Torch Photo / James Williams
Torch Photo / Isabella Athanasiou
Burn Ban Reshapes Winter Carnival Tradition with ‘Dessert Party’
Performances move indoors after state regulations cancel outdoor event.
Isabella athansIou | Dec. 10, 2024
To replace the 33rd annual St. John’s University Winter Carnival, which was canceled due to a statewide burn ban, Student Government Inc. (SGi) combined the event’s performance aspect with its Dessert Party on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. in the D’Angelo Center Ballroom (DAC), where the Stormettes Kickline upheld their holiday tradition.
The Kickline, a dance team at St. John’s University, has performed at the Winter Carnival tree lighting annually since 2016. This year, following the cancellation of the outdoor event, SGi invited the team to perform at the Dessert Party.
The Student Affairs Committee worked to incorporate the team despite the burn ban and forecasted rain. Crystal Dibenedetto, a junior management major and chair of the Student Affairs Committee, explained the committee’s decision-making process.
“The last week or so, it’s been pretty challenging having to pivot in our decision-making,” she said. “We originally wanted to move the Dessert Party outside, but because of the burn ban and the weather, we knew it wouldn’t work. We figured it would be best to have it inside for a better turnout so people don’t have to worry about getting wet.”
Dibenedetto noted the importance of keeping the kickline performers in mind when reworking the plans for the event.
“We had to think about our performers — it wouldn’t be safe for them to perform in the rain,” Dibenedetto said. “We decided to move it here [DAC Ballroom], and are fortunate that the kickline can still perform at all.”
The Stormettes performed a five-minute routine choreographed by
the team’s captains, a Polar Express-themed number they had been preparing since October.
Gabriella Muñoz, a junior marketing major and member of the Stormettes, shared her thoughts on the team’s participation.
“I think we really made it work,” Muñoz said. “We were excited to even be considered for the opportunity to perform.”
“This is our favorite event of the year and while we were looking forward to the fireworks, this was still perfect,” she added.
St. John’s alumnus Stephanie DiPrima and coach of the Stormettes Kickline praised the event’s successful turnout despite the challenges.
“I know it was such an unfortunate circumstance with the ban,” said DiPrima. “But I am so glad that people were able to come out and still celebrate the holiday season as a University. It was a really great turnout.”
Aside from the performance, the party also featured a selection of treats, including cookies from Chip City, cupcakes from Martha’s Country Bakery, cannolis and hot chocolate. Open to students and families of performers, the event filled the DAC Ballroom with a festive atmosphere.
Bea Esmele, a junior accounting major, attended the event and appreciated the efforts to keep the holiday tradition alive.
“They made DAC feel a lot bigger,” Esmele said. “Even though it was a little unexpected, they made it into a great event.”
For more information about on-campus activities, follow Campus Activities on Instagram.
Torch
Torch Photos / Isabella Athanasiou
St. John’s University Honors Legendary Coach Lou Carnesecca With Funeral Liturgy
Family and friends gathered to pay their respects to the iconic figure.
St. John’s University held a funeral Mass on Friday at St. Thomas More Church to honor the life of former men’s basketball coach, Lou Carnesecca. Carnesecca, a 1950 graduate of St. John’s and the winningest coach in the men’s basketball program history died on November 30 at 99.
Family, friends and former players came together to honor Carnesecca, affectionately known as “Looie” by the St. John’s community, with many sharing the ways he touched countless lives through his generous and vibrant nature.
Billy Schaeffer, a 1973 graduate from St. John’s, delivered a moving eulogy to the mourning congregation.
“I was a New York City kid and [Carnesecca] was a real New Yorker,” Schaeffer began, setting the tone with a touch of humor and admiration. “Raspy voice included. Coach’s passion was an inspiration for me.”
As Schaeffer continued, he painted a vivid picture of Carnesecca’s character.
“He was a warm, gracious [and] humble man with a great personality and terrific sense of humor,” he continued. “He was a worldwide figure. He was bigger than life.”
Transitioning from personal anecdotes to life lessons, Schaeffer shared the philosophy Carnesecca lived by — a code of three simple
kyler Fox | Dec. 6, 2024
rules that lead to a “successful life.”
“Number one, never have a large hat size. That means be humble,” he explained, invoking smiles from the congregation.
“Number two, always be there for people. [Carnesecca] would never turn anyone away, always greeting people with a big smile,” Schaeffer said, his voice warm with recollection.
“Number three, never have short arms. Always be generous in any way you can,” he added, capturing the essence of Carnesecca’s temperament.
Schaeffer concluded his eulogy by sharing a personal memory, encapsulating the late coach’s legacy.
“My lasting and cherished memories of Coach will be a man sitting at his kitchen table in the twilight of his years, laughing, joking and having a wonderful time retelling great stories about the thing he loved: basketball,” he said.
Following the Mass, St. John’s basketball alumni reflected on their relationships with Carnesecca.
Members of the University’s 1985 Final Four run Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson, Bill Wennington and Walter Berry spoke to the media about “Looie’s” impact.
Mullin, the program’s all-time leading scor-
er, remembered Carnesecca from his adolescent years.
“I met [Carnesecca] when I was 11 years old,” he said. “He was always gracious, very humble. He won with class and lost with grace. He was always there for me, honest and direct, but also with care and love.”
Discussing his first interaction with Carnesecca, Jackson recalled being in awe.
“I remember Coach sitting there and his presence in the gym [was] almost like a spotlight was on him,” he said. “From that moment on, I wanted to be a member of the St. John’s basketball team.”
The anchor of Carnesecca’s most successful squad, Wennington described his personal growth under the legendary coach.
“He got kids off the street from the city to come and play here and molded them into men and taught us life lessons,” Wennington said. “[He] made us better basketball players, but [also] made us better people and better men.”.
“Lou loved all these guys,” he said, referencing all former players in the congregation. “He was like a father figure to a lot of the guys that played at St. John’s. And that made the difference when you got a father figure because I didn’t have a father figure, who stepped in and became a father figure.”
MTA Holds First Webinar on Congestion Pricing
The program is a “crucial” addition.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) held its first webinar of a month-long series titled “Individual Disability Exception Plan (IDEP)” on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. This was the first of seven webinars before congestion pricing launches on Jan. 5.
The webinar was moderated by Howard Levine, senior accessibility officer at the MTA.
Congestion pricing will toll drivers entering the Congestion Relief Zone, which are streets in Manhattan below 60th St.
“We have over 700,000 vehicles that enter the congestion relief zone every weekday,” Levine said. He added that a decrease in speed on the roads, causing slower emergency response times, has also contributed to the needs for congestion pricing, stating that it puts
“lives at risk.”
The aim is to see “cleaner air, better streets and better transit for everyone.”
The MTA hopes to see $16.8 billion in capital improvements from the tax. Funds will go toward several projects including upgrades along the A, C, B, D, F and M subway lines. The MTA also promises to extend the 2nd Ave. subway to East Harlem, purchase new electric buses, State of Good Repair Projects and “infrastructure upgrades.”
