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Sports Review 10.08.2024

Women’s Soccer

Oct. 4 – vs. Saginaw Valley State – L 0-1

Oct. 6 – vs. Ferris State – L 0-2

 

Women’s Volleyball

Oct. 4 – vs. Lake Superior State – W 3-0

Oct. 5- vs. Saginaw Valley State – W 3-2

 

Men’s Football

Oct. 5 – vs. Wayne State – W 22-7

 

Men’s Ice Hockey

Oct. 5 – vs. Northern Michigan – W 4-3

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Women’s volleyball: weekend tournament

The MTU women’s volleyball team faced off against Findlay last Friday in their second game of the UP North Tournament. MTU lost to Findlay 0-3. The final game of the UP North Tournament took place last Saturday, where the Huskies fell to the St. Cloud State Huskies 1-3. 

On Friday, Findlay took the lead early in the first set with multiple back-to-back kills. MTU fought back hard, nearly taking the lead in the middle of the set, making the score 10-9 Findlay. In the end, Findlay was able to hold onto their lead and win the set 25-18. Findlay held a good lead throughout the second set, eventually winning the set 25-20.

MTU showed signs of a comeback early in the third set, fighting back against Findlay to turn the score to their favor. Findlay eventually retook the lead through multiple scoring streaks, resulting in them winning the set 25-17.

MTU’s head coach Matt Jennings said, “I’d like to see some more fight for sure, but we just gotta pick it up and go at it again,” when asked about how the team plans to bounce back from the loss. 

The first set of the Saturday game against St. Cloud started close with a total of nine ties and four lead changes before SCSU eventually passed MTU, ending the match with an 18-25 loss for the MTU Huskies. Tech proceeded to start strong in the second set, gaining a 5-0 lead. Despite this, the SCSU Huskies made a comeback tying at 10-10 and created a close set in the second half creating a close set with eight ties, causing a 25-27 loss and leaving our Huskies at a 0-2 trail at the break.

MTU trailed by as many as six points at the beginning of the third set but made an incredible comeback. Thanks to kills by Meg Raabe and Paige Wagner, the MTU Huskies won this set 25-21, creating an opportunity for a comeback. Unfortunately, that did not happen in the fourth and final set as Tech trailed, ending the set with another 18-25 loss. In the end, our Michigan Tech Huskies lost 1-3 with scores of 18-25, 25-27, 25-21, and 18-25. 

MTU’s next game will be at Purdue Northwest on Friday, Sep. 20 at 7:00 p.m. For more information regarding MTU women’s volleyball, please visit https://michigantechhuskies.com/sports/womens-volleyball/.

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The Rowing Club at Michigan Tech

Rowing in snowfall or shine, the Rowing Club at Michigan Tech takes advantage of their proximity to the Portage, and as much nice weather as they can get in the fall. They practice until about the end of October, when there might be snow, and travel to compete in regattas across the Midwest. In recent years, they have frequented Minneapolis (The Mississippi River) and Lansing (The Grand River) to compete against robust varsity rowing teams, even as a student-led club sport. This year they added two regattas in Iowa to the schedule, which are new to many of the current team members. 

This is no small undertaking for a club and its team members – rowing is both an expensive and intensive team sport; members must work together to fund and teach the sport to novices each year. The team is known for their early morning practices that start at 5 a.m. This time is optimal for weather conditions and the student athletes’ schedules. 

Off the water they also volunteer in the community with Rent-a-Rower, do odd jobs for locals, and set up dine-and-donate events with local restaurants, most notably Soumi’s. 

This Saturday, Sep. 21, the team will host their annual scrimmage with the Northern Michigan University Rowing Club. It will take place in the morning, at 7 a.m., and best viewing will be from the East Houghton Waterfront Park and at Prince’s Point.

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The Wind Harp

Twelve years ago, a structure was erected in the middle of campus. Ridiculed for its entire life, the piece was eventually taken down. Now, few know the real story behind the Wind Harp.

