But on more serious terms, this is my last [and only second] Cheers and Jeers section of the semester. Some of you are already home and have begun your summer vacation; some of you are awaiting graduation; and some unlucky few are waiting for your last final so you can go home. So without further ado, here is your last edition of Cheers and Jeers until the fall [where the weather will probably be as sporadic as ever.]

Cheers to the Senior Class of 2013
Well guys, you did it. Almost anyway. By the time you read this you will be halfway through your finals and on your way to graduation, and hopefully bigger and better things. No matter what field you are going into, you’re going into it knowing you received a great education and will be ready for whatever the world throws at you. It was a long journey with many struggles and triumphs, but you prevailed. And for a short while, lived like a dolphin. So enjoy senior week, get the most out of these next few days and remember that [this is clichéd but I do not care] once a dolphin, always a dolphin. Congrats to all those graduating.

Jeers to Study Day
Now I don’t know about you, but how many people actually study on study day. For me it is personally a day to just kick back and relax. Now, I might catch up on some work and make sure everything is ready; but I have personally seen about 10 people [wrote this at noon on “study day”] just around the townhouses who are lounging around and even some people swimming [shout out to 503.] For all of you studying, good for you! For those as unproductive like me, enjoy the day off, ‘cause I know I am.

Cheers to Fermata Nowhere
I have always been a fan of music. Any kind really…pop, punk, rock and roll and even some rap. But when a group has the ability to blend it all together is when I really get into it. Le Moyne’s own acapella group Fermata Nowhere blew me away. Shout out to Devon Barrett and Jessie Gherardi for keeping the group together and going strong. I was fortunate enough to see the performance last Wednesday and was more than impressed. I mean, they were even able to make it rain inside the chapel – not literally of course – but they sure impressed more people than myself. Hope to see you guys next semester.

Jeers to Early Morning Construction
I’m sure people have already made it a point to complain about this. I see it on Facebook and Twitter, but had to make it a point here. Now if it’s three or four in the afternoon, and I am sitting in class and hear a jackhammer breaking into concrete, that’s one thing. But after a long night of studying for finals or finishing that last paper, I just want to sleep. Next thing you know it, BOOM! 6 a.m. and there’s a drill right outside your window. C’mon guys, we understand you are doing your job [well some of us do,] but we just want to sleep for a few more hours. I’m sure there is another time you can do the heavy work and save the quiet jobs for the morning hours.

Cheers to the Hill Crew
Every sports team has a ritual that they perform for one reason or another. I mean, they’re athletes; their minds operate on a different level. But the baseball team’s fan base takes the cake when it comes to devotion and love of the game. Every home game, the hill alongside Dick Rockwell Field is lined with devoted fans doing whatever it takes to get in the other team’s head. I don’t know everything about Le Moyne baseball, but I do know one thing…if I was a leftfielder in the Northeast 10 division, I would not want to play at our field. Gangs of dolphins screaming down your neck every inning would not be my idea of a fun game.

The idea to form a band started when McCall’s guitar teacher suggested that he and Toscano should write and play some songs together, which turned into the beginning of “The Overnighters.”

As far as the creative process goes, Toscano and McCall both contribute lyrics to the songs, while Toscano tends bring the guitar parts to life. From there, they both work on making the song what they want it to be.

With inspiration from Ben Howard, City and Colour, and John Mayer, Toscano and McCall have a serious niche for admirable music. They don’t have a huge repertoire yet, but they’re working on it. Their favorite song to play at the moment is their newest hit, called “Emerson Street,” which has a very inspiring message. Toscano said most of his inspiration is from sort of the “what ifs” in life. On the other hand, McCall said most of his brainstorming comes from Philosophy books that he is reading.

As best friends, these two really enjoy being in the band together. McCall said the best part is “ust making the music.” Toscano added that, for him, the highlight is “just to play our music and have people say they like it.” With endless support from each of their families, these two definitely know what is most important about being in a band.

Be sure to take a moment to check out this band and show your support. This year, you can expect more live shows and potentially even a full-length album from The Overnighters by the end of summer.

Like their Facebook page to get updates from the guys! http://www.facebook.com/TheOvernighters

Go onto their band music site now to download their 3-song EP! http://www.purevolume.com/TheOvernighters

Jessie Ware’s voice is like a cross between pop icon Katy Perry and crooning Alicia Keys. She has the tone of Perry, but with the range and attitude of Keys. On the album, I noticed a couple songs that were very R&B driven, like: “Swan Song,” “If You’re Never Gonna Move,” which also has a hip-hop style to it that is sung with effortless perfection, and “Taking In Water,” which is filled with lush emotions and stands out as a modern hit on the album.

