09/02/2009

Michigan Tech releases new website

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The

Rozsa run-down

Cross Country teams off to a fast start

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Michigan Tech Lode

September 2, 2009

Serving the Michigan Tech Community Since 1921

Michigan Tech welcomes students back to campus Huskies take part in annual Welcome Week activities to start a new semester DANNY MESSINGER News Editor With the semester already off to a fast start, first year students and returning Huskies alike can enjoy a favorite campus tradition: Welcome Week.

Each fall, during the begin-

ning of the semester, Michigan Tech hosts a week-long series of events aimed at continuing the fun of Orientation week for first-years and establishing new correspondence between firstyears and upperclassmen.

Monday of Welcome Week offered students the opportunity to grab a quick bite to eat

before heading to their first class of the semester – served

by President Glenn Mroz. A live acoustic concert by Jessica Sonner was also held in library in the new Learn a Latté coffee shop. Sonner, whose simplistic music style primarily features acoustic guitar, sang to her audience about past relationships,

backyard hangouts and failed romances. Sonner’s most recent album, All We Need, was released in March 2008 to an enthusiastic fan base.

On Tuesday, students were able to take advantage of free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches being given away in the MUB circle as well as free

Green Thumb: Students choose from free plants provided by IRHC this past Tuesday as part of Welcome Week.

A new Lode two new sections as well: Husky Hodgepodge and Feature. I’ve redesigned this year’s paper emphasizing more alternative conThe Lode is going in a new tent that should increase interand exciting direction this year. est for readers. My goal was to Amazing strides were taken at give the Lode an edgier feel that the end of last year towards im- focuses on visuals that promote proving the quality of the Lode. our content.

This semester, the paper will The Lode also reaches the continue our trend and remain campus community (and the your primary source for Michi- rest of the world) through our gan Tech news. web presence at My name is Alwww.mtulode.com. ex Cotton. I was This site will host the Photo Editor all of our multifor the Lode last media content and year. I began takweb exclusives – in ing over lead deaddition to the consign of the print tent in the weekly newspaper at the printed edition. end of last seSome of the multimester. This year media content the I’ll be in a newly Lode is excited for created position: includes video inAlex Cotton Lode Visuals terviews and live Manager. I will blogging during oversee and manage all photog- Michigan Tech hockey games. raphy, video and design for the Your feedback will drive this paper. In addition to my experi- publication. The Lode is a pubence with the Lode last year, I lication that is designed for the have two years’ experience as a Michigan Tech community and design and photo editor for the run by Michigan Tech students. well-respected Bucs’ Blade pub- Please let us know what you lication of Grand Haven High think in regards to the design of School, a summer internship at the paper, the website, and the the Grand Haven Tribune, and Lode’s content. You can contact was fortunate enough to attend the staff through our website at the Associated College Press www.mtulode.com or feel free Conference in San Diego last to contact me directly at ancotspring. ton@mtu.edu.

Due to major budgetary conWe are always looking for straints, we’ve reduced our page new people with a passion for count from 16 to eight pages innovation and creativity. If you for the fall semester. We will think you have what it takes, still be printing weekly. It is please consider joining our our hope that this page reduc- team. We look forward to antion will only help improve our other exciting year serving the paper’s content. We have added Michigan Tech community.

Photo by Alex Cotton

houseplants (courtesy of IRHC) to decorate their dorm rooms with. Later in the day, representatives from Michigan Tech’s 14 fraternities and eight sororities were available to answer questions from students. The event, held in the MUB ballroom, featured a CLUE style game and lots of prizes.

On the way to class on Wednesday, students passed through the annual Community Expo. Local businesses shared both information and free giveaways with interested students.

Students were able to donate blood in the MUB Ballroom as part of the annual blood drive.

A Bingo tournament, held in the DHH ballroom, also gave students the opportunity to win prizes and showcase their skill at this classic game.

Students will be able to enjoy free hot wings at the John McInnes Student Ice Arena while cooling off with recreational skating, hockey or broomball on Thursday night.

Friday night, at 10 p.m., comedian Rob Little will be performing in the MUB ballroom as part of the Student Activities Comedy Series. Little has appeared on the Fox Sports Net Show, The Best Damn Sports Show Period and Last Call with Carson Daly. The Detroit Free Press has also selected Little as Michigan’s best up and coming comedian.

