09/02/2010

Huskies first-ever soccer game tonight!

EERC Tree: 1915-2010

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The

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Michigan Tech Lode

September 2, 2010

Serving the Michigan Tech Community Since 1921

Welcome back!

STEPHEN ANDERSON Editor in Chief The Lode is back and better than ever. We have a more well developed structure, and we have a strong team of more than 40 student employees, constantly seeking

Sizzlin’

to serve you, our readers.

Please use the social media and contact information below to keep in touch with us. Reader involvement is critical to our success, and we look forward to interacting with you in our 90th year of serving the Michigan Tech campus community.

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Soaking up the sun: Students enjoy the sunshine and cool off in the water from the 89-degree heat on Sunday. The 91-degree high temperature on Monday set an all-time high for August 30.

Photo by Alex Cotton

What’s new at Michigan Tech?

If you were away for the summer, you missed out on quite a lot. Construction was completed or started on several brand new Michigan Tech buildings, and on renovations to several older buildings.

This edition will offer you a brief overview of many of the new buildings and renovations, with following weeks’ editions digging deeper into each of these projects, examining the practical impact to all mem-

bers of the campus community.

“The Strategic Plan really helps us to make a lot of decisions (about new buildings and expansion),” said Les Cook, Vice President for Student Affairs. “You can always bring

it back to what we’re trying to do as an institution.”

Cook also described how much of an impact Michigan Tech is having on the local community, pushing local landlords and business

owners to reconsider the quality of their establishments in relation to many of Tech’s new building projects. The Lode will bring you behind the scenes of several new structures throughout the year.

Living in Luxury: After discussing the idea of new housing for nearly 10 years, Michigan Tech debated several possibilities, ultimately leading to the construction of a brand-new apartment complex between McNair Hall and Daniell Heights.

The new high-rise features many modern amenities, including air conditioning, which would have been quite welcome in many other places across campus during the first few days of classes.

Housing is still seeking 100 percent occupancy for the new residential building, which has been hard to attain due to the $4,200/semester rent, which includes 50 meals.

The building is still without a formal name, but according to Andre Bonen, Director of Housing Facilities, the name will be announced in October, with a formal announcement and dedication in December.

Photo by Caitlin Pionke

All are welcome: The new Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is found in the Hamar House (the former counseling services building). Counseling Services has moved to the administration building, creating more privacy, while expanding the outreach efforts of the CDI. According to its own description, the CDI “offers workshops and programs that focus on student retention, cultural awareness and faculty development on related topics.” It also, “provides academic and personal educational opportunities, outreach and support programs.”

See page 3A for details on the CDI’s official open house.

Photo by Caitlin Pionke

Expanding research: The Keweenaw Research Center (KRC), which is located near the Houghton County Memorial Airport, opened on August 5.

The center features 11,000 added feet of conference rooms, engineering offices and lab space to meet the increasing research demands at the center.

The KRC complex already features 56-year old Quonset huts and trailers, and future expansion is already in the works, and will include a 10,000 square foot high-bay garage.

The KRC is part of a larger push for more expanded research at Michigan Tech. Details on the Great Lakes Research Center are on page 2A. Photo by Caitlin Pionke

More new buildings featured inside on page 2A, with more detailed reviews of each new structure in the coming weeks

Online exclusives Check it all out at: www.mtulode.com PDF archives of all issues this year

Sports

Pulse

If for some reason you cannot be at Sherman Field for the big game, catch our exclusive game recap at mtulode.com

This year’s Culture Shock Report will be done on a rotating basis in print, but we’ll also feature several exclusive online articles

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Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, September 2, 2010

NEWS

Michigan Tech performs well in national rankings NICK BLECHA Pulse Editor Michigan Technological University has long had a reputation as a high-quality school, and it seems that reputation is not without merit: the U.S. News and World Report’s college rankings, as well as the Princeton Review’s rankings, have both rated Michigan Tech among the top universities in the nation.

The U.S. News and World Report’s College Rankings have given Tech a rank of 117 among national universities, an improvement from last year’s ranking of 121. Tech shares that rank with two other schools: Loyola University Chicago and the University of San Francisco.

U.S. News also ranked Tech as the 57th best public university in the nation, and the third best in Michigan, behind only the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Fi-

nally, Tech was listed among “A+ schools for B students,” which were described as highquality schools that also accept a large number of students with an ACT of 20-30, and also have high retention rates.

The Princeton Review also once again listed Michigan Tech as “Best in the Midwest” in book “The Best 373 Colleges, 2011 Edition.” Unlike the U.S. News and World Report rankings, the Princeton Review’s report only profiles 15 percent of American schools, and also bases its ratings partly on student response (The U.S. News rankings do not include student opinions as a factor).

Dr. Les Cook, the Vice Presi-

dent for Student Affairs at Tech, said that while the rankings are certainly good news, one shouldn’t look too much into them, since those rankings tend to focus more on “inputs” like

experience here is far more important.” University President Glenn Mroz said much of the same thing, telling the Lode, “Certainly we’re pleased with the recognition from both magazines, and it’s always good “In the end, the real gauge of whether to be moving up.” But, a university or a degree program is Mroz said, good is whether a graduate gets the “In the end, education to do what they want to the real gauge do in life. I think Michigan Tech does of whether a university or very well in that area.” a degree program is good is whether a Dr. Glenn Mroz Michigan Technological University President graduate gets the education to do what they want to selectivity and test scores rather do in life. I think Michigan Tech than outputs. “The attention does very well in that area.”

