www.msureporter.com Our 80th Year • 1928-2008 Minnesota State University, Mankato

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

index Sports............6Variety..........4Classifieds.....7 MSU’s summer theatre season begins May 27 with “deathtrap” VARieTY, PAGe 5

Minnesota State students and faculty may be working in a new international green-energy testing laboratory near campus this fall.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed an environmental finance bill in early May that included $1.5 million for the International Renewable Energy Technology Institute’s proposed lab at MSU.

The lab will serve as a kind of third-party validation, testing Swedish and other green-energy technology, including furnaces and boilers that burn renewable fuels such as pelletized wood. Student and faculty scientists will test the emissions and efficiency of these methods and determine if the technologies, developed internationally, are viable in America.

“It’s a practical business partnership,” said State Rep. Kathy

Brynaert, DFL 23B, of the new institute. Brynaert and State Sen. Kathy Sheran, DFL 23, spearheaded the funding bill in the Legislature.

“The partnership would benefit both Minnesota and Sweden,” said John Frey, director of business and industry partnerships in MSU’s division of Strategic Business, Education and Regional Partnerships. “Minnesota would receive technology that it doesn’t have, and Sweden would reach a new market.”

Frey is leading the search for the lab’s future location and the equipment to supply it. He said the new facility could be started this year after funds are allocated in mid-summer.

“The lab likely won’t be on campus because of the space crunch,” he said, “but it will be close by, which will allow

Finance bill grants MSU $1.5 million for renewable energy testingJOHN FRITZstaff writer

Fueling ResearchMinnesota State student

Alex Daniel Smith, 21, was taken into custody Thursday for 20 felony charges for the dissemination and possession of child pornography.

Following a yearlong investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), Smith, an elementary education student, was charged.

Part of the investigation included searches of his McElroy dorm room and his mother’s home in Faribault, Minn.

Roughly 1,000 videos and 11,000 images of child pornography were found on the laptop computer used to connect to the Internet at both residences, the complaint said. These images and videos filled seven DVDs and were sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for possible identification of victims.

According to the complaint, three “cybertips” were reported to the NCMEC in March 2008 from the video-sharing Web site YouTube regarding posted child pornography. The tips led BCA investigator Joe O’Brien to 14 videos that featured young boys and girls engaging in sexual acts.

More YouTube tips surfaced in later months and investigators gathered e-mail addresses and Internet protocol addresses. IP addresses are used to identify a computer when it accesses the Internet and are only assigned to one computer at a

NICOLE SMITHeditor in chief

MSU student faces childporn charges

Research / page 3 Child porn / page 3

See page 2

illustration by ben sweeney• msu reporter

Hmong Student Association recognized alongside MSU at MnSCU system diversity awards

Page 2 • Reporter News Wednesday, May 20, 2009Wednesday, May 20, 2009 News Reporter • Page �

Juvenile delinquents are out of controland the courtsare in chaos!Share your views and gain insight

on juvenile delinquency issues.

take Juvenile delinquencysociology/corrections 255MtWhf 9am-1:30pmsummer session 1(June 1-June 12)*Fulfills general education requirements. Cross listed course for either Sociology or Corrections credit.

More students graduated from Minnesota State this spring than last year.

1,653 students graduated during spring 2009 commencement activities. This is a ten-graduate increase from spring 2008. 267 masters degrees and 1,475 undergraduate degrees were awarded on May 9.

According to David Gjerde of the MSU Office of Registrar, the increase in graduates is largely due to a general increase in enrollment. Gjerde said that over the last four to five years the number of enrollments has gone up.

“More students means more students applying [for graduation] which means more graduates,” Gjerde said.

Of the 1,475 undergraduate degrees, 1,196 were Bachelor of Science degrees –- 81 percent of all undergraduate degrees awarded. The second most numerous degree was the Bachelor of Arts degree with 122 degrees awarded.

