The Lorian for Sept. 8, 2011

A weekly publication by Loras College students

Vol. 90, Issue 1

Sept. 8, 2011

photo by Rajendra Thakurathi President Jim Collins, Chairman of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Bob Peacock and Director of Campus Dining Susan DuBois, cut the ribbon at the Cafe opening ceremony.

Technological leaps and bounds

by MARY AGNOLI staff writer

For a moment, imagine a computer screen — the vibrant colors and shapes fill the screen as you watch a movie on Netflix, chat on Facebook, or play an online game. With a closer look, however, thousands of separate lines appear to dance across the screen in a variety of quickly changing hues, as you go from image to image. Imagine, now, having to tell your screen what color every one of those countless pixels should be at any given moment. This is just a small portion of what seniors Nicholas Burek and Thomas Griebel accomplished in a matter of weeks.

In May, Burek and Griebel took first place in the Regional Digilent Design Contest for Engineering at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. Digilent is an international company involved in electrical and computer engiphoto by Rajendra thakurathi neering programs across the globe. It hosts comGriebel(L) and Burek(R) petitions such as this all pose by their brainchild. over the world challenging students to think in new and creative ways.

The duo was allotted 10 weeks to design and complete their project.

“We spent a lot of time discussing, and yelling at each other back and forth about how we were going to design our work,” Griebel admits. “But the results speak for themselves.”

And the result was a completely functional, programmable, and user-friendly gaming console (“think of a Wii or Xbox, but a lot simpler”) using what appears to be just a

continued on page 2

Cutlery shines in Cafe opening ceremony

by RAJENDRA THAKURATHI and EMILY FULL staff writers

The freshly-refurbished Cafe began serving once again at the start of the new semester. To christen the new eatery, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Tuesday in the Alumni Campus Center concourse.

ARAMARK Higher Education, in partnership with Loras College, unveiled its million dollar renovation project amidst the small function attended by Dubuque Chamber of Commerce members, students and public.

After cutting the ribbon, director for the Campus Dining Susan DuBois said she was excited for the changes.

“We wanted to give students a better dining experience,” she said. “With the renovation, we have tried to eliminate the institutionalized feel through comfortable seating, among others.”

ARAMARK Food Services has nourished the bellies of Loras students since 1974, and over the years has gone through many transformations.

Talking at the function, Loras President Jim Collins gave thanks where it was due.

“This has been possible through the initiative of some students’ leaders,” he said.

“It’s a diamond in the rough,” said Bob Peacock, chairman of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. “On average, we have two ribbon-cutting ceremonies in Dubuque. That shows development and progress is on its way. Here we have a member of the chamber announcing its renovation.”

Along with the new look, the new Cafe has a variety of new stations and a new menu to offer to its students.

“We’ve added new, healthier options for healthier dining,” said DuBois There is also an improved Asian station that has fresh veggies and can be made to order, along with a grill station, pizza and pasta area, condiment station, and enhanced dessert bar. Meanwhile, there are other stations for exhibition, including a back-of-house grill, and a deli, soup, and salad bar.

The Cafe renovations also converted the old seating and dining layout to an updated version that includes a cyber area, allowing students to work while enjoying food.

Also added was more counter space with higher seating, booths for more enclosed seating, a little purple and gold decal to show some school pride, along with a new dishdisposing area completely hidden so the kitchen noise is kept at bay from the students.

New televisions add an improved, welcoming feel to dining students. But DuBois envisions the space for more than just entertainment and food.

“Something we are trying to implement in the near future is allowing students to use the dining area as a place to meet and work on homework after serving hours,” said DuBois.

She further added that her team has contributed a great deal of time, energy and a commitment to excellence to ensure a wonderful dining experience.

ARAMARK was interested in making some changes and along with Loras’ Physical Plant, action was able to take place throughout the summer. DuBois was quite pleased with how

continued on page 3

From the President Dear Loras Students,

Unveiling the Grotto The popular worship center takes a trip across campus.

Turn to Page 2 for more.

photo by RAJENDRA THAKURATHI

I offer a special welcome to all new students and a special welcome back to all returning students. I hope you had a good summer and are finding the early days of campus life rewarding.

You’ll note there are a number of physical improvements to the campus.

The Graber Center renovation is complete and the Grotto has been beautifully transitioned to the center of campus. Within the next few days, the Campus Dining Room renovation will be finished and I am thrilled with the positive comments I’ve heard already.

Sometime next week, we will begin Phase One construction efforts for Loras Parkway (formerly Cox Street.) As a residential college, these improvements are pursued with the hope of enhancing your overall campus experience.

During the past few weeks, Loras received more national recognition.

Washington Monthly ranked Loras as 12th among all baccalaureate colleges in

the nation for its commitment to service.

In addition, Loras was cited as only one of twenty Catholic colleges nationally to be listed as a College of Distinction.

These accolades further underscore the value of a Loras degree. Thus, all of us at Loras believe you have chosen your soon-to-be alma mater well.

You are blessed to be part of a campus community comprised not only capable faculty and staff, but a group of professionals who are committed to ensuring your total growth and development — spiritually, academically, physically and personally — during your Loras experience. To that end, work hard to do and be your very best, make good decisions, and access the great people of this College when you need assistance.

Let’s have a great year. God bless and go Loras.

— Jim James E. Collins ’84 President

news

Sept. 8, 2011

2

duhawk.com

Technology: Zelda, too

photo contributed

by SAM KELLY Students sit outside the Grotto after the shrine’s move across campus. The Grotto now is located between Smyth Hall and Wahlert Hall.

continued from Page 1

3x3 inch flat, green board. And the game of choice for this new console? The Konami classic, Frogger.

“We didn’t create just another video game. We created a development environment for other people to create games,” said Burek.

If you ask them how they accomplished such a feat, they’ll call it “magic” before launching into the actual, much more technical, answers.

The green board is not just a “green board.”

Technically, the board is called a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Board and was the only material given to those participating in the contest; everything else the teams built from scratch. Throwing around phrases such as “interfaces,” “layers of abstraction,” and “binary code” came easily to Burek, an engineering and computer science double-major, and Griebel, a computer science major with minors in math and philosophy. But the purpose of their project was to make the idea of programming “easier for everyone else.”

To create this, however, was not that easy.

The duo ran into their share of problems, including running out of memory space two weeks before the competition with only 60 percent of Frogger programed. They had to go back and compact everything they’d worked on.

“Going from having nothing on the board to seeing the frog jump across the screen for the first time made it all worth it,” said Burek.

The team traveled to Indiana to compete against seven other teams from across the nation. To be among these seven groups was an accomplishment in and of itself. Each team was approved by submitting their work in April, and then completing their projects by competition time. Some teams couldn’t even make it to the competition due to travel costs and a few teams from Mexico had car trouble en route to Indiana, and never made the final competition. Griebel and Burek were just glad to be there.

“Watching [the other teams] presenting was a little intimidating,” said Griebel.

“These guys were very smart and their projects were really impressive.”

Projects ranged from heart EKG monitors and sonar sensors to self-contained computing systems and clocks. When time came for the winners to be announced, the last thing Burek and Griebel expected was to hear their names called.

“We really weren’t expecting to win,” said Griebel. “On the way up I was saying ‘Thank God this is the last time we have to put up with this project.’ I thought it would be done that day.”

The all-nighters are far from over for this duo, however, as they prepare for the next leg of their search of engineering glory in Munich, Germany, next week.

They plan to extend the platform (adding more space for graphics and code), add another game (possibly Zelda), and attempt to make the console even easier for people to walk up and create games.

“We built this thing from scratch,” Griebel said, summarizing a key point to the project. “Nick got the board to write out to the screen so you can see a picture. None of this was supplied for us. All these things you can take for granted. People take a computer, plug it into the screen and it works! We actually had to develop that. This was our project, we didn’t pull stuff off the shelf and plug it in. This was us from the ground up deciding how we wanted things to work.”

Although Burek and Griebel won’t be able to compete next year due to the time required for their senior capstones, they both hope that another team will emerge from Loras College and take on the challenge.

Grotto moves to heart of campus The new Grotto location between Smyth Hall and Wahlert Hall, adjacent to the Rock Bowl, is central to all of campus.

by EMILY FULL staff writer

In the fall of 2010, the Loras College Board of Regents acted upon several proposals to develop and modify the campus landscape. One of these modifications was to change the location of the Grotto.

The strategic plan of the college has long envisioned enhancement and expansion of the St. Joseph Hall of Science. At the same time, Loras Regent, James Davis, approached the school offering to support the enhancement of the Grotto. In response to his passionate interest and generous offer, plans began to take shape.

Davis wanted the new Grotto to be a fitting means of remembering his late wife Jane, while continuing to foster reverence for Jesus’ mother, Mary, and her appearance to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France.

This sacred site, devoted to the Virgin Mary is a place where students have often found retreat from the hustle and bustle of activity

Q.

on main campus and spent time in solitude and prayer while surrounded by the beautiful, natural environment provided by nature. While construction plans were drawn up, several people from the Loras community were concerned with not only the loss of the Grotto’s existing location, but the repositioning of it completely.

“I’ve talked with many students and alumni who made the Grotto a stop for prayer on a daily basis,” said Fr. William Joensen, the dean of campus spiritual life.

“It is a spiritual sacrifice to see it moved, but I hope it is a source of consolation that in its different location, perhaps many more people will be drawn to pause and pray personally. The Wednesday night unveiling was a great celebration that many attended.”

Joensen explained the current, more “high profile” location allows easier access to the Grotto, so that all may be able to participate and experience the Mass, as well as personal prayer, and other devotional services that may be offered. One upcoming service at the outdoor chapel with be the college’s 10th anniversary commemoration of 9/11.

There are still some finishing details to

‘‘

We want to foster the sense of the holy in a prominent location, radiating toward the reaches of the whole campus.

Fr. William Joensen

,,

dean of Campus Spiritual Life

put in place, such as kneelers and candle racks for individuals to signify their prayers while using the Grotto. Those additions will be put into place in time for the Dedication Mass on Oct. 6th.

“We want to foster the sense of the holy in a prominent location, radiating toward the reaches of the whole campus, promoting peace, human harmony, and reverence.

Our faith life can’t be contained in a box,” said Fr. Joensen. The College is grateful to all those who participated in the planning and oversaw the construction process, including, but not limited to, James Davis for his generous vision and support, and John

What called you to Loras?

by Leah chapman

It was the conversations I would have with Loras alumni. The way they would speak about Loras it seemed to me that they all had such a soecial experience here, it became an experience that I wanted to become a part of it.

What advice do you have for students that are, or will be taking your classes in the future?

What are you looking to bring to Loras?

Do the homework; it’s as simple as that.

