Torch 4/9/2014

Torch adds a new opinion section pg. 6

RELAY FOR LIFE

Real Housewife talks autism pg. 5

Lacrosse loses to Marquette in double overtime pg. 16

STUDENTS RAISE OVER $100,000 FOR CANCER RESEARCH PG. 4 TORCH PHOTO/cheyanne Gonazles

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Samantha Albanese, Editor-in-Chief

Olivia Cunningham, Managing Editor Briawnna Jones Entertainment Editor Diana Colapietro Photo Editor

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Features 990-6445 News 990-6444 Opinion 990-6445 Sports 990-6444

Koehler’s ticket sweeps elections, members look foward to building community

Talia TIrella News Editor

Alexa Vagelatos Opinion Editor

Advisor

Lifestyle Greek Life Three new organizations established on campus.

Lifestyle Pg. 13

Entertainment How I Met Your Mother Finale The Torch reviews the last season of “How I Met Your Mother”

Entertainment Pg. 14

News ‘Cool Runnings’ Olympian Devon Harris talks to St. John’s students about his experience on the Jamaican bobsled team.

News Pg. 4

Sports

Turn to Pg. 16 for the latest in Torch Sports.

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News

FRESH perspective for Student Government, Inc.

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Managing Board XCII

Kyle Fitzgerald Features Editor Natalie Hallak Chief Copy Editor Jenny Chen Asst. Chief Copy Editor Angelica King Advertising Manager

Think Outside...

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Torch photo/Cheyanne Gonzales

New street signs were installed around campus this week.

With approximately 750 to 840 votes for each candidate, Robert Koehler and his FRESH ticket swept this year’s Student Government, Inc. elections. Every candidate won his or her respective seat within S.G.I. Next year, Koehler will be president, Caroline Zottl will be vice president, Justin Alick will be treasurer, Domenick Luongo will be secretary, Ada Lee will be senior senator, Jared Bowman will be junior senator and Chiara Muiccio will be sophomore senator.

Koehler is grateful to voters for their support.

“Their votes reassure us that we have the same vision as the majority [of students] who came out and voted,” Koehler stated. He went on to say his ticket would continue the promises they made while campaigning.

Each member of FRESH is looking forward to having the opportunity to impact all students in a positive way. They have plans in the works that have a focus on student involvement and creating a community environment here at St. John’s, the newly elected ticket said.

Muiccio said, “We really can’t wait to get the ball rolling.”

During their first 100 days in office, FRESH hopes to solidify committees within S.G.I. for the upcoming year. In the spirit of helping student organizations, a main aspect of their platform, they have already started working on an application for leaders within organizations.

Koehler also said that by May they will be able to see what exactly they will be able to do on campus. “We are holding ourselves accountable in a number of different ways, and we can’t wait

photo/Caroline Zottl

Members of FRESH, the winners of this year’s Student Government, Inc. elections.

to make individual relationships with students that will help to create a successful S.G.I.,” said Koehler.

Several of the individual members have distinct plans for their time in office. Koehler seeks to incorporate the student body within S.G.I., and looks forward to seeing exactly where he can take his administration. One of his main goals is to cultivate a feeling of community at St. John’s, and he looks forward to watching this community grow.

Zottl feels similarly, agreeing with Koehler on the point of cultivating a tight-knit community on campus. Muiccio looks forward to getting to know the students better, and letting them know who S.G.I. is and what they can do for the student body.

Koehler stated that Luongo, who was not

present for comment, is eager to establish a line of communication to the student body, informing them of what S.G.I. is doing at all times.

Alick said that, as of now, there is no determined release date for the budget, but it will be “as soon as possible.” FRESH will work on the budget over the summer break. Zottl added that they are currently asking all student leaders of organizations about their budgets in order to get an idea of how to better allocate funds next year.

Slight scandal rocked the campaign when they received a strike from the Elections Committee, according to Elections Committee Chair Monet Zaccarelli. Strikes are typically given for the use of illegal campaign tactics. “We respect the committee’s decision, but we don’t necessarily agree with it,” Koehler said of the stike. The members of FRESH all agree that their cam-

community, students were able to see a totally different side of Trujillo at Relay.

He spoke as not only a member of St. John’s, but as a thankful cancer survivor.

Students were inspired by his powerful words and message of thanks and belief that, as a community, we are making a difference in people’s lives.

“It’s amazing, I’ve been com-

ing to Relay for Life every year since the very beginning and every year, it’s more money, more students that come together to support the cause.

Seeing students come together to relate and support not only those who are affected or to support each other is truly remarkable.

“Relay for Life is different than any

paigning techniques were effective in getting a large number of votes. Koehler said that their technique involved dedication to listening to the demands of the student body and being visible within the community in order to have their faces known. Zottl and Muiccio added that it was important to them to sit down with students and explain what FRESH stood for while making personal connections with students.

Bowman added that FRESH placed a focus on the issues that affect the St. John’s community as a whole, asking students what issues they face right now. Bowman said that FRESH would keep these issues in mind and continue to work on solutions.

Koehler said that he, as well as his fellow candidates, would be around talking to students in order to continue to gauge the extent of issues facing students. “We want to be out there and talking to students to see how we can better their lives here at St. John’s.”

Jennifer Rankin, who ran for president on the IGNITE ticket, did not get the votes she needed to be elected, and neither did the rest of her ticket.

Rankin commented on the results and said, “I’m more worried than I am upset. I don’t see student government being as good as it could be [next year].” Rankin also said that she feels that an entirely new batch of people in student government may hurt organizations and students more than would help them.

“It’s hard, because we deal with a huge budget and with so many organizations who want a part of it. It’s going to be interesting because they’re so different from what we’ve had and I don’t know if that’s a good thing,” Rankin said.

Relay for Life: St. John’s students raise $106,000

joyce jun Staff Writer It’s Friday and all day St. John’s students are ecstatic and grinning from ear to ear about the festivities that will take place that evening. But for what? A concert? A celebrity? A basketball game? As you become curious and ask around, you find out that it is one of St. John’s biggest and most exciting charity events of the year.

Held overnight from Friday evening through Saturday morning, St. John’s held its ninth annual Relay for Life Walkathon in Carnesecca Arena. Over 1,400 students gathered to support those who were affected by cancer and marched around the arena for 12 hours.

This year, the St. John’s community raised $106,000, which will be donated to the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society has been the leading cancer research organization for over 100 years, focusing on finding measures of cancer prevention.

The doors opened at 6 a.m., but students were already in line outside Carnesecca beforehand dressed in their team, organization or color gear.

After entering, students checked in and proceeded to the arena floor to find their respective teams and wait for the opening ceremony.

This year’s keynote speaker was Danny Trujillo, the dean of Student Affairs. Although he frequently speaks at different events within the St. John’s

photo/joyce jun

St. John’s students waiting in Carnesecca before the Relay event began.

other event because it’s one that students talk about well beyond the event, and every time it comes around, I see hope: hope to find a cure, and hope for the future,” said Trujillo.

During the traditional luminaria celebration at the opening ceremony, Carnesecca was brightly lit not by lights, but by purple glow sticks held up by participants.

Lights were held in the air to commemorate those who have passed from cancer.

Nicole Zimmerman, a junior pharmacy student and a member of Lambda Kappa Sigma, held the top spot for donations by teams. She raised the astonishing amount of $12,000.

“Though thankfully I’ve never had anyone in my family be diagnosed, I’ve been around so many people who were or are being affected.

It’s always amazing to see the number of students here and also nice to know you’re coming together for a big cause and for the ultimate good of those around you,” The diverse St. John’s community continually strives to do better and better each year for the relay.

“I’m so proud of us,” Manuel Rosas, a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, said. “Knowing that regardless of names and differences we can come together for one cause, to know that even though small, we are making a difference because we are St. John’s.”

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Jamaican bobsledder, Olympian gives ‘Cool’ lecture Harris shares lessons learned on Jamaican bobsled journey to 1988 Winter Olympics Christopher Brito News Editor, Emeritus

Real Housewife speaks at ‘Light It Up Blue’ Jacqueline Laurita speaks about life with an autistic child at autism awareness event cheyanne Gonzalez Photo Editor

Three-time Olympian and motivational speaker Devon Harris spoke to students and faculty on March 31 about his unanticipated journey with the first-ever Jamaican bobsled team that inspired the Disney film ‘Cool Runnings’.

As part of the University’s Caribbean Writers Series, Harris told the audience the unlikely story of how he and his teammates trained for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada despite not being from a “winter paradise” and about life lessons he learned along the way.

“If someone told me way back then that I’d be speaking to you all in this room at this moment, I would have never believed them,” Harris, who pitched the idea of a bobsled team while serving as a lieutenant for the Jamaica Defense Force, said.

During the lecture, he displayed a slideshow presentation of pictures showing their preparation with obsolete equipment and inadequate conditions for sliding simulations.

Harris says he saw his first bobsled nearly six months before the competition when the team practiced in Lake Placid, New York with the American bobsled team.

He confessed to the audience to being “scared to death” on trial runs in a bobsled, but added he was “hooked in an extraordinary way.”

At one point during their training, Harris said the inexperienced yet confident Jamaican team said “let’s go beat them” to the Americans.

Even though the Jamaican bobsled team didn’t medal at the 1988 Olympic Games, the experience was a success in Harris’ mind because it eliminated the belief that Jamaicans don’t do this event.

