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ESTABLISHED 1921 March 12, 2012 Volume 90, Issue 35 Your Home. Your Voice. Your News.
Loyola Marymount University
www.laloyolan.com
ASLMU hopefuls debate platforms Voice of basketball moves on SPORTS FEATURE
LMU alumnus Jeff Lampe (‘93) has called Lions’ games on the radio for 11 years. By John Wilkinson Senior Editor
Devin Sixt | Loyolan
Sean Krimmel, senior screenwriting major and current ASLMU member, addresses the candidates at the ASLMU Presidential Debate in Lawton Plaza on Thursday, March 8. To learn more about all the presidential and vice presidential candidates, see Page 3.
ASLMU candidates focus on “change” and “dynamism” for the upcoming academic year. By Margo Jasukaitis Senior Editor
“We have a dynamic year ahead of us,” said ASLMU presidential candidate and junior Spanish and political science double major, Emilio Garcia. With the implementation of
new parking fees and continued progress on the University’s Master Plan, members of the LMU community will bear witness to a large amount of change in the University’s first year after its centennial celebration. This notion of change and the potential dynamism of the coming year was a consistent theme in the ASLMU presidential debate held Thursday, March 8 during Convo in Lawton Plaza. Almost 50 students gathered to hear the three presidential candidates and their running mates respond to questions from
both ASLMU Elections Chair Krista Colley, a senior communication studies major, and the audience. In addition to Garcia, a junior political science and Spanish double major who selected junior business major Laura Kramer to be his running mate, the candidates include junior political science majors Jennifer Mercado and her running mate Erick Bozeman, as well as junior business major Bryan Ruiz and his vice presidential candidate junior sociology major
See ASLMU | Page 4
Students finalists in national contest
Two LMU students move closer to their chance to “witness [Africa] firsthand.” By Jay Lee Asst. News Editor
Textbook rental website Chegg. com and anti-poverty organization ONE have teamed up to create the “Africa Is Calling” internship contest. ONE “is a grassroots advocacy and campaigning organization that fights
extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa,” according to ONE’s website. Two LMU students, sophomore political science major Ted Guerrero and sophomore biology major Kiara Cerda, have been selected in the top 50 in the national contest for the internship. If Guerrero and Cerda gain enough votes to be in the top 20, they will be flown to Washington D.C. to meet with “members of Congress, the ONE team, like-minded students and social entrepreneurs for a few days,” according to Chegg’s website.
Finally, eight winners are awarded the “Africa Is Calling” internship and will be taken to Africa to witness the war on poverty firsthand. Guerrero and Cerda are actively involved on campus. Guerrero is an office assistant in the political science department, operations chair for the Hannon-Tenderich Resident Housing Association, a member of Ignatians service organization and a player on a volleyball intramural team. Cerda is a member of LMU’s water polo team, an undergraduate
See Africa | Page 2
Leticia Duenas
2012 Special Games kicks off with first practice day on Sunday Over 230 special needs athletes gathered for this year’s first Special Games practice day. The event is the largest service project on campus and has taken place at LMU since 1977. For “11 Burning Questions” with the co-directors of Special Games, see Page 3.
DEBATING KONY 2012 Contributor Erica Lopez and Asst. Opinion Editor Joseph Demes go head-to-head over the viral KONY 2012 campaign.
Opinion, Page 7
Index Classifieds.............................5 Opinion...............................6 Coffee Break.........................8 A&E...................................9 Sports..............................16 The next issue of the Loyolan will be printed on March 15, 2012.
The medium of radio lends itself to colorful and memorable voices. The kinds of voices that cannot just be wasted taking fast food orders or typing behind a desk. Jeff Lampe has one of those voices. LMU alumnus Lampe (‘93) has been the LMU Athletics voice of LMU basketball on Jeff Lampe the radio for the last 11 years. “He’s got a voice made for it,” said LMU Assistant Athletic Director for Media Services John Shaffer. As the 2011-12 season comes to a close, Lampe has decided to move on. Lampe’s relationship with LMU basketball began with a typical catalyst: the 1989-90 Lions, Hank Gathers, Bo Kimble and the miraculous run to the Elite Eight. A freshman at the time, Lampe avidly followed the team and, despite not yet getting into play-by-play, covered the team through a sports segment on a nightly KXLU newscast. “I was a sports fanatic. I was always interested and passionate about radio,” said Lampe, who majored in English at LMU with a minor in radio communications. “That was a freshman year I’ll never forget,” Lampe said. “Memorable doesn’t seem to describe it. [It was] quite a surreal atmosphere.” After graduation in 1993, Lampe maintained communication with LMU by continuing to volunteer at KXLU and in 2001, then LMU men’s basketball Head Coach Steve Aggers made a decision that would change Lampe’s life. Traditionally, two students would do the radio broadcasts, but Aggers decided that LMU needed a permanent and professional broadcaster. The desired applicant was someone with some experience and a connection to LMU. After interviewing with Shaffer, Aggers and LMU Athletic Director Dr. William Husak, Lampe was hired. “It has been a dream come true; it’s been a labor of love. It’s hard to believe it’s been 11 years,” Lampe said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.” Lampe is known for his high-energy and vivid descriptions. He tries to create a visual picture for listeners who might not always be able to follow such a fast-paced game. Like any broadcaster, Lampe has his fair share of catchphrases or go-to calls. They are part of the color that paints any game Lampe works. “I would hope that people would say I have energy and enthusiasm, but I also have journalistic integrity,” Lampe said. “I think, from my standpoint, what makes a good broadcast is walking that fine line … of its OK
See Lampe | Page 13
MOJO STONE GAINS RECOGNITION The LMU student band talks about their tour experience last summer as they prepare for their sophomore record’s release party.
A&E, Page 9
March 12, 2012 Page 2
Students to be ‘catalyst for change’
News
Africa from Page 1 to be a “resource to provide [students] … with funding, access or connections to other like-minded students and people.” Porter was involved in the selection committee and was impressed with Guerrero and Cerda and called them “two really great standout students. … They definitely had strong essays to rise to the top.” “I think that there are only two universities that we ended up pulling two students from, and [LMU] is one of them,” Porter said. You can vote for Cerda and Guerrero by searching Chegg For Good and ONE on Facebook. Voting stops on March 21.
VOTE for Cerda
Guerrero on
AND
research assistant, a Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society member, a De Colores participant, and a mentor for the El Espejo program. Though both Guerrero and Cerda are competing for spots in the top 20, they are not competing against each other. “I think it would be really good for LMU if both of us could make the top 20 because we would get a lot of recognition for the school,” Cerda said. “It would be awesome if we could both go.” “One of the things that I become most happy about is helping people. I’ve done service all of my life, and I feel it’s necessary to be a global citizen. So in my mind, I realized that there are people who need help all over the world and sometimes they can be helpless – they can’t help themselves,” Guerrero said. “So I feel that it’s necessary that we reach out to them because we have opportunities, because we have the resources to do so.” Heather Porter, manager of Philanthropy and Executive Projects at Chegg, oversees the Chegg For Good program. Chegg For Good, according to Porter, is “born out of [Chegg’s] desire to help inspire students to be a catalyst for change” and aims
Chegg for Good and
ONE ’s Facebook page.
Voting ends March 21 at 11:59 p.m.
www.laloyolan.com
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR DAN RAFFETY DETAILS AN LMU ALTERNATIVE BREAK TRIP TO PANAMA IN A FIRSTPERSON FEATURE.
ONLY AT laloyolan.com
News
www.laloyolan.com
March 12, 2012 Page 3
LOYOLAN GUIDE TO THE 2012 ASLMU PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 1. Background/Experience Garcia: • Has been a member of both the Legislative and Executive branches of ASLMU, working as a senator as a freshman and as attorney general during the last two years. • A member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Kramer: • Worked for ASLMU as part of the Student Reserve Board, the Public Relations Committee and the University Policy Committee.
President:
Emilio Garcia
Year: Junior Major: Spanish and
political science double major
Vice President:
Laura Kramer
Year: Junior Major: Business
2. Key areas of interest • Improving school spirit • Parking at LMU • Creating an ASLMU philanthropy 3. Programming • “ASLMU's programming should be as inclusive as possible. Students also have the right to a say in what kinds of events they want to see on campus. We will ensure that all events appeal to a broad amount of students,” said Garcia. 4. Budget control • Ensure that ASLMU funds are in conjunction with the ASLMU mission • Bring funds from all facets of ASLMU and make sure that it is used in the best representation that the student body wants it to be used • Funds will work towards the student's best interest in mind 5. ASLMU’s role • “ASLMU's essential role is that it exists for the students. Every student deserves to have his/her voice heard and ASLMU serves as the vehicle to make this happen,” said Garcia.
1. Background/Experience Mercado: • ASLMU director of special events, founding member of Latino Student Union, Alpha Phi director of philanthropy Bozeman: • Resident Housing Association Vice President of Marketing, Rosecrans president, member of Magis service organization, Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, orientation leader and member of Black Student Union 2. Key areas of interest • Communication between students, ASLMU and LMU’s administration • Collaboration among all areas of LMU
President:
Jennifer Mercado
Year: Junior Major: Political science Vice President:
Erick Bozeman
Year: Junior Major: Political science
3. Programming • Quality over quantity – analyzing past events and focusing on what the students want 4. Budget control • Utilizing the summer to break down every aspect of the budget to see where funds can be allocated for the best use of a majority of students. • Using milestones to keep tabs on whether they are over/under the budget. 5. ASLMU’s role • “ASLMU is the middle man. It’s not only supposed to be the messenger, but supposed to execute roles and responsibilities too. We are elected by the students to serve the students,” said Mercado.
