The Merciad, Jan. 25, 2012

Athlete priority registration gets first big test

Departments collaborate to present ‘In Her Shoes’

Debate continues over athlete registration

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NEWS

January 25, 2012

registration for News Briefs Priority athletes gets first big test

MSG philanthropy fund ready for use

Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) has set up a fund that is available to non-RSCOs. If these groups raise money for a nonprofit organization, they can request that the funds be matched through the philanthropy fund, and MSG will match up to $350 per year.

“This started after receiving philanthropic inquiries from clubs not funded by MSG,” said MSG President Meghan Hess. “Treasurer Killian Bowe and the Senate approved this new program upon returning from Christmas break.”

Visit msg.mercyhurst.edu to access the philanthropy request form.

Campus repairs needed after wind damage After the recent wind storm on Tuesday, Jan. 17, that damaged the roof of the Christ the King Chapel and the steeple, several repairs are scheduled.

The steeple is in the process of being examined by a metal fabricator, but costs for the repairs have not been finalized.

“In addition to the steeple, we had roughly $10,000 in roof damage,” Director of Physical Plant Ken Stepherson said.

The storm blew away several shingles and soffits during the storm.

The steeple is being taken as an insurance claim for the college.

’Hurst-Ireland program expanding Mercyhurst College’s partnership with Dungarvan, Ireland is expanding.

“There’s a lot going on,” Dean of International Education Heidi Hosey, Ph.D., said.

Office and classroom space is being leased by the college so “that we can have a permanent home for our classes,” Hosey said.

The building is located on lower Main Street in Dungarvan.

Also in the works is a partnership with the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), which would enable Mercyhurst students to take classes there.

“This would give students the chance to take classes taught

by Mercyhurst College and European professors and would contribute to their global skills development,” Hosey said.

Mercyhurst is working toward establishing a jointly accredited graduate degree with WIT as well.

“The goal is to do a fall/spring program in Ireland every year,” she said.

By Spencer Hunt Sports editor

As the end of the winter term approaches, students are beginning their adviser meetings for spring term.

This term, like last, athletes of all four years will receive the opportunity to register with seniors on Monday, Jan. 30. The early registration is designed to alleviate problems with scheduling around practices and games for athletes.

“It is necessary to do because our practice times are set before we register, and we need to work our classes around the practice times,” senior lacrosse player Ally Keirn said.

Even so, spring term could have a few more issues than winter. Only five athletic teams are in-season during the winter term. There are 11 teams that have the priority registration option for spring term.

There will be between 150 and 170 underclassmen-athletes registering with the senior class. A little less than 90 athletes were eligible for priority registration for winter term.

“The athletes will be put into a pool with the other seniors eligible to register, and they will be randomly assigned times to register during that day,” Michele Wheaton, assistant vice president of academic

services, said.

As athletes go through the process of registration, the new times are considered extremely helpful.

“It is completely necessary to register early,” softball player Sydney Cuscino said. “When you include travel days it is even more difficult because leaving class isn’t an option.”

Athletes and professors already have to deal with missed classes because of games, but with the extended class times it is more complicated.

“It is tough to leave the same class every Friday when we travel for games. It’s really stressful,” Keirn said.

Even though these athletes have the option to register with seniors, it does not mean they will. During the winter registration period, it was estimated that 20 percent of the eligible athletes did not register early.

Once the time for the athletes has passed, anyone who hasn’t registered is put back into their respective class registration times.

Additionally, winter sports teams will not be able to register early this term. Teams are only allowed to register early during their season of play. Even if a team’s schedule spans past a given term, they are still not eligible for priority registration.

The change in athlete registration is because of the change in class times before winter term.

“The challenge athletes have is

their ideal schedule is different than other students,” Dean of Faculty Brian Reed, Ph.D., said.

With so many more athletes registering early this term, will there be more of a problem getting into classes?

“We carefully watch the number of seats left in classes, and that’s something we did even before the early registration this year,” said Wheaton. “We want to make sure all our students get the classes they need to earn their degrees.”

The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) is still gathering information on the early registration to determine how helpful it is and whether it is worth doing next year.

“We haven’t committed to anything yet for fall term,” said Andrea Barnett, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs. “We have only had one term to implement this system, and it is too early to make a judgment.”

Spring term will be a big test to whether early registration will continue next year. The spring represents the largest group of athletes registering with seniors and will be an indicator of just how much it affects the rest of the student body.

To date, OAA has received only one complaint about the new system. Barnett and OAA are hopeful that despite more athletes registering, it will go over as smooth as the winter term.

NEWS

January 25, 2012

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Professor writes history of ’Hurst Completion expected in early summer months

By Stacy Skiavo Staff writer

Mercyhurst College, the school we all know and love, was established in 1926. A lot has changed since then, which is why Professor of History Roy Strausbaugh, Ph.D., is writing a book of the history of Mercyhurst dating from 1926 to 2000.

The idea for the book came about when Strausbaugh, who is a historian by profession, approached President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D., and asked to write a history book for the college since Mercyhurst doesn’t have one.

“The college needed a history of

the place,” Strausbaugh said.

The closest thing to a history book for the school was in 1976 when Sister of Mercy Mother Eustace Taylor wrote a short celebratory history of the college for Mercyhurst’s 40th anniversary.

Strausbaugh has acquired a great amount of experience in the higher education—he has held several positions at Edinboro University, Thiel College and Mercyhurst College.

Some of these positions include dean and associate vice president at Edinboro, dean at Mercyhurst and academic dean at North East.

Aside from these positions Strausbaugh has been employed at Mercyhurst for 17 years and has been here to experience a great chunk of the school’s history.

Zach Dorsch photo

Professor of History Roy Strausbaugh, Ph.D., is in the process of writing the history of Mercyhurst dating from 1926-2000.

The book will be the first of its kind for Mercyhurst.

From these positions he “learned about how a university works,” Strausbaugh said.

While employed at Edinboro, Strausbaugh wrote a book documenting its history, titled “Edinboro University, an Administrative History.”

“

The college needed a history of the place.

”

Roy Strausbaugh, Ph.D.

The history book for Mercyhurst explains about the Sisters of Mercy and how they founded the school.

It goes into detail about the changes that occurred over the years and how the sisters were leaders who educated the students.

The book includes huge changes such as the decision and importance of going co-ed in 1969 and the impact that had on the school. It describes student life over the years and the addition of sports teams once the school became co-ed.

