Vol.82,No.10/11.5.

08/Free

Tyler Stauffer photo

Students give their views on
election results. Find out if their
predictions came true on Page 2.

Obama
Ba-rocks
the vote
barackobama.com

Read more on Page 2

Page 2 NEWS November 5, 2008

Barack Obama announced president-elect

More than 30 students attended the Election Night
Bash in Hirt 305 sponsored by the Young Repub-
licans, College Democratics and Pi Sigma Alpha,
the political science honors society. Students who
attended the event and other students across
campus shared their election predictions.
“I’m glad it’s over. I’m sick of the campaigning. I want
Obama to win!” Jen Popinski, senior

“I’m glad it’s over. I want Obama to win, I don’t want to

see another George Bush.” Jess Raniero, junior

“I didn’t vote. By the time I tried to register it was

too late. I want McCain to win.” Lyudmila Belousob,
freshman

“This is a historical election in which it’s necessary to

participate in.” Katy Miller, senior
“It is especially important for people our age. This will
essentially decide the next four years of our lives.”
Heather Morse, senior
Tyler Stauffer photo
Seniors Danielle Vinciguerra and Derrick Carlson attended the Election Night Bash where they
watched election updates on FoxNews while waiting for the final projections.

“McCain.” Eric Lundgren, freshman

“I’m excited. I voted for Obama because I believe in

change.” Gerald Anderson, sophomore

“This is a groundbreaking election. It is important for

young people to be engaged and educated on the
issues that this President will be taking on. Whether
it’s Obama or McCain, Palin or Biden, this election is
fundamental to our immediate future.” Kenny Bluska,
senior

“I worry a little bit that people are so divided right now,

after tomorrow it’ll be hard. There needs to be unity, but
it’s been such a divided election.” Joe Will, senior

“I feel disappointed. I wanted McCain to win so bad.

As a member of the future military, I’m scared to be a
member under Obama, because he’s going to cut the
budget for defense.” Jim Gallagher, freshman

“I’m terrified because the way Obama came to power

throughout history is a dangerous way to come to
power… It’s more about ideology than politics.” Nick
Dipalma, senior

“No matter who’s elected it’s a win-win situation for the

Republicans… The will win in 2012.” Brandon Miller, barackobama.com photo
freshman Barack Obama was elected the president-elect after Tuesday’s election. Obama will be sworn
into office on Jan. 20, 2009.
November 5, 2008 NEWS Page 3

Gamble’s term extended Career Fair

By JoEllen Marsh
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College
Board of Trustees unani-
mously decided at their Octo-
ber board meeting to extend
Dr. Thomas J. Gamble’s ser-
vice as the college President
through 2012.
Since his inauguration in
2006, Gamble led Mercy-
hurst toward its vision of
becoming a leading higher
education institution that
integrates excellence in the
liberal arts, professional and
career-path programs and
service to regional and world
communities.
Senior Zach Pekor said he
believes Gamble has done a
good job so far. “He could be
the president of the ‘fourth
spring’ of Mercyhurst, fol-
lowing the other springs of
Dr. Garvey, Carolyn Her-
rmann and Borgia Egan,”
Pekor said.
During Gamble’s first
term, the college began con-
struction on a new $32 mil-
lion residence hall at the
Erie campus and opened a
new residence hall and made
extensive renovations to a
new building at Mercyhurst
North East.
Mercyhurst took major
strides to enhance several
academic programs under
Gamble’s leadership, includ-
ing a redesigned communi-
cations major and almost $1
million in awards for foren-
sics research.
Gamble has been credited
with bringing in highly quali-
fied faculty to expand Mercy-
hurst’s academic offerings and
continue building strong liberal
arts and science programs.
Many students believe Mer-
cyhurst has the opportunity to
move forward with the help of
Gamble.
Senior Erik Penn said, “I
think he’s been monumental.
He fought the bishop of Erie
and he believes in academic
integrity. He stands for the
entirety of higher education.”
helps students
By Liz Maier
Staff writer
On Thursday, Nov. 6 more
than 600 students and 100 rep-
resentatives from organizations
and businesses alike will be
packed into Mercyhurst Col-
lege’s Athletic Center for the
annual 2008 Career Fair.
From 1-4 p.m. students of
all majors and grade levels can
meet with business represen-
tatives to explore and discuss
future internships, part-time
summer jobs and full-time
employment.
Connoisseur Media, AFLAC
and more will be at the fair.
Director of Career Services
Frank Rizzone said profes-
sional attire is encouraged for
all students, but it is required
for seniors.
Rizzone encouraged students
to bring an updated version of
their resumes.
Junior HRIM major Marta
Baran said, “I am looking for-
ward to speaking with Hyatt
Resorts and Hotels. I am plan-
ning on interviewing with them
in the spring.”
Mercyhurst will host another
career fair in the spring of

