The Saint :: Issue 13

Men’s tennis hits their stride The Aquinas men’s tennis team has won 11 straight matches. Reporter Brian Kalchik checks out the details, inside.

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Volume 31, Issue 13

Senate reforms? Complete.

Restructured

>>NEWS Resourceful Women

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The annual day-long Resourceful Women’s conference comes to Aquinas to discuss women in Congress.

GOP Update |3 Reporter Brendan Hoffman tracks the latest primaries, caucuses and delegate counts, inside.

>>A&E Black Keys in review

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Reporter Sarah Branz checks out the latest live arena show from the basement blues duo.

Meanwhile Movies!

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Do you know about Wealthy Street Theater’s weekly classic shows? We have the details.

>>SPORTS | 7

The Aquinas Women’s LAX team has had an up and down season in their new league.

Softball Success

21 Jump Street | 6

theSaint

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Women’s Lacrosse

Lenten retreats at Aquinas | 2

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Staff Writer George VanDenDreissche checks out the key to Aquinas’ softball victories

Student Senate quietly passes bylaw changes that will re-shape Senate functions in coming years

By Sarah Branz The Saint Reporter On Wednesday, March 21, the Aquinas College Student Senate voted to restructure the format of Student Senate for the upcoming academic year.

By a count of 44 “for,” 13 “against” and four “abstaining,” the motion to restructure the makeup of Student Senate was approved.

The new Senate organization will be comprised of five representatives from each class in addition to an executive committee comprised of a Chair, ViceChair, Secretary, Parliamentarian and Treasurer.

“The new senate structure has elected class reps instead of club reps and we are making plans to hold elections for the incoming sophomoresenior classes in mid-April,” said Josh Theil, outgoing Student Senate Chair.

“Next year, Student Senate will meet every two weeks on Wednesdays; it will have many of the functions of the old senate but it will focus on representing students and addressing their concerns.”

The new structure will shift senate’s focus on being a body that is more focused on student representation than club representation. However, clubs will still be represented in a different governing body.

“The passed proposal will create a RSO (Registered Student Organization) Assembly,” said Theil. “This group will consist of one group from every club

and they will deal with club collaboration and issues.”

While there was limited debate about the proposal itself to restructure the student government, there was much debate as to the details of the restructuring.

One largely debated topic was whether or not to keep the $400 annual stipend for class senators. This amount was voted upon under the new Senate Reconstruction proposal. One of the arguments against it was that the money could be better spent on clubs and organizations, and SARAH BRANZ / THE SAINT that the time working w i t h t h e s e n a t e There will be changes made: Aquinas College’s current Senate body votes on issues brought before s h o u l d b e f r e e l y them on March 21 during their regular meeting. During this meeting, a measure was passed that will given. The debate, dramatically shrink Student Senate’s size and shift its focus. however, ended with the decision to senators would receive a $400 stipend. principal of Congress Elementary, keep the stipend.

Although originally designed to thanked the senators for coming to This led Senator Paul Fahey to take effect January 2013, the changes read to the kindergarten and first-grade suggest that it be raised to $800 annually to the Student Senate structure will students as part of the Schools of Hope in order to better compensate those who take effect at the beginning of next the Program, and invited them back for live off-campus and must drive to attend academic year. another session. meetings, as even this difference would In other Senate news, senators were The next Student Senate meeting only amount to $10 per hour. encouraged to speak for a cause as part will be April 5 in the Wege Ballroom.

In the end it was decided that of Speak Out Day. Also, Bridget Cheney,

Honored poets in a classroom near you!

Aquinas seniors Rian Bosse and Lori Verbrugge nab Academy of American Poets

World News Update

By Chuck Hyde The Saint Reporter

Myanmar

Nobel Peace Prize winner and symbol of democracy Aung San Suu Kyi was recently released after fifteen years of house arrest. According to MSNBC, she is now registered for the country’s parliament and running as the opposition leader in an upcoming election. After a long and forceful military rule, the government is finally relaxing its grip on the people of Myanmar.

France

COURTESY LORI VERBRUGGE

COURTESY RIAN BOSSE

Local literature: Aquinas College seniors Lori Verbrugge (L) and Rian Bosse (R) took home awards from the Academy of American Poets this year.

By Laura Rico Staff Writer T h i s y e a r, t h e A c a d e m y o f American Poets’ Prize for Colleges and Universities was awarded to Aquinas College Seniors Rian Bosse and Lori Verbrugge. Bosse received the first place prize, and Verbrugge received Honorable Mention.

Both students will have their work published in the Sampler XXIV and have a chance to read their work at the Sampler launch on April 23 at the Cook Carriage House at 6:30 p.m. Mary Jo Firth Gillet, a well-published poet, will present the awards.

Verbrugge said, “I was really thrilled to have gotten an Honorable Mention in the contest. I love words

and writing, but haven’t written much poetry, so it was a thrill to have my poem even make it into the top ten!”

Bosse said, “When I first found out that my poem had been selected, I was very honored. Not only is the Sampler a great publication for such a small school like Aquinas, but the past winners of the A.A.P. prize have been wonderful poets.

Last year’s winner, Laura Hartness, is someone I’ve worked with quite a bit here on campus and I really admire as a poet, so being recognized with such talented writers is certainly something special.”

The prizes are funded by alumni interested in supporting young writers.

Dr. Tony Foster and Linda NemecFoster, who also created and endowed the Contemporary Writers Series, have

generously taken on this role.

Rian’s poem, “Throwing Stones” captures a childhood memory told with moving description, [and] Lori’s poem, “Sanibel Island,” celebrates this magical place with striking imagery and sound devices.

English Professor and Sampler coordinator Miriam Pederson said, “I’m very pleased their poems have been recognized for their memorable offering to readers. We can participate in these poems. They encourage us to savor our memories and our relationship with the natural world.”

A reading featuring the works of the top ten finalists is scheduled for Tuesday, April 17 at 12:30 p.m. in the Loutit room.

Beginning March 11, Mohamed Merah carried out attacks on French paratroopers and Jewish citizens. Fox News reports that Merah had claimed contacts with Al Qaeda in the past, but recent investigation has shown little support for this. He was killed in a gunfight with police and is believed to have acted alone. The lack of police prevention and their failure to take him alive has caused much uproar.

Political change may also occur in the country. A new presidential election is not faring well for Nicolas Sarkozy, says TIME. He has lost much of the popular support in France, and it seems that Sarkozy may have serious contest for the position.

Afghanistan

According to CNN and Fox News, Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales may face 17 counts of murder in the upcoming trial for his alleged shooting rampage in Afghanistan.

Several lawyers believe that the charges may not stick, however, due to a lack of a crime scene: the victims’ bodies were laid to rest immediately according to Islamic burial tradition.

If charged with even one count of murder, Bales could face life in prison with chance of parole, or perhaps even the death penalty.

South Africa

CNN reports that the Shell oil company is planning to begin a controversial natural gas drilling

Read us anytime, anywhere at

technique known as “fracking” in South Africa. The practice involves injecting water and chemicals into the shale rock to drive the natural gas out. This would occur in the Karoo, known as being one of South Africa’s most beautiful and unspoiled areas. Locals are worried about the effect the drilling would have on the environment and water supply of the area. Currently the drilling is under debate, with no action being taken yet.

Japan

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake shook Japan’s northern coast on Tuesday. However, according to officials, tsunami-causing conditions are not expected. A small rise in sea levels could occur.

No injuries were reported from the quake, and no building damage was reported. Japan’s 54 nuclear power plants, of which all but one are currently offline for inspection, also survived the quake unscathed, according to AP reports.

Syria

T h e S y r i a n g o ve r n m e n t h a s accepted U.N. / Arab League envoy K o f i A n n a n ’s p l a n f o r c e a s i n g violence and fostering peace in Syria, according to an Annan spokesperson on Tuesday.

Annan’s proposed plan, which entails establishing a process for addressing the Syrian population’s concerns, freeing currently imprisoned protesters and political opposition, and a U.N. supervised stop to armed violence, encompasses main points of a presidential statement endorsed by the U.N. Security Council.

Annan is now touring China and Russia in hopes of bolstering support for the plan.

Syrian President Bashar AlAssad’s violent crackdown on Syrian protest activity has continued since last March. According to opposition activists, at least 53 more people were killed Tuesday.

www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2012

Aquinas: Applications available for those looking to study abroad

Grand Rapids: UM grad student’s tent makes the grade

Michigan: Officially illegal for teachers to have sex with students

World: Pope Benedict begins 3 day stay in Cuba

For all students interested in participating in any fall study abroad programs, applications are now available from Director of International Programs Joelle Baldwin, in the International Programs Office located in the basement of AB in room 20.

University of Michigan graduate student and Grand Rapids native, Andrew McCarthy, designed the architecture for a tent used for his master’s thesis without knowing how to sew.

To put his project to the test, he is trekking to the top of Aconcagua, the highest summit in the Western hemisphere.

The Michigan Senate recently passed a bill 36-2 that bans school employees from having sex with students of any age, including students who were 18 years of age. The bill was proposed after instances of high school teachers having sexual relations with students who had just turned 18 years old.

Making the first papal visit to the communistrun island in nearly 14 years, Pope Benedict XVI was welcomed in Santiago by the people and President Raul Castro as he begins a three day pilgrimage in the country that BBC says is directed towards charity and prayer for, “peace, liberty, and reconciliation.”

Dealing with a locked exit door monica rischiotto |news editor It has been several weeks now, but there was an article I read over spring break that still has left part of my stomach completely unsettled, leaving me still searching for anyone willing to listen to my jumbles (prepare yourself, you’re my next victim).

The article was actually a nearly week long coverage of a couple from Portland, OR who sued the hospital that gave the wife a pre-natal screening test, clearing their unborn child as healthy and “normal.” When the child was born, however, it was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. The couple responded by keeping the child, but also suing the hospital for $3 million, a case they recently won, nearly 5 years after the initial event.

The couple, who already had two healthy children under 10 years old, argued that $3 million was the average total in expenses that would be needed to fully support and provide for their new baby. Now here’s the clincher.

The reason why this story is on replay somewhere in the back of my mind and why over spring break I suddenly lost my appetite while eating a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats- the mother was quoted in The Oregonian stating she and her husband would have aborted the baby had they known about the complications. The article then added that just under 90% of unborn children diagnosed with Down Syndrome are aborted.

After reflecting on this story for several weeks now and talking with others, I can’t help but think back to my high school U.S. History class (which admittedly is somewhat of a blur).