“I think it’s great that Dr. Strausbaugh is digging deeper into the history of our college. We have such a rich and interesting history, but unfortunately not many people know about it,” junior history major Garrett Stolz said.

A large portion of discussion in

the book is on the late 1960s and 1970s and all of the changes that occurred during those years. During this time span, Mercyhurst dealt with several outside forces, and the book contains information about how the Sisters were the educators and administration up until then.

Many familiar names are mentioned in the book including Gamble; James Adovasio, Ph.D; Joe Kimball; several other faculty members and of course, the Sisters of Mercy.

Some of the major stories in the book include the story of the main gates, the introduction of the archaeology program, the building of the chapel, O’Neil’s scandal (the money issue regarding Christ the King Chapel), the creation of Mercyhurst North East (MNE) and the introduction of Division I ice hockey to Mercyhurst.

“Mercyhurst needs a book written about our rich history and tradition. Most students come here knowing very little about our past, and we really do have some interesting happenings that have occurred on campus,” junior Alicia Rossi said.

Strausbaugh collected his information in various locations. One of his biggest sources was the archives on campus. He also used sources such as the Mother House Archives,

local newspaper articles, Board of Trustees minutes and materials, The Merciad, College Self Studies and reports from Middle States.

Information was also used from Larie Pintea, oral historian at Mercyhurst who interviewed retirees from Mercyhurst.

“I think it’s great that Dr. Strausbaugh is writing a book on the history of the school. Mercyhurst has such a rich history that often gets overlooked, especially by its students,” junior history major Chelsea Morris said.

While most students find the idea of a book about Mercyhurst’s history interesting, some stressed the need to focus on the present and future of Mercyhurst.

Junior Ben Snedden said he thinks the college should be more concerned about the future rather than dwelling on the past.

The book is currently in the editing process and is expected to be completed and published in the early summer months.

In addition to Strausbaugh’s history book, Assistant Professor of History and Sociology Judith M. Lynch, Ph.D., wrote a 20th year celebration history book about MNE titled “Building Dreams.”

The book will be revealed, Thursday, Jan. 26, in the Great Room of MNE’s Ridge Building.

NEWS

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January 25, 2012

Pitt forms academic partnership with ’Hurst Early application available for social science students

By Caitlin Handerhan Opinion editor

Graduates from Mercyhurst’s School of Social Sciences are known to attend graduate schools across the country, but perhaps more will be likely to stay closer to Mercyhurst College in the coming years.

The Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professor of Political Science Randy S. Clemons, Ph.D., has solidified a new partnership with the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University Pittsburgh (GSPIA).

After initiating talks in the 2011-12 academic year, an official agreement was reached that allows Mercyhurst students in their junior year to apply to a program within GSPIA and receive notification of their acceptance before the start of fall term their senior year.

This new program, designed for qualified undergraduates with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher, is a way for Mercyhurst juniors to secure

a seat in a top ranking graduate program before their senior year.

Of the new early assurance agreement, Clemons indicated that the tradition of large numbers of Mercyhurst students enrolling in a program within GSPIA was a large factor in wanting to pursue a relationship with Pitt.

“Mercyhurst has been one of their top feeder programs in the last decade,” said Clemons. “I would safely estimate that we are one of their top five in terms of numbers of students who attend and succeed in their program and the first school nationwide to set up such an agreement with GSPIA” Students looking to apply have the benefit of having a spot held for them in a top ranking graduate program, a process which is traditionally very competitive.

“GSPIA is a top-tier program with many different academic tracks students may pursue,” Clemons said.

Students choosing to apply to GSPIA have the option to enroll in security and intelligence stud-

ies, human security, global political economy, public and nonprofit management, urban and regional affairs, policy research and analysis, development planning and environmental sustainability, nongovernmental organizations.

“

Mercyhurst has been one of the top feeder programs in the last decade.

”

Randy Clemons, Ph.D., on ’Hurst students attending Pitt

Mercyhurst College’s Class of 2013 will be the first class to benefit from this arrangement, which has been in the works since last spring, with the official agreement between the two schools being signed this past fall.

Associate Director of Student Services of the University of Pittsburgh, Michael Rizzi, addressed a group of political science students

Proposed bike trail creates opportunities

By Shea Quadri

Contributing writer Still in the works this month is a proposed recreational path in the Girard and Lake City area that would create pedestrian routes to local farmers’ markets and connect existing trails.

The organization behind the idea is Erie Together, a group that focuses on bringing more choices to areas that lack the resources to promote exercise and outdoor activity.

“We want to take advantage of the existing trails in the 205 acres of forest and pasture lands next to Ridge Road,” Mercyhurst College Sustainability Officer Brittany Prischak said. “We’re also hoping it will include Lake Erie Community Park and Bluff State Park, two parks in the area with great potential.”

She said Girard residents will be actively involved in the entire process.

“Getting everyone from students to older residents involved will be a big aspect of the project, as well as promoting its awareness,” Prischak said.

Mercyhurst students have already been getting involved in the process as well.

History Department Chair Chris Magoc, Ph.D, had his public history class create historical pamphlets and storyboards to launch the brainstorming of the historical aspect of the project, focusing on ideas like Dan Rice and Civil War Era as well the area’s history of commerce.

A variety of wayside markers would likely outline different historical facts at landmarks throughout.

“While it could cost a bit of money, the positive opportunities it would offer in a motor vehicle dependent society are too great to pass up,” senior Patrick Bresnahan said.

The trail would bring residents a completely new outlet for physical activity and develop a better consumer relation with local farmer’s markets.

“That’s a great idea,” said senior Victoria Gricks.

“Promoting exercise and healthy living is necessary in today’s world, and if it helps local farmers then it’s even better.”

The proposed trail would not only promote healthy living early on in life, but local businesses could also take advantage of the opportunity for tourism.

during fall term, briefing them on the new changes.

Clemons anticipates Rizzi will return to campus in the spring to talk to current juniors well before the July 15 application deadline.

Students seem to appreciate this new opportunity.

“The new partnership with GSPIA at Pitt is a great opportunity for Mercyhurst students interested in public and international affairs to apply for early entry into one of the country’s top programs within the field, with the added bonus of at least a $5,000 scholarship,” said senior Christopher Kelly.

“Trust me, knowing where you will be attending graduate school by the beginning of senior year will make it a much more enjoyable experience because the alternative involves a year filled with an onslaught of fees, the GRE, applications, among other things.”

