November 14th Edition of The Merciad

Merciad THE

MERCYHURST UNIVERSIT Y

|

News ................2-5 Features...........6-9 A&E ............. 10-11 Opinion........ 12-13 Sports ......... 14-15 Laker Living ......16

W E D N E S DAY, N OV E M B E R 1 4 , 2 01 8

|

VOL. 92 NO. 8

Goodbye to the Laker PAGE 2

Online poll results We asked: What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

3: Panel explores intersection of economics and ethics

9: International fashion show struts the runway 14: Football team wins final game of the season

“Listen to the thunderstorm” (45%) “Stay inside with a good book” (28%)

“There is nothing fun about rainy days” (18%)

“Wear fun rain boots” (9%)

This week’s

POLL

What is the best food at Thanksgiving Dinner?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

PAGE 2

NEWS

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

A LAKER SEND-OFF

The Laker Inn went out with a bang by throwing a good-bye party for its loyal customers. Many students were upset that the Laker will be closed until the middle of the spring semester, but they still came to show their support for the Laker and its staff.

ABOVE: Members of Mercyhurst Campus Ministry made brownies and wrote thoughtful notes for the entire Laker Inn staff to show how much they will be missed over the next few months.

AT TOP: The Laker Inn provided its patrons with free hot chocolate, coffee and an assortment of cookies at its Nov. 9 good-bye party.

ABOVE: Seniors Kimberly Carden, Graphic Design major, and Maria Dombrowski, Music-English Contract major, write memories of the Laker.

AT RIGHT: Junior Hospitality majors Cassie McCall and Karen Sheffer take advantage of the free coffee and hot chocolate from the Laker Inn. AT FAR RIGHT: The Laker celebrated what is to come next semester by decorating cookies with the name of the new pub, “The Roost.�

Kristian Biega photos

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

NEWS

PAGE 3

Erin Almeter photo

The “Economic Ethics and the Common Good” panel featured, from left, Juan Argaez, Ph.D., Greg Baker, Ph.D., Richard McCarty, Ph.D., and Lena Surzhko-Harned, Ph.D.

Economics, ethics discussed

By Erin Almeter Staff writer

The Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society at Mercyhurst University hosted a panel presentation called “Economic Ethics and the Common Good” in Walker Recital Hall on Nov. 7.

The discussion focused on the document “Oeconomicae et Pecuniariae Quaestiones: Considerations for an Ethical Discernment Regarding Some Aspects of the Present Economic-Financial System,” which was released by the Vatican on May 17.

Those on the panel included Mercyhurst professors Juan Argaez, Ph.D., professor of Economics; Greg Baker, Ph.D., vice president for mission integration; Richard McCarty, Ph.D., professor of Religious Studies; and Lena Surzhko-Harned, Ph.D., professor of Political Science at Penn State Behrend.

“Oeconomicae et Pecuniariae Quaestiones” addresses the economic and financial matters based in the teachings of the Catholic Church. It explains the need for ethics in economic sectors as economics involves human action.

The document discusses how it is necessary to have cooperation between economics and human interaction. It also recognizes the need to teach about the combination of ethics and economics now so that future generations understand its importance.

The panel discussion was broken into a background of economics, the Church’s involvement, admitting a problem and its implications in the world. It concluded with some general questions asked by the moderator, Verna Ehret, Ph.D., and the audience members.

Argaez started the panel off by discussing the economic side. He explained that while there has been economic growth in the past 40 years, there has also been an income inequality increase with half of the national income going to the top, richest 20 percent.

Argaez said that inequality would not be as much of an issue if people had the opportunity to rise. He stated that there currently is a “70 percent chance if you

Erin Almeter photo

The Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society at Mercyhurst University hosted a panel Nov. 7 to discuss the Vatican’s recent document on economic ethics.

are in the bottom 20 percent that you would not make it to middle class.”

In his “From economic theories to policies” section, Argaez said, “economics cannot tell what is good or bad. ... It just says what it is.”

Baker went through the history of why inequalities were a response to urbanization in which the poor became more anonymous. Integral human development was touched upon by Baker and he explained it as always being relational and communal. This describes the need for people-centered ethics and a strong moral framework.

He expressed the need for the “common good (of people) at community level, not just individual” and that “money must serve the needs of people, not rule them.”

Baker also touched upon the section of “Oeconomicae et Pecuniariae Quaestiones” that expressed the need for teaching ethics to people. His advice was to reach out to and teach new business leaders so that ethics can take root now.

McCarty started his explanation by illustrating that economics benefits some and sacrifices some. In his remarks, he explained the importance of using an ethical analysis, not just financial reports. He painted a grim picture that he recognized

himself. He announced that there needs to be radical charity that sacrifices the self and reimagines institutions as well as the “redistribution of wealth of everyone.”

McCarty said the Church gives a lot, but the hole of need is only filled by greater sacrifices. He gave the advice “to look to women religious orders who live in community.”

In addition, his solution was to start local with practical solutions to overcome this economic injustice.

Surzhko-Harned discussed how international implications affect the economy.

She expressed that it is not practical to “cookie-cut democracy and capitalism everywhere.”

With further explanation, she alluded to the serious implications, both ethical and political, of these investments.

In addition to the charity touched upon

by McCarty, Surzhko-Harned also mentioned that charity is not always going to work the best.

“It is hard to criticize what comes out of people’s best intentions,” Surzhko-Harned said.

As there are generations to come, she asserted that participation needs to include both economic development and human dignity.

Even with the different backgrounds in

the subject, the panelists explained their thoughts on the document and possible future plans well enough for the audience to understand.

After their personal explanations, the question-and-answer period began with the question “Have economists tried to address the dignity of people?” Argaez answered with the thought that it is “not (part of) mainstream economic theory.”

Surzhko-Harned jumped in, saying that “economics informs us, but it is up to policy makers to think about the ethical implications.”

The second question asked if the Vatican has been an influential presence in reshaping international policy. Baker answered by saying that it is “hard to answer from an American lens,” but could suspect the world leaders that the document was trying to address.

There were common thoughts between Baker and McCarty stating that they were not sure how many people and world leaders take the Vatican seriously as a leader for economics.

Surzhko-Harned looked at “Oeconomicae et Pecuniariae Quaestiones” a little differently by stating it is more of a message for the underprivileged to say the Vatican recognizes their struggles.

When the subject of charity arose again, the panelists explained further what they mentioned in their original discussions.

McCarty discussed that charity is “not just giving what (others) need.” His advice was to start local and work with local bodies in the community.

Surzhko-Harned said that despite the heart being the right place, the “execution is not always great.”

Baker shared like sentiments by saying that “responding to immediate needs is not enough.”

Argaez concluded with a confirmation that “charity helps at local levels.”

The final question created a discussion on what an economic development with a focus on human rights would look like.

The common answer from the panel was a revolution. In doing so, people would finally realize and value the common good for everyone.

NEWS

PAGE 4

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Music professor helps bring Merciad IN A MINUTE chamber orchestra back to Erie First Annual Turkey Bowl

The Mercyhurst Fashion Council is hosting a Powderpuff Football game on Tullio Field on Nov. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The teams will be divided by academic college, with Team Hafenmaier in white, Team Zurn in green, Team Ridge in black and Team Walker in blue.

Come support the women of your academic college!

Kan-Jam Tournament The Mercyhurst Ultimate Frisbee Club will be hosting its first-ever KanJam Tournament on Nov. 16.

The tournament will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the REC Center.

Register your team

by Nov. 14 by emailing dfunar52@lakers. mercyhurst.edu.

The winning duo will receive a gift card to Chipotle!

Bring your ID and a change of shoes before entering the REC center on Nov. 16 for the tournament.

Christmas Bar Crawl The Senior Class Gift Committee is hosting a Christmas Bar Crawl on Dec. 8. Tickets will be $20 each (cash or credit).

The bar crawl will start at 8 p.m. and go until 2 a.m.

Students must be 21 by Dec. 8 to participate.

Sign-ups will be held at the tabling sessions Nov. 14 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Mercyhurst Bookstore and Nov. 15 from 5 to 7p.m. at the Grotto Commons. This is your last chance to sign up!

A portion of all proceeds benefit the 2019 Senior Class Gift.

Have a tip for Merciad in a Minute? Want to tell others about your club’s events? Email us at newsmerciad@ mercyhurst.edu

By Lauren Ganger

Arts and Entertainment editor

After Gannon University pulled funding for the Erie Chamber Orchestra, it left a void in the Erie community for free classical music.

Mercyhurst University D’Angelo Department of Music professor Jonathan Moser is doing his part to preserve the legacy of the Erie Chamber Orchestra’s founder, Bruce Morton Wright.

“We are really trying to create something that will support our local artists and community as well,” Moser said.

To this end, Moser has taken on the role of artistic director of Presque Isle Pro Musica, which was picked up by the Erie Philharmonic to provide free chamber music to people in the Erie community after the disbandment of the ECO. In his position as artistic director, Moser guides the choice of music, leads concerts, rehearses the ensemble, prepares concerts and does “basically anything that has to do with artistic decisions,” Moser said.

He also oversees the board that deals with fundraising, programs, hiring musicians and many other things.

Moser is no stranger to the classical music scene in Erie.

In addition to his roles as a professor of Music and conductor of the Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra, he is the principal second violin of the Erie Philharmonic and the artistic director and conductor of

“

Developing a community within Erie of top-notch musicians is important, and maintaining a high-level performing ensemble for them to be part of is definitely attractive.”

Jonathan Moser, Music professor

the Erie Junior Philharmonic.

He had also played as a substitute for the ECO when it was still in existence.