The Wind Harp was installed in Sep. 2012, and sat between the Memorial Union and Chemical Sciences buildings. This area is known for strong winds because of the large structures surrounding it, and has been dubbed ‘the wind tunnel’ by students.

The Wind Harp started with Lynn Watson, then-campus gardener, who wanted an Aeolian Harp on campus grounds. Wind harps have existed since ancient Greece, but they were most popular during the renaissance and early industrial age before technological innovations caused them to die out. Along with then-associate provost Christa Walck, Watson created Friends of the Garden to raise funds for the project. From there, she enlisted designer Ashok Agarwal, a building contractor who had previously been involved with metal sculptures and other outdoor public art installations.  

To assist in the construction of the soundboard, Watson enlisted MSE Professor, Mark Plichta, who helped with the construction of the soundboard out of wood. Physics professor and lead flutist in the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Suits, also helped out as well as Uli Wahl, a German wind harp specialist. Additionally, Dave Sladek and his team at Universal Metalworks in Calumet fabricated the piece.

Despite its 13-foot-tall stature, Agarwal wanted the piece to look subtle, and designed it to resemble a flower before it blooms.The wooden soundboard was painted lavender and surrounded by two bells, which were painted light green. When the wind was just right, the breeze would cause the strings to resonate. The sound would bounce off of the two bells, which were created from iron and ductile iron respectively, so that they will produce two slightly different sounds. This would produce an interplay of overtones only audible to those nearby. Despite later rumors that the structure was misplaced or misoriented, many tests were done to determine just the right place and orientation for the instrument.

Rumors sprung up that there were speakers placed around the sculpture, that it was built in the wrong spot, or that it was mis-calibrated or mis-aligned. Despite these rumors, the Wind Harp did work as intended. It was designed so that most of the time, it would produce no sound, and even when it did, the volume would be subtle. There are videos of it producing a low hum. Though placement in the famous wind tunnel of campus was thought to guarantee sound from the instrument, many claimed to never hear its gentle hum.

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GUTS Frisbee: The “Original Extreme Sport” from Eagle Harbor, MI

The game of Guts Frisbee was born in 1958 as the Healy family tossed a “Pluto Platter” around at a family gathering in their hometown of Eagle Harbor, MI. The offensive team throws the Frisbee at the receiving team 14 meters away to score. The receiving team defends by trying to catch the disc with one hand. The throwing team scores when the other team fails to catch the disc cleanly, while no point is awarded if the receiving team catches the disc. The teams alternately throw and receive, and the first team to 21 points wins! 

As Guts spread across both Canada and the United States, more rules were implemented and the game became more official. Tournaments popped up from Rochester, NY to Vancouver, BC. The game became a spectacle and was even televised by ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Today, there are four major Guts tournaments in the United States, but the sport is slightly different than what it once was. 

Since the rise of mainstream sports coverage in the 1970s, Guts Frisbee’s popularity has declined in the United States. The sport was introduced in Asia by Wham-O in the 1970s, and has since become more popular in Japan and Taiwan than in the U.S. On a global level, Guts Frisbee outlets have popped up across the world in Egypt, the United Kingdom and more. These teams compete at the World Ultimate and Guts Championships (WUGC) every four years. 

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Getting the most out of Career Fair

With Career Fair waiting around the corner, much of the student body is abuzz with researching companies and polishing their resumes. At surface level, Career Fair is an excellent way to get hired, but there tend to be extra hoops to jump through for those who are not traditional engineering majors. Success under those circumstances, in my experience, has stemmed from the ability to make a greater personal connection. Perhaps someone I know or an alum from my major is working for the company, or the recruiter has similar personal interests to me and that will provide an in. The goal is to resonate with someone. 

How do you make a genuine point of connection, then? There are a multitude of tactics that can be employed. A common point of disconnect is not having a strong personal brand and exuding it. This is to say, be more than your experience. Speak to what you gained or are looking to gain, and be sure to leave some space on your resume for personal interests. Practicing with friends or doing a mock interview are excellent ways to have personal answers ready to go for common questions. 