The song “Wildest Moments” is, without a doubt, the most popular track on the album. With a maddeningly repetitive drum beat and elegant piano keys, Ware sweeps you away with a potpourri of uplifting lyrics. “Baby in our wildest moments/ we could be the greatest/ we could be the greatest” are sung almost like an ancient poem.

Tracks like, “Something Inside” and “No To Love” seem to be alternatively/singer-songwriter driven. Ware’s precious lyrics are sung so fluently, it almost puts you in a trance. Most of the songs on the album are incredibly smooth and almost flow seamlessly as one long song. “No To Love” has recurring lyrics that get old after a couple listens and “Something Inside” seems to have many different genres involved that is tied together with archaic violins and overlapping never-ending harmonies.

“I don’t know if this is wrong/but it’s encrypt into my mind/I don’t know if this is love/but I think it’s worth a try” are sung in a whisper-like voice by Ware on the song “Imagine It Was Us.” This track belongs in a fashion show as women in feather boas strut down the runway or on an episode of “Sex and the City.” The whole song is very very reminiscent of a young Madonna back in the day. It has that old steady beat with synthesizer-like sounds that seem to glide along with the question-driven lyrics.

The definition of “devotion” is a profound dedication. Ware knows exactly how to stay true to her sound. This album is not for everyone but, even though I think “Devotion” could have been a lot better, I’m glad that Ware stuck with her unique sound.

4 out of 5 dolphins

Tracks to buy: “Wildest Moments” and “Taking In Water”

Basics
All of the items in Five Below are exactly as the name implies: five dollars or less. That being said, though, the merchandise is still of reasonable quality, unlike products from the dollar stores we may be accustomed to. They carry everything from iPhone cases and candy, to kitchen and gym supplies. Although there are a lot of options, it is an organized mess that made me want to look for more.

Customer Service
Sales associates are always easy to find in their black and gray polo uniforms featuring the Five Below logo. The sales associates were young and energetic – a combination that’s hard to come by these days. If a customer was to walk past a sales associate, he/she would likely be greeted with something like, “Hey, how are you? Are you looking for anything in particular? Let me know if you need help.” They were friendly and to the point; however, they did so without being overwhelming.

Cleanliness
Five Below may be a collection of random items., but as I mentioned earlier, it’s an organized mess. The floors were clean – even by the food items. The sales associates seemed to be on top of it all.

Website
After visiting the store, I decided to check out the website (fivebelow.com). It’s appealing to eye and everything is easy to find, with tabs for every occasion and function – including media, crafts, party and more. You can also search for a location near you and even see what’s on their “hot stuff” and “the now “ lists to find items that are popular right now.

Bottom Line
This is your go-to, on-a-budget store that will not trick you with its prices or quality. Want a preview? Visit the site online!

The scenes at Syracuse’s gaming stores last Saturday were festive. At the Franklin Square location of “Play the Game, Read the Story,” a game and hobby store only a 20-minute bike ride from Le Moyne, a large, merry but orderly crowd lined up in the parking lot, waiting for the doors to open at 10:00 a.m. Then the foraging for free comics could begin.

But the free merchandise is only one appealing part of the event. Perhaps the biggest draw is the chance to be a part of the cultural stew that forms when anime, gaming and comic aficionados gather en mass. “Play the Game, Read the Story” hosted a 300-person Yu-Gi-Oh! card tournament while steady streams of people mingled in the aisles of the shop.

Those in attendance were a colorful bunch. There was one guy dressed in full Superman costume, while others sported Yu-Gi-Oh! regalia and even a Le Moyne professor or two who spent their time browsing the rows of comics and dispensing wisdom. What was more striking than their appearance was the fluency with which they spoke to one another in what seemed like an insider language.

At the same time, enjoying Free Comic Book day does not require an extensive background in comics and gaming.

As Mike, an employee of “Play the Game, Read the Story,” explained, “Free Comic Book day started about ten years ago after the first Spiderman film. It was a promotion that planned to draw from the popularity of the films to help draw newcomers into comic shops.”  Pointing out the crowd, he continued, “As you can see, it has been pretty successful.”

A sizable portion of the comic book crowd is composed of college students. For Mike, this demographic makes sense.

“They come here because they like comics and gaming as hobbies,” he explained. “Hobbies that give them a small break from reality and their studies.”

The Jesuits believed in taking care of the body, setting goals no matter how big or small, and live life with intention and integrity. These beliefs can be integrated into all daily aspects of life, even athletics.

“We are planting the seed of these values, and exposing student-athletes to the unique and special education of what it means to be at Le Moyne,” said Murphy.

Working with Father David McCallum, Murphy developed five main ideas regarding what is most important in being a student-athlete at a Jesuit institution. These ideas are meant to help students to become more aware of how they are choosing to live their lives, and to be healthy.

