Tailgating Back in Business

Tailgating Back in Business

New President, New policies

By: Jake Kelly and Zuzka Tomcikova
story #2

           

            During Dr. Jon Quistgaard’s tenure as president at BSU, tailgating in Diamond Point Park was strictly dry [no use of alcohol] but was welcome to family and friends alike to participate in pre-game festivities before BSU's football team kicks off a home game. Although plenty of enjoyment was had during these events the prohibited use of alcohol was always a topic of conversation among students and parents.

            Dr. Richard Hanson took over BSU's presidency this summer after the retirement of Dr. Jon Quistgaard in the spring. This change in leadership also brought about a change in the policies. Alcohol will be allowed in Diamond Point Park before events taking place in Chet Anderson stadium.

            Hanson explained that he wanted to foster a festive and friendly environment but to also allow those, who are of age, to enjoy the option of consuming alcoholic beverages before games. This change in policies has some students excited. "I really like the fact that we're given the option to drink some beers before a game," said BSU student Brian Renkes. "It makes tailgating and grilling more fun and it seems like more of a college atmosphere."

            Some, however, have doubts about the change "It's not that I mind the consumption of alcohol. I just feel like some people may get out of control and I don't really want to deal with them," said Mike Gryte, a student worker at the gate checking tickets, "I would feel bad for someone who I had to turn away because they were too intoxicated."

            Hanson said that he didn't want it to be a place where people come and get out of hand. He just wants fans to have the freedom to enjoy themselves within the realm of reason and to be responsible and courteous enough to not cause problems.

            "I love the policy change, it allows us adults to have a little more fun watching our kids play," said Stephanie Dale. Her son is a tight end for the Beavers, who had their home opener on September 11^th. This was the first event since the new policy took place. "It was great seeing all the parents and fans." said Stephanie Dale "Everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun and I didn't ever get the feeling that things were getting too rowdy."

            This new rule only applies to students aged twenty-one and older. Montana Vichorek said, "It doesn't bother me that people around me are drinking. I know I'm not allowed to but I still have a lot of fun hanging out with my friends who are of age."

            Whether people are for the consumption of alcoholic beverages or against it, most seem to be participating in the festivities. The support and turn out from the community on the 11th was remarkable. The policy change seemed to have no adverse affects as the game went on smoothly and without complications.

Montana Vichorek, 20, BSU student interested in the

New policy.

Brian Renkes, supporter of the new tailgating policy.

Diamond Point Park, area where fans enjoy the grill

outs.

BSU’s Chet Anderson stadium, home of the Beavers.

Word count: 533

Local Stands on Bemidji Avenue & 23rd Street

Guy spends his spare time standing on a street corner to hold a sign about Jesus

By Rhea Wawrzyniak

Word Count: 690
Story #2



By Rhea Wawrzyniak

Brian Thompson stands on the corner of Bemidji Avenue and 23^rd
Street as much as he can to spread to the word.



Most people push the button to cross the cross walk, and stand there waiting for the red hand to turn into the green person so they can walk across the street. Brain Thompson, on the other hand, stands on the street corner of Bemidji Avenue and 23^rd Street, as the traffic rushes by, to get his message out to the many people driving. “Jesus is coming back soon, are you ready?”  

Thompson said he used to be into drugs and alcohol. “I got saved on March 1^st 1993,” he said.

Two years before that, Thompson said, he and a buddy were drinking and driving out in a snow storm and ended up in the ditch. The snow was up to his waist so he couldn’t move when he got hit by a 4-wheel-drive pick-up truck. He didn’t break any bones; in fact, he didn’t even have a scratch.

“God spoke to my spirit at 3:30 in the morning and said, ‘Brian, if you continue down this path this is what is going to happen to you,’” said Thompson. “Well Lord, I’m done drinking.”