The MTA announced six types of discounts and exemptions. Besides the IDEP program, an additional five exemption programs will be offered including, the Low-Income DiscountPlan, Organizational Disability Exemption Plan, Emergency Vehicle Exemption Plan,
Commuter Bus Exemption Plan and the Specialized Government-Owned Vehicle Exemption Plan.
There are several pre-determined eligible groups including those who have previously qualified for Access-a-Ride or hold an NYC parking permit for people with disabilities. If commuters don’t currently qualify for either of those, they may opt to take a physical assessment.
Besides private vehicles enrolled with IDEP, Access-a-Ride and Ambulette trips are also eligible for exemptions.
Webinars are open to the public and can be registered on the MTA website. Sessions are scheduled through Dec. 19.
Malak kasseM | Dec. 6, 2024
Olivia Seaman
Sensación Celebrates Holiday Season with Social Night Debut
Student-exclusive event featured music, dance and campus collaboration.
Sensación, the Latin dance team at St. John’s University, hosted its inaugural Christmas Social Night on Dec. 6 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Marillac Terrace. The holiday gathering was exclusive to St. John’s students, requiring a Storm Card for entry.
Students enjoyed an evening of food, music, performances and social dancing, coming together to celebrate the holiday season.
The event was organized in collaboration with other campus organizations, including the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Red House, the Resident Student Association (RSA) and the Caribbean Student Association (CSA).
Vendors included senior graphic design major Sierra Casey, who sold her artwork, and Chayla’s Cakes, which offered a variety of baked goods.
The Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) provided Coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food for all attendees included rotisserie chicken, moro, white rice and fried plantains.
In addition to being a vendor at the event, Casey serves as the president of L.I.V.E Dance Crew, which performed alongside Sensación and Step Ya Game Up. Casey shared her thoughts on the event.
Isabella athanasIou | Dec. 7, 2024
“I haven’t seen Sensa [Sensación] do something like this before,” Casey said. “I have always had them at our events, but I have never performed at one of their events. I think it was a really great idea, and I always love dancing with them.”
“I am just grateful to be invited, excited to show off my talents and passions,” she added.
Sebastian Jeudy, a junior legal studies major and member of Sensación, noted that attendees remained active on the dance floor throughout the evening, adding to the event’s success.
“This is Sensación’s first event in a very long time,” Jeudy said. “I am really happy that we have had a big turnout, and have people dancing. It just brings us all together to enjoy and celebrate a really cool culture, that is, the Latino culture.”
In addition to the festivities, Sensación and Red House, the University’s on-campus fashion group, partnered on a holiday semi-formal dress code for the event. They also shared a lookbook with outfit inspiration through their Instagram accounts ahead of the night.
Madison Coombs, a senior public relations major and president of Red House, described the collaboration with Sensación before the celebration.
“They contacted us to help them with the
PR [public relations] portion,” Coombs said. “We created a lookbook and did promotional things to show what outfits you should wear for Social Night. We kind of took their theme and made our version of what we think students would wear to this.”
Jaden Gaboton, a senior public relations major and Red House co-events chair, shared how the collaboration helped boost participation, noting “ It definitely brings in a lot more people.”
Sophomore business major Isaiah Johnson attended the Social Night and enjoyed the event. Johnson noted that he hadn’t heard about the event until shortly before it began and suggested that more promotion could help attract a larger audience in the future.
“I feel like more people should know about this,” Johnson said. “I didn’t know about it until right before I came, and I just think they [Sensación] should push it out more.”
RSA member and event emcee Nasir Quinones expressed excitement about the turnout, adding that it unified the community before the holiday season.
“This is great to be a part of,” Quinones said. “You see everyone, all around. It brings everyone together.”
Simple ‘DIY’ Gifts for a Creative Christmas
Make your own gifts to save money this season.
Olivia RainsOn | Dec. 10, 2024
Americans will spend an estimated $1000 on Christmas gifts this year — and the amount will only continue to rise. To cut that holiday cost, creating “do-it-yourself” gifts are a great way to be personal while saving money this Christmas.
Decorated Picture Frame
Have a favorite photo of you and a family member, friend or loved one? Upgrade from simply framing the picture to decorating the frame itself. This list provides unique DIY photo frames that take an ordinarily basic gift and make it much more personalized. From embroidery to painting, there are numerous ways to spruce up a frame. Michaels has a variety of frames and supplies that can be purchased, often on sale. Even a simple Dollar Store frame will work since it will be covered up. Supplies can include paint, sewing kits, buttons and stickers. Any personal decoration will be the perfect addition to a bland frame.
Purse Charm
To embellish what someone already has, consider creating a homemade purse charm link to attach to their favorite bag! Purse charms are like necklaces that can be added to bags for extra personality. Ranging from $15 to $40 for a single strand, making them yourself can be a much cheaper option.
Often referred to as a Jane Birkin-style bag, purses with charms and customizations are becoming increasingly popular. Ribbons, necklaces and single charms adorned on a gifted or previously owned bag are a great way to personalize an already favorite item. Etsy has a variety of charms and chains to use as decoration, as well as pins that can be put on ribbons for a different style.
Homemade Candle
Making your own candle is a much easier task than it seems. Candle melts, wicks, safe containers and essential oils are all that’s needed to create an easy, personalized scented candle.
Amazon and Target have a variety of already scented waxes that can be melted down to make a candle. Non-scented wax is another option for an even more personalized present since essential oils of your choosing create a unique and individualistic smell. Glass containers, patterned
or plain, can safely hold your creation with the addition of a wick in the middle. Plain glass containers can be decoupaged or painted for a cheaper option, and thrifted glassware is just as unique and not pricey!
Annotated Novel
Needing a creative gift for the bookworm in your life? Nothing is more personal than reading and annotating their favorite novel. Both a physical and emotional gift, your loved one will cherish such a special edition of a beloved book. Annotating a book is less daunting than an academic chore. Marking your favorite lines and leaving notes for the recipient to find is an easy way to understand and appreciate their favorite book. Using different colored pens and highlighters to differentiate themes or quotes is an extra step that readers will love. Not only will readers adore this effort, but you will be able to read something they love!
Recipe Book
For the one who loves to cook, creating a personalized recipe book is not only sentimental but quite practical. Write out or print recipes to include in a book or recipe box for them to replicate for their next meal. Recipes can be personal favorites, family specials or culinary challenges to attempt together. Recipe books can be decorated binders or small handwritten notebooks. Another easy way to preserve them is by making index cards to put inside a box that can be easily sorted and separated with tabs listing the type of meal. Along with the recipes, a promise of cooking with them or for them is an added bonus. By making these DIY gifts this Christmas, your wallet will thank you!
Photo Courtesy / YouTubeLaura in the Kitchen
Photo Courtesy / Unsplash Iñaki del Olmo
Torch Photo / Olivia Rainson
Photo Courtesy / YouTube DanielaCasst
Heartache to Healing: Rebuilding After a Breakup
Navigating the road post-breakup.
Your partner ended things with you — or perhaps you decided to end it with them. No matter which side of the breakup you’re on, it’s time to close the chapter and move on.
With 85% of people experiencing a breakup in their lifetime, it’s clear that relationship struggles are a universal part of the human experience.
