February 23, 2010

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

www.msureporter.com

Minnesota State University, Mankato

‘This is a horrible event’

Monologues bring Congo awareness MATT SAUER

staff writer

Minnesota State student Teresa Parker read “A teenage girl’s guide to surviving sex slavery,” the newest addition to this year’s Vagina Monologues, performed Friday and Saturday in Ostrander Auditorium.

Parker, who has read during each of the past four years’ production of the monologues at Minnesota State, says it has always been an amazing experience for her.

“It’s incredibly empowering,” said Parker, who has also worked with the Women’s Center at MSU for more than four years. “All of the women involved in the program here are so great, and we’ve all been touched by the issues in [the Vagina Monologues]. We want to help raise awareness about a lot of

these subjects that aren’t so well known or talked about.”

The Vagina Monologues is an episodic play created and written by Eve Ensler, a playwright and feminist activist from New York City.

The play features various anecdote-driven monologues which all relate in some way to the vagina, whether it be through sex, birth, masturbation, menstruation, rape or the “evil tools” used by gynecologists.

Since 1996, when the first show was performed by Ensler as an off-off Broadway production, The Vagina Monologues has become a Broadway staple, having been translated into 45 languages in more than 100 countries.

Ensler adds one new monologue each year, with “A little girl’s guide to surviving sex slavery” being the most

Monologues / page 8

Administration goes into round two of possible program cuts DANNIE HIGGINBOTHAM

news editor

wale agboola • msu reporter MSU student Teresa Parker read the newest addition to the Vagina Monologues, a piece about a girl in Congo, at this year’s event.

Taking a break to help the less fortunate

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Newman Center students to attend service learning trips during spring break, work with Katrina victims NICOLE SMITH

editor in chief

Many college students look forward to spring break as a week to travel, relax or party. Some Minnesota State students, however, will devote their free time to take a trip that will benefit those in need.

Members of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and the

Catholic Newman Center will be taking the time off to provide services to the less fortunate in various places across the country.

Newman Center intern AJ Garcia will lead a trip to work with Habitat for Humanity in Bay St. Louis, Miss. during the second week of March.

After working within that community on a trip there

last year that he described as “humbling,” Garcia knew he had to go back.

“I think we often think that things are taken care of and back to normal there [after Hurricane Katrina] but they’re still a long way from where they were,” said Garcia, a second-year graduate student in educational leadership at MSU. “Even more than four

years after Katrina, to still see that many of the homes are uninhabited, it was eye opening.”

The group journeying down south won’t find out what specific project they will work on until they arrive, but Garcia anticipates working with Katrina victims to continue to rebuild the city in whatever

Minnesota State announced its revamped list of program cuts Thursday.

The university announced its primary list about a month ago and gave targeted programs a chance to prove why they are necessary to the university. Since this time, many programs have moved from being in danger of being cut to safe.

Programs were evaluated based on enrollment levels, cost and cases made by faculty members in the department that focused on the vitality and value of the programs.

A number of programs moved out of the danger zone, including dental hygiene, food science technology, humanities, philosophy and theatre.

The process is by no means near an end.

“It’s still a long process and we’re maybe in the middle rather than the end,” said Warren Sandmann, associate vice president of academic affairs.

Administration will hold a meeting with the faculty association on Thursday and the primary topic will likely be the

Event / page 8

Break / page 7

Exploring Nepal

See page 2

index

cezara talmaci • msu reporter Editorial...................................4 Voices......................................5 Variety......................................9 Sports....................................12 Classifieds.............................15

The ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy discussion continues.

Readers comment online (SEE 4) and the variety editor responds (SEE 5)

Page 2 • Reporter

News

Tuesday, February 23, 2010T

MSU celebrates Nepal Night 2010

photos by cezara talmaci • msu reporter Minnesota States celebrated its annual Nepal night Saturday with performances by the band Neptunes, traditional dances and a zombie dance to a mix of music, including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

News

Reporter • Page 3

The headless Lincoln

The CSU’s Lincoln statue has had a colorful history at MSU ADAM PULCHINSKI

staff writer

He has been called “Honest Abe,” he was the 16th president of the United States, and he signed the Emancipation Proclamation. While the body of Abraham Lincoln has rested in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Ill. since his death in 1865, the former president adorns many moments at various institutions across the country.

One such place is the Centennial Student Union at Minnesota State.

In a corner just near a window stands a tall statue of Lincoln, in what has been dubbed the “Lincoln Lounge.” While students, faculty and staff use the seating area every day, have any of them wondered about the story behind the statue? Where did it come from, who put it there, and why? Scott Hagebak, operations director of the CSU, filled in some of the blanks.

“Pre-World War II, it was popular for graduating classes to buy something for the university,” said Hagebak. “It was at the Old Main originally.”

The Old Main was the original campus in Mankato. Then, when the existing campus was built, it became know as the “lower campus.” The statue of Lincoln was there, at the aptly named Lincoln Library. When the lower

campus was sold in 1979, many historical items were removed.

Some of them, like the Lincoln statue and a Native American painting, moved to the newer campus. Other items went into archives or were sent to the Blue Earth Historical Society.

“Over the last 30 years, the statue has changed locales with renovations,” Hagebak said. “Now it is in the Lincoln Lounge.”

Changing locations isn’t the only action the Lincoln statue has seen over the years. Mike Hodapp, the associate director of the CSU, remembered it went headless.

“It seems to me that some students sawed off the head and held it for ransom as a prank,” Hodapp said. Hagebak later corrected his colleague’s story.

“The statue came with a removable head,” Hagebak said.

“It was stolen many times. It has since been permanently attached.”

“I like my story better,” Hodapp said with a laugh, when told about the correction.

Aside from a stolen head, the statue has also had its fair share of decoration over the years.

Hagebak said that it has been adorned with Hawaiian leis, hats, sunglasses, and the occasional seasonal apparel. He said as long as it doesn’t get damaged in any way, he didn’t see too much harm

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The Lincoln statue has even been a point of small controversy in the past. Hagebak said that at one time a student group wanted to post a sign of a Lincoln quote with the statue and it was contended because of the quotes political leanings. Further controversy was averted however, when a history professor pointed out that the quote didn’t actually belong to Lincoln.

“It was a quote that was often attributed to Lincoln,” Hagebak said. “But he didn’t say it.”

While Scott Hagebak couldn’t remember the exact quote being attributed to the 16th president, the controversy is understandable.

There are many things that have been thought to be the words of Lincoln but are not, such as “You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich” and “You cannot bring about prosperity by encouraging thrift.” This words were actually written by the Rev. William J.H. Boetcker, a Presbyterian clergyman.

blaine taylor martin • msu reporter Sometimes students dress Lincoln in winter clothes to make sure he doesn’t freeze during chilly Minnesotan winters.

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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Budget situation is far from being resolved The updated list of program cuts does not provide the full picture of what lies ahead for MSU, there is much more to the budget

Since Minnesota State first found out about the great budget crisis of 2012, the Reporter has exhausted it as a primary topic of coverage.

The university should value the importance of an issue such as this because it is heavily weighted with a signficance that will span beyond our time at MSU, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t sick of hearing about it.

It is difficult to continue to hear or even keep track of all the information that is continuously updated and far from definite.

We all know the university

is facing a difficult financial situation and the tough times ahead are more than apparent from the recent release of the updated proram cuts list. However, there are so many unknown factors that it is difficult to really get a good look at where we stand financially.

Yes, the proposed cuts will help to eleviate some of the budget shortfall, but those alone will not save the university.

These program cuts are sacrfices that will likely cause pain and if enstated as currently proposed, will strip the university of valuable academic

assets. But in the event of a crisis, streamlining is the best option and MSU simply cannot afford to keep everything the way it is.

Big changes are already in the works and there will likely be many to come, but it is hard to wrap our heads around the forecast of the lack of funding that lies ahead.

The administration has taken all cases made by departments and programs into account and has revised the list of program cuts accordingly. While some look like they could have been spared, others are still facing the fear of being eliminated.

