Opinion section stirs Underdog field

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’Hurst community down No. 1 IUP
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Vol.82,No.8/10.22.08/Free

Mercyhurst students
contribute to local politics

Brittani DeVore photo

Communication
students visit
Congressman Phil
English and First Lady
Laura Bush
Brittani DeVore photo
Read more on Page 2
Page 2
Communication class meets high profile Republicans
By Amanda Valauri
News editor
Mercyhurst College students
and People for Phil English
were busy campaigning for
Erie’s congressman at two
event fund-raisers with some
high profile guests: First Lady
of the United States Laura
Bush and former New York
City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Students from the commu-
nication department had this
unique experience, because of
Meghan Corbin, finance direc-
tor for People for English.
The adjunct professor
recruited students from her
Strategic Communication class
to help with these two events.
Corbin said communication
theories, internal communica-
tion and contingency plans are
all part of classroom learn-
ing and real life experience
enhances students understand-
ing.
“This type of learning is
constructive and necessary, but
when students can take that
knowledge and not only see it
in action, but also experience
it firsthand, it is a much more
meaningful experience and a
more complete learning pro-
cess,” she said.
Corbin said the experience is
valuable.
“Students can take away les-
sons that are practically impos-
sible to recreate in the classroom
and also can list this experience
on their resume, which pro-
vides them an advantage when
they are either looking for a job
in the coming months or when
they are applying to graduate
school,” Corbin said.
The guest appearances
served as fund-raisers for the
congressman and will help
drive the last two weeks of the
campaign.
“The events were a great suc-
cess in terms of fund raising,”
Mercyhurst College communication students had the opportunity to volunteer to a local politi-
cal campaign and meet Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and First Lady Laura Bush.
Corbin said. “Both First Lady
Laura Bush and Mayor Giu-
liani provided us with the shot
in the arm we needed to get us
through to the end of the elec-
tion.”
Sophomore Brittani DeVore’s
experience at the events was
humbling.
“Having Meghan Corbin as
a professor has allowed me to
experience two great, amaz-
ing events; they were experi-
ences that will last a lifetime,”
DeVore said.
The first lady
The modest house in Sharon,
teemed with anticipation and
Secret Service men early on
Wednesday morning, Oct. 15.
The First Lady Laura Bush
was on her way.
Six of Corbin’s students vol-
unteered to work the brunch
reception.
Laura Bush came to show
her support for Congressman
Phil English’s re-election.
The brunch served as an
important fund-raiser for the
congressman and a milestone
in a few Mercyhurst College
students’ lives.
Senior Stephanie Oliver was
excited to meet Laura Bush.
NEWS
“Meeting the first lady was
the greatest educational oppor-
tunity I’ve had since coming to
Mercyhurst College,” Oliver
said. “I have a passion for
events, so being able to help
with something of this caliber
was a highlight of my life.”
The students had a variety
of different responsibilities at
the event ranging from gen-
eral crowd control and flow to
photo pushers and pullers.
Senior Matt Williams had the
rare opportunity to get a pro-
fessional photo with the First
Lady. He said he was nervous.
“I got thrown into the pic-
ture line at the last second as
a courtesy and didn’t have any
introduction prepared in my
head,” Williams said.
While the first lady flew
across Pennsylvania to cam-
paign for the congressman, she
used her brief time and private
audience to talk about her other
causes, like breast cancer.
For breast cancer awareness
month, the First Lady brought a
little color to the White House.
“…And I know y’all saw the
White House lit pink,” Laura
Bush said with her Southern
accent.
The guests and students were
Brittani DeVore photo
enchanted by her charm.
“The first lady was elo-
quent, elegant and down to
earth; characteristics I think
every president’s wife should
possess,” Oliver said. “I was
amazed at how friendly she
was too, especially when she
wrapped her arms around us
and gathered us together for a
picture.”
New York City mayor
Along with the first lady,
former New York City Mayor
Rudy Giuliani campaigned for
the congressman on Monday,
Oct. 20.
English was one of the first
congressmen to endorse Giu-
liani for president. They have
been long-time friends.
Giuliani said, “It is a pleasure
to be here and campaign for
such a valued congressman.”
Giuliani spoke about the
importance of experienced
politicians on Capitol Hill.
“Phil’s experience and will-
ingness to put his district before
his party is why people should
vote for him,” he said. “It is not
only important to re-elect Phil,
but to also throw your support
behind out good friend, John
McCain. Experience matters.”
October 22, 2008
The 20 student volunteers
from Corbin’s class met at the
Manufacturer and Business
Association building on West
38th Street.
Williams participated in this
reception as well.
“I got to drive Mayor Giuliani
to and from the airport with his
publicist and bodyguard. He
was an incredibly pleasant
and down-to-earth guy and ac-
tually pretty funny,” he said.
After driving the mayor Wil-
liams said, “I have never been
so nervous driving a car, or had
a public figure’s fate resting in
my hands, but we made it.”
Senior Jenna Golden was
excited to help at the event.
“Even though I am a Demo-
crat, I really look up to Giuliani
and everything he did for New
York City,” she said. “It was
a great experience getting to
meet him and so many other
local politicians.”
Corbin was proud of her
class and said Mercyhurst
should be proud to be rep-
resented by such high caliber
young professionals.
“Several of the guests, a rep-
resentative from the National
Republican Congressional
Committee, the Congressman
and Mayor Giuliani’s staff all
complimented the students
who were at the event on their
professionalism, positive atti-
tude, knowledge and confi-
dence,” she said.
DeVore, who took pictures at
both events, said, “This election
will be a historical moment in
time, and I’m lucky to have had
the opportunity to work for the
Republican Party. I think every-
one who attended would agree
that it was well worth our time;
we learned so much.”
Matt Williams agrees.
“It has been a good week
for me, having met two of the
most influential political fig-
ures of the last several years,”
he said.
October 22, 2008 NEWS Page 3

Opinion piece causes concerns It’s the season

By Casey Greene
Editor-in-chief
Sophomore Seth Hallam’s
recent opinion piece in The
Merciad has stirred contro-
versy across the Mercyhurst
College campus.
Hallam’s opinion piece,
titled “Abortion: a solution to
poverty?” was printed in the
Oct. 15 issue of The Merciad.
In the article, Hallam
expressed his criticism of the
pro-life stance.
Since the article was printed,
The Merciad has received sev-
eral letters to the editor dis-
agreeing with his opinion.
Vice President of Student
Life, Dr. Gerry Tobin, was one
concerned reader.
Tobin wrote a letter to the
editor, and he asked Hallam
to meet with him Monday for
a one-on-one conversation
about the opinion piece.
Tobin said he decided to ask
Hallam to meet with him after
reading his article and receiv-
ing many calls from alarmed
Mercyhurst community mem-
bers.
“A number of people
expressed concern about his
article,” Tobin said. “So I
called Seth to ask if he was
willing to meet and discuss the
article.”
Hallam said the Monday
meeting lasted a half-hour.
“I called the meeting in an
effort to understand his rea-
sons behind writing the arti-
cle,” Tobin said. “I wanted
to see if something had hap-
pened that I could help him
work through.”
But Hallam said he felt
Tobin tried to use his position
to “interrogate” and “intimi-
date” him.
While Hallam said he
believes Tobin was attempting
to “censor through intimida-
tion,” Tobin said this was not
his goal.
“I told him that my article
was based solely on facts and
he told me that it was up to
interpretation,” Hallam said.
“He said I really needed to
watch what I wrote.”
Tobin said he had no other
intent in calling the meeting
other than curiosity.
“It’s the psychologist in me
that wants to better under-
stand human behavior,” he
said. “I wanted to know what
motivated him to write the
article.”
Tobin called Hallam’s article
“less than cordial,” and said
the “article had an attack tone
to it.”
“My effort was to put him
at ease,” Tobin said. “I did
not want to put him on the
defense.”
Hallam said the topic of cen-
sorship was discussed and said
he believes Tobin was trying to
stop any future controversial
issues from being printed
“I asked him if I had written
a vehemently pro-life article
would I be in his office, and
he said ‘I would hope so,’”
Hallam said. “That means
most certainly not.”
Hallam said he explained
to Tobin that his article was
an opinion piece. Hallam told
Tobin that he wanted to “make
people think.”
“It was not my intent to
upset him,” Tobin said. “I
expressed that to him on sev-
eral occasions.”
Hallam said he did receive
an e-mail from Tobin shortly
after their meeting.
In the e-mail Tobin thanked
Hallam for meeting with him
and explained it was not his
intent to cause an argument.
“It didn’t go the way I had
hoped it might,” Tobin said.
Hallam said the meeting
with Tobin will not stop him
from his “attempt at enlight-
ening.”
to vote ‘green’
make our generation aware of
By JoEllen Marsh
green energy and jobs. I think
Staff writer
most students care about pol-
itics and care about a green
Members of Mercyhurst earth, but it’s important that
College’s Green Team will be we all make the connection
in Garvey Park on Thursday between the two.”
promoting Power Vote, a na- Aside from signing pledges
tion-wide pledge drive to get and eating free baked goods,
students to vote green. students who stop by the rally
Green Team President can write out ideas and learn
Margaux Valenti said, “We are how to submit proposals to
having the rally basically as a the Green Energy Review
huge visual. We want people Board.
to see and hear us.” “Power Vote shows that
Green Team members hope it matters to the American
the rally, which takes place youth what happens to the
between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. environment and we care
Thursday, Oct. 23, will attract about the election. It’s mak-
a lot of students. ing a nationwide statement!”
Junior Valerie Fuhrman Valenti said.
said, “At the rally, I hope to
CLARIFICATION
The story on page 5 of the Oct. 8
Merciad indicated “numerous” assaults
against students had been reported this
trimester on the Mercyhurst College
campus to Police and Safety.
The department has not had reports of
assaults against students this term.

