p. 7
The Rattler breaks down popular majors
p. 10
SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT
FEATURES
COMMENTARY Has Apple lost its flair?
Student rocks leadership of local band
p. 12
Men’s tennis hopes to serve up wins
Volume 102 Issue 8
p. 15
9 0 t h Year of Publication
www.stmurattlernews.com
September 24, 2014
TREADAWAY HALL OUTDOOR Sarah Palomares Contributing Writer
Senior political science major Coatlicue Molina and senior exercise and sports science major Alejandro Castaneda stand against the locked gates of the Treadaway Hall pool. | Photo by Rachel Grahmann
After 47 years of service to students, faculty, staff and Marianists, the outdoor pool located between Treadaway Hall and the Marianist Residence has closed for demolition and will eventually be converted into green space. The difficulty of maintaining such an old facility and the infrequency of use made the pool a costineffective service for the University, according to Director of Building and Grounds Aaron Hanna. “Due to its age, location and inconsistent use, we have decided to decommission the pool, (and) the University’s
POOL
operating costs will be reduced,” Hanna explained. According to University records, St. Mary’s has a long history of outdoor aquatic facilities. The current outdoor pool was constructed in 1967 when Treadaway Hall was built and is the third on campus. Records from the Brother Joseph W. Schmitz Special Collections state that the first natatorium was constructed July 1895, but the bottom of the pool dropped out after two months of use. A second natatorium was built in April 1897 and sat where the current greenhouse is located. This pool was filled in once the construction of the math, engineering and science building started.
CLOSES
During operation, the pool opened from the beginning of May until September, and was used daily by an average of 3-4 people. Though pool attendance has dwindled recently, over the years, groups including the National Youth Sports Program, student life and athletic directors have used the pool for different events, according to Aquatics Coordinator Kathleen Whitten. The St. Mary’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) also used the outdoor pool as a part of their training routine, utilizing the threemeter diving board, which SEE OUTDOOR POOL ON P. 2
COMMENTARY
Alcohol policies promote social interaction, responsibility Clarification of school alcohol policies encourage responsible, safe tailgating to promote event attendance, social interaction. Eric Rodriguez Commentary Editor @eric_rr33 Students over 21 were able to bring alcohol to a recent volleyball game tailgate, bringing to light the longstanding policy at St. Mary’s regarding alcohol and sports. According to the school policies anyone age 21 or over is able to bring any kind of alcohol to tailgates at St. Mary’s sporting events. This is a good way for the University to promote better attendance at sporting events. By allowing students to “tailgate,” many students get the feel
of a big university while receiving a student audience once games start. With decent student participation, this has the small school education. Tailgating and other events where potential to become a great part of the St. alcohol is served have become popular Mary’s experience. Some students may feel this promotes student activites in recent years. If the University continues to unsafe student drinking on campus. According to David Ott, Chief of sponsor tailgating at games, the level University Police, this of school spirit could drinking policy has been rise, along with student Keep in mind, this does in place for some time. social interaction. not open the campus to Students must remain For example, drinking anywhere. This in designated tailgating as they do in large is only in the designated areas, and no student schools, Greeks could areas during an event and under 21 is permitted have their own booth only if you are of age, and to drink. and interact with the do not drink to excess.” Chief Ott stressed that campus community. Tailgating, especially David Ott students are not allowed on a larger scale, Chief of University Police to drink in every area on campus. allows students The area designated an opportunity to become more excited about for the tailgate will be the only place, other than at University events and sporting events. This could translate to a livelier in 21 plus residence hall rooms, on
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campus where alcoholic beverages may be consumed. But being free to drink any type of alcohol at a tailgate does not mean tossing discretion entirely aside. Drinking in excess will not be tolerated, and students who violate University policies or state laws will incur the usual consequences. Such a liberal alcohol policy relies on the responsibility that St. Mary’s students are able to exhibit. The purpose of allowing tailgating is to create a fun, student-friendly atmosphere before a sporting event. It encourages students to attend games. To all students attending school tailgates, drink responsibly to ensure that the University can safely start this tradition. *These views are the views of the writer and do not represent the views of The Rattler staff.