Eagle Eye (11.21.2013)

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October 21, 2013

The Lock Haven University

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What we’ve got this week:

Alumna honors historic hero

A&E (6)

Lifestyles (2)

Opinions (12)

Sports (16)

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Staff List Editor-in-Chief: Angela Dolan afries@lhup.edu

Managing Editor: Dayna Bloch dbloch@lhup.edu

News Editors:

Kate Hibbard khibbard@lhup.edu Kyra Smith-Cullen ksmithcu@lhup.edu

Arts & Entertainment Editors: Kathleen Ellison kae742@lhup.edu Kayla Marsh kmarsh2@lhup.edu

Lifestyles Editor: Jaimee Kester jlk7206@lhup.edu

Opinion Editor:

Sarah Eckrich seckrich@lhup.edu

Sports Editor:

Erika White ewhite@lhup.edu

Online Editor:

John Sosnowski jsosnows@lhup.edu

Senior Copy Editor: Rachel Mazza rmazza@lhup.edu

Copy Editors:

Amanda Thomas act6730@lhup.edu Lona Middleton lkemp@lhup.edu

November 21, 2013 News Alumna recalls Kennedy death 50 years later

Kathleen Ellison A&E Editor kae742@lhup.edu

Fifty years ago around 2 p.m. on a Friday, Sharon Taylor was leaving Professor Zimmerli’s class in Roger gymnasium in Lock Haven University. She ran with some friends up a stairwell and everyone was laughing and feeling good.

She was the first to reach the top of the stairs, and when she opened the door she saw a woman, a fellow student. They made eye contact and the woman said, “They shot the president.”

Everyone is familiar with the infamous assassination of John F. Kennedy an event that is observing it’s fiftieth anniversary this Friday, Nov. 22. On that day in 1963, while on a political trip, President Kennedy was shot in Dallas, Texas, shaking the nation to its core.

There is a marked difference between the cold reading of a textbook description of such a tragedy and the vivid reality of someone’s memory let alone someone who experienced it in the same place where we now stand.

Sharon Taylor is an alumna of Lock Haven University. She returned to LHU in 1972 and was the athletic director for twenty-five years at LHU and coached field hockey for over twenty. She retired in Jan. of 2013.

She remembers very vividly the day

Kennedy was shot.

“You could hear a pin drop, just immediately,” Taylor recounted on that fateful day on the stairwell when she heard the news. She went to her dorm’s lounge where people were gathered around the television.

Despite having an upcoming exam to study for, she remained fixed to the television for the entire hour.

“This is so raw to me, even now,” she said. “The whole idea of losing a president of the United States . . . that just doesn’t happen here.”

Taylor remembered supporting Kennedy’s campaign even when her church was against it saying “ . . . My first acts of civil disobedience as a tenth grader was I always wore my Kennedy button to church.”

She recalled how she went with her grandfather to vote for Kennedy in the 1960 election, and she remembered Kennedy’s speech on the missile crisis during her freshman year, and how concerned her fellow students were.

When they came back from Thanksgiving break, after the assassination, the school held a memorial service in Price Auditorium. The place was packed with crying students and faculty. A pianist played soft music.

One of the most vivid images of the event that Taylor remembers is of her teacher, coach and mentor, Charlotte Smith, sitting with her head in her hands unmoving for the entire ceremony. Her usual warm personal-

ity was overcome by the emotional incident.

The president of LHSC, Richard T. Parsons, gave a eulogy that he had written for the deceased leader of America. Taylor pointed out how he emphasized President Kennedy’s Irish heritance, perhaps out of a sense of companionship since he was also of Irish descent.

As Taylor reminisced she also mentioned, “How polarized our country can be today and the way they treat this president of the United States as if he just doesn’t deserve to be respected.”

Perhaps as the country commemorates the passing of such an influential man, who died too soon we can find community and solace from the difficulties our nation is facing in this shared sorrow.

Photo courtesy of Kathleen Ellison

2

Design Managers: Ariel Guerra aguerra2@lhup.edu Cody Shaub cshaub@lhup.edu

Above: Sharon Taylor, 50 years after JFK’s death

Ads Manager:

Nate Henderson nhender2@lhup.edu

This Week’s Writers:

Erica Smith, Vicky Kramer, Chris Fravel, Jaafar Warren, John Poli, Samantha Shirk, Lauren Waters, Mary Jones, Olivia Jones, Heather Treaster, Emilie Hettinger, Olivia Beck Photo courtesy of vimeo.com Photo courtesy of hereandnow.wbur.com

Photo courtesy of blog.americanheritage1.com

November 21, 2013

News

3

HAC provides students with fun, promises more to come Kyra Smith-Cullen News Editor ksmithcu@lhup.edu

Photos courtesy of Kyra Smith-Cullen

Students enjoying an inflatable obstacle course and an extreme trampoline, both activities done for the HAC’s ‘Hump Day’ program.

The Haven Activity Council (HAC) has been offering entertainment to students for the entire semester and plan to continue the events for the remainder of the semester and the next, including more wing nights and movies.

Many of their largest programs took place on Wednesday, as part of their ‘Hump Day’ events.

“We tried to have it so that there was one big event per month, with every other week focusing on smaller activities. We thought it would be nice to break up the students’ weeks,” Scott Daube, a senior majoring in outdoor recreation management and member of the HAC. Though the semester may be drawing to a close, HAC is planning more events for both Wednesdays and weekends. Part of these plans is for the annual bus trip to New York City, where students have the opportunity to shop or visit for a low bus fare.

“As usual, the trip is popular. New York City is a beautiful place in the winter, and the bus is already full,” Daube said.

There are two more events planned for the Wednesdays left in the semester, including the one in finals week.

“We want to have a place for relaxation in the PUB, where students can come to de-stress,” Daube said. “There are going to be massage chairs, an oxygen bar and hand therapy where students can dip their hands in a solution and it will smooth the skin.”

Next semester, the HAC plans to offer more wing nights, in addition to the annual spring concert that they host and a new trip to a Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins hockey game. They also intend to work more with the athletic department to promote games and events.

Many of the programs offered this semester were things as ordinary as movie showings in Price Auditorium but they were well attended.

“I was surprised by how many people came to the movies, there were times when it was packed,” said Daube. “Ralphie Mays was really popular as well, and I’m glad because it’s the second time he’s been here in five years. I hope that things will be just as well attended next semester.”

Calendar of events

Thursday, Nov 21 5:30 “The Invisible War” showing

and discussion in Greenburg Auditorium.

Saturday, Nov 23 3:00 Dance concert in Sloan

Auditorium. Free Tickets

available at the box office.

7:00

Krevsky Scholarship Performance in Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center

7:00

Talent Show in Price

7:00

“What Would Jesus Buy” showing and discussion in the Hall of Flags

7:00 Dance concert in Sloan

Auditorium. Free Tickets

available at the box office.