“How you see yourself is how the world will eventually see you,” Harris said. “Initially the world won’t see you that way because there will be preconceived notions about who you are and what you are capable of. ‘If you’re Jamaican you can’t bobsled.’ That’s how they saw us. They no longer see us that way.” Following this team’s venture that

year, the Jamaican bobsled returned five out of the next seven Winter Olympics competitions (1992, 1994, 1998, 2002) and most recently competed in Sochi, Russia this past February.

Their initial success and captivating 1988 story even led to a Disney movie with characters based on Harris’ teammates.

As for Harris, he is an athlete ambassador with Right to Play, an international humanitarian organization that uses sports in refugee camps around the world to enhance child development and build communities.

He is also a founder of The Keep on Pushing Foundation, which works to support and enhance the education of disadvantaged children around the globe.

Students throughout the lively lecture were receptive to Harris’ empowering story and message.

“I felt he displayed passion for bobsledding and tried to show everyone there that all the preparation we do in school and community can come into play and create some of the best moments and experiences in an instant,” Andrew Pacura, an administrative studies major, said.

Talia Tirella News Editor Father James Martin, S.J., recently spoke at St. John’s about his new book, “Jesus: a Pilgrimage,” and his travels in the Holy Land that inspired the work.

His book discusses the process of coming to understand the Gospels as

well as Jesus and his nature. During Martin’s visit, he traveled to the Bay of Parables, which he had previously heard about while he was still a Jesuit novice.

This experience stuck with him and is an important influence on his book.

After asking several natives, including a Jesuit priest he was staying with, he finally visited the site and discovered

a remarkable connection. The Bay of Parables is a natural amphitheater, which likely means that Jesus spoke to crowds at the site. The site also contained rocky ground, fertile ground and thorn bushes, which comes directly from several stories in the synoptic gospels.

Martin said he made the connection that when Jesus spoke of these three types of ground, he literally meant the ground at that specific site. Martin told the St. John’s crowd that these three types are related to specific characteristics that we may have within ourselves.

For example, the “thorn bushes” within us may prevent us from following God if we happen to be preoccupied or choked with “thorns” or temptation.

Besides being a New York Times bestselling author, Martin frequently appears in various media outlets. One of his notable appearances is on “The Colbert Report,” of which he is the official chaplain.

In a brief interview with the Torch, Martin said he’s been on the show multiple times since 2007, and at one pointStephen Colbert named him the official chaplain. Martin usually appears on the show once a year.

“It’s tons of fun and a great way to evangelize and a great way to get the message out,” Martin said.

“He is incredibly effective at evangelizing [through media], particularly to people who would otherwise think theology is scary,” Meghan Clark, a professor of theology, said. “Then they can realize

that theology is not so scary, but is in fact about big questions that we want to ask and think about.”

His prominence in the media is not typical for a clergyman, but he feels that it is important for him to connect secular and religious matters in order to better explain certain concepts.

“I think they both inform one another and I think you have to have an understanding of what’s going on in the world in order to be able to comment on it with any sort of thoughtfulness,” Martin stated.

Ken Tompkins, a sophomore philosophy and theology major, said that anyone could understand Martin’s ideas along with his book.

“He’s accessible to every sort of person: the believer, the seeker, even the non-believer,” Tompkins said. “He incorporates his own experience, which invites all of us to get involved and learn more about Jesus.”

Tompkins recommends Martin’s book, and said that the book presumes no previous knowledge of Jesus and explores the nature of Jesus as both human and divine.

When asked what advice he would give to St. John’s students, Martin said, “I wish someone would have told me when I was in college to just become the person you are meant to be. You don’t have to become someone else or pretend to be someone else, and follow the desires that God has given you and to stay true to those.”

The University hosted a Light It Up Blue for Autism event in Marillac Auditorium this past Thursday in order to raise awareness for Autism Speaks. The guest speaker was Jacqueline Laurita from “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.” Laurita spoke about her experience with her son’s autism.

“Autism Speaks is an organization dedicated to funding research to find the cause of autism and increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders.”

Torch PHOTO/diana Colapietro

Devon Harris, three-time Olympian, spoke to St. John’s students about his Jamaican boblsed team, the first of its kind.

Colbert Chaplain chats about ‘Jesus,’ Holy Land travels

torch photo/olivia cunningham

Fr. James Martin speaks to St. John’s students about his new book.

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The School of Education hosted an all-day event for Light It Up Blue, starting with a Mass in St. Thomas More Church, followed by a speech from special guest Laurita.

Laurita became a spokesperson for Autism Speaks when she found out about her son’s diagnosis.

Autism Speaks is an organization dedicated to funding research to find the cause of autism and increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders.

Lauren Ippolito, a sophomore involved in the planning of Light It Up Blue, admired Laurita’s speech.

“She did an amazing job with presenting that within her speech today, with regards to the preparations to Light it Up Blue,” said Ippolito.

Ippolito mentioned Dr. Pame-

la Shea-Byrnes, who recently passed away, and her involvement with the Light It Up Blue event.

“Pamela Shea-Byrnes was originally the one who started the group here at St. John’s,” said Ippolito. “When she was here, Pam was very close to my heart, so I knew I had to be a part of this event.”

Laurita said that her older children, Ashlee and CJ, have been supportive and patient with her son Nicholas’s diagnosis, but CJ’s support is what she admires.

“CJ doesn’t judge other kids,” Laurita said. “He’s very open and loving to everyone and I think that’s from being around his brother.”

Laurita announced that, because her time with “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” is over, she can spend more time with her family and writing books.

Laurita mentioned how autism affects her and her family’s day-to-day lives.

Nicholas’s diagnosis brought positive views.

“It affects your life in a good way, makes you appreciate things in life,” Laurita said.

Autism Speaks is an organization founded by NBC Universal chairman and CEO Bob Wright and his wife Suzanne to help research causes and raise awareness of autism, which led

the United Nations to the declaration of April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. Autism Speaks advocates for the needs of people with autism and their families.

“All the proceeds that are given throughout the month of April will be going to Autism Speaks,” Ippolito said.

“CJ doesn’t judge other kids,” Laurita said. “He’s very open and loving to everyone and I think that’s from being around his brother..”

Jacqueline Laurita

“Our whole environment has changed,” Laurita said. “It’s so easy for it to consume your life and become your world, but you have to remember the things that you are passionate for.”

She spoke on how the effects of

Jacqueline Laurita and her husband Chris spoke during the Light It Up Blue event.

the following deaths: deaths of soldiers during the War on Terrorism, deaths due to abortion, deaths due to not having clean water, and deaths due to suicide.

The Graveyard of Innocents is a national event that is done by chapters of Students for Life each year. The chapter at St. John’s University has been hosting the event for the past several years, and included it as part of Culture of Life Week this year.

The group posted flyers and statistics around campus and via social media to educate the school on the various issues they represented.

The week also included other programs and events focused on advocating for these issues.

However, not everyone was in agreement with the message the crosses sent.

“It is suggesting that this is a graveyard for dead babies, and that women who choose to abort are murderers and I really disagree with that message,” said sophomore Stephanie Cruz.

In response Campus Minister Muratore said “Each sign we post has ‘#studentsforlife #studentsforlove,’ so if nothing else we want our message to include what Christ asked us each to do—to love one another.”

The white crosses on the Great Lawn represent deaths from various causes.

TORCH PHOTO/ DIANA COLAPIETRO

Cross confusion: explaining the ‘Graveyard of Innocents’ on the Great Lawn Saharin Sultana Staff Writer A few weeks ago, students may have noticed white crosses lined up on the Great Lawn in the mock formation of a graveyard.

The “Graveyard of Innocents” was set up as part of Campus Ministry’s second annual “Culture of Life Week” which was intended to advocate and educate students on life issues.

Students involved raised awareness on issues including but not limited to abortion, suicide, homelessness, hunger, the death penalty and child abuse.

However, due to bad weather and scheduling, many students were left in a state of confusion as to what the crosses actually meant.

“I saw them and assumed they were to create awareness for veterans and others who died,” said senior Wilfred Curioso. “It would be clearer if there were a huge sign in front of it.”

Loramarie Muratore of Campus Ministry explained that after a week of constantly hammering the crosses and signs back, they had to eventually resort to completely removing them because of the wind and snow.

Each cross represented 100 of

photo/Courtesy of campus Ministry

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Opinion Staff Editorial XCII

Samantha albanese

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Illustrator’s Corner

Editor-in-Chief

OLIVIA CUNNINGHAM Managing Editor

ON LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS

TALIA TIRELLA News Editor

JACK

BRIAWNNA JONES Entertainment

Special to the Torch

KYLE FITZGERALD Features Editor

Love is a match; bright, intense, beautiful - gone before you know it, leaving you blind in the dark.

There are some really simple formulas that have been applied to love and relationships, and many factors can really drive a wedge in a relationship, especially distance.

Pretty much the strongest and longest of teenage and college relationships can end in heartbreak, and will crumble when faced with long miles and endless Skype dates.

If your budding relationship is coming into fruition, then the fear of being long distance over this summer is real. The first and best thing to do is establish how seriously you and your significant other are taking your relationship. This will determine either a messy breakup or a nice mature one that will end on good terms, friendship and high fives.

Communication is key. Spending three long summer months apart will be hard, especially if you are used to seeing each other every day.

Some people think college is a time for dating and doing adult things, like getting drunk and hooking up with people.

STEPHEN ZITOLO Sports Editor ALEXA VAGELATOS Opinion Editor

FLAMES OF THE TORCH Editorial Board XCII: Welcome

Please allow us to introduce ourselves! Our name is, well, you know the rest. As the Torch’s 92nd group of editors, we are honored to say we have the opportunity to represent such a publication.

