January 28, 2013

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ESTABLISHED 1921 January 28, 2013 Volume 91, Issue 25

www.laloyolan.com Your Home. Your Voice. Your News. loyola marymount university

Students at L.A. schools feel safe on campuses Schools utilize various security and educational strategies in order to ensure the safety of their students. By Allison Croley Asst. News Editor

There are more than nine million people – more than 700,000 of them being college students – living in Los Angeles county, according to City-data.com. College campuses all over the county are responsible for keeping roughly seven percent of the county’s population safe. Although the task may seem daunting in a key metropolitan area, L.A. colleges’ campus securities are successful in maintaining campus safety. “I generally feel really safe walking around campus, even if I am by myself,” said Nikole Erickson, a freshman undeclared major at California State University Long Beach (CSULB). Colleges’ campus safeties have different strategies and presences when it comes to protecting their students. For example, Universities of California and California State Universities have sworn and armed state police officers guarding their campuses and surrounding areas, whereas private schools such as Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and University of Southern California (USC) have privately trained campus security officers with fewer jurisdictions. “We work very closely with [Los Angeles Police Department] LAPD because of the limitations we have not being state police,” LMU Department of Public Safety (DPS) Chief Hampton Cantrell said. Some of these limitations include reduced access to crime-related data and the inability to conduct background checks and to issue warrants, according to Cantrell. He also mentioned that being unarmed makes it “challenging” to detain someone while waiting for LAPD. However, Cantrell claimed that these limitations force DPS officers to acquire specific skills. “At LMU, we work with our limitations and learn to adjust. We are very good at weighing and balancing accomplishing tasks,” Cantrell said. “Our marked vehicles, uniforms and presence are also key in deterring crime, especially property crime.” A prevalent campus police presence seems to be central to effective safety on many colleges in the area, as Erickson noted seeing “a lot of them” around CSULB’s campus. Kristie and Katie Caruso, sophomore social science majors at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), also agreed that they see a lot of UCLA police officers on a regular basis. “You can’t really go anywhere

See Safety | Page 4

ALL BY MYSELF Asst. Opinion Editor Allie Heck learns the importance of alone time over her winter break.

Opinion, Page 7

Leslie Irwin | Loyolan

Women react to receiving bids after weekend of recruitment Freshman dance major Krysta Calomeni was one of approximately 400 women crowded into St. Rob’s Auditorium last night for the culminating event of the sorority rush weekend. The event consisted of participating women receiving bids, in the form of individual envelopes, from the six different National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities. For more photos of last night’s reveal, see Page 2.

Senator resigns in order to ‘maintain the ultimate mission of ASLMU’ Those interested in filling the senate position must submit their applications by Jan. 30. By Jenna Abdou News Intern

Michael Curran, a junior finance major and former ASLMU senator, resigned this semester due to his failure to consistently attend ASLMU’s weekly senate meetings. At last Wednesday’s meeting, Curran tendered his resignation, citing his three absences last semester as the reason. According to Curran, had he not resigned, the senate would have been required to initiate impeachment proceedings.

Curran served as an ASLMU senator during the Fall 2012 semester and briefly during Spring 2013. Although fellow ASLMU members said they are sad to see Curran go, Alexandra Froehlich, ASLMU senate adviser and ‘08 LMU alumna, claimed that she was “very proud” of Curran’s decision “to take the initiative to resign when he was not meeting the expectations that had been set for him.” However, along with Ceci RangelGarcia, a sophomore psychology major and Speaker of the ASLMU Senate, Froehlich will miss Curran’s “witty personality and energy” around the ASLMU office. Curran felt his decision to resign was important in order to “abide by

Index Classifieds.............................5 Opinion.........................6 Coffee Break.........................9 A&E................................10 Sports.............................16 The next issue of the Loyolan will be printed on Jan. 31, 2013.

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the rules that he helped to set” and to “maintain the ultimate mission of ASLMU: being an organization that is dedicated to serving the LMU student body.” Sarah Palacios, a senior political science major and ASLMU Attorney General, agreed with Curran’s decision to resign and feels that “it will ultimately serve the best interests of all involved.” Palacios added that “ASLMU’s bylaws lay the foundation for a successful organization by offering stability.” Additionally, “the bylaws are intended to cater to the group to help it thrive and flourish,” stated Palacios.

See Senate | Page 5

BREAK IT OFF Have a laugh with the first Coffee Break comics section of the semester.

Coffee Break, Page 9


News

January 28, 2013 Page 2

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Photos: Liana Bandziulis and Leslie Irwin | Loyolan

Sorority hopefuls waited in anticipation to find out which organization they would receive a bid from. Following the reveal, the women dispersed across campus to the parties thrown in their honor by the various sororities. To see more photos and video of the night, visit the Loyolan’s Facebook page and website, laloyolan.com.

FIRST AMENDMENT WEEK 2 0 1 3

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BOAL

T U E S D A Y FOOD FOR FREEDOM Convo hour, Regents Grass

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION* “Zero Dark Thirty” “Zero Dark Thirty” screenwriter & producer, screenwriter & producer Mark Boal 6 p.m., Burns Back Court *Free entry with valid OneCard, no bags, no re-entry

Co-sponsored by ASLMU

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The Loyolan is giving you the exclusive opportunity to: WIN A MEET AND GREET WITH “ZERO DARK THIRTY,” SCREENWRITER AND PRODUCER

MARK BOAL All you have to do is tweet the Loyolan a picture or statement-with the hashtag #LoyolanFAW – that you feel encompasses the meaning of the First Amendment! The two people who tweet the most creative and unique picture or statement will be the winners. The winners will be announced the morning of the event – Tuesday, Feb. 5. Your chance to win starts Monday, January 28 and ends Friday, February 1 at 5 p.m.!

Convo hour, Ahmanson Auditorium (1st floor of U-Hall)

Don’t forget to vote for who you think should win – the finalists will be featured on the Loyolan’s website. Voting will be open Saturday, Feb. 2 until Monday, Feb. 4 at 5 p.m. Only at laloyolan.com.


News

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January 28, 2013 Page 3

Waitlist system causes registration problems Some students who are waitlisted are unable to fulfill requirements. By Tilly Rudolph Contributor

As the new semester starts, some students are not in the classes they had hoped to be placed in, due to confusion regarding LMU’s waitlist system through PROWL. Junior business major Colin O’Brien is one such student, as he experienced frustration with the waitlist system while registering for classes this semester. Needing an ethics or a critical arts class this semester to fulfill his core requirement, O’Brien was originally registered in a critical arts class. When he saw on PROWL that an ethics class had two open spots, he dropped the critical art class to make unit room for the ethics class. “But what the system did not tell me was that there was a waitlist for the class four people deep,” O’Brien said. O’Brien was put on the bottom of the waitlist for the ethics class, and when he tried to re-register for the critical arts class, he was put on a waitlist for that class as well. O’Brien was eventually able to register for the ethics class. The current waitlist system was implemented last spring on campus, when about 200 courses utilized the waitlist system. Now, nearly 2,000 courses employ the waitlist system. The waitlist system puts a student on a numbered list for a class he or she wants to

take but has a full capacity. When someone drops a class, the first person on the list will receive an email notification that a spot is open. After receiving the email, the student has 24 hours to either register for the class or drop from the waitlist. If he or she drops, the process moves onto the next person on the waitlist. Some students find the 24hour time period too long. “This is inefficient and encourages lackadaisicalness,” O’Brien said. The Office of the Registrar sees the 24 hours as a benefit to the student. “The 24-hour time period is used to help give students time to make adjustments to their schedules,” Associate Registrar Robert Nitsos said. Another frustration expressed by students is the inability to easily see whether a specific class has a waitlist on PROWL. “The main issue I have with the system is that there is no indication which classes are filled and have a waitlist and which classes are truly open for one to register and attain a spot,” O’Brien said. While this information is unclear to some students, the ability to access whether or not a class has a waitlist is available to the student on PROWL. “It’s a matter of looking at the ‘look-up classes to add’ page, and the results of this page show seats that are available, including the number of wait-listed students,” Nitsos said. Some students feel they should have the ability to be registered and waitlisted for

a class with conflicting class times. “Why can’t you be on a waitlist for a class and actually registered for a class that conflicts and if the waitlist ends up working out you drop the class you are actively registered in and enroll yourself in the previously waitlisted class?” O’Brien said. “It doesn’t make any sense to me.” Some students differ from O’Brien, however, finding the waitlist system useful. “I found the waitlist system to be very helpful,” freshman business major Natalie McKee said. Working with the language adviser, her academic adviser and professor, McKee was able to register for an Italian class off the waitlist. “I was very appreciative of their hard work,” McKee said. “We understand the frustration students have with being waitlisted,” Nitsos said. “But we do the best we can to resolve any issues that may come up by working with the student and dean’s office. The goal is to get students into the classes they need to graduate.”