When moving on after a breakup, it’s tempting to search for the “best” way — distracting yourself with work, jumping into a new relationship or forcing yourself to get over it quickly. It’s easy to feel pressured into picking a method that feels like a quick fix. The truth is the best way to heal isn’t through avoidance or rushing the process.
So what is the right way?
No Contact
Once the relationship ends, it’s almost instinctual to distance yourself from your ex — even on social media. The temptation to keep tabs on their life can be overwhelming. Still, it often leads to unnecessary pain and confusion. It’s believed that 60% of individuals engage in social media stalking of their exes after a breakup. Whether you’re curious about their new connections or want to see if they’re moving on, giving in to these impulses can keep you stuck in the past. It’s important to remember that sometimes, what we don’t know can help us heal faster. Disconnecting online is another step in reclaiming your emotional space and allowing yourself to let go entirely. Immediately when you and your partner call it quits, you also have to say goodbye to their
Ashley CAndo | deC 9, 2024
friend status on social media. No matter what terms it ends on, choosing not to block can lead to actively checking up on them or even scrolling through their following list.
Feeling The Pain
Experiencing pain after a breakup isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a testament to your capacity to love and feel deeply. We often think of strength as pushing through without acknowledging the hurt, but true strength comes from being vulnerable enough to sit with your emotions. Grief, anger and sadness are part of the healing process, not signs that you’re failing. Tell yourself it is okay to be hurt and know this was not an easy decision for you or your partner.
Permit yourself to feel all the emotions. Understand that each emotion is valid. Let yourself cry when you need to, reminisce about the good times and feel the weight of the heartbreak. These emotions are part of the healing process and by sitting with them, rather than rushing to move on, you truly allow yourself to process the loss.
Finding Peace within Yourself
The minute your ex drops the words, ‘I think we should break up,’ it’s easy to feel like you’re the one to blame, that somehow you’re at fault for the end of the relationship. Even if the relationship was imperfect, it could be a hard pill to swallow when the one you trusted and cared for no longer chooses to fight for you. That moment of abandonment can leave you questioning your worth, wondering why they gave up on you when you were still invested. The hurt isn’t just about the breakup — it’s about the loss of someone who once promised to stand by your side, only to let go when it mattered most.
If you have to initiate the breakup, it can feel like an impossible decision, knowing you’re potentially shattering someone else’s heart. Sometimes, ending a relationship is necessary for growth or self-preservation. Still, it
doesn’t make the process any less painful, especially when you know you’re leaving behind someone who still cares.
Rose Colored Glasses Off
Once you truly see your ex for who they are, you’ll begin to move on little by little. The person they showed themselves to be during and after the breakup is the person they always were, even if they didn’t want to admit it before. It’s easy to overlook the red flags when you’re in love, convincing yourself that people can change or that your love will be enough to make them better.
But the truth is, love doesn’t fix people — it only allows us to ignore their flaws for a while, hoping they’ll improve. When the breakup happens, everything you tried to forget or forgive becomes clearer. You start to see the patterns that led to the end, the emotional toll it took, and how they showed you they weren’t willing or able to change. The sooner you accept who they are rather than who you wish they were, the sooner you can begin to heal and create space for a healthier future.
Do It For You
It’s tempting to think that working on yourself after a breakup is about getting your ex back or proving your worth. But real growth doesn’t come from chasing someone who has already walked away. Your ex is your ex for a reason.
So, let go. The person you were in that relationship doesn’t have to be who you are now. You don’t need validation from them nor do you need them to see how much you’ve changed. Your growth is not for their approval — it’s for you.
Think about what makes you happy, what fuels your passions and what brings you joy outside of the context of a relationship. What did you neglect while you were with your ex? What did you put on hold? Now is your chance to rediscover those parts of yourself.
It’s a revelation that comes with pain, but in time, it transforms into empowerment. The void they left behind is where your self-worth grows, and you discover unconditional love that no one else can provide but you.
Photo Courtesy / Youtube Mimi Torch Illustration / Megan Chapman
Five Boroughs, Five Holiday Events
A guide to Christmastime in New York City.
It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas music is the current soundtrack of our lives, “secret Santa” gifts are being exchanged and ugly sweaters are acceptable attire.
Dozens of New York City holiday events are occurring in the coming weeks to usher in the season. Although Manhattan has many of the most well-known ones, such as the Rockefeller Tree and the Radio City Christmas Rockettes Spectacular, fun holiday festivities are happening across each of the boroughs.
The Bronx
The Bronx Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the U.S., is hosting a Holiday Lights event through Jan. 5. The main attractions are the six lantern trails, themed after animals in different regions of the world. There are over 100 animal and plant species included in the display, mirroring the wide array of creatures that reside at the Bronx Zoo.
Other holiday-themed entertainment happening throughout the zoo include various light displays, performers and a holiday train. Holiday treats are available around these attractions.
Tickets for the event are $41.95 for adults and must be purchased in advance on the Bronx Zoo website. NYC college students can receive 30% off the cost of admission by using the promo code “NYC COLLEGE” at checkout.
AlexAndrA Prettitore | dec. 11, 2024
Queens
In need of creative gifts? A holiday market happening on Dec. 15 at Astoria’s Bohemian Hall will carry a variety of vendors. There will be items for everyone in your life, from toys to clothing and custom jewelry. Czech and other Slovak treats are also available at the Bohemian Hall’s restaurant and bar.
According to their Instagram, they are “bringing together artists, bakers & designers to showcase the creativity & talent in Queens & throughout NYC.”
Admission is free, and the market is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Manhattan
Ice skating at Bryant Park is one of the most iconic NYC activities. This year, the rink is open until March 2. During the holiday season, the massive rink is surrounded by an outdoor holiday market and festive lights, transforming it into a “winter village.” The holiday shops will remain open until Jan. 5.
An on-site restaurant called The Lodge allows skaters to take a quick break without leaving the park. Private igloos, which are essentially winter-themed cabanas, are available at an additional cost. They offer seasonal food and drink, and can be used for up to 90 minutes.
Prices to enter the rink vary based on the time you go — earlier slots are less expensive. They generally range from $25 to $45 if you need to rent ice skates.
Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is hosting a holiday light show called Lightscape through Jan. 5. Along a trail that covers much of the garden, various light displays and organic fixtures dazzle visitors providing countless photo opportunities.
Christmas music plays throughout the experience and holiday treats such as hot chocolate are available on the trail.
Prices range based on the day you go. Weekends are generally more expensive since they are considered “peak days,” while other days are “value” pricing. Tickets go for between $25 to $45; specific information about each day’s pricing is available on their website.
Staten Island
NYC’s least populated borough has its own holiday staples as well. The St. George Theatre Christmas Show is an annual tradition many Staten Islanders cherish. Various performances of classic tunes take place in the theater’s warm atmosphere from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15.
It is also a charitable cause; all performers are volunteers, and the proceeds from ticket sales go towards the restoration of the theatre. Prices range from $15 to $55 depending on the performance you attend.
NYC is the epicenter for holiday magic, and each of the five boroughs encapsulates this.
The diverse array of activities will leave even a Grinch with some Christmas cheer.
Photo Courtesy / YouTube ActionKid
Keep Queens Queens: Developers, Take Note
Luxury apartment buildings are ruining the fabric of our borough.