The university may be acting a bit hastily in all its academic chopping as it has yet to explore other cost-cutting options in the realms of student affairs, information technology and athletics.

Although administration plans to tackle these sectors in the near future, much time should be spent on evaluating the necessity (or lack thereof) of these non-academic spheres.

Although these are all valuable to MSU in their own way, the cuts shouldn’t all come from academic-related budgets at this learning instituation.

compiled by Wale Agboola

What are your plans for spring break?

Christina McCartney • Sr •Therapeutic Rec “Going home and relaxing with my family.”

Comments from the Web

Responses to the recent editorial ‘It’s time to get rid of the ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy’ Hello, I am a fellow Minnesota National Guard member. As I was waiting for class, in the basement of the library, reading this article, it bothered me and made me contemplate this issue more. Right now in the U.S Army, while in the field or in training, men and women are separated for privacy reasons.

There aren’t guys just walking around looking at the women while they’re in shorts walking around the barracks or while their in a towel after showering.

Now this is because men and women are naturally attracted to eachother and therefore makes being around each other in those situations uncomfortable.

Now put yourself in this situation. When I went to Basic training and AIT, showers were together, 6 to 8 showers in one area. Now as a guy, put yourself in a group shower and 2 of the guys showering with you are openly gay. This would make it very uncomfortable for you to

be in the shower with them. The same goes for women.

I actually went to AIT with a lesbian and my female battle’s could not stand it. They’d wait to shower because they were not comfortable with the situation. It actually got into a few fights because of the lesbian. She was open about it but only told a few people she could trust so she avoided getting herself in trouble. Now I’m not saying they shouldn’t be allowed, but before they try and change this policy what they need to do is figure out something to actually resolve it.

For instance my barracks had one female floor and three male floors at AIT. If they plan on allowing this then they would have to add a homosexual floor to places like this because it would make a lot of people uncomfortable and should not be allowed.

Sgt. in U.S National Guard, posted Feb. 18

I am not a part of the United States military but I do not agree with what this article states about the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy implies. The article stated that the policy discriminates against people who are homosexual where in reality I think that the policy protects homosexuals. The military isn’t telling people they can’t be gay, it just instructs them not to talk about it. In the military everyone is forced to stay in close quarters and they do not have the option of who they are around. If someone is not comfortable being around homosexuals than by allowing homosexuals to openly talk about it fights and disagreements may erupt. I have nothing against homosexuals or having homosexuals in the military but I dont see why they need to display it and change a system that has worked for almost 20 years.

Nicole Beuk, posted Feb. 18

I was stationed in the service before “Don’t ask, don’t tell” - but I was forward deployed in Japan - where, due to logistics related to the location, an active blind eye was turned to gays, and people were allowed to be openly gay with no repercussions.

While on my first ship, I was located in the 60 man berthing in a corner with openly gay sailors.

Imagine my discomfort waking up at 3 a.m. and finding grown men swapping spit in the same “coffin” rack!

After the third incident of waking up to their activities, I was relocated in the same berthing to a much more ameanable area. (The 60 man berthing was 40’x40’.)

I have a handful of friends that are gay, some of the gay guys in Japan I had great respect for their professional skills. However, because of that incident, I do not believe the military should allow for openly gay sailors/airmen/ soldiers/marines.

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Check out the Reporter Web site (www.msureporter.com) for a recap of the music video release party for Minnesota State student Matt Smith (aka Def Gone Graphic) and see the video for “Fallen on Deaf Ears.”

Editor in Chief: Nicole Smith (507) 389-5454

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Olivia Wahwan • Jr • Accounting “Spring break to Miami.”

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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Homophobes are ‘so gay’ Variety Editor responds to ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ supporters “The ‘issue’ of gays in the military isn’t even a military issue, it’s a social one.”

While the three recent comments to editorial about “don’t ask, don’t tell” make somewhat valid points toward their arguments, there are some very glaring social issues within the arguments.

Hidden behind safety net sentences, these essentially amount to: “Oh, I’m not homophobic, I just don’t want ever want homosexuals to acknowledge their existence because that may make me uncomfortable at some point due to my own inadequacies and issues.”

2. ‘SGT in National Guard’ said: “put yourself in a group shower and two of the guys showering with you are openly gay.

This would make it very uncomfortable for you to be in the shower with them.”

This statement, under the mask of a “c’mon guys, let’s be reasonable” persona that admits absolutely no guilt, assumes that all homosexuals are perverted sexual deviants.

A common misconception, an overwhelmingly arrogant one at that, is that all homosexuals want to have sex with their own gender, no matter the person 1. The three comments on or situation. This ridiculous page 4, originally appearing assumption concludes that on the Reporter Web site, because a homosexual is overtly suggest homosexuals showering next to you that they hide who they are.

Nate Brennan are either a) thinking about This is an issue that sleeping with you or b) might was forced upon those of not be able to contain themselves mixed race during times of extreme from trying to sleep with you. racial prejudice where they had to Maybe Tiger Woods has this problem, pretend to be solely white with dark and maybe the last man on earth will complexions in order to escape slavery or have this problem, but you, sir, I’m sure degradation. Yet, we’ve come to realize you’re in no danger of being eye-raped that such behavior and views are not

by Private Dancer. only uncivilized and horrific, but utterly ridiculous.

3. The Navy man’s argument for being With an estimated homosexual uncomfortable makes complete sense, population of at least 10 percent of but only as an issue between roommates.

Americans, it’s absurd to prevent them If the roommate were heterosexual and from enlisting openly, from a numbers going to town on his girlfriend in the standpoint alone. But by telling this same room, wouldn’t you feel just as minority group to hide their sexual uncomfortable? Maybe not as “grossed orientation, we are essentially telling out,” but certainly uncomfortable. If them that if they are open about their this is the sole reason you think open sexual preference, in certain heterosexual homosexuality shouldn’t be allowed, soldier’s eyes, they will change seeing as you have “many homosexual from fellow military to sub-humans friends,” I have to question your ability instantaneously. Is this the message that to recognize scope since you can’t grasp we really want to send? Are we still at that your argument makes more sense for a point where the message is continued dorm regulations than an entire military prejudice rather than learning to accept law. meaningless differences in lifestyle?

4. Basically the first two statements, and the third to an extent, argue that

instead of fixing their own, or their colleague’s, issues with homosexuality to become more accepting, homosexuals are the ones in need of changing because of the intolerance of themselves and others.

The problem of gays in the military isn’t a matter of whether they are open about it or not. Their sexual preference is completely irrelevant. The problem lies in the way certain soldiers view homosexuality by putting their own prejudices and discomfort ahead of the sense of brotherhood between soldiers the military provides.

Seeing as most soldiers can certainly attest to a having a unique camaraderie toward heterosexual soldiers they serve with, it’s preposterous, crass, crude and bigoted for them not have the same views toward fellow soldiers who just happen to be of a different sexual preference.

Which is what it really boils down to.

The “issue” of gays in the military isn’t even a military issue, it’s a social one.

Because not only are American soldiers such as Arizona’s Private Kyle Lawson, who was beaten by fellow soldiers and then discharged from the United States Army after being outted as gay at an off-post party, are forced to fear for their lives on the battlefield, but in the barracks as well.

web photo Private Kyle Lawson was beaten by fellow soldiers and then discharged from the U.S. Army after being outted as gay.

Page 6 • Reporter

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010T

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

BREAK About a dozen students will travel to St. Louis to work on various projects continued from 1

Conference had humble beginnings staff writer

of “real need.”

“Last year on the trip I worked with a carpentry place in downtown St. Louis that was owned by a couple who taught people in the community how to be carpenters and get jobs in the trade,” said Borst. “One of the things I learned about on the first trip is that FEMA has focused its concern on the gulf [after Hurricane Katrina] and St. Louis has been left behind in some ways because it also go hit be the storm. There is still a lot of repair and work that needs to be done.”

About a dozen of the more than 30 students in the fellowship will travel to St. Louis with Borst where they will join other affiliates from across the nation to provide a variety of services throughout the week. Groups of students will be assigned to different projects as part of a week centered on service training.