SPRING2013 CLASSES

1,934

2,101 1,763

READING

5

individual students were waitlisted at least once

email notifications went out telling students they could register for a class for which they were waitlisted

1,040

Thank you for

please recycle when finished!

courses with waitlists

students registered for a class from the waitlist (about 60 percent)

hours was the average time it took for students to register for a class after the email was sent out (shortest time was 30 seconds, longest time was 23 hours and 59 minutes)

Information compiled by Tilly Rudolph, contributor; Graphic: Stephenie Schiller | Loyolan

For the Record In the Jan. 24 issue of the Loyolan, the date of Mission Day was mistakenly missing from the “11 Burning Questions with the Mission Day keynote speaker.” Mission Day this year will be Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 12:15 in Sacred Heart Chapel.

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Contact Managing Editor Kevin O’Keeffe for more info at kokeeffe@theloyolan.com.


News

January 28, 2013 Page 4

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‘Education and enforcement’ necessary for campus safety

1. What is To Write Love on Her Arms’ (TWLOHA) mission? To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to giving hope and finding help for people who are struggling with issues such as depression, addiction, self injury and suicide. 2. Why is it important to have a group like To Write Love on Her Arms on a college campus? It is very important because a lot of these mental health issues affect [people] ages 18-24, which are often the people on college campuses. Two-thirds of people who have struggled with depression don’t seek help, and depression is among one of the leading reasons of suicide among individuals in our age group. We often don’t talk about these issues, and that is the biggest reason that it is important.

4. How has the LMU community received the group? The LMU community has loved it. There has been such a positive attitude along with positive feedback.

ch ea

Burglary: 25 Robbery: 0 Sexual offense: 2 Aggravated assault: 0

Burglary: 113 Robbery: 2 Sexual offense: 1 Aggravated assault: 8

Information compiled by Allison Croley, Asst. News Editor; Graphic: Mercedes Pericas | Loyolan

7. If you had to pick a mantra for the group, what would it be? The slogan of the group is: Hope is real, help is real and your story is important. 8. Being at a Jesuit university, what role does faith play in the group? Faith does play a role in the group. One of the biggest benefits of being at a Jesuit university is “cura peronalis” – care of the whole person. This is a group that encourages students to take care of themselves. That is where I see the Jesuit influence. 9. Where do you see To Write Love on Her Arms in a year? My goal is for them to continue to talk to different organizations on campus because people want to get involved and learn more about these issues. I’d like the university chapter officers to not only work on their meetings, but reach out to other organizations as well. 10. I know you have really utilized social media to spread the word about your work. How has that empowered the movement? To Write Love on Her Arms, as an organization, was actually started through social media. It gives people a great way to know what is going on if they can’t make it to a meeting or if they don’t go to LMU anymore. It keeps a larger audience in the know with a click of a button. 11. As you get ready to graduate this spring, what will you miss most about LMU? The people, in all honesty – this has been one of the best experiences for me. We are very fortunate to have a student body like we do – they are very supportive and empowering. It has taken me four years to truly recognize how unique that is.

To read the extended version of 11 Burning Questions, visit the News section of laloyolan.com.

LM

5. To Write Love on Her Arms focuses on people being their best selves. How do you think the group helps people accomplish that? I think we help people accomplish that by recognizing that we aren’t meant to do life on our own, which is one of the hardest things to accept. 6. How would the world be different if everyone received these messages? As a university chapter, we can simply help reduce those statistics that impact our age group as well as everyone else. We can help reduce the suicide rate across America, we can help people recognize that these issues are okay to talk about.

Burglary: 118 Robbery: 2 Sexual offense: 8 Aggravated assault: 4

US

3. Why would you encourage students to come out and be a part of this group? Coming to a meeting and being a part of this makes you realize that you aren’t alone in these issues, and there is a lot of power when you realize that you are not alone. It makes the issues easier to have and deal with.

Burglary: 22 Robbery: 3 Sexual offense: 1 Aggravated assault: 2 Burglary: 24 Robbery: 3 Sexual offense: 3 Aggravated assault: 1

LA UC

This issue, News Intern Jenna Abdou sits down with senior communication studies major Joe Ward about his leadership role in an up-and-coming club on campus.

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LMU

with the LMU TWLOHA chapter president

2011 selected crime statistics of four-year colleges in Los Angeles County

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11BURNING QUESTIONS

results of this. “I was surprised at how safe I feel on an L.A. campus coming from Iowa,” Morgan Clemenson, an LMU sophomore psychology major said. This seems to be the general feeling of students at a number of different colleges in the county. Even though L.A. is a large, metropolitan area, campus securities not only keep their students safe, but also make them feel safe.

Sex Offense Del Rey North On Jan. 22, housing staff notified the Department of Public Safety (DPS) of a forcible sex offense that took place on campus in October 2012. This case is under investigation and has been referred to the Los Angeles Police Department. Vehicle Incident U-Hall On Jan. 22, DPS received a report of hit and run damage to a parked vehicle. This case is now closed. Alcohol Violation Hannon Field On Jan. 20, two underage males were reported visiting a student in

possession of alcohol. This case has been referred to Judicial Affairs. Harassment O’Malley Apartments On Jan. 20, DPS received a report of students being harassed by two unknown males. This case is now closed. Alcohol Violation On Campus On Jan. 19, a DPS officer observed a student who seemed to be intoxicated and needing medical attention. This case has been referred to Judicial Affairs. Criminal Mischief Parking Lot O On Jan. 19, a damaged dismount zone sign was

reported. This case is now closed. Criminal Mischief St. Rob’s Hall On Jan. 19, a DPS officer reported elevator vandalism. This case is now closed. L

Joe Ward

Joe Ward hopes that the success of this club continues after he graduates this spring. He would like his officers to“reach out to other organizations as well.”

due to an increase in alcohol violations, the UCLA Police Department recently added a lecture titled “The Story of an Almost Dead Student” into the mandatory alcohol education program for students who violated the school’s alcohol codes. Cantrell, Curreri and Greenstein all agreed that a combination of enforcement, prevalence and education is the key to keeping a campus safe, and students see the

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Safety from Page 1 without seeing a campus cop,” Kristie Caruso said. Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety at California State University Los Angeles (CSULA) Joseph Curreri noted that his main area of focus is “building relationships” with the community – both on and off campus. “We want to reach out to the community – especially students – because many crimes can be prevented,” Curreri said. He continued in explaining that one of the major problems on CSULA’s campus is the theft of unattended property. “It’s an open campus, meaning that anyone can come on campus at anytime,” Curreri said. “This means that students just need to be more careful about where and how they leave their belongings.” In response to preventable crimes like this, campus safeties institute a number of educational programs to better inform their students about crime prevention. Most L.A. colleges provide educational programs in drug and alcohol use, sexual assault and property theft. Nancy Greenstein, director of Police Community Services at UCLA, said that a “combination of education and enforcement is critical” in creating a safe environment for students and faculty. She explained that at UCLA, they try to tailor their programs to their current student population. For example,

Alcohol Violation Ignatian Circle On Jan. 18, a report was made of underage students in possession of alcohol. This case has been referred to Judicial Affairs. Drug Violation Del Rey South On Jan.14, a student was found in possession of marijuana. This case has been referred to Judicial Affairs.

To see where crime is happening on campus, take a look at the “On the Prowl” map feature in the News section of laloyolan.com.


