September 28 Edition of The Merciad

:Features On Page 3:

Arts & Entertainment On Page 5:

Art comes together

Satterlee slated as

Homecoming

first guest in Roche

game recap

for Gallery Night in Erie

Sports On Page 7:

Visiting Artist Series

The MERCIAD

Read more inside & online

Mercyhurst university

Est. 1929 Vol. 90 No. 3

Wednesday, septeMber 28, 2016

‘Hurst is Home’ rings true for homecoming weekend

By Alexandria Albano Staff writer

During this past weekend, Mercyhurst celebrated Homecoming, brought together

by Mercyhurst Student Government, Student Activities Council and Multicultural Activities Council.

It started off with a bonfire on Friday evening. On Saturday, the tailgate began at 11:30 a.m., followed by the football game against Clarion University at 1 p.m., and lastly, the Fall Ball at 7 p.m.

Lots of blue and green could be seen among the crowds of people wearing school colors to show their Hurst spirit. This included alumni, students, faculty and families of Mercyhurst community members.

Chelsea Guida photo Shannon Holley, president of MSG and senior music The Mercyhurst University Marching Band boosted Laker spirit while performing during the Homecoming football game on Sept. 24. education major, spoke positively about Homecoming. hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie and the marching band were with the final score standing The boys always play a great “I think the spirit on burgers, chips, cookies and also big components during 35-34. game, win or lose, the fans campus is really high. Every- drinks. the football game in keeping Gianna Gallese, senior are amazing, seeing alumni one gets really excited for the “My favorite part of Home- the school spirit high. dancer and biology pre-PA back to where their friendfootball game. Everyone get- coming is the free food and The game started off on major, shared her experience ships started, there’s nothing ting together sets a good tone free stuff. It is also another a good note with the Lakers of Homecoming over her better,” said Gallese. on campus,” Holley said. opportunity to be with ahead of Clarion, 21-7, at past four years.

Alumni also enjoyed this At the tailgate, there were friends,” said Ashley Espi- halftime. During the second “My favorite part about weekend, which allows them many free items for stu- noza, sophomore forensic sci- half, Clarion dominated the dancing at Homecoming the to come back to their alma dents, including hats, cow- ence major. field for a comeback. The past four years is the chance mater and celebrate being a bells and food — one of the Mercyhurst football faced Lakers were just one point shy to be a part of something that part of Mercyhurst’s commumain attractions for students. Clarion University. The dance of overcoming the Golden brings the Mercyhurst com- nity.

Attendees had the choices of team, the cheerleading squad Eagles as the game ended, munity together in its entirety.

Lindsay Frank, director of

Alumni Engagement and a 2012 graduate, speaks very highly of Homecoming Weekend and its benefits.

“I can just say that Homecoming Weekend is one of my favorites all year. It’s a time when alumni come back to campus, and they really feel like they’re coming ‘home’ because that is what Mercyhurst is to so many alumni,” said Frank.

“Coming home means seeing your classmates, roommates and friends again, but also professors and staff. The whole weekend is all about being a Laker and celebrating that spirit. You better believe there will be a lot of green and blue.”

The Fall Ball took place at 7 p.m. in the Baldwin lot under a tent. It included food such as meatballs, chicken kabobs, various puddings, fruit cups and fruity drinks.

Along with the DJ playing music for the students to dance, students also had the opportunity to use a photo booth to take pictures with their friends. The atmosphere was very energetic throughout the night.

“With the dance being outside, it gave us more room.

The food was great,” said Jordan Pendel, junior anthropology/archaeology major, archaeology concentration.

Mercyhurst veteran named to state task force

By Melanie Todd Staff writer

Stacy Smith served in the Army, then found herself as a student at Mercyhurst.

Now she is the veterans service project manager for Mercyhurst University and will serve as chairman of the higher education committee for Lt. Gov. Mike Stack’s veterans task force.

“The task force was formed because currently in the state of Pennsylvania, we don’t have any entities that are bringing all the programs together,” Smith said.

The task force was formed this year and includes 21 representatives, three of which are from this area.

“It was not necessarily because of my position at

Merciad Index

the school but because of the people I know outside. I’m on a local committee as well which is very cool because I can bring it to the state,” Smith said.

Erie is viewed as progressive in terms of veteran affairs.

“We also have a lot of local organizations that are run by the older generation and they are a close knit group but they are willing to come up to us younger veterans and do programs with us younger veterans. I don’t think it’s necessarily like that in other areas,” Smith said.

The task force has three main focuses: higher education, employment and legal issues.

“There are so many organizations that want to hire vets but don’t know how to find the vets,” Smith said.

Chart Title

“

There are so many organizations that want to hire vets but don’t know how to find the vets.

”

— Stacy Smith

Melanie Todd photo

Stacy Smith, veterans service project manager at Mercyhurst, has been named to a 21-member state veterans task force.

Specialized job fairs and online resources could make

a huge difference in overcoming this obstacle.

In terms of legal issues, Smith said, “we are a little above the rest of the state because we have a specialized court system here in Erie.

“So if a veteran is having issues with drugs or alcohol, they can go through this court system and have more lenient punishment and more focus on treatment,” Smith said.

“There are so many veterans who develop dependencies on drugs and alcohol because

of TBIs and PTSD. They are self-medicating.”

Overall, Smith will be focusing on the higher education goal of the task force.

“Our goal is to make everyone in the state have this network of reps. New York does that currently, and it has helped their veteran population in college,” Smith said.

Smith has worked with Mercyhurst as veterans service project manager for three years now. This task force will bring new exciting opportunities, while still working directly with veteran students on a daily basis at Mercyhurst.

“Working with the veterans is the best part, knowing that I am helping veterans who don’t really know the system.

They are a special case, and I don’t want them to get lost in the system,” Smith said.

Online Poll Results

How pumped are you for fall?

News Features A&E Opinion Sports Laker Living

1-2 3-4 5 6 7 8

I just want to wear cozy sweaters and drink warm beverages already. (64%) Bring on the pumpkin spice everything. (18%) Heck yes, football season. (18%) I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. (0%)

Be sure to vote in this week’s online poll: 1

2

3

4

After Monday’s debate, how are you feeling about the presidential election?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

September 28, 2016

The Merciad

Page 2

News

Bang for your buck: ’Hurst rated ‘Best Value’ school “

By Alexandria Albano Staff writer

Colleen Dougan photos

Left: Roxy the Boxer gave doggy kisses to her new human friends at Dog Days on, Sept. 21. Right: Junior Megan Pohl is greeted by a friendly dog.

Sit, stay, speak!

By Colleen Dougan Contributing writer

Dog lovers at Mercyhurst University joined together on Sept. 21 at Garvey Park for the bi-annual Dog Days event. The event, hosted by Mercyhurst Campus Ministry, gave students an opportunity to relax, meet with friendly dogs and connect with faculty and other members of the Mercyhurst community.