B.A. degrees accounted for 43 percent of the remaining 279 Undergraduate degrees but just 8 percent of all undergraduate degrees.

Gjerde said that the B.S. degree is the most common undergraduate degree awarded at MSU. Other degrees offered at MSU include the B.A., a Bachelor of Science in four engineering categories (electrical, mechanical, civil and computer), a Bachelor of Social Work, a Bachelor of Athletic Training, a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Music.

The two MSU colleges that have seen the most change in the past two years are the College of Social and Behaviorial Sciences and the College of Allied Health and Nursing. Social and Behaviorial Sciences saw a loss of 46 graduates between the 2006-07 academic year and the 2007-08 year. Allied Health and Nursing had an increase of 38 graduates in the same period.

Minnesota State’s Division for Institutional Diversity has earned the top Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system award for diversity excellence.

The award recognizes accomplishment in diversity leadership, programming and services.

Michael Fagin, vice president for institutional diversity, said the award recognized the hard work put in by MSU faculty and students.

“I see this as a very special recognition of the multiple efforts made by our colleges, departments and student service institutions that have worked hard over many years to make MSU’s learning environment welcome to all people,” Fagin said.

Fagin thinks MSU won the award not only for its diversity-related curriculum but for its out of class programs as well. These elements come together to create world-conscious, global citizens.

“We’re known throughout the state and nation for consistently giving programs that develop leaders for our multicultural and global society,” Fagin said.

Fagin cited the Chicano Leadership Institute and the Pan African Student Leadership Conference, one of the oldest and most substantiated in the country, as examples.

“We’re a leader in the state and a driving force in promoting diversity in higher education,” Fagin said.

MSU also won two second-place awards. The innovative practices award went to the university’s pre-doctoral fellowship program for practices that foster inclusivity. The other, the student organization diversity award, went to the Hmong Student Association.

Steven Vang, the new president of the HSA, believes the group won the award because it promotes diversity not only in organizations but on campus as well.

“We have members attend other events put on

by other groups on campus,” Vang said. The organization consists of students from many backgrounds, not just Hmong.

Every year the HSA holds a Hmong New Year celebration at the end of fall semester. The event generally has more than 500 participants and members encourage students and community to attend.

“We’re a small group but we’re very active,” Vang

said.Vang believes MSU does a

good job promoting diversity on campus but feels some improvement could be made.

“I’d like to see more organizations collaborating together,” Vang said. “I’d like

to see more unity.”Fagin said the award will

act as motivator to continue to strive for excellence.

“I see this as an award to the university, not one single program,” Fagin said. “This is reflected as an award of things done by many units serving a special population.”

“It’s a symbol for us to continue to strive toward excellence and promote MSU as a welcoming environment to all people,” Fagin said.

Vang agreed, saying the award was an acknowledgement to the organization for work well done.

The Division for Institutional Diversity works to provide higher education access to all, especially those from underrepresented groups like students of color, low-income students and those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

The award will be presented to MSU May 28.

HEATHER MOELLERstaff writer

Graduation rates rise

MSU wins top diversity award in MnSCU systemFirst-time Institutional Excellence in Diversity award recognizes exceptional accomplishment in diversity leadership, programming and services DANNIE HIGGINBOTHAMnews editor

wale agboola• msu reporterSteven Vang is the new president of the Hmong StudentAssociation. The organization earned second place in MnSCU’s student organization diversity awards.

1,653 students graduated in spring 2009

Page 2 • Reporter News Wednesday, May 20, 2009Wednesday, May 20, 2009 News Reporter • Page �

The Minnesota State Student Association isn’t waiting until fall semester to start working.

MSSA Vice President Bob Dooley said he expects a busy summer full of things to do.

“Our biggest issue is forming a Reporter ad-hoc committee that will look into revising its advisory board’s by-laws,” Dooley said.

Senate President Murtaza Rajabali will be in charge of

forming the committee, which will look into the way the newspaper holds elections.

