The Aquilian May 2014 Volume 76, Number 6
Gonzaga College High School Men For Others Since 1821
19 Eye St, NW Washington, DC 20001
Feeding Eagles for Forty-Six Years By: Christian Prince ‘14 Managing Editor
(A= Aquilian, MJ = Mrs. Jeanette, and MG = Ms. Mrs. Jeanette Myles and Ms. Gloria) Gloria McSwain are staples of Gonzaga’s dining experience. A: How long have you been Their preparations behind working with SAGE? the scenes, adept operation MJ: Oh man, I’m trying of cash registers, and kind to figure that out… (looks demeanor allow us to eat away to a long history) like well and without (too much) eighteen years. I’ve been wait. Interacting with Mrs. working here since SAGE Myles and Ms. G is a daily came in. pleasure for most students MG: I’ve been working and such a time-honored with SAGE for eighteen precursor to eating. We are years. With Gonzaga, I’ve well acquainted with Ms. been working with them for Myles’s soft-spoken review another ten years. Twentyof our food products while eight years total. she touches them into the register’s screen, Ms. G’s A: Could you describe a appraising gaze at our meals, typical work day? and the sniper accuracy with MG: I’m here at six-thirty. which both scan our cards – I make sure all the water, but we ought to know more juices, milk is ready. That the about these two factotums of steam table is ready, because SAGE. The Aquilian sat down in the morning I serve the with Mrs. Myles and Ms. G steam table. That’s it for me to discuss their experience of during breakfast; I don’t do decades of food service here food anymore; I used to be a at Gonzaga. cook—
Mr. Waller to Coach AllAmerican Game, p. 2
Summer Service Preview, p.4
Senior Owen Murphy approaches, asking if he can still get SAGE (it’s seventh period), and Ms. G gets up to accommodate him. There’s the sense that she’s always on duty, looking to help.
she left off) I used to be the cook; I used to be the grill cook. (Wistfully) I used to make the pizzas, I used to do the grill breakfast, but they have me on the cash register now.
MJ: I get here at six thirty too. My day starts with getting the coffee station up and running, then I put the nozzles on the soda machines, I get the muffins to put in the warmer, I get the pop tarts and the candy ready… (Mrs. Myles lists her other, similar preparations, graciously displaying more interest and care than my question deserved. Suffice it to say, the daily replenishment of SAGE’s stock is the product of the attentive efforts of these two women.) Then I get my money and count my money and get ready for work at seven thirty. Ms. G returns. MG: (Picking up right where
A: Do you prefer being a cook or on the cash register? MG: I prefer the cash register. (One senses the pride that Ms. G took in her work on the grill.) MJ: And they loved her on that grill.
Goodbye Coach Brady, p.6
Fencing Finishes Successful Campaign, p.7
A: What do you do between breakfast and lunch? MG: Everything has to be replenished. I put together the sweet tea, spa water, cookies, and help with anything that needs to be done in the back. MJ: I have to do my puddings, my fruit. MG: There’s always something going on.
or disadvantages of your job? MG: I love my job. I do, I love my job. MJ: (Hitting a high note) Ooooo girl, you just hit it right on the note! Both laugh. MG: The kids each year, they are all interesting. I just love the freshman when they come in and then when they turn to seniors… just see how far they grown. MJ: Ah yeah, they end up taller than you! MG: They are my size when they come in here, freshman, and then they are up here as seniors. A: So would you say you remember and establish relationships with students. MG: Yes, and they always come back and see me. MJ: They come back and see me too. A: Would you say you’ve
A: Could you talk about perks
Continued on p. 2
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Feeding Eagles continued from p.1
hesitation, although Ms. G noticed any changes in the looked bemused when I said I Gonzaga population over wanted to ask more personal time? questions. MG: It’s pretty consistent. As we talked, I learned A: Do you have any insights that Ms. G and and Mrs. into Gonzaga/SAGE? Myles are both from DC and MG: I’ll have to think about lifelong residents. Before that one… As long as you SAGE, Ms. G and Mrs. have some good food, then Myles worked with children; the kids are very interested and Mrs. Myles used to be a in the food, even more than babysitter. In her free time, their classes. (Laughs) Mrs. Myles enjoys dancing, cards, games, and listening After the interview, I went to “oldy-but-goody” music over my notes and realized (including hip-hop!). Ms. G that I hadn’t asked any enjoys reading, especially questions beyond the scope thrillers, mysteries, and sciof work here at Gonzaga. fi, and her favorite authors I seemed to have forgotten include James Patterson and that Ms. G and Mrs. Myles Nora Roberts. Mrs. Myles has have vivid, fully-formed lives seven children, six girls and outside of SAGE (cast the one boy. Ms. G has one child first stone if you haven’t done and she is a widow. the same). I rushed back for a When I asked what made few more questions. them get into the food industry with SAGE, Ms. G said Surprised at my return, humorlessly, “It was decided Ms. G and Mrs. Myles for me. I was here before accommodated me without SAGE arrived, and they
offered me a job staying on, and I honestly didn’t realize I was going to be here so long. I’ll put it to you that way.” One of Ms. G’s coworkers laughed and said to her, “Really? You just stayed on when SAGE arrived?” while Mrs. Myles nodded knowingly and said her situation was similar. Mrs. Myles added, “This is the longest working job I’ve had.” When asked about their future plans, Mrs. Myles said she would stay here until she retires and, “I’m not looking forward to going anywhere, I like it here.” Ms. G answered, “Down the road, after I finish working with SAGE, I will be retiring, sitting on the porch in my rocking chair. That’s what I’ll be doing… I can’t tell you the rest of that.” She laughs. And, although Ms. G likes the mountains of Virginia, she plans to stay in DC: “I’ll be here. DC forever.”
