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September 2012 | North Central University | Minneapolis, MN

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EDITORIAL.
Editor-in-Chief/ Kayla Grell kayla.grell@mail.northcentral.edu Copy Editor/ Erica Fulghum erica.fulghum@mail.northcentral.edu Feature Editor/ Jessie Traudt jessica.traudt@mail.northcentral.edu News Editor/ Faith Peterson faith.peterson@mail.northcentral.edu World News Editor/ Rebekah Jacobson rebekah.jacobson@mail.northcentral.edu Sports Editor/ Josh Gregory joshua.gregory@mail.northcentral.edu

Dear Readers,
Seventy-three days till graduation. Everyone and their mom has been asking me what my plan is after I graduate. Sparks note version: I am moving to Colorado where I will be searching for my big girl job. Perhaps while I am there I will do some hiking through the beautiful Rockies or attend a Mumford and Sons concert at the Red Rocks venue. Although a change of scenery sounds thrilling, I am scared of the unknown and what the future holds.

ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN.

Art Director/ Loren Wright loren.wright@mail.northcentral.edu Photography and Videography Director/ Nate Almquist nathan.almquist@mail.northcentral.edu Assistant Photography Director/ Sarah Mack sarah.mack@mail.northcentral.edu

DIGITAL MEDIA.
Online Editor/ Curtis Ward curtis.ward@mail.northcentral.edu Assistant Online Editor/ Camden McAfee camden.mcafee@mail.northcentral.edu Assistant Videography Director/ Amy Lambert amy.lambert@mail.northcentral.edu

ANXIETY, EXCITEMENT AND ANTICIPATION HAVE STARTED TO FLOW...

The new chapters in my life come with a mix of emotions. Anxiety, excitement and anticipation have started to flow through my body. The next couple of months are going to be grueling. Im so busy, Im setting alerts on my phone to remind me to eat. Slowly but surely, I have been bidding farewell to my social life. Heres a word to the wise to all underclassmen: Take advantage of your years at North Central. Enjoy finishing your bible minor classes and late-night movies and Taco Bell runs. As soon as you hit the final years packed with major core classes, your priorities will shift. You may see a transformation in your friends and have to strive to work harder to maintain those relationships. Do not fret if you are not wed or spoken for by the time you graduateyour time will arrive. I am proud to say I am not a fifth-year senior and it is possible to graduate in three-and-a-half years. Throughout these years I have consumed myself with poor choices; either in relationships, money expenses or lack of time management. Do not waste time on insignificant obsessions and silly drama. Put your energy into your future and what Christ has called you to do and be. To all of my fellow classmates graduating in December, good luck, finish strong and know that I will be seeing you at the finish line. In the words of the Kings of Leon, Be somebody.
Kayla Grell Editor-in-Chief kayla.grell@mail.northcentral.edu

Photo by Dale Houghton

ADVERTISING.

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Business Manager/ Bailey Schott bailey.schott@mail.northcentral.edu

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WRITERS.
Sofia Almarza Paisley Bennett Amanda Breister Paul Brunner Mark Cronk Dan Erickson Andy Fischer Mia Franklin Brian Jones Jordan Lofthus Blake Mayes Sydney Messmer Sam Olstead Chrissie Parker Ben Pirie Jenny Scott Lexy Spangrud Emma Wood Joy Yerrick

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FUN FOODS The Local has all sorts of foods for any taste buds.

Photo by Nate Almquist

Your Local Newsroom

By Emma Wood

MINNEAPOLIS IS HOME TO MANY GREAT PLACES TO EAT. CHECK OUT WHAT DOWNTOWN HAS TO OFFER.
a college student due to the pricing of the meals. Appetizers are about $10 and up and the main entres are $14 and up (emphasis on the up). If you were to sit in the outside seating section of The News Room, you would be able to enjoy the view of the city. One view is the people eating outside of the Irish Pub called The Local, another fabulous dining place in Minneapolis. Do not let pub deter you from this restaurant. It is a fun dining atmosphere with great food. Their best-selling item on the menu is a lightly crusted fish that is crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside, with side of chips. This dimly lit dining