1. Background/Experience Ruiz: • Active member of the Student Worker Program and an ASLMU senator for the previous two years Caserio: • Former student athlete, member of Magis service organization, member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and event and equipment manager for LMU’s Special Games. 2. Key areas of interest • Communication between LMU’s administration, ASLMU and the students • Sustainability and water awareness • LMU staff/worker appreciation • Continue and improve constituency program
President:
Bryan Ruiz
Year: Junior Major: Business Vice President:
Vincent Caserio
Year: Junior Major: Sociology
3. Programming • After Sunset • LMU Tailgates • Open Mic Night exposure • ASLMU’s website 4. Budget control • “A pie chart needs to be exposed to the community each semester therefore showing where the ASLMU budget is being allocated and also allowing for students to comment and voice their possible concerns,” said Ruiz. 5. ASLMU’s role • “Everyone who is a part of ASLMU has a responsibility. That responsibility is to serve the student body in any and all cases. Even the smallest student concern should be recognized and looked into,” said Ruiz.
Brigette Scobas | Loyolan
Leticia Duenas (left) and Michelle Figueroa (right) planned this year’s Special Games for over 230 athletes, six to 60 years old.
11 Burning Questions with the Special Games co-directors
This issue, Human Resources Coordinator and Asst. News Editor Brigette Scobas talks to senior business and Spanish double major Leticia Duenas and junior business major Michelle Figueroa about planning the Special Games event for trainers and athletes. 1. Why did you decide to become a coordinator? Leticia Duenas (LD): I was really excited when I was on the committee, and it is so amazing to see people playing with each other, focusing on what they can do. … When the opportunity to become director came about, I thought about it and decided this is what I needed to do. 2. When did this event originally come onto campus? LD: LMU hosted the Special Olympics, which is a much bigger established national organization. After 1977, LMU students decided they could do it on their own, so they invited [special needs] athletes from the local community and every year since 1978, Special Games has been a part of LMU. 3. How does your event stand out in comparison to other service events on campus? LD: Oh, that’s easy. We’re the biggest service event on campus. It’s not just doing the service one day but building the relationship with your athlete [over three weekends]. At the end of Big Day they have a strong bond. Michelle Figueroa (MF): We tailor a really different community. We target something that’s not really mentioned a lot. It’s an issue that needs to be more known to people, and I think the Special Games does a good job of reminding people that people with disabilities are just like us. 4. Why do you think the special needs community is not mentioned or recognized a lot, and why do you think it should be? LD: I was completely unaware of the special needs community throughout most of my education. … They come to the same school, but we would never see them. I [wondered] why there was such a gap. MF: I have a brother who has autism and personally, I grew up thinking I was the only one who knew someone with special needs, and I’m sure that there are a lot of people that know someone with special needs. Events like this brings awareness to people … and it gives comfort to people that know someone with special needs. 5. How do you reach out to athletes and coaches? MF: We were founded in 1977, and we have a really strong bond with the agencies and they’re really excited to come back. LD: We have some clubs that are really passionate about the event and are willing to help. Mostly it’s word of mouth. 6. What is the most rewarding experience you’ve had? MF: It’s beautiful to see how each little detail that we worked on comes together. When we see the athletes with a smile on their faces with their coaches, we realized all the hard work that we did was worth it. LD: My favorite moments are when we present every athlete with their medal. The joy they get, the smiles, and when you put that on their necks, they’re just in awe and so happy. That’s difficult to find anywhere else. 7. What do you think are your biggest challenges? LD: It requires three days of commitment on a weekend for college students. It’s difficult but keeping that amount of turnout is like, “Wow, all these people do this.” 8. Do you find that there are a lot of students who embody the “men and women for others” motto in relation to service on campus, or do you think there are areas of improvement for LMU? MF: I think LMU does a really good job of giving students opportunities to do service. LD: It’s a lifestyle of LMU that they’re very committed to do service and in a way, it makes it easier for us. 9. Is there an athlete you’ll always remember? LD: There’s always an athlete that sings a love song and proposes to a girl. MF: Each year it’s a different girl. You never know who it’s going to be. He also goes up to the stage and makes an announcement to the crowd and gets everyone excited. 10. Since dancing seems to be a popular choice, is there a favorite song you like to dance to at this event? MF: We have camp songs like, “Peel Banana” and “Peanut Butter and Jelly” and “Princess Pat.” 11. Since the College Fest artist should be announced soon, what artist are you hoping will be revealed? MF: U2. LD: Adele.
March 12, 2012 Page 4
News
www.laloyolan.com
ASLMU voting Your source for ELECTION COVERAGE to begin today isASLMU the Loyolan online. To read recaps of the town hall meeting and ASLMU from Page 1
Vincent Caserio. When asked why they selected their running mates, the presidential candidates all cited previous friendships as one of the primary reasons. Ruiz in particular explained that he and Caserio have known each other since the age of 12. The two attended Loyola High School together, where they both served on the school’s student government. Mercado and Garcia both met their running mates during their freshman years. Garcia and Kramer worked together at ASLMU, a fact Garcia explained provides them with a “solid background both in terms of working together and working at ASLMU.” In light of the recent announcement regarding the increased cost of attendance at LMU, including raised tuition and new parking permit fees, University finances and ASLMU’s budget were discussed at length during the debates. “The key is to make sure the events we are [spending money on] are quality,” said Mercado. “We need to maximize our funding, encourage more collaborative programming and really focus on the quality of our events over the quantity.” Senior screenwriting major and current ASLMU Director of Intercultural Affairs Sean Krimmel pointed out that the ASLMU president and vice president are paid $10,000 and $5,000 respectively for their one-year term. Contextualizing ASLMU’s budget,
including members’ salaries, in light of the onslaught of new fees from the University, Krimmel asked if candidates planned to reallocate any of ASLMU’s budget towards more direct student aid. “Senator Corey Meador was really passionate about using the money that’s left over at the end of each year to start an ASLMU scholarship,” said Ruiz. “We [Caserio and Ruiz] hope to bring that back and develop that idea more.” After responding to seven questions from the audience, each team of candidates presented a closing statement. “Erick and I have experience both in and outside of ASLMU,” said Mercado. “We are the strongest team.” Ruiz echoed Mercado’s sentiments, citing his long standing relationship with Caserio as something that would provide the two a unique edge in working together. “We share ... this brotherhood,” said Ruiz. “Between the two of us, we really know how to solve issues.” In his closing statement, Garcia summarized the eagerness and passion all the candidates expressed throughout the debate, saying, “I’m excited to run, ready to lead and honored to serve.” Voting opens today, March 12, at 9 a.m. Students will receive a link to an online ballot through their Lion mail accounts and will also be able to vote in Alumni Mall during Convo tomorrow. According to aslmu.org voting closes at 5 p.m. on Thursday and results will be announced at 8 p.m. in Malone 112.
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TODAY!
March 12, 2012 Page 5
LMU student speaks about being wrongfully convicted Francisco Carrillo addresses students at “Pizza and Politics.” By Casey Kidwell Asst. News Editor
At 16 years old, current LMU freshman Francisco “Franky” Carrillo was tried as an adult for firstdegree murder and an additional six attempted murder charges. The Lynwood, Calif. native was convicted and given 30 years to life plus life in prison, according to Carrillo. “I’m in prison. I’m numb,” Carrillo said of his initial reaction to being put behind bars. It has been nearly a year since Carrillo’s release from jail, and according to the Nov. 21, 2011 Loyolan article, “Freshman begins LMU career after spending 20 years in prison,” Carrillo never tires of sharing his story with his fellow students. For “Pizza and Politics,” an event hosted by the political science department on March 8 during Convo, Carrillo told LMU students the details of his wrongful conviction and time in jail. After 19 years in various prisons, starting in juvenile detention facilities and ending up at Folsom State Prison, Carrillo was released on March 16, 2011. The witnesses who identified Carrillo in a photo lineup in 1992, contributing to the guilty verdict he received, admitted that “they were coerced by the police and really didn’t see the shooter.” According to Carrillo’s interview with NBC Los Angeles News, these
six witnesses were coerced by a group of corrupt deputies in the Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department, referred to as the Lynwood Vikings. To this day, Carrillo says they will not admit to their mistakes. On Thursday, March 8, 37-year-old Carrillo stood in front of his fellow LMU students and shared his story, from the moment he was sentenced to his release. The Political Science Village was packed with over 70 students curious to know more about this man’s journey. Evan Gerstmann, LMU law and political science professor, introduced Carrillo and advocated the importance of the topic “exonerating the innocent” that would be highlighted in Carrillo’s talk. Gerstmann said that most people who are wrongly convicted are accused of major crimes, such as murder and rape, in large part due to witness problems or the sole use of identification to convict these individuals. According to Gerstmann, there is an “extreme lack of checks and balances, a lack of process [in government], which underlines Franky Carrillo’s story.” Carrillo agreed, revealing that a major reason why he continues to speak publicly about his story is to demonstrate that “government and overzealous police officers go astray. The system is not right; on paper it’s beautiful, but the people who take on these responsibilities are corrupt,” said Carrillo. Spending 19 years in prison, where he was almost choked to death once by a friend of the victim in the doctor’s office where he was seeking medical attention, gave Carrillo the
motivation he needed to exonerate himself. For three hours a day, Carrillo said he spent time “trying to connect the dots. I was working on myself as an individual but when it came to legal procedures and processes, I didn’t know what I was doing.” His work in educating himself and pursuing a letter campaign for 15 years gained Carrillo recognition from “60 Minutes,” as well as Ellen Eggers. Eggers became Carrillo’s attorney and worked feverishly on his case for many years, giving up weekends, vacations and time off from her job. “Franky deserves a lot of the credit. He became someone no one could walk away from,” Eggers said in her interview with NBC News. Due to their teamwork, Carrillo is now free and pursuing the life he missed for 19 years. He is now a freshman at LMU and says that “law school and politics are where [he’s] headed.” Carrillo showcased his desire to continue to share his story and help others in his situation. “Systematic change is something I’ll highlight. It’s not about the financial return I’ll eventually gain, because what would be the point of all that I went through then?” Carrillo said. When asked by an audience member what advice he would give after enduring the hardships he has, Carrillo said to remember that “seizing the moment is one thing, but to live and be present is the true point of life.” Carrillo is being present and living that new life at LMU, a place that he says is his “sanctuary. … Like a wonderland.”
