Sept. 22, 2011, edition of Lorian by The Lorian

A weekly publication by Loras College students

ACTs and GPAs — how does Loras stack up? Last year’s first-year students fared better than Clarke and UW-P students in entrance exams and grades, but were marginally behind 2 state schools and Coe by JESSICA DONELS staff writer

For many incoming college students, ACT scores and their high school grade-point-averages (GPAs) are the difference between getting a scholarship or being accepted by the college of their choice versus going to community college. They might the most important number in a student’s life — until classes start. So, how does Loras compares to other schools in our area? According to admissions’ offices at six schools, including Loras, the average ACT scores for incoming students for the 2010-11 Loras’ ACT school year at those six colleges all were within roughaverage is ly 2 points of each other (see more than a charts below). point higher Loras’ first-year students in than the 2010 carried an average ACT score of just under 24. Incomaverages ing students at Coe College, at Clarke Iowa State University and the University University of Iowa each reportand at the ed ACT average scores of nearUniversity of ly 25 — nearly a point higher than Loras’ 2010 first-years. WisconsinBut Loras’ ACT average is Platteville more than a point higher than (UW-P). the averages at Clarke University and at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UW-P). Meanwhile, the average GPAs for the six colleges are very close to each other, all within three-tenths of a percentage point. Loras’ first-years in 2010 carry an average GPA of 3.48, which is marginally lower than the average GPAs at Coe, Iowa and Iowa State. But Loras’ GPA was higher than Clarke’s (3.33 average), while UWP said it does not request information regarding students’ high school GPA.

Vol. 90, Issue 3

Sept. 22, 2011

The Jule Dubuque’s diamond in the rough? by EMILY FULL staff writer

As a college student, there are just some things in life that can’t be ignored: food, sleep, money, and fun. However, one important aspect many tend to overlook, and even ignore, is transportation. So many dilemmas surface for students who lack a means of transportation, and they miss a chance to truly experience what the tri-state area has to offer. They cannot eat a delicious local meal, have a job off campus, etc. Having a vehicle has its downsides too: payments must be made in order to maintain it, and gas, oil changes and other repairs also empty the wallet. And God forbid there’s another hailstorm. In the end, cars require time, stress and money. But that’s where The Jule, the city of Dubuque’s newand-improved busing system, comes in. It doesn’t operate 24/7, but it should resolve some of your transportation needs. The city has made some significant changes to hopefully accommodate passengers who might not have been served by the bus system’s previous routes and schedules. And the city is brainstorming of ways to better serve college students. “Things are afoot and starting to take place,” said Barbara Morck, the city’s director of transit operations. Right now, The Jule doesn’t have specific stops, routes, and rates designed specifically for college students. But the city is working with Loras, The University of Dubuque, and Clarke University, in order to develop a bus route that could pick up and drop off students on a regular basis. “Right now, The Jule has a route called the Green Route that goes up and down Loras Boulevard on schedule, allowing students to catch a ride,” Morck said. “The buses are fully accessible with lifts and ramps, and they include a bike rack in case someone riding a bike gets caught in the rain.” Although the Green Route is the nearest route for students on Loras College campus, the nearest stop is Finley Hospital near Grandview Avenue.

“Within the next couple of weeks, the college administrators of Dubuque are meeting in order to start gearing towards the students’ needs and meet them where they are at. We would also like to meet with student governments to make sure we’re on the same page.” Making a bus route available to students at Loras has been a large part of Daniel McDermott’s “to-do list” as Senior Class Student Union President. He has been a strong advocate for reaching out to make arrangements between Dubuque’s bus system and the college ever since he began his campaign for presidency. “Right now, we’re trying to get everyone on the same page,” McDermott said, “It’s challenging to get the ball rolling on this because, to my understanding, the final thing holding up the project is finding out where the money is coming from, which is a major issue.” McDermott’s concern is apparent to Morck as well. “Loras’ student government is very active in getting this into action,” Morck said. “In the future, we want to bring stops to campus where it’s easy and accessible for students, such as dorms and major buildings. Our goal is for students to be able to show their college ID and ride for free, but money is a major factor in making this a success.” Morck is hoping to have the project will be complete so that students will have a reliable way to travel across town to their jobs, doctor appointments, etc.. “I would definitely use the transportation,” McDermott said when asked if he would use The Jule. “It’s a great way to get around and explore Dubuque.” Currently, a bus ride on The Jule only costs $1 and it can take you to Hy-Vee, Kennedy Mall, and various other locations throughout Dubuque. Those who are interested in leaving their vehicles at home in order to save a few dollars can ride The Jule’s buses more frequently by purchasing a 10Ride Pass or even a Monthly Pass. For more information about The Jule and its pros and cons, routes, etc., visit www.cityofdubuque.org.

And the winners are ... for 2011 Homecoming KING and QUEEN ...

AARON JUNGE

illustration by AYUSH SUBEDI

n/a

Moving to America

International students tell their stories of adapting to the radically different American culture.

Turn to Page 2 for more.

LUISA JIMENEZ

news

Sept. 22, 2011

duhawk.com

Culture shock: Adjusting to American life by LAURA HEBBELN staff writer

Safety for all ... and to all a good night by TASSIE CREWS staff writer

For some, college is the first time leaving home, and it can be overwhelming. Now that the semester is in full swing, most students have gotten adjusted to the hustle and bustle, but it’s easy to lose a sense of reality when we begin to wander away from the campus. By all accounts, Loras is a very safe campus, thanks to our campus security personnel. However, in light of the recent assault on a Loras student just off campus, students should be aware of additional precautions they can take. Matthew Saylor, assistant director of Campus Safety, said that students must “know their surroundings and remain vigilant at all times. Most crimes happen to people because they put themselves in harm’s way and they think since Dubuque is a smaller city than Chicago, they are safer. Unfortunately, you’re only as safe as you make yourself.” There are basic precautions students can take to help ensure their safety on campus: You’re only n always lock car doors and rooms, esas safe as you at night make yourself. pecially n if a FOB is lost, a replacement so Matthew get that the lost FOB can Saylor be deactivated n do not walk or Assistant director jog alone between of Campus Safety the hours of dusk and dawn n do not stand in front of the door to find keys, have them out already n in the event of a robbery, give up any possessions, rather than anger the perpetrator n carry only what valuables are needed for the day. Other basic tips can be found in the Campus Safety office and on the portal page. Incidents can and should be reported right away. The first person to talk to is always the residence hall staff and anyone from Campus Safety. They know how to help in almost every situation and are required to document all the information relating to the incident. If the situation is uncomfortable for any reason, there is a new web-based reporting system called “My Safe Campus,” a new program that “allows students to let campus officials know about things, and also allows them to remain anonymous if they don’t want to let anyone know who is turning in the incident,” Saylor said. The student-friendly part of this is the anonymity. Students should know that Campus Safety is here 365 days per year and 24 hours of every day, even when students are not here. By calling the information desk, students can request a safety escort to bring them from one site to another if they feel the area is unsafe. “If students are reporting an incident and need help right away, call Campus Safety so they can send help,” Saylor said. “If it is an emergency, call 911.”

