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College adds $250,000 varsity training facility to Ice Center
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NEWS
Page 2
October 20, 2010
Athletes-only weight room added to Ice Center Trustee donates equipment for $250,000 facility By Ethan Magoc Editor-in-chief
Mercyhurst College’s varsity athletes will soon have a new place to pump iron. College administrators recently approved the construction of a $250,000 weight lifting wing to be connected to the Ice Center’s east wall. The 2,970-square foot facility will be restricted for athletes’ use only. Work on the structure began quickly and without notice to students, faculty and staff during the week of Oct. 4. But the project’s realization came slowly. “About three years ago,” says Provost Dr. James Adovasio, “a strength and conditioning coach visited from Hockey Canada to speak about training considerations for our world class hockey players.” The Hockey Canada official suggested to women’s hockey coach Michael Sisti that a weight training facility––similar to the one being built on the south end of campus– –should exist at Mercyhurst. “Mike approached (President Dr.) Tom Gamble and I about it on several occasions, and this year it proved to be feasible,” Adovasio said.
StruXures, LLC, blueprint
The weight lifting wing will be connected to the Ice Center’s east wall. Construction is expected to be completed by Christmas. The $250,000 project is funded through the college’s capital budget, which includes all sources of revenue such as charitable gifts, grants and student tuition. The structural price tag does not include the actual equipment to be housed within the 66’x45’ foot wing. Owen McCormick, owner of Joseph McCormick Construction Company, Inc., donated $117,000 worth of equipment, which has not yet been delivered to campus. McCormick has served on the college’s Board of Trustees since 2002, and the facility will bear his family’s name. The need Beyond Hockey Canada’s recom-
Ethan Magoc photo
Steve Gratkowski of StruXures, LLC, cuts a steel beam on Monday near the Mercyhurst Ice Center.
mendation, Mercyhurst has had a demand for a varsity-only weight training center for quite some time, according to Director of Athletics Joe Kimball. “This was in the works before I got here (July 2009),” he said. “When you have 565 athletes on campus who need to weight train, they could dominate the Rec Center almost every day.” While Recreation Center staff do not tally student attendance, nor account for how often varsity athletes visit, the weight and fitness areas are crunched during peak hours or when teams go for group training. “You’ve seen what happens when they all roll in,” Adovasio said, “especially when there’s 20 or so at the same time.” But the facility will serve another need for all sports programs. Kimball spoke of the gap he sees between schools that offer mostly Division I athletics and programs like Mercyhurst’s, which offers 24 varsity sports, but only hockey at the Division I level. Universities that fund large Division I programs in football, basketball, hockey and other major sports furnish more advantages to student athletes, lending coaches in every sport a significant arrow in their quiver during recruiting battles. In particular, Kimball noted lavish facilities at the University of Minnesota while he was there for the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four, where Mercyhurst lost to Cornell University in the semifinals. “We’re not Minnesota. We’re not Wisconsin. We’re not those schools,” Kimball said. “But things we can do to close the gap a little
bit is what we want to focus on.” Adovasio, who also traveled to Minneapolis in March for the tournament, agreed. “When you can point out to a potential recruit and their parents that you have invested in a dedicated facility...it goes a long way to show the college is invested in something like that,” he said. The provost also spoke of fulfilling obligations to current athletes. “They’ve chosen to come here because they think this is the best place to succeed, both academically and athletically,” he said. “We have a responsibility to make sure that’s the case.” Funding Adovasio addressed student concerns about general tuition dollars being appropriated to a project which will directly benefit less than 20 percent of the student body. “Theoretically, there’s some (tuition) here and there,” he said. “You could say that when you go outside and see maintenance cutting the grass, part of your tuition paid for the lawnmower. “In that sense, yes, just like everything else we build, some of your tuition money is there. All capital investments represent pieces of all the revenue sources.” Other than McCormick, no donors have yet come forward to help defray costs of building the weight room. Parking plight The construction phase has already added another chapter to Mercyhurst’s aged parking problem. Tullio Field’s nearest parking lot is currently short approximately 10 spaces, though most will be restored after the project’s completion.
