Aug. 15 - Aug. 28, 2012

Gorlok Bucks Webster Groves restaurants, like Weber’s Front Row, ofer students of-campus dining options.

A Whole New World

Adding Parsley

Sophomore Alice Mcgrath Andersen takes yearlong break from Webster to work at Disney World.

Webster University athletics hires new cross-country and track and ield coach.

The Student News Source For Webster University

the journal Volume 64 Issue 1

Aug. 15-28, 2012

websterjournal.com

Low undergraduate enrollment UNDER CONSTRUCTION may cause budget adjustments

By Dan Bauman Campus News Editor

Tom Hart has taught the irst-year seminar “Springsteen’s America” at Webster University for 10 years. he class explores musician Bruce Springsteen’s career and inluences and has been a popular course with freshmen.

In July, Robin Assner, director of irst-year seminars, told Hart “Springsteen’s America” would be canceled for the fall semester due to low class size. At the time, only four freshmen registered for the course.

“Apparently, they had come to the conclusion that there were probably more sections (of irst-year seminars) than what were necessary,” Hart said.

Along with Hart’s class, Assner canceled two more irst-year seminars due to small class numbers. hese included Richard Ryfel’s class, “2012 Presidential Election and the Evolution

of Political Discourse in the United States,” and Mary Baken’s class, “Narrating the Self hrough Words.”

As Assner prepared for the fall 2012 irst year seminars in November of last year, she said the admissions oice told her to plan seminars for 500 incoming freshmen. As of Aug. 14, a total of 405 students are registered in irstyear seminars, now a required course for graduation from Webster.

Last year, 472 students made up the freshman class of 2011. According to enrollment data from the Oice of Institutional Efectiveness, this year-to-year volatility in freshman population is characteristic of the past 10 years.

Paul Carney, vice president of enrollment management and student afairs, said the university’s budget for the iscal year is based on a “conservative” estimate for the number of expected students. he budget committee, of which Carney is a member,

set that “conservative” estimate at 453 full-time students for this year’s freshman class back in April, Carney stated.

He also said admissions told Assner to plan for 500 freshman students based upon the large number of students admitted by the university this past year. his number, Carney said, was comparable to the number of students admitted two years ago. “(he Oice of Enrollment Management and Student Afairs) is looking at trends; we are also dealing with the goals. Trying to igure that out,” Carney said.

“And the other part I would say is that we were trying to budget conservatively. I mean, we had a stretch goal of 500. Yes, I understood it. I supported it. We were going for it. I don’t want to bet the budget on it.”

Greg Gunderson, vice president and chief See Enrollment Page 2

First Time Full-Time Freshman Enrollment 2002-2012

BRITTANY RUESS / he Journal

GRAPHIC BY VICTORIA COURTNEY

BSI Construction works on the new Webster Hall elevator, which is scheduled for completion in November. Construction started in June. The current Webster Hall elevator will not remain open when the new elevator is completed. A sand volleyball court will be constructed on the patch of land where the Kirk House once stood. The Kirk House was demolished the second week of August. The volleyball court will cost $20,000 and will be completed by Sept. 1, if not sooner — Susan Kerth, Webster’s media relations specialist, said in an email exchange. In addition to these campus changes, construction workers are installing two new plazas. The compass plaza is between Sam H. Priest House and Pearson House. Bricks will be placed in the ground to form a compass. The Garden Avenue plaza is between the East Academic Building and the Community Music School. The plaza is a paved map of the world and the Gateway Arch. Both will honor donors. For more construction and road updates, go to websterjournal.com.

Ghana campus opening set for fall 2013 City suggests meeting

Webster seeks founding director, exact location for campus in Accra with Eden, Webster on this person in the next two weeks. “(he founding director) would Webster University has started be a person who has a keen U.S. highthe search for a location of a desired er education experience and an internew campus in Accra, the capitol of national passion that would at least Ghana, according to Grant Chapman, start the facility. It may not be a perassociate vice president and director son who stays 10 years there. It may of international programs. Chapman just be a person who specializes in the intended to visit Accra the last week start-up and creation of the campus. of July to narrow down the campus’s hen, we would have a full internaexact location. But the trip was can- tional search for the permanent direcceled when Ghana’s president, John tor,” Chapman said.

Chapman added Atta Mills, died on that he plans to seek July 24. Chapman advice from Ghanaian said the visit was They’ll get to be a students who are studycanceled out of repart of my world, ing on the home camspect for the Ghanapus. what was my ian people.

Yvonne Osei, a seDuring this world, what still is nior graphic design and visit, Chapman will my world. international studies meet with Ghana’s major, grew up in AcNational AccreditaYvonne Osei cra. Last year, Webster tion Board through Senior graphic design awarded Osei the Neil its Ministry of Eduand international George International cation to further relations major, and Endowment Scholardiscuss the accrediAccra native ship. She sat next to tation approval proGeorge at the awards cess, exact location ceremony, where he inof the new campus and the facilities. Ghana’s accreditation approval formed her of the new campus in her and inalization of the facilities’ plan home country.

“I was just in shock … It’s rewill be a yearlong process, Chapman ally emotional,” Osei said. “Webster said. he search for a Ghana campus actually gets to see where I’m from founding director has made progress throughout the summer. Chapman See Ghana Page 3 said he expects the university to select

future collaborations

By Brittany Ruess Editor-in-Chief

By Megan Favignano and Dan Bauman Managing Editor and Campus News Editor

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GRAPHIC BY VICTORIA COURTNEY

On Tuesday, Aug. 14, Webster Groves City Council entered into a discussion about possible collaborative meetings between city government, Webster University and Eden heological Seminary. hese meetings, Webster Groves Mayor Gerry Welch said, would focus on long-term issues involving the three parties. he meetings, she said, would not address Ordinance 8753 — the ordinance outlining Eden’s master plan and the possible sale or lease of Eden’s property. his discussion came ater City Council held a special executive closed meeting in the second loor conference room of city hall. According to the session’s agenda, the council met in private to discuss privileged information between the city and its attorney, as well as topics related to real estate. he closed session lasted approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes.

Welch said two city council representatives should be

present at these institutional meetings and the meeting sizes should be small. Welch asked council members to submit their availability for the week of Aug. 27, wishing for the parties to meet before Sept. 4. More meetings would be held ater the initial meeting, Welch said.

Welch asked the council to submit topics to be discussed at the institutional meetings. Several council members ofered ideas. City representatives in these meetings, council members said, should discuss multiple topics. Subjects such as the green space, regular communication among the three groups, long-term resolution of changes in ownership of Eden properties are among them.

Along with these — concerns and uses of properties adjacent to residents’ properties, such as parking and traic, and residential input — was included in the list.

Welch said Webster University and Eden would bring their own topics for discussion to meetings.

See Eden

Page 3

NEWS

Page 2 Aug. 15-28, 2012

NEWS BRIEFS Sappington Farmers’ Market will close he Sappington Farmers’ Market, 8400 Watson Rd., announced it will permanently close on Friday, Aug. 24. It is closing due to a decrease in sales, outdated equipment and increased competition with larger markets in the neighborhood. he store will keep regular hours until it closes. It also has a 20-percent-of discount on the remaining inventory.

Sappington Farmers’ Market sold locally produced food. he store had suppliers from Missouri and Illinois.

Farm to Family Naturally owns Sappington Farmers’ Market and iled for bankruptcy in December 2011.

Students meet with director of inancial aid candidate Enrollment Management has two inalists for the director of inancial aid position. One was on campus July 30 and the other Aug. 8. While the candidates were on campus, each met with a small group of students. Students were able to ask questions regarding inancial aid. he previous director of inancial aid, Jonathan Gruett, is now a inancial aid counselor. he director of inancial aid position was posted May 18. he search committee is made up of: Alan Anthony, inancial aid representative from the Kansas City Metropolitan Campus, Andrew Laue, director of undergraduate admissions, Don Morris, university registrar, Sarah Nandor, director of graduate and transfer admissions, Jody Patterson, bursar and Curt Vehlewald, director of accounting.

Webster alumnus sworn in as highest post in US Air Force Webster University alumnus Gen. Mark A. Welsh III was named the Chief of Staf to the U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C., making him the highestranking oicer in the Air Force.

He will oversee the organization and training of 690,000 activeduty members of the Air Force, Guard, Reserve and Civilan forces. he forces serve in the U.S. and overseas.

Welsh received a Master of Science degree in computer resource management from Webster in 1987.

Welsh was born in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and entered the Air Force in June 1976.

Webster has worked with the U.S. Department of Defense for almost 40 years to provide graduate programs at military bases and other locations throughout the U.S.

MISDEMEANORS AND MISHAPS: What you missed over the summer June 2 WVA Clubhouse 12:20 a.m.

Two students were in pool ater hours.

June 14 150 Edgar 4:33 p.m.

Subject attempted to take a bike and was apprehended by public safety at Webster Groves Police Department.

June 16 Parking Garage Unknown person broke glass on ire extinguisher case.

June 19 23 Old Orchard 2:00 a.m.

Unknown person took property of Webster University.

July 13 Webster Hall 3:45 p.m.

Unknown person let graiti.

websterjournal.com

New program gives students of-campus dining options

By Haley Luke City News Editor

Trevor Harris remembers his freshman year when he had a meal plan that locked him into eating only on-campus.

Harris, a senior screenwriting major, is a Resident Assistant in the Webster Village Apartments (WVA) and isn’t required to have a meal plan now. But if he did, he would no longer have to eat only at Webster University.

