UNDERSTANDING THE SWEENEY RUSH RACING SERIES GM CRATE ENGINE REBUILD/REPAIR SEALING PROCESS

UNDERSTANDING THE SWEENEY RUSH RACING SERIES GM CRATE ENGINE REBUILD/REPAIR SEALING PROCESS March 15, 2016(By Doug Kennedy) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)...Racing and controlling cost seems to be the perfect marriage for local and regional dirt drivers that have chosen to compete in the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Racing Series powered by Pace Performance. One of the most important pieces of the success of the RUSH program has to do with their rebuild, repair, and sealing program; one that is shared throughout the country with both the Sweeney RUSH Racing Series and sister series NeSmith. GM crate engines utilized in either of these programs are required to be properly sealed if the motor does not have the original GM sealing bolts. 

The two series joined forces in the fall of 2012 and the relationship has proved to be extremely beneficial to crate racing throughout the entire Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Deep South. By aligning their technical rules packages hundreds of Crate Late Model racers now have an opportunity to race from as far north as 100 miles northeast of Toronto, Ontario, Canada into the Deep South with the peace of mind that both Series are working on a daily basis on their behalf.  RUSH's headquarters are based in Pulaski, Pa. while NeSmith's are located in Cartersville, Ga.

As crate racing has evolved and escalated, the rebuild/repair and sealing process of the engines have become "hot" topics.  Emig believes that most of the misunderstanding is simply because the process is obviously so different from open engine racing.

"Over the years both Mike and myself have heard a few stories about the credibility of crate racing in different situations," stated RUSH Series Co-Director Vicki Emig. "I'm sure some of those are true, but as in anything, you and the product you represent are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. I certainly can't rebuild or tech a motor, but I am extremely confident that the individuals that surround our efforts with RUSH are some of the most knowledgeable and competent people in the country when it comes to crate engined racing and I can assure you we all work as a team." 
     

The RUSH Series has adopted NeSmith's Crate Racin,USA sealing system for their Late Model & new Pro Modified programs, while they utilize their own sealing system for the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds. The systems are identical in their requirements, record keeping, and tracking, with the only difference being that RUSH's seals are orange and NeSmith's are yellow. In 2017 the Crate Racin, USA seal will be the only accepted seal in the Sweeney RUSH Late Model and Pro Mod program. 

Let's clarify what sealing means. The GM crate engine as it comes from the factory is sealed at the intake manifold, cylinder heads, the front covers and the oil pan with special twist off bolts. When a sealed GM crate engine needs rebuilt or repaired that is when the very important and intricate rebuild/repair and sealing system comes into play.  

NeSmith Competition Director Tim Sims offers his expertise on the development of the sealing program utilized by both Series, and how the engine history is preserved on repaired or rebuilt engines.

"GM uses a break off seal bolt from the factory and originally partially handled the rebuild process by offering a "RM" seal bolt, that was managed by race tracks and sanctioning bodies such as ourselves, until they decided they didn't want to be in the bolt business", said Sims, the Competition Director for the NeSmith Series. "That's when we came up with the cable seal, which is now in its third generation of development. Each seal is stamped with our name and individually serial numbered."

Once an engine is submitted to the rebuilder for repair or rebuild, the authorized engine builder will disassemble the engine and inspect all of the components of the engine. He will then submit a build/repair sheet to the Series, which will include all part numbers used in the rebuild process for review. The Series will then authorize the repairs or rebuild and issues seals that will be documented with the serial number of the engine. Once the work is completed, the rebuilder will install the seals in the proper location and the engine is then permitted for competition in the RUSH/NeSmith Series. The entire paper trail of the process is kept on a database and shared by both Series.  

Sweeney RUSH Series, NeSmith Series directors, as well as sanctioned tracks work together for selecting the authorized rebuilders and repair facilities that are utilized in their regions. There are currently 20 RUSH authorized facilities throughout their region. The rebuild facilities are selected based on need per area surrounding each RUSH-sanctioned speedway. 

Each facility goes through an interview, along with a bit of an investigative process, which would include the history and reputation of the facility along with their willingness to adhere and understand the strict parameters set forth in the GM Circle Track Crate Engine Technical Manual, Part #88958668. In the case of the RUSH Late Model class, once a facility is selected, NeSmith will handle the actual contracts with the rebuilders and issue them Crate Racin, USA seals when needed; again to maintain consistency between the two series. RUSH authorizes rebuild and repair facilities for the Sportsman Modifieds in the exact same way and the orange RUSH seals are issued through their office. 

"Vicki (Emig) will contact me about a potential authorized rebuilder in her region that she would like to be authorized," said Sims. "We will both dig around to ensure they have a legitimate place of business and investigate their background and reputation at the tracks. Once we are both satisfied with that information, I'll send an information package that contains our requirements. A binding contract is next and when that is completed, they come on board as an authorized rebuilder." The process is the same for RUSH on the Sportsman Modified side. 

Beginning in 2015, RUSH mandated that their authorized rebuilder and repair facilities attend their annual rebuild/repair seminar.  The seminar was put in place to help rebuilders keep up to speed and updated on the entire process as well as network with other rebuilders. RUSH rebuilder hand guides, weekly track tech inspections guides, and other pertinent information is also distributed. If they do not attend they are removed from the list. 