Our mission is to keep it real with both the students and members of our St. John’s community. We’re working with a clean slate here and staying loyal to the ethics of journalism and the values of the Torch, while remaining true to you is our goal. To say that we are ashamed or not proud of editorial boards in the past is not true. The message we are trying to get across is that we plan to handle things differently than they did.

As a new board, we want St. John’s University to know that our door is always open.

We’ve been told that over the years the relationship between us and the student body hasn’t always been fluid. But, we are all students at St. John’s: therefore, we are one community. As a publication, we want people to see us as an outlet to which can serve as a voice of the students. We also want to maintain the trust and the image that we will remain the role as watchdog of our University and we will continue to take it very seriously.

We welcome all students to express their talents in various forms here at the Torch. Whether you’re a writer, singer, dancer, artist, athlete or politician, we want to work with you. The Torch provides you with relevant up-to-date news about what’s going on in our community, but our purpose also is to shine a light on the lesser-known talents that

our peers possess.

Below is a list of the new editors and what we as an editorial board hope to accomplish and improve on within our time at The Torch.

Samantha Albanese, a junior journalism major who intends to bring a fresh perspective and enforce the opendoor policy at the Torch, is Editor in Chief.

Olivia Cunningham, a junior journalism major who intends to help execute the team’s vision and take the Torch to new heights is Managing Editor.

Talia Tirella, a first-year journalism major who intends to inform the St. John’s Community, is News Editor.

Kyle Fitzgerald, a sophomore journalism major who intends to expand the features section, which he has contributed to greatly through his study abroad columns, is Features Editor.

Alexa Vagelatos, a junior communications major who intends to allow students to express themselves freely, is Opinion Editor.

Briawnna Jones, a junior communications major who intends to bring student life to lifestyle, is Entertainment Editor.

Stephen Zitolo, a sophomore journalism major who intends to be the top source for Red Storm sports, is Sports Editor.

Laurice Rawls, a junior journalism major who intends to expand our Twitter presence, is Online Editor.

Cheyanne Gonzales, a freshman journalism major who intends to change the image of student newspapers, is Photo Editor.

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/NICOLE MARINO

Society makes you believe something is wrong with you if you aren’t married in your mid-to-late twenties. What’s wrong with that is if you only have been in a few serious relationships, it’ll be hard to determine what it is you really like or actually really need in a life partner.

Dating and meeting new people really helps define what it is you like in another person. These are all things you have to consider when deciding whether or not a long distance relationship between the ages of 18-21 is really worth your time.

Either way, relationships shouldn’t make you feel like you’re being tied down. If distance seems scary, then take it as a sign of maturity, either on your end or your significant other’s. It’s not wrong to be honest and say you don’t think being together will work out over the summer.

You both will be back for the fall.

So you can pick things back up then, or maybe you’ll both realize it’s better to be friends. Distance could be a bad thing for relationships, but it’s very healthy for understanding independence.

If you and your significant other do decide to tough it out through the summer, then at least we live in the modern age and there are cars and trains and planes and the internet.

As long as you’re both committed, things will work out, and like I said, at least you can have romantic Skype dates.

JILL

Special to the Torch All semester long, you’ve hung out with your boyfriend and his suitemates in his room, or the lounge, while your friends reeked of envy as they sat around waiting for their guys to answer their Skype calls. Now the summer is approaching, and the roles are going to switch. As your girl pals head back home to their men, you and your boyfriend head in separate directions. In your mind, whether it’s a 30-minute train ride or a five-hour flight, it feels like a thousand miles is about to be between you and your honey.

But don’t fret. A summer apart can do some good. As cliché as it might seem, absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Just think! How can you miss someone that is always around? Just think about all of the new appreciations you will have when you get home, like the new appreciation you now have for your family since you’ve been away at college. Distance isn’t necessarily always bad. It can help teach your heart and mind to cherish the love you already have.

Just because it seems like a million miles between you two does not mean you cannot grow together. Being apart will give the relationship a chance to grow in itself. Anyone can feel butterflies

when their lips are touching. A summer apart will give you the chance to see if there is a connection beyond the physical. Take this chance to get to know each other better by talking on the phone, writing letters and sending each other sweet gifts. You will be surprised what you learn when the physical is no longer present. Remember not to be so negative.

Long distance does not mean that your relationship is ‘done-zo.’

Living in this new age of technology means anything is possible… literally anything (wink). But let’s face it. Intimacy is not the only thing you are going to miss. It hurts to think of all those dates to Montgoris and romantic strolls down Union Turnpike that will have to come to a halt. Remembering that technology has provided other ways to spend time together is comforting. It’s as simple as downloading Google Chrome, so the two of you can share screens to play games, watch movies, order from the same restaurant and have a Skype date, or send each other memory trinkets.

Regardless, any distance put between relationships is the ultimate testament if it is meant to be. Obstacles will arise but with commitment and tons of Skype, everything will be all right. The best thing you can do for a summer apart is to believe in your love and keep the faith strong until the fall.

What we’ve learned from the MH370 Mystery SABBA MANYARA Contributing Writer If I happen to lose my cellphone, I’m reassured by the fact that the Find My iPhone app can track its exact location in the world and I can act accordingly.

One would only think that there would be a similar Find My Airplane program in existence for large, expen“One would only think that there would be a similar ‘Find my Airplane’ program in existence for large, expensive aircraft...” sive aircraft carrying valuable human lives, right? When I first read that a plane had gone missing over the Indian Ocean, I skipped over the headline expecting that it would be found on a remote island somewhere in a matter of days.

As days turned to weeks, however, the world lost all hope of finding the 239 people on board. Over two dozen countries joined in the search for the missing

outlets abandoned their better senses and scrambled to satisfy the public’s craving for Scooby-Doo-type mystery plane and Fairfax Media reports that $53 million has been spent so far on the search efforts, making it the costliest aviation search in history. Here are four things we have learned about the world from the mystery that surrounds the fate of Malaysia Flight MH370.

1. Technology is not as advanced and applied as we thought.

On April 3 it was reported that scientists found water on Saturn’s moon. Saturn is 1.2 billion kilometers away from Earth.

One would have thought that in 2014, with all the advances in technological knowledge, we’d have steps in place to ensure that the whereabouts of aircraft, especially commercial planes, are always known.

All the radar and global positioning technology we have today aren’t as comprehensive after all.

2. In the absence of definitive answers, everyone is an expert.

Since flight MH370 was reported missing, countless explanations have been offered about what could have happened to the ill-fated plane.

Everyone from terrorist groups to Russian spies to aliens to God have been blamed. Even reputable news sources like CNN joined in the guesswork, irritating the loved ones of those missing who were eagerly anticipating real answers. This brings me to my next point.

3. The world prefers to hear meaningless speculation over real news.

While we were all captivated by the missing plane mystery, internationally significant events continued around the globe: bombs rained over Damascus, Russia took over Crimea and nuclear talks with Iran screeched to a halt. News

“...It was moving to hear that 26 countries were all working together in the Indian Ocean to find the missing Malaysian plane.” solving. While we could point our fingers accusingly at the media for deserting good journalism, we the public created the demand for the fantasy storytelling in the first place.

4. The world can unite for a common goal.

Considering how the world powers have been failing to agree over much lately, it was moving to hear that 26 countries were all working together in the Indian Ocean to find the missing Malaysian plane.

It showed us that we’re living in a truly global environment, one where the greater good trumps all our differences.

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Think Outside...

Lifestyle ANN MARIE TURTON Staff Writer Nick Cannon’s latest shocking musical ventures left some people scratching their heads. His new album which is strangely entitled “White People Party Music” was released on April 1st. The America’s Got Talent host stirred up some controversy recently when he posted videos of himself on Instagram dressed up as a white man named “Conor Smallnut.” Shamefully decked out in white face and sporting a blonde wig, glass- es and a beanie, the 33-year-old posted the insulting videos along with equally embarrassing captions that included several racially insensitive hash tags. Some of these hashtags included: #DogKissing #BeerPong #FarmersMarkets #FistPumping. The posts sparked a serious backlash in the social media sphere as people took to Twitter and Instagram calling him a racist. This the first time Cannon has been embroiled in such a scandal, but the comedian stated he was only having fun and that people were taking him too seriously. “Duuuude everybody Chil-lax!!!!” ~ Connor Smallnut” Cannon posted on Twitter.

Instagram/NickCannon

Love and Hip Hop Atlanta star Benzino was shot by his nephew Gai Scott while attending his mother’s funeral this week in his hometown of Boston. The star hinted at behind the scenes squabbling between the two over money as a pos-

sible motive for the hit. “Blood does not always mean love”, the recuperating reality star stated from his Boston hospital bed. However, the shooting was only half of the sketchy story.

The issue was not the fact that people did not believe the rap star was shot but what he and his friends, Stevie J, and his business partner David Mays did to prove themselves that raised a few eyebrows. Both Mays and Stevie J posted selfies of Benzino in his hospital bed to Instagram to showcase just how real the shooting really was. Regardless of who came up with the idea for the posts, Benzino is now recovering from his gunshot wounds.

Rihanna and Drake have been an on again off again item since the spring of 2009 according to urban gossip site, Global Grind, which chronicled the couples entire dating history in a recent article. They have had their share of highs and lows with the lowest of the low coming as Chris Brown and Drake squared off over her in an NYC club back in 2012. The two have recently have been spotted together leaving nightclubs holding hands and dining out in London. Rihanna has been photographed jet setting all-over as she accompanies Drake the European leg of his Would You Like a Tour (W.Y.L.A.T.).