Service learning for fun

By Alaina Rydzewski
Staff writer
Looking for something fun
to do while on break from
classes?
Mercyhurst College offers
worthwhile trips that give stu-
dents a chance to give back
to the local community and
people in need everywhere.
Director of Service Learn-
ing Sister Michele Schroeck
and Mercyhurst students met
with Carlow University and
Mount Alysious College stu-
dents on Oct. 17-18 to learn
about poverty in rural areas
then traveled to Clearfield, Pa.
to help out in the homes of
the elderly.
Another group of ’Hurst
students went with Schroeck
to a sleepover at Mercy Center
for Women, a local shelter,
Oct. 24-25.
They played with the resi-
dents’ children, did the chores
that residents are required to
complete, and simply talked
with the women living there to
find out what life is like in the
shelter.
Freshman Alyssa Kater-
berg, who participated in the
sleepover said, “I think it’s
important for students to real-
ize that help is needed within
our own community. A lot
of time we focus on large
projects in big cities or even
in other countries, but doing
small projects for small orga-
nizations can make big differ-
ences too.”
Sophomore Chelsea Herrick
said she participated, because
“the Mercy Center for Women
seemed like a good opportu-
nity to see how the community
helps women that are strug-
gling get back on their feet…
it’s a nice way to gain a new
perspective on different things
and have new experiences.”
Saturday, Nov. 1 students
talked about current issues like
racism, women and poverty at
the Mercy Service and Social
Change mini-conference.
Cathy Darcy from the Sis-
ters of Mercy National Justice
Office was the main speaker,
but there were representatives
from the local colleges who
talked about how they would
address the issues on their
campuses.
Upcoming events include
a trip to New Orleans Nov.
14-22 with Schroeck, campus
minister Amanda Zechman
and Amelia Diaz from Ameri-
CorpsVista. The trip will
focus on rebuilding homes
destroyed by hurricanes.
The Navajo Reservation
Trip over spring break is still
open, as is the Guyana Inter-
national Service Trip after
graduation, which qualifies
for academic credit at no addi-
tional cost.
Schroeck said she believes
alternative breaks are impor-
tant, because they are “high
quality options in a short
period of time where students
can experience another culture
in a more holistic way.”
For more information, con-
tact Schroeck in Preston 105.
Seniors, specifically, will have 2009.
the opportunity to share their “I am not going to the career
resumes, receive job applica- fair, because none of the orga-
tions and, if applicable, inquire nizations are of interest to me,”
about job interviews. senior communication major
Representatives from a
Casey Bertolette said.
variety of organizations such For a complete list of orga-
as Marriot International, the nizations and businesses go to
Defense Intelligence Agency, careerfair.mercyhurst.edu.
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Page 4
8,000 attend Palin rally in hopes for Pa. victory
By Amanda Valauri
News Editor
Homemade pompoms
and signs that read “Bob the
Painter,” “Marge the Grand-
mother” and “PA for Palin”
were in hand at the rally for
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on
Thursday, Oct. 30.
The public rally that was
attended by nearly 8,000 people
was held at the Bayfront Con-
vention Center located on Sas-
safras Pier.
Other Pennsylvania Repub-
lican politicians made appear-
ances at the event.
Sen. Jane Earll, who was on
the Republican ticket for re-
election, was the first to speak.
Tyler Stauffer illustration
She highlighted the impor-
tance of the economy and the
“stark differences in the two
tickets.”
Earll said Pennsylvania
doesn’t need more government
or more taxes, which was fol-
lowed by audience applause.
Congressman Phil English,
also on the reelection ticket,
and Gov. Ed Rendell spoke
after Earll.
Both mentioned the econ-
omy and taxes.
English said “We will win,
because we have the issues and
experience on our side.”
Rendell praised Palin for her
energy plans and said safety
and security of the American
people were among her top
priorities.
NEWS
“John McCain and Sarah
Palin have the integrity,
strength and experience we
need to move this country for-
ward,” Rendell said.
After a brief light show, the
air was full waiving of signs and
pompoms as Palin stepped on
to the stage with her husband
Todd and daughter Piper.
Palin started off her 30-
minute speech by acknowledg-
ing the veterans in the room.
“I want to thank you for
protecting our red, white and
blue,” she said.
Palin continued talking
about her running mate and
his decades of experience.
“For a season a man can
inspire with words, but for a
lifetime he inspires with his
deeds,” Palin said.
She said Sen. Barack Obama
was an amazing public speaker,
but “no orator can keep a
country safe.”
The country’s safety was
a repeated theme through-
out her speech. Palin said she
and her running mate “have a
vision of America where every
innocent life counts.”
The relaxed Palin, leaning
on the podium, asked the audi-
ence a rhetorical question that
was followed with a deafening
applause.
“Do you want a politician
to have faith in big govern-
ment, or a leader with faith in
you?”
Campaigning hard for
the important battleground
November 5, 2008
state of Pennsylvania, Palin
appealed to the audience. She
said, “This where the best of
America is.”
She ended her speech with,
“God Bless America.”
As Palin walked off the
stage to take photos and meet
with the audience, Shania
Twain’s song “She’s not just a
pretty face” blasted from the
speakers.
Only Palin visited Erie
during the presidential elec-
tion.
Sen. Barack Obama cam-
paigned in Erie four days
before the April 22 Pennsyl-
vania primary, but neither he
nor his running mate Sen. Joe
Biden have campaigned here
since.
November 5, 2008
End-of-term textbook buyback hassles students
By Kenny Hunt
Contributing writer
The last week of classes is
upon us.
Students are busy studying
for finals, getting organized to
go home or on vacation over
break, and looking forward
to ditching their textbooks
they’ve had since September.
College bookstores offer
textbook buyback during
finals week.
They take your books to
resell next term and pay you
for them.
The only downside is the
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money you get back is less
than half of what you paid.
A book that cost $100 in
September may only get you
$20 at the end of the term.
Sometimes a new edition
of a book will come out
during the term, and the book
you bought at the beginning
of the term is worth nothing
and the bookstore won’t take
With finals week just around the corner, the 24-hour student
lounge will be filled with students studying and preparing for
their finals.
FEATURES Page 5
it back. will offer for your books. book makes more of a profit textbooks for future reference
To guarantee a fair exchange, Some Web sites will even than they would if they sold it is a great idea.
students have begun to go to pay for the shipping of to the bookstore. Looking back on old
outside sources to sell their your books. The student buying the books and notes can be
old books. Students will even sell their book is getting it cheaper than a lifesaver.
One alternative are the books to other students. they would if they bought the Regardless of how you choose
vans parked along the streets A $100 book might be book at the bookstore used at to unload your books, con-
and in the parking lot of the sold from student to student the beginning of next term. gratulate yourself for making
Corner Stone with the big for $50. There are even some stu- it through the first term of the
yellow banners that say “Cash This is a win-win for both dents who skip selling their 2008-09 school year and pre-
for Books.” students. books back altogether. pare yourself for round two in
They will buy back your The student selling the With some majors, keeping December.
