RCTC Echo, February 2015

1. By Zech Sindt
Editor-in-Chief
zechariah.sindt8464@mb.rctc.
edu
RCTC President Leslie Mc-
Clellon was one of the honored
guest speakers at the Martin
Luther King Day event that took
place at the Rochester Conven-
tion Center on Jan. 19, shortly
after the downtown parade.
McClellon spoke on a num-
ber of social justice issues
affecting many communities
across the country today. She
said it that it is important for
everyone to “work towards a
world where all members of so-
ciety, regardless of background
or procedural justice, have basic
human rights and equal access
McClellon urged everyone
present to become social justice
warriors, saying the term has
often come to mean something
derogatory. She pointed out
that in reality, people such as
Mahatma Gandhi and Martin
Luther King, Jr., were social
justice warriors because they
questioned the motives and
moral integrity of those whom
they opposed.
She said many youth today
do not know how to approach
the multitude of problems we
are currently facing. “We have
not continued to take care of our
youth and educate them to his-
“The main reason the youth
do not know how to confront
the problems facing society is
because parents have not actu-
ally taught the youth how to do
continued, “We as parents tell
our kids, go and do this, go do
that, but when they don’t do it
right, we ask them, ‘Why didn’t
you do it right?’ It is because we
have not actually shown them
McClellon urged people
to take action and stand for a
cause, and to educate and teach
the youth. “If you don’t stand
for something, you will fall for
she reminisced about the days
of the Civil Rights era.
She told of the progress
made towards achieving equal-
ity for all American citizens.
“Remember, this all happened
in one lifetime, and it was not
so long ago. Just study your his-
In conclusion, McClel-
lon believes we have come a
long way since the 1960s Civil
Rights Era, but we have a long
way to go.
To view the speech, go to
http://youtu.be/7hPJNMEP-jU.
President McClellon: ‘Told is not taught’
By Jennifer Rogers
Managing Editor
jennifer.rogers9107@mb.rctc.edu
The Rochester Chess Club has hopes of
bringing more recognition to their scholastic
chess events.
RCTC math instructor Paul Kinion
says that chess is fun and raises student’s
self-esteem. He says it is very effective in
helping students develop their decision-
making skills.
Kinion helped organize a chess
tournament that took place in January during
winter break. Forty-two middle school, high
school and RCTC students participated, and
more than a dozen parents and chess coaches
from local schools attended.
There were three tournaments — bantam,
junior varsity and varsity — all competing
for the President’s Cup. Bob Banker of
the art department made three ceramic
President’s cups for the individual winners.
Many of the participants are newcomers
to the Rochester community who are
enrolled in the Public Schools ESL program
at Kellogg middle school.
Also included were students who are
in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch
program for economically disadvantaged
students.
Kinion said he asked McClellon for
permission for the tournament, and for the
to hold it at RCTC. Kinion decided to name
the tournament ‘The Presidents Cup’ in
honor of her.
Continued on page 11
Echo Photo By Zech Sindt
RCTC President Leslie McClellon, speaking at Rochester Conven-
tion Center for Martin Luther King Day, encouraged all to become
“social justice warriors.”
Rochester Community & Technical College Volume 83 - Issue 5 - February 2015
Mind
games
Chess tournament draws
42 youths to RCTC
Echo Photo by Zech Sindt
LaPlante brings
home 350th win
Page 9
‘Throwing a pot’
Page 6
RCTC student advances to national photo contest
-
rapher’s Forum annual Best of College and High School Photography 2015. Juhn, who also is The Echo’s graphics
manager, has a photography exhibit titled “Embracing Community, the True Beauty” currently on display at in the
Comprehensive Learning Center. Be sure to check it out.

2. 2 NEWS
2 NEWS
2 NEWS
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Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
By Jennifer Rogers
Managing Editor
jennifer.rogers9107@mb.rctc.edu
Kolloh Nimley and some of her
colleagues from the Council on Black
Minnesotans (COBM) recently went to
St. Paul to propose some new legislation
that may soon help many underprivileged
students in the Rochester community.
The COBM presented facts concerning
education by using information pulled from
the Department Of Education Reports in
2011 through 2012. They said that overall,
about three-quarters of our state’s students
graduated on time from high school in 2011.
However, only 55 percent of students of
color graduated on time. There has been little
progress improving this rate during the past
six years. In addition, the growing cost for
higher education at all levels is putting it out
of reach for many underprivileged students
in the area.
