Fairfield Mirror 9/24/2014

THE MIRROR Independent student-run newspaper

Week of September 24, 2014

Vol. 40, Iss. 4

Fairfield Mirror @FairfieldMirror fairfieldmirror FairfieldMirror.com

Erick Cooper Jr. / The Mirror

Students participated in Fresh Check Day’s wide variety of therapeutic relaxation activities, which focused on celebrating life and promoting mental health awareness.

Celebrating life with a Fresh Check on mental health

By Catherine Veschi Contributing Writer According to the American College Health Association, 1,088 college students commit suicide every year; a figure that has been steadily increasing since the 1950s.

In an effort to reverse this trend and spread mental health and suicide awareness, Fairfield’s annual Fresh Check Day was enacted.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, Fresh Check Day was held on the Quad from noon to 3 p.m. This event is designed to bring awareness to mental health resources and coping strategies on college campuses.

Fresh Check takes a different approach to addressing the issue of suicide than many other programs. Instead of lecturing students about the importance of suicide awareness, Fresh Check

provides students with interactive activities that are designed to celebrate life.

“Fresh Check Day is a positive, uplifting way to start important conversations about mental health, wellness and suicide prevention,” said Elizabeth McOsker, outreach coordinator of the Jordan Matthew Porco Memorial Foundation.

According to McOsker, “Fresh Check Day is the signature program of the Jordan Matthew Porco Memorial Foundation.” JMPMF was founded by Jordan Porco’s family after he committed suicide while a freshman in college in 2011. In the past three years, 10 Connecticut schools have held Fresh Check Days.

The event consisted of 10 different stations, each with an activity for students to complete.

Each activity emphasized how valuable life is, as well as how valuable each individual is.

According to Dean of Students Karen Donoghue ‘03, Fresh Check Day was “an opportunity to celebrate life and have people realize that they’re valued within this community.”

The first station informed students of the startling statistic that one in every 10 college students has contemplated suicide, showing students that suicide is a significant issue, and that the other nine of 10 students can do their part to help those who are suicidal.

“We really want to educate students about that and make sure that they realize that there are many options and resources available to them,” Donoghue said.

However, Erin Monahan ‘18 felt that the program didn’t do enough to show students how to help those who are suicidal.

“It didn’t really prepare you to deal with sui-

cide prevention and being the 9/10 that would prevent the 1/10 from actually committing suicide,” Monahan said. She felt as though the event was more helpful in realizing your own struggles in transitioning into college than in helping others who are struggling.

Another station had students take surveys, which psychological professionals checked over.

However, Justine Ferrara ‘18 felt that the process wasn’t private enough.

“I did not like, however, that they told the students right there, in front of big groups of other people, ‘I think you need to talk with someone’ and then brought them to the enclosed tent right next door,” Ferrara said. For Ferrara, it was a very convenient way to have your mental health checked, but the setup wasn’t ideal.

READ STORY ON PAGE 3

Sodexo upgrades dining service to students’ satisfaction

By Christina Mowry Assistant News Editor Students’ hunger for change in Fairfield’s dining services seems to have been fed by Sodexo’s updated dining options implemented at the start of this semester.

The new dining options include the addition of a Starbucks in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library and a cafe in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. The Barone Main Dining Hall, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Starbucks and the Stag Snack Bar all have expanded hours as well.

Assistant Vice President of Administration and Student Affairs James Fitzpatrick ‘70 believes that the expansion of dining hours in Barone has been one of the biggest successes.

“The late night numbers are very, very strong. People seem to be lounging around ... relaxing and talking with no pressure in terms of time,” he said.

Longtime Sodexo employee Jose Morales agreed with the statement, saying, “It’s definitely busy …

[Students] still come in until 9:30.”

Fitzpatrick also mentioned that

focusing on Friday and Saturday night meals in Barone has been “extremely well received.”

“I came up on Friday night and I said ‘I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a Friday night dinner where there were so many options,’” said Fitzpatrick.

On the other hand, Fitzpatrick said that business at Starbucks has started off slow, and Einstein’s has seen lower sales on Saturdays. But Fitzpatrick credits the low turnout to the fact that students are still easing into the semester.

Einstein’s employee Stephanie Cenatiempo said she noticed more students buying from Einstein’s later on Saturday morning “at around 9 or 10 a.m.”

Fairfield’s new dining changes also include the option to use meal plan swipes at the Stag. Although there are limits to what students can purchase and at what time they can purchase them, this update has been incredibly popular.

When asked about its success, Fitzpatrick laughed, saying, “I think it’s probably too successful, in that people are saying, ‘Why can we only do it from 1 to 4?’”

READ STORY ON PAGE 3

Robert Joyce / The Mirror

Junior Eric Hannmann receives a salad made by a Sodexo worker in the Barone Main Dining Hall.

News

THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

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THE MIRROR |Week of September 24, 2014

News

Fresh Check Day reminds students of the value of life

Erick Cooper Jr. / The Mirror

N.Y.,” according to the band’s Facebook biography.

Continued from page 1 For Monahan, a major highlight of the day was the service dogs.

“They just really made my day better,” Monahan said.

Such service dogs are used as a coping mechanism for those who are stressed or depressed, as it’s proven that petting the dogs is cheerful and relaxing.

This is the second year in a row that Fairfield has hosted Fresh Check Day, and according to Donoghue, the school hopes to continue this event annually.

For Britta Gunneson ‘18, Fresh Check Day was an educational, yet fun, experience.

“I thought that a lot of the activities were very informative. They were able to be engaging and fun, but still be informative on the topics of suicide and mental health,” Gunneson said.

Donoghue hopes that those who attended the event were able to take a positive message away from it.

“If you’re sad or depressed, you’re not alone. There are many people that want to help you, both your friends, as well as professional staff members,” Donoghue said. “Your life is valuable, and we want to make sure that you know that.”

CLUB PROFILE: Alliance provides more than just support

By Kaadiana Barnes Contributing Writer Sophomore Kelly Villacres joined Fairfield’s Alliance after growing up in an environment that wasn’t conducive to being open about sexuality.

“I wanted to understand the perspective I didn’t have growing up,” said Villacres. “I was born and raised in a homophobic environment, but it didn’t make sense to me, so I wanted to learn this perspective and I love it.”

Alliance invites people of any sexual orientation to help promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender awareness on campus, as well as provide a space for everyone to come together and support others.

Students can join Alliance with no prior knowledge of the club and become knowledgeable by the first meeting.

During a discussion, students sat in a circle, fostering instant connections. Everybody laughed while introducing themselves, stating their name, major, highs and lows of the week and favorite animal.

Sophomore Teon Smith joined Alliance a year ago to support a friend who was struggling with opening up about her sexuality to friends and family.

“I got support from a group of people who I can tell anything to,” Smith said.

For Robert Padilla ‘17, Alliance is a “non-judgment zone, everybody can be what they want to be,” reiterating the fact that creating a safe space is a key factor for the club.

Regarding the upcoming year, President of Alliance Alex Johnson ‘15 said that his hopes include being “a club that doesn’t just exist, but is seen and heard on campus.”

When asked about getting students engaged and promoting LGBT awareness, Johnson explained that the club has various events in October as part of LGBT History Month, including a movie series.

“We are trying to have several safe space trainings,” added Johnson.

This year Alliance plans to collaborate with two organizations: Gender, Sex and Sexuality Commons (GSS) and Performing for Change (PFC).

The groups host events such as Women’s Day, Take Back the Night and a Visual to promote social justice, including domestic violence awareness.

The club is one of more than 80 clubs on campus and meets every Monday at 8 p.m. in Barone Campus Center Room 202.

Robert Joyce / The Mirror

Students order sandwiches from the Stag Deli, a popular station at the Stag Snack Bar.

Upgrades include healthier options and meal swap program Continued from page 1 “If we just opened it up, then no one would be eating in the dining hall ... The dollars that you budgeted for a board meal plan would be wiped out because everyone wants to use them in the Snack Bar,” Fitzpatrick added.

Stag Snack Bar Retail Supervisor Rafael dePara agreed.

“Yeah, it’s crazy over here. It surprised me. Now we know that from 1 p.m. on it’s going to be crazy,” said dePara.

Fitzpatrick said he credits the popularity of the Stag to “habit,” but mentioned that Barone offers much healthier options.

