126 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(11/17/11 1:02am)
OH MY GOD THIS GAME IS AWESOME. That was my thought every time I saw a new screenshot, video, or spoiler in general leading up to the October 18 release. Arkham City has easily been one of the most fun games I’ve ever played. Now, I preface this by saying that my previous top game of all time had always been a tie between Red Dead Redemption and Batman: Arkham Asylum. I actually skipped several classes to finish Arkham Asylum when it was first released. Of course, I would never do that again. Never.
I do not want to ruin any of the amazing plot twists or anything that was not inside the spoilers before the release date. However, I will say that the amount of time invested in this game is well worth it. Sadly, I’ve had to take an indefinite break from this work of art, for I have broken my hand and cannot finish playing.
One of the best upgrades in this game as opposed to the last is the removal of an arbitrary switch between detective mode and normal viewing. Now, the different filters have all been combined into a seamless and efficient augmented reality mode. This means that the forced switching or sometimes merely playing the entire game in detective mode is gone. The real beauty of the skyline can be seen.
There are better puzzles, better enemies, better weapons, and a better combat system that truly puts you in the middle of a destructive and usable environment. The game does not start easy either, throwing you right into the action from the get go. There are not many games that really get me worked up like this does.
The lowest score I saw any one give this gem of the game was nine out of 10. Folks, that is still an A. I think one of the reasons that they did not give Arkham City a perfect score was because Arkham Asylum was so freaking amazing. In fact, this could not have the expectations because the original was so great. There is only so much one can do with a superhero type game, and they have done it here. They have maxed out the potential.
Unfortunately, this is a milestone game I did not want to reach. The voice of the Joker, Mark Hamill, retired after the production of Arkham City. He went out on top as the voice of, in my opinion, the greatest villain of all time.
Truly I tell you, you need to go get this game and finish it. Once again, despite knowing and having inclinations as to what will happen, the finale will throw you for a loop. More importantly, you’ll be happy while your mind is blown.
This game gets a well-deserved A. The only reason that I do not give it a plus is because it is a sequel and not the original game. That might sound like a crappy reason to you, but those European game magazines got it right. The surprise and mystique factor is not quite as they are, for we know to expect the insane awesomeness. However, even if you’ve never played Arkham Asylum, this game is still a strong, enjoyable experience.
(11/17/11 12:56am)
In an Oct. 31 news article, the Daily Beast, a news web site linked with Newsweek, named Macon along with three other Georgia cities among the poorest in the country.
In Oct. 2009, Forbes magazine named Macon as the seventh poorest metropolitan area in the United States.
These sort of findings were already in the public lexicon.
Despite an economy that is beginning to recover (the GDP was up 2.5 percent this summer), unemployment and debt are still very high.
The Daily Beast used unemployment rates, median household income, average personal debt and average credit score as part of what they used to rank cities. There were no justifications as to why the city was placed where they were on the list.
Macon came in at 14th on the list, behind Waco, Tx., but before Reno, Nevada.
The city was listed as having a 10.4 percent unemployment rate. Also, the median Macon household income was $37,507.
The average personal debt in Macon was calculated to be $23,775. The average credit score was 715, according to their scale.
The statistics were compiled using data from the credit bureau Experian and the Federal Bureau of labor statistics.
The other three cities in Georgia to make the list were Augusta, Savannah and Columbus. Savannah came in at number 25 and Augusta was 10th.
However, Columbus, Ga. was considered the brokest city in America.
This has been one of the most controversial news articles in Columbus history. Immediately following the publishing of the list, Columbus officials issued a press release in response to the list.
The Daily Beast even wrote “if this data is any indication, the cities struggling the most right now—the ones that may take the longest to recover—are clustered in the South and along the Pacific Coast.”
The data used were the most recent available statistics, such as August 2011 unemployment rates.
(11/16/11 11:49pm)
After several decades of being away from its home, the lost chalice of the Baptists of the country of Georgia was returned.
Archbishop Malkhaz Songulashvili was on hand to perform a special celebration of the Eucharist with the Mercer population. Several Mercer dignitaries were in attendance.
Mercer University President Bill Underwood had several words to say about the extraordinary set of circumstances that led to this recovery of the lost chalice.
“It is a great day for Mercer University as we foster a greater bond between the country of Georgia and the state of Georgia,” he said.
Almost two centuries ago, this lost chalice was purchased by a recently baptized convert to Christianity. It is one of the most sacred and celebrated objects in the Baptist church of Georgia.
However, it was lost for decades before eventually being given to a Baptist pastor from America in the early 20th century. The chalice wound up in his personal collection, where it was on display in Newton chapel for several decades. It was only found due to the watchful eye of Mercer University officials.
Archbishop Songulashvili was working on his Ph.D. in England when he came upon news clippings that stated a Baptist pastor from America might have been the one to have received this chalice from his countrymen some decades prior.
Since he had recently met officials for Mercer University, he utilized his contacts to track down this holy object.
As for the service that celebrated this miracle, the series of parables concerning lost objects were read with new meaning.
Also, the famous hymn “Amazing Grace” was reverently sung. Mercer Singers were able to capture the beauty of the moment with their own harmonious melodies.
University Minister and Dean of Chapel Craig McMahan offered some great words of inspiration. Archbishop Songulashvili gave traditional parts of the service in the way in which you would in his own nation.
When asked what it meant for the believers of his small country to have this chalice come back, Songulashvili merely said, “It is a great honor to be the one who gets to accompany this priceless object back to Georgia. I am very thankful and proud to be a part of this celebration.”
Songulashvili and McMahan were the ones in charge of the Eucharist, which was performed via induction. Induction is when you are given a piece of bread and are asked to celebrate the Lord’s supper by dipping it in the cup of wine.
The lost chalice’s story of recovery comes at an opportune time, for the recent Mercer service scholar trip to Georgia had already begun to foster the bonds of friendship and scholarship. The great bridge forming between Baptists both here and abroad will only be furthered.
If one is wishing to see the lost chalice, there is a large portrait hanging in Newton chapel. It will remain there as a symbol of both the incredible past and a bright future. For more information about the story of the lost chalice, go speak to university librarian Beth Hammond.
(11/16/11 11:38pm)
After three years and counting at Mercer University, I have noticed a disturbing trend. Sadly, I have even been a part of this.
When the average Mercer student walks up to an activity, they are just there to get points or extra credit for a class they’re taking.
This ruins otherwise great presentation audiences and participation from people who might actually enjoy the program.
Now before I start ranting about this problem, I will confess that I have been a part of this predicament on campus.
I am not proud that I have done this, but I am glad I’ve finally realized that it hurts both the morale and mood of the presenter.
For instance, when we have foreign dignitaries come to speak to our great campus, it is a great insult to both them and the university.
If you traveled thousands of miles, I am 99% sure that you would feel horribly insulted if half of your audience got up and left.
Just a few days ago, I was at the lost chalice service where the archbishop of the country of Georgia traveled over 6000 miles to come perform the Eucharist.
I know that not all people subscribe to Christianity.
I know that people have many things to do in their lives.
I know it was just a class requirement. Nevertheless, this does not excuse highly disrespectful behavior.
Just because you have a paper to finish, it does not give you the right or the privilege to be a jerk.
I have been to enough debates, lectures and roundtable discussions that I have learned it is possible to be an active participant and still get work done.
While last week I said it was a joke that people were forced to go to a lecture, I did not and do not want every Mercer program to become mandatory.
Instead, there needs to be some kind of system that promotes and benefits the students who attend the entire program.
