Torch Photo / James Williams
St. John’s University Celebrates Día de Los Muertos
Campus community gathers for a tribute to life and remembrance.
Isabella athanasIou | nov. 2, 2024
St. John’s University celebrated Día de Los Muertos on Oct. 31 with a multi-part event, starting with a prayer service at 12:50 p.m. in St. Thomas More Church. The celebration continued at 1:50 p.m. at the D’Angelo Center (DAC), where attendees enjoyed traditional dishes, face painting, marigold making and lotería games.
Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a three-day celebration rooted in Mexican culture that honors deceased loved ones. The holiday begins on Oct. 31, known as All Hallows’ Eve, when families prepare to welcome back the spirits of people who have passed.
The following day, Nov. 1, is All Saints Day, dedicated to honoring children who have passed. The celebration finishes on Nov. 2, or All Souls Day, when all deceased adults are honored.
The event was hosted by St. John’s Latina Sorority Oh So Fly Lamda Pi Chi, RISE, Campus Ministry, Hispanic Ministry and the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), bringing together multiple campus organizations to promote cultural understanding within the University community.
University Chaplain Hugo Medellin, who led the prayer service, shared the significance of the holiday as a time of remembrance and hope.
“In the church, it is the celebration of resurrection,” Medellin said. “It is not just the sadness of someone passing away; it is just remembering them with love, holding onto good memories and praying for them.”
A decorated ofrenda, or altar, was present at both the church and DAC, inviting attendees to add pictures of their deceased loved ones in their memory.
Keira Fleckenstein, a freshman public relations major, said it was one of her favorite parts of the event.
“Putting my grandpa’s picture up definitely meant a lot to me,” Fleckenstein said. “Being Mexican, this holiday holds a special meaning. I am stepping more into my culture now, especially with joining Campus Ministry. Celebrating this, rather than just Halloween, feels more beautiful and meaningful.”
Ulises Garcia Jr., assistant director of first year mentoring programs, spoke about the planning that went into the event and its educational purpose.
“We had weekly meetings to set up this vision,” Garcia Jr. said. “It was mainly about bringing that cultural component to campus and educating folks who may not know about Día de Los Muertos.”
“I myself identify as Mexican-American, but despite that, I never celebrated Día de Los Muertos growing up. It wasn’t until I went to my undergraduate institution where it was celebrated annually that I was exposed to it. I think it is a beautiful way to honor those who have transitioned and to make death seem less scary.”
Aleena Alduenda, junior psychology major and president of Oh So Fly Lamda Pi Chi emphasized the importance of the event in fostering cultural awareness at St. John’s.
“I think it is important because not only is it fun, but it’s an educational opportunity,” Alduenda said. “If you have the chance to learn about other cultures, it’s always beneficial.”
The event concluded at 3:15 p.m., marking St. John’s biggest Día de Los Muertos celebration to date, with attendees lingering to reflect on the day’s traditions.
Torch
Political Student Union Holds ‘Civil Conversation’ on Presidential Election
New student group encourages open dialogue ahead of
St. John’s Political Student Union (PSU) held an event on Nov. 4 at 1:50 p.m. inviting the University community to engage in a “civil” conversation ahead of the Nov. 5 Presidential Election. The event took place in St. John’s Hall.
About 50 people were in attendance, supporting both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
E-board members encouraged discussion from both sides in the form of debate and open dialogue. The organization appointed a moderator ensuring that those who wanted to speak had an opportunity to do so. Speakers were encouraged to stand up in front of the audience, although were not required to.
Olivia Seaman
About 15 minutes into the event, a University official alerted e-board members that they could no longer use the assigned room on the 2nd floor, which prompted attendees to move to a room on the 3rd floor.
Students discussed several topics including immigration policies, outsourcing, the economy and the Middle East crisis.
“It is our intention to spark a new spirit of intellectual curiosity on the campus of St. John’s University,” Daniel Sullivan, the president of PSU said. “There are too many students who are apathetic to the issues that
Malak kasseM | NOv. 5, 2024
surround them, and an equal number of students who are interested in those issues, but have no forum to express it.”
Sullivan believes that PSU will provide a space for those of differing beliefs to come together and participate in a “free exchange of ideas.”
“We want not only students here now at St. John’s, but future prospective students to know that their voices matter and that it ought to be heard,” Nick Alvarez, vice president and co-founder of PSU said.
There were times when conversations got tense between opposing views, especially surrounding the topic of immigration, but moderators brought the discussion back to conformity.
Some students shared their own backgrounds and how it influenced their beliefs.
For example, one student, defending Trump, explained that his parents are legal immigrants and that when illegal immigrants cross the border and have the same benefits as his parents, it feels like a “slap in the face.”
Another student, defending Harris, explained that those who navigate life-threatening obstacles to make it through the border to work in the United States is “the most American” act that they can do, as
the elections.
they are willing to put in hard labor to earn a decent living, which they can’t do in their home countries.
Organizers at PSU hope that open discussions will allow those of opposing views to understand one another while having access to a space where they are allowed to defend their own beliefs,
“Those who support the opposing candidate from you are people too,” Alvarez said.
“Having this discussion was very important because it formed an opportunity for students to engage with issues that will dictate our future,” Claudia Obuchowicz, a senior, double majoring in government and journalism said. “St. John’s is a wonderfully diverse school and with the polarization we see in our world, it is important for us, as students, to have this open discussion.”
PSU began assembling events last semester and is now awaiting Student Government Inc. (SGi) approval this month.
PSU aims to create a political publication that students can use to share research papers, opinion pieces and satire. They also hope to host guest speakers, collaborate with other organizations on campus, around the city and even internationally.
SJU Launches Artificial Intelligence Minor
The program is a “crucial” addition.
St. John’s University announced the launch of a minor in Artificial Intelligence on Oct. 24. According to the University website, the minor is ideal for students who study computer science or those who have a preliminary interest in data analysis or coding, however it is targeted to any student interested in AI.
In a statement to The Torch, Luca Iandoli, chair and dean of the Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies said, “It is crucial for our students to get access to the latest developments of AI while building solid foundations to adapt to the fast pace at which AI technology is evolving.”
Those who have an interest in programming but don’t want to invest time in pursuing a minor can opt for an AI badge or register for
an introductory or beginner course such as Generative AI Applications, Responsible AI, and AI for Everyone.
Classes will be available “soon,” according to Iandoli.
“The Collins College has approved several new classes and credentials for students with and without computing and coding skills to counteract the rising digital divide and augment our students’ employability,” Iandoli said.
The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS) also shared the news on Instagram.
“This is incredible! St. John’s University students are going to be at the head of the pack in this field,” said the St. John’s Irish Society in
an Instagram comment.
Computer science majors who wish to obtain an AI minor must complete three courses, which are Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Introduction to Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning.
“The division worked together to create a minor and badge in AI to allow St. John’s students who want to gain employment in AI and and acquire the necessary training and skillset to give them an edge in the competitive market in this area,” Joan DeBello, professor of mathematics and computer science chair at CCPS, said.
Updated Oct. 30.
Malak kasseM | Oct. 28, 2024
St. John’s Builds Post-Election Bridges
Workshop opened dialogue for understanding after a divided election.
Isabella athanasIou | nov. 7, 2024
St. John’s University’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OIE) hosted a post-election workshop for students and faculty on Nov. 6, following the 2024 presidential election results. Held in the D’Angelo Center (DAC) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the forum provided a space for participants to share perspectives and promote understanding across campus.
The event drew mostly faculty, who were eager to discuss their voting experiences and perspectives on the election.
