The Merciad, Nov. 3, 2010

The Merciad Library adds 47,000 e-books to collection

VIRTUAL STACKS

Vol.84,No.8/11/3/10/Free

Carbon monoxide leak ‘Haunted Hurst’ Jensen brings NHL ties to spurs health event wins Mercyhurst concerns, detectors national award Page 3

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MORE INSIDE & ONLINE

No, it should be banned.

Yes, in the Erie region.

36%

15%

Yes, out of state.

17%

No, I don’t drink.

32%

Online poll results:

Have you consumed Four Loko?

Where did you get it?

NEWS

Page 2

November 3, 2010

Library rents 47,000 e-book titles College analyzes budget strategically

By Stacy Skiavo

Contributing writer

By Kelly Luoma Managing editor

An important aspect to the decision making process of the college is deciding what portion of the budget an area of the college will receive.

Vice President of Strategic Finance Dr. Gary Brown plays an important role in making these decisions at Mercyhurst College.

As part of strategic finance, Brown is in charge of “analyzing what budgets were, what budgets are and where the college needs the budgets to be,” he said.

Strategic finance involves making future plans. In order to do this, certain assumptions must be made, Brown said.

The college’s finances are generated by enrollment.

Graduate students, adult students, traditional students and associate degree students all generate money for the college. Each group of students generates a different amount of money, Brown said.

Brown plans what the college’s approximate budgets will be by calculating what the current revenue is, what it is going to be based off projected enrollment and what the expenses of the college are.

Based on how much money the college has to spend, administration decides the budgets for every area of the college.

Brown explained that academics receive the most emphasis in terms of funding.

“We want other things to be good, but we want academics to be best,” Brown said.

Since the college cannot increase the budget of every academic program, administration has to decide which programs receive more money.

“We can’t be excellent at everything,” Brown said. “We have to pick and choose what to be excellent at.”

Brown explained how to choose which programs the college should increase the budgets of in order to improve them.

The Intelligence Studies program is an area that the college should

increase the budget of because many students are enrolled in that major.

“From a strategic standpoint, we know we need to invest more money in that program,” Brown said.

The science related programs and health programs, such as nursing should have more money invested into them, Brown said, “due to growth in enrollment and strong regional and national reputations.”

While the Intelligence Studies program and science majors are popular now, Brown said that this could change in the future. If this changed, the amount of funding each program receives would also change.

Other areas of the college that should receive more money, according to Brown, are graduate programs.

“More graduate programs need to be developed and supported to grow this area of the college’s enrollment,” he said.

Technolgy is another aspect of the college that should be emphasized, Brown said.

“Funds need to be added to IT, marketing, new program development and the website to keep up with ever changing technologies and to help grow the college’s enrollment,” Brown said.

While Brown is a key person at the college in determining which programs receive more money, there is not a single person at the college who is responsible for saying “this is what should be cut,” Brown said.

The same is true for starting a new program on the campus.

The different departments of the college are responsible for making calculations on how much revenue they will have.

When a new program is started, the college will have to spend money on the new program, which means there will be less money to spend on something that already exists. The only other alternative is to raise tuition.

College administration is involved in making these strategic financial decisions.

As a group, “we decide what we believe is the right decision,” Brown said.

The inconvenience of going to the Hammermill Library to check out a book and finding that it is not available can be avoided with the new e-books Mercyhurst College’s library now offers.

Instead of physical hardback books, e-books are electronic literature that can be found online.

They can be read page by page, or specific words and terms can be searched for if a student is looking for a particular part of the book.

Unlike the library where there usually isn’t more than one copy available, e-books allow many people to read the same book at one time.

Mercyhurst has received more than 47,000 e-books during the past few weeks, and these are all available on the Hammermill Library Web site.

These 47,000 e-books cover a wide variety of topics.

Library Director Darci Jones was the main force behind the idea to to bring e-books to Mercyhurst.

“By subscribing to e-book collections like ebrary Academic Complete, the library increases the access to the libraries’ virtual front door,” Jones said. “I think it will benefit the library tremendously and (I) wanted to see this happen for our school.”

