3.12.14

ENROLLMENT TRENDS

POPE FRANCIS’ FIRST YEAR PG. 6

MEET THE SGI CANDIDATES PG. 3

D O W N

- NUMBERS DROP 10 PERCENT SINCE 2009 - 24 PERCENT TUITION HIKE IN SAME PERIOD PG. 5

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

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IGNITE looks to generate more school spirit

Led by SGI Prez candidate Jenny Rankin, IGNITE filled with experienced SGI members CHRISTOPHER BRITO News Editor A group of SGI representatives will seek to bring a spark to the University community if their ticket is voted in for Student Government Incorporated Executive Board elections.

IGNITE consists of current junior senator Jenny Rankin for SGI president, two-year SGI representative April Gardner for vice president, research and development chair Arcangelo Petretta for treasurer, public relations chair Luke DaMommio for secretary, Katie Dineen for senior senator and Relay for Life committee chairs Cody Barber for junior senator and Cathy Sheehan for sophomore senator.

In an interview with the Torch, Rankin says she’s up to the task of fulfilling what’s required to be SGI president.

“I understand what it’s all about,” she said. “I made the relationships with administration and people within SGI. I know what needs to be done to make it successful.”

She said IGNITE’s main platform is to cultivate an increased sense of school spirit and communicate more with students.

“I come from Columbus, Ohio where everything is about the [Ohio State] Buckeyes and it’s really a community,” Rankin said. “I want that to be at St.

PHOTO/OSCAR DIAZ

IGNITE will strive to increase more school spirit and bring more transparency between adminstrators and students if elected in.

John’s.”

IGNITE will continue to promote the SJU100 initiative in order to foster student engagement and tradition and will also encourage students to go to more athletic games and different student organization events.

Another of her ticket’s main goals is to improve the relationship between students and the administration.

“I want to work with the administration so there could be better

communication between students,” she said.

Besides invigorating the student base and bringing more transparency, IGNITE has several projects and initiatives their executive board would like to address if elected.

Among those include: ensuring the continuation of the Manhattan shuttle bus, improving the overnight guest policy, communicating with local businesses regarding student discounts and use

of Storm Cards off campus, introducing eco-friendly automated hand dryers and reverse vending machines, proposing a bike sharing program and designing a mobile app to notify students of parking availability throughout campus.

Above all else, Rankin wants students and organizations to know that she will “be there for them.”

“I want them to know I’m here for them to make a difference and be an advocate for the students,” she said.

kept the budget committee on track with projected spending and also made it easier for organizations when it came to acquiring funding.

Koehler places accountability and

openness at the top of his priorities. His ticket wants to place an emphasis on holding S.G.I. accountable, and having office hours and specific times during the week where both organizations and

individuals can come in and discuss issues with representatives. Koehler said that as S.G.I. president, he would have an open-door policy where anyone can come in and talk to him and the rest of the S.G.I. Executive Board about problems they’re having or improvements they’d like to see.

“I learned from running last year that some students don’t actually see what changes are happening through S.G.I. A lot of stuff is more internal, but now we should build off of those internal changes and make life easier for the average student.”

When it comes to the job of being president, Koehler feels that his experience of running last year, along with his internship experience, has taught him the importance of work ethic.

“I’ve learned that work ethic is key, and as long as you’re giving 100 percent towards what you think is in the best interest of S.G.I., no one can really question what you’re doing,” Koehler said.

“You should always be looking out for the best of what your position is.”

When asked what he would like the student body to know about him, Koehler said he is a “straight shooter” and admits when he needs improvement.

“I will give 100%, and students should know that the S.G.I. office on the second floor of DAC is always open, and they are always welcome to come in and speak with us,” he said. “I want students to hold S.G.I. accountable because we are here to serve you.”

SJU FRESH pledges to give students and organizations a ‘voice’

TALIA TIRELLA Editor-in-Chief

Junior Robert Koehler, chair of the Budget Committee for Student Government, Inc., is running for S.G.I. president for the 2014-2015 school year.

His ticket, which goes by the name SJU FRESH, includes Caroline Zottl for vice president, Domenick Luongo for secretary, Justin Alick for treasurer, Ada Lee for senior senator, Jarred Bowman for junior senator and Chiara Miuccio for sophomore senator.

Koehler’s reason for running for president is to help bring about changes and give individuals and organizations a voice.

“We want to really ask the question and push it: what can St. John’s Student Government do for you, the individual.

We want to unite the student body,” Koehler said.

As chair of the Budget Committee, Koehler has become familiar with the processes that organizations must go through in order to have events.

“We want to make the process a little easier,” Koehler said. During his time as budget chair, he created an allocation plan, which is a scoring system that S.G.I. and organizations can use with regards to events. The plan makes it easy to compare organizations’ events for use of resources from special allocation and to figure out which events S.G.I. should fund the most. Koehler said that the plan

PHOTO/OSCAR DIAZ

SJU FRESH pictured above will bring accountability and give students a voice.

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Mock Trial team reaches National Tourney

With mostly freshmen and sophomores, the team looks ahead SAHARIN SULTANA Staff Writer The University’s Mock Trial team won a bid to compete in the first round of the National Intercollegiate Mock Trial Tournament in Washington, D.C. on March 22-23 after performing well at the February regionals.

The bid to compete at nationals denotes an incredible accomplishment, as nine of the eleven students participating are freshman and sophomores. This year’s team competed at the Regional Tournament hosted by the University of Delaware on February 15–16. At the tournament, the team finished seventh out of the 24 teams present. Winning against Fordham University, St. John’s left with a score of 5-3.

Kareem Vessup, one of the three coaches, indicated that they intend to improve on their general presentation.

“We’re of individual weaknesses, but we want to improve overall,” he said.

“We feel a sense of urgency and a need to improve and we want every student to feel that sense of urgency and need to improve.”

The concept behind Mock Trial is to simulate a trial, with students acting as lawyers and witnesses. The case remains the same throughout the competition with minor changes being made at each passing level, with the intention of making the case harder to defend.

This year’s case mimics a robbery occurring at an amusement park. Two park employees schemed to steal from it, and an individual died in the process. The case is written as if there is a conspiracy involved, as one of the individuals re-

TORCH PHOTO/SAHARIN SULTANA

Mock Trial team will participate in the National Intercollegiate Mock Trial Tournament in Washington, D.C. in late March.

sponsible escaped.

The co-captains of the team, Ashley Denton and Christine Umeh, brushed off the notion of the team’s youth being a factor during competitions.

“Just this year they’ve shown so much growth,” Umeh said. “They’ve competed against people more experienced then them and proven that they’re just as good if not better.”

Without any veteran students on the roster next year, both co-captains were not concerned about the program’s future, mainly due in part to the culture

brought upon by the coaches Bernard Helldorfer, Oscar Holt and Kareem Vessup.

Helldorfer and Holt founded the Mock Trial team twenty-two years ago, and both have remained coaches since.

Fellow coach, Vessup, has been coaching for the past eight years.

“I personally have great faith in this team and greater faith in our coaches,” Denton added. “They breed excellence, as long as these three men are coaches I’m not worried at all.”

“Everyone on this team has an individual talent that separates them from

each other. It’s not something you would see everyday.”

For those hoping to join, be warned it is a strict time commitment. The team hosts practices Tuesday and Friday afternoons, and all day on Saturdays. However, as team member Maria Flindarakis stated, it is all worth it in the end.

“Everything you learn cannot only be applied to law but to different aspects of life,” Flindarakis said.

“You think differently,” Lindita Nucculli, freshman teammate, said. “You’re not the same person you used to be for the better.”

tion Officer Joseph Tufano reminds students that the University won’t ask for personal information through email.

“An important point to note here is that the University would never ask for personal information via e-mail from any of our employees or students, as our

top priority is to protect and keep private all confidential data,” Tufano said.

“The Office of Information Technology and our Internal Audit departments recognize that security needs to be continually updated as policies and technology evolves.”

One of the prominent elements in any computer security strategy is restricting access to accounts through strong usernames and passwords.

The University encourages all to choose strong passwords (preferably containing upper and lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, etc.) to protect your own information, as well as any University information that your email may contain. It is encouraged to not make unnecessary copies of University files on your mobile device.

While Tufano wants to assure students of the “diligent” monitoring system in store to prevent data breaches, there’s a role everyone else has to play.

“While technology is our most effective weapon in protecting confidential information, it cannot eliminate all security risks, so we caution that all of us must play a role in combating this serious issue together,” he said.

The University treats the security of its records seriously and several projects are underway to help strengthen security and protection. It suggests treating your information confidentially (no sharing of passwords and e-mail accounts) as a way to make a difference.

“We are asking the entire St. John’s community to spread the word about these safeguards, and outlets like the Torch [and] another key communications vehicle that can help us get the message to our entire student body and employees, both effectively and efficiently,” Tufano said.

University advises students to beware of cyber threats ALEXA VAGELATOS Assistant News Editor

The University reminds students, faculty and staff members to take caution and protection against any personal information obtained via the internet, according to University memo.

In recent news, theft of confidential information has been reported to have occurred in several well-known companies and organizations. In a memo sent out on Feb. 21, the University stressed the importance of the roles the St. John’s community plays in safeguarding confidential information.

Although there have been no cyber thefts as a result of a hacked University e-mail account, the St. John’s community has faced the issue of fake “compromised” e-mail accounts. A situation like this occurs when unauthorized hackers use fake phishing e-mails to trick people into entering their e-mail accounts and passwords. These hackers then have the ability to read e-mails, check calendars, etc.

29 e-mail accounts have been reported to have been compromised this year so far due to people mistakenly entering their e-mail accounts and passwords in this fake format e-mail, according to memo. The accounts were immediately de-activated and users were told to change their passwords.

Vice President and Chief Informa-

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Students should use caution with unknown emails and revealing passwords.

Enrollment down 10 percent since 2009

5

While fewer freshmen students enter SJU, tuition rates spike 24 percent CHRISTOPHER BRITO News Editor The University is experiencing a steady decline of incoming freshman students for the last five years, according to official documents.

Since the 2009-10 academic year, the University has experienced a 10 percent drop in its full-time undergraduate freshman enrollment.

Over the same time frame, tuition has jumped from $30,040 to $37,260, representing a 24 percent increase.

The University enrollment and tuition figures for the last five years come from the publicly available offering statement, dated Nov. 6, 2013, for the bonds used to pay for the acquisition of 172-14 Henley Road dormitories.

Beth Evans, vice president of enrollment, said in a statement that national enrollment averages “peaked” in 2009 and there have been a “smaller number of high school graduates in the Northeast each year” since then.

Evans said that trend is expected to continue until 2021 and has caused colleges across the Northeast like St. John’s to adjust their enrollment goals.

“By doing so at St. John’s, we have

been able to sustain even new students enrollment numbers over the past three years and at the same time, we have achieved meaningful gains in the average SAT and GPA scores for our incoming class,” Evans said. “In addition, since the decline in the economy, prospective students and parents evaluating the cost of tuition and funding their education with student loans.”

