The Merciad, May 2, 2012

Spring Fest weekend block party prohibited

Student jumps audition line to dance for Rockettes

Grace, goaltenders are ‘different breed’

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NEWS

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May 2, 2012

Mercyhurst meets goal at Relay for Life

By Stacy Skiavo Staff writer

This year Mercyhurst University came together and made Relay for Life a success. With this being the first year to attempt the full 24 hours of walking, Mercyhurst surpassed its goal of raising $25,000 with a grand total of $25,743.

There were 37 teams to sign up for the walk including teams from Mercyhurst North East. Each team provided a table that included an activity to raise awareness and earn money for cancer research.

“It was great to see the school come together. I hope to see the walk grow even bigger next year,” junior Emily Iabone said.

Some of the table activities included Pie a Professor, a hand print board for everyone who donated for the event, Cheer for the Cure bows and raffles.

Throughout the event, The Romantic Era, senior Angelina Smith and Heather Donovan and alum Mike Show performed for those involved.

The event began with the singing of the national anthem. Preceding the anthem, Relay for Life chair Melora Whalen and co-chair Jennie Politano made a speech about Relay’s beginnings and how the event has progressed over the years.

“The goal is to get people really pumped up to start walking,” Politano said.

TJ the DJ got the crowd moving with some music, and the color guard led everyone around for the first lap of the day.

There was a different theme for the laps each hour. These included a water balloon lap, where participants had to walk around the track with a balloon between their legs.

Another included a three-legged race, where winners won passes for a free game of bowling.

Other themed laps consisted of faculty versus administration and another when glow sticks were passed out around the track.

“Relay for Life was a great experience. I had a great time, and everyone raised a lot of money for a great cause,” junior Lindsay Ogden said.

A new addition to the walk this year was the release of paper lanterns into the night at the Luminaria ceremony. The lanterns were lit and slowly released, illuminating the sky.

Zach Dorsch photo

Entertainment at Mercyhurst University’s Relay for Life included TJ the DJ, The Romantic Era, seniors Angelina Smith and Heather Donovan and alumnus Mike Show.

“We thought this was a really good way to remember the ones we have lost and something that is more interactive. Everyone really seemed to enjoy setting them off and watching them as they slowly blew away,” Politano said.

The ceremony was then followed with a walk of silence to honor those who have had to endure the experience of cancer interfering with their lives and those who were

lost to the disease.

Whalen and Politano worked hard in preparation for the walk.

They made sure everything went smoothly including set up, organizing the supervisor dinner, food preparation and making sure everyone fulfilled their duties.

“We have to be authoritative and remain a fun, yet safe environment for all the participants. Overall, it’s a lot of running around,”

Correction

The April 25 issue of The Merciad contained a story titled, “New building offers new opportunities.” In the story the information regarding the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification was incorrect. The building is sustainable, but those involved did not seek LEED certification.

Vice President for Advancement David Livingston, Ph.D., said all involved in the process are confident that all of the sustainable aspects of the building would get LEED certification but not Gold or Silver level certification.

Politano said.

Everyone has their own reasons

for getting involved with Relay for Life. Some have been personally affected and others just feel the need to help a wonderful cause.

Politano had her own personal reasons.

“I first became involved with Relay for Life because my grandmother and great grandmother both passed away from cancer,” she said.

Relay for Life is an event that motivates Politano each year.

“The reason why I continue to be involved is from learning about cancer and how it affects so many people around us.

“Students that attend or had once attended Mercyhurst really hits home with me. We are still so young and have so much to experience; everyone should have the freedom to live,” she said.

Despite the cold weather, everyone stuck it out and continued the event all night. A bonfire was started to keep walkers warm, and many stayed the night in tents.

Politano encourages students to email her with comments or suggestions regarding the event at jpolit82@lakers.mercyhurst.edu.

NEWS

May 2, 2012

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New responsibility, role for Sister of Mercy

Mercyhurst alumna Sister JoAnne Courneen elected president

By Mark Vidunas Contributing writer

For those not familiar with Sister JoAnne Courneen, she is the newly elected president of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West Community (NyPPaW).

Courneen is a Union City native who majored in elementary education and graduated from Mercyhurst College in 1964.

According to a recent Mercyhurst news release, throughout Courneen’s career, she has built leadership skills by serving as principal of St. Luke School and

Mercyhurst Preparatory School, as well as president of Mercyhurst Prep.

Prior to her latest appointment, she held such positions as director of Special Programs for Erie Catholic schools, the finance director of the Mercy International Center in Dublin, Ireland, and the director of the Mercy Institute at Mercyhurst University.

She will start her four-year term with the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas on July 1, in Buffalo, N.Y., where she will direct a leadership team whose job is to coordinate the implementation of the direction of the community.

As for the organization itself, The Sisters of Mercy, in addition to founding Mercyhurst

Contributed photo

Courneen will start her fouryear term Sunday, July 1.

University in 1926, sponsor two other schools of higher education

’Hurst recognized for superior sustainability

By Brady Greenawalt Staff writer

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Mercyhurst University for its efforts for sustainability.

On April 14, Mercyhurst announced that it had been recognized for using more green power than any other school in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

Since 2003, Mercyhurst has been purchasing offsets for the electricity consumption on campus.

The money for the “offsets” goes toward funding national wind projects, which makes up for the energy used by the campus.

In the beginning, 10 percent of the electricity on campus was compensated for by these offsets. Soon afterward the amount was increased to 30 percent.

Finally, in the summer of 2010, Mercyhurst purchased 13,781,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) worth of offsets, which is 100 percent of electricity consumption on the

Erie Campus.

“We are the only school in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference that purchases green power, according to the EPA,” said Brittany Prischak, sustainability officer for Mercyhurst University.

Thanks to the offset purchases, Mercyhurst can be considered “carbon neutral,” the amount of carbon emissions it creates is the same as the amount that it saves.

“In 2007, when Dr. Tom Gamble signed the Presidents’ Climate Commitment, we committed the university to carbon neutrality,” said Prischak. “This means that we will decrease as much of our carbon emissions as is possible and then offset the rest through purchases like this.”

Purchasing the carbon offsets is not the only way Mercyhurst strives to be sustainable.

“Mercyhurst had also received a 3kWh solar panel system through the Solar Scholars grant, which was installed on the main lawn in 2007,” Prischak said.

However, these solar panels are temporarily out of use.