2012 HUFFINGTON ECUMENICAL SYMPOSIUM
AN-ORTHODOXY IN
TOWARDS
A
AMERICA:
LOCAL CHURCH
M ARCH 16-17, 2012 Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Ahmanson Auditorium - University Hall 1000
PRIZES FOR STUDENT ESSAYS!
Topic: Ecumenical Perspectives on Orthodoxy in North America Winning undergraduate essay: $500 Winning graduate essay: $500 Attendance is free (includes lunch both days) but registration is strictly required. For registration, entrance guidelines, and more information, visit
bellarmine.lmu.edu/ecumenical/pan-orthodoxy
Opinion Student Editorials and Perspectives
March 12, 2012 Page 6
Board Editorial
Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board. Michael Goldsholl Managing Editor
Adrien Jarvis Editor in Chief
Loyolan endorses Mercado/Bozeman
F
W
Letter to the Editor
Re: “Ideological conflict doesn’t permit insults” (Mar. 8, 2012, Page 9) Dear Editor,
Kevin O’Keeffe Managing Editor
Brigette Scobas Human Resources Coordinator | Asst. News Editor
or the 2012-13 ASLMU presidential election, the Loyolan endorses Jennifer Mercado and Erick Bozeman. Each year, the Loyolan chooses a ticket to endorse, and this election, the Mercado/Bozeman ticket impressed the Loyolan with its strong desire to bridge the gap between the students and the administration and the candidates’ focus on necessary yet tangible goals. Although the Emilio Garcia and Laura Kramer ticket provides the most deeply-rooted ASLMU experience, Mercado and Bozeman possess leadership skills cultivated by their involvement in numerous organizations at LMU, such as Greek Life and the Resident Housing Association. This provides them with a diverse background and a wealth of experience while extending their connection with more than one area of LMU’s campus. The Mercado/Bozeman ticket seeks to establish positive communication and transparency with students. Their stance on student advocacy calls for the implementation of not just informing students of what’s happening, but why it’s happening and the reasoning behind those decisions. Mercado and Bozeman aim to make students more aware of the resources available to them through social media and in-person conversations. This will better inform and link the student population together. The Loyolan is confident in its endorsement of Mercado and Bozeman and believes that they are the right choice to lead LMU’s student body for the upcoming academic year. However, both of the other tickets demonstrated qualities that the Loyolan would like to challenge
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Mercado and Bozeman to match. The Loyolan recognizes Garcia’s strong performances in last week’s town hall and presidential debate, and applauds him for his willingness to engage his opponents about the issues, rather than simply deliver his standard speech repeatedly. It is that willingness that the Loyolan hopes Mercado and Bozeman will, if elected, adopt during their term in office. Though their natural teamwork will be a boon to them, they must also be ready to respond to others and advocate for the student body. Similarly, the Loyolan admires Bryan Ruiz and Vincent Caserio’s emphasis on transparency. While Mercado and Bozeman addressed the topic, it was Ruiz and Caserio who voiced the most dedication to advocating to the administration on the behalf of the student body, and who focused most on transparency. Following the recent University changes, such as new parking fees and De Colores’ cancellation for six months, it is clear that the LMU community would appreciate such transparency. The Loyolan hopes that Mercado and Bozeman will draw from the best of their opponents’ ideas to complement their strong natural abilities. Regardless of which ticket is elected, however, the Loyolan hopes to see ASLMU’s next president and vice president make transparency a priority while focusing on tangible goals. But perhaps most important, the Loyolan hopes that whether students agree with its decision to endorse Mercado and Bozeman or not, they take the time to analyze the candidates for themselves and vote for the ticket they believe will best serve and represent the LMU student body.
I am writing you in response to the leftist hit piece written by Asst. Opinon Editor Joe Demes’s. I have been in and around colleges for over 10 years (my second M.A.) of my academic career and the radical, leftist brainwashing that I see on college campuses by the anti-American, 1960s community-organizing, socialist professors is really quite interesting. In Demes article, he does not mention Obama rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline (which is one of many reasons why gas prices are so high, and which would have created thousands of jobs). He does not mention Obama’s anti-Semitism towards Israel. He does not mention Obama, Eric Holder and the Department ofJustice’s “Operation Fast and Furious.” He does not mention Obama’s ties with radical, anti-American, racists and domestic terrorists like Jeremiah Wright, Derek Bell, Samir Shabazz, Bernardine Dohrn, Van Jones or Bill Ayers. He doesn’t mention Obama’s continuing violation of the Constitution (too many times to count). He doesn’t mention that the high gas prices are the results (partially) from Obama having a moratorium on drilling oil in America (which puts to sleep the radical, leftist argument of “solely relying” on the Middle East for oil). He doesn’t mention the Solyndra scandal. He does not mention that the number of unemployed and the number of foreclose homes in the U.S.A. has increased since the socialist Obama took over the White House. He doesn’t mention Obama tripling our national debt. He does not mention Obama’s patronizing of the American Latino voting population in order to get their votes in this year’s election. He does mention the “Main Stream Media’s” slobbering love affair with Obama. His article is a great example of trying to smear Romney (the eventual “Grand Old Party” nominee), while not offering the counter-argument against Barry Hussein Obama. This is why I call it a “Leftist hit piece.”
Steven D. Snyder Third-year Graduate student Film and Television Production major
We’d Like To Hear From You: Loyolan Letters Policy Letters@theloyolan.com
The Loyolan welcomes letters to the editor. All submissions must include the author’s first and last name, phone number, e-mail address and year in school or relation to the University (i.e. alumnus, professor, etc.). Submissions should be typed and no more than 300 words.
Online actions have offline consequences
ho knew that one could ruin their entire future by speaking for 14 minutes and then pressing a button? Two Gainesville High School students from Gainesville, Fla. dropped out after their 14-minutelong racist rant went viral on YouTube. Police h a v e occupied the campus in response to death Till the AM By Anna-Michelle threats t h e Escher young Asst. Opinion Editor g i r l s h a v e received in light of their cringe-worthy post. The focus of their ignorant rant was their unfiltered hatred of black people, and included comments like, “You can understand what we are saying, our accents, we use actual words. Black people do not.” They also used the N word multiple times in their commentary on food stamp policy. Their YouTube wordvomit seemingly comes from a place of pure ignorance and uneducated angst, and their lives have been ruined by the media’s response. In addition to furious comebacks on the YouTube forum, the girls have received continuous death threats and have been forced to drop out of Gainesville High School. David McMillan, a former news and politics editor for YouTube, put it best in the Feb. 23 Huffington Post article, “How to Ruin Your Life in 14 Minutes: Or Why We Need a Serious Conversation About the Ethics of Social Media” when he
refers to the girls as, “the latest poster children for social media stupidity.” Although this story is a spectacle in itself, a greater conversation about the jurisdiction of social media must take place. If two high schoolaged girls think that YouTube is an appropriate platform on which to voice their underdeveloped opinions and not receive any consequences,
hold on the web. This should serve as a warning for us to be especially mindful of our online personas at this particular time. In other words, Spring Break body shot pictures could easily slip through the cracks and end up on the screens of potential employers. Living in this era of social media, live by this rule that McMillan sets forth: “The first rule of living and engaging in an online
there is a problem. This calls for a greater awareness about how social media should be used. There are two main ideas to keep in mind while using social media: privacy and selfawareness. Different outlets such as Facebook and Google have recently updated their privacy policies. Let this be a reminder that our nation is currently in a censorship dilemma about the place that personal privacy should
world should be to assume that anything you publicly post online could potentially be seen by the world at large. This ‘world’ includes your current friends, your future employers, your past romantic partners, your competitors – and yes, even your mother.” Although people are multifaceted and should be able to express different sides of themselves on the Internet, they just can’t. Concerning
privacy, Internet policies are becoming more and more elusive for social media users. The bottom line is that we cannot rely on privacy settings to hide our identities. Private information may as well be public. The second aspect when looking at the power of social media is how to be mindful of our online identities. Celebrities have jeopardized their careers with foolish tweets, while sex
High School have publicly apologized in the Gainesville school newspaper. “Just because we have freedom of speech doesn’t mean we should always use it. People need to be careful what they put on the Internet because it could be life-changing … I am horrified by my actions,” said one of the girls. Despite her previous carelessness, she has the right idea here. In a face-to-face conversation with a black person, these girls might not have been so ready to voice their cruel and judgmental opinons. In their case, the consequences were life-changing, as well as life-threatening. People become more inclined to post cruel or judgmental things through a social media platform than they would face to face. Before posting something that could be controversial or hurtful to someone else, ask yourself: Would I say this in person? Our online selves should behave as respectfully and ethically as our offline selves. This is not to say that we should refrain from speaking our minds and living by our beliefs. Cartoon by Jackson Turcotte | Loyolan There is just an in-depth level of our personalities tapes and exposure of sexual content that does not need to be shown on online have ruined relationships. the Internet. For our own good and Within the realm of social media, safety, our social media personas an absent-minded post could get you on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube jail time, like it did for the British should be neutral and reflective of couple who got detained at LAX our offline selves. In other words, for a “threatening” Twitter tweet think before you post. (as explained in the Feb. 6 Loyolan article, “Hollywood, handcuffs and This is the opinion of Anna-Michelle Escher, homeland security” by Opinion a junior communication studies major from Intern Amanda Kotch). Stanford, Calif. Please send comments to The two girls from Gainesville aescher@theloyolan.com.