Sharod Tomlinson, assistant vice president of OIE, opened the forum by designating it as a “safe space” for open dialogue and mutual respect.
“Elections and national events are powerful,” Tomlinson said. “We have to be mindful not to duck from conversations that are happening whether we choose to acknowledge them or not. We have to open our minds to what is happening around us.”
Over slices of pizza, attendees engaged in an open discussion, starting with introductions guided by questions like “Who are you?” and “How are you feeling?” to help everyone connect. They then shared their thoughts on the
election results, its impact and their effects on the community.
Tiara Smith, a government and politics graduate student, was an active voice in the discussion and highlighted the importance of creating spaces for open conversation.
“I think a lot of people at St. John’s want to be able to speak up about things, to have a safe space to talk about anything,” Smith said. “Since the election is such an important topic, having a space like this is crucial. It can bring people together — people you may not even know have the same political views, worries or ideals as you.”
Leticia Romero, assistant director of the Office of Employee Belonging, noted the faculty majority in attendance and expressed the need for these dialogue spaces in the University’s employee community.
“I think St. John’s does a good job of promoting unity and diversity, especially with students,” Romero said. “Being part of a new office at the University, the Office of Employee Belonging, I hope to apply some of those same techniques to promote employee unification — creating brave, safe spaces where employees can be their authentic selves and
have these conversations, even when they’re difficult.”
Romero also shared her appreciation for the “organic” nature of the atmosphere, adding “Whoever was here, was meant to be here.”
Before the event concluded, Tomlinson handed out self-care pamphlets, which included additional resources for anyone looking for ways to manage stress and maintain well-being.
The pamphlet included an activity in which participants could rank their physical, emotional, social, professional and spiritual selfcare. It also had QR codes linking therapy and mental health websites.
“These are critical conversations that we need to have,” Tomlinson said. “As students, faculty, and staff, it is important for us to dialogue together and listen to one another to understand each other’s viewpoints, beliefs, feelings and emotions in how we approach life. It allows us to have a greater level of respect for one another and appreciation for what we all bring to the table.”
An online forum was held on Nov. 7 for people unable to attend the in-person session.
Donald Trump Returns to the White House
Trump secured key swing state victories to reach 270 electoral votes.
kasseM | nov. 6, 2024
Donald Trump was named the 47th president-elect of the United States, winning 277 electoral votes, while Vice President Kamala Harris won 224.
Following the Nov. 5 general election, Trump secured key battleground state victories including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Georgia.
While Harris obtained the most votes in Milwaukee, Trump obtained the majority of votes in most other counties in the state, securing him a crucial Wisconsin victory.
Pennsylvania, a key battleground state with 19 electoral votes, went red this year. The state went blue in favor of President Joe Biden in 2020 and was highly campaigned in the 2024 election cycle. The majority of the state went red except for prominent democrat bubbles in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas
Trump also earned a majority vote in Dearborn, MI, a city with a majority Arab-Ameri-
can population. Dearborn usually leans Democratic, and the majority of the population voted for Biden in 2020.
Detroit suburb Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib endorsed Trump, pushing the larger Arab-American population to vote for him.
The Senate now also holds a Republican majority.
Harris did not address her supporters last night but is expected to make an appearance later today at Howard University, her alma mater.
“Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason,” Trump said during his victory speech in Florida. “And that reason was to save our country and restore America to greatness.”
Several celebrities including Cardi B and Lil Reinhart reacted to Trump’s win.
“I cannot fathom the feeling of the women who came forward about their sexual assault
at the hands of Trump,” Reinhart said on X. “My heart absolutely breaks for these women. I believe you, and I am so sorry.
Inauguration Day will be on Jan. 20 at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Malak
Photo Courtesy / YouTube CBS News
Renowned Restaurants
As one of the most diverse boroughs, Queens offers a myriad of cultural cuisines.
As the largest borough in New York City, Queens is home to almost 10,000 restaurants. This makes finding its best available dining options difficult to narrow down. The Torch polled its Instagram followers to discover the top four restaurants Queens has to offer.
Liolà
Liolà was a repeated suggestion for one of the best restaurants in the borough. Ranging from about $30 to $50 per person on Google, the restaurant is on the pricier side but offers a romantic and comfortable atmosphere.
Angelo Alaimo, owner and head chef, has traveled across Europe before returning to Queens with his new culinary skills and recipes. Liolà is a classic restaurant featuring authentic Sicilian and Italian cuisine named after an Italian play in Sicily.
Offering 5% off on online orders and a 10% discount for orders paid with cash, Liolà can be ordered for take-out or dining in. With an abundance of specialty pizzas — from cacio e pepe to al limone — and flavorful Italian entrees, the menu is expansive.
Baraki
A Greek restaurant in Bayside, Baraki is a new addition to the Queens’ restaurant canon,
celebrating its one-year anniversary in August. It has quickly made a strong impression on diners, being another one of the top recommendations on The Torch poll.
They specialize in a variety of Greek tapas and signature cocktails. The menu adds a modern twist on traditional Mediterranean dishes, such as whipped feta and chicken pita tacos. The pricing is moderate, ranging from $20$30 per person.
According to their website, owner Foti Koukounas, “wanted a Manhattan feel with the luxury of staying in Queens.” In addition to its creative menu, Baraki also hosts numerous DJs throughout the year to cultivate an entertaining and lively environment.
Hot Peppers
This fast-casual Mexican restaurant offers a menu reminiscent of Chipotle in the form of a small business. There are four locations, but the one closest to St. John’s (and the original) is in Oakland Gardens.
The menu is halal, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. It is also customizable — all the main dishes are in a “create your own” format. There are a variety of options that can accommodate both adventurous and particular eaters — even providing a tofu base.
The pricing is comparable to other fast-casual restaurants, ranging from $10-$20 per person, making it affordable for college students. Take-out, dine-in and delivery through third-party apps are available, highlighting its convenience.
CJ’s Cafe
Rounding out the top four is this sandwich shop located in Fresh Meadows. A family-owned business, the friendly atmosphere is noted by many reviewers. Coupled with their high-quality sandwiches and smoothies, it has become a local favorite.
They are proud of their fresh ingredients, which enhance seemingly simple sandwiches like the baked chicken panini, one of their most popular dishes. The same is true for their smoothies, the most popular of which is the Berry Blast.
Pricing is reasonable for the quality of the ingredients, at $10-$20 per person. Take-out and delivery are available, but many recommend dining in to experience the cozy and welcoming ambiance.
St. John’s students’ picks for top local restaurants reflect the diversity of the school community and Queens as a whole. Check out these local favorites, and happy dining!
AlexAndrA Prettitore | nov. 11, 2024
Torch Photo / Alexandra Prettitore
Love vs. Friendship: Navigating Tensions
Can true love survive without risking a friendship?
Ashley CAndo | nov. 12, 2024
There’s an unspoken rule among friends: never let romance come between you. But what happens when that line gets crossed, and your friends don’t like your partner — and your partner doesn’t like your friends?
The tension between love and friendship has always been a delicate balance, but in today’s world, where relationships are more interconnected and complex than ever, the stakes are even higher. Whether it’s managing the dynamics of your social circle, it’s common to find yourself caught in the middle of conflicting loyalties.
The real question becomes: how do you balance the people you care about when the ones closest to you don’t get along? And if you choose to pursue your romantic relationship, do you risk losing the friends who have always been there for you?
St. John’s University sophomore Jenna Razzano says it’s manageable to hear both sides of the parties.
“If my friends were to express how they felt about my significant other, I would need reasoning as to why they feel like this. It all comes down to how trustworthy the friends are.”
