AGOSTA RISING

Sophomore Meghan Agosta finalist for Kazmaier Award 16

In the wake of the Northern Illinois University tragedy and the upcoming
anniversary of the Virginia Tech tragedy, the question on everyone’s mind is...

HOW SAFE IS
THE ’HURST?
3-part series / This week: ResLife
On April 16, 2007, Seung-Hui Cho gunned down 32
students in what is called the worst college shooting in
history. On Feb. 14, 2008, Steven Kazmierczak shot 22
students at Northern Illinois University, killing 5 before
taking his own life. The question is: Could such an
incident happen at Mercyhurst? Administrators say
anything’s possible. But, is the small liberal arts college
on the hill prepared for such a tragedy? The Merciad will
explore, in a 3-part series, the security and safety of
Mercyhurst College, including interviews with
administrators and Erie police. Northern Star photo
Rescue workers carry a wounded student to a DeKalb Fire Department
Joshua Wilwohl reports on page 2 vehicle after the Feb. 14 shootings at Northern Illinois University.
PAGE 2 NEWS March 5, 2008

ResLife: College prepared for emergencies

Three-part series explores safety concerns at Mercyhurst College
By Joshua Wilwohl
Editor-in-chief

Mercyhurst College students

have no need to worry about
campus safety say Gerry Tobin
and Laura Zirkle, the college’s
vice president and assistant vice
president for student life.
The two residence life chiefs
said Mercyhurst has an emer-
gency plan ready for any disaster
that could occur on campus, such
as that which struck Northern Il-
linois University on Feb. 14 when
former graduate student Steven
Kazmierczak shot 21 people,
killing five, and then fatally shot
himself.
“We certainly have an emer-
gency response protocol that we
update,” said Tobin.
Part of the college’s update
to the plan includes sending
campus-wide text message alerts.
That program was launched in
late August.
Tobin said the college con-
tinues to evaluate other updates
based on certain circumstances. Northern Star photo

He said the college, like North-
ern Illinois University, has the
capacity to quickly change the
school Web site to keep the pub-
lic informed of any crisis.
“We have the capacity to im-
mediately get something on the
Web,” he said.
Tobin also said most of the
college’s residence halls and
apartments are always locked to
ensure the safety of students.
But some buildings, such as
the Audrey Hirt Academic Cen-
ter and the freshman residence
halls, are open, he acknowledged,
but can be locked remotely from
the college’s police and safety
office.
“The big effort is: How do you
alert people and can you keep ar-
eas secured,” Tobin said. “Unlike
Rescue workers move a wounded student to an ambulance after the Feb. 14 shootings at Northern Illinois University.
a federal government building
where you can lock down, …a
campus is a small community
and we don’t have the capacity
to guard every entrance.”
Zirkle said the residence life
staff is highly trained and pre-
pared for any situation that
occurs.
“The staff goes through ex-
tensive training on what to look
for,” she said.
Tobin said Mercyhurst has a
unique community that helps
prevent problems before they
arise.
“The best way is to create a
community where there are few
people that are unknown and as
we break down anonymity…the
person who is struggling with is-
sues is not out of concern from
getting help,” he said.
Zirkle said the college con-
ducts tabletop exercises of the
emergency plan with the help of
the Mercyhurst College’s North
East Institute of Public Safety.
“There is a walkthrough of a
real scenario such as a student
with a gun,” she said. “It helps to
step through a timeline of people
involved and how such incidents
take place.”
She said before the Virginia
Tech tragedy on April 16, 2007,
when student Seung-Hui Cho
killed 32 people and wounded
25 before shooting himself, Mer-
cyhurst had not even considered
such an incident.
Zirkle said the college does not
need a plan that is as extensive as
larger universities such as Penn-
sylvania State University.
“What Penn State needs and
what we need really is different,”
she said.
Mercyhurst’s central core val-
ue of hospitality and “Mercy
World,” where those within the
community have a sense of safe-
ty, according to Tobin, is what
helps the college feel secure.
“(These ideas) provide us with
a great sense of security without
being naïve,” he said.
Tobin emphasized the college
will not become a watchful eye.
“We’re not interested in be-
coming ‘Big Brother,’” he said.
“And we’re not putting up gates
around the college or check-
points at certain places.”
Next week’s preview: Police
and safety / Erie police
Tobin said Mercyhurst College
Police and Safety officers are not armed
with guns, but he said the college plans
to look into the possibility of arming
officers.
Mercyhurst is the only college in
the Erie area whose officers are not
armed.
“Given the climate of the culture, I
think it’s a good question to ask and
I think it’s a timely opportunity to
discuss,” he said.
In two weeks: Profiling
a killer
March 5, 2008 NEWS
laker briefs
Nominate your Choice for Senior Awards
Career Services guides
The Senior Awards Nominating Process has gone green. No
more paper nomination forms. Nominate your choices for the
Senior Awards today by visiting seniorawards.mercyhurst.edu.
graduating seniors
Colloquism: Janisee Ray
Writer, naturalist and activist Janisse Ray will be the keynote Resumé building, job hunting, networking
speaker when Mercyhurst College hosts its second Colloquium
on the Americas March 7 to 8.
By Jen Helbig
Staff writer
Judge Dunlavey speaks
Erie County Judge Michael Dunlavey will speak about inter-
Graduation is less than four
national and Middle Eastern relations on Thursday, March 6, at months away.
7:30 p.m. in Mercyhurst North East’s Alex Theater.
For seniors, this might be
exciting, stressful, or worrisome
Romero Award and Lecture depending on whether they
Kathleen Erickson, advocate for just immigration policy, will
have secured a plan to take after
receive this year’s Archbishop Oscar Romero Award from Mer- graduating.
cyhurst. She’ll accept the award and deliver a lecture on “The
The Career Services office,
Spiritual Challenge of Immigration” on March 18 at 8:15 p.m. located in 204 Old Main, can
in Mercy Heritage Room. Free and open to the public.
help direct students into the
professional world.
Coach Carter Director of Career Services,
Ken Carter, the inspiration behind the 2005 film, “Coach
Robert Hvezda, said opening a
Carter,” will bring his message of accountability, integrity, team- credential file should be a senior’s
work and leadership to Mercyhurst on Monday, March 10, at 8:15
first priority at this time.
p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. His speech The credential file is a file of
is free and open to the public.
recommendations from a variety
of sources.
Cellist, Pianist Stage Recital “We would encourage seniors,
Cellist Jolyon Pegis, a member of the Dallas and Chautauqua
even prior to opening up the file,
Symphony Orchestras, will be joined by pianist Joel Schoenhals to start to think about who they
for a recital on Wednesday, March 5, at 8 p.m. in the Walker
would use as a recommender,”
Recital Hall. said Hvezda.
“We would recommend that
President’s Forum seniors obtain three to five rec-
Monday, March 10, Mercyhurst College President Dr. Thomas
ommendations, and they could
Gamble will speak to the entire college community - Trustees, include a letter or two from
Sisters of Mercy, administrators, staff, faculty and students. The
faulty, supervisor from an intern-
forum will also be streamed to Mercyhurst North East and ship, their work-study supervisor,
Mercyhurst West campuses at 4 p.m.
or a reference from a manager at
a summer job.”
The credential file is an ongo-
‘War Reflections’ ing resource for students.
The Mercyhurst Concert Choir, directed by Rebecca Ryan, will
As alumni, graduates can peri-
present a concert titled “War Reflections” on Sunday, March 9, odically update their file by faxing
at 2 p.m. in Mercyhurst’s Walker Recital Hall.
or e-mailing references.
Whenever a reference is
needed, students need only to
Maureen Yuen Recital contact Career Services.
Maureen Yuen, instructor of violin and viola at Mercyhurst
The resumé is another item on
College, will give a recital on Wednesday, March 19, at 8 p.m., in the senior check list.
Mercyhurst’s Walker Recital Hall.
“It’s important that seniors
make or update their resumé
i f t h e y h ave n’t a l r e a d y,”
-lakernet.mercyhurst.edu said Hvezda.
“It’s important that they have
a resumé whether they are going
for employment, graduate school,
law school, or a service corp.”
Some students that go to
Career Services may be surprised
if their resumé is presented to
them in two pages.
Although it may not be the
format that has been used in the
past, Hvezda emphasized that
Career Services would not lead
students astray.
“I want to assure all of our
students that if they go onto a
second page, our staff will do
this because we find that our
students are doing more and we
do not want to sacrifice length
for substance,” said Hvezda.
“Where a problem could arise
is if someone starts to put fluff
into the resumé to make it look
longer,” Hvezda warned.
“If there are two pages of real
information in the resume, it is to
the students benefit. I discussed
this with recruiters from some
of the best companies in the
world. They all said two page
resumés of relevant information
are acceptable.
“The old school thinking of
one page resumés is becoming
just that, old school.
“Marketing a college student
begins with a resumé. So the
more power on paper, the more
competitive a student becomes,
the resumé is an appetizer to the
interview,” he added.
Students can also visit Career
Services for advice on interview-
ing techniques or materials on
proper interview dress.
Hvezda said a suit is not
optional anymore, it’s expected.
The traditional blues, blacks,
charcoal grey, white shirt or
PAGE 3
white blouse is appropriate.
If students need advice on
locating jobs to apply to, they can
use a variety of resources.
“The Career Services Web site
has job resources for students,”
said Hvezda.
“Students should also have
a geographical area in mind of
where they would like to work.
The chamber of commerce
in the area where the student
would like to work may have jobs
advertised. There are also job
fairs coming up, which students
can find out about on the Career
Services Web site.”
Networking is another option
for students if they do not find
jobs on a Web site.
“The three most popular
words in the job search today
are networking, networking,
networking,” said Hvezda.
“Those that are already in the
profession seem to enjoy broth-
ering or sistering those that are
coming up in the profession.
Don’t be afraid to e-mail them
your resumé, because they may
think of you when they hear
about an opening.”
Hvezda emphasized that no
matter what path students have
chosen after graduation students
should answer any e-mails or
phone calls from Career Services
regarding their employment
status.
The information retrieved
is used to publish an annual
100-page study from the Career
Services Office.
As students or alumni of Mer-
cyhurst, services provided by the
Career Services Office are free.
Students should plan ahead
and make appointments
promptly.
PAGE 4 NEWS March 5, 2008

