Mount Marty Feeds 26 Families for Thanksgiving

On November 20, a ceremony was held in the Peace Chapel to bless the 26 food baskets that we ready to be delivered to deserving families in the Yankton area. Twenty-three different student, staff and faculty groups contributed to the collection of food this year.

Fall Play: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged

A production of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED took place November 8,9, & 10 as part of Mount Marty's annual Blue & Gold Days Celebration. The play was performed to a full house in Marian Auditorium each evening.

Obviously not your 'typical' rendition of Shakespeare, the lead actors prepare to perform OTHELLO in the form of a rap.

Here, Shakespeare's history plays are enacted through a good old-fashioned game of football.

The cast and running crew of this production included: Dmitri Baumgart, Mark Van Gerpen, Taylor Biltoft, Aaron Shelden, Kelly Olmer, Stephanie Stech, Cody Juffer, Margie Hansen, Rachel Jankord, Bethany Bakker, Megan Henle, Celianne Fullerton, Mark Nelson, Brooke Stones, Ben Puthoff, Beau Fleming

Photos by Rich Lofthus

Lancer of the Week- Week of November 19-24

WOMEN’S ATHLETICS:
Katelynn Kunz
Jr., G
Parker, SD
Kunz led the Lancers in scoring with 21 points in their victory against #9 ranked Dakota State on November 20.

MEN’S ATHLETICS
Rudy Harper
Fr., G
St. Charles, MO
Harper came off the bench to score 12 points in the win against Graceland University. Harper’s scoring helped to ignite a Lancer run which they would hold for the remainder of the game.

Lancers upset #9 Trojans

BY SCOTT MORRISON

Entering their non-conference match against the ninth ranked Dakota State Trojans, the Lancers knew they would need a complete team effort in order to come out on top.

The Lady Lancers received this along with much more as they handed the Trojans their first loss of the season with a 69-61 victory at Ladie Cimpl Arena.

Junior guard Katelynn Kunz led the way by scoring a game high 21 points coming off the bench. This included a 9-for-11 performance from the free-throw line.

The Lancers bench accounted for over half of their point production with 36 points coming from five different girls.

“Our bench was huge for us tonight,” Lancer coach Chuck Iverson said. “I look at our team as not having a starting five, but a starting ten or 11 girls that all have different abilities.”

The game started as the Lancers jumped out to a quick 9-5 lead after sophomore guard Michelle Amundson converted lay-ups on two consecutive possessions.

Their lead increased steadily throughout the first half until sophomore guard Lacey Powell knocked down two 3-pointers and two free-throws as part of a 13-2 Lancer run.

Powell’s timely shooting accounted for all eight of her points and gave the Lancers a 32-18 lead headed into the half.

“We got some good looks at the basket. Good execution, recognition, and finding open holes all lead to our early lead,” Iverson said.

“We have great team chemistry. We are very unselfish and have a no I in team attitude which allows for different players to step up on different nights.”

The Lancers defense forced numerous turnovers and held Dakota State to 33% from the field at the half.

In the second half the Lancers clamped down tightly on defense by never allowing Dakota State to put together a comeback run.

Kunz, who went 5-14 from the field, kept the Lancers ahead by driving to the hoop and forcing the Trojan defenders to send her to the line.

This worked hand-in-hand with a couple of key steals by senior guard Tevan Wenbourne, and continual turnovers by the Trojan offense.
Wenbourne was 4-for-6 from the field with ten points, three rebounds, and two steals.

“Mount Marty plays great defense and you know that everything is going to be contested,” Trojan coach Jeff Dittman said.

“They were quicker to the ball and we were forced to react to their style rather than forcing them to react to ours.”

The Trojans moved to 5-1 on the young season and will look to rebound in order to remain on the right track.

“We are going to have to learn how to play defense and rebound the basketball in order to get back to where we want to be,” Dittman said.

With the win, the Lancers (4-2) improved to 3-0 at home and helped to give them a considerable boost of confidence headed into conference play.

They begin conference play on the road against Morningside College on Wednesday, November 28, and at Hastings on Saturday, December 1.

The Lancers will certainly need to continue their team oriented performance in order to gain the upper hand in the Great Plains Athletic Conference.

Lancers Hold Off Yellowjackets

BY SCOTT MORRISON
sports@yankton.net

After starting off in a 1-4 hole to begin the season, the Mount Marty Lancers men's basketball team found a way to capture a hard fought 64-59 victory against visiting Graceland University on Tuesday night at Laddie E. Cimpl Arena.

The Lancers (2-4) used key contributions from players coming of the bench and solid pressure from an experienced defense to disrupt a Yellowjacket team (1-4) that has been battling for confidence early in the season.

