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I Love Chile! MSU student explores South America during internship
GRACE WEBB
staff writer
When it comes to finding an internship, many college students are happy to grab whatever comes their way, even if it’s something as dull as office aid in Minneapolis. Minnesota State University, Mankato senior Avery Cropp’s internship takes place somewhere a little more exciting: Santiago, Chile. “It was just one those ‘in the right place at the right time,’” Cropp said. “[I’d thought], ‘You know what, let’s try South America,’ [and] it came up.” Cropp is pursuing degrees in both journalism and Spanish. She said she began looking for internships earlier in the year but didn’t know exactly what she wanted to do. She said she did want to find a job that helped her develop skills in both her majors, which could be difficult. She finally found a posting by MSU’s Career Development Center that offered
an internship position at “I Love Chile,” an English-based media group in Santiago. “It’s the best combination of my journalism and Spanish majors that I found,” Cropp said. She said besides being interested in honing her Spanish skills, she was also intrigued by all the different ways “I Love Chile” offered news: a newspaper, radio station and its website. Since Cropp isn’t sure what she wants to do with her major, she said she was excited to experiment with different media forms. “I knew that back home, I’d probably be working with a specific thing, [but] this internship was offered so that I could work in radio, TV, online and print edition, so I thought that sounded great,” Cropp said. During her internship, Cropp has written for the website about everything from business feature articles to huge cultural events. She also co-hosts a daily radio
Cropp / page 5
•courtesy of avery cropp MSU Student Avery Cropp has an internship in a more exotic location than most.
• jimmychin.com Jimmy Chin’s photographs have been featured in National Geographic, Outside and The North Face.
Explorer gives hometown lecture Jimmy Chin speaks at MSU
CHELSEA MILLER
staff writer
Last Wednesday, Jimmy Chin, accomplished rock climber, skier, and photographer, was back in his hometown of Mankato to give a presentation titled, “Both Sides of the Lens,” an intimate twohour showcase of some of Chin’s photography as well as video from his expeditions around the world. This art, boosted by the creative and pensive atmosphere of the new ballroom, left many audience members in wonder. Four and a half million dollars went into the renovation of the ballroom in the Centennial Student Union. This huge sum of money could have been put to countless other uses. Are these ballroom events of any worth? What are the intentions behind these upgrades? It is clear after Wednesday’s event that most people’s intentions are to make MSU a place of palpable pride equipped with vehicles for student success. This goal indeed starts by creating a place, such as the ballroom, to acknowledge the accomplishments of others while simultaneously creating an experience to stimulate the intellectual growth of its audience. It was an experience to say the least. Huge projectors created an almost 360 degree view of different images, offset by dim blue lights. The simplicity spoke
was only three jobs I could have, I could either be a doctor, a lawyer or a business man, but then I found rock climbing.” The pressure to lead a normal life was not enough to stop the adventurer from being himself. For seven years Chin lived in his Subaru, traveling to different locations like Yosemite and Joshua Tree, to his traditional parents complete dismay. “My other was like, ‘there isn’t even a word in Chinese for what you do,’” Chin explained. During those seven years, Chin got his first photo published. A friend had submitted some of his own photography to a magazine, with one photo taken by Chin stuck in the bunch. Sure enough, Chin’s photo was the only one the magazine bought. This new hobby changed a lot for Chin and his crew of mountain climbers. Eventually, as more photos were sold, and his skills grew, he was able to plan expeditions sponsored by magazines such as National Geographic, Outside and The North Face. It was from those sponsored trips that Chin captured his most amazing shots, the same shots that decorated the walls of the ballroom. Each one had a crisp, cool quality and color so true and sharp you could almost feel the chill of the mountain air. The
Chin lecture / page 5
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volumes through white walls and a small stage with nothing but a man and his laptop. One of the people to speak before Chin was district 77 music teacher, Marti Ryan. Ryan gave Chin violin lessons when he was just four years old, and was responsible for contacting and convincing him to do the presentation. This petite and softspoken woman, coerced onto the stage, inadvertently set the tone for the whole evening. “Music is another vessel, like rock climbing,” Ryan explained with tears in her eyes, “and Jimmy, I am so inspired by you.” Chin has shared this presentation with dozens of audiences, although it is safe to say that the nostalgia from coming home and being with old friends definitely enhanced the impact. “It is very moving to be home, and it definitely takes coming back to see how much you miss it,” Chin said when he first took the podium. From that point on Chin spoke to the audience friend to friend, giving an honest report of the wild, fulfilling life he has found. His life did not always reflect the free spirit he is now. Born in 1974, brought up by two Minnesota State University librarians, Chin thought differently about the world. “At the time, I thought there
MSU ATHLETICS
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011T
What’s your excuse?
