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Independently Publsihed By Loras Students Since 1921 Vol. C Iss. XIV
May 5, 2022 - Dubuque, IA
Track and Field Highlight Return of the Dewey Awards The highly-anticipated Dewey Awards make their return for the first time at Loras in nearly two years due to the COVID-19 Pandemic by KEEGAN A. GODWIN executive editor
On Sunday, May 2, Loras hosted the first Dewey Award ceremony in two years. The Dewey Awards are much like the Oscars (without the slapping) that recognize individual athletes and their teams for their hard work and dedication throughout the school year. SAAC President Zach Kemp was determined to host the event this year and went through a lot of work to get these backups running. The first award of the evening was the Female Newcomer of the Year Award. The winner of the award was Ashlyn Hemm from softball. The firstyear pitcher posted a 17-4 record with 214 strikeouts and a 1.49 ERA. Hemm set the single-season strikeout record as a freshman and pitched fourteen complete games. The next award given out was the Male Newcomer of the Year Award. The winner of the award was Ali Sabet from Basketball. The 6-2 guard averaged 13.4 points this season while shooting 42% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. Sabet was selected first-team all-conference for his stellar performance. The next award given out was the Team Player of the Year Award. This award was given to an individual who may not have received lots of playing time but supported their team nonetheless. Alex Kriz from baseball won the award as he constantly provided energy and morale to the team. His coaches and teammates talked about what an amazing teammate and friend he is. The next award given out was the Female Athlete
of the Year Award. The winner of the award was Kassie Parker from track and cross country. Parker set the Loras school record for the mile, 3,000 m, 5,000 m, and distance medley relay. She was the ARC Champion in the mile, 3,000 m, and the 5,000 m. She was the ARC Track MVP, USTFCCCA Regional Athlete of the Year, USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Year, USTFCCCA Outstanding Performer of the Meet, All-Region, DIII National Champion, and DIII All-American. The next award given out was the Male Athlete of the Year Award. The winner of the award was Ryan Rogers from track and field. Rogers was the USTFCCCA Regional Field Athlete of the Year, national champion for the heptathlon, and an AllAmerican for the heptathlon. Rogers set a school record for 5,484 points in the heptathlon. The next award given out was the Female Duhawk Career Achievement Award. The winner of the award was Brynn Jacobi from soccer. Jacobi put up an impressive 2021 season by putting up 26 points and scored a hat-trick against Monmouth. She was Academic All-Conference, All-Conference Selection, United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region, NCAA DIII All-Tournament Team, CoSIDA Academic AllDistrict, and CoSIDA Academic All-America. The next award given out was the Male Duhawk Career Achievement Award. The winner of the award was Luke Fennelly with baseball. Fennelly put up an impressive 2021 season with a .352 batting average, 39 RBIs, and 11 home runs. He was the ARC Position Player of the Year, All-Region, All-Academic Team, and CoSIDA Academic All-
District. The next award given out was the Male Team of the Year. The winner of the award was the Men’s Track and Field team. The next award given out was the Female Team of the Year. The winner of the award was Women’s Track and Field. The next award given out was the Headshot of the Year Award. The winner of the award was Blake Weglarz. The next award given out was the Male StudentAthlete of the Year Award. This award was given to a male student-athlete who had above a 3.9 GPA. The winner of this award was Matt Williams from soccer. The next award given out was the Female StudentAthlete of the Year Award. This award was given to a female student-athlete who had above a 3.9 GPA. The winner of this award was Lauren Diiulio from tennis. The next award given out was the Women’s Team GPA of the Year Award. This award was given to the Women’s team with the highest combined GPA. The winner of this award was the softball team. The next award given out was the Men’s Team GPA of the Year Award. This award was given to the Men’s team with the highest combined GPA. The winner of this award was the golf team. The final award given out was the Student Athletic Trainer of the Year. This award was given out to Chris Strauser. Congratulations to all the teams and athletes for the hard work and success this year!
Acting as One Community: Working The Way it Was Film Premier May 15 Created in conjunction with Towards Autism Acceptance their senior media studies capby EDWARD CLISSOLD staff writer
The month of April is designated as “Autism Awareness Month.” It was first recognized in 1970 by the Autism Society, a non-profit meant to help increase awareness for Autism in the community. Autism Awareness month is celebrated in a lot of places and there are a lot of ways that people participate in it. One of these is the famous “light it blue” campaign started by Autism Speaks, one of the biggest organizations focusing on autism. This encourages people to wear blue to increase awareness for autism. Autistic rights organizations, such as the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, have criticized Autism Speaks for framing autism as a bad thing that needs to be cured or hidden. When I was younger, I had that same mindset. When I was in middle school, I saw my autism as something that I had to hide. It was hard for me to make friends
which led me to easily getting angry. This anger led to me getting bullied by other students. Ironically, this was happening in special education classes. It got so bad in 7th grade that my parents moved me to more mainstream classes. While this minimized the bullying, this presented some new challenges. In mainstream classes it was hard to make friends because people were already in their cliques. I admit I would look at how classmates would easily interact with other people with a sense of envy. I was also afraid to talk about my interests at the time, which were video games in the Mario and Sonic franchise, because people would see me as a nerdy man-child. Throughout most of my young life I thought that hiding my Autism would be the best option. I feared that people would perceive me differently if they knew I was autistic. I would even ignore it completely by not asking for
stone, Nate Kaiser and Jake Heelein present The Way it Was; a prohibition crime drama in the style of Peaky Blinders. It tells the story of a family’s life struggle during the great depression as they navigate prohibition, death, and the mob. Nate Kaiser acted as the co-creator and cinematographer, while Jake acted as the series co-creator, writer, and director. The series stars Benjy Miller, Lauren Galliart, Ramsey Schulz, Paul Murphy, and many more. Filming began last fall and has continued throughout the majority of the school year. They will be premiering the series in Potosi, WI on May 15th. Potosi served as the central filming location, and they could not be more excited to show the people of Potosi how much they appreciate their city. The premiere is open to the public, and they invite and encourage you to attend.
photo from NATE KAISER
The Way it Is was created by Nate Kaiser and Jake Heelein as a senior capstone project. The film is being premiered on May 15 in Potosi, WI.
