December 4th Issue of The Merciad

Merciad THE

MERCYHURST UNIVERSIT Y

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W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 4 , 2 01 9

News ................2-5 Features...........6-9 A&E ............. 10-11 Opinion........ 12-13 Sports ......... 14-15 Laker Living ......16 |

VOL. 93 NO. 9

Giselle enchants PAGE 10

Online poll results We asked: What is the best part of Thanksgiving?

Contributed by Mark Santillano

2: 90 years of the Merciad

Being home with family and friends (52%) Prepping for Black Friday shopping (30%) Eating way too much food (13%) Watching football all day (4%)

8: Hurst celebrates Thanksgiving 15: Win for men’s basketball

This week’s

POLL

What is your favorite Christmas treat?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

NEWS

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Wednesday, December 4, 2019

The Merciad’s first issue was printed in Dec. 1929 and included news stories, short stories and poems, notes about faculty, opinion pieces and ads from local Erie businesses.

‘The Merciad’ Then and Now: Celebrating 90 Years

By Lauren Abbott Editor in Chief

Three years after Mercyhurst College opened its doors, a group of students started a student-run newspaper, The Merciad.

Now, 90 years later, we look back and reflect on the long legacy The Merciad has had on campus.

Beginning in Dec. 1929, the first issue consisted of 12 pages in black and white.

The first issue had nine student editors and featured sections such as news, art and a society section along with local ads to start off the newspaper’s run.

The Merciad serves as a student voice on campus, where the Mercyhurst community can read about the happenings of campus, notable events and student opinions.

Brian Sheridan, M.A, senior lecturer and chair of the Communication department, worked on The Merciad as a student at Mercyhurst first as a writer, and then Editor in Chief his junior and senior years of college from 1983 to 1987.

Notable milestones during Sheridan’s time include being the first staff to use a computer to partially produce the paper.

“We had one computer and only myself and two other editors were allowed to touch the computer,” “We still had to print out the

paper and do paste ups. We had to wax the papers and print them out on a sheet and then those were sent to the printer company. Then they were shot and typeset and then printed,” Sheridan said Sheridan also notes that The Merciad was the first newspaper to print the Far Side comic in Erie.

Throughout the past 90 years The Merciad has undergone numerous changes, changing layouts, categories and page sizes.

Some interesting features of early Merciad issues include graduating classes being small enough that every senior was featured in The Merciad, a section dedicated to alumni news and news specific sections dedicated to each class.

The paper also served as a resource for the Erie community and Erie residents could get a yearly subscription for The Merciad for $1.

The one constant that has remained has been the publication of the paper.

Since 1929, The Merciad has published papers every semester to the present day.

“Seeing that [The Merciad] continued over the many years and being part of this tradition is important,” Sheridan said.

Some notable moments in the paper’s history include an issue the day after 9/11, covering university president inaugurations and covering the first ever Hurst

Day. The Merciad has also had many homes on campus, from Baldwin to Old Main to Zurn to its current location in the Audrey Hirt Academic Center, The Merciad has been on every corner of campus.

Ryan Palm, associate vice president for Advancement, was also involved with the paper during his time here at Mercyhurst and served as sports editor his sophomore through senior year from 2004 to 2007.

Some of Palm’s favorite memories with the paper include getting to cover historic sports moments in Mercyhurst history, such as when our women’s ice hockey team made three consecutive NCAA appearances.

“I was with the Merciad at a time where technology was really growing rapidly —so the paper became less about recapping who won the games and more about trying to find interesting stories to tell beyond the wins and losses,” Palm said.

The Merciad has long been an avenue were students can raise concerns over issues on campus, show appreciation for events well done and bring attention to the ins and outs of everyday student life.

“The paper has been positive much of the time, but also not afraid at times to push the envelope and challenge the school on issues that were of critical concern to the students,” Palm said

This Merciad issue from 1985 featured a “Bulletin Board” section of student activities and events.

The Sept. 12, 2001 issue of the Merciad featured the college coming together to cope with the tragic events of the pervious day’s terrorist attacks in New York City.

Bill Welch, professor in the Intelligence Studies department, served as the advisor for the paper from 2002 to 2016.

“It serves as a historical document of sorts. It is a reflection of what this little society is all about, the microcosm here,” Welch said.

Now done completely digitally, The Merciad still has a staff of nine student editors and is available in hard copy and online on Facebook, The Merciad website, and on Issue.com.

The Merciad now prints nine issues a semester.

While technology has advanced, the publication of a physical student-run and focused newspaper proves to be an invaluable resource and historical record for Mercyhurst University.

As the university continues to evolve and expand, we can hope to see The Merciad evolve along with it.

The Merciad staff is comprised of students from all majors, from Intelligence Studies to Communication to English and Dance.

Students write on a weekly basis interviewing Mercyhurst community members about a variety of topics happening around campus to give students an insight into the vibrant and multi-faceted atmosphere that Mercyhurst has to offer!

Any students interested in getting involved email: merciad@mercyhurst.edu

Images contriubted from Mercyhurst University Digital Archives

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

NEWS

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‘Lake of Betrayal’ stirs discussion

By Elizabeth Shewan

Staff writer

On Nov. 20, in honor of Native American Heritage Month, Mercyhurst hosted a film screening of “Lake of Betrayal: The Story of Kinzua Dam” followed by a panel discussion.

The event was co-sponsored by the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society (ELIES), Mercyhurst Anthropology and Archeology Department and Mercyhurst Thomas B. Hagen Department of History.

“Lake of Betrayal: The Story of Kinzua Dam” is a 2017 documentary film by and about displaced members of the Seneca Nation.

The film “reveals an untold story from American history—a one-sided battle pitting an impoverished Native American nation against some of the strongest political, social and commercial forces in the country as they fought to protect their sovereignty,” according to Toward Castle Films.

The construction of the Kinzua Dam, which is located southeast of Erie in Warren County, PA, began in 1960 and was completed in 1965. It was designed in order to prevent flooding in Pittsburgh downriver on the Allegheny River and to provide hydro-electric power.

The construction of the dam condemned 10,000 acres of the Allegheny Reservation, belonging to the Seneca Nation, as promised to them in a treaty

Elizabeth Shewan Photo

Ben Scharff, Ph. D., (at far left) led the discussion panel after the viewing of “Lake of Betrayal: The Story of the Kinzua Dam.” The panelists included Edward Jolie, Ph.D. and citizens of the Seneca Nation, Stephen Gordon and Dennis J. Bowen (left to right).

signed by George Washington.

As a result, and despite protest, 600 Seneca were displaced from their homes and communities.

The showing and discussion of the film and its significance was a combined effort from Verna Ehret, Ph.D., Director of ELIES and assistant professor of Religious Studies, Ben Scharff, Ph.D., chair of the Thomas B. Hagen Department of History and Edward Jolie, Ph. D., assistant professor of Anthropology/Archaeology.

Jolie is an enrolled member of the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma and his specialized field of study is in the interaction of cultural identities

and Native American-anthropologist relationships.

The screening coincides with the month of November, which is Native American Heritage Month, in order to address and celebrate the month, especially, according to Jolie, in light of the current government’s failure to do so.

Last year Mercyhurst hosted a similar event, a screening of “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World,” also in honor of Native American Heritage Month and in acknowledgment of the contributions of Native Americans to the rock and roll genre.

“We felt it was a good success

and a good opportunity to promote discussion, and so we pursued that line of thinking this year,” Jolie said.

This year the panel featured Jolie and citizens of the Seneca Nation, Dennis J. Bowen, Sr., and Stephen Gordon. Gordon was among the displaced Seneca and is featured in the film, and has written a book on the topic. Bowen is an activist and former Tribal President of the Seneca Nation.

The panelists highlighted the trauma inherent to the experience of forced removal and issues of social justice as they pertain and continue to pertain to Native Americans.

“I participated in this movie, and I guess I’ve viewed it probably about 10 times, and every time I see it it affects me,” Gordon said in the panel.

“It affects me because I see the pictures of my grandfathers, and grandmothers so when I see these smiling faces up here, it reminds me that the Indian community that I lived in, it was about those people.”

Bowen emphasized that the events surrounding Kinzua Dam do not exist in a vacuum but rely on hundreds of years of history, as such events continue to shape history.

The topic of Kinzua Dam is especially relevant given its close proximity and relatively recent construction. “‘Lake of Betrayal’ seemed like a logical choice as it deals with the construction of the Kinzua Dam in the 1960s and more or less takes place in our own backyard,” Jolie said.

Further, “Lake of Betrayal” highlights the ongoing nature of social justice issues.

“It should bring home for a lot of people today that the protest over the Dakota Access Pipeline, these aren’t things that came out of thin air, there’s a deep long history,” Jolie said.

The event was well attended and well received. Jolie hopes attendees will continue to think about the continued significance of Native American history in our nation today.

Strategic Intelligence class briefs projects to U.S. decision makers

By Jamylin Goggin

Contributing writer

The senior capstone class for Intelligence Studies majors, RIAP 425 Strategic Intelligence, has just concluded the briefing process to important U.S. decision makers based on their varying academic projects that they have been working on all semester.

Strategic Intelligence is a course meant to give Intelligence Studies majors the most in-depth and sweeping experience of their academic careers, providing them with an opportunity to produce a meaningful project that can not only have real world implications, but to also serve as a prime work example for potential employers.

Students use everything they have learned throughout their time here to put a product together.

“Strategic reinforced the importance of time management.

Since we had limited time to essentially become subject matter experts in a topic we didn’t know very well, self discipline and staying on task was essential,” Madeline Breski, senior Intelligence Studies major, said.

This project allows students to get the experience to take their tasking from a decision maker, concluding the project with a final brief.

