Habitat promotes recycling

By Kelsey Hulbert

Feature Editor

Habitat for Humanity collected aluminum cans to fundraise and promote awareness of a more eco-friendly campus, according to SMU Habitat for Humanity President Desiree Caballero.

Habitat set up collection areas in each dorm to allow all students the opportunity to make a difference, said Caballero.

“Recycling does not get taken care of as it should,” said Caballero.

Caballero said she wants to spread awareness of an eco-friendly campus because the current recycling system is not convenient and is not used properly by students.  The aluminum cans collected, including beer cans, were given to Habitat to cover chapter fees and raise funds to help students go on a January trip to Fergus Falls, Minn., said Caballero. The trip will focus on building houses and teaching students home-building skills. 

“You can still make a difference even if you don’t know anything about construction,” said Caballero. “It’s a great way to learn to do something you wouldn’t normally do.” 

Habitat also participated in trick-or-treating for cans and change in the Winona community. They collected seven trash bags of cans and $170. 

“It’s great getting the word out and letting people know what SMU is about,” said Caballero. She said that Habitat will also be selling tool-shaped cookies to fundraise for supplies that Habitat is in need of.

Peace and Justice Club’s Fair Trade Friday offers free treats

By Kelsey Hulbert

Feature Editor

SMU’s Peace and Justice (P&J) Club promotes sustainability and supports small scale farmers by offering free Fair Trade coffee, tea and hot chocolate every Friday from 7-10 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Hall.

Fair Trade is an organized social movement that aims to promote sustainability and help producers in developing countries to make better trading conditions like fair and equal wages without exploitation.

“Fair Trade Friday is a club tradition that also raises awareness of a social justice issue,” said P&J Club President Meghan Campbell.

Even though Fair Trade Friday items are given to SMU students, staff and faculty for free, Campbell said that donations are greatly appreciated.  “We have received a record amount of donations this year,” said Campbell.

The donations collected help the P&J Club replenish supplies for their weekly Fair Trade Friday, which are bought at Winona’s Bluff County Co-op.  Additional funds are put toward other club activities like their trip to the annual School of the Americas (SOA) Vigil at Fort Benning, Ga.  

The P&J Club will also hold a Fair Trade sale Nov. 28-30. The sale will include items like coffee, candy, chocolate and crafts. Campbell said that all purchases will directly support the person or people who created the item, which can often play a major role in their survival.

Another future event is the club’s Common Threads clothing drive, which will take place second semester. For this event, the club accepts clothing donations from the SMU community and sells them to raise funds for the club.  Campbell said the remaining clothing is donated to Winona Volunteer Services.

Further club initiatives include promoting going green. The club has purchased mugs from the Salvation Army and urges students to use the reusable mugs to eliminate using paper cups. 

Campbell said her favorite part of being in involved in the club is educating others and learning about social justice issues.  “I’m big on social justice, equality and helping people become aware of things that are going on around the world,” she said.  

S.O.U.L. trip to Milwaukee teaches students about urban agriculture

By Kelsey Hulbert

Feature Editor

On an October Serving Other United in Love (S.O.U.L.) trip to Milwaukee, Wis., ten SMU students learned about problems in agriculture today while working at Growing Power.

Growing Power is an organic farm in the heart of the city that focuses on providing healthy food to urban areas.  The organization focuses on sustainable food production and the growth of communities through local gardens.

Present agricultural problems that SMU students learned about center around the reliance on processed and pre-packaged food.  By furthering the reliance on processed food, people are giving up their right to have safe, affordable and plentiful food.

­­­SMU students also had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience like mucking chicken pens, picking tomato plants, spreading mulch, sifting dirt and weeding.

Will Allen, the CEO of Growing Power, is hoping to create a foundation of urban agriculture in order to bring the benefits of a community food system to the needs of a large city.

Agriculture has become increasingly more industrialized and reliant on unsustainable practices while creating a huge gap in between the food source and the consumer.  This forces people in large urban areas to buy inexpensive and low-quality food and sacrifice fresh fruits and vegetables for low-cost processed food.  This has an avalanche affect on healthcare and social welfare and especially harms the poor.

Tips for Going Green

By Kelsey Hulbert

Feature Editor

     •  Ride a bike into town instead of driving and plan ahead to combine your weekly errands into one           

         trip 

     •  Make use of the recycling facilities around campus

     •  Unplug cell phone chargers when not in use

     •  Power down your laptop when not in use

     •  Turn the light of in your room when you leave for more than one minute

     •  Reuse containers and bags

     •  Use reusable coffee mugs and water bottles

     •  Turn the water off while you’re brushing your teeth

     •  Reduce your paper use by utilizing e-mail more

     •  Donate and shop at the thrift shop 

Blue Angel stuns once again

By Keotta House

Cardinal Staff

The Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Eta Nu Chapter hosted the annual musical variety show Blue Angel and once again it left the crowd stunned and awed by the talents this year.

The show was held in the cafeteria of the Toner Student Center on Nov. 2 and 3. Students performed the live musical acts from a wide variety of genres, from Taylor Swift’s newest hit single to one of Aretha Franklin’s old time classics.

There were three shows on Friday and two on Saturday. The late Saturday show was standing room only. Half of the proceeds from the show were donated to charities aimed at fighting men’s cancers. 

Juniors Rebecca Krueger and Eli Arnold had the honors of being the mistresses or hosts of ceremony. They kept the crowd laughing in all three shows. The two even performed an act of their own singing Starland Vocal Band’s hit single “Afternoon Delight.”

Although every performance was special there were some standouts.

The Trio of Shelby Clarke, Colleen Morgan and Jessica Drake performed a crowd-silencing rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s hit song “Dark Side,” garnering a standing ovation.

Bill Van Wagner brought the crowd to their feet with a mash up of Beyoncé’s hit song “Halo” and The Notorious B.I.G.’s classic “Juicy.”

Jessica Ingvalson got the crowd singing with her rendition of Taylor Swift’s hit “Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

Charlie and the Keys wowed the audience with their rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.”

The Oldie Moldie All-Stars wrapped up the exciting show with their performance and nearly had the whole cafeteria out of their seats. 

At the Movies: ‘Argo’

By Brian Thomas

Cardinal Staff

The critically acclaimed film Argo starring Ben Affleck (The Town), Bryan Cranston (Emmy Award winning actor from AMC’s Breaking Bad) and John Goodman (The Artist) manages to please its audience without complicating its plot.