books at a better value than
the average bookstore price.
Most of the time, they
will also take the books that
Mercyhurst College
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There are several sites online
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that are willing to buy your Recruiting code: SBUN
old textbooks. For more information, call 1-866-775-6270
A search on Google for
“textbook buyback” yields
over 100,000 results, the top
ones being textbooksrus.com,
textbooks.com and booksin-
tocash.com.
Check out one or two of
these sites and see what they
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Page 6
Thanksgiving history to wow the relatives
By Emily Grabowski
Features editor
Thanksgiving has been
a popular holiday for hun-
dreds of years in the
United States.
It’s recognized as a holiday
to spend time with family, eat
lots of food and watch football
and the Macy’s Thanksgiving
Day Parade.
We have grown up think-
ing Thanksgiving originated
on one night with the Pilgrims
and Indians sitting down to eat
together.
However, according to
the History Channel Web
site, there was no one single
event that Thanksgiving
originated from.
There are tons of myths
about the holiday; history.com
clears up two of the major
misconceptions about one of
America’s favorite holiday.
Myth: The pilgrims wore
Don’t forget the dessert! Make a pumpkin pie for friends and family; a Thanksgiving classic.
Macy’s department store hosts a huge parade in New York City every Thanksgiving that mil-
lions watch on TV.
only black and white clothing
and had buckles on their hats,
garments and shoes.
Fact: Buckles did not come
into fashion until later in the
seventeenth century and black
and white were commonly
FEATURES
worn only on Sunday and
formal occasions.
Women typically dressed in
red, earthy green, brown, blue,
violet and gray, while men wore
clothing in white, beige, black,
earthy green and brown.
recipegoldmine.com photo
wirednewyork.com photo
Myth: The first Thanksgiv-
ing was in 1621 and the pil-
grims celebrated it every year
thereafter.
Fact: The first feast wasn’t
repeated, so it wasn’t the
beginning of a tradition.
In fact, the colonists
didn’t even call the day
Thanksgiving.
To them, a thanksgiving was
a religious holiday in which
they would go to church
and thank God for a specific
event, such as the winning of
a battle.
On such a religious day, the
types of recreational activities
the pilgrims and Wampanoag
Indians participated in during
the 1621 harvest feast - danc-
ing, singing secular songs,
playing games - wouldn’t have
been allowed.
The feast was a secular cele-
bration, so it never would have
been considered a thanksgiv-
ing in the pilgrim’s minds.
Myth: The original Thanks-
giving feast took place on
the fourth Thursday of
November.
Fact: The original feast
in 1621 occurred sometime
November 5, 2008
between Sept. 21 and Nov. 11.
Unlike our modern holiday,
it was three days long.
The event was based on
English harvest festivals,
which traditionally occurred
around Sept. 29.
After the first harvest was
completed by the Plym-
outh colonists, Gov. William
Bradford proclaimed a day
of thanksgiving and prayer,
shared by all the colonists and
neighboring Indians.
In 1623, a day of fasting
and prayer during a period of
drought was changed to one
of thanksgiving, because the
rain came during the prayers.
Gradually the custom pre-
vailed in New England of
annually celebrating thanks-
giving after the harvest.
During the American Revo-
lution, a yearly day of national
thanksgiving was suggested by
the Continental Congress.
In 1817, New York State
adopted Thanksgiving Day as
an annual custom, and by the
middle of the 19th century
many other states had done
the same.
In 1863, President Abra-
ham Lincoln appointed a
day of thanksgiving as the
last Thursday in November,
which he may have correlated
it with Nov. 21, 1621, the
day the Mayflower arrived at
Cape Cod.
Since then, each president
has issued a Thanksgiving Day
proclamation.
President Franklin D.
Roosevelt set the date for
Thanksgiving to the fourth
Thursday of November in
1939 (approved by Congress
in 1941).
Impress your family as you
sit around the dinner table with
your turkey, mashed potatoes,
and pumpkin pie with your new
knowledge of the history of
Thanksgiving.
November 5, 2008
Senior roommates star on stage, in film
By Kyle King
A & E editor
Many college students
spend their weeknights and
weekends doing homework,
maybe taking the occasional
break to watch a movie or go
to a show. Two Mercyhurst
College roommates spend
their free time acting in movies
and shows.
Seniors Natalie Vindivich
and Jess Ciccone began per-
forming in on-campus perfor-
mances two years ago, meeting
at former Mercyhurst profes-
sor Hillary Fogerty’s staging
of Shakespeare’s “A Midsum-
mer Night’s Dream” in spring
of 2006.
The duo has been cast in
five different performances
together.
In addition to “Midsummer”
and two shows of “The Rocky
Horror Picture Show” at the
Roadhouse Theatre (now The-
atre 145), both performed in
“The Producers” this fall and
are currently in preparation
for “CATS,” which will pre-
miere at the Playhouse the last
Seniors and roommates Jess Ciccone (left) and Natalie Vindiv-
ich before an Erie Playhouse rehearsal of ‘The Producers.’
weekend of January.
Vindivich has 18 years of
dancing experience while Cic-
cone is classically trained in
voice and piano.
“The Erie theatre commu-
nity is close-knit without being
cliquey,” Ciccone said. “Every-
one works together toward
each other’s strengths.”
Besides their work on stage,
both have experience working
in film.
Vindivich plays Emily,
whom she describes as “a pro-
miscuous secretary,” in John
C. Lyons’ “Schism,” which will
play at the Mary D’Angelo Per-
forming Arts Center Wednes-
day, Nov. 5 at 2 and 8 p.m.
“It’s an independent, arty
sort of film,” Vindivich said of
Schism. “I think [Lyons] really
accomplished what he set out
to do, and he’s really proud of
all the effort that went into
the film.”
Besides being an extra in
DreamWorks’ “She’s Out of
My League” (still in produc-
tion) and playing a small role
in “Shelter” (scheduled for a
2009 release), Vindivich has
also performed in “Fist of
Contributed photo
FEATURES Page 7
the Vampire,” a self-described
“local, campy horror film.”
She also was in a 10-minute
short called “The Beast and
Me,” which won Best Horror/
Sci-Fi short at the Wizard
World film competition in
Los Angeles.
Ciccone has some experi-
ence in film as well, starring
in “Dead@17,” a 10-minute
short based on the first two
chapters of the graphic
novel by Josh Howard of the
same name.
The film premiered locally,
but screened at ComicCon,
a convention in Los Angeles.
Ciccone received a message on
MySpace from Howard, saying Contributed photo
he thought she played her Vindivich (kneeling, just left of center) and Ciccone (kneeling,
role well. just right of center), are among the throng of prisoners at the
After graduating, Ciccone conclusion of the play ‘Springtime for Hitler’ in ‘The
and Vindivich hope to con- Producers.’
tinue acting but in different
capacities.
Ciccone’s ideal job is to own
her own publishing company,
but she intends to maintain
stage roles as a leisure pursuit.
“If something comes along
that allows me to support
myself, that’d be great, but
it’s not what I’m planning on
doing full-time,” she said.
Vindivich, on the other
hand, hopes to move to
Los Angeles sometime after
graduation in order to find
more roles.
Both stressed that interested
students should be willing to
put themselves out there.
“Don’t hesitate to audition,”
Ciccone said. “It’s a small
community, but it’s very well-
rounded, and they love getting
new people.”
“Even if acting’s not your
thing, the stage crew has a
great time,” Vindivich said.
“Additionally, the student-
run, on-campus shows are get-
ting better and better,” Ciccone
said. “Just don’t limit yourself
in what you can do.”
Page 8 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT November 5, 2008