Alternative spring break inspires
By Liz Maier
Staff writer
While most college students
spent their spring break at the
beach or relaxing at home,
several Mercyhurst College
students had alternative destina-
tions all over the country.
They volunteered their ser-
vices to the homeless, impover-
ished and sick.
Group leader of the Urban
Challenge, Colin Hurley, said the
activities were headquartered
out of the Romero Center in
Camden, NJ.
“It was a retired convent that
had been converted into a center
for this type of mission work. It
leave feeling changed in some
way f o r t h e b e t t e r,” s a i d
Hurley. “It’s an opportunity
to experience life in the poorest
city with the highest unemploy-
ment, but in the richest state.”
“The Urban Challenge bridges
this gap by taking college stu-
dents out of everyday life; put-
ting them on an unforgettable
journey for social justice in our
world,” said Hurley.
Sophomore Julie Hranica was
a volunteer for the trip.
“My favorite part about the
Urban Challenge was definitely
getting to meet so many inspir-
ing people and really getting
to listen and understand their
stories,” said Hranica.
“I loved that I was pushed out
volunteers were serving the
homeless in Philadelphia, another
group of Mercyhurst students
were busy building houses in
South Carolina for Habitat for
Humanity.
During the week of Feb. 23
to March 1, Mercyhurst vol-
unteers boarded a bus to the
lower, working class town of
Sumter, S.C.
Along with Sumter’s Habitat
for Humanity program, volun-
teers built the interior and exte-
rior structure of two homes.
Mercyhurst volunteers met
the families and were able to
work with them said sophomore
volunteer Joe Weidenboerner.
“All the people we met were
very nice; we didn’t meet anyone Contributed photo

was the place where we ate, slept,
met and debriefed.”
During the day volunteers
served for four to seven hours
at homeless shelters, AIDS or
terminal illness food delivery
programs, food banks, soup
kitchens, nursing facilities, thrift
stores and elementary schools,
said Hurley.
“It is such a quality experi-
ence [Urban Challenge]. You
of my comfort zone. It really
made us take a look at urban
poverty.”
Sophomore Nadine Beres
agreed.
“I loved going to the differ-
ent service sites and talking with
the homeless, hungry and those
living in poverty. The trip really
helped to break down some ste-
reotypes I had.”
W h i l e Urban Challeng e
mean,” said Weidenboerner. Several Mercyhurst College students spent their spring
“No one wanted to leave.” break volunteering their services to the homeless, impover-
Senior Chris Kelly was also a ished and sick.
volunteer.
Senior volunteer Dustin Han- should enjoy.”
“It was the most produc-
kinson said he would definitely Sophomore Sena Said agreed.
tive and cohesive group I have
take another trip like this one. “My favorite part of the trip
ever worked with in the past
“It taught me a lot, not only was experiencing a new culture
three years,” said Kelly. “Every-
about another culture, but also and way of living,” she said.
one gained something from it
about the needs of those with “I would definitely do it again
whether it has been new friends,
disabilities,” he said. because I really bonded with the
conquering fears such as heights
“It was truly an eye opening children and would love to see
or gaining new skills.”
experience and one that everyone them again.”

Fashion for ’Hurst, books for Erie students

By Tim Hucko
Contributing writer
The Mercyhurst College
chapter of this International
Honor Society in Education,
Kappa Delta Phi (KDP) will
hold a luncheon and fashion
show that highlights the dos and
don’ts of business attire.
The runway is lighting
Saturday, March 15 at 1 p.m. in
the Mercy Heritage Hall for a
premiere fashion show. It will be
hosted by KDP to help support
local students in their quest for
success.
Tickets will be on sale for $8
or $15 for two in the Herrmann
Student Union Tuesday, March
4 through the 7 and again March
10 through the 14 from noon to
2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Proceeds from the event
will help fund KDP’s annual
program, “Reading is
Fundamental,” which supplies
local city schools with over
1,000 books to help students
further their education outside
the classroom.
The event will encompass
a luncheon, fashion show and
raffle all packed into 90 minutes
of high-fashion fun with senior
Mihailo “Mixa” Jovanovic
emceeing the event.
Such an undertaking requires
massive amounts of support and
coordination from numerous
retail stores, students, caterers
and committee members.
“We have almost everything
covered; all we need now are
models to walk the runway,”
said junior event chair Lauren
Weisser. “We would greatly
appreciate any students willing
to help.”
Clothing and accessories will
be provided by New York &
Company, Payless Shoe Source,
Target, JC Penney, Macy’s, Eddie
Bauer and Sears.
“We are trying to show
students the best way to dress in
a funny and light-hearted way,”
said Weisser. “It is important
to look sharp and impress
everybody at the table.”
In addition to the show and
food, raffle baskets will be
drawn from throughout the
event for local hotspots such as
the Cornerstone, Teresa’s Italian
Deli, Dairy Queen and many
more.
KDP members are hoping for
strong support to achieve their
goal of purchasing 1,000 books
for the local students.
“There are hundreds of local
children who have no books
on the shelves at home; this is
a fundamental resource to help
educate our youth,” said Weisser.
“The best way to help us is to
attend the show and have a little
fun while you’re at it.”
Any student interested in
volunteering for the event
may contact Jillian Perfetti at
jperfe43@mercyhurst.edu
Models will be required
to attend two rehearsals
prior to the show. For more
information e-mail event chair
Lauren Weisser at lweiss90@
mercyhurst.edu.
March 5, 2008 NEWS PAGE 5

MSG salaries change; Police log

new positions added Liquor Law Violation

McAuley Hall
Feb. 9
Controlled Substance
Mercy 300
Feb. 16
College discipline College discipline

Scholarships cut almost in half Criminal Mischief Larceny/Theft

By Joshua Wilwohl
Editor-in-chief
Mercyhurst College Student
Government voted Monday
to decrease executive board
member scholarships, while
increasing the overall total line
item amount.
The vote comes after MSG
opted to add the MSG event
coordinator and the public rela-
tions coordinator positions to
the executive board.
The MSG body voted on two
options, deciding on option
one.
This will cut the amount of
scholarship money to the execu-
tive board almost in half.
It will drop the president’s
current salary of $12,000 to
$7,500 and the treasurer’s salary
of $7,500 to $6,000.
It will also decrease the Stu-
dent Activities Council chair
Current salary breakdown
President: $12,000
Vice president: $6,000
Treasurer: $7,500
Secretary: $6,000
SAC chair: $9,000
SAC board: $2,400/member
Total: $64,500
2008-09 salary breakdown
President: $7,500
Vice president: $6,000
Treasurer: $6,000
Secretary: $6,000
SAC chair: $6,000
PR coordinator: $6,000
MSG event coordinator: $6,000
SAC board: $2,700/member
Chair stipend: $450/member
Senator stipend: $165/member
Total: $75,840
ment will increase.
This, according to Starin,
means more students are coming
Parking Lot 10 Athletic Center
“I would still run,” she said. Feb. 9 Feb. 16
“The money wouldn’t really Pending investigation Closed
make a difference.”
Starin said the MSG body sent Liquor Law Violation Liquor Law Violation
out an e-mail vote to have a basis Parking Lot 1 3909 Lewis
on how much to decrease the Feb. 10 Feb. 16
scholarships. College discipline College discipline
“We wanted to get a basic
idea of percentage numbers on
Liquor Law Violation Liquor Law Violation
the decrease of scholarships,”
she said. Parking Lot 12 Mercy 300
The results show 28 repre- Feb. 10 Feb. 16
sentatives of the MSG body College discipline College discipline
voted in favor of keeping the
president’s scholarship 5 percent Liquor Law Violation Liquor Law Violation
above the rest of the executive Sidewalk by maintenance Lewis Townhouses
board. Feb. 15 Feb. 24
Six voted to pay the executive College discipline College discipline
board the same amount.
Eighteen voted to keep six
executive board members, while Controlled Substance
16 voted to keep the board as Mercy 200
four members. Feb. 24
The votes were split to increase College discipline
the amount of the SAC board.
Fourteen voted to keep the SAC
board scholarship amount as is,

scholarship from $9,000 to
$6,000.
The executive board’s new
positions – public relations
coordinator and MSG event
coordinator – will each get a
scholarship of $6,000.
The vice president’s and sec-
retary’s salary will remain the
same at $6,000.
T h e S AC b o a r d s a l a r y,
however, will see an increase
by $3,000 from $24,000 to
$27,000.
This totals the overall line
item to $75,840, increasing the
line item by $8,140.
MSG President Marissa Starin,
a senior, said the line item increase
is possible because the FTE allot-
to the college.
“We decreased our scholar-
ships so others can join high
positions,” she said. “Our hopes
are that we’ll get people who
take these jobs seriously.”
Students said that though
executive board scholarships
will decrease next year, they
would still consider running for
a position.
Freshman Alicia Danenberg
said the money does not make a
difference for her.
“I have been considering it and
I would take the job because any
scholarship they give you should
be good enough,” she said.
Junior Sandy Lambo said
money doesn’t matter.
while 18 voted to increase.
It was an almost unanimous
vote to keep the committee
chair stipend at $150 per term.
Twenty-seven voted to keep,
while four voted to decrease
and one voted to get rid of the
stipend.
Starin said decreasing the
scholarships will help find stu-
dents who care about MSG.
“When you’re in a role like
this…it’s a position that a lot of
people are passionate about the
job,” she said.
“We’re hoping to get people
on this board who really repre-
sent the students and a way of
doing this is by increasing the line
item for scholarships.”
No suspects in Mercy
Suites burglaries
From staff reports
The Merciad
Burglars with a preference for
iPods have struck five times at
the Mercy Suites 200 since late
January, according to Mercyhurst
College Police and Safety.
“We have not been able to
gather enough information to
develop a suspect,” said Dennis
Donovan, the college’s police
and safety investigator.
Donovan said his office re-
ceived five confirmed burglary
reports that five iPods were
stolen from various suites in
the 200 building from Jan. 21
to Jan. 25.
“They varied in time of day
and there was no pattern or
specific similarities,” said Dono-
van.
He said that all the victims
claimed their doors were locked
and there had been no signs of
forced entry.
 PAGE 6 FEATURES March 5, 2008

I Food Fix
ERI During Lent on campus there
is always the question in my
apartment, “What are we going
to eat on Friday since we can’t
Contributed photo eat meat?”
Arnone’s Restaurant serves up Italian favorites. One of our favorite solutions
to this problem is to make this
With Meg
variations.
One great part about this
particular recipe, and one the
reasons that I chose it for col-
lege students, is that all the
ingredients can easily be found
around the house or are really