Though they haven’t always been on the best of terms, the dynamic twosome would break a lot of hearts if there were truth to these rumors. Although the duo has yet to release a public statement, photos obtained by TMZ of the two holding hands, are making it pretty hard to deny. Time will tell, but for now fans will catch the hints in “Days in the East” as he raps about a ladylove over a sample to Rihanna’s “Stay.”

Keys and Kendrick debut song Team Breezy stays ‘loyal’

Alicia Keys dropped a new record this week with a feature from Compton’s very own Kendrick Lamar. The song was produced by the one and only Pharrell Williams and will be featured on “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”’s film/soundtrack.

Kendrick opens the track, rapping over a rock and roll beat, dropping verse after verse effortlessly, showing the world, once again, why he is a crowd favorite. It then takes a turn with Keys coming on the track with her soft vocals, singing a disco/ groovy melody. It definitely has a ‘super-hero’ upbeat tempo that would be perfect for the movie, which makes it no surprise that the film will be using it in its ending credits. The soundtrack will be available for fans on April 22 and the film will be in theaters on May 2.

As he spends his time locked away, Chris Brown’s management has decided to move forward with promotion for his upcoming album, dropping the video for his new single “Loyal” this past week. The song features rappers Lil Wayne and Tyga, who drop hot verses on the track, making it an instant club banger.

From Brown’s smooth vocals to his dance moves, anyone will be captivated. Even when he is being silly, there is no denying Brown’s talent. The fun video even has cameos from R&B singers Trey Songz and Usher, who casually sing along to the lyrics while hanging out with Brown at LA’s photo /JIVE Records Universal Studios CityWalk. The video has reached over 17 million views, showing Team Breezy is definitely still in effect and supporting Brown as he faces up to four years behind bars for violating parole.

screenshot/YOUTUBE

Jay Z and Drake beef it up?!

photo/wordontheroad.ent

What happens when you mix Drake, Jay Z and Rolling Stone magazine together? A new hiphop beef that has led to a series of fierce verses. “The Pound Cake” rappers are currently at odds after an interview Drake did with Rolling Stone. In the magazine, Drake referred to the Brooklyn native as “corny,” saying, “It’s like Hov can’t drop bars these days without at least four art references.” Never shying away from any beef, Jay Z responded to the diss by dropping a verse on Jay Electronica’s record “We Made It,” saying, “Sorry Mrs. Drizzy for so much art/Silly me, rappin’ ’bout shit that I really bought.” While many feel the heavyweight rapper had brought the beef to an end in a classy manner, Drake fired back with a verse on his newest track “Draft Day.” He potentially ended the feud with the lines, “We all do it for the art so I can never hate though,” turning the beef into a friendly competition. Compiled by Ashley Pure

photo/wordontheroad.com

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Keeping up with Kim & Kanye’s Vogue

LAURICE RAWLS Online Editor

From the moment the Vogue cover was released via Instagram/Twitter by Kanye West and Kim Kardashian on March 21, the world changed forever.

Not moments but seconds after the cover was released the couple affectionately known as KimYe caused complete and utter chaos on every social media site.

Kim tweeted, “This is such a dream come true!!! @VogueMagazine for this cover! OMGGGGGG!!! I can’t even.”

Her pure bliss definitely caught the eyes of the 20.5 million followers on Twitter and plus some.

Many disagreed with Vogue’s decision to have the #WORLDSMOSTTALKEDABOUTCOUPLE on the front cover of the most prestigious fashion magazine in the world.

While millions were overjoyed, there were many fashion lovers threatening to cancel their subscriptions, feeling that Vogue was no longer high fashion.

As soon as the magazine was released, the rumors started.

One was that Kanye begged Anna Wintour, the current editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, for the cover, to which she responded, “You may have heard that Kanye begged me to put his fiancé on the cover… He did nothing of the sort.”

In her letter from the editor’s note, Wintour addressed the naysayers and the contoversy surrounding the pair inside Vogue.

She applauded Kim for her bravery and courage for turning her now-infamous sextape into a multi-million dollar empire that includes everything from

Kardashian Kollection to the growing “Keeping Up With The Kardashian” reality franchise.

Aside from the controversy and the avid readers who decided to pass on the April issue, all can agree that they are both happily in love and baby Nori (North West) is adorable.

The photographs inside give a true glimpse into the glamorous life of the West family as Kim sparkles in white and Kanye looks suave in leather pants holding a naked baby North graciously in his arms.

Kim, the bride-to-be, is photographed in two separate wedding dresses, giving readers the spell-binding atmosphere of what it may be like while she prepares for her May wedding to the fiancé she calls “Yeezus.”

The article describes the fabulous lifestyle of KimYe, giving outsiders an inside look of their high-profile relationship.

They both seem to care very little about what the world thinks about their relationship.

“Kim is like a fantasy, period,” West says. “She’s like a dream girl. And I think a dream girl should live in a dream world.”

Inside the spread Kim can be seen living in her ultimate dream land, in a shot that leaves viewers able to imagine a typical day of the world’s hottest reality star.

That would include a ultra glam squad, spiratic trips to Paris where the couple take strolls inside the Palace of Versailles and designs custom made by Givenchy creator director Ricardo Tisci.

Through talk of their living in Kris Jenner’s house, over the top nuptials and love of Paris, readers get the scoop on all that is KimYe through the pages of Vogue.

The soon-to-be Wests’ pose for celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz for Vogue’s, April cover.

Walking Dead season finale a true thriller DOMINIQUE MUSA Staff Writer

The Walking Dead is a show that constantly delivers every season. The combination of flesh-eating zombies with the question of humanity in a world with obstacles and death around every corner makes for a groundbreaking su-

pernatural drama.

Season 4 was an emotional roller coaster of people trying to find and establish their changing selves in this new world.

Within the first episode of the season, we were introduced to an integrated prison. Former Woodbury residents, new comers and the remainder of the original

Walking Dead ends season four with a record breaking 15.7 million viewers.

prison group live together peacefully.

To reinforce this new age of harmony, we were also introduced to a new Rick— one who has since created a council and has assumed the role of a farmer instead of a leader.

After this peek of sanctuary, we are quickly brought back to reality. The prison faced an unprecedented threat in zombie history: sickness.

An outbreak of a vicious illness disrupts the hardly fought for happiness and safe haven the prison provided.

This flu-like illness ripped through the prison, turning those who did not receive medication in time into walkers and saving those who did.

With wellness on the horizon, a looming and unaccounted-for threat approached The Governor. He initially looked like a changed man but the man we all love and hate quickly re-emerged.

The Governor’s reign of terror finally came to a head resulting in an epic fight between Rick and The Governor.

The Governor’s invasion of the prison and its chaotic conclusion helped lay the groundwork set to break loose mid-season.

In the second half, the survivors of the prison assault were broken up into groups. This left good people trying to survive in a world full of bad people and bad choices.

Before long, all of the groups are in-

troduced to Terminus.

“Those who arrive survive” cited a cryptic message displayed on maps along the train tracks, setting the end game for the season.

In the season finale, Rick, Carl, Michonne and Daryl are at the mercy of a group of ruthless marauders out for revenge and blood.

With the eminent rape of his son and he deaths of the others, Rick has had enough and finally snaps–helping to brutally kill the marauders.

After this night of terrors, we get emotional revelations from both Carl and Michonne. Carl fears that he cannot be the man that his father wants him to be. Michonne reveals that change is possible because she has changed thanks to Rick and the others, but most importantly because of Carl.

Once arriving at the too perfect Terminus, the group indeed finds out that it is too good to be true, getting a glimpse at the cult-like horrors of Terminus.

They have a bittersweet reunion with their prison family and new additions inside of a locked storage crate.

Overall, season 4 did not disappoint nor did it sugarcoat the controversial elements featured.

The season ended by bringing over 15.7 million viewers, breaking rating records and leaving fans with wagging tongues wanting more.

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Kyle’s Column: Friday night sights

KYLE FITZGERALD Features Editor

It was 7:00 p.m. on Friday when I began to hear a periodic muffling in my stomach. After identifying the cause to be hunger, I set my compass towards adventure. And what better place to start than Kirkstall Fisheries?

After my 10 minute walk up Kirkstall Lane I arrived at my first destination of the evening: my local fish n’ chips shop.

It’s a very simple and small space; maybe holding 10 people inside it.

But it is a festive one, with multi-coloured lights adorning the outside wall.

Anyways, I placed my order and was soon handed a partly-transparent wrapping of fish n’ chips with salt and vinegar (which I now prefer over ketchup).

After I learned that they also sell battered Mars and Snickers bars I exited Kirkstall Fisheries.

My next stop: Kirkstall Abbey Park.

By the time I arrived at the park it was maybe 7:45 p.m. I passed the wild daffodils and found the bench closest to the River Aire.

As I began to sink my teeth into my meal of the day, I took a moment to observe my surroundings. In front of me was the rive, but it was the background

that notably drew my attention.

Beyond the river was the Brewery, my living space until the end of May. Along the road and even beyond that was illuminated by the street lamps lining the road.

And then as my eyes began to upwardly scroll, the orange luminescence pressed against the musky purple-blue sky.

Then my eyes went back to the foreground, and as my ears focused on the dull roar of the canal I was passed by the occasional duck and even a pair of swans.