Divine Mercy By: Charlie Workmaster ‘17 is usually only one pope alive during his life-long term). Contributor The Mass at the Vatican As most of you may was packed with 500,000 know, Divine Mercy Sunday people celebrating in the is a special day because it is Vatican, joined by 300,000 a week after Easter Sunday. other just outside. The Mass However 2013’s Man of the was also viewed by millions Year and first Jesuit Pope, more on their televisions, the Pope Francis, with the help Mass translated from Italian of emeritus-Pope Benedict to their native language. It may also please all you XVI, made history this past Latin-nerds (me included) Divine Mercy Sunday. What did they do to make that the Pope said the canonthis Divine Mercy Sunday ization rights in Latin! Pope so special? For the first time Francis made this year’s Diin the history of the Catho- vine Mercy Sunday a very lic Church two Popes were notable one and will hopefulcanonized on the same day: ly continue to do so for years Pope Saint John XXIII, the to come. pope who started Vatican II, and Pope Saint John Paul II, the pope who started the recognition of Divine Mercy Sunday! This particular Divine Mercy Sunday is also significant because it was celebrated by two men who were popes at one point in their lives (which is rare because there
Coach Waller Named to All-American Staff By: Aquilian Staff Contributor Mr. Scott Waller, Math Department Chair and Head Varsity Soccer Coach, was recently selected as one of eight elite high school soccer coaches to staff the 2014 Boys High School All-American Game. Mr. Waller will be leading the East Team along with coaches from St. Ignatius in Cleveland, Ohio, The Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA, and T.C. Roberson in Asheville, NC. The West Team has won the last two All American Games, but this year Mr. Waller hopes to change the fortunes of the East Team. The Aquilian caught up with Mr. Waller to ask him about his work on the soccer field here at Gonzaga. Mr. Waller has been the Head Varsity Soccer Coach for nine years and has compiled
an impressive record of 14441-21. When asked what he enjoyed about coaching, Mr. Waller replied that it is a lot of fun spending time with great assistant coaches and student-athletes outside of the classroom as part of a successful soccer program. One of his most interesting insights was that more teaching happens in the two hours after school on the soccer field than one might expect. It’s in that context that a coach can help a player learn how to think, see things, and react faster. The Aquilian also had a chance to talk to Mr. Waller about how he has grown as a coach over his nine years leading the program. He mentioned that he has a better understanding of the student-athlete, even though the student-athlete has evolved a great deal over the past de-
The Aquilian
Founded In 1940 Gonzaga College HIgh School 19 Eye Street NW Washington, DC 20001 aquilian@gonzaga.org Men For Others in the Jesuit Tradition Since 1821
cade. One of the things he knows now, after years on the pitch, is that there are “good loses and bad wins.” As a young coach, the focus is usually on the win/loss record, without much thought about the nature of each contest. Now a veteran coach, Mr. Waller sees a bigger picture when it comes to W’s and L’s. As we closed our interview Mr. Waller added that in this era player development happens all year round. In the past, soccer players were active only from September through November on the field, now many of Gonzaga’s student-athletes play the same sport year round. While they are lacing up year round, Mr. Waller was quick to point out that the players on Gonzaga’s soccer team he coaches in the Fall are the in on from time to time, and are also part of a year-round players Mr. Waller teaches in visits on the sidelines of othextended family. The players class, sees in the halls, checks er league games.
