March 6, 2014

Thursday, March 6, 2014 @msureporter

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Minnesota State University, Mankato

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THURSDAY

FRIDAY TUESDAY and breezy the morning L 66 WEDNESDAY L 66 L: 25 H: 32 L: 2

H: 32

Mostly cloudy H 86

A bit of ice in H 86

SATURDAY

H 86

Partly sunny THURSDAY L 66 L: 5

H: 20

Catholic Mavs plan extensive spring break mission trips HANNAH KLEINBERG Staff Writer

While large numbers of MN State Mavericks fly down to party hotspots like Panama City Beach and Cancun, our campus’ Catholic Mavs have a much more selfless, ambitious spring break in mind.

This year, the Newman Center’s spring breaks will be worldwide. On these mission trips students will help those in more unfortunate circumstances, as well as pursue their faith and seek further spiritual guidance.

“Each of these experiences will allow students to break out of their comfort zones to learn from a different culture, people and way of life,” said Father Tim Biren, Chaplain of the Newman

Center.

Catholic Mavs participating in this year’s mission trips will go out to Atlantic City, New Jersey, Honduras, Rome and Guatemala. Each trip will have a different purpose and will focus on different aspects of the faith.

In Atlantic City, there will be six students and one staff member in attendance and their goal will be to help the rebuilding efforts of Hurricane Sandy. The city is also a magnet for poverty and impoverished lifestyle, so they will also help assist those in lesser standing.

The Honduras trip will help the children of Comayagua, by setting up educational opportunities and sports camps. three students and one staff member will attend this mission trip.

In Guatemala, they will be working with the local people by helping them with coffee bean harvesting and sustainable farming, as well as working in the local primary school of San Lucas Toliman. 13 students and two staff members will be helping these efforts.

And in Rome, 18 students and two staff members will be on a pilgrimage to the variety of religious and historical sites in and around the city.

The prices of these trips ranged from $450 to $2500. Students fundraised for their trips by collaborating with Jersey Mike’s, Pizza Ranch and local Mankato churches by providing pancake and spaghetti feeds. Attendants to these trips have also been meeting prior to the vaca-

tion dates to promote bonding between those going as well as prepare themselves for their future experiences.

“I am looking forward to experiencing the history of my faith in Rome,” said student and attendee Beth Ventry.

Web Photo Catholic Mavs at a mission trip fundraiser.

MAVERICKS WIN NSIC TOURNEY NCAA Tournament fate to be determined Sunday

Photo Courtesy of SPX Sports Seniors (from left) Alex Hanks, Connor O’Brien, Gage Wooten and Tanner Adler hoist the NSIC Tournament trophy after the squad’s thrilling 75-66 win over Winona State in the championship game Tuesday night. The squad will now have to wait until the NCAA Selection Show Sunday to find where they will head for the NCAA tournament.

INSIDE:

FULL CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP - PG. 13

ED/OP

4

A&E

9

SPORTS

13

2 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Speaker discusses social issues, women’s rights in lecture Actress, feminist discusses struggles of the society we live in.

SAM WILMES News Editor A full house turned out to see noted actress and comedian best known for her roles in “Sister Act” and as Hank Hill’s wife in “King of the Hill” Kathy Najimy on Tuesday night in the Centennial Student Union Ballroom.

Najimy shares roots with the founder of the lecture series, Carol Perkins. In Perkins’ first semester of teaching in the Women’s Studies program at San Diego State University in the fall of 1975, Najimy was a freshman.

The lecture was ripe with laughter, light-hearted humor and serious discussion. She recalled one of her childhood heroes, Bette Middler and humorous experiences related to her.

Perhaps the greatest words of wisdom in her speech were designed to the individual.

“If you have something you really love and no one wants it, just do it yourself,” she said.

Najimy showed where her passions lie, primarily in the social justice field. An outspoken advocate of gay marriage, she spoke of an encounter with Tyler Perry in regards to the controversial Chick-fil-a, the restaurant that has voiced its displeasure with the basic concept of gay marriage.

After sharing some inspirational words with the acclaimed producer and actor, Perry decided to show his support for McDonalds.

“Stop the madness!” Najimy said. “Any two consenting adults can marry, have sex, whatever the frick they want!”

Najimy, who married actor and singer Dan Finnerty in 1995, cited a bible quote to further illustrate her point. “The bible says, love thy neighbor.”

She spoke on more lighthearted topics, including the possibilities if women ruled the world. Showing the unique balance evident during the presentation, on one hand she discussed the possibilities in a humorous way.

“There would be a 24-7 Ellen DeGeneres channel,” Najimy said. Crossing into more controversial ground, she then used her extensive sense of humor to show her disgust with the anti-abortion movement in this country.

“We would shut down the anti-abortion clinics and turn them into Dunkin’ Donuts.”

She then finished her point in an inspirational sense. “We

would implement Universal Health Care that would help everyone in a timely manner.”

Najimy, a New York resident who resided in California for 17 years, is very aware of the continuing income gap that continues to divide the country.

“The top eight percent of the population own as much wealth as the bottom 92%,” Najimy said. “There needs to be a shorter distance between the very rich and the very poor.”

She also touched on the subject that may be the closest to the heart: women and what she calls the continuing battle to earn equal rights to men. She cited the continuing disparity in wages between the two sexeswomen only make 0.77 cents to the male $1.00 for doing the same work.

She described meeting with an accomplished actress about the actress’ trouble in getting a date, which, according to the actress, was partially due to her successful career on the screen.

Najimy cited that 40 percent of all breadwinners are female, a number that she is proud of.

She classifies herself as never fitting the stereotypical role of a Hollywood actress and she resents every moment when women are agonizing over who they are supposed to be.

She cites the gossip columnists and Hollywood writer with the examples of a size zero and her good friend Kirstie Alley.

According to Najimy, Hollywood, which to her serves as a microcosm of society, is always telling women that they are too old, too big, too skinny, just never good enough the way they are and Najimy resents that.

Junior Katelyn Karels came away impressed with the lecture.

“I loved her, she’s great, she’s funny,” Karels said.

A corrections major, Karels came for a sociology class, but stayed for the roles she’s seen Najimy play.

“I came here for my class and I remembered seeing her in the King of the Hill TV series.”

Sophomore Bria Evans shared similar insight into the presentation.

“I loved it, she’s really funny,” Evans said.

“It was nice to see feminism portrayed in a positive light instead of the usual negative light it is put in.”

A nursing major, Evans became aware of the presentation from the posters on campus and knowing who she was from her acting.

Web Photo Kathy Najimy, an actress and feminist who took one of Carol Perkins’ classes back at San Diego State University.

CREATED EQUAL: AMERICA’S CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE Film Showing & Discussion The Abolitionists Thursday, March 6, 2014 • 4:00-5:30 pm Ostrander Auditorium, Centennial Student Union Minnesota State University, Mankato This event will include film clips followed by a discussion led by Dr. Lori Lahlum, Minnesota State Mankato History Professor.

EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Additional information about the event, film, and Created Equal grant program is available on the Library Services website. http://libguides.mnsu.edu/ Sponsored by: Library Services, Kessel Institute for Peace and Change, Dr. Michael T. Fagin Pan African Student Leadership Conference, History Department A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University. Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact [insert Department or Office Name] at 507-389-5952 (V), 800-6273529 or 711 (MRS/TTY) at least 7 days prior to the event. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the above numbers.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

MSU Reporter • 3

News

Beyond The Horizon PART 2 In the second round of this series, writer Anya Zhukova gives her perspective on the troubling conflict currently waging in Crimea between the Russians and Ukrainians, where she feels hope can make a difference over an international dispute.

ANYA ZHUKOVA Staff Writer Hello MSU folks, this is the second piece in my series about my American experience as an international student from Russia and I wanted to talk about the cultural stereotypes existing in both countries and how people perceive their culture originally, but I feel like things going on these days in my homeland deserve attention and there are some very important thoughts that I want to share with you today.

I guess at this point everybody knows about the situation in the former Soviet Union country Ukraine and I called it this way on purpose as I want to underline that Russians and Ukrainians used to live in the same country and this is something that will never be forgotten by both sides.

Over the last week people have been asking me questions about the situation in Ukraine, the Russian position and my own opinion about it. I’ve shared and will share everything I know, but right now I don’t want to talk about the facts; I believe it’s more important to talk about feelings.

If I tried to describe my emotions at the moment, the first words that come to my mind would be frustration, anger, pain and disappointment.

I feel frustrated because people seem to forget what it means to be human, they don’t learn from past mistakes and sometimes they follow their “leaders” as a flock of sheep without thinking twice and

taking time to make a decision. I feel angry with all those politicians – Ukrainian, Russian, American, European – for thinking only about themselves and their profit, for never truly caring about people’s lives and for making decisions that lead to these conflicts, wrath and deaths. Things that I read on the internet every day, all the hate that spreads out online and simple human stupidity that makes peaceful people say those things and go against each other can only bring pain and loss. That’s where my last emotion comes from – disappointment. It sums up all of my feelings towards the whole situation nowadays.

There are people that disappoint me in Russia, Ukraine, America and other parts of the world and the number of them is increasing each day with every provocative comment for the articles on the Internet, every phony picture about the conflict, every person that tries to stick labels and put everyone on one or another “side.” It disappoints me when people don’t make an effort to understand and find out the truth, or the truths (usually, when it comes to International

conflicts, there are at least two or more of them, you just need to open your eyes to see it). It upsets me how easily the media manipulates people sometimes and how naïvely they believe in everything they hear, even when it doesn’t sound like truth at all.

None of these emotions are welcome to stay with me, but there’s one, somewhere deep inside, that I am willing to keep: its hope. A hope that there are still people that are questioning information they get from media, a hope that someone there is willing to first understand

and then try and help, instead of judging, a hope that one day we stop fighting and finally start living, for our families, for our friends, for our world.

As always, I am open for your comments/questions.

Please forward them to me at anna.zhukova@mnsu.edu.

Anya Zhukova • MSU Reporter A small symbol of peace and ultimately hope. Zhukova feels that “someone there is willing to first understand and then try and help, instead of judging,” in thoughts involving the Crimean conflict.

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4 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, March 6, 2014 Follow the Reporter on Twitter @MSU Reporter or Like Us on Facebook.com/ msureporter

Email the Editor in Chief: reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

Drug war failed, legalization needed

Minnesota State University, Mankato

STAFF

SPRING 2014

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Reece Hemmesch.......389-5454 S

Proper care administered by the government would help those in the throes of addiction.

RYAN BERNDT Staff Writer The War on Drugs, started

by President Nixon in the 1970s, has been an enormous failure.

Cartels from the south continue to smuggle drugs into the U.S., including marijuana, historically one of the most targeted illegal substances by law enforcement.

With marijuana legalization sweeping the country, why not legalize and regulate all drugs?

Let’s break it down.

To truly understand the war, one must look back into our own nation’s history, 395 years into the past. This was when the colonists were still under the English crown and King James 1. In a push to increase resources for exporting, King James 1 ordered every colonist in American to grow 100 marijuana plants.

George Washington grew hemp as one of his three primary crops at Mount Vernon, his home.

It wasn’t until the 1930s, when the Mexican immigrant population grew, that citizens became scared of marijuana. After a flurry of research concluded that marijuana was associated with “racially inferior” communities, misinformed citizens pleaded with politicians to make the drug illegal. 29 states had completely banned marijuana by 1931, with the federal government assigning committees to look deeper into the problem.

Although hemp farming was encouraged during World War II, stricter sentencing laws were created with the passing of the Narcotics Control Act. Mandatory sentences for first-time offenders were raised to a 2-10 year sentence and a fine of up to $20,000. This act, coupled with the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s campaign to create a negative image of marijuana in the mid-70s, lead to the current War on Drugs.

War doesn’t come cheap; in 2008, economist Jeffrey A. Miron published a study which stated the government would save roughly $41.3 billion with the legalization of drugs. In addition, Miron estimated that tax revenue coming from the regulation of drugs would come to around $46.7 billion in gains, $32.6 billion of that sum would come from cocaine and heroin alone. This money, in turn, could be used to fund public education, city infrastructure and programs related to drug abuse.

The most important part of drugs are the users. In 2010 alone, 40,393 deaths were reported to be related with drug use. We shouldn’t be against drug users, we should stand with them. Instead of locking abusers up in cold, un-hospitable prison environments, we should provide them with a safe and secure place for them to take their drugs.

Although it may come as a far-fetched idea, if we can put some thought into it we could build and create a secure system. The government would provide everything the drug user needs: clean needles, professionally trained hospital staff with intricate knowledge on dosage amounts and a facility that can take care of possible over doses.

NEWS EDITOR: Sam Wilmes..............389-5450 SPORTS EDITOR: Joey Denton.............. 389-5227

We have to remind ourselves, as human beings, that the faces we see plastered on posters advocating people to stay away from drugs have a life. Drug users have families and friends, they have goals and ambitions they want to achieve. Without our help, they may never live to see that happen.

ADVERTISING SALES: Natasha Jones........... 389-1063 Mac Boehmer............389-5097 Parker Riesgraf.......... 389-1079 Brandon Poliszuk.......389-5453 BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad............... 389-1926 ADV. DESIGN MANAGER: Dana Clark............... 389-2793

POLICIES & INFORMATION • If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, call Editor in Chief Reece Hemmesch at 507-3895454. The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board.

Corrections:

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a studentrun newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-3891776. Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

In the March 4th issue of the Reporter, inside the article titled, “2014 Oscars Recap,” there are two misspellings of names that attended the Oscars. The host’s name should be read as Ellen Degeneres and one of the guests name should be spelled Liza Minnelli. The Reporter apologizes for any inconvenience this has caused.

• Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation. The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes.

Web Photo

“Have you seen the movie “Blackfish”?”

SHIAN BURTON, SOPHOMORE SPORTS MANAGEMENT “No.”

VARIETY EDITOR: James Houtsma.......... 389-5157

TIN HTWAY, SOPHOMORE UNDECIDED

ANTHONY ANVAME, SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

“No.”

“No.”