The COBM is supporting many
government programs that encourage
education, such as MNSCU’s ‘Charting
The Future,’ Students Services Personnel
of Education Early Childhood Education
Initiative.
COBM also brought a housing
amendment to the Legislature’s attention.
This amendment includes grants to expand
housing capacity and provide affordable
housing and housing-related services. It will
managed by people of African heritage that
provide landlord and tenant counseling and
mediation in Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud,
Mankato, Minneapolis, and St. Paul.
The COBM is supporting the Minnesota
Housing Finance 2015 Affordable Housing
Plan and Housing Opportunities Made
Equitable Pilot Project – an effort designed
to help close the disparity gap in affordable
home ownership and rental housing for all
communities of color in Minnesota.
COBM said that the Arts and Cultural
Heritage Fund receives 19.75 percent of the
sales tax revenue resulting from the Clean
Water, Land and Legacy amendment to
support arts education and access to arts, and
to preserve Minnesota’s history and cultural
heritage.
Based on the current sales tax revenue,
Minnesotans will invest more than $1.2
billion in arts, which leaves two African
heritage organizations to split approximately
$750,000. COBM believes Minnesota can
and should do better to provide equal access
and opportunity to African Heritage Artists.
COBM says there is a need to provide
direct grants and funding for African
Heritage Artists, provide technical
assistance to support African Heritage artist
organizations, and support for individual
African Heritage artists. The funding
will also provide services for archiving
the Legacy of African Heritage Arts in
Minnesota and provide a quantitative
analysis of the Changing the African
Heritage Arts Landscape in Minnesota.
The COBM’s ultimate goal is to end the
many disparities that various communities
around our state currently face.
“These proposals take our community
beyond constructs, simple tolerance, and the
empty language of diversity and inclusion, to
mission statement. Allophilia is having
a positive attitude for one that is not your
own. It is considered the direct opposite of
prejudice.
Agency advocates for
underprivleged students
the Council on Black Minnesotans.
Photo by Kyong Juhn

3. 3
3
3
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Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
By Zech Sindt
Editor-in-Chief
zechariah.sindt8464@mb.rctc.edu
Minnesota Public Radio reported in
January 2014 that racial disparity in the state
is among some of the worst in the country.
For example, although Minnesota’s
infant mortality rate is among the lowest in
the country, data shows that babies born to
families of African heritage in Minnesota
those born to other racial demographics in
the state.
citing an example of what happened
during the planning process for the light
rail line between Minneapolis and St.
Paul. The original plans called for a rapid
train schedule with limited stops that only
communities. It went down University
Avenue cutting right through Midway,
an area that contains predominantly poor
African-American neighborhoods, yet there
were no planned stops for the area. Had the
plans gone through the way the designers
originally intended, the light rail would have
further harmed Midway housing values, the
local economy, education of children already
struggling, and the health of residents, yet
Midway residents would not have even
gained the advantage of riding the train.
Minnesotans of African heritage
have needed a way to address these types
of issues for decades, and in 1980, the
Minnesota Legislature created the Council
on Black Minnesotans (COBM). The goal
of the legislature was to address disparities
in African American communities, and to
help ensure that people of African heritage
fully and effectively participate in, and
and economic resources, policies and
procedures of the State of Minnesota.
in Coffman Hall 132. The local Community
Program Specialist is businesswoman
Kolloh Nimley.
Nimley opened Healthcare Discharge
Planning Resources in 2011. She says she
became involved with COBM because of
her passion to help people succeed. Because
of her life and business experiences, she
realized the importance of enabling people
who have been trapped by economic or other
circumstances get on their feet and achieve
their full potential.
Nimley says her goal is to help
empower the black community. She works
hard to publicize the accomplishments of
black Minnesotans and their contributions
to the quality of life in Minnesota. Some
of her goals include educating parents to
lobby on behalf of their children, creating
partnerships with the Workforce Center, and
coordinating efforts to get the student body
involved at the legislative level. By doing
so, Nimley hopes to enable the community
as a whole to enjoy growth and prosperity.
There have been many positive strides
made in the Rochester community in
recent years. Businesses owned by people
of African heritage are becoming more
common. According to Minnesota 2020,
Patricia Tetteh, originally from Ghana,
moved to Rochester in 2005 and started
Northgate Hair Salon. Rochester resident
owns Global Home Health Care and Global
Employment Solutions. Broadway Super
Gasoline, Eastwood Grocery, and Muna
Halal are all Rochester Somali owned
businesses.