Taste of Italy at Arnone’s

By Shelley Turk
Staff writer
Explore a taste of Italy at
Arnone’s Italian Restaurant, lo-
cated at the corner of 18th and
Cherry Streets.
About a 10-minute ride from
campus, the Italian eatery caters
to your taste buds and budget.
Arnone’s Italian Restaurant is
a smoke-free environment that
serves each visitor with a great
staff and a wonderful menu.
Those from Erie are probably
familiar with Arnone’s Bakery
and Deli, which serves up signa-
ture pepperoni balls and bread,
and is located across the street
from the restaurant.
Both establishments are owned
by Anthony and Bernadine Ar-
none, who work with old family
recipes to serve up delightful
pastries and delicious entrees.
Head chef Nicolo Arnone, son
of Anthony and Bernadine, cre-
ates wonderful dishes from the
freshest ingredients.
Appetizers range from $7 to
$10 and include selections like
bruschetta and mussels.
Pasta entrees include freshly
made raviolis, spaghetti and
meatball, lasagna and cheese-
filled manicotti.
Veal, chicken and beef entrees
range from $12 to $19 and
include favorites like veal and
chicken parmesan.
Most all dishes are topped
with the family recipe sauce and
served with soup or salad and a
bread basket.
Be sure to save room for great
Italian desserts made in house
like tiramisu and the delicious
chocolate-dipped cannoli filled
with a sweet, creamy filling.
If you’re looking for a great
place to take a date, to dine
with some old friends or bask
in the memories of two terms
past, then look no further than
Arnone’s Italian Restaurant for
your next I Heart Erie choice.
Hours are Tuesday through
Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m. and
Friday and Saturday 3 to 10
p.m.
Arnone’s is closed on Sundays
and Mondays.
delicious tuna noodle casserole. cheap to buy.
A great thing about this dish So if you’re looking for some-
is that it is huge so it can feed all thing easy and quick, try this tasty
four of us. casserole to share with the ones
This recipe can be altered you love.
many different ways and if you
look online you will find these -Meghan Dolney
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
1 ½ cans chunk light tuna in water
½ cup frozen peas
½ cup frozen corn
1 ½ cups uncooked egg noodles
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Breadcrumbs

Directions
Get to know... 1.) Cook and drain the vegetables according to the
instructions on the package. The peas and corn can
Name: Elyse Lagana
be cooked together.
Year: Senior
2.) In a saucepan heat the soup, milk and sour cream
Major: Communications
until heated through.
Hometown: Geneseo, N.Y.
3.) Cook and drain the noodles according to the
Favorite thing about Mercyhurst: The campus size, not too
instructions on the box.
big and not too small
4.) Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl,
Least favorite thing: Lack of student involvement and
including the tuna and the cheese, but leave out the
support in ’Hurst TV; it has a lot of potential if given the
breadcrumbs.
time.
5.) Pour into a 9 x 13 inch pan and sprinkle the
Campus activities: Ambassadors Club, National Broadcast-
breadcrumbs and some leftover cheese on the top.
ing Society, Comm. Board, Radio Club, ’Hurst TV.
Elysa Lagana 6.) Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
Other interests: Student-run musicals
March 5, 2008 FEATURES PAGE 7

THE LAKER
Spring Term
Galley Grill
Lunch: Dinner:
M - Club Sandwich S - Turkey Burger
T - Chicken Caesar M - General Tso’s Chicken over rice w/ broccoli
T - Salisbury Steak, mashed potatoes and
W - Chicken Quesadilla
veggies
Th - Breakfast for Lunch W - Veal Parm over pasta
F - Tuna Melt or Grilled Th - Buffalo chicken sandwich
Portabella Sandwich F - fish sandwich or grilled portabella sandwich
S - Sloppy Joe S - Pepperoni Pizza Sub

Board Specials
Lunch $4.75 Hours of Operation:
www.engadget.com
Dinner $5.50 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m. Sprint’s new plan includes many features for $99.99
Saturday 1:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Sunday 5:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Look for New Menu Items!
‘Simply the best?’
Mac & Cheese Bites Black Bean Burger
Sprint offers innovative cell phone plan
New Salads:
Chicken BLT-Veggie(no cheese)-Spinach-Asian Chicken- By Carly Lyons
$99.99 a month.
Greek-Caesar Freshman Pat Ellement is
Staff writer
interested in a new phone plan.

Subconnection In our technology-driven soci-

6” Sub $3.75 Combo $4.75
12”Sub $5.75 Combo $6.75
Baja and Buffalo Chicken Subs:
6” Sub $4.00 Combo $5.25
12” Sub $6.00 Combo $ 7.00
Laker Express
Board Equivalency Available:
11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Board Specials
Lunch $4.75
Dinner $5.50
Special Features ety, it seems that we want to be
able to do more than just talk on
Wrap combo-Veggie $5.59 our cell phones.
other wraps $5.79 Using mobile phones to send
‘Wrap It Yourself’- Veggie $3.99 various forms of data, includ-
ing Web surfing, e-mail and the
other wraps $ 4.19 ever popular text messaging are
Hours of Operation: becoming more and more impor-
Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. tant to cell phone users.
Everywhere consumers look, it
Saturday 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. seems there is a plethora of dif-
Sunday 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. ferent rates and different charges
that apply to sending data by
using cell phones.
With all of the choices avail-
able, determining the best plan
Look for Laker Express for each consumer’s budget is
not a difficult task.
Minute Meals! Sprint recently upped the ever-
changing competition in the cell
Hours of Operation: phone world.
Mon.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. According to an article in the
USA Today Sprint is offering a
Friday 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. new “Simply Everything” plan
Saturday & Sunday Closed which includes unlimited voice
calls, text messaging, video, pic-
tures, Web surfing and e-mail for
“I would definitely look into
the new Sprint plan,” Ellement
said. “It’s a lot of money, but
seems like less hassle, so it would
be worth it.”
There are several additional
options that fall under the
“Simply Everything” plan.
Users can have 900 anytime
minutes, unlimited messaging,
Web and e-mail for $89.99 a
month or 450 anytime minutes,
unlimited messaging, Web and
e-mail for $69.99 a month.
Finally, users can get unlimited
voice calls and messaging (which
is limited to just texting, no Web
surfing or e-mail) for $89.99 a
month, 900 anytime minutes and
unlimited messaging for $69.99 a
month, or 450 anytime minutes
and unlimited messaging for
$49.99 a month.
Freshman Alana Ortega found
the new plan interesting.
“I’ve been pretty happy with
my cell phone plan, but the new
Sprint one sounds pretty cool,”
she said.
 PAGE 8 FEATURES March 5, 2008

Students prepare for work world

By Carla Hart
Staff writer

After completing four years of

college and obtaining a degree,
many Mercyhurst College stu-
dents will enter the work place
for the first time.
The question on many minds is
simply, “Are they equipped with
the knowledge and skills neces-
sary to feel successful?”
Based on the report of U.S.
Secretary of Education Mar-
garet Spelling’s Commission
Regarding the Future of Higher
Education, “Many students who
do earn degrees have not actually
mastered the reading, writing
and thinking skills we expect of
college graduates. Over the past
decade, literacy among graduates
has actually declined.”
Making higher education
more accessible, affordable and
accountable is proposed. Scoot Williams photo
While accountability is critical, Patty Evanoff, (left), and Jodi Hautala, both senior graphic design majors, work on projects in the graphics lab located in
education professor Dr. Phillip the bottom of the Hirt center on March 4. When asked about whether or not they felt prepared to enter the workforce, both
Belfiore said he does not think students agreed their portfolio development class was the most beneficial at turning around their feelings of unease.
standardization is the answer.
“This takes education out “We as alumni must take munication department as soon Internships help evaluate inter- Grigorich believes in knowl-
of the hands of the college,” responsibility for our actions as possible before entering the est and direct or re-direct a edge and education, but said self-
Belfiore said. “Students should and blame only ourselves if we workforce. student’s decision regarding educating is more important.
graduate with reading and writ- come out of college feeling we Zinram said many other stu- coursework and career goals. “The degree guarantees noth-
ing skills.” are not mature enough to handle dents will struggle once they find “The picture comes in clearer ing, absolutely nothing, from
He agrees with the commis- the work force,” Cagle said. out what the communication focus,” Rizzone said. “Doors are my stand point,” said Grigorich.
sion on the importance of that Mercyhurst junior Nadine field is all about. also opened, resulting in posi- “It is simple disciplines that you
assessment. Zinram said she feels confident “Many people who have already tions approximately 40 percent practice every day that bring you
“Each department must have to enter the work place. graduated told me that it was like of the time.” success and knowledge of many
some method to assess if each After her freshman year, she a punch in the face when they Senior communication major skills, not just one.”
g raduate has mastered the obtained an internship for a started working out there and Jeffrey Stoll is confident he will Grigorich said there is no
knowledge and action necessary television production company they had to realize that college walk through the right door. fixed definition of success and
to compete and win in the mar- during the Soccer World Cup pretty much keeps you in this Although Stoll said he does the meaning is individual from
ketplace,” Belfiore said. 2006 in Germany, her home- protected bubble,” Zinram said. not feel as skilled as he thinks he person to person.
Mercyhurst alumnus Jeffrey land. Frank Rizzone, associate direc- should be, he is optimistic about “For some it is financial inde-
Cagle graduated in 2007 and now Overall she has six years of tor in the Office of Career Ser- entering the work place. pendence,” he said. “For others,
works for the PENNCREST experience in production. vices, highly encourages students “I feel I am a good worker and ability to help others, and for
School District out of Sae- “TV is a ver y fast paced to obtain internships. will be fine wherever I end up,” some, life in nature.”
gertown, Pa. medium,” said Zinram. “You “Your resume floats to the top said Stoll. “No matter where you As Grigorich quotes from well-
He is also an Americorps Vista don’t have time to think of of the pile when you’ve gone out, work they are going to teach you known business philosopher Jim
volunteer, serving the com- what you learned; you have to paid your dues and got your feet their way anyways.” Rohn, “Success is not something
munity. know it.” wet,” Rizzone said. “Even if Junior Grig Grigorich agrees that you achieve, it is something
Cagle said that in the end, col- She urges students to work you’re not receiving credit for it, with Stoll’s positive attitude and you attract by the person you
lege can only do so much. with the equipment in the com- get the experience.” perception of the workforce. become.”
 March 5, 2008 FEATURES PAGE 9