After four years of construction, the tallest building in Queens, the Orchard, is set to open to renters by 2026. According to the Long Island City Post, the 70-story structure will have nearly 800 units, with about one-third offered as low-income housing. There will be a fitness center, basketball court, swimming pool, podcast room and many more luxury amenities. Make no mistake, this will be a fancy development.
Rent prices at the Orchard are not available yet, but we can make a solid guess at how high they might be.
Trulia, an online real estate market site, lists a studio apartment at a neighboring Long Island City apartment building called Watermark, for $3,350 each month. This is also a luxury development. But it doesn’t seem like it reached Orchard levels.
Amenities include a fitness center, bike storage and an outdoor grilling area, but no swimming pool or podcast room. It’s also about seven years old, which most likely knocks off a few bucks.
But Queens is a very unique place. Luxury buildings with lavish amenities do not define it. Developers have mistaken it for the island
Malak kasseM | Dec. 10, 2024
across the East River.
Queens is home to more than two million people. According to Census Reporter, the median income is about $81,000 per year, but 32% of residents have an annual income of less than $50,000. Even if we assume that every resident earns this much and is charged $3,350 monthly for a studio, like at the Watermark, about half of their income will solely go toward rent.
Let’s set the record straight: Queens is a renters’ town. Nearly 55% of residents rent out their homes. They don’t deserve half of their labor to go toward an apartment they might never own.
It’s also important to remember that not every studio reaches the sticker price at the Watermark. Many one or two-bedroom apartments don’t either. But with every new Watermark or Orchard development, Queens is catering more and more to white-collared Manhattanites, to whom a $3,350 per month studio is a relief to their wallets.
Queens is the opposite of the white-collared Manhannites.
Only 35% of residents earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher. More than 60% of Manhat-
tan residents do. The borough is very family-oriented, which means that many won’t be needing a studio, but at least a one-bedroom apartment. About 50% of Queens residents are married. Nearly 20% are under the age of 18 and the same ratio is over 65.
People need their space. And Queens has it. But more 70-story high rises will keep shrinking it.
The residential landscape is changing. While it might seem rational that Long Island City gets affected first because it’s closest to Manhattan, overwhelming costs will affect the rest of the borough in a mere few years.
Residents need to speak out now to preserve the working-class, diverse population that will only exist if Queens remains affordable.
Body-Shaming ‘Wicked’ Actors?
You’re Missing the Point
Sit back, relax and enjoy the show without commenting on actors’ bodies.
The opening lines of the “Wicked” trailer ask us a question: “Are we born wicked or do we have wickedness thrust upon us?” Online discourse following interviews and the film’s premiere seems to ask that same question.
When I first saw the musical as a kid, I remember a story of friendship, loneliness and solidarity. These are huge themes for any one show to tackle, but I remember the story and plot doing this flawlessly. Never once were there conversations about Glinda and Elphaba’s bodies, or their actors’ appearances after the curtains closed.
So why now?
Ariana Grande, playing the beloved character Glinda, has been the subject of scrutiny over her body for years, with comments suggesting a possible eating disorder or stress. They are said to be from a loving place, but this concern is thinly veiled gossip that Grande herself has asked fans to stop commenting about. The discourse has persisted with Grande and costar Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba.
One TikTok calls Grande and Erivo “vast-
ly eerie,” referencing their possible weight loss and saying that they “might not be around for much longer.” The video cites the original “Wizard of Oz,” the inspiration for “Wicked,” and the on-set complications as an excuse to frame the entire franchise as cursed because of Grande and Erivo’s bodies.
Imagine working for years to bring alive a musical loved by millions to the big screen just for fans to look at your body and wonder if you’re dying. Imagine walking a red carpet just for fans to look at your body and wonder if the franchise that you love so much is cursed just because of your appearance. It’s cruel and performative. Most importantly, it does nothing to actually fix the issue.
Things have gotten so bad professionals now are coming online and stating that body criticism does more harm than good. Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, regional medical doctor at the Eating Recovery Center, tells fans of Grande that commenting on people’s bodies reinforces the idea that their bodies define them. We can see it in real time with all the online discourse that
takes away space for discussion about the actual theme of the movie.
Eating disorder recovery is a daily struggle. Anyone who has been through it understands that the more that bodies are discussed, the worse it can get. Whatever is happening or not happening with the actresses is none of our business, we don’t know them. Any real and honest conversations will happen with friends and loved ones, not fans.
Enjoy the movie. Discuss the actual, real themes of the show, and stop making women’s bodies out to be everything that a woman is.
carlyann carey | nOv 23, 2024
Torch Photo / Malak Kassem
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Universal Pictures
102ND EDITORIAL BOARD
Olivia Seaman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kyler Fox MANAGING EDITOR
MalaK KasseM
NEWS EDITOR
Isabella athanasIou ASST.
NEWS EDITOR
Isabella Cautero
SPORTS EDITOR
JaMes WIllIaMs ASST. SPORTS
EDITOR
Molly DoWns
CULTURE EDITOR
CelIna MullaDy ASST.
CULTURE EDITOR
Carlyann Carey
OPINION EDITOR
MICah Grayson
ASST. OPINION
EDITOR
olIvIa raInson
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STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS
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Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of the TOrch. Columns and other content are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of the TOrch Opinions expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administration of St. John’s University. All contents are the sole responsibility of the editors and the editorial board and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, faculty or students of St. John’s University unless specifically stated.
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The Life of the Party, Literally
If you decide to scroll on social media today, you might find a lot of lamentation about the changes happening to political parties, particularly how a party can center itself around one man. Democrats on TikTok are calling the Republican Party the “party of Trump.” He is, in their opinion, the heart of the GOP.
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In a lot of ways he is. He has completely reformed the Republican Party into an unrecognizable group. Politico writes the RNC in July showed a group of people appealing to the labor unions and taking hard stances on topics such as nationalism rather than traditional marriages and business practices that the GOP has been known for.
Even abortion stances are changing. A number of Trump’s supporters are pro-life, but Republicans are willing to adopt Trump’s position that abortion access should be decided upon at the state level.
We are witnessing a cultural shift in the GOP. One that the Democratic Party must rise to meet lest this new conservatism overpowers them.
Bernie Sanders’ Nov. 10 op-ed for the Boston Globe addressed the Democrats’ failed attempts to reach the working class and how that amounted to a Trump victory. In his opinion, the conservative movement’s shift towards the middle class gave them the wins needed to take Congress and win the presidency.
“Trump’s fundamental explanation as to why the working class is struggling was that millions of illegal immigrants have invaded and ‘occupied’ America, taken our jobs and benefits and are eating our pets. That explanation is grossly racist, cruel and fallacious.
But it is an explanation,” he wrote. Sanders’ position on the GOP’s success verifies how Trump’s political rise completely changed the party to one that at least pretends to cater to the working class.
Here’s the thing. I don’t think the heart of the GOP has changed, I think that the face has.
Neither political party has done a great job uplifting working-class people in the last eight years. Even though it is within the Democrats’ best interests to do so, everyday Americans and the marginalized are exactly who they claim to represent.
