No .3/ 9/2 2/1 0/F ree Vol .84 ,
Defensive end Fred Hale tackles leadership role
By D.J. Haurin Staff writer
Defense
wins championships. Coaches across the nation preach this to every team. Mercyhurst College football is no different. Although a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship has yet to come Mercyhurst’s way, the team’s defense has won some big games during the past few seasons. Senior Fred Hale has led this defensive attack the past two seasons.
‘Hurst delays WebMail to mymail migration Page 3
Hale became a regular his sophomore year, starting every game at defensive end. He kept his performance level high and earned the starting job again in 2009. Now, at the start of his senior year, Hale is playing at his highest level as one of the key leaders on defense. “I see myself as a leader. I try to lead by example by always working hard and trying to
do right,” Hale said. The “right” path on the field has sent success Hale’s way since 2008. Last year, Hale recorded a career high 41 tackles, 13.5 of which were for a loss of a combined 50 yards. Hale is off to a flying start in 2010, already recording 15 tackles.
Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis to perform at PAC
Point-counterpoint argument on Taser use
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Story continued on Page 8
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NEWS
September 22, 2010
Students get involved with help of RSCO, Service Fair By Jennifer McCurdy Staff writer
Tyler Stauffer photo
Students spoke with members of various clubs and representatives from local charities on Wednesday, Sept. 15.
Students “explored possibilities” and “discovered opportunities” at the safari themed Recognized Student Clubs and Organizations (RSCO) and Service Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Within the Herrmann Student Union, 60 RSCOs and 27 organizations for service opportunities set up tables to inform students about various opportunities for involvement on campus and volunteer work. The Center for Student Engagement and Leadership Development teamed up with Service Learning to host the fair. This was the first year the RSCO Fair and the Service Fair took place simultaneously. Director of Service Learning Colin Hurley explained why the fairs were combined.
“We’re able to introduce students to service opportunities and allow service clubs to network,” he said. Sarah Allen, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership Development, said she estimated the networking opportunities attracted 300 to 450 students. “We hope students can connect and get involved this year,” she said. In that regard, the RSCO and Service Fair served its purpose well. Several newer clubs, such as the Anime Club and Book Club, reported a doubling of membership within the first hour of the event. Sophomore Judy Golden, who worked at the Anime Club table, said, “We have more people signed up this year than we had in the club last year.” Likewise, sophomore Amanda Stafford, treasurer of the Book Club, said, “We’ve gained many
new members through the RSCO fair.” Stafford used the RSCO fair to talk to prospective members and direct them to the club’s new Facebook page. Students looking for ways to get involved on campus filled the Student Union for a chance to meet with members of various clubs and representatives of local charities. Freshman Kahla Wilson said, “I came to find out how to get more involved and look for volunteer opportunities.” Due to the large amount of students who attended the fair and the number of clubs represented, the major complaint of the day was the lack of space. Junior Brandon Miller of the Public Speaking Club said, “We need bigger tables next year.” Overall students looking for ways to get involved and clubs seeking members considered the RSCO and Service Fair to be a success.