“Due to the construction of the

new Center for Academic Engagement building, this panel system has since been moved out to the farm, where we hope to involve the Electricians Union in its installation this summer,” Prischak said.

Just because Mercyhurst is 100 percent carbon neutral does not mean that students and faculty should feel free to be wasteful when it comes to electricity, “Although we purchase offsets for our electricity use, this does not imply that we can continue to use electricity without worry,” said Prischak. “We would still like our students, staff and faculty to be more mindful of their energy habits… If you leave something plugged in, it still consumes energy, and sometimes it’s almost as much it used to actually run.”

Prischak said the sustainability office is always looking for new ideas and welcomes students to work with them.

Students who would like to help keep Mercyhurst an environmentally sustainable campus can join the campus Green Team and email Prischak at bprischak@mercyhurst.edu.

including Carlow University and Trocaire College.

Like Mercyhurst, these schools also strive to offer “a solid curriculum of education and Catholic spiritual formation in the Mercy tradition.”

According to the Sisters of Mercy of the America’s mission statement, the “Sisters of Mercy are women who commit their lives to God, deepening their relationship with God and serving God’s people, especially those who are sick, poor and uneducated…our mission is to help people to overcome the obstacles that keep them from living full and dignified lives.”

For Courneen’s tenure as president, her goals are taking sig-

nificant, intentional steps toward gospel-based contemplative prayer and faith sharing, movement from individualism to the common good to create an authentic, lifegiving Mercy community, creative responses to unmet needs by collaborating with others as appropriate and a lived multicultural and multigenerational consciousness.

Courneen sees her elected position as a giant step in her mission to serve God. Courneen told Mercyhurst about her confidence in the organization.

“We have a great team. I am confident in the community and broader Mercy world. We look forward to the future with confidence and hope,” she said.

Theft Monday, April 23

Warde Hall Closed

Liquor law violation Tuesday, April 24

Warde Hall Referred for discipline

Theft Tuesday, April 24

Warde Hall Closed

Theft Thursday, April 26 Theft Friday, April 27

Ice Center Closed McAuley Hall Closed

Trespassing Friday, April 27

West Main Drive Closed

Domestic Saturday, April 28

3937 Briggs Ave. Closed

Criminal Mischief Saturday, April 28

742 Wayne St. Closed

April 23 - 28, 2012

NEWS

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May 2, 2012

News Briefs Student film premieres Sunday

Jill Barrile photo

Even though hundreds of students were able to gather for a St. Patrick’s Day party, large groups will not be permitted to party outside for Spring Fest.

Spring Fest weekend block party prohibited

By Kelly Luoma Editor-in-chief

Although Police and Safety commended students’ behavior after the St. Patrick’s Day block party involving several hundred Mercyhurst University students, another party of this size will not be allowed for this weekend’s Spring Fest.

Vice President for Student Life Gerry Tobin, Ph.D., and Director of Residence Life Alice Agnew met with students who live in the Lewis and East 41st Street townhouses on Thursday, April 26, to discuss the problems associated with having another block party.

Tobin explained the reason for this meeting.

“What sparked the meeting was the rumors that students wanted to recreate the party that occurred on March 17,” he said.

At the meeting, Agnew reminded students of some of Mercyhurst’s rules that are stated in the student handbook. She told students that no open containers are permitted, and students are not allowed to facilitate underage drinking.

Agnew explained why the Residence Life meeting only took place

at these townhouses.

She said Residence Life held the meeting where the party was planned to happen. Agnew and Tobin wanted to relay their message to a small group.

Senior Irene Gallagher, who lives in one of the townhouses, did not think this was the best strategy.

“I think this was not an effective meeting because only a select number of people were required to attend it,” said Gallagher.

“A lot more people other than those that live in townhouses were at the St. Patrick’s Day party. They should have sent an email out or printed notices somewhere to alert other people that a St. Patrick’s Day 2 can’t occur without consequences,” she said.

Even though the St. Patrick’s Day block party was a success, Tobin explained why another block party cannot happen during Spring Fest.

“There was lots of underage drinking that we cannot condone,” he said.

Penn State Behrend is a dry campus and Penn State University, Main Campus will be next year, Tobin said. He does not intend for Mercyhurst to be a dry campus as well.

Tobin said he is worried about the safety risks involved with the block party and thought Mercyhurst was lucky there were no unfortunate incidents at the St. Patrick’s Day gathering outside the townhouses.

“We don’t have the capacity to control safely those kinds of events,” said Tobin. “Our goal is to keep everyone safe.”

Tobin is concerned about tragic incidents occurring and discussed Jason Wahl, the 21-year-old Gannon student, who died after incurring head injuries when he fell off the second-floor balcony of the Alpha Phi Delta fraternity house.

Tobin said he still wants students to have fun, and he explained what activities are permitted.

“We want people to have a good time,” he said. “It’s just that there has to be an alternative to having a large gathering with all of the component risks involved with that.”

Students are allowed to gather outside in small groups to play games, such as corn hole. Inflatable pools are permitted as well.

Additional Erie City Police and Police and Safety officers will patrol campus for Spring Fest. Liquor Control Enforcement will likely be on campus as well.

Three communication students wrote and filmed the movie “Cheering Up Dewie” for the annual communication department student-produced film.

Senior Joe Chiodo and junior Brady Greenawalt co-wrote the script, and junior Matt Teleha directed and edited the film.

“Cheering Up Dewie” is a comedy about roommates Roger, Troy and Dewie. Dewie is put into a difficult situation when his girlfriend, Rebecca, issues an ultimatum for him to choose between her and his roommates. When Dewie breaks the news to Roger and Troy, he finds out they lost his most prized possession -- his signed Muddy Babies CD. Throughout the movie, Roger and Troy must do everything they can to find the CD to save their friendship with Dewie and ensure he does not move out.

“Cheering Up Dewie” premieres Sunday, May 6, in the Taylor Little Theatre at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Student Financial Services goes paperless Starting fall term 2012, Student Financial Services (SFS) will be going completely paperless.

All information will be distributed to students electronically.

“Most importantly we will no longer be sending paper bills each term but will be using the ebill 100 percent,” Student Financial Services Representative Shannon Dodick said.

SFS stresses that students must sign up parents and any other authorized users for “shared access” so they have access to students’ bills as well.

SFS decided to go paperless in order to save money and contribute to Mercyhurst’s reputation as a green campus.

In order to set up “shared access” on the ebill, students can go to mercyhurst.edu/financial-aid/ebill/ for instructions.