Oscar fashions rock the red carpet

By Sandy Watro
Staff writer

The 2008 Academy Awards

suffered the largest loss of view-
ers this year since the last low
of 2003.
Numbers totaled only 32 mil-
lion viewers, which was worse
than the last drop of 33 million
in 2003.
Nonetheless, celebrities, actors
and actresses alike still put for-
ward their best fashion feet.
Miley Cyrus, better known as
Disney Channel duel personal-
ity Hannah Montana, looked
sophisticated at the age of 15.
Cyrus wore an age-appropriate,
deep red Valentino frock.
Unfortunately for her, Anne
Hathaway and Heidi Klum simul-
taneously stole her thunder by
wearing almost the exact same
hue.
Klum’s bold and extravagant
dress was specifically designed
for her by John Galliano of
Christian Dior.
Klum is graciously auctioning
off the dress for charity after
the event.
Hathaway sported a red feather-
trimmed frock created by a label
called Marchesa.
Pregnant Jessica Alba also
showed off a Marchesa gown; http://www.eonline.com/photos http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/lifestyle/images
the only differing factor was the
deep purple color trimmed with Marion Cotillard walked the red carpet in an off-white Jean Heidi Klum’s dramatic red gown was a fan favorite.
feathers across its bust line. Paul Gaultier gown.
Red was also popular with
Ruby Dee, Helen Mirren and Cotillard wore a white, cream critiquing the gown choices. two-tone color scheme. However, this statistic should
Katherine Heigl, who all donned and silver sequined ankle-length “I actually loved the dress,” he This gown was a favorite of play a minimal role in the success
more vintage-inspired takes on dress designed by French designer said. “However, by enlarging the junior Carly Emery. of the event, as the awards were
the vibrant hue. Jean Paul Gaultier. size of the scales near the hem- “The colors and the drape of created to celebrate and com-
Neutral shades are always a The dress was constructed line it made the garment seem the fabric is what make this dress memorate those who labored
classic favorite amongst the Hol- completely out of sequins, which more like a costume.” unique,” Emery said. toward the creation of the
lywood crowd. were formed into scales. Surprisingly, there was a This frost blue and chocolate films.
Unfortunately, there are excep- In the end, the design resem- drought in vintage designer brown knit gown was eloquently All in all the Academy Awards’
tions for this rule of thumb. bled more of an albino, Japanese dresses, which are usually seen and intricately draped creating a sole purpose is not for one to
Marion Cotillard took home coy fish than a famous French in surplus for renowned award beautiful aesthetic. judge and critique the dress of
the Oscar for Best Actress in La frock. ceremonies like this one. Overall, reports noted that those who attend, but more so
Vie En Rose; however, her dress Mercyhurst junior Jimmy Calista Flockhart strode against home viewing of the awards was to celebrate diversity, innovation
outshined the golden trophy she Mason is fond of watching the the haute couture norm in a low this year in comparison with and creativity within the film
received. red carpet fashion moments and vintage Valentino gown in a gray those past. industry.
 PAGE 10
Mercyhurst dancers give ‘A
Desperate Cry for ATTENTION’
By Nicole Cerilli
A&E editor
SoMar Dance Works cel-
ebrates its tenth season with a
new program titled “A Desperate
Cry for ATTENTION.”
As the title promises, the
program will explore the various
ways people go about getting
noticed with two Erie premieres
and nine world premieres.
“The need for attention is
universal, and it manifests itself
in a myriad of ways,” said co-
artistic director Mark Santil-
lano. “Temper tantrums, flashy
sports cars, low-cut dresses and
even suicide attempts are some
examples of how people cry out
for attention.”
Under the direction of Mercy-
hurst College dance professors
Solveig and Mark Santillano,
SoMar Dance Works now hosts
a roster of eight dancers and
is in residence at Mercyhurst
College.
SoMar was originally a duet
company. Expanding the roster
has allowed for a full-evening
concert.
This year, six Mercyhurst
dance majors are company mem-
bers.
Seniors Alyssa Marquez, Dara
Swisher, Sarah Auge and Noelle
Lelakus are in their second year
with SoMar.
Junior Nora Beckenstein and
sophomore Jennifer Mihu are
new to the company this year.
Mihu said working with the
company was an honor.
“Rehearsals are always filled
with hard work but lots of laugh-
ter as well,” she said. “SoMar
definitely lives up to their motto,
‘It wouldn’t be SoMar unless
we’re standing on our heads.’”
Mercyhurst jazz instructor
and Director of Erie Bayfront
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Dance Nathaniel Johnson will
also be featured in a piece titled
“Crouching Tutu, Hidden Drag
Queen.”
Regarding this piece, Mark
Santillano said, “You have to see
it to believe it.”
The concert showcases the
choreographic talents of Solveig
and Mark Santillano.
Both are known for their
artistry, physicality, wit and cre-
ativity.
While a majority of the pro-
gram is lighthearted, there is
one piece that carries a more
serious tone.
It addresses the epidemic of
school shootings, in response to
current events.
Mark Santillano explained he
heard about the most recent
shooting incident at Northern
Illinois University on his drive
home after a rehearsal for the
piece.
“It’s a case of life-imitating-
art-imitating-life,” he said. “It’s
so timely and yet so very, very
sad.”
Accompanying the choreog-
raphy is eclectic music, including
works by David Bowie, the Gipsy
Kings, Tom Waits and minimalist
composer John Adams.
In addition special guest artist
and flautist Anna Meyer will
again join SoMar, performing a
piece by Astor Piazzolla.
“A Desperate Cry for ATTEN-
TION!” will be presented on
Saturday, March 8 at 8 p.m. and
Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m. at the
Central High School Auditorium
located at 3325 Cherry Street,
Erie.
Ticket prices range from $5
to $15, and they will be available
at the door.
More infor mation about
SoMar Dance Works is available
at www.freewebs.com/somar-
danceworks.
March 5, 2008
‘All politics
is local’
By Casey Greene
Managing editor
With the 2008 Pennsylvania
primary election coming up on
April 22, Hurst TV wants to
keep students informed.
Hurst TV, Channel 19 on
Erie’s Time Warner Cable, show
a two-part series of the hilari-
ous documentary “Anytown,
USA.”
The award-winning documen-
tary covers a competitive race
for Mayor in Bogota, a small
town in New Jersey.
“All politics is local,” accord-
ing to the documentary’s trailer
and the comical stories of three
mayoral candidates.
The locally hated and legally
blind Republican incumbent
Steven Lonegan decides to run
for re-election and the town of
Contributed photo Bogota is in an uproar.
Megaphone in hand, Solveig Santilliano gives Mark Santil- Democrat Fred Pesce, whose
liano ‘A Desperate Cry for ATTENTION.’ The majority of the politics are comparable to Tony
SoMar performances are lighthearted. Soprano, returns from retire-
ment to share the ballot.
Former local football hero
Dave Musikant is the last candi-
date on the ticket, stepping in as
a long-shot independent.
Sight-challenged Musikant
and legally blind Lonegan makes
the Bogota election the only
mayoral race where two of the
three candidates are blind.
The devious scheming of
Jesse “The Body” Ventura’s
campaign manager gives the
audience a hilarious “all-too-
familiar look at the charade of
partisan politics in our increas-
ingly polarized nation,” says its
Web site.
Part one of the series airs
March 19 and March 21 at 8:15
p.m. Part two airs on March 26
Contributed photo and March 28 at 8:15 p.m.
The entirity of the SoMar performance is choreographed by The film is made possible
Mark or Solveig Santilliano. Both are known for their artistry, through Hurst TV’s affiliation
physicality, with and creativity. with ZILO TV network.
March 5, 2008 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 11

tHe
BuZz
MARCH 6. The Stills.
Diesel Club Lounge,
Pittsburgh.

MARCH 7. Bruce Spring-

steen and the E Street
Band. HSBC Arena, Buf-
falo.

MARCH 7. Saw Doc-

tors. House of Blues,
Cleveland.

MARCH 8. Bob Mould

Band. Grog Shop, Cleve-
land.
Contributed photo
MARCH 8. Disney’s
The band Between the Buried and Me consists of front man Tommy Rogers on keys, Paul Waggoner and Dustie Waring on
“High School Musical: guitar, Dan Briggs on bass and Blake Richardson on drums.
The Ice Tour.” Mellon
Arena, Pittsburgh.

MARCH 8. Adrian Belew. Charlotte band’s fifth album proves ‘colorful’

