special that changes every couple of days. Having had the chance to try all three main bowls, I found a surprising favorite in The Blind Fisherman, the Bandit Queen’s vegan option.

I expected to prefer the savory pork belly of the Queen, the bar’s flagship dish, and St.

COURTESY MLIVE

Ahoy: The GR Public Museum currently is exhibiting pirate treasures.

By Mackenzie Murphy Staff Writer Real Pirates, an exhibit running at the Grand Rapids Public Museum from now until April 19, tells the story of the Whydah, a pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod nearly 300 years ago.

In 1716 during the Golden Age of Piracy, Sam “Black Sam” Bellamy left England in search of riches. He took up piracy as means to make his fortune. However, Bellamy’s pirate career didn’t last long.

In 1717, the Whydah sank after endur-

ing a violent storm that took most of the lives of Bellamy’s crew—including Bellamy himself. “[The Whydah is] the very first pirate ship wreck that’s ever been found in the world,” Chris McCord, an underwater field archaeologist told news channel WZZM13.

“What is going to be on exhibit is the only pirate treasure in the world that’s ever been discovered.”

Real Pirates features over 200 artifacts recovered from the Whydah shipwreck by underwater explorer Barry Clifford. Clifford and his team spent the last two and a half decades recovering the Whydah’s treasure, including jewelry, loot, dishware, and weaponry.

Writer Spotlight: Octavian Condet

Writer Spotlight: Kati Doering

“Stifled Light” “except white”

Did you know I believed her?

Did you know it almost ruined

Did you know I had two mothers and the second is nothing like the first?

Did you know my second mother has made me feel important, valued, needed and loved?

Did you know I consider myself blessed because of her?

Did you know I believe my life is a good one because of her?

Did you know I cherish the feeling of the blood pulsing under my skin because it keeps my heart beating, Did you know it reminds me how loved I am?

Did you know that that first woman, she only gave birth to me?

Did you know she never stuck around to see the woman I’ve become.

Did you know that that first woman, she will never be my ‘real’ mother.

Did you know her saying she did not want me, was the best thing she ever could have done for me?

Did you know I was adopted as a child?

Did you know, family has never been about blood.

Culture Editor Abbi Racine

By Nate Gimby Staff Writer

Michael’s Dragon, a spicy kimchi based bowl, but the Fisherman’s nori, squash, and mock eel combo won me over. The soft, sweet squash and the meaty shiitake mushroom in the mock eel made this vegan bowl more robust than you might expect and the nori (seaweed) added a hint of bitterness that cut the sweetness of the squash and eel sauce.

All in all, quite tasty, although I would have liked to see more flavor in the bar’s other two main dishes. St. Michael’s Dragon in particular could have used more spice and nuance.

However the noodles and broth of each dish were quite well done and served as fine bases for the other ingredients.

As the Queen is owned and operated by the proprietor of Propaganda Doughnuts (which happens to be right next door), the desserts almost manage to top the ramen. Not only are donuts from the bar’s neighbor available but unique treats like coconut chocolate pie and platters of homemade candies appear on a rotating basis. Most of it is delicious but fair warning on the dark chocolate pots de creme, it may look like a tiny serving of chocolate pudding but it is thick, rich, and best shared. You may feel disappointed when it appears in an itty bitty mason jar but after a giant bowl of ramen it is more than enough.

Tea connoisseurs will also find plenty to love at the Bandit Queen. The bar boasts seventeen unique tea selections from gunpowder green tea to the Queen’s own peppermint, lemon and ginger “restorative tonic” house blend.

For anyone interested in trying something new and unique or just looking for a bowl of ramen that actually qualifies as a meal, the Bandit Queen might just have what you’re looking for.

A pirates’ life for the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Easy Rider: an uneasy cult classic

By Chucky Blackmore Staff Writer

Good Eats: The Bandit Queen

ters

Drown deep Where the sea beasts dwell Your lungs swell with black wa-

Locking and closing shut Vision fails Plummeting into the gloomy shadows As the suns shine fades You descend further into the icy chasm Thoughts slide by Of what you had before you die As numbness claims your body A warm flame melts into your chest Letting you breathe the molded sea And drive the deep into the sky Pieced by the sunlight That casts a faded hope

One you cling to Until the sea is free Even under the relentless shadows Where stifled light fights to breathe Not alone But joined by flames of family Even when life decays There is always a way to bring back the day

