Etownian Issue 2

the September 17, 2009 • Volume 106, No. 2

Etownian elizabethtown college

One Alpha Drive • Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298

on campus

On the Web: www.etownian.com

Photos: Katie A. Bamberger and Tyler Drolet

Ch-ch-ch changes: things have transformed on campus Erin M. Hensel Staff Writer

M

any important changes occurred on campus over the summer that will affect student life during the fall semester and beyond. These changes include construction and landscaping projects, the renaming of the Event Space and land acquisitions.

Students may be most conscious of the fenced-off construction area next to the BSC, as most walk past it each day on their way to meals, classes and meetings.

Behind that fence, renovations for the new Academic Quadrangle began Aug. 31, and the ground-breaking ceremony followed Sept. 3. Upon its completion later this fall, the new Quad will tie together the Hoover Center, Zug, the Masters Center and the Jay Walk, improving upon the old “Midway” between these buildings.

The project is designed to improve pedestrian circulation throughout the area between the academic buildings and the Campus Center; it will also include a new plaza north of the gym and access from the Leffler Chapel lots to the Quad in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Traffic in some of the areas will be opened around the Campus Center, Hoover, south

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The Etownian is a weekly n ews p a p e r p u b l i s h e d Th u r s d ays d u ri n g t h e academic year.

of the Masters Center and east of Zug Sept. 21.

According to Joe Metro, Director of Facilities Management and Construction, the remaining areas of the Academic Quad are scheduled for completion in late fall, including grading, seeding and planting. Metro hopes to have grass growing in the Quad for the next commencement ceremony in May 2010.

In the past, campus activities have taken place in the center of the Quad area. Part of the current construction agenda includes the addition of electrical outlets to provide power for outdoor events in the Quad, so that events can once again take place in the improved area.

Frank M. Masters, Jr. provided the funding for the Quad renovations, continuing his tradition of support and friendship towards Elizabethtown College. Masters will be remembered for his many contributions to the college, including the gift of his namesake, the Masters Center for Science, Mathematics and Engineering.

In the south end of Brown Lot, landscaping of the stream a state-funded project under the Growing Greener program continues. “Prior to the daylighting project, this area looked much like a mall parking lot,” Metro observed.

In addition to improving the aesthetics along College Avenue, the project includes many

other environmental and safety improvements. Parallel to the parking lot runs a narrow creek, which has been newly landscaped to enhance the surrounding area’s appearance.

Over the summer and continuing into this month, boulders and plants have been added to the stream bed in order to create pockets in the creek and improve water quality. As the daylighting plants mature, the college’s goal of minimizing harmful environmental impact will progress.

To improve walker safety, the Brown Lot project has also added a path which leads to the College Avenue pedestrian crossing and stretches the length of the parking area.

Other changes eliminated many hazardous 90-degree intersections, making the lot safer and simpler to navigate.

Some students have expressed concern about a lack of available parking spots in Brown Lot because of these new changes.

Although the various projects did eliminate some spots, Metro states that 36 new spaces are in the planning process, and some staff parking has already been relocated to make space.

He observes that, contrary to student concerns, the changes actually seem to have had a positive impact on parking, as he sees plenty of available spaces every day.

A less labor-intensive change to campus is that the Event Space recently received a new name. Last spring, the college announced plans to provide the Event Space with an official title: the Koons Activity Venue, or KĀV. Planned and funded by Terry Koons and his wife Carol Ann, the name KĀV became official over the summer. Terry Koons explained that as a trustee on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, he became aware that the Event Space was unnamed. Koons and his family decided to rename what he considered “a rather ordinary space,” seeing his idea as a way to support the college with a unique contribution.

David Beidleman, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, spoke on this topic, saying that the Koons family has given the college significant financial support over the years, which was used for earlier construction projects. This, combined with a pledge of future funds, allowed them to name the KĀV. “We are very fortunate to have donors such as the Koons, who are willing to give the college flexible donation for projects that are aligned with… the college’s greatest needs,” Beidleman said.

During spring semester last year, Koons mentioned his idea to a number of students and received positive feedback. The name KĀV was

Things are heating up

SWEET campus changes

The Beatles are Back!

The Great Debate

Joseph Romm comes to Etown to discuss global warming. Check out the full story on page 5.

OSA and SWEET come together to make student activities on campus even better.

Features, page 5

Campus Life, page 6

The Beatles have continued to impact across generations. Now they have their own game.

Spoons and straws: Which one would you pick? FInd out what your fellow classmates think.

Centerfold, pages 8 & 9

catchy, modern — unique, and it stuck.

Koons expressed a concern that older students would ignore the change, simply out of habit.

On campus, however, some returning students already refer to the KĀV by its new name, despite its history as the Event Space.

This easy shift indicates welcomed change, which Koons is glad to hear. “I hope it becomes eternally known as the KĀV,” he said.

Another change that will greatly affect future campus life is the college’s acquisition of a new property over the summer, a 4,000-square-foot ranch house on three acres of land.

Located above the Steinman parcel, an eight-acre property also owned by the college, the purchase presented a beneficial opportunity for expansion.

According to David Dentler, Vice President of Administration, uses for the property are still under discussion.

The college plans to utilize this property in conjunction with the Steinman parcel to support the academic program and build onto residential program planning.

Based on its location and future plans, the new property appears to be a strategic buy. The purchase is “a real long-term value for the college,” Dentler said. “That’s the bottom line.”

Opinion, page 11

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news

the Etownian

September 17, 2009

on campus

The

Jayd-ed edge

Rachel A. Marsteller News Editor

Grizzly bear goes swimming A 7-year-old learning how to swim is nothing new, unless it's an 800-pound grizzly bear taking the plunge.

Brutus the bear slapped the water a few times and then gingerly backed into an East Helena pool while onlookers gawked late last week.

Casey Anderson, owner of the bear, was teaching Brutus, who was born in captivity, how to swim and catch fish for a National Geographic special called "Expedition Kodiak," scheduled to run next year.

"I've had him since he was the size of a cupcake," Anderson said of Brutus, who served as best man (or bear) in Anderson's wedding.

Brutus, however, drew a crowd.

An electrified fence was erected around the pool to keep him from wandering through town.

At the pool, Anderson used a fish on the end of a pole to help Brutus develop his fish-catching skills.

Next, Anderson plans to return with Brutus to the Montana Grizzly Encounter in Bozeman, where Brutus will learn to catch live fish.

Aggravated menacing Delaware State Police said a woman punched a gas station clerk in the face and held scissors to his throat in a dispute over how much money she had given him. The clerk at the Country Farms on West Newport Pike told police that a 53-year-old woman asked for $20 worth of gas but only gave him a $1 bill.

Police said the woman stormed behind the counter, screaming, punched the clerk in the face and held scissors to his throat. At that point, he gave the woman two $10 bills.

As the woman drove away, police said she found $20 bill in her purse and returned to the gas station. She was arrested and charged with offensive touching and aggravated menacing.

Porn Prank Two Oklahoma men have been arrested for allegedly playing a pornographic DVD on display televisions at a Fort Smith Wal-Mart.

Sebastian County Jail records show 20-year-olds Cody Allen Sexton and Kenny Dean Andrews were arrested on a felony obscenity complaint.

Police said the two put the pornographic DVD into a player that was connected to six televisions on Sept.

3. The DVD was removed after a customer notified a store manager.

Compiled from myway.com.

Progress achieved in national evaluations William J. Blatchley Staff Writer

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ust missing out on the bronze medal, Elizabethtown College has been ranked

by U.S. News and World Report as the fourth best baccalaureate college in the north for 2010, leading rival Messiah College by just one spot.

Up one since last year, Etown is itching to break into the coveted top three, which would be quite a feat for the small school.

With such universities as Seton Hall University (13th) and Saint Francis University (22nd) competing against Etown, oftentimes just being included in the ranks is an honor, but do students feel the same way?

How do these polls affect the current and future students of Etown? Does a feeling of school pride form in the hearts of fellow Blue Jays or could the nationally-acclaimed ranking mean less to them than they are willing to admit?

“Well, I think it is stellar,” Stephanie Smith, sophomore secondary education major, said. “It says a lot about our college.

And we beat out Messiah, how could that not be a good thing?”

The ranking says a mouthful, considering

the criteria needed just to make U.S. News’ list. For the past eight years, U.S. News has been spotlighting schools that show remarkable individuality in eight types of academic programs: first-year experiences, learning communities, writing in the disciplines, senior capstone, study abroad, internships

And we beat out Messiah; how can that not be a good thing?

Stephanie Smith Sophomore student or cooperative education, opportunities for undergraduate research and service learning. Elizabethtown College scored a 64 out of the possible 100 pointsto cement its rank, which only leaves room for the school to rise once again next year. Not all students, however, are worried about this year’s rankings, let alone next year’s.

“Rankings don’t really make me want to go to certain colleges over others. You can’t decide on where you want to spend

four years of your life off a system like this,” Nicole Rush, sophomore political science major, said. “People need to figure out for themselves where the right place for them is. A college that one person hates could be the dream school for another. You can’t get that from a piece of paper.” Others across campus agree with Rush.

“These rankings would never make me not choose a school just because it was low on the list or not even on it. I mean, it’s great Etown is so high up, but if it weren’t that would be okay with me too,” Kelly Seymour, sophomore engineering major, said. “For me, we could be fourth or 400th. All the same to me since I love it here.”

With only three colleges able to top Elizabethtown, Copper Union in New York, United States Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in New York, the chance of a number one ranking seems to be reasonable.

With only a few points separating Elizabethtown from the top position, 2011 is looking to be its best year yet.

“But only if we beat Messiah again,” Smith said with a smile. “Then it would be the best year.”

on campus

Dining Services makes effort to go green Lynda L. Hudzick Guest Writer

A

s one enters the Marketplace this semester, one will notice that the color has changed just a bit — things are a little greener than they used to be.

The beautiful plants placed throughout the seating areas, generously donated by Professor Ron Laughlin and the biology department, are just one of the changes that Dining Services has instituted to help us all along the road to increased sustainability. The idea of putting in some plants was discussed as a way to beautify the Marketplace, and instead of purchasing the plants; the Dining Services staff was thrilled to help Professor Laughlin by re-potting and now displaying plants that had outgrown their homes in his on-campus greenhouse.

