November 2, 2010

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

ELECTION DAY 2010

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE DREADED TWO-PARTY SYSTEM page 5

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR IN SHAPE FOR WINTER page 3

FORENSICS TEAM LOOKS TOWARD NATIONALS page 3

OPEN FORUM DISCUSSES NON-ACADEMIC CUTS page 6

LEEP RAISES $ TO COMPETE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS page 6

INTERVIEW: ‘COMMUNITY’ COMPOSER GORANSSON page 12

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN MMA FIGHTER page 15

FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS ONE OF BEST RPGs page 13

COOK’S 58 SAVES KEEP MEN’S HOCKEY ALIVE page 15

A COMEDY CLUB ON CAMPUS FEATURES UCB page 14

VOLLEYBALL DROPS MUST-WIN vs. SWMS IN 5 page 16

WOMEN’S HOCKEY FALLS TO No. 1 BADGERS page 17

WOMEN’S SOCCER HEADS TO NSIC TOURNEY page 16

index

THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING page 4

Page 2 • Reporter

Advertisement

Tuesday, November 2, 2010T

VOTE TODAY!!!!

You have clear choices.

Candidate Positions on Higher Education: Mark Dayton (DFL): Opposes cuts to higher education.

Supports a bonding bill to fund the 16 MnSCU projects vetoed

by Governor Tim Pawlenty last session (including the planning funds for the MSU-Mankato Clinical Science Building). Would raise the income tax for individuals who earn over $130,000 and joint filers earning over $150,000 to reduce the $5.7 billion state budget shortfall.

Tom Horner (Independence Candidate): Opposes cuts to higher education. Supports a bonding bill to fund the 16 MnSCU projects vetoed by Governor Tim Pawlenty last session (including the planning funds for the MSU-Mankato Clinical Science Building). Supports extending the sales tax to clothing and some services and dropping the sales tax rate to reduce the $5.7 billion budget shortfall.

Tom Emmer (Republican): His budget plan calls for a $417 million cut to the higher education funding base. He voted against the bonding bill that included funding of higher education building projects. He would cut taxes for businesses by $686 million, which would increase the budget shortfall. He would solve the $5.7 billion budget shortfall through deep cuts to state programs (including the cuts to higher education).

How to vote: • You must be at least 18 years old to vote.

• You must have lived in Minnesota for 20 days.

• You can register at the polls on Election Day. For details on various forms of allowable identification, visit the Secretary of State’s web page at: http:// www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=1624 • To find out where to vote, visit the “Poll Finder” at the Secretary of State’s web page at: http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. Just type in your address, and it will tell you where to vote.

Paid for by the Inter Faculty Organization, 490 Concordia Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55103.

Roger Severens Treasurer.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

News

Preparing for the worst Winter brings dangerous driving conditions, requires more vehicle maintenance ANNE LEMERE

staff writer

As the weather starts to change to cole and ice, many risks follow when driving.

The best way to keep out of danger while driving is to be sure not to do anything fast, according to Craig Evers, a professor in the department of auto and manufacturing engineering tech.

“If you are an aggressive driver, you may find yourself in an accident,” said Evers.

Beware of black ice, especially over bridges, Evers said.

“If the weather gets bad, act like you have an egg on the sole of your shoe. Go gently on the break and gas,”

Evers said.

It is also important to do simple maintenance work on vehicles before the cold weather arrives. There are many pieces to the engine that must be kept in good condition around winter, such as the alternator and battery.

Matt Ballman, an Advanced Auto Parts employee, said it is important to test them prior to the weather changing.

Checking the pipes in the engine is essential, because if they are spongy, hard, cracked or have holes, then they may leak and need to be replaced, said Evers. Be sure to keep up with the coolant because if it gets too cold or weak then the engine can go,

he added.

Drivers should not neglect the coolant and they should be aware of the coolant freeze point, which is commonly negative 32, said Charlie Keech, assistant manager at Jiffy Lube.

Having new wiper blades is necessary for every car before the first heavy snow fall.

“In the winter you use the washer fluid a lot,” Evers said, “which makes it important to always keep it full, along with the rest of the fluids.

“Getting all of the fluids on a car checked is something to do before the weather gets cold,” Keech

Winter / page 7

Reporter • Page 3

Tips to avoid winter car accidents REPORTER STAFF

- Have enough space between your car and the other cars, and be sure to hit the brake earlier. Braking distance gets a lot longer when the road is frozen and driving too close will increase the risk of crash. If you are driving at a high speed, it can even end up in a rollover accident.

- Know how to use the engine brake (shifting into a lower gear) instead of pedal break when needed. The pedal brake can be slippery on frozen roads if your car doesn’t have anti-lock brakes.

- Maintain the air pressure in the tires. With all the temperature changes, be sure to check it frequently. This can help you keep traction on the road.

- Do not drive in severe weather conditions. If you have to drive, follow the path of the car in front of you because it’s a proven way to stay safe.

- Keep your eyes on the road surface. During winter, the road gets rough and hard to distinguish if it’s safe.

Careful observation will help avoid accidents or having wheels running idle.

Speech and debate team isn’t all talk

Group places second and third overall in recent competitions categories in all three October tournaments. At the Bob Robertz Invitational, she took first place in the duo interpretation category with teammate Skylar Carlson, second place in Extemporaneous Speaking and fourth place in Communication Analysis, along with taking third place in the Individual Sweepstakes.

Klugman and Carlson also took fifth place in the duo category at the University of WisconsinWhitewater tournament, and Klugman took fifth in After Dinner Speaking and sixth in Communication Analysis.

Klugman is just one of the many talented students on the team; many of her teammates also

5:00 PM SUNDAYS

to worship at the

Food & Talk Wednesdays @ 5:30PM Free, Casual, Comfortable

CROSSROADS

"Will the road you're on get you to my place?"

MIDWEEK MEAL & DISCUSSION

DILLON & MAYWOOD

Talk / page 7

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

The Minnesota State Mankato Speech and Debate team is one of the oldest collegiate forensics teams in the country and has a long history of talented students.

This year is no different.

In October alone, team members competed and placed in four different tournaments.

Standing up to much larger teams, the MSU group placed second overall at the South Dakota State University tournament the first weekend in October and third at the Bob Robertz Invitational held at Gustavus Adolphus College on Oct. 17, along with its individual students placing in categories.

The team also had students

place at Mid-American Forensics League Tournaments held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of WisconsinWhitewater on Oct. 23 and 24.

Leah White is the head coach of the forensics team. She said the team’s success this year is consistent with other years. She also said she is especially happy with the number of new faces on the team.

“We have a lot of new students on the team, which is exciting,” White said.

Senior Ariel Klugman is not one of those newcomers; she has been on the team since 2007, when assistant coach James Dimock convinced her to join.

This year, she placed in several

(507) 625-6779

staff writer

www.lcmcrossroads.com

GRACE WEBB

submitted photo The MSU Speech and Debate team has students with a wide variety of experience that keeps the group going strong.

Voices

The valueless generation

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 www.msureporter.com

EDITORIAL:

IT’S ELECTION DAY GO VOTE!

Jake Bohrod

Find your polling place at maps.google.com/vote Bring identification and a billing statement for proof of address or have a roommate vouch for you.

It’s important. It’s our future. It’s your future.

It is now a faux pas to be concerned in our age group. Politically active and opinionated people are the crazies by our standards. The more uninformed the better (misinformed a close second.)

Affluence and detachment have turned our attentions on the bubbles of our own existences.

Yes, in the day of 24-hour world surveillance we seem even more self-centered. This spells an ugly future for a nation caught in hard times, the building blocks to the world we live in being formed on days such as today.

Politics aren’t for everyone. It isn’t possible nor necessary for us to read each bill or know the life story of everyone written on the ballot. But it’s unfortunate how that very word — politics — is the conversational equivalent of Ambien.

People our age seem to think politics have nothing to do with their lives, that the work of elected officials has no real or quantifiable impact on what we do every day. People equate politics with the boring musings of 60-year-old white guys who bicker and toss buzzwords back and forth until it’s time to go home to their luxurious penthouses or miles of untouched acreage.

