Fairfield Mirror Orientation 2014

THE MIRROR Student-run newspaper

Freshman Orientation 2014

Vol. 40, Iss. 1

Fairfield Mirror @FairfieldMirror fairfieldmirror FairfieldMirror.com

NSLs and OSTs prepare for freshman Orientation

By Enxhi Myslymi Managing Editor

New studen

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tina Barry

Old School Pizzeria takes over the Levee

By Robert Joyce News Editor Nauti Dolphin has left the building, but the familiar faces have not.

Former Head Chef of Nauti Dolphin at the Levee Derek Furino Sr. and former floor-manager James Carroll have started a new chapter in their lives as co-owners of Old School Pizzeria, which officially opened their doors at the Levee on April 28.

After working for Nauti Dolphin co-owners Scott Hartley and Greg Roberts for many years, Furino and Carroll were asked if they wanted to take over. Hartley and Roberts helped the two by handing them the keys and ensuring a smooth transition, according to Furino and Carroll.

Not too much is cued for change; according to Carroll and Furino, with comparable prices, delivery service, similar high-quality ingredients and the same head chef, Old School Pizzeria hopes to occupy the Levee for a long time. However, they do plan on staying open later on weekends than Nauti Dolphin did and adding new specialty pizzas and sandwiches.

So far, the summer for Old School Pizzeria has consisted of

mostly catering. With an additional higher-end catering menu, the restaurant has been able to cater engagement parties and the recent alumni weekend.

Furino says that “once the school year starts it will pretty much be the same thing [as Nauti Dolphin was] ... It goes back to grinder, buffalo-chicken, buffalo-chicken, buffalo-chicken, buffalo-chicken, turnover, turnover ...”

Carroll and Furino say they are “into quality and doing different things,” and are absolutely interested in student input for their menu.

“We’re open to ideas and we’re gonna put ‘em up there – whatever you wanna buy, we’re gonna put up,” said Furino.

“I think we’re ready to turn it up a notch from what it was,” said Carroll.

The majority of the change brought by Old School Pizzeria is in the name itself. According to Furino, him and Carroll went through a few different names before finally deciding on Old School Pizzeria.

READ

CO-OWNERS ON PAGE 3

Driving into Fairfield on the first day of Orientation, Sherice Reid ’16 knew she wanted to be a New Student Leader.

“It’s what made me realize that I’m really going to college,” Reid said. “I drove in and said, ‘Mom I’m going to be that person at the gate yelling for somebody else.’”

After being part of the behind-the-scenes Orientation Support Team the year before, Reid wanted to “have a greater impact” on the students, leading to her applying for the NSL position.

By getting involved on campus, Reid said she “saw what Fairfield had to offer and how many great people [there] are here.” She is one of 50 NSLs and 31 OSTs prepared to welcome the class of 2018.

“It’s my job to make sure they have a nice, smooth transition without feeling overwhelmed,” Reid added. “I’m kind of the backbone for them, so they know they can come to me for anything.”

For Co-Chair Amanda Murphy ’16, it’s hard to “believe that orientation is already here.

“All of our work, we kind of see pieced together once the NSLs get here, and it kind of falls into place, and it’s going to be weird to see it all play out,” Murphy said.

“It’s definitely a rewarding job.”

She joins Jeannette Eckelman ’16, Meghan Warchol ’16 and Alli Scheetz ’16 as co-chairs for Orientation.

Besides placing First Year students into FYE sections, choosing meeting locations and planning out skits for the sessions, “a big part of our job is facilitating the training for NSLs,” said Murphy.

“We make sure they know everything they need to know before they go into Orientation.”

While OSTs train for two and a half days, the five-day training for NSLs includes safe-space training, learning how to be an inclusive community and discussing group dynamics.

Run by William Johnson, associate dean of students and director of student diversity programs, and Jocelyn Collen, campus minister for immersions and pilgrimages, safe-space training “covered everything from LGBTQ inclusion to being a welcoming community in general,” said Murphy.

Reid explained that a large portion of the training has been about “how to properly interact … [and] how to address certain situations.”

An emphasis is placed on not using gender specific terms, added Reid, “because we’re an inclusive community so we don’t want to say ‘hey guys’ because it’s going to put everyone in an awkward position.”

According to Program Director Nicole Heller, the Student Programs and Leadership Development and Orientation program have been following the theme of “connect, inspire and thrive.” She aims to have students “connect with each other, be inspired and thrive here at the University.

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ORIENTATION ON PAGE 2

Old School

Robert Joyce / The Mirror

Top: New Student Leaders prepare for Orientation 2013. Bottom: The Levee is under new management.

Inside this Issue:

Fairfield events you don’t want to miss: Page 7

THE MIRROR | Freshman Orientation 2014

News

Page 2

Orientation leaders excited to enhance first years’ experience Continued from page 1

“We want the First Year students to be connected, looking forward to September and to understand that there’s a place for every one of them here,” Heller said.

The two Orientation sessions on June 18-19 and June 23-24 focus on social and academic areas.

“It changed with the Class of 2014 where students now register for classes during orientation and meet with professors,” Heller explained. During their registration, First Years were able to select their top three choices for a group during Orientation and “we do our best to place them in those.”

With an average session of 12 students in over 40 NSL groups, students are able to meet half of the people that will be in their First Year Experience, which takes place during the school year.

The groups aim to unite incoming students based on common interests ranging from sports to service learning to music.

The NSLs leading the Career section, the most popular group according to Murphy, have been working with the Career Planning Center to cover topics such as professionalism and branding.

For Tim Dessureau ’16, being an OST means giving back to the Fairfield community that helped him during his transition into college.

“I want First Year students to feel comfortable and start to make new friends and see how great Fairfield is and how great the community is,” Dessureau said.

Sophomore Karyn Ryan views the OST position as an opportunity to “make sure [First Years] have a good experience like I had.”

Robert Joyce / The Mirror

Top: The Barone Campus Center is decorated with a welcome sign. Bottom: Orientation leaders decorate and hang signs in Lower Level BCC to prepare for the incoming freshmen.

Alert fails to reach students during alleged attack on campus

By Enxhi Myslymi Managing Editor

A failure to alert students about an alleged attack near the perimeter of campus caused fear in the Fairfield community two weeks ago.

“My friend and I were walking back to our Townhouse and there were 10 cars and an ambulance by the fields,” said Katie Gillette ‘15. “We saw something come up on Twitter about a potential stabbing and abduction on campus, and at that point we started to freak out a little.”

According to police via the Fairfield Citizen, a 16-year-old female jogger reported that on Thursday June 5, she was allegedly abducted by an unknown male wearing all black and a ski mask.

She claimed the attacker held her captive for an hour and asked her to make cuts on her forehead with a razor.