Another change implemented in the Marketplace is the discontinuation of the Styrofoam beverage cups previously used in Dining Services operations. All beverage cups have now been switched to a more environmentally-friendly paper product.

To go along with the green attitude, many of the chemicals used to clean and sanitize throughout the Dining Services operations are green products, and the department continues to move in an eco-friendly direction.

As you enjoy fresh salads in the Dining Services facilities this semester, be sure to look for the E.C.og label near the salad bar that indicates produce that was grown in the Etown College Organic Garden. The garden is a student — run venture, featuring produce whose initial organic plantings were all purchased locally. No pesticides are used in the garden; only organic fertilizers are applied. These come from the Fertrell Company from Bainbridge, Mass., which prides itself on being the oldest 100 percent natural and organic fertilizer-producing company in the country, having been in business since 1946.

There is also a focus on water conservation in the organic garden; only well and rain water collected in two rain barrels is utilized to water the produce grown.

Perhaps one of the biggest changes that has taken place in the Dining Services department over the summer is the installation of a pulper, which is used to extract and separate liquid from organic waste so it can be recycled for use in the garden.

The process involves something like this – all organic waste from the department is placed into a grinding mechanism, and that resulting material is then pumped to the pulping machine, which is installed in the trash collection area of the Dining Services department. The pulping machine does the

actual extracting and separating of the liquid and solids.

The liquid byproduct from the pulper is then pumped into several holding tanks that, when filled, are hauled to the Brubaker Farm in Mount Joy, which has partnered with Dining Services in this endeavor. The material that has been hauled to the farm is added to a large concrete structure on the grounds of the farm, referred to as an anaerobic digester, which already holds 625,000 gallons of manure from the 700 head of milking cattle on the farm.

Solid organic waste is also loaded onto the truck and taken to Brubaker Farms where it is placed in the digester with the liquid waste.

The digester itself is covered, enabling the Brubaker Farm staff to capture the methane gases that escape from the organic matter. Those gases are used in a combustion engine that creates electricity used on the farm and sold back to the electric company by the farm earning them green credits. The digester produces both liquid fertilizer, used to fertilize the farm’s fields, and sterile bedding, used for the farm’s cows.

The idea of the pulper originally stemmed from the desire to reduce a waste stream coming from the Dining Services Department. A waste study was conducted, and it was discovered that during one day of typical operation, combining all three of the Dining Services facilities, a total of 1200 pounds of pre- and post-consumer waste was collected.

A composting facility was considered, but Joe Metro, Director of Facilities Management and Construction, suggested pursuing the concept of a pulper because he had participated with Brubaker Farms in the past in the preparation of a grant for the digester. He and Eric Turzai, Director of Dining Services, visited the farm to see if a partnership would be feasible and to understand exactly how the process works.

By using the pulping system, the department is reducing its waste which otherwise would have ended up in a landfill or been burned at the Lancaster County waste to energy plant in Bainbridge. Another benefit is the reduction in waste removal cost, providing the campus itself with budgetary and environmental paybacks.

Anyone interested in seeing how the system works may contact Eric Turzai at TURZAIEC@etown.edu to schedule a visit. As the semester progresses, the entire Dining Services staff is dedicated to a continued effort to improve the green sustainability efforts already begun and to research new ways to move toward the most environmentally-friendly operation possible.

news

September 17, 2009

the Etownian

on campus

3

Residence Life underestimates sheer volume of 2013 targets. Coming in under target can have many negative effects.

“For an institution to be thriving, you want to be at or above the target,” he words “Grab a Blue Jay” were Cramer said. displayed in fat blue lettering across Cramer believes Etown’s current the backs of countless lime green t-shirts. enrollment speaks volumes for the colGroups of students wearing the shirts buslege’s character. tled from car to dorm to car again, eagerly “People absolutely recognize the value of helping to move in the mass of students a private education and an Elizabethtown making up Etown’s class of 2013. education, ” Cramer said.

Administrators set the target enrollIn an attempt to free up residence halls ment for the class of 2013 at 530 students, for incoming first-year stua number which, in the dents, Residence Life created a words of Vice President fifth roommate option for both for Enrollment Paul CraRAs and students assigned to mer, is “pretty adventurindividual living units — the ous.” This is why, when quads and apartments. In a letthe College learned that ter dated July 20, each RA and 550 first-years would be foursome of ILU roommates rushing onto campus this was given the option to take on fall, adjustments had to a fifth roommate — limited to be made. rising juniors and seniors — in In our less-than-perfect exchange for a financial inceneconomy, the Enrollment Image: David T. Drolet tive. Students wishing to take Management Committee expected many poten- In this room, four students reside together.There are many rooms the deal were given until July tial first-years to not only that were completely filled, some with up to five residents, to make 28 to contact Residence Life.

Two groups of ILU students choose public schools over enough room for the large number of incoming students.

Kara M. Luzik Staff Writer

T

Etown, but also to attend institutions closer to home. Also, many students were not expected to return.

“We were surprised more students didn’t say, ‘I can’t afford Etown,’” Allison Bridgeman, director of residence life, said. “We were happy to see so many students return.”

Not all colleges are seeing enrollment increases such as the one seen at Etown. According to Cramer, many of Etown’s regional peers did not meet their fall enrollment

added a fifth roommate. When Residence Life realized they needed to make even more room for students, they decided to lease offcampus residences within the Peach Alley Apartments, which provide housing for 12 students. Residence Life contacted upperclassmen in good academic standing on the ILU waiting list and offered the Peach Alley space on a first come, first served basis.

Although this option seems new to students, it is not new to the College. The Peach Alley Apartments were leased by Residence Life about ten years ago when on-campus housing was overcrowded.

Residence Life also allowed more students to live off-campus than it has in recent years. Every student who requested to be released from the housing contract was given that option.

Students released to off-campus housing freed up space in many dorms, including Brinser. Although Brinser is traditionally a coveted upperclassmen dorm, a handful of first-years currently call it home. These first years were placed in rooms that were, until early August, assigned to upperclassmen who were released off-campus or took advantage of an alternate housing option.

in the nation

Obama health care plan summary Vanessa L. Andrew Staff Writer

P

resident Obama spoke to Congress and the American public about his new health care plan and his ideas and reasons behind carefully constructing it Sept.

9. He emphasized that Congress should come together to prove that it is able to do its job as America trusts it to do.

“Now is the season of action,” Obama said.

Obama’s health care plan covers a wide range of people, and, considering the nation’s current economic situation, the plan may benefit many who are in dire need of government assistance.

President Obama said that this health care plan will “provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance. It will provide insurance to those who don’t, and it will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses and our government.”

This statement covers the three main groups of people in America: those well-off enough to cover themselves financially, those who are not able to do so and those who may not have the funds for their own health insurance in the near future. Though many Americans are skeptical about whether this will work, the details behind each social group’s need for health care in the president’s plan make it easier to understand his specific goals for protecting the welfare of America in the future.

For those who already have health insurance, this plan promises more stability and security. It strives to end discrimination against people based on their gender, age or pre-existing conditions. Under Obama’s plan, it would become illegal to deny coverage for health risks; it would also prevent insurance companies from restricting coverage when people are direly ill and need additional coverage. All illnesses would be covered comprehensively, and companies could not cancel insurance coverage if an individual’s medical condition was not listed on his/her application. This plan promises that one’s insurance would not take up an overwhelming amount of one’s household income.

It would eliminate extra charges for tests and shots that improve one’s health. It would protect Medicare for senior citizens by decreasing costs to help coverage increase for future generations.

If one does not currently have health insurance, the president’s health care plan promises that it will be affordable in the near future. Quality is important, especially when one’s well-being is involved, and Obama wants to emphasize that. This plan would create a new insurance marketplace known as the Exchange; this would allow people and small businesses who do not have insurance to compare each plan and buy the one that suits them best for a price that is right for them.

The Exchange would take effect in 2013 and would allow access to those looking for an insurance plan based on three main criteria of quality, price and benefits offered. It would provide new tax credits to help small businesses, as well as, individuals buy insurance based on their income, the amount of coverage needed for employees and how much they can afford. Obama believes that the options provided in the plan would help the uninsured people of the United States find affordable coverage and have a choice among several options that could be right for them.

For America as a whole, Obama said that health care costs would decrease and become more accessible in daily life under his plan. The president’s theory is that health care would not be counted against the insured after the fact, but would be paid for in a responsible way. President Obama stated that if everything promised in the plan does not materialize, additional budgetary savings will be required so that the plan would not negatively affect the American economy. Also, the efficiency and quality of Medicare is important to the president, so the plan will create an independent commission of doctors and medical experts to improve the program annually by making recommendations to Congress.

Obama ended his speech by saying that he still believes the country can do great things and that “we did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it.”

He said he trusts America can act even when times are tough because that is the core of the American identity.

Obama said that the American people thrive under pressure and have, in the past, solved problems individually and not as a result of governmental intervention.

He believes that America can permanently solve health care issues now through the use of his plan. to him, it is up to the people of America to prepare for and shape the country’s future.

e t a n e S s t e p Snip I

n last Thursday’s Senate meeting, the group gathered to discuss club budgets, campouts and cacophony. Senate established a time and place for this week’s homecoming float campout, which was held late Sunday night, Sept. 13.

Officers also set a deadline to review and decide upon club budget distributions; final decisions were due Tuesday, Sept. 15. Senate hosted elections for open positions for sophomores, juniors and seniors, which were held on BlackBoard this week.

Assistant Director of Campus Security Dale Boyer announced the cause of several misfired fire alarms over Labor Day weekend. The causes were a sprinkler glitch in the Hackman Apartments, and an accidentally thrown football as well as shower steam in Royer.

Finally, Dean of Students Marianne Calenda notified Senate that the details regarding new fitness equipment for the Body Shop will be submitted in the near future.