“We’ve all been there — you want something else besides Marletto’s and the UC (University Center). Ater a while, you want just something diferent,” Harris said. “It would be cool for you and your friends to walk of-campus and grab a bite to eat without digging into the wallet.” his semester, Webster’s Dining Advisory Board (DAB) has created something new for Webster students to allow them more options when it comes to meals. Gorlok Bucks is a new program that allows all students — those with and those without a meal plan — to purchase food at select locations in the Webster Groves community.

Gorlok Bucks replaces the old program that allowed students to buy points only to be used on-campus. his new system permits students to purchase a select amount of Gorlok Bucks that can be used both on and of campus.

Brad Woodrofe, dining service manager, said this is a program the DAB has worked on getting approved by the university for three years. Ater winning approval in April, the DAB hired a third party company named Of Campus Solutions to get businesses in the community on board.

At this time, 11 businesses accept Gorlok Bucks from students. his group includes, but is not limited to: Weber’s Front Row, Highway 61 Roadhouse & Kitchen, and Planet Sub. Of Campus Solutions approached multiple businesses in the community and they can be added to the list at any time.

“I think the whole program will start gaining speed as the semester goes on and the next semester begins,” Woodroffe said. “We’ll really start seeing it take of ater the irst year next fall as I’m more used to it, Webster is more used to it and Webster Groves is more used to it.”

Currently, students can go to Woodrofe’s oice in Maria Hall next to the laundry room or to the Housing and Residential Life Oice to purchase Gorlok Bucks and add them to their student ID cards.

John Ginsburg, director of the University Center and student activities and a DAB adviser, said in the future DAB will look into getting a system online to allow students and parents to purchase Gorlok Bucks directly from the website.

Ginsburg said this program helps give parents peace of mind knowing their money is going directly toward food and nothing else.

“Typically, since the beginning of time, college students call home and say, ‘I need money.’ … With (Gorlok Bucks), parents know it’s going toward food. hey can’t buy alcohol or cigarettes or any other items,” Ginsburg said.

Having the option to eat of-campus with Gorlok Bucks also gives students more convenient dining. he hours of campus dining have always been an issue — mainly for on-campus students.

Now, students have more options on the

weekends and in the late evenings, Participating Of-Campus Locations Ginsburg said.

“It helps to link with the community. hey can put up a sign that says ‘Gorlok Bucks accepted here,’” Ginsburg said. “Students eat of-campus anyway, but they might become more selective where they go. Or it’s merely convenience because it’s midnight and dining isn’t open … well take advantage of these merchants that are open all hours.”

Students living on-campus will have two options with meal plans. he traditional meal plan will retain the on-campus-only points program. A premium meal plan will also be available. With a premium meal plan, $200 of Gorlok Bucks can be added to a student ID for use both on and of campus. If Gorlok Bucks are used at any on-campus location, the student will get a 10-percent discount.

Students like Harris, who don’t have a meal plan, can still purchase Gorlok Bucks to use. Another perk of the program is Gorlok Bucks, like points, roll over into the next semester.

Harris said the plan is great for students, but it’s also a great relationship builder within WebINFOGRAPHIC BY VICTORIA COURTNEY ster University and the Webster Groves community. proit for the business. Also, it boosts the “It’s a win-win for the community relationships with Webster University and local, small business ‘cause now they and the Webster Groves community.” have increased revenue,” Harris said.

“You have more customers coming in, so with students bringing out-of-town Contact the writer: friends, the friends pay for food, so extra websterjournal@gmail.com

Enrollment: Various factors lead to low freshman enrollment FROM PAGE 1

inancial oicer, said budget adjustments are a possibility if the university is unable to meet its revenue projections.

More than 90 percent of Webster’s revenue comes from tuition fees.

“If we are unable to achieve the revenue numbers that we anticipated, then we as an institution will examine ways to manage within our budget to deliver the numbers we’ve committed to,” Gunderson said. hese budget goals count only fulltime students (13 to 18 credit hours) who pay a lat fee for tuition. It ignores part-time students as well as students who do not pay tuition as a university beneit, known as tuition remission, to their employed parent, guardian, spouse or domestic partner. he total number of students in irst-year seminars includes full-time and part-time students, as well as those receiving tuition remission.

In 2011, 15 freshmen received tuition remission. As of Aug. 14, eight freshman students are receiving tuition remission for the 2012 fall semester.

Carney believes the number of students who receive tuition remission will grow as more Webster employees submit the paperwork for their children before the semester begins.

Carney conceded the 453-student budget goal would not be met, but he said he did believe the freshman class size would rise between 410 and 420 students before enrollment is measured ater the add/drop period ends the second week of the semester.

Carney also said the total undergraduate enrollment for fall 2012 would ofset any loss from the freshman count.

Carney said Webster had budgeted for 2,178 undergraduate students and historically, about 50 undergraduate students receive tuition remission each year. A total of 2,066 undergraduate students have enrolled as of Aug. 3.

Carney said he believed the undergraduate budget goal could be reached at or within 20 students of its target by the tally date. Last year, 2,372 students were enrolled as undergraduates when the population was measured ater the add/ drop period.

As pool of high school graduates shrinks, administrators see opportunities his year’s freshman enrollment decrease, Carney said, can be linked to smaller populations of high school students in Missouri and Illinois. hese markets supply Webster with a majority of its undergraduate population.

A 2008 survey by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education predicted Missouri’s graduating high school senior population would peak at 70,136 students in 2010. In the subsequent years, Missouri’s high school graduate population would decrease until 2015, at a rate as high as 4 percent per year. In that same period, the study predicted Illinois would also see its high school graduate population decrease at a rate as high as 2.5 percent per year.

Along with a shrinking pool of high school graduates, Carney said the slow economic recovery caused prospective students and

their families to pass on a Webster education. In lieu of expensive four-year private universities, Carney said more students are choosing to enroll at community colleges.

Still, Carney and Gunderson see an opportunity to grow Webster’s undergraduate transfer population from the increased number of community college graduates. Coupled with healthy retention numbers, Gunderson said these factors could ofset a decrease in freshman enrollment in future years.

Gunderson added that transfer students tend to have smaller discount packages than their freshman counterparts.

“As the CFO (chief inancial oicer), I would say we need growing tuition revenue and the single best way to achieve growing tuition revenue is to have larger freshman classes every year,” Gunderson stated. “But having larger classes generally is good. If we can recruit more and more students from community college, that still feeds the machine.”

Beyond community college students, Gunderson said investments in new buildings, faculty and programs will help entice students to come to Webster, thus growing enrollment. He highlighted the Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence (SPICE). Gunderson also said Webster is continuing to strengthen its outreach to military members and their dependents through a number of initiatives to increase enrollment.

Discount not reduced purposely for fall 2012, but future is uncertain When Webster ofers a student a university-funded academic scholarship or Webster Grant, it charges the student less tuition or room and board. his deduction is known as a discount.

Discount at Webster is split into two categories: merit discount (Webster

academic scholarship) and need-based discount (Webster University Grant).

Carney said Webster had not reduced the amount of money available for either discount or changed the criteria for awarding discount for the incoming freshman class of 2012.

Carney stated this year the number of incoming freshman students who qualiied for need-based discount was lower than last year’s freshman class. With a decrease in the number of students receiving discount, the total amount spent on the need-based discount fell. he reduction in the total amount of discount, Carney said, was unintentional.

Carney said the university plans to decrease the amount of need-based discount available to both potential 2013 and 2014 freshman students.

Gunderson said Webster’s decision to decrease discount is in response to the “unsustainable” behavior in higher education to increase tuition, coupled with an increase in discount, to outpace inlation. By keeping Webster’s tuition increases at 3 percent and lower than similar institutions, and by reducing discount to peer institution levels, Gunderson said Webster and its students would beneit inancially in the long run. Stability in pricing, he added, would make Webster more attractive to prospective students than Washington University or Saint Louis University.

Citing analysis from the consulting irm Hardwick Day, Carney said a loss of about 25 possible freshman students per 1 percent drop in discount is possible. “hese people (Hardwick Day) know what they’re doing. We said 1 percent — 25 kids. How many people were we of (this year)? Fity. What do we think the number is going to be in terms of the (total amount of) discount (decrease for this year)? Two percent of,” Carney said

before a short pause. “You know, I believe in numbers. I believe in quantitative analysis. I believe in data. And that’s pretty much right on. And then you tell me we’re going to do that for fall 2013 and we’re going to do that for fall 2014.

You ask me what I think the number is going to be? It’s not going to be 500.”

In contrast, Gunderson said enrollment could see growth despite a decrease in need-based discount. He said the university could attempt to appeal to students with less inancial need or to students with third-party inancial aid. his could include a non-Webster scholarship or federal aid for the children of military members. Gunderson said he did not believe a reduction in discount would afect freshman enrollment adversely.

“We’re looking to continue on a path of 5 percent freshman enrollment growth going forward and we are going to get there,” Gunderson said.

Carney said a retreat was held on Aug. 13 and 14 at the Pere Marquette Park in Graton, Ill., to discuss how to increase student enrollment for next year, as well as three to ive years in the future with an improved economy in mind. hose who attended included the deans, vice presidents of several oices and Provost Juilian Schuster.

Carney avoided saying whether he would advocate for one position over the other. However, he said he would tell his colleagues he did not see how the university can grow the freshman class next year by cutting discount unless the university invests in new programs.