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Opinion
UPROAR
March 12, 2012 Page 7
Head to Head
KONY 2012: Powerful or Dangerous? Our generation’s time to act More complex than posters T I
Associated Press
he world has watched the latest movement for social justice unfold as the Invisible Children’s video, KONY 2012, spread rampant through the social media circuit. The 30-minute video became a worldwide trend as people learned and shared t he st or y of Jo s eph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda, with the purpose of making his name famous. The goal is to make this man a celebrity and a household name; not to praise his life, but to raise awareness of his By Erica Lopez offenses and to gain supContributor port for his arrest as he is the International Criminal Court’s number one war criminal, according to the video. This is the year when Kony will answer for his crimes against humanity as the Invisible Children organization fights to make him visible. This movement endorsing Kony’s capture w ill set the precedent for international justice by uniting our generation for a fight that speaks to us all. KONY 2012 represents more than a movement. This is our opportunity, as a generation empowered with the ability to spread global awareness, to change the course of human history for ourselves and for generations to come. The past shows that wars for social justice have been fought by generations in every decade and it is because of their dedication to humanity that the world as we know it has changed. This is our chance to make a move. We are a socialmedia generation, advantaged with technology that lives without limitations. As Jason Russell, the co-founder of Invisible Children, explains in his video, there are more people on Facebook than there were on the planet 200 years ago. It is for this reason that we have the responsibility to utilize the tools that we already possess to continue fighting for this cause. Our role is to employ our ability to network and connect internationally to update and share information in real time as this has transformed the way that we affect change. It is our job is to educate ourselves and to spread the news. In order to keep this movement going, our participation is key and our attention is vital. The KONY 2012 movement assumes that everyone can agree upon its goal. However, with the growing popularity of Invisible Children’s video, criticism of this movement
has also steadily increased. While support seems overwhelming, the appeal that the video has to a young audience is problematic to its sustainability, as some feel that this younger generation’s interest in the message will fade as the video is no longer “breaking news.” The reality is that people are treating the movement as a fad and so it is disregarded, not allowing a chance for the organization to accomplish their goal. There has also been increased backlash against the Invisible Children organization, questioning the credibility of the facts used in the KONY 2012 video and the solicitous ways in which the company seeks donations. Understanding these critiques, however, does not change my opinion. I never claimed to have known anything about the LRA or Joseph Kony before I watched the KONY 2012 video. This social issue was not on my radar for it has been relatively unknown for several decades. I am not an activist, but the fact remains that now I am aware. To do nothing with the knowledge that I now possess would be negligent and would only contribute to the growing indifference of my generation. W hether or not we can agree up o n t h e s u c cess of the KONY 2012 video, we can ag ree that the corruption in central A frica must b e a dd r e s s e d . Regardless of the accusations against the organization, this campaign for social justice has opened our eyes to remind us all that there are big things happening in this world and that we have an obligation to educate ourselves about them. Let’s harness the emotional and critical energy that we have gained from watching the video campaign and direct it towards efforts for a just cause. We need not let our interest fade with KONY 2012 as social justice movements around the world – and within the United States – seek our involvement and our attention. Let the KONY 2012 movement start an even greater trend for inquiry and action. I understand KONY 2012 as a movement calling upon us to defend the value of human life by ending the threat of war criminals like Joseph Kony. Considering what I have learned from both the supporters and the criticizers of the movement, I believe that the goodness of this cause for social justice is worth my involvement. If nothing else, I implore you to let this call to justice inspire you to act. The same way that generations have before us, let this be our time to impact human history and to change the lives of the invisible children who are counting on us. Let’s make Kony infamous.
“This is our opportunity, as a generation ... to change the course of human history for ourselves and for generations to come.”
This is the opinion of Erica Lopez, a junior communication studies major and English minor from Orange County,Calif. Please send comments to ktran@theloyolan.com.
n the last week it’s become apparent that anything with a generally good cause that tugs at the heartstrings of college students will propel then into a Facebook repost frenzy. While I certainly have nothing against charities and advocacy groups, it ’s troubl i ng when the idealism becomes rampant and realism doesn’t check what people are saying in pure heat-of-the-moment impetus. Oftentimes, the histories and current standings of major world issues are so complicated that a discourse Don’t Quote Me is imperative if any real, By Joseph Demes valuable solution is to be arrived at. Asst.Opinion Editor If you were on Facebook at any time on March 5, you would have probably seen an overwhelming inundation of links to the 30-minute KONY 2012 propaganda video. If you aren’t aware of the situation, however, the long of the short is this: The non-profit organization Invisible Children released an advocacy video explaining the war crimes of Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda, which is comprised mainly of child soldiers. The video essentially addresses the general viral population of the United States to either donate, post advocacy material around locally or attempt to get the attention of celebrities and major political figures in order to raise awareness and action. What you might not have seen above the waves of an orange and white sea of propaganda were a few criticisms of Invisible Children. What these criticisms are bringing to light is not so much the intent of Invisible Children, which is inherently and undoubtedly well-meaning, but the blackand-white manner in which the issue is portrayed. One of the more widespread criticisms occurred on March 7 in the form of a Tumblr labeled “Visible Children.” T he ma i n post is w r itten by Gra nt O yst on , a so c iology and political science double major at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada, in which he criticizes the distribution of Invisible Children’s finances and what seems to be their preferred form of action. Although Invisible Children is a nonprofit, using their 2010 and 2011 financial statements (which are available online), Oyston calculated that only “32 percent [of their finances] went to direct services.” Furthermore, a leaked photo of the founders of Invisible Children, Jason Russell, Laren Poole and Bobby Bailey, posing with
military personnel of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and holding military weapons, certainly gives off an extremist image (Russell’s nickname on the Invisible Children website is “Radical”). But, as Oyston has repeatedly stated, his intent was not to outrightly criticize but to “create dialogue” on an issue that he saw as having “virtually [none]” rather than saying nothing about the trend to “support KONY 2102 just because it’s something.” Since then, his discussion has prompted a number of other more academic and public sources to share their concerns about the activism. Some of these figures include: Jack McDonald of the Department of War Studies at King’s College London; Elizabeth Flock, a Washington Post journalist who took the now-infamous photo of the Invisible Children founders posing with weapons; and Rosebell Kagumire, a Ugandan journalist with a Masters degree in Media, Peace and Conflict Studies from the University for Peace in Costa Rica (and has also studied non-violent conflict at Tufts University). Even the Invisible Children website has posted a page with remarks about prominent critiques, because they are proud of what they do and value transparency. A couple of responses included a remark that “in a 30-minute film . . . many nuances of the 26-year conflict are admittedly lost or overlooked,” and that the photo, Russell admits, was “a bad idea” and meant as a satirical joke, since “[the SPLA] have bazookas in their hands but they’re actually fighting for peace.” They are, however, unconcerned with “matter[s] of opinion, taste … or style” because (and I am not making this up), “as the poet Ke$ha says, ‘we are who we are.’” In any case, their cause is noble and determined. This should not, however, delude people into jumping on the bandwagon of their campaign or hitching onto an equally quick criticism of the radical idealism of Invisible Children. If, as the founders say, the subtleties of a 26-year conflict are indeed lost in a 30-minute video, then it would seem to be our responsibility to investigate and discuss the finer points of this conflict and of the mission of Invisible Children. What happens once Kony is arrested and brought to trial? How do we rehabilitate those children? How do you stop a movement that is not simply run by one man? I don’t have the answers, but they are necessary questions that need to be discussed and agreed upon if any real resolution is to be found.
“These criticisms are bringing to light ... the blackand-white manner in which these issues are portrayed.”
This is the opinion of Joseph Demes, a junior English and philosophy double major from Clayton,Calif. Please send comments to jdemes@theloyolan.com.
Want more information?
Attend a screening of the KONY 2012 video in St. Robs Auditorium on Tuesday, march 13 at 6 p.m. held by the Rotaract
To find out what other students think, visit Laloyolan.com for an Ask a Lion.