Why students choose to skip class and why they shouldn’t
REBEKAH ZENS
staff writer
Back in the day most students wouldn’t dare skip class for they’d face the ultimate punishment — the paddle. A nice swift swat on the butt would be enough for most students. Coming back to reality, in the 21st century, ditching out on a couple classes here and there seems to be a common occurrence for some students. Is it logical? Does it hurt their learning experience? “The first class I ever skipped was freshman year, Biology 105 on a Friday afternoon,” said fifth year student, Leah Michaels. “I wanted to go back home to visit my parents early that day but I was paranoid the entire day that I missed a pop quiz or something. I did not miss a class again until my senior year of college.” A common trend among students is having other commitments that take priority or lack of sleep. According to an article by
Gary Wyatt in a teaching sociology series from July of 1992 — also quoted on the MSU website under teaching resources: “[College is an] expensive cover charge that allowed them entrance into an exciting social world — a world that was often apart from learning and class attendance.” Another suggestion Wyatt stated that professors should evaluate the hospitality towards females in the classroom because women miss class more frequently. This is one opinion, but according to two MSU seniors, Julia Carter and Emily Gilmore, classroom attendance is important. “I’ve never skipped a class unless I was sick,” said Carter. “I would be paranoid that the professor would cover something extremely important that I would miss. I would be nervous all day.” Gilmore agreed. “Skipping class is not something that I plan out,” she said. “If I’m overtired
or sick, it’s an excuse, but other than that, I need to be there.” Most professors create clear instructions that attendance is a mandatory thing — there is no privilege of deciding whether a student wants to be there or not. A consensus has been that unexcused absences are not accepted. If a student has an excused absence it would need to be discussed ahead of time or the student would bring a note of why they missed. In many classes, students are only allowed three before their grade is affected. “If you feel motivation wavering, pull out the list [of reasons not to skip] and read it to remind you why
it’s good to go,” said MSU Spanish professor Elizabeth Harsma. “It may help some students to think about class as a job or career. Your boss isn’t going to allow you to sleep in on Mondays because you up late the night before.” Some students have weighed the options and still may skip, as long as it’s not for a really lazy excuse. “I skipped so I can go home and see my brother’s football game. It doesn’t make me nervous because I feel like most professors understand and are willing to work with you as long as you have a good excuse,” said junior Luke Calaway. “I don’t think my grade was affected but it does
take time outside of class to make it up. I may skip again if something legitimate came up.” Freshman Jeff Stocker has a similar theory as Calaway; skipping needs a legitimate excuse, but can be done without too much care. “I have only skipped one class so far this year, but that was [an] accident,” he said, “but I have skipped other class periods in high school; I was never nervous about it at all and it never affected my grades.” Is skipping class worth it in the end? Will it affect your learning or your grades? That is up to you to decide.
The Top 5 Reasons to NOT Skip Class • The more you go to class, the less you have to study • Many professors have attendance policies • You’re wasting your (or your parents’) money • It takes extra time to catch up • You might miss out on meeting someone new -All reasons from NextStepU.
•web photo Staff: Campus Pastor Wong, Reverend Roger Knepprath, Mark Probst, Vicar Jesse DeDyne, RA Andy Ibisch
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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A Hmong new year celebration HSA members hoped to preserve culture with Culture Day losing their culture and traditions but believes it is up to each individual to ask themselves about the meaning of cultural identity then to act on it by educating others. “What I liked most about the Culture Day was the play because they did a really good job of explaining the story cloth that Hmong people are known for. And Sylvia [the Culture Coordinator and Historian of HSA] did a great job narrating” said MSU student Amanda Vang. Along with entertainment, guests had a taste of various dishes incorporated into the Hmong culinary world. The most interesting dish served was the chicken larb or laab (pronounced • courtesy of Chang Daniel Som lap), a meat salad adopted Members of the Hmong Student Association celebrated the Hmong New Year with dance on Saturday. from the Laotian culture. Speakers of the evening munity. audience with videos about STEVEN VANG included the Interim-Dean Being one of the few the importance of the presstaff writer of Institutional Diversity events that brings people ervation of culture and how Members of the Hmong Henry Morris, Dean Walter together in the Hmong cultextile patterns in clothing Student Association celZakahi of Arts and Humaniture, it is a time of the year are significant to the Hmong ties and Bruce Yang, the ebrated the 21st annual identity. Hmong Culture Day Nov. 5 everyone looks forward to. The root of this event served “What I liked most about with community members as a harvest ceremony the Hmong culture show is at Minnesota State Univermarking the end of a year the message being conveyed sity, Mankato. as people rest for the beginto the audience. Behind all Since its division from ning of a new year. the songs, dances and many the Hmong-Lao Student Among the line-up of other outstanding perforAssociation in 1989, HSA entertaining cultural performances is a powerful meshas celebrated the Culture mances of songs and dances sage,” said MSU alumnus Day as a rendition of the and former HSA member Hmong New Year, which is comparing and contrasting modernization with tradiTou Houa Lee. the biggest holiday celebrations, HSA provided its Lee felt that people are tion in the Hmong com-
graduate assistance and program coordinator for Asian American Affairs, respectively. The keynote speaker was Pheng Thao, an MSU alumnus and civil rights activist who spoke about equality and the changes he foresees. “You can’t wait for the elders to pass on before you can start to make changes; by that time, it’s too late already. If you want change, act on it now so by the time you become an elder, the next generation can see those changes taking course,” Thao said. The evening not only educated attendees about Hmong culture, but high school students who came from Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis were also informed about the importance of post-secondary education and the college application process. High school students were excited about the panel discussion and ability to communicate with college students.