“From a health standpoint, we’re able to give you more, and value for your dollar, by having a board residential plan,” said Fitzpatrick.

“There are way more healthy options available for you as a student upstairs than there are downstairs. It’s not even close. I think there’s an obligation on our part to provide healthy dining,” he said. “Now if you don’t want to take advantage of that healthy dining option, than that’s up to you.”

As part of the healthier dining options, Barone has expanded the MyZone area for students with dietary concerns. While it has seen significant improvements, Fitzpatrick said that strengthening MyZone will always be an ongoing project.

Regarding the future of Fairfield dining, Fitzpatrick

hopes to focus on building new meal plan options and “looking at potential construction additions and renovations.”

“Our challenge ... is to come up with new meal plans that really are a hybrid and a combination of a healthy board residential option and a fast food option,” he said.

Fitzpatrick stated that the actual implementation of new meal plans wouldn’t be the difficult part.

“Doing it within terms of the financial realities and good common sense financially is what makes it tough ...

If someone is giving me x amount of dollars, have I maximized those dollars in such a way so there’s absolutely no waste?”

Student reaction to the updates has thus far been positive.

Senior Jillian Ottombrino commented on one dining update in particular.

“I wish I had a meal plan because I wish I could swipe into the Stag,” Ottombrino said. “Where was this when we were freshmen?”

On-campus sophomores, who have witnessed the meal plan update and are required to have meal plans, also mentioned how they enjoy the new updates.

“It’s really convenient to have Einstein’s open on Saturdays because that’s when I need coffee the most,” said Morgan Sharp ‘17.

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THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

Crime Beat

News

Compiled by Austin Wesolowski Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety.

Tuesday, 9/16 9:21 a.m. – A fire was caused when a student dropped a lit cigarette butt outside of 47 Mahan Road. DPS arrived and put out the small fire.

Thursday, 9/18 8:51 p.m. – A female in the Townhouses 15 block reported her Coach bag, along with cash and her credit cards, were stolen from her house, sometime during the night. Anyone with information about the incident should contact DPS. Friday, 9/19 10:31 p.m. – DPS responded to a fight between a boyfriend and girlfriend, a student and a non-student, in a Quad parking lot. They were both arrested for domestic violence, and the non-student female was also arrested for assault after she punched a DPS officer. The Fairfield student was referred to student conduct.

10:47 p.m. - The smell of gas was reported to be permeating through a resident’s room in the Quad. DPS arrived and, after investigating, found the two individuals had spilt car gasoline on their clothes, then let the clothes sit in their room causing the smell.

Saturday, 9/20 12:12 a.m. – The writing “LB3” was found spray-painted on the side of a townhouse in the 7 block. DPS has no reason to believe the act had gang involvement. The situation is under investigation by DPS. 11:32 a.m. – Residents in the Quad were found to be in possession of a laser pointer which they used to point at DPS officers and other individuals. The students were referred to student conduct.

Class of 2018 elects FUSA Senators

By Jessica Delahunt Assistant News Editor Závon Billups was elected president of the class of 2018, according to election results announced at the Levee on Tuesday night.

Securing 416 votes, Billups is joined by Joe Harding, Cara Gibbons, Jack Daniels and Tristan Smith who topped 11 other candidates to serve as the newly minted Fairfield University Student Association senators of the freshmen class.

At a post-election event hosted by FUSA at the Levee, Billups, a politics major who ran under the campaign slogan “Strong Mind Strong Body, Great Leader,” reflected on his campaign, saying that while news of his victory was welcome, it was not surprising. “I worked hard to get here,” he said.

“There were a lot of great candidates, he added. “I knew it would be close.”

Now that the election is behind him, Billups says that one of his first priorities as president will be “finding out why exactly we don’t have a football team,” adding that he is aware that he is “not at a level to make that happen.”

Football aside, Billups says he plans to spend his term serving as an intermediary between students and administration. “I want to convey the thoughts and feelings of the students to the higher powers,” he said.

While Billups knows that his ideas might not always win him admirers within the administration, he remains determined; “I always butted heads with my principal in high school,” he said. “But I did it in a respectful way.”

Jessica Delahunt / The Mirror

From left to right: Jack Daniels, Závon Billups, Tristan Smith and Cara Gibbons

Chair of Senate Hope Agresta ’16 said that this year’s freshman election was unique in that a new voting format was introduced; instead of paper ballots, students could vote from the comfort of their dorm rooms using OrgSync.

“We had computers set up near the BCC info desk in case anybody needed help,” said Agresta.

Yet while the new voting procedure went

Denver, Co. - A woman selling tacos out of a Denver, Co. food truck was accused of selling methamphetamine alongside tacos, according to NBC News.

smoothly, with over 60 percent of the class of 2018 participating, it did not increase voter participation. According to Agresta, this year’s voter percentage is similar to last year’s.

In regards to future elections, Agresta said that using OrgSync for future FUSA elections “is still a topic of conversation,” but that only freshmen have been trained to use the virtual polling booth so far.

New York City, N.Y. - On Monday, actress Emma Watson delivered a speech at a U.N. meeting in New York that embraced feminism and introduced the “HeForShe” campaign, according to the New York Daily News.

1:53 a.m. – A non-student from Quinnipiac was transported after a fight broke out in the Townhouses. The two other Fairfield residents involved declined medical attention. The case is under further investigation; the students involved were referred to student conduct.

CAU TTIO N O I N U CA

In the U.S.

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Clemson, S.C. - According to Business Insider, the death of a fraternity student has prompted Clemson University to suspend 24 fraternities.

Riverside, Ca. - According to Fox News, bestselling book “The Fault in Our Stars” was banned from a string of California middle schools due to the book’s sexual content.

Compiled by Christina Mowry

Washington, D.C. According to Reuters, two men tried to break into the White House last week which prompted the construction of an additional 8 foot fence.

CORRECTION BOX On page 4 of our last issue, in the article titled “Non-student arrested for assault and trespassing,” we stated that according to the CT Post, Macdonnell was found “poking holes in the kitchen wall with a knife.”

The Department of Public Safety was able to clarify that Macdonnell was reported to be using a butter knife.

Opinion

THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

Opinion

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Editor

Sounding off on Scotland: trouble still lies ahead

By Meaghan Conlon Opinion Editor This isn’t 1776, where a group of rebel colonies rise up in anger against England, then fight and break away in order to form their own country. This is 2014, the year in which Scotland, fed up with England, decided to sever ties with the United Kingdom. Like the colonists during the pre-revolution, there was a split between those who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom, and those who wished to see an independent Scotland.

Violent outbreaks and riots lead up to the announcement of the final vote of 55-45, where the votes favored Scotland staying a part of the United Kingdom. This result has allowed most of the financial world to remain relatively unimpacted, while the people of Scotland have been rocked by this event.

Is it for the better that Scotland remained a part of the U.K., or will it continue to have a negative impact on the relationship that Scotland and England share?

This referendum has been a long time coming. Scotland has had many problems with England, dating back to the 13th century, when a war for independence was fought. Since that time, Scotland and England have had centurieslong rocky relationship; the distaste for one another has manifested itself in sports rivalries, chants at soccer games (“We hate England more than you”) and not to mention physical brawls over years.

There are even claims that those who signed the Act of the Union, which united Scotland to the rest of the United Kingdom, were bribed to put their names on the document.

In recent years, two things occurred to rally Scotland toward a referendum for independence: oil and currency. Those who supported Scotland’s independence believe that Scotland’s share of the North Sea oil and gas reserve will be able to provide funds and sta-

Editorial Board If not us, who?

Shauna Mitchell Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Calhoun Executive Editor Enxhi Myslymi Managing Editor

bilize their economy and they are tired of England taking the tax and profits from it.

They believe that whichever government controls the North Sea company has an advantage.

The problem of oil control leads to issues of currency strength and what the effects would be on the European Union if Scotland became an independent country.

The second part of the current problem is currency. Scotland wants to keep their pound as a formal currency union. As their pound essentially has the same exchange rate as the rest of the United Kingdom, this would not cause too much of a problem.

However, if Scotland left the Union and the gap in the rate of exchange grew, it could cause trading and stability problems for the U.K. The big concern for economists was that if Scotland separated from the U.K., the financial repercussions would have a negative impact on the rest of the world.

