Racquet Recap

May 2010

Graduation Special Edition

Racquet recaP “Your school. Your home. Your voice.”

There’s been nonstop construction on campus since May 2008. Check out

Why It’s Worth It

by Chris Rochester

So you graduated. Find out why you’ve spent the last four years earning

More than a degree

by Kyle O’Brien

Page 2

Racquet Recap

In this issue 4 I NEWS Highlights of the year’s best news stories, featuring a review of La Crosse Mayor Matt Harter’s first year in office and the possessed microwave in Sanford Hall.

7 I VIEWPOINT The editors started “Off the Record” this year to offer quick commentary and analysis on issues both pressing and minute. Read the greatest hits.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

The

RacqueT Editorial Board Editor in Chief: Chris Rochester editor@theracquet.net News & Sports Editor: Sara Swiggum news@theracquet.net Features Editor: Jeff Steele features@theracquet.net Multimedia Editor: Bethany Rahn photo@theracquet.net

Editorial Staff

8 I INTERNSHIP SURVIVAL GUIDE

The folks at Career Services offer some useful tips on how to shine as an intern this summer. Also check out some classic features from this year that, though classes are no longer in session, will help get you through those otherwise awkward situations

10 I WHY IT’S WORTH IT Between the demolition and reconstruction of the stadium, the start of the new academic building, and breaking ground on a new residence hall, graduating students haven’t spent much time on campus without the sound of jackhammers somewhere in the distance. Read why administrators are going ahead with it all anyway.

13 I IT’S MORE THAN A DEGREE Recent alum Kyle T. O’Brien graduated in four years from UW-L, but not without leaving his mark. Read how the time spent at college means so much more than just spending time in class.

15 I ANGEL$ IN THE OUTFIELD Men’s baseball’s future was uncertain at the beginning of the year, but a hard-fought fundraising drive and the help of a generous donation made another five seasons possible. Read The Racquet’s coverage of the saga as it unfolded.

New online DIGITAL ARCHIVE Read

a digital version of the print edition of The Racquet online at www.theracquet.net, powered by Issuu.

NETWORKING Get hooked up with the latest updates by becoming a fan of The Racquet on Facebook or following us on Twitter at @theracquet.

FIND A JOB Take advantage of The Racquet Job Board powered by Monster College using the widget on the righthand side of the homepage.

MANAGE YOUR FINANCES Click the Finance tab at the top of the page for great links to affordable Credit Scores and advice on managing student loans.

Copyeditors Robert Jauquet ...jauquet.robe@students.uwlax.edu Brianna Marshall ...Marshall.bria@students.uwlax.edu Assistant News Editors Campus Editor: Kelli Ponce ...campus@theracquet.net City Editor: Katie Tucker ...city@theracquet.net Assistant Features Editors Meredith Brown ...brown.mere@students.uwlax.edu Greg Lampe ...lampe.greg@students.uwlax.edu Senior Editors Chris Callaway, Nik Nelson, Mary Malahy, Kate Susa

Staff Senior Reporters Anne Lawver, Kelleen Nolan, Lauren Seidl Staff Writers Eric Buenning, Patrick Carthey, Jay Geissler, Mike Goetter, Robert Jauquet, Rebecca Jeanes, Sean Lamb, Alyssa Laws, Anne Lawver, Matt Moes, Tyler Rowecamp, Jenica Simon, Andy Smith Associate Writers Daniel Card, Gretchen Gerrard, Hannah Henderson, KC Powers, Sarah Swanson Senior Photographer: KaWai Hui Photographers Amanda Dlugopolski, Tina Howard, Amanda Hustad, Derek Kockler, Yuhan Luo, Lars Roeder Graphic Designers: Taylor Fagerburg, Bethany LaDue

Business and Sales Publisher: Nik Nelson ...nnelson@theracquet.net Advertising Director: Brian Blanchette ...bblanchette@theracquet.net Account Executive Scott Horner ...shorner@theracquet.net

Subscriptions To reserve your issue of The Racquet, contact nnelson@theracquet.net or (608) 785-8378.

Issues are free on campus or available by mail for a subscription fee.

Spring 2010: 13 issues for $30

The Racquet 231 & 232 Cartwright Center 1725 State Street La Crosse, WI 54601 Editorial Phone: (608) 785-8378 Business Phone: (608) 785-8381 Fax: (608) 785-6575

Online www.theracquet.net

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Racquet Recap

Page 3

The Racquet is now hiring staff for Fall 2010 .

All students are encouraged to apply, regardless of major or field of study.

Get managing and leadership experience as a Section Editor Get paid to spend time on Facebook and Twitter as the Online Editor Brush up on your spelling and grammar as a Copy Editor Roam campus and take candid snapshots as a staff Photographer Spend time in the field networking and meeting people as a Reporter Find applications online at www.theracquet.net and click the “Join Our Team� link at the bottom of the page, or e-mail editor@theracquet.net

Page 4

News

Racquet Recap

Thursday, May 6, 2010 In Review . . .

Matt Harter’s first year as the city’s youngest mayor Sayonara smoking section: local establishments gear up for upcoming smoking ban

...page 5 ...page 6

City police score high marks in local survey Emergency response rated ‘excellent’

By Patrick Carthey Staff Writer February 12, 2010

Citizens of La Crosse sent out their electronic voices last spring through a survey released by the police department. Out of the 5000 residents picked from a random sample, 558 replied and rated the quality of service they believed the police deserved. The survey ranged from students who had lived in La Crosse for less than a year to homeowners keeping residence for more than thirty years, with fifty one percent of responses coming from the latter.

“We wanted to see what the community thought about our work,” Captain Robert Abraham, head of the Bureau of Community Services said. “It’s worthwhile to know how the community feels about law enforcement officers because sometimes there is a distance between the two.”

Overall thirty-four percent of respondents thought police interaction during an emergency was excellent, and twenty-four percent

thought it was good. No one thought it was fair or poor.

The survey was a follow up to one released in 2001. A major addition to the 2009 survey is the community’s opinion of the public intoxication laws instituted four years ago. Close to fifty percent of the survey population thought enforcing those laws were extremely important. Officers were pleased to see the overwhelming community support for the laws. Other changes weren’t so positive.

“We were concerned with the lack of within neighborhoods,” Capt. Abraham said.

Residents were asked if they know their neighbors by name, and if they discussed concerns with them. The citywide results were split down the middle, with thirty-one percent agreeing and thirty-two percent disagreeing. The rest strongly agreed, strongly disagreed, or had no opinion.

“Knowing your neighbors can actually lead to a decrease in crime, so we want to add to neighborhood watch programs,” Capt.

Abraham said.

This will only be one part of their plan in using this information to improve law enforcement strategies in the community.

Other concerns came from the community members themselves.

Many of the respondents suggested that officers spend more time enforcing speeding and traffic violations. Others thought the police should “treat others with respect or friendlier.” Very few citizens thought underage drinking should get more attention.

The survey was created by the UW-La Crosse political science department, and the raw data was processed by Dr. Jo Arney.