Based on actual events, Argo is the amazing story about a CIA mission to rescue six Americans held captive during a conflict with Iran and the people who were brave enough to make it happen.

In true Hollywood fashion, a CIA operative played by Affleck hatches a plan to film a movie in order to disguise the hostages as the production crew and safely transport them out of the country. The film’s best moments come during the planning and setup of the mission in hilarious exchanges between veteran actors John Goodman and Alan Arkin. They both portray Hollywood big shots that use their connections to assist the CIA.

If a movie is being made about a CIA mission, it is a success. The overall execution of the plotline and script accompanied by superbly acting by the all-star cast. Affleck, who stars and directs this spy-thriller, manages to display the key roles of a real event and capture the raw emotions of each character. He once again shows that he belongs in the same conversation with Hollywood’s elite directors with his other films, especially his The Town in 2012.

The very fact that the CIA approved a mission like this may raise some eyebrows of the American people, but the film itself will warm the hearts of moviegoers around the nation. With a certified fresh rating of 95 percent approval from the movie critic site RottenTomatoes.com, audiences are guaranteed to enjoy it. 

Movie Review: Not taken by ‘Taken 2’

By Petey Brown

A&E Section Editor

Yet again Brian Mills (Liam Neeson) and his family are in another situation overseas where someone has been taken in the hit movie Taken’s sequel, Taken 2.

Mills is a retired CIA operative who is working security in Istanbul.  He invites his ex-wife and daughter to come visit him after he finishes his job.  Mills ex-wife, Lenore (Famke Janssen) is upset because she is going through a divorce with her husband and accepts Mills’ offer to visit.  Lenore and her daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) come to Istanbul for a nice visit. But that is not in store for them.

Albanian human traffickers are targeting the Mills family. They are seeking revenge for the family members that Mills killed to save his daughter in Taken. The Albanian traffickers manage to capture Leonor and Brian, but not Kim.  Brian manages to warn Kim to watch out for the takers, and she evades them. 

In this movie, it is now Kim trying to rescue her father.  Kim does not go to the United States Embassy. Instead, she tries to help her father herself.

Taken was awesome, but its sequel is a bit disappointing.  The movie did not seem as realistic as the first. It was just plain silly at times.  At one point in the movie, Kim throws grenades to try finding her father.  She does not get arrested doing this either.  It was as if Director Oliver Megaton was trying too hard to one up his last film and it did not end well. 

Many critics were not fans of this movie. RottenTomatoes.com, a website that compiles movie reviews together to make a rating for the movie, gave Taken 2 a 21 percent.  However, viewers gave this movie a 57 percent, which is not bad at all. 

The movie was not awful. Liam Neeson he did a good job in this movie. The plot was too much like a generic action movie.  This movie is a good mindless action flick. If you liked the first movie, then go see it.  Taken 2 had a lot of good things from Taken. It just did not do anything special.   

Music Review: ‘Night Visions’ by Imagine Dragons

By Allison Christensen

Cardinal Staff

Emerging from the chaos of showgirls, slot machines and bright lights in Las Vegas, they call themselves Imagine Dragons.

They have broken away from typical casino entertainment and have created a new, intense sound that captures listeners with its throbbing percussion and emotional lyrics. Each song on their debut album, “Night Visions,” emits a certain mood that manifests emotions in the listeners that enable them to connect with the music on a deeper level then just listening.

Formed in 2008, the band consists of frontman Dan Reynolds (drums and vocals), Dan Platzman (drums and viola), Wayne Sermon (guitar) and Ben McKee (bass guitar).  Imagine Dragons blends rock and synthetic instruments to create a fresh, contemporary sound.

“We are gearheads. We do a lot of experimenting with percussion that’s electric and acoustic on top of each other,” said guitarist Wayne Sermon.

Each of their songs has a powerful beat that gives the listener a sense of forward motion.  This is especially apparent with the pounding bass drum in their songs “Radioactive” and “Demons.” Emotional pain inspires each song written by Imagine Dragons.

Their first hit “It’s Time” was inspired by front man Dan Reynolds’ struggle with discovering who he is and figuring out how seriously he wanted to take music. It is featured in The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie trailer.

Their goal is to channel their pain into songs that will inspire others. Songs like “It’s Time” and “Underdog” address common issues that everyone can relate to, such as moving on and being misunderstood.

“We feel that we have finally created something we are all truly proud of and that can hopefully inspire others and help them feel a little less alone. That’s what music is about. It’s the greatest communicator I know,” explained Reynolds. 

Check out Imagine Dragons’ official site, www.imaginedragonsmusic.com, where you can listen to the album “Night Visions,” check tour dates and purchase merchandise.

Second Page: The laughter never ends

By Skylar Finkelstein

Cardinal Staff

Saving laughter and humor, one joke at a time was the goal of the Second Page Super Hero clan.

Second Page is an improve group at Saint Mary’s University that specializes in actors doing improve comedy. The club puts on a production before Halloween to showcase their talents and bring a laugher to SMU’s campus.

This production had a theme of super heroes with ludicrous powers like Haley McComb being “Snack Pack Girl.”  She flew around the world bringing people joy in the form of a simple pebbling cup. These hilarious powers brought tummy-tickling happiness to the audience.

The cast left the crowd laughing long after the act was complete.  This was accomplished by a lot of crowd interaction. Second Page members had a bowl full of games that audience members picked for the cast to act out.

One game included was “Inner Thoughts,” which creates a scene where two actors have to act out a thought given to them.   The game continues with two acts and two people stating thoughts to be acted out.

Also, a crowd favorite was the picture scene portion of the show, which was also the grand finale. This is when Kylie McElarth and Molly Nocera told a story of a vacation they took based on what the other actors positioned themselves in. This sent Second Page out with bang.

Second Page meets every Wednesday in the Common Room at Saint Mary’s Hall from 10 p.m. until midnight.  SMU students are welcome to join in and act out scenes or be audience members. 

Open Mic Night encourages all students to perform

By Midge Reller

Cardinal Staff

All Saint Mary’s students are encouraged to perform at Open Mic Night (OMN) whether students have no performance experience or ample amounts of it.  It takes place one Thursday each month at 9 p.m.

OMN Co-President Andy Bauer said, “It is a place for performers of all sorts of talent varieties, performance abilities or performance histories to perform with an encouraging audience.”

Paul Schmitt, OMN social media guru, described OMN as casual and open to all sorts of acts.  He said, “You can read poetry, do something musical, a comedy sketch or whatever you want to do—we’re very open.”