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the Etownian

features

profiles • monthly series • campus events

September 17, 2009 town events • facts & figures• business

on campus

Ch-Ch-Changes: College hires 29 new staff members Tara B. Hayes Staff Writer

to show it. Cline won the Richard F. Stevens Rhode Island Outstanding Gradach school year brings uate Student Award for his many new faces to the achievements in academElizabethtown College cam- ics and his career. pus; not only students, but also “Ultimately, I’m there faculty and staff. The College for everyone. I’m willing welcomes 29 new employees to to work with students 20 departments this fall. and faculty and I want to work with students and Res Life Staff Overhaul faculty. I’m lucky to be able to work with both,” Residence Life has hired Cline said. three new area coordinators: Before joining ResiDan Cline, supervisor of Brin- dence Life, Kelsey worked ser Hall, Hackman Apartments as a residence building and the Quads; Courtney director for two years at Kelsey, supervisor of Myer, Shepherd University.

Royer, and Schlosser residence “I like the small campus, halls; and Matthew O’Neill, getting to know people on supervisor of Founders and a first-name basis and just Ober. Dormitories. the general feeling of the “We supervise RAs, are re- campus is very open and Photo: Matthew P. Butera sponsible for overseeing pro- welcoming,” Kelsey said. Meet the new Residence Directors on campus. From left to right: Daniel Cline, Courtney gram budget for each hall, “I’m a very open and Kelsey, and Matthew O’Neill. They will be coordinating most residence halls across campus. handle roommate concerns, friendly person. I like and work with facilities man- to help people and help ing environment. I’ve been New Staff Members expertise, he also testified agement and environmental with problems. I hope people welcomed since I arrived on as an electrical engineering services to make sure the build- approach me with problems campus,” O’Neill said.

Joseph Riddles is one of expert and fire investigation ing is up to par,” Kelsey said. or just to talk. I’m a people “I like being creative and Dining Services’ newest staff expert in an alleged arson Cline enjoys working at person,” Kelsey said. working with the team. I’m members. As supervisor for case. “The jury found the deElizabethtown because of its O’Neill has been a gradu- open to new ideas. I don’t like the department, he is respon- fendant not guilty in about ten small campus. ate assistant hall director at doing things the same ways; I sible for creating deli features minutes,” he said. In addition “You’re able to see students Misericordia University and like challenges,” O’Neill said. at the Jay’s Nest and for the to teaching, Hoffer has raised face to face. You’re a name, an undergraduate assistant at These new residence direc- overall supervision of both two daughters. not a number,” Cline said. Drexel University. tors can be reached via e-mail the Jay’s Nest and Marketplace.

The English and education Cline understands student life “I feel like Elizabethtown is and at the Residence Life of- Previously, Riddles worked at departments have welcomed quite well, and has the awards a very friendly and welcom- fice in the BSC. Millersville University, but he Dr. Matthew Skillen as an asrelocated to the College for its sistant professor of English dining service department. and director of the English Riddles has an educational education department. background in art techno“I monitor and support logical engineering but has student teachers, those who worked in the food industry want to be English teachers,” for 25 years. In the future, he he said. would like to “grow in [his] Skillen was also drawn to career and advance into upper Etown because of its size, locamanagement. Definitely finish tion and philosophy. “I expect [his] degree.” to meet a lot of great people “I’m an easy going person; here at Elizabethtown and to I don’t take life too seriously,” help them reach their life goals Riddles said. However, he does in any way I can,” he said. take a few things seriously. For Dr. Stephen Soltys has joined instance, Riddles takes the the faculty as an assistant promost pride in his life in his role fessor of math education. as father to his two children.

“I really like it at Elizabethtown, so I’d like to stay New Professors and build a strong math ed. * department and get a few more Roy Hoffer comes to Eliza- students interested in math PLUS $29.99 MONTHLY DUES bethtown as a visiting profes- Ed,” soltys said.

Excludes tax if any. sor of electrical engineering After teaching high school and physics. for twenty years, Soltys taught at NO LONG-TERM CONTRACT REQUIRED! “I love the campus and I love West Chester University before the students. It’s a wonderful joining Elizabethtown’s faculty. atmosphere,” Hoffer said.

Soltys, a self-proclaimed family As a f u l l-t ime adjunc t, man, has two polarizing attriHoffer has taught at several butes: he is a Messiah College Membership valid in club of enrollment only. institutions and experienced alumnus and an Eagles fan. *Limited time offer. Must present valid Student I.D. to redeem offer. Offer based on the purchase of a new Easy Start the benefits of good leaderThese are only a few of the monthly dues membership with a one-time initiation fee of $49 and $29.99 monthly dues per person. Must pay first and ship.

“I’ve had wonderful menmany new additions Etown is last months’ dues plus the initiation fee to join. Monthly dues must be paid by one account and deducted by automatic transfer from checking, savings, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover account. Redeemable by non-members tors throughout my career. I’m welcoming this academic year. only. Extra charge for some amenities. Facilities may vary by location. Monthly dues membership may be canceled with written trying to give back what they A fully detailed list of the new notice in accordance with the terms of the membership agreement. Offer is not available in combination with other discounted rates.

Advertised rate does not include access to any LA Fitness Premier New York or Signature Clubs. Offer is not available at Signature gave me early on,” he said. employees is available on the Clubs. Call club for details. Advertised rate may be subject to change. ©2009 LA Fitness International, LLC. All rights reserved.

To further his engineering College’s Web site.

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features

September 17, 2009

more on campus

the Etownian

5

Joseph Romm visits campus, discusses climate change Rebekah V. Arbogast Staff Writer

Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy from 1993 to 1998. There he worked with many others to research r. Joseph Romm visited Elizabethtown and enact clean energy technologies.

College this week. As a physicist, cliWhile Romm may have begun his mate expert and author, Romm had a lot of career with a focus on the reduction of insight to share with the College. Romm is greenhouse gas emissions, throughout a member of the Woodrow Wilson Visit- 1988 to1990 he worked at the Rockefeller ing Fellows program, which consists of top Foundation in New York where he became leaders and non-academic professionals curious about another current hot topic. who tour colleges across the nation to speak The Rockefeller Foundation’s main focus to students and relate the non-academic is the well-being of mankind throughout to the academic world. Romm addressed the world. It was here that Romm was issues associated with global warming and introduced to many experts on major isthe effects it will have on our way of living sues facing our world today, including the and our careers. pioneers of global warming research. The Romm attended the Massachusetts pressing issue was frequently brought up Institute of Technology (MIT) where he and caught his interest. Romm decided earned his Bachelor of Science and his to become more knowledgeable about Ph.D. in physics. After graduation Romm the subject, thus starting a journey that Photo: Amelia L. Moon went on to complete his thesis work at the continues to this day.

Joseph Romm lectures a group of students in Hoover 112 Tuesday. His Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Romm was recently elected a Fellow presentations are about global warming and possible solutions to the crisis. of the American Association for the “America’s fiercest climate change activist- another book, featuring what he sees as his best blog posts and most insightful articles.

Advancement of blogger.”

“The world hasn’t taken global Romm currently maintains the site Romm has written six books about climate Science (AAAS). warming seriously enough, and it This organization Climateprogress.org where he blogs about and energy issues, in addition to numerous is the world’s largest issues with climate, politics and solutions. journal articles and reports. will soon escape and take over all Over the past days Romm has shared scientific society. There he serves as editor-in-chief and writes other issues.”

The AAAS council most of the blog’s posts. “TIME Magazine” important information about global warmannually inducts voted Climateprogress.org one of the “Top ing and our contemporary world, especially scholars who have 15 Green Web Sites.” Romm also works how we students and our future careers will contributed signifi- with businesses to try and develop ways to be affected by this crisis. reduce gas emissions. He researches cleaner “The world hasn’t taken it [global cantly to science. energy strategies to help combat the global warming] seriously enough, and it will “It w a s ve r y warming phenomenon. soon escape and take over all other issues,” Jolla, California. In 1987, Romm served honorable and certainly very nice to be Along with his blogging and research, he said. as an American Physical Society Congres- recognized by my peers,” Romm said. He Romm feels that global warming will be sional Science Fellow for the U.S. House of was also named No. 88 on the 2009 “Roll- Romm also finds the time to write books.

His most recent book, “Hell and High Waa major issue over the next 10 to 15 years, Representatives. Romm explained, “I spent ing Stone” list of “Top 100 People who are ter,” focuses on solutions for global warm- and we as the upcoming generation need a year working there giving advice about Reinventing America.” energy sources,”. He then became an Acting “Rolling Stone” described Romm as ing. Early next year, Romm plans to begin to take charge now.

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-Joseph Romm

6

the Etownian

campus life

movies • music • television • humor • travel

September 17, 2009

lifestyles • arts • advice • college issues

Photo: Matthew P. Butera

changes on campus

Ch-ch-ch changes: OSA debuts innovative fall lineup Carey E. Betts Staff Writer

F

or the 2009 fall semester, the Office of Student Activities (OSA) and Students Working to Entertain E-town (SWEET) have combined their efforts to give students the most entertaining school year possible. Starting this school year, OSA is now divided into four committees that host different activities both on and off campus.

Of the four committees, the one students will be most familiar with is SWEET. Run by senior Annette Sestito, SWEET is responsible for hosting entertainment and social activities on and off campus. SWEET is broken down into nine sub-offices that deal with hosting and organizing specific events: Sweet Comedy, which works to acquire comedians to come perform on campus; Sweet Flicks, which plans movies on campus; Sweet Traditions, which hosts Mr. Etown and other standards on campus; Sweet Spots, which

organizes trips to cities; Sweet Sounds, which deals with signing different musical guests to perform on campus; Sweet Games, which hosts bingo and other activities; Sweet Tournaments, which sponsors contests on campus; Sweet Athletics, which arranges other sports activities; and Sweet Off Campus, which handles tickets for sporting events and excursions outside of Etown’s campus.

A brand new committee that OSA is introducing is A Step Up. Program coordinator Heather Rhoads’ goal is to bring “edutainment” to the students.

It brings together fun activities and new learning experiences to enrich the lives of students with opportunities they wouldn’t necessarily have otherwise. For example, some of the activities that A Step Up is hosting this year are ballroom dance classes, trips to the Hershey Theatre, free passes to Elizabethtown Fitness Club, the E-fit program and speakers who will touch on topics such as travel and finance.

