VOL:94 Issue 2
torchonline.com
The independent student newspaper of St. John’s University
Movie screening inform students
CPS releases plans for renovation
on sexual assault NICKOOL CASTRO Staff Writer
“The Hunting Ground,” a documentary about sexual assaults on college campuses, was screened yesterday afternoon at St. John’s Queens campus. The event took place in the Little Theater at 3:30p.m. According to Director of Media Relations Elizabeth Reilly and Assistant Director for Wellness and Violence Prevention Hannah Artiles-Stravers, approximately 300 to 350 students and faculty attended the event. Before the documentary started, Artiles-Stravers spoke about sexual misconduct that has been happening on college campuses around the nation, and also talked about why St. John’s University decided to show the documentary at this time. “The first 6 weeks are when most sexual violence occurs,” Artiles-Stravers said, “We want to start the year with this message.” For the cover story picture, the attribution goes to Assistant Vice President for Design and Construction Ibi Yolas. (Continued on Page 8)
A blueprint design for the new CPS office.
AMANDA UMPIERREZ News Editor
Office space remodelings of the College of Professional Studies and the Tobin College of Business are arranged to be completed by 2016 and 2017. The blueprint relocates CPS to the second floor of St. Augustine Hall and allotts the first four floors of Bent Hall to TCB, in order to allocate wide areas and communal features for both students and faculty. “We want the architect to fuse office space with student engagement areas,” Dean of the College of Professional Studies Jeffrey Grossmann, said. Although a final design for TCB is not completed, the 27,000-square-foot remodeling of CPS will contain a café, lobby, four student-centered laboratories and administrative and faculty offices.
Entertainment
Sports
The Torch reviews “The Visit”
Women’s soccer star reflects on Women’s World Cup campaign Page 15
Page 10
photo EDITOR/DIANA COLAPIETRO
According to Dean Grossmann, three of the four labs will focus on homeland security, cyber security and computer science majors, while the last one, known as the “multipurpose room” or “innovation lab” will accommodate alternate CPS majors. In these labs, cyber security majors can learn to function computer security systems and dissect live computer viruses, while computer science students will have specialized computers and softwares made available. Ymara Maglorie, a cyber security major at St. John’s, believes the multipurpose rooms will act as an imperative resource to her study. “Most cyber security majors have to do stuff on computers, so having an actual lab dedicated to that is nice,” she said. Along with the innovation labs, a café and multiple interactive rooms will be built for students, faculty and administra-
Opinion
Two students argue for and against raising the minimum wage Page 6
tion to interact with one another. Interactive rooms intend to connect student and faculty relationships, where both sides can meet to browse career paths or videos on accessible computers and television sets. Comfortable seating areas, such as couches and plush chairs, are also expected to spread across student and faculty collaboration rooms. “We want to make it as engaging for all sides as possible,” Dean Grossmann said. A state-of-the-art video wall will be placed in the CPS lobby, in order to highlight different events on campus exclusive to CPS majors. According to Dean Grossmann, a team of faculty, administrators and a student representative, whose name was not released, were the creators behind the reconstruction and architectural idea. (Continued on Page 3)
News
University anticipates Founder’s Week Page 4
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Photo of the Week: Managing Board XCIII
Jenny Chen & Talia Tirella, Editors-in-Chief Kyle Fitzgerald, Managing Editor Cheyanne Gonzales, General Manager
Amanda Umpierrez News Editor
Livia Paula Features Editor
Jasmine Imani Davis Entertainment Editor
Suzanne Ciechalski Opinion Editor Gina Palermo Design Editor
Stephen Zitolo Sports Editor Steven Verdile Asst. Design Editor
Sarah Guayante Chief Copy Editor Brandon Mauk Digital Sports Manager
Diana Colapietro Photo Editor
Sam Dieudonne Business Manager
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TORCH PHOTO EDITOR/DIANA COLAPIETRO Some delicious looking cannolis outside Ferrera Bakery in Little Italy.
News
Documentary raises sexual assault awareness “The Hunting Ground” showcases two survivors’ journeys (continued from page 1)
Artiles-Stravers explained that “The Hunting Ground” is a film that documents two survivors’ journeys and recorded their treatment by their university. The film shows their experiences before and after they reported the incident and tried to receive resources. She also explained that their journey takes them to meet with several other survivors around the nation and found there was a pattern of behavior where universities were having challenges in responding to
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these incidents. The documentary followed their process until it became a national issue. The film also showed statistics on sexual misconduct, and mentioned that eight percent of victims know their attackers, 88 percent of sexual assaults victims don’t report the incidents, and less than eight percent of men on campus commit 88 percent of sexual assaults. After the documentary, many people were distressed about the information they learned through the film. Junior television and film major Ashley Rodrguez,
and sophomore economics major Ruben Rozo were among the students who showed concern over the statistics.
“It’s heartbreaking to know that these girls went through something so horrible...” -Ashley Rodriguez-
“It’s heartbreaking to know that these girls went through something so horrible,” Rodriguez said. “What’s worse is that it could have been prevented, you know.” “I can’t comprehend why they [the victims] stay silent all this time,” Rozo said. To conclude, Hannah Artiles-Stravers presented the Sexual Assault Response Team which consisted of Associate Dean for Student Services Jackie Lochrie, the Director of Employee Relations and Compliance Yael Wepman, and Assistant Director of Public Safety Compliance John Breheny.
CPS and TCB refurbished space set for 2016-17
(continued from page 1)
“The whole idea behind the design was to really open up the space,” he said. Brianna Sanderson, a sophomore studying advertising, sees the design as an enhancement in comparison to the current CPS office space in Bent Hall. “It looks like a more interactive environment, whereas in Bent Hall, all the doors are so closed,” she said. “If it’s gonna look like this, it’ll make me want to go to my dean.” Cyber security major, Maglorie, agrees with Sanderson. “I’ve been to the offices in Bent Hall, and I’ve seen how outdated they are compared to other offices,” she said. The absence of natural light in the Bent Hall offices was another factor contributing to the CPS renovations. According to Assistant Vice President for Design and Construction Ibi Yolas the remodeling will secure a bright setting throughout the entire floor. “All of the offices will have a glass front, so natural light can filter all the way through,” she said. The CPS remodeling is divided into two phases, with phase one expected to be finished by December 2015. Phase one consists of faculty and administrative offices, the café and collaboration rooms, while phase two includes all labs. When phase one is completed, all CPS and TCB faculty will move into the reconstructed space while Bent Hall renovations for TCB will commence in January 2016. TCB faculty will temporarily stay in the rejuvenated CPS offices until Bent Hall repairs are done in August 2016, and in fall 2016 phase two will begin. The first labs are scheduled to open for all students in spring 2017. As stated by Yolas, the idea of merging both colleges in the same area for the spring 2016 semester was made by Dean Jeffrey Grossmann because of the finite space available on campus. “There’s a lot of faculty and a lot of
photo provided/assistant vice president of design and commmunications ibi yolas
Blueprint design of the College of Professional Studies’ café includes couches, a television set, counter tops and stools.
administrators, and it’s very difficult to find space on campus,” she said. “Space is very limited on campus, so they graciously offered to share it with TCB faculty.” However, before construction began for CPS phase one renovations, the second floor of St. Augustine Hall was vacant. According to Dean Grossmann and Ibi Yolas, the cost of the CPS phase one reconstruction is set at six million dollars, with phase two and Bent Hall repairs still unknown. Senior criminal justice major Christine Dykes finds the expenses to be far too high for only one floor of renova-
tions. “I think that’s absurd,” she said. “I don’t understand why this would cost six million dollars.” Dykes notes the on-going problem surrounding the many St. John’s adjunct professors who aren’t receiving more pay. “There are so many adjunct professors who don’t have enough money, enough pay,” she said. “If they’re going to put six million dollars towards something, it should be towards the professors.” A junior majoring in business finance, Aaron Jimenez, believes acquiring a modern space will be worth the cost. “I think it’s worth it for students,” he said. “It’s a smart decision to do
something like that. I think it would attract more people to come.” In an email interview, Director of Media Relations Elizabeth Reilly stated that the “Board of Trustees approved funding from the University’s unrestricted endowment for the CPS and TCB renovations.” Although Dykes sees the renovation as an aesthetic improvement, she finds a complication with the total expense of only one aspect in the repairs. “It looks nice; it looks great,” she said. “I just have a problem with them spending money on this.”