March 12, 2012 Page 8
REDHEADS
Undercover Wizards
Happy Pies
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By Jackson Turcotte, cartoon editor
By Ian Zell, staff cartoonist
By Megan Hersman, contributing cartoonist
Film, Literature, Music, Restaurants and Theater March 12, 2012 Page 9
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MO J O STONE
Band Feature By Tierney Finster A&E Editor
“B
rother, won’t you help me sing my song?” Natalie Meadors purrs in “Mom & The Acid Kids,” a track off Mojo Stone’s newest album “Strange Honey.” After spending some time with Meadors and three of her male band mates, it is clear that these ‘brother’ figures absolutely delight in helping her play the group’s songs. “Let’s just stay alive,” the track “Mom & The Acid Kids” continues. Since I last interviewed Mojo Stone, the band has been doing just that. This summer, Meadors, along with her band mates and fellow LMU students David Donaldson, Neil Wogensen and Henry McGill (years and majors listed in the box below) embarked on a “Chitlin’ Circuit” tour that took them through Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas and Tennessee. The band had begun planning the tour last spring, but was hit with an unexpected obstacle when their previous drummer, Gerry Doot, decided not to join them on tour. “He had a different schedule to his life and couldn’t just leave with us like that,” Meadors explained. Fortunately, the band was able to find a new drummer, non-LMU student Pedro Honess, just 10 days before they set off on their road trip. Honess was in the audience for Mojo Stone’s last pre-tour show
in L.A., and became part of the band shortly after. “He saw us and was like ‘I want to rock with you guys,’” Meadors said, much to the laughter of her band mates. “Did he really?” Wogensen questioned, to which Meadors cheerily retorted, “Yes! It was pretty inspiring.” Honess and Meadors had previously recorded together separate from the ban, so she was fully aware that Honess was a “great drummer” who “really knew how to work under pressure.” His role in the band became set after the summer on tour. “We practiced everyday for those two weeks [after Honess joined]. We were a little bit shakier than we wanted to be when we started, but by the end of the tour, playing every night, we were really solid,” Meadors said. According to Meadors, the tour welcomed Mojo Stone with “open arms.” Rarely sleeping in hotels, the band relied on the hospitality of friends and “couch-surfer” hosts who they connected with online. It was at one of their couchsurfing destinations on tour that Mojo Stone wrote “Santa Fe,” another new track off of “Strange Honey,” and Donaldson’s favorite song on the album. “It has really deep meaning to me, and I think all of its arrangements really shine through,” Donaldson explained. Meadors said that the song always reminds her of tour, and Wogensen, McGill and Donaldson all appeared sublimely happy
as Meadors explained the writing of the song. “The way that it was written was completely organic. We were in Tommy’s backyard, and I just started singing that melody. David started playing Tommy’s 12–string, and [Henry] picked up the jinbang, which sounded so cool,” Meadors said. “That’s how songs are supposed to be written.” McGill joked that he was glad his laziness prevented him from grabbing his guitar instead of the jinbang, and went on to describe his favorite track on the album, and its partial namesake, the soulful rock and roll sonnet “Honey.” “A good song takes you to a lot of different places that you aren’t expecting. ‘Honey’ has all these twists and turns, kind of like what being on tour is like. There is a moment [in the song] that is acoustic-driven, out of nowhere. It’s full of little surprises, which I really enjoy,” McGill said. “Honey,” as well as the other tracks on “Strange Honey,” reflects a heightened maturity in sound and style than Mojo Stone’s last EP, 2011’s “Hatchet.” “We had all been in the studio before, but this was the first time we went in with a specific end goal in mind,” Meadors said. “I think that makes for much stronger, more confident songs, and that firm foundation comes through [on “Strange Honey”].
During the recording process, Donaldson attested that the band “evolved more than we ever thought we would have,” while remaining untied to a single sound. “Strange Honey,” if nothing else, demonstrates the group’s immense stylistic range. “We’re not so much striving for any genre. We want it to be authentic and true to who we are,” Meadors said. Thus, the music, like the actual band members, is straightforward but complex, marked by eclecticism and an improvisational spirit that speaks to the enthusiasm Mojo Stone has for mutual creation. “We just have fun, do what we love and play what feels good,” Donaldson stated simply. The record release show for “Strange Honey” is this Thursday, March 15 at the Bootleg Theater in Silverlake. Sponsored by KXLU and PAUS Los Angeles, the event includes a performance by Mojo Stone and three other bands, as well as multiple DJ sets and art instal-
WHO IS MOJO STONE? A guide to the people behind the music. From left: Senior art history major Natalie Meadors, Junior recording arts major Neil Wogensen, Senior recording arts major David Donaldson, Senior history major Henry McGill.
lations. Meadors explained that, although it’s “going to be a big party” there is something more to Thursday night at the Bootleg, an important L.A. venue for emerging artists. “What we’re doing for it is very personal, and I think we all see it as a big night in our career, the marking of a new position in what we’re doing,” Meadors continued. Everyone over 18 is invited to the record release party, and tickets can be bought online at Foldsilverlake.com for $8. Tickets will also be available at the door. As Donaldson, McGill and Meadors all prepare to graduate this May, the pressure to succeed in the music business becomes even more of a reality. However, as articulated by Wogensen, Mojo Stone perceives “making it” as simply having the “freedom to make the music that we want.”
Name: Natalie Meadors Year: Senior Major: Art History Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas Name: Henry McGill Year: Senior Major: History Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Name: David Donaldson Year: Senior Major: Recording Arts Hometown: Redlands, California Name: Neil Wogensen Year: Junior Major: Recording Arts Hometown: Sierra Madre, California
PAUS Los Angeles and KXLU 88.9FM present a “Strange Honey” record release party featuring Mojo Stone with the Downtown Train, The Dustbowl Revival, and the Wind and Rain
WHEN:
Thursday, March 15 at 9 p.m. The Bootleg Theater, $8, 18+ Graphic: Dol-Anne Asiru | Loyolan, Photos: Alberto Gonzalez | Loyolan
March 12, 2012 Page 10
Arts & Entertainment
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Fulbright Scholar from Berlin builds bridges in the international film world Professor Q&A
classes.
On being a Fulbright scholar
Another really great thing is that we talked to the Fulbright program. The Fulbright people really liked the idea of having someone working at the film department in Berlin coming over to L.A. to build bridges between the two film cities of L.A. and Berlin. I applied for Fulbright, and everybody involved was so happy to also have the Fulbright Scholar Program, because it’s really an honor to be a part of that program.
By Luisa Barron Asst. A&E Editor
W
hile several students from LMU’s School of Film and Television (SFTV) make a yearly trek to Bonn, Germany for the film study abroad program, visiting Fulbright scholar and film professor Anke Zwirner has made the journey in reverse. Zwirner leaps across the pond from teaching film classes in Germany to teaching at LMU’s SFTV for the 2011-2012 school year. Asst. A&E Editor Luisa Barron talked to Zwirner about her journey here and the differences between the film worlds in Europe and the U.S. Here are her answers in her own words.
On Zwirner’s background in film and ties to LMU
I was working at the film school and also at [a] film founding agency … back in Berlin. The HFF [Hochschule fur Fernsehen und Film Munchen, or the University of Televison and Film Munich] is the oldest and largest film school in Germany, and that’s where I also started, and then got my Ph.D there and worked there as a lecturer. I know that Glenn Gebhard, one of the LMU [film] professors, was a Fulbright scholar back in Germany when I was a student. We kept in contact, and the film school has the study abroad program in Bonn, and I gave lectures for the LMU students who were in Germany. Then Howard Lavick and Glenn Gebhard, the two production professors
On Zwirner’s classes at SFTV
Anke Zwirner
Zwirner taught at the oldest and largest film school in Germany, as well as for LMU students studying abroad in Bonn, before returning to L.A. to teach. who are also in charge of the study abroad program, asked me to come to LMU for a longer stay.
On returning to California
Since I was here as a teenager – as an exchange student I went to high school at Alta Loma – I really thought that would be a great idea, to come back to California after almost 20 years to see how it had changed, to have more of an international experience. So, first I thought, oh it’s just an idea, but then they continued to invite me and to ask me. But yeah, I kind of liked the idea and that was more than two years ago, so we planned when to go, since Glenn has a sabbatical, they thought it would be a good idea to then teach some of his
Last [semester] I was teaching two classes. One was history of German film. We watched German films from every decade, from every time period, and discussed them in class. And I did a classical production class, Production 200, where the students did their first films, learning their film language. So they would present their film to the class and were shooting, and we’d discuss the raw material. Every one of these students made three little films in that class. This semester, I’m teaching a contemporary European film class every Wednesday night at the Mayer Theater. We’re watching contemporary European films which have been successful in festivals and did [well as] European art house films. [They’re quite] different from the classical Hollywood movies.
was also my Ph.D thesis. So I’m teaching a class called European Film Financing, introducing all the film bodies within European productions. To finance a film, it’s pretty different in Europe than the United States because you have film funding and the TV stations are very much involved in the finance of feature films. So, I’m introducing this system to the students and giving examples of films being financed.