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Roe v. Wade Decision Leak
F.D.A. Ban on Menthol
Nick Cage Plays Nick Cage
Not since 1973 has a decision of the Supreme Court been leaked to the media. Ironically, in the Roe v. Wade decision, the result was leaked to the media. On May 3, an initial draft majority opinion from page 2
The Food and Drug Administration announced its plans to ban the sale of menthol-flavored cigarettes in the United States. Menthol, according to the New York Times, is a “chemical derived from the mint page 3
It always feels a little weird when an actor plays himself in a movie. Like, what about the other recognizable stars who then play fictional characters in the same film? That can be a little confusing, right? But in “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” Nicolas Cage does page 5
Softball Finishes Out Season I would like to start off this note by saying thank you to every single one of our readers. Over the last three years, I have worked at the Lorian to help create a sense of community here on campus. I have used to the paper as a way for page 8 everyone here at Loras to
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The Lorian
Autism and Acceptance: How to Spread Positivity and Awareness
Possible Supreme Court Ruling on Roe v. Wade Leaked to Media by KEEGAN A. GODWIN executive editor
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accommodations that would help me. That was a mistake. Earlier this year, I was scrolling through the discover feed on Instagram. I stumbled upon a post talking about what it’s like to be autistic. This post would lead me to discover other posts discussing the challenges faced by autistic people, such as: sensory issues, difficulty communicating, etc. There were also mentions of things that make autistic individuals unique, like special interests or vivid imaginations. This made me reflect on my years in middle school and view my autism in a new way. I realized that autism has played a roll in my life that was too big to ignore. Although I had good grades in school, not seeking out accommodations has made my life hard and worsened my social anxiety. My past attitude against my autism has made it hard for me to talk about what I really want. Despite the difficulties I faced, I’ve also evolved my attitude to the point that I love some aspects about being autistic, like my special interests. Special interests are topics that autistic people are really invested in. For me, I spend a lot of time researching different aspects of things. For a long time, I thought my interests were childish or boring, but I’ve come to see them as things that I really like and that differentiate me from others. Another aspect is my rich inner life. I have a vivid imagination and I love to play out movies in my head, especially if I am listening to a good song. Even though being introverted can make me, at times, feel weird, having time to myself is just a way I take care of myself. Some people call this, self-care. During the month of April, I realized that there needs to be a shift in how society views autism. A lot of autistic rights advocates have been referring to April as Autism Acceptance Month rather than awareness month. While awareness is an important aspect of helping autistic people, we should be pushing for acceptance and inclusion. If you know someone who’s autistic, let them know that you like them just the way they are. Tell them it’s okay to be interested in different things and that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. Be respectful in your approach but, if you really want to be accepting, reach out to someone on campus who you know is on the spectrum. You might be surprised at how much they have to offer and how much your life will be enriched by the friendship.
photo by IMAGE COURTESY: FINE ART AMERICA
Not since 1973 has a decision of the Supreme Court been leaked to the media. Ironically, in the Roe v. Wade decision, the result was leaked to the media. On May 3, an initial draft majority opinion from Justice Samuel Alito showed that the Supreme Court planned to overturn the controversial Roe v. Wade decision. In the piece, Justice Alito stated “We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled… it is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives”. The decision of the Court is not yet been made but this document has swung both sides of the political aisle into action. The Court was expected to announce its decision sometime in June. There have been many cases where the opinions and thoughts of the justices change back and forth during the decision-making process. The 1992 ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Casey maintained the protection of abortion rights within the United States. According to Politico, the document is the first draft and includes a notation that all the justices saw the document on February 10. In the case that this decision is adopted by the court, “it would rule in favor of Mississippi in the closely watched case over that state’s attempt to ban most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy”. Chief Justice John Roberts released a statement today confirming the authenticity of the report and ordered an immediate investigation of the matter. According to Politico,
photo by VOX
Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the leaked document. Chief Justice Roberts announced that an investigation will immediately be launched.
“To the extent this betrayal of the confidences of the Court was intended to undermine the integrity of our operations, it will not succeed. The work of the Court will not be affected in any way,” Roberts pledged in a written statement. “This was a singular and egregious breach of that trust that is an affront to the Court and the community of public servants who work here.” Chief Justice Roberts says that the decision of the Court is not final and the decision has to be made. Many pro-women’s rights activists have raised their concerns and disbelief in the possible ruling. It has not been determined yet who or what the leak was and the upcoming investigation will be one surrounded by political battles.
Minor League’s Kernels and River Bandits to Play at Field of Dreams before MLB Game excited to play at the historic location and represent eastern Iowa. kwwl dubuque “We are thrilled to be able to host a game DYERSVILLE, Iowa (KWWL) -- Two Iowa Minor League Baseball teams will play at such a perfect location for baseball fans a game at the historic Field of Dreams site, from Eastern Iowa and around the world,” where the first Major League game in the Quad Cities owner Dave Heller said. “This is an opportunity that we have hoped for since state was played last year. The Quad City River Bandits will host MLB announced plans to build a ballpark the Cedar Rapids Kernels on August 9 at the in Dyersville, and to see it come to fruition MLB ballpark next to the iconic movie site. is really exciting for our organization, and Both teams will wear throwback uniforms for the Kansas City Royals, our players and from an earlier period in their history, as Bandit fans from across the region.” “We are honored to have the opportunity the River Bandits will become the Davenport Blue Sox and the Kernels will become to play in the first Minor League game at such an iconic venue,” Cedar Rapids Genthe Cedar Rapids Bunnies. Tickets for the Minor League game will eral Manager Scott Wilson said. “This will be made available in the coming months. certainly be an incredible experience for Both the Kernels and the River Bandits are our players, our organization and our great fans.” Two days after the Minor League game, the Cincinnati Reds will host the Chicago Cubs on August 11 in the second Major League game at the site. After the success of the MLB’s Field of Dreams game between the Yankees and the White Sox in 2021, it was confirmed they would have the game again in 2022. New controlling owners of the Field of Dreams Movie Site recently announced a major $80 million project that will expand the area into a destiphoto by DES MOINES RFGISTER nation for youth baseball and softball, as well as fans and tourists. by KWWL
Amy Scheller Confirmed as Dubuque’s First Female Fire Chief
by AUSTIN ELLIS kwwl dubuque
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KWWL) – Amy Scheller was confirmed as the city of Dubuque’s first female Fire Chief Monday night at the recent city council meeting. The motion was passed in a unanimous 7-0 vote. Upon receiving the recommendation last week from Dubuque City Manager Michael Van Milligen, Scheller expressed her enthusiasm for the role. Scheller said last week, “When interviewing with the community panel, members of the fire department, and other city staff, it was apparent this was a resilient group ready to support each other in moving the city and fire department forward.” She went on to add, “My husband, son, and I are looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of Dubuque’s future, if confirmed. I am also looking forward to wearing the Dubuque Fire Department’s patch with pride.” Scheller’s 30-year firefighter and paramedic experience were critical considerations for her selection. Scheller is expected to begin the position as Dubuque Fire Chief on June 6th.