So, what’s the best way to navigate this tricky situation?
The first step is to open the floor to communication. Encourage honest, respectful conversations between your partner and friends to reach
Unlikely Soulmates
Molly Downs, Culture Editor
the root of the issue. Often misunderstandings or miscommunications are the driving force behind the friction. Listening to both sides, without taking sides, can help clear the air and bring perspective to the problem.
Sophomore Tara Pfisterer agrees communication between both parties is essential.
“I would hear both sides and make my decision from there, but it wouldn’t stop me from talking to both of them.”
Next, setting clear boundaries is essential. When your partner and friends are vying for your attention, it can feel like a tug-of-war. Setting aside quality time for each group without overlap can significantly reduce the pressure. It’s important to communicate that you value both relationships, but you must give each group dedicated time and attention.
The biggest question is how do we incorporate a dynamic where they can be in the same room?
If they’ve never spent time together, a neutral setting such as a group dinner or casual get-together can allow them to get to know each other outside the conflict zone. This should be done gradually, forcing them into the same space too soon could intensify the friction. Keep things relaxed and steer clear of any deep talks that could stir up old drama. Balance is the key to making any friendship and relationship last long. It is challenging for both parties, too. From the friend’s point of view, it’s tough watching your best friend slip into a relationship and slowly lose the space you once shared. Many times, at the beginning of a new connection, the “honeymoon phase” plays a significant role in friends slowly slipping away from you.
From the standpoint of the significant other, if your partner breaks up with you because their friends don’t like you, it can be challenging, as you might wonder if they’re giving up on a meaningful connection with someone who could genuinely be the one.
The most important thing is your significant other and friends share one thing in common: they love you and enjoy your company.
How do you become friends with someone you’re never meant to spend time with? It takes a special kind of bond to grow a friendship with a person you’ve never gone to school with, worked with or lived in the same neighborhood as. My friend Lizzy and I were introduced through mutual friends one time, simply because we were told we would “really get along.” They were right. Ever since that day, we’ve been as close as two people can be despite only being thrown together once. Without her love, I would not be the person that I am today.
Torch Design / Megan Chapman
Torch Design / Megan Chapman
NYC After Dark: Must-Visit Nightlife Hotspots
Out of the thousands of bars and clubs in Manhattan, here are the top five.
Manhattan offers over 13,000 spots labeled as nightlife destinations. Stretching from Midtown down to Seaport, there are numerous spots for your next night out. Whether you and your friends are looking for a down-toearth dive bar or a busy club, these are the best places to try.
Jeremy’s Ale House
Located along the water in Manhattan’s Seaport District, this dive bar is renowned for its cheap beers, hanging bras and classic pub fare. The self-proclaimed “last great dive bar in NYC,” Jeremy’s Ale House serves quart-sized containers of beer for $12 and mixed drinks for $20 — almost three drinks worth for the price of one.
Now part of a lively street atmosphere, the ale house is a great destination to begin the night. Open from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. on weekends, it is the perfect place to begin before continuing on your crawl to other Seaport spots such as Cowgirl SeaHorse and Fresh Salt.
Slate NYC
Offering 16,000 square feet of space stretching over two floors, Slate is a part-club partadult playground. Located in Chelsea, guests can get down to the bar’s game level on a 20foot slide after checking out a comedy show, live event or musical performance at the bar or lounge.
With weekend hours extending as late as 4 a.m., Slate’s numerous activities make it the perfect spot for a long night out. From arcade games to traditional bar billiards, it is impossible to be bored in this venue. The website
Olivia RainsOn
| nOv. 7, 2024
offers a nightlife events calendar featuring upcoming performances and special events as far in advance as New Year’s Eve.
Tickets can be bought from $5 to $20 for general admission depending on when purchased. Acquiring a table requires an email to the venue. Reservations can be made as well for parties of five or more.
Paradise Lost
For a taste of summer, try Paradise Lost — a tiki bar hidden behind an unassuming and partially unnamed storefront. Located on the Lower East Side, this spot is walk-in only and open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. every night. Naming itself as “smack dab in the middle of the Abyss,” Paradise Lost creates a mythical story about its origins where guests are the stars.
Offering a myriad of decorated drinks with a key explaining the menu’s various symbols, visitors can choose their cocktail based on strength, potential allergens and more. Serving wine, beer and virgin drinks, there is something for everyone. They even have merchandise, ranging from bar memorabilia to apparel.
Paradise Lost’s proprietors have also included a note on the menu acknowledging the legacy of tiki is “one built on cultural appropriation and erasure,” stating they are dedicated to creating a new experience surrounding the culture. A portion of their proceeds are donated to Global Greengrants Fund and the NY Civil Liberties Union.
Overstory
A swanky cocktail bar, Overstory is the
perfect spot for a classy night out. Making the list as the third-best bar in North America and 15th-best in the world, this contemporary cocktail bar is located on the 64th floor of 70 Pine Street in the Financial District.
Guests can make reservations to guarantee availability, though it will cost $75 per person for a food and beverage minimum. Otherwise, take your chances as a walk-in for a taste of the uniquely named cocktails they have to offer — from the “Pink Tuxedo” to “The Last Frontier.”
The food is just as impressive as the drinks, with posh appetizers and eccentric mains such as potato croquettes and tuna toast. The menu can be enjoyed on their outdoor deck featuring a panoramic view of New York City.
Houston Hall
In the historic West Village lies a massive beer hall behind a large wooden arch door. Full of long picnic and standing tables, there is plenty of room for watching five sports games at once with craft beers and tavern fare. Happy hour is offered from Tuesday-Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and all day Sunday. Every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Houston Hall hosts Boardy Barn, a Long Island institution best defined by the smiley face stickers handed out. Open until 2 a.m. on weekends, this beer hall holds a large crowd for a long time. This bar has even been named a 2024 The Knot Best of Weddings winner, an award based on real couples’ reviews. Even if you aren’t getting married, it’s a worthwhile spot for any other party or special event.
Next time you’re planning a night out, try checking out one of these spots!
Photo Courtesy / Youtube DIVE BAR BEAU
Photo Courtesy / Youtube SlateNY
Photo Courtesy / Youtube Houston Hall NYC
Photo Courtesy / Youtube jake valianes
Photo Courtesy / Youtube Tiki Triangle
Kamala’s Christian Conundrum
How Democrats have failed to fulfill Christians.
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris made the political world buzz at a rally last week when she reprimanded Christian attendees for screaming “Jesus is Lord” during her speech.
The vice president gave a response that was clever to those in attendance, calling out the hecklers for being at the “wrong rally.” She said they should “instead go to the smaller one down the street,” referring to the Trump rally.
Even though Harris received thunderous applause, the optics of the situation led to a divided reaction overall. Many have pointed to the incident as yet another example of the Democrats failing to connect with Christian audiences.
While the notion is certainly on the mark, this reality isn’t simply due to “trash-talking.” Christian voters have lost trust in the Democratic Party, not because of comments similar to what Harris said at the Wisconsin rally. The true culprit has been the party’s lack of appealing to demographics that tend to be followers of the religion.
Since Christians vote more on average than other demographics, they have a significant impact on the outcomes of elections.
The constituency is primarily represented in rural areas, parts of the country where manufacturing has historically and contemporarily been the backbone of the economy.
For most of the 20th century, these areas were considered Democratic strongholds. But this began to change due to the party’s shift away from pro-labor policies in the 1990s.
The North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), established by the liberal Clinton Administration in 1994, created a 3-way agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico limiting tariffs and other barriers to free trade between the 3 countries.