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

we have been supporting double standards for too long no matter how much you trust the police always remember the police are trained to never trust you hands up, don’t shoot boom boom boom boom boom boom six shots rang out but only one person is down a black felon is a hoodlum his parents and lifestyle are to blame a white felon is misunderstood we sympathize and mourn over such a tragedy white represents purity and grace black is evil and sin is that why we murder people of color, to kill the beasts within? peace will only exist when all peoples are equal but for now the ground is covered in every color except white

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

The story of the Whydah contains multiple narratives. The Whydah originally operated as a slave ship, transporting captives from the coastal city of Ouidah (located in modern day Benin) to the Caribbean to work on sugar plantations. A large portion of the exhibit is dedicated to telling the Whydah’s story as a slave ship, revealing the horrors of the slave trade.

When the Whydah was captured by Bellamy and his crew after a three-day pursuit, its purpose radically changed. Bellamy and his crew sailed the seas looting other ships and recruiting sailors to join his fleet.

Real Pirates explores the realities that Bellamy’s crew faced, including disease, tough working conditions, and scare food rations.

However, the rewards that a life of piracy reaped were enough to motivate hundreds to join Bellamy’s crew. Pirates enjoyed a democratic society on their ships with the power to elect their own leader. Pirates were sometimes political or religious refugees, living a life of piracy in order to escape prosecution. A large number of pirate crews, including Bellamy’s, were “motley crews” filled with diversity—including freed or runaway slaves, Native Americans, and a multitude of nationalities.

The Real Pirates exhibit is dynamic, with elements that appeal to all ages and interests. Exhibit goers gain an insight into the life of real pirates, and are able to reverse incorrect assumptions and mythologies that cloud piracy’s history today.

Ticket for Real Pirates are priced at $17 for adults and $12 for children and students.

sports

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7

THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

“I Can’t Breathe”: Athletes taking action

Cotton Bowl: MSU and Baylor are set to faceoff

WHAT TO WATCH: Aquinas Bowling looks to head in the right direction

WHAT TO WATCH: Aquinas Track team gearing up

A recent stream of athletes have began wearing “I Can’t Breathe” apparel in an attempt to protest the grand jury’s decison on the Eric Garner case. Derrick Rose, Reggie Bush, Johnson Bademosi, and Davin Joseph have all let their voices be heard during this difficult time.

This year, Michigan State and Baylor will compete against each other in the Cotton Bowl on New Years Day at 12:30pm. This game is set to add to an already exciting day as Oregon faces off against Florida State and Alabama Faces off against Ohio State.

The Men’s and Women’s Bowling teams are set to compete in the WHAC Tournament #4 hosted by Davenport University on January 3 at Spectrum Lanes. From here on out, the team has matchups every weekend and is looking to make a splash at the WHAC Championships on February 7.

Both the Men’s and Women’s Track teams are getting ready to kickoff their season. The teams first meet is a Maroon and White Inter-Squad Meet on December 12 at the Alksnis Building. Their next matchup will be on January 10 in the Alksnis Building. The teams will face-off against Calvin College in the AQ Odd Distance Open.

Brady Choke taylor hodges | sports editor

By now, I’m sure most of you have heard that Michigan’s head football coach Brady Hoke was fired last week.

If you haven’t heard, well now you know. Hoke has been under the microscope this season after having questionable losses to teams Michigan should be beating. The first red flag should have been a loss to Utah, who I will admit has pulled wins against UCLA and USC this year, but nonetheless Michigan should have at least won the game. Michigan also lost to Rutgers, albeit by only two points but still. The most embarrassing loss of the season was to Maryland, who, I mean come on I don’t even need to explain this one.

Hoke was suppose to help turn the Michigan football team around after former coach Rich Rodriguez was canned for going 15-22 in three seasons. Hoke did do that in his first year coaching the team in 2011, helping guide the team to a 11-2 season and a Sugar Bowl. That’s when it all started going downhill. In 2012 the team finished with a 8-5 overall record and impressive 6-2 record in the Big Ten. They ended up losing in the Outback bowl though. 2013 was worse, the team finished with a 7-6 overall record and 3-5 record in conference play.

They again lost their bowl game. As for 2014, I don’t need to speculate because you all know how he’s doing. Hoke finished his career at Michigan with a 3120 overall record and 18-14 record in the Big Ten. According to Detroit News, Hoke had this to say after he was fired.