The police investigation into the unusual report of an attempted abduction at Fairfield has remained inconclusive, reported the Fairfield Citizen.

A call was received from the Fairfield Police Department’s Emergency Command center at 8:40 p.m. requesting assistance with report of a possible abduction, according to Assistant Director of Public Safety John Ritchie.

“An assailant was never located, and now as we’re further along in the investigation, we have no reason to believe that there is anyone out there,” said Ritchie.

According to the report, the teen was not harmed directly by her alleged attacker. She was found with small cuts on her face but refused medical attention, according to the Fairfield Citizen.

However, for Christina Barry ‘15, a lack of evidence does not refute the victim’s claims.

“I think far too often we discredit victims because cases become inconclusive,” Barry said. “I personally don’t think a 16-yearold out for a jog near her house, like any other day, would make something like that up.”

According to Ritchie, Public Safety is “pretty confident” about there not being an assailant, but “it’s still an open investigation so we’re not disregarding the incident.”

For Gillette, the problem arose during the lack of communication from Fairfield.

“For me and my parents, not receiving a Stag Alert, email, text or call was most surprising,” she said. “In the long run, Fairfield did not keep the campus community, especially its students, up to date.”

Ritchie said that students had not received a Stag Alert because by the time the danger level of the situation was ascertained, it was

deemed unnecessary to send out a message.

“Messages don’t go out the instant that incidents happen,” Ritchie explained. “There’s a time involved when we have to figure out what’s going on, and the resources are spread thin, especially on a Thursday night. So an email went out to inform the community that something had happened.”

However, the email sent from the Office of Student Affairs explaining the situation was only received by a limited number of students.

It failed to send to all students because “a summer list wasn’t properly created,” according to Ritchie. “It has since been reviewed and looked at by the manager who oversees the system.

“We hope that everyone will receive proper notification …

Our goal is to hit 100 percent of the people, and if anybody realizes they are not in the current distribution list, we want them to contact us so we can get them on there,” Ritchie added.

Ritchie recommends that students verify and update their cell phone numbers and email addresses on the my.Fairfield portal because “that’s where the information draws from” to put students in the Stag Alert system.

The Fairfield Police Department could not be reached for comment.

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THE MIRROR | Freshman Orientation 2014

News

Simon says: ‘Crabtree is a hard act to folllow’

By Atdhe Trepca Contributing Writer In the search of a permanent dean to assume the position of dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. James Simon has been appointed dean for a oneyear term.

After Dr. Robbin Crabtree, former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, left the position in the Spring of 2014, the search for a new dean was set forth. Fr. Paul Fitzgerald, S.J., the former Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs spearheaded the search for an interim dean to hold the position until a permanent dean is found, a search that would be conducted by Fitzgerald’s successor as he too has left his position at Fairfield University after being named President of the University of San Francisco.

Simon has served as a professor at Fairfield University since 2006 and has been chair of the English department since 2007.

In 2012, Simon was appointed associate dean of the college of arts and sciences. Starting on June 1 Simon will act as dean during a nationwide search for a permanent dean.

“I think Robbin Crabtree is a hard act to follow,” said Simon.

“I think I could build on Robbin’s success and perhaps bring in a few new ideas as well.”

In 1997, Simon was appointed to direct the journalism program and also served as the faculty advisor for the school newspaper, The Mirror. During his time as

faculty advisor, writers of The Mirror won twenty-three collegiate journalism awards in total.

“Dr. Simon demonstrates proactive leadership, strong organizational skills, and the ability to resolve difficult challenges through collaboration and alliance building,” said Lynn Babington, Ph.D., senior vice president of academic affairs. “He will bring these characteristics to his new role as dean of the College of Arts

I think Robbin Crabtree is a hard act to follow . . . I think I could build on Robbin’s success and perhaps bring in a few new ideas as well.

- James Simon, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Sciences.”

Simon also created the Classroom to Career program, a system that provides students with step by step insight on how to accomplish their career goals based on their major and the classes they are taking. The Classroom to Career model has since gained attention at universities across the world who are adopting similar models for students.

“When I have to make a decision [I] first ask, ‘what is in the best interest for the students?’” said Simon. “I imagine I will be taking that approach with this

new job as well.”

Simon also currently serves as the vice chair of the Fairfield’s Task Force on Outcomes as a part of Fairfield’s 2020 plan, a position designed to co-lead a group assigned to research strategies that would better prepare students for their careers.

Former student of Simon, and current FUSA President, Alex Cucchi ’15, supports the decision of Simon being appointed interim dean.

“I have personally witnessed how much he cares about the success and development of each of his students,” said Cucchi. “I am certain he will do an outstanding job and I plan on working with Dr. Simon to achieve some FUSA initiatives as well.”

While the possibility of Simon being promoted to permanent dean remains to be seen, the history with interim deans shows that the chances are slim. Since May 1999 there have been two interim deans, Beverly Kahn and Raymond Poincelot, neither of which have moved to the permanent dean position. Though, there seems to be a pattern with interim deans, being that the last two people to be appointed interim dean were associate deans in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Albeit, Simon claims that “its likely that when the national search begins, I will be a candidate for the position.”

Still, Simon has big shoes to fill as dean. During his interim dean term, Poincelot “hired 12 faculty, created an endowed Sci-

Dr. James Simon has been promoted to dean of the College of Arts an Sciences for a one-year term.

ence Institute, and oversaw the College Board’s focus on new directions, global diversity and the environment,” according to Poincelot’s faculty profile on Fairfield.edu.

Simon said that one of his initiatives is to create a stronger tie between the nursing program and the liberal arts program at Fairfield.

Simon hopes that arts and science students will be able to take nursing courses, and vice versa. Simon will also be proposing a

Co-owners bring experience to new Old School

minor in Health Sciences, which would be available to all students.

Fairfield is also in the financial stages of building a four story building that will be connected to the current nursing school, on the parking lot behind the Rec Plex in place of where there are currently trailers, according to Simon.

“I think this is going to be a huge step forward,” said Simon.

“It’s something I’m going to be working on [it] all year to keep pushing it along.”

THE MIRROR Incorporated 1977

Shauna Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Calhoun, Executive Editor Enxhi Myslymi, Managing Editor Editors Robert Joyce, News Meaghan Conlon, Opinion Charles DeFilippo, The Vine Meaghan Conlon, Opinion Meaghan Kirby, Coffee Break Patrick Kiernan, Sports Jessica Delahunt, Assistant News Christina Mowry, Assistant News Katie Acompora, Assistant Vine Jesse Erickson, Assistant Sports Matthew Schneider, Assistant Sports Angela Sammarone, Chief Copy Editor Kaitlin McEwan, Online Editor Business Department Email: advertising@fairfieldmirror.com Jake Ruskan, CFO Adviser Dr. Tommy Xie Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com

Robert Joyce / The Mirror

The Levee has hosted three different pizzerias in the past three years: Angelo’s, Nauti Dolphin and now Old School Pizzeria.