"I don't think it's asking too much of our rebuilders to come together once a year at this meeting," expressed Emig.  "The rebuilding process that they perform is one of the most important pieces of our Series, not only is our integrity tied to the work they perform, but also their customer's, the racer." 
    

RUSH also likes new rebuilders to spend a day or so with an established rebuilder to discuss the work and what is required for the program from a hands on perspective before becoming authorized. Sims, who hails from Lafayette, Alabama, went onto say that the authorized rebuilders' work is evaluated after each and every season. There are no gray areas in the crate engine rebuilding process as there are none in the penalties handed down if a rebuilder goes outside of the parameters of the process, they are simply removed from the program forever.

The 47-year-old Sims said that the relationship with the Sweeney RUSH Series is awesome. "We all work together and bounce ideas off one another, which in the end helps keep racing affordable and fun."  Asked about the success of both Series, Sims simply stated, "The proof is in the pudding! Both Series continue to grow and provide extremely competitive racing throughout the country." 

A major part of pre-race tech inspection at RUSH events whether Sweeney Weekly or Sweeney Touring deals with making sure first and foremost the engines are properly sealed. 

"Throughout the season I travel to every single sanctioned RUSH race track on numerous occasions," said Travis Harry, the Competition Director for the RUSH Series. "Most important are the surprise visits when nobody knows that I'm coming." Engine teardowns are also not out of the question and last year I did two, both of which were legal. In the past we also found an illegal engine during the teardown process.

Over the past few years Harry has also found several sets of illegal aftermarket sealing bolts. "All the bolts I found were in the pre-race tech inspection," said Harry, who now makes his home in Franklin, Pa. "Most of these engines were purchased out of the area or over the internet, but there were a few instances where you really didn't know what the circumstances were. When this happens the competitor is not permitted to race until the engine is checked for its legality by one of our authorized rebuilders then properly sealed. Most importantly I think racers need to know that it's a myth that the aftermarket sealing bolts are undetectable; it's really pretty easy to snuff them out. We highly recommend that racers purchasing engines out of our region send us photographs of the sealing system on the engine prior to purchasing it to ensure the sealing bolts and or seals are correct, which in the long run of course will protect their investment."

For general post-race inspection, both track and series officials will usually take the top three to five finishers and randomly select various item to tech inspect.  

"As far as inspection, we don't always tear down the engines, but there are numerous types of inspections that we will do to the engine," said Sims. "If we see a problem or a concern, we are not afraid to confiscate and tear down the engine, and if there is a problem within the sealing system the penalties handed down are very strict with both Series."

If the driver has something illegal, the illegal parts will be confiscated by the Series.  If guilty, the driver will lose all points and monies to date, be fined $1,000 and suspended for one full year. This also applies to the car owner. For the engine builder who did the work, as previously stated, it's a lifetime ban from ever becoming an authorized rebuilder in either series again. 

"I go by the rules and there is no leeway," said Harry. "If it says it in the book (GM Circle Track Crate Engine Technical Manual) that's what I go by, there really are no gray areas."

In RUSH and NeSmith, all parts utilized in the rebuilding process must be GM, the only exception to this with these Series in the rings and bearings. 

 

"When it first came out I had mixed emotions," said Mike Ingram of Ingram Engines, Kittanning, Pa., who recently received RUSH's prestigious "Bill Hendren Rebuilder of the Year" award at RUSH's 2015 banquet. "There are a lot of great engine rebuilders in the program so that was a great honor. If it wasn't for the trailblazing efforts of Bill crate rebuilding wouldn't be what it is today. I didn't know if I wanted to be involved, but I took the gamble and I'm glad I did. Now I would rather do crate engines than anything else, because you're not waiting on custom cams, pistons, the crate engine parts are readily available."

Ingram now rebuilds about 65 to 70 motors each year. "We had one crate engine with 86 nights on it and that was a rarity," said Ingram.  "It comes down to maintenance. Air filters are important because the engine is sucking all that dirt in and wearing the cylinders out. Oil changes are also important."

Now Steve Hendren, son of one of the late Bill Hendren, carries on the family tradition of engine rebuilding. Hendren is based out of Rutherford, NC and is a nationally-known rebuilder..

"GM provides a blue print for all engine builders by giving us a rebuilder's manual, the GM Circle Track Crate Engine Technical Manual. It has every spec the engine must meet. We put that motor to the GM specs and that is what blueprinting actually is, it's simply the specs everyone must go by. Beyond a doubt, the RUSH/NeSmith sealing method and their engine and seal tracking system is light years ahead of every other Series out there." 

Hendren points out that with their tracking system you can follow an engine throughout its entire life span. It also ensures that the last guy to work on the engine is 100% responsible. Hendren has been rebuilding since 2005 and recognizes the importance of the RUSH/NeSmith programs as the most professional Series out there.   

Steve Damon of Steve's Automotive Machine, located in Little Valley, NY, does about 10 rebuilds a year, and said, "When I went to the first meeting in Freedom, NY in 2007 when crate racing was just starting in our area, I looked at John Charlesworth, President of Little Valley Speedway and said, 'This will never work!' Boy was I wrong. They're a nice engine to rebuild. I have no complaints whatsoever. They work with you if there is an issue; it's fantastic. I'm just glad to be part of the program."