With this much on his plate, taking on the role of Artistic Director of Presque Isle Pro Musica might seem a bit ambitious.

However, he said that he tries “to be involved in things that will (not only) benefit the artistic community but also Mercyhurst and its artistic programs.”

He said that “this project was something that really fit both of those interests.”

Moser believes that this group is important not only to the Erie community at large but to the Mercyhurst community specifically.

He notes that several adjunct faculty members in the D’Angelo Department of Music commute from out of the area.

With a group like the PIPM active in the community, Erie becomes more attractive for professional musicians looking to relocate.

“Developing a community within Erie of top-notch musicians is important, and maintaining a high-level performing ensemble for them to be a part of is

definitely attractive,” Moser said.

He also said that the aims of PIPM are twofold.

The first is to provide free chamber music for the Erie community, and the second is to provide orchestral employment for professional Erie musicians.

Moser noted that the PIPM affords a unique opportunity for employment for local professional musicians, as the PIPM also features local musicians and thus benefits musicians who come from the Erie community.

Due to his connections in the area, Mosers said that he had a lot of knowledge about what was going on musically.

He said that he saw a void not only for local classical music lovers looking to hear live chamber music but also for local musicians looking for performing opportunities, especially those musicians who had lost orchestral employment when the ECO was disbanded.

Moser said he believes that having a professional orchestral group that is made up of locals is an incredibly important thing for the area, especially because it benefits local students who seek

qualified music teachers.

“If professionals don’t have a place to express themselves artistically, it makes it hard for them to decide to stay,” said Moser.

The next PIPM concert will take place Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall.

It will feature several chamber works, most notably Beethoven’s famous “Septet” for clarinet, horn, bassoon, violin, viola, cello and double bass.

As with all PIPM concerts, it will be free and open to the public.

PIPM will also perform the opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” on Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. at St. Luke Catholic church.

It was a tradition for the ECO to perform this Christmas piece with the Erie Opera Theatre, a tradition that ended with the death of founder Morton Wright in 2011.

Moser hopes that the PIPM will continue this tradition, something he is excited about.

He is not yet sure what is in store for the group, which is working on scheduling a season of concerts.

The group also recently applied to be an independent 501 nonprofit.

Moser said that he is “not sure what else we will be planning this year (because) a lot has fallen into place quite recently.”

However, it is certain that under Moser’s direction, the PIPM will continue to provide free chamber music for the Erie community and opportunity for Erie musicians.

Career Center utilizes new ‘Handshake’ service

By Donny Bryant III Staff writer

This year, the Mercyhurst Career Development Center has switched to the internship and career development website Handshake.

Handshake is an online application that allows students, career centers and recruiters to meet, talk and share opportunities.

Handshake can be accessed on the web and via a mobile app that students can find by searching it in the Apple or Google Play store.

Handshake was founded in 2014 at Michigan Tech. Around 700 colleges in the United States of America are now utilizing Handshake to benefit their students and be a talent recruitment startup.

Handshake’s presence is similar to other social media apps people

would use today, like Facebook or LinkedIn, in its personal and social aspects.

Every Mercyhurst student has a Handshake account that is automatically connected to one’s Mercyhurst account.

With Handshake, students can build up their profiles highlighting their academic accomplishments, skills and extracurricular activities.

Handshake also allows for companies to see students’ profiles after they make them visible to the public.

Students can also look at employers’ profiles that they are interested in.

Students can request appointments with the Career Development Center staff to look over their résumés.

If a certain event is happening on Mercyhurst’s campus that is related to a students’ field of in-

terest, they can RSVP and sign up for that career event through Handshake.

One of the crucial features that is on the app is that students can rate employers. For example, if a student does an internship and has a good experience while doing so, students can write a review of that employer on Handshake and go into further detail on their review.

Heather Balas, director of the Career Development Center, was thrilled to get this platform started for Mercyhurst’s students.

“It’s like artificial intelligence — the more you use it, the more it gets to know you,” Balas said.

She also said that around 32 percent of the student body has utilized handshake in the first two weeks on Mercyhurst.

“Thirty-two percent might not sound like a high number, but from a career services perspective,

it looks great,” Balas said.

Balas said she plans to get other departments at Mercyhurst involved to create Handshake events so that students can participate with others in their major in using the application.

“As we get more comfortable with it, students will see more things that come with Handshake,” Balas said.

Vincent Shioleno, a grad student at Mercyhurst, had positive feedback to say about the Handshake application.

“Handshake is user friendly and self-explanatory,” Shioleno said. “The interface is easy, answering general questions, asking you preferences like part-time and full-time jobs, it all depends on what you are looking for.”

If you are interested in using this application, you can get started by going to www.mercyhurst. joinhandshake.com.

NEWS

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

PAGE 5

Interior Design students Th i s weekend’s ‘Kidify’ waiting room campus events STUDENT GOVERNMENT

By Rebecca Dunphy

Staff writer

Students from the Interior Architecture and Design department lent their skills to Safe Harbor Behavioral Health of UPMC Hamot in a collaboration called Project Kidify. Focused on relaxing children and relieving anxiety, the collaborative team transformed a waiting room at Safe Harbor into a welcoming, kid-friendly space.

“Safe Harbor Behavioral Health reached out to our department chair, Kathy Weidenboerner, asking for help from Interior Architecture students to design their new children’s waiting area,” senior Architecture and Design major Maria Matesa said. “She then passed it on to the Interior Architecture Club officers to get other students involved.”

Once a team was established, the group traveled to Safe Harbor to take measurements of the room and begin the design process. From there, they developed a 3D model of the space, created an inspiration board and presented their ideas to Safe Harbor directors.

The group’s primary contacts at Safe Harbor included Exec-

utive Director Mandy Fauble and Communications Specialist Michelle Eidenmuller.

“The collaborative process was really exciting – members from Safe Harbor came to campus for a few meetings, where we presented them with our ideas and progress,” senior Interior Architecture and Design major Gabriella Macera said.

“It was great to communicate back and forth with a real client to get their feedback.”

The team decided on a nature theme, all focused around Mary Oliver’s “The Summer Day,” more commonly known as “The Grasshopper.” The poem was selected by Missi Berquist, a former Mercyhurst employee and a Safe Harbor Advisory Board member, who will also be donating paintings for the project.

“My favorite feature is the poem that is displayed on the main wall where you enter the room. The poem mentions a grasshopper, so there are also grasshopper wall decals that hop around the space to relate to the poem,” Macera said.

According to Matesa, the directors liked the grasshopper theme so much that they decided to incorporate it in some of the exam rooms so children can

see a familiar, happy face next to them in their appointments.

Making sure the children felt comfortable and relaxed was the motivating factor in many of the team’s decisions.

“The design has a lot of blues and greens. These colors are proven to calm children and reduce their levels of stress and anxiety,” Macera said. “It is also full of fun distractions such as games and interactive features that will let them be creative.”

Overall, the project benefited students as it allowed them to have first-hand experience working with clients while also helping the greater Erie community.

Though this wasn’t the first time the department has reached out to the community — students did minor design work at a childcare facility called Early Connections last year — students reported learning a lot from the experience and said they look forward to future projects.

“I really hope the department finds other opportunities within the community,” Matesa said.

“It’s really beneficial for students to learn how to use their design skills in a practical setting outside of the classroom.”

Get in touch with your artsy side at SAC/MAC’s “Make a Mosaic”event on Nov. 16! Come craft your own art with stained glass pieces.

Intel student receives USGIF scholarship

By Kristian Biega News editor

Senior Intelligence Studies and Political Science double major Margaret Hackney recently received the coveted United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) Scholarship.

Hackney received the RGi Scholarship for Geospatial and Engineering for undergraduate students who are interested in both the engineering and geospatial disciplines and also demonstrate the financial need for scholarship.

This year showed the highest amount of scholarship money distributed for the 28 nationwide scholarship winners with more than $126,000 from the USGIF. The USGIF has been providing scholarships in this field since 2004 and chooses their winners each year based on superior academic achievement.

“I was very excited and honored to receive this scholarship from USGIF,” Hackney said.

Contributed photo

Margaret Hackney is a senior Intelligence Studies and Political Science major with a minor in Religious Studies.

USGIF stated that the organization is “dedicated to assist promising students studying (Geospatial Intelligence), geospatial sciences, and related

fields.” The foundation gives out scholarships each year at the high school, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.

USGIF encourages students who are interested in “using capabilities of geospatial science, data and technologies to address human security challenges” to apply for these scholarships worth thousands of dollars.

As an Intelligence Studies and Political Science major with a minor in Religious Studies, Hackney’s wide variety of skills made her a good fit to apply to the scholarship.

“Intelligence and Political Science go hand in hand, as my Political Science classes help me understand global systems to advise my intelligence analysis,” Hackney said.

After graduation, Hackney will go on to work full time with the United States Department of Defense.

“I am very excited to join the federal government and help support our country’s national security mission,” Hackney said.

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

Scranton natives Black Tie Stereo will be bringing their indie-pop style music to Walker Recital Hall.

The show begins at 9 p.m. on Nov. 17.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG Nov. 4: Criminal mischief in 3900 block of Lewis Avenue.

Nov. 5: Possession of controlled substance, McAuley Hall.

Nov. 6: Theft in Warde Hall.

Nov. 10: Disorderly conduct on Tullio Field.

FEATURES

PAGE 6

Ask Mia

SAGA speaker honors LGBTQ visionaries

By Marina Boyle

Anyone have a problem that they need help fixing?

Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com *******************

Dear Mia,

With Thanksgiving break coming up, I am worried about how Thanksgiving dinner is going to go over. My political views differ from those of a lot of my family members. How can I ensure our meal goes well with minimum hurt feelings?

Sincerely, Worried Wendy

Dear Worried Wendy, Unfortunately, this is something many families deal with this time of year. You want to be kind to your family members but also want your voice to be heard. It can be a hard balance.

I encourage you to try to steer the topics of conversation away from anything political. Maybe talk to your parents and siblings before to enlist their help in conversation steering.

When political talk does inevitably slip through your wall of distraction, be civil. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions, but remember that they are family and should be treated with respect.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Features editor

On Nov. 7, the Mercyhurst Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club (SAGA) held a celebratory club event to honor heroes of the LGBTQ movement from whom minorities have won their rights.

The evening consisted of a lecture by guest speaker Ted Hoover, who presented the talk “Still, They Resisted.”

Hoover is an LGBTQ advocate, author and public speaker who celebrates the unsung heroes of the LGTBQ movement who engaged in ordinary acts that advanced the cause of human rights.

Hoover’s message is that while we all know Ellen DeGeneres and Harvey Milk, we should also celebrate all the courageous everyday acts of little-known LGBTQ people.

Hoover began his talk by discussing the achievements of Marsha P. Johnson, a black transgender woman who fought for LGBTQ rights in the Stonewall

riots of 1969. Johnson is a more well-known LGBTQ activist for her role in the gay liberation movement and the mystery that surrounds her suspicious death.

Hoover also discussed the achievements of Barbara Gittings, who he referred to as “the grandma of the LGBT movement.” Gittings tackled the psychiatric side of homophobia to fight for the APA’s removal of homosexuality from its list of psychiatric disorders in 1973. She also fought for lesbian civil rights and to make public spaces safe for minorities.

As well as these major figures who played roles that history has deemed significant, Hoover tried to emphasize those who are lesser known.

For example, Aaron Fricke was the first person to bring another male date to prom after winning a landmark court case in Rhode Island in 1980. His plea led the court to rule that existing free speech doctrine protected gay and lesbian students’ rights to attend

prom with same-sex dates.

Later came Jeanne Manford, an American schoolteacher whose son was a gay activist. She co-founded the support group Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays as an advocacy organization. PFLAG is an organization that continues to this day for LGBTQ allies.

Hoover went on to discuss the small acts of bravery by countless others who have acted to advance the cause of human rights.

Many students were touched by the talk, which showed the effect of small actions with large consequences.

Sophomore Psychology major Sydney Zajac agreed that the talk was inspiring.

“I enjoyed the message of this talk a lot,” Zajac said. “It is interesting to see how such massive issues can pervade the LGBTQ community, and yet small actions which are truly brave do have an effect. These actions tend to have a ripple and because of that are worth it.”

Alumni Speaker Series welcomes graduates

By Marina Boyle

Features editor

The Alumni Speaker Series has continued this week with new speakers from various fields.

Mercyhurst welcomed two guests this week – one in person and one virtually over a webcall.

The successful graduates included Joel Montminy, a 1995 Business Management graduate, who lives in Los Angeles. Montminy spoke to students Nov. 13 over a projector, phoning in from his office in Los Angeles where he is CEO and president of CREO Montminy & Co.

Montminy discussed financial services and investment banking.

The focus of his company is boutique investment banking, which delivers custom tailored advisory services to the middle market. As well as being open to all students, this alumni speaker event was co-sponsored by the Laker Asset Management Club.

Montminy instructed students on the art of the deal, including an M&A tutorial for students to follow along with.

On Nov. 14, alum Sean Fedorko will speak on the relationships between different educational paths.

Fedorko is a 2011 graduate

who studied Political Science and Philosophy at Mercyhurst, but currently works in business and marketing. His talk will aim to help those who have varying interests, have come into college undeclared or those who are hoping for a career which spans various fields.

These speakers help draw this semester’s Speaker Series to a close, with one more speaker scheduled for before winter break.

As these talks grow in popularity, it is hoped that more students will provide suggestions for topics and career paths they would like to see covered.

Never raise your voice or insult them. These things will only lead to hurt feelings and an awkward dinner.

If all else fails, just drown them out with mashed potatoes. Lots and lots of mashed potatoes.

Sincerely,

Mia

Interested in writing for the Merciad?

Do you like the content you are seeing in the Merciad? Would you like to help us out with articles or photographs?

We are still looking for writers and photographers for this year’s Merciad!

Join us at our reporters’ meetings on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Hirt 305.

Pick your articles and get paid for what you write!

If you have any questions, contact us at editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

FEATURES

PAGE 7

Contributed photo

The Mercyhurst University football team volunteered at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a day of service event to thank veterans for their contributions to our country.

Veterans Week honors all those who have served

By Rebecca Dunphy

Staff writer

During the week of Nov. 7-10, Mercyhurst Lakers took time to honor, celebrate and remember those who serve as part of Mercyhurst’s annual Veterans Tribute.

According to an email sent out by President Michael T. Victor, this was the most expansive campus observance in recent history, with numerous ceremonies and events packed into each day of the week.

Beginning on Nov. 7, students were invited to join ROTC cadets at 7 a.m. in a three-quarter-mile cadence run around campus.

Beginning at Tullio Field, civilians ran in formation with the cadets, singing along to traditional cadences. A second event of this nature was held at the same time Nov. 9.

“As someone who has never really had that close of a connection with the military or Veterans Day, it was cool to meet and run with the ROTC cadets,” sophomore psychology major Allison Christopher, said.

“Everyone was super pumped about the run and very encouraging towards the nonROTC participants. I thought this was a really cool way to start the four-day veterans

tribute that Mercyhurst put on this year.”

Later Wednesday, a ceremony was hosted in honor of Mercyhurst’s recognition as a Purple Heart University by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Mercyhurst is one of only two Pennsylvania universities with such distinction, earning the title for its effort in serving veterans and honoring servicemen and women in the community.

Among those in attendance were 15 award recipients, numerous veterans, news networks and commander of Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Chapter 197 Erie, Bob Hill.

“It was a well-planned and heartwarming ceremony,” MSIII Joshua Slawatycki said.

“The thing I enjoyed most about the ceremony was listening to the veterans’ stories about the things they went through and had done. It was an eye-opening experience hearing some of that stuff.”

On Nov. 8, the school hosted a Celebration of Valor, recognizing the sacrifices of veterans, Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.

The event included live music and a speech by Retired Brig. Gen. Pat Genung.

Grotto Commons also got in the spirit of Veterans Week with a mess hall theme dinner on Nov. 9, featuring “Chow Hall,

Mess Deck & Canteen Foods.” This included canned corn and spinach, ground beef, fried chicken and spiced ham. The staff wore veteran themed clothing with either camo patterns or red, white and blue.

“The food was pretty similar to what I ate at the d-fac at Fort Knox this summer,” MSIII cadet Shawn Titus said. “Normally, it’s canned food that’s easy to store.”

The week concluded with a National Anthem Tribute on Nov. 10 at the Mercyhurst vs. Millersville football game. Though snow covered the ground, a small group of cadets still participated in a military tribute with a giant flag across the football field.

Outside of the daily events, a series of 13 bugle calls could be heard from “First Call — Start to Day” at 7 a.m. to “Last Call — Taps” at 10 p.m.

This was an idea that was implemented this year by President Victor.

“Bugle calls have been an important tradition to the U.S. Army since its inception, dating back to pre-Revolutionary War times,” Victor said. “By including this traditional ritual in our observance, we seek to remind everyone of the sacrifices our soldiers make every day and ask for blessings upon them.”

Titus further explained the tradition of bugle calls.

“If we’re in uniform we’re required to stop and face the flag and salute when we hear the bugle calls,” he said. “It’s used as a sign of respect for the flag and for those who serve or have served our country.”

This tradition seemed to summarize the true intent of the Veterans Tribute: respect and remembrance.

“Veterans Week is important for Mercyhurst to recognize because there are millions of men and women who have willingly put their lives on the line for the safety and well-being of our country,” cadet Elizabeth Orlando said. “They deserve to be celebrated and shown respect for their bold and humble decision to be part of something much bigger than themselves.”

Slawatycki expanded on this.

“Personally, I believe it is important to host something like Veterans Week because I do not think veterans or service members receive the support or gratitude they deserve. Other celebrations have entire months dedicated to them, (while) veterans have one day,” he said. “Without the sacrifices made by the brave men and women from 1776 to the present, those other celebrations would not exist today.”

LAKER MOMENT Lakers are ready for CD 11

The CD leaders prepared for retreat on the beach before CD 11 kicks off this weekend

Carpe Diem retreat leaders had their final meeting before the CD retreat begins this weekend. The leaders have put together a weekend of activities for the 50 lucky students who will be taking the weekend to reflect and relax with their peers.

FEATURES

PAGE 8

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

NEW AT HURST Mercyhurst students discuss Erie County prison reforms

By Marina Boyle Features editor

Owen Roberts photo

Christopher Corpora, Ph.D., has a flag of the Byzantine empire, an influential period in the history of intelligence.

Professor brings intel experience

By Owen Roberts

Contributing writer

Anybody who has ever heard of Mercyhurst University has likely heard about the Intelligence program.

The success of the program is what drew one of our new professors, Christopher Corpora, Ph.D., to Mercyhurst University this fall.

Corpora spoke to the Merciad about his past employment in the intelligence community and his goals at Mercyhurst this year.

For Corpora, to be working at the institution that he has been hearing about all these years seems almost surreal.

Corpora is an intelligence and international security expert with more than 25 years of experience with multiple government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of State.