Continued from page 1 According to Furino, “we all love going back to old school. It’s an old school neapolitan style pizza. Every time someone refers to something like ‘let’s do it old school,’ that means let’s do it right, let’s do it with experience, let’s do it with the best of knowledge we possibly have from all the times we’ve been doing it – for years and years and years.”tt To Furino, old school knowledge means a quality pizza. “It’s hand-tossed dough, we make it all here ourselves, all made to order.”

Originally from New Haven, Furino has

been in the business of pizza since he started at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in New Haven, one of the oldest and most recognized pizzerias in America, 37 years ago.

“I was at Pepe’s for 8 years and then I opened my own couple places here and there, moved to Florida, opened Steffano’s up the road in ‘89, and then I ended up meeting Scott at the original Nauti Dolphin in Black Rock in Bridgeport. I helped him open up there and I went on my way. Then he ended up over in Fairfield and I ended up working for him in Fairfield from ‘92 on,” said Furino.

Carroll had been driving for Nauti Dolphin in Fairfield for 10 years. “I’m only 30 but I’ve been doing food stuff for 14 years; it’s pretty much all I know how to do – both of us are lifers,” he said.

According to Carroll, they plan on sustaining their amicable relationship at the highest level with Nauti Dolphin. “They’re great friends of ours and always will be,” he said.

“We’re pumped, we’re excited. I don’t see us slowing down anytime soon,” said Carroll.

On what is to come, Furino added: “We have plans, but it’s for you guys to wait and see.”

Hey, you. Yes you, the reader. Do you like to write? Neither did I, until I learned there’s more to writing than a last-minute-didn’t-even-readthe-book English paper that even your professor probably won’t read.

You should write for The Mirror. Give it a shot.

Why? Well, when I was a freshman I thought I knew that I wanted to be an engineer. Now, I’m a communication major and plan on pursuing a career in journalism, all because of The Mirror. It’s that fun.

All I’m saying is that could be you as well.

-Robert Joyce, News Editor.

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THE MIRROR | Freshman Orientation 2014

Opinion

Editor

page designed by Shauna Mitchell

Robert Joyce/ The Mirror

Is Fairfield really as safe as we think?

By Shauna Mitchell Editor-in-Chief Fairfield has a reputation for being a pretty safe campus, but how safe is it actually?

A lot of people leave their doors unlocked when they’re not home and pretty much everyone feels comfortable leaving their iPhones and MacBooks unattended in Barone.

We like to think that at Fairfield, our home away from home, nothing can hurt us.

Over my own three years here at Fairfield, I’ve never been the victim of a crime.

I’m lucky enough that my pockets have never been picked, my Townhouse was never broken into and I haven’t felt personally or physically threatened, whether on campus or not.

I say "lucky" because sometimes these things can be impossible to prevent, so you can never be too prepared.

Especially for the young women here, you can never take too many precautions to ensure your own safety.

I’m not trying to scare you guys; by the numbers Fairfield is an incredibly safe campus.

In fact, in 2012, there were only four reports of sexual misconduct by Fairfield students.

But numbers only say so much. How many incidents went unreported that year? We have no way of knowing, but my guess is that it isn’t zero.

Sometimes sexual assaults go unreported because the victim doesn’t even know they’ve been assaulted.

When you’re out at that awesome Townhouse party this year with all your new friends and someone touches you inappropriately without your consent, that is sexual misconduct, and you should not hesitate to report it.

Becoming the victim of any crime can be traumatizing, but sexual assault is a crime that is becoming more and more prevalent among college campuses in the United States.

This is why it’s especially important to always be aware: Know where you are, know where your friends are.

On campus, the Department of Public Safety can sometimes have the reputation for being the bad guys: They break up parties and write people up; everyone at Fairfield has experienced this side of DPS. They are hardly ever recognized for helping students who have had way much to drink, been abusing drugs, or even been robbed or attacked. But it’s because Fairfield is a

safe place, that we associate DPS with ending ragers rather than protecting students.

But the students here don’t make it very easy.

We spend more time staring at our phones than we do analyzing the environment around us, and it can get us into trouble.

When we make ourselves oblivious to the outside world, we are victimizing ourselves.

Make sure you pay attention to where your friends are when you're at parties; don't leave your drink unattended and don't leave the party by yourself.

But parties aren't the only places you should be aware.

Finals week takes its toll on everyone's stress levels, and if you're on your way home from the library at 3 a.m., text your friends before you leave, and call DPS for an escort.

It's free, a lot safer and you won't have to walk by yourself (which is especially nice when the weather gets frosty).

While it's terrifying to even consider, if you or a friend of yours becomes the victim of a crime, especially if they are sexually assaulted, you should feel comfortable

reporting the attack to DPS. Even if you think "S/He was just too drunk, they didn't mean it," or "It was probably an accident," sexual misconduct is not something to brush off.

This attacker might victimize another person because they have gotten away with it before.

There are blue lights all over campus which have emergency phones, and DPS is supposed to arrive within 60 seconds if a blue light being activated.

Besides DPS, Fairfield's Counseling and Psychological Services center is located in a discreet alcove behind Dolan Hall, and provides a supportive foundation from which victims can start the healing process.

The distinction to make here is that, while Fairfield is a safe campus, we are not a campus of students that practice safety.

As you begin your new lives here at Fairfield, make sure you’re keeping an eye out for yourself and those around you by staying aware and making smart choices.

Speaking of smart choices, maybe start by not leaving your iPhone on the table in Barone.

Campus resources Available 24/7 Phone: 203-254-4090

Monday to Friday: 8 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Phone: 203-254-4000 ext. 2241

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 203-254-4000 ext. 2146

The Mirror welcomes the opinions and contributions of its readers: Letters to the editor must be timely and submitted by email to info@fairfieldmirror.com or Box AA. All letters to the editor that are appropriate will be published either in print or online. The Mirror reserves the right to edit letters and articles for content, length and grammatical error. Letters should be free of obscenities and personal attacks and should contain correct and factual information not exceeding 500 words.

THE MIRROR | Freshman Orientation 2014

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Letter to the Editor To the men of Fairfield University,

Contribute to The Mirror.

Add a line to your résumé.

Apply your writing skills.

Get published.

Party like a journalist.

Learn.

Mondays at 8 p.m.

Brainstorm, pitch and assign stories and talk to editors.

Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Critiques from the EIC and

I believe it is time we have a serious talk about an issue that, during my four years at Fairfield, was continually brushed off as a non-problem.

It is with a heavy heart that I admit that the news of the Isla Vista gunman is what finally pushed me to write this letter to the editor.