’Hurst debuts in College Prowler Lumen seeks student submissions By Jennifer McCurdy Staff writer
College Prowler, an American publishing company that releases guidebooks for nearly 300 different colleges, recently added Mercyhurst College to its online college rankings list. College Prowler helps students find the college that is right for them, and the Web site includes tools such as financial aid calculators, personality matching quizzes and scholarship opportunities. The Web site gives each school a “report card” on various aspects of college life such as academics, campus dining and local atmosphere. Out of the approximate 100 students who were surveyed, Mercyhurst received both B’s and C’s but not a single A. Gannon University earned similar grades, although it earned an A for its nightlife. Although the majority of student reviews are positive, some reviews rated the Mercyhurst harshly. Students particularly complained about health and safety, which earned a C. Other bad grades lie beyond the
control of the college. Weather and off-campus dining earned C’s as well. The list of the worst things about Mercyhurst was topped with apartments, availability of parking and cold weather. Not all of the ratings painted Mercyhurst in a bad light. The best things about the college include the academic programs, The Hammermill Library and Mercyhurst’s beautiful campus, which were all given a grade above average. Senior Kristen Grenga commented about Mercyhurst College on College Prowler. “I really enjoyed my time spent here at Mercyhurst. The campus is beautiful, and there was always something for me to do,” she said. The company relies on current college students to write about the things students really want to know about prospective colleges. Junior Chrissy Mihalic was Mercyhurst’s contributing author for College Prowler. “I think the school could benefit from the ratings,” she said. “Mercyhurst could build on the positive results, as well as improve on what the students felt were negative aspects of the College.” More than 50 College Prowler users have added Mercyhurst Col-
lege to their lists of prospective colleges, and Mercyhurst can expect to gain publicity from the Web site. Director of Undergraduate Admissions Christopher Coons, who had not heard of College Prowler before, said, “If the Web site will be used by prospective students, we want to know about it.” Unlike Coons, Director of Marketing and Public Relations Meghan Corbin has heard of the site. “We are very cognizant of sites like College Prowler,” she said. “We utilize every vehicle possible to recruit students.” Corbin has ideas for ways Mercyhurst can use the site. She said she wants to post listings for the different Mercyhurst campuses. She pointed out that North East reviewers might post about issues which do not affect Main Campus and those reviews could affect the college ratings. Corbin said she uses student reviews on sites such as College Prowler to suggest campus changes to administration. She advises students to take note of renovations and rewrite reviews if their opinion changes. Students can visit collegeprowler. com/mercyhurst-college/ to write their own reviews of Mercyhurst.
By Chelsee Callahan Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College English Department is continuing its annual tradition of the Lumen literary arts magazine this year, but student submissions are required to do so. The Lumen is a hard-copy publication of students’ poems and works of fiction. Along with the publication is an interactive CD of not just the students’ writings but also of dance clips, music clips, moving graphics and full color art. The art includes photos from the dance, music and art departments. Dr. Ken Schiff and Dr. Marnie Sullivan, English professors at Mercyhurst, are co-advisers of the Lumen. “No other college that I know of has the Lumen and the interactive CD,” Schiff said. In order for the Lumen to be a success, students must submit their creative works. The literary maga-
zine is not department oriented, as students in any department can submit their writings, music clips, dance performances and photography for possible publication. The deadline for submissions is Monday, Dec. 13. Awards for the top three Lumen writers are chosen by a panel of judges. The first place prize is $250, the second place prize is $150, and the third place prize is $100. All three winners receive a framed certificate. Schiff encourages students to take part in the Lumen. “I feel this is really a student-run publication,” he said. “It is also a wonderful opportunity for students to feel the accomplishment of being published.” Students interested in submitting their work to the Lumen can attach their writing in a Microsoft Word document and e-mail it to Schiff at kschiff@mercyhurst. edu. The awards and the unveiling of the Lumen will take place on Thursday, April 4, in Taylor Little Theater.
NEWS
September 22, 2010
Migration to mymail postponed By Kelly Luoma Managing editor
The migration from WebMail to mymail accounts was supposed to start Monday for Mercyhurst College students. The migration is not expected to occur now until Monday, Oct. 4. System/Domain Administrator Lorraine Frownfelter explained the reasons for the delay. Microsoft is installing upgrades on its Windows Live accounts, and Frownfelter said she did not want students to get used to a new system while changes are still being made. These upgrades should be completed by Thursday, Sept. 23. Another reason for the delay, according to Frownfelter is, “our password synchronization is broken.” Students already using the mymail accounts who tried to change their password last week discovered problems. When they changed their password, it would change for their Blackboard and WebAdvisor accounts but not their mymail accounts.