And while much of this may very well be true, the problem comes when young people are turned off to even having opinions anymore, to express their values and what they believe in, even if it’s with the people closest to them. The day that we’re unable or unwilling to even recognize our beliefs, to question them and measure them, is a sad day indeed.

We could talk about how we got to this point, how years

and years of political and social stalemate have produced a generation fed up with the whole system. We could pour a lot of time into discussing where other countries are in comparison to our own, where their governance has led them and the rights that they enjoy because of it, but it means nothing if we choose not to care.

This is our own fault, too.

We’re growing up in a world tending to our specific needs.

Our most immediate and consuming worries revolve around paper due dates, boyfriends not returning our calls, shitty jobs, etc., and we refuse to recognize it. I’m not trying to give the “fight for what you have because it could all go away soon” speech, I’m saying we’re spoiled, privileged, selfish, material-driven whiners who don’t care only because we can and things will stay the same.

Well I don’t want things to stay the same. Like others, I want things to get better, and to continue to get better. I believe that living with opinions is the only way to live.

If you must, write down what’s important to you. Make a list. And don’t make them political talking points and pressure issues (i.e. abortion, war, religion). How about electricity? How about getting from one place to another, or public transportation? How about your family? I guarantee whatever you put down will link somehow to this nation’s policies and is ripe for conversation and, indeed, opinion.

The person who doesn’t know what he/she values in life is a lost person. So figure it out. Form an opinion. Disagree with your friend when he says he doesn’t like paying extra taxes for Target Field. Make an effort to actually know what politicians are doing with your country, whether or not they’ll fund your school; whether or not they’ll put your job or the job of a loved one at risk; whether or not they’ll send you to war; whether or not they’ll give you, your brother or your friend equal rights.

And vote. And when that’s done, think some more, talk some more.

T

compiled by Katie Erickson

Are you going to vote? Do you think it is important?

Cal Boettcher • Sr • Management “Yes I will. Yes, I think it is important because you can’t complain about something you don’t participate in, so it gives me the right to complain after.”

Alisha Phandanouvong • Sr • Soc. Work

“I might vote; if I have time. It could be important if people have different issues and they are trying to find someone that is able to do something about the issues.”

Matthew Malecha • Jr • Soc. Work “Nope. I do believe it is important because if I’m not doing it someone else has to.”

Danielle Karner • Sr • Management “Yes, and yes because it’s your duty as an American citizen and you shouldn’t take our freedom for granted. So you should vote.”

EDITORS

SUPERVISORS

AD SALES

OUR POLICIES & OTHER INFORMATION

Editor in Chief: Nate Brennan (507) 389-5454

Business Manager: Jane Tastad (507) 389-1926

AD REPRESENTATIVES: Cami Hiller (507) 389-5453

NEWS EDITOR: Elena Shufelt (507) 389-5450

ADVERTISING DESIGN/ TECHNOLOGY SUPERVISOR: Dana Clark (507) 389-2793

Jared Hensch (507) 389-5097

• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, call Editor in Chief Nate Brennan at (507) 389-5454. 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, which can be contacted at (507) 389-2611.

sports editor: Kyle Ratke (507) 389-5227 Variety Editor: Jacob Bohrod (507) 389-5157 photo editor: Wale Agboola

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Shelly Christ (507) 389-1079

Mike Tjosvold (507)389-5451 SUPPLEMENTAL AD SALES: Amy Schultz (507) 389-6765 Megan Wahl & Natasha Jones (507) 389-5609

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a student-run 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) 389-1776. Subscriptions for the academic school year are $35.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

• 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.

Centennial Student Union Room 293, Mankato, MN 56001 • (507) 389-1776

Minnesota Newspaper Association

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

News

The dreaded two-party system

Reporter • Page 5 Democrats

Republicans

Taxes: Favor taxing the rich, tax exemptions for people below a certain poverty level, favor tax cuts for small businesses

Taxes: Favor tax cuts across the board, all citizens pay the same percent of his or her income

Abortion: Right to choose, no restrictions, encourage sexual education to prevent unwanted pregnancies Green energy: Encourage caps on power plant emissions, want government to fund research on renewable energy Economy: Favor government involvement in the marketplace, want regulations on businesses, nationalization of private sectors, watchful of worker rights

GRACE WEBB

staff writer

It’s time for Minnesota State Mankato students to head to the polls and cast their votes for this year’s election candidates. Usually, there are two main candidates — Republican and Democrat.

Sometimes, an Independent or two sneaks in (such as gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner). Before students vote, it’s important to know how candidates stand on statechanging issues. Now it would be impossible to profile every single candidate and how he or she views every single issue, so this article will focus just on political parties as a whole and how they stand on…

Taxes: Democrats traditionally favor more taxes, but usually they try to focus tax raises on wealthier citizens. They push what is called a “progressive tax,” that is, taxing wealthier citizens a higher percentage. They also encourage complete tax exemptions for people at a certain poverty level, they don’t like sales tax and they favor tax cuts for small businesses.

Republicans, on the other hand, favor tax cuts across the board, saying it will boost economy to have more money being spent in the marketplace. They favor an equal-percentage tax, so no matter how much money one makes, one pays the same percent of his or her income.

They also usually favor sales tax or other non-income forms of taxation.

Abortion: on the whole, Democrats greatly favor a woman’s right to choose. They don’t want any restrictions placed on abortions, and they advocate government aid to be available for women who can’t afford abortions

on their own. However, they are quick to insist they don’t think abortions are the best solution; instead, they encourage education at the high school level about safe sex and ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Republicans, on the whole, view abortion as murder. They instead advocate for adoptions. They usually want abortion to be illegal except perhaps in cases of rape or incest, and they don’t want it to be government-funded.

Green energy: Republicans are stepping on the green energy bandwagon, though more slowly than Democrats.

They can be great advocates for nuclear power. They discourage capping business emissions or forcing people to be more environmentally aware. Democrats seem to be much more passionate about the environmental problems in the world. They greatly stress renewable energy with the hopes that government will fund and research wind power, solar power, etc. They also strongly encourage caps on power plant emissions, saying it will help save the environment and stop global warming (which Republicans really don’t put much stock in).

The Economy: Republicans are much more in favor of a free-market system where the government is not greatly involved with the economic sector. They would rather let businesses take control and regulate themselves.

Because of this, Republicans don’t like heavy regulations on businesses, nor do they like government interference when it comes to hiring practices, minimum wage laws, etc. On the other side of the fence, Democrats are very much in favor of government involvement in

the marketplace. They like regulations on businesses and favor nationalization of many private sectors (such as the recent Health Care changeover). They encourage the government to invest in the marketplace, and they are very watchful of worker rights, especially unions. While Republicans aren’t against unions, they are certainly not as supportive of unions as Democrats.

The Military: Democrats are, overall, not too enraptured with the United States military.

While they would never disassemble it completely, they usually feel too much budget money is spent on it, and they usually try to cut back funding there to put the money to use in entitlement programs such as Social Security. They are also strongly against weapons proliferation (stocking up on weapons) and would go so far as to get rid of nuclear weapons if other countries agreed to as well. Republicans view the military as extremely important and usually try to put as much funding into it as possible to make it as strong as possible. They subscribe more to the “carry a big stick” school of thought, so they are in favor of gathering lots of firepower to dissuade other countries from attacking.

These are only a few of the many issues in which political parties are involved. To learn more about other issues, such as crime, education, entitlements, health care, and more, it is best to visit the parties’ websites. Remember, when you vote, you’re deciding the future of your country.

Don’t go in blind. Know the issues, know how they will affect us all. And then do the responsible thing and get out to the polls.

Military: Want to cut back funding and use elsewhere, against weapons proliferation, would get rid of nuclear weapons if other countries did as well

Abortion: View abortion as murder, advocate for adoption, usually want abortion to be illegal with the exception of rape or incest cases Green energy: Advocate nuclear power, discourage capping business emissions, do not want to force people to be more environmentally aware Economy: Favor free-market system, no heavy regulations on businesses, no government interference with minimum wage laws, hiring practices, etc.