“We work with an organization called City Lights that will train us to be serviceminded so we can bring back what we’ve learned and apply it to our region,” Borst said.

Borst and Garcia may not be going on the same trip or be part of the same organization, but they have collaborated on an upcoming event to get the nearly dozen Christian student organizations on campus together. Last year they created Project W3 (pronounced “we”), a volunteer weekend composed of three local service projects that will kick off with a concert in the Centennial Student Union mall. Both students said they believe in the value of getting the different groups together and have planned the second annual event to be held in April.

Reporter • Page 7

Pan-African solutions BLAINE TAYLOR MARTIN

submitted photo AJ Garcia volunteered in Mississippi last year and will return to the city of Bay St. Louis to do service work alongside four other MSU students.

way they can.

Garcia said a local family from the church made a southern home-cooked dinner for the group of students on a night that turned out to be one of the highlights of his time there.

“They lost everything but they have each other,” Garcia said. “They would always end anything they said, telling the stories about the storms, saying ‘praise God’ or ‘thank God’ so just to see how they find so much joy in despite their troubles is really moving.”

Four other students will travel to Mississippi with Garcia, including freshman pre-law student Kevin Odam.

Odam said he was looking for an opportunity to help others and believes that spring break will give him the chance to put his free time to good use.

“I was led to believe that we are going to an area of poverty so I will be able to have a chance to gain a first-hand perspective of the aftermath of Katrina and do whatever I can in the short time we are there.”

This trip is one of four during spring break that students affiliated with the Newman Center will attend.

Some will work with various ministries to volunteer their time to service-based projects in Chicago, David, Ky. and Toliman, Guatemala.

Automotive engineering senior Matt Borst will be traveling to St. Louis, Missouri for the second time with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a religious student organization on campus. As the president of InterVarsity, Borst understands the importance of this service-learning trip and believes that St. Louis is a city

News

Minnesota State’s Pan African Student Leadership Conference is one of the university’s biggest events each year. This year’s conference, scheduled to begin Wednesday and run through Saturday, promises to be no different.

With speech titles like “Black Jeopardy” and “The Burial of the ‘N’ Word,” the conference will offer the usual poignant and eyeopening discussion attendees have come to expect over the past 33 years.

Started on just a $300 budget in 1977, the conference was never meant to be an annual event. After the humble start, conference founder Michael Fagin received encouragement from his mentor, Macalester College professor Mahmoud El-Kati. El-Kati is scheduled to speak on the opening day of this year’s conference.

The past three decades have seen hundreds of noted individuals speak at the conference, including Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale and, the creator of Kwanzaa, Malauna Karenga.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Pan-African Challenges and Solutions to World-Wide Problems.”

Speakers will include Harry “Spike” Moss, Tina Jackson and Carlos Sneed.

Registration for each day of the conference is held in Centennial Student Union 123. Registration begins Wednesday at 9 a.m. and Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 a.m.

Wednesday is the ninth annual Somali Cultural Day and discussion will center on Somali issues, including challenges faced by the Somali media and risks to Somali youth. The day will also see a discussion of El-Kati’s new book, “The Hiptionary: a Survey of African-American Speech Patterns with a Digest of Key Words and Phrases” from 1-2 p.m. in CSU 253.

Thursday marks the beginning of the general conference. In addition to presentations by El-Kati and Jackson, there will also be three panel discussions.

Developing black student leadership on a predominantly white college campus will be discussed by the first panel from 1-2 p.m in CSU 253.

Friday is African dress

day and delegates and attendees are encouraged to don African garb. The day is highlighted by four panel discussions.

Saturday is youth day and the final day of the general conference. The day culminates with the Mr. and Mrs. Pan-African talent ceremony. A seven-member committee will, based on interview questions and attendance points earned by going to the various events of the conference, name a Mr. and Mrs. Pan-Africa.

The competition runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the CSU Ballroom.

Last year, more than 1,000

A

u nn

students, faculty and members of the public attended the conference. The conference’s popularity has spawned imitators. The Asian-PacificAmerican Conference is scheduled for April 7-9.

If you go: Registration for the conference begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday through Saturday in CSU 123.

The conference begins with Somali Cultural Day.

al

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Page 8 • Reporter

News

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

MONOLOGUES The war in Congo has brought a high rate of kidnapping and sex crimes continued from 1 to reach as many people as possible with [The Vagina Monologues] every year, because all of these issues are important.”

Since the mid-1990s, the Congo has been involved in an extensive civil war which has taken the lives of almost 6 million people: a number which makes it the world’s deadliest military conflict since World War II. The war has forced the displacement of more than 3.5 million civilians, and has brought along with it disturbing rates of kidnapping and sex crimes in the region.

According to a 2008 report by human rights group Amnesty International, the country has seen an average

of 50,000 women reporting each year since 1998 that they were raped or sexually abused; many of them by peacekeeping forces in the region who were on missions to protect the civilians.

This has led to a practice known as “sex slavery,” in which women and girls are kidnapped to be used repeatedly as sexual slaves for the entire group of captors.

“It‘s really terrible stuff,” said Pilnick. “This year’s spotlight monologue is especially important because of the injustices done there.

I’m glad to be involved in a movement working to end violence against women.”

Parker, too, took solace in knowing her performance

EVENT ‘We are journalists and we need journalists.

Not just here, but in the world.’

helped raise awareness to the women of Congo.

“I [was] really honored to have the chance to read this year’s monologue,” Parker said. “We’ve all been touched by this violence in some way.

It’s really heart wrenching and empowering at the same time.”

Saturday’s performance of The Vagina Monologues, which filled more than half the seats in Ostrander, left attendees feeling the same way.

“It definitely opens your eyes,” said Alan Journer, a junior at MSU who saw the play for the first time. “There are some funny [monologues] and some not-so funny ones, but they all made you think,

UNIVERSITY SQUARE

continued from 1 program cuts.

The university is beginning to take a look at non-academic areas that could be cut, including the student affairs, information technology and athletics departments.

In addition, MSU will continue to look for other ways to increase revenue, such as through online classes or its satellite campus at 7700 France Ave. Programs targeted for closure have a year before the cuts actually take effect, so professors being let go with have a year to find other jobs.

Programs slated for cuts will file the paperwork for suspension, which means students in the program will be allowed to finish but no new students will admitted to the program.

“Based on the timeline, before August 1 letters will be sent out to the faculty who will be retrenched,” Sandmann said.

Even with program cuts, MSU

is no where near being in the clear in terms of the 2012 budget crisis.

“It’s a horrible event. It’s unavoidable,” Sandmann said.

“We’re getting closer to coming up with a plan. When 2012 hits we want our budget to be in alignment with the money available.”

As far as tuition goes, the administration hopes to keep the increase to a maximum of five percent.

“There has been some pressure to increase it more,” Sandmann said. “There is no way to raise it enough to cover everything in a reasonable manner.”

One specialty that will be hit by the cuts is the mass communications, journalism program. The program is listed on the roster as likely to be cut.

Mavis Richardson, a mass communications professor, said cutting journalism would be like “cutting at our hearts.”

“We are journalists,” she said, “and we need journalists. Not just here, but in the world.”

Many of the journalism classes are also requirements or electives for the public relations option, so there has been some talk within the department of combining certain classes and changing things around.

The program is set to lose about five adjunct professors, which will mean fewer course offerings and larger sections for the students.

“We don’t want to have to cut down on the number of students we admit into the major,” Richardson said. “We already have to turn students away.”

Although there has been vocal support for keeping the aviation major, it remains on the list of likely cuts.

A third update of the roster will be released around March, once administration has a chance to factor in faculty seniority.

even for a guy.”

People who had seen it before were also impressed with the performance.

“I’ve probably seen this play about ten times,” said Kayla Hathaway, a 2006 psychology graduate from MSU. “I think it gets better every time. The girls this year were very good, they got their parts down really well. My favorite [monologue] has been ’Because he liked to look at it’ for awhile now and this year was no different.”