IT staff working on the mymail migration have not determined if the password problem is an upgrade issue on Microsoft’s or Mercyhurst’s end. “We hope to have it back in sync shortly,” Frownfelter said. The students who encountered the password problem not only include freshmen, but also graduate students and IT workstudy students who are part of a test group for the migration phase. “We are testing all phases so there won’t be glitches when we move 7,000 students because that’s a lot of phone calls,” Frownfelter said. She said that the migration would work if they went ahead with it now as planned, but due to the upgrades and password problem, there will be fewer issues if they wait. The migration that will take place starting the first week in October will most likely follow the same schedule that was already in place. Last names beginning with the letters A-G will migrate on Monday, letters H-M on Tuesday and N-Z on Wednesday. Frownfelter said she doesn’t foresee any more problems arising that would postpone the switch to mymail again because the problems that are occurring now are due to the upgrades.
Visit The Merciad online merciad.mercyhurst.edu
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News Briefs Walk to support Down Syndrome This year’s Erie 2010 Buddy Walk will take place on Sunday, Oct. 3. The goal of Erie’s annual Buddy Walk is to promote the acceptance of people with Down Syndrome. Anyone can participate in the walk, which will take place at Liberty Park. Registration starts at 11 a.m., and the walk begins at 12 p.m. Contact Jackie Lupo at downsynerie@yahoo.com with questions.
Writing Center in need of consultants The Writing Center is looking to hire students who did well in their college writing classes and are willing to help students with their writing. Students must be at least at a sophomore level to apply. Students interested in the position can apply by visiting plato.mercyhurst.edu/writingcenter/jobinformation. html, filling out the application and returning it to Dr. Greg Brown in the Hammermill Library.
FEATURES
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’Hurst welcomes new police chief
Look Online: Teacher feature: Mrs. Audrey Haag
Assistant professor of mathmatics enjoys teaching statistics and volunteerring at the Erie zoo.
By Kristen Ribelli Contributing writer
Mercyhurst recently hired Robert F. Kuhn as the new chief of Police and Safety, replacing Ken Sidun, who retired in June. Not only does Kuhn meet the requirements for the job, he also has a personal connection to the school. This personal connection began on Sunset Boulevard, where Kuhn lived for 25 years. There, the campus and Sisters of Mercy became a part of his life. He grew up a Catholic, and went to St. John the Baptist grade school just 12 blocks away from campus. “It’s kind of fun coming back here at the end of my career,” said Kuhn. “It’s a wonderful campus; it’s beautiful. [There are] nice people here.” Beside his personal connection, Kuhn is very qualified for the job, boasting a very impressive resume. Kuhn spent 32 years in law enforcement before retiring from the Erie police force in March 2004. That same year he was hired as a detective for the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. He worked there for six years, while working with the FBI for two, he said. Being a college police chief is like an operating system on a com-
September 22, 2010
An Erieite appetite: El Canelo’s
Mediocre food for mediocre prices do not thrill. Good service and satisfying appetizers did not gain this writer’s affections.
Videogame of the Week: The Curfew
A serious, thoughtful, mystery game where the player has to try to overcome an oppressive government in a futuristic London, England.
Jillian Barrile photo
Robert Kuhn replaces Keith Sidun as chief of Police and Safety.
puter, “(It) doesn’t do much, but makes sure all the work gets done,” Kuhn said. Kuhn’s job requires him to manage the budget and watch the manpower, making sure he is never short-staffed. “[I] Keep my finger on the wheel and make sure the wheel keeps turning,” Kuhn said. Kuhn has some lofty goals for the Police and Safety Department. “I would like to see an upgrade in the current structure and the pay,” Kuhn said. “The reason is the retention aspect of the job. People would use this as a stepping stone to move on to another police
department.” Kuhn would like to see fewer part-timers and more full-timers on staff, hoping they become part of the Mercyhurst community. “I’d like for them to get to know everybody and stay here for a long time,” said Kuhn. Kuhn carries an optimistic attitude with him every day. He hopes to lead the Police and Safety Department beyond everyone’s expectations. More importantly to him, he wants to continue to protect and keep the Mercyhurst community a safe place for students to call home.