Students seem to realize the benefits of ebooks as well.

“I love the idea of having a physical book in hand, but I think the convenience of e-books is a good idea and will save on paper,” sophomore Cassie Seligman said.

Students will be able to highlight the e-books as they would a normal textbook.

Sophomore Ben Snedden also thinks the e-books will be convenient.

“E-books are a good idea because then you would never need to leave your dorm,” Snedden said.

The new advancement in litera-

ture costs an annual fee of $12,000 for an initial two-year period, according to Jones.

“It’s definitely well worth it,” Serials Librarian Penny Wise said.

“The only downside is that we’re only renting the books online.”

The books are constantly updating, but Mercyhurst must pay the yearly fee to still occupy them.

“The online books are saving us convenience and time,” Wise said.

“With e-books there is no need for labeling books with bar codes and stocking them on the shelves.”

To access the e-books, visit the Hammermill Library homepage at library.mercyhurst.edu and click on ebrary Knowledge Base.

Training sessions for students and faculty to learn how to use ebooks will take place during the upcoming winter and spring terms.

Jones recommended students stay tuned to campus news to find out more about the current wave of electronic changes happening at Hammermill.

NEWS

November 3, 2010

Page 3

Carbon monoxide leak spurs health concerns, detectors

By Priscilla Chavez & Ethan Magoc Merciad Staff

For a half dozen Mercyhurst College sophomores, seemingly coldlike symptoms ended up something more last month.

In early October, sophomores Alicia Norton, Stephany Farbizio, Amanda Balasko, Becki Smith, Lauren Tambasco and Caitlyn Null were puzzled by symptoms they had been experiencing for days.

Farbizio, Norton and Null arrived at their Warde townhouse Oct. 6 around 5 p.m. They came across a recognizable smell, one that is associated most with exhaust pipes or even Bunsen burners.

But since they do not have a gas stove, this seemed peculiar.

When two other roommates came in and ignored it, the girls soon did too. But a friend of theirs eventually set off a trigger.

After being in the girls’ townhouse for about an hour, sophomore Raaj Chanda started experiencing unexpected symptoms.

“All of us were feeling sick, but after Raaj said he felt sick, we knew something was wrong,” said Norton.

At 9 p.m., the girls called Police and Safety, who later arrived with Maintenance staff.

Both Police and Safety and Maintenance inspected the apartment but initially found nothing. The students told them they believed it dealt with gas, but no one could detect the source.

Farbizio’s parents, concerned about the safety of their daughter and the rest of her roommates, made another phone call to Police and Safety. They advised Police and Safety to send the fire department to check the townhouse immediately, which they did.

What they found was remarkable and has led to increased campus safety measures.

Firefighters discovered their furnace’s exhaust fixture had become dislocated, resulting in a carbon monoxide leak.

Assistant Vice President of Student Life Laura Zirkle, said she was first concerned for the students’ safety, then confused by what she

Ethan Magoc photo

The carbon monoxide leak at Mercyhurst took place in one of the Frances Warde Townhouses. called a “very flukey incident.”

“We all felt like we were high at all times of the day,” Norton said.

The girls checked into the hospital that night. With the exception of Smith and Tambasco, all had levels

College responds to alcohol policy rumors

By Jennifer McCurdy Staff writer

Recently, rumors circulated on campus claiming that resident assistants had been told to start ignoring alcohol on campus and not to write up as many students as in the past for underage drinking.

Assistant Vice President for Student Life Laura Zirkle responded to these rumors.

Zirkle said the college’s alcohol policy has not changed.

“We have never told RA’s not to write someone up for drinking,” she said.

Student Life offered one possible explanation for these rumors.

Before fall term, Student Conduct met with Police and Safety to clarify the cases in which students

should be cited.

Last year, there was confusion between the departments about when a student should be disciplined on campus and when the students should be taken to the police station.

The college does not want to damage the permanent records of its students based on false circumstances.

“There is probably a shift toward the student conduct (penalties) versus the criminal system,” Zirkle said.

Even so, this should not encourage underage students to drink.