On how to finance a film in Germany
It’s introducing financing bodies, like funding institutions, TV stations and examples of films that have been made, have been funded and also who are the bodies to be contacted if you are an international producer and if you want to make a film within Europe, and also what production companies are there and their latest films. It’s not
just theory, this is how the Germans do it. If you want to make an international co-production as a U.S.-based producer, who to contact, who are the first people to approach, who are the first institution to approach. Of course as the film world gets smaller, the international films are being shot everywhere in the world. It’s not just a matter of where the best facilities [are], it’s where the best financing situation is and the best studios. It’s also an introduction to what studios are there and which films have been shot there. For example, where I used to work – they have made films like “Inglorious Basterds” and “The Reader,” “The Three Musketeers” and “Valkyrie,” and so, there is a global film world; it’s not Hollywood anymore as the center. Hollywood still stands for something, but it’s everywhere in the world now.
On film financing differences between the U.S. and Europe
The other class I’m teaching is film financing and film production, since Glenn Gebhard was film financing and film production, and [this subject]
Abbey Nelson | Loyolan
Zwirner (right) was a part of the Oscar roundtable discussion with several other SFTV professors who all discussed their picks to win the awards for a Loyolan feature in the Feb. 23 issue.
ASK THE EDITORS
What would be your ideal College Fest performance?
Michael Goldsholl
Luisa Barron
Tierney Finster
Jackson Turcotte
“A duet by Chris Brown and Rihanna.”
“St. Vincent.”
“Azelia Banks, ASAP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar.”
“Childish Gambino or Arctic Monkeys.”
Managing Editor
Asst. A&E Editor
A&E Editor
Cartoon Editor
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Arts & Entertainment
March 12, 2012 Page 11
LMU presents female ‘veil’ experience Art Preview By Brandon Cudequest Staff Writer
W
hat does it mean to be a “veiled woman?” The portraits currently on display in the William H. Hannon Library address this question in a modern light. LMU is the only West Coast venue for “Veil(s): An Extraordinary Photographic Experience,” which opened last week. Presented by the Southern California Alum-
ni Chapter of the Lebanese American University, in partnership with the LMU Department of Women’s Studies, the portraits examine the perceptions of the veil from the 19th century to the present from the Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths. A panel discussion titled “Veil(s): Perception(s) and Misperception(s)” will be held on March 14 at 6 p.m. to shed more light on the exhibit, and will feature LMU faculty members Feryal Cherif (Political Science), Amir Hussain (Theological Studies), Nancy
Jabbra (Women’s Studies) and Rana Sharif (American Cultures). “My section of the panel will deal with flushing out the relationship between veiling and gender inequality, or, more precisely, the lack of such a relationship. Additionally, I will be discussing the uses of the veiling in contemporary society,” said Cherif, who was asked to participate in the panel because her field of research experience is in gender, the Middle East and politics of Islam. Cherif believes she can
Devin Sixt | Loyolan
Adam Goette (above), a senior English major, views photos from the exhibit“Veil(s): An Extraordinary Photographic Experience,” which educates students on the significance of the veil in the Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions.
bring a comparative lens – she will speak about how veiling is perceived to represent inferior status for women, which implies far less about women’s rights and status in Muslim majority countries than is popularly conceived. Each member of the panel will be contributing a different theme and perspective to the discussion. The four have never all worked together before, but believe the topic of the talk, as well as overlaps in their fields of research, will yield positive results. “My expertise lies with contemporary Islam in North America, so I will be discussing what the Qur’an and Islamic tradition say about veiling. I’ll also talk a bit about Muslim women and the veil in North America,” said Hussain. Coinciding with Hussain’s discussion of the veil in regards to western values, Sharif will talk about the U.S. media and how it portrays veiled women. Nancy Jabbra, on the panel to discuss deconstructing the dichotomies people create about veiled women, was the primary organizer of the event. She has worked in close connection with the Outreach Librarian Jamie Hazlitt and the library’s administration to bring the exhibition to LMU. “I organized the panel after arranging for the exhibition. Although the photographs tell a lot on their own, there was a need for analysis,” said Jabbra. Jabbra added, “The photo-
graphs are of Muslim, Christian and Jewish women. The photographs are grouped. First, one sees women engaging in religious activities. Then there are some historical shots. Then there are women and sport, women and the military, women and political activities, women as refugees.” A full spectrum is on display: black and white and color, women alone and women together, still-life photographs and snapshots taken in the moment. The women represented come from multilayered intersectionalities; ranging in age, race, ethnicity and religion. The panel feels it is a fitting time for this topic, as Islam is constantly in the news and the veiled woman is one of the main images of Islam. “There is a tendency to equate veiling with gender inequality, which is not only limiting because if anything it is one indicator, but also I would argue is an inaccurate representation. Second, the overwhelming focus on the veil and women’s status overlooks the other reasons that the practice of veiling has been sustained,” Cherif said. Regarding the importance of the event and student attendance, Jabbra said, “We, all of us, students and everyone else, always benefit by learning more.” The Veil(s) photography exhibit is currently on display on the library’s level three atrium and will remain there until March 25.
‘Private Ryan’ still heroic to new eyes H
ow can you approach one of the most deadly and violent wars of all time in a film and make it both accurate and touching? After being inspired by a war monument, Robert Rodat came up with a s c r i p t that does just this. Through the genius of Stephen S p i e l berg’s direction combined with fanThe Motion tastic perPicture formancProject es from By Kellie Rowan the entire cast, Photo Editor “Saving Private Ryan” has become a timeless classic. When we think about World War II, it’s easy for our minds to go right to the global devastation it caused. Films like this one, though, remind us that in any war where there are tough choices to make and battles to be fought, heroes will emerge. It also forces you to think about what life in the army would be like, and asks if all lives are equal or if one life might be worth more than another. The fact that “Saving Private Ryan” is so historically accurate in the actual battle scenes is one of the great parts about it. However, I believe its status as a classic stems mostly from how it delves into deeper issues and makes each character relatable by breaking down their tough outer shells and showing the emotions within. The film opens on a cemetery in Normandy circa 1998
where a veteran goes to pay his respect to those who died in World War II. We then cut back to 1944, where we are introduced to Captain John H. Miller, played by Tom Hanks, who is one of the American soldiers trying to land on Omaha Beach in the Normandy invasion. The group of surviving soldiers that Captain Miller assembles is the men this film follows. Orders are sent to Miller and his men to find Private James Francis Ryan, who is missing in action. The company moves across France to find Ryan at the bridge he is defending and along the way face many German troops and the death of two of their own, which forces them to call their mission into question. “Saving Private Ryan” puts you in the front seat as a witness to the ugliest World War II battles and forces you to confront both the horror and the heroism created by this war. The battle scenes are unforgettable because they do not mask the speed and magnitude with which lives were lost. There is remarkably realistic emotion and pain and Janusz Kaminski, the cinematographer for the film, even stripped the protective coating from the lenses so that the colors would be desaturated and it would look like it could have been footage from the actual event. But what really sets “Saving Private Ryan” apart from other war films and makes it arguably the most timeless and memorable? It would be impossible to talk about the acting in this film and not mention Tom Hanks’ performance. As Captain Miller, he reminds us that soldiers must make difficult choices and remain
strong in battle, but are still those who feel fear and miss their families at home. He is not alone in this quality, either, as each soldier has a distinct personality, story, set of fears and defining moment. Often times in war movies, the director wants to portray the soldiers as heroes, but fails to humanize them in the process. When the actors in this film are fighting, we see them sweating and afraid, as they seem to be literally battling for their lives. While not a perfectly idealized battle, those scenes pose some realistic and terrifying qualities. Lastly, the men in this film remind us of that bond between brothers who are fighting to survive together. It is a bond some of us will never know, but for anyone who does or knows someone in the services, Spielberg is able to show that relationship of a family who will fight to the death for one another. Other than the acting, many creative decisions were made by Spielberg that have taken this film to its level of timelessness. By beginning and ending the film with the veteran visiting the graves of his peers, the film communicates how monumental World War II was and that it did not stop affecting lives just because it is over. Other liberties were taken for dramatic effect. The one that I remember the most was Hanks letting a captured German go after he begged for his life. On one end you think, “Why would he do that? This is war.” But then you sit back and consider what you would have done in the same situation. This moment when the German soldier released is only one of the moments in this
Paramount Pictures
Steven Spielberg’s 1998 war epic, “Saving Private Ryan” is No. 71 on the American Film Institute’s“100 Years ...100 Movies - 10th Anniversary Edition.” film you are forced to think. It raises many questions about what place morality has in a war and if it is better to always follow orders or to question your authorities. The one question, though, that “Saving Private Ryan” asks that sets it apart from other war movies is: When does the life of one man become worth more than another? By making each one of these characters seem like such a real person, this film reminds us no matter how high the death toll of a war may be, each one of those numbers was a whole life that was lost. “Saving Private Ryan” is one of those rare movies that makes you reconsider how you are going about your own life. More than just incredible battle sequences and painstaking attention to historical detail, the film is a moving
human story which causes one to look at their own life in a different perspective. Furthermore, the way in which the film allows viewers to relate distant events back to our own lives and question ourselves is truly remarkable. Without question, this is another victory for Spielberg. This movie delivered in every way I would expect of a true classic. It truly is an inspirational movie that will remind you how wonderful life is. If you have not seen this like I hadn’t, I can definitely say now this is a mustsee. Do not miss this, or your list of favorite movies might just be missing something. This is the opinion of Kellie Rowan, a junior studio arts major from Yardley, Pa. Please send comments to krowan@ theloyolan.com.