Editors-in-Chief Andrew Hohman ‘14
Sports Editor Derrell Bouknight ‘15
Managing Editors Marcus Dennis ‘14 Christian Prince ‘14
Features Editor Alejandro Espinosa ‘14
Production Editors Christian Forte ‘14 Jordan Person ‘14
Copy Editor Konrad Woo ‘15 Staff Photographers John O’Neil ‘14 Nick Lazaroae ‘17
Moderator: Dr. Harry Rissetto
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Peace Club Tackles Racism and War By: Chris Hrdy ‘15 Contributor The first thing that happened was we went around the room, everybody stood up, introduced themselves, and said why we were at the Driven by the –Isms workshop. In effect, we had to admit that there was, in fact, a problem with racial prejudice at Gonzaga. The first order of business was to assure everybody that this is not post-racial America, yet, although I can’t imagine that anybody thought it was. Then we defined racism as the misuse of power to act on personal prejudices. That actually made me feel a little better. I can’t be racist, because I’d have to be in charge of something. After all, racism in that sense is effectively illegal now, we’re almost a post-racial society already. Unfortunately, a panel including Marcus Dennis, Josue Amaya, Karl Malate, Marc-Anthony Thompson, and Peter Sikorsky could attest to the fact that there are racial problems, even here at Gonzaga. A lack of diversity among the faculty was relatively easy to point out. Harder to pin down were the attitudes and arrogances of the student body, which range from oblivious, to quite considerate, to completely despi-
cable. On a borderline humorous note, a discussion went on about the use of the nword between African Americans. While I had little to add to that particular discussion, it drove home the fact that racial questions pervade culture and challenge us on a daily basis. A number of thought provoking questions were posed. “Is it prejudiced if a person assumes that a black student at Gonzaga is an athlete?” Because many people will assume that any student at Gonzaga is an athlete. “Is affirmative action discrimination against whites?” Because the rest of the world seems to be discriminating for whites. The problem with questions like these is that we’re afraid to discuss them because the prospect of discussing race is, as we all know, absolutely terrifying. The goal of the workshop was not to answer these questions, as much as it was
to force us to address them. Most of us don’t have answers, yet, just as we don’t live in a post-racial society, yet. Sister Patty Chappell, the
Sister from Pax Christi who ran the workshop, closed the workshop by saying that we’ve begun an initial conversation. The workshop was a declaration that it’s okay to discuss racial issues and questions, because we all have them, but we do need to be sensitive, because we may not immediately understand where another person is coming from. The student organizations that sponsored this workshop were the Onyx club,
Agape, and the Peace Club. The Peace Club, moderated by none other than Mrs. Murphy, pursues the goal of peace, both among its members and in the world at large. In its weekly meetings, the Peace Club discusses peace in the personal lives of each member or visitor, and then how the group can work to further peace on a larger scale. The Driven by the –Isms workshop was one such project. Another included scheduling a talk from Paul K. Chappell, no relation to Sister Chappell, and a graduate of West Point and an Iraq War veteran, in which he attempted to debunk the perception that human beings are naturally violent. In fact, human beings are naturally peaceful. I would go so far as to say that being stabbed or shot at is something most people want to avoid. Even the Spartans, shirtless, muscular, and doing everything in slow motion, broke formation and ran away from a Theban force
that they outnumbered 5:1. During both World Wars, more American soldiers were pulled off of the field due to psychological trauma than to physical trauma. Paul Chappell makes the point that if people were naturally violent, witnessing wholesale slaughter would make people happy and healthy. It appears, in fact, that human beings despise perpetrating violence, in addition to being afraid of being shot or stabbed to death. And finally, as Paul Chappell points out, if peace is the preferable state of being, then we are responsible for achieving it. A citizen of a dictatorship or oligarchy is not meaningfully responsible for anything that his government does, because he or she has no say in it. But with our freedom to petition, and with our proximity to the seat of American government, in a country that commands so much influence in foreign affairs, in the entire world there might be no group of ordinary citizens with more ability to push for global peace than us. Is the Peace Club going to establish world peace, or a post-racial America? Maybe not. But it’s a lot more plausible than it sounds.
It’s Academic By:Luke Mullan ‘17 Contributor Do you find Gonzaga’s academic workload lacking proper intellectual stimulation? Do you want to represent Gonzaga in competition and fulfill your competitive itch but lack athleticism? Do you have an underutilized passion for classical music? Mythology? Literature? Science? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider joining the It’s Academic club. The It’s Academic club practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school in Father Meehan’s room. Practices consist of two teams competing against each other with buzzers, and, as you will discover if you come by a practice, games can get quite heated.
