Senior wrestler named All-American 19

Profiling
a killer
3-part series / This week: Profile
Seung-Hui Cho, at right, shot dead 32 students
before killing himself. Steven Kazmierczak killed
five students, then himself. In its final installment,
The Merciad spoke with world-renowned criminal
profiler Brent Turvey and the college’s counseling
staff to dissect what exactly motivates one to kill.
| Joshua Wilwohl reports on page 6
PAGE 2
Class ‘Seizes the Day’ Future RAs
Mother, daughter team up with sales
management class to raise money for disorder
By Liz Maier
Staff writer
Mercyhurst College senior
Kaitlyn Slomski is working with
her sales marketing class to help
find a cure for a disorder Slomski
suffers from: Epilepsy.
“Since Epilepsy research is the
most under-funded disorder, it is
the focus for my sales manage-
ment class’ fundraising project,”
said Jill Slomski, the professor of
the marketing class and Kaitlyn’s
mom.
In past semesters, Sloms-
ki’s class has coordinated fund
raisers to benefit cancer and
heart disease research at Rain-
bows, Babies and Children’s
Hospital.
“Our winter term class raised
$6,100 for cancer research,” said
Jill Slomski. “We want to surpass
that amount spring term.”
Students in Slomski’s sales
management class are split into
small groups and each are in the
process of fundraising.
Sophomore Jen Charles and
junior Joe Cook are working on
a mixture of fundraisers.
“We are selling green ‘Seize
the Day’ bracelets at the Book-
store for $2, and we are asking a
number of businesses for dona-
tions,” said Charles.
Studying business manage-
ment, Cook said he contacted
Quality Markets and several
other companies located in the
K-Mart shopping plaza.
“Our group is asking busi-
nesses like CVS pharmacy to put
paper donation baseballs from
the Epilepsy Foundation in their
stores,” said Cook.
“If businesses donate some-
thing like a gift basket, we will
raffle it off.”
Another group composed
begin race
of junior Robert Larson, se-
nior Bryan Tyler, senior Danny
O’Shurak and sophomore Kurt
Young submitted a philanthropy
request to Mercyhurst Student
Government.
“We submitted their name
(Epilepsy Foundation) as the re-
cipient for MSG’s Charity Ball,”
said Larson.
Cory Tubo, a senior business
finance major, and his group
members, coordinated a March
Madness basketball tournament
over the weekend in the main
gym.
An entry donation fee of $10
was charged for each team. Ad-
ditional donations were accepted
as well.
All the money fundraised will
be given to the West and Central
Epilepsy Foundation of Pennsyl-
vania because they are extremely
underfunded.
Kaitlyn Slomski is one of
more than 2.5 million United
States citizens affected by Epi-
lepsy, a chronic neurological
disorder caused by sudden and
brief changes in the brain’s elec-
trical balance.
Often referred to as a “seizure
disorder,” Epilepsy can affect
any person, at any age, and at
any time.
Most causes are unknown, but
some are hereditary, according to
the Epilepsy Foundation.
The foundation’s Web site
also states when there are excess
electrical discharges in the brain,
seizures occur.
Generally lasting from a few
seconds to a few minutes, sei-
zures alter physical movements,
emotions, actions and awareness,
states the site.
Kaitlyn was diagnosed with
adolescent epilepsy in sev-
enth grade after she was unre-
sponsive from experiencing a
NEWS March 19, 2008
head injury.
Initially, doctors believed she
had a concussion, but, after thor-
ough examination, she was diag-
nosed with a rare type of epilepsy
known as absence epilepsy.
Characteristics of this type
of epilepsy include a person
staring blankly, beginning and
ending abruptly, and lacking
awareness of the seizure until it
has ceased.
“During my seizure, I could
only remember fleeting moments
such as being in class and then
being put in the ambulance,”
said Kaitlyn. “It’s like I’m day
dreaming.”
Jill Slomski said Kaitlyn’s con-
dition has not made any drastic Scoot Williams photo
changes to her body. Elise Frey and Ryan Heise discuss the selection of new
“Every moment you seize, resident assistants for the 2008-2009 school year.
you can produce scar tissue,” she
SAAC hosts
said. “Luckily for Kaitlyn, she
does not have any.”
There is no cure for epilepsy,
but the disease can be eased with
talent show
anti-epileptic medication.
A handful of Mercyhurst
students, including Kaitlyn, will
travel to Washington, D.C. on
March 28 to participate in the
National Epilepsy Foundation
benefit walk on March 29 at 8
a.m. at the National Mall.
“I am very excited about the
walk and the fundraisers because
there are many stigmas attached
to Epilepsy and people who have
it,” said Kaitlyn Slomski.
“I hope the walk and fundrais-
ers will raise awareness.”
The walk’s entry fee is $35
and volunteers are expected to
find their own transportation
however, according to Kaitlyn,
her mother will be driving walk-
ers via van. Scoot Williams photo
Students can sign up at the Accompanied on piano by Jamie Schroter, Braedyn Ordway
Web site,www.walkforepilepsy. sings her first-prize winning Mariah Carey selection at the
org. Mercyhurst’s group name is Student Athlete Advisory Committee talent show, held
“Seize the Day.” Tuesday, March 18.
March 19, 2008
‘One Book’ hopes to diffuse school violence
By Tim Hucko
Contributing writer
Mercyhurst College senior
Ashley Gabriel is leading a revo-
lution. In late December while
doing some leisurely reading,
Gabriel came across a book that
would change her world.
Moved by Jodi Picoult’s
“Nineteen Minutes;” a shock-
ing novel on the horrific reality
of school violence in today’s
society, Gabriel made it her mis-
sion to bring this issue into the
spotlight.
Rallying with Kappa Delta
Pi advisor Dr. Ruth Auld, the
duo formulated a plan to bring
“Nineteen Minutes” to the Mer-
cyhurst community.
“I was really moved by what
the book had to say, and real-
ized how big of an issue that
is going unaddressed all across
our nation,” said Gabriel. “I
wanted to change that and shed
some light on school violence;
something that could happen
anywhere.”
Through careful deliberation,
the pair decided that a “One
Book” would be the perfect
solution.
The concept of a One Book
is to get the entire school com-
munity involved in reading the
same book and then addressing
the issues and concerns together
as a whole.
“We started with just the
education department reading
the book, but then realized that
the issued involved many more
majors on campus,” said Gabriel.
“So far we have had a great
response from multiple schools
on campus, in particular the
Criminal Justice department.”
“It’s a frightening way to solve
a problem, to think that shooting
is a solution, and one nobody
wants to talk about,” said Auld.
With growing support, Gabriel
and Auld changed the book
NEWS PAGE 3
reading into a three-day event
that will encompass an overview,
student-led discussions and a
panel discussion of experts from
various fields and professions.
The first day of activities will
start on April 15 in the Her-
rmann Student Union at 8:15
p.m.
The night will start with an
overview of the book and then
discussions about school shoot-
ings.
The One Book event will also
acknowledge and remember
the many school shootings that
have occurred during the week
in April: Padukah on April 18,
2001; Columbine on April 20,
1999; Edinboro on April 25,
1998 Virginia Tech on April 20,
2007, among others.
On March 16 there will be
a student-led discussion in the
Mercy Heritage Room at 8:15
p.m. that will focus on specific
facets of the book, particularly
addressing the prevalent cultural
issues. Contributed photo
Specific majors will have brief Junior Lauren Weisser is reading Jodi Picoult’s novel, “Nineteen Minutes.” The book
presentations and discussion recounts the horrific reality of violence in schools. The issues in the novel will be the main
questions at the end of the focus of the One Book event.
meeting.
The last night, April 17, will
begin with a panel discussion “We picked this week to host Auld agreed. “The first night of discussion
of experts from various fields these events because multi- “This is not the kind of world might be a little hard to follow
who will respond to the issue of ple shootings have taken place I want to live in; nor is it the type for students who have not read,
school shootings in the Mercy around this time and we felt this of world I want my children and but the second and third night
Heritage Room at 8:15 p.m. would be a good way to com- grandchildren to be in either.” will be perfect for anybody who
Speakers include: Pat Crist memorate all those who have To students interested in read- wants to help pave the way for a
from Edinboro, Pa. (General been affected by these tragedies,” ing and participating in the One better future,” Gabriel said. “If
McLane School District, Prin- Gabriel said. Book events, copies of “Nine- enough students step forward
cipal at Parker Middle School “Our goal is to raise awareness, teen Minutes” may be purchased about this issue, the school will
in 1998); Jack Daneri, District because this is our generation’s in the bookstore for $11. have to respond.”
Attorney; Tina Cornell, Stair- issue. We are all graduating soon Junior Lauren Weisser recently “Students should read the
ways Clinical Adolescent Case and it will be our responsibility purchased the book and has been book because it is wonderful and
Management Supervisor; Patty to work to resolve this problem glued to the pages ever since. really eye opening.
Palotas, Erie School District that has been in our schools for “I never really thought much “I hope the community comes
Student Assistance Program and the past 10 years. about school violence and how out for the discussions because
Mental Health Coordinator Dr. “Bringing the student body nobody is ever really safe; even we can make a change, and we
Charles Joy, Medical Director together and discussing the seri- here at Mercyhurst,” Weisser need to make it before tragedy
County Mental Health Office ous issues at hand could start said. strikes again,” said Gabriel.
and Child and Adolescent Psy- something big; something that For students who have not had For more information on
chiatrist, who will present what needs to happen on college cam- the opportunity to read the book, the One Book event contact
we can do to prevent school puses across the United States,” attendance to these events is Ashley Gabriel at agabri37@
violence. Gabriel said. still encouraged. mercyhurst.edu.
 PAGE 4
Adovasio appointed provost
By Javiera Cubillos
Staff writer
Another job was placed on the
shoulders of Dr. James M. Ado-
vasio, but he says he will be able
to tackle it – no problem.
Adovasio was named Mer-
cyhurst College’s first provost
in early March by Dr. Thomas
Gamble, the college’s president,
and the Board of Trustees.
Adovasio, an archeology pro-
fessor at Mercyhurst since 1991,
is also dean of the Zurn School
of Natural Sciences and Math-
ematics, director of the Mercy-
hurst Archaeological Institute
and senior counselor to the
president.
As provost, Adovasio will be
responsible for academics, athlet-
ics, student life and the branch
campuses though he already had
responsibility for athletics and
branch campuses prior to this
appointment.
Gamble said Adovasio’s new
position is one that will help
build his leadership.
“Though common in academia
both Gannon and Edinboro have
provosts for example, this is the
Lake Erie grows greener through grant
By Julie Hrancia
Staff writer
Mercyhurst College students
will conduct a study starting in
June to make sure local water is
in tip ‘tap’ shape.
The college’s biology depart-
m e n t r e c e n t l y r e c e ive d a
$106,500, “Growing Greener”
grant that gives students the
opportunity to study the waters
of Walnut Creek and Elk
Creek.
During the study, students
first time Mercyhurst has one,”
said Gamble. “Dr. Adovasio’s
leadership will bring [these aca-
demic departments] to new levels
of excellence.”
Gamble said that this new
addition will bring positive
changes to Mercyhurst.
“The college will benefit
because of Dr. Adovasio’s com-
mitment to academic excellence,
his experience at several different
colleges and universities and his
contacts with grant and funding
agencies,” he said.
Adovasio is enthusiastic at the
opportunity to make Mercyhurst
a better place.
“I hope to elevate not only
the quality of the student learn-
ing and living experience at
the college but also to provide
for faculty the opportunity to
expand their horizons and their
engagement with their respective
fields,” he said.
As Adovasio takes on some
of Gamble’s previous respon-
sibilities, it leaves the president
free of some routine operational
matters, giving him more time to
work on the college’s mission,
five-year strategic plan and the
funding necessary for these to
will identify sources of bacteria
and chemicals in these selected
creeks.
Dr. Steve Mauro and Dr. Clin-
ton Jones, professors of biology
and chemistry at Mercyhurst, are
spearheading the project, with
Mauro studying bacteria and
Jones studying chemical levels.
Both professors sub-
mitted the g rant last year
after they found evidence
of bacteria in these bodies of
water from former research
projects.
“What makes our research
NEWS
be met.
“I will be allowed to spend
more time on our strategic ini-
tiatives, as well as with students,
faculty, trustees and potential
donors,” Gamble said.
The board of trustees chose
Adovasio after Gamble proposed
his idea of integrating a provost
to the college. He says that ever
since he became president two
years ago, he has seen Adovasio’s
work and realized that he would
be a great addition as an admin-
istrator.
“In the role of senior coun-
selor to the president and in what
he has done for the sciences here
at Mercyhurst I have come to see
that in addition to being an excel-
lent scholar, Dr. Adovasio is also
a very effective administrator,”
said Gamble.
Freshman Aleca Jarvis is an
anthropology major and met
Adovasio when he guest lectured
in her class.
“He seems like he’s extremely
knowledgeable and like he’ll be
a good addition to the college as
its provost,” she said.
Among his accolades, Adova-
sio is a renowned archaeologist
for his excavation at Meadow-
unique is that we are going to
combine both biological and
chemical studies in order to
correlate the presence of bac-
teria and chemicals,” said Jones.
“[This] could provide details
into the impact that humans are
having on this region.”
Research for the grant will
also involve teams chosen by
Mauro and Jones, comprised
of two undergraduate biology
students and one undergraduate
chemistry student.
“Having the opportunity to
research the grant will provide
March 19, 2008
Contributed photo
The dean of the Zurn School of Natural Sciences and
Mathematics, director of the Mercyhurst Archaeological
Institute and senior counselor to the president, Dr. James M.
Adovasio, was named Mercyhurst College’s first provost by
President Dr. Thomas Gamble and the Board of Trustees.
croft Rockshelter, the earliest site “I view this as an opportu-
in North America with evidence nity to attempt to do for the
of human life. college at large what has been
He also turned the college’s accomplished with the Zurn
archaeological department into School of Natural Sciences and
the leading research program of Mathematics,” said Adovasio.
North America after becoming “Hopefully the net result of this
chairperson of the department entire process will be a better
in 1990. Mercyhurst.”
these students with the neces- the beaches of Erie, which
sary skills to enter graduate point to levels of bacteria in
school,” said Mauro. the water.
Students will also get the He said the study affects
chance to work directly with students because both Walnut
experienced faculty members and Elk creeks are big sources
and learn about the environ- of water, such as bathing water
ment, said the professors. on Presque Isle.
Jones said the students “The water dumps into Lake
involved will also have the chance Erie where we [do recreations]
to perform some research in the such as fishing,” said Mauro.
new Sr. Mary Charles Weschler After the research is complete,
Chemistry Lab, which will open according to Jones, an action
in Zurn Hall this fall. plan will be developed to reduce
Mauro has done studies in pollution in the bodies of water
the past about bacteria levels on surrounding Lake Erie.
March 19, 2008
Sister Kathleen accepted the Oscar Romero award and
gave a lecture on “The Spiritual Challenge of Immigration”
Tuesday night.
Immigration
advocate awarded
By Ashley Pastor
Staff writer
Kathleen Erickson, RSM,
a longtime advocate for just
immigration policies and border
issues, received this year’s Arch-
bishop Oscar Romero Award
from Mercyhurst College.
Sister Kathleen accepted the
award and to gave a lecture on
“The Spiritual Challenge of
Immigration.”
Sister Kathleen has spent the
last 15 years working near the
U.S./Mexico border, as well as
traveling and studying in Latin
America.
The lecture on Tuesday night
focused on bringing light to
events taking place on the south-
ern borders.
She called for the crowd to
take a moment of silence.
“Cast aside all of your
thoughts...bring your heart and
soul into the room,” she said.
She continued on explain-
ing her presence in the issue
and her first-hand experience
with the situations plaguing the
country’s border.
NEWS PAGE 5
Scoot Williams photo
She is co-founder and former
director of the Women’s Inter-
cultural Center in Anthony,
N.M., a rural community near
the U.S./Mexico border that’s
one of the most economi-
cally impoverished areas in the
United States.
Sister Kathleen talked about
the scope of symbols for which
the word division stands.
“Within ourselves, divisions
are what keeps us from being
who we want to be,” she said.
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incredible depth.”
She questioned the contents
of the major religions; abiding
in love, God and themselves and BY MARCH 24
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PAGE 6 NEWS March 19, 2008