Sophomore Katie Harvey agreed.

“I think this would be a great opportunity for Mercyhurst students to get a jump start on plans

for their future. Early admission would help lessen the strain for senior year and also help students who are ahead of the game,” she said.

Junior Lucas Sageot said, “It would definitely be helpful, as Pitt is a good graduate school for most of the social sciences, and I feel it would be an incentive for students to become graduate students. This partnership could also grow.”

Junior Pj Dolak commented on the competitiveness of graduate schools and how this partnership will help students in that regard.

“I think that it’s a fantastic partnership that will only further enhance the scholarly careers of our students and really help those of us in the Mercyhurst social sciences have an upper edge in the incredibly competitive scramble for grad school admissions,” he said.

“With the school soon transitioning to a university, this will only give more weight to our credibility and help to ensure our students are making a great impact outside the walls of Mercyhurst,” Dolak said.

Underage consumption Saturday, Jan. 14

McAuley Hall College discipline

Underage consumption Sunday, Jan. 15

Duval Apartments College discipline

Public drunkenness Sunday, Jan. 15

Lewis Avenue College discipline

Harassment Tuesday, Jan. 17

745 East 40th St. College discipline

Loitering Friday, Jan. 20

4117 Briggs Ave. Erie Police Department incident

Jan. 14 - 20, 2012

FEATURES

January 25, 2012

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Asperger’s initiative continues to grow

By Alicia Cagle Staff writer

Mercyhurst College is taking steps to fulfill the needs and enhance the success of those who are diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

According to the Learning Differences’ website, approximately one in 100 people applying for college will be diagnosed with ASD. Due to a growing number of college students who have AS/ASD and the lack of academic programs addressing this disorder, Mercyhurst College administration made the decision to develop support services that will allow for success

at school.

The Learning Differences Program has been helping students for more than 20 years, and in 2008 it launched the Asperger Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM).

Asperger Initiative at Mercyhurst received a federal grant for $10,000 from the Verizon Foundation for Technology on Jan. 18.

The check was presented to Mercyhurst College President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D., and Learning Differences Director Dianne Rogers

by William Carnahan, vice president of external affairs, Midwest Division.

“We are very excited about the opportunities and training this will provide for our students living with Asperger’s Syndrome,” AIM coordinator Brad McGarry said. “This

Annual Intercollegiate Gathering planned

By Brady Greenawalt Staff writer

Mercyhurst College will be hosting more than 100 students from various area colleges on Saturday, Feb. 4, as part of the Erie Diocese’s annual Intercollegiate Gathering.

The annual gathering is a daylong event organized by the Erie Diocese in an effort to bring together Catholic college students from schools all over the Erie Diocese.

This will be the first time Mercyhurst College has hosted the event since 2007.

Students from Gannon, Edinboro, Penn State Behrend, Allegheny College, Clarion and Grove City will be visiting Mercyhurst for the event.

Greg Baker, director of Campus Ministry at Mercyhurst, says the event will “give Catholic students the sense that there are many students who take their faith seriously on other campuses.”

The event will center on the theme “Can You Hear Me Now?” “The small groups from the day will have the names of various cell phone carriers … and the talks throughout the day will focus on our ability to slow down and hear

God’s voice,” Baker said.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Monsignor Pat Keleher, a longtime campus minster at the University of Buffalo.

Events for the day include group discussions and workshops designed to further explore the theme of the event as well as allow students to get to better know people from other schools who share their faith.

Jackie Francois, an accomplished Catholic singer/songwriter, will be performing and giving talks as part of the event.

“She’ll be sticking around that evening to do a concert in Christ the King Chapel,” Baker said.

Francois is from California and has traveled the country performing and leading worship since 2006. “(The event) is Catholic in its focus, but we welcome students from every tradition,” said Baker.

“We try to give students a sense of solidarity that there are people that share similar struggles and have similar questions … We hope students leave the day feeling a little more educated about the topics, more inspired and more energized.”

The Jackie Francois concert and all parts of the Intercollegiate Gathering are open to college students of all faiths.

grant brings a whole new dimension to our program and what we can accomplish.”

The grant will be used for equipment that will benefit students with social skills training, time management and executive functioning.

The equipment will include iPads and other applications geared toward this purpose.

Working on this program are Rogers, McGarry, and adviser Kenneth Schiff, Ph.D., as well as others within the Learning Differences Program.

Schiff explained that Asperger‘s Syndrome is considered to be “high-functioning autism.”

Those with Asperger’s Syndrome are “particularly at risk in the school setting, not because of a lack of academic or even verbal skills, but

because of difficulty in negotiating the complex social world of the university,” said Schiff.

“In fact, many of the students who fit this profile are especially gifted in certain academic areas and could, therefore, bring great honor to their schools and benefit to the larger community, but because of their lack of social skills, they require unique support services in order to succeed.”

AIM focuses on social skills as well as academics to ensure AS/ASD students have all of the right tools in order to succeed in school.

The Asperger Support Planning Committee worked for a few years on ways to create a program that will best help students at Mercyhurst.

Schiff has played an important role in the development of this program.

“I initially proposed, designed and directed the planning of the program,” he said.

As the adviser, Schiff ’s job is not only to help with hiring and other initiatives, but to be a faculty advocate as well.

If any trouble occurs in the classes, Schiff helps solve these problems.

Mercyhurst’s AIM program has also been displayed internationally through an article Schiff wrote for the January-February 2012 issue of “Autism Asperger’s Digest.”

To learn more about the Asperger Initiative at Mercyhurst, visit mercyhurst.edu/learning-differences/ asperger-support.

The fight against S.A.D. Staying mentally healthy in the winter

By Kayla Kelly Staff writer

Are you feeling down in the dumps? Are you beginning to sleep more, eat more and avoid social contact?

If this sounds like you, then you might have the winter blues.

“Many of us just feel a little more blue, funky, or irritated with the changes in the weather, and some basic lifestyle and environmental changes can help with that,” Director of the Cohen Student Health Center Judy Smith, Ph.D. said.

These symptoms may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). S.A.D. is mainly caused by the shortening of daytime and the lack of sunlight in winter.

So, how do you kick the winter blues out of your life? There are many resources to which you can turn to learn some great tips.