“We’re landlocked,” Kimball said. “As everybody knows, we have a parking issue.” But an initial miscommunication also hampered campus transit, as crews immediately cordoned off the narrow road between Baldwin Hall and the Ice Center’s entrance when construction began. Terry Logan, an employee with StruXures, LLC, the architectural firm, cited safety concerns as the reason to block traffic. “All of a sudden, there’s this fence going up,” Kimball said. “I went up and found out, and we got the word out to Police and Safety.” Chief of Police and Safety Robert Kuhn says he likewise found out late about the project, past the point when a campus e-mail notification would have been useful. “But even if you publicize it,” Kimball said, “someone’s going to not read the e-mail and not know. No matter what you do.” Both Kimball and Kuhn are now concerned about parking implications for the remaining four home football games, beginning Saturday with perennial Division II power California (Pa.). “Where do we put these people?” Kimball asked rhetorically. “Some people don’t come to games because there’s not a place to park. I don’t know what they’ll do to address that.” Kuhn mentioned the possibility of routing fans to the lot behind the Mercyhurst Athletic Center and said additional police will be present Saturday to help alleviateany traffic woes. Construction manager Ernie Crowther expects construction to be completed by Christmas.
NEWS
October 20, 2010
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Students voice opinions at mocktail forum By Chelsee Callahan Staff writer
Tyler Stauffer photo
Students discussed different issues with MSG at the mocktail forum on Tuesday.
Mercyhurst College students were invited to enjoy mocktails, snacks and ask questions or give suggestions to Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) senators and members at the mocktail open forum this past Tuesday. Mocktails were served at the event as a way to promote Alcohol Awareness Week. Students who attended the forum were encouraged to sign the online alcohol awareness pledge. During the event, students were able to visit with MSG members at different tables to discuss issues. “Basically we are here to answer questions and address students’ concerns,” senior Mark Gramza said. There was a table devoted to technology which dealt with the Mercyhurst Portal and MyMail. Students who are experiencing issues with either of these services are encouraged to call the IT department because they are able to help students quickly. The average wait time to get a return phone call is about 20 minutes. The EMTA table informed students that an officer will occasionally ride the “drunk bus” to help control some of the problems that occurred last
News Briefs
Flu shots available on campus
The Cohen Health Center is giving flu shots on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling ext. 3650. Students and staff can go to the flu clinic to get their seasonal flu shot as well. The clinic will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Cohen Health Center. Appointments are not needed for the flu clinic. Vaccines are free for students and employees.
Events promote alcohol awareness
Mercyhurst College is recognizing National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week this week with a different event planned each day. Reality Check: Jeopardy will take place on Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. in the Herrmann Student Union. The movie “Haze” will be shown on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre. Students can eat pub food and listen to a live band at Oktoberfest at the Laker Inn on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday’s Haunted ’Hurst event begins at 8 p.m. in the Student Union.
Parade, ceremony to honor veterans The annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will take place on Saturday, Nov. 6. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at 26th Street and State Street. The parade route goes south toward Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Local organizations wanting to participate in the event can contact Karen O’Neal at 814-860-2454 or Ken Sawdey at 814-866-9565. After the parade, there will be a ceremony for veterans and their families at 11 a.m. in the Armed Forces Reserve Center Drill Hall at East 39th and Old French Road.
year. The officer will always be present during holiday weekends. MSG members at the off-campus housing and campus life table told students about upgrades in the apartments, such as the new windows in Highland Square. MSG is looking into improvements for campus living which include new ovens and air conditioning. MSG encourages students to share their opinions about what aspects of campus housing they would like improved. “We hold this open forum three times a year to exemplify what we already do and are open to all suggestions,” MSG President Santina Sgro said. For any other questions or concerns, students could visit the general questions tables. The students at those tables were there to answer any questions and address any concerns that may not have fit into one of the other categories. Sophomore Molly Beichner discussed issues with MSG at the forum. “I expected more students to be there because I feel this was a good event and that the MSG representatives were knowledgeable and great at addressing my concerns,” she said. Students can visit the Mercyhurst Portal for a complete list of Alcohol Awareness Week events and to sign the alcohol awareness pledge.