How to profile a potential killer

Final part of the three-part series on college campus safety
By Joshua Wilwohl
Editor-in-chief
No one could have predicted
that on Feb. 14, 2008, 27-year-
old Steven Kazmierczak would
walk onto the Northern Illinois
University campus and shoot
dead five students.
Media have said Kazmierczak
forgot to take his medication.
Other reports say Kazmierczak
just snapped.
For world-renowned criminal
profiler Brent Turvey, it’s too
early to tell the motive behind
Kazmierczak’s killings.
Turvey, an adjunct lecturer
at Bond University in Robina,
Australia, and author of Crimi-
nal Profiling, Third Edition:
An Introduction to Behavioral
Evidence Analysis, said it’s more
than difficult to predict or even
point out a person who could
commit a school shooting.
“There is no way to predict
any crime, only anticipate the
possibility that crime can or
may occur,” he said. “The most
important thing is that there
really isn’t a profile of a school
shooter.”
Turvey says the stereotype that
a school shooter is one that suf-
fers from depression, wears black
all the time and talks about death
is a bogus label.
“The way the teenage mind
works, [they] actually gravitate
towards…negativity, but that’s
just them working out their frus-
trations,” he said. “This could
mean dyeing your hair black or
whatever, but it doesn’t mean
he’s a killer.”
He said most people think:
Dark hair, dark shirt…must be
a killer.
“Teenagers who are trying to
work out their personality may
emulate or address their man-
nerisms from those who use
violence, such as thug and gang
music that is all about violence,
but does not necessarily result in
violence,” he said. “They adopt
[these characteristics], but do not
emulate violence.”
Turvey said, though, there are
signs that are known to accu-
rately predict or discriminate the
school shooter from others.
Dr. Judy Smith, Mercyhurst
College’s counseling center direc-
tor, said there are certain red flags
people can look for that could
spark violence in a person.
“We don’t have a great ability
to predict who’s going to walk in
with a gun,” she said.
Smith said some of the “red
flags” are social isolation, stu-
dents who perceive themselves
as socially unaccepted and have
an “axe to grind” with some-
one, and preoccupation with
weapons, violence, guns and
paramilitary action.
“When those individuals
[who exhibit some red flags] get
stressed, then you could have a
problem,” she said.
Both Turvey and Smith said
these types of crimes usually
end in suicide, but are sparked by
anger, revenge or jealousy.
Turvey said Seung-Hui Cho,
who shot dead 32 students at
Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007,
is an ultimate example of anger.
“This was utter narcissism
bred by spending time alone,”
said Turvey. “He thought this is
the gateway to fame, the gateway
to celebrity.”
As for Kazmierczak at North-
ern Illinois University, Turvey
says it’s too soon to tell.
“To figure out why he did it,
we have to figure out who he
shot,” he said. “He didn’t involve
his girlfriend, and it could have
been a mental illness if he was
off his medication, but, every
mentally ill person is not a school
shooter.”
Smith said people who go
through with school shootings
do so ultimately to kill them-
selves.
“It’s been pretty clear that
those who go in to do these
shootings go in to kill themselves
as well,” she said. “There’s some
sort of suicidal element that’s
different than killers on the
street.”
Smith said those who commit
school shootings look for a way
out of life.
“[Those doing] the shootings
don’t expect to get out,” she said.
“It’s more of a goodbye event.”
She said school shooters usu-
ally are people that “…think
they don’t mean much in this
world.”
Turvey stresses, though, there
is no single profile of a campus
shooter, and those who are con-
sidered “outcasts,” should not
be ignored.
“If you think someone is
troubled, talk to them and learn
what they say,” he said. “Have
them talk about their hopes and
dreams and then you won’t be
afraid of them.”
Smith agrees.
“You don’t have to be afraid
of those depressed,” she said.
“Treat them with respect and
politeness to make life a little
easier.”
Smith said, though, if any stu-
dent starts to exhibit certain “red
flags,” students should contact
the residence life office at (814)
824-2422.
“If there’s a roommate who
is always angry, looking at guns
online, talking about hurting
someone else, then someone
[should be notified],” she said.
Smith urges not to call the
counseling center if this occurs
because there is very little they
are able to do until residence life
is involved.
Turvey said if students do
discuss killing a person, then it’s
something to take seriously.
“All threats must be taken
seriously,” he said. “If a stu-
dent just jokes around about
murder, then this is its own red
flag for a deficient or misplaced
value system.”

Police log laker briefs

Larceny/Theft Liquor Law Violation
Zurn Hall 3925 Lewis Ave I.T. Contest
As a fun learning tool for students, faculty and staff, the I.T. department is running a series
March 5 March 8
of contests about the available communication tools that keep the Mercyhurst community
Closed College Discipline informed.