Michigan Tech gets from beStudents, for their part, took ing recognized among the best a generally positive view of the is valuable and certainly helps news. First-year exercise scireconfirm our academic repu- ence student Deedra Irwin said tation,” Cook explained, “but that the ratings “Makes me feel what students gain from their honored to be going to such a

great school.” Fletcher Swanson, a first-year materials science engineering student, agreed.

“That’s fantastic, I mean, that’s exactly why people come here.

That and the snow.” Students also agreed with U.S. News and World Report’s assessment of Tech as an “A+ school for B students.” “I was a B student myself… they get you up to speed with the harder classes if you’re not quite there yet,” said third-year computer science and management information systems student Adam Gibson.

He wondered, though, whether a university’s hiring practices were taken account in either of the ratings, referencing his disappointment with the layoff last year of adjunct computer science professor Bill Siever.

Swanson was less concerned about the quality of the ratings.

“I guess it would depend on the source,” he said, but added “I’m going to go out on a limb here and say Princeton’s pretty trustworthy.”

What else is new at Michigan Tech?

Check back to the Lode in the coming weeks for information on other changes at Michigan Tech, including renovations to the Administration building and the Mineral Museum moving.

Get outside: The Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP), previously housed on the ground floor of the Memorial Union Building has now moved to a brand new house, 207 East Street, which is behind Public Safety and Police Services.

The Outdoor Adventure Program strives to “connect students to the outdoors through guided trips, leadership training, information sessions and equipment rental and by working closely with student organizations to help advertise and run events.”

OAP will be hosting an open house today (Thursday, Sept. 2) from 4 to 6 p.m.

OAP’s first event will be on Saturday, Sept. 4, a multi-discipline adventure race called the Copper Country Challenge. Visit www.oap.mtu.edu for more information.

Photo by Caitlin Pionke

Total redesign: Those with classes in the Walker building on campus will need to familiarize themselves to the sound of construction, at least through November, as the entire center portion of the first floor gets remodeled. The new space, which will be detailed in successive editions of the Lode, will house an expanded computer lab facility with greater functionality for teaching, and greater flexibility for all lab users, not to mention the addition of more windows, which will bring in more natural light.

A three-dimensional rendition of the space, along with a sketch of the finished product, visit http://www.hu.mtu.edu/hu_dept/facilities/hdmz_renovation.php.

Photo by Caitlin Pionke

Breaking ground: Michigan Tech broke ground on August 5 for what will be the new Great Lakes Research Center. The $25.3 million facility will be mostly funded by the State of Michigan, with Michigan Tech pitching in $6 million.

The center is another important addition to Michigan Tech’s strong push for more research. The building will contain aquatic laboratories, a hydraulics lab, coastal research instrumentation, boathouse facilities, offices and conference rooms, which will help Michigan Tech lead the way in researching the Great Lakes, which comprise about 20 percent of the world’s usable fresh water.

The Lode will continue to follow the construction progress of the center, with a tentative project completion date of 17 to 23 months from now.

Photo by Caitlin Pionke

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, September 2, 2010

NEWS

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EERC Tree: 1915-2010

Photo courtesy of Michigan Tech Photo Services

LENA WILSON Opinion Editor There once stood a great, well-loved, decrepit white pine in the center of campus.

The EERC tree (originally ‘the Leaning Pine’) living in front of the EERC building was cut down on August 17. It seems that there should be some sadness or sorrow surrounding the EERC tree’s death but it is widely understood that its hulking, leaning being was becoming a threat to public safety.

The pine simply could not survive its isolated environment. It was quite obvious that the end was near for this old fellow, with his many dead and dying limbs and severe lean.

The decision to cut down the tree was handled by Facilities Management. “There were few negative reactions. Most folks realized that safety precedes sentiment,” says Director of Facilities John Rovano.

Forester and Lecturer James Schmierer (undergraduate from 1994-98) remembers betting with his friends at the beginning of each term whether or not the Leaning Pine would fall. “I usually bet in favor of

the tree — that it would persist for another quarter”. Although the community will never know how long a leaning tree will lean before it lays down.

There are many ideas for what to do with the pine now.

Some requests are to make benches for the memorial garden next to the Rozsa Center or use some of the wood for a sculpture to place on campus.

Some “slices” have been requested for posterity. Facilities Management have stored several large servings of the pine and plans to parcel them out as requested.

It has been decided another Michigan white pine will be planted in the EERC tree’s place. Irrigation and electricity have been added to the area. Now there will be a lighted white pine at the center of campus. Of course there will be maintenance for this new tree placed in the same urban landscape with the same additional stresses. Perhaps in another one hundred years Michigan Tech will have it’s leaning tree back. For now the student body will have to find a new candidate for Winter Carnival Queen.

For more information, read the August 18 Tech Today.

Center for Diversity and Inclusion open house PRESS RELEASE Center for Diversity and Inclusion The campus community is cordially invited to the Center of Diversity and Inclusion’s Open House on Friday, Sept.