Be sure to take advantage of all Michigan Tech has to offer this Welcome Week. For a full list of events, visit http:// tinyurl.com/krzwzo

FAll night long

ALEX COTTON Visuals Manager

Photos by Alex Cotton

Online exclusives

Check it all out at: www.mtulode.com

Pulse

Sports

Feature

Rob Little Preview Jessica Sonner Review

Football season preview Volleyball weekend preview Cross Country season preview

She said/he said response videos

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News

Michigan Tech Lode Wednesday, September 2, 2009

housing project Campus slated to open August 2010 Fast Facts Project type: residential apartment building Project cost: up to $16.5 million Start date: July 20, 2009 Expected completion: August 2010 Location: behind McNair Hall Housing style: multi-bedroom apartments Expected residents: primarily graduate students Construction company: Gundlach Champion

of Houghton, Mich.

Renderings courtesy of Michigan Tech

A new look for a new semester Michigan Tech introduces new user-friendly version of website to kick off school year Search Feature Student Life Especially useful for firstyears, this section provides an overview of activities for students to be involved in.

Look here for meeting times and contact information for each of Michigan Tech’s student organizations. Students can also find a list of this year’s Rozsa shows or even ideas for nearby recreational opportunities - many of which are free through your Student Activity Fee.

Events Calendar Don’t be left out of the fun!

Check this handy spot for exciting events coming up on campus. Plan your weekend and get important reminders about the semester’s academic schedule.

Many of the events you see advertised around campus are listed here.

Athletics Give this section a quick glance to update yourself on campus athletics. Both upcoming events and final scores are featured in this section. Support your Huskies and get in the game!

If the new layout leaves you lost, fill in a short keyword and let the website do the searching for you. This feature will help you locate all of the website’s most helpful tools. Find student organizations, your professor’s email address or information on research being conducted in Michigan Tech’s various departments.

Spotlight Spotlight showcases one university member and their recent achievements.

Both university professors and students are highlighted in this website feature.

Learn about your professor’s background and how they make Michigan Tech a better place.

Campus Blogs Follow one student’s thoughts through the school year. This link takes you to Parent Net which features a weekly blog aimed at Michigan Tech parents and keeps them informed about campus events.

Michigan Tech Lode Wednesday, September 2, 2009

opinion

A look inside Big Tobacco Tobacco’s roots as one of America’s key crops positions it as one of the most powerful products sold today - with equally powerful lobbyists fighting to keep consumers hooked LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor During the long, arduous trip back to Michigan Tech for the start of another long semester, there was one common theme at every gas station I stopped at. This, of course, was the big, gaudy display of tobacco products placed behind the counter.

What makes this particularly interesting to me is that despite the fact that the tobacco industry has been knocked so often in lawsuits during the past ten years, it still manages to succeed in marketing their products to the general public.

This kind of power was not attained by the tobacco industry by mere chance. However, this power, like the product they sell, was developed through careful cultivation since the beginning of this country’s existence.

Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, the tobacco whistleblower in the 1990s whose story eventually became immortalized by Russell Crowe’s portrayal of him in the 1999 film “The Insider,” spoke with me about this very subject over the summer. Wigand believes the chief reason for the long-term power of the tobacco industry has to do with its roots in the early years of America.

“The power of the tobacco industry is that for two centuries, it’s been one of the financial and economic entities in this country,” said Wigand. “From early trading with the old world, it became a currency. As a currency, it was able to have enormous power in buying political influence.”

The rationale for this certainly makes sense, considering the fact that the tobacco industry produces a product for pennies on the dollar, while selling this product for anywhere between $4 and $6 dollars per pack. The

industry simply has very deep pockets, and is able to influence those in power to do their will.

This influence is still felt to this day. During my talk with Dr. Wigand, he brought up a particularly enlightening example of this political power and influence at work. The state of Michigan, as well as other states, joined the state of Mississippi during the 1990s in their Medicaid lawsuit against Big Tobacco. Big Tobacco ended up settling with 46 states for a figure of $246 billion to be paid out over 25 years.

Now, with this settlement money, states could use this as they please. So what has Michigan chosen to do with this settlement money?

You would think it would be to prevent new tobacco use? Of course not!

I n stead, t h e money h a s b e e n put towards educat i o n initiatives, m o s t notably, the scholarships associated with the ME AP tests , which were instituted until the

year 2007.

Money that is being paid to the state of Michigan to pay off the debt of health costs and human lives that have affected Michigan taxpayers over the past 50 years because of tobacco use is going not to the prevention of future tobacco use. Instead, it is going to funding scholarships.