Now that Scotland is staying a part of the United Kingdom and the prospect of the British leaving the European Union, economist and financial experts can breathe a little easier. The preservation of the United Kingdom keeps the international economy stable during a time when the European Union needs to get back on its feet.

While it may be a relief to the international business community, England should not be so fast as to believe they are in the safe zone. National pride in Scotland is only growing, especially in the wake of this event.

There is an extremely high chance that in the near future, Scotland will call for another referendum, and England, the rest of the United Kingdom and the financial world need to be aware and be able to handle the repercussions and entertain the solutions of the economic problems an independent Scotland would cause.

Scotland itself needs to decide as a nation on whether or not

“If not me, who? If not now, when?”

As Emma Watson spoke before the United Nations to talk about HeForShe, a campaign that strives to promote gender equality with help from both women and men, this quote struck a chord with us.

But we felt that the goals of the movement can go even further than feminism. There is a vast world out there that is in need of change before we can feel confident raising our future children in this environment.

If not us, then who is going to enact this change?

Who is going to stand up for

they want independence. In the aftermath of the voting campaign, there were riots in the streets and violent outbreaks across the country.

Glasgow, Scotland, in particular, was a scene of violence and mayhem after the independence vote results. Young girls holding Scotland flags were attacked by the opposing side, who also destroyed property. There were even reports of pro-England supporters performing the Nazi salute; 11 people were arrested out of over 200 people at the demonstration at George Square.

Is this the way to react to a difference of opinion? Destroying property, attacking young people, causing mayhem and madness — just because someone has a differ-

the rights for gay men and women to be wed?

Who is going to stand up and demand that veterans of the United States military are treated well when they come home from war?

Who is going to demand that men and women have equal pay and that minorities have equal representation in politics?

If not now, then when is this change going to happen? It seems that whenever we talk about societal issues, we discuss them as though they are something separate from us.

“Homelessness exists … but not in the United States. In other countries women are a mere token

ent thought than you?

We live in a modern day and age where people should be guaranteed the freedom of speech and have that right protected — not be attacked by someone twice your size or have your home destroyed.

What makes the matter worse was that news about Glasgow was that it largely reached the public through social media sites, rather than through conventional media outlets.

For having so much coverage and debate over the vote, the aftermath of the election was not covered closely, leading to mass riots and trouble for Scotland.

This divide only further serves to separate the people pro-independence from the rest of the United Kingdom.

… but in the United States equality is running rampant.” However, these are problems that do occur in our nation.

They are not just issues that we see on TV and that we’ve become desensitized to seeing. We’ve come to ignore what happens in our own country, making us inherently forget about the other problems of the world.

Last week we called for more transparency and information on our campus.

This week we take that mission even further in calling on students to become more aware.

Know what’s happening around you. Recognize that you

Scotland has reached a turning point in its history. And, even though they did not achieve the independence that so many of them wanted, they were able to make their voices heard. England may think that they are in the clear, but in order to keep Scotland happy and a part of the United Kingdom, they need to rethink some policies and their treatment of their neighboring country.

While a unionized Scotland is good for the rest of the world in terms of economics, financial stability and military defense, it is not good for the people of the country in the long term. As the tension between the two different groups grows, so do the chances for a peaceful reconciliation.

can create change in the world.

Take the initial steps to become a “Guerrilla Girl.”

There will always be those preventing you from taking a stand and telling you that what you are doing is inconsequential. But we disagree with them.

If, in 200 years when almost no one will remember who you are, was anything you did during your life actually worth it?

We believe that if you choose to stand up and affect someone’s life or take part in a movement, even if it’s just signing your name on a petition, then you’re already taking steps to create a world that you are proud of living in.

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THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

Opinion

An Apple a day keeps everyone too connected

By Ariana Puzzo Contributing Writer Has technology become too intimate? In a word, yes. At a time when Apple and similar production teams are competing to try and outsell each other, the stakes have risen to make technology more cutting edge and convenient.

In doing so, not only are we greatly losing any privacy that remains, but we are also losing touch with each other.

The latest spark of controversy has come from Apple’s much anticipated release of the Apple Watch.

Set to release in early 2015, Apple Watch is Apple’s latest scheme to become more involved and more intrusive in our daily lives.

The device, worn as one would wear a regular watch, has capabilities of sending messages to friends in addition to giving Facebook and other app updates. The most disconcerting feature; Apple Watch’s ability to monitor your health.

By allowing Apple to monitor and have access to health information such as our heart rate, we are inviting anyone with the technology skill set to monitor our daily routines and henceforth, lose our already limited privacy.

As Apple continues to make strides with creations such as Apple Watch, several important questions should be asked. The first question is, “am I ever truly alone?” In the figurative sense, no, you are not.

As Apple Watch prepares to hit Apple’s wide market, we, as potential consumers, should identify other important questions. Another significant question is whether Apple’s new product is a ploy to learn more about our personal information or if it is beneficial to

our daily routines. Despite delivering the instant gratification that our generation craves by enabling us to not have to reach into our pockets for our phones, we are sacrificing more than we are gaining by inviting such an invasive product into our lives.

Will the new product bring us closer together or further apart?

From what I see daily, I have no doubt that Apple Watch will further disconnect us. As I walk across campus each day and see iPhones in the hands of almost every student, I am reminded of the sobering fact that we are incapable of talking to one another for extended periods of time unless we have other means of entertainment.

I constantly see people who, when dining with friends, take out their phones when the conversation lulls to alleviate the silence that once would have forced the group to start a new conversation.

Guilty of putting up barriers myself, I know the Apple Watch would only further isolate me from those around me.

Finally, the most important question is, are we too reliant on technology for communication? I want to reiterate that I do believe that we are becoming too reliant on technology in numerous ways.

Whether it is relying solely on the Internet for schoolwork or a task such as paying bills online, the moment the Internet is out of our reach, we begin to panic.

For this reason above all others, I wholeheartedly believe that the upcoming release of Apple Watch will be a further setback in the art of communication that will only serve to isolate us more than connect us.

Enjoy fun fall festivities

By Aileen Lindenthal Contributing Writer It’s that time of year again – time to put away your summer shorts and flip flops, and slip into a pair of boots and cuddle up with your pumpkin spice latte. Here are some fun ideas now that fall is in season.

1. Apple picking And I’m not talking about the ones near Canisius! There are apple orchards right around Fairfield, so gather up a group of friends and make some memories together. And plus, who doesn’t like a crisp apple when the weather’s finally getting chillier?

2. Pumpkin carving Who doesn’t love Halloween? Putting on some cheesy Halloween music makes this one of my top favorites during the autumn season. Doing this with friends allows you to make some awesome memories, while also getting you into the fall spirit.

3. President’s Ball While I haven’t personally gone yet since this is my first year here, I can’t help but get more and

more excited as Prez Ball gets closer. I love being able to dress up and meet new people in a more formal setting than what we usually see on a regular basis at Fairfield.

4. Fall TV shows This is easily one of the best parts of fall.

Tons of shows will be returning back to the small screen this season, such as fan favorites “Modern Family,” “Awkward,” “The Big Bang Theory” and “American Horror Story.” You’ll finally be able to put Netflix away for a little bit and return to television.

5. College football While Fairfield doesn’t have a football team, it’s so exciting to be able to watch college football again on TV. There’s something so fun about cheering on your team from the stands with a hot chocolate in your hand, or even just from your couch. Anything goes, as long as you’re enjoying yourself.

All in all, no matter what you end up doing, be sure to spend time with those who are special to you, because that’s what really matters.

Pistorius gets away with murder

By Robert Hedberg Contributing Writer It has been a sad time in South Africa where the value of human life and the responsibility one has over his actions has been overshadowed by stardom.

Earlier this month, Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter. As the verdict was read, the belief that celebrities are above the law held firmly in the minds of many.

Pistorius was on trial for first degree murder for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a South African model. He had shot her four times through her bathroom door. Pistorius’ claim to fame was his talented running abilities.

Despite the fact that he is a double leg amputee, he still ran in the Olympics for South Africa and became quite famous in the process. However, he is also known to have a temper and has fired his gun in public on more than one occasion.

The evidence against him was overwhelming.