Get ‘bombed’ at PAC’s Met Opera broadcast

By Hazel Jennings
Staff writer
The contemporary and
thought-provoking opera
“Doctor Atomic” is coming to
the Mary D’Angelo Perform-
ing Arts Center at Mercyhurst
College as a part of “The Met-
ropolitan Opera: Live in High
Definition” series on Saturday,
Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.
The Metropolitan Opera will
keep its commitment to con-
temporary opera by debuting
“Doctor Atomic,” written by
Pulitzer-Prize-winning com-
poser John Adams. Adams
is among the world’s most
esteemed living composers.
“Doctor Atomic” is centered
on J. Robert Oppenheimer and
his creation of the atomic bomb
during the summer of 1945 in
New Mexico. The vast major-
ity of the opera chronicles the
events of July 15, 1945.
and action.
One of the most exciting
aspects of the opera are the
intricate sets, which the Mer-
cyhurst audience will have an
opportunity to see in more
intimate detail than those
seated at Lincoln Center.
Designer Adrianne Lobel
wanted to convey the vast infi-
nite of both the desert land of
New Mexico and the limitless
opportunities that could come
pac.mercyhurst.edu from this new technology.
Gerald Finley plays J. Robert Oppenheimer in ‘Doctor Atomic.’ Lobel described her set
as “compressed vastness,” a
Adams explained the inspi- opera motivated by recent “mathematical, beautiful geo-
ration for his fifth stage work. historical events. His other metric equation that could
“The atomic bomb is the all-time works have tackled the 1993 move, shift and create pictures
American symbol of our dark- Los Angeles earthquake, Rich- in a very abstract way.”
est mythology—power, tech- ard Nixon visiting China and Her artistic work is amaz-
nology, science and of course the events of Sept. 11, 2001. ingly innovative and darkly,
the responsibility of having Both the lyrics and music crudely magnificent.
this ability to destroy the planet. are incredibly accessible to the Gerald Finley stars in the title
These are Wagnerian topics, and modern ear. role of Oppenheimer, Richard
they are ideally suited to operatic The listener is sure to recog- Paul Frank as the physicist
expression,” he said. nize the modern and familiar Edward Teller and Eric Owens
This is not Adams’ first devices to convey the mood will make his Met debut as
General Leslie Groves. Kitty,
Oppenheimer’s wife, will be
played by Mezzo-soprano
Sasha Cooke, and Meredith
Arwady plays Oppenheimer’s
Tewa maid.
Now in its third season and
the second year at Mercyhurst
College, “The Metropolitan
Opera: Live in High Defini-
tion” broadcast is made pos-
sible with the help of a dozen
strategically placed cameras
in the Metropolitan Opera
House.
The cameras offer brilliant
close-ups, which reveal the
details of costumes and facial
gestures, and with sweeping
wide angles present a pan-
oramic spectacle that gives
PAC viewers an intimate
advantage over those actually
in the Met audience.
Tickets are $18 for adults
and $15 for seniors and stu-
dents. Front row balcony tick-
ets are $30.

Local band Dirt Herbert tears up 4204 Parade

By Ryan Connors
Contributing writer
Dirt Herbert is a new band
in the Erie music scene look-
ing to make a lasting impres-
sion.
The band is composed of
four Mercyhurst seniors, Alex
Beck (lead guitar/vocals),
Dave Newman (drums), Matt
“Kaz” Kazmierczak (guitar/
piano/vocals) and Nate Drum
(bass/vocals).
Last year the four friends
decided to write a “joke” song,
called “42-04” about an expe-
rience at a party.
“It wasn’t anything too seri-
ous,” said Kaz. “We were in
my room, and we just started
jammin’ together.”
The friends took the idea of
making a band and ran with it.
A long-time friend of the
four offered the name Dirt
Herbert as a band name. It
stuck.
Each band member is influ-
enced by many different bands,
drawing on everything from
Radiohead to Bob Marley.
The resulting collision of
different styles and influences
helped create a sound that
makes it difficult to lump them
into a single genre, though
they’ve toyed around with the
label “Awesome Rock.”
“I don’t think we sound like
anything else out there,” Kaz
said.
Dirt Herbert plays both
cover and original songs.
The band covers music from
The Red Hot Chili Peppers,
The Doors, Pearl Jam, Rage
Against The Machine, O.A.R.
and many more.
Additionally, Kaz and Alex
Beck have written several
songs.
“Alex has more of a funky
sound, like The Red Hot Chili
Peppers, and I have a more
grungy sound,” Kaz said.
They have completed six
songs and have three more in
the works.
“There are several themes
in each song,” Kaz said. He
admitted his songs are about
his personal experiences, deal-
ing with sex, love and past
relationships.
The song “Easy Livin’” is
about his trip to Lollapalooza.
However, all his songs do
not fall under that category.
His newest song, titled “Every-
thing and Nothing,” focuses
on current events in America.
Last year, Dirt Herbert put
on several free shows in the
basement of their house on
Parade Street.
Since the shows last year,
Dirt Herbert said they have
really tightened up their
sound, practicing several times
a week.
Dirt Herbert recently played
a show outside of Cleveland.
They played nine songs for
about 45 minutes in front of a
crowd of about 300.
Kaz said the band realize
they are all seniors and their
time is limited. Dirt Herbert
has entered into what Kaz
calls “hyper mode.” The band
is trying to gain popularity
quickly, in hopes they will get
more gigs to play and create a
snowball effect.
“I care more about [the
band] than school,” Kaz said.
The band is talking with
a few bars downtown about
gigs, and is currently talking to
a studio where they will record
their first demo. Beyond this
year, the band’s future remains
uncertain.
You can access Dirt Herbert
on Facebook and MySpace.
You can check out Lou, the
band mascot, and everything
you need to know about Dirt
Herbert there.
Log on to dirtherbert.com
to find the band’s background
story and current updates and
information.
November 5, 2008 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 9

McEwan traces virgins until marriage in ‘Chesil’

By Kyle King
A & E editor
Ian McEwan blurs meaning.
He blurs truth. He does this
not to be opaque, and not to
be prophetic, but because, for
McEwan, the truth lies in the
blur of subjectivity.
By now many people have
seen the 2007 film release of
“Atonement,” based on the
2001 McEwan novel of the
same name, starring Keira
Knightley, James McAvoy and
Saoirse Ronan.
Theatergoers expecting
“Pride and Prejudice” were
disappointed. Those who
let themselves be captivated
by the perspectival nature of
truth and how life unfolds as
a result of one’s past and pres-
ent decisions loved the film, at
least those who had not read
the book first.
In McEwan’s 2007 novel,
“On Chesil Beach,” he tackles
another fledgling romance.
Edward and Florence have
just been married in the 1960s,
and they have settled at a
Georgian inn near the coast of
the English Channel on Chesil
Beach for their honeymoon.
Edward is a rough-and-
tumble pugilist-turned-histo-
rian from the wrong side of
town, the son of a boys’ school
headmaster and a brain-dam-
aged mother who manages
to win his way into the hearts
and home of the Pontings,
whose daughter Florence is a
cellist in a string quartet, more
comfortable in the language
of quarter notes than in ques-
tion-and-answer.
McEwan makes known
what is atypical of the couple
in the first line of the not-
quite-novel-length work:
“They were young, educated,
themanbookerprize.com
McEwan won a Man Booker
Prize for ‘On Chesil Beach.’
and both virgins on this, their
wedding night, and they lived
in a time when a conversation
about sexual difficulties was
plainly impossible.”
It is not the fact both are
virgins that leads to com-
munication difficulties; it is
their respective backgrounds
keeping them from speak-
ing frankly to each other, the
fact that neither have any clue
what to do and Florence does
not desire to consummate the
relationship physically.
Edward is perhaps overly
suggestive and forceful, in no
way avoiding culpability.
The plot interweaves the
day of the wedding with past
biographical information, a
McEwan trademark.
The language is mesmer-
izing, at times a lengthy sexu-
alized rendering (Edward’s
tongue, kissing Florence too
forcefully, becomes “the
hard tapering tip of this alien
muscle, quiveringly alive”) that
satirizes harlequin romances,
at others an insightful psycho-
logical background check, pin-
ning down the hidden forces
at play in the constitutions of
both characters.
This examination into his-
torical forces is another hold-
over from “Atonement.”
McEwan seems to conclude
both the Great Man theory of
history, in which single indi-
viduals make momentous deci-
sions that shape the world, and
the Positivist school, for whom
historical events are the natural
laws of the world operating
in unchangeable fashion, are
insufficient to explain the past.
Instead, context, the sub-
conscious and choice all play
a role.
The climax of “On Chesil
Beach” is inevitable, inelucta-
ble and, as one who reads the
buildup can infer, premature.
The move seems somehow
intentional on McEwan’s part;
what can be achieved other
than disappointment and dis-
satisfaction when expectations
are so high?
Just as McEwan’s blurring of
reality in “Atonement” fit his
message, so does his unsatisfy-
ing denouement in “Chesil.”