Dooley also plans to get the word out about MSSA.

“We’re filming a commercial for orientation and we’re sure it will be better than last year,” he said. “We’re also preparing some dialogue.”

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Senator Dave Meyers said members of the senate will also be attending a summer

Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) conference.

“The president, vice president, campus representatives and legislative interns will come together to work on a plan and form goals for the next year,” Meyers said.

Dooley will also work with the Mav Textbook Reserve Project to increase the selection of textbooks available for rent at the library, which he hopes will

save students money as well as keep textbook prices competitive.

“It will be a tough summer because I have a job and classes too,” Dooley said. “It won’t be your average ‘have a great time’ summer. It will be busier than expected.”

MSSA is looking for a public relations person to help spread the word about senate. The job is a paid position Dooley said will be posted on mavjobs.com.

Juvenile delinquents are out of controland the courtsare in chaos!Share your views and gain insight

on juvenile delinquency issues.

take Juvenile delinquencysociology/corrections 255MtWhf 9am-1:30pmsummer session 1(June 1-June 12)*Fulfills general education requirements. Cross listed course for either Sociology or Corrections credit.

access for private parties as well as students and faculty.” He suggested University Square as one possible location that meets the criteria.

Accessibility to private industries is important, as primarily international businesses will use the lab. The businesses will bring a wealth of knowledge to Minnesota, including highly developed Swedish renewable energy technology. In Sweden, 26 percent of energy comes from renewable sources, a level the U.S. isn’t expected to reach until 2025. Yet these leaders will also bring big questions to the lab.

“Right now, people don’t know what will be the most efficient method [of implementing these technologies],” Frey said.

The institute will put MSU students and faculty in a position to help solve these problems. Frey used MSU’s automotive engineering program as an example of how students will get involved. Students there test engines for efficiency and emissions output. They could use those same skills in the new lab to test the qualities of solid-fuel burning stoves and furnaces.

Similarly, electrical engineering students could put what they’ve learned to use testing solar panels. Students in other scientific disciplines could be useful to the lab in different ways.

The testing could eventually lead to the manufacture in Minnesota of new products that use renewable combustible fuels and lead to new manufacturing, marketing and sales jobs in the region.

For MSU students, the lab’s benefits are more immediate. It will provide an opportunity for students to use what they’ve learned in the classroom on real-world problems and make valuable connections in the world of international business.

“We want it to be a place students can work, gain experience and maybe make some money,” Frey said.

RESEARCH Green energy testing could lead to the manufacture of renewable products that could create new jobs in Minn.

continued from 1

time. O’Brien used this information to link the tips to a Charter Communications Internet account.

The IP address was initially associated with an account in Austin, Minn., but the complaint said investigators later determined it was connected to a Faribault home, the residence of Smith’s mother. Smith was listed as a resident in the

Faribault home.A MySpace Web site from

someone named “Smithy” was also associated with the IP address and the complaint said investigators compared a photograph on the site with Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicle records to determine they depicted the same person.

Officers obtained a search warrant for the Faribault residence and searched the

house Jan. 26. During this time, the complaint said, Smith’s mother informed O’Brien that Smith occasionally connected to the Internet there with a laptop computer. Investigators also learned Smith was an MSU elementary education student who worked part-time for a day-care provider.

Wayne Terry, A Mankato Police Department detective, went to Smith’s dorm room

and secured the room until a search warrant could be executed. The complaint said O’Brien called Smith on his cellular phone once the warrant was obtained and asked him to come to his dorm room. O’Brien interviewed Smith and his laptop computer was taken.

Smith is scheduled to appear in court May 28.

CHILD PORN Smith is an elementary education major and part-time daycare worker

continued from 1

Your friends don’t care what you think of the new Green Day CD. We do.

The Reporter is hiring for the 2009-2010 school year.