I really think if a professor makes you go to a program, then they should be there too.
While I will probably get much flak for that statement, only emergencies and non-required events should be times where the professor is not in attendance.
I recognize that we all have incredibly busy lives, and there are problems getting work done in a short time span.
However, part of college and growing up is time management.
Because you partied, played video games, or wasted your time, you should not take it out on someone who is just trying to present something they care deeply about by walking out on them.
This epidemic is not going to be solved by students complaining that professors give them too much work. It will be solved by students better managing their time.
Maybe a study skills course would be beneficial to the majority of the student body, for students would be able to have more free time.
Not only would participation and attendance go up, speakers and leaders would be happier to come back to a place where they actually feel wanted.
On a similar note, this time management strategy could also benefit the attendance at Mercer sports games from women’s volleyball to tennis and everything in between.
The Bears will play better with a full crowd behind them. Some promotions might help as well, but this economy limits that.
In essence, it’s rather frustrating to be a part of a special ceremony and see Mercer students just walk out after their class requirement is met.
This disheartening attitude needs to be changed.
Obviously, if your professor has required this activity, it will be good for you in some aspect of the class or your life, even if you lose an hour.
I just hope that at least a few of you take these words to heart, for I would really like to see this begin to change by my graduation in May.
Comments, opposing views, questions and criticisms of this column can be sent to garret.mcdowell@gmail.com.
(11/16/11 11:33pm)
It was a tough draw at the end of the season, but the Mercer Bears were unable to overcome. Dropping two of their final three conference matches, Mercer women’s volleyball will not play in the postseason this year. Despite knowing that if they won out, they were in, the Bears could not beat the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles and the Kennesaw State Owls. Their season ends with a final record of 12-19 overall and 4-9 in the Atlantic Sun.
FGCU 3, Mercer 1
In the first game of their Atlantic Sun road trip to end the season, the Mercer Bears were unable to cement a postseason spot against the high-flying Eagles. The Eagles comprehensively won by a score of 25-20, 25-21, 24-26, 25-18. This one is the second time the Bears have lost this season to FGCU. However, this loss was not nearly as close or combative as the five sets thriller earlier this season. Coach Noelle Rooke lamented the injury crisis when speaking to MercerBears.com: “Injuries have plagued us and we don’t have the depth we need right now. This entire year we have dealt with adversity posed by injuries,” said coach Rooke. Madeline Dolny was unfortunately unavailable for this conference clash. Monica Sanchez was the only available setter, and Coach Rooke normally uses two. Charlotte Harris added 21 digs, taking her over 400 this season and 1300 for her career. Fellow senior Anna Coursey had 10 kills, but Charlayna Braxton’s back-to-back kills in the third set forced the fourth set.
Mercer 3, Stetson 1
Mercer mathematically eliminated archrival and conference foe Stetson from postseason contention with the three sets to one win. Mercer stayed alive and knew they would need help to make the postseason. Mercer won by a score of 23-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-23. Charlotte Harris added a match high 22 digs. For the first time since early September, Mercer had four different players get to double digits in kills: Amiee Frutchey at 16, Charlayna Braxton at 12, Anna Coursey at 10, and Jennifer Katona at 10. Mercer did better in several statistical categories than Stetson, such as hitting percentage, assists, digs, and blocks.
Mercer 3, Savannah State 0
Savannah State remained without a win on the year as the Bears won their final home match of the season by a shutout victory. Mercer volleyball was able to tune up for a potential postseason run with the dominating 25-6, 25-12, 25-19 win. Zoe Becton had a match-high seven kills, and the Bears rolled. Charlotte Harris had 21 digs, and Monica Sanchez had 25 assists. Becton also had three blocks.
Kennesaw St. 3, Mercer 1
The Owls locked up the fourth seed in the Atlantic Sun postseason tournament with a clutch victory over the Mercer Bears. Due to other results going against them (namely Jacksonville beating Stetson), Mercer was unable to make the playoffs. The three seniors performed well in their loss, but it is little consolation for missing the postseason. Coach Rooke was quite excited at the three to go out with strong performances. Mercer lost 25-15, 20-25, 25-23, 25-22. Amiee Frutchey’s farewell double-double was one of the few high notes of the day. She had 13 kills and 22 digs. Anna Coursey had six blocks to lead all players. Charlotte Harris, the final member of the senior trio, had 17 digs to cap off her remarkable career at Mercer. The three graduating superstars will definitely be missed.
(11/16/11 11:02pm)
Joe Paterno is no saint. If you cover up child sexual abuse, then I don’t care who you are or what you did. You do not deserve applause or celebration. You deserve some kind of punishment. I am a horribly ashamed college football fan, for this blind allegiance looks bad on us all. We look like idiotic, depraved hooligans that have no morals or dignity. I hope Penn State loses the rest of its games due to this reprehensible and ill-placed support.
For those of you who have been living under a rock, Joe Paterno was found to have covered up a series of child sexual abuse cases, committed by his assistant coach, for years. It was determined that he knew and did not alert the legal authorities, merely the athletic director. It is this kind of ridiculous behavior that caused one of the greatest coaches in college football history to fall from grace.
I hope you can tell that I really can’t stand Joe Paterno anymore. It is a sad day when anyone does these despicable acts to a defenseless child. It is a worse day when people who know keep quiet. However, it is even sadder when someone who could have stopped it is celebrated by the masses in spite of his or her actions. I hope Paterno faces legal action of accessory to the abuse or something similar.
More than 400 wins does not excuse your behavior any more than paying millions of dollars to a victim’s family. Penn State needs a wake-up call. I could care less about legacy and tradition. That university needs to reevaluate what kind of example they are setting to the rest of the nation. I firmly believe that the university must stamp out any support for Paterno or the other dismissed officials. We can only move on when they aren’t in the forefront.
Sadly, the real tragedy here is that more people are concerned with the legacy and job status of “Saint” Joe Paterno as opposed to the health and well-being of the victims. Even I have ranted for over 300 words about the situation before bringing up the victims. It makes me sad and distresses me greatly. These poor children have been reduced to nothing more than statistics and cases which have cost people their jobs. When their struggle is the one that should be in the limelight, they’re brushed aside as collateral damage.
I am not sure how to proceed, if I were in charge at the university. With Paterno hiring a team of defense lawyers, the victims are even less likely to be the focus of the news. While I do not wish to make a spectacle of their problems, there should be more worry and care concerning them and not what the perpetrators are doing. I have started boycotting ESPN when Paterno coverage comes on. I know I’m just one viewer, but I have my integrity by not watching for programming or the advertisements surrounding Paterno.
I hope everyone sees and can understand the point I’m trying to get across. Do not give Paterno or his cronies the time of day. Instead, worry about the real victims, for they are the ones that really matter.
(11/16/11 10:48pm)
The Mercer women’s basketball team played in front of a nearly packed house, but they were unable to overcome the strong Auburn Tigers. The Bears were outrebounded almost two to one, and these second chance points were a major reason the Bears could not pull off the upset. This was the highest attended women’s basketball game in University Center history, with 2,728 people in attendance. That was almost double the previous record, set in January 2011 against North Florida. However, the energy of the large crowd was not enough to sustain the Bears.
Mercer did not score for the first four minutes of the game, the Tigers led by as many as 20 points before going into halftime up by 17. An opening 12-0 run crushed Mercer’s chances of upsetting this Southeastern Conference foe. While last year Mercer was able to put points on the board early, none of the Bears could break through the stifling defense for a while. Precious Bridges finally got through for the Bears’ first six points.