There were two sections of Strategic Intelligence this semester, each comprising of 25 students. Students were able to choose from a list of decision makers and projects at the beginning of the semester, and from there, were able to make a selection based on their level of interest in each topic. These students were broken into five teams of five, who all worked together for the entire semester.

Some of the decision makers include the National Geospatial Agency (NGA), a major U.S. bank and an intelligence con-

tractor. In some cases, there is a confidentiality agreement with certain organizations and contractors, preventing students from being able to share their projects publicly.

Each group focused on various topics such as foreign stealth fighter aircraft, migration issues in Central America, potential threats to United States judges, cryptocurrency and other geopolitical issues.

One of the groups in the class focused their project on cybersecurity and ransomware throughout the year. Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, designed to deny access to a computer system until a ransom is paid.

This is typically spread through phishing emails or by visiting an infected website.

This group briefed their decision maker over the phone explaining the current issue of ransomware that is prevalent right now with the lack of

cybersecurity within different countries. They explained their findings and showed them their analytic method which helped get an estimate of ransomware threat.

In other cases, groups traveled for their projects to brief their decision makers on location, ranging from corporate headquarters to trips to Washington D.C. to brief at government agencies.

Two teams briefed to The NGA, one team got to brief in front of an intelligence contractor and another briefed in front of the U.S. Marshall Service.

For the groups, the most difficult part of this capstone project was getting enough data when researching about their topic using only open source information, meaning information that is available to the public rather than classified.

While the students spearhead the projects themselves with their decision makers, they do

receive assistance from the professors who teach the classes.

Bill Welch, M.S., Intelligence Studies instructor and Christopher Corpora, Ph. D., Professor of Practice, were able to advise the different groups and help them during the research process.

“Professor Welch also made the process less stressful, as he met with each team weekly for progress updates and to address any roadblocks. His dedication to this class and the program is unmatched,” Breski said.

This capstone course is rewarding for both students as well as the decision makers in the sense that they will actually be using what students have found, taking them into account for their organizations. It also shows employers the strength of the Mercyhurst Intelligence Studies program, from its students’ professionalism to its instructors’ knowledge and experience in their fields.

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Merciad IN A MINUTE Winter Break Reminders All students are expected to vacate their rooms within 24 hours after their last exam or by 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.

Students requesting to stay beyond this time must have completed the Winter Break Stay Request form within the Housing and Meal Plan portal.

Last-minute issues that arise with travel arrangements should be reported to your RA or the Office of Residence Life.

Deadline for completion of this form is Monday, Dec. 9.

12 Days of Giveaways The Mercyhurst Bookstore is offering 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

From now until Dec. 13, students will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a prize from underneath the Bookstore Christmas tree.

Names will be pulled every day from Dec. 2 to Dec. 13.

Share your winnings on social media and tag @MercyhurstUBookstore on Instagram and @HurstBookstore on Twitter.

Coat Drive The Mercyhurst Photography Club is looking for clean, gently worn winter coats to donate for future use.

This drive will benefit Emmaus Soup Kitchen.

Turn in your donated coats to Gary Cardot, M.A., MFA, in Zurn 135 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Plug for your club or group Have a tip for Merciad in a Minute? Want to tell others about your club’s events? Email us at merciad@mercyhurst.edu

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Hospitality seniors judge ‘Chopped Challenge’

By Victoria McGinty Staff writer

On Nov. 15, the Mercyhurst Hospitality Department and Duggan’s Service and Sales joined Erie News Now in their second annual “Chopped Challenge” competition to benefit The Special Olympics.

Peter Zohos, MBA, assistant professor and chair of the Hospitality Management Department, said students were proud to be a part of the event.

“This event was an overall success and we are grateful for the opportunity,” Zohos said. “We will definitely want to take place in this again in the future.”

Senior Hospitality Management majors Marie Bergquist, Christian Kendel, Nick Ragosta and Zachary Farsace represented Mercyhurst as judges of the challenge.

All four students said they were excited to take part in the event and called it an unforgettable event.

According to Zohos, each student was selected because they all demonstrate a passion for the culinary arts and “are fluent in the language of food.” Most of the students involved were Food and Beverage concentrations within the major.

The hit Food Network show “Chopped” is a reality-based cooking television game show series hosted by Ted Allen. The series puts four chefs against each other as they compete for the

Mercyhurst University Photo

Senior Hospitality Management majors judged Erie News Now’s second annual “Chopped Challenge.”

chance to win $10,000 dollars.

Similarly in Erie News Now’s version, two teams of news anchors — “The Night Team” and the “Morning Team” — compete against each other in a dinner challenge. Evening anchors Mike Ruzzi and Amanda Post took on morning anchors Mark Soliday and Kara Coleman. Both teams were assisted by professional chefs.

The teams had one hour to prepare a meal that included the secret ingredients of chicken wings and pierogies. The Mercyhurst students served as judges for the event.

“This experience helped me to

appreciate the field I’m going into and it was a blast getting to be a part of this experience,” Kendel said. “I am incredibly grateful for the Hospitality Department.”

The student participants stated that there was an energy like no other during the competition.

“It was unreal getting to work in a professional setting,” Ragosta said. “That was definitely my favorite part of the experience.”

Students and members of the department said they were incredibly thankful for this opportunity and look forward to the future in hopes that they will get to partake in this experience again.

Farsace said Mercyhurst’s participation in this event with Erie News Now helps to promote the hands-on learning experience that the Hospitality Department can offer its students.

“It was great getting to contribute something unique,” he said. “It’s great getting to have a real hands-on experience that could ever exceed the excellence of all of the great aspects offered in Mercyhurst’s Hospitality Department.”

To view “Chopped Challenge,” visit Erie News Now’s their Facebook page for the streamed episode.

Erie Police Academy utilizes VR

By Alex Trabold Staff writer

Recently, the Erie Police Academy integrated a new method of teaching students using virtual reality (VR) headsets. The headsets are designed to help students simulate scenarios that members of the force must be able to deal with.

These scenarios include dissuading someone from committing suicide, stopping a homeless person from loitering and neutralizing a pair of school shooters holding hostages. The instructor will help monitor the simulation, controlling what the simulated actors do and say in regard to the student’s methods.

Bill Hale, M.S., MBA, Program Director of the Mercyhurst Municipal Police Academy, is very proud of the recently implemented use of VR in the classroom.

“To offer some sort of simulation that is scenario-based,

there is no method better,” Hale said. “This allows us as instructors to assist cadets in developing decision-making skills long before they are tested in the field after they become employed.”

Simulations such as these are important in the training of future police officers, Hale said. It is important for students to be prepared for any type of scenario, because an overactive mindset in tense situations may lead to a lost life.

For example, one situation shown by the VR headset has the student pull over a rude and abrasive truck driver about to pull an unknown object out of his car. Shooting the driver out of fear would fail the simulation because he was only bringing out his wallet instead of a gun. The simulation is meant to properly train the officers in such situations, which have garnered increased scrutiny in recent years.

This technology also saves the cost of having prop environ-

ments or hiring people as actors in the simulation. Headsets can also be scheduled into class times more easily than arranging for live simulations.

Hale even sees a future in which this technology can train students to handle an even broader range of situations.

“In the future, I think different facets of the police job can be wound into the VR training,” Hale said. “Crime scenes and possibly even court testimony can be simulated.”

The system came from the VR company named NSena. Their mission is to bring VR training to both law enforcement and Corrections facilities. They have created this technology due to it being virtually impossible to perfectly replicate the multitude of different areas and scenarios that a police officer may get involved in.

The company also provides technology to correctional facilities in order to help prisoners

succeed after they are released from prison. The technology is used to help offenders train for regular day-to-day activities and conflicts that they will need to be prepared for in locations such as the home, a grocery store or a workplace.

Thanks to the NSena, law enforcement agencies, such as the Erie Police Academy, can have more effective training in regard to the many hypothetical scenarios in an officer’s job.

According to Hale, the implementation of the technology is still a bit early to see how students feel about the system, but he said they have big plans for continuing its use in the future.

“Everyone that gave it a test drive was excited and called the experience valuable,” Hale said.

“So, as we move into a new class in January, we’ll have our curriculum honed a little better and utilize the platform within the class modules.”

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

NEWS

MEPP, SafeNet and MU Counseling host ‘Relationship Dance’

By Erin Almeter Staff writer

On Nov. 21 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., a group of leaders from Mercyhurst Empowerment and Prevention Program (MEPP), SafeNet and the Counseling Center hosted a relationship workshop for students. The event was titled “The Relationship Dance: Healthy Boundaries in Motion.”

This event was the first of its kind that was open to all students, but similar programs have been put on for Resident Assistants, athletes and Laker Leaders. It was an intimate gathering of individuals with only seven students in attendance and four leaders, but it was successful in opening up the floor for discussion of these relationship issues and useful problem solving skills.

The Relationship Dance event was put on in conjunction with the Dance Department’s production of “Giselle” that occurred between Nov. 22 and 24.

“Giselle’s” ticket sales benefited the Jenni-Lyn Watson Memorial Scholarship Fund as well as SafeNet. Seven years ago, Watson, a junior Dance major at the time, was tragically killed by her ex-boyfriend when she was home during Thanksgiving break.

Discussing Watson’s story is still important today so as to help those that may be in a similar situation.

This workshop was to help students discover and set boundaries as well as learn how to end relationships. As the flyer had stated, “this lively interactive workshop explores how

to choreograph the boundaries within our closest relationships, including when relationships end.”

Michael Madonia, MSW, Project Manager for MEPP, was one of the leaders of the evening. He described that MEPP promotes respect and safety for all community members. They work to prevent sexual assault, domestic and dating violence as well as stalking.

Madonia stressed the importance of realizing that even if a person is not in a dating relationship, much of the information can also be applied to friendships as well.