Both Bauer and Schmitt said one should expect free coffee, a variety of talents and a very accepting atmosphere when attending OMN. 

Each OMN is a different experience with different performers and performances, said Bauer. He said, “The best thing to do is to go in with an open mind.”

Schmitt encourages students to go to support not only friends that might be performing but other people, too. “It’s a good outlet for a lot of people,” he said. “People who wouldn’t typically perform get to, and it helps to get that out.”

Bauer added that OMN builds community.  “You’ll see a lot of people there that you didn’t know had talent,” he said.

The group plans to try new things this year to increase OMN attendance. Bauer said this may include doing an event off campus. He also said he would like to get both WSU and Saint Mary’s involved because it “would help build more community between campuses.”

If interested in performing at OMN, simply show up to the event and sign up for a slot that night. Schmitt said that the event will go as late as necessary to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to perform.

Bauer encourages people interested in performing to take advantage of the opportunity. He said, “There’s no other place where you’ll get the support or the ability to go up and put yourself out there and have that much support and positivity coming from the audience.”

Chamber and Concert Choir to perform annual Lessons and Carols

By Anna Segner

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers will present the Christmas service of “Lessons and Carols” on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Mary of the Angels, located in Winona, Minn., on Wabasha Street.

The Chamber and Concert members will sing various Christmas carols and hymns. “Lessons and Carols” will also include some short readings in the Christmas spirit.

“Both choirs have been working very hard to prepare for the service,” said sophomore Lauren Salonek.  Salonek is a soprano in both choirs.

Chamber Singers is a group of 25 students that perform their pieces a cappella. Concert Choir is a group of about 70 students that will be performing accompanied by both piano and organ. 

Winning isn’t everything

By: Samantha Borawski

Sports Editor

Seventy-five percent of Saint Mary’s University students participate in some type of intramural during the academic year as a fun and competitive way to get involved on campus.

Intramurals offer a variety of sports each session. Session one offers a selection of outdoor sports such as sand volleyball and flag football. Sessions two and three offer indoor sports like soccer, volleyball, bowling, wiffleball and hockey. Finally, session four offers softball and other outdoor activities.

There is a lot of diversity in participants involved in one or more of the sessions, including student-athletes. Some of SMU’s varsity teams like to make their own individual team for certain intramural sports.

“The best part about playing intramurals is the relaxed setting and being able to be with my team in a different environment,” said sophomore Jessie Burns, who is a member of SMU’s cross country team. “We put together a team because we like to hang out and find fun things to do outside of practice.”

Intramurals are unique because of the difference in teams. There are teams that have played together since they were freshmen and dominate one particular sport.  There are also teams that serve solely as a social opportunity as they include a mix of students who have never met one another.

“Intramurals are about just having fun and playing with friends,” said sophomore Luke Buehler.

For each sport in each session, there are playoffs and a championship game that can be very competitive. Only the top teams get to compete, and the winner receives a student-designed intramural champions t-shirt.

“We strove to make it to the championship game all season,” said sophomore Sadie Lange, who is a member of current sand volleyball championship team “French Toast Mafia.” “It was exciting to win the championship game, but it was also cool to get a free t-shirt.”

Aside from a creative student-designed shirt, each team entered in a session needs to pick its own name. Teams normally have creative and catchy names that are a play on words. Such names during this current intramurals session include: “The Boston Three Party” for 3-on-3 basketball, “Dodge Fathers” for co-ed dodgeball and “Take a Wiff of This” and “Wiffle While You Work” for co-ed wiffleball.

Intramurals are offered for anybody who wants to get involved, regardless of their physical activity level. 

A new look at the game

By Haley Jung

Cardinal Staff

Senior Erin Stenseth has traded her days as a player on the Saint Mary’s women’s hockey team for a role on the team’s coaching staff after suffering a torn labrum.

This season the women’s hockey team has a new assistant coach with a familiar face to the players. It was only last year that Stenseth was a member of SMU’s women’s hockey team as well as the fastpitch softball team.

However, Stenseth is unable to play both sports this year due to a shoulder injury that occurred during last year’s softball season. She said the doctors found she had a torn labrum, which required surgery to fix.

“The whole view of the game has changed for me,” said Stenseth.

Knowing that she was unable to compete after her surgery, Stenseth said women’s hockey Coach Terry Mannor offered her a chance to be on the team as a coach. Still wanting to be part of the team and be around her friends, she accepted the role.

“It is still fun to be around the team,” said Stenseth. “At practice, I am comfortable telling the players what they can work on because I know they will give me feedback so I can improve as a coach as well.”

Stenseth said the hardest part about being a coach is seeing the frustration the team is feeling.  “Seeing them struggle is hard to see,” she said. She said she knows she can’t be out on the ice playing with them and helping them in game settings.

Good health knows no season

By Carissa Hahn

Copy Editor

Working out in the off-season is crucial because this time presents the biggest opportunity to make gains, according to Saint Mary’s Performance Coordinator and Instructor Jamie Herrick

“Many athletes have an off-season of four to six months, which is a great amount of time to improve,” said Herrick.

SMU baseball player Paul LaNasa agrees that working out in the off-season is important. He said, “I think it is important for athletes to work out in the off-season because it provides the physical strength and endurance that will allow an athlete to be ready to go 100 percent on the first day of practice.”

Herrick said that it is important for athletes to tailor their workouts to their sport. He noted, for example, that athletes don’t want to do a lot of long distance running if their sport is mainly power or aerobic. Instead, he said it’d be more beneficial to focus on training with sprinting or jumping.

For most sports, Herrick said he implements two days per week during the off-season to focus on quickness and agility. As the season approaches, he will make the workouts more specific to the sport.

Setting goals is another factor that Herrick said is important. He suggests that athletes not only write down their goals but also post them somewhere they can read them every day.

Working out in the off-season can also help build team unity, according to SMU volleyball player Lexi Assimos. She said this is because teammates are working toward a common goal that does not directly involve the sport they play. “Having goals can help push one another to have a better and stronger season,” said Assimos. “Pushing one another creates unity and comfortableness on and off the court, field or rink.”

Herrick also said working out is not only important for athletes but for non-athletes as well. He said working out is important to one’s overall health and fitness, and the exercise can relieve stress as well.

One last piece of advice from Herrick is to not be scared to ask people why they are doing things. He gave an example about being in the weight room and observing someone working out. Ask what the purpose of the activity is, or why a particular exercise is helpful. Herrick said it’s important to never stop learning and asking questions. 

