Spring play director to act in production page 5

North Central residence life and student conduct is taking a look at proposals for the movie policy
BY KAYLA TRULSEN

R-rated movie policy may soon see revision

NORTH CENTRAL UNIVERSITY - MARCH 19, 2014 VOL. 54

Northerner
BY ANNA KOCH

Alumnus new album gains attraction page 7

Redevelopment project part 2

Plans for the new park take shape, becoming an icon of Downtown East redevelopment

ISSUE 6

With a $400 million redevelopment project of Downtown East set to begin in May, the 4.2-acre park is at the center of the citys planning and design. The park, now called The Yard, will span two and one-half blocks, along South Fourth Street between the light-rail Metrodome Station platform and Fifth Avenue South, becoming the largest green space in downtown Minneapolis. The park will become the front yard for the city as visitors come into downtown on the light-rail catching their first glimpse of downtown, said Tom Fisher, dean of design at the University of Minnesota and co-chair of the Minneapolis Park Committee. Its important that it be an interesting and lively place, not just for the people who work there, but for the impressions it will create for others. Modeled as a smaller version of Central Park in New York, the park will be designed as a safe and exciting venue for the community to gather, said Fisher. Located four blocks north of North Central, the park could become a draw for students from North Central and staff from other local businesses to frequent the Downtown East area more often. Up to 400 units of housing, a high-rise hotel and two 17-story office buildings for Wells Fargo housing 5,000 employees will be built surrounding the park, creating an active environment in and around the park. Coffee shops and restaurants will also be opened, servicing the new residents, employees and the general public. A day in the park might consist of early morning dog walkers taking a stroll, residents drinking coffee or eating lunch on a park bench, and people arriving or leaving for work via the light-rail stacontinued on page 3

The North Central R-rated movie policy is undergoing reevaluation and, with approval by the Presidents cabinet, will be moving toward a Bible based policy in the future, though no date has been set for final implementation. The student handbook currently states that students are not allowed to watch, or possess on campus, movies with a rating of R or higher. If we do change this and go more towards a Bible based policy, that does not mean that students just get to watch whatever they want, said dean of students for residence life and student conduct Juice Montezon, Their role is not, What do I want? What do I prefer? What can I do? What cant I do? Its now about what is best for me and for the community around me. One reason why the movie policy is being reevaluated is because the policy is based off of a secular rating system. The goal is to write a new policy that reflects the Christian values at North Central.

We need to teach students how to have discretion based on what they watch and listen to, said junior business administration major and Student Body Vice President Tiffany Larson. That way, when they do enter outside the North Central bubble, theyll be able to continue those practices. Another reason for the policy change is because of the current state of technology and the fact that students are still able to watch R-rated movies on campus without physically owning a copy of the movie. The policy has been very hard to enforce over the years as it went from a DVD to streaming, said Montezon. About two years ago, Montezon proposed to the Presidents cabinet that R-rated movies be allowed in the apartments on campus but not in the residence halls. The Presidents cabinet disagreed but, instead, suggested that the policy be reevaluated for the campus as a whole and offer more training for students on discretion. Some movies that are PG-13

really should be rated R based off of our Christian standards, said Larson. Its just become that we need to find a new way to regulate this while discipling our students to better themselves once they leave our community. On Feb. 26, 2014, Montezon proposed a preliminary version of the new discretionary policy to President Gordon Anderson. The version that was presented was not approved; however, the movie policy will still be undergoing some updating. We are working on a few more things that will help us transition and set our students up best for a new policy, said Montezon. I cannot say when an official change will take place at this point, but it is definitely moving in the direction of change. Some students think that the current movie policy has been a good decision for the school. According to sophomore urban ministries major Kayla Wiegert, North Central students should be setting a good example to others by not watching R-rated

movies. This policy helps to accomplish that. I think its a good thing because people that dont want to be exposed to that, if we didnt have the policy, would be exposed to R-rated movies when they wouldnt necessarily want to, said junior business administration major Gina Huisinga. It might cause some roommate conflicts and disagreements about whats going to be watched and whats not going to be watched. According to Larson, if the revised movie policy is eventually approved, the core of the policy will still be present even though the terms around it may change. In addition, this may also be the next step for North Central in developing students to learn how to use discretion. As the world standards start to lower so do the movie standards, said Larson. And as Christians, we are called to a higher standard than that. Ours doesnt lower, even though the worlds does.

How to earn college cash

From selling plasma to perusing Careerwire, money-making opportunities abound.
BY KIRSTEN CROUSE
As college students, many find it hard to stay afloat financially with an intense, full-time school schedule and demanding homework requirements. Often, it becomes nearly impossible. It can become stressful to have a difficult work situation along with the demands of school. But do not stress about a job! There are several easy ways to earn a significant amount of cash with limited time. Can a student become an entrepreneur early on? Many students are selling their own products or special services for money. Sophomore education major Katelyn Terhark has gained some success already. She has been selling Mark Kay makeup products for a year now. I had an interest in selling Mary Kay because of the amazing products and how flexible it is with my schedule, said Terhark, I enjoy selling Mary Kay because the products are unique and they are [the] quality that customers get excited about! Terharks business has grown at North Central and through clients from her hometown. What about plasma? Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood, which contains continued on page 4

Innovative design seeks to reduce use of plastic bottles

On March 20, Carlson Hall will start receiving new drinking fountains on each of the resident floors. North Centrals facilities management is installing the Elkay brand drinking fountains. The first drinking fountain was installed in Carlson Lobby on March 6. Facilities management has had the drinking fountains in stock for over a year and intended to install them in Carlson Hall sooner, but had run into many different delays that caused the project to be pushed back. According to Jordan Robertson, manager of facilities and campus housing, facilities management originally intended to have the water fountain installed by Welsh Construction while Carlson Halls fourth and fifth floors were being remodeled, but once the freight elevator began to be worked on, it became clear that the project would need to be put on hold until the elevator construction was completed. Robertson was hired in late January and the project had still not been completed, so he quickly made it one of his priorities. The Elkay drinking fountains have been installed in other areas on campus, including fountains in Clark-Danielson Center, Trask Word and Worship Center, Miller Hall and Phillipps Hall. According to Robertson, each Elkay drinking water fountain retails for $550 to $600 apiece, but the department was able to purchase the units for far less than wholesale price. Each fountain has two components, including a side that has a bottle-filling station, which allows users to easily fill water bottles. This bottle filling station has a counter that keeps track of how many plastic water bottles have been saved. There are not currently plans to replace all of the drinking