— Megan Favignano contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com

NEWS

Page 3 Aug. 15-28, 2012

websterjournal.com

Eden: Future meetings discussed for Webster, Eden FROM PAGE 1

Webster University Provost, Julian Schuster, and Eden’s Executive Vice President Rick Walters attended the public meeting on Aug. 14. hree Webster Groves residents also attended.

While City Council met in private, several of Webster’s administrators waited in the council chamber for the public meeting to resume. President Elizabeth Stroble, Schuster, Director of Media and Community Relations Barb Ehnes, Webster University Secretary Laura Rein, and Project Manager Steve Strang sat in the chamber with the university’s lawyer, Brad Goss.

Ater 45 minutes of waiting, all Webster administrators departed from city hall. Walters also waited in the chamber until the meeting was reopened to the public. he possible formation of these regular institutional meetings comes ater three months of City Council public hearings regarding Eden’s 2012 master plan which is outlined Ordinance 8753.

Eden’s master plan consists of three phases. In phase three, Eden wants to sell or lease 11.8 “underutilized” acres to ten vendors. his includes Webster University. he 7.5- acre quadrant of Eden’s green space at the corner of E. Lockwood Avenue and Bompart Avenue is part of those 11.8 acres.

Phase three has caused concern among Webster Groves residents.

At the July 17 City Council meeting, Webster Groves resi-

dent Peggy McAulife said her concerns with Ordinance 8753 are Webster University’s right to irst refusal and its intentions regarding the property at Eden.

Eden and Webster University’s right to irst refusal states if either school were to sell any part of the campus then the other school would have irst opportunity to purchase that land. McAulife pointed out the history of collaboration and shared spaces between Eden and Webster University.

She questioned why both institutions’ master plans did not “converge more clearly to the community.”

Dave Buck, of 124 S. Elm, visited Eden’s campus. He said the tour of the campus gave him a diferent perspective.

“I really like their (Eden’s) master plan. I think it’s brilliant because they are adapting to a very diicult situation and a market in transition,” Buck said at the July 17 public hearing.

“One of my wishes is that the City Council, instead of not approvals and denials, would go to Eden and ask one simple question, ‘how can we help you?’”

He said Webster Groves is a religious community with a large number of churches and Eden has been a part of that for 88 years. He went on to say if Eden doesn’t adapt to the changing market, they won’t survive as an institution.

However, Buck said he has read the ordinance many times and the city of Webster Groves “can do better.” “hey (Eden) have 21 acres to play around with. here’s a

BRITTANY RUESS / he Journal Eden Seminary’s 2012 master plan outlines Eden’s desire to continue leasing to 10 vendors which utilize its space for oices. Schultz Hall (above) houses seven of those ten vendors. Right: Webster University signage informs Webster students that they are allowed to park on Eden’s campus. The 7.5 acres of green space which Webster Groves residents have expressed concerns over, is in the background.

lot of fun you can have moving the pieces around to try ind common ground where everybody can win,” Buck said.

Eden President David Greenhaw presented Eden’s 2012 master plan to the City Council and the public at the June 5 hearing. Eden’s enrollment decrease inluenced the master plan and the need to sell or lease its property. he City Council has postponed making a decision on Ordi-

Webster suspends Symphony Orchestra but reducing the season (possibly four concerts instead of six).

Managing Editor “hat would save a lot of money. hey talked about other issues In May, Webster University that concerned them, pedagogical suspended the 45-year-old Web- issues and logistics issues — those ster University Symphony Or- are kind of red lags to me that chestra (WUSO) for the 2012- mean they just don’t want to work 2013 school year. hard enough to take care of whatTony Morales, senior violin ever the problems were,” Larson performance major, said he was said. shocked when he irst heard of Carter said the decision to susthe suspension. He has been in pend the orchestra wasn’t an easy the WUSO for ive years and one. However, given the lack of planned on playing in it again this donations and the orchestra’s exschool year. penses, they thought they should Morales commented on the take a year to reassess the situabeneits of the symphony orches- tion. tra consisting of not only stu“We just thought that we really dents, but faculty, volunteers and need to take a look for a year and professional musicians. igure out how we can rebuild this “It’s actually meant a great deal and make this work,” stated Cartto me. You’re sitting next to a pro- er. fessional,” Morales said. “It was he email Carter sent in May really cool to be able to sit next to also stated that the music departsomeone that has already made ment wants to, “expand the scope it, and you and energies of the just learn so student/ fac u lt y much about Webster UniverThere will be something, the professity Chamber Orsional atmochestra.” but it won’t be what sphere in an he chamber the Webster Symphony orchestral orchestra is comOrchestra was. setting.” prised of WebMora les ster students and has made faculty.

ProfesDr. Allen Larson a decision sor Paul Davis Former WUSO conductor to play in formed the chamWe b s t e r ’s ber orchestra. He Chamber has also been the Orchestra, but also wants to per- conductor of the WUSO the last form with another symphony in three years. the area.

One possible solution is for the Dr. Jefrey Carter, department WUSO to become its own nonof music chair, sent an email to for-proit, Carter said. It would students in the Chamber Orches- still be connected to the univertra and the WUSO at the end of sity, but would have fundraising May informing them of the sus- leadership separate from Webster. pension. he email said the unihat was the case with the versity has been reviewing pro- Repertory heatre of St. Louis grams for the past year. (he Rep). It was suspended in “hrough our review process, the spring of 1970 due to budget we have identiied logistical, bud- concerns. he Rep reopened in getary and pedagogical concerns the fall of 1971 as an independent that demand further study,” stated entity — separate from Webster Carter’s email.

College.

Carter said the WUSO’s situ“here will be something, but ation was discussed for about six it won’t be what the Webster Symmonths before the university de- phony Orchestra was. Whether cided to suspend and review it. or not they try to bring back the Peter Sargent, dean of the WUSO as it was in any way, I just Leigh Gerdine College of Fine don’t know,” Larson said. “here Arts, said the decline in student would be a chance if the will and participation, audience atten- the energy were there.” dance and donor base all conCarter said both positive and tributed to the suspension of the negative feedback regarding the WUSO. decision has been attributed.

Sargent stated they have been “I’ve received a number of reviewing and discussing the communication from people sayWUSO’s situation since they an- ing, I really applaud the fact that nounced the suspension in May. you’re trying to ind a really rehey hope to have a decision sponsible way to spend the monmade by December. ey that is allotted,” Carter said.

Dr. Allen Larson, now retired Carter stated the music defrom Webster, conducted the partment has a limited budget WUSO for 36 years — from 1973 and wants it to impact “the most to 2009. Larson said he is disap- students in the best way.” pointed in the suspension and Contact the writer: thinks it could have been avoided. websterjournal@gmail.com He suggested keeping the WUSO,

By Megan Favignano

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nance 8753 three times since the June 5 meeting.

City Council will meet again on Tuesday, Aug. 21 to decide on the future of Eden’s master plan.

For more information on Eden’s master plan, go to websterjournal.com.

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com

Ghana Webster determines location for sixth study abroad campus FROM PAGE 1

and how it feels to be Ghanaian and what it means (to be Ghanaian). Students, like my friends, will get to visit my country and go to school there. hey’ll get to be a part of my world, what was my world, what still is my world. It’s an emotional feeling.”

Osei said she believes Ghanaian students would be interested in studying at Webster’s Ghana campus. She added the majority of Ghanaian high school students want to earn their undergraduate degree in Ghana. However, it is common for Ghanaians to seek a master’s or doctorate degree outside the country.

Webster, Osei said, should take advantage of Ghana’s architectural and artistic assets when building the facilities. Osei suggests mimicking Accra’s wall design patterns and utilizing local artists to paint murals.

“Ghana is such a colorful country and it’s really alive in that sense,” Osei said. “I expect it (the Ghana campus) to be more culturally open and really artistically inclined in a way. And, very inviting.”

About one and a half years to two years ago, Chapman said, the university took a look at the continents without a Webster campus. Africa and South America were two of those continents. Webster’s initial interest, Chapman said, was in Egypt. he Egyptian cities of Cairo and Alexandria were two attractive options for a new campus. However, Webster did not want to compete with the American University of Cairo, so the university took a closer look at Alexandria, Chapman said. hat was before the Arab Spring. “here were new issues concerning Mubarek,” Chapman said. “hen, we

switched to looking at sub Sahara locations...(Ghana) is a lot safer than its Ivory Coast and it’s near Nigeria, but doesn’t have the issues Nigeria does.”

Webster narrowed down their decision to Accra ater discovering students’ access to libraries, transportation and business.

Students’ access to Accra’s businesses could lead to potential job opportunities, Chapman said. He added the high number of non-governmental organizations in Accra helped the administration decide on the city.

“Accra is a growing city,” Chapman said. “We decided we need to be in the greater Accra area.”

When Webster selected Ghana, the university hired an independent global market research company — TNS — that operates an oice in Accra. heir main purpose is to research what programs the Ghanaian government needs and what high school students want to study. he company has also conducted focus groups with high school students and their parents in the city. “his got us down to the real level of, would students get something out of a campus in Ghana? Would Webster attract Ghanaian students?” Chapman said. he study found 21 percent of students had an interest in business, 13 percent in engineering, 11 percent in both science and law, 5 percent in history, politics and international relations collectively and 4 percent in art.

Chapman said the opinions of the Ghanaian high school students were important to the university because Webster hopes to serve these students in Accra. Chapman added, Webster hopes a Ghana campus will be similar to its other campuses in terms of classes ofered and student population.