I have a strong interest in international exchanges. I lead a student program to Germany and took part in an exchange program to the Czech Republic. I want to bring more exchange opportunities to Loras. Because then I can see the

impact I make on (students).

What is something that students would not guess about you?

Something interesting?

When I was kayaking on the Voltara River (sometimes referred to as the Moldau River) which runs through the country in the Czech Republic with my wife, the kayak capsized and we went under.

Meet the staff Roger Kerkenbush

High School: Potosi, Wis. Moved From: Milwaukee, Wis. Position: Assistant professor of accounting/ business

news

Sept. 8, 2011

Menu of changes Students chew over differences to Loras Dining Services

duhawk.com

3

Outlook loses sight

by EMMA SMITH staff writer

First-year Bryan Falbey Takes a triangular bite in the newly renovated Loras Cafe

Campus grill grilled by some

by MARLON TORRES staff writer

The new school year was sure to bring on changes, but who knew such big alterations would happen to the Pub. However, not all the changes are well-digested.

“The new Pub just doesn’t offer the kind of food I would expect,” says firstyear Drew Morelan.

The recent menu changes at the Pub eatery have left many Duhawks angry.

In addition to modification in the Cafe, new features in the Pub can not be overshadowed.

The Pub, a place where students purchase freshlymade grilled sandwiches, carry-out asian cuisine, and pizza is a break in the routine when the Cafe offerings became mundane. But now things have changed, especially the menu, which varies greatly from last year’s

photo by RAJENDRA THAKURATHI

The Cafe: Redesigned continued from page 1

photo by RAJENDRA THAKURATHI

A thirsty patron of the Cafe enjoys a drink. smorgasbord. Some students would like to go back in time.

“Last year it was good, but now it’s just greasy burgers and curly fries,” said sophomore Mark Chapman.

The Pub menu mirrors that of the Cafe. It seems the largest point of contention is the removal of a stu-

dent favorite, the grilled chicken wrap. When asked if the new changes to Pub’s menu would deter students from venturing into the Pub, sophomore Mike Bukszar shared his thoughts.

“The wraps were a big deal for people. I don’t think (people) will go there as often.”

things took place, saying, “Kudos to the Physical Plant. They did a wonderful job.”

The Cafe and its menu aim at supplying healthier options, and more varieties. Food freshness is also emphasized.

“Instead of cooking things ahead of time and letting them remain in a warmer, the food is being cooked as we go so it is much fresher,” said DuBois.

She added the new dish room plays a key role by helping reduce the use of water by ten percent, and electricity usage by twelve percent. The carpet also helps keep the Cafe green, as the carpet is created from all recycled materials.

“Anything that we can do to save the environment,” stated Dubois.

Campus Dining has done many things in the last few years with the elimination of trays and undergoing more sustainable and environment friendly options. The new upgrades and the renovations are also expected to cater the healthier option demands of the student population.

So, what’s really going down with technology at Loras? Converting emails and failing internet signals for a few hours was frustrating to many students and staff.

Believe it or not, it was probably more frustrating to the technology center.

Human instinct tells us that we must blame someone or something for problems that make our life a tad bit difficult. The tech center tries so hard to keep us connected and many situations, like the internet failing a few hours, was “out of their control.”

Tom Kruse, Chief technology officer of the tech center at Loras, put it into his own words, explaining the internet failure was not “the end of the world.”

He explained that Paytec, the national company who provides our internet at Loras, had a piece of important equipment break, which led to the internet crash. This, in turn, made it much more difficult to help with the new e-mail system which was being set up at the time. Many students lost patience, awaiting their turn to change to the new and better Outlook.

The newer version of Outlook that students are switching to is better for all students. There are many benefits in the new Outlook program, such a bigger inbox, and it’s absolutely free to run Outlook at Loras. Plus, the Outlook service is not under the responsibility of the tech center.

In the end, students we gained money, time, less frustration and 12.5 times more storage than we did before. Senior Brehm shared her opinion.

“We make miniscule problems much larger than they actually should be,” she explained.

Brehm works in the ARC and the computers there run through the internet system, so books were checked out by hand. According to Brehm, this was not bothersome.

The help desk “is always there to help with all of our needs big or small.” The help desk keeps in touch with students by updating their announcements with any recent news they may post. They can also be emailed at helpdesk@loras.edu.

Before students point the finger and dish out blame, there is a need to understand that the problem usually lies out of their reach.

Students floored by new surface at Graber

by EMILY FULL staff writer

As Loras students return from the fun and sun of summer, they find more than stacks of boxes to unpack, and mountains of books to buy.

Many renovations have taken place all over campus and are now ready to be put into use. A major facelift on the Loras campus visage is the new interior of the Graber Center. Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Bob Quinn, gave insight to what has all been upgraded in Graber.

“The old floor surface was installed in

1982 and hadn’t been updated until now.

It was worn, tired, and needed to be updated.”

The new flooring system is used for all sports so as many people can enjoy it as possible. An anonymous donor generously supplied Loras with the necessary funds in order to complete the remodeling. Graber is intended to be an efficient, multi-use facility, aesthetically pleasing, useful place for all students and all activities. Newly installed dividers and a new coat of paint aim to make Graber feel a little more like Loras and less like an old

gym.

The lighting system over the main gym was also revamped. Originally installed in 1982, the lighting needed an update.

“We replaced the lighting technology so the output of light is more efficient,” said Quinn. “Energy is now used at a lesser rate due to the censored lights that only turn on when there is activity below. This helps the facility remain cost efficient.”

Quinn says he’s received nothing but good comments towards the renovations.

“There have been many comments about how nice the facility looks. It’s a

vast improvement that has a brightness to it, making it look revived, not tired and old. The quality of play can be seen in basketball, running, tennis, among others. There have been good reports by all.”

So, in the future, when you have a spare minute to break away from the endless amount of reading provided by the expensive text books you bought at the beginning of the semester, stop by Graber to play some volleyball, shoot some hoops, run a few laps, or just to enjoy the view of the complete transformation.

opinion

Sept. 8, 2011

4

duhawk.com

The complete idiocy of masculinity W

e all have our own perceptions on what it means to be a man; ideas ranging from being strong and controlling to emotionally expressive and sensitive.

The latter is a new, evolving phenomenon over the recent decades, especially with the rise of metrosexuality and the decline of gender norms.

Despite this, the old ways of rett obbins thinking still exist in many youth today. I’d like to analyze just what these historic concepts of masculinity mean for our society.

Traditional masculine norms, as described in Dr. Ronald F. Levant’s Masculinity Reconstructed are: “avoidance of femininity; restricted emotions; sex disconnected from intimacy; pursuit of achievement and status; self-reliance; strength and aggression; and homophobia.” These are the primary qualities in the “traditional male,” but what do they mean for us?

• First let’s look at avoidance of femininity: Ever wonder why so many men dress themselves in dirty, sown together dish rags, reek like sewage, and have hair that looks as if they super glued shredded, bar room carpeting to their skulls? It’s because apparently looking attractive and taking care of yourself is perceived as only being for girls and gays. The results have been disastrous so far.

• Being a sociopath.... err… I mean, restricted emotions are next: Yes, this was a wonderful idea my fellow dudes. Why have emotions?

Being a ruthless, cold hearted android is a wonderful approach to life. It’s one of the pillars of success for dictators, rapists, murderers, criminals, and every other low life scum walking the earth. Have no heart, feel no empathy, no love, or no sorrow. Just calculate your way through life like a terminator. How lovely.

• Sexual disconnect from intimacy: or as I call it, “my woman is my sex doll.” This has been fantastic in creating the rampant levels of promiscuity in the male community. Despite what we care to admit, men are by far more promiscuous than women, since so many look at sex as cheap afternoon entertainment, not an expression of love and unity.

• Achievement, status, self reliance: Well, this is less serious, since achievement and self reliance should always be encouraged.

However, status comes with consequences. The pursuit of status by men has resulted in many unpleasant actions being taken. We see this especially in the political realm and business world, where men become compassionless monsters, willing to stomp on anyone who steps in their way. There is also the risk of promoting wealth and power in men. This creates stress for success, dissuades fields of work that are less lucrative, and just takes the joy out of modest living.

• Strength and Aggression: Do I need to explain this? How many cases of battery, assaults, beatings, and murders do we need to read about before we decide that teaching boys to be violent animals is not the right idea? How many millions of people have to die in wars before we conclude being aggressive isn’t a reasonable life lesson? I ask you.

• Homophobia: This pathetic form of bigotry is quite common in our society. Too many gays have been beaten, tortured, persecuted, or killed by stupid straight men who want to feel “manlier.” Homophobia won’t make you more of man, it just makes you sick.

So there you have it. For all you “traditional man” holdouts, I ask, does that sound like the ideal man to you?

Rockin’ RObbins

B

R

editorial

First-years, spread your wings So, here you are — a proud Duhawk, surrounded by individuals from myriad backgrounds — some coming from across the oceans, some first generation college-goers, some home-schooled, and some already are professionals in their fields, but haven’t realized yet. Regardless, you’re aboard a flight that’s going to show you new colors, new experiences and a new journey. What you’re about to begin at Loras is a journey from one kind to the another, just like Provost and Academic Dean Cheryl R. Jacobsen said during the convocation ceremony at the beginning of your journey.

Now, I’m not going to rant about what this college has to offer you. All this time, what you heard on the Loras website, on the marketing posters (man, they must be expensive) and through the admission officers, they are for real. Although students at Loras don’t have any major like creativity (oops, did I burst your bubble?) and service, they are something you’ll find as you go along the journey. Then there are all the opportunities promised in the marketing campaign — some are right in front of us and for some, we’ve to stand up and see. Just spread your wings and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

As public spending on education shrinks (yeah, blame the economy), it has resulted in a smaller freshmen (or first-year) classes everywhere.

But does that mean students have to worry?

Yes, maybe economically. But when you have become a Duhawk, you’re being bestowed upon with all these opportunities. Make sure you use them economically and smartly. Make every penny count. Make the version (or product), which you’d have become when you would be standing with your graduation hats donned, waiting to receive your diplomas and waving at your parents in the aisles far away, a great one.

What you possess today, you might not know it. But just explore things around (although Dubuque is a small town with no skyscrapers (darnit) — not physically, but mentally and spiritually. Stand out head and shoulder above the rest in what you do, not in what you talk or what you show.

At last, I’d leave with Buddha’s quote “What you think, you become.”

— The Lorian editorial staff

Editorial staff co-executive editors..............................Nick JOOs ........................................ and rajendra thakurathi photo editor..................................KeLSEY BERGAN features editor................................ SURYA PANDEY sports editor......................................... JACK METZ advertising manager.............. ELIZABETH BRANNON moderator....................................... TIM MANNING

Letters to the editor

The Lorian welcomes letters from students, faculty, staff and alumni on any issues, preferably, those that have an impact on the campus community. We have two major requirements for letters to the editor: They must be signed and verifiable (a phone number and address usually will suffice), and they must not be libelous or mean-spirited in nature. The Lorian reserves the right to edit letters for accuracy and space.