Corpora has been deployed more than 10 times to various conflict and post-conflict regions.

To be working in academia now and to be at Mercyhurst of all places is something that he describes as “a dream come true.”

His goal for the program is to prepare students for the real world.

For Corpora, his most notable job opportunity was when he was sent to the Maldives, a group of islands south of Sri Lanka, to study the behavior of its citizens and find out why so many of them are influenced by Islamic terrorist beliefs. His work in the Maldives went on to influence United States resource allocation there.

In a day and age where television and gaming are popular for children and adults alike, Corpora stresses the importance of reading recreationally as well as getting out into the world.

He believes that reading is one of the best things to do outside of the classroom that will help students become better learners and analysts.

A fun fact about Corpora is that he is always in the middle of multiple books. For him, the most important genres to read for self-improvement are fiction, philosophy, psychology and theory.

Needless to say, students have so much to learn from Corpora. This semester he is teaching RIAP 177: Intro to Intelligence Studies and RIAP 288: Communicating Intelligence Analysis.

With his experience in the intelligence community, we hope that Dr. Corpora continues to share his wealth of knowledge with Mercyhurst students for years to come.

On Nov. 8, Mercyhurst University saw a Criminal Justice panel speak on the topic of rehabilitation of prisoners following their release from jail. The panel discussion was organized by the Student Alliance for Prison Reform as part of the Criminal Justice department.

The student leaders brought in three staff members from a local outreach center, Climate Changers Inc., which works with at-risk ex-convicts and those nearing the end of their time in prison.

Climate Changers assists those recently released from prison in Erie County to help them re-establish themselves in the community and readjust to daily life in a way that benefits the entire Erie community.

The program leader, Fred Williams, is a previously convicted felon who served 18 years and two months in prison in the Erie area.

He now dedicates his life to solving the critical issues facing ex-offenders when they are released from incarceration.

He brought with him to Mercyhurst his program administrator, Sarah Jones, and Climate Changers intern Eva Soloman, who is a Mercyhurst alum.

Climate Changers partners with Lexington law firm and has been a part of the Erie County prison program for the past four years.

The group works with men, women and juveniles for as long as they need assistance or as long as they take to complete the Climate Changers three-phase program.

The program is guided by mandates for parole. It doesn’t matter if a program participant is from Erie or not, as the single requirement is that you want to change your life.

Williams discussed with students burning issues in the criminal justice system, such as the privatization of prisons.

Williams felt that this makes modern-day prisons work farms where offenders are paid far less than minimum wage for forced labor.

He also noted that the skills learned from this type of work are often not applicable to the real world after jail, and leave prisoners as bait for jobs that are under the table and can land them in prison once again.

However, even beyond the search for employment, Williams commented on how the greatest issue faced by those released from prison is the difficulty in adjustment to freedom.

“

I think this panel was beneficial to our club members because they see on a very real level the absolute need for reforms within the prison system and how criminal justice policy impacts real people in our community.”

Allison Fratus

“The freedom that a person is given when they come out of prison is far too great for individual to handle,” Williams said.

“The only thing you have to be in prison is compliant. They don’t let you think. They tell you when you can eat, when you can sleep, when you can go to church, if you can go to church and what you can wear, or listen to or watch. Then after two, four, 10, 15, however many years, they hand you your personal effects and your brain and they tell you ‘think.’ That doesn’t work.”

Williams’ program is faith based, and its co-founder is local bishop Curtis L. Jones.

Although it has a faith aspect, assistance from Climate Changers is available to anyone regardless of religion.

Of the 126 men the program has worked with, only seven have gone back to jail. This shows astounding success due to the fact that the average return to prison after incarceration rate is 67 percent.

The center also has similar statistics in their work with women. Program administrator Jones works exclusively with the women of the program on Friday evenings and runs events for both genders throughout the week.

When asked by students what obstacles newly released prisoners face, both Jones and Williams discussed the views of society and need for support in Erie.

“The most difficult thing is society – there are so many stigmas attached to someone coming from prison. Society is tough.

You’re only as good as your last fight,” Williams said.

Climate Changers Inc. is looking to expand their program every

day in line with demand in Erie.

Jones commented on how the program has changed the face of Erie.

“We give you the tools and we leave the tools of the program open forever. As long as you’re alive, you can come back to the program,” Jones said.

“Even outside of the numbers, we have multiple guards pull us aside and thank us for what we’re doing. Guards have noticed the change between those who are in our system and those who are not, and for me that’s success in itself.”

The Climate Changers program is designed to be administered in prisons in the weeks leading up to a person’s release, and afterwards from a closed school, because almost every city has a closed down or unused school which has a suitable layout.

Climate Changers can also provide clothing, accommodation and other aid to those they work with.

The three phases of the Climate Changers program concentrate on positive reinforcement, suitable work, housing and a strong and stable support system.

Williams concluded the talk by saying that if you are in criminal justice, you should not be fighting crime, but fighting a mentality in itself.

His advice to students was to be effective in the criminal justice system by having a heart for people and a strong sense of justice within.

Senior Criminal Justice major Allison Fratus, who is president of the Student Alliance for Prison Reform, was excited to bring this panel to Mercyhurst.

“We really try to connect with Climate Changers whenever possible because their program matches up perfectly with the mission of our club. We try to connect students with the criminal justice community and advocate for justice reforms,” Fratus said.

“I think this panel was beneficial to our club members because they see on a very real level the absolute need for reforms within the prison system and how criminal justice policy impacts real people in our community,” Fratus said.

“In addition to this, Fred Williams is really just a great speaker and students love listening to him talk about his life experiences and his program.”

Climate Changers Inc. is located in Erie on East 11th Street. The group encourages any Mercyhurst students to call into the center and ask about internships and service opportunities.

FOLLOW THE MERCIAD ON FACEBOOK, I N S TAG R A M & T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

FEATURES

PAGE 9

Jillian Marcellin photo

Some of the international students who walked the catwalk on Nov. 10 to display their unique clothing and style from their home countries. The fashion show featured students from five continents and eleven countries.

International fashion show displays diversity on campus

By Jillian Marcellin

Staff writer

The International Fashion Show is a new event that was held

by MAC/SAC programmers this past weekend.

The Multicultural Activities Council and our international student population teamed up to create a celebration of the different cultures on our campus, by celebrating the beauty and style of international fashion.

The event hosted upwards of 15 of our international students to represent their diverse cultures.

Each student was able to choose their traditional dress, jewelry and/or body art to wear down the catwalk.

This show presented the opportunity for these students to represent their cultures to their peers.

Ibukunoluwa Olaoye, a senior Forensic Biology major, was one of the head programmers on the event.

“This is an opportunity for students that are part of the minority in the Mercyhurst community to showcase aspects of their multicultural lives. We are not only giving them the platform to share their traditional clothing not ‘suitable’ to life here in Erie, but also the music and dance aspects of their culture,” Olaoye said.

As well as clothing, the intermission of the show featured a performance of international music from the Music department and dancing from Bhutanese Mercyhurst students. Fashion Merchandising major Yosel Nadik

and Communication major Tashi Choden performed the energetic dance before the second half of the show.

Angela Phillips, associate director of International Student Services, was very excited for this event.

“Seeing traditional dress from different cultures can remind us that our international peers come from cultures with long, rich histories that should be respected and celebrated,” Phillips said.

“This was a truly fabulous event for the community.”

The students who took part in the show walked the catwalk in their colorful and striking clothing.

Political Science majors Ruairidh Fraser and Jieny Dour represented Scotland and South Sudan, respectively, in a traditional kilt and printed dress.

Olaoye also had the opportunity to walk in the show herself in clothing from her home country of Nigeria.

Other countries represented included Bhutan, Nepal, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Ireland.

Each student who walked provided a fun fact about themselves and their country. For example, Michael Nunez, senior Communication major from the Dominican Republic, told the audience about his fashion line, Emdee Clothing, while Fraser told the crowd that he has seen the Loch Ness monster twice.

Justin Rupple, nationally renowned comedian, emceed the show.

Rupple read the biographies

of each student modeling in the show as well as providing comedy in between sets.

Rupple’s announcing and comedic skills brought laughs and enjoyment to the audience, particularly his impression of former President Barack Obama.

Rupple also fashioned jokes about the Pennsylvania weather, Pittsburgh accents and a skit about how people look when they are driving alone.

Junior Hospitality Management major Rachel Vidil explained what she liked about the comedy and show.

“I related to his jokes and I think he made the performance better with his driving skills,” Vidil said.

Throughout his performance there was not a quiet moment.

The room filled with laughter and smiles at his jokes and impressions.

Students also really enjoyed the colorful outfits and opportunities to take photos with the models after the show.

Sophomore Biology major Amanda Brodie was one of the audience members who enjoyed the show.

“I truly enjoyed the experience because of the beauty of the outfits and the happiness of those who took part,” Brodie said. “I hope that this event will grow in the future so that more students can take part and be represented.”

Overall, the event proved to be a new example of how we can showcase diversity on the Mercyhurst campus as a parade of the international beauty that students have to offer.

Contributed photo

International students Ruairidh Fraser and Megan Quinones showcase clothing from Scotland and Mexico.

Contributed photo

Event programmer Ibukunoluwa Olaoye models clothing from her native Nigeria.

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

‘Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come’ to this

By Jenny Sabliov

Staff writer

A theatrical piece, commissioned from award-winning playwright Mary Barile, will make its international debut at Mercyhurst University this week.

Playwright Barile adapted M.R. James’ story “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad” into a stageplay that will be performed by the Mercyhurst Theatre program.