Not a bad place for a Friday night dinner, right?

Following my fancy feast I strolled about the park. I’ve been here a couple times before in the day time, but wanted to know how the evening affected its appearance. It is a bit more eerie during the evening, but I guess that most ruins would be.

But what is the deal with this place, anyways? Why would I care to learn about it at all?

Less known than that famous coronation spot in Westminster, the Kirkstall Abbey is incredibly well preserved for being in ruins for over 400 years. This abbey was actually a monastery that housed monks of the Cistercian order.

It came about in the year 1152 when a fellow named Henry de Lacy made a

promise to Mary that he would create an abbey should he recover from a serious illness. And he did, so he did.

But how did this Cirstecian monastery cease to exist? Well, King Henry VIII had a large part to do with that. You know, the king famous for having the many wives.

He was also the basis for a song by Herman’s Hermits. It’s an awful song; “Less known than that famous coronation spot in Westminster, the Kirkstall Abbey is incredibly well preserved for being in ruins for over 400 years. This abbey was actually a monastery that housed monks of the Cistercian order.”

incredibly catchy, though.

Anyways, Henry VIII ordered that all priories, convents, monasteries, and friaries be disbanded.

This followed him passing an order that separated England from Papal authority because he wasn’t granted an annulment.

This five year period that spanned from 1536 to 1541 became known as “The Dissolution of the Monasteries.”

And the Cirstecian monastery, now Kirkstall Abbey, was forced to be disbanded as well.

This monastery, unlike most, has remained well-preserved. It is even a Grade I listed building, meaning not too many places look as good as or better than this one.

It wasn’t until this time I viewed the Abbey, though, that I actually realized how well preserved it was.

As I walked by the church I turned my head right to see the almost-intact church.

Aside from the roof and the stained glass, it seems everything is there.

Having visited Westminster Abbey as well (which obviously loads me with all sorts of credibility and validity in this statement), I can say that my local Abbey is much more surreal than that of its much more well known compatriot.

Sure, it may not have been the place where Will and Kate got hitched, or it may not be the potential grave site for William Shakespeare, but walking by this place with absolutely no expectations I could only be impressed.

So there you have it; a local Friday night adventure lasting approximately two hours.

And all this started because I was hungry, just another reason why you should always listen to your stomach.

Three new Greek organizations join campus community

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Kappa Phi Beta sorority becomes Alpha Sigma Alpha, Sigma Pi fraternity is established, Alpha Phi Omega provides service-based opportunity

APO: leadership, friendship, service

KORI WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Service organization Alpha Phi Omega is on its way to becoming a chartered fraternity on the St. John’s campus.

Alpha Phi Omega is a non-Greek, co-ed brotherhood that embodies the principles of leadership, friendship, and service. With about 50 members thus far, the group has completed over 1,300 hours of service just this semester.

Mairead Carr, president of the St. John’s petitioning group, said that these service hours have gone to serve organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and, Immigrant Advancement Matters and to make care packages for those serving in the military. The organization nationally teams up with others, such as The American Cancer Society - Relay for Life, America’s Promise Alliance, Youth Service America and more.

Some of St. John’s own administrators have been members, including Christina Blanchard, who works in the department of Student Affairs.

“Joining a group that helped me to challenge my boundaries and befriend people that I may not have befriended naturally helped me grow personally and professionally,.”

Blanchard said. She joined the organization during her sophomore year at SUNY Oswego and remained with them until she graduated. Blanchard credits the fraternity with the kind of friendship and support that helped her through trying times.

The principle of friendship is a vital pillar to the fraternity as well. The group is always open to new members and accepts all who wish to join regardless of gender, major, or their affiliation with another fraternity or sorority.

“We accept anyone who is willing to give Alpha Phi Omega time and energy,” Carr said. “It is our belief that everyone can be a leader and a friend, while also giving back to the community.”

Although interest in APO on campus is recent, the fraternity has been around since the early 1920s.

According to the fraternity’s official website, it was founded by World War I veteran Frank Reed Horton at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. After his deployment, Horton focused on helping young people succeed in life by instilling in them a “sense of manhood that would withstand the test of time” as well as try to help world powers avoid war when settling conflicts.

According to the organization’s website, there currently are over 375 chapters across the country and about 10-15 chapters are added a year, with goal of having 500 by 2025.

After gathering interest from the administration in 2012, APO has been working towards meeting the requirements of being chartered.

Blanchard stated the fraternity is already recognized by Student Government, Inc. and plans on being recognized as a chapter by the University and the national organization next semester.

Alpha Sigma Alpha aims for excellence as new sorority

OLIVIA CUNNINGHAM Managing Editor

After a three-year nationalization process, the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority became a partof St. John’s Greek Life again on February 1.

The Alpha Sigma Alpha Gamma Phi chapter, which was formerly the local sorority Kappa Phi Beta, has the mission of developing “women of poise and purpose,” according to former Greek Advisor Maggie Bach, who is herself a member of ASA. “It’s been a lot of work and different from what we were used to, but it’s rewarding and exciting,” chapter president Anna DellaRatta said.

Bach was part of the chapter’s transition from beginning to end.

“In 2011, the Panhellenic Council voted to open for expansion, to allow Kappa Phi Beta to find a national organization to affiliate with,” Bach explained. “This opening was posted in a bulletin that is sent to all 26 of the National Panhellenic Conference Sororities. Applications were

received and Alpha Sigma Alpha was chosen by the women of Kappa Phi Beta for affiliation.”

“The women felt that reinstalling a former chapter of St. John’s University would help them stay connected to the history of the university,” Danielle Davis explained. As the chapter’s leadership consultant, Davis played a guiding role in the transition, teaching the sisters the history of ASA and their responsibilities as members.

“Alpha Sigma Alpha was interested in re-colonizing at St. John’s and after meeting with national representatives we realized that ASA was a great fit for us,” junior Tracy Mikulewicz said. “They promote a lot of the same values and aims as Kappa Phi Beta.”

Mikulewicz, an actuarial science major, pledged Kappa Phi Beta in spring 2012.

“The process for a local sorority to affiliate with a national one is a very long, but exciting process,” Bach said.

The process has several steps: after Kappa Phi Beta chose to be affiliated with ASA, a national representative came to campus to “in-

stall the colony,” Bach said.

This happened in the fall of 2013. After the colony is installed, the chapter goes through a training process to prepare them for initiation.

“The transition went really well,” Mikulewicz said.

“We spent the fall semester learning about Alpha Sigma Alpha before getting officially installed as a chapter. There were definitely challenges along the way, but it really brought us closer together as a sorority.” “This group was able to move quickly through the colonization process because they have had previous experience in a sorority,” Davis said.

“We never had sisters outside of our chapter, so being a part of an organization that has over 90 chapters is inspiring,” DellaRatta, a junior advertising major, said. “The letters we wear are shared with women across the country who share the same values and live the same aims.

It’s a great feeling and Alpha Sigma Alpha has provided us with that,” said DellaRatta, who joined Kappa Phi Beta in fall 2012.

The Gamma Phi chapter of ASA was first established

at St. John’s in 1969. They left campus in the early 1970s for unknown reasons.

Both Davis and DellaRatta mentioned the sisters’ diversity as one of their strengths.

“Alpha Sigma Alpha is different because they are diverse,” Davis said. “They realize the importance of grouping together different personalities. Even though they are all different, they all share a common interest and bond.”

“I pride myself on the diversity of my organization,” DellaRatta said. “I’m also proud of our ability to recruit the most genuine, dedicated girls who I am proud to not only call my sisters, but my true friends as well.”

The founding sisters of ASA welcomed their first pledge class last weekend.

Davis foresees a bright future for the group.

“This group is very involved in community service and philanthropy, so I see themcontinuing to give back to the community,” she said. “They continue to push themselves to constantly be better.”

Sigma Pi hopes to shine as new international fraternity VALERIE JUAREZ Contributing Writer

St. John’s University has recently taken in Sigma Pi, an international fraternity new to the Greek community on campus.

The fraternity was colonized on February 23 with 35 brand new members. In the few months succeeding its colonization, Sigma Pi has been making an impact on campus with participation in the ACE Project (altruistic campus experience) and events such as Relay for Life, where it raised about $1,400 in just two weeks.

“Expansion consultants came over to St. John’s and recruited 35 amazing guys. They were active Sigma Pi members who work at headquarters over in Tennessee”, Tyler DeFranco, Vice President of Sigma Pi said.

Sigma Pi expansion consultants got numbers for potential new members from the Inter-fraternity Council. They also reached out to other sororities on campus such as Delta Phi Epsilon and Gamma Phi Beta to get recruits from active sisters.

“I can speak about this on behalf of my other brothers. We looked into other fraternities and it wasn’t what we really looked for”, DeFranco said. “Sigma Pi is not only what we are looking for but we get to make the fraternity what we want it to be. We can make the presence

what we want it to be. It really starts with us and stops with us”.

The new member education process works differently for the new members of Sigma Pi. To become a founding father one must go through a rigorous selection process. The candidates have certain degrees and checkpoints they need to fulfill with nationals. It is like pledging or being a new member of any other fraternity or sorority. The one difference is that they do not get big brothers as mentors. They have to take a national test like any other organization and work towards that according to DeFranco.

“We are all new members. We are working on chartering. One of the biggest mix-ups we get is hearing: ‘Hey did you guys cross yet?’ We didn’t technically cross yet but we are brothers of Sigma Pi,” DeFranco said. “We started wearing letters about a week ago to advertise Greek Week. We are trying to make more of a presence on campus with the letters since we are obviously allowed to wear them.”

