Bushlack is ‘country strong’

By Corrine McCallum

Cardinal Staff

The 13th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance (TRBD) will benefit Saint Mary’s University senior Sabrina Bushlack on Saturday, March 23, from 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. in the SMU gymnasium.

Buchlack was chosen as the benfeciary of this year’s TRBD after being injured in a serious car accident in Indiana this summer. She was rushed to the hospital with a serious skull fracture and major brain swelling. 

Through many tests and trials, today Bushlack is back at SMU where she attends classes and plays on the women’s volleyball team. The accident left Bushlack with speech setbacks and physical difficulties. With the amount of help Bushlack needed to get back to her normal ways, came a debt of hospital bills.

The Saint Mary’s community has been there for Bushlack through this whole experience, from checking up on her while she was in the hospital to raising money and participating in a 5k walk for her. Bushlack was unanimously selected to be the beneficiary of the TRBD, which is held every year at Saint Mary’s to help raise money for a person in need.

“There were four applications turned in this year for beneficiaries for the benefit dance, and all four were for Sabrina,” according to Connie Budin, the TRBD committee chair. “It is the 13th annual benefit dance which is kind of cool since Sabrina’s volleyball number is 13.”

Bushlack could not believe she was the only person nominated. “Well, I am just kind of astounded because I never in a million years would have seen it coming,” said Bushlack. “I am just incredibly grateful and I know my family appreciates it a ton.”

Not only will Bushlack receive the money from the dance, but also the proceeds from a silent auction before the dance. Budin said, “The one big thing to plan with the dance is the silent auction, which is a two-day auction on the Thursday and Friday before the dance. Donations from all around Minnesota have come in to help Sabrina as well.”

“Sabrina wanted a country theme, so between ‘Strong is the New Beautiful’ and the country theme, we came up with ‘Country Strong,’ ” said Budin. The gymnasium will be decorated in a country theme with checkered colored tablecloths and farm decorations, according to Budin.

“I am going with the flow, and they keep me informed. I did not realize how much planning went into it and now I do because I get all of these emails asking me, ‘Would you like this? Would you rather have this?’ I am just surprised,” said Bushlack. With the dance quickly arriving there is a lot to plan.

Bushlack said she is excited for the dance. “I will be going with all of my roommates and their significant others so I am going to be the eighth wheel.”

Students started the TRBD in 2001 in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of SMU staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond.

The TRBD and its silent auction will help Sabrina with both her college debt and hospital expenses. Tickets to the dance cost $18 per person or $30 per couple. Tickets can be purchased prior to the event by contacting Director of Student Activities Lance Thompson or at the door.

Relay for Life, Saint Mary’s University rallies to fight cancer

By Kelsey Haugh

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s community helped fight cancer on Friday, March 15, at the annual Relay for Life event on the Saint Mary’s University campus.

The event was hosted by SMU’s Colleges Against Cancer (CAC), a student club on campus that works with the American Cancer Society to fight cancer. There were 19 teams signed up for this year’s event, with a total of 168 participants. The event raised $17,478.02, with money still coming in. Of the 19 teams, the team that brought in the most money was “Team Eddie,” with an outstanding $2,537, but the SMU women’s hockey team wasn’t far behind with $2,238.51.  

The event lasted from 6:30 p.m. on Friday night to about 3 a.m. on Saturday morning. It included many different events. There was live entertainment from an Irish dancer, the SMU dance team, The Sirens acappella group and The Plaza Kings.  Relay for Life also included a Zumba session and a special Open Mic Night. Games like the Newlywed Game and Heads and Tails allowed participants to win prizes like gift cards to local restaurants and a Kindle Fire.

Each team was required to have a silent auction basket and a booth or table at the event where they sold items of their choice. All proceeds went to the American Cancer Society for cancer research.

Throughout the night, three speeches were given. The first speech was given by Tim Radermacher.  This “celebrate speech” acknowledges the survivors who attended the event, including Radermacher’s daughter. At least 17 survivors attended this year’s event, according to CAC’s Survivorship Chair Lexi Hamiliton. 