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The transition from high school to college can be difficult for anybody. The people are new, the food is different, and the classes are more challenging. But imagine making the transition not just from high school to college, but from Colombia to the United States. That’s exactly what Isabella Irurita, Claudia Vivas, and Ale Ruales did. Currently, there are 60 international students from 15 different countries. Four first-years joined Loras this fall. Most international students come to Loras for the full four years, others under exchange programs for a semester or two, and some from other colleges and universities. “It was hard to adapt to the environment,” said senior Ruales, referring to her first year in college. Ruales came to Loras from an all-girl school in Bogota, Colomphoto by MARY AGNOLI bia. Claudia Vivas came from this same Senior Ale Ruales and first-years Claudia Vivas and Isabella Irurita share school: Santa Francisa Romana. According to Ruales and Vivas, their school went their experiences on adjusting to American life. from kindergarten to eleventh grade (their “senior year”), and had scholarships for ordinator of the intercultural program. the top seniors to attend colleges in Iowa, “Then a lot of them are homesick, which is obvious to any student away from home. Minnesota, and Wisconsin. I’m afraid I will accidentally Irurita’s story differs slightly. She at- But some students do not get to go back for a number of years, which is a big chalkiss someone on the cheek. tended Colegio Bolivar in Cali, Colomlenge.” bia. Her school also had a “partnership” Isabella Irurita Vivas said that back home she ate “more with Loras, but Irurita was the first from healthy food.” Every morning she would first-year international student her school to receive an academic scholarship to attend Loras. Before it had been have fresh squeezed juice from various “mostly boys coming to play soccer.” Iru- fruits. Ruales has noticed the habit that many rita revealed that she apAmericans have to eat girls in Colombia. “We don’t wear a lot of plied to 12 different colburgers and pizza all the makeup, but we dress up,” Vivas said as a leges, and was accepted time. In Colombia, it was general statement about Colombian girls. into all of them, but dedifferent for her. “Pizza Although Irurita and Vivas are still adcided on Loras because and burgers were like a justing, Ruales was able to give some inthey offered her the best Loras boasts the largest special occasion food.” sight on how she feels about her college financial package. percentage of international But there is another experience in the U.S. “My first year I Like Ruales, first-years students between Dubuque’s change that Irurita and Vi- only had a couple friends,” mentioned RuIrurita and Vivas have three 4-year college and vas are bracing themselves ales, but she has made many more friends had a hard time adjustuniversities. Following are Loras’ for: winter in Iowa. now that she is a senior at Loras. She also international population stats: ing to their new environ“I’ve never seen snow,” talked about her struggle with the lanment and American culsaid Irurita. She admits to guage difference. “It was hard to express 60 ture. “I’m afraid I will acbeing afraid of the coming emotions in the beginning, especially total enrollment for 2011-12 cidentally kiss someone winter. Her fears weren’t with words that don’t translate.” But Ruon the cheek,” said Iruacademic year calmed by Ruales when ales thinks things have gotten better over rita, referring to a comshe mentioned her first the years. “I feel like I have improved my 15 mon custom Colombiwinter at Loras. “In the English a lot.” countries represented ans have for greeting othwinter I would call my Although the transition from high ers. “Americans have permom, crying, because it school in Colombia to college in the U.S. 4 sonal space,” commented was so cold,” she said. total first-year international has been a shock, Irurita and Vivas are adRuales on what she has Besides environmental justing. Ruales mentioned that after her students observed from her time in differences, Ruales, Iru- first year “things got easier.” the U.S. rita, and Vivas have also Loras students need to remember the But social interactions haven’t been the biggest shock for Iruri- noticed a cultural difference in how Amer- difficult transition international students are going through. So, talk to them. Ask ta and Vivas. When asked what the biggest ican girls dress. “In Colombia, I think it was socially un- them about home. It might just help make difference for them has been, they agreed: acceptable to wear sweatpants,” said Ru- that transition they’re going through a lit“the food.” “Everything at home is fresh, not pro- ales, commenting on the trend she has tle bit easier. “Then the time comes for the students to cessed,” said Irurita. “The food here is seen in college girls to wear sweats to more simple and bland. I have to keep put- class. “My mom would never let me go go back during holidays and see their counout to the market in sweatpants.” try with a different perspective.,” Behnke ting salt on everything.” Vivas has already noticed that although said. “Students just can’t stop sharing their “The biggest culture shock comes to the majority of international students in terms many American girls seem to dress more experiences. When they come back they of food,” agreed Cindy Behnke, office co- casually, they wear more makeup than are just glad.”

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international flavor

New ambassadors get on-the-job training by Jessie donels staff writer

As the new first-years learn their way around Loras, some of them are already preparing to give tours to potential students. Each year new student ambassadors are recommended by their teachers and go through training to learn all about the campus and student life. They are required to interview for the position, read the student ambassador handbook, go on mock-tours and shadow-tours, and take a test about Loras. First-years in particular have a lot of work to do, learning about buildings they

have never been in before, and learning about a city they may have just moved to. So how do the new first-years feel about giving tours of a campus they are just getting used to? Laura Hebbeln knows she has some preparing to do. “It’s a little overwhelming,” she said. “I haven’t been in all of the buildings yet and I will have to familiarize myself with them.” For example Laura has not been in the science building yet—one of the featured buildings on the tour. Megan Kelchen is more confident — as a legacy student she has been on campus before and is familiar with the area. “We

are told to create our own story,” she said. “This helps us relate to the touring students.” Megan looks forward to being an ambassador and feels that she is prepared to give tours to prospective students. Without a doubt the new ambassadors are gaining the experience they need in order to do well. “Going on the mock tours has been really helpful,” Hebbeln said. The admissions office has offered this advice to the first-years: “Go to events you aren’t interested in and try going to the different places in Dubuque—that way you can learn more about the campus and community.”

news

Sept. 22, 2011

Singing for peace

duhawk.com

Alumni panel will share insight Loras graduates return to campus to impart what they have learned while searching for jobs and settling into their careers by KELSEY HLAVIN

special to the Lorian

illustration by Josh mcnelly

Choirs from Loras, Clarke, UD and Wartburg Seminary join forces to celebrate International Peace Day by EMMA SMITH staff writer

In conjunction with International Peace Day on Wednesday, the Loras Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Bruce Kotowich, along with students from Clarke University, University of Dubuque and Wartburg Chapel Choir, sang in hopes of peace around the world. This concert in the ACC Ballroom and was followed by a one-act production called “Unveiled,” written and performed by Rohina Malik, a Chicagobased playwright and actress. “Unveiled” is an acclaimed one-woman show telling the story of five fictional

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If peace is going to happen, it happens locally first.

Dr. Roy Carroll

professor of music at Loras; director of chapel choir at Wartburg Seminary

Muslim women in the wake of the September 11th attacks. “If peace is going to happen, it happens locally first,” said Dr. Roy Carroll, professor of music at Loras as well as

the director of chapel choir for Wartburg Seminary. “We are witnessing the importance of peace and unity and we are living it out by coming together as a community.” This was the first time these four particular choirs joined in singing together; they all sang the same pieces together, hoping for peace around the globe. “The choirs joining together demonstrates to our peers and our community that for a common cause, such as world peace, we can come together and make a profound impact on the lives of others,” said first-year Loras choir member Elizabeth Caruso.

Jonas Meyer is an assistant professor of mathematics. He received his undergraduate degree in mathematics at Loras College as well as minors in physics and computer science. Directly after he attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he received his graduate degree in 2010.

by LEAH CHAPMAN

What called you to come back to Loras as a professor? As a Loras graduate I knew that I liked it already. When I was studying for my major I always had the feeling that I wanted a job like my professors.

What changes have you noticed at Loras since you were a student here? Well the obvious ones like the grotto being moved, the AWC, and the skywalk from the AWC to the ACC and Cox Street, which I think will be a great improvement to the campus.

What is one thing that people would not know just by looking at you? I actually have two steel rods attached to my spine because I have scoliosis. They had to take the steel rods and connect them with bone from my hip.

Meet the staff Jonas Meyer HOMETOWN: Madison, Wisconsin Position: Assistant professor of mathematics

College students often hear how rough the job market is and how they need to prepare for it. At Loras, there is an abundant supply of resources to help prepare students for success once they leave these hallowed halls. Thanks to homecoming, students will have an opportunity Friday, Sept. 23, from 12:30-2 p.m. in Wahlert Hall. The Center for Experiential Learning to attend the fourth annual Homecoming Alumni Panel. The alumni panel provides students with excellent opportunities to learn firsthand what they can be doing at Loras to prepare for their careers or graduate school. These alumni lived in the same places, were involved in the same activities, knew the same faculty, and participated in these types of events. Students will hear about what the alumni are glad they did In today’s while at Loras and what they wished economy they would have it is critical done. They also will that current share advice on how to manage life after students to college, in graduate everything school or the work they can force. This year’s panel to prepare will feature Christhemselves tine (Bochniak) Pirkle ‘09, Kelsey for life after McElroy-Anderson college. ’09, Neil Desmond ’09, Justin Vorwald ’07, Meghan Wallis ’10, Laura Cornelis ’11, Cullen Clamage ’10, Jake Oeth ’09, Matt Romkey ’10, Nicole Reisen ’10, and Kevin O’Brien ’11. In today’s economy it is critical that current students do everything they can to prepare themselves for life after college. Employers face stacks of resumes and students need to separate themselves from the masses and attract the employer’s attention: this can include anything from internships, to study abroad experiences and service learning. “Students need to have flawless resumes, excellent interview skills, and make contacts with everyone,” said Faye Finnegan, internship coordinator at Loras. She added that the alumni in the panel will share how their experiences led them to what they are doing now. Networking is also critical in finding internships and full-time jobs. What better way to begin building a network than with others who attended Loras? The first 50 students to attend will receive a complementary lunch. RSVP to Faye Finnegan at faye.finnegan@loras. edu, ACC 590 or (563) 588-7155.