24, 2010 from Noon to 2 p.m.

at the Hamar House. Tour the Center, meet some of the student organization leaders, and learn more about the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

Appetizers and desserts will be served as well. For more information, please call 906-4872920.

Banweb to receive a facelift PRESS RELEASE Enterprise Application Services On the morning of Tuesday Sept. 7, Enterprise Applications Services (EAS) will turn on a new user interface for the campus Banweb system.

The Banweb system includes Student Self Service, Faculty and Advisor Self Service, and Em-

ployee Self Service. This new interface will be more graphical, but essentially all of the menus and options remain the same. Only the look and feel will change.

The new interface has undergone many weeks of testing and validation; however if you do find an issue or error, you can click the "Report a bug" link or email eas@mtu.edu.

What sort of activities would you like to see in the Lode? Let us know by e-mailing lodecomment@mtu.edu. We’ll keep it easy and get progressively harder as the semester goes on and as you get progressively smarter. Last week’s solution is to the left

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, September 2, 2010

Pulse

Culture

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Illusionist Craig Karges dazzles Rozsa

Shock

Report

JUN (MILES) NI Lode Writer Another new year and another beginning! How’s your summer Huskies? Welcome back! From last year’s column, I got so many positive feedbacks and I think this is the main reason for me to keep it. But I will also be super busy this year. I didn’t realize how many positions I applied last year until I was trying to put everything into my calendar the other day. It is not fun at all. That’s why this column will rotate between me and another Indian graduate student. But I will still be around.

“How’s your summer Miles?” I answered this question at least 100 times in the past two weeks. I think this is a good opportunity for me to talk a little about my summer so I don’t have to answer it again—go read the LODE! Well, as you all known from last year, I got an internship from a company downstate. It is an auto company, which makes all kinds of car shifters. Because they also have a facility at Shanghai China, so I was lucky enough to work in my hometown. I was really excited about this great opportunity. I didn’t make whole a lot of money but the company covered my entire living expense and transportation fee while I was in Shanghai. They even bought me the return airplane tickets! I think I did well because they want me back next summer. It’s a good start for my career in US eh? But tell you what, my mom was pissed.

This was my first time be back to home since I came to tech at 2008. She had a big plan for my summer. She wanted me to get a driver license, have a long distance travel with her and my dad, and take a GRE test… Once I told her I only have weekends to stay at home, I think she was really upset. I still feel really sorry about this for my mom although I got so much working experience.

Do you guys enjoy the warm weather this week? I stayed in over 100-degree weather at least one month and half. The summer at Shanghai is tremendously HOT! Fortunately, my working place has air condition so I didn’t get dehydrated. Actually almost all families have at least one AC. There’s no way to fall in asleep when you are still sweating. Oh, by the way, just some basic info for Shanghai: it is the biggest city in China with population of 20 million, which is about the same size as New York City.

I heard some of my friends are going to study abroad in China next summer. They are really scared of this trip.

But if I can survive here, you guys can make it there.

We like Americans. However, if you are on food diet— I’m also using a small app on my phone to watch my weight—this not gonna work in China. You won’t be able to track your calories at all. Need an approval? I gained 15 pounds in 3 months! Trust me, no matter how delicious the dishes are, one bite is good enough.

Man, I have so much to talk about but I just don’t know where to start. But we have the whole year, don’t we? Thanks for all your supporting again! Hope all of you will have a great year and improve yourselves to another stage. I’m always with you. Go Huskies!

NICK BLECHA Pulse Editor Orientation Week at Michigan Tech wrapped up on Friday with a performance at the Rozsa Center from illusionist Craig Karges.

Karges, who has been named Entertainer of the Year six times by the National Association for College Activities, showed the audience several unusual and improbable actions.

Karges started off by telling the audience that much of his show is based around the idea of “ESP,” his examples for which included things like the experience of deja vú, or perhaps saying something unusual at the exact same time as someone else. However, Karges does not actually claim to possess any sort of supernatural power, and says that he is an entertainer, not a magician or psychic. Furthermore, he claims not to use any “stooges” or “confederates” in his act (that is, planted audience members who react in prearranged ways to give the impression that the performer is working with random audience members).

Anyone who can prove that he does in fact have stooges among the audience can have $100,000 donated to charity, as Karges explained early in the show.

In fact, much of Karges’ show relies on things like psychology.

During one of his acts, Karges invited an audience member to the stage, instructed her to hide a coin in one of her fists, then asked her repeatedly if the coin was in one of the fists, with her answering “yes” the first two times and “no” the second two. Finally, Karges would actually guess which hand the coin was in. His guess was correct the first two times, but incorrect the third time. However, according to a note that was shown at the beginning of the game but not read until the end, Karges “knew” where the coin actually was, but guessed wrong intentionally. As he explained in the middle of this act, it works because people very often pick the same sequence of hands to hide the coin in. For example, right-handed people, such as the volunteer, almost universally pick the right hand the first two times.

Karges’ show also contained a mind-reading segment. Before the show, audience members interested in participating were invited to take a slip of paper from a clipboard and write a few things about themselves. During the mind-reading segment, Karges would describe an audience member who had filled out the questionnaire, and would then ask if they had written cer-

tain things on their slips of paper.