“We are very grateful to the political science department at UW-L, especially Dr. Arney,” Capt. Abraham said. “She’s given us plenty of great ideas for our next survey, which we hope to release in a few years.”

To see the survey for yourself, visit the City of La Crosse homepage at www.cityoflacrosse.org and search under the city news bulletin.

Possessed Sanford microwave spooks residents

By Lauren Seidl Senior Writer February 12, 2010 Sanford Hall residents Sara Swartz and Lindsey Gall experienced some supernatural activity involving their microwave.

One night last October the two were sitting in their room, when their microwave started acting up. The numbers on the clock disappeared and were replaced with three sixes, and it wouldn’t stop beeping. Pushing buttons on the microwave didn’t fix the problem; the only way to stop it was to pull the plug.

“We were pretty creeped out that first night it happened,” Swartz said. The microwave didn’t act up again until about a month later, when the same thing started happening again.

The roommates noticed that a few seconds after the three sixes showed up, a fourth one would appear. They decided to take a picture of microwave, but when they developed it only three of the four sixes showed up.

After taking the flash off and snapping another photo, the two noticed that again only three sixes showed up, but this time a different six had disappeared from the picture.

“You’d think the numbers would default at eight,” Swartz said, “We checked the wires on the microwave and they weren’t frayed or anything.”

Experimenting more with the demonic microwave, Gall held her Torah up to it, and the sixes disappeared. The same thing happened when a statue of Buddha was held near the microwave.

After witnessing these odd

events, first floor RA Krystal Porter said, “I’m not superstitious at all, but it really freaked me out.”

Swartz and Gall grew accustomed to their microwave randomly beeping with the clock only showing sixes. “It became an attraction,” Swartz said, as residents who heard about the microwave would visit their room, hoping to catch it acting up.

When asked if any other strange things were happening in their room, Swartz and Gall could only come up with one other story.

One day while Swartz was in class, Gall was looking for a bag of hummus she had just purchased. She couldn’t find it, so instead she snacked on the carrots and dip in the fridge and left for class. When she came back to her room she saw that Swartz was eating the hummus she had

been looking for earlier. Swartz said that it was right on top of the carrots and dip, and that the bag had been opened and one scoop was missing.

The roommates were puzzled as to how the bag could have disappeared and then reappeared partially eaten, especially since they always kept their door locked.

Swartz and Gall still own the microwave, but they keep it unplugged. “It annoyed us how it beeped every time,” Swartz said, “Now we only plug it in for popcorn.” Both roommates claim to be slightly superstitious, saying, “We believe in spiritual and religious things.” But, they never would have thought they’d own a seemingly possessed microwave.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Racquet Recap

Page 5

Year One: Successes and slip-ups of La Crosse’s youngest mayor

By Lauren Seidl Senior Writer March 2, 2010 Last April, La Crosse citizens voted a mayor into office who, at the age of 25, was only a few years older than the city’s many college residents. Now, nearly a year later, the city looks back on what young Mayor Matt Harter has accomplished so far.

After his surprising win over seven candidates, including Dorothy Lenard and incumbent Mayor Mark Johnsrud, things quieted down for Harter. Many agreed that he didn’t face many challenges within his first 100 days as Mayor.

Like the rest of the nation, Harter had to deal with a faltering economy. To reduce layoffs, Harter put a hiring freeze in place and issued a voluntary furlough program for City Hall employees.

Harter said that while the

economy has been rough, “Employees at City Hall have done a fantastic job working with the challenges we’ve been facing.”

Most people would say that Harter’s first real test was in September, when he set his first executive budget. Harter stayed true to his campaign by keeping the property tax levy flat and reducing the city’s tax rate. He called this accomplishment a “landmark.” Lowering taxes in a time of economic need is no easy task.

Harter exercised his first veto in December when he blocked the re-zoning of the Gateway Court properties, an area which connects residential and industrial land. While the La Crosse Common Council voted to expand housing, Harter felt the area would be better used for industry to generate taxes. It was a relief to see the mayor stick to his guns and use his power to veto, but about a month later the Council overturned Harter’s decision.

When asked what his first year

as Mayor has taught him, Harter responded with, “Quite a bit.”

But Harter feels as though he has mainly sharpened his leadership skills.

“The greatest learning experience has been getting everyone to work together and to share a common goal,” he said.

It may also be safe to say that Harter has learned to be more careful with the media, as he’s already gotten himself in trouble with a few controversial issues.

The first occurred in November, when Harter asked if the chief of the La Crosse Fire Department could draft a plan to convert the entire department to volunteers within three years. While Harter claimed to have only been doing cost-cutting research and realized this wasn’t reasonable, the idea leaked out to the media and caused a bit of an uproar.

Harter’s second media mishap happened within the same month, and it dealt with a racy calendar put out every year by the

GOOD JOB, BUBBLES!

radio station 95.7 The Rock. Harter posed with station DJs for the cover of the calendar, unaware that women in bikinis would be sandwiched in between his picture and the back cover. He was criticized by the media for not knowing about The Rock’s annual calendar even though he grew up in the area.

However, Harter’s meetings with the media haven’t all been negative. Two Los Angeles production companies have taken interest in Harter’s rise to mayor at such a young age. They are thinking of creating a show or documentary that would focus on his daily life.

“Right now there’s no plan,” Harter said. “There’s simply the interest of a few companies.” If either of the companies decides to produce a show, Harter will likely participate. “We have a very attractive city,” he said. “If I can do anything to promote it, I’m willing to help.”

You did it!!

We couldn’t be prouder.

Love you lots, Mom & Dad

Racquet Recap

Page 6

La Crosse Street duplexes to meet their end

By Lauren Seidl Senior Writer March 22, 2010

Anyone who has traveled along La Crosse Street near Wimberly Hall and the Alumni Center has probably noticed the random duplexes that look out of place on the UW-La Crosse campus. Most would believe that the two duplexes located next to the gravel parking lot are on-campus housing, but they are indeed offcampus houses. John Olinger is the landlord who has leased the duplexes for 25 years to UW-L students, and will soon be handing the land over to UW-L to provide more space for the planned parking structure.

Olinger realizes that UW-L doesn’t have much room to expand, and understands why they will need to purchase the duplex from him. “The university needs to expand,” he said, “It’s good for the community.”

Olinger has been renting out the 50-year-old duplex for about 25 years, and said he would be more adamant about making improvements if the university wasn’t planning on using the area for a parking ramp. “I would probably fix it if the university wasn’t buying it,” he said, adding,

“I’ve limited how much I spend on it.”

As far as losing one of the duplexes he leases, Olinger said, “I would prefer to hang onto it. It’s done well for me.” He said that while some students prefer to be a little further from campus, many are attracted by how close to campus the brown duplex is.

“You can walk to school in about a minute,” he said, “It’s perfect for students.”

One of these convienent buildings is the brown duplex of 1604 and 1606 La Crosse Street.

Since it is nearly part of the gravel parking lot behind Wimberly, the location of this building may be unappealing to some students.

