2.12.14

Exhbition displays SJU history pg. 3

Kerri Walsh Jennings vists campus pg. 4

P.A.R.E. hosts benefit concert for victims pg. 5

CAN THEY RUN? 13

STUDENTS LEFT WONDERING IF SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL CONTINUE PG. 4 TORCH PHOTO/SHANNON LUIBRAND

Photo of the Week

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Managing Board XCI

Kieran Lynch, Editor-in-Chief

Mitchell Petit-Frere, Managing Editor Shannon Luibrand Features Editor Natalie Hallak Chief Copy Editor Kyle Fitzgerald Online Editor Jenny Chen Asst. Chief Copy Editor

Samantha albanese Entertainment Editor Diana Colapietro Photo Editor

Olivia Cunningham Asst. Features Editor

Stephen Zitolo Asst. Sports Editor

Angelica King Advertising Manager

Gina Palermo Designer

jim baumbach

Advisor Talia Tirella Asst. News Editor

Christopher Brito News Editor Jon Perez Sports Editor diamond watts-walker Art Director Alexa Vagelatos Asst. News Editor

Directory Advertising (718)-9906756 Business 990-6756 Editorial Board 990-6444

Features 990-6445 News 990-6444 Opinion 990-6445 Sports 990-6444

Briawnna Brown Asst. Entertainment Editor

Entertainment Lindsay Lohan has “Mean Girls” reunion Lindsay Lohan and co-star Daneil Frazese meet up for a mini Mean Girls gathering.

Lifestyle Pg. 8

Lifestyle Love is in the air Married couples who got their start at St. John’s reminisce.

Lifestyle Pg. 9

Sports Johnnies upset No. 12 Creighton at MSG Deangelo Harrison leads St. John’s past Creighton down the stretch and complete the upset.

Sports Pg. 17 ILLUSTRATOR’S CORNER | OPINION PG. 15

The Torch is the official student newspaper of St. John’s University. The Torch is written, edited, designed and produced by students of the 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.

To contact The Torch by mail: The Torch, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439

The Torch is typically published on Wednesdays, approximately 20 issues throughout the academic year.

Circulation per issue is 3,500 copies distributed free on campus and through mail subcriptions.

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The Olympic Gold Medal won by Kerri Walsh Jennings at the 2012 London Games.

Think Outside...

News

3

Shuttle service faces uncertainty

University considers all options on continuing the shuttle service SAMANTHA ALBANESE Entertainment Editor The fate of the shuttle bus service is still inconclusive after SGI Executive members met with the University’s Vice President, Martha Hirst on Thursday, Feb 6.

“The University is considering all shuttle service options and no decisions have been made at this time,” Jackie Lochrie, associate dean of student services, said in a statement.

Speculation started swirling about the shuttle bus service last semester after Student Government Inc. posted a survey in November asking for students to evaluate bus services provided by the University.

Elizabeth Sheehan, president of SGI, said the survey acquired 643 anonymous responses and then discussed those results with Hirst on Thursday.

The results showed that 100 percent of the polled population would be affected if the University were to terminate the shuttle services, but in varying degrees: 92 percent would strongly disagree with the university discontinuing the service, and seven percent would

simply disagree and one percent would agree, according to Sheehan.

“We concluded from the results that many students are dependent on this particular service, and that sustaining the Manhattan shuttle is a necessity for upholding the Metropolitan Mission of the University and the academic success of students especially those in the School of Risk Management,” Sheehan said. “We also saw the tremendous value that exists in the shuttle service as a means of unifying all of the St. John’s campus so we asked the administration to consider exploring expanded shuttle service to Staten Island.”

Sheehan added that out of the 643 who took the poll, 544 individuals stated they use the Manhattan shuttle.

SGI spoke with the Staten Island Student Executive Board and found that many students from that borough take the ferry to the Manhattan campus to use the shuttle to go to the Queens campus, as the Staten Island shuttle only travels once in the morning and back at night.

SGI also said that in the comments section, some students stated the shuttle service helped influence their decision to attend St. John’s.

Junior Bailey Noone stressed that

removing the shuttle service would turn into a financial burden for her.

“For the amount of times I go back and forth between Queens and Manhattan, I would be broke from public transportation and uneasy traveling alone if the shuttle discontinued. Living and studying in Manhattan and knowing that I would be provided transportation was one of the main reasons I came to St. John’s. I would hate to see such a unique and special program that so many people feel passionate about suffer because a simple yet essential service to students be no longer catered to.”

“If the bus service were to be terminated, it would inconvenience a lot of students,” sophomoreMalcolm Catwell said. “We depend on the shuttle as an easy, quick, and safe way to get to campus and the train stations. I’d be more stressed without it, especially in bad weather or at night, because I would be forced to walk 15 to 20 minutes by myself, usually with a heavy bag on my back.”

“Student Government is dedicated to continuing dialogues with University administrators to advocate for the students, especially when it comes to important resources such as the shuttle,” Sheehan said.

Torch

Briefs COMPILED BY ALEXA VAGELATOS Assistant News Editor

Learn about the ‘March on Washington’ On Feb.18, join Phi Beta Sigma, Omega Psi Phi, NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha in a discussion titled ‘Strategizing the March.’ Conversation will focus on how the affiliated organizations of the main organizers of the March on Washington played a major role in executing the March. The event will take place in D’Angelo Center Room 128 at 7:30 p.m.

Go to human rights and cultural panel On Feb.18, a panel will be held in the Belson Moot Court Room in the Law School Building on the 2nd floor.

The panel is titled ‘Human Rights and AfroLatino Social Movements in the Americas.’ Several panelists with law and human rights backgrounds will speak on the topic of human rights and the presence of African Americans and Latinos in the Americas today. The panel will be held from 6-8 p.m., with a reception following from 8-8:30 p.m.

Admission is free to the general public, and alumni are welcome. For more information or to RSVP, contact Claire C. McKeever, Assistant Dean for Alumni Relations, at mckeevec@stjohns.edu or 718-990-6006.

Follow the Torch on Twitter: @SJUTorch

PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The University’s shuttle bus service faces uncertainty after SGI meets with executive vice president Martha Hirst.

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University archives reopened Artifacts belonging to SJU’s history on display at exhibit SHAWN MCCREESH Contributing Writer Administrators have put together an exhibition full of relics and artifacts detailing the University’s legacy over its 144 years of existence.

Founded in 1971, University Archives, the group responsible for assembling the display, pulled a handful of signature items with some dating back to the University’s infant stages in the late 1800s. The exhibitions are separated into four categories: student activities and school spirit, academics, student publications, and “what did students wear.”

Originally, University archivist Blythe E. Roveland-Brenton and assistant archivist Alyse Hennig organized the exhibition for a Student Affairs conference, but it was decided to continue the exhibition located on the third floor of St. Augustine Hall, until Feb. 20.

Among the artifacts on display in the student activities section include a student handbook dating back to 1953 and a ticket stub from the University’s debate team’s face-off against Villanova in 1934 at St. John’s original campus in Brooklyn, according to Roveland-Brenton.

Many of the artifacts on display illustrate the University’s long history as a Brooklyn-based college; the school originally had two campuses: one on Lewis Avenue and the other on Schermerhorn Street, according to the University website. However, both of these campuses had completely shut down by the early 1970s.

The academics section of the exhibit features a photo of two graduate students, both nuns, working with a professor on penicillin research back in 1943.

Roveland-Benton said the entirety of their research was used to write a master’s thesis.

An old promotional pamphlet dating back over a century ago (1909-1912) bears stunning calligraphy – another one of the many historical items inside the display case.

The “What did they wear” section of the exhibit contains perhaps the most comical artifacts. A cover from a Sequoya art magazine in 1950 features a senior on the front cover draped in the

PHOTO/IUNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

This freshman beanie is one of a handful of interesting artifacts on display on the third floor of St. Augustine Hall.

customary academic gown that senior students were required to wear all year during the 1940s and 1950s.