Steenkamp was shot in the wrist, hip, elbow and head as she knelt down behind the bathroom door of her master bedroom. A bloody cricket bat was found next to her, but prosecutors could not prove if it was used on Steenkamp or, like Pistorius claims, used to break down the door.

Security guards arrived at the scene, but Pistorius told them “everything was fine.” Soon a neighbor arrived at the scene and Pistorius then called his best friend. After that point, Pistorius finally called the police, unable to be understood through his crying.

There is no doubt in my mind that Pistorius killed Steenkamp. Pistorius told police that he thought a burglar was in the house and mistakenly shot Steenkamp. The only question that was up for debate was whether or not Pistorius knew he was shooting Steenkamp, or truly thought that there was a burglar.

During the trial, the jurors saw their icon, hero and Olympian Cinderella-story star and had to decide which story was true: the verdict supported by prosecutors and evidence that said that Pistorius, in the early morning of Feb. 14, knowingly shot his girlfriend in an act of rage or Pistorius’ claim that he believed an intruder was in the house and blindly fired four shots through a door, knowing his girlfriend was also somewhere in the house.

The jurors who could not bear to believe that their star could be such a cold-hearted man chose to believe the latter. With this decision, the jury proved once again that to be above the law, one just has to be famous and successful.

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

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THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

'Broadway's Next H!t Musical' goes Improv

By Monet Monterosso Contributing Writer

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical, an improvised musical comedy, came to the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Friday, Sept.

19.

The night consisted of an 85-minute unscripted theatrical awards show where nominees were created by the audience.

Before entering the theater, the audience was presented with papers and pens which instructed them to write a song title or anything they’d like as a potential song to be performed in the musical they were about to see.

Afterwards, the audience found themselves on a red carpet where the host of the award show, Rob Gorden, stood giving interviews.

Gorden introduced the Grant, who picked a paper out of a jar which had the song title “We Love You Bloomberg” written on it.

At that moment, Grant told the audience about the show from which the song “We Love You Bloomberg” comes from, explaining that the show was called “Tulips,” which was set in a garden where everybody speaks Dutch.

He followed the explanation with an actual performance of the song “We Love You Bloomberg,”

with three other actors singing backup and dancing.

Following this act, Gor den returned onstage to introduce Jeff Scherer who picked the song “People Who are Afraid of Other People.”

The show was called “Agoraphobia,” where the main character faced his fear of leaving his house to be with other people.

His would-be girlfriend was persistent about him going out and he explained why he couldn’t by singing a song of made-up scenarios that could possibly happen, such as being crushed by a helicopter if he was to go out and be with people.

The next performer, Stefan Schick, picked the song “Ladies in Paris.” The song was from the show “My Baguette is Listening,” where two men, a poet and an artist, are just out of the war

piece of art. Before beginning the song, Schick picked another paper, claiming that his favorite lyric from the song “Ladies in Paris,” was “Will you see me? Will you smile at me?”

He performed the song with a backup dancer, while smoking a cigarette through most of the song.

by Deb Rabbai who chose the song “Kermit the Frog Romances Miss Piggy.”

The song was featured in the show “The Monsters in the Closet,” which involved a 12-year-old boy who was afraid of the monsters in his closet, which caused his mom to sing this song so he could calm down and go to bed.

Before Rabbai performed the song, she explained that the choreography in the show is very intense and

provised, including the plot twist where the monster in Jeremy’s closet was actually his father who Jeremy believed left him to be a pirate.

The father came back home and the other monster was adopted by the family to be Jeremy’s brother.

The show concluded with a standing ovation from the audience.

After the show, the actors came onstage to talk with the audience. When Scherer was asked how he chose Monet Monterosso / The Mirror his path in improvisational that the choreographer was theater he said, “I originally in the audience. wanted to do writing, but She then picked a man then I tried stand-up comfrom the front row and did edy and it felt too lonely." a dance that was the fea"When I got into improv, tured dance in the show.

As she performed the song, Scherer. the monster came out of “The bad part is that you the closet and antagonized end up doing a lot of your 12-year-old Jeremy while improv for free, but the best the mother was singing, part is that we [actors] are completely oblivious to the on stage cracking each other monster that had emerged up and it’s one great time,” from the closet. said Scherer After all four nominees The improv is not only had performed, they were taken care of by the actors, brought back on stage in but also by their pianist order to vote for the win- because it isn’t a musical ner, which was calculated without music. by the audience’s applause.

- a jazz musician, so origitween “Ladies in Paris” and nally that’s what I did. I’m “Kermit the Frog Romanc- from the improv world. We es Miss Piggy.” After another round of applause, the other and our type of peraward was given to Rabbai formance is unique and infor “Kermit the Frog Ro- credible”. mances Miss Piggy.”

The entire show was im-

Know The Truth about Harry Quebert

By Gina White Contributing Writer

This recently published literary came an instant international bestseller. Presented as a book within a book, it echoes Steig Larsson’s Millenium Trilogy, which began with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. If you liked that series, you will most certainly enjoy this book.

In the summer of 1975 in the small, seaside town of Somerset, New Hampshire, 15 year old Nola Kellergan vanishes without a trace. Her story doesn’t pick up again until 2008, the year in which the novel is set.

Enter Marcus Goldman, a successful writer living in New York City who is desperately searching for his next big bestseller, a second novel that will supersede his outrageously popular

Faced with the doom of writer’s block and his editor’s impending man-

da of his own. He begins to use his research and resulting story to spark a new novel, the great novel that will continue to enhance his fame and popularity as a modern author.

He cares about Harry, but does he care more about his own career?

Plagued by death threats from unknown sources, and pressure from his editor, Marcus races to discover The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair. ing, you wouldn’t ever be able to tell it was translated from French. This book will sweep you under like the waves relentlessly hitting the shore in

mentor and former professor, Harry Quebert who lives in Somerset, New Hampshire. Soon after his arrival, Nola’s body is found on Harry’s property buried with a very compelling item, one that will throw a shadow of guilt on Harry.

Has Harry had an affair with the girl? Did he murder Nola? It doesn’t look good for Harry, so believing he owes his career and happiness to his mentor, Marcus sets out on a search of his own in the hope of proving Harry Quebert’s innocence.

As the situation becomes more for air, the amazing denouement will and more miserable for Harry, one in take your breath away again. which his life and reputation hang in the balance, Marcus develops an agen-

Page 9

THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

The Vine

Moe. is Rocking Out in Your Backyard

By Charles DeFilippo Vine Editor

rock n’ roll on their own terms. From the humble beginnings in Buffalo, NY. moe. has built an impressive repertoire of 24 albums and mass fan-base all across the globe.

Since then, moe. has performed with groups such as Dave Matthews Band, The Allman Brothers and The Who. All stops are out on moe.’s current tour of their new album, ‘No Guts, No Glory’. The 11-track album (fourteen on the deluxe CD, digital, and double vinyl editions) has taken the band across the U.S. and overseas to Germany’s Burg Herzberg Festival and Fuji Rock Festival in Japan.

Grooving guitars over a syncopated rhythm section in “Annihilation Blues” instantly hook fans, and before you know it, you’re mesmerised by the psychedelic “Silver Sun”. Now there is no escaping the bold guitar riffs of Chuck Garvey and Al Schnier or Rob Derhak's slapping bass. Drummer, Vinnie Amico is powerful and grooves under the band while percussionist, Jim Loughlin's vibes (vibraphone) are nothing short of melodic. moe. is one of the only progressive rock bands around with a vibraphonist and it instantly changes the dynamic. Drummer Vinnie Amico felt that his approach is vastly different because of Laighlin’s presence in the band. His drumming is much simpler, but something didn't add up to me.

“The less I play, the greater the groove,” said Amico. Vinnie and Loughlin are long-time friends and have been playing tougher since before the band, added Amico. And Yes, the results are mind-blowing.

But do you know what the best part is? moe. has been rocking out in your back yard the entire time. moe. recently shook the stage at The Vibes (Gathering of the Vibes) in Bridgeport, Conn. and host their own festival, moe.down, at Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, NY. Not to mention, moe.down has been going on for 15 years. moe.over, yes it’s that addicting, (moreover…pun intended) ‘No Guts, No Glory’ was recorded at Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Conn. The album was produced by Dave Aron, who has worked with artist from U2 and Prince to Snoop Dogg.