“I want to thank all of the sons that played for our teams and appreciate the commitment that our coaches and support staff made to the program every day. I will miss the relationships that I’ve been fortunate enough to make within this university and community.”

Rumor has it right after giving this statement Hoke locked himself in the bathroom and cried while listening to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” Hokes players also had some kind words to say according to Detroit News.

“I love Coach Hoke and I wish him the best of luck wherever he goes,” quarterback Shane Morris said on Twitter. “I can honestly say I’m in envy of the players who will be lucky enough to play for him in the future.”

Hoke will be paid a $3 million buyout per his contract. Michigan could have reduced that buyout to $2 million if they waited an extra month, but I guess they were already tired of him.

I sincerely hope Hoke finds another job next season. Did he basically set Michigan football back a couple years?

Yeah, but he’s been coaching for nearly 30 years starting with his time at Grand Valley State. I’m sure he won’t have a problem since his brother is defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears. The guy is a professional and it seems everywhere he ends up coaching, he knows how to recruit and get the guys he needs.

Hoke is the type of guy you would go to McDonalds with after a rough work week and talk about how you hate your job. Then after you talked about how much you hated your job, he would probably wave you over to the ball pit and you two would have a blast. The guy is a class act and I’m sure any of his current and former players would attest to that.

If you’re a diehard football fan, you probably will give me some flack on this column which is probably deserved. For the record, I’ve never been a football guy. The only games I ever watch are the National Championship and Super Bowl. I did however compete in the 2002 Woodbridge Elementary Teachers Vs. Students game and maybe led my team to an undefeated season. With that stellar performance, did kids around the yard want me to be on their team? Obviously. Some kid even tried to win me over by offering me a lemon square, but as we all know, taking bribes in the Elementary Football League is illegal.

As for you Mr. Hoke, hang in there and hit me up if you ever want to grab a burger at McDonalds sometime.

College Football: AQ Hockey: New Playoff System Sunny Days Ahead Breakout Season

Matchups Are Set

By Carlos Hernandez The Saint Reporter As the 2014 College Football season draws to a close, the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) prepares for an unusual post-season schedule, as this year a new playoff system will debut for the football division of the NCAA starting New Year’s Eve. A few years ago, the NCAA made the decision to start a new playoff system to follow the yearly Bowl Series. Each year, four teams will be selected to participate in the six game series to play for the chance to play in the Championship Bowl on the first Monday after the semi-finals. According to the official NCAA website, the four teams will be voted on by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee throughout the season and make their final decisions after the last week of games.

As of December 2, the top four teams in the running according to the committee are Alabama, Oregon, Texas Christian University (TCU), and the defending National Champions, Florida State, each team ranked 1 through 4 respectively. The committee will be making their final decisions on the seventh of the month in the afternoon.

The first potential team is Alabama, who are under the direction of Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide have won three National Championship games since 2000, more than any team in the new century.

They have lost only once this season to Ole Miss and have been an almost unstoppable powerhouse for the past few years.

In second place on the list are the Oregon Ducks, who fell to Auburn in 2011 in their first National Championship appearance. Their head coach is Mark Helfrich.

Aside from a single loss to Arizona, the Ducks have been one of the most successful teams in the Western States for the past few years.

The third playoff hopeful is Texas Christian University, who have not appeared in a National Championship, but have been building up hype and momentum for a while under head coach Gary Patterson. Their only loss this season was to rival school Baylor.

Last, but not least, are the Florida State Seminoles led by head coach Jimbo Fisher.

The Seminoles have had several close calls this season, including an overtime win against Clemson. Despite criticism they have received, Florida State remains the only team with a perfect season in the top 25.

As of Sunday, the top four teams that will be competing in the inaugural College Football Playoff include: Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State.

The Alabama Crimson Tide will face Ohio State in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The Oregon Ducks and Florida State Seminoles will face-off in the Rose Bowl. Both games will take place on New Year’s Day.

By Taylor Hodges Sports Editor The Men’s Hockey team is having quite the year to remember and the season is only halfway over. Currently, the team sports an 11-3 overall record and 2-0 record in the MCHC West. The team has been outplaying its opponents as of late, winning games against Xavier, Northwood, and Adrian to name a few. This demolition has the team on a seven game win streak and it looks as if they plan on continuing it.

“We know that we have to give it our best for every game if we want to win,” said junior forward Dan Brumley. “We still want to stick to the game plan that we have had all year.”