Whether going out on a date, going with a group of friends, or just trying to find a place to eat on Sunday nights, many restaurants in this city can fill any craving. The News Room is a restaurant located on the corner of Nicollet Mall and South 10th Street and is great for an evening meal. Large statues of newspapers from all over the country are the main dcor. The atmosphere is an interesting combination of fine dining and a sports bar. With over 20 plasma TVs scattering throughout the restaurant, I found guys gathered around them with their eyes glued to the game. It is hard for me to recommend this place to

room is rather private with wall dividers of dark wood and tinted glass separating a majority of the tables from each other. Though there is a hum of conversation and music, you still have a secluded feel while eating. Prices at The Local are a lot more reasonable for college students than other restaurants. Appetizers start around $8 and the entres start around $10. I would reccommend The Local to anyone who is looking to try food that will give their taste buds a whole new experience. But you dont have to take my word for it, go out and try either good, classic Irish-inspired food or American favorites!

September 2012

Can He Catch em All?

FEATURE.
By Dan Erickson

NORTHERNER STAFF WRITER, DAN ERICKSON INTERVIEWS POKMON MASTER, JUNIOR STEVE BURTON ABOUT WHAT IT REALLY IS LIKE TO BE A POKMON ENTHUSIAST.

What is the nature of your involvement with Pokmon?

I play Pokmon competitively, which means I go to tournaments and play others. I play the trading card game and the video game. A lot of people are familiar with Pokmon Red and Blue, but they still make the games, so the newest iterations of the games would be Pokmon Black and White for the Nintendo DS. There are people who collect cards or play the games, but I play both competitively.

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IM CURRENTLY WORKING ON A MINISTRY TO HAVE THE CHRISTIAN CHRUCH AND CYBER CULTURE HAVE A BETTER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EACH OTHER. - STEVE BURTON

I understand that you compete in a lot of Pokmon tournaments. What are they like?
Well, if youve ever seen any type of chess tournamentyou usually have two people facing each other playing on a boardthats exactly what the card game looks like. Each player has a 60-card deck, which they construct ahead of time, using legal cards and all that kind of stuff. There are different rules and things like that, so cards you may have gotten when you were a kid arent necessarily legal anymore. With every new iteration of cards that comes out, there has been a certain cutoff for old cards. For the video game, its essentially the same thingyou have the current version of the game, which is Pokmon: Black & White, and you play with your Nintendo DS system, with your trained Pokmon, and there are rule sets and things like that, and you play accordingly to those. So, there is human interaction in a tournament.

What does the future hold for you and Pokmon? Do you see this tying into a career of some sort?
Well, Pokmon in general isnt something you can really make money off of. You play it mainly for entertainment value, but the game is definitely growing. For me personally as a student here at North Central, Im very interested in cyber culture. Im currently working on a ministry to have the Christian church and cyber culture have a better relationship between each other. So yes, I see a career in Pokmon, but maybe not in a way that a lot of people would think.

What is your favorite Pokmon?

Thats a difficult question. Its kind of ever changing, but the one Id say I enjoy the most would have to be Wartortle, which is the pre-evolution of Blastoise and evolves from Squirtle. I think that things the coolest looking thing! And to everybody who likes Charizardhes not even good.
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Photo by Nate Almquist

IN ACTION Senior Lucas Nelson (left) tries to take on Burton (right) Iin a match.

New Hires Join the Ranks

STAFF MEMBERS FILL ROLES AND ENHANCE COMMUNITY.
By Sydney Messmer

Study
LAUNCH OF NEW STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM PROVIDES NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR NORTH CENTRAL STUDENTS.
Launching into study abroad, students gain opportunities in foreign countries to further their education. This is coordinated by the Study Abroad Policy Council, which works with overseas programs to create affordable, educational experiences for students. Studying oversees will widen students perspectives and enrich their understanding of the human condition. It will help them to become educated people, said Glen Menzies, director of the council. This semester Alyssa McKnight senior biblical studies and languages major and Melissa Kirk junior biblical languages will be studying the Bible and theology at Ridley Hall, an evangelical seminary located in Cambridge, England. This educational opportunity will be a new cultural experience for both women. I hope to make connections with people there, and also learn a lot about myself. I have a dream to teach in the biblical area and Im excited to study somewhere outside of NCU, said McKnight. Kirk is also excited about her semester abroad, and believes that studying abroad this semester is part of Gods plan for her life. The Lord placed this opportunity smack dab in my lap. Im glad I am willing to take hold of it and see what He has in store, said Kirk. There are also two more study abroad opportunities in the spring semester. One group will travel to Bangkok, Thailand, through a program known as APSAI (Asian Pacific Student Abroad Initiative), and another