Now, one could just chalk this up to sheer coincidence, merely a decision by the powers in the State Capitol down in Lansing to help the educational system of this state. Perhaps some would actually be pleased with this result, not understanding the necessity for educating the masses about the danger associated with tobacco products. However, since many other states have done the same thing with the tobacco settlement money, it would be hard to believe that mere coincidence led to Michigan devoting the tobacco settlement money in this way.

And after all of this, where does Big Tobacco stand?

“The industry paid the $246 billion dollars off in the first five years by a 25% per pack price increase,” explains Wigand. “In the end, they’re making their money hand over fist, and are back in the business of doing what they want.”

This history lesson is not meant to be discouraging to those in the fight against tobacco. Overall, great strides have been made in the fight against the tobacco industry since the 1990s. Smoke-free cities and municipalities have been instituted in many different places around the country, for example.

However, challenges still remain in the fight against the tobacco industry.

Next week, I will discuss the impact and importance of menthol cigarettes, and how they are used a s a tool for the tobacco industry.

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Identity Crisis KAYLA HERRERA Copy Editor

conversation with a few, but they didn’t really continue it. Instead, the participants that stood under the Mexican flag spoke in fluent Spanish almost the entire time.

One nice man was so kind to talk to me in my uncomfortable moments, but I was becoming disappointed. I felt as if I was being ostracized just because I was the only one of the group who could not speak fluent Spanish. I had walked in this parade before and never had it been a requirement that one must speak the fluent language of the flag that fluttered above one’s head.

My gut feelings are always keen and the feeling that emanated from this experience was extremely negative. Then, another question I was asked was about my Mexican heritage. One girl proclaimed that I did not look at all Mexican. I told them I was a quarter Mexican and that my grandfather was full. Somehow, that just made me less part of the group. The feeling of unity I had once felt as a carefree child had dissipated like one’s appetite cowers in the presence of something grotesque. Simply because I could not speak fluent Spanish and was not a full-blooded Mexican, it appeared to make me less authentic. This is not the case. I have always and will always be proud of where my ancestors derive from. I proudly take part in such Mexican traditions as making tamales at Christmas. I am an authentic Mexican-American and there is no one, not even some participants of a parade, that can deter me and my passion. My respect for the Parade of Nations was obliterated. If a parade is constructed to bring together the different nationalities on campus, why then did I feel completely opposite? And was I the only one who felt that way? It was not until this day that I questioned my heritage and felt bad about who I was. For a moment, I faltered.

But this experience taught me that I cannot let others cause me to question who I am. Needless to say, I will not be marching in the Parade of Nations for a very long time. There are other ways to flaunt my Mexican pride.

I can still remember the first time I walked with my parents and sister in the annual Parade of Nations put on by Michigan Tech. It was a bit nippy out, leaves rustling in the wind and the Fall bite just beginning to settle its teeth into the Copper Country.

Not a current student at Michigan Tech, I hadn’t realized that there were so many different nationalities that were a part of the community. It enlightened me to see these nationalities coming together in one parade and walking as one. Everywhere I looked, I spotted gleaming faces, laughter and unity. I never forgot that feeling.

My first year at Michigan Tech, I was set on being a part of the Parade of Nations just as I had always been and just as my parents had before me. I did not care that this year I would be alone. I was not afraid of being a part of something I cared about, something that was important to me.

I could not wait to be a part of a Herrera tradition on my own.

The day was cloudy, gray and drizzly. Nevertheless, it was chilly and windy. In the back of my mind, I knew I had walked in worse. It was a bit unnerving walking up to the large group of people gathered on the lawn of Hancock Middle School. I spotted the Mexico flag and wandered over. I said hi and was friendly, but my stomach was doing backflips.

“Do you speak Spanish?” one of the participants asked me.

“Not very well,” I replied. They tested me and spoke an entire sentence in Spanish to see if I could tell what they were saying. It was a difficult sentence, more difficult than something like “Yo soy muy baja.” I maybe recognized two words. I shook my head in confusion and they laughed. Though I am sure their laughter was in good nature, I felt funny. The comfortable tradition I had floated along with in my childhood appeared to be becoming broken from this experience. I had tried to make

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Editor in Chief ............................... Matthew Wilson Visuals Manager .................................... Alex Cotton Business Manager .................................Richard Goodell Online Editor..................................Jeremiah Baumann News Editor.....................................Danny Messinger Opinion Editor..........................................Elijah Haines Sports Editor ..................................Stephen Anderson Pulse Editor................................................Luke Gublo Ad Manager ................................................................TBD Winter Carnival Pictorial Editor ........................... TBD Advisor ........................................................Kara Sokol

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Michigan Tech Lode Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Feature

Culture

Shock Repor

t #1

s ’ t a h T what...

