Blue Angel talents awarded

Compiled by Karina Rajtar, Katie Klus,
Erin Morgan and Jody Bangerter
Copy Editor and Guest Writers

Scariest Halloween Costume: Jason Richter as Miss Silanius

Most Ironic Band Name: The Fluffy Bunnies with “The End of Heartache” by Killswitch Engage

Most Vivacious Violinist: Vanessa Grams

Best Childhood Flashback: Mild, Hot, or Spicy? with a Spice Girls medley

Best Original Song: “Perfect” written by Alison Kay and performed by Seven, Seven, Eight

Best Dance Move: “The Bill Duffert” (as demonstrated by Jason Richter)

First-Rate Freshman Solos: Sam Schepers with “When you Say Nothing At All” by Ronan Keating and Steve Schmidt with “Pinch Me” by BareNaked Ladies

Most Appearances: Bill Duffert (11 times)

Best Crowd Pleaser: Oldie Moldie All-Stars

Most Likely to Beat Eminem in a Rap Battle: 212 rapping to “Superstar” by Lupe Fiasco

Oldie Moldies to perform at Signatures

By Maria Sullivan
Arts and Entertainment Editor

On Nov. 14 the Oldie Moldie All-Stars will perform at a dinner/dance show at Signatures Country Club in Winona.
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The Oldie Moldie All-Stars is a Saint Mary’s University music group that has been around for 32 years. Senior Bryan Atchison is the director of the group this year. Atchison is in charge of picking the members and the music and setting up the practices. There are 13 members in the group this year, and they are all members of the SMU Phi Mu Alpha fraternity.

The Oldie Moldie All-Stars had their first off-campus performance at Signatures last February. The show sold out and was a huge success, so Signatures asked the Oldie’s to do another show. The show is a formal shirt-and-tie event that costs $30 and includes a three-course meal. “The show will sell out, so anyone planning on going should put their reservations in soon,” Atchison said.

“This is the best group of Oldies yet,” Atchison said. “We work so well together, and the group is so fun. We can really get down. The show is going to be great. I truly can’t wait.” The show will have the Oldies playing two sets, and there will be a ‘60s Motown-heavy set this year.

“The show is going to be so much fun; dinner/dance shows always are,” Atchison said. “And if you wanted to take someone on a date this would be the perfect opportunity.”

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the first set at 6 p.m. Then dinner will be served and the show will end with the second set.

‘The Nutcracker’ holiday tradition continues

By Katelyn Wadewitz
Distribution Manager

For over a century audiences have been enjoying “The Nutcracker,” and the Dance Repertory Company of Saint Mary’s University will partake in this tradition Dec. 4-7, at the Page Theatre, for its fifth biennial year.
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Every-other holiday season individuals of all ages, including students from SMU and Winona State University, as well as community members from the Winona area present this full-length ballet.

SMU freshman Bryan Moore, who plays the Nutcracker in the ballet, enjoys the challenge ballet offers. Despite his background in several different dancing styles, he said, “Doing ballet for a long period of time is the most challenging thing that I have experienced in this play.” Christine Martin, production manager and one of the choreographers for the ballet, has helped with training the crew.

Martin has been involved in presenting “The Nutcracker” since the first SMU production in 2000. “Our Artistic Director, Tammy Schmidt, and I put this first production together back in 2000, and it is wonderful to be working with her again for the 2008 production,” Martin said. Martin enjoys working with all the cast members, especially the young children who are experiencing “The Nutcracker” for the first time.

One cast member’s first experience with the play is SMU freshman Jarod Boltjes, who has never seen the ballet. Boltjes, who plays Drosselmeyer and a Russian, decided that being a part of “The Nutcracker” would be a “great way to meet all of the people” in the theater department. Boltjes said, “It’s a great way to be introduced to “The Nutcracker” by hands-on experience.”

The greater Winona community can be a part of this holiday tradition by watching and supporting the crew of “The Nutcracker,” Moore said. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. To reserve tickets, call the SMU Box Office at 508-457-1715, or tickets are available online until Dec. 1 at www.pagetheatre.org.

A bone-chilling experience

By Theresa Perrini
Guest Writer

The “Walk of Horror” is put on each year by the Saint Mary’s University Softball team. Here is a recount of my experience of it:
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“Going into the Haunted Forest on Halloween night, I thought to myself, ‘I can handle this.’ Since I had gone last year, I figured I knew what to expect; oh how I wish that was the case. As I huddled around with my fellow volleyball teammates, I was able to stay calm, reassuring them that I had already done this before.