Voices
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011 www.msureporter.com
Why every vote counts
News Editor Megan Kadlec discusses common excuses for not voting
MEGAN KADLEC
As Minnesota State University, Mankato students may, or may not, know, Tuesday is election day in our fair country. While this is an off-year for elections, I still thought it was appropriate to discuss some of the major problems with the way Americans perceive congressional and presidential elections. I understand that the most exciting positions up for grabs in Tuesday’s elections are for school board members. Since you’re not in high school anymore, these elections may seem irrelevant. Whether it was George W. Bush or Barack Obama, I hear so many individuals complaining about the President of the United States. My automatic response is, “Well, who did you vote for in the last presidential election?” More often than not, the student or other adult says that they did not, in fact, vote. (I understand not everyone was able to vote when Bush was elected, but it shouldn’t matter.) Though I, not so secretly, believe that everyone who
| news editor is eligible should vote, I understand that you should be allowed to make the decision not to vote. If someone makes that decision, they should not, however, be allowed to complain about a policy being created by the elected president. Many students argue that because there are so many voters in a country, their vote can’t possibly make a difference: However, this is simply not the case. Take the United States Senate elections of 1974 in New Hampshire. On election day, the democratic candidate, John A. Durkin lost to Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives Louis Wyman. Wyman, the more experienced candidate, won by a margin of just 355 votes. A recount, completed at the end of November of that year, declared Durkin was the actual winner, by a margin of just ten votes. Republican Governor Meldrim Thomson, Jr. awarded Durkin a provisional certificate of election. Wyman then demanded a second recount. After a partial recount, done by the
state ballot commission, it was determined that, in fact, Wyman had won by a margin of two votes. Two votes. I can’t imagine losing a highly coveted office by just two votes. That’s insane. If two individuals had decided to vote for Durkin rather than Wyman, the election would have been changed completely. And that, my friends, is why I urge you to vote. Even though these recounts are rare, that doesn’t mean that you should disregard your right to vote simply because it doesn’t matter. Your vote does matter. I know it may be cliche, but every vote counts. Another common excuse for not voting is the idea that the individual simply is not interested in politics or they don’t know who to vote for. In this modern world, all it takes is the click of a mouse or the touch of a television remote to learn who the can-
Editor in Chief: Kyle Ratke............................(507) 389-5454 NEWS EDITOR: Megan Kadlec......................(507) 389-5450 sports editor: Lee Handel........................... (507) 389-5227 Variety Editor: Brian Rosemeyer................. (507) 389-5157 STUDENT AD SALES MANAGER: Megan Wahl......................... (507) 389-1063 AD sales REPS (Regular): Dillon Smith......................... (507) 389-5451 Erik Langsjoen....................(507) 389-5097 Paul Vanden Heuvel...........(507) 389-5453 AD sales REPS (SUPPLEMENTAL): Natasha Jones...................... (507) 389-6765 Parker Riesgraf...................(507) 389-5609 Business Manager: Jane Tastad.......................... (507) 389-1926 ADVERTISING DESIGN SUPERVISOR: Dana Clark.......................... (507) 389-2793 ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Judy Beetch.......................... (507) 389-1079
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didates for a certain office are and where they stand. You don’t need to spend hours watching political debates and reading political commentary online like I do. (I probably shouldn’t have admitted that portion of my life. But what else do you expect? After all, I am a Political Science major.) A quick Google search can produce the information needed in order to make a knowledgeable decision. Who doesn’t have time for a five minute internet search on their lunch break? (Let’s be honest, they probably spent that time checking their Facebook and Twitter accounts.) For those who claim they are simply not interested in politics, I have one question to ask: Do you pay taxes? If that answer was yes, you should care about politics. Different candidates will have differing opinions on whether or not to raise taxes for certain groups of
people, and while you may think tax increases or decreases won’t apply to you, trust me, they will. If your answer was no, you should also care about politics. If you don’t pay taxes, you’re probably unemployed. Unemployed citizens can claim unemployment benefits and if the current state of the economy is any indication, this is going to be a topic of debate for years to come. The final excuse I see most often is the “I forgot to register” card. You’re in luck, Minnesota is one of the few states that offers sameday registration. No matter what the excuse, there is a way to get around it, and while this year is an off-year for elections, voting is an important part of democracy and political participation. You can follow Megan on Twitter @MeganKadlec.