Carlson Hall to receive new drinking fountains

BY BLAKE MAYES
PHOTO BY ALYSSA WALLACE

NEWS
PAGE 2

The Northerner | March 19, 2014

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The new drinking fountains installed recently in Carlson Lobby may encourage students to drink more water. fountains on campus as some are fairly new and still in good condition, but others may be replaced as the need arises. Some of the older fountains are in need of replacement because of deficiencies that cause them to be constantly running which depletes their Freon supply. Freon is what keeps the water cool and when the supply runs out, the water ceases to be cold. The Elkay water fountain takes three to four man-hours to install and Robertson will be installing each one. There is a learning curve to install the fountain, but once I got the hang of it, it went fairly quickly, said Robertson about installing the first one. The project is being funded by the facilities management budget and is being installed by the department. Robertson plans to install units on each of the floors on consecutive weeks in the coming month. It has not yet been determined which floor will be receiving the fountains first, but each floor will be have them before the school year draws to a close. Chris Woelfle, resident director of Carlson Hall, is pleased that the fountains are being installed after the lengthy delay. I think any time we can install a bottle-filling fountain, it will reduce plastic bottles which is good for the environment, said Woelfle. Woelfle mentioned assistant director of recreation and wellness Molly Magstadts current healthy living campaign to try to get students to drink more water is a positive thing for students. He also mentioned that because of the easier access to the fountains, students will probably drink more water. One of Carlson Halls senators, junior business administration major Braden Horning, believes that the Carlson Hall community will benefit greatly from the new fountains. Horning said that he has heard of non-Carlson Hall residents already appreciating the fountain in the lobby. Horning originally announced the new fountains to Carlson Hall residents during living area chapel in September and expressed excitement about the project saying, I thought it was something that Carlson Hall residents could look forward to.

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Corrections from previous issue: The St. Anthony Main Theatre was reported as in Southeast Minneapolis on Nicolette Island. The theatre is in North Minneapolis and not on Nicolette Island, but on the edge of the Mississippi River just east of Nicolette Island. In the feature on the Minneapolis skyways, a North Central skyway was mentioned as connecting Miller Hall with Phillips Hall. The skyway it was referring to connects Miller Hall with the CLC.

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March 19, 2014 | The Northerner

Redevelopment project part 2

continued
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RYAN COMPANIES US, INc.

Alabaster Sign Language Ministry begins at North Central

New ministry hopes to spread deaf awareness in the Twin Cities
BY CHrIsTIna SKeesIcK
The Alabaster Sign Language Ministry (ASLM) is a new organization that is a part of the Deaf Culture Fellowship at North Central. The ASLM outreach program is designed to minister to both hearing and non-hearing churches through the use of skits and songs. Inspiration for ASLMs name derives from Matthew 26:7 regarding the woman who breaks the alabaster jar of perfume on Jesus head. We are vessels to be broken in ministry to be poured out to the congregation, said William Ross, founder of ASLM and associate professor in the Carlstrom ASL interpreting department. Co-director of ASLM and sophomore interpreter major Logan Yakesh, emphasized that the mission of this outreach program is to spread knowledge about deaf culture, as well as raise awareness to the importance of ministering and sharing the gospel to deaf people. The Twin Cities has one of the largest deaf populationsapproximately 100,000 people are deaf in the metro area. Yakesh also stated that only 2 percent of the deaf population in the U.S. has heard the gospel. One of the main goals ASLM has for this semester is to continue to raise awareness and gain more opportunities to minister to churches. Both Yakesh and Ross made it clear that min-

NEWS
PaGe 3
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA SKEESIcK

An ariel view of the Downtown East park located along South Fourth Street. tion, said Fisher. There could lis Park and Recreation Board be evening concerts or outdoor after a Hennepin County judge movies shown on the lawn, or it ruled in favor of the plaintiffs could just be an open place for in a lawsuit last December. people to throw a football or Controversy remains, however, Frisbee around. on the exact cost and scope of Its going to be the place constructing and maintaining where people go, especially the park. with the light-rail stop and all Funds from the private secof those great connections, said tor may be needed to go beyond Fisher. It will totally transform the initial planting of grass and the city. In a couple years we trees upon construction of the wont even remember what a park, said Fisher. Like many desolate place it is now; it will parks, sometimes they start out be completely different. simple and evolve over time, It is yet to be decided what said Fisher. committee or group will handle For the park to be a successful the programming of the park or gathering place, the Park Comwhat their budget will be, but it mittee and the city must decide is widely believed that facilitat- how to best keep the park safe. ing events all year around in the Safety has to do with acpark will be vital to the parks tivity, said Fisher. Its much success, according to Kjersti less safe to be walking through Monson, director of long range a surface parking lot with just planning at the Minneapolis a bunch of cars and very few Community Planning and Eco- people than to be in a downtown nomic Development (CPED) park. department and the city staff The park will have great lead on the Park Committee. lighting and be surrounded by Programming the park, how- residential and commercial acever, is made more challenging tivity during the day and in the by the Minneapolis and Henne- evening, said Fisher. It will be pin County Public Works deci- one of the safest places in the sion to keep Park Avenue South city. and Portland Avenue South Working together, the city and open. The county roads, which the Park and Recreation Board will run through the middle of will have to finalize the vision the park, will have to be altered for the park in the next several to slow down traffic, said Fisher. months. Its easy to dream Currently nothing has been big; its a little harder when the decided, but many viable op- rubber actually needs to hit the tions could better meld the roads road, said Monson. We have with the park. One option may to be realistic and purposeful be to narrow the roads and take with the public money. out the curbs for the block withCurrently the redevelopment in the park, said Fisher. project is moving on schedThe irony is that once you ule with the Ryan Companies put in sidewalks, cars think they US, Inc. purchasing the needed have the right of way and zoom land from the Star Tribune last through, said Fisher. [Cars] month. To ensure the park will zooming through is not going open in the fall of 2016 with the to be safe, so we want to really Vikings Stadium, the park conslow down the traffic. struction will need to begin in On game days inside the Vi- the summer or fall of 2015, said kings Stadium, however, the Monson. city will most likely close the two roads allowing for game Look for part three of the reday activities in the park, said development series in the next Monson. issue of the Northerner. Ownership of the park has been awarded to the Minneapo-

Ross has been teaching at North Central for two years, and is already involving himself with the community in founding ASLM. istry opportunities are available and that a few churches have already extended an open invitation to ASLM. The date for ASLMs first event of this semester has yet to be determined. Previously, the ASLM team ministered to Pleasant View Deaf Assembly and Deaf Life Church and they have been able to continue ministering to these churches. Ross stated that he hopes the outreach program will be able to minister at Cedar Valley Church. In the future, Ross hopes to have a consistent group of students who are able to commit to this ministry. Hopefully we will have a team that will be able to minister to hearing churches, hearing churches with a Deaf ministry and Deaf churchesso long term, I want us to be pretty broad in ministry. According to Yakesh, ASLM is not limited to strictly ASL majors. This outreach group welcomes anyone who has a heart for ministry. Right now we have a group of eight to ten [students and alumni] that show up every Saturdayand a couple of those people are intercultural studies majors or evangelism majors. This summer the ASLM team will be attending the World Deaf Assemblies of God Conferencein California to promote their unique ministry. There the team will have the opportunity to represent North Central as well as the ASLM team. The vision for this program is to grow and expand in order to minister to communities. Yakesh believes that although this ministry is small and upcoming, it is one that needs to be invested in and awareness needs to be raised.