THE BENEDICTINE
MONKS OF
ST. ANDREW ABBEY
in Cleveland, Ohio, invite
young men who are
interested in personal
spiritual growth and in
seeking Divine guidance
for their life and vocation
to participate in the “Living
with Benedict”
weekend retreat program.

Nov. 14-16, 2008

Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2009
Contact Fr. Gerard:
gerard@cbhs.net
Page 10
Dance students choreograph performances
By Sarah Mastrocola
Staff writer
On Nov. 5 from 3:40 to
5:40 p.m., sophomore dance
majors will present their cho-
reographic works as part of
an in-studio showing for the
dance department.
This showing will take place
in the Dance Space and serves
as a final exam for the Chore-
ography I class.
Each choreographed piece
will feature three to four danc-
ers and range in length from
five to six minutes, as per the
class requirements.
There were some param-
eters put in place concerning
music selection and use.
Wind Ensemble ‘haunts’ PAC
By Marie Karbacka
Staff writer
The D’Angelo Department
of Music’s Wind Ensem-
ble presented a “Halloween
Haunting” on Friday, Oct. 31
in the D’Angelo Performing
Arts Center. It was an excit-
ing, fright-filled night of won-
derful music.
The mood lighting, per-
formers’ face paint and scary
music before the performance
really set the creepy mood for
the night’s concert.
Director Dr. Scott Meier’s
“cold,” as he said, affected
his voice to make it deep and
booming, perfect for the eve-
ning’s narration.
For the first piece, Rob
Grice’s “Haunted Carnival,”
the Wind Ensemble’s climaxes
were extremely effective.
The brass section, especially
the French horns, was very
strong.
For many of these students,
this is their first major choreo-
graphic work.
As such, it can be a trying
and even terrifying experience
for some.
Student choreographer
Christine Wilbur said, “I was
nervous initially about cho-
reographing this piece at all,
but once I actually started, the
steps seemed to come to me
pretty easily.”
Throughout this process,
different students have discov-
ered various choreographic
approaches that work for
them.
Brieänna Hynish said of
choreographing, “I feel like
this process is so fun. I come
to rehearsals and choreograph
The next song, “The Awak-
ening of the Ents,” was based
on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord
of the Rings” trilogy.
Dr. Meier described this
piece as “organized noise.”
Along with the odd chords,
the members had to sing and
whistle to add to the quality of
the sounds coming from the
group trying to tell the story
of the awakening.
In between the nine move-
ments of the next piece, Ste-
phen McNeff ’s “Ghosts,”
different haunting spirits were
projected on the back wall of
the PAC.
Sophomore Alicia Danen-
burg and senior Andrew Fer-
guson were definitely the most
rehearsed and convincing
ghosts.
Freshman Stephanie Kessel
had a wonderful oboe sound
on her solo in the second
movement. The end of the
fifth movement left the audi-
ence hanging with no true
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
everything at that moment on
the dancers physically because
I can’t choreograph without
people in front of me.”
Fellow choreographer
Morgan Ostroski conversely
said, “For me, I have to cho-
reograph ahead of time; I
don’t like to choreograph on
the spot.”
Whether the choreography
itself or the selection of music
for the choreography comes
first also differs depending on
the choreographer.
This particular year, how-
ever, many of the Choreog-
raphy I students felt having
music first is helpful.
Sarah Hricko said, “I like
to pick out music first, which
then inspires a story or mood.
finish—it was a mystery. Each
movement grew until the last
movement, which was an omi-
nous, looming climax.
The Wind Ensemble did
a wonderful job making the
sounds of an actual train
during Eric Whitacre’s “Ghost
Train,” which gives the aural
illusion of a haunting train
coming quickly to the station.
Junior John DelValle produced
a very good train whistle
sound on his flute solo. It was
well prepared and wonderfully
performed by the group.
However, the most amaz-
ing piece was Daniel Bukvich’s
“Voodoo.” It caught me off
guard when the lights entirely
went out after the first note of
the piece. The use of noises,
flashlights and other scary
effects were very creative.
“Voodoo” was exceptional,
with no true words for how
impressive it was.
It was a fabulous concert all
around.
Then, I come up with the
outline of movement types
and spacing on stage. The last
thing I do is the choreography
itself.”
Caitlin Burke said, “For me
the choreographic process
really depends on the music. If
I can’t find music that inspires
me or gets the brain juices
flowing, there is no hope for
me.”
This final choreography
showing serves as the culmi-
nation of all the work done
within Choreography I this
term.
“I’m nervous for the show-
ing, just because I want people
to like my choreography. How-
ever, I think that everything
will go well,” Burke said.
CityMusic Cleveland to play
Mercyhurst Stewardship Day
By Megan O’Hare
Contributing writer
Mercyhurst College will cel-
ebrate Stewardship Day with
a very special performance by
CityMusic Cleveland.
The day recognizes members
of the O’Neil Society, Presi-
dent’s Society, endowed schol-
arship benefactors and other
alumni and friends who have
generously supported Mercy-
hurst College for 25 years.
CityMusic Cleveland strives
to develop audiences and
expose individuals to the arts.
CityMusic Cleveland pro-
vides free concerts in north-
east Ohio in easily accessible
neighborhood venues.
CityMusic Cleveland’s con-
ductor James Gaffigan is a
prize-winning conductor who
previously worked with the
Cleveland Orchestra as assis-
tant director and also currently
November 5, 2008
Morgan Ostroski echoed
these thoughts. “Like every-
one else, I am most nervous
about the showing, but I am
also excited because I really
enjoyed working with a group.
There were a lot more things
to do with a group instead of
just one dancer, which is what
our other projects entailed,”
she said.
Claire Hinde said, “I really
enjoy choreographing, but the
process is a lot more stress-
ful than I would have origi-
nally imagined. The biggest
anticipation is waiting for the
showing and hoping that when
other people see your piece,
they will see what is being