Controlled Substance Liquor Law Violation Senior Awards Nominations Online

Parking Lot 11 East Duval The Senior Awards Nominating Process has gone green. No more paper nomination forms!
March 7 March 9 Nominate your choices for the Senior Awards today by visiting seniorawards.mercyhurst.edu.
College Discipline College Discipline
Mercyhurst College Service Honors Society
Liquor Law Violation Criminal Mischief The Mercyhurst College Service Honor Society is established to honor graduating seniors
who exemplify the college’s mission-centered commitment to “service to others.” Nomination
McAuley Hall Parking Lot 2
forms are available at the following in the Registrar office, Residence Life and the Office of the
March 8 March 13
Student Union & Student Activities.
State Citation Closed -lakernet.mercyhurst.edu
 March 19, 2008 FEATURES PAGE 7

Here comes Peter Cottontail

By Jen Gildea
Features editor
For those people with a serious
sweet tooth, the perfect holiday
is just around the corner.
With Easter comes a plethora
of candy options, including jelly
beans, Reese’s peanut butter
eggs, chocolate bunnies and, of
course, marshmallow Peeps.
Statistics show that Easter is
the second most important holi-
day for candy, coming up short
behind Halloween.
Nearly as much candy is con-
sumed on Easter as any other
holiday, raking in the billions of
dollars spent by consumers.
But just how well do consum-
ers know the candy that they
eat?
There are many surprising facts
that provide humor and thought
to this candy-infested holiday.
According to popular tradi-
tions, chocolate bunnies are
meant to be eaten “ears first.”
Marshmallow Peeps shaped as
chicks are most popularly found
in yellow, followed by pink, blue
and lavender.
Other shapes of the sugary
candy include eggs and bunnies.
Experts have estimated that if
all of the jelly beans bought and
hidden in Easter baskets were
lined up, they would be able to
circle the globe three times.
Jelly Belly is perhaps one of
the most popular jelly bean pro-
ducers, as it has made a name
for itself by creating obscure
and surprising flavors, including
butter popcorn, jalapeno and
honey biscuit.
Feeling nauseous yet?
Whatever happened to the hot
cross buns that were one of the
earliest Easter treat traditions?
While the sweet tooth may be
pulsating, there are alternatives.
For those who want to avoid
the impending cavities sure to be
brought on by the onslaught of
so much Easter candy, use non-
sugar items in Easter baskets,
Scoot Williams photo
such as gift cards, movie tickets
or homemade Easter cards. Oversize chocolate bunnies are among Easter favorites.

Animated films not just for kids
By Carly Lyons
Staff writer
Remember the good old days
when kids actually got excited
about waking up early on a Sat-
urday morning to watch cartoons
or begged their parents to see
the latest animated Disney or
Pixar film?
Even though Disney and Pixar
seem to be putting out less and
less animated films, the films
that do come out seem to be
appealing not only to the younger
generation, but teens and adults
as well.
Some films like Beauty and the
Beast, Toy Story, Aladdin, The
Little Mermaid and The Lion
King will always be classics but
are becoming less and less well-
known as some of the new hits
become popular among audi-
ences of all ages.
A couple of the newer ani-
mated films include Happy Feet,
the story of a colony of penguins
who attempt to find their own
“heartsong” and deal with many
issues, such as acceptance, peer
pressure and love, as well as
addressing environmental issues
in the Antarctic.
Freshman Jackie McCarthy is a
big fan of Happy Feet.
“I love the movie and the story
behind it,” she said.
The characters are voiced
by such celebrities as Nicole
Kidman, Elijah Wood, Robin
Williams, Hugh Jackman and
Brittany Murphy, and the film
won the Academy Award for
Best Animated Feature in 2006.
Another popular animated
movie is Ratatouille, which fol-
lows a rat named Remy living in
Paris who dreams of becoming
the best chef in his hometown
but is challenged by the disap-
proval of his family and the
prejudice of humans.
Ratatouille won the Academy
Award for Best Animated Fea-
tured Film in 2007, as well as
winning a Grammy Award for
Best Score Soundtrack Album
the same year.
It seems that many Mercyhurst
College students like Disney and
Pizar films.
“I like old-school Disney
films,” said senior Steve Faber.
“Pretty much anything pre-Toy
Story is good.”
Sophomore Catherine Mat-
thews agreed, adding that she
“loves all of the Disney clas-
sics.”
Other films popular with all
generations include The Incred-
ibles, the Shrek trilogy and Find-
ing Nemo.

http://www.flashmanstudios.com http://www.teachwithmovies.org http://www.hollywoodjesus.com http://images.broadwayworld.com http://www.the-reel-mccoy.com

PAGE 8 FEATURES March 19, 2008

THE LAKER
Spring Term
Galley Grill
Dinner:
Lunch: S - Turkey Burger
M - General Tso’s Chicken over rice w/ broccoli
M - Club Sandwich T - Salisbury Steak, mashed potatoes and
T - Chicken Caesar veggies
W - Chicken Quesadilla W - Veal Parm over pasta
Th - Breakfast for Lunch Th - Buffalo chicken sandwich usatoday.com/sports

F - Fish Sandwich or Grilled Portabella Many MLB teams are offering all-you-can-eat seats for 2008.
F - Tuna Melt or Grilled
Sandwich

Buffet at the
Portabella Sandwich
S - Pepperoni Pizza Sub
S - Sloppy Joe

Board Specials Hours of Operation:

baseball field
Lunch $4.75 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
Dinner $5.50 Saturday 1:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Sunday 5:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Look for New Menu Items!