The offering statement reveals the increase of mean SAT scores of the University’s standard admitted students increased minimally from 1113 in 2009 to 1121 to fall of 2013. Meanwhile, applications have dropped by four percent while the number of acceptances has risen to 18 percent, from 22,788 in 20092010 to 26,932 this academic year.

In response to the increasing rate of tuition, she said the University offers competitive financial aid packages. In 2012-2013 academic year, the University distributed $470 million in financial aid, according to Evans.

Even so, New York City and neighboring Long Island are filled with over 100 private and public colleges that give prospective college students an array of choices.

The Torch reviewed other offering statements detailing their latest tuition and enrollment data from local colleges

Freshman enrollment statistics listed above is the latest data found on the publicly available offering statements these institutions have filed.

and found that universities such as NYU has increased their freshman enrollment steadily since 2009. Whereas Adelphi, Columbia and Hofstra, like St. John’s, had lower enrollment numbers over the same period. However, tuition at all these aforementioned institutions (NYU to 15.6 percent, Columbia to 9.6 percent, Adelphi to 14 percent and Hofstra to 19 percent) have not risen as much as St. John’s.

Despite lower tuition rates, CUNY schools’ enrollment has decreased as well, according to CUNY Data statistics.

That leaves St. John’s in a precariously competitive situation.

Evans said the University is responding to the competition by promoting their new branding platform and graphic identity to drive local recruitment.

“A portion of the annual operating budget for media was reallocated to launch television, radio, print, outdoor, and online ads that can been seen throughout the New York metropolitan and tri-state areas to promote the pillars of our new brand,” Evans said.

The new brand, “Academic Excellence; Faith, Service, and Success; A Global City and a World Campus; An Alumni Network of 170,000; and New York City’s Team” began in January and will run through April 2014, according to

Evans.

While Evans stresses the importance of gaining potential students locally and throughout the Northeast region, the University has expanded their recruitment efforts nationally and internationally.

“The plan includes a robust search and communication strategy, high school visits nationwide and internationally, area receptions, campus tours, overnight visits and over 30 events on campus each year,” she said. “Over the past seven years, we have expanded our recruiting efforts outside of the Northeast and have seen a steady increase in students from multiple states outside of our traditional target area, including California and Arizona, among others.”

In the event the University doesn’t receive enough students to meet the yearly budget, Evans said revenue also flows in from transfers, graduate students and alumni.

“The University plan is to budget conservatively and to create additional revenue sources so that St. John’s continues to be in a strong financial position,” she said. “Our recruitment goal every year is to continue to attract more transfer and graduate students.”

According to the offering statement, the University purchased the Henley residence for $63.67 million on Sept. 16.

Tuition rates listed above is the latest data found on the publicly available offering statements these collegiate institutions have filed.

6

Pope Francis completes first term as pontiff

World Youth Day and remarks on controversial subjects highlight anniversary OLIVIA CUNNINGHAM Assistant Features Editor

Since his election last year on March 13, Pope Francis has had a whirlwind year filled with many memorable moments, including his opening address, World Youth Day and remarks on various controversial subjects.

One year ago on a rainy night in Rome, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected to lead the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics as pope on the fifth ballot of the conclave.

In his first address to the crowds outside St. Peter’s Basilica, Bergoglio, who took the name Francis, asked Christians around the world to pray with him for his reign as pontiff and for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He then led the 100,000 observers packed into the square in reciting the Our Father, Glory Be and Hail Mary.

This humble tone has continued through the whirlwind first year of his papacy. In fact, the motto Francis chose is “miserando atque eligendo”: lowly, yet chosen, according to the Vatican website.

The election of Pope Francis marked many firsts: he is, of course, the first pope to take the name of Italy’s patron saint, as well as the first pope from the New World (he was formerly bishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina) and the first Jesuit pope. Even the circumstances of his election were unusual, since Benedict’s resignation was the first voluntary abdication in over 600 years.

On March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, Bergoglio was officially installed as the Bishop of Rome. Again, over a hundred thousand pilgrims crowded St. Peter’s Square to watch him receive the pallium and ring worn only by popes.

The Year of Faith, a specially designated year of prayer and renewal in the Catholic Church, was opened by Benedict but was supervised by Francis for more than half of the year. On November 24, Francis officially closed the celebration with a homily on grace.

Francis presided over World Youth Day in July, a gathering of Catholic young people from around the world.

This year, World Youth Day was held in Rio de Janiero. The pontiff spoke on a theme chosen by his predecessor: “Go and make disciples of all nations,” according to the official World Youth Day website.

Overall, Francis has emphasized care of the poor, service and humility during his first year as pontiff, in both his words and in his actions. He has not focused directly on political issues, and in fact said in interviews that the American church spends too much time on politically relevant issues such as gay marriage and abortion.

In his first interview in July, an offthe-cuff exchange with journalists on a plane ride, Francis answered a question about homosexuals with a simple “Who am I to judge?” He has also spoken of the importance of developing a theology of women and protecting the sanctity of life, as well as eliminating clericalism in the Vatican, according to the Huffington Post. It is apparent in all of his comments that Francis is not changing church doctrine, but he seems to desire a change in the tone of the church.

Francis is noted for his simplicity, exemplified in wearing a fisherman’s ring made of silver rather than gold, the iron cross which belonged to him prior to the papacy, and simple white vestments.

In the last year, he has appeared on the covers of multiple magazines, including Esquire and Rolling Stone, and was person of the year for both Time

PHOTO/OLIVIA CUNNINGHAM

Pope Francis delivers his first Angelus address to crowds in St. Peter’s Square.

magazine and the Advocate.

In La Repubblica, a major Italian newspaper, Francis replied to an editorial by noted atheist Eugenio Scalfari.

Scalfari replied, and the two began a correspondence in La Repubblica that culminated with a personal meeting at the Vatican. Francis is also noted for cold-calling individuals who have reached out to him, including a young woman facing pregnancy without familial support and a victim of sexual assault, according to a September article in the New York Times.

Francis issued an encyclical, or papal letter, entitled Lumen Fidei (“The Light of Faith”) in June, along with an apostolic exhortation on the joy of the Gospel in November. He also selected 19 men, including a Haitian bishop and the arch-

bishop of his native Buenos Aires, to be elevated to the College of Cardinals at the end of February.

Francis stated in a September interview with America magazine that his vision of the church is “as a field hospital after battle.”

“Instead of being just a church that welcomes and receives by keeping the doors open, let us try also to be a church that finds new roads, that is able to step outside itself,” he told interviewer Antonio Spadaro.

Letter to the Editor on Pope Francis’ first year by Campus Ministry can be found on pg. 8.

SPARKS: How do you feel about the Pope’s first year?

“What a wonderful blessing Pope Francis has been to the Catholic Church and to the entire world. His faith and hope are evident in all that he says, and he has brought in a new wave of enthusiasm to his homilies and presentations which has left an impression on the young adults of today and all followers of his message. He is indeed another St. Francis, a humble man who knows how to meet everyone with humility, sincerity and joy. May God bless him with continued wisdom, holiness and much good health for many years to come. Happy Anniversary, Pope Francis. Thank you for being a special gift to the Church and the world.”

Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., interim-President of the University

“He’s a wonderful servant pope and a great gift, and I’m very happy to have him point us in the right direction.”

Peter Amato, Theology Professor

“I really like his ideas, for example, “I think he’s really straightforward. I that he’s tolerating more gay people and love that he’s honest and that’s great beis more open.” cause the church is really corrupt.”

Sophomore Andrew Lay, Pharmacy Freshman Laura Carreno, Economics

“I respect how devoted he is to his work, I love the guy. He’s really doing a lot and making a lot of progress. He’s a breath of fresh air.”

Freshman Robert Marino, Business Management

“He’s doing a good job of reaching “Besides [Pope] Benedict, I feel like he’s more open-minded and he’s brought out to our generation.”

Sophomore Samer Akroush, Busiabout more changes that the church ness Management should make.”

Compiled by: Talia Tirella Junior La’Don Avery, Film and TV

Opinion Staff Editorial XCI KIERAN LYNCH Editor-in-Chief

MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE Managing Editor

7

Illustrator’s Corner

CHRISTOPHER BRITO News Editor SAMANTHA ALBANESE Entertainment SHANNON LUIBRAND Features Editor JON PEREZ Sports Editor

FLAMES OF THE TORCH The Pope in review Pope Francis will complete his first year as religious leader of 1.2 billion Catholics on Thursday.

In the grand scheme of things, one year is equivalent to a forgettable sentence in the history books, but his accepting approach has left resounding effects worldwide during his short tenure.

The Pontiff has been a media darling since his inauguration because of the humble personality he displays and his focus on the poor. However, a significant social and religious splash was made when he openly addressed gay marriage on an airplane from Brazil filled with media members and expressed that he is no one to judge. Since then, the world has been more receptive toward the position of the leader of the Catholic Church.

Let’s face it; there hasn’t been any change in dogma or theology studies.

Pope Francis has changed the tone of the Catholic Church in a welcoming way while staying true to the long-standing principle of being accepting toward everyone.

As a Vincentian Institution, the University does a lot in terms of helping the poor. There’s nearly an event every week, whether it’s a Midnight Run or trip to a Soup Kitchen.

Honestly, it’s worth admiring all the

students who take time out of their busy schedules and provide help – we think Pope Francis would be proud, too.

While St. John’s dedication to service is a great example of what organizations and individuals should strive for, it sometimes seems that the University might have a hard time listening to other remarks from the Pope – namely social issues that are controversial on a political, as well as religious, level.

In a one-on-one interview with a Jesuit priest, Pope Francis said, “It is not necessary to talk about [issues including gay marriage] all the time. The dogmatic and moral teachings of the church are not all equivalent.

The church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently.”

It seems like the University has had a different stance at times than what the Pope said above: instead of being welcoming, the University has failed to make significant progress regarding the formation of a gay-straight alliance for students.

Maybe it’s time that St. John’s takes a page out of the Pope’s book and spends a little less time excluding people because of the interpretation of dogma and accept everyone for who they are.

EDITORIAL POLICY Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of the TORCH. Columns are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of The TORCH. Opinions

expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administrations of St. John’s University.

TO CONTRIBUTE Mail letters to: The TORCH, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439 Submit letters via email to: torcheic@gmail.com

All are welcome to contribute to the Torch.

Please include your full name, year, and college (or department). Letters have a limit of 500 words and may be edited for content, grammar, or space. Unverifiable or anonymous letters will not be published. All letters are subject to the approval of the Editorial Board of the TORCH.

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/ EDWARD WARRICK

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor: On this first Anniversary of Pope Francis, I have taken some time to reflect on what this year has meant to the Catholic Church. I would like to share my reflection with you.

From the beginning of his tenure, Pope Francis has been making headlines.