This sounded good on paper, but in practice it led to millions of rust-belt manufacturing jobs being sent away.
The economic downturn led to a loss of trust in democratic leadership, thus Republicans began to gain more ground.
This was exacerbated during the 2016 election season.
The Democratic Party chose to back Hillary Clinton, the wife of the man who orchestrated NAFTA and someone who was the epitome of the so-called D.C. establishment.
In contrast, the Republican Party unified under Donald Trump, a so-called populist who portrayed himself as a political outsider who would solve the rural economic problems caused by career D.C. politicians.
Trump also ushered in a new era of culture war sentiment within the Republican Party.
He and most Republicans have stated that Democrats pushing for more immigration has been a big cause of their worsening economic conditions. Further radicalizing rural, predominantly Christian Americans against the Democratic Party
Data shows that this is overblown. Immigrants commit crimes and traffic illegal drugs at less rates than natural-born U.S. citizens
Despite this, Democrats have and still con-
tinue to treat this as a legitimate grievance and even give credence to it in some cases.
Instances such as Kamala Harris refusing to condemn the border wall —a shift from her stance four years ago — don’t serve to benefit her party because this type of sentiment has been dominated by the Republicans to target liberal politicians. It’s simply not feasible to expect these types of voters to choose Harris when Trump has been advocating for the same policies for a lot longer.
Harris’ “wrong rally” comment may have annoyed some Christian voters, but poor political instincts and policy shifts are the true reason why Christians will continue to cost the Democrats electorally.
Micah Grayson | nov. 1, 2024
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Sky News Australia
102ND EDITORIAL BOARD
Olivia
torcheic@gmail.com torchads@gmail.com
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.
olIvIa raInson
MANAGER
nICholas DIaGostIno
CO-BUSINESS MANAGER
Carter KIZIK CO-BUSINESS MANAGER
suZanne C eChalsKI ADVISER
STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS
Ashley Cando
Catherine Pascal
EDITorIAL PoLIcY
Jason Petrucci
Daniel Meisel
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.
coNTrIBUTIoNS
All letters submitted for publication must include the author’s name, email and affliliation to St. John’s. Limit letters to 350 words. Submissions may be edited for clarity. Please submit letters to torchopinion@gmail.com
ABoUT ThE Torch
The TOrch is the official, independent student newspaper of St. John’s University. The Torch is written, edited, designed and produced by students of the University. The TOrch is published througout the week at torchonline.com. There is a weekly newsletter on Wednesday afternoon, as well as a full digital publication each month.
ADVErTISING
To advertise in The TOrch contact torchads@gmail.com. Advertisements can be purchased for placement on our website, in our newsletter and within our full digital publication. For more information, please see The TOrch Media Package located on our webisite.
Demanding the Fare Won’t Get You Anywhere
Malak kasseM | Oct. 30, 2024
In recent years, fare evasion on New York City buses has been incredibly frequent. This summer, the New York Times reported that one out of every two passengers board the bus without paying. Within the first three months of 2024, about 48% of riders skipped out on their dues, which were hiked last year to $2.90.
Numbers are a lot less staggering on the subway, where fare evasion rates are at 14% as of 2024.
One reason can be because subway service is much faster than hopping on a bus, which makes paying the fare a lot more appealing. Riders feel they are getting more for their penny. With a long work commute or commute to school, it feels like the subway is always the safer option because of its reliability. When New Yorkers go online to find when the trains are coming, they usually are accurate.
According to amNewYork, NYC buses are the slowest in the nation, with customers complaining of long wait times and jam-packed traffic.
Buses are supposed to run every 10 to 15 minutes during weekdays, however, they often don’t.
During a trip from Flushing to Astoria at around 5 p.m. on a weekday, the Q66 took approximately 40 minutes to arrive at the Main St./Roosevelt Ave. station, where about 50 people were waiting at the bus stop.
A car ride from the same departure to the arrival destination takes less than 20 minutes
compared with nearly one hour on the bus.
Even bus lanes, which are described by city agencies as “lanes [that] keep buses from getting stuck in traffic, making travel for bus riders fast and reliable and improving the overall traffic flow of a corridor,” fail to deliver the promise of fast service.
Bus lanes are available throughout many routes but bus operators often don’t use them, as they need to make way for other drivers making turns that often interfere with bus lanes on either side of the road.
Within the past few months, the MTA began screening a “fare required” message on the destination sign of many buses. Most riders already know that they need to pay the standard fee to ride a bus. This is a lazy solution. And the intimidation of city authorities, like the police department, is even worse. Instead, they should tackle the root of the problem: a lack of timeliness.
Rather than blaming riders, who should not have to spend an extensive amount of time in their day on what would otherwise be a relatively short commute, the MTA should put more buses on the road and hire more operators.
New York City’s lifeline is public transportation, which attracts thousands of residents, students and workers every year. If the public isn’t paying for the service, then the service is not worth paying for.
What Does a Donald Trump Presidency Really Mean?
The man who vowed to “fix it” must define what he will be fixing and how.
On Nov. 5, 2024, America made its fateful decision. The Associated Press called the election to favor Republican nominee Donald Trump early Wednesday morning, having him rise to power as the President of the United States of America for the second time.
I woke up in the morning to what felt like raucous applause, but what were really Instagram stories of my peers saying “God Bless America” and “Take America Back.”
The only thing I can think of in the wake of the election is to ask myself whether these people actually know what a Trump presidency is. The worst part about it is that I don’t even blame them for not knowing.
Trump has been startlingly vague about his intentions on the campaign trail. This was most prominent during the presidential debate where he said that he has “concepts of a plan” in response to a question about healthcare. What are these concepts? What is this plan? Why is he being so obscure about it?
Trump spoke to Fox News in a 2023 interview.
“No, no, no, other than day one. We’re closing the border, and we’re drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I’m not a dictator,” he said. On day one, Trump said he would cause mass deportations, start drilling for oil and firing special counsel Jack Smith who indicted him for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
This might seem fine, or even appealing, to Trump’s supporters. I can see why MAGA conservatives want a closed border. They do not believe in climate change and if Trump has to be a dictator for a day to achieve that, so be it.
Here’s the issue.
Dictatorships begin with someone being a “day one dictator.” They create a narrative that they will “fix” the emergency crises that are happening socially and economically in that country, they first need the power to do it.
Then they retain that power because it is simply too good to give up.
When Trump says that he will “fix it” for Americans, he really means fixing things for himself. Trump now has the ability to stack the Supreme Court with conservative justices who owe it to him to carry out his agenda long after he is done running for office. He can reinstate Schedule F, which will terminate the positions of federal workers and replace them with loyalists.
The Senate is now Republican-dominated as well, with no one to stop him from carrying out these outrageous demands on our Constitution. When the scales tip in Trump’s favor every time, checks and balances become more obsolete.
But at least he didn’t denounce God at a rally, right?
I have hesitated to call Trump a dictator. It
is a serious word with a heavy meaning that seems inherently un-American and inconceivable in a country with so many obstacles in place to get there. But he said it himself, so it is only fair that the rest of us acknowledge this to be who he is. He has not hid it. He has not said it in an enclosed room with only his most trusted advisors. He said this in an interview with Fox News. He has told Americans who he is and relies on his privilege and the manipulation of conservative sentiments to carry this out.
A Trump presidency is a testing of our democracy. It is allowing conservative traditions to stick for the majority of our lifetimes. It is the sentiment that blue-collar criminals can rot in prison without having the right to vote but a white-collar criminal can win an election. It affects journalists, union workers, federal workers, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women, minorities and middle-class workers.