Sunday, Nov 24 3:00 Orchestra performance

in Price Auditorium.

Friday, Nov 22 7:00 Dance concert in Sloan

Auditorium. Free Tickets

available at the box office.

Tuesday, Nov 26 6:00 Dorm residents have to be

out of the dorm unless RD

has been notified and approves.

Wednesday, Nov 27

Thanksgiving Break Sunday, Dec 1 12:00 Dorms reopen Monday, Dec 2

Classes resume

Tuesday, Dec 3 11:00 International Day of Persons

with Disabilities 7:30

Choir concert in Price

Wednesday, Dec 4 6:00 Graduating Senior Art Show

opens in Sloan

Thursday, Dec 5 7:30 Jazz Ensamble concert in Price.

Monday, Dec 9

Start of finals week (see page

5 for complete schedule) Friday, Dec 13

End of the Fall semester Saturday, Dec 14 2:00 Commencement

News

4

November 21, 2013

Professors debate belief in God Ariel Guerra Design Manager aguerra2@lhup.edu

Many existential questions have been posed on the Lock Haven University Campus including a very controversial question that was debated last night in the Ulmer Planetarium. The open forum debate was entitled… “Should You Believe In God?” “Questions about belief in God are always interesting to students. I find responding to people’s questions to be the most interesting kind of thing,” said Daniel Shaw, Ph.D. “I think it’s important to have a good clear statement of both sides and get people involved.”

For the third time in this past decade, Shaw has both held and participated in an open forum.

This year Steven Brust, Ph.D and temporary assistant professor of political science, was Shaw’s opposition, answering ‘yes’ to the topic question.

“I went to Professor Shaw’s event on “the will to live” and I was asking questions of him because I thought he was making a characterture of Christianity.

Professor Shaw invited me back to

Photos and quotes courtesy of Chris Gill

What are your

views on religion?

Photos courtesy of Ariel Guerra

Shaw

Brust

debate him tonight,” Said Brust.

With two 15 minute opening statements from both Shaw and Brust and then a five minute rebuttal, Shaw had hoped to spark conversation in the Lock Haven community.

“The more important question here regards that yes, there is a God here, but let’s find out where and what this true God is. But if we do that, we’re already saying that there IS a God,” said Brust.

“I think that this is what we need to talk about more: who God is and what he tells us through religious dialog. Why bother talking about all of this if there is no God?”

His counterpart did not praise the thought of life without the figure of God. His focus was on the belief that if there is a God you trust in, then where is the knowledge and proof of belief?

“My hope is not to promote atheism and to gain a bunch of converts. I simply believe that the unexamined life is not worth living and the unexamined religious belief is not as deep as the examined belief. In questions of faith, truth is subjective. Deciding whether you believe in God is one of the most important decisions you can make in terms of how you live your life,” said Shaw.

“I’m a devout Roman Catholic, and I think people expressing themselves is fine. I don’t like when people come here to yell. I think that it is the most embarrassing thing for anyone that is religious to see. I’ve actually put my head down because I don’t want to be associated with them,” said Zack Cinelli, a junior.

“I guess I’m Christian. I was raised Christian. I grew up around a lot of religions, but my family is Christian,” said Kay Fisher, a freshman.

Campus clubs coordinate to sponsor event Emilie Hettinger Staff Writer eah7805@lhup.edu Lock Haven University held its first International Fair Trade Festival and Sale in the PUB multipurpose room on Monday, Nov 18.

Students Against Sweatshops, The Newman Community, and Protestant Campus Ministry sponsored the event.

Ten Thousand Villages, a retailer that supports fair trade, provided trade goods for the sale.

Fair trade is a practice that gives unemployed artisans a chance to earn money and establish a sustainable market for their handcrafted products.

The artisans that Ten Thousand Villages works with often people in developing countries who make crafts by hand and don’t often earn the compensation they deserve.

Artisans that sell through Ten Thousand Villages are paid in full for every item they sell. Artisans

and Ten Thousand Villages agree on a price that will cover the cost of labor and materials so they are able to earn fair compensation for their work.

For over 60 years, Ten Thousand Villages has been forming long term buying relationships with artisans.

Because of these relationships, they are able to provide consumers with one of a kind gifts, accessories and home décor made by people from all over the world.

During this event students were able to purchase some of these unique handicrafts and all of the proceeds were donated to Ten Thousand Villages to support their efforts.

By choosing to buy fair trade items, consumers are supporting safe and healthy working conditions for farmers and artisans.

To find out more about Ten Thousand Villages and see the items they sell, visit: www.tenthousandvillages.com

“I’m Catholic, I believe in God and the Bible. I went to a Catholic high school.

I haven’t really had much experience with any other religions,” said Camdon Makay, a junior.

Reporting on the Run

November 21, 2013

Police Reports

Date Time Location Description

5

Date Time Location Description

11/8/2013 2:15 PM Akeley Hall Someone placed a bar of soap 11/11/2013

on the floor. Employee felt

this was intentionally placed

on the floor to cause someone 11/11/2013

to slip and fall.

4:13 PM

Bentley

Theft of merchandise. Under Investigation.

5:10 PM

Bentley

Theft of merchandise. Under Investigation.

11/8/2013

8:25 PM

Jack Stadium Tires slashed on parked

vehicle.

2:30 AM

Russell Hall

Report of being harassed on Twitter.

11/8/2013

9:54 PM

Fairview Suites

11/12/2013

Report of intoxicated male and 11/12/2013 8:07 AM High Street Assist LHPD with a report of female arguing. Individuals a person with a weapon cited for UAD.

demanding drugs. LHPD and PSP determined the call was 11/9/2013 2:09 AM Campus Theft of Dominos Pizza sign a false report made from

Village from delivery vehicle.

Lycoming County. Authorities

in Lycoming County have 11/9/2013 11:05 AM Fairview Report of a female student

suspect in custody.

Suites being harassed on Twitter and

by text messaging. Suspect 11/13/2013 3:12 PM Smith Hall Ambulance requested. Female contacted and all parties

transported to LHER.

instructed to have no contact.

11/13/2013 11:28 PM W Church St Assist LHPD with a 11/10/2013 11:23 AM McEntire Hall Male reported while using a

non-reportable accident. No

computer through the LHU

injuries and all parties server an inappropriate site

exchanged insurance

populated and then he was

information.

locked out of the LHU server.

11/14/2013 12:29 PM McEntire Hall Report of drug paraphernalia 11/10/2013 7:34 PM W Fourth St Assist LHPD with a domestic.

in resident’s room. Consent

Upon arrival and after making

search form signed. Search contact with the involved

conducted and found

individuals city officer arrived

marijuana. Charges pending.

and took over the incident.

11/15/2013 6:49 PM Parking Criminal Mischief: damage 11/10/2013 2:02 AM Parking Two males spotted with

Area 15 to side rear mirror while

Area 19 alcohol. Males informed of the vehicle was parked

alcohol policy. Both males of

age and alcohol dumped.