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University to celebrate extended Founder’s Week
talia tirella Co-Editor-in-Chief
First event scheduled is lecture advocating for poor
Founder’s Week at St. John’s traditionally lasts a week, but this year the calendar of events will be extended to two weeks due in part to Pope Francis’ visit to the States. One of the main events is a lecture by Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer and New York University law professor and bestselling author of “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.” Stevenson practices public interest law and focuses on challenging racial discrimination, unjust incarceration and poverty. His work deals primarily with advocating for the marginalized and those who cannot effectively help themselves. Stevenson is also the founder and director of the Equal Justice Initiative. Founder’s Week is a time for the St. John’s community to experience the virtues of St. Vincent de Paul and how he reflected the light of Christ, according to Christine Hammill-Cregan, associate director for the Vincentian Center for Church & Society. Hammill-Cregan said that Stevenson’s message directly correlates with the University’s message of advocating for the poor and marginalized, and that students will find his talk to be engaging because his career and experiences directly relate to the Vincentian teachings of the University. Fr. Patrick Griffin, C.M., executive director of the Vincentian Center for Church & Society, explained that the decision to
invite Stevenson was also influenced by the ship between the area of law he studies and suggestion of Michael Simons, dean of the recent racial tensions that have plagued the St. John’s Law School. Griffin said that Si- nation. mons knew “He can of Stevenexpand on son, a popthe context ular figure of racial rein the law lations in world due the counto his focus try,” Hamon social ismill-Cresues. gan said. Simons, “It’s topical along with for New the VincenYork City, tian Cenit’s topiter, felt that cal for the Stevenson c o u n t r y, would be an and for the invaluable world.” guest, able Hamto commumill-Crenicate the gan said importance she believes of social students justice and will take a advocacy to special inthe Univerterest since sity commany are munity. active in soHamcial justice mill-Crecauses both gan and Fr. on and off Griffin also campus. photo PROVIDED/CHRISTINE HAMMILL-CREGAN said that “He can Stevenson enco urage would be a valuable source of information action, and make that call to students,” when it comes to discussing the relation- Hammill-Cregan said.
Fr. Griffin believes that students won’t regret attending the event. “Anyone who shows up will not be disappointed,” Fr. Griffin said. Other events during Founder’s Week will include University Service Day, several activities hosted by Campus Ministry including simulcasting of the Papal addresses and a film screening. “The social justice theme [of Founder’s Week] is linked to other events,” Hammill-Cregan said. “There’s a mass, lectures and an art exhibit.” Service Day draws a large crowd of students; last year, 2,000 participated in various community service activities in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. Campus Ministry will join in by holding several choral readings as well as simulcasting all of the Pope’s addresses he will give at different venues in the States. “The Heart of a Murderer” will be the film screening this year. Hammill-Cregan said that the film emphasizes themes of reconciliation and advocating for the poor and marginalized, similar to the other events being held this year. The first event for Founder’s Week is Stevenson’s speech, which is Sept. 21 in Carnesecca Arena at 5 p.m. The event is open for the entire St. John’s community, and students can earn four MVP points for attending. The full, updated calendar of events for the two weeks can be found on the St. John’s website.
Tobin College of Business adds surprise to MetroCards amanda umpierrez News Editor When Assistant Vice President of Governmental Relations and Professor Brian Browne bought a MetroCard some weeks ago, he was in for a little surprise. “Nice surprise this AM when I got new @MetroCardCity & saw this on reverse!” he tweeted on Sept. 3. The other side would show an advertisement designed by the Tobin College of Business, with the words ‘Solid. Ethical. Global.’ printed in bold capitalized letters and a URL linking to TCB graduate programs. TCB Communications Manager Asia Hauter ensued in the marketing and advertising of the college on NYC MetroCards, as it played a part in her media plan. “The reason for placing the advertisements is to enhance awareness of the Tobin college and increase enrollment,” she said in an email interview. Browne believes the idea is a great incentive to promote St. John’s in the NYC area. “It gets the brand out there, it gets the message out there,” he said. “It screams NYC, it being on the back of a MetroCard.” However, marketing major Melanie Butron would have rather seen a larger advertisement. “I don’t usually notice the back of a MetroCard, so I don’t notice much of the marketing strategy,” she said. “My question is; why an actual MetroCard, and not an ad on the subway?” She continued to speculate why only one particular college was advertised, rather than the university as a whole. In her email interview, Hauter explained her role is only specific to TCB and
Tobin College of Business advertisement stands out on the back of a MetroCard.
not the university. “I personally work in the dean’s office for the Tobin College of Business, so I do not manage media or advertising placement for the University as a whole,” she noted. Director of Media Relations Elizabeth Reilly, who handles media and advertising for the University, clarified in an email in-
terview the difference between directing undergraduate and graduate advertising. “Advertising for graduate programs is managed by each individual college to meet their own needs, in consultation with the University’s marketing and communication department,” she said. St. John’s students see the advertisement as an enforcement of the metropol-
torch photo/amanda umpierrez
itan and global mission. “It’s done classically, advertising wise,” junior Chloe Gage said. “How much [more] metropolitan can you get with a MetroCard?” Accounting major Jessica DiBugno appreciates the originality with the idea. “It’s definitely different,” she said. “It will appeal to a wide variety of people.”
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Opinion
Flames of the Torch Staff Editorial board XCIII TALIA TIRELLA Co-Editor-in-Chief JENNY CHEN Co-Editor-in-Chief KYLE FITZGERALD Managing Editor CHEYANNE GONZALES General Manager AMANDA UMPIERREZ News Editor SUZANNE CIECHALSKI Opinion Editor LIVIA PAULA Features Editor JASMINE IMANI DAVIS Entertainment Editor STEPHEN ZITOLO Sports Editor
Believe it or not, we actually have a website. Yes, if you go to torchonline.com on your St. John’s provided MacBook or Lenovo laptop you can view all of our articles. Doesn’t that seem like a great big barrel of fun? Not everybody has the time to flip through a newspaper these days and, let’s face it, it might be a bit of a nuissance getting all of that gunk from the black ink onto your fingers. If you’ve been a student here the past few years and have gone on our website, you may notice that it doesn’t look like it used to. We’ve recently revamped the website. We, the editorial board of the Torch, want the website to be as user-friendly as possible so that way it is easy for the students and faculty of St. John’s University to access our content. On the homepage of the Torch’s website, you could also access our Twitter accounts (@SJUTorch and @TorchSports) to get the latest updates. Check out the skills of our Photo Editor Diana Colapietro on our Instagram account (@sju_torch), and follow us as she introduces members of the staff throughout the fall semester. We have also included PDF formats of the newspaper under the ‘Full Issues’ tab. Check out any of our issues from this and past semesters to see what we’ve covered over the years. But, as many of you may have experienced at one point or another, technology may not always be reliable (some of us here even believe we should go back to the printing press). We noticed that a fair amount of our recent articles are not appearing on the homepage or anywhere else throughout the website domain.
How could this be? We don’t know how this happened, to be honest with you. We can promise you, though, that we are diligently working and are dedicated on resolving this issue. This is an inconveniece to you and ourselves as well because we want to ensure that the Torch’s content is as easily accessible as possble. In the meantime, though, if you happen to come across anything in the newspaper and think to yourself, “Well, that certainly is quite odd” or just feel strongly about a particular subject matter that is being discussed in an article, then please share that with the Torch. It’s still the fresh beginning of the new semester, so we are still looking for new voices to represent the Torch. You do not have to be a journalism major, and you do not have to have prior experience. Having a wide variety of perceptions, skills and interests creates a more interesting newspaper. St. John’s University is such a diverse community set in the most ethnically-vibrant city in the world. With a culturally dynamic group, the Torch is able to effectively report New York news to our metropolitan demographic. We are additionally, always inviting voices that simply wish to interact and have a conversation with us. You can send any of these “Letters to the Editor” to torch.managing@ gmail.com. We will always respond and dedicate space in our paper to write back, so continue to look out for local voices.