Roveland-Brenton described dress codes at St John’s to be common up through the 1960s, saying that “women were only allowed to wear dresses or coats, and men always had to wear ties.”

Perhaps the most baffling article of clothing in this exhibit is a little red cap, known as the “freshman beanie.”

Roveland-Brenton explained that it served as a prominent reminder of freshman hazing that not only existed among the student body at St. Johns, but was fostered by the University. This beanie

was included in the freshmen welcome package for years.

Freshmen wore these red beanies to be identified as such; it was common practice for sophomores to pick out freshmen and hand them their books to be carried to class. Thomas Gould, an alumnus who wore it back in 1954, donated this particular hat.

The student publications section was admittedly difficult for the archivist team to put together, not due to a lack of resources, but rather to an overwhelming surplus of them.

“It was difficult for us to pick student publications because there have been so

many over the years,” Roveland-Brenton said.

Some publications that did make the cut include some of the first issues of the now defunct Sparks literary magazine from the 1890s.

The Torch remains the oldest publication still in existence, first debuting in 1925.

The exhibition is not just meant for the pure enjoyment of those interested in history and school spirit alike.

“We are hoping that students will see this and want to donate things from their clubs for the historical records,” Alyse Hennig said.

dergraduate programs in the department of biological sciences, and has helped shape the department’s courses to provide students with a broad background in biology.

Her main emphasis has been molecular control of development in yeast and regulation of gene transcription. During her time at the University, Dranginis discovered and characterized a key fungal adhesion molecule, which has proven to be the key player in cell adhesion within a variety of types of fungal communities.

“I study the bread yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is called a ‘model organism’ because it is a good, cheap and convenient model for many fundamental biological processes as well as for the biology of human cells,” she said.

The discovery of this cell adherence has led to explanations of fungal behav-

ior and growth, and has proven to have implications beyond the field of basic research. This discovery is applicable in both the medical fields, as well as industrial fields, such as the brewing and winemaking industries.

As the world’s largest general scientific society, the AAAS is an international non-profit organization that formed in 1848. The mission of this organization is to “advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people,” according to their website.

The AAAS Council annually nominates new fellows who have been elected and recognized by their peers for their extensive efforts to advance science and research.

Dranginis felt humbled by distinction given from her colleagues.

“One must be nominated by several colleagues in the same field of scientific work, and elected by a committee of the AAAS,” Dranginis said. “That is the real honor: the knowledge that one’s colleagues respect one’s work enough to do that.”

Aside from the AAAS, from 19921997, Dranginis was awarded the Clare Boothe Luce Professorship. From 19992000, she was awarded the Faculty Researcher of the Year, in which she was recognized for her ““accomplishments in research resulting in receipt of competitive grants from both the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.” In 2003, she was awarded the Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship Award for excellence in graduate teaching.

Professor selected to prominent global scientific society

ALEXA VAGELATOS Assistant News Editor

The University announced the selection of Anne Dranginis, Ph.D., a professor of Biology at the St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as a fellow of an exclusive global scientific society on Feb. 6.

Dranginis will be recognized at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellows forum in Chicago, Illinois on Feb. 15 where she will be presented with an award in honor of advanced study and research.

Dranginis has served as both an anchor and inspiration in the University’s scientific programs, particularly the area of molecular biology, for over 20 years.

She has been a prominent faculty member in both the graduate and un-

SJU celebrates Women in Sports Day 5

Kerri Walsh Jennings speaks to students at annual event CHRISTOPHER BRITO News Editor The University celebrated the 17th annual Women in Sports Day on Saturday, featuring three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings as the keynote speaker.

More than 40 years after the Title IX law where Congress barred gender discrimination among educational institutions receiving financial aid, the University took the date to commemorate the achievements of female students within the community.

“Women in Sports Day is truly a community-wide event,” Mary H. Pelkowski, associate dean for student engagement, Division of Student Affairs, said. “It’s not just an athletics celebration—it’s a sorority, resident, and commuter student celebration as well.”

Pelkowski added that Athletics, Student Affairs, and Student Government Inc. partnered to coordinate the activities.

Professional beach volleyball player Walsh Jennings spoke at the formal gathering in Marillac Terrace and stressed the importance seizing the day.

She said Title IX was more than an equal opportunity for women in sports, but a chance to demonstrate what they’re about individually.

“It’s not the way you carry it, it’s how you carry it,” Walsh Jennings said. “Everything you need is inside of you.”

She played volleyball at Stanford University for four years and later as part of the U.S. Olympic team starting in 2000. Along with her partner Misty May-Reanor, both accumulated three gold medals (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012), losing only once throughout a 12-year stretch and are widely considered as one of the best beach volleyball teams of all time.

Walsh Jennings also spoke about her family’s instrumental role in her development as an Olympic athlete. Both her parents were athletes and influential with her sports career, but her mother taught her the importance of living with high moral character.

Brian Moloche, a junior in the ROTC program, admired Walsh Jennings’ trib-

ute to her roots.

“You can’t do anything without family, can’t do anything alone,” Moloche said. “You always need someone.”

Senior Margaret Gander thought Walsh Jennings’ message was on point with the day’s celebration.

“As a student leader and female, it’s very important for females to be highlighted in a positive way,” Gander said.

“It means so much more when an outsider comes and brings a refreshing perspective.”

Mairead Carr, a junior, marveled at how personable and real Walsh Jennings was.

“She was very encouraging,” Carr said. “You need to be well rounded to be successful.”

One of the honorees of evening and women’s soccer player, Lauren Ferris, won an award for her contributions and partipation in athletics and University community.

“It’s a great culmination for the hard work I’ve done here.” Ferris said. “I couldn’t have done it without my family, coaches and teammates.”

As for Walsh Jennings, being a mother of three hasn’t stopped her training toward the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.

“I get the question as to why am I still competing. When it comes down to it, my heart is still in it,” she said. “I love being a working mommy. I love chasing my dreams alongside my family and my husband.”

Aside from sports, her family goes to the beach and practices dancing during their leisure time. While Walsh Jennings and her kids haven’t tapped their feet to samba yet, she is currently learning Portuguese through Rosetta Stone.

“I love that [Brazilian] culture,” she said. “My goal is to beat them down at home.”

PHOTO/IDIANA COLAPIETRO

Kerri Walsh Jennings was the celebrated keynote speaker at Women in Sports Day on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Winter Olympic festivities come to St. John’s SAHARIN SULTANA Contributing Writer

Several students expressed both their delight and concern for the Sochi Winter Olympics on Thursday night during a special viewing of the first day of sporting events in the Sodano Coffeehouse.

The Sochi games come amid controversies ranging from potential terrorist threats, to journalists revealing the horrid conditions of their hotels, to apprehension over Russia’s denial of gay rights, to still unfinished construction.

Many western heads of state have snubbed the Russian government by not attending the opening ceremonies because of their concern for Russia’s human rights violations. This includes President Barack Obama, the British Prime Minister David Cameron and Ger-

man Chancellor Angela Merkel.

While watching the first day of events at the viewing party, Caroline Ponce, a freshman student, pointed out that this blatant refusal to attend could possibly foreshadow conflicts that may happen over time between the western and east“After many voiced concerns about the course, officials scrambled to make changes to the course. By Opening Night, modifications were still being made.”

ern parts of the world.

“If politicians are taking a stand against Russia it could lead to other problems and even a potential third world war,” Ponce said.

Department of Homeland Security indicated a possible terrorist plot involving toothpaste tubes that could be used to hide explosives on airplanes coming into the country, according to ABC News.

In response, both Russia and the United States banned all liquids and gels from being brought into the country on carry-on luggage. As for other possible threats, officials emphasized that Sochi would be closely monitored.

Upon arriving, journalists instantly criticized the lack of hotel accommodations at Sochi. Many took to social media to demonstrate the lack of heat, wifi, clean water, and doorknobs using the hashtag #sochiproblems.