That being said, my thoughts are with the victims’ families as I write this.

It is of the utmost importance that the horrifying acts by Elliot Rodger, which left six dead and seven injured, do not get swept under the rug as yet another U.S. tragedy carried out by a person with a mental illness.

I hope you do not have to watch the disturbing video or read any of the 137-page manifesto Rodger left behind, like I have, to understand that there is a much larger problem at hand here: how we view and interact with women.

The passages from Rodger’s manifesto, as reported by multiple news sources, makes it apparent that Rodger felt as if women owed him something and that their disinterest in him were directed towards him as acts of aggression or as a form of bullying.

While I believe the case of Rodger is the exception and not the rule, it is without question that there is a problem with sexual violence among men and women in university environments, especially when placed in “hookup cultures,” as we have at Fairfield.

We must remember that, in the end, men and women are both people, and we all deserve to be treated with respect.

Just because you paid for a woman’s dinner, it does not mean she owes you anything in return other than a polite “thank you.”

Furthermore, it is time we grow up and stop badmouthing women who do not reciprocate with the same feelings we might have toward them.

It is my hope that if you attempt to talk to a woman and she shows disinterest that you just brush it off and get on with your life, not turn around to your friends and begin to call her every derogatory name towards females you can think of.

We should strive to be gentlemen of Fairfield, not just your average, disrespectful “bro.”

If you’re having difficulty with these concepts, try to remember every woman you speak to is someone’s daughter or sister and, it is my hope, that you would never want a man to treat your daughter or your sister with disrespect.

They don’t deserve to feel threatened physically or mentally, just as much as you don’t.This conversation should not end here. In fact, this should just be one of many conversations you have with friends, family and acquaintances.

We should not roll our eyes at those who wish to bring equality between men and women, but we should invite them to share ideas and listen to our own in a constructive and respectful manner.

So, please go forth and spread this message; continue this conversation, and do your part to end this senseless and immature violence.

Mirror adviser Dr. Xie.

Signed, Salvatore Trifilio ‘14 Fairfield University Alumnus

How to kill it in Stag Country

By Meaghan Conlon Opinion Editor

All your hard work has paid off — the dreaded SATs and ACTs are over, the last grueling weeks of senior year have ended, the strenuous anticipation waiting for that acceptance letter that you thought would never come has subsided.

Now you’re here, and allow me to to congratulate you and welcome you to Fairfield University. You are now officially the class of 2018.

This transition you will soon be going through between orientation and coming back to Fairfield in the fall will be a difficult one to make.

You are now on your own, making your own rules, free from outside parental control. In order to be successful and have an enjoyable freshmen year, I’m going to offer you some advice.

Be friendly. This is the opportunity to make new friends and meet new people.

While it is good to stay close to the people you first meet, you will eventually realize that the people you befriend the

first few months of school will probably not be the friends you are close with come the end of the year. Don’t burn bridges; introduce yourself to people and be open to making new friends.

Don’t skip class. It is so easy to not go to a class (especially if it is a Friday afternoon), but in the long run, cutting class will only hurt you.

Professors at Fairfield do notice your attendance, and believe it or not, it will almost always affect your grade.

Missing class is okay once in a while — but don’t allow it to become a bad habit you can’t break.

Know the campus. For example, don’t call a taxi to take you to the Townhouses. Besides the party scenes, being familiar with your home for the next four years is important.

Know the buildings and locations of your classes, but take it a step further.

Explore the lesser known side of campus — the zen garden in front of the Bellarmine Mansion offers a peaceful escape, and there are plenty of other places off the beaten path to visit when you need time to yourself.

Socialize. Whether it be on the weekends or during the week, spend time getting to know people on your floor and in your building.

Don’t spend hours alone in your room — eat at Barone Main Dining Hall with different people, take time and do homework in the common rooms, catch a sporting event with some friends or join a club (we would love to see you here at The Mirror meetings).

Spend time outside your room and embrace meeting and hanging out with other people during your days here.

Have fun. These next four years here will be what you make them.

The most important thing to do (besides pass all of your classes, of course) is to enjoy the time you spend here at Fairfield.

Go out for lunch in town with your friends, root for the soccer team with the kids on your floor and spend those beautiful sunny days on the quad with others in your year.

People say that college is the best four years of your life; this is true, but only if you make it so.

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THE MIRROR | Freshman Orientation 2014

Ope

By Charles DeFilippo Vine Editor

Open VISIONS Fo

Clam Jam

the 'life of the mind

Clam Jam is notorious among Fairfield students. It is an event

always be purchase

Tickets are usuall The lectures are

that takes place in the spring on Fairfield beach.

You and all your friends will be hanging out with classmates

and answer audienc

Guests have inclu

with your toes in the sand and sun overhead.

As underclassmen we all look forward to living on the beach

Tyson, Lesley Stahl

senior year and Clam Jam gives us a taste of Fairfield beach life.

When the weather starts to warm up and you see those neon shirts being sold in the Barone Campus Center you know Clam Jam is right around the corner.

President's Ball Prez. Ball: The President's Ball is going to be one of your first events on campus.

You and all your new friends will get dressed up, venture to the Bellarmine Lawn, and take pictures with the University's president, Fr. Jeffrey P. von Arx. Last fall there were over 2,000 students in attendance. In addition, there is food, drinks, lights and a professional DJ. Each year Pres Ball is a huge hit and will be something you will never forget.

THE MIRROR | Freshman Orientation 2014

The Vine

arts, entertainment, features vine@fairfieldmirror.com pages designed by Shauna Mitchell and Jennifer Calhoun

M

en VISIONS Forums

orum is a public outreach program engaging

d' with students and the community.

ly no more than $5 for students and can almost

This is just the beginning!

For our complete list of must-attend

ed up until the day of the event.

Fairfield events, head over to our website,

like 'public conversations' where guests speak

FairfieldMirror.com!

ce questions.

uded impressive names such as: Neil DeGrasse and America Ferrara.

Cinefest There is more talent at Fairfield than you may know. At Cinefest, Film, Television, and Media Arts programs will showcase short films created by Fairfield students.

It is a red carpet event with awards and interviews, so not only do film students get to present their work, but also media students get to operate equipment, host or interview students.

It is free and open to the public. More importantly, it is an opportunity for you to be exposed to our talented media and arts department, and rising talent.

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THE MIRROR | Freshman Orientation 2014

The Vine

Movies

Why 'Obvious Child' is you'll see this summer

By Kara Cummings Film Critic You might know Jenny Slate for her shortlived Saturday Night Live career, or perhaps as the voice of a tiny mollusk named Marcel in the viral YouTube video, “Marcel the Shell with Shoes on,” though it is her leading role in Gillian Robespierre’s “Obvious Child” that has catapulted Slate into the limelight once again.

