by AMY KIRKPATRICK

Father Joensen, dean of spiritual life, is known to peddle a mean mile on his bicycle. If you think you’re fast on a bike, this week you have the opportunity to test your endurance and race against Father Joensen while raising money for the Daughters of Isabella furture “rosary garden.”

This unique fundraiser promotes fitness, friendly-natured Duhawk Competition and raises awareness about an exciting upcoming project sponsored by the Daughters of Isabella. Sophomore Shanae Kemen first came up with idea of the rosary garden after working on a similar project with her cousin in his parish.

Father William Joensen, Dean of Spiritual Life

It was part of an Eagle Scout capstone, but she has brought the idea to Loras. The garden will be located behind the AWC as a place where people stand on each bead as they move while praying the Rosary. Additionally, it will serve a memorial garden to member loved ones who have passed away. Senior Dana Disteldorf, president of the Daughters of Isabella, explained, “Our motto is ‘Unity, Friendship and Charity’ and we wanted to give the Loras community, and the greater community even, a chance to pray and remember those dear to us.”

Father Joensen has chosen to actively collaborate with the Daughters as they make this idea a reality. He volunteered to race students in the Athletic Wellness Center (AWC) to raise both awareness and money. The race began on Monday and will continue through Friday. While seven participants have already signed up, you still can join in the challenge until Friday.

Here’s how it works:

“Race” on the stationary bikes as many times as you like throughout the week of the 8th to the 15th. Log your distance with an AWC staff member. It costs $10 per 30 minute ride and $20 for 60 minutes. You also “buy” up to three grace miles at $5 apiece. If you win and can ride more miles than Father Joesen, your money will be returned and Father Joensen will match the amount in a donation to the rosary garden fund.

The competition has already stirred up good-natured rivalry, as Father Joensen currently boasts 11.99 miles in just 30 minutes. Senior Kevin O’Brien trails just behind as his record so far is 11.34 miles. “I realized how out of shape I am,” he laughed, “but my competitive nature caused me to bike all out and sweat profusely in an effort to beat Father Joensen and support a great cause.” Both plan to try it another time as the completion heats up.

Disteldorf is pleased to sponsor a fundraiser that facilitates a relationship with Father Joensen. “He really has shown great commitment to our circle by taking on the role as our chaplain. This fundraiser shows his dedication not only to our circle but to the greater Loras community. He is willing to be a part of campus life in such a real way. He is challenging us not only to the race but also to really be aware of what student organizations are doing for this campus.”

The collaboration is inspiring, and the competition challenging. However, Father Joensen himself has the final word on perspective, pointing out, “It’s all for the Blessed Mother.”

The women’s tennis team has yet to win a meet this season, but you would be hard-pressed to read any anxiety in Coach Karl Stubben’s demeanor.
Stubben believes that the 0-6 Duhawks are on the verge of success.
“Everyone needs to develop some patience in singles play,” he said. “Once this patience is developed, it will lead to confidence. Once we have confidence, we can win.”.
With a couple of key players returning and the younger players picking up the slack the team aims high.
“(Junior) Ale Ruales and (senior) Clare Tuchscherer have been consistently winning,” said Stubben. “With Ale beating top-ranked players like Elmhurst’s stud Dallman, I am convinced that she can beat anyone.”
Ruales won her first set over Dallman on Monday 6-3, only to lose her second set, 4-6. However, she regained her poise and degeated Dallman in the final tie-breaking set, 10-8.
Tuchscherer also won her singles match in the meet against Elmhurst, and sophomores Rachel Weglarz and Sarah Dickhut teamed up to win their doubles match.
Ruales and Tuchscherer also play doubles together. Stubben believes that if the two become more “organized,” they will be tough to beat.
His praises don’t end with these two.
“The younger players on the team refuse to give up and are learning every match,” he said. “If they continue to learn, I feel confident that there won’t be a person out there who can beat us.”
Stubben believes the team’s morale remains high, and so are their goals.
“The goal every year is to make the team tournament. Our last chance will be on Saturday when we play Simpson. If we beat them, we are still at the mercy of the vote, but at least we will make the vote,” said Stubben.
This Saturday marks two important road contests for the Duhawks. The first meet will be at Central and begins at 9 a.m., and Loras will finish the day with a meet at Simpson beginning at 2 p.m. If the Duhawks win those matches, their goals of making the team tournament will be within their grasp.