Mac & Cheese Bites
New Salads:
Chicken BLT-Veggie(no cheese)-Spinach-Asian Chicken-
Greek-Caesar
Subconnection
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
Black Bean Burger By Chris James
Staff writer
Sitting at a baseball game with
a drink and hotdog in hand is an
Special Features
image with which most people
can relate when thinking of our
Wrap combo-Veggie $5.59 nation’s favorite past time.
The problem with this image is
other wraps $5.79 the prices that one must pay in
‘Wrap It Yourself’- Veggie $3.99 order to get the tickets, food and
other wraps $ 4.19 drinks at the game.
Thanks to a new trend emerg-
ing within Major League Baseball
Hours of Operation: stadiums, people can get all three
Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. of these amenities for a single
price.
Saturday 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
In fact, you can get as much
Sunday 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. food and drink as you desire.
Baseball fans willing to pay a
little extra for designated “all-
you-can-eat seats” will find them-
selves enjoying as many hotdogs,
Look for Laker Express nachos and drinks as they desire
Minute Meals! during the game.
Some of these stadiums are
even offering beer and candy
Hours of Operation: with this deal for an small addi-
tional fee.
Mon.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Sophomore Tim Raley thinks
Friday 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. the idea of all-you-can-eat is
Saturday & Sunday Closed creative and interesting.
“I would be willing to pay the
extra money,” he said. “Food
tends to be expensive there
normally, and it’s more about
community than all-you-can-eat.
You go to a baseball game not
only to watch but to be a part
of the crowd and the food helps
with that.”
Of course, dietitians are out-
raged at the idea of baseball fans
stuffing themselves full of the
unhealthy food.
“Baseball food is an American
tradition and people can make
dietary sacrifices on one night,”
said sophomore Garrett Evans.
“I think it’s about choice,”
Raley said. “If people want to
eat an apple, they’d bring an
apple and eat it at the game.”
Regardless of how unhealthy
this new trend is, it has obtained
instant popularity.
Most of these special seats sell
out each night.
Combining the growing trend
of obesity among Americans
with an all-you-can-eat buffet in
baseball will likely not have an
effect on this trend.
Of course, regularly eating as
much as you can at every baseball
game you attend will be disas-
trous for your health.
As always, remember that
moderation is essential.
 March 19, 2008
Dos and don’ts of business attire
Kappa Delta Pi honors society previews fashion show of what’s appropriate
By Sandy Watro
Staff writer
The Honors Society in the
education department, known as
Kappa Delta Pi, hosted the Pro-
fessional Dress Fashion Show on
Saturday, March 15.
The show’s theme was based
on the popular television show
“What Not to Wear,” which airs
on TLC.
This theme demonstrated the
imperative need for appropriate
dress in the workplace.
This particular premise was
selected to inform individuals
of the guidelines of professional
and appropriate dress within a
business environment.
Duel models humorously
demonstrated these guidelines
through a “before,” or inappro-
priate look, and an “after,” or
appropriate outfit.
Kappa Delta Pi’s event was
held in order to raise money for
a program titled Reading is Fun-
damental, which helps distribute
books to local school districts
from the elementary through
high school levels.
The program involves Kappa
members’ direct involvement.
They not only distribute the
books to every child in a particu-
lar class, but also read them aloud
to the students.
Junior education major Lauren
Weisser was in charge of direct-
ing and producing the show.
“It’s an extremely important
cause for all students,” Weisser
said. “While books for elemen-
tary students are somewhat inex-
pensive, literature aimed at high
school students is costly. This
age level is vital, not only because
we want to remain consistent but
also ensure that we reach out to
older students as well.”
The show took place on Satur-
FEATURES PAGE 9
day at 1 p.m. and was hosted as a
luncheon event catered by Sysco
Corporation.
The club raised money by
selling tickets as well as hosting
a Chinese auction with items
donated by local vendors.
Vendors such as Splash Lagoon,
Marriott Courtyard, Theresa’s
Italian Restaurant, Wegman’s
and Pano’s Restaurant donated
to the baskets.
The models demonstrated
looks that inform students and
adults on the appropriateness of
professional dress in our ever-
casual society.
The show was composed of
17 different looks modeled by
Mercyhurst College male and
female students.
The looks ranged from a
number of attire faux pas.
The female models demon-
strated the importance of issues
like proper suiting, low tops,
appropriate dresses, denim in the Contributed photo
workplace and skirt length. Members of the Kappa Delta Pi honors society gather to showcase appropriate and inap-
One female model elicited an propriate business attire for the workplace.
abstract point on cell phone use
in the office or classroom. interesting. and shorts from New York and Junior education major Jim
Male models also illustrated One male demonstrated the Company, while B. Moss sup- Fodse modeled in the show.
points on suiting, ties, proper importance of shorts length by plied professional dresses. “The show was really fun; it
footwear, garment fitting and donning five-inch denim cutoffs, The males sported a number was not anything ordinary,” he
the appropriateness of hats or construction boots, a leather of versatile looks supplied from said. “They made it comical with
other head gear in the workplace cowboy hat and sleeveless plaid Eddie Bauer. the models and outfits.”
or classroom. shirt. Overall the show was a success, “We had a blast, while raising a
The “What Not to Wear” looks Female looks included tailored as there were over 70 people in lot of money for a good cause,”
were equally humorous and suits and work-appropriate capris attendance. Weisser said.
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PAGE 10
I Food Fix
ERI
Nothin’ like Nunzi’s
By Shelley Turk
Staff writer
Right down 38th Street, just
past our favorite bowling alley,
is Nunzi’s Place.
This family owned-Italian
Eatery and Bar is a local favorite,
especially due to its close distance
from campus.
The eatery, currently owned by
Mike and Betsy Cilladi, opened
in 1953 and has been serving up
Italian favorites along with a few
American classics.
With one more Lenten Friday
left, stop down to Nunzi’s to
check out their Friday specials,
including fried cod served up
with two sides.
Mercyhurst College senior
Get to know...
Kathy Telaak
Nunzi’s features Italian favorites right down the road.
Katie Sammon dished about
her beer battered cod priced at
$8.95.
“I think it was the biggest
piece of fish I’ve ever had and
it was pretty tasty,” she said. “It
definitely filled me up.”
Senior John Wayner had a great
time at Nunzi’s and was pleased
with his meal of perched fish
and a side.
“Great service, great food and
a great time are guaranteed at
Nunzi’s,” he said. “It was a large
group of people and they still
accommodated us with separate
checks.”
Along with the fish options are
classic Italian-style dishes includ-
ing four-cheese lasagna, spinach
gnocchi in a garlic butter sauce
and traditional spaghetti and
Name: Kathy Telaak
Year: Senior
Major: Graphic Design
Hometown: Hamburg, NY
Favorite thing about Mercyhurst: The people
and the small class sizes
Least favorite thing: Parking and parking
tickets
Campus activities: Ad/Pro, working at the ad
agency Core Creative
FEATURES
Contributed photo
meatball all served with soup or
salad and bread, priced between
$8 and $10.
Food is served in the dining
room and seating is also available
on the bar side.
If you are in a rush or looking
for a great dinner to serve your
friends but are short on time to
cook, call ahead and carry out
your order.
I would suggest calling ahead
to reserve a table on the week-
ends as well.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, and
11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Fridays and
Saturdays.
Call 825-2940 for reservations
or carry out and make Nunzi’s
your I Heart Erie destination.
March 19, 2008
With Meg
When asking my friends what
their favorite meals are, one
of the first responses was taco
I would suggest adding more
vegetables, such as diced toma-
toes and maybe lettuce.
pizza, which of course got me Not only is this healthier than
craving the delicious twist on an most pizzas, it is also pretty
Italian classic. cheap and easy to make.
Searching for a recipe I came Also, if you are feel adventur-
across this on Allrecipes.com and ous you could make your own
it sounded delicious so I wanted pizza dough and then you can
to share it with Mercyhurst. find several recipes for this
There are many variations you online.
can do on pizza but this is a very
popular one, which is also pretty
good for you. -Meghan Dolney
Taco Pizza
Ingredients
1 package pizza crust
1 can tomato paste
¾ cup water
1 package taco seasoning
Chili powder, to taste
1 can refried beans
1/3 cup salsa
¼ cup chopped onion
½ cup ground beef
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
1.) Follow the directions on the pizza crust.
2.) In a small bowl combine the tomato paste, water,
chili powder and most of the taco seasoning (you will
save the rest for later).
3.) In another bowl mix the refried beans, salsa
and onion.
4.) In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, then
stir in the rest of the taco seasoning and a little bit
of water.
5.) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
6.) Spread the bean mixture on the crust, followed
by the tomato mixture and then the beef. Sprinkle
the cheese on top.
7.) Bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
March 19, 2008
tHe Novel provides a ‘meaning of life revelation’
BuZz
MARCH 18. Erie Broad-
way Series. Michael
Flatley’s “Lord of the
Dance.”
MARCH 18. Drive-By
Truckers. Mr. Smalls The-
atre, Millvale.
MARCH 20. Clutch. Mr.
Smalls Theatre, Millvale.
MARCH 21. Van Halen.
Mellon Arena, Pitts-
burgh.
MARCH 22. Blue Man
Group. Quicken Loans
Arena, Cleveland.
MARCH 22. Man Man.
Mr. Smalls Theatre, Mill-
vale. On sale at ticketweb.
com.
MARCH 25. Avril Lavi-
gne, Boys Like Girls. A.J.
Palumbo Center, Pitts-
burgh.
MARCH 25. Say Any-
t h i n g. D i e s e l C l u b
Lounge, Pittsburgh.
MARCH 25. Mae, Hon-
orary Title, Between the
Trees. Agora Theatre,
Cleveland.
MARCH 26. Avril Lavi-
gne, Boys Like Girls. Wol-
stein Center, Cleveland.
MARCH 28. Ice skat-
ing. Smuckers Stars on
Ice. Mellon Arena, Pitts-
burgh.
Courtesy of Goerie.com
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
By Kyle King
Contributing
There was a time in high
school when I seriously consid-
ered becoming a sportswriter,
hopefully traveling the world to
cover tennis and golf for “Sports
Illustrated” or ESPN, as the
next L. Jon Wertheim or George
Plimpton, or so I thought.
Then there was a time I grew
disillusioned with the meaning-
fulness of athletics, right around
the time whispering allegations
of steroid use in baseball grew
louder and the Palace at Auburn
Hills turned into a free-for-all
boxing match between Ron
Artest, Stephen Jackson and
Pistons supporters.
I feel as though I am now
able to place these events in my
worldview and am equally capa-
ble of finding value, for better or
worse, in Roger Federer’s quest
to become the greatest tennis
player ever and NBA players
mailing in games to try to force
a trade to contenders.
Richard Ford’s “The Sports-
writer” has made me reexamine
what it would have meant (or
could mean) to adopt the craft
as a career.
The first noticeable character-
istics about “The Sportswriter”
is how it has aged, particularly
through its narrative voice, Frank
Bascombe, the eponymous 38-
year-old at the center of the
novel.
A former literary prodigy who
wrote a great book of short sto-
ries, Blue Autumn, then failed to
finish an attempted novel, Bas-
combe picked up a few freelance
sports articles for work.
He became a full-time sports
writer after realizing he could do
nothing else, including teaching
at a local college or maintain-
ing his marriage with “X,” as
Bascombe always refers to his
former wife.
The novel was written during
the height of Ronald Reagan’s
presidency, and there is a 1980s
Republican, half-Midwestern,
half-Southern feel to the dia-
logue, which makes sense since
Ford grew up in Mississippi and
went to school in East Lansing,
Michigan.
However, this can be con-
strued as one of the novel’s
failings, since much of the story
takes place in the mid-Atlantic;
Bascombe lives in New Jersey,
and Lake Erie and Allegheny
College are alluded to in the
novel.
Ford seems to feel his region-
alism is universal, which is a ques-
tionable claim.The voice strikes
one as, though piercingly insight-
ful, immediately superficial.
I am reminded of the early
work of the band Train. Although
the lead singer Pat Monahan was
born in Erie, he can twang on
cue.
Its sagacity is subjective.
There are other paradoxes and
seeming contradictions to recon-
cile as well. Ford does not glam-
orize the sportswriter’s trade,
though many of the characters
around him look up to Bascombe
and hope he can put their every-
day struggles into words.
Indeed, the one major scene
of journalism in the novel, when
Bascombe goes to Detroit in
order to try to interview slightly
off-keel, ex-NFL fullback Herb
Wallaghe.
The event is a fiasco, with
Bascombe spending the major-
ity of the time wondering how
he can keep Wallagher from
having a nervous breakdown at
the thought of life post-foot-
ball.
In this way, people who write
as a profession are seemingly
grounded in everyday humanity.
At the same time, Bascombe
still seems to idealize becom-
ing a “real” writer, as he calls
heavy-hitting novelists and true
literati.
This position must be acutely
regarded considering the medium
of “The Sportswriter” itself,
as though Ford toots his own
horn, though with tongue firmly
in cheek.
The real message in “The
Sportswriter” emerges as a sort
of meaning-of-life revelation
when Bascombe receives a call
from his ex-wife about one of
the members in his Divorced
Men’s club.
That the call reaches him via
the home phone of the father of
the woman he is currently seeing,
Vicki Arcenault, surprisingly
does not strike one as far-fetched
or inappropriate.
There are people at once cen-
tral to one’s life and yet always
peripheral.
The only constant in one’s
life is one’s own consciousness,
no matter how hard we try to let
others in or escape ourselves.
Succumbing to the “dreami-
ness of woulda, coulda, shoulda,”
as Bascombe would relate it, is an
existential crisis one must avoid
Do you enjoy music, art
and dance?
Are you interested in writing
for the Arts &
Entertainment section?
Please contact Nicole Cerilli at
entertainmentmerciad@Mercyhurst.edu
PAGE 11
at all costs.
“What else is the ordinary
world good for,” he asks, “except
to supply reasons not to check
out early?” (351).
There are few Enlightenment
‘first principles’ worth debating
to Bascombe in “The Sports-
writer,” and this is fine.
There are larger lessons to be
gained from smaller stories, both
good and evil, which Bascombe
thinks is perhaps the very reason
he is so adroitly talented at his
job, despite frequent misgiv-
ings.
As the ideals of living forever
in perpetual wedded bliss asthe
next great American novelist in
a utopist suburbia were dispelled,
seeking to simply get through
life with a net gain becomes
more and more appetizing.
Ironically, considering the aura
of despair and failure in Richard
Ford’s work, the sportswriter’s
life never looked so good.
The Vintage 1986 edition
by Richard Ford “The Sports-
writer” is available for $11.16 at
Amazon.com.
 PAGE 12
Senior art students present impressive exhibit in Cummings Gallery
By Sarah Mastrocola
Staff writer
The opening presentation
of the Mercyhurst Senior Art
Exhibit in the Cummings Art
Gallery presented new and excit-
ing art on display, accompanied
by live music and a buffet.
The presented art varied
greatly on Saturday, from paint-
ing to sculpture and from pho-
tography to cut paper pop-ups,
similar to the German art of
scherenschnitte.
Senior Sean Whaling used
charcoal for some works, pastels
for others and even acrylic and
motor oil for one. He created
images of aptenodytes, which
are large penguins. The penguin
images were gathered closely
together, as if in herds, and each
work was in black and white.
Senior Emily Campbell’s work
was made with acrylic on canvas,
picturing dolls and other child-
hood images.
The paintings were formed
with brown and blue hues and
were of a somewhat abstract
nature.
Rock quintet The Thrifters inspires loyal fans with new album
By Greg Summy
Staff writer
Touring parts of the east coast
and midwest, writing a brand
new album and inspiring thou-
sands of already loyal fans across
the country through inspirational
music is what Cleveland, Ohio
rock quintet The Thrifters are
all about.
After five strong years together,
the band was able to gain a
devout following in the Cleve-
land area and beyond. However
original vocalist Brendan Lieske
and the band parted ways in
August 2007.
Stepping right in and winning
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Switching from painting to
photography, senior Megan Jell
made assortments of images
of the fishing industries in Erie,
Pa.and eastern Ma. The photos
were all black and white and
pictured boats and rigging.
Also using photography, senior
Steve Puskar created what he
called the “What If ?” collection.
This collection includes black
and white war photos created
through Photoshop and reen-
actments.
“We all think of ‘what if ’
statements every day. I have
always been fascinated with
World War II things, and so
I decided to make a ‘what if ’
statement about that war by
creating photos of Nazi control
in America,” said Puskar.
“What if Hitler and the Nazis
had been in America instead of
Germany? What if we had lost