As a project that started out as a short in 2009 and transformed into a feature length film just this year, “Obvious Child” has been the subject of a lot of ignited conversations since its debut at the Sundance Film Festival back in January – the reason being that it tackles the very real and very common issue of abortion in a way that’s never been seen in Hollywood movies before.

Robespierre’s masterfully crafted story follows Slate as Donna Stern, the foul-mouthed standup comedian who finds herself in the midst of a rocky transition to adulthood.

After losing her job and splitting with her boyfriend, Donna has a one-night-stand with the character Max (played by Jake Lacy from “The Office”), and is forced to deal with the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy.

Throughout the film, we see Donna

transform and gain confidence with her decisions, ultimately maturing from an “obvious child” to a full-fledged adult.

In many popular films like “Juno” and “Knocked Up,” the subject of abortion is seen as a taboo, or even a “scary” possibility for their female protagonists.

However, “Obvious Child” shows the other side of the coin.

Its portrayal of abortion is honest and unapologetic, without pushing any kind of agenda.

Both Robespierre and Slate are newcomers to the feature length movie game, though it obviously doesn’t show.

Everything about this movie feels real, from the characters down to the dialogue – even most of the standup was written by Slate herself (reminiscent of Louis CK in “Louie”).

While the touchy subject matter of “Obvious Child” may not be for everyone, it is overall a very unique film.

It handles abortion in a very dignified way, while managing to remain tremendously funny and, at times, emotional.

“Obvious Child” is a definite must-see for this summer, having come out on June 6, and it just goes to show that female leads should never be overlooked when it comes to comedies.

Told ByDre

When it comes to style & fashion, Dre tells all.

Back to School Basics

By Andrea Butler Fashion Columnist Hey 2018!

Starting college means having a new chance to entirely reinvent yourself, and what better way to reinvent yourself than to start your own style metamorphosis?

With the right basics, you have the proper canvas to show your fellow Stags just how unique and fabulous you are. Here are just some of the important pieces you’ll want to make sure that you have to put in your dorm closet on move-in day!

Leggings. You’ll find soon that putting on real pants for your 8 a.m. class (or even your 12:30, really) is a major struggle. Leggings let you feel like you’re in pajamas, but you’ll still look put-together.

Heeled ankle boots. These are the perfect footwear to take any outfit from blah to stylist instantly. A chunky heel is easy to walk in, and is still casual enough to not look like you’re trying too hard.

Oversized pullover sweater. This is another easy, yet fashionable choice. You can show a little shoulder if you wanna look flirty, and the extra-long sleeves will make you feel cute and cozy.

Black bodycon skirt. This is an essential staple in every college girl’s wardrobe. You’ll find soon that one of the biggest parts of your weekend nights is trying to figure out what to wear to that Townhouse party your friend told you about. With a good fitting black bodycon skirt, all you need is to figure out what shirt and shoes to wear (and lucky for you, living in the dorms means having all your friends’ closets to browse through, too).

Maxi dress/skirt. One of the best things about Fairfield is all the parties at the beach, and anytime you make it down there during the day for festivities, a maxi dress or skirt will solve all your fashion problems. It’s easy, comfortable, and will help keep your legs warm on particularly breezy days.

Statement jewelry. Whether it’s a necklace, big cocktail ring or shiny bangles, the right jewelry will help vamp up your outfit, and also allow you to show even more of your magnificent style.

Your personal style will change and evolve over these next four years, but it never hurts to come in armed with the necessities.

You’ll find soon that clothes you loved a year ago suddenly look entirely unappealing to you, and that’s okay!

College is a time for growth, and this is only the beginning of an amazing journey. Look for more fashion columns from me over the school year, and remember, if you wear what makes you feel good, you’ll always look amazing, no matter what the trends may be.

Have a fabulous orientation, and welcome to Fairfield!

Love, Dre

The Mirror | Freshman Orientation 2014

The Vine

Page 9

Fairfield Foodie: Best bets off campus

By Jocelyn Tetrault Food Columnist

The Fairfield campus has a lot of great dining options, but let’s be honest: Eating at Barone day in and day out can get a little monotonous. When you find yourself stuck in that daily pastaand-salad rut, you might be craving something a little different.

Luckily, Fairfield has a vibrant restaurant scene with a large variety of cuisines. From cheap eats to gourmet dining, everyone can find what they’re looking for — all within reach of the StagBus! If you’re wondering where to start, follow this guide to the best restaurants to try in Fairfield.

Las Vetas Lounge, 27 Unquowa Road, Fairfield.

$ If you’re looking for someplace a little more relaxed, Las Vetas Lounge fits the bill. This independent coffee shop is the perfect place to study or unwind.

Mismatched furniture, music memorabilia and a few books and board games give Las Vetas an ideal atmosphere for sipping a latte or one of their many smoothies.

They also serve sandwiches, pastries and other light snacks. The ample seating makes it easy to find a spot and stay awhile, so bring your laptop and get some work done here when you feel like escaping from the library.

Its close proximity to the Fairfield train station makes it a great place to grab a quick coffee before taking the Metro North, too!

What to order: Jive Turkey Sandwich, Las Vetas’ take on a turkey club. Served on a soft roll with Russian dressing, provolone, tomato, bacon and lettuce, this sandwich offers a slight twist on the old favorite.

Wild Rice, 1612 Post Road, Fairfield.

$$ Conveniently located downtown, Wild Rice has been a Fairfield favorite for years. With its diverse menu of Asian cuisines, it’s a great spot for everything from Parents Weekend dinner out to a finals week lunch break. Your favorite Chinese and Thai dishes are available here, along with a wide selection of sushi.

Feel free to step out of the box at Wild Rice — along with the more typical Asian dishes, you’ll find a wide variety of contemporary dishes and creative sushi rolls. If you’re looking for a good deal, check out their well-priced lunch specials.

What to order: Sesame Chicken. This tangy fried chicken favorite is especially good at Wild Rice. It comes with a bowl of rice, and, like most of the entrees, is big enough for two people to split — or just to take home for leftovers!

Centro, 1435 Post Road, Fairfield.

$$$ Another downtown favorite, Centro is the go-to spot for fantastic Italian food. Their homemade pasta dishes are perfect comfort food during chilly New England winters.

In the nice weather, head to Centro to enjoy their gorgeous patio. For a treat after dinner, check out the small bakery in the front of the restaurant for homemade desserts.

Centro also boasts an enticing brunch menu, and has a selection of house-made pastas and sauces for cooking at home.

What to order: Cavatappi Salsicce. This tossed pasta dish with sausage, peas, tomatoes and goat cheese is the perfect blend of flavors for any pasta-lover. For something a little more traditional, their homemade ravioli is also very popular and super tasty!