Sophomore Zach Stephens says, “To stay happy during the winter I do a lot of the things I like to do, like listen to music, watch movies, play basketball and hang out with friends.”

Time Magazine’s health section gave readers eight great tips on how to beat the winter blues.

Their suggestions include light therapy, socializing, regular exercise, deep breathing techniques, massage, caffeine, supplements or professional help.

If you need a mood booster, try spending some time outdoors or allow sunlight to soak into your home.

Even though it’s chilly, a simple long walk in winter sunlight can be just the right medicine to help give you a boost of energy and live a more positive winter season.

Exercise is also a great way to relieve stress and regain some strength to have a positive winter.

Sophomore Isabella Cardina uses exercise and regulating her sleep as an outlet for her winter blues.

“For me to stay mentally healthy during the winter season, I try and get exercise in at least two times a week, eat three healthy meals and maintain a good sleeping pattern. I think sleep is the most important because we are never getting enough of it,” she said.

Many people tend to avoid socializing and exercising completely in the winter, so force yourself to commit to a certain number of activities, and this can drastically effect how you feel.

Sophomore Caitlin Ewing likes to plan outings with her friends to keep herself occupied during the winter months.

“I like to have friends over for dinner or watch movies just to give myself something to look forward to,” she said.

Like people with other forms of depression, individuals with S.A.D. can benefit from counseling.

During counseling sessions, individuals have the opportunity to process the thoughts, behaviors and emotions that are a part of S.A.D. The Cohen Student Health Center has a counseling center where you can meet one-on-one with a counselor for free to discuss issues.

If you’re feeling that the winter blues are taking hold of your life, try to implement a few of these tips into your daily life.

You can also visit the Cohen Student Health Center on campus for more advice and information about how to get rid of the winter blues and how to stay mentally healthy.

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FEATURES

Winter fashion made easy

By Kayla Kelly Staff writer

What’s the secret to looking cool while keeping cozy?

As students at Mercyhurst College, we all know how difficult it is to stay warm and look stylish in Erie’s winters, so here are some tips to help you get through the winter and still be fashionable.

The “must haves” this winter season are fairly classic items that you can use for many winters to come.

First off, you must kick off your winter wardrobe with cute hats, matching scarves and gloves.

With snow piling up around campus, a closet necessity is a good pair of waterproof snow boots. I recommend a sturdy, calf-height pair of boots. You can find a great selection of boots in brands like Sorel, Ugg and Timberland.

In addition to a durable pair of boots, you should

have a knee-high leather or suede pair for dressing up.

North Face, Eddie Bauer, Dick’s and Burton provide a wide variety of winter coats to choose from that are both fashionable and warm.

The key to looking stylish and staying warm during winter is layers.

Wearing a camisole under your shirt is a good tip for women.

For men, layer by wearing T-shirts under your sweaters, henleys and dress shirts.

Who said women can’t wear skirts and dresses in the winter? But, combine this outfit with a pair of tights or leggings to keep your legs from frostbite.

I know it may seem nearly impossible to look cute and stay warm during the wintertime, but it is possible.

Make sure you have the basics, and then you can add your personal style to your outfit.

Like Tim Gunn from Project Runway says, “Make it work.”

You can be trendy while staying warm.

January 25, 2012

DIY College Style:

Red velvet whoopie pies Senior Alex Stacey enjoys blogging about do-it-yourself projects.

First I have to start off with a little disclaimer: this is not a food blog, and I have no intention of making it one. However, I love to share with my friends and family, so if I find some delicious, cheap recipes, that’s exactly what I am going to do.

I made this treat to send to my boyfriend, Dave, for his birthday.

He loves red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, so I thought this would be a great mail-able option.

The only ingredients that I bought for this recipe, were a box of red velvet cake mix and a can of cream cheese frosting. “Domestic” might as well be my middle name.

This is the recipe that I used to make the cookies: Ingredients: 2 eggs 1 package cake mix 1/2 cup vegetable oil I took 3 tablespoons of the cake mix out before I mixed it, just to be sure the dough would not be too runny. This made it the perfect consistency.

Directions: Mix together cake mix, eggs and oil in a large bowl.

Make little balls with the dough and set on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for seven to 10 minutes.

Once the cookies were cool, I simply filled a plastic bag with the frosting, cut the end off of the plastic bag and spread the frosting thickly onto the cookies. I then made them into sandwiches and packed them up to send in the mail. It was so easy and very delicious.

For more DIY ideas, visit lavendersbluee.blogspot.com.

DIY College Style is be a weekly column featuring two college students’ blogs on quick and easy tips about crafts and food.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

January 25, 2012

Page 7

Departments collaborate to present ‘In Her Shoes’ Multimedia event reflects on gender roles in popular society

By Alexandra Stacey A&E editor

It is a rare event when multimedia can be used to convey a singular message.

This was the goal when a project was conceived that featured the dance department, music department, graphic design, Mercyhurst Equality of Women (MEOW) club and many guest artists.

The event took place on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall.

“In Her Shoes” was much more than just a multimedia event. It is best described as a reflection of cultural manifestations, pressures and effects on women in relation to media, popular culture and social constructs.

The presentation was struc-

tured to follow a woman’s journey through her life—beginning with a birth and ending with a death.

There were many different symbolic dances within the presentation.

SoMar Danceworks, under the direction of Solveig and Mark Santilliano, did a phenomenal job representing all the different stages of life in this show.

Freshman Zeenat Javed thought that this presentation was perfect in the way the dancers presented a woman’s life.

“I think that the way they shed a light on the reality of many women’s lives in the world is brilliant. A woman has to fulfill many roles in her lifetime, and this show conveys just that.

“The choreography is also absolutely stunning,” she said.

The music department was represented well by the Collegiate Singers, a group under the direction of

Rebecca Ryan.

One of the most touching pieces in the presentation was titled “Sing Me to Heaven,” which included the singers performing the piece written by Daniel Gawthrop and dancing by SoMar Danceworks.

Adding significantly to the performance was the array of projections compiled by Graphic Design Professor Jodi Staniunas-Hopper.

They included different images from nature and videos of people that brought each piece together.

Staniunas-Hopper’s work was also featured in a piece titled “Wedlock Headlock” with music by Santilliano and Pachebell’s Cannon in D arranged by senior Jonatan Estrada.