Finals Schedule White areas are the hour which classes typically start and grey sections are when exams are scheduled, unless otherwise stated by the professors.

8:00 MWF

8:00-9:50

Tuesday, Dec. 10

5:00 MWF

4:00-5:50

Wednesday, Dec 11

2:00 TR

10:00-11:50

Wednesday, Dec 11

9:00 MWF

10:00-11:50

Friday, Dec. 13

6:00 MWF

4:00-5:50

Monday, Dec 9

3:00 TR

12:00-1:50

Wednesday, Dec 11

10:00 MWF

8:00-9:50

Wednesday, Dec 11

7:00 MWF

12:00-1:50

Monday, Dec 9

4:00 TR

10:00-11:50

Monday, Dec 9

11:00 MWF

10:00-11:50

Tuesday, Dec 10

8:00 TR

8:00-9:50

Thursday, Dec 12

5:00 TR

4:00-5:50

Thursday, Dec 12

12:00 MWF

2:00-3:50

Thursday, Dec 12

9:00 TR

10:00-11:50

Thursday, Dec 12

6:00 TR

2:00-3:50

Monday, Dec 9

1:00 MWF

8:00-9:50

Monday, Dec 9

10:00 TR

12:00-1:50

Tuesday, Dec 10

7:00 TR

12:00-1:50

Friday, Dec 13

2:00 MWF

2:00-3:50

Tuesday, Dec 10

11:00 TR

8:00-9:50

Friday, Dec 13

8:00 PM TR

4:00 – 5:50

Friday, Dec 13

3:00 MWF

2:00-3:50

Friday, Dec 13

12:00 TR

2:00-3:50

Wednesday, Dec 11

4:00 MWF

4:00-5:50

Tuesday, Dec 10

1:00 TR

12:00-1:50

Thursday, Dec 12

Arts & Entertainment

6

November 21, 2013

Top turkey day themed television episodes Kayla Marsh A&E Editor kmarsh2@lhup.edu With Thanksgiving break coming up, most of us college students are heading home to mom and dad’s for a huge Thanksgiving feast. While you’re sitting on the couch trying to digest the massive amounts of turkey and stuffing you’ve consumed, here are some Thanksgiving themed episodes of some great television shows to look up on Netflix.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (The One With the Thanksgiving Flashbacks) In the season five episode, the gang reminisces on their worst Thanksgivings. Chandler talks about the Thanksgiving his parents announced their divorce.

Phoebe remembers all her past lives getting killed in war. Monica talks about the Thanksgiving that Chandler called her fat, which caused her massive weight loss and the loss of the tip of Chandler’s toe. It’s one of the best episodes because nothing beats the episodes when all six cast members are together.

How I Met Your Mother (Blitzgiving) The season six episode starts the day before Thanksgiving. Ted decides to leave the bar to start preparations on his turkey. Barney tells Ted not to leave or he

will be cursed with The Blitz. The curse of the Blitz is when the “blitz” leaves the room something amazing happens. Ted leaves and wakes up to all of his friends having an awesome night. In the middle of the episode the curse gets passed to Barney and he spends the rest of the night trying to catch all the cool things he’s missing.

Grey’s Anatomy (Thanks for the Memories) In this season two episode, all Izzie wants is for all of her roommates to get into the Thanksgiving spirit and help her cook dinner. Meredith volunteers to work at the hospital. George’s family comes and takes him away to hunt a turkey, and all Christina wants to do is drink.

Gilmore Girls (A Deep Fried Korean Thanksgiving) In the season three episode Rory and Lorelai struggle to go to four different Thanksgiving dinners: one at Lorelai’s parents’ house, one with Rory’s best friend Lane, one with their family friend Sookie, and one at Luke’s Diner. The girls decide the best way to go about eating four dinners is to skimp on the rolls. The girls finish all four dinners but they definitely pay for it Thanksgiving night.

Photo courtesy of buddytv.com

Reasons why you should listen to Aerosmith

Samantha Shirk Staff Writer sxs109@lhup.edu

Are you a classic rock fan? Have you always found yourself more drawn to your parents’ music than the stuff we have? Then do I have a band for you! Aerosmith is one of the oldest classic rock bands around. Steven Tyler, the band’s lead singer, first formed the band around 1970. Through a hard life and series of make-ups and break-ups they have managed to stick around into present day. Hey, we’re talking about rock and roll after all!

Songwriting Aerosmith is filled with musical geniuses! Almost every song they’ve released is written by them.

Every lyric written is often filled with tons of sexual innuendos, lots of charisma, and sometimes even witty humor. The other members only add to the songs with their amazing talent. The members add a certain flavor to the song that makes you want to listen to them over and over again. Something that I find really significant about Aerosmith though, is that they were able to release a powerful ballad like “Dream On” and then turn around and release a song as silly as “Love In An Elevator.”

Live Performances Aerosmith is extremely popular for their live performances. Every performance is extremely electrifying! The band always brings so much energy to their performances and they really try to involve their fans throughout each show. Plus, one of the best parts of seeing Aerosmith live is getting a glimpse of their wacky stage personas, especially the lead singer’s.

They dress in outfits that catch your attention, like the true rock idols that they are. Steven Tyler adds to the amazement of their shows by some of the moves he performs on stage. Tyler, in his autobiography Does The Noise In My Head Bother You?, even commented about them being more in the business for the live performances.

Legacy A huge legacy follows Aerosmith. They have made such an impact on pop culture. Many, many bands and artists have been inspired by them. Even today they continue to inspire. In 2001 Aerosmith had the pleasure of being inducted into the Rock and Hall of Fame. A huge honor! Even after their induction Aerosmith continued to tour and release albums, like the Rolling Stones before them, a band that really inspired them. Even today, their music has not lost the flavor that makes Aerosmith who they are.

Photo courtesy of jobspapa.com

November 21, 2013

Arts & Entertainment

7

University play enchants the audience Lauren Waters Staff Writer lmw5233@lhup.edu

The sound of vintage music set the mood as people filed into the main theater in The Sloan arts building to see the production of Expecting Isabel on Nov. 15. The University Players, in association with the LHU Theatre Department and Student Auxilary Services, performed the production by Lisa Loomer.

People were grooving and tapping their toes to the beat. The stage was a simple design of two chairs, a rug, and a stool. It was lit with only a blue backdrop and the rest of the stage was dark.

I sat tapping my foot to the music in the back and had a nice view of the stage.

I found my seat easily after I got directions from the usher at the door. This was my first production at Lock Haven and it was very helpful to have someone at the entrance telling people where to go. I didn’t have to wait long for the show to start;

COMING SOON Theaters 11/22 Catching Fire Delivery Man Philomena

DVD 11/26

The Grandmaster Red 2 Getaway Jobs

it was on the dot at 7:30p.m. and without a hitch.