KARIANN VECKER, JUNIOR SOCIOLOGY “No.”

Compiled by Yohanes Ashenafi

KYLE KESSLER, JUNIOR PRE-MED “I have heard of the movie, but I haven’t seen it.”

N

Thursday, March 6, 2014

MSU Reporter • 5

Ed/Op

Food stamp cuts not necessary ethical Deep cuts in the food stamp program show ignorance, injustice.

SAM WILMES News Editor Food stamp cuts contained nearly half of the “cost savings” contained in the 2014 Farm Bill, unfortunately pleasing a segment of the population that remains woefully uninformed on the necessity this program has on this country’s working poor, misguided by the talking heads that spew false information on the subject

and pretend that they are experts, but unfortunately they are not.

Right-wing politicians and pundits like to make disingenuous claims that Food stamp recipients buy expensive food, take thousand dollar trips and have more food in the refrigerator than the average middle class dollar, but those claims have a hard time not drowning when you find out that the average individual receives $133 a month in food stamp benefits.

The average household gets $281 a month in benefits. I get more in student financial aid

than that, does that make me a freeloader? Am I dependent and a leach because I don’t have the money to make it on my own as of now?

While many claim that food stamp recipients would rather sit at home and collect government money without doing anything, the facts don’t back up this claim either.

According to Feeding America, “76% of SNAP households include a child, a disabled person or an elderly person.” You certainly won’t hear that from rightwing politicians and pundits with

a vendetta against the working poor receiving public assistance.

Why aren’t the same people who lash out against food stamp recipients taking a stand against other “Free loaders?”

According to the National Priorities Project, the government gives over a $1 trillion a year to the richest people and corporations in the forms of tax expenditures.

We are only as good as a country until we can take care of our most vulnerable citizens.

Republicans like to make the claim that food stamp usage has

gone up since President Obama’s inauguration in January 2009 and cite waste and fraud made possible the administration. A far more likely scenario remains the possibility that the recession that culminated during the same time period caused the dramatic increase, but unfortunately many twist facts to suit their interests, not vice-versa.

Until you walk a mile in a food stamp recipient’s shoes, don’t judge. While not perfect, they still deserve respect and a commitment to the truth.

New look needed on animal abuse in food industry Brochure distribution on campus spotlights abuse. to humans through meat, eggs and dairy sources.

Although these organizations are seen as crazy and far-left activists by a percentage of the population, maybe it is time for us to reconsider the way farms treat these animals that give us our needed sources of protein, potassium and other nutrients.

Hopefully we can create an

environment in which we can glean what we need from this vulnerable segment of our ecology, yet afford them the decency they deserve as needed suppliers.

We can do this if we apply the right steps and feel the empathy, hopefully some day this will come true.

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Web Photo

SAM WILMES News Editor Many of you undoubtedly noticed the activist circulating campus on Tuesday distributing pamphlets describing the abuse inflicted by humans on different animals.

While many rested in the trash after being handed out, if opened, you saw strange yet important messages on the state of animal treatment in the meat industry today, but one quote specifically warrants attention.

“So our animals can’t turn around for the 2.5 years they are in the stalls… I don’t know who asked if she wanted to turn around,” Director of Communications at the National Pork

Producers Council Dave Warner said.

This kind of apathy is not acceptable.

Unfortunately for many, including me, the trip from being a carnivore to strictly a herbivore is too difficult to make; the luring smell and juicy taste of a ribeye steak and a pork chop just can’t resist temptation.

While meat serves a critical aspect to society, isn’t there a better way we could treat these animals?

Although different from us, animals like chicken, cows and pigs do feel pain and do feel connections to their young.

This is a difficult opinion piece to pen, partially because I am not sure on how we could make the production of meat products a little easier on the animals.

Activists point out that animals raised in factory farms are subjected to spaces too tight to move through, without the ability to engage in natural behaviors that are far more healthy.

While caged in such tight confines, according to the American society for the Protection and Care of Animals, the animals experience sever mental and physical trauma.

The site also lists other abuses conducted at these farms including mutilation of the tails, horns, testicles, toes or beaks- all done without painkillers, that would alleviate the pain the animals feel.

The site also contends that these kinds of farms can put consumer health in danger. Farms that are poorly maintained can be major risk factors for E.coli and salmonella, which are passed on

Applications now being accepted for the 2014-2015 school year for the following positions: Reporter – Editor in Chief Application deadline is Friday, March 21st, at noon.

Interviews are Friday, April 4th.

For more information or to pick up an application, stop in the Reporter Office (CSU 293) or call 389-1776.

6 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Russia, West try to hammer out Ukraine diplomacy

Photo Courtesy of Associated Press

Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meet at the Russian Ambassador’s Residence in Paris, Wednesday. Russia rebuffed Western demands to withdraw forces in Ukraine’s Crimea region to their bases on Wednesday amid a day of high-stakes diplomacy in Paris aimed at easing tensions over Ukraine and averting the risk of war.

PARIS (AP) — Facing off in Europe’s capitals, Russia and the West began trying to build the elements of a diplomatic solution to Europe’s gravest crisis since the Cold War — even as the West appeared increasingly resigned to an entrenched Russian presence in Crimea. NATO hit back by putting Russia on suspension and the European Union extended $15 billion in aid to Ukraine, matching the amount the country’s fugitive president accepted from Moscow to turn his back on an EU trade accord.

As peace efforts progressed in Paris and Brussels, volatility reigned on the ground in Ukraine: A special U.N. envoy visiting Crimea came under threat by armed men who forced him to leave the region. Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators, many chanting “Russia!

Russia!” stormed a government building in eastern Ukraine — renewing fears that turmoil could spill out of Crimea and engulf other Russian-dominated parts of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s prime minister told The Associated Press in his first interview since taking office that he still feared Russian President Vladimir Putin might attempt more land grabs: “Mr. President,” Arseniy Yatsenyuk said, “stop this mess.”

Yatsenyuk vowed to keep Crimea as part of Ukraine, but expressed openness to granting it more autonomy. Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andriy Deshchytsia, told the AP that proRussian citizens in Crimea must be willing to replace armed forces with international observers if they want a vote on more self-rule.

But most of the bargaining chips Wednesday belonged to Russia, whose troops are fanned out across Crimea and control most of its strategic facilities.

A growing chorus of prominent American voices expressed resignation that Crimea was lost to Russia: “I’m not optimistic they’re going to leave,” said Michael McFaul, who served as Obama’s ambassador to Russia until last week.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and several European counterparts conducted an intense round of diplomacy in Paris to try to find an exit strategy in Ukraine.

While negotiations were inconclusive, top European officials expressed optimism that at least the two sides were talking — and making progress.

“For the first time, starting with this meeting in Paris, something moved in the right direction,” said French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.

Lavrov, speaking in Spain before meeting with Kerry, warned against Western support of what Moscow views as a Ukrainian coup, saying that could encourage government takeovers elsewhere.

“If we indulge those who are trying to rule our great, kind historic neighbor,” Lavrov said, “we must understand that a bad example is infectious.”

Russia expressed openness to international mediation and the talks were a “work in progress,” said a French diplomat on condition of anonymity because of government policy. But a major sticking point has been Moscow’s refusal to recognize Ukraine’s new government

much less sit down at the table with them.