Being the fledgling in the Greek community can be intimidating and challenging. With the other fraternities and organizations on campus, one of the biggest concerns is whether Sigma Pi is receiving the respect deserved from the rest of the Greek Community.

“We all agree that respect is earned; it isn’t given. We take it as a challenge.

I feel like my brothers have earned the

respect,” DeFranco said. “I know the community is still up for judgment and they’re going to be. We are extremely hard working. Just because we haven’t crossed per se, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be respected. We are just like Kappa Sigma or Pi Kappa Phi or Sigma Chi Beta or any of them. I feel like we have earned our respect. We are outreaching meeting new people and we have connections in many sororities including Delta Phi Epsilon.”

With Greek Week now here, the brothers of Sigma Pi started off strong, winning third place in the Greek Week Banner Competition.

“I am personally most excited for Lip Synch. We have been working hard on it,” DeFranco said. “We just started practicing two weeks ago. All 35 brothers are going to be participating. We are going to make a fool of ourselves just like everyone else. We are also looking forward to basketball. I know a whole bunch of brothers are also excited for the trivia.”

DeFranco, who currently holds the position as Sigma Pi’s Vice President on e-board, had to go through a rigorous process in order to get elected. Everyone who has a position on eboard had to submit applications and partake in interviews with nationals.

“We don’t want to be the stereotypical fraternity. We will be recruiting with the intangibles and other things that other fraternities do not see,” DeFranco said.

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Hypnotic ‘Haaave you met the mother?’ indie rock LP ‘Salad Days’ NIKKI DJOKOVICH Contributing Writer

Mac Demarco Salad Days

If Mac Demarco’s first record, the aptly titled “2” proved anything, it was that Demarco had a true penchant for penning funk-heavy tunes ripe with jangling guitars and a minimal rhythm section to support his smooth, mellow vocals.

In his latest LP, Demarco knocks the metronome down a notch on “Salad Days.”

The record takes the aesthetic of “2” but heavily refines it in order to allot space for more laid-back open jams between the flanger-laden guitars and more complex arrangements on tracks like “Let My Baby Stay.”

Hailing from British Columbia, Demarco, born Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV, now calls his studio in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn home.

At 23 years old, the singer/songwriter has already released two LPs, multiple EPs and even managed to sell out an upcoming show at New York’s own Webster Hall.

The album was released under Brooklyn-based label Captured Tracks with artists such as DIIV and Beach Fossils on their roster.

Demarco, who was under some label pressure for his follow-up LP, initially was reluctant to record the more accessible track “Let Her Go.” Equipment-wise, he records and performs on an off-brand guitar he purchased at age sixteen for 30 dollars.

The distinctive funk vibe of his guitar comes from a “chorus effect he believes no serious musician would ever use.”

Some tracks such as Notorious for his slacker/stoner aesthetic, the Canadian singer fine-tunes his distinctive style of hazy crooning over flourishes of guitars, sequences of backbeat drums and hypnotic bass grooves on “Salad Days.”

For more Lifestyle updates, follow @TorchLifestyle on Twitter.

Photo/ CBS

MICHAEL FALLIGAN Staff Writer

The journey began when Ted Mosby’s children sat across from him asking one simple question: “Are we being punished or something?” After the series came to an end on Monday, “How I Met Your Mother” fans were left asking the same question. The CBS sitcom’s surprise ending caused many mixed emotions; “or something” definitely sums up how its audience felt.

Within an hour, admirers watched their best friend Ted meet and lose the mother, Tracy McConnell.

Killing the woman, who fans waited nine years to meet, was not enough for HIMYM’s writers, Carter Bays and Craig Thomas.

Apparently, the two took the saying, “You always want what you can’t have until you have it,” literally. The entirety of the ninth season took place during the weekend of Barney and Robin’s wedding, until its final episode. Completing the “slap bet,” revealing “Blah Blah’s” name and bringing back old friends and jokes helped longtime fans find closure.

The only question left unanswered was “The Pineapple Incident.” Being that Bays and Thomas had not led audiences on so wrongly since the pilot episode, no one expected these nine years to have been a scheme all along. And that’s precisely why HIMYM transpired to be a major hit. Commencing with Ted’s first account of love led viewers to believe they already were told the story.

After narrating a heartwarming tale, Ted concludes the first episode with a

shocking statement: “It turns out that I was just too close to the puzzle to see the picture that was forming, because that kids, is the true story, of how I met your Aunt Robin.”

There it was; Robin was “Aunt Robin” and not the mother. Nonetheless, even with a title that guaranteed a different ending, millions held onto the relationship that could not be.

The nine years that followed developed not only relationships with each character through hundreds of laughs and cries, but also the longing for the surefire power couple, “Tobin.” Naturally, Bays and Thomas decided to surprise their audience with a gift in the finale.

After 22 episodes of Barneand Robin’s wedding, the two divorced within three years (AKA the marriage that took 11 hours ended in five minutes).

Free from the show’s title, widow Ted and divorcée Robin are able to be together, finally.

The audience was too close to the puzzle to see the picture that was forming. Even with Tobin together, audiences were angered by the bigger picture.

HIMYM prospered not because of the mystery behind who the mother was, but because of the relationships between Lily, Marshall, Barney, Ted and Robin. “Because sometimes, even if you know how something’s gonna end, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride,” Ted previously professed.

Despite the title ensuring an ending, viewers dreamt for other possibilities; they enjoyed the ride.

New apps help spring into shape SHARON TONG Staff Writer You’re almost on your way to meeting your New Year’s resolution and getting that smokin’ hot body. So don’t loose focus and keep track of your progress!

From tracking your calories to tracking your progress, your smartphone does many wonders on helping you stay on top of your game.

No fancy schmancy tracking devices needed.

All available at the App Store and Play Store.

Fitness Buddy – Everyone has a first time at the gym, where they don’t know what they’re doing.

Luckily for all of us, first times don’t have to be embarrassing because Fitness Buddy is, well, really your fitness buddy. This app separates exercises in different focus categories—from core to arms, to legs—tone them up!

St. John’s twin judokas master martial arts LIVIA PAULA Staff Writer Judo is a martial art form requiring dedication, patience and discipline. Passion is the keyto hold it all together.

Matthew and Thomas Pettersen, judokas by trade and twins by birth, have exemplified these virtues in a four year journey that shaped the most recent years of their lives.

PHOTO/LIVIAPAULA

St. John’s University twin martial artists Matthew and Thomas Pettersen pose with their Judo instructors.

MapMyFitness - Pedometers are so five years ago (seriously, who uses them anymore?). There’s more to running than going to Central Park; you can find exciting routes made by fellow runners, or even create your own route. That’s not it—it updates you as you go and you can find local running events, create your running event, and even track your nutrition!

Pact – Here’s one high motivator: “you snooze, you lose!” No, really. For every day you don’t record your veggie intake and/or your exercise, you will lose money. On the other hand, if you’re good and persistently record everything, you’ll actually get cash prizes. (Tip: Link your PayPal account only.)

7 Minute Workout – Got seven minutes? If you haven’t heard of this popular app by now, you’re hearing it. Between school and a job(s) and everything in between, you can’t possibly be a gym rat.

This fun, super hands-on app consists of a series of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that will leave you lying on the floor.

Need I say more?

PHOTOS/APPLE

into their freshman year of college and now, as their senior year begins to wind down, they have collected 15 medals from judo tournaments.

With various clubs, organizations and sports teams at St. John’s University, people might end up overlooking a lot of the things that happen in the school community.

Matthew noted how he and Thomas wish the sport was more recognized at St. John’s.

“Judo in a lot of the schools is very popular. In the beginning of the tournament they had us line up by school and we are standing there - just the two of us,” Matthew said.

“Then next to us we had West Point and there must have been fifty of them.”

Judo classes are open to anyone in the fitness center at Carnesecca on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m.

With this opportunity available for the St. John’s student community, Thomas thinks that it could give them a chance to have a deep and meaningful understanding of the discipline.

“People know about it as much as they know about yoga,” Thomas said.

And the man running this class – Sensei Shiina – is, according to Matthew, one of the most technically skilled judoka in Japan.

“Sensei Shiina has been teaching [judo] in St. John’s for 40 years,” Thomas said. “There are very few eighth degree black belts in the country and he’s one of them.”

Sensei Shiina, along with Sensei Lloyd, have acted as role models and mentors for the twins.

“For the first three years we trained

here we were only able to train during the school semester, so we started training out in a different club,” Thomas said.

“We have Sensei Shiina here and Sensei Lloyd, who we train with all year round.”

They met Sensei Lloyd at the private judo club Gentleway Masters, in Forest Hills.

Sensei Lloyd also has a vast and successful background in the practice.

He was part of the Philippine’s national team and competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

Lloyd also supposes that St. John’s students should take advantage of the opportunity given and hopes that more students will take up the discipline.

“I believe [having judo on campus] is a good motivation for St. John’s judo athletes with a lot of potential and talent,” Lloyd said.

For Thomas, judo has become something that is more than a sport.

He aims to apply his knowledge and experience into professional life.

“I met so many different people and you never know who does judo,” Thomas said.

“For instance, I put it on my résumé because there are so many people who practice it and you’ll never know but it can lead to a connection, even as a business student.”

The Pettersen twins aim to continue their discipline post-college, and even aspire to thrive for a place in the national tournaments, most notably the Global in Paris.