Students examine the voting process • web photo.
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• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, call Editor in Chief Kyle Ratke 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. • 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.
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CHIN LECTURE “This kind of stuff shows young people they can do things they didn’t think they could do,” said Jasper Hunt.
Reporter • Page 5
CROPP “I’m learning a lot. I’ve done more things here in Chile than I probably would have done...” continued from 1 show called “Chick Chat,” where she and her co-host talk about pop culture and current events. In addition, Cropp translates press releases and covers press conferences. The first day she was on the job, her boss sent her to cover an international film festival press conference where she got to interview Willem Dafoe. “I’ve been able to use my skills from my classes in all parts of my internship,” Cropp said. “I’m learning a lot. I’ve done more things here in Chile than I probably would have done in the states in an internship.” Cropp said she works in an international office, with coworkers from Germany, the Czech Republic, England and Australia.
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She’s also learned a lot about different cultures just by exploring Santiago. “It’s a very varied city,” Cropp said. “You learn a lot about different parts of the world and people in the world.” When she’s not at work, she has taken day trips such as hiking in the mountains and even visiting Argentina. She said the hardest part of the trip was using Chilean Spanish, since her college courses taught Spain’s standard of Spanish. “Chilean Spanish is so much different than the Spanish Spanish I’ve been taught in classes,” Cropp said. “So communication then is an interesting adventure.” Cropp said she is also very popular in South America because
she’s an American. She said she’s frequently asked on dates or even proposed to by strangers on the street. One man went so far as to use his ambulance horn to give her a wolf whistle. Cropp started her internship in mid-August and will be back by mid-November. She said her feelings about returning to North America are mixed. “It varies from day to day,” she said. “Sometimes I really want to get out of here, and some days I don’t want to leave. I know I’m going to be sad. My host family has been awesome, and I’ve really loved what I’m doing at my internship.” Cropp will graduate in December and plans to pursue another internship experience afterwards.
chelsea miller • msu reporter Jimmy Chin spoke about his travels during Wednesday’s lecture.
photos ranged from breathtaking scenery to life in the exotic towns of faraway countries and glimpses of climber life in Yosemite. One by one as images appeared on the walls, audible reactions could be heard from the crowd. “One of the most memorable moments for me,” Chin recalled, “was standing on the top [of Everest] and having your skis sticking out over the edge.” Chin did not have to chase these amazing photos down; he flooded his life with beautiful things. From the snowcapped mountains he called home to the crest-commercial quality of his close friends smiles, Chin’s experiences are perfectly captured and expressed through the art of photography. Chin got to where he is now by following his heart and forging his own trail. Not many people possess this confidence, which is why it is important to have vehicles for students to assist them in realizing their dreams and potential. This means more than having a large staff of advisors or a well-known business program; it means putting money into places that will allow students to challenge everyday norms. Director of Adventure Education Programs, Jasper Hunt, who also spoke that evening, informed the audience of what
the university has been doing to achieve this goal. “The whole program is booming,” Hunt said. With the installation of a new ropes course in 2005 and the prospect of a new rock wall in Myers field house, it is hard to deny. “This kind of stuff shows young people they can do things they didn’t think they could do,” Hunt said. Showing people they can achieve anything if they try is a priceless lesson every university should strive to instill in their students. Chin’s event, and the display in the ballroom should have reassured the audience that MSU is on the right track to student success.
• courtesy of avery cropp Cropp poses in front of the city of Santiago, Chile where she is interning with an English-based media group.