Although many of these local business
owners come from a variety of backgrounds
and cultures, they have one thing in
common; they never give up. Nimley says
that too often the systems we currently have
in place do not have a way to hold people
accountable to seek independence, so they
often give up before achieving their goals.
Oftentimes the cards are stacked against
them. Nimley offers some good advice
to students stuck in this rut; “Know your
passion and don’t quit, because today is
Nimley says that at one time she was
found a job, all assistance was immediately
cut off. There was no phase-out period.
about this, they informed her that if she quit
her job immediately, all of the services she
was receiving would be put back into place.
Because of her quest for independence,
Nimley chose to keep her job and forego
what would have been the easier route at
the time. It is this trap that many people
seeks to change.
In 2014, COBM introduced 12 disparity
eradication policy recommendations for the
governor and legislature, and introduced
12 legislative bills to address disparities in
economic development, criminal justice,
education, healthcare, urban agriculture,
affordable housing, arts and culture, and to
address violence and expand human rights
enforcement and COBM duties.
Council celebrates diversity and aims to end disparity
Photo courtesy of the Rochester branch of Council on Black Minnesotans

4. February
2015
Volume 83, Issue 5
CC-209
507-285-7246
RCTCecho@gmail.com
www.rctc.edu/echo
Editor-in-Chief
Zech Sindt
Managing Editor
Jennifer Rogers
Graphics Manager
Kyong Juhn
Sports Editor
Ben Haney
Photo Editor
Emmy Miller
Arts/Entertainment Editor
Ellen Corbett
Business Manager
Kohl Hanson
Staff Writers
Grace Boyum
Farhiyo Farah
Jon Olson
Philip Sample
North Seelinger
Betty Truitt
Faculty Adviser
Dwight Boyum
We want to hear from
our readers. Send your
comments, story ideas
or upcoming events to:
rctcecho@gmail.com
The Echo is a free publication
written by RCTC students who
are dedicated to freedom of
press, while reporting on issues
affecting the student body, faculty,
administration and staff. Letters
to the editor are subject to editing
for content and length, and opinions
expressed within The Echo do not
Rochester Community and Technical
College’s administration, faculty,
staff or student body. Ten-four.
4 OPINION
4 OPINION
4 OPINION Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
Soon to be
CENSORED
Echo Staff Opinion
We do not normally toot our
own horns here in the Echo
us cause to be quite proud
of ourselves. We are pretty
awesome.
“It ain’t braggin’ if you can
yes, we can back it up.
As many people have heard,
RCTC has decided to suspend
the Mass Communications
program after this semester.
With that uncertain future
hanging over our heads, we still
managed to take home some
of the most prestigious awards
given to journalism students
at the Minnesota Newspaper
Association’s 2013-2014 Better
Newspaper Contest.
We competed against other
students from Minnesota’s
four-year universities, and we
are proud to say that the RCTC
Echo was the only community
college newspaper to receive
such honorable awards.
Our former sports editor,
Caleb Anthony, placed second
in the Sports Story category
with his feature headlined
“Yellowjackets enjoy sublime
judge said Anthony
“went the extra mile
on a season recap by
talking about the ‘heart’
the second consecutive
year that Anthony
placed in the MNA
contest. Anthony plans
to transfer to the University of
Northwestern in St. Paul this
fall.
Our former managing editor,
Connor Robley, placed third in
the Sports Story category with
his feature, headlined “Spring
about the RCTC team’s spring
break trip to Florida. The contest
judge said Robley wrote “a
unique story about team’s bus
In addition to being the Echo’s
managing editor, Robley was
Yellowjacket baseball team.
Robley has since transferred to
the University of North Dakota.
Our Editor-in-Chief,
Zech Sindt, placed
third in the Photo Story
category for a photo story
he did about the Spring
RCTC Physics Club
show. He shot more 400
pictures, and then edited
them down to a full page
spread to portray the
Physics Club’s creativity.
In addition to our many
MNAAwards, our Graphics
Manager, Kyong Juhn, recently
learned that one of her images is
Forum annual best of College
and High School photography.
Juhn’s work will move
next week. Her photograph
will be published in the Best
of College & High School
Photography 2015. Juhn’s work
can be viewed in the RCTC
Comprehensive Learning Center
We are all thankful for the
wonderful staff that has pushed
us to always shoot for the top.