Sports
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Lampe signs off after 11 years
Track
Erdmann finishes fifth, takes home seventh All-American recognition. Redshirt senior Tara Erdmann achieved her seventh All-American Award in her collegiate career, earning fifth place at the Track and Field National Championships in Nampa, Idaho with a time of 9:16.87 in the 3,000 meter race. She finished in second place behind the eventual winner Emily Infeld from Georgetown University, but was the only member in the top five runners who did not represent a Bowl Championship Series school. Erdmann led the 17-womLoyolan Archives an race for several minutes, Redshirt senior Tara Erdmann led at one taking the lead at the 600-mepoint before finishing fifth at the Track ter mark, but could not hold and Field National Championships. on at the end, despite leading for four minutes. The fifth-place finish caps a storied career in which Erdmann has won five All-American Awards in track and two in cross-country. Erdmann’s path to the NCAA Championships required her to shave nearly two seconds off her initial time at the Flotrack Husky Classic at the beginning of the season. She qualified with a 9:08.85, her own personal record, to get a spot in the race. Compiled by Dan Raffety | Loyolan
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March 12, 2012 Page 13
SPORTS ?
Contact Sports Editor: Nathan Dines at ndines@theloyolan.com
Lampe from Page 1 to be affiliated withe the team and show your enthusiasm, but to make sure there’s a level of objectivity. Another calling card of his style is an extremely personal connection to the extended family that is LMU basketball and its supporters. “He’s always recognizing families of players. I think that sets him apart,” Shaffer said. He relishes meeting players’ family members who have tuned in to his broadcasts. “These are individuals I barely get to meet, but it’s almost like I know them just by way of the broadcast,” Lampe said. Shaffer believes that what truly sets Lampe apart is the kindness that bleeds from his personality into his broadcasts. “I always tease that he’s the nicest man in the world, because he really is one of nicest individuals I’ve ever known in my life. You take that and add that element to the broadcast; he has a style that’s very unique,” Shaffer said. In addition to connecting with the families of players, the best part of the job, for Lampe, is the camaraderie built during the fourmonth season. “It really is a second family,” Lampe said. The travel required during those four months can be both a treat and a burden. While Lampe has gotten to travel with the Lions to tournaments in Hawaii and Alaska, it has also taken him to plenty of small towns and away from his family: wife Erika and three-and-a-half-year-old son Jackson. “You go to some pretty small cities and you do make some sacrifices, especially being away from home over holidays,” Lampe said. “For every one trip to Hawaii, there are about nine trips to cities like Starkville, Mississippi or Berlin, Connecticut.”
Lampe specifically remembers spending Thanksgiving 2003 at a tournament at Central Connecticut State University. With the Lions playing Friday and Saturday, the group had to arrive on Thanksgiving and after a couple flights and a bus ride to Berlin, Conn., the only place open to grab food was a 7-Eleven. “Pretty much our Thanksgiving dinner was some Lunchables – the turkey with the crackers – and some Cheetos,” Lampe said. “I feel blessed to have a very supportive family who understands that it is only four months and outside of that time Dad really is around quite often.” Lampe does have what he refers to as a “day-job” when he is not calling LMU basketball games. As a marketing director for an IT company called Arrow Electronics, Lampe saves up all of his vacation time to travel with the team. Luckily for Lampe, Arrow Electronics stresses that employees should have a balanced life outside of work. His extreme situation is sometimes used as the example of their commitment to that idea. “That’s the job that pays the bills, and the one that I’m passionate about is definitely the broadcasting,” Lampe said. The job that pays the bills will now, at least temporarily, take Lampe away from his passion. With Arrow’s L.A. office closing, Lampe was faced with the option of leaving the company and taking a severance package or taking a promotion and moving to Denver, Colo. “I knew in my heart this was what was right for the family,” Lampe said. “There are sacrifices you have to make as a husband and a dad sometimes.” Refusing to completely give up on the job he loves, Lampe will continue to remotely host the weekly “WCC Live” radio show and broadcast games for the conference on Sirius
XM Radio whenever he can. Taking over as the primary voice of Lions basketball will be another LMU alumnus who has trained under Lampe for the last four years. Jesse Kass began working on LMU radio broadcasts in 2008 and has continued since graduating in 2010. “Obviously, I’m really excited to step into the role. I know I have some big shoes to fill,” Kass said. Even with a worthy replacement in place, Shaffer knows that Lampe can’t be replaced. “The way Jeff calls [games for] his alma mater, I don’t think anyone will ever call it that way [again],” Shaffer said. “He loves LMU, loves the Lions, loves Lions basketball, passionately. I’m very disappointed that we couldn’t get an NCAA Tournament for him, but he’s called some of the greatest wins in program history.” Of all the memorable games he has called, Lampe singles out two that he won’t forget: the Lions 2009 upset of the Notre Dame University Fighting Irish on a last-second 3-pointer by current redshirt junior Jarred DuBois; and this season’s roaring comeback win over the University of San Francisco which Lampe called “one for the ages.” Like when describing most things LMU basketball-related, thinking about 2009 at Notre Dame, Lampe breaks into a smiling rendition of a vivid story. He recalls how his family was in attendance, how long it had been since Notre Dame had lost a home game, who the Irish’s stars were, how silent the home crowd fell and how crazily the small LMU contingent celebrated. In his 11 years as the voice of LMU basketball, that is what has endeared Lampe to LMU: Not just his perfectly unforgettable radio voice, but also his razor-sharp memory, attention to detail, genuine kindness and passion for both the people who play the game and those listening to it.
March 12, 2012 Page 14
Sports
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Sand volleyball has plenty of room to build a legacy Droppin’ Dines from Page 16 Coach, I could not agree more. Sand volleyball history is not only being made at LMU, however. We are one of 20 schools with a team this year in the inaugural season of the NCAA sport. The sport will stick if it has 40 consistent schools in 10 years. There’s no doubt in my mind LMU will be one of those 40 at the end of the decade. “For it to happen while I was
here, and I get to say that I was a part of a brand new team at LMU, this is going to be a legacy that will go on forever, and I’m going to be able to say I was on the first team at LMU. It’s an amazing feeling,” junior Kenna Crouse said. The event was well put together, albeit by a decidedly USC-biased event staff. Restraining my desire to brawl with an annoying Trojan fan or two, the matchplay setup was enjoyable. Five
matches in the morning helped decide the seeding of the teams in the afternoon’s bracket play. The two-on-two gameplay was fun to watch, although USC ended up winning all the morning and afternoon matches. Hold on though; don’t just write off the sport because of one loss. Despite the final scores, the team played competitively with Krouse and her partner, sophomore Taylor Scioscia, taking their morning match to a third set. The
Nathan Dines | Loyolan
Freshman pair Litara Keil (5) and Caitlin DeWitt (11) played competitively on Saturday but dropped two close matches to the Trojans, competing as LMU’s second seed in the single-elimination portion of match play.
top-seeded LMU duo of sophomore Betsi Metter and junior Felicia Arriola also played a tough quarterfinal match in the single elimination portion, dropping with a final score of 14-21, 24-22, 15-11. Adding in the details of the competition – a pair of 2011 AllAmerican first team indoor players, many players from the indoor team with back-to-back NCAA Final Four appearances – and I’d say we did exceptionally well. As a side note, as a pep band member myself, I have to give a big shout-out to the USC pep band for playing at the event. I never in my wildest dreams imagined seeing a band, and when they played the first lick of a Tower of Power song, I was sold for life. Props, band, but we’re going to be there next time to represent pep band, LMU style. Using my innate journalistic skills, I overheard (eavesdropped) on a quick conversation between USC’s Head Sand Volleyball Coach Anna Collier and a friend of hers. Looking at the bracket, she scoffed, “We’re going to have all semis and finals, are you kidding me?” Oh Coach, you’re going about this all wrong. Akin to our Jesuit
beliefs, this event was as much about the opportunity to add a new chapter to volleyball history as much as it was to kick the respective team’s butt. We would have loved to win, but there’s more to life than winning (as much as that pains me to say). “We play to win no matter what, but there’s a bigger picture for me, for all of this,” Black said. “I know at the end of this sand season, I know how much better players are going to be, not only physically but mentally. The structure of competing in these tournaments is more intense than the indoor game. There’s just so much more on the line every time.” So, “prestigious” USC, we will take that challenge and put it to the test. It’s not the last time you’ll play LMU (March 31, 9 a.m. at the same location), and the plan this time can only be to knock you off that high horse of yours. A new era has dawned, and I can see this rivalry living up to the hype for many years to come. This is the opinion of Nathan Dines, junior communication studies major from Medford, Ore. Please send comments to ndines@theloyolan.com.
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Sports
Men start a new streak M. Tennis from Page 16
really tired after,” said Bustamante. After sweeping the doubles matches to win the first point, LMU continued to play well into the singles matches, taking five out of six. But what made the two home victories even more impressive was that LMU was playing without their award-winning junior Nicholas Bjerke. The junior from Norway was able to compete in one doubles event, but sat out both his singles matches due to a sore wrist. Bjerke was recently named the West Coast Conference’s Player of the Month for February, thanks to his perfect 5-0 record at the second singles position. “It’s nice to get recognized for the effort I’ve put in; it’s really an honor,” said Bjerke. Bjerke’s absence from the match was not a hinderance to the team. The Lions won all the singles matches against Boston and most against Montana State without the conference’s Player of the Month. “I think the team’s matured a lot,” said Bjerke. “We’ve had a lot of wins and losses we’ve learned from this year.”“I’ve never had a player win that before,” said Sceney. “He’s playing really well and getting better after every match.” The strong outing Sunday answered many questions about the quality of the team. LMU seems to be
hitting its stride right now, with wins in five of their previous six matches. With conference play resuming at the end of the month, the Lions feel strong with where they are. “I think we’re looking really good right now,” said Bjerke. “We have a good chance
against a lot of teams. It will be tough, but we will have a lot of good opportunities.” The LMU men’s tennis team continues its homestretch this Wednesday, March 14 against the University of Hawaii at 1:30 p.m. at the LMU Tennis Center.