Trump does not love you. He does not love God. He doesn’t care if you live or die, only if he can die with a legacy that shows history that we let a man have unchecked power in a country founded on checks and balances.
Carlyann Carey | nov. 6, 2024
Photo Courtesy / Unsplash CHUTTERSNAP
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Sky News Australia
‘Woman of the Hour:’ The Dangers of Casual Sexism
Anna Kendrick highlights issues of non-violent attacks on women.
Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, “Woman Of The Hour” was released to Netflix on Oct. 18. The film is based on the true story of a serial killer, Rodney Alcala, and is centered around his participation in a dating show in 1978. While focusing on Alcala’s vicious crimes, Kendrick highlights fear rather than excessive violence. Before viewing, the film’s context should be fully understood, as it could be triggering for many viewers.
The film mainly focuses on Sheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring young actress. To gain recognition, she goes on “The Dating Game,” where she encounters Alcala. To Sheryl and the audience, the other two contestants fail under pressure and are blatantly misogynistic in their responses. However, unknown to everyone involved, Alcala has a violent personality.
The film is structured through flashbacks, showcasing three women’s perspectives on Alcala and their encounters with him. First, we see Amy (Autumn Best), able to escape Alcala after being attacked and sexually assaulted.
Celina Mullady | nov. 3, 2024
Her escape resulted in his arrest and eventual conviction. The next woman the film focuses on is Laura (Nicolette Robinson) who finds herself struggling to be in the audience after realizing Alcala had a role in her close friend’s disappearance.
Through Laura’s perspective, we see what many victims of violence experience: a lack of action by authorities. Laura attempts to report Alcala throughout the entirety of the film but is met with either a lack of interest or men who simply do not believe her. Because the police failed to listen to Laura, Alcala was able to continue sexually abusing and murdering multiple women.
Sheryl’s encounters with Alcala show viewers the quick but horrifying interaction she had with him. Kendrick’s acting in these scenes is subtle but portrays a powerful feeling.
She encapsulated the fear that many women understand and know all too well.
The film highlights the detrimental effects of casual sexism seen by victims of violence, specifically sexual violence. Laura’s story is
a prime example of how a lack of attention and care results in deadly outcomes for many women.
“Woman Of The Hour” takes a large amount of the violence out and replaces it with the fear that the women in those situations felt. Compared to other films dealing with true crime, this film showcases women’s stories without only showing the brutal violence that happened to them.
In an interview with the podcast “Crime Junkie AF,” Kendrick stated that she felt “gross” about making money off this film. In turn, she donated the gross earnings of the film to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and The National Center for Victims of Violent Crime.
Kendrick highlights women’s stories and the unfortunately common faults that come along with women speaking out. “Woman Of The Hour” is not just a depiction of violence, but a cautionary tale for sexism seen by women in their everyday lives.
Tyler, The Creator’s Bold New Chapter
The artist is matures with “CHROMAKOPIA.”
After a three-year hiatus, Tyler, The Creator is back with “CHROMAKOPIA,” an album that challenges conventional release strategies and invites fans to savor its depth. Instead of the typical Friday at midnight drop, Tyler chose Oct. 28th, a 6 a.m. Monday premiere, encouraging listeners to take a full week to digest this intricate work.
At the heart of “CHROMAKOPIA” is a gritty look at the realities of impending fatherhood. This 14-track journey is a nostalgic and introspective dive into Tyler’s psyche, touching on themes of paranoia and growth. Tyler confronts his fears and anxieties with raw honesty in “Hey, Jane,” rapping “Who am I to b— and complain? You’ve got to deal with all the mental and the physical change.” This reflective lens reveals not just his vulnerability but also a touching commentary on the emotional and physical challenges of parenthood, making it a standout moment in his discography.
Musically, the vibrant album pays homage to every era of Tyler’s career. From the breezy synths of “Take Your Mask Off,” reminiscent of “Flower Boy,” to the grunge-infused power
Catherine PasCal | oCt. 31, 2024
of “Rah Tah Tah” and “Thought I Was Dead,” there’s something here for everyone. The album features guest appearances, including Daniel Ceaser, Teezo Touchdown, Childish Gambino, Doechii, Schoolboy Q, Lil Wayne, and GloRilla, amplifying the experience.
In “Darling, I,” Tyler creates a moment of playful optimism amidst the album’s dark themes, where he ponders his sexuality against the backdrop of celebrity culture. The bridge simplifies the track’s overall message, saying, “Everybody’s different, you know, it’s not just sex, I get different things from different people, and I want you to explore it too, have those moments and experiences.”
In contrast, “Sticky” erupts with chaotic energy, featuring a dizzying blend of whistles and chants, causing GloRilla and Sexyy Red to stumble over the beat. Even Lil Wayne is nearly drowned out by the rhythmic beat.
“Balloon” offers a brief yet captivating escape, blending iconic samples like Luke’s “I Wanna Rock” with glitchy synths reminiscent of a Super Mario game. Doechii shines here, delivering a manic verse that showcases her undeniable talent.
Seven albums in, Tyler proves he can still reinvent himself, crafting a fresh and daring project. As he gears up for “CHROMAKOPIA: THE WORLD TOUR,” kicking off on Feb. 4 in Los Angeles with Lil Yachty and Paris Texas, there’s no doubt this album sets the stage for an exhilarating new era. With this album, Tyler, the Creator, has not just returned to the music scene. He’s taken a bold leap forward, inviting listeners into his world with humor and heart.
Photo Courtesy / Tyler, The Creator
‘Anora:’ Chasing the American Dream
Sean Baker’s newest film tells a ‘Cinderella’ story.
The latest recipient of the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or main prize, “Anora,” was initially released into select theaters on Oct. 18 and has now received a full nationwide roll-out, beginning on the weekend of Nov. 1.
This film’s lengthy runtime follows the titular Anora (Mikey Madison), a young sex worker from Brooklyn, who quickly marries into the mysterious and lavish life of Ivan Zakharov (Mark Eydelshteyn). But after a two-week honeymoon period, their marriage is chaotically interrupted after Ivan’s powerful father hears of the wedding and wishes for the couple to be broken up.
The first act of this idyllic fairytale is laden with graphic sexual scenes depicted in various strip clubs and parties — not an uncommon occurrence in a film directed and written by Sean Baker.
“Anora” falls perfectly in line with Baker’s attempt at covering the world of sex work tastefully and without sensationalizing the profession. Whether it be the tarnished and disgraced lifestyle of a former porn star in “Red Rocket,” or the shameful stigma surrounding prostitution shown in “The Florida Project,” Baker has made a career-long effort to give validity to people in these situations.
On the constant theme of those on the “margins” of society in his filmography, Baker sees this as an extension of America’s oldest adage.
“I like to see it as people who are chasing the American dream, but don’t have easy access to it,” he said in an interview with NPR. “They’re perhaps an undocumented immigrant, or perhaps they have a livelihood or a lifestyle that has an unfair stigma applied to it. And so they have to find other ways of actually pursuing the American dream.”
After Anora’s quest for the American dream is seemingly complete, the clock suddenly strikes midnight on her Cinderella story, prompting an almost slapstick comedy to play out for the second act. Pushing a small amount of tonal whip-
lash aside, this switch to a goofy romp through the streets of New York City astoundingly works.
Thanks to the introduction of new characters and a well-placed reliance on the lead performance, this middle section is hilariously fun and a highlight of the film. In this second act, a mounting stress comparable to Scorsese’s “After Hours” or The Safdie Brothers’ “Uncut Gems,” begins to accelerate the film towards its nerve-racking climax.