Interior Design Club awards makeover to lucky professor By Priscilla Chavez Contributing writer
Does your apartment, dorm or office look dull? The Interior Design Club believes that any student or faculty member should be awarded a room or office makeover. Since move-in day, the Interior Design Club has been selling tickets for their drawing of an extreme makeover. This extreme makeover consists of $250 for the Interior Design Club to redo an office, dorm room or apartment. This drawing was done for the first time last spring, and is being done again to help the Interior Design Club raise money to help offset the cost of trips and events for the club and its members. Senior Kristopher Docter said, “It was a big success in the spring, and we had a lot of fun doing it so we figured why not do it again? It gives students hands-on experience meeting with a client, forming a design solution, and carrying it out.” The Interior Design Club serves to provide a way to gather developmental and professional ideas in interior design. This extreme makeover helps involve the Mercyhurst community as well as give the club members an opportunity
to apply the design skills they have learned in class and in the studio. Jill Slomski was last spring’s winner, though traces of her makeover space have been erased. On Friday, Sept. 17, the Interior Design Club announced Dr. Rich McCarty, assistant professor of Religious Studies, as the lucky winner of this term’s extreme makeover. “I am very happy to support the Interior Design program,” said McCarty. “When I found out I won, I was happy, and then I said jokingly, ‘It’s about time.’ I had tried last year, but didn’t win. This year I bought more tickets to up my chances. Good thing I did.” McCarty will meet with the club for a consultation to discuss the makeover arrangements. “I’d like them to help make [my office] a more welcoming place, a place where I feel empowered to do my research and writing, as well as a place where students feel comfortable for meetings,” said McCarty. The Interior Design Club hopes to continue their makeovers in the future. “It is our second makeover in two years. Who knows? Maybe it will become an annual thing,” Docter said.
September 22, 2010
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Legendary jazz group to perform at PAC By Casey Harvilla Staff writer
Jazz music and the spirit of New York City will be arriving at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Wednesday, Sept. 29, as Mercyhurst College welcomes the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. This world-renowned group is led by artistic director and revered musician, Wynton Marsalis, considered the best jazz musician of his generation. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is deeply devoted not only to music, but to the promotion of jazz into the future through ample outreach into the community by way of classes and lectures for
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra all ages. Marsalis himself is not only a great leader but also a teacher and composer. He began his musical career in his hometown of New Orleans, performing with the New Orleans Philharmonic at the age of 14, along with other esteemed groups throughout his teen years. By age 17, Marsalis became the youngest musician ever to be admitted to Tanglewood’s Berkshire Music Center and receive its
Contributed photo
prestigious Harvey Shapiro Award. He attended the Juilliard School of Music and began working at various venues in New York City. In this new environment, Marsalis was able to work under many jazz legends and learned his bandleading techniques from jazz master Art Blakey. He then lent his expertise to many aspiring musicians who later became jazz legends themselves. Among them were James Carter,
Harry Connick Jr., and Eric Lewis. Marsalis started his own band in 1981 and took them on tour. Many belive he re-kindled the spirit of jazz around the nation As a composer, too, Marsalis is extraordinary for being the world’s first jazz artist to perform and compose across the entire jazz spectrum of musical styles, ranging from New Orleans roots to bebop to modern jazz. Marsalis co-founded the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in 1987, and it became a new constituent of Lincoln Center in 1996. Jazz at Lincoln Center is a great educational nucleus, in addition to being the preferred spot for New York and worldwide jazz fans. The Center includes Band Director’s Academy, a concert series for
kids, Jazz for Young People, Jazz in the Schools, a Middle School Jazz Academy, and an annual High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival that reaches more than 2,000 bands in 50 states and Canada. They also provide online learning opportunities. The French Ambassador Pierre Vimont once said of Marsalis’ jazz, “…Jazz is more than just a musical form. It is part of American History…it is the sound of democracy. And from this democratic nature of jazz derives openness, generosity and universality.” Inquiries about tickets may be made by calling the PAC box office at (814) 824-3000 or online at http://pac.mercyhurst.edu.