Military: Very important, want to put as much funding as possible into it, favor gathering weapons to dissuade other countries from attacking

DAILY SPECIALS 2 for 1 Domestic Bottles

4-8PM

$2 Rails and Taps

8-11PM

KARAOKE

Monday & Wednesday 10-Close 521 S. Front St. • 625-5090

Page 6 • Reporter

News

Administration talks non-academic cuts Students speak up about the future of athletics

HEATHER MOELLER

staff writer

Minnesota State Mankato’s administration listened to student and faculty budget concerns Thursday.

President Richard Davenport and Vice President Rick Straka went over the proposed nonacademic cuts before turning the floor over to audience questions and comments. According to Straka, the cuts are necessary because of a state budget gap of $5.8 to $7 billion.

Straka said even when Minnesota recovers from the recession, government spending will not return to pre-recession levels. He also said higher education will have to deal with being a second, or even a third, priority in terms of government assistance.

“We will take a backseat to K-12 [education] and health services,” Straka said.

Straka said the Minnesota

State Colleges and Universities System will lose $105 to $210 million for the next two years because of state budget problems, which, as a worst-case scenario, project a $9.8 million budget reduction for MSU. Straka said small changes will have a big impact on MSU’s budget. Shifting tuition one percent up or down, for example, would result in a $700,000 change. Losing or gaining 100 full-time equivalent students would result in a $600,000 change.

“That’s why it’s so difficult,” Straka said.

He said it will be April or May before there is a clear indication of how much MSU will need to cut from the budget.

After the 30-minute presentation, various members of the audience voiced their concerns about the proposed cuts.

Non-academic / page 7

Tuesday, November 2, 2010T

Special Olympics or bust Graduate students host fundraiser for LEEP bowlers, men’s basketball supports YOONKI KIM

staff writer

A group of Minnesota State Mankato graduate students will hold a fundraising event for Leisure Education for Exceptional People (LEEP) in the Taylor Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Mankato LEEP will provide dinner, including pizza, sub sandwiches and drinks, to anyone who makes a $6 donation.

The graduate students are mostly part of the department of Human Performance and are working on fundraising for a service learning project to reach out to the community. Mankato LEEP has upcoming state finals for the Special Olympics bowling team. Graduate student Troy Blasius said he hopes to raise enough money to cover the cost for attending the finals.

Blasius said the goal is to raise $1,500.

Many MSU athletic teams have made prize donations

for the fundraiser. Many local organizations such as HyVee, Cub Foods and Scheels All Sports have donated gift cards.

The men’s basketball team will participate directly in the event.

“We’ll get to play some basketball, shake some hands [and] some [players] will sign some autographs,” Blasius said.

People can also take pictures with Stomper and will have the chance to win prizes.

LEEP is a non-profit organization that provides recreational and leisure opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

It serves individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of four, but the agency’s largest population is adults.

About 700 people in the greater Mankato area participate in LEEP programs throughout the year.

LEEP uses a variety of resources to keep the agency running smoothly. The United

Way is a great source of support, as are contributions from civic groups and individuals. LEEP program participants do pay a small fee to assist with some of the expenses for activities. LEEP also uses an average of 150 volunteers each year, which helps to reduce the cost of hiring professionals.

The Mankato Sertoma (an abbreviation for Service to Mankind) Club has supported LEEP from the very beginning.

The Sertoma Club donated the building that houses LEEP in January 2007 and provides monetary support to assist with basic maintenance and utilities.

In Mankato, Sertoma has been providing opportunities for people with disabilities since 1960.

People who want to make additional donations can contact executive director Becky Kunst at 507-387-5122.

BLUE SK Y BROADBAND Get High Speed Internet Get Mobile-4G Get it Today - No monthly contracts - No hidden fees - Satisfaction is guaranteed or your money is back within 30 days.

No questions asked.

- Speed starting at 3 MBPS download and 1 MBPS upload.

- Available in Mankato and surrounding areas.

Be part of the new 4th Generation Wireless Evolution

$19.99

University Square 1600 Warren St. Suite 10 507-933-0SKY (0759) www.bskybb.com

4-G wireless is here and you can enjoy mobile high speed anywhere in Mankato area. At home, apartment, park, outdoor, coffee shop, mall, campus or friend's house.

It's as simple as: 1) Get Sky Card 2) Insert into your laptop 3) Cruise the web at blasting speed Location: University Square http://www.bskybb.com

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

News

individual’s needs, team has three more tournaments this semester

WINTER Shovels, blankets, energy bars and cat litter are suggested for emergency kits

continued from 3

continued from 3

NON-ACADEMIC TALK Coaches cater to each continued from 6

Sophie Kaeter, Nicole Bennett and Chelsea Chapman, members of MSU’s women’s swim team, spoke against the proposed elimination of men’s swimming.

Kaeter said the men’s team is integral to the swim lesson program MSU’s swim teams have provided the community with for two years. Kaeter said the teams use the money earned from the program to offset many of the teams’ expenses.

“How is the women’s team alone to be able to sustain and expand this revenue?” Kaeter said.

Bennett said losing the men’s team would possibly affect recruitment of students interested in MSU’s swim team. Bennett also said she personally would transfer to a different university if the men’s team was cut. About 23 other women on the team stood to show they too would transfer.

Chapman said MSU’s two swim teams are one cohesive unit. She also cited statistics that showed coed teams are more competitive than just a women’s team.

Men’s swim team member Matt Chida asked why the administration was cutting entire teams.

“Why not take a little from [all 22 teams] instead of everything from four?” Chida said.

Straka said the administration could not look into keeping the men’s swim team without seeing how it affects everything. Straka also said not making significant cuts to athletics would be unfair to the academic departments that are dealing with cuts already.

Bronson Myers, who spoke as a member of the Mankato Activist Collective, said MnSCU is a top-heavy system and asked what cuts to the system were being made.

Davenport said the central office of MnSCU was looking at a budget reduction of $4.3 to $5 million.

MSU music major Ben Wagner brought up his concern about the elimination of an orchestra conductor. Wagner said the size of MSU’s orchestra has grown since he’s been here.

Without the conductor, he said MSU would be the only state university without an orchestra.

“That scares me,” Wagner said.

Straka said he appreciated hearing Wagner’s concern, even though the elimination of the orchestra conductor was part of the academic cuts rather than the non-academic cuts discussed Thursday. Straka said he appreciated the professionalism all the speakers showed.

“They were all good questions,” Straka said.

Reporter • Page 7

placed in these tournaments.

Klugman said she is pleased with how the team is doing so far this year.

“We are a small team this year with a lot of new members,” Klugman said. “I am happy with the team’s accomplishments and excited for the rest of the season.”

Klugman explained that forensics is a very individualized activity, where team members are able to choose what pieces they want and then go about preparing for them in whatever way works best for them personally.

Members find pieces to perform that really move them, whether it’s about an issue that’s important to them or a piece of literature that’s especially inspiring. Klugman herself practices each of her pieces daily, and, since she has five pieces she’s working on, that adds up to an hour and a half to two hours every night.

Klugman said the team also has coaches and assistant coaches who help the members prepare, helping them to come up with ideas, understand the competition process and stay focused on their goals. Individual coaching sessions allow each student to meet with a coach to iron out performances.

“Our coaches are wonderful,” Klugman said.

Benjamin Walker is one of the MSU forensics team’s six graduate assistant coaches. He has been with MSU since last year and plans to stay until he finishes his Master’s Degree, after which he hopes to start coaching his own team. He said he views his job as a forensics coach as doing whatever his forensics team needs to succeed at their goals, whether they want to compete and place in tournaments or just have fun.

“Each student has unique needs, and as a coach you learn those needs after working with students for a period of time,” Walker explained. “The entire coaching staff tries to keep in mind that we aren’t simply coaching competitors; we are coaching students that have a variety of needs. Sometimes you just need to spend time eating lunch with students and help them decompress from their stressful lives.”