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
A&E
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 www.msureporter.com/arts-entertainment
o R c k o T T e w a o H r U w p o n T K h e o h R e W d n Sky e m oW
EMRE ERKU | staff writer
I
t’s another bonechilling Friday night here in the lovely city of fun, Mankato, Minn. The liquor store is about closed now, the KatoCabs are packed full of young inebriates looking for entertainment, and yours truly is in need for the wetting of his whistle and some good ole fashioned rock’n’roll at Red Sky Lounge. Tonight’s bands that’ll be ripping up the scene: Good Night, Gold Dust and Sister Gin, two very talented groups of musicians based out of Mankato that both include female lead singers. Good Night, Gold Dust’s lead singer, Laura Schultz, is a Women’s Studies graduate` student here at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
of making music.” The bassist of the band, Eric Blake, also believes that people are truly inspired by Schultz when she’s up on stage. “She gets up there and can absolutely shake your core if you simply listen,” said Blake. The musical style of the band is of a moody surfer blues with dynamic shifts in the tunes. Some of the tracks are “a steady countdown towards explosion,” said lead guitarist Colin
Scharf. “It cuts through the outer layer.” During their performance I felt as if I was on a wave, surfing the curling blue water at its peak. The chilling tunes provided the atmosphere of Red Sky with calming notes of relaxation. After their performance was finished it felt as if everyone inside the place forgot about their problems and was only focused on the talent that is Good Night, Gold Dust. Sister Gin, on the oth-
er hand, have a more hard, up-beat sound that gets the heart pumping. During their performance I felt like breaking something and kicking some ass (in a good way). Lead singer of the band, Jen Melby, has a voice that can catch the attention of a dragon. She also believes that her voice and overall involvement in music can inspire other women. “I’ve been doing this for a long time now. Laura told me I had a
“During their performance I felt as if I was on a wave, surfing the curling blue water at the tip of its peak. The chilling tunes provided the atmosphere of Red Sky with calming notes of relaxation.” Her involvement with music has the great potential to influence and foster creativity in other young female rockers in the world today. “I think it’s more than empowering women to see themselves as potential lead singers,” said Schultz. “It’s important for more women to be involved in every aspect
• promotional photos
Top; Good Night, Gold Dust romp in an open field. Above; Sister Gin is fronted by Jen Melby (right) and played their hearts out on Friday night.
great voice, and I believe in it,” said Melby. Apart from Melby’s voice, Sister Gin’s overall style of play is pulsating. Guitarist/bassist and former student of MSU Christopher Wright provided a raw distorted sound that’s reminiscent me a young Dave Navarro of Janes Addiction. Current MSU student and drummer Abby Daleki beat her drums like they owed her money as her rugged, blonde curls flailed about. And of course, Melby, howling through the microphone with an assertive presence that captured the jumpy audience’s attention with a strong grip. She did so while wearing a black acoustic Ibanez guitar around her shoulder that Johnny Cash would have envied. It was truly a sight to see. Both performances were fantastic, as was the atmosphere. The bands played their hearts out as the audience gulped down their twodollar tall-boys and sexy young couples danced on the beer soaked hardwood floor. The red lights above the stage made it seem as if both Sister Gin and Good Night, Gold Dust were covered in blood as they played their beautiful music. With her soothing voice, Schultz captivated the hearts of the audience while, with her strong, raging voice, Melby made the audience’s blood pump faster than bullets. Both bands were, and are incredible and are a must-see.
Page 8 • Reporter
A&E
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
‘Arkham City’ Continues the Incredible Legacy That is
BATMAN JAMES HOUTSMA
W
staff writer
ith 70 plus years of material to his name, Batman has held up surprisingly well. Despite a few fumbles, the Dark Knight has bragging rights over a rich comic book history, an Emmy-winning animated series, and an upcoming final installment of an acclaimed film trilogy. So what better character to help boost superhero video games, something not nearly as celebrated. 2009’s Batman: Arkham Asylum was released to enormous praise and some called it the greatest comic game ever. Now Batman: Arkham City has hit shelves and rightfully taken the mantle from its predecessor. After the events of Asylum, both Blackgate Prison and Arkham Island have been labeled unfit to hold prisoners. Enter the mysterious Professor Hugo Strange, who is put in charge of Arkham City, a walled off section of Gotham where criminals and lunatics run wild. With the situation escalating, Batman is forced to step in to uncover what insidious truths lie beneath. Batman: Arkham City has done everything right here. The story is written by Paul Dini, veteran writer for the animated series, and man, is it a knockout. With helicopters and cameras always monitoring you, the feeling of dread is present throughout and the stakes feel incredibly high. Think Batman mixed with Escape from New York. It goes to some really dark, surprising places and the ending is bound to leave more than a few
jaws dropped. Batman has arguably the greatest rogues gallery ever and about 90 percent of them have their moment in the sun, from the return of The Joker (stricken ill after the previous game’s events) and The Riddler (now acting like “Jigsaw”), to the addition of Two-Face, The Penguin, Mr. Freeze, and other villains best left to discover on one’s own. While Asylum was confined to the dark corridors of the madhouse, City has exploded onto the gritty streets of Gotham. The amount of detail put into this world is once again staggering. Just subtle things like setting the game in snowy winter and the different décor of each villain’s turf
suggests some real thought was put in to the design. Asylum sometimes looked strange in terms of facial expressions and designs and in blending light and shadow. The color balance is regulated more this time around. Batman now sports more of a combination of facial features from past Batmen, thugs aren’t all the same four designs done over and over, and The Joker looks less stifled, while the look of his progressing disease is pretty gnarly. Developer Rocksteady has both tweaked their already impressive controls and added new features that make the experience all the better. The easy to use combat system is more refined and gadgets have been added in combat.