He is the first Jesuit Pope, after all, and Jesuits are notorious for making themselves known! Yet choosing the name of Francis might actually have put him more in the spotlight than being a part of the Society of Jesus. No one had chosen the name Francis before. Cardinal Bergoglio chose to become Pope Francis as homage to St. Francis of Assisi.

Pope Francis began his ministry by asking the swarms of people to offer him a blessing before he blessed them. With that first simple gesture, we witnessed his humility—and then it was magnified.

He rode back to his hotel with the other cardinals and attempted to pay his bill.

Then he chose to live in the Vatican guest house instead of the papal apartments.

The moment that first grasped my attention and admiration was during last year’s Holy Thursday services when he presided at a mass in a youth prison, washing the feet of prisoners, including Muslim women. His care for the youth and his obvious attention to be inclusive and honor their dignity was apparent.

Pope Francis has continued to show us how to honor the dignity of each per-

son. His now famous line, “Who am I to judge?” has meant more to many people around the world than a quick offhand comment on the way home from World Youth Day celebrations in Brazil. For many LGBTQ individuals and others who may feel alienated those simple words were the first steps toward inclusion and healing of a broken church.

The media storm over Pope Francis has raged all year. He is on Twitter, makes impromptu phone calls, sneaks out at night to serve those in need, and drives an old car. As I reflect on these simple actions, I cannot help but think of the man Pope Francis sought to emulate.

St. Francis of Assisi was a man who literally stripped himself naked. He gave up his many possessions in an effort to better serve Christ. He was given the charge, “Rebuild my Church.” How appropriate is it that Pope Francis seems to be doing just that? He is rebuilding this church that has been broken for too long.

This year has been an amazing year for the church. My hope is that the momentum keeps building, that we all learn lessons of humility, of service, of sacrifice, and that we continue to welcome all God’s children. Happy 1st Anniversary, Pope Francis. Thank you for what you have done and what you will continue to do for all of us!

Kate Giancatarino Campus Minister for Vincentian Service Office of Campus Ministry

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9

Bonding with The Beatles in England

KYLE FITZGERALD Online Editor

There are a few things that come to mind when people hear about Britain: London, the Royal family, tea, Gordan Ramsay, Manchester United, and – my favorite - the legendary bands and artists. This past Friday I had the fortune of making a day trip to Liverpool on a rain-absent day and immersed myself in the folklore surrounding the most legendary rock and roll band in history: The Beatles.

Before I dive into the details of my visit, I must make a confession. I would not consider myself that big a fan of The Beatles. In fact, I would only have them just grazing my own list of the top five British groups ever, sitting behind the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen and Led Zeppelin. But, really, does my opinion matter at all? Nope.

So why would I take a tour of The Beatles then? Answer: because the group is wedged right into my favorite era of music. Growing up listening to music from the 60s to the 80s, I’d have to be crazy to pass up on an opportunity like this.

Now, with that of the way, we may proceed.

My journey began at Albert Dock where I received my ‘ticket to ride’ the cleverly titled Magical Mystery Tour bus. As the group came together to step into the bus I peered at its groovy yellow paintjob with rainbow lettering and shooting stars. Upon entrance into this yellow time machine I immediately knew that this tour would be a little something different as the stereo horned

out the tunes of the Fab Four.

The journey began with a long and winding road down to Ringo Starr’s childhood home, an area of town that’s actually going to be mostly demolished.

And just down the road from his home was a pub called The Empress, which was pictured on the sleeve of Ringo’s first solo album.

After we visited Mr. Starr, the tour guide-while his companion gently drove the bus-passed on much more information on the band than I could ever absorb.

After a few moments the bus stopped at one of the most famous streets in history, Penny Lane. After we quickly stepped off to take pictures, we toured the bus route from where the lyrics originated and the bus stop where George Harrison and Paul McCartney met. Well, they actually met on the bus, where George just happened to bring his guitar and Paul immediately fell in love with his talent.

With the bus route over, and after passing Sgt. Pepper’s Bistro, we stopped by the road to pay a visit to George’s birth place. I didn’t exactly expect to visit a 20 bedroom villa, but I was perplexed that I saw a tiny red brick place standing there attached to two equally small homes.

Back on the bus a very familiar song played, one giving almost an ode to a very popular fruit. Conveniently after the song concluded we stopped by an ornate red gate with colorful words written next to word, both literally and figuratively. We made it to Strawberry Field, home to one of the most famous Beatles songs. Beyond the red gate lay a vast space of brush where John Lennon would play when he was a little kid. But, according to Mr. Tour Guide, this boy would be ordered by his Aunt Mimi to go home because he would always spend

PHOTO/FACEBOOK

PHOTO/KYLE FITZGERALD

Penny Lane one of the many famous sites Kyle saw during his Beatles tour.

PHOTO/KYLE FITZGERALD

The Beatles guitars and drum setup that Kyle saw while on his tour in England.

too much time there and he would tell her that it’s nothing to get hung about.

Obviously, he later drew from this memory to create the song.

Continuing with the theme of Mr. Lennon, we slowly drove by the house most associated with him, where he grew up (we weren’t allowed to stop or step out of the bus). This house is unique from the rest of the group in regards to its plaque on the outside wall. These are only displayed to incredibly famous people who have been gone for 20 years or more.

We quickly made it to our next stop: 20 Forthlin Road.

This address belonged to Paul McCartney in his younger years, and is the site where over 100 Beatles songs were written, including “Please Please Me,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” and “She Loves You,” among 97 others. The band began meeting eight days a week and fetched ideas here since their fledgling years as The Quarrymen. According to my tour guide, they mostly tested the songs in the bathroom because they acoustics were superior.

No, we didn’t get a chance to go inside. It’s incredibly difficult to even step foot into Paul’s home or John’s home.

Tours are only available for a few months a year, holding up to only 15 people per tour. The tours are sold out nearly six months in advance.

Our final stop was just down the road from the historic Cavern Club. The Beatles would twist and shout at this home away from home, performing 293 times in just two years. But this club wasn’t graced by The Beatles alone. Outside the Cavern Club is the Wall of Fame, with bricks dedicated to each artist that performed here. The etchings range from

Jimi Hendrix to The Who to the Arctic Monkeys.

After basking in the music-laden club I got back to Albert Dock to visit The Beatles Story, an exhibit entirely dedicated to the Fab Four. I stepped into the equally colorful museum and relearned many of the things I heard from the tour, especially since I needed help retaining everything.

I walked around the site soaking in the history of the group, from their foundation all the way to their break up and their solo careers. Now, the average and ultra-pumped up Beatles fans may have been shaken from the break-up portion of the exhibit, but I felt fine (I’m not a fan, remember?).

And that was my day. It’s difficult to believe that’s only about half of what I learned on my journey. It was a quick hello goodbye to the most influential band of all time. And on the bus ride home I began wondering what a day in the life of The Beatles is like. That one time, some 50 years ago, George and John met on the same bus route that I just took. Or that they were writing songs at 20 Forthlin Road together or performing on Matthews Street at the Cavern Club.

It’s incredibly difficult to comprehend all of that. And, using as many references to the group as I could (I counted over a dozen) I did my best to write down this time-travelling experience for you.

Kyle Fitzgerald is the Torch Online Editor.

He is currently studying abroad in England and writing a weekly column about his adventures.

We miss him though.

He can be reached at TorchOnline@gmail.com

10

ABC’s ‘Scandalous’ recap

ANNEMARIE TURTON Staff Writer

This week’s episode of “Scandal” focused on several themes hinted at during the first episode of the second half of the season. One of them was the fact that Andrew Nichols and 1st Lady’s Grant have a past. SHOCKER!!

Nichols, who was the former lieutenant governor of California under then-Governor Grant, in the past had overheard Mellie in a troubling situation and came to her rescue.

Apparently, some sparks initially flew between the two but nothing ever became of it.

The fire may have died for Mellie, or so she tries to make us believe, but for Andrew, the fire never left. Andrew who quickly answered the President’s call to be his new vice president seems to have a secret agenda.

In the first episode, in an attempt to deter Fitz from choosing Nichols as his running mate, Liv gave her team the job of digging up dirt on the new second in command.

Nichols turned up clean, but in this episode, Fitz’s camp got wind of a sketchy drug-related past involving Nichols and prescription meds. Nichols readily accepted his imperfections and made Liv suspicious in the process.

As Nichols’ pill-popping past came to light, another plot twist surfaced about Mellie’s past with Nichols and it was something that no one saw coming.

I don’t want to give anything away but here’s a hint: it has to do with a one of Fitz’s family members being intimately involved with 1st Lady Grant.

The other elements of the show revolved around the B6-13 program and

JON MANARANG Staff Writer PHOTO/ABC.COM

Liv’s father’s involvement in the program. Liv threatens her father about his involvement in the program and his personal plan to bring down the President.

Liv leaves the restaurant where she went to meet with her father only to catch Quinn, who previously worked with her, spying on her with binoculars from inside of a car.

When Liv approached Quinn and begged her to leave the risky CIA operation, she threatened to kill Liv if she did not stay out of her way.

Liv, though hurt and confused, left Quinn and went to question Jake Ballard, the CIA operative, who she refers to as her fake boyfriend, about Quinn. Liv could not get him to go into great detail about Quinn’s involvement. But she did accomplish one thing during the episode and that was to confront 1st Lady Grant about her past with Nichols.

Lastly, another situation brewing is James, Cy’s partner, is possibly leaking a story from inside the White House, that could jeopardize Fitz’s run for reelection. James, Cy’s partner, connected with David Rosen in the hopes of getting the damaging story to the media. Rosen was supposed to meet with a reporter named Vanessa Tanner in the hopes of getting her to report the story.

This did not happen as the story took yet again another turn as Rosen was kidnapped outside of the location.

The night ended with the donor’s ball that Fitz’s campaign put together on his behalf. Another bomb was dropped at this time and it involved Olivia’s mom, who Liv previously thought was dead.

This left me on the edge of my seat, and praying for next Thursday to arrive.

This show, much like House of Cards, is just that good.

BET says ‘Game’ on Tues. nights

PHOTO/BET.COM

The Game brings back the drama and heartbreak to BET with season seven.

LAURICE RAWLS Staff Writer

The American television series “The Game” returned for its seventh season on BET on Tuesday, March 4. The television show was first launched on The CW, but was canceled after 3 seasons.

Beck releases ‘Morning Phase’

Soon after, the show was picked up and renewed by BET. The season premiere was a bit of a letdown to viewers as it seems the quality of the entire show was poor. The writers seem to be making the show more of comedic instances and less of real life situations.

Characters are using more slang and street phrases; it is distracting and makes

characters easier to disregard. Writers are also having the characters repeat important words three times. Thus making characters sound more like they are in a live play than a television series.

In the hour-long premiere, we see Hosea Sanchez, as Malik Wright, in a depressive state as he broke his arm at the end of last season in a brawl with an ex-boyfriend of his friend. Wright has not left his home in months and has done nothing but lay around.