The second speech, the “remember speech,” was given by Laura Wotta. Right after the remember speech, candles were lit in paper pages lined around the track to honor, support and remember loved ones who have battled cancer during the luminaria service. According to sophomore CAC member Mary Barthel, this is always one of the favorite parts of Relay for Life.

The third speech, “the fight back speech,” was written by Abbey Steinle but was given by Mary Samson with Steinle’s permission.

The Relay for Life event was considered a success by CAC members, who will begin planning next year’s event very soon.  More information about CAC and how to get involved is available by emailing CAC member Kristen Gustafson at KDGUST10@smumn.edu.

Movement to impeach student senate president closes

By Paul Schmitt

Cardinal Staff

A petition began circulating within the Saint Mary’s University student body in recent weeks with the intent of impeaching Student Senate President Robbie Doyle. Accompanying the petition were a number of concerns regarding Doyle’s ability to govern the body, including the priority of following policy over listening to the people themselves.

The impeachment efforts were officially put to an end on Feb. 26, when statements were made at the senate meeting that night.

Doyle began by saying that he is “more than willing to listen to what is said. He added, “But if I don’t know what I’m doing isn’t working, then I can’t change. As a body, as a whole, we can work together so that at the end of the day we can better represent the body as a whole.”

SMU student Bryan Lampkin spoke on behalf of the petition movement. He said that the petition “was intended not to maliciously attack Robbie’s dignity,” but was “intended to spark greater interest in what the body does.”

“Circulating the petition sparked discussion,” said Vice President for Student Development Chris Kendall. “I did have these two gentlemen get together and talk in great length,” he said, referring to Doyle and Lampkin, who had met earlier that day to resolve the issue, with Kendall present. The topics discussed at the meeting included “communication, flexibility and about senate being about more than just policy,” said Kendall. 

Doyle, Lampkin and Kendall were all unavailable for further comment.

Elections for next year’s student senate president were held on Tuesday, March 19, after this edition went to press.

Saint Mary’s bells ring for new pope

By Timothy J. Smith

Cardinal Staff

The bells on the campus of Saint Mary’s University rang long and loud on Wednesday, March 13, as the announcement of the new leader of the Holy Roman Catholic Church was made. 

Students, faculty, seminarians, priests, religious brothers and sisters waited in excited anticipation as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. This proclamation of the College of Cardinals in Rome, guided by the Holy Spirit, announced the 266th successor to Saint Peter the Apostle. 

The Church was blessed by the leadership of former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires Argentina, who chose the papal name Francis in honor of the beloved Italian Saint Francis of Assisi.

“It was a touching and emotional experience,” said Brother Pat Conway, FSC. Many students watched the emergence of the new pope in class by streaming online media. 

As stated in Matthew 16:18, Jesus Christ instituted the papacy over 2,000 years ago when he chose Saint Peter as the first leader of the Holy Catholic Church. Pope Francis is the representative of Jesus Christ on earth not just for Catholics, but the whole world.  His selection as the new Holy Father includes several firsts in the history of the papacy. He is the first pope from the America’s and also the first who is a member of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. 

One of his first actions as Supreme Pontiff was a humble request from the whole world to join him in prayer. The elevation of Pope Francis is a great source of joy and sign of hope for the Church, which looks forward to continuing its mission at bringing people into communion with Jesus Christ in the third millennium. 

Pope Francis shares a great love for the poor and those in need, much like the founder Saint John Baptist de la Salle.  Pope Francis lived a simple life while Archbishop of Buenos Aires, including riding the bus to work and wearing an ordinary priest’s robe. He also lived in a simple apartment where he cooked his own meals, rather than living in the luxurious residence where he was entitled to have servants.

SMU hosts first dance marathon, proceeds benefit hospitalized children

By Regina Barbosa

News Editor

The first dance marathon at Saint Mary’s University was a big hit on Feb. 15, with about 250 people in attendance and $1,200 in funds raised for families with children in the Gundersen Lutheran Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), according to Dance Marathon Club President Serica Rowley.

Dance marathon is a nationwide movement, involving college students at more than 150 schools across the country to raise money for the CMN Hospitals in and near their local communities.

“The money goes directly to families to help pay for medical costs,” said Faculty Advisor for the Dance Marathon Club Shelly McCallum. She said the event was “very successful for the first time through.”