For Baker’s final act, the comedy is neglected in favor of a more pensive and reflective look at Anora’s journey, resulting in an emphatic emotional ending.
In a brave and truly special performance, Mikey Madison perfectly matches the wide tonal shifts of this film through a deeply layered central performance. Contrasting her over-the-top Brooklyn accent with many moments of vulnerability, Madison elevates the film into an endearing and heartbreaking character study.
Baker’s protagonists usually lack much empathy or are sometimes despicable, but the mold is broken with Anora. Madison deserves much acknowledgment for this change due to certain line deliveries or actions that reveal this character’s thoughts and motivation without explicitly telling the audience.
Madison’s scene partner Eydelshteyn at times steals the show with his silly and sometimes pathetic portrayal of Anora’s knight in shining armor, Ivan. He breathes life into what could have been a dull or annoying playboy character, creating a memorable performance in his breakout role.
The cinematography grounds this heightened reality that the film offers, creating a surreal environment, similar to Baker’s previous works. The film’s accompanying soundtrack is most prevalent in the first act, also adding to this story’s fairytale and dreamlike atmosphere.
All of these stellar aspects put together create one of the year’s finest and most unique films.
‘Heartstopper’
Season
Three: Fall Hard, Love Harder
DaNiel meisel | Nov. 6, 2024
‘Anora:’ Chasing the American
“Heartstopper” — a coming-of-age romance set in the United Kingdom — follows queer youth as they navigate the challenges of relationships and figuring out their futures. Compared to other shows with LGBTQ+ storylines, it depicts wholesome stories of queer joy and love.
The first season was a smash hit when it dropped on Netflix in the spring of 2022, as reviewers praised the series for its charm and depictions of queer characters.
This season details and expands on the events from volumes four and five of Oseman’s graphic novels, which see the exploration of heavy topics like mental health, eating disorders, transphobia and self-harm. It follows main characters Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) as they navigate their deepening relationship and help Charlie combat his past trauma.
While “Heartstopper” used to be tightly focused on the lives of Nick and Charlie in season one, seasons two and three highlight the side characters’ storylines. The new episodes follow familiar faces like Tara Jones (Corinna Brown) and Darcy Olsson (Kizzy Edgell) who have to individually face their futures and discover their place in life. This season also highlights other characters who haven’t gotten as much attention like Charlie’s older sister Tori Spring (Jenny Walser), Imogen Heaney (Rhea Norwood) and Isaac Henderson (Tobie Donovan). Their storylines portray perspectives of sibling devotion, compulsory heterosexuality and asexuality.
Despite these heavy storylines, the show never loses sight of the hopeful and sweet nature it has cultivated. As it endeavors to highlight the queer joy and beauty of queer love despite the challenges and situations life throws these characters’ way. These various storylines push the belief that no matter what, love overcomes all.
“Heartstopper” season three has been just as well received as its two preceding seasons. Various news outlets have showered the season with praise, with Collider writing the show “pushes itself into a new, more exciting chapter, embodying the coming-of-age genre like few other shows on television.” Forbes calls the release “a true hit among both critics and audiences.
This season has been another smash hit for the franchise. Although the prospective fourth and final season has not been officially confirmed by Netflix or Oseman themselves, it is a sure shot.
James Williams | Nov. 6, 2024
Photo Courtesy / YouTube NEON
Shawn Mendes is Finally ‘Figuring it Out’
The “Stitches” singer is back — on his own terms.
On July 27, 2022, Shawn Mendes posted a message for his fans on Instagram sharing the cancellation of his world tour for the album “Wonder.” Later revealing in a New York Times tell-all that this decision lost him a potential $100 million, Mendes decided to put his mental health above stardom and subsequently disappeared from the public eye for two years.
Driving aimlessly and traveling across the country, Mendes sought refuge from the toxicity of the industry and the turmoil dictating his mental health. Feeling lost and uninspired, the singer did not return to his creative roots until the release of his single “Why, Why, Why” on Aug. 8 of this previous summer. With this track birthed a new and grown Mendes: he is no longer the boy-next-door pop star.
The first single on his self-titled album reveals insight into how he’d been spending his time out of the spotlight. Aptly titled, Mendes is still trying to figure out why he returned to music — while also wondering why he left in the first place.
Incorporating clear influence from Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills & Nash and John Denver, the forthcoming album “Shawn,” set to release on Nov. 15, is ripe with folksy blues and harmony. Turning to stronger production and meaningful lyrics, his newest album shies
Olivia RainsOn | nOv. 10, 2024
away from the catchy synthetic pop his previous discography demonstrated.
Vulnerable lyrics such as “I thought I was about to be a father / Shook me to the core, I’m still a kid / Sometimes I still cry out for my mother” lead fans to question who he is referencing, specifically whether it is about ex-girlfriend Camila Cabello. However, Mendes has set the record straight about where he stands with Cabello, stating that he is one of her closest friends and would “probably be the first person I call” in an emergency.
Following the album’s first single came “Isn’t That Enough” on the same day and “Nobody Knows” on Sept. 12. Continuing his vulnerability on these tracks, Mendes alludes to his struggles and a potential lost romantic relationship.
Short but sweet, “Isn’t That Enough” continues Mendes’ hopes to return to normalcy in the unknown. A supplement to “Why, Why, Why,” this track enforces the singer’s concerns about rejoining the spotlight.
“Nobody Knows” is a candid ballad about a relationship where two people love each other — but it may not be enough. Asking “Where does it go?” when referring to love lost, some think Mendes is referring to his previous relationship with Cabello, which lasted around two years despite the pair meeting in 2015.
Released on Nov. 1, “Heart of Gold” honors
Mendes’ childhood friend who passed away from a drug overdose. Expressing regrets of becoming estranged from his friend, the lyrics admit “In the end, we didn’t talk much / I didn’t know what you were goin’ through.” This track is dedicated to “anyone out there who has lost someone.” On Oct. 18, Mendes performed this song in Brooklyn to pay tribute to late One Direction singer Liam Payne.
Along with his mental health struggles, Mendes has shared his grapples with his sexuality. At a show in Colorado on Oct. 28, the artist said that he is “just figuring his sexuality out.” He has long been dealing with rumors concerning his sexuality since he started in the industry — something that he believes cannot “be put in a box.”
Clearly, Mendes is turning a new leaf upon his re-introduction into the limelight: one focusing on honesty, vulnerability and passion.
‘The Third Gilmore Girl:’ Kelly Bishop’s Path to Stardom A look into dancer and actress Kelly Bishop’s evocative new memoir.
Fall classic “Gilmore Girls” was the kickstart of many of its cast’s mainstream acting careers. For Kelly Bishop, who played the family’s matriarch Emily Gilmore, the show began after she had already garnered much success in the entertainment industry.
In her new memoir, “The Third Gilmore Girl,” published Sept. 17, Bishop details her unique path to becoming one of the most well-known, unique television grandmothers. She writes in a raw, conversational manner, allowing readers to be fully immersed in Bishop’s experiences in show business and her mindset during each period of her life.
The foreword is written by “Gilmore Girls” creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, a name familiar to fans of the iconic show. She set the stage for Bishop’s captivating life story. Bishop’s decades-long career in dance is at
alexandRa PRettitORe | nOv. 9, 2024
the center of the memoir. From a humble upbringing in Colorado, she became a respected and notable dancer, performing in many smaller productions before earning her breakout role as Sheila in the Broadway show “A Chorus Line.”
Despite the title of the memoir suggesting that “Gilmore Girls” was the pinnacle of her profession, Bishop actually dedicates more time in her book to her Tony Award-winning role in “A Chorus Line.” Providing vibrant context to her transition from dance to acting.