What do you think of the Michigan Tech gender ratio?

she said JUN (MILES) NI Lode Writer

Follow the thoughts of one international student throughout the semester as he discovers the ins and outs of life in America Hi, my name is Jun Ni and I’m an international student from China.

But, I would rather friends call me Miles, Miles of Smile. Want to know why I like Miles better? To Americans, the pronunciation of Jun is like the same as month June.

However, that’s not how my Chinese friends pronounce it. (Every time when I speak Chinese, my American friends think I’m just making weird noise.) I had a very awesome year in 2008-2009 as my first year here in America. During my freshman year, I noticed that there are a lot of differences between Chinese and American culture.

I would be very happy to share my culture shock feelings with all Michigan Tech students. You will find out how different it is between Chinese culture and American’s.

When I walked on the campus last week, I saw freshmen walking around with curious eyesight.

It reminds me the awesome orientation week I had last year. I think that was one of the most interesting weeks in 2008. Every night, after we collected all the assignment stamps, we sat down in the hallway and chatted with each other.

During those nights, I experienced my first American shock: American parties. When we were leaving for my first party, I asked such a silly question: Do I need to bring passport with me? If I meet any police officer so that I can show him my ID. Because all those American movies I watched in China made me feel party is a bad thing and I’d better keep away from that. All of my friends just laughed out, which made me very embarrassed. With a jumpy heart, I got into a car with my hall.

When we got to that party house, it was already 10 o’clock.

But people still kept coming in.

Besides some freshman, there were also some elder students who had cups in their hands. My friend told me those were beer cups.

I asked if I can have one but I hadn’t reached 21 and drinking is illegal to me. If police catch me I would go to jail. But, I began to buy beer for my dad from the grocery when I was five years old and no one asked me for an ID. At that time, I was so confused why American law is so serious on alcohol limitation. Later on, after I got through more and more parties, I begin to recognize why two countries treat alcohol so much different. In China, teenagers treat alcohol as a special drink. We only drink when we have something to celebrate or for something which have a lot of meanings to us. But in America, as far as I known, sometimes people do drinking just for fun. Drinking is a way to relax for them. On the other hand, Chinese culture thinks when people get drunk, they have lost themselves and it’s not a good behavior. But here, I feel people more enjoy the “lost mind feelings”, which is also crazy to me.

Have you ever noticed this?

Does this make you want to know more about Chinese culture, especially how Chinese think of life in America? Please read the Lode next week!

Kiri Kennedy The odds are good but the goods are odd.

Second year

he said Nick Schaub It doesn’t matter to me because I have a girlfriend.

Fourth year

Brynn Ahonen

Rion Mott

I think it’s pretty awesome.

It seems like it’s a lot better [for freshmen].

First year

Amanda Guza It sucks. There are too many effing boys.

First year

First year

Aaron Andersen You’ve got to bring your A game the first three weeks of school.

Fourth year

Visit www.mtulode.com for these and more student video responses

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Michigan Tech Lode Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Pulse

Witnessing the unbelievable Rozsa runELIJAH HAINES Opinion Editor

Mind reading, levitation and unfathomable illusions. These are just a few of the confounding phenomena performed by Craig Karges at the Rozsa Center last Friday.

Karges’ acts left the audience amazed and dumbfounded.

The believability and enjoyment of Karges’ show was enhanced by active audience participation. At one point, Karges linked three randomly chosen men’s rings and returned all three separately and unharmed. After being told to write down their name, a sequence of numbers and a passing thought, several audience

members were amazed as Karges recited exactly what they had written, word for word. Firstyear Amanda Kaphingst was very impressed with Karges. “ H e guessed our hall

Photo courtesy of Craig Karges

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president’s campaign slogan.

It was a great show.” Karges connected each act with lively, comedic banter with the audience. One student, a certain John, was the butt of many jokes.

The climax of the show was the levitation act. Gasps filled the air as Karges caused a small table to lift into the air with no visible wires or aid of any kind.

“It was absolutely amazing. I had no idea how he did it,” said first-year Dan Stevenson.