Questions can be about almost anything, from botany to baseball, history to Halo. There’s a specialty for everyone, and don’t worry, you won’t have to pore over an encyclopedia to find it. About ten times a year, the It’s Academic team competes at local tournaments against teams from around the area. This year, under the leadership of senior captain, award-winning, literature extraordinaire Alec Bonham, the team posted some great results, including a 7-1 finish at Thomas Jefferson and a 2nd place at the History Bowl held at Saint Anselm’s. On NBC’s It’s Academic, our team of Tyler Jones, Alec Bonham, and myself breezed through the first round over Edison and West Springfield. The luck of the draw was harsh for
the second round, as we drew South Lakes and perennial powerhouse Thomas Jefferson. We put forth an inspired effort, but tragically fell short of TJ by a single question.
As the year’s end approaches, we are losing some brilliant minds in Alec Bonham, Tyler Jones, Alejandro Espinosa, and John O’Neill. However, with some experienced players
such as juniors Christopher Hrdy and myself returning for our final year, the team is poised for big things in the coming year. I hope you join us.
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The Freshman Guide to Dealing With Exam Stress
By: Peter Brown ‘17 Contributor Exams are right around the corner, and the inevitable stress that comes with them is already paining Gonzaga students. They are constantly reminded about the two hour sessions of torture and how comprehensive they are. Many students crack under the amount of stress and work they have to undertake as the year winds to a close. I did some research to discover some helpful hints as Gonzaga students prepare to deal with their stress, whether they have studied or not.
Gain Confidence: Know the material, and know that you know it. Manage your time well and study extensively. Look at your past experiences with exam stress and see how you can improve.
period, so make sure you get - Budget test taking time extra sleep the night before to compensate. - Read directions carefully
Watch some Bruce Lee movies: Seriously. Bruce Lee. Not kidding. Just fire up Enter the Dragon, watch Be prepared: This should be for even five minutes, and all self-explanatory. If you don’t of a sudden everything seems study, you aren’t going to possible. have a fun time in the examination room. Study beforeIf you do these four hand, avoid procrastination, things, you should feel fine and do the work. Your grades going into the test. When you will improve! get into the test itself, here are some good ways to avoid Get some sleep: Your body is freaking out. used to dozing off during first
positive reinforcement and keep going. If you have a bad history with test anxiety, let it out. It always helps to talk - If your mind goes blank, it out with one of Gonzaga’s skip the question and move on wonderful counselors. That is the reason they are here. For those of you taking essay tests: if your mind goes blank, just start writing. Something may trigger the answer. Also, expect anxiety. It is normal. Know that the stress that comes with exams is typical of high-school students. Do not think about the fear, just give yourself some
Summer Service Preview
By: Marcus Dennis ‘14 Managing Editor Summer 2k14 is jampacked with several summer service opportunities that Gonzaga students will be participating in. There are a total of six service trips this summer, two of which are international , as well as the “McKenna Immersion” experience right here at the McKenna center on Eye St. Of the two international trips, the first is “Go-Dominican Republic” which will consist of twelve rising seniors chaperoned by Mr. Christmann and Ms. Fitzsimmons. During this trip the students will be working through the ILAC center of Creighton
University to build latrines and plant coffee in a “campo” (or village) in the hills. The second international trip is “Go-Ecuador” which will have ten students participating and will be chaperoned by Mr. Szolosi and Sra. Mata. Throughout this trip, students will be working through the “Working Boys Center,” a former orphaned turned community center where classes, activities, sports, and meals are given to local children. The students on this trip will be teaching assistants and help in a variety of capacities around the center. The Domestic trips begin with the “Go-Camden” trip in which ten Gonzaga students, chaperoned by Mr.
Leary and Mr. Shea head to Camden, New Jersey right in the heart of the city. Camden is not only considered the poorest city in America, but it also maintains the highest unemployment rate as well. Here, students and teachers work through the Romero Center where tasks vary from tutoring to working in a soup kitchen. Next is the “Go-New Orleans” where Mr. McIntyre and Ms. Flynn take a group of twelve kids to New Orleans to help rebuild houses that have remained damaged or unfinished after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The iconic “Red Cloud” service trip is broken up into two sessions of twelve kids;
the first of which will be chaperoned by Mr. Murphy and Mr. Donnellan and the second will be chaperoned by Mr. Morgan and Mr. Larkin. During this trip, students will learn about the poverty that persists on an Indian reservation as well as volunteer at two different schools on the reservation—Our Lady of Lordes and the Pineridge School. The final domestic outreach program is the Emmitsburg trip which will be also split into two sessions, one led by Sr. Carol Ann, Mrs. Mulieri. Mr. Nichols, and Mr. Baker, and the other by Sr. Carol Ann, Mr. Hanagan, Mr. Shea, and Ms. Fitzsimmons. With a record level of
response, several underclassmen will be working at the Seton Outreach Center where they will experience and observe first-hand urban poverty and get acquainted with local residents. The final summer service program is the McKenna Immersion experience where students sleep in the McKenna center and get to know some of the people that benefit from the center’s services. Participants also serve at “So Others Might Eat” (SOME) and also take care of all the meals at the McKenna Center.