Long summer for Senate MSSA to form Reporter committee, increase textbook reserve programDANNIE HIGGINBOTHAMnews editor

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Variety Reporter • Page �

Varietyreporter-arts@mnsu.edu Wednesday, May 20, 2009 (�07) 389-�1�7

Summer ParkingPark Free In:

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Gold Permit Stalls Enforced When Classes

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ORIGIN STORIES FACE OFFNATE BRENNAN | variety editor

Fresh faces revive franchise ‘Wolverine’ ripe with comic campThe second blockbuster of summer

features a melting pot of young, vaguely recognizable talent that has revived Gene Roddenberry’s 33-year-old “Star Trek” franchise.

Whereas the last installment, Scott Bakula’s “Enterprise,” was more awkward than a Vulcan funeral, the 2009 film has brought back all the green alien sex and charm from the original television series.

For starters, the Priceline Negotiator has been dropped from his Captain Kirk role in favor of Chris Pine (“Smokin’ Aces”).

Simon Pegg’s colorful hilarity, Anton Yelchin’s youthful exuberance, and Zoe Saldana’s sensuality also bring a much-needed face-lift to the Enterprise crew.

And of course there’s Spock, played marvelously by Zachary Quinto.

Ever since I found out the “Heroes’” star was to play Spock I’ve been trying to come up with a cute nickname, yet Spylar sounds too Mad Magazine while Sylock is way too Pokemon.

I digress.The origin story starts with Kirk’s

father being forced to man the Starship U.S.S. Kelvin on the brink of massacre at the hands of Nero and the Romulan fleet, the Narada. As he gives his life to

save more than 800 escapees, Kirk is born on one of those escape pods.

Twenty-two years later, the Iowan farmboy James Tiberius Kirk is a troublemaker, getting in bar fights, eight cadets at a time. Kirk’s look before you leap, no-win scenario personality counterbalances Spock’s suppression of passion and emotion perfectly.

He denies his destiny until Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood) convinces

him to enlist in Starfleet.

Immediate tension between Spock and Kirk arises when Kirk cheats on Spock’s Kobayashi Maru test.

But as a distress call from Vulcan calls the Starfleet to action,

the film blasts into action and drama, interweaving storylines through space and time.

With phasers on stun, scary space creatures and Leonard Nimoy mind-melds, it’s a sigh of relief to see director J.J. Abrams achieve overwhelming success by giving the franchise all its got.

Rating:

“Star Trek” characters (left to right) Chekhov, Kirk, Scotty, “Bones” McCoy, Sulu and Uhura man the U.S.S. Enterprise.

Whether he’s in “The Prestige,” “Van Helsing” or “Australia,” the man that goes by Hugh certainly is a Jack of all trades. But when fans think of the burly Australian, he’s usually equipped with those impenetrable adamantium claws.

In “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” Hugh Jackman, with his surly demeanor and cigar-attached growl, brings James Logan’s story to the big screen. But as comic story archs fluctuate, so must Fox’s big-budget film franchise.

Wolverine’s story starts in 1845 Canada, where audiences learn that Wolverine/Logan, is the illegitimate son of Thomas Logan, making Victor Creed/Sabretooth his brother.

As brothers, they fight together through the Civil War, both World Wars and Vietnam, with each battle increasing Sabretooth’s bloodlust.

Recognizing their abilities and talent for killing, Major William Stryker enlists them to join the top-secret mutant Weapon X program.

In the comic realm, the Weapon X program has woven its way into a plethora of “X-Men” storylines. It plays such a crucial part in shaping Wolverine’s character, so it’s understandable Fox would jump at the chance to excite summer viewers with a blockbuster that introduces them to flashy, eccentric characters.

While the studio’s differentiations

of the Weapon X program are mostly forgettable to the casual fan, they can be downright irksome to those coming into the film with expectations of comic truthiness.

Where the film does succeed is through Wolverine’s difficulty to define himself in a world that can never accept him for who he is. The writers have employed a (somewhat) subtle approach to show the dilemmas these mutants face as they deal with their powers and emotional flaws.