the war? What if you had to run
for your life or became a victim
of war? This collection is meant
to spur questions like these.”
Puskar also mentioned that
his grandfather was a soldier
in World War II and that all
over the hearts of loyal Thrifters’
fans was Sergio McCollam in late
August 2007.
The band then set out to write
a new record, which is still in
progress. The new sound takes
the old Thrifters style and adds a
touch of something different.
Lieske’s vocals were compa-
rable to those of Brandon Boyd
of Incubus and Nick Hexum of
311. McCollum, however, brings
a more soothing, yet still intense
voice to the Thrifters.
The band’s Myspace profile
features three new songs, all with
McCollum taking the reigns as
lead vocalist.
“Since When Were You So
Vain” touches a plethora of
the weapons that appear in this
photography collection belong
to him.
Esther Claros, another senior
artist, made a brightly colored
acrylic on wood painting of
people next to plant life.
Senior Matthew Seifert cre-
ated mixed media presentations
of modeling paste and acrylic
paint.
His works were very textured
and abstract in form, all rectan-
gular bases with assorted items
such as roping, belts, buttons and
bottle caps rising off the base.
Working with digital media,
senior Katie Diley produced
images resembling magazine
covers with women’s pictures.
In the art exhibit brochure, Diley
explained many of the headlines
on these images are humorous,
and they are also meant to com-
ment on expectations assigned to
women in our culture.
Senior Amanda Kaiser fash-
ioned cut paper pop-ups in the
shapes of animals such as a pea-
cock and a koala. These pop-ups
were made entirely with white
paper, giving the work a very
genres in its exploration of
the new Thrifters’ sound. The
song features a strong emphasis
on harmony, both vocally and
instrumentally.
Frank Frazza and Colin Stacy
develop unique and fundamen-
tally solid guitar arrangements
and incorporate their own per-
sonal influences quite well within
the song.
Both guitarists have been with
the band since its inception over
five years ago, and have shown
tremendous growth as musi-
cians since the release of the
band’s debut album “Entropy,”
which is available on iTunes and
CDBaby.
Picking right up is the song
The Mercyhurst Senior art exhibit opened on Saturday in
the Cummings Art Gallery.
clean look.
Finally senior Denny Porter
created brown bust and hand
sculptures picturing heads in
generally unhappy or agonized
expressions and hands relating
to the heads.
Mercyhurst freshman Kate
Gilson said, “I was impressed
by the variety of art displayed in
the exhibit.”
“There is some serious talent
being displayed here,” freshman
Bethany Brun added. “My favor-
“Underdog Fight Song” with
heavy guitars, and layers upon
layers of harmony. This song
fluctuates between varying levels
of energy much like a Thrifters’
live show; the right parts are soft
and mellow, while others are driv-
ing and heavy.
The final track available on
the Myspace page, “Loveless,”
features drummer Steve Orlando
and bassist Chris Henke. Or-
lando is almost legendary in
Cleveland for his drumming
abilities both within a band and
solo.
Henke takes the basic struc-
ture of the bass, applies his own
flair and influence and creates
arrangements that sound just as
March 19, 2008
Scoot Williams photo
ite work was the 3-D cut paper
because I’ve never seen anything
like that done with paper before.
It seemed very unusual to me.”
Featured artist Steve Puskar
also said, “The show is really
quite good, and it displays the
works of many people who
used many different media for
their art.”
The senior art exhibit will re-
main in the gallery through April
5, and it is certainly a show of
great talent and diversity.
good solo as they do in the mix
of the band.
Compared to “Entropy,” these
three new songs mark a new
era for the Thrifters. The band
has gone from a young, aspir-
ing reggae-rock band, to a full,
unique band of their own style.
This by no means should suggest
that “Entropy” is not a work
of exquisite musicianship and
energy.
The Thrifters, having opened
for bands such as 311, played
venues like the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame, House of Blues
and Tower City Amphitheatre,
will head out on the road yet
again this summer to spread their
music to more and more.
 March 19, 2008
Lost identity in relationships Defense of soy as weak as processed meat
By Michelle
LaSlavic
Staff writer
Over the years and the tears,
I have noticed that some of the
biggest obstacles people face
when it comes to relationships is
finding a way to balance friends,
personal identity and the signifi-
cant other.
Heck, when I look back on it
now, my boyfriend at the time
and I were a prime example of
this in high school.
It was your typical immature
relationship where I stopped
talking to all of my friends and
let my controlling boyfriend
consume my life.
I lost many of my friends
because they didn’t like being
ignored and picked over, but I
didn’t care because I had “Chad”
and that was all that mattered.
Instead of letting him be a
part of my life, along with my
friends, family and personal
interests, I decided to let him
be my life, spend all of my time
with him and like all the same
things that he did; I practically
lost my identity for a while.
I look back now and I can
only laugh at how silly I was
really being.
Why do so many people think
that once you get into a relation-
ship, you have to give up things
like your friends, hobbies, inter-
ests and adjust them to be the
Hit me!
Not into Blackjack?
Then just hit the Merciad’s
Web site.
merciad.mercyhurst.edu
same as the person you’re with?
I am a firm believer, now, that
people should not get into rela-
tionships until they are secure
with themselves, they know
what they want and they don’t
define themselves by the person
they are with.
I have to say that I am glad I
made that mistake in high school
because I see it so often now at
an older age, and I feel bad for
these people because they may
never get the chance to realize
what they are doing.
Friends, family and personal
identity are three of the most
important things in a person’s
life and they should not be
given up so freely just to satisfy
another person. If someone
really respects you and wants to
be with you, they will like you
because of those things.
Why would you want to be
with a person who wanted you
to give up things important to
you or try to make you be or act
a certain way? Think about it,
it’s not really you who they want
to be with in that case, but the
person they are trying to get you
to become.
Think about this point too; if
you choose to let someone take
over your life and forget about
those you once deemed impor-
tant, who is going to be there
for you if something were to
happen to that relationship?
Just remember, people are not
always forgiving.
OPINION
By Ellen
Koenig
Staff writer
A friend recently made the
comment that drinking soy milk
is a healthier option then drink-
ing cow milk.
The claim was followed up by
defense that soy milk is a health-
ier option since it is plant-based
and unexposed to hormones
and a cultivation process.
This claim led to a further
investigation about soy-based
products and the companies
that make them.
A brief background goes as
such. Soy milk is the product of
liquid produced from pressing
ground, cooked soy beans. Soy
beans have been cultivated in
Asia for thousands of years.
Traditionally, soy milk was no
more than a step in the process
to make tofu. Western markets
began to consume such prod-
When things fall apart: Say it ain’t so
By Keith
Nemeth
Staff writer &
political analyst
The title of this article, taken
directly from a line in a Yeats
poem, is not in reference to the
coming of the Anti-Christ, but
when relationships deteriorate
so rapidly that you tend to ask
how things could have turned
out the way they did.
But do no worry, this is not
going to be a vapid monologue
filled with half-witty puns,
nor will it be a long-winded
harangue.
Instead it’s going to be an
exegesis of the failure of com-
munication.
So what is it that divides
the sexes so greatly that mis-
communications abound with
greater proclivity at each turn?
ucts many years ago and have
produced alternatives to animal
based products.
When you go to the local
grocer, it is important to realize
that soy milk has been made in
massive quantities.
Alternatives to soy milk, such
as rice milk, almond milk and
cow milk are all commercially-
based products, thus leading to
massively produced products.
The process to produce soy
milk is commercialized and thus
there are various additives and
supplements added to the con-
coction.
Through the growth period
of the beans themselves, con-
sumers may be unaware of
what pesticides and growth
hormones are used to cultivate
the crop. Not to mention some
beans are grown on factory
farms rather than by the local
farmers. Ultimately soy milk,
tofu, tofurky and meat alterna-
tives are still processed foods,
Could it be the mischarac-
terization of actions, no matter
how slight, that soon accumu-
lates so much force that what
was once a snowball thrown
down a mountain has become
an avalanche?
Is the road to Hell really
paved with good intentions?
Is love an objective lie and
only through our subjective use
of it does the term have any
credence?
Can I ever write an article
without asking rhetorical ques-
tions?
More importantly, shouldn’t
you be reading the perennial
attacks held by other staff writ-
ers?
C’mon it’s better than Jerry
Springer!
My columns have become
consistently worse as the weeks
drag on, which if you have fol-
PAGE 13
thus with some risk in their
consumption. A justification for
eating healthier is often aware-
ness of what you consume now
will affect your body 10, possibly
20, years into the future. Unless
your soy products come from a
local Asian market where you
can guarantee the manufactur-
ing process, there is still risk in
the post marked products from
Wegmans.
Meat is a natural part of the
human diet. Unless you are
from an Asian ethnicity, your
ancestors probably depended on
meat for protein and survival. If
you have the ability to purchase
a portion of a cow from a local
farmer it is often more advised
then simply buying a national
brand.
Most products we purchase
from the grocery store are likely
contaminated by some process
from their organic beginnings;
even attempting to eat healthier
can prove to be trivial.
lowed my small jaunts in jour-
nalism, you are quite aware.
Not only did my extensive
use of vocabulary wane, which
I continuously use to sound
as pompous as possible but
the passion in my topics has
burned out to the point where
my heart is filled with a cold,
void of ennui.
But being the premier choice
word that I am, a term I will use
metaphorically in my endeavor,
I really had to slip my resigna-
tion from writing in an article
completely intended for a dif-
ferent topic.
Sneaky!
So for those three people out
there who actually read my arti-
cles, I’d like to say thank you.
It’s kind of funny that when
you give things up there is
always a part of you that wants
you to say it ain’t so.
PAGE 14
The Good,
the Bad &
the Ugly
The Good
Get in line ladies and
gentlemen. Mentally pre-
pare yourself with how
you are going to spend
your refund check. They
will be ready this week
. ties, former president and hus-
Enjoy a long weekend,
ham and jelly beans for
Easter break.
The Bad
March Madness is taking
over the sports world,
Facebook, sports bars and
people’s lives.
American Idol has once
again dominated Tuesday
night airwaves.
The Ugly
The vending machine
in the Hirt Center had
a serious lack of water
Tuesday. Perhaps there was
a drought or maybe it was
just St. Paddy’s Day after
effects.
Spring is upon us, but the
snow is still here. To make
matter worse, though, the
snow is a dirty and much
more unsightly type of
snow.
Please email any sugge-
tions to opinionmerciad@
mercyhurst.edu.
Silver tongued Bill: Use gumption at rallies
By Bill
Swafford
Staff writer
As the five-week stretch in
the Pennsylvania primaries
begin, Erie is becoming stomp-
ing grounds for the close Dem-
ocratic party primary campaign.
The first political event kicked
off at East High School.
Notoriously known for his
wonderful public speaking abili-
band of a candidate, Bill Clinton
,was here to speak on his wife’s
behalf.
In the middle of his discus-
sion about foreign trade, a stu-
dent begins to chant “1991
Bilderberg.” As the press
turned their cameras toward the
young man, they revealed him
in a white Mercyhurst College
Not a terrorist: Put aside differences to come together
By Jerrod
Markle
Staff writer
I know from experience that
free speech activism can get dis-
missed or construed as “para-
noid heckling,” while the real
issues will never be addressed.
Whether it is glorification of
how well one may sway a crowd,
crowds of supporters will not
stand for opposition to their
false idols.
It is no doubt easier for
masses to feed on the self-
interested speech of hypocrites
because challenges to the flawed
paradigms created by such lead-
ers are difficult to swallow.
Staged events deserve to be
interrupted, especially featuring
a former important politician
who is accountable to the very
public in which he ruled over.
Excuse concerned citizens
that care about the future of a
species for speaking out against
OPINION
sweatshirt. Bill Clinton stopped
his speech to answer the young
man’s question under the condi-
tions he would leave after Clin-
ton’s response.
He agreed. However I am
sure that the young student did
not realize that he was about to
debate with the king of public
speaking.
After all, he sold the world
that he did not have sexual
relations with a young college
intern when he in fact did and
subsequently was impeached
for his behavior. Clinton rolled
out an answer like an auction-
eer with information detailing
his involvement in the 1991
NAFTA agreement.
The student’s attempt to dis-
credit Clinton only gave the
former president more ground
to prove his “Silver Tongue.”
Pennsylvania, which is a nec-
global elitism. The issues will
get looked over and personal
attacks will be made when con-
fronted with issues and debates
on truth.
Know that I am not a terrorist
nor am I comfortable with being
constantly lied to by people
who carry out acts of terror. At
a time when ignorance is bliss,
people continue to deny reality
as it becomes an uncomfortable
fit to their false paradigms.
These thick illusions of
many have me troubled and has
spurred a lot of my thoughts.
Do we not see through the
events that happen right here on
our campus? The 10-12 million
dollar investment that has been
made here on campus in order
to combine Business and Intel-
ligence will work to further the
web of disinformation through
“strategic communications.”
These investments that come to
build our “education” are pre-
ceded by Mercyhurst leasing a
portion of the social center at
essary win for Clinton to remain
a candidate, must have been
enthusiastic with her husband’s
response. The student who
was later quoted stating, “I am
very happy he took the time to
answer my question,” got what
he set out to do: Have a little bit
of spotlight. Is it the best idea
to bring up past events of a man
who is not running for president
and to do so in a Mercyhurst
College sweatshirt?
The answer is no. In the
words of the former president
himself, “These people that are
paranoid about the world come
and scream at me everywhere.”
Not only did this student
scar himself as an individual,
he might have brought down
the creditability of our name by
simply wearing Mercyhurst Col-
lege clothing.
As the Associated Press later
Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine
Catholic Church to make room
for the graduate center and
the Civic Institute, which were
exiled from the Intelligence
Studies building.
What predispositions are we
setting here? The Center for
Strategic Communications will
arise as a government and mili-
tary cheerleader just as ordered
by the government in the Report
of Defense Science Board Task
Force Strategic Communica-
tions in 2004. The report states
that “Collaboration between
government and the private
sector on an unprecedented
scale is imperative.” No surprise
that the CEO and President of
Draper was the chairman on
this Task Force.
Anyone willing to guess as to
who will be the future employ-
ers of these Strategic Commu-
nicators? In a time when vision
and insight are the valued tools
of thought, I quote Bob Marley:
“Emancipate yourselves from
March 19, 2008
confirmed, the student was Trey
Zeluff, who is no stranger to
uneducated assumptions, recall-
ing his article earlier in the year
discrediting the Army advertis-
ing on campus. I encourage all
students to take an interest in
politics and control our coun-
try’s collective decision to elect
the next president.
Use a little gumption and be
concerned with the future, not
the past, of someone who is not
even a candidate. While attend-
ing rallies, listen closely to what
has to be said. Use analysis to
decide if the candidate supports
your beliefs. If you do decide
to ask a question, make sure
you know who is answering.
Politicians are in the business of
question-and-answer.
If you must heckle a candi-
date do not do it in a Mercy-
hurst sweatshirt.
mental slavery, none but our-
selves can free our minds.” I
know not of the endurance of
the ignorance that is rooted in
fear, but I am witness to the
eternal still of love that allows
us to grow in empathy for all
sentient beings.
Essential to our study is
embracing the opportunity
to study our institutions and
thoughts both freely and criti-
cally. Join me in the spirit of
debate on a date to be deter-
mined after consultation with
whoever is kind enough to help
vision such an event into exis-
tence.
By no means should this
be limited to students, as all
are embraced as one in such
an experience. I am allowing
myself to be categorized, ana-
lyzed and identified in whatever
limiting views, but for the sake
of developing awareness and
free debate, we must put aside
individual differences to come
together.
 March 19, 2008 OPINION PAGE 15