The Women’s Center at MSU hosts productions of The Vagina Monologues each year, usually around February or early March.

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The monologue is a moving piece about a fifteen year old girl from Congo who is abducted and turned into a sex slave by military peacekeepers, and is the basis for having 10 percent of this years’ ticket sales going to women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“More than 500,000 women and girls have been sexually abused there,” said Lauren Pilnick, the sexual violence education coordinator at the Women‘s Center and co-producer of last weekend’s event. “And many of them were victims of the people who were supposed to be protecting them. We want

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Variety Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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Featured Artist: Shotgun Fiction

GMG introduces students to jobs

web photo from Shotgun Fiction’s Facebook fan page Shotgun Fiction plays a dancey, raw, emotive brand of indie rock n’ roll. They will ‘Shanghai’ the Red Sky Lounge tomorrow night with the Style Biters, Laura Schultz and #1 Bad Boy Jordan Carr.

staff writer Minnesota State houses students hailing from places all over the country and world, but how much do students really know about their community and its businesses?

Even after living in Mankato for years, some MSU students have little to no knowledge of the businesses away from campus and the River Hills Mall area. Greater Mankato Growth, a recent initiative by the Mankato Chamber of Commerce, aims to change this by educating students about businesses in the area, hoping that instead of leaving Mankato after graduation, students choose to stay.

“One of the greatest assets we have is the 20,000 students who call this their home every year,” said Jonathan Zierdt, President and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth. “15,000 of those are at MSU; most communities don’t have the opportunity to have that stage.”

Zierdt explained that with the large number of students in Mankato and the surrounding area, it would be a waste not to use their talent. With this in mind, GMG created Talent Initiatives.

“When we created this organization we realized that students and future talent, as we like to call it, will be the most important ingredient for business success,” Zierdt said. “We are sitting on a great resource for these businesses.”

According to Brian Stempka, the director of Talent Initiatives, a survey was taken

NATE BRENNAN

variety editor

Leaving only a trail of South Park references and cigarette butts behind them, Shotgun Fiction labors through the recording of their newest release, “the sixtwentyeight EP.” In a tiny room filled with only drums, recording equipment and band members either acting as recording engineer or standing still as to not disrupt the feed, Colin Scharf wails into the microphone: “I don’t have a problem.”

Scharf and company are laying down the vocals for “No Problem,” a rock n’ roll song with the prettiness of indie and dance and the raw spirit

of punk. Scharf, with all the power his lungs can provide, continues his singing: “You wanna be alone? That’s fine with me.”

As the band sits down and gets ready to be interviewed, primary vocalist and rhythm guitarist Amber Smith hides behind a green hoodie and glasses, trying to be engaged but shying away at the same time. While she may resemble the Pixies’ Kim Deal in her humble demeanor and charming vocal arrangements, her lyrics are more like the Pixies’ Frank Black, something mainstream record companies would refer to as “less than agreeable.”

“Some are old poems, some

are recent events,” said Smith on the content of her lyrics.

“The first are mostly from my first band back in Oklahoma, but the newer ones are more personal.”

With tough lyrics sung through a sweet, beautifully flawed voice, Smith evokes a gritty reality — a bleak depiction of everyday life that relates to the fast-paced, “trophy kid” Y Generation finding it hard to attain love or jobs: “Trust me, it’s all your fault, I think I’m losing my mind every day. My heart is heavy, and I want you to know.

Not enough money, too much love, tore them apart, just

Shotgun Fiction / page 10

ASHLEY JOHANSEN

about a year ago concerning college students and whether or not they wanted to stay in Mankato. He explained that about 50 percent of students wanted to stay, but didn’t think they could, possibly because of a notion that there are not enough jobs to go around.

Talent Initiatives provides programs and events for students and professionals. The two programs aimed at students are the Mankato Young Professionals Program and Greater Mankato Leaders of Tomorrow. Both programs were put into place to inform students of Mankato businesses and promote networking between students, business owners and other professionals.

“Eighteen percent of students end up staying in Manakto, 49 percent wanted to stay; we need to drive that number up,” Stempka said.

Mankato Young Professionals works with people 21 to 39, helping them initiate networking and acquainting them with Mankato events and educational seminars The program, which has a $350 fee, enables participants to attend 24 events throughout the year. In the past, these events have included a trip to see the Mankato Orchestra, MoonDog games and a CEO breakfast, all with the intention of helping young professionals network and learn about Mankato businesses and how to better themselves as potential employees.

Zierdt explained that if a student graduates and decides to stay in Mankato, this pro-

GMG / page 11

E-books marking the death of print media?

JACOB BOHROD

staff writer The digital age has influenced our daily lives to an almost innumerable extent. We need directions: we check our phones.

We have homework due: we submit it online. We want to watch a movie: we whip out our iPods and crank up the volume.

Print media are the last soldiers standing in the battle against digital conversion. However, all signs point to a future populated by e-books, electronic tablets that allow readers to download and access print media with the click of a button or the point of a finger. The possibilities of this increasingly popular

technology has in terms of our experience with the written word are far-reaching and have tech professionals and gadget junkies atwitter as new developments are constantly in the works.

One problem the evolving technology faces is a battle of brands. Mankato School District’s Director of Media and Technology Doug Johnson compares the issue to when VHS took on Betamax, or, more recently, to when blu-ray and HD DVD duked it out.

“The format of e-books is still in flux,” he said. “[Consumers] are hesitant to invest heavily in a format that will quickly become obsolete.”

With Kindle and Nook and

dozens more vying for public support (and dollars), it’s hard to know which will stand out above the crowd when the dust settles.

And an increasing amount of companies are looking to throw their hats in the ring every day.

Backed by Sprint and looking to touch down sometime this year, the Skiff Reader boasts an 11.5 inch touch screen optimized for newspaper and magazine viewing that can bend like paper. It will also be able to connect to Sprint’s 3G wireless network.

Others, like the Entourage eDGe, look to combine e-readers and netbooks into one

E-Books / page 11

web photo The eDGe was introduced at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.

Page 10 • Reporter

Variety

SHOTGUN FICTION The band’s live performance is described as a ‘visceral experience that will leave you sweaty, satisfied and not caring about the ringing in your ears.’ continued from 9 fucking face the fact that you are a fuckface.”

“With the material being kind of darker, we have to make it something groovy that will get people dancing to it,” said bassist Eric Blake.

Are the members of Shotgun Fiction the most talented musicians in town?

Probably not. Are they the prettiest? Depends on who you ask, I suppose. But demand of them a song both raw and pretty, dancey and hard, and written so damn near perfect that it couldn’t have come from anyone other than Kurt Cobain or Paul Westerberg and they will come at you full throttle with the likes of “9:09 – The New Midnight” and “Captain Jesus and the Nirvana Monkeys,” tracks that attack the ear so smooth you almost can’t stand it.

“Shotgun Fiction takes a high-energy approach to rock ‘n’ roll. We don’t screw around,” Scharf said. “We play loud, rock hard, and don’t always hit the right notes. In a world of careful, sugar-coated music and soulless musicians, Shotgun Fiction is a return to an older sound, where raw energy and emotion took a front seat to precision and pretension.”

Working over the past three months to find their sound and “mature out of joke punk to something more å,” the band not only recorded “the sixtwentyeight EP” in hopes of reaching old and new fans alike, but developed a regular show at the Red Sky Lounge.

“Red Sky Shanghai” was an idea to take over an open mic night with other local musicians the Style Biters at a

local bar, which would allow them to play for free, not have to worry about booking and let the audience watch for free.

Tomorrow at 10 p.m., Shotgun Fiction will be throwing another “Red Sky Shanghai” with the Style Biters, Laura Schultz and #1 Bad Boy Jordan Carr (of Forever Dumb).

Beginning at 10 p.m., Scharf promised the show to be a “visceral experience that will leave you sweaty, satisfied, and not caring about the ringing in your ears.”

While the freeness and promises of the show seem like reason enough to attend, the band does hope that the slight upswing in support of local music continues.