Karges’ flawless performance is the product of years of experience During this upcoming semester, the Rozsa and over four thousand appearances nationwide and Center will look to continue it’s tradition overseas. He has proven himself both on university stages and of providing quality entertainment to the on television studios. His tricks (or abilities) are executed Houghton area through it’s continuation of seamlessly, leaving spectators with no clues as to how they are done. Karges continually insists the Great Events Series. In the past, the Great that no audience members are “in” on the act, nor are stooges Events Series has brought a wide variety of enplaced. He goes as far as to offer to pay $100,000 to charity tertainment to Michigan Tech, including reif anyone can prove that the audience is involved any further nowned rock music acts Flogging Molly, They than in a random volunteer role.

This was not Karges’ first Might Be Giants, comedians Colin Mochrie appearance at Michigan Tech. “Craig Karges has been coming to the Rozsa for many and Gabriel Iglesias, as well as many other years,” commented Mike Morelli, director of the Rozsa different acts. Here is a preview of what to Center. “As always, his shows are entertaining and intriguing.” look for during the fall semester at the Rozsa Whether spectators were wowed or frustrated, everyone Who: Crystal Shawanda left impressed with Karges’ Who: Eve 6 When: Oct. 23 and 24 seemingly supernatural abilities. When: Sept. 11

About them:

Originally hailing from Southern California, Eve 6 is a well known power rock trio responsible for two big hits during the 1990s, “Inside Out” and “Leech,” both off of their self titled debut album. Eve 6 also charted the song “Here’s to the Night” in 2000 off of their album “Horrorscope.” They originally disbanded in the year 2004 after their commercially underwhelming album “It’s All in Your Head.” However, two of the three original members of the band reformed the group in 2007 and have been touring since then.

Who: Mythbusters When: Sept. 19 About them:

The Discovery Channel television program has achieved wide popularity since it’s debut in the year 2003. Now, they are taking their show on the road. In a lecture format, they will do just what everybody is accustomed to seeing them do in person: testing the validity of various tall tales, fables, and rumors.

About them:

Shawanda, an Ojibwa Indian, is a native of Manatoulin Island in the Canadian province of Ontario, growing up on the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. Since making her mark on Nashville, she has produced country hits such as “You Can Let Go” and “What Do I Have to Do”, both off of her debut album “Dawn of a New Day.”

Who: Luna Negra When: Nov. 5 About them:

Founded in 1999 and originating at Harris Theater, located in the rich cultural scene of Chicago, Luna Negra has provided a means for the expression of Latino culture and dance since it’s beginnings. The Chicago SunTimes hails Luna Negra, saying “This is a company that moves with sensational energy and panache,” while Sid Smith of the Chicago Tribune says “Artistic director Eduardo Vilaro and his beguiling dancers are an established, respected and treasured troupe on our arts landscape.”

Who: The Dancer Within Who: Simon Shaheen When: Sept. 28 When: Nov. 18 About them: This exhibition will contain About them: pictures taken by photographer (and former dancer) Rose Eichenbaum, depicting the world of choreographed dance.

Many famous dancers, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Cynthia Gregory, and others, are depicted in the exhibit, as well as excerpts from interviews with a wide range of figures from the world of dance.

Who: The Reduced Shakespeare Company When: Oct. 3 About them:

Known for taking serious and dramatic situations and turning them into hilarious bits of offthe-wall comedy, they have previously performed at the White House, Lincoln Center, as well as the Kennedy Center. They have also been featured widely within the media, appearing on National Public Radio, as well as the BBC, and many American networks.

Shaheen. Shaheen is originally from Haifa, Israel before immigrating to the United States in 1980. Shaheen is known for his adapting of Arabic music with jazz and other styles of western music. According to National Public Radio, “Simon Shaheen is a virtuoso of the violin and the oud, but his real passion comes in educating the world about the subtleties of Arabic music.”

Who: Squonk Opera When: Dec. 11 About them:

Seeking to make opera a more palatable form of art for a wide group of people, they perform nine different types of shows, including “Put your hometown’s name here: The Opera,” which they will be performing during their December 11 show, seeking to capture the themes and music of the area.

The Mythbusters will be appearing at the Rozsa Center on Sept. 19.

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Michigan Tech Lode Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Sports

Cross Country teams off to a fast start MARC SANKO Lode Writer Nothing beats a little home cooking; it is a fact that has been proven over and over again. This past weekend the Michigan Tech Cross Country teams proved it once more as they hosted, and won the UP Opener, the only home meet this year for the Husky runners. Both teams would run against Lake Superior State; the women would also see Northern Michigan and the men ran against a handful of runners from Gogebic Community College as well.