The piece featured SoMar Dancework’s dancers wearing Staniunas-Hopper’s Mexican wrestling wedding masks and “wrestling” each other.

i <3 musica is a music blog written by Max Rivera. He chooses a song each day with music including international genres, new and older songs and both famous and lesser known artists and bands. The word “musica” is Spanish, Italian and Portuguese for music.

It derives from the Greek term “art of the Muses.”

“Maniac” Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (CYHSY) CYHSY is an indie rock group based in Brooklyn and Philadelphia that was formed in 2004.

This is from their third album, “Hysterical,” that was released in September 2011.

The release of this album put rumors of the band’s break up to rest.

Freshman Danielle Carlson thought that the sense of collaboration was what made the message so clear.

“It was really great to see how the different acts came together and how though each was so different, they were conveying the same message,” she said.

Adhering to the equality of women theme, the MEOW club made an appearance, explaining to the audience what it meant to each of them to be a feminist.

Senior President Lauren Moss explained why the group wanted to be a part of the performance.

“It was important for MEOW to be visible and to collaborate with these other groups.

This event had a lot of meaning for us,” she said.

There were also some special guest artists in attendance at this presentation.

Danielle Russo, a Brooklyn-based dance artist, choreographed a few of the pieces of the program. Her pieces are very deep and thoughtful.

One in particular consisted of a solo dancer who was tied with a rope on the arm and leg. This intense dance represented the unjust sexual objectification of women.

Other guest artists included The Dancing Wheels Company and alumnae Sara Laurence-Sucato, Carla Hughes and Bettye Walker.

Through their presentations, each of these women represented a distinct piece of what it means to be a woman.

“In Her Shoes” was a unique experience, unlike any other that Mercyhurst has seen.

Hopefully, the different disciplines can continue to work together in the future, as nothing short of brilliance is the result.

Upcoming events at the PAC: Maria J. Langer film series

“Good Bye (Bé Omid é Didar)” Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 2:15 & 7:15 p.m.

On Screen/In Person: “Money Matters” Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 2:15 & 7:15 p.m.

Raw Edges Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 & 7 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m.

PAC Series Mark S. Doss Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m.

Page 8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

January 25, 2012

‘Good Bye (Bé Omid é Didar)’ gives a bold critique of Iran

By Alejandra Zeron Staff writer

Dooce.com photo

John Vernon is the talent behind the indie folk band Bon Iver. The singer/songwriter founded the band in 2007 after a bad breakup with his girlfriend and former band. Other band members include Michael Noyce, Sean Carey and Matthew McCaughan.

Bon Iver creates emotional sense of passion through ballads

By Aaron Ullman Staff writer

Bon Iver (meaning “good winter” in French) is the brainchild of Justin Vernon, a true musical mastermind.

Vernon founded the band in 2007.

Now a four-member group, Bon Iver became quite the sensation after the 2008 release of “For Emma, Forever Ago,” their debut album.

It truly is a holistic work of brilliance on the part of Vernon.

After a simultaneous breakup with his girlfriend and former band in 2006, Vernon took a “Thoreau-esque” winter sabbatical deep in the woods of Wisconsin.

It was during this solitary brooding that he handcrafted “For Emma, Forever Ago” with old recording equipment and old, beat-up instruments.

The resulting unique and unpolished sound is crucial in giving the album a raw and bitter flavor—one that easily reflects the sadness the songs portray.

The album is a perfect reminder of winter, as one can almost picture Vernon stationed beside a fire penning these songs.

The soft simple melodies fall down like an immaculate snow—it is the perfect album to listen to on a lazy afternoon.

The true strength behind the songs is the emotional passion in Vernon’s singing, combined with the soulful poetry of the lyrics.

In an age of lyrical shallowness, the bard-like lines are

a breath of fresh air. To add to this, Vernon’s empowered semi-falsetto makes their delivery a perfect one.

The hands-down, standout track on the disc, “Skinny Love,” showcases his lyrical prominence quite well.

The song is a mourning of failed love—a “skinny love” that is sure too soon waste away.

The stanzas portray the pain of a doomed relationship culminating in an impassioned chorus.

Lines like “In the morning I’ll be with you/ But it will be a different kind” and “And now all your love is wasted?/ And then who the hell was I?” showcase this emotion perfectly.

In addition, the balladry must be heard rather than read to be fully appreciated.

With other beautiful tracks following, especially “Blindsided” and the title track, “For Emma,” the album comes to a thoughtful climax with the closing song “Re: Stacks.”

The song has the feel of a concluding paragraph; it reiterates the main themes of the album and comes to its overall meaning.

While again contemplating the rough patches in life—the “stacks as your load”—Vernon ends the album with this thought in the last stanza: “This is not the sound of a new man or crispy realization/ It is the sound of the unlocking and lift away.”

The solitude in the woods and the coinciding album was not a change per se—it was merely liberation from the enslaving struggles of broken relationships.

In short, “For Emma, Forever Ago” is a perfect piece of work born out of the angst of the hardships of life.

This week, the new Maria J. Langer Film Series will open with its premiere screening of “Good Bye (Bé Omid é Didar).” This film is a foreign drama about repression and the search for freedom.

The film chronicles the story of Noora (Lelya Zareh), a young lawyer in Tehran, Iran who had her license revoked for participating in activist schemes against the government.

Similarly, her husband was exiled to work in the desert because of his controversial profession as a political journalist.

Amid a climate of strict governance and retaliation that prevails in Tehran where newspapers are forcibly closed and social activists are harassed, Noora is determined to obtain a visa and leave the country.

Noora’s struggle to leave Iran is constrained by a series of setbacks that lead her to utter isolation and frustration. Without the company of her husband, Noora is left alone to deal with a pregnancy that was initially planned as part of her exit strategy.

Further complications arise,

which inevitably make her consider terminating the pregnancy.

Furthermore, Noora faces constant menace with police officers coming to her apartment to obtain information of the whereabouts of her husband. She is forced to contain her desperation, able to tell neither her neighbors nor her mother what is happening.

“Good Bye” provides the audience a bold critique and portrait of Iran and its government’s restrictive policies under which Iranian citizens must live.

The film was written and directed

by Mohammad Rasoulof and is in a way autobiographical, as the filmmaker himself was in search of a visa.

Rasoulof became victim of the Iranian legal system after he was convicted of making a film without permission and propagandizing against the regime.

He received a six-year prison sentence and was not permitted to attend the film’s Cannes premiere in the Certain Regard category.

