Story # 2 - The Historic John S. Glas Fieldhouse - Eric Story

Bemidji, Minn.

The Historic John S. Glas Fieldhouse 

What its Future May Hold

By Eric Story

Published: September 20, 2010

It was just seven months ago when the good-byes were bid to the John S. Glas Fieldhouse. The men’s and women’s hockey teams played their final games at “The Glas” on February 20 2010. The men’s nightcap game closed the doors with one final victory, 6-1 over College Hockey American conference opponent Niagara.

With the grand opening of the BREC less than a month away, many students are wondering what’s next for “The Glas.” Will it be renovated and used for other sports?

According to BSU Athletic Director Rick Goeb, the plan is to install artificial turf so the facility could be used year round for other BSU sports.

There have been talks of possibly a weight room in the plans as well because of the uncertainty of what will happen with Walnut Hall, which currently houses the weight room for BSU athletic teams. “It would great to be able to practice on turf and maybe have a new weight room,” said BSU student and football player Jake Zimmerman. “Hopefully they can get it done so I get a chance to use it”.

“It would be a phenomenal addition to our athletic programs,” said Jim Stone, head coach for the BSU women’s soccer team. “It could be a factor in recruiting for us, and give us a great place to practice when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate”.

It also has the potential to help with practice times and scheduling.

The John S. Glas Fieldhouse has been the home of BSU Men’s hockey team since its construction in 1967. For 43 seasons it served as one of the best home ice advantages in college hockey. The men compiled a 502-145-41 all-time record during that time, winning .759 percent of their games in “The Glas.”

The John Glas S. Fieldhouse was also the home of BSU women’s hockey since their inaugural season in 1998. For both programs combined, “The Glas” was to home to 874 Beaver hockey games, with a record of 551-255-68 for a .669 all-time winning percentage.

“It was a special place to play,” said Pat Cullen, ’93 BSU graduate and former All-American defenseman. “You just didn’t expect to lose . . . it felt like the ice was slanted downhill, with our opponents always facing an uphill battle.”

The Glas was a $970,000 fieldhouse expansion to the existing  BSU Physical Education Complex. Plans were made in the mid-1960’s with the Minnesota legislature giving the approval to build in 1965. It opened Nov. 17 1967, with the Beavers hosting the Minnesota Nationals.

From completion in 1967 until Oct. 1, 1975 “The Glas” was known as the BSU fieldhouse. It was renamed in honor of the retiring John S. Glas, the acting president of Bemidji State University at the time of the arena’s completion. Glas arrived in Bemidji in 1939 to serve as business manager and remained with BSU for 36 years.



Final game at the John S. Glas Fieldhouse, pressbox view
photo by: Eric Story



West end of the John S. Glas Fieldhouse
photo by: Eric Story


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Bemidji State’s Pre-Law Society Begins Preparation for Mock Trial

With High Hopes to Compete Nationally

By Casey Dainsberg (STORY #2)



Thursday night, approximately ten students gathered in HS 113 to learn more about a new group forming on campus, the Pre-Law Society and Mock Trial. Mock Trial is an event poplar in many high schools, colleges, and law schools. It is a means for students to familiarize themselves with the ways of the courtroom before actually getting there.

Faculty advisor and BSU Prof. of Political Science, Patrick Donnay, has been instrumental in getting Mock Trial going on the Bemidji State campus. However, it was students who first approached him about starting a Pre-Law Society and Mock Trial on the BSU campus last fall. Dr. Donnay said the “The idea really came from Alyssa Gunstrom (political science and international studies major) and Sarah Van Marel (social studies major) who started the Pre Law Society last fall. They brought the idea to me.”

When asked why they choose to start Mock Trial here on campus, Dr. Donnay said “It grew out of the desire to have a forum for those interested in law, or the other aspects of mock trial, to have a forum where they could test their abilities, learn new skills, and put them to the test in inter-collegiate competitions.” Donnay also expressed his vision for the Pre-Law Society and Mock Trial groups saying “The goal is to build the Pre Law Society and Mock Trial into strong, fully functioning organizations. For Mock Trial that means learning the craft so we can be competitive on a regional and ultimately national scale while building a sustainable means for financing the organization.”