Colony Grill, 1520 Post Road, Fairfield.

$$ Colony Grill, with its three locations, has been a southern Connecticut standby since 1935.

Despite the misleading name, you won’t find burgers or chicken at Colony. They exclusively serve pizza and they are very, very good at it. Colony’s super thin-crust pies are a real treat, and the bar area, with TVs in every corner, is a perfect place to watch the big game.

Be sure to arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights, or be prepared to wait for a table — the line is frequently out the door!

What to order: Hot Oil Pizza. This spicy pizza topping is a Colony specialty. You won’t find it anywhere else! Add your other favorite toppings to make a unique pizza.

Contributed Photos

Dollars and sense: how to save your wallet in college

By Nicholas Marino Finance Columnist As an incoming freshman, you get a chance to practice managing your finances. We all have been in your position before and there is no better feeling than when a family member hands you a nice amount of cash before move-in day.

The important part is to not spend it all the first week.

The best way to do this is to become aware of your spending habits and develop them as a young adult. Before you move onto campus, set up a Bank of America checking account.

This will help establish a routine of withdrawing a certain amount each week.

This is also important because you

will not always have cash on hand – but keep in mind most people spend more when they have plastic in their hands opposed to cash.

If possible, get a credit card as well.

You will be able to start building credit in your own name for the future.

Also, if you’re looking to make a little extra cash, there is a bulletin board across from the ATM in Barone Campus Center with job listings for babysitters, office help, etc.

Most college students live off coffee.

Small purchases like these can add up quick if you stop by Einstein’s every day so be careful.

Eating in the Barone Main Dining Hall is a great money saver as a student.

Along with the most common dining

hall plan, you are given $100 for the semester at the Stag Diner.

The best way to make that limit last is to go once a week. As long as you don’t splurge each meal, you should be covered.

While you cannot go wrong with the late night Domino's, it’s best to not make it a weekly usual.

Fortunately, if you’re savvy enough you can find out about all the events on campus with free food – for example: Late Night at Barone, many Levee events, club meetings or even in your residence hall lounge – keep an eye out for posters on campus and take advantage.

The StagBus is a great free way to get around if you need to leave campus.

If you happen to be in a hurry or want to venture off the StagBus’ usual path, try

a Hertz rental car on campus. In Connecticut, you only need to be 18 and it will run you about 10 dollars an hour with free gas included.

If you happen to take a taxi somewhere, you will be charged more if six friends pile into one.

That said, taxis that run without a meter will state one price and one price only, which is illegal, so keep an eye out.

It doesn’t hurt to make friends with a driver, whom you can contact more frequently. Relationships equal saved money.

Either way, you’re going to spend money on necessities and good times as a college student, but be conscious of your expenditures and you won’t still be saying, “I’m broke” even in the future with that well paying job.

Sports

Page 10

THE MIRROR | Freshman Orientation 2014

Weekly 4x5 Because they like to talk ...

Patrick Kiernan Sports Editor

Your 2014-2015 4x5 Columnists:

Pat Kiernan, Jennifer Calhoun, Matt Schneider, and Jesse Erickson

How was your first month of summer spent?

What do you have to say to the incoming students reading this paper?

What is your favorite memory from freshmen orientation?

Thoughts on the NBA and NHL Finals?

How great was the U.S. World Cup win over Ghana on Monday?

Being incredibly unproductive.

Seriously, I've beaten like six video games already and have eaten too much food. Putting together this section of the paper is the most work I've done by a long shot.

Your first few days here are gonna be great, and the next four years are gonna be far better. This will be an awesome experience. Be sure to relish in it.

Just making rude comments at people I barely knew for no reason whatsoever. Oddly enough, I turned out to be really good friends with some of those people, so go figure.

I would have been happy with either NBA team winning, as it would have added to a great legacy on both ends. I don't want to talk about the Stanley Cup. I'd rather not cry over my hometown Rangers to you all.

Absolutely awesome. I'm glad that the team was able to shove it down Jurgen Klinsmann's throat who said that the team stood no chance. Why is a German coaching the U.S. team anyway?

Um, hi?

My opinions toward such events as freshman orientation are probably better suited for a different issue of this paper.

Was pulling for the Rangers and my boy Chris Kreider #disappointed.

And I could not have physically cared any less about the NBA Finals.

It happened. I cheered.

My favorite memory was getting to know the people in my group.

I am still friends with a bunch of people from my orientation group today. Group 20 all day!

In the NBA, I'm glad the Heat met their makers; I can't stand it when players collude to make some sort of super-team. NHL-wise, it was tough to see my beloved Rangers downed by the Kings, but it was a great run and I'm proud to be a Rangers fan!

It was amazing. That was one of the most exciting soccer games I have ever witnessed and it was great that the US was able to get the two points.

My favorite memory of orientation was finding friends. Do it, so you won't eat alone in Barone the first couple of weeks.

A hockey family is lost and alone in this world when the season comes to an end and as for the NBA, who cares?

My Twitter timeline thought it was glorious, but my father raised me to hate soccer. But AMERICA!

Working. Trying to avoid being a Jennifer Calhoun real person.

Executive Editor

My first month of summer was

Get involved in the paper. It's a great

Matt Schneider pretty relaxing; it was really nice to experience for any aspiring writer Assistant Sports see my friends from home again and and helps you to meet people with get to hang out with them. similar interests to yours.

Editor

It was spent kicking kegs, opening cold bottles of beer, and mixing Jesse Erickson drinks for my favorite customers Assistant Sports at my favorite namesake, Jesse Editor Camille's.

The 4x5 is my favorite part of the paper and I'm not always this shady (peep that picture.)

How about the Netherlands though?

I actually do like soccer ...

Volleyball names new head coach

By Patrick Kiernan Sports Editor After two phenomenal seasons that saw the Stags rule as MAAC champions and make the NCAA Tournament, Fairfield volleyball Head Coach Alija Pittenger and Associate Head Coach Sarah Katinger have left the program to pursue other career opportunities.

To replenish the head coach position, Todd Kress has been hired to lead the team and hopefully add to the volleyball legacy that has been created at Fairfield over the past two years. Kress previously served as the Stags’ head coach from 1995-98.

In over 20 years of collegiate coaching, he has an overall record of 328-239 and was the second youngest coach in NCAA history who had 200 career wins.

As the head coach at Fairfield for four seasons, Kress went 94-45 overall, including a program record 35-2 in his final season. He was named the MAAC Coach of the Year three times and helped the Stags to their first two MAAC Tournament Championships and their first two NCAA Tournament appearances.

Kress has his share of accolades, having recorded four conference Coach of the Year awards, won seven conference championships and made four NCAA appearances. He spent his last five seasons as the head coach at the University of Buffalo where he led the team to three winning seasons and two Mid-American Conference Tournament appearances.