At least Trump’s new party pretends that they are making positive changes for the middle class, even if all they do is blame everything unfairly on migrants.
The truth is, people are struggling. The housing market is atrocious and although inflation has not gone up much since the 2020 COVID-19 recession, prices haven’t gone down.
The economy is not nearly as bad as some economists would have you think. But that does nothing to change the minds of working-class Americans who feel every sting of tuition prices, housing costs and grocery costs.
Trump is the life of the party, both literally and figuratively. His exclusionist rhetoric gives Americans something to blame and offers them what they need, hope. It doesn’t matter if in the long run, he will only help the top 1%. What counts is that he looked the working class in the eye while doing it.
The GOP is doing the same things that it always has but with a brand new twist. For the Democratic Party to survive, they must adapt.
Carlyann
From Fitness Bro to Fascist
How the internet caused a right-wing shift amongst young men.
This past election season, a new campaign outreach strategy emerged. Podcast appearances — unprofessional and oftentimes comedic conversations with internet entertainers.
President-elect Donald Trump applied this new strategy the most by appearing on various shows with eclectic personalities. Theo Von, Joe Rogan, Lex Friedman and Andrew Schultz were among the more prominent ones. Democrats, albeit to a lesser extent, also gave weight to this tactic. Before he dropped out of the race, President Joe Biden went on 360 with Speedy, and Kamala Harris went on The Call Her Daddy podcast, Club Shay Shay, Unlocking Us and Former NBA player Matt Barne’s show.
Trump’s appearances ended up being larger in scale and viewership, as his appearances on the 4 prominent shows all went over 6 million views, while Kamala Harris’ Club Shay Shay appearance was the only one of hers that went over 1 million views (1.6 million to be exact).
Mainstream media has attributed a large portion of Trump’s success to this new venture. While there were certainly greater causes that did the Democrats in, it can’t be denied that these appearances and content creation have played a role in the right-wing radicalization of many young viewers, particularly young men.
The first step to understanding why radicalization is occurring in these spaces is to analyze what the shared experience of young men has looked like in recent years.
Gen Z and millennials are faring worse than their parents in terms of social mobility. Millennial home ownership is lower than that of
their predecessors. And while Gen Z saw an increase in home ownership following the post-pandemic boom, those gains are diminishing, and basic expenses are getting increasingly harder to pay. Both groups have also reaped the consequences of the declining share of corporate income workers have received.
Like most of the voters who showed up for Republicans in the election, young men on the internet have been susceptible to right-wing sentiment on the internet because of their distaste for the liberal leadership they’ve suffered under.
To them, the Republican Party at least offered a solution by blaming marginalized groups such as immigrants, instead of advocating for the same policies they’ve suffered under.
But the right-wing sentiment only explains half of the story. To truly explain why that radicalization can occur, you have to search for why these podcasts/content creators have gained a following in the first place.
This can be found in the bread-in-butter of the content. Much of the content young men consume on the internet is naturally reflected by what they are interested in. Fitness YouTubers, hustle culture TikTokers, live streamers who interview famous musicians and other similar creators draw in large male audiences who eventually grow attached and subscribe to the creator’s political beliefs.
They take the messaging at face value with no critical thinking attached because of this and because of their proclivity to right-wing, anti-marginalized group rhetoric.
Take the famous live streamer Adin Ross for example. In the early days of his career, young men flocked to his content because of his charisma and the plethora of famous rappers he’s had on his livestream. He’s maintained a strong viewer base and progressively pushed more and more right-wing ideas, eventually culminating in him platforming an open neo-nazi and interviewing President-elect Donald Trump.
Andrew Schultz is a similar case. The famous comedian garnered a strong following because of his strong skills on the mic, and while he isn’t anywhere near Ross’s level of conservatism, he proceeded to humanize Trump in front of that large audience.
This phenomenon has also occurred with those who’ve had no relationship with the former president. The Fresh and Fit podcast, a show predicated on dating, takes a misogynistic stance on relationships and one of the hosts has echoed blatant antisemitic talking points.
As a former kickboxer, World-famous personality Andrew Tate is a heavy fitness advocate. But when he’s not telling people to hit the weights, he’s spewing a misogynistic message and getting sent to jail for sex crimes.
The list goes on and on.
All forms of discourse are increasingly becoming internet-reliant. And its capacity to radicalize is becoming more of a realization for those in positions of power. Add that combined with the conservative tendencies of a good portion of these creators, and right-wing political gains, whether done electorally or not, could become increasingly more common in the Western world.
Micah Grayson | nov. 22, 2024
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Adin Live
Reimagining Holiday Hits: Five Christmas Covers
Here are five albums & EPs to listen to this holiday season.
The holiday season is one of the most anticipated of the year, with some of the most recognizable music of all time. While everyone knows and loves the music of Christmas icons like Nat King Cole, Dean Martin and Mariah Carey, it’s nice to see a change when listening to these classics. Here are five albums and EPs from a diverse group of artists to get you in the mood and ready to celebrate this holiday season.
“A Very Laufey Holiday” by Laufey (2024)
Released on Nov. 1, singer-songwriter Laufey brings her flair to these well-known holiday classics. Starting with the classic “Santa Baby,” Laufey introduces her jazz rendition of the infamous track. For listeners still wanting a classic holiday feel, Laufey perfectly incorporates tradition and new sounds into her covers. Complete with five tracks and a 13-minute length, “A Very Laufey Holiday” is a great pick for anyone who loves traditional Christmas songs.
“So Much Wine” by Phoebe Bridgers (2022)
“So Much Wine” by Phoebe Bridgers is a collection of covers harboring a classic Bridgers sound. With soft guitar and melancholy melodies, “So Much Wine” is a more mellow deep-cut choice.
For more classic options, Bridgers sings Christmas go-tos like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and a unique rendition of the infamous song “Silent Night.” In this ren-
Celina
Mullady | deC. 10, 2024
dition, Bridgers includes sound snippets from the news highlighting social issues, creating a hauntingly beautiful reflection. At six tracks and only 21 minutes, “So Much Wine” is a quick listen for audiences who enjoy slower and more mellow holiday music.
“The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show” by Kacey Musgraves (2019)
For fans of pop and country, “The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show” is a perfect combination of the two. The album, released in 2019, is accompanied by an Amazon Prime special of the same name. In this special, Musgraves performs in a perfect Christmas fashion and is set in a cabin with a snowy atmosphere outside. Each song is paired with a different setting, where she meets her new guests, ranging from James Corden to Lana Del Rey, and an outfit change by Musgraves. She performs a total of 18 tracks, with some Christmas favorites like “Let it Snow,” “Rocking Around The Christmas Tree” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”
“Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” by Tyler, The Creator (2018)
“Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” is a Dr. Seuss-inspired EP. Tyler, The Creator uses a diverse collection of sounds, creating an immersive and unique listen. In classic Tyler fashion, he puts his own style into the tracks, with aspects of jazz and hip-hop. The first track on the EP, which is
fully instrumental, is a direct nod to “The Grinch” with its title “WHOVILLE.” Every track pays tribute to a classic Christmas music sound while still showing Tyler, The Creator’s individualism and unique style.