His statements were invariably correct.

Some of Karges’ other acts included correctly identifying a random piece of currency provided by an audience member as a five-euro bill and reading its serial number, moving and even lifting a table with the help of an audience member using only their fingertips, and inviting four audience members to each describe an aspect of a random ficticious car (make/model, color, license plate number, and price), then pulling out a sealed envelope containing a note describing the exact car the four audience members did.

tivities Comedy Series (SACS), an organization that promotes alcohol-free social events on campus such as comedy shows.

Pete Lee has been seen on NBC’S Last Comic Standing and is a regular on the popular morning radio show, The Bob & Tom Show. His work is fea-

tured on XM and Sirius satellite radio.

Pete Lee is the second of several comedians lined up for the 2010-2011 school year. Also look for performances by comedians Johnny Cardinale, KT Tatara, Bobby Banuelos, Tracey Ashley and Rajiv Satyl.

Pete Lee performing for SACS RAEANNE MADISON Lode Writer On Friday, Sept. 3 from 10:00pm to 11:15pm, comedian Pete Lee will be performing in the MUB Ballroom. The event is hosted by the Student Ac-

AIRPORT STORAGE UNITS NEW self storage units at Houghton County Airport.

Located on the corner of Air Park Road and Industrial Blvd—across from Aspirus Ambulance Service.

All large units.

Size = 10’ x 20’.

Price = $70.00/per month.

Call Brian at 906‐369‐1603.

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, September 2, 2010

OPINION

Ask Sassy

E-mail questions to Sassy at lodesubmit@mtu.edu

Dear Sassy So the academic year is starting and I am already getting so sick of all the freshmen on campus!

They ask the dumbest questions and, if you ask me, they seem like a bigger group of tools than last year. Do you have any advice for freshmen so that they can blend in a little easier?

Sincerely, Uppity upperclassman Dear Uppity,

Transitions are never easy. The first year at college can be a very challenging time. Which is why no one should ask questions! Questions will only make you look dumb and you probably will scare away any potential friends. It’s much better to meander clueless through your first semester than be prepared. Helplessness builds character.

I’d like to add that your generalization of the entire class based on what is probably only a few interactions is spot on! You obviously are very perceptive and have superior insight into a person’s character. Use this gift to help the first-years. Take them aside and let them know how they can change to better blend in. Please let me know how it goes! I’m sure we will all be educated, not to mention entertained, by the results.

Dear Sassy I’m having some roommate issues. My roommate never wears pants, ever. I’m not an ultra-conservative person by any means but he’s the kind of person that just shouldn’t be walking around without proper clothing. How do I broach the subject?

Sincerely, No pants, no way Dear No Pants, Every year, freshmen around the country wake up on morning and realize, with horror that their roommate sleeps in the nude. It can be an alarming and uncomfortable situation. First of all, you should consider yourself lucky that your roommate isn’t a skinny sleeper. At least he’s being considerate enough to provide some covering, however meager.

It’s never easy to address such personal habits as this. The best thing to do is to take your roommate’s dislike for clothing one step further. Walk around in the nude. Play computer games in the nude. This may help to put things in perspective for your roommate.

It’s the old fight fire with fire routine. As a disclaimer, prepare for any repercussions, legal or otherwise, that might result from you prancing around the room as bare as the day you were born.

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Letter to the Editor Letters to the Editor are an important part of a transparent, independent press. More than ever, our current media environment demands a twoway street between producers (us) and consumers (you). If

you would like to submit a letter to the editor, please e-mail it to lodesubmit@mtu.edu.

Keep submissions under 500 words and include a name and phone number for confirmation.

I graduated from Michigan Tech in 1982 with many good memories and a firm resolution to never donate money to the university. Because of my experiences and perception that the administration viewed students as numbers of objects to be exploited for money, and knowing I’d forget the innumerable incidents that led me to this perception, after a lot of consideration I decided that I would remember just one thing about the administration - that they would never receive another dollar from me as an alumni, and they haven’t. I was never in trouble or disciplined, and never had

any particular trouble with the university, it was just the policies and the manner with which those policies were carried out that led me to my perception of the administration - cold, exploitative, removed, functioning as a business rather than a university.

I write this to encourage the current administration to be mindful of how each department and the administration as a whole, deals with students and to be mindful of the impression these students will leave with.

Be “customer” oriented.

- From T. Barney

Michigan Tech Lode

Dear Sassy Lately, I have been getting some flak in the dining hall. Some people think it’s rude to get more than one drink. Sure, I might hold up the line a little, but I am entitled to get a pop and water. Is there some etiquette that I don’t know about? Should I sacrifice the quality of my meal for the sake of expediency?

Sincerely, Dawdling Diner

106 Memorial Union Building, Houghton, MI 49931 (906) 487-2404 • www.mtulode.com

Dear Dawdling, College cafeterias, or dining halls if you prefer the euphemism, are dangerous places. Stomachs are empty, stress levels are high and the savagery of the diners can only be matched by their impatience. Don’t take it personally. I’d encourage you to keep getting your two, three, or four drinks. Do a social experiment and get six drinks. See how long it will take before your face is being pressed in the waffle iron.