“All of our fans are in it for the same thing,” said Amico whether they are from Japan or America. The music is powerful and each night moe. gives us more than we could ever want.

“We wear our hearts on our sleeve,” and “lay it all out on stage,” said Amico. Three hours of music is also pretty convincing as far as any normal set-list is concerned. In addition, moe.’s catalog allows them to play gig after gig without repeating a single song.

From their last three gigs (Royal Oak, MI 9/19, Cincinnati, OH 9/20 and Kent, OH 9/21) the band massed 45 different tunes. It would only be fair to split the night up into two sets allowing you to snap out of the physydelic depths of moe.

Contributed Photo

moe.'s 'No Guts No Glory' recorded in Stamford, Conn,

Fasten your seat belts, because moe. is closer than you think. This Friday, Sept. 27th moe. will be honing their musical bliss on the 1,400 seat Klein Memorial Auditorium in atre Company (FTC) and apart of the BMW of Bridgeport driving music series. The Klein has hosted legends like B.B. King, Alice Cooper, Buddy Guy, Herbie Hancock, Peter Frampton and will soon be adding moe. to the list.

As moe. approaches their 25th anniversary in January they continue to evolve.

Amico felt everything from song writing to gear and equipment has changed. “Is this a conscious effort?,” Amico added, “No,” but it has shaped moe. and the end result unfolds before you. moe. has about a month break in their tour schedule after the Klein so expect everything to be left trembling on stage long after the doors have been locked. moe.’s tour will resume October 24th at the Neptune Theatre in Seattle, WA and more gigs are to follow out West. Be sure to keep tabs, because moe. will be playing “One More For The Fans! – Celebrating The Songs & Music of Lynyrd Skynyrd” at Fox Theatre (Atlanta) on Nov.12 with some of the biggest names in music.

Quick Look: @ The Klein Saturday, Sept. 27 Doors @ 7 p.m.

Show @ 8 p.m.

Tickets: $35 Members save $5/ticket Parking: $5 The Klein Autditorium Bridgeport, Conn.

203.259.1036

Contributed Photo

The Klein Auditorium - 1,400 seats have witnessed legends in music from B.B. King to Buddy Guy,

THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

The Vine

Told ByDre

By Andrea Butler Fashion Columnist

Hello stylish Stags!

Tattoos are one of the most popular forms of selfexpression these days. However, they do require a feel quite ready to “go under the needle,” Flash Tattoos These jewelry-inspired temporary tattoos are easy to

they have to offer.

Love, Dre

Page 10

Page 11

THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

The Vine

Read The Rest Online...

Guerrilla Girls Original 'Frida Kahlo' Speaks

By Katie Acompora Assistant Vine Editor

“We have to start using the F-word,” said Frida Kahlo, encouraging the students and professors at

Twenty One Pilots: 'Vessel' Review

of the word "feminism."

Kahlo is one of the

By Isabella Zeolla Contributing Writer

Guerrilla Girls, a group of speech since 1985.

Kahlo explained that the Guerrilla Girls wear gorilla masks to protect their identities, as it allows others to focus on the issues at hand, rather than the women’s personalities.

“My initial reaction to Frida Kahlo was that she really knows how to make a statement. Though she was wearing a gorilla mask, the talk was even more intriguing,” said Jhomalys Moran ’14. what was even more provocative were the statistics that she mentioned

Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun have successfully built their “House of Gold.” With hard work, dedilessly created poetry that just happened to sound absolutely stunning when paired with a beat.

“Vessel” starts with an ominous, futuristic beat that captivates listeners instantaneously. As the album progresses, so do the complex melodies, a concept of music we do not get the joy of experiencing much of with today’s top 50 ...

work that is shown in comparison to the amount of male work that has gender has affected the art market,” said Katie Gillette ’15, an art history major ...

The Hot Sardines Jazz Octet at Quick Center

By Charles DeFilippo Vine Editor

“New-old” jazz phenomena, The Hot Sardines, took the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts back in time after performing their modern renditions of jazz greats of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. The Octet set the standards high for the 2014-2015 opening weekend with the sounds of New York, Paris and New Orleans during the Prohibition through World War II era.

This past Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m., bandleader and pianist Evan “Bibs” Palazzo and co-founder and lead vocalist Miz Elizabeth gave the crowd more than they could ask for. Listeners of all ages were swinging back and forth in their seats, tapping their feet, and singing along to their favorite tunes.

The Sardines performed hits from Fats Waller, The Andrews Sisters and Billie Holiday. “Feets Too Big,” “Bei Mir Bistu Shein” and “What a Little Moonlight” will all be songs featured on their most recent, self-titled, album set to release Oct. 7...

'As Above So Below' is Unique and Exciting

By Kara Cummings Film Critic

“As Above So Below” doesn’t live up to potential of a great plotline.

“Quarantine” director John Erick Dowdle John Erick Dowdle sets the stage for a unique and exciting horwith a location as fantastic and grim as the Parisian catacombs, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where and It opens interestingly enough, with archaeologist Scarlett Marlowe on a frenzied search for ...

READ ALL OF OUR STORIES AT FAIRFIELDMIRROR.COM

THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

Coffee Break

Page 12

COFFEE BREAK Editor: Meaghan Kirby

The use (or overuse) of sprinklers Is it a waste of water or worth it?

By Allison White Contributing Writer Has anyone noticed how green the grass is here at Fairfield? Thanks to the sprinklers, and our landscaping, this is one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever seen.

Some may argue that this landscaping is too expensive and that we pay far more than we should, but isn’t the campus what attracted you to come to Fairfield? I believe that Fairfield’s campus is a wonderful opportunity to increase admissions. Our 200 acres of land are kept neat and clean at all times.

Not only does this provide for a great photo opportunity, but it also attracts more students. I know that as I looked at colleges, Fairfield was always near the top of the list because of the scenic campus. The view of the Long Island Sound, the statue of Lucas the Stag and the greenest grass in Connecticut are what make up this picturesque campus. Since we are going to call this place home for the next four years, we must treat it like our home. This means we should keep it clean and presentable.

During those weeks where it’s too hot to sit in the dorms, such as the first few weeks of school this year, you can see students scattered throughout the campus. Students will tan in the Quad or sit on a bench and study.

Students will also partake in games such as Frisbee and have a catch with one another.

During the first few days of freshman year, the Quad was packed with students every night. It was a central location for socializing.

Thanks to the landscapers, the Quad is the

perfect place to gather.

The athletic fields are also an asset to our beautiful campus. If it wasn’t for the landscapers, these fields would not be maintained and would not be eligible for athletes to play on. Our soccer, rugby, field hockey and baseball fields all need maintenance.

Without these fields, our teams would not be able to play at home and that would affect our school spirit.

Going to games with friends and cheering on your school is the best way for our school to bond as a community. Next time you see the landscapers, give them a friendly smile. They improve the way our home looks. The money we spend on paying them has definitely been put to good use.

By Josue Jorge Contributing Writer Imagine this: You are the camp counselor at a summer program for high schoolers facilitated here on campus and everything is going excellent.

Programs are engaging, meals are catered and the nights are cool, transforming a non-air-conditioned dorm into an easy, breezy living space. What more can you ask for, right?

Well, to my surprise one of the kindest residents in this summer program received a little more than what she paid for when sprayed directly in the face by a sprinkler from outside while laying in her dorm.

That is just one example of the many times people have to unnecessarily dodge the sporadic and merciless

Contributed under Creative Commons

sprinklers here on campus.

Though getting attacked by the sprinklers while inside is frustrating, it is most annoying to watch them distribute water equally across the grass and walkways while it simultaneously rains.

That’s right, while people around the world suffer from droughts or an inadequate source of clean water, the sprinklers often work relentlessly through the rain here in Stag country.

In addition, the use of sprinklers on rainy days is useless.

The system is not completely brainless though. Although it can’t tell when it’s raining, it can pinpoint in real-time the exact moment you are going to pass one of its sprinkler nozzles and sprays you accordingly.

One possible solution would be to invest in sprinklers smart enough to know when it’s raining and when someone is passing. With all the crazy inventions out there, something as useful as that must already be patented and if it’s not, I shall find an engineering major, have them invent it and sprinkle money across the Quad.