Freezing thugs in their tracks with ice grenades or shooting 200 volts through them is always something to get a kick out of. Gliding has been ramped up to help navigation be more efficient (and awesome), and with the special grapnel boost, you never even have to touch the ground. Fifteen minutes is about all it takes to get the hang of the gameplay, and then become hopelessly addicted. If story and gameplay are the dynamic duo of quality, the thing that would make the perfect trio is the insane amount of side missions. You can take your pick from collecting 400 Riddler trophies, saving hostages, tracking down two serial killers, and solving riddles to uncover more backstory. And if graced with an internet connection, you’re even given the option to play as Catwoman in special story missions! While these missions can overwhelm when trying to play alongside the main story, it’s these splashes of color that create a vastly interesting world that demands exploration. It’s not really a fair request to ask someone to go and shell out $60 on a game. But Batman: Arkham City is such a powerful example of character-embodiment, and a damn fun thrillride with almost endless replay value, that it’s hard not to give it an unabashed recommendation.
• web photo
Sports
MSU Men’s Basketball: Former Maverick point guard Marcus Hill was drafted by the Springfield Armor with the first pick in the sixth round of the NBDL draft, becoming the first Maverick to ever be drafted into the NBA D-League. Hill averaged 16.4 points last season for MSU in helping the Mavericks reach the NCAA Final Four.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 www.msureporter.com/sports
Mavericks take NSIC Tourney, get automatic bid to NCAAs Tournament MVP Nicole Dooher provided the offense in the ‘ship, but MSU’s defense was the storyline. JOEY DENTON
staff writer
The Minnesota State, Mankato women’s soccer team made history this weekend as it won the NSIC conference tournament with a 1-0 victory against St. Cloud State in Sunday’s championship game. “It’s a great feeling to be the conference tournament champs,” junior forward Brittany Henry said. “It’s something we have been working towards all season and to finally accomplish it was very exciting for us.” It was a chilly and windy Sunday for the championship match, but that didn’t stop the Mavericks from getting the win. All it took for MSU was one goal, supplied by junior forward and NSIC/US Bank Tournament MVP Nicole Dooher. Dooher scored the gamewinning goal at the 70:03 mark of the game off a Henry assist. Then the Mavericks’ defense did what they have done all year, not allowing the Huskies to come back. “Hearing the final whistle
St. Cloud State MAVERICKS
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and everyone cheering was exciting and a great feeling,” junior midfielder Brianne West said. “This weekend was a success for the team and coaches. It shows how our hard work has paid off throughout the year.” With the NSIC tournament championship under their belt, the Mavericks get an automatic bid to the NCAA Division-II Tournament. This will be the sixth trip to the tournament in Maverick soccer history. The Mavericks had to go through some tough matchups before they got to raise the NSIC tournament trophy, starting with a 1-0 victory against Bemidji State last Wednesday. MSU followed that up with a 4-0 win over the University of Minnesota-Duluth last Friday, which was the only NSIC team the Mavericks lost to in the regular season. The Mavericks went into halftime tied at 0-0 with UMD,
Photo courtesy of MSU Athletics It was a full team effort on defense as the Mavericks did not allow a goal the entire NSIC tournament at The Pitch.
then in the second half went on a scoring spree with four goals in a 20-minute span, which included NSIC Offensive Player of the Year Brittany Henry’s 14th goal of the season. Sophomore Courtney Vallarelli, freshman Emily Moris
Football
MSU gains control of NSIC, blanks Mustangs TIGE HUTCHESON
staff writer
The Minnesota State, Mankato football team should probably send Jeff Tesch and his Bemidji State Beavers a fruit basket or something. As the MSU football team ran over Southwest Minnesota State for its eighth win of the season, little did it know that the scene in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference was about to become a lot more interesting. At the final horn, the Mavericks buried the Mustangs 38-0, but perhaps the best news was about to become final more than 250 miles away, where the Beavers were about to upset the first-place St. Cloud State Huskies 19-14. This weekend’s final NSIC game of the season in Duluth against UMD was already beginning to look like a situation in which the winning team makes the playoffs while the losing team’s season likely comes to an end. It seemed inevitable that SCSU would take the NSIC crown and that the only thing MSU would be fighting for would be a spot in the postseason. But when the dust cleared the Beavers had sent the Huskies tumbling in the rankings with its second con-
MAVERICKS SW Minnesota St.