Junior Brian Stetter would cross the line first, seven seconds ahead of Jamie Cihak who was running unattached, at the 16:16 mark. Stetters’ mark on Saturday was a full nine seconds faster than his previous best at the Tech course last year. The Tech course record is 16:09, putting Brian just eight seconds behind that record. His teammates would have his back as 10 Huskies (not including Stetter) would finish in the top 20. The performance would lead Michigan Tech to victory over Lake Superior State, with the Huskies claiming a score of 16 and the Lakers a score of 45.

It would be a break-out day for another Tech Junior, Jill Smith.

Smith recorded a personal best of 20:09, a huge twenty-seven second improvement over her best time from last year. Fellow Junior Christina Mishica followed in Smith’s footsteps, crossing the line and finishing fifth overall, second among college runners, six seconds later and Freshman Sarah Daniels would finish in seventh overall, and third amongst college runners. The Huskies would finish with 20 points followed by the

By # the er nu m b

0

dollars to attend any Michigan Tech home sporting event

7

seconds Brian Stetter was shy of the 16:09 course record

17

years of coaching experience for new head volleyball coach Orlando Gonzalez

(Above) Running Strong: Women’s cross country athletes compete at the home cross country meet this past Saturday. (Below) Go Guza Go!: Members of the First Year Experience Learning Community show support for their hallmate during the first race of the year.

Photos by Alex Cotton

Wildcats of Northern Michigan with 36, and the Lakers ending with 86.

Both the men’s and women’s

teams will be traveling across the UP on September 12 to take part in the Laker Invite hosted

by Lake Superior State.

101

players on the Michigan Tech football team

1,534 passing yards needed

by Steve Short to break Michigan Tech’s school record

Michigan Tech Volleyball

The ultimate Huskies coverage

New coach provides high hopes

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor

LAUREN WIZA Lode Writer The beginning of the fall semester at Michigan Tech not only brings a host of new faces, opportunities, and entertainment for students but a new twist on old favorites. Michigan Tech women’s volleyball fans will see many changes in the 2009 season of play. After the loss of four of last year’s six starting players, Jen Jung, Christa Jung, Kelly Jorgenson, and Kelsey Skoog, fans will see a different type of team with a different type of focus. Not only has the make-up of the team changed, but the Huskies welcomed Orlando Gonzalez as a first year head coach. His coaching philosophy?

“You cannot execute tactically what you cannot do technically. I try to teach my players perfection in technique in order to maximize what we can do tactically. I believe we need to be accountable and re-

sponsible for our choices on the court and off. Everybody on this team, through their demonstrated, measured performance has a chance to contribute.”

With opportunity at their feet, the Huskies opened the season this past weekend in Marquette, Mich. While they suffered an 0-4 defeat, they’re learning what works and what doesn’t work in terms of play.

The team is not one to be discouraged, and they’re relying on the encouragement of upperclassmen to lead them. “Kaari Nevanen has demonstrated excellent leadership capabilities thus far,” explained Gonzalez. “There are a host of other veterans who bring different elements of leadership to our team, and all those qualities will have an impact as we transition into a culture for the future success of MTU volleyball.”

The talents of upperclassmen are not the only thing that the

Huskies can count among their advantages. Maddie Haben (Edina, Minn.), Rachel Glisch (Muskego, Wis.), and Lindsay Sathre (Maple Grove, Minn.) are all freshmen and members of this years’ recruiting class. “Maddie comes in as a highly touted setting prospect. She is a tremendous competitor that will help shape the future of this program,” said Gonzalez of Haben, who is averaging 8.88 assists per set so far this year with a total of 142 over the course of Michigan Tech’s first four matches. Gonzalez is looking for Glisch to perform “in a variety of potential roles as she continues to progress in the MTU system.” Sathre is expected to make a more specific contribution in team play. “Lindsay will be primarily in a middle blocker role for MTU. She comes from an elite club background and has great physical ability offensively. As she becomes a more rounded player, I see her becoming a solid per-

former in a tough GLIAC North Division.”

Gonzalez lists the team’s lack of match experience as their primary weakness in addition to working through player injuries, however he is hopeful. “We have talented players who have yet to tap their full potential. We are going to be a solid passing team and develop a dynamic rhythm based offense as we gain more hours together.” The team plans on continuing to tap their talents this coming weekend when they travel to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for the Shark Classic. And while the Huskies will work hard in Florida, their efforts will be made in the interest of building a stronger team to achieve their goal – as Gonzalez says “every year from this point forward,” and that is a GLIAC Championship. To find more information on your Huskies, visit athletics.mtu.edu, and click on the Volleyball link.