The play followed the journey of a couple, Nick and Miranda, who were trying to have a baby.

Nick convinces Miranda to have a baby and helps her to overcome her fears of child watching too much violent television or that the world is too over populated. They finally decide to have a baby, and try, but can’t seem to get pregnant.

Nick was played by Tyler Noll, a sophomore and criminal justice major here at LHU. Noll played the character very well. He was very convincing in his portrayal of a frustrated husband who just wanted to have a family and please his parents and wife.

Miranda, Nick’s wife, was played by Karly Lindemuth, a freshman and also a criminal justice major. She was amazing as the leading lady. She was witty and also fit her role as Miranda. She and Noll seemed to have a lot of chemistry in their portrayal of a husband and wife.

They both were very convincing in their roles and were simply wonderful to watch. There

were seven other actors on stage with the couple who were just as amazing and convincing. They made the audience laugh and everyone was having a good time.

The stage crew worked silently and quickly without any mistakes. Scenes were transitioned with a mix of vintage and modern music. The lighting was blue in the beginning, middle, and end of the show, but changed throughout to set each scene.

The set was simple but worked well with the production; it added character and atmosphere to the whole show. I think the set was just simple enough to be perfect. I don’t think it needed anything more.

Overall, it was a moving performance and made the audience chuckle non-stop. It was witty and interesting and I had a good first show experience here at Lock Haven. All of the actors were impressive which made for an excellent show. This show exceeded my expectations and left me with a good feeling.

New webcomic uncovers the secrets of Greek Mythology Mary Jones Staff Writer mej102@lhup.edu Are you interested in Greek Mythology?

If you answered yes to that question, then you should be reading the webcomic Olympus Overdrive!

The story starts with a boy named Max. Max is a computer genius whose mother is very ill.

He stays home to take care of her, since she can’t do a lot on her own. One of the times he is on his computer, a “personality quiz” gets through his pop-up blockers. Filling it out just for fun, Max doesn’t realize that he just set his life on a crash course with the Greek Gods themselves – until one shows up at his door.

Written and illustrated by someone known only as Oskar, this web comic was started Jan. 27, 2013. It is updated every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, putting it at 243 pages.

I rate the story a 4.5 out of

Guess the Movie Quote!

five stars. It’s hilarious and thrilling, while also making sure you become very emotionally attached to its characters.

The three main mortal characters you meet each have their own stories, full of hardships, that make it hard to choose which one you want to come out on top, while each of the three main deities have their own things going on that add to the hilarity of all of their situations.

I rate the artwork a three out of five. The style is very cartoonish and cute, while having very bright colors, but some pages are very flat.

The characters each look extremely different, but some of the mortals have very unrealistic characteristics to them, such as godly beauty or green eyes that seem to almost glow.

Found at www.olympusoverdrive.com, this web comic is definitely for lovers of the Greek Mythologies. Funny, moving, and delivered in different media, such as old school Last week’s answer was: style flashes complete with music, “The Incredibles” instant messages, and storybook like pages, I rate the overall comic a four Photo courtesy of upwarddownward.com out of five stars.

“Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We will see you next semester!”

-- A&E Editors

Kathleen and Kayla

Arts & Entertainment

8

November 21, 2013

Feminists score high in the box office Olivia Jones Guest Writer ojones@lhup.edu With the new wave of feminism coming around in our generation and young girls growing up with a high influence through the media, it’s important to think about what movies are the best to watch for their strong female roles and the actresses who fill them. My top five picks, in no particular order, of badass feminist actress roles are provided to you here.

Angelina Jolie Number one, we have an oldie but goody, Angelina Jolie for her role in “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”. In these roles she takes on combat experiences and especially as Lara Croft the, “I don’t need a man to take care of myself” attitude. Not to mention, her new Photo courtesy of guardianlv.com highlights in the media for taking

the brave initiative to prevent herself from getting breast cancer by having her breasts removed.

Keira Knightley Number two, Keira Knightley in “Pride & Prejudice” and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. At first she plays the damsel in distress in “Pirates fo the Caribbean” but that soon changes and she’s a raunchy pirate just like Jack Sparrow. Also, in “Pride & Prejudice”, if you haven’t watched, she stands up to the prude Mr. Darcy for liking only women who sit quietly and don’t muss their dresses. Her character isn’t afraid to walk in the mud.

Mila Kunis Three, Mila Kunis in “Friends with Benefits” where she takes a hold of her own sexual pleasures instead of feeding into the stereotype that women can’t have sex with whoever they want, when they want. You also see her demonstrating a strong

female role in “Black Swan” and “Oz the Great and Powerful”.

Emma Stone Four, Emma Stone in “Zombieland” once again showing her ability to fight those zombies without a man by her side. In “The Help”, Stone shows that being a nerd and smart is a good thing, you get a guy and you can sometimes change a city, or the world. You also see in “Easy A” where she, like Mila Kunis, demonstrates an ability to show the hardships of a woman’s sexual life.

Jennifer Lawrence Lastly, the most prominent actress in the media today is Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games” and “Silver Linings Playbook”. Mainly in “The Hunger Games” you see her strong role as a fighter and leader of the people. She’s intelligent and also funny in this role as well as in real life.

Old school games maintain appeal in modern age Heather Treaster Staff Writer hlt5557@lhup.edu I just recently moved in to my own apartment, and overall it’s been an adventure. I was able to go through everything I owned to decide what to bring to my new home. I moved in with my boyfriend, and in addition to my things, obviously his things are here also. While I was organizing and unpacking one day, I unearthed his ancient Nintendo 64. We hooked it up almost immediately and have been hooked to it since.

The more we played, the more I thought about the games themselves. So many Nintendo games (such as Mario Kart, Super Smash Brothers and Mario Brothers) have transcended time and are still being released on newer Nintendo consoles, even though they are older than many of us college students.

But I noticed one common theme among many of these classic Nintendo games: they are unmatched in their simplicity. But how can a

game be so simple and still have such a hold on gamers? I believe the answer is in how simple they are.

We live in such a complex world. Everybody wants everything right now. Everyone wants the newest, fastest, best thing available, including in video games. Every developer wants to create a game with an immersive plot line, so many controls and tricks that almost no one can master them all, and produce gameplay that stands above all others in intellect.

In such an intense world, sometimes it’s just nice to sit down and beat the crap out of other characters on Super Smash Brothers! You don’t have to be in a constant state of paranoia thinking that someone from another team is going to shoot you and your game is over. If you die, you don’t have to start over from your last save point (or even the beginning!) and there is no such thing as not being strong enough to defeat a boss.

The graphics aren’t mind blowing, there is no immersive plot line; but these games have still survived generation after generation. The games come at face value, they are what they are; and that is what is so appealing about them. Because of this, they will continue to live on. I believe that these simple games will be around much longer than the newest Call of Duty.

gcentertainmentsystem.blogspot.com

Lifestyles

November 21, 2013

9

Food costs strain students Emelie Hettinger Staff Writer eah7805@lhup.edu

College isn’t cheap, but then again neither is life outside of college.