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FALL 2014 SEMESTER Available positions include:

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PAGE 4

FEATURE
Elliot Park Ministries will restart next school year
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELLIOT PARK NEIGHBORHOOD, INC.

How to earn college cash

continued proteins and antibodies. These are produced by the immune system to fight diseases. Today, there is a process in which you can donate this liquid portion of your blood and many students from North Central choose to donate their plasma weekly or monthly. This donation can bring you a good amount of cash. Get a friend to join you if you plan on signing up. Do you like kids? Imagine putting your name, profile, and availability on a website and getting job offers immediately. Care.com is a trustworthy website that allows you to apply for nanny jobs almost anywhere. Many college students are able to find great paying jobs and flexible commitments with families from care.com. Are you a musician and enjoy teaching music? Many young families are looking for someone to come to their home and teach a music lesson. Piano, guitar, voice, drum, or bass lessons are always in high demand. Think about your musical talent and what ar-

The Northerner | March 19, 2014

North Central students and the Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. want to improve union
BY ALYSSA WALLACE

eas youve been trained in. Why not use your talent to teach? Do you feel like you need something different? If you are wondering whether or not any of these job types apply to you, dont forget that North Central provides a website for students in search of a career or job. Make sure that you are checking CareerWire for any recent and upcoming job opportunities that can lead to a future position or passion.

The Northerner History Box

In March 1975, North Central Students enjoy Homecoming
A view of the Elliot Park from the corner of East Fourteenth Street and South Tenth Street. North Central is located in the Elliot Park neighborhood and for several years has worked closely with Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. to make sure the two communities are in union, and students are realizing the importance of what that union means. Executive director of Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. (EPNI) Lynn Regnier, mentioned that the relationship between North Central and the Elliot Park neighborhood has evolved within the last five years, especially among the staff members. We are starting to see layers of communication as people from North Central are joining committees and boards, said Regnier. They are attending meetings to better connect the two organizations. However, sophomore social work major Rebecca Thomas saw North Centrals lack of involvement in the neighborhood. After meeting with Regnier last semester for a class assignment, Thomas decided she was going to do something about it. One thing that Mrs. Regnier and I began talking about was North Centrals involvement, or lack thereof, said Thomas, One thing that she said that really stuck with me was that North Central residents are a part of the Elliot Park neighborhood ... and play a role that even the students here do not realize. Thomas expressed that after speaking with Regnier, her mind began to fill with ideas on putting North Central students back into the Elliot Park community. Since then, Thomas has been in prayer about these ideas and has started to take action by talking to staff members and students to build a team. Myself, along with [freshman social work major] Kari Mindeman, who will be leading it alongside me, have been able to really look at Elliot Park Ministry as a new thing, practically starting it from the ground up, said Thomas. They aim to work together, to make sure the ministry involves as many students as possible. This is your home away from home, said Regnier, You have a voice, and if there are issues or concerns, it is important that you are able to have an outlet to express them and to be part of the solution. I was hit hard by the fact that I hear people complaining about it, but few people ever do anything about it, said Thomas. We cannot further Gods kingdom if we never go out and talk to new people. That is precisely why Thomas is looking to restart Elliot Park Ministries next year. Thomas hopes to give students opportunities to express themselves in whatever way they are gifted but also to focus on how students can benefit from the neighborhood. Our desire is to figure out what we can do for Elliot Park and how we can benefit them while simultaneously building meaningful connections, said Thomas. The ministry wants to emphasize building friendships between the two organizations. We want to draw students and community members together through things of common interest, said Thomas. It will encourage them to be involved and more engaged because people like to hang out with friends. Regnier also expressed the importance of working together and how it can be done in a natural way to solve some of the problems that exist. Keeping in touch with one another helps us all solve problems together. To become more familiar with EPNI, check out their website www.elliotpark.org, or visit their office at 609 South 10th Street Minneapolis, MN 55404.

BY JOY YERRICK

North Central has enjoyed many traditions throughout the years. As times change, old events are left behind and new rituals are started. Fortunately, many dots on the history of North Centrals timeline have been recorded in past issues of the Northerner (formerly known as The Northern Light). This is an excerpt from a story about North Centrals Homecoming published in March 1975: Homecoming the whole thing was like a fantasy

Starr put us at ease as she read a rather funky royal decree, urging everyone to attend the coming events. The coronation assembly viewed some previous hidden talents possessed by the candidates; talents which will stand long after the roses fade and the crowns lose their glimmer. In Gods court we are all princes and princesses, reflected Anne Mickelson Students formally arrayed, donned their society masks to attend the great royal banquet. For an evening the natural self was again forsaken to a some-

what stiff external scene Students packed into the Old Chapel, wearing colors very coming to eyes red from sleeplessness. The rousing band and cheerleaders presented the fearless chiefs, who went forward to victory that evening. The evening ended with a victory party on campus. This event featured local talent. The great finale was presented Saturday night by the Amplified Version. Their spirited music typified the homecoming enthusiasm of the student body.

March 19, 2014 | The Northerner

The show must go on

You Cant Take it With You is this years spring production
Due to some unexpected circumstances, Matthews has had to step into the role of Grandpa for the play. They were unsuccessful in reattempting to fill the role with a student. Fun fact: Matthews played the character of Ed his senior year of high school. Matthews stated that acting as in addition to directing is new for him. Mathews said, I do not believe it is good practice to fill a role and direct the play. Stage director and senior theatre major Corry Hammet, will be calling the shots since Matthews will be backstage. This has also given Jackson a very unique opportunity to take on a stronger leadership role in the production. Hannah has done a really great job being the eyes of what is happening on stage and coaching the cast on blocking and character notes. I am proud of them both, said Matthews. It will be a play that you will not want to miss.