The penalty for a first offense for underage drinking includes a $50 fine, 10 hours of community service, social probation and an alcohol education class. Besides these penalties, there are the possibilities of extracurricular restrictions, parental notification, and arrest and prosecution.

The role of RA’s in managing underage drinking is to document situations in which a student breaks college policy or criminal laws.

According to Zirkle, RA’s will not “go looking” for alcohol infractions. Often, the noise from a loud party is what brings the RA to the apartment, although personnel conducting periodic health inspections will report alcohol if they find it sitting out in an apartment.

“If we’re aware of underage drinking, we will address it,” Zirkle said.

Although statistics for alcohol penalization has not been released for the fall term, Zirkle said the current freshman class has been especially well-behaved in this regard.

For more information on the alcohol policy, students can access the Student Handbook on the Mercyhurst Portal.

of carbon monoxide. Norton and Farbizio’s levels were borderline dangerous, requiring them to be treated with oxygen masks.

Back on campus, the students slept at a Briggs Avenue apartment

until the fire department and Maintenance secured the townhouse from any lingering monoxide.

“It was a hard time going through this, especially because mid-terms were coming up,” said Farbizio.

The incident spurred quick action from the Office of Student Life, as Zirkle and Dr. Gerry Tobin worked with Ken Stepherson, the college’s physical plant manager.

They ordered and have installed carbon monoxide detectors in most campus residences with either gas appliances or a gas furnace.

“Not every apartment has them installed quite yet,” Zirkle said. “We got them into Warde pretty quickly, but the rest will go in during the next few months.”

She also allayed any student concerns that monoxide leaks could become prevalent in Mercyhurst campus housing.

“This was a situation where there was a very specific problem.

There’s no reason for us to be concerned this may go on in other places,” Zirkle said. “It’s simply a precaution because it’s so hard to detect. We’d rather be safe than sorry.”

News Briefs

College celebrates career week Events for Mercyhurst’s career week began on Monday, Nov. 1. The webinar, Social Media - the New Way to Network, will take place on Wednesday in the Herrmann Student Union Great Room at 3 p.m. Events for career week will conclude with a presentation on relocation on Thursday from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Lost items found at Police and Safety Mercyhurst College’s Police and Safety Department has a lost and found that is filled with many unclaimed items. Students who have lost their car keys, winter jackets and other belongings should check the Police and Safety office.

Warming Center in need of supplies Erie County’s Emergency Warming Center provides a warm place for homeless people when the temperature drops to 20 degrees or below. To be able to provide for these people, the Warming Center is in need of blankets, towels, socks and personal hygiene items. Donations can be dropped off at the center, 1101 Peach Street.

FEATURES

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November 3, 2010

‘Haunted Hurst’ wins national award

By Lynn Dula Staff writer

Mercyhurst College was recently awarded the Outstanding Social Program Award from the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA).

The program that earned Mercyhurst the award was none other than the popular annual event “Haunted Hurst.”

The award was presented during the NACA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, held in Lancaster from Oct. 14-17.

About 110 schools attended the conference.

The NACA was founded in 1960.

Today, they have more than 1,000 college and university members, as well as almost 650 associate members including artists, lecturers and performers.

“Haunted Hurst” has been a tradition at Mercyhurst for many years. It is run by both Student Activities Council (SAC), led by senior SAC chair Char Lichtinger (under the direction of SAC adviser Sarah Allen), as well as the Ambassador Club.

Contributed photo

Students dressed up as zombies and ghosts to scare those going on “haunted tours.”

“Haunted Hurst” is one of the most well attended campus events, and demonstrates creativity and innovation, while appealing to a diverse body of students.

As with any major program, “Haunted Hurst” has obstacles to overcome in order to run smoothly.

For instance, each year the program can involve upwards of 25 student planners who are responsible for coordinating the event.

Also, there are those student

volunteers responsible for scaring people during the haunted tour.

Although it can be difficult to work with so many people to plan and run one event, it provides the opportunity for student planners to learn to work together as a team.

Despite some small difficulties, the resulting program is always a success, with an average of 300 students attending each year.

