l c a c i m a e d i w d l r o WMercyhurst ranks high for international students See Page 3
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Dr. Peggy Black leads extensive sociology department Page 4
Cavani teams with ‘Hurst art, dance, music departments
Opinion: Generation Y faces tough economy
$150K softball facility upgrade approved
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NEWS
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January 26, 2011
Celebrity chef offers cooking tips for students By Jennifer McCurdy Staff writer
Domenica Catelli, celebrity chef and frequent judge on “Iron Chef America,” provided cooking tips for college students on Friday night at the Taylor Little Theatre. The presentation included a cooking demonstration, audience participation and a question-andanswer session. Afterward, students 21 years and older were invited to a wine-tasting session in the Faculty Dining Room in Egan Hall. Catelli’s talk was sponsored by the Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) Distinguished Speaker Series. The annual event consisted of two speakers this year–Catelli and Steve Lopez, author of “The Soloist,” this year’s freshman reading requirement. He spoke at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center in October. MSG Event Coordinator Colleen O’Hara explained how this year’s speakers were chosen. “(They) were both received as recommendations back in the spring of last year,” she said. “I had received great interest from the college community about Steve Lopez and continuous interest about Chef Domenica.”
Unlike past MSG speakers, Catelli presented in the Taylor Little Theatre rather than the Performing Arts Center due to a scheduling conflict with the Cavani String Quartet’s campus visit. The theatre was half full. During the presentation, Mercyhurst students’ cooking skills impressed Catelli. A quick poll revealed that 75 percent of the student audience cooked at least once a week, and several students cooked more than that. Nevertheless, Catelli challenged students to cook twice a week. She said that the small change can make a difference in healthy eating habits. “We are watching food on TV more than ever before and we are cooking less than ever before,” Catelli said. She said that she wants to remind people that preparing and sharing food is something fun and easy. Catelli recently released her first cookbook “Mom-a-Licious,” which teaches people to cook simple but healthy recipes that she describes as “fresh and fast.” She signed copies of her book after the talk. Among other tips, Catelli told students to take advantage of college services such as taking the shuttle to Wegmans and eating at Egan Dining Hall, which is a “phe-
nomenal cafeteria,” she said. For the cooking demonstration, Catelli made a one-dish meal of chicken and vegetables using chicken tenders from Wegmans and vegetables from the cafeteria salad bar. Catelli had help from two student volunteers, juniors Shannon Kissel and Max Korczyk. Catelli had the audience giggling throughout the demonstration. Kissel said, “It was really fun how she had everyone interact during the presentation.” During the cooking time, Catelli answered student questions, which ranged from cooking pasta and silicone cookware to “Iron Chef America” stories and her favorite food. She gave away several cooking instruments, including a cutting board, lemon squeezer and toaster oven. Among many other tips, Catelli advised students to cook meat at high temperatures, salt pasta water until it “tastes like the sea,” and heighten flavor without adding calories by using fresh herbs and spices. Korczyk said, “I learned a lot actually, and I cook all the time.” An hour in, many students seemed eager to test out their new knowledge.
Tyler Stauffer photo
Celebrity chef Domenica Catelli offered cooking tips and demonstrated making a one-dish meal to Mercyhurst students in Taylor Little Theatre on Friday.