Intel grad students serve community Saturday, May 5, 22 graduate students from Mercyhurst’s Applied Intelligence Program will serve the Erie community in their First Annual Habitat for Humanity Service Project.

Students will be assisting the Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to fulfill their mission “Community Building Community.”

According to the intelligence studies department, the “students will work together to improve their teamwork skills and build positive relationships with each other and the community.”

FEATURES

May 2, 2012

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DIY College Style: Grilled chicken salad On her blog, A Grapefruit’s (many) Passions, senior Alaina Rydzewski writes about her foray into cooking, along with movie, book and music reviews. To check out her blog, visit agrapefruitspassions.tumblr.com.

Contributed photo

A student holds a pet hamster and has enjoyed its company since it has lived in an on-campus apartment.

Students secretly house 4-legged friends on campus

By Haley Bradstreet Contributing writer

When Residence Life is called in to deal with an animal on campus, the presumption is that the critter will be cute and furry. Never would anyone expect to find an alligator in an apartment.

Whatever the critter type, its owner risks a $50 fine, 10 hours of community service, social probation, restitution and possible removal from housing if he or she have a pet in their apartment or dorm.

Many students grow up with animals in their homes to bring silent comfort and companionship. At college, stress is full blown, and having a noiseless rabbit or a cuddling dog remains popular despite them being forbidden according to the student handbook.

The handbook states, “With the exception of guide dogs or bona fide service animals and fish in aquariums with a combined capacity of 10 gallons or less, no pets are allowed in campus housing.”

With permission from roommates and residence life, one may have their pet visit for 48 hours.

Despite being prohibited, there are still students who have pets on campus.

An anonymous student bought a Siberian dwarf hamster two years

ago at the Millcreek Mall pet store and has embraced its company ever since. The student has had pets before and not having any of them at college was too big of a change.

A more extreme example is a student who housed a two-foot alligator when the friend who owned him was preparing to go overseas. The student kept him in an aquariumtype tank with a filtration system and a heat lamp.

Alice Agnew, director of Residence Life, recalls when the alligator was discovered. “(The area directors) were searching, and they found the cage that would have held it. I believe then (the student) brought out the alligator and showed everyone,” Agnew said.

The alligator soon left campus grounds for good, but other, less dangerous animals, have escaped notice.

Another student knew the illegality of pets on campus but decided to take the risk and buy himself a dog. The student is confident about maintaining this secret from Residence Life and Police and Safety.

In hiding the playful pup, he said “not much” was done apart from hiding him during tri-annual health and safety inspections.

Mercyhurst has already recognized the calming effects animals can have on students. Just last year, the Counseling Center started training its new therapy dog, Bailey, a cheerful

hypo-allergenic dog that makes its way around campus getting as much human contact as possible.

“Dog Days” occur in Garvey Park to remind homesick students of their distant pets and to counteract seasonal depression due to Erie’s lake-effect snow.

There are, however, several arguments non-pet-friendly colleges like Mercyhurst make in order to ensure healthy living for all. Allergies, quiet hours and property damage are issues that involve the whole dorm.

“It certainly induces damage in the apartments,” said Agnew. “Cats and dogs especially. Anytime we’ve ever had them, they certainly leave signs that they have been there.”

Cat hair can find its way anywhere, loud barking can disrupt studying students and damage in campus buildings can result in financial responsibilities for all residents. For the university, it’s easiest to have students keep the pets at home.

“We’ve had conversations with our counseling center about support animals versus service animals,” said Agnew. “We’ve said no to support animals because starting to allow them means you open up a lot of doors and none of our offices or anyone else that we’ve talked to feels comfortable with opening that door.”

As far as changes are concerned in the pet policy on campus, Agnew sees no future change.

What you will need (makes enough for four servings): three to four chicken breasts, two bags baby spinach, dried cranberries, walnuts, small package of semisoft goat cheese and sliced beets.

You can put basically anything on this salad that you want—I added sliced avocado on my salad, but the recipe did not originally call for it.

What to do: 1. Put oil and ground pepper on chicken and place on grill until there is no pink on the inside. This takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

2. Rinse baby spinach, slice beets, avocado and cheese. Sprinkle walnuts and cranberries over baby spinach.

3. Top salad with chicken and enjoy.

The salad recipe is from Women’s Health Magazine.

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

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FEATURES

May 2, 2012

Student auditions for Rockettes

By Kayla Kelly Staff writer

Mercyhurst University senior Victoria Scott has always dreamed of becoming a Rockette, and she is now one step closer to making her dream a reality.

Scott is a senior dance major with a concentration in performance and business administration minor.

“When I was little I used to compete, and I actually performed to a song called, ‘I Wanna Be A Rockette.’ I didn’t think I was going to be tall enough, but thankfully, I grew,” Scott said.

Her mother was the person who put her into dance classes, and Scott quickly began to fall in love with the art.

As for Scott’s Mercyhurst support, Noelle Partusch, associate professor of dance, was one of her professors who strongly influenced her in dance.

“She and the rest of the department have always been extremely supportive of me,” Scott said. “I had to drop the spring performance to be able to go to the Rockette audition, and I was fully supported by the department in my decision.”

Many dancers dream of the chance to become a Rockette, and Scott decided to work toward her goal. She submitted to a contest called Jump the Line that she found through Twitter and Facebook. The contest required contestants to submit a video less than three minutes long of them dancing to jazz, ballet and tap.

It was deadline day and Scott decided she had nothing to lose by entering the contest. She threw together the video that day and started to

Contributed photo

Victoria Scott won a free trip to New York City to pursue her dream to audition for a chance to be a Rockette.

have difficulties uploading the video.

She was able to submit her video at 11:45 p.m. with 15 minutes to spare.

“It was such an on-the-whim thing, so when I found out I was in the top 10 I was shocked,” Scott said.

Hundreds of women applied for the contest, and Scott actually made it to the top five, but they found a glitch in the system and allowed all 10 girls to come to New York City. The contest is flying each woman there, providing hotel accommodations and allowing the women to jump the line for auditions.

One of the benefits of being one of the winners of the contest is that Scott does not have to wake up early to stand in line for auditions. The line will start outside Radio City Musical Hall, and there will be roughly 500 women waiting to audition to be a Rockette.

Scott will be one of the first to audition that day in front of the director of the Rockettes. Another advantage of submitting her video to the contest is the director has already seen Scott dance and was the person who chose her video to be placed in the top 10.