opinion

Sept. 22, 2011

editorial

duhawk.com

Change is inevitable, but memories persist

The NCAA violates itself

fter a scandal, lessons are taken away, but in some instances, are seldom used. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is shrouded in disgrace, yet instead of righting the ship, they are shunning correct ideas and slapping themselves on the ass with them. Any casual viewer of ESPN knows about the intense ick oos scandals occurring at numerous universities around the U.S.; Oregon, Miami (FL), Ohio State, and Boise State head the list that includes at least a dozen universities who have been accused of supplying improper benefits to student athletes. Improper benefits include, but are not limited to: free tattoos, expensive vehicles (Cadillac, Mercedes, etc.), free taxi services, private yachts, and the ability to sell game jerseys. This is all done in the name of attracting the best players to the aforementioned schools to play on the athletic teams which in turn, brings in more revenue to that specific school. And anyone who pays attention to college athletics knows that revenue is far and away the most important aspect of the business. Entertaining the masses is an afterthought (of course, this does not apply to all schools, just Literally, these student-athletes the sleazy ones). The NCAA looks into could receive a all the allegations, and check in the mail sends punishment where it sees due. Suspensions, to use at their coach resignations, and leisure. That’s fining university boosters absurd. You can’t are typical punishment. make that kind I personally hope the college sports landscape of stuff up. will be rid of these scandals soon. However, I’d be lying if I said we were close. Many sports analysts believe well over half of the universities (mainly Division I schools) are receiving and doling out improper benefits, but they also think that number is slowly shrinking. So, the NCAA could look at this and fix it. For starters, they could continue suspending, and even expelling, student athletes for accepting these benefits. And maybe, offer rewards to those exposing those guilty of such crimes. When dealing with the integrity and honesty of college sports, at this point, the NCAA needs to have a one-strike policy. You muck up the system; you’re out. Instead, mumbles have surfaced among those close to the situation that students athletes should be paid, or at least receive royalties for jersey sales and autographs. Literally, these student-athletes could receive a check in the mail to use at their leisure. That’s absurd. You can’t make that kind of stuff up. Unfortunately, it’s a fact that college athletes are already paid; they earn scholarships, some of which are full-ride. And that’s perfectly fine; their abilities are fine-tuned, and they deserve financial assistance for their hard work. However, these scholarships seem to be forgotten, and it makes me shudder to think college athletes are getting a free or discounted education, while potentially receiving money for their participation in sports as well. It really puts into perspective how valuable a college education is. These athletes will pathetically and selfishly take advantage of their abilities in order to reap benefits. And in doing that, they’re taking advantage of a privilege, and a gift: the ability to attend a college or university and attain a degree. The potential outcome of this NCAA decision is huge, not unlike the tuition for four years of college. The sheer amount of money in question should be enough of a deterrent for stepping toes out of line, and skipping class. These athletes don’t understand their privileges. They’re breaking rules, when already, their tuition is significantly reduced. The NCAA should be ashamed; to offer scholarships is one thing, but to entertain the possibility of paying players who clearly are not responsible enough to follow rules, like not accepting brand-spanking-new Cadillac Escalades, is ludicrous.

nick knacks

Homecoming: It reminds us that change is the only thing that is a constant. Summer has just ended and Homecoming 2011 is here. A weekend to forget the classes, homework and adorn the campus like a bride, and of course, have fun. As we see former Duhawks come back with their faded memories, it’s an opportunity to hear the stories of the alums, some who graduated recently, some 25 years ago and some even 50 years ago, and reflect on how you’re going to do things differently. The college has transformed a lot, and so have the people. The buildings have changed, corners have changed, the paths have changed, but the memories they built in the residence halls, in classes, under trees, in the fields, are intact. Alums probably don’t remember what day, what year those amazing events occurred during college, but the memories etched inside their hearts will surface up when they see the Rock Bowl, the library, the cafeteria and, of course, those who they went college with. For the students who are worried about what they are going to do after college, what their future holds, this is the time to realize that what we do today will be a memory for tomorrow. It’s up to us to shape your recollections. Alums are reflections of current students, but they have learned much about life on the other side of college, reminding us that we have miles and miles to travel. So, ask yourself: What am I going to do in the decades to come that I can share with the next generation of Duhawks — those who may not even been born yet? Remember, change is the only thing that’s constant. Don’t wonder too long on how you’re going to change the world, because the clock is ticking.

N J

— The Lorian editorial staff

Editorial staff co-executive editors..........................Nick JOOs .................................... and rajendra thakurathi photo editor.............................. KeLSEY BERGAN news editor................................... MARY AGNOLI features editor........................... .SURYA PANDEY asst. features editor.............. COLIN HALBMAIER sports editor..................................... JACK METZ copy editors..............................MONICA SHAFFER and Hannah way illustrator...................................... AYUSH SUBEDI advertising manager.......... ELIZABETH BRANNON moderator................................... TIM MANNING

Purging for the ‘perfect’ body

t’s hard to imagine the prevalence of anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders in America, especially when we are pummeled with the images of obese slobs inhaling big macs and drinking HUGE movie theater sodas. The truth, however, is that eating disorders afflict more of us than we realize. An estimated 1-2 percent of the general population has Body Dimorphic Disorder, a psychological condition that drives a person to be obsessive about their body image, to the point of wanting perfection or to change the unchangeable. Even more people are suspected to have milder rett obbins symptoms of the disorder. This problem has severe consequences and is highly destructive if untreated. Let me, someone who has suffered from it, explain how it operates: I was overweight most of my childhood, but I began to work on losing weight going into high school. At first I exercised normally and tried to eat better, but as time elapsed, I became obsessive with the idea of having a thin, toned, perfect body. This desire for perfection was soon coupled with the fear that I had to get that body ASAP in order to be happy. This resulted in my spiral into the disorder. My diet began to restrict itself, my exercise levels began to rise, and my self-esteem began to drop. Summer after freshman year and into sophomore year I convinced myself that the only way to be thin was to regulate my caloric intake and exercise until my body destroyed all the fat on my bones. I never understood the concept of bone structure, which prevented me from acquiring that perfect form. The plan was to purge all the fat from my body, then replace it with muscle. I placed myself on a diet ranging between 1600-2000 calories, a recommended weight loss diet for an adult woman, not a growing teenage boy. I added excessive amounts of exercising every day. I even skipped lunch at school. The result was my weight plummeting, my arms turning into twigs and my body headed towards that of a starvation victim. The increased levels of exercise gave me stress fractures in my legs, to the point that I’d wobble because walking was too painful. My parents even threatened to send me to therapy; I was so obsessed, so convinced I was fat, no matter what I weighed. The majority of this extreme purge occurred during my sophomore year, declining afterwards. I’ve returned to a healthy diet today, with adequate exercise and better understanding of my health. Obesity may be the greater enemy for the general public, but eating and exercising disorders are not to be ignored. They effect so many, destroy so much, and believe me, they are horrific to live with.

Rockin’ RObbins

ppp In response to the analytic “letter to the editor” submitted by Mr. Daly (“What does it mean to be a man?” Sept. 15), let me elaborate on my previous article, “The Complete Idiocy of Masculinity” (Sept. 8). Mr. Daly misunderstood my point within the article, believing I was asserting that it was immoral/idiotic for men to have masculine qualities at all. In reality, my article was criticizing a flawed perception of masculinity: that being a real man means being an emotionless, overly aggressive, homophobic sex hound. I will apologize for my title, from which I believe Mr. Daly’s reaction originated from. “An idiotic perception of masculinity” would have been more accurate, but hell, hindsight is 20/20 right? My mistake on that one. I agree with Mr. Daly’s point on the importance of masculine qualities, and I never stated that being protective or helping the weak was immoral. My criticism revolved around unnecessary aggression. Teaching boys to be violent and fight and upholding the misguided belief that being peaceful or gentle makes a man effeminate, are the problems with societal perception of masculinity. Being aggressive to defend your family against a robber is totally legit. Beating the crap out of a guy who talked bad about you, in order to show off how manly and tough you are, that’s where the idiocy lies.