“I wish I could give you some good news,” said Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, “but unfortunately it hasn’t been possible to bring together the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Russia.”

Wednesday’s Paris gathering, originally scheduled to deal with the Syrian refugee crisis, came after Putin appeared to step back from the brink of war, telling reporters in his first comments since the Crimea takeover that he has no intention to “fight the Ukrainian people.”

NATO tried to apply pressure on Moscow in its own talks with Russia in Brussels.

The Western alliance’s secretary-general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said that ambassadors for the alliances 28 member states decided after a meeting with their Russian counterpart to suspend plans for a joint mission as well as all civilian and military meetings.

Rasmussen said because of Russia’s military action in Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula “the entire range of NATORussia cooperation (is) under review.” Rasmussen said the alliance will continue to meet with Moscow at the political level but insisted that halting all other cooperation “sends a very clear message to Russia.”

One key piece of leverage that the West has over nearly bankrupt Ukraine: hard cash.

The three months of protests that triggered Ukraine’s crisis erupted when Yanukovych accepted $15 billion in aid from Putin in exchange for dropping an economic partnership deal with the EU. On Wednesday,

the EU matched the aid — which the Russians withdrew after Yanukovych’s downfall — and the U.S. topped that up with an additional $1 billion.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s former prime minister — the heroine of Ukraine’s 2004-2005 Orange Revolution and Yanukovych’s arch-enemy — called on the West to force Russia to withdraw troops from Crimea.

Yulia Tymoshenko, who was released from prison two weeks ago, said that any negotiations about Ukraine’s future should be conducted directly between the United States, the European Union and Russia — and insisted no compromises should be made to appease Moscow.

“We believe that the aggressor must leave without any conditions,” Tymoshenko told the AP in an interview.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said a key demand was for Russia’s military to pull back to its Black Sea bases to show a tangible deescalation, but he did not press on a Thursday deadline as European diplomats had initially warned. EU talks about possible sanctions against Russia were scheduled Thursday in Brussels.

The EU on Wednesday also froze the assets of 18 people held responsible for misappropriating state funds in Ukraine, echoing similar action in Switzerland and Austria. The list, which likely targeted officials

in the ousted government orS businessmen related to them,N were withheld until Thursday to prevent anyone from withdrawing the funds at the last minute.

Russia has suggested that it will meet any sanctions imposed by Western governments with a tough response and Putin has warned that those measures could incur serious “mutual damage.”

In Crimea, U.N. special envoy Robert Serry was threatened by 10 to 15 armed men as he was leaving naval headquarters in Crimea, said U.N. deputy secretary-general Jan Eliasson.

When the men ordered Serry to go to the airport, Serry refused — but then found himself trapped because his car was blocked, Eliasson said.

The Dutch envoy was later spotted by reporters in a coffee shop, as men in camouflage outfits stood outside. He got into a van with the men and was taken to Simferopol airport.

Later, an Associated Press reporter found Serry in the business class lounge of the Simferopol airport.

“I’m safe. My visit was interrupted for reasons that I cannot understand,” the Dutch diplomat said in a statement to AP. He said nothing more.

The Obama administration took steps Wednesday to support the defenses of U.S. allies in Europe in response to Russia’s takeover of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

MSU Reporter • 7

News

Mankato implements water conservation plan

rSAM WILMES ,News Editor o - To stay in touch with state laws and to comply with watter conservation standards, the -City of Mankato is dishing out swater fees per unit in apartment nbuildings that surround the MSU scampus. The MSU campus will lbe exempt from the changes.

Every tenant will face a mod-erate increase in fees: $4.51 a -month, per unit cost increases swill tally up to $3.36 and waste-water per unit costs will add up yto $3.42. According to the City, .they have analyzed operations yand capital assets to make sure -that they have positioned themfselves responsibly for the future sas well as transitioning to uniform rate structures and to comrply with State statutes. e Effective July 1, multi-resi-dential units will be given the asame status as single- family nhomes. In doing so, the city is seeking to create a uniform rate sstructure so all units share in the eservice connection benefit. e Also effective July 1, according to the city the current struc-ture for large water users will talso change dramatically. The .

current rate structure is slated for elimination and the unit rate will be the same for any amount of water used every month.

“City staff is studying conservation programs and rate structures to ensure compliance,” the city said. “A citizen input committee will be formed with representatives from residences, commercial properties and industries to gather ideas and further research before a recommendation about water conservation programs and a rate structure is made to the Mankato City Council.

In the findings the city came up with following a study last year, their plan included higher seasonal rates, typically occurring from Spring through Fall.

The changes are coming after the city conducted a study last year to determine changes needed in water services.

The study included evaluation of the useful life of major utility equipment and facilities to forecast 40-year replacement costs for aging infrastructure.

The study concluded that improvements were required for population growth and that future regulations were also need-

ed that mandated treatment or system changes.

Owner of the Minnesota Financial Development Corporation, which operates Highland Hills apartment complex, Ann Dolan, is frustrated at the increase in water fees. “Our water bill is going to increase exponentially, but we will not receive any additional water services,” said Dolan.

Dolan explained that with these increased fee costs for landlords, they will be forced to raise rents. According to Dolan,

the goal of the fee increase is to make up a $310,000 City budget shortfall, mostly off the backs of the students. “While the fee increase is a convenient way for the City to raise its revenues, the fee extension is not fair in its application,” Dolan said.

“Students, renters and mobile home park residents will pay the City’s budget shortfall, while other for profit multi-unit structures like hotels will not see a fee increase,” she said.

Dolan explained that the properties of Highland Hills,

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95 Different Energy Drinks

n o s

Briargate, Southridge and Preserve alone will pay nearly $70,000 annually as a result of the per unit fee extension. However, Dolan noted “we did raise our concerns to the City council on Monday night and several members, including the Mayor, expressed a willingness to take another look at the fee extension before it takes effect in July.”

Dolan explained that she looks forward to working with the Mayor and council to find a more equitable solution to the City’s budget shortfall.

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The Golem and The Jinni is literary magic ANDREW SIMON Staff Writer Few books are truly allconsuming, the type of novel that the reader still thinks about when the book is closed and they’re off conducting the monotonous activities of the day, contemplating with excitement what direction the story will take them when they have a chance to open the book again. The Golem and the Jinni, the debut novel by Helene Wecker, is an outstanding work of storytelling, and absolutely falls into that special book category where it refuses to leave the readers mind.

Even before the novel was finished, there was already the certainty that reading it again would be necessary, to live with these three-dimensional characters and supernatural atmosphere once more in this standout book where magic and wizards exist against the backdrop of mundane life, where the search for humanity stands above all else.

Crossing through many characters and timelines and subplots, the central plot follows the Golem, Chava. Created from clay, brought to life by a dark wizard to serve as companion to her master, Chava lands in 1890s New York alone and brand new, her master dead from illness.