It was also the first time Gundersen Lutheran CMN benefitted from a Dance Marathon event.

Former Winona Mayor Jerry Miller was a special guest at the dance marathon along with Gundersen Lutheran representatives for CMN and local families aided by Gundersen Lutheran CMN.

“We had a young family from Eau Claire with a darling little boy who is now 3, and he was born with tumors on his brain. He had to have a bunch of surgeries,” said McCallum. “He’s doing really well and his two siblings were there with his mom and dad. They stayed and danced until about 12:30 a.m.”

The Oldie Moldie All-Stars performed and attracted a crowd to the event.      

The Dance Marathon Club hopes to host another dance marathon to benefit Gundersen Lutheran CMN next year.

Housing options change for 2013-2014 academic year

By Mary Nordick

Cardinal Staff 

Saint Mary’s University students will see some changes on campus for the 2013-2014 academic year as the Office of Residence Life changes student housing options, according to Director of Residence Life Brendan Dolan. 

Pines Hall, Brother Leopold Hall, Heffron Hall and Saint Yon’s Hall will be housing options for sophomores through seniors, said Dolan. However, La Salle Hall will return to offering single housing options to seniors.

As for apartment-style housing, Dolan said both the Ek Family Village and Residencia Santiago Miller will remain junior and senior housing. Meanwhile, Watters Hall will be housing for graduate students. 

Gilmore Creek Hall and Hillside Hall will remain sophomore housing.

Freshmen housing options will include Skemp Hall as an all-female residence hall and Benilde Hall as an all-male residence hall. However, Saint Joseph’s Hall will also be added as a freshmen housing option.  According to Dolan, it will be co-ed by floor.  

Saint Edward’s Hall will also be co-ed but it will be turned into a Living Learning Community. Dolan said that these communities will include “four different themes with four different communities for incoming students next year.”

An open house to check out and tour different residence halls will be on Tuesday, March 26, from 5-7 p.m. Also, additional information on upcoming student housing is available on the Residence Life website: http://www.smumn.edu/undergraduate-home/about-smu/student-life/residence-life/residence-halls.

SMU holds community Easter egg hunt

By Carissa Hahn

Copy Editor

The first annual Easter egg hunt, sponsored by the Saint Mary’s University Office of Residence Life, invites Winona-area children to campus and allows SMU students the opportunity to give back on Sunday, March 24, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Winona community is invited to the event, which will be held in Gostomski Fieldhouse.  Children in grades four and under will have the opportunity to play games, search for Easter eggs and win prizes. Local businesses have contributed by making donations.

“I am really looking forward to seeing the Winona community families that show up. I am also excited to see everything come together,” said Saint Mary’s senior Julianne Bartosz. She has been planning the event as part of a public relations campaign for her capstone public relations course. 

Bartosz is planning the event with Hall Director Marc Hartmann and a committee of volunteers, mainly SMU resident assistants. They have worked to recruit volunteers, plan games and activities for the community children, collect donations from local businesses and advertise the event in the community.  

“I am thankful to have been working with a great group of volunteers,” said Bartosz. “It will mean a lot for them as well to see our work come together.”

More recent planning has been involved with converting the event from an outside event to an indoor event.  According to Bartosz, the amount of snow on the ground has prevented the Easter egg hunt from being in its originally planned location, Saint Mary’s Park.

SMU students are encouraged to show up at the event to volunteer.  Volunteer opportunities include overseeing the games and activities, helping children during the Easter egg hunt and assisting with parking. Interested volunteers can arrive at the Gostomski Fieldhouse at 12:30 p.m.

The Easter egg hunt is based on the Office of Residence Life’s Halloween Fun Night. The 2012 fall event brought about 800 community children to campus.

Students share distinct perspectives at Lent 4.5

By Alexi Lund

Feature Editor

The 2013 Lenten season brought a new opportunity for students of the Saint Mary’s University community by offering multi-denominational group Lent 4.5 as an option for students who do not practice the Catholic faith.

Lent 4.5 is a group offered through the Office of Campus Ministry (OCM) that meets during the season of Lent to discuss global environment issues and how Christians have a responsibility to care for God’s creation.  