New parking rule affects all students

• Parking is not permitted in the circle in front of Old Main.
• Parking in the circle will be reserved for vehicles with special
permits, or by special invitation only.
• There is no general parking available in the area behind Old
Main, Preston Hall and Egan Hall as all parking spaces located
in that lot are now reserved.
• There will be a parking space behind Old Main designated as a
30 minute loading and unloading zone.
• Enforcement of parking rules and regulations in these two areas
began Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.
Ed Bernik photo
Page 4
Mercyhurst students donate food, food, food
By Alaina Rydzewski
Staff writer
What do canned goods, chili
and cardboard boxes have in
common? They are not only
frequently found in supermar-
kets, but they also pertain to
fundraisers on campus.
This is the 36th consecutive
year the Food Drive is giving
back to the local community.
The program will run through
Saturday, Oct. 25.
Amanda Zechman, Campus
Minister and head of the food
drive, said every year students
go door-to-door, asking for
donations.
Democrats, not Republicans, win some voters with Christian values
By JoEllen Marsh
Staff writer
Are young Christians losing
their faith? Some would say so.
A survey done by Public
Religion Research (PRR) called
“The Young and the Faithful”
suggests issues like gay marriage
and abortion are less important
to younger Christians when it
comes to supporting a candi-
date in the 2008 election.
Voters considered Senator
Barack Obama, who does not
support laws against abor-
tion or gay marriage, friendlier
towards religion than Senator
John McCain 49 to 45.
This is a step forward for the
Democratic Party, which has
traditionally been considered
less supportive of religion than
the Republican Party.
Whether this signifies a loss
of faith or not, young Chris-
tians are heading towards a
broader political agenda. Fifty-
seven percent of young voters
support a big government
that provides more services,
This year the Food Drive will
send 102 students out into the
community. Last year’s group
collected 4,776 pounds of food,
more than the weight of an
average car. All of the donations
are given to the Second Harvest
Food Bank.
The “Eat-it-to-the-Bottom”
Chili Cook-Off is in its third
year and will be going on in the
Student Union on Wednesday,
Oct. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m.
Students can enter their own
chili recipes, sample the dif-
ferent entries or judge other
student’s chilies. The different
categories to enter include hot
and spicy, vegetarian, unique
compared to 45 percent of all
voters.
In fact, young Catholics favor
a larger government more than
any other group (67 percent
versus 57 percent of all young
people).
Fifty-six percent of all young
voters, including Evangelicals,
believe in using diplomacy over
military strength.
“I think diplomacy is impor-
tant. I know there are circum-
stances where you have no
other choice but to use the
military, but at least you should
try,” senior Christina Drushel
said.
Senior and the president
of College Democrats Sarah
Belotti said, “I believe the Dem-
ocratic Party is faith friendly,
because it is committed to cre-
ating and protecting equality for
all. It upholds Christian values
in its commitment to end dis-
crimination based on race, sex,
ethnicity, national origin, lan-
guage, religion, sexual orienta-
tion, gender identity, age and
disability in every corner of the
country.”
NEWS
and traditional. Prizes will be
awarded for best overall chili.
Juniors Arianne Zimmerman
and Amy Bergan will be enter-
ing under the unique category
with their white chicken chili,
something they are cooking for
the first time.
They have entered for a
couple of years, and think it is
a good time.
They said, “[The Cook-Off]
benefits a good cause and
you get to know other college
employees other than profes-
sors, and of course you get to
try a bunch of chilies.”
Chili samples cost 25 cents
each. One can of food can also
be traded for three samples.
Senior and president of
Young Republicans, Adam
Hammer, believes the Demo-
cratic Party is anything but
friendly to people of faith.
Hammer said, “Democrats’
insistence on multiculturalism
and diversity has marginalized
the importance of the Christian
faith in American history. The
Republican Party respects the
role of religion in public life,
while the Democrats go out of
their way to shame religion.”
Still, many of Christians
voting for McCain choose their
stance predominantly on issues
like the economy and the war
in Iraq.
Sophomore and Catholic
Bethany Brun, who plans to
vote for McCain, said, “I try
to look at the whole candi-
date. Yes, it plays into the way
I feel about them, but when
you look at the democratic
process, it takes a majority of
Congress to pass legislation on
these things… Social issues are
important to society, but there
are more important issues.”
Sophomore and weekly
All of the proceeds benefit
the Erie City Mission.
Betsy Frank of the Human
Resources Department and
head of the Chili Cook-Off,
said, “[It’s] very nice to get the
whole community involved, and
the Cook-Off is a nice marriage
with Box City,” which is also
occurring Wednesday.
Box City’s goal is to raise
awareness about global issues
such as poverty and world
hunger.
Students will be sitting in
boxes from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
between Zurn Hall and Old
Main to collect money for the
Erie City Mission. Students
are encouraged to donate their
church-goer Jim Maxwell, on
the other hand, said “I value
someone’s life more than the
economy.”
Although Evangelicals of all
ages equally support anti-abor-
tion laws, there is a major gen-
eration gap between Evangeli-
cals aged 18-34 and those over
35 concerning gay marriage.
Only 37 percent of all Evan-
gelicals support giving gay
couples rights to marry, yet 52
percent of young Evangeli-
cals support giving them some
form of legal recognition.
Young Christians Support
Obama
Overall, the PRR’s survey
showed Obama had a much
stronger lead among younger
voters than among voters over
the age of 35.
Catholics aged 18-34 sup-
ported Obama 55-40, while
Catholics 35 and older sup-
ported McCain 46-45.
Nearly seven in 10 young
Christians who attend services
once or twice a month favored
Obama.
October 22, 2008
change to the cause.
Wondering how to g et
involved for next year? Signing
up through service learning or
simply calling Zechman in the
Herrmann Student Union are
both easy ways.
Zechman said it’s important
to help out, “especially now,
because our economy is really
bad and poor people are most
affected—some have to decide
whether to buy food or pay
bills,”.”
Freshman and Mercyhurst
Student Government Senator
Chol John said, “A student has
to give back to the community
and be a symbol for the com-
munity.”
Drushel is an Obama sup-
porter and a Christian who has
attended a Presbyterian church
her entire life.
“He’s sort of become the
voice of the youth, he really
inspires people. I think he gen-
uinely cares what happens to
us,” Drushel said.
Among those who attend
services most often, however,
there is no generation gap.
Christians who attend ser-
vices at least once a week sup-
ported McCain almost equally
(55 percent of young people
versus approximately 52 per-
cent of all evangelicals).
The largest shift since the
2004 election is among monthly
church-goers that make up 16
percent of voters.
According to the study,
this group currently supports
Obama 60-40.
When Senator John Kerry
ran in 2004, he received votes
from only 49 percent of this
group.
More information about the
PRR’s survey can be found at
www.faithinpubliclife.org.
October 22, 2008 NEWS Page 5

The first week of the Students can ‘innovate Erie’

’Hurst EMTA bus By Liz Maier
Staff writer
Pennsylvania.
Submissions will be judged
InnovationErie partner ser-
vices will also be awarded.
by a panel of independent, Junior Sara Norris thought
• In first 10 days, almost 800 students rode expert business and design of several ideas could specifi-
the new bus. Inventors, innovators and judges from InnovationErie. cally benefit the environment.
• More than 100 students used other EMTA designers unite. Semi-finalists will have their “One good idea would be
Professionals in the fields of designs on display at the Erie to recycle leftover food with
routes.
science, art and manufacturing Art Museum from May 8 a small, hand-held food com-
• Information on bus routes can be found have joined in a collabora- through July 27, 2009. Design pactor,” Norris said. “Food
at www.emtaerie.com or by calling the tive effort to find the newest exhibits may include draw- could be ground up and then
Ride Line at (814) 452-3515. and most unique marketable ings, print-outs, photographs, the remains could eventually
• The Mercyhurst route is Route 17. product idea in northwestern models, prototypes and any develop into a compost pile.”
• Students can ride any of EMTA’s routes for Pennsylvania by launching other beneficial materials. Junior Denise Wheelock
the “InnovationErie: Design The public will be able to also contributed her idea.
free by showing their student ID card.
Competition.” vote for “Best in Show” on “They should make a key-
The competition was created May 8, 2009 at the Erie Art chain breathalyzer test avail-
by Science, Art, Manufacturing, Museum’s Public Opening able to everyone, so you can
Engineering and Design, “SAM Reception. determine whether or not you
& ED,” a local, voluntary group On June 27, 2009, the top are able to drive,” Wheelock
of individuals dedicated to ini- four finalists will be asked to said. “This way you won’t run
tiating and producing unknown give a 10 minute presentation the risk of confrontation with
product ideas. and to respond to a 10 minute the police.”
Each product design must question and answer session To find out more informa-
follow certain criteria; It must with the judges. tion about the InnovationErie
be small enough to fit in your Shortly after the sessions, Design Competition visit
hand, it must be useful, have the competition winners will www. www.innovationerie.net
some aesthetic appeal, it be announced. or call the Erie Art Museum at
should be original, and it must Three first place prizes of (814) 459-5477.
be able to be produced or
Contributed photo
manufactured in Erie.
The MSG shuttle was replaced by an EMTA bus on Satur-
day, Oct. 11. One grand prize of $1,000
cash and $7,000 in Inno-
vationErie partner services
from Penn State Behrend’s
Plastics Technology Center
and Northwest Pennsylvania
Industrial Resource Center
will be awarded to first place
winner.
The competition is open
to teams, small businesses Friday, Oct. 24
and individuals, though one
person must be designated as
Pub Night
an informational contact. 9 p.m. Herrmann Student Union
All applications must be
submitted electronically and
contain visuals, a Microsoft Saturday, Oct. 25
Word or PDF based narrative
description of 800 words or
7 p.m. Bash the Knights-Volleyball
less describing their product vs. Gannon
idea.
Application deadline is
Contributed photo
Sophomore Aleksandra Bielska was one of the first
Monday, March 2, 2009. Hurst-o-ween
Applicants must be at
students to ride the new bus. least 18 years of age and a
9 p.m. Herrmann Student Union
resident of northwestern
Page 6
Get ‘sheet’-faced for Halloween for less
Creative and fun costume ideas for little or no money or effort
By Emily Grabowski
Features editor
Halloween isn’t a holiday
just for kids anymore.
It’s a lot of fun to get
dressed up as something out
of the ordinary for the night
and be someone or something
you’re not.
It’s also fun to go out with
a little brother or sister and
go trick-or-treating in your
neighborhood.
However, Halloween cos-
tumes have been getting more
and more expensive over
the years.
For an adult police officer or
firefighter costume, it can cost
around $50.
It seems like the less fab-
ric used to make the cos-
tume, the more expensive
it gets.
Halloween is supposed to
be fun, not a day to put you
These two can pull off the “Prom King and Queen” look with
crowns and sashes.
Wrap yourself in medical gauze for an easy mummy costume.
in debt.
Luckily for college students
(and penny pinchers), there are
easy costume ideas for little or
no money that are fun or cre-
ative, and will make Hallow-
een fun and exciting without
spending all your money.
The ghost costume is
a classic.
sxc.hu photo
FEATURES
sxc.hu photo
Grab a old white sheet, cut
out the eyes. Be sure it is short
enough not to trip you.
Why be the same old plain
ghost? A ghost going out in
public might like to get dressed
up a little. Use the same old
white sheet, cut out holes for
the eyes and a small slit for
the mouth.
Dress it up a little. Put eye
shadow and lashes around
the eyes, lipstick around the
mouth. Put a little color on
the cheeks.
How about earrings and a
necklace? Color in a beard or
mustache. Use something be-
sides just a white sheet to be a
little fancier.
Another good costume idea
is the American tourist.
Guys should wear a loud
Hawaii shirt, shorts (if weather
permits) and large straw hat.
Girls can wear a bright loud
patterned dress, flats, big sun
hat and straw bag.
Don’t forget to have a cam-
era, maps hanging out of your
pockets and bags, and that
look of being lost.
Guys can use a tourist bag,
October 22, 2008
like you get from travel agents, tume for this, but a good one
and gals can use the straw bag can be made with sweats and
for their treats. tape to make the markings on
Couples can dress up as it like the crash test dummies.
themselves in 50 years as the Use bandages and fake
“old” man and woman. blood to decorate.
Guys can wear dark pants Fashion a seat belt out of
(cuffed) and jacket, any dress webbing and an old buckle
shirt, flannel hat and a walk- and pin in place. (or go to a
ing cane. Gray the hair with junk yard and ask for an old
any of the commercial tem- seatbelt).
porary colors, or dust with a Be a Rubik’s cube by using
little flour. a large cardboard box and five
Girls can wear an old style different colors of contact
dress that falls just below the paper or construction paper
knee, knee-high stockings (contact paper is easier to
rolled down a little, oxfords stick on) enough to do five
and a large black purse. Add sides, black pants and long
reading glasses that sit right sleeve shirt.
at the edge of your nose. There are plenty of fun and
Miss America can be a fun easy costume ideas out there,
one if you like dressing up. so let your imagination loose
Use an old bridesmaid or and have a blast.
prom dress, add a pair of
gloves, a tiara, some oversized
jewelry and heels. For the ban-
ner, a piece of wide ribbon,
and write “Miss America”
in glitter.
Another cute one for cou-
ples is prom king and queen.
For girls, it’s the same con-
cept as Miss America, ex-
cept write “Prom Queen” on
the ribbon.
Guys, put on your nicest
suit and get a cheap plastic
crown and make a sash saying
“Prom King.”
You can get all the supplies
to be a mummy at CVS.
Wrap yourself in white ban-
dages (rolls of gauze). Use
splotches of green paint for
“mold”. Use white make-up
on face with “age lines” drawn
on. The stiff-legged gait
works perfectly. npr.org photo
Spice up the classic sheet
A crash test dummy is some-
ghost costume by adding
thing different to dress up as.
makeup, drawn on facial hair,
There is a commercial cos- and jewelry.
October 22, 2008 FEATURES Page 7