However, to others it’s the perfect distance from campus.

UW-La Crosse student Karmen Elgersma has been residing in the duplex since the beginning of the school year. After asked why she chose to live there, Elgersma replied, “It’s cheap and it’s right on campus.” She said that most of her classes are located in Cowley Hall, so it’s not much of a walk.

“It’s not very private.” Elgersma confessed, as the duplex is nestled between campus and La Crosse Street, “but I don’t go outside much.”

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Congratulations, Nicki!

From the bluffs of La Crosse to the Colorado Rockies, you will continue to climb high and experience success in your next venture. Best wishes pursuing a graduate degree in chemistry!

Love, Mom, Dad, and Rachel

Sayonara smoking section

By Hanna Henderson Staff Writer April 22, 2010 The day that Wisconsin will join up with 27 other states to enact a statewide smoking ban is rapidly approaching. The Breathe Free Wisconsin Act, or Smoke-free Wisconsin Bill, will take effect on July 5 and will bring smoking out of restaurants and bars across the state.

Some businesses in the La Crosse area don’t even need to worry about taking any precautionary actions, while some need to make minor changes “We’re actually already a nonsmoking facility; we’re kind of fortunate,” comments Libby Weber, Operating Partner of the Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern.

Piggy’s Restaurant & Blues in downtown La Crosse currently has a cigar lounge that will cease to exist after this bill is instituted in July.

“We’re going to make some changes to turn it into a separate dining room,” says Chef and Owner Chris Roderique.

Other local businesses have even taken an early initiative with regard to the ban.

“We actually went smoke free the first of the year,” says Chris Barnes, General Manager of the Eagle’s Nest Sports Bar & Grill.

And for them, it may even be expanding business to a new set of customers.

“Overall it’s helped more than it’s hurt.

We’ve lost a few customers, but it’s brought in a lot more families,” states Barnes.

But not all local bar and restaurant owners feel the same way about the legislation that was signed into law by Governor Jim Doyle last May. “I wish they would have let us made our own decisions,” comments Tom Hudson, Owner of Chucks.

And because of this statewide smoking ban, there are some apprehensions regarding some possible outcomes.

“Our customers will have to be stamped or tagged to somehow acknowledge they’ve been in here. We worry about people leaving their drinks on the table, whether someone takes it or does something to it,” further comments Hudson.

“It’s going to be a learning curve but it’s nothing were looking forward to,” states Hudson.

However, according to local health officials, this will be beneficial to all.

Doug Mormann, Health Director of the La Crosse County Health Department, comments that the legislation “is a very good bill in its ability to help people not to be exposed to second hand smoke.”

When asked if this will positively affect the general health of the people of this county, Mormann responded, “Yes; no question about it.”

Perhaps the group most excited about the Breathe Free Wisconsin Act is the American Lung Association.

“We’re ecstatic. We’ve been working with partners literally for decades to see this happen,” states Sue Swan the Executive Director of the American Lung Association of Wisconsin.

She sees this piece of legislation to be tremendous in its ability to bring about more positive health outcomes for Wisconsinites. ”Second hand smoke kills – the science is very clear. You have the health outcome right there. We know it causes cancer and we expect to see a decrease in lung disease as it relates to second hand smoke, particularly those exposed to in it in multiple ways,” remarks Swan.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Racquet Recap

Viewpoint Greatest Hits

Between pressing commentary and lighthearted banter, staff editorials, Off the Record, and student letters to the editor analyzed events and situations most important to students.

These cover the year’s highlights.

FROM THE EDITORS

Eat, drink, and be merry ...Just don’t be stupid

It takes an outpouring of tears and the embraces of distraught family to illuminate the destructive ramifications of binge drinking. This scene plays out every couple of years after the police find another drowned student with a blood alcohol content much higher than it should have been in the river - that now godforsaken river that in the past 30 years has claimed 25 lives. Throw into the mix students who have tumbled over the sheer rock face of the bluffs thanks to having drank too much, and it becomes clear that there’s a problem.

An editorial in The Racquet won’t change the systematic phenomenon that makes drinking oneself into oblivion the status quo. Even adpoting an ordinance that would ban liquor sales in La Crosse would be useless; students, emboldened, would still find a way.

It’s a trifling, petty issue to spar about little adjustments here-and-there to make boozing less desirable, much in the same way bickering about Pro-Life/ Pro-Choice policy issues grows maddeningly tiresome. The answer isn’t in the minutiae of policy.

While plenty of initiatives to turn students away from binging have merit and should be pursued to their greatest extent - particularly the work of the La Crosse County Changing Culture Coalition, which is sponsoring a YouTube video contest that promotes alternatives to drinking – they’re not going to fundamentally change the way students approach drinking. What will prevent another Craig Meyers and Luke Homen is responsibility.

Simplistically, this means taking precautions. If the urge to drink into blackout is overwhelming, be sure there are people around who won’t be in the

same state of mind seven shots of Evan Williams down the road. Be sure whoever is providing the car ride home sees his drunk passengers all the way to their front doors. Don’t end up at some wop party half-way across the city without someone to walk home with. Like those posters in many of the dorms emphasize, “You wouldn’t leave your cell phone at the bar; don’t leave your wingman.”

Friends of the world, pay heed.

Having seen the devastated Meyers family grieve Craig’s passing, walking down the “just don’t drink” path seems like the smartest way to go … but it’s the naïve way to go. So far, it seems everything else has been nobly tried, but things aren’t getting better. At The Racquet, we’ll do what we can: The Props ‘n’ Drops that document yaking into a sewer grate after wristband night or waking up with some vagrant you don’t remember going to bed with are things of the past. Let’s keep it positive, like giving props to a friend for “accidentally” rear-ending a Prius with his Hummer, or giving drops to the roommate who has taken up cooking with exotic spices that smell like a Botswanan dung fire.

If the submission-well runs dry, it was fun while it lasted, and maybe the greater student population isn’t the sophisticated bunch so many pretend it is.

The bottom line: be smart. If you were for whatever reason forced to watch an hour of Countdown with Keith Olbermann, no one will begrudge you for spending a night with Madame Tequila and waking up on someone’s roof wearing a Spiderman costume and sporting a new piercing. Just be sure you have friends around who can bring a ladder.

Page 7

Off the Record Some students allow their parents to manage their finances even after they arrive at college.

These well-meaning parents, who might even pay their childrens’ credit card bills or deposit money in their checking accounts, are undermining perhaps the most important part of the university experience.

Most shrugworthy is when business students accept, or even ask for, this sort of parental overlording.

If your parents “help” you out like this, tell them thanks, but that you need the experience managing a portfolio of personal accounts and that paying your own expenses will greatly enhance your work ethic.

They’ll probably be shocked.

-OTRMost would disapprove of anybody painting those who protect us in an unfair light. We concur.

But it seems, then, that Protective Services is being used by the administration as a tool to wring more revenue out of UW-L parking lots.