“The significance of the number 4.5 is that we should be living off of 4.5 acres rather than the average 22.3 acres that Americans use to support themselves,” said SMU senior and Lent 4.5 Group Leader Jenna Putz. She also said that the group discusses the small steps it can take to care for our Earth. 

This group is small but consists of people with different experiences, allowing students to learn from each other and get to know new people on campus. A member of the group, senior Stephanie Solland, said, “I chose to participate in the multi-denominational group because I wanted to learn more about what other Christian faiths do during the Lenten season and what their perspective is on sustainability issues.”

This is the first year of the non-denominational group.  Putz said, “Our biggest challenge is to get the word out about the group, because it really is for anyone who is interested, not just those who practice the Catholic faith.”  

This group is a great addition to OCM because it encourages students of all faith traditions to be a part of OCM programs. They look at various Christian views including Presbyterian, Lutheran and Methodist. 

“I think this group provides an opportunity for all students to come together to discuss religion and its relationship to sustainability in a safe environment,” said Solland.

This group has helped students to see Lent in a different way because of its focus on sustainability, according to Solland. She said, “It has given me an opportunity to think more about what I can do personally to help care for the environment.”

“To put it simply, Lent 4.5 is an awesome and valuable group,” said Putz. 

Chamber Choir tours France

By Paul Schmitt

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University Chamber Choir traveled across the ocean during spring break for their annual tour, which took place in France this year.

The group, consisting of 24 singers, sang at a variety of Lasallian institutions as well as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Remi in Reims, which is east of Paris.

Choir Director Patrick O’Shea said that it was “a very strong group musically this year,” and that he was particularly excited about the repertoire they performed in France, which included a set of three Italian madrigals written by O’Shea.

Kaeli Todd, a member of the Chamber Choir, said, “Overall, I think our performances went really well. At our only full formal concert, the room was very dry and hard to get used to acoustically. But by the time intermission arrived, we were all much more used to it, and we performed the second half of our concert probably better than we ever had before.”

Marking their return, the choir presented a homecoming recital for the Winona community on March 15 in Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels. This performance consisted of the same repertoire that was performed in France.

‘Mosaic’ shares students’ talents

By Midge Reller

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University’s students and faculty can look forward to Mosaic, SMU’s literary and arts magazine, to be distributed free of charge before the semester ends.

Editor of the publication, SMU senior Echo Christian, said, “This magazine’s purpose is to showcase visual arts and writing done by Saint Mary’s students and occasionally its faculty members.”

The magazine’s release date is not set in stone, but Christian said she is hoping for mid-April.

Christian’s job as editor has been to compile submissions, advertise and run the magazine. For Christian, Mosaic has been a year-round internship that she began working on the week students arrived for the 2012-2013 school year.

“I talked with my supervisor about my goals for the year,” said Christian. “I started by going to the Club Carnival and promoting it [the Mosaic] there.”

SMU English Professor Dr. David Sokolowski is the Mosaic’s supervisor. This is his fifth year overseeing the publication.

“Sokolowski primarily advises me on issues such as the budget,” said Christian. “He serves as a liaison for the English Department, updating them on the progress of the publication.”

Christian selected a committee of students to aid in the process of selecting which submissions will be featured in the magazine. Then, the committee picks their top 20 pieces in each category. Christian said this year’s magazine features about 12 writing pieces and 20 visual art pieces.

According to Christian, one of her main goals this year was to have a committee that chooses pieces that showcase the poetry, fiction and visual artwork of students as well as they could. Christian said, “There are some really amazing pieces that should be recognized for what they are.” 

“This publication is important as a means of getting work by SMU students published and a means of putting together what we think is some of the very best creative work on campus,” said Dr. Sokolowski. “It also gives students and the publication’s editor valuable editing and publishing experience.”

Through working on Mosaic, Christian said that she has had a lot of fun and has learned a lot. “It’s great to know what our campus is capable of producing,” she said.

‘Wreck-It Ralph’ is fun for all ages

By Petey Brown

Arts & Entertainment Editor

When a boss/bad guy from a video game wants to be in the spotlight and be the good guy for once, Ralph breaks all the rules to try and accomplish his new dream in Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph.  

Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) had been a bad guy for 30 years in the arcade he was living in. His job was to essentially wreck buildings or anything that was in his way. His counterpart and the hero of the game, Fix-It Felix (Jack MyBrayer), is in place to fix what Ralph destroyed. Felix was always praised at the end of the day when the arcade was shut down, but Ralph was shunned and ignored. Ralph tries to cope with his support group of other video game villains but cannot shake the feeling that he is not meant to be the bad guy.  

So when Ralph sees an opportunity to win a gold medal in a modern war game, he jumps at the opportunity. The only thing is that video game characters are not supposed to jump games because they are gone forever if they die outside their game. Ralph manages to get the gold medal in the intense shooter game, where the enemy is a swarm of deadly robot bugs. Unfortunately, he accidentally unleashed them in another game and lost his medal.  This game is less intense than the war game; it is a game about car racers in a world full of candy and treats.  

Ralph’s goal is still to be the hero and he tries to find his medal in this new world but ends up teaming up with the outcast “glitch” in the game, Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman). The two make a fun team consisting of a giant bad guy and a little girl with a feisty attitude. They work together to win back the medal by winning the race. At the same time this is going on, Fix-It Felix must get Ralph back to his game or else his game will be shut down.  

Wreck-It Ralph is a fun comedy and adventure movie made by Disney that is a good movie for all ages. Video game lovers will enjoy the jokes and the cameos of other video game characters in the film. Others will also like it because of the jokes, characters and interesting story.  

This movie is now out on DVD or Blu-Ray.  Wreck-It Ralph is made for kids, but it is also enjoyable for “grown-up” college kids. This movie gets a 7 out of 10. It was a really fun movie to watch, which can truly be enjoyed by opening up to the movie’s goofiness.

Actors shine in ‘Spitfire Grill’

By Brendan Cahill

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of “Spitfire Grill” was brilliantly directed by Dr. Gary Diomandes with a splendid cast. Each one of the actors played roles seemingly written for their own personality.

The actors’ skills were not the only shining talent being displayed; the set and lighting really brought the “Spitfire Grill” to life. The usage of the space at Valéncia Arts Center was brilliant.

The show follows the musical journey of Percy Talbott from prison to Gilead, Wis. The audience follows Talbott as she adapts to life in a small town while others in the community also adapt to her presence.

SMU senior Yuri Korchak, who has not seen many theatrical productions, said, “I was not sure if I was going to like it when I went into the show. Musical theater is not my thing, but I was pleasantly surprised when I left that night.”

The show had just the right amount of music and quite an enjoyable arrangement of songs, which had toes tapping. Some musicals can get tiresome with the actors singing too much; however, this was not the case. 

Theatre Department: Senior shows coming soon

By Brendan Cahill

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s seniors Andrew Russell and Phil Soulides are preparing to join the real world and end their academic career at SMU. They face one of the last few challenges they have before they graduate: their senior projects.  

Each member of the SMU Theatre and Dance Department must compile a production before graduating.  The senior project is meant to demonstrate the skills students have acquired and perfected over their four years at SMU. 

Russell’s production titled “Play Time” will bring quite a bit of excitement to the stage. The title captures the techniques he and his actors used for the creation of plays. This process consists of constructive improvisation and character exploration. This gives Russell his moment to shine while also showcasing the skills of his actors. 

For example, Russell provides his actors with a character to play. The actors act out what their character is trying to do by building the character with their own improv skills and the answers and ideas from other cast members.  

“It’s amazing to work with a group of team players,” said Russell. “I ask them every night to create me a quality, organic play and to make me feel something. They never fail!”  

Soulides is working on his own senior project, which hopes to exploit the audience’s interest in seeing other people get hurt.  His show asks, “Have you ever had that moment where you can’t look away from something you know you shouldn’t be looking at?”  He said it draws on people’s desire not to look and their morbid fascination that makes them want to look anyway.

He has titled his production “Schadenfreude,” a fun, multi-syllabic German word referring to pleasure derived for the pain of others. His project uses nine actors to show the evolution of combat, from gladiator battles to bar fights in a western saloon to a title fight.   

“My actors are going through quite the workshop to get ready for this show,” said Soulides. “I gave them a workout routine, which I am doing with them as well. I want to be able to do everything I am asking my actors to do.”

