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EDITORIAL: Replacements no more

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:30:58 -0400

    This article was originally intended to discuss the incompetence level and in-elasticity of the NFL through means of promoting amateur officials to the rank of professional. It was to be formulated around the basis of missed calls, improper spot placement, partial rule understanding and most importantly, game-changing stupidity (Golden Tate, anyone?). But seeing as the NFL has finally caved and met the labor demands of the actual officials, this article will set its focus on the one word which America’s favorite pasttime is predicated upon: integrity.
    First and foremost, however, let us forget any allusions we as the fans may have as to the direct impact of the faux-officials on ourselves. Let us not forget the distinct difference between fandom and an actual professional sports player. Our paycheck, reputation and, ultimately, livelihood, is not contingent on the game of Football. For the fan, it is about enjoyment, community and a desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. And though we may not be directly affected by the incompetence and often hypocrisy of professional sports, we still feel a sense of sympathy for fellow fans and the players we watch on Sunday.
    With that being said, we can really dive into this notion of integrity. As much as fans would like to crucify the replacement referees for the “travesties” committed against the AFC and NFC alike, it is essential to remember that the true fault lies elsewhere. And no matter your position on the Monday night game-winning interception, you must objectively understand who the real culprit is. The fact of the matter is that the   NFL gambled on inexperienced and vastly overmatched officials garnered from lower collegiate and even high school grounds.
    The gamble, quite simply, did not remotely pay off. This was evident in the preseason and even more so in the first two weeks of the regular season. Something had to be done to rectify this injustice; surely the NFL would not allow a question to surface about their gridiron principles. Enter week three and insert seemingly insurmountable amounts of national criticism (Twitter anyone?). Sunday concludes with more of the same and “Monday Night Football” takes center-stage.
    If you don’t already know the story, I’ll provide a very brief opening. In front of a national audience, a pair of officials simultaneously made conflicting calls of a TD and interception. Minutes later, the Seattle Seahawks, the beneficiary of the TD call, had won, sending one of the NFL’s premier franchises, the Green Bay Packers, back to Wisconsin with an unfamiliar bitter taste in their mouth. They felt they had been cheated, and so did football fans of all allegiances, (rightfully so).
    Perhaps fittingly, the quintessential straw that broke the NFL’s back slighted the only NFL franchise owned by the fans. Call it coincidence or call it justice finally implemented by the “Sports God,” what reigns supreme is the profound effect it had upon the NFL. The integrity to protect and serve the shield and players behind it had been finally recognized as compromised, and with it, the level of trust in America’s sport.
    Though it will take some time for the NFL to regain its former respect and esteem, professional football will endure and hopefully this mistake will be looked upon as a footnote somewhere far down the road. At this point, it is anyone’s best guess as to the potential prolonged effects in these post-lockout days, but two important understandings should be taken away. The NFL is no longer an inelastic business, as previously thought, and, more importantly, that the outcry of fandom can overpower and bring about change in the world of professional sports. If you are not a fan and do not pour your heart into game day, then you will probably not identify with that sentiment, but if you are a component of fandom, I advise you to take notice.
    We often think that our actions or sometimes lack thereof will not be heard outside our inner circle but when those actions are collectively voiced, change can be attained. We demanded it and for the first time in a number of weeks, the NFL made the right call. Enter week four, replacements no more.

Women’s volleyball looking for a 4-Peat

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:00:35 -0400

    Niagara University women’s volleyball players have begun their search for a fourth straight MAAC Championship, led by first-year Head Coach Dottie Porch.
    The squad started its season off hot at the LaSalle Invitational, winning games over both Bucknell and LaSalle.
    The Purple Eagles have already competed in 14 matches, maintaining a record of 6-8.
    Niagara will look to last year’s MAAC Tournament’s most outstanding player, Kari Honomichl, to right the ship and get the Purple Eagles back to their winning ways.
    Coach Porch will also need the assistance of All-MAAC Second Team player Ellen Senf, and two-time MAAC Setter of the Year Michelle James if Niagara is to vie for the four-peat.
    The team is currently on a three game road trip but will return home on Oct. 13 to compete against MAAC rival Iona.

Hockey fans react to NHL lockout

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:58:33 -0400

    With the news of an owner’s lockout for the 2012-13 hockey season, many fans are left feeling disappointed. Hockey fans are hoping that this will not be a repeat of the 2004-05 lockout, which lasted the whole season.
    Niagara University student Andrew Pendergast states that if this lockout continues throughout the entire hockey season, he will be deeply disappointed and will not purchase tickets or merchandise in protest of the NHL’s numerous work stoppages. He is not alone; many Niagara University students have said they will most likely not purchase tickets.
    Not only is the lockout disappointing fans, it is also leaving many people without jobs. Niagara University senior Alyssa Polito, who has been employed at the First Niagara Center in the 200-level Harbour Club for the past three seasons is facing this disappointment. With this season in lockout, she will now be unemployed. This is terrible news for Polito especially since she had just earned a promotion.
    Like many employees at First Niagara Center, this news comes as a huge disappointment as many rely on the job to help provide for their families. Polito had no say in losing the job that she loved and has since been forced to find work elsewhere.
    Like her now former coworkers she will face a difficult decision on whether to return to First Niagara Center or not should the NHL have a partial season. Polito was not only an employee of the First Niagara Center, but also a big hockey fan. She grew up watching hockey with her family and has watched every season since she says that she will have many boring winter nights without hockey this year should the lockout continue.
    Many fans feel that a new collective bargaining agreement should have been dealt with long before they began bargaining in July, contend that the current situation is not warranted. If the NHL truly believes it has the best fans in the world, as commissioner Gary Bettman has been recently quoted as saying by several news sources, then the NHL team owners and the NHL Players Association would be working day in and day out to end the lockout.