Thompson stands on the corner and sets the double sided sign on a pole that comes up to about his waist. As the traffic lights change he turns the sign. “I try to come out here six days a week,” said Thompson. “I am usually out here during the day from noon to six.”



By Rhea Wawrzyniak

Chuck Samuelson, the executive director of the American Civil
Liberties Union of Minnesota, talked about the 1^st
Amendment at the “Five Rights of Freedom, Our 1^st Amendment”
dinner with the ACLU-MN.



The 1^st Amendment protects Thompson and other people like him. At the ACLU-MN dinner, “Five Rights of Freedom, Our 1^st Amendment “, Chuck Samuelson was asked if someone was to stand on the corner of the street with a religious sign would it be covered by the 1^st Amendment? “Yes,” Samuelson replied. “The 1^st Amendment is a wonderful thing, but often times very messy.”

Thompson described the reactions of people to his sign. “The brothers and the sisters of the faith, they wave, thumbs up, or honk,” he said. “The ones that don’t, they give me the middle finger, and swear at me, say that there ain’t no god, and I’m a fool for standing out here.”

 “Every time I see him I wave, or say hi,” said BSU student Lenius. “I think what he is doing is a good thing, however, I also think that there might be better ways to serve the Lord other than standing on a corner with a sign,” said Lenius. “Maybe, he could be out preaching the word of God instead of letting people who drive by read his sign and make up their own assumptions.”

“I feel like he is trying to preach to us and, I felt kind of weird at first,” said BSU student Erik Lindstrand. “But now, I just got used to him standing there.”



“I have nothing against Jesus at all, but I feel like he is almost trying to create a forced opinion” said BSU student Jasmine Grika. “I honestly don’t like him because he is a huge distraction and it gets old after a while.”



By Rhea Wawrzyniak

Brian Thompson standing on the corner of Bemidji Avenue and
 23^rd Street with a sign that says, “Jesus is coming back soon are you ready?”



Thompson said some people talk to him, but others don’t. “They ask me why I am standing out here, I tell them my story and they say, ‘Keep up the good work’ and that’s all I’m trying to do,” said Thompson.



 



 


 



  Rolling into Bemidji

Paul and Babe Roller Derby comes to Bemidji

By Natalie Reque

            The rush of adrenaline can be felt through the stomping of the feet and clapping of the hands from the audience in the stands. One girl goes flying out of the lap marks and crashes to the floor. More screaming and cheering ensue. One would think the men’s hockey team is beating our biggest rival. However, it is the women’s roller derby that came to town to show Bemidji some fun.

            Each group rolled into Bemidji September 18 and started to fill the John Glas Fieldhouse around 4:30. The teams that came to Bemidji this time come out of Grand Forks, but they took on a very familiar name for each team. Babe represented the blue team and Paul for the red team. If one has never been to a roller derby before, they might not even pay attention to the flyers that the league posted all around Bemidji State University’s campus. But going to one would add adrenaline to anyone’s night.

            “Derby is a nice good relief. It’s a good emotional relief, and it’s good physical. Just all around a lot of pluses,” said Rachelle from Grand Forks (she declined to have her last name given out). With her pink gear and drawn on cat whiskers, one could not tell that Rachelle (a.k.a Pink Panther), is an advocate for victims from domestic violence and sexual assault who has a social work degree from UND. Working for the Community Violence Intervention Center located in Grand Forks can be a very stressful job, but the roller derby is a great way to release some of that tension. “It’s good for physical health. It’s good for mental health. The sisterhood aspect is fantastic,” she said. “It’s run by women, it’s for women. It’s very empowering.”

            The roller derby has been around for over a century. It can be dated all the way back to 1885, but back then it was men who were allowed to play. In this league it is for women. Women can range from mothers to professionals to young women. Even women older than fifty can join. However there is a test each woman must pass in order to be part of this league. One must be able to skate five laps in one minute and 25 laps in five minutes. Also, they must be able to jump with both skates off the ground by three inches repeatedly. After getting accepting to a team, the women must put hours of extra time for practice. Being part of the roller derby is no walk in the park.