His actors are also learning how to move in a fight while making it look like it hurts and generating the sounds and movements of hits without any harmful contact. Soulides asked his actors during the audition if they could quickly make a wound on their face with makeup to portray the impact of a fight.

Soulides is also is using breakaway props for shock factor. He is hoping that the audience might get a rush by seeing a glass breaking over someone’s head. Soulides said, “We know we shouldn’t watch some one get hurt but we can’t help but watch!” 

Music Review: ‘Bad Blood’ by Bastille

By Allison Christensen

Cardinal Staff

Hailing from South London, England, Bastille is an indie pop band with their debut album, “Bad Blood,” reaching the top of the UK charts when it was released March 4, while the single “Pompeii” reached the No. 2 spot.

Consisting of Dan Smith, Chris “Woody” Wood, Will Farquarson and Kyle Simmons, Bastille has toured Europe with popular groups such as Two Door Cinema Club and Emeli Sandé. Their song “Oblivion” was featured in Season 4 of “The Vampire Diaries.”

Bastille’s driving beats, smooth vocals and chanted choruses are similar to that of the recent breakthrough-band Imagine Dragons. The thing that makes Bastille stand apart is Smith’s use of the piano, which has become uncommon to hear in pop music today. Lively piano notes weaving in and out of the music add vibrancy to every song on the “Bad Blood” album.

Another interesting fact about Bastille is that they don’t use a guitar. Smith can’t play guitar, so he and Producer Mark Crew challenged themselves to create an album that feels like a big, upbeat guitar record without using a guitar. 

“Rather than using guitars or distortion, we used interesting key noises, layering up choirs of myself, big string arrangements and being as creative as possible with beats,” said Smith.

Bastille’s “Bad Blood” is truly a unique sound and well worth a trip to YouTube for a listen. The album is not available in MP3 format in the U.S. yet, but the CD can be purchased on Amazon. Visit www.bastillebastille.com or follow Bastille on Facebook to keep up with new releases and tour dates. 

Coach Landrum retires as men’s basketball coach

By Petey Brown

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Saint Mary’s University Men’s Basketball Coach Todd Landrum resigned on Feb. 18 after coaching the team for five years. 

Landrum has coached more than 35 years in both college and professional basketball.  He was the 12th SMU men’s basketball coach.

“I enjoyed my time at SMU, but I am looking forward to a new adventure in basketball, sports,” said Landrum.

SMU Athletic Director Nikki Fennern said, “Coach Landrum has been impactful in the development of our student-athletes on and off the basketball court. I am thankful for his commitment to our student-athletes, and I wish him the best.”

Landrum hopes to be in another capacity in basketball at some level next season.

Before coaching at SMU, he was the youth/scholastic basketball coordinator for the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.  

Landrum has also been a head coach at two other colleges, the University of Charleston and University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He was also the assistant coach at the University of Delaware and UW-Platteville.  Landrum was on staff at UW- Platteville when they won the 1991 NCAA Division III National Championship.  He coached at three NBA Developmental League teams in Pittsburgh, Chicago and La Crosse.  Landrum also worked at the University of Wisconsin and Ohio State University, which is his home state team.  During his time in Ohio, the team made three NCAA appearances and achieved a NIT title.  He spent 10 years in the Big Ten Conference.

Michael Burfeind reaches 1,000 points

By Carissa Hahn

Copy Editor

Saint Mary’s University senior men’s basketball player Michael Burfeind became the 25th player in SMU men’s basketball history to reach 1,000 career points.

On Feb. 3, 2013, Burfeind shot and made two free throws to reach the milestone with 2:20 remaining in the first half of a home game against Concordia College.

“The main goal is obviously winning games, not individual statistics. But I never thought I would have scored 1,000 points here at SMU upon my arrival,” said Burfeind.

Burfeind said this wasn’t really a goal of his, but expressed joy in the accomplishment. He humbly said he didn’t really think about it too much at the time because he needed to be focused on the game. 

Men’s Basketball Coach Todd Landrum described Burfeind’s role on the team as “a quiet leader who used his on-court production as an example for his teammates.”

Burfeind has been playing basketball competitively since the fourth grade. “Going to the gym and getting shots up doesn’t feel like work to me,” he said. “It’s something I love to do.”