Walker said he believes the team has had an excellent start this season, mentioning how this year there are many newcomers to the forensics world who have been learning fast, and also how more seasoned competitors are still going strong.

“Our seniors have been pillars of strength for the team; they’ve led us into tournaments and really

helped the coaches bring along some of the younger competitors,” Walker said. “Our juniors and sophomores have really come into their own as speech competitors this year. As a coach, you always hope that your students progress, and this year’s juniors and sophomores haven’t let us down.”

Walker said that there will be three more important tournaments this semester — the L.E. Norton Invitational at Bradley University on Nov. 6 and 7, a tournament at Hastings College in Nebraska on Nov. 20 and 21, and a tournament at the University of WisconsinStout on Dec. 3 and 4.

The MSU team won the Stout tournament last year, so Walker said they are hoping to retain the title. He said that these tournaments are important because judges from the national collegiate competitions will be there, so the team wants to make a good impression. MSU forensics performers are able to go to national tournaments if they place well enough in pre-national competitions.

“We are gaining national qualifications quickly, showing the strength of our team early on in the semester,” Walker said. “Even though we’ve had some success early on, we know it’s a long season. The Midwest is one of the most brutal areas to compete in the country. Early success is great, but we are in it for the long haul —we want to succeed at Nationals.”

Walker said an additional challenge for forensics students, besides competing against hundreds of other talented performers, is the rough travel schedule students have to work around. The team travels at least two times a month, and in April students can be gone for roughly two weeks for the National tournaments. While students decide which tournaments they want to attend, the traveling can get exhausting, especially with all the schoolwork students have to do. However, Walker is firm that the experience is worth it.

“The MSU Speech Team is a fantastic team to be a part of,” Walker said. “Our students and coaches are welcoming and fun to be around. The atmosphere is extremely supportive and friendly.

We can help make speech team be whatever you want it to be: fun, educational, competitive, mix or all.”

Klugman agreed that all of the practice, travel and stress are definitely worthwhile.

“My team and the friends I have made [while] competing for MSU-Mankato make the activity worth the time,” she said.

said.

Keeping the gas tank away from empty is a good idea, Evers said, because it can cause problems with starting the car.

Tire air pressure and tread are important to keep an eye on. The required air pressure can be found on the inside frame of the driver’s door, Evers said, and a gauge is needed to check the tire pressure as well, which is only a couple bucks at any gas station or auto parts store. Going into winter, tire tread depth should be a minimum of one-fourth to

get through the snow, Evers said.

Purchasing an emergency kit is suggested in the car should happen to veer off the road, leaving the driver trapped. A shovel, blanket and energy bars are just a few items that Evers recommends.

“You can get Wal-Mart’s cheapest kitty litter, to get traction [if you get stuck],” Evers said.

A good coat of wax will help to care for the body of a vehicle, Evers said, because snow and salt can cause rusting.

ASL Story Telling and Comedy Monday, November 8th from 6:00-7:30 CSU Ostrander Auditorium at Minnesota State University, Mankato Presenters: Damon Johnson, Mateo Bonn, and Dudley Tuttle

Everyone Welcome!

Voice interpretation provided Event is FREE and sponsored by the Department of Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Services.

MSU STUDENTS MSSA Invites You to Visit with Dr. Davenport Thursday, Nov. 4th 9am-4pm

One-On-One Conversation

Get To Know Your President

TO SCHEDULE A TIME PLEASE CALL

389-2611

News

Study Break Tuesday, November 2, 2010 www.msureporter.com T O D A Y S S T U D Y S P O N S O R E D

NAILS BY JORDAN 1780 Madison Ave., Suite 3 Mankato

507-386-0505

Tuesday, November 2, 2010T

With Us

Page 8 • Reporter

The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear

Sanity Signs

California’s Proposition 19

B R E A K B Y HOURS:

Mon.-Sat. 9am-8pm Sun. 12pm-6pm

Full Set - Fill - Gel Nails - Pedicure - Manicure - Airbrush

Bring student ID to receive $6 OFF a PEDICURE

Across 1. U.S. spy organization 4. Tops 9. ____ fire!

14. No room here for Jesus 15. To give time to speak 16. Open sores commonly found in the stomach 17. Sever 18. CCR tune, “Born on the ______” 19. Swimmer or _____ 20. Got up 22. Gave money for 24. Ten sided shape, ____ agon 25. Bob Marley song, “_____ it up” 27. Gain 31. Association (abbr.)

32. Ridiculing remark 33. Company head 34. Former voice of Chef on South Park, _____ Hayes 36. Despised (think Brad Childress) 38. Loathing 40. Polish city 42. Chalice 43. Construct 44. Poorly lit 45. Matthew Perry film, _____ Rush In 47. Chicken product 51. ____ dunk 53. Let go 54. Invisible glow surrounding a person 55. Oily, useless freshwater fish 57. Underground walkway 59. Piers 62. Those who inherit

65. Fisherman’s tool 66. Plant seed 67. Concur 68. Compass direction 69. Homeland of Obama’s father 70. Smelled 71. Acid Down 1. Transparent winged insect 2. Accustoms 3. Foolish behavior 4. Pig movie 5. Dash 6. Front man for the Family Stone 7. Me ____ 8. Childress’s decision to release Moss 9. Pursuit of Happiness artist, Kid ____ 10. Suppress 11. Actual cash value 12. Visualize 13. Stray 21. Past weekend’s Rally to Restore ______ 23. To be 25. Hook a fish somewhere other than the mouth 26. ___- tac 28. Parts of a play 29. Stink 30. Head motion 32. ____ Francisco 35. Half a dozen 36. Name of computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey 37. Of the Andes 38. Raining chunks of ice 39. ______ matter 40. Drink a mouthful

41. Walt Disney stock symbol 42. Credit default swap 43. Film, Scooby-Doo Meets the _____ Brothers 45. President for the majority of WWII 46. Annie for one 48. The top edge of the side of a boat 49. Collard _____ 50. Cured

52. Back to the Future’s, Marty _____ 56. A float 57. Oak or Redwood 58. Secondhand 59. Furry Star Wars creature, an E- ____ 60. Avenue for short 61. Jog 63. Self esteem 64. Tax Agency

THURSDAY’S ANSWERS

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Advertisement

Reporter • Page 9

Page 10 • Reporter

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Page 11 • Reporter

Reporter Winter Car Care 2010 Visit these local businesses!

Get your vehicle ready for winter!

Dobie's Repair

of Mankato The Power to Surprise™

$10 Off

1116 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001

Oil Change

Oil & Filter Change

UP TO 5 QUARTS OF STANDARD OIL INCLUDES 21 POINT INSPECTION

Expires 12/31/10

5 Over Cost 00

Service You Can Trust!

507-345-4542 (4KIA) SERVICE & PARTS: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am - 5:30pm

www.KIAofMankato.com Super Stop

Super Stop

Super Stop

Super Stop

Shell Super Stop & Wash

Save $10 off any Automotive Service work over $50.

Not good with any other coupons - has no "cash value" Expires 12/31/10

1129 Cross Street North Mankato, MN

Midwest Auto Pro's (507) 388-6895

We Offer Frame & Auto Body Repair & Automotive Diagnostics All Models Including Foreign

• • • • •

Ernie Zinke, Owner, CEO midwestautopros@hotmail.com

Alignments Suspensions Transmissions Brakes Engines

345-3702 1022 Range Street

NORTH MANKATO, MN

STAR WINDSHIELD REPAIR • Call Us First. We'll Handle Your Insurance Claim.

• We Use Original Equipment Glass and Adhesives.

• Two Installers On Every Job. • Mobile Service.