This I believe: There is hope Passion as motivation

Mercyhurst’s Ethical Reflection Committee has initiated this series to encourage reflection within the entire college com- Maybe it is that handsome guy
munity on the values by which we live. We hope that these will inspire reflective discussion in a variety of venues. By Merissa from LECOM or maybe it is a
We suggest that faculty introduce appropriate essays into class discussion; we encourage students to bring these thoughts Frank senior citizen at a PAC movie.
to classes; we invite administrators and staff to explore these in department meetings. Or, if you wish, you may respond Opinion editor Either way, I must find a way
directly to our committee chair, Rev. Lyta Seddig: lseddig@mercyhurst.edu. to pour passion back into what
The ERC also requests that you let us know how you have used these thoughts in your life on this campus. I have been guilty of losing I do.
“This I Believe” is now linked to the college website. All essays can be found at http://www.mercyhurst.edu/ne/spe- vision, as I am sure you have. I always have a chance to use
cial-events/believe_essays. Sometimes it’s hard to remem- the power of words to influence
Bill Welch has been at Mercyhurst since July 1, 2002, as a grant writer, journalism instructor, public relations director ber why you do certain activi- someone, maybe even a group
and adviser for the Merciad. He now is an instructor in the Intelligence Studies Department and deputy director of the ties. of someones, and for that I am
department’s Center for Intelligence Research Analysis & Training. His favorite aspect about Mercyhurst: “Dealing There are days when I drag thankful.
with the people, especially the students.” my feet coming to the office Next time you start a project
on Tuesday nights, knowing the in an area that you love, reflect
core that the world was on the bad things like that tire-burning temperature will be unpredict- upon why this is something in
By Bill Welch
verge – just a few more years plant on Erie’s east side. If I able and a cloud of obscenities which you are interested.
Contributing writer
– from becoming a visibly, did, I wouldn’t look so fervently will hover toward Josh. Take that memory of the first
noticeably, even measurably to the day when a grandchild But there are times when you time it inspired you and be 10
I believe the world can be a better place … for everybody. arrives.There’s still hope that we need to put the passion back times more passionate in doing
better place. No, I believe we The revolution was just around can make this a decent world, into the things you enjoy. it each and every time thereaf-
can make the world a better the corner and everything was even a better world, for that I often forget that there is ter.
place. gonna be alright. We were going grandchild and everyone else’s always a chance that someone So when I sit here mumbling
Oh boy! I’m really stepping to make it happen. On May 9, grandchildren. This, to my sur- picks up this issue of the Mer- under my breath, I’ll do the
out on a ledge here, eh? Why 1970, I was standing on the Mall prise, I believe. ciad, never reading it before. same and keep the passion in it.
don’t I just go to the middle of in Washington, D.C., with at
the mall and sing, “I’d like to least 200,000 other people who
build a world of hope …” You were all within a couple years of
know: “It’s the real thing, Coke my age. We were going to make
is.” I’d sing it with a big smile, it happen. We were going to
of course, and sway happily bring peace and truth and jus-
from side to side. Smiling and tice and equality to the world.
swaying – that would make it We shouted it out for all to hear.
happen, huh? We believed it.
You see, at age 56 it’s real easy As most people may have fig- Joshua Wilwohl Editor-in-Chief editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu
to think the world won’t be a ured out, it didn’t happen. Peace Casey Greene Managing Editor editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu
better place, that we might try arrives one place and evaporates Amy Zielinski & Amanda Valauri News Editors newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
to make it a better place, but our somewhere else. Truth? I was a Jen Gildea Features Editor featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
efforts will go down the drain. journalist for 29 years; truth has Merissa Frank Opinion Editor opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Almost 40 years ago, I abso- always been elusive, and is more Chris Davis & Brittany Jackett Sports Editors sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
lutely believed down to my very so now, especially in journalism. Nicole Cerilli A&E entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Justice and equality? Hard to Scoot Williams Photographer photomerciad@mercyhurst.edu
buy into those when you see the Tiffany Cook Production Editor prodmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
misery doled out in the world Leslie Ruchala Advertising Manager admerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Johnson & Johnson for no justifiable reason. Noelle Lelakus Copy Editor copymerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Given the disappointing Ashley Pastor General Assignment apasto22@mercyhurst.edu
Properties results as I look around the world Lenore Skomal Advisor lskomal@mercyhurst.edu

House for in the decades since 1970, it

would be natural to say I believe
The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is
in the steady slide of humanity
Rent and the dire prospects for the
world at large. Fact is, I have
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.
Available said it. I don’t believe it, though.
I thought I believed it. But life’s The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and
6/1/08 daily actions say something else:
That if I did believe it, I wouldn’t
names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for
content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due the Thursday
860-8817 go on. If I did, I wouldn’t teach.
If I did, I wouldn’t vote, and I
before publication and may not be longer than
300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485.
wouldn’t bother working against
 PAGE 16 SPORTS March 19, 2008