Landrum said, “Mike was an offensive threat both in the post and on the perimeter.” Burfeind also earned All-Conference honors in his junior and senior seasons.

Burfeind said his favorite type of shot to take is a three-point shot. He explained that this is “partly because it’s one of the tougher shots to take in basketball, and also because the crowd seems to get a little louder and more involved with the game when you make one.”

Fastpitch softball: Spring trip a success

By Samantha Borawski

Sports Editor

The Cardinal fastpitch softball team not only enjoyed the sunny, warm weather during their spring trip in Tucson, Ariz., but the team also finished the trip with a solid 6-3 record that made the trip even sweeter. 

After finishing the trip above 500, the team boasts five players with batting averages above .300. Hitting proved to make all the difference for the Cardinals, who in games they won, outscored their opponents 41-22. The line-up is stacked with hitters and is a vital part to the Cardinals game plan this season. Sophomore Natalie Boissiere has the most hits in 11 games so far with 19 hits overall. 

The Cardinals look to senior Kayla Peterson to do a substantial amount of pitching this year, with Paige Carter helping the effort. Peterson pitched 197 innings last season and will be another key player to the team this year.

Defense is the final key to a successful season for the Cardinals. Part of the recent success of the team is its experienced, veteran leaders. The team only lost three seniors last season, so more than half the team has already played at least one season together. This team bond will help the Cardinals to hopefully return to the MIAC playoffs once again this year.

To top off a fantastic start in Arizona, the Cardinal played against University of Wisconsin in Riverfalls at the Rochester dome on March 17. The Cardinals split the series, making their overall record 7-4. 

The Cardinals open Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) play on March 28 at Augsburg College. The team’s first home game is on April 4 against Hamline University.

Column: A semester in D.C.

By Kelsey Hulbert

Cardinal Staff

As my time in Washington, D.C., is coming to the halfway mark, I’ve had to do a lot of adjusting to the “real world” in a big city. Adjusting to everything, from having to cook dinner after class at 9 p.m. to getting horribly lost in the metro, has been a big adjustment from life in small town Winona.

However, the biggest lesson I have learned thus far is the importance of asserting yourself and being an active and engaged citizen. While my internship with the Peace Corps has been great, there is a much bigger picture that goes on with the program at the Washington Center. In D.C., I am in the heart of so much that goes on with the world politically. The program is designed to give students more knowledge of how the political atmosphere works and how students can actually evoke political change.

The Washington Center offers a mixture of advocacy programs that range from homelessness to animal welfare to LGHTQ rights. The program takes a step back and tries to get away from the “band-aid” approach to solving the world’s problems. Instead of being encouraged to volunteer at homeless shelters, we are taught what causes homelessness and what we can do to solve it.

Needless to say, this has been my favorite part of the Washington Center thus far. We have had speakers, who had all previously been homeless, come in and share their experiences with us.  Listening to them was definitely an eye-opener; two of the three speakers had come from solid middle-class backgrounds with well-paying jobs and supportive families before losing their homes through a very quick series of bad luck and poor decisions.

Their overall messages were ones of caution, but they were much less stay-in-school, don’t-do-drugs than I expected. The main lesson they wanted to teach us was that homelessness can happen to anyone, at any time. The best defense we can have against it is building and staying close to a support network of friends and family and not isolating ourselves when things get rough.  That’s the best anyone can do.

Recently, as part of my service hours, I went with a group of five other interns to Samaritan Inn, a part shelter, part rehab center that runs 28-day programs designed to give men and women reliable housing and support to overcome their addictions. We were there from 3 to 7 p.m. to prepare and serve dinner for a group of about 14 people.

Dinner was a big hit and everyone loved the minestrone soup that we made. We served dinner a few minutes after 5 p.m. and then sat down to eat and converse for an hour-and-a-half with the residents. I was a little bit shy at the beginning, wondering what exactly we’d talk about. However, I ended up talking to the same woman for over an hour about her family and experiences at Samaritan Inn. It was a great way to dismantle a lot of stereotypes on homelessness and just break down barriers in general. If I have time, I’d like to go back and do it again before the semester ends, which is something I definitely did not expect to take out of this program when I began two months ago.