Inspections fail to please: Staff doesn’t uphold health and safety requirements By Kelly Luoma Managing editor
Residence Life hall directors and members of the maintenance staff conducted health and safety inspections last week at Mercyhurst College. The goal of these inspections, which occur once a term, is to check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly as well as look for potential safety issues, Vice President for Student Life Dr. Gerry Tobin said. “If that’s not getting done, that’s not a good thing,” Tobin said. Despite Tobin’s concern for the safety of students, not all inspections were properly conducted. The inspection at senior Claire Hinde’s East 41st townhouse consisted of a hall director and maintenance staff member asking if the residents had any problems that needed addressed. “They didn’t even come inside,” Hinde said. “I could have
left my Christmas lights up.” The staff conducting the health and safety inspection at junior Chris Sands’ Lewis Avenue apartment went inside, but they did not check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. “I think Residence Life and Maintenance failed to meet the objectives of health and safety inspections,” Sands said. “The health and safety inspections were pointless. They didn’t really check anything out.” Staff conducting the inspections should do visual checks for items including candles, Christmas lights without the protective covering, an excessive amount of alcohol, drugs and kegs, Director of Residence Life Alice Agnew said. The staff also checks to make sure there is not a significant amount of trash in the apartments that would cause health concerns, she said. “The concern is, as you can imagine, is both for safety of occupants and the well being of property,” Tobin said. To be able to do a full visual check, these inspections should take at least five minutes per residence and should cover every
room and floor of the residence, Tobin said. Even though every room should be inspected, the staff conducting the checks will not open cupboards or drawers. The only instance they would do this is if they found something illegal. In this case, they would call Police and Safety and conduct a further search of the apartment. “I think it’s fair to say our goal is not to catch people,” Tobin said. “If our goal is to catch people, we wouldn’t give a week’s warning.” The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were checked at junior Amanda Chance’s Highland Square apartment, but when she told the staff that the outside door and bathroom door do not shut, nothing has yet been done to fix them. This was not the first time Chance and her roommates informed maintenance about the issue with the doors. Students who were not pleased with the effectiveness of their Health and Safety Inspection can notify Agnew at aagnew@mercyhurst.edu. “We certainly want to follow up on that so we better understand what’s going on,” Tobin said.
NEWS
January 26, 2011
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Mercyhurst ranks high for international students By Lynn Dula Staff writer
Mercyhurst College enrolls one of the highest percentages of international students among the best regional universities in the North, according to U.S. News & World Report. At six percent enrollment of international students, the college has tied for ninth place out of 172 colleges that made the list. Mercyhurst currently has 226 international students from 46 different countries. They come from countries such as Ireland, Poland, Vietnam, Nepal and many others. Eric Evans, the director of international admissions, knows why Mercyhurst is such a popular choice for international students who come to study in the U.S. “It’s really the same for international as domestic students,” Evans said. “Quality education, wonderful campus and affordable price.” Information about Mercyhurst is spread internationally “through the college website, word-of-mouth by
current and past international students and direct recruitment in the home countries of the students,” said Evans, who is now working on recruiting students in Central America. There are only a few people who know better than Evans why Mercyhurst is one of the top choices of international students—the students themselves. There are many reasons students from abroad choose to study in the U.S. “The universities in Jamaica are excellent institutions, however there are very few of them,” junior Nicole Pryce of Clarendon, Jamaica, said. “So many students opt to study abroad. I chose the U.S. because I wanted the experience of studying abroad as well as the unique opportunities that colleges here offer.” Junior Killian Bowe from Dublin, Ireland, is of the same mind as Pryce. “I thought, ‘Why not study international business internationally?’” Bowe said. “Also, going to another country would help me broaden my horizons and learn about a different culture.” Many of the international students who study in the U.S. are
interested in not only earning a degree, but also learning a new language and culture. “I chose to study in the States because my bachelor’s degree will open many doors and give me more opportunities in my future life,” senior Srdjan Popovic of Montenegro said. “Also, I wanted to learn the language, experience new places, meet other cultures etc.” Domestic students at Mercyhurst also gain experiences from having international students on campus. “We’re proud that students from 46 different countries have chosen to attend Mercyhurst College from among the hundreds of top-tier institutions in the United States,” said Dr. Michael Lyden, vice president for enrollment. “These students find a welcoming environment here and contribute much to the experience of our domestic students.” It seems international students who chose Mercyhurst are glad they made the choice they did. “I think Mercyhurst is great, especially the people and the array of activities to take part in,” Bowe said.
Ethan Magoc photos
Junior Nicole Pryce is a biology and pre-health major from Jamaica. Senior Srdjan Popovic is a hospitality management major from Montenegro.