FEATURES
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Senior Brun nominated to be Rhodes Scholar By Lynn Dula Staff writer
Senior Bethany Brun has been nominated as a Rhodes Scholar for the 2011 to 2013 session. This is exciting not only for Brun, but also for Mercyhurst College. Mercyhurst has never had a student win the Rhodes Scholarship, although there have been other nominations in the past. The last nominee was Stephanie Roddy in 2004. Roddy, a Sports Medicine major, was the college’s first nominee in almost two decades. Now, not a decade later, Mercyhurst has its next nominee. Perhaps this will be the year a Laker wins the coveted scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship was created in 1902 in accordance with the will of Cecil Rhodes, a British philanthropist and founder of the De Beers diamond company. The scholarship is an “international fellowship program,” and provides two to three years of graduate study at Oxford University in England to students from all over the world. Each year, 32 American students are chosen. According to Rhodes’ will, there are four criteria by which scholars are selected: first, “literary and scholastic attainments;” second, “energy to use one’s talents to the full, as exemplified by fondness for and success in sports;” third, “truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship;” finally, “moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one’s fellow beings.” It is clear by looking at Brun’s list of achievements that she fits the bill for a Rhodes Scholar. A sociology and religious studies major, she is also pursuing a minor in marriage and family studies. She is a member of three honor societies: Sigma Alpha Pi, Phi Eta Sigma and the National College Athlete Honor Society: Chi Alpha Sigma. Brun also participates in numer-
Sports Information photo
Bethany Brun hopes to study soon at Oxford University. ous campus extra-curricular activities. She is the co-leader of the Certified Peer Educator Program, vice president of the Student Athletic Advisory Board, a Laker Leader, as well as a research assistant to the chair of the religious studies department, Dr. Forsthoefel. Beth is also the co-captain of the rowing team, and contributed to the team’s win at the NCAA Division II Eights National Championship in May of this year. She was an inaugural recipient of the NCAA Elite 88 Award. Even as a freshman, Brun was an outstanding member of the team, earning the award “Rookie of the Year.” Brun has put in a large number of volunteer hours at many local venues, including the Emmaus soup kitchen and the International Institute of Erie. After graduation from Mercyhurst, Brun hopes to earn a master’s degree in women’s studies and theology with a specialization in Christian ethics. When asked where she saw herself in 10 years Brun said, “I hope to be working on a Ph.D. that is inspired by my Rhodes experience, starting a family, and coaching rowing. My goal is to look back on my twenties and say that I used my strengths to help others, learned from my mistakes, and traveled abroad to experience firsthand different cultures and traditions that I have read about.”
October 20, 2010
’Hurst thinks pink By Elizabeth Zurasky Contributing writer
Have you noticed a lot of pink around campus lately? Usually around sports teams and other campus organizations? That’s because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is a horrific and potentially deadly disease that kills 1 in 35 women who are diagnosed, and is the second leading cause of death in women overall (according to the American Cancer Society). Although most women believe that breast cancer only affects those in their 40s or older, breast cancer is a risk in to women in their early 20s as well. Early detection is the key to preventing the illness from spreading.
Breast self-examinations are an important part in the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, along with receiving clinical breast exams (CBE) at least every three years from a certified health professional. There has been an overwhelming amount of publicity and support for breast cancer lately. In Erie, the organization Linked by Pink, is a not-for-profit group that focuses on breast cancer in the younger generations. The women who founded the organization all were diagnosed and battled the deadly disease before age 45. Linked by Pink is a fantastic support group for those who are dealing with breast cancer, and they hold fundraisers for local cancer patients and their families. They are selling calendars featuring women from Erie who are
breast cancer survivors. These can be purchased on their website, www.linkedbypink.com. Along with the rest of the country, Mercyhurst is also doing it’s part to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Head football coach Marty Schaetzle has agreed to make a donation of $1 per point scored and $5 per takeaway (interception and fumble) during this football season, and the football program has agreed to match his donation. There is a form on the football website to make donations privately. The Cohen Student Health Center is also giving out pink ribbons in response to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and would be more than happy to answer any questions about breast cancer, selfbreast examinations or any other cancer related inquiries.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
October 20, 2010
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SFJAZZ moves CorbinDances: a ‘spectacular’ show audience and genre’s future
By Sarah Mastrocola Staff writer