Each year the number of dancers selected to be a Rockette varies.

There are about 40 Rockettes, so spots are determined on retirement of cast members.

Scott will fly to New York City on Wednesday, May 2, and her auditions to become a Rockette are on Thursday, May 3.

The Ashram Retreat:

A relaxing get away available for students

By Brianna Carle Contributing writer

Mercyhurst students will be joining Campus Ministry on a trip to Clarion, Pa., for the annual Ashram retreat, May 12-13.

This retreat is designed to “introduce any student interested to diverse ways of slowing down and withdrawing in a healthy way from the everyday stresses of life,” said Betty Amatangelo, retreat coordinator.

The retreat will be filled to the brim with events, beginning with

a prayer and light breakfast before setting off on the electronic-free bus ride to Clarion.

At the retreat, students will participate in yoga, spring weeding, a walking meditation and “story-telling” session before they come back to campus around noon the next afternoon.

Yoga instructor, yoga therapist and daughter of the Ashram’s founder Leela Mata, Darshanie Radha Sukhu will be present to lead karma yoga. According to Amatangelo, karma yoga is “the yoga of selfless service.”

This will be one of the first activ-

ities in the retreat, since a relaxing way to begin.

Anyone who is interested is eligible to join. About 20 students are already signed up, but more spots are still available. Information about signing up can be found on flyers throughout campus, the Campus Ministry Bulletin, the religious studies faculty or by emailing Betty Amatangelo.

“Campus Ministry is open to support the spiritual seeking and guidance of all faith experiences.

We are here for the entire campus community. The Ashram Retreat is an example of our openness and

commitment to a diverse approach to spiritual development and expression,” Amatangelo said.

This retreat is one that is very close to Amatangelo’s heart. She has put a great deal of time, effort and prayer into the success of this retreat, and it certainly shows.

“About two years ago I was thanking my creator for the gift of believing in unconditional love. Part of that gratitude was a request to be directed to opportunities to reveal this gift to others.

Planning the Ashram Retreat is simply one of the many ways that prayer has been answered,”

she said.

The Ashram Retreat is one that can leave a person feeling calm, relaxed, refreshed and selfless. It is a chance to get away from the crazy stresses of life and take the time to slow down and find one’s self again.

With the price of $20, students will receive transportation, food and lodging.

If you’re interested in having a relaxing night away from campus, sign up for the Ashram Retreat.

For more information, email Amatangelo at bamatangelo@ mercyhurst.edu.

May 2, 2012

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Australian band makes it big in US

By Aaron Ullman Staff writer

Sarah Hlusko photo

Voice students work diligently for months to prepare their repertoire for the recitals given at the end of their junior and senior years.

Voice students give weekend of recitals

By Mathew Anderson Staff writer

Over the course of this past weekend, Walker Recital Hall was ripe with talent that would drop any jaw. The four recitals featured extensive repertoire, beautiful dresses and five sopranos, along with one baritone.

Senior Brianna Steves gave the first recital along with her accompanist, Andrew Rainbow. Steves commanded the stage with a stunning, classic black dress.

Steves opened the performance with three selections in Italian. First, was the well-known piece “Pieta Signore,” composed by Allesandro Stradella. Its long melodic lines joined with Steves’ wonderful voice instantly charmed the audience. It rang clear as a bell through every note she sang.

Whether it is a long legato melody, or short staccato trills with challenging note jumps, Steves made it seem as though it was as easy as picking flowers.

The next section of music was completely in German and all by late romantic composer Gustav Mahler.

This section was extremely bright and airy, and gave the listener a sense of happiness, which almost forced them to smile.

The same could be said for the following selections in Italian, which were equally pleasant to listen to.

The following two pieces were by the well-known composer Wolfgang A. Mozart.

The link between these two pieces is the composer because unlike the previous sections, this one featured two separate languages. One was sung fluently in Italian and the other boldly in German.

Both renditions were stunning shows of vocalist virtuosity on Steves’ part. The latter of the two, “Bester Jungling,” featured a difficult melismatic pattern toward the end of the piece, and Steves not only made it look effortless, but also did so with flying colors.

After a short intermission, Steves again took the stage and presented works by George Frederick Handel, French composer Henri Duparc and Eva Dell’ Acque.

The recital concluded with a little comedic relief. Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Telephone Aria” is sung exactly how it sounds: on the telephone.

The second and equally stunning performance was the recital of “The Three Sopranos.” This recital consisted of a collaborative effort of seniors Kirstan Orgel, Alianna Whiteaker and Sara Maitland.

Accompanying the three were adjunct faculty members Ruth Ann Scanzillo and Faith Lifshen on piano.

Starting off the concert were three works by George Frederick Handel, each performed by a different vocalist.

Each soprano gave a stunning display of virtuosity and started the program energetically. The third work in this section was sung by Orgel and was also accompanied by Chris Wise on trumpet.

After that another rendition of “Pieta Signore” by Stradella, much like the performance we heard the day before, it was a wonderful display of the capabilities and talents of Mercyhurst’s music students.

The third section of the program was completely in German. The diction of these pieces was incredible.

After intermission, the three women presented amazing displays of vocal talent. This last half of the recital included Bellini’s “Ah! Non Credea Mirarti,” Debussy’s “Beau Soir” and Saint-Saens’ “AimonsNous et Dormans.”

The recital concluded with three English arias by Floyd, Moore and Menotti.

The three women brought forth a stunning recital that showed their brilliance and proficiency with all their music.

There were also stunning vocal performances from senior Elizabeth Zurasky and junior William Pertransky.

Both vocalists commanded the stage and left their audiences wanting more.

This past weekend was a great representation of the absolutely stunning caliber of Mercyhurst’s music department.

Hailing from New Zealand, The Naked and Famous has made quite a stir with its only studio album, “Passive Me, Aggressive You.” While it has been very popular “down under,” the album has just recently started to make inroads in the States thanks to the band’s work being featured in various TV shows, FIFA 12 video game and a Machine Gun Kelley track.

The album is a mish-mash containing modern pop, rock and ‘80s new wave vibes.

Often retro motifs are held sideby-side to shades of newer styles of rock. Their sound is a hybrid of sorts, where MGMT meets Passion Pit. The electro overtones and grungy guitars are masterfully morphed into catchy melodies and a fresh unique sound.

This resuscitated retro sound is most evident in the track “Eyes.”

It could easily fit into a classic ‘80s movie with its era-specific beat and synthful backdrop.