Coby Bell, who plays Jason Pitts is the main star of this episode and is being celebrated as he retires his jersey. During which time, a reporter comes up to Jason and ruins his night by letting him know that he knows that Jason used steroids.

Jason begins feeling faint as he fears the whole history of his career is going to go down in flames.

Lauren London’s character, Keira Whitaker, and Jay Ellis Bryce, “Blueprint” Westbrook, are no longer dating due to their break up at the end of last season.

It is clear that Keira misses Blue and gets drunk in the first episode and makes jokes about Blue’s date. There are moments within the episode where viewers get to hear what the characters are all thinking and at one point, Blue questions if his date’s breasts are sagging. At the end of the premiere, Blue throws a punch at a cop for telling him to leave Keira alone and is arrested.

“The Game” airs every Tuesday

In his first record since 2008, California’s own Beck released “Morning Phase” on Capitol Records. With his earlier work heavily rooted in the anti-folk movement, “Morning Phase” sees a shift in his production.

The record takes heavy influence from Americana and bluegrass songwriting and craft. Compositionally, the album is a mellow collective of thirteen well-executed, alternative folk tracks.

Many of the tracks are rooted around the chord structure of the acoustic guitar, featuring traditional instruments such as the harp and the mandolin. Tracks such as “Cycle,” “Phase,” and “Wave” however see a more expansive, orchestral arrangement. In contrast to his more electronic albums, Beck makes absolutely no use of sampled tracks which detracts from the often collage-esque soundscape he has built upon.

“Morning Phase” can easily be interpreted as a parallel or even a companion to his 2002 record, “Sea Change” which also featured a more acoustic arrangement in a time period where his career was taking a more electric/digital based sound. Many of the same musicians and personnel from the recording of “Sea Change” were also featured on this record, as well as, the album art both featuring a headshot of Beck.

Recently, he performed two tracks on Saturday Night Live, the folksy “Blue Moon” and “Wave” featuring an expansive arrangement of strings and backing vocals on both songs provided by Josh Tillman of Father John Misty. Currently, Beck has three live performances scheduled for 2014, two being dates at Coachella and Edgefest. Many of the singles Beck released between 20122013 such as the highly acclaimed “I Won’t Be Long,” “Defriended,” and “I Just Started Hating Some People Today/Blue Randy” were released as stand-alone pieces and not featured on the record. Some tracks were produced under Jack White’s Third Man Records label and Beck’s own FONOGRAF label. night at 10 p.m. eastern time on BET.

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“Earning this degree changed my life.”

What makes earning a graduate degree from the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies so unique? The quality of an NYU education combined with a deep commitment to serving industry. Curricula designed by professionals for professionals. Knowledge and networking capabilities that prepare you for today and for the challenges that lie ahead. A sense of purpose and drive that propels you toward success. The fostering of a global community that bridges divides and forges connections.

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Learn More Attend an Information Session – March 19, 2014 scps.nyu.edu/graduate-events1h

Knowledge Through Practice

visit: scps.nyu.edu/graduate1h call: 212-998-7100 request info. and/or apply: scps.nyu.edu/gradinfo1h

NYU-SCPS Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications Job Number: a1314-0538 Product: Masters General Size: 10” x 7” Bleed: NA Color/Space: 4c

Pub/Issue Date: St. John’s Torch 3/12/14 Date 2/25/14 Artist: pw Proof #: 2 FINAL Note:

Need a place to stay this summer?

St. John’s offers on-campus housing for summer interns.

For more information and to secure your spot, contact csevents@stjohns.edu

12

Springing into a healthier lifestyle Fell off the track during spring break?

Get back on it! Who says you have to go to the gym to achieve your goals? Maintaining good eating habits and doing easy exercises at home is the best way to look great in time for the summer without having to put up with juiced-up guys and awkward grunts at the gym.

The Clean You. Love chocolate cake?

That last piece you just finished better be your last one in a long time. Start making food from scratch, using natural ingredients (trust us, it’s affordable.) If you don’t have time to cook, prepare meals for the next few days in containers over the weekend that you can grab and heat up.

If you’re planning to have salad, store ingredients separately because the juices from vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers will soak into your greens. Never leave dressing in your salad overnight as it will become soggy. Avoid thick and creamy dressings that have unhealthy fats and are harder to digest.

You might want to cut down on Shake Shack (if that’s even real meat) and Bacon Egg and Cheese sandwiches at Dunkin’ Donuts; meat is good but only certain kinds. Cut down as much as you can on red meat, especially on processed meat, which usually contains preservatives and can be the cause of many life-threatening diseases. Start with high-protein meats like fish, chicken and turkey, then you can move on to leaner parts like chicken breast, turkey breast and cuts that end with “loin.”

If you’re ever craving a juicy hamburger, keep in mind that a veggie burger can be just as yummy and is rich in fiber!

The Greek yogurt craze is nothing to ignore and if you’ve seen that Dannon Oikos commercial with John Stamos, you know it’s holding him well—or maybe he really hasn’t aged in 20 years.

Greek yogurt has instantly become the “it” food in fitness and diet forums, blogs and health magazines—it’s inevitable.

High in protein and calcium and low in carbs, Greek yogurt has a thicker and smoother texture than most regular yogurts.

These health benefits are a good excuse to finally start crafting your break-

fast food with granola and fresh fruits.

Also, fast and easy smoothies are just a spoonful of yogurt away.

As midterm week approaches, endless coffee consumption is inevitable, but there’s flavorful and healthier alternatives to coffee creamer. Next time you grab a cup of joe, try coconut milk, almond milk or fat-free half and half.

You better work it. Have gym-timidation? Yay for dumbbells and kettlebells! Start with less weight but also get a heavy one—push harder but also keep it in moderation because too much can result in microscopic damages in your muscles.

Don’t worry about how heavy you can lift, because let’s face it: it’s not a weightlifting competition. If you run, challenge yourself by doing intervals and setting a suitable time of walking, power-walking, jogging and running. Don’t wait for that slow elevator in Marillac Hall, change your pace and walk or run up the stairs (run late at your own risk.)

Have a long break between classes?

Walk around the campus and use those hills you hate as inclination and tone those legs! Lifestyle changes, big or small, are just one step away.

Jelena reunion?

MJ is not the dad!

Girl kiss gone bad

SHARON TONG Staff Writer

Forget about the sleazy mystery women and crazy strip club antics. If Selena Gomez can forgive so easily, so should the rest of America.

In the never-ending saga, it seems a Jelena reunion is in the works. After the sad videos of the “ Boyfriend” singer’s depositions hit the web over the weekend, giving fans a true glimpse of his current path of destruction, the Canadian pop star has decided not to let the

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public’s opinions get to him. He jetted to Texas to perform at manager Scooter Braun’s Projects Sunday Funday Showcase. During the night, Bieber won over Selena with an acoustic version of his song “As Long As You Love Me” ending it with a shoutout to his “baby.”

After sending out lovey dovey tweets, Bieliebers went crazy and the rumor mill began to spin as word spread of the pair’s reconciliation. Since then, the two have been photographed hanging out non-stop, supporting each other at concerts and even kissing. While it is not yet confirmed that the duo is back together, Radar Online reported that Sel’s parents are highly upset especially since she just finished her short stint in rehab for getting over Bieber. However, her parents aren’t stopping the show. Justin posted an Instagram video of the two doing a very provocative interpretive dance to John Legend’s “Ordinary People,” which of course he later removed.

It seems the King of Pop will never truly get some rest. Yet again, someone has come out of the woodworks making allegations against the late Michael Jackson.

However, this time it did not involve money.

Over the last week, there have been results of a DNA test floating around claiming that the “Thriller” singer is the

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father of 31-year old Brandon Howard.

Although this is not Jackson’s first paternity case since his untimely death in 2009, it is the first that actually has some bulletproof evidence.

Other than Howard, having the looks and voice of an MJ impersonator, it does help his case that he is the son of Jackson’s former girlfriend, late 80’s singer, Miki Howard.

While he recently released a video denying that he leaked the DNA records circulating around that proves MJ is his father, sources are calling foul play.

TMZ is now reporting that the man behind the DNA testing is FilmOn.com’s Alki David who purchased Jackson’s dental mold, cigarette butts, water bottle and black towel at an auction to have them tested for proof of DNA. Luckily for Howard, the scam fell through because it turns out MJ specifically “omitted to provide” for his unknown heirs in his will.

Turns out somebody lied! Katy Perry kissed a girl and she hated it. At least that’s what she said on an Australian morning show after being asked about her, now, famous girl kiss with Miley Cyrus. The 29- year old star somehow managed to diss the, now, raunchy popstar calling her tongue “infamous” while extending a hand with praises. While commenting on Cyrus’s worldwide

PHOTO/TIWTTER.COM/JELENASDREAM

Bangerz tour, she mentioned how amazing the performances were but admitted that the “23’s” singer misunderstood her friendly girl kiss during the kiss cam.

Of course Cyrus got wind of the “Firework” singer’s snobby remarks and tweeted a snarky response saying “Girl if ur worried abt where tongues have been good thing ur ex boo is ur EX BOO cause we ALL know where THAT been.”

While many thought it was the start of a new beef in Hollywierd the two Madonna runner-ups squashed the beef publicly on twitter. With Cyrus leading the reconciliation turning her sour tweet into something sweet she posted a drawing of the moment with the caption, “Dontchyouuuu act like you didn’t lurvvvvv it.”

Leaving Perry, who is known to “roar,” to post a seemingly joking tweet, “Oooo gurrrl I’m gonna give you the BIGGEST spanking when I see you in the UK.”

Compiled by Briawnna Jones

Rick Ross’ ‘Mastermind’ release LAURICE RAWLS Staff Writer

RICK ROSS Mastermind

Rick Ross released his sixth album on March 3, 2014 titled “Mastermind.” Ross wants listeners to know how hard he has worked to get to the place he is at now.

His song “Drug Dealer’s Dream” talks about the hardships he faced and his friends are still facing on the streets. He acknowledges that he enjoys giving chances to young black men to enter the music industry. The rap community is under constant ridicule for their aggressive lyrics and violent statements. However, Ross expresses that it’s the life he and his friends were forced to live in order to survive. In his song “Drug Dealer’s Dream” he talks about his friends who were either killed, are spending years in jail or are currently affected by a disease.

His album seems to be a collaboration of honoring how far he has come in the music industry and an ode to his friends who were lost in the drug dealer lifestyle. The album includes his single featuring Jay-Z, “The Devil Is A Lie” which has a catchy remixed jazz beat. Ross and Jay-Z discuss the times the devil has tried to take their lives but they have persevered. Ross also includes his second single, “War Ready” featuring Young Jeezy with a foot-stomping intense beat. Ross talks about how he is “War Ready” which is their way of saying that they are forever ready to take on the struggles of life.