The Bears were unable to close the gap to 14 points, but the second half would prove to be even less successful for the Bears. Immediately following this closing of the gap, Auburn’s Tyrese Tanner, who scored a game-high 14 points, had six transition points as part of an eight-point swing that put the game out of reach. Tanner added three assists and two steals. Two other Auburn players finished in double figures: Hasina Muhammad with 12 and Blanche Alverson with 12 off the bench. Alverson had a double-double with 10 rebounds as well, the first of her career. Morgan Jennings performed well with six rebounds, eight assists and six points.
As for Mercer players who performed well, none were in double digits for scoring. Briana Williams and Alicia Williams each had nine points. Sharnea Boykin added two rebounds, four assists and four steals. Sharmesia Smith had six rebounds. Nine bears had at least 10 minutes on the court, and seven of them had 18 or more.
Mercer shot just 27.3 percent from the field, less than half of Auburn’s 55.4 percent. The Bears were also just 56.2 percent from the charity stripe as opposed to Auburn being 62.5 percent. The Bears cannot continue to give up easy points if they want to challenge for the Atlantic Sun title this year.
“[It took] a really good effort tonight to come into Mercer, to a packed house on their homecoming and get the win,” said Auburn head coach Nell Fortner, when speaking to the Auburn Bears’ athletics website. Meanwhile, Mercer coach Susie Gardner was very upset about her team’s second half performance: “We came out of the locker room flat. We need to work on this.”
This was the fourth straight time the Mercer Bears have lost their season opener. However, this was the 33rd straight victory for Auburn to start a season. Auburn was recently picked to finish ninth in the Southeastern Conference.
When looking at positives from the Mercer side, Coach Gardner said. “The one positive we could take from this game was the 2,728 people in the stands. It was definitely the most exciting game I’ve been a part of here at Mercer.”
(11/16/11 10:24pm)
For the first time in several years, the Mercer Bears men’s basketball team prevailed before a sellout home stadium to win a homecoming game. In-state rival Emory University traveled down Interstate 75 to attempt to upset the Bears. Instead, their upset bid fell short, as the Mercer Bears were victorious 66-57. Sophomore Bud Thomas scored a career-high 18 points as well as collected nine rebounds, helping lead the Bears to their fourth-straight season opening win under Coach Bob Hoffman.
Emory University is a lower division school, but Coach Hoffman had warned for weeks about their team chemistry and how well they played as a unit. As a result, the Eagles were able to tie the game three separate times and grabbed the lead twice in the first half. The stubborn play had 3,182 people on their feet. This is just the second time that the Bears and the Eagles have played each other, with the Bears winning both meetings.
The Eagles had three different players in double figures for the game. They were led by Austin Claunch, who had 13 points. Claunch also added six boards, three assists, and four steals. He was easily the biggest thorn in the Bears’ side. Also scoring for the Eagles was Jake Davis, with 12 points, and Alex Greven, with 11.
After trailing by as many as four points in the first half, Mercer went on an 11–0 run to lead by seven with just over seven minutes remaining. The Bears never surrendered the lead again, and would go in at halftime up by nine. The atmosphere was electric, for the Bears were in their best form to win a homecoming matchup since 2008 against Georgia Tech, where the Bears lost late in overtime.
The second half began to little fanfare, and the energy in the crowd seemed to have dropped. Mercer was unable to stay hot for the entire half, and the Eagles pulled within one with just under three minutes left in the game. However, Bud Thomas hit just the Bears’ second three-pointer of the game, silencing the Eagles bench. Emory never recovered.
The game was closer than it should have been, for Mercer outrebounded the Eagles 44-30. However, Mercer also turned the ball over much more than Emory, with six more giveaways than their opponent. Also, the Bears outshot Emory from the field, hitting 45.6 percent of their shots. Emory hit just 31.2 percent. Mercer also did much better from the charity stripe, but they were much less efficient from beyond the arc.
Coach Hoffman has a lot of things to work on with this year’s set of Bears, but he was pleased with another season opening win: “It was a good win for us; we knew we had to play. Overall, I’m pleased. We are not perfect. We are not there yet. We’ve got a lot more to do. But I like the fact we found a way to win.”
Daniel Coursey also added 13 points, his own career high. Jakob Gollon was close to a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. Chris Smith played very well in relief, and his role as the sixth man will become vital as the Bears progress through this season. His seven points and five boards were a big contribution.
(11/03/11 12:58am)
In their final home conference match of the year, the Mercer Bears volleyball squad missed a chance to grab an advantage and control its own destiny for the postseason with a tough loss to cap off an up-and-down two weeks for Mercer volleyball. The Bears are 10-17 overall and 3-7 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. With four games remaining, they must win out. At the beginning of the season, Coach Noelle Rooke said that it was all about “peaking at the right time.” The Bears need that now to clinch a postseason spot.
Mercer 3, Chattanooga 1
The Bears continued their break from Atlantic Sun play with a match at home against Chattanooga. The 3-1 win saw a total of 25 kills come from the right side duo of Anna Coursey and Caroline Carlton. The Bears won 25-19, 25-16, 20-25, 25-22. Another great performance all around from the team is what sent the Bears back in the right direction after the rough close loss versus the Rattlers. Charlotte Harris added 24 digs to her tally, and Monica Sanchez had 30 huge assists. For the 10th time this season, Jennifer Katona had at least 10 kills.
ETSU 3, Mercer 1
Despite bringing a two-game winning streak into Johnson City, Tenn., the Bears were unable to get past ETSU, falling 3-1. ETSU dropped the first set, but rallied to take three straight 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-15. Mercer could not get past the Lady Bucs. Harris had 20 digs, and Madeline Dolny added a double-double with 21 assists and 12 digs. Carlton added nine kills with a decent hitting percentage.
Mercer 3, USC-Upstate 1
The Mercer Bears finished the conference road trip by getting back on the right foot with a solid win against USC Upstate. The Spartans were not able to finish the match off after a strong start, with the Bears winning 23-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-18. Amiee Frutchey had 20 kills in the match, with Jamie Duffy and Jennifer Katona each adding 12. Charlotte Harris might have led the Bears with 23 digs, but Frutchey contributed 22. The Bears needed to rebound after the Bucs loss, and this was a great result.
Mercer 3, North Florida 0
The Bears began their final Atlantic Sun homestand of the season with a 3-0 drubbing of North Florida in the University Center. The Bears sent the Ospreys home without a win in any set at 25-18, 25-19, 25-20. North Florida was held to either zero or negative attacking efficiency the whole night, and the Bears picked them apart as a result. Harris had 14 digs, Dolny had 19 assists, Frutchey had nine kills, and Duffy had 10 digs, showing that the Bears had slightly lower numbers than their win over the Spartans a week prior, but they won more as a team than any individual effort.
Jacksonville 3, Mercer 0
Mercer lost their final Atlantic Sun game at home this year with a 3-0 decision against the Jacksonville Dolphins. The Dolphins manhandled the Bears, winning 25-20, 25-18, 25-21. Charlotte Harris got to 393 digs on the year, 1,280 in her career, with a 16-dig performance that was one of the bright spots on the afternoon. Jennifer Katona also had 12 kills. Coach Rooke lamented that “the same team couldn’t show up two days in a row.” Madeline Dolny also had 31 assists. This game celebrated the senior trio of Anna Coursey, Charlotte Harris, and Amiee Frutchey for their Mercer careers.