We are especially thankful to our
faculty adviser Dwight Boyum
who has dedicated much of his
time to keeping our newspaper
running, even through the
strenuous times when we have
been understaffed.
We are also thankful to
photography instructor Suz
Szuchs who always demands
perfection in our work. Sindt
and Juhn both say that if it
weren’t for Szuchs and her
style of teaching, they never
could have achieved their
accomplishments.
Zech Sindt
Editor-in-Chief
zechariah.sindt8464@
mb.rctc.edu
The Charlie Hebdo
shooting in France brought
freedom of speech and
expression issues to a head
in January.
As many people know, Charlie Hebdo
is a French magazine that has come to be
known for its criticisms of Islam. According
to reports, a couple of bloodthirsty lunatics
mercilessly slaughtered seventeen people –
Using the name of Islam to justify the murders.
What most people in the U.S. do not know,
however, is Charlie Hebdo has been just as
critical of Christianity, Judaism and a wide
array of political parties as well – not just
Islam.
After the murders, the social networking
worlds lit up. People were screaming and
yelling from all sides — Some blasting Islam,
some blasting the artists — People from every
religion and culture on the face of the earth
arguing with each other and themselves, all
over whether writers like myself and other
artists should be free to criticize and mock
religion and other topics.
The following week, on January 15, Pope
Francis waded into the frenzy, saying, “You
can’t provoke, you can’t insult the faith of
he added. “These people provoke and then …
Two days later, the director of the Union of
Islamic Organizations of France, Abdelkebir
Kotbi, said that insulting sacred symbols of all
religions should be a crime in France.
It is time for me to put my own two cents
First of all, a murderer is a murderer. No
matter what religion, race, or culture they
come from, most people now believe and
agree that murderers should be punished.
Furthermore, it is my humble opinion that
mocking a religion or politician should not be
punishable in any way. It is only through a free
and open exchange that the best ideas can rise
prolongs the inevitable for a while. Eventually,
the ideas will surface.
As an American, I believe that Congress
shall make no law abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press. I believe that we have
and expression in America. As a writer, it is
my obligation to aid in the efforts to shatter
glass ceilings at home and around the world.
Wherever we have repression of speech and
expression, there we have a battle zone.
I believe that we are obligated as human
beings on this Earth at this time to use our own
consciences, speech, and expressions to make
ourselves heard, whether those in power like
it or not.
it absolutely hideous and appalling that the
leader of the religious organization responsible
for slaughtering millions of innocent people
across the world for centuries, has once again
decided our ideas and thoughts should be
What next? Will we revert back to the days
when it was a crime for us to question his often
bloodthirsty theocratic dictatorship? Simply
because he and his closest followers wear
costumes, occasionally speak Latin, and claim
to be representatives of God on Earth?
In the case of Kotbi, if he truly believes
his religion is real, then he should believe that
it will stand up to any amount and form of
criticism. People should be able to question it
in every way, and the religion should be able to
prove itself beyond all shadow of doubt. True
religion should not need man-made laws to
protect it — only the freedom to criticize and
analyze the religion needs protection. The only
is if that person believes there is something
about the religion that will not stand in the face
of a critical analysis. In addition to that, Islam
does not use any sacred symbols that I know
of. Therefore, it is against all reasoning and
logic to believe that non-existent symbols can
be insulted.
That is my two cents worth for the month.
Please visit our website and leave your
comments.
Zech Sindt is a sophomore majoring in
Mass Communications at RCTC.
‘It ain’t braggin’if you can back it up’
Robley
Sindt
Anthony

5. OPINION 5
OPINION 5
OPINION 5
Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
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Grace Notes
grace.boyum4051@mb.rctc.edu
Imagine you’re standing in the arena with
gritty sand beneath your feet and a hot sun
overhead, baking you inside the armor you wear.
In one hand is a heavy sword and on the other arm is an even
heavier shield.As the adrenaline rises, bringing your heart to your
throat, you hear the sound of the crowd that watches you: the
crowd that is shouting for the sight of your blood.
Most people recognize this as a description of what happened
in the Roman Coliseum. Every schoolchild learns about Rome
and how the Romans were known for their great architecture,
and entertainment.