The third committee is Publicity, which is run by senior Amanda Markowicz. The most important part of this committee is The Hub, which is one of the main ways to receive information about OSA events. The Hub, located in the BSC outside of Mail Services, was not a big part of OSA and SWEET last year, but it is now open frequently for students to sign up for events or just to find out information on events happening later in the semester. If students have any questions about OSA, they are encouraged to go to The Hub. However, the Publicity committee does more than run The Hub. It is also in charge of handling the business and financial aspect of all events held through OSA. The fourth committee is the Events Committee, run by senior Sam Schneider. The Events Committee is in charge of the OSA calendar that was distributed to students at the beginning of the semester. It also contacts different types of talent and books them to perform on campus.

The transformation of OSA was the result of the extensive survey given out at the end of last year to see how happy students were with OSA and SWEET activities. On the side of The Hub is the “You Spoke, We Listened” display, which shows that OSA heard what students wanted from their student activities group and delivered as best as they could. Among the things that OSA changed as a result of the survey, one of the most noticeable was doing away with Super Sweet Weekends and instead dispersing activities all throughout the semester.

OSA also plans to expand further and work with different student groups on campus. SWEET is working directly with WWEC, the campus radio station, to have a Friday Concert Series, and with the Class of 2011 to host a Rave dance The main point of the restructuring was for OSA to be more involved on campus and involve students more with OSA. Students who are interested in volunteering or participating in OSA, should stop

by The Hub for more information.

September 17, 2009

campus life

the Etownian

new year

7

And they’re off! New semester resolutions revealed Christie A. Caldwell Staff Writer

en, nine, eight, seven. The countdown is on. Six, five, four. But this is college; you can’t let the ball drop!

Three, two, one. What do you do?

College Scholar Matthew Weaver is a junior actuarial science and economics major, who knows exactly what he wants and how he’s going to get it. He plans on earning A’s in all five courses, and remaining on the Dean’s List this semester through hard work and several hours of studying every day.

He is a member of the Honors Program and the Math Club. Weaver aspires to pass Exam P either in November or January.

He passed his first actuarial exam back in May, before he started his internship at Capital Blue Cross in Harrisburg. He would like to get to know more students and work with them on homework as a way of improving socially as well as academically. Weaver definitely wants to keep up this motivation over time and make connections at the College.

“I think they will ultimately lead me to a great job after graduation if I show my boss that I can handle a large

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workload and I have several actuarial to the gym regularly to make up for exams passed.” all those “chocolate cakes and brownAssociate Professor of Communica- ies” that she eats, in order to maintain tions Dr. Hans-Erik Wennberg pro- good overall health. She wishes to poses to keep up with his scheduled attend more SWEET events to meet syllabi this year. new people, but mainly Warner wants “It’s too easy to get off subject or to to grab hold of that 4.0 GPA, which in get off in a direction, and realistically I previous semesters had just barely been don’t want to miss things. I want to stay out of her reach. with something that I’ve already planned well and want to succeed that way.” Wen- And as far as diet soda, I’d nberg, on a more creative rather not drink the water level, wishes to augment his and get E.coli. photography portfolio.

Other new semester resoHans-Erik Wennberg lutions of his are weight-loss Associate Professor of and daily gym attendance.

Communications “I’m doing P.T. [physical therapy] three times a week, so I usually go to the gym the other The elementary education major is two days of the week, and recognizing a member of the Honors Program, as the fact that I’ve had knee replace- well as the Honors Council. She aims ments and hip replacements and such, to go “above and beyond” in her educathis has made a big difference in me tion courses to gain as much knowledge being healthy.” He also intends to eat and experience as possible to become healthier foods, but “you’ll find I’ll still a better teacher. eat candy, and as far as diet soda, I’d In order to do so, she knows that she rather not drink the water and get E. will need to minimize distractions and coli,” Wennberg said. “put Facebook away,” focusing her full Sophomore Jennifer Warner would attention on her schoolwork. also like to eat healthier foods and go “As long as I do that, I think that I

could accomplish all my goals, because then I‘ll get more information, and then it’ll be easier to get a 4.0.” Warner thinks balance is a good thing. “Work just as much as you play,” she advises.

Cheerleading co-captain Kelena Hoff considers one of her biggest college accomplishments to be actually choosing a major.

The junior switched from elementary education to sociology and anthropology just at the end of last semester because she feels that she can do more with this major. Her only goals now are to bring up her cumulative GPA and simply pass her classes. Hoff ’s main focuses for this academic year are schoolwork and cheerleading.

She is “pretty satisfied with the way life is going” but suggests not to slack off spring semester “bad idea.” Hoff plans on reaching her goals and keeping her focus through “time management, a lot of time management.”

College is a busy time for students and professors. Wennberg urges students to get a routine, which includes eating, studying and sleeping.

However, not even he could be found in his office on a Saturday. It’s important to “make time to have fun.”

Happy New Academic Year!

beauty column

Hot fall trends: style from the runway to the Jay Walk Lindsay D. Goldsmith Staff Writer

If one is going to do a dark lip, however, it is recommended to tone down all your other features so you do not end up with oing back to school is a stressful and exciting the dreaded “clown face.”

Dark lips may also be a bit severe for time for any girl. Whether you are a first-year or a senior, you want to start the year off right and daytime, so save releasing your inner Hollylook your best. With a ratio of two girls for every wood diva for that party this weekend. Try guy on campus, we need all the help we can get to Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in Brazilian or Goddess, Maybelline Moisture look good.

This can prove a difficult task on a college student’s Extreme Lipcolor in Rose Luster or Go budget when Ramen noodles are a staple and sushi from Currant, both for $5.19 at Ulta.

This fall, cheeks are a hint of pale pink the Jay’s Nest is an extravagance. Fortunately, the world of beauty is vast and varied in terms of price ranges. just along the top of the cheekbone to balAny girl can achieve her own version of the latest looks ance out the rest of the face. CoverGirl from the runways while still able to buy that cute new True Cheeks in Blush 1 is great at $7.99, as is Revlon Matte Powder Blush in Persweatshirt from the college store or a new lip gloss.

This season, dark colors in cosmetics are huge. fectly Peach for only $9.99. Finally, nails The winged eye is returning this fall with a ven- tie the whole look together by using dark shades as geance, bigger and blacker than ever. The best way well. Navy, black, blood red, and gray are the colors to get a great winged eye is with a liquid eyeliner, most commonly seen on the fall runways. Milani nail like the one by Prestige Cosmetics found at CVS for polish makes perfect shades such as Black Cherry and Radiant Ruby for getting that vibrant only $5.99. Currently, red nail, at only $3.00 to $4.00 per bottle. eye shadow in grays and Essie makes great quality nail polish and dark blues is all over has superior shades like Midnight Cami, the runways. HIP by Loophole, and Licorice for about $7.00 or L’Orèal Paris Concen$8.00 per bottle. trated Shadow Duo or What’s New: Christian Siriano, winner Maybelline’s new Experof Project Runway season four, has created tWear Stylish Smokes a line of affordable cosmetics for Victoeyeshadow in Charcoal ria’s Secret. According to the designer’s Smokes are both awedescription on the Victoria’s Secret web some options for creatsite, the collection was inspired by Egypt ing that fabulous smoky and “interprets the themes of his fall 2009 eye with this season’s fashion collection with soft, luxurious hottest colors. CoverGirl textures and strong, rich colors.”

Lash Blast mascara, at Prices for the items range from $12.00 only $8.99, is the perfect Image: viewpoint.com to $18.00. Two pieces from the collection inexpensive mascara to that I can personally attest to are the create thick, gorgeous Bronzer/Highlighter Trio and the All-over Bronzing lashes to go with that fab winged eye.

Lips are dark as well, with deep reds and even Brush, and they both work tremendously.

The bronzer gives you a super natural, sexy glow. some black pouts sported by models on the catwalk.

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Image: teenvogue.com

Beauty Tip: Have trouble growing out your hair as quickly as you would like to? A lot of girls do. Thankfully, there is something totally free ladies can do to speed up the process a little bit and improve the health of their hair at the same time.

It is safe to assume that every girl uses shampoo and conditioner, if not a small army of other products promising to gloss, straighten, curl, de-frizz, and fix their hair.

Unfortunately, these products contain an abundance of chemicals, silicones, sulfates and other ingredients that clog the pores in our scalp, the same way makeup clogs the pores on our faces.

When pores become clogged, the hair follicle becomes suffocated, which makes the hair grow slowly, if at all. By giving yourself a head massage in the shower every day, you exfoliate and can unclog the pores in your scalp, allowing hair to breathe.

According to the September issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, by giving yourself a 3-minute scalp massage every day, your hair can grow an extra half an inch in a year.

This may not seem like much, but with all the Rapunzels walking around today that shoulder-length hair has to compete with, I’m sure they’ll take it!

10

the Etownian

campus life

September 17, 2009

technology update

Another new textbook site? One customer’s appraisal Ross M. Benincasa Assistant Campus Life Editor

extbooks. The word alone can make many students cringe. For most people, the first thing they learn from a textbook is how much they hate them. This idea sticks with many students throughout elementary school, secondary school and then, of course, hits its full momentum in college. College brings forward a different element to this lifelong hatred, and that element is cost.

The National Association of College Stores claims that during the 2007-2008 academic year, the average textbook costs $57.

Most students at Elizabethtown carry about four courses per semester, which brings this cost up to $228 per semester, just for the books. If you plan to stay for a year, your books will cost about $450. And if you can somehow give up the nearly $40,000 Etown politely asks for each year, by the time you graduate you would have spent around $1,824 just for books that you will rarely use again. Sound fair?

Most students don’t think so, and one company, BIGGER words, agrees, and that is why they created their flagship Web site, BigWords.com.

BigWords.com takes the hassle out

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of finding the cheapest prices on the prices at the College Store, they also textbooks you need by sorting through have me anticipating buying textbooks a directory of reliable stores, and then for next semester, or at least dreading filtering out all books that have a con- it a little less. dition deemed unacceptable.

And for all students that simply canThe prices also include any promo- not wait to get back to a computer to tions each site is currently running, as buy their books, or want to price check a well as their shiptextbook while they ping rates. The site are in the College may not appear all Store, BigWords rethat revolutioncently launched the ary on paper, but BIGWORDS iPhone a textbook that I Application (App), purchased from which features the Barnes & Noble s ame te chnolog y for $105, which found throughout the was considerably site, all in the sanccheaper than the tity of your iPhone.