FEATURE
The cast is excited to present the play because of its fun, humorous style, said Matthews. Not only would you be supporting the actors and fellow students that are performing, but you will also thoroughly enjoy this night of comedy. Come, relax, and enjoy a good laugh. The performance dates are March 21-23 and March 28-30, at 7:30 p.m. on the Friday/Saturday performances and at 3:00 p.m. on the Sunday matinees.
PHOTO BY PAISlEY BENNETT

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Dr. Gary Denbow profile

New College of Missions dean hired in summer 2013
bY allIsOn WIllIams
PHOTO BY PAISlEY BENNETT

bY crYsTal GOUTIereZ
It is that time of year again for North Centrals annual spring play. This years play is a comedy called You Cant Take It With You by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The play is directed by Wayne Matthews assistant professor for the College of Fine Arts. Junior theatre major Hannah Jackson is the assistant director this year. Matthews gives a brief description of what to look forward to, You Cant Take it With You is a comedy set in 1938. It features an eccentric family, the Sycamores, a family we would consider unique and a little odd. The youngest Sycamore daughter falls in love with Tony Kirby, the son of the owner of Kirby and Company. It appears that it is a match that should not work based on the differences of the two families. However, the Sycamores teach Mr. Kirby Sr. some things he had forgotten about life and happiness. Unlike last years spring play, The Crucible, You Cant Take it With You is significantly different. It does not have any of the serious undertones, although the play is still meaningful. The characters are unique and goofy in their own way. This play tends to exaggerate and make fun of peoples thinking in regard to success and happiness, said Matthews.

Cast members rehearsing for the show, which begins public performances near the end of March.

Dr. Denbow, at his desk in the intercultural studies department, is excited to lead students as they prepare to enter the missions field. Many students in the interculUpholding the position of tural studies department may be dean of the College of Missions aware of a new face in the Col- is no easy task. Denbows days lege of Missions, but for others, are filled with teaching three this recent hire may need an in- classes, a discipline of study, troduction. As of July 1, 2013, sermon preparation, touching Dr. Gary Denbow assumed the base with faculty, student apposition of dean of the College pointments, and a strong comof Missions. mitment to chapel. He also is During the 2011 spring se- a part of many councils and mester, North Central restruc- committees, including Deans tured into four colleges and one Council, External Relations institute: College of Missions, Committee, Graduate Studies of College of Ministry, College of Academic Affairs Committee, Arts and Sciences, College of Strategic Planning Committee, Fine Arts, and the Institute for and Study Abroad Council. Biblical and Theological StudWhen balancing work and ies, all of which were assigned family life, Denbow gives full a dean. However, President credit to his wife, Doris. She Gordon Anderson acted as an takes care of the day-to-day interim dean for the College of business.I could not do it withMissions. out her. It takes a big load off, Previously, Denbow was the said Denbow. Denbow and his president of Central Bible Col- wife currently live in Hopkins. lege in Springfield, Mo. for eight On weekends, they make a point years. When Central Bible Col- to try to do pit stops at their chillege merged with Evangel Uni- drens homes. versity last school year, Denbow And his favorite part of his was invited by Anderson to take job? Denbow answered quickly his place as dean of the College with the students. He loves of Missions. Denbow hopes to advising and one-on-one sesbe around for many years to sions with students. This should come. be no surprise, coming from a My wife and I are mission former college president who, minded people. Where God to connect with his students at plants us is where we are hap- Central Bible College, ate in py, said Denbow. the cafeteria and had groups of One of the things that lured students over to his home on ocDenbow to North Central is casion. its long-standing reputation We have an outstanding for placing missions as a core group of students here at North value. Denbow has a history of Central. Outstanding, said Denbeing involved in and support- bow. ing missions. He has served as Denbow said he is extremely a missionary in the Philippines, impressed with students spirihas been on numerous missions tual hunger and desire to do trips since, continues to have a the will of God. He came with strong relationship with many the student body in mind and Asian countries, and was the said his personal mission is to district missions secretary for educate and train the next genthe Northern Missouri District eration of men and women who for 16 years. will carry the Gospel to the ends In his role at North Central, of the earth. That is where my Denbow hopes to emphasize heart is. and continue that great tradition, It is clear Denbow is very exinspiring a new generation of cited to be a part of the North students to give time overseas Central community and is lookand in cross-cultural settings in ing forward to great things while the United States. working here.

PaGe 6

MEMORIES FROM BATTLE OF THE FLOORS

FEATURE

The Northerner | March 19, 2014

All PHOTOS BY PAISlEY BENNETT

Michael Estela (Spiderman) comes to save Marissa Wickersheim (Mary Jane) on top of a building.

Joseph Walker (Jacob Black) rips off one of his many shirts.

Blake Mayes (Edward Cullen) stares deeply into Ashley Blums (Bella Swan) face. Jesse Davis (Alfalfa) woos Emily Geffert (Darla) in a paddleboat on a river.

Hogan McDonald, Cole Stromstad, Luke Forslund, Ruben Gomez, Josie Thurmond and Bethany Arneson act out a scene from 3 West Carlson and 4 North Millers skit.

Drew Briggs belts out lyrics from 2 East Carlson and 4 South Millers skit.

March 19, 2014 | The Northerner

Jeremy Messersmith releases new album

North Central alumus explores love through a unique lens
BY jacOb TVerberG
Central. His new album Heart Murmurs dropped on Feb. 4. As the title suggests, this album Jeremy Messersmith is a singer based out of Minneapolis and is an alumnus of North explores the many different challenges that love faces. The album covers Messersmiths different ideas of love. Many of the songs reflect a sad reality for what love has become in our modern age. Though an alumnus from North Central, Messersmiths music is deeply depressing at times, and has some use of profanity, such as in the song Someday, Someone. Some songs have a beat that makes the listener bob their head and bounce their foot to the beat. Other songs with string instruments in the background have the listener swaying from side to side. The melancholy melody of each song has the listener singing along to songs like Tourniquet. Each song is unique in sound and construction. Not only do the songs instrumental presence change, but also so do the dramatic viewpoints of Messersmiths take on love. One song Steve feels like a John Elliot song while another Ghost creates an atmosphere similar to a western film. Other songs like Hitman reminds the listener of a Coldplay-like sound. No two songs address the exact same issue; each feels like it describes a unique situation. The song Bridges says: Even though I love you Ill break you like a promise, trust me when I say youre better off alone. This creates a feeling that the man in the relationship believes that he will only hurt the women who like/loves him. The lyrics bring memories of previous loves, losses and painful situations to mind when listening. Tourniquet and Its Only Dancing are the only numbers that seemed to have a positive beat aligned with positive lyrics about love. Tourniquet describes a supportive and caring individual addressing someone who is going through depression and loneliness. In this song, the supportive individual endlessly loves and helps the person in pain and suffering. Its Only Dancing refers to a prom dance where the two youngsters interested in each other start exploring what it means to be close. Messersmith is a master at making each situation uniquely different but relatable to the listener. Many of the songs center around utter despair that occur in the love stories that Messersmith choses to address. Each song is beautifully done, drawing out the emotion that Messersmith is attempting to pull from