“CeeLo’s Magic Moment” by CeeLo Green (2012)
“CeeLo’s Magic Moment” is a collection of holiday classics including “Please Come Home For Christmas,” “All I Want For Christmas” and “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” At 59 minutes, this album is a longer listen but is full of holiday hits and cheer. Green adds his signature voice to these tracks, differentiating them from their original sounds. With a diverse collection of covers, ranging from Joni Mitchell’s “River” to “All You Need Is Love” featuring the Muppets, there is a song for everyone on this album.
Photo Courtesy / Tyler, The Creator
Torch Illusttration / Megan Chapman
‘Queer:’ Psychedelic Desire
Luca Guadagnino’s film is an experience unlike any other.
James Williams | Dec. 11, 2024
“Queer,” is not at all similar to the other romance films that have made filmmaker Luca Guadagnino’s career. The latest film from the director released to select theaters on Nov. 27 but will receive a nationwide theatrical run starting on Dec. 13.
Audiences are transported to Central America in the 1950s, where William Lee (Daniel Craig) plans to aimlessly live out his life in a destructive haze of drugs and alcohol. During a night out, Lee becomes infatuated with Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a much younger man. The film tells the journey of their tumultuous relationship and the different places their strange love takes them.
Guadagnino and “Challengers” writer Justin Kuritzkes adapted the screenplay from William S. Burroughs’ book of the same title. The pair attempted to bring Burroughs’ experimental and interpretive work to the screen solely through the compatibility of the characters.
The director explores this connection explicitly through how the two main characters’ bodies communicate with each other.
The film’s most visually striking scenes are when Lee is eagerly reaching for an unknowing Eugene, portraying the depths of his desire and passion. But at times Eugene shows utter repulsion towards Lee. His meticulously planned but silent reactions to Lee’s advances showcase his thoughts vividly. Both leads play this uncomfortable game of backand-forth perfectly.
Craig deploys the charm seen in his past roles as James Bond or Benoit Blanc in “Knives Out,” to a much more different effect. His depiction of Lee is as a sleazy hedonist, appearing nearly predatorial at times.
As the film goes on, Lee’s grip on reality becomes strained and he seems to be on the brink of a nervous breakdown at any moment. Craig rides this fine line of control and insanity brilliantly in this role, marking one of the best performances of his career.
Drew Starkey excellently plays off the unpredictable Lee with his more introverted and reserved Eugene. Starkey hides his character’s thoughts
behind a straight face, making his sparse moments of vulnerability or rage much more impactful.
In the film’s third act, Guadagnino splices dreams and hallucinations with reality, forming a surreal experience that at times feels like a nightmare. There are moments of sensuality between the two leads like a scene out of Guadagnino’s body horror films.
But there are tender moments that display the beautiful potential of this relationship, showing that these characters may be ready for the connection that they seek.
Complimenting the rapidly switching tones of this film is an erratic soundtrack featuring popular songs from Nirvana and Prince. This is an odd choice for a strict period film, but this decision pays off remarkably. These songs from different time periods continue to blur the lines between reality even more but create memorable moments in the process.
While the soundtrack is great, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ accompanying score is the most impactful music in the film, turning in one of their most unsettling and remarkable scores yet. The former Oscar winners’ score is the driving force behind many scenes, helping the film’s unique atmosphere.
Guadagnino ends this film with an existential reflection of the entire relationship, posing complex questions for the audience to ask themselves about their own relationships and future. But this film’s final stretch could prove very difficult to the audience that enjoyed his previous work.
“Queer” is a more challenging and unsatisfying test of patience compared to any other love story. This film does not have the lush gentleness of “Call Me by Your Name,” or the competitive eroticism of “Challengers” or even the cannibalistic tenderness of “Bones and All.” Instead, “Queer” exists in its own space. It feeds off each character’s physicality for a more constrained and subtle romance. Offering one of the most interesting and introspective films that the genre has ever seen.
‘Hot Frosty:’ Wholesome, yet Thoughtless
The upcoming Christmas season brings with it the annual Netflix films.
The annual release of seasonal Christmas films has become a highly anticipated tradition, generating excitement amongst fans and viewers every year. This predictable release rhythm creates a sense of continuity, transforming the films into somewhat of a holiday saga. This year, the saga continues with the release of Netflix’s latest film lineup, featuring “Meet Me Next Christmas,” “The Merry Gentlemen” and “Our Little Secret.”
The movies all share a familiar charm — the dual themes of the magic of Christmas and falling in love. One such film is “Hot Frosty,” released on Nov. 13, starring Dustin Milligan and Lacey Chabert. The film also features other familiar faces like Joe Lo Truglio, Craig Robinson and Lauren Holly.
The film is centered around Christmas magic, love and teamwork. It follows Jack (Milligan), a snowman magically brought to life by a red scarf that Kathy (Chabert) wraps around his neck. Through his childlike naivete and general sense of innocence, Jack helps Kathy fall in love again, two years after she lost her husband to cancer.
The film includes scenes of Jack cooking Kathy homemade meals, his kindly helping decorate the school for the winter dance and most
notably the entire town coming together to pay for Jack’s bail from jail before he melts. However, many reviews have pointed out how strange it is that Jack, with his childlike and confused mental state, is sexualized by almost everyone throughout the entire film, later ending up with Kathy, after a true love’s kiss saves his life.
While the film is heartwarming and full of Christmas spirit, it was difficult to look past the small nuances — Jack was a snowman turned human who didn’t know what a television was, but he was able to read Kathy’s late husband’s cancer diagnosis and use an oven. The film is simply a bit unrealistic which could in turn be what adds to its charm.
“Hot Frosty” currently sits at 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, with mixed reviews from critics and viewers. Overall the film is a great addition to any holiday party as it could be a fun, thoughtless watch. With the delivery of its positive message, the film could be a nice watch for people within any age range.
Despite the happy ending, the film’s substance is lacking in many regards, as the plot and character development follow predictable paths, stripping away any jaw-dropping expectations that might draw the viewer’s attention.
emilia mulllakanDov | Dec. 4, 2024
Unconventional Christmas Classics
Holiday
movies that are the right amount of spirited.
Every year when the holidays start to roll around, the same films tend to pop up on each channel or streaming service. While it’s nice to have classics and traditions to return to get into the holiday spirit, it’s fun to switch it up and check out some films that are a little more uncommon for the season. Here’s a list of five films that hold the Christmas spirit in their unique ways, without going overboard.
“The Holdovers” (2023)
With four Oscar nominations and one win in 2024, “The Holdovers” seems to have taken the film world by storm. The film has the feel of a modern classic, following the few students at a snowy New England boarding school who are forced to stay behind over the Christmas break, and the grumpy teacher who’s forced to watch them.
While it does take place during the holiday season, this film feels acceptable to watch any time of the year. Despite its framing, the main focus is not the fact that it’s Christmas break, but instead the desire for a family and comfort.
The hilarious, hate-filled dynamic between Paul Giamatti’s Mr. Hunham and Dominic Sessa’s Angus Tully is eventually balanced by a heartwarming, emotional bond they form. Equipped with a talented cast and a stunning soundtrack, “The Holdovers” is a good choice of comfort movie this holiday season.