(507) 345-6787

800-325-8353 • 507-387-5178

29

For all your foreign & domestic car needs 100 industrial drive • eagle lake, mn 56024

118 E. Rock St., Mankato

OIL CH A NGE $ 95

Gene or KIP bruender

5 0 7 -2 5 7 -3 3 1 2

Expires 12/31/10

LAGER'S CHRYSLER WORLD

Chrysler • Dodge • Dodge Truck • Jeep

800-657-4676 • 507-388-2944

Complete Interior & Exterior Vehicle Cleaning Hand Wash & Wax • Stain & Odor Removal Carpet Shampooing • Oil Changes Light Mechanical Work

307 Raintree Road • Mankato

MSU FACULTY & STUDENTS:

• Now thru Nov. 13th get TWO carwashes for the price of one!

- Ad required to redeem special - 2nd car wash good for 30 days from date of purchase

• Always $1.39 eight pound bags of ice!

Conveniently Located Downtown Locally Owned & Operated Super Stop

(507) 387-4071 Both under one roof!

Gene’s repaiR

* s p e c i a l i zi n g i n vw *

Low price on dual exhaust!

www.starwindshield.com

• Energy Drinks • Vitamin Water • Powerade • Gatorade • Juices • Water • Health Beverages

(507) 387-4072

The Muffler Center

220 Poplar Street Mankato, MN

BEST COLD SELECTION IN TOWN OF:

Super Stop

Your Next Automotive Service

Service professionals recommend having your oil and filter changed every 3,000 miles.

All Tires

$

$10 Off

General Repair Brakes • Oil Changes Foreign & Domestic

Super Stop

Super Stop

Need to scrap your vehicle? $$ CALL US $$ • Used parts, cars, trucks & repairables!

• Purchasing all grades of metal!

• 70' scale on-site!

• Free Pick Up! • Friendly, Reliable Service • Top Dollar Paid • Online Parts Search

HOURS: Mon.-Fri., 8-5

* Oct. 1 - March 31 Closed Saturdays

507-524-3735

(12 miles south on Hwy. 22)

bandrautotrucksalvage.com

Complete Car Cleaning starting at $109.99

Ask About Our Truck Accessories & Spray-On Bedliners!

1429 N. Riverfront Mankato 507-317-1573

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 www.msureporter.com

What We’re Digging

A&E

FI L M

“Paranormal Activity 2”

MUSIC

POLITICS

“Another World”--The Chemical Brothers

VOTERS!

Composing for a ‘Community’ DEAN GORDEN

staff writer

internet photo Since debuting last year, NBC’s “Community” has gained much attention as the network’s poster-child for new programming.

COMEDY CLUB Page 14

photo of christian hagen by abby holst

Behind the scenes of the hit sitcom “Community,” Ludwig Goransson delicately works to infuse the show with his own creative touch.

Goransson is a writer, but not of dialogue or storylines. He is also a performer, but has never acted in front of the show’s cameras.

Goransson is the show’s lead composer, a position that offers a unique and sophisticated outlet for his musical talent.

A native of Sweden, Goransson first came to the United States to attend a film-scoring course at USC. After graduating in 2008, Goransson began his career working with composer Theodore Shapiro on several films, including “Tropic Thunder” and “Marley and Me.” It was Goransson’s work in film that earned him a rec-

ommendation from Shapiro, which ultimately landed him his job on “Community.”

Life as a television composer demands a highly intuitive ear and a very broad knowledge of music. Goransson’s musical upbringing and education have helped the musician add emotional depth to “Community” and establish the show’s fun-loving charm.

Goransson first found his passion for scoring in his teenage years.

“It was in high school when I saw ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ that I really discovered the power of music within film,” Goransson said.

Goransson’s musical expertise is spread across many different genres and instruments. He plays everything himself when composing the score for “Community.”

“It was when I started writing classical music that I really began to open up my

mind,” he said.

Recently, Goransson got the opportunity to work with a 61-piece orchestra for an “Apollo 13”-themed episode of “Community.”

A typical work week for Goransson is filled with stiff deadlines and heavy hours in his studio. It begins with a meeting with the show’s directors and its creator Dan Harmon.

“We watch an episode and begin discussing the tone of the episode, where and what scenes need music and how it should come in and cut out of the episode,” said Goransson.

After meeting with the creative leads of “Community,” Goransson then travels to his studio to begin his work.

“I spend five days a week in the studio, sometimes 14 hours a day,” he said.

He typically has to produce approximately 12

Community / page 13

‘FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS’ Page 15

internet photo

T

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

A&E

COMMUNITY Although classical opened his mind, Goransson doesn’t limit himself to one type of music continued from 12

minutes of original sound for every episode.

“There are definitely hairpulling moments, but I love doing what I do and the challenge of the work,” Goransson said.

In developing the sound for “Community,” Goransson recalls the countless meetings and the process of bringing his own original sound to the program.

“There were lots of meetings. We weren’t sure what the show was going to be and it took a lot of discussion before we settled on how we were going to score the show.

We’re now on episode 35, and I think the music has really taken on a life of its own,” said Goransson.

Additionally, Goransson has worked on a hip-hop side project with Donald Glover, the actor who plays Troy

Goransson breaks the mold of classical composer.

$10 Off Any Piercing (MINIMUM OF $40)

“New Vegas” shallow technically, deep fun DAVID WEI

Barnes on “Community.”

Glover released his album “Culdesac” this past summer under his MC moniker Childish Gambino. Goransson helped the rapper produce and write the album.

“Donald is a talented guy.

We work really well together.

I’m always trying to take on new genres and loved getting a chance at hip-hop,” Goransson said.

Currently, Goransson is composing for a new show called “Happy Endings.” He has also started working on a solo album that will be released around Christmas.

His music can be found on LudwigGoransson.com and the Childish Gambino album “Culdesac” can be downloaded for free at culdesacthealbum.com.

internet photo

$20 Off Any tattoo (MINIMUM OF $100)

Reporter • Page 13

staff writer

“Fallout 3” and “Fallout: New Vegas” are among the most expansive and best roleplaying games created, featuring a unique blend of sci-fi, post-apocalyptic action and role-playing you just can’t find anywhere else. While “Fallout 3” was all about surviving devastation, “Fallout: New Vegas” is all about the desolation.

Developer Bethesda has improved upon the original series. I got addicted to the new survival tactics and modding weapons. It’s like New Wave spin on the Wild West, full of chaotic fun.

The “Fallout” series takes place in an alternate postapocalyptic future, where the 1950s Cold War never ended.

The United States created bomb shelters called “vaults” to shelter some people from the imminent destruction.

Then a full nuclear exchange devastated the planet.

The “Fallout” series takes place about 200 years after

that event. Radiation has the same stereotypical effect on living things: they’re ugly, glow green and grow to monstrous sizes.

“Fallout: New Vegas,” takes place around Las Vegas. The city was never directly hit by a nuke, but it seems like everything around it was. The plot unravels slowly at first, while you level-up and scavenge for resources, but picks up pace after a few levels.

Despite previous rumors of there being several different character backgrounds, only one is provided. Your character is a courier delivering a mysterious package before he or she is ambushed and left for dead. It seems like your character suffers memory loss after that incident since there is virtually nothing that reveals your character’s past. In a way, it’s a rebirth of sorts.

The plot focuses on what your character was supposed to deliver and the balance of power between the factions of New Vegas. Eventually, your choices lead to many differing

endings affecting the entire area, for better or worse. It’s a living and dynamic world and you get the choice improve it or watch it burn.

The graphics are roughly on the same level as “Half-Life 2,” so they are a bit dated. The scenery, detail and effects are still great from afar. However, I did notice a few minor graphical glitches, but they didn’t really affect gameplay.

NPCs spawn out of nowhere, and some landforms also pop out of thin air, while others are just poorly designed.

The controls are pretty standard, but are missing a few advanced options and commands, such as the key for taking screenshots and the developer console.

The character creation system has also been improved.

(However, it is not as good as the one from “Mass Effect 2.”)

“Fallout: New Vegas” also features an improved and modified character stats system, plus many more interesting perks and features.