“Ten to 20 percent of students will be the national local students, 10 to 20 percent will be North American students and the other 60 percent will be from (the) West and Central Africa region who have an interest in an American education,” Chapman said. “We hope to have an interest from other nations, which would add to the richness in diversity.”

Chapman added, during focus groups TNS conducted with Ghanaian parents and students they asked three main questions: — Why do students leave Ghana for higher education?

— Would students be interested in a higher educational experience in Ghana?

—Or, would they still want to travel to the U.S.?

Chapman said an early and ambitious goal for the completion of the Ghana campus is fall 2013.

Webster must earn certiication through the National Accreditation Board of Ghana through Ghana’s Ministry of Education as well as the U.S. National Accreditation Board.

Chapman said Webster will carry its American accreditation with it to Ghana.

When the National Accreditation Board approves the campus in Ghana, Webster will be able to recruit students to study there. Now, Chapman said, Webster is in an awareness campaign for the Ghana campus.

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com

Opinions

Aug. 15-28, 2012

Page 4

Man shoots and kills three, including a policeman, near Texas A&M campus.

The Journal weighs in on the issues

he United States wins most medals and Michael Phelps becomes most decorated olympian at the London 2012 Olympics.

Webster University builds a sand volleyball court for $20,000.

Octomom auctions of a single date online starting at $500 to pay her house payment.

NASA’s robotic Curiosity lands on Mars and takes irst color photo of the planet’s surface.

Mitt Romney chooses Paul Ryan as his vice president candidate.

Graphic by Josh coppenbarGer

Politically Incorrect Using A Condom: It’s Better Than Getting An STD Look around wherever you are and count the next ive people you see. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of those ive individuals has a sexually transmitted disease.

Some people aren’t even aware they have an STD, as some do not have any noticeable symptoms. he CDC estimates 50 percent of all sexually active youth will contract an STD by the age of 25. Take a minute, if you would like, to take this all in. You may now proceed to pick up your jaw from the loor.

If this does not surprise and alarm you as much as it did me, it should — especially if you are a young college student. his is because STDs are more common in young adults over all other age groups combined. People between the ages of 18 and 24 contract chlamydia and gonorrhea at four times the rate than all other age groups combined.

Unprotected sex cannot only lead to lifelong and life-altering infections, but it can also lead to a miniature version of yourself running around your apartment or your parent’s house. But you are in luck. here are safer options you can choose besides the “pull-andpray” method that prevents these problems from occurring in the irst place. he prudence used regarding most of the mundane decisions you make throughout your day are insigniicant. he choices that really matter involve your health and well-being. Because of this lack of knowledge and the inability to grasp the gravity of the consequences of unprotected sex, a benign and avoidable issue has become a malignant and unavoidable epidemic.

Despite this, many college students take advantage of every chance they get to avoid the internal dialogue required in order to make the right decision over the easy decision — whether ater a long night of drinking with friends or ater a candle lit dinner with someone they love. he decision that needs to be made is to use contraception, but a poll conducted by the National Institute of Health concluded only 25 percent of collegiate respondents use condoms during sex. here are other options aside from using condoms. Your local priest or pastor is right; abstinence is the only way you can be 100 percent sure you will not contract an STD or gain a cute, crying and costly addition to your family.

However, the practicality of convincing college students to not have sex at this age is nonexistent. Most college students have already taken of their chastity rings. If you are currently sexually active, you have probably already recognized the beneits of such a lifestyle. Having sex reduces stress, burns calories, improves heart health, boosts self-esteem, creates more intimacy with your signiicant other and obviously it helps you sleep better.

In men, it can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, and in women, it can prevent incontinence later in life. People that regularly have sex sufer less from depression due to the elevated releasing of internal neurochemicals during and ater climax, like norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. In any event, it makes more sense to educate students about safe sex as opposed to advising them to not have sex at all.

Editorial The Inevitable: Webster’s expansion across Lockwood Avenue Webster University’s expansion across Lockwood may come to fruition on Aug. 21 if the Webster Groves City Council decides to approve Eden Seminary’s 2012 master plan which is outlined in Webster Groves Ordinance 8753. his includes the possible sale or lease of 7.5 acres of green space to Webster University. he green space at the corner of Bompart and Lockwood has gotten Webster Groves residents strongly urging the city to not pass the ordinance because they fear an expansion of the university will bring down their property values. Various residents have voiced their concerns at three public hearings on this topic. At each meeting, he Journal has heard residents’ testimonies, which (during almost every testimony) the speaker talks longer than the allotted time. We acknowledge the dedication Webster Groves residents have for their community and we appreciate the residents’ involvement in this issue. It’s important to stand up for what you believe in.

With that, we believe Webster University has the right to cross

Lockwood. And, we are sure it will. Webster University’s 2012 master plan anticipates the university will serve 5,000 students in the next 10 to 15 years. Undoubtedly, Webster University will need more space. his idea factors into the Webster Groves residents’ concerns. How can the university accommodate almost double its current undergraduate population? A seven-and-a-half-acre space could be the answer for something big. Really big. But, this is an assumption. It’s a logical assumption, though, and it’s an idea that the vocal Webster Groves residents, especially residents who live near Eden, fear. his factor can be described as an “unknown.” he vocal residents fear the university will build something unsightly — another large building or even worse, a parking lot. Webster University has not revealed what could go there and he Journal wonders if the university’s administrators are certain what exactly they would want to build there.

During the three city council meetings, Webster Groves resi-

Letters and commentaries he Journal welcomes letters to the editors and guest commentaries. Letters to the editor must be less than 200 words. Guest commentaries must be between 450 and 750 words, and guest writers must have their photograph taken to run with their commentaries. All letters to the editor and guest commentaries must be signed. he Journal will edit all submitted pieces for grammar, style and clarity. If there are any substantial revisions, the writer will be notiied and allowed to edit his or her own writing.

Submit all letters to the editor and guest commentaries to websterjournal@gmail.com by 2 p.m. on Monday.

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dents have stated if a structure is built on the green space, the property value of those living near it could, or rather, will drop.

It is easy for us students to be in favor of progression of our community and the advancement of education without giving consideration to the residents and their concerns. An interview with Eden’s president, David Greenhaw, put the issue in perspective. In an interview with he Journal, Greenhaw said in an adult’s life, the most valuable and greatest object he or she will own is a home, and it is understandable that the residents are trying to protect their homes. his makes us sympathetic, in a sense, toward the residents, and makes us more in favor of a compromise that could beneit the three communities — Webster Groves, Webster University and Eden Seminary. A win-winwin situation. Ater attending the three public hearings and speaking with Webster University’s attorney, Brad Goss, and Eden’s attorney, Gary Feder, he Journal understands there’s a desire for compromise from the parties.

Despite the attempts of residents to keep Webster University in its place, he Journal feels the city council will have its hands tied and accept Eden’s master plan. hose outspoken residents, of course, will not be happy, and as one pointed out at the June 5 public hearing, all hell could break loose. However, we hope the residents will be understanding of Webster’s and Eden’s educational goals and come to terms with this inevitable change.

Editor-in-Chief Brittany Ruess Managing Editor Megan Favignano Online Editor and Multimedia Editor Josh Coppenbarger City News Editor Haley Luke Campus News Editor Dan Bauman Opinions Editor Tony Laurence Lifestyle Editor Caillin Murray Sports Editor Tim Doty

Copy Chief and Layout Editor Josh Sellmeyer Copy Editors Julia Gabbert Julie Turek Photo Editor David Nash Assistant Multimedia Editor Gabe Burns Business Manager Casey Hammer journaladmgr@gmail.com

Marketing Manager Chelsea Williams Advertising Manager Adam Howard

he best way to do this is through an institutional approach. here are some universities that provide educational programs, free condoms and free STD testing, but multiple universities have not caught on that it is in their interest to educate their students about how to not get pregnant and how to not contract an STD. Webster University falls somewhere in the middle. Our hardly noticeable health center does hand out free condoms, student organizations put on AIDS awareness events and informational packets regarding AIDS are scattered around campus. But unless you are out to educate yourself, Webster falls short in comparison to other institutions.

In the end, it is your responsibility to stay healthy. he risks are high; St. Louis has one of the highest infection rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia in the country. Take advantage of the free condoms in the health center, get yourself tested at least once a year if you are sexually active and stop dating promiscuous people. For all you know, they might have cooties.

“Politically Incorrect” is a weekly column written by Journal Opinions Editor Tony Laurence.

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com

Mitt Romney: Tax dodger extraordinaire A little over two months ago, Mitt Romney’s business experience seemed to be the core of his campaign and the foundation of his credentials. In a primary debate, he argued that, “Right now, with the American people in the kind of inancial crisis they are in, they need someone who knows how to create jobs, and I do.”

While the Republican Party joked that Obama had never seen the inside Kris Parsons of a lemonade stand, Romney actually loated the idea of a Constitutional change requiring candidates to have “at least three years working in business before he could become president of the United States.”

But ater an unrelenting beatdown on his personal tax history and his time at Bain Capital, Romney recently told Chuck Todd of NBC that he would like “an agreement” that both campaigns would refrain from “attacks based upon business or family or taxes or things of that nature.” Romney is asking Obama to stop attacking his self-proclaimed superior qualiications for the job.

Romney can’t have it both ways. His business decisions relect not only his professional ethics but also his economic ethos. His personal tax history exempliies his belief about federal tax obligations and his refusal to release more than one year of returns is turning into political suicide.

