10/07/10

Enterprise of the Week: Wireless Communication

The

An evening with Dr. Maya Angelou

2A

Huskies defense best in the GLIAC

4A

7A

Michigan Tech Lode

October 7, 2010

LENA WILSON Opinion Editor

Serving the Michigan Tech Community Since 1921

The beauty before the cold

The warm yellows, stunning oranges and deep hungry reds are all silently subdued by the approaching cold. We watch, as if recalling a memory, as the desaturated brown leaves take their final descent. Every year we are astonished by the Autumn colors; the final celebration before the termination of a season of creation.

Though many students leave the area for the summer, they come back to a grand performance. The term ‘Color Tour’ is familiar to many residents of Michigan. Many people flock to the Upper Peninsula to appreciate the turn of the seasons. As parents make their way to visit their child’s college town, they are invited to participate in the enjoyment of the festive show.

While the colors have been blossoming and bringing smiles to our faces for a couple weeks, the show still goes on. Possible Green and gold for now but soon to be white and silver: Lode photographers took the time to capture the best of this year’s fall colors. The weekend of Oct. 1 - Oct. 3 was the height of the treeline’s color change which signals that winter and snow statues will soon be here!

Top photo by Alex Cotton Right photo by Caitlyn Pionke Bottom photo by Alex Cotton Left photo by Caitlyn Pionke

avenues for enjoying the local area are the many hikes and nature trails, drives through scenic passages, or even a Chairlift Color Tour on Oct. 10.

Many residents of the Upper Peninsula are quietly preparing for the cold and snow. The Michigan Tech Community should be applauded as there is always something to look forward to.

Although we might comment drudgingly that Winter nears, we are secretly celebrating the change of seasons as well.

Homecoming concludes, but school spirit remains This week: Writers Lauren Kors & Erika Peabody wrap-up another year of tradition here at Michigan Tech ERIKA PEABODY Lode Writer

Only at Michigan Tech: Students from Michigan Tech’s Pep Band have always been known for their highly innovative and always entertaining performances. This includes everything from their music, to their outfits, to even their instruments.

Photo by Jacob Shuler

Homecoming festivities started with a bang on Sunday, Sept. 26 when 150 fans showed up for the Fans in the Stands competition during the Tech soccer game versus Saginaw Valley State University. Although the Huskies lost the game, the air was thick with excitement that foreshadowed an actionpacked Homecoming week.

Later that day was the window painting event in the Rozsa Center where the different teams and organizations rallied their most artistic and creative members to create wonderful works of art on the lob-

by windows. However, the official kick-off to the Homecoming Week came the next morning when soft pretzels and cheese were handed out in front of the MUB. Over 3,000 pretzels were distributed to the students along with bandanas that detailed the events that were to come during the week.

The other events that took place over the course of what was a beautiful fall week were Sand-Castle Building, Relay-Races, Tug-of-War, Take on a Husky Night, and Cardboard Boat Races. Also, gender roles were switched during the popular Powder-puff Football game and the accompanying Cheer Competition continued on 2A

This week’s online exclusives: Check it all out at: www.mtulode.com PDF archives of all issues this year

News

Pulse

Sports

Find out the name of the new apartment complex and learn what else the Board of Control decided in its recent meeting at mtulode.com/news.

The Lode’s restaurant reviews continue at mtulode.com/pulse.

Check out last week’s feature on the Lunchbag and this week’s feature on the Library Restaurant.

Throughout the week, be sure to check out the Lode’s exclusive sports games recaps, for every Varsity sporting event, at mtulode.com/sports.

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 7, 2010

Pulse

“An evening with Dr. Maya Angelou” Maya Angelou has lived deep.

Her knowledge been gained from a variety of teachers, especially that of her own determination. Though her life can now be summed in matter of fact sentences, in these sentences there is awe to be had.

She grew up with tradition of the African American culture while facing racial discrimination.

After the murder of her mother’s boyfriend, who was found guilty of sexually abusing Maya, she became mute for nearly five years on the account that her words could kill someone. Her teacher and the words of famous authors helped Maya through. She earned a scholarship to study dance and drama, later dropping out to become the first African American female cable car conductor. After finishing

high school she became a young single mother. She worked to support her small family but soon engaged herself with music, dance, performance and poetry, for which she is now recognized worldwide.

Not only has she been recognized, she has traveled abroad as well. She mastered many languages, taught as a Professor and met with Malcolm X while abroad.

She helped Malcolm X build the Organization of African American Unity. She has also worked with Martin Luther King, Jr. as well.

Her first years are elucidated in her work I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This book as well as many others create a list of 30 best selling books written by this one woman. Poet, novelist, dancer, singer, educator, civil rights activ-

John Haro exhibit in Rozsa art gallery The architectural exhibition which commenced on Aug. 28, 2010 at the Rozsa Center, will continue till Oct. 15, 2010. John Haro, ex-student of Michigan Technological University, has designed the projects in this exhibition. This exhibition is a tribute to his professor, Wilfred Polkinghorne; who recognized his visualization and drawing talents and encouraged him to take architectural classes.

There are pretty remarkable ar-

chitectural designs; mainly of the imperative buildings in Michigan like Modern Language Building and Physics Astronomy Building of University of Michigan, Quincy mines, steam engines smelter at Quincy mine and many more.

There are also architectural designs of many historical churches in Michigan. Apart from historical structures there are National Bank of Detroit, Chrysler assembly plant, General Motors engine test-

This week at Film Board

LENA WILSON Opinion Editor ist, mother, filmmaker and actor.

These are all titles that can be appropriately placed upon Maya Angelou.

She has received many awards, including the Lincoln Medal and three Grammy awards. She has received over 30 honorary degrees and is still teaching today.

The interesting and contrasting facts of Maya Angelou’s life go on. Though there were hardships, the accomplishments have greatly outweighed them and it is safe to say that her life is a great source of inspiration.

Most importantly, she is with us today and we’ve the opportunity to listen to her speak. She is coming to the Rozsa Center this Saturday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. to speak. Get your tickets at tickets.mtu.edu.

PRIYANKA MOHARIR Lode Writer ing lab, Chevrolet metal casting plant, National Steel Car Co. and many other significant structures in Michigan. This exhibition would be interesting for those people staying in Michigan or those who are interested to know more about Michigan. This exhibition is a must see for people who are involved in any kind of design, civil, architectural engineering or related fields or just eager to know more about historical architecture.