The first, cura personalis, meaning “care for the individual person,” helps students to begin thinking about how they are being engaged with others and with themselves in their daily lives. Students will reflect upon their practice, game performance and how they prepare themselves for athletic events.

Magis, meaning “more,” is another major focus point for the students. This term helps students to begin focusing on giving their all into everything that they do, why they chose to play their sport, and what obstacles they face in achieving their best.

Students then address the term discernment, which is the process of making choices. This calls for students to reflect upon thinking before acting, why they choose to compete in their sport and what decisions they can make to become fully engaged in all that they do.

Reflection is the fourth key focus that Murphy discusses with student-athletes. Students take time to discuss the idea of reflection, how they focus on the positive aspects in their lives over the negative, and at what times during the day do they take the time to think and reflect.

The final focus of this initiative is spirituality, touching on the idea of being at peace with oneself. These terms help to educate student-athletes on the importance of these Jesuit values, and how they can be applied to being a student-athlete.

This mission helps student-athletes to begin to understand the important Jesuit values that help them to become developed as a person, and focus on creating a positive mentality that can be carried with them throughout their lives, even after Le Moyne.

This new initiative is a great way to help student-athletes to become more connected to the key values of a Jesuit education. Only in its first year, this program will continue into the following academic year, and help students to grow not just as athletes, but as individuals who will help to make a positive impact on the world.

At the final competition for this year’s Upstate Challenge, Le Moyne routed St. Rose with a 21-8 victory. The Dolphins recorded 27 hits in the game, including multi-hit games for all nine starting players. The Dolphins found themselves down 1-0 early on, but fought back in the bottom of the second inning to plate 11 runs. Senior catcher Brian Stinson crushed a grand slam in the inning, which saw the Dolphins pound out 13 hits. Junior Nate Reynolds and senior Zack Wiley added more RBIs in the inning.

St. Rose came back to within 11-5 in the fourth before the Dolphins added two more insurance runs. After two and a half scoreless innings, the Dolphins continued to add to their lead, scoring eight runs between the sixth and seventh innings. Wiley plated graduate student Matt Ciraco with a line-shot home run to left field, while freshman Pat Wright drove in a run on a sacrifice fly. Sophomore Max Nagelsmith added a bases-clearing double in the eighth to bring the score to 21-5.

​Despite a minor comeback in the ninth inning, the Dolphins held on for the impressive 21-8 victory. Sophomore Jon Dunn earned the win on the mound, pitching six innings and allowing five runs.

​Le Moyne took this momentum into a three-game series at home against Assumption. With the Hill Crew, as the Le Moyne fans are called, in high spirits, the Dolphins pulled out the three-game sweep.

​The first contest started with the ‘Phins down 1-0 early on. Senior Kody O’Connor took away the deficit with a two-run shot in the bottom of the second. Ciraco blasted a home run in the third to give the Dolphins the 3-1 lead.

​The game went back and forth, and into extra innings, where Assumption threatened to take the lead. Junior center fielder Pat Wiese made an amazing play to rob Assumption of a home run and the go-ahead run in the twelfth inning. Feeding off the stellar play, the ‘Phins plated the winning run on Wiley’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the twelfth for the 6-5 win. Sophomore John Mildner earned his first collegiate save, pitching three scoreless innings.

​The Dolphins raced out of the gate in the start of the second game, scoring three runs in the first. Wiese singled in Ciraco, while freshman Trey West knocked in two more runs on a booming double.

​Assumption eventually tied the game at three apiece in the fourth inning, but the Dolphins answered with nine runs in the bottom of the frame. Senior Paul Speicher singled to plate two runs, while Wiley added a bases-clearing double in the inning. West blasted his first career home run to add to the excitement.

​The Dolphins continued rolling to an easy 16-5 victory, with senior Kevin Carroll taking the win and Wiese leading the pack with four hits in the game.

​The final game of the regular season was also the Senior Game and the game of the long ball. Three Le Moyne players blasted home runs en route to a 12-1 victory.

​Le Moyne was down 1-0 early, but they plated four runs in the third to take the lead and never looked back. Wiese drove in a run on a fielding error, while graduate student Ryan Mahoney hit a three-run home run in the frame.

​Speicher and Stinson both added home runs in the game as well as both plating three runs. Freshman southpaw Zach Tucker claimed his first collegiate victory, allowing just one unearned run in five innings of work. Sophomore Conor Nolan earned his third save of the season, pitching four scoreless innings on the day.

​With the Dolphins rolling into the playoffs, they have won 10 of their last 13 games. Securing third place in the Northeast-10 Conference Southwest Division, the ‘Phins head into the Conference Championships with spirit and momentum.

