* *
THE MERCIAD
pOL 70 NO. 12 MERCYHURST COLLEGE, GLENWOOD HILLS, ERIE, PA. 1654C January 23,199?
Unexpected Resignation of Laker Head Coach
By John Murphy
Editor in chief
In the late afternoon of Tues-
day, January 21, days of rumor
and speculation about the posi-
tion of Richard Hartis as head
coach for the Mercy hurst men's
and women's soccer teams, were
finally set straight
In a meeting called by Athletic
Director Pete Russo, members of
both teams were informed "that
Hartis had officially resigned as
their head coach. Russo outlined
to those present that he had re-
ceived two faxesfromEngland at
8:3 0 a.m. Tu esda y morning. One
was a letter of resignation ad-
dressed to Russo.The other was a
personal letterfromHartis to his
players.
Both letters outlined the rea-
sons behind his decision to leave
Mercy hurst and return to his na-
tive England. Saying that this was
die hardest decision he ever had
to make, Hartis said, Tor quite a
while now I have had a desire to
comeback to England to live and
work. Even though I have had a
tremendous time in America, I
have always wanted to work in
professional soccer. I have come
back to England to pursue my
dream."
March, Speech M a r k Erie Celebration of King's Birthday
By Chris Wloch
News Editor
On Monday Ian. 20, members
of the Erie community gathered
downtown to celebrate the 12th
annual observance of Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King'a birthday as
a national holiday. Following a
noontime march from City Hall
to the MLK Memorial Center,
participants convened in the
Warner Theater for a 1:30 p.m.
celebration featuring presenta-
tions and hymns led by local lead*
era, clergy and church choirs and
a speech by King's close friend
and associate Dr. C T. Vivian.
| Vivian, the author of Black
Power and the American Myth
and founder of the Black World
African Institute for the Study of
Human Values and other activist
groups, was one of the members
of King's personal staff during
Describing the events that led
up to the official announcement,
Russo said the whole affair was
an unusual one for him as athletic
director. Trior to the break we
talked and he said Til see you
9
after the break. He was going to
go to the All-American tourna-
ment in Nashville with senior All-
America n Glenn Francis. Antici-
pating this, I even paid their way
to go," said Russo.
"After a week or so into the
start ofschool, I became nervous
and I tried to have John (assistant
coach John Melody) track him
down. Finally he called me on
Friday, January 17, and he told
me.he wasn't',returning," said
Russo.
Both in the letter to the players,
and in his conversation with Russo,
Hartis emphasized that he didn't
plan to leave Mercyhurst this way.
"He told me he didn't want it to
be this way, he would have pre-
ferred to pa rt personally ra ther than
through a fax."
To his players, Hartis wrote,
"While I would have loved to have
been there to tell you all person-
ally, unfortunately this is not pos-
sible so I'm afraid for now atleast
you'll have to make do with this
letter."
Although rumors had been cir-
the 50s and 60s, As an action
director, Vivian led one of the
first civil rights marches to pro-
test segregation in the South.
"No one has done so much for
ao many people on as many criti-
cal and crucial social, economic
and educational issues as Martin
King," he said. Whatever we are
as a nation, as atmgglersforjus-
tice, as religious people, regard-
less ofour faith, he made us more
human because he was in our
midst*
In a 45-minute lecture, Vivian
discussed the monumental con-
tributions that»King.made to
American society In combatting
segregation, racial prejudice, vio-
lence and poverty. "As the spokes-
man, mentor and spirit of the civil
rights movement and the greatest
social strategist of our time, Mar-
tin provided us with the means
and the method to be free.
culating since Hartis' failed re-
turn, the official news still came
as a suprise to all concerned. "I
expected him to be back. Suprise
would be a good way to describe
the developments," said Russo.
"We spoke before he went home
at Christmas and he told me he
was thinking of getting involved
in the pro-game, so I'm not
surprised that he left But, I am
surprised at the abrupt manner in
which he did it," said Assistant
Men's Coach Melody.
"lam surprised at his leaving the
program at this point because we
had come so dose to a national
championship. But, you can't re-
ally blame anyone for following
their dream," said Women's As-
sistant Coach, Yvonne Parker.
Upset Players
"There were a lot of rumors and "j
the meeting confirmed our suspi-
cions, but lam disappointed at the
way he did it," said top scoring
freshman Barry Allen.
"I guess it's no great surprise he
left, but I'm still shocked at the
way he did it," sophomore Eric
Qark said.
"I feel betrayed. He told me he'd
be here until I graduated," said
Junior Women's Captain, Nikki
Esposlto. 1 came here believing
"What the man and the move-
ment did was to take usfrompetty
personal introspective concerns
to a cosmic social consciousness.
Martin made ua realize that we
were a sick nation: sick on race,
sick on sex, on materialism, on
violence. He called ua forth as
doctors to ourselves so that we
would listen to those in our midst
who knew the truth by creating an
environment in which they could
be heard," he said.
In his discussion of King's idea
and practice of non-violent direct
action, Vivian said that "non-vio-
lence means more than just 'not-
hitting back.* It's about loving
those that persecute you." Vivian
also addressed the significant
impact that King has had on race
relations in this country by point-
ing out that "what Martin did
helped more whites than blacks.
Hefreedwhites from false con-
:m
Jrww
Rich Hartis
Rich's promises that I would get
four years competing tor a na-
tional championship, I feel like be
lied to me. It was disrespectful to
the players, he owed us more th an
this." ! with Mercyhurst soccer," said
W "Rich always preached to us
about being professionalfatour
approach to the game, in our pla y,
in our presentation. I feel that his
actions in handling this shows he
does not practice what he
preached to us," said sophomore
cepts and wrong beliefs about
themselves and other people.
"Before Martin, racial hatred
was all too often tolerated in a
largely Christian, democratic so-
ciety. Martin took two things that
many Americans believed in, the
Constitution and the Bible, and
turned them to the people as a
mirror in order that they might
see the tragedy of democracy in
this country," he said.
Although County Executive
Judy Lynch described King as a
person who stands above 20th
century Americans, Vivian said
that he prefers to think of him as
a "21st century man. Martin was
preparing us for the next century
in a world that is three quarters
da rk to Mack, where there will be
more Latinos in the United States
than Blacks, and only 16.5% of
the new work force wfll be white
male. This nation cannot com- - -
^km
Angle Montesano.
"He is die one who recruited
me. He is a major reason in me
being here. Now I am not so sure
what my future is going to be
freshman Th eresa Roach.
Although he was disappointed
in the way that his fellow coun-
try man departed from
Mercyhurst, sophomore Stuart
Hogg tried to look on the bright
Go to Coach, p. 3
pete on a global scale unless it
listens to its prophet In the final
anal ysis, we must be involved in
political activity, in the decisions
Which shape our lives, in relation-
ships that determine life," Vivian
said.
Betty Damper, director of Act
101, who attended the lecture,
aaid that she especially liked the
emphasis on King as a prophet
with a vision of society that is
universal in both its scope and
implications. "It's good that Dr.
King's contemporaries are still
able to speak about his life and
purpose. I appreciated the fact
that Dr. Vivian acknowledged
King's commitment to social jus-
tice as something that benefits
people of all ethnic backgrounds.
I also think it's very important
that young people in Erie are ex-
Go to King, p.2
• * •
„ « , « « » > - - * . . * . * • * * . v • *
 PAGE 2 THEMERCIAD January 23.1997