Friday and Saturday Showtimes 5:30, 8:30, 11:30 p.m.

Tickets $3 and Tech ID or other collateral for 3D glasses liability

Fisher 135 | (906) 487-2704 Runtime: 98 minutes

Long ago up North on the Island of Berk, the young Viking, Hiccup, wants to join his town’s fight against the dragons that continually raid their town. However, his macho father and village leader, Stoik the Vast, will not allow his small, clumsy, but inventive son to do so. Regardless, Hiccup ventures out into battle and downs a mysterious Night Fury dragon with his invention, but can’t bring himself to kill it. Instead, Hiccup and the dragon, whom he dubs Toothless, begin a friendship that would open up both their worlds as the observant boy learns that his people have misjudged the species. But even as the two each take flight in their own way, they find that they must fight the destructive ignorance plaguing their world. .

Written by Kenneth Chisholm on IMDB.com

4A

Band-a-Rama spends another year at Rozsa ZACHARY PAGE Lode Writer Bandarama will be performing at the Rosza on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. during Family Weekend to demonstrate their colorful range of musical style and instrumentation to students and families alike.

The event will feature 60 minutes of music from the Huskies Pep Band, the Jazz Lab Band, and the Superior Wind Symphony, which, in all, comprises of over 270 musicians.

The concert will be lead and showcased by directors Nick Enz and Mike Irish. “I really enjoy Bandarama because it is a unique show that is wall-to-wall music for about 70 minutes,” exclaims Irish. “There is nowhere else that you can get an excellent wind symphony, a legendary Pep Band, and a high-energy jazz big band all onstage for a great concert.”

Music from all varieties including classical, rock, Latin, jazz, and swing will be covered at the event.

“We also cover contemporary classical, sports classics, plus the legendary MTU Fight Song,” explains Irish.

A good audience is always drawn in for the vivid performance. When asked about attendance, Irish remarked, “A ton of folks are in town for Homecoming; parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters of Tech students, all sorts of MTU students, and a lot of community people. This is our big ‘kick-off’ event each year.”

Bandarama started off as a small concert in the 1970s and was staged in the Wood Gym at the SDC. By 2000, it moved to the newly opened Rosza Center for Performing Arts and has grown in size ever since.

“By now it has a life of its own,” exclaims Irish regarding the size of the concert.

The concert has enormous appeal to all assortments of life in due to its irreplaceable approach and style. As Irish puts it, “It is lighthearted, spirited, fast paced, and each year is unique. It is fun for all ages.”

Tickets can be bought online or at the Rozsa Center and will be five dollars for the general public and free for Michigan Tech students.

Students will need to show their student I.D. to enter the event. For more information visit http://vpa. mtu.edu/events.htm#bandarama.

Johnny Cardinale is SACS comedian for Family Weekend KIMBERLY GRIGG Lode Writer On Friday during family weekend there will be the second SAC’s comedian of the semester, Johnny Cardinale. The show is guaranteed to be upbeat, funny and a show you won’t forget!

Cardinale’s show is one laugh after another. He loves to talk about his family and the craziness that occurs amongst his family members, making him one of the perfect comedians for family weekend. This is a show you can bring your whole family to. His show is appropriate enough for younger siblings, while still interesting and mature enough for college students and parents to enjoy.

Cardinale also loves to talk about what weird things he sees in

life. You never know what he’ll say, but it will always make you laugh and wonder how he ever noticed those strange little absurdities in life.

This show also has an element of music in it. Cardinale says he can sound like any band or artist.

He loves to break out his guitar to demonstrate this talent and it actually sounds pretty good, some might even say good enough for the radio.

Overall the show is an upbeat, fun, PG-13 show that is guaranteed to make the parents laugh with the kids and the clean show leaves nothing for college students to be embarrassed about if they decide to take their parents.

The show is in the MUB Ballroom on Friday at 10 p.m. It will definitely be the place to be and the show to see this weekend.

Minnesota Public Radio and Michigan Technological University share a common goal of helping you to understand the world and make the most of life. MPR would like to thank the faculty, staff and students at Michigan Tech for their partnership and support.

Listen to Minnesota Public Radio’s news and music services, and be sure to check out mprnews.org daily for online news.

Listen to MPR News and Classical MPR at both 91.1 FM and 92.7 FM, or stream online —including The Current—at mpr.org.

OPINION 5A COUNTER

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 7, 2010

POINT. P O I N T SKI & SNOWBOARD Is recreational use of alcohol an

Q

acceptable activity for college students?

JACK AMMERMAN Lode Writer

TAYLOR DOMAGALLA Lode Writer

Most students come to college to learn.

We all graduate high school with a high sense of hope and anticipation for the future.

This, combined with an above average work ethic, makes the work week an intense period of time for a student. We delve into our homework, study relentlessly, and stress out over multiple classes, clubs, and deadlines.

Having such a busy week imbues students to not only look forward to the weekend, but long for it. The weekend is a time of relaxation, friends, and fun.

Many students use alcohol to help fuel the weekend R&R. This, in a safe and responsible manner, should be entirely acceptable.

Throughout history people have gathered over drink to converse and enjoy each others company. It is only natural for students to do the same. Alcohol helps students relax and provides a common gathering point for social weekend get together. The negative effects of alcohol, grossly inflated and misrepresented, can be counter-acted simply by drinking responsibly and safely. Once the weekend is over the liquor cabinets should be closed and students should get back to the books. Yet when the focus is not on studying, students should feel free to drink socially with their friends without negative pressure from society.

The problem with “recreational” use of alcohol is that all too often the fun and relaxation of enjoying camaraderie around the bottle gets out of hand. Instead of unwinding from stressful weeks with a few friends in a peaceful setting, students frequently end up at one of the party houses slamming shots and chasing drunkenness with more vigor than they may have applied to their studies. Alcohol is used as a distraction, whether it be from an awful exam grade or from one’s usual inhibitions.

What happens when this need for distraction invades the workweek? This chemical relaxation can become an addiction and a distraction from the homework and studying that needs to be done. When poor test results come back after a week mixed with drinking and studying, the student is bound to be stressed out and could end up right back at the party.

In the Upper Peninsula there are innumerous opportunities to relax without involving alcohol. Among such activities as hiking, golfing, and skiing are much more constructive distractions than drinking.

Alcohol, when used responsibly, can be a positive tool, but the risks by far outweigh the possible benefits, especially when these benefits could be reaped elsewhere.