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May 5, 2022
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F.D.A. Proposes Historic Ban on Menthol-Flavored Cigarettes The Food and Drug Administration announced their plan to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes, a move widely celebrated by health experts The New York Times also reported that smoking rates have been declining for the last twenty years. Cigarettes are The Food and Drug Administration responsible for nearly 500,000 deaths announced its plans to ban the sale per year and nearly half of teenagers of menthol-flavored cigarettes in the who smoke report using mentholUnited States. Menthol, according to the flavored cigarettes. New York Times, is a “chemical derived Critics of the F.D.A.’s ban on the from the mint plant that can also be tobacco industry, specifically Altria, made in a lab, is added to cigarettes to believe that the proposed ban would make smoking less harsh, providing “push products into unregulated a cooling sensation in the throat and criminal markets that don’t follow any making the experience more appealing”. regulations and ignore minimum-age Roughly 18.5 million Americans smoke laws”. Another company against the ban menthol-flavored cigarettes. The Health is British American Tobacco (owners and Human Services secretary Xavier of Reynolds). They are currently the Becerra believes that the ban will leading seller of menthol cigarettes in drastically help minorities within the the United States. The Chief Marketing country as it would “would help prevent photo by MEDPAGE TODAY Officer of British American Tobacco FDA Commissioner Califf was appointed by President Joe Biden. The FDA’s children from becoming the next new ban would prohibit the sale of menthol-flavored cigarettes. said “The scientific evidence shows no generation of smokers and help adult difference in the health risks associated smokers quit”. industry specifically targeted minorities, specifically with menthol cigarettes compared The Assistant Vice President of National Advocacy Black communities, by advertising discounted to non-menthol cigarettes, nor does it support for the American Lung Association believes that this prices and other forms of advertisements directed that menthol cigarettes adversely affect initiation, ban will “save lives, especially in Black and brown at minorities. The New York Times reported that dependence or cessation… as a result, we do not communities in the United States, and it will reduce African American men have the highest rates of lung believe the published science supports regulating youth smoking… It will also lead to fewer people cancer in America. President of N.A.C.C.P. Derrick menthol cigarettes differently from non-menthol being diagnosed or getting lung disease, cancers, Johnson called the ban “a win for justice”. cigarettes”. and heart disease.” According to NPR, the tobacco by KEEGAN A. GODWIN executive editor
7 Study Tips for Surviving Finals Week by POINT LOMA point loma nazarene university
Avoid the Urge to Procrastinate Without a doubt, the first tip has to be about the urge to procrastinate about studying. Procrastination is a perfectly natural inclination that seemingly illustrates the universal college experience. Some students fare better than others, with some (often upperclassmen) bragging about all-nighters and others falling into “panic mode.” The harsh reality is that when students procrastinate, worse scores ensue. Planning for final exams needs to start at the beginning of the semester. The curriculum at the beginning of the semester is just as important as the information in the middle and end of the course. Still, it’s also the most likely to be forgotten by the time finals arrive, meaning there’s an additional need for increased focus in those first couple of weeks. Putting in the effort at the beginning of the semester means less stress as finals draw near. As a student, a good rule of thumb is to plan on reviewing the entire extent of material, possibly breaking up studying by chapters in the textbook or committing a study session to each week of the course. Almost every student has genuine intentions when the semester starts, but of course, life happens and other things get in the way. When the source of the procrastination is understood, it’s easier to avoid it from the beginning and set a course for success. Don’t Be an Insomniac, Get Some Sleep! While there are many, many study tips for finals and doing well in school overall, it might not seem like sleep makes a significant difference. The truth is, all the studying and prep work is much less effective if it’s not supplemented by lots of rest. Numerous studies conducted by sleep experts have researched the effects of sleep on the brain, particularly memory. The research reveals that sleep enhances the mind’s capacity to concentrate and performs an active role in fortifying memories, making it simpler to reclaim knowledge. All sleep is good sleep; however, slow-wave non-REM sleep, in particular, is vital when it comes to recollecting facts. This point gains even more strength when we recount the previous point about procrastination. The demand for rest emphasizes the significance of dodging procrastination. If someone waits until the last possible moment to start cramming, they might stress out and prefer to discard rest in favor of studying. The earlier you get started studying, the less chance you’ll have to survive all-nighters
later on. The connection between a lack of sleep and studying becomes a vicious cycle: less sleep causes trouble remembering material, leading to anxiety and more trouble sleeping, and so on. If you’re currently striving to get quality shut-eye, you’re definitely not alone. School doesn’t have to result in minimum sleep. There are plenty of easy steps you can take to increase sleep health, such as eliminating TVs, phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic gadgets from the bedroom; taking on a consistent schedule as soon as possible; and not consuming caffeine in the later hours of the day. Find a Space Conducive to Studying Is it better to study in a workspace beneficial to studying, or in a space full of distractions? What about merely hanging out with a computer, textbook, and notes wherever you can locate a cozy spot? Here’s the thing: the study environment is vital. Trying to study in a room full of distractions ends up being just that: distracting. It also might sound like a good idea to have the TV on for “background noise,” but rarely does that end well. If feasible, set up a particular area exclusively used for coursework and studying. The study space should accommodate a desk, a comfortable seat, proper light, and any supplies you may need to facilitate a quality study session. Try to eliminate all distractions when in this study space and announce to your family members, roomies, or other fellow tenants that while studying in this space, there are to be no interruptions or other distractions. Create a Playlist That Helps You Focus Having the appropriate music can facilitate an enjoyable and highly effective study time. There are numerous studies that underline the worth of classical music, in particular, due to its wordless melodies. For instance, a study printed in Learning and Individual Differences talked about the effects of music while studying; the survey discovered that lectures including classical music in the background led to more favorable scores on quizzes and exams than comparable lectures lacking classical music. So what can we take away from the results of the survey? Music puts people in a better, more stable emotional environment that enables the mind to be far more responsive to knowledge than it would be in other circumstances. According to researchers at Duke University, it’s also believed that music facilitates the retention of information because it helps reduce anxiety. Get Rid of Distracting Devices
In today’s digitallyfocused world, it can be incredibly tough to go more than a few minutes without looking at your phone. There’s a high likelihood that anyone reading this article looked at their phone while reading this article. Sadly, the dependence on obtaining constant information from phones can produce real difficulties when it comes to sitting down to study. Studies show that even the presence of a phone nearby is adequate to stopping most people from studying efficiently — this means that even when using self-control and not scrolling over notifications can still result in a less-than-productive study session. Even though alarms and certain apps can appear necessary, their inherent distracting powers may undermine the purpose of productive study time in a dedicated workspace. For most beneficial results, consider turning the phone off for a minimum of one hour and leaving it at a safe distance away from the desk as possible. This practice is beneficial during Finals Week and is an excellent practice to utilize anytime homework is being done. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment With a Mix of Study Methods There’s no one-size-fits-all study method that serves perfectly for everybody. While some people retain information best from reading notes aloud, others retain information better with the help of highlighters or flashcards. Get creative and try a variety of methods until you find a strategy that best meets your individual studying needs. However, don’t be shocked if a particular process doesn’t produce the same results for every class. A unique plan may prove to be more productive for one class compared to others, so don’t be too intimidated to change things around when a previous studying process seems to produce weak results. Find what method works for finals, and don’t assume that what worked for one person will work for everyone. Write Out Practice Test Questions This tactic can provide a mix of benefits. The first benefit is that it requires you to reduce the semester’s worth of material into a few key takeaways. While the small details are essential, it’s also crucial to recognize the big picture. Best of luck with your final exams!