According to their mission statement, NACA “advances campus activities in higher education

Police cadets to train with Tasers

By Kristen Ribelli Contributing writer

Imagine the formal training for your current job if it included being Tasered with 50,000 volts of electricity.

This is what 35 Mercyhurst College Municipal Police Training Academy students have to face as a part of their training.

Tasers are a non-lethal tool that are used as an alternative to guns for stopping suspects. Bill Hale, director of the Municipal Police Academy and manager of Law Enforcement Training, has witnessed many Taserings throughout his career.

“Less-lethal weapons are becoming more and more accepted by police departments,” Hale said.

The Taser course allows certification for the officers to carry and use the weapon appropriately in a safe and effective manner.

“We do not make this train-

ing required, it is voluntary,” said Hale. “However, in the event that our cadets are interviewing for a position as a police officer, this certification may make them more marketable.”

Along with the cadets becoming more marketable, by experiencing the results of this weapon cadets have a firsthand view of the effects of someone being Tasered.

Besides this program taking a physical toll on cadets, it greatly affects them mentally and emotionally when watching each other endure the pain of the Taser.

“It seems to bring the class together as a group, Hale said. “As a pre-service candidate for police employment, these individuals deserve considerable credit for dedicating their time and effort in preparing for a law enforcement career.

To endure the four-plus months of work, there is no question about their dedication.”

Also, students of the academy have to undergo an intense driving course. This course enables them to

learn defensive driving skills used during high-speed chases.

They learn strong maneuverability techniques and ways to avoid crashes. It is significantly important for cadets to become skilled with these techniques for their own and for public safety.

Cadets undergo nearly 800 hours of physical training. The program is challenging mentally, physically and academically.

Hale says the passions they show prove they deserve their longterm goals to be a part of the police force.

This 16-hour certification course is being held at the Mercyhurst North East gymnasium.

Mike Schleicher, a recently retired policeman from the Millcreek Police Department trained by the manufacturer Taser International, will be Tasering the Cadets.

To read the full version of this article, please visit www.merciad.mercyhurst.edu/features.

through a business and learning partnership, creating educational and business opportunities for its school and professional members.”

The programs offered by NACA focus on program planning, risk management, multicultural education, student and professional leadership development, student government and more.

The Mid-Atlantic Conference itself provided a multitude of events such as educational sessions, showcases, as well as an opportu-

nity for networking and professional development.

This year’s educational sessions included such topics as “Enhancing Your Resume Through Leadership & Involvement” and “Bringing Together Programming Board And Residence Life Events.”

The conference also involved award ceremonies where awards in several categories were given.

“Haunted Hurst” won the Outstanding Social Program award under the category of programming awards.

NACA’s criteria used during the judging process include the “effective use of available resources (financial, human and logistical) including co-sponsorship” and the “effectiveness of programs with relation to their stated goals.”

It was also a requirement that the program “must have been administered and managed by the college/university activities board or campus programming office where students are significantly, if not completely, involved in the decision making, planning and presentation of the programs.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

November 3, 2010

Page 5

Stravinsky celebration called ‘fantastic’

By Sarah Mastrocola Staff writer

The Mercyhurst Dance Department successfully presented its fall concert, “Stravinsky Celebration,” last weekend in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

The performance began with “Pulcinella,” choreographed by Dance Chair Tauna Hunter. One of the great strengths of the dance department is its solid ballet training, and this shined through in the choreography.

The piece showcased the technical prowess of the dancers while also incorporating clownish fun into the movement.

“Closing the Glass Door” by guest artist Randy James, which

previously appeared in the Parent’s Weekend performance, was a duet that inspired thought and a variety of interpretations from audience members and dancers alike.

The meaning of the piece was rather ambiguous, but the performance was striking and emotionally moving, regardless of personal interpretation.

“Rite of Spring,” choreographed

by Assistant Professor Mark Santillano as a twenty-first century retelling of the original by Vaslav Nijinsky, portrayed the dangers of excessive college partying and peer pressure.

Just as the original centered on the ritual sacrifice of a young girl, Santillano’s reinterpretation depicted the accidental death of a girl, played by senior Heather Mills.