Dr. Yoo opens recital series By Megan Duane Staff writer
Moving piano music could be heard from Walker Recital Hall last week, as the D’Angelo Department of Music presented the first of this year’s Faculty Recital Series. The faculty member featured this month was Mercyhurst College’s Assistant professor of Piano andartist-in-residence Dr. Shirley Yoo. The recital took place last Thursday at 8 p.m. Yoo picked impressive and moving repertoire which set an exciting mood of anticipation for the remainder of the concert series. Sophomore Adam Ferrari said, “from start to finish my attention never wandered from the magic Dr. Yoo created.” The night started off with three sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti titled, “Sonata in D minor, K.9; Sonata in A major, K.101; and Sonata in A major, K.212.” All three sonatas were up tempo with a dance-like feel, putting a smile on the face of many audience members. Next on the program was a piece by Cesar Franck titled, “Prelude, Fuge et Variation, op. 18.” This work was originally written
by Franck for organ and was later arranged for piano by H. Bauer. Yoo did an incredible job of mimicking the big organ sound in this dramatic piece. An interesting addition to the recital was the Korean composer Geonyoung Lee’s, “variations on a Korean Peasant Tune.” This modern composition explored a Korean farming folk song by creating interesting variations. Next in the program were two pieces by Debussy titled, “Etude pour les quartes and Etude pour les octaves.” Junior Omar Roy described these pieces as, “both technically and musically astounding.” Concluding the beautiful evening, Yoo played a large intense Schumann piece titled, “Etudes Symphoniques, op. 13.” This was just the first of this year’s faculty recitals. The next Faculty Recital Series concert will be Thursday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall at Mercyhurst College. Performing will be League of the Unsound Sound (LotUS). Yoo is a founding core member of LotUS. She describes the group as “a chamber group dedicated to performing contemporary and experimental music.”
OPINION
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September3,22,2008 2010 September
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst College, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be e-mailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
To Tase or not to Tase?
Tasers are unnecessary for a safe campus By Kathleen Vogtle
A&E editor
As students, we’ve been told since the start of our application process how safe Mercyhurst College is. What message will be sent, then, if Police & Safety is permitted to carry Tasers on campus? For clarification purposes, a Taser fires three small, dart-like electrodes which are pointed to penetrate clothing and barbed to prevent removal once in place. The subsequent electrical flow interrupts the ability of the brain to control the muscles in the body. Tasers have become highly con-
troversial, as their use has been blamed for over 245 deaths and innumerous serious injuries on previously healthy individuals, inducing impaired breathing and respiration, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrests and seizures. Despite Taser International’s claims that the device causes incapacitation without pain, both Amnesty International and the United Nations (U.N.) have declared that “Taser electronic stun guns are a form of torture that can kill.” Even volunteers who have been Tased as part of police or military training have said the experience was inherently painful, even on a healthy, calm individual in a relaxed and controlled environment. However, the real-life target of a Taser
is, if not mentally or physically unsound, in a state of high stress and in the midst of a confrontation. This heightens the risk of serious injury or death. The use of Tasers is also attributed to the increased and often unnecessary use of force. Originally, Tasers were only used when officers or the public were threatened with a weapon; currently, they are being used without warning to surprise suspects before being arrested. Overall, I believe that the use of Tasers is, as stated by Amnesty International, a human rights violation. Other methods of defense, such as pepper spray, have been used effectively against suspects and without serious adverse effects. Pepper spray can also be used from
Look Online:
a distance, just as Tasers can. It would be an abomination to allow Tasers on campus. We are a school highly respected and wellknown for our safety, and we are not situated in a high-crime area. I think the presence of Tasers on campus would cause people to feel less safe, rather than more so. The mindset would quickly translate from, ‘they’re just a precaution,’ to, ‘are we at so much risk here that Police and Safety needs to carry around Tasers?’ Until definitively proved otherwise, the answer should be a resounding ‘no.’