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The Lorian
Measure with Heart by CALASANDRA SRAY mind & soul editor
Sizzle. Vegetables snap and crackle in the scorching cast iron pan. A cacophony of colors assaults the eye as broccolis’ green heads mix with carrots’ orange stalks, radishes’ mauve bulbs, cauliflowers’ white tops, brown soy sauce, and yellow egg yolk. Bubbles leak over the edge of the rice pan, rattling the lid. I reach my hand out to turn the heat down. Lifting the lid off the pan, I insert a wooden spoon to stir the small white grains. Once the rice settles down, I return to the chopping board and begin slicing the delicate skin of green onions. There is no recipe to this meal, no exact measurements to follow as I toss vegetables into the pan. Instead, I measure with my heart and pray it is edible. Boisterous laughter draws my attention to the dining room where a peculiar group sits around a large oak table stained dark. Each student comes from different majors and different cities, yet we have all gathered at this Peace Oasis in Washington, DC, during our Spring Break to learn what peace looks like through many lenses. In a sense, we are all ingredients necessary to make a meal harmonize. Propped with her knees pulled to her chest is a politics major whose heart beats in time with the hurts of the world. Her role is the rice of the dish. Without rice, a stir fry would have lots of flavors but nothing to mellow it and keep its flavors focused. Perched behind her sits a proud Chicago native whose sense of humor takes a moment to get used to but it quickly becomes evident that she means well. She acts as pepper does. Her personality can be strong but like pepper, her jokes help each of us absorb the nutrition from our experiences. Her emotional twin rests against her arm. A goofy smile that hardly ever disappears stretches her lips. Naturally, she is salt. Her inherent ability to connect with people deepens the meaning of conversations the way salt deepens the flavor of a dish. The twins are bantering with the “dad” of the group as he tries to assert that he is the head of the table. He is constantly cracking dad jokes and keeps a watchful eye whenever someone leaves the safety of the group in the city. He is soy sauce. Soy sauce is good for the heart and adds a light flavor much like how he interacts with everyone and lightens the mood. Sitting at the real head of the table is our fearless leader whose childish wonder of the world and energetic heart puts everyone at ease. She is egg, the glue that binds us together. Sitting back and reading the situation from a quiet corner rests a business major whose emotional intelligence allows her to understand the mood of the group as well as its individuals. She acts as the vegetables of the stir fry. Her warm attitude and easy manner add fiber and resolve to each day’s adventures. Next to her is a social work major who wears her heart on her sleeve in the form of family-oriented tattoos. She is our dish’s sesame seeds, adding bright pops of flavor. Hovering on the fringes is a film major. I can tell by the way his eyes flick over the scene that he is calculating how this could be filmed to best convey the camaraderie and jovial laughter that has several people snorting. He is
the ginger of the dish. His persona adds spice to the group that warms us with the depth of his interactions. Drawn by the smell of food, one member of our temporary tribe wanders toward me with her pigtails swinging. Her frequent smiles and youthful enthusiasm lighten the room. She is lemon juice. A little lemon to a dish adds a brightening fresh flavor. She lingers over the savory scent of dinner. “Dinner’s done,” I announce. Creating a raucous, everyone flocks to the kitchen to fill their plates. We all load our dishes and find seats around the elongated table. My first bite of the meal sends a burst of flavor across my senses. Separately each vegetable has its unique flavor, but when simmered together each flavor pops even brighter, complementing each other. “What is bringing you peace right now and what is breaking your peace?” our group leader asks after we have all settled in. It had become a nightly ritual and each person quieted respectfully and listened carefully. There is a melding in what was breaking our peace: humanity. The cruelties happening across the world, in our nation’s capital, and at home. Throughout the week, these human sufferings had become painfully obvious as we passed homeless camps sprawled on the same road as the United States Capitol. We met with a Black Catholic community who had once been rejected by white society and told to make their own place of worship. We witnessed a forty-year vigil advocating for peace in front of the White House that reminded us that change is needed. Homeless men and women on the street welcomed us into their communities, into their “living rooms”, and shared their joy and points of view without judgment. The Black Catholics who had been rejected by white society welcomed us and anyone who wanted to be there into their place of worship. We utilized our voices to speak with representatives for Iowa’s Senators about policies we believe should be enacted to protect our people. For every hurt we witnessed, there was a kind hand, a friendly smile, or an understanding ear to counter it. Gathered around the table, enjoying the blessings of a roof, warm food, and good company, our small tribe would never have banded together without this opportunity. Except, it wasn’t just our small tribe, but the tribe of the Loras community, the tribe of the DC community, the tribes of each of our individual communities, and the tribe of humanity as a whole gathered around the table. Perhaps peace is like cooking: there are hundreds of recipes and some people like myself cook without one; to create harmony, all you have to do is measure with your heart. This essay depicts the 2022 Washington, DC TREC Trip: Looking at peace through many lenses. For more information regarding attending a TREC Trip, contact Hannah Eby at Hannah.Eby@loras.edu.