As students, we spend what seems like millions in expenses that keep piling up. Room and board, books and service fees are things we don’t want to pay for but are required to. Food on the other hand, is up to us.

At Lock Haven University you are not required to purchase a meal plan unless you live in one of the residence halls.

The most basic meal plan costs around $1,500 per semester, others go up in price depending on how often you want to eat each week.

Not to mention the required $200 of flex added to the bill.

According to an article in the Huffington Post, last year the average college student spent about $765 eating off campus. Add that to the grocery bill, and living off campus would amount to about $1,000 in food costs.

“I feel that I spend less money by not having a meal plan and making food for myself,” said junior sports administration major Camdon Makay. “If you live off campus, it’s a good option.”

At lower Bentley, a chicken sandwich with fries and a drink costs around $6.00. At Wendy’s a similar meal costs about $6.00 as well.

Two slices of cheese pizza and a drink at lower Bentley costs $4.85. At Domino’s, you can buy a whole medium size pizza for $5.99.

Upper Bentley is a different story as the buffet style eating costs about $8.00 per trip.

But for the most part, the costs of eating on campus versus somewhere else seem to be about the same.

“If there’s no difference in price, then it really just comes down to whether you like food on campus or off campus better,” said freshman computer science major Mark Blankenship.

College sucks money out of our wallets like a vacuum in all other aspects. At least this doesn’t seem to be the case with food.

Walk your way healthy this holiday season

Olivia Beck Guest Writer onb118@lhup.edu

As we approach the holiday season we get excited for a bit of a break, but it also brings a little fear. With the pounds we have already packed on from Bentley this semester, the dreaded Thanksgiving and Christmas weight is soon to join.

There are some simple things to do to avoid this happening before you leave campus, while you are gone, and when you get back. Some that will keep the extra turkey off and make you feel better but some will make you feel good about yourself by doing something for someone else.

Many students often find themselves looking for shortcuts. We sit at trolley stops, waiting longer for a trolley to arrive than it would have taken to walk.

Sometime we drive the quarter of a mile to campus… pathetic right.

There are moments when I think to myself really what is the big deal, and then there are times I think to myself how absolutely pathetic and lazy these actions are. Lazy and pathetic for three simple reasons: There’s not always time to hit the gym, but

skipping the trolley has an impact. Walking to class and around campus is surprisingly good exercise, those hills and steps burn more calories than one would believe.

Sitting around and participating in no physical activity makes you not only gain weight, but feel frumpy. Even if it’s a bit chilly, the walk around campus can make you feel better. As hard as it is to get up and get moving after the workout is complete (even if it is walking on campus) you really do feel better about yourself.

One of the most motivating things to think about when wanting to be lazy is to walk for someone who can’t. There are hundreds of 5ks or marathons that allow you to get moving and benefit someone in need. When you think of those who would kill for the ability you complain about, it really makes that laziness seem all the more pathetic.

As you enter this holiday season in fear of gaining a few extra pounds find motivation to just walk instead of looking to cut the corners or ride everywhere. Walk to make yourself feel better and to get that daily physical activity. But most importantly, remember that metaphorically you are walking for someone whose wish this season is that they could.

Photo courtesy of bluethenation.com

Photo courtesy of textually.org

Lifestyles

10

November 21, 2013

Finals stress is upon us again Dayna Bloch Managing Editor dbloch@lhup.edu It’s just about that time of year again. Now begins the stress over final projects you have yet to start. Its time to panic over last minute scheduling details; and time to figure where you’re going to conjure up the money for the holiday presents you need to buy.

With a million and one things adding to our frustrations it seems the stresses of being a student are never going to disappear. Naps and procrastination may feel like a quick fix to our issues but in reality, those relaxation tactics only make it worse.

According to Todd Smith and his Little Things Matter blog there is a number of things we should do when we feel like ripping our hair out.

The first, and possibly most obvious, is to stop procrastinating. Putting off an assignment may be easy but that assignment doesn’t just dis-

appear, it will only lengthen your ToDo list later.

A big problem is over committing ourselves.

We need to learn our limits and set boundaries for ourselves in both our personal and professional lives. Only take on as much as you can reasonably handle, maybe a little less if you want a break here and there.

Getting enough sleep may seem like something that only happens in the movies, but it’s a vital part of reducing our stress levels. Sleep gives our bodies a chance to rest without it we feel too tired to accomplish anything. We need a refreshed mind to tackle the things we let pile up.

Along with sleep we need to keep ourselves healthy by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods. It is proven that 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can reduce stress levels. Mix that with fruits and veggies makes our bodies better prepared to handle pressure.

Like with anything else, problems will arise when trying to get things done. We need to

prepare ourselves for when things go wrong. The best way to do that is to address glitches as soon as they come up. Avoiding problems will only make them worse later.

Keep yourself organized to avoid problems and make sure you complete your ToDo list. Writing down everything you need to get done and keep to that list in the order they’re written. Doing exactly what needs to be done in the order that it’s due will make you feel calm and more at peace.

Lastly, keep your sense of humor and a positive attitude. Look at problems as opportunities for personal growth and keep laughing through it. A good mindset will have a profound effect on your emotional and physical being.

Don’t let yourself get too stressed out over the things that are presented to you throughout the day. We need to take a minute to let ourselves relax and enjoy the things we accomplish.

Keep your plate healthy this Thanksgiving

Jaimee Kester Lifestyles Editor jlk7206@lhup.edu

Thanksgiving is the one holiday where it is perfectly acceptable, actually encouraged, to eat an immense amount of food. All of this eating is supposed to occur without an ounce of guilt in celebration of our forefathers. Unfortunately if you’re trying to stay healthy through the holidays Thanksgiving can be one huge temptation.

According to the New York Times and The Calorie Control Council the average person consumes anywhere from 1,500 to 4,500 calories during Thanksgiving dinner. This is a shocking number considering the average person should consume about 2,000 calories in one whole day.

There are some simple ways to keep you from going overboard on Thanksgiving though. Follow these tips and you may even be able to indulge in your grandma’s favorite dessert too.

Vegetables:

To keep you plates from being to carb heavy make sure it has a nice balance of vegetables. The key is to have vegetables that are prepared without a ton of ingredients to save on calories. For example, instead of having dishes like green bean casserole or creamed corn that has a ton of fat try freshly steamed green beans or a corn succotash. These are yummy and will add tons of color to your plate.

Even if you’re trying to be healthy this Thanksgiving remember that is a holiday that only comes around once a year and that most things are okay in moderation. Enjoy yourself this Thanksgiving while still being healthy.

Turkey:

While you may have a penchant for dark meat it has a lot more calories and fat than white meat. According to Shape.com a 4 ounce serving of dark meat has about 206 calories and 2.4 grams of saturated fat while a 4 ounce serving of white meat has about 158 calories and only .4 grams of saturated fat.