REVIEWS

PaGe 7

the listener. Anyone who listens to the music will feel the tang of a relational ache. Though an alumnus from North Central, Messersmiths music is deeply depressing at times. There are a couple songs with the use of obscene words, but the songs do not match the power of the final song on the album, Someday, Someone. The final song hits the listener completely blindsided. Throughout the album, the depression is felt and real but without the need of vulgar language. The final song seems to sum up all this depression into the very short song that lasts just less than two minutes. The brevity of the album seems to fall upon the chest of the listener. Messersmith is known for taking a peculiar stance on surprising issues. His previous album, The Reluctant Graveyard, sees the world through the eyes of the dead. If you want to view love in ways that you probably never thought of, Messersmiths Heart Murmurs depicts it in such a unique way that you may have to listen to the album more than once to grasp it.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY lAST NOTE REcORDS

Small eatery offers rare Cuban cuisine

bY STepHanIe XIOnG
Victors 1959 Caf on Grand Ave South, Minneapolis opened 16 years ago and is well known for their breakfast menu featured on the Food Networks Diners,Drive-Ins and Dives episode. For the last 10 years it was opened to serve only breakfast, but today they have added on a dinner menu. A German woman named Niki Stavrou who married a Cuban man established this small caf. The inside of the restaurant consists of authentic Cuban music, written words all over the walls, colorful decorations, booth tables, and a small bar. There are 13 workers including the chefs. The food choices are all Cuban, and the price ranges from $15-$18. The serving sizes are big enough for two with a fine quality of food. A famous appetizer from their menu is the

Victors 1959 Caf

crab cake, which is crab wrapped in breadcrumbs. The texture is crunchy and leaves your mouth watering for more. Salad topped with mango, cucumber, tomato, and onion comes as a side with their dishes. Their dinner menu contains a variety of choices, including a vegetarian selection. As seen on Food Network, I ordered the Ropa Vieja and Salmon De Mango. Ropa Vieja means old clothes in Cuban and is made out of flank-shredded steak simmered in their own Spanish red sauce served with fried sweet plantains. Fried sweet plantains are plantains wrapped around banana. The flank-shredded steak was juicy, full of the Spanish sauce. The food was indescribable and worth the price. Their Salmon De Mango was fantastic. I am not a huge fan of fish but this did not leave a fishy taste in your mouth. It is sweet and the mango helps the salmon to be juicy. Each dish contains many things, so I would suggest reading the description if you have any allergies. Moving on to dessert, the head chef, Chaeff Noe, produced her own dessert called Xango! Chango! A close comparison would be cinnamon churros except this dessert has a creamy sweet sauce at the bottom. It is easy to eat with fingers and delicate to bite into. A popular dessert at Victors 1959 Caf is the passion mango cheesecake. One word: delicious. Overall, my first impression was skeptical due to the small restaurant and the location. But the staff were helpful and recommended great choices to eat. I have never tried Cuban food, but after this experience, I can say that I do enjoy it. It is different and unusual, but I do not regret eating there. I would love to go there again and try other plates on their menu. I would give Victors 1959 Caf four out of five stars. If you want to see more, catch Victors 1959 Cafe in the Food Networks episode. Because of the current winter conditions, Victors is not serving breakfast right now, only dinner. Street parking is the only availability at Victors 1959 Caf. Due to the popularity of this caf, reservations need to be made ahead of time. You can contact them at 612-827-8948. They are open daily from 8a.m. to 2:30 p.m. but from Tuesday through Saturday, the hours are 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE XIONG

A colorful sign outside the cafe welcomes guests and lists operating hours.

PaGe 8

Worship is not meant to be comfortable

BY maTT allen
I want to start by saying that I have the utmost respect for the members of our worship department. We are lucky to go to a school that cares so much about our worship. That being said I think that North Central has fallen into a practice that will have and is having a detrimental effect on how we see each other and the diversity North Central claims to possess. Throughout my three years here I have found that many of the students describe the worship teams as follows: One Accord is the rock star band, Worship Live is the house band, Soulful Prayze is for the black kids, and Worship Live World is for all the other ethnicities. Because this framework exists, if a student feels that they do not fit in the third and fourth categories, those teams are dismissed as not for me. People have told me that they will actually leave chapel when they see that either Worship Live World or Soulful Prayze is playing because its not my kind of worship. It is clear to anyone who has been to a semesters worth of chapel services the difference between the packed front of the stage when One Accord is leading and the vast emptiness when Soulful Prayze leads. It is almost like we, as a student body, run to the arms of our Hillsong/Planet Shakers version of Jesus but the same Jesus of a Hindi-speaking nation or a gospel-sounding style we treat with a mixture of cautious skepticism, apathetic tolerance, or sometimes in outright disdain. Even so, I do believe that a students race can, at times, give an indication of what musical styles they are more familiar with. I do not think that this is a predominantly racial issue. This issue has more to do with the culture of North Central as a body. It seems that groups who perform anything other than, for lack of a better term, white American contemporary music are almost constantly seen as an afterthought or a trinket to be dragged out for special occasions only to be put back so normal worship can happen again. I can tell you from experience that there are times where Soulful Prayze has not been able to have any sort of sound check
PHOTO BY MATT AllEN

OPINION
on the day they are performing in chapel because the worship team before them continues practicing past their time for an engagement two or three days later. Not to say that anyone is maliciously taking time away from other teams, but it shows the ranked priorities. Not only that, but we have gotten into using the word world as a Christian way of saying ethnic. Is there a One Accord World that goes to more world summer camps? Is the other Worship Live team Worship Live Space? If Worldgate is supposed to celebrate all cultures around the planet, why are One Accord and Worship Live not performing? When we label something as world but exclude the white American contemporary style from that world, we are actually harming both groups by telling them they are somehow separate from each other. Basically we can drink from this worship drinking fountain, and we drink from that worship drinking fountain. I understand that the kneejerk reaction to get defensive is strong when it comes to something as sensitive as diversity and as important as worship, but I do not mean to condemn anyone. I am simply asking if our worship is supposed to be for God and His glory, why does it seem we are only happy bringing Him the worship we like? If your friends only gave you gifts they knew they would enjoy, how would you feel? If we want to be a student body that worships the God of the entire globe, the God of color, culture and diversity, we should do so with fire and passion even when we are not comfortable with the music style. Worship has never been and never should be about us or our comfort. Respond to this article by emailing ncunortherner@ gmail.com.