The Lorian
May 5, 2022
Can oddball actor Nicolas Cage pull off playing Nick Cage in a movie? by SETH CORRIGAN staff writer
It always feels a little weird when an actor plays himself in a movie. Like, what about the other recognizable stars who then play fictional characters in the same film? That can be a little confusing, right? But in “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” Nicolas Cage does a great job of playing Nick Cage. It just works in this movie. Besides Cage, the film features Pedro Pascal, Tiffany Haddish, Neil Patrick Harris, Sharon Horgan, and Lily Mo Sheen. The story finds Cage going through a rough stage in his life (as he has in real life). He’s having problems in his career – not being offered any good roles – and in his personal life, he has racked up massive debt and has slowly ruined his relationship with his daughter Addy. When Cage’s manager, played by Harris, offers him a million dollars to attend Javi Gutierrez’s (played by Pascal) birthday party, Cage decides to go for it. He figures the influx of cash will help him fix a lot of what’s wrong in his life. Cage then learns that Gutierrez is being tracked by the CIA as the suspect in a kidnapping of a young girl. Cage is forced to help the CIA gain more information to learn if Gutierrez is actually the kidnapper. Cage, just like he is in just about every other film he’s in, steals the movie. He excels in every scene he is in. Cage is known for his brashness and his unusual style as an actor – as himself, that style is absolutely on display in this film. Also, Pascal and Cage have great chemistry on screen. Even though you are led to believe that Pascal’s character is the villain, you truly don’t believe it because of how excited he is to be around Nick Cage in their scenes. His character is starstruck and is continually trying to impress Cage in the story. One of the biggest traits that a film like this needs to have is the idea of being self-aware. While Cage is technically playing himself, it seems the writers made Cage out to almost be a caricature of himself. They also squeeze in lots of references to past films he has been in. They even show a room full of memorabilia from several of his films. If you are a fan of Nicolas Cage, or are looking for a fun, spoof comedy, this film will definitely tickle your funny bone. It is rated R for language throughout, some sexual references, drug use and violence. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes but it goes by quickly. There are various showtimes at both Phoenix Theatres and AMC here in Dubuque.
photo from EBAY.COM
Help Spread the Acceptance of Austim. Please read Edward Clissold’s Article on pages 1 and 2 to see how you can be an ally for those with Autsim
Secrets from the Seminary 6: Confirmation by GREGORY KINSER staff writer
Confirmation masses are very special to me. Although it didn’t happen right away, my life changed drastically once I realized what happened at my confirmation. Confirmation masses are one of my favorite things about the Easter season, and I’d like to offer some reflections on a couple of confirmation masses I have been blessed to be present at these last couple of weeks. The confirmation mass at St. Joe the Worker was said by Archbishop Jackels, Fr. Jim Goerend, and a couple of other visiting priests. Archbishop’s message centered around peace. He urged all the new members, as well as the already confirmed members present, to bring peace and a sense of safety to whoever comes within their presence. Fr. Vu’s message at Christ the King centered around excitement and new life. Again, he addressed this not only to the new members but to all those present
who were already members. He reminded everyone that as members of the body of Christ, we have a duty. We must not fall asleep in our faith! It’s easy to either not realize or to forget that the sacraments of baptism and confirmation are more than just pageantry: they are sacraments. At our baptism and confirmation, the Holy Spirit entered us and initiated a fundamental change in our very being. Every person from the time of their conception is a beautiful light. At our baptism, we become a brilliant light. At our confirmation, we become part of the mass of brilliant lights that is the body of Christ. One translation of Psalm 16:3 reads: “He has put into my heart a marvelous love for the faithful ones who dwell in his land.” The rest of that Psalm speaks of the great sadness that sin is and what it brings as well as the great joy that is only found in the Lord. This is the joy we are made able
to experience through entering into the mysteries of God found in his Church. How could we keep such joy to ourselves? Matthew 15:14-16 tells us that “You (we) are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Remember that you are nothing less than a brilliant light, so go and shine for all the world! When you are told to “go in peace” at the end of mass, remember that the mass doesn’t end in the sanctuary. Go and bring peace to those around you!
Seniors - Please submit any photos or memories to lorian@loras. edu as soon as you can! Good luck with finals everyone!