For whatever reason, in between the Revolutionary War and Vietnam, the lesson on the rise of eugenics in the 1920s and 30s stuck. It left me with the same queasy feeling in my stomach that I feel now when thinking about this Portland couple.

When it comes down to it, whether one is for abortion or not, this story undeniably exposes a culture that has become frighteningly dependent on technology. By no means can anyone romanticize the hardships and spiritual, emotional and financial difficulties that come with raising a child with special needs, whatever they may be. Still, however, blaming a piece of technology for a child’s special needs that were originally unaccounted for?

After all, this family is suing the hospital for a technological “failure” that seems to have ruined what should have been a joyous celebration of welcoming a new life into the world.

And yet the parents admitted if they’d known about the child’s diagnosis, there would quite simply be no child. It is messy, but still, something there is not quite right.

It’s hard for me to imagine being one of the older siblings in this family. In all honesty, if I was one of their children, this thought would undoubtedly run across my mind: if the doctors found out there was something “wrong” with me, my parents would not have wanted me.

That to me is a tragedy. It’s not only about the abortion, it’s about the fact that human life seems to be transforming into a game of design, with far too many expectations that are essentially dependent on technological devices, as well as the level of compassion in our hearts that allows us to love beyond “normal.” It is not just about this one particular couple, but the reality that this all consuming word “normal” leads one too many searching for the exit door.

I can commend and respect the couple for acknowledging their need for additional financial help to fully support their child. The fact that they did in fact keep their child and are determined to raise him as best they can is admirable.

My heart breaks, however, for the families that knew their child had Down Syndrome, the families that willingly brought these children into their lives, and didn’t need $3 million to make it completely worthwhile.

Lastly, given the now 5 year old child’s mental abilities, it is my deepest hope that they will never be able to comprehend the articles in The Oregonian. As the parents have identified, the life of a Down Syndrome child is not easy. I would imagine that knowing your parents’ first reaction to your birth was “we wouldn’t have wanted you,” would make things slightly more difficult.

Your Lenten retreat awaits With the much anticipated bike retreat Arete, and AQ LIGHT hosting an on-campus retreat, there are “spiritual getaway” opportunities for all.

Church’s youth center in Rockford.

Aquinas’ nationally recognized retreats for middle school students and

By The Saint Sign-ups will continue until during club AQ LIGHT will be offering its was honored earlier this year by the Editorial Staff Going four years strong, the Arete Wege meals, and the cost is $15 for first annual on-campus retreat for Catholic Campus Ministry Association bike retreat will once again be offered the weekend. A helmet and bike are Aquinas students. The club meets all for their service. required. year round planning and running Club student leaders Ben DeGarmo, to all Aquinas College students Kayla Lewis, Kris McCormick, looking for an active weekend and Candice Walsh, along with that consists of exploring one’s advisor Mary Clark-Kaiser, relationship with God, nature, decided this year they also and the body. wanted to organize and offer For those interested, a retreat for Aquinas students. however, the days to sign up Called “Replace the Rock,” are dwindling. Arete, which is the retreat will take place this a Greek word that translates Saturday from 12-6 p.m. and is to “reaching one’s fullest open to all Aquinas students. potential,” will take place the DeGarmo said the retreat is weekend of Friday, April 13 aimed “to give those who thru the morning of Sunday, participate a day away from April 15. distractions to look at their faith Participants will partake lives in a different way. on a leisurely bike ride along “Our participants will be the White Pine trail, which given a chance to discuss and begins on the north side of share their own faith while downtown Grand Rapids going through activities to and ends in downtown pull them out of their typical Rockford, equaling out to discussions.” roughly 15 miles. Along the The last day to sign-up route, student leaders will is today, March 28 during share talks discussing one’s Wege meals, however, those relationship with God, nature, interested can email DeGarmo prayer, and spirituality as a at bmd001@aquinas.edu whole. for late sign-ups and more Retreatants will then MIRIAM PRANSCHKE/THE SAINT stay the night at Our Lady This is not part of the retreat: Campus Ministry, students leaders, and AQ LIGHT offer two opportunities information. The retreat is free. of Consolation’s Catholic for a spiritual cleanse.

Annual Cesar Chavez march hits downtown Grand Rapids

By Katherine Mata Staff Writer In honor of Cesar Chavez, Latin American labor leader and cofounder of the National Farm Workers Association, many gathered to march down Grandville Avenue on Thursday, March 22. Their goal was to remind the Grand Rapids community and beyond, how far society has come to improve conditions for union laborers.

Born in 1927, Chavez and his family were among the vast number of victims of the Great Depression. Born in Yuma, Arizona, Chavez and his family underwent significant discrimination, with both his parents being Mexican immigrants. The depression forced Chavez’s family to move and find a new way of living, which also created terrible working conditions for migrant farmers. These terrible conditions pushed Chavez to a life of activism and support for workers’ rights.

By 1962, Chavez cofounded the National Farm Workers Association, which was later called the United Farm Workers. Chavez dedicated his life to ensure that workers, particularly farm workers, would earn a respectable pay and receive civil working conditions.

KATHERINE MATA/THE SAINT

A day of remembrance: Marchers in this year’s Cesar Chavez March in downtown Grand Rapids The march engaged and excited the youth, especially in the Latino community. Children and teenagers took the streets and united to carry on

Chavez’s values and vision for a better world. Children of all ages cheered Chavez’s name as they waved flags from Latin American nations. The march

proved successful as it drew support from many different ethnicities in the community.

Resourceful Women’s Conference this Saturday in Wege Ballroom

By Monica Rischiotto News Editor This Saturday, March 31, from 9 a.m.5 p.m., the annual Resourceful Women’s Conference, planned by the Aquinas College Women’s Studies Adv isory Board, will take place in the Wege Ballroom with sign-ups beginning at 9 a.m.

A full day’s worth of events have been planned, including presentations by 18 Aquinas students who will be sharing work regarding gender issues.

This year’s keynote speaker is Aquinas alumna, Dr. Kelly Dittmar (’06), who will be presenting a talk titled, “From the Sidelines to the Senate: Women in American Politics.”

Dittmar, a triple major in Political Science, Spanish, and Sociology recently completed her Ph.D. this past fall in Political Science at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She also was one of seven recipients to receive

COURTESY AQUINAS COLLEGE

Insignis alumna returns to home grounds: Kelly Dittmar will serve as this year’s keynote speaker at the Resourceful Women’s Conference.

News Editor Monica Rischiotto E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

Phone (616) 632-2975

a fellowship through the American Political Science Association, the oldest, most prestigious congressional fellowship for those looking for direct experience with legislative process.

D i t t m a r i s n o w wo r k i n g i n t h e U.S. House of Representatives on legislation concerning women, children, and families through the office of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).

Her keynote address will begin at 12:45 p.m. in the Wege Ballroom.

In addition to Saturday’s conference, there will also be a free showing of the film Soundtrack for a Revolution, documentary showcasing how music affected the American civil rights movement, on Friday, March 30 beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Donnelly Center.

Doors will open at 4 p.m. Following the film, a faculty panel will answer questions and offer comments along side free pizza, popcorn, and pop. The event will conclude by 7p.m.

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

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THE SAINT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2012

NEWS

GOP race nearing the finish line

Romney is still leading the pack, but Santorum still determined to catch up with the continuation of primaries on April 3

By Brendan Hoffman The Saint Reporter

T h e 2 0 1 2 R ep u b l i c a n p r i m a r y is starting to hit the midway point as frontrunners Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum look to grasp the presidential nomination bid.

Romney took some crucial votes when he clinched Illinois in a commanding fashion. Taking the home state of the current president will be a badge that Romney will don as the race thickens in excitement.

The former Massachusetts governor has already taken Illinois, Hawaii, Wyoming, Arkansas and Indiana. Romney currently holds a 312 point delegate margin lead over rival Santorum.

Santorum, the former Pennsylvania senator, won the Louisiana primary on Saturday as expected. The win was a much-needed surge for his campaign.

Santorum looks to sweep much of the Evangelical Christian vote that dominates southern states. The win in Louisiana looks to springboard him forward into competing for the presidential nomination.

Many political sources state that Romney is too far ahead in the polls and most of the remaining states are to swing in his favor. Heading into the vote on Saturday, the Republican National Committee stated in a poll that Romney held 478 bound delegates and Santorum held only 182. An additional 322 delegates are unbound.

Things for Ron Paul have been looking abysmal, as he has not been scheduling appearances as of late in fringe states. His bound delegate number going into Saturday’s poll was a minuscule 26.

1,144 delegates are needed to

COURTESY FLICKR.COM

Leading the pack: With 563 delegates, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney leads Republican rival and former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum and the rest of the GOP field. secure the nomination from the Republican party. CNN has stated in a tally that Romney holds 563 and Santorum holds 251 after the primaries on Saturday.

Santorum will have to pick up the pace in the primaries occurring next or Romney will be already

planning his acceptance speech for the Republican nomination. The District of Columbia, Maryland, and Wisconsin will host the next round of primaries on April 3.

Got mail?

U.S. postal service experiences 25% drop in first class mail, forcing state processing plants to consolidate, leaving many without jobs

By Laura Rico Staff Writer In the last decade, the U.S. economy has experienced the unfortunate loss of jobs all over the country, especially here in Michigan.

Now, the Associated Press (AP) is reporting that the U.S. Postal Service is getting ready to possibly close and merge processing facilities across Michigan, from COURTESY CHASE EILLIOT Lansing to as far as Iron Mountain.

Soaring eagle losing flight: With a decrease in daily mail, Processing plants postal service processing facilities are downsizing their are central locations offices, including Michigan. where mail is organized and redistributed to its final near Iron Mountain to Green Bay, Wisconsin. Furthermore, Jackson destinations.

The postal service’s proposed actions facilities would move to Detroit, would affect 475 jobs in Gaylord, Iron Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, Saginaw Mountain, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing to Pontiac, and Gaylord to Traverse City.

While a city as large as Lansing may and Saginaw. The figure does include “an not be hit as hard with the loss of jobs, undetermined mix of layoffs, transfers or retraining workers,” according to the AP. smaller communities such as the city in All decisions are being held off Kingsford in the Upper Peninsula can until May of this year to allow federal expect to feel a greater impact should lawmakers to think of an alternative processing facilities move.

Tr u c k d r i v e r a n d p a r t - t i m e plan and for officials to make final councilman in Kingsford, Brian Smeester evaluations.

U. S. Postal Service spokesman Ed told the AP, “Those are good middleMoore told the AP that the bottom line class paying jobs,” he said. “It’s going to can’t be changed, “The agency has too trickle through the economy.”