And to keep the viewer interested, there is hilarious comic campiness such as Sabretooth’s line, “Look what the cat dragged in,” and outlandish action scenes such as

Wolverine allowing an explosion to propel him onto a moving helicopter

in order to take it down. But hey, it’s supposed to be a comic, right?

Ultimately, the film is a huge upgrade from its predecessor, “X-Men: The Last Stand,” but it still has as many flaws as its titular character.

Rating:

Ryan Reynolds stars as mutant swords-man Wade Wilson in “X-Men Origins.”

photos courtesy of movieweb.com

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Variety Reporter • Page �

Varietyreporter-arts@mnsu.edu Wednesday, May 20, 2009 (�07) 389-�1�7

Summer ParkingPark Free In:

Paylot, Lot 1, Lot 3, Lot 13, Lot 15,Purple 7 Orange Permit Areas & Free Lot 23

Gold Permit Stalls Enforced When Classes

Are In SessionGold permit holders are not restricted

and can park in any Gold Permit lot with more than 80 stalls, including: Lot 7,

Lot 11 & 11a & Gold Lot 5.

Enforced Stalls:

Gold permit areas, handicap stalls,

meters, facilities management,

vendor stalls & delivery stalls.

SummerGold Permits:

On sale for $46 in the following lots: Lot 7(by

Blakeslee Stadium), Maywood Curbside Gold,

Rugby Gold, McElroy Curbside Gold. Approval

needed, email:david.cowan@mnsu.edu.

On sale through 8/21/09.

Summer theatre ‘plays’ ball

While a majority of students leave Mankato come summer, the Minnesota State Department of Theatre and Dance is still thriving.

The 43rd Highland Summer Theatre season kicks off May 27 with the first of four productions, “Deathtrap.”

When trying to choose productions for the summer series, theatre and dance Public Relations Director Mike Lagerquist said the department tries to choose shows which are lighter or fluffier. This isn’t always the case, though. While “Deathtrap” is a bit lighter, Lagerquist said it isn’t exactly a comedy.

“Deathtrap” tells the story of a successful Broadway thrill writer who is struggling through a dry spell until a script is sent to him and he hopes to make it

his own Broadway hit. Next in line for summer, “I

Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is a play never done at MSU before. This musical review deals with a subject that many people can relate to: relationships. But even though this musical isn’t as well known as the others, Lagerquist is still hoping people give it a chance.

“While doing something without name recognition can be a challenge — many people prefer shows they know — we also like to introduce new shows to people,” Lagerquist said.

Popular playwright Neil Simon’s show “Plaza Suite” will take the third slot in the lineup of summer shows. This comedic play is comprised of three acts and tells the stories of three couples occupying a suite at the New York City Plaza Hotel. This play will be directed by department chair David

Hustoles and will feature 1993 graduate E. J. Subkoviak for his 14th Highland Summer Theatre season.

Rounding out the season will be MSU’s performance of a very popular musical.

“Damn Yankees” is the story of a middle-aged baseball fanatic who trades his soul to the devil for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory against the New York Yankees. The play features several well-known musical numbers including “Heart” and “Whatever Lola Wants.”

“I really like the season because of its mix of old and new, comedy and drama — though more comedy — and variety,” Lagerquist said. “I think it’s a little bit of everything people look for in summer theatre.”

MSU theatre to perform a variety of plays

Passion Pit“Manners”

The dreamy, electronic band follows up its romantic “Chunk of Change” EP with its first al-bum, a decadent stroll through New York City nightlife. On “Manners,” Michael Angelakos and his crew achieve what few newly signed bands have — a more polished sound without losing the band’s original charm.

Green Day“21st Century Breakdown”

The popular pop-punk trio Green Day released its eighth album, “21st Century Break-down” recently. The album continues the band’s attempt to shed its slacker image and focus on what’s important to them. Content revolves around an era in which we begin to try to make sense of the manipula-tion around us.