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By Brian Jones

to Xi-An, China. Diane Campbell, director of the Antioch Center, comments that with seeing other cultures, students receive an unwritten education. Their experience and insight go beyond class theory as they gain clarity and meaning within cultural contexts. Katy Wehr, office manager for the Institute for Biblical and Theological Studies, also sees importance in going overseas. I just think studying abroad is a great way for students to experience new cultures, have their minds expanded and challenged, and have new experiences to bring back, said Wehr. North Central plans to continue expanding the study abroad opportunities for years to come and allow more students to continue their education while traveling.

Justin Evans is the new student supervisor and Internal Library Loan Coordinator for the T.J Jones Library. He majored in cross-cultural studies at North Central University in the late 1990s and after receiving his degree, he went on to teach Old Testament and Hebrew classes at North Central for two years. He then received his masters degree in the arts of the Old Testament in Boston, and further Old Testament education from Edinburgh University in Scotland. Last year, Evans returned to the United States and fulfills the position of two staff members at the library. He believes that the T.J. Jones Library can become the heart of studies at North Central. His goals for the library are to encourage lifelong academics and create an inviting culture for students. In years to come, he hopes that the T.J. Jones Library will become a resource for a wider community.

Photo by Sarah Mack

Justin Evans

Photo by Nate Almquist

Marlana Wenzel

Marlana Wenzel is the administrative assistant for the Center for Youth and Leadership at North Central. She grew up in Lake Geneva, Minn. and later studied history and political science at Vanguard University in Southern California. She was involved in her husbands ministry when she heard about the administrative position at North Central. Wenzel felt a calling to help hurting youth and thought this position would be a great opportunity. She is involved with internal office work, helping teachers with daily tasks, and delegating student workers. She also organizes external activities such as contacting conference speakers. Wenzel is looking forward to working with a dedicated staff and motivated students. I want to help empower students to achieve godly goals, said Wenzel. Wenzel has a passion for inspiring people and reaching new potential. This year she would like to continue updating the Center for Youth and Leadership, allowing the department to progress.
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Photo by Sarah Mack

FRESHMAN ALEXUS RINN ANTICIPATES A NEW CHAPTER IN LIFE, WHILE SENIOR ZACH LEWISON REMINISCES ON A CHAPTER SOON ENDING.

Q. A. Q. A.

Freshman Senior
FEATURE.

From

To

Photos by Nate Almquist & Sarah Mack

By Joy Yerrick

Why did you choose North Central University? I knew God wanted me here for music even before I knew how to play guitar!

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.

Why did you choose North Central University? It was the only place I applied to, actually. Looking back, I can see why this was Gods plan. This place causes you to grow; it forces you. Ive had my best and worst times here.

What would you like to do with your major?

What would you like to do with your major? I want to work with teens, whether its speaking or starting an organization for anti-bullying. Whats something youd share with other students?

Im not sure what it will look like. I know I will be using music, whether Im traveling, leading, telling stories, or working in a church. I also feel called to work with women, which is why I am minoring in counseling.

Q. A.

Whats something youd share with other students?

As freshmen, we look up to you [the upperclassmen]. We come in nervous and looking for guidance. Pour into us. Take the time to find even one person, and pour into them. We are looking for spiritual guidance and we come from different pasts and want fresh starts. Freshman desire to connect with the upperclassmen!

Dont let a trait about you, or even what people know you for, define you. Dont be worried about people accepting you. Have a life outside of North Central; people leave or graduate, things change around you and you want to have something outside of just this. Serve, involve yourself, and make all types of friends. No other experience is like this.