Women’s lax drops two games on road

By Samantha Sellinger
Staff writer
Mercyhurst women’s lacrosse
lost its first two games this
season to No.1 C.W. Post and
No. 4 Adelphi, dropping its
record 3-2 this past weekend.
Friday’s game versus C.W. Post
was expected to be a challenge.
The Lakers played tough but
were not able to put together a
strong enough offense to defeat
the Pioneers. Mercyhurst lost
16-8.
“Both were tough losses.
It was hard especially for the
upperclassman…we had never
beaten [C.W. Post] and we had
high expectations,” said junior
Jessie Horeth.
C.W. Post gained control early
in the game, scoring unattested
five times. After five minutes
and a time out, the Lakers were
warmed up enough to respond.
Sophomoroe Maeve McGoff
made her second save of
the game, and Horeth made
Mercyhurst’s first attempt to
score. It was saved and picked
up by the Pioneers.
After 11 minutes, the game
began to pick up intensity. Junior
Breanna Haggerty made three
attempts on the net, but all were
uncompleted.
She was finally successful,
making the score 1-5.
By the end of the first half,
Haggerty scored with just 28
seconds left to play but C.W. Post
had scored twice more, making
the score 2-7 at the break.
Just 11 seconds into the
second period, the Pioneers
picked up another goal. They
were quickly answered by an
onslaught of Laker attempts,
and Horeth made Mercyhurst’s
third goal.
By the end of the game,
Haggerty had scored six goals,
and Horeth and freshman
Elizabeth Tice added one goal
apiece.
Mercyhurst outshot C.W. Post
for the game 33-31, including 17-
12 in the first half.
Sunday’s game against Adelphi
went better for the Lakers,
although they were unable to
pull off the win.
Mercyhurst sophomore Kate
Smith scored the first goal of the
game.
After a tight battle the score
was 4-5 and the Panthers began
to pull away. They scored three
more goals by the end of the
period and the Lakers only
scored one, making the score at
the break 5-8.
Forty seconds into the second
period, the Panthers scored the
next goal, but Mercyhurst began
to catch up.
With the score at 6-11,
Haggerty scored with 20:03 to
play and sparked the Lakers to
make six of the next seven goals
and tie the game at 12-12.
At 8:11 to play, Adelphi
scored another goal, and at 6:15
to go, they scored the last goal
of the game.
Horeth ended the game with
three goals and three assists for
a career-high six points.
Freshman midfielder Kim
Masterton had three goals
and two assists and Haggerty
added three goals. Smith scored
two goals for the Lakers and
McGoff had 10 saves.
Both teams had 34 shots
and the Lakers committed 19
turnovers, only one more than
Adelphi.
“We have a great chance of
winning the rest of our games,”
said Horeth.
The team’s next game is
tonight against Seton Hill, where
they hope to get back on track
and pick up another win.
They also have an important
game this weekend against
No. 9 Queens.