Complaints also rose about the danger of one of the slope courses. Athletes had fallen and gotten injured during practice, with one being taken out of the games completely. After many voiced concerns

about the course, officials scrambled to make changes to the course. By opening night, modifications were still being made.

Many onlookers have also questioned if Russia is ready to host one of the most closely watched events in the world.

“The Olympics historically have been a time for all nations to put aside their conflicts,” Matthew Gualtieri, a fourth year pharmacy student, said. “The U.S. and Russia should put aside their conflicts to honor the spirit of competition.”

When asked for his thoughts on how these controversies could potentially impact the successfulness of the Olympics, Gulatieri was unfazed.

“Controversy makes things more exciting,” he said. “If anything people will want to watch more.”

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Students organize benefit concert for Philipines P.A.R.E. hosts concert to fundraise for Typhoon Haiyan victims CHEYANNE GONZALES Contributing Writer The Philippine-Americans Reaching Everyone organization hosted a benefit concert in the Little Theater on Friday night in response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in November.

In the aftermath of Haiyan, also known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, Philippine-Americans Reaching Everyone organized a night of entertainment, to help raise money for the people affected in one of the world’s strongest recorded storms in history.

“There were many members of P.A.R.E whose families were affected by the typhoon,” Audrey Prieto, president of P.A.R.E. said. “It’s a hard subject, and many people aren’t comfortable speak-

ing about it, but we’re here to support them and show them that we want to be here for them.”

The night began with the “Star Spangled Banner,” sang by Maria Marquez and followed by the Lupang Hinirang, Philippines’ national anthem, performed

by Mary Anne Contreras.

Dante Salamat was the opening act of the benefit concert, wowing the audience with a song he wrote about his collegiate years and typhoon tragedy.

The night consisted of 18 acts, such as Sinai’s Radical liturgical worship, Raaz: Bollywood, Archbishop Molloy High School Step Team, YouTube sensation Austin Luu, Jay Supreme (also known as Java John, a barista at DAC’s Starbucks) and many other musical performers.

The hosts for the night were Joanne Abordo, vice president of P.A.R.E. and Katrina Gorres, one of the events coordi-

nators for P.A.R.E. There was an entertaining raffle at the end of the night, where audience members who wanted to donate a dollar or more were entered into the raffle contest and won special prizes.

P.A.R.E. raised more than $350 from the admission free benefit concert, which is equivalent to more than 14,000 Filipino pesos, according to Prieto. However, P.A.R.E. has been fundraising since November and collected more than $2,000 thus far.

Prieto said the concert’s earnings will be sent to Nafcon and Anakbayan, two Filipino non profit organizations that work with other collegiate Filipino groups all over the New York area.

P.A.R.E. secretary Michelle Belasoto marveled at how other organizations were so receptive and willing to help on such a short notice.

“When the Typhoon Haiyan first hit we knew that we wanted to have an event, many people were reaching out to us,” Belasoto said. “We originally wanted to have the event in November or December, but there was no space available so we put it on the burners because of the winter event[s] and winter break.”

“A space finally opened up and the last two,three weeks we’ve been putting tonight together and many people have been helping to make this a great night,” Belasoto said.

Despite the rush of putting everything together, for Belasoto, the night was a complete success.

“It was our first time hosting something like this and with over a hundred people circulating in and out throughout the night and donating money,” Belasoto said. “I liked the fact that people came and showed support.”

PHOTO/ICHEYANNE GONZALES

Several musical acts and organizations put together the entertainment for P.A.R.E.’s benefit concert last Friday, resulting in more than $300 in donations.

Lunar Dinner celebrates Chinese New Year CAITLIN SULIVAN Contributing Writer The University celebrated the Lunar New Year in Marillac to commemorate the Year of the Horse last Friday.

The Chinese Cultural Association and Multicultural Affairs honored the Lunar New Year by putting together a dinner composed of several Asian dishes and traditional dances.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year typically consists of fireworks and dragon dances, the focus of the holiday is family. The Chinese New Year is celebrated in China with gatherings where families watch the CCTV New Year’s Gala, a popular television show with various skits and performances. At some point in the night, they exchange gifts.

Similar to how Chinese culture celebrates the festivities, a community atmosphere filled Marillac Cafeteria.

The event began with an opening prayer blessing everyone at the dinner.

Following the prayer, Chinese style containers filled with fortune cookies and dinner mints were used by students to wish a Happy New Year to those sitting at their table.

The decorations covering the tables and walls brought a new meaning to the importance of the New Year to Chinese

students.

“Great experience to celebrating the New Year as being a Chinese student,” Jenny Wang said. “St. John’s has fully understood the culture, especially with the delicious food served.”

Dinner included food such as chicken dumplings, chicken with broccoli, vegetable lo mein, rice, vegetable fried rice.

The dessert menu included ice cream, mini cupcakes, Italian cookies and bubble tea.

During the dinner, there were many performances depicting the Chinese culture for students and faculty members, most notably the dragon and ribbon dance.

The dragon dance was performed with radiant, energetic dancers circling the cafeteria in the traditional style of the Chinese culture. With the celebration of the Chinese New Year, the theme of community and living in unison was the focus of the night.

Celebrating the Lunar New Year was a unique learning experience for students who aren’t Asian.

“I’ve never celebrated another New Year’s,” senior Annmarie Russo said. “I loved the Lunar New Year because of the strong importance of family and tradition.”

PHOTO/ICAITLIN SULIVAN

The ribbon dance was of the cultural dances at the New Year Lunar Dinner.

Opinion Staff Editorial XCI KIERAN LYNCH Editor-in-Chief

MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE Managing Editor

7

Illustrator’s Corner

CHRISTOPHER BRITO News Editor SAMANTHA ALBANESE Entertainment SHANNON LUIBRAND Features Editor JON PEREZ Sports Editor

FLAMES OF THE TORCH Time to fill the Garden for run to March Five straight conference losses had to be the end of the line, right? Nope.

We’ll be honest, everyone here at the Torch thought the men’s basketball team’s hopes at a second NCAA tournament birth in the Steve Lavin was out of the question after that dismal start to Big East play. But we were wrong. Oh so wrong.

There’s not a doubt in any of our minds that the Johnnies are on a roll.

They’ve won six out of their last seven with the last three wins coming in conference play; D’Angelo Harrison is proving he can handle the big moment (ie: the clutch free throws against Creighton last Sunday); Rysheed Jordan is morphing into the type of player that a Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year is supposed to be (ie: two consecutive Big East rookie of the week honors); and most importantly, the Red Storm faithful is creating the type of atmosphere at games that a team on the cusp of something special deserves.

The days of seeing #FireLavin pop up on your Twitter feed have disappeared faster than it takes the aforementioned Jordan to score a coast-to-coast layup.

All the animosity that fans, students and alumni alike, targeted toward this team is a distant memory. The hope, the joy, the anticipation that something special can happen is back. And it couldn’t have arrived at a more perfect time.

But just because there’s a chance that the Tournament Selection Committee will announce St. John’s as a member of the field of 68 come March doesn’t mean the University’s community should sit tight and hope for the best.

Now is the time to make the Garden

louder than its ever been for a Johnnies game. It’s time to make a RedZone trek to New Jersey to watch Lavin lead the troops against Seton Hall. It’s time to realize that students have off on Monday, which leaves no excuse for not filling up the Garden with thousands of screaming fans decked in red when Georgetown comes to town.

There’s a lot of talk in sports, both collegiate and professional, of teams not taking advantage of crucial opportunities – whether it’s hitting a late, game-clinching free throw or not drawing up the right play in a crucial spot.

Well, right now, in this moment of time, it’s important that the St. John’s community takes advantage of the opportunity to boost its team during this most crucial stretches of games this season. The next three games (away to Seton Hall, home to Georgetown and home to Butler) can end up being the difference between a season that culminates in a trip to the big dance or a short bus ride to the Garden for a dreaded NIT matchup with another underachieving program.

The Prudential Center, where the Seton Hall game will be held, is about an hour mass transit ride away, while the Georgetown and Butler games are completely accessible to all students because they’ll take place at the Garden.