A ticket during June incurred in a near-empty lot, with a mere eight cars, as well as a rejected appeal, corroborate this suspicion.

Credible sources do, too.

Instead of issuing fines that amount to hours of extra minimum-wage work for us, find a way to allow students and the community to use the parking lots at night, when many meetings, events, performances, etc. occur.

Let’s not use the campus police as cash collectors. That’s what accountants are for.

-OTRA quite prominent administrator told us recently he would like to start a band with several other employees at UWL.

While we won’t blow the surprise by naming names, let’s just say he is widely recognized for turning the Cellar blue.

We encourage this prominent administrator go for it: not only would it be a lot of fun, but it would be a great source of awesome news for us to write about.

-OTRTo the professors who insist on wafting toward students their personal political agendas, know this: it gets old fast, especially after having to hear it on a regular basis.

By all means, marinate in the glory of having your people in control of the government, but even left-leaning students are growing tired of hearing how stupid George W. Bush was. Such disparagement of an administration quickly disappearing in history’s rearview mirror does little to encourage openmindedness and good citizenship.

-OTRWe understand the importance of preserving the environment and not wasting electricity. But, do the lights in the lab on the second floor of Wimberly really have to be turned off at all times? The new “group work tables” (empty tables that used to have computers on them) are even more useless when you can’t see what you’re working on. Please, save our eyes and turn on the lights.

-OTRU.S. Rep. Ron Kind praised the passage of the House’s health care bill in a La Crosse Tribune article Monday, calling such legislation “long overdue.”

What’s long overdue, Representative Kind, is a legislator who listens to his constituents. It’s nasty politics to play fast-andloose with potential votes, and it all means next November may not bode well for your campaign.

Page 8

Racquet Recap

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Internship Survival Guide

For many college students, internships can be the culminating experience of their college career. Internships give students an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and build upon their skill set. Here are some tips to help you become a star intern: Connect with all employees. The support staff knows everything.

Volunteer for things that take you across the organization. Look for opportunities to meet and interact with leaders in the organization.

Network. Cultivate professional networks and references. These relationships will be the key to your success when seeking full-time employment opportunities.

Use professional communication skills. You are college educated, enough said.

Document your accomplishments.

It is important to keep a record of the things you have done. Ask for feedback and communicate your accomplishments to your supervisor.

Ask questions. The number one complaint from employers is that interns do not ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask—you’re not supposed to know everything!

Strive to be positive. 50% of workers are negative 80% of the time. A positive attitude is contagious!

Know your limits. Don’t be afraid to share when you are overwhelmed. There is nothing worse than agreeing to do something if you cannot complete it in a timely manner or do it well.

Understand technology and email etiquette.

All communication in the workplace needs to be professional!

Be a team player. Your internship is not just about you. Work for the success of the organization as well as your own.

Courtesy of UW-L Career Services

Group Meetings, 101

by Kate Susa Senior Editor September 11, 2009

We’ve all been there, sitting in class as a professor explains the expectations for a huge semester project due in two weeks. Subconsciously, you begin to plan, make time in your schedule, try to remember what else you’re supposed to be working on this weekend and what time the library opens on Sunday; and then you learn the catch. This project will be a group project. The class glances around nervously. All at once, the game has changed.

If the idea of a group project is enough to make you break out in hives, you are not alone. If you’re sitting in class reading this thinking, “I disagree. I really enjoy group projects,” you are the reason that some of your classmates have started hyperventilating.

Group dynamics are tricky. Sure, as children we all learned to play nice and share our toys; but the thought of relying on and sharing a project, and worse yet a grade, with a bunch of strangers is a little outside of many people’s comfort zone. Assuming, however, that you want to pass the class, there is not much else to be done other than bite the bullet and get to work.

When starting a group project keep in mind that it is not all about you. As uncomfortable and annoying as team assignments can be, it is important to remember that the rest of the group likely feels the same way.

The best way to approach the group is with as

few expectations as possible. If you go in demanding things of other group members, or insisting that things are done your way, you’re likely to alienate everyone from the beginning. All you can do is contribute your best.

It’s not unreasonable to come up with group expectations or set project guidelines, but coming into the situation with preconceived notions of how you expect the group to work and interact, is a good way to pit your partners against you from the beginning.

Often the biggest problem that group projects pose is the division of work. No one wants to be in a situation where they do all the work and, in return, the group takes all the credit. When planning how to tackle a group project, it is important to make sure that every member is making a contribution. What’s the best way to accomplish this? If you’re working on project like a PowerPoint, you might try dividing the presentation in “subcategories” or smaller sections. Each group member can then be responsible for working on and presenting a piece of the project. One person will have to be responsible for piecing the whole project together, but they will be much less likely to grumble about the added responsibility if the rest of the group has put in an honest effort as well.

The group paper creates a more challenging situation. More often than not one person ends up writing the paper while the rest of the group sits around discussing plans for the weekend. But just because the project is less conducive to working on all at once, it does not mean that the group is off the hook.

LOL

Try splitting the work by parts of the writing process. Start by having one group member type the first draft of the paper, another do the editing, and a third make final edits and changes. Also, keep in mind that while one person is working the paper, the rest of the group can still be engaged. Review what is being written, offer suggestions when necessary and have research and examples ready so that the typist does not need to stop and search for information.

Finding time to get together with your group can be a challenge as well. Patience and flexibility are the keys figuring out a meeting time and place. Remember that everybody is busy and has other things going on. It may be necessary to get together at a less than ideal time. Yes, that might mean giving up your time with “The Office” or “Grey’s Anatomy”, but if that means not having to spend the whole night working and completing the entire project by yourself, it is certainly a worthwhile sacrifice.

Though group projects pose a lot of problems, it is important to remember to keep a positive attitude and work through the issues as a group. Taking on all the responsibility yourself will only cause you stress and will likely create tension in the group. In life, as in higher education, you may not like everyone with whom you work; the trick is learning how to put aside your differences to successfully accomplish a task. Is it ok to groan and gripe a little when the project is assigned?

Sure. Should that keep you from putting together an A+ project? Definitely not.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Racquet Recap

Well, that was awkard...

Page 9

Never have an uncomfortable exchange in a hallway again!

by Jeff Steele Features Editor September 22, 2009

It's happens to everyone. One minute you are minding your own business walking to class, and the next you run into someone, or something, that leaves you feeling like a complete idiot.

For whatever reason, those few minutes going to and from class can produce some of the most awkward moments of the day.

Here are the eight classic moments that are sure to bring the awkward turtle out of it's shell. #8 The Stare You are walking to class when you notice the person walking towards you apparently has a staring problem. As their rude glare remains, you have the sudden urge to blurt out, "What?! Can I help you?" Instead, you just gaze at the grass or act like you are fascinated by a building.

Do you have something in your teeth?

Did they recognize you from somewhere?

Are they going to be creeping in your window later?

The world may never know. #7 The Familiar Face You are walking to class when you are certain you recognize someone but you can't put your finger on how you know them. Maybe you met them at a party or maybe they resemble an old high school classmate.