“If the volume was there, we wouldn’t much real estate for the amount of mail that comes in now. The postal service has be closing processing facilities,” Moore experienced a 25 percent drop in first- said. “But when there is a decline of class mail volume since 2006 with the about 45 billion pieces (of mail) in the rapid rise of electronic communication.” past five years or so ... that is a significant So far, all processing plants from amount of your volume, a significant Lansing would move to Pontiac and amount of your revenue that we don’t Grand Rapids and facilities in Kingsford expect to return.”

Gotham City, SUV flips on Fulton Brazil Street

eastbound lane of Fulton.

Neither the driver of the Ford Escort nor the driver and passenger in the A two car collision at the 1400 block Toyota 4Runner were hurt from the of E. Fulton St. occurred on March 26 incident. around 2p.m. resulting in a SUV being Traffic on E. Fulton was bottlenecked overturned in the eastbound lane of for about two hours as police and Fulton. paramedics arrived The accident on scene. occurred at the While the intersection of Grand Rapids E. Fulton and Police Department NE Lowell Ave declined to make an right in front official statement, of the Fulton the driver of the Manor Holland Ford Escort was Home. A white ticketed for failure Ford Escort and to yield. a green Toyota Bystanders 4Runner were watched as a tow involved. truck worked to flip According over the SUV. to a report The Ford Escort from the Grand sustained minimal R a p i d s Po l i c e damage to the front Department, right panel and the white Ford front bumper.

Escort was The tow truck attempting was able to clear to pull out the street two hours of the Fulton after the accident Manor parking had occurred, and DAN MELOY/THE SAINT lot and cross Post crash clean-up: The now right-side-up SUV that crashed on Monday, Mar. 26 being traffic was soon Fulton without back to normal on towed. No one was injured in the two car collision. stopping and Fulton. turning onto Lowell.

At that point the Ford Escort side swiped the Toyota 4Runner that was traveling westbound on Fulton. The SUV flipped over onto its roof after being hit in the back-left quarter panel and skidded over to the curb on the

By Dan Meloy Sports Editor

TOMS making strides with AQPB support

By Molly Pelak Staff Writer On Friday, March 23, many people were able to purchase a pair of TOMS for a discounted price. Most people were just so excited to be getting a pair of shoes for a fairly cheap price, but how many of them really know what the TOMS program has to offer?

For those of you who are unaware, TOMS is a shoe company which donates one pair of shoes to a child in need for every shoe purchase that we make. In regards to attending the TOMS event held on March 23

sophomore, Amanda Vanderplow, said, “ I think it’s a good way to get people involved and to understand what TOMS is all about.”

So, in order to make a difference, the Aquinas College Programming board has decided to put itself into action with this TOMS program. More specifically, freshman, Josh Weiland, has found a sense of leadership while being in charge of all of the TOMS events on the AQ campus.

Not only do students have the opportunity to support this great cause by purchasing a pair of TOMS, but students also have many more opportunities to become involved

News Editor Monica Rischiotto

with the TOMS program.

For example, students can participate in the world-wide event taking place on April, 10 called “Day without Shoes” which emphasizes and raises awareness of the millions of people who go without shoes every day. In addition, students can also participate in the event on April 14 called “Style Your Sole”. This event allows students to decorate and personalize their new pair of TOMS in any way they want.

For those interested in purchasing a pair of TOM’s, contact Weiland at jrw003@aquinas.edu.

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

By Katherine Mata Staff Writer In their darkest hour and in time of need, the citizens of São Paulo, Brazil can be assured that they will be watched over by a winged superhero. A retired officer believed that the people could use a masked hero in order to restore and maintain a sense of hope, so he has taken to fighting crime in a Batman costume.

Crime has been a problem São Paulo, and the community has been looking for a way to prevent crime at an earlier age, particularly with their youngest children. Influenced by what they see and learn from adults, the community desperately needed a way for children to specifically make a good connection with the police of São Paulo. In order to do this successfully, a retired officer

decided upon a powerful symbol of justice and peace: Batman.

Officials in Taubate, Brazil recently reported to MSN News they have hired, “a former soldier who dresses up as Batman on the side to patrol the streets of the most crime-ridden neighborhoods.”

In addition to fighting crime, officials are hoping that this soldier turned superhero will help the community make a connection between police and Batman, and especially influence children to see the police as good and protective of their community.

São Paulo is already facing the nation’s highest crime rate yet. The only hope to change that is with the children.

Let’s hope Batman can do the trick.

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• Steady readership on the Aquinas College campus and in the East Grand Rapids community.

• Anything advertised in the print edition gets advertised online, at no extra cost.

• Competitive prices. Local businesses get discounts on advertising.

• Ad sizes range from just-text classifieds, all the way to full-page flyer inserts. There is bound to be something that works for you.

Interested?

Contact us for rates and more information: email: saint.business@aquinas.edu phone: (616) 632-2975

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

opinion >> FROM THE CROWD

APPLAUSE TO...

The Men’s Tennis team, for winning 11 straight matches; Girl Scout Cookies; The Prometheus trailer, for leaving us on the edge of our seats; Katie McAvoy, for helping us out whenever we need it; Student Senate, for finally restructuring; Jersey Junction.

HECKLES TO...

People who stole the designated smoking area signs (if you have a problem with the policy, talk to Student Senate); People who spoil The Hunger Games for the rest of us; Cars who honk at bicyclists who riding in the street; Newt Gingrich.

>>

from our view

There’s a new used bookstore getting ready to open in Eastown, practically next door to two other shops that specialize in used books. For a small business-based community, it might seem redundant to have several shops selling old literature on the same block. Some might even say that it is a horrible business decision, and that the competition will be too much for another bookstore to survive—why bother?

On the other hand, why not?

Eastown is a small community based on small businesses, so it might look surprising that two or three stores that do the same thing exist on the same block. It is a wonder they stay open, on the surface. On the inside, though, the real diversity in our neighborhood becomes apparent.

Between the two current Eastown bookstores, the specialization is obvious on walking in. Redux’s neat stacks and cases of antique leather-bound classics surrounded by the scent of musty pages feel practically like a book museum. Argos, next door, centers around its racks of comic books and old pulp fiction, with piles and ceiling-tall shelves of books, sorted by author and subject, completing the slightly-crazy library atmosphere.

For anyone familiar with local pizza joints, the situation is similar. Even though Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, Rinaldi’s and the ever-veritable Gino’s all make the same foods in theory, everyone has their favorites. There are days when a budget-priced face-sized slice of pepperoni doesn’t fill the same niche as a fully-loaded Sicilian deep dish, and vice versa.

For a more vivid example for those who are of age, imagine Eastown with only one bar. It’s an odd thing to imagine, since each place has its own culture and its own people that just do not fit anywhere else.

Although having multiples of the same business might seem redundant, especially in our tight-knit community, it is not. In fact, it is a great example of how diverse our community really is!

This element of our community might not be celebrated enough. Often in American towns and cities, people get used to having the “one” business in town. The bakery. The bank. The bookstore. More and more frequently, these singular locations are corporate ones that are able to do the same things as our local stores, perhaps slightly more affordably and faster, but on a less personal level and without the same quirks that make going about daily errands around here interesting.

Be it a pizza shop or a book store, adding another small business to our community might seem strange when there are so many similar businesses around. But in this case, it is not a burden, and it might not even be a bad business decision. It is just another facet to our great neighborhood, and another fantastic collection of old, outstanding books.

theSaint 2011-2012 E D I T O R I A L B O A R D Editor-in-Chief News Editor A & E Editor

Matt Kuczynski Monica Rischiotto Stephanie Giluk

Dan Meloy Sports Editor Miriam Pranschke Photo Editor Nick Signore Managing Editor

Adviser Dr. Dan Brooks *** Please note that the views expressed on this page are those of their respective author(s), and do not necessarily represent the views of The Saint as a whole.

MISSION

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2012

“Kinesiology?” Since when?

By George Van Den Dreissche Staff Writer Class listings and requirements are being distributed throughout campus as the semester approaches its ending days. Seniors frantically double and triple check their schedules to ensure proper graduation, juniors begin to realize that senior year is no longer a daydream but a long sought reality and class scheduling gains an eerie sense of importance.

Sophomores and freshmen just patiently wait and hope that spaces remain in their classes and pray not to be waitlisted.

Yes, it is a very familiar situation, and one that is cyclical to the core.

However, being one of these juniors faced with the resounding realization that the mythical status of “senior” is not a fairy tale, but a very distinct, plausible reality, and I find myself faced with a conundrum: When did Aquinas add a Kinesiology credit to the General Education requirements?

I know that I completed my Physical Education (HE) requirement, but Kinesiology? Nope, definitely did not complete that, as I never studied the movement of cells (or “kinetics,” hence kinesiology). Perusing a bit

further into the KN section, I find myself at a loss for words and reason.

Kinesiology, as it has been defined to me (the science dealing with the interrelationship of the physiological processes and anatomy of the human body with respect to movement, as defined by dictionary.com) is either the wrong word, or has been redefined to encompass “any sport that may fit a person’s fancy.” I am referring to such activities as bowling, fencing, tennis, etc, which are now called Kinesiology courses instead of Physical Education courses.

At first I am baffled and stunned.

This action has to contain reasoned logic behind it. One simply cannot redefine a discipline from a science of movement to a science of . . . sports (could that even be labeled as a science?). Yet, sitting in my hands, is the proof of such a thing happening.

If I am unaware of the change of the definition, and my Webster dictionary is unaware of this change, then how does Physical Education become a study of movement? Such physical activities as bowling, fencing, and tennis will not focus mostly on physiological and anatomical movements but on the rules of their respective game.

Then, in an apocalyptic fashion the answer comes barreling to mind: it is a political stunt. Similar to the smoking ban that has been enforced (or should I say not enforced?), this name change is meant to create a more appealing campus (like with the smoking issue) or a more sophisticated campus.

Physical Education is treated as a joke, and “gym” class is taken for granted. The term “gym” even lacks a certain sense of “higher learning.”

How does one fix this problem? Redefine the term, and sweep it under the rug of a more elegant, well-learned name: “Kinesiology.”

However, this methodology has the opposite effect; much like the smoking ban segregates the campus between non-smokers vs. smokers.

Forcing kinesiology to encompass “gym” classes deflates the value of the term “kinesiology.”

The real problem is NOT the public view of physical education classes, but the lack of willingness to educate the public on the IMPORTANCE of Physical Education. Instead, the problem is swept under the rug and gets a new label slapped on it: “Kinesiology.”