Fallout / page 14

Page 14 • Reporter

A&E

FALLOUT Improvements on the last “Fallout” are there, but hard to spot continued from 13

As you journey around the sandbox world, you can choose to ignore side quests or complete them. The side quests actively affect the main plot and you can fully experience what effects it has on the world around you. You can also sign with one or more of the various factions competing for power in a given area.

“Fallout: New Vegas” improves upon its predecessor in many minor ways. The “PipBoy” and “VATS” targeting system make a comeback, with all the slo-mo bullet time cam action, but the game features a new weapon modification system and tool creation.

When you find work benches or campfires, you can use them to make new tools, medicine and even cook. Also, a new hardcore mode that mimics real-life survival is available for pros.

You will spend most of your time, however, wandering the wastelands in the postapocalyptic setting. The new “Fallout” series has a fairly unique travel system, allowing the player to save time by instantly traveling to a known location.

Although, one of the big disappointments was that “New Vegas” doesn’t have any vehicles, or at least drivable ones. You’ll see motorcycles that look good, but are just props. The fast travel system only works after you’ve been to town. It doesn’t even work if you have the directions or can see your destination.

The improvements made to the targeting system and game overall are very natural.

But it’s still almost outwardly identical to its predecessor, since many of the improve-

ments are under-the-hood.

I do wish that the modification system could be more like something out of “Dead Rising.” You can’t transfer mods from one weapon to another.

The developers treat the player like a 5-year-old. Apparently, it’s hard to build a campfire for cooking and it’s hard to duct-tape binoculars to a gun for a scope.

And the weapons and damage system are a bit unbalanced. The energy-based weapons in this game are severely underpowered.

These hiccups, along with the graphical disturbances and the occasional low framerate, make this game technically mediocre.

Despite its shortcomings, “Fallout: New Vegas” is definitely worth playing if you’ve got the time. It’s full of interesting details, quests and situations. It offers more freedom than most other RPGs like “Dragon Age” or “Mass Effect,” and more strategy than “GTA.” If you want to try a game in the “Fallout” series, start with this one.

Story: Deep plot, but unfolds slowly at first. It’s an active and dynamic world; a unique blend of action.

Graphics: Numerous glitches on high-res settings (for PC), but looks good overall and doesn’t affect gameplay.

Game play/mechanics: Improves on the original, adding new tactics and strategies.

Uses the same controls. You can download developer tools to create mods, which most games don’t offer.

NOW HIRING!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Class clowns form club ABBY HOLST

staff writer

This is an underdog story.

A story of a man and his dog, and by dog I mean club: the Maverick Comedy Club.

It begins and ends with Christian Hagen, the Minnesota State Mankato senior journalism and english major who started the club at the beginning of the year with high hopes of injecting higher doses of laughter into MSU’s halls.

“I was sick of coming to campus and seeing only one or two comedy shows a year,” Hagen said. “There was no place for students to perform, to get out there and try it.”

Hagen naturally had a tale to tell about how he got the idea.

“I met this guy at a bar over the summer, and it’s not as gay as it sounds…”

The guy being referred to is Andrey Belikov, a California comedian who was fed up with crowded L.A. comedy clubs and therefore started open mic rooms on his own campus where his fellow jokesters could meet and practice their acts with much easier access and less expense.

After a lot of lucky coincidences, such as running into IMPACT that tried to get a similar club going on campus last year, funding was allocated, an adviser selected (Diana Joseph of the English department) and Hagen’s comedic baby was born.

“IMPACT has been really supportive and helped us out a lot,” Hagen said. “We’re trying to give this school an identity.”

“One thing we want you to understand is it’s not just for per-

formers, it’s for fans,” Joshua Erhardt, Hagen’s “horribly attractive sidekick” and club treasurer, said.

“When I first came in, I hadn’t really done it before this either, but now that I’m more involved, I’m more interested.”

If you don’t want to perform, you can simply watch or take part in the ridiculous banter that is a sure thing at meetings.

“A comedy crowd has a unique atmosphere – you make friends and get to connect more with your audience,” Hagen said. “We’re a very supportive group.”

With eight to 10 steady thus far, the Maverick Comedy Club is eager and ready to grow.

“We’re trying to make this one of the biggest groups on campus,” Hagen said, “not necessarily in numbers, but in the amount of events and stuff we do.”

Group meetings are held at 8 p.m. Wednesdays in the CSU basement. Mondays are open mic nights.

“You will definitely not leave that place without laughing,” Erhardt said. “Or else you will be horribly offended.”

The third and possibly most thrilling wheel is the run of special events and guest comedians put on Monday nights at 9. They’re calling it the “Ridiculously Funny Comedy Series,” or RFCS. The first event of RFCS, featuring comedian Mike Brody, was a success, with 84 MSU attendees as the final count. The night resulted in newfound fans.

“We’re not interested in big names but instead variety and who’s funny,” Hagen said. “We try not to focus on just one or two types of comedy.”

Hagen said Patton Oswalt was one of his favorite comedians of all time.

“The best comics are the ones you feel like you know,” Hagen said.

Likewise, Erhardt, a political science major, digs Lewis Black’s political humor and the one-liners of Mitch Hedburg.

“If you think about something that everybody enjoys…comedy is it,” Erhardt said. “Have you ever met a person who’s like ‘I fuckin’ hate laughing?’”

Exactly one of the reasons why they think having this club is so important.

“Let’s say something cliché, like, ‘In this economy, laughter is the best medicine,’” Erhardt said.

“This is a health care program.”

“We’re good-humor ambassadors,” Hagen said, “a community of comedy.”

A big event coming up is the arrival of the Upright Citizens Brigade, one of biggest comedy groups in the world. It will make its way to our campus on Monday, Nov. 8 all the way from the Big Apple. The famous group has produced success stories like Adam McKay, former head writer of Saturday Night Live and director of “Anchorman.”

After its performance that night, the group will be hosting a two-hour master class the next day at 10:30 a.m. Being that UCB is one of the most respected improv schools in the country, this is sure to be a worthwhile experience.

“It’s free comedy and you get to know people,” Hagen said. “Comedy is something that everyone can relate to. Anyone can join.”

Staff: Campus Pastor Wong, Reverend Roger Knepprath, Mark Probst, Vicar Mike Moldstad, RA Andy Ibisch

Part-time Positions as a Phone Fundraiser

1506 WARREN STREET • MANKATO • MN

8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

5:30 - 10:00 p.m.

www.beaconwels.org

(Look for our electronic sign!)

507-345-4511

$9.50/hr.

Bi-Weekly Sales Bonus & Incentives Mondays • Wednesdays • Fridays Bible Study Wednesdays • Vespers 9 pm Stop in and apply today at: 219 Maxfield, Mankato (off N. Riverfront Dr. behind the Holiday Station) or apply online at: flsconnect.com (507) 388-5996 EOE

FLSConnect.com

Thursdays • $1 Supper 5:30 pm, Bible Study 6:30 pm

FOR ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS We offer a quiet place to study, a computer lab, a kitchen to prepare meals, TVs, free washer & dryer, Bible studies, counseling, and great friendships!

CENTER HOURS: 8am-10pm OFFICE HOURS: M-W, 12-5pm; Thurs 9am-9pm

What We’re Dogging

Sports Tuesday, November 2, 2010 www.msureporter.com

Randy Moss

Josh Hamilton hitting .125 in World Series

Non-Voters

A day in the life of an MMA fighter Sports Editor Kyle Ratke is doing some stunt reporting, and chances are after two weeks, he’s going to regret it terribly KYLE RATKE

sports editor

“What? Ratke is going to try to be an MMA fighter?

This is the dumbest idea since the Vikings traded for Moss.”

Yep, that’s what you’re thinking. I know.

Two weeks ago, a friend of mine and mix martial arts fighter Cory Anderson (the in-shape guy laughing at me to the left) had a proposition for me via Facebook.

dan moen

“Why don’t you practice and work out with me over the next few weeks and you can tell people about your experience and what MMA is actually like.”

Um, well, here’s the thing. I am 5’9 and weigh in at 160. And trust me, not more than 10 percent of that is muscle. Not the most ideal candidate for an MMA fighter.