While the incentive is on Lavin and co. to produce winning results in the next week, it’s the fans’ duty to supply the best support possible.

The time is now, Red Storm faithful.

Embrace this critical moment and be the reason St. John’s has a reason to celebrate come March.

EDITORIAL POLICY

Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of the TORCH. Columns 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 administrations of St. John’s University.

TO CONTRIBUTE

Mail letters to: The TORCH, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439 Submit letters via email to: torcheic@gmail.com

All are welcome to contribute to the Torch.

Please include your full name, year, and college (or department). Letters have a limit of 500 words and may be edited for content, grammar, or space. Unverifiable or anonymous letters will not be published. All letters are subject to the approval of the Editorial Board of the TORCH.

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/ DIAMON WATTS-WALKER

8

Embracing the single life RYEN WATKINS Contributing Writer

We all want “love”… right?

It seems as if the number of single college women in America was at an all time high in 2013 compared to any other year, according to theatlanticfiles.com.

But… why?

Did the number of single men decrease? Did finding the right man just become harder? Or are women in general uninterested in looking for love right now?

People normally graduate from college at about 22 years of age, in hopes to find a good job, then eventually settle down. According to Time magazine, the average age for women to get married is 27. So, realistically, should one be looking for their soul mate in college? Is that what college women expect to find?

“I came (to college) with the expectation to meet someone that I can pursue something with.”, says junior Tracy Chofur.

According to Cosmopolitan magazine, the worst city in America for single women is New York. Being a student at St. John’s University in Queens, it’s interesting to see what students on campus thought of the study.

“I understand why it would make the list or be the worst (city) because New York is so fast-paced, people aren’t con-

cerned about finding someone,” junior Ashley Michel said.

Surprisingly, most students agreed with the study.

“People come to New York City to fulfill hopes and dreams, it’s not really somewhere you would raise a family; so I can understand why it’s the worst city,” added junior Aja Murray.

There are a lot of factors and theories that explain why there are so many single women in general.

According to evanmarckatz.com, a lot of women are just too focused. Whether it’s work or school, a lot of women are entirely too busy. Unfortunately that may be a reason why most are single.

How can you possible have enough time to meet and or date guys when you have priorities that are just way more important?

Not saying that these women aren’t interested in being with someone, they just don’t have the time to begin the “process.” You know, actually taking the time to meet someone, and getting to know them.

“I don’t try to go out. I think that’s the main reason why I haven’t found anyone who I am interested in; my main focus is school,” junior Dominique Miller said.

During these college years, whether you’re in a relationship or not, the most important thing is to keep your head in the right direction. If you know that being in a relationship or dating will distract you from getting your degree, then dating may not be for you.

Whether it’s the holiday season or “cuffing” season, don’t let this

cold weather make you think that you need someone! Get to know you, and get to love you, before you get to know

and love someone else.

I’m sure that’ll make difference in the long run.

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Think Outside...

Lifestyle

9

London

KYLE FITZGERALD Online Editor

Less than 14 days into my study abroad experience, I packed my Union Jack socks and, four hours later, landed in London. Naturally when walking for about 15 hours a day I would see more than I can write about, so I shall only pick a few moments from my stay in the capital of Great Britain.

What did I do first? Did I gallivant my way aroundBuckingham Palace? Did I check out the skyline from the London Eye? I did both of those, but I had some business to take care of first.

I traveled onto the Tube via the Central Line and got off at Tottenham Court Road. My eyes immediately fixed upon what was in front of me: a gold, largerthan-life statue of Freddie Mercury right outside the Dominion Theatre. It only took me about six years to finally pay homage to the greatest vocalist in history and front man of Queen, but I finally did.

With that out of the way, I was free to get back to my weekend trip.

After stopping by Buckingham Palace, I made my way to Big Ben and the Parliament building through St. James’ Park. As I traversed through the greenery, the wildlife captured my attention specifically the ducks. These ducks weren’t the average mallard; standing up they would reach my knee. My jaw soundly dropped and I slowly made my way towards what else this city had to offer, trying to move on from what I just saw.

To be completely honest, I would say 85 percent of the reason why I went to London was just to visit Wimbledon, the greatest place in the whole wide

Restaurant

Buckingham Palace

Kyle at the George Washington Statue

Centre Court world.

I struggle to put into words the sheer tremendousness of the visit. My eyes grew three-fold when I walked into Centre Court and the press room. As difficult as it was, I had to part ways with this treasure after being there for only four hours.

One of the most intriguing parts of visiting a “big city” is seeing what it’s like during the nighttime, and London is one of the most attractive nocturnal cities. I guess the mayor – or somebody – thought it would be a good idea to adorn the city with lights.

It was a good idea.

Walking along the Hungerford Bridge provided the best view of the city. On my left was the London Eye, outlined in shimmering blue lights and, to my right, Big Ben with its clock illuminated with a green tint just above it. I could even see the Eye and Big Ben as far back as the Buckingham Palace, but I guess the size of those two structures certainly helped.

My final day in London turned out to be a hasty one. I had a short laundry list of things to do, such as taking a tour of Westminster Abbey. But I wanted

Big Ben

View of the Eye to make sure that I finished my expedition in style, and what better way to do that than a picture with our first president, George Washington. Unsurprisingly, I was the only one happy to see him in Trafalgar Square (except for that one other American who took a picture with him).

What is the biggest picture that I can take out from this trip? Well, aside from Wimbledon, I would say that it’s the crystal clear view of an illuminated London Eye and Big Ben. It’s perhaps the best view that the city has to offer, especially on a still and quiet Sunday night.

I still can’t get over the size of those ducks, though.

Sushi galore on Union Turnpike

R evie ws LIVIA PAULA Staff Writer If you’re looking for a nice Japanese place to eat and you don’t feel like taking a long trip to do so, Gan Da Sushi is the place to go. Just a couple minute walk from campus you can find this small and cozy Japanese restaurant nestled between buildings.

Located on the turn between Union Turnpike and Surrey Place, Gan Da Sushi is a great escape from the sameold-same from St. John’s cafeterias.

The handmade signs and drawings all over the walls catch your attention.

The calm music adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

A very friendly family runs this place–customer service definitely is not a problem here. When you enter you

will get a warm “hello” and “good-bye” every time.

The menu has a lot to choose from and a variety of rolls, but sometimes that can be confusing, especially since a lot of the rolls are very similar in terms of ingredients.

Perhaps it would be easier to choose something if they simplified the menu.

Gan Da Sushi also has many options on Japanese sodas and soft drinks too, but sometimes they are not quite cold – beware of that if you are the type that likes to eat something accompanied by a nice cold drink.

A very good thing about this place is its prices, and as you know the

majority (if not all) of college students are very attentive to those. Prices on the rolls vary from $3 to $13, but most of them are usually around $5 to $6.

The Lunch Box is a good deal too - for $6.95 you can get soup, noodles, side of broccoli, salad and pick between chicken or beef teriyaki.

The place is small so if you are planning on going with a large group, get ready to wait.

Even if you don’t wait for a table, you will most likely have to wait until everyone’s food is ready. If you are in a rush, I’d say don’t go for the chicken or beef teriyaki.

Since the place is small and there are not a lot of people working there it

can take some time for you to get your order - especially if the place is full.

Once again, because the customer service is very good, the owner/chef is the one who usually takes care of the food and serving for the most part.

Though it is a small place with about 20 seats, they are not the type of people who would try to rush the customers, you know, like those places where someone keeps walking by and asking constantly if you need anything else after clearing your table. The people from Gan Da Sushi are familiar and sympathetic with St. John’s students and staff; they even named one of their special rolls after the school.

If you are interested in the food but don’t really feel in the mood to wait around the restaurant, you can either call for pick up or delivery. Yes, they do deliver to campus – so don’t worry if you have the craving just not the courage to actually go there, they can definitely come to you.