You get closer only to realize you have never seen this person in you life and you have just been staring at them for the past few minutes.

You are the reason people lock their doors at night.

#6 The Wipeout You are walking to class when you witness a gnarly wipeout. Some poor uncoordinated student biffs it on a bike, skateboard, or by that complicated process called walking.

What do you do? Do you laugh to your friends? Do you ask if they are okay? Do you whisper under you breath "walk much?"

Most students look away and act like they didn't see it but no one knows the true appropriate course of action to take.

Congratulations, you are now being viewed as either inconsiderate or inattentive! #5 The Exciting Conversation You are walking to class when you spot an old friend. You are in a hurry so instead of stopping to shoot the breeze, you recite what every other human says when they don't want to talk: "Hey, how's it going?" Of course, we all anticipate the same bland response: "Good. How's it going with you?"

Then you part ways until your next thrilling encounter. Cross your fingers for another riveting conversation. #4 The Stranger You are walking to class when you pass a complete stranger who apparently knows you from somewhere. Feeling bad about not recognizing the person, you go along with it.

After all, it would be rude to do otherwise.

It's now time to nonchalantly exit the scene with the classic, "Well, it was nice seeing you but would you look at the time."

Do you have class with them? Did you meet them at a party? Do they have a shrine of you in their closet?

It's probably best to update your privacy settings on Facebook. #3 The Wave You are walking to class when you see

All St r Lanes

www.allstarlaneslax.2gobowl.com 788-7827 Friday and Saturday Karaoke at 9pm!

Wednesdays are “Big Dawg Night” 1 Topping 14” Pizza $10 16oz Can Beers $1.50

Thursdays are Import Night @7pm $1.75 Import and Specialty Beers, Bowl 3 Games $5, Wings .25!!

Tuesdays are Buck Night Bowling!

Hamburgers, Fries and Can Domestic Beer at 7pm.

someone waving at you. Feeling popular, you don't want to leave them hanging so you wave back. You suddenly realize they were waving at someone else and you are standing there waving to no one. Ouch. You either accept your loss and hope no one saw you, act like you had to fix or hair or scratch an itch, or pretend like you are waving at someone else and yell a random name. Anyway you look at it, you just waved goodbye to your dignity. #2 The Unsure Hello You are walking to class when you recognize someone but you are unsure whether or not you know them well enough to say something. You either pretend not to notice them and act surprised if they say something or wait for the eye contact. Once you have made eye contact you are required to say something. See Awkward Situation #5 for further instructions. #1 The Sidewalk Shuffle You are walking to class when you and another student try to avoid hitting each other, only to become locked in that awkward shuffle routine. You go left, they go right, you go right, and they go left. The more synchronized sequences of this dance that are performed the more you begin to resemble a mirror. This embarrassing limbo usually ends in an awkward collision or uncomfortable laughter. Who knows, with those dance skills you might even make you the next Michael Jackson or Patrick Swayze…too soon?

Whether we admit it or not we all encounter these unsettling circumstances that make us feel like awkward turtles. The first step is acceptance. The second step is to tell your friends and laugh about it later.

The Racquet is now hiring an

Online Editor

Thinking about your future? Gain experience managing a weekly publication’s Web site and promoting it using social media. Anyone interested in communication, electronic media, or social media promotion and wants great experience working as part of a team is encouraged to apply!

Find applications outside the Racquet office, 232 Cartwright, or e-mail editor@theracquet.net

Racquet Recap

Page 10

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Nonstop construction in the midst of deep budget cuts, with much more to come. . .

by Chris Rochester Editor in Chief

Why It’s Worth It

"Get used to seeing giant red cranes on campus," said Office of Residence Life director Dr. Nick Nicklaus shortly after the official groundbreaking on the new residence hall.

One would be hard-pressed to find somebody in the know who denies that a wave of large-scale construction projects on campus, flagshipped by a new stadium, a half-complete academic building, and a hole in Coate field that will become the campus's largest building, has only just begun.

"It's a little unusual to have so much activity going on," said Chancellor Joe Gow. The combined value of the sports complex, the academic building, and the residence hall represent a combined $110 million investment in the campus. "That's never happened before ... and it probably won't happen again," Gow said.

That investment doesn't include upcoming projects like a proposed parking ramp, a replacement for Cowley Hall, and a new student center.

The 2009-2011 state budget brought $6 million in cuts to the UW-L budget. With a total budget of $145 million, these cuts were painful enough. But Gow predicts more bad budget news in the 2011-2013 state budget, calling the outlook "quite challenging" and that he expects more deep cuts.

But Gow was careful to point out that the university's operating budget, which funds day-to-day operations like most regular maintenance and salaries, is distinct from its capital budget, which funds new building projects like Centennial Hall.

"We can have good conditions for the capital budget and it can be bad for the operating budget," Gow said.

Which is exactly the situation now. Gow said that because the UW System borrows much of its capital budget by borrowing, favorable interest rates means the capital budget is very strong, which in turn makes it cheaper to finance large construction projects.

So while the operating budget has shrunk considerably and will probably shrink again in the next wave of budget cuts, the capital budget will probably remain strong, Gow said.

Gow added that tuition rates depend on the health of the operating budget, which is allocated by the legislature and depends on state tax collections. When tax collections drop, so does the UW System operating budget, said Gow. This leads to what Gow describes as a "conundrum": raise costs to students or cut the quality of education.

A combination of both - cutting services and raising student fees filled the latest $6 million budget hole.

"I get lots of e-mails� questioning why so many new projects are being built amidst the severe budget cuts announced last spring, Gow said. He was quick to explain that new construction and the capital budget that funds it is "completely distinct" from the operating budget, which has been the source of much concern for his team, Gow said.

In addition to being planned during a time of favorable capital budgeting, Gow is sure the gamut of new projects will benefit students and the community.

That gamut includes the sports complex, the new academic building and residence hall, both slated to be open in the fall of 2011; a parking structure, which could begin construction in 2011; and a new science building to replace Cowley Hall and a new student center to replace Cartwright; feasibility studies for both are being conducted.

Sports complex still in limbo In the works for several years, the new sports complex and stadium was completed in the spring of 2009. A total initial cost of $18.6 million was scaled back prior to construction to $13 million, and subsequent phases were put on hold until more donor money was found.

Gow called the sports complex "an incredible recruiting tool" for new student athletes. He said the state track meet, which attracted hundreds of students from around the state, showcases the campus and facility to prospective students.

Gow refuted some students' assumption that the stadium was a priority for previous administrators because it generates revenue. In fact, "athletic programs don't generate a whole lot of money," Gow said.

As for a second phase of the project that had originally been planned, consisting of visitor's side stands and a strength and conditioning center, Gow said they are on indefinite hold.

"Obviously, we'd like to have those, but it would cost more than $3 million," money that depends on donors stepping up their contributions. "If students decided on their own" to contribute money to the second phase, "we'd certainly look at it," Gow said. "But we're not pushing it."