On Saturday, Oct. 16, in the Walker Recital Hall, CorbinDances presented a concert of great interest and intimacy. Both the size of the venue and the dancers’ attempt to foster a sense of community made for a special art experience. Led by accomplished dancer and choreographer Patrick Corbin, who used to dance in the famous Paul Taylor Dance Company, CorbinDances has been sharing work with audiences since 2006. The company is based in New York City but tours throughout the country. The evening featured excerpts from “Shady,” a choreographic work by Corbin that will have its full debut in 2011 at the Joyce Theatre in New York City. Corbin said that for now he still views the pieces as “a work in progress.” “Shady” gave off a sort of industrial, everyday life feel with casual clothing as costuming, simple lighting, and the bare look of the Walker stage. The performance mixed musical genres, placing more classical works by Haydn and Mahler right alongside music by Led Zeppelin and Bjork. The movement in “Shady” varied somewhat throughout, although the entire concert was very much a modern dance presentation. Certain sections looked highly improvisational. Some movements were very
By Claire Hinde Staff writer
CorbinDances is unique in its modern style set to mixed musical genres. circular and flowing, and others were more jerky and jumpy. Arguably the most moving part of the evening was a pas de trios, (dance for three), with Corbin and company dancers Morgan Fogarty and Meggi Sweeney. The movement was sinuous, and the dynamic and emotive performance of the dancers captured the audience’s attention. The dancing in the concert was followed by an artist chat session with Corbin and his dancers, who answered audience questions and discussed the process of creating “Shady,” as well as the general experience of being a dancer. When discussing “Shady,” Corbin said that the initial inspiration for the piece was the seven states of consciousness. He said that from that point, the piece came to be
Ethan Magoc photo
“Shady” was inspired by the seven stages of consciousness. Patrick Corbin (left) says most of the material is improvisation.
Ethan Magoc photo
about human relationships and a sense of community. The sense of community, between dancers and also between dancers and audience, is what Corbin said he was aiming for as the effect of the piece. Audience members who spoke during the chat lauded Corbin for achieving this goal. Corbin also said that much of the material for “Shady” was produced through improvisation and that certain sections of the piece are still structured in this manner. For the official debut of the full work, Corbin will be crediting the dancers as well as himself for choreography, since it was such a collaborative endeavor. Junior Kelly Clymer said of the performance, “I thought their movement vocabulary was very unique, and I was especially drawn in by the second act. “From a choreographic standpoint, it was also interesting to listen to their different improvisational techniques in the discussion at the end of the show. What really inspired me was their sense of freedom in their movements.” “He used a unique movement vocabulary. My favorite part was the pas de deux,” said junior Anna Daught. Freshman Emily Reed said, “I loved the mix of the classical music and the classic rock. Their sense of community was absolutely spectacular as well. The dancers were amazing and really portrayed emotion. I thought the show was spectacular.”
The Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center has provided an explosive jazz season, featuring both Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz Orchestra at Lincoln Center and more recently The San Francisco Jazz Collective (SFJAZZ). The concert, which took place last Sunday, was an experience not to be missed. SFJAZZ is an ensemble of eight extraordinary artists launched in 2004 by San Francisco Jazz, the largest nonprofit jazz institution on the West Coast. Possibly even more impressive than the Collective itself is their repertoire, comprised each year with brand new pieces composed by the members of the Collective itself. This collaborative and innovative approach to jazz ensures that the genre is continuously moving forward into the future, both drawing on the past and the talents of the moment. The collective participates in Bay Area community outreach through education programs set up through SFJAZZ. Taking place during an annual eight-week residency in San Francisco, the collective also performs a few home concerts. Undoubtedly, this time together in San Francisco and working on new projects diversifies and refines the collective’s sound. The concert attracted a wide range of patrons, including quite a few students, even at the end of fall break.
Contributed photo
The world-renowned SFJazz Collective “I really loved it,” said senior Amber Kissman. “I didn’t even know I liked jazz. It’s kind of an accident that I ended up here tonight.” The program had fairly loosely defined pieces, not listed by title in the program but rather by long stretches of music meandering through the evening. “Each bit was like a story you could make up for yourself,” Kissman said joyously. Senior Liz Geist agreed, saying, “It blew my mind many a time.” SFJAZZ provided an unforgettable musical adventure. Additionally, after the concert, some of the musicians came out to speak with young audience members, undoubtedly not only an exciting but priceless experience for music enthusiasts. As world renowned jazz artists, their innovative approach to composition and moving concerts make the SFJAZZ Collective a force in the future of jazz, one which delivers a journey in music that is unbelievable.
OPINION
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October3,20,2008 2010 September
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.