Judy Smith, Ph.D., Executive Director of Wellness, was also present at the event. Additional leaders were Robyn Young, SafeNet’s Director of Domestic Violence Services and Karen Swager, SafeNet’s Outreach Coordinator.

Students that attended were given information and resources to help as they navigate their own relationships.

The workshop focused on discussion and interaction from those attending with low verbal content from the speakers themselves. Those that attended were asked to participate in role playing scenarios to put themselves in certain situations that could happen.

The starting point of the role playing activity centered around discussing boundaries in relationships such as time constraints, social media, texting and money. The first scenario featured a guy showing up to a girl’s apartment that he had met at a party, without texting or calling beforehand.

The second boundary situ-

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ation was about a girl posting online that she was in a relationship when the guy she was referring to was actually still questioning his feelings about their relationship.

Attendees then moved into a role-playing scenario regarding breaking up. Many of the students that attended focused on face-to-face interactions, sticking to their ground and still showing kindness to the other person when the situation needed it.

Smith, as well as the other leaders, offered constructive comments as students completed the role-playing scenarios, but they were sure to let the students discuss what they felt during the scenarios.

Young and Swager also commented on making sure that students are taking care of themselves individually.

They made sure that students recognized that even if the other person in the partnership does not see why the relationship may be ending, it is important for students to stand their ground if it is truly going to be best for their own well-being.

If any students want more information, there are several on-campus resources such as the Cohen Health Center and Counseling Center, Police and Safety and Campus Ministry.

Off-campus resources can be found at SafeNet and the Crime Victim Center.

The leaders made sure to let everyone know that they are willing to listen and be there for anyone that might need support.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This weekend’s campus events

WINTER BAR CRAWL The annual Winter Bar Crawl is this Saturday Dec. 7 for students over 21!

Pick up your Bar Crawl Gear Dec. 4 from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the Mercyhurst Bookstore. Bar Crawl Gear must be worn on Saturday to receive free pizza at the Grotto Commons in the Faculty Dining Hall from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., receive free cover at participating establishments and bus transportation to and from all included bars.

Fuel up for finals with free food provided by MAC/SAC. Food for Finals will begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 8 in the Student Union, but come early as food is sure to go fast!

Good luck with final projects and exams, Lakers!

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG Nov. 22: Theft in the Athletic Center.

Nov. 23: Possession of controlled substance on E. 40th St. Nov. 28: Public drunkenness at McAuley Hall.

Dec. 2: Possession of controlled substance on Briggs Ave.

FEATURES

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Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Hurst cares for NEW AT HURST kids during the giving season

By Erin Almeter Staff writer

Caring For Kids, an annual campaign to help raise funds for local children’s hospitals, has started up once again. Parkhurst at Mercyhurst, along with all other branches, will be collecting and holding events until the end of the semester to help with fundraising.

The Caring for Kids campaign was started in 1979 by a small group of team members and has been growing ever since according to the Parkhurst Dining website. More than 15 children’s hospitals benefit from the generosity of Parkhurst.

Over these years, Parkhurst and their team members, including Mercyhurst, have raised over

Contributed by the Morning Buzz

By Maria Williams

Features editor

There have been several new additions to the Mercyhurst campus this year. One of them includes Joe AdseriasGarriga, DDS, Ph.D. Adserias- Garriga is the new associate professor in the Department of Applied Forensic Sciences.

“I’m a Forensic Anthropologist and Forensic Odontologist from Spain, where I directed and lectured in different postgraduate programs in forensic sciences,” AdseriasGarriga said.

When in Spain, Adserias- Garriga worked for the Catalonian Police.

“In Barcelona, I was an external advisor of the Catalonian Police, who honored me for my contribution the forensic anthropology and odontology casework. I’m an ABFO Diplomate, and member of the INTERPOL DVI Odontology Sub working Group and INTERPOL DVI Pathology/ Anthropology Sub working Group,” Adserias- Garriga said.

Working with the police and forensics is not the only thing that she enjoys. She also loves to swim and run.

“I just love open water swimming, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, and I enjoy so much with 5K, 10K, half marathons, and triathlons,” Adserias- Garriga said.

She also loves spending time with her family and friends.

Before coming to Mercyhurst, Adserias- Garriga worked at Texas State University. She also worked to identify remains found near the U.S. and Mexican border.

But she says that job does not compare to her job at Mercyhurst. She loves it.

She advises students, “Never be afraid of doing what you love. And whatever you do, do it with all your love.”

Adserias- Garriga is loving here time at Mercyhurst so far and feels so welcomed. She even is enjoying the cold weather.

“I can’t express with words how blessed I am working with this amazing team. Dr Dirkmaat, my coworkers and the students welcomed me in an exceptional way, and all of them with no exceptions are making me feel so embraced at the department. I use to say that Erie is a cold place, where its people make it warm.” AdseriasGarriga said.

Welcome to Mercyhurst!

$10.5 million.

Mercyhurst’s Parkhurst has once again put together their Chinese auction. At Grotto Commons, students, faculty and staff can buy auction tickets. People can see exactly what they are putting their tickets into and figure out their chances of winning based on how many other tickets are in the basket.

In addition to the Chinese auction, Parkhurst is selling smiley face chocolates for just $1 at the bookstore, The Roost, Anchor Express, 501 Grille, and Grotto Commons.

With a purchase of the chocolate, you are given the chance to write your name on one of the beloved Eat’n’Park Christmas trees to be recognized for your donation. They also re-

cently had a pop-up hot chocolate bar for students, sign-ups for a NBA 2K20 Tournament Fundraiser and a Celebrity Bartending Event where Sarah Allen, Megan McKenna, Abby Staub, Benjamin Scharff, Ph.D., and Matthew Weaver, Ph.D. competed to see who could raise the most tips for the campaign. These events show that different fundraising events can interest a wide variety of individuals to participate.

There appears to be a lot of support coming from students, faculty, and staff alike according to the Bookstore Coffee Bar Parkhurst team members.

Parkhurst encourages all to continue to donate during this holiday season!

NAfME fundraises money for music education during holiday season

By Lauren Ganger

Arts & Entertainment editor

On Dec. 7 at 7 pm in D’Angelo Room 19, the Mercyhurst chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) will be hosting a Christmas party and fundraiser that is open to all students on campus.

Students from all majors can attend for $5, which includes the cost of admission, a snack, a nonalcoholic beverage and a ticket for a raffle.

Four prizes will be raffled off during the evening.

The party will be an open house format, so students are encouraged to stop in and have a fun time, but are not obligated to stay the entire time.

The money that the club raises will help them fund their trip to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) conference in Poconos, PA, in

April, and it will also help them fund other events that will take place during the spring semester.

The party will also have live music performed by current Music majors and friends, including Reid Burton, freshman Music Therapy major, CC Smith, freshman Music Education major and the jazz combo DTS. The music that has been programmed will be a mixture of holiday favorites and nonseasonal music.

NAfME is an organization that helps Music Education majors nationwide prepare for teaching, through workshops and lectures by music educators, both current and retired.

The Mercyhurst chapter of NAfME is instrumental in helping to run the Tri-State Music Festival, a three day event during the winter that brings high school musicians to the Mercyhurst campus for work-

shops and rehearsals, culminating in a performance by the Honors Band in the Performing Arts Center.

Lauren Tucci senior, Music Education major is the president of Mercyhurst’s chapter of NAfME, and in addition to her duties organizing and overseeing meetings, she has worked hard with the other officers to plan this Christmas party.

The other officers who helped organize this event are vice president Morgan Dowches junior, Music Education, secretary Emily Zbrzezny, senior, Music Education and treasurer Rachel Kinlan, senior, Music Education.

This event promises to be an evening of camaraderie and musical fun.

Tucci says that students should come “to support NAfME, hang out with some friends and hear some awesome music.”

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N FAC E B O O K AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

FEATURES

PAGE 7

Competitive intelligence club “targets” students with an alumni presentation

By Bernie Garwig Staff writer

The Mercyhurst Competitive Intelligence Club (MCIC) is looking to improve students’ abilities to land interviews and jobs.

One such effort is through hosting guest speakers, which was the case for the club’s Nov. 11 meeting when ‘11 alumni Lindy Smart and ‘19 alumni Tom King appeared via Skype to talk to students.

“I wanted students to take away advice that was tangible and applicable to them,” Krista Cousins, senior Business Competitive Intelligence major said.

“I wanted them to hear advice and tips from two past students who found success after being in their shoes not long ago.”

Cousins noted that King had reached out about doing a presentation to the club, and the two of them worked together to set up the presentation’s time and place. Smart and King are both members of Target Corporation’s Strategic Intelligence team, with Smart working as Team Lead and King holding the Senior Consultant position.

The main focus of Smart and King’s presentation was describing their jobs at Target, and how to translate the work that students do in their Intelligence and Business Competitive Intelligence majors into professional opportunities.

While there aren’t many occasions where the presenters found themselves writing analytical reports like they did at Mercyhurst, they stressed translating that experience and those skills into the communications that King and Smart have with the decision makers they report to at Target.

Being able to build from assignments, such as the fabled “Crisis Week” were recommended by Smart and King.

Connecting with professors and with those inside or-

ganizations students are interested in, whether through LinkedIn or other forms of contact was emphasized.

“The hardest thing is getting your foot in the door,” Smart said.

“It’s hard to do on your own, especially with the automation of the HR process. Leverage the people out there that want to help you, it’s really up to you to put yourself out there.”

Soft skills such as presenting were also highlighted. “A lot of professionals in practice haven’t developed nearly as much as you all have,” King said.

For those interested in doing intelligence in a business environment, being able to understand financial numbers is key to being successful.