During the time director Brett Johnson, Ph.D., spent at the University of Missouri, he and Barile collaborated on multiple projects, so Johnson asked Barile to write a piece for the Mercyhurst Theatre program.

This is not the first time the Mercyhurst Theatre department has collaborated with Barile; the department put on a production of the stageplay “Anne of Green Gables” by Barile earlier this year.

Barile is the one who suggested adapting the short story, “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad,” by M. R. James, for the stage.

Johnson approached alumna Bethany Sulecki (’15) to direct the play.

Grateful for the opportunity to direct, Sulecki approached the play by aiming to do the playwright justice.

Contributed photo

The cast and crew of “O, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad,” includes, front row, from left, Jillian Johannes (Arlene), Monica Tinsley (Sarah Jane Parkins), Jenna Rosciszewski (Second Maid) and Ella Santillano (Ghost); and back row, from left, Gabe Grey (Andrew Wilson), Elizabeth Shewan (Mrs. Anstruther), Owen Hitt (David Parkins), Darby Shafron and Tessa Sayre (assistant stage managers).

She hopes to bring the characters and atmosphere of the ghost story to life.

“I love the way the story unfolds. It’s quiet and unsettling.

You never quite know what will happen next,” Sulecki said.

Sulecki likes how the playwright expertly balances suspense with the humor that characterizes

James’ original work.

Barile has said, “Ghost stories tell us so much about ourselves: who we are, what we value, who we love. And then there are sto-

ries that exist only to unsettle, the old fears of shadows and something that lies in wait.”

“M.R. James was a master of those tales, and ‘Oh, Whistle’ reminds you that the dark is never cozy. Or safe,” Barile said.

The original work takes place in the coastal town of “Burnstow,” which is a fictionalized version of Felixstowe, Suffolk.

Barile’s adaptation, however, takes place here in Erie, Pennsylvania, where a college professor, his sister and a friend discover a whistle on the shore of Lake Erie.

Once they blow the whistle, they summon an unknown entity.

To discover what the entity is, go see the performance.

Performances will take place Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and 11:55 p.m., Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre.

General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and students and $5 for youth and Mercyhurst students with their ID. The tickets for the special midnight showing on Nov. 16 are half price.

Doors will open 30 minutes before the show begins.

Tickets can be purchased or reserved in advance or purchased an hour before each showing.

Don’t miss MET Opera We hope you ‘wind simulcast of ‘Marnie’ up’ at this concert

By Erin Almeter Staff writer

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture is once again bringing the Metropolitan Opera to Mercyhurst’s Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

This piece premiered at the MET in October.

On Nov. 17 at 12:55 p.m., this simulcast of “Marnie” will take place in the PAC. Originally a novel by Winston Graham that takes place in the 1950s, “Marnie” is about a young woman who mysteriously assumes multiple identities.

It eventually inspired a film by Alfred Hitchcock.

The composer of this riveting opera is Nico Muhly. The director, Michael Mayer, creates a fast-paced cinematic story based around this young woman.

Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard sings the lead as Marnie.

Baritone Christopher Maltman performs as Marnie’s male pursuer.

Robert Spano conducts.

The opera is often sung in English, but the Met has provided German, Spanish and Italian subtitles in the past.

Act 1 introduces Marnie at her clerk job in the accounting office of Crombie & Strutt.

This is where she meets a cli-

ent, Mark Rutland, who is immediately attracted to Marnie.

Marnie steals from her job, escapes, gives the money to her mother for a new house and moves onto the next town.

The character Mr. Strutt discover Marnie’s thefts and vows to see her come to justice.

In the next town, Marnie applies for a job and discovers that her interviewer is none other than Mark.

He does not appear to recognize her and gives her the job.

While it appears at first that Marnie may join in a relationship with Mark’s brother, Terry, Mark and Marnie connect over lost loved ones.

However, when Mark tries to kiss Marnie, she flees.

She tries to steal from the new company, but Mark catches her and says he will turn her in unless she marries him, which she does.

On their honeymoon, he explains that he did recognize her all along as a thief.

At the end of Act 1, Mark attempts to sexually assault her and she tries to commit suicide.

The beginning of Act 2 shows Marnie dealing with the aftermath of her suicide attempt.

Several people recognize her as the thief and threaten to expose her.

Just as Mark and Marnie are

easing the original tension between them, Marnie decides she has to leave to avoid her feelings for Mark.

She breaks into the office once again to try to steal money but is again unable to take it.

Marnie discovers that her mother has passed and Mark goes to the cemetery with both his brother and the police.

Although Mark hopes he can reconcile with Marnie, she turns herself in to the police.

Opera-goers should pay attention to what the orchestra is doing in crucial moments.

The orchestra signals what is really happening despite what the characters on stage may be expressing.

The music in this opera helps to maintain the mystery throughout the series of scores. It helps create the feeling of emotions rather than dramatizing what is going on in the scenes.

For anyone looking to experience something new, this opera is for you.

Filled with good music and just the right amount of mysterious drama, “Marnie” is sure to be an adventure.

As with all MET simulcasts, tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $12 for students and youth; Mercyhurst students with their IDs are free.

By Ashley Viszneki

Staff writer

Get into the holiday mood early with the Mercyhurst Wind Ensemble.

The Wind Ensemble, directed by Scott Meier, PhD., will be playing a selection of Christmas songs.

These pieces include: “Bring a Torch” arranged by David Shipps, “Greensleeves” arranged

by Alfred Reed, “An American Christmas” arranged by Robert W Smith, “Stille Nacht” arranged

by Chip Davis, “Sleigh Ride” arranged by Leroy Anderson, “A Christmas Festival” arranged by Leroy Anderson, “Emmanuel Variants” arranged by Robert E Foster, “Auld Lang Syne” arranged by Chip Davis and “Carol of the Bells” arranged by Sean O’Loughlin, M. Leontovich and D. Wilhousky.

“Stille Nacht” and “Auld Lang Syne” feature vocals.

The arrangements are sure to

make you want to decorate the Christmas tree.

Participating students are excited to perform. Emily Zbrzezny (junior, Music Education, clarinet) said her favorite piece is “Emmanuel Variants” because it features a classic Christmas piece but gives it a very modern feel.

She also said that the piece sounds very lively and that it is fun to play.

Lauren Tucci (junior, Music Education, percussion) said her favorite piece in this concert is also the “Emmanuel Variants” because she enjoys “how they took a well-known traditional Christmas melody and made it sound epic.”

The concert will be Nov. 18 at 4p.m.

It will be held in the D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

Admission is $5, or $2 for Mercyhurst faculty, students and children younger than 12.

This concert promises to be a great way to kick off the holiday season.

Like the arts? How about writing?

Maybe you should write for the A&E section! Join us at our reporters’ meetings Mondays at 7 p.m. in Hirt 305, or email artsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 11

DANCE REVIEW

Dancers showed off their styles

By Lauren Abbott

Editor in chief

The Mercyhurst Dance department dazzled with its fall production “Symphony in Motion.”

The performances were held Nov. 9-11 in the Mary D’ Angelo Performing Arts Center.

The show featured multiple styles of dance, including ballet, contemporary and musical theater.

Dancers were able to smoothly transition between these varying styles throughout the show.

The show started off with a ballet piece choreographed by Michael Gleason to Felix Mendelsohn’s “Italian Symphony.”

This piece was one of my personal favorites of the show.

The tutus the dancers wore

were absolutely stunning, and I loved the contrast of the light blue tutus of the corp dancers versus the dark blue principal dancer costumes.

The entire piece had a light tone to it and it was interesting to see the dancers weave on and off the stage throughout the piece.

I particularly liked the fact that there were three different principal dancer pairs in the piece, and the fact that each couple had a slightly different movement style.

It really made the piece unique.

The transition between principal partners was very smooth and it gave the piece an added effect as it took me a moment to realize that it was not the same two dancers performing.

All three pairs rejoining at the

end was a great way to conclude the piece.

The second piece performed was called “Aftermath” and was choreographed by guest choreographer Catherine Merideth.

Whereas the first piece was light and airy, this piece had an entirely different tone about it.

Choreographed to represent the #MeToo movement, this piece was visually striking.

The dancers were in long, dark costumes in low lighting and used a mix of both flowy and jerking movement.

This contrast really drew in the audience and made the meaning of the piece more evident.

After intermission, the third piece of the show was called “Influence” and was choreographed

by Maria Caruso, artistic director of Pittsburgh’s Bodiography.

To me, this piece was the most striking of the performance.

The choreography was fairly simple in technical terms, but the sharp execution of the movement was incredibly eye catching.

As the piece progressed more dancers entered the stage, and it was mesmerizing to watch as they each performed similar movements at different moments to give the piece a nice flow.

To top it off, the gold longsleeve leotards were simple, yet added an extra layer to the entire piece that brought it all together.

The final piece of the show featured choreography by Mercyhurst’s own Mark Santillano, assistant professor of Dance.

The piece, entitled “On Broadway” featured short dances from well-known Broadway shows such as “The Lion King,” “The Tap Dance Kid” and “Grease.”

These pieces were all fun, upbeat dances that really engaged the audience.

Throughout the dances you could feel the dancers’ energy from the stage and how happy they were while dancing.

Children in the audience were particularly entranced with this last piece and its upbeat musical theater style.

The pieces were also very humorous and were a great way to end the performance.

If you ever get the chance, be sure to go and see a Mercyhurst Dance show as it is truly worth it.

Make a ‘saxophone’ Classic ‘Cat’ finds another call in the WRH NTL REVIEW

By Jenny Sabliov

Staff writer

On Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall, Allen Zurcher, D.A., will conclude the faculty recital series for the fall semester.