Men’s rugby: all they do is win

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:56:02 -0400

    Niagara University’s men’s club rugby team is having an impressive season thus far, boasting an undefeated record of 4-0.
    After their previous head coach resigned, the boys were in need of a new coach. Assistant Coach Geniuz Paul stepped up to the position of head coach and is now changing the team for the better.
    Sophomore Patrick Morris feels that the team is a lot stronger now and that it is more organized on the field than in seasons’ past. Morris says that the club is not only a team, but a band of brothers.
    The camaraderie of the team has helped the players connect and work together to achieve their goals. Last year, the team’s postseason was ended prematurely, and the team would like to go farther in the postseason this year. In order to accomplish this goal, the team has created and implemented a new training program for this season. P
    Paul is mainly focusing on overall fitness and working on tactical maneuvers on the field.
    The team never takes a win for granted, and has many pregame rituals that help them prepare for the match. Captain Julian Sharp warms up the team with a Smash Mouth ritual. The team huddles together and the players chant and scream to get everyone pumped up for the game. This helps prepare the team mentally before their game begins.
    With such an impressive record, the men’s club rugby team will surely not disappoint its fans. They were just named Empire GU RFU Division II West Champions for the first time. The Niagara University community should expect great things from everyone on the team in upcoming games.
    The team has its fifth and final game at Fredonia this Saturday. Niagara students should come out and support the team while they remain undefeated.

Women’s rugby rebuilds

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:52:23 -0400

     This season, the women’s rugby team is going through a period of rebuilding and the players hope to come out strong for the spring semester. Comprised mostly of freshmen, the young team is bursting with enthusiasm and determination to learn the game of rugby.
    “Even though we have a lot of new girls this season, our goal is still to get as far as we can in the playoffs,” said club president and co-captain Rebecca Oliver.
    With the strong leadership of Oliver and junior captain Roxy Roberts, the team is confident that it will become a top competitor. Already, the girls have a winning record of 2-1.
    In a highly physical battle against Canisius on Saturday, Sept. 29, the Lady Foxes were victorious with a score of 27-10 despite injury and questionable calls.
    Oliver’s main goal this season is to “improve the team’s playing ability and progress the program as a whole.” She projects success for the spring semester and next year.

Women’s cross-country expects a great season

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:50:17 -0400

    With a brand new head coach and new freshman runners, NU’s women’s cross-country team is expected to have a promising season.
    The girls had their season opener at the Little Three Invitational at St. Bonaventure, Junior Kimberly Vona placed as the champion. She had placed second in the Little Three Invitational last season and had made it her goal this season to place first. After the race, Vona said she was surprised that she was able to hold the lead as long as she did and was very pleased with the outcome.
    Compared to season’s past, Vona has grown so much as an athlete. This season, she has been able to keep her mile times consistent throughout each race and hold a steady positive mindset to help her achieve her goals. Vona would like to receive a personal best time in an upcoming 6k race and she would also like to receive a medal in the upcoming MAAC tournament in Florida.
    With a brand new head coach this season, Kim says that the team is a lot stronger than season’s past. Hadara Katarski is the team’s new head coach.
    The difference between this season and season’s past is that the team now has personalized training programs that are made for individual and team success. This team is a tight-knit group with freshmen Chelsea Caballero, Tyler Levengood and Natalie Regan as strong new assets to the team.
    Cross-country is not only physically but mentally demanding. The girls work as a team to always encourage each other and work together to complete their goals.
    Niagara University Women’s cross-country follows one motto and that is “Pain is temporary and Pride is forever.” Niagara University fans should expect a great season.

New life for the men’s cross-country team

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:48:18 -0400

    It is a new year and a new beginning for men's cross-country. Hadara Katarski has assumed the position as the new head coach after just one year as the assistant coach at Niagara University and after years of experience at the Division III level.
    The team returns six runners from last year, including two seniors in Ryan Kolano and Alex Schmitt. With only six returning members, the men's team has welcomed five new recruits.
    The first race of the season saw Niagara University finish with the bronze at the Little Three Championship in St. Bonaventure.
Niagara University next competed at the University at Buffalo's “Stampede Invitational,” where it finished sixth overall.
    Junior Sam Reedy led the way with a time of 26:13.8, earning him the 19th spot in the 8k.
Men's cross-country will continue its season on October 6 at the Slippery Rock Invitational.
    Look for such a young squad to only improve and finish better both individually and collectively.