Zach Lewison

Alexus Rinn

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Graduate Classes to Launch in Jan. 2013

DR. SUSIE BROOKS TAKES THE HELM AND SAILS INTO NEW HORIZONS.
Currently for students at North Central University, graduating with a bachelors degree is the highest level of education attainable. However, as early as January 2013, graduated students will have the option to attend graduate classes here as well. Susie Brooks was recently hired as the dean of graduate studies. Originally from Kenya, Brooks has come a long way to NCU. Before being hired, Brooks worked for Bethel University helping develop their doctoral and MBA programs. Brooks has been working hard preparing the graduate program. Current proposed courses include spiritual leadership, global leadership, leadership strategies, strategic planning and interpersonal management. When asked her opinion on the new graduate classes, senior psychology major Lenae Miller said, I think it is a great opportunity for students to further their education in a faith-based environment. This gives NCU more opportunities to pull in even more students. Claire Montenegro, NCUs associate director of processing in the admissions office and a 2005 graduate of NCU, also believes that these graduate classes are a step in the right direction. As a NCU alumna, this is very exciting. I am more proud of the school I attended, said Montenegro. It adds to the legitimacy of the institution, and I know it will be successful. In reference to where the graduate classes are headed, Brooks said, We are working towards approval for a certificate program as well as masters programs, but in the meantime, individual courses are being offered through our graduate studies department.

By Lexy Spangrud

Photo by Jeff Hathaway

SUSIE BROOKS Recently hired to prepare the graduate program.

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September 2012

NEWS.

Photo by Joshua Olson

WHOS IN CHARGE? NCU leadership starts off the 12-13 school year with a pic.

Preparation for Integration

By Jenny Scott

NORTH CENTRAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT LEADERSHIP MEMBERS GET READY FOR A NEW YEAR OF DISCIPLESHIP.
Approximately 200 student leaders from every student-led organization at North Central University participated in this years fall leadership training from Aug. 22 through 28. In preparation for the 2012-2013 school year, leaders were and taught a wide variety of different skills applicable for their specific roles. Time was also spent preparing for new students, returning students and upcoming events. One of the highlights from training days this year was partnering with City Vision tours. All of our student leaders took a one hour tour of the neighborhoods surrounding NCU and learned more about the diverse religious, ethnic and cultural groups in the area, as well as several ministries that are reaching out to
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these groups, said Bethany Peters, assistant dean of community life and overseer of fall leadership training. Every year, there is a unique theme for student leadership. This year the theme is Integrated. It comes from Jesus answer to one of the teachers of the Law about the greatest commandment in Mark 12:30. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. This year, God is moving us to integrate our lives with his vision to care for our internal neighbors at North Central, but also to integrate with the external community more intentionally than ever before, said Peters.

Campus Revamped
SUMMER RENOVATIONS GIVE OLD BUILDINGS A FRESH, NEW LOOK
By Sofia Almarza

TJ Break In
THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN MEDIA EQUIPMENT STOLEN OVER BREAK.
Two intruders broke onto the third floor of the TJ Jones Library over the summer, stealing between $3,000-4,000 worth of communication equipment. Communication Arts Chair Todd Wold discovered the break-in and reported it to security on Friday, May 17, 2012. Wold noticed something was amiss when he came to work and discovered the TV and Mac mini in the hallway were missing. My first thought was that maybe someone internally had borrowed the TV. When I realized the Mac mini was gone, it was clear something was MY FIRST THOUGHT wrong, said Wold. According to Wold, the WAS THAT MAYBE intruders climbed the fire escape and entered the SOMEONE HAD building through the window on the east balcony. BORROWED THE In addition to the TV and Mac mini, the LCD TV. projector in classroom 310 was stolen. - TODD WOLD Michael Cappelli, executive director of campus safety and security, said security reported the burglary to the Minneapolis Police Department who caught the intruders with the help of surveillance video footage. Wold felt the break-in was a reminder of the responsibility that students and faculty have with the resources available. Ive always been cognizant and a little paranoid about all the video and computer equipment we have. But this was a good wake up call for me to make sure the communication arts department is doing its part to keep things secure, said Wold.