“Judo became such a big part of our lives,” Thomas said. “I could not imagine myself without it.”

Johnnies find success at Princeton ALLAN GOMEZ Staff Writer

MyFitnessPal – Journals are out, phones are in. MyFitnessPal lets you record your food intake and your exercises—no need to double check the wrapper—the nutrition information is pretty accurate. The best thing is that you can set a goal and progress reports are shown.

Matthew and Thomas began their journey in September 2010 and what originally began as just a weekly form of physical activity grew into a catalyst of joy.

“We were always thinking of trying some sort of martial art eventually, but never really put much thought to it,” Thomas said.

“We went to the first class and we’ve been hooked ever since.”

Their journey began just two days

The St. John’s women’s track team made their East Coast outdoor debut this weekend at the Sam Howell Invite in Princeton, N.J. on Saturday.

Senior Danette Hinton led St. John’s as she had a career best mark of 56.33 meters in the women’s hammer throw.

This mark was good enough for Hinton to place third in the event.

“I’m glad to finally see my hard work paying off this season, as opposed to last year when I struggled to find my way and get in a groove,” Hinton said. “The season is so much more fun when you’re doing well, both, individually, and as a team. I’m excited to see how far both can go!”

“We had a successful day at the Sam Howell Invitational at Princeton,” head coach Jim Hurt said.

“Danette Hinton set another personal best in the hammer throw to get things going for us which was good and we look forward to returning to Princeton next week for a quad meet with Monmouth.”

In the women’s 4x100-meter relay, St. John’s was able to finish third overall in the event with a time of 47.10 seconds.

Senior Amber Allan ran the first leg, followed by senior Corrine Williams, third was senior Maya Lewis and the fourth, and final leg, was finished by junior Latasha Collins.

St. John’s had a pair of top finishers in the women’s 400-meter hurdles as well. Senior Amber Allen placed fourth with a time of 1:02.29 and was joined by senior Shayna Presley, who placed fifth with a time of 1:02.77.

“We were able to move some of our sprinters down into lower event, with a couple delivering heat-winning efforts,” Hurt said.

“Our younger student athletes in the middle distances and jumps gained some “I’m glad to finally see my hard work paying off this season, as opposed to last year when I struggled to find my way and get in a groove.”

Danette Hinton

experience that will serve them well in the weeks ahead.”

In the women’s 100-meter dash, St. John’s was able to get a another pair of top ten finishes, one of which came from senior LaTasha Collins, who placed sixth with an overall time of 12.29 seconds.

The other came from senior Corrine Williams, who placed in seventh with an overall time of 12.37 seconds.

Freshman Kenyetta Louis finished tenth overall in the women’s triple jump with a distance of 11.1 meters.

PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONs

Women’s Track was led for the second straight week by Danette Hinton (r.).

Sports

16

Think Outside...

17

St. John’s offense comes up big versus Hoyas

McArdle won’t forget memories made at St. John’s Mitchell Petit-Frere Managing Editor Emeritus Even after surpassing the all-time points mark in St. John’s lacrosse history and being selected No. 5 overall in this year’s MLL Draft, there’s one moment that sticks out in Kieran McArdle’s mind more than anything else.

“I have 40 best friends coming out of college,” he said. “It’s just an awesome feeling.”

Kieran McArdle “When we beat Notre Dame in the Big East Tournament my sophomore year,” McArdle said. “No one thought we were going to win and they were a top five team at the time. We were just confident and went in there and it was just an awesome feeling.”

The senior attackman is aiming to cap off his sparkling career in red and white with a conference tournament title, saying it’s “without a doubt” his main objective along with securing a spot in the NCAA tournament.

However, no matter how the season ends for McArdle, he won’t get much time to reflect on his record-breaking career.

TORCH PHOTO/CHEYANNE GONZA-

Jan. 10 McArdle was selected 5th overall in MLL draft by the Florida Launch.

“Right when I’m done with my season the [MLL] season will already be started,” he said. “So I go straight into that.”

The Long Island native was drafted by the MLL’s newest franchise, the Flor-

ida Launch, on Jan. 10. He was not only the Launch’s first ever draft pick, but he was also the first St. John’s player chosen in the first round of the MLL Draft.

“It was just cool making it to the professional level,” McArdle said. “All of

your hard work and everything just paid off. It’s just an awesome feeling to get that outcome.”

That monumental day in January was foreshadowing of sorts for McArdle’s final semester in a Red Storm shirt, as he rewrote the record books again two months later when he overtook Mike Bolger’s 27-year program points record in an 11-10 overtime win over Hofstra on March 18. “[Bolger] was at the game,” McArdle said. “It was a cool feeling. He said congrats and was just happy for me.”

McArdle scored eight points in that Hofstra game, which brought his career tally to 222. Bolger’s career total was 219.

After the record-breaking performance, St. John’s head coach Jason Miller described McArdle as one of the “great ones” in a press release – something the future Florida Launch attackman is used to hearing, but doesn’t let it go to his head.

“It’s a huge honor to be one of the top players in the country, but I still have to go out there and prove it on the field every time, knowing my teammates need me,” McArdle said.

And it’s those 40-odd teammates who McArlde says he will remember most when he looks back on his career at St. John’s.

“I have 40 best friends coming out of college,” he said. “It’s just an awesome feeling.”

JULIA QUADRINO Staff Writer St. John’s salvaged the rubber match with the Georgetown Hoyas by a score of 9-6 this weekend, coming away with their first conference series win of the season after dropping the first game in a 10-inning heartbreaker.

The Red Storm (17-18, 3-5 Big East ST. JOHN’S

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GEORGETOWN

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utilized contributions from the entire team to hand a dominant Georgetown (17-15, 7-2 Big East) its first and second conference losses of the year. Outstanding pitching was consistent the entire series, but it was the offensive explosion in the final two games that proved decisive in the Johnnies’ success.

“It was a true team effort this weekend to bring home our first conference series of the season against a very competitive Georgetown team,” head coach Amy Kvilhaug said after Sunday’s win.

“It was great to see our team step up after a tough 10-inning battle with the Hoyas on Saturday morning to come back and combine for 29 hits over our final two games to bring home the series.”

About a quarter of those hits could be attributed to freshman third baseman Kaitlin Fitzgerald, who went 7-12 in the series. Fitzgerald successfully reached

base (her 20th consecutive game with a leadoff single) to start the decisive rally in the fourth inning of Saturday afternoon’s matchup. The freshman also hit a pair of home runs in Sunday’s win.

St. John’s opened the series with far quieter bats, managing only two hits while sophomore RHP Tori Free pitched a complete-game gem, striking out 10.

Despite surrendering only a single, Free allowed the final run of the game on a sac-fly in the bottom of the 10th.

The Johnnies, however, came back with a vengeance later in the day, accumulating season-high 16 hits in their second-game victory. It began with Erin Burner blasting her 10th home run of the season to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the third, and ended with back-to-back four-run innings in the fifth and sixth to bring the Red Storm a 12-2 victory.

On Sunday, with the series on the line, the score was tied at 3-3 going into the third inning. It was then that the Johnnies would keep the lead for good after going up 5-3 thanks to Fitzgerald’s second homer of the game. Three-for-four performances from Fitzgerald, Brittany Garcia and Jackie Reed would help St. John’s seal the deal.

“It was great to get our first conference series win of the year,” Fitzgerald said. “We know that we can compete TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO and getting this series victory will help us with the confidence to go out and do Tori Free pitched a complete game striking out ten batters versus Georgetown. well.”

Red storm open Big East play with slow start

Lacrosse falls in double OT heartbreaker

Michael Trivigno Staff Writer

The St. John’s lacrosse team dropped a heartbreaker Sunday afternoon, losing to Big East opponent Marquette 11-10 in double overtime. The Red Storm had a stretch of three weeks where they didn’t lose a game. But with Sunday’s loss, they’ve dropped two conference games in a row.

St. John’s (6-5, 2-2) struggled to score ST. JOHN’S

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MARQUETTE

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all game and never held a lead. Despite their struggles offensively, the Red Storm charged back late scoring three goals in the final six minutes of regulation to tie the score at 10-10, sending the game into overtime. After a scoreless first overtime period, Marquette’s (4-7, 2-1) freshman midfielder Andy DeMichiei netted the game winning goal giving the Red Storm their second straight loss.

“I thought we had a hard time executing our offensive stuff today,” St. John’s head coach Jason Miller said. “We shot poorly and executed poorly.”

St. John’s found themselves heading

into the locker room trailing 4-3 at halftime. Marquette came out in the second half on fire, scoring two goals in the first three minutes of the third quarter. The Red Storm’s hopes of a victory seemed lost heading into the fourth quarter but after a late timeout by head coach Jason Miller, the momentum shifted in favor of the Red Storm. But their late surge wasn’t enough, as they eventually lost the match.

The Golden Eagles did a great job shutting down St. John’s senior attackman Kieran McArdle, who is the program leader in points, goals and assists. McArdle was held scoreless for the first time this season.

“Give Marquette credit,” Miller said.

“They were obviously going to make other guys beat them besides Kevin [Cernuto] and Kieran [McArdle] and they did a good job with that.”

With their top player struggling to find the back of the net, St. John’s showed that other players could carry the load.

The Red Storm showed a balanced attack with four players finishing the game with two-plus goals, led by senior attackman Colin Keegan who came away with a game-high 4 goals and 2 assists. Sophomore midfielder James Bonanno, senior attackman Kevin Cernuto and senior midfielder Ryan Fitzgerald all scored 2

goals apiece.