“Mastermind” features artists like French Montana, Jay-Z, The Weeknd, Jeezy, Kanye West, Big Sean, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, P. Diddy, Scarface, Mavado and Z-Ro. The album is filled with dramatic beats and intense lyrics expressing the lifestyles they live. “Mastermind” features 20 songs and is guaranteed to have your head bobbing and foot stomping. Rick Ross’ album is available now via iTunes for $13.99.

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13

Paris offers satire, normcore and androgyny

PHOTO/STYLE.COM

Céline designer Phoebe Philo shows a collection with strong women in mind.

SAMANTHA ALBANESE Entertainment Editor Paris Fashion Week was a series of emotional highs and lows, mixed in with refreshing designs and noteworthy runway sets that had attendees rushing out of their seats. There was high anticipation as ex-Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière debuted his collection for Louis Vuitton, being sure to honor his predecessor, 14-year Vuitton veteran Marc Jacobs, in a heartfelt typewritten letter presented before the show.

“Today is a new day,” Ghesquière penned. “A big day. You are about to witness my first fashion show for Louis Vuitton. Words cannot express exactly how I am feeling at this moment. Above all, immense joy at being here, in the knowledge that my stylistic expression is at one with the Louis Vuitton philosophy. The proud legacy. The inspiring history that looks to the future and to the world. The quest for authenticity and innovation. The desire for timelessness.

Does not every designer ultimately seek to create something timeless? I salute the work of Marc Jacobs, whose legacy I wholeheartedly hope to honour. And I thank you for being here to share this moment with me. Thanks to all of you who have helped me to tell this new story and who make Louis Vuitton what it is, and especially to those who work with me. Thanks to everyone who is here on this day, this morning. Right now.”

Model Freja Beha Erichsen made a return to the runway, starting off the show with a black leather trench buttonsnap-front coat with a sharp burnt orange collar over a cream colored dress with an off-white knitted turtleneck layered underneath. Her black leather knee-high boots pulled the look together, bringing to the surface a modernized 1960s aesthetic. The rest of the show featured leathers and suede in various forms, mainly skirts, jackets and of course shoes and bags. High-waisted trousers with

tucked blouses were among the mixture of A-line miniskirts and coats.

Miuccia Prada took a different approach to the normal grandeur of Paris fashion week with Miu Miu. The collection featured simple windbreakers and quilted skirt suits, offering a “normcore” version of the typical Miu Miu girl we once knew. While the collection exposes the practicality of fashion, there is a tinge of overt chic-ness that overpowers the tangibly functional moments.

Céline offered 1930s vibes with androgynous oversized trousers and double-breasted coats. The designer, Phoebe Philo, exhibited impeccable tailoring in a number of forms with the femininely fluid pleated pants peaking under long, forceful coats or oversized knits, which sported extra long sleeves. Throughout the show, different textures snuck in, displaying animal prints, checkered prints and collaged jewels. The platforms aided with the structured feel that tied the collection together as a whole.

Chanel was among the most-talked and tweeted about with the Parisian “grand magasin” set of shelves adorned with Chanel-ed water bottles, detergent, a produce display and even home goods featuring a branded chainsaw.

Karl Lagerfeld’s satirical observance of consumerism became a pop culture phenomenon on its own, featuring battered workout sets and elaborate pantsuits with corresponding sneakers, “meat” saran-wrapped handbags and decked-out grocery baskets.

The 2014 fall and winter collections, as a whole, generated a reviving atmosphere, featuring old faces on the runway and new faces behind the scenes. The designs themselves generally remained true to the history of the brands, even in newly rebranded Saint Laurent, which sent glitzed out rocker-chic models down the catwalk.

This season also was seasoned with celebrity sightings, most notably Rihanna, who was spotted at every major show.

Left and Right: Chanel, Middle: Miu Miu

PHOTO/STYLE.COM

PHOTO/STYLE.COM

Top: Louis Vuitton, Middle: Chanel (Details,) Bottom: Saint Laurent.

14

This Week’s Career Topic: The Four Year Plan OLIVIA CUNNINGHAM Assistant Features Editor and Career Peer at the Career Center In the last few Career Corner columns we’ve discussed topics ranging from interview tips to beginning the internship search. But let’s be honest: the process of discerning the rest of your life is completely daunting at times, and it would be much more convenient if you had a road map to guide you.

Fortunately, Career Services has a four-year plan that students can follow to ensure that they make the most out of these four years at St. John’s.

For Freshmen The keywords for first-year students are connect and evaluate. These new students should go through the year with the goal of understanding their “skills, values and interest, and how these relate” to career decisions, according to Career Services.

Freshmen should begin networking on and off campus. Join a club or professional organization that relates to a passion or possible profession. Create a LinkedIn profile and draft a resume.

Speak to advisors in the Freshman Center, in your potential major and in Career Services to get advice on possible career paths.

Freshman year is a time to explore. Check out St. John’s Central and the university’s various Twitter and Facebook pages to get an idea of the opportunities available to St. John’s students. Speak to upperclassmen in your classes and clubs to see what opportunities they’ve taken advantage of. Consider getting some work experience with a part-time job or volunteering.

For Sophomores Sophomore year is a time to work on identifying potential careers and explor-

ing the available opportunities.

Some second-year students may find that their interests are very different now than they were a year ago. This is normal, but students should be aware of the changes and adjust their career path if needed.

Sophomore year, students should be close to declaring a major, and may want to meet with career or academic advisors again to confirm their decision.

Many St. John’s students study abroad in the sophomore year, and this is an ideal time to explore various interests. On the academic side of things, be aware of the credit requirements, including electives, for the programs you’re interested in.

By your second year of college, students should have enough experience that they can take high-school activities off of their resume. To fill up that space before interning for credit junior year, students might want to get part-time work, an uncredited internship or volunteer experience in their area of interest. This is also the time to consider running for a leadership position in a student organization.

At this point, many students have identified companies or fields that they’re interested in working for in an internship setting. Follow those companies or leaders in the industry on Twitter or LinkedIn, and get to know their culture and application process before you dive in.

Another great way to get to know companies is through career fairs, which are held each semester. Here, students will have the opportunity to speak with dozens or hundreds of different companies about their particular niches and the type of person that they are interested in

recruiting. Even if students aren’t planning to have an internship until junior year, sophomore year is the time to start thinking about the options.

Sophomore year is also when students must declare a major, if they haven’t already.

For Juniors The third year in college is a time to refine your interests and goals and begin experiencing the business world.

Remember that resume you created freshman year and updated sophomore year? Junior year is the time to perfect it. Once your resume is up-todate, share it with companies, recruiters, professors or anyone who might be interested. Don’t forget to update your social media profiles as well!

A number of St. John’s students choose to pursue an internship for credit during junior year.

It’s important to begin the search early and to know the requirements of your particular major.

Career Services recommends developing a mentorship relationship with a professional or professor in your field. They can help you on your internship search and often will give advice and insight into how to succeed in your chosen major.

During junior year, students should attend all applicable career fairs and networking events, in order to set themselves up for success in obtaining an internship and after college.

Leadership on-campus plays a big role in the lives of many St. John’s students beginning in junior year, and students may want to consider joining a professional organization off-campus now as well.

It may feel like you just chose a college, but it’s time to start thinking about what to do afterwards. Those students interested in graduate school should begin thinking about which programs they are interested in and which tests they may need to take. St. John’s offers free practice tests for the GRE and most other graduate school admissions exams.

For those students interested in entering directly into the workforce after St. John’s, networking and professional development becomes even more important.

For Seniors Senior year is a time of execution and transition. The goal as a senior is to successfully complete your job search and begin the transition to professional life.

Before graduating, students should finalize their resume and online profiles in order to present themselves as professionally as possible.

Networking at this stage is crucial.

Students should take the connections that they have made over the last three years and use them as the starting point for the job search.

If you haven’t had an internship or work experience already, senior year is the time. It’s not too late! Speak to your advisor for help finding opportunities to apply to.

For students applying to graduate school, the applications are usually due during the first semester of senior year or early in the second semester. Start writing essays, taking exams and obtaining recommendations early. Research scholarship opportunities and graduate assistant positions to help defray expenses, if necessary.

Attend career fairs, employer events and presentations and network as much as possible at these events. Now is the time to find a job!

Finally, meet with your dean to complete your graduation plans. Your time as an undergraduate is over!

PHOTOS/DIANA COLAPIETRO

15

Professors form group for peer writing reviews DAVID RUSSELL Staff Writer

Students can usually be seen studying together and reviewing each other’s work over lunch in Marillac Hall. What may be surprising to some though is when they see professors doing the same thing.

“Working in a group, for me, is a huge security blanket,” said speech professor Lawrence Pitilli. “Writing is a lonely pursuit. There is a light in the wilderness so to speak. Somebody’s out there doing the same thing.”

Pitilli meets with history professor Robert Tomes and English professor Thomas Kitts to review their writings.

“We just wanted to have an audience,” Kitts said. “We read whatever we’re working on to the others.”

“Being in a group with a bunch of guys, you bring something in and you look forward to it,” Tomes said. “There is a tendency to want to be perfect. That can be a danger. You think ‘it’s not good enough, it’s not good enough.’ At least you have something to work with, something to revise.”

The professors realize they can experiment a little more in front of a regular audience.

“There’s great freedom in taking a

chance,” Pitilli said.

Kitts points out that taking a chance in certain settings can get you vilified.

“Some of those reviews can be harsh,” said Tomes laughing.

“There’s trust in people you’re with and I trust Tom and Bob significantly,” Pitilli said.

Kitts and Tomes have known each other for 25 years, and Pitilli has known them both for 15.

The writing group returned last fall after temporarily folding.

There were 10 professors the last time, four or five regulars and a number of professors who dropped in and out. “You just couldn’t get your stuff read,” Kitts said. “You could spend 40 minutes on a few pages.”

“There’s just more focus, less interference,” Pitilli said.

Although the group enjoys what they do, they take it seriously.

“We get down to business,” Kitts said. “We’re pretty methodical. None of us are really emotional. We’re not afraid to say ‘I don’t know.’ It’s good to have that safety.”

The trio write primarily for academic purposes, which can make transitioning to mainstream work difficult.

“I can never write the way they write in Rolling Stone, or the Village Voice,” Kitts said. “It’s so lively. It’s silly when I try it.”

“It can’t get free-flowing,” Pitilli ex-

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Tomes, Pitilli and Kitts have a writing group that meets a few times a month.

plains. “Everything has to be documented, verified. It can’t be sensationalism.”

The professors are able to bring what they do in the writing group into the classroom.

“My mantra is great works aren’t written, they’re rewritten,” Pitilli said.

He is able to show papers that have corrections all over them.

“I tell students, if we go through the process, they should,” he said.

Pitilli admits, “I’ve improved on my active voice thanks to Dr. Kitts.”

Tomes feels that it’s not always the writing that develops. “What improves as you get older is your vision, the passion you feel about certain things,” said the history professor. “Writing skills were honed pretty early.”