Mills portrayed a character who

Tyler Stauffer photo

“Pulcinella” showcased the department’s ballet training. could not handle the alcohol and risk taking that she was pressured

to take part in during spring break escapades.

Reactions to this piece were anything but apathetic.

Some viewers loved the work for its discussion of an important and sensitive issue, but others were irritated and even offended by its blunt display.

“All the other dances in the concert fit the music they were set to very well, but I felt like the modernization of ‘Rite of Spring’ took away from that unity,” senior Melia Stanek said.

The second half of the concert featured the one-act story ballet ‘Firebird,’ a fairytale complete with princesses, monsters, and a magical bird of fire. This ballet was choreographed by adjunct instructor Michael Gleason with assistance from Associate Professor C. Noelle

Partusch.

One of the great strengths of this ballet was the impressive set design, as well as the dynamic contrast provided by the dance of the monsters. The opening dance of the firebird and the pas de deux (dance for two) between the firebird and the prince Ivan were also full of lovely moments.

“I thought the show was fantastic,” said audience member Kate Mueller. “The staging and lighting was striking, and the set for ‘Firebird’ was very elaborate. All the pieces also had very clear story lines and messages.”

Dance Chair Tauna Hunter also reflected positively on the entire performance.

“It’s been a wonderful ride,” she said. “We had great audiences and great performances.”

‘The Soloist’ gains mixed reviews

By Sarah Price

Contributing writer

Online

A week ago today at the D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, students had the opportunity to view “The Soloist.”

The title should be familiar to freshmen students, since they read the novel it is based on as part of their required reading.

Based on a true story, the film tells the story of Steve Lopez, (Robert Downey Jr.), a jaded, disillusioned columnist for the Los Angeles Times. Recently divorced, he no longer knows why he writes what he does.

Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Jamie Foxx) is a prodigal cellist, a Julliard

School dropout and a homeless schizophrenic, who Lopez finds playing a two stringed violin in the slums of Los Angeles. The movie follows Lopez as he writes columns about Ayers and helps Ayers get back on his feet.

However, the true hero of the movie is Ayers, who inspires Lopez with the power of his passion for music, especially Beethoven, and his determination.

The movie is the story of friendship and the power of music, masterfully directed by Joe Wright. In addition, the film sends a message: there is a gulf between the wealthy and the poor, and it is a problem.

However, freshman students who have read the book tell another story.

Naomi Wasserman and Elisha

Guelcher Film Series ‘The Red Machine’ is a thrilling puzzle

Helgen said the movie put too much emphasis on the book’s negative aspects. Specifically, it did not focus on the issue of Ayer’s mental state.

Additionally, they said the movie creators damaged the plot slightly by inserting events not found in the book.

Others took issue with the film’s musical ties.

“There definitely was the power of music,” said student Carolyn Carlins, “(and an) awareness of homeless with mental illness.”

But she said she was surprised the movie didn’t center more on the music itself.

In addition to the film, students had the opportunity to hear Lopez speak in person

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Thursday, Nov. 3

Ethan Magoc photo

Steve Lopez spoke Tuesday night at the D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

The Secret Garden Friday, Nov. 4 to Sunday, Nov. 7

merciad. mercyhurst. edu/arts_ entertainment

OPINION

Page 6

November 3, 2010 September 3, 2008

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

Musical deserves large audience Hard work needs to be recognized

By Devin Ruic

Staff writer Regardless of the results of the midterm election yesterday, I am focusing on a topic closer to home here at Mercyhurst: this week’s production of “The Secret Garden.”

For more than a month, nearly 30 Mercyhurst students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, have sacrificed their time to learn music and dialogue in an attempt to entertain the student body and the rest of the Mercyhurst College community.

I have been in several productions here on campus, starting my freshman year with the musical “Seussical.” I followed that quickly with “A Streetcar Named Desire,”

directed by David Matthews.

Since then, I have also been in “Our Town,” “Sweeney Todd” and now “The Secret Garden.” Each time, the turnout from friends and family of the cast has been wonderful and encouraging.

The one show I did not participate in, “Sweet Charity,” was just as amazing.