All of the columns in this opinion section, outside of the editorial, represent the views of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Lorian staff.

Please send letters to lorian@loras.edu.

A Reflection on 9/11 T

wo blocks east of Hyde Park in lies Grosvenor Square, a plot of land you would expect to see in Washington D.C. but might take a tourist by surprise to see in London.

Framed by statues of Presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Reagan, it has a distinctly American feel. The on the western side of the square is the American Embassy, beautifully ordained with a golden eagle and atrick rady guarded by the flags of the fifty states.

Throughout the square are various monuments celebrating the American and British fallen from the World Wars. The Square is, for all intents and purposes, a relic to the special relationship America shares with the United Kingdom.

There is a garden on the east side of the Square; a simple wooden Romanesque structure watched over by trees and bordered by flower beds that form a small court. There is a large tile in the middle of the court. It reads: “This garden was created in memory of all those who lost their lives in the 11th September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States of America.” The garden is a gesture of solidarity from our greatest ally; a testament to the fact that the attacks of 9/11 were an assault against all the free peoples of the world, not simply an attack on the United States.

I remember September 11, 2001 well. I remember being very young and trying to comprehend who would do such a thing. After hours of watching news coverage and doing my best to realize the full gravity of that day, I came to a very humble understanding of what was happening to my country, perhaps as comparable and understanding as a ten year old can grasp. We had been wounded, but not conquered.

Over the last ten years, 9/11 has always been in the back of my mind. Life goes on, but events and images like those from that day linger. The ten year anniversary lends the opportunity for reflection on who we are as a people as a result of that day and how far we’ve come since then.

The terrorists who organized the attacks on 9/11 hoped to bring America to her knees. They failed. They were always going to fail. Those men who did the unthinkable did not count on the unconquerable virtues of American unity and love of that which makes us fundamentally free.

In the ten years since Islamic Extremism tried to bring down the American ideal, we have continued to enjoy freedom of speech and freedom of religion. We have reached out to those in need in the wake of hurricanes on our shores, and tsunamis and earthquakes abroad. We have mourned the loss the Columbia crew, those fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those killed at Virginia Tech, NIU, and Fort Hood. We have seen media coverage expand through social media, creating a freer and fairer press and thousands of books and songs put at our fingertips. We have crowned 10 World Series Champions, 10 NBA Champions, and 10 Super Bowl Champions.

We have seen one of our own, Michael Phelps, win eight gold medals at the Olympic Games. We elected Barack Obama, an African-American, to serve as president in our nation’s 55th free and fair presidential election. We have weathered the worst recession in recent memory and we are beginning to dust ourselves off and pick ourselves up, just like we have so many times before. We have never forgotten those things that make us fundamentally humans, comforting and showing solidarity in another’s sorrow, helping another in need, enjoying simple pleasures with a close friend or loved one.

We have not forgotten those virtues because fear and violence do not shake who we are as Americans. We are the people who overcame a tyrannical government an ocean away, defeated slavery within our own borders, endured a Great Depression, defeated fascism and communism abroad, and are now weathering Islamic Extremism.

I have a comprehensive history of the United States on my bookshelf. It is 932 pages long. 9/11 takes up a little less than six of them. I reiterate: our darkest hour, our weakest moment, and a time when everything we stood for seemed lost, takes up six of 932 pages. That lost and forsaken feeling in the wake of 9/11 lasted only a few days. A few days of despair and six pages in the history books is the best the enemy could do. American virtues have won the day.

We are Americans. We are the embodiment of a free society. We are not perfect, and we have and will continue to make mistakes. Our mission is not complete.

But ten years after the attacks of 9/11, we have endured.

And we have endured so “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”

READ AND RIGHT

P

O’G

opinion

Sept. 8, 2011

What do you think?

What do you like most/least about the renovation at The Café?

Mark Fuentebella

first-year The squirt bottles are so clutch.

Tim O’ Brien

first-year The new renovations truly represent Loras as it is painted with purple and gold in every square inch.

Cold.

Mike Bukszar

sophomore Better than the Pub.

Rob Howe first-year

Chicken nugget mondays are the best.

Kaitlin Hefel

first-year Better than the old one; it looks more formal now.

Katherine Edwards

first-year The cafeteria looks really put together and modern.

Tom Henders

Mark Chapman sophomore

Rachel Henrich

first-year The new cafeteria renovations look really nice.

senior More variety, nice TVs, better seats, and fun food stations.

Lindsey Robinson senior

It looks better, but harder to move around in.

Joe Hughes

junior It looks good, winning.

Kyle Schaffer junior

It looks better, but it’s less functional.

duhawk.com

5

Knights looking for a few good men

by PATRICK O’GRADY

special to the Lorian

In 1881, a group of Catholic men led

by Fr. Michael J. McGivney met at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut to found the organization that would become the Knights of Columbus. They met to provide life insurance for the families of men working dangerous jobs during the industrial revolution so that, should the worst happen, the families of the deceased would be financially secure. Today boasting 1.8 million members across 15 countries, the Knights have become so much more than life insurance. They are a visible Catholic force in the world. Loras College has been blessed to share in this great Catholic legacy with their own Knights of Columbus council.

Committed to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, the Loras College Knights is an organization that exemplifies what it means to be a Catholic gentleman. Open to Catholic men over the age of 18 who are in full communion with the Holy See, the Knights of Columbus are looking for young men focused on something greater than themselves. Through their service and brotherhood, the Loras College Knights are responsiBeing a ble contributors in acCatholic man tion. They are men in college is who understand their own mortality and are hard. It can committed to living seem like lives of the Gospel. temptation I joined the Knights of Columbus in the of every first semester of my kind is freshman year. Since around then, the Knights every corner. have served as a support system for my emotional and spiritual well-being. I know that my brother Knights have my back to help me bear any cross that I must carry. Being a Catholic man in college is hard. It can seem like temptation of every kind is around every corner. With the Knights of Columbus, you do not have to make that journey alone.

Membership in the Knights of Columbus does not end at graduation. In fact, Loras is just the beginning. By joining the Knights at Loras, you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of Catholic fellowship with your brothers in Christ. If you are looking for a community of moralistic Catholic men, committed to service and the betterment of their surroundings through charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, the Knights of Columbus is right for you. A lifetime of Catholic fellowship and service awaits those who are willing to take the first step. Vivat Jesus!

Patrick J. O’Grady is a Third Degree Knight of Columbus and Two Year Trustee in Loras College Council #9224.

Membership inquiries may be made to Grand Knight Blake Neebel at Blake.

Neebel@loras.edu.

news

Sept. 8, 2011

6

A look at the launch

duhawk.com

Big thumbs for Chairete

by LAURA HEBBELN staff writer

On August 24th, approximately 40 first-year honors students and their families gathered in St. Joseph Chapel for the Chairete opening ceremony.

“Chairete means welcome, greetings, and rejoice,” said Dr. John Eby, director of the honors program. After the brief opening ceremony, the students bade good-bye to their families and became immersed in a long list of activities and events planned for Chairete.

“Chairete gives first-year students opportunities to meet other honors students and become more engaged with the Dubuque community,” said Dr. Eby. One of the activities that helped students become more familiar with Dubuque was “mapping.”

“It helped me to see socio-economic differences,” said Kalli Miner, a first-year student. “I thought there were only middle class people in Dubuque.”

Another Chairete event was a campus-wide scavenger hunt. The hunt helped students locate various buildings and places on campus and encouraged them to explore on their own.

The students also attended a pancake breakfast held at the honors house. It was hosted by the honors program kickoff crew; a group of sophomore, junior, and senior honors students involved with Chairete.

“They were the most welcoming and friendly orientation leaders I’ve ever met,” said first-year student Colin Halbmaier.

But the honors program did more than just fun activities during Chairete. The first-year students, along with the kickoff crew and Dr. Eby, visited the New Hope Catholic farm; a small community of people living on a farm that is devoted to an alternative lifestyle. The honors program had a long discussion with the New Hope group, and afterwards helped out with some jobs around the farm.

“It was cool to see, before I start my four years of college, people that have their undergraduate and graduate degrees that are choosing to live a life where their degrees aren’t necessary,” said first-year Mary Agnoli.

Overall, the honors program believes Chairete was a success.

“Now I feel like I am in a network of people who are similar to me,” added Halbmaier. He said he feels like he is a part of a group The honors program first-years also felt more comfortable with Launch into Loras because of Chairete.

“At Launch I already had a group,” said Agnoli, “It was funny seeing all the wide-eyed first-year students walking around nervously with their parents because I already felt comfortable.”

Dr. Eby also had positive things to say about Chairete. “I feel like we are more familiar with each other,” he said, and that Chairete “set up a good energy for all of us.”

by CHELSEA McCARRAHER It was another successful year for the “Launch into Loras” held for the incoming first-years at Loras College. The Launch consisted of four days full of group activities, service projects, and many other opportunities for the students to get to know each other and the campus before the upperclassmen move in.

Nicole Myers and Brittany Seyller, First Year Experience (FYE) co-coordinators for the Launch, could not have asked for the four days of the Launch to go better. They worked alongside Kim Walsh, director of student life, and Lisa Grinde, director of Modes of Inquiry courses, and various other faculty and staff members in order to make this long weekend such a success. They started planning for the Launch in the middle of July after first-year orientations were wrapping up.

Myers said, “The Launch this year was fantastic. We had very few problems and if we had complications, it was nothing we couldn’t solve on the spot.” She also noted that the success also came from “really good student attitudes toward

photos by LEAH CHAPMAN

classifieds your marketplace for selling and buying books, bike, furniture, video game, poster and all that jazz. don’t crowd your room with things that you don’t want. List them on the Lorian classifieds. send an email to lorianclassifieds@gmail.com with a detailed decription of what you want to list, your price and contact number.

2 item limit (including textbooks) per person, per week.

The Lorian reserves right to edit descriptions for the listings for space and brevity.

staff writer

the whole weekend.”

The launch started with move in day on August 25th, organized by Myers and Seyller. Upperclassmen worked together to make sure the move in for the newcomers was as easy as possible. The move in was followed by a convocation formally welcoming the first-years and a picnic lunch to follow. Students said their last goodbyes to their families and the festivities began.

Throughout the summer, the incoming first-years attended a freshman orientation date to register for classes. They were required to sign up for a MOI class. These classes teach the students qualities of a liberal arts education and are all on different subjects. At Launch into Loras, the students were divided into groups based on these classes.

These were the groups they participated in activities and events with all weekend.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday were filled with group activities such as rope courses, service projects, and entertainment. Each activity taught the students the importance of communication, team work and trust.