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Gonzaga Lacrosse Supports Troops By: Andrew Hohman ‘14 Editor in Chief The lacrosse team at Gonzaga had huge success this year both on the field and with the care packages they annually send to our troops in Afghanistan. On the field the lacrosse compiled a record of 14-5 heading into this afternoon’s playoff game with Good Counsel on Buchanan Field. At the moment this article is finding its way onto paper, cheers are rising from the first quarter as Gonzaga has taken a quick 5-0 lead over the Falcons. While the on-field performance has been impressive, it is the work the Eagles are doing to raise the spirits of our troops that is also worthy of mention. The 275 packages collected by the members of the lacrosse team were recently sent oversees and their reception brought great joy to our brave men and women fighting in Afghanistan. LTC William D. Voorhies of the 1st Battalion 12th Infantry Regiment’s letter to the Lacrosse team was featured on the team’s Facebook page
Liam Burke ‘16 Contributor The Gonzaga Crew team has had a great spring season thus far and is ready to take on Stotesbury and Nationals. The fall was full of hard work whether it was rowing down the Anacostia or doing a land workout on the ergs. This always consistent, driven work ethic continued through the winter.
in which he thanked them by saying, “Your care packages uplifted us and reminded us that Americans, like yourselves, know and care about their sons and daughters in harm’s way.” Since 2008, Gonzaga La-
crosse has sent over 13,000 packages to our troops overseas. “A lot of people say ‘support the troops, and the fact that we have the opportunity to actually help them is something that means a lot,”
said Senior Luke Smith, son of PJ Smith, this year’s project organizer. This is just one of many ways in which Gonzaga Eagles continue to give back to the community. The Lacrosse program also participates in
the community through their annual Be Brave and Shave project, which benefits the work of Children’s National Medical Center, and this year will include Athletic Director, Joe Reyda.
Power 10 Through the Finish The Freshmen team from this year sounds to be promising with about thirty kids all of whom are strong and ready to work hard. The varsity team looks forward to having these freshman for three more years, as assistant varsity Coach Hamm (‘03) states, “Some of these incoming freshman have older siblings that are doing crew and so they al-
ready know a decent amount and are excited for what is to come.” The Varsity team has had a great season thus far with their lone loss to St. Albans. The regatta was close, losing by only a few seconds, but is a loss nonetheless. The freshmen have also had a rewarding season losing only to Central Catholic. With Stotesbury, held in Philadel-
phia, fast approaching, the crew program has not let up on their training since winter. The team had to work extra hard in the winter to cope with the weather and its harsh conditions losing precious practice time on the water. At ‘Stotes’ the team must first compete in a time trial race to move on to the races. For Nationals, at Princeton, teams must qualify prior to
the event. Gonzaga Crew is going to lose an experienced, highly acclaimed group of seniors, but have plenty of eager juniors, sophomores, freshmen, and more freshmen. The season has so far lived up to the prestigious Gonzaga Crew name, and some huge regatta wins to finish out the season will help get them ready for what is to come.
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Baseball Bounces Back in a Big Way
By: Nick Jenkins ‘16 Contributor Spring… a time when the snow finally melts, the flowers bloom, and most importantly a time when the Gonzaga baseball team rises up to dominate their opponents on the diamond. One of the pillars of Gonzaga’s athletic department, the baseball team has surpassed even Coach Bradley’s highest expectations. At 16 wins to only 8 losses in the season, they entered postseason competition against a tough slate of WCAC opponents. The Gonzaga nine played St. John’s in the conference semifinals Monday, May 5th and Tuesday May 6th and sadly lost both times. Amidst his chuckles at some of my silly questions, I had the opportunity to chat with Coach Bradley about the team’s progress in the regular season and about the team’s run to the semifinals.