March 12, 2012 Page 15
Rowing
The men’s and women’s teams raced on Saturday in the 50th anniversary of the rowing program.
Abbey Nelson | Loyolan
Kellie Rowan | Loyolan
Sophomore Sebastian Bustamante won two singles matches and a doubles match on Sunday in a doubleheader victory.
The Loyola Marymount rowing team celebrated its 50th anniversary and the University’s Centennial Year by hosting a dual meet against UCLA and San Diego State University at the Jane Browne Bove Boathouse in Marina Del Rey this past Saturdsy. The women defeated the Aztecs in the varsity 8+ race, edging the Aztecs 6:56.3 to 7:08.3. The men lost both races to UCLA (varsity eight and freshmen eight). Fans came out to watch the men’s and women’s teams compete as alumni, parents and students alike cheered wildly for the rowers as they passed. The men’s team seemed primed for the challenge of taking on UCLA after a sweep of USC. The women also experienced recent success coming off a meet against UCLA where they posted some of their fastest times since their 2006 season. This was the same year the Lions won the WCC Championship. After the meet ended, the festivities began with the athletic department commemorating the 50-year anniversary of the rowing team. The celebration consisted of the inaugural men’s and women’s crew teams being recognized for their achievements, as well as the inauguration of two new racing shells, “Coach John R. Lind” and “Famiglia Bove.” The 50-year anniversary festivities ended with a celebratory dinner at the Los Angeles Marriott. Compiled by Julian Vargas | Contributor
Water polo wins third conference game
W. Polo from Page 16 were so excited to not be training, to play against somebody else, not ourselves.” The game started close with the Lions holding a 4-3 lead at the end of the first period. However, they defended well and outscored the Tritons 7-2 over the second and third periods, entering the fourth with an 11-5 lead. “One thing we really focused on was playing complete team defense. In order to stop San Diego, with their
movement-based offense, we had to make sure that we covered a lot of water and helped each other at all times. It wasn’t about one individual, just about everyone moving well together,” Witt said. The victory was special for the LMU centennial sports season as well, which has endured a number of unfortunate Centennial Game losses in many of the other sports. It was the first centennial triumph in the Burns Aquatic Center, where the men’s water polo team fell to rival
Pepperdine University on Sept. 10, 2011, and women’s swimming succumbed to UC San Diego on Jan. 14. The Lions hope to continue their positive momentum on Friday against CSU San Bernardino at 9:15 a.m. and Colorado State at 12:15 p.m. in the LMU Invitational at the Burns Aquatic Center. Flacks said of the team’s plans for the rest of the season: “We definitely had to come back from last year and show that we’re back at it this year. We’re going to have no regrets.”
Kellie Rowan | Loyolan
The women’s water polo team posts a 7-7 overall record, but is 3-3 in conference games.The Lions return to contest on Friday against CSU San Bernadino.
LMU GREEK COUNCIL encourages you to be an informed voter in the 2012 ASLMU elections Get to know the candidates at www.aslmu.org/blog/elections
Vote Tuesday, March 13 Thursday, March 15 www.facebook.com/lmugreeklife
L ion Sports Dawn of a new volleyball era www.laloyolan.com
March 12, 2012 Page 16
Tennis wins two matches on Sunday The Lions defeat both Boston University and Montana State University in a doubleheader. By Ray Ferrari Staff Writer
ball” seems pretty self-explanatory – but it was a great experience. Three courts were in action for most of the event at the picturesque Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, with a good-sized crowd for the NCAA premier event. Even bikers stopped to enjoy the matches (causing near mayhem on the bike path), and the buzz of the event was exciting. I can certainly get used to events like these, and us LMU kids don’t need much of an excuse to drop everything and go to the beach. “I think a lot of students should come just to have fun at the beach, but I think as soon as they see the sport they will love it. It’s a win-win,” Black told me before Saturday’s matchup with USC. “I really don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t want to come watch this.”
The LMU men’s tennis team improved to 6-5 Sunday, knocking out Boston University 7-0 in the morning before defeating Montana State University 6-1 in the afternoon at the LMU Tennis Center. For the men’s team, this was their first doubleheader match outside of a tournament this season. “I like the challenge of it. We’ve never done it before, but it was good to see that the guys have the fitness to do it,” Head Coach Brad Sceney said about the advantages of playing two matches in one day. In the first match of the day, LMU swept a struggling Boston squad, playing in California in search of their first team win of the season. The closest match of the day came in the second singles match when sophomore Sebastian Bustamante won 7-5, 7-5. “It was a tough match for me,” said Bustamante. “He was competitive, but I played really well and won a lot of good points. I had to convert every chance to win the game.” Despite playing against a lower level of competition, the sweep was a positive effort coming off a 6-1 loss to No. 51 Rice University. “A sweep is always good. It was good to have some guys who needed wins to get them today,” said Sceney. The Boston match prepared the team for Montana State an hour later. “We have more confidence for the next match now,” said Bustamante in between contests. “The sweep got us pretty fired up for the next one.” He continued, explaining how hard he’s been training to get ready for the matches. “I’m good to go, but I’m going to be
See Droppin’ Dines | Page 14
See M. Tennis | Page 15
Nathan Dines | Loyolan
In the first ever LMU sand volleyball match, the Lions battled crosstown rival and storied volleyball program USC. Sophomore sand volleyball standout Betsi Metter (left) and junior Felicia Arriola (right) teamed up as the Lions’ top seed in the afternoon’s tournament play.
Hitting the Santa Monica sand with passion,the women’s sand volleyball team becomes part of history.
S
aturday was the picture-perfect Southern California day to witness the emergence of women’s sand volleyball. LMU vs. USC, Los Angeles rivalry at its peak. It was the first NCAAsponsored match in both schools’ history, a concept not to be taken lightly. And to top it all off, Droppin’ Dines it comprises three of my all-time favorBy Nathan Dines ites. Sun, sand and Sports Editor sport? I can dig it.
While I do not come from a volleyball background, it’s not hard to see why, as Tom Black (now head coach of two varsity-level volleyball programs at LMU) so graciously informed me, sand volleyball is one of the most popular spectator sports in the Olympics since its debut in the 1996 Atlanta Games. That is a pleasant surprise for a sport that seems to fly under the radar, but I see the appeal. Because I’m a sports guy, I know of the likes of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, and they immediately stick out in my mind as Olympic heroes. For those of you who are not sports guys or gals, I am referencing the two-time defending Olympic beach volleyball champions and undisputed greatest duo to hit the sand. The atmosphere of the event was surreal. I am not sure what I was picturing in the first place – I mean, “sand volley-
Women’s water polo returns home, wins Centennial Game Senior Kimberly Benedetti leads the Lions with six goals in Saturday’s conference win. By Connor Hartley Contributor The LMU women’s water polo team is prepared to take control of the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA). The No. 7 Lions cruised to a 15-7 Centennial Game victory over No. 20 UC San Diego (UCSD) on Saturday, bringing their record to 3-0 in the WWPA and 7-7 overall. Senior Kimberly Benedetti scored six goals, the most for LMU since Nicole Hughes ‘09 had eight on April 4, 2009. Freshman Nicole Morelos, junior Erin Manke and sophomore Alexandra Honny added two goals apiece and goalie Elise Ponce snagged 15 saves to keep UCSD at bay. This was a special victory for the Lions because their season was ended last year by the UCSD Tritons. “This meant a lot emotionally,” said senior Casey Flacks. However, most of the post-game discussion centered on LMU’s transformation from underdog to conference leader. The
Lions have played just one home game and competed against ten top 20 teams in their first 14 games. “We are going to make teams work hard to beat us,” Benedetti said. “This past week, we’ve really come together as a team. … We stayed relaxed in the pool and really concentrated on the LMU game plan rather than what they were going to do to us. We focused on ourselves, really went out and executed,” Flacks added. Head Coach Kyle Witt echoed their thoughts, stating that “once our girls buy into everyone coming to get us, that we’re the top dog, we’re going to be a heck of a good team.” They are now the only undefeated team remaining in conference in the WWPA. In overall record standings, the team only lies behind CSU Bakersfield (9-8) and CSU Monterey Bay (10-9). The Lions spent their Spring Break at school preparing for this game. They had not played since Feb. 26, where they split a doubleheader against No. 12 Michigan (a 10-7 win) and No. 9 San Diego State University (a 9-5 loss). In fact, Benedetti even noted, “Having the long break, we were really ready to play today. We
See W. Polo | Page 15
Kenzie O’Keefe | Loyolan
Men miss NIT bid, still postseason bound
The LMU men’s basketball team is playing in the fourth annual Collegeinsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT), hosting CSU Fullerton on March 14 at Gersten Pavilion at 7 p.m.