The entertainment provided each night included comedian Buzz Sutherland, mentalist Chris Carter and magician Jim

Wand.

First-year Mareah Adolphs noted the benefits of attending the Launch, “I really like how we got to experience the college life before we actually started classes. My favorite part was the ropes courses because it showed team work, and we got to know other people and how to work together as a team.”

As the school year is now rolling full steam ahead, the first-year class has gotten a taste of campus life thanks to the beneficial “Launch into Loras.”

fun

Boydology The Lorian is beginning a new column from Dr. Mike Boyd, our campus counselor. Mike is the director of the Counseling Center. Here, he will answer student questions concerning anything that relates to keeping it together while doing this crazy thing called college.

Sept. 8, 2011

duhawk.com

7

KENKEN 12x

15+

3÷

Worry, worry, worry

Hey Mike, After I left my old college, I took a year off and had to decide if I wanted to go back to school. Now here I am, at school, worry about surviving the school year. I get this idea from myself, thinking too much, saying “education is a waste of money,” and “This school is exspensive, I’m wasting my money and time,” and “you’ll get a better job than lowlife paid employee.” What’s wrong with my thoughts? It makes me feel crazy.

-A bad case of the worries Mike says: Holy smoke! If they gave degrees for worry you would be out of here in record time.

Get the worries under control by reminding yourself that worry never helped anyone pass a test. When you begin to worry, ask yourself what you need to do right now.

Not tomorrow. Not yesterday. Then, do that thing. Doing, not worrying, will get you through college.

Make a schedule and follow it. Plan out the semester so you know when you have to start big assignments. Make sure you have time each day for exercise. Aerobic exercise is a good way to combat anxiety. When you worry, tell yourself that you are following your plan and that is the best way to succeed.

If you cannot stop the worries see someone at the Counseling Center or talk to your advisor to get ideas on how you are doing and how to stop worrying. Some of that money you pay goes to them so make them earn it.

Gay?

Hey Mike, I like girls a ton, but I make gay jokes all day long. Does this have anything to do with me having feelings toward men? I do not think I do but I am worried because they say that homophobic people really like boys. Is this true? Help me, I really hope I still like chicks -Skinny Mike says: Well, Skinny, just from your question I would say that you are a normal, heterosexual jerk. You like girls. That is normal and heterosexual. You tell gay jokes. That is a jerk. More on the jerk thing at the end.

When most heterosexual people think about having sex with someone of the opposite sex they are “turned on”. And most heterosexual people are “turned off” by thoughts of sex with someone of their same sex. For most homosexual people the reactions are the opposite.

So you like girls and probably enjoy thinking of having sex with girls. You suggest you do not enjoy thoughts of having sex with another man. That is all normal for a heterosexual.

Some people have suppressed homosexual feelings. However, these people usually recognize that they are attracted to the same sex. They simply rebel against it with guilt or anger. So unless you feel attraction for men and suppress it with anger you are likely to continue liking “chicks.”

Now about the jerk stuff. Gay people cannot help their orientation any more than you can help yours. So unless you also make fun of people with any difference (like blind people or kids with cancer, or are a racist), then do not make gay jokes. If you keep making fun of different people then accept it, you are a jerk.

E-mail questions to Michael.Boyd@loras.edu. All names of those sending questions will be kept confidential.

Here we are again

3 30x 2 200x

3- 2÷

300x

2-

6+

3-

3-

Rules: Your aim is to fill up each column and row with numbers 1 to 6 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

ABOUT KENKEN Kenken is a logic puzzle game that derives its name from the Japanese word for cleverness. Just like in sudoku, the goal of each puzzle is to fill a grade with digits-1 through 4 for a 4x4 grid, 1 through 5 for a 5x5 and so on. These grids could be anywhere between 4x4 and 9x9. Although it was invented in 2004, it started coming into limelight in the recent years after its publication in newspapers and other publications. Although there is math involved, it’s so simple that anyone can do it. It will take no more than a minute to grasp the rules of the game. Good luck kenkening.

by John Clark

remembering 9/11

Sept. 8, 2011

8

ll

duhawk.com

The day America stood sti I will never forget September 11th

I

first-year

remember that day so vividly. I was in third grade, and the school day was just getting under way. I remember my teacher stepping out of the room for a minute and then coming back in very quietly.

She told us that something very tragic happened in New York. When school got out, my neighbor’s mom came and picked us up, and I remember seeing tears in her eyes. She dropped my brother Kevin and Brendan and me at home and, when we walked into the house, my dad was there and told us what happened.

Instead of going outside and playing basketball or kickball, we just sat and watched the news. After a little bit, my mom came home from work and just came over and hugged us. We all sat in front of the screen watching the events unfold. It was horrific.

My mom told us that my Uncle Tom was on a flight to the towers that day, but she wasn’t sure what time his flight was at. I remember my parents trying to pry me from the screen to eat dinner, but I really didn’t want to eat at all. I remember my mom saying at dinner that my Uncle Tom was OK. It turns out he was on a different plane, one that turned around because all the smoke in the air was making it too tough to land.

I felt so much remorse that day, but I also was filled with pride and patriotism. It seemed like every direction I turned my head that week, I saw a flag. While that day was terribly horrific, it also brought America closer than I’ve ever seen it.

During that time, we were all struggling together. It didn’t matter where we came from, but only where we were. Every year around this time, America truly embraces its name, we truly come together to become the United States of America.

I believe America and the world is still mourning, and we will continue to mourn over the

... in 50 words!?!

An assignment in an MOI course (instructed by Walsh and Prof. Sazama required students to explain the impact of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in a mere 50 words. Here’s Tim O’Brien’s effort: “This tragic day consumed half of my life, but it also changed it. The U.S.A. changed this day, in that we genuinely cared for each other and carried our country’s flag in our hearts. It was filled by patriotism and fear, but it’s the day America united together.”

DAN McDERMOTT

I remember exactly where I was, I was in my sixth-grade math class and our principal came on the intercom and announced that a plane had run into one of the Twin Towers. We had a moment of silence and then said a prayer. At that point, I had no idea the magnitude of what was happening.

I was very confused. I did not really know what the Twin Towers were. Our band teacher let us watch the news in our fourth-period class. It was at that point it hit me. I was overcome with a tremendous feeling of sorrow for those involved. I also remember being extremely scared.

After September 11th, I started to take more pride in our country. These attacks were meant to tear this nation apart and show that America is not invincible. The attack did the exact opposite. Everyone across the country began to take great

interviews for pages 8-11 conducted by Tim O’Brien staff writer

I

illustration by JOSHUA McNELLY

O’Brien conducted all of the interviews and compiled all of the text that is published on pages 8 through 11.

‘Extreme sadness and disbelief’

CAROLYN WINDBERG senior

pride in our country. Everyone banded together, and we made it through this horrible event together.

I would just like the express my gratitude to those who have given their lives for this country, including first responders to the actual attack and those serving overseas right now as a result of this attack. My heart also goes out to the victims of this attack and their families.

I was in sixth grade. I remember some kid in the hallway at school saying, “It’s the end of the world,” and not knowing what was going on until I got home and saw it on TV. It was scary because I lived close to Chicago, with many tall buildings like New York. We were in the path of the airways, and the feeling was eerie — as it was so quiet because all flights were grounded because of what happened in NYC. 9/11 has made me more aware of other cultures.

It caused me to really look into whether it was a religious problem. Interfaith at Loras College has influenced me greatly.

That day is a reminder that anything can happen.

We should be grateful that we live in this country and for the blessings that we have. I always hope for the safety of soldiers, and I just think that everyone, whether for or against the war, that they should hope for the safety of the soldiers.

ART SUNLEAF

dean of students

was in the Mary Alexis meeting room finalizing plans for the Lynch McCarthy apartments. A staff person came into the room and notified the group. I went to the Pub and watched the news coverage.

At first report, it appeared to be an awful plane accident, which I thought was tragic. Then as the morning unfolded and better information circulated, it was apparent the planes were used in a plot to attack prominent places on the East Coast. Much like many others, my feelings were of shock and sadness.

However, when dealing with a campus crisis, whether it occurs on or off campus, my own emotions tend to take a back seat as I focus on how to help others and address this situation. In the case of 9/11, it was pulling the campus together and finding ways through community gatherings of worship, programs, and conversation to help all of us make sense of the tragedy.

From my perspective, 9/11 has influenced much of our society. How we travel, mail packages, attend large public events, use of the Internet, view people differently (religion, ethnicity, beliefs) than ourselves has all been impacted by 9/11.

As an obvious example, traveling, especially by air, is dramatically different than it was 10 years ago. Many seemed to have renewed patriotism and recognition of those who serve in the armed forces as well as emergency response personnel.

Personally, I am more aware of international affairs than I was 10 years ago. Additionally, I have an appreciation for the work and dedication of emergency responders (fire, police, EMS).

Even 10 years later, I’m not sure I can find the words to help comprehend an event that was/is incomprehensible.

The day the airways around O’Hare fell silent

senior/student body president

9

Still trying to comprehend the incomprehensible

years, but we also will continue to move forward.

It’s hard to imagine that it already has been 10 years. Since that day, America has increased security all over the place because we learned that even though we may be powerful, we also are vulnerable.

September 11th has changed who I am. It has made me care for my peers and surroundings and appreciate what is given to me. I now know that every day on this Earth is a gift and that we must be grateful for each second we are given to live and experience new things. I am worried, though, that our younger generation will only see 9/11 as another history lesson. I think it is our duty as a community to keep them informed, even if it means reliving that day every year.

I appreciate everyone who risks their life to protect me from evil. I am truly grateful to all those men and women who were on call Sept. 11th, 2001, and to all educators and parents who put aside their fears to calm our fears as children.

I will never forget September 11th.

Americans respond to the attacks with a surge of patriotism

duhawk.com

... when the towers came crashing down?

Where were you ...

Tim O’Brien

Sept. 8, 2011

JIMMY COLLINS first-year

‘The ideal of freedom threatened for the first time’

T

Kim Walsh

director of student life

hat day way back when, I remember that I was just getting to campus. I remember that when I first walked in for the day, I saw that there was a group of staff members in the pub just watching TV and as I came closer I noticed they were watching the news. As I heard what was happening, I was shocked but I remember all of our first reactions — “how do we take care of the students?”

Even though it may be tough to take care of others when you are experiencing the same thing, it is what we do as administrators. While we were processing for ourselves, we also

had to process with the students. I think from students there was surprise at the U.S. had always been so safe until then.

Since that day, I feel like the patriotism has increased. I do think there is a certain reverence both around campus and nationally.

On that day, we were reflecting on what that meant for the country and world as a whole.

In terms of unity, 9/11 really brought that home. The ideal of freedom was threatened for the first time. It made me appreciate what I have in America. 9/11 helped me to not take things for granted.