Joe’s and Archbishop Cur- James Orfini, Jack Hennessey What are your plans for the ley. Also, we are 4-0 against and Connor van Hoose. rest of the year? O’Connell and Good CounFor all of the players to do sel. Where did you guys pracwell on their exams and fintice and play? ish the year strong. What was the team’s rank- At the Washington Nationing in the WCAC? als Youth Baseball Academy, th What have you guys ac- We finished in 5 place in the which is relatively new. It complished this year? has a synthetic turf field and WCAC this year. Like I said, we went 16-8 this is one of the nicest in the area year, and we had some of our Who were the new players and probably in the country. players make all conference this year? including Connor van Hoose The players include, Ryan What are some of the (1st team, pitcher), Michael Donellan, John McQuillen, “innner-working’s” or nd Ficca (2 team, outfielder), Michael’s J & R Murray, “rules” of baseball that Ryan Leonard (Honorable Connor Griffin, and Amari most people don’t know Mention, infielder), James Newman. We also added about? Orfini (Honorable Men- some seniors including Chris There are certain batting retion, Catcher), David Mervis Silveri, Billy Begala and strictions pertaining to the (Honorable Mention, Picher). Austin White. bats density and there is the In addition, we beat some of balk (a pitcher makes a certhe best schools from Bal- Who were this year’s cap- tain amount of illegal motimore including Mount St. tains? tions which results in a dead
ball and allowing a runner or a person at bat to take a base). I hear you guys are in the playoffs this week, who will you guys be playing? We played St. John’s Monday and Tuesday. How would you assess this year’s team? We are 16-8, have the semifinals and have 2 more games. The teams identity is hardworking, a tightknit group and sums up to a family or brotherhood. Biggest surprise of the year? Our undefeated out of conference record. Biggest disappointment? We lost against St. Johns and Dematha. Based on what I heard, you’ve done a great job coaching this year. That being said, is there anything that you would change about your approach of coaching this team based on what you’ve learned to date? Mainly second guessing choices that were made and leave no regrets.
How is the season going so far? The season is going well, we are 16-8, and we beat PVI on Sunday and have two games against St. Johns on Monday and Tuesday and Possibly Wednesday. We have had great pitching, hitting and defense as well.
Coach Brady Bids Farewell By: Derrell Bouknight ‘15 Sports Editor On an early Monday morning on April 9, Coach Brady called his players in for an unexpected meeting. Dressed in a suit and tie, the beloved Brady, who coached the Eagles to a 29-16 record over four years, including a WCAC Championship appearance in 2011, announced his decision to step down from his head coaching duties. He will move to his hometown of Pennsylvania, where he will coach at Malvern Prep in Malvern, Pennsylvania. While he will be away from Gonzaga, his spirit will always remain. “Gonzaga has taught me a lot about myself. I leave Gonzaga with the Lord much more involved in my life and thoughts than when I arrived here in 2010,” Coach Brady stated in a recent interview. And of course, as it is with any member of the Gon-
zaga community, Coach Brady expressed how hard it has been to move on. “Leaving Gonzaga has been a very difficult decision. When this opportunity came along, I still was entrenched at Gonzaga with no interest in leaving.” With the new opportunity that arose in his hometown, Coach Brady added the fact that “it was time for me to move on.” Without a doubt, the culture of the Gonzaga football program has changed since his arrival four years ago. Highly respected in and out of the game,
Coach Brady has been featured on numerous USA coaching staffs annually, and previous players from his tenure have gone on to achieve major success. “Our reward has been 36 young men going on to play college football, three Gonzaga alums joining football programs as filmers/managers, and many great memories. What are his favorite memories, you may ask? “Our win over Good Counsel this past season and our playoff win versus DeMatha when we went for two to win it,” he said.
Moving on without Coach Brady will be hard, as Gonzaga remains in search of its next head coach. However, Brady said that the Gonzaga community will always remain in his heart. “I will forever cherish the students, faculty, and staff at Gonzaga. It was the best four years of my life and I look forward to watching the Eagles continue to soar this season and beyond.” Coach Brady, you have set an example for Gonzaga both on and off the field. Your hard work and dedication in helping our student-athletes grow as young men both on and off the field will always be remembered. Thank you for everything you have done for our football program. These last four years with you at the helm have been great, and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. For you, we will soar. #EaglesFlyHigh
Winning Arguments for Over a Century Alex DiMisa ‘14 Senior Contributor What is one of the oldest and most successful clubs at Gonzaga that most have not heard about? This club is the Speech and Debate Team, and from the 1800’s we have been very successful. Over the past five years Gonzaga’s team has won the DMV debate championships three times, and placed in the top ten in numerous National Tournaments even a 5th place finish at the National Championship in 2011. But the issue is, most people don’t consider joining the team because they haven’t
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heard about it, or think it’s too much work. Both of these are false. Every person that attends Gonzaga would be able to succeed and thrive on the team, and will learn things that are necessary to thrive later in life. In addition we try to make sure it is fun for all and we get to meet lots of interesting people, and let’s be honest who doesn’t want to argue with people for accolades? Overall, this team has a history of teaching life skills and it doesn’t hurt that colleges are impressed, and you can add to this rich history of Gonzaga’s Speech and Debate Team.
The Fencing Club Completes Succesful Campaign Nick Lazaraoe ‘17 Photo Editor While looking around the Lower Commons one afternoon, The Aquilian stumbled upon the Fencing Club. In order to get a better understanding of fencing for both The Aquilian and the students, we interviewed Andy Carluccio. TA: Tell us how Gonzaga Fencing was started? AC: Señora Nierman introduced the sport to the school, I don’t remember when (TA found out later that it was Fall 2002)... It’s small, and growing. TA: No one really knows what fencing is around here,
common Gonzaga folk see it as men with cages on their faces, wearing tights, while jumping around funny. Explain fencing. AC: There are different types of matches, the ones we play go to 7 points; each point is scored by a stab, or hit, depending on the type of sword used. There are 3 disciplines, Epee, points are scored on the whole body, Foil, also body, and Sabre, also whole body. With the Sabre you can score points with the side of the blade, with the other blades you can only score by poking.
overstate it. Your back must be upright with the blade inline to keep no exposure (so you can’t be hit), feet also have to be at a 90 degree angle so you can shuffle quickly and effectively.
TA: How many days a week do you practice? AC: We practice twice a week, Monday and Thursday from 3 to 4 pm. We are at a disadvantage due to the fact that teams like Georgetown Prep have it every day. We don’t practice much because we are considered a club, and not a sport. Fall and winter is for training newbies, mostly TA: What is proper fencing freshman who have never touched a sword in any form, technique? AC: Footwork! Footwork is and springtime is for compevery, very important, I cannot tition.
TA: On that note, how many matches have you had? AC: So far, only five, two against St. Anselm’s, two against Prep, one against Landon. TA: Are there any regional or national programs you have been to as a club? AC: None, but we have TOP fencers. Iñaki DeGuzman ‘13 is one of the best fencers in the nation. Alexander Platzer ‘15 went to the Rosebowl for fencing. Brian Jackson ‘14, varsity fencer, is alongside Iñaki as a top fencer. TA: Who is the coach, and for how long? AC: Señora Nierman, she introduced it, and has been coaching ever since. Coach Mergin is the one on one trainer. He doesn’t come often, but he analyzes, and makes a fencer better. There is also Coach Frank, the head coach. I will say this, Coach Frank has an EPIC mustache, he is known as the guy with the ridiculously awesome mustache.
team you’ve fenced against? AC: Definitely Prep, like I said before, they practice daily, it is hard to get anywhere not being a sport. Too bad we’re still a club... TA: What is it like fencing against George Mason University? AC: It’s quite interesting really, they sent only three people (2 guys and a girl). We beat them. We beat a university, can you believe that? What was really cool is that we saw different techniques. As a fencer you want to be knowledgeable, kind of wellread in the fencing bible of techniques. TA: What is your favorite part of fencing? AC: Fencing for Gonzaga, wearing the purple and the white. I love the team spirit we have, the school spirit. TA: And finally, do you think this will grow as a program at Gonzaga? AC: I hope so; I wish we had more interest. I mean, you get to play with swords, what more would a teenager want? I would say it is difficult doing it, freshman don’t know anything coming in, but by the time they are seniors they are great!