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Why Do We Seek Relationships? by ARJA KUMAR staff writer
Recently, a very exciting thing has happened in my life – I was invited to my first wedding. According to stereotype, I should be going nuts right now and have my wedding guest dress, hairstyle, nail color, and shiny shoes picked out. Yet, even though I am superbly excited for my high school classmate’s wedding, I cannot help but feel a bittersweet sentiment and pensiveness about this whole ordeal. Receiving the ‘save the date’ card in the mail from the bride-to-be, I wondered why, as we grow older, we become so concerned with the grandiose idea of ‘the relationship.’ Wherever I look, it seems like nearly everyone is obsessed with seeking a relationship. TV, movies, music, social media, and everyday waking life dances images of people either lamenting their aloneness or grooming themselves to go out into the world and find somebody to fill their void. Yet, why do we do this? What is the purpose? According to the American Psychological Association, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs highlights the innate appetite that people possess for love and belonging. Yet, even more primitive than our innate appetite for love and belonging is our very basic and powerful will-to-life. Named by nineteenth century philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, the will-to-life (Wille zum Leben) is an inherent drive within all humans to cling to existence, preserve themselves, and thrust themselves forward. This blind, self-concerned force makes us do very odd things – one of which is incessantly seek relationships. In this view, the reason people are constantly seeking a relationship is not because they are seeking a feeling of love or belonging, but because they are seeking someone to help preserve their sense of self. Though we may fool ourselves and others that what
we do is because we truly adore the other, we often do not consider what is the root impulse behind this. People can be so convincing – boxes of chocolates, diamond rings, flashy photo souvenirs. They swear to themselves that the other person is their raison d’être and they could never live without them. Yet, is all of this even authentic and motivated by pure admiration for the other? Or, is it all just a guise? According to Schopenhauer, all people are prisoners to
this may the be then what inspires our obsession with relationships. Very rarely do we see people who are truly content with themselves and with living an individual life. Schopenhauer notes that the only way to somewhat transcend the will-to-life is by becoming a monk, or more realistically, turning to art and philosophy, whose aim is to hold up a mirror to frenzied life and unhappy turmoil created in all of us by the will-to-life. It is definitely hard to tame the will-to-life, but an evening walk with a book of poetry, or an afternoon at the theater can help us step back from the everyday hullabaloo and look at life without illusion. The will-to-life is an animal force, more powerful than anything else. It is necessary for the existence of the natural world, and its strength and uncontrollability is responsible for us being here right now. The will-to-life produces a state of mind not unlike complete madness. So, when I see screaming 20-some year old girls pining to be the next bride down the aisle, I will be sure to be more understanding towards them instead of criticizing them. So when pondering the question, why are we obsessed with seeking a loving relationship with another?, it seems that the will-to-life may be the answer. It is certainly a bit of a bleak and radical view, but perhaps there is some truth to it. Schopenhauer concludes, “Why all this noise and fuss? Why all the urgency, uproar, anguish, and exertion? Why should such a trifle play so important a role? The ultimate aim of all love-affairs…is actually more important than all other aims in a man’s life; and therefore it is photo by THE ART OF LIVING FOUNDATION quite worthy of the profound seriousness and which everyone pursues it.” In other words, there is no real rhyme or reason to why we the will-to-life. There is no escaping it. It governs us and seek relationships besides that it is a part of who we are as we become subservient to it. As people, we are not exempt humans. Hence, I hope to get all this contemplation out from being animals. Though we may try our best to of my system before my classmate’s wedding so I can be a differentiate ourselves, the truth is that some parts of who proper guest and talk about something *more casual*. we are are rooted in our mammalian character. Perhaps
Evangelism in the Air: A Look into Our Natural Tendency Toward the Will to Power by DEVIN VIZE staff writer
“How great is our God? Sing with me, how great is our God?” In a recent viral video, Jonathan Neo sang these words inside the cabin of an international flight. Originally posted to video sharing site TikTok, the video exploded in popularity after being posted to Twitter by user davenewworld_2. As of the writing of this article, the video has over 36 million views on Twitter. After the video went viral, people across the internet wasted no time to throw in their two cents on the event. The group responsible for the performance received backlash from all sides. Many non-religious people, Muslims, and even fellow Christians voiced their displeasure with this display. Twitter user kimlockhartga wrote, “As a person of faith, I implore you: don’t do this…” Congresswoman Ilhan Omar tweeted, “I think my family and I should have a prayer session next time I am on a plane. How do you think it will end?” Representative Omar and her family are practicing Muslims and felt there was a serious double standard in effect. Clearly, this group felt perfectly comfortable holding worship on a plane with a captive audience while many American Muslims have had concerns for their safety flying at all since 9/11. What was the motivation for this faithful flash mob? Neo has yet to give an answer to this question. On his Instagram he has simply left it at “I asked the stewardess if we could worship over the plane… It’s a go.” No rationale given. However, is Jonathan’s answer really needed here? Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche would give us a firm “no.” I believe Nietzsche would say the video is a shining example of the “will to power” on full display. The will to power, according to Nietzsche, is the natural propensity for all living things to exert their power over others. Everything an organism does is an exercising of the will to power. Why does the lion prowl the savannah on the hunt for gazelle? While hunger does play a role, the primary reason is the lion’s will to exert its power over the gazelle. Why do Christians break out in song on planes? They will proclaim that it is an effort to follow the call in Matthew (28:18-20) to proselytize. It is, in fact, an effort to exert their power over other people. This may seem especially odd to readers who come from a Christian background. Evangelism isn’t about power, it is about saving people from a sinner’s fate, a
Christian may respond. How can altruistic acts be a way of exerting power over others? Nietzsche provides an answer. For most of us, we would associate the phrasing “exerting our power over others” with negative actions. This is simply because wronging others is only the most obvious form of exerting power over others. Nietzsche wrote that doing things for the benefit of others is a sign of a much more powerful individual than those who would use their power to achieve evil. This is because this form of exerting power is much more subtle, it completely flies under our radar. If you watched the HBO series “The Sopranos” you witnessed another example of photo by NZ HERALD altruism as power. When Jonathan Neo pictured singing with plane passengers the mob boss Tony Don’t get me wrong: I am not saying this is necessarily Soprano did “a favor” for someone, a favor was expected a negative. As Nietzsche said, the will to power is present in return. If a person helps another in some way, the in all actions of all things. It cannot be eliminated, person being helped will now feel indebted to the helper. only harnessed and controlled. To charge these flying Reciprocity is only natural in a social species like homo evangelists with exerting their power over others is not sapiens. This debt is itself a new, self-sustaining form of to charge them with any wrongdoing, rather there is an power being exerted by the helper over the helped. argument to be made that they should be commended for How does this all apply to our friends who chose to sing at least attempting to use their power to create something on that flight? As stated earlier, these Christians, whether good in others. Although there are plenty of people they realize it or not, when they decided to spread the commenting online that what they did was wrong. I’ll let gospel to a captive audience at this specific moment you debate with others about the pros and cons of forcing were exerting their power over the other passengers on a message, any message, on a captive audience. the flight. Should anyone feel compelled to convert after bearing witness to their devotion, they would then be indebted to Neo and his team for bringing them to what is viewed as an eternity-saving truth.