He Said, She Said

TENT SALE

ONE DAY ONLY

HOUGHTON - OCT. 9 9 BIG HOURS 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

308 Shelden Ave. Downtown Houghton

Michigan Tech Lode

If you were a super hero or action dude who would you be and why?

Andy Reed, Mechanical Engineering, Second year

“Mr. Rogers because I’ve always wanted to have a neighbor just like you”

Chelsea Thomas, Computer Engineering, First year

“I would be Spiderman so I could climb walls!”

CJ Anten, Mechanical Engineering, Third year

“Ash Ketchum because I’ve gotta catch them all!”

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

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

Staff Writers - Jack Ammerman,

Jordan Erickson, Michael Friesen, Subhash Goswami, Kimberly Grigg, Elijah Haines, Cara Hanson, Andrew Klescewski, Lauren Kors, Matt McGuire, Priyanka Moharir, Jun Ni, Liz Nigro, Zachary Page, Erika Peabody, Rebekah Price, Jodhbir Singh

Circulation - Abhishek Gupta

Visuals Staff - Alex Cotton, Ahsan Iqbal, Anti Knutas, Caitlin Pionke, Jacob Shuler, Sneha Virdi, Ben Wittbrodt

Stephanie Boomgaard, Mechanical Engineering, Second year “I would be Spiderman so I could swing from buildings”

Alex Baril, Electrical Engineering, Third year

‘Edward Elric – No transmutation circle for alchemy – yes please!’

Meghan Stan, Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Second year “I would be Flash Gordon so I could be fast”

Want to submit a 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 two-way 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.

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

Copy Editors - Anirudh Balram, Alexandra Beguhn, Kayla Herrera, Lacie Hollenbeck, Kyle VerHoef, Zach Ziemke

Advertising Sales - Elizabeth LaRouche, Travis Neu, Hao Xie

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.

3. lodesubmit@mtu.edu for submitting articles and letters to the editor. Messages posted to this address are received by the editors and the faculty advisor.

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.

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 7, 2010

OPINION

6A

Rick Snyder Michigan’s only hope?

ELIJAH HAINES Lode Writer

As I walked into the Memorial Union Building this past Sunday, I was curious to hear Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder speak. This year’s election for governor presents a particularly entertaining clash. It’s the experienced liberal politician against the conservative businessman, both pledging to fix Michigan’s economy. No offense to the other candidates running but I just have a feeling this won’t be the Green Party’s year.

I had done my research on Mr. Snyder’s homepage so that I would be prepared for his town hall style speech. Economy was clearly the foundation of his campaign. Snyder’s pride and joy appeared to be a special ten point recovery plan (like a Weight Watchers for the state budget) and calls for reform across the board.

The Isle Royal room, the half accorded for the meeting, was filled to capacity and students were lined up against the wall. It

pleased me to see many students, who I knew ranged tree-hugging liberals to staunch conservatives, engaging in the election. Michigan Tech’s student body can be politically passive at best. I recall the 2008 presidential election, historic for so many reasons, passed with few displays of support for either candidate and even fewer heated arguments in the hallway.

It was like Halloween without the costumes. It just isn’t an election year without rowdy debate.

But here we were on Sunday night, Michigan Tech students and many community members waiting to hear what Rick Snyder, the self-professed “tough nerd”, had to say.

Before the main event, we heard from Matt Huuki and Tom Casperson. Mike Huuki, running for State Representative in the 110th District, is a Houghton native. He currently owns an auto repair business. I certainly hope that he is better at fixing cars than he is at public speaking. I felt as if he was trying to sell me a vacuum rather than jump-start a political career. His clumsy words had most people casting

doubtful looks at their neighbor.

But no doubt his National Rifle Association membership and strong anti-abortion stance will redeem his lack of pose.

Tom Casperson, a former representative now running for state senator, presented a much better front for the Republican campaign. Although I still don’t forgive him for dismissing the need for marriage equality when he visited my high school, he providing encouraging words about fixing the economy and everything else we all wanted to hear.

When Rick Snyder took the stage, our ears perked up. Here, perhaps, was the candidate who would restore Michigan’s economy, get rid of vacant lots in Detroit and make sure the Upper Peninsula wasn’t left out on any world maps. But after only a few minutes of listening to his high, nasally voice, I became disappointed. Snyder illuminated his ten-point plan, called for change and pledged that he was the candidate to turn Michigan around.

Although his words called for everything but an all out revolution on the present leadership,

his body language and intonation were better suited for a little league pep talk. I had been hoping for a Howard Dean-like fiery outburst or at least a mildly raised voice here or there. Snyder added another cliche, cookie-cutter list of promises to the citizens of Michigan.

Despite his apparent lack of zeal, his comments were wellreceived. There was applause, laughter and even an “amen” from the back of the room. But almost every politician is wellliked until they are in office. It’s only when their promises are tested that their reputation really starts to disintegrate.

Granted, I knew it would be hard for me, a liberal, to not let my bias cloud my reception of Snyder’s speech. And although I suspect he might be able to get our limping economy to walk again, I wonder at what cost. He emphasized at one point the need to change or remove certain environmental regulations so that more companies could harvest Michigan’s natural resources.

The thing is, mines have a habit of coming, taking and leaving.

Then we have to deal with their old buildings burning down in the middle of the night.

I also worry about Snyder treating Michigan like a business.

He is a self-proclaimed entrepreneur and affluent businessman.

He cited helping found Gateway as proof of his economic savvy.

He didn’t mention Gateway being bought up by a corporation based in Taiwan or its history of bankruptcy. Maybe it just slipped his mind.

Depite my dissatisfaction, I predict a Snyder win in November. The American political system is a pendulum, swaying from conservative to liberal in its regular, painfully predictive course. With a democrat in the governor’s chair and in the Oval Office, the planets are aligned for a Republican win.

Maybe I’m just a young, liberal college student, but I found Snyder extremely boring. It’s not that I’d prefer Lady Gaga in her meat dress telling me she would fix Michigan (as entertaining as it would be), I just ask for a candidate to inspire me. Inspire me and you’ll convince me.

Ask Sassy Dear Sassy Election Day is coming up and everyone is pressuring me to vote. But honestly, I could care less who is in office. Whoever wins will screw things up, just in a different way than the other candidate. Plus, one more vote really doesn’t make a difference.

What are your thoughts about voting?