The detailed narrative throughout the memoir allows readers to understand this poignant connection — Bishop’s career and personal life are intertwined.
She also includes deeply personal anecdotes throughout her memoir, unabashedly describing her familial, romantic and platonic
relationships, offering insights into both the triumphs and hardships they entailed.
The actress covers several difficult topics, such as her father’s alcohol abuse, a failed marriage and her experience with abortion. Bishop effectively conveys her strong spirit and gives readers a better understanding of who she is outside of her famous roles.
Bishop dedicates the memoir to her late husband Lee Leonard; although he does not appear until later in the book, readers can feel his presence throughout. She beautifully describes their devoted marriage and his heartbreaking death.
Bishop is witty and confident. Unlike Emily, however, she isn’t passive-aggressive at all; Bishop’s straightforward, unapologetic nature is what makes her memoir truly shine.
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Shawn Mendes
Red Storm Volleyball Rolls Past DePaul, 3-1
Erin Jones produced her fifth triple-double of the season at Friday night’s match.
Jason Petrucci | nov. 9, 2024
The St. John’s Women’s Volleyball Team (18-10, 7-7 Big East) returned to their homecourt following a two-game road trip in a 3-1 win against the No. 4 DePaul Blue Devils. The Red Storm were desperately looking to add a win after losing to No. 2 Marquette and No.1 Creighton as the season nears its conclusion and the Big East Tournament looms ahead.
The team took the time before the contest to celebrate junior middle blocker Magda Stambrowska for 500 career kills. Junior setter Erin Jones led the way for the Red Storm on Friday night, posting her 5th triple-double of the season, with 15 kills, 22 assists and 11 digs. The New Mexico native posted a 40.7% clip.
Jones wasn’t the only Johnny with a stellar performance — senior outside hitter Giorgia Walther produced a match-high 15-kill performance with a 30.3% attacking clip.
The first set remained close throughout play but St. Johns fell to an early 6-2 deficit charged by DePaul graduate student Jill Pressley’s four kills. Following the first timeout, the Red Storm were just outside of reach, trailing 18-16. Led by two kills from Jones, they shifted some momentum and tied the set at 20. The set was ultimately handed to DePaul in a 25-23 shootout, with the final kill earned by Pressley. The Red Storm had 14 combined kills to DePaul’s 15 in the first set, with eight errors compared to the Blue Demon’s six.
St. John’s came together and led the second set after trailing 5-1 in the opening frame. Jones led the set for the Johnnies, scoring four kills
and five assists. The Red Storm looked to have the set won with ease leading 23-17, but faced sloppy play of their own, committing three attack errors on a 4-0 DePaul run before regrouping with a timeout. The set was won by St. John’s off an attack error from Pressley, her third of the set, tying the match at one set each. DePaul’s offensive scheme was limited after committing 10 attack errors in the second.
St. John’s claimed a win in the third set, one that resulted in 14 different ties. It was a battle until the Johnnies took advantage of backto-back attack errors from DePaul’s Pressley, bringing them to an 8-3 run to finish out the set. Junior outside hitter Lucrezia Lodi led the Storm to a second straight set with seven kills, while Walther put up six kills. Lodi finished with 14 kills and 10 digs on the night to notch a double-double.
The Red Storm’s momentum continued in the fourth set, jumping out to a 15-10 lead led by two kills from Jones. DePaul’s fighting efforts, capitalizing off three St. John’s attack errors, weren’t enough, bringing the game to an 18-16 St. John’s lead. The Johnnies rallied together to finish off the Blue Demons in a 25-20 fourth-set victory.
The final set scores were 23-25, 25-21, 25-23 and 25-20.
Three different Johnnie’s scored 10 plus kills, while senior setter Wiktoria Kowalczyk continued her outstanding assisting season with 27.
The St. John’s backcourt was defended successfully by sophomore libero Rashanny Solano Smith, who picked up her highest dig total in the past four games with 20.
Men’s Soccer Advances in Big East Tournament
St. John’s was locked in on a one-score nailbiter until some late insurance.
James Williams | nov. 10, 2024
The St. John’s men’s Soccer team narrowly beat the No. 6 Seton Hall University Pirates 2-0 on Nov. 9, officially punching their ticket to the semifinal round of the Big East Tournament.
Last year, the Johnnies’ season was heartbreakingly ended in a 2-1 overtime loss to the University of Connecticut in the first round. This time around, Coach David Masur and his team have put themselves in a position to succeed.
In the final month of the regular season, the Red Storm finished strong with a 5-2-2 record (ending 8-5-5 overall this season), and clinching the No. 3 seed in the Big East.
They carried this late-season momentum into the matchup against Seton Hall, playing strong on both sides of the field for the first 20 minutes of the game.
After senior defender Thomas Lamaillie’s blocked flying header nearly gave the Johnnies an early lead, the team’s assist leader Miguel Diaz broke through Seton Hall’s defense on the next possession for a one-on-one chance.
Diaz’s shot was rejected, but the crafty forward rebounded his own miss and passed behind him to junior midfielder Julian Jakopovic who delivered a strike into the bottom right corner of the net. St. John’s secured a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute.
For the rest of the first half, both teams traded possessions resulting in missed shots or defensive stops. After this initial goal, the referees became a large factor in the game — slowing the pace to a crawl thanks to excessive foul calls.
Partially due to some colorful acting by Seton Hall players and many suspicious calls altogether, 17 fouls were dished out in this first half which killed many chances for both sides.
St. John’s held on to this fragile 1-0 advantage going into halftime while leading all major statistics. The Pirates were outshot 6-1 by the Red Storm, with Jakopovic’s sole goal being the only on-target shot for each side. The Johnnies held a lead in fouls, having 10 against Seton Hall’s seven.
Despite supremacy in the box score for St. John’s, possession was
even for the entire second half.
The Johnnies and Pirates continued this tale of missed chances for most of the half, begun by an emphatic near miss by Diaz off of the crossbar in the opening minutes. The questionable officiating continued as well, with three yellow cards being given out in the first 20 minutes of the half.
In the 83rd minute, Lamillie scored his first goal of the season on a push led by fifth-year forward Nigel Griffith that ultimately won the game for St. John’s with a final score of 2-0.
After the final whistle, an explosion of euphoria and relief came from the Red Storm bench as they avoided the disappointment felt last year and earned their way into the next round. They maintained their leads in shots at 11 to Seton Hall’s eight and shots on goal with four to the Pirates’ two. Eight more fouls were called in the second half — bringing the Johnnies 14 on the night compared to the Pirates’ 11.
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
St. John’s Impresses Against Saint Peter’s in Blowout Season Opener
Full-court
defense played a major factor in the victory.
The St. John’s Women’s Basketball program began its 50th season with dominance as they cruised to a convincing 80-39 win against the Saint Peter’s Peacocks.
Head Coach Joe Tartamella enters his 13th season at the helm for the Red Storm and returning with him are eight veteran players and six new recruits to round out the roster. After an 18-15 record last season and a disappointing exit in the first round of the Big East Tournament, St. John’s hopes to find balance between the returnees and fresh faces to build off a lackluster season.
Tartamella employed a smothering full-court press in the opening minutes of the season as junior guard Tara Daye was used to monitor Saint Peter’s guards inbounding.
Regarding this bold opening gambit, Tartamella still sees room for improvement if the press should become a recurring strategy throughout the season.
“I think with the personnel we have and the depth we have, we feel like we have the ability to do it,” Tartamella said after the game. “We’ve gotta get a lot better at it, but you can see the potential in how we can play.”