Although Mock Trial made its first appearance on the Bemidji State campus last year,  this year will be the first time Bemidji State will compete against other universities in Mock Trial tournaments and invitationals. Eventually, the Mock Trial team will compete in the regional tournament next spring, when they will have the opportunity to advance to one of three flights; gold, silver, or bronze where they will be competing at a National Level.

BSU students Melissa Dahl and Alana McElhinney are active members in the Pre-Law Society, and are helping to organize and run Mock Trial. Dahl, president of the Pre-Law Society and Mock Trial says she does it to prepare her for law school. Assistant County Attorney Katie Nolting, will be coaching the BSU mock trial team this year. Describing herself as a “Mock Trial dork,” Nolting has been participating in Mock Trials since she was in high school and she continued to participate in Mock Trial through college and law school. Nolting brings experience and passion to the team. As a practicing attorney her courtroom experience is an asset.

As she spoke to students at the Mock Trial meeting on Thursday night, Nolting described the competitive aspects of Mock Trial. It’s “all about how much you want to put into it,” she said. Mock Trial requires commitment and hard work from its participants; but, as Nolting recounted, it is well worth it when you start winning awards and competitions.

Nolting also listed benefits for students as a result of participating. Mock Trial prompts students to think on their feet; it develops public speaking skills; and students learn to be articulate. For students interested in law school, it allows them an opportunity to learn vocabulary and concepts that are crucial in any study or practice of law.

The American Mock Trial Association was founded in 1985 by former Dean of Drake University Law School, Richard M. Calkins. According to his law firm’s website, Calkins currently practices law in Des Moines, Iowa where he specializes in Mediation Services.

The American Mock Trial Association’s website explains what they are all about saying the “AMTA [American Mock Trial Association] serves as the governing body for intercollegiate mock trial competition.”  Colleges from across the nation participate and compete against one another under the AMTA umbrella.

Mock trial is a stimulated courtroom environment where students are given the facts of a case which they will then proceed to act out. The cases are unscripted, leaving students to create their own arguments and questions from the information provided them in the case. When competing, teams present their case before two judges. They are then given points which fall between one and ten based upon their performance. If Mock Trial is something you would be interested in, Mock Trial and the Pre-Law Society meet at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday nights in HS 113.

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Student Melissa Dahl and Mock Trial Coach Katie Nolting (L to R) talk to
students about Mock Trial while Faculty Advisor Patrick Donnay (Far Right) looks on



Bemidji State Students Nick Nelson and Colin McGregor  (L to R) listen as Katie Nolting
talks about this years case. Both will be Competing on the Mock Trial Team this year



More Students Buying College Textbooks Off-Campus

College textbook costs are on the rise – which has some students worried.

By: Taylor Klinke

Every school year college students around the country are deciding how or where to purchase their college textbooks. Most college freshman start off buying their textbooks at the campus bookstore but then discover from friends or other students that it may be cheaper to search for used books online.

“I think the cost of books from the bookstore is absolutely ridiculous,” said BSU sophomore Melissa Morrison, “A used book shouldn’t cost me $100.”

On average, college students are spending $900 per semester on textbooks. That’s $1,800 for one year – and if you want to get technical - $7,200 for a four-year degree.

There are a lot of factors that go into the total cost of a textbook. About 64 cents of each dollar you spend on a new textbook goes back to the publisher – the bookstore receives just under 23 cents, the author 11 cents, and that extra penny or two goes to the freight company that delivered the books to the store. Publishers make no money when too many used books are in circulation so they release new editions every couple of years - It’s the only way they can make money and continue to publish books.

Some college professors like Janet Prater understand where students are coming from, “I think the cost of books is often very high for students. Students are strapped with rising costs all around.”

But BSU professor Mark Lawrence has a different opinion; “The cost of a textbook is the very last thing on my mind when I assign students a text from which I hope they will learn something.”

More and more students like Melissa Morrison are using the Internet or other sources to buy used textbooks, which has the campus bookstore trying to come up with new ways to help students. “Our goal is to ensure that you, the student, has the right materials to educate you for your future,” said BSU bookstore manager Dustin Enockson, “While I can tell you the industry is changing and e-textbooks, or digital, are becoming more popular, the bookstore is committed to offer as many choices for the student as possible.”