Sincerely, Democracy stinks

Dear Democracy Rather than give you a basic lesson in civil government and lecture you about how every vote counts, I’d like to make an assumption about your character.

You are clearly the person who dislikes every candidate, regardless of their stance on issues. This is an easy, convenient perspective because it means you’re never wrong. If a candidate messes up, it’s an “I told you so.” If a candidate does something good, it’s a “well, there’s a first time for everything.” By taking an anti-everything position, you’re really not taking any position at all.

You are the type of person who feels they have the right idea about how the world should work. A politician with a J.D. and fifteen years of experience cannot even compare to your vast knowledge of government. I’m sure if you were a senator, governor or president you could make much better decisions.

I congratulate you on your lack of participation in the election.

The United States has such a shortage of people who just don’t care.

Dear Sassy I’ve been meaning to start working out this semester, but I haven’t yet. I find gyms extremely intimidating. I feel like everyone will just judge me, especially since I am still learning how to lift weights properly. How do I get over my fear?

Sincerely,

Shrimpy Sid Dear Shrimpy Your fear is perfectly understandable. For first-timers, gyms can be scary and bizarre. But you must understand that the gym will not be filled with season marathon runners or body builders. Many of them may be just starting at or they may be casual members.

As for being judged, there is no danger of that. Most of the gym rats are too busy measuring their heart rate or looking at their muscles in the mirror to give you a second glance. Going to the gym is a purely selfish act, not necessarily in a negative sense, so learn to tune everyone else out.

Dear Sassy I have a big job interview coming up. I know there are a lot of applicants and I’m nervous about making the cut. Do you have any tips to make a big impression?

Sincerely,

Anxious applicant Dear Anxious The key to an interview is being memorable. There are several ways to accomplish this.

Making balloon animals is a terrific way to make an impact on an interviewer. Ask them for a desired shape (dog, giraffe, etc.) and bring a variety of colors. Be sure to accompany the completion of each animal with a rousing “ta-da”. This will signal to your prospective employer that you are creative and are enthusiastic about the opportunity.

Another nice way to make an impression is by reciting some classic poetry, the longer the better. This will convey how educated you are and that you have a knack for memorization. Be sure to embody the emotion that the poem is trying to convey.

Hope this helps!

CLASSIFIED Ready for Hunting? We have hunting vests, jackets, camo bibs, plus all your hunting accessories. Northwoods Sporting Goods has a certified Gunsmith and Bow-tech on site. Downtown Hancock 482-5210 www.northwoodsports.com 3 plus bedroom home for sale, 2 ½ baths, main floor laundry, 3 season room, 1½ car garage, deck in back yard, 15 short minutes from MTU campus, Pet friendly, great home for students or a family. Call Klay to set up a tour 715.432.2643, Email klay_v@charter.net Want to place a classified?

Have a question to ASK SASSY?! E-mail questions to Sassy at lodesubmit@mtu.edu

Payment in advance of $10/week up to 30 words, including free online listing.

E-mail lodeads@mtu.edu for more information.

Sports

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 7, 2010

Cardinals next on the agenda for football Huskies By STEPHEN ANDERSON Editor in Chief

While the first four football games of the season have certainly been promising for Michigan Tech, the 4-0 Huskies know that the test only gets tougher the rest of the way, even against 1-3 Saginaw Valley State this Saturday. The Cardinals are having a rough season, but they were picked third in the preseason GLIAC poll, and two of their losses have been by four points, and their third loss came last week to Hillsdale, who are currently ranked ninth in the country in Division II college football.

The Cardinals have always posed a tough challenge to the Huskies, defeating Michigan Tech 16 times in 23 alltime meetings. The Huskies’ last win against SVSU came in 2006, Tom Kearly’s first year as head coach. Strangely enough, in 2006, the Huskies lost their first four games before winning their final six – in other words, the first four weeks are telling, but the story of the 2010 Huskies is far from complete.

Despite all of these warnings, the Huskies are still 4-0 entering a game against the 1-3 Cardinals. The Husky defense, as you can read about in this week’s feature article, has been nothing short of dominating, holding Michigan Tech’s opponents to just nine points per game, the second best scoring defense out of 151 Division II

football programs.

Combine the defensive dominance with 33.8 points per game scored by Michigan Tech’s offense, and the Huskies have certainly proved to once again be an upper echelon

team in the GLIAC. The Huskies have averaged more than 400 yards per game of offense, more than 150 yards better than opponents. The rushing game alone has earned more than 150 yards per game more

than opponents, which also has the Huskies sitting a top the time of possession rankings at 34:19 per game.

In terms of Saginaw Valley State, the Cardinals have averaged an impressive 30.8 points per game, but they are also giving up 29 points per game. If the Cardinals stand out in one category, it is their second-place ranking in the passing game, which definitely differentiates them from the Huskies first four opponents, who have all been in the bottom four GLIAC teams in terms of passing. The Cardinals, led by senior signal caller Charles Dowdell have put up 252 yards of passing offense per game – to put it in perspective, the Huskies, under the senior leadership of Steve Short have posted 185 yards per game through the air (of course it helps to have such a dominant rushing game). The Cardinals do not stand out in any other category, either positively or negatively, which means that despite their 1-3 record, they are well rounded, and will still provide quite a challenge for the Huskies.

Kickoff between the Huskies and Cardinals is slated for an hour earlier than normal, at noon from University Center, Mich. Wes Frahm will call the game for WKMJ No fleas here: Sophomore Matt Curtin prepares to cradle a flea-flicker 93.5 FM, and the Lode will touchdown pass from senior quarterback Steve Short.

Photo by Ben Wittbrodt carry a game recap shortly after game completion at mtulode.com/sports.

Huskies defense best in the GLIAC STEPHEN ANDERSON Editor in Chief

proud of the defensive effort, highly praising them after each game this year, but he is also quick to point out that the toughest offenses in the GLIAC are still com-

ing up. In fact, the Huskies’ next four games are against the teams ranked first through fourth in the preseason poll. So, while the success cannot be disputed, weaker

If it is true that defense wins championships , the Michigan Tech Huskies may just be a championship caliber football team. While that is definitely jumping the gun just a year removed from a 2-8 record, the Huskies currently rank second in the entire country (out of 151 teams) in scoring defense, allowing just nine points per game.

Coaches, players and analysts all have theories as to what has caused the high level of success, though it is likely a combination of all Teamwork: Several members of the Huskies defense work together to make a stop against Ohio Dominican. those reasons.