I mean that’s what the sprinklers are doing anyway, right? It is not at all cost-effective to have this system running so often and it is equally annoying to have it running haphazardly.

Don’t get me wrong; the green and healthy grass is better looking than the alternative, but the current sprinkler system is unmistakably working harder, not smarter.

Mirror.

Editor’s note:

Point/Counterpoint wants to give students on campus a chance to voice their opinions on specific issues. The topics must be relevant to a majority of the student population and can be a current event or a long-standing issue. If you would like to be featured in the column, contact info@fairfieldmirror.com.

Ask

Sarah

Have a question for Sarah?

Submit one to info@fairfieldmirror.com

Dear Sarah, I’ve just started living at the Townhouses after living in a traditional dorm for two years. Everything about the Townhouses is very different, especially when it comes to my neighbors.

I have these neighbors who are constantly loud and partying. I’ve even seen them throw beer cans right outside our front door. Every time we’ve tried to talk to them about it, they ignore us and walk away.

I’m so frustrated because I was looking forward to living in a house, and now I just can’t wait to leave.

Any suggestions?

-Troubled in the Townhouses Dear Troubled in the Townhouses, Thanks for writing in. I’m sorry that your Townhouse experience has not turned out the way you had hoped.

It’s very unfortunate that your neighbors cannot have a mature conversation with you when confronted. However, it may be possible to reach an understanding with the help of a third party. Try reaching out to the university’s Conflict Resolution Consortium. The CRC offers a Peer Mediation Program, which enables students to reach conflict solutions with the help of a trained student mediator.

As a last resort, you should contact the Office of Residence Life in regards to relocating to another residence on campus.

-Sarah

Fall at Fairfield Word Search

FUSA Concert Late Night

Love and Theft

President’s Ball

Parent’s Weekend

Halloween

Sports

Page 13

THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

Weekly 4x5

Because they like to talk ...

Patrick Kiernan Sports Editor

Jennifer Calhoun Executive Editor

Patrick Kiernan, Jennifer Calhoun, Matthew Schneider and Jesse Erickson

What Fairfield sport are you most excited for this year and why?

This is Derek Jeter's last week playing baseball. Thoughts?

Fairfield alum Maurice Barrow '14 has a basketball contract with a team in Austria. Thoughts?

It's fall weather now. What do you enjoy most about the change of seasons?

What's the best song out that you're listening to right now?

The lacrosse team is primed for a serious title run, in my opinion.

Plus, the new stadium ought to give them all the momentum in the world.

Watching the man I've looked up to for 15 years now finally retire has been saddening, but also so unbelievably surreal. Jeter deserves all the praise and a steady girlfriend to wife up at this point.

Mo was phenomenal at Fairfield and I thought a professional contract was imminent for him since his graduation. You go, Mo, and enjoy your new venture.

Nothing. Next question.

"Break Free" by Ariana Grande or "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit.

Both songs are just such fire, and if you don't like them well too bad for you.

I'll only get excited when we get curling.

He's always seemed like a good guy and a real inspiration for a lot of people. The NFL could have used a guy like that in their midst.

Congrats Mo! Continuing the trend of having a Fairfield basketball presence overseas.

The one day when there are orange and red leaves on the trees before they turn brown and become the annoying noise beneath my shoes and the most certain cause of my death when they're wet.

I can't stop listening to "Don't" by Ed Sheeran. But then there's also the Saved By the Bell theme song that's been stuck in my head for a few days...

He's had a decent career. Maybe sometime soon, people will consider him to be almost as good as Mike Piazza.

He had a great career at Fairfield; hopefully this will give him the experience he needs to play in the NBA some day!

I love the smell of burning leaves, the foliage changing colors and some good football on a cold night.

It's got to be "Break Free" by Ariana Grande or "Love Runs Out" by OneRepublic.

Even as a Red Sox fan, the Gatorade commercial dedicated to Jeter made me a little sad.

Same! But seriously, good for him.

Bean boots! However, I won't enjoy the adventure from Faber/ Bellarmine to the center of campus when it starts to get cold.

My recent playlist consists of One Direction so something along those lines.

I'm most excited for men's soccer; I think they have a great chance to Matthew Schneider win it all this year.

Assistant Sports Editor

Jesse Erickson Assistant Sports Editor

Your 2014-2015 4x5 Columnists:

I'm really excited with what the women's soccer team has already accomplished this season, so I'm looking forward to see where they go with that momentum.

Stag Spotlight: Field Hockey's Ann Burgoyne '17 and Jaclyn Gallagher '18 What are you most excited for this season?

What about school?

What are you looking to do with your life?

Burgoyne: We started off a little slow, but we had two wins this past week, so I guess just coming back stronger and learning from our mistakes from earlier in the season and trying to do better.

Burgoyne: I’m a film and media major and I’m trying to maybe do something with education, too. Maybe producing in the future or something with that major.

Gallagher: I want to make it to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament and win the America East.

Sophomore forward Ann Burgoyne.

What is your favorite part about the field hockey team?

Have you ever had any real field hockey related injuries?

Gallagher: I want to declare a business major and maybe be an accountant.

Looking forward to anything this school year?

Burgoyne: Just taking more film classes and core classes in general and meeting new people.

Gallagher: Just making lots of new friends Burgoyne: Yeah. I broke my wrist once and and having a good time.

Burgoyne: The girls on the team and the my thumb two or three times. Just little injuWhat’s your favorite upperclassmen. They’ve taken us in like ries here and there, but nothing too serious I guess. professional sport and sisters and everything. So, everyone on the who’s your favorite player? team, in general.

Gallagher: I stress fractured my femur in the Burgoyne: Baseball and Chase Utley from Gallagher: I like all the girls and we’re all preseason. I was out for the whole preseason, the Phillies. like two months. like a family.

Thoughts on Coach Kane getting inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame?

Burgoyne: She’s worked really hard. She’s been here for a really long time, and I think it’s really good for her.

Gallagher: I think she deserves it. She’s a great coach.

Gallagher: The Jets and my favorite player is in basketball, LeBron James.

What got you interested in the sport of field hockey?

Burgoyne: My older sister played so I played, too.

Gallagher: Well, I really hated soccer so my friend just told me to join and I ended up really liking it.

Photos by Patrick Kiernan/The Mirror

Inside the Sports Section this week: -More athletes add to domestic abuse trouble in NFL -Kiernan vs. Schneider: MLB Postseason Picks -Fairfield alum strikes basketball deal in Austria -Men's soccer features overseas talent -Intramural sports look to expand in 2014-15 school year -Jeff Bricker succeeds Ed Paige as tennis head coach

Sports

Page 14

THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

More athletes add to domestic abuse trouble in NFL

By Matthew Schneider Assistant Sports Editor A few weeks ago, Minnesota Vikings player Adrian Peterson was widely considered the best running back in the NFL, with his only concern being performing on offense. Fast forward to last week, and the rest of Peterson’s career is in severe doubt.

Peterson has been charged with child abuse, as there is evidence to suggest that he disciplined his child with a switch, or thin tree branch. The NFL, which has been rocked with scandals lately, decided that it would be a good idea to take a closer look into the matter, prompting the Vikings to suspend Peterson indefinitely (or until the case is resolved by the legal system).

This has caused speculation that Peterson’s time with the Vikings is over, and that it is time to move on. Indeed, Mike Florio, a sportswriter for the website ProFootballTalk, went as far as to say that “it’s now likely that Peterson will never wear a Vikings uniform again” and “after the season ends, the Vikings will move on.”

Such thinking has caused some shock amongst fans of the game, as it’s not very often that a player of Peterson’s caliber may be released.

However, the writing has been on the wall ever since former Baltimore Raven Ray Rice’s highly publicized discharge from the team for abusing his then-fiancée.

The message that the league is trying to get across is clear: If you are involved in any sort of domestic violence, you will pay the consequences, and your career will likely be in jeopardy.

All of this has been brought about by a recent series of reports alleging that certain NFL players had been violent toward their family in different ways, starting with Rice, and continuing with Peterson. The public has responded negatively to these allegations, forcing the NFL to take action for the sake of retaining the support of its fans.

The public outcry became so loud once the dramatic tape of Rice knocking his fiancée out became public that the NFL changed its domestic violence policy: For a first offense, the player will

be banned for six games; for a second offense, he will be banned for life.