I think others can relate as well. The remembrance and sorrow of the time are being brought back. Now is a time to appreciate who we’re as a country and what we stand for.

I was at an all-school Mass in third grade, and we were informed after the Mass. It was chaotic.

I felt extreme sadness and disbelief. I believe September 11th made me more aware of terrorists.

I would just like to add that I am very sorry for those lost and affected. To the firefighters, officers, medics, and volunteers — you are all heroes. I will always keep those affected in my thoughts and prayers.

remembering 9/11

Sept. 8, 2011

10

duhawk.com

On-campus events this weekend Create to Commemorate 9/11

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9

In conjunction with Loras’ work at interfaith dialogue we will have tables outside the ACC for students as they pass by to do any one (or several) of the following: Create Tibetan prayer flags A prayer flag is a colorful panel of rectangular cloth, often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks high in the Himalayas. They are used to bless the surrounding countryside and for other purposes.

Prayer flags are believed to have originated with Bön, which predated Buddhism in Tibet. In Bön, shamanistic Bonpo used primarycolored plain flags in healing ceremonies. They are unknown in other branches of Buddhism.

Traditionally, the prayer flags are woodblock-printed with texts and images.

Also create Japanese origami peace cranes and knot rosaries “We will have all of the needed supplies and directions to complete these tasks, as well as sheets explaining their history and relevance,” said Dave McDermott, Dave McDermott coordinator of Peace & Justice

coordinator of Peace & Justice.

“Our hope is that people will take a few quiet moments to create one of these peaceful creations while thinking about 9/11 and the world as it is now,” McDermott added. “The students can either choose to keep what they make or they will be included in the 9/11 memorial walk.

Candlelight walk

• 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11

We will start at the new Grotto at 7 p.m. and have candlelight walk to the resurrection statue for a reading of healing from a relative of a person killed on 9/11.

The procession will then proceed up the sidewalk through two stage lights pointed into the sky on either side of the walk and end with a prayer around the peace pole decorated with the peace flags, cranes and rosaries from 9/9 outside of CTK.

A clash of civilizations We asked Professor Eby: Did September 11th spark a war between Christianity and Islam?

No. But some people do see a war between civilizations, even though their understanding of it is different. For many Christians, especially in the U.S., 9/11 was an attack on Christianity as well, and they see the war in religious terms. It is seen as one religion attacking another religion.

For those in the Muslim world who see a civilizational war, they see it as a war between civilizations. It’s viewed as a war between religions and the unreligious — al Qaida and its sympathizers versus the colonialist, materialistic and imperialistic powers of the west.

The vast majority of Muslims have a fairly positive image of Christianity. They don’t think it’s the equal of Islam, but that it is a religion that has its origin in the word of God. Now some people speculate that 9/11 and all of the tension that exists points to a war between civilizations, between the Middle Eastern world and the modern Western world. I think everything we’ve seen in the past spring with all of the revolutionary activity in the

Arab world shows something radically different than that.

What’s really going on is that there is in the Middle East a conflict over which version of Islam will be the dominant form and whose version for the Arab John Eby world will take preassistant professor eminence. This is a of history conflict that is very similar to what is happening in the U.S. The Arab world’s distinction is between modernists and traditional Muslims who find no contradictions in accommodating many modern values on the one hand and fundamentalist radical Muslims who are completely opposed to any sort of modifications based on any modern notions. And most Muslims are in the first group. But the second group is exceedingly violent, and they make a lot of noise because of that. So if there’s a clash between religions, it’s a clash between Islam’s and not a clash between Islam and Christianity.

We also asked Dr. Eby: What is your opinion about the Mosque to be built near Ground Zero?

I think it’s great. There’s no problem with it because the offenses with 9/11 was not the Muslim world attacking America, as it was just a few Muslims. The Muslims who want to build a Mosque near Ground Zero are just as American as you and me. So if we really want to support things that are truly American such as religious and ethnic diversity and equality of all people, we have to be open and encouraging. If I were in New York City … I would help them lay the stones. Interfaith work is only partially about coming to know something about another religion; the heart of interfaith work is seeing others’ as full human beings.

And that means listening to them and seeking out their company and blending your world with theirs.

9/11 Memorial unveiling in New York

Ever since Sept. 11, 2001, there has been an outcry for a memorial where people can pay their respects to all those who died as a result of the terrorist attacks. It finally will be unveiled on Sunday, the 10th anniversary of that horrific day. The skyscrapers are not finished, but the memorial is ready. It will be surrounded by the two enormous waterfalls and reflecting pools — each about an acre in size, set within the footprints of the original twin towers. The names of all the victims will be inscribed in bronze around the twin memorial pools.

news

Sept. 8, 2011

Former Loras grad’s response: I’ll go fight for our country

duhawk.com

11

Q&A with Seamus Ahern 2004 Loras graduate Question: Where were you the day of 9/11/01 when you found out about the attacks?

I was at Loras College in my first year of school.

I was in “early football films” that I believe started at 8 a.m. During the middle of the films, our widereceivers coach mentioned something about a plane flying into the World Trade Center, but did not offer any additional information about the cause of this.

After films, I went home and turned on the television and began watching the horrible footage of the North Tower engulfed in flames and the reporter’s word of devastation — and that this was done intentionally. Moments later, the second plane flew into the South Tower.

Question: What feeling(s) were you experiencing when you found out about the attacks?

I could not understand who would do such a thing to the United States. I was shocked, scared and angry all in the same moment. I kept thinking about the people in the towers. With the additional news reports about the Pentagon, I had a very unsettling feeling that the United States was being attacked and had no idea who had done this to our country.

Question: How has September 11th changed you? For better or for worse?

My life has been impacted by September 11th.

I deployed with the U.S. Marines in 2004 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have had many friends deploy as well to Iraq and Afghanistan in response to 9/11.

Question: Did 9/11 play any role in your decision to join the armed forces, or at least give you an extra reason?

I had already enlisted into the Marine Corps a year prior to 9/11. However, I was very proud to be a part of the Armed Services during this time because I was prepared and understood that my services may be needed in an event such as this.

Question: Did you go oversees at all? If so, if you are able to, would you speak to how it is over there? Such as the separation from family, being in a new place for extended time, etc.

Yes I did deploy overseas to Iraq in the fall of 2004 through the spring of 2005. At the time, I was in Iraq, it was a very hostile, unstable and dangerous place. You had to rely on your training and the Marine on your left and right to be sure you were safe. Being separated from your family is very difficult, especially during the holidays. However the Marines in your unit were experiencing the same separation, so you bonded with them and they became your second family. It was always a highlight of my day to receive mail and packages from back home, I never thought how a simple letter would do so much for my morale. Lastly I made some lifelong friendships with the Marines I served with. We still our in touch today and touch base with each other as often as we can.

Question: Why did you choose to go into the armed forces?

I come from a family where serving your country is a very honorable career to choose.

I wanted to honor my brothers and father by following in their footsteps. Also, I wanted to be part of something bigger then myself, country above self.

Samantha Cihak first-year

america won’t forget ...

Ahern’s military service

Ahern, who now works as a special assistant at the U.S. Department of Defense, is a former sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He graduated from Loras in 2004 with a degree in criminal-justice psychology.

He was deployed overseas for Operation Iraqi Freedom from the fall of 2004 through the spring of 2005. He has since received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy.

Ahern also has worked as a special assistant for installations and environment in nuclear, chemical and biological programs within the Department of Defense. He also has been employed as a Marshal at the Illinois Supreme Court.

Question: Could you speak at all to how people might view the wars, but are unable to separate the soldiers from the war?

I believe you’re asking: Could a person speak out against a war or conflict and still support the soldier, airman, sailor or Marine? In my opinion, I believe as an American, you have the First Amendment right of freedom of speech. Many Americans have different perspectives of the wars, as long as you support the war fighter in the end is the key.

Question: Can you speak at all to how such an event such as 9/11 has been able consume half of our lives and how our country/the world has changed in result of going through such an “event” or traumatic experience?

9/11 is our generation’s Pearl Harbor. This was a terrible event that the United States will never forget. As the greatest generation did during World War II, America will move forward, continuing our great tradition of never wavering in the face of terrorism and seeking out those organizations and countries that want to do us harm.

Question: Is there anything you would like to say as to those that were lost and/or effected on September 11th?

Know that I will always remember your loved ones and will never forget 9/11. I leave you with an Irish blessing.

“May you see God’s light on the path ahead When the road you walk is dark.

May you always hear, Even in your hour of sorrow, The gentle singing of the lark.

When times are hard may hardness Never turn your heart to stone, May you always remember When the shadows fall — You do not walk alone.”

I have had two cousins that have fought in the war.

One of them was in the Army and one was in the Marines. Right now, I have many friends in training, including one to be an Army Ranger. Because I have had many people I know in the war, my opinion has changed from supporting the war to supporting the military. Now, I just want our military to be safe.

I feel like when you know a soldier, you are very proud of your country and for someone who has died for your country there’s a strength that comes

with it. Not only do you deal with one loss, but the loss of all during the war. You find strength in pride, in not only the person u know and have died for our country, but for all those who’ve died for our country through the terrorist attacks or the war.

Many people seem to be against the war. I just want to say that these are people that give up their lives. Even if you don’t support the war, please support the men and women who are giving up their lives for you.

Ryan McCarty sophomore

Sophomore has 3 cousins in the armed forces

I

was in fourth grade. I was in school. I remember vividly. While I was walking back from lunch, I glanced inside the teachers room and saw them huddling around the radio and looking scared. They sent us home without us knowing why. My parents were both already home, and we learned that way. I think it was best that we heard it from our parents.

As far as emotions from that day, I felt fear, anger and confusion. I also had fear for my family that lived in New York City. I wanted a lot of answers as to why someone would want to do this to America. I still can’t believe it was 10 years ago.

I think 9/11 has changed me, as it gave me a great sense of patriotism. It became obvious it wasn’t just people in New York that were going through this, as it was everyone across America. While America may be the most powerful, we are still penetrable — that became evident. If America doesn’t stand up against those evils, nobody will. It made me and most Americans feel united. It was all of Americas problem. It made me feel close to people 2,000 miles away. It made me feel very patriotic. n My cousin Justin is fighting in the war. His sister Hannah is a senior at West Point, and Jason is a junior. Our family is pretty honored to have members who are a part of West Point.

They live very close to where 9/11 actually happened and Justin’s good friend was a firefighter who died during 911. It definitely may have fueled some interest/passion for joining.

When they joined originally, I was definitely gung-ho, but once my family members were actually heading over, I stepped back and was worried. After talking to him, it reiterated my nervousness — but also my confidence.