Working the ‘night owl shift’ at the Laker

By Cameron Woods
Contributing writer
Most students have had a
midnight trip to the Laker Inn,
but how many know what it is
like to make the food rather
than order them?
James Anderson and John
Byers are two students who
have no qualms fulfilling their
late night Laker duties.
Anderson and Byers are
Mercyhurst College juniors
working what they like to call
the “night owl shift” at the
Laker Inn and can attest to
the interesting experience of
working late nights.
“The shift itself lasts from
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.,” Byers said,
and from the constant flow
of students pouring down
the steps of the union at this
time, it is clear someone is al-
ways around.
For many, this late night
dose of reality would prove
too much.
“I just don’t see how the do
it,” junior Amy Jarosz said.
“My sleep is way too
valuable. I’d be cranky all
the time.”
“It’s most difficult around
10 or 11 when the stu- “One advantage is the ab- be “creepy.” can do is get their order out as
dents like to rush the place,” sence of multiple bosses,” “There must be all kinds of quickly as possible and laugh
Anderson said. Anderson said. weird people that come in late at them later.”
Surprisingly enough, nei- During the night shift, the at night,” Morrison said. All their experience and
ther Anderson nor Byers is guys are only accompanied by The experience definitely hard work aside, Anderson
interested in making a career one manager. “The rules all serves up a side of reality. and Byers feel good about
out of food service. still apply, but aren’t coming “We’ve had some weird their jobs and agree the late
Anderson is a psychol- at you from too many direc- people,” Byers said. “No mat- shift at the Laker Inn is where
ogy and bio chemistry major, tions,” Anderson stated. ter what anyone does, all you “all the action is.”
while Byers is busy chasing a Byers believes
degree in law enforcement. the mood of the
So why work at the Laker? customers is bet-
Why so late? ter late at night
It turns out that both stu- than it would
dents have a professional his- be if they were
tory with food. waiting in the
Anderson has worked for lunch or dinner
popular a grocery chain, Gi- rush lines, where
ant Eagle, for the past two tempers tend to
years and Byers has expe- get the better
rience working as a server of students on
at Chili’s. the go.
It is safe to say they’ve “No one is
just gotten used to in that much
working with food. of a hurry at
Their food industry experi- midnight,”
ence comes in handy. Byers said.
Students working the late Still others
shift act as cook and clerk; believe work-
they take the orders and ing the late
prepare the food. night shift is a Tyler Stauffer photo
Anderson and Byers are daunting task. Juniors Sarah Blackwell and Michelle Thomas enjoying their dinner at the
more comfortable working Junior Con- Laker.
the late shift, because the nie Morrison
atmosphere is much more believes working
laid back. late at the Laker would

Kenny Hunt
Year: Junior
Major: History
Hometown: Hackettstown, N.J.
Random, interesting fact about you: I’m a musician and I’ve
written, recorded, and produced three solo albums in which I
played all the instruments and sang.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I honestly
don’t know, alive? One day, whether in five years or not, I hope
to follow the Rangers for an entire year with tickets to all 82 games plus playoffs.
Tyler Stauffer photo
The staff of the Galley hard at work preparing the orders of
Mercyhurst students.
Page 8 FEATURES
Seasonal sickness:
How to avoid it
By Casey Bertolette
Contributing writer
Bottles of Nyquil and
Kleenex boxes will soon be
taking over your nightstand.
It seems like every year, no
Broccoli & Cheddar Bites
matter what, you and every-
one around you are sneez-
Lunch $ 5.00 ing, coughing and fighting a
sore throat.
Making it to class seems
even harder than usual and the
walk from Lewis to Hirt feels
6” Sub $4.00 Combo $ 5.00 like a 10 mile hike.
12” Sub $5.75 Combo $ 6.75 Life is miserable when you
6” Sub $4. Combo $ are sick, but there are ways
5.25 to prevent those painful days.
Here are a few suggestions to
Lunch $ 5.00 12” Sub $5.75 Combo skip the cold weather blues
Dinner $ 5.50 $7.00 and stay healthy.
Stop it before it starts, get
Wrap Combo- Veggie $ 5.00 your flu shot.
Other Wraps $ 4.00 Every year the Cohen Stu-
Make any sub a wrap for no extra charge!
dent Health Center offers a
limited amount of compli-
mentary flu shots to students.
The U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention esti-
11:30 a.m -8pm mates that 70 to 90 percent of
healthy adults can prevent the
flu with a vaccine.
Lunch $ 5.00 Some students are
Dinner $ 5.50 already preparing.
Valerie Johnson says she
hates dealing with being sick
and prefers to avoid it by get-
ting her yearly flu shot.
“It’s free and takes five
minutes. I don’t know why
everyone doesn’t get one.
I’ll definitely be getting one
this year.”
To get your flu shot, call the
Health Center at 814-824-2431
to schedule an appointment.
Wash your hands. Wash
your hands.
It really is the best way to
prevent catching a communi-
cable disease like an upper rep-
ertory infection or everyone’s
favorite, strep throat.
October 22, 2008
According to WebMD.com,
colds and the flu enter through
your eyes, nose or mouth,
which are commonly touched
by your hands.
Try carrying around instant
hand sanitizer if you don’t
have the chance to wash your
hands regularly.
Avoid the bar and
don’t smoke.
Drinking won’t do anything
for your sickness, but it makes
you more prone to catch a
cold.
WebMD.com says heavier
drinkers are more likely to get
an infection, because drink-
ing slows down one’s immune
system.
Going out is something Lisa
Pessia definitely avoids when
she isn’t feeling well.
“I know I can’t drink and
stay out late when I think I’m
getting sick. You feel better all
around when you don’t have
to deal with a hangover.”
Even though smoking is
never good for your health, you
certainly want to avoid it when
you are feeling a cold coming
on. Centers for Disease Con-
trol and Prevention warn that
smokers are more likely to die
from complications with the
flu than non-smokers.
If you are feeling sick,
don’t wait.
Doctors are available for
appointments almost everyday
of the week and the staff does
an excellent job of working
around your schedule to help
get you in.
Practicing good health
habits like regular exercise,
healthy eating choices and get-
ting plenty of sleep will all help
you avoid getting sick as well.
Catching a cold is sometime
inevitable, but taking these
suggestions should keep you
healthy and well.
October 22, 2008
Glimpse behind the scenes of ‘Our Town’
By Kyle King
A & E editor
“Are we sort of ready here?”
Erie Playhouse director David
Matthews asks Monday night,
half angry, half pleadingly.
One of the male leads is
conspicuously absent, and the
stage manager will be an hour
late.
So begins the first dress
rehearsal for Mercyhurst’s
production of Thornton
Wilder’s “Our Town.”
With only three days left
until the show opens, the cast
is off-book, meaning they no
longer carry their playbooks
around reciting lines.
That doesn’t mean the
actors are off-prompt.
Every once in a while, some-
one mutters a curse under his
or her breath before exasper-
atedly calling out, “Line!”
It may seem chaotic, but it’s
not as though this particular
performance is different from
any other college production’s
first dress rehearsal.
What is different is the utter
lack of scenery and props, an
“Our Town” trademark.
“If you’re not careful,
you can do things like walk
through walls or forget to
open doors,” said junior
Renée Kiefer, who plays the
female lead as Emily Webb.
“There’s a lot of little
things you have to remember
to pantomime, because there’s
always that one person in the
audience paying attention and
noticing that you didn’t leave
with the stack of books you
came in carrying,” Kiefer
said.
Another difference between
“Our Town” and other con-
ventional American theatre is
the role of the Stage Manager,
played deftly by sophomore
Devin Ruic.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Not a traditional stage man-
ager in the theatrical sense,
Ruic instead directs the char-
acters onstage and narrates
the exposition.
In addition to interacting
with the characters as stage
manager, Ruic plays minor
roles in a number of scenes.
“Our Town” showcases the
transparency of the art of
theatre.
Cast members move what
little set pieces there are on
and off stage while Ruic
delivers lines, and they can
even be seen backstage at
times.
During the wedding scene
before intermission, the audi-
ence feels metatheatrically
involved, as wedding-goers
talk directly to the audience.
“You’re not supposed to
be completely taken in and
engrossed in what’s happen-
ing,” Kiefer said.
“We’re just trying to show
an example of a real town;
the audience should be think-
ing about themselves, realiz-
ing that this is what a lot of
people’s lives could be like.
“In some senses, the play is
a call to action. It’s trying to
say, ‘Be fully present in your
life or you could miss out on
a lot,’” Kiefer added.
Going to a dress rehearsal
makes the process of a play
coming to production quality
that much more apparent.
Kiefer’s and Ruic’s charac-
ters were the most realized
and actualized at the first
dress rehearsal; other actors
were still attempting to chan-
nel a voice, so to speak, and,
having found one, keeping it
consistent.
Even projecting loud
enough and blocking are still
concerns with less than a week
left, not to mention the stabil-
ity of two ladders, the quick-
ness of costume changes and
Page 9
the mysterious women’s hat
bandit in the wings.
“In all honesty, I’m a bit
concerned the show won’t all
come together in time. I real-
ize that happens with every
show. Then somehow, the
night before it opens, every-
thing clicks, and you suddenly
have your show. When that
finally happens, it’s a great
feeling, and you realize all Tyler Stauffer photo
the chaos has been worth it,” Grover’s Corners, N.H., wedding-goers interact with the
Kiefer said. audience during the wedding between George Gibbs and
“Our Town” opens Thurs- Emily Webb.
day, Oct. 23 at Taylor Little
Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Performances will be at the
same time Friday, Oct. 24 and
Saturday, Oct. 25.
A special matinee perfor-
mance will also be offered
Sunday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at the
door. Adult tickets are $10,
senior and student tickets are
$7.50 and Mercyhurst stu-
dents with ID can obtain tick-
ets for a dollar.
Tyler Stauffer photo
Emily Webb (junior Renée Kiefer, left) and George
Gibbs (Luka Glinsky) fall in love in high school.
Tyler Stauffer photo
Sophomore Devin Ruic’s
character directs and
narrates the action.
Page 10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT October 22, 2008