Campus Ministry invited professors, staff and students to bring their dogs to campus for the fall gathering. They provided hot dogs and snacks for all in attendance, and it was a beautiful sunny day for

students to enjoy the event.

“I feel like it relieves stress for students, especially during the beginning of the semester for people who may be new to the school. It provides students who may be missing their own pets a chance to interact with some cute dogs,” sophomore Eli Curtiss said.

Sophomore Curtis Waidley and his family brought their boxer, Roxy, to the event.

“I thought the whole event was really well put together,” said Waidley. “There was a lot of good food, and water bowls for the dogs, and everyone really seemed to be enjoying themselves just connecting over being a dog owner.”

Campus Ministry staff decided to host Dog Days during Mercy week this year to add to the spirit of hospitality and compassion that mercy embodies.

According to Jenell Patton, assistant director of Campus Ministry, the event had a great turnout for the second year in a row.

“I honestly wish this was an event that took place a couple times per year,” said Waidley. “My dog was so happy to be there and crashed after I brought her home, but it’s good for her to socialize with other people and other dogs.” @TheMerciad

Earlier this month, Mercyhurst University was recognized again as a ‘Best Value’ school from the U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges guide 2017 edition. Mercyhurst ranked 61 out of 137 Northern Regional universities.

Many factors are looked at for the rankings of the ‘Best Value’ schools: the previous year’s cost of attendance for students receiving average level of need-based financial aid, academic quality at the school, and the overall ranking in the 2017 guide.

Mercyhurst is a welcoming and accommodating community to the students. David Dausey, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs, speaks highly of Mercyhurst.

“Mercyhurst is generous with its students with aid and scholarships, and I think this is with the aid of the ranking of it,” he said. “At Mercyhurst, we care about our students. They are our number one priority always.

Aid is something we always provide. It is something we really work hard at.”

Mercyhurst has always been known to provide financial aid to students who need it. It is part of our mercy values.

— Joseph Howard, vice president for enrollment

”

This is also supported by Joseph Howard, vice president for enrollment.

“Mercyhurst has always been known to provide financial aid to students who need it. It is part of our mercy values. President (Michael T.) Victor has also worked on keeping the tuition increases down overall,” Howard said.

According to LendEDU, Mercyhurst is 10th lowest out of 97 other Pennsylvania schools for the amount of debt a student incurs while attending.

Along with this great ranking for loans, Mercyhurst has also created avenues to educate students on their debt.

“Last year, our student financial aid created SALT. It promotes financial literacy

for students to educate themselves on loan debt, credit card debt, etc., ” said Howard.

As well as the previous recognition of being a “Best Value” institute, Mercyhurst was also named one of the schools being “Best Schools for Veterans” as well as “Most International Students.” The percent of international students at Mercyhurst is 11 percent. This shows that the student body is diverse.

The strength and capabilities of students at Mercyhurst were further stressed by Dausey.

“We have strong students that set us apart from others.

One in eight students of this freshman class were 4.0 students. I think we train students who are designed to change the world, communities, attitudes and lives. That empowerment that students have when they leave shows in the world.”

Howard noted the overall tone of Mercyhurst.

“There is charism in culture at Mercyhurst that is remarkably different at other universities. I think that contributes to transforming students’ lives.” @TheMerciad

Advertisement

Hurst Crime Log Incident

Date

Location

Liquor Law

Sept. 9

Lewis Ave.

Criminal mischief

Sept. 12

742 E. 40th

Controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, liquor law

Sept. 17

McAuley Hall

Liquor Law

Sept. 18

Warde Hall

Liquor Law

Sept. 18

Lewis Ave.

Public drunkenness

Sept. 18

745 E. 40th

Sexual assault

Sept. 20

Baldwin Hall

Theft

Sept. 23

Football locker room

September 28, 2016

Page 3

The Merciad

Features

Calling on the Holy Spirit

By Elizabeth Shewan

Need advice? Have a problem that needs fixing? Mia is here to help.

Email askmia.merciad@gmail.com for help.

Contributing writer

Mercyhurst celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 22. Hundreds of students and staff gathered at 11:15 a.m. in Christ the King Chapel to worship together.

But what is the Mass of the Holy Spirit?

“The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a tradition that goes back to the Jesuit tradition, where they would begin the academic year by calling upon the Holy Spirit to inspire them and enliven them during the academic year,” said Rev. James Piszker, university chaplin. “The Jesuits are a religious order, the Society of Jesus. They are probably most well known for their intellectual pursuits. They own and operate quite a few colleges and universities in the United States and around the world.”

In the past, the Mass has

Dear Mia,

Cheyanne Crum photo

Hot dogs, hamburgers and chips were served at the picnic after the Mass, and the band played.

featured impressive celebrants to preside over the Mass, and this year was no exception.

The celebrant for the Mass was Richard G. Malloy, an author, Jesuit priest and vice president for university mission and ministry at the University of Scranton. His work as a priest has taken him to many places, including Alaska, New Mexico and Yellowstone National Park.

“It brings the community together,” said Piszker. “It’s an opportunity to get together, to

show ourselves as a community, praying together and then eating together.”

And indeed, attendees of the Mass filled the chapel, the foyer, and spilled into the hallway. Many of Mercyhurst’s sports teams came in their jerseys and sat together, and the Mass featured the Mercyhurst Concert Choir, instrumental musicians and the Liturgical Dance Ensemble.

“It was such a unique and inspiring Mass,” said Trisha Shulik, a freshman. “It was

incredible to see such a large part of the school community together celebrating the Mass.”

This year the Mass was celebrated several weeks into the year in order to coincide with Mercy Week on campus, which culminated with Mercy Day on Saturday, both the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy and the anniversary of the day in 1827 that Catherine McAuley opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland.

Galleries galore at Gallery Night

By Jordan Pendel Contributing writer

Who doesn’t love having the chance to look at beautiful works of art while enjoying free refreshments? From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept.

23, residents of Erie and surrounding towns did just that at Gallery Night.

Multiple times a year, independent art galleries throughout Erie participate in this event. Fifteen venues, including the Erie Art Museum, took part in Gallery Night on Sept. 23.

These events are free to the public, and allow locals to engage in and discover the art scene that occurs all over Erie. It is a great way to promote local artists because of the large audience that attends Gallery Nights.

Each gallery is different and has its own unique exhibitions on display. For example, Glass Growers Gallery, located on East Fifth Street, showcased paintings by Joyce Perowicz, while the Presque Isle Artist Association presented the “27th Annual Show” where guests were able to vote on their favorite piece of art.

Local college students agree that it is nice to see galleries off campus.

“I came here to get away

Asking Mia

Jordan Pendel photo

Dietrich Wegner’s mushroom cloud was a favorite piece of art at the Erie Art Museum during Gallery Night on Sept. 23. The next Gallery Night will be Dec. 2.

from school,” said Rosalina Luciano. “For me, Gallery Night is very refreshing and inspiring.”

Some galleries were able to hold artist meet-and-greets. At the Erie Art Museum, Dietrich Wegner gave a talk about his solo exhibit, “I Think I Found It Upside Down.” It

will be in the main gallery until Nov. 20.

Wegner’s artwork has been displayed throughout Europe and North America, and he currently teaches at Edinboro University.

Out of his more recent works, “Egg Stack” is his favorite that he created.

Among the works in the rest of his exhibit, he would have to choose “Playhouse.”

“A lot of my success came from the mushroom cloud,” Wegner said.

His mushroom cloud can resemble anything. Adding the ladder of a treehouse to the cloud allows it to have two contradictory meanings rolled into one creation.

The mushroom cloud was a favorite for the patrons as well.

“The best part was the mushroom cloud that was part of the featured piece,” said Nick Blish. “Interesting take on something so simple.”

Overall Gallery Night offers a great mix of paintings, photography and sculpture. No matter which gallery you attend, you will find something you enjoy.

“Gallery Night is very unique, a good thing that brings the community together,” said Megan Stubbs, junior forensic anthropology major.

Attending all 15 galleries in the three-hour timespan can be difficult. Luckily, the Erie Art Museum website offers a short description of each place to let visitors know what will be going on, so patrons can attend their favorite ones.

The next Gallery Night will be on Dec. 2.

LAKER MOMENT

Homecoming this past weekend began with a bonfire on Friday night where apple cider was served, hot or cold, along with hot chocolate, s’mores, popcorn and chips.

On Saturday, a tailgate was held in the parking lot between the ice rink and Tullio Field. There were hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks available at this time. They also gave out baseball caps.

Unfortunately, the football team lost to Clarion University, but Mercyhurst knows how to have a good time.

Saturday night ended with Alumni Night at the Cornerstone Bar and Grill.

I’m an only child and this is my first year away at school, and my mom keeps sending me baked goods! I mean I’m not complaining or anything, but I’m trying to avoid gaining the “Freshman 15.” How do I tell her to lay off without hurting her feelings?

Sincerely, Rolls for Days

Dear Rolls for Days, It sounds like you have a few options here. For one, let her know how much you love everything she’s sending you. After explaining how delicious the baked goods are, ask her to stop spending money on the ingredients needed for the treats and start saving it for activities you two can do together. Seems like she’s sending you a lot of goodies and you guys can spend that money on a fun “girls day” once you two are finally together again. If you don’t want to do that, continue to accept the baked goods. Instead of eating all of them, give some to your friends or professors (trust me, they’ll love it). If you’re bold enough, you could even go up to someone you don’t know and ask them if they would like some. Maybe you’ll make a new friend out of it (but don’t be creepy). If these two options don’t sound appealing to you, just be honest and tell your mother that you’re afraid of gaining the “Freshman 15.” With any option, don’t forget to thank her for all the yummy baked goods!

Sincerely,

Mia Dear Mia, I have been friends with this one girl for a few years. I have been trying to think of a way to ask her out for a few months now, but I can’t think of a good way to do it.

What should I do?

Sincerely, Average Joe

Dear Average Joe, Since you guys have been friends for a while, you probably know what she likes to do for fun. Make sure you have the date planned ahead of time before you ask her out on a date. Don’t ask her out through a text message. That way makes it seem like you don’t care that much about the date. You’ll probably be nervous and a text message sounds like the easy way out, but it’s not. It’ll just make you even more nervous when you actually go on the date. The next time you guys are alone, ask her if she has plans for the night you want to take her out.

If no, explain what you had planned for her. She will probably love that you actually took time to think of something instead of just asking her to “hang out.” If she is busy that day, ask her what day she’ll be free. There isn’t necessarily a “good” way to ask anybody out, and you don’t have to do it in a super cute, over-the-top way. Staying calm and being yourself is the best way to do it.

Sincerely,

Mia

Page 4

Features

September 28, 2016

The Merciad

Dark Gardens gives patrons new outlook

By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer

Toward the back of the Erie Art Museum in a little rectangular cave called the McCain Family Gallery is a garden, but not just any garden — it’s a dark garden.

Dark Garden is an installation by Linda Huey that has three separate parts to the installation. According to the panel text in the Erie Art Museum, it reflects our culture’s ambiguous relationship toward nature, and questions what people want to see versus what people do not want to see.

There is a large white orb that can be viewed as a planet, a moon or Earth. On closer inspection, it appears to be composed of trash. On both sides of the sphere, there are pieces of the garden made of clay and rusted metal.

At first glance, the garden is seen as beautiful and made out of unique materials, but on closer inspection, the surface decays. The idea was to use this art exhibit to symbolize the problems of pollution that threaten the planet.

Usually gnome and fairies are shown as symbols of good luck to the environment.

In this twisted garden, they

are placed there to show that there are environmental concerns to be aware of.

No matter what angle you look from, it is different; it is a whole new view. The way she envisions the future of Earth is very realistic.

There were caged birds, chemical formula graffiti, broken antennas, barbed wire, decaying gnomes and bat-like fairies, along with a lot of other objects that created this “dark garden.”

The Dark Garden installation has been running since January and will continue until January 2017.

“This is Linda Huey’s first installation at the art museum and first time in the McCain Family Gallery,” said Jill Kambs, assistant curator at the Erie Art Museum. “We typically schedule exhibits in this gallery January to December or the next January. (Huey) installed the gallery and gave a talk on gallery night in March 2016.”

The Erie Art Museum is located on State Street and is open from Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5p.m.

The museum is closed on Mondays. Student tickets are $7, while adults pay $9. For questions or more information, call (814) 459-5477.

Carlena Bressanelli photo

The large planet/moon object in the “Dark Garden” installation is actually littered with trash when inspected closely.

Carlena Bressanelli photo

Decaying, shredded flowers can be seen at the “Dark Garden” art exhibit in the Erie Art Museum’s McCain Family Gallery.

Staff writer

Sergio Cortés is far from without faith in his Catholic beliefs. Raised in an atheist household in Nicaragua, he fell in love with Catholicism later and never looked back.

Now, he and his colleagues at MYRACLE (Mercyhurst Youth Retreats and Catholic Leadership Education) are out to spread the word to the local Erie community by preparing high school students to become one with the church and participate in the sacrament of Confirmation in the spring.

“I just love sharing it with people,” said Cortés. “I like seeing people fall in love with Christ and (the) Catholic Church, and so I just want to spread it.”

Confirmation classes are the last step in the initiation pro-

cess into the Catholic Church.

According to Cortés, leading these classes is an opportunity to present the material in a fun and engaging environment. The 40 students in the program are to follow by example, “fall in love” and “live” with their faith.

MYRACLE was contacted

by St. Luke Catholic Church on East 38th Street in Erie, looking for youth leaders to teach the class and engage the students in an interactive and personal way, seeing as Mercyhurst students are only a few years older than the 11th-grade candidates. They later received the materials from the parish in preparation for the class to begin later in the fall.

“The program is independent from the adjoining parochial grade school,” Cortés said.

The 10 youth leaders will teach about their faith and

A plantlike structure has different chemical compounds carved into it — maybe to portray how people contaminate Earth?

Carlena Bressanelli photo

Another closer look reveals some of the trash on the moonlike object, such as a tire.

MYRACLE teaching Catholic Confirmation classes to Erie teens

By Marco Cicchino

Carlena Bressanelli photo

what it means to live the Catholic faith and what the students are accepting as they step further into the Catholic faith.

These classes allow them to officially enter the faith, tradition and fundamental doctrine in a fun and engaging manner.

According to Cortés, this is just one facet of MYRACLE’s work and ministry. The group is also tasked with planning and leading a variety of Catholic retreats for the Diocese of Erie and other parishes and schools in the tri-state area.

These classes will begin on Oct. 2 and are to be held at least twice a month and will take place at St. Luke Church at 425 E. 38th St., directly next to the Mercyhurst campus.

The program will run from October through March, and Cortés expects the students to complete the sacrament later in the spring.

Carlena Bressanelli photo

The “Dark Garden” exhibit, shown from below as patrons walk through, will remain at the Erie Art Museum until January.

Creative Corner “My name is Detective Smith,” the scary man said. “And this is my partner, Detective Jones. Can you tell us about last night, Kristen?”

“Take your time,” Detective Jones added.

“My day started off normal: school, lunch, homework,” I paused.

This hurt my lungs. “I went home, ate a snack and started homework.

I realized I forgot my biology notes and I had to finish typing a lab write-up. I texted my mom to let her know where I was going and headed back to school.”

“How did you know the school would be open?” Detective Smith asked, already blaming me for the fire.

“There was a late basketball practice last night. The players were leaving when I was walking up the stairs.” I gave him the best glare I could. “I went inside, passed some kids doing a lab —” “You didn’t find it strange that students were working so late?” He interrupted again.

“It was only about 5 and Mrs. Kelly has students catch up after school sometimes.”

“Did you see Mrs. Kelly?”

“No, but she doesn’t have to be in the lab the entire time. She never is during class.” I hoped I wasn’t getting her in trouble.

“Continue, Kristen,” Detective Jones smiled at me.

“Well, I went to my locker, got my notes. I bumped into my history

teacher on my way out, and he reminded me I had a project to work on, so I was on my way back to my locker when I started feeling the heat.” My voice was fading, I pressed the call button with my thickly bandaged hands, and my doctor came rushing in.

“I think that’s enough for now, detectives.” They grudgingly agreed, they got up and left, but not before Jones left his business card on my table.

“Thanks,” I tried to say, but nothing came out.

“Water?”

As he poured, the doctor said, “I called your mom. She was worried sick, and she’s on her way, maybe five more minutes.” He handed me the water with a straw, “Don’t gulp, small sips.” I tried, but I was so thirsty, I tried a bigger sip and choked.

When my coughing was under control, my mom walked in the room. Her face was tear-stained, her hair was a mess and she was still wearing her scrubs from work, even though she got off at 7 the night before. She started tearing up when she saw me.

“Is she OK, Dr. Hopkins?” That was his name!

“Well, Mrs. Piper, as I said on the phone, she suffered severe burns to her legs and hands. From breathing in smoke and the chemicals used to start the fire, her lungs and throat

are damaged.” Dr. Hopkins said.

“The burns should heal nicely — we cleaned them thoroughly and quickly.” He looked at me. “Do you remember that?”

“I remember you leaning over me, but I don’t know what you said, and I remember feeling like I was being shot.” Dr. Hopkins was nodding his head in approval.

“Perfectly normal.”

“Normal? How is losing a chunk of memory normal? Why was she being shot?! What is wrong with her voice?” My mother was hysterical.

“It was a traumatic situation. Our brains block them out as a way of healing, it is normal. She was given a cold-water treatment like all burn victims, but to hurt skin, it will feel awful — though I have never heard bullets. Her voice is like that because her lungs are singed, and she was screaming.” He looked at me again.

“It’s all normal.” He pressed the button to call the nurse’s station and the nurse appeared. “Will you re-dress Kristen’s wounds and get her something to eat while I speak to her mother?” He held the door for my mom.

“I’m so happy you’re okay sweetie. I’ll be right back.” She kissed my forehead, and it stung. ************** If you have anything you would like to have published, please submit it to: featuremerciad@ mercyhurst.edu.

September 28, 2016

The Merciad

Arts &

Page 5

Entertainment

New methods create unique styles

By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer

There will be some different visions of photographs this October in the Cummings Art Gallery.

“Alternative Visions,” an exhibit curated by Gary Cardot, will have photographs made with alternative processes.

Some of the artists in the show are William Bergman, Benjamin Haytock, Dorothy Kloss, Alan Vlach and Heather Wetzel.

When visiting the gallery, people can expect to see a variety of images made through alternative processes, including European landscapes, still life, conceptual works and murals.

William Bergman, known as Robert Bergman in the photography world, is a photographer who shows empathy for his subjects.

His work can be found in a book rather than in a gallery, according to John Yau, an American poet and critic.

“Putting photos in a book is different than putting them on the wall. Books can be widely disseminated. They have a longer life than an exhibition,” Yau says about Bergman not wanting to put his work in galleries.

In terms of color, Yau says, “Bergman’s photographs don’t seem like images but like densely colored prints … It can be impossible to tell how many plates he used (if that is what he used) to get such rich color.”

According to the College News and Events, Benjamin Haytock is an alumnus of Allegheny College, class of 1966.

He did an artist talk at a reception there in 2010 for photography he showed in the Allegheny College Art Gallery for a Faculty and Alumni exhibit.

He was a former math professor, associate dean and registrar between 1971 and 2008 at Allegheny.

He displayed “present alternative process photographs in which he combines antique

hand-applied techniques and digital methods.”

Dorothy Kloss was born in 1956 in Erie.

She found out later in life her true passion was for black-and-white photography after spending most of her life studying music.

She learned about “large format photography and the darkroom” from her father, who was also a photographer, according to her website.

She eventually learned about “historical photographic processes and met internationally renowned photographers” during workshops in Toronto and Pittsburgh.

She has shown some of work in exhibits at the Erie Art Museum.

Her artist’s statement explains her goals when capturing images.

“I am not trying to tell a story with my pictures, but rather, trying to convey some type of emotion or gesture in my work through the subject as if it were a transcendent experience,” she says in the statement. “Even when

photographing a seascape or still life, I need to have that personal connection with the subject.”

All the way from Maine is Alan Vlach.

Vlach, “a fine-art photographer with a deep commitment to the traditional darkroom while embracing new technologies,” works extensively with “digital enlarged negatives and historical processes as well as digital printmaking,” according to his website bio.

He began working with those types of photographs in 2006.

Heather F. Wetzel works in “historic photographic processes, hand papermaking, and book arts,” according to her website bio.

She is a lecturer at Ohio State University in the art department and a book arts specialist at Logan Elm Press, according to her website.

Wetzel’s main statement about her work is how time goes so fast and there is not enough time for the little things in life.

There will be a reception

Alan Vlach

This is a palladium print from Alan Vlach’s Wheatpaste Series.

Oct. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cummings Art Gallery, where anyone who attends will have the chance to meet the artists. The actual show will be Oct. 3 through Nov. 6.

The gallery is open on

weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., but it will be closed for mid-semester break Oct. 13-16.

Satterlee opens Roche Guest Artists Season

By Caitlyn Lear Staff writer

MIAC photo

The all-inclusive Dancing Wheels Company will perform Oct. 7 at Mercyhurst University.

All-inclusive dance troupe to perform at Mercyhurst

By Rachel Sobina Staff writer

The Dancing Wheels Company will gracefully dance into Mercyhurst University on Oct. 7.

This is not an ordinary dance group. In fact, some people may describe this group as extraordinary.

Using different props and movement, the group, made up of performers with and without disabilities, finds a way to combine movement and objects to represent dance.

The Dancing Wheels Company, which includes four Mercyhurst graduates, looks to broaden horizons in an artistic and creative way using motions and dance.

Sara Lawrence Sucato and Kelly Clymer, both company

members and Mercyhurst alumnae, express excitement to be able to return to their college and perform again.

“Mercyhurst does such a great job bringing in entertaining, innovative and informative performances, and I have wanted Dancing Wheels Company to be presented by the university ever since I graduated,” Sucato said. She said she is grateful to be able to give back to the community through different programs.

The Dancing Wheels Company has impacted more than 5 million people either through television broadcasts or live performances. Since its founding in 1990, by artistic director Mary Verdi-Fletcher, one of the world’s first and foremost professional wheelchair dancers, Dancing Wheels has inspired people

and spread the message of inclusivity.

Come and see this incredible dance company that makes it seem like the human body has no limitations.

Dancing Wheels Company will be performing the premiere of “Labyrinth: A Tribute” as well as two other selections. There will be a special student matinée at 10 a.m. on Oct. 7 in the Performing Arts Center featuring a unique take on “Alice in Wonderland.”

Dancing Wheels will perform in the PAC on Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 students and youth. The performance is free for Mercyhurst students with their ID. @TheMerciad

The Roche Guest Artist Series has been a long-standing tradition here at Mercyhurst University.

On Oct. 7 at 8 p.m., Robert Satterlee, the first guest artist of the season, will perform in Walker Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public.

For the past 28 years, Albert Glinsky, Ph.D., has sought to bring guest artists to the school.

With his retirement, Nathan Hess, D.M.A., has stepped up to keep the tradition going.

The series was renamed the Roche Guest Artist Series three years ago to honor the family for their generous donations.

Satterlee is a pianist and professor at Bowling Green State University.

He previously taught in Illinois, Missouri, California and Connecticut.

He has performed in many shows across the country and the world, including in Chicago, San Francisco, Minnesota, Serbia and Romania.

In 2006, he toured the U.S. with some original pieces, and he even has a CD of his works.

Satterlee has a large interest in chamber music, which has led to collaboration with members of the Philadelphia, Detroit, London and Chicago Symphony Orchestras.

This will be Satterlee’s first

Contributed photo

Robert Satterlee will be the first performer for the season.

time performing in the series.

He will be performing an array of different pieces, including Ravel’s “La Valse,” Schumann’s “Symphonic Etudes, Op. 18” and Mozart’s “Sonata No. 18” in D Major.

Earlier in the day, at 3 p.m., Satterlee will host a masterclass for Mercyhurst music students in the Walker Recital Hall.

The masterclass is free and open to the public. Students can bring pieces to play for Satterlee and get critiques and coaching from him on their performances.

There will be four students participating in the masterclass: Grace Nowak, senior Music Therapy major; Christian Goulione, sophomore Composition major; Nicholas

Nasibyan, junior Composition major; and Katey Mihailov, sophomore Music Therapy major.

Satterlee and Hess have known each other for quite a few years.

They both worked at the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, Satterlee from 2000 to 2003 and Hess from 1996 to 2008.

Mercyhurst hosted the Governor’s School from 1990 until it was defunded in 2008.

Stay tuned for the next two performances in the series: three vocal alumni in November and a saxophone quartet in December. @TheMerciad

Eerie Horror Film festival will be a scare-tastic weekend

By Naomi Greenstein Staff writer

Online

With the new fall semester already well underway, October is quickly approaching, bringing with it the spookiest holiday of the year: Halloween.

While most will be celebrating the season by handing out candy bars to little ghosts and wee witches or racing through terrifying haunted houses, the folks at the Warner Theatre in downtown Erie will be having a different kind of fun.

Aptly named the Eerie Horror Film Festival & Expo,

Full list of events can be found on the MU website

this internationally recognized event held each year in Erie will take place over the span of three days.

The event is essentially a celebration of independent film making and screenwriting in the genres of horror, science fiction and suspense.

Accepted submissions,

taken from the hundreds submitted each year by eager filmmakers, are shown on the big screen for the viewing pleasure of horror lovers and science fiction aficionados.

After the viewings, prizes are awarded to those with the best films and scripts.

As an additional bit of fun,

View upcoming performances: www.mercyhurst.edu/events

there is also an expo that takes place featuring celebrity guests and vendors from around the country, as well as seminars and workshops.

Past guests have included Lynn Lowry of “The Crazies” and Len Barnhart of the “Reign of the Dead” series.

This year’s event will take

place from Oct. 7 to 9.

Weekend passes and day passes are available for purchase at the Warner Theatre box office during normal hours.

For more information, visit eeriehorrorfilmfestival.com or contact the Warner Theatre box office.

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/category/arts_ entertainment/

Page 6

September 28, 2016

The Merciad

Opinion

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

Hillary or Trump: Who’s better?

By Casey Montana Contributing writer

Now that election season is right around the corner and the slanderous commercials are in full swing, America has one of the biggest decisions to make this coming November.

After a year full of debates and shocking news footage of presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the opposing political parties within America, have quite the situation to handle.

After proposing to build a wall between the United States and Mexico and ridiculing multiple media members with insensitivity and inaccuracy, Trump somehow managed to become the Republican presidential nominee.

At first these far-fetched ideas did shock me, and honestly, I thought they shocked everyone. However, as time went on, I noticed more and more people, even my peers, supporting his proposed policies.

While many people do agree with the notion that his ideas do not represent America, this election has somehow went from “I choose the right candidate” to “I choose the lesser of two evils.”

The presidential candidates should represent America in the best light, and the candidates each have their negative qualities, but Clinton proves to be much more qualified and educated than Trump.

She has worked within the political system for years and has an extensive education.

She has the best résumé and experience in comparison to her opponents.

As a former Bernie Sanders supporter, I find that a ton of people assume that I would automatically support her because she is a Democrat.

But when one of the other candidates plans to segregate the country and bring back sexist ideals, of course I am going to vote for the next candidate who plans to actually help the country.

It is extremely difficult to support a presidential nominee who plans to deport millions of Americans and suppress multiple minorities further.

Honestly, Trump is one of the most difficult people to truly understand and to support, mainly because of his ego and his ignorant comments. Ever since the beginning of his campaign I have noticed differing attitudes towards him, and I never really understood the logic behind supporting his campaign.

Right now it seems like the simple momentary majority is controlling the government solely on impulse. The United States of America was built off the idea that every human being is ethically dualistic and they have both good and bad sides.

Each branch of government — executive, legislative and judicial — was built to control power and limit the other’s ability to tyrannize.

Sadly, Trump wants to create more factions within America, which would then cause more conflict in a time when all we need is peace.

The republic we live in grants the right to be represented as we choose, but now it has become evident that Trump runs his campaign on fear and prejudice. He adjusts his campaign based on what the majority of people think

is good for the country, instead of adjusting to appeal of the common good of the country based on evidence and logic.

Clinton’s campaign can be argued against in a similar manner, but I trust she understands basic politics enough to know that presidency is more than giving the people what they want; it is about giving the country what is best.

I do understand that everyone has separate views and they have the right to express them, but in terms of qualification and presidential quality, Hillary Clinton is exponentially better.

As an American, I find Trump’s platform painful to even listen to. His policy regarding immigrants is almost the dumbest idea I have ever heard, and his sexist attitude makes me cringe.

Trump started off as a joke no one really took seriously, but now he is fairly close to presidency, and I am 100 percent against the thought of our country becoming more sexist, racist and ignorant. @TheMerciad

Third-party candidate should debate

By Logan Ford Contributing writer

There have been more things abnormal about this election than in any other in recent history, maybe even ever. This coming November, in less than two months, United States citizens will be tasked with voting between two immensely unpopular candidates.

On the one hand, you have a very experienced individual who is trying to get the job she was unable to secure eight years ago.

With the experience comes the scandals, dishonesty and baggage of a career in politics.

On the other hand, there is a candidate who is his own worst enemy.

He is a political outsider, and in that lies a great amount of appeal to some voters.

Both are demagogues in their own right, and the first debate was predicted to have a similar amount of viewers as a professional football game.

As previously stated, not much about this election has been conventional.

To add to this, a third-party candidate has emerged with a substantial amount of the country’s support. However, he was not on the debate stage this Monday night.

Gary Johnson is the former Republican governor of New Mexico, a traditionally Democratic state.

Gov. Johnson is a Libertarian, someone who is fiscally conservative and socially liberal. He is respectful of independent liberties while being financially conscientious at the same time.

If you are looking for more information on Libertarianism, Google is a great resource.

He fell just short of the 15 percent polling standards

set forth by news networks to participate in the televised presidential debates.

With Johnson out of the debates, voters are less likely to become educated on all the candidates and their issues.

After all, Gary Johnson is a candidate for the president of the United States. People may prefer to vote for a more balanced candidate instead of a corrupt one or an egotistical one, as I believe we are faced with this year.

While the debate may have produced astronomical ratings, it would have been nice to hear a sensible, truly moderate voice in between her shrill laugh and his “did he just say that?” comments.

Unfortunately, Gov. Johnson has already missed his chance at the first debate. It seems unfair that Gov. Johnson did not get to have his voice heard, even though his name is on the ballot in all 50 states and, according to the

Pew Research Center, he has the support of 10 percent of registered voters.

Although the networks can change the rules at any time to allow Gov. Johnson to participate, for now he is still trying to make it to the momentous 15 percent.

Many people are, and will be, hesitant to vote for a third-party candidate because they feel as though “their vote will not count,” or “that’s just helping the other party’s candidate.”

However, in this circumstance, the two-party system has failed to produce two favorable candidates.

If Americans would forget the party politics and leave the previously mentioned mentalities behind, there is no reason that a third-party candidate could not be elected.

The war that secured this country’s independence was a political revolution. Will this be our next one?

School spirit is less than desired

By Lauren Abbott Contributing writer

Online

It’s finally football season!

And with football season comes home games, fans and cheering.

Sept. 17 kicked off our first home game of the season against East Stroudsburg University, and it advertised to be quite an exciting event.

My high school didn’t have sports teams because it was solely academic, so I was really excited to finally get to cheer on my own team during a game.

We had a great turnout for both of our home games so far, at least for the first half of the game.

It seems that the enthusiasm for the game lessens as we reach the second half, even when the score is really close or we are winning.

Despite the rain the morning of the East Stroudsburg game, many fans still attended, at least for the first half. As it approached halftime, most people left and didn’t even stay to watch the inaugural performance of the marching band.

Those that stayed were super enthusiastic about the band, and I have to say the

band was impressive. For it being the first performance, the band members were well prepared and organized.

They played a personal favorite of mine, “Carry On My Wayward Son,” which is the song played at the beginning of every “Supernatural” season finale.

They also performed with the dance team in an upbeat dance and song routine. The dance team’s peppiness and high energy movements really get people excited.

It is also nice to see the dance team performing at the game on the sidelines by the band. It is a nice added touch to the school spirit.

Read more at

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

One thing I wish was different would be where the cheerleaders are located.

They stand on the far end of the field, far away from the majority of students. And when it comes time for them to cheer, they get drowned out by the rest of the people in the stands.

They are so far away from the middle of the stands that it gets really hard to see them at all during a game and their chants aren’t as effective to pump up the crowd when nobody can see them.

Overall, I would say that the turnout for sports was great, but our school spirit could really use some work.

Good The first Zurn College Internship and Job fair is this Thursday in the CAE atrium. The event allows science students to make contacts for soughtafter experience over summer breaks.

Bad Some professors are requiring students to take tests outside of the normal 50-minute class time instead of shortening exams to adhere to the shortened schedule.

Ugly Students are struggling to keep up with courses as the Mini-mester comes to a close. Webadvisor was supposed to block students from taking two Minis per Mini-term, and it failed to do so.

Weird Fire alarms randomly rang out all over campus apartments on Sept. 21 for an unknown reason.

The Merciad Editors Karah Hollis Catherine Rainey Cheyanne Crum Diego Himede Jenny Sabliov Amber Matha Miranda L. Miller Chelsea Guida Victoria Kreysar Kristin Bowers

Positions @mercyhurst.edu Editor-in-Chief editormerciad Managing Editor managingmerciad Features Editor featuremerciad Sports Editor sportsmerciad A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad Opinion Editor opinionmerciad Copy Editor copymerciad Photo Editor photomerciad Ad Manager admerciad Adviser 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 telephone 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.

Write for The Merciad, email editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu

September 28, 2016

Page 7

The Merciad

Sports

Clarion comes back in tough loss for Lakers

By Bernard Garwig Contributing writer

The Mercyhurst Lakers football team, at the end of the first half, looked like they were going to come away with a win to cap off an exciting Homecoming Weekend.

However, a big rally by the Clarion University Golden Eagles and a gamble at the end resulted in the Lakers leaving with a loss.

Coming off the previous week’s home loss, the Lakers started strong, getting the only score of the first quarter with a 16-yard touchdown pass thrown by redshirt quarterback Doug Altavilla to wide receiver Brad Novak.

In the second quarter, Mercyhurst scored again, with Altavilla again throwing, this time a deep 89-yard pass to Brian Matthews.

The Golden Eagles had a scoring drought almost until the last minute of the second quarter when they were able to put up a touchdown. The Lakers were able to answer this with a drive and a 1-yard run by Altavilla to end the first half up, 21-7.

With such a strong firsthalf performance, the Lakers looked prime to continue

Chelsea Guida photo

Quarterback Doug Altavilla threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brad Novak in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to put Mercyhurst over Clarion. The Lakers lost 35-34.

their dominance. Running back Richie Sanders punched in another touchdown with a 7-yard run that put the team up by 21. At this point, there was still 6:47 left on the game clock. Unfortunately, this was where the tide turned against the Lakers.

The Golden Eagles began their comeback with a touchdown on the next drive. They ended the third quarter trailing by 7 after a second score.

Part of the reason for such a rejuvenation was the strong performance of the Clarion offense in the second half.

Strong individual performances came from running back Delrece Williams, who ran 211 yards for 24 carries and scored a touchdown, and quarterback Connor Simmons, who completed 21 of 38 passes for 313 yards. He also scored two touchdowns on runs and connected with a

receiver for a score.

The fourth quarter began with the Lakers still up, but Williams punched a score into the end zone that tied the game with 12:04 remaining. The Lakers were unable to score with their follow-up drive, which allowed Clarion to finally gain the lead for the first time in the game, taking Mercyhurst 35-28 with 6:08 left to play.

Time was not the enemy

yet, but the Lakers had to rally against the resurgent Golden Eagles. The team got within Clarion’s 15-yard line, but Altavilla threw an interception that gave the Golden Eagles the ball back with 3:03 left.

At this point, things looked grim. However, the Lakers’ defense made a stand, and it allowed the offense to get the ball back for one more shot with 1:08 remaining. Clarion then added to the sense of the tide returning to Mercyhurst’s favor by a shanked punt that allowed Mercyhurst to take up shop at Clarion’s own 37. Several snaps later, Altavilla threw to Novak to put the score at 35-34, Clarion.

The Lakers then made the decision to go for it all, opting for a two-point conversion.

Everything had seemed to click into place for a comeback. There appeared to be some sort of uncertainty from the Lakers, however, as the line was changed several times. This culminated with the play clock ticking down, and Mercyhurst was penalized and pushed back 5 yards.

Despite the setback, the Lakers proceeded with their plan on the next snap. Unfortunately, Altavilla was unable to connect with his target, and Mercyhurst failed to get the

two points that would have regained the lead. The Lakers did not throw in the towel immediately afterwards, as they tried an onside kick, but then Clarion recovered the ball and ended the game with possession.

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 1-3. Wide receiver Novak reflected on the game.

“Looking back on the game, it was quite a heart-breaker.

Any time you lose by a small margin like we did on Saturday ... it’s a tough loss to get over,” Novak said. “Every close game has a handful of plays that decide the outcome of the game and that could clearly be seen on Saturday.”

Novak had two touchdowns and 97 yards from receptions, as well as one on a run.

“Clarion is a very solid team,” Novak said. “They have been since I first played them.

On Saturday, they showed a lot of grit and determination, as they were able to come back from a rather large deficit.”

On Oct. 1, the Lakers will play at noon at Gannon.

Novak said he was “very excited for the game” and that “it is always a great atmosphere and a great matchup between Western Conference rivals.”

Women’s ice hockey ranked No. 2 in preseason poll

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

Last week, the College Hockey America league office in Winthrop, Ma., released its preseason coaches poll ahead of the start of the season the following weekend.

The top distinction belonged to Paul Flanagan’s Syracuse squad, which garnered five first-place votes from coaches and a total of 25 points overall. The Orange were followed by the Lakers, taking the other top vote and 20 points, then Robert Morris (16), Penn State (15), RIT (7) and Lindenwood (7).

Oakville native Sarah McDonnell, the winner of the CHA Goaltender Trophy and a newly named alternate captain for the Lakers, was unfazed.

“It’s not really a big deal,” McDonnell said. “They ranked us second last year. ... The poll doesn’t mean anything. All that matters is the results at the end of the season.”

It turned out to be a Jan. 29 contest at the Mercyhurst Ice Center that decided the regular-season race, a 4-1 Laker win over the Orange that pushed them three points

Hurst Athletics

Mercyhurst women’s ice hockey was ranked second in preseason College Hockey America poll.

clear of Syracuse. The following day, behind a 34-11 shot differential and a critical misconduct and spearing penalty from the Lakers’ Sarah Hine four seconds into overtime, Jessica Sibley launched a weak shot past McDonnell at 3:30 to earn a split of the weekend, meaning the Orange left Erie just one point behind the Lakers in the conference standings and two points overall. The Lakers responded by rattling off a six-game unbeaten streak to finish off the regular season

—outscoring their opponents 24-8—and featured a 31-save shutout from Jessica Convery the following Friday in Moon Township. Meanwhile, the Orange’s overtime victory was the first of seven consecutive wins to finish off the season as part of a greater 10-3-1 stretch after the flip to 2016, reaching the six-goal plateau twice and splitting the season series with the Lakers in the process. But on Feb. 20, Senior Day in Erie, Penn State was unable to salvage at least a second point from the week-

end, a result necessary to hand Syracuse — by virtue of a tiebreaker — its first conference regular-season title in just its eighth season. The results also essentially clinched several major awards for the conference season, including Rachael Smith and Melissa Piacentini as the respective Rookie and Player of the Year, Nicole Renault as Top Defenseman, and Sibley a co-winner for Best Defensive Forward.