The Tralf, Buffalo.
into the second track, “Foam into a melody-driven bridge solid songs.
By Greg Summy
Born: The Decade of Statues,” about halfway through, before The guitar tones are huge, the
MARCH 9. Buffalo Blues Staff writer
BTBAM forces the album into drifting into a soft vocal and drums shake the ground and the
Festival with Latimore,
full swing. guitar interlude. vocals power the song to its full
Mel Waiters, Bobby Blue
When was the last time you Unlike the band’s last few Gradually, the band builds the potential. While maintaining the
Bland, Mar vin Sease,
heard a brutal metal band open records, “Colors” incorporates song back into a driving hard growling vocals, the band’s sound
Shirley Brown, Clarence
their album with an acoustic the impressive range of Rogers’ rock sound. is just as thunderous as its 1980s
Carter, Floyd Taylor, Sir
piano and a voice almost identi- Beatles-esque voice, along “Ants of the Sky” a song about influences, if not bigger.
Charles Jones. HSBC
cal to Paul McCartney? with his legendary growls and dreams, reality and self-con- Before blowing your mind
Arena, Buffalo.
If you are a fan of Charlotte, screams. sciousness, fights within itself out of your skull with its final
North Carolina outfit Between The third track on the album, musically. track, BTBAM takes a soothing
MARCH 9. The Donnas.
the Buried and Me (BTBAM), “Informal Gluttony,” is a tribal The mood changes frequently approach to “Viridian,” a song
Mr. Smalls Theatre, Mill-
when you opened your copy of and Middle Eastern influenced as the lyrics struggle with the focused on harmony.
vale.
“Colors,” you heard just that. track with brutal metal roots, understanding of Rogers’ dreams The 14 minute, 13 second epic
“Foam Born: The Backtrack” which surface after roughly 90 - a very autobiographical track “White Walls” closes the album
MARCH 10. Jonathan
opens with soft acoustic piano seconds of impressive instru- from the vocalist and front with aggression, power and pure
Richman, Vic Chesnutt.
in a slight minor key alongside mental introduction. man. musicianship.
Grog Shop, Cleveland.
the melodic voice of Tommy It is the first on the album to The song also incorporates the A classic BTBAM song struc-
Rogers. feature the guitar skills of Paul guitar influences of Waring and ture takes form in this song; build
MARCH 11. Gaelic
The song then enters into a Waggoner and Dustie Waring. Waggoner, featuring solos much up, settle and sooth then blast
Storm. House of Blues,
ballad-esque, full band arrange- A heavy, grinding and ruthless like the 1980s hair metal bands, off again, only to fade out with
Cleveland.
ment with underlying guitar onslaught of guitars and drums and blues-infused scales and licks piano melodies that would calm
solos. are at the foreground of the throughout the 13 minutes and a crying baby.
MARCH 12. Comedy.
The song picks up in the 11-minute fourth track on the 11 seconds. Overall the album is the most
C h r i s Ro ck . S e n e c a
Between-the-Buried-and-Me album, “Sun of Nothing.” The album now turns a corner impressive display of musician-
Events Center, Seneca
style with dissonant synthesizers, This track portrays the metal to the era of stadium rock with ship and mastery of instruments
Niagara Casino, Niagara
gut busting drums and guitars mastery Between the Buried and “Prequel to the Sequel.” The to come along in quite a while.
Falls, N.Y.
and a growl that will wake the Me strives to create with every track sounds like Bon Jovi sud- Between the Buried and Me
dead. album. denly learned how to play their can be heard at myspace.com/
Courtesy of Rockerie.com
Seamlessly transitioning The song does however, settle instruments and write musically betweentheburiedandme.
PAGE 12
The Good,
the Bad &
the Ugly
The Good
To toot our own horn,
the Merciad placed among
the top 10 four-year weekly
tabloid format newspapers
in the “Best of Show”
competition this past week
in San Francisco.
Clear your schedule once
again; the writers’ strike
has ended and soon your
favorite shows will be
airing fresh episodes.
Wayne 200s finally have
enough hot water for more
than one brief shower.
The Bad
Pick up your mail. The
mailboxes on campus
aren’t conducive to one
slacker out of three.
Be prepared to lose an
hour of sleep this week-
end. That’s right, it is time
to “spring ahead” for Day-
light Saving Time.
The Ugly
Re-registering our com-
puters for what, the third
time this year, was fairly
annoying.
As if the potholes rid-
dling the streets aren’t bad
enough, the perpetual salt
is turning Erie into one
giant crater.
Please email any sugge-
tions to opinionmerciad@
mercyhurst.edu.
OPINION March 5, 2008
This I believe: Power of truth hurts less
Mercyhurst’s Ethical Reflection Committee has initiated “This I Believe” to foster reflection within the entire college community on the values by which we live.
We hope that these essays will inspire further introspection, thoughtful discussion, and innovative ways of integrating holistically some of the ideas and values
expressed here into our personal, academic, social, spiritual, professional and communal life.
For example, faculty might introduce appropriate essays into class discussion; students might initiate conversations in class and beyond; administrators and staff
might explore these with colleagues.
Responses may be directed to the Merciad at editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu or to committee chair, Rev. Lyta Seddig at lseddig@mercyhurst.edu.
Share how these thoughts have had an impact in your life!
Mihailo “Mixa” Jovanovic, from Belgrade, Serbia, serves as Vice President of MSG, an Ambassador and an RA. He is a junior business finance major with
a marketing minor. His personal career goal is to become a financial consultant and help people manage their money better to “make them wealthier.” His favorite
aspect of Mercyhurst is the friendliness of people and the close relationships among students, faculty and administrators.
Based on his grades and SAT question all human beings should the ones we care about to do the
By Mixa Jovanovic
scores, Mike’s parents knew he ask themselves is: “Should I same.
Contributing writer
was not as smart as he needed to choose to live in beautiful lies or I know it is better to hear the
be for acceptance to MIT. accept the sometimes inconve- truth from someone who loves
Very recently I learned that They were honest with him nient truth?” you, than from random strang-
two friends of mine, Mike and and they told him that he did Today, however, it is so ers who have nothing to lose
John, who had not seen each not have the potential to go common to hear about a person because they have no connec-
other since high school, were to MIT and become a nuclear who says something untruthful tion with you.
sitting at a bar, trying to reflect engineer. just to make a loved one not Do not say that you are doing
on the first two decades of their Mike accepted the truth, went feel bad. Despite the intentions a wonderful job if you are per-
lives. to a lesser known college, and not to hurt the friend, harm is forming in a mediocre way.
Mike was a successful com- earned his bachelors degree in always done. Do not say you can do some-
puter programmer working for computer science. People need to stay away from thing if you are certain you
HP, while John, on the other John was a student of the the illusion that lies are going to cannot. It took John 20 years to
hand, was unemployed. same caliber, but John’s parents make them feel better. figure out that the beautiful lies
How could these two guys
with similar backgrounds have
did not want to “disappoint and
hurt John” so they paid for his
Lies usually come directly
from us or the ones to whom
are truly damaging, while the
reality comes with the some-
completely different life stories? MIT education. we are closest, because these are times inconvenient truth.
Simply because all his life, John failed most of his classes the people who care the most. Let us all be truthful to each
Mike was surrounded with and dropped out of college after However, I believe that every- other, and stop trying to find a
sometimes unfavorable truth his first year. one should always be maximally nice way to say something.
and honesty and John lived in As I have reflected on this, I honest to themselves. Just tell it as it is, because I
beautiful lies. have come to believe that the In my opinion, we should tell believe truth “hurts” less!
Seniors: Carry out last-minute desires
getting involved or maybe just and could care less what anyone nerve-racking.
By Bill getting a little wild. thinks. However the balance between
Swafford It can also be the foundation This term can also be stress- the stress of spring term and
Staff writer to last minute hook-ups. ful for many students who are the pleasure can be the key to
Many closet crushes will come struggling to gain employment delight.
out this term. before they graduate college. The refusal to deny yourself
Early March has once again
As I talk with my friends, The truth will soon set in from pursuing the activities in
come with the start of the third
and final trimester of this aca- many of them aim not to hold that senior students will have college you have always wanted
back this term, to enjoy the last to decide what they want to be can be the base line to this
demic year.
weeks at the ’Hurst and possibly when they grow up. term.
This term brings inflatable
have a few random hook-ups. The constant reminders come However remembering how
pools, Cornhole and the discov-
This can be encouraged by when asked, “Do you have a job awful it is to live in your parents’
ery of sunlight.
the lack of academic concern, yet?” by your peers, parents and house after graduation can be
For seniors this is the last
term to do what they have not and the relief of the gossip professors. a good reminder that employ-
channel that traditionally comes For those who have been ment is the key to your financial
been able to accomplish while
with actions at this school. hired, the stress of knowing freedom.
they have been a student at Mer-
Many seniors will realize that where you will work and when Let the sun come out and
cyhurst College.
This can mean joining a club, soon they will be out of here you will start can feel just as bring the fun-filled spring term.
March 5, 2008
Writers: Too little genres,
too many individuals
By Mary-Catherine
McCormick
Contributing writer
Today was the first time in
a great while that I had thor-
oughly read the Merciad, only
to be appalled after reading an
article written by staff member
William Swafford.
I would not expect an article
of this nature in the Merciad or
let alone from a higher learning
institution in general.
It was completely stereotypi-
cal and narrow-minded. I would
expect much more from a pres-
tigious college such as Mercy-
hurst.
As Swafford states himself
in a separate article, “Nonethe-
less most of the students are at
the ’Hurst because of high aca-
demic marks.”
With that said, how do people
as narrow minded and ignorant
such as Swafford have the honor
of writing for the school paper?
I understand Jerrod Markle’s
article is threatening due to his
undeniable intellect and abil-
ity to write from his heart, but
there is no reason for Swafford
to make a personal attack and
throw Markle into categories.
When Swafford makes the
claim, “Jerrod should trade
his tie dyed shirts for designer
clothes and retire the VW van
for a Ford.”
It reminds me of the poor
ignorance of our culture, evi-
‘Yesterday’s news’ represents larger trend of violence
By Ellen
Koenig
Staff writer
A shooting Monday at a Wen-
dy’s restaurant in West Palm
Beach, Fla. left two people,
including the gunmen, dead and
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR/OPINION
dent even in those attending
college.
Mr. Swafford, can you allow
yourself to think just for one
second that not everyone is a
slave to commercial culture?
Maybe some dress the way
they do, not because “monkey
see, monkey do” as your sug-
gesting, but as individuals
making decisions for themselves
and doing what they think is and
looks right rather than what is
trendy.
There are other perceptions
besides that everyone should
drive a Ford and buy designer
clothing.
Why is it that people pay 50
dollars for a shirt with nothing
special about it except for the
word “Hollister,” “Abercrombie
& Fitch,” and the like?
Although I do not under-
stand the logic that many have,
I respect it.
You need to understand
that we are all individuals, not
genres.
I have entered college think-
ing that name-calling would not
be nearly as prevalent as in high
school, but then you, Mr. Swaf-
ford, have proved me wrong.
If you say that your com-
ments are the majority consen-
sus, I would like to see some
evidence, because let me tell you
everybody at Mercyhurst Col-
lege does not feel the same way
as you.
In fact, I have yet to come
seven others injured.
While this may be yesterday’s
news, it represents a larger trend
of violence in America’s day-to-
day functions.
In a similar circumstance,
Pakistan has experienced four
bombings in five days and the
development of a Palestinian
across a single soul who has dis-
played a negative energy as deep
as you have.
If you do your homework,
and do the hard work and
research, your perception of the
way things “are” may slightly
alter producing a more insight-
ful read for the student paper.
In addition, something you
might find valuable in the near
future is a book.
A book typically has two pur-
poses: To educate you about a
particular topic while at the same
time increasing your vocabulary
and writing skills. You cannot
let other writers such as Markle
blow you away due to your poor
vocabulary.
I am not saying I am the best
writer of all time, because I am
not, but I truly admire Markle
for his ability and passionate
writing.
I strongly recommend you
read “The Soul’s Code” written
by James Hillman because I feel
you need to broaden your per-
spective in life
One last question I have for
you Mr. Swafford is, how you
would define a “tree hugger” or
a “hippie”, because I am trying
to get a deeper understanding
for these stereotypes and who
else to help me out but your-
self ?
More so, just whom does
“we” represent when you claim:
“we hate tree huggers”? Please
clarify.
state looks dim.
This region of the world is
used to violence on a daily basis,
including random killings and
bombing attacks.
While the U.S. is not a con-
sistent war zone, over the past
several years there have been a
countless number of instances
Bigger problems to face
By Jordan Zangaro
Contributing writer
As an aspiring journalist, and
a contributing writer to the Mer-
ciad, I truly believe in freedom
of speech.
I believe that each and every
person is entitled to his or her
own opinion.
So, reading the paper week
after week I have bit my tongue.
I have read the ridiculous
opinion pages about what people
wear, popularity, drinking and
now the accusations of calling
the football players felons and I
have kept my mouth shut.
But then I realize, just as these
ever-so-considerate writers have
the freedom of speech, so do I.
So with the risk of being criti-
cized and even attacked for my
views, I will state my own opin-
ion.
We live in a world a war, pov-
erty, anxiety, depression and
many more traumatic problems.
We are the future of this
country and the only opinion
columns we can come up with
are what parties got busted and
stereotyping the football play-
ers?
There are bigger problems to
face.
If you do have a problem with
people, lock your door or do not
throw a party if you don’t want
people to show up.
Boys have been fighting for
years, this is not newsworthy.
In no way am I defending the
“assaults” and fights that were
where shootings in schools,
work places and now dining
facilities occur.
Random streams of violence
are often at the individual’s ini-
tiative and motive.
In Pakistan, people live in fear
that the person next to them is
wearing a bomb.
PAGE 13
broken out over the past couple
weeks; I obtain, what some staff
writers consider to be, “hippie”
views, views of which I am very
proud.
But hippie or not, I never think
violence will solve anything.
But to call out an entire team,
then target the underclassmen as
a whole just hit me the wrong
way.
There are very talented writers
on the staff of the Merciad, so
why waste your talents writing
things that are not only going
to start controversy, but could
possibly worsen the situation
of the fights that these so-called
“felons” have been engaging in.
Focus your attention on some-
thing that matters.
Spend your time on something
that can make a difference.
You are right.
This school is very high
demanding academically, we all
know this.
So if these students only got
accepted based on their athletic
ability as you have presumed,
there is no way they would be
able sustain the pressures of
being a student-athlete.
It is not yours, or anyone else’s
position to make accusations
about a student’s level of intel-
ligence.
Use your education and your
talent to write something to
better the campus, not to bash a
team as a whole or to make hasty
allegations that the admissions
committee to this wonderful
establishment is letting students
in on athletics alone.
Often terrorism is carried out
in the name of a cause.
In the U.S. the shootings tend
to be individually motivated and
cases of a random selection of
victims.
Yesterday’s news conditions
us to live with day-to-day events
making today’s news.
 PAGE 14 OPINION March 5, 2008