“For retail it’s store comparable sales, it’s revenue growth, digital growth,” Smart said, speaking of her experience at Target.

“Probably one of the easiest ways to learn this is earnings calls, or to read recaps. You’ll start to get a good sense of what’s important for that industry. Especially if you want to work in a strategy function, where they partner so heavily with finance to move the company forward for growth.”

Being able to work on a team and empathizing with people were also listed as important, because unlike group projects for classes, the teams do not change from project to project.

“You will have to work with these people over and over again,” Smart said. “They may actually become your boss someday.”

An interesting note for students attending the presentation was the importance of the self-advocation of one’s skills or abilities as an intelligence analyst. Smart reminisced to the room on how she advocated the creation of an intelligence team to the decision makers at Target over the course of five years, having first started with Target in

their fraud department.

The presenters also emphasized working in the private sector even if students are primarily interested in national security, law enforcement, or cyber matters. Smart gave the example of their company, Target.

Target, a Fortune 500 company, has its own law enforcement agency through their corporate security, works with national security agencies to consider major events such as, Super Bowl, executive transport, extreme weather events and for cyber, Target has a world class facility on its headquarter’s campus.

“In the private sector there is probably greater room for advancement,” Smart said. “Probably better compensation.

Private sector work often provides more opportunities for professional development with bringing in speakers, and maybe some better flexibility in the work space, whether its working remotely or working in different parts of the office you prefer,” Smart said.

In lieu of this presentation, the leadership of MCIC will provide further events for students to attend later in the year, as well as opportunities to attend the annual Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) Intellicon convention.

SCIP’s annual convention has been well attended by Mercyhurst Intelligence students in the past looking to network and learn from industry professionals.

“The SCIP Mercyhurst club will have additional events throughout the Spring,” said Professor Leslie Guelcher, MCIC’s club advisor.

“In addition, the club coordinates with SCIP to provide volunteers for the annual meeting that is the week after finals in Chicago. The volunteers are able to attend the conference for free, though they have to pay for transportation and lodging.”

MU donates to Mercy Center in the spirit of the holidays

By Eva Philips Staff writer

With Christmas around the corner, it might seem easy to become wrapped up in the excitement of gift-giving and holiday traditions.

However, this time of year is also a good opportunity to remember those in need and find ways to give back to the community.

Mercyhurst is providing an opportunity for students to brighten the holidays of women and children at the Mercy Center, a local charity organization.

The Mercy Center provides services and support to local women to assist them in becoming empowered and self-sufficient. The Center provides transitional housing, education through cooperation with GED programs, and life skills and parenting resources.

Mercyhurst shares an important bond with the Center: both were founded by the Sisters of Mercy with the goal of empowering women.

The Mercy Center was founded in 1994 by the Sisters of Mercy and is celebrating its twenty-fifth year of serving the community. It is housed in a former convent.

The Mercy Center opens its doors to homeless women who are driven to turn their lives around.

By assisting these women through educational programs, case management services, and life skills training, the Mercy Center gives homeless women the resources

Contributed photo

One of the overflowing donation boxes outside President Victor’s office.

they need to start a better life.

The Mercy Center also provides resources for children.

Mothers staying at the Mercy Center live with their children in a safe environment. The facility’s grounds have play areas and childcare services are available for mothers.

Throughout the final weeks of the semester, Mercyhurst will be running a donation campaign for the Mercy Center coordinated by Alice Edwards, Ph. D. a Spanish professor

here at Mercyhurst.

The Center is looking for donations of Christmas gifts as well as household items. Monetary gifts and gift cards are also accepted. Because the Mercy Center serves women and children of all ages, many items are eligible for donation.

For adult women, the Center is seeking items such as clothing accessories, jewelry, makeup and hair products, coloring books and movie passes.

For infants and toddlers, donations such as musical or interactive toys, blocks, trains and cloth books are ideal.

For older children, the Center recommends dolls, children’s movies, Legos, sports material and board games.

For its teenage residents, the Center asks for books, headphones, graphic tees and more.

Collection boxes will be on display throughout campus, including in Old Main by the office of President Victor.

Students looking to further assist the Mercy Center can apply to volunteer there, with more information on the Mercy Center website. The Mercy Center also runs a thrift store for clothing. All proceeds benefit the Mercy Center and its mission.

Service to those in need is a vital part of the Mercy Mission, and this collection is the perfect opportunity for Lakers to serve their community this Christmas.

PAGE 8

FEATURES

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Gillian Mazur photo

Students lined up at the Grotto to enjoy all the Thanksgiving food prepared by Parkhurst. They served Thanksgiving classics, like mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn and turkey.

Hurst celebrates Thanksgiving

By Gillian Mazur

Sports editor

Seemingly one of the most skipped over holidays, Thanksgiving seems to be ignored more and more every year within society.

An exception to this seems to be at Mercyhurst University where the annual Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the year.

According to most students, Thanksgiving dinner is traditionally one of the best tasting meals of the year, bringing students from all walks of life to the dining halls.

The annual feast has been a tradition since the beginning, or at least over the past 15 years since Parkhurst’s

General Manager, Katie Boyd has been on campus. Before the majority of campus departs to go home for break, international students and other students who are not able to go home can have a delicious meal with friends.

On Nov. 21, the feast was held in two locations this year, one at The Grotto Commons and another in Ryan Hall’s 501 Grille.

“Our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner planning has become a fine oiled machine, but there is a lot of time put into the planning and execution,” said Boyd.

A few examples of this are the timing put into making the turkeys, breads and delicious pies.

“We shut down the Over and the Deli to transform them into a giant meat, cheese and dip board. And you

Gillian Mazur photo

Seniors (Integrated Marketing and Communication majors) Abby Staub and Adrienne Nannen serving up some turkey to their fellow classmates.

can’t forget about all the decorating that we love to do!”

Boyd said.

According to Boyd, Parkhurst prepared 48 turkeys, 150 pies and 950 pounds of hand peeled and cut mashed potatoes to feed everyone for both dining halls.

With a typical turnout of 1,400 guests between the two dining halls, both had great participation this year. More students tend to eat at The Grotto Commons due to the sole tradition of lining up at the buffets, but Ryan Hall also held record breaking attendance this year.

“My favorite part of the Thanksgiving feast would have to be a tie between the mashed potatoes and any kind of pie,” Boyd said.

Gillian Mazur photo

Students enjoying the Thanksgiving feast prepared for them on Nov. 21 at the Grotto Commons.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

FEATURES

PAGE 9

Apply to be an RA for the 2020-2021 school year

By Marina Boyle

Managing editor

With 2019 coming to a close, the Office of Residence Life and Student Conduct is gearing up to welcome a new freshman class and provide housing options for everyone in August 2020.

To do so, the Assistant Directors and Hall Directors for Residence Life need a group of talented candidates eager to be Resident Assistants next year.

These assistants, or as they are more commonly known, RAs, work to create hospitable and fun living environments for the residents in their areas. This involves ensuring student safety, forming connections with neighbors and planning programs for bonding and education purposes.

The opportunity to become an RA is currently available to all students.

“We’re hoping to get a solid group of candidates who are looking to expand their leadership skills,” Chris Lewand, Assistant Director of Residence Life & Student Conduct for the Freshman Area, said.

The process includes an application with essay questions and references, a group processing activity and an individual interview. All undergraduate students, with the exception of seniors, are encouraged to apply if they are passionate about the job and want to show creativity, enthusiasm and character.

The application form is currently live on Handshake and is open Jan 31.

RA for the West Upperclassmen area, senior Alley Ed-

Contributed photo

The flyer for resident assistant applications. Apply to be an RA for the 2020-2021 school year.

monds felt there are a host of reasons as to why she encourages students to apply.

“If you want to be a part of campus life and make a difference in the lives of others, being an RA is exactly what you should do. Being an RA gives you the opportunity to meet people on a level you never have before, and allows you to become a part of a community that genuinely cares for one another,” Edmonds said.

Liz Reese, sophomore Intelligence Studies and World Languages and Cultures dual major, is an RA for the East Upperclassmen area. Reese shared similar sentiments.

“One of the reasons I like being an RA is because the Residence Life staff is like a family. I’m involved in many clubs on campus and this one seems to be the most tightknit,” Reese said.

Being an employee for Residence Life can boost a resume and gives students a chance to hone their communication, crisis management and conflict resolution skills. As well as this, RAs receive a free single room and a meal plan or meal stipend in return for their patience and dedication.

“Being an RA is an amazing experience for so many reasons,” Michael Grasso, Assistant Director of Residence Life and Conduct said.

“You’ll gain experience building community, working on a team, planning events, resolving conflicts and approaching difficult situations. This job touches on the creative, the analytical and the methodical. The skills you build and the experiences you gain are transferable to any job once you graduate. You can prepare for your future while simultaneously making the most of your time here as a Laker,” Grasso said.

LAKER MOMENT The Roost hosted celebrity bartenders on Dec. 2. Some of these bartenders were Sarah Allen, Megan McKenna, Matt Weaver, Ph. D., Ben Scharff, Ph.D., and MSG president Abby Staub. McKenna received the most tips. All together they raised $210 for the Caring for Kids fundraiser.

Contributed photo

MSG president and Intergrated Marketing and Communication major, Abby Staub serving drinks at The Roost.

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

DANCE REVIEW

‘Giselle’ ballet gave audience the ‘wilis’

By Alexandra Long

Staff writer

On Nov. 22, 23 and 24, the Mercyhurst Dance Department and The Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra presented “Giselle.”

The ballet was directed and produced by C. Noelle Partusch and featured a live orchestra directed

by Jonathan Moser.

Giselle, which is set in a medieval Rhineland village, revolves around two lovers: Giselle, a peasant girl, and Albrecht, a member of the nobility.