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January 28, 2013 Page 5

Senate moves on without Curran

Senate from Page 1

Curran’s resignation has opened up a position on the ASLMU Senate that will be filled with a “fast turn around,” according to Froehlich. Applications are available on the ASLMU Facebook page, have been emailed to the Student Life Staff Team and can also be found on the ASLMU website. Students who are interested in filling the senate position must have their applications turned in by Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. Once the applications have been submitted, each applicant will be required to present to the ASLMU staff and be interviewed for the position.

Additionally, the applicants will be reviewed based on their academic and judicial records. According to Rangel-Garcia, the ideal candidate for an ASLMU senator is “energetic, driven and motivated to help serve their peers.” Rangel-Garcia also emphasized the important role that ASLMU senators play by doing their best to solve students’ problems as quickly as possible. Froehlich said that working with the ASLMU team “opens doors in a very unique way” for students to work in different roles, such as event planning and taking on leadership roles, to seek the positions that they are most passionate about in the future.

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Due to Curran’s resignation, a position is now open on the ASLMU Senate and applications are currently available for those interested.


Opinion Student Editorials and Perspectives

January 28, 2013 Page 6

BOARD EDITORIAL

lmu

Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board. Kevin O’Keeffe Managing Editor

Adrien Jarvis Editor in Chief

Dan Raffety Asst. Managing Editor

Brigette Scobas Asst. Managing Editor Joseph Demes Opinion Editor

The topic no one wants to talk about

“S

he knew what she was doing.” “She was asking for it.” “It’s all just a big misunderstanding.” These are just some of the standard types of responses that reports of sexual assault get. Seeing these statements printed, unattached to any specific case, it may seem unfathomable that anyone would react this way to a sexual assault claim. But then when it does happen, the response is not always clear or expected. Rape is one of those topics that no one wants to talk about. Typically, a college woman can quote the facts about its prevalence on university campuses verbatim, but deep down, she never expects it to happen to her or someone she knows – and especially not committed by someone known. But as reported in the April 23, 2011 Huffington Post article “Victim blaming: An all-too-common response to sexual assault,” that’s often the sad reality – in fact, 84 percent of rapes are committed by a person the victim knows. And if the victim knows the perpetrator, often, the first people the victim tells will know the attacker as well. That’s where the response gets muddled; that’s how the victim often gets discredited and/or blamed. Maybe it’s because it’s “easier” to assume that a victim who comes forward is lying. If the victim is, then the problem can be swept under the rug

and ultimately forgotten. If the accusation is untrue, then the person accused is still the good person he or she was originally believed to be. No one wants to think the people in their lives could be capable of such behavior. But the fact of the matter is that overwhelmingly, more often than not, if someone reports being sexually assaulted, then he/she is telling the truth. According to a recent American Prosecutors Research Institute study, only 2-8 percent of reported cases are false. So, if someone you know says he/she was raped, don’t jump to conclusions. Don’t make up excuses. Because chances are, he/she is telling the truth, and now more than ever, he/she needs your support.

If you ever find yourself in danger of being sexually assaulted, you’ll want to know how to best protect yourself.

Loyolan Staff

Adrien Jarvis Kevin O’Keeffe Brigette Scobas Dan Raffety Zaneta Pereira Allison Croley Casey Kidwell Jenna Abdou Ali Swenson Joseph Demes Anna Escher Allie Heck Christopher James Chelsea Chenelle Mary Grace Cerni Nathan Dines Sam Borsos Kevin Cacabelos Michael Busse Katherine Douthit Maddie Flager Ryan Johnson Chanel Mucci Lucy Olson KiMi Robinson Jenny Yu Tyler Barnett Mercedes Pericas Stephanie Schiller Sydney Franz Jackson Turcotte Liana Bandziulis Leslie Irwin Kasey Eggert Joe Crawley Sarabella Muise Michael Rainey Kirsten Dornbush Jennifer Bruner Michael Giuntini Allayah Beamon Melissa Carver Ryanne Haymer Harrison Geron Genesis Contreras Sabrina Budhrani Charles Riley Callie Douthit

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Take advantage of the Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) by-request Rape Aggression Defense Training course. The class, open to women only, is an intensive program that helps illustrate how female students can get out of potential sexual assault situations through moderate self defense and strong self-empowerment. There’s no cost – just call DPS to set it up.

Just a statute: church scandal and loopholes

W

e featured a column last October discussing 20 years’ worth of records documenting sexual abuse cover-ups in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which the organization made public after a massive civil suit that went to the Supreme Court. (See: “Expect foul play in the A Short Story BSA,” Oct. By Joseph Demes 29.) The Opinion Editor writer, Asst. Managing Editor Dan Raffety, like many of you might have, found himself incredulous at the thought of this and asked, “Are you kidding me?” This past Monday, the L.A. Times reported on the release of similar documents: the memorandums written by now-retired Cardinal Roger Mahony (then an archbishop) and Monsignor (Msgr.) Thomas J. Curry, essentially strategizing methodologies that might keep these abuses out of the spotlight of law enforcement. Files on 75 more accused abusers are intended for release. I, unlike Raffety, cannot say that I am surprised. I, much like how Raffety was involved with the BSA, acted as an altar server in my church when I was younger. And I, like Raffety, am left with a bad taste in my mouth when events like these are brought to light. I am, however, more appalled

that a Tuesday L.A. Times article, “Prosecutors to review new church abuse records; exD.A. skeptical,” told me these men – and I mean Mahony, Curry and the forthcoming 75 – will most likely not face charges because, as former Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley quipped, “you cannot ethically prosecute someone ... when the statute has run.” I find such a view tantamount to the statement Mahony released on Monday, wherein he divulged that he possesses “a 3 x 5 card for every victim” that he met with from 2006 to 2008 – a total of 90 – whom he prays for “every single day.” Prayer will never bring closure – or at least some actualized semblance of justice – to these victims. Mahony still seems, as he put it, “naïve about the full and lasting impact these horrible acts would have,” because even though he may be attempting to make amends, he can never fully accept responsibility in a legal sense. This case may fall through because a three-year statute of limitations could make it so these actions “may not be criminal.” On a certain level, I find that possibility more reprehensible than the actions themselves. Unlike these priests, who supposedly serve some God, officers of the law are appointed to serve men, women and children. There is all the potential to say “screw the statute” and prosecute, but the more realistic move would be to try and find some

other assignable prosecution. The law is not some sort of immutable Platonic form. We make it, we impose it and we can transgress it. Fr. Michael Baker and Michael Wempe as well as Msgr. Peter Garcia certainly did when they molested 23, 13 and 20 boys, respectively. The priests were convicted in 2007 and 2006, respectively; Garcia died in 2009 before he could be prosecuted. Mahony and Curry transgressed the law when they aided and abetted these three men. As the L.A. Times mentioned in an article from Monday, titled “L.A. church leaders sought to hide sex abuse cases from authorities,” Msgr. Curry “suggested to Mahony that they prevent the victim from seeing therapists who might alert authorities and that they give the priests out-of-state assignments to avoid criminal investigators.” Applying this suggestion to Baker, Mahony wrote, “Sounds good – please proceed!!” [sic] in the original letter from June of 1987. Mahony kept Garcia out of Los Angeles for fear of “‘some type of legal action filed in both the criminal and civil sectors.’” Garcia tended to abuse boys who were undocumented immigrants, and “he assured church officials his victims were unlikely to come forward because of their immigration status.” The enforcement of a statute of limitations only highlights an abuse of the legal system, which is difficult because amending the legis-

Associated Press

Cardinal Mahony was present at a $600 million court settlement in July 2007 between the L.A. Archdiocese and over 500 clergy abuse victims. lation would take even longer. Garcia clearly knew how to manipulate it and Mahony appears to have exercised a chess-like mastery of moving priests around a diocesan board. It is painfully obvious that Mahony’s actions and those of the abusers are well beyond the scope of rationalization, but in this instance the technicalities

are extremely frustrating. In the future, it would be wise to make steps to amending the law in order to possibly prevent other instances when those boundaries inhibit the function of the judicial system itself. This is the opinion of Joseph Demes, a senior English and philosophy double major from Clayton, Calif. Please send comments to jdemes@theloyolan.com.