With attacks from the let and disappointed remarks from the right becoming more frequent, why not put it to rest? Why won’t Mitt Romney release more than one year of tax returns? Perhaps they relect an ideology and privilege alien to most Americans. Whatever the reason, Romney is continuing to allow the Obama campaign and every liberal pundit on MSNBC to dig up even more damaging evidence to support their narrative.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid suggests he knows. Reid alleges that a Bain investor told him Romney paid no taxes for 10 years, adding, “His poor father must be so embarrassed about Illustrator/Graphics Victoria Courtney Staf Victoria Dickson Lilly Dumar Dan Duncan Eric Fuchs Katelyn Gosik Sam Masterson Jefrey Mosblech Tierre Rhodes Elise Rich Collin Reischman Danielle Rodgers Ava Roesslein Deven Teabeau

Photographers Victoria Caswell Brittany Ruess Advisers Editorial Larry Baden Photography Robert LaRouche General Manager Amanda Westrich

his son.” George Romney turned over 12 years of tax returns as a presidential candidate in the 1960s, setting a standard for inancial transparency. Reid will not reveal his source at Bain Capital but many assumed it was John Huntsman Sr. until he publicly denied the claim. Huntsman, who was Romney’s national inance chair in his 2008 presidential campaign, added, “Mr. Romney ought to square with the American people and release his taxes like any other candidate.”

For his part, Romney has said Reid needs to “put up or shut up” and prove his claims. And yet Romney wants the American public to basically take his word — that he has lawfully paid all his taxes. As Rachel Maddow of MSNBC pointed out, if they want to make that claim, they either need to be very trustworthy on the issue or let the American media fact check their claims. Romney has proven himself untrustworthy when it comes to his taxes. He has lost the beneit of the doubt.

Needless to say, the Obama campaign will probably not make any agreement with Romney to stop attacking his taxes and his business activity. hey are creating a strong narrative about Romney by painting him as a tax dodger extraordinaire. Romney has lied about his personal tax returns and tax avoidance eforts.

What he has released shows Swiss bank accounts, funds in the Cayman Islands, a real estate tax avoidance deal in Texas and even claiming his wife’s famous horse, Rafalca, which he tried to claim as a business on his 2010 returns.

His time at both Bain Capital and now Marriot have been exposed as one tax avoidance scheme ater another, mixed in with oloading debt onto companies and running of with outrageous proits.

It remains to be seen if Paul Ryan can pull the narrative back to the issues of their campaign and galvanize the Republican base. Even if the media let the tax and business issues go, I don’t think Romney will like where the spotlight will shine in the coming weeks.

Kris Parsons is the graduate assistant for Institution & Involvement.

he Journal is the oicial student publication of Webster University. Unsigned editorials relect the opinion of the newspaper, not necessarily that of the university or the Publications Board. he opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily relect those of he Journal. All text, photos, graphics and other content are copyrighted by he Journal and may not be reproduced without permission. Any photograph that has been substantially altered or staged for use as a graphic will be labeled as a photo illustration. he Journal reserves the right to reject advertising, stories, columns or letters to the editor that it deems graphic, obscene or that discriminate on the basis of race, culture, gender or sexual orientation. Single copies of he Journal are free; for additional copies, contact the business oice, located in the Sverdrup building, room 247, on the Webster Groves campus.

Lifestyle

Aug. 15-28, 2012

Page 5

Working for the wonderful world of Disney Webster student studies and works at dream job in Disney World

By Megan Favignano Managing Editor

he smell of corndogs and popcorn ill the air as Alice Mcgrath Andersen walks through a crowded Frontierland in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on her way to work. “(At Disney World) everything else melts away for a while,” said Mcgrath Andersen, a sophomore animation major. “Animated characters walk around, and everyone treats you like you’re special.”

Mcgrath Andersen works at the Splash Mountain ride at Disney World in Florida. She will take a class through the Disney College Program this fall. In August 2011, she visited Disney World with her mom before starting her freshman year at Webster University.

“I remember her saying …

‘Wouldn’t it be fun to work here? To be here every day?’” said Kathleen Mcgrath, Mcgrath Andersen’s mom.

Mcgrath Andersen has been to Disney World about ive times and Disneyland about three times.

She said when it comes to Disney, she was “born into it.” Her parents have always enjoyed animated ilms and taking her to the movies. She loved “Peter Pan” and “he Little Mermaid.”

Because of her love for Disney, Mcgrath Andersen said she “never oicially grew up.”

She applied for the Disney College Program this past spring. Ater undergoing a lengthy application process and three interviews, she was accepted. he Disney College Program places students in a job at one of Disney World’s theme parks while students concurrently take a course.

Students get credit for the

courses through the American Council on Education (ACE).

Mcgrath Andersen said she may graduate a year late because she can only take a couple classes through the program. But she said the experience is worth it.

Mcgrath Andersen started working at Disney World in late July. She will take a creativity and innovation class this fall. he program is usually six months. However, Mcgrath Andersen decided to extend her time in the program. She will take another course in the spring and stay at Disney World until May 2013.

Mcgrath Andersen’s mother said her daughter always had a passion for drawing. Mcgrath Andersen became interested in animation at Olathe North High School in Kansas when she took animation classes her sophomore through senior years. Jef Swit started the animation program at Olathe North nine years ago. “(Mcgrath Andersen) was able to handle the technical side in computer animation really well, but she also had a nice sense of humor. She had a good art background and she was very creative,” Swit said.

“Of all the kids I’ve ever had in the program, there’s only been a small handful that I really feel had the personality, had the drive, had the creativity to make it in animation as a career, and I deinitely would say Alice was one of those.”

Mcgrath Andersen said the program will give her an advantage if she applies for an animation internship at Disneyland in the future. She said she would eventually like to work at Disney’s animation studio in California. he Disney College Program also provides career counseling. he program pays the ma-

COURTESY OF ALICE MCGRATH ANDERSEN

Alice Mcgrath Andersen (center) poses with actors dressed as Prince Eric and Princess Ariel, characters from the Disney ilm “The Little Mermaid.”

jority of room and board costs.

It also pays an hourly wage for the students who work at the theme park.

Part of her job at Splash Mountain is assisting guests as they get onto the ride. Recent-

ly, she helped Tom and Suri Cruise get into a boat on the ride. Mcgrath Andersen didn’t recognize the Cruises at irst, but she said seeing the celebrities was exciting. She has heard rumors that Johnny Depp likes

to visit Disney World in the fall, and she hopes to see him.

Ater helping close down the Splash Mountain ride, Mcgrath Andersen walks through an empty Frontierland to leave the park. She passes by the

Rivers of America, which relect the lights from Cinderella’s castle.

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com

There are a lot of great “ restaurants in St. Louis to choose from, and we were only one of them they’ve ever chosen. That’s pretty special.

Bill Kunz

”

Roadhouse owner

COURTESY OF BILL KUNZ

Guy Fieri, the host of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” visits with Bill Kunz, owner of Roadhouse.

Food Network features Roadhouse on travel show ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ host Guy Fieri visits Webster Groves restaurant

By Tierre Rhodes Staf Writer

Chef Guy Fieri, host of the TV show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” travels the U.S. in search of unique places to eat. On his journey, he found a restaurant on Webster Groves’ Old Orchard Avenue called Highway 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen. he Roadhouse is located at 34 S. Old Orchard Ave. in Webster.

According to Roadhouse owner Bill Kunz, the restaurant celebrates a variety of food and music related to Highway 61. he famous highway, built in the 1930s, bisects the country from north to south, extending from New Orleans to parts of the Canadian border and Grand Portage, Minn. he segment of the highway from New Orleans to Missouri is known as “he Blues Highway.”

Kunz opened the Roadhouse in Octo-

ber 2006.

“We have blues, jazz, classic rock and an overall wide variety of music to celebrate the historic highway,” Kunz said.

Kunz received a phone call from the producers of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” who wanted to schedule an interview with him ater he was referred by Tom Coghill. Coghill’s restaurant, Iron Barley, was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2008. Iron Barley is located at 5510 Virginia Ave in South City.

As host of the show, Fieri travels around the country, visiting locally-owned diners and restaurants. He chooses dishes of the menu that he would like to sample and interacts with the chefs as they prepare them. Fieri then tries each dish. Each episode usually has a theme, such as “comfort food.” he show, which premiered in 2006, is in its 13th season.

Kunz said the interview process for the

show was nerve-racking, but beneicial.

During the interview, the show’s producers asked questions regarding food preparation and ingredients.

“I was very nervous,” Kunz said. “I mean, you know there are a lot of great restaurants in St. Louis to choose from, and we were only one of them they’ve ever chosen. hat’s pretty special.” he Food Network recorded the show segment over a three-day period in June, which meant Kunz closed his restaurant during business days from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. On the irst day of shooting, footage was taken of Kunz, pit master Josh Johnson and former assistant manager Nick Wiese prepping in the kitchen.

On the second day of shooting, Fieri came to St. Louis. he team reprepared the dishes chosen by Fieri. he dishes were red beans and rice, barbecued spaghetti and Cajun pot stickers. On the last day of shooting, employees invited their family, friends and customers to enjoy the food. “(Fieri) was really amazing to work with,” bartender Tara Seidel said. “He would help assist with making the food.”

Restaurant owners Kunz and Coghill used to work together at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown St. Louis. hey said they have been good friends since 1991. At the hotel, Coghill was chef of the Kosher Kitchen and Kunz ran Powerhouse Billiards and Diner. “hey are close to being best friends,” Seidel said. “hey can really depend and rely on each other.”