Since then, we have made great advancements and, therefore,
consider ourselves more civilized than the Romans who tortured
people for amusement. But a look at our modern entertainment
makes me wonder, have we really progressed much further than
the Romans and other supposedly uncivilized nations?
When my dad prepares to leave for the theater, I’ll often ask
him, “What movie are you going to see?”
he often teasingly replies.
Unfortunately, for many people, that joke is a grim truth.A
recent check of the movies in theaters showed that almost half of
them were rated “R” for language, violence and sexual content.
The remaining half was made up of mostly “PG-13” movies with
a few rated “PG.”
Industry makes what sells, and people buy what they like or
need.According to this reasoning, people either like or need to
see violent and inappropriate movies. What does this say about
our culture?Are we really that much better than the Romans? The
only difference in our entertainment and theirs is that they killed
real people while we use special effects.
Now some will argue that no one is actually hurt in the making
of the movie, but why, I would ask, do people enjoy watching
on than meets the eye.
When we read about mass shootings, sometimes the shooter
seems to do it because of the adrenaline involved in planning and
carrying out their deed.Anyone who’s gone on a thrill ride or
watched a suspenseful movie knows that this is an exhilarating
feeling. Most people won’t harm another person to get it and
might be willing to experience it vicariously by watching
characters in a movie do adrenaline-inducing acts of violence.
Can this be healthy? I don’t think so.At best, people who
watch lots of violence can become desensitized and dehumanize
others.At worst, they may mimic the characters they watch and
do terrible things. Either way, it’s not a desirable result.
So the next time you’re considering what movie to watch, you
might want to consider how much violence you’re absorbing.
Could you become the sort of person who went to the Coliseum
and cheered for death?
Grace Boyum is a sophomore majoring in liberal arts and
sciences at RCTC.
The movie theater has become our modern coliseum

6. Rochester Community Technical College | The Echo
6 ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
6 ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
6 ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
RCTC Students: Schedule Your Admissions
Appointment with WSU-Rochester!
www.winona.edu/Rochester
507.285.7100
rochscs@winona.edu
80%
Stop by the UCR Welcome Center (in the Atrium)
and meet Carmen and Paula.They will help you
explore your options to complete a 4-year bachelor’s
degree with Winona State right here in Rochester,
on the RCTC campus.
Rochester Community Technical College | The Echo
6 ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
6 ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
6 ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
RCTC Students: Schedule Your Admissions
Appointment with WSU-Rochester!
www.winona.edu/Rochester
507.285.7100
rochscs@winona.edu
80%
Stop by the UCR Welcome Center (in the Atrium)
and meet Carmen and Paula.They will help you
explore your options to complete a 4-year bachelor’s
degree with Winona State right here in Rochester,
on the RCTC campus.
Centering on
Ceramics
“Throwing a pot” is a phrase generally
associated with angrily breaking dinner-
ware against a wall, but anyone with ce-
ramics experience knows its the process
of making beautiful works of art out of
clay on the potters wheel. Art student
Hannah Kautto shows exactly how this
process is done.
Photos by Kyong Juhn
Step One: Centering the clay on the wheel.
Step Two: The clay is opened and shaping begins.
Step Three: This is where “throwing” begins, which
is bringing up the walls and adding height to the pot.
Step Four: Making the top of the pot and “collar-
ing” the clay. pots.

7. ARTS ENTERTAINMENT 7
ARTS ENTERTAINMENT 7
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ARTS ENTERTAINMENT 7
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Rochester Community Technical College | The Echo
Feeling hungry now?
Look what’s cooking!
Open a new
Simply Better Checking Account
and get a free gift!*
thinkbank.com
507-288-3425 or 1-800-288-3425
*Hurry!
Gift shown is available while supplies
last. If unavailable, we may substitute
a gift of similar value.
PLUS, we’ll pay you
up to $10 for your unused
checks and debit cards from
another financial institution
when you switch to Think.
Ask for details!
‘Top of the Hill’
provides clear
view of humanity
By Ellen Corbett
Arts and Entertainment Editor
ellen.corbett2829@mb.rctc.edu
It sounds like a beginning of a joke.
“So, the characters from Casablanca, a buf-
foon, and the Four Horseman walk into a high
Top of the Hill is RCTC’s winter produc-
tion this year. Within the production are three
separate, shorter plays — a drama about a
post-apocalyptic thriller.