Does the game plan involve eating Wheaties every morning?

It seems so, because the team has only allowed 12 goals in its last seven games, which averages out to about 1.71 goals per game. Not only is the defense doing its job, but the forwards are lighting the lamp. In the last seven games, the team has scored a total of 59 goals averaging about eight goals a game. Much of this has to do with team chemistry, lifting hard in the gym, and having unmatchable flow.

“The funniest kid on the team

Straight To The Top

COURTESY ANDRIS VISOCKIS

By Anna Musiyenko Staff Writer The Aquinas men’s basketball team aims to finish the season by winning the Wolverine- Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) and put all their efforts towards competing in nationals.

“Our team goal is to make it to nationals. It will take a lot of determination and hard work to attain this goal of ours. I believe that we have a great opportunity to make this happen,” said senior forward Bryan Mitzner. “Our coaching staff has been working with us on getting the team better and making us the best we can possibly be.”

With the results so far, there is a great chance for the team to achieve its goal. This season started with a variety of unpredictable games and unusual experiences. The Saints played one of the toughest schedules in the WHAC. So far, they’ve faced two Division I colleges including Western Michigan and Detroit Mercy.

They’ve also competed against three top ten NAIA teams as well.

Having tough games on the schedule early in the year helps to identify strengths and weaknesses of the team. It also shows what the team needs to improve on in order to reach a championship caliber level.

“We still have a lot of space to grow. One main thing we like to do this year is play an up-tempo style,” said junior forward Joe Ferrici. “We have improved our speed and athleticism this season, which allows us to get out and run, and pressure up on teams in the full court.”

Sports Editor Taylor Hodges

The end of November was a significant time for the men’s basketball team. Strong motivation and good team-building helped the Saints to defeat Hope College (7268) on November 29, after a long history of struggles in the past couple of years.

The most recent games the team had were against University of Detroit and Lourdes University.

The team lost both contests, but still came away with a learning experience.

“We have a lot of confidence and even after a tough loss our mentality is to always bounce back and that the next day is going to be better,” said freshman forward Dorian Armstrong.

Confidence is key to any team’s success. Whether it’s the regular season or playoffs, the games this team has played will all culminate into one moment. Will they come out blazing and have an outstanding last half of the season? Some would say yes, their confidence and ability to bounce back will allow them to shine. Only time will tell for this young squad.

The Saints are all ready to compete strong in the remaining games with an unmatchable focus to win and positive energy. The team’s next home matchup will be against Indiana Tech on December 13.

Make sure to come out and support your Men’s Basketball team as they look to push for the WHAC title and regain their winning streak .

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

prcgr.com Call: 616-456-6873 Text: 616-284-1545

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

would have to be Graham Gates (Gator),” said freshman forward Domenic Fusco. “He makes me laugh at practice even if its 6 a.m.”

Fusco and Brumley also chimed in when asked who had the best flow on the team.

“Bill Warren has the best flow,” said Brumley.

Fusco wanted to keep the playing field a little more even.

“The best flow on the team is a tie. It is either Corey Giffel or Billy Warren. They both always have the hockey player look going.”

Whether their offensive prowess has to do with humor, or the amount of flow on the team, one thing is for certain, the Men’s Hockey team is looking to make a strong push to not only win the conference, but also make a bid to go to nationals. The team has recently started their conference play and their biggest test of the season will be against Hope College and Grand Valley.

“We have our goal set to be going to Alabama for Nationals,” said Fusco. “In order to get to Alabama we have to play a hard, full 60 minutes each time we hit the ice no matter who our opponent is.”

With their goal scoring touch and defensive play, it won’t be long before the team enjoys some sunny days.

8

SPORTS

THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Fighting Back

By Emily Elias The Saint Reporter The women’s basketball team is back in action. Being a young team, the girls were off to a rough start. However, they have made a comeback throughout the season and are working on a sturdy foundation.

“I feel that this team will only continue to get better as the season goes on. Early in the season we endured five players who all suffered concussions,” said head coach Linda Nash. “It was like a revolving door for us and on top of that we have six freshmen on this year ’s team. We endured the challenge and we continue to work hard everyday to develop our competitive personality on the court.”

The team this year is very young. There have also been five incidents of concussions and the season is not even halfway over.

The older players are really proud of how their younger players have come through this season with all of the difficulties the team has faced.They are finally starting to get back into full strength and are ready for anything.