Jason Ore whose 955 Automotive business is located in Erie, Pa. has somewhat of a different story. "She (Vicki) put me on the list since day one, but I was a bit reluctant to do it because I had so much other work," explained Ore, who has been involved with RUSH for three years and has had 12 rebuilds go through his shop during the 2015 season. "You can't ask for better people", said Ore.   

Luke Bailey of Luke's Auto Machine, located in Port Robinson, Ontario, is the Series' longest running Canadian rebuilder. However, he realizes that his area is quite a bit smaller than those in the States. "We have 11 local cars here," said Bailey, "and do about six to seven rebuilds a year. It's been very successful and they (RUSH) are great people to work with. They know how to run an operation." 

There are three other Canadian rebuilders and that list includes Doug Forbes of C. Smith Machine, Mike Workman of Workman Automotive Machine, and the newest north of the border contributor, John Saunders of J. Saunders Racing.  

"Last year we didn't do a lot because we don't have a lot of tracks," said Forbes, who is near Brighton Speedway. He anticipates a growth paralleling the growth of the RUSH Pro Stock program. Last year Forbes did three motors and so far for 2016, he has better than doubled that figure. "They're (RUSH) easy to deal with. I like the rules package and how they look after it. Nothing gets passed them." 

Workman is a relative newcomer having been involved with RUSH for a little better than a year. Workman, who does about five engines a year, likes the professionalism exhibited by RUSH. "They're right behind us on everything," said Workman. "It's satisfying to be part of an organization that cares and does everything they say they will do."

Saunders of J Saunders Racing located in Watford, Ontario is a true veteran builder. At 60 years of age, he bored his first engine when he was 12 years old. He was been very impressed with rebuilders like Ingram and Hendren. At recent meetings, Ingram pulled Saunders aside and told him to call anytime there are questions. 

"They are pretty detailed," said Saunders of the Series. "They're very stringent on the rules for the engine rebuilds." 

Prior to joining up with RUSH, Saunders was involved with the NASCAR Spec Engine Program that was supported for parts by Robert Yates. "I have a good relationship with him," said Saunders.  

"We have a pretty good clientele but I would like to entice some American drivers to cross the border and do some work with us.  Saunders' shop is about 90 minutes away from Detroit, Michigan. "It's all about how well your stuff does," he said. "If you win on Sunday, you sell on Monday. Sharing information is how you get ahead."

Bill Campbell of Campbell's Engines, along with his wife, Betsy, both work with rebuilding engines and have recently done a lot of checking and resealing of 602 Sportsman Mod engines using the RUSH seal.  Located in Dansville, NY, Campbell is now in his third year of operating with RUSH. 

Campbell's works with the both the Late Model and the (602) Sportsman Mod programs. "The 602 Mods are a very popular class up here," said Campbell. "It's been real positive and keeps growing in our area."  

And there are others who contribute to the important engine rebuilding process. Some of those others include Jimmy Friedline of Jennerstown Engine Technology and Brian Donath of Donath Motorworx. 

Friedline, whose shop is located in Jennerstown, Pa., has been rebuilding engines for the last 15 to 20 years. For 18 months he spent time as an assembler in Chip Ganassi's engine shop. He now enters his third season as an Authorized RUSH Rebuilder. 

For the last eight months, Friedline has been hobbled with nerve and arthritis foot disease (Charcot) that causes the bones to fall apart. He just recently got back to walking with a boot but realizes it's a condition that will probably remain with him for the rest of his life. 

As far as the RUSH program, Friedline said, "At one time, I was totally against the crate program, but now to keep the costs down, I'm all for it. If you don't control the costs of racing, it's just not going to be here. I really believe that she's (Vicki) is on the right track to control those costs." 

"It's been great," said Donath, whose shop is located in Syracuse, NY, and is in his third year of being associated with RUSH.  "Everybody seems to work together. If I have any questions I can call any rebuilder on the list and they will help out with the information I need." 

He definitely sees an increase with his rebuilds. With three tracks in the area, Donath estimates he will do somewhere between 10 to 15 rebuilds this year. "The more tracks the RUSH Series gets in this area will only help us. Vicki is great to work with, she's certainly a go-getter."

Another important person in the RUSH program is Sweeney's Pace Performance Circle Track Business Developer, Don Blackshear. A former rebuilder for RUSH, he recently relinquished his position as a rebuilder as he felt it was a conflict of interest. He brings a unique perspective to the program as he is a Hall of Fame Drag Racer, has owned his own engine shop for many years, and now works on a daily basis to expand Pace's presence in crate engined racing throughout the country which allows him to be in direct contact with GM Performance personal.

        

Mike Ingram says that the core group of Harry, Sims, Blackshear, Hendren, and himself are in a position to answer just about any and every question that a racer or another rebuilder might have. "They can rely on the years of experience that we have," he says.

"If I can't answer it, I will call Tim or Steve or Travis or Don and usually between the five of us, we can get things sorted out," said Ingram. "Usually one of us has seen it or dealt with it in the past."   