“I have a theory: it comes down to geographic location; people are up the hill and they don’t want to go down it,” Scharf said. “Most of the bars are oriented around cover bands and hot 100 radio. Everybody who could sustain a music scene left for Minneapolis except for us, the Style Biters, Forever Dumb, the Body Politic and a few others.”

“Mankato definitely has the talent, it’s just going through a lull period,” said drummer Tom Heffernan. “I feel like something is going to happen soon that will be the spark that rejuvenates the scene.”

“There seems to be a big disconnect between the audience and the bands,” Blake said. “The bands work hard to put stuff together, but the people are not working hard enough to support their scene and its bands.”

Tuesday, February 23, 2010T

MSU Theatre review: ‘On the Razzle’ JACOB BOHROD

staff writer Tom Stoppard’s “On the Razzle,” the latest fast-talking high-pants production to grace the Ted Paul Theatre at Minnesota State, will not be remembered for its exuberance or enthusiasm, its technical brilliance or stand-out performances, but will hold a special place in our hearts as “that play we went to see that one time.”

For newcomers to the play, the first 15 minutes will be a wash, an extended period of brow-furling and “what-didhe-say?”s. Set in Austria in 1890 (a hard fact to arrive by through the play alone), the play tells the story of a shop owner who trusts the store to two employees while he woos his fiancé in Vienna for the day.

The two employees, Weinberl and Christopher, decide that after a lifetime of obedience and service they deserve a day in the city themselves, and set out on the razzle (“to have a good time,” this also needed clarifying for those ignorant of old-timey British phraseology like the average attendee).

The first half of the play is disengaging and hard to translate, mainly due to the complicated speech and longwinded exposition. Like many of the problems with the production, it’s difficult knowing whether to blame the playwright or the cast. In the end, it’s the most accurate to chalk the unfavorable aspects of the production up as TPM issues.

You know, just like a third grader who repeatedly cuts in line at the drinking fountain, “On the Razzle” deserves an arm full of Time-Place-Manner cards to straighten it out. Was this the right time for the play? The right place? Was it done in the correct

manner? Now go think about what you’ve done.

I don’t doubt the wit of the jokes or strength of the characters — in fact, when my brain caught up to the performers’ mouths, the laughs came easy — but nothing about the play made it stand out above the rest, made it sparkle and shimmer among all the other fishes.

The cast photo courtesy of MSU Theatre & Dance Dept. seemed Christopher and Weinberl (Jason Garton and uninspired Anthony DePoto) toast in ‘On the Razzle.’ throughout much and designed and do a good job of the production, adding needed character to the save the last third which saw show. the action pick up and a sort of Hard to get over, however, is synergy take hold. Of course, with an audience with an average the ever-changing time period. age of 75 that remains as quiet as Some of the costumes are as one a mouse, it’s understandable that would expect in the 1890s, but some are noticeably more ’30s spirits are hard to keep up. and ’40s. Also, at one point, a Once the play finds its rhythm, though, it’s as enjoyable newspaper is shown that speaks quite visibly of the new invention as they come. The cast seemed of color television. to settle into their roles after the In the animal kingdom, “On first half, a change that registered greatly with the total atmosphere the Razzle” would be a lamb.

Lambs mew and bah and are of the performance. The wit is perfectly nice, but nobody’s hard to follow, but it’s fun and favorite animal is the lamb. light, and it feels like a mini victory when you can pick out a joke that’s understandable. The sets are flawlessly constructed

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Variety

GMG Group aims E-BOOKS The digital revolution of to get graduates to books may threaten the life of print stay in Mankato media, but some experts argue that it will just evolve continued from 9 continued from 9

gram would be very beneficial in that it allows people to network outside of their work place, essentially making them not as isolated if their college friends leave. He also explained that the program really makes people feel at home and that they are a part of what’s going on in Mankato.

Greater Mankato Leaders of Tomorrow is slightly different than the Young Professionals Program in that it focuses on students. The program initiates networking, but focuses the networking with local businesses specifically educating students through two educational sessions. The students that belong to the group are also allowed to attend Business Before Hours meetings and Business After Hours meetings or “receptions” that Greater Mankato Growth puts on. Students in the group may also be able to receive credits through MSU. GMG’s web site also caters to students and others in the community. Their web site features activities and events happening in the Mankato area that span from music to movies and a place where you can buy tickets.

The Web site also contains a cost of living calculator. With this calculator, students who are graduating or those who are looking for jobs outside of Mankato can calculate the cost of living in another city in comparison to Mankato.

“This is a good tool to have when you’re job searching.

Maybe you have an offer in Mankato and an offer in New York. With this you can see what standard of living your salary will get you in those places,” Zierdt said.

Stempka explained that every fiscal quarter, he goes shopping to find prices of everything form food to clothing in Mankato to update the calculator.

Both Zierdt and Stempka hope that their efforts in educating students of businesses in Mankato and starting interactions between students and business owners will encourage students to stay in Mankato after graduation.

To get more information on GMG and Talent Initiative programs; go to their web site, greatermankatogrowth.com, or by going to their Facebook page. Students can also find out more by contacting MSU’s GMG representative, Ryan Yunkers, assistant director of student union and activites.

package. The eDGe sports two touchvscreens that open sideby-side, making it easier to open PDF files while still running other programs. Stuffed with the usual amenities found in the average laptop or netbook, the eDGe — being called the world’s first “dualbook” — launches this week for around $500.

In the enviro-crazed society we occupy today, the possibilities surrounding these machines can be easily applied outside the sphere of gadget-lovers. The role they may play in the future of education is something Johnson and others like him are focused on.

“My sense is that e-books — when fully developed — will offer some incredible opportunities for learners,” he said, “[including] the opportunity for teachers to customize the materials for their curriculum, links to multimedia and other sources, artificial intelligence to provide tutoring services, the ability to do more group study and interaction, and of course, portability and ready access to the world’s knowledge.”

The advantages of e-readers and the more advanced technology that comes as a result of their application are increasingly exciting to fathom and explore. But some wonder if the advent of e-reading threatens

writing as an art form, one that has thrived for centuries without electronic intervention.

In a column featured in the Feb. 14 edition of Minneapolis’ Star Tribune, William Souder, a longtime journalist and connoisseur of the written word, throws e-books in with social networking sites as a technology looking to sink the art of writing and suffocate the personality of reading.

“I look at a device like the Kindle with horror,” he said. Yes, “Moby Dick” might be able to be downloaded for free, but, in essence, “thanks to electronic publishing, this 656-page classic of literature is now worthless.”

However, many are looking to what e-books will have to offer the art form, rather than steal from it.

“All art forms ... are constantly in a state of change and evolution,” said Candace Black, poet and English professor at Minnesota State. She keeps reminding herself this fact — and that the new technology may improve the art — as her beloved print media looks to be in its last throes.

“Perhaps technology will ‘allow’ writers to do more experimental things with text and formatting, which would result in changes,” she said.

Reporter • Page 11

MFA students have ‘Writer’s Bloc’ DREW CLAUSSEN

staff writer Open mic nights are a great way to get your work out to the general public. There is a plethora of different material that can be offered including different kinds of short stories, poetry and music. There is also a different aspect of an open mic night — relationships.

“It’s an informal way to get the department and the community involved,” said Jorge Evans, a graduate teaching assistant in Minnesota State’s creative writing program. “You get to see people that you usually don’t see at work.”

Evans is referring to Writers Bloc, an open mic night at The What’s Up Lounge that celebrates creative writing and gives writers a chance to expose their work to the public. Writers Bloc, which was created over 19 years ago, is currently run by Evans and Daniel DeWolf, another graduate teaching assitant in the MSU creative writing program.

“It’s a way to break away from school and share our work,” DeWolf said.

There are two more events this semester on March 17 and April 21. The last one will be a roast of sorts where the two leaders and essentially the entire MSU English department will roast each other; also the winner

of a yearlong raffle will be announced.