MyMail causes confusion Why WebMail should not have changed By Mary Nolte
Staff writer I am not a person who enjoys change. I like things to stay the same so I don’t have to deal with getting used to something new. When it comes to computers, I always end up accidentally deleting something or freezing the screen when I’m trying to do something important. Despite all of this, I was optimistic when I found out Mercyhurst was switching from WebMail to MyMail. I honestly thought the new email provider would be much nicer and the change would be worth it. When WebMail prompted me to go to MyMail and log in, I went to
the website and typed in my username and password. With no surprise to me, the login told me that my information was incorrect. I typed them in again, thinking that maybe I had just misspelled something by accident. I was wrong. I gave up on MyMail for a while, because I was frustrated and WebMail still worked. However, students were eventually notified that WebMail would quit working within 24 hours. I decided to figure out how to use MyMail before I didn’t have any email at all. When I logged in to Blackboard, a message informed me that I had to reset my password before MyMail would work. Well, I tried that twice. No matter what I did, though, I could not get the e-mail to work.
At first, I thought it was just my computer ineptitude. But when I talked to my friends from Mercyhurst, I found out everyone else was having similar problems. Now, fall break is over, and I have yet to figure out this whole e-mail situation. Unfortunately for me, I have several people I need to e-mail, including my adviser and a professor. But I can’t do any of this. In fact, I’m not even sure how I’m going to send this article in to my editor. So Mercyhurst, I have some advice. As far as I can tell, I’m not the only one having problems with this. Next time you think about changing something this important, try to make sure the new one actually works before you get rid of the old one.
Changing perspectives How to enjoy the cold By Kathleen Vogtle A&E editor
Ever since the temperature dropped a few weeks ago, a horribly familiar phrase has crept back into our vernacular – ‘it is so cold.’ It should come as no surprise that at least one of those complaints comes from yours truly. My father has said that fall ‘smells like decay,’ and as much as I don’t particularly like this sentiment, I’ve found it easier to concede the point this year. For me, it has been a rather melancholy season, although a reason eludes me. All I can think about is that we won’t be seeing green again for many months.
As a general rule, I spend the time between October and April with a bad bout of seasonal depression, wondering why on earth I didn’t jump ship and head as far south as possible after high school graduation. At this time of year, you’ll also notice the line at the coffee shop is just a tad bit longer, that fleece suddenly doesn’t seem like such a fashion faux pas and the weather becomes more volatile and unpredictable than usual. But why is it that pumpkin pie sounds so much better in October than July? Or buying a new sweater or pair of mittens is so satisfying, even though we know it heralds the return of cold weather? A friend presented me with an idea this past weekend which I found intriguing: Much of our perspective of things depends on
how situations are presented to us. While our conversation at the time concerned marketing, I think this observation could be applied to the coming months and perhaps serve as a balm for some of that seasonal angst we all know and loathe. Fall is a season of hibernation and decay, but it’s that very same dead corn which makes up a corn maze. Halloween doesn’t seem as spooky without the skeletal, leafless trees. We need the cold so it can snow, enabling people to ski, sled and wholly appreciate the joys of a warm fire and a hot drink. Maybe a change in perspective is all that’s needed to make the next few months bearable. Or maybe we all just need to hibernate until April.
The Good
Scheduling has begun. This means that the term is almost over!
The Bad
Now that fall break is over, we have a month until we can go home again. That’s way too long.
The Ugly
MyMail has completely replaced WebMail, and this has caused numerous problems. It’s still not working despite the IT staff ’s best efforts.