expressed and appreciate the
choreography.”
works as associate conductor
with the San Francisco Sym-
phony.
In June 2008, Gaffigan
was awarded the prestigious
Helen M. Thompson Award
for Emerging Music Directors
by the League of American
Orchestras.
Dubbed a “Classical Rock
Star” by the press, cellist
Joshua Roman will join City-
Music Cleveland for its per-
formance at the PAC.
Roman established himself
as principal chair in the cello
section with the Seattle Sym-
phony at the age of 22. He
is currently concentrating on
his solo classical career while
making guest performances
with various orchestras.
CityMusic Cleveland will
perform on Sunday, Nov.
9 at 2 p.m. in the PAC.
Tickets are $7.50 for Mercy-
hurst College students with ID
(one ticket per ID).
November 5, 2008
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst College, the staff of The Merciad
or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be e-mailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
The
Inbox:
Where
readers share
their thoughts.
By Matt Musial
Contributing writer
Seth, I understand nobody
likes to beat a dead horse.
A lot of people have been
in “attack mode,” hurling their
rebuttals at you like Granny
Smiths in a food fight.
What’s said was said. You, as
Americans, are entitled to your
own opinion.
I promise I won’t throw
a p p l e s o r e ve n f o r c e a
slice of humble pie down
Wrapping up fall term
By Seth Hallam
Staff writer
Three things to sum up this
term.
First. The new study lounge
in the library is really nice.
However, it is called a study
lounge for a reason.
When I read the placard it
did not read, “the group study
lounge where you are loud
and obnoxious.”
This isn’t high school. You
shouldn’t need a librarian
to tell you how to act in the
library.
If you want to chat with
your friends, go to the Laker.
If you are there your goal
Abortion impeding brilliance
your throat.
But I would
like to offer
some food
for thought.
The premise
of your arti-
cle written on
Oct. 15 was
abortion could
be a solution
to poverty.
You make some interesting
points backed with facts, in my
opinion are a bit suspect; but
you present a semi-plausible
argument.
In the latter section of your
article you write, “If fetuses
weren’t aborted, it would mean
that each year an additional
450,000 kids would be born
into poverty in the United
States alone.”
In other words, in your eyes,
destroying potential life is a
sensible solution to preventing
should be to study. If you need
to do a group project go to a
“group study room.”
The people that are loud are
probably too stupid to com-
prehend this paragraph, so it
has been summed up for you:
shut up in the study lounge.
Second. The food at Egan
has been absolutely horrible
this term.
There is no reason for this.
It amazes me the school
could even be considering
bringing back Sodexho in
the future.
Food quality has deterio-
rated exponentially and some-
times there is literally nothing
to eat. Sorry, there is always
something to eat: a soggy
OPINION Page 11
children from being born into Imagine if society embraced Jobs or Elvis Presley?
poverty-ridden environments. your radical theory and abor- How many of them might
Consider the following, who tions controlled poverty? have cured cancer?
in one way or another, were Well one thing is for sure, Ended global warming?
born into poverty:
Benjamin Franklin, George
you wouldn’t be able to take
your Jimi Hendrix com-
Maybe one of those 450,000
aborted fetuses would have
Washington Carver and Abra-
ham Lincoln.
pact disc and insert it into
your Apple computer, while
been your future wife?
Down the road, possibly
Successes like Andrew Carn-
egie, Oprah Winfrey and Steve
typing a Merciad article about
how Barack Obama is going
your grandchild?
You said, “Then again, is
Jobs (CEO of Apple Comput- to win this year’s election, abortion such a bad thing? It
ers Inc). would you? stops half a million poverty-
Musicians such as Eric Clap- Of those 450,000 aborted ridden lives a year.”
ton, Jimi Hendrix, Ringo Starr fetuses each year, how many Or Seth, does it stop half
and Elvis Presley. of them might have been the a million potentially brilliant
Another notable, your favor- next Benjamin Franklin, Steve lives a year?
ite, Barack Obama. His Web
site states, “Barack Obama was
raised by a single mother and
his grandparents. They didn’t
have much money, but they
taught him values...”
These brilliant individuals
all overcame the challenges
poverty threw at them and all If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.
have contributed greatly to the Editors Positions @mercyhurst.edu
betterment of society. Casey Greene Editor-in-Chief editormerciad
Amanda Valauri News Editor newsmerciad
Emily Grabowski Features Editor featuremerciad
Heather Donovan Opinion Editor opinionmerciad
Brad Moehringer Sports Editor sportsmerciad
Sam Sellinger Sports Editor sportsmerciad
avocado wrap. Kyle King A&E entertainmentmerciad
The person in charge needs Scoot Williams Photographer photomerciad
to stop walking around tasting Tyler Stauffer Photographer photomerciad
food and start improving it. Caitlin Bly Advertising Manager admerciad
The food quality this term has Gretchen Yori Copy Editor copymerciad
been unforgivable. Ashley Pastor General Assignment apasto22
T hird. T he election is Bill Welch Adviser wwelch
finally over. More than $5.6 Brian Sheridan Adviser bsheridan
billion was spent on the
election, both presidential The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst
and congressional.
College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of
That would send 165,625
kids to Mercyhurst for one
finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814)
year. 824-2376.
Regardless of the victor, in
four years we will undoubt- The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed
edly be disappointed, as no and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the
one can follow through with letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters
all the promises made on the are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit
campaign trail.
Thankfully, it’s over. letters to box PH 485 or via e-mail at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Page 12 OPINION November
September 5, 2008
3, 2008