The Bears are next in action on the road at Florida Gulf Coast on Nov. 4, followed by a trip to Stetson the next day. Their last game at home is on Nov. 9 against Savannah State, and three days later, the Bears play Kennesaw State before a potential trip to the Atlantic Sun Championship in Nashville at Lipscomb University.
(11/02/11 11:32pm)
Despite an age where more college students are participating in athletics than ever, the NCAA has stopped protecting them and their best interests. The NCAA has failed student-athletes everywhere. Gone is the age where classes and coursework came first, and in its place excused absences for game days that are hundreds of miles away. Yes, the distance thing is a major issue, as class time is missed so conference affiliations can be maintained.
With a major push on the bottom line and a ridiculous amount of cash being spent and divided up among the nation’s elite, once great institutions have fallen prey to the NCAA’s mentality of get the most money possible. Anywhere there is a chance to make a buck, the NCAA does.
While that is all fine and dandy in a capitalist world, the NCAA’s mission is precisely the opposite of that. Their core purpose even states that their “purpose is to govern competition in a fair, safe, equitable and sportsmanlike manner, and to integrate intercollegiate athletics into higher education so that the educational experience of the student-athlete is paramount.” I don’t see that in the modern day NCAA. The bottom line is much more paramount than the academic experience.
Competition is not fair, because the NCAA did not balance power out among universities during the rise of conferences. Now, there are four separate divisions among intercollegiate athletics in the NCAA alone, and there is probably going to be a fifth higher tier in the next few decades if the super conference problem is not addressed.
The NCAA has also made a joke of the safety side of sports. I will continue to dwell on football, but what was once a simple game that needed safety regulations has become a bureaucratic mess due to a ridiculous number of rules. These kids are simply that: kids. They are prone to emotions on big plays, and they are prone to make mistakes. Yes, mistakes that can cause serious injury must be addressed, but there is no need to punish some kid celebrating a trick play touchdown and rule it didn’t happen. Instead of fixing stupid rules, the NCAA is brokering television deals and sanctioning whatever will give it the most air time. This is a joke.
As for the educational experience being paramount, that ceased to exist at most major colleges and universities some time ago. It is very real at Mercer, as we enter play into the Pioneer League for football in 2013. The football team will have to travel all around the country to play just a few games. Mercer will play San Diego in California every other year. This is not in the best interests of the educational experience.
In addition, postseason dreams of a championship are awesome and should be encouraged, but it should not come before the education. The NCAA celebrates wins, and they even have a Capital One Cup for the school that has the most wins overall. More than likely, for an athlete to be at the top of their game, things must be sacrificed and removed in order to make the sport their sole focus. I don’t see the NCAA celebrating with some cup for the schools that have their athletes be better students than everyone else.
The NCAA has failed student-athletes, and it becomes more apparent with every team that switches conferences or goes to follow money. Since when is SMU considered an eastern school or Missouri part of the southeast? Now, the NCAA doesn’t stop schools from throwing around millions of dollars in order to find a conference that best suits their financial needs. The only schools that push academics are in the lower divisions, but no one celebrates them on a nationwide scale.
I personally feel that the NCAA not stopping conference expansion and fluidity every few years has done nothing but continue their refusal to care about student-athletes. All the NCAA cares about is getting money. Unfortunately, promising minds are forced to pick their sport in order to get some education. With the NCAA not enforcing academics as much as they promised they would, it’s half-baked and not what it should be. There needs to be a radical overhaul, or just let the conferences rule themselves.
You might say I am complaining about capitalism, but in a world where more experience and connections promises greater financial security down the road, why stop these kids from getting all the opportunities they can? We might lose the next Adam Smith to a fifth round NFL draft selection who blows his knee out just a few years in the league. You never know.
(11/02/11 11:14pm)
After winning their way in, the Mercer Bears women’s soccer team has advanced to the Atlantic Sun semifinal with a thrilling penalty shoot out win over Jacksonville University. Despite being the sixth and lowest seed for the tournament, the Bears are trying to defend their title from last year and return to the NCAA tournament. However, the path to get here was one that has most of the Atlantic Sun scratching their heads. As of Oct. 29, the Bears are 9-7-2 overall, with a rematch with East Tennessee State looming in the semifinal. ETSU was recently awarded with the player, freshman and coach of the year for the Atlantic Sun.
The Path to Defend the Title
Mercer 1, USC-Upstate 0
The Bears needed a win, and for the second-straight game, freshman Washida Blackman scored a dramatic game-winning goal. The Bears took control of their postseason destiny even more with the comprehensive win on the road. For the ninth time this season, the Bears held their opponent scoreless and grinded out a win. They held USC Upstate to just two shots in the match, with neither getting on target. Meanwhile, the Bears had several players who got at least two shots off, and Emerald Phillips threatened the goal four times. After weeks of Head Coach Grant Serafy demanding that his players needed “heart” to win, he said that the Bears “had a very good performance.” The Bears finally lived up to expectations, controlling their own destiny because of this result.
ETSU 2, Mercer 1
Mercer suffered a huge blow to their postseason aspirations, but due to other results around the conference, this tough 2-1 loss against the ETSU Lady Bucs was nothing more than a sour end to the regular season and snapped a two-game winning streak. The Bears went up early behind Olivia Tucker’s ninth goal of the year in the eighth minute. However, ETSU rallied, with a winner in the 81st minute after an equalizer in the first half. ETSU keeper Caitlin Gaughan played phenomenally, with six saves to stop the Bears from assuring a playoff spot on their own. Coach Serafy gave all the credit to ETSU for stepping up and making a play “when they needed it.” The win gave ETSU the A-Sun co-championship.
Mercer 1, Jacksonville 1 (Mercer 4-2 on PKs)
Whenever a conference champion has several individuals return from the winning squad, they never can be brushed aside in the postseason. Despite being the sixth and lowest seed and having clinched a spot due to some beneficial results around the conference, the Mercer Bears women’s soccer team marched into Jacksonville, forced overtime late, and capped off a penalty shootout win to advance. Olivia Tucker was one of four Bears who scored in the shootout, but hers eliminated the Dolphins, one of three teams to win the Atlantic Sun regular season title. The Bears had just one shot on target all game, but it did not matter. Casey Barrett’s goal was her first since Sept. 16 against Presbyterian.
The Bears are next in action on Friday, Nov. 4 against ETSU in Fort Myers, Fla. The Bears look to avenge their defeat from two weeks ago, but both squads are looking to play in the final and have a chance for NCAA glory.
(11/02/11 10:36pm)
Most good ghost stories need an origin. Most of them need something that begins their mystique and horror. Oren Peli’s Paranormal Activity series has become a Halloween fixture for millions of people. In now its third iteration, the original tale of Katie and her haunting has gone back to the beginning, seeing what happened once upon a time. While I won’t ruin any part of the movie intentionally, I will say that the realism of this piece definitely was captured. Paranormal Activity 3 did a great job of showing that all good horror movies need a great story to creep people out, not just a cheap bag of tricks. While those tricks are present, the “found footage” technique continues to scare moviegoers.
After an opening weekend that brought in $78 million worldwide, moviegoers showed that they wanted to be afraid again. In an age where movies are made for hundreds of millions of dollars, the series has had its most expensive movie to date, at $5 million. It set several records for the genre and time frame of release. It had the highest fall (September-October) opening ever, the highest ever for a midnight release of a horror movie, the highest for the franchise, and the highest for the horror genre.
There are several critiques of the movie from moviegoers and critics. One claims that it is a bit unoriginal. However, the film is made in the same exact way as the previous two and has the same storyline. This would be expected. Rotten Tomatoes even says ‘While the jolts and thrills are undeniably subject to the diminishing returns that plague most horror sequels, Paranormal Activity 3 is a surprisingly spine-tingling treat.”