Done with dinky dorms JACK AMMERMAN Lode Writer Summer is gone and a new school year has arrived. And just as with all things, time has brought change to Michigan Tech. Graduates have left and new students arrived, the new apartment building is finished, and most of third floor Douglass Houghton Hall has been converted to single rooms.

Having lived on the third floor of DHH last year, to me this was an excellent move by housing.

Compared to other rooms on campus, DHH has some of the smallest room sizes. If you have never lived, visited, or even imagined the rooms in question it is important that you realize how small they are. Housing Facilities have them listed as 15’1” wide x 10’6” long. Along with these measurements is the phrase “Exact dimensions may vary”. This is smaller than Wadsworth and McNair Halls which are both about 10 square feet bigger. Not only are third Floor DHH rooms width and length smaller, but also the ceilings are lower too. Take a trip

to first floor DHH, then second, then third. You will see a drastic change in head room. Douglass Houghton Hall is also the oldest Residential Hall on campus and was built in the late 1930s. The third floor was originally the attic of the building but changed into living space in order to house more students. The fact that it is an addition to the building makes the rooms on third floor even more interesting. None of them are exactly alike. Some rooms even have weird partitions creating odd angles on the walls. This makes setup at the beginning of the year particularly difficult. Especially when it is impossible to rearrange the furniture into new configurations in some rooms.

Living in these rooms with a roommate is quite a challenge.

Last year at Michigan Tech I encountered that challenge. I lived on the third floor of DHH with a roommate. The cramped rooms and inability to change our setup was a discomfort to me. Especially when I went downstairs and saw guys triple lofting their beds. When I was given the option for a single room the next year I jumped at it, glad to finally

gain a bit of extra space. Interestingly I was given the exact same room as last year, except minus one full set of dorm furniture.

This has made all the difference.

These rooms were cramped and uncomfortable with two people living in them. Converted to singles however, they are perfect. Without an extra bed, desk, and dresser in the way, I can arrange the room to save space. I am simply amazed at how different it feels. Though still small in size, with only one person the rooms are much more comfortable. Because of the conversion to singles the rooms have become incredibly appealing. Last year it seemed to me that I was always spending time trying to get out of the room because it was so cramped. This year I have already noticed that I want spend time in my room because it is so relaxing!

Of all the changes that have occurred in Houghton over the summer creating single rooms in Douglass Houghton Hall was one of the best. Housing could have created these singles anywhere they chose, but I feel that their pick was a perfect fit.

CLASSIFIED Job Opportunity

The Michigan Tech Internal Audit Department is accepting applications for the position of Student Auditor. For the full position description and application call 487-1962 or email jodih@mtu.edu. Application deadline is 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010.

Want to place a classified?

Payment in advance of $10/week up to 30 words, including free online listing. E-mail lodeads@mtu.edu for more information

Editor in Chief ...................................Stephen Anderson Business Manager.....................................Jacob Vehring Online Editor.........................................Rachel Plafchan News Editor...............................................................TBD Opinion Editor...........................................Lena Wilson Sports Editor .........................................Daver Karnosky Pulse Editor...................................................Nick Blecha Advisor ........................................................Kara Sokol

Staff Writers - Michael Friesen,

Elijah Haines, Daver Karnosky, Raeanne Madison, Matt McGuire, Jun Ni, Elizabeth Nigro, Zachary Page, Marc Sanko

Circulation - Abhishek Gupta Visuals Staff - Jack Ammerman, Alex Cotton, Ahsan Iqbal, Caitlin Pionke, Ben Wittbrodt

Copy Editors Kayla Herrera

Unless otherwise noted, unsigned editorials represent the consensus of opinion of the senior editorial staff of the Michigan Tech Lode.

Opinions expressed in the Lode are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty, staff or administration of Michigan Technological University or the Michigan Tech Lode.

The Michigan Tech Lode is designed, written and edited

by Michigan Tech students.

The paper is printed every Thursday during fall and spring semesters.

The Lode is available free of charge at drop-off sites around campus and in the surrounding community.

To the best of its ability, the Michigan Tech Lode subscribes to the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists, the text of which is available at http://spj.org/ethics_code.asp.

The Lode is funded in part by the Michigan Tech Student Activity Fee.

1. lodecomment@mtu.edu for submitting comments to the Lode. Messages posted to this address are received by the editor in chief and faculty advisor and are forwarded to others on the staff as appropriate.

2. lodeads@mtu.edu for submitting classified ads to the Lode. Messages posted to this address are received by the business manager and secretary.

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Please submit all work as a Microsoft Word or plain text attachment.

Work submitted to the Lode should be submitted with the understanding that it may be printed by the Lode and/ or posted to the Online Lode, www.mtulode.com.

The Lode reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity and potentially libelous material. Submissions should not exceed 500 words.

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Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, September 2, 2010

Sports

#

Huskies eager to kick off inaugural season By the er nu m b STEPHEN ANDERSON Editor in Chief

Maybe the excitement of the 2010 World Cup has worn off a bit, but it is time to get back in the soccer spirit, as Michigan Tech welcomes its brand new varsity women’s soccer team to the Huskies family.

Head coach Michelle Jacob started preparing for the fall season on Feb. 8, joined later by assistant coach Chuck Coan. The two combine for more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience.