Starting tomorrow night, you will be able to join the cast of “The Secret Garden” in early twentiethcentury England and wander the haunted halls of Misselthwaite Manor and its gardens.

As always, everyone is encouraged to attend the musical.

Particularly, I would like to invite the administration of Mercyhurst College to attend, in the same way as they have graciously attended the exciting football games this year.

Even with reserved box seats for

every event in the Performing Arts Center, it seems as though many in the administration have been too busy during the past four years to attend a single performance.

Tomorrow night’s performance will be in Taylor Little Theatre, and the work put into this production deserves the recognition of Mercyhurst College.

Consider this an imploring invitation, and let every reader realize that I sent physical, personal invitations as well.

I look forward to seeing members from every demographic of the Mercyhurst College community come and enjoy the beautiful production of “The Secret Garden” more than a month in the making.

I have been waiting four years to entertain Doctor Thomas Gamble and Gerry Tobin – hopefully this time I will get the opportunity to do so.

The system should be abolished A&E editor

As I thought about what to write about this week, I found myself remembering a conversation I had with a friend a few weeks back.

Oddly enough, it relates to yesterday’s election remarkably well.

We were considering the idea of partisanship and how it ties into an election situation.

I tend to have no stomach for partisanship. It can be seen over and over again in our nation’s history as having an incredible impact on the outcome of elections. The problem, I feel, is that of dualism – issues are forced into categories of black and white, for or against.

In this day and age, though,

Animal abuse causes distress

Mary Nolte expresses her concern about the wanton abuse of animals.

The Good

The spirit of Halloween extended into the week for the staff of The Merciad. They wore costumes Tuesday while working on this week’s issue.

The Bad

We have entered the month of November, meaning that finals are approaching quickly.

The Ugly

On Saturday, the driver of the “drunk bus” was reported for taking more than 55 people on a single run. That meant he had to leave people at the bars so he wouldn’t exceed the limit again.

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

Partisanship seems problematic

By Kathleen Vogtle

More Online...

both our nation and our world are faced with so many questions that are situated in the grey, and the two-party system falls short of dealing with them.

In many cases, it can be observed that people who identify as a Democrat or Republican often feel compelled to vote with their party. To do otherwise would present a threat to their reelection.

They might not be able to vote for their own personal convictions if they happen to go against those of the party at large.

For example, an elected representative might be anti-abortion yet pro-gay marriage, issues which fall distinctly on opposite sides of the aisle. Say this representative is a Republican – will that person vote the way he or she feels about gay marriage, or will that person stay with their party’s beliefs? As can be seen, a decision one way or the other could have

an extremely profound impact on public policy.

If people felt free to vote according to the way they felt rather than in conjunction with their party, I feel as though many of the issues faced by this country would have different outcomes. These outcomes would better reflect the true beliefs of the people behind them, instead of displaying the mindset of the majority party.

As a general rule, people tend to live in the grey areas, where their beliefs, values and morals cannot be labeled as entirely conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat.

The founding fathers were very wise in their distrust of partisanship – such a system does not reflect the ideals of our nation or democracy. I believe it would be a real discredit to this country to allow such a system to continue.

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.

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November 3, 2010

Page 7

Men’s hockey move to CCHA not expected

By Spencer Hunt Staff writer

About a year ago, a story in the Erie Times-News detailed the possibility that the Mercyhurst men’s hockey team might try to switch conferences.

The Lakers wanted to investigate leaving their current Atlantic Hockey Association to join the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

Since its establishment in 1971, the CCHA has become one of the NCAA’s elite conferences.

Its current 11 teams boast nine of the past 27 national championships.

And unlike the AHA, where teams are limited to distributing 12 scholarships, CCHA teams can fund the Division I limit of 18 scholarships.

These scholarships can provide programs with a major boost in recruiting ability.

A year ago, the CCHA stood as a 12-team league, but went to 11 after the 2009-2010 season when the University of Nebraska-Omaha departed for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

The application for CCHA mem-

bership would cost Mercyhurst a non-refundable $10,000 fee, which is deducted from the $250,000 that all new conference entrants must pay.