“Our team keeps fighting back anything thrown at us and it’s starting to show on the court.” said senior guard Allison Heberlein.

The team is working on its rudiments. The girls push each other each and every day to do their best for the team. Even though they’ve

struggled as of late, that is bound to change. They are working on playing their best for the rest of the season and into the WHAC tournament.

The team throughout the season so far has grown very close as well. They have had some great wins on the road. The girls are really committed to winning, especially the younger players like the freshmen girls.

During the last few games, Heberlein, senior point guard Chelsea Matley, and sophomore guard Kelsey Spitzley have made a huge impact. These are players that have really come together and are good leaders for the team.

“The WHAC Is one of the toughest conferences in the nation and four of our losses this year are to nationally ranked opponents,” said Nash “We have never shied away from playing strong competition. In the end it will make us a better team. Time will tell, but I like this team. They are fighters.”

The teams next game is an away contest against NCAA Division three school Olivet on December 10. After the road game, the Saints will return to face-off against Indiana Tech in a home matchup on December 13.

Make sure to come out and support your Women’s Basketball team as they look to continue strong conference play.

A Champion: Maggie Keiffer

COURTESY ANDRIS VISOCKIS

By Haley Brink Staff Writer Maggie Keiffer—one of Aquinas’s Women Soccer senior captains—has grown so much throughout her years of playing her favorite sport here at Aquinas as a defensive center back. She has been playing since the age of six, giving her a solid 15 years of experience with the game. Though originally from Brighton, MI, she has adapted well in the Grand Rapids atmosphere.

Maggie is from a large family where she is one of seven children. She grew up with an obsession with soccer, breaking windows and lamps at her house during her training years. With her family’s love and support, she went on to do great things at Aquinas.

“There is nothing better than when my

whole family shows up to a game,” said Keiffer. “They make their presence known.”

Every athlete has that one amazing memory from playing their sport that follows them around for the rest of their life, and for Maggie, that memory is from when she was a junior here at Aquinas.

“I scored a goal in the last 30 seconds, putting us into overtime against Davenport,” said Keiffer.

Along with amazing memories comes those we wish we could forget. When Maggie was a sophomore in high school, she tore her ACL right before playoffs.

“It was a learning experience,” said Keiffer.

Every season is different. Whether it be the players on the team, or the win/loss ratio,

The Hendrick Legacy

no 2 seasons are the same.

“This year, there is a whole new atmosphere on the Women’s Soccer team,” said Keiffer.

Being a captain on a college team takes a lot of balance. There are many aspects of the team that need to be taken into consideration when making decisions. But Keiffer seems to have done a good job on this team.

“The other captains and I feel like we’ve paved the way for Aquinas Women’s Soccer,” said Keiffer. “A big part of that is having everyone’s backs. Communication. It all plays a huge part in the game as a whole.”

Every player has their weaknesses, but being able to recognize them is so much more important.

“I get a little competitive sometimes, but I haven’t gotten any cards this season, which is unusual for me,” said Keiffer. “Shout out to Jackie Gipe for keeping me grounded.

She’s the best.”

There is a moral to every story, and for Keifer’s story, it’s that finding an outlet for your competitiveness is one of the healthiest stress-relieving things you can do for yourself.

“I’ve learned that you need to take what you can from the game and move on,” said Keiffer.

Whether it be the number of Honey and Oats granola bars she consumes during halftime, or the fact that she can burp the ABCs on demand, Maggie Keiffer deserves recognition for the amazing impact she has made on Aquinas’s Women’s Soccer team.

And, possibly, a pat on the back for being able to eat plain Cheerios.

THOMAS S. FOX JEWELERS

By Haley Brink Staff Writer Jerry Hendrick is one very dedicated tennis coach. He is on his 24th year of coaching the Men’s Tennis team at Aquinas. Before Aquinas, he coached high school tennis for 2 years at Lumen Christi in Jackson, MI. He has been playing tennis for 35 years, giving him definite knowledge on the game.

Among all of the obvious reasons for loving one’s job, Coach Hendrick’s favorite part about coaching is being able to be a part of the boys’ lives.

Every coach has a million memories from their days of coaching, but trying to pick out the favorites is always a struggle.

“Too many to list,” said Coach Hendrick. “Most occurred in Regional Championships when we won 5-4 to qualify for the National Championship. Our win in 2013 against the #5 ranked team in the NAIA National Championship to advance to the quarterfinals. That was special.”