Fourteen players were directly recruited and seven more added onto the roster, completing the 21-women roster. All but one player are listed as freshmen from an eligibility standpoint, so, while the team may have a few bumps in the road early on, they will have plenty of time to develop chemistry.

It is hard to know exactly how well the team will compete against stiff Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opponents, but Jacob has some lofty expectations for the team: “We have excellent team speed, a nice mix of crafty and direct players, some smart, solid defenders and a strong keeper. We will go into every game feeling we can win.”

Jacob added, “We are very athletic, with good skill at all positions. We are still working on syncing up as a team. When

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Thursday night will mark the first match for the women’s soccer Huskies. The team will play eight more home matches before their GLIAC schedule is complete.

2 Team photo: Front Row (Left to Right): Eva Vrana, Stephanie Tankersley, Kaitlyn Boelter, Ann Roman, Melanie Hoffman, Katie Boardman, Danna Kasom, Mandy Scott, Ann Dancy, Lindsey Van Rooy. Back Row: Jacqui Landry, Ann Dahlquist, Allison Lebovsky, Sarah Hielsberg, Ari Peterson, Amber Hynnek, Kelsy Ryskamp, Katie Pappas, Katherine Rowley, Amanda Whiting, Mary Beth Spoehr.

Photo courtesy of Michigan Technological University

you have 21 players who have never played together before, it is a challenge to get everyone on the same page.”

The Huskies will generally play with a three-forward formation with an attacking strategy through the midfield and forwards. The defense lacks a little depth according to Jacob, but the quick, aggressive defenders who are on the team will try to keep shots away from goal, which will be patrolled by one of the two Husky goaltenders. While the starting lineup is starting to emerge through scrimmages, some practice in-

juries could open the door for some other players. Fans and media alike will have to wait until game time to see the starting lineup.

The Huskies open their season tonight (Thursday, Sept. 2) against Concordia-St. Paul at 7 p.m. on Sherman Field. Including the Concordia-St. Paul game, the Huskies will play their first eight games at home, including bouts against Northern Michigan on Wednesday, Sept. 8 and defending Division II national champion Grand Valley State on Friday, Sept. 17.

Seven of the Huskies final

nine games will be on the road with an October 30 regular season finale in Marquette against Northern Michigan. The GLIAC tournament will take place in the first week of November.

“Come out and see us play,” said Jacob. “We will provide a fast and exciting game and we really want our fans to be the 12th player for us, encouraging the team to rise to their highest level at every home game.”

Look to the Lode for comprehensive coverage of the brand new varsity women’s soccer team throughout their firstever season.

Volleyball eyes return to NCAA Tournament DAVER KARNOSKY Sports Editor In head coach Orlando Gonzalez’s first season, the volleyball Huskies finished just under .500, but in the process, they earned a spot in the NCAA Regional Tournament. They look to return to the NCAAs again this season, despite losing some key contributers.

The Huskies posted a 14-15 record that included a 10-6 GLIAC record and a huge win at home over Grand Valley State last season. As they move into Year Two with Gonzalez, the Huskies have again been picked to finish fifth in the GLIAC Coaches’ Poll.

The task won’t be easy as the Huskies lost eight contributing members from last year’s squad.

All eyes will be on junior outside hitter Kristine Sexton, who earned All-GLIAC First Team honors last season while leading the team in kills (373) and hitting percentage (.248).

Joining Sexton among the leaders of this year’s team will be seniors Alicia Schneider, Kaitlin Wiza, and Kasey Woodcock.

Schneider played her first full

season of volleyball last year and picked up 171 kills.

Woodcock joins the Huskies after transferring from Concordia-St. Paul. While there, she was a member of three national championship squads.

At setter, the Huskies will likely rely on sophomore Madeline Haben, who started every match as a freshman. Haben notched 1,136 assists a year ago, and will be expected to improve upon that impressive total this season.

Six freshmen join the fray this season as the Huskies look for the roster combination that will best fit them down the stretch.

Schedule-wise, the Huskies will have their work cut out for them as they will face four nonconference opponents as part of the Ferris State Invitational starting Fri., Sept. 3. They will open their GLIAC schedule on the road at Saginaw Valley State on Sept. 10.

The first home match for the Huskies will be Sept. 17 against Ashland. The match is the first of a five-match homestand.

All told, the Huskies will face 11 opponents who competed in last season’s NCAA Tournament.

wins last season by the football Huskies, their worst under head coach Tom Kearly.

The Huskies are picked to finish ninth in the GLIAC Coaches’ Poll.

14

wins last season by the volleyball Huskies under then-new head coach Orlando Gonzalez. The squad is picked to finish fifth in the GLIAC North Division again this season.

21

singles match

victories by

Ploy Suthijindawong last season, eight of which came as the team’s number one singles’ player. She only dropped one singles’ match all season.

78

days until the women’s basketball Huskies return to action, looking for their third consecutive trip to the NCAA Regional Tournament.

Schedules/Results Football (0-0-0, 0-0-0 GLIAC) No games this weekend Sat. @ Lake Erie, 1p.m.

Sat. @ Wayne State, 1p.m.