The goal of crate racing is to create equality and affordability to where the race will come down to the driver's ability and not the type of equipment he is using. By requiring the utilization of the GM 604 & 602 crate engine, surrounding it with a strong rebuild and tech program, putting the racers on the same Hoosier spec tires, Sunoco spec fuel, and continued success of racers choosing to utilize the RUSH Bilstein $135 sealed spec shocks, the Series will continue to have a bright future. RUSH will continue to constantly monitor the introduction of new products to make sure the fit into the conce. 

"Is there a place for the crate motor? Absolutely," said Harry. "Does there need to be policing, absolutely! This puts everything and everybody on an even playing field. Nobody's creating more horsepower because it's all equal." 

In closing, Hendren said, "I think the crate engine will save auto racing, period."

Other Authorized Rebuilders/Repair Centers part of the RUSH program include Brougher's Machine Shop, Craiger Race Engines, Cresap Automotive Machine, Empson Automotive, Gypsum Express Engine Shop, Marty Brown Race Engines, Race 1, and Ray's Precision Machine.

RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Maxima Racing Oil, Jones Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, TBM Brakes, K&N Filters, Lincoln Electric, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Velocita-USA, Classic Ink USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

RUSH Sportsman Modified marketing partners: Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Bicknell Racing Products, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, MSD Ignition, Maxima Racing Oil, Jones Racing Products, FK Rod Ends, Sherwood Racing Wheels, Velocita-USA, Precise Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, K&N Filters, TBM Brakes, Lincoln Electric, Classic Ink USA., CrateInsider.com, and B.R.A.K.E.S.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

Navajo Nation: Students Discover Service, Culture and Themselves on Alternative Spring Break

The Penn State DuBois Alternative Spring Break Team for 2016 at Slide Rock State Park near Sedona, Arizona.

In front, left to right: Julianne Inzana, Emily Gerew, Alaina Shaffer, Courtney Patterson, Sarah Snyder, Juliana Vokes, Linsey Mizic, Aaron Angstadt, Josh Sanko, Zach Wood, and Ryan Lingle.

In back, left to right: Staff Group Leader Steve Harmic, Staff Group Leader and ASB Organizer Marly Doty, Amber Siverling, Amanda Butler, Kristy Hanes, Sadie Viglione, Emi Brown, Jacob Skubisz, Tamera Anthony, Alaina Stiles, Lauren Johnson, Colleen Mulhollan, and Justin Heasley.

DuBOIS – With her hand extended before her, fingers outstretched and spread apart, Melissa Woody asked a group of students from Penn State DuBois to replicate her gesture with their own hands.

"We are all five-fingered people," Woody said, demonstrating the equality in all people, regardless of ethnic background, religion, or financial status.  "In Navajo tradition, we learn that we are all the same. We are all five-fingered people."

Woody, a Navajo woman with a passion for educating others about her culture, is the Navajo Nation site director for Amizade Global Service Learning. Amizade, based in Pittsburgh, is an organization dedicated to service learning and cultural education that brings volunteers together with opportunities such as those on the Navajo Nation. She accompanied students throughout the week during service and cultural learning experiences, and guided them on visits to landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and Newspaper Rock, and helped to organize educational lectures on Navajo culture, language and government.

Woody and the 22 Penn State DuBois students made their introductions on the campus of Grey Hills High School, near Tuba City Arizona, on the Navajo Nation.  The students spent the week of their spring break living in a dormitory once used for boarding Grey Hills students. This became a home and basecamp for the group on a journey that opened opportunities for learning much more about Navajo culture, and putting those five-fingered hands to work completing service on the reservation.

Students served residents of the Navajo nation in a variety for ways.  They constructed outbuildings, repaired a corral and other structures on a sheep ranch, split and stacked firewood, and helped to build a traditional Navajo log home, known as a hogan, which one resident will live in. They also helped to build sweat lodges, and had the opportunity to participate in a Navajo sweat lodge ceremony. In ways like this, the students not only served with physical work, but in many cultural ways as well, which was most important to those living on the reservation.

As Woody and others explained, the Navajo today feel the most important service anyone can provide to them is to tell their story and help their culture to continue to thrive.

"Service is not always about doing what needs done; service is being in the moment with who you are with," Woody said. "It's a different perspective sharing things with someone from my own culture, versus sharing things with an Anglo person. If an Anglo person is to come here and be on the land and know our culture, they also learn things about themselves. When they go back, they go to a completely different environment, and I hope I can influence some people who can help to preserve what we have."

Woody cheerfully imparted lessons on Navajo culture throughout the week. The 41 year old mother perpetually wore a smile, and warmly imparted to students lessons about life in the Nation. Students quickly learned that time slows down here, if it is existent at all to the Navajo, who lightheartedly refer to their relaxed attitude about schedules as running on "Indian Time".  It has been no worry at all to the rancher at the service site that work started an hour late, or that more supplies were needed to build one of the outbuildings, setting construction back a couple of hours while a trip to the store was made. When life on the reservation goes in an unexpected direction the Navajo simply say, "Okay, good." The phrase, used often, neatly sums up the ideal that worrying about things one cannot change is wasted time, or alternatively, to appreciate what you have. It also reminds people about another strong Navajo belief: take care of yourself.

"You cannot take care of others if you do not first take care of yourself," Woody explained.  "If you need to rest, rest. Take care of yourself. Do things that make you happy."