Potatoes:

Traditional mashed potatoes are prepared with an overabundance of butter which makes the fat content skyrocket. Food blogger Cara Eisenpress suggests mashing potatoes with three tablespoons of the water you boiled them in along with a tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of olive oil. This makes them smooth without being too heavy.

Photo courtesy of sportyafros.com

November 21, 2013

Lifestyles

#throwbackthursday

After the death of President Kennedy the president of Lock Haven University took the time to write his own eulogy.

11

Opinion

12

November 21, 2013

New course evaluations: Ineffective and inaccessible

Erica Smith Guest Writer esmith9@lhup.edu

Many things have started changing at Lock Haven University, the most recent being the educator evaluations. These evaluations were typically taken in the classroom while the instructor stepped out until they were completed. This year the evaluations have been altered to an online format in MyHaven for students to take of their own free will.

I personally believe that this was a poor decision for the university, largely because of how inaccessible they are. It is more likely that the students will overlook them considering they are hard to find on MyHaven and even more unnoticeable when students have already registered for classes.

Many of the upperclassmen who are accustomed to the in-class surveys are most likely not going to check MyHaven after they have registered for classes. Plus, some upperclassmen still use the old CARS system to review and schedule their classes.

Students also receive so many emails from

the university that the ones simply titled “Survey” are going to be deleted. Students are more concerned about emails from their instructors rather than from the university, consequently completely ignoring the survey.

The point of the assessments is to help faculty improve so that students can acquire the most knowledge out of their time at LHU. Students are not forced to take the online surveys, therefore not forced to give feedback about their instructors.

In-class surveys allowed all students to voice their opinion on the knowledge they received from specific instructors. They were all given that time to really evaluate the instructor. In-class surveys also allowed students to focus more on the one specific class than taking one to six surveys all in one sitting.

As a resident assistant, I had freshman that did not understand why they were taking the surveys and didn’t fill them out based on the corresponding classes. The in-class surveys gave instructors the ability to explain to their students the purpose of the evaluations and how best to complete them. These evaluations are the best time for stu-

dents to have a voice on campus and really express their opinions. Since the new evaluations were not fully discussed, students have trouble developing a voice about their education.

The instructors also want to hear criticisms from the students so they know the things they can improve upon. It helps the instructors know what works for some classes and what doesn’t work for other. For example, the English department likes to consider the novels/works that were read for the semester. That gives the instructors an idea of what works and doesn’t work. The online evaluations are also shorter than the ones taken in class, taking away from their power to fully evaluate an instructor.

Now, one could argue that these evaluations take away from class time and that it is more efficient to make them online; however, they are wrong. The in-class option is more personable and was always finished quickly, barely taking more than twenty minutes. The in-class evaluations gave students more of a voice to express their concerns about their education, whereas the online version is a disaster.

Ladies: Stop settling for schmucks Vicky Kramer Staff Writer vak1553@lhup.edu

More often than not, I come across couples that make me shake my head in disbelief because it’s a tragedy they are still together. You know the ones I am talking about— the naïve girl with the boyfriend who treats her like crap? Yes. It’s the same story replayed over and over again.

Girl likes boy, girl falls for boy, girl dates boy and then she ends up with her own show on MTV with a baby and no daddy.

Alright, maybe I am being a little too harsh, but let’s face it, that scenario is becoming more and more common. Why are girls just settling for a crappy guy when they can find one so much better? Seriously girls,

what happened to finding a gentleman? Or setting high standards? I have some rather simple ideas and concepts that’ll help you lure mister right into your life or at least make a more confident woman out of you.

First of all, don’t accept anything less than what you deserve. Ladies, let’s face it: most of us have been treated like crap by a guy because we were inexperienced or didn’t have enough sense to say no. Whatever the case, remember that you are worth it.

You deserve perfection and nothing less.

Next, remember respect.

Many guys today are less respectful than ever before. However, that doesn’t mean they all are. Look for this special quality in a guy. Watch how he talks to and treats his mother.

If he respects his mom, he’ll respect

his woman.

Girls, remember that you too must try your best and that can mean more than just respect.

As college students yoga pants and hoodies are usually common attire, but it doesn’t mean the rest of your appearance can’t make up for it.

Once in a while, wear makeup, do your hair, be dainty—try to act like a lady. Dress up every now and then, too. Wear something special or sport some pumps!

Looking good makes you feel good and helps you stand out from the crowd.

Once someone has noticed you, then there’s the wallet dispute: yours or his? Say you’re on a first date with a guy you want to impress, but it comes time to pay for dinner and

you both just look at each other. What should you do? See if he will offer to pay before saying anything.

If he does, allow him to do so.

It’s okay if he doesn’t want to foot the bill for two, but if he doesn’t offer to pay at least half then that should be a red flag.

Finally, be true to you. No matter what he says, does, or how he acts never change who you are. No one knows how to be you better than yourself. Embrace your good qualities and weaknesses. Remember, there is no one else like you in the world.

It is possible to find a great guy, but as with anything worth having effort must be involved. Keep your chin up high and set your standards even higher.

Above all, stay confident and classy and never settle.

November 21, 2013

Opinion

13

Give them an You know what really ruffles my feathers? inch and they will go for miles

Sarah Eckrich Opinion Editor seckrich@lhup.edu

I come from a family that makes up in love what it has always lacked elsewhere—that’s a nice way of saying that we’ve always been pretty poor. When my parents worked, my mom taught in a life skills class and my dad was the head of repairs at a small computer and electronics place.

Then, Dad’s mom-and-pop job came under new management and they dissolved his department and position.

Meanwhile Mom, already blind in one eye, lost the vision in her other, was diagnosed with an incurable neurological disease and was forced to retire. We flirted with the poverty line when they both worked and after, we plunged far below it. Often, my little family of five lived on less than $600 a month.

Still, I never knew just how bad things were financially until I was almost an adult. Whether you want to call it the hood or the ghetto or just the bad part of town, that’s where I grew up. In contrast to my neighbors, my mom wasn’t outside all the time yelling at people and smoking cigarettes; our house wasn’t falling apart; I wasn’t allowed to swear (even as a child, I recognized that good parents had some rules for their kids). We seemed normal most of the time.

That ended with the first day of school after winter break. In elementary and middle schools, or at least in the ones I attended this was a day that always started with everyone talking about what they got for Christmas.

When I got old enough to start perceiving the quantity and quality of other kids’ gifts compared to my own, I started to understand that an inequality existed.

I just assumed my parents were total cheapskates. They were old and they’d sooner fix something than buy it new. I always thought that was a choice, not an ultimatum of poverty.

And were poverty alone the provider of my Christmases as a child, it would have allowed my parents to fill maybe one stocking for each of us. And their hearts with sorrow at our disappointment.