Pitilli teaches core, honors, and advanced public speaking, Discover New York, and Liberal Studies. Tomes focuses on recent American history with classes on the Vietnam War and Contemporary U.S. history in addition to his DNY class. Kitts also has a DNY class and teaches English.

“I don’t think of it in terms of department, I think of it as friends,” Kitts said.

Pitilli agreed.

“For me, it’s looking forward to something,” he said. “It’s a sociable thing as well. I’m going to hang out with my buddies and do something that’s astute.”

Invaluable lessons learned through service

OLIVIA CUNNINGHAM Assistant Features Editor

St. Vincent de Paul, founder of the Congregation of the Mission and one of the patrons of St. John’s, said, “The poor have much to teach you. You have much to learn from them.”

As I embarked on the Denver Plunge over spring break last week, I had no idea how much I would learn as I worked with a team of two leaders and nine other students to serve Denver’s urban community.

Community service is not a new experience to me, nor is it new to any of my fellow St. John’s students: if nothing else, we are all required to do academic service-learning in some of our classes.

However, I find it striking that every service opportunity throughout my St. John’s career has also been an opportunity to learn something new.

As we gathered at St. Thomas More Church to begin our journey to Denver, I began to learn the value of patience. Eager to take off, we were all gathered by 12:30. However, there was an issue with the airline and, after an unbearably long day of waiting to learn what the outcome would be, we learned that we would not be able to travel until the next morning.

Fortunately, I was able to use that patience in abundance on Monday and Tuesday, as I volunteered with a kindergarten class at Annunciation School, a Catholic school that serves low-income children, mostly from Denver’s Hispanic and South Sudanese populations. Children are a very rewarding group to work with, and it was a great encouragement to see them gain confidence with just a few minutes of individual attention.

On Wednesday, the same pure joy found in the children shone through the Little Sisters of the Poor, a group

of women who run nursing homes for the indigenous elderly. Another lesson I learned here was how to polish stainless steel: although we assumed that we would be playing bingo or socializing with the residents, instead we scrubbed the kitchen quite literally from top to bottom.

The Laradon Home, a center that provides services to developmentally disabled adults and children, taught me the power of a strong voice. Laradon was founded in 1948, when Elizabeth Calabrese decided that there needed to be an alternative to the institutions that were then the only thing available to the developmentally disabled, including her sons Larry and Don. Calabrese, and her husband Joe, gathered their life’s savings and began Laradon. This day of work was the most difficult for me, because there seemed to be nothing for us to do, but it was an excellent opportunity to see the volunteers put love into action as they helped each patient.

That night we had the opportunity to eat dinner at SAME Café, where staff cook lunch with organic and local ingredients every day. Patrons have the option of donating whatever they can to defray the cost of their meal or to volunteer to work in exchange for food. According to Sarah, the café’s first full-time employee, about seven people form a crew of regulars, joined daily by others. She also said that many of the café’s visitors say that the meal they eat at SAME will be their only food that day.

On our last day in Denver, we volunteered at the Food Bank of the Rockies, a gigantic facility that processes food from the TEFAP governmental assistance program and distributes it to smaller food pantries throughout the area. Here, we loaded pallets with cases of food that would be sent to various agencies, including some that we worked at earlier in the week. It was interesting to see the

extent of need in the Denver area as we worked in the warehouse, and touching to put names to the faces that packaged the food that some of us then distributed to clients.

During our time in Denver, we worked with the Colorado Vincentian Volunteers, a group of young adults who devote a year to full-time service work.

The various service sites that we visited were places that the volunteers work full-time.

It was inspirational to see the work that these young men and women do with those

experiencing poverty and homelessness.

Campus Ministry offers plunges to a variety of destinations, including Panama, Lourdes, France, New Salem, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Other extended service experiences are also available through Student Affairs.

I encourage every student to make the most of the Vincentian aspect of our university by serving others during this time in college, whether for a few hours or a few days.

St. Vincent was right: we have much to learn.

TORCH/ OLIVIA CUNNINGHAM

Student volunteers in front of the Mullen Home in Denver over spring break.

16

Lea Michele gets ‘Louder’ with solo album

‘Single Ladies’ Say Goodbye After 3rd Season ASHLEY PURE Staff Writer

From the to die for fashion to the break ups and makeups, it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to VH1’s series Single Ladies.

The series ran for three seasons straight following the lives of three successful women living in Atlanta, trying to juggle their careers while also searching for true love, which in the end is what all ladies want, right?

From the guys who we think could be the “one” to the that are just random “hiccups” in our lives, Single Ladies was that series that showed that “you are not alone” ladies as we all go through it.

During these three seasons the show did make some changes along the way. Stacey Dash was replaced

by Densie Vasi who now plays Raquel, leading as the show’s new staring lady.

Raquel this season falls for bad boy Terrence, who is played by Harold House Moore, with these two showing that opposites do attract.

With the death of Malcom (played

by D.B Woodside) and Terrence’s father, secrets are exposed this season revealing a secret marriage and an illegal jewelry business that was run

by Malcolm in the past.

April, played by Charity Shea, even has a breakthrough this season moving up the music ladder working under the infamous music mogul Felicia Price who is played by former Destiny Child singer, Letoya Luckett.

The canceling of the show came as a shock to many as you can’t help but wonder why the series is ending when things are finally getting good!

I guess with Raquel finding new love in Terrence, April starting a budding romance at her job and Keisha (played by Lisa Raye) and Malcom’s relationship becoming serious, it was time for the series to the end with lives of these single ladies coming full circle.

The series’ finale will premiere on March 29 at 9 p.m on VH1.

KORI WILLIAMS Staff Writer Lea Michele Louder

Lea Michele is pretty much a household name at this point. When she released the news that she was to release her first solo album, “Louder”, the interwebs went crazy and rightfully so. The public is so used to seeing her face and listening to her vocals on the FOX hit “Glee” that expectations went through at least 15 different levels of excitement.

While the album did have its high points, there were some deep lows.

To start off positively, this album is full of beautiful dedications to the late Cory Monteith. “You’re Mine” is truly one of those great love songs that take your heartstrings and pulls them out of your body. Michele said it is her favorite song off the album and that the song was written for Monteith, her late boyfriend and “Glee” co-star who died in July of last year of a drug overdose.

“Cannonball” is the first single off of the album and Michele told MTV it helped her cope with Monteith’s death.

“If You Say So” took its name from the last words Monteith spoke to Michele.

The song “Battlefield” also has a

strong emotional pull and its overbearingly somber sound makes the overall mood of the album crash down around you in comparison to the upbeat pop track right before it. The lyrics for this track, “Once lust has turned to dust And all that’s left’s held breath Forgotten who we first met What seemed like a good idea has turned into a battlefield,” are an extra weight that overshadows any bit of happiness presented on the rest of the album.

Lea Michele certainly lets her vocals shine on this record with every song showing a range in her voice that is not comparable to many of her contemporaries. “Thousand Needles” really showcases what her voice has to offer without being reminiscent of “Glee” and allows her to stand on her own as a solo artist.

All of the niceties aside, this album does sound very plain. It’s almost as if Michele put everything into the lyrics and vocal delivery and then gave up.

The album’s mood is confusing as the lyrics are melancholic yet upbeat and ‘poppy.’ The beats are really catchy and addictive but some of the songs and the lyrics overall are just so blatantly upsetting. It’s like wanting to dance but knowing that it’s inappropriate.

If you’re a diehard “Glee” fan or madly in love with Lea Michele, this may be the album for you. If so, run and pick up the album right now. But it leaves much to be desired and lacks originality.

Well, it’s original if she was planning on making an album that could be played at a dance party to accompany someone’s funeral.

PHOTO/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

“Glee” stars Lea Michele and her late boyfriend Cory Monteith at Comic Con.

Torch Eats: Acquista’s Trattoria

JENNIFER BOGUS Contributing Writer

If you’re looking for an intimate setting to enjoy some pasta, Acquista Trattoria is the place to be.

Acquista’s, as it is referred to by locals, is a cute little restaurant on Union Turnpike across from the Gulf gas station.

There is a lot to choose from on the menu, everything from Meatball subs to every pasta dish imaginable. Although rather traditional, I personally recommend the Penne Alla Vodka. This restaurant is also very reasonably priced. It is a great place to bring a date without breaking the bank, but yet you still get the Italian food and setting.

Unfortunately, the service is not as great. A friend of mine ordered a side of Garlic bread and they never brought it out for her. Being that we are in New York, people are constantly coming in and out of little restaurants like Acquista’s. However, it was a little bizarre to have the waiters constantly coming and going out of the restaurant as if on a continuous break. Once you get past the mediocrity of the service and you are finally served your food, the food is quite delicious.

Overall, I think it is a very quaint establishment. I would recommend going to Acquista’s on a night when you aren’t in a rush though, so if the service is lacking you won’t have to be restricted by the time.

When you go to Acquista’s, and if you cannot decide what to eat due to the array of choices, remember you can never go wrong with a slice of pizza!

Bon Appetite.

PHOTOS/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Acquista Trattoria, located off of Union Turnpike, is known for its pasta dishes.

Frank G. Zarb School of Business Leaders are made here.

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3/3/14 3:33 PM

Sports

18

Living on a prayer

91-90 double overtime victory keeps men’s NCAA hopes alive heading into Big East tournament the game up at 90 apiece. A foul on freshman guard Rysheed Jordan with 19 seconds left sent him to the line

STEPHEN ZITOLO Assistant Sports Editor

with the game on the line. Jordan hit 1-of-2 free throws that proved to be the difference in Milwaukee.

The St. John’s men’s basketball team battled for their tournament lives versus Marquette in a double-overtime thriller on Saturday afternoon as the Red Storm came out victorious 91-90.

ST. JOHN’S

91

MARQUETTE

90

“I’m proud of our guys for coming into this hostile environment and having the toughness and resourcefulness to pull out a double-overtime victory,” St. John’s head coach Steve Lavin said.

“This team has been through so many challenges both on and off the court so it’s nice to see the kids accumulate wins they deserve. This victory is an indication of how much we’ve matured as a basketball team.”

St. John’s and Marquette battled back forth all afternoon with one another as the game was tied 18 times and the lead changed 16 times. The Red Storm were down three points with 56 ticks left in double overtime.

But the Johnnies all-time three-point leader D’Angelo Harrison stepped up with a 30 foot three point jumper to tie

PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

The men’s basketball team stayed on the NCAA bubble after the win.

“Big win for us,” Junior guard D’Angelo Harrison said. “But we got to forget about it after we get off the plane. We got to get ready for our next game. We’re on this one game win streak, but it’s only one game. It’s over. Now we got to get ready to go on another one game win streak.”

The Red Storm’s (20-11, 10-8) victory over the Golden Eagles (1714, 9-9) locks up the fifth seed for the Johnnies in the Big East Tournament where they will be taking on the fourth seeded Providence Friars.