This philosophy had an impact on Penn State DuBois student Amanda Butler, who said, "I thought I went to the Navajo Nation to provide service and grow as an individual, and as a group. Not until I was there did I realize I was there to learn to take care of shí (me). The Navajo people live a lifestyle that stresses the importance of taking care of yourself first, so that you can then take care of others. In our culture, this is something that is easily forgotten throughout our busy lives. During this trip, I feel the Navajo people helped me far more than I could have ever offered them, and I hope that by taking care of myself I can be as giving and thoughtful as they are."

Penn State DuBois Assistant Director of Student Affairs Marly Doty planned and organized this service trip, and lead students at the Navajo Nation for the week. She said, "This year students were immersed in the Navajo culture and challenged to juxtapose this culture with their own. These students left with hopes of changing someone else’s life and returned home ultimately finding a new lens on the world around them."

Doty noted that this year marks the ninth annual Alternative Spring Break trip for Penn State DuBois since she instituted the trips at the campus. To date, over 150 students have participated in the program over the years. Doty went on to explain the enrichment such experiences bring to education.  She said, "These experiences are essential to education as they provide engaged scholarship opportunities for our students. I could lecture them about civic responsibility and they’d forget; however, when I show them and engage them in the process, it’ll stick with them as they develop further into adulthood. For many students these experiences prove as turning points for them in their personal and academic development. Moreover, the bonds our students forge last a lifetime as they develop a safe place to understand the world we live in and where they fit."

Many of those bonds were formed this year on Kaibetoney Ranch, a 40 acre home site in a picturesque canyon in the Arizona desert.  Lawrence Kaibetoney operates the ranch, nestled between sheer, red cliffs, and embodies the centuries-old Navajo tradition of raising sheep on this land. The ranch has been in his family since the 1800's, but it is and will always be reservation property. It is leased to Kaibetoney by the federal government in an agreement that must be renewed every 25 years.

Kaibetoney is a tall, thin, fatherly Navajo man. His long, jet black hair, accented on the sides with just a hint of grey, is neatly tied back at all times.  He is a born teacher who wears a quiet wisdom comfortably, with no energy wasted on extra words or unnecessary luridness. His movements are deliberate. Every word has purpose. An approving look from his eyes is incredibly warm, and his smile is infinitely kind, but these gestures are bestowed only upon those who care to honestly earn them. 

"It takes a lot of hands to run this ranch," Kaibetoney remarked during a conversation in the shade of his front porch.  "There is always something to do. The help is good to have."

Kaibetoney has spent the day making his rounds among the different groups of students performing work on his ranch. He has offered helpful advice for completing their tasks, as well as encouragement to each group, assuring them they've done well. As he takes a seat on the porch, it becomes clear that any bent nail or crooked fence post placed by the new and inexperienced ranch hands is of little concern to him.

"It's a help when you're teaching somebody, it's not always about what you get out of them," Kaibetoney said.  His thoughts, reflecting those Woody also shared, brought into focus the deeper motivation the Navajo people have for hosting service groups - to pass along their traditions, to help young people make memories that they will share with others, and to assure the world continues to care that there are people in the West called Navajo.

"I heard a student say they want to build a sweat lodge when they get back home. It makes me feel good," Kaibetoney said with a smile.

The sweat lodge, in fact, was one of the most impactful experiences students had on the trip.  Separated by gender, men and women went for the sweat in different lodges located on Kaibetoney Ranch.  The sweat lodge the men used was a wood framed structure covered in earth. The women used a wood frame hut covered in blankets.  It is completely dark inside the sweat lodge when the door is closed.  Rocks are heated in a fire for hours, then carried into the lodge with stone forks.  Sage or cedar is added to boiling water, and the water is poured over the hot rocks, creating and intensely aromatic steam. 

The sweat lodge for the Navajo is a sacred ceremony with layers of meanings. Rounds of several minutes to a half hour each are separated by time out of the lodge to lay on the ground and welcome Mother Earth.  Each round represents something different.  The first round is representative of one's birth, bringing one's self back into the womb and being born again from the lodge. In subsequent rounds, participants pray for health for themselves, their family, and so on. It is also purported to be a healing exercise, causing those in the lodge to sweat toxins from their body, and with them, negative energy from their mind and spirit. Pitch black; wet; extremely hot; the sweat lodge can be a grueling physical experience, and enormously taxing on the psyche.

"The heat made me focus on myself and block out everything else other than what was presently happening," said student Josh Sanko.

Zach Wood said, "I definitely left the first round as a new person."

The reward comes in the end, with a feeling of euphoria brought by relief of leaving the claustrophobic lodge and the suffocating heat. Reward also comes from one knowing they were strong enough to endure the sweat lodge.

Kaibetoney left the lodge each time behind the students he shared it with, and would lay upon the ground silently for several minutes in deep reflection. Students made it clear that the ceremony was an incredible experience for them. Kaibetoney spoke of his pride in being able to share this tradition; perhaps noting a small victory in the battle to sustain the old ways.

Back on the porch, discussion about preserving tradition continued.

"The dominate culture is, well, dominating," Kaibetoney said.  "It's taking over. A lot of kids would rather go to the skate park or watch videos than to live at sheep camp."

He said, however, some of that change is necessary.  Of the some 300,000 recorded Navajo, only about half of them live on the 27,000 square mile reservation, which occupies parts of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. 