By Amanda Breister

Liechty Hall needed extensive care. It is roof and skylights were replaced and the building received new mortar for the brickwork. Jay Vetter, administrator of facilities management said, The shingles on the south end of the building had deteriorated to the point of coming loose and clogging the gutters, and one of the gable ends was starting to lean away from the building. To maintain the aged structure of Liechty Hall, further mortar replacements will be necessary over the years.

Miller Hall

Purchased in 1937 as North Centrals first building, Miller Hall has endured many changes over the years. The womens dormitory received a complete bathroom remodel with improved bathrooms and showers. Handicapped-accessible features were also added. The womens response was overwhelmingly positive, said Kristi Hedstrom, resident director of Miller Hall. It communicates that the school is investing in their living area, and by extension, cares about them.

Photo by Sarah Mack

Photo by Nate Almquist

Liechty Roof
The brick exterior of the 901 building underwent repair. Both entrances to the building will receive new door systems in place of the rotted doors. The west entry door was already replaced. At the beginning of the summer, the 1500 building got new windows. Residents can now shut and lock them properly. Work is still being done on the leaking front entry roof.

Photo by Sarah Mack

901 & 1500 Buildings

New Name, New Vision

Student-led chapel is coming back to North Central University after undergoing a name change from Entry to Render. The new name is derived primarily from Matthew 22:21, when the Pharisees try trapping Jesus in disloyalty to Caesar. Jesus answer stuns them. He proves loyalty both to Caesar and to God. Then he said to them, Give to Caesar what is Caesars, and to God what is Gods. Director of Render James Harris, junior pastoral studies major said, The purpose of this name is to symbolize how no matter where you are at in life, no matter what has been done to you, or what you have done to someone else, God calls us to render

By Jenny Scott

STUDENT LED CHAPEL CHANGES ITS NAME IN ORDER TO EMBRACE NEW DIRECTION.
all things unto Him. Render is a completely student-led chapel service held Tuesday through Thursday during most weeks of the semester. Worship teams rotate weekly and selected students share a message. Over the years student-led chapel has had a number of different names in the past. It was once called Sanctuary, which then evolved into Entry, and now Render. Harris explains that the name changes are due to the change in culture as well as the vision of the leadership. God had a message for His student and this is where Render makes its way into the equation, said Harris.
September 2012 9

Photo by Nate Almquist

SMALL CHAPEL JOYS Students can attend Render to enjoy a student-led service

WORLD NEWS.
Bethany Bostron, senior business administration major, believes that her faith directly affects her political views. She believes that men are inherently sinful and government has been instituted among men to bring order to society. God has charged us to obey the governing authority as long as it does not directly violate any of Gods laws.

Photo provided by Facebook.com

Student body president Nathan Hirsh, senior English major, stated, My faith is important to my political views because it forms the foundations of my judgment. Instead of voting for candidates who pander to individual issues, we should be judging our candidates based on the morals that guide the decisions they make.

Photo by Sarah Mack

Photo by Sarah Mack

Though sifting through political propaganda and discovering the truth among the lies is difficult, voting is a right that all citizens either chose to exercise or ignore. Noah Neumann, senior secondary education social studies major, said, In 20 years we will be the ones running the country. We need to vote because if anyone can make a difference, it is students.

Wading through religious stances in politics can make voting difficult for many Christians. Faith is a popular topic in this years presidential race. Newspapers, broadcast networks and online publications have scrutinized the religious backgrounds of the current candidates for Americans. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, a project of the Pew Research Center, provides the following credible information about both of the major political party candidates.
Democratic candidate and current president Barack Obama was born in Hawaii and grew up in Indonesia and United States, where he attended both Catholic and Muslim schools. White House deputy communications director Jen Psaki stated in 2009 that, President Obama is a committed Christian. At the 2012 National Prayer Breakfast, Obama stated that he wakes up each morningsays a brief prayerand spends a little time in Scripture and devotion. Obama is known for referencing religion in his speeches. During a speech given to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he quoted Psalm 46 and Psalm 30. Despite these Christian statements, a 2010 Pew Research Center survey found that 18 percent of Americans believe Obama is Muslim. Some have also criticized him for stating that the United States is not a Christian nation. During Obamas 2006 speech to a liberal Christian group, The Los Angeles Times reported him saying, Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation at least, not just. We are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, and a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers. This statement leads some people to conclude that Obama is the first president 10 ncunortherner.com