“Little Women” (2019) Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” is an adaptation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott following the lives of the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. This version flashes back and forth over the course of seven years,
depicting the sisters as they grow as children and adults, as they grapple with romance, loss, their passions and the heartbreak of growing up.
Starring a variety of talented names such as Siorse Ronan, Timothee Chalamet, Florence Pugh and Meryl Streep, the film is nothing short of impeccable. While it’s not a Christmas movie, there are scenes involving the holiday, without it being the main event. These background details of festive decorations, familial cheer and occasional snowy weather throughout the March’s charming Massachusetts home add to the heartwarming aesthetic of the film.
“The Family Stone” (2005)
“The Family Stone,” starring talented names including Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes, Luke Wilson and more, is a quirky, upbeat romantic comedy that tends to go unnoticed when it comes to picking a film from the genre. It follows a young man Everett (Dermot Mulroney) as he brings his uptight girlfriend, Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker), home to meet his family for the first time over the Christmas holiday. Within minutes of their introductions, it’s clear that Meredith does not fit in with the bubbly and eclectic Stone family.
This collision of personalities makes for an entertaining — however awkward — Christmas celebration, equipped with spilled food, wrestling brothers and a visit from Meredith’s much calmer sister. Although it’s framed as a holiday film, the real focus of the film is on finding love with those around you.
Celina & Molly’s Festive Favorites
In honor of the holiday season, here’s a quick list of Culture team’s favorite Christmas movies — some classic, some not.
1. “Meet Me Next Christmas ” (2024 )
2. “Wonka” (2023)
3. “Frozen II” (2019)
4. “Klaus” (2019)
5. “The Grinch” (2018)
6. “The Holiday” (2006)
7. “Love Actually” (2003)
8. “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001)
9. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)
10. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001)
While everyone knows of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” as the first film in the iconic wizarding franchise, it’s not often recognized for its holiday spirit. Christmas is celebrated in almost every film in the series, but this first release holds the most magical charm. Despite not going home to his cruel family, the Dursleys, Harry can have a happy Christmas at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, accompanied by his best friend Ron Weasley. With lovely scenes featuring the Great Hall lined with enormous, decorated trees and homemade sweaters from Ron’s mother, the glimpses of the holiday spirit included in this film make for an overall comforting and festive feel.
“Die Hard” (1988)
As a topic that has been up for much holiday debate, “Die Hard” is a thrilling action film that could be a Christmas classic for the adrenaline junkies. The film follows New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he attends his estranged wife’s office party on Christmas Eve. When a terrorist group takes over the party, holding the guests hostage, McClane is forced to save them all.
While it may not have been created to become a festive classic, “Die Hard’s” inclusion of the holidays makes for an exciting, yet jolly watch. With its fast-paced action, the film isn’t necessarily the most comforting choice for a cozy movie night. But seeing the trees, lights and decorations certainly holds a little bit of Christmas charm.
Molly Downs | Dec. 11, 2024
Torch Illustration / Megan Chapman
The Life and Legacy of Lou Carnesecca
Ahead of Dec. 7’s matchup with Kansas State, The Torch spoke to St. John’s Basketball fans on Carnesecca’s impact.
As Rick Pitino unfastened his sport coat and revealed the iconic blue, red and tan striped sweater St. John’s fans know all too well, the soldout arena named in Lou Carnesecca’s name erupted in cheers.
For “Looie,” the man who put St. John’s on the national map all those years ago, it seemed only right to don a replicated version of the iconic Carnesecca sweater at the basketball team’s Big East-Big 12 showdown against the Kansas State Wildcats on Dec. 7. Even Jerome Tang, the Wildcats head coach, similarly honored Carnesecca with his own purple and black sweater suited up on the sidelines.
Carnesecca’s impact on St. John’s and its basketball program might never be measured or summed up in so many words. But, before the Dec.7 game, fans tearfully, joyfully and endlessly spoke on his life and legacy.
Lifelong fan Bob Hamilton,a 1984 graduate of St. John’s, grew up in Flushing, Queens. As a kid, he played full-court basketball every Tuesday and Thursday across from the Sly Fox Inn in Fresh Meadows. One day, one of the St. John’s athletic directors at the time came in to see Hamilton while working at the Inn and told him that Carnesecca said he had one of the best outside jump shots he had ever seen.
“That’s going on my tombstone when I die,” Hamilton recalled as his fondest memory of the Hall of Famer.
“Back in the 80’s he was so accessible,” Hamilton continued. “He would walk around campus. He would say hello to everyone. He was just a true gentleman.”
“He put St. John’s on the national map,” he said.
And that he certainly did. After 24 years and 526 wins, Carnesecca amassed more than anyone could have dreamed of as a St. John’s fan. His impact on the court extended far beyond wins and losses, a fact that became overwhelmingly evident by the way he moved so many people with just the simple recall of his life.
Anthony Giardina, a 1985 graduate of St. John’s, was the last mascot to represent the former “Redmen” suit before its eventual change to the Red Storm in 1994. The last memory he has of Carnesecca is sitting in the Il Bacco Restaurant in Queens next to Carnesecca, his daughter Enes and his son-in-law Gerard (Jerry).
With a fond smile, Giardina stood in Carnesecca Arena and told The Torch of their long conversation about “the old days” and “all the old stories.”
The pair used to sit next to each other on every bus and plane ride in the season that took the 1984-85 St. John’s team to Lexington, Kentucky for the Final Four game that year.
“[Carnesecca’s] life needs to be celebrated and emulated,” Giardina said. “He was such a nice man.”
Every person had a unique memory of Carnesecca, but the overall feeling stayed the same. He wasn’t just a figure in St. John’s history, he was and continues to be the entire makeup of St. John’s’ history.
“Without Lou, there would be no St. John’s,” Giardina continued.
Tom Ward, a fan of St. John’s basketball for 50 years, said that his favorite memory of Carnesecca was when the team won the 1983 Big East Championship in his 15th year of coaching.
He also spoke on how his father, a former criminal justice professor at St. John’s, used to sit in the faculty lounge and speak to Carnesecca during their breaks.
“The message was always that he was so humble [and] he was so approachable,” Ward said of his father’s memory of the late coach. “He was somebody that had so much class and cared for the students and student-athletes.”
“He’s a legend,” Ward continued. “He represented St. John’s and he represented this city in a first-class way.”
A native New Yorker, Carnesecca entered his role as head coach in 1973 and embodied the city’s true spirit with him.
Isabella Cautero | DeC. 8, 2024
Torch Photo / James Williams
“He captured the work ethic of New York, the grittiness of New York,” Ward said.
With each passing conversation, the emotions continued to flood for so many of Carnesecca’s old friends and even colleagues.
Kathy Lally, a senior secretary for varsity coaches in the St. John’s Athletics Department has been working at the University for 30 years. With tears brimming in her eyes, she recalled what made “Looie” so special.
“There was not a moment spent with Lou that wasn’t memorable and special,” Lally recalled. “He was really a great man, a great human being.”
Ed Franke Sr., Ed Franke Jr., Phil Guerrieri and Gary Lambdin attended the game as a group together on Dec. 7. With immense joy, and smiles as wide as their faces could allow, they remembered moments from their time as fans and students that made Carnesecca so special to them.