Staff Editorial: Abolish the R-rated movie policy

North Centrals R-rated movie policy is a failed system that cant be enforced, is based upon a secular rating system that is being used outside of its purpose, and removes students self-discernment. Currently, the movie policy restricts all North Central students living on campus, excluding those living in Mensing Hall, from possessing and watching R-rated movies on site. It could be argued that the rule is intended to keep the standards high for North Central students. While the community and culture is important, a blanket ban on all R-rated movies does not benefit the community. Rather, it teaches us to rely on rules and policies, instead of learning what content is appropriate to watch. Due to the use of Netflix and online movie streaming, it is extremely difficult to enforce the current movie policy. The ability to hide the content is much easier. This makes it incredibly hard to keep R-rated movies out of the dorms, and nearly impossible in the apartments. If banning R-rated movies is due to their poor content, why would such movies be permitted off campus? Opinion Editor Hunter Baugh comments, The policy that is written is outdated, and frankly, is largely ignored. I can walk down the road to Segue and watch all the rated-R movies I want, so the policy isnt protecting anyone. The Motion Picture Association of America created the movie rating system as a way to inform parents about the content of a film so parents could decide if a certain film is appropriate. The rating system was not built as a restriction based system. It is a secular system based upon secular ideals of how much sexuality, violence, drug use, or vulgar language is okay for people to watch. That system continues to change and adapt with culture. Editor-in-Chief Rebekah Jacobson mentions, The Bible says we should keep our eyes on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8). How can using a worldly rating system to decide what we watch or dont watch be in correlation with this verse? Removing the current movie policy and depending on the discernment of RAs and their living area residents doesnt mean there wont be any rules governing what movies can be watched on campus. Pornography, and particular movies (like movies that produce nothing but gore, such as the Saw series, or the legion of raunchy American Pie and Hangover style films) can be banned separately. Would this list include every movie that North Central students should avoid? Obviously not. But it can give a good idea for students looking for a standard to go by. If we rely on a secular or-

The Northerner | March 19, 2014

The problem of white American contemporary worship music preference at North Central

ganization for our moral guidance, as it changes, so will our ideals and limits of what is okay to watch. It removes conviction and teaches us to rely on a system made by the world, rather than self-discernment. Instead of learning how to judge media based upon its content and value, we rely on a rating scale. After students graduate, there is nothing forcing them to avoid R-rated movies. If anything, the policy gives a sense of security that all PG-13 movies are of moral value because they are not included in the rule. The question is not, What content is in this movie and should I watch it? The question becomes, Is it rated R? With the current system, we skip the question of content entirely. Online Editor Sydney Messmer says, As maturing Christians, we need to be able to discern for ourselves what is appropriate to watch. Otherwise, how will we discern what is appropriate once we graduate and enter a more secular environment? The R-rated policy in its current form simply does not benefit students and should be abolished. It does not allow the students and their resident advisors to discuss what is beneficial to watch or not, and causes us to rely on the ever-changing standards of a secular rating system that was never intended to restrict movies in the way we use it.

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When students audition for the worship teams at North Central, One Accord and Worship Live are listed separately, whereas for the Worship Live World and Soulful Prayze are listed in one category.

Contact the Northerner at ncunortherner@gmail.com for more information.

Letter From the Editor: Reconsider joining student leadership

still underneath the tablecloth. If pride is our motivation for the obligations in our lives, then we have gone wrong. Duties that may be beneficial to others and honor God, like leading worship at church or volunteering at the homeless shelter, may be destructive if done with the wrong intentions. North Central student leadership is one of these innocent-looking opportunities. Each year, hundreds of students take on positions as resident advisors, discipleship leaders, organization directors, and student government members. While participation in student leadership reaps many benefits in leadership and spiritual development, it can also draw students in just for the need of filling roles. I am not saying that North Central freely hands out student leadership roles to anyone who waltzes down Elliot Avenue. There is a thorough interview process for every student leadership position, and the interviewers prayerfully consider each applicant before making their decision. Even when the select student is chosen as the director of Praise Gathering or the discipleship leader of 3 East Carlson, the motivation for accepting the position still lies within the heart of the student. Sometimes the problem is at the root, not the stem. And so I beg all of the students who are deciding to accept a student leadership position at North Central to consider their motivation. Do you want to be a resident advisor simply because you want to move up the leadership ladder, or do you genuinely desire to serve the men or women on your floor? Do you want to be a senator simply because you want to make your voice heard above all other students, or do you want to represent the entire student body? Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 says, What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This is meaningless. The scholar is noting that achievement amounts to nothing, so we should not strive to be at the top. Instead, we should humbly accept the positions we have been given and only pursue other positions when God opens that door. Additionally, we should not let our pride overrule our leadership by claiming that we are the best person for the position. Oftentimes we assume this because we are not aware of the gifts and passions of others. Philippians 2:3-4 says, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in hu-

March 19, 2014 | The Northerner

OPINION
mility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. Instead of being self-indulged in our glory, let us celebrate the interests of others. Maybe your floormate down the hall also has a passion for evangelism, and God wants him or her to be the director of Encounter. As a sophomore, my pride suffocated me during my attempt to lead Steps to Beauty. I thought I could do the best job possible leading the group, and I failed. It was not until the following semester when I let go of my ability to control that God gave me wisdom and even another co-leader to make Steps to Beauty succeed. God has a way of taking us from where we put ourselves and transforming us into someone more like Him. He is in the business of restoration, even while we wallow in pride. Yet the choice between pride and humility still beckons. Sometimes what we want is not always what God wants.