Together, Coghill and Kunz run a series of barbecue competitions. hey organize a group known as St. Louis Occasional Barbecue Society (SLOBS). he organization hosts six barbecue events and donates proceeds to charity.

One of the SLOBS’ last events, hosted by Tom’s Bar & Grill on July 22, stretched from South Euclid to Laclede Street. he Ronald McDonald House and Lambert Field USO were two charities that beneited from the event.

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com

COURTESY OF PAUL TRUONG

Vitaly Neimer (left) faces of with an opponent during a chess match. Neimer trains under Susan Polgar as a member of the SPICE chess team.

More than a game SPICE team member began learning chess at the age of 5

By Brittany Ruess Editor-In-Chief

Vitaly Neimer recently tied his teammate and grandmaster Andre Diamant of Brazil at the U.S. Chess “G/15” Championship in Vancouver, Wash.

If Neimer, an Israeli international master and member of the Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence (SPICE), continues to have success like this, he could accomplish his goal of earning the title of grandmaster.

Neimer, 24, started to learn chess in a Russian school for chess at the age of 5. Chess was very popular in Russia at the time and Neimer said his chess teachers noticed he was a talented player.

When Neimer was 6, his family immigrated to Petah Tikva, Israel. He continued to study chess and grew fonder of it.

“When kids start to play chess, they enjoy it just for fun,” Neimer said. “hey meet a lot of new friends. hey meet diferent players.”

At the age of 10, Neimer began to play for the Petah Tikva Chess Club. hat year, he won the Israel Junior Chess Championship. At the tournament, he met Anatoly Bykhovsky, a current member of SPICE. Neimer traveled to Austria to compete in the European Chess Championship.

“I think even then I realized how great chess is,” Neimer said.

“It opens up a lot of doors. You meet new people. You see new places.”

Neimer started his mandatory Israeli army service at the age of 17. In Israel, Neimer said teenage girls serve a mandatory two years while teenage boys serve a mandatory three years.

He served in Israel’s defense army in the city of Sderot and was given the option of selecting a vocation.

Naturally, Neimer chose chess. he Israeli army classiied him as an excellent sportsman.

Because of his choice of chess as a vocation, Neimer had time to practice chess and compete in tournaments. He eventually rose to the level of federal chess master.

Neimer taught chess to children and adults. While he worked to improve his chess skills, Neimer spoke to children in schools about the Israeli army because they would someday serve in it.

Neimer participated in one battle during his service. Neimer said Sderot oten came under attack because of its relation to Gaza. “(Sderot) is very close to Gaza. It’s like Webster Groves See Chess Player

Page 6

Page 6 Aug. 15-28, 2012

LIFESTYLE

websterjournal.com

Chess: Player taught chess after completing army service FROM PAGE 5

COURTESY OF PHILLIP HAMER

Webster University senior David Salmo at his job at The Muny. Salmo is receiving academic credit as the assistant of Mike Isaacson, executive producer at the Muny. Salmo said he would like to work at The Muny for as long as he can.

Meet him at he Muny Conservatory student works at he Muny as part of new partnership between Webster and he Muny

By Victoria Dickson Staf Writer

David Salmo said working at the he Muny heater has been a series of surreal moments.

As a kid, he grew up watching shows at he Muny, and now he has the opportunity to put them together.

Salmo, a Webster University senior in the conservatory, interviewed for an intern position in October 2011. Ater inding out he got the job, Salmo worked from December 2011 to January 2012 in his hired intern position. Soon ater, the new executive producer, Mike Isaacson, let go of his assistant.

Salmo said he ultimately fell into the role.

“I didn’t really know what to expect, but I buckled down and took over the job that needed to be done,” Salmo said.

His duties as an assistant vary from day to day. His work

includes answering phone calls, taking notes with Isaacson and setting up production meetings. He said a lot of the work he does is mainly from observing. Salmo said working with Isaacson has been a learning experience.

“He’s a good mentor and he’s becoming a friend,” Salmo said. “He’s a wonderful guy.

He cares a lot about education.

One of the irst things he asked me when I started working for him was ‘What do you want to learn?’”

Phillip Hamer, Salmo’s coworker, has worked at he Muny the past six summers. He graduated from Missouri Valley College last May. his past year was his irst full year working at the theater as an in-house photographer. He doesn’t work with Salmo oten, but the two have become friends.

“He’s pretty passionate about what he does,” Hamer said. “I

can tell it’s what he really loves to do.”

Hamer said Salmo is laid back but serious about getting things done.

According to Salmo, Webster University’s partnership with he Muny is still growing.

In result of the work he’s put in at he Muny, Salmo hopes he has helped expand the relationship. He also hopes his work there secured the theater’s expectation of people from Webster doing a good job.

Salmo hopes to do commercial producing but not until later on in his life. He would love to be at he Muny for as long as the theater will have him.

“Who knows what will happen?” Salmo said about his future. “heater is deinitely not a linear path. You just kind of go where the job takes you.”

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com

and St. Louis,” Neimer said. “hey were launching about 10 missiles every day, so we went on an operation to clear the area. My unit was responsible to go to kindergartens and schools to show some support to the civilians.”

When Neimer went to a kindergarten to speak to children, a missile was launched and an alarm sounded.

“You have 5 seconds to run and take cover. Each school has a bomb shelter,” Neimer said. “My job when I heard the alarm was to get the kids into the basement. his is the reality … It makes you much more mature.”

Neimer completed his service at the age of 21. He continued to teach chess for a year, earning $100 per month —

only enough for Neimer’s basic needs. hen, Bykhovsky informed Neimer about an opportunity with SPICE. With his family’s blessing, Neimer contacted Susan Polgar, SPICE’s founder.

Neimer was already an international master of chess. Ater passing an English test and interviewing with Polgar, Neimer joined SPICE. Neimer is now a sophomore inance and accounting major at Webster University.

Neimer said leaving his family and friends and adjusting to life in America was diicult for him.

“I always say I went from high school to irst grade,” Neimer said.

Polgar and Neimer’s new teammates helped him adapt to his new life. Because a majority of the SPICE players are inter-

national students, Neimer said Polgar not only coached him in chess, but also helped him in everyday life.

“For every problem I had, she was my contact,” Neimer said. “It’s more than studentcoach. It’s more like family.”

Polgar said she agrees that the chess team is like a family. “hey know they can count on me whether they need a ride to the doctor or to teach them how to cook something,” Polgar said. “I’m not only a coach, but I’m also like a big sister.”

Polgar described Neimer as a logical, systematic player.

“Vitaly likes to build a solid base rather than going for the unknown,” Polgar said. he chess team will leave for the World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey, on Aug. 25.

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com

SPORTS

Page 7 Aug. 15-28, 2012

websterjournal.com

Parsley prepares for irst year as cross-country, track head coach Pittsburgh native with 12 years coaching experience becomes second track coach in school history

By Josh Sellmeyer Copy Chief & Layout Editor

When Director of Athletics Tom Hart informed Kelly Parsley he was selected as Webster University’s cross-country and track and ield coach, Parsley was ecstatic about where he’d be going. He was also saddened about what he’d be leaving behind.

Parsley would be headed for St. Louis, an unfamiliar city located more than 600 miles from his home in Pittsburgh. Parsley grew up in Pittsburgh as the youngest of nine children and returned there two and a half years ago to be closer to his parents. His mother had half her colon removed because of cancer. His father is in a wheelchair and has “a little dementia,” as Parsley describes it.

While in Pittsburgh, Parsley helped establish Vincentian Academy as a force in Pennsylvania high school cross-country and track. His boys cross-country squad was picked to win the state meet later this year, making his decision to apply for the open position at Webster all the more diicult.

But ultimately, Parsley accepted Hart’s invitation because he liked what Webster had to offer and he wanted to coach collegiately on a full-time basis.

“Really, coaching deines me,” Parsley said. “When I wake up in the morning, it’s what I think about. It’s what I want to do. In Pittsburgh, though I was coaching at a high school — which was very rewarding, one of the best experiences I’ve ever had — I really wanted to be a full-time coach.”

Parsley, who has 12 years of coaching experience, beat out approximately 130 applicants to become the second head coach in Webster track and ield history. he women’s cross-country program was established in 1990 and won its irst St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship last year.

Dusty Lopez began coaching the men’s cross-country program as well as the men’s and

women’s track and ield programs in 2008.

Lopez resigned from his coaching posts in February. He moved with his family to Ann Arbor, Mich., once the spring track season concluded.

Hart said Parsley shined throughout the lengthy interview process, which included an email interview, a phone interview and an evaluation by a search committee comprised of administrators, coaches and student athletes. hree inal candidates were brought to Webster for a visit. Parsley visited the university on June 4 and got the congratulatory phone call from Hart on June 11.

“Coach Parsley’s energy and his knowledge of not only the Webster situation, but the Division-III landscape, as it is in cross-country and track and ield, lent itself to us believing he’s going to be able to hit the ground running, no pun intended, and build the program up while utilizing his energy and people skills to help attract additional runners,” Hart said.

“

I’ve given up a lot to just coach. I’ve given up a lot of money. I’ve given up a lot of time with my family. And I don’t regret those decisions.

Kelly Parsley

”

Track, cross-country coach

Parsley said Hart was “great during the interview process,” which was one of the main reasons Parsley felt comfortable taking the job at Webster.

“I love the sport — it’s really what I want to do,” Parsley said.

“I’ve given up a lot to just coach.

I’ve given up a lot of money. I’ve given up a lot of time with my family. And I don’t regret those decisions, but I think (Hart) knew he was going to get someone that was really going to spend a lot of time recruiting and developing relationships with students.”