Dress The problem with TOMS Shoes for the occasion

By Alyssa Frese Staff Writer

COURTESY SARAH FLEMING

By Matt Kuczynski Editor-in-Chief One for one, says TOMS. For each pair of shoes you buy, someone in need gets a pair. They’re fashionable, cute, comfy, and supposedly help save the world and stamp out poverty. There is only one problem: TOMS doesn’t really work that way.

Yes, for every shoe you buy, someone, somewhere gets a similar shoe.

But TOMS is a for-profit company that has to make money, and much of that money stays here, in the U.S. The numbers are hard to ignore. TOMS has not put out an official statement on the company’s net worth or profit totals, but unofficial estimates of net worth for TOMS’ founder Blake Mycoskie hover around $5 million.

And yet, we still buy them. A lot of them. It seems that few people ask if the $40-$90 price tag is worth the effect of a pair of shoes for the poor.

Even fewer question the ethics of having a for-profit company using poverty around the globe as a selling point for their products.

But beyond the use of helping poverty as a gimmick to boost profit, TOMS apparently does not understand that a lack of shoes isn’t the problem. There is plenty of footwear in local markets around the world. Even the signature cloth-and-rubber footwear made by TOMS is based off traditional, utilitarian designs that have been worn and sold by people of all income levels in Argentina and Uruguay for centuries.

The real problem is less glamorous: a lack of employment for those who need shoes.

If TOMS established shoe manufacturing locations in areas that need employment, they could provide parents with steady income to buy shoes locally as their children’s feet grow, and potentially even pay for an education.

Instead, “shoe drops” waste hundreds of thousands of dollars to jet shoes across the planet, drop them off with celebrities in impoverished nations, and ensure that film crews record the whole effort. Since children’s feet grow quickly, the shoes stop fitting after a year or so, and bare toes continue along with poverty. Communities become dependent on these dropped-off shoes, instead of utilizing local production to achieve the same thing.

Meanwhile, although the “shoe drop” shoes are produced in two factories in Argentina and Ethiopia, those sold in the U.S. are manufactured with cheap labor and materials in China.

So why do we keep buying them?

As Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek points out, our actions make us feel we are doing “the right thing” by buying products like TOMS. Inevitably, our socially-conscious overpriced shoes continue to support the same business practices that make global poverty a reality. Our One Day Without Shoes mostly encourages people to buy more TOMS, fueling the cycle even more.

Granted, there are worse alternatives to buy one, give one businesses.

However, it is time to realize that real charity does not involve buying a specific brand. TOMS is not charity. It is simply using the world’s poorest people for profit, both in production and promotion.

I was really excited for the Spring Formal dance that took place at Italian restaurant Tres Cugini, downtown this past Saturday. As a freshman, I had no idea what to expect. I had my hair nicely done up, and wore a classy knee length cocktail dress and fierce zebra gladiator sandals. I boarded the bus with my date and many other guests and we were shuttled downtown from Sturrus.

When we got there, I started to take in everyone else’s outfits.

Some had knee length numbers on like myself, others had floorlength pieces. However, even more popular than the classier numbers were the not-so-classy, putting it kindly. There were a ridiculous amount of club-like dresses worn to this event. I was absolutely appalled. Most people don’t get the opportunity to dress up for a night on the town, so I was expecting much better selected outfit choices than were presented. There were points during the dance where I literally felt like I was in Raggs or Club Sixx.

Don’t get me wrong, I am an avid club-goer myself. However, I felt that this was neither the time nor place for such scantily clad attire. Some of the girls’ dresses were so short you could almost see everything. As if the already too short dresses weren’t enough, they topped the outfit off with six-inch stilettos.

The event overall was a fun time, however, it would have been a lot more fun if I didn’t have to see girls strutting around in skintight club dresses.

That said, to those of you who did dress to the 9’s, thank you for staying classy.

A rude awakening

record thanks to Florida’s “stand your inson, an opinion writer for The Washground” law. ington Post, and a black man himself, While undoubtedly there is still perhaps summed up this dilemma best, If I were George Zimmerman, I outrage, there are also more and more “Please tell me, what would be the indon’t imagine I would be getting much details being shared, exposing the not- nocent way to walk down the street sleep. The nights of restless sleep, howso-clean record of Martin himself. The with some iced tea and Skittles? Hint: ever, would not be due to fear of being Miami Herald, for example, reported For black men, that’s a trick question.” placed in prison. Instead, it would be that Martin has been caught with mariIn the wake of Martin’s story, there LETTERS TO THE EDITOR the guilt that comes from shooting a hujuana at school, having a backpack full is no question that we as a country alman being and facing no consequences All letters must include a signature, typed or handwritten, and include a phone of women’s jewelry (more than once), most need events such as these to rewhile the world around me protested number for the sole purpose of verification. The Saint reserves the right to edit and was suspended three times, among mind ourselves of the race-based injusin hooded sweatshirts. letters to the editor based on content, punctuation, length and libel issues. other offenses. Zimmerman claims that tices that exist in our own country.

The name Trayvon Martin has been Letters should not exceed 300 words. We will not print anonymous letters to it was Martin who started the physical There is no question that progress spread across the country like wildfire, the editor and will not accept letters to the editor over the phone. nature of the confrontation when Zim- in regards to racial equality has been igniting outrage from Americans of merman walked over to meet him. made. But even more so, Martin is a all races, from NBA players, President Even so, those things aside, the reminder that there is also no question Obama, to dozens of protestors east following seem to be the important that we too often forget, or perhaps are to west coast. All this is in response details. Martin was walking in a gated simply unaware, of how much more to the tragic shooting of a 17 year old e-mail — saint.editors@aquinas.edu, community in Sanford, Florida where progress we as a society need to make young man, with seemingly no legitior use the form on our website. his stepfather lived. Zimmerman saw with respect to our skin colors. mate justification by the shooter. Yet, physical copies – AB, Room 2 him walking and decided to make a 911 Addressing problems with legislaGeorge Zimmerman, the man behind phone call telling the operator he found tion such as these “stand your ground” the gun, is sitting at home with a clean Martin to be “suspicious.” Eugene Rob- laws would be a good start.

Managing Editor Nick Signore Management E-mail saint.business@aquinas.edu Phone (616) 632-2975 Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint The Saint has worked diligently for the past 30 years to produce an informative, entertaining and journalistically-correct student publication. The Saint is distributed by students at Aquinas College and in the surrounding community.

Our goal is to continue to provide an open forum for the ideas, views and concerns of the Aquinas community.

>> write us a letter!

By Monica Rischiotto News Editor

arts & entertainment Television: Jimmy Kimmel to host Emmys

Movies: The odds are in everyone’s favor

Internet: Facebook trademarks the word “Book”

No, it’s not quite time for awards season all over again, but it’s always good to think ahead.

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has signed on to host the 64th annual Emmy awards, honoring the best in TV magic. The ceremony will be on September 23 at the Nokia Theatre in L.A.

According to studio estimates, The Hunger Games made $155 million opening weekend. This puts the movie at the third-biggest opening week ever, behind The Dark Knight and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. It is also the best opening for a non-sequel. Best of all, it outstripped all the Twilight films.

Facebook updated its status recently, changing a few words in its Statement of Rights and Responsibilities to make itself look significantly more silly. The social networking site has decided to trademark the word “book,” so have fun with that, everyone.

The girl who was on fire stephanie giluk | a&e editor Movie adaptations of a beloved book series are always risky. No one vision can ever match the world the fans have already built in their heads.

Rarely is there a franchise that can stay mostly true to the books and still be a good movie in and of itself.

The Hunger Games manages to do both. Most people know the story already, but for those who have missed out on the books, here’s how it goes.

Adolescents, selected by a lottery once a year, are sent to murder each other in the Capitol of Panem, a dystopian nation that arose from the ashes of a horrible war sometime in North America’s future. These Hunger Games are also broadcast live to all 12 Districts within Panem, a not-so-subtle reminder that Panem’s tyrannical power is firmly in place. For now, that is.

While this dark vision of the future is terrifying, there are rays of hope shining in the form of single heroes who fight for their world. The readers of Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games trilogy know this already, and luckily for fans from all districts, the movie knows how to capture that hope too.

Director Gary Ross does an effective job of establishing a futuristic, Big-Brother-like tone that remains true to Collins’s story. From the first shots of the poor and oppressed in District 12 to the over-the-top Romanesque decadence of those living in the Capitol, the movie brilliantly displays the shocking difference between the haves and the have-nots. Most importantly, however, the movie knows just how to portray The Hunger Game’s heroine, Katniss Everdeen.

Katniss, played with strength and grace by Jennifer Lawrence, is the breadwinner for her family, hunting in the woods outside the District borders to keep them alive. She is self-possessed and focused, willing to do anything for those she considers hers. When she volunteers as tribute in order to save her sister from a terrible fate, Lawrence manages to convey Katniss’s bravery and terror as she slowly realizes what she has done.

Though the movie lacks the inner psychological tension the book is so fantastic at relating, Lawrence manages to be expressive using Katniss’s silence and stillness.

The supporting cast, however, remains a mixed bag, and fans may agree or disagree about their effectiveness. Josh Hutcherson is an acceptable Peeta, who is Katniss’s fellow tribute, possible competitor, and love interest.

There are times where he captures Peeta’s charm, but he lacks the dimension given him in Collins’ books and remains mostly the typical nice guy.

Liam Hemsworth’s Gale is intriguing, but he has so little a part in this first movie it’s hard to peg how well he captures his role. Elizabeth Banks is spoton as Effie, the peppy and colorful PR woman, and Lenny Kravitz is a pleasant surprise as low-key stylist Cinna.

The wonderfully odd Woody Harrelson does drunk and disorderly quite well as Katniss’s and Peeta’s mentor, Haymitch.

When the movie finally arrives at the Games themselves, there are moments of unflinching brutality, but the movie fails to capture the inner struggle and fear so gripping on page. The book is all sharp satire regarding the voyeuristic, bloodthirsty quality inherent in our media today, and nothing is as voyeuristic as watching children fight for their own survival. Collins makes sure to point out that while Katniss is fighting for her life, she is also learning to play to her audience, pretending to have feelings for Peeta that may or may not be real. When Katniss kisses Peeta in the book, it’s a calculated move, a way to bring more sponsors to her side. In the movie, it’s played for love-interest swoon, and it takes some of the sting out of The Hunger Games’s critical commentary.