With more than 35 years of experience as a professional musician, composer, arranger and educator, Zurcher is sure to present a program to enthrall the audience.

In addition to teaching Jazz History at Mercyhurst University, Zurcher is also a part of the Presque Isle Saxophone Quartet and the Erie Philharmonic.

The Presque Isle Saxophone Quartet consists of Bethany Dressler, Scott Meier, Ph.D., Rebecca Wunch and Zurcher.

A performance by the quartet will take place during the recital as well.

In addition, Zurcher will perform a few French classical pieces for saxophone and piano with accompanist Beth Etter, D.M.A. Etter and Zurcher have known each other for several decades.

They were both a part of a music festival at Allegheny College at least 30 years ago and have not performed since together a recital at Edinboro last season.

These pieces include “Pre-

lude, Cadence et Finale for Alto Saxophone and Piano” by Alfred Desenclos and Concerto in E-flat Major, Op. 109 for Alto Saxophone and Piano by Alexander Glazunov and Marcel Petiot.

They will also perform Etudes 1, 2, 9 and 10 for Alto Saxophone by Charles Koechlin.

“The pieces are incredibly complex, beautiful and harmonically and amazingly complicated as they modulate right and left,” Etter said.

“Allen is known by everyone to always pick the most difficult pieces and has an extremely high level of demand on himself for his performances which makes it a pleasure to play with him because the piano part is extremely difficult.”

The duo worked on the repertoire for the recital for over a month and took time and patience to understand whether the notes played are correct.

“Over time, the music has grown on me,” Etter said.

“It is so beautifully written for the saxophone. The works show the range of the instrument and are written in such a way that emphasize the instrument and are tonally amazing,” Etter said.

The recital is free and open to the public.

Contributed photo

Allen Zurcher will perform a concert of saxophone music.

life in stage performance

By Anthony Miller

Opinion editor

The National Theater Live production of Tennessee Williams’ 1955 classic, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” was mostly a success.

The play focuses on two characters named Brick and Maggie.

They’re stuck in a loveless marriage in the 1950s Deep South.

They live on a massive plantation owned by the family patriarch, Big Daddy.

As is revealed very early on in the play, Big Daddy has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He doesn’t know that he is dying yet, as the doctors told him that he was just suffering from a spastic colon as a way to ease him into it.

Aside from his wife, however, everybody knows the truth. On his 65th birthday, the whole family has gathered on the plantation, and with this knowledge in mind, everybody is itching to convince Big Daddy to leave the estate to them.

Most of the plays scenes focus on the interactions between the cast, as they scheme with one another, argue with one another and try to navigate this incredibly difficult situation that they have been thrust into.

As a result, all of the characters of the play are incredibly well-developed and interesting. Brick, who acts as the story’s central character, is one of the most complex figures in American theater.

He starts the play as a distant, uncaring and unsympathetic husband.

However, as the play rolls on and the reasons why he’s so miserable become apparent, one can’t help but feel sorry for him.

The same goes for Maggie.

She’s a character who is incredibly unpredictable, erratic and hateful,

yet also sympathetic and likable.

It’s hard to write a character whose introduction involves her calling a bunch of children “noneck monsters” and still have her come across as sympathetic in the end, but Williams pulls it off.

Even characters who don’t have many speaking lines, such as the conniving Gooper, get a surprising amount of depth with the amount of lines they are given.

Williams manages to make everybody in the play feel like a real person, even if the character in question only gets a few lines of meaningful dialogue.

While it was also like this in the original screenplay, it is really brought to life by the actors in this production.

Jack O’Connell gives a showstopping performance as Brick, swinging from dejected depression one minute to frothing rage the next, all without it feeling out of place.

Sienna Miller’s performance as Maggie is also killer. But who really surprised me was Colm Meaney as Big Daddy.

Big Daddy is possibly the most complicated character in the work.

Even after reading the play multiple times, and now having seen the play live, I still don’t know what to think about him.

He’s a character who can be wrathful and controlling one minute, only to be caring and tender in the next.

Every character in the work has a different opinion of him. Some see him as just the means to an end, while others see him as a great man being brought low by cancer.

The actor has to be able to accommodate these thoughts through his performance.

It is difficult to present a character like this, but Meaney manag-

es to do so incredibly well.

The acting was solid across the board, except for one scene toward the end of the play.

In this scene at the climax of the play, a certain character is supposed to be yelling in horrible emotional and physical pain.

However, the delivery of the yell left much to be desired.

It sounded less like someone in horrible pain, and more like an actor giving a less-than-stellar impression of someone being in horrible pain.

It sounded, for a lack of a better term, fake.

This might seem small, but this cry is one of the big emotional cornerstones of the play.

It’s a yell that acts, in some ways, as the emotional climax of the story. It’s the equivalent to the “All are punished” line in Romeo and Juliet.

The tragedy and horror of the work summed up in one animalistic cry.

It’s a horrific and tragic moment, but it is sadly undercut in this production by the lackluster delivery of the yell.

It completely took me out of the experience in a time where I should have been entirely invested.

Besides this aberration, the direction was solid.

I can’t say much on this part due to spoilers, but one thing I will say is that I love how the set got continually desecrated as the play went on.

It was as if the disintegration of the room was reflecting the ways the characters were feeling as the play progressed, and I thought that it was just an incredible touch.

In all, while it has a few issues, the National Theater Live production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was a success.

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD Thanksgiving Break starts a week from now!

BAD There was a power outage for the entirety of Monday!

INTERESTING Last Monday, we also had a short power outage. A coincidence?

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Why do we skip Thanksgiving?

One does not leave a Thanksgiving dinner with just a

By Erin full, satisfied stomach, but also a Almeter content heart.

Staff writer Also, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and the National Dog Each year, we see Christmas Show! Who would want to skip decorations go up almost over that? immediately after Halloween There is nothing like that at passes.

Christmas time.

This goes double for stores, as How about Friendsgiving?

Christmas becomes the priority.

Even though Thanksgiving is Meanwhile, fall gets put on the generally celebrated with family, backburner. you can easily spend it with your I am here to say that that has to closest friends as well. change.

From this and the regular Why on earth do we have to Thanksgiving, there will be always skip right over pretty absolutely delicious leftovers for much the whole month of days.

November?

No one can deny that a leftover There is a whole holiday turkey sandwich or turkey soup between Halloween and is delectable, even if they are just Christmas that gets completely leftovers. skipped over.

In addition, I often prefer the Thanksgiving does not deserve Advent approach to celebrating that. It deserves its own time to Christmas. shine.

It marks one month of Thanksgiving is a fantastic preparation for Christmas and holiday filled with family and the birth of Jesus. good food.

It creates a spirit of It gives us all a chance to relax anticipation, of something to from the busyness our lives. look forward to.

We gather around a table to This season of Advent starts recognize all the blessings and after Thanksgiving. joys in our lives.

Thanksgiving causes a totally And every family has their natural flow into the Christmas own wonderful Thanksgiving season. traditions.

The season of thankfulness

sets the tone for the season of giving at Christmas time.

Don’t get me wrong and read this as some savage indictment of Christmas.

I love Christmas as well, but I believe that each holiday should have adequate time to be celebrated.

At the moment, I feel that we often conflate the two holidays.

Or, even worse, we just overlook Thanksgiving as a whole.

I can understand why some would want to do this.

Christmas, like Thanksgiving, is a time to spend with family and be surrounded with joy.

However, isn’t it better to be able to celebrate two holidays separate, instead of combining them into one?

The way I see it, Halloween has October, Thanksgiving has November, and Christmas and New Year’s have December.

We wouldn’t combine these holidays together.

That’s my opinion, and I know it is not going to change what other people do.

I know that I am going to wait until after Thanksgiving day to start up all the Christmas celebrations.

I encourage others reading this to do the same.

The Merciad Why I love Erie’s snow Editors Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Kristian Biega Marina Boyle Bernard Garwig Lauren Ganger Anthony Miller Maria Williams Megan Stubbs Kristin Bowers

Positions Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Opinion Editor Copy Editor Ad Manager Adviser

@mercyhurst.edu editormerciad editormerciad newsmerciad featuremerciad sportsmerciad entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad copymerciad admerciad kbowers

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110. Our phone number is (814) 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

be, I thought to myself.

The snow was probably 5 feet high!

Cohen I remember my face being Contributing writer extremely cold when I was outside.

The amount of snowfall that I remember that an older local Erie gets is something of a told my parents that he had lived legend. in the city of Erie for decades, I grew up in Washington, D.C., and even he had never seen this which gets at least some snow much snow. each winter.

Despite what you may assume We only ever got hit with a few at first, I loved the snow! large snowfalls.

My family did not enjoy Washington, D.C., gets snow, the snowfall as much as I did, but compared with Erie? unfortunately.

The snowfall in Erie is The snow was not one of my undoubtedly heavier. reasons for enrolling, but coming Washington, D.C., experiences in I knew that the winters at many winter days with no snow, Mercyhurst would be cold, but but Erie sees snow virtually every also awesome. day during the winter.

Since that time in my life, I Erie gets what I call real have experienced three more winters each year. winters in Erie.

The first time that I got a taste They have had their shares of of Erie’s snow was in February beautiful snowfalls.

2015.

One thing I enjoy about the I was visiting the campus for a snow in Erie is how it opens up second time, even though heavy all sorts of avenue for play. snow was on the forecast.

For example, I love building How much could there actually snowmen.

By Paul

I have built countless snowmen during my time here in Erie, one of which I remember having antlers.

I also enjoy jumping into the snow and thrashing around in it as a way to express my excitement.