Administration deserves thanks
Andrew Mayher praises the administration for improving the Highland Square Apartments.
Splurging for quality products
Victoria Gricks explains why it is OK to splurge every once in a while.
Mercyhurst police need Tasers By Devin Ruic
Staff writer While it goes against the policy of Mercyhurst College’s administration and the Office of Police & Safety to release information regarding confrontations between students and the police, stories of these altercations are easy to come by, as the apartments on campus are filled with ready witnesses. In the past, there have been multiple occasions where Police & Safety officers have dealt with students hiding firearms in their apartments, and one occasion where officers restrained a violent student only to find a firearm in the same room. Despite your opinion regarding the officers that walked into your apartment to close down the underage party you were hosting, you have likely felt comfortable knowing your hometown police officers were armed. If you are from Erie or Cleveland, the necessity of an armed police force is all too clear. Police & Safety officers are more
than simply the enforcers of Residence Life’s rules, and to say such is to discount the vast majority of their jobs here on campus. The Erie Police Department’s response time to Mercyhurst Campus has been reported in The Merciad as five minutes. Less than two weeks ago, when emergency services were called to a fight on Lewis Avenue, a second call needed to be made, and another ambulance sent out, as confusion between dispatch and the ambulance caused the first to turn around when it arrived at Briggs Avenue, and leave an injured individual without medical attention for a longer period of time. There were two identifiable assailants who recently attacked a student. The two attackers are described as large, strong males. At the time of the attack, only one Police & Safety officer responded, armed with a grand total of two items – pepper spray and a nightstick. Had the attackers turned their attention to the officer responding to the fight, the situation could have become even more dangerous for the officer and the victim.
However, if the officer had been able to respond with a Taser, the officer would have been entering the situation with the upper hand. Taser International’s website notes that the newest generation Taser shoots three sets of prongs and is entirely safe for use on belligerent suspects. While there have been several deaths circumstantially related to the use of Tasers, multiple studies have been conducted that dispel such worries. In a study published by Academic Emergency Medicine, sheep injected with methamphetamines, which negatively affect the cardiovascular system, showed no life-threatening cardiovascular symptoms after being Tased. The assailants vastly outnumbered their prey, and the Police & Safety officer who responded could have fallen victim to the same cowards who decided to gang up and attack the victim. The blood of any student or officer harmed while the officers remain unarmed will be on the hands of the administration of Mercyhurst College. The administration is simply lucky that on this occasion, there was not more.
If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen. Editors Ethan Magoc Kelly Luoma Alex Stacey Victoria Gricks Nick Glasier Kathleen Vogtle Samantha Williams Tyler Stauffer Ethan Johns Chrissy Mihalic Max Rivera Bill Welch Brian Sheridan
Positions @mercyhurst.edu Editor-in-Chief editormerciad News Editor newsmerciad Features Editor featuremerciad Opinion Editor opinionmerciad Sports Editor sportsmerciad A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad Graphics photomerciad Photo Editor photomerciad Web Editor ejohns89 Copy Editor copymerciad Ad Manager admerciad Adviser wwelch Adviser bsheridan
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376. The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays. by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via e-mail at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
September 22, 2010
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Sports
September 22, 2010
Kristen Cameron: more than just a coach By Nick Glasier Sports editor
Hard working, competitive and dedicated are some of the words that Mercyhurst College women’s hockey head coach Michael Sisti, and assistant coach Paul Colontino, use to describe Kristen Cameron. On Sept. 12, shock and devastation were the feelings running through both Sisti and Colontino when they heard a drunk driver hit Cameron, an assistant coach for the women’s hockey team, as she was biking. “I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news,” said Colontino. “It was our day off and when you have such a busy week, you use this time early in the season like Kristen who used her day off to take a bike ride. It’s the last thing you expect.” Sisti shared a similar response. “I was devastated. She was just going out for a bike ride to stay fit
Ethan Magoc photo
Mercyhurst College women’s hockey assistant coach, Kristen Cameron, talks to her players during last year’s Frozen Four. and then she gets hit by a drunk driver,” said Sisti. “I was called and they asked me to come down to the hospital and I went there right
away.” Sisti ended up staying by Cameron’s side throughout the night and the next day.