merciad.mercyhurst.edu
If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen. Editors Ethan Magoc Kelly Luoma Alex Stacey Victoria Gricks Nick Glasier Kathleen Vogtle Samantha Williams Tyler Stauffer Ethan Johns Chrissy Mihalic Max Rivera Bill Welch Brian Sheridan
Positions @mercyhurst.edu Editor-in-Chief editormerciad News Editor newsmerciad Features Editor featuremerciad Opinion Editor opinionmerciad Sports Editor sportsmerciad A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad Graphics photomerciad Photo Editor photomerciad Web Editor ejohns89 Copy Editor copymerciad Ad Manager admerciad Adviser wwelch Adviser bsheridan
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376. The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays. by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via e-mail at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
October 20, 2010
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Mercyhurst and Edinboro fighting cancer By D.J. Haurin Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College football team beat local rival Edinboro University Saturday in an exciting overtime. However, this game represented more than a friendly competition. As part of Edinboro’s “Cancer Awareness Day,” the two teams played to raise awareness and funds for the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation. “Everyone has been touched in some way by cancer,” Head Coach Marty Schaetzle said. “We’ve had two of our own in the past few years fight testicular cancer. This is just a small way that we as a football team can help contribute to fight against cancer.” Edinboro head coach Scott Browning couldn’t have agreed more. “This is more than a game,”
Browning said. “It’s about Edinboro and Mercyhurst uniting and fighting this disease.” Battling on the field for bragging rights only helped fight this disease. “Yes, we (had) a big football game, but playing to fight cancer really put things in perspective,” Browning said. “During the season, we get tied up with what happens on Saturday and lose perspective of what’s really important,” Schaetzle said. Both agreed what was really important this past weekend was bringing awareness to this horrible disease. To go along with Edinboro’s “Cancer Awareness Day,” all cancer survivors were admitted into the game for free and were recognized before the start of the game. Donations were taken to benefit the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation and fans were encouraged to donate to the “Make a Point to Take Away Cancer” campaign.
Ethan Magoc photo
Schaetzle has been a leading force in Mercyhurst College’s “Making a Point to Take Away Cancer” campaign. “As coaches, we raise money for projects, such as a new locker room or new equipment, but I think it was
more important to redirect our efforts to something bigger,” Schaetzle said. This game definitely meant more
to some of the players. Both teams have been affected in some way by cancer. Mercyhurst’s Garrett Kensy and Jeffrey Pollard are both cancer survivors, and Edinboro’s Cody Harris has seen his mother battle breast cancer the last two years. “I have great admiration for Jeff and Garrett,” Browning said. “It affects all of us in a negative way.” Harris’ mother was an honorary captain and assisted with the coin toss this past Saturday. “What coach Schaetzle and the football program are doing is of great value, no matter what the amount raised,” said Director of Athletics Joe Kimball. The players showed their support by wearing pink wristbands. The Lakers roll into this weekend with an overall record of 5-2, 3-1 in the conference. They bring with them a lot of momentum, coming off two huge wins the past two weeks.
Fall break nonexistent for men’s soccer By Billy Colton Staff writer
While the majority of students went home for fall break, men’s soccer - who were ranked number 4 in the nation last week - was on the road for the whole four days in New York, and Washington D.C. They did not complain or moan about having to play during break but instead continued to win games. First up was Molloy College on Friday, Oct. 15 in New York. The Lakers disposed of the Lions 4-1 with graduate student Christoph Hampel grabbing three assists. The Lakers then traveled to Washington D.C to face The University of the District of Columbia defeating the Firebirds 4-1. Mercyhurst’s record now stands at an imposing 11-0-2. The team certainly racked up the miles on the bus this weekend while most other students were with their families. The players, though, didn’t mind. “It’s a commitment that all of us
said. Lund, who hails from South Euclid, Ohio, said he would have just gone home for a few days if he didn’t have soccer, although he was happy to be away with the team. Graduate student Dale Young didn’t have the same options as he is one of 10 foreigners on the soccer team who would not have been able to make it home for the Tyler Stauffer photo break. Sophomore Austin Solomon fights for the Young, who is from Birmingham, England, ball against a defender. said, “It’s good to be made to play soccer, and the road trips are always a lot of fun with out on the road with the soccer the guys,” senior Tommy Lund boys because I would be with them anyway. It’s great to get on the bus said. Lund does admit that it is much and have a bit of banter with the easier to enjoy the long away trips boys.” With the break being so short, when the team is winning. “If you’re losing it can be a ter- many of the foreigners would have rible trip, but when your winning it been limited for choices for the makes the whole trip better,” Lund break.
“I would have either stayed in Erie and been bored or I would have had to spend money and go somewhere, so it would have been
a lose-lose. At least this way I’m with the lads the whole time, and were winning games and seeing big cities,” Young said.