Every coach goes through that unfortunate time when their team loses. But fortunately, Coach Hendrick has a good view on losing.

“The short-term memory of every loss is unpleasant,” said Coach Hendrick. “Over time, however, none bother me much and all my memories from coaching are good in one way or another.”

Watching a team grow is eye opening and heartwarming for many coaches. Having the opportunity to experience such a journey is one of a kind.

“Watching and traveling along with my guys as they grow into men is a great experience,” said Hendrick.

“It is the lasting relationships that are the best.”

Along with being dedicated and caring, Coach Hendrick is also very modest about his coaching skills.

When asked what his strengths were,

COURTESY ANDRIS VISOCKIS

Say Cheese: Coach Hendrick is all smiles as his tennis team looks to continue having remarkable success. he said he will, “leave that for others to assess”. Despite what some athletes think, all coaches have weaknesses. Some coaches just handle it better than others.

“I’m sometimes too intense,” said Coach Hendrick. “I’m also very competitive which can cause me to be distracted from the aspects of coaching I know are more important than our win/loss results.”

There is a lot that goes into coaching. For instance, coaching.

“How to train the team” is what most coaches spend their time pondering.

But this coach knows his routines.

“We practice the things we need to do well to win,” said Coach Hendrick. “We don’t waste time. We practice like we play…100% effort from start to finish.”

Coach Hendrick’s advice for athletes is well thought out and helpful.

“If you’re going to play a sport in college, commit to it completely,” said Hendrick. “Always give your

best effort and never forget that you are representing more than just yourself. You are representing your family, your team, your school, and your God.” Some coaches become overwhelmed by being a leader for an entire team. This, perhaps, is a strength of Coach Hendrick, because the pressure doesn’t get to him.

“It has always felt like I was simply doing what God created me to do,” said Coach Hendrick. “It has always felt ‘natural’.”

Other than loving his job, Coach Hendrick is thankful for having a supportive wife, three amazing children, and that he can be the State Director for the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing—which lets him oversee regulation of all Michigan’s day care and adult foster care programs. He’s living his dream.

Griffins Using Young Talent

By Taylor Hodges Sports Editor The Grand Rapids Griffins have been having an up and down season this year. They are currently out of a playoff spot in the AHL sitting in ninth place and in their last ten games, the Griffins have gone 6-3-1. Much of their woes have to do with not being able to score. This season, the Griffins have scored 59 goals and have allowed 58.

While most of their young players have graduated to the Red Wings, there are still some lights out prospects competing this year.

Most notably, Anthony Mantha and Teemu Pulkkinen, the Red Wings two best prospects at forward.

Mantha has played in ten games so far after coming back from breaking his leg at the Detroit Red Wings prospect camp.

Through those ten games, Mantha

has posted three goals and two assists. When asked about his recent play, Mantha had this to say to Peter Wallner from MLive; “I think I’m hard on myself right now,” he said. “It’s not where I was expecting myself to be at. But I just need to work hard every game and I think even if it didn’t go in tonight, I had a pretty good game.”

Mantha is the best prospect the organization has, so look for him to really tear it up this season in Grand Rapids.

Pulkkinen has been even more impressive this season. Through 21 games, Pulkkinen has managed 10 goals and 14 assists for a total of 24 points. Pulkkinen is averaging over a point per game and is currently the leading scorer for the Griffins. This is Pulkkinen’s second full season with the Griffins. Look for the fourth round prospect in the 2010 to get some time with the Red Wings this year

after having stellar play.

Another star player for the Griffins is Detroit native Andy Miele. Miele, who went undrafted and spent time in the Phoenix Coyotes organization, is averaging a point per game in his first year with the Griffins. Last year for the Coyotes minor league affiliate, Miele had a remarkable 72 points in 70 games. Miele competed collegiately for the Miami RedHawks and in his senior season scored 71 points in only 39 games earning him the Hobey Baker Award.

The Griffins next home game is at 7pm on December 10 against the struggling Lake Erie Monsters.

After their home-stand, the Griffins hit the road for a pair of away games against the Oklahoma City Barons.

If you haven’t been out to a Griffins game, they do offer a Wednesday promotion in which if they win, you can redeem your ticket to attend the next Wednesday home game free.

Sports Editor Taylor Hodges E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

Phone (616) 632-2975

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