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In life and love, St. John’s

SHANNON LUIBRAND Features Editor

Bob & MaryAnn

“Mary Ann said after all these years it is still the little things that Bob does that mean the most to her. She said she feels like they balance each other.”

Mary Ann said Bob’s proposal was extra special.

“He took the ring and put it in the chocolate box,” she said.

Bob wrapped the box back up making it look like it was never opened. Mary Ann said she had no idea and to this day, it is a great memory.

The couple said some of their favorite memories together took place during their time at St. John’s. Because St. John’s was a commuter school when they attended and Bob lived in Queens and Mary Ann on Long Island, some of their favorite memories came from showing each other they cared in creative ways. They would often leave notes on

their cars to find when they got out of class.

“It was always nice coming back to the car and seeing she left me a note and vice versa,” Bob said.

Bob said the couple also enjoyed going to St. John’s basketball games. And ironically, they only took one class together, Christian Marriage.

One of Bob’s favorite things about his wife, he said, is how passionate she is about everything she does. She is true to herself and gives everything her all.

“She works hard,” he said. “If you know her, she is very easy to get along with.”

Mary Ann said after all these years it is still the little things that Bob does that mean the most to her. She said she feels like they balance each other.

“He knows when I need a hug. And those hugs are the best,” she said. “Also, when for no reason he holds my hand when we are walking or sitting at mass.”

The couple enjoys going on vacation together too, especially on cruises.

“When we get away for the weekend or dinner just the two of us we can still spend time together and enjoy each other’s company,” Mary Ann said.

Mary Ann said she believes the couple has been successful because they are not just a couple, but they are friends, too. They have similar interests and enjoy the same activities.

“Bob and I are very family oriented,” she said. “We have instilled that in our kids.”

Bob agreed.

“It is nice having that shared history of St. John’s,” he said.

For the last few years, the couple has attended the Valentine’s Day mass held at St. Thomas More Church. They both said they believe this mass alone speaks volumes about St. John’s. They often interact and see couples at the mass that have been together for 40 years or more. It reminds them of their love for each other and their love for the place they met.

Bob said seeing the couples all together means a lot.

“I think it is a testament to the values that were instilled at St. Johns,” he said.

Facing adulthood hand-in-hand

In a crowded dining hall, Hannah and Andrew sit at a table with a group of friends, but they are having their own conversation. A few months before, they were strangers.

“Andrew and I met at Montgoris,” Hannah said laughing.

“He didn’t say a word the whole lunch.”

The couple met through mutual friends on a regular day in college. And despite their shy beginning, they were inseparable not long after. In a crowded college cafeteria, they could be alone in their own world.

“She is the love of my life,” Andrew, now 26, said. “I am just so lucky that we found each other in college.”

Andrew and Hannah, 26, were still teenagers when they met at St. John’s in 2005 and by March 2006 they were an item. Hannah was an English major and Andrew studied telecommunications, also known as computer science.

They both shared many common interests, including their devoted faith, passion for service and involvement in campus ministry.

3

Bob Guida had a year under his belt at St. John’s when he saw a sign on campus for co-ed bowling. He decided to sign up and went to the bowling alley alone to meet other St. John’s students. That’s when Bob met Mary Ann. Mary Ann was a freshman. They were put on the same bowling team with two other guys, but at the time Mary Ann was dating one of them. Instead, she tried to set Bob up with her friend.

“After she dated the two other guys I was head of the line,” Bob said laughing. “True story.”

“I saved the best for last,” Mary Ann said.

The couple started bowling together in September. By the end of the school year, they were together.

Mary Ann Guida, 49, class of ’85 and Bob Guida, 50, class of ’86, both received their undergrad and graduate degrees from St. John’s. Bob studied management and Mary Ann studied accounting.

They are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year. The couple now lives in Garden City and they have two children, a boy and a girl. They became engaged in 1988 on Valentine’s Day.

3

Finding love in life’s simple moments

It was on a plunge trip to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina that solidified their relationship, Hannah said.

The couple had their share of hardships though, even in college. Hannah said she had chronic health issues beginning in college, but no matter what obstacle they faced, they faced it together.

“Andrew is my biggest support,” she said. “Andrew has been there for me every step of the way.”

The couple dated all through college. They graduated in 2009 and got married in 2010 at St. Thomas More Church.

“It was the right place to get married,” Andrew said.

Hannah said it was a beautiful day both on campus and in their lives. Bringing together their faith, their college and each other on the same day meant the world to her.

“It was a beautiful way to start our life together,” she said.

They now have a 2-year-old son named Benjamin. The couple said they love being parents and sharing their lives

with him.

“He is the joy of our life,” Hannah said. “I didn’t k we could love somebody as much as we love Ben.” Being together and enjoying each other’s company s to be a theme for Andrew and Hannah. And even aft these years, laughter aside, Andrew said some of his f ite memories come from day to day activities with Ha in college, such as eating at Montgoris.

“Montgoris is so day to day,” he said. “It was very to day, but very special as well.”

Another favorite college memory the couple shar when Andrew visited Hannah when she was studying ab in Rome.

“It was a real blast,” Hannah said, remembering trav with Andrew and friends throughout the historic city.

The couple said they have countless memories to er in college and laughed as they recounted the lives lived just a few years ago. Their advice to young coup

12

alumni share their stories

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Tom & Barbara

3

Dancing through life together

It was April 1962 and Barbara O’Brien was a bridesmaid in a wedding for a fellow St. John’s alum. Barbara was single; she had graduated from St. John’s and was beginning her life as a teacher.

The single women lined up behind the bride, waiting to catch her bouquet of flowers. A wedding tradition, whoever catches the bouquet, is next in line to get married.

And Barbara caught it.

“It worked!” Barbara, now 79 years old, said laughing.

That same night in April, Barbara met her future husband, Tom O’Brien, now 78 years old. He was a guest at the wedding and was seated at the singles table next to a guy Barbara had gone on a few dates with. Some people at the table told Barbara’s date that he should go ask her to dance. But Tom recalls her date saying, ‘She knows where I am if she wants me.’ Tom took that opportunity himself to get up and ask his future wife to dance.

“And the rest is history,” he said.

Barbara, class of ’58 and Tom O’Brien, class of ’57, both studied at St. John’s around the same time, just on different campuses. Tom, a graduate of the business school, studied accounting. Barbara studied teaching and also got her masters at St. John’s.

The couple is celebrating 50 years of marriage this year. They have five children together and 11 grandchildren. One of their grandsons is currently a freshman on the Queens campus.

“We are very proud of that,” Barbara said.

The couple’s connection to St. John’s is undeniable.

“We were very impressed when we went back and saw what the campus was like,” Tom said. “We are very proud of St. John’s.”

It seems the couple was destined to meet each other from the start; their paths had crossed many times before the wedding in ’62. Tom and Barbara attended the wedding shower together. Looking back at photos, Barbara said she was sitting across from her future relatives and she had no idea. Tom and Barbara were briefly introduced at the shower and although Barbara said she kept asking everyone if Tom would be attending the wedding, it did not go much further than that.

Tom’s graduation in ’57 was the first graduation held on the Queens campus. Years before the April wedding, Tom and Barbara were at another event together, with-

Andrew & Hannah to cherish every moment.

“Savor your time together,” Andrew said. “This goes for colleges in general, especially for those in a relationships in college. Spend it wisely.”

Hannah agreed.

“My advice would be to ground your relationship in something that is bigger than yourself,” she said. “For us, that was our faith and being involved in service.”

The couple’s love for St. John’s and each other is irrefutable. Hannah said just like Andrew was there for her during difficult times, so was St. John’s. She said St. John’s guided and supported her and Andrew as they entered adulthood.

Andrew said St. John’s will always be a part of their relationship.

“St. John’s was really special for both of us,” he said.

out evening knowing it. Barbara’s brother was graduating from St. John’s the same day as Tom and she attended his graduation.

“I would tease Tom later on that he didn’t say hello to me,” Barbara said.

But the night of the wedding Tom did say hello to Barbara. A few weeks later they went on a date and they hit it off from the start, they both said They had more in common than they ever imagined.