I definitely found myself very excited for the new things that happened and where the story has gone. While I have never been one that has advocated the pumping out of sequels repeatedly in any medium, I find myself already predicting a fourth in the series. This might be way too soon to say this, but I definitely expect it. It has performed very well at the box office, and I am sure that Paramount will be more than happy to green light with the types of returns that the series is getting. Anyway, I expect the fourth, mainly because the story is so well set up for another iteration. Personally, it feel like it will add a lot in, and it won’t feel forced.
Another major critique of the movie is that so much was cut from the movie that ended up being in the trailers and television spots. I definitely wanted more in the film, but I will be more than happy to wait for a DVD/Blu-Ray that has an hour of cut footage. It would make the purchase of the movie that much more worth it. While many might say that they felt like they were lied to by the publication for the movie, I say that there is always false advertising in movie build-up.
In essence, I definitely was scared, and I wanted to be scared. The movie did a great job of keeping me on my toes (as much as a Paranormal Activity movie can). I really enjoyed the backstory, and I can’t wait for a sequel. Some people couldn’t handle it though, where I saw the film. One individual yelled out “F*** this,” and left the movie before it even got to the climax. You need to see this. In fact, I’m probably going to see it again.
(11/02/11 9:55pm)
Mercer’s department of Career Services held another graduate school fair for Mercer students both young and old on Friday, Oct. 21 in the University Center Atrium.
Over 80 institutions were in attendance for all Mercerians to receive information on what comes after their four years at Mercer. This is just another tool that the Office of Career Services, headed by Steve Brown, has used to boost the average Mercer student’s knowledge on things after undergraduate school.
The Office of Career Services have hosted several lectures and seminars, but this graduate school fair was a large event to boost the entire campus as opposed to smaller niches.
Delta Sigma Pi members were on hand to check students in, asking them to swipe their Bear Cards in order to track how many and which students were attending events.
By keeping track of these numbers, the Office of Career Services can better plan and tool events more directed to what people want. This was in conjunction with surveys that every attendee was asked to complete.
Senior business student and Delta Sigma Pi member, Brittany Vorreiter, helped staff the event during the noon hour.
When asked what she thought about the fair, Vorreiter said that “graduate school fairs are a way for Mercer students to connect to life after Mercer. Speaking as an upperclassman, we’re always looking for opportunities and options after graduation.”
Vorreiter used her time well to explore the booths and presentations at the various tables both before and after the time she spent assisting other Mercer students.
Senior Megan Beardsley is an example of a student with a very good résumé, having had opportunities for internships and real work experience in her desired field.
Beardsley used the time to look at schools and get a feel for where she was headed.
“I used the time to get a better look at schools I’m interested in and meet some admissions individuals,” said Beardsley.
She had a clear focus going into the fair, and the event did nothing but help her further her future goals.
Libby Allen, the head of admissions for McAfee School of Theology at Mercer Atlanta, was on hand to speak with Mercer students who felt the call to work in ministry.
Allen was very excited to put names with faces, which is something that always helps individuals in her position of admitting students to post-undergraduate education. She felt that Mercer did a great job with planning out what was one of the better grad school fairs she admitted attending.
Allen said “it was planned very well, mainly due to the groupings of types of schools. Similar schools are nearby each other, allowing prospective students to get a look at each one in that field who came.”
wwThis was something that helped broaden students’ horizons.
All in all, the grad school fair was very successful, and it just showed how much Mercerians care about future education.
(11/02/11 9:20pm)
With all due respect to the people involved with SHAPE, I feel compelled to use my position as a columnist to address something I feel was something of a travesty.
The ideas and thoughts here are not representative of the rest of The Cluster or my fraternity. What I say is attributable to me and me alone.
The recent mandatory SHAPE lecture, something that took nearly two hours of my day for rehashed information, was not helpful at all to the crusade of higher education officials who wish for students to make sound decisions concerning alcohol.
This lecture, while mildly entertaining, was condescending, and I made jokes about it during the actual presentation because of just how demeaning it was.
I know that it is an athletic requirement via the NCAA that they must attend some alcohol talks, in an attempt to instill good habits in the players.
I understand that there is a higher percentage of Greeks who drink as opposed to the average Mercer student.
As a result, I recognize that freshmen might need some tips about alcohol, especially if they have never been partiers or drinkers in high school.
The very fact that all Greeks and athletes were forced to attend a lecture about alcohol safety is not that upsetting.
However, being that no students had to come from the general population — and there was not space for them in Willingham auditorium it appeared — was derogatory and presumptuous.
I would go record saying that more of my friends, associates, and even people I just see at parties who have trouble with alcohol are not Greek.
I was unaffiliated for two years, and I can honestly say that I’ve seen many people not know limits or even basic effects of liquor who are unaffiliated.
Maybe we can attest this to the fact that people in Greek life drink more, so they have more experience.
Whatever the case may be, from two years outside Greek life and getting closer and closer to two years in it, my personal experience says that the general population of Mercer needs alcohol information more as opposed to athletes and Greeks.
I don’t dare offer some radical overhaul of the system. I simply ask that the lecture be held over several nights, and everyone should be required to go.
If it is a guest speaker, then record it and let people see a tape of it. I agree that the dangers of alcohol must be made aware to everyone, but it needs to be better than this presentation.
This presentation was rehashed information for me, and it did not bring anything new to the table.
Honestly, I don’t even remember the lady’s name. Regardless of who she was, she started off her talk with something that actually offended me.
Now, when I say offend, I mean more that rubbed a nerve with me due to her lack of professionalism and decency.
When I came to Mercer, I recognized that part of the Mercer experience would be classiness and sticking with some decency mixed with modernism.
Unfortunately, in an effort to stay connected to society, the university is accepting things that are downright shocking and would probably have Jesse Mercer rolling in his grave.
As seen in the picture, there is a little girl flicking off hundreds of attendees. To my horror, this was the presenter’s way of telling us what we all were thinking at that moment in time.
While I know many people had that thought on their mind, to show a picture like this and make light of the situation was too much and she should not be invited back.
Her attempts to engage the audience were met with ridiculous answers and sarcasm. She wasn’t taken seriously, and that wasn’t fair to her.
Yes, I don’t agree with her methods, but every speaker should at least have a welcoming audience.
Part of this is the fault of whoever declared all of Greek Life HAD to sit through this.
All in all, I really don’t have a problem with SHAPE. I take issue with the fact that this act actually helped propagate the stereotype that all fraternities and sororities do is drink.
This is NOT true, but a forced seminar makes it seem like there’s a serious alcohol problem with us.
Guess what Mercer?
Greeks drink. But guess what else? We take care of each other and are already accountable. We know better than the stereotype.
I don’t mean to sound arrogant and a like know-it-all, but I feel that this needed to be said.
Comments, questions and rebuttals to this column can be sent to Garret.mcdowell@gmail.com.
(10/20/11 12:57am)
San Diego-based rock band Switchfoot, most notably known for their hits “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move,” have outdone their previous albums again. Their newest issue is called Vice Verses, and it has been referred to as their most personal and explorative album yet. I love the album, and I agree it might be better than Hello Hurricane, their last album.
Released on September 27, Vice Verses was preceded by the lead single “Dark Horses” in July and August. ESPN also used the band’s songs for the Florida State-Oklahoma college football game earlier this season. It’s basically the song of the underdog and never being counted out.