St. Vincent “Actor”

Annie Clark, the woman behind the St. Vincent alias, may look like a human version of Minnie Mouse, but don’t let her mousey visage fool you. The smoky chanteuse outdoes her initial solo release with an amazingly written album that’s a lot darker than its whimsical melodies would lead you to believe.

On “Relapse,” Eminem doesn’t hold anything back and proves he still has a lot to say in the five years since its predecessor. Blending standard Eminem tracks (“We Made You”) with more violent songs (“3 a.m.”), the album may turn new fans off, but old ones will be sure to rank it among his best.

The quick fix

If you go..“Deathtrap” “I Love You,

You’re Perfect, Now Change”

“Plaza Suite” “Damn Yankees”

Special $60 ticket subscription to all four shows can be purchased by calling (507)-389-6661.Individual tickets for all shows on sale now.

Eminem“Relapse”

ALI RAMSEYstaff writer

May 27-31 June 11-14 June 24-28 July 10-12 & 16-19

Sportsreporter-sports@mnsu.edu Wednesday,May20,2009 (507)389-5227

Wednesday,May20,2009 Sports Reporter•Page7

The MSU baseball team has a bitter sweet taste in its mouth after finishing the 2009 season with a loss in the NCAA Central Regional Tournament against Colorado State-Pueblo, 13-4.

This is just a week after the

Mavericks worked through the entire losers bracket in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament to beat the No. 1 seeded Wayne State 6-5. Senior third baseman Geno Glynn helped the Mavericks win five straight games in the tournament and was named MVP. Glynn went 3-for-3 in the

championship game. “We had nothing to lose

and took the tournament one game at a time,” said MSU head coach Matt Magers. “We came back and had momentum. It showed how we needed everyone to step up.”

The season started very slow for the Mavericks and not many

expected that they would go as far as they did.

MSU started the season 2-5 and was not pleased with the subpar record.

The Mavericks started turning their NSIC season with a 9-0 record, with sweeps over Northern State and Upper Iowa. The Mavericks didn’t look back as they took three out of four games from every NSIC opponent they faced except Wayne State.

With help from a stellar pitching staff including senior Jimmy Dale (4-0, 3.81 ERA) and junior Pat Lenton ( 9-3, 5.42 ERA) along with a freshman surprise in designated hitter Ben Kincaid (.379, 33 RBIs), the Mavericks were able to turn their season around and climb the standings in the NSIC.

“Our last day of spring training we put it together and since then we were able to put wins together,” Magers said. “When we got back from spring training we got on a roll and we got confidence. Winning is

contagious.”The senior leaders on the

team including Dale, Glynn (.376, 58 RBIs), second baseman Jay Bresnahan (.380, 32 RBIs) first baseman Travis Taran (.323, 33 RBIs), centerfielder Corey LaPlante (.312, 30 RBIs) and relief pitcher Nathan Kafka (6-2, 3.21 ERA) have certainly committed their time to the team over the years.

Lenton, Kafka, Bresnahan and junior left fielder Danny Miller were named to the NSIC All-Conference First Team while Glynn was named to the All-Conference Second Team.

This year’s squad certainly has not dissapointed and has carried the tradition at MSU with them.

“Each of the seniors knew the expectations were high and the attitude we expect,” Magers said. “Those guys did a good job and we want people to know that year in and year out we will be successful.”

Wayne State ends MSU’s seasonMSU falls short despite setting school records

PAT DELANEYstaff writer

dan moen • msu reporterSenior second baseman Katie Reed batted .321 with 11 doubles this season.

dan moen • msu reporterThe Mavericks finished the 2009 season with a 38-17 overall record, going undefeated at home with a 17-0 record. MSU finished second in the NSIC during the regular season with a 25-5 conference record.