The alternative candidate W ith the declaration of eight mainstream Republican candidates for president, the race for the GOP nomination is in full swing. Iowa has been a main campaign ground for most of atrick rady these candidates, and will continue to play a major role through autumn and into the early months of 2012. Platforms, polling, and pundits have been the name of the game early in the primary season. Each candidate will roughly run the same way against Obama in the general election, so

Read and Right

O’G

the question now is: Who is the ideal candidate to energize the base? Surely, Mitt Romney with his presidential swagger will carry independents; Michelle Bachmann can get the Tea Party on board; and Rick Perry with his “guns-a-blazin’” Texas politics and record of job creation will carry evangelical Christians and fiscal conservatives. Romney is polling well in the Northeast and West, Perry in the Southeast, and Bachmann in the Midwest. Furthermore, the media seems smitten with these three candidates, and jumps at any major campaign story their camps can produce. But there is a horse of a different color in the race: one who is neither mainstream Republican, nor a candidate

willing to bow to the whims of the usual politics in Washington. He has a cult following, extreme fundraising, and “commander and chief” potential to boot. Dr. Ron Paul ran for president before, in 1988, 2008 and now again in 2012. His brand of conservatism is unlike any platform offered by any of the other seven mainstream candidates in the race. He can only be labeled as a libertarian, one championing a political ideology of liberty and free will. His pacifist foreign policy is popular with some deficit hawks and overly idealist college students. His constitutionalist and free market approach to economics is popular with fiscal conservatives.

continued on Page 5

opinion

Sept. 22, 2011

What do you think? What are you most excited about for this homecoming weekend?

duhawk.com

Ron Paul: Fit to Fail? continued from page 4

Erin Sexton

junior Seeing everyone come together at the football game and tailgate.

Dana Disteldorf

senior Looking at the sea of purple and gold at the football game.

Carolyn winderg

senior Seeing Kevin O’ Brien.

Mallory Macciomei junior

Seeing all my friends that left me last year.

Lauren O’ Bryan junior

Scratch Track (the homecoming band).

Brooke Pasker

sophomore Seeing the alumni at the football game.

Maggie Writt

senior Having the chance to hang out with friends who have graduated.

Kyle Marxkors

junior The slaughter of the UD by the soccer team and domination of Simpson by football team.

Russell Gosseen Jr. sophomore

The social events.

Kate Mantyh sophomore

My friend that’s coming back.

If Ron Paul were to be elected, he would accomplish many of the goals of others in the GOP field, such as reducing waste in the Department of Defense and securing our border. However, Paul would do away with the Patriot Act during the rise of domestic terrorism — a risk the United States cannot afford to take. Furthermore, he would act as commanderin-chief in such a way that he would seek congressional approval before American intervention in situations like Libya. These delays in the sight of civilian casualties are both irresponsible and dated. We no longer live in a world where troops must cross oceans, but instead we live in one where military intervention can be made on a responsible and timely basis. On the economic end, Ron Paul would end the Federal Reserve System, the federal institution that regulates monetary policy and bank oversight. Paul would establish “sound money,” although he does not provide any means of accomplishing that vague goal on his website. He also wants to do away with the federal income tax, severely limiting government revenues. As of late, conservatives have been looking to cut taxes to foster economic His brand of growth, but completely eliminating federal conservatism income tax is an is unlike any unprecedented move platform and too large of a risk to take considering the offered by $14.6 trillion deficit. any of the Ron Paul is relatable other seven to the young and the radical. His hard-right mainstream stance is important, candidates but only in the context in the race. of the House of Representatives. He provides a good foil to the progressive caucus on Capitol Hill, which has no business in the Oval Office. America is a center-right country, not a radical right-wing state. Ron Paul clings to the unimportant: the 4,000 babies the former OB/GYN has delivered — a fact often used in his campaign materials — sola scriptura interpretation of the Constitution, and ending federal institutions like the Fed that have been proven to work. Poor polling and weak ideology will send the Paul campaign motoring off-stage at full speed just as it did in 1988 and 2008. After all, experience gained from delivering 4,000 babies is about as useful as that gained as a Chicago community organizer or a New York salesman. But who knows, maybe the third time’s the charm for Ron Paul?

ATTENTION: Aspiring Photographers We are starting a new section. For those who desire nothing more than to see their photographs in print, this is the place for you. Send us a photograph you’ve taken during the week. After the editorial staff chooses the best one, we’ll publish it.

Chris Brom

sophomore All the free stuff.

Ellen Reiss

junior The football game and getting dressed up for it.

ATTENTION: Campus comedians We also are starting a “joke of the week” section, where all you sarcastic souls can submit jokes. The staff will choose the best jokes to publish.

Submit all items to lorian@loras.edu

features

Sept. 22, 2011

duhawk.com

photos by COLIN HALBMAIER

Search for PEACE

The Doll by KATHERINE HEIDORN special to the Lorian

Sit me on your shelf, On this lonely shelf. All dressed up, No one left.

by MATTHEW KOCH

In recognition of the 30th International Day of Peace, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, the students living in the Peace and Justice (P & J) house made the campus take a minute and reflect on “peace.” They presented the campus two simple questions: “ Where do you wish to see peace?” and “Where do you see peace?” P & J house is a “themed” housing on campus. Current residents of the house include seniors Maggie Writt, Dana Disteldorf, Carolyn Windberg and junior Ruth Whaley. This was one of their monthly event.

Play with me. Calling me, Your squirrel, skylark. I am your Dolly. Why do I smile? No reason to smile. Is love gone? I’m in denial. Tossed on your bed, Did I ask for the bed? My clothes stripped. My eyes red. He strips my soul, He lacks a soul. Leaving me bruised, I tried to say no.

features writer

Put back on the shelf My desolate shelf I scream, I plead. No one can help.

nchild by ANDREA BERNS features writer

Seek the Help by EMILY BEREITER staff writer

When Americans today learn about the Civil Rights, they are usually confined to watching a documentary about Martin Luther King, Jr. or one that only gives a broad overview of one of the most turbulent and dangerous times to live in America. Rarely does a documentary or even a feature film offer a view of the challenges that African American women faced during that time. Then, on August 9th, “The Help” premiered. Based on the 2009 novel by Kathryn Stockett, “The Help” is unique in that it tells its story from the three different perspectives of two maids, Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) and Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (Emma Stone), a young white woman who has just

graduated from college and is an aspiring writer. With this format in mind, I was curious as to how it would play out on screen. To my surprise, each character was given enough time to flesh out their lives before they join together to reveal what life is really like for black maids in Jackson, Mississippi. Their act of dangerous rebellion comes in the form of a book composed by Skeeter, hatched after she learned of her friend, Hilly Holbrook’s (Bryce Dallas Howard) idea to build separate bathrooms for “the help” as she fears they carry “diseases”. Overall, the film itself is a very faithful adaption to the book. While some plot lines are removed, presumably because of time constraints, they do not take away at all from the ultimate power

of the story. I especially liked Aibileen’s narration throughout the movie, even in parts where her character is not present. To me, this showed more than ever that the story is as much hers as it is Skeeter’s. The film also does a good job of reminding the audience that the Civil Rights Movement is in full swing with mentions of Dr. King’s march on Washington and the assassination of local Civil Rights leader, Medger Evers. It is my belief that all the praise and box office success for “The Help” has been well earned as both the book and now the movie have brought to the forefront, a relatively unknown perspective and situation of black maids during one of the darkest periods in American history.

You had a dream last night. You were in a grassy meadow of peppermint and gingerbread. The sun was setting, or rising— it was hard to tell—and the sky was a rich twilight purple with streaks of neon pink and cerulean. The stars were diamonds ground to dust scattered all over the sky. The blue-green grass was wet with dew, and blades of grass clung to your ankles and feet. It was so pretty that you took pictures with your camera — at the sky, your grasscovered feet, and the badgers that were coming to greet you. More were coming—cottontail rabbits, otters, and a big furry black bear. They were nice-they were your friends. They loved getting their picture taken. You laughed as one of the rabbits with gray fur stretched out his thin rabbit lips and stuck out a sleek pink tongue as you snapped a picture, and the bear wanted you to take his picture— him, and his friend, the badger. Then the animals began to dance, furry silhouettes in the twilight. Drum beats echoed in the background, and the animals danced in a nonsensical way, not even really keeping the beat. But they just kept dancing and the drums were getting louder, and oh it looked so fun. Then they all paused to ask you to join in. They wanted you to dance too. At first you said no, you were too shy. But the big furry black bear took your camera and said he’d take your picture if you didn’t dance. The others encouraged you, “dance, what do you have to lose?”