Sports
October 20, 2010
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Harper’s long and winding road to roster By Rachel O’Connor Contributing writer
How do you go from cleaning bleachers, to being a team manager, to having your own spot on the roster of one of the best women’s hockey teams in the entire country? Just ask Mercyhurst College Senior Ashley Harper, former team manager until the end of last season when she was offered the spot of goaltender. Harper attended Culver Military Academy in Indiana for high school where she participated in three varsity sports, soccer, rowing and hockey. Hockey is one of the things that helped lead her to Mercyhurst. Although being closer to home (Butler) was also a motivator, having a Division I hockey program did not hurt when it came to selling
Tyler Stauffer photo
Former team manager senior Ashley Harper made the Mercyhurst women’s hockey team as the third goalie. Mercyhurst to Harper. “Even though I wasn’t going to be playing, I still wanted to be around the game,” Harper said.
Harper got a job at the rink her freshman year. She was approached by assistant coach Paul Colontino, who offered
her an administrative position with “The absolute best part has to the team. be the team. We really are a family, “Though I love mopthrough thick and ping bleachers, doing thin, and it’s awesome work for the team was having 22 other sisters definitely a better deal,” on campus,” Harper Harper said. said. She enjoyed her new “The team was all position, until the end so happy for her when of last season when she was announced as one of the goaltenders our new goalie. She is transferred to another a hard worker and was school, leaving an open a big part of our team spot. as a manager, and She had been playnow that she is on the ing hockey locally since team she is a huge part Sports Information photo coming to Mercyhurst, of the team”, junior Senior Ashley Harper when Coach Michael defenseman Anna Sisti offered her the position for her Johnson said. senior year, she said yes. Harper may have reached the Being an athlete is an extremely team in a less than conventional demanding role to have along with way but she continues to work that being a student. much harder in the gym and on the Harper is not only a student-ath- ice everyday because of it. lete but also a Resident assistant, as “Every single day, I need to earn well as a spinning instructor. my spot,” Harper said.
Men’s hockey looking for redemption By Spencer Hunt Contributing writer
The Mercyhurst College men’s hockey team took the ice this year with a bad taste in their mouths. Last season the Lakers finished with a 15-20-3 record, their second losing season in three years. They finished off the year losing nine of their final 16 games with one tie, including back-to-back losses to Canisius College in the Atlantic Hockey Association Quarterfinals. This season, the Lakers are back with high expectations. To open up the season, they fought for a 4-4 tie to then 4th ranked Michigan. Getting the tie and some valuable experience was freshman goaltender Jordan Tibbett. In place of senior starter Ryan Zapolski, Tibbett had 22 saves while only allowing one goal against the Wolverines. The 2010 Lakers expect to have Zapolski back in the net, and soon will fight for the top spot in the
conference. The Lakers return four of the top five in points from last year, led by senior captain Brandon Coccimiglio and senior assistant captain Mike Gurtler who had 28 and 30 points respectively. Also back is senior captain Scott Pitt, who led the team 18 assists last season. With this strong group of seniors, which also includes starting defenseman and assistant captain Jeff Terminesi, the Lakers look to be an experienced team. Of the experience level this season, Pitt said, “There is a lot of leadership in the room, pushing the younger guys.” Sophomore Grant Blakey is fresh off his breakout freshman season when he had 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points, putting him third on the team in total points in his first year. While there were exceptional players from last season, the season as a whole was injury-plagued. Redshirt sophomore Phil Ginand was lost for the season with a knee injury after only the second game.
Ethan Magoc photo
Mercyhurst College freshman Taylor Holstrom hits the ice against Western Michigan University. Ginand played very well as a freshman, and was expected to play a pivotal role in the offense last season. He brought intensity and balance to the ice when combined with other scorers.
Senior forward Steve Cameron missed eight games last season after suffering a concussion late in the year. Coccimiglio sat out seven games from a concussion as well. These two injuries, along with Ginand’s,
made the Lakers depth run during the final run of the season. However, with these injuries it allowed younger players to gain experience and playing time to help contribute even more this season. Along with Blakey, fellow sophomores Paul Chiasson and Charlie Carkin are looking to be major contributors this year. “The freshmen last year gained a lot of experience... with injuries and played right away. We are confident going into the year,” Coccimiglio said. Pitt echoed Coccimiglio by saying there is “a good vibe, and the seniors are really pushing for a championship.” “We had high expectations before the Michigan game, but these were three tough games against Western Michigan kept us honest,” Pitt said. The Lakers still have a positive outlook though heading into game against the USA Under 18-National Team Sunday, Oct. 24. “Goals will come and we will get rolling,” is Pitt’s positive outlook.