Then I thought about it again.

This could make for an awesome story, open some eyes to the world of MMA (including mine), all while breaking down my body and ego. Sounds like a win-win, right?

Cory and I agreed that I would train with him for two weeks.

We would work out four days a week, including doing three hours of boxing, Tae-Bo or some other crazy class where people will look at me funny twice a week.

I had just one concern about all of this and I asked Cory, “Is there any chance of me being hurt

badly? I will workout with you guys, but I am not sure if I am up to really fight anyone.”

“No man, you’ll be fine. Don’t worry,” Cory said. “Oh, shoot.

I forgot to tell you. Don’t forget to buy a cup (not to drink out of) and a mouthguard. Just in case, ya know?”

After I screamed in my head and I cringed at the thought of some 210-pound dude crushing my ribs in, I agreed again. I couldn’t look like a little baby.

So here we are. Monday was our first official day. Here’s the rundown: Cory and I start at 4 p.m. We planned on working on our shoulders and doing some conditioning upstairs.

We started out with the lat pull.

Cory did four reps of eight of right around 200 pounds. I did four reps of eight at 125, 110 and 95 (twice)

MMA / page 17

Men’s hockey

Behind Cook’s 58 saves, MSU goes 1-0-1 PAT DELANEY

staff writer

To be successful in the WCHA, you have to consistently get two points each weekend.

After only recording one point in their first series, the Minnesota State Mankato men’s hockey program has rebounded to earn five points in their last four games.

The Mavericks made the long trip to Alaska-Anchorage over the weekend. The long plane ride and the different time zone didn’t hinder the Mavericks play on Friday, as they won 3-2. After being down 1-0 in the first period, the Mavericks offense came alive in the second.

Senior forward Andrew Sackrison got the Mavericks started tying the game a little more than five minutes into the period. The Mavericks were then able to take its first lead when junior forward Mike Louwerse deked a Seawolve’s defensemen and found the back of the net.

The Mavericks got a powerplay opportunity early in the third period and were able to forget about the early season struggles with the one-man advantage as sophomore forward Eli Zuck was able to deflect a Kurt Davis shot for the Mavericks third and final goal.

MSU UAA

3 2

MSU UAA

2 2

Sophomore goaltender Phil Cook has taken the reigns in net for the Mavericks and responded with another solid performance.

Cook had 29 saves and came through in the clutch late in the third period when UAA had a five-on-three power play. The big stops shorthanded helped clinch the Mavericks first road win of the season.

“They got one early on us but we battled back,” said Cook.

Cook would make another 29 saves in Saturday night’s game and the Mavericks would use a power-play goal again to help them cap off a successful weekend. After being down 2-1 in the third period, sophomore forward Eriah Hayes scored what would be the final goal of the weekend, securing three points for MSU. The Mavericks had talked about the importance of capitalizing on their power-plays and were finally able to see results.

The three points helped the Mavericks move up in the WCHA standings. At 2-2-2, MSU sits tied with Minnesota, who is the only other team to have played

Men’s puck / page 17

Phil Cook (in net) had back-to-back 29 save games over the weekend.

dan moen • msu reporter

Page 16 • Reporter Women’s Soccer

Sports

Tuesday, November 2, 2010T

Volleyball

Do or die for MSU falls to SMSU in five Mavericks TIGE HUTCHESON

staff writer

ericks finally capitalized after NSIC TOURNEY 116 minutes of Tensions were giving it all they St. Cloud State running high at had on the field.

The Pitch last When: 2 p.m. Wed. After earning weekend when Where: The Pitch - Mankato a free kick on the Minnesota a Bulldog foul, State Mankato the Mavericks chose sophomore women’s soccer team played host defender Cassie Weik to take to Minnesota-Duluth and Bemidji the kick. She found Dooher for State in a pair of nail-biters. the game-winner, which sent the The Mavericks prevailed 3-2 home crowd into a frenzy. in overtime over UMD, maintain“I was so nervous,” Weik said. ing their perfect record at home in “Luckily I was able to kick a NSIC play. The emotional victory great ball right to Dooher’s head. set up a pivotal matchup against [Coach McGahey] knows that Bemidji on Sunday afternoon I have confidence in myself to as the two squads battled for make that type of kick, so he and the third seed and home-field advantage in the first round of this the rest of my teammates have confidence in me.” weekend’s NSIC tournament. In The Mavericks were charged a low scoring affair, the Beavers up heading into Sunday’s game shut down the Mavericks’ offenas seniors Leber, Ann Kincaid, sive attack for the 1-0 win.

Emily Petrovich and Jessie Audas On Saturday forward Brittany were all honored before the Senior Henry continued her impressive Dday game. sophomore season early in the “I’ve been here for other Secontest, taking a Laura Leber pass nior Days, but when it’s actually and driving the ball high into the your turn, reality really starts to back of the net. The score put set in that it’s almost over,” said Henry in double-digits for goals, Leber. giving her a team-leading 10 on The offense that had been so the year. clutch the day before disappeared UMD knotted things up at one for the Mavericks on Halloween, a piece later in the first half on a even though the home team conshot that glanced off the hand of trolled play the majority of both freshman Maverick goalkeeper halves.

Brittany Cygan and into the net, But MSU simply could not capping the first-half scoring. get one to go its way in the 1-0 Scoring opportunities were at a heartbreaker. premium in the opening half, as Although the loss dropped the Mavericks outshot the Bullthe Mavericks to fourth place in dogs 5-3. the final regular season NSIC Emotions were high in the second half, especially after senior standings, they will still host fifthseeded St. Cloud State in the first forward Laura Leber scored goal number 40 of her illustrious Mav- round of the NSIC tournament erick career to give the home team tomorrow at The Pitch. The Mavericks already beat the Huskies a 2-1 lead.

1-0 in Mankato earlier this season.

UMD scored just before the “We believe we are the best end of regulation and sent the team in the conference and can game into overtime, 2-2. make it to the end of the tournaThough both teams had their ment,” said Weik. chances in overtime, the Mav-

LEE HANDEL

staff writer

November Workshops at the Mankato WorkForce Center

12 Civic Center Plaza • Mankato, MN Nov. 2:

Nov. 9:

Nov. 15:

Nov. 16:

Nov. 16:

Nov. 18:

Nov. 18:

Employment Networking 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Creative Job Search 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Starting a Business Orientation 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Resume I 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Employment Networking 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Resume II (Resume Writing I Prerequisite) 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Career Exploration 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

To see available jobs, go to Minnesotaworks.net All workshops are open to the public and free of charge.

Call 389-6723 to register.

In the end, Minnesota State Mankato’s solid defense just couldn’t contain No. 5 Southwest Minnesota State’s stellar offense.

The Mavericks dropped a 3-2 nail-biter to the visiting SMSU Mustangs on Saturday.

Southwest came out of the gate strong. Led by AVCA National Player of the Week Devin Diedrich, who ended with a game-high 24 kills, the Mustangs stole the first two sets 25-21 and 25-18, and put MSU on the brink of being swept early on.

“We made a couple of mistakes, and we have a tendency of, after making a few mistakes, making more,” said MSU senior Amanda Thompson.

But the Mavericks regained their composure during the break. Led by Thompson’s defense, MSU fought their way back in, winning the next two sets 25-20 and 25-23.

“Our main goal was to shut down their middles, and we knew that they would really push their middles, so that was our main concern,” said Thompson, who finished with a game-high six blocks and seven kills.

UP NEXT

Minnesota-Crookston When: 7 p.m. Tuedsday Where: Crookston, Minn.

“We shut down their outside, we shut down one of their main middles, we just couldn’t shut down one of them [Diedrich],” said MSU’s defensive specialist Samantha Dale, who racked up a game-high 31 digs.

Minnesota State’s head coach Dennis Amundson used what appeared to be a defensive lineup for most of the game, keeping two defensive specialists, Dale and Alli Rice, on the court for most of the game. Rice picked up nine digs on Saturday, marking her return from having to sit out with illness.