Senior assistant captain Vicki Bendus also released a statement expressing the team’s emotions about the situation. “The entire Mercyhurst Lakers Hockey family is devastated by this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kristen and her family during this difficult time. Kristen has always been a tremendous role model for us girls.,” said Bendus. “Last year she was behind us providing support and encouragement during the hockey season and now we are behind her as she battles to recover from her injuries. Her strength, will, and fight are inspiration for the entire team to have the most successful season we’ve ever had.” The Lakers have rallied to support Cameron, sending her story to various news stations. They plan to wear a patch on their jerseys this season with the initials K.C. Cameron came to Mercyhurst to join the Organizational Leadership
Program, help coach the Lakers and work as a graduate assistant in the anthropology department. “Every two years we bring in volunteers to learn the ropes of women’s college hockey at the highest level,” said Sisti. “When she came in, our past graduate assistant had just left and our goal with all these assistants is for them to move on to become a full-time coach and that was the goal with her.” According to Sisti, she was excelling at the tasks she faced as an assistant coach. “She is a great coach. The girls really look up to her competitiveness and how she is so ambitious and always striving for excellence,” Sisti said. The Lakers will play in an exhibition game against Wilfrid Laurier University at the Mercyhurst Ice Center this Saturday at 2 p.m. They will go into this game with a K.C. on their jerseys and Kristen Cameron on their mind.
Fred Hale rules the trenches on the field Continued from Page 1
Hale focuses hard before each snap in order to get the best reads he can. “I personally key on the offensive lineman’s stance and where his weight is distributed prior to the snap,” said Hale. “I just try to do my job and my responsibility, knowing the person next to me will do their job too.” However, the job of a defensive end is not all that glamorous. Since Mercyhurst plays a 3-4 defense, there are only three defensive linemen going up against five offensive linemen. “Even though most of the time the defensive ends are getting single or double teamed, our nose tackles are getting it worse with double and triple teams every play,” Hale said. This challenge only motivates them to play faster and harder, creating opportunities for the linebackers and defensive backs. “I feel Alex Trouten, Serge Augustine and Dusty Galich, our three nose tackles, do a really good
job at taking on the centers and guards, allowing our linebackers to make plays,” Hale said. Currently, Hale stands with 91 total tackles in his career, 25 of which were for a loss of yards. Hale has also forced two fumbles in his career while recording nine sacks as well. Hale’s athleticism doesn’t just stop on the field. After not wrestling since high school, Hale almost qualified for nationals last year. “Right now, I’m really focused on football, but I’m also excited for the wrestling season and what that will bring.” This two-sport collegiate athlete stops at nothing when it comes to the sports he loves. No one has to try to motivate him. He comes ready to play and loves doing it. “I am primarily motivated by the fact that it is my senior year and I know I’ll never get this opportunity to play again,” Hale said.
Ethan Magoc photos
Mercyhurst College senior two-sport star, Fred Hale, is the leader of the defense on the football team and may be a key member of the wrestling team.
Fans can get their opportunity to see Hale play this weekend, as the
Lakers welcome the Eagles of Lock Haven University for their annual
Homecoming game at 1 p.m.