The new heart of campus The new academic building, currently named Centennial Hall, will have 44 state-of-the-art classrooms, Gow said. "That's going to have a dramatic impact on the quality of the student experience."

Among others, the building will also house the Office of International Education, Career Services, the Counseling and Testing Center, the Office of Campus Climate, the communication studies department, and the philosophy department.

Everyone who has attended UW-L in the last 100 years has had a class in Graff Main Hall, Gow said. Centennial Hall, which will facilitate a wide range of general education classes, will be of similar importance to students in the next 100 years, Gow said.

The largest academic building on campus, Centennial Hall will be the centerpiece of the university's Growth, Quality, and Access plan that was passed in late 2007, which calls for hiring more than 70 new faculty members over several years.

47 new faculty and 12 new staff were hired in the 2009-2010 aca-

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Racquet Recap

demic year, and 25 new faculty and 8 staff will be hired next year. "That would complete the full vision of GQA," Gow said.

GQA also sought to add 500 full-time undergraduate students to the UW-L ranks, "which is why the building will help ... give us some breathing room," Gow said.

So far, GQA has brought down the student-to-teacher ratio at UW-L from 24-to-1 several years ago to 21-to-1 now.

The largest building on campus

Page 11

is today Cowley Hall, and university planners now have their eye on razing the aging science building and replacing it with a new facility.

“We’re in serious discussions with UW System leadership” about budgeting for a new Cowley Hall, said Gow, adding that the budget planners at the state level are responsive to the need for a new building.

But Cowley, which has specialized labs and classrooms that can’t simply be replaced temporarily, presents a unique challenge to administration. A new building would probably be built in the current Cow-

Despite these two major projects undertaken in the past two years both began construction under Gow’s watch, the first project to be conceived entirely under Gow's tenure as chancellor is the residence hall.

The stadium and academic building were both in the planning stages when Gow took over in 2007, but both fail to match the inprogress residence hall in terms of sheer size.

The hall will be 218,000 square feet and will provide 500 beds, 100 more than were available before Trowbridge and Baird halls were demolished last June. It's just big enough to meet campus housing demands, said Gow, so the impact on local rental housing should be minimal.

Gow said many students prefer to live in a residence hall rather than rented housing near campus, in part because of the programming offered by residence life. Unlike any other hall, the new one will have a large basement for large-scale programming events. Gow said exactly what programming is held there would depend on student preferences, but that the FurLow Riders would be willing to play an inaugural show.

The $48.5 million traditional-style hall will also house the Office of Residence Life and promises to alleviate a congested housing situation on campus.

Looking to the future “It’s mind boggling to think how much science education has changed,” Gow said. In 1965, the finishing touches were put on what

Congratulations Chris!

Soccer, The Racquet, Intramural Champs, Senate and “It’s 39” Oh yes and a degree in four as well!

Keep on “living the dream” Love, Mom and Dad, Michael, Peter and Dan

Congratulations Trisha Magnin You reached for the stars and now you have them.

We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom & Dad

600 Losey Blvd. N ~La Crosse, WI 54601 Pro Shop - (608)779-4653 ~ Banquets- (608)784-0566 www.foresthillsgolf.org

FREE RENT! Student Housing

• 4 & 5 Bedroom Apartments • Leases begin June 1st • Single Bedrooms Available

Call us at (608)782-3776 and ask about our “FREE RENT” program!

Page 12

Racquet Recap

ley parking lot, and the existing hall would continue to be used until its completion. Old Cowley would then be demolished and turned into additional green space on the campus mall, Gow said.

Conducting twenty-first century science education in a building that’s 45 years old is not sustainable, he added.

Cartwright Center, which was built in 1959 and expanded twice since, is also nearing the end of its useful life. It’s “starting to wear out,” said Gow. Since the student center is funded by student fees, replacing Cartwright is a decision students will eventually have to make. Gow said a referendum sometime in the future is likely.

The likely location for a new student center is the parking lot between Wimberly Hall and the University Police building, but that project is still likely at least five years off.

Both buildings—a new Cowley and student center—would replace parking lots. “That’s why the [parking] ramp is so important,” Gow said.

Parking space means valuable income for the university, and so before either project can be undertaken, campus planners are looking to their next major project, the ramp.

“The challenge is paying for it,” said Gow. Unlike academic buildings like a new Cowley or Centennial Hall that are mainly paid for by the state, or student buildings like the residence hall or student center that are paid via student fees, a parking ramp would have to be completely self-supporting based on parking fees.

The exact impact on student drivers and the parking situations on campus and in the nearby neighborhoods is hard to predict, Gow said.

But the ramp will certainly replace parking space that will be lost to construction even further down the road.

Optimism justified?

At this time last year, Gow was optimistic despite the oncoming

Thursday, May 6, 2010

season of unprecendented cuts in state support.

A dismal economy soured the budget grapes offered by Wisconsin’s legislature more than any other time in history, but the very same conditions that caused state tax receipts to plummet and unemployment to spike have also fertilized the ground for the boom of new construction projects at UW-L. Never before and never again will UW-L experience the construction boom that is being planned. And as these new buildings are studied, planned, designed, built, and maintained, the sector hit hardest by the economic downturn, construction, will certainly benefit.

And students who use the buildings they construct just might benefit, too.

Birthright International we love them both!

Are you pregnant and in need of help?

We are here to help you in making a decision about your pregnancy

We offer:

-Free pregnancy testing -Non-judgmental advice -Completely confidential help -Prenatal Information 115 5th Ave S 4th Floor Suite 406 Between Tres Compadres and Vintage Vogue

Congratulations, Shiela!!

You have worked so hard and we are all so proud of you. We know you will “find” and do great things in the future.

Love, Your family

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Racquet Recap

It’s more than a degree.

I wanted to be a Doctor. Well, that's what I thought and, boy, was my career as unpredictable as this Wisconsin weather. How naive was I to think that at 18 years old without leaving Union Grove, Wisconsin I would have any clue what I was about to get myself into.

But, as a good friend of mine once told me, just chalk it up to youth.

Five years later, I'm sitting in an office in the most beautiful building in Wisconsin, meeting men and women with historic roots in communities across this great state. State representatives and senators from Mineral Point to Manitowoc, from Rhinelander to Racine, all grace this white granite building. I step back to think for awhile and I realize this all began in a Cowley Hall classroom and it began with failing Chemistry. I could have never imagined it, but what's the point of living if you can't try to live your dream. I digress.

What are you thinking about right now? Some are thinking about the classes to pick for next semester, setting them up for the ideal internship, eventually landing them the job of their "dreams." Those of you that just dropped your beer amid realization that the real world is hastily approaching are obviously on the other side of this equation.

But the funny thing is that, having all the tools (education) in the world doesn't matter unless someone has the confidence in you to use them. If you needed to put a nail into a piece of wood, what do you need? You need someone that trusts your ability to use the hammer, so that you don't smash their finger. In the real world we call that finger one's "reputation." If you have the right tools, but you don't know how to use them, you are either going to smash your finger or someone else's finger. Remember finger = reputation = success.