In the second half with 11 seconds left the Red Storm were up six and it looked like victory was in sight. But the Golden Eagles went on a 6-0 run in last 11 seconds set up by a Rysheed Jordan failed attempt to throw the ball off a Marquette players leg.

The first overtime ended with Marquette having a shot to win it, but Jordan made up for his mistake at the end of regulation by coming up with a huge block to send the game to double overtime.

St. John’s had a strong shooting performance on the day shooting 34for-67 (50.7 percent) behind 20 points from Rysheed Jordan, D’Angelo Harrison, and JaKarr Sampson.

Marquette shot 30-for-68 (44.1 percent) behind Davante Gardner’s 21 points and Todd Mayo’s 20 points.

WBB falls short of Big East Championship

No. 2 seed Red Storm lose to No. 1 DePaul, wait for name to be called on NCAA Selection Monday MICHAEL TRIVIGNO Staff Writer

The St. John’s women’s basketball teams’ hopes of a fourth Big East championship came to a halt Tuesday night losing to top seeded DePaul, 65-57.

“Obviously we’re disappointed to not be able to come away with a win,” St. John’s head coach Joe Tartamella told reporters. “DePaul did a great job, and congratulations to them and Coach Bruno.”

DEPAUL

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ST. JOHN’S

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The Red Storm’s (22-10) defense needed to be at their best to compete against the Blue Demons high-powered offense which led the Big East in points per game (84.0), scoring margin (plus 13.1) and field goal percentage (.452).

St. John’s held DePaul to just 65 points, shooting 41.4 percent from the field.

“We knew we were going to have a battle,” Tartamella said. “If you told me that we’d hold them to 65 points and that we’d hit eight threes and come away with a loss, I’d probably tell you differently.”

St. John’s was a threat from behind the arc shooting 57.1 percent but wasn’t very efficient from the free throw line, shooting just 50 percent. DePaul (276) did a great job containing sophomore guard and All-Big East first teamer Ali-

yyah Handford, holding her to just 13 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Junior forward Amber Thompson has been dominating in the paint this season but failed to score a point in the contest and came away with just 4 rebounds.

After taking a 30-29 lead in the final minute of the first half, DePaul never relinquished its lead eventually leading to the program’s first Big East tournament title. Despite putting up a subpar effort on offense the Blue Demons managed to have four players finish with double-digit scoring.

DePaul was led by junior guard and All-Big East team recipient Brittany Hrynko who filled the stat sheet with a game-high 15 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Sophomore guard Megan Podkowa came away with 12 points and a game-high 9 rebounds. Senior forward and Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player Jasmine Penny finished with 11 points and 3 rebounds.

The Red Storm held a 3-0 record in Big East tournament finals prior to Monday night, their last title coming in 1988. Despite the loss St. John’s has had a pretty impressive season where they were ranked No. 22 in the nation while breaking the conference record for most consecutive wins against Big East opponents with 11.

“I’m so happy for these young ladies and how they played,” Tartamella said.

“Our season is not over, is what I told them in the locker room.”

St. John’s can only sit and wait until Selection Monday to see if they’ve

PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Aliyyah Handford was held to 13 points by DePaul last night against DePaul.

earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

When asked about their chances Tarta-

mella added, “I think we’ve got a credible resume as we move into selection.”

Money Talk

19

Compensation of Big East basketball coaches KIERAN LYNCH by Brandon Miller) received $1,165,940 and Editor-In-Chief Seton Hall’s Kevin WilJohn Thompson III Georgetown University Compensation: $2,676,836

Jay Wright Villanova University Compensation: $2,489,341

Oliver Purnell DePaul University Compensation: $2,274,592

Buzz Williams Marquette University Compensation: $1,888,881

Brad Stevens Butler University Compensation: $1,165,940 *no longer with team Kevin Willard Seton Hall University Compensation: $1,059,639

Gregory McDermott Creighton University Compensation: $945,725

Christopher Mack Xavier University Compensation: $860,807

Ed Cooley Providence University Compensation: $783,518 PAGE DESIGNED BY MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE

St. John’s men’s basketball coach Steve Lavin, who has been involved in contract-extension talks with the University this season, ranks fourth in total compensation among the 10 Big East head coaches at $2,027,307, according to the most recent tax records available to the public.

The fourth-year head coach in the midst of a six-year contract falls in behind Georgetown’s John Thompson III at $2,676,836, Villanova’s Jay Wright at $2,489,332 and DePaul’s Oliver Purnell at $2,274,592.

The figures are found in each school’s most recent publicly-available 990 tax form, which details the highest-paid employees of the institution. Total compensation includes base, bonus, incentive, retirement, deferred and nontaxable compensation. The most recent records come from 2011-12 filings.

“Steve is coming to the end of the fourth year in his initial sixyear contract and it is an appropriate time to discuss an extension,” Director of Athletics Chris Monasch said in a statement addressing the initial report of contract talks. “We have certainly had preliminary talks and look forward to revisiting the matter at the conclusion of the season.”

Following Lavin, Buzz Williams of Marquette made $1,888,881, former Butler coach Brad Stevens (since replaced

lard took in $1,059,639 to round out those making over $1 million.

Creighton’s Gregory McDermott made $945,725, Xavier ’s Christopher Mack made $860,807 and Providence’s Ed Cooley took

h o m e the least at

The figures are found in each school’s most recent publicly-available 990 tax form, which details the highest-paid employees of the institution. Total compensation includes base, bonus, incentive, retirement, deferred and nontaxable compensation.

The most recent records come from 2011-12 filings.

$783,518. Two of the three new members of the Big East were under the $1 million line, though those salaries reflect years when the teams were in mid-major conferences.

Under Lavin, St. John’s has seen a marked improvement on and off the court. In the coach’s first year, the program returned to the NCAA tournament for the

first time since 2002.

That also led to increased financial gain for the University.

St. John’s program revenue reached a 10year peak of $7,390,398 in 2012 according to numbers the University filed in accordance with the Department of Education’s Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act. That is also the most recent year on record.

Before Lavin’s arrival, the highest amount brought in by the team was $6,435,345 in 2003 when the team won a later-vacated NIT title under Mike Jarvis. In between, the lowest point was hit in $4,041,042 in 2005, in the wake of the various scandals that clouded the end of Jarvis’ era.

Lavin and the other head coaches are all the highest-paid employees of their institutions on record.

“We are pleased with the progress our basketball program has made,” Lavin said in last week’s statement about contract discussions. “I look forward to being the coach at St. John’s for the longterm. At this point our full attention is on having a strong finish to this season, which in turn will help our recruiting efforts as we move forward.”

20

No regrets from Lavin re: schedule

ROY résumés

*Will be announced today

JON PEREZ Sports Editor

This isn’t your father’s Big East.

This isn’t your older brother’s Big East either.

In the year of ups and downs, trials and tribulations and a schedule that saw some familiar foes go on to greener pastures; St. John’s sits on the bubble with only one top 25 win.

In years past, a Big East team with 20 wins would more than likely make the big dance. But with the departures of Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Louisville and UConn which were all in the top 25 at one point or another this season.

St. John’s didn’t have as many opportunities this year to rack up quality conference wins as they could’ve secured last season.

So as the Red Storm hold its destiny in its hands, junior Phil Greene said he wishes the team had more chances to nail down more signature victories.

“They’re great teams,” Greene said. “I like going against elite teams because it brings the best out of all of us. This league still has great teams.”

So while Greene may have wanted more opportunities, head coach Steve Lavin believes that his team’s schedule had enough zest to get recognized.

“We clearly challenged ourselves,” Lavin said. “That’s one of the things the committee always says, ‘Did you challenge yourself?’ There’s always going to be a team in [the NCAA Tournament] that everyone says ‘Wow, how did they get in there with 16 wins and play .500 in their league?’ Well they challenged themselves. Maybe some other team with 26 wins but they didn’t challenge themselves. But naturally we could get 25 or 26 wins and we didn’t challenge ourselves.”

With the Big East Tournament looming, Steve Lavin doesn’t dwell on not having to face old rivals, he says he wouldn’t change a thing about this year’s schedule.

“I don’t think we need to have more Pittsburghs or more Syracuses or UConns or Louisvilles on our schedule,” Lavin said. “I think the schedule is tough enough and we now are at a better place as a result of challenging ourselves. Naturally we’d love to be at 25 wins right now but we’re not and we have to go with what we have and try and get better.”

The only challenge that matters right now is a seemingly win-and-in game on Thursday afternoon against Providence. The Red Storm have had its backs against the wall since January and will play win-or-go home games in the weeks ahead.

PAGE DESIGNED BY MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE

Rysheed Jordan St. John’s 9.4 ppg 3.1 rpg 3.1 apg

Billy Garrett Jr. 12.4 ppg 2.3 rpg 3.1 apg

Josh Hart 7.6 ppg 5.0 rpg 0.8 apg

Tommy Hamilton IV 7.4 ppg 5.0 rpg 0.8 apg

Andrew Chrabacz 6.2 ppg 3.0 rpg 1.0 apg

MADN

NESS

2013/14 All-Big East team

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James Bell Semaj Christon 17.0 ppg 2.8 rpg 4.1 apg

14.9 ppg 6.0 rpg 1.6 apg

D’Angelo Harrison 17.6 ppg 4.7 rpg 1.8 apg

Doug McDermott 26.5 ppg 7.2 rpg 1.6 apg

Bryce Cotton 21.0 ppg 3.6 rpg 5.9 apg

Markel Starks 17.1 ppg 2.1 rpg 4.1 apg

Johnnies on the bubble KIERAN LYNCH Editor-In-Chief

Heading into the Big East tournament, the No. 5-seeded St. John’s men’s basketball team is keenly aware of its place on the NCAA bubble – and how quickly its chances can go from within grasp to either non-existent or reality.

A quarterfinal matchup with No. 4 seeded Providence will go a long way to deciding that fate. The game serves as a virtual play-in game with the loser almost definitely headed to the NIT and the winner likely heading to the Big Dance, according to ESPN bracketology breakdowns.

“I want to be able to turn on ESPN and not see our name on television the whole time on the bubble watch,” junior guard D’Angelo Harrison said yesterday. “When I don’t see that I’ll understand: there it is. Until then I don’t taste the [NCAA tournament] yet. We still have to get there.”

Getting there isn’t the easiest task, even with only 10 teams in the revamped Big East and a start in the quarterfinals. If the 20-win Red Storm can get by the Friars Thursday afternoon, they’ll likely face top-seeded Villanova who is also ranked No. 3 in the nation. Two wins this week would go a long way in solidifying tournament hopes.

“It’s challenging [and] that’s what I think our team takes pride in. When we get down

we bounce back,” junior forward Sir’Dominic Pointer said referring to the team’s slow starts early in the year. “I think [when] we’re the team with our back against the wall we fight out of the corner. That’s what I feel we’re going to do this week. Fight out of the corner and get our way in.”