This represents a serious change from the way in which matters used to be handled, as they were done on a caseby-case basis. For example, depending on the situation, a player could be held out for a few games, a few months or even avoid punishment altogether. However, it has become clear that football fans will not stand for such things, and the NFL is listening.

In related news, Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer was recently arrested on domestic violence charges, stemming from a July case in which he head butted his wife.

Instead of the waffling back and forth that the Vikings and Ravens did with their players, the Cardinals immediately put Dwyer on the non-football injury reserve list, a place set aside for players who aren’t allowed on the team for various reasons. If this swift reaction isn’t a perfect example of the way things are going, I don’t know what is.

Changes are coming to the NFL, and they seem to be for the better.

Contributed under Creative Commons

Kiernan vs. Schneider: Making picks for MLB postseason

By Patrick Kiernan Sports Editor

In the American League, the Baltimore Orioles have already secured the AL East and are fighting against the Los Angeles Angels for the top spot in the league.

In the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals have been in a heated battle throughout the second half of the season, one which I predict the Tigers will win and clinch their division.

Luckily for the Royals, I see them

By Matthew Schneider Assistant Sports Editor In the American League, the Athletics have not had a smooth ride to the postseason. Since the All-Star break, they have gone just 32-37. I believe they will turn it around, and become a dangerous playoff team.

The Angels, led by young superstar Trout, cruised into the playoffs with ease. I think that they have a shot to be a real force, making them a team

making the playoffs for the first time in decades with one of the two wildcard spots.

In the AL West, the Angels have been running away with the division while the Oakland Athletics have depleted somewhat after a barrage of trades at the trade deadline.

Though the Athletics are out of contention for the division, this team is built for the postseason and will make a good run as the other wildcard team, in my opinion.

Now, in the National League, the

races are similarly tight between divisions, with the NL East being the only exception. The Washington Nationals have been phenomenal all season long and have rocketed past division rivals.

In the NL Central, it gets a lot trickier.

While the St. Louis Cardinals are currently leading the division, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers are just a few games behind coming down the stretch.

I predict that the Cardinals take the division based on their strong per-

formances year in and year out, and the Pirates will make the postseason for the second season in a row as a wild-card team. Sorry, Brewers fans.

In the NL West, the Los Angeles Dodgers are playing well and should secure the division.

However, I predict that the San Francisco Giants, who trail closely, will miss the division crown and be the other wild-card team.

Now, once the postseason commences, I predict that the Angels and Orioles will do well enough to advance

to the American League Championship Series. As for the National League, I think that the Dodgers and Cardinals will also make it to their respective championship series.

As far as the World Series goes, I am predicting that the Angels and Dodgers will be the participants.

And, after a seven-game series is played out, the Angels will emerge victorious and Mike Trout will have everything on his résumé needed to go into Cooperstown before he even turns 25.

that nobody wants to play against.

The Orioles may have had the easiest time of all this year, blowing through the weak AL East with ease.

I think that they will continue to roll along and advance deep into the playoffs.

The Tigers also made a big trade at the trade deadline, acquiring pitcher David Price from the Tampa Bay Rays. They are primed for a deep postseason run.

The Seattle Mariners are my final AL pick. Buoyed by the acquisition of Robinson Cano, the Mariners have been the surprise of the league.

The National League is equally full of great talent, led by the Nationals, who have been smashing through the NL East with relative ease. They will have no trouble advancing far into the postseason.

The Pirates are another team that has developed well recently. Led

by the strong play of Andrew McCutchen, the Pirates will be a World Series contender this year.

The Cardinals will need to rely on strong pitching to get by this postseason, and All-Star pitcher Adam Wainwright, who just earned his 20th win of the season, will lead the charge for the Birds.

The Dodgers will hope to capitalize and win their first World Series since 1988, and legitimize the

big trade with the Red Sox from two years ago and win it all.

The Giants will rely on the skills of catcher Buster Posey to make a splash in the playoffs. As long as he is in the lineup, they are a team to be avoided at all costs.

I think that the World Series will come down to a matchup between the Pirates and Orioles, with the Orioles ultimately taking the series and championship.

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Sports

Page 15

THE MIRROR | Week of September 24, 2014

Maurice Barrow '14 strikes a deal with Austrian pro team

By Alfredo Torres Contributing Writer

From Queens, N.Y. to Fairfield, Conn., Austria gets ready for Maurice Barrow ‘14. Barrow, one of Fairfield’s own basketball products, has packed his bags and started his career overseas.

The dominating forward becomes the fifth player in the last three years to sign a professional contract overseas, joining Ryan Olander ‘12 who plays in Lithuania, Rakim Sanders ‘12 in Italy, Derek Needham ‘13 in Ukraine and Colin Nickerson ‘13 in Canada.

Barrow, who had four productive seasons at Fairfield, entered the 2014 NBA Draft after a solid senior season with the Stags. After going undrafted, he made the decision to sign overseas and play for WBC Raiffeisen Wels.

Coming from the powerhouse Christ the King High School, Barrow had a great résumé. He left Christ the King with several awards, including CHSAA (Catholic High School Athletic Association) Class AA Championship Game MVP and was named Second

Team All-CHSAA in his final season with the Royals of Christ the King. In 2010, Barrow was one of the select few that participated in the Jordan Brand Classic game. The Jordan Brand Classic featured the top players from the New York City metropolitan area in a “City vs. Suburbs” game.

In his first season at Fairfield, Barrow came off the bench for six games until he earned his way into the starting rotation. Throughout his time at Fairfield, he gradually improved his game in every aspect. As a freshman at Fairfield, he averaged 6.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Barrow won two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week awards after having two great games against Rider and Canisius, where he had a double-double in both games, recording at least 10 points and 10 rebounds. He finished his first season second among his teammates in total rebounds with 189. The Stags finished the year with a record of 15-3 and won the MAAC regular season crown.

In his sophomore year, he became one of the team’s top rebounders. He shot 51 percent from the field that

Men's soccer features talent from overseas

By Matthew Schneider Assistant Sports Editor The Fairfield men’s soccer team is a very diverse group, with many of its members coming from outside the country. This year’s squad boasts a whopping 12 foreign players, each of whom hope to contribute to the team.

Plus, five of these foreigners are freshmen, hailing from countries like Sweden, New Zealand and England.

Forward Jordan Ayris ‘15 (right) is from Bicester, England. Growing up there, Ayris was immersed in the soccer culture, resulting in him playing

since he was a child. Ayris started every game of his freshman campaign, getting the nod in 18 contests during the 2011-2012 season. The forward scored a goal in 10 of his 18 appearances, including four straight games at Loyola, Rider, Canisius and Niagara.

He picked up a goal in his first collegiate game against nationally ranked Boston College. During the summer, he plays in the Premier Development League as a member of FC London in Canada, allowing him to hone his skills while not at school. As a senior, it will be up to Ayris not only to produce for the team, but lead it as well.

This week in sports: Wednesday, September 24 Volleyball at Marist, 7 p.m.

Friday, September 26 Women's Tennis at Saint Joseph's Invitational, All Day Field Hockey at Monmouth, 4 p.m.

Saturday, September 27 Volleyball vs. Quinnipiac, 1 p.m.

Women's Soccer vs. Rider, 7 p.m.

season, the top percentage among his teammates. The Stags had a productive season as they finished with a MAAC record of 12-6, but it wasn’t enough to capture the MAAC. The Fairfield Stags started to struggle, as did Barrow as his point production and rebounds decreased. By the time his senior year came, he was averaging 14 points and 5 rebounds per game. The Stags struggled tremendously as they finished with a record of 4-16 in MAAC play. To end his Stag career, Barrow was named AllMAAC Sixth Man of the Year.

This upcoming season, Barrow will be playing with the WBC Raiffeisen Wels in Wels, Austria, one of 11 teams in the Austrian Basketball League. Barrow joins a team that looks to improve and move in the right direction as they add the talented forward.

WBC Raiffeisen Wels has been a productive team over the past few seasons, though they haven’t been successful in the postseason. However, Barrow joins a team that has depth at every position, and Wels looks to have a great season with the variety of talent on this team.