The first act of the ballet is set in the bright and lively woodland village where Giselle lives with her mother, a protective woman who is constantly concerned with her daughter’s weak heart and discourages her from dancing.

Among the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Albrecht appears with his squire and quickly disguises himself as a villager so he can meet Giselle.

The pair fall in love upon meeting, much to the excitement of Giselle’s friends and the dismay of her mother.

In an attempt to keep his identity a secret, Albrecht hides upon the arrival of a group of noblemen, which includes his betrothed, Bathilde, and her father.

To signal the arrival, a member of the company, clad in rich clothing, strutted around the stage accompanied by a very regal looking dog.

The audience was enthusiastic about the dog’s appearance and applauded twice within the minute he was on stage.

Upon the arrival of the nobility, the villagers welcome them, offer them drinks and perform several dances.

These dances were performed by students in the Dance Department.

Photo by Mark Santillano

A scene from the first act of Giselle.

Austin Duclos and Sarah Gregory, in particular, did an exceptional job during their performance of the “Pas de Deux” during the Friday performance.

Bathilde is especially drawn to Giselle and, touched by her kindness, gives her a necklace before their departure.

Albrecht’s true identity is uncovered by Hilarion, a gamekeeper who is also in love with Giselle and has been suspicious of the newcomer since his arrival.

Ramani Rosa, who performed as Hilarion during Friday’s performance, was especially energetic in his role and captured the character’s emotions exceptionally well.

After discovering Albrecht’s sword and noble attire, he presents them as proof to Giselle of her lover’s dishonesty and calls the nobles back.

At this point, Albrecht is forced to expose himself and greets Bathilde as his betrothed.

Heartbroken, Giselle throws herself into a dancing frenzy, only stopping when her heart gives out from exhaustion.

The death of Giselle sends the village into deep mourning.

The second act of the show is much darker than the first, and it takes place in the dark woods where Giselle is buried.

Here, the audience sees the Wilis, which are spirits of unwed, broken-hearted women seeking revenge.

Late at night, they summon the spirit of Giselle to join their group and haunt the forest.

The Wilis then catch Hilarion mourning the death of Giselle at her grave.

Their queen, Myrtha, orders

them to force Hilarion to dance until he dies of exhaustion.

Then, Albrecht appears to grieve at Giselle’s grave.

Giselle, still filled with love for Albrecht, forgives him.

The Wilis, however, sentence him to death despite repeated pleas from the pair to spare his life.

Ultimately, the power of Giselle’s love saves Albrecht’s life and the Wilis depart, leaving Giselle to say goodbye to Albrecht and peacefully return to her own grave.

While the Friday night performances by leads Megan Carnuche (Giselle) and Justin Michael Hogan (Albrecht) were incredible and portrayed a lot of emotion, the Wili dancers are also to be commended for their skill and elegance throughout the second act.

Overall, the choreography provided the perfect medium for the dancers to showcase their impressive talents and engage the audience.

The presence of the orchestra added immense value to the production.

Under the direction of Moser, the orchestra gave an engaging and lively performance, providing the perfect link between the performers on stage and the audience members.

Hopefully the Mercyhurst Dance Department and Civic Orchestra will continue to partner with one another for future performances.

Proceeds from the ballet went to SafeNet and the Jenni-Lyn Watson Memorial Scholarship Fund in remembrance of a deceased Mercyhurst Dance major.

Roost Reading before finals Cash was great MIAC REVIEW

By Elizabeth Shewan

Staff writer

Following the opening of The Roost this year, the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture has hosted two successful evenings of Readings at the Roost, with the third to come on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

This event was originally scheduled for Nov. 11 but was rescheduled due to weather.

The Readings at the Roost so far have celebrated Irish stories and writers.

September featured a reading of “Riders to the Sea” by John Millington Synge, and October featured Irish ghost stories.

The upcoming readings will showcase the work of Oscar Wilde.

“I wanted to do a series of reading that celebrated the university’s Irish heritage as well as these remarkable writers, and to try in some small way to recreate the feeling of gatherings at public

houses, where people would congregate to tell stories and listen to music and sing and dance and spend the long winter’s night,” said Brett Johnson, PhD, director of MIAC. “I think the Roost, the Playwright’s snug section of the Roost in particular, is perfect for that kind of event, it’s cozy, intimate, it provided an opportunity for communion and conversation,” Johnson said.

Events of the Readings at the Roost series have so far begun with a scholarly introduction.

An introduction will be provided for the upcoming event by Brian Reed, Ph.D., of the English Department, who will provide remarks on Oscar Wilde, his life and his works.

A curated selection from the works of Oscar Wilde, showcasing his range as a writer, will be presented, including excerpts from “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “The Picture of Dorian

Grey,” “De Profundis” and “The Ballad of Reading Gaol.”

It will also feature quotes by Wilde and a song from the musical “A Man of No Importance.”

The readings will feature students Tessa Sayre (senior, B.A. Psychology and English), Rosie Pregler (graduate student) and Jacob Tretinik (senior, B.S. Biology) and professors Gregory Brown, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English, James Snyder, Ph.D., Chair of the Philosophy Department and Verna Ehret Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Religious Studies.

“I don’t know if we will always focus on Irish writers or what the future of it is, but for the time being we’ve had really great reception, we’ve packed the room for the first two events, and I anticipate another eager crowd on December 9.”

This event will take place in the Playwright’s Snug of the Roost.

It is free and open to the public, but there is limited seating.

By Carlena Bressanelli

Staff writer

On Nov. 14, Rosanne Cash, daughter of famous singer-songwriter Johnny Cash, came to the Performing Arts Center.

Cash is a singer- songwriter like her father, and has also written four books.

She has also received several awards for her music.

For the performance, she was backed by a five piece band.

One player was her husband, John Leventhal.

Cash graced the Performing Arts Center with her voice, singing songs that she wrote herself and with Leventhal.

She and her band also sang a few covers.

Even though she is considered a country artist, her music drew on many genres, including folk, pop, rock, blues and, most nota-

bly, Americana.

Cash played some favorites and a song that she wrote for her husband.

She gave a performance that moved her across the stage.

Sitting or standing, she shared stories from her life in between songs.

She talked about moments with her father, her children and her husband.

Some of her songs were slower while others had the audience moving along with the beat.

Cash additionally sang songs from her most recent album, which is called “She Remembers Everything,” a reference to her father’s famous cover of the Nine Inch Nails song, “Hurt.”

One of these was “Crossing to Jerusalem” from the new album.

If you were not at the concert, then you missed a good show.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 11

Don’t be chickens, come see ‘Dickens’

By Victoria Mcginty Staff writer

From Dec. 5 through Dec. 8, the Mercyhurst University Theatre department will host a production of “A Dickens of a Carol” in the Taylor Little Theatre.

“A Dickens of a Carol” is a framed narrative.

It begins on Christmas 1843, when Charles Dickens (Jacob Tretinik, senior, B.S. Biology) invites Thomas Mitton (Doug Powers, Ph.D.), the dear friend to whom he eventually bequeathed the original manuscript of “A Christmas Carol,” over to celebrate the successful publication of his novel.

Because Dickens’ family is tired of hearing the story and because neither man has anyone to spend the evening with, Dickens implores Mitton to stay and read the story aloud.

As the men recite Dickens’ words, the familiar tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to life as never before, reminding both the author and his friend what is worth celebrating at Christmas and after.

Alumna Sarah Krempasky (‘18, B.A. Music) guest directs a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” by Mary Barile, Ph.D. The new version was penned by award-winning playwright and historian Barile, who previously adapted “Anne of Green Gables” and “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad: An Erie Ghost

Story” for the Mercyhurst Theatre Program.

Barile, who holds a doctorate from the University of Missouri, has adapted forgotten American plays such as “The Pedlar and

Liberty in Louisiana” and the writings of Mark Twain, M.R. James, Homer and Washington Irving.

Her works have been performed at The York Theatre, The

transformed into the Christmas spirit after this production, which has been a highly anticipated event for some time.

This production features many talented students including: Tori Altsman, Sara Bengar, Jakarri Buckner, Allison Christopher, Mary Danko, Colin Domowicz, Seth Gibson, Rachele Heasley, Nick Humes, Mackenzie Kiker, Lochlan Snider-Mills, Brenna O’Connor, Braden Rosciszewski, Jenna Rosciszewski, Ella Santillano, Caroline Schroer, Amanda Schueren, Elizabeth Shewan, Rondale Smith and Abby Whitman.

The creative team also includes assistant director/dramaturge Bethany Sulecki, scenic designer Tucker Topel, lighting designer Madeleine Steineck, choreographer Jennie Cross, stage manager Darby Shafron and assistant stage manager Joey Franz.

The Mercyhurst community is much thrilled to see this performance.

Performances of “A Dickens of a Carol” are scheduled for Dec. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7-8 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $16 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $6 for students (with a valid Mercyhurst I.D.) and youth.

For more information on this Open Eye, and Arclight Theatres production visit miac.mercyhurst. in New York, the American Coledu. lege Theatre Festival at the Kennedy Center and regional theatres in the U.S. and Canada.

Audiences should expect to be

‘Ten Tenors’ tender tones Christmas gala MIAC REVIEW

By Eva Philips Staff writer

On Dec. 2, Mercyhurst welcomed the Ten Tenors to spread some Christmas cheer to the Erie community.

The Ten Tenors, a 10-man choral ensemble from Australia, performed a wide range of selections in this “Home for the Holidays” show.

The group is known worldwide for its stunning tenor harmonies, so it was a gift to have them on campus for the evening.

They certainly did not disappoint.

The concert opened with a powerful rendition of “Joy to the World,” which was met with loud applause from the audience.

Even at the beginning of the concert, the audience’s energy and enthusiasm was high, and only increased as the evening progressed.