Making snow angels is another activity I enjoy.

The lights, the flurries, the color of the sky and the snow make the campus beautiful on such nights.

These winters have been nothing compared with what I saw in 2015.

But despite that, they are still a magnificent phenomena that define Erie.

I missed the Christmas blizzard in 2017, unfortunately, but I just know that seeing it would have been incredible.

I am looking forward to more snow days this winter, even if I need to cover my entire body with a million layers.

It is definitely worth it. Maybe this winter will break last winter’s record!

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

OPINION

Why this midterm election season was so important

By Jessica Belousov Staff writer

Election season has finally come to an end, and what a unique election season it was.

For the past month, it seems as if voting for the midterm elections has been on everyone’s minds.

Activists, celebrities, politicians, academics and regular citizens motivated one another to get out and vote.

Former President Barack Obama himself even came out of his political retirement to urge Americans to get out and vote.

It was stressed repeatedly by everybody involved that this election was one of the most important in this decade, if not century.

Why did everyone, even people who don’t normally vote, insist that it was so important?

Well, Democrats were hoping to reduce the Republican control in the House and Senate.

They wanted to do this by taking back either the House of Representatives or the Senate from the Republicans.

They hoped to do this in order to, among other things, push back against some of President Donald Trump’s controversial policies.

Republicans, on the other hand, were hoping to keep the control of the House and Senate that they had solidified back in the 2016 election.

Now Election Day has finally passed, and we’re in the aftermath.

One might discuss the political outcomes, such as Democrats gaining control of the House and Republicans retaining control of the Senate.

But what about the social outcomes?

And what do those outcomes mean for America?

Many people today discuss America’s political climate in terms of it being divided and aggressive.

However, it seemed as if the entire country could agree on at least one idea: People need to vote.

I believe, for the first time in Trump’s presidency, America was actually completely united on an issue.

Republicans, Democrats, independents and other political parties agreed that people needed to vote.

And people voting in droves is what happened.

America finally showed up to vote.

Everybody was able to unite under the idea that everyone should exercise their right to vote.

That is quite impressive for a

country that seems to be divided and constantly at war with one another’s ideals.

Beyond just the unification of the country on the issue of voting, the midterm election also had several other net positive effects.

More women and people of color were voted into a political office than in any other election in American history.

Also for the first time in history, an openly gay governor was elected.

These are major milestones that are certainly cause for celebration.

Although some still worry over the conditions of politics and the president’s tactics, America is still making progress in these divisive times.

This midterm election has proved that America will not simply collapse.

Nor will the United States of America tear itself apart from the inside out.

It proved that we, the people, can still unite over something that is deeply important to every single one of us.

Unification, even in the lowest form of the word, is incredibly vital for the United States of America going forward.

Because it is only when we reach that crucial state of unification that we will finally see truly beneficial change begins to occur.

PAGE 13

HURST STUDENTS

SPEAK UP We asked: What are you anticipating about Thanksgiving Break?

Nick Woll, junior Psychology and Religious Studies major: “I’m excited to see my family and eat a lot of turkey.”

Alli Hartmann, freshman Intelligence Studies major: “I’m looking forward to hanging with family and eating homecooked food.”

Collin Davis, sophomore Hospitality Management major: “I’m looking forward to seeing my family and being able to sleep in.”

Brianna Colburn, freshman Political Science major: “I am looking forward to sleeping in.”

Compiled by Erin Almeter

Holidays a time for traditions, togetherness As I have gotten older, the holidays have become less about receiving material things and Mazur more about giving back to others Staff writer and focusing on family, friends and good times.

It is finally the most wonderful Despite the fact that time of the whole year, the Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday season. holiday, it represents something According to the internet, very important. the holiday season is officially On top of that, I love the defined as “the period of time traditions my family has held for from Thanksgiving until New Thanksgiving.

Year, including such festivals Thanksgiving is an incredibly as Christmas, Hanukkah, and important holiday that should not Kwanzaa.” be skipped over.

However, I am sure that It reminds all of us to stop, many people, like me, include recognize what we have been Halloween in their own personal blessed with and give thanks for definitions as well. the important people in our lives.

Personally, I love the holiday Every Thanksgiving my season! dad, sister and I always make There always seems to be homemade stuffing together as a something magical about this family. time of year.

It is a family tradition that I It is a certain magic that look forward to each and every distinguishes this part of the year year. from the rest.

On Thanksgiving Day,

By Gillian

my whole family pitches in and cooks the big meal while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The instructions for this holiday are literally in the name, “Giving” and “Thanks.”

Give thanks to the Lord, the universe or whatever you believe in — just do not forget to count your blessings.

Christmas is and always has been my favorite holiday to celebrate.

My favorite part of this holiday is the ever-present Christmas spirit.

It brings a feeling of togetherness, warmth and love on what would otherwise be a cold and dark time, especially with all the snow.

For me, a big factor in producing the holiday spirit is Christmas music.

Whether it is the classics, new pop hits or songs that have played since childhood,

Christmas music never fails to bring in the holiday spirit!

Another timely tradition that comes along with this season are the holiday movies, television shows and commercials.

I know that Hallmark movies have the tendency to be incredibly cheesy.

And I also know that the classic Rankin/Bass stop motion movies are on each and every year.

Despite that, one has to be best buds with the Grinch if these do not bring the Christmas cheer.

They always put me in just the best holiday spirit.

I know that there are countless others who feel the same way.

One of the best parts of Christmas is partaking in all of the Christmas traditions both before and after Christmas day itself.

And in only two short and busy months, the New Year’s Eve ball will drop around the world.

New Year’s is often overlooked as a holiday, probably because it comes at the very end of the holiday season.

But I think that New Year’s is one of the most important holidays we have.

New Year’s is a great holiday because it symbolizes a rebirth in some sort of strange, metaphorical way.

New Year’s resolutions are made, the champagne is opened and the new year is welcomed with open arms.

It is a time for us to reflect and examine the year we just passed through, while also looking forward to what may lie ahead in the new year.

The holiday season may be busy, but it is a time to reflect, give thanks, give back and spend time with those you love.

It is a deeply important time of the year for me.

I hope that it’s just as important for you as well.

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Two ties for women’s hockey

By Marco Cicchino

Staff writer

Another first career goal from a Laker freshman turned out to be the equalizer on Nov. 10, with two more freshman assists and a sophomore goal in a quick rally leading to a 4-all draw with the 7th-ranked Cornell University Big Red at Mercyhurst Ice Center.

The following day, the two squads regrouped to play immaculate defense in another scoreless affair.

On Nov. 10, the scene was set after Laker Sarah McDonnell had been chased after three Big Red tallies in the first 12:44 of the second period.

After the visitors won four straight faceoffs after the 16:11 mark of the second period, the Lakers’ Alexa Vasko won the ensuing draw before redirecting a shot from teammates Morgan Stacey via Liliane Perreault with 2:49 remaining to cut the hosts’ deficit to two.

Then, after killing off a hooking call on Laker goalie Vilma Tanskanen at 6:17 of the third,

Perreault was at it again, this time combining with Molly Blasen to allow Sarah Hine to navigate her shot and catch Big Red goalie Lindsay Browning over her left shoulder.

Hine then won the next draw against the Big Red’s Maddie Mills and used assists from Lakers Mary Katherine Gialames and Summer-Rae Dobson to find the equalizer and her second tally in a span of only 1:11.

But this was only a prelude of what had yet to occur, as Hine and Kyra Thiessen allowed Gialames to fire her first career goal from the right point at 12:18, sending the Ice Center into a frenzy.

The Big Red (4-1-2) needed a scoreless first period with a twoshot deficit to regain their bearings.

The Big Red came out strong after intermission, with Paige Lewis and Lenka Serdar to find Pippy Gerace off a wide shot from the Lakers’ Vasko at 2:51.

Just three minutes later off a faceoff win by Hine, Cornell’s Grace Graham was booked for cross-checking, but a wide shot

by Laker Rachel Marmen handed Lewis her second assist in as many tallies.

Marmen found Mills with three seconds left on the penalty kill.

And just as the Lakers’ offense began to bloom, rattling off five shots after the tally in a 4:09 span, Laker Megan Korzack was booked for the second crosscheck of the period.

From here, Mills needed just 31 seconds to hold the nation’s 12thworst penalty kill to form and chase McDonnell after making just five saves in nearly 33 minutes.

However, Mills was a much more gracious benefactor of the Laker netminder.

“I just tried to shoot the puck whenever I got an opportunity,” Mills said of McDonnell. “She played a great game. I just got lucky.”

However, the Lakers’ Blasen was booked for a cross-check just 20 seconds after Gialames’ tally, allowing the Big Red’s Willow Slobodzian and Mills to find Serdar before she sent a hard-angle shot from the left of a return-

99-36 blowout for MU men’s hoops “

By Bernard Garwig

Sports editor

To open the 2018-19 season of Mercyhurst men’s basketball, the Lakers posted a 99-36 win over the State University of New York Fredonia Blue Devils.

The contest, held in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, saw the Lakers blow by their opponents in the first half 63-15, only to increase that lead in the second.

“I feel that we executed our offense really well and maintained defensive intensity throughout,” senior forward Patrick Smith said.

“I am very optimistic about this year’s team. We still have a long way to go, but I feel that everyone on the team is willing to put in the work.”

It would be almost five minutes into the game before the Lakers, who lead 13-0, allowed the Blue Devils to touch the scoreboard.

The Blue Devils, who primarily compete at a Division III level, struggled to keep up with the Lakers.

Entering the second half, the Lakers continued their onslaught, and finished the game up 59 points over the Blue Devils.