Pre-election worries over Obama’s policies

By Devin Ruic
Contributing writer
Disagree with me as you
will, Barack Obama would
b e t h e wo r s t t h i n g f o r
American industry.
The junior senator from
Illinois gave an interview to
the San Francisco Chronicle
earlier this year, which he de-
scribes his “overall policy.”
To summarize, Obama
wants to implement the most
“aggressive” cap-and-trade
protocol possible and tax in-
dustries based on the amount
of greenhouse gas emitted.
Hurrah for green
protocol, right?
Wrong.
Senator Obama has claimed
to be a supporter of the clean
coal directive.
This is the point where
I call “shenanigans,” ladies
and gentlemen.
Now, you wouldn’t know it
from the San Francisco Chron-
icle article, but the recording
of the same interview quotes
Obama saying something
quite frightening.
Following the description
of his “100 percent auction
on the cap-and-trade system,”
he can be heard saying the
following, “So if somebody
wants to build a coal-pow-
ered plant, they can; it’s just
that it will bankrupt them
because they’re going to be
charged a huge sum for all
that greenhouse gas that’s
being emitted.”
The man’s energy plan is to
bankrupt the coal industry,
clean or otherwise, and that’s
on purpose!
Coal produces 49 percent of
the energy you use every day to
turn on lights, cook food, use
a computer and heat or cool
an apartment.
The U.S. coal mining indus-
try provides 120,150 jobs and
provides more than 20 percent
of the world’s coal.
So, to begin with, he wants
to bankrupt the coal industry,
but in a speech July 2, he said,
“We cannot continue to rely
on our military… We’ve got to Seniors, you are two terms
have a civilian national security away from the real world.
force that’s just as powerful, Although this may seem like
just as strong, just as well- a ‘Bad’ or ‘Ugly’, consider
funded.” life without the following:
He wants to eliminate over papers assigned two days
120,000 American jobs, de- before they’re due, trudg-
stroy our energy infrastructure ing through the snow in
and develop a civilian mili- 20 degree weather and the
tary—which could be utilized notorious 8 a.m.
within our national borders.
Ä n d e r u n g m a ch t f r e i ,
America!

Exposing inequality Wording our future ROTC members have

By Rhonda Marable
Staff writer
Proposition 8 calls to amend
the state constitution of Cali-
fornia to state only marriage
between a man and woman
is legal.
You’re either supporting
a protection of marriage or
you’re against the sanctity of
marriage. But, I dare venture
my opinion that it’s not as
simple as it may seem.
In fact, after listening to both
sides of the argument, I believe
that Proposition 8 isn’t about
marriage at all.
Arguments against same-
sex marriage usually include
protecting the interests
of children.
It would be confusing to
tell children gay marriage is the
same as heterosexual marriage
when they’re trying to raise
their children to believe being
gay is not OK. How could it not
be OK if the law says they are
allowed to get married?
This is just one way I can
present that Proposition 8 is
fundamentally about homo-
sexuality. Underneath repre-
sentations of “sanctity” and
“tradition,” opponents of gay
marriage work to attack and
disapprove sexual identity and
legalize discrimination.
The issue of gay marriage,
as it is being played out in Cali-
fornia, is a very important civil
rights concern.
Putting a ban on gay mar-
riage is specifically designed to
legally place a group of people
in a class underneath all others.
What happens when you deny a
class of people an equal right?
Dehumanization.
Regardless of my feelings
about any particular type of
person, I am against all things
dehumanizing. This dehuman-
ization creates a culture of
people who think it is fine to
harass a person, because they
are gay.
As people cast their votes or
form their opinions on Propo-
sition 8, I can only hope they
place significant recognition
on the question of a person’s
humanity, and their claim to
moral and civil rights.
By Thomas Kubica
Contributing writer
It seems words can mean any-
thing the political, ruling class
and aspiring career politicians
want them to mean.
For example, Barack Obama’s
response to Republican claims
he is a socialist: “John McCain
calls this socialism. I call it op-
portunity.” The Republicans
were right of course, since
they are equally socialist. Their
attacks seem disingenuous,
at best.
The curious thing about
Obama’s statement, is he did
not argue against the claim he’s
a socialist.
Socialism is a stepping stone
to communism and we ar-
guably have been practicing
many planks of the Communist
Manifesto in our nation for
the last 100 years. However, a
beloved and famous political
figure who espouses the vir-
tues of socialism could push
our nation over the edge, into
unabashed statism, collectivism
and communism for good. This
would effectively stifle any dis- been waking up apartment
residents on their morning
sent that advocates individual
run. Although most hate to
liberty, constitutional and small
government, sound money, free be awakened, more wouldn’t
markets, non-interventionism mind being awakened by an
and low taxes for all. ROTC man.
Democrats have historical-
ly been uniquely unskilled at A rabid raccoon was seen
perverting once-meaningful Monday morning on Lewis.
words. Police and safety were no-
Consider what the Republi- tified, but since it wasn’t
cans have done to our political drunk it didn’t fall under
nomenclature. If the last eight- their jurisdiction.
years taught us anything, it’s
that “pro-life conservative” is
the phrase one uses to describe
a politician who supports bomb-
ing, invading and occupying for-
eign countries that never threat-
ened us, corporate welfare, tram-
pling the constitution, expansion On more than one occa-
of the federal bureaucracies and sion this election season the
blatant corruption. mail room has lost students’
Ask yourself this. Does it absentee ballots. Identity
count as abortion if our military theft and voter fraud ru-
drops a bomb on a pregnant mors may plague campus
woman? “Socialism is opportu- for the next four years.
Please e-mail any suggestions to
nity.” Has a nice ring to it. It will
opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
fit in well with the rest of the
The GB&U is a compilation of
War Par... I mean Republicrat
student opinions.
Party slogan: “War is Peace.
Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance
is Strength.”