Correction
The Dec. 15 issue of The Merciad contained a story titled, “Cost of play: How Mercyhurst funds its varsity athletics.” In that story, several key figures were incorrectly reported. Those false figures were addressed in the Jan. 5 issue. Additionally, an illustration on page two of the Dec. 15 issue featured a breakdown of game-day expenses by sport. The dollar figures for the men’s and women’s lacrosse programs were inadvertently switched. The men’s lacrosse game-day expenses were $91,200 in 2009-10, and the women’s lacrosse game-day expenses were $50,284. The Merciad apologizes for this inaccuracy and any confusion it may have caused.
FEATURES
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January 26, 2010
Teacher Feature: Dr. Peggy Black By Jennifer McCurdy Staff writer
Peggy Black, Ph.D., department chair and associate professor of sociology and social work, provides her students with the tools to create a better world, one individual at a time. “I’m passionate about social work, and about creating a socially just world,” she says. “I like to be able to give people tools to change their environment.” An Erie native, Black earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Geneva College, her master’s degree in social work at Case Western Reserve University and her doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. She also served as a clinical social worker in a variety of hospitals and nursing homes in Erie prior to joining Mercyhurst in 2001. Black’s work focuses on the needs of older adults who face such issues as chronic illnesses and nurs-
ing homes. She teaches several introductory courses for sociology and social work as well as higher-level courses. Her teaching methods include roleplaying, simulations of situations and discussion-based activities. Black has earned several awards in her career, including the 2002 Social Worker of the Year: Northwest Division of PA-National Association of Social Worker and honorable mentions for the 2006 and 2007 Mit Joyner Award for Innovative Programs in Gerontology. She has also served as a Pennsylvania delegate and guided policy about aging concerns. Yet she remains humble with each opportunity. “Working with families and alleviating their stress and trauma is equally rewarding,” she says. “We represent the mission statement more than any other major at Mercyhurst,” Black says about the sociology and social work departments. She says sociology students learn to handle social problems and
give strength to people struggling with illness, family issues and other problems. In other words, she gives students the tools to transform into successful and competent social workers. She says, “It’s rewarding to watch the transformation from
Jill Barrile photo
Dr. Peggy Black is the sociology department chair.
wanting to do something and being able to do it.” She acts as co-adviser to the Social Work Club and helps with Flourishing Child, a series of programs that raise awareness of youth social issues. Black is active both on and off campus. She works closely with local social work institutions and offers professional development seminars. “One of my missions is to make sure there are opportunities for social workers to continue their education,” she says. Black also makes sure her students have a great start on the education front. Sociology and social work students who earn a degree at Mercyhurst may have advanced standing for master’s programs. Social work students can work in almost any environment, Black says, and the major is very marketable since the need for social work will never go away. In her spare time, Black enjoys reading, listening to music and vacationing with her family.
Horoscopes won’t change yet, or ever By Alaina Rydzewski Features editor
istockphoto.com photo
A Minnesota astrologist claimed there was a new astrological sign, but other astrologists have since rebutted his claim.
How often do you read your horoscope? Although I don’t read mine often, my mom swears I will be a Gemini forever. Geminis are curious, have a variety of interests and are good at communicating. Geminis are also quick, clever, impulsive and crave novelty, which means they grow bored easily. Why were my mom and I even talking about horoscopes at all, or about the fact that I will always be a Gemini? Well, if you haven’t heard, a Minnesota astrologist, Parke Kunkle, has found a new sign in the sky, called Ophiuchus, the serpent holder. After this began to get media attention, people were in a huff—no one wanted to change their signs. Turns out, there are actually two
different types of astrology: the sidereal variety that does take the position of the stars into account, and the tropical variety. Most Westerners use the tropical variety, which does not use the position of the stars in relation to the planet to determine the astrological signs. The precession of the Earth, which is the incremental wobbling the Earth does on its axis, is not believed to change the Earth’s relation to the constellations, especially since the constellations had been named and followed for more than 2,000 years. The Washington Post’s staff writes that the real significance is, “Your sign doesn’t change when the Earth wobbles.” Most astrologists would agree that Kunkle’s theory doesn’t have merit, meaning that there are only 12 astrological signs, and no one’s sign will change. So I am a Gemini, and always will be a Gemini, no matter what an astrologist in Minnesota says.