These problems, however, come only from the loyal heart of a fan, and in no way does this make the movie ineffective or less kick-ass. The Hunger Games is a fantastic movie, hindered only by its incredible source material.

The movie is a thrill for fans and newcomers alike.

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THE SAINT |WEDNESDAY MARCH 28, 2012

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

>> SIMON COWELL

Former American Idol judge and current X Factor judge Simon Cowell had a scare last Saturday when his house was broken into by 29-year-old Leanne Zaloumis. She smashed a window with a brick and entered Cowell’s house.

COURTESY GOOGLE IMAGES

The Black Keys hit all the right notes at Van Andel Arena

By Sarah Branz The Saint Reporter

The howls and adrenaline of nearly 9,000 fans coursed through the air as the The Black Keys took the stage at Van Andel Arena, Sunday, March 18.

The opener, Arctic Monkeys, knew just how to get the audience’s attention, starting with high-energy “Brianstorm,” from 2007’s Favourite Worst Nightmare, and keeping the beat racing until their final song, “R U Mine,” which slowed things down, preparing the audience for the almost sacred transition from Arctic Monkey’s fun britrock to The Black Keys smooth cynicism.

Opening with the swinging, stomping “Howlin’ for You,” there was only one slight difference from the Keys’ usual simple, raw but penetrating blues/rock style: a full stage.

Joining singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney were bassist Gus Seyffert and keyboardist/guitarist John Wood, whose presence brought not only a more saturated sound, MIRIAM PRANSCHKE/THE SAINT but also the more commercialized look that one would exactly expect from a band playing at such Fans’ everlasting light: Black Keys guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach takes the mic at Van Andel Arena on March 18. a large venue.

The light show added an extra In fact, the band seemed a bit un- old and new material. Paying homage “Ten Cent Pistol” and “Tighten Up” element of intrigue, accentuating the from the 2010 album Brothers, and to their roots, Auerbach and Carney comfortable at times in front of such background while emphasizing the “Lonely Boy,” the lead single from played several songs from their earlier an abundance of people, keeping simple yet powerful beats. their newest album El Camino. albums as a duo, like the 60s rock-andtheir socialization with the crowd to For an encore they played crowdAccompanying their pulsing roll-channeling “I’ll Be Your Man,” a minimum, unlike their crowd pleaspleasers “Everlasting Light” and rhythms was a light show and set that from their fi rst album The Big Come ing hour-long opener, Arctic Monkeys, “She’s Long Gone,” from Brothers, fadwas equally as stimulating.

The backUp, released in 2002, which was skillwhose energy and attention penetrating away into the crowd’s deafening ground screen was a deep red projecfully recorded in Carney’s basement, ed the audience, pumping them up for and “Thickfreakness,” from their 2003 tion of the band members, highlight- cheers after “I Got Mine.” the main act. ing Carney’s every drop of sweat and Nonetheless, The Black Keys were album of the same name.

Auerbach’s rhythmically jaunty moveThey also played more current more than satisfying with their mix of songs, like the hypnotic, almost exotic ments.

Meanwhile Movies series playing at Wealthy Street Theatre

Hunger Games soundtrack boasts an array of talent

By Katherine Mata Staff Writer

By Cassie LaMacchia The Saint Reporter

Wealthy Street Theatre, which turned a century old in 2011, is hosting the Meanwhile Movies series every Tuesday night for the public. These movies, some popular and some not, are intriguing enough to pull avid movie-goers into an entirely different atmosphere than big movie theaters.

The series features a long list of movies moviegoers never tire of watching. The famous Indiana Jones series is a big part of the line-up. Other movies, many of which are rather COURTESY LUCASFILM unknown cut classics, demand audiences’ atten- I hate snakes: Indy’s still kicking butt at Wealthy tion. Titles include The Street Theatre’s Meanwhile Movie Series.

Never Ending Story, Indiana sit and watch it. While the film is enterJones and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. taining, it will not make many people’s Wealthy Street Theatre’s selection favorite list. of Hedwig and the Angry Inch was an However, if moviegoers prefer interesting one. The plot seems simple more action with a catchy theme song, for such an intriguing title. A man, they can never go wrong with Indiana Hedwig, from East Berlin, is brought to Jones. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the the United States after he undergoes a classic tale of adventure revives movsex change. However, things do not go iegoers’ love for the series. Beginning the way Hedwig planned. After a few with Raiders of the Lost Ark and ending years, Hedwig meets a wide eyed boy with The Last Crusade, this classic will who falls in love with her. Together they keep the public excited and wanting write and perform songs that would more. make the boy an international rock Titles after the Indiana Jones series star. The boy, Tommy Gnosis, eventu- are to be announced on the Wealthy ally runs off with her songs, leaving her Street Theatre’s website. Wealthy Street heartbroken. Hedwig follows Tommy, Theatre is encouraging the public to hoping that one day everything will make suggestions for the Meanwhile work out.

Movies event. The event is entirely Directed by John Cameron Mitch- built to please and serve the public. ell, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is not for Moviegoers can take time on Tuesday the light-hearted. Nothing in the film is nights to enjoy Wealthy Theatre and its sugar coated for the audiences. Unfor- good service. Meanwhile Movies, with tunately, it may be too blunt and awk- the right movie suggestions, is sure to ward for most mainstream audiences, be a wonderful event to keep running only for those who are brave enough to for the public.

The much anticipated movie The Hunger Games not only has been critiqued as an excellent movie, but also has been given immense recognition for its soundtrack.

Musical artists lending their talent to the album include Arcade Fire, The Secret Sisters, The Decemberists and also more mainstream artists such as Taylor Swift and Kid Cudi.

Expected to reach COURTESY UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC RECORDS the number one spot on the Billboard District 12: A rich album fitting for a hopeful tale.

Top 200, The Hunger Games Soundtrack has already earned English singer/songwriter/pianist the top spot on iTunes’ soundtrack Birdy, is a jaw-dropping song which listings. is fittingly the last song on the album.

The soundtrack kicks off with a This piano ballad flows perfectly powerful song by Arcade Fire titled with Birdy’s youthful but powerful “Abraham’s Daughter.” The album voice. Listeners can feel the emotion then moves into several emotionally Birdy portrays in such a way as if the provoking and softer melodies such song is meant to bring you back to a as “Tomorrow Will Be Kinder” by time in life when the heart was vulThe Secret Sisters. The soft, flowing nerable and fearful of hurt and pain. voices and sad melody mixed with The Hunger Games Soundtrack the instrumentals of a ukulele make is a great soundtrack, mixing well this particular song a stand out on known artists with not so well the soundtrack. known artists, thus giving everyone Taylor Swift and Civil Wars’ the exposure they deserve. Similar song “Safe and Sound” will be a fa- to the first Twilight soundtrack, The vorite for many listeners. The duo’s Hunger Games is full of gripping mudynamic creates a beautiful harmo- sic, whether the track is uplifting or nizing pair in this soft but uplifting saddening. Whether you’re a fan of song. The track begins with a quiet lyrics, voices, or instrumentals, The Swift, who then builds her voice to- Hunger Games Soundtrack will satisfy wards the end as if to demonstrate each and every fan of the series and strength by saying, “Just close your music alike. eyes/the sun is going down/you’ll be alright.”

“Just a Game,” by 15-year-old

A & E Editor Stephanie Giluk

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

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A&E

THE SAINT |WEDNESDAY MARCH 28, 2012

21 Jump Street a fresh, funny take on cop comedy

Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller have worked side-by-side for their entire careers, directing Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs together, as well as producing the ’05’06 season of How I Met Your Mother. These two men are not shy to the comedic circuit, nor do they fall short while directing 21 Jump Street together.

The writers are also no newcomers to the comedy world. Michael COURTESY RELATIVITY MEDIA B a c a l l has been Buddy cops: If you like smart, hysterical comedy, 21 Jump Street is totally worth it. writing

By Sam Swartout the dealer and then find the sup- screenplays since the late ‘80s and Staff Writer plier. wrote for TV shows like The WonWhen the guys get their un- der Years and Hey, Arnold! Jonah dercover identities mixed up, Brad Hill was also a co-writer for 21 Jump Ever wish you could go back to (Tatum) is sent to AP chemistry (or Street and helped to spice up the cohigh school and do everything over? “app” chemistry, as he calls it), while medic aspects of the movie.

In 21 Jump Street, starring Jonah Hill Doug (Hill) is sent to run track and The entire movie will have you and Channing Tatum, the characters take joke classes like Drama. laughing out loud, trying not to pee get to do just that.

Both Doug and Brad are in for a your pants. Each hilarious misstep After being complete idiots real treat, as they not only are sent and adventure the two undercover on their first arrest and forgetting back to high school, but their roles cops have has you asking who is beto read the Miranda rights to the are reversed from their real high hind this drug circle and leaves you criminal they pinned (and having to school experience. Both guys are wondering how these two misfits release the criminal because of it), initially confused by the new high are going to bust any criminals. 21 Hill and Tatum, as Officers Schmidt school, where eco-friendly hipsters Jump Street is a must-see comedy! and Jenko, respectively, are placed are the cool kids and bullies are the undercover as Doug and Brad Mc- nobodies. Dave Franco (yes, James Quaid to bust a drug ring that is get- Franco’s little brother) is a real treat ting out of control at the local high as the crazy-suave high school ringschool. Their assignment: infiltrate leader.

Latino films coming to Grand Rapids in annual festival

By Brendan Hoffman The Saint Reporter Fans of foreign films will rejoice as the 2012 Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, March 29. It will continue until Sunday, April 1. After two successful years of spotlighting the best in Latin American cinema, the festival returns and begins at the Celebration Cinema North on Thursday, but will not be open to the public. After Thursday, the rest of the films will be shown at the Wealthy Theatre and will be free to the public.

Aquinas College itself is one of the benefactors helping to put together this celebration of often-unseen cinema, along with Grand Valley State University, Davenport University, Calvin College and Ferris State University.

The highlight of this year’s festivities will be the appearance of actor

and screenwriter Manny Pérez, who will be holding a discussion after his film La soga/ Revenge Has a New Name is screened. La soga is the tale of Luisito, a young man from the Dominican Republic trying to live a life that shows the dichotomy between honesty and dishonesty at every corner. Perez will be discussing the reflection of the film and actual life in the Dominican Republic.

Friday will screen Postales de Leningrado/Postcards from Leningrad, a story that takes place during the revolutionary struggle that occurred in Venezuela in the 1960s. It is told through the eyes of a guerrilla woman’s child. The youthful lens causes the line between fantasy and reality in a time of war to be blurry. This film is sponsored by the Consulate of the República Bolivariana de Venezuela in Chicago.