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 March 19, 2008 SPORTS
Laker Sports ‘Quick Hits’
Baseball picks up sweep
This week’s results...
By Brittany Jackett
Sports editor
Men’s hockey........................................... Mar. 14, W 4-1, Sacred Heart
Mar. 15, W 4-2, Army
Mar. 16, L 5-4, Air Force Playing a spring sport in Erie,
Women’s hockey...................................... Mar. 15, L 5-4, Quarterfinals Pa. can prove to be incredibly
Women’s lacrosse........................................ Mar. 14, L 16-8, C.W. Post difficult.
Mar. 16, L 14-12, Adelphi The weather never seems
Baseball....................................... Mar. 15, W 7-2, Salem International to cooperate and games are
Mar. 15, W 6-2, Salem International
constantly being postponed or
Men’s volleyball..................................................... Mar. 14, L 3-0, Lewis
Mar. 15, L 3-0, Loyola
cancelled.
Men’s tennis....................................................... Mar. 14, W 9-0, Findlay Last weekend the Mercyhurst
Mar. 15, L 7-2, Ferris State College baseball team finally got
Women’s tennis......................................... Mar. 15, W 7-2, Ferris State the opportunity to play after a
Women’s water polo............................... Mar. 14, W 8-7, Cal Lutheran two-week break due to inclement
Mar. 15, L 15-4, Michigan weather.
Mar. 15, W 15-5, Carthage However the break did not
seem to have much of an effect
on the men’s performance.
Harrison/Griepsma athletes of the Week On Saturday they took the
field against Salem International,
Mercyhurst senior Hudson Harrison became the third wrestler in and won both games of a
school history to be an NCAA Division II national runner-up, placing doubleheader.
second at the national championship last weekend and become an Despite the continued absence
All- American for the first time.
of injured starters, the team once
again demonstrated its depth.
Mercyhurst freshman water polo player Rachel Griepsma scored
with 1:12 left in regulation as Mercyhurst defeated Cal Lutheran
Water polo continues success on road
at the Michigan Invitational. Griepsma had four goals in the Cal
Lutheran game, and a career-high seven goals in a win over
Carthage.
By Andrew Schonoff
Men’s hockey named team of the week
Staff writer
Men’s hockey lost in a double overtime to Air Force, just barely
missing the chance to compete in the NCAA Division I national The Mercyhurst women’s
championships. Seeded No. 5 at the Atlantic Hockey Tournament, water polo team has had another
Mercyhurst had beaten No. 3 Army Saturday night. successful week, as they went 2-1
at the Michigan Invitational.
Harrison finishes as national runner-up The team was also recently
ranked ninth in the Collegiate
Senior Hudson Harrison finished the NCAA Division II Wrestling Water Polo Association’s top 10
Championship on March 15. This was his fourth and final trip to poll, matching the best ranking
the championship, and is the third runner- up in Laker history. He
in the program’s history.
almost became Mercyhurst’s first national champion. Harrison
finished the season with 34 wins, the second best season in school
At the Michigan Invitational
history, earning him All-American honors.
this past weekend, the Lakers
opened up their play against Cal
Lutheran.
Terminesi named rookie of the year
The Lakers started off
Freshman defenseman Jeff Terminesi was named Atlantic Hockey strong, holding their opponents
Association Rookie of the Year on March 18. He was the only scoreless throughout the entire
freshman named to the All-American team. first half, while putting in three
goals of their own. However Cal
Athletes excel in the classroom Lutheran battled back into the
game by scoring five unanswered
In winter term, a total of 41 Mercyhurst College student athletes goals.
earned 4.0s. The women’s field hockey team boasts eight of these In the last few minutes of
athletes, the most of any team. the game, Mercyhurst found
Starting the first game was
senior right-hander Wes Craig,
who showed no rust and pitched
a solid five innings to gain his
first win of the season.
Coming in to finish the game,
and earn his second win of the
season was senior co-captain
James Ludwig.
Already this season Ludwig
has made nine appearances and
is en route to finishing off his
college career in strong fashion.
Head coach Joe Spano
commented on Ludwig’s past
three seasons at Mercyhurst and
his college career.
“[Ludwig] continues to have
clutch performances... and he
continues to be one of the most
solid players on the team,” Spano
said.
During his appearance in the
night cap of the doubleheader
Ludwig was steadfast for 1.2
innings, with no hits given up.
themselves tied at 7-7. Cal
Lutheran had the ball looking
to put the final blow on
Mercyhurst.
However freshman Rachel
Griepsma made a steal and swam
the ball down the pool to score a
one-on-nobody breakaway goal
with 1:12 left in the game.
In its next game, Mercyhurst
had a chance for a rematch
against Michigan. While the
Lakers hung with them for the
first half, the nationally-ranked
Wolverines proved to be too
much for Mercyhurst, and the
game concluded in a 15-4 loss.
In their last game of the
weekend, the Lakers beat
Carthage to improve their record
to an impressive 7-3.
Carthage was able to make it
a game during the first half, as
the game was tied at four going
into the second half. However
the Lakers had an incredible
second half of play, outscoring
PAGE 17
Continuing their excellent
start on the offensive side of
the ball were freshmen Jonathan
Keppler and Craig Denman, as
well as junior Jamie Walczak and
red shirt junior Scott Monzel.
In the first game of the series
Keppler and Walczak drove in
two runs each, while Monzel
drove in one, helping to lead the
men to an easy 7-2 victory.
During the second game’s 6-2
win, Monzel recorded another
RBI, while Denman, who had
the game-winning hit during a
victory over C.W. Post in Florida,
picked up two big hits.
Despite the two wins on
Saturday, the doubleheader
scheduled for Sunday was
cancelled thanks to Mother
Nature.
The Lakers will take their home
turf for the first time this season
on Friday to take on Findlay in a
four-game series.
Carthage 11-1.
Senior Christine Somera was
right behind Gripsma, scoring 4
of her own while also adding two
steals and two drawn ejections.
Since the team did not lose
any players due to graduation
last year, the women’s water polo
program returned a very strong
squad. Somera has been a big
factor in this season’s success,
as she leads the Lakers in most
points, assists, steals and drawn
ejections.
Another big influence has
been the addition of Griepsma,
who currently leads the Lakers
with 30 goals.
Senior Carrie Willison
attributes their success to elevated
standards. “I think we all know
how much talent the team has
as a whole, which has allowed
us to set higher expectations
for ourselves. I believe this will
be the best season in program
history,” she said.
 PAGE 18
Men’s hockey season Men’s tennis opens with split
comes to a close
By Ashley Pastor
Staff writer
Mercyhurst College men’s
hockey team ended its season
falling to Air Force in the AHA
tournament finals 5-4 in double
overtime.
The fifth-seeded Lakers
defeated Sacred Heart 4-1 Friday,
and Army 4-2 Saturday. This was
the first time a number five seed
made it to an AHA champion-
ship.
Junior Matt Lundin played a
vital role in the team’s success in
the net during the tournament.
Lakers fall in Frozen Eight
By Kyle Craig
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College
women’s hockey season came
to a dissappointing end Satur-
day following a tough loss to
No. 2- ranked Minnesota
Duluth.
Mercyhurst fell to Minnesota
by one goal 5-4 with it being its
fourth straight year losing in the
first round of NCAA playoffs.
The game started off fast-
paced with both teams scoring
within the first minute of the
game.
Sophomore Meghan Agosta
put one past the UMD goalie
just 22 seconds into the match.
Her goal came off of a rebound,
her 40th of the season, with an
assist being credited to fresh-
man Geena Prough.
Just 26 seconds later, the Bull-
dogs hit the back of the net off
a shot from Laura Fridfinnson.
Mercyhurst junior Valerie
Chouinard capped off the first
period with a powerplay goal to
give the Lakers a 2-1 lead head-
The Lakers will have an expe-
rienced team returning, as they
will only lose three players to
graduation. Ben Cottreau, Kerry
Bowman and Jamie Coghlan will
be missed.
Coach Rick Gotkin believes
Mercyhurst played hard despite
its season coming to an end.
“[Against Air Force] was
another example of two great
teams battling to the end and
they found a way to win,” he
said. “They were very deserv-
ing of a championship, not that
we weren’t, but I think they will
represent AH very well in the
NCAA tournament.”
ing into intermission.
Minnesota scored the only
goal of the second period off
senior Karine Demeule’s shot,
giving the Bulldogs a short-
handed goal.
The game remained tied into
the third period until junior
Natalie Payne recorded her fifth
goal of the season with the help
of Agosta and Prough. Just as
before, the Bulldogs tied the
game at 3-3 with a quick goal by
Fridfinnson.
Minnesota took the lead just
two minutes later with a pow-
erplay goal from Emmanuelle
Blais, giving the Bulldogs a 4-3
lead in the third period. Blais
sealed the victory for Minnesota
with another goal at 16:53.
The Lakers pulled within one
when freshman Vicky Bendus
put a last-second goal past the
UMD goalie. It was Bendus’
11th goal of the year with the
assist coming from Chouinard.
The Bulldogs will host the
Frozen Four this year and are
making their fifth straight trip,
as they will face New Hampshire
next Thursday.
SPORTS
By Christine Mersch
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College
men’s tennis team welcomed
the University of Findlay
to Pennbrier Athletic
Club Thursday.
Findlay (4-0) entered the
match ranked No. 9 in the Great
Lakes Region.
The Lakers came in unranked
but rolled to a 9-0 victory over the
visiting Oilers in the GLIAC
opener for both programs.
Freshman Tim Hansson and
sophomore Mateusz Przbysz
started the match with an
impressive 8-1 win at No. 1
doubles.
At No. 2 sophomore
Mijo Cotic and freshman
Adam Marnik blanked their
opponents 8-0.
Sophomores Ronald
Heurich and Kyle King battled
for a 9-7 victory at No. 3.
The Lakers also dominated
singles play, winning all six
Let the games and madness begin
By Daniel Bertolini
Contributing writer
Madness: the quality or
condition of being insane, in
fury or full of rage.
The NCAA men’s basketball
tournament is insane with
upsets and Cinderella stories
but the selection Sunday created
fury and teams full of rage.
Arizona State could have the
strongest argument of all the
teams that were on the bubble
of the tournament. Arizona
State had 21 wins, including
good wins against USC and
Oregon.
This is a continued trend of
good teams in good conferences
that just do not make the big
dance and teams like Coppin
matches in straight
sets. Cotic led the way
without dropping a game,
defeating his opponent
6-0, 6-0 at No. 2.
Both King and
Przybysz
won their matches by
identical scores of 6-1,
6-0 at No. 6 and No.
2 singles. Hansson,
playing No. 1,
rolled to a 6-1,6-
3 victory. Heurich
and Marnik won
their matches 6-
2, 6-1 and 6-1,
6-1, respectively.
With one GLIAC win
under their belt, the Lakers
looked for another on Saturday
when Ferris State traveled to
Erie for yet another GLIAC
showdown.
FSU proved to be too strong
for Mercyhurst, however, as they
handed the Lakers a 7-2 loss.
State, who is the first team in
the history to have 20 losses and
still make the tournament.
This has stirred up some
controversy. Why play the
regular season?
If a team that went 12-20 in
the regular season can make the
NCAA Tournament and teams
with 20 wins do not make it
then does the regular season
even matter?
Bob Knight, long time
Indiana basketball coach and
former Texas Tech head coach,
seems to think that they should
add more teams to the field
and get rid of the conference
tournaments.
That would eliminate some
of the mid- major conferences
from getting teams with sub-
five hundred records making
March 19, 2008
Mercyhurst’s lone wins came at
No. 1 and No. 6 singles.
At the top, Hansson picked
up a hard-fought
6-4, 6-4 win
over Lewis
DeGeneault.
King needed three
sets to battle his
opponent for a 6-0, 2-6, 6-
3 victory. At No. 5 singles,
Mercyhurst’s Marnik took
his opponent to three sets
before losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
In doubles the No. 1 team
of Hansson and Przybysz
almost pulled out a win
against Akshay Chellappa
and Corey Banghart but
came up short and lost 8-6.
With the loss Mercyhurst falls
to 4-5 and 1-1 GLIAC
Ferris State is ranked No.
3 in the region and improved
to 3-6 overall and 1-0 in the
conference.
The Lakers return to the
court in two weeks for matches
against Northwood University
and Wayne State University.
the tournament. The major
conferences are the ACC, Big
East, Big 10, Big 12, Conference
USA, Pac 10 and the SEC.
Are teams in some of the other
conferences not as competitive as
the major conferences is the true
question. Teams like American,
Cal State Fullerton, Texas
Arlington and Oral Roberts who
won automatic bids from their
conference tournaments, would
not have made the tournament
otherwise.
There have been some
proposed changes to try and
make the tournament better.
There have been some
negative aspects about the
selection but make no mistake
about it, this is arguably the
greatest sporting event in
all of sports.
 March 19, 2008
Tennis wins big
Freshman Kim Ezzo returns a volley during Saturday’s win.
By Kyle King
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst women’s
tennis team improved to 12-7
on the season after stifling Ferris
State University, 7-2, in an out-
of-season contest last weekend.
The Lakers had previously
defeated the Bulldogs, 5-1, in
the fifth-place match of the
GLIAC tournament in October.
The Lakers opened up to a 2-1
lead after doubles play.
Senior captain Jenn Daly and
freshman Kim Ezzo took No.
1 doubles with an 8-5 victory
while junior Jaci McLean and
sophomore Meghan Raynor
cruised to an 8-1 triumph at
No. 2 doubles.
Singles play sealed the
outcome, as the Lakers took
five of six matches. Ezzo won
handily at No. 1, 6-3, 6-2, as did
sophomore Elizabeth Mullane,
who surrendered only one game
in two sets at #5 singles.
Winning her first match since
returning from a term at home
in Peru was Maria Franco, who
cruised to a 6-3, 6-1 victory at
No. 6.
“Maria has a huge impact
on the team,” said McLean.
“Everyone on the roster is really
Scoot Williams photo
tough, but having a player with
Maria’s tennis ability at No. 6 is
a great asset. I think throughout
the spring season she will be
helping the team out a lot.”
McLean and Raynor also
took matches in straight sets
at numbers three and four,
respectively. Dropping the only
singles match-up was Daly, who
was forced to retire though up a
set due to a nagging rotator cuff
injury that has limited her ability
to serve and hit overheads.
“The human body is a
remarkable thing, but it was
never meant to do anything in
an overhead motion, including
serving or even throwing,”
noted Daly, a sports medicine
major.
“I will take it one day at a
time, however, and I will do my
best to continue the rest of the
season and help the team out
however I can,” said Daly.
The Lakers are off until an
April 1 meeting at Carnegie
Mellon. The team is hoping for
a bid to the NCAA Nationals
later this spring.
“To quote Coach [Ray
Yost], ‘We play on the razor’s
edge,’” concluded McLean.
“These next few matches
will be crucial in determining
our rankings.”
SPORTS
Hudson, wrestling ends year strong
By Kirk Campbell
Staff writer
Hard work, determination,
and plenty of blood, sweat and
tears are exhausted as one tries to
take aim at any championship.
For the Lakers’ 165 pound
wrestler Hudson Harrison the
reality of being a NCAA Divi-
sion II national champion almost
came true but he fell short losing
8-2 to Andy Pickar from Minne-
sota State Mankato in the cham-
pionship bout.
Also joining Harrison on the
podium was red shirt freshman
Josh Shields, as he placed fourth
at 174 pounds and earned All-
American honors. Shields lost
a 3-2 decision to Kamarudeen
Usman of Nebraska Kearney in
the third place bout.
On his way to the finals Har-
rison shocked many spectators
as he pinned the East Regional
champion J.J. Davis.
Shields also reached the semi-
Men’s volleyball suffers two losses on road
By Samantha Sellinger
Staff writer
Even after valiant efforts, the
men’s volleyball team dropped
two more losses this past
weekend to Lewis and Loyola,
making its record 3-15.
“We just couldn’t match their
performance on the court. It was
definitely not for lack of effort,”
sophomore Pete Swauger said.
Friday night’s match versus
Lewis was destined to be
rough for the Lakers from the
beginning. Lewis has had a great
season, advancing to 15-6 after
sweeping Mercyhurst 3-0.
Game one started out with
neither team taking the quick
lead, but after a kill by Lewis,
the Flyers took off until they led
10-4.
Mercyhurst was never able to
finals but suffered a 5-2 decision
to the eventual runner-up.
“It was one of those times
where someone had to pinch
you because you dream about
moments like a national title
match,” Harrison said.
Shields, junior Brian Pogel,
sophomore Andy Lamancusa
and junior Trevor Gallo all made
their first appearance at nation-
als.
When asked who he credits his
success this season to Harrison
said, “First off, my family who
is very involved in my wrestling.
My brothers all wrestle and have
a lot of success and their success
helped drive me to be successful
myself. Next Coach Wehler who
has coached against me for the
last three years became a major
part in my success this season.”
Lamancusa looked strong early
as he earned a 5-2 first round
decision over Eric Pretto from
Southern Illinois Edwardsville,
but then dropped two matches
to get knocked out.
close the gap and suffered a 30-
19 loss.
The second game went
slightly better for Mercyhurst.
They gave the Flyers some great
competition.
Dave Newman scored the
first point and then the two
teams proceeded to trade points
back and forth. Lewis ended
up getting the win 34-32 after a
Mercyhurst attack error and a kill
from Lewis.
Game three went even worse
than the first.
The Lakers were not able to
keep their momentum from the
last game, and Lewis played at
the top of their game.
Even though the game started
out neutral, the Lakers never took
the lead and the Flyers ended up
dominating the game, winning
with a score of 30-14.
Saturday’s game against Loyola
PAGE 19
Pogel entered nationals as
the No. 3-ranked wrestler in the
country but was upset in the first
round. He was later eliminated
by Ryan Etherton of Nebraska-
Kearney.
After Gallo scored an 11-10
first round decision, he lost his
next two matches and was elimi-
nated from the tournament.
Harrison’s impressive perfor-
mance has only been matched
two other times in Mercyhurst
history, as he joined Zack Schafter
in 2005 and Ben McAvinew
in 2004 as the only Lakers to
reach the national championship
match.
“The Mercyhurst squad is very
young considering we are gradu-
ating two seniors from the team.
Our bench this year was filled
with wrestlers who could have
started at any other school,”
Harrison said about next season’s
Lakers.
The Lakers finished tied with
Chardon State with 31 points in
ninth place.
went just as badly as the Lewis
match for the Lakers, who lost 3-
0 and never really threatened the
Ramblers throughout the match.
“The two losses are
disappointing, but we are not
letting them slow down our
progress,” sophomore Ron
Cierniakoski said.
“Our team has made some
huge strides.”
The team had a devastating
weekend and is still looking for
its first conference win.
They try to keep in mind that
winning is not as important right
now as growing as a team.
“We are good enough to pull
out some wins against some
decent teams,” Cierniakoski said.
“Our performance in this
stretch of games will have great
influence in determining how
we finish in the conference,”
Swauger said.
PAGE 20 SPORTS March 19, 2008

Laker sports

Baseball dominates Salem

during weekend series
>>Page 17
Catrina Spano photo