Huskies open the season with tough losses LAUREN WIZA Lode Writer The Michigan Tech women’s volleyball team opened their 2009 season in Marquette, Mich., with a four- match tournament, The Wildcat Opener.

The young team suffered four straight losses at the hands of the University of California – San Diego (3-0), Winona State University (3-2), the University of Minnesota Duluth (3-0), and the University of Wisconsin –Parkside (3-2), however, they are optimistic about the valuable lessons that they have al-

ready gained from their time on the court.

“While you cannot be anything less than disappointed with an 0-4 start, there were several moments where we discovered just how good we can be,” said first-year head coach, Orlando Gonzalez. “We had a strong start, and we need to learn how to finish off our opponents.”

With the loss of last year’s seniors Jen and Christa Jung, Kelly Jorgenson, and Kelsey Skoog, the Huskies are out four of their six starting members and attempting to find team chemistry by switching up the line-up.

“Our main focus this year is just focusing on our own jobs,” said junior Kathleen Storm. “We all need to do our own jobs first to strengthen our team. When everyone does that, we are successful. That’s something we’ll definitely carry on into the season.”

Michigan Tech saw immediate contributions from their freshmen. In the role of libero, Rachel Glisch (Muskego, Wis.) had 56 digs on the weekend with a 3.5 average per set, while Madeline Haben (Edina, Minn.) assisted her teammates with 8.88 sets during each game. “[We] just need to continue

to keep looking forward and not looking to the past,” said Storm.

Storm contributed 14 kills and three block assists in Michigan Tech’s first game against UWParkside, second only to Kristine Sexton’s team high 18 kills.

Sexton currently leads the Huskies with 2.94 kills per set.

“Ultimately, it’s a matter of believing how good we really are,” explained Gonzalez.

The volleyball team will be looking for their first win as they continue to build their confidence and travel south to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, for the Sharks Classic with matches set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4 and 5.

While a blank page is one of the most frustrating sights for a journalist like myself, it is one of the most exciting aspects of being a sports fan. Regardless of what happened last year, the 2009-2010 school year brings with it high hopes. Allow our comprehensive season previews in this week’s paper to prepare you for all four of the current fall sports – football, volleyball, women’s tennis and men’s and women’s cross country.

Whether you are new to Michigan Tech or are returning for another year, I encourage you to follow the Lode as we seek to bring you the latest news and analysis from the Michigan Tech sports world, and anything that affects it. In addition to our weekly print coverage, we will feature exclusive coverage on our website (www.mtulode.com), including live blogs of most home games and multimedia coverage as well, including exclusive audio and video content.

You will find more than just your average game previews and reviews. Our comprehensive analysis of the Huskies will bring you closer to the teams and players than you could get anywhere else. We are not the Huskies’ public relations machine. We do not split our coverage with local high school or professional teams. We are the only place you will find objective coverage of Huskies sports, and we trust that with our efforts and your feedback, we can make this the best year yet to be a Huskies fan.

Michigan Tech Lode Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Huskies head to Hillsdale to open ‘09 season STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor On Sept. 5, 2008, with a 3916 lead over the Hillsdale Chargers with less than 12 minutes to play, the Huskies had the game all but won. The Chargers had a different idea, however, as they rattled off 20 points, and it took a defensive stop on a potential game-tying field goal for the Huskies to eke out the 3936 victory.

The Huskies will look to avoid a similar conclusion by putting away the Chargers early and maintaining a lead throughout in this Saturday’s contest at Hillsdale. The Huskies enter

the season with high expectations and a wealth of talent (both new and experienced players), but will need to apply themselves early on to win two games on the road.

“I like the leadership and work ethic on this team,” said head coach Tom Kearly. “Our philosophy all along has been to take one week at a time, and we’ll certainly do that against Hillsdale.”

Despite an enrollment of just 1,200 students, the Chargers are coming off a 7-4 season themselves, compared to the 8-3 Huskies. Hillsdale leads the all-time series 14-6, and the Huskies have had very little success at Frank D. “Muddy”

Getting down and dirty at O-week Volleyball

Photos by Alex Cotton

Waters Stadium, earning a 1-9 record on the road against the Chargers. The home team has won the last seven match-ups.

Hillsdale is coming off a dominant 37-7 victory over Saint Joseph’s on August 29, in which QB Troy Weatherhead threw the ball 40 times for 295 yards.