’Hurst: Beware Reveries of a soon-departing

double standards
By Michelle
LaSlavic
Staff writer
Over the last few months,
while listening to countless
friends vent, it seems like the
infamous double standard has
been creeping into quite a few
relationships.
No matter how hard we try
to avoid this common problem,
sometimes it is almost inevitable
that one way or another, it will
weasel its dirty way into our
lives.
The biggest problem with the
double standard is when you’re
on the inside, you don’t realize
you’re doing it and don’t recog-
nize how unfair or hypocritical
you’re being.
Us outsiders, as well as the
victim, have a hard time dealing
with this issue.
For example, I was talking to a
friend a few weeks ago, discuss-
ing our plans for spring break.
She was debating whether
or not to go on a trip that her
boyfriend had asked her not to
go on.
When I asked if she would be
OK with him going on such a
trip if the roles were reversed,
she responded with “absolutely
not.”
This took me by surprise
because in my eyes, this debate
had a simple solution consider-
ing how she answered my ques-
tion: If you wouldn’t want your
boyfriend or girlfriend to do
something, don’t do it yourself.
It’s like the old cliché goes, do
unto others as you would want
them to do unto you, or in this
case, not do.
This double standard has even
managed to stray away from just
relationships and shine through
friendships as well.
I knew a girl who was having
problems with her boyfriend’s
fidelity, but as many girls often
do, turned a blind eye to it and
pretended like there had been
no wrong doing.
When one of her friends
had the same problem, she
condemned the friend for not
breaking up with him when he
had done the same thing as her
own boyfriend had done.
Again, being the outsider, she
didn’t see what she was saying
was absolutely hypocritical to
her very own actions.
Why is it that it’s so much
easier to tell someone else they
are wrong for doing something
that we are doing or have done
ourselves?
It’s always so much more con-
venient to point fingers and dis-
agree with others’ actions than
accepting that we, ourselves, are
in the wrong too.
I think that if you are going
to tell someone else not to do
something, or disagree with
what they are saying or doing,
make sure you’re not contra-
dicting yourself and your own
actions first.
senior: Relax, reflect, enjoy
By Keith
Nemeth
Staff writer &
political analyst
Waking up this morning it
finally dawned on me, this will
be the final 10 weeks of my
undergraduate career.
I can barely remember my
first day at school where I
learned I’d be serving a year-
long prison term in McAuley,
or all chicanery that followed
in that lovable, yet completely
depressing building.
With so little time left,
what do I really have to show
for my four years of school-
ing?
Joshua Wilwohl
Casey Greene
Amy Zielinski & Amanda Valauri
Jen Gildea
Merissa Frank
Chris Davis & Brittany Jackett
Nicole Cerilli
Scoot Williams
Tiffany Cook
Leslie Ruchala
Noelle Lelakus
Ashley Pastor
Lenore Skomal
Would it be a damaged liver another opens;” that is really
and a penchant for whiskey? what is happening to us.
The countless people I met We may be departing the
along this four-year journey ’Hurst but life goes on.
and the fun times we had? Hell, you might even keep in
Terrible eating habits due to contact with people you met
my inability to cook or options here.
available on campus? It would be exactly like
The little bit of knowledge the Bruce Springsteen song
I was able to absorb into my “Glory Days.”
already full brain? There is so much indeci-
From what I hear, college is sion clouding the near future,
supposed to be the best time which includes admittance
of your life. into graduate school, finding a
With my four years up I’m job or for some of us actually
apparently resigning myself to graduating.
60 years of misery. Wouldn’t it just be for the
I really don’t believe that. best if we all just relax, reflect
To quote an ultra-cliché aph- and enjoy the ones we’re
orism “when one door closes, with?
Editor-in-Chief editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu
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The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is

WANTED published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals week. 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
Advertising manager needed for 2008-09
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Contact Casey Greene at before publication and may not be longer than
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 March 5, 2008
Women’s b-ball ends season to GU
By Rhonda Marable
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst women’s
basketball team ended its season
with a 95-66 loss to Gannon
during the college’s spring break.
The Lakers finish the season
with a 7-20 record overall and
2-15 in the GLIAC.
Gannon pulled ahead with
an early 12 point lead within
the first five minutes and never
looked back.
Gannon continued to push
the pace and were up by 22
points with less than six minutes
in the first half.
Sophomore guard Mara
Dreiser set the pace for a
comeback with a good lay up
which she followed by sinking a
good three pointer.
Junior guard Stephanie
Prischak would mirror those
buckets and freshman guard
Samantha Loadman contributed
two good baskets for six points
to end the half 30-48.
Gannon continued to
play solid throughout the
Water polo finishes fifth at ECAC Championship
By Andrew Schonhoff
Staff writer
Mercyhurst College women’s
water polo had a busy week,
opening its season with a 3-1
record.
The Lakers kicked off their
season with a 12-5 victory over
Division I Siena College.
The Lakers came out strong,
and at halftime held Siena
at a score of 6-1, a deficit
which Siena was never able to
overcome.
The win was a combined
offensive and defensive effort.
Mercyhurst scorers included
The women’s basketball team will likely see improvements next year, as they do not lose
any players to graduation.
second half while the Lakers
uncharacteristically struggled
with shooting.
Mercyhurst entered the game
seniors Christine Somera, Carrie
Willison and freshman Rachel
Griepsma, who all scored four
goals each.
The Lakers defense was led
by senior goalie Gina Mieras,
who made 12 saves along with
two assists and two steals.
Senior Rhonda Marable and
junior Chrissy Genian also
contributed to the defensive
effort with three steals each.
Over the weekend at the
ECAC Championships, the
Lakers came away with a record
of 2-1.
After a loss to Wagner,
Mercyhurst bounced back strong
with a win against Slippery
SPORTS
ranked second in the conference
for field goal and three point
percentage. However, the Lakers
only managed 36 percent from
Rock and George Washington.
In a hard fought game against
Slippery Rock, the team came
away with 9-7 victory which
came down to fourth quarter
determination which accounted
for the Lakers the win.
The team was led by Somera,
who had a phenomenal two
goals, three assists, three drawn
ejections, and three steals.
The win was a well-balanced
effort, with six different Lakers
contributing to the nine goals.
The next day, the Lakers
defeated Division I George
Washington University with a
score of 8-6. Freshmen Rachel
Griepsma had a spectacular
Scoot Williams photo
the field for the first half and
28 percent on three pointers for
the game.
Loadman finished with a
game putting in six goals and
adding four drawn ejections and
a steal. The Lakers defensive
effort was backed by Mieras,
who had a solid 14 saves in
goal.
Already at the beginning of
the season, the women’s water
polo team shows great promise.
The team is led by a strong
core of six seniors. Willison
and Somera, who were both
2007 picks for Collegiate Water
Polo Association All-Western
Division teams, have led the team
offensively for the past several
years and look to continue during
their senior year.
Leading the Mercyhurst
PAGE 15
team-high 21 points with help
from five good three pointers.
Freshman Amy Achesinski
followed with nine points and
five rebounds while freshman
guard Kelsey Gordon added
six points and a career-high five
assists.
The game marked an
important beginning and end
for the Mercyhurst women’s
basketball team.
The Lakers complete their
first season under head coach
Deanna Richard with the loss.
The Lakers also ended their last
season playing in the GLIAC.
The Lakers look to improve
next year as they debut in the
Pennsylvania State Athletic
Conference next season.
The Lakers played three
PSAC schools during the
2007-08 season defeating
both Lock Haven University
and Edinboro University
with just a single loss to
Slippery Rock University.
With no seniors on the team
the Lakers should return with a
strong core ready to play in the
2008-09.
women’s water polo program in
career and season saves, Mieras
looks to have another strong
season.
Griepsma also looks to have
a very promising future with
Mercyhurst, as she has already
tallied 14 goals in four games.
Head coach Curtis Robinette
said, “I am very pleased with the
start of our season. The wins
over Division I schools Siena
and George Washington will
give us confidence going into
our first conference weekend.”
The Lakers begin conference
play, as they host Grove City
Friday at 7 p.m. at the Mercyhurst
Northeast pool.
 PAGE 16 SPORTS March 5, 2008