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of the TORCH. Columns are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of the TORCH.
Opinions expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administrations of St. John’s University.
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“Conversation: I feel like I’m wasting time when I’m sleeping. I feel like I’m wasting time when I’m not sleeping.” By: Nicole Marino
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The minimum wage: how fair is $15?
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BRYANT RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer
wages in such a short period of time, overall purchasing power would decrease. Purchasing power is how far a dollar goes in buying products. If prices rise rapJust recently, the New York State Wage idly due to the wage increase, purchasing Board announced that fast-food workers power declines, essentially leaving people would begin earning $15 an hour. The who are fighting for a higher minimum wage increase will take place over the next wage back to where they were in the first three years in New York City and the next place. six years elsewhere in the state. Furthermore, people who do not get The “Fight for 15” movement has res- a wage increase, such as workers who are onated with fast-food workers across the already making above the minimum wage, country as they try and attain what they will see their dispensable income erode. deem is a fair working wage. To raise a Why did New York State only increase family of four in the United States today, the minimum wage for fast-food workers? this movement believes that $15 an hour is There are plenty of other jobs in which an appropriate minimum wage to live on. people are making the bare minimum, yet However, working in the fast food industry those workers did not get an increase. Alwas never meant to be a lifelong career. In- though New York will eventually increase stead, it was meant to be a stepping-stone wages for the general workforce, there is a into the general workforce where there better way to increase one’s income. would be higher paying positions available. The best way to prove one’s worth as an While it’s true that the current New employee and get a higher wage is through York State minimum wage is too low, at hard work and applying one’s skills and $8.75, a jump to $15 is far too high. A personal attributes to advance in the workreasonable increase would be between $11 place. In other words, putting one’s self and $12 an hour, after which, the new above others for opportunities, such as wage would be pegged with inflation. promotions and raises. Raising the minimum wage will likely This movement seems more like a sense have a negative impact on both existing of entitlement rather than a sincere moveand prospective employees. Weekly hours ment to increase worker satisfaction and would be cut to compensate for the in- economic well-being. crease resulting in smaller paychecks. Due to the near-double increase in
KRISTEN CATALANO Staff Writer
One of the most discussed and disputed issues in New York today is minimum wage. More specifically, whether or not the government should raise minimum wage to $15 or keep it as it is now, which is $8.75. On Thursday, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration officially approved the plan to gradually increase minimum wage for fast-food employees to $15. Although this angers a lot of people, there are many positive things that can result from this increase in minimum wage. I believe that an increase in minimum wage would benefit so many people as well as the economy as a whole. People should try and see the beneficial aspect of raising the minimum wage and put their personal feelings aside. A recent study proves that it is impossible to afford New York City rent on minimum wage. Therefore, with an increase in minimum wage, there would also be an increase in the standards of living. A 2013 report from the Congressional Budget Office estimates that if an increase of minimum wage occurs, more than 900,000 workers would be able to rise above the poverty threshold. As more workers are able to supply themselves with what they need to survive, a decrease in the amount of people on
government and state sponsored programs would most likely occur. Another positive thing that most people do not consider is that an increase in minimum wage could increase consumer spending. Since people will be making more, they would have more money to spend, which will boost the economy. An increase in minimum wage could also result in better work habits from the employees since they would feel that they are actually working for what they deserve, rather than feeling cheated every time they clock in to work. Anyone who has worked for minimum wage before knows how it feels to work all week long and still feel as though you have nothing at the end of the week to show for it. A wage increase may give employees that extra boost they need to help keep customers going to the establishment they are working at. This, in turn, will help keep turnover rates down and help restaurant owners as well. Although I think that an increase in minimum wage is definitely needed and deserved, I do feel that some research should go into how much it would be raised to in every other state. The research ensures that everyone, including those who do not work for fastfood restaurants, is working for what they deserve.
Pope Francis: a family man FR. PATRICK J. GRIFFIN, CM Special to the Torch From Sept. 22 to Sept. 27, Pope Francis will make his visit to the United States. His goal is to visit Philadelphia and The World Meeting of Families. Only the most dedicated hermit will manage to avoid the regular reporting on his words and actions. His orchestrated and closely-timed travel will bring him to Washington, New York and Philadelphia in rapid succession. He will arrive in New York on the evening of Sept. 24 in time to celebrate the Evening Prayer in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. His schedule the next day will seem like a blur, since he will be attending the UN, the 9/11 Memorial and a Mass at Madison Square Garden. In between his hectic schedule will be a visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem. This last item, so typical of Pope Francis, gives him an opportunity to make a simpler and more personal visit amongst all the great events. Some of our SJU community will have the opportunity to see and hear him in person, though from a distance, during his USA tour. They represent all of us. I confess that my Catholic pride might be showing when I insist that no other
international figure in the world gathers more attention regularly than the pope (even though John Lennon claimed that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus). Of course, there are people who disagree with some of the positions that the pope takes on certain issues, but everyone (except for the really hardcore) should still have a more respectful view of him.
PHOTO/WIKIPEDIA
He certainly views others in that sort of fashion. In May 2015, Pope Francis issued an encyclical (an open letter) regarding the environment, which he addressed to “every person living on this planet.” This powerful document argues for the needs of our planet and all of its inhabitants. Those who espouse the care for our
world and its poor have certainly found an ally in this pope. On another front, the Holy Father has declared a “Jubilee Year of Mercy” for the Catholic world beginning in December 2015. The exact lines of this proclamation have not yet been clearly defined, but the mercy connected with forgiveness and harmony will target the whole world. The Catholic Christian community will also hear a particular summons to make use of the sacrament of Reconciliation (also referred to as “Confession”). The September visit of the Pope to our country has “family” as its primary focus. The Philadelphia gathering will center on this theme. All people of good will, notably Pope Francis, recognize the importance of family for both the community and the church. Yet, in the modern world, families can experience many attacks, from many different directions, some intentional and some not so. The assembly in the “City of Brotherly Love” will promote the sanctity of family and recommend practices to promote its safety. Pope Francis desires that the gathering will have a pastoral tone. For him, children represent the highest value to be safeguarded and cherished, which one can expect to be a dominant theme in this assembly.
It’s time to reform college financing
SUZANNE CIECHALSKI Opinion Editor
It is no secret that the cost of a college education has risen through the roof and become, quite frankly, ridiculous. CNBC reported this summer that college tuition has been rising about six-percent above inflation since the 1970’s. Despite constant reporting on the average American family’s inability to afford higher education, the price continues to go up. Unsurprisingly, a Gallup Poll published in April 2015 shows that 79% of Americans believe that higher education is unaffordable. Students are pushed to go on to receive a degree after high school and I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment; however, it is difficult to achieve all that is expected given the cost. By “all that is expected” I don’t just mean going to college after high school. I mean attending a school that is considered “good” in the eyes of the public, meaning a high-priced, private university with a stellar reputation. Are you even smart if you’re not attending Harvard? It simply isn’t enough to just attend college after high school nowadays. Students feel pressured to attend prestigious schools where it is expected that they will graduate and become active members of society, as if it’s that easy. First, there is certainly an issue with the education system in the United States as a whole. With all of the focus being put on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs and pushing students in that direction, the humanities (religion, history, language, etc.) have taken a
The
not so
huge hit. Standardized testing has also deeply affected elementary through high school students as these exams play a huge part in the college application process (looking at you, College Board). There’s also a huge lack of emphasis on trades, which, contrary to popular belief, are necessary to keeping this country going. Why are students forced into going to school for accounting when they want to work with their hands as a carpenter? Or,
the government’s requirements for FAFSA, which, quite frankly, does not take enough into account in terms of a family’s finances. Once FAFSA is filled out and an Estimated Family Contribution is calculated, there is very little that can be done by universities to aid students any further. Student loan debt has consumed the country, yet loans are still the go-to method of affording college for most students. Student loans are advertised as the greatest
How do you feel about college financing? Write a letter to the editor at torchopinion@gmail.com.