Running back Vinnie Panizzi ran for 57 yards but three touchdowns, as part of a rushing attack that gained 131 yards on 43 carries.

Michigan Tech will have a good measuring stick for their season after taking on the Chargers.

Check out mtulode.com for a full season preview. Saturday’s game is slated for noon and

Sports

7A

Photo by Alex Cotton

will be on the radio on 93.5 FM WKMJ. Check out our website

for a full game recap shortly following the game.

tor into Axford’s roster decisions. As a freshman, Zhilkina won 10 singles matches in the fall, but was unable to compete in the spring. If healthy, she will likely be penciled in as the top starter.

Juniors Asel Otunchieva and Nathalia Rondelli will bother be counted on to improve on what are already fine careers in black and gold. Otunchieva has 31 career wins, mainly in the number four and number five spots.

Rondelli, with her 29 career victories, played very strongly in the number two position in singles going 10-1 last season.

Lone senior Danielle Stoll will need to continue to improve upon her 10-career win total despite limited playing time in her first two seasons. Stoll finished 7-15 last season, but gained valuable experience.

Sophomore Caitlin Hartley joined the Huskies for the spring portion of the season, and played well, finishing 4-9.

She will likely see more action this season as Axford works to figure out his regular lineup.

Axford has added four newcomers who will push the veter-

ans this season, freshmen Kira Eck and Chelsea Uganski along with sophomores Jacqueline Kulkulski and Ploy Suthijindawong, a transfer from St. Scholastica.

Eck hails from Arvada, CO, and showed her skills in a tryout in February while Uganski, who hails from Muskegon, MI, and Kulkulski, from Grand Haven, MI, both walked-on. Kulkulski is a freshman eligibility-wise.

Suthijindawong faced Oliveros last spring and beat her in a super tiebreaker, so Axford is excited to add her experience to the roster.

“Ploy got the NCAA Division III final match in singles last season,” said Axford. “She was looking for more competitive tennis, so it’s fortunate that we got a player with that kind of experience.”

The Huskies will have four of their seven GLIAC matches at home this fall. Squeezed in between the home matches will be the ITA Regional Tournament. The GLIAC Tournament will come in late October, after the Huskies’ final three GLIAC matches.

Women’s tennis showcases young talent DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer Despite a disappointing 200809 campaign that saw the women’s tennis Huskies fall short of an NCAA berth after key losses to St. Scholastica and St. Cloud State at the end of the spring, the Huskies look to replace two key starters and still contend this season for a tournament berth.

“Last year, everybody played,” said Huskies’ head coach Mike Axford. “Everyone has a year more experience, and they know what to expect.”

Gone are four-year starters and co-captains Silvia Oliveros and Samantha Jang-Stewart.

With them go the number two and four slots in the singles roster. Oliveros takes 57 career victories with her while JangStewart won 43 times. Both leave large shoes to fill.

“Silvia and Sam are big losses,” said Axford. “New players have to be ready to step in and gain that experience.”

Outstanding sophomore Victoria Zhilkina’s health will fac-

8A Husky Hodgepodge

Submit your

A place for

fun

Welcome to the Husky Hodgepodge. This section is a new addition as part of the Lode redesign. The Husky Hodgepodge will feature strictly alternative content. You will see everything from photo stories to interactive reader content, such as the “Submit your caption” at the right. You’ll only get a small taste this week but be sure to check the Lode next week for more.

Michigan Tech Lode Wednesday, September 2, 2009

caption Lode staff members Alex Cotton and Jake Mohan are letting their embarrassing moment caught on film be turned into your fun. You are invited to submit your most clever captions. The best response will be chosen by the Lode staff and printed next week. Please keep captions to a PG-13 rating or below.

Photo background: The duo was attempting a swing dance move at the FAll Nighter that ended up taking a sharp turn toward disaster. The harness was being worn for use with the rock climbing wall.

Submit captions to: media@mtulode.com

Event reminders SACS Comedian Where: MUB Ballroom When: Sept. 4, 10 p.m.

Schoolyard Olympics Where: DHH Front Lawn When: Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. (Sidewalk Chalk) 1:30 a.m. (All other events)

Student poll Do you believe in ghosts?

52%

No

48% Yes

Student responses are based on our weekly online poll. Please vote on next week’s question:

Do you like the Lode redesign?

Vote at: www.mtulode.com

On this day

1896

The first modern marathon race was held at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Courtesy of www.reference.com