Recruiting and relationship developing have been two hallmarks of Parsley’s coaching career. He began coaching as an assistant at D-III Swarthmore College (Pa.). Ater two seasons there, Parsley started cross-country and club track programs from scratch at Goldey-Beacom College (Del.). Parsley spent ive years at GoldeyBeacom and helped the school transition from NAIA to NCAA Division-II status.

Parsley’s inal collegiate coaching job prior to Webster was a four-year stint at D-III Lake Forest College (Ill.). Ater coaching at Lake Forest College, Parsley returned to Pittsburgh to coach at Vincentian. He arrived in St. Louis on July 21 and is looking forward to the opportunity Webster provides.

“I’m really competitive. I like to win or at least be in a situation where I can bring in kids that could put me in that situation,” Parsley said. “I feel like Webster, being such a great athletic school, and having Tom, who’s really supportive as an athletic director, I could really bring in kids, be competitive and do really well here.”

One of the irst things Parsley did ater he landed the Webster job was hire assistant coach Scottie Barnes. Heather Kelley will resume her role as an assistant coach for Webster’s crosscountry teams. Kelley won’t coach the Gorloks’ track teams, though, as she was recently named coach of the Webster Groves High School girls track team. James Crowe will help coach the track teams as a voluntary assistant.

Parsley also has reached out to all the returning cross-country and track athletes to begin building relationships with them. hat move went over well with Daniel Henkey, a senior cross-country and track athlete. “(Parsley) is well experienced. He’s coached at a couple other schools and he seems very dedicated to the team and to the program,” Henkey said. “…

He’s planning a lot of big things, team-bonding things, so he re-

JOSH SELLMEYER / he Journal

Kelly Parsley poses for a photo at Hixson Middle School’s track, which serves as Webster University’s home track.

Parsley has 12 years of experience coaching track and cross-country.

ally wants this program to take of.”

Parsley has some short-term goals in mind for his programs, like hosting a meet next year and establishing a Webster cross-country/track and ield camp. But Parsley’s biggest objective for the coming years is to recruit quality student athletes to Webster. “he great thing about track and ield is you can have 20 kids on your team or 150,” Parsley said. “Right now, we’re not even at 15. We need to build a program.”

His irst chance to coach that program at a meet will be

Sept. 1, when Webster’s crosscountry squads compete in the Washington University Early Bird. he track and ield season begins Jan. 21. Parsley is excited to create a team atmosphere at Webster.

“A lot of people think crosscountry and track are individual sports,” Parsley said. “I really want to coach my team as a team. It’s important for me to develop the team as a group and as a whole and try to come up with some great experiences.”

Contact the writer:

Webster hires new athletic trainer Webster University has hired Jennifer Popken as the new athletic trainer services coordinator. Popken, a graduate of Coe College and Delta State University, replaces Amy Schork, who let Webster ater the 2011-2012 academic year. he newest member of the Gorlok athletic training staf joins athletic trainers Martin Fields and Lori Khazen and strength and conditioning coach Matt Saitz.

websterjournal@gmail.com

BRITTANY RUESS / he Journal

St. Louis Soccer Park’s stadium ield features new artiicial turf and a state-of-the-art digital video scoreboard.

Webster, local soccer club team up to renovate St. Louis Soccer Park

By Tim Doty Sports Editor

St. Louis Soccer Park, home of the Webster University men’s and women’s soccer teams, will have a revamped feel to it starting in the 2012-2013 academic year.

Ater an agreement between local soccer club St. Louis Scott Gallagher (SLSG) and Webster, renovations have been made to the Gorloks’ home facility. Improvements include two grass ields being replaced with artiicial turf, the installation of a digital video scoreboard and the transformation of a warehouse into a training facility.

Webster Director of Athletics Tom Hart said the agreement will provide continued growth for the school’s soccer programs.

“As a landlocked institution within a metropolitan area, we don’t have a whole lot of options as it comes to ields,” Hart said.

“Moving forward, we will have a place that we can call home. We know it’s going to be a place that feels more like home than it does somebody else’s home that we just visit.”

Webster will also have the right to use two of the ields from 1 to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and the Gorloks will be able to utilize a locker room.

Along with the ield and stadium renovations, the agreement calls for more signage and advertisement for Webster at the entrance to Soccer Park and on Field 1. “here are hundreds to thousands of people who utilize that

facility through the course of a month,” Hart said. “So we are going to have a presence there from a signage standpoint.”

SLSG acquired ownership of the Soccer Park in July 2011.

SLSG’s irst improvement was repaving the parking lot, and its latest will be installing Bermuda grass on two ields. SLSG Executive Director Patrick Barry said the total cost of the renovations is between $1.7 and $1.8 million.

Barry said Webster was one of the major inancial partners in the agreement.

If all goes according to plan, the improvements would be ready in time for the women’s soccer team’s irst home game on Friday, Aug. 31.

“We wanted to make the renovations as quickly as possible, but I don’t think anyone imagined we would be able to have this kind of impact in this short amount of time,” Barry said.

Hart said there were a number of Webster representatives involved in closing the deal with SLSG, including Paul Carney, vice president of enrollment management and student afairs, and Greg Gunderson, vice president and chief inancial oicer. he new agreement will provide Webster’s soccer squads with a consistent place to play. Last season, Webster’s women’s soccer team hosted the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament, and one of the Gorloks’ games had to be moved from Field 1 to Field 2 due to rain.

“Knowing we aren’t going to have to leave that ield due to rain

or inclement weather makes both our coaches (women’s coach Luigi Scire and men’s coach Marty Todt) extremely excited,” Hart said. “It provides a consistent practice environment as well, which is something you’re always looking for.”

Hart said it was important for Webster to reach this agreement because it gives Webster and its soccer programs a stable future. He added that the agreement, which is set for 15 years, gives Webster an association with a “high-quality” soccer club in St. Louis.

“In order to have a successful intercollegiate athletic program, facilities — probably tied for irst with coaching — are necessary to build a program,” Hart said. “Now we’ve got those pieces put in place for the foreseeable future.”

Hart said of all the positives that have occurred in Webster athletics this past year, entering into this agreement was one of the largest ones.

“Knowing that Webster is a player in the athletic realm helps us establish the Webster brand from an athletic standpoint,” Hart said. “We also provide our current students and future students with a place they know is going to be there and they can relate to. Hopefully, one day it will help us build those programs from a recruitment and retention standpoint.”

— Josh Sellmeyer contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com

Sports

Aug. 15-28, 2012

Page 8

Whittingham to transfer from Webster to D-II Lincoln U. Gorloks’ top scorer, 2011-2012 SLIAC Player of the Year, to play for Pennsylvania school during 2012-2013 season

By Josh Sellmeyer Copy Chief & Layout Editor

A year ater leading the Webster University men’s basketball team in scoring and rebounding, Stefan Whittingham said he will transfer to Division-II Lincoln University (Pa.) for the 20122013 academic year “to pursue a higher performance of play.”

Whittingham, who was named the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year last season, will enter Lincoln with two years of athletic eligibility remaining. Whittingham said he received an athletic scholarship to play for the Lincoln Lions, but declined to say if it was a full-ride scholarship.

Whittingham met with Webster coach Chris Bunch in March to inform Bunch that he was considering a transfer. Whittingham visited Lincoln’s campus and met with third-year coach John Hill earlier this summer.

He will head to Lincoln from his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on hursday, Aug. 16.

“I made a lot of good friends at Webster this year, plus I had a really good basketball season.

So it was a really tough decision, especially leaving coach Bunch, who did so much for me throughout my past two years,” Whittingham said. “Coach Bunch was one of the best coaches I ever had. It was pretty

hard to just make that decision and leave there — it took a lot of thinking and a lot of talking through.”

Bunch said he talked to Whittingham about the pros and cons of transferring when the two met in March. Bunch said in his 12 years of collegiate coaching, he’s never had one of his players transfer up a division.

“Obviously, there’s mixed emotions,” Bunch said. “I’m disappointed because it’s a big loss for our program. And at the same time, if someone has found a way to go to college and get a scholarship to play basketball, it’s hard for me to say, ‘Oh, well, he made a poor choice.’ He’s getting at least some of his school paid for. He’s still going to get to continue to play. He had to do what he felt was best for him and his family. I totally understand that; I respect that. It’s not like I harbor him any ill will.” hough Whittingham did not address the entire Webster team about his thoughts of transferring, he did have a personal talk with then-junior Roman Robinson. Robinson, who averaged 12.7 points per game last year, will enter his senior season as the Gorloks’ top returning scorer.

“He told me, and I said, ‘Good, if they’re going to take care of you, then go. But don’t go out there if they’re not playing you. It’s your last few years. You

Colin Bates INF Senior Manitoba, Canada

don’t want to sit the bench one whole year and then play your senior year,’” Robinson said. “hat was pretty much my reaction. ‘Well, do it, man. Whatever makes you happy.’”

In his sophomore season at Webster, Whittingham emerged as the Gorloks’ go-to player. He averaged team highs in minutes (33.5), points (15.5) and rebounds (8.2). He started all 26 of the Gorloks’ games and shot 49 percent from the ield.

In March, Whittingham became the irst Webster men’s basketball player since 2001 to be selected as an All-American honorable mention by DIII News, the monthly newsletter of Division-III basketball.

Whittingham led the Gorloks to a 13-13 overall record and a 13-3 conference mark. Webster won the SLIAC regular-season championship for a second straight year, but fell to MacMurray College in the SLIAC tournament semiinals.