They were right. What did you have to lose? You laughed and brought up your arms, swaying your head to the music. They encouraged you as the drums grew louder. You laughed again and threw back your head, swinging your hair back and forth, back and forth, and the bear took your picture anyway, only you didn’t care. The sky was so pretty and the drums were so lovely, and the grass sticking to your feet was glorious. You twisted your arms and swung your head around, your hair flying everywhere. Your friends cheered you on, “Dance, Ellie, dance!” You became a moonchild and you felt so free and giddy and alive. Finally, the bear stopped you and handed over your camera. He said, “it is time to go now, Ellie.” But you didn’t want to go. You wanted to stay here in this happy world of gingerbread and peppermint and dance with otters and feel alive. But the bear looked so serious that you took your camera, but he promised you that you would remember this night; that he took pictures and you would never forget. You said goodbye to your friends and went home. But when you flipped through the pictures on the camera, you were not in that wondrous meadow of gingerbread but instead in a brown field with gray sky and no stars. There were no pictures of otters or rabbits. It was just you standing in the depressing brown field. Alone as the yellow moon.

It is not easy to be different. People with mental disabilities have long been misunderstood and even rejected by society. Of course, this is not usually done out of spite or hate; rather, as humans we tend to reject that which is different to us. However, with this knowledge, it is important to break through our misconceptions and overcome possible prejudices in order live in solidarity with people with disabilities. This year the student organization, “Du-Buddies,” is doing just that. Du-Buddies was founded last year as a result of the tireless effort of sophomores Katie Kasten, Ally Satterlee, and John Herra. Kasten, the current president for the organization, has always strived to work with people that have special needs. When she came to Loras, she wanted an outlet to continue this work. Student Union officially passed Du-Buddies as an organization this past spring, and the officers have been working since then to plan the group. The group partners with Hills and Dales, a local government organization that offers residential living for people with disabilities. They work with infants to individuals over 60 and host people with many different types of mental disabilities. As the name of Du-Buddies suggests, members are paired with a buddy from Hills and Dales with whom they form a friendship. Members are expected to contact their buddy in some way each week and visit him or her

once a month. Also the group has planned community events such as bowling, attending a sporting event, dinners, and karaoke night to name a few. In addition to these duties, Du-Buddies is in a joint campaign with the group “Loras Students for Inclusive Education” to end the derogatory use of the word ‘retarded’. The main focus around which the entire group revolves is forming a meaningful one-onone relationship with the buddy. Many of the residents at Hills and Dales have very little contact with people outside their community. In fact, several have not seen their family in 10 years. Friendships are a vital component of anyone’s well being, and the mentally disabled are no exception. For this reason, DuBuddies can have an incredible impact upon many lives at Hills and Dales. Yet the benefit certainly goes both ways. Loras participants also stand to benefit greatly from their buddy. Many students have little interaction with the mentally disabled. “Members realize that (people with mental disabilities) can communicate, can have relationships,” Kasten said. “Members can recognize their abilities, not their limitations.” People with disabilities want success, want friendships, want happiness like anyone else, and it is through Du-Buddies that the near 50 students from Loras can have this experience.

Do you want to be a buddy?

photo by RAJENDRA THAKURATHI

Du-Buddies is the brainchild of sophomores Katie Kasten, Ally Satterlee and John Herra.

activities

Sept. 22, 2011

duhawk.com

KENKEN 4-

Boydology

30x

2÷

Dr. Mike Boyd, the director of the Counseling Center, answers student questions concerning anything that relates to keeping it together while doing this crazy thing called college.

10+

Loss of a friend

Hey Mike, A friend of mine transferred to another university last semester. We were really tight, did everything together. She was the only one I could ever really talk to about guys, parents, etc. We kept in touch for a while, but now she seems to have forgotten that we were ever friends. I even tried to talk to her about it, but she seemed totally unconcerned and noncommittal. Meanwhile, my other friendships just aren’t the same, I don’t get the same level of insight from them. I know I can’t make someone want to be friends, but I’m at a loss as to how to deal with this. I just really valued this friendship, and am having a hard time with this. What do I need to do to move on? -Still sad Mike says: The essayist Harry Stein likens the loss of a true friendship to the loss of a lover. They are equally painful. In fact because most of us expect romantic relationships to come and go, but feel we can rely on friendships to last through thick and thin, the loss of a friend can be even more painful. When we lose a friend we go through grief, similar to loss of a lover or death of someone close. Grief stages include denial, anger, bargaining, despair, and moving on. Each of us grieves in our own way and our own time. The one universal remedy is time. That is especially true if the time is spent with someone else. It is not replacing the loss. You do not have to talk, just be together. If you do not have a close, understanding friend or relative consider seeing someone at the Counseling Center or Campus Ministry. Good Luck! Mike

Staying sober?

Hey Mike, I really like to party, but do not like the foggy feeling of being drunk. If I only drink coffee drinks like Kahlua will I stay more sober? -Party Guy Mike says: Nope, but you will be a wide-awake drunk. Mike E-mail questions to Michael.Boyd@loras.edu. The identities of the senders will be kept confidential.

Welcoming Football Season

2÷

Rules: Your aim is to fill up each column and row with numbers 1 to 5 without repeating any of the numbers. At the same time, each heavily outlined cages must produce the mathematical operation indicated in the top corner.

courtesy of kenken.com

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 24x

2÷

5 4 1 2 8+

2 4 1 5 3 2-

4 3 5 2 1 4-

60x

5 1 2 3 4 2

1 2 3 4 5

by MIKE HARLOVIC

opinion

Sept. 22, 2011

duhawk.com

Lorian ’Leven

by COLIN HALBMAIER

assistant features editor

‘The only thing to fear is ...’ We have all started the day like this at some point: You look at the clock in the morning and realize you have five minutes to get to class all the way on the other side of campus. You grab your bag and rush out of your room, praying you somehow get there in time. Yet no matter how fast you run, you never make it. This is the point where most people wake up in their beds, heart beating fast, realizing it was all a dream. We all have our own school-related fears. Thankfully, we are not alone. This week’s Lorian ’Leven is dedicated to 11 school-related phobias, some of which you might feel some relation to: Didaskaleinophobia — Fear of going to school Let’s face it, there’s plenty to be scared of at school. The classes, the tests, the homework, the professors, not to mention making friends, getting to class on time, and of course, finding somewhere to sit during the lunch hour rush in the Café.

Thaasophobia — Fear of sitting The dreadful part about walking into class is knowing that the moment you sit down, you’re glued to your seat for at least another hour. Plenty of things could go wrong, such as getting that one squeaky chair or having the chair break underneath you. It might not be likely, but it’s certainly possible.

Cyberphobia — Fear of computers or working on a computer Given that Loras is a laptop campus, this one might be pretty difficult to avoid. It seems as if there’s a laptop everywhere you look some days. Not to mention the price of breaking one could give you quite a scare – these computers don’t pay for themselves.

Atychiphobia — Fear of failure I can almost guarantee we’ve all felt that cold fear creep into our bones the moment we turn in that one big test. That dreadful feeling tends to overstay its welcome, leaving us only after we realize we passed with flying colors – or had our fears come true.

Papyrophobia — Fear of paper Despite the expanding laptop campus program, you’re going to have to encounter paper at some point, whether it’s a book in the library or a test you’ve been dreading. Unless it’s a test, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Just make sure you don’t get a papercut. Ergophobia — Fear of work Unfortunately, college seems to be all about work some days, for students and professors alike. If your teacher doesn’t take this as a valid excuse for not writing that ten-page paper you forgot to write until last night, I’m afraid I can’t help you.

Doxophobia — Fear of expressing opinions There can be a lot of tension in class when the professor asks a thought-provoking question. An awkward staring contest generally follows, as the class waits for someone to break the silence. Here’s a little tip: you’ll get instant brownie points for speaking first, no matter what you say.

watch out for the deadly papercut. Testophobia — Fear of taking tests Aside from being late to class, the dreaded test is generally ranked pretty high on a student’s list of school-related phobias. After all, they tend to make up a majority of the final grade. Then of course, there are the mid-term and semester tests at some point too. Graphophobia — Fear of writing or handwriting This one goes hand-in-hand with a lot of the other phobias. You can’t get much work done if you’re too afraid to write or read. Sophophobia — Fear of learning There’s very little that I can say to make this one more relatable to the larger audience. If you’ve got a fear of learning, then a higher education might be a little too much some days.