Quartet New Generation ‘records’ new sound

By Jordan Zangaro
Contributing writer
I remember desperately
trying to maneuver my little
fingers over the holes of the
recorder, concentrating so
hard and hoping the sounds I
made sounded like “Hot Cross
Buns.”
I am willing to bet that
strikes a memory with pretty
much everyone. Quartet New
Generation plays those same
recorders we all remember
from elementary school, but
takes it to the extreme.
Showcasing the flexibility
and new possibility of sounds
on this familiar instrument,
Quartet New Generation
plays recorders of all different
shapes and sizes ranging up to
six feet long.
Each member of the group
owns as many as 30 instru-
ments, only a few of which have
the familiar contours of the
common Baroque recorder.
Others encompass a range
of tunings and shapes, from a
set of Renaissance recorders,
which taper outward toward
the bottom, to the bizarre-
looking Paetzold basses, devel-
oped in the 1970s, which are
basically organ pipes fitted out
with broad plywood keys.
Collaborating and emerging
young composers around the
globe, Quartet New Genera-
tion creates something unique
by using both renaissance and
contemporary music.
This risky attempt to change
the music world has not gone
unnoticed. “The sound was
irresistible,” reported the “Wall
Street Journal.”
Their creative, ‘fresh’ eye
has created them great success
and a credible reputation.
With a surprising high
energy performance, Quartet
New Generation creates new
expression and exciting style
to define music of our time.
They change people’s over-
all appreciation for music and
Quartet New Generation is a group of four girls who play more
than 30 instruments each. They are playing in the PAC Friday,
Oct. 24, at 8 p.m.
creativity.
The “American Recorder
Magazine” reported, “This was
an impressive evening for the
recorder,” after seeing the show.
“The playing was brilliant.”
pac.mercyhurst.edu
The group was founded
in September 1988 by four
recorder players who met
during their studies in Amster-
dam Conservatoire and the
University of the Arts, Berlin.
Winning top honors at the
International Chamber music
competitions in Europe, Quar-
tet New Generation began
attracting broad and enthu-
siastic audiences in Europe,
North and South America.
Quartet New Generation
is part of the Visiting Artist
Series brought to Mercyhurst
College.
Come to the PAC and open
your eyes to the new, fresh
music of Quartet New Gen-
eration.
The mesmerizing group of
four extraordinary women will
transform the PAC on Friday,
Oct. 24, at 8 p.m. Tickets will
be $7.50 for students with stu-
dent ID.

‘Priceless’ film showcases gold-digging girl

By Mason Lorek
Staff writer
In 2005, Kanye West wrote
a song about prospecting for
gold. For some reason, popular
culture twisted this innocent,
patriotic song into a wanton
attack on women who marry
for money.
This alteration was exacer-
bated by an increased desire
by women to play the role of
this so-called gold-digger. As
this progression took place, I
slowly watched the number of
females interested in me slip
from slim to none. I cursed
society for imposing this
incredible handicap on me and
wondered why people couldn’t
just accept Kanye’s work at
face value.
Then someone told me my
initial interpretation had been
incorrect. Not only had Mr.
West intended his song to be
about this parasitic behavior,
it was not the first documen-
tation of this type of lifestyle.
I felt disappointed in myself. I
don’t know how I looked past
the lyric, “We want pre-nup.”
Over time, I came to accept
this new definition as a part of
life and was eventually able to
listen to Kanye again. I was
even able to view without hes-
itation other forms of media
portraying similar circum-
stances. Talk about a triumph
of the human spirit.
One of these triumphs
involved a movie called “Price-
less,” a French film starring
Audrey Tautou, whom we all
know from “The Da Vinci
Code” as a living descendant
of Jesus Christ.
Tautou plays Irène, the
fiancée of a wealthy older
man who falls for a bartender
named Jean, whom she mis-
takes for a wealthy suitor.
They meet up a few nights in
a row after her husband-to-be
has passed out drunk in their
hotel room. Jean is able to
keep the illusion up until they
are caught by another hotel
employee giving a tour.
Having thrown away her
engagement and her chance to
be financially set for life, she
leaves in a huff to find a new
mine to dig.
Jean goes looking for her
and finds her at a restaurant
waiting for a date to arrive.
Personally, I was not a fan of
this move. Irène left because
Jean didn’t have any money, so I just want my protagonists
how did he spend said non- to be rational, that’s all. He’s
existent funds to go find this going to end up with her, it’s
girl? in the tag line of the movie, we
He wasn’t even in love with know this from the beginning.
her, he just thought she was And he’s acting in the film
hot. I’m sorry, I was just a for crying out loud, how does
little frustrated. he know this? Did he not read
Don’t laugh at me like that; the script? I know she’s pretty,
you cheer on characters in especially in designer dresses
movies too, even if it is a and shoes and jewels, but how
romantic comedy. I think it’s much debt must one incur?
justified, especially since after People have a bad case of the
Jean ruins her date, she more dumb sometimes.
or less punishes him by going “Priceless” is playing at the
on a shopping spree that maxes Mary D’Angelo Perform-
out his credit card. ing Arts Center Wednesday,
She followed up that foray Oct. 29, at 2 and 8 p.m. It’s a
with an expensive dinner, a good movie, you’ll like it. You
fancy hotel room and more probably won’t be yelling at
shopping. Finally, Jean has to the actors like I do, but that’s
use all of his bonds and stocks probably normal.
and his pension plan to cover
the damages incurred. Reaction: flabbergasted face
October 22, 2008
Dance performances span
ballet, Broadway genres
By Sarah Mastrocola
Staff writer
This weekend Mercyhurst
dancers will present their
fall dance concert “Ballet to
Broadway.”
This performance consists
of a variety of works ranging
from the classical movement
of the Royal Danish Ballet to
modern and Broadway style
dance.
Dance Department Chair
Tauna Hunter characterized
the performance as offering
“something for everyone.”
Hunter added, “I really
strive for variety in planning
our annual fall concert. It is
challenging and exciting to
present a wide range of move-
ment information that makes
both the performers and the
audience appreciate traditions
and at the same time stretches
all of us to look to what the
future holds.”
Hunter continued, “Most
importantly, the performance
aims to make the audience
feel, think and just simply
enjoy themselves.”
The performance opens with
“La Conservatorie,” a classical
ballet work choreographed by
August Bournonville in 1849
for the Royal Danish Ballet.
This historic piece was set
on the dancers by Vivi Flindt
of the Royal Danish Ballet,
who was in residence in the
Dance Department for three
weeks this past September.
“La Conservatorie” portrays
the ballet school system of the
Paris Opera Ballet School in
the 1800s and appears simi-
lar to the ballet paintings of
Edgar Degas.
The work is classic and cer-
tainly enjoyable for the ballet
enthusiast.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 11
The work of contemporary a crowd pleaser.
choreographer Kevin Maloney Amanda Johnson, a senior
will also appear in the concert dance major who will appear
as the dancers present “Circu- in “Circular Thoughts” and
lar Thoughts.” “On Broadway,” said of the
This piece is especially cap- concert, “It is a good show Tyler Stauffer photo
tivating in its use of props as with a little bit of everything Freshman Andrew Mayher examines his reflections in Gary
the dancers manipulate large and something for everyone.” Cacchione’s hallway piece outside of Old Main. Students’
green fitness orbs. Nicole Lyons, a sophomore reactions to the piece were mixed.
Thematically, “Circular dancer and performer in “On
‘Friends of Mercyhurst’
Thoughts” touches on how Broadway,” similarly said,
people must deal with daily “The show is an exciting array
problems and stresses. of soft graceful ballet and loud
brings interesting art
Choreographed by Mercy- Broadway movements.”
hurst dance professor
Christine Hay, “Over
the Rainbow” will ‘That blue thing’ is actually
By Hayley O’Hare
also be presented in an archway, made by furniture
Contributing writer
the fall concert. designer Gary Cacchione. “It is
This work is set a contemporary wooden piece
to a rendition of the Countless Mercyhurst Col- that was used as the walkway
famous song “Some- lege students have been mar- into the celebration. Gary was
where Over the Rain- veling at the bright blue wood happy to bring it to Mercy-
bow” from “The and mirrored object that hurst,” Mary Gamble said.
Wizard of Oz.” appeared in front of Old Main There is actually a deeper
It contains lyrical, a few weeks ago. meaning and purpose to
balletic movement Mary Gamble announced, having that particular piece in
and features Mercy- “This is the second annual position on the walkway out-
hurst senior Cassie Friends of Mercyhurst College side Old Main. “It is there as
Powers. art show, and we are hoping it an entry or exit, so after you
The fall concert will grow.” take a look at the show, you
closes with “On Mercyhurst College Presi- will look at yourself. Hope-
Broadway,” a rousing dent Dr. Thomas Gamble and fully, you will think and reflect
performance cho- Mary Gamble invited their on what you have seen and
reographed by assis- artist friends to display their make wise choices for your
tant professor Mark work in Old Main. future,” Mary Gamble said.
Santillano and set to Contributed photo Numerous pieces on display “There is some of Brother
Broadway tunes. Sophomore Nicole Lyons (left) and have been donated to the col- Thomas’ pottery, a world-
This Broadway senior Elizabeth Clain-Stefanelli per- lege. Mrs. Gamble said, “We renowned potter whose pieces
dance revue includes form in the ‘On Broadway’ portion of are hoping to create a perma- were donated by a man in the
pieces from famous the dance department’s ‘Ballet to nent art collection.” maintenance department,”
musicals such as Broadway’ performance. Predictably, there are varied Mary Gamble said. Some of
“Grease,” “Guys and The show will take place student opinions on the art. the other artists have both
Dolls,” “The Lion King” and on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2 and Senior Ed Steinmetz said, “I national and international
“Rent.” 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 26 at enjoy looking at the artwork acclaim, so we are fortunate to
Somewhat lesser known 2 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo as I walk through Old Main. I have their work on display.
musicals such as “Billion Performing Arts Center. see new and interesting pieces “It is open to the commu-
Dollar Baby” and “The Tap Tickets cost only $1 for almost every time I stroll nity, and we have already had
Dance Kid” are also included Mercyhurst students with ID, through.” some classes from the middle
in the performance. and prices range from $5 to Others do not agree. Another school and prep school come
Filled with energetic danc- $15 for the general public. student who wished to remain through. It would be wonder-
ing, flashy costuming and fun Tickets may be purchased anonymous said, “That blue ful if it became general knowl-
music, this representation of by calling 824-3000 or by visit- thing is just there; it doesn’t do edge that we have this,” Mary
Broadway dance is sure to be ing the PAC box office. anything. I don’t get it.” Gamble said.
October 22, 2008 OPINION September 3, Page
200812
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 welcome and can be e-mailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Not every secret is taken to the grave