maybe they want to become mechanics or plumbers. There should not be a stigma surrounding the trades, as there’s an obvious need for them to keep this country alive and breathing. Besides the stigmas that surround college attendance, affordability is also a huge problem. Government aid is supposed to alleviate the expense of higher education, but many students still have difficulty affording college with scholarships and aid. In many cases, students have difficulty even receiving some type of aid because they don’t meet
lame game corner
Fall in love with fall
thing since sliced bread, yet according to CNN, as of September 2014, student loan debt hit a record $1.2 trillion dollars. If that doesn’t spell a problem for the United States and colleges across the country, as well as students, I’m not sure what does. Discussions take place constantly surrounding this issue, but there is not nearly enough action being taken, as is the case with most issues in America these days. President Barack Obama has said, “We shouldn’t be making it harder to afford college-we should be a country where every-
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one has a chance to go and doesn’t rack up $100,000 of debt just because they went.” Just like the President, many politicians have stood before us discussing the issue, complaining that the cost is out of control, that every student deserves the opportunity to receive an education without graduating with hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt and that we need to take action to combat the growing costs before they spiral out of control. Among these politicians is Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who has introduced a plan to make four-year public education completely free. President Obama himself has also introduced a plan to make two-year community colleges free. Elizabeth Warren has called for more federal funding for higher education. Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio has also called for reforms in terms of higher education, which the New York Times described as “dismantling the ‘cartel of existing colleges and universities’ that he said left too many students without viable career paths and burdened by tens of thousands of dollars in debt.” Politicians can talk as much as they want and us students can keep pushing as hard as we want for some kind of action to be taken, but the future of affordability for higher education remains to be seen. One thing is for certain though; as college students and their families struggle to keep up with skyhigh costs year after year, now is the time for reform.
Clues: Across 2. Food for grazing animals like cattle, horses, goats and sheep 3. A delicious treat made with apple cider and cinnamon 4. Traditional sport to watch in the fall 7. Corn 12. The twentieth studio album by Canadian musician Neil Young, released on October 27, 1992 15. Last month of autumn 16. This guy is buried in the Seville Cathedral 19. A state of inactivity that is characterized by low body temperature, slow breathing and low metabolic rate 21. Granny smith, golden delicious, gala 22. These fall off trees 23. Annual MLB championship 24. The most common baked good during autumn 25. A cluster of leaves, flowers and branches 26. Synonym for fall 28. Happens in late September and begins fall in the Northern Hemisphere
Down 1. Friends with Dorothy, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion 5. November holiday “thanks” to the pilgrims 6. First month of autumn 8. The sound leaves make when you step on them 9. A building that is inhabited by ghosts and other frightening beings often used as a form of entertainment for brave guests 10. Scheme or delight 11. One of Charlie brown’s friends who waits for the Great Pumpkin 12. The process of gathering crops from their fields 13. A popular fall decoration 14. The most notable celebration in October that is dedicated to remembering the dead 17. Eight legged arthropod that absolutely terrify ron weasley 18. Orange squash plant that turned into cinderella’s carriage 20. A farm implement used to collect a pile of leaves (to jump on top of ) 27. Horn of plenty
By: Diana Colapietro
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, KYLE S INFINITE PLAYLIST 1. “Waterloo Sunset” by the Kinks (1967)
6. “Around the Bend” by Credence Clearwater Revival (1970)
If you ask me, this is the most beautiful song ever written in the English language. It also holds the privilege of being my all-time favourite song. Ever heard of the Beatles’ “Penny Lane”? Well this is kind of the Kinks’ version (which was released a year prior to the Beatles’ song). Its premise is quite simple; it’s just about a guy whose definition of paradise is gazing at Waterloo Sunset through his window. This song was written by vocalist Ray Davies, who is a self-proclaimed loner. For anyone who just wants to spend a night watching the sun set over any town, this is the song for you; absolutely beautiful. 2. “Love of My Life” by Queen (1975)
John Fogerty was one of the most outspoken musicians during the Vietnam War and his band, CCR, cashed in on songs inspired by the distrust over the Nixon administration and the law. This is another anti-war song (not quite as famous as “Fortunate Son”, though). This song, which begins with an emphatic guitar intro, seems to be racing through its verses because that is exactly what Mr. Fogerty and his bandmates are doing: they’re packing their things and getting out of dodge. It captured what many others felt during this time after messes such as the war and the Kent State Massacre. The government is the enemy and it’s time to turn our back towards them.
Yes, I know I could have gone the easy way out and picked one of their hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “We Are the Champions”, but I won’t. Queen was very progressive in their musical arrangement, adding layers upon layers of vocals (they’re pretty vivid in this song) and guitar overdubs into their songs - there are over 180 vocal overdubs in BoRap. The overdubs used in this song are used to amplify Freddie Mercury’s pitch-perfect voice mourning and chasing over this one person, who just seems to be a breath too far away for him to reach. 3. “Positively 4th Street” by Bob Dylan (1964) Ever listen to a song by an artist who you never heard of before and you think to yourself, “Well, I really dig this song”? Well, this is the song that began my love for Bob Dylan. Let me just say this: Bob Dylan is the greatest singer-songwriter in history. There isn’t anyone who could translate raw emotions and pain into lyrics like him. Yeah, he’s kind of a downer. Listen, we’ve all met people who we felt betrayed us, and he put that hate into incredible music. I’m sure we’ve all had that one person who we just wanted to say to, “Yes I wish that for just one time / You could stand inside my shoes / You’d know what a drag it is to see you.” 4 “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane (1967) Jefferson Airplane was one of the biggest bands during the Woodstock era, a time full of love, freedom and drugs. This a completely LSD-laced tune disguising itself as an allusion to “Alice in Wonderland”. Vocalist Grace Slick takes listeners on a trip into Alice’s fantasy of a hookah smoking caterpillar and a red queen who, like the stoned vocalist, was off with her head. Yeah, it’s a druggy song, but once that bass guitar lures you in at the beginning you can’t escape it. 5. “Love the One You’re With” by Stephen Stills (1970) Again we’re stuck in Woodstock, but let’s focus on love this time. This song is Stills’ most famous of his solo career (he was with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young at the time). This is one of the most uplifting songs I have ever heard. It encourages the listener to get up and not dwell on their loss or fantasize through their memories, but to get up and simply move on. With the organ, the choir and Stills’ guitar; it’s just a hopeful and inspiring song in its truest essence. You can’t escape it.
7. “What Makes You Think You’re the One” by Fleetwood Mac (1979) I’m still making an earnest effort to stay away from greatest hits, so we won’t talk about “Go Your Own Way” today. In their combative relationship, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham took turns taking jabs at each other with break up songs (“Dreams” is one of Stevie’s). What I love about this song, though, is the percussion. Lindsey called up bassist John McVie and drummer Mick Fleetwood to record this after a fight with Stevie. Mick Fleetwood perfectly pounds on the snare drums with a microphone right under it to create that explosive and angry sound that Lindsey’s lyrics follow to show how fed up he is with his ex-girlfriend.
8. “Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)” by the Doors (1966) Leave it to the Doors to make polka music cool. The two definitive tones of the Doors stem from Jim Morrison, a.k.a. the Lizard King, and his devil-may-care attitude and the masterful Ray Manzarek on the keyboard. The Doors’ music would certainly be some of the last to ever be played on a merry-go-round, but if there ever comes a day when that happens it will be because of Manzarek’s brilliance on the keyboard in this happy and light-hearted tune. 9. “Tales of Brave Ulysses” by Cream (1967) You know you’ve made your mark in music when people start nicknaming you “God.” Eric Clapton joined Cream after stints with the Yardbirds and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, two legendary blues bands in their own right that saw the rise of other iconic musicians. This song does sound a bit similar to “White Room”, but Clapton nevertheless delivers fine craftsmanship on his guitar, blending the sounds with a wah-wah pedal to accompany the mythological lyrics sung by bassist Jack Bruce. 10. “Gimme Shelter” by the Rolling Stones (1969) I couldn’t resist including this greatest hit into my playlist. Without a doubt, this is my favourite Rolling Stones song. Like most great Stones songs (think of “Satisfaction”) this begins with a classic guitar riff from Keith Richards. Mick Jagger, joined by Merry Clayton, sings about the violence and turbulence that was plaguing the world at the time. The song’s tension and power is evident during Clayton’s solo as she repeatedly belts “Rape, murder! / It’s just a shot away / It’s just a shot away.” If you listen closely you can hear the strain it took on her voice as it cracks a couple times. It was such a powerful song and such a powerful and strenuous performance by Clayton that she actually suffered a miscarriage because of it.