Elsewhere in the city, a tinsmith accidently releases the Jinni, a centuries-old being of fire held captive in a flask, bound in human form. Two creatures, inhuman entities in a strange world, try and try again to find their place in a world that doesn’t accept them, let alone believe such creatures exist. Their paths collide, forming an estranged friendship, but a friendship nonetheless, and as fate would have it, their lives are more intertwined than they could have known.

Simply put, The Golem and the Jinni is extraordinarily ad-

dictive, wildly imaginative, and beautifully written. Wecker’s writing is clear and concise, expertly painting vivid imagery in her descriptions of city and action – easily the one area readers commonly skip over due to sloppy or stilled writing (e.g., Stephen King) – and constructing a myriad of deeply rich and vibrantly detailed characters each with their own specific traits and identities.

This is a living, breathing universe that Wecker created and wonderfully integrated the world of supernatural beings like Golems and Jinni’s in the mundane world of reality without feeling out of place or slightly odd. These two aspects, if anything, compliment and build off one another, allowing the Golem and Jinni’s stories to act as examples of immigration, and – as these tales usually do – further enrich understanding of the human condition by showing two inhuman beings try to be human.

As the titular characters, the Golem and the Jinni are complex and startlingly interesting.

The Golem, battling her innate nature of submission and bending to the will and desires of others, becoming her own master and trying to mimic human behavior in hopes of becoming one. As she tries to survive, more than once the question becomes of whether or not a creature born of earth could have a soul, or even can gain the ability to love.

For the Jinni, who cherishes his freedom after being locked away from centuries, yearns for home in the Syrian desert, and to unlock missing memories that could reveal his past. He is intrigued by humanity, and though he scolds them, he still fights to protect them.

With such compelling protagonists and a very well-conceived supporting cast, no supernatural story would be complete without an antagonist, and here, Wecker has crafted a devious, intelligent,

“Motavation” in the fashion world 17-year-old designer making waves.

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MADELINE ZAFFT Staff Writer

Web Photo

and monstrous wizard with one powerful tale of his own. As the final pages are read, and revelations about the past and present are out in the open, and the villain takes his bow, it’s thrilling and enormously intense – a testament to the excellent writing, the runaway train pacing, and the deeply complex characters.

As of this writing, a sequel has not been announced, and the novel leaves off at a place that doesn’t necessitate one, but that doesn’t mean another round of experiencing these characters and seeing where their journey takes them would not go amiss.

It’s shocking to understand this is Wecker’s debut novel, as everything works so splendidly and precisely, with the prose, the plotting, the dialogue, the characters, all of it working together in perfect unison to create an imaginative and compelling book about two creatures lost in a big city. If these words of praise wasn’t indication enough, The Golem and the Jinni comes highly recommended. (Harper Perennia, 2013, Paperback, $12.99).

Over five million YouTube subscribers, almost 400 videos and more Instagram followers than Vogue, Glamour and Seventeen magazine 18-year-old Bethany Mota is a rising star of the current beauty and fashion scene. Mota, also known by her YouTube screen name “Macbarbie07” is one of the leading glamour gurus on the YouTube beauty community. Uploading makeup and hair tutorials, DIY projects, outfit ideas, fashion hauls and sometimes even cooking Mota covers just about everything. Along with her beauty channel Ms. Mota has a second channel under the screen name “BethanysLife”, where she uploads Vlogs of her everyday life and casual videos.

Mota has been featured in magazines on the covers of publications such as Seventeen and Teen Vogue. On top of these accomplishments, Mota was recently able to have one of her dreams come true. Just before Christmas 2013, Aeropostale, a retailer of apparel and accessories, mainly targeting young women and men was hitting a five year low in their stock; Aeropostale got Mota on board and now her collection can be found in their retail stores. Mota made a personal appearance to launch her clothing line at Minnesota’s very own Mall of America location in early De-

cember 2013. Over 1,200 fans waited in line to get their grabs at the collection and fan selfies with Mota. The Bethany Mota spring line recently launched and can be found at Aeropostale across the map. Along with having her collection out, Mota just wrapped up her “#Motavatour” a mini meet and greet where she went to nine different states in 14 days to meet with fans and view first-hand their reactions to her clothing line.

Starting her YouTube channel at age 13, Mota used YouTube as an outlet to share her love of fashion and makeup during a time in her life when she was being bullied.

“I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I didn’t want to leave my house,” Mota tells Business Insider. YouTube “was kind of an outlet for me to be myself and not really worry about what anyone thought.”

With over 2 million followers on Instagram and 1.26 million on Twitter, Mota is fast becoming a mogul on her own, with hard work and dedication and a loyal group of fans, what she calls “Motavators”. She has appeared on The Today Show, The View and other major TV outlets.

So, if you are having troubles doing your makeup, hair or even putting together an outfit for a date or just for the day, then head on over to Mota’s channel and find inspiration from her videos and maybe you will become a new Motavator.

10 • MSU Reporter

A&E

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Tropical drink recipes for all heading towards a vibrant vacation Think spring (break) with these themed concoctions, ready to drink from a beach or a snowed-in apartment, perfect for your week off.

MIRANDA BRAUNWARTH Staff Writer

crystals you might just think you are at the beach but the best part: no worry for sunburn.

Create your own tropical oasis with a vacation inspired drink in your own home. The countdown to spring break has begun and students packing their bikinis and trunks while studying for midterms.

Some are lucky enough to be jumping on a plane and heading to a tropical oasis. If you’re like me you will be spending spring break stuck in this frozen tundra.

Aren’t we lucky? Even if you will not be spending your break away make the most of it by indulging in a tropical drink on your couch, who needs the beach anyway?

Make a drink from Mexico, Florida, the Bahamas, or South Padre Island Texas and relax -make sure to shut your curtain from the snow and pick an ocean wave track off of Pandora.

Mexico is known for many delicious frothy drinks, margaritas, sangrias, and many more.

Explore a yummy margarita and get festive trying new flavors as well as over ice and blended.

This Jalapeno Margarita has a real kick and will make you forget all about the never-ending snow.

Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada 1 serving 5 minutes

Jalapeno Margarita Makes 2 5 minutes Ingredients: Lime for rim/décor Salt and sugar for rim 4 to 6 slices fresh jalapeno 2 ounces lime juice 2 ounces agave nectar 2 ounces orange liqueur 4 ounces tequila Directions: Taking two glasses dip the rims in salt sugar mixture. Fill the glasses with ice. In a shaker or tall glass use the back of spoon to muddle the jalapeno slices with the lime juice.

Add the agave nectar, orange liqueur and tequila to lime/jalapeno mixer. Fill with ice and shake well. Divide mixture into two glasses evenly.

From: Creative Culinary blog There is no need to grab the tequila to enjoy spring break! In Panama City, Florida, tropical drinks are at every beach. Pretend you too are on these white sand beaches with a creamy, smooth non-alcoholic pina colada. Looking at the white ice

Ingredients: 2 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice 1 ounce cream of coconut ½ cup ice Directions: Blend in blender until desired consistency is achieved. Serve.

From: food.com What fun is a tropical drink without people to share it with?

Why not throw your own spring break party? Turn up the heat, wear your bikinis and enjoy this wonderful Bahama Mama drink.