TA: With that being said, I understand you have a competition versus Landon later today. It has been a great pleasure interviewing you, good luck. AC: Thanks! I really enjoyed TA: Who is talking to you. the hardest
Leadership in Training Emerson Cox ‘16 Contributor Calling all rising sophomores! If you are interested in stepping outside your comfort zone, experiencing a week of leadership development with your fellow classmates, or just want a great outdoors experience this summer, then LIT (Leadership in Training) is the right place for you. Run by Calleva, an outdoor adventure program with 20 years of experience, LIT was started a decade ago to provide teenagers with the opportunity to take part in a week long course of leadership development. LIT provides training in land navigation, no GPS, just your average compass and map; board breaking, like the karate kid; rope courses, paintball and much more packed into five days and four nights of fun. All of these descriptions you can find on their website, h t t p : / / w w w. c a l l e v a . o rg / content/leaders-training, but what you can’t find on the computer is the experience itself. As a graduate from
LIT in the summer of 2013, I can tell you the staff is great and activities are a blast, but most of all what you take away form LIT can change you fundamentally as a man for others. Looking back to the first day of camp, Mr. Pugliese, Gonzaga Alum and infamously expert paintball player, welcomed us, then rising sophomores, and told us to turn in our cell phones if we hadn’t already. Naturally being a product of the 21st century we
all were reluctant to give up our phones but realized what an experience you can have without technology, and by week’s end we were all happy we hadn’t let cell phones sour our experience. The first day went by in a flash. We arrived at the Calleva Farm and spent the whole day on various obstacle courses trying to beat the best times, often succeeding in our endeavors. That night Nick, previously know as Mr. Pugliese, talked to us about mental health, will, and positive attitude. What, how’s that fun? Well to tell you the truth at the time it wasn’t the most exciting,
but we played hide-and-goseek and slept cowboy style without a tent under the stars that night. The next day we traveled to Prince William’s Forest Park and spent the next few days navigating by compass during the day and night hiking with only our senses to direct us, not to mention the awesome board breaking ceremony we had one midnight. Everyday nonetheless, Nick and the other counselors sat us down and discussed family life, social behavior, and interactions with others in our lives. To me just writing this article brings back the powerful memories of those daily talks with classmates I hadn’t even met during my freshman year, who are now some of my closest friends
on Eye-street; those nights showed the complexity of my friends lives the good and the not-so-good, and although Calleva is secular, I found myself growing closer to not just my friends, but God as well. I won’t spoil the other surprises LIT has waiting for anyone willing to go for it and open themselves, or tell you that Nick is pretty hard to beat in paintball; I will say that when I got home and took my first hot shower in five days, I gave my parents a big hug and slept on a mattress instead of the earth, the warm feeling I had from the past few days has never left me, and I still recall all that I experienced at LIT to this day.
Pickup Guitar Club Andrew Hohman ‘14 Editor in Chief Seniors Jack Ross and Brian Abod have teamed up to create a website with a new way to help you learn to play guitar, pickupguitarclub.com. On April 27th, they reached their goal of $20,000 raised on Kickstarter, giving them the needed funding to launch this innovative website. The Aquilian recently caught up with the entrepreneurs on Facebook. Aquilian: How’d you guys come up with this idea? Brian Abod: So, in a nutshell, When I started learning guitar, I didn’t take traditional lessons. Instead I went to YouTube and looked up the songs I wanted to play and taught myself. So when Jack and I became friends, obviously he had a background in programming, but he also wanted to learn guitar. So we came up with this idea that we believe is the best way to learn guitar. I wrote the curriculum and did all the music-related stuff. And Jack fo-
cused on writing the software and technical stuff. Then we collaborated on the business side. We designed the website so that it is engaging to everyone who wants to learn. It uses a game-like interface that rewards you with points when you are doing well and gives feedback on what you should work on. You can also learn only the best, popular songs, cause that’s all people really want.
business and they have been very interested especially because we are only 18. Some of our backers also include well-known technology bloggers and critics.
AH: Wow that’s awesome! Any names might know? BA: Thanks man. Yeah, the co-founder of Musx, which is a new app that’s essentially Instagram for music, actually went to Gonzaga. So we’ve been in communication with him and he is excited about A: So when did you guys hit what we are doing. his name is John Reardon ‘04. your goal of $20,000? BA: We passed it last Sunday and it has continued to take JR: Hey Andrew, I just saw this group message. off since then. A: That’s really cool, and hi A: What publicity have you Jack. guys had with the site in the last few weeks? JR: We’ve also been talking BA: We were interviewed for to the CEO of one of the largWTOP, Fox5 did a feature on est music related apps about is 2 weeks ago, and we’ve growth and potential angel been featured on a few blogs. investor funding. A: So how do you guys plan AH: Have you received feed- to keep this rolling through back on the project profes- college if you guys are on sionals of any sort? different campuses. BA: We have talked with some CEOs and other found- BA: A lot of video calls ers in the music technology JR: I’m at UVA and Brian’s
at VaTech so we’re not terribly far apart but most work will be done virtually. The site is run off of amazon servers and merchandise (guitars and whatnot) will also be held with amazon when we start selling so it can all be managed remotely. Amazons pretty dope. A: Yeah that’s not bad. So what’s this about guitar selling through your site? Are there any other dimensions (now or in the somewhat near future) of the website other than learning to play?
friends. A: So, entrepreneurs of Gonzaga, what’s next?
JR: They offer fulfillment services so it’s really like just renting their warehouses. And yeah we would like to expand to competition and peer playing so after you learn you can play with
By their deadline of May 6th, Abod and Ross raised $32,250 on Kickstarter. With early success like this, don’t be surprised if you hear about these two in the future.
BA: Jack and I will be working hard this summer to create the final product which is expected to launch this august. After that we will continue to update the site with the latest and greatest. We also have visions of expanding our new way of learning to other instruments, so hopefully down the road that will be made possible by the success of this site.