Following “Joy to the World” was “Adeste Fideles,” the Latin version of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

Other Christmas selections included “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and of course Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Their performance of the tradi-

tional hymn “O Holy Night” was particularly moving.

However, the Ten Tenors did not limit themselves to Christmas songs.

Their performance of a medley of songs by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons was particularly thrilling, beautifully showcasing the higher end of the Tenors’ vocal range.

In the second half of the show, they performed “Bohemian Rhapsody,” earning a standing ovation for their rendition of this classic Queen song.

The Ten Tenors’ subtle yet effective choreography made their performance even more enjoyable and engaging.

Their actions were smooth and well-rehearsed, and it was clear to the audience that they had worked hard to create a wonderful show.

Additionally, each member of the group had a chance to shine, with brief solos interspersed among the group harmonies.

The Ten Tenors did not just show off their singing abilities, however — they also demonstrated a collective sense of fun.

They closed the first half of the show with a medley of famous female anthems, from Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off ” to Aretha Frank-

lin’s “Respect.”

One notable strength of the group was their ability to transition seamlessly between more solemn pieces such as “O Holy Night” and energetic, fun songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

In any other show, the presence of vastly different songs may have led to a disjointed or uneven performance, but the Ten Tenors successfully crafted a show that contained a great diversity of music without losing any flow or effectiveness.

On sale after the show was a variety of Ten Tenors merchandise, from clothing to travel mugs.

Most importantly, the Tenors’ Christmas album was available for purchase.

The group noted during their performance that the net proceeds of the album will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Overall, the Ten Tenors’ “Home for the Holidays” concert proved to be a wonderful way to get in the Christmas spirit.

Though the group hails from the other side of the world, they surely discovered for one night what Mercyhurst students know to be true — that Hurst is Home.

By Abigail Stevens Staff writer

Christmas is coming to campus a little early this year, bringing with it the annual Mercyhurst Christmas Gala.

This year’s holiday concert will take place on Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

The concert will feature the University’s three largest ensembles: the Concert Choir, directed

by Thomas Brooks, the Wind Ensemble, directed by Scott Meier, PhD, and the Civic Orchestra, directed by Jonathon R. Moser.

The Mercyhurst Chamber Choir will also perform selections.

The orchestra’s repertoire consists of a variety of yuletide favorites, including “Carol of the Bells,” “Christmas at the Movies,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Deck the Halls.”

When asked about programming the night’s repertoire, Moser said, “I chose these as songs that are both particularly evocative of the season and contain something of what our ensemble would like to say to the audience, such as ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”’

When asked for pieces to look forward to, he said, “The orchestra particularly enjoys ‘Christ-

mas at the Movies’ as it contains themes from several of the more recent movies that have become holiday traditions for many, such as ‘Polar Express’ and ‘Home Alone.”’

This means that Christmas cheer will be plentiful for the audience who attend this weekend’s concert, and there is a sing-along planned.

Nothing spreads the holiday spirit quite like belting out some holiday classics, including “Joy to the World,” “We Three Kings,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Hark, the Herald,” “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

If you are looking for a way to wind down before the chaos of finals week sets in or get in the holly, jolly, Christmas spirit, then the Mercyhurst Christmas Gala just might be the right event to attend.

It is both a festive evening and a way to support Mercyhurst musicians.

“This will be an afternoon to relax and enjoy beautiful music being made by amazing students who will soon be a part of our professional world,” Moser said.

Tickets are $6 for general admission and $3 for Mercyhurst students and children 12 and under.

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD This is our last full week of classes.

Good luck on your finals!

Students opinion regarding Disney+

By Victoria

Mcginty

Staff writer

BAD This is the last edition of the Merciad for the year.

WEIRD Thanksgiving break happened much later than usual this year, throwing everybody off.

The Merciad STUDENT EDITORS Lauren Abbott ..........................Editor in Chief Marina Boyle ........................Managing Editor Kristian Biega ...............................News Editor Maria Williams .......................Features Editor Gillian Mazur ..............................Sports Editor Lauren Ganger ..............................A&E Editor Anthony Miller ..........................Opinion Editor Rebecca Dunphy ...........................Copy Editor Megan Stubbs ............................ Ad Manager Steph Przepiora ...................................Advisor Contact editors at merciad@mercyhurst.edu

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor.

All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit.

Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at merciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

On Nov. 12, many of us reconnected with our inner child as the streaming service Disney+ was officially released to the public.

Needless to say, many people, myself included, were ecstatic to reconnect with our childhoods.

Along with all of the classics like “Hannah Montana” and “High School Musical,” Disney+ introduced an array of original series.

Examples of original series include a spin-off of the aforementioned “High School Musical,” aptly titled: “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.”

This spin-off takes place in 2019 and centers around a new generation of teenagers going to school at East High putting on a production of, wait for it, “High School Musical.”

The series is ultimately a cringe-worthy attempt at modernizing a classic, iconic film that defined our generation and if you’re like me, you watch the series because it’s so bad it’s

funny.

Along with all of our favorite Disney shows, almost every Disney movie is featured on the service as well.

Disney+ has a healthy variety of classic films and shows fit for every age.

If you can think of a Disney movie or TV show, it’s there.

Even before you try searching, the interface serves up plenty of suggestions, including a great mix of nostalgia and Disney Channel one-hit-wonder shows.

With the iconic Disney vault being unlocked by the House of Mouse, Disney+ gives older generations and millennials alike a rush of nostalgia.

It also offers things that most viewers have not seen before, such as obscure old Disney shorts.

Disney+ also allows younger and upcoming generations to become enriched in Disney’s living history in film.

While the days of Disney on VHS are behind us, Disney+ offers the opportunity for families, college students, and younger children to take part in the rich legacy that Disney holds in our culture.

I think getting a Disney+ subscription was the best

decision I’ve made in a long time.

I can without hesitation admit that I’ve spent the last two weeks of my life watching “Hannah Montana,” “The Simpsons” and “Lizzie McGuire” during any free time that I had.

One of the only shortcomings there is when it comes to this new streaming service is that there are several shows and movies missing.

This includes “The Mighty Ducks,” “The Proud Family” and many others.

Secondly, while I can’t speak to this for every place on campus, I can say that in my personal experience Disney+ fails to cooperate with the Laker Vapor services and as a result, comes up as a disconnect on my television in Baldwin.

Otherwise, the only way I can stream the service lately is on my phone while disconnected from the university’s WiFi. This, naturally, makes Disney+ hard to properly stream.

Despite these faults, however, Disney+ is nonetheless a gift from heaven above.

Many others, including myself, look forward to the future success of the service under the House of Mouse.

On the Ryan Crosswalks

to and from Ryan Hall on the sidewalk that passes the Audrey Hirt Academic Center.

Mazur Over 300 students live in Ryan, Sports Editor and I highly doubt that anyone, including myself, is going to take Many people, students the extra time to walk to the included, love to complain. nearest crosswalk in the cold.

There is one issue that every Ryan’s dining hall and Mercyhurst student has ranted convenience store also bring in about, and that is the speed of a lot of students, increasing the the cars on campus and the lack number of people not using the of crosswalks on campus. crosswalk because it is so far out I like to consider myself a very of the way. observant person by nature.

Furthermore, the actual A few weeks ago I noticed crosswalk derails from the two of the newest installations closest, most time-saving direct on campus: two signs on both path between Ryan and Hirt. sides of Briggs Avenue that say, Lastly, the signs are useless “Please Use Crosswalk at Nearest because cars fail to stop at the Intersection.” crosswalks anyways despite the I understand that Mercyhurst signs and crosswalk lines. cannot add crosswalks on Briggs If anything, the location of because it is owned by the city of the actual crosswalk is more Erie and not Mercyhurst. dangerous because cars do However, I doubt that these not stop and can either come two measly signs will fix anything. speeding down a hill or making There are three main reasons a sharp turn from East 41st St why the signs are essentially onto Briggs. useless and nothing more than a At least between the path of lawn decoration.

Ryan and Hirt, there are only two One reason is that the majority directions that cars can come of foot traffic is students coming from as opposed to the four at

By Gillian

the intersection between 41st and Briggs.

There are many places and instances where I and my fellow peers have almost been hit by a car at Mercyhurst.

However, I do not blame the school.

It just so happens that Erie owns the roads and controls what can be placed where.

Additionally, there are signs such as stop signs that drivers just ignore.

Life is busy, I understand that.

But student drivers and other members of the Erie community always seem to be in such a rush.

To avoid speeding, perhaps drivers should leave their house earlier?

Maybe the only way to have drivers stop would be to start ticketing and pulling people over so people learn that you do not speed on a college campus.

Drivers should consider the fact that a college campus is full of pedestrians.

It seems like the only possible way to avoid being squashed for now is to wait until all the cars pass.

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to merciad@mercyhurst.edu

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

OPINION

PAGE 13

The comeback of the HURST STUDENTS Pittsburgh Pirates Neal Huntington never came to fruition.

By William I am a firm believer, as many Zytnick others are, that these promises, Staff writer though well-intentioned, would never have come true if things In recent years, the Pittsburgh had stayed the way they were.

Pirates have done what many The fans demanded change people in Major League Baseball and just recently they would get considered to be absolutely their long-desired wish as the unthinkable. longtime manager Clint Hurdle That being, to become a was relieved of his duties. playoff team eager to compete Even though he was assured for that taste of glory they to be back for next season, Frank haven’t tasted since they last won Coonelly parted ways with the the World Series way back in team.

1979.

In the words of the legendary In 2013, the Pirates shocked movie, “Monty Python and the the world and ended a 21-year Holy Grail:” there was much postseason drought by playing rejoicing. host to the National League Frank was then immediately Wild Card Game against the replaced by former chief Cincinnati Reds. operating officer of the The scene at beautiful the PNC Pittsburgh Penguins, Travis Park was electric.