Before Buffalo, Kress spent seven seasons at Florida State University where he led the team to

one NCAA Tournament appearance.

He also spent four seasons as the head coach at Northern Illinois University where he guided the team to a MAC Championship as well as an NCAA Tournament berth in 2001.

Clearly, Kress has a long list of accomplishments behind him and he is already familiar with coaching in the Fairfield setting. His experience and leadership ought to be influential on the team and help to spread a winning atmosphere on campus.

Like aforementioned, the Fairfield volleyball team has performed admirably over the past two seasons. Two consecutive MAAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances highlight the team’s accomplishments and they are poised for even more success in seasons to come.

However, the Stags will be losing one piece that was absolutely instrumental to the team’s triumphs: Rachel Romansky ’14. As one of Fairfield’s all-time volleyball stars, Romansky is one of only two Stags to have more than 4,000 assists and 1,000 digs in a career.

She ranks second all-time at Fairfield in assists (4,552) and ninth all-time in digs (1,132). She is also the first student-athlete in MAAC history to be named MAAC Setter of the Year in three consecutive seasons.

Fairfield will only be losing one other player from last year, Hayley Morer ’14. However, like Romansky, she was also very important to the team’s success. Just this past season, Moyer was named to the All-MAAC Second Team and All-Tournament Team. Without these two players on

Contributed Photo

Todd Kress will be taking over as the volleyball head coach after the team has won the last two MAAC Championships.

the team for the 2014 season, there will be a serious void to fill that new coach Todd Kress will have to address.

Luckily for Kress, he has a variety of options that can take over such voids. Many of the proficient Stags are poised to go above and beyond their performances from last year. Two of these are upcoming seniors Caitlin Stapleton and Marilyn Peizer. Both of these players have been previously noted for their performances, each earning AllMAAC First Team bids.

After three seasons, Stapleton ranks ninth all-time in block assists (205), tenth in kills per set (2.71) and has recorded 875 kills. In the 2013 season, she appeared in all 32 matches, playing 117 of 119 possible sets, and finished with a career-best 81 total blocks and 296 kills.

Peizer also appeared in all 32 matches last season and finished averaging 3.61 kills along with 157 digs and 55 total blocks. She also performed admirably in the MAAC Tournament and NCAA Tournament games and could be integral for the

team this upcoming season.

So, even though the team is losing two important seniors as well as a head coach and associate coach, there are reasons to believe that the Stags will pick up right where they left off last season. Kress is a seasoned veteran who is already familiar with the Fairfield system and has a knack for winning.

There are also many players ready to rise as stars of the team and help the team pursue a third consecutive MAAC Championship and NCAA Tournament berth.

Sports

THE MIRROR | Freshman Orientation 2014

Page 11

Women's soccer will attempt another MAAC Championship run

By Jesse Erickson Assistant Sports Editor After falling to Monmouth in the MAAC Championship last fall, Fairfield’s women’s soccer team is looking to put the past behind them, move forward and become the top team in the MAAC league for the upcoming season.

Although the team lost by two in the final game, the team, overall, had an extremely successful season. Last season, the team ended the season 12-72, posting an undefeated slate on Lessing Field for the first time in Stag history.

Three members of the team, Nikki Stanton ‘13, Megan O’Brien ‘15 and Ashley Small ‘15 were named to the All-Tournament team last season and Emma Pichel ‘15, despite injury, was named the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Even further, the Stags received a variety of All-MAAC recognitions and for the 13th year in a row, the team was awarded the Team Academic Award by the National Soccer Coaches of America Association.

But like any other sport, the season came to an end and five vital athletes were retired from the team, including graduate student Nikki Stanton who had been redshirted her freshman year at Fairfield after sustaining a knee injury that kept her sidelined that whole season.

Stanton, midfielder, captained the team for two years and now, in this upcoming season, the Stags have to adjust to play without their leader.

Preparing for the season without their seniors, the Stags trained both on and off the field for the 2014 season. Led by their 2014 captains, Small and Michelle Kowalski ‘15, the team took on

several different out-of-league teams.

Although the team used the spring off-season to get in shape and learn to work without the graduated seniors, the team looks forward to welcoming eight new rookies in the upcoming 2014 fall season.

According to a press release on FairfieldStags.com, Coach Jim O’Brien is very excited about the talent that the rookies will be bringing to the field.

“This recruiting class that will join us in August is one of impressive depth and versatility,” O’Brien said.

“Most of the outfield players have shown the ability to play a variety of places on the pitch and the goalkeeper is expected to push for the starting job.”

The rookies will look to their senior teammates for guidance this season, especially from their captains who have brought extreme success to the team in the past.

Midfielder Kowalski has started 21 games during her time with the team. A member of the MAAC Academic team, she is expected to guide her team both on and off the field.

During her third season with the team, Small led the team with 13 goals and 27 combined points for the team.

Her performance on the field has led her to receive a number of MAAC nominations. Next season, her offensive play is expected to continue bringing the team success.

The team will return to Fairfield on August 7 for preseason training before they take on their first MAAC opponent, Rider, on September 27. As in the past, the team’s main goal is to be crowned MAAC champions.

Contributed by Sports Information Desk Senior Ashley Small (left) looks to lead the Stags on the offensive end under the guidance of Head Coach Jim O'Brien (right) in 2014.

USA defeats Ghana 2-1 in World Cup opener

By Shauna Mitchell Editor-in-Chief It’s a classic tale of American perseverance: no one believed the U.S. World Cup team could beat Ghana, not even their own coach.

Sure enough, in the first 32 seconds of the game, Forward Clint Dempsey shot the ball into the corner of Ghana’s net to give his team an early lead.

For the following 80 minutes, it seemed like the U.S. team had just gotten lucky as they scrambled

to keep the hyper-aggressive Ghana out of their zone.

Both teams played roughly; Dempsey took a leg to the face and played the rest of the game with what seemed to be a broken nose, and Ghanaian players seemed to have yellow cards rain down on them (they got two).

When Ghana scored in the 82nd minute to tie up the game, it seemed like this American dream was over.

But in typical U.S. fashion,

the field hockey team and has a long list of accolades throughout her career at Fairfield.

She has over 140 victories during her tenure and sent the Stags to their first ever NCAA Tournament back in 2001.

Now, after making two consecutive America East Tournaments, Kane will look to lead the team even further and possibly explore another NCAA Tournament berth.

Fairfield ended last year’s season with an 11-7 overall record while going 2-3 in the America East. The team also showed prowess on the home field, going 6-1 in their games played on campus.

However, the season ended early for the Stags with a loss to New Hampshire in the semifinals of the America East Tournament. Four players won America East honors and another three were named to the AllAmerica East teams.

The 2013 season allowed two key rookies to emerge on the field: forward Julie dePauew ‘17 and goalkeeper Caitlin Bennett ‘17.