Opinion

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I

January 28, 2013 Page 7

Lone(ly) wolf: on solitude in college

came to LMU with two of my best friends from back home. We didn’t plan it; in fact, one of my friends almost didn’t come to LMU just because of us, but nonetheless, we all ended up here. I was immensely happy to be going to college with my best friends, knowing that it would help ease the pain of moving away from What the Heck my home, but I was also a little By Allie Heck bit reluctant. Asst.Opinion Editor I was nervous that, by having my comfort blanket so near, I would fail to branch out and miss the experience of being alone. I wanted that uncomfortable feeling in my stomach that I’ve experienced when I’ve been thrown into new situations, and while I still definitely got that uneasy feeling, I had the luxury and security of relying on two people that know everything about me – something that very few other people have when going to college. On the flight home after my first semester, sitting next to my best friends, I realized that, in all honesty, I had it pretty easy. I had managed to dip my toes in the fountain of discomfort while avoiding jumping in headfirst. But the hardest part of college for me wasn’t moving away from home, making new friends

or even adjusting to the academic life, but rather, attempting to live a somewhat routine lifestyle. Yes, I came to college with my friends, but even if I hadn’t, I would have found it hard to believe that I would ever truly be alone. Dorm life doesn’t exactly breed normalcy, and the lack of alone time and surplus of social activities have definitely taken a toll on my focus and efficiency. I am undoubtedly not as high-functioning as I once was, and I know I’m not alone in this. Over Christmas break, I recognized a few things that were falling through the cracks in my college life, and the one thing that seemed to link all of the missing pieces together was alone time. I had taken for granted all of the hours I spent alone in my room when I used to live at home, dancing around, reading, listening to music and, most importantly, just thinking. And I know I’m not the only one who misses being able to walk around naked without worrying if my blinds are tilted the wrong way, or if my roommate’s going to burst through the door. I am – and will always be – an incredibly gregarious being, but not having crucial alone time in college has stifled my creativity, critical thinking and general decision-making skills. I don’t think the solution is to dance around naked in my dorm room, though. And I’m not about to subject myself to the confines of a single. So, I came to the conclusion that, while it will be

predictably more difficult, I must incorporate alone time into my college schedule. Not coincidentally, I had this epiphany while traveling solo on a flight to Hawaii over break, this time sitting sans my two partners in crime. I felt anxious. I tried to trivialize the way I was feeling, but I realized that it was my fear of facing the unknown alone that was causing my discomfort. After a pretty restless first night, I woke up the next morning anew, ready to face the world on my own. College presents a very odd situation. My parents moved me in, kissed me goodbye and thrust me into the biggest adventure I’ve ever encountered. It makes sense that to offset, you know, being abandoned, we would cling to our fellow fledglings. But college is a great time to be alone. It’s nice to rely on and empathize with other people, but there are some things that you have to figure out by yourself. Maybe you’re the type of person that’s been in a steady relationship since sixth grade and this is your first time not having a significant other, or maybe you never spent more than a night away from you parents. Either way, the occasional discomfort brought about by being alone does not discount its endless benefits; furthermore, being alone might force you to address some personal issues that you’ve been compensating for with other people and relationships. At the very least, it forces you to entertain yourself.

How to get into the Alone Zone

1. Schedule alone time with your roommate that works with your schedules. 2. Go for a walk and discover some of the hidden gems of campus. 3. Find a nice, quiet place on the bluff to collect your thoughts or watch the sunset.

Megan Hersman | Loyolan

College represents a time where being alone is rare and yet feeling lonely might be more potent than ever. I’ve made some extremely special friends while at LMU, but while we know each other very well, we also don’t. There have been 19 years of past events, people and decisions that have made me into who I am, and there’s no way that my newfound friends could possibly understand it all.

This lack of authentic, enduring relationships can lead to loneliness in college. For that, I am evermore thankful for my two best friends. But I believe there is a definite difference between being alone and being lonely, and this distinction is paramount to success in college. This is the opinion of Allie Heck, a freshman business major from Dallas,Texas.Please send comments to aheck@theloyolan.com.


Opinion

January 28, 2013 Page 8

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Drinking and driving: Just don’t do it

nce you get to college, there is almost no way you haven’t heard of someone driving drunk, been a passenger in a car with an inebriated driver or driven drunk yourself. This unfortunate reality can be backed by a multitude of statistics such as the fact that according to BanAnnaGram the Mothers A g a i n s t By Anna Escher Drunk Driving Asst. Opinion Editor (MADD) website, “in 2011, 9,878 people died in drunk driving crashes – one every 53 minutes.” Specifically with college students, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Each year, an estimated 3,360,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 drive under the influence of alcohol.” However, statistics are not enough to prevent people from driving under the influence. When a college student is drunk at an off-campus party and debating whether or not to get in the car and drive back to campus, it is not statistics or facts that are running through his or her head. Alcohol impairs judgment and provides a false sense of invincibility. When a person drives drunk without getting in trouble, they think, “If I did it once, I can do it again.” Thus, a habit forms. Driving under the influ-

College Students and Drunk Driving OVER THE COURSE OF 43 percent of 20 year olds have ridden with a drunk driver 50 percent of underage students drove after drinking 20 percent drove while drunk - U.S. News

1 year 1 in 5

ence is more than a bad tendency. It is extremely dangerous and there is not one good reason to engage in this risk. And the worst part is how avoidable drunk driving can be. People are generally aware that drunk driving is not worth the danger it poses. We are aware that the consequences of a DUI are severe both legally and financially. The MSN.com article “DUI: The $10,000 ride home” outlines the financial costs of a DUI: “A typical DUI costs about $10,000 by the time you pay bail, fines, fees and insurance.” A DUI is a misdemeanor, but it can be a felony if the driver injures another person or damages property. Despite our knowledge

& World Report

College students admitted to driving drunk in 2010

of the risks, the frequency with which people, including college students, drive while under the influence is alarming. This offense needs to stop happening, now. As second semester begins, students become more comfortable with their social groups. I have observed that second semester brings about a more involved social life throughout campus, meaning more off-campus parties and therefore opportunities to engage in drinking. Along with this comes the unfortunate increase in drunk driving. So what can the individual student do? Be aware of basic facts about drinking: 0.08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC) means that you have too

- U.S. News & World Report Tyler Barnett | Loyolan

much alcohol in your system to operate a vehicle, and if you are pulled over, you will receive a DUI. That is, if you are over 21. It is illegal for someone under 21 to have a blood alcohol content of 0.01 percent. Additionally, it takes about an hour for your body to process one drink. Aside from being familiar with the facts, students should proactively combat the occurrence of drunk driving by changing the way we think about drinking. To avoid the possibility of inebriated driving, think through your plans for the night in advance. Keep in mind that being 21 does not exempt one from the risks of drunk driving. If anything, being legally allowed to drink

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further complicates matters and poses more situations in which one is more likely to drive drunk. Therefore, it is smart to own a breathalyzer to use if you’ve had a few glasses of wine and aren’t quite sure if you are below 0.08 percent BAC. Have a general idea of where you are going and how much you will be drinking. Assign a designated driver, or keep money for a cab ready at hand. If a friend is contemplating driving drunk, it is your responsibility to calmly take control of the situation by figuring out an alternative to getting home that does not offend or provoke the person who is about to get in the vehicle. But if the situation escalates, don’t be afraid to hide your friend’s keys. Basically, be aware of the dangers of drunk driving and look out for your friends. Don’t ever regard driving under the influence as funny or “badass.” Take the mature standpoint and set a positive example for your friends by understanding that drunk driving is dangerous and illogical, but also avoidable. It exemplifies poor judgment, overall social irresponsibility and utter disregard for one’s safety. LMU students are smarter than that, and it’s time to start showing it by making the right decisions about drinking and driving.

This is the opinion of Anna Escher, a senior communication studies major from Stanford, Calif. Please send comments to aescher@theloyolan.com.