To be chosen for this honor, each interested athlete must answer six questions and submit his/her responses to the NCAA in order to be nominated. Most of these athletes are either juniors or seniors, and members of SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee). Once the athletes submit their application, they are then chosen by the NCAA to attend the forum.

Formerly known as the Student Athlete Leadership Forum, the program used to focus on leadership skills that student athletes could bring with them back to campus. The NCAA changed it about four years ago to be more focused on careers in athletics, and helping students to make connections.

This four-day conference brings together students from 1,000 different institutions, 23 sports and 400,000 student athletes of all different divisions. The NCAA combines the two different career paths in college athletics: coaching and administration. Students are broken down into different groups and work together to learn about different careers and get to know other students athletes.

“This is the first real opportunity for someone interested to communicate with athletic staff,” stated Jeanne Murphy, Associate Director for Student-Athlete Success.

Being selected to attend this forum is a valuable experience for all student athletes interested in having a future in athletics.

“I am really excited to be selected to attend the forum. It will allow me to learn about what career opportunities exist in Athletic Administration,” explained Brenna Bauer. “This experience will prepare me for my future and open doors that would not be possible without it.”

How she got started:
“I started playing for a BULL league when I was in fourth grade.  A majority of my neighbors and friends from school were involved so I jumped on the bandwagon.”

Major and future plans:
Conese is a math major, with a concentration in education. In the future, she hopes to be a kindergarten teacher.

What made her decide to be an attacker:
“Basically in high school my coach just told me that was where I was going to play, and so it just stuck I guess. Also, defense seems really complicated.”

Person/people who have had the greatest impact on Conese:
“My high school coach probably had the biggest impact on me throughout lacrosse because of how much she loved the sport, she made it fun all

throughout high school and still follows all of her players throughout their  college careers.

Goals she has reached and what she hopes to achieve:
“As a team, one of big goals was to finally win the NE-10 tournament which we accomplished this past weekend, and next we really hope to be successful in the NCAA tournament!”

Advice to other players:
“Don’t take anything for granted, cherish your teammates and coaches because those are the relationships that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Most memorable moment as a Le Moyne Dolphin:
“My most memorable moment thus far is traveling to Kentucky for the NCAA’s last year.  Although our outcome on the field wasn’t what we had hoped for, it was an unforgettable experience to see Louisville and visit the stadium where the Kentucky Derby is held.”

Pregame ritual:
“The only thing pregame ritual I have even though its really unrelated to lacrosse is that I have to paint my nails before every game!”

Reaction to her newest individual award, NE-10 Player of the Year:
“I was very surprised when my coach called to tell me. At first, I asked her if she was calling the right person. It is truly an honor to receive the award, but I honestly think it could have gone to about five other girls on my team alone.  I think that is why we are finding so much success this year, because there are so many girls who can lead the team on any given day.”

Personally, I consider myself a dang good packer since I can fit everything I bring to and from college in my little Jetta, except for the fridge (and I could put that on the roof, technically). It stems from my family going on vacation a fair amount when I was a kid and having to pack four people’s worth of stuff into a tiny camper.  Now, many of you may not be on campus now or may have already packed, but for those of you who are left, here’s what I’ve learned from experience.

You can fit anything in anything if you try hard enough. (Done laughing yet?) Seriously, you know all those little trinkets and pens and whatnot in your desk that milk crates and cardboard boxes can’t contain? Stick them in your shoes or in the space in your first aid kit. Have Tupperware? That’s a huge waste of space if they’re not nestled in each other. By taking a second to fill all those little spaces within what you’re already packing, you can save a lot of hassle and space.

When loading up your vehicle, plan ahead and fill every gap. My trunk is as square as a football and filling it only with boxes and milk crates leaves a lot of gaps, so I keep out my sheets and posters to fill in those gaps. There are also the spaces underneath the seats, up against the doors and even in the glove box. By using them, you maximize your space and better secure your items from shifting on a tight corner.

Another thing to realize is that summer is a long break, so don’t feel bad about throwing out some food or the pillows that will mold in your closet for months. Bringing trash home is a common, yet horrible mistake – and it wastes gas and space. Make sure that the food and drink you do keep are sealed tightly with tape. Trust me, you don’t want to unpack your foodstuffs and find them covered in honey.

Concerning clothes, realize that the trip is short in the grand scheme, so wind up your t-shirts and roll your pants as tight as possible – the winkles will come out quickly once you unpack. You can even use some as packing material for more breakable objects. Obviously, care should be taken with the more expensive and formal item, however.

Remember to keep the important things close at hand. I always keep my electronics (computer, Kindle, chargers etc.) and bathroom supplies in the front seat so that when I get home and really don’t want to do anything or unpack, all I have to do is grab those and I’m good for a day or two to relax.

Also remember to keep the rear window clear – it’s illegal, and there are plenty of cops around here who watch for that during move-out season.