Photo by Ben Wittbrodt Head coach Tom Kearly is certainly

offenses certainly play a factor.

Kearly also pointed out that “it’s a lot easier to play defense on the sideline.” He is referring to the fact the Husky offense has controlled the ball for more than 34 minutes per game. That means the defense is on the field for less than 60 plays, whereas the offense has been averaging 71 plays per game. Given that opponents are averaging just 4.2 yards per play (second in the GLIAC), and the Huskies are tallying 5.8 yards per play on offense (tied for third in the GLIAC), the Huskies yardage differential has averaged 160.7 yards in favor of the Huskies.

Easier opponents and a solid offense has made it easier for the Huskies defense, but the players on the defensive side of the ball have also been meshing well and staying healthy. Several players are peaking at the same time, and the combined experience has brought a wealth of chemistry on the defensive side of the ball.

the

7A

#

r e b m nu

4

goals and gamewinning goals by freshman Melanie Hoffman thus far for the soccer Huskies.

She also leads the team with 11 points.

6

singles wins by freshman Anna Hegyi. Four of those have come at number four singles. She has the most singles win this season thus far.

11

hockey players from outside the U.S. Four are from Alberta, three from British Columbia, two are from Saskatchewan, and one each from Ontario and Sweden.

12

average number of yards per catch by Huskies receivers this season (11.9). Opponents are averaging 11.6 against the Huskies.

16

service aces by senior Alicia Schneider. She leads the team in that category. She also has 16 service errors, which is tied for the team lead.

Schedules/Results Visit gliac.org for full standings

Football (4-0, 4-0 GLIAC)

Sept. 25 @ Indianapolis, W, 24-10 Oct. 2 vs. Ohio Dom., W, 45-6 Sat. at Saginaw Valley, 12 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Hillsdale, 1:30 p.m.

Soccer (5-5-0, 3-5-0 GLIAC) Oct. 1 at.Ashland, W, 1-0 Oct. 3 at Lake Erie, W, 1-0 Fri. vs. Tiffin, 7 p.m.

Sun.vs. Findlay, 12 p.m.

Volleyball (2-11, 1-8 GLIAC) Sept. 25 vs. Northwood, L, 3-0 Oct. 1. at Northern Mich., L, 3-1 Fri. at Ohio Dominican, 7 p.m.

Sat. at Tiffin, 1 p.m.

W. Tennis (4-4, 4-4 GLIAC)

Oct. 2 vs. Findlay, W, 9-0 Oct. 3 vs. Wayne State, W, 5-4 Fri. at Saginaw Valley, 1 p.m.

Sat. at Northwood, 10 a.m.

continued at mtulode.com

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: Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks, Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts

JACOB VEHRING Business Manager 3-0 Last Week, 11-4 Overall

STEPHEN ANDERSON Editor in Chief 1-2 Last Week, 7-8 Overall

DAVER KARNOSKY Sports Editor 1-2 Last Week, 6-9 Overall

YOU Readers 3-0 Last Week, 9-6 Overall

3-0 again! I just might run away with this competition. The Red Wings are going to continue losing on the road this weekend, as the Blackhawks are not going to lose at home. They are just too loaded with young talent and will overmatch the Wings early in the season. If I have learned anything from the Colts is that as long as they have Payton Manning, they will not lose back to back games to teams. The Wolverines, lead by Heisman candidate Denard Robinson, are going to run all over State winning the Paul Bunyan Trophy back from MSU. I’ve won this shootout twice, but I’m sure giving Jake a nice head start -- but no longer! I’m getting really excited for hockey season, and I think the Red Wings will take advantage of their unusually long summer break, to get off to an unusually hot start, with the defending champs as an early victim. Even though I think the Colts are better than they’ve shown, they’re definitely vulnerable, and the upstart Chiefs will stun Manning and crew in Indy.

Denard Robinson will need 450+ yards of offense to beat an impressive Spartan team, but he’ll provide just that, along with four trips to the endzone as the Wolverines remain undefeated.

Again I find myself on the outside looking in as I continue to struggle to figure out my picks. After last week’s demolishing of a good Wisconsin team, the Spartans have made a believer out of me. That, and I cannot cheer for a Wolverines squad whose life hangs on every rush made by Denard Robinson who is one injury away from sinking Michigan. The Chiefs haven’t exactly been world-beaters, but they are 3-0. The Colts, as proved Sunday, are beatable, and I think Matt Cassel and company can do it again. Chicago may have won the Stanley Cup and jettisoned half their roster, but they’ll be fired up for their home opener and beat a better Wings team.

Each week, we’ll let you the reader vote in our Editor’s Shootout online poll at www.mtulode.com/sports/2010/09/30/ editors-shootout-polls/. 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.

Wolverines 28-24 Blackhawks 4-1 Colts 38-33

Wolverines 36-28 Red Wings 3-2 Chiefs 27-21

Spartans 38-33 Blackhawks 3-1 Chiefs 24-21 Last week’s picks: St. Louis Oregon Baltimore

8A

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 7, 2010

Sports

Soccer Huskies return for final home matches CARA HANSON Lode Writer

The women’s soccer team returns home this weekend to play Tiffin University on Friday at 7 p.m. and the University of Findlay on Sunday at noon. These games mark the last that the Huskies will play on Sherman Field this season.

The Huskies are fresh off of a winning road trip. They played Ashland on Oct. 1 and Lake Erie on Oct. 3. Both games resulted in a score of 1-0 in Tech’s favor.

“Last weekend we came together as a team, and kept a positive attitude to pull off two conference wins proving that a first year program is not

Dogged attack: Freshman Katie Boardman fights for possession of the ball with an opponent from Ferris State in a match earlier this season.

Photo by Ben Wittbrodt

to be taken lightly,” said Tech midfielder Allison Lebovsky.

This Friday will be the more difficult match of the weekend as the Tiffin Storm has already topped Findlay 2-0 last week.

Tech will have to play with energy throughout the entire game since Tiffin has a deep bench. During their last game, both goals were scored

by Storm players who aren’t starters. The Huskies will also need to keep cool heads; Tiffin racked up an outrageous three yellow cards when they played Findlay and ended the game with nine total fouls.

Tiffin is currently 4-2-1 in the GLIAC. The University of Findlay is stopping in Marquette to play

Northern, and then heading to Sherman Field this Sunday.