They both attended high school in Brooklyn. Barbara attended Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School and Tom attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School.

McDonnell closed years after Barbara graduated so the two schools merged into Loughlin.

They were both Brooklyn Dodger Fans, they shared the same political and religious beliefs, and of course, they were both St. John’s alumni.

“Both of them are now retired and neither of them has slowed down. Together they have traveled to 45 states and dozens of countries including Russia, Ireland, Korea, China, Spain, Israel, Egypt and Japan.”

Both of them are now retired and neither of them have slowed down. Together they have traveled to 45 states and dozens of countries including Russia, Ireland, Korea, China, Spain, Israel, Egypt and Japan.

“The only place we haven’t been is Antarctica,” Tom joked.

The couple said their relationship has been successful because of their faith and the fact they have so much in common.

“He is the most giving person,” Barbara said. “He is just such a generous person to everyone…he thinks about others first. He is a good man.”

“She is very smart because of her training at St. Johns,” Tom said. “She has everything you would want.

She is good looking. She has all the qualities you would want in any person.”

At the end of the day, the couple said they feel fortunate and blessed for the life they share together.

“It has been a very good relationship,” Tom said.

Editor’s Note

In the midst of college, it is sometimes difficult to imagine marrying someone, but many couples who go on to be married first meet at St. John’s.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I interviewed three married couples from St. John’s. Two of these couples met at St. John’s and one couple, both St. John’s alumni, met after they graduated. These couples span from ages 26 to 78. One couple is celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year, and another is celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

Valentine’s Day is not necessarily all about love between couples. Love comes in all different forms, whether that love is between friends, lovers, significant others or siblings. Love is love. These couples all have their own unique story, and in the end, all of their stories connect to St. John’s. There are many love stories that begin at St. John’s these are just a glimpse.

Whether it be meeting in Montgoris Dining Hall or meeting at a wedding for a St. John’s alum, these couples all have a story. There are many couples who have met at St. John’s over the yearsperhaps you know some.

No matter where this Valentine’s Day takes you, I hope it is filled with love. And I hope the stories these St. John’s couples have shared inspire you to create your own love story. Happy Valentine’s Day. Shannon Luibrand, Features Editor

12

Living out the Vincentian Mission LIVIA PAULA Staff Writer

When Dr. Nancy Colodny visited the orphanage Obras Sociales Hermano Pedro in Guatemala, her attention was immediately caught. She volunteered at the site for the first time with her son in 2008, when she noticed that the place needed more from her than what was she was able to do in a week.

“I observed the staff feeding the children rapidly, with large tablespoons while (they were) lying flat in their cribs or reclined their chairs,” Colodny said.

She remembers being struck about the lack of skilled and knowledgeable staff at the orphanage.

St. Vincent de Paul’s beliefs on community service and its importance is common knowledge at St. John’s. The Vincentian Mission is one part of the university that is “highlighted” in different classes and in different ways, some of those being very unique.

Colodny is a great example of such uniqueness. She is an Associate Professor and also the Chair in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Originally from Cohasset, Massachusetts, Colodny have an academic background that includes Teachers College and Columbia University, where she got her Master’s and Doctoral degrees.

With her Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and being a Doctor of

Education in Health Education, Colodny has been a member of St. John’s since 1993, where she started as an adjunct professor and became a full-time professor four years after that.

However, Colodny is not just another great professor with an incredible background – she was able to take the Vincentian Mission of the University to a level that literally goes beyond seas.

“I have returned to Obras Sociales 16 times since my first lunch time visit for education, training and to bring needed supplies,” she said.

Colodny doesn’t go the orphanage on her own. For the last five years, she has brought students along with her for 10 days every May. They assist with the orphanage in various ways such as feeding the infants and children.

Jessica Alves is a graduate student who will be getting her Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology this upcoming May. She is one of the 12 students who will be going to Guatemala with Dr. Colodny this year.

“I am excited for this trip,” Alves said, when she recounted how she has had her eyes on this trip since she was only an undergraduate Speech Pathology and Audiology student.

“I heard it’s the experience of a lifetime,” she said. “You can see the appreciation through the families’ smiles, which is so rewarding.”

“This trip is unlike any of the other courses offered in the program because of its medical approach to working with children in an orphanage,” she said.

Alves connected this excitement

about the trip to her commitment to service. This is something that started with simply going to Soup Kitchens and Midnight Runs and escalated to heading to, “a whole new country to utilize all of the skills and knowledge” she learned in her classes to serve others.

Colodny and her initiative inspire not only her graduate students, but also those who still have some time before they get the chance to go.

“She had so many stories.” junior Thomas Gallino said. “With every lesson we learned she always had a story about a patient that she would tell us, making the lesson so much easier.”

Gallino mentioned how he can’t wait until he has the chance to live the Guatemala experience himself.

“It really caught my attention and I am looking into possibly going,” he said.

“I’m hoping she runs this program again so that I’ll have the opportunity to go with her.”

Alves said how “it is most certainly not easy” to get this far. With hard work one can make it, and she said that it is definitely rewarding.

“It is important to think outside the box and explore settings that speech pathologists work in,” Alves said.

The unique experience Colodny has been able to add to the graduate program along with the office of Academic Service Learning has been beneficial not only for those families in Guatemala, but the students who are part of it.

“Students often make return trips and some have come as alumni,” Colodny said.

Mini ‘Mean Girls’ reunion SARAH CHOUMAN Contributing Writer Lindsay Lohan and her former “too-gay-to-function” co-star from “Mean Girls,” Daniel Franzese, coincidentally ran into each other last Wednesday, Feb. 5, and we’re surprised they’re both not wearing a slight shade of pink!

They were just three seats from each other at Style Fashion Week’s EuArt Presents Art Hearts show in New York and seen exchanging phone numbers afterwards.

Lohan and Franzese took a picture later that night at dinner and posted it on Instagram with the caption “You can’t sit with us” – priceless!

The nostalgic encounter is just a few months ahead of the movie’s 10-year anniversary reunion, which is said to take place sometime this April. Most cast members of every teen girl’s favorite high school movie say they’re on board, including our love-to-hate/ hate-to-love Plastic’s leader Regina George (Rachael McAdams).

But just to clarify, no matter how many years has passed since the film, “fetch” is still not cool. Seriously, stop trying to make it happen, guys.

Remembering Shirley Temple KORI WILLIAMS Staff Writer

There are only so many beacons of hope and innocence in a lifetime. While out of the entertainment world’s eye for more than 60 years, her name still rings in the ears of many as an icon. Shirley Temple, one of the greatest child stars in history, died late Monday night of natural causes, her publicist said. She was 85 years old.

Known for her angelic face, sweet voice and golden curls, Shirley Temple, who became Shirley Temple Black after marrying her second husband Charles Black in 1950, passed away in her Woodside, Calif. home due to natural causes, according to her family.

Temple Black made it big in films such as “The Little Colonel,” “Little Miss Marker” and “Bright Eyes,” goPHOTO/NANCY COLODNY ing as far as to win a Juvenile Academy Award at 6 years old. While she did reDr. Colodny lives out the St. John’s and Vincentian Mission by taking students to help children in Guatemala every year. tire from entertainment at 22 years old, she went on to dedicate her life to politics. She was a foreign ambassador and United Nations representative for the U.S., serving in various seats of office for over 20 years. Preceding ambassador, Jack Matlock Jr., was quoted by USA Today saying she was “very savLAURICE RAWLS and models have trumped the streets and version, but Fox has decided to no longer vy, very serious about her work.” runways during New York Fashion Week air the show for the U.S. Staff Writer But it is her sweet-natured essence despite the unforgiving snow storms that This week we welcomed newborns pouring through both big and small seem to be hovering the city.As some of from Kevin McCall, writer and music screens that may be considered her Although it seems to have been a qui- the celebrities prepare their outfits, others producer, and Eva Marcell, model, as greatest achievement. Temple rose to et week amongst celebrities, many are fo- prepare for the hit series “The Walking well as Deanna Pappas Stagliano from fame in the middle of the Great Deprescused on picking their perfect outfits for Dead” to return to TV with the second “The Bachelorette.” sion. She gave millions not only someWhile some celebrities are celebrat- thing to look forward to, but a reason to New York Fashion Week, which began half of season four.