Work out tips

By Carissa Hahn

Copy Editor

Saint Mary’s Performance Coordinator and Instructor Jamie Herrick offered three tips for students interested in working out:

1. Create a plan: have someone help you design a workout plan. Make sure to institute a logical focus or goal.

2. Listen to what your body tells you: If you’re working out and you are in pain, stop. If your body is tired, make sure to take the right steps to restore your energy.

3. Eat well and get eight hours of sleep: doing these things can help you with your physical and mental health. It can help you with your schoolwork and help you better retain information. 

Women’s hockey geared for success

By Julianne Bartosz

Editor in chief

Saint Mary’s women’s hockey team’s chemistry and talent are expected to lead the Cardinals to a successful season, according to Women’s Hockey Coach Terry Mannor.

The Cardinals are 3-1-0 (overall) at the beginning of their season.  Two of their wins were consecutive conference games against Hamline University on Nov. 9 and 10.  This was the first time since 2003 that the Cardinals opened conference play with a sweep.

“It’s always great any time you sweep anyone,” said Mannor.  He said the team did not play well on Nov. 9, but the girls came together on Nov. 10 to prove themselves with their 4-3 win. 

Mannor said that the team needs to learn from their mistakes to improve and work hard because the women’s hockey team can be as good as anyone in the west.  He also emphasized that the team needs to keep in mind that anything can happen.

This uncertainty is something that the returning members on the team know too well after playing nine over-time games last season.  The eight freshmen on the team got a glimpse of this in their first game of the season against St. Norbert College, which the Cardinals lost 6-3 after having a two-goal lead.

Mannor said the new players bring individual talent, including freshman goalie Tori Herrmann.  “We have a strong goal tending tandem, which we haven’t had in a while,” he said.  Mannor added that freshmen have raised the bar while returning players have also shown improvement.  He said, “Our new players will impact the season in a positive way because returners are leading them in a very positive way."

Junior captain Haley Coolsaet said the new players are willing to work hard and that they have a will to win.  “The best part is that the team chemistry is amazing,” she said.  “We all get a long well.  We are a family.”

Freshman Katie Ehlenfeldt said she is excited to be on such a close team that is dedicated to working hard.  She said, “I want to help the team out as much as possible, not necessarily with points but as a whole.  I want to help the team grow.”  After scoring her first goal against Hamline, Ehlenfeldt said, “It feels good to prove to the team that I can make an impact on the ice.”

The Cardinals are using their conference wins as a boost into their next games, said Mannor.

    

Coolsaet said, “We couldn’t have asked for a better start to our season.  We have definitely set a good tempo for it.”

As the Cardinals move forward in their season, both Mannor and Coolsaet expect the team to continue to work hard. 

“Just because we won doesn’t mean we can’t keep improving,” said Coolsaet.  She said her goals for the season are to never take a shift off, play all three periods and be prepared for anything that may come her way.

Ehlenfeldt said she looks forward to showing the SMU community what the team is capable of doing.  “Hockey isn’t an easy sport,” she said.  “Students should come to see how hard we work and to share the pride we have when we win.” 

Cardinals take the shot

By Katie Krull

Cardinal Staff

Another promising year has approached for the SMU women’s basketball team.

Their season unofficially started Nov. 10 with a scrimmage against Winona State. The Cardinals held a steady lead to win 74-68. The Cardinals beat the Division II ranked Warriors on their home court, heading into the North Central Tournament with a win under their belt.

The roster has jumped from 15 to 19 over the last year, with 11 returners and eight freshmen.  The team has four senior captains: Courtney Athnos, Brittany Begrowicz, Jamie Stefley and Jessica Thone.

“We have the right people in the program, and we continue to get better just because of the kind of people that they are,” said Head Coach Mandy Pearson.

Over the past four seasons, the Cardinals have improved their record substantially. Last year, they had a .519 season. They are looking to continue their improvement with a young group of student-athletes.

This year the Cardinals have recruited eight new freshmen and only graduated one senior. Some would say that having a young team could bring about losses through lack of chemistry and inexperience, but the scrimmage against Winona State proved differently.

Pearson has been coaching the team for the last five seasons, helping transform the team into the fighting force they are today.

Fifth-year returning senior Brittany Begrowicz also saw the progression of this team and compares their success to their experience. “We are a really experienced team,” she said. “We have a lot of freshmen, but they are doing well in this first couple weeks.”

This season the Cardinals are hoping to improve their record and return to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) playoffs with some vengeance after last year’s loss to St. Thomas in the second round.

This year SMU’s greatest rivalry is against the Gustavus Adolphus Gusties. The Gusties were the Cardinals’ only substantial losses last season. There has been an upset in the conference though because top ranked Gustavus has lost four starters as well as their head coach.

The Cardinals are getting stronger and stronger with every practice. So come support your Saint Mary’s Cardinals this season!

B.T.’s Corner: The season of hibernation

By Brian Thomas

Cardinal Staff

One of the great aspects about being in the Midwest, especially in Winona, is watching the beautiful seasonal changes. The bluffs change from forest green to bright orange.

Nevertheless, every year it’s still a surprise to many of us to see the first snowfall. Once again autumn has come and gone, and the time of great hibernation, winter, is here to stay. Like bears in the frozen Tundra, we bundle up, stay inside for warmth and sleep more often.

The first snowfall brings both joy and sadness to college students. On one hand, it begins the countdown to family holidays and term break. On the other hand, it brings us one day closer to final exams and saying goodbye to dear friends for a short time.

Challenge: Embrace this winter season by coming out of hibernation. Cherish this time with friends and teammate, make the most of your opportunities to succeed and put a smile on your face. A new winter season awaits! What are YOU waiting for? P.S. Don’t forget your hat and gloves!  

SMU students eligible for same-day voter registration

By Regina Barbosa
News Editor

Saint Mary’s University students are eligible for same-day registration at election polls and will be provided transportation to their voting location.

Pre-registration for voting ended on Oct. 16 this year; however, Minnesota provides same-day registration at the election polls. Any U.S. citizen who is age 18 or older, has been living in Minnesota for at least 20 days prior to Election Day and can provide a current name and address to verify their residence in the precinct can register to vote, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.

According to Lynn Theurer, chairwoman of the Winona league of women voters, current residents of Saint Mary’s University can provide their student ID and social security number to register to vote at Living Light Church, Winona’s Precinct 2 voting location, located 0.2 miles southwest of campus on Highway 14.

Minnesota polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. This year, transportation will be provided between SMU and Living Light Church for voting on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to Brian Thomas, Student Senate’s vice president for public affairs.

Same-day registration positively affects voter turnout. According to the secretary of state’s office, Minnesota leads the nation in voter participation and has consistently done so since its same day registration began.

According to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, over 500,000 Minnesotans use same day registration in a typical presidential election year, and the Minnesotans most likely to use same day registration are between the ages of 18-38 and age 93 and older.

Www.iSideWith.com also aims boost voter turnout and education this election season by showing which presidential candidate an individual agrees most with based on a quiz. It is not affiliated with any political party, candidate or interest group.

SMU works on new class schedule

By Julianne Bartose
Editor in Chief

Saint Mary’s University is developing a new academic schedule starting in the fall 2013 academic year, according to Vice President for Academic Affairs Donna Aronson.

A task force with faculty members from various departments was created to account for all implications of the new class schedule on late afternoon activities, said Aronson.  The task force includes staff from Student Life and Athletics as well as the deans of schools and Student Senate President Robbie Doyle.

“The goal of the new schedule is to have a common meeting time” available, said Aronson.  She also said that it will allow all students time for lunch and the opportunity to attend daily Mass.

The main changes are a midday break in classes and a more balanced class schedule, said Aronson.  She also said that the new schedule could include later first class start times and more evening class times.

According to Aronson, the biggest change for students will be the balancing of the schedule, which spreads classes throughout the week.  This includes more classes until at least noon on Friday’s.

“We are a residential campus,” said Aronson.  “We want a schedule that allows students to be as successful as possible.”

The break included in the new schedule will allow the university to provide development activities for professors, which Aronson said is part of the university’s strategic plan.

The task force has drafted a couple of prospective schedules for discussion.  Department chairs will examine them before the task force gathers student input through “listening sessions,” according to Aronson.

Aronson will finalize the new schedule by the end of the current semester.  She said she will determine the final schedule as “an administrative decision based on feedback from various groups.”

Student Senate was informed of some details of the new schedule.  Doyle refrained from commenting on the new class schedule aside from saying that it is “confidential administrative information.”

SMU continues to shower Bushlack with support

By Julianne Bartose
Editor in Chief

The Saint Mary’s University community showed its continued support for Sabrina Bushlack by participating in the “Strong Is The New Beautiful” 5K.

Over 650 individuals registered for the Oct. 21 5k that offered financial support for Bushlack while recovering from a severe brain injury caused by a car accident over the summer.  Community members also showed support through donations, according to Assistant Volleyball Coach Jenna Ness who organized the 5k.

“I am so thankful for all the support,” said Bushlack.  “It was amazing to see everyone participate, even people I didn’t know!”

Bushlack said that the SMU community has been a major support network for her, especially through thoughts and prayers.

Ness said this support is what inspired the 5k.

“Quite a few coaches and students had come to the Athletic Department wanting to help,” said Ness.  “We wanted to focus all of the efforts in one place to try and raise money for Sabrina and her family through this hard time.”

As a new employee at SMU, Ness said that the meaning of family and community at SMU shined through the support offered to Bushlack.

“It was very rewarding to see the entire campus and community come together for one of their own,” said Ness.

Bushlack said she had been looking forward to being back on campus for a while.  She added that it was a lot easier than she thought it’d be and she wished she had enough time to see all the people that were there.

In addition to extending a special thanks to all faculty who helped with “Strong Is The New Beautiful,” Bushlack said that she truly appreciates everyone who came out and shared a part of their day with her as well as the thoughts and prayers of those who wanted to be there.

Archery Club hoping to allow students to shoot bows on campus

By Julianne Bartosz
Editor in chief

The Hunger Games may have sparked a nationwide interest in archery, but that is not what inspired two Saint Mary’s students to plan an archery club at SMU.

Two-time Minnesota State Champion Shooter and SMU junior Conner Ellinghuysen has teamed up with senior Peter Borash to restart SMU’s archery club from 2009.  Although the club has not been completely approved yet, Ellinghuysen said it is only a few steps away from being an official SMU club.

“It is an opportunity to shoot on campus while also helping teach others and sharing our passion,” said Ellinghuysen.

The archery club would allow students to shoot their bows on campus in a designated area in addition to teach safety to shooters and interested students, said Ellinghuysen.  He added that it would also have starter bows available for students interested in learning to shoot.

“We would love to get the club started as soon as possible,” said Borash.  “But we want to make sure that any questions that may arise can be answered and addressed beforehand.”

Ellinghuysen agreed with Borash by emphasizing that safety is their main focus.  To ensure safety is a priority, the club intends on having strict regulations for having bows on campus.

“Students in the club would be able to store their bows on campus, but only in a designated storage location that requires the bows to also be signed out,” said Ellinghuysen.

Strict regulation also includes restrictions on where club members can shoot.  Club members would only be permitted to shoot bows on the SMU range, which has not yet been determined. Ellinghuysen said that the group has considered Joe’s field, ensuring a safe environment by creating a bunker and shooting into the hill along the field.

“Eventually, we hope to be able to form a group that can enter into competition shooting at a collegiate level,” said Borash.

SMU offers Halloween fun for students

By Anna Segner
Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University will offer a variety of Halloween events for students on campus, ranging from the fastpitch softball team’s “Walk of Horror” to Student Activities Committee’s (SAC) pumpkin carving contest.

On Halloween night, SAC will be presenting the popular Halloween movie “Hocus Pocus” in Salvi Lecture Hall at 9 p.m.  According to Thompson, snacks and Halloween cookies will be provided.  There is also a potential costume contest.  Students are encouraged to come in a disguise to enjoy a “spooktacular” Halloween night with friends.

SMU students can also have fun on Halloween night by participating in the softball team’s “Walk of Horror.”  This year marks the sixteenth year that the softball team is hosting the haunted forest.  Students as well as community members are invited to the “Walk of Horror” on Oct. 26-27 and 30-31 from 7-10 p.m.

Head Softball Coach Jen Miller foreshadowed the occasion, “Look forward to some chills and thrills!”

The haunted walk through the bluffs begins between the softball and baseball fields on campus.  It costs $5 for adults and $4 for children and students with their IDs.  Money raised from the “Walk of Horror” goes towards the team’s spring trip and equipment.

In addition to these events, there will also be Halloween events on campus leading up to the holiday.

On Friday, Oct. 26, SAC will be taking students over to the Scary Corn Maze near Lewiston, Minn. Approximately 50 students will be able to join in the spooky night.  Students who are interested should meet by the Information Desk at 6:30 p.m.

SAC will also host a pumpkin carving/decorating contest on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Room. Students are required to sign up before the contest, according to Director of Student Activities Lance Thompson.  He also said that there will be festive prizes and snacks at the event.

The Office of Residence Life will also offer Halloween entertainment for students by hosting its annual “Halloween Fun Night” on Monday, Oct. 29.  During this event, children from the community are invited to trick-or-treat in residence halls on campus from 5:30 to 7 p.m.  SMU students are encouraged to get involved in a number of ways.  This includes distributing candy and helping with games.  Students who are interested in helping can contact their resident assistant.

Sociology Club returns to SMU

By Julianne Bartosz
Editor in chief

Saint Mary’s University students restart the Sociology Club in order to raise awareness of “the versatile school of thought” and the influence that groups have on individuals, according to Sociology Club Vice President Sarah Adams.

With social media on the rise, Sociology Club President Conner Ellinghuysen said that groups influence people more than ever, increasing the value of sociology.  He described sociology as the study of groups and how they interact and influence individuals.

The club’s main focus is to explore the Groupthink theory, according to Ellinghuysen.  He said that this theory claims that the peer pressure in group leads to faulty decision-making because of the desire to minimize conflict.

“Give it a chance because sociology is relevant to anything you want to do in today’s society,” said Ellinghuysen.  “We’re always working with groups, and it offers a way to understand how to work better in groups.”

The club has a similar structure as Psychology Club, said Ellinghuysen.  He said it will offer speakers, discussion, movies, tutoring nights and research days.  It will also include opportunities for sociology and psychology students to present their research and receive feedback.

Adams added that the group would also like to sponsor trips and host speakers that will specifically discuss the “major and numerous potential career fields” that draw from and are impacted by sociology.

Beyond being based on Psychology Club, Ellinghuysen said that he hopes to work with Psychology Club to combine aspects of both psychology and sociology.  According to Ellinghuysen, incorporating this combination into SMU’s academics could be huge.  He said that, if implemented, SMU may be one of the first universities to do it.

“I have a big vision for it,” said Ellinghuysen.  “I want to take it beyond a club and make it a way to help students in all social sciences.”

Biology Club brings beauty to campus

By Megan Hafner
Cardinal Staff

Biology Club raised $200 through plant sales to go towards bringing trees and other plant life around campus.

The club was excited to introduce the African Violet plant, which has been growing in the school’s greenhouse.  The Aloe Vera plant was the most popular plant sold.

The Biology club also held a pumpkin sale in spirit of the Halloween season.

Members also participated in “Buff the Bluff” and “Adopt a River.”  During these events, the club helped clean up the bluffs and Gilmore Creek while connecting with the outer Winona community.

The Biology Club plans on going to Whitewater State Park, the cadaver lab at Winona State University, the Science Museum, an Environmental Research Center and the National Eagle Center in Wabasha.

All students are welcome to join Biology Club.  Meetings are every other Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Hoffman 113.

FAC shares SMU’s rich history with alumni

By Kelsey Hulbert
Feature editor

The Future Alumni Committee (FAC) focuses on building a foundation for students and alumni to interact and share their stories that enrich the history of Saint Mary’s University.

Dennis Rivelli, SMU student from 1967 to 1970, shared his story on the committee’s website about the old “barracks” on campus, which served as the source of a great Saint Mary’s tradition.

Rivelli said his favorite tradition at SMU was the freshmen’s attempt to take over the barracks during the first snowfall.

“To my knowledge at the time, and until its final demise, no freshman class was ever able to overpower and capture the barracks from the senior residents,” he said.

Anticipating the attack every year, the seniors would diligently prepare by hoisting water hoses to the roof of the building, preparing sling shots and dropping snow laden branches on unsuspecting freshman, Rivelli said.

“I remember that night like it was yesterday. There was always something eerie about the darkness, wind and falling snow on St. Mary’s campus,” said Rivelli. “You could actually hear the snow falling and the wind blowing. Add to that the sound of a hundred or so freshmen from Benilde, Ed’s and Heffron screaming as they charged from beyond the trees in the dark of night towards us. You’d swear it was a band of wild Indians attacking the pioneer settlement.”

To anyone else, the Barracks were just two broken down old buildings that outlived their usefulness long ago, said Rivelli.  He added that, to generations at SMU, they were hallowed ground and home of the “privileged” who were fortunate enough to have lived there during their senior year.

Winona 7 Theatre renovates facilities

By Paul Schmitt
Cardinal Staff

Winona area moviegoers have been without a home lately with the closing of Winona 7 Theatre for renovations.  Expected to reopen on Oct. 26, the improved building will contain stadium seating in every theater, brand new seats, larger screens and improvements to the lobby and exterior.

The renovations come after a 15 year span during which no changes were made to the building.  Cinema Entertainment Corp., the company that owns the Winona 7 Theatre, as well as 18 others decided it was time for a facelift to keep up with today’s standards.

“It had been 15 years, when Cinema Entertainment Corp. had purchased this theater and the last time the theater was renovated,” said Theatre Manager Jason Fremstad. “That's a lot of years of theater use and a lot has changed.”

Fremstad said that he hasn’t been informed of an increase in ticket prices as of yet.  He added that moviegoers can expect to see a couple titles that were released during the theater’s hiatus including “Taken 2” and “Paranormal Activity 4.”

Art show makes good use of ‘junk’

By Midge Reller
Cardinal Staff

Chair of the Saint Mary’s University Art Department Preston Lawing currently displays his “Cabinets of Curiosities” show in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

“Cabinets of Curiosities” contains fifteen sculptural pieces as well as 15,000 individual pieces in a hoarding-themed piece included in Lawing’s show. It will be on display until Nov. 4.

“Cabinets of Curiosities” mostly centers on the theme of “using and displaying your collections,” according to Lawing. He added, “In our culture, we collect, and it’s kind of a way of validating ourselves.”

The majority of his show was inspired after recently moving his mother into a retirement home.

“As a family, we had to go through all the stuff that had lived in one place for fifty years,” Lawing said. “In seeing that, I didn’t want for my eleven-year-old daughter to have to go through my stuff.”

Of all his pieces in “Cabinets of Curiosities,” Lawing said he has a favorite: a sculpture of his daughter’s hand reaching out from locks of hair lost during her chemotherapy.

“That’s probably the one piece I would grab if everything was on fire,” said Lawing.

Lawing said his show is about raising awareness of things collected over time.

“It doesn’t mean you’re more successful or a better person or more popular just because you have more things,” Lawing said. Instead, Lawing hopes to inspire creativity by encouraging others to look for ways of re-using their old possessions.

Identified as a traditional artist, Lawing described his exhibit in the Lillian Davis Hogan gallery as very untraditional.

“It was a big departure,” he said. “It doesn’t mean I’m going in this direction, but it’s something that I was focused on and had to get out. Now that I’ve done it, I can go back to my drawings and my prints.”

Lawing, originally from Boone, N.C., obtained schooling at Appalachian State University and continued on to receive his Masters in Printmaking at the University of Florida. Lawing taught art classes at several other universities before coming to Saint Mary’s University.  At SMU, Lawing has been teaching many of the hands on art classes for the past sixteen years.

Other than including pieces in the SMU faculty show that occurs every other year, Lawing said this is his first solo show at SMU in twelve years. Although Lawing has only done two solo shows at this particular gallery, he has done around twenty solo shows in other reputable galleries and museums across the country and around the world.

“As a printmaker, I do a piece and submit it to a printmaking show, so there would be printmakers from around the world that would be showing their pieces in that exhibition. I’ve been involved in probably several hundred exhibitions.” Lawing said.

Exhibit spreads awareness about the impacts of domestic violence

By Skylar Finkelstein
Cardinal Staff

The Clothesline Exhibit promoting awareness of domestic violence left a lasting impression on viewers while it was on display in Saint Mary’s McEnery Center as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The exhibit displays shirts for women killed by domestic violence. The shirt creates a lasting memorial by stating the victim’s name, date of birth, date of death and hometown as well as a symbol of representation or interest dear to her.

Another main purpose of the Clothesline Exhibit is to support all survivors and help with the healing process.  Survivors are honored and encouraged to make a shirt herself as part of the healing process.

In addition to including information about the women on the shirts, a brief summary of each woman’s life is attached to the shirt.  It highlights each woman’s uniqueness, making the shirt come alive.

The color of the shirts displayed is especially significant. Each color has its own meaning: white represents women who have died from domestic violence; yellow or beige symbolizes women who have been assaulted or battered; red, pink or orange signifies women who have been sexually assaulted or raped; blue or green represent survivors of childhood sexual abuse or incest; and purple or lavender embodies women who have been attacked because of their sexual orientation.

This is a silent witness exhibit, meaning it is a traveling memorial honoring all women who have died because of violence.  It touches the heart because it tells true stories of domestic violence. Since 1993, this exhibit has allowed victims to share their stories with the world.

Domestic Violence Project, Incorporation, heads the Clothesline Exhibit. The four goals of the exhibit form its core values and mission: “to honor the victims who were murdered in acts of domestic violence, raise awareness of the extent of domestic violence in Stark County, help connect people with local resources for ending the violence in their lives and to encourage community and legislative action to end the violence in our society.”

If you know any woman whose life was lost to domestic violence and wish to honor her or support a survivor, please participate in the Clothesline Exhibit by creating a shirt and memory. Shirts can be mailed to the Domestic Violence Project, Inc. at post office box 9432 in Canton, Ohio, 44711.

‘Our Town’ sends audience to an older time

By Brendan J.P. Cahill
Cardinal Staff

The Theatre and Dance Department’s production of “Our Town” expected to entertain by ushering audiences through life, love and death in a small town during the early 1900s.  It will be performed in the Page Theatre from Nov. 8-11.

“Our Town” gives audiences a candid view into small town lives and every day moments of the inhabitants of Grover’s Corners between 1901 and 1913.  Through the stressing of every day moments, the production portrays an array of moments ranging from situational comedy to more sentimental moments.

“We have a lot to look forward to, and the Theatre Department will not disappoint,” said senior Sarah Anderson.

The cast commits to the 1900s setting by wearing turn-of-the-century clothing. For example, all of the women on stage will be wearing corsets, which was typical of women in those days.  Apart from slight difficulty breathing, cast members are seeing another effect of the corsets.

“The corsets really help you improve your posture and get into character when wearing the clothes of the time,” said Anderson.  “It is easier it is to get into a character from that time period,”

A twist to usual productions, “Our Town” does not include a large number of props on stage.  Instead, the production sparks audience members’ imagination by simulating sounds. Behind the scenes, SMU students create the sounds that embody the interactions between people and items used in daily life.  This includes the sounds of a kitchen during breakfast time.

“It was my favorite part of the show,” said senior Rachel Kwiecinski after recollecting the simulated kitchen sounds like grinding coffee by swirling marbles around a metal tankard.

Movie Review: Get twisted with ‘Looper’

By Petey Brown
A&E Section Editor

Looper is a mind-bending sci-fi film that shows the audience that one can always change the future by the choices we make.

Would you be able to execute your future self?   That is the unpleasant task that Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has in the movie Looper.  Joe is a “looper” whose job is to execute men that future mobsters have a problem with.  In the future, specifically 2074, it is almost impossible to kill a person without getting away with it.

Unless you’re a mobster.  The mobsters found a way by sending their “problems” back to the past through illegal time travel. Then, the “loopers” are waiting to finish them off.

As a “looper,” Joe lives a luxury life with nice cars, house and money to do whatever he wants.  One day, his “job” is killing his future self.  Future Joe (Bruce Willis) escapes because Joe is caught by surprise.

When a “looper” fails to kill a “job,” they get killed themselves.  Joe has to find a way to catch his future self and kill him to save his present life.  

Future Joe has his own plan: to kill the “Rain Man” who killed his wife and all the former “loopers” he worked with.

Many action and twists are in this movie, but Looper also has a solid story to keep the audience entertained.  The future world that director Rian Johnson imagined is unique and captivating.  The film takes place only 32 years in the future, and Johnson did a good job at making a realistic setting for the movie.

Many critics enjoyed the movie. RottenTomatoes.com, a website that compiles movie reviews together to make a rating for the movie, gave Looper a 93%.

Christopher Orr from The Atlantic said that Looper was “a mind-bending ride that is not afraid to slow down now and again, to explore themes of regret and redemption, solitude and sacrifice, love and loss. It's a movie worth seeing and, perhaps, going back to see again.”

Orr could not have said it better.  The movie was very deep, but easy for most to follow and enjoy.  Looper is a must see because of its great story, acting and ability to make the viewer think.  This is a fun and interesting action movie that will keep the audience guessing until the final moments of the film.

Music Review: Mumford and Son’s Babel

By Ashling Meehan
Cardinal Staff

The much-anticipated new album by Mumford and Sons titled “Babel” was finally released in September.  After three weeks, it still holds the number one spot on the Billboard 200.