Visit gliac.org for full standings

Soccer (0-0-0, 0-0-0 GLIAC) Thurs. vs. Concordia, 7p.m.

Wed. vs. NMU, 7 p.m.

Fri. vs. Ohio Dominican, 7 p.m.

Sun. vs. UMD, 1 p.m.

Volleyball (0-0, 0-0 GLIAC) Fri @ St. Cloud State, 10 a.m.

Fri @ Mercyhurst, 6 p.m.

Sat. @ Glenville, 9 a.m.

Sat. @ MSU-Mankato, 3 p.m.

Visit gliac.org for full standings

Lode file photo

Block!: Kristine Sexton (No. 1) and Lyndsey Dixon team up for a block.

W. Tennis (0-0, 0-0 GLIAC) No games this weekend Fri. @ Ohio Dominican, 3 p.m.

Sat. @ Ashland, 10, a.m.

Visit gliac.org for full standings

Editor’s Shootout

The Editor’s Shootout is a competition of knowledge, luck and wits between sports editor Daver Karnosky, editor in chief Stephen Anderson, business manager Jacob Vehring and you, the reader, via online poll. Stephen Anderson won last year and has won two of the last three years (former opinion editor Rob Devaun with the other win). This will be a weekly feature where each editor picks his winners of the three biggest games/series of the week and backs up his decisions with a short rant. THIS WEEK: Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox (three-game series), Oregon State Beavers at TCU Horned Frogs, Boise State Broncos at Virginia Tech Hokies

DAVER KARNOSKY Sports Editor 0-0 Last Week, 0-0 Overall

STEPHEN ANDERSON Editor in Chief 0-0 Last Week, 0-0 Overall

JACOB VEHRING Business Manager 0-0 Last Week, 0-0 Overall

YOU Readers 0-0 Last Week, 0-0 Overall

Welcome students to what should be a great year. I believe that Manny Ramirez is not the answer on offense that the White Sox were hoping for, and a fired-up Red Sox squad will win. I cannot go against the Pac-10 when it comes to big games, and I believe the Ducks’ defense will keep Andy Dalton from breaking TCU’s school record for wins by a quarterback. Perhaps the most interesting matchup is that of Boise State and Virginia Tech. I feel that the Broncos are poised to do the unthinkable this year and ruin the BCS for good.

It’s always interesting when Manny is playing, especially against his old team. I so strongly dislike Boston, but my Tigers fan is bleeding through when I say the BoSox take two of the three games. I really can’t believe college football is starting again, and with two huge games in OSU/TCU and Boise St./VaTech. I’ll take the favored Horned Frogs over Oregon State and Virginia Tech to take down the visiting Broncos.

Welcome Back Students! I hope you had a great summer. Manny Ramirez will struggle with his new team, the White Sox, and the Red Sox will win the series of the socks. TCU will fall under high expectations losing to Oregon State as Jacquizz Rodgers will be too much for them to handle. The game I am looking forward to watching is the BSU vs. VT game. For being the first game of the year it has huge BCS implications. I predict Boise to win big on their way to playing in the National Championship game. I hope a small school with an soft schedule in the title game makes college football really think about a playoff system.

Each week, we’ll let you the reader vote in our Editor’s Shootout online poll. The majority of the vote for each match-up will be the chosen team, and your cumulative record will get put alongside our three wannabe experts.

We’ll run this feature through the entire year and see who comes out on top.

Red Sox 3-0 OSU 18-10 BSU 21-20

Red Sox 2-1 TCU 30-26 VT 28-20

Red Sox 2 - 1 OSU 24 - 21 BSU 38 - 21

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, September 2, 2010

Sports

7A

Football Huskies look to regain winning ways in 2010 STEPHEN ANDERSON Editor in Chief The Michigan Tech football team enters the 2010 season looking to prove that last year’s 2-8 record was more of an exception than the rule. The Huskies had been in the top five GLIAC teams for six straight years before key injuries and inconsistent play ravaged them last year.

“Obviously 2009 didn’t go as we hoped, but our kids have worked very hard to fix some of the things that were wrong,” said head coach Tom Kearly, who enters his fifth year at the helm of the Michigan Tech football program. “We haven’t passed a test or gone to battle yet, but the work ethic in the winter, spring and fall camp has been outstanding, and I really like this football team.”

The Huskies schedule starts out more favorably if last year’s records are any indication, but the team certainly has no intentions of easing its way into the season. The opening game is on the road on Sept. 11 against Lake Erie, who joins Ohio Dominican as two new GLIAC teams. Both won more than seven games last year, so Kearly admits, “we have our hands full.” The home opener will be on Sept. 18 against Wayne State. The final two home games of the Huskies 10-game schedule will be against 2009 national runner-up Grand Valley State and arch rival Northern Michigan University.

While the Huskies are picked to finish ninth of the 14 teams in the GLIAC, the team brings back the firepower to finish well into the top half of the conference. Quarterback Steve Short, a 31-game starter who has accumulated almost 6,000 career passing yards and more than 1,000 career rushing yards, will lead the Huskies in his final season, after receiving a medical redshirt last year.

Phil Milbrath, Akeem Cason and Cedrick Barber round out

Short on the run: Quarterback Steve Short runs up field in a 2008 game. The senior signal caller missed most of 2009 with an injury, but will play a key role in the Huskies success in 2010, his final campaign.