Mavericks fail to carry momentum into NCAA regionalsMSU rallied to win the NSIC tournament, but were unable to advance in NCAA tournament

KYLE RATKEsports editor

When the Minnesota State softball team took the field this spring it had one goal in mind — to make a big run in the NCAA tournament. That goal fell short despite the teams best efforts, as MSU lost in the NCAA regional to rival Wayne State, concluding its 2009 season.

While the Mavericks may have seen their season end sooner then they wanted, the team has to be proud of how they played all season. The Mavericks compiled a 39-17 record which was enough to get MSU into postseason play for the third time in the last four years.

Wayne State proved to be too much of an obstacle, beating MSU 3-1 in the opening game of the double-elimination regionals. The Mavericks bounced back in their second game to beat Southwest Minnesota State 4-3. However, it was Wayne State again that beat the Mavericks 4-2, ending their season.

The Mavericks will take

what they gained from this season and look to build toward next year. The team will be propelled next season by sophomore third baseman Natalie Spicer (.300, 40 RBIs), who was awarded a First Team All-Region selection. Freshman pitcher Kendra Huettl (22-9, 2.45 ERA) and senior outfielder Jess Anderson (.401, nine doubles) were both named to the second team.

The Mavericks also saw junior catcher Kelsey Thompson (.320, 97 total bases) tie a MSU season home run record knocking out 13 for the year. In fact, this year’s team now holds the record for most home runs in a regular season among past MSU teams. The team hit 48 during the season.

MSU hit its stride early on in this season with 14 straight wins at one point, most games being won with regards to great pitching and defense.

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference was a difficult conference and the Mavericks faired well, taking fifth place with an 18-8 record.

The Mavericks will look to replace seniors Anderson, Katie

Reed, and Brooke McKelvogue (17-7, 2.74 ERA). The seniors finished a stellar career and were a big part in turning around the program when they arrived on campus.

MSU had an excellent team batting average of .311 which was second in the NSIC. The squad was also second in slugging percentage (.463), on base percentage (.388) and runs scored (294).

Looking at the stat sheets, it’s difficult to understand why the Mavericks didn’t go further. They have many talented players who have put up very impressive numbers.

This just shows how talented the sport has become and how difficult it is to compete in the NSIC, even with the seniors the Mavericks had.

While the team will miss the senior leadership, they will be in a good position next season with the players they have coming back. Head coach Lori Meyer has to be happy with the direction this team is going.

Sportsreporter-sports@mnsu.edu Wednesday,May20,2009 (507)389-5227

Wednesday,May20,2009 Sports Reporter•Page7

The Minnesota State women’s hockey team introduced Eric Means as its new head coach. Means has been a member of the coaching staff for the Maverick men’s hockey team over the last 14 years helping with defense.

The Rochester native played for the University of Minnesota as a defenseman and was selected to play for Team USA at the World University Games.

The Mavericks struggled last season with a 12-19-5 overall record, but made history winning their first-ever playoff game and making their

first appearance at the WCHA Final Face-Off.

Mean’s will look to turn the program around and Athletic

Director Kevin Buisman thinks he has all the tools to do so.

“Eric is a tireless worker with a well-established recruiting network that should have an immediate and positive impact,” Buisman said on the MSU website. “With

Eric at the helm, I am excited about the future direction of Maverick women’s hockey.”

Women’s basketballTwo months after the MSU

women’s basketball team won the national championship, the Mavericks finally had dinner with the state’s governor, Tim

Pawlenty.The team also threw the first

pitch at a recent Minnesota Twins game.

VolleyballThe women’s volleyball

team will leave Friday for a trip to Argentina. MSU will play five games over the 10-day trip.

The Mavericks were 20-11 last season and will be playing the Argentina National and Junior National teams.

MSU is scheduled to return to Mankato on June 1.

Women’s track and fieldThe Minnesota State

women’s track team will send six individuals and a relay team to the 2009 NCAA Division II Championships in Angelo Texas starting Friday.