The raffle raises funds for the GSCWC, and the prize is getting to sign your name on “The Throne of Glory,” which is a toilet seat in the women’s bathroom. The GSCWC is a vehicle for communication among graduate creative writing students that are in the Master of Fine Arts program at MSU. The club’s fundraising money will go towards the costs of attending the Association of Writers and Writing Programs annual conference, which will be held in Denver, Colo. in April.

“The conference is a way for us as writing students to glean what we can from people who have achieved success in our field,” said club president Samuel Kauer.

Kauer is one of 18 students and four faculty members that will be attending this year’s conference. The conference has many panels on the writing profession and on the teaching of creative writing. There is also a book fair where several hundred independent publishers present their work. The fair also allows writing programs to feature their material, such as MSU’s Blue Earth Review.

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Sports Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Controlling their own destiny After a Mesa State loss and MSU win, the Mavericks are now in the driver’s seat in the Central Region Minnesota State 81 Southwest Minnesota State 64 KYLE RATKE

sports editor The Minnesota State men’s basketball team is exactly where they want to be: in control.

With Saturday’s 81-64 win over Southwest Minnesota State, the Mavericks likely have propelled themselves to first place in the Central Region.

This came with help from Mesa State, who lost to Fort Lewis over the weekend.

“It puts us in the driver seat now because we will be ranked No.1 in the region and control our own destiny,” said MSU guard Taylor Morrow, who scored a career-high 15 points against the Mustangs. “That’s something you always want because we can now just focus on what we need to get done and not worry about anyone else.”

The Mavericks started out slow against the Mustangs, leading just 34-31 at halftime,

T

but the Mavericks were able to pull away in the second half, outscoring SMSU 47-33.

Head coach Matt Margenthaler has preached all year long to his players about the importance of defense and rebounding.

Margenthaler’s players must have been listening — as they held the Mustangs to 30 percent shooting in the first-half and out-rebounded the Mustangs 35-30.

“We needed that for sure,” Margenthaler said. “Our main emphasis has been that defense and rebounding creates offense.

When our guys get energized and we decide to do that, we are one of the best teams in the nation. We need to keep that attitude and our defense will help us win games.”

Another thing that has been helping the Mavericks win games has been their bench play. Morrow, Marcus Hill and Cam Hodges are three

Men’s Hoops / page 14

shannon rathmanner • msu reporter Taylor Morrow (25), normally a defensive specialist, scored a career-high 15 points on Saturday night against Southwest Minnesota State.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Mavericks facing an uphill battle

dan moen • msu reporter Lauren Barber leads the Mavericks with 52 3-pointers this season.

Minnesota State 70 Southwest Minnesota State 54 DEREK WEHRWEIN

staff writer The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference standings are, says coach Pam Gohl, “a confusing mess.”

But the Minnesota State women’s basketball team knows this much: its 70-54 victory over Southwest Minnesota State Saturday puts MSU back into the thick of the conference tournament hunt.

The win means the Mavericks own the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Mustangs, who are in a three-way tie with MSU and Northern State for the seventh spot in the conference standings.

The win also means MSU is assured at least eighth place — and a spot in the NSIC tournament — if it wins its final two regularseason games.

“Most importantly we’re going to try to control our own destiny and win the next two games,” Gohl said.

That’s easier said than done for MSU, however, which is

14-11 overall and 9-9 in the NSIC. The Mavericks finish their season against a mediocre Mary team on Feb. 27, but first must face Augustana, an NSIC powerhouse tied for second in the conference.

Gohl knows her team will need to produce more than the 66 points it did in an 18-point loss to Augustana earlier this season “Teams don’t beat Augustana 53-50,” she said. “Teams beat Augustana 88-85. We’re going to have to be able to score against them since they’re just too dynamic offensively to be able to shut everything down. We’re going to have to make sure we take care of business and score.”

That’s what MSU did Saturday when facing a must-win situation against Southwest Minnesota State, which entered the day one game up on the Mavericks in the standings. The teams battled to an early 20-20 tie, but MSU went on a late first-half run to take a 41-31 halftime lead.

The Mavericks survived a Mustangs rally early in the sec-

Women’s hoops / page 14

(507) 389-5227 MEN’S HOCKEY

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staff writer Michael Dorr couldn’t really find words to explain it. “They’re just going in I guess” he said a few times as he shrugged his shoulders, Saturday, after the Minnesota State men’s hockey team completed its sweep of AlaskaAnchorage.

Dorr was talking about MSU’s improvement in scoring lately as the Mavericks topped the Seawolves 5-2 on Friday and got the sweep the next night with a 4-3 win in the first games at the Verizon Wireless Center in more than a month.

“We didn’t have a lot of shots but they’re just starting to go in,” said Dorr, who scored the first MSU two goals Saturday night.

MSU has now scored 13 goals in the past three games dating back to last Saturday’s 8-4 loss at Wisconsin. Granted, the Mavericks were going against the worst goaltender in Division I — Jon Olthuis — in terms of save percentage (87 percent).

“We got good chances tonight and we didn’t let the good chances slip by,” said MSU coach Troy Jutting. “We’re moving forward and it’s nice to see us scoring some goals.”

It was UAA that got on the board first just 49 seconds into Friday’s game when Kevin Clark brought the puck into the Mavericks’ zone on the Seawolves’ first rush up the ice. He left it for teammate Josh Lundeen, who left a drop pass for Nick Haddad, who fired a shot past MSU goalie Phil Cook.

Cook was a brick wall from that point on, making a “critical” save when he robbed UAA’s Sean Wiles with his glove while lying on his front side in the second period with the game tied.

“The guy went for the wraparound and I saw him last minute,” said Cook, who finished with 28 saves. “I kind of threw up a prayer and luckily I got on top of it.”

Jutting added that Cook’s save was “very critical for us.”

A few minutes later, Kael Mouillierat stole the puck from a UAA player in the neutral zone, walked in on Olthuis and scored to put MSU on top and Rylan Galiardi scored on a tipped shot just before the second intermission.

Men’s hockey / page 14

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Sports

Reporter • Page 13

WRESLTING

Mavericks 3-2 in last Up and down weekend for MSU five WCHA games SCSU MSU

32 7

MSU SMSU

22 15

Sioux in both games, the Mav- PAT DELANEY ericks couldn’t capitalize on staff writer Saturday.

The Mavericks were able to “We had 30-plus shots on conclude the season with a victory LEE HANDEL net. We just didn’t put the puck over Southwest Minnesota State, staff writer in the right spots,” Means said. but had no such luck at home the Playing in its final The Mavericks night before, losing against rival regular season series of now have a date this St. Cloud State in disappointing the year, the Minnesota weekend with the fashion.

State women’s hockey Minnesota Golden The Huskies had been chasing team split a home series Gophers at Ridder the Mavericks all season and were with the North Dakota Arena. The Gophers only one spot behind MSU in the Sioux to stay out of the dropped to the second rankings. MSU could not match conference cellar. seed on the final day SCSU’s intensity as they domiThe Mavericksa of the regular season, nated the majority of the meet, Christina Lee entered the weekend losing the tie-breaker winning all but two matches. needing only two points to Minnesota-Duluth Competing at the 125-pound to fend off the Sioux for with each team having 43 weight class, junior Andy Forstner the seventh seed in the WCHA points in WCHA play. has been getting MSU off to Tournament this weekend.

“They play with great congood starts all season and against They got two points they fidence at [Ridder] and know SCSU it was no different. Forstner needed on Friday, defeating the how to win there. We will have received a 10-2 major decision in Sioux 3-2 with an impressive our hands full,” Means said. the first match, pushing his win team effort.

“They are an extremely strong total to 18 on the season.

MSU Senior captain Kala team, so we need to play fast Unfortunately for the MaverBuganski set the tone early and not let them get on us.” icks, they would not see another for the Mavericks, scoring her Lee sees playing the Govictory until the final match of sixth goal of the season on phers as a good thing, with the night.