In the same vein, the leadoff track “All of This” is a superb song with a catchy tune and guitar riff.

Two of the best songs on the album are hands down, “Punching in a Dream” and “Young Blood.”

The former addresses the fear of futility and failure.

This fear of life’s unknown events is portrayed as a nightmare,

and the inability to change one’s circumstances is shown to be “like punching in a dream.”

It contemplates the grasping-forthe-wind feeling life can sometimes exude.

“Young Blood” has a great electro-pop melody with nostalgic meaning. Throughout the song, the lyrics represent the joyful naivety of youth—especially that of young love.

It also warns about how fleeting youth can be, summed up with “Let go before it’s too late.” The track is a perfect one in many regards.

There are many other great songs on the album as well. “The Sun” is a haunting track that slowly adds one layer of complexity after another.

“No Way” is a slower, ballad-like exhibition that builds to a powerful denouement in the lyrics, “All this means, losing/ Letting go.”

The emotion of ending a relationship is well complimented by the crescendo in the music.

The album is not perfect; however, a lot of the material has overstayed its welcome, especially toward the end of the album.

Many of the songs are flotsam, merely extending the disc as long as possible.

Five or six of the tracks could easily be cut out, and the overall album would still retain its greatness.

Besides the filler, though, “Passive Me, Aggressive You” is a wonderful album with fresh, integrative music.

Mesapress.com photo

The Naked and Famous have started to make their big debut in the United States after gaining fame in Australia.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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May 2, 2012

‘Elixir of Love’ features Mercyhurst alumni

By Mathew Anderson Staff writer

This weekend the Erie Opera Theatre will be putting on a production of “The Elixir of Love” by Gaetano Donizetti.

The performances will be located at the Erie Playhouse and will feature some very talented Mercyhurst alumni. The performance will be under the direction of Mercyhurst Professor Brent Weber.

The opening of this comic opera finds Nemorino, played by Mercyhurst alumnus Andrew Ferguson, a poor peasant, in love with Adina.

Adina, played by Mercyhurst alumnus Andrea Baker, is a beautiful landowner.

He is convinced that a magic potion will gain Adina’s love for him.

Sergeant Belcore appears with his regiment and immediately proposes marriage to Adina in front of the town.

A traveling salesman, Dulcamara arrives, selling his bottled cure-all to the townspeople.

Nemorino innocently asks Dulcamara if he has anything resembling a love potion.

Dulcamara sells it to him at a price matching the contents of Nemorino’s pockets.

Unknown to Nemorino, the bottle contains only wine. Nemorino drinks it, feeling its effects immediately.

Emboldened by the “elixir” Nemorino encounters Adina, and although her wedding with the Sergeant has been scheduled for six days later, Nemorino is certain he’ll win Adina tomorrow with the help of the elixir.

This upsets Adina, and given the news that the Sergeant must leave the next day, they decide to marry immediately. Nemorino panics, and calls for the doctor to come to his aid.

At the wedding, the notary arrives to make the marriage official.

Everyone goes inside to sign the wedding contract, but Dulcamara stays outside, helping himself to food and drink.

Nemorino appears and begs him for more elixir that will work imme-

Contributed photo

“The Elixir of Love” will be performed at the Erie Playhouse and is free and open to the public. diately. The doctor refuses and goes into the house.

The sergeant appears outside and asks about Nemorino’s dejection.

When Nemorino says he has no money, Belcore suggests that if he joins the army he’ll be paid immediately. Nemorino then signs up in return for the cash.

It is later learned that Nemorino has inherited a large sum of money for his deceased uncle.

Nemorino has no idea this has happened, so when the town’s girls crowd him with hellos this is proof to Nemorino that the new dose of the elixir has worked.

Adina hears what has happened

from Dulcamara, and she falls for Nemorino.

Nemorino appears alone, convinced that Adina loves him.

She enters, asking him why he has chosen to join the army.

When Nemorino says he’s seeking a better life, Adina responds by telling him she has purchased his military contract from Sergeant Belcore.

He is free now, but She says, however, that if he stays, he will no longer be sad.

Nemorino then believes that he is rejected and the doctor has taken him for a fool, and must die as a soldier anyway.

Adina confesses that she loves him, and Nemorino is ecstatic. The Sergeant claims that there are other women in the world, and he will go find one.

The doctor then follows, telling the Sergeant he has an “elixir” to help his conquest.

The performance will be Friday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m.

The opera will show at the Erie Playhouse and is free to the public.

Senior dancer profile: Rachel Torgesen

By Alexandra Stacey A&E Editor

Rachel Torgesen, this month’s featured senior dancer, is from Saratoga Springs.

She is a dance major with a minor in arts administration.

Contributed photo

Senior Rachel Torgesen is looking into arts administration as well as continuing her career in dance.

Why did you decide to come to Mercyhurst?

“It’s actually a funny story. Mercyhurst was at the bottom of my list before I came to visit. I didn’t know where Erie was, and I wasn’t sure I was going to like a Catholic school.

“When I came to visit for my audition, I fell in love with the campus and the quality of the dance department. The size of the school and the atmosphere was a perfect fit for me.

“I actually met my roommate at an audition for a different school.”

What is the moment you will remember most from your time at Mercyhurst?

“Something I will always remember from my time here was casting for our fall show freshman year.

All of the freshmen were nervous about our first audition for the department. Being new, we weren’t sure if we were going to get cast or what kind of parts we were going to get. About a week after the audition the casting went up and we were all so excited to see that we all had been cast in the show.”

What are your plans for after graduation?

“Arts administration is something that I’m very interested in, and I would love to someday work for a performing arts theater or a dance company, doing their programming.

“This summer I will be working at the National Museum of Dance

as their programming intern. Hopefully I will get some good experience and it will lead to more opportunities.”

Do you think your education has prepared you for the future?

“Before I came to college, I was a complete ‘bunhead’ and very narrow minded in what I wanted to do. From the stand point of arts administration, I would probably not even have known about the field if it wasn’t for Mercyhurst.

All of the classes I took for my arts administration minor gave me a good base to start working and to possibly go to graduate school.”

What will you miss most about the ‘Hurst?

“I will miss all the friends I have made here the most. I have met so many great people at Mercyhurst, and I feel like a have a second family here.”

OPINION

May 2, 2012

Page 9

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

Student responds to Vatican article

By Matthew Yaw Contributing writer

I must begin with an agreement.