Bibliophobia — Fear of books Unless you can manage to find each of your textbooks online, chances are you’ll have to encounter an actual book at some point in your college career. Like papyrophobia, just be sure to

My last homecoming ... as a student Homecoming is a place for alums and students alike to share experiences and their Loras connection

by EMILY JAHNKE staff writer

t’s that time of year again. Time for gutter races, tailgating, and football; of course, it’s homecoming. Most prominent of all traditions is the alumni coming to Loras, hence the name of this week. It’s not unusual for the alumni to gather at the tailgating parties and swap old memories of Loras over hot dogs and beer. Yes, homecoming is one of the most looked forward to weeks of the school year. Yet, each year is another reminder that we’re one year closer to leaving Loras for the real world. That thought was the last thing on my mind during homecoming my freshman year. Like everyone else, I was still reveling in freedom. No longer under

my parents’ eye, I could set my own rules and boundaries. I could stay up as late as I wanted and go anywhere I wanted. For the first time in my life, I felt that I belonged. People were interested in what I had to say and didn’t see me in terms of popularity. It was a far cry from the high school life I had left behind. When I started telling my parents that I was going ‘home’ to my dorm room, I realized that Loras was home. With each homecoming, I’ve seen how I have changed and matured. I’m more open, whereas before I wanted to be left to my books. I have accepted that there are some things I can’t control. And I’ve finally understood that having a broken heart isn’t the worst thing in the world. Now I’m a senior, just about ready to leave port and sail off for regions unknown. It’s almost time for new adventures and new beginnings. Am I saddened to leave Loras this coming

I’ll be here, not as a student, but as an alumnus. I’ll be one of those people at the tailgates, swapping stories with my former classmates. I will no longer be a part of Loras, but Loras will always be a part of me. December? A little bit. There’s comfort and familiarity here. Yet, I know it’s time for me to go. And I’m not afraid of what lies ahead. Next time homecoming comes rolling around will be the first time I’ll be here, not as a student, but as an alumnus. I’ll be one of those people at the tailgates, swapping stories with my former classmates. I will no longer be a part of Loras, but Loras will always be a part of me.

Volunteer? Your talents should be shared

by SARA PENNEBECKER staff writer

ast week I concluded by posing the questions: How will you spend your time, and what kind of world do you want the next generation to inherit? This week, I wish to follow up by exploring ways to get involved. Let me start by saying that I understand how busy a college student’s life can be. At times it can be crazy and hectic, sleep is considered optional, and caffeine is your best friend. Trust me, I get it. Yet, I am going to push you to push yourself. I know many people do not like volunteer work or consider it a burden on your time, but you might be surprised by what you get out of it. You might make new friends, see the world in a different way, or simply feel better about yourself. Numerous studies have proven that people who volunteer tend to have higher self-esteem, improved sense of well-being, and overall greater sense of achievement. People also tend to feel more connected to their communities, and you never know who you might meet. It could be a future significant other or boss. So, after you have found your cause, you might find you are Loras has asking yourself, “now what?” Now numerous events that are it is time to find a way to dedicate your always looking time or resources for volunteers, to it. Let’s say you are interested in or consider applying to go working with youth; the Multicultural on a service Family Center or an trip through after-school tutoring Campus program might be a good place for you. Ministry. If you are interested in animals, the Dubuque Regional Human Society might be your place. And so on and so forth. You get the picture. I understand that sometimes a time commitment is physically not possible. That does not mean you cannot get involved. Loras has numerous events that are always looking for volunteers, or consider applying to go on a service trip through Campus Ministry. Join an organization on campus such as Dance Marathon or UNICEF whose efforts work to improve the lives of others. If these still do not capture your interest, there are still others ways to help. The holiday season is approaching, and there will be numerous food drives, coin drives, and other fundraisers that require little effort on your part to participate in. And of course, my favorite one: monetary donations. If you are way more fortunate than me, and have disposable income consider donating money to an organization on campus, in town, or on a larger scale. Trust me, you will be well liked because these organizations always are in need of more money. There are ways for all of us to get involved. Each of us has been given a unique set of talents and personal qualities that are meant to be shared with others. So, stop making excuses and get involved. As Margaret Meade stated, “Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” I challenge you to become one of these people starting right now.

sports

Sept. 22, 2011

duhawk.com

Golf teams struggle at Clarke invitational by JULIAN GALLO sportswriter

After having a week off from the competition, the men’s team hit the course this past weekend looking to pick up where they left off. With two weeks of practice in between their meets, they hoped to show improvement, but the practice was not quite enough. The men finished 10th out of 12 teams at the Clarke University Fall Classic. “We are not playing anywhere near our potential,” said Coach Jeremy Hawkins. “And we need to figure out a way to do that.” As the men search for their full potential, the women also are seeking to improve while playing on courses that they have never seen before, putting them at a clear disadvantage. “The women are continuing to work on getting used to playing courses they haven’t seen before,” said Hawkins. “So far this year we have only played one golf course that we competed on last year. Lauren Gonner, who is a freshman, is obviously playing all of these courses for the first time.” The difficulty of playing on a course they had never played on before set the women back a bit, resulting in a finish of 18th out of 20 teams. Luckily, after looking back at scores from last year, they have been doing better as an overall team. “In comparing to scores to last year, we are better as a team,” said Hawkins. “Unfortunately for us, our competition, especially in conference, is also getting better.” Speaking of getting better, the men’s team is also looking to improve over this next week, and quickly too. With just this week of practice before they hit the greens again, they will have to be at their best to make a quick turnaround possible. Fortunately for them, Coach Hawkins knows exactly where they need to start at. “We need to really work on our short game, especially putting,” said Hawkins. “We also need to keep our mistakes to a minimum.” This will be one of their primary focuses for this week as they begin preparing for the next meet which will be held Sunday the 25th and Monday the 26th by the University of Dubuque. After coming off of this tough showing, the men’s team will be looking to show their true skill and prove themselves as one of the top teams in the conference. Meanwhile, the women will be hosting an invitational this weekend at Thunder Hills Country Club in Peosta. The meet will help in the Iowa Conference Championships.

update for Women’s GOLF Upcoming Dates n Sept. 23, 11 a.m. Loras Fall Invitational, Thunder Hills CC, Sept. 23-2

n Sept. 30, 10 a.m., Iowa Conference Championships, rounds 1 and 2, @ Pheasant Ridge, Sept. 30-Oct. 1

photo by MARLON TORRES

A pack of Loras cross-country runners compete at the National Catholic Championships at Notre Dame.

Runners impress at Notre Dame ‘‘

Men’s cross-country team places 1st among Division III teams; women place 7th among non-Division I schools

I’m really proud of our whole team, the weather was ideal and the course was in great shape, which contributed to the very fast times.

by RYAN BINSFIELD sportswriter

The men and women’s cross-country teams brought home impressive finishes on their annual trip to the highly competitive National Catholic Championships at Notre Dame last weekend. The men’s team finished fourth overall among all non-Division I schools, which also was the best finish among all of the Division III schools at the competition. The meet featured ranked Division I and Division II opponents, including Notre Dame and Bellarmine University. Once again, senior Dan McDermott finished first for the Duhawks with a time of 25:30, good enough for 27th overall in the field of 250-plus runners (fourth overall among non-Division I schools). Junior Austin Steil crossed the finish line next for the Duhawks, 20 seconds behind McDermott, finishing 21st among non-Division I competitors. The next three runners for Loras to finish were first-year Rob Howe, junior Chris Higgins, and first-year Ty Wittman who all crossed within four seconds of one another to round out the Duhawks’ scoring. Finishing sixth and seventh were firstyears Steve Loran and Ryan Sheeran. “I was very happy with the times and how our guys raced as a team,” said coach Bob Schultz. “I’m really proud of our whole team, the weather was ideal and the course was in great shape, which contributed to the very fast times.” The men also finished in fourth place last year among non-Division I teams and nearly matched their score from a year ago, scoring 319 team points compared to last year’s 318. McDermott also received Athlete of the Week accolades in the Iowa Conference with his 27th place finish out of 255 runners and the best time posted by a Division III entrant. The team will travel to Minneapolis this weekend to compete at the Roy Griak Invitational and look to improve on their impressive finish from last year when they took 13th in what is annually one of the