Don't smash your own success by wrecking your reputation, because your reputation never escapes you.

What are the greatest tools that you have been able to develop at UW-La Crosse? Sure you can identify the sciatic nerve or develop a marketing plan, but do you have the ability to use these great skills in the most powerful way?

When I began school at UW-L, there was a Facebook group titled, "Yeah, I got into Madison too." What makes that phrase so real? UW-L brings the highest academic talent from all over the state together in an environment that promotes humility and positive camaraderie. Am I grateful that I went to UW-L? A resounding yes is the only thing that can answer that question! The people, places and experiences that I have encountered throughout my college career will forever guide me. I hope it's the same for you.

The University of Wisconsin - La Crosse provides you with so much more than an education. This isn't just rhetoric, it’s reality.

UW-L is a university built by modest and humble Midwestern farmers who simply wanted to provide future generations an opportunity to succeed. Today, the University still embodies what its founders wanted in preparing the future leaders of the Wisconsin economy.

But I can't say that the tools that I have attained through UW-L have been the only factor in my career path. The people in my life have offered me all the opportunities in the world and I credit all my success (or at least what I think are successes) to them and their hard work that made me successful. I've also learned to not let them down, because you are forever indebted to those that have helped get you to where you are.

"That's not the color I ordered!"

When I was in high school I worked for a paint manufacturer, with a boss who was quite possibly the best manager I've ever had in my entire life. He barely graduated high school, yet had a way with people that kept them coming back.

I will forever remember one of my first days on the job where I had miss-tinted over $300 in paint, basically turning it into garbage.

He could see the frustration on my face but he still didn’t let go from his persistent criticisms of my mistakes, realizing that if he were to say my mistakes were not a big deal I wouldn’t learn a lesson.

Page 13

2009 graduate Kyle T. O’Brien looks at life one year after UW-L, and how his four years here shaped his life today.

I was emotionally exhausted and after screwing up one more batch of paint, I completely lost it. I thought to myself, “I can’t even mix paint correctly, how in the world am I going to be a doctor?” I went up to my manager and told him I needed to go home for the day. He told me, “That’s probably a good decision. Go home, get yourself some rest and come back in the morning because I need you.”

The words “I need you” will be with me forever, because at a moment when he probably could have done the work more effectively and efficiently himself, he empowered me to be successful. Whether it’s a friend, partner, co-worker or spouse, the idea of being needed is one of the basic principles in life. Don’t be afraid to tell someone how important they are to you, because you will probably hear the same in return.

What makes up your criteria for success?

It’s also extremely easy to get wrapped up in the tangible things that you believe will make you successful. I was offered an internship with a very successful manufacturing company as a financial analyst.

It was the “dream” job. The paycheck was $15,000 more than I could have ever expected and the opportunity to work with some of the finest business people in the world was available to me each and every day. I thought that my ideal life was about to come true.

But then my world changed. Let’s talk about that haphazard stumble into the “real world.”

The Road Less Traveled, in a Geo instead of an Escalade I was about ready to sign a lease for my new luxury apartment outside Milwaukee when I decided to go to a little open house for a local politician. He had just been elected in a tough race in the greater La Crosse area and he welcomed individuals to his office to celebrate the victory.

On my way to the event, I was going to meet up with one of the university administrators at the event, but he happened to leave before I got there. I didn’t want to go by myself, so I thought about turning around to go home. But for some unknown reason, I figured that I’d stop in real quick to say hi.

Walking into the office I was greeted, as always, by this gentleman who I will forever regard as one of the most honest and respectable men I’ve ever met in my entire life. He was a father to me and it all started that day, when he said, “Let’s talk about your future.”

Exchanging dollar signs for resume lines So I went on to work as a Policy Advisor in Madison, a foreign land to a small town Union Grove boy. As I worked in Madison, I had the opportunity to learn from over 600 people each day within a building with over 100 years worth of footsteps from the most powerful names in the state.

One day, I was walking into the main entrance of the building wearing a suit coat and carrying my brief case because I had to go to a committee hearing. I my walk back in from lunch, a young student pointed at me and asked his mom, “Who is that guy?”. His mom responded with, “Somebody really important!” If only she knew how trivial my presence was in that immaculate building, but it felt great to be associated with something so great. It was that day that I stopped second guessing my decision to leave a $20,000 pay raise to gain the greatest experience of my life.

Constantly learning valuable lessons Quickly I learned the logistics of such a dynamic building. I learned who to call when I needed help with translating legislative language, the guys who would help take pictures of groups with the Senator, but most importantly I learned that in the world of politics it’s hard to trust anybody.

The one place that I could go to find that trust and comfort were my friends from UW-L. Ed and Kurt, my senior roommates, Eric Fuhrmann and Jake Peters, two of my best friends, and Laura who

Page 14 has been there for me since we first met.

These were all people that I have treasured in my heart throughout my college career and will forever have a special place for these wonderful people. That void in my life was the camaraderie I always had at UW-L. I missed that and I guarantee that you will miss it to.

Lastly, relationships.

I can see the look on your face right through this paper because you are thinking, “Kyle, are you seriously going there?” Yes, I am.

Throughout college I was very active and kept my personal life just that, personal.

But when I moved to Madison I worried, like every other single college graduate, that I would never find “that” person and I’d be stuck loving my job instead of another person.

About three months after moving to Madison I ended up moving back to the La Crosse area to work on campaign work. This gorgeous class mate of mine named Laura was there for me and housed me until I found a permanent living space. I was probably a pest to her, as I basically annexed the living room for office space and the TV for Fox News in place of the E! Channel, but she would kindly just make a joke and then go

Racquet Recap on with her busy day.

When I first met Laura, I was too nervous to talk with her, but a mutual friend of ours made it happen. We both loved to give each other a hard time, but we also were individuals that were very true to ourselves. She knew I was a politics guy and she respected that, and I knew she was smarter than I could ever dream of being and I respected that.

She was absolutely gorgeous, and I was... uhh..not so much. But honestly, after going through some very stressful relationships, it was comforting knowing that if Laura wasn’t the one, there would be others almost as great as her out there for me.

When I was set to move back to Madison after my stint doing campaign work had ended, I was truly worried that the door to tell her how I felt would stay closed forever.

I was too scared and afraid of what would happen to tell her how I felt. One of the last days in La Crosse we had went out with some friends and somehow fell into each other’s arms. It has truly been the greatest blessing of my entire life and I can’t imagine what it would be like without her in my life.

I was blessed to love the greatest girl in the entire world, and I’m sure if you have patience you can find her too. Well, you can find the second greatest girl.

Thursday, May 6, 2010 Kyle T. O'Brien graduated from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Marketing in 2009. On campus, O'Brien was a Student Alumni Ambassador, Residence Hall Association Council Executive, Resident Assistant, Vanguard, Student Association Shared Governance Director and Student Association Vice President. Kyle interned for the Kohler Co. in 2008 as a financial analyst intern and began working in the State Senate in the summer of 2009. In December of 2009, O'Brien began working as a Legislative Assistant for Republican Caucus Chairman Scott Suder.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Racquet Recap

Page 15

Angel$ in the outfield Anonymous donors save UW-L Baseball for another five years.