This tactic resulted in Daye’s first basket of the season, she picked off a pass and finished through contact for an and-one, giving the Johnnies an opening 7-6 lead.
St. John’s guards continued to impact the game in a major way during this first quarter, senior guard Lashae Dwyer made her presence known in her Red Storm debut. The former Miami transfer ended the quarter scoring five points on a 7-0 team drive thanks to a crafty layup and three-ball on back-to-back possessions. St. John’s led 22-13 after the first quarter.
From that point on, St. John’s took their manageable lead and ran away with it.
Another new transfer — graduate student guard Ariana Vanderhoop — opened the scoring floodgates in the second quarter when she delivered a three-pointer in the first two minutes of play. She finished the game with 14 points and one rebound.
Defensive chaos created by the press, with lockdown interior defense from Daye and senior forward Phoenix Gedeon caused 19 overall Peacock turnovers in the first half — resulting in a staggering amount of fastbreak scoring opportunities for the Red Storm.
St. John’s scored 26 unanswered points in an unbelievable run across nine minutes of play to finish up the second quarter. Saint Peter’s first basket came at the free-throw line with .44 seconds left, ending the half down 46-16.
At the half, the Johnnies possessed commanding leads in all statistics — including a 22-3 advantage in
St. John’s Basketball Enters AP Top-25 Poll
St. John’s Men’s Basketball is back in the national spotlight after five years, achieving a No. 22 ranking in the AP Top 25 Men’s Basketball Poll on Nov. 11. The team earned this spot with 178 points, highlighting their early-season promise.
The Red Storm entered the rankings following a powerful season debut that saw two victories over Fordham on Nov. 4 and Quinnipiac on Nov. 9. Key performances by RJ Luis Jr. and Brady Dunlap, who both scored over 20 points vs. Quinnipiac helped cement the ranking, after narrowly missing a spot in the preseason and week one polls.
points off turnovers, 24-2 points in the paint and 20 points from the bench to the Peacock’s five.
This Red Storm dominance continued well into the second half when the lead eventually climbed to over 40 points.
St. John’s biggest contributors, Dwyer and Vanderhoop, were both sent to the bench in the third quarter. Dwyer was the game’s leading scorer with 16 points on 7-11 shooting from the field and Vanderhoop hit four threes.
In practice, Vanderhoop’s shooting has been a major point of emphasis for herself and Tartamella.
“Everybody wants a coach that yells at you to shoot the ball,” Vanderhoop said after the game. “I’ve definitely been working on it in practice and it looks great.”
The impressive guard play from Vanderhoop, junior Skye Owen (7 pts., 1 reb., 3 ast.) and freshman A’riel Little (6 pts., 3 reb., 2 ast.) off the bench unit was no surprise for Tartamella.
“Our second team has beaten up our first team,” Tartamella said. “Whoever’s out there starting the game is, I think, is going to change all year.”
The Johnnies held supremacy in the box score the entire game, as they scored 34 points off of 27 Saint Peter’s turnovers. St. John’s scored 43 bench points to the Peacocks’ 11.
This ranking is significant, especially after Rick Pitino said at last month’s St. John’s Media day that the poll “is a joke” and “you can’t be serious about ranking anyone right now” regarding preseason rankings. While suggesting the polls should be viewed cautiously, their No. 22 spot is a good sign of what’s in store for the Red Storm.
After the team faces Wagner College on Nov. 13, their schedule will surely be a test.
On Nov. 17, Pitino will face his son, Richard Pitino, and the New Mexico Lobos at Madison Square Garden in the highly-anticipated Pitino vs. Pitino matchup.
From Nov. 21-22, the Johnnies head to the Bahamas to compete in the 2024 Baha Mar Championship, where they face No. 12 Baylor in the first round, and potentially No. 11 Tennessee or Virginia in either the championship or consolation game.
The team will conclude its regular season with matchups against Harvard, Kansas State in the Big EastBig 12 Battle and Bryant, before beginning conference play against DePaul.
St. John’s isn’t the only Big East team in this week’s rankings. UConn stands at No. 3, Creighton at No. 14 and Marquette at No. 15. Former opponent Rutgers sits at No. 24.
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
James Williams | Nov. 6, 2024
olivia seamaN | Nov. 11, 2024
SPORTS
St. John's Downs Quinnipiac
Behind Dunlap's Career Day
After grading Nov. 5’s season-opening blowout victory over Fordham a “C,” St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino likely would have handed the Red Storm an “F” for their first half performance in its successor.
Thanks to an unlikely hero, the hosts secured a 96-73 victory, but allowed Quinnipiac to stick around for a little bit longer than the Hall of Famer would’ve hoped.
“Sometimes you get what you deserve,” Pitino said. “We had two of the worst practices this week that we’ve had all season, and I told them, it’s going to bite you in the a— if you practice like that.”
Through 20 minutes of action against the Bobcats, St. John’s certainly bore teeth marks.
Quinnipiac, known for Head Coach Tom Pecora’s patterned zone defense, slowed the Red Storm down offensively and eliminated its most dangerous attribute. St. John’s attempted swinging the ball to break down the Bobcats’ approach, which did see positive results.
Deivon Smith (13 pts., 10 ast.) played beneficiary, burying a three-pointer and drawing a foul on another deep attempt, but his efforts couldn’t settle the out-ofsorts Red Storm. It didn’t help that junior Quinnipiac guard Ryan Mabrey connected on all five of his first attempts from beyond the arc, but even when his touch cooled, St. John’s appeared flat.
RJ Luis Jr. remained relentless. Starting in place of a sick Aaron Scott, the junior forward compensated for his disappointing performance four days ago. Now healthy, his athleticism was on full display by gashing the Bobcats on the offensive glass and creating multiple second-chance opportunities.
Reeling and searching for answers, the Red Storm turned to sophomore sniper Brady Dunlap.
Late in the first half, Dunlap connected on two corner threes, each of which cut Quinnipiac’s lead to four, resulting in a 39-35 deficit at the halftime buzzer.
Out of the break, St. John’s trans-
formed into a team unrecognizeable from before.
Fueled by Dunlap, Luis (24 pts., 13 reb.) and Simeon Wilcher, the Red Storm orchestrated a 15-4 run dating back to the first half and commanding a narrow lead for the first time since the games opening minutes.
As the pace increased, so did the highlights. The lopsided stretch saw a complete baptism from Wilcher (14 pts., 3 reb.). Wrapping around the top of the key, the sophomore guard blasted into the lane and posterized Bobcats big man Paul Otienno.
The play of the afternoon signaled a potential opening of the floodgates, of which Dunlap burst wide open.
On his way to a career day, the 21-year-old rattled in five of his seven three-point attempts, accounting for 20 points and four rebounds while serving as the catalyst in St. John’s’ second-straight win.
“I think Brady’s the reason we
blew them out,” Pitino said. “[He] did a super job of moving without the basketball.”
This wasn’t the first glimpse of “Bradymania” that fans have been treated to. Back in January of this year, Dunlap exploded for seven points in the opening two-minutes of a narrow victory over Providence.
But following the best game of his young collegiate tenure, he’s approaching things differently than the 2023-24 campaign.
“I’ve just been trying to keep a smile on my face and just go out there and have fun,” he said. “If I get back to that kid I was in kindergarten, just out there playing with my dad, if I get back to that type of joy, everything’s going to [figure itself out].”
Still undefeated, the Red Storm play its third-straight at Carnesecca Arena on Nov. 13 in a bout with Wagner before a major test against Richard Pitino and New Mexico at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 17.
Kyler Fox | Nov. 9, 2024
Torch Photo / James Williams