On Saturday, director Julio

Hernández Cordon will be on hand to introduce his film Las Marimbas del Infierno/Marimbas from Hell. Infierno depicts marimba-playing Don Alphonso as he faces the fact that the traditional music close to his heart is not exactly what others hold close to their hearts.

Alphonso is crushed until his godson introduces him to a heavy metal enthusiast, dubbed Blacko. Alphonso suggests they make the most outlandish decision of his life as he asks Blacko to start a band blending both titles taking their name as Marimbas del Infierno.

This film seems to be the most intriguing in content because Cordon will answer questions after the screening to discuss the contemporary music scene in Guatemala and his role as a director.

These films and 10 others look to make this year’s festival the most enjoyable of the three years it has been in existence.

The Well Reds can rock out and make puns at the same time of their own pieces, such “Dying is a Romance,” “Rebel Lovers” and “All We Have,” most of them being songs about love and loss.

“I though The Well Reds did a great job of playing their own songs as well as mixing a variety of covers. They were very entertaining and made it personable by talking to the audience and getting involved with them,” said sophomore Emily McAfee.

I couldn’t agree with Emily more. The Well Reds were unlike any group I had seen before. They had plenty of positive energy and really reached out to the crowd, which was what made them stand out in comparison to MIRIAM PRANSCHKE / THE SAINT bands I have seen live in the So many songs, so little time: The Well Reds played covers and original songs here at AQ. past. Their ability to perform a wide variety of covers also

By Alyssa Frese getic, which made them memorable. made them stand out. I did not know Staff Writer Their cover of ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ by what to expect the entire show, so it On Thursday, March 22, the in- Foster the People was my favorite song was a guessing game at what song die band The Well Reds from Atlanta, they performed. I hope to see them they would play next, would it be one Georgia, performed at Aquinas’ very again next year,” said freshman Steven of their own original pieces or would own Cook Carriage House. I was not Hartford. Some of the other songs it be a cover, and if it was a cover, who quite sure what to expect, as I am not a The Well Reds covered were “Noth- was it going to be by? I loved being huge indie fan. I must admit, though, ing” by The Script, “The Middle” by surprised constantly. It added so much The Well Reds blew me away from the Jimmy Eat World, “Tonight, Tonight” more to the experience. very beginning. They played a mix- by Hot Chelle Rae, “Not Over You” by The Well Reds put on a fabulous ture of their own songs as well as cov- Gavin DeGraw and “Let it Rain” by performance. Hopefully, they’ll be Bruno Mars. ers of popular songs. back on Aquinas’ campus in the fuThe Well Reds also played some ture.

“The Well Reds were really enerA & E Editor Stephanie Giluk

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

Slam poet Gabriela Garcia Medina coming to Aquinas

COURTESY MYSPACE.COM/GABRIALAGARCIAMEDINA

Word play: Medina will be at the Moose this Saturday to slam some poems.

By Sam Swartout Staff Writer Spoken word artist Gabriela Garcia Medina will be coming to Aquinas on Saturday, March 31.

“This should be a really great event. Gabriela reads all of her own original material. Her topics range from the troubles she has faced to all of the good things that have happened in her life,” said Aquinas Programming Board president Courtney DeSpelder.

Medina has performed her poetry all over the world. In 2001 she read at the Havana Jazz Plaza and in 2004 she went to Brazil for the World Social Forum. She has also traveled to South Africa, Cuba and Switzerland.

“We found her at the NACA conference that programming board attended. She was showcased there and we thought that the Aquinas community would really enjoy her, so we booked her on the spot,” said DeSpelder.

Medina has traveled all over the United States reading her poetry and parts of her books, visiting colleges, high schools and non-profit organi-

zations alike. She has performed everywhere from Yale University to Cal State Fullerton.

“She has a really great mix of poetry. She isn’t too serious and has some that are funny. Being able to go from topic to topic really makes her relatable to a wide variety of audiences,” said DeSpelder.

Not only is Medina an awardwinning poet, she is also the author of two books, Ink-Scribing Oshun and In the Wake Of Oya. In addition to her writing, Medina has been involved in theatre, film and fashion.

To learn more about Gabriela Garcia Medina before she makes her appearance at Aquinas, check out her website: www.gabrielagarciamedina. com. On the site you can view her fashion line, projects, poetry and much more. Her poem entitled “At Least I am a Good Poet” is particularly funny.

Be sure to get to the Moose, Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m. for Medina’s poetry reading. AQPB is expecting over 70 students, so get there early to get a good seat!

The Evening a classy, fun event for AQ students to enjoy

By Sam Swartout Staff Writer Ever notice the very vague yet enticing posters around school this time of year?

It is always a sign that Spring Formal is approaching.

There are some students who are confused about “The Evening” and Spring Formal. Some are asking, “Is it the same thing?” Indeed, it is.

“In the past, we have always tried to be secretive about the event, to give it a ADRIS VISOCKIS / AQUINAS hint of mystery.

We’ve always Get footloose: This year’s Spring Formal was a success. kept the details private until the week of the event,” cars or who did not want to try to find said Aquinas Programming Board parking in the madness that is downmember Courtney DeSpelder. “How- town Grand Rapids. Three shuttles ever, this year we decided to do some- were available to take students there thing different. We announced ahead starting at 6:45 p.m., and three shuttles of time where the event would be, as were available to bring students back well as when tickets could be pur- at the end of the dance at midnight. chased.”

While the event can be interNearly 170 students purchased changeably called Spring Formal or tickets for “The Evening” this year, “The Evening,” the dress code only which was held this past Saturday, called for semi-formal. This secured March 24. The event was hosted at that guys didn’t feel pushed to rent Grand Rapids’ own Tre Cugini, lo- suits, and girls didn’t need to go to cated downtown on Monroe Center. Macy’s to find a prom-esque dress.

There was superb Italian food and desFreshman Kay Borst said, “Forserts, including cannolis and tiramisu. mal turned out to be really great with Drinks and dancing were also part of about 170 people showing up. The the party, as well as a DJ. Italian food at Tre Cugini tasted amaz“One of our AQPB members had ing and everyone socialized and had a just eaten there when we were discuss- fun time. For some people, the music ing where to have the event. We were was not as upbeat as they would have told it was a very nice restaurant and liked, but overall the event was a big would be perfect for Spring Formal. success! The ladies were all dressed The manager was very accommodat- up and the men in their finest. It was ing and worked with us to make sure definitely a great night on the town.” the event went off without a hitch,” On behalf of all the editors and said DeSpelder. writers at The Saint, we hope that Although there were no door those of you who went had a wonderprizes for students to win, free shuttles ful time! offered rides to those students without

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sports

page

IndyCar: Helio Castroneves wins Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Frozen Four: Ferris State advances to the Frozen Four

Take me out to the ball game: Two foot long hot dog runs at $26

Helio Castroneves won the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida last Sunday to open the 2012 IndyCar Series season. The Brazilian driver drove his Chevrolet to victory through the city streets and airport runway for his first win since 2010. New Zealander Scott Dixon and American Ryan Hunter-Reay also placed on the podium.

Ferris State University is the only Michigan school to advance to the Frozen Four in the NCAA men’s ice hockey national championships. The Bulldogs defeated Cornell University 2-1 in the Midwest regional final last Saturday. Ferris will play Union College (NY) on April 5. The winner will play for the national championship on April 7.

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and when it comes to hot dogs, they may have a point.

A two foot long hot dog that weighs just over a pound will be available at Ranger Ballpark in Arlington for a meaty price of $26. This massive heart attack waiting to happen has been dubbed the “Champion Dog” and is set to make its debut.

It’s March, stop talking about football dan meloy | sports editor Last week, at the end of one of my late night excursions of Grand Rapids, I returned home and turned on the TV to ESPN to catch up on all the scores I missed.

The first story on SportsCenter was about Peyton Manning heading to the Denver Broncos. Okay, he is a famous guy and a Super Bowl winning quarterback, understandably a big story.

Second story was about Tim Tebow, cult icon. Word on the street is that he also plays football, heading to the New York Jets. Alright, even in March we can’t escape Tim Tebow, but surely we can get some hockey scores next, right?

Breaking news! The NFL has handed sanctions to the New Orleans Saints.

Oh now, what the hell?

It’s March, it’s spring. Neither of those two facts imply that it is football season, so why are these still the main sports headlines across the country?

Yes, I realize that football is the most popular sport in the country, but is it so grossly popular that it overrides sports that are actually in season? I mean seriously ESPN, I love your programming, but would it kill you to not talk about a sport that will not play a meaningful game for another six months?

Look at all the sports stories that you could be talking about now: an exciting NBA Playoff race, one of the most balanced and competitive NHL seasons ever, or even this whole March Madness event! Do you at least think that has precedence over reporting what Peyton Manning ate for breakfast?

I want to know: when was the allimportant board meeting at ESPN that decided that the NFL would operate on a 24-hour, 365 days a year cycle?

You know the old saying too much of a good thing is a bad thing? There is a reason why that is a saying, folks.

However, the sad truth is that ESPN is making the savvy move from a business perspective. More people like football than any other sport in the country. Thus more people watch content on football. And it is that kind of information that sponsors are looking for when it comes to who they want to spend their advertising money on.

That line of reason works just fineif you are an entertainer. If you are an entertainer, than go right ahead do what it takes to appease the masses.

But if you claim to be the worldwide leader in sports broadcasting and journalism, you have to do some real journalism.

This means not simply choosing what stories will boost the ratings and creating a schedule of football, football, followed by more football. Instead, reporting on stories that are newsworthy or in other words timely, is required.

So stop with the mindless speculation and gossip about what all 32 NFL clubs might be doing six months away from any meaningful events happenning in the league. Stop yammering about where a player may or may not go if you have absolutely no information on it. You may think it is a trendy way of reporting, but the rest of the journalism community has a word for it also: crap.

Now, the likelihood of the good folks in Bristol, Connecticut reading this column is slim. And if they do, then the likelihood of them giving me a job will probably be slimmer (until they read my awesome cover letter, of course).

This goes out to all my fellow sports junkies out there. We do not have to put up with this slothful journalism.

We deserve better.

So turn off the TV. Sure, let’s keep watching our beloved sports, but after the final whistle is blown and all the Tebow, Peyton, and whatever nonsense begins, turn off the TV. It’s time for sports fans to demand that sports return as the primary focus on our favorite programs.

Or maybe I am just alone on this endeavor. Maybe the rest of the world is so in love with football and nonsense that they honestly don’t care about what SportsCenter throws at them?