Women’s hockey dominates RMU,

battles for NCAA playoff appearance
By Kyle Craig
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College wom-
en’s hockey team closed out the
regular season on a high note
with five wins and one loss in
their last six games.
This allowed the Lady Lakers
to remain a solid seventh place
in the USCHO.com hockey poll
as they head into the College
Hockey America (CHA) playoffs
this Friday at Niagara.
The girls finished their home
season knocking off Robert
Morris 5-2 followed the next
night with a 5-4 overtime win at
Robert Morris.
“We are running out of
chances and at this point we can’t
afford to have any lapses in our
play if we want to make a run
at the final 8 and Frozen Four,”
said senior goalie Laura Hosier.
The Lakers have taken advan-
tage of every chance they have
had with 10 wins over their last
13 games.
Coming off of a devastating
loss to Wayne State, it looked as
though all was lost for the Lakers.
What Robert Morris did not
know was that they were skating
into a brick wall in a very deter-
mined Mercyhurst squad. The
Lady Lakers took full advantage
of sharing the puck on Friday,
when five Lakers had the oppor-
tunity to score against the Colo-
nials of Robert Morris.
Freshman Geena Prough
kicked off the Lakers scoring
with her ninth goal of the year
followed by freshman Ashley
Cockell’s sixth goal of the year.
Senior Sherilyn Fraser capped
senior night with the game-win-
ning goal just 16 seconds after
Cockell. Junior Hayley McMeekin
closed out the night with her
eighth goal of the season on an
empty net.
Mercyhurst honored six
seniors before the game; all of
whom will be greatly missed.
These seniors included Dani-
elle Ayearst, Kristen Erickson,
Sherilyn Fraser, Laura Hosier,
Jackie Jarrell and Stephanie
Jones.
“I am so grateful to be a part
of such a great program,” said Scoot Williams photo
Hosier. Senior Sherilyn Fraser battles for a puck against Wayne State’s Tegan Schroeder during an
“I’ve seen the team grow and earlier loss this year. The Lakers hope to seek revenge in the CHA playoffs this weekend.
change each year I have been
here and what we’ve accom- and will be remembered for the omore Meghan Agosta took a will look to fulfill these goals as
plished each year has been amaz- great hockey they brought to shot after a pass from Jones and we head toward the [CHA] play-
ing. I am just happy that I can Mercyhurst. Chouinard. The shot hit the back offs.”
leave my mark on a program that The following night was of the net giving the Lady Lakers The Lakers battle Niagara
has helped me grow so much slightly tougher for the Lady a much needed victory. on Friday to kick off the CHA
over my four years here.” Lakers as the Colonials of Robert “We need to take it one game Tournament this weekend at
All of the seniors honored Morris pushed Mercyhurst into at a time and control what we Niagara. The victor will face off
have made a large impact on the overtime. At three minutes and can control,” said Agosta. “We against the winner of the Wayne
success and growth of the team ten seconds into overtime, soph- have made goals as a team and State and Robert Morris game.

Agosta is a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier award again

From staff reports
The Merciad
Mercyhurst College wom-
en’s hockey player, sophomore
Meghan Agosta, is a top-10
finalist for the Patty Kazmaier
Memorial Award, which is given
to the most outstanding NCAA
Division I women’s ice hockey
each season.
Mercyhurst’s Director of
Hockey Operations John Lei-
sering said the top three final-
ists, including the recipient of
the Patty Kazmaier Memorial
Award, are chosen by a 13-
member selection committee.
He said this committee is
comprised of NCAA Division I
women’s ice hockey coaches, rep-
resentatives of the media and a
representative of USA Hockey.
“I think Meghan is the best
player in the country when she
is going full throttle,” Mercy-
hurst coach Michael Sisti said
to the Erie Times-News. “With
Meghan’s injury, who knows
what will happen? I hope
people don’t hold her injury...
against her.”
The three finalists will be
announced March 12, and the
award will be presented March
21 in Duluth, Minn. Agosta was
the first freshman ever to make
the final-three last year.
Currently, Agosta is tied for
first in the nation in goals and
first in short-handed goals for
No. 7 Mercyhurst.
According to Leisering, the
Kazmaier Award is named in
honor of the late Patty Kazma-
ier-Sandt, a four-year varsity
letter-winner and All-Ivy League
defenseman for Princeton Uni-
versity. She helped lead the
Tigers to a league championship
in three consecutive seasons.
Kazmaier passed away at the
age of 28 from a rare blood
disease.
 March 5, 2008 SPORTS PAGE 17

Five wrestlers will compete at DII nationals

By Kirk Campbell
Staff writer

Junior Brian Pogel and

sophomore Andy Lamancusa
proved their No. 1 ranking in the
NCAA Davison II East Region
was well deserved as they both
won their weight classes and
helped the Lakers to a third
place finish.
Lamancusa won his second
consecutive title at 157 pounds,
as he defeated Phil Bliss from
Belmont Abbey College 4-2 in
the championship bout.
Despite being a junior it was
Pogel’s first appearance at the
East Region and he made it
memorable by defeating Latra
Collick from Newberry College
5-2 in the finals at 149.
Joining Pogel and Lamancusa Sports Information photo

on the podium are three
others.
They are red-shirt freshman
Josh Shields who placed second
at 174 pounds, senior Hudson
Harrison at 165 who finished
third and junior Trevor Gallo
also placed third at 197.
Harrison believes the team
is ready for nationals, without
having the stress of too much
Five Laker wrestlers: Senior Hudson Harrison, juniors Brian Pogel and Trevor Gallo, sophomore Andy Lamancusa and red-
shirt freshman Josh Shields will compete at the Division II national championship on March 14 to 15 at Cedar Falls, Iowa.
academic work. “Right now we’re just Pogel had a close call in the Lamancusa previously lost to
“For us we’re going to work focusing on the last chapter semifinals as he nearly escaped Bush in the final seconds two
out pretty hard since we’re of this season,” Hudson said. with a 3-2 victory over West weeks prior.
just starting new classes and “There’s a strong desire to end Liberty States Kayne Melko. Gallo, Harrison, Lamancusa,
everything,” he said. “We don’t this season with a bang.” However, Lamancusa got Pogel and Shields travel to
have the stress of midterms or Junior Bryan Wolff also revenge in the semifinals as Cedar Falls, Iowa on March 14
anything else like some other placed fifth at 184, but will not he defeated Mikel Bush of to 15 to compete in the Division
schools will have.” join the others at nationals. Limestone, 9-4. II national championships.

Men’s tennis ends three-game winning streak

By Christine Mersch
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst men’s tennis
team was in Hilton Head, S.C.
last week to take part in spring
break tennis.
The Lakers opened its spring
break trip with a 6-3 victory over
York College on Sunday.
The victory was the first in
four tries for the squad this year.
Pairing up at No. 1 doubles for
the first time were freshmen
Tim Hansson and Juan Franco,
who cruised to an 8-2 victory.
Sophomores Ronald Heurich
and Kyle King blanked their
opponent at No. 3 doubles 8-0.
Mercyhurst led 2-1 before
heading into singles play.
Hansson, playing No. 1 singles,
won his singles match in
straight sets, as well as King and
Franco.
Heurich pulled off a three set
victory at No. 3 singles, 6-3, 1-6,
7-6 (7-1).
Following the York match,
the Lakers faced Saint John
Fisher on Tuesday.
The match, taking place
over a two-day period because
of rain, proved to be easy
for Mercyhurst, as the squad
blanked their opponent 9-0 to
earn the win.
Leading 3-0 after sweeping
doubles the first day, Mercyhurst
swept all six singles matches on
Wednesday.
Sophomore Mijo Cotic
and freshman Adam Marnik
displayed solid play to take their
doubles match 8-3 at No. 2
doubles.
Each was victorious in their
singles match as well with Cotic
winning at No. 2 singles, 6-2, 6-
1, and Marnik in straight sets at
No. 5 singles, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4.
Heurich once again had a
tough match-up at singles but
managed to pull out a win, 6-4,
6-7 (5-7), 1-0 (10-4) at No. 3.
Mercyhurst extended its
winning streak to three, as they
defeated Capital University 8-1
on Thursday.
The Lakers dominated all
three doubles matches to start
the match.
In singles, King, Heurich,
Marnik and Franco all earned
victories.
At No. 1, Hansson went three
sets with his opponent and came
out on top 4-6, 6-1, 6-0.
The Lakers completed their
spring break trip by traveling to
Savannah, Georgia on Friday to
face Savannah College of Art
and Design, ranked No. 5 in the
NAIA. Mercyhurst’s win streak
came to a halt as Savannah took
the match 9-0.
“We played some great teams.
Savannah was tough, obviously.
But everyone played well,” said
King.
Mercyhurst is now 3-4 on
the season The Lakers will
return home to begin Great
Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference (GLIAC) play
March 14 and 15.
The Lakers will host the
University of Findlay March 14
and Ferris State March 15.
 PAGE 18 SPORTS March 5, 2008

Laker Sports ‘Quick Hits’

This week’s results...
Women’s lacrosse picks up
Baseball......................................................Feb. 26, L 14-8, Palm Beach Atlantic
Feb. 27, W 9-3, St. Bonaventure
Feb. 29, W 6-3, Mount St. Marys
three victories to open year
Feb. 29, W 7-6, West Palm Beach
Mar. 1, L 6-2, Bryant By Samantha Sellinger
Softball...................................................................................Feb. 26, W 6-3, Alma Staff writer
Feb. 26, W 4-1, Concordia (Mn.)
Feb. 28, L 6-5, Concordia
Feb. 28, L 5-0, Alma
The Mercyhurst Col-
Men’s basketball..............................................................Mar. 1, L 87-64, Findlay
Men’s hockey.....................................................................Feb. 29, L 5-3, Canisius lege women’s lacrosse team
Mar. 1, T 5-5, Canisius won its first three games
Women’s hockey....................................................Feb. 29, W 5-2, Robert Morris over spring break, giving
Mar. 1, W 5-4, Robert Morris
the women a 3-0, undefeated
Men’s lacrosse............................................................Feb 27, W 9-4, St. Andrews
Mar. 1, L 7-6, Wingate season.
Women’s lacrosse.........................................Feb. 26, W 10-3, Notre Dame (OH) Due to some great goal scor-
Men’s tennis..........................................................Feb. 26, W 9-0, St. John Fisher ing the Lakers won their first
Feb. 29, SCAD, L 9-0
game this season against Lees-
Women’s water polo..........................................................Mar. 1, L 17-8, Wagner
Mar. 1, W 9-7, Slippery Rock McRae College with an impres-
Mar. 2, W 8-6, George Washington sive score of 25-5. Sports Information photo