Switchfoot’s lead singer Jon Foreman has come out and said that the album was based off a line in the song “Vice Verses” that “every blessing comes with a set of curses.” This led to a very picky and specific setlist that was formed in the years following 2007’s Oh! Gravity.
The previous album Hello Hurricane had over 80 tracks recorded and mastered for potential inclusion in the album. In the weeks and months leading up to its 2009 release, many of the songs rejected for Hello Hurricane were being designated as better for Vice Verses, so named after the April 2009 premiere of the title track at a concert. Many believed that the new album would come out less than a year after its predecessor, but as the months went by, the release date was pushed further and further back. More songs were played at concerts, and the group slowly decided to become more creative and focused.
Vice Verses is a return to the album that tells a theme and story, focusing on a particular idea. While the album itself can vary in tempo and pace, the drums definitely do drive the album. It wasn’t as widely reviewed as previous Switchfoot albums, the reviews were all positive.
Once again, the lyrics were all penned by Jon Foreman, with his brother Tim accompanying in composing. The band worked with Neal Avron, a producer who worked with Yellowcard and New Found Glory.
The songs definitely seem to look at much deeper material. “Vice Verses” has the line “Where is the God in the genocide?” It just demonstrates the material that Switchfoot continues to address in their music. In “Selling the News,” Switchfoot tries a new style of music similar to beat poetry. I hated this song.
In essence, I love “Dark Horses”, “Blinding Light”, and “Restless.” I really only don’t like “Selling the News.” The album moves well and transitions well between songs. I’m really excited for their new music, and I’m very happy I bought the deluxe edition, for it comes with a live version of Hello Hurricane. When listened to, it was the recording of the Atlanta date for the “Hello Hurricane” tour. I went to that show!
(10/20/11 12:55am)
After what was thought to be the pinnacle of soccer games in FIFA 11 (minus the infamously buggy career mode), no one thought that the sequel could outshine it to a high extent. FIFA 12 proved to everyone that EA Sports would continue to put out stellar versions of the game. After several years of merely upgrading the game functionality and performance, the latest addition to the FIFA series of soccer simulation games was a radical overhaul. Gone were some of the basics, some good and some bad, but the game itself proved to be about the best possible. One of the few mistakes anyone found within the game is something that wasn’t even EA Sports’ faults, but outsiders!
The biggest change to the game is the defensive control system. Now, players defend much better, letting less runs into the box that are wide open and unrealistic. When one watches a soccer game, plays on the breakaway are not as frequent, which is something that FIFA had not been able to truly replicate. Due to this, games all too often had ridiculous scorelines like 8-6 or even 4-4, results that are not that common in the competitive leagues – minus the amazing play of Manchester United and Barcelona this year. Now, the defense can play as a whole, forming a fluid wall of containment, which makes tactics and creativity all the more important. While I have been able to get to nine and ten goals per game, it’s more due to be knowing how to play the game and being a longtime veteran. This adds so much realism to the game that I get very excited just getting to watch games.
It feels like it could be a real game at times, with the teams playing like teams, like their real counterparts. The new player engine has actually added in some interesting characteristics to players, such as Barcelona’s Dani Alves making runs up the pitch more often than other left backs normally would. This has allowed for players to more receptive to button commands, and it actually seems believable now with certain players. Combined a rather large amount of numerical possibilities for different traits and attributes, players and teams are able to fit a gamer’s choice of play styles.
The career mode was overhauled in the transfer period. It is one of the most dramatic and fun periods for soccer fans to see how their teams will change, and the final day is a drama-filled mess. Now, the career mode will slow down and not just pass by days but by minutes and hours as the final days of the transfer period happen. Deals can and will happen, making the game much more entertaining and replay-worthy.
Nevertheless, the number of teams playable did shrink this year, but that isn’t as much a coding problem or lack of effort on EA Sports part. Representatives from the company must negotiate the rights to the teams and leagues for use in the game, and if the costs are too much, EA Sports will not be able to get them into the game. The Turkish league is no longer in the game, leading many to complain that teams in Champions League play are not available, but this has been nothing new. For years, great teams from small countries have not been able to be in the game, such as Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), Partizan Belgrade (Serbia), and Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine).
EA Sports got around this with a fully functional program online that allows individuals to make their own teams and rosters and import them into the game. This is a paid addition for all of the features, but the basic program allows for many teams to be added in. I am a fan of the Peruvian League, and it allows me to play with Alianza Lima against their arch-rival Universitario, a rivalry match that saw the most recent iteration have an Alianza fan die at the hands of Universitario fanatics. At any rate, this is a great thing to add in, and I have loved it even more because you can use other players’ creations.
In essence, FIFA 12 is a great addition to anyone’s game library. It needs to be played by lots of people, because it also increases soccer’s visibility in the United States. More of my fans now know about basic and advanced soccer tactics, the history of the game, and players around the world. You should pick it up, and if you have a PS3, add me on there: mercergarret. I’ll happily take you on in any game mode.
(10/20/11 12:15am)
Let me start by saying that Fall Break has been a glorious phenomenon, so I would never trade that away. I have loved these few days off, because I was able to take a trip to see my sister, who is pregnant with her and her husband’s first child.
I’m going to be an uncle to a little nephew, so I couldn’t be more excited.
However, that actual Fall Break time away has always hurt me and my work effort a little. What do I mean? Well, I’ll explain.
Midterms exist, regardless of Fall Break or not. The tests or essays that accompany these awesome few days off are going to happen.
However, I would not be complaining if there wasn’t a break. The major problem that I see is the timing.
Giving us two days off now and then making us have to come two days during Thanksgiving break is just silly. Combine the breaks! Why?
For one, I know I am not the only one who has classes that tend to have just a few assignments that are worth a lot more.
More often than not, these assignments start after Fall Break, but midterms or some other assignment happen right before.
In some other occasions, I have a massive amount of work that surrounds both sides of Fall Break. The break in work flow and classes just doesn’t help. This break actually limits my productivity.
Yes, I know I don’t have to take a break. Yes, I know I don’t have to limit my work over those days. Yes, I know I don’t have to rest and recuperate, but there are no classes and work.
It definitely puts me in a mood not to work. This mood is not beneficial to my grades.
You can claim that I am deflecting the blame for my work ethic on someone else, and that might be true.
However, I would much rather have a full week of work and see those two days off transferred to Thanksgiving week.
A full week off there would be great to rest before finals, and the tests that happen right after Fall Break will just be after another week of work instead.
To me, this would be best. Yes, the ability to do mission trips and a vacation with friends might be limited due to the timing of Thanksgiving, but I feel that people who want to do mission trips would be able to accomplish a lot on the weekends during the semester and could sacrifice Thanksgiving to do so if they wanted.
Many will disagree with me, saying that this is just me ranting, but I feel that a full week at Thanksgiving would be a great fix to the schedule.
Fall Break has never done much for me beyond delaying my work schedule.
I feel that overall productivity on campus would go up if Fall Break was erased in favor of a longer Thanksgiving, enough said.
Comments or quesrions on this column can be sent to
Garret.mcdowell@gmail.com.
(10/19/11 10:09pm)
Most Americans have no idea what promotion and relegation means in the sports world. Many foreign leagues use this for sports such as basketball and soccer, where they have several tiers of competitive play and more than enough teams in the top level to go around. The best leagues have this simply based on the worst few teams getting dropped down a level, and the best teams in the next tier getting promoted to higher levels of play the next year. American sports leagues, despite the massive amount of farm leagues and minor leagues, are based on a franchise system that is solely based on the bottom line. A team will never be relegated, because the owners of the teams have signed a contract with the league to field a team in that league in that city.