Directed by Jerry Casper, each play was
written by a collective of students with the
help of professionals Ryan Stotts, Joseph
Pyfferoen, and Jeff Hand through a special
workshop.
a drama about six close friends from high
school who are in the midst of planning a
a painful secret is revealed, which affects the
group’s past and future forever.
a comedy about a detective, Dick Markowitz,
-
mic look for her lost cat. While in search of
her hairy friend, Amelia is being harassed by
her evil former lover, Victor DeMontego.
-
ing story of survival about three characters,
Warren, Amia, and Hope holed up in an
abandoned apartment after surviving a nuclear
holocaust.
knits them all together, is that they in some
cast member Johanna Lillie.
Throughout the plays, themes such as the
value of life, what makes us human, the need
for laughter, and the gray scale of morality are
examined.
I’ve ever believed in (something like) this.
I’ve never seen a show where it’s chopped
This production has not been without its
challenges. There will only be seven rehears-
als before opening night on Feb. 12. There are
hardly any sets, nor costumes. The cast will
have to mostly rely on their skill as actors to
immerse the audience in the variety of settings
through the production. Some cast members
also play roles in more than one play section,
Though the themes and situations through
Top of the Hill may seem mature and com-
plex, everyone will enjoy it, including
younger audiences.
Play times are 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 12-13 and
2 p.m. on Feb. 14 Tickets are free for students,
$8 for non-students.
Tony Canty and Zach Swanson rehearse their roles in “Top of the Hill.”m
Echo Photo by Kyong Juhn

8. 8 SPORTS
8 SPORTS
8 SPORTS
.
Pantone 418 369
Currently Hiring Full-Time and Part-time Resident Assistants
A.M., P.M. and overnight shifts available
No experience or CNA required
Sign-on bonus through December 31, 2014, of $300.00
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NOW PAYING FOR PRIOR EXPERIENCE !
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Strong oral and written communication skills required.
We are an assisted living community for memory loss residents
4220 NW 55th St.
Rochester, MN
507-286-8528
Apply in person or
FAX 507-286-8527 or
8 SPORTS
8 SPORTS
8 SPORTS Rochester Community Technical College | The Echo
WE OPEN THE WORLD TO YOU
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is the university for students who are standing at their personal
frontiers and know that with the right opportunities, they can build the future they want.
COMPLETE YOUR BACHELOR’S DEGREE
RIGHT HERE IN ROCHESTER.
Most students choose Saint Mary’s for practical reasons—
our fair credit transfer policy and programs which are
designed to meet the scheduling needs and budgets of
working adults. Once you attend, something unexpected
surfaces. Instead of a transaction, you will experience
a transformation.
Visit our open house or contact us to learn more about
bachelor degree completion or graduate degree options.
ROCHESTER CENTER
OPEN HOUSE
MARCH 12, 2015
Stop by between 5–7p.m.
Register online at:
smumn.edu/openhouse
Rochester Center
1926 College View Road E.
Rochester, MN 55904-8201
507-285-1410
rochcenter@smumn.edu
THIS IS YOUR TIME SMUMN.EDU
By Ben Haney
Sports Editor
benjamin.haney0206@mb.rctc.edu
During the 1980s, intramural sports were very popular at
RCTC.
However, in recent years they have
fallen by the wayside.
RCTC student Isaac Eichmann has
started a petition to bring them back.
The sports Eichmann would like
soccer, basketball, volleyball, and
slow-pitch softball.
“Intramural sports are a great way
to meet new people and have a fun
Intramural sports are unrelated to
with the Yellowjacket teams that RCTC has competing with
other schools, Eichmann said.
There is currently a petition in the weight room where
students can put their email address and sign their name
saying that they want intramural sports at RCTC. The
petition has 130 signatures with a goal of getting 1,000
names.
If you would like more information on these sports, or to
sign the petition, either stop in at the sports center or visit
http://chn.ge/1tGCSIH.
Petition drive
seeks to revive
intramural sports
Eichmann

9. SPORTS 9
SPORTS 9
SPORTS 9
SPORTS 9
SPORTS 9
SPORTS 9
Rochester Community Technical College | The Echo
After a year away,
Raymond picks up
where she left off
Tailor Raymond is averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds
per game.
Echo Photo by Emmy Miller
By Emmy Miller
Photo Editor
emelia.miller5869@mb.rctc.edu
One year shy of his 20th season
at RCTC, men’s basketball head
coach Brian LaPlante achieved his
350th career win.