Wrestling...................................Mar. 1, 3rd place, NCAA Division II East Region This was the first time they Junior Jessie Horeth drives towards the cage looking to
score during a win earlier this year.
won their season opener since
Pogel/Griepsma Athletes of the week 2005 and the team broke the added two goals and three on the season, the first time in
school record for goals in a assists. sophomore Celeste seven years.
Junior wrestler Brian Pogel and freshman Rachel Griepsma of game in a season-opener. Shefferly, freshman Ashley Haggerty led the team scor-
women’s water polo are this week’s athletes of the week. Pogel tied
“This team is such an impres- Dulaney, freshman Kimberly ing six goals, junior Katy Miller
the school record with his 32nd victory of the season and earned his
second consecutive NCAA Division II Eastern Region Championship. sive and talented group of Masterton,and freshman Maria scored three times and had an
Griepsma scored 10 goals at the ECAC Championships over the lacrosse players,” said sopho- Rosettie all assist, Horeth and Masterton
weekend, helping the Lakers to a 2-1 record and fifth-place finish. more attacker, Kate scored each completed one goal and
Smith. “We are their first two assists and sophomore
Women’s hockey named team of the week determined to career goalkeeper Maeve McGoff
be victori- goals as made 10 saves.
The women’s hockey team finished the regular season by
sweeping CHA opponent Robert Morris defeating the Colonials 5- well. In their most recent game,
2 Friday and squeaking by with a 5-4 overtime victory Saturday. In versus Notre Dame College
The Lakers have finished with a regular season record of 24-7-3. (OH), the Lakers shutout an
ous.”
opponent for an entire half for
O n l y
Men’s hockey tickets on sale for AH quarterfinal series the first time since 2004 and
13 seconds into
finished with a 9-3 win.
The men’s hockey team will play Canisius in a best-of-three Atlantic play Mercyhurst junior
The team is now ranked 10th
Hockey Association quarterfinal series on Friday, Saturday and Sunday Jessie Horeth scored the
in the nation, tied with Pfeiffer
(if necessary), at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. All games start at 7:05 p.m. first goal and set the tone
Mercyhurst students with proper identification will be able to pick up tickets University, and many players
for the game.
to all quarterfinal games in advance and without charge at the Mercyhurst
the are promising to have great sea-
While Lees-McRae
Athletic Center today through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. sons. Haggerty was named to
took a short lead in the team’s
the Tewaaraton Trophy Watch
B2 Networks to broadcast CHA women’s tournament beginning of the game, second
List and has scored 16 goals
it was Mercyhurst who match this
already, and McGoff is allow-
College Hockey America (CHA) and B2 Networks announced today that the led at halftime 12-2. season, the
ing just 4.67 goals per game
entire 2008 CHA women’s tournament will be broadcast worldwide on B2 They were able to hold it girls took
Networks. All action will be broadcast live from Dwyer Arena in Niagara and making 58 percent of her
together and outshoot Lees- an early lead
University, N.Y. save opportunities.
McRae for the win. against Rollins
So far the season looks glo-
All-American candidate, College when
Women’s hockey still ranked No. 7 rious for the team, who play
Junior Breanna Haggerty, Haggerty scored
their next game away against
Team (First Place) Record Pts Last Week played a strong game with four consecutive
Georgian Court University on
1. Harvard (10) 29-1-0 145 1 six goals and two assists. goals putting Mercy-
2. New Hampshire (5) 30-3-1 136 2 Saturday.
Junior Page Christensen hurst ahead 5-0.
3. Minnesota Duluth 29-4-1 124 3 They won’t play their
4. Minnesota 27-5-4 99 4 also scored six goals, They stayed in the
first home game until
5. Wisconsin 26-7-3 89 5 while Horeth had three lead, winning with
March 22, against Queens
6. St. Lawrence 27-8-1 82 6 goals and two assists,and a score of 16-6. The
7. Mercyhurst 24-7-3 58 7 University (NC).
Junior Kristen Toomey team improved to 2-0
 March 5, 2008
Softball shows youth
By Rhonda Marable
Staff writer
During spring break the Mer-
cyhurst women’s softball team
traveled south to Fort Myers,
Florida to play in the Gene
Cusic Tournament to kick off
the 2008 season.
After graduating its top two
pitchers and three of the top
four hitters from last season,
head coach Sara Headley looks
to mold her new, young team
into a conference contender
this season.
Coach Headley begins her
fifth season with a record of
76-97-1, needing just one win
to become the all-time win-
ningest coach in Mercyhurst
softball history.
On Sunday, Feb. 24 the
Lakers opened with a pair of
losses to Concordia St. Paul.
The first game ended with
the Golden Bears blanking
the Lakers 3-0 but the Lakers
fought back later in the after-
noon ending the game just
short of a win 7-6.
On Monday, Feb. 25 the
Lakers picked up their first win
against Alma 3-2.
Freshman Amanda Norman
picked up her first ever col-
legiate victory on the mound
with the two-hitter.
With the win, head coach
Headley got the one victory
she needed, earning her 77th
career win.
Following the win in the
morning, the Lakers got an
opportunity to rematch Con-
cordia St. Paul.
The Golden Bears defeated
the Lakers with the largest
margin of victory for the tour-
nament going 14-6.
The Lakers bounced back on
Tuesday with another win over
Alma 6-3, and a 4-1 second
rematch victory over Concor-
dia St. Paul.
The softball team opened its season with a 3-5 record, as
the women continue to improve with their young roster.
Sophomore pitcher Carina
Crow earned her first victory
of the season with the victory
over Alma and Norman picked
up her second win, holding
Concordia St. Paul to a single
run.
Coming off of the two vic-
tories the Lakers could not
manage to end the tournament
on a winning note.
Concordia St. Paul pulled
out another close game against
the Lakers 6-5 and even with
a double by team captain Jes-
sica McNurlen, the Lakers were
blanked against Alma 5-0.
Mercyhurst completed the
weekend 2-1 against Alma and
1-4 against Concordia St. Paul.
The women will hit the field
next in Florence, South Caro-
lina at the Francis Marion Invi-
tational on March 7-9.
After returning from Florida,
the Lakers come back to Erie
and an eighth-place finish rank-
ing in the GLIAC.
The team was picked to fin-
ished eighth in the conference
by a poll of conference coaches.
SPORTS
Contributed photo
Eight of the 11 GLIAC teams
will advance to the GLIAC
Tournament at the end of the
regular season.
The Lakers finished 11-9
with a fifth-place ranking in the
conference last season, earning
them 39 points in the polls.
The Lakers were picked to
finish ahead of Hillsdale, Find-
lay and Lake Superior State.
Sophomore shortstop Megan
Houston is the only return-
ing all-conference player, bat-
ting .279 with four homers last
year.
Backing her up is McNurlen
and senior outfielder Erin
Ratajczak. Ratajczak bats .320
and started all 45 games last
year.
With the completion of the
spring break trip, the Lakers
hold a record of 3-5 thus far.
The Lakers will have six
opportunities to improve their
record in the Francis Marion
Invitational beginning with
their first game against Coker
on Friday at 3 p.m.
Men’s basketball
falls to No. 6 Findlay
to end season
By Christine Mersch
Staff writer
For the third straight season,
the Mercyhurst men’s basket-
ball team made a post season
appearance in the GLIAC tour-
nament.
This year, the Lakers trav-
eled to Findlay, Ohio to face the
No. 6-ranked University of
Findlay in the GLIAC quarter-
finals.
Findlay’s explosive offense
proved to be too much for the
Lakers to handle, as they ran
away with the victory, 87-64.
Mercyhurst managed to keep
the Oilers within striking dis-
tance early, trailing 30-23 with
just over six minutes left in the
first half.
However, Findlay (25-3)
entered the quarterfinal match-
up against Mercyhurst with 58-
straight regular season wins at
home.
That seemed to be their
advantage over the Lakers as
they pulled away and headed
into the locker room at the half
leading 51-31.
Several Lakers tried to change
the momentum in the second
half. Senior Terry Smith and
junior Brian McTear each had
12 second-half points. How-
Men’s lax opens season at 2-1
From staff reports
The Merciad
The Mercyhurst College men’s
lacrosse team opened its season
with three straight road games
in the state of North Carolina.
The No. 3 Lakers, despite
coming off of a national cham-
PAGE 19
ever, the Lakers could not close
the gap.
Mercyhurst was led by Smith,
one of four graduating play-
ers on this year’s squad. Smith
poured in 26 points and made
six 3-pointers in the contest,
closing the books on a stellar
career as a Laker.
Smith finished his career
ranked sixth on the Mercyhurst
scoring list and holds the record
for career 3-pointers made.
Senior T.J. Mathis had nine
points, seven rebounds, and a
game-high five assists in his last
game of his career.
Mathis finished his senior
year averaging 13.5 points per
game and ranked second in the
GLIAC in steals.
Joining him in graduation are
Cory Tubo and Luke Handley.
Handley appeared in 11
games and made six starts this
season.
Tubo, who has been sidelined
with injury this season, earned
four starts and made 15 appear-
ances throughout his final
season.
The Lakers finished with 15
wins this season, earning their
third-straight winning season.
This was the last season for
Mercyhurst in the GLIAC, as
the Lakers will join the PSAC
beginning next season.
pionship appearance, manged
to go 2-1 on the trip
After Mercyhurst picked up a
9-3 victory over Queens College
and a 9-4 defeat at St. Andrews,
the Lakers fell to Wingate 7-6 in
overtime.
Juniors Mike Bartlett and
Aaron Manzer currently lead
the team with eight points.
PAGE 20 SPORTS March 5, 2008

Laker sports

Women’s lax
has best start
in seven years
>>Page 18
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