“Good Bye (Bé Omid é Didar)” will be shown on Wednesday, Jan. 25, in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are free for Mercyhurst students with an ID.

Festival-cannes.fr photo

“Bé Omid é Didar” will screen in the PAC on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

OPINION

January 25, 2012

September 3,Page 20089

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

Obama likely to remain in Oval Office in 2012

By Brian Lombardo Staff writer

Let me begin by stating that I am an un-abashed supporter of the President.

This does not mean I blindly follow every policy he lays out in his admittedly well-worded speeches or agree with every decision he has made during his first term in office.

But I do believe Barack Obama inherited a floundering economy that is simply impossible to completely turn around in only one term in office.

Through some fault of his own (remember hope and change?), he raised the expectations of the American people to unrealistically

high levels, promising goals that no president could achieve.

Despite some memorable successes like the killing of Osama bin Laden and the ending of the War in Iraq, the economy remains in shambles (although the unacceptably high unemployment rate continues to decline), and the President’s approval rate stands at a shaky 49 percent.

After weighing all of these weaknesses, I predict on inauguration day, Barack Obama will be taking the oath and remaining as president of the United States.

I fully believe that the sole reason Obama will win a second term is the undeniable weaknesses of the current GOP candidates.

If the Republicans had any strong candidate to put forth in

this toxic political climate, Obama would almost certainly be a oneterm president.

But the four remaining contenders continue to tear each other down, revealing a lack of discipline in message amid what can only be described as a complete mess of a primary.

According to a January Gallop Poll, this is the most volatile GOP primary since polling began decades ago, with the front-runner changing seven times in 2011.

The presumption just days ago was that Mitt Romney would almost certainly be the Republican nominee, but now three different candidates have won the first three primaries.

And still the party has not been able to coalesce around a candidate

to oppose the president when the general election begins In a time of such great vulnerability for Obama, the Republicans are quite frankly slacking.

Mitt Romney, though probably the best campaigner, is seen as out of touch with the common American – and too moderate for his right-swinging base.

Newt Gingrich was probably one of the most despised politicians of the 90s and is simply all over the place in his campaign; I’m certain Obama supporters keep praying for his nomination.

Rick Santorum couldn’t even win back his Senate seat today in Pennsylvania and will likely fade into memory as the Mike Huckabee of 2012.

And Ron Paul, whose dedicated

base I admire, has pushed him to perform exponentially better in this presidential contest than the last, still has no real political shot of getting the GOP nod.

The Republicans need find only one of their shining stars (where are Chris Christie or Marco Rubio when you need them?) to run and the election would probably be over before it even began, with a new president being inaugurated next January.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the general election will be remarkably close and absolutely bitter.

But this dismal array of candidates has Democrats cautiously thanking their lucky stars and remains Barack Obama’s one saving grace.

Closing Rec for Mercyhurst-Gannon basketball game went overboard

By Larae Tymochko Staff writer

Last week, I ran into my roommate as I was leaving the gym.

When I asked where she was heading, she responded, “to the gym to work out.” I was forced to notify her that the gym closed at 4:30 that day.

What a disappointment it was for her – she walked all the way across campus to go to the gym for the first time this year and unbeknownst to her, it closed early.

What a way to ruin all those New Year’s resolutions of going to the gym every day.

Normally the Rec Center hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, but it closed early on Wednesday, Jan. 18, for the men’s and women’s rival basketball games versus Gannon.

Now, coming from a former athlete, specifically a basketball player, shutting down the Rec for one sporting event is a disservice to the rest of the campus population who either had their workout cut short or didn’t even have the opportunity to make it before 4:30, considering the last class block ends at 4:10.

As a fitness instructor at the Rec, this untimely closure also canceled fitness classes and limited the time on the ones that had to be squeezed in before the first-tip off of the basketball game, which was at 5:30.

does not justify cutting the hours of the Rec to focus on one sports team.

Furthermore, it doesn’t give the chance for other athletes to complete their daily workouts that are self-structured if those sports team did not have a scheduled practice that day.

This is not the first instance that As a small Division this has occurred. The wrestling team is notorious for hosting tourII school, we clearly naments that shut down not only have inadequate the Mercyhurst Athletic Center but facilities to host such the Rec as well, refusing anyone of any gym use. events and provide As a small Division II school, we clearly have inadequate facilities to the opportunity for host such events and provide the the general campus. opportunity for the general campus Larae Tymochko to engage in daily physical activity.

I don’t know about you, but the winters in Erie are not conducive Because I am a fitness instructor, for many outdoor exercise routines.

I was fortunate enough to receive Therefore, we rely on the treadmills an email that morning notifying me and elliptical machines at the Rec. Besides the fact that the exercise that the Rec was closing at 5, but when I arrived, the woman at the equipment wasn’t being used when desk said 4:30. This was another it closed, the college didn’t even utilize the Rec for a reception or any half hour earlier than expected.

As far as the rest of campus was kind of post-game gathering.

Instead the Rec Center just sat concerned, a mass email was not sent out notifying the student body. idle, lights out, music off and no Granted this sporting event was physical activity was to be had. To also geared for the alumni, that still me, this is clearly unacceptable.

“

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If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.

Editors Kelly Luoma Alaina Rydzewski Liz Zurasky Caitlin Handerhan Spencer Hunt Alex Stacey Chrissy Mihalic Kaitlin Badger Jill Barrile Ethan Johns Max Rivera Bill Welch

@mercyhurst.edu Positions editormerciad Editor-in-Chief newsmerciad News Editor featuremerciad Features Editor opinionmerciad Opinion Editor sportsmerciad Sports Editor A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad copymerciad Copy Editor photomerciad Graphics photomerciad Photo Editor ejohns89 Web Editor admerciad Ad Manager wwelch Adviser

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. 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.

Page 10

OPINION

January3,25, 2012 September 2008

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

Athlete registration necessary Debate continues over priority scheduling

By Lindsey Burke Staff writer

Students are once again plagued by potholes that have taken over East 41st Street near the top of Lewis where the streets intersect.

With possible substantial snow and ice, the potholes will soon be worse. Will the city ever solve this problem?

The women’s hockey team lost 3-2 to Robert Morris, ending their winning streak and leaving the Lakers 29-1.

As a member of the Mercyhurst women’s basketball team, I feel inclined to write a rebuttal piece to the article about priority scheduling for athletes printed Oct. 25.