KYLE FITZGERALD Managing Editor
Shyamalan resurrects his film career in “The Visit”
MICHAEL AMBROSINO Contributing Writer
I don’t know about you, but I hereby declare M. Night Shyamalan resurrected! Well, sort of, and for now at least. After a long, long string of cinematic travesties. I’m looking at you “The Last Airbender,” “After Earth,” “Lady in the Water,” “The Village” and “The Happening.” Writer/ director M. Night Shyamalan decided to stray from the studio system to make “The
DIANA COLAPIETRO Staff Writer
Visit,” a personal and self-financed film that does not quite reach the quality of his early and best work, but is bizarre and entertaining enough to have us hoping his next “Signs” or “The Sixth Sense” is near. Here is yet another found-footage horror film that actually has a commendable reason for being yet another found-footage horror film (and even makes a fun joke about conventional found-footage films toward the climax). The film is centered on a sister and a brother, Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and Tyler (Ed Oxenbould), who leave their mother for a couple days to visit their grandparents, played tremendously by Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie. Becca is an aspiring filmmaker, so she decides to document her and her brother’s stay,which is what makes this “found-footage” medium work well as a storytelling element. As the sun rises and falls, Becca picks up more and more very questionable footage of her grandparents. They act strange during the day and even stranger at night, especially once Nana starts urging Becca to get inside the oven to clean it. Becca and Tyler’s excuses her parents for being
old and asks the kids to wait it out, who both comply, remaining uneasy. Personally, I would have wished Nana and Pop Pop a lovely life and gotten myself on a train straight out of there, but I guess these kids have more patience than I do. Suspense continues to effectively wring out as more unusual actions are taken by the grandparents. It all builds to a trademark Shyamalan plot-twist which I did not see coming and makes for an intense, frightening climax. “The Visit” offers great entertainment as both a horror and as a comedy, which alone is very admirable since those are two genres very few directors succeed at blending effectively. The film acts more as a comedy early on as characterizations develop, and most of what Shyamalan delivers is surprisingly hilarious. Once the grandparents come into the picture, Shyamalan executes this immediate feeling of uneasiness and maintains that tone throughout. “The Visit” grows more intense and unsettling as it rolls along, all while sustaining a light touch of comedy. I wouldn’t necessarily call “The Visit” horrific, but it’s genuinely creepy when it
gets weird, especially at night when Nana’s either clawing at the wall, slithering around on the floor or running as if she’s being eaten alive by paranoia (which Tyler humorously mocks later in the film). Shyamalan also utilizes wide shots to showcase something strange happening from a distance, which is always chill-inducing. In one sequence, Nana interrupts a game of tag under the house, which stood out to me as one of the creepier moments in the film. There are moments in this film when it’s pretty clear Shyamalan is parodying himself and the self-seriousness in some of the films he inflicted upon us, notably “The Happening” and “Lady in the Water.” We are finally laughing with him, rather than laughing at him. Engaging, unsettling, weird and appropriately hilarious, “The Visit” is Shyamalan’s first good movie since “Signs” and makes me hope that we will one day experience another Oscar-caliber film from him (“The Sixth Sense” was nominated for several Academy Awards). For now, we have “The Visit,” which is perfectly fine by me.
The film opens as Tracy Fishko (Lola Kirke) begins her freshman year at Barnard College. The first year of college can be an uphill battle for anyone, but it gets a little better for 18-year-old Tracy when she meets her future stepsister, Brooke (Greta Gerwig). An aspiring writer seeking to join the elite literary society at her school, Tracy spends the first few days of school making friends with a classmate named Tony and the two set out to write a story interesting enough to ensure their admission to the society. With Tracy’s mother about to marry Brooke’s father, Tracy decides to reach out to Brooke for some guidance. Twelve years older and more experienced in navigating the streets of New York, Brooke immediately takes Tracy under her wing. She introduces her to an active nightlife and the responsibilities of a young woman. Brooke’s influence inspires Tracy’s impressionable mind to write a short story about her and her quest to start a restaurant called “Mom’s” in Williamsburg. The story titled “Mistress America” uses fictional names, but follows a path similar to that of Brooke’s life. Throughout the film, it is obvious that Brooke is all over the place. She takes on a wide variety of odd jobs, such as tutoring and interior design. But, the one thing she plans to follow through with
is starting the restaurant. When her boyfriend and business partner breaks up with her, the only obstacles in Brooke’s way are money and a fast approaching deadline. As Tracy chronicles Brooke’s endeavors in her short story, her friend Tony finds himself with an overprotective girlfriend, Nicolette. The dynamic duo accompanies Tracy and Brooke to Mamie-Claire’s house in search of a sizeable investment. Mamie-Claire, Brooke’s former best friend, is married to Brooke’s ex-lover, Dylan, who happens to be incredibly wealthy. In an effort to gain Dylan’s financial support, Brooke pitches her intentions for the restaurant and emphasizes her deadline situation. Brooke’s presence creates drama between Mamie-Claire and Dylan,
while Tracy interferes with the stability of Tony and Nicolette’s relationship. Fortunately for the viewer, Greta Gerwig, who plays Brooke, had a hand in writing and producing “Mistress America.” Her interpretation of Brooke onscreen keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if she will actually be able to follow through on her restaurant endeavor. The relationship between Tracy and Brooke is a realistic depiction of how two young women make a home out of New York City. In an interview with AOL Build, Greta Gerwig said, “I’ve never really lost the feeling of New York being the ultimate city of dreams,” and that statement shines through in the script, soundtrack and cinematography of this film.
Don’t miss “Mistress America”
Growing up is overrated. It can be exciting and limitless while also terrifying and discouraging. One gets a better sense of that paradox after viewing “Mistress America,” Noah Baumbach’s latest film released on Aug. 14, 2015. As a 20-something female living in close proximity to Manhattan and searching for a respectable status in society, “Mistress America” is highly relatable. The subtle humor and endless banter between the two main characters, Tracy and Brooke, offers one hour and 26 minutes of entertainment.
Some of the cast in “Mistress America” still.
PHOTO/HOLLYWOODREPORTER
Lifestyle
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TORCH EATS PRESENTS:
B u d g e t- f r i e n d l y o f f - c a m p u s c h e a p e a t s Located just a few doors down from Regina’s on Union Turnpike, Umi has arguably the best sushi in the area. The normal menu might be a little too pricey for a college student budget, so it’s smart to take advantage of the lunch specials available Monday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. They also have the “lunch box specials” that include an entrée, a salad with ginger dressing, miso soup, rice and three pieces of California roll, all for $8.50 Some of the entrees offered are sashimi (pieces of raw fish), chicken teriyaki, tempura shrimp and vegetable tempura. The best deal is the sushi bar roll lunch special, which consists of any two rolls and miso soup for $7.95. Personal favorites are the spicy tuna roll and the salmon avocado roll. Every time I’ve gotten food from Umi, which is pretty often, I’ve received a complimentary sweet potato roll, which stretches your dollar be worth more. Another well-liked spot located right on Union Turnpike is Green Lotus. Like Umi, Green Lotus also offers combo specials which include an entrée, rice and soup or soda for $7.50. It would be wrong to write an article on inexpensive eats around campus without talking about the Halal truck located outside of Gate Four. Whether you get a lamb gyro or chicken over rice, you won’t be spending more than $5. It may not be as good as the famous Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th in Manhattan, but it’s worth a try. Make sure to get extra white sauce. You aren’t a true New Yorker until you’ve eaten from a halal cart.