Williams.

As I watched the game, it In my opinion, Frank had undoubtably felt like being at a solid track record up to that one of those massive European point, making him a good pick. soccer games.

Finally, the last person to Back in 2015, an entire four go was general manager Neal years ago, was the last year to Huntington. date the Pittsburgh Pirates made He was relieved of his duties the postseason. even though he had two years During this time, when the remaining on his current team was not contending, upper contract. management insisted that they In sports language, this means had heard the fans frustration. they really, really wanted to be They stressed that they were done with this guy. fully committed to bringing They didn’t even wait another a winning team to the city of few years for his contract to Pittsburgh. expire.

But those promises made by At the end of the day, owner the likes of team owner Bob Bob Nutting finally did what Nutting, Team President Frank needed to be done many years Coonelly and General Manager ago.

He delivered justice to the fans who have stuck by this team through thick and thin by completely cleaning house of the old management and bringing about new changes to the organization.

This is what I, and countless other Pirates fans, have wanted for many years.

Now is the time for Bob Nutting to make sure that the new team president Travis Williams hires the correct people for this job.

He needs to hire people who truly and deeply understand the modern approach to the great game of baseball.

He needs to make sure that he is signing players for a reasonable amount.

He has to try and put the best players on the field, to bolster Pittsburgh’s ranks with the cream of the crop.

He has to hire the right manager to show the players the way to a championship and finally fulfilling the promise that these great fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates deserve.

He needs to deliver a longawaited and long-desired World Series title.

If ownership does these things correctly this glimmer of light which is slowly forming could hopefully become something magical.

It could become an amazing season for both present and future fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates to enjoy for years to come.

SPEAK UP We asked: What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Hannah Park, senior Marketing major: “Every year I go to my Grandma’s house on Christmas Eve and just spend time with family. I’ve done it ever since I could remember and we always make cookies with Santa stopping for a visit too!”

Chianne Kline, junior Psychology major: “My favorite holiday tradition is my mom reading the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve and then putting out cookies and milk. It’s always really cute and fun.”

Ella DiPietro, senior Intelligence Studies and Religious Studies major: “My favorite tradition is going to the Erie Otters hockey game on Thanksgiving!”

Morgan Dinsmore, sophomore, English major: “My favorite holiday tradition is having my extended family over at my dad’s house for Christmas Eve dinner.”

Compiled by Erin Almeter

Why people are saying “OK Boomer”

When you label tens, if not hundreds of millions of people

By Eva based on their generation, you Philips can’t expect them to sit there and Staff writer take it.

Hence, “OK, boomer.” But This article has an important that’s unacceptable, right? It’s message for the baby boomer unfair to be stereotyped based generation. on… oh.

By now, you’ve surely heard the See what I did there? phrase that’s sweeping the nation: The generational labeling is “OK, boomer.” nothing new, and us Gen-Z kids Chances are likely that it and millennials aren’t the ones offended you. who started it.

After all, absolutely nobody And as for the whole idea likes to be stereotyped based on that we were raised expecting their generation, and yet here we “participation trophies,” I have to are. ask: who were the ones handing Millennials, born between those out?

1981 and 1996, are characterized I’m not saying that “OK, as lazy, selfish “snowflakes” boomer” is right, quite the who expect a “participation opposite, in fact. trophy”even when they fail.

I don’t feel that that sort of Those born between 1997 clapback is at all constructive. and 2010 are considered to be But for many, many young Generation Z. people, it’s cathartic, and that They are labeled as being seems to be enough. obsessed with technology, An offensive remark leads to dependent on their smartphones, a clapback, which leads to anger, and even more self-centered than which leads to a confrontation, millennials. which leads to an offensive

remark.

Rinse and repeat.

It might be easy to dismiss “OK, boomer” as just another sign that the youths are disrespectful and entitled.

But I propose, for just a moment, that you consider our point of view.

We grew up hearing that we have it so much easier than you, our elders.

But is that really true?

Chances are, the majority of us don’t remember a world before 9/11.

We grew up in the shadow of the longest war in all of American history, a war that is ongoing.

On the home front, so to speak, we lived with the dark, constant presence of terrorist attacks and mass shootings.

We couldn’t feel fully safe anywhere, not at school, or at the movies, or even at the grocery store.

On top of that, we were the ones coming of age when the infamous 2008 financial crisis

occurred.

Suddenly, we lost the promise that every prior generation had once had, that with hard work, economic prosperity would follow.

We saw adults losing their jobs and realized that our future was uncertain.

The cost of living and expense of college tuition have increased since you were young people, and the wages haven’t risen to meet them.

And if that isn’t enough, we can clearly see that the world is headed toward a near-inevitable environmental crisis.

The undeniable - yes, it is undeniable - threat of climate change endangering the entire planet.

It may be easy for you to shrug off, since the full effects may not be felt for decades.

But for us, that’s within our lifetime, and our potential childrens’ lifetimes.

Through all of this, we have been told time and time again that we are, among other things,

entitled, tech-obsessed, selfish and ignorant.

It’s enough to make anyone want to clap back.

Enter the now-infamous phrase: “OK, boomer.”

And, with that, the rest is history.

My point is not to increase animosity and division between our generations.

Nor do I want to say that you didn’t experience any hardship or fear growing up.

Instead, I’m trying to give you a bit of insight into our experience.

Hopefully, when we all gather over the holidays, we can agree to leave the stereotypes at home.

Hopefully, we can instead try a good helping of empathy and understanding.

That’s the only way we’ll overcome the generational divide and find solutions for the problems that threaten our world —together.

This message is made with love from Generation Z to the baby boomer generation.

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Lakers go 1-1 before holiday

By Erin Almeter

Staff writer

The Mercyhurst’s women’s basketball team faced Shepherd University on Nov. 24th at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Despite going into the game unbeaten, Shepherd lost to the Lakers, 84-80.

This game represented Mercyhurst’s first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) contest with Shephard since the Rams joined the conference for the 2019-20 season.

Mercyhurst was up very quickly in the game with field goals by Emily Shopene, Lauren Lapertosa and Amber Renz.

Shepherd came back, but the Lakers countered with shots from Vivian Allison, as it continued to be a very close game.

After the first quarter, the score was tied at 20. A frantic second quarter saw Shepherd take a 4741 lead.

In the second half, the Lakers fought back with baskets by Nicolete Newman, Allison and Renz.

Shepherd refused to go away, however, and it took a 53-50 advantage.

But Mercyhurst’s Eliza Oswalt scored and tied things up at 57-57.

By the end of the third, Shopene scored a layup at the buzzer on a pass from Renz, and the Lakers took a one-point lead with a score of 62-61.

Moving into the fourth and final quarter, Meghan Komendarek helped the Lakers’ cause by making four free throws.

With the help of Shopene, Renz and Newman, Mercyhurst held a 77-70 lead and finished strong to hold on for the conference win.

During the game, Mercyhurst

Ed Mailliard photo

The Lakers’ Nicolete Newman dribbles during Mercyhurst’s Nov. 27 game against Ursuline College. The Lakers fell 68-63.

shot 47.5 percent from the floor.

Shopene led the Lakers with 16 points, Renz had 13, Lapertosa added 12 and Allison chipped in 11.

Over Thanksgiving break, the Lakers also took on Ursuline College on Nov. 27 at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

The game saw several lead changes, and Mercyhurst rallied in the second half, but Ursuline eventually pulled ahead for a 6863 win.

The game had a slow start, but Lapertosa and Renz staked the Lakers to an early 4-2 lead.

But the first quarter ended with a score of 16-15 with the Ursuline

Arrows ahead.

The Lakers were ahead in the second quarter, 23-20, after Renz and Allison made shots.

The second-quarter score of 30-27 went to Ursuline despite Mercyhurst’s Komendarek and Newman scoring four points each.

The two teams continued to fight for positioning in the second half, but Ursuline pushed the lead to 45-31.

However, the Lakers scored eight of the last 12 points in the third quarter, with the help of Jenna Kunst, Stephanie Petery and Oswalt.

In the fourth and final quarter,

Women’s ice hockey nets back-to-back wins

By Bernard Garwig

Staff writer

Over Thanksgiving weekend, the Mercyhurst Lakers women’s ice hockey won a pair over the Union College Dutchwomen.

After a 4-3 overtime win in Game One, the Lakers would shut out the Dutchwomen 2-0 in their second match of the series.

In the first game, the Lakers were up in the first period 2-0 off of two scores by Emily Pinto (assisted by junior Summer-Rae Dobson and sophomore Alexane Rheaume on the first, Dobson and junior Rachel Marmen on the second) in the period’s latter half.

The Dutchwomen would score during the second half of the first period and would open the scoring in the second period to tie the score at two.

Despite this, the Lakers would retake the lead by the end of the period, with a score by junior

Alexa Vasko (assisted by seniors Sam Isbell and Emma Nuutinen) coming with less than three minutes left in the second period.

Once again though, the Dutchwomen made it clear they were not going out without a fight. Union scored a third score of their own, coming off of a powerplay that would tie the game until the end of regulation.

The Dutchwomen, however, would not enjoy any opportunity to come away with a victory, as Dobson scored the winning tally 36 seconds into the overtime period.

The next day, the Lakers would not give the Dutchwomen a chance at victory, with two unanswered first period goals sealing the deal.

Scores came from Nuutinen (assisted by Isbell and Vasko) off the powerplay, and sophomore Sarah Nelles (assisted by Pinto and senior Maggie Knott).

Debuting for the Lakers in goal was freshman Jenna Silvonen, earning her first career win and shutout with 15 saves against the Dutchwomen.