Sarah Silone, a freshman forward, is the leading scorer for the Oilers. Tech defenders will also have to mark up on Findlay midfielder Sara Jones as she leads their team with assists and game winning goals.

Findlay is 4-3-0 in the GLIAC. Tech is currently 3-5-0 in the GLIAC. The Huskies have been averaging 1.20 goals per game and the team has a 0.094 shot percentage. Any of Tech’s players are yet to receive yellow or red cards this season.

Come support the soccer team during their last home games of the season and be sure to check the game recaps at mtulode.com.

Hoffman earns GLIAC honor Hockey opens at DAVER KARNOSKY Sports Editor She was not recruited to Michigan Tech to play soccer. She scored the first goal in the soccer program’s history. Her name is quickly becoming synonymous with Huskies soccer in general.

Freshman forward Melanie Hoffman leads the Huskies in goals with four, game-winning goals (4), assists (3), and points (11).

On Monday, she became the first Huskies player to earn Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Athlete of the Week.

“It shows that our team as a whole is strong,” said head coach Michelle Jacob. “For the conference to recognize one of our players is very exciting for us.”

Hoffman scored both goals this past weekend in the Huskies consecutive 1-0 victories at Ashland and at Lake Erie.

“Melanie deserves this,” said Jacob. “She’s come through and scored some goals that we needed.”

The GLIAC also named its Weekly Honor Roll, with a player from each team except the Huskies, as Hoffman earned the Athlete of the Week award.

Ashland’s Karly Beuck, Ferris State’s Kara Lovelace, Grand Valley State’s Kayla Addison, Northern Michigan’s Amelia Johnson, Northwood’s Amanda Watson, Ohio Dominican’s Jennifer Holton, Saginaw Valley’s Kaysie Morand, and Tiffin’s Top dog: Freshman Melanie Hoffman was honored by Stephanie Bowman the GLIAC this week.

Photo by Michigan Tech were all named to the Honor Roll.

“We have strong I think that gives us confidence players and a strong team,” said Ja- heading into the future.” cob. “Obviously if the conference is The Huskies host Tiffin and recognizing that, that’s good, and Findlay this weekend.

Superior Showcase JORDAN ERICKSON Lode Writer

This weekend the hockey Huskies hit the road for their first regular season games of the year.

The weekend starts out against the Huskies’ rival, the Northern Michigan Wildcats, this will be the first of three meetings the schools will have this season, then the Huskies travel to Lake Superior State.

Last year the Huskies went 1-11 against the Wildcats, defeating and tying them at home but losing on the road.

Last Saturday the Huskies defeated the Nipissing Lakers 5-3, giving the Huskies a strong block to build on for this weekend.

“We’re focusing on all of the areas we need to improve,” said head coach Jamie Russell.

Last season, co-captain Brett Olson scored three goals and five points against the Wildcats.

The Wildcats skate on an

Olympic-sized ice sheet, which means the surface is wider on each side and longer in the corners. For a team like the Huskies who are used to skating on a standard size this creates a need for a different style of play to adapt, which the Huskies are working on this week in practice.

A game against the Wildcats is always looked forward to since they have long been the Huskies rival in many sports. “[Playing against the Wildcats] is a great way to start the year, its emotional, its physical”, said Russell on starting the season against their rival.

After the Friday game in Marquette the Huskies head to Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., to face off against Lake Superior State.

Last year the Lakers got the better of the Huskies defeating them 3-1.

The Huskies then return home to take on Northern Michigan again on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Youth brings promise for hockey Huskies JORDAN ERICKSON Lode Writer As the leaves begin to change colors in Houghton, Mich., one thing that is on many peoples mind is the return of Huskies hockey. Unlike most seasons, this Huskies squad already has six games under its collective belts.

They spent 10 days in Europe over the summer playing against European professional teams, and had their exhibition game Saturday night against Nipissing.

In Europe the team went 2-3 against teams that included varying numbers of ex-NCAA and NHL players.

“We feel we’re further ahead at this point in the season right now just because of the trip to Europe,” said head hockey coach Jamie Russell.

Captains for the 2010-11 season include junior center Brett Olson and senior defenseman Deron Cousens as co-captains with senior wingers Jordan Baker and Bennett Royer as assistants.

“We have four quality individuals [leading the team],” said Russell, “I have a lot of confidence in the captains.”

There is a lot to look forward to for this season with the Huskies adding eight new freshmen to the roster and having an experienced group of upperclassmen to lead the team.

Forwards Olson has consistently shown his skills in hockey and leadership over the past two seasons.

This season, he will again be called upon to lead the attack.

Last season, Olson earned the Merv Youngs Award as the team’s Most Valuable Player and was tied for the team lead in points with 30. In his freshman season he competed in all 38 games, fin-

Fresh take: Freshman forward Jacob Johnstone fires a shot at Nipissing Lakers goalie Billy Stone this past weekend.

Photo by Ben Wittbrodt

ished second on the team with 23 points, and led the freshman class in scoring.

Senior center Eric Kattelus is looking to continue to be a force on the Huskies offense. Last season, Kattelus returned the lineup in December and recorded two goals and seven assists, earning the Winter Carnival Most Valuable Player honor after scoring one goal and two assists against Minnesota Duluth. In his rookie season, the Traverse City native earned the Norbert Matovich Memorial Award as the team’s top freshman.

Baker and Royer have represented the Huskies proudly for the past three seasons and are looking to repeat this year. Royer missed some valuable time last season, but played strong in the second half of the season. Royer

had a career-high four-game point streak from Jan. 16 to Feb. 5.

Baker was second on the team in shots with 97 and was fourth in scoring with 18 points. Although currently out due to injury, he is looking to be back in a Huskies uniform later this season.

Junior wingers Alex MacLeod and Bryce Reddick have also been consistent players on the Huskies hockey team. Last season MacLeod played in 32 games and finished the season with two goals and three asssits. At 6’0”, 210 lbs. MacLeod has consistently been a force on the team and is sure to continue.

Reddick is the first player for the Huskies hockey team from Nevada, and last season the Las Vegas native played in 12 games, missing time due to injuries. He

notched two goals, both coming against Wisconsin.

Sophomore forwards Evan Witt and Aaron Pietila are back this season looking to continue where they left off last year. Witt finished his freshman season with one goal and three assists, while Pietila had five assists in 29 games last season.