This may seem an exorbitant amount of money, but there were very valid reasons to examine joining the CCHA. The farthest distance the team would travel would be a bi-annual trip to Alaska. However, the next farthest is Northern Michigan.

The Lakers would travel considerably less distance than they currently do.

Their AHA schedule now involves trips to seven out of 11 schools more than 350 miles away.

The next perk would be the six additional scholarships available for the team.

They would also gain far more national attention being in a conference with the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, the University of Notre Dame and, a growing hockey power, Miami of Ohio.

“There is nothing concrete about moving conferences,” said Director of Athletics Joe Kimball, who made clear no paper was involved during the school’s inquisition. “Just some phone calls looking into it.”

While the positive aspects of

Ethan Magoc photo

The Mercyhurst College men’s hockey team appears to be staying put in the AHA for the foreseeable future. switching conferences remain, a considerable amount has changed in college hockey that points to Mercyhurst staying put for now.

This season, Penn State announced its intention to join the ranks of men’s and women’s Division I hockey in 2012-2013.

This single school’s move threw a wrench into Mercyhurst’s potential conference jump.

Penn State is a part of the Big

Ten Conference, initiating a rumor regarding the inception of a Big Ten Conference for hockey.

If there were to be a Big Ten conference, it would mean other schools with Division I hockey such as Ohio State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Michigan State would likely follow.

With these changes accounted for, the CCHA would then be down to eight teams left from its current

list, leaving Mercyhurst at a crossroads.

Why bother jumping conferences at a steep price, when three of the higher profile teams may leave within the next few years?

Thus, there has been no movement in switching conferences this season, according to coach Rich Gotkin.

“The big issue is the college hockey landscape is changing in a big way,” Gotkin said.

Gotkin also mentioned how there are teams in the league who would also seemingly join the same conferences eventually.

It makes no sense that the only two universities with Division I hockey in Alaska-Fairbanks and Anchorage, should be in different conferences.

It seems that these changes are certainly in the works, and make sense for all involved.

If the three Big Ten schools leave the CCHA, who is to say Mercyhurst wouldn’t be offered a spot for a much smaller price?

Gotkin added his current stance is to “wait until the smoke clears.”

Kimball agreed.

“We are in the AHA, we are happy there,” he says, “and we are going to stay there.”

Mercyhurst football strives to make history

By Steve Bukowski Columnist

Think for a second, if you will, to a truly momentous and historic sports event that you’ve personally witnessed.

In the setting of Ralph Wilson Stadium (home of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills), it’s something I’ll never forget.

And thanks to our own Mercyhurst football team, 2010 is a year that will be forever etched into the memories and countless people— players, fans, coaches supporters of any kind.

Two games ago, Mercyhurst defeated heavily-favored California

Ethan Magoc photo

The Mercyhurst College football team is poised to host the PSAC title game with a win over Clarion University.

(Pa.) 31-21, and pushed the Lakers into the biggest victory in the program’s history.

It was an especially momentous win for a Lakers team that was picked to finish near the bottom

of the PSAC West in the preseason poll.

Instead, our Lakers are tied with the California Vulcans for the top spot in the conference, and made history in several polls across the country.

For the first time in program history, Mercyhurst cracked the Top 25 rankings for Division II schools nationwide.

After this past week’s win over Slippery Rock, Mercyhurst climbed to the No. 21 spot.

It seems too good to be true: Mercyhurst boasting one of the best D II football teams in the country.

The Lakers are hoping to follow up this performance with one final

regular season tilt against Clarion, and then hopefully hosting the PSAC Championship game on Nov. 13.

If Mercyhurst makes it to the championship game, they will square off against the winner of the PSAC East regular-season showdown this coming weekend between Kutztown and Bloomsburg.

The football program, and the campus as a whole, has found that confidence in themselves is sure to bring good things.

At the very least, it brings a historic season with great memories.

I’d be a bad columnist if I didn’t encourage you to get out and support the school in quite possibly the best year for the Lakers.

Sports

November 3, 2010

Page 8

Jensen hockey line comes to Mercyhurst

By D.J. Haurin Staff writer

Every child has a dream, whether to become a skilled physician or a professional athlete.

