the Observer The Independent Newspaper Serving Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s Volume 44 : Issue 75 friday, january 28, 2011 ndsmcobserver.com Notre Dame plugs into new technologies Learning Spaces looks University continues to expand classroom to integrate iPads beyond physical space into instruction in to virtual environment campus classrooms

By NICOLE TOCZAUER By TORI ROECK News Writer News Writer

From lab and classroom While iPads may be consid- equipment to hallway comput- ered a trendy device outside of ers and residence hall printers, a university environment, this Technology Enhanced Learning semester, two new pilot class- Spaces is responsible for devices es are exploring the benefits used every day by students and of using these University-pro- faculty. vided devices in the class- Learning Spaces Manager room. Brian Burchett said the group’s Professors also are making goal is to make technology at adjustments based on last Notre Dame accessible and easy fall’s experiences. to use Last semester 50 iPads were “The name Learning Space is dispersed among different intended to convey the idea that undergraduate classes, includ- teaching and learning can take ing assistant professor of man- place anywhere. It could take agement Corey Angst’s Project place in a lounge or out in the Management course. hallway,” he said. “But it doesn’t The class used iPads mainly have to be physical space. It can as e-readers, in addition to be a virtual space, too.” electronic pop quizzes and With a focus on registrar- sharing documents and videos.

see TECH/page 5 BLAIR CHEMIDLIN | Observer Graphic see IPADS/page 4

Legends touts ‘best lineup’ Rent-A-Text arrives at

By SAM STRYKER Saint Mary’s bookstore News Writer allows students to spend less for a With its web page advertis- By ASHLEY CHARNLEY semesters worth of books. ing this semester’s list of Saint Mary’s Editor “The Rent-A-Text program acts as “Our Best Lineup offers another cost savings alter- Ever,” Legends of Notre Saint Mary’s students took native to the students,” O’Connor Dame Nightclub is not minc- advantage of the new textbook said. “The greatest advantage is ing words this spring. The rental program at Shaheen the lowering of the upfront expen- statement is supported with Bookstore, which was acquired by diture by students for the pur- a video trailer promoting the Follett Higher Education Group on chase of their course required array of artists performing Oct. 20. materials. Renting a textbook will at the nightclub this spring. Thirty-six percent of students result in a savings of over 50 per- Aaron Perri, general man- rented textbooks through the cent as compared to the cost of a ager of Legends, said the Rent-A-Text program, which new textbook.” spring lineup is remarkable accounted for 18 percent of the Students who would like to rent because of the variety of Bookstore’s total sales for the books can either do so at the acts. semester, Jim O’Connor, a region- Bookstore, pre-register online at “I try to pick a lineup that al manager at Follett, said. rent-a-text.com or do an express contains a wide variety of Notre Dame, which started the registration at the time of their entertainment, to appeal to same program last semester, had first rental transaction, O’Connor the broadest range of people. a similar success rate, with 25 said. We have some of the best percent of students renting their “All that is required is that the concerts, comedy and variety PAT COVENEY/The Observer texts. student is over the age of 18, have acts from across the coun- Chicago natives OK Go perform in a shower of confetti at O’Connor said Saint Mary’s also a valid government issued ID and try,” he said. “Our concerts Legends of Notre Dame in October 2010. has an increase in used texts. a credit card for collateral,” span every genre and style, “With the introduction of this O’Connor said. “The actual trans- from rock to indie, to hip- “More than half of [the on our lineup.” initiative along with a tremendous action may be tendered utilizing hop and country. We hope artists] are nationally tour- Perri, who has been in increase in the availability of used cash, check, credit card or student there is something here for ing acts, the same acts you charge of booking the pro- textbooks resulted in 41 percent charge. The collateral is only uti- everyone.” would pay $20 to $50 to see fessional entertainment at of the SMC student purchases at lized in the event of a non-return.” Perri said Legends will fea- in other cities,” he said. “I Legends for the last seven greatly reduced costs as com- Students wishing to purchase ture nearly 60 acts over the think we’ll have numerous and a half years, said he has pared to a new textbook price,” books they had rented can do so course of the semester, with shows that hit capacity. O’Connor said. a top-heavy lineup. There are no real low points see LEGENDS/page 4 O’Connor said renting texts see BOOKS/page 5

INSIDE TODAY’S PAPER Panel discusses women in military page 7 N Women’s basketball to face Villanova page 16 N Snoop Dogg heats up Fever page 8 N Viewpoint page 6 page 2 The Observer N PAGE 2 Friday, January 28, 2011

THE OBSERVER THE HOT SEAT: FIVE QUESTIONS, ONE PERSON, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

P.O. Box 779, Notre Dame, IN 46556 Q: Who do you think is going to win Q: What is something about you peo- 024 South Dining Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 the Superbowl next weekend? ple should know? EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katelynd: The Steelers are going to Katelynd: I lived in Chile for a year, and Matt Gamber annihilate the Packers. For sure. it was amazing! The culture is so differ- MANAGING EDITOR BUSINESS MANAGER Madeline Buckley Patrick Sala ent, but it is really interesting to see the Q: What is your favorite Kevin ways that American culture is used and ASST. MANAGING EDITOR: Sam Werner ASST. MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Myers Costner movie? combined with their own culture. My host Katelynd: Dances with Wolves! That is family brought in a Christmas tree cov- NEWS EDITOR: Laura McCrystal VIEWPOINT EDITOR: Michelle Maitz probably my favorite movie ever. I ered in fake snow, even though it is sum- SPORTS EDITOR: Douglas Farmer watched it a couple times over break. mer there at that time, because they had SCENE EDITOR: Jordan Gamble seen snow from American television. SAINT MARY’S EDITOR: Ashley Charnley Q: Who is your favorite dining hall PHOTO EDITOR: Dan Jacobs GRAPHICS EDITOR: Blair Chemidlin worker? Q: What is your creative outlet? Katelynd Park ADVERTISING MANAGER: Lillian Civantos Katelynd: Miss Tina, for sure! She Katelynd:Last semester I was part of AD DESIGN MANAGER: Jane Obringer always makes sure that I get a cookie this Madrigals dinner where we had to CONTROLLER: Jeff Liptak junior Le Mans Hall right out of the oven. She takes care of dress up in Renaissance clothing, which SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR: Joseph Choi us girls. was great. I also just tried out for another OFFICE MANAGER & GENERAL INFO play here at SMC. (574) 631-7471 FAX (574) 631-6927 ADVERTISING Know someone who should be in the hot seat? E-mail [email protected] (574) 631-6900 [email protected] EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (574) 631-4542 [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR IN BRIEF (574) 631-4541 [email protected] ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS (574) 631-4324 [email protected], [email protected] The ScreenPeace film festival BUSINESS OFFICE starts today with a showing of (574) 631-5313 “Countdown to Zero”. The NEWS DESK film is being shown in (574) 631-5323 [email protected] VIEWPOINT DESK DeBartolo Performing Arts (574) 631-5303 [email protected] Center at 6:30 p.m..The event SPORTS DESK will be introduced by David (574) 631-4543 [email protected] Corrtight, Director of Policy SCENE DESK Studies at the Kroc Institute. (574) 631-4540 [email protected] The event is free, but ticketed. SAINT MARY’S DESK [email protected] Reserve tickets at 631- 2800 PHOTO DESK or at the door. (574) 631-8767 [email protected] SYSTEMS & WEB ADMINISTRATORS The Greater Good Lecture (574) 631-8839 Series Keynote address will be given by Dr. Mark Alboin, a THE New York Times bestselling o bserver Online author and entreprenuer. The www.ndsmcobserver.com lecture starts today at 1 p.m. in POLICIES the Jordan Auditorium at the The Observer is the independent, daily newspaper Mendoza College of Business. published in print and online by the students of the The event is free and open to University of Notre Dame du Lac and Saint Mary’s the public. . College. Editorial content, including advertisements, is not governed by policies of the administration of either Courtney Eckerle/The Observer Today at 10:40 a.m. the 2nd institution. The Observer reserves the right to refuse Seniors Hannah Hupp, Jeannie Michael, Lindsey Downs, Hanna Vicary and Loren lecture in the Ten Years Hence advertisements based on content. Sampson pose with a class project, a soda called “A Twist O Luck.” Lecture Series, “The Evolution The news is reported as accurately and objectively as The drink will now be sold in all Saint Mary’s eateries, and the girls are looking to of Sustainable Investing: possible. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of expand to other venues. the majority of the Editor in Chief, Managing Editor, From Individual Conscience to Assistant Managing Editors and department editors. Institutional Commentaries, letters and columns present the views Accountability.” B a r b a r a of the authors and not necessarily those of The Krumsiek, the Chair, CEO and Observer. OFFBEAT President of Calvert Group, Viewpoint space is available to all readers. The free Ltd. is giving the talk. The talk expression of all opinions through letters is encouraged. Priceless pedigreed cat owned Buddy for almost The smugglers left is free and is at the Jordan Letters to the Editor must be signed and must include turns up neutered two years and was consid- before they could be cap- Auditorium in the Mendoza contact information. WELLINGTON, New ering using him as a stud tured. The surveillance College of Business . Zealand — A valuable pedi- cat. video of them using the Questions regarding Observer policies should be directed to Editor-in-Chief Matt Gamber greed cat that went missing “What am I supposed to catapult was released Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 from its New Zealand home do now? I can't exactly get Wednesday. p.m., the American Red Cross POST OFFICE INFORMATION turned up two days later a someone to sew them back A second catapult was is holding a blood drive at the

The Observer (USPS 599 2-4000) is published Monday through Friday except during little different — it had on,” she told the newspa- discovered Thursday in Hammes Notre Dame exam and vacation periods. A subscription to The Observer is $130 for one academic been surgically castrated. per. near Agua Prieta, another Bookstore. year; $75 for one semester. Owner Michelle Curtis border town. Mexican offi- The Observer is published at: POSTMASTER . 024 South Dining Hall Send address corrections to: said she was furious when Mexican drug catapult cials say it is the first time “Hurt Locker” is being Notre Dame, IN 46556-0779 The Observer Periodical postage paid at Notre Dame P.O. Box 779 Buddy, her prized Siamese- discovered on border they have seen this smug- shown as a part of the and additional mailing offices. 024 South Dining Hall Bengal cross, came home HERMOSILLO, Mexico — gling method used by local Notre Dame, IN 46556-0779 ScreenPeace film festival. The “fixed.” Drug smugglers are using traffickers. film is being shown at 9:30 “I couldn't believe some- an ancient invention as a Mexican traffickers have p.m. Saturday in the The Observer is a member of the Associated Press. All reproduction rights are one took my cat and got new way to move marijua- previously used planes, DeBartolo Performing Arts reserved. him fixed. I don't know why na across the border from tunnels, vehicles, boats Center. The event is free but they would do that,” Curtis Mexico to Arizona. and couriers to smuggle ticketed. Reserve tickets at TODAY’S STAFF told Bay of Plenty Times The discovery of two drugs into the United 631 2800. newspaper in an article “drug catapults” in the States. Colombian drug News Sports Thursday. “It really was Mexican state of Sonora traffickers have even used To submit information to be Sam Stryker Chris Masoud quite bizarre. I mean, who marks the latest twist in homemade submarines. included in this section of The Kristen Durbin Megan Finneran just takes someone's cat the cat-and-mouse game Observer, e-mail detailed Anna Boarini Megan Golden and gets them neutered?” traffickers play with Information compiled from information about an event to Graphics Scene Curtis said she had authorities. the Associated Press. [email protected] Blair Chemidlin Courtney Cox Photo Maria Fernandez Sarah O’Connor Viewpoint Megan Kozak Today Tonight Saturday Sunday Monday tuesday

CORRECTIONS EATHER

A Jan. 27 article, “IEI Partners for new writing pro- W gram,” incorrectly attributed information. The information in the story attributed to Joyce