By Jordan Zangaro
Contributing writer
Everyone has a secret.
Something that has hap-
pened in your past that helped
in the process of molding
you into the individual you
are today.
But, maybe you can’t express
it. You can’t bring yourself to
say the words out loud, and
you need an outlet.
Look no further.
My brother, Brandon, took
me into Borders bookstore
one day when we were out
and told me that he needed to
show me a book. I was home
for one of our breaks and was
having a tough time dealing
with life in general.
We sat down and he pulled
a book off the shelf titled A
Lifetime of Secrets by Frank
Warren.
I flipped through the pages
and saw artwork of normal,
everyday people trying to deal
with life. Their secrets were
written on the postcards.
These postcards were, to
me, people’s release from
something that had been hold-
ing them back. It shows the
struggles and the triumphs of
the human race on such an
intense and intimate level.
I was laughing out loud,
shocked, scared and even
started to cry in my chair in
the store.
The book showed me that
even when I may feel com-
pletely alone, there are people
all over dealing with life and
issues that are more pressing.
Health, death, divorce, jobs,
love and many other issues
are discussed, showing this
book does not close its mind
to anything.
They may not be the same
issues that I am tackling every
day, but these people are fac-
ing their lives head on and,
probably to some, the only
way they can.
The book started as an art
exhibit but the artist, Warren,
decided to do an experiment
by sending blank postcards to
anonymous people around the
country asking them to write
or even draw their secrets.
What he received back was
collaborated and formed into
many books, all of which are
like what I just previously
described.
The books are still being
made and, honestly, there is
something for every person.
Go buy it or just go to Bor-
ders and skim it. Or visit the
postsecret.com and see what
happens.
Most likely, it will change
your life.

Mercyhurst’s gates: the

threshold of censorship minded to have opinions other offended.”
By Seth Hallam
than theirs expressed. With all due respect, that is
Staff writer If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.
If opinions other than theirs the inherent problem. You are
were expressed, it would judging people and their actions Editors Positions @mercyhurst.edu
Many questions have arisen most certainly lead to the when you are not in the same Casey Greene Editor-in-Chief editormerciad
since my last article. condemnation of the paper situation as them. Amanda Valauri News Editor newsmerciad
The bottom line is that and myself. It is easy for you to judge how Emily Grabowski Features Editor featuremerciad
a b o r t i o n s t o p s p ove r t y. Even if we cannot win this you would feel in that situation, Heather Donovan Opinion Editor opinionmerciad
A b o r t i o n l owe r s c r i m e. censorship battle, it is ever but you are not in it. Brad Moehringer Sports Editor sportsmerciad
Abortion is good for society. important to point it out The article was not a satire; it Sam Sellinger Sports Editor sportsmerciad
The Catholic Church and the when it happens, silence yields may have been to some because Kyle King A&E entertainmentmerciad
conservative right must realize nothing. they live in a fairy tale world, Scoot Williams Photographer photomerciad
this. From a legal prospective, where only good happens. Tyler Stauffer Photographer photomerciad
the most Supreme Court of
our land has already decided
abortion is legal.
“ The bottom line is that Unfortunately,
abortion stops
it is reality.
There becomes a time
that we must look past
Caitlin Bly
Gretchen Yori
Ashley Pastor
Advertising Manager
Copy Editor
General Assignment
admerciad
copymerciad
apasto22
Outlawing it would be like
jaywalking, sure it’s illegal but
the crime will still be committed
poverty.
” religion, realizing that there
Seth Hallam is a fundamental difference
between religion and reality.
Bill Welch
Brian Sheridan
Adviser
Adviser
wwelch
bsheridan

on a regular basis. It’s better to
show kids how to safely cross
the street, anywhere on the
street, than not show them
at all.
(Unfortunately, the lines that
would have appeared in this
part of the article have been
censored.
The reason for this censorship
is that some people associated
with the Church are too narrow
However, what we can learn One could argue that
from this is that this person’s religion is reality, but something
opinion does not have much that we cannot prove is not
merit if they are not open to considered to be real.
others ideas. The reality is, if we look
Wouldn’t want to be down one beyond our religious conflicts
important guest at graduation of interest, we find that
again this year would we?) abortion is not bad for society.
In the response printed in this It acts as an almost free poverty
issue of The Merciad, “A young control tool and controls the
Sister of Mercy responded, ‘If general population at an even
I was poor I would really be swifter rate.
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst
College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of
finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814)
824-2376.
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed
and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the
letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters
are due Mondays. by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit
letters to box PH 485 or via e-mail at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
October 22, 2008 OPINION Page 13

Leveling the playing

field for a fair campaign
By Eric Jackson
Staff writer
So far my articles have
highlighted the ineptitude of
the Republican ticket.
In a sense, the McCain
campaign has been so
disgraceful that it has
overshadowed the stellar
performance of the Obama
machine.
Still, Barack Obama has
offered a renewed sense of
hope and optimism to America.
Throughout this campaign,
his character has been
relentlessly attacked.
They have even attempted
to drag his wife through the
mud. The Obama campaign
could have reacted by attacking
Cindy McCain’s bouts with
addiction or her shady
business relationships.
Instead, Barack Obama
said family is off limits.
After eight years of Bush,
America’s credibility is in the
toilet. Obama has reignited
a feeling of hope for
legitimate leadership.
Obama’s stock continues to
rise and the McCain campaign’s
slander and low ball tactics
have increased.
They are appealing to the
fear and ignorance of the
American people by trying to
brand Obama as un-American,
cavorting with a terrorist and
implying that he has some
secret agenda to finish the job
Bush started by destroying
America.
They are sending, not so
subliminal, messages to white
America that he is not one
of them.
These tactics were successful
in the past, but America is
changing; the old bigots and
racists from the Jim Crow era
are dying off.
There is still a fringe element
of racism
that will
never
vote for a
black man,
that racism
is ingrained
and has
been passed
d ow n f r o m
generation
to generation
just like a
cancer gene.
With that said,
some of the people
who would never have actions
considered voting for a a n d
black man in the past are thought
beginning to think twice, process in
they are feeling the pain of c o n t r a s t t o Jo h n
George W. Bush’s whip (the Barack McCain’s emotional and
economy) on their back. O b a m a ’s compulsive reactions.
I have to believe, the vast campaign has outlined He has run a practically
majority of Americans are a plan of hope for America. flawless campaign. The question
good and will judge a man by He has displayed grace under is not, is Obama ready to lead,
the content of his character the onslaught of attacks; he it is will America give him
not the color of his skin. has been deliberate in his the chance?