“I think we have guys that are capable of doing that. They should be doing it every time out,” Miller said. Colin Keegan added, “It’s good to have guys pick us up when we need it. It’s good to get that production from them.”

Sunday’s game featured a family affair between the pipes on both sides of the field. St. John’s freshman goalie Joseph Danaher went head-to-head with his cousin, Golden Eagle freshman goal-

BRANDON MAUK Staff Writer

ie Jimmy Danaher. Joseph Danaher finished with 12 saves and Jimmy Danaher finished with ten saves.

The Red Storm has had a great taste of home-cooking, but Sunday’s loss was their first at DaSilva Memorial Field this season.

St. John’s will try to avoid their first three-game losing streak this season when they hit the road to take on Big East opponent Denver on Saturday April 12 at 4:30 p.m.

TORCH PHOTO/CHEYANNE GONZALES

The Red Storm were able to fight back late but fell in double OT to Marquette.

TORCHPHOTO/CHEYANNE GONZALES

The Baseball team has won six-straight games at Jack Kaiser Stadium.

The St. John’s baseball team started their most important stretch of the seaso as they opened up conference play and dropped two out of three games at Villanova.

Junior shortstop Jerred Mederos was the star, going 8-for-17 at the dish with eight runs batted in and four walks during the entire week. Against Villanova, he went 6-for-10 with five RBI. He was named BIG EAST Player of the Week for his brilliance at the plate, and is now hitting .343 on the season with a team-leading 23 RBI. St. John’s (17-13, 1-2) took Friday’s series opener by a score of 7-5 thanks to a five-run rally in the eighth inning capped by Tyler Sanchez’s three-run double. Down 5-2, Jerred Mederos singled in Robert Wayman, and Sanchez cleared the bases with his two-base hit to left field. Freshman Robbie Knightes brought Sanchez in as an insurance run with an RBI single-up the middle.

Joe Kuzia worked out of a jam at the bottom of the eighth inning and closed out the game in the ninth for a four-out save, his fourth of the season. Shawn Heide earned his third win of the season in relief of James Lomangino, who gave up five runs in six innings.

Villanova (10-18, 2-1) took the second game of the weekend with a late

comeback of their own. Matt Harris went 3-for-4 with two RBI and Ryan McCormick cruised until a fateful seventh. He surrendered just two earned runs and struck out eight Wildcats in 6.1 innings pitched.

St. John’s took a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the seventh, but Villanova scored three unearned runs thanks to a passed ball, an RBI groundout and the go-ahead single by Max Beerman. The Red Storm staged a rally in the ninth and loaded the bases with two outs, but pinch hitter Bret Dennis flew out to end the game, a 5-4 Villanova victory.

The Red Storm jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning of Sunday’s series finale on a single by Mederos. However, they were doomed by the big inning again, as Villanova scored all their runs with two outs in the second inning. Tyler Sanchez dropped what would have been an inning ending pop-up, and the Wildcats responded with six runs in the frame.

Down 6-2, St. John’s chipped away at Villanova’s lead and cut it to a onerun game. They managed to get the tying run in scoring position in each of the last three innings, but they could not cash in.

The Red Storm stranded eight runners on base in the game.

St. John’s continues conference play this weekend for a three-game series at Jack Kaiser Stadium against Butler (1317, 2-1). Saturday’s game will be broadcasted on Fox Sports 2, while the other two games will be on ESPN3.com.

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Obekpa says goodbye to St. John’s

STEPHEN ZITOLO Sports Editor

The St. John’s men’s basketball team granted sophomore forward Chris Obekpa his release this past Thursday afternoon to pursue transfer opportunities. The 6-foot-9 forward was a superior post presence for the Red Storm as he leaves the Johnnies as the schools all-time blocks leader with 227 career blocks—a feat he accomplished in only two years of play.

“We wish Chris good luck as he moves toward his next opportunity,” St. John’s head coach Steve Lavin said.

Wherever Obekpa chooses to go to school for the 2014-15 academic year, he will not be able to play basketball because of the NCAA transfer rules.

Obekpa’s defensive presence is something that cannot be denied as in his freshman year, he was able to lead the nation with 4.03 blocks per game.

Obekpa also led the Big East in blocks for both of the years he played in the conference.

Where Obekpa’s game will have to improve is on the offensive end. Obekpa is still relatively unseasoned on the offensive side of things as he only averaged 3.8 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game this past season.

The departure of Obekpa makes him the third player in the last two weeks to willingly leave St. John’s as forward JaKarr Sampson declared for the NBA Draft and G/F Max Hooper will also be looking for transfer opportunities after finishing up his degree at St. John’s.

St. John’s will definitely miss Obekpa’s presence and athleticism in the paint as the Red Storm will now have to do some late recruiting or look in-house, most likely to sophomore forward Christian Jones, to replace Obekpa.

With other rumors swirling around the media about other departures, Lavin and Co. can only hope that the rest of the roster stays intact for this upcoming season or the Red Storm could be in for a long 2014-15 campaign.

Sports Editor

After a tough ending to the St. John’s men’s basketball team’s season, a 89-78 loss to Robert Morris in the NIT, players now seem to be jumping ship. Last week the Red Storm lost sophomore forward JaKarr Sampson to the NBA Draft and on Tuesday the Johnnies lost another big man in Sophomore Forward Chris Obekpa, who is now transferring.

Chris Obekpa was a game changer for St. John’s as he led the nation during his freshman season with 4.03 blocks per game. This past season Obekpa continued his rim protection prowess as he lead led the Big East with 2.9 blocks per game. Although Obekpa only played two seasons with the Red Storm he is the schools all-time blocks leader with 227

Storm

Cast

Leavin’ their Mark

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Chris Obekpa is transferring after two years at St.John’s.

Steve’s storm tracker: SJU must recruit big men STEPHEN ZITOLO

Torch Sports

career blocks.

JaKarr Sampson might have been St. John’s best player throughout his two years playing for the Red Storm. In his collegiate career at St. John’s Sampson averaged 13.9 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game. In his freshman campaign he was the best freshman in the Big East in the 2012-2013 season as he was named the Big East Rookie of the Year.

On top of Obekpa and Sampson leaving St. John’s early the Red Storm also are going to be without two graduating seniors in forward God’sgift Achiuwa and forward Orlando Sanchez. Achiuwa averaged 2.5 points per game and 2.1 rebounds per game in his senior campaign and Sanchez averaged 7.4 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game in the 2013-14 season.

So, The biggest question St. John’s is facing is how will they replace all of this production? The answer for now is that

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

JaKarr Sampson is one of five players leaving St. John’s.

they can’t replace the players who are leaving. The roster the Red Storm has of now is very undersized and has no one who has shown the abilities of guys like Obekpa, Sampson, Achiuwa, and Sanchez.

The odds for success are definitely stacked against St. John’s as the Red Storm are not only losing a tremendous amount of athleticism and production, but they also have no recruits signed for 2014.

The departure of the aforementioned players leaves St. John’s with ten players on their roster and six open scholarship positions. The departure of these players was definitely something Lavin and Co. were not expecting and now they are going to have to scramble in recruiting to find some guys or this team will really struggle to be competitive.

Lavin and Co. seemed to realize this need immediately as the New York Post reported that Lavin made an unofficial visit to Westchester Community College to visit with big man Keith Thomas.

Thomas was the Division I Junior College leader in rebounds this past season.

St. John’s has also been targeting local product Adonis Delarosa of Christ The King. Delarosa’s game is still raw but at 6’11 he is huge presence in the post and would surely be welcomed to the Johnnies front court. Delarosa will be deciding where to attend school on April 9.

Thomas and Delarosa would definitely fulfill a huge void left by the departures of Sampson, Obekpa, Sanchez, and Achiuwa. If St. John’s lands these two recruits, will they be enough for St. John’s to contend in the Big East and make the NCAA Tournament? Only time will be the answer to that question folks.

Handford All-AmericanHonorable Mention This Saturday before the Women’s Final Four games began in Nashville, Tennessee it was announced that St. John’s University Sophomore guard Aliyyah Handford was one of ten players selected to be a member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-America Honorable Mention team.

The announcement followed a sophomore campaign which saw Handford, who hails from Newark, New Jersey lead the St. John’s women’s basketball team in scoring for an entire season, with 16.7 points per game.

The season was a successful one for the team as the Red Storm were able to achieve their fifth NCAA Tournament berth in as many years, thanks in part to Handford’s prolific scoring.

Handford showed the nation her talent in the 2014 NCAA Tournament as she averaged 25.0 points over two games. She also broke the program’s 38-year single-season record for most points by a sophomore finishing the season with 567 points.

Blowin’ in the Wind “It was just cool making it to the professional level.

All of your hard work and everything just paid off.

It’s just an awesome feeling to get that outcome.”

-Kieran McArdle

Headin’ this Way Red Storm upcoming schedule

Lacrosse April 12

Softball April 10

Denver

4:30 p.m.

LIU-Brooklyn 2 p.m.

Baseball

3 p.m.

April 11

Butler

April 11

LIU-Post

7 p.m.

April 11

Seton Hall

12 p.m.

April 10

Binghamton

2 p.m.

W. Soccer W. Tennis M. Tennis

McArdle Talks with the Torch PG. 16

SPORTS APRIL 9 2014 | VOLUME 92, ISSUE 1 |

TORCHONLINE.COM

WHO’S NEXT?

HOW WILL ST. JOHN’S REBOUND? PG. 17