LAUREN EDEN
Staff Writer
It is 12 p.m. and you’re sitting in class when your stomach starts to grumble. You try to pay attention to the professor, but your hunger takes over the mind, and all you can think about is what you will be eating once class ends. With minimal money to spare, what can you do? There are the obvious choices: DAC food court, Marillac, Law School Café, Outtakes, etc. However, none of those options seem appealing to you. You then decide to step beyond the campus gates. Although St. John’s isn’t located in an area that offers tons of satisfying food options, there are selected eateries that are delicious and pocket friendly. Two of the most popular options are the local pizzerias, Regina’s and Vincenzo’s, and there’s an ongoing debate on which is better. Regina’s slices tend to have a thicker, softer crust while Vincenzo’s are thinner and crispier. Regardless of what your preference is, both have tons of menu offerings that are under $10, such as calzones, paninis, wraps and heroes. “Ordering Regina’s half vegetarian/half penne vodka pie was the greatest decision I’ve made in my pizza career,” Justice Beckford, a senior at St. John’s, said. “You really get the bang for your buck.” Additionally, both Regina’s and Vincenzo’s have special deals. At Regina’s, you can get two cheese slices and a fountain soda any day of the week for only $5.00 and at Vincenzo’s you can get cheese slices for just $1.25 on Wednesdays. If you’re not in the mood for Italian, Umi Sushi may be your answer.
ILLUSTRATION/LIVIA PAULA/FEATURES EDITOR
Library looks to revamp image VICTORIA LOHWASSER
Contributing Writer
One-of-a-kind giveaways are the best, not only for the people that created them, but for the public as well. During the Activities Fair held on Thursday, Sept. 10, the library distributed 100 free tote bags. These bags were the result of collaboration between St. John’s University’s Art Department, Library Signage Committee and two graphic design students, juniors Rebecca Brooker and Idaela Cinquemani, to promote the library. “There are a million and one things going on in St. Augustine Hall and we want to engage our students in the library’s PR campaign,” Sabina Curley-Rowland, TORCH PHOTO/VICTORIA LOHWASSER head of the Library Signage Committee, Student designed logo.
“It’s still kind of shocking... It’s cool to see people walking around with something I made” Rebecca Brooker said. “The library is really important to student success.” The library offers numerous resources, such as library catalogs for books, videos, citation tools, full text eJournals
and a growing collection of eBooks. If you want a quiet place to study, the library offers Quiet Study and Group Study rooms. Some students may not have their textbooks for class yet or simply forget it at home; either way, the library has materials from their professors on reserve. These reserves can be either electronic or print, and you can get it all through the University’s website under the library tab or on the third and fourth floors of St. Augustine Hall. The chair of the art department, Professor Belenna Lauto, reached out to Brooker and Cinquemani to create their own designed logo to print on bags for the library. After turning in their de-
signs, Brooker’s design was picked. Both Brooker and Cinquemani have put a lot of work into the production of this library promotion and are pleased with the results. “It’s still kind of shocking,” Brooker said on having her logo design for the library tote bags being distributed around campus. “It’s cool to see people walking around with something I made.” The tote bag is bright red with white lettering and will definitely be recognizable around campus. According to Curley-Rowland, the logo on the bag is “evocative of the logo above St. Augustine Hall, which shows a lantern sitting on a pile of books.”
“The design incorporates the two worlds between print and online books,” Brooker said. “The seal keeps the design very collegiate and reflects the large seal at the front of the library’s building.”
“The library is really important to student success.” Sabina Curley-Rowland “I sketched various ideas that would integrate the library’s mission while trying to keep it local to the SJU community,” Brooker added. In addition to designing the logo for the library, Brooker has also designed t-shirts for SJU’s campus ministry and has done work for the art department. She currently works at the Dr. M.T. Geoffry Yeh Art Gallery, located in Sun Yat Sen Hall. Brooker is also the president of SJU’s Art Club. Brooke said that she is in the process of “building a stronger presence of the Art Club on campus.” If anyone was not able to receive a library tote at the Activities Fair, they will be sold at their circulation desk for $1. All proceeds will be going to the Friends of the Library fund. The bag is great for putting in your library books or holding your gym clothes; the options are endless.
Sports
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St. John’s finishes second at Jack Kaiser Classic KEISHA RAYMOND Staff Writer
The St. John’s volleyball team came up just short in the Jack Kaiser Volleyball Classic, placing second in the annual tournament. The Red Storm started off the tourney winning straight sets for the fourth time this season. The win came against George Mason 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16) at Carnesecca Arena in the opener of the Jack Kaiser Volleyball Classic on Friday. The Johnnies (6-2) have now won five in a row because of the play of Senior outside hitter Karin Palgutova. Palgutova had 18 kills and 11 digs (her third double-double of the season) with a hitting clip of .382. Another star of the game was freshman outside hitter Margherita Bianchin, who recorded her first career double-double with 10 kills and 14 digs along with a .318 hitting percentage. Senior setter Deniz Mutlugil also had a great game with 39 assists (match high) and 10 digs. It was Mutlugil’s first double-double of the season. The Red Storm St. John’s had a strong defense game, holding George Mason to a .117 hitting percentage, and had a digging edge of 57-34. The Red Storm finished the
game with a season-high .359 hitting clip. St. John’s defense was on fire again later in the day. They would sweep Central Connecticut State 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-20) as well. Mutlugil continued her strong play for the Johnnies in the tournament. Mutlugil has average 13.6 assist per set and recorded 43 assists with three digs. Outside hitter Karin Palgutova had 13 kills and 14 digs (her fourth double-double of the season). Both Pelin Aroguz and Margherita Bianchin had outstanding game. Aroguz had 12 kills with a .417 hitting percentage and Bianchin finished with nine kills and .333 hitting clips. Senior Yaidy Santiago recorded five kills and one block off the bench. After sweeping George Mason and Central Connecticut State on Friday night, the Johnnies defeated Cornell in a hard fought contest 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 21-25, 251-21). “I thought our first two sets were great and we were in a good rhythm. We got into a tight set with them in the third where a couple of points just didn’t go our way, but I was proud of the way my team responded,” head coach Joanne Persico said. The Johnnies took the first two sets and Cornell would take the third. The fourth set would be full of entertainment. Outside hitter Margherita Bianchin had
a career-high 20 kills and a .459 hitting clip, Mutlugil had her second double-double with 44 assists and 11 disg. Cornell got within three (19-16) during the fourth set, but that would be as close as they would get as the Red Storm took control of the game to win 25-21. Outside hitter Karin Palgutova recorded 17 assists plus eight digs. Palgutova also had a .538 attacking percentage. Argouz came away with nine kills, six digs and four blocks, and middle blocker Julia Cast registered six kills and four blocks. In the championship round of the Jack Kaiser Volleyball Classic at Carnesecca Arena, St. John’s (8-3) came up short against San Francisco (10-0). San Francisco won 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-18). Outside hitter Karin Palgutova recorded eight kill, four digs and two blocks, Deniz Mutlugil had 23 assists, four digs, and one service ace. For the tournament, Palgutova averaged 4.31 kills and 2.85 digs per set and Mutlugil average 11.4 assist and 2.15 digs per set. The Red Storm finished the tournament with .308 attacking percentage, 14.6 kills per set, 180 digs (13.8 digs per set), 180 assists (13.8 per set) and 29 blocks (2.23 per set). Palgutova and Mutlugil were named to the All-Tournament team.
Cleats Off: Who do you idolize?
Jonathan Spicci
Tiger Woods because not only has he dominated the game of golf in every aspect but his will to win and to outwork everyone else in order to accomplish his goals is very impressive.
My mom and Zico, Brazilian soccer player.e.
Dela Agbotse
Shawna-Lei Santos
My dad. His life story is so inspiring and how he chooses to live his life is something i want to aspire to do. Grow successfully as an adult, emotionally, mentally and physically, give back to those who are not as fortunate, inspire others to chase their dreams, not to be pushed down but have the strength to get back up and fight on, to give great advice, and to be someone who will always support friends, family, and anyone who needs someone to lean on.
TORCH PHOTO EDITOR/DIANA COLAPIETRO
Deniz Mutlugil (l.) put on a show at the Jack Kaiser Classic as she won All-Tournament honors.
Getting to know your Johnnies
What is your favorite TV show? Entourage. I laugh every time I see it and it is cool to see how a couple kids from Queens can go make it in Hollywood and still be best friends.