C o l l e g e St o re’s The biggest hurdle pricing, BigWords BigWords looks to found for $44.69, overcome is their af t e r s h ippi n g , obscurity behind brand new. And sites like Amazon this wasn’t an atypand Chegg. Even ical find either. with the startling Image: scientificamerican.com In f a c t , B i g price differences beWords claims that the average student tween BigWords and other retailers, saves about $70 per book, and $225 some students are still cautious. for every multi-book order. They can When asked if he would switch from find any book for 35-45% cheaper than Amazon, sophomore Charles Rubis other online stores. said,“I trust Amazon, because I use it Although at this time of year these a lot. But I would definitely look into kind of finds can be somewhat depress- another site if it looks cheaper, and ing, especially after dealing with the possibly try that if it looks legitimate.”

The immediate success of their revolutionary textbook buying system led BigWords to implement other categories into their site as well, including DVDs, music, games, as well as an “everything else” category, featuring millions of searchable products through BigWords’ “UberBOT” database.

The same features that apply for textbooks also apply to their other categories, bringing big savings, geared toward college students.

Will Ferrell’s Old School, for instance, retails for $14.99, however BigWords found it brand new for $2.32, $3.74 after shipping.

BigWords.com seems to be the way of the future in helping college students save money.

Their advanced price search system passed all our tests, coming up with cheaper prices than Amazon, Chegg, and even Google Shopping.

And with new innovations like their iPhone application and new items being scanned for and added constantly, the site looks to go nowhere but up from here.

Oh, and in case you were wondering how the rest of my price matching went for this semester’s textbooks, Barnes & Noble (what I paid): $374, BigWords. com: $132. Oh well. At least I qualified for free shipping, right?

movie review

‘9’ surprises and delights audiences on 9/9/09 debut Angela L. Wright Staff Writer

Plummer, John C. Reilly and Jennifer Connelly. All put even more life into the story than the inventor who created the nine sack creatures.

Connelly especially rivets the screen as Number reviously, animated movies were not designed to make the viewers think. They were watched for the 7, the female crusader who rushes in to save the day. dancing plates and talking animals. Lately that trend There are some charming characters without voices, seems to be changing. Pixar’s “WALL-E”, “Up” and too. The Number 3 twins who communicate with flashnow Shane Acker’s “9” are giving viewers that powerful ing lights and clicking sounds are just as amusing to punch in the gut that they are used to from dramatic watch as the characters with traditional voices.

“9” is a visual treat. The graphics are clean and live action films. vivid.

The machines are complex, with shining metal “9” takes place in London, after humans have once talons, claws and tentacles. The little sack again created macharacters are adorable and warm, a sharp chines which are contrast to the machines. The world Acker too powerful and created has depth, from the empty landtoo smart, leadscape of broken buildings to a close up of ing to their evena stained glass church window. tual destruction.

But that is where Acker’s talents end.

All that’s left is a Image: screenrant.com The dialogue is lackluster, with every other mot le y cre w of sentence a blunt commentary on human With a stellar cast backing up his creation, Acker has sack people, creexistence. The plot is mediocre, supported made a movie that most people would enjoy. If you have ated by a genius only by the beautiful world in which it ex- an hour to kill, ten bucks to drop and want to view an inventor to restore ists. The story plays out well on the screen action packed piece of art, “9” will certainly fit the bill. the planet. 9 (Elibut would hardly survive on paper. The It will also give you a little food for thought and maybe jah Wood) is the saving grace of “9” is that it’s short: only make you look at your computer with a suspicious eye. last of these creone hour and 19 minutes. ations. New to the If it we re desolate world, he l o n g e r, t h e has a hope driving movie would him that the previ• Pregnancy tests with immediate results drag on, but ous creations lack • Education on all options it has enough since they have • Limited ultrasounds when indicated action to keep adjusted to this • Confidential & free Image: cinecinecine.com your attention world. They must We care and we’ll listen. survive against both the animal-like machines trying throughout without overLancaster Pregnancy Clinic to kill them and one mechanical mastermind behind staying its welcome.

717-291-1800 Overall, “9” is far from those machines. Machines overtaking man is a plot Columbia Pregnancy Center often seen, but not in the lovable package presented perfect. But it is Shane 717-684-3400 Acker’s first major producto us by Acker.

A Life-Affirming Organization Martin Landau’s voice is the first to greet us as the tion, and he certainly demwww.pregnantwecare.com Day and evening appointments available intellectual Number 2, paving the way for Christopher onstrates that he belongs.

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Wondering About Abortion?

11

the Etownian

opinion

campus controversies • letters to the editor

September 17, 2009 national debate • our take • guest columns

on campus

staff column Spoonians vs. strawlers: parties debate Comfortable care Jonathan S. Gamble Staff Writer

M

y Wednesday began like any other morning.

I ate a bowlful of cereal with an ordinary spoon and drank fruit punch with that bendy pink straw I found in the kitchen cupboard.

Never thinking I would have to choose between these utensils, I walked briskly to meet the day, unaware that the enjoyment of future meals was in peril. I then came upon a question of great consequence: would you rather never be able to use a straw or a spoon again?

I was working at Admissions when I first saw it scrawled on the white board in the basement. I read the question and shrugged it off, thinking that when I got back from my tour, there would be a new question.

I was wrong and flabbergasted. The student assistants had debated the question intensely and were awaiting newcomers to rekindle the fire. Could such a utensil-depraved world ever exist? Without straws, our desire for milkshakes would surely taper off. Without straws, people would have more car accidents. Try slurping an uncovered soda cup at 65 mph on I-283 and you’ll understand. And without straws, one of my go-to courtship moves becomes extinct! The thought of losing my ability to share a milkshake, Orange Julius or slushy with my girl and her hazel eyes is stressful. You know the story. The guy has enough dates under his belt to drive that special girl to the ice cream shop and order one chocolate milkshake with two straws.

She can’t use furtive glances, he can’t see her boobs so well, and both have to remember each other’s eye color tomorrow. I don’t want to share those moments with spoons. (Imagine yourself two feet from her face, looking directly in her eyes while in your peripheral vision you balance that slipperiness before gobbling some into your mouth and dropping the rest onto your shirt.)

I was in a strawler minority to say the least. It felt like a thousand to three because the spoonians had all the disinterested independents. From nine to 12 that morning, senior class president Autumn Metcalf, junior Brielle Parady and sophomore Sam Wingrove led the spoonian front.

Metcalf drew from specific examples wherein spoons are, supposedly, necessary utensils. She professed, “You can’t get in the bottom of yogurt cup corners without a spoon.” However, I rebutted her with the obvious: you can suck the yogurt and exhume those corners much more aptly with a straw!

She then countered with a most cogent historical argument: spoons have been a part of human existence for epochs. Without them, our world might have suffered from soup surplus. Straws have only been widespread for less than one century. Chicken noodle soup, therefore, requires spoons. I must confess that precedence and Campbell’s were certainly in the spoonian camp.

And I know: “Sporks, Jon, sporks!” I thought sporks would subvert them, too. But they insisted that sporks were a kind of spoon, not a kind of fork, as they are comprised of two-thirds spoon and one-

third fork. Therefore, a world without spoons must necessarily be one without sporks. Bummer.

Parady impassioned, “Eating ice cream with a fork is too great a sacrifice, and if you have a fancy dinner, you can’t be without a spoon!” How is eating ice cream with a fork any different than with a spoon? You penetrate, sever a portion from the rest and lip it off; when it gets too melty, just drink it. And there is no natural law for fancy dinners.

They are social constructs of etiquette. In some cultures, a fancy dinner requires chopsticks and in Ethiopia many dinners are eaten with injera (a spongy, thin pancake-like bread) instead of spoons, forks or knives!

At this point, we strawlers had demonstrated only that spoons are unnecessary. The task at hand was to now demonstrate that straws were more necessary than spoons. We were at a loss for words, so we bantered back and forth with the spoonians in hope of distracting our opponents from their seemingly logical advantage into a battle of irrelevance: “Jesus used spoons, not straws!”

— Bible or Koran verse please?

“If you take away straws, every little boy and girl at craft fairs will rise up and paper mache you!”

“If you take away spoons, no mother will ever be able to airplane Gerber mush into her baby’s mouth again!” — demoralizing but untrue!

“Do you want to be responsible for what little boys think of next when they can’t spitball their third grade crush in the face?”

“Spoons have been around longer than humans!

Just look at the Big and Little Dipper constellations; do you want to be blamed for stripping white hot supernovas of their identity?”

And then the epiphany: “Everything you eat with a spoon can either be consumed with a fork, drunk by mouth, or sucked with a straw! Applesauce, baked beans, ice cream, even cereal and soup are all applicable. Straws, however, serve multiple purposes aside from consuming beverages.

Crafts and spit-balls are all in need of straws.

Plus, they’re fun to chew on. When driving, straws make drinking any hot or cold beverage a much safer experience.

Therefore, straws are more necessary because they serve more purposes.

Spoons are only a matter of convenience!”

This was not well received. Environm e nt a l arg u m e nt s were thrown at my inconvenient truth: “If we stopped producing straws, there would be loads less plastic in the landfills” and “People will never wash straws and will always thrown them away for new ones!”

You may deem this hoop-la, balderdash or even tomfoolery.

However, I think of it as practice. If we have difficulty solving an inconsequential disagreement, what does that say for our ability in matters of consequence?

Image: Journalnow.net

Samantha T. Phillips Assistant Opinion Editor

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f there is one thing about our campus that never ceases to put a smile on my face at the brink of a fresh new semester, it has to be firstyear love. As our newest Blue Jays build their nests here at Elizabethtown, they have a habit of partnering up with a member of the opposite sex within their first few weeks as college students. What causes this romantic phenomenon?

Is it the excitement of college life, the turning of the next page in their young lives or perhaps the anticipation of a new, more independent and mature version of themselves?

Whatever the reason, and, despite the heartwarming hope I always hold for these firstyear lovers, my past experience forces me to question the validity of these relationships. All too often, I have watched new students, seemingly i n l ove, w ho s e lustful bonds fall to pieces after a mere month. As if the pain of a breakup isn’t hard enough, these couples must also spend the next three to four years of their lives running into this exsignificant other on campus while Images: Wordpress.com walking to classes or filling their plates in the Marketplace. Our campus is simply not large enough to successfully avoid the dreaded ex encounter for a full four years.