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It’s a Sorta Good Life

Odd Turtle

Signs of Improvement

January 28, 2013 Page 9

By Alejandra Carreres, contributing cartoonist

By Jackson Turcotte, Cartoon editor

By Georgia Henderson, staff cartoonist


Arts & Entertainment Film, Literature, Music, Restaurants and Theatre

January 28, 2013 Page 10

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‘Tears of Rage’ a passionate depiction of war Theatre Review By Maddie Flager Copy Editor

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art dramatic comedy, part history lesson, the College of Communication and Fine Arts Departments of Theatre Arts’ and Dance’s newest production, “Tears of Rage,” captured the spirit of America’s youth during the Vietnam War with extraordinary precision and poignancy. Aided by the guidance of the playwright and LMU lecturer, Doris Baizley, seven LMU students delved into the minds of Americans caught between patriotism and the rising anti-war movement, creating a truly spectacular performance. “Tears of Rage” takes audiences through the journey of a group of best friends who see one of their own off to war, help another avoid the draft and individually develop opinions of the war’s effects and how they personally can bring about change. From the moment the play began, the chemistry among cast members was evident. The three leads, Mimi (played by senior theatre arts major Rachel Rosenstein), Anne (freshman undeclared major Gracie Truex) and Lou (sophomore theatre arts major Kristin O’Brien) played well off each other while each bringing a distinct personality to their roles. O’Brien’s character provided the comic relief to the oftentimes devastating situations, delivering each line with a natural ease of someone used to garnering laughs.

Later on in the show, O’Brien showed her strengths in emotional scenes as well as comedic ones. Truex, who spent much of the play shouting, never missed a beat, keeping the passion her character felt for the anti-war cause alive. Rosenstein gave hands down the most emotionally-charged performance, bringing me to tears twice as she dealt with the loss of her boyfriend and the guilt that came with it. Lines that could have easily come off as trite or canned if delivered by a less skilled actor were expertly conveyed by Rosenstein. Her raw emotion and utter embodiment of the character were absolutely highlights of the show. Though his time on stage was brief, senior theater arts major Jackson Kendall gave an outstanding performance as Petey, Mimi’s boyfriend. His passionate exclamation in defense of the war particularly made for a memorable and powerful scene. After he left for Vietnam, his character’s presence remained through voice recordings and letters back home. At times, the voice recordings were accompanied by images projected onto the back wall of the war itself, adding another layer of authenticity to the show. While all the characters went through their own epiphanies of sorts throughout the year-long timespan, the role of Monk (sophomore theatre arts major Garrett Slack) transformed the most, growing from a goofy sidekick into the impassioned, opinionated lead. At the end of the first act, I was anxious to see what would become of Monk,

and during the second act his story gets the chance to unfold. The show’s costume design, done by senior theatre arts major Jennifer Kirk, helped not only with initial characterization, but also by showing the changes in each character as their stories progressed. For example, Mimi spent much of the first act in Rachel Berry-esque ensembles, and then shifted into a fringe-vest-wearing hippie as she shed her conservative views. The cast as a whole did a superb job of keeping energy levels high and their emotions explosive, powering through fast-paced dialogue and numerous screaming matches. During dramatic scenes, they took their time, allowing for long pauses in conversations that made the interactions seem genuine. After each of last weekend’s four performances, the audience was invited to join the cast, Baizley, LMU Professor and Interim Associate Dean of SFTV Howard Lavick, and writer and Vietnam anti-war activist Frank Kroncke in a dialogue of the reality of the war. Each of these guests spoke about his personal experiences during the Vietnam War and took questions from the audience. This unique opportunity reinforced the ideas of the play and the reality of the turmoil young adults in America faced 40 years ago. It is rare that theatre departments have the opportunity to work and rehearse alongside the play’s author, and it is clear that Baizley’s guidance improved the actors’

LMU Theatre Arts Department

Directed by Judith Royer and written by Doris Baizley, “Tears of Rage” follows seven characters caught between patriotism and anti-war sentiments. connection to the characters and the time period they were living in tremendously. With familiar themes such as coming-of-age, love and loss alongside this brutal and chaotic moment in history, “Tears of Rage” will be able to speak to

both those who lived through it and those who have only read about it in textbooks. This is the opinion of Maddie Flager, a freshman communication studies major from Cold Springs, FL. Please send comments to cjames@theloyolan.com.


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Arts & Entertainment

January 28, 2013 Page 11

Abrams directing ‘Star Wars’ keeps fans guessing I

nitially, the thought of a Disney-produced Star Wars film repulsed me. Not because I dislike Disney. Quite the contrary – my cat’s name is Nemo, after a certain Disney flick. But still, all I could picture was a nightmare: another “John Carter” with an even bigger budget to burn and M. Night Shyamalan Pot o’ Gold somehow taking on the By Michael project, only to Goldsholl direct the enStaff Writer tire ship into an explosion of terribleness that would make the destruction of Alderaan look like a birthday candle being blown out. But then an announcement earlier this week guided my thoughts in a slightly different direction, or at least one that didn’t have me envisioning a Shyamalan creation that turned the force into an uncontrollable biotoxin that causes the remaining Jedi race to commit mass suicide throughout the first two films: J.J. Abrams (“Lost,” “Super 8”) and Michael Arndt (“Little Miss Sunshine,” “Toy Story 3”) will, respectively, direct and write the seventh installment of the Star Wars series. I’m a devout supporter of George Lucas. I love the original three Star Wars films for their telling of one of the most iconic stories of all time, and I love the less-revered prequels for their beautifully choreographed lightsaber battles that speed up my heart rate and somehow keep me wondering who’s going to win, even though I’ve already

Main photo: Twentieth Century Fox; Inset: Associated Press

J. J. Abrams is set to direct the newest installment in the Star Wars series, which will be produced by Disney. This decision continues to keep fans skeptical of the outcome of the revival, which is set to come out in 2015. seen the outcome at least 20 times. The movies are better because of the cheesy dialogue that exists in all six films – Lucas is often called a great storyteller but a dreadful writer. If anyone but Han Solo, about to be frozen in carbonite, would have responded to Princess Leia’s profession of love with, “I know,” it just wouldn’t have worked. I try to pretend that Jar Jar Binks never existed (because, in all honesty, those first three films would have been received significantly better if Lucas had never let such a char-

acter make his way onto the page), just like I pretend to have an empty knowledge of film so I am able to ignore the fact that Natalie Portman’s portrayal of Padmé – Anakin Skywalker’s love interest – was Razzie-worthy on so many levels. But maybe a different writer is just what the next set of films needs. To play devil’s advocate against my earlier claim that George Lucas can do no wrong, there are a lot of people on this planet who believe “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” is the best Star Wars

film, as it boasts the highest rating of the six installments on RottenTomatoes.com. And it happens to be the only one that was not written and directed by Lucas (Irvin Kershner directed it, while Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan wrote the screenplay based on Lucas’ story). Arndt’s only two notable works have been “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Toy Story 3,” so it remains to be seen how his vision and creation of a romantic hero’s journey set in a science-fictional world will play out. On the other hand, Abrams possess-

es a more expansive background in the genre, having created the cult show “Lost,” and he directed projects such as the recent revival of “Star Trek” and another science-fiction thriller, “Super 8,” among others. In making the first Star Wars film since 2003, Abrams must remember what made the Star Wars series so loved and highly-regarded, while also keeping in mind the desires of the dedicated fanbase, with whose emotions he will have great control. His creation of fear in his work is intriguing, as he often likes to maintain a strong element of suspense about the monsters and villains until just the right time. This tactic could bode well for the final Star Wars trilogy, which will be without a living Darth Vader or any prominent character of evil from previous films. I don’t expect him to reprise the now 61-year-old Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and a 56-year-old Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia. And the same goes for 70-year-old Harrison Ford returning as Han Solo. We learned our lesson in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” (you know, the one that everyone pretends had never been made): Harrison Ford is no longer that nerf herder he once was. So, Abrams, take a page out of your “Star Trek” book and keep the characters, but cast fresh actors for the roles. You have one of the largest and most passionate fanbases in the world waiting on pins and needles for the release, and they don’t have to be disappointed. Just please, whatever you do, leave out the time travel. This is the opinion of Michael Goldsholl, a senior English major from Santa Barbara, Calif. Please send comments to cjames@theloyolan.com.

Iranian culture takes ALWAYS PLUGGED IN? spotlight at Pub Night So are we.