Bahama Mama Non Alcoholic drink 10 minutes Ingredients: 2 cups orange juice 2 cups pineapple juice 2 cups grapefruit juice 3 ounces of grenadine One 2 liter bottle of sprite (1/4 used) Maraschino cherries for garnish Directions: In pitcher mix all ingredients except for cherries. Pour into cups and place cherries for garnish. Serve.

The last stop on this tropical drink adventure is South Padre Island, Texas where the good times are not in short supply.

South Padre Island 1 serving 5 minutes Ingredients: 1 ounce vodka ¾ ounce Peach Schnapps 4 ounces cranberry juice 1 splash of Pineapple Juice 1 ounce sweet and sour mix Directions: Fill glass with ice pour ingredients in order listed. Do not stir this drink. Garnish with lime.

From: drinkswap.com Though you may not be going to a tropical paradise enjoy these yummy drinks. Think calm thoughts and know you don’t have to sit on a plane for six hours or endure sunburn. Make that Pina Colada and delve into a couch oasis.

Web Photo The beach is calling and so is this non-alcoholic pina colada.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

MSU Reporter • 11

A&E

March blu-preview With this month’s epic and acclaimed blu-ray roster, best prepare your wallet.

Web Photos

JAMES HOUTSMA A & E Editor

12 Years a Slave (March 4) – Hot off its Best Picture win, 12 Years a Slave hits home just in time to ride the wave of acclaim.

A quote from Peter Travers reading “A game-changing movie” graces the cover of the 12 Years a Slave video. This is one of few movies that has claim to this title.

For many, this Best Picture winner will be a film that will oonly be watched once but it’s a movie everyone should see.

The hard-hitting slavery drama holds nothing back and Solomon Northrup’s experience in one of America’s darkest historical corners leaves a lasting impression. Performances across the board are all powerhouse and the effect of this film is going to be felt for some time.

Buy It The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (March 7) – Sure to be a home video smash, the superior second installment of The Hunger Games series delivers on all levels.

Taking the elements that made the first Hunger Games work and kicking them into high gear, Catching Fire is an increasingly tense escalation that puts the pressure on Katniss and our not-so-merry band of protagonists. Character compliments action and vice versa.

Entertainment and investment reach new levels here and with select scenes filmed in IMAX being formatted for your TV

screen, this sequel should satisfy nearly every kind of audience.

Buy It Frozen (March 18) – Family film. Comedy. Musical. Progressive move forward for Disney. Frozen is so many things to so many people and that speaks volumes about its inherent quality.

Having just crossed a billion dollars and taken home two Oscars, Frozen’s utter charm is undeniable and its terrific humor compliments and livens up what could be a very dour story.

The voice cast, including Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad, brings a new level to the film, especially in the vocals for songs like “Let It Go”.

Whatever your cup of tea may be, Frozen will most likely find some way to fill it.

Buy It American Hustle (March 18) – Right out of the gate, American Hustle got a stunning amount of praise, mostly for its killer cast lineup. With the likes of Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, it’s apparent that this is one hell of an acting troupe -it’s also what works against the film the most.

The film is loosely (and I mean loosely) based on the ABSCAM political sting in the late ‘70s where con-artists were enlisted by the FBI to catch corrupt politicians. That’s the general skeleton in which director David O Russell lets his actors play (actually, run wild is a better description). Russell is so fo-

cused on letting his actors show off that the plot frequently gets lost, along with momentum. As an actor’s showcase, it is enjoyable; as a narrative film, it’s frustrating.

Rent It The Wolf of Wall Street (March 25) – Salacious, raunchy, intense, jaw-dropping and offensive are all adjectives that have been used to describe The

Wolf of Wall Street. They are all correct and the movie is that much better for it.

Safety is not a factor when it comes to Martin Scorsese’s latest. He and star Leonardo DiCaprio are well aware they’re making something that won’t appeal to everyone and hold nothing back. Bless them for that.

At three hours, Jordan Belfort’s true-life tale of greed,

drugs and sex rockets along thanks to its whip-smart dialogue, proficient editing and the sheer gusto of DiCaprio and costar Jonah Hill.

Although it’s a pitch black comedy, WWS is a comedy through and through and has endless moments of catch-yourbreath hilarity to remind you of it. Check it out… if you can handle it.

Buy It

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Winter weather puts damper on Mardi Gras NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Revelers endured winter temperatures and a chilling rain along parade routes Tuesday as New Orleans’ 2014 Carnival season neared a close.

Die-hards, some in Mardi Gras costumes, braved the weather along the traditional St. Charles Avenue parade route and in the French Quarter.

“We’ll drink, drink, drink until it gets drier,” said Dean Cook of New Orleans as he walked Bourbon Street dressed as a pirate with vampire fangs.

“Mermaids love the water,” he said of his wife, Terrina Cook, who was dressed in a shiny blue mermaid costume, complete with a fin.

Ronnie Davis, a professor of economics at the University of New Orleans, decided to break his button-down image for at least one day. Clad in tutus, he and his wife, Arthurine, stood along the avenue watching the Krewe of Zulu’s floats roll by.

“All year I have to dress professionally. This is the one time I get to act like a fool,” Davis said.

As a cold rain fell, crowds along the stately, oak-lined avenue thinned and French Quarter bars filled with patrons looking for a dry spot to escape while letting the good times roll.

Temperatures for most of the

day in the New Orleans area were in the lower 40s and by early evening had dropped to about 38 degrees. The wind chill made it feel even colder.

Instead of costumes, Emerson and his wife, Cheri, were dressed in layers of clothes, hats and scarves. “We’re bundled up.

We’re not used to this sort of thing.”

Rick Emerson said it was 80 degrees in Tampa when he left last week, but he was determined to make the most of Mardi Gras.

The Emersons were among those making the most of the big celebration before the Lenten season begins for the faithful.

New Orleans native Leila Haydel said she was determined to make it a happy Mardi Gras no matter what.

“I have about seven layers of clothes under my tutu,” she said, twirling on Bourbon Street in a purple, green and gold tutu and hoisting an umbrella. “It’s once a year. You have to come and enjoy. You have to.”

The first street marching groups, including clarinetist Pete Fountain’s Half-Fast Walking Club, hit the streets just after 7 a.m., marching along St. Charles Avenue and into the business district. The Zulu parade followed Fountain’s trek, led by a New Orleans police vanguard on horse-

back that included Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

A 35-year-old man was hit as he followed one of Zulu’s floats for throws in the Treme neighborhood, said Remi Braden, a spokeswoman for the New Orleans Police Department. His “leg was injured and he was taken to a nearby hospital,” Braden said. “(It) turned out not to be a serious injury,” she said.

As of early evening, Braden said no major arrests had been made.

Later, the floats of Rex — the king of Carnival — and hundreds of truck trailers decorated by family and social groups wound down the traditional route past families who had set up a tent, or some who claimed multiple tents, along the avenue. The smell of barbecue — ribs, chicken, pork chops, steaks — wafted through the air as both young and old screamed for beads and trinkets.

Rain fell, and umbrellas and raincoats sprouted. Sleet was falling on some merrymakers in areas north and west of the city.