Political candidates: Cool enough to get your vote?

By Devin Ruic
Staff writer
America has about two
weeks to make up its collec-
tive mind and decide on a
new president.
There are many ways the
individuals that make up the citi-
zenry of the United States may
go about making their personal
decisions, some more legitimate
than others.
It is unfortunate to think
about, but it is still a reality that
there are people who would vote
for or against a political candidate
not based on the quality of their
policies or their character, but
rather base their vote on a can-
didate’s age, race, creed or other
personal quality. political ideology. personality of John McCain, Ryan Seacrest…
You may have noticed people I personally feel that you may though perhaps not in a way Annuit coeptis.
our age are more likely sup- wish to look no further than Un- noticeable
porters of the 147-day Senator cle Joe for a history of nearly 70 enough to
Barack Obama. years of failed economic policies a popula-
I would be remiss if I were to along the same lines as Senator tion more
tell you this support is primarily Obama’s but I digress. interested
due to his revolutionary differ- Elections should not be won in reality
ent political policies dealing with based on whether or not a can- television
foreign affairs, the economy and didate is “cool.” than reality
education. They should be won based itself.
The truth of the matter is on the policies of the candidate It is scary
a frighteningly large portion themselves. Besides, Senator to think
of college-aged Obama sup- John McCain is as lively, if not the great-
porters are supporting him more, than any politician you est people
for no other reason than will meet. who have
the idea that it is “cool” to If you want proof, look ever lived
support him. no further than his speech w o u l d
Surprisingly, I am not tak- addressing the 63rd annual probably
ing this opportunity to lam- Alfred E. Smith memorial lose a pres-
bast supporters of Obama foundation dinner. idential
who tr uly believe in his The speech epitomizes the election to
A mission-centered response to Hallam
Seth Hallam’s opinion, “Abortion: a
solution to poverty?” (Merciad, 10-15-08),
demands my response. After all, I have
received numerous comments about it.
One generous mind hoped the article
was intended to be a satire in line with
Swift’s “A Modest Proposal.”
Another “truly hoped” it was intended
to be ironic, but feared not. My reading of
it has been so underscored by comments
about its insensitive, offensive and inflam-
matory nature that I must conclude that
an attempt at social satire, if there were
one, has grossly, widely missed its mark.
A young Sister of Mercy observed,
“What is this Guttmacher Institute? It
sounds one-sided,” and, “If I were poor,
Learning together through Hallam
I love working at Mercyhurst College
and participating in the formation of
young minds and hearts, shaping the
leaders who will shape our tomorrows. I
treasure the opportunity to learn critical
thinking from professors and writers.
Still, in the end, we learn more by
trial and error than we ever learn from
lectures and reading.
In his opinion piece, “Abortion: a
solution to poverty?” I believe Seth
Hallam and The Merciad have made
errors that provide an opportunity for
us to learn together.
Seth correctly states abortion is hotly
debated. Proponents on both sides do
themselves and us a great disservice by
trying to out shout the other. Complex
issues do not lend themselves to simple
Hot-button issue concerning students
“The act of Mercy forgives again and
again, even the ungrateful.” Everyone is
entitled to their own opinion.
However, students, staff and admin-
istrators alike need to regard the feelings
and views of those around us while
expressing their opinion.
I have a great sense of pride in my
alma mater and have always felt that
a Mercyhurst College student is of a
certain caliber among highly educated
students.
In reading Seth Hallam’s article in last
week’s edition of The Merciad, I was
proven wrong. This was certainly not
the first time that I have read an article
from The Merciad and felt this way,
I would really be offended.”
Her comment leads me to the mission
of Mercyhurst College having a Catholic
identity and Mercy heritage. In a time
when the powerful made laws in Ireland
fixated on decimating the Irish Catholic
people, the Sisters of Mercy were born
out of an unstinting compassion for
the poor.
As the literal Hebrew would have it, they
were born out of rahamin —“the feeling
of a mother for the child of her womb.” A
college staff person also remarked, “Wait
‘til the Bishop reads this!”
Well, why wouldn’t the Bishop be
distressed? The bad press that the U.S.
Catholic Bishops face often blinds us
analysis or simple solutions.
It is more collegial and genuinely pro-
ductive to enter into a dialogue where
change is rooted in understanding.
The Catholic Church teaches that
life begins at conception. For those
who challenge that teaching, ridicule
does little to advance the conversation.
Instead, ask good questions; expect
good answers.
Faith and reason flourish together and
as a Catholic college, we believe that
each informs the other. As we struggle
with these questions it is important to
remember that people are the church.
The questions about poverty, injus-
tice, inequality, hunger and abuse are
summed up in the scriptural roots of
our Mercy heritage: What did each of
however I was not only embarrassed for
the institution that I have called home
for six years now, but I was also embar-
rassed for Mr. Hallam for writing such a
distasteful article.
This is now my tenth year at an insti-
tution with a Mercy heritage, and I have
always experienced the value of discuss-
ing controversial issues in the classroom.
It helps students understand rather than
just brushing aside the issue.
Abortion is an on-going, controversial
issue that when discussed can leave a sour
taste in the mouths of others.
Whatever the opinions are about
abortion, they are equally strong on ei-
ther side. It is as strong as the decision
to the strong, well-nuanced voice of
their teachings.
For example: “While the common
good embraces all, those who are in great-
est need deserve preferential concern.
“A moral test for society is how we treat
the weakest among us—the unborn, those
dealing with disabilities or terminal illness,
the poor and marginalized” (Catholic
Social Teaching, #4).
So how will we at Mercyhurst, who hold
being “socially merciful” as a core value,
measure up to the test?
Sister Lisa Mary McCartney
Vice President for Mission
Integration Mercyhurst College
us do for the least among us?
The Merciad should have pro-
vided a counterpoint argument on
the same issue. Sensitive issues
demand sensitivity.
When poked in tender places, people
naturally become defensive. Defensive-
ness, though, almost never advances
the dialogue.
Editorial decisions about hot button
issues that fundamentally challenge our
Catholic, Mercy identity ought to be
viewed through a representative lens.
Otherwise, we simply contribute to
the sound and fury that hinder finding
a real solution to poverty.
Gerard A.Tobin, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Life
to vote for McCain or Barack in a few
short weeks. As Mercyhurst was being
built, the founder, Mother Borgia Egan
said, “Second best just won’t do!” What
better quote to describe those affiliated
with Mercyhurst?
I need to express my disappointment at
the misinformed opinion of Mr. Hallam,
because it didn’t even rate second best in
my mind. I am in the position of realizing
that “Mercy is more than charity, for it
not only gives benefits, but it receives
and pardons again and again, even the
ungrateful.” I guess there’s hope yet.
Daniel A. Zimmer,
Graduate student
The
Inbox:
Where
readers share
their thoughts.
Interpreting
Marable
I would like to take the liberty of being
the one person at Mercyhurst College
to rebut Rhonda Marable’s ridiculous
and uneducated articles that she has so
graciously contributed to the Merciad on
a weekly basis. Finding a place to begin
is even difficult.
From her eloquently titled article,
“You’re cute, for a black girl”, to the other
journalistic wonder, “Pick up lines get-
ting shot down” and finally, the critically
acclaimed, “Looking like a ‘hot mess’:
inappropriate dress for court,” Rhonda
has really portrayed her classiness to the
student body.
Most of us are stumped, why does
Rhonda Marable hold herself on such
a high horse? Don’t get me wrong, I’m
excited to have woman’s voice heard in
The Merciad.
However this particular voice is not
preferred. Mercyhurst College is an
esteemed institution. Most females that
attend this school would not enjoy them-
selves portrayed as girls who make snap
judgments based on race, articulation or
even clothing choice.
So what, a drunken guy makes an
innocent pass at you at the bar. Just
give a lovely smile and keep on walk-
ing… it really isn’t that difficult! And
a courtroom?
Why are you even in a courtroom,
Rhonda? Shouldn’t that be the first issue
to address? Not to mention… it’s traffic
court. Is it that much of a blunder why
no one is “dressed appropriately?”
In conclusion, I would like to speak for
hopefully most of the female population
at Mercyhurst when I say that women
here do not have such a closed mind and
a cold heart. I thank you.
Natalie Gnipp, sophomore
October 22, 2008
Treating yourself to a tricky costume
By Amy Kuhnlein
Contributing writer
Big decisions are on the ho-
rizon friends, and no, I’m not
talking about who to vote for
in the upcoming elections.
Halloween is just around the
corner and the time has come
to choose your costume.
Ghost? Boring. Witch? Over-
done. Banana? Too expensive,
trust me I have done my re-
Religion giving
way to science
By Jacob Torba
Contributing writer
Throughout history, most
societies believed in a being
greater than themselves, such
as a god. Frequently these early
societies were polytheistic.
The gods they believed in
were merely efforts to explain
the unexplained phenomena in
society or take the blame away
from the individual for actions
that they chose to do.
As human thought and sci-
ence evolved and began to
explain the previously unex-
plained things in the world, the
religions being widely practiced
began to be ones in which there
is only one deity such as the
most practiced religions of the
world right now – Christianity
and Islam.
Science has allowed humans
to better understand the previ-
ously unexplained problems
which necessitated the need for
gods. As human understanding
has grown, there are increas-
ingly fewer reasons for belief
in a god.
I believe we are on a path to
a society that has no need for
faith in a god. Science will have
search on that one. Sexy (insert
noun here)? Come on, how
very uncreative and cliché.
And for some this might not
be much of a change from their
everyday wear.
So, too easy. We are currently
experiencing a faulty economy-
bad for the country, great for
your costume!
Make a tombstone proclaim-
ing ‘Rest in Peace Wall Street.’
However, if current events
aren’t your thing, go the school
the solutions to all problems
occurring in the world.
One remaining reason stand-
ing for religion is to take the
blame away from the indi-
viduals. In addition, we have
many other things we can
blame our behavior on; from
our genes, to parenting, to
our environment.
The last reason for people
to want religion is the hope
for an afterlife. People do not
like facing their own mortality
and thus cling to the idea of an
everlasting life or rebirth.
They “believe” in their faith
only because of this hope, and
give donations to charity so that
they may live on in the splendor
of the Lord in heaven as they
were selfless people in life.
Well if we can get people
to continue to give for charity
without wasting time in point-
less faith practices, we would
have a win-win situation.
Make this life a better one
and you will have no need to
hope for another life as you
will get all you need and desire
out of this life. The increasingly
logical and scientific people in
the world should see there is
a time when the thought of a
higher being has no purpose.
OPINION
spirit route.
Pick a beloved entity on cam-
pus to disguise yourself as on
Halloween. Sophomore year I
was the kiosk that sits in front
of Hirt, a little cardboard, spray
paint and a few campus maps
go a long way.
However, if you must fall
back on dressing up as some-
thing in a scantily clad ensem-
ble, try mixing it up – nothing’s
creepier than a kiosk that isn’t
afraid to show a little leg.
Stomping on
sidewalk etiquette
By Rhonda Marable
Staff writer
Ever try walking on the side-
walk in front of Zurn or Hirt
when everyone is getting out of
or going to class?
It’s almost like a game to try
to get from point A to point B
without touching anyone else.
Have you ever caught your-
self walking in a row of human
traffic only to look ridiculous
when you try to avoid running
into that person who decided
it would be a good idea to stop
and wave to their friend?
Yeah, that’s me daily. It’s a
good thing I don’t have low
self-esteem, otherwise I’d think
I was fat.
I know I don’t take up that
much room on the sidewalk
and seriously, do you and your
friends really need to walk side-
by-side to talk about the hot
person in your biology class?
I think not.
I think it’s about time we
started exercising proper side-
walk etiquette, lest I lose it one
day and decide to run down the
sidewalk like a linebacker.
First, if you’re walking along,
let’s just pretend the sidewalk
Page 15
In response to
Natalie Gnipp
By Rhonda Marable
Staff writer
I appreciate her criticism,
Halloween is finally
albeit less constructive than I’d
around the corner. College
like. Basically, we seem to dis-
is a last ditch effort to be
agree in our opinions. However
immature and Halloween
next time, let’s try not to get per-
is no exception. So think
sonal because as you’ll learn in
long and hard about that
College Writing I, ad hominem
perfect costume to have
attacks do little to support the
people talking until Christ-
validity of your argument.
mas. Everyone knows that
anything that goes down
on Oct. 31 is fair game for
a good time.
is a two-lane road; move to the
right and if you have to pass
a slow walker, wait for an op-
portune moment.
Do not, I repeat do not, step
The upcoming Mercy-
to the left in front of somebody
hurst football game at Edin-
else that’s walking by you and
boro on Oct. 23 will cost
spill their Frangelica all over
students. If getting fans to
them. That’s rude.
come to the games wasn’t
Second, if you’re walking
hard enough, you’re going
with a group of friends, be it
to have to pay $3.00.
a crowded or not crowded day,
please make room and walk in
a single file line.
You and your friends are
taking up more space and
just because you’re in a group
doesn’t mean you’re entitled to
more sidewalk space.
There are no such
Apparently coffee drink-
things as high occupancy
ing is time specific. Cafe
sidewalk lanes.
Diem, the coffee shop in
Third, it’s awesome you’re
the library is closed from
on a sports team or have some
noon to 6 p.m. With the
other reason to carry an ob-
hours most college students
scene-sized bag, but if you
keep, it’s tough to stay up
could possibly not swing it
even in the middle of the
around when you’re walking,
day.
that would be a great help.
Sometimes I feel like I’m on
Please e-mail any suggestions to
American Gladiator trying to
opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
avoid the swinging bags.
The GB&U is a compilation of
We’re all just trying to get
student opinions.
to class, so try not to be part
of the obstruction that gets in
someone else’s way.