International students: Why did you choose to come to Mercyhurst? “I chose Mercyhurst because my best friend and I got basketball scholarships and we’ve had a chance to study and live together.” -Srdjan Popovic, senior
“I like the small community-like environment, ther student-faculty interaction, and most international students get really great scholarships, which is another incentive.” -Nicole Pryce, junior
“I chose Mercyhurst because of the diverse and close community atmosphere. The college also has a very strong Irish background.” -Killian Bowe, junior
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
January 26, 2011
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Cavani String Quartet mesmerizes audience with collaboration piece By Sarah Mastrocola Staff writer
The Cavani String Quartet performance in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Friday, Jan. 21, was well attended and met with rave reviews from audience members. The quartet members played with technical brilliance and passion. “It was impressive how animated and lively the Cavani String Quartet
was,” said senior Heather Gorres. The concert opened with a striking rendition of Antonín Dvořák’s “String Quartet No. 12 in F, Op. 96,” a composition in four movements. Next came “Midnight Child,” a bluesy piece by Charles Washington. The highlight of the evening, however, was the collaborative presentation that followed intermission. The Cavani String Quartet’s rendition of “Canandaigua Quartet,” a score composed by Albert
Tyler Stauffer photo
Dancers used movements that imitated birds to complement Burke’s bird-themed artwork.
Glinsky, Ph.D., was combined with artwork by professor Daniel Burke and mesmerizing dancing by SoMar Dance Works. “Dr. Glinsky’s score was amazing,” said senior Meghan Geci. “It was really impressive.” Glinsky’s score takes its name and inspiration from Canandaigua Lake in western New York and the beauty of the surrounding scenery. A new twist was put upon this idea with the incorporation of Burke’s bird-themed art and birdlike movement within the SoMar choreography that mimicked the art. The art pieces were incorporated into the visual presentation in a variety of ways. Some were carried in by the dancers and hung in space, and others appeared in Santilliano’s projected video montage. Additionally, birds were attached to PVC pipes and used by the dancers in their movement. “The artwork was so detailed that I wanted to get up onstage to look at it closer. I always like to see the blending of various art forms and it was a neat idea to have the dancers actually carry the art onstage,” said junior Anna Daught. The first movement of the piece,
Tyler Stauffer photo
The multimedia presentation included the Cavani String Quartet, SoMar Dance Works, Dr. Albert Glinsky and Daniel Burke. titled “Sundance,” and the third movement, called “Spinout,” were both lively and enthralling, with energy built up by both the music and the dancers. The second movement, “Nocturne (West on 90),” was softer and more reflective with a beautiful, subtle sadness. The Cavani concert proved to be very special for the SoMar dancers, who dedicated their performance to the memory of former SoMar dancer Jenni-Lyn Watson, whose tragic November death has deeply
affected the members of the dance department. This feeling was most evident in the second movement and made for an especially stirring performance. Overall, the whole concert was very well received by the audience. Junior Melissa Sheffield said, “It was a great collaboration. The Cavani String Quartet played beautifully. I enjoyed the composition by Dr. Glinsky paired with the artwork. The SoMar dancers added another layer and danced beautifully, of course.”
Erie Art Museum offers exciting changes, classes By James Jackson Contributing writer
The Erie Art Museum has been at 411 State St. since 1980, and following recent expansion, is set to continue as one of the main downtown cultural attractions. Plans to expand the museum have been in the works since 1992, with ground being broken last May on the $11 million project. What came out of this project were three times the exhibit space (enough for 12 galleries), a new performance area and a café. “I believe that the renovations to the Erie Art Museum are extremely beneficial to the upcoming generations,” said
Mercyhurst freshman Jordan Stevenson. Along with the new expansion comes the distinction of being the first building in the region to become LEED certified. One of the biggest benefits to come out of the recent expansion is a brand new performance space—the backbone of the new Open Stage Nights, the first of which will take place Feb. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. “They’re open to any artist. Visual artists can have their work projected. Musicians are welcome, dancers, anything artistic,” said Art Museum Director of Marketing and Development Carolyn Eller. Unlike traditional open mic nights, Open Stage Nights are open to all kinds of performers. They are
Ethan Magoc photo
The Erie Art Museum has undergone extensive renovations, and now offers many new services.
free to both attendees and performers. In addition to Open Stage Nights, the Erie Art Museum continues to host art classes open to the public. Classes are held for many media, including photography, painting, dance and clay. Freshman Rodolfo Claros thinks the classes the museum offers are a value to young artists. “Art takes practice, and I believe these classes will help amateurs become better artists,” Claros said. Classes have already started for the winter quarter, but there is still time to register for the spring quarter starting on March 28. Classes are open to the public. For more information on classes or Open Stage Nights visit the Erie Art Museum website at erieartmuseum.org or call 459-5477.