In last week’s issue of The Merciad, Caitlin Handerhan, in her Vatican deems nuns’ group out of line article, says that she has “always viewed (her) faith as something to explore, learn, and think critically about.” I could not agree more.

This insightful, and in modern context profound utterance is noble. I am upset that her interpretation of the recent events regarding the Vatican and Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) has led her to believe that it is this notion of faith as dialectic

and exploratory that is being called into question. It is at this point that I must disagree.

While terms like “radical feminist” shortly followed by “crackdown” in news headlines paint a Gestapo-style image of the Vatican kicking in doors to seize the dissenters, I struggle to see the Vatican’s agenda as anything like this.

The risk that the Vatican takes by not imposing some kind of supervisory role upon the LCWR is that there is an inherent risk that this organization will be perceived as presenting the opinions of the Catholic Church.

It seems to me, as a casual news reader, that the disagreement between the Vatican and the LCWR is two-fold: the first is the LCWR connection to the group network

that actively endorses Obama’s health care plan, and the second is an open disagreement with the Church on teachings regarding women in priesthood and other accusations of the Church as being misogynistic.

The first prong, regarding endorsing Obama’s health care program, is serving as the starting point for a good bit of controversy in modern America.

The Catholic Church has taken a firm stand on its lack of support for this health care plan. This stand, contrary to popular belief, is not a standard morality debate (as compared to the gay-marriage debate).

The Catholic Church disputes the requirement laid out in the health care plan to force Catholic employers to provide contraceptive

measures in the form of health care to their employees. This demand seems ironically like the separation of church and state, except that it is the opposite direction.

The Catholic Church takes issue with the government demanding that contraception be counted as health care.

With the Catholic Church’s staunch stance on contraception, the institution has a responsibility to ensure that anyone who is supporting a health care movement like this is not speaking on behalf of the Church.

The second part is too lengthy to get into but is in itself more a theological debate than a social/ political policy debate. I believe that Handerhan misrepresents what is occurring between the Vatican and

LCWR right now.

The Catholic Church has a particular image and ideology to protect, and when somebody engages in teaching on behalf of the Church, this will inevitably reflect back to the Church.

I agree with Handerhan that debate and discourse must be free and open.

But, I also believe that there is a time when one moves past discourse and begins speaking on behalf of a particular organization with the air of authority.

It is at that time that the organization or institution has a responsibility to defend its name.

Thank you for the insightful article and for shedding light on an important event that most people are probably ignoring.

Reflecting on Deep Water Horizon Student examines crisis two years after oil spill devastated Gulf region

By Steve Long

Contributing writer Only two years ago this nation suffered from one of the worst environmental disasters in history when the Deep Water Horizon began leaking oil at the Macondo Well. The accident released roughly 4.9 million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

Currently, British Petroleum has claimed that “all of the oil is gone, and the Gulf of Mexico is better than it ever was before.”

Even so, I recently attended a guest lecture at Mercyhurst about the accident and learned that the Gulf of Mexico is no better than it was before despite British Petroleum claims.

The area affected by the oil spill still suffers catastrophic destruction to both the environment and the economy that experts believe will continue into the future.

Dean Blanchard, a big-time shrimper in the Gulf of Mexico, claims there are few shrimp to be

caught, and as a result, his town has become “as desolate as a wasteland, and all that is missing is the tumble weeds.”

Fellow shrimper Lisa Corral corroborates Blanchard’s claim by stating that the shrimp being caught in the Gulf often have no eyes and therefore are not consumable.

“

The area affected by the oil spill still suffers catastrophic destruction...

”

- Steve Long Since much of the shrimp is not consumable, shrimpers cannot bring their catch to the marketplace, and many have been forced to give up their tradition of shrimping and find other work elsewhere.

Experts believe Blanchard’s and Corral’s current situation is only a precursor to the true extent of the damage that the Deep Water Hori-

zon has caused.

According, to Dr. Sam Joyce, a marine scientist, the eco system in the Gulf of Mexico is no doubt significantly altered, and scientists will not know the full extent of damage caused by the accident “for decades.”

This is due in part because much of the oil was saturated into the bottom, and storms pushed much of the oil inland, and experts are still trying to assess the extent of the damage. Another indication of continued problems is that tar mats are still washing up along the beaches in the Gulf, as recent as March 2012.

While British Petroleum’s claim is clearly false, the Federal Government should be pressing British Petroleum to continue its efforts to clean up the Gulf of Mexico.

The impact of the Deep Water Horizon accident has clearly affected wildlife, food chains, wetlands, economies and foliage for many years to come, and all I am promoting is accountability for British Petroleum’s actions.

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 Managing 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 University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376.

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

Page 10

OPINION

2, 2012 SeptemberMay 3, 2008

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

End of the year brings reflection

By Jaslyne Halter Staff writer

After the St. Paddy’s day block party went off without a hitch, 63 percent of students voted in a Merciad poll that they want a repeat for Spring Fest weekend.

Too bad Residence Life already met with townhouse residents to crush the dream.

Students using a debit card at the Laker or coffee bar this term may be hit with massive overdraft charges, since all purchases were only verified with the bank this week. So for those money savvy students trying to budget their money per week, think again. The best part? Mercyhurst refuses to reimburse the hundreds of dollars in overdraft charges, despite student complaints.

Never in my life did I think that my first year of college would actually go as fast as it did. I look through pictures that have been taken throughout the year and realize how much has really changed.

My world has been a whirlwind for the past several months I have been experiencing stressful weeks of exams, being torn between my majors, rejected from clubs and organizations, became an executive board member, to meet new people and, of course, finals are now looming in the distance.

You thought senior year of high school goes

adore and idolize, thank you for all that you have taught me. It makes me realize that Mercyhurst really is a community filled with people willing to help. Carpe Diem, and good luck to you all; make Mercyhurst proud.

Lastly to Meg Hess: Although I just met you a few months back, you have epitomized what being a Mercyhurst Laker is all about. Your dedication to the school, spirit and making the most of your time here has truly influenced me in regard to how to manage my time and make the best of my days. Thank you for being perfect.

To end this article I would like to tell everyone to enjoy Spring Fest this weekend. Whether you plan on rocking out to Sean Kingston, enjoying seeing alumni or partaking in other festivities, make like a Laker and seize the day.

MSG responds to student complaints, concerns

By Jeremy Dickey Contributing writer

Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) wishes to address the concerns presented in the recent Merciad article. Last week, students were able to vote for their representatives for the upcoming academic year. In record numbers, students participated in the voting process.