I am also glad that we are working on bringing the troops back. A presence is needed, but not a large presence like in the past. Right now, Justin is training others over in Iraq and thinks that it’s going very well.

Before he left, he got married — and she works with defusing bombs. He came back for a short time, but then she left for 6 months, and they are alternating for the next 4 years. It is a testament to not only Justin and his wive’s dedication to freedom — but to the freedom of people they haven’t even met.

I always think people should respect the troops even if they don’t respect the war.

Never say anything against the troops. They are serving just for you. Whether you are supporting the war or are against the war, never take anything against the troops.

Terrorism has always been around, but 9/11 really brought it to the forefront. To enemies in the Middle East, we became vulnerable, and it proved that we can get attacked. Security went through the roof. I believe we have realized the need to confront the terrorists.

We have found that there is no room for negotiating. It kick-started a lot of countries to take action against the evils in the world.

When Osama bin Laden was killed, it helped close a chapter. It gave peace. People effected kind of felt that what their loved ones died for wasn’t for nothing. Al-Qaida knows now that we aren’t going to just lay down and that we will find them and they will serve justice.

features

Sept. 8, 2011

12

duhawk.com

The Fourth Door

by ANDREA BERNS

special to the Lorian

I’m wandering down an infinite hallway, a universal key in my hand that will open any door my heart desires.

There are three doors standing neatly in a row.

I pass through, eagerly unlocking each door to see what surprise awaits on the other side.

The first door contains the delight of my fond memories, pulling a smile at the corner of my lips as I watch sunny days filled with laughter and bliss.

The second door contains the gloominess the thunderclouds of heartache, pain and longing, of suffering and death and it is so detestable that I have to slam the door before the miserable rain can escape.

The third door contains nothing but a single mirror, frosted over with a faint layer of dust.

Every door has been unlocked And I’m left feeling empty like a child having already opened all their gifts on Christmas morning only to find out that the one toy they were hoping for was not under the tree after all.

I turn to begin my journey back from where I came only to find a fourth door standing in front of me like its brothers waiting to be discovered.

I work my key through the tumblers only to find that the universal key isn’t so universal after all.

There is no key for this mysterious door.

It cannot be unlocked.

But I am able to look through the keyhole.

It’s just big enough to drink in a small taste of what this door conceals.

I look through the opening and smile.

Keeping the legacy alive

by LUIS SANTOYO features writer

While some colleges usually have one or two family members attend the same school, Loras College has had thirty family members attend it. The O’ Brien family has had thirty members from their family attend Loras College ever since their great uncle Monsignor Leroy Joseph Enzler attended Loras back in 1918. Today this tradition continues with Timothy O’ Brien, the younger brother of Kevin O’ Brien ( a Loras graduate of 2011), and the thirty-first member to attend Loras College.

When asked how he feels about being the thirtyfirst member of his family to attend Loras College he said, “I don’t know, I mean I don’t think about it too too much just because I am here to make my college experience as special as everyone before me did, but I really do like having that “chip” on my shoulder knowing that so many have come before me.” He also went on to say that, “Loras College has given so much to my family and it is my job just as it was for the 30 before me, to give everything possible back to the school.”

Even though a lot of his family members have gone before him, he stills feels that he has stuff to learn.

“There is still much to learn first-hand though, because while they’ve shown and told me many different things, I am ready to experience and learn on my own.”

With all the family members that have gone before him, he still feels the pressure to succeed. He says that he uses it as a motivation.

“Though I feel that being pressured to succeed is a good thing because I will be more motivated to succeed. It’s not too much pressure that it’s overwhelming though, perfect amount.”

Though his family has been a big influence on him, it has been his brother Kevin that has really pushed him to succeed. He was the reason that helped him get to Loras in the first place. “My story is actually pretty interesting. I was with my brother Kevin my junior year of high and we went to hangout with his friends Luke and Steve Anderson and when they found out that Loras was number 15 on my list they said “We’ll get it down to number 1.” From there on he was hooked.

Now that he is here at Loras, he plans on majoring in Sports Management and Public Relations.

Monsignor Leroy Joseph Enzler

The Dude Still Abides

by NICK SENTOVICH features writer

A bowling alley, a hippie, a war vet, a kidnapping, the Coen Brothers, and a rug that really tied the room together.

Who would have guessed that the Coen Brother’s little movie, The Big Lebowski (1997), that had a meager box office run of $17 million would be a cult classic?

So much so that Universal Studios released a special Blu-Ray edition of the movie complete with a 28-page booklet, a digital copy, and a lot of new special features.

For those unaware, the movie follows, The Dude Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), a slacker still stuck in the sixties, Walter Sobchek (John Goodman), an angry Vietnam war vet, and Donny (Steve Bucshemi), a meek friend of the Dude and Walter who barely ever gets a word in edgewise. The plot itself involves the bowling team of

The Dude, Walter, and Donny, dealing with an often vulgar case of mistaken identity.

The success of the film relies much on the originality of the characters and the undeniably funny and quotable script. The plot

takes many twists and turns, but the writer-director team of the Coen brothers make sure that the bulk of the movie is about the characters, and it is.

What is interesting, though, is none of the characters can communicate with each other.

No useful information can be accurately exchanged because

everyone interrupts and talks over one another. This may sound unpleaseant, but the likability of the characters and their dialogue are what spawned “Lebowski Fests” around the country for the last ten years.

At the fests, eager Lebowski fans, or ‘achievers’ as they are called, spend time watching the movie, dressing up as their favorite characters, and enjoy unlimited bowling.

The LebowskFest. com website claims that the Coen brothers have little to do with the conventions, but Jeff Bridges himself has been to a fest.

Whether or not you enjoy the Coen brothers other films, True Grit, No Country for Old Men, and Fargo, ‘Lebowski’ is an odd and hilarious comedy that has earned a well deserved cult status.

features

Sept. 8, 2011

duhawk.com

Chasing Unicorns Loras student writes

13

a book

Chasing Unicorns is a collection of poems written by a former Loras student, Roshan Karki, from Kathmandu Nepal. His poems entertain the reflections mustured during his transition from teenager to early phase of adulthood. Karki had engendered a deep appreciation for literature since his high school days.

He started writing passsionately after attending Loras College. His interests lies in fiction and poetry.

Most of the poems in this anthology reflect his experiences at Loras College.

Chasing Unicorns was published in late august this year. Below we

present you the author’s thoughts about his first book.

“Chasing Unicorns is a book of poems about teenage emotions and college experiences.We have desires for things in our life. Be it a college degree or a fat burger or a fancy car, we chase things in our life.

“Chasing Unicorns” is an attmept to catch the glimpses of such pursuits and to find their authencity.

Many of the poems in this collection were inspired by the events that happen in our real life, news we read everyday, and people we run into.

The poems were written over the course of one year during my stay at Loras.

Taking things from reality and associating with some form of fantasy, is the core idea of “ Chasing Unicorns.” I believe that there are few things in our personal and social life that should be changed. These philosophies are expressed in deeper forms in the book. But I would say that “Chasing Unicorns” is a fictional book of poems.”

Besides being a poet, Karki considers himself an avid musician, researcher and photographer. He was an engineering student for two years at Loras.

Chasing Unicorns is available at online book stores like amazon, and Barnes and Noble. There is also the kindle version of the book.

photos by

MARLON T

ORRES

Glimpses from the Art Show held at Visitation Art gallery on Friday, Sept. 2. The event showcased the works of Loras Art professor Tom Jewell-Vitale (in the picture on the right)

The Evolution of Fear How to Beat the ‘First-Year15’

by ELIZABETH DICKHUT features writer

Children can be virtually afraid of everything.

From being alone in the dark, to seeing a doctor, to imagining those big hairy monsters that live under the beds, childhood can be quite trepid for many people.

But as we grow older, our fears “age” with us.

Instead of being afraid of the dark, we fear death.

Some people still fear doctors, but for different reasons. And instead of fearing that big ugly monster which could gobble us up, we are afraid of becoming the monters ourselves.

Most of these insecurities start near the end of high school. As we enter college, parents and teachers, all with the best intentions, caution of the “freshman fifteen.” But this vague warning does nothing to prevent the pounds slowly creeping upon us. So what do we need to know? Here are three important facts that will keep your fun, healthy, and fabulous self.

up labels. Just a quick glance will tell you what you need to know about portion and ingredient.

# 3: Watch the fried foods and the desserts.

# 1: Take a look at the big picture.

You might feel like a tourist trying to see all the sites, but don’t throw away that camera and those sandals and socks just yet. Seeing what the cafeteria has to offer is very important; healthier options just might be sitting around the corner. In fact, Judy Bruen, a wellness coach and writer for Livestrong.com, recommends planning out your meal BEFORE even arriving at the cafeteria. This way, your hunger doesn’t complicate the matter. Think with your brain, not your stomach. Also, think for yourself. Don’t go to the fried section just because the entire crowd is flocking there.

Look around and notice all the healthy options waiting to be eaten!

# 2: Know what you are eating and how much.

This is the tricky part. You might think, “wow, this

article is stupid, I eat salad twice a day, so I know I am staying healthy.” While this may be true, you need to be aware of details about each of your meal. What you put on your salad might be as important as eating salad. Salad dressings range from 16 to 76 calories per tablespoon. And don’t even get me started on bacon bits. 1 tablespoon of bacon bits equals about 10% of your sodium for the day. So know what you put on your plate. And not only what, but how much. Portion control is key. Somebody might be eating the healthiest food in the world, but too much of it is still bad. Know what your body is telling you. And don’t worry; there will always be enough food for seconds if you guessed wrong. The Loras café does a wonderful job of printing

This is obvious, but it always needs a little reinforcement. Be careful of your carbohydrates.

Pasta, pizza, burgers and fries are all fabulous, but not every day for every single meal. Balance is majorly important. Here is a little imaginary scene to make my point. You are taking a really awesome girl out to a nice restaurant (or you are the awesome girl out on a hot date.) Now you know this person is special, so no ordinary meal in the school cafeteria will do. You just have to go out to the nicest restaurant in town, the kind that kicks you out if you are in jeans. But when you arrive, there are no menus. The waiter just walks up to you and slaps a slab of meat on your plate.

What is going on? Where are the small little salads and the cute appetizers? Where are the grilled vegetables and fresh fruits? Where is your ridiculously expensive dessert? While the cafeteria may not always seem like five star dining, you can choose to make your food exciting or boring. Mix and match; be creative. And be careful with the desserts. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends one serving of sweets a day. That translates into 75 calories, or 1 small slice of angel food cake, ½ cup gelatin dessert, or 1 ½ tablespoons of maple syrup. So even though those muffins aren’t always seen as “desserts,” those mini-cakes are potent.

Be aware of how many and how much you eat.

So what do I remember the next time I eat in the cafeteria? See the big picture, know how much and how many, and watch those fried foods and desserts.