OPINION
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January3, 26, 2011 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 e-mailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Generation Y faces unfortunate economy By Mike Lado
Contributing writer Let’s face it. We are the generation of entitlements. Our generation is the one that helped Barack Obama reach the White House in 2008. My intention is not to bash President Obama or the current level of entitlements. Instead, I want to give a realistic outlook on where we, Generation Y, are taking this country. Do you expect to retire at the age of 60 with full benefits, a pension, Social Security and Medi-
care? If you do, I really feel sorry for you. Unless you are America’s next billionaire (you could be, you never know), you will most likely not get any of these things. Despite the great provisions in the new health care law that ended many discriminatory practices of the insurance companies and employers, we are still not going to have a sustainable market for retirement benefits. Just about the only people who retire with full benefits are union workers (and that is going to change real fast). Like I said, with the baby boomers retiring at a rate of 10,000 per day, this year and beyond, employers who still offer retirement coverage for health benefits are going
to be hard pressed. That’s right. Because your parents and grandparents decided to retire with full benefits, they will affect your chances in the job market. Employers will hire less or just not offer health coverage. Both scenarios are likely. Now, let’s talk about pensions. Unless you’re in a union – God help you if you are – you will not be seeing any kind of private pension. Even the governments are moving away from pensions. What you will most likely have is a 401K or 403B. 401Ks are the most popular type of employee retirement accounts, because they are basically an investment portfolio that you put money into, and
your employer often matches your contributions. These are becoming more popular alternatives to pensions. In regard to Social Security and Medicare, I really feel sorry for you if you expect to see these. They are unsustainable programs that will be bankrupt in the coming decades: Medicare by 2017, and Social Security sometime in the 2020’s-2030’s. You all probably hate me for ruining your retirement dreams. But hey, if you want to retire in comfort and style and be a social parasite, why not head up to Soviet Canuckistan where they have free everything? This brings me to my last point.
Where are our jobs going to be? Well, we’ll be working for the commies. No, I mean it. At the rate of Chinese investment in our economy, you can expect China to be a major employer in this country in the coming future. So get ready to be reading Mao’s little red book and singing Lenin’s favorite tune, the “Internationale.” I know this sounds depressing, but we can prevent this. My next column will feature what you can do to prevent your retirement dreams from going up in flames. Don’t worry. I’ll tell you my student economic secrets so you won’t have to work as a greeter at Wal-Mart when you’re 83 years old.
News coverage is unsatisfactory By Caitlin Handerhan Staff writer
Whether you love or hater her, Sarah Palin is always in the news. As someone best known for her reality show, Twitter page and being a ‘mama grizzly’ who is just one of the folks, Sarah Palin has become a cultural phenomenon. Given her rise in popularity since leaving public office, why does Sarah Palin continue to remain as such an entrenched figure in our political culture? Yes, Palin is a former governor (who resigned before the end of her first term), and a former vice presidential candidate, but what has she contributed to American political discourse that is anything of substance? It seems that the amount of news coverage she has been receiving is not reflective of the substantive work she has done as a politician. As someone who is the center of a speculation regarding a run for the White
House in 2012, what exactly is her vision for the country beyond conservative talking points? All too often it seems that hard work and political prowess are often overlooked in the mainstream media and pop culture. Many public figures find their work overlooked due to the attention we tend to pay to sensationalistic and controversial things, such as the Palin persona. For example, why is it that little has been said about Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, who worked on the recently passed 9/11 Health and Compensation Act? How about Sen. Olympia Snowe and Rep. Tim Ryan, both of whom have been advocates of tougher trade policies with China? Or what about Rep. Dave Reichert, one of the few Republican House members to defy his party and vote for the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’? Why haven’t these politicians penetrated pop culture and received the mainstream attention their work deserves?