As well as the Maverthe power play. She converted many Mavericks having ties to icks have performed at home this glove side thanks to a great the Twin Cities. season, the Huskies were just too setup pass from sophomore “We don’t have to travel as much to handle Friday, putting forward Lisa Edman. far and we will draw a bigger a damper on the Mavericks final “To score on the power play crowd and have more support,” home meet of the season. right away always helps,” said she said. “If we believe we can Though disappointed at Frihead coach Eric Means. win, hopefully we can make a day’s outcome, the last thing the The Mavericks extended run like last year.”

Mavericks could afford was to their lead to 2-0 later in the The Mavericks close the lose two in a row heading into the second period on a nice unasseason in Minneapolis, playing postseason. It would be no easy sisted breakaway goal from the Gophers at 7:07 p.m. Fritask against Southwest Minnesota senior forward Christina Lee. day and 4:07 p.m. Saturday.

State, who also wanted to have The goal was Lee’s fourth of an impressive finish to its regular the season. season at their home arena.

The Sioux were able to cut The Mavericks got an early the deficit in half with a deflected goal late in the second period, but sophomore blueliner Jackie Otto put the game NOW PRE-LEASING FOR away early in the third with her second goal of the season. She 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR was assisted by Lee and fellow senior forward Ashley Young, Beautiful Outdoor Pool Spacious Apartments who both picked up their second points of the night on the game-winning goal.

“We played pretty smart hockey,” Lee said. “We were also going to the net hard and shot the puck with confidence.”

The offense fizzled out on Rent begins at $390/mo.* 1 & 2 Bedrooms Saturday afternoon, as the Sioux blanked the Mavericks Laundry Facilities 1 Mile from Campus 1-0 on Senior Day. Seven Heat & Water included FREE Parking on Campus Maverick seniors were hon* Based on double occupancy in 2 Bdr. ored before the game, but that was about all the home fans had to cheer about. The effort and energy was there for the Mavericks, but they may have been trying too hard.

“It definitely was an emotional day. We wanted to win that game so bad and that might have hurt us,” Lee said.

“We had some good chances that we just could not put away.”

Despite outshooting the

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victory again by Forstner and two impressive victories by seniors Justin Turek and Travis Elg. But the Mustangs would not go away and with three matches left the Mavericks found themselves down 15-11.

MSU would mount a comeback starting, with a victory by sophomore Aaron Norgren at the 184 -pound weight class. This was then followed by a thrilling match as junior John Makabe was able to seal an overtime victory at 197 pounds, which gave the Mavericks the lead.

When MSU has the lead and only Wilson to wrestle, it’s almost a guarantee that the Mavericks are going to win. This was again the case as Wilson dominated, winning 18-6 in a technical fall in just under five minutes.

With that the Mavericks concluded what has been an interesting regular season for head coach Jim Makovsky.

“This team has been a little different than teams I have had in the past,” said Makovsky. “It has been harder for me to get a read on them and what they are thinking, but that is not a bad thing as long as they know that heading into the postseason you have to have the mindset that you are going to really fight to get your hand raised.”

On the individual side of things, MSU has two wrestlers that are having great seasons. In nearly every meet this season they

have been able to count on a victory from Forstner at 125 pounds and Wilson at heavyweight.

Forstner has gotten stronger as the season has moved along. He finished the regular season with 19 wins and has been ranked in the top five for the majority of the season.

Wilson has proved that he has made a strong impact on the history of the MSU wrestling program. He has won 19 straight heading into the postseason and his victory against the Mustangs gave him 136 in his career, tied for most in school history.

“I feel like I am going to win every match that I am in,” Wilson said. “When I step on the mat I am confident in my abilities that there is no way the other guy can beat me. I worked really hard the past year so I can put myself in that position.”

Forstner and Wilson will be the anchors going into the postseason, but the entire team will have an opportunity to have a high amount of success the rest of the way. Every individual is in good position to have a chance at nationals and there will still be a sense of team pride going into regions, something the Mavericks have won the last three seasons.

“We have won regions the last three years so our mindset is it’s ours until someone else takes it,” Makovsky said.

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MEN’S HOOPS Mavericks have chance to claim at least a share of NSIC title continued from 12

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL School Conf. OVR (20) Concordia 15-3 21-4 Wayne State 14-4 21-4 Augustana 14-4 20-5 UMD-Duluth 12-6 17-8 MSU-Moorhead 11-7 17-8 Winona State 10-8 15-10 SW-Minnesota State 9-9 15-10 MAVERICKS 9-9 14-11 Northern State 9-9 13-12 Minnesota-Crookston 7-11 9-15 Bemidji State 6-12 12-13 St. Cloud State 5-13 10-15 Mary 5-13 9-16 Upper Iowa 0-18 2-23

MEN’S BASKETBALL School Conf. OVR (7) MAVERICKS 16-2 23-2 (20) St. Cloud State 15-3 21-4 (19) Augustana 13-5 20-5 Winona State 11-7 17-8 Concordia-St. Paul 10-7 13-11 Mary 9-7 13-10 Northern State 8-8 12-11 SW Minnesota State 8-9 13-10 Wayne State 7-9 10-13 Upper Iowa 7-10 10-14 Bemidji State 6-11 9-14 MSU-Moorhead 5-12 8-16 Minnesota-Duluth 4-13 7-17 Minnesota-Crookston 1-16 4-19

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the conference, also plays on Wednesday night. If the Huskies were to lose, the Mavericks would clinch the conference entirely.

If the Mavericks were to lose and Huskies were to win, the Mavericks would risk dropping to second in both the NSIC and the Central Region.

The Augustana game may also have other implications for certain Maverick players. Augie was the first team to beat the Mavericks this season, as they defeated them 83-76 on Jan. 23 in Sioux Falls.

“I don’t think that’s the way to look at it,” Margenthaler said.

“I probably won’t have to do any motivational speeches. It’s a game where we can secure the NSIC championship. One of our goals was also to be undefeated at home. We want to send our seniors off with a nice win.”

The Mavericks (23-2 overall, 16-2 NSIC) play Augustana (20-5 overall, 13-5 NSIC) at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Taylor Center.

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continued from 12

continued from 12

ond half and then put the game out of reach. Lauren Barber and Sarah Wiens 3-pointers helped spark an 18-2 run for MSU, which led by more than 20 late in the second half.

“We really needed that win,” said Barber, who finished with nine points. “All week coach told us she didn’t really want us to worry about it being a huge game, but we all needed understand that it was a big game and that we needed to go out and play hard.”

Liz Trauger led MSU with 18 points while Laura Weber scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Tiffany Moe added nine points.

The Mavericks host Augustana at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

“It was great to get the monkey off our back,” Gohl said.

“We’d only had one conference win on the road … growing as a team and as a program, we needed to show up on a road game.”

Moullierat scored again and assisted on a Zach Harrison goal in the third period.

“Once a couple (pucks) start going in you start feeling a little bit looser and more confident and that’s what’s going on with me right now.”

Dorr scored a pair of goals 3:10 apart to give the Mavericks a one-goal lead after one period.

Ben Youds put the Mavericks up 3-1 five minutes into the second period but the Seawolves scored two goals, including the equalizer with five and a half minutes remaining in the third.

Mike Louwerse scored the game-winner with exactly five minutes left when he flipped the puck past Olthuis.

Louwerse and Youds each finished the game with two points and Cook finished the game with 26 saves.

The Mavericks look to build on their two-game win streak when No. 2 Denver comes to Mankato at 7:07 p.m. Friday at the Verizon Wireless Center. “(The sweep) gives us a lot of confidence going into next weekend,” Dorr said. “We’re going to have to be on a roll as we get into playoffs.”

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players averaging more than 18 minutes per game. The Mavericks bench has been a key factor all season long, and Margenthaler acknowledges that, saying in the two losses this year from the Mavericks, their bench play hasn’t been where it normally is.

Morrow, normally a hustleplayer, found his stroke in the game and was second in scoring for the Mavericks, trailing Jefferson Mason who scored 16 points.

“It felt good. Once you make a few shots it feels like the rest of your game rises as well.

That’s what happened Saturday night,” Morrow said. “Coach has been talking about getting to the basket because no one can stop us, and that’s what I did and it worked out.”