First, the image printed on the front of the Merciad was an unfair depiction of the situation. The graphic made athletes appear to be pushing other students out of classes as if we are the ‘alpha males’ on campus.

In order to report a news story, it must remain unbiased and the image was anything but. For many students, this was the first they had heard of priority scheduling for athletes and that was the image they were presented with.

Mercyhurst athletes are far from stereotypes that have long lived before us; dumb jocks and athletes getting “privileges” are a thing of the past.

Last year, 284 athletes (that’s more than half of all athletes at Mercyhurst) were scholar-athletes, having a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Of those students, 125 athletes earned a 3.5 or better and 57 had a 3.75 or higher. There were 195 athletes recognized by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) as a scholar-athlete, having a 3.3 or higher GPA. I am proud to say I am a member of a team who earned a 3.337 overall GPA for the 2010-2011 aca-

Online

Students will have a new place to get their morning coffee soon with the construction of a Tim Hortons on the east side of the Cornerstone on East 38th Street. With construction just beginning, the business is not expected to be open this academic year.

demic year.

Many non-athlete students felt wrongly blindsided by the change in scheduling that went into effect this past winter term.

The lack of information presented ahead of time had nothing to do with the athletic department or the athletes.

Priority scheduling is such a benefit to athletes in their championship season, much more than what was presented in the article.

Myself and the other 80 winter athletes were able to successfully schedule for the first time in Mercyhurst history.

Only athletes in their game season will be able to register early.

Therefore, not every student athlete on campus gets to register early each term.

I am one of 15 other females on the basketball team trying to register during our championship season, which takes place during winter.

I am not only responsible for lining up my classes with my own personal schedule, but I also have to ensure two hours per day are available to be spent in the gym for practice.

These two hours have to coordinate with others outside of our team. Additionally, this two-hour time slot cannot overlap with the 14 members of the men’s basketball team.

Only having one main court to practice on means 28 different students have to schedule times to coincide and not overlap.

Feminism misunderstood

by Faye Clark Staff writer

Because of priority scheduling this past term, my teammates and I were able to schedule the majority of our classes earlier in the day, which ensured a unified practice time.

Beyond practice, we play 26 games throughout the winter.

Forty-six percent of our schedule is on the road.

Priority scheduling has allowed us to schedule classes away from prime travel times meaning we miss less class.

Many students were upset with priority scheduling for athletes, especially those who are dual majors.

These dual major students have an understandable point. However, when we register, we have many more than two majors to schedule around.

On my team alone we have majors in the biochemistry, education, criminal justice, graphic design, math, forensic science, intelligence studies, exercise science, business, communication and psychology fields.

Not to mention minors in Spanish, photography, criminalistics, marketing and English. My team only has 15 members. Other teams, like the women’s lacrosse team, have 30 members.

I understand why non-athlete students could get frustrated at the initial mention of athletes getting priority scheduling; however, priority scheduling allows us to flow smoothly in school.

In the past, we have had a time

slotted for practice and then registration takes place and we have to change it because players did not get into classes they planned on.

This forces us to reschedule our time and the men’s time.

My freshman year we had no way around it, and two days a week women would have to miss parts of practice because they had class and it overlapped with practice.

This disrupts both academics and athletics. Players were missing parts of practice and rushing to leave class, which makes for a less than ideal environment in the classroom.

Being able to register first for the first season in three years was stress-free and much less hectic than in other years.

Missing less class this term has allowed us to be more alert and vigilant during classes because we have not missed as much material.

Priority scheduling has been beneficial to all 90 athletes in this inaugural term.

We are all very grateful this change finally happened, and I speak for the entire athletic department when I say we will fight to keep it.

Opinions from additional student athletic advisory board members can be found online at merciad.mercyhurst.edu.

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

Page 11

Sports

January 25, 2012

Women’s basketball finding its identity

By Samantha Bante Contributing writer

When a team starts 0-4, the outlook for the season generally isn’t a bright one. Or after suffering from the four losses, teams figure out who they are and turn it around.

The Mercyhurst women’s basketball team managed to turn it around.

After winning games against Kutztown and East Stroudsburg, the team’s fortune changed, and they won eight of their last 12 games.

The team is now 8-8 overall, losing their last three games to Slippery Rock, a buzzer-beating 57-56 loss to No. 25 Gannon and an overtime defeat to No. 18 Indiana (Pa).

Seniors Nikki Fredrickson, Megan Hoffman, Katie Carbee and junior Dana Banda have all been rising to the challenge for the Lakers this season, leading the team and helping them to bounce back.

“I really believe it was the senior

Jill Barrile photo

Junior Dana Banda is the floor leader for the Lakers. She has started all 16 games and leads the team with 4.6 assists per contest. leadership and confidence that made the change,” said Coach Deanna Richard. “When you feel good, you play good. This team is

different. They just keep fighting.

We have a lot of heart and passion, and it’s changing the culture of the team.”

Following a 15-15 record during the 2010-11 season, the team is showing great signs of improvement this season.

“Unlike years past, we don’t have one person that stands out. Everyone is stepping it up. It is not one person, everyone contributes. We’re a stronger, more cohesive team,” said Richard. “We all play together.

The girls play as a unit more now.”

The Lakers are practicing hard, doing a lot of repetition and defensive drills, and their key strategy is having their defense run the offense.

“We’re confident in ourselves now; we have a well-conditioned team and it’s showing,” Richard said. “We are taking big shots, and we wear on other teams. We don’t play a big line-up, so other teams are usually mismatched trying to compete with our girls because they’re smaller and faster.”

“Our point guards are doing a tremendous job. We are getting a lot more opportunities on offense now,” she said.

The Lakers are currently tied for

fifth place in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West with Lock Haven. Only the top four teams from the PSAC West make the playoffs. California University, Edinboro, IUP and California (Pa) currently hold the top four spots, but it is still early in the season. “(The) girls’ attitudes have changed for the better. We understand we don’t have to lose anymore and that it is not okay to make little mistakes. They are finally getting it, and little things have become habits now. They teach each other, and upperclassmen are really taking the reins,” Richard said.

The team is about to wrap up its first trip through the PSAC West schedule, with two games against Edinboro and Cal still remaining.

These two games will be a big confidence builder as they head down the homestretch of their schedule.

The Lakers’ next home game is Wednesday, Feb. 1, against Lock Haven at 5:30 p.m. in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Women’s hockey team not playing to potential

By Spencer Hunt Sports editor

The Mercyhurst women’s hockey team has enjoyed a successful season to date.