Junior Brittany Henderson has qualified in both the 100 and 200-meter runs. This is the second consecutive season that the Milwaukee, Wisc. native has qualified for both events.

Junior Kelsey Leonard has qualified in the 400-meter dash. Leonard finished second at the NSIC Championships with a time of :56.38.

The 4x100-meter relay team also qualified and includes sophomore Linnelle Clark, senior Katelin Rains, Leonard and Henderson.

Rains also qualified in pole vault, an event in which she is a three-time defending champion. Joining Rains will be sophomore Lauren Stelten,

who is making her second appearance at the national championships. Stelten took

fourth at the NCAA Outdoor championships.

Women’s tennisThe Mavericks

No.1 singles player Marina Bugaenco was named Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Player of the Year and also named to the First-Team All-

NSIC squad.The senior led the

Mavericks to a 12-11 team record and brought them to the 2009 NCAA Central Regional tournament with a 24-1 individual record.

Means

For Rent For Rent5 or 4 or 3 or 2 or 1 BEDROOM H O U S E S / A PA R T M E N T S available right now, some for next year. Many to choose from. Check out our website www.ottoH.com owner/agent. 7/22FOR RENT SPACIOUS HOUSE for five. W/D, $1375 per month. Downtown Mankato. Avail Aug 1. 507-273-9365. 5/203 BEDROOM TOWNHOME FOR Rent near campus. Call 952-210-3270. 7/8

3 BEDROOM 975/MONTH 2 bedroom $650/month includes utilities. 5 bedroom $1,350/month plus utilities. Pat 651-451-0431 or Brian 651-851-7798. 7/8HOUSE FOR RENT FOR FALL 5 bedroom $1495.00 plus utilities. 2 blocks from campus. Jim 507-345-2049. Barb 507-340-5699. 7/8

S T U D E N T PAY O U T S . C O M Paid Survey Takers Needed In Mankato. 100% FREE To Join! Click On Surveys. 5/20

YAEGER BUS SERVICE IS NOW hiring Part-time school bus drivers for athletic/field trips and/or am & pm routes. Excellent pay and performance bonuses. Hours work well with college schedules, homemakers, or as a second job. All training is provided. Located about a mile from the MSU campus on Doc Jones Rd. 345-5470. 7/8

5 BR HOUSE: One bedroom available until July. Nice 5-year old house close to campus, driveway, 3 car garage. $350/month plus utilities. Contact Tyler at 320-223-9986. UTN1 BEDROOM APARTMENT close to campus available NOW through July 20. Willing to negotiate rent. Contact Amanda for details at 320-212-0463. UTN

Help Wanted Help Wanted Sublease

Classifiedswww.msureporter.com Wednesday,May20,2009 (507)389-1776

Sports shorts: MSU hopes Mean’s means improvementREPORTER STAFF

Bugaenco

FOR RENTHUNTINGTON HILLSCurrently available 2 bed units for $746/mo. 4 & 5 BR townhomes for $350-$400/room.

Students-Landlords have you upset already?

You know within the first 30 days of your leaseif you intend to live in the same place next year.

Start planning ahead for next year.

Come down and check us out or ask aroundand see what students say about our facility!

Pets welcomed. $200 Non-refundable.

Email: huntington.hills@live.comCall or text Lisa at (507) 387-3771

POOL • VOLLEYBALL • GRILL AREA

744 James Ave.Mankato, MN 56001

PH (507) 387-3771CELL (507) 993-3156

Beautiful Outdoor Pool Spacious Apartments

1 & 2 Bedrooms1 Mile from CampusFREE Parking on Campus

Rent begins at $380/mo.*Laundry FacilitiesHeat & Water included* Based on double occupancy in 2 Bdr.

LIMITED APARTMENTS LEFT FOR AUGUST!

Page8•Reporter Advertisement Wednesday,May20,2009