Women’s soccer is prepared to begin conference matches

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:45:26 -0400

    The women’s soccer team has high expectations as players begin the nine conference games this season that will determine their place in postseason competition. The team began the season playing high-caliber teams in non-conference matches, ending with a winning record of 5-4.
    Jules Viviano, senior defenseman and co-captain, is excited and confident to begin conference play.
    “I think we’re a better team across the board than we were last year at this time. We did a lot better at non-conference games playing against some good competition. The teams that steam rolled us last year in non-conference we shut out, and we played well, so we definitely have high expectations starting our conference games,” she said.
    With 13 new players—10 freshmen and three transfer students—leadership will be an important factor as the MAAC contests begin. Captain for a second year, Viviano is prepared for the challenge.
    “My personal goals are, as a captain, to be a leader on the field and off because that’s the nature of the role that I’m in—to be an example and set the tone for the new players,” said Viviano.
    With such a young team, there are some challenges to overcome, particularly transitioning from high school to college matches and non-conference to conference play.
    “For the 10 freshmen, it’s a different game and going from non-conference to conference—that’s a big transition, too. Now all of a sudden we have nine games and those nine games are going to determine our post-season. As a captain, I need to make sure the girls understand the switch from non-conference to conference play,” she said.
   Viviano is an experienced captain who underwent a challenging transition herself last season when she accepted her leadership position. “My coach needed a junior captain and that’s a hard transition: going from being someone who is just another part of the team to someone that people are looking up to.”
   This season, Viviano captains the team alongside junior defenseman Danielle Kennedy. For the young team, having a captain with two years of leadership is extremely beneficial. Not only does the captain gain more respect and influence but she also serves to maintain a continuity that strengthens team unity.
   So far, the team is capitalizing on strong leadership and an overall determination to succeed, winning its first conference game Friday night, 3-2 against the Siena Saints.     Kennedy scored the winning goal for the Purple Eagles and freshman Haillie Price scored her first and second collegiate goals.
   Support the Purple Eagles at home as they take on the Manhattan Jaspers at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12.

Men’s soccer remains undefeated

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:43:31 -0400

    The leaves are turning and that means it is football season at Niagara University. While you won’t see any hard hits, play-action passes or bubble screens on the field, a different kind of fútbol dominates NU’s turf. Some know it better as Niagara University men’s soccer.
    With the season already under way, the Purple Eagles have hit the ground running winning six out of their first nine games. But that doesn’t mean the Eagles have tasted defeat in 2012—three games have resulted in ties. With an overall record of 6-0-3, NU men’s soccer was propelled to the No. 1 spot in the NSCAA/Continental Tire National Rankings last week.
    So far the theme of the season seems to be drama. Already the Purple Eagles have played in four overtime games against Pittsburgh, New Hampshire, Vermont and St. Francis.
    The strong point of this year’s squad so far has been its defense, giving up only eight goals in the first nine games and holding opponents scoreless on three occasions.
    English import Callum Willmott leads the team’s scorers with five goals. The sophomore forward also leads the team with 11 points overall with Bryan Da Cruz and Rene De Zorzi chipping in 10 and six points, respectfully.
    With the halfway point of the regular season upon us, the Purple Eagles look to be in good shape. With the help of student supporters, this team may just make a run at the MAAC and NCAA tournaments.
    The men return to field Friday, Oct. 5 where they will host Loyola at 7 p.m.
    A strong fan presence is welcome, but please remember to leave your vuvuzelas at home.

Men’s hockey predicted to rank second in the AHA this season

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:39:57 -0400

    With the announcement of an NHL lockout this season, hockey fans at NU are frantically searching for a fix to calm their addiction. Luckily, their search needs to stretch no further than Niagara University’s own campus, where the men’s hockey team is preparing for its 2012 campaign. While the snow has yet to fall and the temperature still hangs above 50 degrees, it’s never too early to get excited about NU hockey.
    The Purple Eagles have fared pretty well as of late, really excelling since making the transition to the Atlantic Hockey Association three years ago. Coming off of a promising 17-win season and an appearance in the ACA Tournament semi-finals, the Eagles hope to take their success one step further and overtake powerhouse Air Force as the conference’s front runner.
    Head coach David Burkholder stated that last season’s experience will benefit the team and propel them to the NCAA tournament.
    "I feel having the team experience a true playoff series and then advancing to Blue Cross Arena before falling to an overtime goal from playing in the championship game will only help this year's team. It is a new year and as always, our season goal is a trip to the NCAA tournament," said Burkholder.
    While no one is happy about the lockout—with the exception of girlfriends and Maple Leaf fans—increased attendance will hopefully become a reality for the Eagles home games. Weather you’re a casual fan who doesn’t know a duster from a beauty, or a diehard hockey fanatic, the Purple Eagles can always benefit from a rowdy home crowd.
    The Purple Eagles return to Dwyer arena for their home opener on Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. They will host Bowling Green. See you there!