Both teams battled for control of the upper hand in the beginning portion of the game until midway through the first half when the Lancers gained the first sizable lead of the contest with a 14-3 run.

The run was sparked by sophomore guard Trey Krier who hit a jump shot just outside the paint only moments after coming into the game.

This was followed by three pointers from freshman guard Rudy Harper and senior guard Pat Anderson.

Senior forward Nathan Fischer added four consecutive points and freshman guard Weston Kusser added a bucket to give the Lancers a 31-20 lead.

The run was given life by the fresh legs of some younger players coming off the bench for the first time in the game.

The Lancers received nearly a third of their point production from off the bench. They had 20 total points off the bench in the game.

The Lancers shot 51.7% from the field in the half. Finding the open shots and running the floor helped to give them the 39-31 lead at the break.

"Our players coming of the bench helped us out a lot on the offensive side tonight," Lancer head coach Jim thorson said. "We know that we can shoot well as long as we are able to take care of the ball. We did that consistently in the first half."

In the second half the Yellowjackets came out strong with multiple runs that kept the game close. The Lancers had multiple opportunities to put the game away early, but struggled from the free-throw line down the stretch.

Graceland started the half by cutting the Lancer lead to five points at 47-42 as Tyson Meierotto scored four points during an 8-2 scoring run.

The Lancers quickly put a halt to the run as senior forward Alan Hough hit an uncontested three pointer an inbound play.

This helped to spark a Lancer run that gave them a ten point advantage at 59-49.

Again the Yellowjackets came roaring back to cut the lead to three at 59-56 thanks in part to four straight points from Chase Moore.

Two clutch free-throws from Hough, and a much needed steal from senior point guard Chris Filsinger gave the Lancers lead and the ball with under 1:00 to play in regulation.

The Lancers held onto the ball and closed out the victory.

Defense was a key to holding the lead throughout each attempt that Graceland made at the lead. The Lancers limited Graceland to only a small number of shots in the final minutes of the game.

"Defensively we came into the came thinking that we would be able to force turnovers and pressure the Graceland offense into making some mistakes,"
Thorson said. "We focused on adjusting to their offense and just taking something away from their attack."

Pat Anderson went 6-for-15 from the field to lead the Lancers with 18 points, but the surprise story was the emergence of Rudy Harper who was 3-for-4 from the field with 12 points.

"Rudy is getting accustomed to the physical aspect of this level. He is starting to get comfortable with blending into our offense," Thorson said.

With the win, the Lancers will have some much need momentum headed into Great Plains Athletic Conference play. This will begin at Sioux City, Iowa against Morningside College at 8:00 p.m. on November 28

Lancers of the Week- Week of November 5-12

MEN’S ATHLETICS:
Pat Anderson
Sr.
Pierre, SD
Anderson led his team to a 82-73 win over Jamestown college after going 4-for-6 from the perimeter and scoring 25 points. He scored 39 points over the weekend.

WOMEN’S ATHLETICS:
Carrie Ahlers
Sr.
Dell Rapids, SD
Ahlers posted 16 points and 12 rebounds in a weekend in which she fought past injuries to help her team pick up two victories over the weekend

MEN’S BASKETBALL WEEKLY REVIEW: Lancers Split During Blue and Gold Days

BY SCOTT MORRISON

The Lancers had a productive weekend at home as they played Jamestown College and Valley City College during Blue and Gold Days.

The Lancers got their first win of the season as they defeated NAIA pre-season #8 ranked Jamestown College 82-73.

Perimeter shooting was one of the key to victory for the Lancers. They shot a stellar 64.7% from beyond the arc.

Seniors Pat Anderson and Nathan Fischer were two of the Lancers hottest shooters.

Anderson went 4-for-6 from three point land to help give him 25 points on the night. Fischer went 3-for-6 and finished with 13 points.

Freshman Weston Kusser came off the bench to hit a couple three pointers. He finished with eight points.

The Lancers would move to 1-3 on the young season after a 68-61 loss to Valley City on Saturday.

After gaining six point lead and holding Valley City to only 25 point in the first half, the Lancers were unable to maintain their lead in the second half.

“Both teams struggled a little bit on offense,” Lancer coach Jim Thorson said. “We held them to 25 points in the first half, but they found a way to make a little run and get back into it.”

In the second half Valley City went on a run and to the lead. The Lancers would cut the lead to four, but would be unable to recapture the lead.

“They found a play that we had trouble stopping and we failed to make the adjustments,” Thorson said.

Stan Johnson led the Lancers with 17 points, six total rebounds, and one blocked shot. Pat Anderson scored 14 points.

The Lancers travel to Aberdeen to play Northern State University on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WEEKLY REVIEW: Lancers Sweep Through Weekend

BY SCOTT MORRISON

The Lady Lancers improved to 3-1 on the season after defeating Jamestown College and Valley City College during the weekend during Blue and Gold days.

On Friday night, the Lancers defeated Jamestown 66-46 in a game in which everything seemed to go their way.

The Lancers started the first half on fire scoring 41 points. They were also able to keep Jamestown from creating much offense as they held them to just 16 points at the half.

“We had everyone contribute. We had a well balanced approach,” Lancer coach Chuck Iverson said.

They held Jamestown standout Giuli Varriano, who averaged 28.0 points per game coming in, to just six points and no assists.

Lancer senior Cassie Iverson led the team with 11 points. Senior Tevan Wenbourne posted four points, seven assists, and three steals.

Senior Carrie Ahlers had five points with six rebounds.

Against Valley City the Lancers suffered a little let down, but still found a way to come out on top.

The Lancers held an eight point advantage that they earned in the first half to give them the 74-66 victory.

“After defeating a tougher Jamestown team, we were a little afraid of having a let down,” Iverson said. “We were never able to get into sync throughout the game.”

The Lancers had three girls score double figures on the night. This included sophomore Michelle Amundson who went four-for-six from the field and picked up 17 points.

Senior Emily Witte was three-for-five from beyond the three point line. She contributed 12 points on the night.

Carrie Ahlers also had a strong night as she scored 11 points with six rebounds.

Wenbourne was the Lancers best all-around performer with nine points, six assists, four steals, and four rebounds.

The Lancers will travel to Vermillion to visit the University of South Dakota womens basketball team on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

A Special Visitor on Founder's Day

On Founders’ Day, we remember those who were instrumental in beginning Mount Marty College. We especially remember Mother Jerome Schmitt, a woman of faith and vision, who brought her dream of establishing a college to a reality. Mother Jerome was 33 years old when she was elected Prioress of Sacred Heart Monastery. She served in this position from 1932-1961. She was also the first president of Mount Marty College and held that position from 1936-1957. Mother Jerome died in 1983 at the age of 84. Additional information about Mother Jerome and Founders’ Day will be available on the tables in Roncalli and the Cyber Café.

MMC also enjoyed a special 'heavenly' visitor on campus this Founder's Day! Mother Jerome (a.k.a. Sister Maribeth Wentzlaff) was there to distribute Founder's Day Fudge to all students, faculty and staff enjoying lunch in the Roncalli Main Dining Room as well as to remind all about the core values on which Mount Marty was founded.

MMC Competes in Miss South Dakota Pageant

Jessica Albers, Mount Marty College Junior Business major, competed in the Miss South Dakota Pageant this weekend.

Jessica finished as the 3rd Runner-Up and was presented The Miss Congeniality Award for the second year in a row.

Photo by Theresa Condon

Noon Forum Briefs

BY PAIGE LINDEN

10/4/2007 - “The Present and Future Middle East: Expanding Conflict and Diminishing Peace”
Dr. Tim Schorn, a professor in the political science department at the University of South Dakota and the director of the International Studies program, made the trip to Mount Marty College to talk about what he considers the six main conflicts in the Middle East.

While Dr. Schorn was clear that he considered the war in Iraq a major conflict, he expanded his discussion to all conflicts in the Middle East, including those between the Palestinians and Israelites, Israel and Hezbollah, Iran and Saudi Arabia, Israel and Syria, and rebel Islamists and Algeria and Morocco. He also listed the three main obstacles that must be overcome to resolve these conflicts.

To conclude his forum, Dr. Schorn proposed steps that could be taken to resolve these conflicts. He suggested that the international community take action and that the Iraq Study Group be reinstated, but he believes that the biggest step that could be taken by conflicting countries is becoming more open to compromise.

10/11/2007 - “The Use of Colors and Symbols in Fine Arts by the Lakota”
David Kahle, associate professor of Art and Director of the Bede Art Gallery here at Mount Marty College, invited Samuel and Winona Begay to assist him in his discussion of how the Native American Lakota tribe uses colors and symbols as they create art.

Winona, who grew up in Oklahoma and learned English as her second language, learned beadwork from her grandmother. She uses some traditional materials in her work, such as porcupine quills and feathers, but likes to experiment with the different types and sizes of beads. She also makes some traditional pieces, such as dream catchers and earrings. She explained that Lakota beadwork has four main colors: blue for the sky, green for the earth, yellow for the people, and red for the sun.

Samuel’s art is in his music. He is a Navajo from the Arizona area, but his tribe is originally from Alaska. He also does some beadwork, mainly belt buckles, but his creativity is best expressed in his music. He writes and sings his own songs, telling about life on a reservation.

10/18/2007 - “The Plight of Dalits in India”
A year ago, Sister Andree Mechtenberg was offered an opportunity to travel to India on a two-week long medical mission trip. In her forum, she described her experiences dealing with the Dalit people, those who are not even recognized as humans by the Indian caste system.

There are about 250 million Dalits in India. They are the untouchables, the outcasts, the forgotten people. They are denied access to public wells, basic medical care, temples, and education. Working with the Dalit Freedom Network, Sr. Andree’s group traveled throughout the Dalit communities, providing basic care for those in need.

Using children as interpreters, Sr. Andree’s camp saw 3400 men, women, and children over the course of 5 days. People traveled for miles and waited in line for hours to receive care that would be provided to a citizen of India; unfortunately, as a Dalit, they are placed on the same level of worth as animals.

11/1/2007 - “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
Dr. Alan Ferris, Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Institutional Research here at Mount Marty College, presented a summary of the honors class of spring 2007. The class, entitled “Happiness, Humor, and Health”, had three questions that were the basis of study: What is happiness? What is humor? How are happiness, humor, and health related?

Throughout the course of the semester, students learned what components go into both happiness and humor. Work and education, religion, family life, age, and overall life satisfaction are some of the aspects that can contribute to an overall happy life.

To end his forum, Ferris showed a project that students had presented on what can be done on the MMC campus to increase student happiness. Last spring, Ferris showed this project to the board and received an anonymous $1000 grant to increase campus happiness. Students from the honors class will decide how the money can best be used.

Men’s Basketball Weekly Review: Lancers Drop Heart Breaking Losses in their Opening Games

BY SCOTT MORRISON

The Mount Marty College men’s basketball team fell against Black Hills State University and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology during the weekend.

On Saturday afternoon the Lancers (0-2) traveled to the Spearfish where fell to Black Hills State University 72-71.

In the game, the Lancers fell to an 11 point deficit at half time. They were down double digits for the beginning portion of the second half, but gradually chipped away until they brought the game to tie with :20 remaining.

The Lancer gave up the lead on a BHSU free throw, but got the ball across half court with time remaining. The Lancers were unable to get the shot off and dropped the game.

Nathan Fischer and Stan Johnson were the leading point scorers with 14 points. Johnson added ten rebounds and two blocked shots.

In the second game, the Lancers continued their tour of the Black Hills by stopping in Rapid City to play against SDSMT.

For the second game in a row, the Lancers fell to an early deficit in the first half. They climbed back within two points with a halftime score 43-41.

They fell again in the second half but were able to climb back within striking distance while holding SDSMT scoreless for nearly seven minutes.

Down by one with only seconds remaining on the clock, the Lancers failed to convert on a field goal that would have given them the lead and the victory.

Pat Anderson led the Lancers with 18 points, three assists and four steals.

“When you get that close and work that hard, you want to get the win,” Lancers coach Jim Thorson said. “We did have some positives and that was that we were able to prove what we are capable of.”

The Lancers will have two games at home this weekend. This starts with Jamestown College on Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Valley State University at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

CROSS CROUNTRY WEEKLY REVIEW: Season Concludes with Region Meet

BY SCOTT MORRISON

The Lancers finished their 2007 Cross Country season over the weekend at the NAIA Region Three meet.

With the addition of a couple of new runners that had just completed their soccer season, the Lancers were able to qualify as a team for the first time this season.

Given this, the Lancers finished in 16th place out of eighteen teams. They best runners ran a combined 1:53.38.

Sophomore Megan O’Grady was the most outstanding runner for the Lancers. She finished in 40th place with a 19:57.12.

Finishing in 110th position was junior Jessica Albers. She finished the race with a 21:15.53.

Both O’Grady and Albers posted career bests in the meet.

Junior Theresa Condon was right behind Albers in 123rd place with a 22:53.32. Stephanie Schultz finished in 130th place with a 23:17.47.

Senior Laura Condon, Abby Hunhoff, Ashley Solem, and Britteny Williams all finished with in :45 seconds of each other.

None of the Lancers will advance to the NAIA national meet.

“We are very happy for the way we were able to run, not only this meet, but the entire season,” Lancer coach Randy Fischer said. “All we can do now is to improve over the off-season.”

A Haunted Halloween at the Mount

About 50 MMC students hosted between 250-300 costumed visitors on campus last night for the annual MMC Halloween Party. Various student clubs and organizations hosted games and booths for area children as well as guided brave souls through a spooky haunted house!

Emmylou O'Brien and Katie Brech hosted a face-painting table on behalf of the student newspaper, The Moderator. Emmylou paints the face of an Yankton youth.

Cody Juffer came out in full costume to help out at the Education Club booth!

Several members of the S.T.E.P/Social Science Club sponsored a "Bucket of Brains" booth with prizes for those adventurous enough to explore the contents of each bucket.