PaGe 9

BY rebeKaH jacObsOn
I was lured into student leadership at North Central by my Steps to Beauty director. Recognizing my spiritual growth in the organization, she strongly encouraged me to apply for the director position for the following school year. As a young freshman who was still learning discernment, I hastily applied for the position assuming it was Gods will. Two weeks after my interview, I jumped up and down with excitement after opening up a letter that offered me the director position. I had never been in a leadership position, and the opportunity to oversee a group

PHOTO BY PAISlEY BENNETT

thrilled me. Little did I know that the following semester my codirector would leave school and I would be left all alone, resulting in many stressful and lonely nights. I remember curling up on my bed asking God, Why am I in this position? I did not know how to recruit members, I did not know how to lead discussions, and I did not know how to plan events. My first semester as director, I was frustrated with my inability to make the group successful and I was even more frustrated with my gradual lack of interest in the group as the

semester progressed. Like some other student leaders at North Central, I do not believe I was ready for the position I accepted. I let my pride quietly overshadow the voice of God. I was secretly power hungry, but I covered this up with the sweet and innocent phrase, I prayed about it, and this is what God wants. How often do we, as Christians, use the so-called God card to get what our flesh wants? We twist our selfish desires into Gods will, like taking a dirty table and covering it with a tablecloth to make it look pretty when in reality the stains are

Respond to this article by emailing ncunortherner@ gmail.com.

Donor scholarships alter female view of gender roles in the church

People often joke about the pettiness of egalitarians strict control of language. For example, people often say, all men will glorify God, then stammer, maybe crack a smile, roll their eyes, and correct themselves, saying all men and women will glorify God. Because of how inconvenient it is to constantly monitor language, people inevitably either do not correct themselves, or they do so laughingly. However, language is vastly important. Language bears culture by revealing and propagating worldviews. On one hand, our words reflect reality. For example, we yell that there is a spider on the wall because, well, there is a spider on the wall. On the other hand, lan-

Why the excess of maleonly scholarships?

BY vIcTOrIa pYrOn
guage creates reality, for even if the spider on the wall is just a shadow, everyone in the room believes there is a spider on the wall, says there is a spider on the wall, and acts upon their belief that there is a spider on the wallby running, screaming, or throwing shoes. So, in using language flippantly, we may be inadvertently creating a culture of wrong ideas, upon which people will think, speak, and act. Sometimes our flippant use of language is subtle, and other times it is blaringly clear. Unless you are attuned to the ideas of gender equality, hearing all men, is most likely a subtle misuse of language. What is not so subtle, however, can be seen in the requirements for recently posted North Central scholar-

ships. Requirements: must be a male student with a ministry focused major who has a desire to preach, Requirements: Male, Pastoral Studies major pursuing full-time pastorate, Requirements: Male student, Pastoral Studies Major Requirements: Male, Pastoral Studies Major pursuing full-time ministry. It is not wrong for there to be requirements of gender, if that is what the donor prefers, but it does seem to be wrong that there are multiple scholarships that require someone to be male, while there are little to no scholarships which require someone to be female. There is only one requirement that contains the word female, and it says, preference is given to fe-

male students. In this instance, either a male or a female is eligible, whereas with the other scholarships, women are excluded entirely. My question is this: why are we differentiating between male and female at all? Remember that language, whether intentional or not, reveals and propagates worldviews, culture, and values. So this differentiation, this unnecessary specification, is creating an ideaa spider on the walland those who read it may unknowingly think, speak, and act upon this idea. Now, the idea it is creating is up for interpretation. One could argue that the requirements could stem from the trend of the MRS degree, where women do not really need the degree, thus the scholarship money, anyway. Or, since each scholarship that requires that the applicant to be male also requires the applicant to preach or pastor, one could infer that it is a mans job to preach and pastor, and that a woman is wrong or abnormal for doing so. Depending on theology, this could be a positive or a negative thing, but

whatever theology, it is clearly unequal in opportunity. So what does the female student who reads these requirements think of herself? Potentially, that she is less academic, does not belong in academia, does not need scholarship money as much as a man, or that she is abnormal for having been given the gift of preaching or pastoring. Or, she may not notice it at all, and she may accept it passively as the way things are, and when her sister, mother, or daughter comes to her, telling her that she wants to preach, she believes that, somehow, they are abnormal. Even though they may be hidden, there are consequences to using a powerful tool like language flippantly. This flippancy creates chasms of inequality, mistrust, and fear. Rather than building the body of Christ together in unity, it strikes members of the body down, telling them that they must fit their cultural gender role before fitting their role in the Church. It is our job to note the instances in which culture promotes one group of people over

another, promotes inequality, and promotes a perpetuation of ideals based on bias rather than Scripture. If we do not address the areas where culture creates chasms between people in regards to opportunity or credibility, we neglect our responsibility to help guide culture toward equality where each individual is seen in light of their deep-rooted identity and potential in Christ, rather than being seen and discriminated against underneath the superficial, but blaring, light of gender. Galatians 3:23 says, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Respond to this article by emailing ncunortherner@ gmail.com. Opinions expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of administrators, faculty or North Central University. Editorials reflect the views of the Northerner editorial board.

PaGe 10

SPORTS
5 on 5

The Northerner | March 19, 2014

Bach shares on the challenge of juggling teaching and coaching

BY LIndseY SHeeTs

North Central mens and womens basketball teams wrap up season at nationals Tennis Coach Rams take home fifth and eighth place at NCCAA national tournament Larry Bach
BY blaKe maYes
The North Central mens basketball team wrapped up their season on March 15, winning their final game against West Coast Baptist College (Lancaster, Calif.) by a score of 86-65 to take fifth place at the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division II championships in Circleville, Ohio. The win marked the second consecutive year that the Rams took fifth place at NCCAA nationals. This victory capped a successful season that saw the Rams win their NCCAA region and take sixth place in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). The mens team came into the tournament as the seventhranked seed and won their first round game against tenthseeded Kuyper College (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 90-77. The next game was against second-seeded Arlington Baptist (Arlington, Texas), which the Rams lost 89-72. Moving to the consolation bracket, the Rams defeated Grace University (Omaha, Neb.) 63-62 in a thrilling overtime victory to keep their season alive and move on to the fifth place game where they took fifth place. The North Central womens basketball team also concluded their season on March 15 in Joplin, Mo. at the NCCAA Division II championships. The Lady Rams lost their final game of the season to Manhattan Christian College (Manhattan, Kan.) by a score of 75-59. The womens basketball team comes home after completing a season that ended in disappointment, but certainly had its fair share of success. The Lady Rams won their NCCAA Division II regional championship and finished in sixth place in the UMAC. The Lady Rams came into the tournament as the eighthranked squad and played their first game against the top seed in the tournament, Kentucky Christian University (Grayon, Ky.) who has won nine of the last 11 NCAA Division II womens championships. The Lady Rams lost to the Knights 69-54. The team then moved onto the consolation bracket and faced Lancaster Bible College (Lancaster, Pa.). The Lady Rams lost 73-54 to the Chargers before wrapping up their season with the loss to Manhattan Christian College to finish in eighth place.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY cRYSTAl GOuTIEREZ

Coach Larry Bach started playing competitive tennis seven years ago, and became a professional teacher for tennis last year. He has been the head coach for the men and womens tennis teams at North Central for the last two years. What are some of the goals you have for the tennis teams this year? Coach Bach: One goal is that everyone feels that the time they spent was worth it, and that they have become better tennis players and had a good experience. Tennis is a game you can play for life; I hope that both teams enjoy it enough to play it for the rest of their lives.