“There was a moment in the second half when we were up by a lot, but Jason Massey still stepped up and took a charge,” Smith said.

“Those type of plays really help our team get motivated, and that showed everyone that we aren’t

I am very optimistic about this year’s team.

We still have a long way to go, but I feel that everyone on the team is willing to put in the work.”

Patrick Smith, senior forward here to try and outscore everyone.

We want to stop teams defensively, and I think we did that.”

Massey led the Lakers in scoring with 17 points.

Trystan Pratapas (16) and Smith (13) rounded out the Lakers’ top individual scoring.

Twenty-seven of the Lakers’ points came off of turnovers, with 24 coming in the first half.

Surprisingly, fast breaks only accounted for four points, and for each team’s final score.

The Blue Devils also led 14-10 in second-chance points over the Lakers.

Scoring for the Lakers was well distributed, with the bench also contributing 46 points to the final 99 point tally.

Entering this year’s Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference

field, the Lakers found themselves polling in at fourth in the West division.

The Lakers also secured one first-place vote.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) led the vote, with eight first-place picks in their favor.

“IUP was the team to beat last year, so I imagine they will be pretty good this year as well,” Smith said.

Behind IUP and ahead of the Lakers were Slippery Rock (No. 2) and Gannon University, who placed third in the West Division poll.

Erie rival Gannon bested the Lakers in both contests last year, which includes the Porrecco Pride of Erie game.

The Lakers will next host Daemen College on Nov. 14 in the Athletic Center.

Daemen was ranked No. 22 nationally by the “Division II Bulletin” in the 2018-19 preseason.

“I think Daemen will be a good test for us,” Smith said. “It is definitely a winnable game, but it will not be easy.”

The first PSAC opponent of the season is a Dec. 1 game against East Stroudsburg University.

East Stroudsburg came in second place for the PSAC East division, and like the Lakers took the other first-place vote in their respective conference.

ing Kennedy Blair into the left side of the net.

Blair (0-3-1, 4.53) had been sidelined since Oct. 5, and made five saves on Saturday night.

But the Big Red’s Gillis Frechette was booked for hooking with 1:20 left in regulation, and Browning (0-0-1, 3.69) held her own, stopping Tanksanen at the end of regulation and making three saves in the latter moments of overtime.

This came amid a flurry from the entire Laker line — one each of which was blocked by Mills, Graham and Sam Burke — to finish off a 27-save performance, the second time in three seasons the Lakers allowed at least four goals while outshooting their opponent by at least 2:1.

In the second draw of the weekend, the Nov. 11 Veterans Day matinee, the Lakers again had opportunities in overtime, including a high-sticking major on Lewis 1:05 into overtime, but the Big Red’s Marlene Boissonault (41-1, 1.65) made four 30 saves in the extra session and 23 of her 30 saves after the second period to

preserve a scoreless draw.

Laker Emily Pinto was booked for a body check just 5:15 into the contest, but the Big Red only managed one shot on the ensuing power play.

Frechette was booked for a trip nine minutes into the second period after only 11 combined shots were recorded in the first, a figure the Lakers would equal by themselves in the second and the Big Red in the third, but Boissonault was remanded by a fully regrouped McDonnell (6-2-1, 2.07), who made 18 saves of her own and 11 in the third.

Serdar and Michele Robillard would draw offsetting interference penalties at 3:44 of the third, followed by a hooking minor on Frechette at 4:37, but Boissonault stopped all eight shots on the two penalty kills.

“We played hard this weekend against a very good team, and most importantly we didn’t quit, even if we were down by 3,” the Lakers’ Perreault said. “We kept working hard and came together as a team to get back in the game.”

HURST RESULTS

Nov. 10, men’s ice hockey vs.

St. Lawrence University: 4-1, Lakers (3-5-2) Nov. 11, wrestling at Ohio Intercollegiate Open: Placing in Gold Division: Soph. Alexis Soriano (fourth, 133) R-Sen. Kevin Kinyua (fourth, 157) R-Soph. Jacob Robb (sixth, 285) Placing in White Division: Soph. Jeffrey Thompson (first, 197) Fresh. Brenden Calvin (third, 197) Fresh. Mike Clark (fourth, 149) Soph. Jacob Ruggeri (sixth, 125) Nov. 11: Women’s basketball vs. West Liberty University: 74-86, West Liberty (Lakers are now 0-2)

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

SPORTS

PAGE 15

Frosty win for football

By Bernard Garwig

Sports editor

In a finale that few could have envisioned a mere week ago, the Mercyhurst Lakers football team finished the season with a win over the Millersville University Marauders in the midst of the year’s first major snowfall.

The contest, which was originally billed as Senior Day and the finale of the Veterans Tribute festivities, saw many of its original plannings canceled due to the chilling wind and the blanketing snow.

Occasionally, the game was stopped to allow for the grounds crew to shovel off the yard lines.

At one point, the press box humorously played the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” as the shovelers strutted from sideline to sideline.

Despite the oppressive weather a decent crowd of fans and parents toughed it out and supported the Lakers from the snow-covered stands.

The players certainly made the most of the game, and there were several touchdown or endzone plays that resulted in dives into the snow banks.

In the first half, the Lakers laid claim to sole possession of the scoreboard.

Quarterback Doug Altavilla connected with Clay Waldron for

Jill Marcellin photo

Tullio Field had to be shoveled before the start of the contest Nov. 10. Snow blanketed everything from the stands to the green itself, which had to be tended throughout the game to keep lines visible.

the first Laker score of the day, which topped off the first drive of the game.

After some back and forth, the Lakers forced a fourth down fumble on the Marauders, giving the Lakers field possession on the Marauders’ third yard line.

On the initial play of the drive, Altavilla took it into the endzone with a run.

Kicker Mark Shafer then completed the extra point kick for the Lakers to finish the quarter 14-0.

Despite their absence from the scoring in the first half, the Ma-

MU men’s water polo members recognized

By Sarah Klein Staff writer

Mercyhurst men’s water polo players Philip Jenny and Daniel Alvarez were named to the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) West Region Championship All-Tournament First-Team early this month.

The acknowledgments come after both players’ performances at the Collegiate Water Polo Association Western Championship tournament, which was held at the Prep Villa Event Center in Erie over the weekend of Nov 3-4.

During the tournament, Jenny scored five goals on 12 shots, tallied four assists, and had eight steals over the course of three games.

Alvarez scored two goals on 10 shots, tallied two assists and had five steals.

For both the Water Polo

All-Conference First Team and All-Conference Second Team, the top players are nominated by the seven head coaches from MAWPC-West universities.

Twelve field players, two goalies, a Most Valuable Player, a Rookie of the Year and a Coach of the Year were selected based on their performance throughout the 2018 season.

Jenny and Alvarez were joined by players from McKendree University, Gannon University and Salem University in being named to the First Team.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all, and I am very honored to be recognized in such a manner,” Jenny said, a senior Athletic Training major from Lawrenceville, Georgia. “I had such great support from my teammates this season, and I cannot be more thankful.”

Due to competition among water polo teams having increased over the past few years, Mercy-

hurst’s men’s water polo team did not make it as far in the season as Jenny would have hoped, but he has confidence in their success next year.

“The group underneath the seniors has a whole lot of potential and I hope they run with it. There should definitely be some more All Conference picks next year, and I can’t wait to see how they do,” Jenny said.

Jenny said he was “thankful for the opportunity to play four years here at Mercyhurst.”

“Coming here has brought more opportunities than I could have thought,” he said.

Alvarez is a senior from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Alvarez was named to the MAWPC All Conference team in 2017, and led the team in scoring for that season with 53 points.

The Lakers went 13-11 for the season and were 4-2 for the MAWPC.

Like sports? How about writing?

Maybe you should write for the Sports section! Join us at our reporters’ meetings Mondays at 7 p.m. in Hirt 305, or email sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

rauders did make a stand in the second half.

The Marauders were within 6 points of the Lakers after an Altavilla to Waldron touchdown, but the Lakers would pull away from this 20-16 lead with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

At the end of the day, the Lakers won 35-14 over the Marauders.

Tight end Bryce Mostoller (passed from Altavilla) and runningback Cortez Watson both had touchdowns.

Wide receiver Nick Altavilla had a two-point conversion score on Mostoller’s touchdown, passed from quarterback Altavilla.

Shafer, who missed an extra point for the Lakers in the third kicked it in after Watson’s touchdown.

“We fought through the adversity and the weather,” Laker Head Coach Marty Schaetzle said. “We had to answer the great effort that Millersville brought. They made some adjustments at half time, took us awhile to answer to that.

Offensively, we had some answers as well. Best thing was that the seniors ended with a victory.”

The Lakers end the season 5-6 and 3-4 in the PSAC, mirroring the results of the 2017 Lakers’ record.

“As a program, we were expecting more,” Schaetzle said. “But as the season progressed, I thought the second half of the season we played a little bit better, made improvements. The success we had late, three-game winning streak; it makes the returning players that much more hungry when looking forward to next year.”

LET’S GO,

LAKERS!

Nov. 16, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 7 p.m.: Men’s D2 ACHA hockey vs. Erie Community College Nov. 17, Mercyhurst Athletic Center @ 1 p.m.: Women’s basketball vs. Walsh University Nov. 17, Mercyhurst Athletic Center @ 3 p.m.: Men’s basketball vs. Roberts Wesleyan College Nov. 17, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 4 p.m.: Men’s D1 ACHA hockey vs.

University of Pittsburgh Nov. 17, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 6:45 p.m.: Women’s D2 ACHA hockey vs. California University of Pennsylvania

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle