The Merciad, January 16, 2013

READ THE STORY ON PAGE 3 PHOTO BY SAMANTHA LINK

ONLINE POLL RESULTS

New show on LakerTV

Fashion photography contest

Wrestling undefeated at 6-0

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Something from this decade. 41% Other. 16% Some rap or hip hop would be nice. 6% Alternative rock jams. 21%

Keep it classy with jazz. 16% Total votes: 86

NEWS

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MSG announces plans for the rest of the year

By Juan Mendez Staff writer

Although the academic year is halfway through, Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) is still hard at work on projects for the rest of the year.

One of the biggest projects underway is Project Kenya, a fundraising effort to send Mercyhurst student Anthony “Juma” Khisa to Kenya to reunite with his daughter. The project is a collaboration between MSG and the school and is raising funds to pay for his daughter’s high school education since the cost of schooling in Kenya is very expensive.

According to MSG Vice-president Brian Lombardo, “This is a community effort. Both the students and the Mercyhurst administration are coming together to raise $3,000 for Project Kenya.”

To achieve this, MSG will be selling Project Kenya bracelets for a dollar.

They will also be hosting a fundraising dinner at Egan Dining Hall on Friday, March 8, with local band The Romantic Era slated to perform.

Tickets will go on sale at the end of the month by MSG Senators.

Another event has been set on the winter forum to be hosted on Wednesday, Jan. 23, focused solely on the switch to the 4-1-4 academic system.

The Faculty Senate President Michael Federici, Ph.D., and Chair of the Academic Policies Committee Verna Ehret, Ph.D., will be present at the event to answer any questions students may have about the new format.

In regards to how they are improving from the fall forum held last term, MSG President Richard Molloy said, “We’re putting the spotlight only on the switch to 4-1-4. We’re doing more PR than we did for our fall forum and we scheduled it later during the day so more people can attend.”

With only two months remaining in office for Molloy and Lombardo, efforts have been elevated to make the transition process for the succeeding student government to be easier.

Planning for the annual Spring Fest celebration has also begun and MSG is constantly brainstorming activities while keeping the theme of Laker spirit at heart.

“It’s going to be a long process, but we definitely started with the right foot.

We sold over 3,000 of our spirit shirts and giving away spirit towels at hockey, wrestling and basketball games,” Lombardo said about their spirit campaign.

“Spirit isn’t necessarily just going to a sports game. We had the upperclassmen barbecue at the beginning of the year,” Molloy added. “We’re launching a spirit shirt design contest in the spring to get students involved in the creation of the spirit shirt for next year, which we hope becomes a tradition for the school.”

January 16, 2013 Mercyhurst University Police & Safety

Police Log

Tuesday, Jan. 8 Harassment McAuley Hall Referred for discipline Friday, Jan. 11 Possession of controlled substances 3827 Briggs Ave. Res-life incident Sunday, Jan. 13 Liquor law violation Warde Hall Referred for discipline Sunday, Jan. 13 Criminal mischief Parade Street entrance Referred for discipline

‘It Came From the Public Domain’ scheduled to air on LakerTV

By Katie Felong

Contributing writer Lights, camera, action. A new LakerTV show has made its way to a TV near you. Seniors Brady Greenawalt and Joe Chiodo, junior Dan Tarr and sophomore Brianna Carle are shooting their new show “It Came From the Public Domain.”

The show follows “Dan the Director” (Tarr) and “The Cue Card Guy” (Chiodo) on their adventures of hosting a talk show where the guests are characters (played by Greenawalt) out of movies from the public domain.

They are shooting their fourth episode and planning the fifth.

“We look for quality though not quantity,” LakerTV adviser Brian Sheridan said.

So far, Dan the Director has interviewed a vampire, Santa Claus, a mad scientist and a zombie.

The ideas are the collaborative effort of Greenawalt, Tarr and Chiodo. Brianna Carle works the booth, checks the lighting, helps with cameras and checks the sound in the booth.

“Public Domain” means that the

copyrights to something have expired, so the public has access to them. Most of the content is from shows and movies from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Originally segments from the public domain were going to be inter-spliced with interviews with Dan the Director, but as the idea developed, the original content was dropped.

The idea for the show came from Chiodo when he, Greenawalt and Tarr were driving back from the viewing of the student-produced film they made last year.

The show coincides with WLEP Affiliate called Retro-TV, which plays content from the public domain on a regular scheduled basis.

The shows are currently up on YouTube and available for viewing on the show’s Facebook page. Once they go through a final edit to include the theme song and animation the show will be aired on LakerTV as early as next week.

For more information tune into LakerTV from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesdays with rebroadcasts on Thursdays.

You can also check out their Facebook at www.facebook.com/ItCameFromThePublicDomain.

Contributed photo

Dan the Director (Tarr) interviews Santa Claus (Greenawalt) on the show in honor of the holiday season. This was the second episode of the show and is titled “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.”

NEWS

January 16, 2013

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Curriculum changes approach for next year

By Kierston Bromley Staff writer

Students may be aware that starting next year a new semester system goes into effect. The current trimester system will change to a modified semester system with a J-term.

The biggest change for some, though, will be a revised core that will go into effect at the same time.

Mercyhurst Faculty Senate Committee reached a consensus after more than two years of work regarding the new curriculum for Mercyhurst students.

This revision marks the first core change since 1997 and the first faculty-initiated change in 20 years according to Faculty Senate President Michael Federici, Ph.D. Generally, a university’s core is

revised every decade or so. It has been more than a decade since the last core revision, so the time had come for a change.

According to Assistant Vice President for Academic Services Michele Wheaton, the new changes will not hinder any student’s graduation.

“

It is better to be on the semester system.

Christina Riley-Brown

”

“(The new curriculum) is intended to try to help develop well rounded and marketable students,” said Wheaton, who emphasizes the changes are to aid students in their academic endeavors.

Information about the changes

will eventually be available from a link on the portal website.

Wheaton hopes to have documents available, a FAQ section and the ability for students to post questions and find answers about the changes in the coming weeks.

Classes scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will now be 60 minutes long and classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays will last 100 minutes.

Current students will earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate and new students for next year will be required to obtain 121.

“In terms of the changes to the core curriculum, I think most people will find a very familiar and comfortable balance between continuity and change,” said Chair of the Philosophy Department James Snyder, Ph.D. In terms of changes, there are numerous changes in the different

departments. Overall, however, most students will find they need one less course to graduate for all majors.

Furthermore, the J-term, an intensive, multiple-week session in January, is aimed at offering students unique courses and opportunities.

Incoming freshmen will be required to take J-term twice as they go about their academic career. Those who register for J-term without the registration of spring term will, as a result, receive no financial aid due to their part-time status.

According to Federici, the arts category has been expanded, and the mathematics component reduced from three necessary classes to two.

Nevertheless, he assures students that the new categories of the core still retain elements of the old.

The change of semesters will also aid students in getting used to the new core.

According to Christina Riley-Brown, chair of the English department, most universities have moved from the trimester system to the semester system already.

“It is better to be on the semester system,” said Riley-Brown, “because the university can remain flexible, innovative and creative with class offerings.”

Though there are difficulties in any process, the majority of faculty has been behind the changes.

Accordingly, students as well seem positive, though apprehensive about acclimating to the new changes. In effort to reduce student anxiety, advisers will sit down with students this spring term to go over their academic profiles and make sure they are on time to graduate with the new curriculum changes.

Students’ shoe drive steps beyond goal

By Abigail Robinson Staff writer

“Within the Sole” was a shoe drive on campus that occurred throughout the holiday season.

Senior social work major Marissa Zastawa partnered with the Lead and Seed program through the Coalition Pathways agency to make the drive a huge success.

The program’s goal was to raise awareness in the community about drug and alcohol abuse, along with the dangerous effects of drunk driving.

Zastawa acted as the prevention coordinator, whose main goal was to educate the community about the statistics regarding these issues and train people to go out and spread the word.

Zastawa, along with the Social Work Club of Mercyhurst University, came up with the idea of the “Within the Sole” Project to raise awareness about the growing issues with drug misuse, which often leads to overdose.

Senior social work major Emily Iabone was one of the 10 Mercyhurst students to assist in the planning and execution of the project.

“We thought of this project as a team because it was artistic and it had a strong message to send which

mercyhurst.edu photo

Marissa Zastawa raised a total of 150 pairs of shoes for various organizations in Erie. we thought would catch people’s attention,” Iabone said.

The student’s goal for the shoe drive was to collect at least 98 pairs of shoes, which is representative of the number of deaths in Erie County due to drug overdose.

“The project was a cool idea because we were able to relate the sole of a shoe to the soul of individual’s lives,” Zastawa said.

Iabone explained that, “98 may not seem significant but that doesn’t include the number of people who have overdosed and haven’t died, so it is still a huge problem.”

The team reached out to the Mercyhurst campus by advertising on Facebook, and asked the Erie community for help with this project.

“Marissa is a great leader for this team and has done a wonderful job,” said senior social work major Natalie Magoc. “Our shoe collection turned out better than we expected, which was really exciting and made being a part of the Lead and Seed program worthwhile.”

The project exceeded its goal with a total of 150 pairs of shoes collected and at the completion of the drive were put on display for the Mercyhurst community.

The shoes were displayed to represent the lives lost, and after many outreach actions, the media became involved to continue raising awareness about the issues.

The Social Work Club hopes to continue to do more projects throughout the rest of the year and will inform the campus community of all upcoming events.

The shoes will be donated to several organizations in the community including St. Martin’s Center, Mercy Center for Women and Safe Harbor Behavioral Health.

FEATURES

January 16, 2013

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Enter to win Bill Cunningham contest

By Kayla Kelly Features editor

As most of us are familiar with The New York Times, many fail to recognize the 83-year-old fashion photojournalist behind the artwork: Bill Cunningham.

Cunningham is known for his candid New York City street photography and Time Style section columns “On the Street” and “Evening Hours.”

Cunningham was a Harvard drop out, who decided to embrace the fastpaced world and move to New York.

He started taking photographs during World War II, but started his career in advertising. Eventually, he switched to writing for the Chicago Tribune and working at Women’s Wear Daily. This is when he found his passion for street fashion.

“The difference for me is I don’t see the people I photograph. All I see are clothes. I’m only interested in people who look good. I’m looking for the stunners,” Cunningham said in a 2002 article.

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture (MIAC) and Department of Fashion Merchandising are challenging students, administrators and the public to “Be Bill Cunningham.”

The contest is a way for individuals to display their creativity and photography.

Entries can be anything from photos of eclectic downtown individuals, to your friends posing in their favorite weekend outfits. Photographs should represent “street fashion,” the latest trends or your individual style.

In conjunction with the photo contest, the documentary “Bill Cunningham New York,” will be shown on

Friday, Feb. 8, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. in the Taylor Little Theatre. Tickets for the film are $6 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and free for Mercyhurst students.

MIAC and the Fashion Merchandising Department are hosting an event after the first documentary screening at 5:30 p.m., on the third floor of Old Main. Those who choose to participate in the contest will have their photograph enlarged and hanging in the hallway. Whether or not you decide to enter the contest, you are welcome to check out the submitted street photography.

A panel of judges will choose the winning photograph and the winner will be revealed.

The winner will receive a professional print of his or her image, a display on the MIAC website and $50 gift cards to The Limited and Isaac Baker Menswear.

Rizzone advises students

By Jaslyne Halter Staff writer

Are you looking for an internship or job after graduation? Look no further.

Nestled away in Egan 122, Frank Rizzone advises students with everything, including how to tweak resumes, research for internships and interview preparation.

For the past 20 years, Rizzone has been working in the Career Development Center, formerly the Career Services Department. He works with a variety of students to find their dream internship and ultimate career.

Before arriving at Mercyhurst, Rizzone received his bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame and went to Edinboro for his master’s degree.

After graduation he was employed with the Erie NBC affiliate station WICU for nearly 20 years as a news anchor.

Rizzone was attending a news conference at Mercyhurst in 1993 when he talked to former Mercyhurst University President William Garvey, Ph.D., about his interest in working for a college.

Rizzone was on a personal job hunt at a college, but did not hear anything back from Garvey until several months later.

“I was camping in the Allegheny National Forest with my family,” said Rizzone. “I was sitting at the campfire when the park ranger pulled up, lights

Sami Rapp photo

Frank Rizzone helps students through their years at Mercyhurst with career development. flashing. The ranger comes over and said, ‘Are you Rizzone?’ When I said yes, he said that I had a message to call home.”

“Nobody likes getting that message,” he continued. “So I called home and my daughter told me that Mercyhurst called, they offered me the job, but I’d have to be there the next morning at 10 a.m., so we packed up and I

was there.”

The next day he reported to Mercyhurst as the new Assistant Director of Career Services.

Rizzone is working in his twentieth year in the department at Mercyhurst his official anniversary being Sept 1.

Rizzone has watched hundreds of students come in and out of his office.

“My favorite part of the job is working with students. It is so rewarding, of course maddening at times, but sometimes I wish I would have started this part of my life earlier than I did,” Rizzone said.

Several students appreciate Rizzone’s determination to help with the career development process.

“He helped me determine what’s important to include both just as an intel student and if I’m talking with certain prospective employers,” said sophomore Jacob Middlesetter. “Very helpful in prepping for internships, too.”

“He’s the man,” said junior James Gibson.

Rizzone said his advice for students is, “Do not wait until the last minute. Do not ignore the resources available to you. There are so many things we have for them. On March 21, we have one of the best Career Fairs in western Pa. coming up, with an estimated 75-100 companies coming. There are so many opportunities that students pass up that would help them.”

Chair of the Fashion Merchandising Department Amy Weaver-Kaulis is one of the persons working closely with this contest to make it a fun success.

“This contest gives Mercyhurst students, faculty and members of the community the opportunity to look beyond the typical North Face fleece jackets and Ugg boots that are seen daily and instead capture a unique look or interpretation of one’s personal style,” Weaver-Kaulis said.

The contest is open to the public and all from the Erie community are encouraged to participate.

For more information, check out the “Be Bill Cunningham Contest” event on the MIAC Facebook page.

Those interested in the contest are welcome to submit their photography to bebillcunningham@gmail.com. The deadline for all submissions is Monday, Jan. 28.

www. blogspot.com photo

Bill Cunningham travels around NYC taking street photography.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

January 16, 2013

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DeMarco, a musical pioneer of our time

By Zach Dorsch Photo editor

pac.mercyhurst.edu photo

Mercyhurst annually hosts the Tri-State Music Festival, a program that introduces high school students to a fast paced music environment as well as teaching camaraderie and musicianship.

Tri-State music event showcases students

By Mathew Anderson A&E editor

Online

Excellent musicianship certainly doesn’t start at the collegiate level.

With a strong drive and determination, even beginning musicians have the ability to move an audience.

This past weekend, Mercyhurst was once again the home of the Tri-State Music Festival, which was coordinated and conducted by Associate Professor of Saxophone and Music Education Scott Meier, Ph.D. More than 70 high school students from eight schools organized themselves and gave a spectacular concert in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC).

The festival itself lasts a grand total of three days of music-filled excitement and enrichment.

But these three days aren’t all fun and games, there is an incredible amount of practice and hard work that must be crammed into what little time the students spend together.

Although this almost seems like

an impossible amount of work to get done in such a short period of time, these high school students are the top in their bands and hand selected by their directors.

The festival commenced with the Tri-State Prism Concert Friday, Jan. 11.

The program features the Mercyhurst Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz group and “The Monks Brew,” Mercyhurst’s resident jazz band who have made quite a name for themselves in the area.

The hard work and efforts of the high school students lead up to a performance in the PAC on Saturday, Jan. 12, and words can barely describe the performance that was given.

The concert started off with a grand Russian march-esque piece by Reinhold Gliere.

The nationalistic “Russian Sailors’ Dance” was a great way to start the program, featuring the students’ abilities to work with and understand music from different cultures.

Second in the program was a fantastic rendition of “Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo” by Malcolm Arnold.

Full list of events can be found on the PAC website

Just these pieces alone showcased the students’ ability to understand the vast difference that can be found in two pieces of repertoire.

The program then slowed down a bit with “Hymn to the Fallen,” a solemn piece that transitioned nicely into the final selection, “The Forest of the King,” by John Williams.

The Tri-State Festival is a great opportunity for high school students to experience a fast paced, but educational music experience in a fun and inviting environment.

Not only does the festival build musician camaraderie between schools, but also builds skills and facilitates social growth.

The visiting students have the opportunity to spend days getting to know each other and even enjoy attending a dance held for them by the music department on Friday night.

From Meier to the visiting high school students, and even the Mercyhurst music students that helped with the event, this was an unforgettable experience that left all with a renewed sense of teamwork and self-accomplishment.

Creating a new sound in today’s world can be challenging, especially with so many different genres in existence.

Despite all odds, Vancouver native, Mac DeMarco has managed to find a sound of his own with nothing more then a $30 guitar and a grimy Seattle hat that seems permanently attached to his head.

Although it is not always clear, DeMarco’s sounds in “2” can best be described as a mix of jazz, yacht rock and warm guitar noodling to create an effortless “Slacker Rock” sound.

I first got into DeMarco when his song “Freaking Out the Neighborhood” popped up on my Spotify radio.

At first I didn’t like it. It sounded too different and I really wasn’t feeling it. Eventually I gave it a chance and

by the end of the song the guitar and vocals had me hooked.

By the end of the song I was already looking for more songs by him.

“Freaking Out the Neighborhood” felt like it could have been written by The Smiths with its jazzy guitar parts mixed with simple and fun lyrics like “sorry, mama there are times I get carried away please/ don’t worry next time I’m home/ I’ll still be the same.”

Another track off “2” that really stood out to me was “My Kind of Woman.” This track is one of those non-sappy love songs that still manages to be sweet and would bring a smile to any girls’ face.

DeMarco sings in his slow trancelike voice “really driving me mad/ that’s alright with me/ it’s really no fuss as long as you’re next to me” over layers of warm guitar tone and slow chugging bass.

I hope you check his music out and feel the same about taking the journey with DeMarco through his career.

pac.mercyhurst.edu photo

Met HD Live presents: Maria Stuarda by Gaetano Donizetti

Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, one of the world’s most exciting singers, takes on the virtuosic bel canto role of the doomed Mary, Queen of Scots. Director David McVicar turns to the second opera of Donizetti’s Tudor trilogy, which explores regal characters at fateful moments of their lives. Elza van den Heever sings Elizabeth I and Maurizio Benini conducts.

Saturday, Jan. 19, at 12:55 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center

View upcoming performances: www.pac.mercyhurst.edu

www.merciad.mercyhurst. edu/arts_entertainment

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

January 16, 2013

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pac.mercyhurst.edu photo

Grégoire Maret

pac.mercyhurst.edu photo

Dr. Brett Johnson heads the new theatre program on campus. Not only is there a new and very active Theatre Appreciation Club, but a new theatre minor being presented this fall.

Theatre program thrives on campus

By Mathew Anderson A&E editor

Mercyhurst has had a relatively strong artistic presence and now certainly isn’t any different.

On the contrary, if there was any time to get into the arts on campus, it is right now.

In addition to the thriving music, dance and art departments, a new discipline is joining the ranks.

Starting with a rapidly expanding Theatre Appreciation Club and recently approved minor, the theatre program is beginning to take off here at Mercyhurst.

The new theatre minor will be in effect starting in the fall of the 20132014 academic year, headed by Assistant Professor of English and Director of the Mercyhurst Theatre Program

Brett Johnson, Ph.D. “It’s an exciting time for Theatre at Mercyhurst, with the revitalization of the Theatre Appreciation Club, the approval of the Theatre minor and the introduction of a regular production season,” Johnson said.

A remarkable number of students have come forth with an interest in the club,” he said.

“I’ve been encouraged and energized by the initial response to these programs. The club currently has 49 members, led by an outstanding executive committee, which has organized a number of events to foster a sense of community among students interested in theater and to raise awareness about the burgeoning program,” Johnson said.

Students from all walks of life and personal interests have shown an incredible dedication and level of commitment toward making this a

Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center Friday Jan. 18 - 8:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit the events page at pac.mercyhurst.edu.

fantastic year of commencement for the theatre program.

“Additionally, students from all disciplines have expressed interest in auditioning for the productions and adopting a minor, and my colleagues have welcomed opportunities for collaboration. There’s a definite need for theater at Mercyhurst, and I look forward to building the program in the upcoming years,” Johnson said.

The minor allows students to gain more than sufficient knowledge of various types of theater including performance, design or dramatic literature.

The new theatre program’s first production will be “Eurydice,” a retelling of the Orpheus myth told through the eyes of the heroine.

The show dates are Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 14, at 2 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre.

Chapel Choir and Dance Ensemble to visit Fla.

By Mathew Anderson A&E editor

Contributed photo

The Chapel Choir and Liturgical Dance Ensemble will travel to Tampa, Fla., to perform at various religious venues.

There are very few instances where Mercyhurst students get to travel outside of our beloved state of Pennsylvania. It’s for this reason, and many others, that the Chapel Choir and Liturgical Dance Ensemble members have been so excited lately.

They will have the opportunity to venture to Tampa, Fla., over spring break. The two groups will be giving a program that was performed last April at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church’s

Faith Café to be performed at a mixture of school and church venues.

The program that will be performed showcases a healthy mix of liturgical pieces and contemporary Christian music along with praise and worship.

Along with performing for a vast number of individuals, the groups will also be recruiting future Mercyhurst students and may have the opportunity to sing for the daily masses throughout the week.

The week-long trip will include the multitude of masses and performances along with a possible trip to Universal Studios in Walt Disney World. The

Chapel Choir and Liturgical Dance Ensemble will also be spreading their talent and good will to many sub-divisions of Christianity including Catholic, Evangelical and Jesuit churches.

“Despite our small numbers, we’re grateful for the support from Campus Ministry to make this trip possible,” said senior Brittany Barko.

On top of having the tremendous opportunity to showcase their faith and talent to various peoples in the Tampa area, the Chapel Choir and Liturgical Dance Ensemble are getting the incredible chance to spend their spring breaks in an unbeatable climate.

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OPINION

January 16, 2013

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 always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Students review Merciad quality

Editor addresses section critiques, encourages participation

By Caitlin Handerhan Opinion editor

Mercyhurst University’s very own “Gangnam Style” YouTube video, starring Erico Sanchez and Dr. Gamble, has had over 1,200 views within the first 36 hours of being posted.

As editors for the Merciad, each week our staff works to produce a paper that is both worthy of this institution and pleasing to the student body.

While the hours are long and the compensation little, we continue to produce the Merciad because it is something we are all genuinely passionate about.

It has come to my attention that the opinion section has come under fire as of late, with some deeming it a section unworthy of being read and merely a soap-box from which a select few spout off their poorly reasoned positions.

I welcome criticism of the work we as a staff produce each week, and instead of being unnerved by such scathing reviews, feel it is my duty to do my job better.

“

...we continue to produce the Merciad because it is something we are all genuinely passionate about.

”

- Caitlin Handerhan

That being said, I welcome those who have complaints about the Merciad or any other topic on campus to submit an article.

Coverage of gun debate aimless Many students have been left confused by the new Mercyhurst Compliments account created on Facebook, and are reluctant to participate. It seems like a good idea, let’s hope it picks up.

The new core being implemented for the 2013-2014 school year is causing mass panic among underclassmen. Let’s hope it is easier to understand than the Mercyhurst Compliments Facebook account.

By Zack Yost Staff writer

Following last month’s tragic school shooting one cannot turn on any media outlet without witnessing a raging debate about guns and violent video games.

Unfortunately, and quite shamefully, the whole discussion has become a giant media circus used to boost TV and radio ratings on all sides of the spectrum. We are left with a senseless media spectacle while the real issues regarding gun control and violent video games are completely ignored.

The perfect example of this is a recent interview where CNN talk show host Piers Morgan interviewed radio host Alex Jones. The ensuing interview made headlines all over the country as Jones, a ridiculous conspiracy theorist who tries to pass himself off as a libertarian, went on a crazed and frankly bizarre rant ranging from guns, to the new world order and the whole shopping list of conspiracy theorist talking points (or in this case shouting points).

Piers Morgan, who is ardently anti-

gun, lengthened the interview with Jones so as not to miss out on the rating boost that followed. It is clear that Piers Morgan has no interest in having a constructive dialogue about guns. If he was interested in such a conversation rather than inviting a crazed, fringe, lunatic who obviously does not represent the views of mainstream people who are opposed to increased gun regulation, he would invite someone less controversial who actually has some respectable credentials.

Another group that is of course in the spotlight is the National Rifle Association (NRA). It has blamed violent video games for the tragedy in what seems to be a way of changing the subject.

To read more, check out this article online at: opinion/merciad.mercyhurst.edu

Every week students are welcome to voice their opinion, and I would be delighted to receive an article and spark a healthy debate among the student body.

As a member of a student-run paper, I am supremely disappointed by the lack of student interaction and participation in the Merciad.

The opinion section specifically is the forum through which you can advocate for your cause, voice your opinion and be the catalyst for a change on campus.

When I came into this position, what disappointed me most was the fact that previous opinion editors worked with a staff like every other section does. To me, the opinion section should have no standing crew of writers for each week, but rather

be able to rely on the student body at-large to contribute.

Since this is not the case, and since rarely do students have the initiative to compose a piece for publication, naturally a pool of staff writers must be utilized each week.

If you feel the content of this section is not worthy of the time it takes you to read it, I ask you this: Why have you not personally contributed an article about something you are passionate about?

With no limit on the topic and relatively few restrictions placed on word count, those with such views of this section should feel welcome to contribute at any time. After all, as the opinion editor, I welcome all points of view, even if you don’t.

If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen. @mercyhurst.edu Editors Positions editormerciad Alicia Cagle Editor-in-Chief newsmerciad Stacy Skiavo News Editor featuremerciad Kayla Kelly Features Editor opinionmerciad Caitlin Handerhan Opinion Editor sportsmerciad Joe Chiodo Sports Editor entertainmentmerciad Mat Anderson A&E Editor copymerciad Chelsea Schermerhorn Copy Editor photomerciad Samantha Link Graphics photomerciad Zach Dorsch Photo Editor ejohns89 Ethan Johns Web Editor admerciad Laura Fiegelist Ad Manager wwelch Bill Welch Adviser

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 120B. 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.

SPORTS

Page 8

January 16, 2013 September 3, 2008

Wrestling proving unstoppable at 6-0

By Joe Chiodo Sports editor

Mercyhurst men’s wrestling is off to a phenomenal start this season. After defeating Shippensburg University 30-13 on Saturday, Jan 12, the Lakers have improved their record to an impressive 6-0 on the season.

Additionally, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, the Lakers were ranked sixth in the Super Region 1 rankings, with six members ranked in their respective weight classes.

Senior Jeffrey Pollard notes the success of the team this season is a product of its members’ strong relationship to one another.

“We are close on and off the mat.

Coach really stressed being a tight knit group this year, and it is helping substantially with such a diverse team,” said Pollard. “We have many freshmen and older kids that have not started before, but we are coming together as one and making this our team.”