Fellow sophomore forwards Mikael Lickteig and Anthony Schooley had equally impressive freshman seasons. Lickteig was named to the WCHA All-Academic team and Schooley played in 27 games with three goals and two assists.

Freshman Huskies on the offense include Milos Gordic, who had a medical redshirt for last season, Dennis Rix, Patrick McCadden, Jacob Johnstone, Daniel Holmberg, Blake Hietala, and

Ryan Furne.

Defense The defensive corps this season are led by Cousens. In his junior season, Cousens earned the Harold Meese Sportsmanship Award and was also ranked third among the teams defensemen with eight points. Cousens will be looking to post at least as many points as he did during his sophomore season under the new Huskies’ offensive system.

Junior Ricky Doriott, a hulking 6’5”, 225 lbs. defender hailing from Blaine Minn., appeared in 34 games last season and had five assists.

Sophmores Steven Siego, Carl Nielsen, and Pete Heinonen will all be looking to be major players on the Huskies defense this year.

In his freshman season, Siego was the only freshman to see the ice in all 36 games. He finished the year with 19 points and shared the Norbert Matovich Memorial Award as an outstanding freshman with goalie Kevin Genoe. Seigo was one of the players profiled in Inside College Hockey’s INCH A-Z this offseason.

Nielsen was awarded with the Elov Seger Memorial Award as the most improved player on the Huskies hockey team and appeared in 34 of 36 games. Nielsen was often praised for his consistent play last season.

Heinonen joined the team joined the team last season in December during a string of injuries to lineup regulars. The Hancock native played in two games and was named to the WCHA AllAcademic team.

Two freshmen, Daniel Sova and Brad Stebner, join the ranks.

Both showed a penchant for carrying the puck against Nipissing. continued at mtulode.com

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 7, 2010

Sports

9A

Women’s tennis takes winning streak on the road DAVER KARNOSKY Sports Editor Thanks to three wins in four days, the women’s tennis Huskies have improved to 4-4 on the season and 4-4 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). The most impressive win for the Huskies was against Wayne State, and the Huskies look to build on that momentum as they travel to face the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals and Northwood Timberwolves.

“In the big picture, it’s always nice to sweep,” said head coach Mike Axford. “We’ve striving to improve our play every day.”

The Cardinals (2-5 overall, 2-5 GLIAC) are coming into Friday’s match having dropped consecutive matches to the Ashland Eagles and the Ohio Dominican Panthers.

“We will have to work a little harder to earn points (against the Cardinals),” said Axford. “Saginaw is definitely a beatable team.”

Sophomore Yunjiao Shangguan (3-2 overall) leads the way for the Cardinals at number one singles.

Freshman Andrea Calhoun (2-4 overall) has taken the reigns of the number two singles spot, where she’s gone 2-3. Freshman Stepha-

nie Bagnell is 1-4 at number three singles.

Currently 2-2 at number four singles, senior Cortney Heileman (2-3 overall) has played well this season. Freshman Hailey Crampton (2-4 overall) has played well at both number four and number five, but she’s seen more time at number five, where she is 1-3.

Freshman Charlotte Wong is 3-3 overall, but she is 3-1 at number six singles.

It’s reasonable to say that the Timberwolves are not as strong this season as they have been in years past. Having dropped a GLIAC match against Grand Valley State, the Timberwolves are 7-1 on the season and 7-1 in the GLIAC. The Huskies will have the advantage of facing a tired Northwood squad who will be playing their third match in four days.

“If we can keep improving (the Timberwolves) will be a winnable match,” said Axford.

Sophomore Svenja Stephan is 5-3 at number one singles. Senior Charlotte Sevin is undefeated at number two singles in eight matches. Sophomore Nikoletta Kaposzta (5-3 overall) has played the bulk of her matches at number three singles, where she is 3-3.

Sophomore Ayana Kobayashi

(8-0 overall) has played well at both number three and number four singles, but has been especially dominant at number four, where she’s 6-0. Junior Anne-Sophie Goujet (8-0) is undefeated in seven matches at number five singles. Senior Nicole TenBrink is 3-3 at number six singles.

For the Huskies, junior Ploy Suthijindawong is now 3-5 on the season at number one singles.

Freshman Natalia Lebedeva has improved to 2-3 at number two singles. Senior Nathalia Rondelli is 5-3 on the season and 4-1 at number three singles.

Freshman Anna Hegyi is 4-1 at number four singles and 6-1 overall. Senior Asel Otunchieva (4-4 overall) is 3-2 at number five singles. Sophomore Kira Eck (2-5 overall) is 2-3 at number six singles.

“We want to keep building,” said Axford. “The wins will come if we do the little things well.”

With the wins over the weekend, the Huskies have officially qualifed for the GLIAC tournament. Where they will be seeded for the tournament is far from guaranteed at this point. This weekend will go a long way towards figuring that out.

A win against Northwood could put the Huskies as high as

Double up: Sophomore Chelsea Uganski gets ready to return a serve in a doubles match against Tiffin.

Photo by Jacob Schuler

fourth in the GLIAC with one match left after that.

This weekend, the matches are Friday against Saginaw Val-

ley and Saturday at Northwood.

Check back after each match for a detailed recap on our web site, mtulode.com.

Volleyball still searching for the winning formula DAVER KARNOSKY Sports Editor

Jada Gullstrand added to athletic staff DAVER KARNOSKY Sports Editor If you’ve spent any time around the SDC in the last couple of weeks, you may have noticed a new face in the building.

She looks like a student athlete, and, to be honest, she’s not far removed from them.

Jada Gullstrand is a former student athlete herself, having been a figure skater at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Now she’s the liaison between Michigan Tech and the athletes.

“I will be working with Joel (Isaacson) on the transition this year,” said Gullstrand. “Through co-teaching the Master Student Athlete Course, working with SAAC and getting involved in numerous activities within the department, I look forward to learning and getting a full understanding of the program this year.”

Gullstrand has already begun meeting with the varsity coaches to begin making sure that all student athletes are keeping up with their coursework as well as making sure the athletes are aware of

the various forms of help available to them in the form of study tables, tutors, etc.

Gullstrand’s main focus will be the at risk students. She will begin working with the coaching staffs and the student athletes themselves, as well as working with the student’s advisor, to help ensure the students complete what is required of them.

This unique role will also help with recruiting, as coaching staffs can introduce Gullstrand to potential athletes and their parents. She will be able to discuss what the university has to offer the recruit in terms of academic help.