Let’s face it: No one wants their first failed relationship of college to smack them in the face every time they leave the safety of their dorms.

To search for the catalyst to this first-year mating ritual, I must slip my feet back into the shoes of a brand new college student. My expert hypothesis is that perhaps these couples are too eager to find comfort in a relationship within this unfamiliar college world. Therefore, they devote themselves to a person with whom they may not be as compatible as they would like to believe. Or, maybe it is simply the nostalgia of the final days of summer and winter’s rearing head that cause us, as humans, to seek solitude and to separate ourselves from the world of romance we so recently entered.

As a small nugget of wisdom from a student rounding her third lap at Elizabethtown, I plead with the firstyear to be patient when it comes to love. Set aside your infatuations, silence your pounding hearts and ask yourself if what you feel is the result of great compatibility or if it is just a façade. Of course, I cannot discourage first-year love in all its forms. There are always those cases where these young lovers remain in love for the rest of their collegiate lives. All I can do as I observe them in their natural habitat, roaming the campus with their fingers laced and their hearts warm, is to wish them the best and happiest of futures.

12

opinion

the Etownian

September 17, 2009

on campus

d n u

S o Off

What would you have renamed the Event Space?

by Melanie R. Giardina

Kayla Schwartz Class of 2013 “The Hood.”

OSA takes a step in the right direction Laura E. Kuserk Staff Writer

W

e spoke, and they listened.

This year, the Office of Student Activities (OSA) established several changes which students specifically requested.

Instead of just one SWEET weekend per month, OSA has spread the planned activities throughout the month. In September, two movies will be shown: “The Proposal” was shown the first weekend, and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” will be shown September 18 through the 20.

To advertise these movies, a movie poster marquee was put up next to the stairs leading to the Marketplace.

Although it is a bit over the top with its blinking lights, it gets the message out better than the display case next to the Event Space — I mean, the KAV. The calendar OSA provides is also more detailed and includes a sports schedule on the back. However, it is

only a single month at a time instead of the whole semester, which is the format they have used in years past.

To make up for this, the calendar has a list of upcoming events for the month of October. For those of us who like to plan ahead, it is a bit limiting.

OSA also scheduled additional trips.

Students were able to go to Ocean City, Md. this past weekend and will have the chance to go to Philadelphia Sept. 26.

Two programs that OSA renewed are E-fit and Step Up. E-fit is a free program begun last year and offered at E-Town Fitness Club and Royer basement. Students can take Body Pump, a toning and weights class, Cardio Kickboxing and Cardio Step. A Step Up is a program that offers ball-room dance classes to students. Students can take Foxtrot lessons Sept 23.

Finally, OSA has heard our plea for a major concert on campus. Although their attempts in the past have been less than stellar, OSA says that a con-

cert for this year is “still in progress, stay tuned.”

One singer we will probably not be seeing? T-Pain. Although students have requested the rapper OSA would need to charge 2000 attendees $50 each in order to raise enough money for his $75,000 asking price and the $25,000 needed for lights and sound. But really, Etown, we can do better than T-Pain. Last year Shippensburg University charged students only $15 to see Jack’s Mannequin. And, besides, T-Pain came to Millersville last year — let’s be more original.

Although it is not perfect, the changes OSA has made are mostly for the better. They did a good job trying to get student input and actually listened to what we had to say.

It is one thing to ask what students want and do the complete opposite (here’s looking at you, Health Services). But overall the new activities are a big step in the right direction.

on campus

Residence Life reacts to over-enrollment Kristy N. Castellini Staff Writer Austin DeMarco Class of 2011 “The Events Space.”

Alyson Thorp Class of 2013 “Chill Chill.”

Glenn Knight Class of 2012 “The Birdhouse.”

Make sure to check out the Sound Off poll and the opportunity to comment on articles on our Web site: www.etownian.com

The transitional rooms located in Ober and Schlosser originally accommodated three people, but to help with the overflow of students, Residence Life may have tudents are up in put a fourth or fifth person in the room arms over the fact as well. Reslife is also using the Meyer t h at f i rs t - ye ars are study rooms as transitionals, which living in a building decreases the amount of space students typically reserved for have for themselves. Since the start of the upperclassmen. Many semester, Residence Life has moved some sophomores, juniors students out of transitional housing and and seniors see this as placed them into open rooms. wrong because they did Sophomore Devon Favinger can relate not have the opportuPhoto: Melanie R. Giardina to the stress of being placed in transinity to live in an upper tional housing. “It is stressful living with classmen residence hall, such as Brinser as a first-year. two people imagine living with five,” Favinger said.

However, there is logical reasoning behind this change.

Another option which Etown has added is the Peach In order to discover the story, I interviewed the Director of Residence Life, Allison Bridgeman. Last spring, after the Alley Court Apartments, which are rented by the college upperclassmen chose their housing for the upcoming aca- for student use. Bridgeman selected Peach Alley because demic year, Residence Life came across an issue. Originally, it seemed the most reasonable due to its parking lot and Residence Life thought they blocked off enough rooms for location. Bridgeman also ensured that the students who first-years. However, after receiving the official enrollment were placed there had their own transportation to campus, of first-years, they did not have enough rooms reserved such as a car or bike.

The students who live in the Hackman apartments and for the number of students who planned to attend Etown.

Due to this unexpected high enrollment, Residence Life the Schreiber quads are also experiencing the impact of had to find a way to house all the new incoming students. the overflow of students. Even RA’s now have the option of accepting a roomRather than tell first-years that they could mate. Residence not come, Residence Life chose to find a way Life is giving monto house every student. To accomplish this etary compensagoal, they changed to the way Etown has tions to students if traditionally provided housing. they agree to help The college had to make major adjustin this situation. ments to both on and off-campus housing.

Bridgeman feels To ensure Etown could house all students, that these are not Residence Life came up with a quick and efideal solutions, but ficient plan. They decided to place first-years they were the most in Brinser instead of making a large number efficient solution of room changes for upperclassmen. t hat t he y c ou l d Bridgeman would have been happy to give come up with in those rooms to the upperclassmen. However, the amount of time there simply was not enough time to rearPhoto: Tyler Drolet that they were givrange the entire housing system. Sophomore Marcy Bennett would have liked to be in Brinser, but she en. As a sophomore, I feel that this a big deal for many upperclassmen. Nonetheless, things happen, and mistakes knows that she is not an upperclassmen.

“If I were an upperclassman, I would be hoping to get are made, but as a college we need to move forward and into Brinser, and it seems unfair that first-years were placed make the best out of a bad situation. instead!” Bennett said.

S

September 17, 2009

opinion

the Etownian

staff cartoon

EZtown: unhealthy emergency trail map

Illustration: Samantha T. Phillips

in the nation

Employment struggles restrain students Kelly J. Clayton Staff Writer

worried about unemployment. Patrick said, “At the beach they have signs all over for ‘Help Wanted.’ Almost anyone can get a job, and businesses are always looking for people to work on ow would you like that back? Small bills or large bills?” the boardwalk or in restaurants.” Patrick describes the relatively These two questions describe my summer working at Sun low level of competition as due to the fact that the employers are almost desperate for people and will hire those of young ages.

National Bank as a full time bank teller.

Unlike Patrick, Rodriguez, who lives in suburban South JerIn the small town of Merchantville, N.J. I opened the bank at 8 a.m. and didn’t leave until 6 p.m., closing time, six days a week. sey, seemed to have hundreds of businesses around but none Fridays I worked at the bank all day until 5 p.m., when I drove willing to hire her. Rodriguez started job hunting as soon as home and worked my part-time weekend job at The Water Ice finals were over. She was optimistic about finding a decent part Factory, serving water ice and ice cream from 6 to 11 p.m. This time job and applied to as many places as possible, including Blockbuster, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Borders, A. C. Moore scenario wasn’t typical for college Arts & Crafts and Wawa. Her application was filled with students this past summer because good grades, volunteer work and flexible work times; of the recent economic downfall. there was seemingly no reason why any employer While I clocked in over 50 hours wouldn’t hire her. A few weeks passed, and she didn’t of work a week, many students were hear anything from prospective employers. “I felt sitting at home watching MTV all stressed and annoyed, I kept trying to figure out what day and staying up until 3 a.m. every I was doing wrong on my applications,” Rodriguez said. night simply because they could.

Luckily, Rodriguez had patience, and after a month There were days where I would and a half of waiting for the phone to ring, she got a have given my left arm to be an unresponse from Wawa. employed student, just so I could reAfter an interview, numerous signatures and 40 lax and enjoy my summer. Looking hours of training, Rodriguez was officially a part-time back, I realized that unemployment customer service associate. She worked 30 hours per was a sad reality for too many stuweek in addition to volunteering at a summer recreation dents. The daily struggle of having program. Despite Rodriguez’s slow start to summer, extensive amounts of free time comWawa gave her some money and something to do. bined with no money can’t be fun.

Not everyone was as fortunate as Rodriguez, Wells, Sophomore Christina Rodriguez Image: Augustafreepress.com Patrick and I were to have jobs this summer, and people said, “In the beginning of summer it took the unemployment as an oppurtunity to relax and was nice not to have a job, to relax and see old friends. Soon, I was just bored and felt like a bum. wind down. Others, such as sophomore Clara DeAngelo, were forced to continue in low-paying jobs.

I wasted time, which became old quick.”

DeAngelo did apply to several places in hopes of making According to the New York Times article “Say Hello to Underachieving,” the unemployment figures for 16- to 19-year-olds hit more money, but she was ultimately unsuccessful. “It would 24 percent, up from 16.1percent in 2007. Since jobs were harder have been nice to have a part-time job to make money, but I to come by, students who had jobs this past summer typically liked having free time. I wasn’t too bitter about being unemmet one of the following three criteria: they previously held that ployed because I loved working with the theatre camp, and I job the summer before and the company was stable, they lived was busy enough,” DeAngelo said.

Although jobs shouldn’t be this hard to come by, the fact in an area with much business and activity, or a tourist area, or they filled out many applications without being overly selective is that our economy makes employment difficult. The past summer was a reality check for many to realize how difficult and settled for anything available.

