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“Our Town”, 2 • The Alumni Experience, 5 • Baseball Rights the Ship,11 Read more news stories online by logging on to News www.NCUnortherner.com.

Actors practice their table manners during a rehearsal of the upcoming North Central production of “Our Town” MARY BETH OAKS “Our Town” By JESSICA WARD The award winning production of “Our Town” will make wonderful and the director and crew are amazing. This something is eternal and that something is human its debut at North Central on Friday, March 25. This play displays love, hate, fear, perseverance, pain, hap- beings….” Pulitzer Prize winning play was written by Thornton piness, and a plethora of other emotions, which are Wilder and first produced in 1938. It won eight Emmy commonly found in our everyday lives. Acting in this Wayne Matthews is the director of this production and nominations for its 1970s television version. play, I have made so many friends, all of whom I love is assisted by sophomore theatre major Rebekah Word. working with.” This story contains three acts that are meant to help The spring production will take place in the chapel on viewers take a fresh look at living and the precious Through experiences in youth, adulthood and finally the weekends of March 25-27 and April 1-3. The Friday time they have been given to do it. The setting is in a death, the story takes a deeper look at some of life’s and Saturday productions begin at 7:30 p.m. and the small New Hampshire town called Grovers Corners, important issues about time, people, and the things Sunday productions are at 3:00 p.m. where the story focuses on the lives and families of which are eternal. It poses the question: what lasts and two characters. Sophomore theatre major Hayden what doesn’t? Tickets are available through the fine arts department Loven acts as George Gibbs and the character Emily and are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children Webb is played by freshman theatre major Hannah One of the chief moral lessons of the play comes to- 12 years of age or younger. North Central students, Johnston. Twenty three other cast members, including ward the end, mentioned by the following quote: staff, and faculty need only pay $8. Group tickets are extras, accompany Loven and Johnston in this produc- “There are some things that we all know but we don’t also available at $10 for each member of a group of 10 tion. take them out and look at them very often. We all or more. know that something is eternal, and it ain’t houses “I love this play because it depicts life in a away I and it ain’t names, and it ain’t earth, and it ain’t even Matthews suggests that the play will be most enjoyed would have never imagined,” said Loven. “The cast is the stars—everybody knows in their bones that by ages 12 and up.

2 News

College Days northcentral.edu By DAVID RISDALL On March 24-25, the North Central campus will swarm with Informational sessions about North Central, including financial prospective students during College Days. aid advice and other pertinent topics, will also be available.

This annual event gives high school students the opportunity The visiting students will come from all over the country to to visit and tour the campus, and allows them to meet other experience North Central’s college life by staying in the dorms potential and current students and faculty. and eating in the cafeteria. Students interested in studying in the fine arts department will also have the chance to audition This year, North Central will provide the prospective students for a music scholarship during their visit. with a chance to experience a chapel service with One Accord and Jeff Kennedy. There will also be an evening service with North Central students may interact with potential students by Jeff Deyo and Eric Samuel Timm. involving themselves in different events and allowing visitors the chance to spend a night in their dorm. Visitors may also enjoy a concert with Nicole Serrano, a late night showing of the movie “Imposter,” and a dodge ball College Days is a time for prospective students to meet their tournament. This tournament is a staple of College Days. possible futures.