MSU will play Augustana on Wednesday in a game that has huge playoff and conference implications.

If the Mavericks were to win, they would clinch a stake in the Northern Sun Conference title.

St. Cloud State, who trails the Mavericks by one game in

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

VILLAGE APARTMENTS

CLOSEST TO CAMPUS!

VILLAGE 2 VILLAGE 1

Page 14 • Reporter

Behind Maverick Bookstore

Across from Taylor Center

www.usquaremankato.com 12 miles south on Hwy. 22

507-385-7977 • Call Today!

Classifieds

www.msureporter.com

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

(507) 389-1776

For Rent

For Rent

For Sale

Roommates Wanted

Roommates Wanted

5 or 4 or 3 or 2 or 1 BEDROOM houses/apartments available right now, some for next year. Many to choose from. Check out our web site www.ottoh.com owner/agent or call 507-340-3465.

4/29 DOWNTOWN MANK ATO Devine Towers. 4-5 Br units. $340/Br. Washer/Dryer/Fireplace/ Disposal/DW. Avail August 1st.

Call Gary 952-451-5793.

3/4 WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? www.collegetownmankato.com A community of your own.

4/29 WE’RE NOT YOUR AVERAGE slumlord. www.rentmsu.net.

College houses available for rent.

4/29 THE TRAIN STOPS HERE! www. collegestationmankato.com. Free flat screen in every 5 bedroom.

4/29 RadRenter.com Find a place to rent or post free listings at RadRenter.com. TBA AVAILABLE AUGUST 1ST. F’s/M’s to share 5 Bedroom, 2 bath home, living room and den, large bedrooms with walk-in closets, hardwood floors, individual leases, C/A, W/D, All utilities paid including TV & Internet $375-$405. 3860236 or 381-7578.

2/25 FEMALES TO SHARE 5 bedroom Victorian home in Historic Lincoln Park, 3 Baths, C/A, Off Street Parking, front & back porch. 330 Fulton $1775.00 plus utilities for whole house or individual leases upon request 507-380-0121 or 507-386-0236, 8-1.

2/25 4 BEDROOM FOR FOUR friends Available 8-1-2010. New carpet & paint 8-1-09. Off street parking.

Dishwasher. $310 per person plus utilities. Call Jeremy 507351-5192.

2/23 5 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM house, laundry, off-street parking, pets ok, 1 block from MSU, $1375/ month, Avail. 8/1 507-344-1128 www.cclproperties.com.

3/4

5 BEDROOM, 3 BATHROOM house, laundry, garage, off-street parking, pets ok, close to MSU, $1500/month. Avail. 8/1 507-3441128 www.cclproperties.com 3/4 5 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM house, attached garage, laundry, pets ok, close to MSU off-street parking, Avail. 8/1 $1500/month 507-344-1128 www.cclproperties. com 3/4 6 BEDROOM, 2 KITCHEN, 2 bathroom house, laundry, garage, off-street parking, pets ok, $1600/ month, Avail. 8/1, 507-344-1128 www.cclproperties.com 3/4 5 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM house, laundry, garage, pets ok $1290/month, Avail. 8/1 507-3441128 www.cclproperties.com 3/4 5 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM house, large yard, laundry, offstreet parking, pets ok, West Mankato, $1350/month, Avail. 8/1 507-344-1128 www.cclproperties. com 3/4 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOUSE North Mankato, Double garage, w/d, dishwasher, N/S, N/P, available August 1st, $1,200.00/ mo. 507-380-5294.

3/16 LARGE 2 BEDROOM apartment upstairs Duplex Available August 1st. Big backyard and offstreet parking. 528 S. Fourth St. $500/ mo. Call 507-381-1723.

2/25 AVAILABLE AUGUST 1ST. NEAR MSU on the bus route, big backyard! Heat and water paid, washer/dryer, offstreet parking and it feels like home! 308 James Ave. $680/mo. Call 507-381-1723. 2/25 AVAILABLE 2 BEDROOM Apartment main floor duplex available August 1st. Washer/ Dryer hookups, big backyard and offstreet parking. 528 S. Fourth St. $600/mo. Call 507-381-1723.

2/25 ONLY 3 LEFT 2, 5 BEDROOMS (1 with large 2 stall garage), 1, 4 bedroom $360 (plus utils) and $375 (utils. included) per bedroom.

Call 385-1999.

3/25

FOR SALE: CAP, GOWN, AND hood for person 5’4” tall. $50.00.

2/25

YOU CAN’T GET ANY CLOSER: F’s to share 5 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home 1/2 block from MSU at 232 Thayer, Large Bedrooms, Individual Leases, C/A, W/D, Off Street parking. All utilities paid including TV & Internet $395.00 to $420.00 per month Call 3860236. Available 8-1.

2/25 Live like a Queen in this 3,000 square foot house.

Furnished shared living spaces includes leather furniture and a plasma TV. Hardwood floors, front and back porches, built in cupboards and character galore.

Rooms starting at $370.00 plus utilities. Email for pictures today at Julie@halloweencostumes. com. 507-380-0121 or 507-3860236 Available 8-1.

2/25 F/ FEMALES TO SHARE 2 Bedroom Apartment in duplex with own Washer and Dryer $310.00 to $325.00 per room plus utilities, 128 South 5th Street 507-380-0121 or 507-3860236 Available 8-1.

2/25 F TO SHARE 2 BEDROOM OR 3 Bedroom Apt 1/2 block from MSU. C/A, W/D, Off street parking, Individual leases, $385.00 -$395.00 includes everything, utilities, TV & Internet. Available Aug 1st 3860236.

2/25

F’S TO SHARE 6 BEDROOM, 3 bath home, furnished family room and living room, C/A, W/D, Off street parking, Individual leases $385.00-$405.00 per room includes utilities, TV and Internet. Available August 1st or sooner 386-0236.

2/25 Glenwood Terrace M/ Roommate wanted to share 2 Bedroom apartment (6 month lease) call 507-387-1217.

2/25 2 FEMALE ROOMMATES wanted for 2010-2011 school year.

Balcerzak Edge Townhomes $350/ month + Utl. Call Amy 651-8153853 3/4

Help Wanted

BARTENDERS WANTED! $250/ day potential. No experience necessary. Training available. Age 18+ OK. Call (800) 965-6520 Ext. 170.

4/29 ACTORS NEEDED TO READ For playwrights in Mankato. Free lunch. See: www.berWorkshop. com for details.

3/4 S T U D E N T PAY O U T S . C O M Paid Survey Takers needed in Mankato. 100% Free to join! Click on Survey.

3/25

Notices

FREE SHOTOKAN KARATE Classes offered M/T/TH. 6-8 pm.

Dance room (HN 225) Beginners are welcome. Need not be a MSU student to join. For info call Brad @ (507) 388-5301 4/22

Roommates Wanted

FE M A LE RO O M M AT ES WANTED. 1 room for rent at a 4 room duplex $338.75 + utilities VERY close to campus, off street parking, washer, dryer, dishwasher included. For more info call 507276-1301 3/2

Renting for August 1

LARGE 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT MAIN FLOOR DUPLEX Available August 1st

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Call Jim at (507) 345-2049

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Looking for Something Flexible?

PT Awake Overnight and Direct Support Professional Positions Available LivingLinks is looking for PT DSPs to work with individuals with developmental disabilities; hours include various shifts in the morning (6a-9:30a)/ afternoons/evenings, and require every other weekend/holiday.

LivingLinks is also looking for a PT awake overnight staff to provide one-to-one care for an individual with developmental disabilities in a group home setting.

Duties include: trach care (suctioning, monitoring), peg tube monitoring and personal care. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and a flexible schedule for all positions. Wage is $8.48-11.77/ hour. Hours are from 10p-8a, with the opportunity to work additional shifts.

Pick up an application at LivingLinks at 1230 N. River Drive (just off Hwy. 169) For more information about the position, please contact Stephanie at (507) 345-7458.

Or check out our website at www.livinglinks.org to download an application.

Page 16 • Reporter

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010