Sophomore, Allyson Wells, who worked for the same catering it will be to get a full time job. Who is to say that in three or business as the previous summer said, “Every job and situation four years the outlook will be better?

Students need to realize that they must work hard in college is different, but chances of keeping a summer job are better if you’re a strong worker who has been trained. Even in these to get a job. Inspiration and dedication to your education are the keys to be a competitor when graduation comes in a few times, some jobsby areJillalways Huguslooking for people.”

Sophomore Jill Patrick, who lives in Sea Isle City, N.J. , wasn’t short years.

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13

the Etownian the board Editor in Chief Jamie L. Bartolino Managing Editor Aimée M. DiMichele Assistant Editor Aidan E. Bauernschmidt News Editor Rachel A. Marsteller Features Editor Peter S. Northrop Campus Life Editor Joelle E. Atkinson Opinion Editor Craig H. Meaney Sports Editor Sara E. Crimmel Photography Editor Matthew P. Butera Copy Editor Emily M. Reigert Online Editor Zachary T. Johnson Layout Editor Matthew A. Wagener Assistant News Editor Allison M. O’Boyle Assistant Features Editor Laura A. Farnish Asst. Campus Life Editor Ross M. Benincasa Assistant Opinion Editor Samantha T. Phillips Assistant Sports Editor Janna M. Richards Asst. Photography Editor Melanie R. Giardina Assistant Online Editor Andrew R. Sides Assistant Copy Editors Samantha M. Alleman Patricia A. Cangelosi Leigh N. Ontiveros Assistant Layout Editor Huntley C. McGowan Business Manager Brittny E. McLaughlin Asst. Business Manager Your name could be here Advertising Manager Katie L. Bornholdt Faculty Adviser Kirsten A. Johnson The Etownian is the student newspaper of Elizabethtown College. All editorial decisions are made by the student editors. With the exception of editorials, opinions presented here are those of quoted sources or signed authors, not of the Etownian or the College.

The Etownian is published most Thursdays during the academic year by Susquehanna Prining.

SubmissionstotheEtownian are always welcomed. We will make every effort to print submissions, but we do not promise publication.

Submissions may be printe01d anonymously at the discretion of the editor. Submit letters to OPINION@etownian.com

14

sports

the Etownian

September 17, 2009

men’s soccer

Soccer season starts off with impressive 6-0 record Victoria K. Kamouh Staff Writer

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he men’s soccer team has experienced a successful season so far, and this past weekend was no exception. Though rainy weather moved the Brothers Pizza Blue Jay Classic to the Hempfield Soccer Complex in Landisville, Pa., Etown still came away with two wins in games against Gwynedd-Mercy College and University of La Verne.

Friday, the Blue Jays faced Gwynedd-Mercy College. The first goal of the night was blasted home by first-year Ross Withrow, with an assist from senior captain Luke Mitchell. Sophomore Dan Featherer scored a goal less than three minutes later off a through ball from Withrow. Featherer added an unassisted goal later in the half. Sophomore Erik Weber finished the half with a goal assisted by junior Taylor Helsel and firstyear Roman Jablonsky.

Etown shot back into the action as Weber scored the last goal of the night, assisted by Helsel, less than five minutes into the second half. “Scoring the last two goals Friday night felt amazing,” Weber said,

“especially since it was my leading by two points.

First-year Eric Carr came first game back after being in to play goalkeeper, makinjured for awhile.” ing two saves in the half.

“It feels great to get out Mike Mancilla of Univerto a 5-0 start. We have a sity of La Verne scored very young team here, and a goal in the middle of it is good to see that we are the second half, but, four coming together so well and minutes later, first-year finally have the chemistry Javeim Blanchette scored that we have been lacking the last goal off an assist in the past,” Mitchell said. from Helsel and Gettel.

“This is the The Blue Jays are on a B l u e Jay s’ Luke Mitchell roll and look forward to best start Senior and captain continuing this trend. “My since 1991, hopes for the team are to and I hope keep this winning streak and to get to the MAC Chamto keep building on it.”

Saturday, the Blue Jays defeated Uni- pionships,” Weber said.

“I was impressed with the way we played this past versity of La Verne in a 3-1 win. The Blue Jays made the first goal within the weekend, and I saw some very positive things out of first nine minutes of the game. The goal our guys during those two games,” Mitchell added. came from a corner kick by junior Tony “We have a lot of potential with this team. As long as Pacella, with an assist from Helsel. Less we stay healthy and continue to build on what we have than four minutes later, immediately following a foul now, there is no limit to what we can do.”

The Blue Jays will continue their flight pattern Sunfrom University of La Verne, Helsel made the next goal day afternoon, Sept. 20 at 2:30 p.m. at Wilkes University with an assist from junior Cameron Gettel.

The Blue Jays started the second half of the game in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

We have a very young team here, and it is good to see that we are coming together so well and finally have the chemistry that we have been lacking in the past.

volleyball

Volleyball team starts steady, on the hunt for success Brittany V. Daiutolo Staff Writer

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ills. Digs. Assists. These are the words that make any volleyball player’s blood race through her body. The adrenaline begins pumping, and a mixture of excitement and nerves begins to surge.

The Elizabethtown volleyball team has been hard at work winning non-conference games, as well as preparing for upcoming conference games. To date, the Jays have competed in four non-conference games and four games in the Gettysburg Blast Tournament.

The Blue Jays have enjoyed an excellent start, winning five non-conference games so far. Junior Crystal Agnew said, “The teams weren’t too difficult, but this puts the season to a great start.” The team was enthusiastic about the Gettysburg Blast Tournament but said it would be a tough tournament to win. The Blue Jays were slated to play four games against four different teams Sept. 11 and 12, and the team with the best overall record would win the tournament.

September 11, Etown lost its first match against Gettysburg College by a score of 0-3. They won the second match against Bridgewater College with a score of 3-1. The Blue Jays then played the University of Mary Washington and Frostburg State University Sept. 12 and lost both games, bringing their record to 5-3.

The Commonwealth Conference poll, a preseason poll taken by coaches in the conference, showed that Lebanon Valley College (LVC) was picked to take the title this year. Seniors Sheri Hihn and Kathy Perry hope to disprove the poll and take the Commonwealth Conference crown. Perry said, “The LVC game has always been one of the best games. They’re our biggest rival.” Hihn added that she believes that this is one of the only sports at Etown for which Messiah is not the fiercest competition.

The head coach of the Blue Jays, Randall Kreider, expects the team’s dynamic to grow over the season, saying, “Cohesion tends to build as they spend more time together.” Kreider is now in his eighth year as Elizabethtown’s volleyball coach. He is assisted by Gary Kreider and Debi Murray. Randall Kreider looked forward to the Gettysburg Tournament as well, predicting, “I think the team will do well. We have an opportunity to measure ourselves against other teams.” Concerning the Commonwealth Conference poll, Kreider said his goal for the season is to win the conference.

He anticipates the LVC match Oct. 28, but he is not forgetting about the weeks and games in between.

Last night, the Blue Jays faced their first conference opponent, Widener. The Jays won three games in a row to take the match, 3-1, after losing the first game by a close score of 23-25.

Senior Kayla Deats led the team with a match-high 13 kills and five blocks. Senior Paige Tanner also contributed with nine kills and 10 digs.

The Blue Jays look to have a successful season, and judging by the success they have achieved in past years, Etown can expect great things to come from this team.

Etown took the conference in 2007 but lost to LVC last year.

There seems to be a tug-of-war going on, and, hopefully, this year the Blue Jays can pull through again. Hihn’s outlook, that it is important to take each day as if it is her last day to play volleyball, is a good one to have. With an attitude like this, the team is bound for success.

The Blue Jays will travel to Susquehanna University Friday, Sept. 18, where they will face the Crusaders of Susquehanna at 5 p.m. and the Greyhounds of Moravian at 7 p.m.

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September 17, 2009

sports

field hockey

the Etownian

15

Ch-ch-ch changes: new coach for field hockey team Sara E. Crimmel Sports Editor

they took on Misericordia at the Muhlenberg College Mule Classic. Senior Brenna Noon scored 18 minutes into the game off a shot from DeMatteis and assisted a goal by first-year Nadine Yunginger. hey might have a new head coach this year, but The Blue Jays shutout the Cougars 2-0, and Hanthe members of the Elizabethtown field hockey negan had one save. team are no strangers to the wins they’ve already The Jays faced Muhlenberg Sept. 5, the second day earned this season. of the Mule Classic, losing 0-1.

“Coach Michael and Coach Telenko have changed The Lady Jays faced Juniata Sept. 9, hungry for Etown field hockey for the better,” senior and athlete another win. “I […] was looking forward to the Juof the week Liz Hannegan said. “Under their leaderniata game because we lost to them pretty badly the ship I think we will definitely surprise a few teams last time we were there,” Hannegan said. who look at the number and quality of seniors we Grimes scored the only goal of the game to give the lost as well as our head coach, who think they can Jays a 1-0 win. Hannegan made five saves, recording write us off.” the Jays’ second shutout of the season.

Having a new coach “brings about a whole new team The Lady Jays took on Moravian Saturday, Sept. 12. philosophy and goal, and we are working together to achieve Grimes broke the 0-0 tie with just over 20 minutes to that goal,” senior and captain Caitlin Smith said. play off an assist from DeMatteis, and junior Meg Cassels added an insurance goal off a penalty corner from senior Katy Boone.

Hannegan made one save to record the Jays’ third shutout of the season in a 2-0 win.

Tuesday, the Lady Jays traveled to Swarthmore College. Noon scored the first goal off an assist from Foster, and DeMatteis added a pair of goals to give the Jays a 3-0 win. Hannegan made six saves on the day.

Although they are excited about the success they’ve had so far, the Lady Jays know they need to continue to work hard and improve to accomplish the goals they’ve set for themselves.

“Communication on the field is the biggest thing that can help us make the adjustment to one another,” Smith said. “Once we have our communication down, it will make this much easier on the field. It is definitely something that gets better each game though.”

“Our goal is to go out strong for every game and play good field hockey for 70 minutes,” Hannegan added.