“The 350 wins is a real
compliment to the players who
have played for us and the great
LaPlante, who passed the milestone
on Jan. 10 when the Yellowjackets
defeated Riverland Community
College 95-81.
LaPlante coaches basketball,
football and golf at RCTC. Prior to coming to RCTC, he
was an assistant coach at Winona State University.
LaPlante says one of his biggest accomplishments at
RCTC has been advancing to the NJCAA national title
games in 2010 and 2011. Both years the Yellowjackets
were national runner-ups.
This season, the Yellowjackets are 18-4 with high hopes
of reaching the NJCAA national tournament.
The Yellowjackets play their opening game in the
Minnesota Community Athletic Conference tournament at
1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, against Hibbing/Northland at
Anoka Ramsey Community College. The tournament runs
through Sunday, March 2.
LaPlante reaches milestone win
Men’s and women’s
basketball schedule
Sat., Feb. 7 at Minnesota State Technical
Wed, Feb. 11 at Anoka-Ramsey
Sat., Feb. 14 Minnesota West
Wed., Feb. 18 St. Cloud Technical
Sat. Feb. 21 at Western Technical
LaPlante
By Ben Haney
Sports Editor
benjamin.haney0206@mb.rctc.edu
Every month the Echo will feature an athlete who stands out
as a top performer. This month, I chose Tailor Raymond who
plays for the RCTC Yellowjackets women’s basketball team.
Where did you go to high school?
St. Peter High School, Minnesota
What sports did you play in high
school?
Volleyball, basketball and softball
What is your major at RCTC?
Nursing
What was your high school career
like?
I started at varsity my eighth-grade
year. I went to state my ninth- and
tenth-grade year. I got my 1,000th point as a junior and 1,000th
rebound as a senior.
When did you start your basketball career?
Well, my mom and dad were both coaches so I started young
and have been playing basketball my whole life.
How has your basketball career at RCTC been so far?
Very good, I took a year off ... Instead, I actually played
volleyball and softball.
What’s your most memorable game at RCTC?
When we beat Anoka — they’re the best team in our
conference.
What was your most memorable game in high school?
My freshmen year we won a buzzer beater to go to state and
everyone ran on the court.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
Not really, but, I am really superstitious. I need to wear the
same socks and do my hair the same way. I was worse in high
school.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Michael Jordan, because he is the best basketball player, a hard
worker and he gave a lot of effort on the court.
Raymond

10. 10 CAMPUS
10 CAMPUS
10 CAMPUS Rochester Community Technical College | The Echo
CLICK. SWITCH. ENJOY.
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BYRON | 1011 TOMPKINS DRIVE NE
ROCHESTER | 320 ALLIANCE PLACE NE
ROCHESTER | 501 16TH STREET SE
ROCHESTER | 3900 55TH STREET NW
800.866.8199 | 507.288.0330
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member yet? Visit FirstAllianceCU.com today to sign up.
By Betty Truitt
Staff Writer
elizabeth.truitt6915@mb.rctc.edu
the toilet. Instead of the water
going down ... it comes up …
Do not panic! Don’t grab the
plunger. Don’t call the plumber.
Instead turn on the cold water
faucet in the sink, tub and shower
full blast. Within 30 seconds the
toilet will drain.
When washing a blanket use 1
cup of ammonia per blanket. Do
not use any laundry soap. Use half
a dryer sheet in the dryer. (You
don’t need a full sheet.)
Put a wooden spoon over the
top of pot when it is boiling. It
will keep it from boiling over and
making a mess.
Combine two parts of rubbing
alcohol and one part water into
a clean spray bottle and swirl it
around to mix. When it is time to
scrape your car’s windshield in the
morning spray the solution directly
onto the ice and it will help make
the ice from the glass.
Make sure you carefully label
the spray bottle and never keep it
in the reach of children, and use as
you would any other deicer.
Helpful hints to save
time and money
Surround yourself with UW-La Crosse.