According to Eonline.com, viewers ing the birth of their babies, Gwen Stefani smile. She allowed many to forget their Thursday, Feb. 6 and will continue until should be ready to be afraid…very afraid. and rock star husband Gavin Rossdale, problems, if only for so long.

Thursday, Feb. 13.

Viewers of “The X Factor” were dev- and Evelyn Lozada, fiancé to Dodgers’ On Temple Black’s official website, Every night celebrities have been seen hustling through the streets of New York, astated this week to find that the show Carl Crawford, both had elaborate baby her family recalls her as a “beloved showers this week to celebrate their preg- mother, grandmother, and adored wife supporting their favorite designers from had been cancelled by Fox. of 55 years.”

The show will continue to air the UK nancies.

Alexander Wang to DKNY. Designers

This week in ShowBiz

13

Sports

Think Outside...

Johnnies knock off No. 12 Creighton

Harrison’s shooting and team’s defense seals first signature win STEPHEN ZITOLO Assistant Sports Editor The St. John’s men’s basketball team got its first signature win to date as it upset No. 12/12 Creighton 70-65 to notch its sixth win in the last seven games and third-straight Big East contest on Sunday at Madison Square Garden.

The Red Storm (15-9, 5-6) were able ST. JOHN’S

70

CREIGHTON

65

to hold one of the best offensive teams in the nation in the Blue Jays (19-4, 9-2) to statistics that are well below their season average with relentless defensive pressure. Sophomores JaKarr Sampson and Chris Obekpa contained player of the year favorite Doug McDermott to only 25 points on the night, also holding McDermott scoreless in the last 8:40 of regulation.

“He’s a really good player,” Sampson said. “This whole game all I wanted to focus on was defense and the defensive end of the floor. The last game we took all of their other players out of the game, but I knew today would be a defensive game and that we needed to take him out.”

Junior guard D’Angelo Harrison led the team with 19 points and was able to put away the Blue Jays by making 4-of5 free throws in the games final 20 seconds. “[Harrison] is our go-to guy,” sophomore forward JaKarr Sampson said. “He makes big shot after big shot. He’s a really good free throw shooter so we went to him and he pulled it out for us.”

St. John’s was able to hold Creighton below their season averages of 81.2 points per game, a 49.2 percent field goal percentage, a 75.9 percent mark from the free throw line and 42.5 percent from beyond the arc. On Sunday night the Red Storm held the Blue Jays to 65 points, shooting 41.1 percent from the field, making only 56 percent of their free throws and being 22.7 percent from three.

“This win was significant because this particular group has worked so hard from the Georgetown game forward,” Lavin said. “I’m as proud of this group as any I’ve coached in terms of resiliency, gumption, fight back and character. The hardship we faced earlier in the season seems to have forged a certain strength. We’re not satisfied, we haven’t achieved anything of significance, but tonight’s win is another hurdle that has been cleared and an indication that this team is improving.”

St. John’s and Creighton went back

PHOTO/IDIANA COLAPIETRO

D’Angelo Harrison has connected on 20 of his last 22 free throws.

and forth with one another all night as the score was knotted up 11 times and the lead changed hands nine times.

The victory marked the 200th collegiate win for St. John’s head coach Steve

Lavin.

Lavin and co. have seven games remaining until the Big East tournament kicks off on March 12. As of right now, the Red Storm would be a No. 7 seed.

Ladies win record 10th straight Big East game

STEPHEN ZITOLO Assistant Sports Editor

The St. John’s women’s basketball team defeated the Providence Friars 8565, as it became the first team in program history to win 10-straight Big East games.

ST. JOHN’S

85

PROVIDENCE

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The Red Storm (18-5, 11-1) had one of their best offensive games this season on Saturday afternoon versus the Friars (6-17, 1-11) as they had 47 bench points, 59 total rebounds and 23 offensive rebounds.

“We understand that it’s a tough conference, which is why we keep working hard to maintain what we are doing on the court, sophomore guard Danaejah Grant said. “I think every day in practice we take a step towards keeping our rhythm.”

The Johnnies have now won 13 of their last 14 games and were led by Danaejah Grant’s career performance by

as she recorded her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Grant was helped out by freshman Jade Walker, who scored a career-high 14 points, and senior Eugeneia McPherson had a career-best 11 assists.

“Over the years we’ve talk about not letting ourselves ever think that we have arrived,” St. John’s head

coach Joe Tartamella said. “The culture that we are creating is starting to form but we know we have a long way to go. Every team is dangerous. We understand that we have to fight for everything we want to strive for.”

St. John’s attempted a season-high 80 field goal attempts, making 35 of the shots for a

PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Aliyyah Handford is leading the team this season with 15.8 points per game.

43.8 percent mark.

In the first half St. John’s got offto a slow start, in the first half. But everything came together at the 12:39 mark. From that point on the Lady Johnnies went on a 30-15 run to end the half and take the lead over the Friars 43-30. Second chance points were key in the half for St. John’s as they outscored Providence 18-5.

The Red Storm didn’t relinquish the lead for the rest of the game, as they were able to put away the Friars in the second half as they went on a 21-7 run. The Lady Johnnies were able to stretch their lead throughout the half by shooting 18for-37 (48.6 percent) from the floor in the half on their way to a 20-point victory.

“It was a much better second half for us energy wise and as a team so we were very happy with the way we finished,” Tartamella said. “We were able to finish off a conference game at home, which is always important. I thought as a team wedid a really nice job and now we get a little bit of time to recuperate as we head into our next game one week from today.”

The Red Storm will have its next chance to extend its record-winning streak on Feb. 15 at Carnesecca Arena versus Villanova.

14

Win and they’re both dancing

Both teams could reach dance if they keep up their winning ways JON PEREZ Sports Editor

It was once said that there are only two guarantees in life: death and taxes. However, over the past couple of years there has been another guarantee: If ESPN’s Joe Lunardi says that you’re in the big dance, you’re in the big dance.

Unlike most ‘experts’, Lunardi actually is an expert with his ‘bracketology’.

Bracketology is dubbed as the “art and science” of predicting which teams make the NCAA tournament. Lunardi perfectly picked all 65 teams in 2008 and all 68 teams in the 2013 tournament.

Needless to say, the man knows how to do his job.

As the new bracketology comes out this week, Lunardi has St. John’s as the ‘Next four out’, which is a promotion from the last bracket, which didn’t have St. John’s in the tournament at all.

While this is a step up, the Red Storm only have one win against a ranked team and will probably have to win five of theri last six games to make their case as one of the deserving 68 teams, and that’s not including a hefty run in the Big East tournament.

So in simple terms, it might be time to go into the Torch archives and dust off

the old phrase, win and we’re in.

On the other side of the court, the women’s team has finally climbed into the rankings for the first time this season on the coat tails of its 10-game conference winning streak.

The field is a little different for the ladies but as of right now, Joe Tartamella’s crew would be the No. 5 seed in the Stanford region and would open up against Iowa State in Ames, Iowa.

The ladies have been getting solid efforts from Aliyyah Handford and Danaejah Grant, and are starting to look like the Red Storm of old when Tartamella was known as Joey T and Kim Barnes Arico was patrolling the sidelines.

With the new conference, the ladies have their first opportunity to win the Big East championship for the first time since 1988, and if they continue to play on this hot streak the conference title would seem like a formality.

So while one team is luke warm on the verge of boiling, and the other team is breaking the pyrex glass with their hot play, the mantra for both teams is simple: Just win and Red Zone will be dancing on Utopia Parkway.

Fans will be frequenting the university bookstore to get their latest Red Storm apparel. The buildings will be decorated with the red “We are St. John’s” signs to signify “We are dancing.”

TORCHPHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

D’Angelo Harrison has been the catalyst for the Johnnies late season run.

Burner’s blast lifts Johnnies over BRANDON MAUK Contributing Writer

St. John’s softball opened the 2014 season this weekend with a whopping five games over the course of three days in Boca Raton, Fla. for the Florida Atlantic Kickoff Classic. The Red Storm were blanked by old Big East rival No. 12 Louisville 7-0, but the game of the weekend was the Johnnies’ 3-2 win over host Florida Atlantic on Saturday.

Sophomore pitcher Tori Free allowed ST. JOHN’S

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FLORIDA ATLANTIC

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just one earned run and struck out seven in a complete game effort in the victory against the Owls. It looked as if she would be the tough-luck loser as the Owls took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh, but the Johnnies staged a comeback.

After Florida Atlantic scored an unearned run on a base hit up the middle for insurance, the Red Storm rallied in the bottom of the seventh. Down to her last strike with two outs and two runners on base, Burner blasted a three-run shot to left field to win it for the Johnnies.

“I was looking for an inside pitch because [Paige Pender] was jamming me all night,” Burner said. “She

got me to ground out to shortstop my first at-bat and I was really looking for a pitch to hit just to keep the rally going. It felt really good [to come back and win], especially to back up our pitcher after she threw seven innings.”

“It’s good to get out and compete.

I think we had a successful weekend,” head coach Amy Kvilhaug said. “I think the important thing is to get experience under our belt, learning what we have to figure out before we get into the bulk of our season, especially in conference play.”

Free took the decision in both Friday games losses, allowing three earned runs in six total innings, striking out nine batters. The Red Storm took a 6-2 loss to Northern Illinois in the first game on Saturday. Senior first baseman and cleanup hitter Jackie Reed lead the Red Storm offense over the weekend, as she collected six hits in 15 at-bats with three, RBI including two home runs.

“This team has fought all weekend, so we weren’t moping around,” Kvilhaug said. “We believed that something could happen and we just got to believe in one another. We’ve fought to the end in every game.”

The team will be back in action this weekend for four games at the Arkansas Invitational.

TORCHPHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The softball team find joy in Burner’s game-winning shot on Saturday.

Women win, men lose last weekend MICHAEL TRIVIGNO Staff Writer

The St. John’s men’s tennis team had its third 4-3 match in their last four games on Sunday and came up on the losing end against George Washington.

After trailing 3-0 in the match, St. John’s (2-2, 1-0) solid singles play brought the match all square at 3-3.

Sophomores Vaidik Munshaw and Lucas Hejhal each had three set victories at the No. 4 and No.6 spots, respectively. Junior Erick Reyes also pulled out a three set victory at the No. 2 spot.

Despite the comeback, the Red Storm’s three-set winning streak ended when freshman Freddy Ruiz Acevedo failed to close out the match against George Washington’s Ulrik Thomsen 5-6, 6-4, 6-3. This is George Washington’s (1-2) second victory in a row against St. John’s dating back to last year’s season finale (5-2).

St. John’s will try to shake off this loss when they host Stony Brook at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Feb. 14.

While the men failed to cap off a come-from-behind victory, the women pulled off an incredible 4-3 comeback against Maryland Sunday morning.

With the help of four singles victories, three of them coming with 10-point tiebreakers, St. John’s (3-1, 1-0) pre-

vailed to get their third win of the season. After losing the first set, freshman Anna Morozova clinched the match at the No. 3 spot with a 10-8 third set tiebreaker, giving Maryland (4-1) their first loss of the season.

Senior Khrystyna Pavlyuk and Junior Nastya Polyakova both won their singles

matches with third set tiebreakers at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively.

The Red Storm will try to keep the momentum going when they go up against inner-city rival LIU Brooklyn Friday, Feb. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center prior to the St. John’s men’s match.

Sports Editor

It’s déjà vu all over again in New York City.

Only 367 days ago, winter storm Nemo swept across the Northeast into the Atlantic and parts of Ireland and England and now the greater New York City area is preparing for another storm to arrive and accumulate throughout the north east.

There’s also another eerie

Storm

Cast

Leavin’ their Mark Harrison and Jordan both collect Big East honors

PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Nastya Polyakova won the No. 2 spot after her three set win this weekend.

Jon on Johnnies: Storm hoping to avoid Deja Doom JON PEREZ

Torch Sports

similarity: the men’s basketball team is in the same spot as it was on Feb. 10, 2013 as they are today, Feb. 12, 2014 (for those of you who were late picking up this week’s edition of the award-winning publication).

Sitting at 15-9, the ‘Past’ Storm were getting ready to face their biggest tests yet, two road games against No. 9 Syracuse in the Carrier Dome and No. 12 Louisville in the Bluegrass state without head coach Steve Lavin, who was away from the team after his father passed away.

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The men’s basketball is hoping to be all smiles as the pressure increases.

This is the exact point where the contenders turned into pretenders. The rest is history; the Red Storm went on to lose eight of its last 10 games and five straight to close out the season.

It was at this point last year that Steve Lavin suspended D’Angelo Harrison for conduct detrimental to the team, Sir’Dominic Pointer took a swipe at Cam Biedscheid and the time crumpled right before our eyes.

This year the Red Storm are riding high. They seem to have learned from previous mistakes and have seemed to finally figure out how to close out games.

Harrison has his head on straight and is actually a breath of fresh air, Pointer is keeping his hands to himself, Biedscheid transferred to Missouri for those of you keeping score at home, Amir Garrett is gone and sitting out a year as he waits to suit up for Cal-State Northridge and no player has missed the team bus…yet.

The toughest part of the schedule is out of the way. The Red Storm have already lost their annual game to Syracuse and no longer have to play Notre Dame, Louisville or Connecticut.

The rest of the schedule seems like a piece of cake with a crunchy crust, at Villanova.

Every game is winnable for the Johnnies and the only team that can beat the Johnnies is the Johnnies.

If they continue to take care of the basketball and finally play up to their potential, the Red Storm might actually pull off this miracle run and make it to the tournament after the bumpiest season during the Lavin era. And to think this team was six feet in the ground a month ago, now they’re climbing out and surging.

Oh, what a difference a year makes.

Not only was this week huge for the men’s basketball team as a whole, but it was big for its two largest contributors.

Junior D’Angelo Harrison was selected to the Big East honor roll after his huge three point shot to put away Creighton on Sunday night. Over the span of the week, Harrison averaged 20.5 points per game, and shot 47.7 percent from downtown.

Harrison was also clutch in crunch time as he knocked down his last 20-of-22 shots from the charity stripe.

Freshman Rysheed Jordan has been blossoming lately.

Jordan averaged 11.5 points in the last two games, shooting 40.9 percent from the floor while dishing out 6.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals per contest.

Jordan was named the Big East Preseason Rookie of the year and has now collected multiple rookie honors.

Blowin’ in the Wind “It was a big shot there from a big time player. He didn’t hit one all night and the thing on the bench.

I said to my coach if this goes up, it’s going in. JaKarr went for the screen, I saw it going up and was like, this is good.”

-Sir’Dominic

Headin’ this Way

Red Storm upcoming sched-

Men’s Basketball

Feb. 13 at Seton Hall Feb. 16 Georgetown* Feb. 18 Butler*

Women’s Basketball Feb. 15 Villanova Feb. 18 at Georgetown

Softball

Feb. 14-15

9 p.m.

7 p.m.

9 p.m.

12 p.m.

8 p.m.

Arkansas Invitational *WSJU Radio

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WBB: 10 STRAIGHT AND FIRST PLACE

SPORTS FEBRUARY 12 2014 | VOLUME 91, ISSUE 17 |

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GARDEN OF DREAMS JOHNNIES DEFEAT NO. 12 CREIGHTON, ENTER TOURNEY CHASE PG. 14 STAFF EDITORIAL PG. 7 TORCHPHOTO/KIERAN LYNCH