Attending mock interviews and resume workshops are also a way to utilize MTU’s resources if they have absolutely no companies for your major at Career Fair. These skills can be transferred to making a connection at a conference for your major. 

Finally, attend departmental career fairs when possible; this can be especially pivotal if bigger companies tend to not send recruiters with your degree. People at these events are going to be looking for you! Just remember when you go in to not put too much pressure on yourself, breathe, trust that you have prepared well, and you will be more than fine.

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A handbook to local living

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a food aficionado, or a sports fanatic, the Houghton and Hancock area offers a diverse array of activities to enrich your university experience. 

For those craving outdoor adventures, Houghton’s hiking trails beckon. Explore the scenic wonders of Hungarian Falls, Redridge, Douglass-Houghton Falls, and Jacobs Falls, providing a tranquil escape from campus life. To find the locations of the trailheads, students can use Google or Apple Maps, or search on the AllTrails app to find more local trails. 

When it comes to shopping, downtown Houghton presents a charming array of boutiques and local businesses. For everyday necessities and groceries, there is the Tadych’s Food Market in Houghton. The Keweenaw Cooperative (Co-op) market across the bridge in Hancock offers a sustainable shopping experience. The cheapest and most utilized shopping option is, of course, Walmart. 

Students can engage in athletic activities to stay active and foster a sense of community. Whether you’re cheering on Michigan Tech teams or participating in recreational sports leagues, Houghton provides ample opportunities to stay fit and connect with peers. Intramural (IM) sports are easy to join, so find a group and get active! There are also many community groups, including the running club based out of the Copper Country Running Co. store in downtown Houghton. 

If you enjoy trying new restaurants, Houghton has many different styles that can satisfy any craving. For authentic Mexican cuisine, La Cantina in Hancock is your place. If you like sushi or bubble tea, Sky Sushi is the place to try. If you are craving some Chinese, Ming’s Asian Bistro or Hunan Garden can satisfy your desires. Some of the other local favorites are Joey’s Seafood for their fresh seafood, Roy’s Pasties & Bakery for their stellar pasties, and the renowned Jampot for a taste of UP flavors in the form of baked goods and preserves. 

Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending community events such as the farmer’s markets in Houghton, Hancock, Lake Linden, Chassell, and Calumet. Experience the rich diversity of the region at the annual Parade of Nations and enjoy entertainment at the historic Orpheum Theatre or the modern Rozsa Center. 

As you settle into university life, Houghton invites you to explore its offerings and create lasting memories in this dynamic community. Embrace the opportunities that await and make the most of your time in the Keweenaw.

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Staff Highlight: M. Bartley Seigel

My professional name is M. Bartley Seigel, but everybody who knows me calls me Matt. I’m Writing Center Director and Associate Professor of Creative Writing & Literature in the Department of Humanities. 

 

I’ve been faculty at Michigan Tech since 2005 and faculty advisor for the Lode since 2021. 

 

As Lode faculty advisor, my main responsibilities are to lend expertise and mentorship to the paper when and where it’s needed, and to help ensure coherent transitions from year to year as students cycle into and out of the organization. It’s little known lore that the Lode, the oldest student organization on campus, was on the verge of collapse by the end of Covid lockdowns. It’s been a real privilege working with the paper’s incredibly dedicated staff to help bring it back from that brink, to help keep our campus from becoming a news desert, and to help ensure that Michigan Tech students can be better informed and more civically engaged in our community. There’s much work left to do, but the Lode is thriving in all its idiosyncratic glory, and I couldn’t be more proud to be involved during this time.

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Film Board showing “Knives Out” this weekend

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Well, the Film Board’s got you covered! 

The Michigan Tech Film Board is one of the oldest clubs on campus. They are a student-run organization that presents movies every weekend of the school year in Fisher 135. Film Board will show “Knives Out”(2019) this Friday and Saturday at 5:30, 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. 