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Event Preview By Jennifer Pastore Contributor

Faculty Pub Night kicks off the semester as the William H. Hannon Library hosts Professor Saba Soomekh as she discusses Iranian culture and Jewish doctrine in Los Angeles. She will also promote her book, “From the Shahs to Los Angeles: Three Generations of Iranian Jewish Women Between Religion and Culture.” Soomekh will start the night with a Q&A facilitated by Dr. Holli Levitsky, the director of the Jewish studies program, to answer questions revolving around her decision to focus on Iranian Jewish women in Los Angeles. Iranian Jews are a large group in Los Angeles, despite being a minority in Iran, according to Soomekh. “I hope students walk away with a better understanding of Iran and also a better understanding of the Jewish community in the Middle East,” said Soomekh. According to Jamie Hazlitt, the outreach librarian for the Hannon Library, these events are booked almost a year in advance. They try to offer a good balance of interdisciplinary subjects in order to have students leave the event curious about a new matter. “We’re providing at these Pub Nights a forum for our faculty to talk about their research, talk about their book and talk about their process,” said Hazlitt. Students from all majors have the opportunity to explore issues and topics that they would otherwise not be exposed to within their fields of study. One student, senior mechanical engineering major Matthew Dolan, will be attending his first Faculty Pub Night in hopes of getting a broader glimpse outside of his major.

SUNNY Press

Professor Saba Soomekh’s book “From the Shahs to Los Angeles” explores the Jewish community in the Middle East, minorities in Iran and immigration. “I think this is something I don’t get a lot from my engineering classes, so it’s getting a more well-rounded view of things,” said Dolan. “This is the more liberal arts side that I’m trying to become more in tune with because I enjoy going to these kinds of things.” One of Soomekh’s former students, Sarah Scherk, a sophomore communication studies major, wanted to hear more about the topic as she has a vested interest, being Jewish herself, and also having recently picked

up a Jewish studies minor. “I want to know what is unique about Iranian American Jewish experiences in Los Angeles,” said Scherk. Faculty Pub Night will be held in Von der Ahe Family Suite, located on the third level of the William H. Hannon Library Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. For more information and to RSVP for this event and those upcoming, please visit http://libguides. lmu.edu/pubnight.


January 28, 2013 Page 12

Arts & Entertainment

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Alumnus turned professor makes ‘30 Under 30’ Professor Spotlight By Hayley Lobel Staff Writer

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hen Forbes Magazine’s annual “30 Under 30” list was published this year, LMU Professor Tom Leach (’08) was happy to find himself on the famous list of Hollywood’s most successful. In addition to teaching at LMU’s School of Film and Television, Leach is in charge of coming up with television’s next big hit for Mark Burnett’s production company, and has worked on “The Voice” and “Survivor.” Staff Writer Hayley Lobel had a chance to speak with Professor Leach about his recent success and how he feels about being on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Hayley Lobel (HL): How do you feel about being on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” List? Tom Leach (TL): I was shocked and completely honored. I have always been a fan of the magazine, and to be recognized by such a reputable organization was amazing. I hope it made my mom proud. HL: Could you describe your role at Mark Burnett’s production company? TL: I help to decide which shows to develop and how to bring them to life in the best way possible. I work with an amazing team and my job is to keep up with current events, learn everyday and hopefully add significant values and compelling ideas.

HL: What has been the highlight of your career so far? TL: One day I found myself in a meeting and to the left of me was Mark Burnett and to the right of me was James Cameron, right after his film “Avatar” was released. We were all sharing ideas and collaborating and I remember Cameron and Burnett were giving me a compliment. I was thinking to myself, “How in the world did I get a seat at this table?” It was a pretty cool moment.

HL: How do you feel about your own impact and influence on Hollywood today? TL: My impact is small, but hopefully growing with each passing day. Working and learning under Mark Burnett is amazing, because he is one of the most influential and brilliant producers on the planet. Burnett has taught me how to take an idea for a TV show, develop it, sell it and get it to broadcast every week to millions of people.

HL: With your busy schedule, what made you decide to teach classes here at LMU? TL: I wanted to stay a part of the LMU community after I graduated. I live in Westchester and I love LMU; it just seemed like a no-brainer to teach here. Also, I was a little discouraged by how hard it was for my fellow classmates to find the “perfect job” and continue their dreams after graduation. Teaching has allowed me to help upcoming graduates strategize and hopefully make their dreams more attainable. Teaching at LMU is definitely one of the most rewarding things I do.

HL: How did LMU prepare you for your professional career? TL: My time as an undergraduate at LMU taught me how to manage my life as an adult and nurture relationships. I believe in the LMU philosophy of “education of the whole person.” LMU not only taught me how to succeed in business, but more importantly, I learned how to be a good friend, a member of the community and a kind soul.

HL: Are you currently working on any new projects? TL: Yes. Lots of big network, primetime television shows and formats. I am currently working on a variety of projects from adventure, to dating, to singing competitions, to game shows. Also, I try to stay informed and look ahead at the future of television and how show business models are evolving and changing.

HL: What do you see in the future for your career? TL: Long term, I hope to be a visionary entertainment entrepreneur. I want to continue to produce television and new media and eventually expand into feature films and be a leader in bridging the gap between Hollywood and Silicon Valley. HL: What is your favorite part of teaching at LMU? TL: My favorite part is the energy that I get from my students every week. They definitely keep me on my toes and I keep them on theirs. We all

Tyler Barnett | Loyolan

Professor and alumnus Tom Leach was included in Forbes’ annual “30 Under 30” list detailing the top young talents in the entertainment industry. feed off that same energy. It is quite inspiring. HL: When you were a student, what was your favorite part of LMU? TL: I loved living in the dorms and getting to interact with a community of young, smart, kind people on a daily basis. No day felt the same when I was living here. I loved trying to convince my roommate, Michael Bartel, to go on a random adventure or a late night run to Jerry’s Deli. HL: Were you involved in any clubs or activities while you

were a student here? TL: Yes! I was passionately involved with the ROAR Network, the on-campus TV station. We founded it in my sophomore year and it was a great training ground on how to collaborate and create compelling content. Hard-working students who are interested in the entertainment industry should definitely go get involved. For a link to the Tom Leach’s profile in the Forbes’ “30 Under 30” article, visit laloyolan.com.

Tyler Barnett | Loyolan

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Sports

January 28, 2013 Page 13

Eighth-ranked Lions fall to No. 1 Stanford W. Polo from Page 16

In Sunday’s games, the Lions lost two close matches against Pacific and Stanford. At an early 8:00 a.m. start time, the Lions dropped their first game to Pacific. In an 8-6 loss, LMU scored all six of its goals from different players, while sophomore goalkeeper Jordan White recorded eight goals. The Lions ended their invitational play on a low note later that afternoon, unable to upset two-time defending national champion Stanford Cardinal, losing by a final score of 14-8. Only down 6-4 at the half against No. 1 Stanford, LMU allowed six goals and went

scoreless in a critical third quarter. Sophomore Mackenzie Beck led LMU with two goals in the losing effort. “After a disappointing morning, every single player played really hard. They [Stanford] have incredible talent,” Witt said. The Lions will see Stanford again later in the season in a mid-April home matchup at LMU’s Burns Aquatic Center. “We definitely let Stanford know that we’re a competitive team and can play with them,” Honny said. Senior veterans Jessica Morelos and Morgan Bonk led the Lions in scoring in the threeday invitational. Morelos fin-

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Senior Morgan Bonk scored eight goals in the team’s five games over this past weekend. Bonk scored 30 goals total in 32 games last season.

ished the weekend with nine goals, while Bonk added eight goals of her own. “Both [Morelos and Bonk] were role players last year and have stepped into starting spots,” Witt said. “We’ve done a good job of getting them prepared well. They are kids that work hard. Our program has made it easier for them to prove themselves and perform at a high level.”