"It can be good for some natives to take advantage of the Anglo culture," Kaibetoney said.  "Some move away, go to school, become doctors and lawyers, or welders.  That's good.  The reservation can't support all 300,000 Navajo.  It's good to find that balance," he concluded, noting that an individual's genes must be at least 50% Navajo in order to qualify for status as an official tribe member.

For those who stay, it is a choice and a preference to live in the old ways. Kaibetoney said something that does not translate well between Navajo and Western cultures is that visitors often seek to "help" those who live modestly at sheep camps or other areas, believing they need help at all. In the process, a traditional way of life is whittled away.  He said, "In a cultural sense, that's how it has been all these years.  Some say, 'Oh, those poor people, they have no running water and no electricity,' but to them, they're happy. They have no bills; no house payment. They are happy and that's up to them."

Spending time on the reservation among the people who thrive so completely in the old ways made it clear to students that, to some Navajo, the correlation between happiness and a simple life is an undeniable truth.

Student Linsey Mizik said, "They're so happy living the way they do. They don't see it as poor.  They have all they need. They have all they want. It's the life they know."

Instead, many Navajo are more interested in telling their story.  The story of their people and their culture.  Though, it is a culture so deep and full of intricacies that a week on the reservation cannot scratch the surface. Everything the Navajo do has meaning. Every gesture has purpose.

Kaibetoney produces a folding knife from his pocket and locks the blade open. He grasps the knife by the handle with the blade pointing outward. "The way you hold a knife can be extremely offensive in my culture," he explained.  "What does it look like I'm going to do? Attack? Yes? If someone walked into a room, event innocently, and was holding a knife like this, it could be taken very poorly."

The meaning in each small gesture, or the intricate story behind every song is something the Penn State DuBois students were impressed with. But they mostly marveled over the way every Navajo knew those stories. Nobody in their culture worships or attends a ceremony or sings a song only because their upbringing drilled routine into their core; they do it because the true reasons for doing it were carefully explained to them since childhood.

Kaibetoney added, "One song could take half the night to explain; it's origin, it's meaning. Navajo is no fad, it's a way of life."

And for those who visit the reservation, taking away just fractions of that way of life, or inspiring others to take an interest in it, is the greatest service they can provide.

"These students will leave here and go back to their classes. But they will think about the sweat lodge they built; the hogan they built; the hike they took. At least I hope they will," said Kaibetoney. "The most important thing is people just realizing that us Native Americans are still alive and thriving in the West.  We are still here."

Discovering ways to serve communities the way the people in those communities want to be served is what Amizade is all about. Amizade Participant Coordinator Bibi Al–Ebrahim joined the service groups at the Navajo nation for the week.  She explained, "Amizade means 'friendship' in Portuguese. It's about creating opportunities to bring people together, and we do it through service learning. The goal is not just to help a community, but also to exchange culture and form bonds that you otherwise would not have the chance to have if it weren't for this experience."

Amizade Program Assistant Julie Smucker added, "Meeting new people and learning new things is so enriching to the student experience.  When you leave your comfort zone it's easier to do that.  When you step out of where you're comfortable and broaden your world, there's so much to learn."

But the places that at the beginning of the week were outside of the students' comfort zone, felt a lot more like home by week's end. That's exactly the way student Julie Vokes described the experience.  She said, "After this week I realized home isn’t always a structure. It's sometimes the people you surround yourself with. I found my home here."

Vokes' sentiments were exemplified in the family-like atmosphere around Kaibetoney ranch after the days of service work there. Students were always welcomed to dinner at Kaibetoney's house. Here they also had the opportunity to cook traditional Navajo foods. Tortillas were prepared over an open fire; mutton stew filled pots on the table. Fry bread, a deep-fried creation resembling an elephant ear or funnel cake, became a student favorite.  Students cooked and ate alongside Melissa Woody, Lawrence Kaibetoney, his sister, his mother, and his friends who frequently dropped by for visits.  Stories were shared around the fire. Laughs came easy.  Memories were made.

"By doing all the things we do together you get to know everyone here on a completely different level than when we started this week, and I think that's awesome," said student Josh Sanko.

Student Aaron Angstadt agreed, saying, "After this trip I think we've all built such a bond that I trust all of you with anything now."

Linsey Mizik added, "It's hard being so far away from my family here, but it's awesome when you find that family in other people that are here. It fills that void."

Just a few feet away from the porch and the tables filled with home cooked food, Woody's 13 year old daughter, Mariah, dribbled a basketball. She was seldom seen without a basketball under her arm. Penn State DuBois women's basketball players Mizik and Kristy Hanes seized the opportunity to play a big sister role and bond with Mariah over their common passion for the game.  The three regularly shot hoops together either at the ranch, or on the court at Grey Hills. The Penn State women would also take turns playing Mariah one-on-one.  

"I'm really glad I met Mariah. I'll miss her most when I get home," Hanes said.  "We connected because of our love for basketball, and part of me really feels like I found a piece of myself way out here."