Fortunately, through various programs in the community strangers donated Christmas to my family. Year after year, whether my parents willingly participated or gifts and money just appeared at the house, the community’s generosity kept the wool pulled over the eyes of us kids. We knew we didn’t have as much, but we had no idea how hindered we were.

Had I known how poor we were, I would have realized what a miserable ascent it was — and still is — to try to escape poverty. During my “rebellious” phase, I did a lot of stupid, cliché hoodrat things. But the security of my upbringing brought me back from the edge.

If not for the charity of others in my life, I wouldn’t have faith in people.

I wouldn’t have trusted society enough to risk applying to college with a GED, let alone actually going or graduating. I would have adopted the life of a delinquent with no aspirations or goals.

While I have by no means cast off the shackles of poverty, I have done well enough to give back a little bit.

This year, I’ll be playing Santa to an impoverished child through a program that helps bring toys to kids in need during the holidays. I encourage all of you to do the same.

The impact of such a small gesture of kindness echoes hope through a lifetime. No toy, tennis shoe or fancy phone can match the value of hope for disadvantaged kids.

Chris Fravel Staff Writer cfravel@lhup.edu You know what really ruffles my feathers?

Complaining.

Yeah, I know what you are thinking, “Chris, all you do is complain in your stories!” Wrong. I don’t complain; I point out the obvious—the things we all observe but never have the guts to talk about. Well, here I am, an opinion columnist talking about complainers. Get ready for quite the ride.

Look, we all have it tough in our own way. There is no one person that has it any tougher than anyone else—don’t forget that. Especially when you’re sitting there complaining. One might argue that your problem is meaningless compared to others, but that is not true. Your situation is just as tough as somebody else’s. However, don’t lose sight and think that gives you an automatic right-of-way to verbalize it.

Just because we all have the same degree of difficulty doesn’t mean we all should complain. Part of life is getting up, brushing yourself off and pressing on in the face of adversity. Whenever you feel the need to complain, just take a moment and think about it is what you’re complaining about. And rather than just complain about it, solve it. There is a solution to everything if you just think it through.

I know this week’s column is short and it is rather blunt, but sometimes that’s how it has to be. Just suck it up and keep fighting your way through life. Nobody ever got anywhere by sitting and complaining; they only ruffled a lot of feathers.

Have a comment? Write a letter to the editor!

Twitter not doing it for you anymore?

Send your opinions to the Eagle Eye! Include your full name and a phone number.

Send it to seckrich@lhup.edu with “Opinion Letter” in the subject line.

14

Sports

November 21, 2013

Football closes season with loss on senior day

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Jaafar Warren Guest Writer jwarren@lhup.edu Lock Haven took on the Gannon Golden Knights in their final game of the 2013 season. It was also the football team’s senior day and all of the seniors were honored before the game.

The game did not go the way the seniors were expecting for the last game of their collegiate career. Gannon started the game fired up as they scored 21 points in the first three drives in the first quarter.

The first two touchdowns were set up by Justin Caliste, who made a 53 yard catch to the one yard line to set up a quarterback keeper by Liam Nadler and a 34 yard catch to set up an eight yard rushing touchdown by running back, Jansen Jones.

Nadler and Jones had two rushing touchdowns in the game. Caliste had 97 yards receiving in the first quarter and 168 by halftime.

The Haven started the game out with a good drive, but kicker Alex Boumerhi missed the field goal from 47 yards away.

Quarterback Caleb Walton had a hard time, being sacked two times in the game. Walton also threw an interception to Matt Astorino in the end zone attended for Jesse Hoover.

The Eagles started to come alive in the second quarter by getting a fumble forced and recovered

by Tayshawn Bunch. On defense, Zsone Olds intercepted a pass, but the offense was unable to convert.

LHU got on the board when Walton threw a nine yard touchdown pass to Matt Luebbers with 3:33 before the half.

Gannon started their last possession in the first half on their own 15 yard line with 54 seconds on the clock. Nadler led the Knights down

the field and threw a 20 yard touchdown to Quad Law. Law went into halftime with 3 catches for 93 yards and a touchdown.

“We had a bad first half and it showed that they wanted it more,” senior defensive end Tyrek Morgan said. “We need to come out and play like it’s your last because for some of us, it is” LHU marched down the field on the first drive of the second half, but Boumerhi’s kick was blocked.

That turnover turned into a Gannon touchdown ran by Jones to make the score 44-7. Jones also moved up to third place in all-time rushing for Gannon University.

Walton was replaced by Dillon Mazzoni with 13 minutes left in the game after an injury.

Lock Haven’s never gave up as they got an interception by George Christas, which turned into a 21 yard touchdown by James Wilbern from Mazzoni. That touchdown gave LHU 14, as the game ended 44-14.

Tony Ballon and Christas led the Eagles in tackles with eight apiece and followed by Chris Engler with seven. Luke Rankie led Gannon with 12 total tackles.

The seniors who were honored at the game were Brandon Brader, Eddie Celkos, Jerome Charles, Anthony Herko, Jesse Hoover, Winston Jones, Tyrail Morgan, Tyrek Morgan, Marc Olivo, Kyle White, James Wilbern, and William Rozman.

Brader finished his career with 2,704 career rushing yards, which has him place at fourth in all-time rushing yard in school history.

“I feel sad, but I also feel blessed that I got the chance to play four years of college football,” said Tyrail Morgan “These seniors have shown great leadership over the three years I’ve been here and I am glad to be around such a great group of kids like them,” Head Coach John Allen said.

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Sports

November 21, 2013

15

Lady Eagles fall in PSAC quarterfinal Doug Spatafore Sports Information dspatafo@lhup.edu The Lock Haven University volleyball team (21-14) fell to University of Pitt-Johnstown (24-10), 3-0 (25-19, 26-24, & 25-22) Monday Nov. 25 in a PSAC Quarterfinal match at Pitt-Johnstown.

The Lady Eagles, who entered the match at the Eastern Division’s third seed, opened the first set tied, 4-4 until Pitt-Johnstown went on a five point run to make the score, 11-7. UPJ went on to take the first set, 25-19.

Alex Brehony (Mertztown, Pa./ Brandywine Heights) gave LHU the early lead in the second set with back-to-back kills. The Lady Eagles led, 10-8, but Pitt-Johnstown would claw into the lead, 18-16.

After a strong defensive battle Photo courtesy of Erika White

Lock Haven tied the match at 1919. The two teams battled backand-forth, but Pitt-Johnstown prevailed, 26-24.

Pitt-Johnstown led off strong in the third set, while both teams fought to gain momentum. Lock Haven dug deep and exerted a united defense, receiving three block assists to tie the set at, 9-9.

Junior Bethany Burns (Erie, Pa./McDowell) rallied late for LHU, as she served up two aces. Bailey Farthing (Dublin, Ohio./Dublin Coffman) added three kills to give the Lady Eagles a, 20-18 lead.