Lode file photo

a deep backfield. The wide receiving depth chart may not feature a go-to guy according to Kearly, but there are more than five receivers fighting for playing time. “We have as many receivers that have a chance to start as we have had in a long time,” said Kearly. Tight end Bryan LaChappelle was the team’s leading pass catcher in 2009 as a freshman, and will look for an even larger role this year. Several players are vying for two offensive line spots alongside senior guard Matt Desotell, senior center Anthony Santi and junior tackle Matt Gaudard.

The Huskies lost several key

defensive players to graduation, but Drew Vanderlin will be returning from injury and will anchor the defensive line along with Todd Storm. Justin Blake, Jake Klingelhutz and Matt Payment provide three solid options at defensive tackle. Michael Rittenour, Jesse Vandenberg and Chet White all tallied 49 or more tackles at linebacker last year, with solid depth available there as well. Jamell Matthias and Quinn Parnell return as starting cornerbacks with Ben Foelker leading the way at free safety. The Huskies were last in the GLIAC last year in takeaways, so this year’s defense, which Kearly said fea-

tures better team speed, is expected to force more turnovers this year.

Tyler Cattelino, who has made 74 point after attempts and 12 field goals in his career, will kick for the Huskies in his final campaign with true freshman Matt DeJong, who averaged 46.7 yards per punt, handling punting duties this season.

The Huskies are trying hard to balance strong work ethic in practice with staying free from the injuries that decimated them last year. Kearly said, “It’s a very fine line. I’ve always been a believer that if you’re not a physical football team, you’re

not a good football team. But, times have changed, and bodies are bigger, stronger and faster now. We’re trying to be competitive and physical while being careful to keep our players on their feet.” If the Huskies can remain free from injury and regain the consistency that was a staple of the program from 2003-2008, the Huskies should be back where they feel they belong, in the upper echelon of the GLIAC. Be sure to follow the Huskies football team all year long through the Lode, including a detailed preview of the season opener against Lake Erie in next week’s edition.

Women’s netters look to return to form in 2010 DAVER KARNOSKY Sports Editor After finishing with the best GLIAC record they’ve ever had last season at 7-2, expectations are high this season as the women’s tennis Huskies look to build off the

experience they gained a year ago.

Leading the way this season will be junior Ploy Suthijindawong. The outstanding upperclassman was nearly unbeatable last season, posting a 21-1 record which included an 8-0 record when playing as the top singles’ player.

Senior leadership: Nathalia Rondelli will look to finish her playing career strong, likely filling in at No. 2 singles behind Ploy Suthijindawong, who finished last year with a 21-1 record.

Lode file photo

Senior Nathalia Rondelli (15-4 overall) will likely slide into the number two singles position. Rondelli went 6-1 when playing as the number two singles player last season.

Classmate Asel Otunchieva (6-14) saw her numbers dip last season, but that was mainly due to playing a position higher than she had as a freshman and as a sophomore. She will be leaned on heavily this season to play consistently this season.

Junior Caitlin Hartley (1-3 overall) hasn’t played much over her first two seasons, but will be in line to fill one of the last three singles slots this season.

Five underclassmen, sophomores Chelsea Uganski and Kira Eck, and freshmen Anna Hegyi, Audrey Hutton, and Natalia Lebedeva will all be pushing for the final roster spots over the next week as the Huskies prep for their first match of the season on Sept. 10 against GLIAC newcomer Ohio Dominican.

Last season, Eck (6-7 overall) established her spot in the singles’ rotation with a 3-5 record in the number six position. Uganski (2-2 overall) also saw some playing time last season.

The Huskies will have their work cut out for them this season as they will spend the first two weeks of the season on the road, playing three GLIAC matches against Ohio Dominican, Ashland and Lake Erie before taking part in the ITA Regional Tournament on Sept. 17-19.

After those trips, the Huskies will be home for five

straight GLIAC matches including matchups with Grand Valley State and Wayne State, both of whom give the Huskies fits.

The Huskies will face perennial GLIAC powerhouse

Northwood in Midland, MI, on Oct. 9 as their final road match of the GLIAC season before returning home to face Lake Superior State to finish their home schedule on Oct. 16.

This week on www.mtulode.com:

Today (Sept. 2): Soccer game recap Friday: Volleyball game recaps, Cross Country recap Saturday: Volleyball game recaps Sunday: Volleyball game recaps Monday: Editor blog Tuesday: Soccer preview Wednesday: Football, Soccer, Volleyball, and Women’s Tennis previews

Every week on www.mtulode.com:

• • • • • •

Article continuations All game recaps posted online the same day Interactive reader/fan polls (see below) Regular blog posts by sports staff Digital PDF archive of print editions Become a Facebook fan of the “Michigan Tech Lode”

Look for our special “Reader Interaction” section at www.mtulode.com/sports Vote online in this week’s polls: How many wins will the new women’s soccer team have in their first season?

Will Ploy Suthijindawong go undefeated in women’s tennis singles’ play?

Will the volleyball team return to the NCAA Tournament again this season?

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8A Husky Hodgepodge

Schoolyard

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, September 2, 2010

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