These three points will hopefully help you to beat back that “freshman fifteen” monster and shove him under the bed where he belongs.

sports

Sept. 8, 2011

14

duhawk.com

Cross-country looks to build on last season

Duhawks shortened by rain

Along with injection of youth to the team, XC looks strong in 2011

Loras women finish 8th in opening round of the season, due to weather cutting weekend short

by RYAN BINSFIELD sports writer

by JULIAN GALLO sports writer

Hot off of last year’s impressive finish, the men’s and women’s golf teams are hitting the course as much as possible to get them ready for the upcoming season.

“We are mainly trying to get on the course as much as possible to just play,” said coach Jeremy Hawkins. “We are also going to the driving range just a bit to work towards a more consistent game.”

The women who are coming off of a fourth place finish at the Iowa Conference golf championship last October are looking to grow even more as a collective bunch. The men had an equally impressive finish with a third place finish at the Iowa Conference championship.

“I expect our women’s team to go above and beyond what we did last year,” said coach Hawkins. “With a few new additions to the team we will be able to do just that.”

First-years Lauren Gonner and Alicia Ney are two new faces to the program for coach Hawkins.

“This year will be a year for them to learn a bit about the program,” said coach Hawkins. “After that they will fit in just fine.”

Most of the women’s team from last season is back and looking to improve on their success from last season. In their tournament on Friday, September 2nd the team posted a score of 367, +79 overall which placed them eighth of eleven teams in the first action of the year.

Due to inclement weather the second round on Saturday was cancelled leaving the team with skewed results do to only one day of action.

Junior Abby Potts scored the best for the team with a +15, which put her tied for 11th with many other golfers on the day. Fellow junior teammate Christina Jackson followed Potts with a +19, placing her tied for 25th.

The situation for the men follows mostly along the same line as the women’s team. They are returning nearly their entire team and have added some new members.

They will be led by senior Aaron Dunn, junior Sam Herrmann, second year Bubba Carter, junior Matt Hillard and firstyear Drew Massey.

“Herrmann has had two solid seasons under his belt and will most likely be an important leader of this team,” said coach Hawkins. “He will be assisted by many of his teammates.”

With many returning veteran golfers, the men are looking to make a good run at an even better finish in the championships this year.

“Last year we were able to peak at just the right time,” said coach Hawkins.

“We hope to keep that same kind of success going into this year.”

High expectations and a great start to the season makes for what could be an exciting season for both teams as the men gear up for their official season in the spring and the women continue their season this weekend at the Wartburg invitational.

photo by TIM O’Brien

Coach Karl Stubben talks to his number one doubles team, senior Alejandra Ruales and junior Rachel Weglarz, before their match up this past weekend against Augustana College and Millikin University.

Youthful energy kickstarts tennis team Coach expects young Duhawks to start a consistent winning streak

by TIM O’BRIEN sports writer

Karl Stubben and the Loras Women’s tennis team can be best described as a program on the rise with exciting new players that work hard to improve every day.

“This group actually has a chance to basically decide here the next couple years if they want their names attached to a program being turned around,” said Stubben.

These Duhawks are physically much stronger than last year’s squad, well-conditioned, and are very eager to learn how to become an elite group of players.

“I’m really excited about this group,” said Stubben. “One thing I’ve been telling them is that if the effort level stays where it is at and the learning curve stays steep we have a really good chance to be a tough squad by conference tourney time and that we can present a lot of problems in other teams.”

The team is very young and the problem they are encountering at this point in the season is getting the new young players to take what they learn in practice and put those things into action come game day.

The young player to watch as the season continues to go on is first-year Caroline Rainey, who played four years as number one singles at her high school.

“Caroline is expected to learn and make the adjustments to this conference,” said Stubben. “She is now playing no. 5 for a young developing team and I believe she has potential to be a very good player in this conference.”

‘‘

I’m really excited about this group. One thing I’ve been telling them is that if the effort level stays where it is at we could have a chance to present problems to other teams.

Karl Stubben

,,

women’s tennis coach

Senior Alejandra Ruales will be crucial to the team’s success this season as she has developed her skills over her four seasons on the team and will need to lead the Duhawks late in the season if they want to have a chance at making a dent in the Iowa Conference tournament at the end of the season. The squad is working very hard to become a team the school can rally behind.

Last season the team went 2-12, but according to coach Stubben, with the team from last season returning, there is time for the team to grow. Stubben sees this group as having an outstanding chance to be on top of the conference for tennis in the near future.

The team picked up their first victory on Monday afternoon and were 1-4 going into Wednesday’s match-up versus Luther.

The Duhawks get a nice set of games at home this weekend and will start the action Friday, September 9th at home against Wisconsin – Stevens Point, followed by three conference match ups versus Simpson, Central, and Coe College.

The men’s cross-country team will kick off the 2011 season this week in Decorah, Iowa at the Luther All-American invitational in the hope of starting off right towards another successful season.

The Duhawks return three of the top runners from last year’s season when they placed second overall in the Iowa Conference tournament. Senior Dan McDermott, juniors Austin Steil and Chris Higgins stack the squad’s resume as they each earned All-Conference and All-Region honors last season. McDermott also qualified individually for Nationals.

The Duhawks added 11 new runners to their roster and coach Bob Schultz expects big things out of the new crop of talent.

“We have quite a few runners who have already shown signs that they will be great college runners. Transfer Greg Adelman and firstyears Rob Howe, Steve Loran, Ryan Sheeran and Ty Wittman have all looked very impressive,” said Shultz.

Along with McDermott the Duhawks will look for leadership from seniors Chris Miller, Ben Schmall and Ted Wittman.

Coach Schultz and the Duhawks are setting their sights on winning the Iowa Conference championship and qualifying as a team go to the National Championships this season.Shultz thinks the team need to accomplish some goals first.

“We need to improve on our pack runnin.

We did a nice job last year, but we need to do an even better job this season,” said Shultz.

“We also need to put the team success above each runners own; selfless running.”

As far as the Luther meet goes, Schultz is just hoping that his team gets their feet under them to be ready for a full season ahead. The course will play as the site of the Iowa Conference championships so the runners will be able to get a good feel for the course for when they visit it later this season with more on the line.

The women’s cross country team is also hoping to build and improve upon their fourth place finish last season in the Iowa Conference tournament and will start off the 2011 season in Decorah, Iowa this weekend. The Duhawks are returning all three of their top runners from last year that includes seniors Katie Hemesath and Genna Kinley and sophomore Mary Rector.

Hemesath will return as the lone all-conference and all-region runner. Coach Bob Schultz believes that Kinley and Rector are poised and ready to compete for those honors as well this fall. The Duhawks have only brought in four new runners this season but the team expects them to make a big impact.

“Becky Hilby and Hallie Martin are two new comers who have been able to run with our top returners early on,” said Schultz.

Kinley and junior Katie Flogel have been named team captains for this season and are expected to provide strong leadership to help the team reach their goals of finishing in the top three in the IIAC Conference tournament as well as a top 8 finish in the NCAA Central Region.

Coach Schultz believes if the team “runs the race” they know they can run at conference.

They should be very successful in achieving their goals.

As far as the Luther invitational this weekend, the women, like the men, are just looking to “get their feet wet” and are looking to run a competitive meet but aren’t putting too much into the meet other than learning the course to prepare for the IIAC Championship.

sports

Sept. 8, 2011 duhawk.com

Women look to live up to ranking

Volleyball team looks to rebound With all the 2011 seniors gone, Loras tries to recapture success

by JIM NAPRSTEK sports writer

Ranked in the top 10 to start the season, Loras opens the season with a showdown against another top-10 team

by JIM NAPRSTEK sports writer

Following an abrupt ending to their 2010 season, the Duhawk women’s soccer team is ready to get back on the pitch and return to work.

Following a 21-1 campaign, the women have plans to return to what got them to the Sweet 16 of last year’s NCAA Tournament, and that’s just taking each game at a time.

After leading the 2010 team with 12 goals and 7 assists, senior all-American Kate Young is poised to lead this squad to glory.

“For us, we had such a successful season last year, so we wanted to just keep building off of that,” said Young. “We didn’t want to rest and be happy with where we got. We all wanted to get better and get touches on the ball whenever we could.”

This year’s pre-season brought a little bit of a different approach with the men’s and women’s team spending six days in Costa Rica playing with some international talent.

Loras would finish 1-1-1 in their international play, but felt like they gained a lot of good experience to help them in their regular season.

“The teams we played were very technical and it helped us to see different styles than what we would normally see,” said Young.

They opened up their regular season pitted against an old foe, No. 7-ranked Wheaton College. Sophomore Madeline Tenant, with the courtesy of an Ali Scmitt corner kick, would open up the scoring for the Duhawks. But Wheaton would power back in the second half with three unanswered goals, leaving the Duhawks with their first loss of the season.

Saturday, Loras would get into the win column against DePauw, thanks to a goal from junior Rachel Rieger in the 68th minute. First-year goalkeeper Michelle Vonachen would earn her first career shutout as a Duhawk.

Loras will host its home opener Sunday, Sept. 11, when Macalaster College visits the Rock Bowl.

update for women’s soccer overall record 1-1; ranked No. 9 in the nation (as of Tuesday night) Next match at home

n Sunday, Sept. 11, at 3:30 p.m., vs. Macalester College, @ the Rock Bowl n Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University @ the Rock Bowl Next match on the road n Sept. 9, at 8 p.m., vs. St. Ambrose University (Muscatine, IA)

15

photo by LEAH SEDELLE CHAPMAN

Sophomore Daniel Poveda Acosta dribbles the ball past defenders on his way to an attempt on the net.

Calbert’s hat trick propels Loras The 16th ranked Duhawks split their first two games of season and get ready to host two teams in this upcoming week

by JIM NAPRSTEK sports writer

The Duhawks split their opening two games against North Central College (4-0) and Wheaton College (1-2) at the Bob Batista Invitational Tournament in Wheaton, Illinois this past weekend.

Coach Dan Rothert thinks a number of things can be taken away from the weekend.

“I think we saw a lot of positive things. In the past a loss in the second game would feel like our world collapsed,” said Rothert. “Now, while it is still painful we are a lot more optimistic with the things we showed.”

Senior captain Malcolm Calbert, who notched a hat trick against North Central, thinks that there is still time for this team to gel and develop.

“It’s a disappointing first loss, but I think we can see the type of team we can be,” said Calbert.

Calbert also dislocated his shoulder in addition to the stellar performance he displayed in the game, but he expected to be ready for the upcoming games.

After graduating the team that reached the Final Four, the Duhawks are looking to create a new identity while still building on the legacy those players left behind, according to Calbert.