Gampi&NOTH
Cash Prizes Offered During FluVaccine Re-Inimunizations Reconiniended
Parke Davis Pharmaceutical Company has notified Cohen Student Health Center mat thefluvaccine which was
Parents/Alumni Hionathon administered this year has a decreased potency of one of its components. Although the safety of the vaccine is not
In question, Parke Davis and the CDC have reoomniended that highriskinfUviduak
By Chris Wloch cash prizes which will be awarded
News Editor to those who raise the most money High Risk Individuals Guidelines:
in pledges. The prizes are $400 a. Persons over 65 years of age with underlying chronic medical conditions such as cardiac or pulmonary disease,
for first place, $200 for second b. Persons with chronic disorder of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including children with asthma.
On Sunday afternoon, Jan. 26,
place, $100 for third place and c. Persons who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because
the 16th annual Alumni/Parents
$50 for fourth place. Addition- ofchronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus) venal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immuno-
Phonathon kicks off at 2 p.m.
ally, the individual who raises the suppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications)
During the phonathon, which lasts
most money will receive $25. d. Persons age 18 and under on aspirin therapy who are at riskfordeveloping Reye's syndrome after influenza.
until Feb. 13, alumni board mem- All proceeds from the If you determine that you are a high risk individual, please contact Cohen Student Health Center at ext 2431
bers and more than 100 student phonathon will go toward the an- by Monday, January 23,1997. They will make an appointment for you to be re-immunized.
volunteers will be placing calls to nual fund'which includes the
parents of students past Hammermill Library expansion
and present and more than 6,500
alumni in the United States and
Canada.
project and funding for scholar-
ship aid, Liebel said. Bloodmobile Drains Campus MSG News: Weather
Ruins Winter Activities
Students are still welcome to
According to Pat Liebel, direc- Brad Rybczynski though not donating himself,
take part in the fund-raising ef- By Melissa Lang
tor of alumni services, several Features Editor aided the effortby "leaning out of
fort The hours for the phonathon Merciad Writer
campus groups including the the door and yelling to others,"
are 2 to5 p.m. on Sunday and 7 to Blood was flowing freely on
Ambassadors Club, the football said Lowers.
9 p.m. Sunday throughThursday. the Mercyhurst campus this week. On Monday, Jan 20, the
team, the dance department, and The mobile hinit, an RV,
WMCE will be competing for For more information, contact On Jan. 21 and 22, the Commu- equipped with die same facilities Mercyhurst Student Government
Liebel at extension 2538. nity Blood Bank of Erie County as a stationary unit, usually comes held its weekly meeting upstairs
sent its mobile unit to campus to to campus twice a year. Lowers in the Union at 8:30 p jn.
tap the veins of donors in their was unsure of the time of their SAC Chairperson Brian
Events on Campus drive'to help those in need of
blood. * u
next visit to Mercyhurst
For those unable to give this
Marshall
last
informed
weekend's
the
activities
body
were
that
can-
According to Pam Lowers' and week and who are interested in celled due to the bad weather
The Committee for Women's History Month is planning events Kelly Paparelli, the nurses donating in the future, the Erie Mysteries on Campus was can-
during March. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 28 charged with the operation of the Community Blood Bank is lo- celled because the production
at 3:30 pan. in the Student Government Chambers. mobile unit, the response on ca m- .'1 cated downtown at 2646 Peach fcgroup got stranded in Michigan,
pus was up to par with previous g Street Walk-ins are accepted. For and the sled riding trip was can-
Alpha Phi Sigma, the Criminal Justice Honors Society, is beginning visits. On the 21st, 19 people do- more information about opera- \< celled due to lack of transporta-
a lecture series entitled "Crime and Punishment the Future of the nated and 26 gave the following tion days and times the phone tion. Many of the activities will
Criminal Justice System." On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Gist speaker will I da v. One "clever" student al- number is 456-4206. be scheduled again some time in
be in Sullivan Hall at 7:30 p.m. Edward T. Bicnnan, Superintendent ^the future. This weekend, SAC
will beraffling offprizes at the JV
of the State Correctional Institution in Albion will be speaking on the
future of corrections in Pennsylvania. ications ^hockey game on Saturday.
Freedom Zone Editor Kevin
Circle K welcomes Sherry Bassin, owner of the Erie Otters Hockey [; Segedi reminded all reps mat the
Team, to Sullivan Hall at 7-30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29. Mr. Bassin February issue of the Freedom
will be speaking on the importance of community service and j Zone will have a Black History
volunteeiism for today's youth. Refreshments will be provided. By Michael J. Op perm an number of 1,760) should assist Month theme. Anyone interested
Merciad Writer this endeavor. in submitting worksforthe issue
Whelan attributed the increase should contact the FZ committee
As one of the vital last steps before automation, the ataffof
According to Matt Whelan, Di- in applications to Mercy hurst's or drop it off in the FZ office.
Hammermill Library must attach "barcode- labels to all 150,000 n
rector of Admissions, there has status as a "hot school. The col- President Stacey Fitzpatrick was
items in the library collection and link them to their databa se. You
been a 17% increase in admis- lege is popular with guidance bombarded with complaints from
will soon see teams of labejers working in the stacks. We ask for
sions applications. Last year at counselors due to its quality pro- the reps at Monday's meeting.
your patience during this process and apologize in advance for any
mis time, 800 applications had grams, sense of community, and
inconvenience it may cause* You can do your part to help by d The complaints centered on snow
returning books promptly to the library when they are due, so that SD been received by the college; the beautiful campus. Along with removal, use of facilities and
materials can be labeled before next fall. number has already reached 950. appllca dons, both campus visits phone problems. Student govern-
Instead of leading to a larger frosh and,inquiries are. on the rise. ment co mm ittees will be looking
class, Whelan hopes that this in- Whelan said, however, that the
Any students interested in learning about becoming resident assis- into the problems. Reps were en-
crease in applications will con- greatest marketing has been ac-
tants (RAs) should make plans to attend a social on Sunday, Feb. 2. couraged to talk to their constitu-
tribute toward producing a class complished by the students.
The event will offer information about residence life opportunities, ents about the problems and to
that ia similar in size and quality Students are responsible for
expectations and the benefits of being an RA. Applications will be bring feedback to next Monday's
available at the meeting. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Union and
aa last year's. "spreading Ike word" about
meeting. $•
Whelan's hope is to admit a Mercyhurst Whelan expressed
refreshments will be available. Students planning to attend should
frosh class that will, like the pre- gratitude for the contributions that
RSVP by Jan. 29 at cxt. 2422. 1
viousfroshclass, have an avenge the students have made in enrich- King cont'd from p. 1J
high school grade point avenge ing the Mercyhurst community
Eastern Waves Club is selling a cany-out "Happy Buddha Meal" on posed to; more African Ameri-
of3.5, in avenge &A.T. score of and encouraged themtocontinue
Monday, Jan. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Union. cans as role models," she said.
1080, and be ranked in the top 1/ sharing ideas. Open to sugges-
The lunch costs $1.50 and will include tea, oriental style noodles 3 of their high school class. The At Mercyhurst, the plans arc to
tions, Whelan also invited any-
with vegetables, chop sticks and a fortune cookie. incorporate the King holiday into
projectedfinalapplications total one interested to volunteer in the the celebrations during February
of2,000 (compared with the 1997 recruiting process.
w . • * > 1 V ** m • r t m «
as Black History Month.
* • 9'0 • ' •* ' • - - ' ' * • " ' • • * * # / * * *
 1 1

PAGE 3 THEMERCIAD January 23,1997

Campus iidwjs
Coach, cont'd from p. 1 Division II Men's Coach of the In his letter to Russo, Hartis

Born to be Wild
By Michael J. Opperman
side. "You•ve got to respect what
Rich accomplished in his tenure
here. One man doesn't make a
Year.
"His record speaks for itselfc
He brought soccer to a new level
at Mercyhurst," said Russo. "He
reflected on his time at
Mercyhurst "As I look back on
my time at Mercyhurst I feel the
soccer program is in a much stron-
Max Von Sydow ("Seventh Seal/ program and we're not going to
Merciad Columnist "Cries and Whispers") stars as is the number one coach we have ger position than when Ifirstar-
get anything done "by. looking ever had, in championships, in rived. Being part of such a suc-
Harry Ha Her in this German exis- back at negative issues in the
As an alternative to the Super tential ist movie (made in English). participation, hvNCAAs, Ail- cessful, such an excellent depart-
past As players, as teammates, Americans, in any ca tegory," said ment, with such an excellent staff
Bowl, the Student Philosophers SPAM adviser Dr. Kevin Sullivan we have to look forward," he
at Mercyhurst (SPAM) are kick- describes this work as "an explo- Russo. was very exciting,'' he said. To
said. his players, Hartis wrote that he
ing off their biweeklyfilmseries ration of the dual na ture of human "Other than the way he has
with "Steppenwolf" (1974) in the handled this, Rich has done a great hoped they had benefited as much
beings.* Outstanding Record
Tullio Room of the Mercyhurst job, I told him this when I spoke to from their experience with him,
Faithful to the book, Sullivan
College Library at 6 p.m. on Sun- him and said I would be here for a as he had with them, "I know I am
called the film a "genuine psy- Although the manner of his
day, January 26. recommendation,'' said Russo. a much better coach than the one
chedelic trip" and said that departure may have left a taint on
Thefilmis based on the Herman "There is no doubt he was the best who entered Mercyhurst seven
Hesse's Magic Theatre is repre- the memory of Hartis as a 0
Hesse novel of the same name. sented in true seventies fashion. soccer coach Mercyhurst has had. years ago, he sa id.
Mercyhurst coach, there is no ' In his final note to Russo, Hartis
He a rrived my senior year as an
denying that his record while in said, "I will always look back at
assistant, and both as a player and
charge of the Laker soccer pro- my time at Mercyhurst with only
an assistant coach myself, he has
gram makes him the most suc- the fondest memories.''
t| t aught me a great deal about the
cessful coach ever to serve on game," said Melody.
this campus. In his three seasons ; Melody described Hartis as hav-
FreeTrips & Cash as head coach, Hartis' tea m s have ing a wealth of knowledge about
combined for a 70-28-8 record,
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PAGE 4
Turbulence: A bumpy ride
By Carrie Tappe
Merciad Contributing Writer
Turbulence is a good idea gone
bad. Ray Liotta stars as |Ryan
Weaver, a convicted serial rapist
and murderer, who is being trans-
ported from New York to LA.,
where he will await execution.
j Lauren Holly stars as Teri, a
flight attendant on the 747 carry-
ing Weaver and a convicted bank
robber, 'Stubbs' (Brendan
Weaver). Theflighttakes off on
Christmas Eve carrying 11 pas-
sengers including Weaver,
Stubbs, and four Federal police
agents. Also on board are three
flight attendants and two pilots.
AMERICAN CLASSIC
COME BACK LITTLE SHEBA
By William In
THURSDAY* SATURDAY • a PIT
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EnitertaiKtiBentj
After Stubbs makes an attempt
to hijack the plane, he along with
all four police officers, two pas-
sengers, a flight attendant, and
both pilots are killed. Ryan
Weaver, who at first appears sin-
cere, turns psychotic and attempts
to crash the plane.
Teri discovers the dead pilots
and attempts to fly the 747 with
the help of auto-pilot and the air
traffic controller. Some of her
obstacles include a class six (the
worst possible) stormJover the
Midwest and Weaver's "stop at
nothing" attempts to crash the
plane.
I believe the writers had good
intentions with the storyline but
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THEMERCIAD
didn't develop much interest for
the viewer, especially with such a
small cast Weaver locks the pas-
sengers in a small room leaving
the only action between Teri,
Weaver and the officials at the
airport
The roughest part of Turbulence
was listening to the meaningless
conversations and playing dumb
during predictable scenes.
In my opinion, the movie was
poorly made. At least a few more
cast members may have added to
the suspense and the development
of an interesting story. Whatmay
ha ve been a good idea, turned into
a fluke.*Sorry Turbulence, no
thumbs up.
Cruise, Madonna take home Globes
By James Bain
Merciad AcScE Editor
Warren Beatty once said, The
Golden Globes are for fun. The
Oscars are business." That's be-
coming less and less the case. In
the last few years, the Golden
Globes have been a fairly a ecu-
rate Oscar prognostics tor, at least
as far as nominations are con*
cerned. Virtually everyone who
has ever won a Golden Globe for
Glm has gone on to at least win an
Osca r nomina don.
The Globes were held this past
weekend. The awards have been
given out by the Hollywood For*
eign Press Association since 1943.
The Foreign Press is an organiza-
tion comprised of foreign jour-
nalists who report on Hollywood
for newspapers, magazines, radio
and television around the world.
In a sense, they are Hollywood's
International PR Grm. The Globes
honor both Glm and television in
a variety of categories.
The Glm category is always the
most eagerly watched in Holly*
wood. In addition to awarding
both television and film, the
Globes split the Glm category into
two categories. Drama and Com-
January 23,1997
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means twice as many winners in The Mirror Has Two Faces. Mi-
each category. los Forma n won Best Director for
This year, the awards pretty The People vs. Larry Flynt, and
much followed the expected pat- Scott Alexander and Larry
tern. Tom Cruise won Best Actor Kraszewski won the screenplay
in a Comedy or Musical for his award for the same film.*
workinJerryMaguire. Madonna The Best Picture categories
won Best Actress in a Comedy or served up two somewhat surpris-
Musical for Evita, beating out such ing victories. The English Pa-
luminaries as Debbie Reynolds tienlbe at out ThePeople vs. Larry
(Mother). In her acceptance Flynt in the Best Picture (Drama)
speech, Madonna thanked the category, while Evita beat out
filmmakers, while Cruise thanked Fargo in the Best Picture (Musi-
roughly everyone who has ever cal or Comedy) category.
lived. In the world of television, there
In the Drama Category, two were few such surprises. TheX-
relatively unknown actors took Files swept the dramatic series
center stage. Geoffrey Rush won categories, winning Best Dra-
Best Actor for his performance in matic Series, Best Actor in a Dra-
the critically acclaimed Shine. matic Series (David Duchovny)
Rush is considered the front-run- and Best Actress in a Dramatic
ner for the Beat Actor Oscar. The Series (Gillian Anderson). Best
Best Actress award went* to Comedy Series went to newcomer
Brcnda Blethyn for the British 3rdRockfrom the Sun, while that
Glm Secrets andLies, show's star, John Lithgow, won
The supporting actor/actress, Beat Actor in a Comedy Series.
directing and screenplay catego- Helen Hunt won Best Actress in a
ries are not divided between Com- Comedy series for Mad About
edy and Drama. Edward Norton
won Best Supporting Actor for
You.
The Oscar nominations will be
his Glm debut in Primal Fear, announced on February 11. The
while Lauren Bacall (who has awards will be presented on March
never received an Oscar nomina* 24.

PAGE 5
Erie radio needsVariety
By Heather Cvitko vie
Merciad Contributing Writer
I guess when I lived in Pitts-
burgh I took the radio for granted.
I could listen to my favorite alter-
native rock on one station, dance
music, if I chose, on another and
classic lock cm yet another, plus
many more. I had Sublime, Mariah
Carey, Van Morrison and Aaron
Neville all in one town. I evenhad
the truly fabulous and hilarious
Howard Stern in the mornings.
When I came to Mercyhurst, I
guess I assumed the situation
would be the same. Okay, true,
Erie is not as big as Pittsburgh,
but there is just as diverse a group
of people in Erie as in Pittsburgh.
Even on campus alone the diver-
sity of the students is quite appar-
ent But the situation is very dif-
ferent, i
t l hate the radio stations here,
or the lack of them. Two of the
five or six stations, Star 104 and
Jet 102, are devoted entirely to
sugar-coated, technopumping,
pop lock, Billboard music Two
stations. Two stations of constant
*Bc My Lover, VMouth," Keith
Sweat, New Edition, Toni
Braxton, Donna Lewis and oth-
ers.
A person's senses can only
take so much of the constant
abrading of die same vocals, the
same lyrics. So to try to appeal to
the alternative crowd, they'll
throw in the Coo Goo Dolls or
96 Flicks Make Hot Video Picks
By James Bain
Merciad A&E Editor
Several high-profile summer
releases have recently surfaced
on homevideo. For some reason,
studios ha vc decided to play films
in theatres for increasingly short
runs. Thefilmsthen resurface on
home video within 4-6 months.
Among recent releases:
A Time to Kill (Warner Bros.):
This courtroom drama, based on
John Grisham'a 1987 novel, cen-
ters around an inexperienced
Southern attorney (mannequin-
like Matthew McConaughey),
who defends a black man (Samuel
Dog's Eye View, but these groups
have become so "bandwagon " that
they fit right in. They just keep
playing the same songs over and
over. Do the listeners never tire of
hearing "You're Ma kin' Me
High?" Are they not high on mat
song yet? And if that is n 't enough,
on Star 104 they play "Erie's
Original Top Eight at Eight," a
recap of the eight most played
1
songs in Erie. How original. It
might have been more original
the first time they played those
eight songs, but after the mil-
lionth time they tend to lose some
originality, but that's just my
opinion. Nowdon'tget me wrong,
sometimes I do listen and T rfn
s. I dig "No Diggity* al-
though it's starting to wear thin
and I groove to the Spice Girls,
but I can only take so much
"spice" in my life.
I want to hear alternative music;
whether popular or the real deal,
on just one station.
I'd ask for Howard Stern, too,
but I 'm afraid that would be push-
ing it So plea se give me a s ta tion
mat appeals to the tongue-pierc-
ing, tattooing side of me and the
rest ofthe "alternative'' people of
Erie. My money for CD's is run-
ning out and my tape deck is
wearing down. Please Radio
God's of Erie, hear my tortured
cry.
L. Jackson) against murder
charges after the latter guns down
a pair of rednecks who brutally
raped his young daughter. Pow-
erful performances (especially
from Jackson and Kevin Spacey
as the prosecutor) make up for a
confused and thoroughly disrepu-
table script The premise, if you
think about it, is mat it's OK to
kill whomever you want aa long
as you have a good reason. And
Grisham was on Oliver Stone's
back atxmtMi turalBornKSkrit
Phenomenon (Touchstone):
John Travolta stars in this under-
Piated drama about a Hkablcsmall-
town mechanic Sa/ho finds him-
tiRsa
THEMERCIAD January 23,1997
mtmwaM
Pickup at Your Door
Drop Off At Your
Door
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IT*,*;* • ov AUK
; • T 1 % - + : • ; • * ; • * ; i : - i :
ai***°*
T0& every
Pool FREE Warm Shuttle
To and From
McCauly
FOOSBAIX Baldwin pm
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Golf
Or Just I********* |Oo
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Hang Out!
0AN<* 17 frl/P WITH STUVEHT IP.
WHFKE AftE YOU GOING TO S£ Nonalcoholic
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self getting smarter (among other has found a way to clone human
things) when he witnesses a mys- Michael J. Fox .stars in this
beings. Soon.there are four GhostbustersA)kt comedy about
^terious burst of light from space. Kcatons running into each other, I
a psychic who actually does com-
Some criticized its hokey premise French-farce style. It's actually
municate with ghosts. Unfortu-
^ and some w ha t s appy treatment of runnier than you'd think.
nately, when people start getting
["the drama; others questioned its Welcome to the Dollhouse
killed by a death-like apparition,
liberal use of Scientologist doc- (Sony): Todd Solondz's black
he becomes the chief suspect
trine (Travolta is a practicing till! ledy about a 12-year-old girl's Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator)
Scientologist). What they over- growing pa ins was darkly uncom- gives the year's most eccentric
looked la that it's one of the most promising and at the same time performance as an FBI agent with
pleasant and enjoyable films in hysterically funny. Heather some serious problems.
recent memory. Matarazzo gives a star-making
Multiplicity? (Universal): performance aa unfortunate Dawn
Michael Keaton plays a contrac- Wiener and though the film might
tor whofindshimself in over his be tough to take for some, those
head in both his persona 1 and pro- * vho can find the humor in it a re in
fessional Uvea His solution comes tor a treat
from a slighdy mad scientist who The Frlghteners (Universal):
 PAGE 6 THE MERCIAD January 23,1997

By John Murphy
Editor in chief
Like a lot of people on this
campus, I have often been con-
cerned about die overwhelming,
and seemingly * unconquerable
sense of apathy that exists among
students here. In trying to console
myself about this situation, I cre-
ated a number of delusionary rea-
sons to excuse the apathy among
us.d
One excuse I created was that
maybe Mercyhurst students do so
many exciting and interesting
things during the summer, that
perhaps they are drained of en-
thusiasm for the remainder of the
year.
Alas, recent developments with
the study abroad program have
devastated this illusion. Appar-
v "Listen yon bloodsucking piece
ently, lung a pa thy rules the sum-
mer interests ofstudents here also.
Out of a population ofsome 2700
educated, young adults, and rela-
tively well-off Americans, there
are not even a dozen interested in
traveling abroad this summer.
Not even a handful of us is
interested in seizing the opportu-
nity ofgoing to a foreign country,
gaining exposure to different lan-
guages, different cultures, and
ultimately, learning a lot more
than could ever be attained in a
classroom. V on not only the people of this
Now I know that deciding to
wmm
travel abroad is not as simple as
deciding to go down to the mall or
catching the latest movie release.
Of course not Deciding to travel
is a worthwhile thing to do in life.
And, like anything that is reward-
ing to do in life, it requires effort
and sacrifice. However, and this
is not one of these condescending
pep talk lines, but, if you want to
travel, you can do it
It is this determination that has
driven me to make the few for-
eign travels I*ve made. Like at the
beginning of last summer when I
made up my mind to get to Spain.
To earn money, I worked 12 hour
days, clearing brush and scrub
from Long Island's forests. Ev-
ery' time one of those nasty little
insects that attack like snipers
penetrated my akin, I was like,
of crap, a few more days of this
and I will be basking in the glori-
ous surroundings of Madrid."
Basically, the point is that if
you want to travel bad enough,
then you will find ways of earn-
ing the money, and creating the
time. Unfortunately, I fear that
most people on this campus are
typical of the average American.
They are the type who always
express an interest in travelling,
but who never really have the
desire to go and do it •
The reasons may be varied, one
might stemfroma cocky attitude
about American culture being so
superior to others that foreign
countries have nothing to offer.
Personally, I don't believe this is
0
the reason; unfortunately, many
people around the world believe
Americans think this way.
You see, at the moment, the
dominant American traveller is
the type of American who gives
off this attitude. They are the ar-
rogant types with too much money
to know what to do with it They
are the types who appreciate the
value in something only in how
much it allows them to criticize it
as inferior to something they've
already done or could do better.
They are not the average, decent,
down to earth Americans who are
thankfully in the majority around
here;
I began this article with the in-
tention of trying to create enthu-
siasm for travel by communicat-
ing all die great experiences that
can be had, but since you 've prob-
ably heard them a thousand times
before, I decided to try and create
another incentive.
I fyou travel, you will have still
wonderful experiences. But as an
average American, you will be
doing something much more im-
portent!You will*be educating
the world as to what the real
America is like, the true, honest
to god, no bullshit America that
I've come to admire and respect
By Ernilio Colaiacovo
Merciad Columnist
On Saturday evening, a few of
myfriendsand I ventured out into
the cold to see "Ghosts of Missis-
sippi," a movie recounting the
extraordinary court room drama
involving the retrial of the man
who murdered civilrightsleader
Medgar Evers. When I returned
home, I sat down at my desk to
contemplate the many powerful
messages I had just absorbed. On
my desk, next to my fountain pens,
was a stone my mother gave to me
w
which ha d the word "Drea m en-
graved on it I then glanced at my
calendar and was reminded that
Monday was Martin Luther King
Day. I knew then, what exactly
the movie meant to me.
> This movie reminded me of the
very difficult time our country
endured, which tested the heart
and soul ofevery America n. Also,
it reminded me of those, who in
many cases, gave their lives so
that others could be j equal ^ and
free. But most import} •$ \t I un-
derstood a man who not only
embodied the spirit of equality,
but whose life exemplified the
true dream of peace. Itwas through
that realization, that I understood
what a difference Dr. King made
country, but to this nation as a
whole.
have lost the comfort, courage,
strength and optimism of Dr.
King, but we have never really
lost him. Everytimea black man
casts a ballot, Dr. King's spirit is
present Every time a black
woman is elected to an office, Dr.
King *s spirit is present Every time
a black American works side by
side with a white American, Dr.
King's spirit is present As long
as we keep the torch of equality
and justice burning, we shall never
forget the words and deeds of Dr.
Ma rtin Luth er King. *
Ronald Reagan once said,
"Freedom is not something to be
secured in any one moment of
time. We must struggle to pre-
n
serve it every da y. I fwe start
to ignore the progress ofthe past,
we neglect the prospects of the
future. Much of what Martin
Luther King dreamed of has be-
%>«)ii te a reality, but still much more
needs to be done.
We still live in a nation of no-
Jism, prejudice and ignorance. If
the movie "Ghosts of Mississippi"
illustrates anything, it shows that
the' forces of ha te, bigotry a nd
racism are still strong and still
dangerous. However, we must not
. let these voices of evil daunt our
efforts to preserve the dream Dr.
King spoke ofso many years ago.
His faith will continue to be a'
beacon ofhope to those who wish
to combat the ills-that face us

Time To Move
By Dan Hilflker
Senior Writer
I hope that all of yon out there
enjoyed the big party. After all, we
all paid for it That's right, the
entire inaugura tion bal 1 and politi-
cal extravaganza that celebrated
ever end? ished accordingly. The funny thing
Certainly, Dr. King was a great
leader a} a time when this country
desperately needed him. Dr.
King's a pproach received historic
results in a rela tivel y short period
today.
Our nation will never forget the
injustice, the pain, the suffering,
or the oppression faced so many
Just as with the inauguration though, is that part of that punish- years ago. Yet; we aa a nation,
celebration, what are we going to ment does not include his being of time. In lifting a heavy burden •should never forget the lessons
do about it now. The damage has stripped of h is duties a s Speaker of from this nation, Dr. King freed the past has taught us. The past
been done and there is nothing that die House of Representatives, one not only black Americans, but all
must continue to provide us with
we can do now except further dis- of die most powerful positions in Americans from the oppressive
the tools that will shape what is
tract the president from his job as our government racial injustices this country ex-
yet to come.
arguably die most powerful man I think that Newt Gingrich was perienced. In a time of grea t un- m

Bill Clinton's election to a second
term as President of the United
States was fully funded out of the
contributions and dona dons by a 11
of us loyal and dedicated taxpay-
ers. Oh well, what do I care, it's all
over and done with.
The one thing that does bother
me somewhat is the fact that many
people, both inside and outside of
Washington have been attacking
ourp resident accusing him of hav-
ing engaged in shady political
deals before he was in office. Just
take a look at the headlines: Paula
Jones, Whitewater, when will it
. %
in the world, I don't mean to sug- not forced to vacate his position rest, Dr. King spoke of love and Though Dr. King may not be
gest that I approve of any of the hope rather than hostility and bit- present to lead us, his ministry
because those persons who de-
alleged actions of the president terness, which so many today now paved a path for the future. The
cided his fate took a good long
nor would I condone them if he advocate. His words bound a na-;« test will be whether or not we are
look in the mirror and realized
were not serving in publ ic office. ready to take that journey. For the
that they are not much different tion together in hope of a brighter
sake of our nation, it is a journey
I im merely saying that these a ne- than Mr. Gingrich, or for that tomorrow* Dr.* King loved
that must include all of us. Only
gations are not new and President matter, Mr. Clinton. If put into America and he saw a bright fu-
providence can direct die future,
Q in ton was re-elected in the face the same position, they probably ture ahead where all Americans,
however, like Dr. King, I see an
of all of these allegations. would have committed the same black and white alike, could live
in peace and prosperity. America which is strong and free.
/Many Republicans like to attack violations and broken the same
That freedom, in part, is due to a
President Clinton because of his rules. I really do not think that? In reflecting on Martin Luther
man of peace*and vision. That
past practices and deals, but what many of our representatives in King, I recall someone saying,
"the comfort of having a friend freedom is due to men like Dr.
about Newt Gingrich? Here is a Washington are out to represent
may be taken away, but not that of Martin Luther King. i
man who openly admits to break- the best interests of the country,
ing many of the House ethics rules. but ra ther they represent their own having had afriend."We may
Fortunately for us, he will be pun- coot pg 8
 PAGE 7
i
Radicalism Threatens American
By Tavls Overstreet
Merciad Writer
Within the last week, bombs
have exploded at abortion clinics
in Atlanta and Tulsa in what seems
to be a continuation of terrorist
a cts perpetra ted by American citi-
zens, especially apparent since
die Oklahoma City attack in April
1995. ^ Muck of th is, 1 ike most of what
*Last summer, black churches
were burned down throu ghout the
South. Another well-documented
trend is the increase
of populist politics and indepen-
dent candidates, such as Ross
Perot, by the electorate. Polls
show nearly half of the voting
population is so disenchanted by
the current sta te ofAmerican poli-
tics, that they want to see the
formation of a viable third party.
• These fa cts, among others, seem
to reflect\ an intense desire by
many America ns to seek political
relief by experimenting with
m eth ods outside ofthe tra ditional
or legal processes of influencing
governmental policy.
Some have tried to elect the first
Republican Congress since the
1950s; some have tried to elect
Mr. Perot and created the Reform
Party, and some join militias and/
Letter To Editor
Dear Editor,
This past weekend, I Witched
the news and heard about various
organizations celebrating Martin
Luther King day. Being a junior,
I ha ve already grown a ccustomed
to not having classes off for this
national holiday. Freshman year,
I must admit I was a little shocked
and a bit disgruntled to find out
that Mercykurst doesn't call off
classes. However, my disappoint-
ment came morefromwanting a
free day than the desire to pro-
mote awareness about Martin
Luther King and his leadership of
the civilrightsmovement
Although I haven't drastically
matured since my freshman year,
I have started to take a closer look
at what is going on around me,
both in the world and on this
campus. Sadly enough, what goes
on this campus never really
seems to reflect what's going on
in the test of the world. With the
occasional exception nobody
| |
or bomb buildings. I do not mean
to insinuate every discontented
American is one step away from
becoming a terrorist, but as Ameri-
cans, especially on the political
right, continue to feel alienated
from the general political process
our political order will continue
to deteriorate, becoming more
unstable and violent
we see in the news, seems for-
eign, especially while tucked into n
the bliss of a Mercyworld-induced
daze, but a sizable minority o f the
citizenry is increasingly hostile to
the government and the benefac-
tors of its policies. Scandals in-
volving the President and the
Speaker of the House have un-
doubtedly failed to improve the
situation.
This hostility has been culti-
vated by the perception that the
average citizen cannot signifi-
cantly affect policy decisions, an
idea perhaps not entirely inaccu-
rate, hi the national arena, where
die most important and contro-
versial decisions are made, the
individual has laughable influence
unless they are among the elites
and power-brokers of society.
Most people do not have the
time to scrape through the mud-
seems to fed powerfully about
anything.
On other campuses there are
people some refer to as "activ-
ists." The whole concept of hav-
ing a group of people standing
together for some belief on this
campus seems almost alien. Back
in grade school, I can remember
hearing stories about groups of
college students who would pro-
test just about anything. I'm not
just referring to the times of the
Vietnam War, I'm talking about
current issues like the environ-
ment or abortion.
I look around our campus and
try to imagine how strange it
would betosee a student handing
outflyerspromoting condom dis-
tribution or maybe a minority
group marching through Gaivey
Park demanding the increase in
minority enrollment f
I am not suggesting that our
campus turn into Berkeley over
night, but I am •sking people to
a cont. pg 8
THEMERCIAD January 23,1997
f f l |
Democracy
slinging, spin-doctoring, media lar influence. A situation in which
bias, and reams of complicated such controversial subjects as
facts and figures involved in abortion are deliberated upon
today's political debates. When without any popular input is* a
an educated population is unable formula for inevitable feelings of
to understand the laws of their popular impotence.
own government or the issues it Individuals must have a say in
faces, $ legitimate democracy whatr* life in their community
ceases to exist, becoming rather should look like. Aristotle said
the tool of a loose oliga rchy which humans are by nature social and
manipulates popular opinion to political animals; die concentra-
maintain power. tion of meaningful power in die
j* Some challenge this unpleasant general government deprives in*
description, saying people can dividuals of any real expression
speak through die election pro- of this nature*
cess, but in the distant and imper- Ourrighttovote is mocked by
sonal national arena, how can being swamped by millions of
someone effectively choose an other votes, and our. freedom of
individual responsible enough to speech is stripped of much of its
take the reigns of power and make value if citizens can talk about
momentous decisions regarding issues but, do nothing to affect
abortion, welfare, socia 1 security, them. Faced with die inability to
and the like? A candidate's wis- do anything, exercising the right
dom, knowledge, compassion, tofreespeech has become a com-
and prudence cannotbe estima ted mon activity.}
by watching die evening news, 30 Republicans speak of their
second ads, or speeches on C- Revolution, Perot speaks of tink-
SPAN. i m V ering under the hood of govern-
tMoreover, some of the most ment, and mil itias speak ofa revo-
powerful men and women in the lution of their own. Many have|
national government cannot be acted on these ideas, in particular
influenced by the people at all. the militias and their sympathiz-
The Supreme Court passes down ers, and we have no reason to
rulings on divisive social issues assume mat they should not be
while completely devoid ofpopu- taken seriously. Nor should the
VOL. 70 NO. 12
The Merciad
Merciad Editors
John Murphy Editor-in-Chief James Ha in
Scott Vance Sports Editor Jasoil GirTen
Chris Wloch News Editor MkheileMlzJa
Brad Ry bczynsld Features Editor Aaron Conneil
Senior Writer Jerry Tram bley
DanHilflker
Merciad Staff
Jamz Porzio Michael J Opperman
Jessica Russell
Stephen Nolan Carrie Tappe
Joe Wong
Bill Melville Emilio Colaiacovo
Mind! McDowell
Todd ZielinsW Mary Pike *| Jody Washington
Kelly Green Kara Clark Steve Torriero
Nicole Esposito Zoe Cohen Heather Cvitkovic
The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercy hurst College, Box 161,
501 E. 38th St, Erie; Pa., 16546. Phone 824-2376.
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor.
signed, but I
BfiSOKonD] C9 HIIHIIII
The Merciad's editorial opinion is determined by the Editorial Board with the Editor-in-Chief *?
holdingfinalresponsibility. The opinions expressed in The Merciad are not necessarily those of
The Merciad, its sta ff or Mercyhu rst College.
pent-upfrustrationsof much of
the citizenry be expected to sub-
' side, exceptfortemporary relax-
ations,
t
Current opinion polls say the
country is content with the overall
direction the nation is moving,
but popular opinion is extremely
fickle; the fact that many strident
Republicans give voice to the frus-
tration of therightmay provide
temporary relief for some, but
without any more than superficial
change the fundamental problems
will remain. M
As a partial solution, power must
be moved to die more localized
governments,bothtoimprove the
quality ofpolitical leadership and
- policy and as a pragmatic concern
;•• for long-term stability. Republi-
-jcans and popul ists want to see the
national g overnment enfeebled by
their clumsy and careless term-
limits and ba lanced bu dget amend-
ments in a vain attempt to reassert
; some form of popular control.
I Their answers simply address
the symptoms of the deeper prob-
lem of the demise of American
democracy and only servetode-
lay the increased radicalism that
is sure to emerge Without real
solutions.
JANUARY 22.1997
A&E Editor
Advertising
Copy Editor
Graphics^
Advisor
Amanda Smit
 PAGES
Campus uestion
Kelly Secus a, Graduate Student
Special Education
"I felt there could have been a
lot more events or activities down
hereon campus. On Martin Luther
King day there was only a.Mass
and I wasn't a part of that It really
didn't focus on the whole cam-
pus. I think maybe next year we
can think of something that will
involve everyone and make them
feel the way th a t people may have
felt during Martin Luth r King's
tune."* *"
Bharat Valla rapu, Sophomore
Biology
u
I think the school doesn 't em-
phasize as much about Martin
Luther King because most of the
people in this school aren tbla ck.
I guess there's not that many
people that care."
Time contd. from pg 6
personal best interests. I certainly
Would.
The fact that both President
Clinton and Newt Gingrich are
from opposite political party af-
filiations has led their respective
opponents to attack the other. I
think'that the* thing that really
hurts their attackers the most is
the fact that there really is no
difference) between the two
people. They are essentially the
same person with different labels
attached to them, one Democrat
MHwiil
Lisa Reilly, Freshman
Business and Chemistry
"I fed that Mercyhurst should
have done something for Martin
Luther King Junior Day. The rea-
son why is that he was a great
leader. He showed the wodd how
we need to accept everybody re-
gardless of their race or color.
Ruth Mudge, Freshman
Psychology
"t think they should 1
If
cbratedMartinLuther King D;
the other Republ ica n. They come
from the same backgrounds,
graduate from the same upper
echelon of Ivy League schools,
and both entered politics and work
toward goals that will keep them
in the political profession. Demo-
crat, Republican, what is the real
difference? I suppose the only
real difference at this point is the
fa ct th a t o nc is currently celebra t-
ing his election to a second term
aa President and the other, as a
result of his admitted violations,
probably will never be President
THEMERCIAD
Mercyhurst did! nothing to celebrate Martin
Lurther King Day. How do you feel about that?
Ron Rambally, Senior,
Biology and Chemistry
• "If you could say one thing for
the institution they've been con-
sistent in the way they *ve handled
holidays such as Martin Luther
King Day. They don't celebrate
any holidays commerating his-
torically important figures, why
should Martin Luther King Day
be any different?
Mariana Riley, Freshman
Psychology
"I think It's a shame that people
don't recognize what Martin
Luther King's done for African
Americans* He helped them get
equal lights. The least that they
could do was recognize that he
did it"
Letter contd* from pg 8
start asking some questions about
what goes on here and In the rest
A ing all their material. However, I
of the world. Jknow it's hard to
remain human in this sometimes
subzero arctic climate, but It
couldn't hurt for people to start to
feel around here.
I think the school's lack
of recognition of Martin Luther
King day is a good place to begin
asking some questions. For ex-
ample, according to the school.
Mercyhurst does not call off
classes because it only recognizes
January 23,1997
DiebiedShawne Reid, Junior
Dietetics
T h e school's not going to sup-
port anything that the students
don't push for. If die students
don't push to have Martin Luther
King Day off, nor any other stu-
dent holiday or government holi-
day, then the school is consistent
in not celebrating it
Marisa Oilman, Freshman
Communications
"I'm really upset because my
parents called me today and told
me that they ha d no work yester-
day and I had to go to school so
they laughed at me."
the three major holidays. The
school claims that having Martin
Luther King day off would create
problems for professors In cover-
Would like to mention that just
because we may not get the day
off, it doesn *t mean that the col-
lege should completely ignore the
holiday.
If the 'college can take some
time out of the day during the fall
to celebrate Mass for the begin-
ning of classes, it doesn*! seem
unreasonable to recognize a man
who has a ffected the lives of Af-
ffH^K
Scott A. Koskoski, Freshman
Political Science
^"It was a very smart decision by
Mercyhurst College not to recog-
nize Martin Luther King Day,
because in this era of political
correctness, you don't want to go
offending anybody and the sm art-
est thing to do is to do nothing at
all." fe 6*
Amy Jones, Freshman
WAP *
"I think it's important to cel-
ebrate Martin Luther King Day
because^it's a national holiday
honoring an important man and it
should be celebrated."
rican Americans all over the na-
tion.
Sincerly,
Nikki Esposito
IceSkatmgHoursforthe
Mon:750-8^5pjiL
Wed 8- 9:15 pin.
Fri: 6:15-730 pjn.|
Sat 3:15-5:15 pjiL
Suntl2:45-l:45pjiL
 PAGE 9 THE MERCIAD January 23,1997

Hvezda: Acting Director of Career Services

Brad Rybczynski
Features Editor
Career Services has a new di-
rector. In October of 1996* Bob
Hvezda was named
Acting Director of Career Ser-
vices, Internships and Co-op Ser-
vices. In assuming the position,
Hvezda fills in for the recently
promoted Tyrone Moore, now
Director of Residence Li fe
Hvezda takes the helm of Ca-
reer Services with 10 years of
experience at Mercyhurst, hav-
ing arrived on the hill in October
possibilities for gaining employ-
ment on the world-wide web are
endless. He also added,*"Dr.
Garvey and administration see this
step as critical."
Along with increasing opportu-
nities through technological
means, Hvezda has also taken
steps to open more relations with
alums of the college. Career Ser-
vices has sent out 10,000 Alumni
Newspapers across the nation and
asked for responses that will en-
able Mercyhurst students to net-
work, develop connections and
eventually gain employment ,x*'

of 1987. Along with years, of Overall, Hvezda'a vision for

experience Hvezda, holds both
an M.S. in Human Resources
Administration and an M.Ed, in
Counseling Education. In refer-
ence to Hvezda's qualifications,
Moore said, "he has an excellent
background. That coupled with
his knowledge of Career Services
operation will lead to success."
Under Hvezda *& guidance, the
Career Service Department will
not undergo dramatic change in
Career Services is to "make this
office more student friendly than
ever before and to be one of the
best Career Service Departments
in the area." Hvezda admits that
this goal will be difficult to fulfill
because of the high standards set dents a week to get in. 2426 or 2427 or by stopping in at ;'' en better equipped to ma tch stu-
by his predecessor, but with a Resume services are available Main 201. ients with employment recruit-
staff that "make me look good" from Hvezda, Angela Jones or Resume services include the ers and alums.
and that is energetic, Hvezda be- Frank Rizzone. Hvezda is hope- writing of the resume, cover let- Also available through Career
lieves it is possible. ful that students will utilize the / ters and personal advice on where Services are opportunitiesforin-
To better serve students, Hvezda
f

to look for employment opportu- ternships and co-ops. These are

daflyoperations. One ofthe main
goals for the future will be more
technological advancements via
the internet
Hvezda pointed out that the
ha s an open door policy which he
terms "a gift and a curse." A gift
because so many students are tak-
ing advantage of it and a curse
because it sometimes takes stu-
resume resources and he said, "I
encourage students to stop by and
open a file and to see what we're
all about" Appointments are en-
get personally acquainted with the
couraged and can be made by
contacting Career Services at
nities. Appointments also allow
the staff to better assist the stu-
dents because it allows them to
9
students needs. Counselors are
available to juniors and seniors in
good academic standing with the
recommendation of their major
advisor.

Feature's Fast Fact: Every

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 PAGE 10 THE MERCIAD January 23,1997

Fe^t|uref 4^1
A New Face in Student Services
By Chris Wloch
Brad Rybczynski News Editor
Features Editor
The new year saw afreshaddi-
This week I almostfeelat a loss for words - almost, but not quite. There tion to the Housing Office. On
is one thing that concerns me about Mercyhurst It is not the grounds or January 13, Denise Brooks started
buildings, they look beautiful as always. It is not administration, they all her position as secretary to Tyrone
seem to be doing a fine job, and it's not the food in the caf. I do not eat there Moore, Director ofResidence life.
enough to know or care about the quality of the food. Born and raised in Erie, Brooks
What concerns me most about Mercyhurst is the student body and the attended Fairview High school
general apathetic attitude they possess. The American Heritage Dictio- before devoting two decades to
nary defines apathy as "lack of emotion or feeling, indifference." There Integra Bank, where she eventu-
is no better way to characterize our student body as a whole. ally served as secretary to the vice
I am talking about the general attitude, not everyone. Some students president
really ding to the issues of our day. Amy Kovach is a perfect example. "We were very pi eased to bring
She is truly concerned about the environment and takes a proactive in someone to this organization
lifestyle in her efforts to recycle and make the earth a better place. Chris with 20 years of experience who
Wloch and his concerns for social policies such as minority and women's is technically sound, very thor-
issues is also a great example. ough, and has a high degree of
n
•What happened to college campuses leading the fight for society and interpersonal skills, Moore said.
die underdog? In die 60'& college campuses were alive-with war Although she hasn't had a lot of
protesters. Do we need another war to light the Ore of emotion that should interaction with students during
burn in the hearts of our nation's next leaders? her first week, Brooks said that
There is so much going on in the world that students seem to be immune rj she will be more involved with
to. The ozone is being depleted, rain forests are being devastated and^ them as she assists in. keeping
Americans sleep in boxes and beg for food. housing straight and serving as a
Are you not touched by die thought that children are starving in thei support mechanismforthe assis-
streets? I have heard so often "I am broke." Yet I still see so many, tant directors. For now, Brooks is
students eating well, wearing die latest fashions and buying the newest still learning about the many re-
CDs on the market v
-.' * sponsibilities her job entails and
If global concerns do not raise die temperature of your blood, howabout meeting new people everyday.
die concerns of your communities or even your college? An article was 'The people are great Everyone
written in this publication about the lack of counseling services and here has been wonderful," she
nobod y seemed to care. We a re paying top dollar to go to Mercyhurst and said. -
no one demands more. At the present time, Brooks lives
Students of Mercyhurst unite. Ask your student government represen- in Erie with her husband Curt, a
tative to address these issues. Co to a student government meeting (they T6 alum and their eight-year-old Denise Brooks
are at 8:30 p.m. on Mondays in the Student Union) and demand satisfac- son. During her free time, she quainted with Brooks when he "We selected Denise as the top
tion. said that she enjoys doing a 11 kinds was representing Mercyhurst on candidate out of a final pool of
You may not be able to save Brazil's rain forests at the tender age of ofoutdoor activities such as camp- a committee in Brie. At the time, four. She has a great work ethic
1^18,' but you can change and enhance your own environment Make 1 ing and canoeing. Brooks was serving on the com- and a pleasant personality. We
Mercyhurst a better place for yourself and for generations to come. Brooks said that she was hap- mittee as a representative for arefortunateto get someone of
It is not the fault of the administration that things do not get done here. pily surprised when she received Integra. "She had made several that caliber. She is going to be a
They have made strides to put Mercyhurst at the top of liberal arts colleges j a phone call from Moore about an important contributions to the pe rson that will mesh well within
on the East Coast I applaud them in their efforts. They are what makes opening in the office. More than a committee, and I received a copy the Mercyhurst College commu-
' me proud to say I go to school here. year ago, Moore became *ac- of her resume, Moore said • nity ." he sa id.
The Issues administration addresses are those that students bring to
their attention. They will respond to your pleas, but first they have to
know that someone is out there with • concern.
If you are unwilling to take a stand and ask for more, do not complain. ttnfldlenaft AettfivM© Now
If you are apathetic to the conditions around you, you have no right to By Mlndi McDowell
complain. Start raising your voice or be silent Merciad Writer
Everyone has a choice. You can either be a leader or a follower and the
world is already full of followers, It takes heart to be a leader. Do you This weekend is Winter Activities. The events begin with the winter formal, this Friday night at Sabella's.
.'have the heart to be a leader? After dancing the night away come outside to play for a chance to win cash*
On Saturday, the competition begins at noon, when eight teams will compete for the cash prizes. Each team
must consist of four males and four females, and teams must sign up at the Union desk. The first eight teams
to sign up will be eligible to compete. Some of the events include: Bat Spin, SAC Race, and Tug of War.
-
••Spring Bioali W * On Thursday night, Coffeehouse will be hosting a paper and crayons night Join the mellow atmosphere and
Book Now ft Save! Loweat prices to Florida, Ja- enjoy some coffee while reliving a childhood pastime and showing off some creativity.
maica, Cancun, Bahamas, A Carnival Cruises. Now On Tuesday, the Tournaments committee will be sponsoring a three point contest at 8 p.m. in the REC Center.
Hiring Campua Reps! Fndlm Summer Toun 1* Those interested should look for sign-up sheets at die Union desk. A s h prizes will be awarded.
ftOO.234-7007 Wednesday, head to the Union Great Room at 9 p.m. to see John Travolta and Kyra Sedgwick star in
"Phenomenon," a story about an average man given strange new powers and sensitivity. - v
Due to the Superbowl, there will not be a SAC meeting this week, but ifthere are any questions about this
wMk '* events feel free to contact the SAC office at ext 2463. *

/

PAGE 11
Laker Hockey Continues
Scott Vance
Merciad Sports Editor
The Laker hockey team is con-
tinuing its consistent good form
lately with a 2-1 record in its last
three games, for an overall record
of 12-6-2. % I i
The Lakers traveled to Elmira
1 ast Friday, which was to prove a
heartbreaker for the Lakers. Al-
though the Lakers took an early
lead, it did not last as Elmira lev-.
eled the scoring moments later..
Fortunes ebbed and flowed, and it
was looking certain that the Lak- !*
ers would get a well-deserved
draw. However, it was not to be
as Elmira scored with just nine
seconds remaining in the game.
The Hurst had no such misfor-
tunes - the following evening as .
they pi ayed Hobart a nd came out
of the game with a 6-2 victory.
The game was played in a below-
zero-outdoor rink and as Russ
Ciesielski said,Tm thankful that
lam a senior and I'll never have to
endure that sort of pain and tor-
tore for the rest of my life. It was
absolutely freezing."
On Tuesday evening, the Lak-
ers played against ECAC rivals,
Fredonia, in a game that the team
needed to win to stay in conten-
tion for the National Finals. How-
ever, the Lakers did not get the
start they wanted as Fredonia
r
Men
Shawn Kroener
Merciad Sports Writer
On Jan. 18 the men's basket-
ball team traveled to Ashland for
i tough GLIAC conference game.
On paper, yon could tell this was
going to be a battle. Mercy hurst
came into the game at 8-8, 2-5
and Ashland entered at 8-8,2-6 in
GLIAC play. And a battle it was.
Mercyhurst came outflyingin
thefirsthal f, having as much as a
13 point lead. The Eagles of
Ashland battled back and actu-
ally took the lead into halftime,
46-41. *
Maurice Profit led the Lakers
with 13 halftime points and Jason
"Instant Cash" Ioppolo had nine
points off three three pointers.
Thesecond half was a battle, hav-
M §
THEMERC1AD January 23,1997
Sfj>nts
**< M
Tbfihine
scored a power play goal mid way
through the first period. The Lak-
ers new-found confidence was
not about to be shattered and
within two minutes they were back
on level terms aga in after a power
play goal by John Evangelists.
Senior captain Greg Snetsinger
supplied Evangel ista with a text
book pass on the right hand side
of the creas e and he was not about
to let this chance go a-begging as
he put the puck in the top corner.
It was at this point in the game
where the ever presence of junior
Chris Morgan was felt Morgan
a ggressivel y drove to the net with
the puck but narrowly failed to
score. * Morgan was not about to
miss the second time as he contin-
ued his stride and plowed into the
Fredonia goal tender. Morgan
was penalized* five minutes for
the incident, but this did not seem
to affect the Hurst On the con-
trary, it seemed to give the team Junior Steve TdrAero goes in search of the puck in the corner Tuesday night's 9-2 victory
the lift they needed. On the fol- score a goal and add to his year
lowing play, Mercyhurst took the tender. The Lakers held the lead stop baseball player playing in
. total of fifteen,
lead. SteveTorriero won the draw through some fine defense work goal for Fredonia.
Evangelists nas scored 43 points
and Ciesielski fed the puck to by both the defense men and goal Torriero opened the flood gates so far this season, and not surpris-
Tony Borgfbrd who hit a blister- tender Chris Herbolsheimer. with a wrap-around goat Further ingly, he leads die team in goals
ing slapshot beyond the rattled The Lakers dominated the sec- goals were added by Colin Kirkey, (16) and assists (27).
goal tender. Borgford has now ' ond period of the game which Aaron Morrison, Evangelists and "Tilings seem to beflowingin
scored three goals in his last four was as action packed as the first Mike Pattison. Herbol sheimer ha d the right way. I'm getting the ice
games. It was a period which saw the to be dusted off after the second time and that helps. I really feel
. The team added a third goal Lakersscoring six goals, a Fredonia period,
v
ft! M more relaxed. I don't th ink about
courtesy of Charlie Blasko as lie player getting thrown out of the Evangelists had to leave the going out and scoring, if it ha p-
picked up a rebound in front of game, the Hurst out-shooting their game for a short time in the sec-
opponents by 18-2 and a short- .pens, AX happens," said
the net and slipped it by the goal ond period, but later returned to Evangel ista.
Ball Des erateFor A Win
ing a total of eight lead changes
throughout the halL* i U
Ioppolaca me out gunning, hit-
ting six of seven three pointers
and keeping the Lakers close.
Ashland's Rob Winningcr led
Ashland in the victory over
Mercyhurst with 39 points. „ The
game came down to the wire but
Ashland escaped with a 93-91
shootout victory. Ioppolo led the
Lakers with 29 points and nine of
13 for three pointers. Profit con-
tributed! 24 points and six re-
bounds and the "Fab Freshman*
Demond Stewart had a solid game
with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Jody Crymes also had a solid per-
fonna nee with nine points and 13
assists.
The Lakers play Saginaw VaK
ley State th is weekend In an effortI The Lakers will be hoping for 'big WUV to come up big this weekend as the Lakers play Saginaw
to improve their record. I
.JLAHMSM, **t;ol

PAGE 12
New Coach To Be Named
By John Murphy
Editor in chief
Despite the unexpected resig- fit's unfortuna te, it is also how life
nation of Richard Hartis as head
coach of both Laker soccer pro-
grams, Athletic Director Pete
Russo is determined that the de-
velopment will not affect contin-
dued success ofLaker soccer teams.
"We want to get things stable
again as soon as possible, and so
I expect to make an announce-
.»ment on a new coach as early as
9
this weekend. * Russo said.
iExplaining the reasons for such
a quick decision, Russo said
maintain i ng stability in the program we, as a program, have to move
is essential, that it would help
keep the tea ms intact, and it would administration to determinewhere
also prevent valuable loss of re-
cruiting time. "I called a meeting
of the players the day I got the fax national championship the last
from Rich about his resignation. I couple of years, we should not
wanted to assure them that all
measures would be taken to con-
tinue the progress of the pro-
gram," Russo said.
"I know that a lot of kids feel
bad. He has recruited them and
By Maureen McMahon & Kara
Clark * Hurst The lady Lakers made two
Merciad Sports Writers
Last Saturday, Jan.18, the Lady
Lakers basketball team took on
Ashland University and came out
with a big win in the G.LLA.C.
The lakers boosted their overall
record to 12-4 and advanced in
the GLIAC with a 500 record of
4-4. % altiesresultingin Ashland's only
The Lakers opened with a
Strong offense with two three-
point shots by Lori Morth and
Connie Ralston, to give the Lak-
ers an early 8-0 lead.
However, a couple key plays
brought Ashland back into the
game with a score of 10-9 in favor
of Mercy hurst
The offense kicked in as All ison
Marsden and Ralston put in two
ort Your Sports Teams
Men's Volleyball Tournament Friday and Saturday at 6:30In the REC Center^
then boom, they turn around and
he's not there," he said, "but I
..explained to them that although
is sometimes. We must move on.
We will try and make the best of
this, and we will."
Echoing Russo's words, cur-
rent Assistant Men's Coach John
Melody said, "It is very important
that a decision be made soon,
both for the current crop of play-
ers, and especially since the busi-
est recruiting period is over the
next few weeks."
"The recent developments have
been a shock to everybody, but
on. It's up to Mr. Russo and the
they want this program to go. We
have been there or thereabouts a
lose a ny momentum in striving to
achieve .this ultimate goal,"
Melody said.
Commenting on who is in the
running for the vacant position,
Russo said that he has a pretty
three-point shots and Lonna
Win
Dunlap hit a jump shot to reduce
the deficit to 11-18 in favor of the
turnovers letting Ashland score
eight consecutive points to tie the
score 19-19. £
Mercy hurst kicked in their of-
fense once again with Morth
shooting (bur consecutive points
and Kris ten Moll i adding a three-
pointer.
The Lakers gave away four pen-
lead in the game by one point, but
with key plays by Morth and
Marsden, the Hurst leveled the
score. Mercyhurst stretched their
lead with the Lakers leading at
half-time 43-41. Once again the
Lakers came out strong in the
The Lakers leadingrebounderwas weekend. The team bca t Thomas
second half, as they went on to
Morth with 12.
increase their lead with shots from
Dunlap and Ralston, to give them
a 46-35 lead. Morth exploded
> 4
1 % %
THEMERC1AD
good idea who the top contenders By Tom Porubsky
are. "We want to consider every- Merciad Sports Writer
body that is with us, obviously
that means the present staff. We
will be taking a real hard look at camps, 16 regular season games,
them. We will meet with them
and make sure we're on the same come down to its most glorious
agenda," he said.
This would appear to leave
Melody and last year's women's
assistant, Yvonne Parker, aa the
favorites for a head coaching po-
sition.
"Both as a player and as an
assistant to Rich, I've learned a
great deal about the game. I feel gest prize are the Green Bay Pack-
confident that my experiences
have equipped me with the capa-
bilities to be a head coach of a
soccer program," said Melody.
Melody appears to be the first
choice for coach among the cur-
rent Laker players.
As another former Laker player,
Parker expressed a desire to re-
main involved in Mercy hurst soc-
cer, "I was here at the beginning
of the tradition, and I'd like to be
a part of continuing the tradition
ofsuccessful soccer at the 'Hurst."
with two blocked shots and four
points to give the Lakers a fftJII With all of their depth on offense
mandiiig 50-37 lead. The Hunt
continued to dominate the half
and with under ten minutes the
Lakers lead 57-47.
In the last five minutes remain*
ing in the game, Mercyhurst in-
creased their lead by 20 points for Marcus LaCis
a final score of Ashland 59 and
Mercyhurst 79.
"I think we are starting to peak.
Our defense is really starting to
pull and that is where games are
won. Everyone had determina-
tion," said Lori Morth.
The high scorers for
Mercyhurst were Lori Morth with
25 points, Connie Ralston with
19 and Lonna Dunlap with 15.
The Lady Lakers take on
Saginaw Valley State on Ian. 25.
January 23,1997
Poop Scoop t
After all of the grueling mini-
and the playoffs, the NFL has
moment, the Super Bowl. The
Super Bowl is the ultimate goal
for every person in the NFL, the
reason why they have all of those
camps and games is to see who
will get the chance to play for the
Lombardi Trophy. The two teams
that a re playing for football's big-
ers and the New England Patriots.
These two teams were among
the NFL's best die whole season.
The Packers had the best record in
football, while the Patriots fin-
ished with the second best record
in the AFC In reality, the two
teams are not that much different
from each other. Green Bay has
been the favorite all season long
to get to this game.
The Packers'are completely
solid in every aspect of the game
which makea them a pretty hard
team to prepare for. Brett Farve
leads a highly potent offense,
which can give you several dif-
ferent formations. They can go
with a two tight end set one play
and then come back with a four
receiver set on the very next pla y.
combined with Brett Farve call-
ing the signals, they are a very
hard team to beat Their defense
is just as awesome as their of-
V-Ball Improving
Merciad Sports Writer
The men's volleyball team trav-
eled to Chicago this paat week-
end to participate in the Tri-State
Tournament Thomas Moore,
Clarke, Quincy, and Tciky o Mary
Crest were the other colleges that
took part
The Lakers came out with ai
impressive record of 3-1 over the
Moore College in three straight
and both Clarke University and
Quincy University in four. Quincy
Weekend
fense. They have one of the best
defensive lines in football lea d by
Reggie White, Sean Jones, and
Gilbert Brown.
This group of giants will make
it very hard for New England to
move the ball. Then when you
throw in the ultra-dangerous
Desmond Howard returning punts
and kicks, they seem to be an
unbeatable team. However, New
England is no push -over ofa team.
After dominating both of their
opponents in the playoff by only
allowing three field goals, I mink
the Patriots will give them a run
for their money. New England
proved that their offense ca n move
the ball against anybody with their
offensive explosion against the
vaunted Pittsburgh Steeler de-
fense.
The Patriots offense has four
Pro Bowl selections including
DrewBl edsoe, Curtis Martin, Ben
Coats, and. Bruce Armstrong.
These guys score just %s many
points as Green Bay can so I think
that the two tea ms are pretty even.
I think that Bill Parcell swill come
up with a plan for the Patriots to
beat the Packers. He's done it
before in a past Super Bowl,
against a better Buffalo tea m. He
came up with a game plan mat the
Bills couldn't handle and the Gi-
ants won the game.
This game will be a lot closer
than most people think. Green
Bay will win a very dose and
hard-fought game by under a
touchdown*
was an important win since they
are in the same conference as the
Lakers.
However, the Lakers did lose to
Teikyo Mary Crest in three
straight The team ahowed -vast
improvement hi middle hitting
and defensive skills. The men's
volleyball overallrecordis now
43. V V
The Lakers host the Mercyhurst
Invitational Tournament this
weekend at
6 p.m. on both evenings. The
team will be hoping to maintain
their current winning form.l