The Lady Jays will take on their first conference opponents Saturday at 1 p.m., when they Photo: Matthew P. Butera play the Monarchs of Kings College. Their next Junior Meg Cassels prepares to hit the ball past Moravian College players. The Lady Jays beat Moravian 2-0, game will host McDaniel College Sept. 23 at earning their second of four shutouts so far this season.

4:30 p.m.

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Head coach Brandy Michael (’04) has led the 17th nationally-ranked Jays to four shutout wins already this season.

The field hockey team has high hopes to continue their streak, and Smith says the team’s biggest goal is “to win the conference championship and go as far into the NCAA playoffs as we can.”

The Lady Jays faced Franklin & Marshall in their season opener Sept. 2. Sophomore Caitlin Grimes scored the first goal of the game off an assist from junior Liz DeMatteis less than ten minutes into the game.

Senior Martina White added a goal seven minutes later off a long shot from junior Julie Foster. However, F & M scored three goals to defeat the Blue Jays 3-2.

Hannegan had six saves on the day.

The Lady Jays stepped up their game Sept. 4 when

women’s soccer

Lady Jays off to a rough start, determined to improve Janna M. Richards Assistant Sports Editor

A

s most students know, soccer is a big sport here at Elizabethtown College. Without a football team to keep us entertained Friday nights, students need another sport that involves just as much action and competition. The women’s soccer team provides that much-needed action and is definitely competitive in each game they play. With a 2-2 record, the Lady Blue Jays are off to a rough start but will not allow their record to affect the rest of their season.

Their first game of the season was against Allegheny College (home, Sept. 5) and resulted in a final score of 0-4. The game was tied going into the second half, but within the last 33 minutes, the Gators scored four goals on the Blue Jays and took the win.

The Blue Jays stepped up in their second game of the season when they competed against Rutgers Camden (home, Sept. 9). Rutgers came out strong with the first goal, but the Blue Jays were not ready to give Rutgers the win. With 18:04 to play in the second half, Etown’s first goal was scored by first-year Kathryn Ritter off an assist by senior Ellen Parr. This was Ritter’s first career goal as a Blue Jay, and it evened out the contest with a score of 1-1.

At the end of the second half, the two teams were still tied, sending the game into overtime. With 27 seconds left in the first overtime period, Parr scored

the winning goal off a corner kick from junior Paige sisted by Ray Stern and Angela Freeland (2009). CapMinka, making the final score 2-1. tains include senior Christina Sheppard, junior Erin With the team record standing at 1-1, no one knew Scott and senior Ellen Parr. what to expect when they traveled to Swarthmore College The girls will take on Moravian College Saturday on to compete in their third game of the season. With good Ira R. Herr at 2 p.m. After that, they will travel to York offense and defense on both sides, the game was gridlocked College Sept. 23 for a 4 p.m. start. with a 0-0 score at the end of regulation play. Heading into overtime, it could have been either team taking the win. However, the Garnets scored first. Swarthmore (5-0) scored the winning goal with 52 seconds left in the first overtime period, leaving Etown with a record of 1-2.

Wednesday night, the Lady Jays’ took on Frankin & Marshall College and played most of the game in the pouring rain. First-year Kelsey Boehmer scored her first collegiate goal at 9:03 with the assist from first-year Laura Wingert.

Then first-year Amy Bunting made her first career goal at 50:24 with the assist again from Wingert. Boehmer finished off the scoring as she took an assist from first-year Kristin Eck with three seconds left in regulation play.

Last year the team finished the season with a 13-6-2 record and a loss to Messiah College in the Commonwealth Conference. This year, the team is predicted to finish second to Messiah College in Photo: Matthew P. Butera the Commonwealth Conference by the Women’s First-year Kristen Eck dribbles the ball during last week’s Soccer Pre-Season Poll. game against Rutgers. The Blue Jays won 2-1 with 27 Head coach Bob Scotten returns this year, as- seconds left in overtime.

16

the Etownian

sports

etown athletics • pro sports • ncaa coverage

September 17, 2009 high school football • olympics • analysis

cross country

Women’s cross country: three-peat future?

Carrie M. Chase Staff Writer

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his women’s cross country season is turning out to be a familiar one. “Every year we take a big loss due to graduation,” junior Teresa Beshore said. “Tiff Kulp graduating was definitely no exception to this, and on paper it looks like our team wouldn’t be able to get anywhere without her talent and leadership. However, this program always finds a way to step it up and overcome those losses.”

Kulp, last season’s captain, is the only Etown female runner to compete at the NCAA Division III National Cross Country Championships in all four years as a Blue Jay. “Tiffany was more than a major asset, she was a tremendous leader and role model, in addition to being a many-time MAC champion in track and a national caliber athlete,” coach Brian Falk said. “But while she was unique, she was also part of something bigger that helps all our athletes improve and excel[...]

Megan VanDenHengel really benefited from training and leading the team with Tiffany in 2008 and has already stepped into the frontrunner’s role with poise.”

However, despite losing Kulp to graduation, the women’s cross country team has set high goals and anticipates a three-peat in the Mid-Atlantic Conference as champions.

Each runner had personal goals to meet during their summer training. Senior Abbey Anderson said, “We all had individual training plans for the summer with weekly mileage, lifting and workouts. We also did a time trial each month to see our progression.” Each year the two teams continue to improve.

According to Beshore, almost half of the team this season is new. “[The first-year members] have done an excellent job adjusting to college training,” she said.

The majority of the cross country runners still look at September as a continuation of pre-season in preparation for the end of October and early November, the most important time during their season.

This past weekend, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams competed.

The men’s team opened the season in Annapolis, Maryland at the Navy Invitational at the United States Naval Academy.

The men’s team earned 165 points, finishing seventh out of nine teams, including seven NCAA Division I schools. The Navy Invitational was an eight-kilometer course with a total of 78

runners: sophomore Eric Reichert was the Blue Jay’s top finisher, placing 30th, with a time of 26 minutes and 32 seconds.

Just two seconds later another Blue Jay crossed the finish line, sophomore Colby Miller, who finished in 32nd place with a time of 26 minutes and 34 seconds.

The women’s te am opened the season at the Lebanon Valley College Image: google.com Invitational at Memorial State Park in a five-kilometer race alongside six other teams. The Blue Jays finished second in the race with a total of 48 points.

Senior Megan VanDenHengel, who is also the captain for the women’s team, finished second at the Invitational with a time of 19 minutes and 56 seconds. First-year Taryn Shank finished in eighth with a time of 21 minutes and ten seconds.

After their weekend of competition, both the men’s and women’s teams are satisfied with their performance.

“The Navy invitational was a good stepping stone into the rest of our season. We all feel that there is more to be achieved on the course and are looking forward towards qualifying for nationals [...] we’re heading in the right direction,” Reichert said of the men’s team.

Anderson felt that the women are also off to a good start.

“The girls ran consistent and hard,” she said. “We all had race strategies through the first mile and all of the girls executed the plans well. Overall it was a good day.”

Beshore commented that she, as well as the rest of her team, were excited that all 17 rostered teammates competed.

The men’s and women’s teams will both compete this Saturday at Carlisle High School for the Dickinson Long/ Short Invitational.

Overall, the cross country runners have one goal. “The motto of the year is striving for greatness,” Reichert said. “It’s one thing for a collegiate team to be good in comparison to another team, but it is considerably different for them to posses greatness.”

the etownian’s

Athlete of the Week Liz Hannegan

Sara E. Crimmel Sports Editor

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he Etownian is pleased to name senior goalkeeper Liz Hannegan as Athlete of the Week! But don’t just take our word for it — this week, Hannegan was named Goalkeeper of the Week for the entire Commonwealth Conference.

Hannegan has posted four shutouts so far this season, shutting out Misericordia earlier in the year, Juniata and Moravian last week and Swarthmore on Tuesday. She has only given up 4 goals this whole season, giving her a .857 saves percentage.

Hannegan has 130 saves

with only 41 goals scored against her in her career as a Blue Jay. As her third year starting in goal, Hannegan adds depth to a successful team that is already well on their way to a great season, with the lofty goal of winning the C ommonwealth Conference championship and continuing to NCAA playoffs.

Hannegan and the Lady Jays are 4-2 this year and are looking forward to adding another win when they take on the Monarchs of Kings College on Saturday.

Congratulations to Liz Hannegan on her dominat-

ing defense and for being this week’s Athlete of the week!

Photo: Caitlin M. Smith

Q&A

Major: Biology-Allied Health Favorite Jays Nest item: Turkey Pretzel Melt Something not many people know about me: My walls are covered in quotes.

Favorite Sports team: New England Patriots I can’t live without my: TV In 10 years I want to be: Working as a physical therapist in a pediatric rehab center

InsideSports Etown Sports: Men’s Soccer

Page 14 Volleyball

Page 14 Field Hockey

Page 15 Women’s Soccer

Page 15 Cross Countr y

Page 16 Athlete of the Week

Page 16

Sports Recap Cross Countr y (M): Navy Invitational 7th of 9, 165 points Cross Countr y (W): Lebanon Valley Invitational 2nd of 7, 48 points Field Hockey (4-2): Etown 2, Moravian 0 Etown 3, Swarthmore 0 Golf: Penn State Harrisburg T-6th of 12, 317 Soccer (M) (6-0): Etown 5, Gwynedd-Mercy 0 Etown 3, La Verne 1 Etown 2, McDaniel 1 Soccer (W) (2-2): Swarthmore 1, Etown 0 (OT) Etown 3, F&M 0 Volleyball (6-3): Gettysburg 3, Etown 0 Etown 3, Bridgewater 1 Mary Washington 3, Etown 0 Frostburg 0, Etown 3 Etown 3, Widener 1

Schedule

of Sports

Cross Countr y: Sept 19: @ Dickinson College Invitational Field Hockey: Sept. 19: Kings Sept. 23: McDaniel Golf: Sept. 19-20: Etown Invitational Sept. 21: @ LVC Soccer (M): Sept. 20: @ Wilkes Sept 23: Drew Soccer (W): Sept. 19: Moravian Sept. 23: @ York Tennis: Sept. 19: Arcadia Volleyball: Sept. 18: @ Susquehanna Sept. 22: @ Arcadia www.etownbluejays .com