This was not unexpected.  Ask any of their fans.

Mumford’s first album went four times platinum in the United Kingdom and twice in the States.  It was a heavy expectation to meet after the major success of their first album.  Also, after their “Sigh No More” tour in 2010, the four musicians parted ways for a couple weeks to write and recoup without meeting up again until the New Year in Nashville, Tenn.

Once again, Mumford and Son’s has mastered their artistic symmetry with poetic lyrics and an energetic sound that is uniquely their own. The first song on the album, “Babel,” is an explosion of energy backed with Marcus Mumford’s magical mastery of words and the talents of Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall and Ted Dwane. The sound initiates a switch in the listener’s body and suddenly you find yourself tapping your foot and moving your head along with the furious, orchestrated beat.

A factor of Mumford and Sons that have so many fans dedicating their undying love to the band is that fact that they are real. The four musicians from London play their own music, write their own lyrics and use no machines to enhance to specialize their music. Everything you hear is real, pure music. Even the banjo is real.

Many are saying that Mumford’s second album is better than their first, a sign of a growing and maturing band. But evil critics have also slandered the foursome since they first released “Sigh No More.” The Chicago Tribune gave the album two stars, citing critics who claim that the band has “shallow roots and folkie pretensions.”

What’s pretentious about music that seems to speak to the very depths of your soul, you ask?

Nothing, in my opinion.

Mumford and Sons’ new album does not fail. It is practically impossible for these guys to write bad music. Ashley Fetters, a writer for The Atlantic, agrees by saying that the band is “now using their heads just as much as their hearts.”  She further argues that “Babel” is “cleaner, crisper, and more carefully constructed than their last.”

Besides a few critics, the rest of the world is saying that there is something wrong with you if you don’t like and buy this new album.

SMU softball: Working hard and having fun

By Samantha Borawski
Sports Section Editor

A successful fall season has left the Saint Mary’s University fastpitch softball team ready to work harder than ever in the offseason and excited for regular season to begin.

The softball team recently finished its fall season, which typically goes from the beginning of September through part of October.  The fall season is crucial for players because it is the only time they are allowed to work with coaches until regular season starts in February. Players are able to communicate and discover what each person needs to work on in the offseason.

“Fall ball is essential to the softball program because it is a chance for coaches to teach us how they want things done,” said senior captain Paige Carter. “We learn what SMU softball is about and we have the offseason to perfect that.”

Another reason why the fall season is so crucial is because of the bonds formed between the team. Team chemistry is important to being successful. This season there are many new faces with seven freshmen entering the program.

Freshman Mariah Harper said that the best part about the fall season was “meeting the team and making new friends.”

As part of the bonding experience, the team participated in the Challenge Ropes Course.

“We have a brave team,” said Carter. “Not everyone is comfortable with heights, but it is awesome that everyone was willing to try it and potentially face their fears for the team.”

The end of the fall season brings the next big event for SMU softball: the haunted forest.  The “Walk of Horror” will take place on SMU’s campus on Oct. 26-27 and 30-31.

“I’m looking forward to eating, sleeping and breathing softball when season starts,” said Carter.

The cardinals are excited for the regular season to begin. Until then, they look forward to the team bonding opportunities they have, like the haunted forest.

Running to the MIAC meet

By: Samantha Borawski
Sports Section Editor

Saint Mary’s University’s cross country team beat school records before heading to the MIAC Tournament on Oct. 27.

After having successful races this entire season, the cardinals continued to showcase their speed. In their most recent race, the Jim Drews/Tori Neubauer Invitational in West Salem, Wis., the Cardinals set record-breaking times.

“We are focused on being competitive,” said sophomore women’s cross country member Katie Stolz. “For us it means not only improving personal times, but more importantly, beating every runner to improve our team placement.”

Sophomore Aaron Haley on the men’s cross country team broke school records. His 8k time of 26:00 broke the school record of 26:02, previously set by Rob Edwards in 1996. Haley’s efforts were followed by seniors Peter Borash (26:27) and Jake Traxler (26:39). Overall, the men’s team placed 16th.

“We have worked really hard this summer and in workouts all season long, which has transferred over to successful meets,” said Stolz. “Overall we are mentally and physically stronger than last year.”

Meanwhile, the women’s team placed 18th in the invitational. Stolz ran the fifth fastest time in program history with a 6k time of 23:52 at the invitational. Other top runners in the invitational included junior Kristin Thelen (24:40), freshman Allie Thiel (25:03) and junior Katherine Mockler (25:09).

In their previous races, the men’s cross country team placed fifth in the St. Olaf invitational and first overall in both invitationals held at Saint Mary’s. Likewise, the women have placed third in both invitationals held at SMU.

The Cardinals look to have top runners and continue to break records in both the MIAC Tournament on Oct. 27 and the NCAA Central Regionals on Nov. 10.

Cardinals wrap up improved season

By Wilson Kubwayo
Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University’s men’s soccer team wraps up their regular-season play with record improvements.

The Cardinals marked their third straight win of the season against Hamline University on Oct. 18.  Freshman Joe Bosco secured the game-winning goal in the last six minutes of the game.

“That was a tough game, but Joe saved us at the last six minutes,” said Valentine Reyes-Rodriguez, an Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminarian who plays striker.

Not only did this win allow the Cardinals’ winning streak to continue, but it also marked the first time since 2001 that the Cardinals have won three consecutive games.

This is not the only improvement the cardinals made this season regarding their record.  Their 2-0 victory on Oct. 23 ended a 26-year winless streak against the Macalester College Scots.  Sophomore Matt Graber scored both goals for the cardinals.

The Cardinals currently have a 4-5-0 record for conference play and 7-9-1 overall.  They conclude their regular-season games on Saturday, Oct. 27, in Minneapolis against Augsburg.

B.T.’s Corner: The never-ending question

By Brian L. Thomas
Cardinal Staff

One of the hardest questions that college students ask themselves is: “What am I going to do with my life?”

As if life is one huge problem and all we have to do is figure out the formula! Unless you have access to a crystal ball, planning the rest of your life is practically impossible.

The good thing is that we don’t have to right now; figuring out the rest of your life is not what college is for. The purpose of college is to give you the best opportunity in the career of your choice.

As students, we struggle to make a life decision rather than a career decision. Life can still throw us some major curve balls no matter how much time we spend, how hard we try or how carefully we plan. The best thing we can do to ensure our future is a success is take care of our current and most valuable gift: the present.