Yet, the objective is not to focus on Syracuse alone.

“Definitely a game-by-game

approach,” Alternate Captain Morgan Stacey said. “We try not to look too far ahead (or) overlook any of our opponents because everyone can play and ... beat anyone, so ultimately we have long-term goals but we want to approach those just by winning every game, one game at a time.”

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ season got off to a strong start Sept. 24 at the Ice Center, converting a game with 21 penalties into a 7-3 exhibition win over Provincial Women’s Hockey League champion, Toronto.

“We were moving our feet ... (and) capitalized on some of (our chances), which was good to get going earlier,” said Stacey. “We have seven freshmen. They can all play (and) compete, they all bring something different to the table, and most importantly, they can all compete and they all work really hard, so they fit right in with our systems and are definitely going to help us get to where we want to be.”

However, the script flips dramatically as sixth-ranked North Dakota arrives in Erie for a weekend showdown beginning this Friday to open the regular season for the 13th-ranked Lakers. Although

North Dakota is not as well known for its women’s squad as it is for the defending and eight-time national champion men’s squad, the women did finish fourth in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association last year with a respectable 13-10-5 record in conference play and 18-12-5 overall, falling to eventual national champions Minnesota in the conference semifinal.

Stacey noted that the Lakers, surprisingly, are not out to prove anyone wrong by playing good hockey.

“We try to focus on what we can do and what we can control. We can’t really control what other people think about us, but North Dakota will be a really good test. ... Obviously, the national polls do matter in-terms of making it to (the NCAA tournament), which is one of our goals, so we just want to control what we can control, have a really good game, and have a really good effort, and if we do what we can and play our systems, we know we can get the win.”

@TheMerciad

Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey announces new captains

By Bernard Garwig Contributing writer

In the buildup to the 20162017 season, the Men’s Division I Ice Hockey Team has made its captain selections who will lead the team onto the ice this year.

Jack Riley, who had previously served as an alternate captain for the 2015-16 season, will be this year’s team captain based on team voting.

Riley, a junior at Mercyhurst who will be entering his third year on the team, had eight goals and 20 assists for a total 28 points last season.

The alternate captains for this year are senior Kyle Dutra and sophomore Derek Barach. Dutra had eight goals and 10 assists, while Barach had 10 goals and 22 assists.

Both will act as assistants to Riley throughout this season.

All three players saw action in all 36 contests of last year.

Only in his second year with the Lakers, the team felt Barach was the right choice for alternate captain.

“Obviously I was surprised to be named captain ... but it was exciting and an honor that my teammates and coaches consider me a leader this early into my college career,” said Barach. “We have such a close team that no matter who is speaking up, people listen and respect what he has to say.”

Barach also highlighted what the team mood has been leading up to the exhibition game against the University of Guelph on Saturday.

“The preseason mood right now is excitement and competitiveness. We are excited for the season to get going because we know we have the pieces to be a really good hockey team. But our biggest

goal right now is just to take it step by step, day by day, and compete as hard as we can in practice because it will only benefit us when the games start to roll around.”

The first game of the regular season is Oct. 14. The Lakers will be playing Penn State at Erie Insurance Arena.

Mercyhurst’s first AHA conference game of the season will be Oct. 18 against Niagara University.

For this year’s team, the Lakers’ strengths will “be our skill from top to bottom,” said Barach. “We are returning a bunch of our top scorers.

Our biggest challenge will be playing sound and responsible defense because there is no doubt in my mind that we will be able to put the puck in their net. (We) just need to keep it out of ours.” @TheMerciad

Hurst Athletics

From left to right, Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey Alternate Captain Kyle Dutra, Captain Jack Riley and Alternate Captain Derek Barach are ready for Saturday’s exhibition game.

Page 8

The Merciad

Laker

September 28, 2016

Living

’Hurst Hacks: Fall Delights Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies Instructions: Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup 100% pure canned pumpkin 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1 egg 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour For rolling: 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1. Beat room-temperature butter for 30 seconds until smooth.

2. Add pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt.

3. Beat until combined.

4. Add egg and let mixture combine.

5. Add flour and let mixture combine.

6. Cover and refridgerate two hours.

7. After two hours, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

8. Combine sugar and pumpkin pie spice on spare parchment paper or in flat pan.

9. Line baking sheets with nonstick silicone liner or parchment paper.

10. Scoop cookie dough.

11. Lightly roll dough into ball and coat with pumpkin pie spice sugar mixture.

12. Place on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

13. Let cool and enjoy!

Game Zone

Way back When...

The Merciad presents articles from yesteryear in their original form, including headlines. This week, our blast from the past is from Dec. 5, 1986.

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, I am writing this letter to the person who sent that letter to the editor in your Nov. 7 edition.

Sir, Madam, or whatever: It’s too bad you are so uptight that you can’t enjoy yourself.

If you’ve never worked on a college newspaper, you have no idea how hard these kids work, how many hours they put in on a story, how long it takes to reach people to interview them, etc. Then comes the time they put the paper to bed. This takes more time, hard work and problem solving. So, when I read the Hallowe’en issue, I was pleased to see them enjoying their “jobs” so much.

The story was hysterical and very enjoyable. There was never any intent to put down anyone or anything.

They were making light of a situation. You seemed to pick everything apart. If you are so adamant about the story, why did you read it over and over just to count how many times “devil” or “lived” appeared in it?

Obviously, you were never a kid. You never went out or Trick-or-Treat.

You never decorated your house, or bought a pumpkin to carve, or gave out candy at your front door to enjoy the little ones. I feel sorry for you. You’ve really missed a lot.

You missed a lot in this issue, too. I think The Merciad is one of the best college newspapers around. Each week they improve on the stories, feature articles and even the sports coverage. All of the articles are written with intent and interest, and keep the reader’s attention.

So, once in a while the printer makes a boo boo.

This week he happened to put dollar signs in a story where they didn’t belong.

You took it to be devil worship or some garbage.

I look forward to each and every issue. I enjoy reading The Merciad.

If you don’t like it, don’t read it. And, oh, yes. I’m a parent, not a student.

Sincerely, Barbara J. Minor P.S. I’m not surprised you missed the page where the story on the vampire appeared. There was also an ad for Plasma-Tec. Spooky, isn’t it?