White and Wright recorded a combined 30 saves in the team’s five games over the weekend. While Wright is the starting goalkeeper, according to Witt, the head coach added he’s willing to use his depth and make goalkeeper a position of competition if the starter is struggling. White started at goalkeeper in the team’s final three games against Santa Clara,

Pacific and Stanford. The Lions will have a week off from competition and then travel south to La Jolla, Calif. for the UC San Diego Triton Invitational beginning on Saturday, Feb. 9. “We’re going to take these games as a learning experience,” Honny said. “We’ll be working on team concepts, running and executing the LMU system these next two week.”

details


January 28, 2013 Page 14

Sports

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A win will mute the pesky GU fans Droppin’ Dines from Page 16 But really, all I can do is write. Well, aside from sticking out my leg under the basket, starting a brawl and getting some of our opponents kicked out of the game. That is a narrative for another column. I can make suggestion after suggestion, but anything I say will not matter when it comes down to Thursday night’s contest. Okay, hold up, I do want to say one thing: Anthony Ireland will be double teamed. Constantly. The junior guard will be pestered nonstop, probably by Stockton’s stumpy son. So would it be too much to ask for us to hit our open shots? If we are going to make a game competitive, let alone beat a team as high a caliber as Gonzaga, we have to improve our .417 field goal percentage (good for 244th in NCAA D-1). So when Ireland passes it, hit the shot. Or at

least believe you can. It’s not hard to see when a player has faith in his shot or not – and if your point guard doesn’t see it either, he will not be as enthusiastic to give up the rock. I guess there’s not much more to say. I could be mad that the team is playing poorly or that they are underachieving compared to last year’s success, but that would be selfish of me. I wouldn’t want the players to let it affect their approach to the game, so we as fans don’t have the right to be pissed off. Let’s just take it to the Zags, and give our team the kick in the butt they need to start winning some games. How about just one more piece of motivation? I know Gonzaga fans. Most are smug and cocky. I studied abroad with them last year in Florence. Even though some of our rivals are now my closest friends, it does not make them any less annoying when it comes to basketball. I’m

sure they expect nothing more than a cakewalk in our house. So as fans, let’s give them a reason to worry. We can control the atmosphere in Gersten Pavilion on Thursday, so take a few more pulls then pack the gym. I can tell you this – if we show up in force and give our home-court some life, the team can only respond from there. No fan is going to jump out on the court and posterize a Bulldog, but be damn sure to make some noise if one of our players does. And for us seniors still alive and kicking, there’s still hope. Here’s to a flashback to February 2010. Let’s kick Gonzaga’s ass, on ESPN2 no less. Get ready to claim our court. The Kennel’s got nothing on “Hank’s House.” This is the opinion of Nathan Dines, a senior communication studies major from Medford, Ore. Please send comments to ndines@theloyolan.com.

In order for the men to knock off No. 10 Gonzaga on Thursday, they will need a crowd at least as big as the showing lastThursday vs.Pepperdine (shown above).

the inability to win that first true road game, this season is not over. This team is not done. LMU has its flashes, its moments where they look like a conference contender. It usually looks something like this: junior point guard Hazel Ramirez runs up the floor, putting pressure on opposing defenses to set up. While finding an open look for a scorer like Cowling or freshman forward Chelsea Barnes for an easy lay-in or wised open shot. Then, the defense presses the op-

posing in-bounder who will either hold the ball for too long on the inbound, make an errant pass or even turn the ball over for another quick, easy LMU score. This is the pace LMU needs to maintain. This is the pace that Elliott wants them to play at, and unless they start playing this way, 100 percent of the time, the season could slip through the cracks. The issue is not the amount of effort the team gives. According to everyone I talk to, including Elliott, they feel that the effort is

there, but it comes down to consistency and execution. LMU has an opportunity to right some wrongs as they play teams for the second time this season. Although a win at Gonzaga may seem a lofty goal, if the team executes and plays well, even if it doesn’t equal a win in that game, it will give the team confidence for their next game at Portland, which should be a winnable conference game and for those still following along, would mean the first true road win of the season.

Steven Douglas | Loyolan

Women winless on the road this season

Raff’s Rap from Page 16

Brigham Young University on Thursday night. In total, the team is winless in eight opportunities on the road this season. And the schedule doesn’t get easier. The team now travels up to the Pacific Northwest to take on the conference’s best team, the Gonzaga Bulldogs, and the University of Portland, who beat the Lions at Gersten Pavilion on Jan. 19. Despite the woes of the season,

LMU is a scary team when all parts are working. It’s a well-oiled machine. The key is to sustain the effort they have showed all season under the new coaching staff and execute on a consistent basis. If they can do that, don’t be surprised if LMU wins a lot more road games, including some in Las Vegas come March. This is the opinion of Dan Raffety, a junior communication studies major from Eagle Rock, Calif. Please send comments to draffety@theloyolan.com.


www.laloyolan.com

Sports

January 28, 2013 Page 15

Executive Director, Competitions, FIFA:

Jim Brown

As FIFA’s Executive Director of Competition, Jim Brown helps facilitate soccer’s premier international contests. Current LMU women’s soccer team members, senior Whitney Sharpe and sophomore Amanda Dudley have participated in FIFA competitions. The Loyolan sat down with Brown to discuss the merits and challenges of his job. Emily Dean (ED): Every profession has its beginning. I know you have some major history in the sport of soccer itself with the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks and Major League Soccer (MLS). Where did your love for soccer begin? And where, along professional lines, did this love for the sport turn into a career for you? Jim Brown (JB): I was born overseas but had American parents. I went to college at 18 in the U.S., and that was my first time actually living in the U.S. instead of overseas. Wherever I lived growing up, sports were very important. The sport of soccer was always the biggest sport around and, not only that, but a big part of the culture. That was not the only sport I played, but my brothers and I were all very good at it. I played other sports in college, but I decided to mainly go after and play soccer while in the states. I then went and taught [and coached] soccer at an international school overseas. I decided I wanted to continue in sports, but I did not see myself as a player for the next 20 years. I wanted to continue in the business of sports. After coaching, I landed my first major job at the World Cup in 1994.

ED: How long did it take you to work your way up to the position of executive director of competitions that you find yourself in now? Was it a hard transition from being a player to being in the business? Do you have any advice for people looking to be in the sporting industry? Any general advice for people making their way in a profession they have an absolute love for? JB: I started working as a volunteer in 1990 coaching soccer at the high school level. My first paid position was in 1991 for the Blackhawks. I joined FIFA in 2003, and it took over 12 years to get there. I have now been in the business for around 20 years. No, for me the transition was never really an issue. … It was exciting. There were suddenly players far greater than I ever was, and I got the opportunity to work alongside of them. I was all of a sudden working alongside Eric Wynalda and Marcelo Balboa from the U.S. national teams.

In the sporting industry, my only advice is to realize that a start is a start. To start anywhere is positive. Some people get lucky with higher starts, but the reality is most do not just get lucky, and you need to get started somewhere and take advantage of it. I was always quite focused in on the level or task I had before me before moving on or looking for higher positions. Focus on what you are doing and do your best job. Never worry about what others are doing. There is a big difference between loving a sport and loving to work in a sport. It does not mean that working in it is what you think it is. At 27, I was working at the 1994 World Cup and my sister asked what I did at the game Jim Brown (left) is pictured selecting a final groups draw for the women’s FIFA World Cup in Wuhan, China in 2007. involving the U.S. and Brazil. Technically, what I had done that day my sister did not find that interesting at all. It is tedious and basic at first, but you have to enjoy what you are doing at all steps. [You have to] love the work before what you think the work is. It is not as “sexy” of a job as you think it is sometimes.

ED: What have been your most memorable experiences as executive director thus far? JB: Looking up in the stands at the South Africa 2009 FIFA Confederation Cup was unforgettable. A 50-year-old, white, South African male was the groundskeeper for the games and had been for many years at South Africa’s famous Ellis Park Stadium. He said that for the first time in his life, he saw white people and black people in the same stadium. It was a monumental moment in that an entire country came together. The passion seen in the kids and people in those stands was touching – just the look on their faces that they were actually there, taking nothing for granted. The most memorable, famous incident was the final of the 2006 World Cup. Italy and France went into overtime where [Zinedine] Zidane was kicked out of the game for a red card. France won the game, but the key issue and decision I was behind was whether or not Zidane, the captain of France’s team, would be allowed to go to the trophy ceremony or not. Also, my most memorable moments have been being in charge of the World Cup in 2006 and 2010 and working towards and for the next World Cup in 2014.