            However, it still is all about the fun and adrenaline that not only the players get but the onlookers too. As for one onlooker, Jeffery Snell, it’s just another family tradition. “Coming to these roller derbies are so much fun!” he said. “I never really paid much attention to them or really even heard about them until they came to Bemidji last year. I’m hooked.”

            Even though they are part of the Women’s Flat Track Association and they do pay dues,   all the beating and bruises that these women suffer is really just for the enjoyment of the game because it is all voluntary. Each team does do volunteer work for their communities. Also, the games have no trophies or money to give to their players. “If we win, we are very, very happy. If there is a trophy I don’t know about it but we will wait and see,” exclaimed a very excited Pink Panther. Her team, the Babes, ended winning a phenomenal game over the Paul team 147 to 38.

            “It’s so fun to go see a rock-em-sock-em kind of sport that is composed of only women that I can go see in the community,” said single mother Vannessa Cookman who attends Northwest Tech for a nursing degree. “I like going to the derby because it’s an exciting, upbeat sport and it’s easy for the crowd to get into it.”

           

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Just some of the glamour of the evening.



Pink Panther needed assistance with all her makeup.

 

During half time, the players viseted with family and friends.



Caught in action. The blue team taking the lead from the red team.



The turnout of supporters was encouraging to the players.



The advertisement for the bout could be seen all over campus.



picture 1

picture  2

Men’s season’s hockey tickets go on sale

Long wait for students ends in reward

By Luke Landgraf

Word count:575

The BSU men’s hockey tickets went on sales Sept 8th.  They were sold out in the first three hours.  Many students went to go wait in line at 11 o’clock the night before.  Students brought blankets and pillows to sleep through the night. Other students fell asleep on the benches near the door.  The tickets were sold at Upper Union. 

“With the new rink tickets were expected to go a little faster than normal,” said Robin Stalberger, a worker at Upper Union.  The Hockey games this year will be played at the new BREC Arena.  This is located on the other side of Lake Bemidji. “When we started selling tickets there had to be at least 200 to 300 kids in line,” she said “ this whole process was exciting once we got things started . . .There were a couple things that slowed down the ticket selling, the credit card machine was not printing receipts.”  With having roughly 200-300 kids in line there was some frustrating moments.  “ Many of them were trying to get to class after they got their tickets,” said Robin “I felt bad for the kids who got budged in front of in line.  Once we started giving out receipts, students could come back later and buy their tickets .”

 Little did students know that were sitting by the north door of Upper Union there were students sitting by the south door as well.  The students that were sitting by the south door got let in the building first.  “Most of the kids who were sitting by the north door were the ones who were waiting all night,” said Emily Geiser a freshman at BSU.   “When we eventually got let in the doors we were in the back of the line,” said Emily “The most frustrating thing wasn’t the fact that we were in back of the line waiting it was that there were a lot of people who showed up at like 5 am that were in front of us.”  The line weaved though Upper Union and out the door.  “When we were let in the door we were sitting in the wrong place and we were not really in line.” 

The hockey tickets increased a little bit from last year.  Students that got their tickets with their priority point got their tickets in advanced and didn’t have to wait in line.  “I am glad I got my tickets in advanced,” said Brady Scott a BSU sophomore.  “I heard the line was crazy and people were waiting at like 11 that night.”  There were many students who showed up 10 o’clock that morning who still got their season tickets.   “I knew that they might still have tickets in the morning but I did not want to risk it,” said Emily “ I had fun waiting outside with my friends but I wish they would have been  more organized.”

 picture 1

Taken by Haley Dillan

Haley Dillan, Larissa Kranz, Kurt Andersen, Emily Deakins, Kelcy Longendyke did whatever they could to waste time while waiting for their season tickets.  Even if it was playing tricks on the security guard, that was watching the students.

 picture 2

Taken by Britney Lovro

Britney Lovro a BSU student found herself a nice comfy bench to sleep on while she waited in line to get her men’s season hockey tickets.