I like Narcos on Netflix. I watch a little bit of everything, How I Met Your Mother, shows like that. Just anything relaxing, that I can kick back, relax and watch.
Game of Thrones. But recently I have been catching up on Once Upon A Time.
If you had to have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would you pick?
I would pick Tiger Woods, Bo Jackson and my dad. It has always been a dream for me to meet Tiger and just to be able to talk to him about anything golf related would be cool. I think Bo Jackson is one of the greatest athletes of all time and yet his career was cut so short. I would pick my dad because he has always been my best friend and supported me through everything. Diego Marandona, Pele, and Coach Masur.
Queen Liliuokalani, Beyonce, and Misty May-Treanor/Kerri Walsh-Jennings.
Johnnies show signs of improvement with first win TROY MAURIELLO Staff Writer
Things are starting to look up for the St. John’s men’s soccer team, as they played two strong games over the past week against Denver and Siena at Belson Stadium. After a full five days off since their last game on Sept. 6, the Red Storm were back in action on Saturday night against Denver. The Pioneers came into the game undefeated at 3-0-1 and ranked 19th nationally, however St. John’s controlled much of the game early on. Nine minutes into the game, freshman forward Filippo Ricupati scored the first goal of his collegiate career to give the Red Storm a 1-0 lead. Ricupati knocked in a header from inside the box after a nice set up from senior midfielder Luis Esteves and fellow freshman forward Mike Prosuk. 10 minutes later, St. John’s had two more golden chances to double their lead. First it was Prosuk who nearly beat Denver goalkeeper Dan Jackson with a blazing shot in the 21st minute, while just one minute later Ricupati nearly scored on another header from inside the box. The Red Storm took a 1-0 lead into halftime, and continued to hold off Denver into the second half, but their resistance would eventually be broken. The Pioneers’ Cole Stevenson would finally beat redshirt senior goalkeeper Jordan Stagmiller after a
nice pass into the box in the 61st minute to level things at one. Each team had a few decent chances towards the end of regulation, but eventually the game went into overtime tied at one. Denver nearly ended the game in the 95th minute if not for an exceptional diving save by Stagmiller to keep the game going. Just two minutes later, a shot by Denver’s Chandler Crosswait was deflected in by the Red Storm for an own goal, giving the Pioneers a 2-1 overtime victory. “Really gutsy effort by our guys,” said St. John’s head coach Dave Masur said. “But we’re a young team playing against top level competition, so we’ve got to keep pushing forward.” The Johnnies continued their home stand with a matchup against the Siena Saints on Tuesday night, and once again they would jump out to an early lead. This time it was Gabriel Camara who delivered his first goal of the season off a corner kick to give the Red Storm a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute. St. John’s held Siena without a shot for the entire first half, as they took a 1-0 lead going into halftime. That defensive domination would continue well into the second half, as Siena would not record a shot until the 72nd minute. Despite a few late chances for the Saints, goalkeeper Andrew Withers and the Red Storm defense would held off the Siena charge, giving St. John’s their first
victory of the season. “I was pleased that we came out and concentrated very well,” Masur said after his team’s first win. “Some guys were tired, it was our second game in three days, but overall pretty well…we got more subs in…
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so it was good to see a lot more guys help the group out.” After a much-improved week, St. John’s will next face off with the Wisconsin Badgers at home on Saturday night.
PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Gabriel Camara scored the lone goal versus Siena to give the Johnnies their first victory of the season.
Stagmiller making most of opportunity in goal BRANDON MAUK
Digital Sports Manager
St. John’s men’s soccer has taken an unusual dive recently. After a long run of NCAA Tournament appearances in the last decade or so, the Red Storm had its worst season in years last year, a 4-10-4 campaign. Their slump has continued so far in 2015, as they’ve started 0-5 against a tough non-conference schedule.
100 percent every game, just keep pushing,” Stagmiller said. “It’s hard to go 18-20 matches a year and keep going every day, waking up wanting to do it.” Stagmiller started all 18 games last year for the Red Storm and he posted a 1.26 GAA and a .745 save percentage. He posted two shutouts and allowed just one goal or less in 12 matches. The redshirt senior waited three years for his chance to be the starting goalkeeper for St. John’s, and he has the made most of it and more. “Coach always told me to stay focused, you’re going to get your chance,”
he said. “And, when it comes around to that chance, you just got to take most you can because you’re only going to get three or four years here. You just got to wait and take your chance.” Despite the rough start, Stagmiller remains positive and tries to set an example for his teammates. He stresses a positive attitude and closeness amongst his teammates, but also focus on keeping things simple in order to maintain consistency on the field. Stagmiller hopes to follow other St. John’s greats to bigger and better things beyond the days of college soccer at Belson Stadium. The success of
his former roommate Tim Parker in MLS is a huge inspiration for him. “Tim’s living the dream right now,” he said. “I mean, I was here when Connor Lade was here. He’s on the New York Red Bulls right now. Those two are just the two perfect guys to follow and hopefully emulate if I get lucky enough to be in MLS because I know they’re enjoying it and working hard and that’s what I want to do as well.” Either way, he’s the key to the success of St. John’s in the present, and there’s hope that he can be the rallying point if the Johnnies are to turn this season around.
“Coach always told me to stay focused, you’re going to get your chance. And, when it comes around to that chance, you just got to take most you can because you’re only going to get three or four years here. You just got to wait and take your chance.”
-Jordan Stagmiller-
The problems with the Johnnies are primarily a scoring one, as they scored just 16 goals all season in 2014. In their first five games this season, they’ve scored three. Even with their struggles, they have plenty of bright spots. With Tim Parker now in Vancouver playing in Major League Soccer, goalkeeper Jordan Stagmiller is the centerpiece of St. John’s soccer. “I just try to do what I do, just give
PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Jordan Stagmiller directs the St. John’s back line.
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Men’s and women golf begin fall slate
WILSON SY
Men finish last, women finish 14th
Staff Writer
After nearly a five-month break, both the St. John’s men’s and women’s golf teams competed in their first tournament of the season over the weekend. The men’s side finished last at the Doc Gimmler held on the Bethpage State Park Red Course in Long Island on Sunday. The Red Storm was led by three of their freshman. Seung Yub Baek in his tournament debut carded a 215 (+5) to tie for 27th place. Troy Evans continued to improve by one stroke in each of the three rounds finishing the the Doc Gimmler tied for 29th and a total score of 216 (+6). Jonathan Spicci shot an impressive eight strokes better Sunday to register a 72 (+2) and finished at 232 (+22) after finishing consecutive rounds of 80 (+10) on Saturday. Among the other teams competing in the Tri-State were Colgate, Columbia, Yale, St. Thomas Aquinas and the U.S. Military Academy. Yale won its third straight Doc Gimmler title on Sunday with a final score of 825 (-15) and 13 strokes better than second place Johnson & Wales (Fla.). The next contest will be held at the Erin Hills Intercollegiate hosted by Big East rival
Marquette on Oct. 4-6. Meanwhile, on the women’s side, coach Ambry Bishop’s team finished 14th at the Towson Invitational in Maryland. Finishing with a team score of 665 (+89), the Johnnies finished ahead of other East Coast teams such as Navy, Hampton, Fairfield, LIU Brooklyn and Delaware State.
Senior Anna Kim led the way earning her 10th straight top-20 finish dating back to last season, shooting a 158 (+14). Junior Saskia Sterud finished with a score of 80 (+8) followed by an 81 (+9) over a two-day span. The Norway native finished tied for 29th. Freshman Lydia Kim scored a total of 171 (+27) while Kirsty Beckwith finished at 175 (+31). The hometown team Towson would
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Giuseppe Truglio finshed the Doc Gimmler with an overall score of 229 (+19).
captured the title by two strokes over Fairleigh Dickinson, finishing with a score of 618 (+42). Fairleigh Dickinson’s freshman Anneke Stobach took home the individual crown after finishing with a shot of 149 (+5). St. John’s will compete at the Rutgers Women’s Invitational this weekend in Piscataway, N.J.
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Anna Kim paced the Red Storm at the Towson Invitational shooting a 158 (+14) for the weekend.