“Knives Out”is a murder-mystery film that follows the famed private detective Benoit Blanc, who was summoned to investigate the death of bestselling author Harlan Thrombey. Film Board Secretary Kolby Swanson provided some insight on this week’s movie selection. “When we heard the theme of the Welcome Week was ‘Clue,’ we knew we had to show ‘Knives Out’ as our film for that week,” said Swanson. “The decision was unanimous.” 

Movie suggestions are made months in advance by a movie committee that meets after the club’s general meeting. “Once we have all of the suggestions we then vote on which ones we think will have the best attendance, which are typically the big blockbuster movies that did very well in the box office,” noted Swanson. Some upcoming shows for this semester are recent releases such as “Dune: Part Two”, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”, and “Monkey Man.” Tickets are $3 per person, while concessions, including popcorn, soda, candy, and other snacks are available to purchase at $1 each. Film Board members receive free admission, popcorn, and bottled water for themselves and up to four friends once per weekend. To become a member, students need to attend at least two Film Board general meetings. 

For more information about the Film Board and upcoming shows, visit their website at filmboard.mtu.edu or attend one of their weekly meetings in Fisher 127 at 6 p.m. every Tuesday.

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Upcoming Events 8.27.24

Tuesday, August 27th

Get to Know Your Library

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Van Pelt & Opie Library

On-Campus Job Expo with Career Services

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – MUB, Alumni Lounge

Library Orientation for New Students

1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Van Pelt & Opie Library, East Reading Room

Sip, Solve, Support! with the CDI

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Van Pelt & Opie Library Entrance

Range Day with the Women’s Golf Club

5:20 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Portage Lake Golf Course

 

Wednesday, August 28th

Get to Know Your Library

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Van Pelt & Opie Library

Library Orientation for New Students

1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Van Pelt & Opie Library, East Reading Room

Meet the Greeks with Fraternity and Sorority Life

12 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Walker Lawn

Wiffle Ball with the Baseball Club

5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Walker Lawn

Learn to Play Ultimate with the Men’s Ultimate Frisbee Club

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Sherman Field

Vision Board and Collage Making with Sorority Life

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – MUB Commons

Intro to Swing Dancing with Swing Club

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. – DHH Patio

Open Cheer Practice with Cheer Team

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Walker Lawn

 

Thursday, August 29

Get to Know Your Library

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Van Pelt & Opie Library

Cornhole Challenge with Silver Wings

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Walker Lawn

Off-Road Vehicle Display with Four Wheelers at Michigan Tech

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Lot 14

First Year Students – Making the Most of Career Fair

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – ChemSci 104B

Meet and Greet with Undergraduate Student Government

5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Walker Lawn

Mountain Bike Ride with Copper Country Cycling Club

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Nordic Wax Center

Brainiac Battle: Quiz Bowl Showdown with Quiz Bowl

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Fisher Hall 230

Origami with Mu Beta Psi

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Fisher 132

SDC Broomball

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – MacInnes Ice Arena

 

Friday, August 30

Get to Know Your Library

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Van Pelt & Opie Library

Meet and Greet with African Students Organization

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Fisher Hall Campus Entrance

Vehicle Display with Supermileage Systems Enterprise

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Walker Lawn

In-CLUE-sive Pizza Party

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – CDI Lawn

Join PHAT! with the Pre-Health Association

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Walker Lawn, across from the CDI

Board Game Night with Gamers Anonymous

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Fisher 129 and 130

Dryland Dog Demo with Mushing Club

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Tech Trails Isle Royale Loop

Trivia Night with Arctic Rangers

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. – ROTC Building 101

Black Out Dance with the Black Student Association

8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Walker Lawn

 

Saturday, August 31

Hike with the OVC at Black Creek Nature Sanctuary

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – MUB Bus Stop

Intro to Curling with Huskies Curl

12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Walker Lawn

Tech Trial & Trial Mix: Walk in the Woods with Jim

1 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Michigan Tech Trails

Campfire with Triangle Fraternity

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Princes Point

Slim Jams Concert

8 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Princes Point

 

Sunday, September 1

Labor Day Picnic

5 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Kestner Park

 

Monday, September 2

No major events on this day

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