The next time the Lakers (9-41) take to the ice is this Friday and Saturday, when they travel to Robert Morris University (9-5-2) for a pair of contests.

Fans can also catch the Lakers at the tail end of finals week, as Mercyhurst competes against St. Cloud University (4-10-1) on Dec. 13-14.

“We need to speed up our game and focus on our defensive game,” Nuutinen said about the Lakers play this season. “We want to win our league and be one of the top teams in the country, so in order to do that, we need to be able to make quicker decisions on the ice.

We are improving our game every day. I have a good feeling about this year.”

the Ursuline lead was cut down to 65-57 thanks in part to Lapertosa, Newman, Shopene and Renz.

With 89 seconds left, Ursulin held a 66-63 lead. Mercyhurst went scoreless for the balance of the game, as Ursuline increased its cushion.

The Lakers went 40.6 percent from the floor, and Newman was able to score 14 points while also gaining three assists and two steals.

Renz helped with 12 points, Lapertosa with eight, and seven points were scored by both Shopene and Petery.

Coach Brooklyn Kohlheim remained optimistic about her first

year coaching at Mercyhurst.

“My first year has been great so far,” she said. “The hospitality across campus and within the community is awesome. This is a really good group of players that are really fun to coach.”

She also discussed the goals for this year, which include making the PSAC tournament while focusing on coming together as a team.

As for how the team played, Kohlheim said she was proud of the Lakers’ abilities.

She described it as “a group effort.”

“Our bench was incredible and our energy and effort carried over from possession to possession,” she said.

She also praised the leadership from the team.

Looking forward on ways to improve, Kohlheim specifically mentioned improving defense and communication.

To make it to the PSAC tournament, Kolheim said the team must have its “eyes on the top of the conference – Cal, IUP and Edinboro.”

“You have to watch everyone and come ready to play every single game so I really try hard to not focus on anything but the immediate game before us,” Kohlheim said.

With these last two games under their belts, the Lakers are currently 2-5 overall and 2-0 in PSAC. The Lakers will return to the court on Saturday, Dec. 7, when they play against the West Chester University Golden Rams on the road.

HURST RESULTS Nov. 15: Men’s soccer vs.

Millersville University (PSAC quarterfinal): 2-1, Millersville (Lakers finish 10-6-2, 6-3-1) Nov. 15: Women’s bowling @ Wildcat DII-DIII invitational: Lakers placed 10th Nov. 24: Women’s ACHA ice hockey vs. Villanova University: 4-1, Lakers (7-6) Nov. 30: Men’s ice hockey vs.

Robert Morris University: 2-2 tie (48-1)

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

SPORTS

PAGE 15

Men’s basketball dominates

By Will Zytnick

Staff Writer

After defeating Millersville University 87-85 on Nov. 23, the Mercyhurst men’s basketball team entered the court the following day very confidently to face the Shepherd University Rams in the cool confines of the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

In the opening five minutes of the game, both sides fought for every inch of the court. Five consecutive shots from both teams resulted in three ties to start the score at 10-10.

The Rams capitalized on a Mercyhurst foul allowing Shepherd to hit two free throws giving the rams a two-point lead.

Mercyhurst would not stand around as guard Steve Cannaday added a three-pointer, returning the lead to Mercyhurst.

The Rams quickly responded with a triple and six more points in a surprising nine point run giving the edge back to Shepherd with a score of 21-13 with 9:28 remaining.

The Lakers quickly responded with a pair of three-pointers by guard Trystan Pratapas to cut into the Rams lead, making the score 23-19 at the 11:44 mark.

Shepherd would then respond by adding seven more points with five minutes left, turning the score

Victoria McGinty photo

Mercyhurst’s Miykah McIntosh, No. 0, prepares to shoot a free throw.

to 30-21.

Going on an 11-2 rampage, the Lakers’ Miykah McIntosh buried a triple.

Forward Joel Ufele capped off McIntosh’s basket with a jumper to tie the game at 32-32.

With two minutes left, guards

Nicholas Lang and Zach McIntire added two baskets, turning the score back to another tie at 34-34.

Guard Michael Bradley then sunk an unbelievable three-quarters court shot to give Mercyhurst a three-point lead at halftime with the score 37-34.

The Lakers started strong to begin the second half with Ufele, McIntire and Lang combining an 8-3 push giving the Lakers an edge with the score 45-37 with 17:48 left.

With 15:33 remaining, the Laker faithful clung onto a 45-38 ad-

vantage.

Ufele knocked down a two, adding insult to injury with the score 47-38.

From then on, the Lakers dominated on the floor adding 14 points, wrapped up nicely by four baskets by McIntosh to stretch the Laker lead to 59-38 at the 9:24 mark.

The Rams tried anything to chip at the Lakers’ performance by adding five more points, cutting the lead to 59-43 at exactly the ten-minute mark.

Shepherd’s surprising run came to a halt as both teams went cold.

The Lakers eventually took over, ultimately taming the Rams.

At the 14:39 mark Lang hit two free throws to cap off an 11-0 run.

The game ended with Mercyhurst on top, with the final score 69-59, and thus, sweeping the weekend.

Coach Manchel shared what he felt the Lakers need to improve on even after getting the win.

“We were sloppy in some areas, but I felt we played a good game, we made some big plays and got the win which helps.”

The men’s basketball team is set to face West Chester University of Pennsylvania away on Dec. 7.

The next home game is Dec. 14 versus the Le Moyne College Dolphins at 3 p.m.

Wrestling takes on the Lake LET’S GO, Erie Storm Open, placing four LAKERS!

By Gillian Mazur

Sports editor

On Nov. 24, the Mercyhurst Lakers’ wrestling team participated in the annual Lake Erie Storm Open at Painesville, Ohio.

Hosted by Lake Erie College, the Lakers were able to earn four place winners at the Storm Open.

Redshirt senior Logan Grass (165lbs) and redshirt junior Jacob Robb (285lbs) each were able to earn second-place finishes in their respective weight classes.

Junior Eric Bartos (133lbs) nabbed a fourth-place finish in his weight class and sophomore Michael Clark (157lbs) gained an eighth-place finish in his class.

“Individually, I felt pretty healthy and strong which was pretty important to me after having surgery and moving up in weight since last year,” said Bartos.

“My wrestling was a little sloppy, but the tournament allowed me to locate areas that need improvement and technique that can be fine-tuned.”

Head Coach Mike Wehler said, “We showed some improvements at Lake Erie from the previous two tournaments.”

Grass opened the tournament with a 19-0 technical fall over Michael Blakemore of the Lake Erie

Storm, outscoring him by more than 15 points.

Not even a minute into the second period, Grass was able to pin his opponent in 50 seconds, thus advancing to the semifinals.

In the semifinals, Grass was able to score a 9-4 decision over Ohio State wrestler Cade Hepner but unfortunately fell in the finals to another Ohio State opponent Carson Kharchla.

Starting strong, Robb was able to win the first match in just 24 seconds. In the following quarterfinals, he was able to earn a technical fall 22-7. In the semis, he tallied another first period fall in 1:24. Ending his winning streak, Robb fell to Gary Traub of Ohio State 9-4.

Grass said, “As a team, I thought we definitely showed some overall improvements at the Lake Erie Open. We worked on some specific things in practice leading up to the event and I thought as a team we executed those things pretty well when we competed.”

Starting with a 10-5 win over Nick Oldham of Ohio State, Bartos advanced to the next round where he took a major decision over Wyatt Lutz of West Virginia. He lost 4-3 in the semifinals and dropped a 9-3 decision in the third-place match, earning him a fourth-place finish.

Clark began the tournament with a major decision, winning 15-6. Taking a loss in the second round, Clark battled hard, winning three more matches to reach the consolation semifinals. In his final round, Clark dropped an 18-4 major decision before a no contest, putting him in 8th place.

“Compared to the first couple of tournaments, the team looked more offensive and more willing to score points. Also, we were able to score a lot of points in the bottom position, which we struggled with earlier this season,” Grass said.

Additionally, on Nov. 25, Grass earned the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference [PSAC] Wrestler of the Week title. With a 3-1 overall record and second place at 165, Grass is the second Laker wrestler to earn the title with Robb earning the title the previous week.

“As far as PSAC Wrestler of the Week goes, I am very grateful and excited to have received that honor. However, I don’t like to dwell on it too much, as there is always room for improvement as well as more work to be done. My goal is to improve every week, both as an individual and a team,” Grass said.

Mercyhurst also elected to give Grass the Mercyhurst Athlete of the Week honors on Nov. 26 due

to his hard work in the Lake Erie Open.

Bartos said, “The tournament went well overall. There was a lot of Division I competition but we held our own against them pretty well. I thought our team looked relatively good. We struggled in a couple areas which our coach has been working with us since.

Our team is really on the edge of achieving something great and with a little more push in the practice room and some more team morale then it’s ours for the taking.”

Wehler said, “We have to continue to improve each week as we prepare for our season-opening dual meets this weekend.”

“It was definitely a step in the right direction. We need to continue working on things this coming week and use Lake Erie as momentum for our first conference dual of the season which is at home this coming Friday,” Grass said.

The Lakers are set to open their dual season schedule at home in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center versus the Millersville University Marauders in a PSAC match on Dec. 6. at 7 p.m.

This will be the first home competition for the Lakers for the 2019-2020 season.

Dec. 6-7, RIT @ 7:05 p.m.: Men’s ice hockey vs. Rochester Institute of Technology Dec. 6-7, Robert Morris University @ 7:05 p.m. and 5:05 p.m.: Women’s ice hockey vs. Robert Morris University Dec. 8, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 1:00 p.m.: Women’s club ice hockey vs. University at Buffalo

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by the Chuckler