St. John’s breezes in North Carolina, Stone gets No. 200 REZA MORENO Staff Writer
St. John’s women’s soccer (7-1) came out on top at the UNCW Hilton Garden Inn Mayfaire Invitational in North Carolina as the Red Storm beat both Campbell (4-2) and Richmond (2-4) this weekend. Head coach Ian Stone continued to etch his name in the record books as he won his 200th career game on Sunday as the St. John’s beat Richmond 3-0. When asked about his 200th win, Coach Ian Stone said, “I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with such groups of amazing student-athletes for so long. I am very grateful for the Administration of St. John’s University Athletics. I appreciate every player and staff member that has helped me to reach this milestone.” “This game may have been our most complete team performance of the season so far.”
-Coach Ian StonePHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Rachel Daly scored two goals, the 34th and 35th of her career, in a 3-0 win over Richmond on Sunday.
On Friday evening, Red Storm senior captain, Emily Cubbage scored her first goal of the season on a header in the 35th minute off of a corner kick by fellow senior Shelby Halasz. It would be the lone goal of the game resulting in the fifth shout of the season by goalkeepers Katie DeVault and Diana Poulin. “We spend a lot of time on our back four shape,” Stone said on the teams defense. “The 5 or 6 players that rotate through those
positions are playing very well together. We are fortunate to have two of the best goalkeepers for St. John’s here at the same time.” St. John’s offense really shined on Sunday as they outshoot Campbell 12-5 and eight of those shots were on goal. Senior Rachel Daly scored two goals, her fourth and fifth on the year, against the Spiders along with freshman Claudia Cagnina, who scored her first collegiate goal to lead the Red Storm the victory.
Daly’s first goal came in the third minute as she corralled and was able to square up a corner kick by senior Alexis Urbanski. The goal was Daly’s 35th goal of her career. Cagnina’s goal came in the 34th minute as she was assited by sophomore Shea Connors, and junior Morgan Tinari. Daly scored her second goal of the game on an assist by freshman Anna Maria Baldursdottir in the 66th minute on a booming strike from twenty-five yards out
“This game may have been our most complete team performance of the season so far,” Stone said. “All 21 players that were with us contributed positively to the weekend both on and off the field.” This game marked St. John’s women’s soccer largest margin of victory since last year’s season opener against St. Francis. The Red Storm head back home to Belson on Sunday, as they get ready to go against Fairleigh Dickinson at 7 p.m.
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Jacome fulfills World Cup dream St. John’s sophomore represented Ecuador in Canada CARMINE CARCIERI Staff Writer
While growing up in upstate New York and attending Ichabod Crane High School, Mariela Jacome never imagined herself playing in soccer’s biggest event, the Women’s World Cup. The dream of her lifetime came to fruition this summer in Canada, as the former high school captain and current Division I talent had the opportunity to play on the pitch against the world’s greatest athletes. With her father 100 percent Ecuadorian, Jacome qualified to try out for the country’s national team. She impressed the coaching staff, earning a spot on a very competitive roster. “It was amazing and really surreal,” Jacome said. “It really set in that I was doing something that millions of people would love to experience. This adds a lot more to my résumé.” The Red Storm mid-fielder first came across the idea of playing for the squad when she visited her family in Ecuador for the first time in five years.
“I was completely shocked,” Jacome said. “I had to make the decision to switch all my classes to online and leave school for the semester. There was no guarantee that I would make it (with another tryout in the weeks to come), but luckily, I ended up making the final roster.” Now, Jacome is focusing on the collegiate season after playing in 20 games and recording one assist during her freshman campaign with the St. John’s women’s soccer team. “I want to have more confidence in my game,” she said. “It’s hard when you’re coming in as a freshman. You don’t really know where you stand and you’re just trying to get into the swing of things. I thought a lot of the time I was held back last year so I’m just trying to bring it all, help others when I can and receive feedback.” While it’s been a crazy last few months, it is not expected to die down anytime soon for Jacome as she and her teammates expect to compete for the Big East title. It all started in Kinderhook, N.Y. With rigorous conditioning programs, development and hard work, Jacome could possibly play on yet another big stage and could conquer the surreal dream of playing in the NCAA Tournament with her St. John’s teammates by her side.
“I was completely shocked. I had to make the decision to switch all my classes to online and leave school for the semester. There was no guarantee that I would make it.” -Mariela Jacome-
“In January, I was at my uncle’s house playing with my cousins,” she said. “He calls me and says, ‘do you have your cleats?’ He wanted me to go play with the national team and my jaw just dropped. I figured I would take it as a learning experience because there was nothing to lose.” It all worked out for the best. On the final day of the tryouts, the head coach told Jacome that they were considering her for the World Cup roster.
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Mariela Jacome coralling the ball on the offensive end for the Johnnies.
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Mariela Jacome pushing the ball upfield for the Red Storm.
SPORTS September 16 2015 | VOLUME 94, ISSUE 02 |
TORCHONLINE.COM
Hitting a Mile-STONE
Ian Stone marks his 200th win as women’s soccer head coach STEPHEN ZITOLO Sports Editor As the final whistle was blown on Sunday afternoon after St. John’s 3-0 win over Richmond, women’s soccer head coach Ian Stone thought this was just another victory in his win/loss column. Unbeknownst to him until just a few moments later, this marked the 200th time that he had done so. “To be honest I wasn’t even thinking about the 200th win,” Stone said. “I was just concerned about winning the game. It was actually Rachel Daly that mentioned and congratulated me after the game in the team huddle on my 200th win. I was like that’s fantastic, but I’m just glad we won this one.” Stone’s journey to St. John’s started when he was a child growing up in Bristol in the county of Avon, England. From day one, his life was enriched with soccer (or “football” as they call it across the pond) as he grew up in a household where soccer was a prominent fixture in his everyday
life. Stone’s love for the game was something that he got from his father who both played and coached. “From the first time I can remember there was soccer on TV and [my father] was always playing so I would get dragged along to watch him play,” Stone said. “Normally what would happen was that I’d be playing pickup on the sidelines with kids there my age. When he finished playing and got more into coaching it was pretty commonplace for me to be involved in all of it from putting the corner flags out in the beginning of the day, to being in the locker room with the team and seeing the way he worked with them and the way they prepared, to being on the bench during the games. He probably didn’t even think about the influence he was having on me. I’d like to think that there’s a lot of his characteristics in the way I coach today.” Constantly being surrounded by soccer in his youth, Stone was bound to play the sport competitively and follow in his father’s footsteps. In college he had a very successful career playing for the West
London Institute of Education. Stone was instrumental in bringing three straight British Collegiate Championships to West London from 1986 to 1988. Stone also was a captain on the British National Collegiate team and played on the reserve team for Chelsea. “I think, if I ever thought about when I was playing, a lot of those lessons that you learn, whether it be preparing for a game or the tactical side of things during a game,” Stone said. “I was really lucky that I played for a lot of great coaches. I have been in some fantastic environments where you can’t help but learn from that.” After his collegiate playing days, Stone came over to the United States to begin his coaching career. Stone began at the Noga Soccer Camps in Long Island in 1991 and was a coach for Herricks High School in Long Island for two seasons as well. The rest, as they say, is history. The always humble and player first coach has led the women’s soccer team for the last 22 seasons, since 1994. “It’s amazing how far the program has come and how things have changed,”
Stone said. “I tell the girls all the time that during my first year here I had to go to a soccer store to buy the girls cleats and now we got a great Under Armour sponsorship, a great stadium, and I’m fortunate enough to have two full-time assistants and graduate assistants. The whole thing is a different world than when I first started.” Stone’s 200th career victory just improves upon his legacy as the best women’s soccer coach in school history. This year’s team may be his best ever and that could mean more record-breaking accomplishments for the already legendary coach. “This is a very special group and may be the most talented group we’ve ever had and we’ve had teams that have found ways to win and won Big East Championships and made NCAA Tournaments,” Stone said. “But, it’s beginning to get to the point, I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot, where that I’m pretty confident that this team is going to find a way to get it done. It’s fitting for me to get this milestone win with this group and I’m looking forward to what we can do the rest of the season.”