New this year to the BSU bookstore are rental textbooks and NOOK study digital e-readers. Renting a textbook is 55% cheaper than a buying a new book - while digital books can range from 25-50% cheaper than a new book.  

So if you’re worried about covering the costs of your textbooks – try to be one of the first to the bookstore next semester. You’ll have first pick at books available to rent and chances are you’ll get other great deals. Maybe the bookstore isn’t for you - so buy online, purchase e-books, or share books with a friend. If you need to, take out a loan. The cost of college is high but nothing is worth more than graduating and having a degree.

BSU is Going Back to the Future

Beavers Battle Peacocks in Homecoming Game

by Andrew Pooch and Nick Jelacie

            After a disappointing loss last homecoming, the Beavers are anxious to jump into the lake after missing their chance last year.  A win versus Upper Iowa would give the team an opportunity to live up to tradition. Assistant Head Coach Rich Jahner said, "Jumping in the lake is a memory that is very special since it's unique to BSU and only a few people on the planet have had the opportunity to experience it."

            The theme for this homecoming is "Back to the Future." The Alumni Society chose the theme and the Campus Activities Board is building a week of events that will lead up to the homecoming game on Saturday. "We chose to play off the movie trilogy from the 90's and have integrated a few of the more famous images from 'Back to the Future,' such as the delorean, the clock tower and the title itself," said CAB president Andrea Bodin.  "The movies were produced in the 90's, so we are having a retro twist with Kool-Aid jammers, [90's] trivia quiz, and glow bowling."

            The coronation of royalty kicks off homecoming on Monday.  It will be held in the BSU Gymnasium at 9 p.m.  Last year's winners, Nambee Ragavan and Kelsy Lavernz will hand over the crowns to new royalty.  The candidates are nominated by different student organizations.  The students have the power to vote for who wins.

            On Tuesday, fire-eating magician Brian Brushwood will entertain students in Hagg-Sauer 100 at 9 p.m.  From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, "Dirt Cups" (cups of chocolate pudding with crushed Oreos and gummy worms) will be served in the Lower Union.  Thursday night is free glow bowling to BSU students from 9:15 p.m. to midnight at Bemidji Bowling Alley.  Friday night will be the homecoming dance in Memorial 100 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

            The big game is on Saturday, October 2.  Many people will begin their day downtown participating in "Kegs N' Eggs" at the Keg N' Cork or tailgating near the stadium.  There is also another option for those who feel like getting some exercise instead.  The homecoming 5K run/walk is at 9 a.m., with a course that includes a tour of campus.  At 11 a.m. BSU Alumni Association and Beaver Pride are starting the Homecoming Tailgate Party in Diamond Point Park.

            The game starts at 1 p.m., after an introduction of football alumni who are in attendance. A win would let the Beavers sing the fight song and jump in the lake. "Beating Upper Iowa would mean that we're continuing a long tradition that's important to the team," said red-shirt freshman guard Jared Erickson. After the game, there is a Football Alumni Reunion at the Bemidji Elks Club. "Both players and coaches enjoy having the alumni around the program again," Jahner shared.  "The stories are relived along with a lot of laughs."

            Homecoming is capped off with an evening Beaver Block Party on Beltrami Ave. between Third and Fourth Street.  Urban Myth, from Minneapolis, will provide live music.

            For more information, or to register for events, go to the Alumni Association Website at www.bsualumni.org and click on Homecoming 2010 under "Coming Events."  All events are free for students.

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Fans of young and old will pack the bleachers at Chet Anderson Stadium Saturday October 2 to cheer on the Beavers to cap off Homecoming week. Photo taken by: Nick Jelacie.

Prior to this year’s Homecoming game vs. The Upper Iowa Peacocks, Beaver Pride and the Alumni Association will host a tailgate party in Diamond Point Park starting 11am. Photo taken by: Nick Jelacie.

BSU football players celebrate after winning the annual Homecoming game by jumping into the cold fall waters of Lake Bemidji outside the west end zone at Chet Anderson Stadium. Photo taken by: Nick Jelacie

BSU security may be looked upon as the bad guy to some, but it is there for our benefit.

These permits allow students to park in more then one spot.

When a student does not pay off tickets, they could find a boot on their vehicle.

                          An omonious sign when one does not follow the rules.