A Knight Turns Pro
By: Gary Yohe
 Many kids grow up dreaming to become a professional athlete at some point in their life. That dream has come true for Marian College student and soccer player Ian Bennett. Bennett will become the first knight soccer player to ever sign a professional contract.
The Charleston Battery made Bennett the #11 overall pick in the 2007 USL Draft. Charleston competes in the First Division of the United Soccer League which consists of teams across the country including a team from Puerto Rico. “ Charleston is probably the best city for Ian to go to at this time,” said former Marian soccer coach Matt Nirrengarten. “Not only does he already know a few players, but it’s a friendly community full of Battery supporters.” Bennett will travel to Charleston over spring break to train with the team and sign his contract.
Ian has played a lot of soccer at many different places to get where he is now. While in his home country of Canada, he played for clubside Hamilton Thunder. From there, he came here to Marian where he has broken a number of school records and helped put the school at the top of the conference and region. He is an attacking midfielder who recorded 49 goals and 19 assists in 45 games, which were both school records. During his senior season, Bennett was named Mid-Central Conference (NAIA) Player of the Year, All-Conference first team selection, and NAIA All-Region VIII first team selection.
During the summer before his senior season, Bennett was called down to the sunshine state to play for the Palm Beach Pumas of the Premier Development League. That’s where he was noticed by many professional coaches which got him invited to the USL Combine. The Combine was held over four days during December in Orlando. After impressing a number of teams at the workouts, it was Battery’s coach Mike Anhaeuser who came to Bennett with interest in signing the Marian College Knight. “The day of the draft will be one I will never forget,” says Bennett. “Being drafted to a professional squad is a dream come true, but just another step to my ultimate goal.” When all is said and done, Bennett hopes this will lead him to a playing opportunity somewhere in Europe, which is where the best players play. “Playing soccer is what I want to do for a living and that is what my heart is set on,” adds Bennett, who will graduate after the fall of 2007.
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The Acai Berry—A New Health Discovery!
By Kristen Smith
“ …this little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world!”
–Dr. Nicholas Perricone
 A new fruit has been discovered and has been proven to be beneficial to our health. The Acai Berry, pronounced A-Sigh-EE, was discovered in the rainforest and is considered a new science and health breakthrough! Not only is it good for our bodies to ingest something so pure and natural, but it has been proven to improve aches and pains, such as arthritis, back, and joint pain, as well as lowering cholesterol, and improving skin conditions to make people appear and feel younger and healthier!
Acai berries are produced by a palm tree known scientifically as Euterpe Oleracea and are commonly found in the floodplain areas of the Amazon River. When ripe, the berries are dark purple in color and about the size of a blueberry. They contain a thin layer of edible pulp surrounding a large seed. A scientist by the name of Bill Talcott from Florida University said, “Historically, Brazilians have used acai berries to treat digestive disorders and skin conditions.”
“A lot of claims are being made, but most of them haven’t been tested scientifically,” Talcott said. “We are just beginning to understand the complexity of the acai berry and its health-promoting effects.” However, as mentioned before, the acai berry is believed to lower cholesterol, improve arthritis, back, joint and other aches and pains, as well as improve skin conditions. It is also supposed to help consumers lose weight and gain energy. Joshua Bomser, an assistant professor of molecular nutrition and functional foods at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio said, “Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk for many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.” Bomser researches the effects of diet on chronic diseases and he also stated that “Getting at least five servings a day of these items is still a good recommendation for promoting optimal health.”
So why have we not heard of the acai berry if it can help fight off cancer!? Well, “one reason so little is known about acai berries is that they’re perishable and are traditionally used immediately after picking,” Talcott said. “Products made with processed acai berries have only been available for about five years, so researchers in many parts of the world have had little or no opportunity to study them.” Talcott also said that “The University of Florida is one of the first institutions outside Brazil with personnel studying acai berries.”
While this little berry is new, it has already been claimed as one of the top ten super foods by Dr. Nicholas Perricone. Even Oprah did a segment on the acai berry and its health benefits. So why is this fruit so good for us? The pulp or edible portion of the acai berry “ contains a remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine,” according to Perricone, who also stated that “A synergy of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols have also been found in the berry and help promote cardiovascular and digestive health. It is almost a perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals, vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration.”
 The acai berry can often be found in certain health food stores, as well as on the internet, but another great source of the acai berry can be found in a new fruit juice, commonly known as MonaVie. MonaVie is a juice that contains 19 fruits; the main and most abundant ingredient being the acai berry. However, the other eighteen fruits are: pomegranate, white grape, nashi pear, acerola, pear, aronia, purple grape, cranberry, passionfruit, banana, apricot, prune, kiwi, blueberry, bilberry, camu camu, wolfberry, and lychee. These 19 fruits make up a deep purple blend and with only two ounces a day, you can live a healthier and more energetic life.
*For more information on opportunities and how to receive Mona Vie please contact Kristen at 317-752-1462.
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Cinema Grill
By: Mandy Fullington
 Everyone needs a night out with a friend, lover, or family member. There is also a need for diversity in nights going out. Why not go to dinner and a movie? I have the perfect place. There is a place on 86 th and Ditch that accommodates both. This place is called Cinema Grill. The place usually plays movies that have just been released in stores. Recently they have played movies such as Casino Royale, We Are Marshall, Charolette’s Web, and Happy Feet. The food is immaculate. The names of the food are after movie names. It is quite amusing. Appetizers include Gandalf’s Garlic Cheese Bread, Raiders of the Lost Artichoke and Spinach Dip, Jack Daniel’s Tenders, The Ultimate Nachos, and Poseidon Potato Boats. Entrees include Kevin Bacon BBQ Cheeseburger, Almost Famous Chicken Sandwich, Jack Black Bean Burger, Love Me Tender Chicken Tenders, Jack Daniel’s Steak, Baked Tilapia, and Caribbean Chicken.
I went there last Tuesday and it was definitely a good experience. During the week it is four dollars per person to get in to watch the movie and on the weekend it is five dollars per person. No they are not new movies, but it is affordable and fun. Why go spend eight dollars when it is first released in a theatre with just popcorn and candy, when you can go eat a nice meal and watch a movie. |