Fair enough, but count me out.

If you need me I’ll be online, reading about sporting events that are actually happening, with the rest of the purists.

7

THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2012

New league provides women’s lacrosse team with stiff competition

<<

WHAT TO WATCH >> SOFTBALL

The Aquinas College softball team will host Hope College tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Fuller Park.

The Saints are 10-9 this season and are playing their last home series until April 17. Fuller Park is located on Fuller Ave. in between Michigan and Fulton streets.

Men’s tennis team on an 11 game winning streak

ANDRIS VISOCKIS / AQUINAS

Return to sender: Junior Kyle Masteller returns a volley over the net. The men’s tennis team is 13-1 this season and ranked 13th in the country.

By Brian Kalchik The Saint Reporter MORGAN DANTZER / THE SAINT

Facing fierce resistance: Sophomore midfielder Taylor Truttschel fires a ground ball toward the Savannah College of Art and Design goal while junior attacker Katie Rogers looks on.

By Alyssa Frese Staff Writer With a 5-4 record and a 3-2 record in the National Women’s Lacrosse League, the Aquinas College women’s lacrosse team is trying to find their stride in a challenging new league.

The women’s lacrosse team has always been hard to beat. The Saints have always been at the top of the conference and have had amazing records in past seasons.

This year however, the women’s lacrosse team joined NWLL, a new, tougher conference. This change has kept the team on their toes and so far their hard work has paid off.

“It’s definitely a new level of playing and having to adjust to that higher level,” said sophomore Bailey Terebinski. “It has brought our team a lot closer and really shown us how teamwork wins games, not individuals.”

The Saints played their first postspring break game against arch rival Calvin College on March 15 and came out with a 21-1 victory. They played four home games in a row from March 22 to March 25.

On March 22, they faced Midland and came out with an 18-4 victory. The next two games were just as successful, with the Saints defeating Olivet College 17-6 on March 23 and defeating Robert Morris University 13-5 on March 24.

Aquinas went into their last game of weekend on March 25 with confidence

and ambition. However, the Saints fell short, losing to the Savannah School of Art and Design 18-11. This loss did not get the Saints down, it just made them more determined to work even harder and finish the rest of the season stronger than ever.

“We are finally coming together as a team. The chemistry between all of is really great, we all get along really well,” said freshman midfielder Haley Jacob. “I think the season as a whole is going really well, as a freshman I felt welcomed to the team right away. I’m expecting a really good outcome this season.”

The Saints have worked hard thus far and have produced positive results.

Women’s lacrosse head coach Frank Rogers is pretty pleased with his team’s performance this far into the season.

“The national organization we are now playing in is a lot harder then what we have been in,” said Coach Rogers. “We are heading into the teeth of the schedule and I feel strongly that the team is putting things together and are going to reach our two main goals of winning the regular season championship and the National Tournament Championship. We are building the season off the slogans of ‘Dawn of a new day’ and ‘What we can accomplish is limitless as a team.’ We had something to work out coming out of spring break, but the team is doing a great job at practice and building that foundation to reach the major goals.”

Coming off an impressive spring break in Florida, the Aquinas College men’s tennis team did not lose their momentum, winning four straight matches since returning from spring break.

The first two matches were not even close as The Saints dominated Hope College, sweeping the Flying Dutchmen 9-0. A notable singles match included sophomore Aaron Hendrick defeating his opponent 6-1, 2-6, 11-9. “I knew my opponent from Hope, Bobby Cawood, growing up playing tournaments in West Michigan,” said Hendrick. “I knew he was a solid player, so I had to capture the big points and not give him anything free. I felt I played pretty decent down the stretch and was happy in the end with the win.”

Sophomores Peter Tratt and Brendan Petz won their doubles match, defeating their opponents 8-5. “My usual partner, John Telfer, didn’t play doubles that match so I was paired with sophomore Brendan Petz at number three doubles,” said Tratt. “I felt like we were able to mesh quickly as a team and both play well. We got up early in the match but Hope fought back to tie the score.

We then were able to take the last three games. I thought the match went well.

It wasn’t difficult to play together after only practicing one time.”

On March 16, the Saints dominated their next opponents, the University of St. Francis (IL), again shutting them out 9-0.

Next the team took a road trip to Lima, Ohio to face Roberts Wesleyan College. Although Aquinas did not shut out Roberts Wesleyan, the Saints still won 8-1. A notable singles match was senior Travis Wolf defeating his opponent 6-3, 1-6, 10-7. A notable doubles match was junior Kyle Masteller and Wolf defeating their opponents 8-0. “Me and Travis have been playing stronger lately and we finally have stated playing up to our potential as a doubles team,” said Masteller.

This past Wednesday, Aquinas notched their eleventh straight victory by defeating local rival Grand Valley State University 7-2.

Head Coach Jerry Hendrick is excited about where his team is right now.

“I have been very happy with our team so far this year,” said Hendrick. “We are currently ranked #13 in the US and have a record of 13-1. I am pleased with the play of all our guys, but have especially enjoyed the success of our two seniors this year, Travis Wolf and John Telfer.”

The men’s tennis team will host Kalamazoo College today at 3 p.m. at Orchard Hills in their final home match of the season.

New Orleans set for the Final Four this weekend

Young baseball team learns quickly in a challenging WHAC

By Alyssa Frese Staff Writer The Aquinas College baseball team has started out the season on a decent note, with a 10-14 record and a 3-5 mark in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

The Saints had a very busy week, with games on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, three games in a row during the week and more games this past weekend.

Aquinas played two doubleheaders against Madonna University on March 17-18. The Saints came out of the series 2-2, losing the first two games 6-5 and 10-7 and winning the second two 4-1 and 3-1.

Then Aquinas played Grand Rapids Community College at home on March 20. The Saints lost 10-8. However, they went into a doubleheader the following day against Calumet College of St. Joseph, they split the series, winning the first game 9-3 and losing the second 6-4. On March 22, the Saints played at Muskegon Community College and lost 13-3.

This past weekend, the Saints played two doubleheaders against the University of Northwestern Ohio at home. The first doubleheader featured two really close games. The Saints lost the first game 2-1 after going into an extra inning. The second game was just as close with the Saints losing 2-0. The second doubleheader was a bit more Sports Editor Dan Meloy

successful, with the Saints splitting the series. The losses have not got the team down as they are determined to improve and get a solid winning streak going.

“We just played our toughest two series of the year against University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) and Madonna,” said sophomore pitcher Jake Ritsema. “We split 2-2 with Madonna and went 1-3 against UNOH. Yet, we look forward to improving every weekend in conference play and expect to end up right at the top of our conference by the time the regular season is finished.”

The Saints have a lot of time left to improve in the season. Aquinas has doubleheaders against Concordia and Davenport coming up as well as other games and practices to get prepared.

“We have a young squad still maturing but have been very competitive against a tough schedule,” said baseball coach emeritus Terry Bocain. “I see constant improvement throughout the season as team readies for postseason. Top players so far are Nick Kissane, catcher/infielder, and Ryan Grigonis, infielder. Some of the pitchers have shown flashes of brilliance such as Caleb Ort, sophomore; Jake Ritsema, sophomore; Vince Misiewicz, junior and Brendan Penny, freshman.”

The Saints have a good chunk of their season left and with enough practice, hard work and determination, anything is possible.

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COURTESY THEPHOTOBRIGAIDE.COM

Reaching for the top: Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger rejects a Loyola shot during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The Buckeyes are heading to New Orleans to the Final Four and will face Kansas Saturday night.

By Brian Kalchik The Saint Reporter After two weeks of craziness, including 15-seeds beating two-seeds and closes games all around, the Final Four is finally set.

Representing the West region is the #4-seed Louisville Cardinals.

Coached by Rick Pitino and led by star guard Peyton Silva, the Cardinals are the Connecticut Huskies of last year, being mediocre in the regular season and then turning it on once the tournament starts. In its path to New Orleans Louisville has defeated Davidson, New Mexico, Michigan State and Florida.

Representing the East region is the #2-seed Ohio State Buckeyes. Coached

by Thad Matta and led by superstars Jared Sullinger and Aaron Craft, the Buckeyes overcame a slump in the middle of the season to make it to New Orleans. Ohio State defeated Loyola (Md.), Gonzaga, Cincinnati and Syracuse.

Representing the Midwest region is the #2-seed Kansas Jayhawks. Coached

by Bill Self and boasting stars such as Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson, the Jayhawks were expected to be in rebuilding mode this year. However, the Jayhawks surprised everyone by

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making this far, defeating the likes of Detroit-Mercy, Purdue, North Carolina State and top seed North Carolina.

The fact that North Carolina star point guard Kendall Marshall was out due to injury aided the Jayhawks in booking a spot in the Final Four.

Representing the South region is the #1-seed Kentucky Wildcats.

Coached by John Calipari and led by superstars Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the inexperienced Wildcats dominated throughout the season to get to New Orleans. Their road included wins over Western Kentucky, Iowa State, Indiana and Baylor.

The Final Four matchups for this Saturday’s games are Kansas vs. Ohio State and Kentucky vs. Louisville.

The Kansas frontcourt duo of Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey will be challenging the dominant frontcourt composed of Ohio State guards Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas.

The point guard duel between Kentucky freshmen Marquis Teague and Louisville senior Peyton Silva will be what to watch out for in the battle of the Bluegrass State.

The winners of the two Final Four games will meet on April 2 to play for the National Championship.

8

SPORTS

THE SAINT |WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2012

Men’s lacrosse faces a series of tough defeats The Saints still leading the CCLA West and are pursuing a playoff position

Loss to rival Davenport will prepare women’s tennis team remaining schedule

By Laura Rico Staff Writer The Aquinas College women’s tennis team is 8-6 this season and 0-1 in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference after an outstanding win against Roberts Wesleyan College and losing to rival Davenport University.

On Mar. 17, the team traveled to Lima, Ohio to play Roberts Wesleyan and won the meet 7-2.

In the singles competition, sophomore Lauren Ramey defeated her opponent 6-3, 6-7, 7-5. Junior Jessica LeMire defeated her opponent 7-6, 6-2 while senior Emily Decker defeated her opponent 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 and sophomore Jen Staup defeated her opponent 6-2, 6-0. Freshman Daniela Fonseca was the only Saint to lose her match at the meet.

In the doubles competition, Staup and junior Ashley Hendrick defeated their opponents 8-1 while the duos of Decker and Ramey and LeMire and Daniela Fonseca both won by forfeit.