More than 20 percent of the student body participated in senate elections; this is up from the barely 11 percent from last year. MSG is very happy to see such high student participation and hopes that this will lead to further engagement by the student body in events, and activities hosted by MSG. This being said, the relationship between MSG and the students is one that involves student engage-

Online

The Laker nation has more to celebrate this weekend than Spring Fest–senior standouts Ian Wilde and Trevor Kennedy signed with NFL teams this week.

fast? Man, freshman year of college goes exponentially faster. I can’t believe it. I’ve spent so much time here, invested so much energy and now it’s over (almost).

Once finals period is done, I’m packing up my stuff, saying goodbye and then I’m leaving for Pittsburgh. I’ll be home for the last summer, and this year — a year of making new friends, learning new subjects to an incredible depth, enjoying the bipolar Erie weather, coming back into my room at late hours of the night (or early in the morning) and experiencing unprecedented, unimaginable growth — this whole crazy year will be a memory, a dream. Oh. And I can say that the end of freshman year is when I finally pin-pointed a general idea as to what I plan on doing with my life.

To the graduating seniors that I have grown to

ment as well. MSG meetings, held on Mondays at 8:30 in the MSG chambers, are open to any student wishing to bring issues to light.

In addition, students who do not serve on MSG are welcomed and encouraged to come and see how a meeting is run. The truth is, very few students currently take the opportunity to join MSG in their weekly meetings, and this is something MSG would like to see changed. However, this change cannot be adopted without effort from the students too.

The newly elected executive board is barely a month into office and have several new ideas and initiatives planned to increase MSG senator engagement and participation within the particular constituencies they represent.

As for effectiveness, MSG has accomplished several projects benefitting the entire student body this

Medical advances inspire by Courtney Hartline

year, and has ideas for even more projects in the future.

The 2011-2012 senate passed proposals for Wii systems in both Baldwin and McAuley Halls, passed a proposal to remodel the Great Room of the Herrmann Student Union and have arguably represented the students more effectively than past boards.

Transparency is an issue that an organization with confidentiality is faced with, and the MSG executive board is given access to confidential information that sometimes requires less transparency.

We hope that in the upcoming year, a more transparent senate carrying the message of the entire organization will provide students with the best possible transfer of information. Members of the executive board are compensated for the work that they do.

If students are curious about

the work that these individuals do, members of the executive board are open to let students shadow them to see all that they do on a day to day basis. Just like any elected body, time will always be a factor.

So let’s give the new executive board and senate a little more time to get their feet wet and hit the ground running for an amazing year ahead.

Please remember, any student is welcome to join MSG during their weekly meetings, and we hope to see new faces in the near future.

Contributed by the MSG PR Coordinator

merciad. mercyhurst.edu/ opinion

Page 11

Sports

May 2, 2012

Rivera brings passion for Nikes, baseball

By Joe Chiodo

Contributing writer Jaasiel “Jay” Rivera is a hard person to miss on campus.

Just look for the Dominican student with the black New York Yankees hat, brim always forward. If that’s not enough, just keep an eye open for his impeccably clean Nike basketball sneakers.

Rivera, a senior, is all about Nikes, to the point where he cleans his sneakers with a pencil eraser, being sure to wipe all evidence of dirt or grime that may have accumulated throughout the day. Rivera considers himself a “sneaker-head,” or someone who collects rare, limited or exclusive sneakers.

“My favorite pair of sneakers is my Air Jordan X or ‘10s’ as my fellow sneaker-heads call them. I think they have a very sleek design,” Rivera said.

Rivera picked up his sneaker-collecting hobby back in his hometown, Bronx, N.Y. Rivera can remember being a young kid, watching Ken Griffey Jr. set home run records and begging his mother for a pair of Air Griffeys.

Now, Rivera majors in finance with a minor in economics, learning

skills that have allowed him to accumulate 19 pairs of basketball sneakers. He leaves 13 of them safely boxed up back home. He makes sure to always have enough money to buy the newest pair of Jordans each year.

Rivera’s passion for basketball sneakers is not the only thing he brought from Bronx. Just a short walk from his home Rivera can find himself outside the stadium of the most successful baseball team of all time, the New York Yankees.

“I live 20 minutes from the stadium, so I immediately fell in love with the Bronx Bombers (New York Yankees),” Rivera said.

He began playing baseball when he was only six years old, playing on multiple summer teams and playing for Cardinal Hayes High School.

Playing baseball in the middle of the busiest city in the world is very different from playing on the quiet hills of Pennsylvania. Rivera recalls the transition from playing in Bronx to Erie as being difficult to grasp at first.

“Sometimes the trees have white leaves, making the ball hard to see,” Rivera said.

Rivera could always depend on the giant buildings that compose the concrete jungle of the Bronx.

During every practice and game,

Sports Information photo

Senior Jay Rivera has been a part of two consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West championship teams.

He hit .333 this season. the dark apartment buildings and steel office skyscrapers surrounding Cardinal Hayes baseball diamond provided Rivera with the

ideal backdrop to spot fly balls and stack outs for his high school team.

Even so, Rivera finds little differ-

ence in the teammates he has had.

“The only difference between my past and present teammates is where they are from; baseball is a universal language, no matter the player,” Rivera said.

Rivera is not just a baseball player at Mercyhurst University, but also an intramural supervisor, ball boy for soccer, football and basketball games, president of Diversity Club and a member of the Student Advisory Board. The only way Rivera is able to juggle all of these extracurriculars alongside baseball is because he a perfect example of a multi-tasker.

“I’m used to getting things done quicker than people not from the city. A New York minute is faster than a regular minute, so I’m used to multitasking,” said Rivera. “People often tell me I walk too fast.”

With the baseball season and Rivera’s time as a Mercyhurst Laker ending shortly, Rivera has great plans for the future.

“I want to go back to New York City and become a financial adviser so I can help the people of the Bronx,” Rivera said.

Rivera and the Lakers still have work to do on the field. The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Tournament begins Wednesday, May 2, against Millersville.

Potential found on Mercyhurst volleyball team

By Reymundo Lariosa Contributing writer

To the average person, sports are all about entertainment. To the businessman, sports are all about money, but what is the meaning of sports for an athlete?

In the eyes of Veronica Crosby, a 6-foot volleyball player at Mercyhurst University, sports are all about “community,” knowing that her “team will always be there for” her.