ED: What are your favorite countries to travel to in the business? JB: My two most memorable events in terms of countries were the Sydney Olympics of 2000 [and Germany in 2006]. It was a huge experience in Sydney, and I was in Sydney for almost three years in charge of the Olympic stadium and what was to happen there. The country is wonderful. Germany for the 2006 World Cup was a favorite as well. My neighbor to where I was staying at the time said it was the first time flags were hanging out of their houses in years. They were so proud of what they were able to achieve as a country. Germany is a far better country and group of people than what they have been depicted to be throughout the course of history. Lastly, South Africa is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Seeing success as not only a country, but also a continent altogether, was amazing. Meeting the great man Nelson Mandela was such an honor.

For the complete interview, visit www.laloyolan.com/sports. - Compiled by Emily Dean, contributor Design: Stephanie Schiller | Loyolan Photo: Associated Press


www.laloyolan.com

Lion Sports

January 28, 2013 Page 16

Water polo wins two It all comes Effort is there; it’s down to time to win Thursday The women’s basketball team is 0-8 on the road and have two upcoming tests at Gonzaga and Portland.

In a last ditch attempt to turn its season around,the men’s basketball team needs to take down Gonzaga.

A

t the beginning of the women’s basketball season, the mood of the team reflected a fresh start. They had a clean slate from the previous eight-win season, with a new coaching staff at the helm, new freshman talent and a returning, aggressive point guard and a superstar in redshirt senior Alex Cowling. Head Coach Charity Elliott summed up the attitude in a few short words: “We are all freshmen here now.” This was the mentality: Raff’s Rap no talk of the previBy Dan Raffety ous regime, a new Asst. Managing Editor aggressive, up-anddown-the-floor attitude. Even Cowling, the team leader, didn’t want to limit the expectations coming into the season because there was a sense of unknown in regards to how the team would gel together and respond to a new person calling the plays from the bench. Things started well. Despite losing the first two games of the season on the road, the team bounced back to win three straight at home and begin what would be a great home court advantage for the club this season. With momentum high, they traveled to the Bahamas over Thanksgiving break, splitting two games abroad, but both games were at a neutral site, leaving the Lions still with no road wins. More road games came and more losses followed. UCLA, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Wyoming – all road tests that the Lions couldn’t pass. Now, to be fair, these are no spring chicken environments: UCLA was nationally ranked at the time of the matchup and Wyoming is no easy place to play, either. But all of that was non-conference play, a measuring stick for the real season: West Coast Conference Play (WCC) play. In three conference road games, the Lions are, you guessed it, 0-3, having recently been blown out by

See Raff’s Rap | Page 14

I

tournament,” junior captain Alex Honny said. “This is designed to be hard.” Head Coach Kyle Witt remained upbeat despite the pair of losses on Sunday. “We looked pretty good. All of our errors were things in our control. I was encouraged by what I saw,” Witt said. On Friday night, despite LMU freshman goalkeeper Claire Wright’s eight saves, the Lions could not contain Arizona State’s offensive attack. The Sun Devils scored five goals in both the first and third quarters, respectively. LMU did not have much time to think about their loss to the Sun Devils with a match the following Saturday morning. In the 17-2 victory against APU, senior Morgan Bonk led LMU with four goals. The Lions led 3-0 after the first quarter, and then raced out to 11-1 lead at the half. Wright recorded four saves in the effort. A couple hours after beating APU, the Lions jumped back into the pool for their WWPA conference opener against Santa Clara. Tied 9-9 going into the fourth quarter, freshman Ivana Castro stepped her level of play up and scored three of LMU’s five fourth quarter goals, securing a 14-12 victory.

f you ask seniors to describe the most memorable men’s basketball game in their time at LMU, I would bet that most responses would include: “Gonzaga ass-kicking,” “storming the court,” “upset” and “Hank’s House.” Now let’s jump to present day. A lot has gone down since we took out the then-No. 9 Zags on Feb. 18, 2010. That ‘09-‘10 season ended in a loss to, coincidentally, the same team we upset, and we dropped a WCC Tournament semifinal game to the Bulldogs. The following season was devastating, with 2-12 WCC regular Droppin’ Dines aseason record leading By Nathan Dines to a quarterfinals loss in Sports Editor Vegas. Yet, we bounced back last year with our most successful season since the magic of Bo Kimble and Hank Gathers, recording 21 wins and a ride to the quarterfinals of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. And just like that, we’re back. Gonzaga University is coming to us again, with another Top-10 national ranking. Our team is in the midst of, to put it lightly, another disappointing season following last year’s success. A romantic might say it’s poetic, others might attribute it to fate – I see the game as a chance for redemption. Is there any better way to turn the season around than by taking out the Bulldogs? I’m sure that people reading this might stop right now and start screaming at the paper, “Did you see that game against Pepperdine?!” I certainly did. I was right down there on the court with the team, albeit with a trumpet in my hand. I witnessed the highs and lows, ranging from a lethargic offense to a nasty putback jam that landed redshirt senior forward Ashley Hamilton on SportsCenter as the night’s No. 1 play. No one is claiming that the game was pretty, but maybe I’m just blindly optimistic. And maybe it’s that optimism that makes me never want to count out our team. I’ve seen a few flashes of potential throughout the season – against Pepperdine, they seemed to flip the proverbial switch in a late second half push that fell just short. Honestly though, it takes more than just a few good minutes. Play hard for 40, and we’ll start to win the close ones.

See W. Polo | Page 13

See Droppin’ Dines | Page 14

Loyolan Archives

Senior utility Jessica Morelos (18) led the Lions with nine goals in five matches this past weekend. Morelos scored four goals in the team’s 14-12 victory over Santa Clara.

LMU women’s water polo (3-3) wins two out of five matches at the UCSB Winter Invitational. By Kevin Cacabelos Asst. Sports Editor

LMU women’s water polo finished a challenging five-game weekend stretch with mixed results, but optimism for improvement. The eighthranked Lions went 2-3 in the weekend’s stretch of matches. After dropping an 11-7 result to No. 5 Arizona State University on Friday, the Lions bounced back on Saturday with wins over Azusa Pacific University (APU) and Santa Clara University on Saturday. In their last day of play, the Lions dropped 8-6 and 14-8 results to Pacific and No. 1 Stanford, respectively. In a mere three days, LMU saw action against two ranked squads and a conference opponent, along with two other games. This level of competition will will help prepare the team to live up to their preseason top ranking in the WWPA. “It’s a challenging schedule, but we get the experience early on. We go hard now so we can win the more challenging games later on in the conference tournament and in the NCAA

LMU TENNIS WEEKEND UPDATE The LMU women’s tennis team began their 2013 campaign with a 7-0 sweep over Concordia University at the LMU Tennis Center this past Saturday. In a dominating fashion, the Lions won every singles match in straight sets. Junior Miya Jin and freshman Kristine Kouyoumjian highlighted Saturday’s play. Jin defeated Concordia freshman Ellie Johnson 6-1 and 6-0, while Kouyoumjian defeated freshman Caitlyn Uzzi 6-0 and 6-1 in her first collegiate match. Jin also shined in doubles play with teammate, junior Claudia Razzeto, beating freshman Elizaveta Ignatova and freshman Mona Piller 8-1 in doubles play. The team was supposed to begin their

season last Friday at Westmont College, but saw their match postponed due to poor weather. The Lions host Long Beach State University this Friday at a 1:30 p.m. start time at the LMU Tennis Center. On the men’s side, LMU struggled on the road, dropping both matches to Illinois State University and Iowa at the University of Iowa over the weekend. Illinois State swept LMU. Sophomore Felix Van Kann and freshman Cristobal Rivera both started strong, winning their first sets, but both were unable to finish with victories. Van Kann dropped his following three sets to Illinois State freshman Jakub Eisner,

while Rivera lost in a tiebreaker in the second set. LMU struggled again on Sunday, losing 5-2 to host university, Iowa. Senior Nicholas Bjerke and Rivera recorded the Lions’ sole victories against the Hawkeyes. Bjerke defeated Iowa sophomore Matt Hagan in straight sets, while Rivera battled back for two straight wins after dropping the first set to freshman Dominic Patrick. The Lions’ season continues next Sunday, Feb. 3 for a 10:00 a.m. match on the road against University of Southern California. – Compiled by Kevin Cacabelos, asst. Sports editor Graphic: Stephanie Schiller | Loyolan

Women’s Head Coach Jamie Sanchez beat his nephew, Jonathan, while sophomore Lisa Piller and the team beat her twin sister, Mona.


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