Each student found their own way to connect. They shared stories like the one Hanes tells about basketball. They found bonds with those they shared experiences with in the sweat lodge. They found satisfaction in service, and enlightenment in new culture. They found family in a place they had never before been, and in people they had never before met. As each work day closed with dinner around the fragrant fire of cedar logs, and the last golden rays of sun faded into an enormous, pink Western sky, one phrase naturally hung on the lips of many: "Okay, good."

This Alternative Spring Break experience was made possible by generous sponsorships by the Mengle Foundation, Bill and Nancy Allenbaugh, Johnson Motors, The Office of the Provost for Educational Equity, the Fraternal Order of Eagles # 4454, and the Polish Citizens Club of DuBois.

GAME COMMISSION RELEASES DEER HARVEST ESTIMATES Harvests increased statewide in 2015-16, report shows.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission today reported results from the 2015-16 deer seasons, which closed in January.

Hunters harvested an estimated 315,813 deer – an increase of about 4 percent compared to the 2014-15 harvest of 303,973.

Of those, 137,580 were antlered deer – an increase of about 15 percent compared to the previous license year, when an estimated 119,260 bucks were taken. Hunters also harvested an estimated 178,233 antlerless deer in 2015-16, which represents an about 4 percent decrease compared to the 184,713 antlerless deer taken in 2014-15.

The percentage of older bucks in the harvest might well be the most eye-popping number in the report.

A whopping 59 percent of whitetail bucks taken by Pennsylvania hunters during the 2015-16 deer seasons were 2½ years old or older, making for the highest percentage of adult bucks in the harvest in decades.

Game Commission Wildlife Management Director Wayne Laroche pointed out the trend of more adult bucks in the harvest started when antler restrictions were put into place. More yearling bucks are making it through the first hunting season through which they carry a rack. Season after season, a greater proportion of the annual buck harvest has been made of adult bucks.

In 2014-15, 57 percent of the bucks taken by hunters were 2½ or older.

“But to see that number now at nearly 60 percent is remarkable,” Laroche said. “It goes to show what antler restrictions have accomplished – they’ve created a Pennsylvania where every deer hunter in the woods has a real chance of taking the buck of a lifetime.”

While the 137,580 bucks taken in 2015-16 is a sharp increase over 2014-15, it compares to a 2013-14 estimate of 134,280 bucks. In 2014-15, a number of factors including poor weather on key hunting days and limited deer movements due to exceptionally abundant mast contributed to a reduced deer harvest overall.

The decrease in the 2015-16 antlerless harvest was a predictable outcome, given that 33,000 fewer antlerless licenses were allocated statewide in 2015-16, compared to the previous year.

Reducing the allocation within a Wildlife Management Unit allows deer numbers to grow there.  Records show it takes an allocation of about four antlerless licenses to harvest one antlerless deer, and the success rate for antlerless-deer hunters again was consistent at about 25 percent in 2015-16.

Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough congratulated deer hunters on their successes afield during the 2015-16 seasons.

“While the Game Commission again reduced the number of antlerless licenses that were allocated in 2015-16, and the antlerless harvest dropped accordingly, as expected, the overall increase in the harvest – and, in particular, the buck harvest – show this was another outstanding deer season in Pennsylvania,” Hough said. “The pictures I’ve seen of trophy bucks this season came from all over the Commonwealth – including the big woods of the northcentral – and they were jaw-dropping and impressive. And the best news is there are plenty of new memories waiting to be made when deer hunters get back out there in the coming license year.”

Harvest estimates are based on more than 24,000 deer checked by Game Commission personnel and more than 100,000 harvest reports submitted by successful hunters. Because some harvests go unreported, estimates provide a more accurate picture of hunter success. However, in 2015-16 the rate at which successful hunters reported their harvests increased slightly.

The antlerless harvest included about 63 percent adult females, about 20 percent button bucks and about 17 percent doe fawns. The rates are similar to long-term averages.

Agency staff currently is working to develop 2016-17 antlerless deer license allocation recommendations, which will be considered at the April 5 meeting of the Board of Game Commissioners. Wayne Laroche, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director, said that in addition to harvest data, staff will be looking at deer health measures, forest regeneration and deer-human conflicts for each WMU.

Total deer harvest estimates by WMU for 2015-16 (with 2014-15 figures in parentheses) are as follows:

WMU 1A: 6,000 (5,100) antlered, 9,100 (10,800) antlerless;

WMU 1B: 6,900 (5,800) antlered, 7,700 (8,800) antlerless;

WMU 2A: 6,500 (5,100) antlered, 10,500 (9,600) antlerless;

WMU 2B: 5,200 (4,300) antlered, 15,000 (13,000) antlerless;

WMU 2C: 9,100 (7,000) antlered, 8,490 (9,029) antlerless;

WMU 2D: 12,300 (11,400) antlered, 15,700 (16,400) antlerless;

WMU 2E: 4,700 (4,400) antlered, 5,300 (5,600) antlerless;

WMU 2F: 7,000 (6,000) antlered, 5,400 (5,900) antlerless;

WMU 2G: 6,100 (4,800) antlered, 4,100 (4,700) antlerless;

WMU 2H: 1,400 (1,700) antlered, 1,400 (1,100) antlerless;

WMU 3A: 4,300 (3,300) antlered, 4,000 (4,300) antlerless;

WMU 3B: 6,800 (6,000) antlered, 7,400 (8,100) antlerless;