Women’s soccer wins playoff opener
Sophomore Jamie Schroter (7) battles for a header in Mercyhurst’s 5-2 playoff win over Slip-
pery Rock Nov. 4 at the Mercyhurst soccer field.
By Stephen Duggan
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College
women’s soccer team finished
its regular season schedule by
making the short trip across
town to play the Golden
Knights of Gannon Univer-
sity on Oct. 28.
The game was held in atro-
cious conditions with a swirl-
ing wind and icy temperatures.
The first half was all about
adjusting to the environment
as the teams combined to
shoot just three shots on target
in the first half.
The second half was domi-
nated by the visitors.
They pressed forward look-
ing for that elusive game
breaker but were denied sev-
eral times, none more gut-
wrenching than a senior Sarah
Powell strike which rattled the
crossbar.
The scramble that followed
did not produce any dividends
much to the despair of the
very enthusiastic away fans
Scoot Williams photo
section.
The game was forced into
overtime, but for the fourth
time this season ended with a
tie for the Lakers.
This game did not hurt the
women’s chances of a postsea-
son berth, because they tied in
the West with Slippery Rock
University for second place.
The Lakers matched up
against The Rock Tuesday,
Nov. 4 in their opening play-
off game.
Mercyhurst came out victo-
rious, defeating SRU 5-3.
Football................................................Nov. 1, L 17-6, California (Pa.)
Women’s Volleyball...................................Oct. 29, W 3-1, Lake Erie
Nov. 1, L 3-0, Clarion
Field Hockey..............................................Oct. 28, W 5-0, Seton Hill
Men’s Soccer..................................................Oct. 29, L 3-0, Gannon
Nov. 1, L 2-1, Ohio Valley
Women’s Soccer............................................Oct. 28, T 0-0, Gannon
Nov. 4, W 5-2, Slippery Rock
Women’s Hockey...........................................Oct. 31, L 4-3, Colgate
Nov. 1, W 4-3 OT, Colgate
Wrestling begins season in Buffalo
The Mercyhurst College wrestling team opened its season with the
Buffalo Open on Nov. 2. Six Laker wrestlers placed in the meet
lead by sophomore Josh Shields who placed second at 165 pounds.
Senior Bryan Wolff placed third at (184 lbs.), junior Andy Laman-
cusa (157 lbs.) and junior Mike Sullivan (heavyweight) finished
fifth, and freshman Michael Baxter (133 lbs.) and senior Brian
Pogel (149 lbs. ) placed sixth.
Macri to represent Lakers at North/South Game
Mercyhurst College field hockey senior goalkeeper Jen Macri was
selected to represent the Lakers in the 2008 NFHCA Division II
North/South Senior All-Star Game. The game will take place on
Nov. 22 at the University of Louisville. Macri was a key compo-
nent in helping the Lakers go on an 8-2 run in the second half of
the season with a save percentage of .742 and picking up three
shutouts.
Jimmy Kokrak-Football
Senior Jimmy Kokrak earned Athlete of the Week honors this
week by leading a tenacious Mercyhurst defense who, despite the
17-6 loss held the No. 7 California University of Pennsylvania to
no first downs in the second half. Kokrak had a team high eight
tackles and two pass break-ups.
Christie Turak-Women’s Cross Country
Turak, a sophomore, finished with a time of 21:21 at the PSAC
Championships to earn her Athlete of the Week honors. Her
time placed her third overall and earned her PSAC All-Confer-
ence recognition. The time was a new school record and helped
the Lakers to a ninth place finish overall which is five spots higher
then they were predicted to finish before the season.
Page 14
Volleyball looks to continue playoff chances
By Gary Coad
Staff writer
On Nov. 1, the Lakers’
volleyball team took a trip to
Clarion University to take on
the Golden Eagles at Tippin
Gym.
The Lakers had previously
beaten Clarion in a match
earlier in the year, but this
encounter was quite different,
as starting setter junior Julia
Butler was unable to play due
Football loses to Cal U
By Samantha Sellinger
Sports editor
Erie was windy for the the Lakers, who were defeated
Lakers’ match-up against 17-6 by the Vulcans.
No. 7 California University of
Pennsylvania this past Satur- win tough for California, and
day, Nov 1.
Scoot Williams photo University this Satur-
Senior defensive back Theo Hall takes day, Nov. 8 at Tullio
the ball during the game Saturday.
SPORTS November 5, 2008
to injury. With this loss, the Lakers in the PSAC West. Page 16
Freshman Chelsea Hennigan extended the playoff hopes of That record is good
Senior Theo Hall runs
was called on to step up and Clarion and must play well to enough to still be in the third
the ball down Tullio Field
run the offense in her first ensure their playoff hopes live playoff spot, to which the
career start. on. The Lakers are currently top four get in from each during the football game
This is no small task and 19-12 overall this year and 5-5 conference. against Cal U last Saturday.
Hennigan got support from
senior leaders Lauren Kubinski
and Jenna Matson, who put
up 12 and seven kills
respectively.
Hennigan held her own
dishing out 22 assists, but the
team as a whole was unable to
stop Clarion.
Broccoli & Cheddar Bites
Lunch $ 5
Dinner $ 5.50
The home crowd was out
to cheer on the football team,
none-the-less. Unfortunately,
the game didn’t end well for
Lunch $ 5
Dinner $ 5.50
Mercyhurst Collge made the 6” Sub $4 Combo $ 5
12” Sub $5.75 Combo $ 6.75
it was the interceptions thrown
Wrap Combo- Veggie $5
by Laker quarterback
Other Wraps $4
junior Garret Kensy
that counted toward Make any sub a wrap for no extra charge!
the Vulcans’ win.
They intercepted
twice just as the Lakers’
were looking to get
some points on the 11:30 a.m -8 p.m.
board.The only points
the Laker’s got were
from a field goal kick.
Lunch $ 5
This loss means Cal
U will go on to repre- Dinner $ 5.50
sent the PSAC West in
the PSAC Champion-
ship Game this Satur-
day, Nov. 8.
The Lakers are now
6-4 for the season and
5-2 in the PSAC West.
The Lakers will con-
clude the season by
hosting Shippensburg
Field.
November 5, 2008 SPORTS Page 15

Men’s soccer knocked out of PSAC tournament

By Katie Waldin
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College
men’s soccer team concluded
its regular season play this
week with two defeats. The
Lakers worked hard and
the score remained 0-1 as the
Lakers entered half time.
Fighting hard in the second
half, the Lakers outshot the
Knights 12-11.
Although they had strong
offensive pressure throughout
the second half of the game,
the men could not find the
The game ended with Ohio
Valley winning 2-1, bumping
Mercyhurst out of the PSAC
tournament.
As the Lakers conclude their
regular season play, they are
hoping for a bid to the NCAA
playoffs.
This year seven outstanding
seniors will leave the team.
The past four years these
players have made a large
impact on the Lakers men’s
soccer team.
Mudd had this to say
about leaving: “It has been a
rollercoaster four years, and
although it will be tough to
leave, we know that we pass
on the mantel to some very
capable figures.”

Make your
pushed through until the end net.
of the season, but it was a This defeat meant the Lakers
regrettable end to the year. had to win their last regular

“We are obviously all
devastated at how the season
finished,” senior goalkeeper
Danny Mudd said. “It has
certainly been a rough journey,
but excuses we have none, we
gave everything we had and we
came up agonizingly short.”
Last Wednesday, the Lakers
took on cross-town rival
Gannon University in Erie,
Pa.
In the first half of play, the
Golden Knights managed to
score one goal on the Lakers.
Both teams fought hard
through the bitter cold, but
RESUME
season game against Ohio
Valley University to secure a
spot in post-season play.
With intense pressure to
succeed and bring home a win
against Ohio Valley, the Lakers
were unable to score enough Great!
goals despite their terrific
offensive play.
“It was a tough game
especially since we went down Let us write your job-winning resume
2-0 early,” sophomore Mike de
Rose said. and get the job you deserve.
“We showed a lot of heart
and determination in the
second half but unfortunately We will create your resume
came up short.”
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Freshman Eric Steinmetz gets knocked out of the way by a Mercyhurst alumni-owned company
Gannon Knight at the game on Wednesday Oct. 29..
Laker Sports
Just out
of reach
Lakers unable to upset No. 7 Vulcans
<< Page 14

Scoot Williams photo

Caption on page 15