38 0
ference loss, giving the Mavericks a one-game lead in the NSIC and, pending a victory against UMD, the conference championship. The game in Marshall was a lot less exciting than the one in Bemidji. Senior Brad Kemnitz’ blocked field goal extinguished the only real threat the Mavericks would see from Southwest’s offense, and MSU just poured it on after that. “Anytime you can hold a team to zero points is pretty good,” Kemnitz said. “We played really well as a team and we’re Andy Pfeiffer really coming together.” Freshman tailback Andy Pfeiffer (126 yards, one touchdown) and sophomore Jon Wolf (118 yards, one touchdown) led MSU’s rushing attack, which outgained Southwest 274-73 on the ground. Jon Daniels dished out touchdown receptions to junior Dennis Carter and freshman Mike Richter while running for one himself, as the Mavericks proved to be simply too much for SMSU’s defense.
and Dooher tallied the other three scores. Throughout the whole tournament the Mavericks never allowed one shot to hit the back of the net, and freshman goalkeeper Molly McGough got her 11th shutout of the season in the
Volleyball
MSU sweeps seniors’ final homestand REECE HEMMESCH
staff writer On defense, Chris Schaudt’s two sacks puts him atop the leaderboard with Wayne State’s Richard Daniel with an NSIChigh eight sacks this season. Safety Jordan Hale led the Mavericks with a team-high 13 tackles as MSU completely shut down quarterback Tyler Peschong and the Southwest offense. “We were playing in their backfield and getting a lot of penetration,” said Kemnitz. “The defensive backs were holding their guys and giving us good coverage. I think we just really came out and did things right.” With three teams sitting atop the NSIC with an 8-2 overall record, the Mavericks find themselves clinging to a one-game lead in conference play. “That [SCSU loss] was huge. We need to have a great week of practice,” Kemnitz said. “I think we’re all ready for this game and it’s been on our minds for a while, we just need to have a great week of practice and get ready to get out there and do our best.” The reality is that Saturday’s game against Minnesota-Duluth has shaped up to be the biggest game of the season. Check your pulse, football fans; this is going to be fun.
championship win over SCSU. “We finally got back to playing Maverick soccer and found a way to score some goals,” Henry said. “It was nice to go out and beat Duluth, who we had just lost to the weekend before.”
Northern St. 2 MSU 3
Mary MSU
0 3
With the seasonal clock would win set five 15-13 in a winding down on the Minneclose call to defeat Northern sota State, Mankato volleyball State 3-2. team’s season, the Mavericks The first four sets went needed a sweep on the weekback and forth, as MSU took end to keep their playoff hopes the first and third and Northalive. ern State took the second and That being said, MSU came fourth. through big on Friday and Stamer led the way for Saturday in defeating Northern MSU with a game-high 62 asState 3-2 and the University of sists. Juniors Chelsea Fogarty Mary 3-0 to keep climbing the and Jill Storlie both added 20conference standings. plus kills for MSU, and Even though two senior Alli Rice again wins last weekend helped out the Maverwere needed to help icks with 13 kills. give the Mavericks a Rice, normally big momentum boost known for her defense, heading into the posthas been playing ofseason, the Mavericks fense as of late as well. weren’t thinking that “Alli is a great far ahead. Alli Rice choice for us on ofAccording to senior fense,” Stamer said setter Brittany Stamer, about the recent position they were just thinking about change. “She was a hitter all the game at hand. her life before college, she has “When you’re playing you great court sense and hits a don’t necessarily think of losheavy ball.” ing, you just think of what you Rice was still used on the need to do to win,” she said. defensive side of the ball as The Mavericks have now well, as she was one of five won seven of their last eight Mavericks to achieve doublematches to improve to 11-7 in digit digs in Friday night’s the NSIC, 18-8 overall. contest. Friday night saw MSU in Saturday night’s matchup action with Northern State. VOLLEYBALL / page 10 After a few bad turns, MSU
Page 10 • Reporter Women’s Hockey
Mackley lifts Mavericks to first WCHA win
LEE HANDEL
sports editor
BSU MSU
1 BSU 2 MSU
1 0
Desperately in need of its first WCHA win after four subfinding me and getting me the par outings to open conference play, the Minnesota State, Mankato puck,” said Mackley. “It didn’t matter who scored the gamewomen’s hockey team delivered in winner, we just really needed the the clutch with a 2-1 overtime win win and deserved it because we against No. 10 Bemidji State last dominated the game.” Friday in Mankato. Senior goaltender Alli Altmann The Mavericks played intense continued her solid play in net of hockey from the drop of the puck, late with 20 saves in the Mavericks’ skating to a 0-0 tie through one first WCHA win. period. Tomcikova and Bemidji MSU broke through in the bounced back in a big way on second when sophomore forward Saturday, shutting down the MSU Kari Lundberg notched her fourth offense and winning 