Here’s how the story unfolded.

UW-L baseball, tennis set to play in 2009-10

by Andrea Wilson Senior Editor September 22, 2009

The short-term fate of the UW-L Men's Tennis and Baseball team has been sealed, and as UW-L Chancellor Joe Gow announced in an August 11 campus-wide e-mail, the teams will compete in the 20092010 season as originally planned. Both teams were able to raise enough money to sustain their program for the 2009-2010 season, but each has a long way to go to make sure that their team will be able to continue into the future. On June 5, 2009 Gow sent announced in an all-campus e-mail that the baseball and men's tennis programs would be eliminated in an attempt to cut $400,000 from the 2009-2011 biennium budget; the State of Wisconsin projected budget deficits of $6.6 billion and announced that there would be a 1-5% reduction in state agency budgets, forcing UW-L to cut approximately $2 million from its overall budget. In a campus wide e-mail, Gow said "maintaining baseball for the coming 2009-2010 season will require $50,000, and continuing men's tennis for another year will require $40,000."

The teams had until September 1 to come up with the majority of the funds in order to be included in the 2009-2010 UW-L athletics schedule. Shortly after making these announcements, Gow and the UW-L Athletic department received an outpouring of support from parents, alumni and community members to keep the teams leading massive fundraising efforts by both teams. Tennis Supporters of the UW-L Men's tennis team have raised $26,983.44 of the $40,000 needed to compete in the 2009-2010 season, according to their website saveuwlmenstennis.com.

Through various fundraising events, like the benefit softball tournament which raised $3,500, the Men's Tennis team has secured their spot in the 2009-2010 schedule.Head coach Bill Hehli acknowledges the hard work that the team has put into the continuation of the men's tennis progrm, "our guys want to play, and have worked hard to make this happen this year. So, the fact that they succeeded this year will give them extra incentive to make the most of their opportunity." In August Hehli estimated that the men's tennis program will need approximately $175,000

by May 2010 to secure their long-term future, but he now says "the number has moved around considerably." To determine the fu-

ture of Men's Tennis fundraising a committee has been formed, but in the mean time the team is working on smaller fundraising projects like cleaning up Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex after football games and selling tickets at other athletic events.

For more information about future fundraising events or to donate to the men's tennis team, visit their website, saveuwlmenstennis.com. Baseball Thanks to the hard work of the players, parents, friends, community members, coaches, and alumni head coach Chris Schwarz was able to begin tryouts for the 2009-2010 baseball season on September 13. According to saveuwlbaseball.com, the team has raised $41,652 toward their goal of $50,000. In an August 12 La Crosse Tribune article, UW-L Athletic Director Joe Baker said the program would need between $350,000 and $375,000 by May 2010 to be sustained long term, so the team will continue to fundraise throughout the season. On Saturday, September 19 the UW-L Baseball Fundraiser 4-person Golf Scramble was held at Cedar Valley Golf Course in Winona, MN. For more information about future fundraising events or to donate to the baseball team, visit their website, saveuwlbaseball.com.

To contribute to the baseball or tennis programs, go to www.saveuwlbaseball.com and www.saveuwlmenstennis.com

UW-L baseball alive for another five years

by Mackenzie Hautala Staff Writer April 11, 2010

Five more years have been secured for UW-La Crosse’s baseball team. At the end of the 2008-09 academic year, the budget cuts forced UW-L to cut funding for the baseball program.

Recently, the baseball program received a generous donation from an anonymous couple to keep the program alive for years to come.

The donation has many positive effects on the players. Sophomore Zachary Lauersdorf

said, “It is a good feeling knowing that people care about our passion for baseball, and not having to worry about whether our team and program will be here next year or not.”

Younger players will especially benefit from the donation. Freshman Adam Cordova claims, “I am ecstatic to know that I will be able to play all four years here at UW-L, and that we as a team no longer have to worry about if this is our last year or not.”

Not only is this donation key for the program, it is also important for the connections it brings between people. Sophomore Jay Fanta explained, “I have developed many friendships that I will be able to keep through the following years.”

The players and coaches are grateful for the support of the fans and community and thank everyone that has helped to raise funds for the team. “The generosity of our anonymous donors is overwhelming. I have extraordinary joy for the players, as they are the heart and soul of this program. They deserve to continue for the next five years and beyond,” said coach Chris Schwarz.

A group named “Friends of Baseball at UW-L” is being formed to raise money for the future of the baseball program. The team will play their next home game on April 17 against UW-Whitewater.

Racquet Recap

Page 16 CONGRATULATIONS Heather Anderson, Your hard work has paid off.

We had no doubt that you would succeed and follow your dream of becoming a teacher.

Love, Mom & Dad Congratulations Vanessa!

We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Heather, Jack, Carolyn, & Kevin

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Congratulations, Meredith Brown!

Time to enjoy goals you have accomplished Treasure friendships you share Celebrate your achievements And . . . . Keep Singing!!!

Love, Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Kevin, Chris, Jennie & Jarvis

Classifieds FOR RENT Two and four bedroom units. Between Viterbo + WWTC. Available for next school year. Some with free heat and hot water.

Laundry, off street parking. No pets. 608792-7319 Are you looking for a 3 bedroom apartment to rent in May, June, July or August? Look no further! Wedgewood Commons has a place for you*! We currently have our 3 bedroom 1 bath and 3 bedroom 2 bath units available for May, June, July, and August.

Our 3 bedroom 1 bath units start at $585/ mo. and our 3 bedroom 2 bath units start at $695/mo. We pay water, sewer and garbage with tenants paying for their own heat, electricity, and air conditioning. Pets are negotiable upon approved pet policy and are $25/month extra. There is no application fee. Please contact our office at 784-7771 or email us at wedgewoodcommons@ ahmc-assetmgmt.com SHOPPING What a Girl Wants Consignment Boutique is now open at 311 13th St N, between Pine

Think you can do better than this?

Let us know!

Email editor@theracquet.net and see your own work in The Racquet next fall!

and Vine. Handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, shoes, scarves, backpacks, I pod cases, and special occasion dresses. Every size, style and brand. Prices starting at only $.59.

Bring your gently used stuff in and make some $$$ or just stop in for a great deal on some really unique things. 799-2408.

PERSONAL COACH “Your positive approach to teaching the skills of organization gives them the wings to fly on their own.”

Strategies, support & accountability for Setting Priorities, Time Management, Organization, & Communication ADD. Depression. Anxiety Disorders.

Learning Disabilities. Substance Abuse. Life Transitions.

Nancy Harms, M.Ed. Personal Coach nancyharms@ hbci.com 507-450-6333 www.nancyharmspersonalcoach.com

Get your classified ad in print and online...

Check out theracquet.net and click the “Classifieds” tab on the top navigation bar...

It’s FREE to students!