Head coach Steve Lavin drew parallels between this group that started conference play 0-5 before finishing 10-8 and the UCLA team from 1999-00 season that started Pac-10 play 4-6 and finished 10-8 a month later before making it to the Sweet 16 that March.

“Having navigated a season like that gave me an immediate reference point with this group,” Lavin said. “We talked about that and what an opportunity to be able to author one of the great turnarounds in the history of St. John’s and in this conference.”

With each game making the difference between survival and elimination, Harrison said the pressure is helping to bring out the best in St. John’s.

“Obviously I want to be on the other side of the bubble, but it’s making our team fight harder than ever,” he said. “We’re playing good basketball right now, it’s good to play [it] late.”

Pointer boiled the point down to a sentiment that many St. John’s students and fans can understand as the calendar rolls through March.

“I’m a college student,” Pointer said. “I’m a college basketball player. Of course I follow the bubble. I know exactly where we’re at on the bubble.

“We need to get some wins to put us in,” he added.

22

Mooney Shines In Boston

BRANDON MAUK Staff Writer

This weekend the Track and Field team completed their last indoor meet at the ECAC championships at the Boston University Armory. The team finished 10th overall in team standings with 23 points.

“We are very proud of our second top 10 team showing at the ECAC Championships, head coach Jim Hurt said. “Claire Mooney was stellar today with her win in the 500 meters and as the anchor leg on our runner-up 4x400 meter relay team. We are looking forward to continued success in the upcoming outdoor season.”

Mooney ran 1:12.68 in the finals and the team also placed second in the 4x400 meter relay. In addition to defending her title, Mooney also won the Big East title in this event a few weeks back. She also was one of the athletes that competed in the 4x400 meter relay at the 2013 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore last spring. “I was happy to defend the title I won last year,” Mooney said. “We all did a really great job in finishing second in the relay. I hope to get a big personal best outdoors in the 400 meters and continue enjoying competing with my team.”

Claire Mooney wins the 500 meters at the ECAC championships with a time of 1:12.68.

Other honorable performances included senior captain Rikka Lovely, who closed out her final indoor meet with two gold medals, a silver medal and two of her personal best records. Her 7.48 in

the 60 meter dash was her new personal best and ranked third all time at St. Johns which was .07 seconds faster then the runner-up. Her 23.92 in the 200-meter gave her the second fastest time in school

PHOTO /ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

history, runner-up and All-Big East honors.

The team looks forward to begin their outdoor season starting on the 22nd with a trip to Puerto Rico.

Syracuse Offense Too Much To Handle STEPHEN ZITOLO Staff Writer

The No.19/20 St. John’s lacrosse team participated in the first-ever Cobb County Lacrosse Classic in Georgia against instate rival No. 11/9 Syracuse as the Red Storm’s defense struggled to contain the Orangemen in 14-8 defeat on Saturday evening.

SYRACUSE ST. JOHN’S

ceoff game today and pretty good in the goal, but I thought we were short defensively. We didn’t get the stops we needed to win the game. We’ll go back to work and try to get it right for next Saturday.”

The Red Storm’s (2-3) loss to the Orangemen (3-2) continues the program’s struggles against Syracuse as the Johnnies are now 0-8 all time versus the Orange.

Even with a tough loss St. John’s did come away from the Cobb Classic

with some positives to look forward to.

Junior midfielder Mario Carrera probably had his best performance this season as he went 15-for-23 on faceoff’s, forced one turnover and led the Red Storm with five groundballs. Senior attacker Kieran McArdle, the No. 5 overall pick in the MLL draft, continued to display his goal scoring prowess as he recorded a hat trick and had two assists.

In the first 10 minutes of the game it was a back and forth affair as St. John’s

was only down 4-3. The last three minutes was when the Red Storm defense would begin its struggles and 4-3 would be the closest the Johnnies would get for the rest of the day as Syracuse scored four goals in the final three minutes.

Syracuse Junior attacker Kevin Rice scored a career high four goals to go along with four assists to capture his second eight-point game on the year.

St. John’s will have a chance to get back into the swing of things when they host Georgetwon Saturday.

14

9

St. John’s came out and struggled in the first quarter falling behind Syracuse 8-3 after only one quarter of play. The struggles didn’t stop there; in the two middle quarters of play the Red Storm could only muster up one goal by senior attacker Colin Keegan at the 9:37 mark of the third quarter to put the score at a 12-4 Syracuse lead. The Johnnies tried to storm back into the game as they scored four goals in the last quarter but the clock didn’t allow enough time for St. John’s to come all the way back.

“We’re at the point where we’re having a hard time putting it all together. It seems like it’s a different thing that pops up every game and prevents us from playing our best,” PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS St. John’s head coach Jason Miller said. “We were pretty good in the fa- The Lacrosse team stuck with Cuse’ early but eventually lost, making it zero wins in eight against the Orange.

Baseball wins home opener BRANDON MAUK Staff Writer

After a rough time on the road, perhaps some home cooking is what the St. John’s baseball team needs to get it going.

The Red Storm opened the 2014 season with a 13 game road-trip, going 3-10 against teams including Pepperdine, FAU, and Nebraska. Finally home, they handily beat Iona 7-2 on Tuesday ST. JOHN’S

7

IONA

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The Johnnies are 17-2 under head caoch Ed Blankmeyer in home openers.

lead in half. He went 3 for 4 in the victory to raise his batting average to .412.

“Yeah we started a little slow, I think we were a sluggish coming out but I think we picked it up,” Knightes said.

“We started to have some more good atbats. When I got that hit, I was just trying to put the ball in play and it fell.”

Designated hitter Dixon gave the Johnnies a 3-2 lead two batters later. It was redemption for the freshman, as he grounded out to second with the bases loaded to end the second inning.

“My first at-bat,” Dixon said.“I didn’t get my hands there. My second at-bat I just tried to lift it and get it in the outfield, make something happen.”

“I think they’re stilling trying to find themselves a little bit,” Blankmeyer said of Dixon and Knightes. “Robbie took a

little while to get started but we let him get acclimated the first weekend. And Troy, we’re getting him at-bats, we got to get Troy behind the dish more.”

The Red Storm would go on to score five that inning. They added runs after Dixon’s big hit on RBIs from second baseman Robert Wayman and first baseman Matt Harris and an error on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Tyler Sanchez.

“We’re going to take it one at a time, as the old adage goes. Our approach is to win pitches and win innings, so that’s what we’re trying to do,” Blankmeyer said. “We’re just trying to, offensively, string as many at-bats together to keep the line moving. Bottom line, our pitchers have got to be fastball-command oriented, and if they’re going to get beat, let the bat beat them, not the walk.”

Red Storm fall down south 5-3

ALLAN GOMEZ Staff Writer

St. John’s softball hit the road for a six-game stretch this weekend in Clearwater Fla. in the USF-Under Armor Showcase. Unable to finish with a win the Johnnies dropped the last game to winless Quinnipiac, 5-3.

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Quinnipiac (1-9) was able to score at the top of the first inning thanks to junior catcher Jordan Paolucci RBI single to take 1-0 lead.

But the Johnnies (5-3) responded with three straight runs in the bottom of the second inning by taking advantage of Quinnipiac’s only error of the game.

The Johnnies were able to do this by three straight hits led by junior outfielder Ellen Czubua single to start the rally and finish 2-for-4 for the game. Freshman catcher Kaitlyn Wilkens went 1-for-2 and had a RBI single. Freshman Mackenzie Cleary had a pinch-hit two RBI single to take the early 3-1 lead. But that was it for the Johnnies as they were held scoreless the rest of the way.

“They were just able to get timely hitting and we did not,” head coach Amy Kvilhaug said. “We had nine hits in the game, we just need to play more consistent”

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Leavin’ their Mark

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with the help from some new faces, three freshmen in the starting lineup.

“You know, it feels good,” freshman Troy Dixon said. “We’ve been on the road for a while, a lot of traveling, but we’re back home now so hopefully we get something started.”

They’ll get used to the feeling, as the team now gets to play 12 of their next 13 back at Jack Kaiser Stadium.

“It’s nice to be home,” head coach Ed Blankmeyer said. “I think the guys are a little more comfortable now, get into a little bit of a routine, and you usually play your best baseball [at home], so we’re happy with that.”

After leaving the bases loaded in the second inning and falling behind 2-0 in the fourth, the Johnnies rallied, as third baseman Robbie Knightes laced an RBI single to open the scoring and cut Iona’s

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Pitching also played a huge role for Quinnipiac as they held the Johnnies scoreless for the last five innings to preserve the win.

Junior starting pitcher Hannah Lindsley tossed five innings allowing three earn runs picking up the win for Quinnipiac. Their bullpen also tossed two scoreless innings as sophomore pitcher Sydney Robey picked up the save.

“They just pitched well and they just kept on scratching at us they came to play,” Kvilhaug said. “They just executed and we did not.”

Junior starting pitcher Francesca Car-

rullo earned a no decision lasting only four innings allowing six hits one earned run and Freshman pitcher Grace Kramer (0-2) took the lost in relief lasting only one inning allowing three earn runs.

Quinnipiac was able to score the last four runs in the game scoring twice in the fourth inning, once in the fifth inning and one run in the seventh inning.

The Johnnies finished the USF-Under Armor Showcase splitting the six games going (3-3).

The Johnnies will resume play at the Delaware Spring Invitational beginning Mar. 14 for a four series.

California Love: Men’s tennis wraps up road trip The St. John’s men’s tennis team wrapped up their west coast four-match swing in California as they finished up with a wins over No. 43 Santa Clara, Rice and UC Santa Barbara as well, the Red Storm completed their road trip at 3-1 by also handing the Broncos of Santa Clara they’re second loss of the season.

With huge contributions from freshman, Robert Livi, and junior Lucas Hejhal getting the clincher in singles play. Hejhal also displayed pure dominating play in the doubles competition as well with partner, sophomore Vaidik Munshaw to get their first win as a pair this season.

“This win, beating a ranked opponent, was huge for this team,” said head coach Eric Rebhuhn said. “To go 3-1 on this trip including wins over top programs like Rice, UC Santa Barbara and Santa Clara is great for our confidence entering the second half of the season.”

With the Johnnies returning to Queens, they’re set to prepare for their next matchup against Marist on Thursday, March 20 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Blowin’ in the Wind I want to be on the other side of the bubble, but it’s making our team fight harder than ever.

-D’Angelo Harrison on NCAA chances

Headin’ this Way

Red Storm upcoming schedule

Men’s Basketball Mar. 13

Providence*

Baseball

Mar. 12 FDU Mar. 15 Holy Cross #

Lacrosse TORCH PHOTOS/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The St. John’s Softball team couldn’t fight off the winless Quinnipiac Bobcats.

Mar. 15

Georgetown

Mar. 18

Hofstra

*WSJU Radio

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SPORTS MARCH 12 2014 | VOLUME 91, ISSUE 19 |

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LIFE ON THE BUBBLE

BIG EAST TOURNAMENT COVERAGE PG. 18-21

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