With our news sources being instantaneous and continuous, the old adage, “if it bleeds, it leads” seems to hold true. Our sensationalistic culture calls the most shocking and controversial to the front, and self-promoting Sarah Palin is just that. Unless you are a total political junkie, I’m guessing you did not pick up this week’s edition of The Economist for your entertainment purposes. The political game has its highs and lows; at times it has the intensity and high drama to garner widespread attention. Unfortunately, much of politics is viewed as mundane by the masses; therefore, due attention is not paid to the progressive and substantive work being done. In a culture in which many are able to name all eight members of the volatile show “Jersey Shore” before naming eight members of Congress, Sarah Palin will continue to make the news, whether you love or hate it.
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Sports
January 26, 2011
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Shields attempts to recapture championship By Rachel O’Connor Staff writer
In 2009, Mercyhurst College senior Josh Shields won an NCAA wrestling title. He won it during his sophomore season and remains the only athlete at Mercyhurst to hold an individual NCAA title. “It’s an awesome feeling knowing that the work you put in the past 18 years has paid off,” Shields said. “I have worked almost my entire life to be an NCAA champion, and I accomplished that goal.” Head coach Mike Wehler, who has been coaching at the college level since 2004, came to the Lakers in 2007. He says that Shields is the toughest kid he’s ever coached, and his mental toughness is unmatched. “I don’t think you can top him winning,” Wehler said. His winning capabilities is possibly the reason why Shields has landed top five in the national tournament each year he has been in competition. During his first year of competition, he wrestled in the 174-pound weight class and placed 4th in the national championships.
Ethan Magooc photo
Mercyhurst College senior Josh Shields is attempting to capture the school’s second individual NCAA title this season. In 2008-09, Shields went to 165 and since then has only lost to two Division II opponents. “He makes my job a lot easier,” Wehler said. “He’s the type of guy that leads by example and is also vocal.”
For Shields, winning might not stop at one title. “I believe if I go out there and put everything on the line, there is no one in this country that can stop me,” Shields said. For some athletes, the chance to
claim another title may seem like a daunting task. What may be intimidating to others though is what Shields uses to help him attack his goal. He also uses those emotions to help get him through the tough
training his teammates and he endure. “I know there are a lot of kids out there that want to be an NCAA champ, so to beat them I must outwork them in the practice room” he said. What motivates this champion is his last name. “When I finish up my career and people look back and see what I accomplished, I want them to think that kid gave it everything he had. You have to have pride in what you do.” In Wehler’s eyes, Shields is unmatched. It is not just how hard he works, but it is how he perfects all the extra things the right way. “You always tell people what to do to win championships – but they take shortcuts,” Wehler said. “Josh doesn’t take shortcuts.” Shields, a senior from Lower Burrell, plans to graduate in May with a degree in international business and a minor in economics. After graduation, he plans to either accept a job offer from Douglas Labs in Pittsburgh or continue his education at Mercyhurst while serving as graduate assistant for the wrestling team.