However, I digress. The simple system of promotion and relegation means that there are Cinderella teams every year that seem to reach new levels, attempting the impossible and breaking through. George Mason University, the team that ran to the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship five years ago, has nothing on AFC Wimbledon. AFC Wimbledon is a team currently in the fourth level of the English soccer pyramid: npower League Two. The crazy part is how they got there.
Who is AFC Wimbledon? Well, the Dons, as they are affectionately called, are the 2002 creation of some pretty upset fans. Wimbledon Football Club was formed in 1899, and they were never much of a factor until the 1970s. In 1977, they capped off a Cinderella run by getting out of semi-pro and amateur leagues and into the top levels. Just nine years later, the club made into the highest level of soccer in England. They would win the highest trophy, the FA Cup, in 1988, but there were no other championships. In 2000, the club was relegated amid financial problems and resulting poor play.
With stadium seating an issue, Wimbledon was told they should move to Milton Keynes, a new town with space to build a proper stadium. In late 2000, a group of buyers approached the club representing the city of Milton Keynes, and despite fierce opposition, the buyers eventually won out after a long arbitration and appeal process. Wimbledon F.C. left, leaving thousands of angry fans in their wake. The Football Association, the governing body that had established an independent commission to decide whether the move was in line with all of the policies, was strongly opposed to the move as well.
Wimbledon F.C. became known as “Franchise F.C.”, and just weeks later, Kris Stewart, an accountant who hated the move, was the founding chairman of AFC Wimbledon. Later on, AFC would be called the spiritual successor of the original Wimbledon, and AFC claims the trophies won by their predecessor. However, the first chapter was written in what has become one of the greatest success stories ever in soccer, with the knowledge of said events becoming more and more prevalent.
While Wimbledon F.C. played a few more seasons, continuing to flounder and be relegated before the transformation into Milton Keynes Dons Football Club, AFC Wimbledon held an open try-out for three days in June 2002 for anyone willing to play. This shows that the move all along was not to preserve the history and integrity of Wimbledon F.C. but merely a way to buy a club and not build one from scratch. Anyway, AFC Wimbledon didn’t need any history or legacy, because their raucous fans, fans who were all part-owners of the team as a part of the one-fan, one-vote philosophy of the Dons Trust, were literally willing them to win.
AFC Wimbledon applied to the Isthmian League – also known as the Ryman League for sponsorship reasons, but they were denied entrance into this part of the seventh level of the English soccer pyramid. They were eventually admitted into the Combined Counties League (CCL), one of the leagues in the ninth level of the pyramid. With a hastily created team, they played a friendly in front of 4,657 fans in which they lost 4-0 to Sutton United at their home of Kingsmeadow. Kingsmeadow is known as The Cherry Red Records Fans’ Stadium, with the Fans’ part of the name emphasizing the club’s amazing beginning. AFC want to eventually return home, but paying off outstanding debts in the club’s creation are the primary goal.
The Dons would go on to finish third in the 2002-2003 CCL, winning their last 11 league games. They had an average attendance of well over 3,000, which actually was higher than the attendance at Wimbledon F.C. matches in Milton Keynes. In the following season, the Dons would win their first 21 matches in route to an unbeaten season (unbeaten in soccer includes wins and draws) and a first place finish, ensuring promotion in just their second season. They would also win the CCL cup, giving them an elusive double (when a team wins both the league and the cup tournament in the same year).
Playing in the Ryman/Isthmian Division One for the 2004-2005 season, the eighth step in the pyramid, AFC smashed the competition, leading all season and earning a second successive promotion, this one to the seventh step of the pyramid and the place that originally turned them down just three years prior, the Ryman/Isthmian Premier League. While they would win the Surrey Senior Cup that year, there would not be a third straight promotion. Albeit qualifying for the promotion playoffs (some leagues have a few teams playoff for a final promotion spot), they would get defeated 1-0 by Fisher Athletic F.C.. The 2005-2006 season did not fair much better, as AFC would finish fifth overall, missing the playoffs, and they were also part of an illegal player debate that was resolved with the governing body discovering it was just an error. The Dons’ magic seemed to be running out after back-to-back years of not being promoted.
Nevertheless, the 2007-2008 season saw AFC stun Staines Town 2-1 in the playoff final, after the Dons had finished third overall. AFC Wimbledon had won their way into the Conference South, where yet again, the club won back-to-back promotions, finding themselves into the Conference National or the fifth level of the English soccer pyramid for the 2009-2010 season. They had been one of the top clubs all season, but they would not win the title until the final day of the season.
Life in the fifth level of the pyramid was another wake-up call for the Dons, as they had their lowest finish ever at eighth for that first season. They were some 35 points off the leaders. Things would change the next season, as AFC would still finish fifteen points off the pace of the leaders, Crawley Town – a team amid scandal of their own with unpaid debts and no homegrown talent, simply buying players, but their second place ensured them a spot in the Football League promotion playoff. AFC would win 8-1 on aggregate in the first round, and then, with the penalty shootout tied at three apiece, 2009-2010 AFC Wimbledon Player of the Year Danny Kedwell scored to beat Luton Town in the final.
In just nine years, AFC Wimbledon had gone from the ninth level up to the fourth level of the English soccer pyramid. This season, their tenth, has gone smoothly still. Before the recent international break, as of Oct. 6, AFC Wimbledon were in fourth overall, just two points back from first place. Fourth means promotion playoff. While the first five promotions were sweet, this one would be the best to date, if it happens.
Currently, in the npower League One, MK Dons, the team that stole the original Wimbledon F.C. away, is high in the table. While they are second, MK Dons is just three points away from not even qualifying for the promotion playoffs. If it all works out, AFC Wimbledon could be playing their first even matches with MK Dons in the 2012-2013 season in npower League One. Even if MK Dons is promoted, there is nothing to say that AFC won’t follow them there in two more seasons. That derby match would be something to see.
AFC Wimbledon’s success with a small group of fans behind them is nothing short of legendary. I’m sure if this team is promoted to the Premier League in the next few years, then there will be a movie about it. This is the real Cinderella story for sports, because everyone was against them, but they’ve found a way to keep winning. I’m currently trying to become a member of the Dons Trust, and lend my support. While I’ve loved Barcelona for well over a decade and Seattle Sounders since their MLS inception, AFC Wimbledon has made me all the happier.
They’re sponsored by a Sega subsidiary this year, giving them even more legitimacy with some official looking blue and yellow kits. Recently, FC United of Manchester was a new club that was created by former fans of Manchester United unhappy with the club leadership. They are directly inspired by the success of AFC Wimbledon.
I hope I get to see AFC get promotion in real life. For now, I’m stuck with playing FIFA 12 and playing them into the Premier League. Interestingly, npower League Two is the lowest level of the English soccer pyramid that is in the FIFA series. This is their first year in the game, leading to that many more people finding their team and discovering their story.
In essence, this is the real Cinderella story of sports, and the clock doesn’t seem like it’s going to strike midnight for AFC Wimbledon anytime soon. For more information about them, their website is pretty good to find contact info and info about the team in general. You probably wont find them on television, but there are lots of websites with people who will stream these lower league games online. Seriously, watch them. It might not be Manchester United versus Chelsea, but it’s still good soccer.