Johnstone should have been attributed to Karen OCAL HIGH 28 HIGH 23 HIGH 30 HIGH 26 HIGH 22 HIGH 23 Morris, program director for Power of Writing. The L Observer regrets this error. LOW 26 LOW 19 LOW 20 LOW 16 LOW 8 LOW 8 Friday, January 28, 2011 The Observer N CAMPUS NEWS page 3 Panel discusses women in war Professor explores represented the United tage of being male.” By ABI HOVERMAN States in NATO forums, said First Lt. Casie E. Sweeney, definitions of race News Writer in war torn areas women a 2008 Notre Dame alumna, take on a unique role. detailed her experiences in Women are a common tar- “If you can increase oppor- Afghanistan. As part of a get in war zones, said tunities, education and sta- new effort to improve rela- anthropology professor bility of women, you can tionships and communication Carolyn R. Nordstrom, who decrease the chance of war between marines and has seen vil- breaking out,” Afghani civilians, Sweeney lages where s h e s a i d . lead a female-engagement every woman “[Women can] team through family com- and child has get a hold of the pounds of farmers displaced been brutal- “Be gender blind. If men in the com- in the war during her deploy- ized. munity and say ment. N o r d s t r o m , you have bias, you no, we are not “Our mission was to estab- who has spent better get rid of it.” going to do to lish trust and confidence to y e a r s [go to war] any- ultimately help them help more.” themselves,” she said. researching Casie E. Sweeney conditions of Carpenter, the Sweeney said female mili- wars across first lieutenant first woman in tary members offer a unique the globe, was the navy to be element of trust in a culture part of the named an admi- suspicious of western men. In panel “Women ral, said women Afghanistan, only female and War: In h a v e m a d e marines are accepted into and Out of Uniform,” held advances in the military in family compounds. This com- Wednesday in the Oak Room recent decades. f o r t w i t h of South Dining Hall. The dis- “We’ve got all “Historically, the f e m a l e SUZANNA PRATT/The Observer cussion explored women’s kinds of female m a r i n e s American Studies Professor Jason Ruiz speaks Wednesday role in the military and firsts out there, military has been helped foster on the subject of race in DeBartolo Hall. impact during wars. and the good male-dominated. Men cooperation Nordstrom said villages are thing is we’ve got are physically with families. defenseless when male resi- the firsts out of “We would Ruiz said although race is dents leave to fight. the way,” she stronger and larger take our hair By CHRISTIAN MYERS not a biological reality, race “I walk into villages where said. “Now we than women, but with down and it News Writer is a social reality. He pre- every woman and child has can move on to [weapons] technology w o u l d p u t sented a case study of Lake been raped, where all the other things.” t h e m a t What is race? American County in Indiana. He food has been stolen,” she P r o f e s s o r today, there is no e a s e , ” s h e Studies professor Jason Ruiz showed statistics of demo- said. Michael Desch, longer the functional said. posed this “deceptively sim- graphics, income and high Panelist Rear Admiral chair of the advantage of being When asked ple question” Wednesday in school graduation rate for Wendi B. Carpenter, who has Political Science h o w m a l e DeBartolo Hall, as he deliv- the towns of Gary, Munster Department, said male.” m i l i t a r y ered the second lecture in and East Chicago. The study technology has m e m b e r s the Martin Luther King Jr. revealed municipalities with played a role in Michael Desch should treat Series for the Study of Race. larger minority populations increased female chair their female Ruiz challenged the audi- had significantly lower ence to work together in income and graduation military partici- Political Science counterparts, pation. S w e e n e y pairs and share some of rates. “Historically, Department i n s i s t e d their own definitions of race. Ruiz also used an example the military has equality. For the first half of the from his year of research at been male-dominated,” he “Be gender blind. If you lecture, students, staff and a high school in Long said. “Males are physically have bias, you better get rid community members shared Prairie, Minn. For approxi- stronger and larger than of it,” she said. various definitions of race mately 25 years the Latino women, but with [weapons] related to a variety of topics. community had a high technology today, there is no Contact Abi Hoverman at Several audience members school graduation rate of longer the functional advan- [email protected] proposed race has no scien- zero percent. tific foundation, and one Ruiz said the problem individual described the arose from a cultural mis- concept of race as “unnatur- communication. He said the al.” mostly Caucasian school- The second half of the lec- teachers and administrators ture consisted of Ruiz pre- believed Latino parents senting some of his findings were ambivalent toward and several points about their children’s education what race is and is not. because they never attended Ruiz first said the meaning parent-teacher conferences. and definition of the term Ruiz said he spoke to these race is contextual. It has parents and found they val- c h a n g e d ued education over time highly, but were and is differ- reticent to ent in differ- “I’m the same person. attend parent- ent places. I haven’t changed, teacher confer- He outlined but if I had somehow ences because the origin of of cultural the term and lived that long I taboos against c o n c e p t would have been questioning “race” in the considered all of teachers and 19th century. because the He said a these different school did not m o d e r n things.” provide transla- example is tors. while today Jason Ruiz The differ- he is consid- ence between ered Latino, professor race and eth- in the past American Studies nicity needs to v a r i o u s be clarified, terms such Ruiz said. as Hispanic, Mexican- Ethnicity is determined by American and Mexican one’s heritage. He said would have been used. racial categories do not “I’m the same person. I coincide with ethnicities and haven’t changed, but if I had are not as legitimate. somehow lived that long I Ruiz said in America race would have been considered is used more as verb than as all of these different things,” a noun. Americans talk Ruiz said. about race in terms of it act- Ruiz said race is also not ing on individuals and their biological. Ruiz rejected bodies. “essentialism,” the concept Ruiz’s final point was “col- there are innate racial char- orblindness” is not a solu- acteristics related to intelli- tion. He said the social reali- gence, athleticism and other ty of race should not be attributes. He said humans ignored, but instead in the same racial group are addressed. as genetically distinct as people in different racial Contact Christian Myers at groups. [email protected] page 4 The Observer N CAMPUS NEWS Friday, January 28, 2011

Legends and enjoy it this semester.” Legends Sutton said SUB has continued from page 1 planned a variety of acts, ranging from more estab- been arranging the lineup lished groups to up and com- since last October, just finish- ing artists. She said SUB ing in mid-January. While tends to focus on newer variety is important, practi- artists, who appeal to a wide cality is a major considera- range of students. tion, he said. “Because we do our big con- “At the end of the day, the cert outside Legends, we like booking process comes down to do up-and-coming stuff to availability and affordabili- inside,” Sutton said. “Our pri- ty,” Perri said. mary purpose is to program The bold advertising and for the entire student body, so planning this we want to take spring is a con- as many tastes tinuing hall- “I feel like we have a into account. mark of really good variety of We’re focusing Legends, Perri more on quality said. acts. There will be of act.” “Each semes- something for One thing ter we try everyone.” SUB is trying something new differently this and cutting semester is edge,” he said. Julia Sutton bringing in “We kicked this manager slam poet Anis year off with an Student Union Board Mojgani, Sutton ambitious video said. marketing trail- “We usually er and we’ll stick to comedy, continue with our innovative but we thought Anis was too marketing campaigns all good to pass up,” she said. semester.” While Legends may be Perri said Legends operates advertising this as its “best like any professional night- lineup ever,” Perri said club, doing 95 percent of its Legends is simply continuing own event planning. During to strive to be one of the best the semester, Legends allows live entertainment venues in the Student Union Board America. (SUB) to host several shows. “A couple of years ago SUB manager Julia Sutton Pollstar named Legends as said this freedom of planning one of the top 12 nightclubs has allowed the organization in the country for live enter- to contribute to Legends’ tainment,” he said. “It’s already stellar lineup, which important to note that we are includes Super Mash Bros., not simply competing against Big Sean, Axis of Awesome nightclubs at other college and John Mulaney. campuses. We had a great “I feel like we have a really lineup that year, but I believe good variety of acts. There this year is even better.” will be something for every- one,” she said. “Everyone on Contact Sam Stryker at campus can get out to [email protected]

[last semester] were the usability of the apps them- iPads selves,” Crutchfield said. “The continued from page 1 apps that are available for Professor Velasco’s course are Although student feedback better than those available to was mostly positive, the e- the business school course.” reader through which the class In addition to Velasco’s class, read textbook and supplemen- iPads will be used in Professor tary PDF files posed challenges Lance Askildson’s course on because of its limitations. the Impact of Language, “One of the criticisms that Culture and Identity on we saw in the survey [the class Educational Practices. For this took] was that the students class, the iPads have two dis- said you couldn’t annotate and tinct purposes. you couldn’t highlight,” Angst “They’re both using [iPads] said. “But in fact you can do for coursework and trying to those things, figure out how but you need [to to use it to teach purchase an] “We actually have others lan- application to web statistics that g u a g e s , ” do it.” Crutchfield said. J u l i a n show that more iPads Because of the Velasco, associ- are accessing Notre success of the ate professor at Dame websites as iPad first the Notre Dame time has gone on.” semester and Law School, c o n t i n u e d who is using improvement, iPads in his Jon Crutchfield Crutchfield said A d v a n c e d consultant he foresees an Topics in Academic Technologies increase in the Corporate Law use of iPads and class, requires their equiva- students to purchase lents at Notre Dame in the iAnnotatePDF, the application near future. to which Angst referred. He “We actually have web sta- also is using different e-reader tistics that show that more software. iPads are accessing Notre “The software used to read Dame websites as time has the text [last semester] was gone on,” Crutchfield said. very clunky software designed Velasco said while the iPad for the iPad, a 1.0 at best,” has contributed to a decrease Velasco said. “I wanted to nip in their own paper usage, a that in the bud, and I refused truly paper-free class does not to use proprietary software.” wait in the future. Academic Technologies con- “A completely paperless sultant Jon Crutchfield office? No,” Velasco said. “But believes the upgrades for as for a drastically reduced Velasco’s class will improve paper one? I think absolutely.” students’ experience with Please recycle The Observer. iPads. Contact Tori Roeck at “Most of the technical issues [email protected] Friday, January 28, 2011 The Observer N CAMPUS NEWS page 5

mining a selection for a future a multi-year project of outfit- hung in the center from the term.” ting rooms with those.” ceiling. Eight computers are Books O’Connor said there is a local Tech Document cameras are ver- connected to these screens and continued from page 1 rental list that is available if a continued from page 1 satile as they enable professors the remaining space on the book is being used for multiple to act spontaneously with less walls is painted with white- at any time, O’Connor said. He terms. scheduled classrooms and adja- preparation. Professors can use board paint to enable further said there are no disadvantages to “A local rental title must meet cent hallways, Burchett said them to display objects freedom in spatial use of the the program as long as students certain criteria. The Store the group works with both fixed onscreen without having to room. return the books at the end of the Manager will work closely with and portable technologies. Over insert a photograph into their “The idea is that there isn’t a semester. the faculty to identify potential the past few years, Learning power point. front or back of the classroom. “The failure to return will result additions to the national list,” he Spaces has increased the Burchett said Learning The professor can route any- in a full charge for the book plus said. amount of technology available Spaces has noticed a desire to body’s computer to any screen, penalties since that rental book Junior biology major Krystal in classrooms. incorporate music in classes. to all 12 screens or a combina- will need to be replaced to ensure Holtcamp said she rented her “There are slightly more than “We have more faculty now tion,” Burchett said. “The furni- inventory of that title is available books this semester to help curb 150 registrar classrooms. Of who want to bring their iPod ture moves so that the room for rent for an upcoming term by costs. those classrooms, we have and plug it in to play music. can be rearranged.” other students,” O’Connor said. “I thought it was a really good fixed technology, like ceiling One professor used the docu- Upon walking into the class, According to O’Connor, not option to be able to rent books monitors and projectors, in ment camera to display a musi- one section of the whiteboard every textbook in the library is especially me as a science major about 130,” he said. “A few cal score while playing the sym- reads, “Do not erase!” Scrawled available for rent in the bookstore, it’s very helpful because my books years ago, we would have only phonic piece,” he said. underneath are comments left but there is a large database from are so expensive,” she said. had 60 percent of the rooms “Students could then visually by faculty and students who which students may choose. Holtcamp said it was a simple with technology. Now we’re see the standard notation while have used the room. Burchett “Since the Shaheen Bookstore is process. over 80 percent.” hearing the music.” said that feedback from both part of the Follett Higher “I had a great experience,” she In the 20 remaining “low- Burchett said faculty often sides is extremely valuable. Education network a large nation- said. “All I had to do was show tech” classrooms, faculty mem- asks for enhancements, with “We want faculty feedback, al data base of rental eligible titles them my ID and they had it ready bers are still able to use multiple projectors being but students often are the best is immediately available,” for me.” portable equipment, Burchett among the most requested. evaluators of whether faculty O’Connor said. “A faculty member said. “When we visit other schools are using technology effectively. may visit rent-a-text.com to view Contact Ashley Charnley at “We don’t want them to feel like Purdue, we notice that it I think everyone, whether this national list as they are deter- [email protected] cut off from technology if seems to be a trend to have you’re at a conference, training they’re scheduled in one of more than one projector and session, or class, has been sub- those rooms,” he said. more than one screen,” jected to death by PowerPoint,” In the classrooms with fixed Burchett said. “We think that he said. “There’s so much more technology, the professor oper- will be something that will hap- that can be done with technolo- ates equipment through a con- pen here over the next three to gy.” trol panel. Their choices five years as well.” To gather this information, include the lectern computer, With multiple screens, a pro- Learning Spaces conducts sur- an individual laptop, a DVD fessor might continue one static veys. One quick way to give player and a document camera. display, such as a power point, feedback is through Student With each use, Learning Spaces while simultaneously running a Government, who meets with records statistics in a database dynamic video or simulation on Learning Spaces on a regular for analysis. another. Burchett said only a basis. “It’s not surprising that the few classrooms on campus “And of course, people can most overwhelmingly used allow this, but he predicts a always contact me directly if device in the classroom is shift to multiple screens in they want to, either by phone either the Windows computer other classes in the future. or in my office,” Burchett said. that is provided or the laptop a An experimental multiple- “If I’m in my office, come on in professor brings,” Burchett screen classroom is located in and tell me what you think.” said. “The document cameras the basement of DeBartolo Hall, will probably be used more Burchett said. Eight displays Contact Nicole Toczauer at BLAIR CHEMIDLIN | Observer Graphic because this year we completed line the walls, with four more [email protected] The Observer Viewpoint page 6 Friday, January 28, 2011 INSIDE COLUMN Gates is an important choice Tunnel Robert Gates is not Stephen Colbert. Nor is he Bono. Gates might be unpopular with some for one reason or He has never appeared on the cover of Entertainment another — his role in the Iraq war; his criticism of “don’t Weekly or been named one of People Magazine’s “Sexiest ask, don’t tell;” his Aggie pride — but no one can deny his Vision Man Alive.” leadership and his dedication to this country. He has made After living in McCandless Hall Rather, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was fea- many important, tough decisions throughout his career and for both my first and second years tured on the February 2010 cover of Time Magazine. In has stuck by the results. The experience gained in those at Saint Mary’s, I never thought I 2009, Esquire put him on its list of “The 75 Best People in moments of choice is something any graduating senior would appreciate living in another the World.” should be eager to learn from. residence hall as much as I do. Gates may not be the most entertaining choice for The choice of Gates as Commencement speaker and hon- Don’t get me Commencement speaker, or the first name a senior in a orary degree recipient is symbolic for the University as well. wrong — Alicia Smith wishful state might think of. But he is a good Last year, the choice of Brian Williams as McCandless will choice, and an important one. Commencement speaker was received by some always have a Associate Saint As the Class of 2011 prepares to graduate as a retreat by Notre Dame, an attempt to deflect place in my heart Mary’s Editor and to enter what is fearfully referred to as the controversy from Obama’s 2009 address. — but I will “adulthood,” it will hear from a man who is But the decision to honor a government official never regret my decision to move into my cozy single with a shared intricately linked with some of the most press- this year shows the University’s willingness not bathroom on the second floor of Le ing issues facing America today. to back down, and to legitimize its choice of two Mans. He is also connected to college students; years ago. Despite working for Obama, Gates McCandless has its perks; it’s before accepting his position as secretary of defense in will probably not invite the type of criticism so rampant in close to the gym so during the 2006, Gates was the president of Texas A&M. He under- 2009; but when it issued this invitation, Notre Dame frigid months of December, stands seniors’ mindsets as we approach Commencement undoubtedly understood all of its nuances. January and February, I don’t have day, and we expect he will be ready with a relevant and, This is a selection the Notre Dame community and, more to freeze when I feel the need to yes, captivating speech. His penchant for dry one-liners is importantly, the senior class should embrace as the right work out. not a secret, nor is most Notre Dame students’ ability to choice for our University and for the Class of 2011. Gates It’s also close to the parking lot, understand sarcasm, we think. may not be a popular talk show host or the president of the making it a whole lot nicer to walk Gates is the only defense secretary ever to keep his posi- United States, but we’re happy with where he falls in home from my car at night. And, tion under a new president and has kept his message con- between those two standards. with the close proximity to park- ing, I have to struggle less when I sistent under both President George W. Bush and President What he is, among other things, is a celebrated and cen- attempt to carry in my bags of gro- Barack Obama. tral figure sure to have significant words. ceries back to my room after going He is a figure who could be highly controversial, but is He’s also an Eagle Scout, so we can only imagine popcorn to the store. instead unifying. tubs were included in this deal. Additionally, the rooms have large windows in McCandless, so a lot of light can shine in during the day, which I always appreciate. EDITORIAL CARTOON The building itself is also newer, which means the rooms are less damaged, and it has air condition- ing in the hallways and study car- rels, making the building tolerable to live in during the summer months. Despite the benefits of living in my old residence hall, last year I decided to branch out and try a new building. My new room has twice the floor space of my old room. In my McCandless single, the only seating I had room for was on my bed. This year, I have upgraded to a futon. I also love Le Mans because of its location. Smack dab in the middle of campus, it is less than a five minute walk from Le Mans to every building on campus. What I love most about Le Mans is the tunnel connecting Le Mans to the Student Center. I never thought I would appreci- ate the tunnel as much as I do, but I quickly discovered its charm. As I write this column, it is below freez- ing outside. Because of the tunnel, I didn’t have to go outside in the frigid cold to get dinner. On weekends, if I choose, I can stay inside all day long and still eat in the dining hall. At 11:30 p.m., when I run out of salsa to go with my tortilla chips, I can walk downstairs, go through the tunnel and buy some in the C- Store without ever stepping foot in the cold — not to mention when it rains. Assuming I’m coming from my dorm, I will never have to walk in the pouring rain to eat meals again. The tunnel, among other details, adds to the charm of this older building. With its hardwood floors, transom windows and random trap doors located in a variety of rooms, QUOTE OF THE DAY QUOTE OF THE DAY I have fallen in love with my resi- dence hall. There are days when I miss “Luck is what you have left over Submit a Letter “The greatest conflicts are not McCandless, but I’ll never regret after you give 100 percent.” choosing Le Mans. between two people but between one to the Editor at person and himself.” The views expressed in the Inside Langston Coleman Column are those of the author and former University of Nebraska www.ndsmcobserver.com Garth Brooks not necessarily those of The Observer. football player U.S. Country music artist Contact Alicia Smith at [email protected] The Observer Viewpoint Friday, January 28, 2011 page 7 Paradise

In the heart of Milwaukee, near the salvation — I did not know to wonder playground was really that big — that, I could mention its seven-storey slide, shore of Lake Michigan, lost some- whether I had deceived myself. in essence, I had no knowledge of the its network of caves, its jet aircraft, its where in the depths of memory, there The destruction of this playground evil of my action and did not deserve aquarium, its circus, and its Ferris is a playground. was of the greatest kind: to never have to be sent forth from the Garden — Wheel without really explaining its This playground unfurls, in every been in the first place. Even now, but, in my youth, I lacked the words. I essence. I can say, in the end, only direction, farther through the mists of memory, I can am sure that I would have screamed that it is a playground commensurate than the eye can Daniel Sportiello barely see it: if I look at it squarely, it had I not been so gripped by horror with your imagination. see. It reaches into evaporates as something impossible. I and confusion. But more important than this place, the heavens, almost can see it only out of the corner of my I vowed to return. And I finally did, this second paradise, is what it repre- into the clouds, as Bound mind’s eye — can remember, that is, in a sense. But I was fifteen years old. sents: it is an ethical miracle, a salva- though it were a Variables only how it seemed to me as a child. And the playground was, well, just a tion that I in no way deserve but have citadel — and, like How beautiful it was, and how fleet- playground: it no longer dwarfed me, been granted nonetheless. It is an act a citadel, it is a ing. no longer reached into the heavens, no of grace. holy place, one of everlasting light and “Go play,” my young mother and longer promised salvation. And, I This, the perfect playground, is not joy: it is a place where death has no father said to me, beaming with pride finally realized, it never had: in that in itself proof of the Incarnation. But it sting, where the gods still walk, where at their firstborn son. They had original sin, I lost not only paradise is, at least, an indication — even if the lion lies down with the lamb. It is a brought me, for the first time, to but even the fact that I had once had only a psychological one: it is a place beyond the comprehension of Summerfest — the city’s annual it. reminder that, whatever the conclu- men. lakeshore music festival: the presence I would, at this point, typically wax sions into which life forces us — what- This playground exists now only in of the playground was, I assume, philosophical about the loss involved ever the iron cage of concepts that we my memory: it was torn down long ago merely a concession to the family val- in any Enlightenment. You can imag- build around ourselves — we can — not by man or by machine, but ues lobby. But this did not deter me as ine how that would go. But I have, in always be wrong. It is a reminder that rather by the merciless march of time, I ran forward, my heart full of para- the meantime, at the end of some jour- we sometimes fare better than we by the Fall that each of us, in leaving dise. ney that I do not yet fully understand, deserve — better, even, than we his childhood behind, comes to know. I had played for what seemed like found salvation. thought possible. It is a reminder that In that time, my world was an exten- years — but must have been only min- In the heart of Saint Louis, near the what seems lost in the depths of mem- sion of myself: things were as they utes — when suddenly I was snatched shore of the Mississippi River, as ory may not be lost after all. seemed to me to be — and were emo- by my parents and whisked away. though pulled from the depths of tionally charged as I felt them to be. “Where were you?” they demanded, memory, there is a playground. Daniel John Sportiello is in his third year So when I, at two years of age, stood desperate. “We thought that we had It is a place beyond the comprehen- in the philosophy Ph.D. program. Listen to before what seemed a second Garden lost you! Why did you leave the play- sion of men: it is called the City his radio show on WVFI. He can be reached of Eden — a playground that dwarfed ground?” I tried to articulate an Museum, though it is not a museum at [email protected] me, that was quite literally larger than answer — that they were wrong, that I and has nothing to do with a city — The views expressed in this column are I could understand, that promised hadn’t left the playground, that they except, perhaps, the New Jerusalem. those of the authors and not something that I can now recognize as had lost track of me only because the Indeed, it is difficult to describe at all: necessarily those of The Observer.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I want America to stay #isthisreallife Apparently the South Bend City Council passed an ordinance that requires residents to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes within 24 conscious and beautiful hours of a major snowstorm. Being an off-campus resident, this brought a Wednesday’s article, (“The environmentally unconscious one; or, Why I love few things to mind: America,” Jan. 26), has to be a joke. In case it wasn’t a satire, I just want to 1) What in the world is this city council doing that sidewalks are at the state that the deeds of the environmentally unconscious people also make the top of their agenda? I don’t see a whole lot of people taking leisurely future generations and the environmentally conscious ones responsible for what strolls in the nuclear winter outside. These people should be more focused they didn’t do. on gun safety and theft — I’m pretty sure the sidewalks aren’t robbing It’s not a secret that Americans are not the most environmentally conscious and killing people. people in the world. But it is not just those Europeans who care about the envi- 2) Shoveling your sidewalk after EVERY snowstorm in South Bend is ronment. I am from South Korea. I learned how to recycle from elementary equivalent to making your bed every day — I’m just going to sleep in it school, while I saw some of my Americans friends at Notre Dame simply not tomorrow night (or, more likely, in three hours for a nap). These people knowing how to recycle. “I didn’t know you can recycle plastic wrappers!” a have probably lived in South Bend their entire lives, so it’s likely that they remark of surprise from my American friend surprised me back. “How can you understand how often it snows here, and, therefore, how often people not know that?” Probably because America has been the country of material would have to shovel their sidewalks. If you want to make sure your citi- abundance, people who want to conserve the environment don’t practice simple zens are working out the recommended 30 minutes-a-day, this is a round- things they can do. For example, not buying unnecessary stuff that you’ll end up about way of doing it. throwing away almost new, turning off your laptop and lights when not using 3) If the city of South Bend cannot adequately clear the roads for cars in and using water containers instead of buying bottled water. 24 hours following a snowstorm, how am I expected to clear my sidewalk? America has been the leading soft power in the world. At the same time, how- I’m a college student, I’m too busy going to classes and Club Fever to do ever, it is the leading country in terms of destructing our environment. that. But, if the city steps its game up, and I am not sliding up and down Americans produce the largest carbon dioxide emission per capita, trumping my street when I’m trying to drive to campus, I’ll go get my shovel. China and the rest of the world roughly by four times, according to the Guardian. #isthisreallife #smh Prof. Susan Rosato defined soft power as an attraction of the culture and politics that makes other countries want to emulate the country. But I do not want my Joe Deters country to emulate an America that is wealthy, but environmentally unconscious, senior sickening herself and others. off campus Despite that, “Picking Up America” reminds me why I still respect America: Jan. 27 there are also a lot of people who are conscious about the extended implications of their actions. In Korean (and Chinese), the literal translation of the word “America” is the “beautiful country.” I want America to stay beautiful; although there have been some discussions to change the name to the more objective “rice country.” Jee Seun Choi junior Farley Hall Jan. 26 Have any thoughts Tunnels are not so cozy you care to share? I don’t know if you’ve ever been in the tunnels before, and from your letter, (“Open the tunnels,” Jan. 16), it is pretty clear that you haven’t, but to be honest it’s not really a warm cozy corridor you can use to walk in between buildings to escape the South Bend weather. It’s hot and dirty and you’re very likely to hit your head on a lightbulb. Just sayin’. Colin Hofman alumnus Write a Letter to the Editor. Class of 2010 Jan. 26 The Observer Scene page 8 Friday, January 28, 2011

Snoop Dogg certainly kept the Fever pumped in some of Snoop’s biggest wave its arms to his beat, to which the hisbiggest hits. To the disappointment crowd waiting Wednesday night, but as hits, including “California Gurls” by crowd eagerly obliged. of the crowd, he left out his newest soon as he took the stage shortly Katy Perry. He played some of his more recent single, “Wet.” “Wet,” originally written before 11, the packed house forgave Though the bars at Fever ran out of hits as well as some of his classics as a wedding gift for Prince William him his tardiness. The generation- pitchers before 7:30, and by 10 p.m. from the 90s. The classics, such as intended to be the anthem of his bach- spanning rapper, no fan could move in any direction “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” struck elor party, is the second single off and vocal USC fan, without bumping into two strangers, a chord with the older half of the Snoop’s upcoming album, stepped into the no one considered leaving. Rather, the crowd and hits from the latter half of “Doggumentary.” Snoop teased the limelight wearing crowd of South Bend’s young and mid- the past decade, “I Wanna Rock,” audience with references to the new an extra-large No. dle-aged adults, Notre Dame students “Sensual Seduction” and “Drop It Like song, only to dive into “Sensual 3 Notre Dame foot- and even Notre Dame alumni from as It’s Hot,” sent the college-aged groups Seduction.” What a let down. ball jersey with a far as Chicago simply grew more and into a possibly drug-assisted euphoria. Aside from making the crowd wait large diamond more excited. Snoop introduced “Drop It Like It’s an unnecessary two hours and leaving necklace, and for Finally, amid rumors that if he did Hot,” a 2004 hit, with an old-school out his newest song, Snoop didn’t miss the next 50 min- Douglas Farmer not take the stage by 11, Snoop would touch, rapping the first verse of “Jump a beat, and kept the crowd buzzing utes few of the be fined $10,000, the Doggfather Around” by House of Pain. As Snoop throughout his performance. 1,200 in atten- Scene Writer grabbed the microphone with only said to a loud roar, “Now that I know Apparently, he enjoyed the show as dance had a care three minutes to spare. He then y’all can get up, now I want you to … much as his fans did, saying as he left, in the world. launched into some of his live perform- drop it like it’s hot.” “I’ll be back to South Bend, Indiana, While tickets for the show claimed it ance antics, begging the crowd to Another highlight of the night any time you [four-syllable profanity] began at 8 p.m., the opening act of up- shout his name louder with each verse occurred when Snoop paid tribute to want me back.” and-coming rapper Delano, a member of each song. If Snoop Dogg knows his former friend and music partner of Snoop’s Doggy Style Records, began how to do anything better than pro- Tupac Shakur. The rapper was infa- The views expressed in this column around 8:45 p.m., and lasted a little duce massively-successful raps, it is mously killed during the East Coast- are those of the authors and not more than half an hour. The sold-out throwing the crowd into a frenzy. Each West Coast rap rivalry in 1996. necessarily those of The Observer. crowd then waited, and waited, and song involved participation, even if it In such a short performance, Snoop Contact Douglas Farmer at waited some more while Club Fever was only Snoop urging the crowd to managed to play nearly every one of [email protected]

By MARY CLAIRE O’DONNELL a pretty face, so he broke out of his men in the film adaptation of captivated audiences since 2007’s Scene Writer typecast and accepted different, Tennessee Williams’s “A Streetcar “Superbad.” He played the adorably more complex roles. That desire and Named Desire.” dorky Evan, who along with his best Have you ever walked out of a drive earned him his first Oscar In our times, the contagion which friend Seth (Jonah Hill), wanted to movie theater and thought to your- nomination (“Brokeback Mountain”) infected Leigh has spread to attend a boozed up high school party self, “Was that a sequel? Because and Oscar win (“The Dark Knight”). Katherine Heigl. In her breakout and meet girls. He played an I’m pretty sure that I’ve seen (insert And Ledger is just one of many role, she played the uptight girl adorably dorky Paulie Bleeker that actor’s name here) playing the same actors who have achieved this goal. accidently impregnated by a one same year, accidentally impregnat- character before.” But there are scores of others who night stand in 2007’s “Knocked Up.” ing his girlfriend (Ellen Page) in Don’t worry, you’re not going either choose not to break their Although her baby daddy was a “Juno.” He played an adorably dorky crazy, searching IMDb as soon as mold or who are unable to do so. party animal and seemingly com- Scott Pilgrim in last year’s “Scott you return home and frantically But quite frankly, and I may be pletely incompatible with her per- Pilgrim vs. the World,” defeating his exploring similar titles to appease alone in this, at some point the sonality, the two realize they are girlfriend’s exes to win her heart. your curious mind. There is just a viewing public will tire of paying perfect for each other before the And phew, he won the girl every disease in Hollywood: typecasting. $10 to see the same actor reprise credits roll. Cue 2008’s “27 time. It’s lethal, and it will not be eradi- the same role, just with a different Dresses,” 2009’s “The Ugly Truth” Clearly, typecasting has worked for cated. name. and 2010’s “Life As We Know It.” many of these actors, but who is to In defense of some of the film The bug spans generations. It Spoiler alert: the same thing hap- say it will work forever. Eddie industry, many actors and actresses struck Vivien Leigh, an actress of pens. Murphy as a sidekick is the best avoid this plague and accept com- the mid-twentieth century. In her Now, I know, they’re all romantic thing Disney has done since “The pletely unexpected roles. They role as the beautiful and scheming comedies so they do all more or less Lion King.” But he has played other attempt to distance themselves from Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the have to follow a similar plot arch roles. their fame as a child star or their Wind” (1939), she perfected the pout and reach a happy ending. But I Parents and teachers are always first few movies. And many success- and the attitude of a spoiled have seen these movies done well. It encouraging young minds to be fully make this transition. Southern girl, convinced she is not done well if I can predict for unique. Perhaps actors should seek When the late Heath Ledger first deserved anything she wanted. It you before the movie starts when, out better mentors. Ones who will entered the American film industry, was a masterful performance, and down to the minute, the climax of urge them towards new and distinc- movie producers saw his good looks, she deserved her Oscar. the movie occurs and both charac- tive roles instead of allowing them accent and skill, which they deemed Then, amazingly, 12 years later ters realize they’re madly in love to play the same characters repeat- perfect for young adult romantic she won an Oscar for the same role! with each other. edly. comedies; no one can deny he She was Blanche DuBois, a preten- And for all you feminists out there, shined in those roles. But he knew tious Southern belle with illusions of don’t worry, this is not just a disease Contact Mary Claire O’Donnell at that he wanted to be more than just grandeur and an eye for abusive plaguing actresses. Michael Cera has [email protected]

BLAIR CHEMIDLIN | Observer Graphic The Observer Scene Friday, January 28, 2011 page 9

By ALEXANDRA KILPATRICK Everest from sea level seven times Scene Writer over. The feat of the physical journey is as straining as that of the mental “Ride the Divide” chronicles the story and emotional one. The characters are of three mountain bikers pedaling put to the test as they experience their way from Banff, Canada, to the debilitating fatigue, mental break- Mexican border. The documentary downs, extreme amounts of snow and film, directed by Hunter Weeks and complete isolation. Such tests of the Mike Dion, recently won “Best mind and body, as well as the charac- Adventure Film” at the 2010 Vail Film ters’ accomplishments, allow the view- Festival in Colorado. ers to reflect on the documentary’s The film, currently on its Midwest ultimate message of living life to the mid-winter tour, will make an appear- fullest. ance in South Bend Sunday at Notre The film’s soundtrack is currently on Dame’s Eck Visitors Center. With stun- sale on the documentary’s official web- ning cinematography, the movie quick- site. The movie features music from ly entered into the realm of cycling folk rock musician Dominique classics and first premiered on the Fraissard, Queens-based post rock Documentary Channel back in band The American Dollar, and indie September. singer songwriter Amy Petty. Three characters relay their experi- Proceeds from the film benefit LIVE- ences of participating in the world’s STRONG, Lance Armstrong’s nonprofit most difficult mountain bike race, the organization that provides support for 2,711-mile Tour Divide, spanning cancer sufferers and their families. along the Continental Divide in the See a special screening of the award Rocky Mountains. Mike is a 40-year- winning documentary “Ride the old family man who embarks on the Divide” at the Eck Visitor’s Center this challenge in order to find new mean- Sunday night at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 ing in his life. In contrast, Matthew is at the door and $10 in advance. an experienced leader in extreme endurance racing and a five-time com- Contact Alexandra Kilpatrick at petitor in the Tour Divide. Mary, on the [email protected] other hand, is the first female cyclist to participate in the bike race. The docu- mentary is about the accomplishments On campus of these three cyclists as they attempt to race a route that very few have been able to complete. What: “Ride The Divide” film Over the mere time frame of a few screening weeks, Mike, Matthew and Mary climb Where: Eck Visitors Center more than 200,000 vertical feet on When: Sunday, 7 p.m. their bikes over the mountain range — How much: $15 at the door; $10 in the equivalent of ascending Mount advance

By ADRIANA PRATT “These two guys showed up in a was covered on the album and from your 20s and into this time when gold Ford Taurus station wagon where the inspiration for the title you’re hoping to build something, Associate Scene Editor wearing flannel shirts and cutoff was drawn. it’s a beautiful thing and a scary With smooth North Carolinian pants. They were total grunge kids. “For the record, I wanted a title thing,” Seth Avett said on the band’s accents that melt in your ear like We sat in the parking lot, just the that was grand … As I started to website. apple butter on a biscuit, it’s hard three of us, and played ‘Going Down write the mission statement about it, The Avett Brothers kicked off their not to fall in love with the Avett the Road Feelin’ Bad’ and ‘More just a lot of thoughts came up about 2009 tour to promote the album at Brothers at first sound. Watch their Pretty Girls Than One,’” Crawford the phrase itself, the phrase ‘I love Indianapolis’s venue “The Vogue” charming interviews and you’re said on theavettbrothers.com you,’ which is, you know, arguably and haven’t looked back since. Head toast. This band means business and The band went from “Nemo Back the most important phrase we have to the Morris Performing Arts Center is out to win the hearts of folk lovers Porch Project” to the Avett Brothers in any language. Every song we on Saturday and let the Avett all around. and began touring in 2002, occa- write, every day we live, that’s sort Brothers guide you on the journey Scott and Seth Avett will be head- sionally accompanied by Kwon. of the centerpiece of our existence,” all students face when preparing for lining a show at the Morris Regional success turned into nation- Seth said. life after college. Performing Arts Center Saturday at al acclaim and the band opened for The largest hits to come from the 8 p.m. to an audience infatuated acts such as Dave Matthews Band in album thus far are its namesake Contact Adriana Pratt at [email protected] with their folksy ballads and upbeat 2009 and John Mayer in 2010. song, “I and Love and You” and anthems. Joining them on stage will Rick Rubin, a producer who “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of be cellist Joe Kwon, who joined the worked with legendary performers Promise.” Both exhibit the chal- group in 2007, and fellow band mate like Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond and lenges faced during the transition On campus Bob Crawford on the standup bass. Jay-Z, signed the band to his from youth to adulthood and the The band officially formed in 2001 American/Columbia Records label in seriousness that comes with growing in Charlotte, North Carolina under 2008, according to spin.com. From older. What: Avett Brothers concert with the title “Nemo Back Porch Project,” this union came the Avett Brothers’ The Avett Brothers draw their opening act The David Mayfield according to the Avett Brothers web- highly-acclaimed 2009 album, “I and material from their own life experi- Parade site. Scott Avett manned the banjo Love and You.” ences and work to write songs that Where: The Morris Performing Arts Center while Seth played the guitar and “I and Love and You” hit No. 1 on both they and the audience can When: Saturday, 8 p.m. both contributed to the crooning Billboard’s folk albums chart and relate to. How much: $35 for Pit Orchestra, vocals. Crawford joined the group Rolling Stone magazine named the “I think on the whole the album Main floor, Boxes, Mezzanine, and after meeting up with the Avett Avett Brothers “the Artist to Watch makes some comment on the fact 1st and 2nd Balconies; $25 for brothers in an empty parking lot and of 2009.” In an interview with Fuse that we are young men, but that 3rd Balcony playing some folk classics with on Demand, Seth Avett noted the youth is fleeting and it goes by very them. thematically heavy material that quickly. When you’re moving out of

BLAIR CHEMIDLIN | Observer Graphic Friday, January 28, 2011 The Observer N CLASSIFIEDS page 10

NFL Pittsburgh franchise confident heading into Super Bowl

done-for-me-lately society, the die-hards here are simi- Associated Press Pittsburgh is the hot city and lar to those notorious Eagles PITTSBURGH — The Steel the ‘Stillers’ are the hot fans in Philadelphia when it City can make a strong case team. comes to defending their for a new nickname. Ben Roethlisberger and the turf. The Steelers have won Steelers are on the verge of “You’d be in Washington more Super Bowls than any winning their third Super and the Dallas Cowboys come team in the NFL, and are one Bowl in six seasons. They’ll to town, the stands are filled victory away from hoisting face the Green Bay Packers with Cowboys jerseys and the Vince Lombardi Trophy a in Dallas on Feb. 6. Cowboys fans walking the seventh time. The Penguins Sidney Crosby and the streets, or New York Giants have reached the Stanley Cup Penguins could make it two fans,” safety Ryan Clark said. finals twice in the last three Stanley Cup titles in three “Here, it’s Pittsburgh or you seasons. Pitt has developed years later this spring. may get jumped. That’s what into a Top 5 college basket- If the woeful Pirates could I think is amazing about this ball program. only go back to the days of place. People are born fans. They have beautiful new Clemente or Stargell or Kids, I can meet kids, they stadiums, state-of-the-art Bonds, then Pittsburgh would have no choice. Like if they AP practice facilities, and a sup- be the clear-cut choice. want to like somebody else, The Steelers are looking to bring another championship to portive fan base, too. Then again, baseball is they may lose parents. I Pittsburgh against Green Bay in Super Bowl XLI. Perhaps the City of irrelevant here these days. think that’s amazing.” Champions is a more fitting Football is No. 1 among the Rooting for the Steelers is a Dallas. The Pirates are coming off moniker for this blue-collar, sports-crazed folks, and the birthright for fans, and win- After a 26-year drought, a record-setting 18th consec- gritty town. Steelers — as Jay-Z would ning championships is an Roethlisberger helped the utive losing, and their “It’s a great label,” Steelers say — run this town. expectation for every player Steelers earn one for the chances of contending would- wide receiver Antwaan “The fans here don’t just that puts on a black and gold thumb in February 2006. The n’t be any worse if Taylor Randle El said. “I would have love football, they under- uniform. Steelers added a record sixth and eight Steelers were pen- to say it’s accurate to a cer- stand football,” nose tackle “Since I’ve been here, we title to their trophy case two ciled into the lineup every tain degree because of Chris Hoke said. “They know feel like we’re always going years ago. Now, they’re going day. Steelers football, Pitt basket- the game, so it’s great. You’ll to be in the hunt for the for No. 7. Good thing fans here have ball and you can’t discount be out in the town and they’ll Super Bowl,” injured tackle “Expectations are sky high the Steelers, Penguins and hockey. They’ve always had come up and want to talk Max Starks said. in this city dating back to the Panthers to cheer. About a big-time players and all of about the game. ... It’s excit- Terry Bradshaw, Franco 70s when those guys won dozen people lined up outside those players always come ing to be here. They love the Harris, Lynn Swann and Co. four Super Bowls,” corner- the Steelers practice facility back.” Penguins, but it’s Steelers set the standard when they back Ike Taylor said. “We got Thursday, braving the cold, Bostonians have a legit football 365 days a year.” won four Super Bowl titles in Pitt basketball playing good snowy weather in hopes that argument. The Patriots, Red Fans rooting for other a six-year span in the late ball and I jumped on the a player or two would sign Sox and Celtics have com- teams don’t even think about 1970s. There were some Penguins bandwagon a few an autograph. bined to win six champi- coming to Heinz Field wear- down times in the 80s and years ago. Hopefully we can “We love our Steelers,” said onships since 2002. That’s ing their colors. They may be 90s, though Neil O’Donnell get the Pirates going sooner Arlene Hopson, a student at wicked good. a little more laid-back in led the Steelers to the 1996 or later.” Pitt. “The Packers don’t But in this what-have-you- western Pennsylvania, but Super Bowl — a loss to That’s not likely. stand a chance next week.”

NBA James, Wade honored by All-Star selection

one shy of the record held by team, try to represent our Fans voted for the starters, East vote seems entirely right. Associated Press Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal franchise the right way every but the reserves will be chosen Stoudemire, James and Wade NEW YORK — LeBron James and Karl Malone. time we go out on the basket- by the head coaches in their are all in the league’s top five and Dwyane Wade of the The other starters ball court, and the fact that respective conferences. Their in scoring, and Rose and Miami Heat are headed to the announced Thursday were we’ve had so many votes by votes must be submitted to the Howard are right there with All-Star game together, and Hornets guard Chris Paul, for- these fans, like I said it’s very league office by next Tuesday, them as MVP candidates. Derrick Rose gave the Chicago wards Kevin Durant of humbling and we appreciate and the announcement will “It’s an honor,” Wade said of Bulls their first starter since Oklahoma City and Carmelo it,” James said before the Heat come next Thursday night. his election. “It’s not as big a Michael Jordan. Anthony of Denver, and faced the New York Knicks. Stoudemire has revitalized deal as it was when I first They will be joined in the Houston center Yao Ming, who Rose beat out the Celtics’ the Knicks since coming from came in. It was like my heart Eastern Conference starting is injured and will be replaced Rajon Rondo to earn his first Phoenix in the summer. He was racing the day of the final lineup by Amare Stoudemire, on the roster by a player of All-Star start and the first by a beat out perennial starter vote hoping I get in. It contin- who will become the first New commissioner David Stern’s Chicago player since Jordan Kevin Garnett for the second ues to be an honor to get the York Knicks player to start in choosing. started the 1998 game. forward spot and is just the same respect from the fans.” nearly two decades, and James and Wade, who both “I think it’s recognition for fifth Knick to be selected a The West vote was flawed Orlando center Dwight received more than 2 million the job he’s done this year,” starter since fans began voting with the election of Yao, who Howard, the leading vote-get- votes from fans, will become Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau in 1974-75. Patrick Ewing was despite missing nearly the ter in the conference with the first set of teammates to said. “All-Star games, those the last one to start in 1992, entire season continues to nearly 2.1 million. start for the East since Wade are great. He certainly earned though he was elected again in earn a huge vote total from his The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and O’Neal represented the it, but ... I’m more concerned 1997 but couldn’t play native China. West coach earned his 13th straight All- Heat in the 2007 game in Las with what he’s done for our because of a strained left Gregg Popovich of the San Star selection for the Feb. 20 Vegas. team. And he’s done a lot for groin. Antonio Spurs will pick one of game at his home arena. He is “We try to represent our the team.” In a rarity in fan voting, the his reserves to start.

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A recent survey of 500 top colleges Facebook has over 350 million found that 10% of admissions offi- FOR RENT NOTICES active users. More than 35 million cers acknowledged looking at social users update their status each day, networking sites such as Facebook Walk to Campus Student Housing. with more than 55 million status to evaluate applicants. Thirty-eight UNPLANNED PREGNANCY? Don't updates each day. percent of admissions officers said 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms from $465 per go it alone. Notre Dame has many that what they saw negatively GRADUATION/SPECIAL EVENT If you or someone you care about resources in place to assist you. If ———————————————— affected the applicant. RENTAL: House for rent for gradua- bed. Swimming Pool, Fitness you or someone you love needs More than 2.5 billion pictures are tion/JPW/weddings,football, etc. has been sexually assaulted, we confidential support or assistance, ———————————————— Perfect location-right next to the Center, Tanning Beds. Clover please call Sr. Sue Dunn at 1-7819. uploaded to Facebook each month. Americans spend 13.9 billion min- new Eddy Street Commons-walk to can help. For more information, visit For more information, visit ND's utes a year on Facebook and five everything-safe family oriented Village and Clover Ridge. website at: http://pregnancysup- ———————————————— billion minutes on MySpace. street. Email nd- Notre Dames website: [email protected] The average Facebook user has [email protected] for additional 574.272.8124 www.clovervillagea ———————————————— info and photos http://csap.nd.edu 130 friends and sends eight friend If Facebook were a country, it would partments.com be the fifth-largest country in the requests per month. world, after China, India, the U.S., and Indonesia. ———————————————— ———————————————— ———————————————— ———————————————— ———————————————— ———————————————— Friday, January 28, 2011 The Observer N SPORTS page 11 PGA Woods starts year with 3-under par

AP Tiger Woods hits at Torrey Pines in the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego on Thursday.

because of knee surgery, and Associated Press last year while in a Mississippi SAN DIEGO — Tiger Woods addiction clinic after being began his new season with no caught in extramarital affairs. bogeys, no birdies on the par 5s “Welcome back to Torrey,” and no drama. was a popular phrase from the Looking for a new start after gallery throughout his round, in a disastrous year on and off the which Woods played solidly golf course, Woods felt little except on the greens. He made stress Thursday in the Farmers only two putts longer than 3 Insurance Open with a 3-under feet — a 10-foot par save on 69 on the North Course that left No. 8, and a 25-foot birdie putt him five shots behind South on the par-3 sixth that bounced Korean rookie Sunghoon Kang. along until catching the right If the setting was familiar for corner of the cup. Woods, so was his middle-of- “I didn’t leave myself any the-pack position. In four of his putts,” Woods said. “I kept leav- six wins at this tournaments, he ing myself above the hole. And I has been at least five shots didn’t take advantage of the par behind after the opening round. 5s.” “I’m happy with the way I The North Course is not the played, absolutely,” Woods said. pushover it has been in past “I could have been a lot better years because of some new if I took care of the par 5s a lit- length, and not just in distance. tle bit more, but obviously, I Along with being some 90 yards didn’t do that.” longer, the rough was allowed Kang, a 24-year-old rookie, to grow and is thicker than the finished with back-to-back grass found on the South birdies on the North Course for Course. an 8-under 64, giving him a “I didn’t know the North was one-shot lead over Alex Prugh as long as the South,” Ben and Rickie Fowler. Another Curtis said after a 70. He knows rookie, Chris Kirk, was another better, but it felt that way if tee shot back at 66. shots did not stay in the nar- Phil Mickelson shot 32 on the row, canted fairways. back nine for a 5-under 67 to Woods was in shorter grass match the best score on the on half of his 14 tee shots, tougher South Course, which although four of those misses hosted the 2008 U.S. Open that came on the par 5s. He couldn’t Woods won in a playoff. Also at get to the green in two, and 67 on the South was John Daly, didn’t make the birdie putts. whose last win came in 2004 at Even so, he looked more like this tournament. He is the last the Woods who ended last year player to win at Torrey Pines with a playoff loss at the when Woods was in the field. Chevron World Challenge, not “This place means a lot to the guy who played so poorly me,” Daly said. “The top golfers for so much of the year that he play here every year. That says didn’t win on the PGA Tour for something.” the first time in his career. Woods no longer is No. 1 — It felt like a typical season- he has slipped to No. 3 in the opener for Woods, including his world ranking and can’t position on the leaderboard. In improve on that this week — his last four trips to this PGA but he has not played the public Tour event, he has trailed by Please recycle The Observer. course he has practically seven, six, five and two shots owned since that U.S. Open in after the opening round and 2008. He missed the next year went on to win them all. page 12 The Observer N SPORTS Friday, January 28, 2011

Practice this week has con- sisted largely of doubles Detail practices to allow each pair continued from page 16 to learn how to play together and grow comfortable as upcoming event. partners. “After our first week, our “I think the main focus for coaches have some good this week is to take what we insight into doubles improve- learned from last week’s ments and singles adjust- matches and incorporate that ments that each of us can into this week’s matches,” incorporate into the matches Frilling said. this weekend,” junior For a team that has consis- Shannon Mathews said. “In tently shown its ability to doubles, improved communi- compete at the national level, cation is always critical, and this weekend brings an in singles, increased focus on opportunity for the Irish to important points can make a further showcase their tal- big difference in a match.” ents against new competi- The Irish as a team have tion. not faced Yale in a dual “We have focused on fine- match in recent years, but tuning our games and Frilling and Mathews played remaining relaxed and confi- against a Bulldogs doubles dent,” Mathews said. “We team in the fall at an All- have all worked very hard to American qualifying event. get to this point — now it is Additionally, the competition all about concentration and includes an interesting back execution.” story, as Yale’s assistant and The Irish host Yale volunteer coaches, Christian Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Eck and Catrina Thompson, are Tennis Pavilion, while not only 2007 Notre Dame Arkansas takes on Utah at 9 graduates but also former a.m. On Sunday, the consola- All-Americans for the Irish. tion match will take place at “It will be great to see 9 a.m., with the champi- them, and I’m sure Yale will onship taking place at 1 p.m. be a fun team to compete against with them as their Contact Megan Finneran at coaches,” Frilling said. mfi[email protected]

Kelly confirmed last week that Ruffer would be award- Ruffer ed a scholarship for next sea- continued from page 16 son. Smith, a safety from Knoxville, Tenn., was per- Ragone will likely see signifi- haps Notre Dame’s most cant action next year as well. improved player this season. Ruffer, a kicker from He finished second on the Oakton, Va., walked onto the team with 93 tackles. Despite team in 2008 and was named having no interceptions com- the starter before the 2010 ing into the season, Smith season. He set a Notre Dame posted a team-high seven record by converting on the picks in 2010, including a first 23 field goal attempts of game-clincher against USC his career. The streak finally and three in the Sun Bowl came to an end when he win against Miami. He was missed a 36-yard attempt in named a 2011 captain at the Sun Bowl against Miami. Saturday’s awards banquet.

SMC SWIMMING & DIVING Belles seek their first win against Hope, Alma

By KELSEY MANNING strong individual perform- Sports Writer ances this past weekend. Watson garnered first-place finishes in the 500-yard and Though the Belles have 1,000 freestyle, the latter struggled of late to gain their time giving her sole posses- footing in a competitive sion of the third-best time MIAA conference, an oppor- mark in Belles history in the tunity presents itself this event. weekend. Griffin also took two firsts Saint Mary’s (0-4) will take on Friday, winning the 100 on Hope and Alma in the for- backstroke and 100 butterfly. mer’s home arena in Meanwhile, Dalrymple had Holland, Mich., on Saturday. three individual victories, Coming off a pair of difficult earning first in the 100 losses last weekend to con- breaststroke, 200 breast- ference powerhouses Calvin stroke and the 200 individual and Albion, the team has medley. something to prove. After the upcoming meet, Saint Mary’s closest bout the team will look ahead to thus far was a highly com- the all-important MIAA petitive 107-96 loss to Olivet, Championships from Feb. 17- a team that last Saturday 19. The MIAA champion is beat Alma by a mere three determined solely on the points. In the Belles search basis of the results of the for a team win, this is not title meet. only their best chance, but The Belles look to propel also their last. themselves into the champi- As usual, the team will look onship lanes with a victory to its young trio of sopho- on Saturday as they take on mores Ellie Watson and Katie Hope and Alma at 1 p.m. Please recycle The Observer. Griffin and junior Audrey Dalrymple to lead the way, Contact Kelsey Manning at especially coming off their [email protected] Friday, January 28, 2011 The Observer N SPORTS page 13

SMC BASKETBALL Belles meet Scots for rematch

By LAURA COLETTI Junior Maggie Ronan was end, scoring at a 13.3 point Sports Writer named MIAA Co-Player of the per game clip. Saint Mary’s Week for games played has also displayed stellar free- through Jan. 22. Ronan gar- throw shooting of late, as the Saint Mary’s looks to get nered these honors largely Belles are shooting 74 percent another conference win under due to her scoring output over on the year. its belt when it visits Alma on the course of the past four According to Henley, elimi- Saturday at 3 p.m. games, in which she has aver- nating turnovers and playing The Belles (13-6, 6-4 MIAA) aged almost 22 points per strong defense will be the keys will try to defeat the Scots (1- game. Her latest offensive to Saturday’s game against 17, 0-9) for the second time contribution for the Belles was Alma. Henley has emphasized this season, having picked up a 31-point performance dur- the importance of protecting a 70-63 win on Dec. 11. ing Wednesday’s 76-66 win the ball on the offensive end While Belles coach Jennifer over Olivet, a new career- and keeping opponents out of Henley likes to keep her team high. the lane on the defensive end. focused on the defensive side The Belles are also receiving The Belles look to pick up of the game, the Belles’ offen- consistent performances from their second win in a row and sive output has been a large junior forward Kelley Murphy, seventh in the conference, factor in the team’s success who nearly averages a double- while the Scots will be search- over the past few weeks. Saint double with a team-high 14.8 ing for their first win since Mary’s has gone 4-3 during points per game and 9.3 Nov. 20. that stretch and has produced rebounds per game. Junior over 60 points in each of those guard Patsy Mahoney is also a Contact Laura Coletti at contests. key player on the offensive [email protected]

TRACK & FIELD Indiana Relays host twenty teams

GRANT TOBIN/The Observer Senior Justin Schneider participates in the pole vault event during the Blue and Gold Meet on Dec. 3, 2010, at Notre Dame. Schneider finished second in the event.

By JOE WIRTH Indiana Relays also marks the ble challenges for the Irish. fourth road meet of the season The Hoosiers boast two-time Sports Writer for the Irish. pole vaulting national champi- Senior Justin Schneider on junior Derek Drouin. The In one of their toughest tests leads the Irish this year as one Hoosiers are tough from top to of the season, the Irish will of the top multi-event per- bottom and provide a bal- compete in the Indiana Relays formers in the country. The anced attack. The Hoosier this weekend at Indiana Irish boast another top-ranked men are ranked seventh in the University in Bloomington, athlete in sophomore Rebecca country and the women are Ind. Tracy, who ranks seventh in ranked 16th. One of the featured events the country in the 800-meter The races will begin Friday on the Irish schedule, Notre run. She also ran the second- at 3 p.m. at the Harry Dame will have to contend fastest mile in the country at Gladstein Fieldhouse and will with some of the stiffest com- the Notre Dame Invitational continue Saturday at 9 a.m. petition of the season. The with a time of 4:42.14. contest features 20 teams and Indiana, the host school, will Contact Joe Wirth at more than 1,200 entries. The present a number of formida- [email protected]

Write Sports. E-mail their dominance as the teams also coming off a winning per- to beat in collegiate fencing. formance in New York, as the Duals Sophomore James Kaull and pair combined for a 27-4 per- continued from page 16 senior Jacob Osborne look to formance at NYU and a 23-7 Douglas at continue their winning ways, effort at St. John’s, leading successful weekend in the Big as the duo combined for a 23- the squad to an unblemished Apple following impressive 7 performance at NYU and a weekend. [email protected] performances at the NYU 16-4 showing at St. John’s. The duals will take place all Invitational and the St. John’s The women’s team is led by day Saturday and Sunday. Dual. Between the men’s and two All-Americans in senior women’s teams, the Irish fin- Ewa Nelip and junior Contact Joe Wirth at ished 21-1, further asserting Courtney Hurley. The two are [email protected] page 14 The Observer N SPORTS Friday, January 28, 2011

In a matchup of opposite forward Devereaux Peters still coming into her own, and pace in the conference stand- styles, Villanova’s deliberate and freshman forward now she’s really playing at ings when it takes the court McGraw pace clashes with a prolific Natalie Achonwa has given full strength,” McGraw said. Saturday at 7 p.m. at the continued from page 16 offense in No. 11 Notre Dame McGraw much greater flexi- “And then having Natalie Purcell Pavilion. (17-4, 6-1), which leads the bility with her roster, allow- Achonwa come off the bench lost a lot of games, but if you Big East in scoring at 77 ing her to keep two posts in — she’s a great offensive look, they were in it. With points per game. The Irish the game at all times. rebounder.” Contact Chris Masoud at four minutes to go, they’re have eclipsed the 90-point “Last year Devereaux was Notre Dame looks to keep [email protected] still in the game. They hang mark eight different times around because of the pace this season and are undefeat- they play. They slow it down ed in each game. — they cut the game in half.” Despite the ability to score Riding a three-game losing at will, McGraw said streak, Villanova (8-11, 0-6 Villanova will keep the Irish Big East) has struggled to put from racking up a large point up points in conference play. total due to the Wildcats’ While the Wildcats’ 43 points style of play. per game average is worst in “I think it’s going to be a the conference, they run a low-scoring game,” McGraw slow-paced offense in order said. “They’re going to walk to limit the number of posses- the ball up — it’s going to feel sions in the game and control like a half instead of a full the tempo. game. They’re going to try “You have to stay patient, and keep the score in the 50s. which is definitely not my We’d like it to be in the 70s. strong point,” McGraw said. It will be a battle of tempo.” “It’s a tough game to play Villanova’s primary threat because you feel like you is sophomore forward Laura don’t have as much control of Sweeney, the recipient of last the game. They’re going to season’s Big East Sixth Man slow it down at every oppor- Award. Sweeney leads the tunity, and we like to play Wildcats in points (10.2 per fast. We might be on defense game), rebounds (6.1 per for 30 seconds every posses- game), steals (29) and blocks sion — have to be ready to (25). play it.” But the emergence of junior

MEN’S TENNIS Irish compete at ITA qualifying match

Observer File Photo Junior Casey Watt prepares to fire back in a meet Jan. 22, 2010, against William & Mary.

By ANDREW OWENS top-20 team,” Sachire said. “If we Sports Writer win, we play Illinois or Denver, two teams that made the tourna- ment last year. And as recently as The first major step toward 2007, Illinois was a finalist.” another successful season for the Only 16 teams reach the ITA Irish comes this weekend as the Championships, which will be team travels to Champaign, Ill., played from Feb. 18 to 20 this in a meet that features season. Oklahoma, Denver and Illinois. The Irish had the opportunity Rewarding success, the NCAA to choose the qualifying location grants the top 15 teams from the where they would play, and ulti- previous season the ability to mately decided on Illinois. host an event that qualifies a “We picked this site because it team for the Indoor is close to home and we have an Championships. Although Illinois opportunity to win two matches finished No. 16 in the final ITA and move on against pretty rankings last season, the squad strong competition,” Sachire said. was ranked within the top 15 for The spring season is split into the majority of the season, and two parts, with the indoor season will be hosting the Indoor making up the first half. Championships this weekend. “The entire part of the season On Day 1, the Irish will face from when we started on Jan. 11 Oklahoma, and Illinois will take until spring break will be on Denver. The two winners will indoors,” Sachire said. compete for a berth in the title Once the indoor part of the sea- match on Saturday. son is completed, the focus shifts In order for Notre Dame to to conference tournaments and qualify for a berth at the event eventually the NCAA tournament. this weekend, it will need to take Notre Dame has won several Big down some of the toughest com- East Championships since joining petition in the country. Irish asso- the conference and is no stranger ciate coach Ryan Sachire is to the NCAA tournament. aware of the quality of the teams, The match against Oklahoma but says Notre Dame will be up will be played Friday at 3 p.m. for the challenge. “Oklahoma went to the Elite Contact Andrew Owens at Eight last year and is a bona fide [email protected] Friday, January 28, 2011 The Observer N TODAY page 15

CROSSWORD WILL SHORTZ HOROSCOPE EUGENIA LAST

TUESDAY VARIETY SHOW JEFF KNUREK LAURA McGINN JUMBLE MIKE ARGIRION

PLEASANDVILLE JAMES SOLLITTO, CODY ECKERT and JOHN FLATLEY

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ND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FENCING Creating separation Local rival team poses Posts Peters and Achonwa will keep team in check challenge By CHRIS MASOUD Sports Writer By JOE WIRTH Sports Writer After completing a five- game conference stretch that The Irish will be in action included victories over against Cleveland State this nationally ranked weekend as a part of the Georgetown and St. John’s, Notre Dame Duals. The Notre Dame hits the road women will compete on looking to extend its four- Saturday, with the men slated game win streak. Beginning to hit the strip on Sunday at with Saturday’s contest at the Joyce Center. Villanova, the Irish face four “It is very nice to host our consecutive opponents with local rivals who are maybe conference records of .500 or not travelling so much like below. other top teams,” Irish coach Despite the brief respite in Janusz Bednarski said. “They the conference schedule, will come here. They would Irish coach Muffet McGraw like to win. They will be good said every team in the Big partners for us.” East is dangerous, including Both the men’s and women’s a Wildcats team that is still teams are ranked No. 1 in the searching for its first confer- nation, and Janusz said his ence win. teams acknowledge that they “Every game is close — the bring out their opponent’s same thing last year,” best shot in every dual. McGraw said. “[The Wildcats] SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer The Irish are coming off of a Junior Devereaux Peters saves a ball from going out of bounds against St. John’s Sunday. The see MCGRAW/page 14 Irish won 69-36. see DUALS/page 13

ND MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Notre Dame gears up to raise confidence as season winds down

us a chance to do more events in a the stands cheering for you.” coming off a narrow loss to Week. By MATTHEW ROBISON and shorter amount of time, so we’ll be The rematch with Northwestern Michigan State Saturday, 155.5- The Shamrock Invitational will VICTORIA JACOBSEN tired, but if we race well every- gives the Irish an opportunity to 144.5. Notre Dame had six indi- be the final event before the Big Sports Writers thing will come from there.” avenge this month’s earlier loss to vidual wins in the event, two of East Championships for the men, The home meet will provide a wel- the Wildcats. The Shamrock which can be attributed to the out- and the event should prove to be a The Irish look to build momen- come break from an exhausting Invitational will also be one of the standing swimming of sophomore launching point going into one of tum as the women’s team takes on traveling schedule. last home meets of the senior Bill Bass in the 200-yard fly and the biggest events of the year for Denver, Ohio State and “It’s much nicer to have home swimmers’ careers. the 400 individual medley. the Irish. Northwestern in the Shamrock meets because you are in your “A lot of parents are coming in, Freshman Frank Dyer won the The Shamrock Invitational runs Invitational, one of its final meets own pool and your schedule isn’t and it’s almost like a mini-parent’s 1,000-yard freestyle and was Friday and Saturday all day at the before the Big East disrupted as much,” senior weekend for us. So it’ll be great to named the Rolfs Aquatic Center. Championships. Samantha Maxwell said. “You can have our parents in the stands Counsilman-Hunsaker National “It’ll be nice to get some confi- keep to your routine and don’t and hopefully will create a better Collegiate Swimmer of the Week Contact Matthew Robison at dence going into the Big East,” have to worry about traveling. It’s atmosphere,” Casey said. Wednesday, shortly after he was [email protected] and Victoria senior Katie Casey said. “It’ll give always awesome to have fans in On the men’s side, the Irish are named Big East Swimmer of the Jacobsen at [email protected]

ND WOMEN’S TENNIS FOOTBALL Bulldogs to challenge Irish Athletes apply for By MEGAN FINNERAN fifth-year eligibility Sports Writer

from shoulder surgery. This No. 4 Notre Dame returned Observer Staff Report from a training-filled winter season, he started every break with a 5-2 victory over Six football players will game, notching one inter- Illinois last weekend. Now, apply for a fifth year next ception and ranking third the Irish are ready for anoth- season, the University on the team with 66 tackles. er challenge, as Arkansas, announced Thursday. Nuss, an offensive guard Utah and Yale come to cam- Seniors Taylor Dever, from Ashburn, Va., played pus for the ITA National Gary Gray, Andrew Nuss, in 12 games for Notre Dame Team Indoor Championship Mike Ragone, David Ruffer this season, missing only qualifier. and Harrison Smith will the season-opener against “Everyone played well apply to Notre Dame’s Purdue. [against Illinois], and I think Faculty Board on Athletics Ragone, a tight end from it’s important for everyone to to receive one more year of Cherry Hill, N.J., caught keep up that competitive eligibility. three passes for 32 yards, energy this weekend,” junior Dever, an offensive tackle and was forced into a larger Kristy Frilling said. from Nevada City, Calif., role when starter Kyle After a strong performance started 10 games for the Rudolph was lost for the in all facets of their game Irish this season and season with a hamstring last weekend, the Irish will appeared in one more. injury. With Rudolph focus on detail for their MACKENZIE SAIN/The Observer Gray, a cornerback from departing early for the NFL, Sophomore Chrissie McGaffigan returns a serve in the Eck Classic Columbia, S.C., spent his see DETAIL/page 12 on Oct. 3, 2010. freshman year recovering see RUFFER/page 12 Photo Illustration by Dan Jacobs and Blair Chemidlin page 2 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Friday, January 28, 2011

COMMENTARY Youth, experience lift Irish in CCHA

There are plenty of reasons son’s disappointment is if they Notre Dame shouldn’t be here could wipe the slate completely right now. clean, and what better way to do The roster is disproportionately that than with a bunch of guys young, rivals Michigan and who knew nothing about the Miami (Ohio) are as strong as team’s struggles a year ago? At ever, and the the photo shoot for today’s Irish built up Insider, the players were given enough nega- just one instruction: skate from tive energy last the goal line and do a hard stop season to fill on the blue line. The result was, the soon-to-be- well, you can see for yourself on c o m p l e t e d the cover. These freshmen are C o m p t o n clearly a group of guys just hav- Center. ing fun and seemingly immune to And, yet, the pressures of being a national- here we are. Sam Werner ly-ranked team. No. 9 Notre Of course, the freshmen would- Dame sits in Sports Writer n’t be able to do it themselves. second place The returning players, especially in the CCHA, senior captains Joe Lavin, Ryan, just two Calle Ridderwall and Ryan points behind the Wolverines. Guentzel, are the perfect blend of Though the Irish have been talent and leadership that allow inconsistent at times, they have the team to be successful. played well enough to put them- Guentzel, in particular, has selves in position to make a already scored more goals and strong playoff push during this notched more assists than in his season’s stretch run. first three years combined. After “We just need to realize we’re a tough 4-1 loss to Alaska two in a great spot right now,” senior weeks ago, Jackson said this YUE WU/The Observer center Ben Ryan said. could be the point in the season Notre Dame sophomore center Riley Sheahan chases down a loose puck during Notre Dame’s 4-2 victory Before the season started, where his team’s youth could over Lake Superior State Oct. 14, 2010. Sheahan and the Irish take on No. 13/11 Miami this weekend. when filling out my CCHA media start to show. It will be the ballot, I found Notre Dame — the responsibility of the upperclass- team I know the most about — men to make sure that doesn’t the most difficult to place. happen. This year’s seniors Realistically, I thought the Irish played in the national champi- could finish anywhere from first onship game their freshmen to ninth in the conference. year, and they’ll have to commu- There was no denying that the nicate to the younger players just freshman class — in addition to what it takes to get back there. the returning upperclassmen — Both the upperclassmen and was supremely talented, and that the freshmen will have to be on Last Weekend By The Numbers Jeff Jackson and his coaching their game if the Irish expect to Split series with Ohio State in Goals per game: 3.7 staff were among the best in the take down Miami this weekend. country, but so much was The RedHawks are talented from Columbus, losing 6-1 on Friday night Goals against per game: 2.8 unknown about the Irish going top to bottom and, unlike Notre and winning 4-1 on Saturday night Power play percentage: 16.1% into the season. Would the fresh- Dame, have only two freshmen men have trouble adjusting to on their roster. Penalty kill percentage: 86.2% the college game? Could the Even though this weekend is Shorthanded goals: 12 team expel the demons that only one series, and three points Top Scorers Power play goals: 22 plagued last year’s disappointing against Miami count just as campaign? much as three points against F T.J. Tynan (16 goals, 19 assists) Home record: 9-2-0 Even though there’s still plenty Bowling Green, a strong showing F Ryan Guentzel (6 goals, 23 assists) of hockey left to be played, those against the RedHawks would go questions seem to be answered. a long way in building this team’s F Anders Lee (16 goals, 12 assists) Jackson won two national cham- confidence and momentum for F Ben Ryan (5 goals, 17 assists) Jeff Jackson says: pionships during his time at Lake the stretch run. Friday night’s Superior State and took the Irish “White Out” atmosphere should F Calle Ridderwall (11 goals, 8 assists) “We have to be strong with our decision to the title game three years ago, be fantastic and will give the making and to me it’s still a lot about but turning this team into a con- Irish — especially the freshmen tender may be his most impres- — a preview for what to expect our defensemen getting back quicker for sive coaching feat to date. from playoff hockey. Between The Pipes the puck and our forwards coming back Obviously, there’s still a lot of Regardless of how this week- hockey to be played, but it seems end turns out, just the fact that Soph. Mike Johnson (2.54 GAA) to support them.” safe to say the Irish will be a fac- this series matters is a testament tor come playoff time. to how far this team has come so Part of the credit for that suc- quickly. Before the season, many cess also has to be given to the questioned how long it would attitude these freshmen have take this team to “arrive.” Well, developed. Other players may the Irish are here, and don’t plan have been daunted by taking on on going away any time soon. so much responsibility for a team that is expected to compete on a The views expressed in this col- Last Weekend By The Numbers national stage, but it seems like umn are those of the author and these guys just don’t know any not necessarily those of The Split series with Michigan State in East Goals per game: 3.6 better — and that’s a good thing. Observer. Lansing, losing 7-4 on Friday night and Goals against per game: 2.3 The only way Notre Dame would Contact Sam Werner at truly bounce back from last sea- [email protected] winning 4-0 on Saturday night Power play percentage: 22.8% Penalty kill percentage: 87.7% Shorthanded goals: 5 Top Scorers Power play goals: 28 F Andy Miele (14 goals, 30 assists) Away record: 5-5-2 F Carter Camper (14 goals, 29 assists) Follow our LIVE blog from the F Reilly Smith (16 goals, 16 assists) press box at the Joyce Center: F Pat Cannone (10 goals, 14 assists) Ben Ryan says: F Alden Hirschfeld (10 goals, 7 assists) “It’s a huge weekend. I mean, they are http://bit.ly/NDMiami just two hockey games and they could be against anyone else ... this weekend Between The Pipes being able to send a message that we’re Jr. Connor Knapp (2.02 GAA) right there with them would be huge.” Friday, January 28, 2011 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER page 3 Fresh faces National freshman standouts Tynan, Lee lead group of 12 freshmen spurring Irish turnaround

ine this season without the late- gerous senior trio of Ryan, By CHRIS ALLEN minute addition. Ridderwall and Ryan Guentzel. Sports Writer “It’s unbelievable. To think that The group includes Lee, Mike he wasn’t even going to come in Voran, David Gerths, Jeff Costello Out with the old, in with the this year is incredible,” senior and Bryan Rust. The contribu- new. The adage may sound tired, center Ben Ryan said. “I think tion of the multitude of forwards but to the Notre Dame hockey the only thing that would even has grown throughout the sea- program it reads more like a hold him back at all is his size. I son, with all of the players seeing description of its 2010-11 sea- mean, that’s the only reason why time on some of the top lines. son. he wasn’t going to come out right Ridderwall said that despite their The old: the 43-year-old Joyce away. What he’s able to do at his inexperience at the college level, Center where the Irish play is size is incredible; it’s fun to the freshmen have brought phys- enjoying its final season of hock- watch. I’m happy he’s on our icality back to Notre Dame. ey. The new: nearly half of the team so that I don’t have to go “Obviously, with Lee, he’s a big team’s roster. up against him.” kid. Even though he’s a fresh- After a disappointing 13-17-8 Tynan has overcome his small man, he’s bigger than a lot of the mark in the 2009-10 season, a stature by overwhelming most older guys. I think his physical sweeping youth movement of 12 CCHA foes with his incredibly play is helping around the net. freshmen has the No. 9 Irish skilled puck handling and keen It’s helping us score a lot of back among the country’s elite — vision on the ice. Shrewd play goals,” Ridderwall said. “Voran and back in the hunt for the has enabled him to compete in a and Gerths are both physical CCHA title. physical conference with oppo- guys. They can make plays, and “I think we expected them to nents that have half a foot on then turn around and hit some- produce but maybe not to this him in height in some instances. one. I think the physical play level,” Irish Tynan’s produc- those guys are bringing is huge. coach Jeff tivity was All of those freshman wings have Jackson said. r e w a r d e d offensive talent. I think it’s a “If I had to say recently when good mix between power for- that there’s a he was named wards and goal scorers.” surprise, it’s “They have a chance to to the Watch that the whole bring this program a List for the Getting defensive class had this Hobey Baker While the arsenal of forwards level of an championship.” Award — col- has been busy disrupting the impact on our lege hockey’s lives of opposing defenses, a team.” Jeff Jackson highest individ- fresh infusion of talent on the Arguably the Irish coach ual honor — as Irish defense has brought intimi- most notable of Notre Dame’s dation to the back line after the the newcomers representative. squad lost a number of talented wasn’t even “I’ve never defensemen, including Brett expected to suit seen anything Blatchford, Ian Cole and Kyle up for the Irish like that. T.J.’s Lawson. Leading the crop has this season. In the lead-up to the having an unbelievable year. I been the towering 6-foot-4 2010-11 season, both Jarred don’t think anyone was expect- Pennsylvania product Stephen Tinordi and Kyle Palmieri were ing it, really. It’s been really fun Johns. Johns’ emergence as the drafted in the NHL Draft and to watch,” senior wing Calle “enforcer” on the Notre Dame headed off to the pro ranks. The Ridderwall said. “He’s a play- back line is evidenced by his 78 YUE WU/The Observer vacated roster spots of the two maker —and a playmaker that penalty minutes — more than Irish freshman wing Anders Lee takes a wrist shot during Notre players opened up a place for knows how to score goals. That’s double the second-highest total. Dame’s 6-2 win over Michigan State on Nov. 19, 2010. signee T.J. Tynan, an immensely rare to find. Usually guys are The feisty freshman’s punishing talented but undersized forward. either playmakers or goal-scor- hits have no doubt made an “Their skill takes care of itself in their freshman season with Tynan — who is listed at 5-foot- ers. In T.J., you have both of impact in opposing training when they’re working hard. It’s each player contributing on the 8-inches and 156 pounds — was them. He just sees plays very rooms so far this campaign, as just like anybody else. All the team. Ridderwall said he expected to spend a year or well. He’s really good mentally. more than the fair share of freshmen are really competing believed early success was more more in junior hockey to add When he’s in the hockey game, opposing forwards have been hard, all 12 of them. We really of a positive development in some size to compete in the col- he can see how things will devel- leveled by Johns. Senior defense- appreciate that. Johns and Taker building confidence than a dan- lege game. The circumstances op.” man and captain Joe Lavin said are two big kids with big frames gerous pitfall. changed, and all Tynan has done Sharing the team lead in goals that Johns, along with fellow and a lot of skill, so that’s good “I think as a freshman it helps since arriving on campus is with Tynan is yet another fresh- freshman defensemen Shayne for us.” to have early success. A lot of become the most productive man, wing Anders Lee. Lee has Taker, Kevin Lind and Jared Rounding out the plethora of our freshman got off to a good player on the Irish squad, lead- led the Notre Dame scoring Beers, have brought intensity Irish freshmen are two goal- start, and building momentum ing the team with 35 points and attack as part of a group of and hard work to his unit. tenders, Steven Summerhays early helps their confidence not 16 goals. The freshman’s team- freshman forwards that have “They work hard. They’re and Joe Rogers. Though sopho- only on the ice, but also away mates said they could not imag- supplemented the already-dan- hardworking guys,” Lavin said. more Mike Johnson has seen the from the ice,” he said. lion’s share of the time in goal “Sometimes people struggle during the season, both players coming to college when it comes have elevated their game, with to hockey and when it comes to Summerhays seeing the occa- all the stuff on the side.” sional start. The freshman from As the team heads into the Alaska has started five games to final stretch of the regular sea- the tune of a 3.45 goals against son, one thing is clear regardless average. Johnson said that his of the outcome of games against relationship with his freshman Miami, Bowling Green, Ferris understudies has helped the State and Western Michigan — goaltending unit improve as a this class of freshmen is the per- whole. fect bridge between two eras of “I definitely think I look at Irish hockey. While the program myself as a leader, but I think we honors the past greats of the have a very close relationship, Joyce Center over the coming the three of us,” Johnson said. “I weekends, this group of 12 play- think we’re more friends than I ers stands as a testament to the would say that I’m a leader. And future that lies a few hundred I think that in practices, we all feet south in the new Compton work hard, so that really pushes Family Center. The speed of us to get better. They’re pushing Tynan, the power of Lee and the me, I’m pushing them, so it’s a physicality of Johns and Taker really good relationship.” have announced to the rest of college hockey that after a brief Feet on the ground slip-up, the Irish are back. All With the freshmen off to such a one needs to do is listen to Jeff good start and the team endur- Jackson to determine the ceiling ing a level of success they for this class. haven’t experienced in nearly “They have a chance to bring two years, the team leaders have this program a championship,” worked to ensure that the group he said. “I think that if they stay adjusts well to the success and together they have a chance to doesn’t fall into complacency. win a national championship at The trio of Ridderwall, Ryan and some point.” YUE WU/The Observer Guentzel is no stranger to early Notre Dame freshman center T.J. Tynan corrals the puck on Oct. 29, 2010 against Western success, as Notre Dame reached Contact Chris Allen at Michigan. Tynan leads the Irish in both points and goals in his first season of collegiate hockey. the national championship game [email protected] page 4 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Friday, January 28, 2011 Preparation gives way to excitement for series

next night. In each of those games, in the back of the net.” By ALLAN JOSEPH the Irish were unable to keep up On the offensive end, the Irish Sports Writer with their fast-starting opponents will be buoyed by the probable in the first period, falling behind 2- return of senior forward Calle With No. 11 Miami (Ohio) com- 0 in the early parts of the game Ridderwall this weekend. The ing to the Joyce Center for a piv- before mounting a comeback. Part team’s third-highest goalscorer on otal series near the end of the reg- of the slow start could be attrib- the season, Ridderwall has missed ular season, there seems to be uted to settling into the game the past three series with a lower some disagreement over how before a hostile crowd in Miami’s body injury. Though his time will important this weekend actually is. Goggin Ice Center. be limited, Ridderwall will provide Irish senior captain Joe Lavin is This week, however, Lavin felt a a measure of experience on the hoping his squad takes a busi- different vibe in his locker room; offensive end. nesslike approach. he saw looseness instead of the “It’s likely [Ridderwall] will play “I think it’s just like another tension that can come before a this weekend,” Jackson said. “I’ve weekend,” he said. marquee series. got to probably temper how much Senior center Ben Ryan, howev- “We just had a different culture I play or what situations I play er, couldn’t hide his excitement. this week — we’ve kept things him, because he’s been out of the “It’s a huge weekend,” he said. pretty light but we’re working lineup for three weeks.” “I mean, they are just two hockey hard,” he said. “We’re just search- Ridderwall is excited to return to games and they could be against ing for that enthusiasm, and I the ice at such an important anyone else, but the fact that that’s think we found it this week. We’re moment in the season. a team that we’re going to have to excited for the weekend.” “It’s going to be fun,” he said. go through at the end of the sea- The week has also been filled “Every time you play Miami it’s a son … I think this weekend, being with preparation, not for the very tough game, very high-speed able to send a message that we’re RedHawks attack, but on the game. There’s a lot of talent on the right there with them, would be weaker areas of Notre Dame’s ice on both sides, so I think those YUE WU/The Observer huge.” game. are very exciting games.” Senior forward Calle Ridderwall handles the puck during Notre For his part, Irish coach Jeff “We’ve done a lot of preparation Ridderwall isn’t the only Notre Dame’s contest against Lake Superior State on Oct. 14, 2010. Jackson struck a middle ground. [and] we’ve just been focusing on Dame player to be excited for the “Hey, it’s crunch time in the sea- what we need to do,” Lavin said. game. With a perennial power- bit more because they’re such a We just need to make sure we son, but it’s no different than how “If we can play good defense, it’ll house in the visitors’ locker room, high quality team.” work hard for them because it’s going to be two weeks from turn into good offense and we’ll be getting excited to play won’t be an With a young team that is espe- they’re paying to come watch us now against Bowling Green,” he set.” issue. cially inconsistent on the road, the play.” said. “There’s six points on the The Irish have been focusing “It’s not a matter of getting up friendly confines of the Joyce Notre Dame takes on the table. It’s about playoff standings. especially on transitioning from for the game,” Lavin said. Center could make the difference RedHawks at 7:35 p.m. Friday [It’s] going to be no different than the defensive zone to the attack “Everybody gets pretty excited for in a tight game. night in a game televised by CBS last Saturday’s game against Ohio without turning the puck over. the game.” “Sometimes when the season gets College Sports nationwide. State in regards to the three points “The losses that we’ve had … Even the normally stoic Jackson long and we’re on the road, espe- Saturday night, the teams meet on the line.” they pressured us and we didn’t is looking forward to the series — cially with such a young team, we again at 5:05 p.m. for a matchup No. 9 Notre Dame (16-9-3, 13-6- handle the pressure well coming though with typical understate- can get away from what made us televised by FSN Detroit as part of 1-1 CCHA) faced the RedHawks out of our zone making passes, ment. successful,” Lavin said. “We really Hockey Day in Michigan. Both (14-9-3, 11-7-2-1) in Oxford dur- making smart plays,” Ryan said. “We’re playing a team that’s respect everybody for coming to games are in the Joyce Center. ing early December and split the “Against Miami, if you turn the right behind us in the standings,” watch us. The band’s great, the series, winning the first game 5-4 puck over, they’ve got so many tal- he said. “The fact that it’s Miami fans are great, and we’re just look- Contact Allan Joseph at before dropping a 5-2 decision the ented forwards that it’s going to be maybe gets the juices going a little ing forward to coming back home. [email protected]

Johnson’s strong play propels Irish performance

ed playing. And then we wanted Johnson’s constant effort each to play, because all of our friends night has been a main factor in did, and it just took off.” allowing the Irish to be in the Ultimately, Johnson developed thick of the CCHA race. his skills to the point of being “You can have 25 guys playing recruited to play college hockey. well, and if the goalie isn’t play- And as comfortable as he felt in ing well, you’re not going to win,” the rink, he felt just as much so senior left wing Calle Ridderwall on Notre Dame’s campus. said. “I think he’s been building “When I came on my visit, I felt momentum for the whole team like I was at home here. I could and saving us when we might be feel it,” Johnson said. “And obvi- struggling.” ously, the academics help and it’s Johnson’s play is particularly got a great hockey program. The noticeable to the other players overall combination was unbeat- who also are in charge of keep- able.” ing the puck out of the net—the Upon arriving at Notre Dame, defensemen. Johnson began last year backing “It’s great when defensemen on up former Irish netminder Brad a team can take confidence in Phillips, before moving into the [their] goalie,” senior defense- starting slot in the middle of the man and captain Joe Lavin said. season. Though Johnson’s stats “He’s a great goalie, one of the (.910 save percentage, 2.60 best in the league — one of the goals-against average) were good best in the country.” enough to earn him a spot on the But perhaps even more impor- CCHA All-Rookie team, his play tant than the players, Johnson was inconsistent. In 28 starts, has gained the confidence of the Johnson had two shutouts, and coaching staff. allowed only one goal six times. “He’s certainly ahead of where But the Irish gave up four or he was last year,” Irish coach Jeff YUE WU/The Observer more goals nine times when Jackson said. “I think that he’s Sophomore goaltender Mike Johnson falls on top of a stray puck to help preserve Notre Dame’s 4-2 win over Johnson was in net, and he was been outstanding for us at times, Lake Superior State on Oct. 14, 2010 Johnson has compiled a .906 save percentage so far this season. removed from games four times and the nights even when he’s for poor play. In the season’s final not outstanding, he’s usually still high school. Rather, the sopho- helped make the transition to col- game, an 8-2 defeat against Ohio good.” By SAM GANS more chose to follow the junior lege a lot easier. It also taught me State in the CCHA playoffs, Though Johnson has reduced Sports Writer hockey route, playing a total of a lot about living on my own.” Johnson gave up 4 goals on 9 his number of poor games, con- two seasons for both the St. Louis Johnson learned how to skate shots before being replaced. sistency’s an area he is still focus- Most Notre Dame students Bandits, of the North American around the time he could walk. Johnson’s numbers this year ing on, including this weekend born in February 1989 are cur- Hockey League, and the United Though he didn’t play organized (.906 save percentage, 2.54 against Miami. rently either interviewing for a States Hockey League’s Cedar hockey until 3rd grade and didn’t goals-against) are similar to last “Once the playoffs come job after graduation or determin- Rapids RoughRiders. The experi- move between the pipes until a year. However, the consistency of around, you’re going to need to ing their grad school plans. ence helped Johnson to focus year later, Johnson always felt his play has increased. Although win a lot of games in a row,” Irish goaltender Mike Johnson, fully on hockey, as well as adjust natural on the ice alongside his he has no shutouts this season, Johnson said. “Really bringing it however, is not even halfway to life away from home. younger brother, Eric, who will he has allowed four or more on Friday night and then coming through his time at the universi- “I think that was a really join the Irish squad as a fresh- goals only six times in 24 games, back on Saturday with another ty. important step for my develop- man in the fall. and he has finished every game strong performance [is impor- A native of Verona, Wisc., ment, hockey-wise,” Johnson “[Eric and I] would always he’s started but one. He has also tant].” Johnson — who turns 22 next said. “The level of competition [in skate together on ponds,” picked up his play in conference, Tuesday — did not enroll in col- the USHL] is unbeatable in Johnson said. “That’s when we with a 2.34 goals-against average Contact Sam Gans at lege directly after completing America for junior hockey. And it were really little, before we start- in CCHA games. [email protected]