WMU 3C: 7,600 (6,500) antlered, 10,500 (10,300) antlerless;

WMU 3D: 3,500 (4,200) antlered, 3,700 (5,200) antlerless;

WMU 4A: 5,100 (3,300) antlered, 8,670 (6,805) antlerless;

WMU 4B: 5,700 (4,600) antlered, 7,000 (5,600) antlerless;

WMU 4C: 5,400 (4,800) antlered, 5,000 (5,000) antlerless;

WMU 4D: 7,200 (6,500) antlered, 7,443 (6,848) antlerless;

WMU 4E: 6,200 (5,800) antlered, 6,900 (5,900) antlerless;

WMU 5A: 2,900 (2,400) antlered, 4,600 (3,300) antlerless;

WMU 5B: 8,000 (6,900) antlered, 11,500 (12,400) antlerless;

WMU 5C: 7,400 (8,000) antlered, 13,600 (22,200) antlerless;

WMU 5D: 2,200 (1,300) antlered, 5,200 (3,800) antlerless; and

Unknown WMU: 80 (60) antlered, 30 (31) antlerless.

Season-specific 2015-16 deer harvest estimates (with 2014-15 harvest estimates in parentheses) are as follows:

WMU 1A: archery, 2,610 (2,320) antlered, 2,480 (2,350) antlerless; and muzzleloader, 90 (80) antlered, 1,120 (1,050) antlerless.

WMU 1B: archery, 2,560 (2,270) antlered, 1,480 (1,340) antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 (30) antlered, 720 (560) antlerless.

WMU 2A: archery, 2,160 (1,940) antlered, 2,110 (2,020) antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 (60) antlered, 1,390 (1,280) antlerless.

WMU 2B: archery, 3,750 (3,060) antlered, 7,880 (6,610) antlerless; muzzleloader, 50 (40) antlered, 920 (890) antlerless.

WMU 2C: archery, 3,130 (2,740) antlered, 1,687 (1,776) antlerless; muzzleloader, 70 (60) antlered, 1,066 (1,040) antlerless.

WMU 2D: archery, 4,780 (4,510) antlered, 2,330 (2,650) antlerless; muzzleloader, 120 (90) antlered, 1,970 (2,150) antlerless.

WMU 2E: archery, 1,460 (1,460) antlered, 800 (780) antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 (40) antlered, 700 (720) antlerless.

WMU 2F: archery, 1,860 (1,730) antlered, 780 (960) antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 (70) antlered, 720 (840) antlerless.

WMU 2G: archery, 1,340 (1,050) antlered, 800 (850) antlerless; muzzleloader, 60 (50) antlered, 700 (850) antlerless.

WMU 2H: archery, 290 (380) antlered, 250 (140) antlerless; muzzleloader, 10 (20) antlered, 250 (160) antlerless.

WMU 3A: archery, 1,180 (870) antlered, 760 (540) antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 (30) antlered, 640 (460) antlerless.

WMU 3B: archery, 2,320 (1,950) antlered, 1,620 (1,500) antlerless; muzzleloader, 80 (50) antlered, 1,180 (1,200) antlerless.

WMU 3C: archery, 2,060 (1,660) antlered, 1,940 (1,780) antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 (40) antlered, 1,460 (1,420) antlerless.

WMU 3D: archery, 1,060 (1,350) antlered, 980 (960) antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 (50) antlered, 520 (440) antlerless.

WMU 4A: archery, 960 (740) antlered, 1,401 (1,057) antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 (60) antlered, 1,285 (1,096) antlerless.

WMU 4B: archery, 1,660 (1,650) antlered, 1,400 (1,190) antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 (50) antlered, 800 (710) antlerless.

WMU 4C: archery, 2,150 (1,840) antlered, 1,380 (1,240) antlerless; muzzleloader, 50 (60) antlered, 620 (660) antlerless.

WMU 4D: archery, 1,840 (1,920) antlered, 1,714 (1,356) antlerless; muzzleloader, 60 (80) antlered, 968 (913) antlerless.

WMU 4E: archery, 2,150 (2,070) antlered, 1,340 (1,070) antlerless; muzzleloader, 50 (30) antlered, 760 (630) antlerless.

WMU 5A: archery, 880 (960) antlered, 1,010 (720) antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 (40) antlered, 590 (380) antlerless.

WMU 5B: archery, 4,430 (3,730) antlered, 3,790 (3,920) antlerless; muzzleloader, 70 (70) antlered, 1,010 (1,180) antlerless.

WMU 5C: archery, 4,880 (4,790) antlered, 6,310 (10,210) antlerless; muzzleloader, 120 (110) antlered, 1,090 (1,490) antlerless.

WMU 5D: archery, 1,770 (990) antlered, 3,440 (2,730) antlerless; muzzleloader, 30 (10) antlered, 160 (70) antlerless.

Unknown WMU: archery, 0 (40) antlered, 10 (0) antlerless; muzzleloader, 0 (0) antlered, 0 (0) antlerless.

For additional information on Pennsylvania’s 2015-16 deer harvest, please go to the agency’s website – www.pgc.state.pa.us – and click on “White-Tailed Deer” on the homepage, and then select 2015-16 Deer Harvest Estimates under “Deer Management.”