“It’s a new team and it’s exciting to see the type of team we are starting to

‘‘

I think we saw a lot of positive things. In the past a loss in the second game would feel like our world collapsed. Now, while it is still painful we are a lot more optimistic with things we showed.

Dan Rothert, soccer coach

,,

become.”

Rothert also believes that with the new faces comes a different team for the fans to see.

“I think this is a team that we can see the depth that this program has now. Everyone on the team is pushing for a starting spot and in a game you might see twenty different players out there,” said Rothert. “It’s great for the game to keep people fresh and it’s great for practice to have that competitiveness.”

This weekend the Duhawks will take on St. Ambrose and Macalester. According to Rothert, both games will be hotly contested and will be exciting games in history. .

“St. Ambrose is always a good game with the Bishop’s Cup being given to the winner. It’s obviously a game we would like to win.”

Rothert also stated that Macalester handed the Duhawks their first loss last year in St. Paul and the men will look to have some revenge on the Scots Sunday in the Rock Bowl.

The Duhawk volleyball team opened up their 2011 campaign this past weekend in Winona, Minn., after what could be considered a disappointing finish last season.

Loras finished the regular season atop the Iowa Conference, but could not close out Wartburg in the Iowa Conference championship match, losing three matches to two.

“Knowing how close we were to making it to the NCAA Tournament has definitely been the main motivation for me this offseason,” said senior setter Julie Rogers.

The Duhawks return this year without the presence of the class of 2011, Kate Russell, Morgan Murphy, Julianne Lord, Rachel Heiar, and Kayla Kehrli. However, the girls still feel confident that they will be able to get the job done.

“I feel really confident because our core team from my freshmen year is still here.

Even though we lost some good seniors,” said junior outside hitter Kenzie Goedken. “We’ve been able to replace them and I feel like with our strong foundation we will be able to succeed just as far if not farther than last year.”

“There were a lot of freshmen that came in this year that have the potential to play in the back row at the varsity level,” said Rogers. “It just depends on how hard they want it.”

At the Sugar Loaf Classic this past weekend, the Duhawks finished with a 1-3 record, with their sole win coming against Finlandia University.

Over the course of the weekend, senior Kaity Frost and junior Regan Riley would lead the way with 30 kills each, while senior Julie Rogers would conclude the tournament play with 82 assists in four games.

On the other side of the net, Riley ended the weekend with 35 digs, and junior Cassie Crabill finished with five blocks.

Despite the lopsided record, senior Kaity Frost is confident following the team’s performance.

“This weekend was a testing weekend for us,” said Frost. “We have so many options that we can use, so we needed to see who would work best in which position.”

No matter what happens this season, senior Julie Rogers knows how she wants to go out on top in her final year.

“We just want to make sure that every time we step out onto the court we don’t leave with any regrets.”

update for men’s soccer overall record 1-1 - Ranked #15 (as of Wednesday morning) Next match at home n Sunday, Sept. 11, at 1:00 p.m., vs. Macalester College, @ the Rock Bowl n September 13, at 7:30 p.m., vs.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville @ the Rock Bowl Next match Away n September 9, at 6:00 p.m., vs. Saint Ambrose University (Muscatine, IA)

sports

Sept. 8, 2011

16

duhawk.com

sports editorial

Safety fears in sports

The summer was a good time for sports, but teams have to try and prove to fans that it is safe to attend games

M

Jack’s Smack

any sports fans around the country this summer long awaited the return of the National Football League and after 136 days the labor dispute was put to rest.

I can only assume many more waited anxiously as the 119 day hiatus of Jack’s Smack came to an end as well.

The NFL lockout was just one of the many major stories that we endured over the four months of fun in the sun.

We crowned champions in the NHL and NBA, watched the baseball pennant races heat up as they enter the final stretch of the season, and welcomed back football into full action as the season revs up tonight.

Once the ball gets kicked off tonight we get to forget that there was ever a disagreement between the owners and players until the announcers remind us twenty times, in the first half.

The lockout was about owners wanting more money than the players without giving justified reasons or restitution, and somehow they got through that and we will not have to worry about this happening again for another ten years.

With football only being back for almost a month and a half, some negative vibes are already kown to come out of the game.

On the west coast in a pre-season game between the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers two fans were shot in the parking lot in separate incidents, while inside the stadium a fan was beaten unconscious in the bathroom, all three spectators were fans of the visiting team.

In the NHL we saw the Boston Bruins, an Original 6 hockey team, make a fantastic run to win the Stanley Cup in the seventh game of the series against the Vancouver Canucks, who had been bounced out the past two seasons.

Unfortunately what should have been covered as a great series for the team was overshadowed by the riots in Vancouver. 150 people were hospitalized, 100 people arrested, 9 officers injured, 15 cars burned (2 being police cars), estimated 50 businesses damaged, mostly spurred on by a game 7 loss.

If the Cubs took losing as seriously as the Canucks then the whole north side of Chicago might cease to exist today, but it still stands and the Cubs are still in a 104 year rut.

To be fair, the White Sox, Twins, and Cardinals will not be seeing any post-season action this season either, but it was nice to see how close some of the races have been in baseball this season.

Nothing was greater for the sport than seeing a franchise like the Pittsburgh Pirates rise again and fans coming to see a possible playoff team fight , although they just did not have enough to finish out the season.

In what is being deemed the era of the pitcher in the MLB, the past 2 seasons and this season we have seen eleven no-hitters including one in the post-season.

Baseball seems to be rising strong out of the ‘steroid-era.’

The somber news of the baseball season is no doubt the fan, Shannon Stone, in Texas who fell over the outfield railing trying to catch a ball for his son from his favorite player, Josh Hamilton.

The Rangers are going to erect a bronze statue of Stone outside the ballpark to be ready for the 2012 season, no doubt a symbolic gesture.

The Rangers also raised select railings across Rangers Ballpark in Arlington by eight inches, which are now 16 inches higher than required, to keep the fan’s safety concern in mind.

But what is going to be done following the beatings outside baseball games, shootings outside football games, and riot-like antics occurring to assure fan’s safety is the greatest importance when we go to cheer on our favorite teams in person.

We need to see upgrades and they need to be implemented before, and not after, the next big thing happens.

Jack Metz

photo by JIM NAPRSTEK

Senior Vaughn Gesing will have the challenge of running his third different offense as the starting quarterback this season, he threw for 248 yards in the teams loss to Elmhurst College.

Loras puts on the home pads following defeat Duhawks held a 4-1 record at the Rock Bowl last season, and look to continue 4-game home winning streak

by JACK METZ

sports editor

Dealing with the adversity is just one of the things that new head coach, Paul Mierkiewicz, has been stressing that his team will need to deal with as they begin the season.

Difficulties were never more present than this past weekend as the Duhawks took on Elmhurst on the road and lost 50-24, despite going into halftime with a 21-20 lead.

Sitting down with coach Mierkiewicz going into the weekend against Elmhurst it was clear that the former Duhawk fullback focuses solely on his opponent for that week.

“Against Elmhurst we have to take care of the football offensively, and establish the line of scrimmage because if we do not, then there is no forward progress for the team from there,” said Mierkiewicz. “Defensively it is very important to get turnovers, we try to keep it simple, and we want players aggressive and flying around to the ball.”

The team fulfilled the coach’s keys early in the game as junior linebacker Brandon Ronan forced a fumble on Elmhurst’s third play of the game while senior defensive end Aaron Strong recovered the ball and returned it to the end zone 45 yards for an early 7-0 lead.

When the defense returned to the field for Elmhurst’s second possession they again shut down the opposing offense quickly forcing a three and out.

Senior quarterback Vaughn Gesing marched the offense back on the field and connected with senior receiver Gavin Kaiser for a 45 yard reception and followed it a play later with a 42 yard reception in the end zone to put Loras up 14-0.

Gesing, who threw 10 interceptions and 14 touchdowns last season, enters his final season as a Duhawk, accepting his third different offensive playbook and impressing the coach along the way.

“Vaughn makes all the throws, has a great arm, and has grasped the offense well, having three different offenses in three years is a tough deal, but he has done a nice job and I think he feels really comfortable,” said Mierkiewicz.

The coach also mentioned how he

does not hold a standard when it comes to expectations for his shot-caller behind center. Instead he just watches for him to make good decisions in the scheme and points out that there is a fine line between a great pass and a bad decision being made, which can sometimes be out of the control of the quarterback.

That was the case for Gesing who threw one interception in the second half after it was tipped by a receiver.

Gesing finished the game throwing 28 passes and connecting on 14 for 248 yards through the air. Gesing said he gauges his performance on wins and losses and that as the quarterback he is responsible for the outcome of the offense.

“My expectations for our offense are for everyone to play to their potential and in turn work efficiently as a unit,” said Gesing. “If we do those things, our offense can be very effective. So, yes, I have high expectations for our offense.”

Loras had a productive day on the ground with junior running back Billy Kass rushing for 92 yards and adding a 13 yard touchdown to his day in the second quarter. Kass gained the starting position for Loras when junior running back Ryan Baez hurt his hamstring earlier in August, but it has been just another one of those things that coach Mierkiewicz has had to deal with.

“Billy Kass has been getting the starting reps for the past 2 weeks and I believe he understands completely what he is doing,” said Mierkiewicz. “It all comes back to how you deal with the adversity and Ryan’s injury is an adverse situation that we have to deal

‘‘

My expectations for our offense are for everyone to play to their potential and in turn work efficiently as a unit.

Vaughn Gesing

,,

senior quarterback

with as an offensive group and somebody else has to step up in a positive way and Billy has.”

The Duhawk defense that finished last season ranked third total in the Iowa Conference, struggled to re-gain what succeeded for them early in the game against Elmhurst as they gave up 30 points in the second half as well as allowing 31 first downs, 547 offensive yards in the game, and allowing the Blue Jays to convert 8 of 12 on third down.

“We did have a very good start to the game; however, we did have a huge letdown in the second half following the rain delay. I think in order to win football games it means staying mentally disciplined and competitive on every play for a full 4 quarters,” said Gesing.

“In the second half, we had too many plays as a team where we had a mental or physical lapse that cost us some opportunities. We also struggled on first down and often ended up behind the chains in 2nd and long situations.”

The Duhawks will open up their first game at home this weekend as they host Rockford College, who is 0-1 after losing this past weekend against Westminster College 51-24.

outlook against Rockford college Biggest keys Coach Mierkiewicz and Gesing emphasized two factors for this weekend: n Play a full 4 quarters and establish the line of scrimmage . n Essential to be aggressors and carry over the physical nature from practice to final horn on Saturday.

X-factor n Loras leads series record against Rockford 1-0 after beating them last season 31-21. The player to watch in this game is running back Billy Kass, filling in for injured back Ryan Baez, who gained 92 yards last week with one touchdown. It will be interesting to see how Rockford stops the elusive ball carrier at the Rock Bowl.