In the inaugural season for dePauew, the freshman scored nine goals and had 21 points, both good for second on the team. She also received multiple Player of the Week

awards as well as an All-America East Second Team bid.

Bennett emerged as the team’s star goalkeeper and gave up just 2.5 goals per contest. She posted two shutouts and had 88 saves while starting every game for the Stags.

Now, in the 2014 season, these two will look to take their talents to the next level, especially dePauew.

Since the Stags will be losing two of their top four scorers, expect for her to really be a scoring force and to control a good amount of the offense.

The rest of the offense will be left, oddly enough, to defender Felicitas Heinen ‘15. The German product led the team in goals scored last season and also commands the efficient defense of Fairfield.

As aforementioned, the Stags will be losing two of their top four goal scorers this season, Shealyn Testa ’14 and Hillary Fitts ’14. Both of these players started all 18 games last season and were impact players.

In their absence, expect for dePauew and Heinen to take on most of the load, while the new freshmen and other upcoming underclassmen will gain new offensive and scoring roles.

Sophomore Ann Burgoyne could be the top contender to accept such a

Defender John Brooks Jr. rallied with a header goal off a textbook corner kick to seal Ghana’s coffin and lead the U.S. to a 2-1 victory.

If you had your doubts about the U.S. World Cup team, you should reconsider after this game.

What our team lacks in skill and discipline, they make up for with persistence and determination.

Make sure to check out the United States’ next match against Portugal on Sunday, June 22 at 6 p.m.

Field hockey looks for continued success in 2014

Contributed by Sports Information Desk performing well during the 2014 season and make a MAAC Championship run.

By Patrick Kiernan Sports Editor The Fairfield field hockey program has been very successful as of late, making the America East conference postseason tournament in two of the last four seasons. The team will

look to do the same in the 2014 campaign with an impressive roster and many years of coaching experience to train the new players.

When discussing coaching experience, Jackie Kane’s name is important to bring up. Kane is now entering her 24th season as the head coach for

position.

The Stags will be losing a few more players entering the 2014 campaign, including Nikki McLucas ’14 and Christy Starsinic ’14.

Both started most of the games for the Stags last season at midfield and racked up their share of America East season awards.

Without them, one can expect Jackie Kane to explore the underclassmen to fill such roles.

Junior Emily McCauley could be first in line to take over the midfielder position.

Overall, the Stags have a solid team prepared for the upcoming season. With dePaeuw leading the offense, Heinen scoring goals and commanding the defense and Bennett controlling the goal, the team is in good condition.

Also, as long as Jackie Kane is at the helm of this program, the team can only expect to get better and for the incoming players to gain great insight from a seasoned, veteran coach.

Another America East Tournament berth looks imminent for the Stags and an NCAA Tournament berth could even be considered. Keep an eye out for this team.

SPORTS 12

@MirrorSports Fairfield Mirror Sports

Sports Editor: Patrick Kiernan » sports@fairfieldmirror.com

Freshman Orientation 2014

Summer doesn't stop Stags from playing their sports

Baseball Starting Pitcher

E.J. Ashworth '15

Baseball Relief Pitcher

Jeremy Soule '15

Brendan Tracy '16

Sebastian Salvo '15

Jake Salpietro '16

Playing for the Amsterdam Mohawks of PGCBL

Playing for the Elmira Pioneers of PGCBL

Playing for the Amsterdam Mohawks of PGCBL

Playing for the Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs of PGCBL

Playing for the Amsterdam Mohawks of PGCBL

Baseball Infielder

Baseball Infielder

Baseball Catcher

Men's Soccer Defender

Men's Soccer Goalkeeper

Joe Martin '17

Reco McLaren '14

Ben Whitcomb '17 Men's Soccer Defender

Men's Soccer Goalkeeper

Playing for the Westchester Flames of the Professional Development League

Playing for the Long Island Roughriders of the Professional Development League

Playing for CFC Azoul of the Professional Development League

Playing for FC London of the Professional Development League

Playing for the Jersey Express of the Professional Development League

Matt Danaher '14

Men's Soccer Forward

Matt Turner '16

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Men's soccer looks to bounce back in 2014 season

By Matthew Schneider Assistant Sports Editor The Fairfield University men’s soccer team will hope to rebound this season after falling just short of making the MAAC Tournament last year. The team got a win in their final match of last season, but didn’t match competitor Iona’s goal total, resulting in a tiebreaking loss to the Gaels.

The Stags lost a few key seniors to graduation such as midfielder Daniel Shaw, forwards Jon Clements and Reco McLaren, but they will retain some talented rising senior players such as midfielders Hrvoje Glavan and Jake Zuniga as well as forwards Ryan Perkins and Jordan Ayris for one more year.

McLaren, who led the stags in scoring last season with eight goals and three assists, is one of a group of current and former Stags that went on to play in the Professional Development League this summer to hone their skills.

Goalkeepers Joe Martin ’17 and Matt Turner ’16, McLaren, and defender Matt Danaher ’14 are playing on teams in the United States, while defender Ben Whitcomb ’17 is playing for a Canadian club.

This presents a tremendous opportunity for the student athletes, as they will look to use their time in the PDL to become better players. Hopefully, they will be good enough to make a team out of college.

The team averaged 1.69 goals-per-game, which was higher than their opponents’ average of 1.44 goals-per-game, but still has room for improvement.

If they are able to score just one more goal every few games, it will take the pressure off of their goalkeeper, who, by the way, is no slouch.

Martin, last year’s starting goalkeeper, had a goals-against average of 1.29 and a save percentage of .720, which is decent, and was able to keep the Stags in some games that would have been lost otherwise. If he has another good year and the team’s offense does its part, this year’s team will do well.

One area that the Stags need to improve on is the amount of yellow cards that they receive. The team was booked 26 times last season. Such undisciplined play can change the entire outlook of a game, so the Stags need to be more careful next season to see that they don’t pay dearly for their mistakes.

Another area that could use some work is the limited number of shots that the team takes each game.

While it is true that that no team has complete control over how much they shoot the ball (as any number of factors can keep a team from getting into shooting range), the Stags took the seventh-fewest shots out of the 11 teams in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), which isn’t usually a recipe for success.

Last year’s squad seems to be an aberration in this regard, considering that the team led the MAAC in goals, but regardless of this figure, the team would do well to get into better shooting areas, as the only way to score goals is to shoot the ball.

The Stags also led the conference in corner kicks per game and were tied for second in points scored per game. These stats show that the team is doing all the right things, but just needs to execute better if they want a shot at winning a title.

With the team losing some of its key players, having a successful season next year may prove to be difficult, but if the remaining players step their game up and continue to work hard, there is no limit to what they can achieve.

Contributed by Sports Information Desk