As the final Zulu float passed on the avenue and before Rex’s parade began, people abandoned their staked-out spots, seeking refuge from the rain. Only diehard fans of Mardi Gras stayed to take in Rex’s majesty.

It was the opposite on Bour-

bon Street.

Earlier in the day, few umbrellas roamed the infamous street, but as the day continued crowds grew and the typical wall-towall, sea of people began to form for a glimpse of the bawdy side of Mardi Gras that’s always on full display. Bars were full and expected to stay that way far into the night.

By early evening, though, the traffic wasn’t as thick as in years past, likely due to the wet weather which kept a lot of locals home and made others cut their revelry short.

Livia Stier, who lives in Amsterdam, and her friend, Sabrina Nick, of Berlin, caught Mardi Gras as part of their three-week, cross-country journey that would end in Los Angeles.

Stier had visited New Orleans for Mardi Gras about 10 years ago, “when I was in my 20s, but I didn’t see any of the parades.

None of this. This is much better.

This is the spirit of Mardi Gras,” she said as she took pictures of the bands and floats participating in the early parades.

“The weather is a pity, especially for all the people who’ve come out to see it,” Nick said.

Nearby, April Womack and her family had tents set up. Grills were fired up, and pots of crawfish were boiling. They camped

overnight, a family tradition for almost two decades. “It’s all about location,” she said.

Her cousin, Yolanda Moton, said Mardi Gras is the opportunity for an annual family reunion, with relatives coming from as far away as Georgia. “This is the one time of the year that everyone in the family fits this in their schedule.”

Sue and Kevin Preece from Edmonton, Canada, were at their first Mardi Gras.

“We wanted to come for Mardi Gras for about 10 years. It was on my bucket list, and he (Kevin) made it happen,” said Sue Preece, a social worker.

Celebrations were scheduled throughout south Louisiana and in coastal Mississippi and Alabama, sharing the traditions brought by French colonists in the 18th century.

In Louisiana’s bayou parishes, riders on horseback would go from town to town, making merry in what is called the Courir du Mardi Gras.

The merriment must come to a halt at midnight, when the solemn season of Lent begins. New Orleans police were expected to sweep down Bourbon Street at midnight in the annual ritual of letting revelers know the party is over for another year.

MSU Reporter • 13

Thursday, March 6, 2014

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507-389-5227

Mavericks claim NSIC tourney crown once again

Arnold Bagamba • MSU Reporter (from left to right) Zach Monaghan, Assem Marei and Gage Wooten were named to the NSIC-All Tournament team.

LUCAS RYAN Staff Writer The Minnesota State University, men’s basketball team entered the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament Championship game Tuesday with a 0-2 record against Winona State this season, but that was the regular season.

On a neutral court at The Pentagon in Sioux Falls, Minnesota Sate earned a 75-66 win over their conference rivals, giving them their second straight NSIC Championship.

Junior guard Zack Monaghan led all scorers with 24 points while senior forward Connor O’Brien and junior forward Assem Marei each posted doubledoubles. O’Brien finished with with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Marei had 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Mavericks jumped out to an 8-0 lead in a game that saw the Mavericks trailing less than one minute. Winona State momentarily took a 14-13 lead with 6:27 remaining in the half, but Minnesota State responded with a 21-10 run to end the first half giving the Mavericks a 34-24 lead at the break.

“It was a very physical game, we kind of set the tone early and we just stayed with it the entire

time and came out the champion,” Monaghan said.

The Mavericks controlled the game throughout most of the second half never giving up the lead. Winona would pull within six points of Minnesota State with 1:01 remaining, but the Monaghan and Senior guard Gage Wooten combined for five free throws en route to the 75-66 win.

“We’re playing with a toughness that we haven’t had all year,” Head Coach Matt Margenthaler said according to an article appearing in the Mankato Free Press. “We played tough for 40 minutes tonight, and if we’re going to do something special in the NCAA tournament, we have to be the tougher team.”

The NSIC Player of the Year, Monaghan, continues to get recognized for his play this season, earning the tournament MVP after the win Tuesday. Marei and Wooten received NSIC All-Tournament honors for their efforts as well.

“It was good, but I am just glad we won the championship, that’s all that matters,” Monaghan said when asked about the award.

The Mavericks set a new

MEN’S BASKETBALL • Page 14

Women’s hockey: 2013-2014 season review LUKE CARLSON Staff Writer A fall and winter full of ups and downs, ebbs and flows and plenty of fun hockey action in between are what characterized the Minnesota State, Mankato women’s hockey season of 20132014. Many records were broken, triumphs witnessed, and careers capped off. This last weekend, the Mavericks fell to No. 2 Wisconsin two-games-to-one in a first round series of the WCHA Playoffs in Madison, Wis., ending their season officially on Sunday afternoon. But leading up to the final whistle that day, there was a whole year’s worth of excitement on the ice.

In head coach Eric Means’

best season yet at the helm of the Mavericks, the team managed to pull off a 13-23-1 record with a

Lauren Barnes

7-20-1 mark in conference play.

And with a 7-10-1 win-loss-tie tally at home in All Seasons Are-

na, the Mavericks were at times a force to be reckoned with.

Early in the season, MSU got the chance to face competition outside of the conference such as Mercyhurst, British Columbia (exhibition game) and Lindenwood. And the purple and gold took full advantage. In five out of seven games to start the year, the Mavericks outscored their out-of-conference opponents 20-8 and went 4-1.

MSU also managed to beat up on Lindenwood again later in the season and swept all four contests with the Lions by a total score of 16-3. The Mavericks finished the year with a 6-3 record outside of the WCHA, which ultimately helped them stay out of last place in the standings.

But as the season accelerated towards the midpoint, the schedule turned grimmer for

Melissa Klippenstein

MSU as the WCHA portion of the year arrived. The Mavericks struggled to score goals towards

the end of October and dropped six games in a row to Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth and Bemidji State with only seven goals scored in that span. But the six losses were finally alleviated on November 22nd and 23rd with a home sweep of Ohio State and a win against St. Cloud State in the first week of December.

After a short break over the December holidays, the Mavericks got off on the right foot to start the New Year with their third and fourth wins against Lindenwood and a win at home against Bemidji State. But they quickly dropped the ball soon after. In the weeks after the win

SEASON REVIEW • Page 15

14 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Young goalie, no worries

Freshman goalie Cole Huggins wasn’t expecting to be the man between the posts, but ever since filling into that spot, the Colorado native has been golden.

DEREK LAMBERT Staff Writer The Minnesota State University, Mankato men’s hockey team came into this season sure of a few things: they would compete for the WCHA title, their top offensive performers would shine, and they would have the league’s best goaltender between the pipes. Interestingly enough, the goaltender they pegged to be their go-to man last season was replaced earlier this season.

No worries for the Mavericks,

though, as freshman Cole Huggins has become the best goaltender in the league.

A year ago, sophomore goalie Stephon Williams was racking up multiple honors from the WCHA. He was awarded WCHA Rookie of the Year, WCHA Goaltender of the Year, First team AllWCHA, and WCHA All-Rookie team. Williams did so well last season that the New York Islanders selected him in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. So when this season started, it was a certainty that Williams would lead the way

Arnold Bagamba • MSU Reporter

for the Mavs as they embarked on their journey into a newly constructed conference where they were the favorite to take home the crown.