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Richard switches his picks – binge catting? Richard has traditionally suggested shows for you to stream and binge watch. This time he’s going to talk about cats. Richard is not a veterinarian nor a veterinarian technician. Before you choose a feline breed for a pet, please consult with an expert or do your research online. by RICHARD HERNANDEZ staff writer
Many us adopted new companion pet friends during the pandemic. Unfortunately, according to a story in the Philadelphia Inquirer online, lots of people have returned those pets in the last year. Choosing to bring a pet into your home is a big commitment that should not be taken lightly. With that in mind, I’m going to talk about five feline breeds and their characteristics. You should consider the characteristics of a particular breed before you choose to bring a pet into your home to live. I am going to talk about the top five cat breeds in the United States and a little bit about each one. Maybe this will help you cat lovers when it comes time to make your choice. Number one on the leaderboard is, the Exotic Shorthair. These are a cross between the Persian and the American Shorthair. These cats are known for having short, thick and dense coats. They are super friendly, playful and affectionate. This particular breed is known for showing more affection and loyalty compared to many other feline breeds on this list. Hey, if you also want a follower these cats will do just that. They will follow you all around your house (be aware, some people find “clingy” behavior to be annoying). They are also super friendly to other pets as well as children. The life span for the Exotic Shorthair is 10 to 15 years. Second on the list is the Ragdoll. Ragdolls are very easy going and they actually got their name because of how relaxing they can be. Like a ragdoll, they will usually go limp in your arms when you pick them up. They are generally loving, gentle and very affectionate as well. A downside for some – Ragdolls tend to be on the larger side. They are often referred to as “puppy cats” because they have a similar personality to dogs. Their coat is soft and silky but also semi-long and they can have bi-color patterns as well as chocolate colored, lilac and red colored. With a life span of 12 to 17 years, Ragdolls require a longer commitment than some breeds. The third cat is a British Shorthair. First century romans brought cats back to England where they bred
with wild cats to create the British Shorthair. This breed has a thick coat of hair. They are also very popular when it comes to television and movies as they are the go-to cats to use in filming. Perhaps this is because they are easy going and easy to train. Unlike many cats who seem to actually shun people, the British Shorthair breed is known for their attachment to people. Having said that, they are also known for their displeasure with being carried. They range in size from medium to large. Their life span is also 12 to 17 years. Persian cats are number four on the list. If you love laid back, photo by PETREBELS.COM gentle, and a sweet face The Maine Coon breed can grow to the size of a dog. Like a dog, they are also with round eyes, this known for playing fetch and going on walks. They are known as “gentle giants.” might be your cat of cats are people oriented, very energetic and are known choice. These felines for their dog-like behavior. They tend to follow owners are affectionate, quiet and are most popular among the around and will come when you call them. They can also fancier cat lovers. They have a thick and full body of fur. Grooming should happen about once a day and they need be taught to play catch. They have a small voice which to be bathed to keep their coat clean and healthy. Their life sounds like a chirp rather than a meow. These cats are also hard to come by. You would be very lucky if you found span is about 12 to 17 years as well. one in a no kill animal shelter. Being hard to find means Last, but certainly not least, is the Maine Coon breed. they can be expensive as well. Their life span is 12.5 years While it’s number five on the breed list in the U.S., this to 15 years but owners say they can live past 20-years-old. is personally my favorite. These cats are known for their That does it for my list of favorite cat breeds. I hope intelligence as well as their large size. They are big, loving you enjoyed the list! Remember, do your research before and playful animals. They are known for their love for you choose to bring a cat home to live with you. It’s a big going on walks, and traveling on adventures. Their commitment so the choice should not be taken lightly. nickname is the gentle giant. They have shaggy coats and, males, can weigh up to 30 lbs. (females slightly less). These
2022 GOP Midterms: Trump Wins Proxy Battle Against Cruz by DEVYN SHEA opinion editor
JD Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy and venture capitalist, has won the Ohio US Senate republican primary. JD Vance, previously a Trump critic, was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Originally Vance was backed by Peter Thiel, the billionaire co-founder of PayPal. Thiel dropped over $13 million on Vance’s campaign. In a debate earlier this year Vance mentioned he wanted to focus on skyrocketing energy and food prices. He also wants to raise taxes on big corporations. The main part of his campaign is the border. He has advocated for finishing the broder wall and labeliong Mexican drug cartles as terrorist organizations so that, “It allows our military to go to Mexico, to go on our southern border, and actually do battle with them.” Vance has also advocated for the GOP to come out with a platform so they can actually stand for things and not just be “antiBiden”. Vance, a political newcomer, beat a variety of experienced political candidates. The race eventually panned out to be a proxy battle between potential 2024 presidential candidates and/or leaders of ideological factions within the GOP. The race featured former Ohio GOP Chair Jane Timken supported by the outgoing Senator Rob Portman, businessman Mike Gibbons supported by Senator Rand Paul, former State Treasurer Josh Mandel supported by Senator Ted Cruz, and State Senator Matt Dolan who was running as a candidate who wanted to move on from Trump. The race has seen candidates rise and fall. Josh Mandel ran for the senate in Ohio in 2012 as a more moderate candidate who lost to Sherrod Brown. Mandel ran for the senate in 2018 and was the front runner, but dropped out to focus on his family. Mandel returned as front runner
Trump is trying to establish his control over the GOP and preserve his front runner status for the presidential nomination in 2024. Cruz, also has hinted he wants to run for president regardless of Trump’s decision to run, noting there is a precedent for GOP primary runner ups to win the nomination later on. Matt Dolan, who ran on a base of voters who were critical of Trump, had ran a campaign on moving the GOP toward the future and not focus on Trump and his attempts to decertify the 2020 election. In fact, Dolan was the only candidate to say Biden was the legitimate winner. Dolan self funded his campaign with over $11 million and within the last weeks of the campaign he has surged in the polls. With over 95% of the vote in, according to photo by THE GUARDIAN the New York Times, JD Vance won 32%, in 2022. He focused on being pro-Trump, trying to court Mandel came in second with 24%, Dolan the Trump and earn his endorsement. His strategy was got 23%, Gibbons with 12%, Timken with 6%, and other campaigning in churches and casting himself as a more candidates getting the rest of the vote. Christian conservative. This strategy earned him Ted Cruz’s In a proxy battle between Trump and Cruz, Trump has endorsement earlier in the race. Mandel fended off two come out as the winner. This is only the first fight, however. challengers to his front runner status, Cruz has another opportunity to gain some clout to increase Timken who was running on an “America First” agenda his 2024 standing. Pennsylvania is a showdown between while also courting the Trump endorsement and Mike Trump backed Dr. Oz and former Bush administration Gibbons who surprisingly narrowly lost the primary in official and hedge fund manager David McCormick who 2018 after Mandel dropped out. Timken’s fight over Gibbons is backed by Cruz. This race however shows Trump’s to take on Mandel’s front runner status ended in late 2021 endorsing clout is still somewhat strong, boosting Vance as her polling dropped. Gibbons took on Mandel’s front from 10-15% in April to his winning score of 32%. Next runner status and the two got in a heated and up close week is the ultimate GOP test of loyalty as Trump is backing exchange at a candidate forum earlier this year. AS the two a candidate recently accused of sexual harrasment who has were tearing each other apart in their race, JD Vance slowly also been told to drop out by the GOP Trump supporting crept his way up in the polls. In April, Trump surprisingly governor. Will Trump’s endorsement clout stay as strong in endorsed Vance. Over the past few weeks the race knocked other states as in Ohio, or will his influence fall, perhaps down Gibbons’ poll numbers and established a one on one leading to his 2024 demise? between Trump backed JD Vance and Cruz backed Mandel.