Jake Schuppe rows like an Egyptian By Matthew Cirell Contributing writer
Mercyhurst sophomore Jake Schuppe traveled all the way to Egypt and the Nile River to race in a prestigious rowing competition from Jan. 13 to 16. Schuppe competed at the bow seat on the U.S. men’s team, earning a bronze medal. The event featured such national teams as Egypt, Algeria, France, Germany and Sweden. Egypt was the leading contender, winning 11 gold medals, six silver medals and two bronze.Tunisia was second in the final rankings with one gold medal and three silver medals. The U.S. team did not manage to get to the top three in the rankings,
but with Schuppe’s help, they were able to acquire one bronze medal. Schuppe, who is a sports medicine major at Mercyhurst, earned the Rookie of the Year title last year while he competed in the five seat. There, he helped the team win a national championship in the men’s Lightweight 8. Schuppe attended Middleton High School in his hometown of Verona, Wisc., where he was elected captain his senior year for his leadership skills and achievement. Over the summer, Schuppe attended a rowing camp in Philadelphia where he learned that a U.S. men’s rowing team was being formed to compete in the International Nile Regatta in Luxor, Egypt. “This is a festival type race,” said Mercyhurst rowing head coach
Sports Information photo
Sophomore Jake Schuppe
Adrian Spracklen. “It is an effort by FISA to bring the sport of rowing to countries where it is not very popular.” In French, FISA stands for “Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron,” which trans-
lates to International Federation of Rowing Associations. “It is a tremendous honor to have Jake represent this team and this school in Egypt,” said coach Spracklen. The Egyptian government was gracious enough to host the event and make the athletes feel right at home. “They paid for our equipment, travel, meals, hotel, everything,” Schuppe said. “I had security guards with me everywhere I went. I was a little skeptical at first but I was honored and taken back when I got to meet the Egyptian president.” Schuppe and the rest of the collegiate athletes from the U.S. competed against the national teams from Egypt as well as Germany, France and Kenya. “The teams I competed against
had athletes with experience ranging anywhere from competing in national championships to the Olympics,” said Schuppe. Being able to compete against other national teams in Egypt was a humbling experience for him. Seeing the competitiveness of all the teams gave Schuppe an inside look into what lies ahead if he wants to compete at a higher level. The coming years will be exciting for the Mercyhurst men’s rowing team because it is no secret that they will have athletes such as Schuppe competing. “No matter what happens in my career, I will never regret going to Egypt and competing,” he said. “If going to the Olympics is an opportunity that opens up to me, I will not hesitate to take it.”
Sports
January 26, 2011
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College to develop softball field By Nick Glasier Sports editor
The Mercyhurst College softball team will have a new place to call home in the near future. The college recently informed the softball team that it will build the Lakers a new field at East 35th and Wallace Streets. Construction could begin in early summer, according to Sara Headley, assistant athletics director and head softball coach. Players and coaches have described the team’s current playing field as being less than adequate for a Division II program. “Most high school and junior college fields were in better conditions than ours,” sophomore Amanda Walker said. Headley agrees with Walker about the state of their facility near Sam Jethroe Field at East 41st Street and Old French Road. “We have traveled to some fields over the years, and ours is by far the worst I have seen,” Headley said. “When other teams come to our field, it is an embarrassment. A lot of the teams actually jeer us about our field.” Headley and her players said a new field is overdue, though plans for an
Ethan Magoc photo
This snowy expanse at East 35th and Wallace Streets could become a softball field construction zone as early as this summer.
upgrade have been in the works for at least five years. The college purchased the land parcel at East 35th Street for $232,000 in May 2005 from Saint Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church.
The field’s construction would cost approximately $150,000, according to the athletic department? In the past 10 years, Mercyhurst’s baseball, soccer, football and hockey teams each saw improvements to
Merciad file photo
their facilities, while the softball team has been stuck in limbo. The City of Erie owns and maintains the current space near East 41st Street. “It has been a catch-22 for us, as we do not own our current field so
we could not make any significant improvements to the field,” Headley said. The field’s condition often compromises recruiting efforts. During the past few seasons, players and their parents would complain to the administration and plead for an improvement. “A number of parents took an active role in lobbying and writing letters to the school administration encouraging construction of a new field,” senior captain Kara Gorgos said. After much hard work, the Erie Zoning Hearing Board approved use of the area as a softball field at its Jan. 11 meeting. “I was pretty excited. I’m just hoping that I will be able to use it,” junior assistant captain Jen Bower said. Headley said she thinks a new facility would be a great help in taking her program to the next level. The cost of the field for a sport that generally doesn’t bring in much revenue might draw criticism from some at Mercyhurst, but Headley is not fazed. “If a school is offering a program, it has to be funded properly,” she said.
Ethan Magoc photo
In the recent history of the Mercyhurst College softball program, the team’s facilities have been subpar for the program’s advancement. At left, the softball programs’s field before 2005 was located in the current baseball field’s right field At right, softball now plays at East 41 Street and Old French Road.