1-0 to gain the goal of the season on assists from series split. senior forward Emmi Leinonen “That’s why I voted her Firstand sophomore forward Nicole Team WCHA last season, Bemidji Germaine. is 7-3-2 largely because of its outThanks to stellar play in net standing goaltending,” Means said. from Zuzana Tomcikova, After outshooting the the Beavers hung in the Beavers 31-21 in the opencontest and tied the score ing game of the series, 1-1 late in the third period the Mavericks came to on the power play to send All Seasons Arena with the game into overtime. less urgency Saturday afJust 17 seconds away ternoon and were outshot from a shootout, senior 32-23. captain Ariel Mackley Sophomore MSU propelled the MaverAriel Mackley goaltender Danielle Butters icks to victory with a stood on her head for the shot from the point past second weekend in a row with 31 Tomcikova for her first score of the saves, but was once again the hardseason. luck loser in net for the Mavericks. “It felt good,” said head coach “We didn’t have the same intenEric Means. “We played smart sity and they were the better team hockey throughout the game, limthrough 60 minutes,” said Means. ited the chances we gave them and “When your goaltenders give up deserved to win.” five goals in four games you’d like The puck was swung around to have more than one win to show beautifully by fellow senior Jackie Otto and Lundberg, allowing for it.” MSU (5-7-0, 1-5-0 WCHA) is Mackley to put home the gameoff this weekend and plays at North winner. Dakota next week. “Kari did a great job of
VOLLEYBALL
was a little more smooth sailing for MSU, as they defeated the Marauders of the University of Mary 3-0. MSU looked good, winning sets one and two by seven and 15 points, respectively. Stamer dished out 19 assists in the first set alone. Set three would be a little closer, as the two teams saw
continued from 9
themselves tied at 20. But it was the Mavericks who went on a 5-1 run to complete the sweep. Fogarty would again lead MSU in the kill departJill Storlie ment, as she
Sports Men’s Hockey
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
MSU drops six goals on Huskies for series split Lafontaine and Leitner scored two goals apiece on Saturday. JOEY DENTON
staff writer
The Minnesota State, Mankato men’s hockey team showed it has plenty of talented underclassmen in its split with No. 16 Michigan Tech over the weekend, following up a 1-0 loss on Friday with an impressive 6-3 win on Saturday. The Mavericks showed some promise in the second game of the series that offered hope not only for the rest of this season, but for seasons to come. “Overall, the weekend went well. Getting a split on the road in this league is almost always a good weekend,” senior forward Joe Schiller said. “And this isn’t the Michigan Tech of a couple years ago. They were undefeated at home when we got there, including taking three out of four points against Denver.” “Tech is playing some really good hockey right now also. It was great to get two points on the road against a good team. It was good to see on Saturday the team score some goals,” said senior forward Justin Jokinen. On Friday, the Mavericks had a good defensive stand most of the game, but one goal hit the back of the net when Michigan Tech’s Ryan Furne scored at the 14:22 mark of the first period. Senior MSU goalie Austin Lee turned away every other Tech shot to keep the Mavericks in it, ending the game with 40 saves. The Mavericks showed a spark offensively in the second game of the series, scoring six goals on Michigan Tech. Four of the goals came from two freshman forwards, Jean-
MSU Mich. Tech
0 MSU 1 Mich. Tech
6 3
Paul Lafontaine and Matt Leitner. These two phenoms have been leading the way offensively for the Mavericks so far this season, as Lafontaine is leading the team in goals with five and Leitner has two goals while leading the team in assists with three. “We’ve known all along that we’ve got some major talent in our freshman class, and it was only a matter of time before it showed,” Schiller said. “Lafontaine and Leitner were very good Saturday night. With that comes expectation now, so the trick will
be to find some sort of consistency for them and the rest of us.” Another positive note on the weekend is nobody got injured. “We are getting healthier. We made it through a weekend without losing a player to injury for the first time this season,” said Schiller. Saturday’s win was the first victory in the WCHA for the Mavericks and it boosted their spirits. “It’s amazing what just one win can do for a team’s psyche, but I think we do feel like we have the ability to get on a roll,” Schiller said.
msu reporter archive Senior forward Joe Schiller (26) picked up an assist in Saturday’s 6-3 MSU win over Michigan Tech.
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put up 20 on the night. Storlie helped out with 15 kills, and Stamer once again had a gamehigh 45 assists. The Mavericks close out their season this weekend, as they travel up north to take on Bemidji State Friday night and No. 1 Minnesota-Duluth on Saturday.
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Page 12 • Reporter
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011