CAM PAI GN 2012

By Mia Franklin

to publicly deny the United States is a Christian nation. Author Steven K. Green wrote about the Supreme Courts 1892 Christian nation maxim declaration in a 1999 law article that opposes President Obamas universalist opinion. Now Mormonism is thrown into the mix. Since Mormonism isnt common in the political arena, voters arent sure how Republican candidate Mitt Romneys religion will affect his leadership. Romneys Mormon family roots go back at least five generations, but it wasnt until his church mission to France that his faith became his own. On a mission, your faith in Jesus Christ either evaporates or it becomes much deeper. For me it became much deeper, said Romney in a 2007 interview with The New York Times. Aware of public concern surrounding his religious background, Romney tried shifting attention away from his faith. In 2007 he alluded to John F. Kennedys presidential address: I do not define my candidacy by religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith. During his campaign, Romney stated that he wouldnt let his religious affiliation rule his presidency. However, he has maintained that he will not distance himself from Mormonism. If elected, Romney would be the first Mormon president.

New Year Brings Rec & Wellness Improvements

THE REC & WELLNESS CENTER HELPS STUDENTS TO STAY ACTIVE IN A VARIETY OF NEW, FUN WAYS.
Last weekend, Recreation and Wellness took 13 students on a canoeing trip. The group canoed down the St. Croix River. The river itself is a National Scenic Riverway that is roughly 164 miles long. The entire trip consists of lush landscapes and beautiful scenery, all of which is protected by the National Park Service. Assistant Director of Recreation and Wellness, Molly Magstadt, said that the river is one of Minnesotas treasures. The group paddled all the way from Interstate Park in Wisconsin to the Osceola Landing. It was a beautiful day; we picnicked on an island in the river, said Magstadt. Recreation and Wellness planned their trip through Riverwood Canoe, and the company comes highly recommended from all of those that went on the trip. Recreation and Wellness offers much more than single day trips. New to the repertoire of the department are Zumba fitness and floor hockey. NCUs Zumba fitness class is held for the ladies of the college. In only its second year the womens Zumba fitness class has already seen success. With a regular attendance of 15 to 20 ladies, it has proven to be something people enjoy having and will continue to be popular. Sofa Almarza, junior media communications major and instructor of the class says, If you have never done Zumba dont worry, its really easy to catch onthe hour flies by because you are having so much fun! For now, the class meets Monday nights from 6:007:00, and Wednesday nights from 4:00-5:00. These times are subject to change later in the semester, and they will be posted around campus soon. Another new program offered this year is the sport of floor hockey. With Dan Erickson junior media communications major as its leader, floor hockey is entering its second year this fall.
By Sam Olmstead & Ben Pirie

SPORTS.

STEPHANIE SCHMIDT HIRED AS THE NEW VOLLEYBALL COACH.

By Jordan Lofthus

Stephanie Schmidt has been hired to coach the North Central University womens volleyball team. Aside from being the head coach, Schmidt will also serve as a full-time member of the NCU athletics department staff and adjunct in the communications arts department. Its been great. I have been here for about 2 1/2 months. I got here during the slow time, which gave me time to acclimate to the culture here, said Schmidt about her experience at NCU thus far. Coach Schmidt played volleyball for Bethel University and was named the teams most improved player and awarded the team spirit award during the 2006-2007 volleyball season. Schmidt graduated with honors from Bethel University, where she completed a bachelor of arts in journalism and minored in communication and media communication. Then Schmidt pursued a masters degree in communication at Minnesota State University, Mankato, which she completed in 2010 while teaching 100-level communication courses. She began her coaching journey in 2006 when she was the head coach for the Anoka-Ramsey Junior

Olympics volleyball team for 16 and 17 year-olds until 2008. Then served as the head coach for the Tri-City United Junior Olympics 15 and 16 yearold team from 2011-2012. She will now be the head coach for the NCU Rams beginning this 2012 season. Karlee Cox, freshman elementary education major, explains how her NCU volleyball experience has been. Volleyball has been amazing and a lot of fun so far. I love the girls on the team, and we have great coaches who know what theyre doing. We have improved so much since the first day and we keep on improving, which is exciting. Whitney Reames, freshman youth ministries major, commented whether playing volleyball at NCU is everything she expected. Playing volleyball at NCU is more than I thought it would be. Coach Schmidt has worked with us from day one on going back to the basics just to make sure that we are all on the same page. The volleyball teams current record is 0-8; however, the girls dont let that bring their spirits down. Cox says, Our volleyball team is a true family.