However, the moment we entered into the dark forest, my nerves started to erupt. Not being able to make clear each object I saw to the side, I clenched the rope and the jacket of the person next to me. As we started walking down the path, I started regretting being toward the end of the line.

Then out of nowhere a person jumps out at me, then another, then another and I scream for dear life because I have no idea what is coming next. I tried to continue to walk with my head buried in the coat of the person in front of me to avoid any unexpected scares. I finally got a moment to take a breath and then another person jumped out at me.

Eventually I was able to calm my nerves and just continue to walk through it. I told myself that it will eventually come to end. So yes, I made it through another haunted forest, and again at the end my heart was pumping faster than anything until I calmed down. I survived; that is all I can say.”

The money earned from the “Walk of Horror” covers the SMU Softball team’s travel expenses.

Rugby team wins DIII state championship

By Robby McGuire
Cardinal Staff

Oct. 19, 2008 is a day that will live in infamy for the Saint Mary’s University Rugby team. It took home the Division III State Championship title from a game played in Edina, Minn.
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Fourth-year rugby player Gerry Lentino described that his feelings upon winning the big game included: “proud, accomplished, ecstatic and on top of the world.”

The SMU Hellfish were a perfect 4-0 on their road to the final four. In the semi-finals, Saint Olaf fell to the Hellfish 43-12. The Hellfish entered the championship game against Bemidji State a perfect 5-0.

The final game was “One of the hardest 80 minutes I’ve ever played,” said Lentino. The Hellfish struck first, scoring on a pass from Andrew Noyes to Kevin Voris. Bemidji battled back and led 12-7 at the half. SMU struck first in the second half, but an unsuccessful conversion kick left the score tied at 12. Again, Bemidji State fought back and pulled ahead 19-12. The third and final try for the Hellfish was successful, as John O’Malley scored to put the Hellfish back in the game. A successful conversion kick by Ryan Bush tied the game up at 19. With eight minutes left in the game, a penalty kick was awarded to SMU. Ryan Bush capitalized, and his kick resulted in three points for SMU. It ended up being all they would need. The Hellfish dug in deep on defense and held Bemidji in check.

“Blood, sweat and tears was the price we paid. The greatest victory ever was our reward,“ said Lentino.

The SMU rugby team was founded in 1997 by Shawn Mowery. The next seven years proved rocky for the team. Practice attendance was poor, and the team lacked leadership and organization. In 2004, changes started to happen; a freshman, Josh Barrett, took the role of team captain. It was his initiative that put the Hellfish on the right track. Practice attendance improved, and the team started to win games.

These changes continued into the 2006-2007 season as Ryan Bush and Jared Ortgeisen took the helm. Their leadership and networking skills earned the Hellfish their first sponsor. Excel Images of Winona fronted the money for the team to buy a new set of jerseys. The team had a new look and a new attitude. It went all the way to the state finals before losing to North Dakota State University.

In 2008 the team continued to build on its new approach, gaining sponsorships from the National Guard and Kooga, a rugby outfitting company.

Lentino said, “We went in with the attitude that we had something to prove; most teams thought we made it to the playoffs last year on a fluke. We were out to prove that we are a great team, capable of winning and achieving our ultimate goal-winning the state championship.”

One-on-one with the men’s basketball coach

By Alex Conover
Sports Editor

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Todd Landrum, the new head coach of the men’s basketball program.
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Landrum has an impressive resumé, having compiled a 123-95 head coaching record at University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the University of Charleston. He also spent 10 years as an assistant in the Big 10 Conference, first at Wisconsin and then at Ohio State. I am a big fan of Coach Landrum, both as a person and as a coach, and I am looking for him to bring vast improvements to our program.

Q: Coach Landrum, it says on the Saint Mary’s University website that you were an assistant under the Univerity of Wisconsin-Madison coach Bo Ryan when he coached at UW-Platteville, and that you were also an assistant to Ohio State coach Eldon Miller. What were the most important things you learned under these two coaches?

A: As far as Bo Ryan, he is as good of a practice coach as I’ve ever seen. He is incredibly organized, and has had great success at several schools. I’ve known Bo for a long time, and I plan to adapt several of his ideas on offense, including the swing.

Q: SMU basketball has struggled the last few years. What are your plans to improve our program, both short and long term?

A: In the short term, we will try to prepare the team to improve every day. The expectations are to be ready to compete and succeed in every game. Our long-term goal is to add to the talent we have through recruiting. My assistant coach (and son) Kevin and I have been working incredibly hard to bring in high school students that we think fit our criteria.

Q: How would you describe your recruiting philosophy?

A: We are aiming to recruit talented players that are good people and good students. You don’t want talented players who aren’t good people; that will take away from team chemistry and get us in trouble. We are heavily recruiting in the local area, Chicago and the Twin Cities.

Q: What are your team goals for this year?

A: Get better every day, and play hard. We want the guys to enjoy being part of this team.

Unexpected end to 2008 MLB season

By Pat Howard
Cardinal Staff

The 2008 Major League Baseball season kept fans at the edge of their seats from April to October. It may become known as the year of the unexpected.
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Retirement, trades and up-and-coming players made for a busy off season. Before the first pitch of the 2008 season was thrown, it was already hard to predict what teams seemed to be playoff-bound. Despite cloudy details, many experts picked the Detroit Tigers to win the World Series. After attaining big new acquisitions like Miguel Cabrera, keeping a solid pitching rotation and the confidence of a successful 2007 season, it only made sense to pick the Tigers to go far. In no time at all, this season flipped completely around and left many baseball fans scratching their heads.

For starters, 2008 broke the New York Yankees’ streak of 13-straight playoff appearances as they finished third in the American League East Division. Finishing ahead of the Yankees were the Boston Red Sox and perhaps the most unsuspecting team in the league, the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays finished first in their division after ending their 2007 season in last place. This year they made their first playoff appearance in franchise history, while winning the American League pennant, but fell to the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.

In the 2005 MLB playoffs, FOX came out with the phrase, “You can’t script October.” The 2008 playoffs could not have come up with a more suiting slogan. It seemed as though the cursed Chicago Cubs were finally going to be able to win the World Series, as they finished with the best overall record in the National League. The Los Angeles Angels showed signs of promise throughout the season by finishing with the best record in all of baseball.

Nevertheless, 2008 proved itself as the year of the unexpected when both Chicago and Los Angeles departed the playoffs after the first round and left the World Series to the Cinderella-story Rays and the 2008 champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Local mixed-martial arts team is at it again

By Pat Howard
Cardinal Staff

Ralph Monahan, owner of Monahan Martial Arts, is attempting to put a local mixed-martial arts (MMA) team, Team Clinch, together in Winona once again.
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According to Saint Mary’s University sophomores Kyle Gilbert and Sean Ohl, members of Team Clinch, the MMA program had 12 members last year. With the help of Nate Boebel, a Team Clinch coach, Monahan was willing to give the program another shot in 2008. There are eight active members, ranging from high school students to the average blue-collar worker, who are fully committed to Team Clinch.

Team Clinch meets three to four times a week to train in the traditional mixed-martial arts form. A typical practice consists of an hour and a half of work on the mats (wrestling and ground work) and forty-five minutes of standing, cardio and technique (such as kickboxing). Team Clinch welcomes anyone who is curious about the new sport.

Gilbert got involved because he wrestled in high school and wanted to stay involved with the scene. “I wanted to do something to stay physically active while constantly pushing myself, and Team Clinch is the perfect environment to provide those qualities,” said Gilbert.

Ohl was always curious about the sport. “Even though I don’t have any background in wrestling or martial arts, Team Clinch offers a welcoming environment for beginners too, and the results have shown,” Ohl said.

If you have ever been interested in mixed martial arts, Team Clinch stresses the point that observers are always welcome to view a training session.

Coach Moore takes hockey in new direction

By Sara Eisenhauer
Cardinal Staff

For the last 32 years, one thing has been consistent about men’s hockey at Saint Mary’s University- the leadership of Coach Don Olson. That will change this year, since Olson stepped down to take over as Athletic Director at the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minn.
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SMU Athletic Director Nikki Fennern knew finding an appropriate replacement for Olson would be a difficult task.

“You don’t replace someone like Coach Olson – he’s a legend,” said Fennern. “We wanted someone who would be a good coach, someone with knowledge of the game of hockey and someone who is good with the student athletes.”

Fennern believes they have found that in Bill Moore, who assumed the position of head coach for the 2008-09 season. Moore has coached high school hockey in the Twin Cities for the last 22 years, and prior to that he coached the SMU men’s soccer team and was assistant coach to men’s hockey. He also served as interim head coach in 1990 for Olson.

Moore believes being head coach will be a new challenge for his career, especially when implementing changes within the program. Coming into a team that was 9-14-2 last season, Moore wants to re-establish discipline within the team.

Moore said in the past “there were areas of discipline that we need to recreate to get the most out of the players’ skills.”

The changes Moore has made will take some getting used to for players. He wants to eliminate bad penalties that will negatively impact the team. With this change, players could lose ice time for taking unnecessary penalties.

“We want to be aggressive, but we want to be disciplined about it,” said Moore.

Moore respects the way Olson headed the men’s hockey team but believes he can bring fresh ideas to strengthen the program.

“It’s just a different philosophy and different way to run the program,” said Moore.

Moore also believes in upholding SMU’s strong tradition of academic excellence. As a teacher for 21 years, Moore values athletes’ success inside the classroom and on the ice.

“They are here to be students first and athletes second,” said Moore.

This year, 60 players tried out for the team. Although it is a great number for the program, it also made Moore’s varsity roster decisions very difficult. Though the team is young, Moore is confident in the team he and his coaching staff have assembled.

In implementing changes, Moore attributes some success to Assistant Coach J. Reszka, who has helped link the players with the new coaching staff and the changes in the program. Moore also values newly-appointed Assistant Coach Tom Peart, who will work specifically with the goaltenders this season.

Replacing a staff member like Olson was difficult for the SMU Athletic Department, but Fennern believes Moore has fit into his role well and has earned respect from his colleagues.

“Coach Moore is a team player in hockey and a team player in the department,” said Fennern. “He’s going to help the department grow.”

Though Moore has not coached college hockey for many years, he feels that he can carry on the tradition of Cardinal hockey. Fennern agrees and is confident in the direction he is taking the program.

“Coach Moore has such an intense passion for Saint Mary’s– the love he has is priceless,” said Fennern. “I’m really excited about the continuation of a good tradition in men’s hockey.”

Tennis center sold to Cotter High

By Karina Rajtar
Copy Editor

The Saint Mary’s University tennis team does not have a home court it can call its own anymore.

The team recently learned that the tennis center at the Saint Teresa campus no longer belongs to the university. The building containing the six indoor tennis courts was sold to Winona Cotter High School last spring.
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SMU Athletic Director Nikki Fennern, who was approached by the university president’s office and cabinet before they made the decision, said the team will still have the same access to the facility. The facility is run by the Winona Area Tennis Association, which rents space to the university to use. Fennern said the team will still have sufficient time for practices and matches.

Abby Cooper, a junior on the tennis team, disagrees. She said that the team has had to give up practice space to the public. Although the team is not obligated to do so, it is aware that the space must be shared now. “We don’t want to be rude; we still want to be able to use the space,” Cooper said.

Vice President for Student Development Chris Kendall, who was the athletic director when the tennis center was acquired, said the team went from having nothing to the “best of everything,” as matches were played in Gostomski Fieldhouse before SMU had access to the tennis center.

Fennern said the team, which still gets to use the tennis center courts, is “still in a better situation than many conference schools” and is still “on-par” with the conference.

Cooper said the move will affect the future of the tennis team as well as recruitment efforts. “We can’t tell them (recruits) we have a home court,” Cooper said. “One of the selling points was that we had one of the best tennis facilities in the MIAC (Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference).”

Another concern among tennis players is a rumor that Cotter may decide to turn some of the tennis courts into basketball courts, limiting playing space further.

“No, it’s not true at all,” said Dr. Craig Junker, president of Cotter schools. Junker said the Winona Area Tennis Association has leased the space with plans to expand its business by offering more tennis options in Winona. Junker said there are “no plans or discussions” about basketball.

Fennern said the university has a good relationship with Cotter and expects that the change will not harm the team. Fennern said she is always confident in the administration’s decisions and believes they act in the students’ best interests.

Financial issues played a large part in the decision to sell the building.

“We lost a lot of money on the tennis center,” said Cynthia Marek, vice president for financial affairs.

Marek said the university bought the building containing the tennis center as part of a package deal when it bought the entire Saint Teresa’s campus about five years ago. Marek said the university acquired eight or nine buildings at a “good price” because there were concerns about running out of space for new programs. At the time, Marek said, SMU was in “growth mode,” but the need for more space is now diminished.

Kendall said the sale will ensure the courts will be “used better without losing money.”

The university has sold off all but three of the buildings on the Saint Teresa campus, retaining ownership of the chapel, Valencia Arts Center and Alverna Conference Center.

"Decoys" review

By Marty Kocon
Cardinal Staff

In the wake of Tuesday’s events, I think we can all understand that there are things in this world that are worth fighting for, and in the billions spent campaigning nothing has mentioned one of those vital truths.
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This fact is none other than that the film “Decoys” has been so cleverly hidden from an American public that is in desperate need of it.

For those unfortunate souls who do not know about “Decoys,” it is a cinematic masterpiece from the line of such epics as “The Ten Commandments,” “The Godfather” and “Star Wars.” This Canadian film is the best thing to come out of Canada since cheap prescription drugs.

The film takes place at a Canadian college where young, wide-eyed freshman Luke Callahan runs across what every freshman hopes for- interested girls. But these are not just any girls. Constance and Lily are “the babe bookends.” Unfortunately, Luke soon discovers that these girls happen to be aliens, and it falls upon Luke to alert the school to this intergalactic invasion before it is too late.

Alright, so this film is not “Ben Hurr” or “Lawrence of Arabia,” but the film is entertaining beyond belief. The extended cast includes the beloved overdramatic stereotypes, including Luke’s roommate Roger, “the desperate virgin”; Alex, who is seeking to break free of being just one of the guys and win over the heart of the oblivious Luke; inept wise-cracking policemen; and swarms of high-pitched sorority sisters.

While the laughs may not be intentional, this film will leave you in tears and quoting all of the overdramatic dialogue and cheesy one-liners.

The “Decoys” issue may have slipped off the political radar, but do not prolong this upsetting trend. Watch “Decoys”; you will not regret it.

Making peace, serving others

By Laura Andrews
Cardinal Staff

In our last year at Saint Mary’s University, seniors are facing the question, “What comes after graduation?” Those of us who plan to attend graduate school or have a job lined up for post-graduation can answer that question. For those of us who don’t have a plan yet, the future is looking a little blurry.
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Many of us are struggling to find our purpose in life, our place in this world. We all want to accomplish great things and live happy lives, but many of us don’t know where to begin.

I have an answer; the Peace Corps. We have all heard about the Peace Corps, but have we all considered it as an option? Have we done research to learn what it’s all about? Well I have, and I am here to say that it’s something worth looking into.

The Peace Corps is a twenty-seven month commitment to educate and care for the people of other countries. The first three months are spent training, and the remaining twenty-four months are spent on the job, with two vacation days each month.

Since its start in 1961, the Peace Corps has aimed to promote world peace and friendship. Volunteers serve in over 70 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe and the Middle East.

People of all backgrounds are welcome to apply for the Peace Corps. People will not be discriminated against for their race, color, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

So if you are unsure of what to do after graduation, and if you are willing to dedicate yourself to others for twenty-seven months, the Peace Corps might just be right for you. For more information about the Peace Corps, visit its Web site at www.peacecorps.gov and see how you can make a difference for others.

Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity

By Bill Duffert
Guest Writer

This year, Habitat for Humanity has a lot of opportunities for students to volunteer and stay active in their campus chapter.
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This semester we are looking for people that are interested in playing in our Student vs. Staff basketball game on Sunday, Nov. 23 and volunteering at our next worksite Dec. 6.

I am also continuing Cans for a Cause this year. For those who do not know what Cans for a Cause is, we collect aluminum cans from recycling bins that are in each hall, and we trade them in for money that is given to the Winona Habitat for Humanity affiliate. You can help out Habitat simply by recycling your aluminum cans.

I encourage all of the Saint Mary’s University students to get involved in volunteer opportunities. If there are any questions, feel free to contact Anjy Buck, SMU Habitat for Humanity chapter president, or me, Bill Duffert.

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Gary Diomandes

By Jessica LaCanne
Cardinal Staff

Dr. Gary Diomandes, department chair of theater arts, has been teaching at Saint Mary’s University for 20 years and begins his 21st year this semester.
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He is not only one of our professors, but also the supervisor of the theater program in London for study abroad students. Some of the classes Diomandes teaches include Introduction to Acting, Direction and Make-up Design. In an email interview Diomandes said that “it is important for all of our students to have an appreciation of the Arts and these courses allow me to help promote the Arts and how the Arts can be part of every student’s life.”

Diomandes is an advocate of the study abroad programs. “I believe this experience opens up a whole new world for our students, and it allows them to view the world and life from a different perspective,” he said. Diomandes said he loves seeing students mature throughout their experiences abroad. Diomandes is especially passionate about the programs in London, as he is going to be teaching first-year students in London a class on small-town America.

When Diomandes first visited SMU, his experience was an interesting one. Diomandes said, “It was in the middle of a blizzard and was 40 below zero.” The friendliness of the people here and the students convinced Diomandes that, although the weather is occasionally bad, this school is one worth sticking around for. Another thing that convinced Diomandes to stay was the Page Theatre. “I died and went to heaven when I walked into the Page Theatre,” Diomandes said. Before arriving at SMU, Diomandes had worked in substantially smaller spaces with poor facilities.

While at SMU, Diomandes enjoys attending various activities, ranging from hockey games to gallery openings. He loves directing plays and is extremely passionate about food. Diomandes worked in a family diner growing up, and the love of food remains a part of him. Lucky for SMU, the weather did not deter Diomandes from staying in Winona and being an important member of the staff.

Club Corner

By Kristina Scherber
Cardinal Staff

Peace and Justice
The Peace and Justice Club is a club for students to get together and discuss issues that are going on in the world and their community.

“The world can be a crazy place,” said senior Andy Pass. “The more you learn, the better understanding you will have.”
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During Nov. 20 - 24, approximately 30 Saint Mary’s University students will be joining University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on a bus trip to Fort Benning, Ga., to protest the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC). This has become an annual event for Pass, who has been going since he was a freshman. For those who can not make it on the trip, there will be a vigil held on campus.

The club leaders are open to going in whatever direction the members want for discussion and are always looking for new ideas. If there is a topic pertaining to peace and justice that you would like to cover or learn more about, just let them know.

The Peace and Justice club meets every Monday night at 8 p.m.


SMU Kidz Paintball

The SMU Kidz paintball club is all about strategy, technique and determination.

The club is in its seventh year and going strong with 11 active members. On Nov. 22 and 23, the SMU Kidz have a Midwest North Division tournament in Stinger, WI. To raise money for the tournament and other supplies the club needs, members will be selling t-shirts.

Over October break, the SMU Kidz were joined on the field by a
group of international students. It was the first time playing paintball for most of the students. “It was fun to watch them improve as they figured out some strategies,” said club president Mike Bonk. “After a few rounds, they figured out that communication is very important to teamwork.”

Contact Mike Bonk at mjbonk07@smumn.edu to play a game of paintball or join the club.

Maximum credit load changes to 18

By Danielle Larson
Editor-in-Chief

Beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, Saint Mary’s University students will be able to take a maximum credit load of 18 credits before having to pay any extra tuition costs.

The SMU Board of Trustees passed the increase from a 17-credit maximum to 18 credits at their meeting on Sept. 25.
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According to Tony Piscitiello, vice president for admissions, the idea of having an 18-credit maximum load has come up many times in different meetings he has attended. However, concerns, such as budget restrictions and the fact that 18 credits is a large course load, have followed the proposal. Some students might not realize how much work it takes to tackle six classes, said Piscitiello.

Not everything about it is bad, though. “It allows a bit more flexibility for students,” said Piscitiello. “It allows students to take classes they might have never taken.”

Students have their own feelings on this topic.

“While I might not use it, it is nice to know I have the option,” said Rick Baustian, a SMU freshman.

“I think it will be very helpful to students who want to double major or catch up on credits if they choose to change majors,” said Karina Rajtar, a SMU sophomore.

"I would have been able to take the art classes I wanted to take," said Senior Kim Johnson.

Students prepare to trek 35 miles

By Ashley Acosta
Cardinal Staff

While most Saint Mary’s University students head home over October Break, some will be hitting the trail.

Eleven students, led by Outdoor Leadership Coordinator Davey Warner, are making a 280-mile drive to Duluth, Minn. They will spend Oct. 11-13 hiking and camping.
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Following classes on Friday, the backpackers will depart for the Superior Hiking Trail and are expected to begin hiking and camping Saturday morning at Tettegouche State park.

“Students will get the chance to see some really great views, including waterfalls and streams,” Warner said. “This trip will give the students a chance to just get out and enjoy nature and their surroundings.”

The nearly 35-mile hike traces the Lake Superior shoreline and will end at Gooseburry Falls State Park before the students return to campus Monday night.

To be eligible for the trip, students needed to complete applications indicating their physical capabilities, backpacking experience, grade point average and reasons for participating. In addition, there is a $50 fee to help pay for transportation, food and equipment costs.

“The point of this trip as well as every (Outdoor Leadership Program) we do is aimed to develop an appreciation of nature,” Warner said. “Trips like this help develop leadership and help create a bond among students.”

Course construction swings into action

By Danielle Larson
Editor-in-Chief

Construction for the low and high ropes course will begin in approximately two weeks.

The plan is to open the course for students to use in the spring. Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator for student development, said that they will need to hire and train the staff before they can open it.
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According to Warner, the course will be located next to the path to the New Village. It will be in an open area behind the baseball field, between the field and the ski trail head.

The low ropes course was the 2008 senior class gift donation. According to the 2008 Senior Class Gift brochure, it was the class’ thought that the course would “serve as a helpful tool in continuing to develop leadership skills and values within the Saint Mary’s community.”

Warner said it will have “an amazing impact” on the community. “It will provide an invaluable experiential education experience to students, faculty and staff through class, clubs and organizations. It will teach people leadership, how to work with others, confidence and much more.”

According to Bob Fisher, director of annual giving for development and alumni relations, after publicizing the senior class gift of a low ropes course, the class raised (in pledges) $12,271 toward the project.

Watch for outdoor danger: Rattlesnakes

By Lauren Rothering
Cardinal Staff

With autumn in full swing, many students head to the bluffs for hiking, jogging and camping. Though most students are aware of basic bluff safety precautions, many outdoor enthusiasts seem to forget one particular danger: rattlesnakes.
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Dr. Philip Cochran, professor and chair of biology at Saint Mary’s University, said that although garter and milk snakes are the most commonly found snakes in the bluffs, rattlesnakes do veture into some of the lower areas such as the ski trails and Saint Joe’s field, especially in early fall.

If students see a rattlesnake, Cochran said, “first of all, they shouldn’t panic.” Venom leaves rattlesnakes better protected than most snakes, meaning they are slower moving. If left alone, most snakes will usually crawl back into the woods without any provocation, said Cochran.

If a rattlesnake is preventing students from using a trail or practicing in a field, they should call Campus Safety to have the snake removed, said Cochran. If the incident occurs during school hours, students can also call Cochran, who is certified to move rattlesnakes back into wooded areas.

In the extremely rare event that a student is bitten, Cochran said that students should call Campus Safety immediately. The bite may be a “dry bite,” meaning that no venom was injected, said Cochran. However, students with bites should be taken to Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis., which keeps a steady supply of anti-venom specifically for rattlesnake bites, said Cochran.

Students can protect themselves against rattlesnakes simply by “watching where they put their feet,” said Cochran. Although rattlesnakes populate the bluffs, sightings and attacks are rare, especially after rattlesnakes go into hibernation in September.

“If (a student) does see a rattlesnake, they can count themselves lucky,” said Cochran. “It is a true symbol of the wilderness.”

Meditations take place in the President’s Room

By Jessica Paulsen
Managing Editor

Meditation in the Morning, a program started last April in a joint effort from the Student Health and Counseling offices, aims to offer students an outlet for stress and a way to focus before a busy day at school.
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Angel Weisbrod, director of health services, said meditation is a good way to start the day. “For most people, when they’re under stress and tension, it’s hard to focus on what’s before you, and so we thought we’ll start the day off right, try a little meditation and see if that helps,” said Weisbrod.

One goal is to keep the program low-key, letting students just focus and breathe, in order to make sure people are comfortable. “Nobody is forcing you to do anything,” said Weisbrod. “Some people think that if I’m going to meditate I have to do it a certain way, and I don’t adhere to that philosophy.”

Some other advantages of meditation include concentrating and engaging more in everyday life, as well as being good for heart rates and blood pressure, according to Weisbrod. “There are many physical and mental health benefits to that, so it is kind of a way to tease people to get this (meditation) going,” said Weisbrod.

Weisbrod welcomes feedback about the program and is willing to consider changes in time to better accommodate interested students. She is also available for questions about the program and willing to talk one-on-one with any students who have questions.

Students are invited to meet for about 15 minutes at 8:15 a.m. in the President’s Room on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Weisbrod, Jason Flanders, counselor and coordinator of alcohol and other drug programs, and Ann Gibson, director of counseling services, take turns running the program.