Pitt-Johnstown swung the momentum in its favor late and fought back to tie the set, 22-22 and the Wildcats eventually closed out the set with, 25-22.

Lock Haven was led by junior Megan Flick (Howard, Pa./Bald Eagle Area) who recorded 13 kills in the match. Cody Anderson (Johnsonburg, Pa./Johnsonburg) added 10 kills.

Sophomore setter Jessica Brown (Fawn Grove, Pa./Kennard-Dale) dished out 35 assists on the night.

Sydney Belcastro (Pittsburgh, Pa./Hopewell) recorded 19 digs.

Lock Haven finished the season at 21-14 overall and went 12-10 in PSAC play.

The Lady Eagles will now wait to see if they are selected to the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Lock Haven was ranked 10th in last week’s Atlantic Region rankings.

The top-eight teams make the tournmanet and the NCAA Selection Show is set for Monday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Erika White

Moses moves in with motivation John Poli Assistant Sports Editor jpoli@lhup.edu

One phone call was all it took to bring back former Lock Haven track and field star Vanita Moses.

Except this time she’ll be on the sideline.

Last season the University decided they would bring in someone to lend throwing coach, Heather Leverington a hand while she battles her health conditions.

Moses was one of the greatest ladies to wear a Bald Eagle uniform.

During her time at LHU, she was a national qualifier in the hammer throw, three time weight throw champion, PSAC hammer throw champion, eight time All-PSAC, was a school record holder in the weight and hammer throws, and third all-time women’s shot put.

Moses said was working retail when she found

out and decided she wanted to come back and coach. So she phoned her former coach.

“She called me and told me she was coming back to school and asked me if I could write her a letter of recommendation,” Leverington said. “That got my wheels turning and I thought she would be a natural fit.”

Moses is serving as the team’s graduated assistant. She will take the active role with the athletes, while Leverington will do the administrative work and give Moses a hand as much as she possibly can.

“They never really had a coach that could show them what to do and be in the positions they have to be in,” Moses said. “I can be in the circle with them and show them how to do it.”

Sophomore thrower Brice Beals thinks his new coach is the perfect fit. “Between her experience as a former national qualifier and her knowledge of the events she is already making the team better.”

Moses said she came into the job with no expectations to try and avoid any problems with her first coaching job. “I feel like if you have too high of

expectations, things go wrong,” she said. “So I have an open mind and up to this point everything is going great.”

One issue ‘V’ faces is coaching some of the athletes that she used to be friends and teammates with.

“I got up at the first meeting and told the older members of the team we were amazing teammates, but I’m not at the same level as you right now,” Moses said. “You need to respect me and I’ll respect you in return, but when I get serious it’s time to go to work.”

“She’s getting on these kids even though she was their teammate,” added Leverington. “There is a level of comfort with her, but she has established the line that she is a coach.”

Leverington said she coaches her athletes to become coaches and she thinks that Vanita is off to a fast start to her new career.

“She’s is extremely motivated and she’s trying to get everyone motivated and wants everyone to succeed,” Leverington said.

16

Sports

November 21, 2013

One on one with Coach Blesh Erika White Sports Editor ewhite@lhup.edu

For Joel Blesh, the head swim coach at Lock Haven University, everything begins and ends in the pool.

At the age of 26, Blesh has seemed to swim full circle from his early life as a swimmer, to a now full time position at his alma mater doing what he loves.

But don’t let his age fool you. Blesh is no beginner when it comes to the sport of swimming.

Born and raised in Lock Haven, Pa., Blesh found himself immediately drawn to the sport as a young kid. He knew at an early age that it was something that he would not easily give up on.

He left Lock Haven to attend Mercyhurst College for swimming. However after two years, Blesh found himself being pulled back to his hometown to finish off his final two years in college. A smart decision by Blesh as this ultimately landed him his ‘big break’ as a head coach.

His drive and passion for the sport are apparent to those around him which pushes his swimmers to be better. But the one thing that Blesh emphasizes is the importance of education when it comes to his athletes.

As a graduate of Lock Haven, Blesh may have come full circle as an athlete to a coach, but he doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.

Blesh took the time to talk to Sports Editor, Erika White, on Nov. 19. Here is an edited version of their discussion.

Blesh: There’s definitely huge pluses to it where you can possibly relate to students pretty well. But we also have some pretty remarkable coaches on campus too. And it’s nice because coming into this role I get to really look at and use some of our more experienced coaches that have been here, as mentors.

I look at everything as an opportunity for a learning experience. Even if they don’t know the first thing about swimming, you can certainly learn a lot about coaching at the college level.

And even though I’m only 26, I’ve had seven years worth of coaching already which is crazy to think about.

Erika White: What made you want to coach?

Joel Blesh: When I went to college, I had one intention and that was that I wanted to swim. That was really it at the time. And as I started college, I found myself within the Sports Administration major and I had a college coach that was truly inspirational. She really pushed me along in a way where I grew as a swimmer and as a person while on her team. So when I returned to Lock Haven, the first day I was on campus, I knocked on the head coach’s door and I said: “hey I want to do what you do for a living.”

White: Going off of that, what is the most rewarding part about being a coach?

Blesh: I think its whenever you see an athlete achieve a goal. Whether it’s something small that they wanted to work on all week in practice or whether it’s finishing out their career as an AllAmerican.

White: What made you stay in the area?

Blesh: The biggest thing was when I came back to college here, I really had a great appreciation for this area. There are so many times when I look out the window and say “man, it’s really nice today.”

White: You’re one of the youngest coaches on campus. So what is it like coming into a coaching position and being one of the youngest?

White: If you could be good at any other sport, what would it be?

Blesh: If you ask any swimmer this, they might say “anything else.” We’re all uncoordinated and terrible at any sport for the most part. I can’t even dribble a basketball. I can run and I can shoot a basketball, but my friends who I play pickup games with know that I’m just in it to get a run in.

They know that if they pass the ball [to me], I’m not moving.

I also really enjoy watching and playing volleyball.

Its a sport that is absolute pure fun for me.

White: What is the toughest part about being a coach?

Blesh: Managing class schedules. Right now, there are days where we have two to three practices and we make sure that everyone gets one in. But working around class schedules are an absolute must--we really set a huge priority on being a great student.

And even though class schedules are hard to deal with sometimes, it’s in no way, shape or form an inconvenience because our athletes are here to get a great education. And for me, being a former student, I really and truly believe that [LHU] is one of the best and most affordable educations within the state system of Pennsylvania.

White: What do you do in your free time?

Blesh: To be perfectly honest, for the past two or three weeks, I’ve been going home and sleeping.

I have a DVR full of shows right now. But during this part of the season, there’s almost no downtime to think about that.

White: What is something that not many people know about you?

Blesh: Until I went on my first college training trip, I had never seen the ocean. We always vacationed up in Canada and it’s one of my favorite places in the entire world, but because we were always there, I never got the chance to see the ocean until I was an adult.

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