BSU is Going Back to the Future

Beavers Battle Peacocks in Homecoming Game

By Andrew Pooch and Nick Jelacie

            After a disappointing loss in last year’s homecoming game, the Beavers are anxious to jump into the lake after missing their chance last year.  A win against The Upper Iowa Peacocks would give the team an opportunity to carry on a unique 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, a group who helps graduates to remain active in BSU, chose the theme and the Campus Activities Board is building a week of events that will lead up to the homecoming game on Saturday October 2, starting at 1pm. "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 King and Queen, Nambee Ragavan and Kelsy Lavernz will hand over the crowns to this year’s royalty.  The candidates are nominated different student organizations.  The students have the power to vote for their favorite candidates.

            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 Bowl.  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 starting and ending at Chet Anderson Stadium.  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 team alumni 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.

 Upon winning the homecoming game October 2 against The Upper Iowa Peacocks, the Beavers will jump into the frigid waters of Lake Bemidji and sing the school fight song. Photo taken by: Nick Jelacie

Northern Minnesota’s fastest growing car club

Automotive enthusiasts come together in Bemidji, Minnesota

 By Taylor Klinke

Everyone knows someone who enjoys working with cars - whether it is your dad, brother, or a friend. They’re the ones who change your oil or help change a flat tire - Or the ones who are constantly upgrading their vehicles with the latest sound systems, etc. A lot of people enjoy working with vehicles and now Bemidji has a club for all local automotive enthusiasts.

Club Redline was formed in 2006. BSU junior and club president - Chris Nelson said. “I wanted to get all automotive enthusiasts in the area connected in a group because one did not exist.”

Chris decided to start this club after seeing movies and being involved in other groups who enjoyed the same hobby. After brainstorming he recruited three of his friends to put flyers on cars around the Bemidji area – and within two months they went from 4 members to 125 members.

BSU senior - Brian Dahlin joined Club Redline in 2006 after Chris Nelson approached two of his friends while they were out driving around. “I joined because I’ve always had a passion for cars,” He said. “About 70% of my thoughts are occupied by something automotive and I like the fact that I have a local forum full of people with the same passion.”

The car club comprises all styles, makes, and models – new and old, import and domestic. Chris Nelson owns a 1985 Pontiac Fiero GT and a 2005 Nissan 350z while Brian Dahlin owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee and a 2000 Honda Civic.

Club Redline hosts the Club Redline Street Show every June in Bemidji – it is either held indoors at the John Glas Fieldhouse or at various outside venues. They also participate in out-of-town car shows such as the Tintmasters Motorsports Perfect 10 Car Show and also do a lot of drag racing events at the racetracks in Brainerd and Sabin – which is near Moorhead.

Initially, there was no membership requirement for Club Redline, but since 2009 a flat rate of $35 is required to join and you also need to have at least $1,000 in modifications or upgrades done to your car or truck.

“Recently in Bemidji the car scene has become increasingly older and more mature,” said Dahlin. “People no longer see the joy in going out for a weekend cruise or a short cruise on a weeknight. I’m guilty of this - I see the fun but I am too busy in my final year of school to be able to go out and cruise when only two other people show up.”

Club Redline is a local car club based in Bemidji and currently consists of 35 members. “We do not cater to a specific style of car, but to the actual person who has an interest in modified cars and trucks,” said Chris Nelson.

If you want to find out more information, visit http://www.clubredline.net/

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Chris Nelson's 1985 Pontiac Fiero GT that he bought in 2007

Chris Nelson's 2005 Nissan 350z that he bought in Orlando, FL in 2009

Chris Nelson's 2005 Nissan 350z parked infront of Bemidji's Tintmaster

Brian Dahlin's 2000 Honda Civic that he spent about $2500 in modifications