Q. A.

different because they are both performance based. At our practices, I feel like I am teaching; Im giving a lot of instruction, which helps them to learn, and grow and do better. A good class period has a certain rhythm to it, and it is the same with running a tennis practice. You have to keep things moving, you have to adapt to the situation. I give individual instruction and I give group instruction, so it isnt that different from teaching choir or a class.

Q. How has teaching shaped the way you coach? A. Coach Bach: Teaching music and teaching tennis are not that

helping people to do something that they like and helping them to get better at it. Theres also a mentoring aspect. I really enjoy interacting with those students I probably wouldnt otherwise know at all. It gives me a chance to meet students from different majors. With matches, practices, and travelling, theres more opportunity for speaking into peoples lives, and getting to know them as people and not just as students or just as tennis players. What are some difficulties your teams have to overcome this year? Coach Bach: The hardest thing is getting everyone to practices with the long winter and with having to have practice at somewhat odd times at night. It is especially challenging to get everyone practicing together for doubles. Do you approach coaching the womens team differently than the mens? Coach Bach: The men are more experienced than the women, most of the guys played tennis competitively in high school, whereas most of the women did not. With the guys, Im coaching more strategy and being more match specific, and for the ladies Im working more on how to play the game well and how to get better individually.

Q. What does coaching mean to you? A. Coach Bach: To me, coaching is a form of teaching. It is

Julia Skeesick shoots a free throw while playing a game against Manhatten Christian College.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE PETERS

Q. A.

Q. A.

The North Central mens basketball team prays with players from West Coast Baptist College after winning 5th place at the tournament.

North Central sports teams will be in full swing this spring

Softball, baseball, and tennis teams gears up for new season
BY caleb cOnveY
Although the North Central baseball team does not have any conference matchups until the end of March, the team faced some heavy hitters right off the bat. While encountering snowy conditions in Arlington, Texas for a three-day tournament, North Central played Arlington Baptist College (Arlington, Texas) and Robert Morris University (Chicago, Ill.). The Rams lost all five games at the tournament. The team had been practicing for five weeks leading up to the tournament. The Rams practice in North Centrals gym and in the 1425 Building (previously known as the Yellow Building) next to the Praise FM Radio Station. In addition, they have also practiced in the West St. Paul Sports Dome several times. Here they can practice on a full size infieldsomething the North Central campus does not offer. Prior to the beginning of the season, Coach Kenny Flermoen had 10 players who hed never seen play. Coach Flermoen is eager to find out what everyone can bring to the plate. Alongside the newcomers, leadership will come from experienced players like junior sports management major David Babcock, sophomore pastoral studies major Will Rosevear and sophomore captain and psychology major Cody Van Sickle. While talking about the teams captain, Coach Flermoen said, Van Sickle works harder than anybody else on the team. Hes in the gym constantly, working on getting stronger. And hes only a sophomore, so hell be able to help us for a couple more years. With a combination of young talent and venerable veterans, Flermoen believes this team will win a fair amount more than it did last year. The baseball team is not the only North Central Rams squad still realizing their potential. According to North Central tennis coach, Larry Bach, and sophomore tennis player and youth development major Ian Bird, the mens tennis team should look to place third in their conferencea step higher than their fourth place finish last year. If North Central fairs well against the University of Minnesota Morris, Bird believes an upset against Northwestern is possible, which would leave them in second behind the usual conference favoritesSt. Scholastica. The mens tennis team has a lot of talent and potential, according to Ian Bird and if these areas are attended to, along with a dedication to the maintenance of fundamentals, he believes there is a lot of possibility to develop and get better. While the North Central

March 19, 2014 | The Northerner

SPORTS

PaGe 11

Meryn Garvey throws a pitch catcher Paisley Bennett. womens tennis team lacks the game experience that some of the mens players have, Coach Bach believes that what they lack in experience, they could make up for in athleticism. There are more opportunities for the womens tennis team to develop this year as well. Last year there were only two practices the whole season, and this year theyll have at least two a week, said Coach Bach. Coach Bachs primary concern is the teams small roster, so keeping healthy will be essential to a positive season. The North Central softball team has been practicing since the first week of February. The teams season officially starts on March 20 with the Plymouth Creek Dome Tournament, hosted by North Central and held at the Plymouth Creek Dome in Plymouth, Minn. The conference season runs from March 31 through April 26. The Lady Rams will play up to 21 conference games in four weeks. By the end of the first week of April, they will have played five of the seven teams in their conference, which according to head Coach Allison Meadows, will give them a really good idea where they stand.

PHOTO BY JORDAN HuRST

PHOTO PROVIDED BY cODY VAN SIcKlE

Just like the womens tennis team, the softball team must also contend with a small roster. Depth is a big question because as Coach Meadows reports, they dont have a lot of people in rotation, so she says they will try to avoid sickness and injury as much as possible. The other major concern for the team is the weather. According to Coach Meadows, Last year was a pretty difficult year for us. Of the 21 conference games we had scheduled, only seven of those were played on their scheduled dates. We played in four different domes with different rules, adjusting to different turfs and ceilings... because of the rescheduling, one weekend we played on a Friday at 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and then the following day at 11 p.m. and 1 p.m. The Lady Rams will look to bring more composure and experience to any situation the weather might dish out. According to senior media communications major Paisley Bennett, the team will focus around power hitting as they plan to finish at .500 or better, proving the team belongs in the UMAC conference.

The baseball team poses for a funny picture outside the Rangers Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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SCHOOL

2013-2014 Mens Basketball Standings

UMAC
11-3 10-4 8-6 8-6 7-7 5-9 5-9 2-12

Northwestern Minnesota Morris Crown St. Scholastica Bethany Lutheran North Central Martin Luther Northland

OVERALL
16-12 16-10 12-15 11-15 8-17 16-13 6-19 5-20

SCHOOL

2013-2014 Womens Basketball Standings

UMAC
13-1 11-3 10-4 10-4 6-8 3-11 3-11 0-14

Minnesota Morris St. Scholastica Northwestern Martin Luther Bethany Lutheran North Central Northland Crown

OVERALL
17-10 16-10 20-8 13-13 9-16 10-17 6-19 1-22

PROVIDED BY UMAC WEBSITE