“I think coach knew that we needed to put out our best diggers,” said Dale “Anyone out there is capable of digging, but me and Rice enjoy playing together, so against one of the top offensive teams in the nation Rice and I were pumped to go out there and dig everything and give it all we’ve got.”

But added defense and homecourt advantage weren’t enough

to propel the Mavericks to victory. After working so hard to claw their way back into it, MSU dropped the win-all fifth set 15-9 and sent the fifth-ranked Mustangs home with a 3-2 win.

“To be honest, I think they just wanted it more than we did.

You could see it in their eyes that they were just going after it,” said Thompson.

“I think we just need to learn how to want it more,” Dale agreed “We need to bring out the ‘grr’. We need to bring out the ‘this is our gym’ mindset. We know that we can beat anybody, we just need to bring out that drive.”

The Mavericks will have plenty of chances to find their desire over the next week. The Mavericks hit the road for a three-game road trip against conference bottom-feeders Minnesota-Crookston (0-15), Northern State (6-10) and the University of Mary (1-15). After dropping to seventh-place in the regional standings, there’s no reason the Mavericks can’t sweep their road trip and return to Mankato three games richer and seal a winning record within the NSIC.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Sports

Women’s hockey

No. 1 Badgers net Mavericks LEE HANDEL

staff writer

Even though the odds were completely stacked against them when they faced off the top team in the country, the Minnesota State Mankato women’s hockey team fought hard against the heavily-favored University of Wisconsin in Madison over the weekend. Despite their best efforts, the Mavericks fell to the Badgers 3-2 on Friday and 6-1 on Saturday.

The Mavericks entered the weekend series with more confidence than usual before their matchup against the Badgers, as MSU defeated mighty UW 3-2 in the Kohl Center last season for the program’s first victory ever against the Badgers. That result may have hurt the Mavericks’ chances of catching the Badgers off-guard in this series.

The top team in the nation came out clicking early on Friday, jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead on the Mavericks in the first period. For the second weekend in a row, the Mavericks had to deal with two talented sisters, as junior Brooke Ammerman and her freshman sister Brittany scored the first two goals of the game for the Badgers.

The Mavericks went into the

MSU UW

2 3

MSU UW

1 6

locker room after one period down 2-0 after being outshot 23-3 and could have mailed it in from there on out.

They did not.

Junior forward Emmi Leinonen lifted the Mavs’ spirits just 30 seconds into the second period, scoring her second goal of the season. She was assisted by sophomore blue-liner Emilia Andersson.

After the elder Ammerman sister scored again for a 3-1 UW lead in the second period, the Mavericks answered the bell again early in the third period. This time it was rookie sensation Kathleen Rogan who stepped up, tallying her teamleading fifth goal of the season on another pass from Andersson to put the game back within reach.

Rogan’s strong start has been a pleasant surprise for the Mavericks.

“I’ve just been working really hard,” said Rogan. “But most of it has just been being in the right place at the right time.”

The Mavericks went toe-totoe with the Badgers for the rest of the game, but fell short 3-2 in the end. Like so many times last

season, junior goaltender Alli Altmann kept the Mavericks in the game with 38 saves as the puck spent most of its time on the Mavericks’ side of the ice.

After the tight game Friday, the Mavericks ran out of gas on Saturday in the third period, as Wisconsin’s high-powered offense was too much for the underdogs to handle. MSU hung with the Badgers through two periods, trailing 2-1 heading into the second intermission.

Then the Badgers iced the series sweep and remained undefeated on the season with four thirdperiod goals. “[WCHA play] was different for us at first, but now I think we are getting more comfortable,” Rogan said.

The young team has had its hands full right away, facing three of the best teams in the nation in the first month of the season.

“It showed us that we can beat these teams if we consistently play the way we know we are capable of,” said Rogan.

The schedule gets a little easier for MSU (2-5-1, 1-5-0-0 WCHA) starting this weekend, with two home games against rival St. Cloud State this Friday and Saturday at All Seasons Arena.

Reporter • Page 17

MMA continued from 15

pounds, all while trying to hide the amount I was lifting from the body builders inside. Seriously, I feel like an infant compared to those guys. Props to them.

We then did these crazy lifts with the dumbbells. Not sure if there is an actual name for the lifts, but I am pretty sure I looked like a third-base coach waving a runner into home.

I promise you I won’t be able to lift my arms throughout the week.

A friend of mine came up to me out of nowhere and goes, “Ratke, what the hell are you doing in here?” as if I was a perverted old man sneaking a peak in the women’s bathroom.

I feel out of place.

After finishing our lifts, we headed upstairs for conditioning, which consisted of Cory and I alternating from sprinting a lap to this weird “I’m going to bike with my hands” machine. I can’t explain. Google it. There has to be an image for it.

Cory looked at me after the hour-long workout and said, “Hey man, sorry about the short workout. We’ll go longer next time.”

Ha, short workout? What am I getting myself into.

Check back Thursday and I’ll have the full report about boxing practice. Don’t worry, I bought my cup.

MEN’S PUCK continued from 15 six conference games thus far.

The Mavericks admittingly were a little worn out by the amount of traveling over the weekend, making it that much more satisfying to have success.

“We battled hard all weekend,” said Hayes. “I think it showed a little bit that we were on the road and we traveled quite a bit that we didn’t play our best hockey, but it was great to come away with three points.”

The road trip will continue throughout November as MSU will not play at home again until Dec. 3. However, a trip to Nebraska-Omaha should be more manageable for the Mavericks this weekend.

This many road games this early in the season is out of the ordinary for MSU, but it is a great opportunity for the team to come together in the first half of the season. All the time together should build chemistry and could benefit them moving forward.

“I think this road trip is going to build a lot of character for our team,” said Hayes. “Throughout this next month we’re gonna come a lot closer. I think it’s gonna be a good thing for us.”

Page 18 • Reporter

Advertisement

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Announcing the construction of 25 more cottages for August 2011

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Classifieds

Classys For Rent

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 website www.ottoH.com. Owner/ agent or call 507-340-3465. 12/2 WWW.RENTMSU.NET College Houses Downtown and near campus.

12/9 W W W .

COLLEGESTATIONMANKATO. COM. Free flat screen in every 5 bedroom.

12/9 W W W .

C O L L E G E T O W N M A N K AT O .

COM. New construction cottages in a community of your own. 12/9 LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO live for next Fall Semester? Go to WiseRents.com and look no further! All kinds of houses for all kinds of groups. Wiserents. com or call Jeremy @ 507-3575192.

2/24

Reporter • Page 19

Wanted

READERS (STUDENT ACTORS or aspiring actors) for local playwrights. free breakfast. sign up at www.berworkshop.com.

4/28

Help Wanted

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in Mankato.

100% FREE to join! Click on surveys.

12/2 BARTENDERS WANTED! $250/ day potential.

No experience necessary.

Training available.

Age 18+ OK. (800)965-6520 Ext 170.

6/22

Behind Maverick Bookstore

•

CLOSEST TO CAMPUS!

BRING THIS COUPON and sign by 11/24/10 and get $10/mo. off your rate.

UNIVERSITY SQUARE

Contact office for details.

3BR & 4BR

VILLAGE APARTMENTS

VILLAGE 2

VILLAGE 1

N O W L E A S I N G 2 0 11 - 2 0 1 2

Across from Taylor Center

2BR, 3BR & 4BR

507-385-7977 • CALL TODAY • WWW.USQUAREMANKATO.COM

Department of Modern Languages 227 Armstrong Hall • www.mnsu.edu/modernlang

Spanish Study Abroad

Spring, Summer or Fall Semester EXPERIENCE COURSES IN: CULTURE IN:

• Mexico • Spain

Check us out on

• Ecuador • Costa Rica

• Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Spanish • Culture and Civilization • Commercial & Technical Spanish • Translation

at Minnesota State U Dept. of Modern Languages

For more information contact: James Grabowska • 389-5530 • james.grabowska@mnsu.edu

Page 20 • Reporter

Advertisement

Tuesday, November 2, 2010