Children dream big. Mercyhurst College freshman hockey player Nate Jensen is no different.

Ever since he was a young boy, hockey has been the centerfold of his life.

From the beginning, Jensen’s dream was to follow in his father’s footsteps by playing hockey at the professional level.

Those are lofty goals, but Jensen feels confident he can undertake the challenge.

His father, Dave Jensen, played three seasons with the Minnesota North Stars of the National Hockey League and represented the United States at the 1984 Winter Olympics.

His uncle Paul also played for Team USA, participating in the

Sports Information photo

Mercyhurst College freshman Nate Jensen looks to continue a long family line of successful hockey players.

1976 Olympics.

“I have always looked up to my dad,” Jensen said. “As soon as I could skate, I was encouraged to play hockey at a high level.”

His father opened his eyes to the value of the sport and ways to harness this tool throughout life.

“My dad taught me to be a good hockey player, but also how to be a

good person through hockey. It has taught me several life lessons: the value of teamwork, leadership, to be positive when there is adversity, but most of all, it taught me to have fun in whatever you are doing,” Jensen said.

His family keeps him motivated, as he strives to surpass his cousins.

Three cousins also play hockey either at the collegiate or professional level.

Cousin Joe Jensen plays in the Italian Serie A Professional League, cousin Jim Jensen plays at Augsburg College in Minnesota and brother Beau Jensen plays club hockey at Iowa State.

With the four of them, competition comes naturally.

“My family is all about hockey when we get together,” Jensen said.

“There is definitely bragging rights on the line when we play pick-up games, so they are pretty competitive.”

Growing up with a twin, the brothers constantly pushed each other.

“We would battle in everything we did,” he said.

Although his family played at larger schools––his father at the University of Minnesota and his uncle at Michigan Tech––Jensen chose Mercyhurst to be his stepping stone to the next level.

“I had some options to play elsewhere, but when I came on my visit, I liked what I saw and felt this would be a good fit for me,” he said.

Jensen recently started his freshman season at Mercyhurst, where he plays defense for the Lakers.

“Nate has seen a significant increase in playing time since the start of the season,” said Assistant Sports Information Director Erik Kaminski.

Prior to Mercyhurst, Jensen played for the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

During his time there, he scored seven goals and assisted on 20 others.

The Storm recognized him as Defenseman of the Year.

Soccer sweeps weekend series with Gannon

By Billy Colton Staff writer

Mercyhurst College men’s and women’s soccer teams both defeated rival school Gannon University this past week.

The women started the trend on Friday when they humiliated the Golden Knights 7-1 on Mercyhurst’s Senior Day. The men won 1-0 on Sunday in a dramatic fashion.

There was just 21 seconds left on the clock when junior Alex Manea sent the crowd into a frenzy.

“There’s always something special about playing a team that is only a few blocks away,” said senior Tommy Lund, who was also celebrating Senior Day. Lund has experienced the rivalry for four years, seeing both victory and defeat.

“Mentally, you are more focused

Ethan Magoc photo

Mercyhurst College men’s and women’s soccer teams defeated rival Gannon University. On their senior days women defeated Gannon 7-1, while the men beat Gannon 1-0. than ever to win that game. Beating Gannon can make a bad season a good one, and a good season a

great one,” he said.

Graduate student Oliver Gage agreed that it was extra special, and

that it was the perfect way to send off the seniors who have done a lot for Mercyhurst soccer.

Gage had been looking forward to this game for a long time.

“The whole atmosphere was great. I had heard a lot about the rivalry but I was yet to experience it.”

“The week leading up to the game the whole campus was buzzing with anticipation, you could see how much it meant to people with the great support we got,” said Gage.

The vocal crowd can be a distraction, says Gage, as there is a lot going on off the field but players must stay focused.

“It’s important to stick to your game plan,” Gage said. “We really showed how mentally tough we are by staying focused for the full 90 minutes, not only by scoring the late goal, but also keeping a clean sheet.”

For the rest of this article visit merciad.mercyhurst.edu and click on the sports tab.