Underdog Lakers take down No. 1 IUP
Sophomore Sarah Wowkowych (3) controls the ball in Mercyhurst’s 2-1 upset win over No. 1
Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Oct. 18.
By Sarah Powell
Staff Writer
After suffering a 2-0 loss
against Indiana University of
Pennsylvania more than three
weeks ago, the Lakers used
their home field advantage
to send the Crimson Hawks
home with a devastating loss.
The Mercyhurst College
women’s field hockey team
made program history with
their biggest win ever on
Saturday, upsetting No.1
ranked IUP, 2-1.
Junior Lauren Rinaca
couldn’t be happier about the
outcome of the game. “It was
a well-deserved, hard-earned
win. Every person came
together to clinch the victory,”
Rinaca said. “Each and every
person showed how much
they wanted to win and put
their heart and soul into it.”
Before Saturday’s contest
against the Lakers, the
Crimson Hawks were the
only unbeaten team in NCAA
Division II field hockey, with
a 13-0 record, and allowed just
three goals to two different
opponents.
Eighteen minutes into the
first half, senior Courtney
Monin set freshman Serena
Slattery up for the first goal of
the game, giving Mercyhurst
the 1-0 lead early on. Less
than eight minutes later,
the Crimson Hawks would
respond with a penalty corner
Tyler Stauffer photo
goal to tie up the game at 1-1.
IUP held an 11-5 advantage
in shots through the first half,
but the goaltending tactics
of senior Jennifer Coleman
proved to be the difference.
Coleman made six of her nine
saves during the first half of
play.
Until midway through
the second half, the score
remained tied at 1-1. Junior
Megan Rasmussen clinched
the victory when she took a
pass from junior Emily Warren
and pushed it past IUP’s Lydia
Dolly at 51:19.
Mercyhurst returns to action
on Wednesday, Oct. 22, when
the Lakers take on Slippery Rock
University. Game time is set
for 4 p.m.
Football................................................Oct. 18, L 42-10, Indiana (Pa.)
Women’s Volleyball..................................Oct. 14, W 3-1, Houghton
Oct. 17, W 3-2, Charleston
Oct. 18, L 3-0, Wheeling Jesuit
Oct. 18, W 3-1, Alderson-Broaddus
Field Hockey...................................Oct. 18, W 2-1, #1 Indiana (Pa.)
Men’s Soccer...................................................Oct. 18, W 4-2, Findlay
Women’s Soccer....................................Oct. 15, W 2-1, Lock Haven
Oct. 18, W 4-1, Edinboro
Men’s Water Polo...............Oct. 17, W 14-6, Washington Jefferson
Oct. 18, L 10-5, Princeton
Oct. 18, L 9-8, Bucknell
Oct. 19, W 16-11, Johns Hopkins
Women’s Hockey.................................................Oct. 17, W 2-1, RPI
Oct. 18, W 4-1, RPI
Men’s Hockey.................................Oct. 17, L 5-0, Alaska Fairbanks
Oct. 18, L 6-4, Alaska Anchorage
Men’s soccer, women’s hockey move up rankings
Men’s soccer and women’s hockey moved up the nationally rank-
ings this past week. Men’s soccer moved to No. 23 in the latest
NSCAA/adidas poll and No. 2 in the Atlantic Region. The
women’s hockey team moved up to No. 6 in the nation in the latest
USCHO poll.
Editor’s Game of the Week
Get ready for some Thursday night football. This week the foot-
ball team travels to rival Edinboro to take on the No. 15 Fighting
Scotts. Thursday night’s game will be a battle for sole possession
of second place in the PSAC West as both teams are currently tied
for second place going into this match up.
Billy Colton-Men’s Soccer
This is Colton’s second time being named Male Athlete of the
Week. This sophomore earned the honor by scoring twice against
in the Lakers 4-2 win over former GLIAC foe Findlay. Colton’s
two goals gives him team high 13 for the year.
Jennifer Coleman-Field Hockey
This senior goalkeeper backstopped the Lakers to the biggest win
in the history of the program. She stopped nine out of 10 shots
in the Lakers 2-1 upset of unbeaten No. 1 ranked Indiana Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania.
October 22, 2008
Men’s soccer kicks it up a notch for victory
By Katie Waldin
Staff writer
In the past week, the
Mercyhurst College men’s
soccer team had only one
challenge, against the Oilers of
Findlay University.
With the 4-2 victory over
Findlay on Saturday, the
Lakers are now 8-3-2 for this
season.
In just the third minute of
play, Laker forward sophomore
Billy Colton scored the first goal
of the game, giving Mercyhurst
the lead.
As the men fought hard
to work the ball up the field
to score another goal, they
were halted by Findlay as they
rebounded the ball off of a shot
taken on Mercyhurst senior
goalkeeper Danny Mudd.
After losing the lead, the
Lakers bounced back, scoring
again in the minute 31 of play
off of a free kick taken by
senior Tyler Emerick.
Once again, with only a few
minutes left before halftime,
the Lakers lost their 2-1 lead
against the Oilers as Findlay
slid the ball into the net once
Mercyhurst hockey goes 0-2 in Alaska
Men’s hockey team loses big and drops to 0-4 on season
By Brad Moehringer
Sports editor
Alaska was not kind to the
Mercyhurst College men’s
hockey team.
The Lakers traveled up north
to take part in the Brice Alaska
Gold Rush Tournament in
Fairbanks, Ala.
Mercyhurst took on Alaska-
Fairbanks in the first game on
again.
“It was a tough game,
because we lost two important
leads,” sophomore Mike De
Rose said.
“But, the team kept their
composure and worked even
harder to get the victory in the
end.”
As the Lakers entered half
time tied up at 2-2, they were
looking to refocus and regroup
in order to pull out on top at
the end of the 90 minutes of
regulation play.
The men re-entered the
field of play with a positive
outlook and the mentality that
the game belonged to them.
In the second half, defender
sophomore Arash Fahandezh
crossed the ball to Colton who
headed it into the back of the
net, giving the Lakers the early
second half lead.
Soon after, De Rose dribbled
passed the Oilers’ defense to
shoot and score the final goal
of the match in minute 78 of
play.
With the victory over
Findlay, the Lakers are moving
forward, focusing one game at
a time as they finish the rest of
regulation season.
Friday and struggled to get the
offense going.
The Nanooks jumped ahead
in the first period 2-0 to set the
tone.
They added another in the
second period and two more
in the third to pick up the 5-0
win.
Senior Matt Lundin stopped
42 shots in the loss.
In game two on Saturday,
the Lakers took on Alaska-
SPORTS
With only a few games left,
the Lakers are mentally and
physically preparing for each
game as it could be their last,
but they are looking forward
Anchorage and did not fair
any better.
Despite opening the game
with an offensive flurry and
jumping out to a 3-0 lead,
Mercyhurst was unable to hold
on.
The offense was led by
senior Matt Pierce who scored
the first two goals of the game
while junior Chris Risi added
the third.
The Seawolves responded
Page 17
Sophomore
Arash Fah-
andezh pre-
vents a side
tackle and
passes the
ball upfield
at the men’s
soccer game
last Satur-
day against
Findlay. The
Lakers won
4-2.
Tyler Stauffer photo
to working their way into the for what is coming up in the
PSAC playoffs. season,” De Rose said.
“We are continuing to work The Lakers are looking to take
on our formation as a team, on Slippery Rock University in
and getting mentally prepared their upcoming match.
with four straight unanswered the 6-4 win.
goals of their own to take Lundin turned away 38 shots
the lead in the second period in the loss.
4-3. Mercyhurst drops to 0-4 on
Senior Brett Robinson the season and will continue
tied the game at four with their road trip again this
his second goal of the weekend when they travel to
season. University of Nebraska at
The game was knotted up at Omaha for games on Friday
four going into the third when Oct. 25 and Saturday Oct. 26.
Alaska-Anchorage erupted They will try to get their
for two goals in the third to game together and pick up
put the game away and seal their first game this season.
Page 18
Winning streak Soccer picks up eighth win
snapped
By Gary Coad
Staff writer
The Laker volleyball team
rolled into Wheeling, W.
Va., for the PSAC/WVIAC
crossover tournament.
Leading into the weekend,
Mercyhurst College had been
riding high on a seven game
win streak and were looking to
improve their record with the
three games in the crossover.
The ladies ended up
extending their winning streak
to nine games by winning the
first two games, but had the
streak snapped by the Wheeling
Jesuit University team.
In their first victory over
the University of Charleston,
which went five games, the
Laker’s offense was running
well as they hit a team total of
.290.
The Lakers knew coming
into the game, and season for
that matter, the play of their
middles would be important
to their game plan.
Sophomore Justine Smith
was unstoppable as she got five
blocks and got six kills without
recording a single error.
Her fellow middle sopho-
Intramural Flag Football Standings
Division A:
Walczak 4-0
Baringer 3-1
Coughlin 2-1
Cierniakoski 2-1
Thon 1-2
Cirbus 1-2
Constantini 1-2
Larson 1-2
Gallo 0-3
Weissman 0-3
more Erin English was also
playing well totaling up 10 kills
and adding a block for good
measure.
The next win came over
Alderson-Broaddus College.
This match went four games
and gave junior setter Julia
Butler a chance to shine.
Butler totaled up 14 digs and
dished out 39 assists, both of
lead the team in this game.
Sophomore Katie Fritz put
away 11 kills of those 39 assists
and hit .364 on the match.
The last game of the
weekend came against
Wheeling Jesuit, against whom
the Lakers could not get an
offense rolling.
The Lakers only hit .105 on
the match and had some of
their best offensive weapons
kept at or below a zero percent
hitting percentage.
Wheeling Jesuit made quick
work of the Lakers, winning
25-17, 25-19 and 25-16 and
successfully snapped the
winning streak.
The Lakers record now
stands at 18-10 overall and 5-
3 in the PSAC. Mercyhurst
is looking to bounce back at
home against cross town rival
Gannon on Saturday Oct. 25.
Division B:
Hubert 4-0
Dennstedt 4-0
Sanders 3-1
McClellan 2-2
James 1-2
Pettrone 1-2
(game postponed)
Shuriha 0-3
Lamancusa 0-3
Nicklas 0-2
(game postponed)
SPORTS October 22, 2008
By Stephen Duggan
Staff writer
The ensuing free kick was
converted off the crossbar and
the Lakers took the loss.
took Hilinski to 10 goals on the
season.
With the momentum
Looking to reverse their swinging in Mercyhurst’s favor
The Mercyhurst College
luck the Lakers held their the Lakers added another from
women’s soccer team was in second home game in a week a Powell shot just outside the
action again Oct. 16 when on Saturday, when they hosted penalty area.
they lost to the Bald Eagles of the Edinboro University of This goal, Powell’s 13 of
Lock Haven University to the Pennsylvania. the season, came much to
Mercyhurst soccer field. This game took a different the delight of the fantastic
This game saw the visitors shape to the Lock Haven game turnout at Mercyhurst soccer
take and early lead. as the Lakers scored an early field.
The Lakers conceded go-ahead goal when Powell “It was great to get back
a corner kick which was converted a rebound off a shot to winning ways after last
taken by Courtney Johnson. by senior Hailee Maioroano. Wednesday’s loss,” sophomore
She swerved the ball The Fighting Scots had an Jamie Schroter said.
elegantly into the net as the immediate answer as Elise “We took control of the
Mercyhurst defense could only Falatach tied the game up. game and finished our chances
watch. The game was tied at 1-1 well. It was great to see such a
The home team immediately going into the second half huge crowd out there to cheer
doubled their efforts and went until Hilinski took over; she us on.”
in search of an equalizer. scored two goals in a seven The Lakers are 8-4-3 on the
They could not find minute streak. These strikes season.
it before halftime
despite coming close
on several occasions,
including striking the
uprights twice.
The second half was
all one-way traffic as
the ‘Hurst relentlessly
targeted the Lock Haven
goal.
They continued to hit
the post, doing so twice
in the second half.
The Lakers outshot
the Bald Eagles 19-2
in the second half and
it was inevitable that
they would break their
opponents down.
In minute 60, the
lifeline came as junior
Taylor Hilinski picked
out senior Sarah Powell
in the box. Powell blasted
a shot to the keeper’s
right and into the back
of the net, concluding
the scoring.
The game went into
overtime and in the fifth
minute a free kick was Tyler Stauffer photo
awarded to Lock Haven Junior Jamie Laturell gets ready to power the ball up the field at the
just outside the box. women’s soccer game last Wednesday.
October 22, 2008 SPORTS Page 19