Bob Schultz,

cross-country coach

photo by MARLON TORRES

First-year Amanda Elsen runs the open race at the Notre Dame meet. nation’s largest cross-country races. The women also had a successful day at the Catholic Championships, placing 17th overall in the field of 33 Division I, II and III schools. They finished 7th overall among non-Division I schools. Senior Genna Kinley led the way for the Duhawks for the second meet in a row, placing 51st overall and 14th among non-Division I competitors with a time of 18:53. Sophomore Mary Rector was the other Duhawk to finish in the top 100 in a field of more than 250 runners with a time

of 19:14 to finish 86th overall. Junior Katie Flogel, senior Katie Hemesath and first-year Belky Hilby finished third, fourth and fifth, respectively, for the Duhawks. Junior Maria Kalb and sophomore Kellie Wagner finished sixth and seventh. “I was happy with our women’s times and how they raced as a team,” said Schultz. “Genna Kinley and Mary Rector both made the top 10 all-time list (for the 5K) at Loras. Katie Flogel and Kellie Wagner also had what could have been their best races as Duhawks.” Schultz said that Kinley posted the seventh-best 5K time in Loras history, while Rector now has the ninth-best 5K time in school history. Kinley also received Runner of the Week accolades in the Iowa Conference with her 54th-place finish overall out of 272 runners and placed 14th among non-Division I runners. All the women saw a considerable amount of time shaved off their finish in comparison to last week’s meet. “Our women got out better at the start and they also did a much better job racing as a team,” Schultz said. The women also will be in Minneapolis this weekend. Last year, they placed 13th out of 32 as a team dating back to last year. “We did well last year, and our hope is to have a good experience again this year.”

update for M/W Cross Country Upcoming Dates

n Sept. 24, 10 a.m. @ Roy Griak Invitational — Univ. of Minnesota n Oct. 8, 11 a.m. @ Dan Houston Invitational — Wartburg College n Oct. 14, 4:30 p.m. Dr. Robert Tucker Invitational @ Loras College n Oct. 15, 11 a.m. Pre-Nationals @ UW-Oshkosh (men’s team only) n Oct. 29, 11 a.m. IIAC Championships @ Luther College

sports

Sept. 22, 2011

Soccer team back in national rankings

duhawk.com

sports editorial

New look in the NCAA

Men’s soccer team now is ranked No. 14 after dominating performances

Who stands to benefit from the potential super-conference formations?

by MICHAEL SPLITTGERBER

photo by JIM NAPRSTEK

Junior Kinsey Campbell goes in for the tackle on her opponent from Macalester College earlier this season.

Duhawks sweep weekend series Women’s soccer team kicks it into another gear during a 9-0 rout by JIM NAPRSTEK sportswriter

Not much can be done if you’re an opponent and you look up at the scoreboard and see 9-0. The women’s soccer team wreaked all kinds of havoc Saturday in the Rock Bowl versus the visiting Prairie Wolves from Nebraska Wesleyan. From the very start, Loras outworked, outplayed and simply dominated every aspect of the game. And even when Coach Daniel Rothert put in his second line, Loras’ opponents had no answers. Loras kicked off the scoring in the fourth minute of play, when junior Jayne Eslinger took the touch and sent the ball to the back of the net. Little did she, or any of the other players know, what was about to occur in the next 86 minutes of play. Only three minutes later, senior captain Kate Young added herself to the scoring sheet with a goal of her own, courtesy of a breakaway set up by senior Tonya Lohmeyer. The Duhawks would close out the scoring in the first half with a breakaway by senior Jess Kern. Most teams would be satisfied with a 3-0 lead going into the half, and

update for Women’s soccer

update for men’s soccer

overall record 5-2 (3-game winning streak)

overall record 6-1-1 (4-game winning streak) NSCAA ranking: #14

Next match at home n Saturday, Sept. 24, 5 p.m., vs. University of Dubuque @ the Rock Bowl n Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., vs. Augustana College @ the Rock Bowl n September 30, 5 p.m., vs. Augsburg College @ the Rock Bowl

Next match at home n Saturday, Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m., vs. University of Dub. @ the Rock Bowl n Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m., vs. Augsburg College @ the Rock Bowl Next match Away

n Oct. 1, 4 p.m., @ Buena Vista University

Rothert was no different. Opening the second half, Loras would have a lot of the second- and third-string players seeing playing time. The scoring would not stop there, however. In the 59th minute, senior Brittan Rooney headed in a free kick from Kern to make it 4-0. After many missed header attempts, first-year Danielle Vujovic earned her first tally of the 2011 season with a breakaway set up by Young, who also contributed a goal later in the game. After the game, Coach Rothert said his team “connected” and finished their chances. “We came out and tried to finish this game early, and that’s what we did,” said Rothert. “The first 10 did what they needed to.” Unlike previous seasons, Rothert has instilled a new technique when his teams take the field. No longer are the starters called on to play 60 to 75 minutes straight. Now, Loras can be seen making line changes throughout both halves. This is a strategy that he does not expect to abandon once Iowa Conference play starts. On Sunday, the cool weather and constant rain could not cool down the Duhawks. As a part of the Loras/UW-P Invitational, St. Norbert’s stepped into the Rock Bowl to test its luck at breaking Loras’ home winning streak. The Duhawks added five more goals to their weekend tally, courtesy of sophomore Ali Schmitt, firstyear Danielle Vujovic, senior Kate Young, and senior Lisa Walt, who scored twice. Waltz feels like the two matches will give a huge boost to the team as they prepare for conference play this weekend, when Loras hosts the University of Dubuque. “I think we needed this, especially after the rough week we had prior,” said Rothert. “Now we’ve got the confidence needed to start conference play.”

ccording to a poll conducted by Baylor University last weekend, of 1,500 college graduates within Big-12 conference states, 76 percent of fans said they would be disappointed by the creation of super-conferences. So it appears that 24 percent of fans are really excited about the future of college football, I happen to be one of those in the minority. The reason I find myself on that side is probably because this is what our generation has grown up with in the sports world. Seeing the possibility of there being four ‘super’ conferences in the NCAA when it comes to college football does not surprise me at all, but it is entertaining to watch this spiral out of control. Compared to this season, last season was just a glimpse of what was going to come when the University of Nebraska officially joined the Big-10, giving it 12 teams, University of Colorado left the Big-12 and joined what used to be known as the Pac-10, before it added Colorado as the twelfth. The University of Texas was deemed the savior of the Big12 last season, but as we sit here today they could be the sole reason we never talk about the Big-12 again as a conference to be reckoned with in sports. This situation comes down to money, and that is why every team is trying to find the best place they can earn top dollar. Texas decided to team up with ESPN for a modest 20year contract that would inject $300 million into the school throughout the contract, and that was when we saw red flags being thrown up by the nine other schools in the Big-12. To add fuel to the smoldering fire, The Longhorn Network announced that they would be showing high school games on their network. Nothing like young high school players being able to say they are playing on the Texas Longhorn’s network this Friday, seems harmless right? Well that idea lasted about as long as Jay Cutler in the Bears backfield, and also led Texas A&M to start looking for a new residency in the NCAA, the SEC wasted no time secretly showing high interest in the school and once all the legal jargon clears up we will see Texas A&M reign high in its new conference. That brings us up to about now. The Big-12 shot themselves in the foot by letting Texas have free reign of what they wanted to do because the Longhorns were the glue that held the conference together. Now Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and, of course, Texas see a fluttering Big-12 conference and are close to joining the Pac-12, which remember was the Pac-10 last season, and now might be the Pac-16 next season. Being the graphic designer can’t be a leisure job for the powers that make up those on the West Coast. So who are the eventual losers of all this mess? Well we have seen Baylor come out aggressively against Texas A&M moving, so it would be hard to see them much happier now that the teams that make the rest of the conference’s money are halfway out the door as well. With the demise of the Big-12, the winners are easily the Pac-12; the SEC will accept runner-up status of Texas A&M and maybe grab some second-tier schools along the way. The ACC, who added Syracuse and Pittsburgh earlier this week from the Big East, will enjoy the view from their comfy throne at the top when it comes to the basketball season, and that leaves the losers, as of right now, our conference in the Mid-west, the Big-10. Standing at twelve teams right now, the conference could have the ability to add four more teams to really vault their position to the number two spot of top super-conferences if they could add Kansas and Kansas State, two teams that would help their weakness when it comes to basketball. Missouri already said no to the Big-10 so it might be difficult to try and add them again, but nothing would really surprise me at this point. The Big-10 would just have to find two other teams in the area to fill out its 16-team super-conference and it would be no easy task, but maybe with the demise of the Big East in basketball, the “golden-domers” in South Bend would finally be willing to listen.