Jordan Ayris '15

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Goalkeeper Joe Martin ‘17 (below) is from York, England. Last year, he joined the starting lineup at the season opener and never relinquished control of his line, starting all 16 games and playing all but 45 minutes of the team’s 1,506 minutes. In his first career start, Martin made three saves in a 1-1 tie against Hartwick College. The goalkeeper posted back-to-back five-save shutouts at one point and would go on to post two more shutouts later in the year. Martin will hope to continue his excellent play this year, but will need to fight for the starting position.

Ben Whitcomb '17

Joe Martin '17

Defender George Newton ‘16 (below) is from Cheshire, England. Similar to Ayris, Newton has been playing soccer for much of his life. As a teenager, he played for the English Schoolboys under 18 soccer team, which is an honor considering that he got to play for his country, something many players can only dream of.

Newton proved that he had what it takes to play for Fairfield early in his career, as he started all 16 of the team's games during his freshman year. He proved to be one of the conference's top defensive players by the season's end, earning a spot on the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Rookie team, a tremendous achievement.

As an upperclassman, it will be up to Newton to serve as an example for his younger teammates, which is something that he should have no trouble doing this season.

George Newton '16

Defender Martin Lindgren ‘17 (below) is from Sundbyberg, Sweden.

He did not miss a game in his freshman season, getting the starting nod in each of the team’s 16 games. Lindgren was one of two freshmen to start every game in 2013, and he was on the pitch for all four of the team’s shutouts. Lindgren also contributed offensively with a pair of goals for four points. He scored a goal in each of his first two career shots, netting a goal against UMass Amherst and another versus UMass Lowell one game later.

Martin Lindgren '17

Sunday, September 28 Softball vs. Queens College, 10:30 a.m.

Softball vs. Adelphi at Queens College, 12:30 p.m.

Men's Soccer vs. Brown, 1 p.m.

Field Hockey at Delaware, 1 p.m.

Softball vs. Adelphi University. 2:30 p.m.

Monday, September 29 Men's Golf at ECAC Championship, All Day Women's Golf at ECAC Championship, All Day

Midfielder Ben Whitcomb ‘17 (below) is from Liverpool, England.

He has only played in four games in his Fairfield career, but has high hopes for the upcoming season. Whitcomb has been playing soccer since he was young because his father wanted him to either play soccer or box, and he doesn’t like boxing (though he is a black belt in JiuJitsu). Whitcomb feels that the team is special because it is made up of so many different people from all over the world.

Photos contributed by Sports Information Desk

Last but not least is James Taylor ‘16 (below), a forward from Lancashire, England. Taylor played for the Burnley FC Academy from the time he was 8 years old, and became the youngest player to ever represent the actual Burnley FC reserve team at 15 years old. During his freshmen year at Fairfield, Taylor got injured, preventing him from suiting up for many of the team’s games. Though he has not yet scored many points for the Stags, Taylor is a highly skilled offensive weapon, and draws the attention of the defense away from his teammates. He will hope to get on the board a lot more this year, and seems primed to do so.

James Taylor '16

SPORTS 16

@MirrorSports Fairfield Mirror Sports Week of September 24, 2014

Sports Editor: Patrick Kiernan » sports@fairfieldmirror.com

Jeff Bricker succeeds Ed Paige as tennis head coach

By Jesse Erickson Assistant Sports Editor After Head Coach Ed Paige made the decision to retire from the men’s and women’s tennis program last July, the athletic department at Fairfield had just a few months to find a replacement for the coach who had left such a remarkable legacy on the program.

This September, Fairfield finally found the coach Fairfield had been looking for. On Sept. 9, the athletic department announced that Jeff Bricker would become the head coach of both the men’s and women’s tennis teams.

Due to his vast amount of experience, Bricker was considered a perfect fit for the program, according to fairfieldstags.com.

At 11 years old, Bricker was already spending seven to eight hours a day on the court. Brought up as a student of the game, Bricker went on to play at Sacred Heart University, where he served as captain the last three years of his college career.

He received the Coaches Award in 2000 for the “greatest contribution

to the tennis program,” according to fairfieldstags.com “After playing in high school and college, I really enjoyed tennis and really wanted to make it a career,” said Bricker.

Shortly after graduating, he went on to coach at Albertus Magnus before he became head coach at the University of New Haven. In three years, Bricker was able to build up the program and make it a competitive Division 2 program.

Before taking on the Chargers of New Haven for their fourth season, Fairfield contacted Bricker about the opening as men’s and women’s head coach and he decided to further his coaching career with the Division 1 program here at Fairfield.

Bricker will be coaching both the men’s and women’s programs, whereas in the past, he only coached the women’s team at New Haven.

Bricker is looking forward to the challenge in front of him.

“It’s a lot more work, but it’s fun,” said Bricker. “My background for the last three years was coaching women, but I’m certainly enjoying it.”

Currently, Bricker has many

goals set for the team, one being hiring an assistant coach to help coach both the men’s and women’s team.

However, even without an assistant, Bricker has added that Fairfield has been a fresh start because the team is very independent, making them different from teams he has coached in the past.

“There’s just a little more desire.

There’s obviously a little bit of a higher talent level which helps, but they want it and they want to work,” said Bricker. “They work hard, they want to listen, they get it and from a tennis standpoint, it makes it real easy to coach because I’m not out there telling them what we have to do.”

Bricker added that he wants to continue to build the legacy that Paige left behind by taking the tennis program even farther than they have been in the past.

“There’s weekly goals and daily goals, but the ultimate goal is the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship,” stated Bricker. “My goal is to continue that build that Ed Paige left off with and really start to take us to more of a regional power setting where we could play with

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

some of the big boys and really compete.”

With the help of his captains, Bricker is hoping to make a success

of the program in this upcoming season, his inaugural one with the Stags.

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Intramural sports look to expand in 2014-15 school year

By Patrick Kiernan Sports Editor Although intramural sports have always been a hit at Fairfield, the directors and supervisors are trying to make the program branch out even further. With an average of more than 1,500 students signing up for multiple teams each year, the new Intramural Graduate Assistant Sean Collins is looking to make the program more vocal in the Fairfield community, as well as more rewarding for the students who participate.

“I want to get a new population of students involved that we’ve never seen before,” said Collins. “A lot of times, it’s the same students signing up year in and year out. If we can find different activities that other students

might be interested in, we might get a new population of students here that might want to participate in recreation. That’s really the main goal.”

This attempt to find different activities for students to participate in begins with collaborating with other programs around Fairfield, such as the Office of Residence Life and the Fairfield University Student Health Center.

One step already taken by the program was the creation of a dodgeball tournament as a part of Welcome Week. There is even the possibility of taking trips around the town of Fairfield to participate in recreational activities like rock climbing.

“We want to try and engage everyone,” said Associate Director and Sport Club Administrator

John Paladino. “[Students] may not be comfortable coming into that intramural setting. Can we reach that student population?”

Another change coming to intramurals is the introduction of a recreational app called REC*IT. It gives students access to all of the information one would normally get by looking at the intramural website including game schedules, teams and players and statistics, another aspect Collins is looking to improve.

Statistic keeping was monitored last year, but Collins is looking to do even more in his inaugural year. He has instructed his staff to get the most specific statistics possible, so players can look back on their performances.

Additionally, those who do particularly well may get an All-Star

game as a reward and receive prizes.

“We’re picking out a male and female MVP every game, and at the end of the year hoping to get enough interest to start an All-Star game,” said Collins.

“We’re hoping to give a little extra incentive to try hard and reward the kids who are there.”

Another aspect Collins clarified was where and when outdoor games would be played in light of the construction on Rafferty Stadium, where Alumni Field used to be.

Most outdoor sports were played on Alumni Field last year, but will now be played on Barlow Field until Rafferty Stadium is complete.

“We’re trying to be as accommodating as possible and be

sure that we give the best options available,” said Collins. “Because there are no lights on Barlow Field, we have to play some weekend games.”

Collins also said that once Rafferty Stadium is completed, the usage of the field should be open to intramurals like Alumni Field was in the past. Therefore, having spring intramurals take place there is definitely a possibility.

Ultimately, the main goal is to collaborate with as many other groups on campus as possible and branch out to a wider student base.

“It’s student-oriented,” said Paladino. “We’re looking for student engagement. We’ll always try something that might make sense and we’re not afraid to fail.”