(10/19/11 10:02pm)
After a 2010 season that saw the Mercer Bears Women’s Soccer team reach the NCAA tournament, many picked them as potential dark horses in the conference, if not frontrunners. Now, with two games left, the Bears are at 8-6-1 overall and 2-4-1 in Atlantic Sun Play, and they hold the sixth and final spot in the postseason tournament if they win out. With only three spots left and just one team eliminated from the 10 squads, the Bears look back at a first half of October to forget.
JU 1, Mercer 0 (2OT)
For the third time this season, the Bears lost in overtime, but this was a little more devastating to the girls, as the double overtime loss meant the Bears had a three game losing streak for the first time since September 2010. Jacksonville outshot Mercer 16-15, but it was not until the next to last minute of the second overtime that the Dolphins had success. Jacksonville’s Raquel Weckhurst chipped a shot over Mercer’s goalkeeper Cagney Valloch, who had three great saves prior. Mercer had nothing left after the first overtime period, in which five shots either sailed wide or were knocked away.
FGCU 1, Mercer 0
For the final homestand of the season, the Bears looked to rebound from the tough losses to conference foes. However, the Bears did not have an answer for FGCU and their 78th minute winner from Kayley Clay after a questionable period of play. Head Coach Grant Serafy had no excuses for his girls. When speaking with the Mercer Bears’ athletics website, he said, “[the Bears] have given away too many games...we have chances to win these games and it’s just been a lack of heart.” The Bears do need heart to make the playoffs at this point, as the loss to FGCU left them on the outside looking in for a playoff spot.
Stetson 2, Mercer 2 (2OT)
After a fourth straight loss, Mercer took the field on Parent Appreciation Night against the Stetson Hatters. For the fourth time this year, the Bears went to overtime. However, for the first time, the Bears walked away with a positive result. A draw gave the Bears new life in the Atlantic Sun table, for Olivia Tucker and Patricia Ann-Upson’s goals were the first ones since Sept. 23 for the Bears. Despite the late equalizer and an inability to find the net later on, the Bears put themselves in control of their own destiny. Stetson committed 30 fouls against the Bears, as they ruthlessly tried to leapfrog Mercer in the standings. It could not stop Tucker from her eighth goal of the season though, nor could it stop Upson’s header off an Emerald Phillips free kick. Coach Serafy continued to say his players needed “heart” and wants someone to step up and make plays. Also of note, Olivia Tucker’s 31st goal of her career continued her reign as the active leader in goals scored in the Atlantic Sun.
Mercer 1, Kennesaw St. 0
After three weeks without a victory, the Mercer Bears won their final home game of the season, a 1-0 decision over the Kennesaw State Owls. The Bears had to win this match, and they did indeed. The win on Senior Night bid a good farewell to a talented group of Mercer seniors. This is the second straight win for the Bears over the Owls after dropping their first seven meetings. Washida Blackman’s 31st header secured it alongside great defense from the Bears.
The Mercer Bears Women’s Soccer have a very tough task ahead of them in their final two games. On Oct. 21, the Bears travel to Spartanburg, S.C. to play USC-Upstate. The Trojans are winless in Atlantic Sun play, but this does not mean they are going to be an easy match for the Bears. Mercer did win 2-1 at home last year, but the recent wins over VMI and Alabama State in Spartanburg will help give the Trojans confidence. The Bears will also have to look out for Michelle Calmeyn, who has 20 shots on goal and three goals on the year.
Just two days later, the Bears will be in Johnson City, Tenn. as they take on their arch-rival East Tennessee State Bucs. The Bears control their destiny to finish sixth in the conference, but they must win versus an opponent that has two scorers in the double digits: Genna Petersen and Jenna Caudle. While Mercer won last season’s match-up, the Bucs are undefeated in conference play at 6-0 as of Oct.14. Mercer wins, and they’re in. A loss in any game will mean that they need help with other results to continue their season a week later in the Atlantic Sun conference tournament.
(10/19/11 9:46pm)
After a devastating close loss at conference foe Jacksonville, the Mercer Bears volleyball team experienced a 2-3 stretch to begin October. The Bears are now 7-15 overall and 1-5 in Atlantic Sun play. There are several matches left, but the 1-5 conference record has the Bears ninth in the Atlantic Sun as of Oct. 14. One thing in the favor of the Bears’ postseason aspirations is that Mercer has no more matches against the two best teams in the conference: Lipscomb and Belmont.
Head coach Noelle Rooke is looking to the future as well. Speaking with the Mercer Bears’ Athletics website, Coach Rooke said, “All we are going to do is keep plugging away because there are a lot of conference matches left.”
North Florida 3, Mercer 1
The Bears finished a trip to the state of Florida as October began with a close loss to the North Florida Ospreys. The Bears won the first set, but then dropped the final three (17-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-23). This was the second straight loss for the Bears. Three Bears did reach double figures in kills in the close match however, spurring the close results as the match ended. Jennifer Katona had 13 kills, and both Anna Coursey and Amiee Frutchey had 10 apiece. This was the sixth time this season Katona had double digit kills. Madeline Dolny had 23 assists and 11 digs for her fourth double-double of the year. Jamie Duffy led the team with 17 digs. It was a closely fought match, with the third and fourth sets having late drama that finished the game off.
FGCU 3, Mercer 2
The first match of Mercer’s first homestand in October ended in the Bears’ third straight loss overall and fifth in conference play. Florida Gulf Coast (FGCU) played well down the stretch, winning the decisive fifth set after twice letting Mercer tie the match up (25-19, 20-25, 25-21, 16-25, 15-12). Madeline Dolny kept the Bears alive with her 49 assists and 12 digs over the five sets, and Amiee Frutchey racked up 17 kills and 13 digs. Dolny’s 49 assists were the most for any Mercer Bear in nearly four years. Libero Charlotte Harris had 15 digs to add to her impressive tally. Overall, the match was more dramatic than the heartbreak against North Florida, for there were 18 ties and six lead changes as well as Mercer tying the match up after the second and fourth sets. The fifth set was tied at 12 before an Eagle 3-0 run ended it. It was a difficult loss on Youth Volleyball Night.
Mercer 3, Stetson 1
In Mercer’s Dig Pink Event, the Bears recorded their first win of the year in Atlantic Sun play versus the Stetson Hatters. The Bears did not have much trouble finishing the Hatters off late as they won 25-13, 20-25, 26-24, 25-13. Jennifer Katona’s 16 kills led the Bears. Madeline Dolny had 39 assists and nine digs, giving her 88 assists on the weekend. Charlotte Harris continued to chase history in the record books with 25 digs. The Bears hit, assisted, dug, killed and blocked better than the Hatters, leading to their first win.
Florida A&M 3, Mercer 2
After a great first set, the Bears fell to the Rattlers of Florida A&M in five sets in Tallahassee. Amiee Frutchey had 22 kills and just four errors. Madeline Dolny continued her ridiculous pace, for she racked up 52 assists and nine digs. The Bears were close early in the fifth set, but a 6-0 run by the Rattlers ended any hope of a comeback. Florida A&M was able to withstand an impressive day by the Bears’ leaders as they avenged a 3-1 loss in Macon one month ago. The Rattlers won 10-25, 25-15, 25-20, 26-28, 15-9.
Mercer 3, Savannah State 0
The Mercer Bears rebounded well from the tough loss in Tallahassee by blanking Savannah State on the road 25-12, 25-10, 25-10. Savannah State fell to 0-17 on the year. Madeline Dolny added 19 assists, but the Mercer reserves and backups were able to get a lot more playing time. Cassie Roy had nine kills and 11 digs, and Zoe Becton and Codi Schepp each had four kills. Becton added a pair of aces, and Schepp had seven digs.