Whittingham said he also considered transferring to a couple other Division-II schools, including two in Florida. He was in contact with the coach at Texas Southern University, a Division-I school, but he said that “ended up not going through.”

Whittingham had his Fort Lauderdale High School coach, Reggie Nixon, call college coaches to gauge their interest in

recruiting Whittingham. Whittingham said his conversations with Nixon helped persuade him he was ready for a higher division of basketball.

Lincoln track athlete Abraham Noel, who attended Fort Lauderdale High School with Whittingham, told Hill about Whittingham’s interest in transferring. Whittingham then got in touch with Hill and things progressed from there.

Whittingham will join a Lions team that inished 11-18 last year. Lincoln, a former Division-III school, became a full Division-II member in 2010.

Lincoln is a historically black university located in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 50 miles from Philadelphia. he Gorloks begin their regular season on Nov. 17. Bunch knows he and his team will have to quickly get over the loss of Whittingham.

“It’s just like I told some of our guys — people graduate every year and people leave every year,” Bunch said. “We have guys leave; we have guys come in. here was a team here long before (Whittingham) or I were ever here, and there will be a team here ater we’re gone.

We’re just going to keep on doing what we’re doing.”

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com

GALE WHITEHEAD / he Journal

Former Webster University forward Stefan Whittingham leaps for a ball against Blufton University on Nov. 19, 2011. Whittingham has decided to transfer to D-II Lincoln University (Pa.) for the 2012-2013 academic year.

he boys of summer

Steven Dooley P Senior Hornell, N.Y. Summer 2012 stats:

Summer 2012 stats: 17 GP, .371 AVG., 8 RBIs, 3 3B Bates played primarily second base for the Oak River Dodgers of the Manitoba Senior Baseball League.

7 GP, 2-0, 2.61 ERA Dooley started four games for the Hornell Dodgers of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. he right-hander made the league’s all-star team.

Michael Aaron

Cody Stevenson

INF Junior Boise, Idaho

CF Senior Hornell, N.Y.

Summer 2012 stats:

Summer 2012 stats:

27 GP, .197 AVG., 1 HR, 7 RBIs Aaron played third base for the Pepsi Wolfpack of the Boise Idaho Collegiate Summer League.

36 GP, .371 AVG., 20 RBIs, 5 3B Stevenson played center ield for the Hornell Dodgers of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. He made the league’s all-star team.

Matt Mason C Junior Boise, Idaho

Mitchell Bonds

inFoGraphic by VicToria coUrTney & TiM DoTy

Summer 2012 stats: 24 GP, .143 AVG., 8 RBIs, .958 FLD% Mason played catcher for the Bear Valley Rapids of the Boise Idaho Collegiate Summer League.

During a portion of this summer, 14 Webster University baseball players traveled near and far to perfect their skills for the spring.

Each year, returning Gorloks spend their summer vacation playing the game they love. Above is a map with the highlighted states and Canadian province where the players competed.

INF Senior West Palm Beach, Fla.

Summer 2012 stats: 27 GP, .375 AVG., 12 RBIs he inielder played for the Palm Beach Blazers of the South Florida Collegiate League.

Baseball players spend summer in leagues across N. America

By Tim Doty Sports Editor

Even ater the inal out of the College World Series, the Webster University baseball team’s season wasn’t completely over.

Each year, coach Bill Kurich has his healthy players compete in summer baseball leagues around the country and beyond. “hat is something I’ve been doing since I started coaching, something we installed immediately right when we (the coaching staf) got here at Webster,” Kurich said.

Having his team play throughout the summer isn’t anything new for Kurich. He started the tradition at previous schools he coached at, such as Concordia University (Ill.) and St. Joseph’s College (Ind.).

“It’s just the more our guys can play and play with good competition, the better they come back to us in the fall,” Kurich said. “hat’s something we talk about during the recruiting visit.

We make sure they know we expect our guys to play in the summer and get them some opportunities to go to diferent places if their family situation allows it. here are a lot of guys that go back and play at leagues in their home so they can work and what not.” he baseball team had 14 of its healthy and returning players compete in 10 diferent leagues this summer. he leagues were as far from Webster as Idaho, Florida and even Canada.

Some elected to stay closer to home and play in St. Louis or the Chicago area. he decision to play in a particular league comes down to several factors, such as location and what connections Webster’s coaches have. Junior catcher Matt Mason had it narrowed down to

three choices — stay in St. Louis, which would have been closer to home for the St. Charles native, or head to Arizona or Boise. “he only thing I knew about (Boise) was that it’s home to Boise State,” Mason said. “I don’t have any family out there or anything. he thought process for me was that during my freshman year I played in a St. Louis league — I didn’t really like it. I thought it was a waste of money and time, and I didn’t really think it beneited me as a player.

“It came down to me going to Boise or Arizona, and the reason why I chose Boise was that Boise is an instructional league. So not only do you play games, but there are clinics every day.”

Mason played in the Boise Summer League located at Northwest Nazarene University, a Division-II school. hat league is one of several options for Gorlok players. Kurich said there are a number of leagues funded by Major League Baseball, which Webster players can choose.

“We’ve had a number of players go out and it doesn’t cost them anything. hey’re set up with a host family and there is no fee to play in the league,” Kurich said. “Some leagues charge anywhere from $400 to $1,500 for the summer. hat generally includes their living expenses, their playing fee, those types of things.”

Mason had to pay his own way to Boise this summer.

“We do fundraise as a team for team things, but the team’s money cannot pay for us to go play,” Mason said. “We have to pay our own way to go. I work two jobs during school, so I work to pay for most of my own stuf. My parents kind of helped me out, sort of as a reward for working hard and getting good grades.”

Gorloks travel together Two returning seniors, pitcher Steven Dooley and center ielder Cody Stevenson, headed to the Big Apple this summer to showcase and improve their talents in the New York Collegiate Baseball League. Sophomore pitcher Isaac Behme also played in the league.

“Coach Kurich is really good about setting all his players up with a team and a league that he feels is a good suit for them,” Dooley said.

Stevenson and Dooley played for the Hornell Dodgers, and both played in the All-Star game for the league’s West team. Stevenson said having a fellow Webster athlete on the team with him helped him relax.

“If he’s pitching and has a rough inning, I can come in to the dugout and we can talk and joke around and get our mindset right,” Stevenson said.

“If I’m having a bad game, he does the same for me. It’s comforting to have that guy there you know and have played ball with so you know how to handle things.”

Mason said the pitchers he faced seemed a bit familiar. He contrasted the hurlers in the Boise league to recently graduated Webster pitcher David Mueller. “he best way I can explain it is that every team had a David Mueller,” Mason said. “David was our best pitcher last year, and every team in this league had a guy who was similar to Dave in pitching ability and what they brought to the table. Some teams had maybe even two Daves.”

Mason and junior inielder Michael Aaron, Mason’s roommate since his freshman year at Webster, made the trek to Boise, but the two played for diferent teams. Mason played for the

Bear Valley Rapids, while Aaron suited up for the Pepsi Wolfpack.

“We’ve become best friends,” Mason said. “In the selection process, (Aaron) had a few more choices than I did. We thought it would be cool to go together. It made it nice, because anytime you go 1,800 miles away from home, a 24hour drive, it makes it easier knowing somebody and having a friend there.”

A chance to improve for spring season Playing baseball during the summer isn’t just a way to keep Webster players from becoming rusty — it’s also a chance to get better for next season.

Stevenson collided with the centerield wall in the eighth inning of Webster’s inal World Series game in Appleton, Wis., on May 28. He was carted of the ield and diagnosed with a stinger in his neck and a concussion. he NYCBL’s season started, and Stevenson had to stay behind until he passed the baseline test, which is given to Webster athletes at the beginning of each season.

Once he passed, Stevenson chomped at the bit to get back to center ield.

“Being held back like that, it was almost like I got that feeling that I wasn’t able to play,” Stevenson said. “As soon as I got up here, I was ready to jump back in it. he coach up here was obviously questioning me with, ‘Are you OK to play? Do I need to sit you out a couple of games and get your feet wet again?’ I said, ‘No, throw me in with the wolves. I’m ready to go.’”

Stevenson wanted to spend this summer working on his swing in particular. hough he ended 2012 with a .289 average and 59 stolen bases, the center ielder went 12 for 52 in the

postseason.

With the Gorloks graduating two senior catchers, Mason will be ighting to become the everyday catcher or at least earn a bigger role for 2013. “(Kurich) told me the things I need to work on, things holding me back from being the guy,” Mason said. “… I want to be able to have a role on the team next year as opposed to a guy who comes of the bench every now and then. his summer allowed me to work on my defensive skills … that’s going to prepare me for next season.

“Whatever my role is — whether I’m lucky enough to be the starter or backup guy — having played 24 games against good competition is going to make that transition into spring easier.”

Dooley, who went 6-5 with a 3.62 ERA and earned seven saves in 2012, worked on adding a slider to his pitch repertoire for the spring.

No matter what each Gorlok works on, Kurich said the summer helps his players hone their skills in a more relaxed environment. “he irst and foremost thing is for our guys to go out and have fun playing baseball,” Kurich said. “… I ind that our guys come back a little more mature, stronger.

“I think the results individually have been great … you see kids grow up a lot. And it’s a great experience, the opportunity for a young man to go out and see a diferent part of the country.

I’d trade places with them right now. hat’s as good as it gets.”

— Josh Sellmeyer contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com