Crosby was raised two hours away from Erie in Buffalo, N.Y. At a young age, her parents introduced her to the world of volleyball and inspired her to try out for her middle school team, which she did not make at first. Determined to climb the ladder to the top, she joined the Junior Leagues, which

helped her gain experience and recognition.

A mixture of hard work, determination and talent enabled the young player to skip the beginning year of middle school volleyball, and becoming part of the junior volleyball team. The closer she got to becoming a professional player, the more she got involved in the sport.

“I kept playing junior varsity and club at the same time. This led me to make varsity and become a starter as a sophomore, a year earlier than the usual,” Crosby said.

Eager to obtain Crosby’s solid background in volleyball, Mercyhurst competed against Clarion University in persuading the young player into joining the team.

Fortunately for the ’Hurst, Crosby preferred the Lakers.

With new doors open, she gained a more mature perspective of vol-

leyball. Now, it meant an opportunity to attend college. However, playing for a Div. II school presented major challenges for her.

“You have to be fast, and as a team this past season, we would let the other teams come back and win,” Crosby said.

To compensate for last season, the team will practice every day during the season for two to three hours and off-season three times a week for two hours. In addition, the team has seen improvement when it comes to lifting.

“This winter term, we have been lifting more than previous years, so our team is getting stronger,” Crosby said.

With tremendous talents lurking in the team, next season seems to be promising. They will look to use a disappointing 2011-12 season as motivation for the future.

In essence, for Crosby, volleyball

has become a way of finding balance in life.

“It makes me be a well-rounded person, not just a book worm. And the more I learn about it, the more I fall in love,” Crosby said.

Most of the time the average person does not realize the complex process that a team, or an individual player, must go through in order to achieve a certain goal. For most of us, the final product of all the blood and sweat of the athletes is entertainment, for the businessman it’s revenues, but for the athletes themselves it is glory.

In order to truly appreciate the beauty of a sport, one must value the efforts and the sacrifices that athletes must endure and the way they translate all of that into the field to be successful.

Crosby and the volleyball team hope their sacrifices pay dividends next season.

Sports Information photo

Veronica Crosby will be a part of a promising 2012-13 volleyball team.

Sports

Page 12

May 2, 2012

Grace, goaltenders are ‘different breed’

By Spencer Hunt Sports editor

Goaltenders in any sport are different. They function differently; something about them doesn’t add up. Most of the goaltender’s time is spent isolated, with only their thoughts to keep them company.

There isn’t a test to determine what makes a good goalie. You either are or you aren’t.

Men’s lacrosse Coach Chris Ryan has been lucky enough to have two very good goalies back to back.

“They are a different breed,” Ryan said.

This includes current sophomore goaltender Michael Grace. Even he agrees with Ryan.

“Instinctively, you want to jump out of the way of a ball going 90 mph,” said Grace. “Consistently doing the opposite probably knocks a screw loose.”

Grace took over the starting role this season following the graduation of starter Zach Nash. This means that Grace has to fill the shoes of the all-time leader in goals against average in school history.

Also, there is the National Championship banner that Nash helped

Sarah Hlusko photo

Sophomore Michael Grace is second in Div. II with a goals against average of 4.87. He is the only underclassman in the top five in goals against average. bring to Mercyhurst.

“Zach Nash was a very good goalie,” said Grace. “It was great to learn from him for my first year.”

Grace was able to watch the best goaltender in team history and learn. It would appear he has picked up a few tricks, as he has helped the

Two former Lakers join NFL

By Spencer Hunt Sports editor

The Mercyhurst football team will have two former players attending NFL camps this summer.

Former defensive captain Ian Wild has signed a free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills.

Star receiver Trevor Kennedy has been invited to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers mini-camp this week.

Wild and Kennedy were integral to the success of the football program the last two years.

The quarterback of the defense, Wild led the teams in tackles as a senior despite missing the final three games of the season. He finished his career with numerous accolades including the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference codefensive player of the year and academic All-American following the 2011 season.

Kennedy was the focal point of the Lakers offense during the 2011 season. He set single-season records in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns and all-purpose yards.

He finished his career second alltime in receiving yards and receptions. Kennedy also set the school record for all-purpose yards pergame, averaging 118 yards over 36 games.

As a senior, Kennedy was one of 22 finalists for the Harlon Hill trophy, given to the top player in Div. II. He was the only receiver.

He also received ECAC offensive player of the year honors.

Despite both players going undrafted, they have a very good chance of making their respective teams as rookies.

Wild will contribute as a safety and on special teams. Kennedy will play receiver and kick/punt returner.

Jill Barrile photo

Trevor Kennedy, left, and Ian Wild, right, are headed to the NFL. Kennedy is attending mini-camp with the Tampa Bay Bucs. Wild signed a freeagent contract with Buffalo.

team to a perfect 12-0 record.

“He taught me to move onto the next goal and have a short memory,” Grace said.

The way the team has played thus far, Grace’s memory doesn’t need to be too short. He averages only 4.87 goals against him each game.

If the season ended today, Grace would be the new school recordholder, but the record isn’t what he is worried about.

“I don’t pay too much attention to personal stats,” said Grace. “I think it says more about our defense in front of me.”

Sometimes there are goals that seem like they are going in, and there is nothing a goalie can do about it. Don’t tell that to Grace, though.

“I try to take the mentality that I could do something to stop any goal,” Grace said.

It is amazing how far Grace has come in just one year. This time last season, he was the fourth goalie on the depth chart.

With Nash graduated, the three remaining goalies had an open tryout during the fall. Grace was eventually named the starter just 10 days before the first game. He attributes his improvement in goal to one of his coaches.

“Coach Metcalf got me to stop relying on being an athlete in goal,” said Grace. “He got me to focus on technique.”

Grace took the starting job and hasn’t looked back since.

“It was a big confidence boost when I was named starter,” Grace said.

The key to his success has been film study. Grace watches film the night before he faces each opponent.

“I try to study shooting tendencies and where the other team likes to shoot from on the field,” Grace said.

Only once this season has Grace not watched film. Before the Dowling game, there was bus trouble, which interrupted his routine.

Grace then had one of his best games of the season against the No. 3 team in Div. II, but he won’t change his routine even after that.

“I absolutely would not stop watching film,” said Grace. “I always want to be prepared heading into a game.”

Grace has one more game to prepare for before the start of the playoffs. The final home game of the season is against Molloy on Saturday, May 5, at 1 p.m.