“We all did a great job,” said Fonseca. “We all tried our best and that’s what gave us the victory. Though I lost my game, I was supporting and encouraging the team.”

Spring is here for Detroit’s sports teams

MORGAN DANTZER / THE SAINT Top of the division: Despite resent struggles, the men’s lacrosse team is still on top of the West Division thanks to their 15-3 thrashing of eternal rival Calvin College.

By Chuck Hyde The Saint Reporter The Aquinas College men’s lacrosse team is 4-5 this season, with a 1-0 record in Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association West Division.

On March 17, the Saints hosted Grove City College here at Aquinas.

Despite suffering a bitter 15-4 defeat, the Saints still put in a good effort.

Senior attacker Tyler Rosema led the Saints with two goals and Freshman Goalie Jimmy Watt had 10 saves. The Saints failed to stop the Wolverines’ offense, getting outscored in every quarter.

The next day, on March 18, Aquinas played host to the Indiana Tech Warriors. However, the Saints lost 12-

5. Senior attacker Nate McCorry scored two goals for Aquinas and Watt had another 13 saves. Though the Saints failed to win this game, the players still put in a good effort.

On March 25, Aquinas suffered another defeat, this time at the hand of the Walsh University Cavaliers 19-3.

Aquinas is 1-0 in the CCLA Division II West standings. This puts them in a tie with Grand Valley State University for the division lead. The Saints must finish in the top two in order to qualify for the CCLA playoffs.

“I am feeling optimistic about the remainder of our season,” said Watt. “I know how good of a team we can be when we play the game to our full potential. These past games were pretty rough on us and they didn’t turn out

the way that we wanted them to. These games were a lot closer than what the final score indicated them to be.”

Five home games remain for Aquinas, including games against division opponents Grand Valley State on April 12 and Ferris State University on April 17.

Aquinas’ next home game will be on March 31 against the University of Michigan-Dearborn at 2 p.m.

“With a win next Saturday [against UM-Dearborn] we could start playing the way that we want to play,” said Watt. “Which is a perfect opportunity for us to turn our season around and start playing the way that we want to play and the way that we know we can play.”

Through discovery of a new sport senior Hannah Brogger has found success

MIRIAM PRANSCHKE / THE SAINT

Looking ahead: Senior Hannah Brogger is a leader on the women’s lacrosse team and plans to use her leadership experience to help others in the future.

By Alyssa Frese Staff Writer For many college athletes, coming into college and playing a sport they have played for a long time is the norm.

For senior Hannah Brogger, however, it was quite the opposite.

After playing basketball, volleyball and softball, she decided that college was a time to try something new.

As a Harbor Springs native, Hannah had not had much experience with lacrosse. “I began to play lacrosse my freshman year at Aquinas,” said Brogger. “I knew I really wanted to play a sport in college and at that time women’s lacrosse was only a club sport so I decided to give it a try.”

Brogger started off at the midfield position but was moved to attacker last year. “I really like the attack position because defense isn’t really a strong point for me. The attack position allows me to play defense still, but I get to play other parts as well,” said Brogger.

Playing lacrosse has been fun for

Hannah, but the support of the team as well as her own family is where her drive comes from. “The team itself is the best part about playing lacrosse at Aquinas,” said Brogger. “It is like having another family. I can always count on them to be there and to support me no matter what. My family has been really great as well. My dad originally wanted me to play basketball, but he supported my decision.”

It is a lot of work to balance academics and being a college athlete, but Brogger has no problem doing it. She is a role model on and off the field to her teammates as well as fellow students. “Anyone who knows Hannah knows she’s a great person on and off the field,” said fellow teammate and senior Michelle Murphy. “Not only is she one of the most athletic people I know, she also has the qualities to lead the team. You can count on her for cheering you on and making practices fun. She’s tough, determined, fast and a great leader.”

Brogger’s head coach, Frank RogSports Editor Dan Meloy

ers, commends her strong athletic and leadership abilities and is grateful for her hard work and endless efforts.

“Hannah is a hard worker, who has dedicated herself to learning the game of lacrosse,” said Coach Rogers. “She came to us with no experience at all; lacrosse is not very well known in Northern Michigan. Because of her strong athletic back ground she has been able to catch on and do well. She is determined and when something does not go right she is very good at listening and trying to correct it. Her leadership, athletic ability and lead by example hard work is a strong base for our team to grow off of.”

While lacrosse may take up a large portion of Brogger’s time, she still enjoys being an Aquinas student. Brogger chose Aquinas for its small school feel near the big city. “My favorite thing about Aquinas is how easy it is to know everyone,” said Brogger. “The campus holds are very homelike feeling. To me, it doesn’t even feel like a college.”

Brogger will finish her major in psychology in May and plans to attend graduate school at Grand Valley State University for social work. “I chose a psychology major because I want to be able to help younger children and give them the best chance at life they can have, It would be my dream to own my own clinic here in Michigan,” said Brogger.

With her final season of lacrosse taking place, Brogger hopes to achieve the highest success possible. With the women’s lacrosse team in a new league this year, she will have to work harder than ever.

“We are in a league now called the NAIA [National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics], which is a step up from what we are used to playing.

We have a lot in front of us but I know we can do it. I really want to make it to Nationals and win but if that doesn’t happen, becoming a better player and better person is enough success for me,” said Brogger.

Brogger’s parting advice to other student athletes is rather simple. “Grab a coffee and just go.”

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On Mar. 22, the team went against their city rival Davenport and fell 7-2.

In the singles competition, LeMire defeated her opponent 2-6, 6-4, 10-6.

For the doubles competition, LeMire and Hendrick defeated their opponents 8-1.

“Davenport is one of our top competitors for this season, it was a tough match for all of us,” said freshman Gina Kukulski.

“During our game against Davenport, we played tough under the scorching heat,” said LeMire. “They are a solid team no doubt and I think that match will only make us stronger for the ones to come. We’ll see them again at the regional tournament. We need to put [the] loss behind us and stay focused on the upcoming WHAC matches.”

The match against Spring Arbor University was canceled on Mar. 24 because of rain and a lack of indoor courts. As of print time the match has not been rescheduled.

The Saints will play at Hillsdale College on Mar. 31. The following day Aquinas will travel back to Lima, Ohio to face the University of Northwestern Ohio at 1 p.m.

By Brendan Hoffman The Saint Reporter

Lots of excitement is coming from the Motor City as the spring season brings out the best and the worst from Detroit’s sports teams.

The Pistons have had great difficulty in their season thus far. Averaging an abysmal 90.2 points per game, there has not been much to comment about the men on The Palace’s court.

Detroit holds a record of 17-32. Point guard Rodney Stuckey has left a void recently in the starting five as he has been day to day with a toe injury. 2010 draft pick from Georgetown University Greg Monroe leads the team averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds a game.

Last Saturday, the Pistons were blown out at Madison Square Garden by the New York Knicks, falling 101-79.

Detroit defeated fellow cellar dweller Washington Wizards 79-77 this past Monday.

On the ice, the Red Wings are looking to show their usual dominance as they march towards the NHL playoffs.

The recent road trip for the Wings has proven difficult as Detroit has only won three of its last 10 games. Goalie Jimmy Howard is currently tied for third place in the league with 33 wins. Not much offense has been showing up on the stat sheet for the Wings.

The Red Wings are currently second in the Central Division with a 4625-5 record and 97 points. This would give the Red Wings the fourth seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. The

Red Wings will need to catch up with the red hot St. Louis Blues, who lead the Central Division with 103 points.

Last Saturday, the Red Wings ended a six game losing streak by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4. The Red Wings pummeled the Columbus Jackets 7-2 on Monday and will host Columbus tonight at 7:30 p.m.

With Detroit’s win over Columbus the Red Wings have clinched their 23rd consecutive playoff spot.

The Tigers have started spring training and look to make waves in the American League when the regular season begins. Pitcher Justin Verlander will look to repeat his prowess on the mound when the season begins. The off season acquisition of slugger and first basemen Prince Fielder from the Milwaukee Brewers will be a great asset to the Tigers offensive production. Second baseman Ryan Raburn has showed great poise at the plate this spring. His six home runs this spring shows great promise for Detroit’s bottom half of the lineup.

With most of their lineup returning and the key acquisition of Fielder, the Tigers are favored to win the Central Division.

The Tigers will open the season with a three game home series against the Boston Red Sox on April 5 at 1 p.m. on ESPN2.

After the series with Boston the Tigers will host the Tampa Bay Rays for three games before traveling to Chicago to face the White Sox, Detroit’s first division opponents of the year.

Lively bats paramount to softball’s success

By George Van Den Dreissche Staff Writer

The Aquinas College women’s softball team finds itself with a record of 12-9 after finishing spring break at 8-6.

Aquinas faced Ferris State University in a double header in Big Rapids following their spring break trip. Aquinas fell to Ferris 7-0 in both games. In the first of two games, the clear issue was a lack of life in the bats. The Saints only recorded three hits in the game while Ferris had a total of 11 hits, seven of which would generate runs. Senior Ashley White and sophomore Rebecca Shineldecker would pitch in the first game.

The second game had a very similar story, with a lack of fire in the Aquinas offense being the primary issue as the Saints would only rack up four hits and zero runs and Ferris would land 10 hits and seven runs. The two losses would leave Aquinas with a record of 8-8.

“As a team we are trying to just stay positive and keep doing what we do well,” said junior outfielder Lindsey Stewart. “Eventually we hope to be able to string all that stuff together and become the team we know we can be and have our record show it.”

Aquinas would next host Rochester College in a double header winning

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both games 8-0 and 6-1 respectively.

In the first game, junior pitcher Carlie Giarmo would pitch a no hitter to shut out Rochester. The batting woes against Ferris had also dissipated as the Saints secured 11 hits and eight runs.

During the second game, the Saints bats would remain alive as 13 hits were recorded and six runs scored. Rochester would have five hits and one run.

Shineldecker would pitch in this victory bringing the Saints record to 10-8.

The following day Aquinas fell to Bethel College 12-3. The Saints landed six hits and three runs however were undone by the six errors they had committed. Bethel had 12 hits and 12 runs with only three errors. White and Giarmo would share the pitching duties.

Aquinas swept Alma College on March 25 to improve to 12-9 this season.

The game with St. Francis originally scheduled for Saturday March 24 was postponed due to inclement weather. The Saints will open up Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference play starting by traveling to Davenport on April 3.

“Repetition, repetition. We are trying to just get all the kinks out now that we all have by playing a ton of nonconference games so when WHAC play actually starts we can come in kicking butt,” said Stewart.