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executive editor: KEEGAN GODWIN executive copy editor: MARY FELLERS opinion editor: DEVYN SHEA sports editor: CAMERON ARVIDSON health and wellness editor: CALASANDRA SPRAY assistant editor: GENEVIEVE REED advertising: COLIN KLAPPERICH
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9:00 AM, we will have breakfast around 6:00 AM. About an hour before the race, we start our warmups. Q: What does your typical warmup routine look like for this type of race? Ryan: “Wyatt and I will typically do a 2-mile warmup, and Mike and Carter will do about a mile. We then move into our slower stretches, followed by dynamic. After that, we do five strides, which are 100m runs. We try to be done warming up about 5 minutes before the race, and then we run.” Q: What is the order you run this race in? Carter: “I will normally start the race off, followed by Ryan and Wyatt, and Mike locks us down at the end.” This race is part of their outdoor track season, which follows the indoor season. Some of the differences in the indoor and outdoor season can involve the weather, but there are some benefits. Ryan Harvey told me photo from DRAKE ATHLETICS that the size of the track changes, allowing Men’s 4x800 team (left to right): Mike Jasa, Ryan Harvey (top), Wyatt Kelly, and Carter Oberfoell. for wider lanes and wider turns. “The indoor by JAKE SINATRA track is 200m, and the outdoor track is 400m. staff writer The outdoor track can be a good advantage for us taller runners, Loras College Athletics has had a fantastic school year in all because we have wider turns to keep a consistent stride length.” realms of competition. The most recent of these is the Division III Ryan is the tallest in the group at 6’4”, but the others are not far record-setting time we got from our men’s 4x800m relay. This past behind him. Especially on days where the track may be slick, these weekend, members from the Loras Track and Field team attended wider turns can be an advantage that boosts the team. This may have an invitational meet at Drake University in Des Moines, IA, where been the case on Friday, with the weather being cold and damp. one group had a standout performance. Ryan Harvey (SO.), Carter “We woke up and it was pouring” Ryan said. “We weren’t sure how Oberfoell (JR.), Wyatt Kelly (SR.), and Mike Jasa (SR.) were the good the track would be, but luckily it slowed down before the race four men who ran in the 4x800m relay race, and they blew their took place. Anyone who has played a sport knows how important it is to competition out of the water. The squad ran a 7:28 time as a whole, getting first in their heat, as well as getting fifth place among all of have good team chemistry. When I asked the duo about this, I could the schools in the higher divisions. This time was over five seconds sense a spark of joy talking about their friendship. “We probably better than the prior record, and in the video of Mike finishing the hang out more than we should, to be honest. If we aren’t running, we final leg of the race, there was no one else around. This is by far are playing cards and hanging out. We go out to eat together, and it their greatest achievement this year, but the entire season has been gives us that connection and confidence to go win the race.” This was a huge success. I had the privilege of having a phone interview with from Carter Oberfoell, and Ryan confirmed this information. “We Ryan Harvey and Carter Oberfoell about their prerace routine, their all want to win, but we want to win for each other, not just ourselves. practice schedule, how they warm up, and how their team chemistry We all trust each other to do what it takes to win.” We ended our conversation with a great statement from Ryan and Carter about helps propel them into first place. Q: What does your prerace routine look like on the day of a meet? their anchor. “If we hand off to Mike in the lead, he’s not losing it.” These men are a great success for the college, and we all wish Ryan: “We all wake up and eat a few hours before the race. It is important to eat as early as possible, so there is no possibility of them the best with the rest of their season. having issues during the race. So, for example, if we are racing at
Softball’s 2022 Season Comes to a Close by CAMERON ARVIDSON sports editor
On Sunday, the Loras Softball team ended their season with a 1-1 split against Nebraska Wesleyan. Despite coming up just one game shy of making the American Rivers Conference playoffs, the team took a big step forward as a program. After going 10-27-1 in 2019, and 2-27 in 2021, the Duhawks completely turned things around in 2022. Posting a 22-10 record and garnering a top-25 DIII ranking, the team showed signs of good things to come in the future. Winning their first nine games of the season, the team scored fifty-one runs, while giving up only six in that span. Going into conference play, the team held a 13-1 record and fared 7-9 against tough ARC competition. They missed the playoffs on a tie-breaker with Central College, who took both games against the Duhawks this year. Although it is a tough end to the season, there is still much to be proud of. Grace Houghton, junior, and Ellie Schill, senior, led the team on offense, ending the year with batting averages of .375 and .323, respectively. Houghton finished thirteenth in the conference for batting average while leading the team in home runs, and Schill tied for first in the conference for triples with three, and seventh in the conference for stolen bases with 17. On the defensive side, pitcher Ashlyn Hemm was a standout as a newcomer to the program and conference. Collecting a slew of accolades. Hemm was awarded
photo from DUHAWKS.COM
The Softball team finished the season with the program’s best record since 2017.
Conference Athlete of the Week once, Conference Pitcher of the Week three times (two of them consecutively), broke the program single-season strikeout record with 214 punch-outs, and led the Conference in ERA (1.49), wins (17), innings pitched (145.2), strikeouts, and opponent batting average against (.157). In the field, the team backed up Hemm’s performance with a .962 fielding percentage, as well as a team ERA of 2.28, both good enough for second in the conference. Head coach Ashley Winter had this to say about the season: “After last season this team was hungry. The energy, drive, fight, and team chemistry that this team had day in and day out was so much fun to
be a part of. Although this season did not end where we wanted it to, there is still so much to be proud of. This team definitely left its mark on Loras softball history. But more importantly, this team built a strong foundation for next season and the future is bright. I feel really good about the direction the program is heading, but there is still work to do.” Coach Winter also added, “Our four seniors: Ellie, Taylor, Hannah, and Mallery were instrumental in our team’s success with their vision and leadership in the program. I am so thankful for all they have done for Loras and the softball program. This was a special team!”