Women’s hockey derails RPI Engineers

By Brad Moehringer
Sports editor
The comfort of home was
all the Mercyhurst College
women’s hockey team needed
to get back on track.
The Lakers swept the week-
end series against Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
In Friday’s game, the Lakers
fell behind early in the first
period 1-0.
However, the defense
buckled down after the goal
and only allowed one shot from
RPI in the second period.
The Lakers would even the
score at one in the second
period on the power play
as senior Hayley McMeekin
found the back of the net off
an assist from freshman Bailey
Bram.
The game would remain
tied into the third period
until the special teams would
strike again. Senior Valerie
Chouinard gave the Lakers
the lead and the win when
she snuck the puck past the
goaltender for another power
play goal with 2:36 left to
play.
Freshman goaltender Hillary
Pattenden picked up her
second collegiate win stopping
17 shots.
Saturday McMeekin con-
tinue her hot streak as she tal-
lied the first two goals of the
contest to give the Lakers an
early 2-0 lead.
The Engineers found the
back of the net to close the
lead to one, but that was as
close as they would come.
Freshman Kelly Steadman
gave the Lakers a 3-1 cushion
with her goal late in the third
while sophomore Ashley
Cockell provided the knockout
blow just 16 seconds later with
an empty net goal.
Pattenden picked up her
third win of the season for
Mercyhurst.
McMeekin and Pattenden
were both honored by College
Hockey America for their
efforts over the weekend. Tyler Stauffer photo
McMeekin was selected as The women’s hockey team battles the Engineers for possession of the puck at their Friday
CHA Offensive Player of the night match up. The Lakers picked up two wins against RPI.
Week while Pattenden was Player of the Week. stands at 3-1 overall as they on Clarkson University on
selected as CHA Defensive The Laker’s record now travel to Potsdam, N.Y. to take Friday and Saturday.

Mercyhurst football spanked by IUP

Lakers lose first PSAC game to the Crimson Hawks
By Samantha Sellinger
Sports editor
The Mercyhurst College
football team suffered its
first PSAC West loss this past
Saturday against No. 23 Indiana
University of Pennsylvania.
The Crimson Hawks took
the win 42-10, forcing the
Lakers to break their four
game winning streak and come
home empty handed.
IUP took the lead early,
scoring three touchdowns,
the end result of two precise
passes and a 31 yard run
before Mercyhurst was able to
put any points on the board.
Their only points in the first
half of the game were on a 30
yard field goal kick off of the
foot of senior Chris Ryan.
Making the goal meant that
Ryan stayed perfect on field
goals for the season so far.
Entering the second half
with a score of 21-3, the Lakers
seemed to find their groove,
and junior quarterback Garrett
Kensy completed a touchdown
pass to senior running back
Richard Stokes.
This put the score up to
21-10, but the Laker’s weren’t
able to battle back any
further.
In the third quarter, the
Crimson Hawks completed
two more touchdown passes,
thwarting the chance of
Mercyhurst making a come-
back. Overall, it was a
disappointing loss for the
Laker’s.
IUP out gained Mercyhurst
456-133 and held the Lakers to
minus-6 yards rushing for the
contest.
In comparison to IUP’s 29
first downs, the Lakers ended
with just 12.
Mercyhurst fell to 5-3
overall for the season and 4-1
in conference play.
The Lakers hope to get
back on the track to winning
the PSAC West this Thursday,
Oct. 23, when they play the
Fighting Scots at Edinboro
University in the first of
two games that could
determine the West Division
champions.
Page 20
Freshman Bailey Bram
controls the puck in Mercy-
hurst’s 2-1 win Oct. 18
 Laker Sports

Back on
track
Women’s hockey sweeps RPI to move to 3-1
<< Page 19 Tyler Stauffer photo
Caption on page 19