Jack’s Smack

sportswriter

The men’s soccer team had a weekend to remember as it dominated its two games, scoring a whopping total of 13 goals while shutting out its opponents. It started the weekend out with a 6-0 win over Nebraska Wesleyan and followed that up with a 7-0 rout over St. Norbert. That apparently was enough to lift the Duhawks to a No. 14-ranking in NCAA Division III. In Saturday’s win over Nebraska Wesleyan, Loras’ first goal came when senior Chris Comstock found Brad Joiner, who timed his run correctly and punched one in for the first score of the match. First-year Tom Fluegel also had a big day for the Duhawks, as he scored twice during the match. The final two goals of the day came from the feet of juniors Forrest Olson and Ryan Schneider, who both tallied assists as well. Coach Daniel Rothert was satisfied with the scoring outburst. “It was nice to find the back of the net,” he said. “These goals give us the confidence we need going into conference play. I think this was something we wanted to start finding.” A cold rainy day did nothing to stop the hot Duhawks on Sunday against St. Norbert. Donald St. George got the ball rolling with a goal just three minutes into the game. St. George, after a ball was played into his feet, was able to turn on the doorstep of the St. Norbert goal and put the Duhawks ahead. The Duhawks added four more scores and held a 5-0 halftime lead. In the second half, St. George scored his second goal of the game, while Comstock and Louie Oswald added a couple scores of their own to the Duhawks tally. Schneider continued an impressive weekend by adding a goal and an assist in the second half to cap off his four-point weekend. The shutouts also pleased Rothert. “The shutouts were nice to get,” he said. “(We) came out strong, scoring early, and really just ending the games early.” With the shutouts, the Duhawks wrapped up most of their non-conference play, and they will open Iowa Conference play against the University of Dubuque on Saturday night.

Jack Metz

sports

Sept. 22, 2011

duhawk.com

OUTLOOK Versus Simpson College Biggest keys Coach Mierkiewicz emphasized two factors for this weekend: n Offensively take care of the ball better and be smart with the ball. n Defensively get back to tackling well and staying positive in the turnover ratio.

X-factor n The x-factor for the game this weekend will be how well the team protects the ball. Two turnovers from the running backs alone last week hurt the team’s chances against Dubuque. Simpson is better than what their record portrays so Loras’ play will need to be flawless.

Upcoming Football Schedule 2011 Scheduled Games n Sept. 3 @ Elmhurst College L-24-50 n Sept. 10 vs. Rockford College W-48-17 n Sept. 17 @ Univ. of Dubuque L-16-41 n Saturday vs. Simpson College @ 1 p.m. n Oct. 1 @ Luther College @ 1 p.m. n Oct. 15 vs. Central College @ 1 p.m. n Oct. 22 vs. Coe College @ 1 p.m n Oct. 29 @ Cornell College @ 1 p.m n Nov. 5 vs. Wartburg College @ 1 p.m n Nov. 12 @ Buena Vista Univ. @ 12 p.m

Iowa Conference Standings overall (IIAC School Record record) n University of Dubuque ............ 3-0 (1-0) n n n n n n n n

Wartburg College ................... 3-0 Central College ...................... 2-1 Coe College ........................... 1-2 Cornell College ...................... 2-0 Loras College . ....................... 1-2 Buena Vista University ........... 0-3 Luther College ....................... 0-3 Simpson College . .................. 0-3

(1-0) (1-0) (1-0) (0-0) (0-1) (0-1) (0-1) (0-1)

photo by CHELSEA McCARRAHER

Senior tight-end Andy Brown dives for a pass Saturday night against Dubuque.

photo by CHELSEA McCARRAHER

Junior Billy Kass carries the ball through University of Dubuque defenders Saturday night. Kass had 99 yards on 32 carries. The offense had three fumbles, however, with one returned for a touchdown.

Duhawks hope to bounce back for homecoming With homecoming weekend coming up, the football team can’t dwell on its loss to UD by JACK METZ

sports editor

The key may be in possession of the University of Dubuque Spartans this year after beating the Duhawks, 4116, Saturday night, but the Loras football team can’t dwell on the past — not with homecoming weekend coming up. Now just three games into his first season as head coach, Paul Mierkiewicz said he will continue to lay the groundwork for this weekend’s game against Simpson. Despite the large deficit at the end of the game, the Duhawks had several positives to take away from the game, most coming in the first half after both teams went into halftime tied at 13. “We played hard in the first half,” Mierkiewicz said. “I don’t think we quit in the second half; it was just a different intensity and we may have just ran out of gas. U-D started doing some things that made their game go from 2nd-and-6-yard situations to 2nd-and1-yard situations, compared to ours going to long-distance situations, and we just struggled to do some things offensively. It seemed like we were a little more in flow of the game in the first half.” The first half started with a quick three-and-out forced by the Loras defense, followed by an eight minute drive that put the Duhawks on the scoreboard first with a field goal by Tyler Wilker. Senior Eric Meyer continued the Duhawks impressive start with an interception on the Spartans next drive, but was unable to turn the 32-yard return into Spartan territory into any points when junior running back Ryan Baez fumbled on his first carry of the season, after being sidelined with an injury the first two games. The Spartans would add two touchdowns before halftime one from their quarterback Wyatt Hanus and the other from their running back Justin Spaulding, while the Duhawks added a touchdown after a big return on a kickoff all the way to the Spartans 30-yard line.

The drive was capped by a 1-yard rushing score by senior quarterback Vaughn Gesing. Gesing had an efficient day going 16-22 through the air for 251 yards, not throwing an interception but getting sacked seven times. His 16 completions in the game made for a special day for the senior as he broke 1986 graduate Dave Dietz’s 26-year-old career completions mark with a successful throw to Gavin Kaiser in the third quarter. “It’s a great honor to hold any record, especially with the rich history Loras football has. There were a lot of really good football players and quarterbacks that have been through Loras over the years,” said Gesing. “Most of the credit should be given to my teammates and coaches over the last four years, without them the record wouldn’t be possible.” The second half would be the tale of a different half on the part of the Duhawks as they would try to build momentum early when they went for it on a fourth-and-one, but sophomore running back Javan Amiable was pushed back for a loss of two. Turnovers also played an unfortunate part in the Duhawks second-half display, hurting most when junior running back Billy Kass was unable to bring in the ball on a toss play, and the Spartans scooped the ball up and returned it for a touchdown and a 27-13 lead.\ “Where it got real tough was when we fumbled the football and they took it in for the score, that was quick seven there,” said Mierkiewicz. “Then we botched a punt which gave them a short field and that was 14 points there that we were going to have a tough time getting back. We came out in the second half and we weren’t successful.” As for the turnovers, fumbling three times and losing two, coach Mierkiewicz said that the team continues to practice hard to prevent their ball carriers from turning the ball over dedicating certain periods of practice to helping his players improve on, but it will just be something that the players will continue to try and get better at. Overall, Kass rushed for 99 yards, and first-year receiver Nate Even and senior Gavin Kaiser combined for 11 receptions and a total of 200 yards. On the defensive side of the ball Nate

‘‘

We played hard in the first half, I don’t think we quit in the second half it was just a different intensity and we may have just ran out of gas.

Paul Mierkiewicz football coach

Suchomel would post a team high five solo tackles and tie with Frank Pereiro for the team high with seven total tackles. The Duhawks only turnover came from Meyer’s first half interception. Duhawk nation was in full support of the football team making the march from Loras to the University of Dubuque to give the Duhawks more added incentive to protect the key, although Loras was unable to carry out the objective at hand the nation still had an effect on the team. “I’m telling you that was awesome because it was quiet when we were out there for warm-ups and their fans were doing their stuff then you look down the road and you saw everyone coming,” said Mierkiewicz. “It was awesome, I thought we had more students there, I am not convinced we did not have more fans then UD there. Says a lot to our program and to the spirit on the campus if we can continue that support we will make this campus proud of this football team.” Gesing also hopes to see even more excitement from the nation of fans this weekend against Simpson College after the outpouring of support against Dubuque. “Speaking on behalf of the team, we loved the atmosphere our fans and mainly the student section provided on Saturday night. It was the loudest and rowdiest student section I have seen in the last four years,” said Gesing. “We really appreciate the support and regret not being able to give our fans a win. We hope to get the same support this Saturday for homecoming. It will be very emotional for everyone on the team, especially us seniors since it is our final homecoming.”