The other side of Gullstrand’s position is to assist with the growth and development of a complete figure skating program from the ground up. This includes the MTU Learn to Skate program, the Copper Country Skating Academy and a collegiate skating program at MTU. In years past, former coach Cheryl DePudyt had helped build a figure skating program, but since her passing, the program has been in limbo.

Visit Visit mtulode.com/sports mtulode.com/sports to to catch catch upup onon all all your your Huskies Huskies sports sports and and keep keep your your eyeeye outout forfor athlete athlete features features throughout throughout thethe semester semester

Since defeating the Lake Erie Storm on Sept. 18, the volleyball Huskies have dropped four straight matches, including two to rival Northern Michigan. This weekend, they travel to take one two Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) South Division opponents in the Ohio Dominican Panthers on Friday and the Tiffin Dragons on Saturday.

The Panthers (4-8 overall, 1-7 GLIAC) are coming off a loss to the Dragons last weekend, and will be looking to rebound against the Huskies. Head coach Sandy Rowley’s team has played well away from home, but has only one win in six tries in their own building.

Junior Rachel Billing leads the Panthers in kills with 135, and is second in service aces with seven

and digs with 145.

Junior Summer Hale leads the team in assist with 273 and service aces with eight. She is tied for second on the team with Shannon Nadler with 24 blocks. Hale is also third in digs with 129 and kills with 103.

With 126 kills, freshman Ashley Sprau seems to be developing into a fine player. She also has 15 blocks, good for fourth on the team.

The Dragons have won eight of their first 13 matches this season.

With the recent win over the Panthers, the Dragons are 5-3 in the GLIAC under first-year head coach Dana Cordova.

Senior Brooke Bernabei leads the Dragons with 155 kills. Bernabei is second on the team in digs with 133, blocks with 18, and service aces with 15.

Senior Jessica Adams has 432 assists to lead the team. Adams also has 33 kills and eight services aces.

Junior Lindsay Heller leads the Dragons with 19 service aces and digs with 254. Heller is third in assists with 16.

For the Huskies, junior Kristine Sexton leads the team with 124 kills. She is second on the team in blocks with 21.

Senior Kasey Woodcock leads the squad in blocks with 30 and is tied for second on the team in kills with 81.

Sophomore Madeline Haben has 327 assists to lead the Huskies. She is second on the team in digs with 104, and has the third-highest hitting percentage at 26.2 percent.

Freshman Tessa Mauer leads the team with 144 digs and is second in service aces with 12.

The match on Friday against the Panthers will take place at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, the Huskies play the Dragons at 1 p.m. Check back after each match for a detailed recap on our web site, mtulode.com.

This week on www.mtulode.com:

Developing a collegiate skating program will take time, but Gullstrand hopes that she will have something in place as early as next season. “(I need to) research it a bit more, particularly looking at what is specifically required by the University and what activities we will provide,” said Gullstrand. “I am going to be looking at that this year to hopefully have something very general in place for next year. It’s going to take time, and it’s going to take membership to build it.”

For the near future, Gullstrand is looking to build a club team only. This would allow college students to continue to skate individually and on a synchronized skating team, continue with their tests, and possibly compete with some 60 other collegiate clubs throughout the Midwest.

Gullstrand dreams of building up the program to the point where it could be a varsity sport and compete with the likes of the Miami Redhawks, but that is a long-term project goal at this point.

Would you like your club team featured in this section? E-mail dbkarnos@mtu.edu

Today (Oct. 7): Feature blog Friday: Volleyball game recap, Soccer recap Saturday: Football recap, Tennis recap Sunday: Soccer recap, Tennis recap Monday: Editor blog Tuesday: Feature blog Wednesday: Football, Soccer, Volleyball, and Women’s Tennis previews, Hockey season preview, Cross Country recap

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”

10A Husky Hodgepodge

Batch Year or Batch Number?

By Jodhbir Singh Lode Writer Whenever someone asked me which batch I belonged to for my bachelor’s degree, I had trouble answering because I used to think the year of admission was my batch year.

After some enquiry, I found it to be the year of graduation.

Now that I know, I wouldn’t have to be embarrassed again after my master’s in the U.S. In India, it is a very popular notion that the U.S. institutions are the best in the world, and that a degree from a good U.S. university means plenty of opportunities ahead. No doubt about it; even I have found it to be quite true. But there are some very disappointing facts about the American education system which no one told me before. I had been very interested in knowing the history of education especially about the US education. Fortunately or unfortunately, I was introduced indirectly by a professor of mine to the work of Ivan Illich, John Holt, John Taylor Ghatto and few others names in American education reform movement.

The first disturbing thing I found was the fact that the present school model had been taken from the factory model of the industrial revolution in the 20th century, eliminating the earlier school house model where children learned from peers of different ages and

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 7, 2010

where the teacher could cater material to individual needs.

In a factory model, a teacher is seen as a worker and a student is seen as a product to be manufactured. Each year is like an assembly line sequence, passing from one class to next.

Those students who don’t make it as finished products are called “drop outs.” Still skeptical about these radical views, I wanted to know if there were people in the 21st century who agreed with what I had read.

To my surprise, one of the well known names in the field of management (also education), Clayton Christensen, has reinforced the same point in his book ‘Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns.’ Daniel H. Pink in his book ‘A Whole New Mind’ describes the crises in education.

Others have directly or indirectly hinted at the same underlying factory model. I was not prepared to digest all this, after all, I have grown up believing that good school education means a good job which means a good life, and if you are lucky enough, it could also mean a good wife.

Remembering my school days, spending 6-7 hours in the classroom, listening most of the time, writing important notes that could help me get an ‘A’ in the exam and in turn, earn respect among fellow students and praise from teachers.

A single letter at the end of the year framed the perception of me in the eyes of my parents, friends, teachers and all those people who knew me. Things are not different here. After all, there is something wrong at the core. Though it sounds radical, it is not inaccurate.

During the career fair, everyone is busy researching the companies, practicing their interview skills, reviewing resumes. Even I had been waiting for this day. While working on my resume, one thing made me ponder for a while – the year of graduation. Does it represent a batch year or a batch number?

Student Poll: How many games will the football team (now 4-0) lose this season? * None

* 1-2

* 3-4

* 5+

Share your thoughts on our Facebook page at facebook.com/mtulode

Last week: Will you attend the 2010 Fall Career Fair?

67% - No

33% - Yes

mtulode.com