However, lately the Lakers have hit a stretch of uninspired play.

Following a weekend series with Robert Morris, two streaks were snapped: 29-0 all-time versus Robert Morris and their 28-game unbeaten streak in conference.

Every team, even the best, is allowed an off night during the season. Thankfully, the Lakers have been able to pull out most of those games to this point in the year.

The problem is their recent stretch of play will not get them anywhere when the NCAA tournament rolls around.

When the Lakers came within 2 minutes and 30 seconds of sweeping No. 3 Cornell earlier in the

season, they played clean and passionate hockey. They followed Cornell series with a hard-fought split with No. 4 Boston College.

Both teams are solidly in the NCAA tournament discussion. They were good indicators of just how talented the 2011-12 Lakers can be.

But when they hit their College Hockey America (CHA) portion of the schedule and seem to lull through two periods only to pull it out in the third, it’s troubling.

The Lakers beat up on a bad Lindenwood club to start the stretch, but this was expected. They did the same in game one against Syracuse.

Syracuse then came out and tied the second game of the series 1-1.

This was a game one could pass off as an off night.

This was only the beginning.

Next up was a home-and-home series with Niagara.

Niagara always plays Mercyhurst well, and they did manage a sweep, but it wasn’t pretty.

If it weren’t for Jill Szandzik’s overtime goal, that very easily could have gone either way.

After the Syracuse tie and an overtime win over Niagara, the Lakers had to have been awake going into the Robert Morris series.

Robert Morris is an extremely improved team from previous years with former Laker Assistant Paul Colontonio now their head coach.

On the surface, game one was all Mercyhurst with a 4-2 victory.

But when one player scores all four goals, it begs the question of how did everyone else play?

Game two the Lakers came out quickly, flying up and down the ice with what seemed like inspired play.

That style tailed towards the end of the first period and didn’t reappear until late in the second.

Mercyhurst received a breakaway goal by sophomore Christie Cicero to tie the game heading into the third.

Coming out with some fire, Senior Kelley Steadman knotted a

beautiful goal to take the lead. But two goals scored in the final 2 minutes and 38 seconds of regulation and lost 3-2.

The star of the weekend is Steadman, who scored five goals and was named CHA player of the week.

Since the Syracuse series, Steadman has scored 10 goals and dished out two assists. She is now second nationally in goals.

She has covered up some of the Lakers deficiencies over the last few games.

Senior Bailey Bram has not been as effective since she returned from playing for Team Canada. Also, Senior goaltender Hillary Pattenden only has an .863 save percentage in conference.

This Lakers team has the talent to challenge nationally, but they need to play at a more consistent level to be successful.

They have the weekend off to get their legs back, before heading to Niagara Feb. 3.

Jill Barrile photo

Senior Kelley Steadman is on pace to garner serious Patty Kazmaier Award consideration. She is second in the nation with 26 goals scored.

Sports

Page 12

January 25, 2012

Shields brothers dominate wrestling mat

By Colin Farabough Contributing writer

When Jordan Shields wrestles, there is one voice that can be heard.

Hunched over on the edge of the mat one will find Jordan’s older brother Josh yelling instructions at him.

“I am unable to sit down when he is wrestling, so I usually find myself pacing at the edge of the mat,” Josh said.

The two brothers have been wrestling together for 17 years.

Jordan is a 21-year-old redshirt junior, while Josh is a 24-year-old sixth year senior.

Before wrestling at Mercyhurst, the two were the top wrestlers in the state hailing from Burrell High School, a small town just outside of Pittsburgh. As the two enter their final year of collegiate wrestling, they each have one goal in mind.

“To win a national title,” Jordan said without hesitation.

To be national champions, the brothers must be willing to put themselves through a vigorous training regimen, a training regimen that starts long before the season begins. If you were to ask the two brothers, they would tell you that the wrestling season never really ends.

“We lift a lot, almost every day in the summer. That training consists of cross training, strength training, kettlebells, ropes and yoga. We also enjoy mountain biking, which helps our cardio. We try to get on the mat one to two times a week, along with mixed martial arts training and jujitsu to mix things up,” Jordan said.

The two have the advantage of training with each other, because they wrestle at two close weights.

Jordan wrestles at 157 pounds, while Josh wrestles at 165 pounds.

The two believe that being able to wrestle together has contributed to their success.

“I have been blessed throughout my wrestling career, not only to have a brother who pushes me, but to be around great coaches my entire life,” Josh said.

Jordan also credits much of his success to his brother.

“Josh has always motivated me. I love beating my older brother, and he is a stickler for technique and maximum effort,” Jordan said.

Their work ethic has brought them to the top of Division II wrestling. Josh is a former national champion and a three-time AllAmerican. Jordan is coming off a fourth place finish at nationals.

With this being the last season left to wrestle together, the two are

looking to do something that hasn’t been done in Division II wrestling: two brothers winning a national title in the same year.

“That would be a great day for the Shields family; I’m looking forward to it,” Josh said.

To accomplish such a feat, it will take more than physical skill, because as any wrestler knows, the sport is more mental than physical.

“I believe what separates a good wrestler from a great wrestler is their mental toughness. Wrestling is a grind; you have to be more mentally tough than physically gifted to be an elite wrestler,” Josh said.

Jordan agreed.

“Wrestling is a sport built off mental toughness. That’s what separates it from any other collegiate sport. We are training for a battle versus one single opponent; it doesn’t get any more intense than that,” he said.

So far, both brothers are having stellar seasons for the Lakers. Jordan has a 13-2 record while Josh is 7-1.

When it is all said and done, the goal for these two brothers is to win a national title; anything else would be seen as a failure. Jordan and Josh know that this is most likely the last time the two will ever wrestle together competitively.

Josh sums up his goal this season in one sentence.

Sarah Hlusko photo

Josh Shields, right, has a stellar 7-1 record in his final season for Mercyhurst. He is currently ranked second in Region 1 and fourth national for the 165 pound weight class.

”I am coming back to school to win a national title. Anything less than that will be a disappointment,” Josh said.

The two will take to the mat Thursday, Jan. 26, against Gannon at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Mercyhurst Sports Information photo

Jordan Shields, on top, is currently 13-2 on the season. He ranks third nationally and first in Region 1 at 157 pounds.