Bump, Set, Schmidt!

Photo by Jeff Hathaway

Currently, floor hockey activities are held in the gym every Thursday night from 9:30-11:00 p.m and is a coed club open to all students. The sport recently received new equipment including hockey sticks and goalie gear that should increase the popularity of the club. In the future, floor hockey may become an intramural sport, depending on the level of involvement this year. There is planned to be a weekend tournament later in the semester in which students will assemble their own teams and compete. Unlimitedly the vision is to have more pick-up style games in the fall and then intramural style games in the spring, Erickson said. For more information and upcoming events for one of NCUs newest activities follow in Twitter at you can follow on twitter @NCUFloorHockey. Be watching for updates on new classes that may be added in the future. Magstadt has hopes for selfdefense and maybe even Pilates in the spring. If anyone has experience in teaching fitness or aerobic classes, and would like to lead a class, please contact Molly Magstadt so that the Recreation and Wellness programs can keep growing.

Photo by Molly Magstadt

NEW COACH ON THE BLOCK New Rams volleyball coach, Stephanie Schmidt, is an ace.

September 2012

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Sports Teams Now Accepted Into UMAC

NORTH CENTRAL FACES NEW FOE WITH ITS RECENT ADMITTANCE INTO A NEW CONFERENCE.
This summer, North Central University was admitted into the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) as an associate member. The Rams will still play National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) opponents as well as other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III teams. The move is for all 15 sports and takes effect for the 2012-2013 school year. Previously, NCU was an associate member for the golf, cross-country, track and field, and tennis. According to UMACs website, the conference was founded in 1972 as the Twin Rivers Conference and was renamed to its current title in 1983. UMAC is comprised of seven member schools from Minnesota and Wisconsin: Bethany Lutheran College, the College of St. Scholastica, Crown College, Martin Luther College, Northwestern College, Northland College and the University of Minnesota, Morris. Many members of the athletic department are excited about the schools move to UMAC. This is an important next step for NCU athletics, said Jon High, NCUs athletic director and mens basketball head coach. Captains of NCUs mens and womens soccer teams, Gabe Thomas senior intercultural studies (ICS) major and Marissa Dean junior ICS major, both agree that the move to UMAC is positive one. Dean believes that the move makes the teams more credible because they will be in a real college division as opposed to just a Christian division.

By Blake Mayes & Chrissie Parker

Photo by Jonny Jackson

There are challenges associated with acceptance into the UMAC. Volleyball coach Stephanie Schmidt, along with Coach High, believe that the competition is better in the UMAC, which makes winning games more difficult. There have been many changes made in the athletic department. Coaches High and Schmidt, along with both of the soccer captains, believe that the facilities still need upgrading. Only having one gym really limits how our teams practice and develop. Coach Schmidt concurred,

saying that the team would love to have more locker room space and the ability to have more nets up at one time. Currently, they can only have one net up at a time and are not able to host UMAC tournaments because of the lack of nets. In addition, not having a practice field on campus has restricted the soccer team. In order to practice they have to travel 30-40 minutes one way to Coon Rapids. Both soccer captains agreed that having a field closer to campus would make practicing much less of a hassle. The move to UMAC has caused conference games to be on the weekends, allowing athletes to miss fewer classes and making practice times more consistent. In the past, the games were held mid-week. All of the schools in the conference are in Minnesota or Wisconsin, which means the team does not have to travel far. UMAC also requires all games to be filmed and streamed on the schools website, which allows people who are unable to attend the games to keep up on how the team is doing. UMAC membership will bring a higher level of prestige to the universitys athletics and will help in recruiting.

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