“He spent 15 minutes just talking to my daughter,” Guerrieri recalled from the 2014 “Dribble for Victory” event he attended. “It was a very special memory.”
Carnesecca was well known for the accolades he acquired on the court –– Naismith Hall-of-Famer, Big East Championships, Final Four appearances, NIT Championships and being the winningest coach in the school’s history. But, his compassion and kindness towards everyone he met off the court is what spoke to people all these years later.
“What I really loved about Looie is that when I met him with my father he was always really nice to my dad, and gave him a lot of time,” Franke recalled. “He was always a great guy.”
Carnesecca’s impact on the surrounding community of St. John’s and the local high schools in Queens during his coaching tenure at the school impacted the game of basketball for years to come.
“When he was coaching, all the kids around here wanted to play for him,” Lambdin said. “That was the kind of pull and influence he had on the game.”
Robert Smalley, a season ticket holder for St. John’s, spoke to The Torch about the players that Carnesecca took from nothing and made into fine-tuned basketball players and men.
“Nobody had a lot of money. Everybody struggled,” Smalley said. “[Carnesecca] helped Chris Mullin [and]
Walter Berry. Back in the day, he helped a lot of people.”
“He was just a wonderful human being. He had a lot of heart and helped every kid,” Smalley continued.
Current Head Coach Rick Pitino has spoken about “playing for the name on the front,” and “letting the name on the back prosper,” many times throughout his two seasons at St. John’s. It’s an integral part of his coaching philosophy that has quickly transformed the culture of St. John’s back to the old days of Coach Carnesecca –– who selflessly devoted years to the University and basketball program.
With a newly sown “Lou” patch on every player’s jersey this season, Pitino’s recurring mantra has a whole new meaning.
If the conversations that The Torch had with lifelong fans and friends of Lou Carnesecca showed anything on Dec. 7, it’s that the life and legacy of “Looie” can never be replaced.
Carnesecca pioneered the Big East Conference and captured the hearts of many with his wit, warmth and contagious energy. He embodied the true spirit of New York City and St. John’s University, and he will undoubtedly be missed for years to come.
St. John’s Beats Wake Forest, 63-45
For the sixth time this season the St. John’s Women’s Basketball team beat an opponent by 15 or more points ––an impressive statistic in their dominant first nine games of the season. None of the previous five blowout wins were as anxious or fragile as the 63-45 win over Wake Forest.
The Demon Deacons’ full-court defense pressured Lashae Dwyer (14 pts., 2 ast., 4-12 FG ) in the opening minutes, causing two turnovers and a quick foul. Early struggles from Dwyer left head coach Joe Tartamella without his most reliable scoring option for much of the game, forcing him to lean on other players for offensive output.
Former Wake Forest commit, junior guard Skye Owen (18 pts., 3 reb., 1 ast.), immediately rose to the occasion and swung the lead back to the Johnnies after a three-pointer and midrange jump shot, her first of multiple scoring outbursts in her semi-revenge game.
The Red Storm broke down the Wake Forest defense by earning their points at the foul line. At halftime, the team had shot 10 free throws in comparison to the Demon Deacons’ two. On the way to the first double-double of her collegiate career, senior forward Phoenix Gedeon (11 pts., 14 rebs.) benefited most from getting to the line, making seven free throws overall.
The Red Storm’s 12-point margin began to crumble in a disastrous third quarter. Wake Forest exploited the Johnnies’ lack of size and rim protection. At this point in the game, The Demon Deacons had scored more than half of their 34 points in the paint.
St. John’s led only by three points, but Owen stole the ball and promptly hit a three-pointer. Momentum continued to mount as Owen hit another three in the next possession and Gedeon scored an and-one, crushing Wake Forest with an insurmountable 12-point lead with only one minute left to play.
The Red Storm scored another six points in this final minute, closing the game out with a 17-2 run in less than five minutes to win 63-45 and improve to 8-1 on the season.
Owen cemented herself as a legitimate closer for this team in crunch time and having her best game since being thrust into the starting lineup.
James Williams | Dec. 10, 2024
Torch Photos / James Williams
SPORTS
Ejiofors's Dominant 28 Points
Powers Past Kansas State
A day after St. John’s University’s honored the late Lou Carnesecca, the program he guided for 24 seasons secured its biggest win this year.
Facing Kansas State as part of the annual Big East-Big 12 Battle, the Red Storm relied on a career performance from its co-captain to earn an 88-71 victory in a packed Carnesecca Arena.
“I told the guys, St. John’s ruled the world on the East Coast in the 60s, the 70s, [and] 80s,” Head Coach Rick Pitino said, having laid his custom Carnesecca-inspired sweater at mid-court following the win.
“And it was all for the name on the front. And if you guys can start playing for the name on the front, someday, the back is gonna prosper.”
The emotions were high in the first game since the iconic figures passing. The Johnny faithful was possibly the loudest its been in over 30 years, dating back to Carnesecca’s days on the sideline.
Due to the outpour of compassion, the Red Storm may have been too caught up in the moment, resulting in a slow start offensively.
“I think that [the players] knew how important [this] was for all the ex-players [and] fans because of what Lou was to them,” Pitino said.
But, St. John’s endured. After finding themselves down four at halftime, an onslaught was on its way.
Out of the break, Zuby Ejiofor (28 pts., 13 reb.), Simeon Wilcher (11 pts., 4 ast.) and RJ Luis Jr. (11 pts., 8 reb.) orchestrated an 18-3 run to pull ahead by as much as 19.
They had trailed by 10 late in the first half, but completely shifted the momentum behind the sold-out crowd.
Matched up with the Wildcats’ $2 million big man Coleman Hawkins, Pitino’s anchor appeared to be the best player on the floor. Hawkins was held to just 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting while only corralling nine rebounds. Whether from the interior or beyond the arc, Ejiofor overwhelmed Kansas State’s center at every opportunity.
“[Carnesecca’s] death was something we all felt, especially those that were here last year and just knowing the history of what he meant,” Ejiofor said. “Not only to St. John’s but the whole league.”
The Red Storm’s co-captain dedicated the best performance of his collegiate career to the beloved coach.
“We fed off that and we were going to play for him,” Ejiofor softly said, smiling ear-to-ear.
There was something different about Saturday afternoon’s triumph. The atmosphere was different. The players seemed different. Even Pitino himself appeared different.
Maybe it was the seven-day break between the wins over Harvard and Kansas State. Maybe it was Dec. 2’s practice that Pitino proclaimed he “loved” after stating “quite a few” he had only “liked.”
Or maybe it was an entire institution, including faculty, students, fans, players and coaching staff, all rallying around one legendary man to give him the send off he deserves.
“The players tonight played with tremendous model, and it really did Lou proud,” Pitino said in his closing statement. “Did me proud, the fans, all the ex-players who came back, and that’s exciting.”
Having begun their season of tributes to Carnesecca with a huge win, St. John’s now shifts focus to their second-to-last out-of-conference clash with Bryant on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. EST.
Kyler Fox | Dec. 7, 2024
Torch Photo / James Williams