Google Images Love within the “four walls” By KAYLA GRELL Coming soon on April 12-14, North Central will host its have a hard time doing so for those within the church. staff member’s home on Thursday night. annual three-day relationship seminar. Beth Nelson, senior youth ministries major, is a student The art show will be held Tuesday evening, April 12, In years past, the seminar has primarily focused on representative in the planning committee and has from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Those wanting to submit videos dating relationships and friendships, but this year it will experienced four relationship seminars. and digital photos for the gallery can do so on The turn to loving fellow Christians. This focus came out of Northerner’s website, ncunortherner.com, as well as in a sermon series on 1 John by Kenny Stokes, pastor at “Since being a part of the committee, I have the the student life office. Bethlehem Baptist Church, who will speak in chapel on opportunity to share my views as a student [about] Tuesday and Wednesday during the seminar. what students need and want from a week like this,” said In addition, Nelson mentioned there will be a Nelson. community blog run through The Northerner’s website. The relationship seminar planning committee is This blog will give students a chance to anonymously directed by Dean of Community Life Jolene Erlacher and On Thursday, April 14, the seminar committee will lead post stories about the love and grace they have not includes various staff and faculty members, as well as the chapel service. received from the Christians on our campus. student representatives. Beyond special chapel services, many activities will The purpose of this blog will be to shed light on the In preparation for the seminar, the committee discussed happen over the course of these three days, including truth of what students have experienced at North that Christians get into habits of extending an lunches with Stokes and an art show. There will also be Central, and it will be discussed in chapel on Friday, abundance of grace and love toward non-Christians, but an opportunity for students to sign up for dinner at a April 14.

3 News

The exodus of North Central loses DCF Program its Coconut (Dr. Shaka) By JACOB VON ARX By JACLYN TRIEB On February 14, North Central announced that the Carlstrom deaf studies program will be dropped Dr. Richard Shaka recently announced that this following the Spring 2012 semester. While North spring semester is his last at North Central after Central appreciates and recognizes the deaf teaching in the Bible and theology department for community, there are pressing financial needs that 14 years. need to be addressed as well. He came to North Central in Aug. 1996, making Academic Dean Thomas Burkman addresses the issue: this his first full-time job in the U.S. after receiving his doctoral degree in Sierra Leone. His wife, “All of the bigger programs have sustained [the Farella Shaka, professor in the arts and sciences Carlstrom deaf studies] for years. How long can you department, came in 1998. keep that up in expense of other programs?” Dr. Shaka taught several courses during his time at The news has made a lasting impact around the school, North Central, including hermeneutics, systematic beginning with a student led silent protest in chapel on theology I, II, III, and IV, New Testament theology, the day Dr. George Wood, general superintendent of contemporary theology, and cross-cultural the Assemblies of God, visited North Central. Multiple preaching and theology. He has also led many petitions have also been created to try and resurrect students on mission trips to South Africa, England, the program from being dropped. Uganda, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone.

“I thought the timing [of the protest] was just right. It “I love my discipline,” said Shaka. “God gave me the showed George Wood how united our campus is and right job at the right place.” how our deaf students aren’t alone,” said sophomore American Sign Language major Melissa Genca. Approximately 3,500 students have been impacted by his teaching, at about 250 students per year for When asked about the lack of time the interpreting 14 years. He has always thanked God for his time program was given, Burkman said, spent at North Central and the chance to share his “It’s never been about previous numbers, but looking life and testimony with the students. to the future. We felt that there was growth for a number of years, but it never materialized.” “I thank God for the opportunity to better their lives by instilling in them spirituality and theological “If we had 30-40 students, we wouldn’t be having this knowledge that God has given me,” said Dr. Shaka. “I discussion, but we’re talking about five,” said President realize the longer I stay at North Central the funnier Gordon Anderson. I am becoming.” Anderson called the loss of the program an “awful tragedy,” and recognized the value of having a deaf In 2006 Dr. Shaka created a non-profit organization community on campus. called No Greater Love International. No Greater Love International places its focus on building This is not the first time Anderson has dealt with orphanages and youth centers, church planting, phasing out a major. and evangelizing across African nations wherever there is a need for pastoral training. “Urban ministries was not producing,” said Anderson. “We looked at phasing [urban ministries] out, but “I’m going to be traveling quite a bit from place to ended up merging them with evangelism. This is not place, including Sierra Leone and America. In the ideal.” next five years I really want to go about building ten churches,” said Dr. Shaka. “We had to take risks,” said JoAnn Smith, department chair for deaf culture. “We talked to the deaf students The students, faculty, and staff at North Central will for about a year about the move.” miss Dr. Shaka. His humor and love for God will be remembered. Although the program will be phased out over the next year, with the final deaf-only courses being offered the Students can be assured Dr. Shaka will keep praying Spring semester of 2012, the students have not lost for them, and he asks that they pray for his health. faith in their future. “I want students, faculty, and staff to know that I am going to miss them. I will always miss North “God is faithful and He is watching over our CDS MARY BETH OAKS students and has a plan for them and the deaf Central,” said Dr. Shaka. community,” said Genca.

4 Read more lifestyle stories online by logging on to www.NCUnortherner.com. Lifestyle Students desire hire By Curtis Ward The jobs are out there. Students just have to look hard. Jobs can be found all over the city and North Central students can find employment opportunities on campus, too. Payment would only be a few steps from the dormitories.

Some, like Hope Sevlie, junior business administration major, would rather work off campus. Sevlie is a sales associate for T-Mobile. She sells phones, sets up plans, and does customer service as well.

“I work five days a week, and the best times to work, I’ve found, are weekdays from 4:00p.m.—9:00 p.m. and anytime on the weekends,” she said.

Senior youth ministries major Sean Masopust prefers to work late afternoons. Joshua Olson

“That way you’re done and back at or around dinner time,” he said. Alumni lives impacted by NCU experiences By Bailey Schott Since Masopust is a part-time teacher at a daycare center and an intern at his church, he is also busy on Webster’s Dictionary defines “alumnus” as a person be financially secure enough to give back to the Sundays. who has attended or graduated from a particular university. Jason Hodges, senior youth ministries major, also school, college, or university. North Central considers works part time at his church. its alumni the very same, yet is considering a revision “Currently I am broke so giving back is hard to do, but of the term to include only those who have graduated. when you look back and realize all that you gained “I work with the youth group program as well as from being at [North Central] you can’t help but want preach to the youth. Some nights I help out with With future projects such as renovating dorm rooms to [give],” said AJ Radford of the 2010 North Central worship, too,” said Hodges. in Carlson Hall and Miller Hall, North Central is hoping graduating class. its alumni will help fund these projects. Five thousand He has found from experience that noon to six in the dollars given by each graduating class is a step forward Text donations may provide an easy way for alumni evening is the best time for him to work, so he can with renovations. to donate. With each text sent to a specific number, sleep in and still have a night life. a standard amount (usually around $10) is given. The “North Central gave me a strong education, a great donation is then billed to the donor’s cell phone bill. Junior psychology major Ian McGuire needs only spiritual foundation, and provided me with solid to travel down the hall for his employment at North personal leadership growth and development. I would Freitag mentioned that text donations are a simple Central cafeteria. be more than willing to invest in a place that continues way to connect financially with North Central. to do those things for others,” said Anna Hoyt, a 2010 “I like working Saturday mornings because then you North Central graduate. “ You can’t buy character and that is one thing [North are free the rest of the day,” said McGuire. Central] gave me, so the least I can do is give back in Another curiosity is whether new graduates would whatever way I can,” said Radford. Rachel Lojovich, senior youth development studies major, shares her thoughts on working while in school.

“Not only does a job give you money if you need to pay bills, but you also learn about responsibility, and a little bit of how it’s going to be once you graduate,” she said.

Having a job before entering the “big world” will be a great experience for students preparing for graduation.

“Developing good work habits now will only benefit you for your career in the future. The little disciplines you learn now will carry on through the rest of your life,” Lojovich said. Google Images

5 Lifestyle

In-state, out-of-state fiasco By Kyle Morgan North Central, like any university, educates both in-state and out-of-state students. Both have their upsides and downsides, as related by current students from various residence halls, classes, and majors.

“I love having my laundry done for free! It’s nice to go home, chillax, and go to my home church then drive right on back to school the next day,” said Hayden Loven, sophomore theatre major.

The words “free money” will turn nearly every head within earshot, which is why universities offer it to in-state students. North Central is able to give native Minnesota residents extra financial aid. Elsa Aos, senior social work major, loves that Minnesota offers financial support, like loans and grants, to in-state students.

Some students, like Alex Geselle, junior elementary education major, find that being close to home is a comfort.

“Going to school only two hours from home, I can pretty much head home whenever I want. I don’t really have to deal with the emotions of living a great distance away from my family,” Kayla Grell Kayla Grell said Geselle.

A big difference between in- and out-of-state students is the Facebook vs. reality latter have a better grasp on both the pros and cons of living By Kayla Grell away from home. Mitch Chamberlin, senior business major from Wisconsin, believes that living out of state has taught How much time do you spend on Facebook? talked to them in person. him how to be a better long-distance family member. The popular networking site has become “I like to see what is going on with my friends “Since I don’t have the convenience of being able to leave more than just a trend, but a place to make and family. I will admit, I do ‘creep’ on people,” school for a night and spend the night with my parents, I have connections and to communicate with people said Burgau. to be intentional about calling them and keeping them aware from the past or recently added friends. of what’s going on in my life,” said Chamberlin. When it comes to being comfortable with Accomplishing simple fifteen-minute task for talking to people, Burgau thinks that a Rachel Brown, senior drug and alcohol counseling major from Zach Mueller, Junior Youth Ministry major can vast majority of people would rather talk Illinois, thinks one positive aspect of living out of state while end up taking longer because facebook can to people over facebook than face-to-face attending college is that it really helps her establish a solid become a distraction. communication. sense of independence, more than if she was to live at home. “There are times when being on facebook can “It is easy to type something to someone, but it “Some cons of living out-of-state are having to pay for laundry completely shake up my priorities when it probably means a lot more if it what you were [and] not having regular access to a homemade meal, as well comes to completing homework,” said Mueller. typing online was said to their face,” said Burgau. as travel expenses and complications if you want to go home for even a weekend,” said Brown. Although Facebook takes up Mueller’s time, he According to Devon Inman, sophomore youth has seen a positive outcome of being able to studies major there are better ways to stay David Kamp, sophomore sports management major from branch out more in making connections with connected and talk with other people like by Michigan, shared his opinion about independence and family. people and keeping in contact with people that using the phone. Coming from a Christian he does not have the luxury to talk to as much. perspective, Inman believes that people spend “The opportunity to mature is somewhat forced upon you. Speaking from experience, he has dealt with ten times as much of their time on facebook There are new friends to make and different cultures to miscommunication issues from different posts than spending time with God. experience while living downtown. A major con with living on walls that have caused people to jump to away from home is you miss things in your family’s life that conclusions, which in the end it has changed his “I know that I am guilty of filling my time online can’t be re-experienced, as well as a general lack of family and view on how he feels about people. rather than with God,” said Inman. pre-college friends,” he said. “It is hard to explain things over facebook chat, Inman points out that on facebook people can The immediate difference between in-state and out-of-state real life interaction is so much more personal be who ever they want to be by creating a fake students is that the former don’t seem to understand the because you get to see their personality and not life through their profile. con side of out-of-state living since they live in Minnesota. just an icon of their picture,” said Mueller. Life in their home state is all they know, with all they need “No one really knows what is going on through surrounding them. Every out-of-state student has left Teya Burgau, freshman undeclared major, will your status’s and pictures how your life is really something behind. not add a friend on facebook if she has never like, it is not reality on facebook,” said Inman.

6 Opinion

Google Images The great american spring fever By BAILEY SCHOTT Come springtime something special begins all for being a farm team for the big markets; however, around the country. Anticipation and curiosity take they are not a team to be overlooked. But I’d like over the hearts/minds of many and big decisions to pause and take the time to congratulate the are made. No, I am not talking about spring break; Twins’ very own for FINALLY being I’m talking about ! For those of recognized for his contribution to baseball and who have absolutely no idea what that is, get with being inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame. You go it. I’m talking about the great American pastime— Bert! baseball. Okay, back to what I was saying. The Twins are not a Being from South Dakota, where there are no team to be downplayed. With this seasons roster I professional sports teams whatsoever, I have been have high hopes. given the freedom to be a fan of whichever team I want. Turns out I have good judgment because Coming off of the DL (not Discipleship Leader but I picked a real baseball team to be a fan of, the the Disabled List) and Joe Nathan ! are expected for great things. We also have a new member, Tsuyoshi Nishioka (say that ten times fast), Over the years the Twins, and , have who also has high expectations. earned a very special place in my heart. The Twins may not be a big money team, but they have earned All in all, I’m thinking a title is in order the respect they deserve. Unlike those pinstriped- for my boys this season after they take another overpaid-cheatin’ athletes, they play for the love of Central Division title. Amen? the game not to collect a paycheck. AMEN! Tune in on April 1 when Pavano and the boys take on Toronto! The Twins have sometimes earned the reputation

7 Opinion

Allergic to the cold By STEPHEN KRIST Most people don’t believe me when I reveal this part of my life, mostly because it’s ridiculous on the face of it, but it’s true nonetheless—I’m allergic to the cold.

The technical term for it is cold urticaria and it’s a real thing no matter what my friends say. Of course, the way I’m describing it makes me sound like the kid from Little Giants that came to practice in foam padding and blew bubbles with his snot. It’s not that serious.

It has to be a fairly extreme circumstance and it usually just makes me itchy. However, the doctor who discovered it after I passed out on the shore of nippy Lake Michigan recommended that I carry an EpiPen just in case—but what does he know? I can use WebMD.com too.

Sometimes, when I’m feeling extra crazy, I won’t even wear a sweatshirt under my coat, just to stick it to him and everyone else who looks at me like a medical reject.

However, as spring arrives, I shed my medical mysteries and focus on what lies ahead—more snow. Is it just me or is the Midwest the most inconsistent geographic region on the planet?

It’s like our climate is a dad who’s coaching his sons’ baseball team and he’s trying his best to give the crappy one as much playing time as the good one. The crappy one had his three strikes. He ruined our lives, making us walk out at 6 AM to move our cars back after we spent eight hours shoveling them out the night before. Doesn’t that inconsiderate jerk know that I have cold urticaria?

Strange, meaningless analogies aside, I’m finding myself more excited for spring and summer than I have been in previous years. Maybe it’s the prospect of my last summer break or maybe it’s the thought of getting to wear my Toms again without losing another toe.

Either way I wish everyone a very happy Spring and I pray none of us lose sight of what the ensuing time of year is all about: that Jesus came to give life and life more abundant—that’s why the bunny brings us candy.

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8 Opinion

Personal bubble By CONNIE ZIMMERMAN Sometimes, I absolutely HATE walking through Phillipps hall. I loathe it. Why? Because walking through the hall can sometimes be a painful task. Editor-in-Chief RUBEN PRIETO If I’m in a hurry, it never ever fails that there are two people walking side-by-side taking their time to go Assistant Editor ERICA FULGHUM down the hallway. This sometimes drives me crazy, Google Images I’ll try to pass them when we get to a doorway, but of News Editor FAITH HARSHBARGER course that never actually works. Spring is in the air Lifestyle Editor KAYLA GRELL Another thing that constantly happens are three people By CURTIS WORD walk side-by-side down the hallway, and none of them Opinion Editor AIMEE CORNELIUS Ah—The smell of the freshly cut grass take the initiative to move over so I can pass by. How and people barbequing just soothes rude! I have to attempt to flatten myself against the wall Sports Editor REBEKAH JACKOBSON my nostrils. Springtime is upon us. so that they can get by, or I have to duck into one of the The scent of life with flowers and trees classroom doorways, which can be awkward if there is a Online Editor DALE HOUGHTON blossoming, and the sounds of children class in session at the time. playing gives me a boost of energy to Online Media Editor JOSH HARSHBARGER be a new person. My ultimate favorite though is later in the evening as I’m walking to my apartment I now have to be careful We’ve all been cooped up in the houses that I do not TRIP over couples watching a movie in a Director of Design DANIEL PETERSON and apartments all winter long and doorway of an empty classroom. That is just ridiculous. now its time to run, bike and enjoy life Hallways are for walking, holding a quick casual Director of Photography MARY BETH OAKS once again. It is time to loose all of that conversation, but not for movie watching with your winter-weight and go for a run around significant other. That is what the atrium is for. Business BRIANNA ARNESON town. This rant about the hallways is more than that. It’s a Being able to go for walks with friends, message to North Central students that manners are camping, fishing, being outdoors is a good thing. And it’s time that we all learned some of Advisor REUBEN DAVID what makes this time of the year great. them. Life could not get any better. Online Advisor TODD WOLD The next time you are in the Phillipps hallway and one Spring is my favorite season of the of these things happens to you; just know that you are Writers DAVID RISDALL year. Springtime puts an extra “spring” not alone in this frustration. BAILEY SCHOTT in my step. I cannot wait to be out on JACOB VON ARX the course playing golf, while being exposed to God’s beauty. Getting to JESSICA WARD experience the sights, the sounds, and CURTIS WARD have all of my senses becomes a bit of STEPHEN KRIST a surreal experience because I get to enjoy all the vast creation again. KYLE MORGAN JACLYN TRIEB This part of the year teases you that MITCHELL CHAMBERLIN summer is just around the corner. Have no fear; spring will make your spirits brighter. The warm sunny days with the North Central’s Student Newspaper Since 1960 cool evening breezes are just around 910 Elliot Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404 the corner. E-mail: [email protected] Advisor phone: (612)-343-4727 Hold firm and think of your past spring memories because new ones are a few Google Images A member of the Associated Collegiate Press weeks away. and Association of Christian Collegiate Media

Retraction: The article “Charlie Mac is back” in the Feb. 17 issue of The Northerner mistakingly stated that Charlie McElveen has taken a full-time position with North Central. Although McElveen has been rehired by North Central, it as a part-time professor. The Northerner would like to apologize for any confusion that this may have caused.

9 Read more sports stories online by logging on to Sports www.NCUnortherner.com.

northcentral.edu Righting the ship By JACOB VON ARX Building onto a season that marks one of the greatest shot. We should be amongst the top four teams in improvements in North Central Rams history is never One of the additions made is the partnership with NCCAA Div. II.” easy. Considering that the baseball team made the Mizuno and The Game. Thanks to the partnership, two NCCAA Div. II National Tournament in Cincinnati new sets of uniforms, along with team pullovers, and The infield features potentially three new starters: and had two All-American infielders, all after a bags were provided. freshman pastoral studies major Isaac Gross and miserable losing season prior, expectations seem undeclared freshman Ian Andrews will compete for insurmountable. Losing four starters, including an “They allow our guys the opportunity to get to get corner infield spots, and junior sports management NCCAA World Series All-Tournament pitcher, have only top notch apparel and equipment at a very affordable major Matt Farland will compete for second base. encouraged the current players to step up and fill the price,” Beasley said. gaps left behind. Much of the excitement for the upcoming year stems Two Ram pitchers also have high expectations for from these fresh faces, along with junior media Tim Beasley heads the ship as they try to the season. Junior youth ministries major Jon Tolbert communications major Josh Bellers looking to get time build off of a colossal year. Beasley is in his fourth year and sophomore media communications major Devin catching. The team hopes to improve defensively in as head coach, and has made strides in expanding the Lehnhoff both expect a return to Prasco Park for the areas where they lacked last year. program. 2011 NCCAA Div. II World Series. The incoming players only strengthen the team, and they expect to reach the “I expect everyone who came in as a freshman or a When asked about the upcoming season, Beasley said, semi-finals of the tournament. transfer to make big improvements,” said Lehnhoff. “I have very big expectations if things go right, and “With the dome collapse, there’s a lot of time to by going right I mean staying healthy and getting our “I would be very disappointed if we, as a team, finish improve our cannons, and we want to put as many games in.” under .500,” Lehnhoff said. “We should have a good cannons on that ship as we can and bring it home.”

10 Sports Softball strives for improvement Small numbers, great dedication By JACOB VON ARX By REBEKAH JACOBSON After finishing with an 11-14 record in 2010, the North Just as the sun begins to rise, running shoes in their sport and their teammates,” said junior Central Rams softball season finished with something round the corners of Elliot Park. It is a typical youth ministries major Jeffrey Winkelman. left to be desired for the players. 5 a.m. practice for the track and field team consisting of sprints and intervals. One of the ways the team bonds is through the Second year Head Coach Allison Murphy looks forward 5 a.m. practices during the week. to definite all-around improvement, claiming a growth The track and field team began its season in abilities and a hunger to progress as a team as key this year with a smaller roster than previous “Something about sharing that hatred of factors for their improvement. seasons. Several former members did not getting up so early and working so hard return, and only a few new faces stepped up to gives us something much more than physical “We have a good talent base, but there was a need for fill in their shoes. strength, but also mental strength and a some reorganization,” said Murphy. “Last year wasn’t sense of pride in our accomplishments,” said necessarily a rebuilding year, but more of a reorganizing Despite the drop in numbers on the team, Head Winkelman. year. It was my first year as head coach, and we had had Track and Field Coach Trey Meadows explained four head coaches in the past four years.” that, “we do have some solid returners and This dedication drives the team to grow good new talent including freshman biblical stronger both physically and relationally. Each Junior business administration major and utility player studies major Josiah Miller and junior youth member is part of something bigger than their Bethany Bostron also claims high expectations for the ministries major Joshua Rouser.” individual events and goals, and this is reflected season. through the tight-knit community they have The biggest challenge will be overcoming the developed. drop in numbers while keeping a consistent performance all the way across the board. Even though there is a lack in numbers, the team is determined to give their best “This year will be a year where we have to performance. At the 2011 Upper Midwest evaluate who we are as a team,” said Meadows. Indoor Track & Field Championships in February, senior intercultural Athletes will be competing in several events studies major Catherine Mead gave a strong that might be out of their usual range, and the performance in the 1600m relay by capturing larger workload can cause fatigue quickly. In the conference title. order to maintain energy and focus, the team will rely on their support and encouragement “I hadn’t expected to do so well,” said Mead. from one another. “These races removed a lot of the limits I “I expect the team to compete at a higher level than had on myself. I’ve done what I didn’t think last year and pick up wins against tough competition “I want to see the guys’ and girls’ teams grow was possibly, so why not keep going for the from Martin Luther College, Northwestern College, and and really become a big family and take pride impossible and seeing what happens?” Mount Mary College,” said Bostron.

A challenging schedule could hamper the Rams’ chances to make the post-season.

Murphy said, “I’d say our schedule is pretty balanced. We start by hosting a six game tournament in two days, and though that may not be the most difficult tournament, it tests our abilities because it is so long.” Net Café

Although the supplemented season will help the Rams’ chances for post-season play, there is only one problem. ½ Off Any Size

“There’s no NCCAA Div. II national tournament, but you have the opportunity to gain in at large bid for the Coffee NCCAA Div. I tournament,” said Murphy. (With This Coupon) The Div. I tournament would give the players a Expires: 6/1/11 competitive edge in the long run, but it will not be easy to make. A successful season turnaround capped with a 811 11th Ave S national tournament bid will test the athletes. Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 481-4287 While something is lost by being unable to play against division rivals, the chance to play at a higher level could Net Café -a neighbor and friend to North Central University. inspire players to improve from last year’s mediocrity. Google Images And don’t forget --> Friday’s are half price days at Net Café!

11 Sports Honoring God with hoops By JACLYN TRIEB Levi Kooistra, senior pastoral studies major, plays as “It was amazing to see God use sports as a tool to a forward on North Central men’s basketball team. This impact kids’ lives,” said Kooistra. is Kooistra’s second year on the basketball team after At North Central, Kooistra helped reinvent and transferring from Oral Roberts University. reconstruct intramural basketball. He assisted in Kooistra has been playing basketball since 4th enforcing rule changes, elongating the season, adding grade, when he played in his backyard. mid-week games, and getting more money to pay for “I probably played more in the backyard with my staff, referees, and equipment. He contributed in the mom than my dad,” said Kooistra. efforts made to make intramurals more appealing to Throughout junior high and high school, Kooistra the student body. kept up his basketball career by playing on his schools’ Besides playing basketball, Kooistra has plenty teams. of other hobbies. He enjoys spending time with In the summer, Kooistra works with an organization girlfriend Morgan Valley, North Central alumna, and called News Release Basketball. The organization runs hanging out with roommate John Benson, senior kids camps during the day, semi-pro games at night, biblical studies major. He’s also found playing guitar or and missions trips to Europe to play basketball. During enjoying a lot of reading. the games’ halftime, one of the basketball players In the future, Kooistra wants to coach either shares a testimony to the crowds. basketball or football while pastoring a church. “The organization is a great way to connect kids and “I want to be a pastor. I’ll do anything the church families,” said Kooistra. wants me to do,” said Kooistra. Last summer, Kooistra was on one of the basketball Kooistra’s willingness to honor God in all that he teams in Europe. This summer he will coach a team of does and his competitive spirit keeps him passionate high school boys. about basketball. For the past two summers, Kooistra also put on “I’m a very competitive person,” said Kooistra. “I love basketball camps for kids ages 12 to 16 at his church to win. And I try to play in a way that brings worship to MARY BETH OAKS in Chicago. God. I want to honor God in the way I play basketball.”

“Pastoring” a team By REBEKAH JACOBSON Head Cross-Country and Track And Field Coach Trey coach, Coach Hayton asked Meadows if he was Meadows has been part of the North Central family interesting in transitioning into the head coach since his freshman year of college. He has become position. the person he is today because of the way his “I was excited and nervous to take over, but coaches molded him as an athlete. God was faithful and things seem to have gone well As a child, Meadows was a pastor’s kid and moved five years later,” said Meadows. 12 times. Eventually, his family settled in Hudson, As the head coach for both the cross-country Mich., where he began to run for his high school. and track and field teams, Meadows strives to build Meadows continued his running career at North personal relationships with each of his athletes. Central. “We are a family and I really love working to create “When I came to NCU, there was no cross- an environment where each member is known and country or track programs until Athletics Director loved for who they are as individuals away from Greg Hayton started a program in the fall of 2000,” running,” said Meadows. said Meadows. “I fell in love with cross-country, and He describes his position as being similar to that it motivated me to work harder than I ever had.” of a pastor’s. Not only does he help his players Meadows topped off his running career with improve as runners, but he also encourages them to an All-Conference award his senior year in track work hard as people so they can receive from God and field. The following year, Meadows remained what they are intended to while at North Central. a student at North Central but was unable to “You can’t just sit by and watch people like them compete as an athlete because his four years of [his athletes] train so hard, work so much, love eligibility had expired. However, this limitation only so much, give so much an bless one another so launched the beginning of his coaching career. faithfully the way they do and not be moved and “Coach Hayton asked me to stick around and challenged,” said Meadows. be a student assistant and I totally fell in love with Meadows’ future plans include continuing to coach coaching,” said Meadows. at North Central, while finishing his master’s degree MARY BETH OAKS After two years of taking on the role of assistant at the University of Minnesota.

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