Cole Huggins quietly waited for his opportunity. The Centennial, Colo. native came to Mankato from Coquitlam, B.C. where he played two seasons of junior hockey with the Coquitlam Express of the British Columbia Hockey League, widely regarded as the second best junior league in North America behind the United States Hockey League.

Coming in as a freshman, Huggins assumed the role of second string goaltender, knowing he would get his minutes to prove himself. After seeing little action through the first six games of the season, Huggins got his shot at home against the Bowling Green State University Falcons early in November. After Williams struggled in the Friday night game, Huggins played the second half of the game which ended in a 4-3 Mavericks loss. However, the next night Huggins led his team to a 1-0 overtime victory over the Falcons with a 33 save shutout, the first of four this season. Since then, the net has been all Huggins’.

Just two weeks after he cemented his place in the net for the Mavs, Huggins again posted an overtime shutout victory over Bowling Green, and this time it earned him WCHA Rookie of the

Week honors for the week of Nov. 18th. Huggins now boasts a 16-7 record this season, and his 16-4 WCHA record has him atop the leaderboard for goaltender winning percentage, with a staggering .800 winning percentage. But that’s not the only place Huggins’ name appears on the leaderboard.

In combined goaltending statistics, Huggins ranks as the no. 10 goaltender in the NCAA, while his four shutouts are fourth best in the country. He holds a steady .917 save percentage, a category he ranks third in the WCHA, and a 2.08 goals against average, while his stingy 1.86 goals against average in conference play has him at first. Last weekend, Huggins racked up another honor to his list of accomplishments this season, when after two wins and a shutout at Lake Superior State University, he was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week.

Earlier in the season, Maverick head coach Mike Hastings said of Huggins, “He goes to work every day, that doesn’t go unnoticed.”

It’s just that kind of work ethic that has gotten Huggins to where he is. The way things look now, Huggins is in a great position to win any or all of the WCHA awards that Williams won just a year ago. More importantly, the saddle will be placed on his back as he’ll be the go-to guy in net this time around in the postsea-

At Highland Hills, our location is everything!

The freshman standout sits on top of the WCHA in goals against average (2.08) and is third in save percentage (91.7).

son. The Mavericks have already clinched home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs, just as they did last season when they defeated the University of Nebraska-Omaha in three games to advance to their first WCHA Final Five since 2003. Huggins and the Mavs hope they can duplicate that success and return to the Final Five in 2014, and this time, they’re one of the favorites to sit on the throne atop the conference, catapulting them into the NCAA tournament for a second straight season.

The Mavs wrap up their regular season with the final WCHA series of the year at home against Michigan Tech University. The Huskies have been a long time member of the WCHA and a familiar opponent, but this weekend holds high stakes. MSU is battling for a sweep to earn the no. 1 seed for the WCHA playoffs and also for the opportunity to hoist the MacNaughton Cup, awarded annually to the WCHA regular season champion. Tech on the other hand, is looking for a big weekend to remain in third place of the WCHA, assuring them home ice for the first round of playoff hockey.

In what has been a crazy year for hockey in the WCHA, nine out of the conference’s ten teams have a shot at the playoffs, with the top eight all having a chance for home ice, pending this weekend’s results.

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MEN’S BASKETBALL “It was a very physical game. We kind of set the tone early and we just stayed with it the entire time and came out the champion,” Monaghan said. continued from 13 single-season record for wins in a season with 29, and extended their winning streak to 13 games. The Mavericks earned the No. 1 ranking in the Central Region Feb. 26, and since then have rattled off 3 wins, including a NSIC Tournament Championship.

“We played three really good teams. Three game that will really get us ready for the NCAA Tournament, It is kind of all we can ask for going into March,” Monaghan said.

MSU (29-4) earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with the win Tuesday, but their post season scenario still remains unclear. The Mavericks should be among potential schools to host the NCAA Central Regional. It will be announced who will host at the NCAA Selection Show beginning 9:30 p.m., Saturday.

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

SEASON REVIEW against the Beavers on January 4th, the Mavericks found them-

Kari Lundberg

selves floundering.

A 1-0 shutout on the same weekend by the Beavers over the Mavericks started a seven-game slide that stretched into February.

Weekend sweeps were endured against the likes of high-flying WCHA teams like Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth, and Ohio State.

But the bleeding finally stopped on February 7th and 8th when the Mavericks grinded it out at home and took a 4-2 win and 3-3 tie against St. Cloud State

Tracy McCann

at All Seasons Arena. It was the weekend after that in which MSU took home their most impressive wins of the season.

In a pair of games in Grand Forks, ND., the Mavericks stood

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behind their veteran goaltender, senior Danielle Butters, and routed the No. 4 University of North Dakota by scores of 4-2 and 2-1.

“My best memory of the year was those games in Grand Forks, specifically during the third period of the second game. The way we won that hockey game, especially against a team that needed a win, that game was impressive,” Means said.

After the games in North Dakota, the Mavericks returned home on February 21st and 22nd for their final two home games and were swept by No. 2 Wiscon-

Arnold Bagamba • MSU Reporter Kelsie Scott

sin before seeing the same team in the playoffs this past weekend, where their season came to a close.

But despite the early exit, Means was still impressed by the overall effort of the team and by many of the ladies’ individual performances. “[Butters] was terrific. Without her play, we couldn’t have swept UND or beat Wisconsin this last Saturday.

[Senior forward] Kari Lundberg was our team leader all year.

She was a model of consistency.

Overall we had good contributions from a number of players to get us to where we got this year,” Means said.

2013-2014 was indeed the year of the goaltender for MSU. Despite taking 23 losses out of

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Senior goalie Danielle Butters recorded a season-high 51 saves in their 3-0 win over Wisconsin in the first round of the WCHA tournament.

Nicole Germaine

37 games, both Butters and backup sophomore goaltender Erin Krichiver were stalwarts in the crease. In her seven starts, Krichiver posted four wins, a .943 save percentage, and an impressive 1.93 goals against average. With Butters graduating this May, it looks as though the Maverick net is in good hands with Krichiver.

As the starter for most of the Mavericks’ games this year, Butters contributed nine wins, a .924 save percentage, and a 2.94 goals against average and earned WCHA Defensive Player of the Week accolades twice during the season.

“I think my greatest keepsake from this season would have to be the puck from the game this last Saturday,” Butters said. “The referee handed it to me after the game. It reminds me of our team celebration on the ice when the buzzer sounded. That is a feeling that is hard to explain.”

Besides Krichiver, the Mavericks will also welcome back top defenseman Shelby Moteyunas (13 points), forward Kathleen Rogan, who led the team with 13 points on the power play, and Natalie Stoltz (9 points) as seniors next fall.

And whoever the Mavericks

Danielle Scholzen

add this next school year as far as freshmen, they look to be well equipped to have an even better season next year. Asked what has stood out as his greatest memory of coaching the team thus far, Means put it simply: “the people.

We have great individuals on this squad and that has made it easy to come to the rink every day.”

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Thursday, March 6, 2014