UW-LA CROSSE
tUUSBDUTTUVEFOUTXIPXBOUUPCFDIBMMFOHFEBDBEFNJDBMMZ
t0OFPGPOMZUXPJO8JTDPOTJOOBNFEUP,JQMJOHFSTi#FTU
7BMVFTJO1VCMJD$PMMFHFTw
t0GGFSTUSBOTGFSPQQPSUVOJUJFTBOEBTTJTUBODFJOQMBOOJOHZPVS
USBOTGFSXJUIPOMJOFUSBOTGFSHVJEF
total
students:
10,427
average
class size:
27
student to
faculty ratio:
20:1
undergraduate
programs:
91
www.uwlax.edu
608.785.8939
Echo Photo by Zech Sindt

11. CAMPUS 11
CAMPUS 11
CAMPUS 11
14,747
students (fall 2014)
100
majors
800
faculty
18:1
student :faculty ratio
14
athletic teams
compete in Division I
ndsu.edu/visit
NDSU IS
RECOGNIZED
AS ONE OF
THE NATION’S
TOP 108 PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE
UNIVERSITIES BY
THE CARNEGIE
COMMISSION
ON HIGHER
EDUCATION.
Rochester Community Technical College | The Echo
By Elizabeth Truitt
Staff Writer
elizabeth.truitt6915@mb.rctc.edu
Now that it is getting colder,
Here is an easy-to-make soup that
will warm you up.
The Super Soups gives you
three ways to prepare the soup.
Here is an easy and quick recipe
with very few ingredients:
• Take 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1/2 lb. (8 oz.) Velveeta ®
• 1 can (14-1/2 oz.) chicken
broth
• 1 envelope of Good Seasons
Italian Salad Dressing Mix
• 1 cup of uncooked bite-sized
pasta
Use one of these meat options:
• 1 lb boneless chicken pieces
(1 in)
• 1 lb ground beef
• ¼ lb Oscar Mayer Pepperoni,
coarsely chopped (add with the
chicken broth)
• Or you can go meatless
Use one of these vegetable
choices:
• 3 sliced carrots, ½ cup sliced
celery, 1 small chopped onion
• 1 cup corn, 1 chopped bell
pepper
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1
small chopped onion, 1 chopped
bell pepper
• 3 sliced carrots, 1 chopped
bell pepper, 1 chopped zucchini
Here are some soup base
choices:
• 1 additional can (14.5 oz)
chicken broth
• 1 jar (16 oz) Taco Bell Thick
and Chunky Salsa
• 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) undrained
dices tomatoes, 1 can (15.5 oz)
drained and rinsed kidney beans
Then follow these 4 simple
steps:
1. In the meat option – Cook
and stir meat in hot oil in a large
saucepan until cooked through.
Then drain.
2. In the vegetable option – Add
vegetables and cook 3 to 5 minutes
or until crisp-tender, stirring
occasionally
3. In the soup base – Add
chicken broth and 2 cups water
and dressing mix. Bring to a boil.
4. Add pasta and cover.
Simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until
pasta is tender. Add Velveeta
and cook until melted, stirring
occasionally.
Tips: Allow soup to cool. Then
pour into ice cube trays and freeze.
Warm up with‘Super Soups’
Photo courtesy of Kraft.com
• Varsity Section: Justin Ricker, eighth grade, Schaeffer Academy, 4
wins, no losses
• Junior Varsity Section: Theo Thayib, sophomore, Lourdes High
School, 4 win, no losses
• Bantam Section: Grant Jones, sixth grade, Saint John’s Middle
School, 4 wins, no losses
RCTC student, Dominique Jones, tied for second place in the Varsity
Section, 3 wins and one loss; and Spencer Wright played in the Varsity
Section, 1 win, 3 losses.
If you are interested in the chess club’s upcoming events, contact Paul
Kinion in the RCTC Math Department at paul.kinion@rctc.edu or Dennis
Mays, president of the Rochester Chess Club, at dennismays101@gmail.
com.
Rochester Chess Club
President Cup winners
Continued from page 1
Photo courtesy of Rochester Chess Club
First row, left to right: Max Riveria, Dei-Tah Sey, Golden Peng, Ab-
dirahim Adow, Bagabo Bienvenue, Kaleb Melcher, and Shane Titus.
Second row, left to right: Paul Kinion, Anath Mohamed, Dennis Mays,
Grant Jones, and Matt Jenson.

12. Finish
what you
started.
Transfer to St. Scholastica and earn your 4-Year Degree
St. Scholastica offers you a seamless transfer of credits, credit for prior
learning, personal advising, and an affordable pathway to a four-year
degree in two years or less. Transfer to our beautiful Duluth campus, take
evening/weekend classes at our downtown Rochester campus, or choose
from a wide range of online programs.
go.css.edu/TransferToday
(507) 424-0144