Also a member of the football team, Pollard is always striving to improve and achieve. As a senior, he has one last goal to reach before his career at Mercyhurst University is over.

“It feels great having a winning

Brian Vail photo

Jeffrey Pollard, right, gets ready to grapple against an Ashland University opponent on November 30, 2012. record, but I am not going to settle for that. This is my last year of wrestling and I want to leave no doubts and have a great season,” said Pollard. “I want to make it to nationals

and become the first Heavy Weight All-American at Mercyhurst University.”

While becoming Mercyhurst University’s first Heavy Weight All-Ameri-

Bestland represents Canada’s hockey team

By Lindsey Burke Staff writer

’Hurst student Christine Bestland represented Canada in Russia with Canada’s National Women’s Under-22/ Developmental Team in early November.

Bestland was added to Canada’s National Women’s Under-22/Developmental Team. Bestland is a native of Brunkild, Manitoba.

Six teams competed for the Meco Cup over the holidays, including Germany, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland and Canada. Canada competed in four games from Jan. 2 to Jan. 6.

Bestland returned to the Mercyhurst Ice Center (MIC) with gold. “[Bestland] representing Canada is not only a great reflection on our program and her, but it also reaffirms Mercyhurst’s ability to contend against other world hockey powers,” said women’s hockey Coach Michael Sisti.

“Playing overseas was a great experience,” said Bestland. “To have a chance to play a sport you love while representing your country is the

can will be quite the challenge, Pollard is no stranger to conquering obstacles many cannot.

In the summer of 2009, Pollard was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and

has fought a long battle recovering from the illness since. Now a graduating senior, Pollard can reflect on the hardships he has overcome.

“The road to recovery has been very difficult throughout the past four years. It came to a point where I almost gave up on both sports, but I knew if I kept working hard I could get back to the athlete and person I knew I could be,” said Pollard. “It also helps having such a great family and community here at Mercyhurst.

Everyone has been there for me with anything I needed, even if it was just to talk.”

Pollard’s cousin, Michael Pollard, is also on the wrestling team. Having a family member on the same team offers a unique advantage.

“Michael is my younger cousin and I really like having him as a teammate.

That is in part why he came to school here,” said Pollard. “It is nice having a family member to go through the same hardships together. It builds a good bond and helps bring the team together. We also push each other a little more having that closeness.”

The Lakers will face West Liberty on Thursday, Jan. 17, at home, with matches beginning at 7 p.m.

Sports Brief

Hockey picks up 350th program win

Brian Vail photo

Christine Bestland races past Clarkson University defenders on October 20 at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. opportunity of a lifetime and I am very honored to be a part of it.”

The Lakers return to action Jan. 18

and 19 in the MIC at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively, against Boston College.

Head Coach Michael Sisti has 350 reasons to smile after the Lakers defeated College Hockey America (CHA) opponent Syracuse 4-1.

Sisti has been the only coach in program history dating back to 1999. Mercyhurst is now the third fastest program to reach 350 wins behind Minnesota and New Hampshire.

“Coach Sisti has always been dedicated to furthering the success of the program he built,” said senior Stephanie Ciampa. “He puts so much pride and effort in daily, he deserves a lot of credit for the victories.”

Mercyhurst was most recently ranked eighth in a USCHO.com poll.

“We need to be consistent and execute our systems well for the rest of the season and just focus on one win at a time,” Ciampa said.

Junior captain Christine Bestland agrees.

“We need to quickly come together and be fully prepared everyday both on and off the ice. We need to execute what our coaches give us, and never give up,” Bestland said.

Freshman Emily Janiga recorded her first career hat trick in the win. The freshman has 27 points, 14 goals, and 13 assists on the season. Juniors Christine Bestland and Christie Cicero marked assists on Janiga’s hat trick. Sophomore Shelby Bram also added a goal 2:29 into the third period. Sophomore Amanda Makela recorded the win in net with 29 saves. The win over the Orange was Makela’s second straight win in net, moving her to 7-2-1 overall.

The win moves the Lakers to 16-3-1 overall and 8-2 in the CHA.