March 2015 Print Issue

theGAVEL March 2015 / Vol. VIII Issue 5

DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES

Da n ce Ensem bl e Celebrates 35 Years

theGAVEL 04

March 2015

news

BC Relays for a Million Dollar Cause

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In the Spotlight: 2015 Showdown

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Spring Break Destinations

The Aruppe Experience

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Clear and Present Danger to Humanity The Monthly Diatribe

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13 If Boston College Were 100 People

Did You Know?

St Patrick‘s Day Facts

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Dancing Through The Decades: Dance Ensemble Celebrates 35 Years

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opinions

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features

culture

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Superficial But Not Superfluous

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Yards for Yeardley

sports

Authority from Majority

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New England Signing the Dotted Line

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BC Gavel

Frozen Four: Boston College’s Bid Could be a Distinct Possibility February 2015

EDITORIAL BOARD

Staff

TEDDY KOLVA / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHRISTIE MERINO / MANAGING EDITOR MIRANDA RICHARD / ONLINE MANAGER TAYLOR GARRISON / PRINT MANAGER JONATHAN REED / HEAD COPY EDITOR MARY YUENGERT / NEWS EDITOR AMBREY RICE / FEATURES EDITOR GRACE FUCCI / CULTURE EDITOR JACKIE CARNEY / OPINIONS EDITOR JOE CASTIGNETTI / SPORTS EDITOR SAMANTHA COSTANZA / AUTHENTIC EAGLES EDITOR JONO KEEDY / PHOTO EDITOR TORI FISHER / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR GRACE DENNY / ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR JOHN PARADISO / ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR KATIE CARSKY / ASSOCIATE FEATURES EDITOR JULIA HO / ASSOCIATE FEATURES EDITOR EVAN MARTINEZ / ASSOCIATE CULTURE EDITOR MADDIE WEBSTER / ASSOCIATE OPINIONS EDITOR NEIL QUIGLEY / ASSOCIATE OPINIONS EDITOR MIKE KOTSOPOULOS / ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR ERIN MCGARVEY / NEWS COPY EDITOR RACHEL ALDRICH / FEATURES COPY EDITOR MADELINE CORTES / CULTURE COPY EDITOR CARLY BARNHARDT / OPINIONS COPY EDITOR WILL CLANSKY / SPORTS COPY EDITOR RACHEL FORRAY / AUTHENTIC EAGLES COPY EDITOR KATIE TU / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR NICOLE STRIK / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR CLAIRE JASPER / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR EMMA WINTERS / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR NICHOLAS REED / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR JORDAN GROSE / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR SHARI DRYDEN / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR ELLA JENAK / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR KATIE MICHALIK / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR

DESIGN

ANDREW GROSS / ASSOCIATE DESIGN EDITOR ANNIE BELGRADE / ASSOCIATE DESIGN EDITOR VALERIE LIANG / ASSOCIATE DESIGN EDITOR ALEX FLYNN / ASSOCIATE DESIGN EDITOR EMMA BLACKNEY / ASSOCIATE DESIGN EDITOR BRIAN KANG / DESIGNER LILY BESSETTE / DESIGNER ALEXANDER FARRELL / DESIGNER OLIVIA DINAPOLI / DESIGNER MADELINE CHADWELL / DESIGNER EMILY LEOGRANDE / DESIGNER HELEN FORMOSO-MURIAS / DESIGNER ELENI VENETOS / DESIGNER SARA POLLEI / DESIGNER

BUSINESS & OPERATIONS PHIL BACKUS / GENERAL MANAGER AYA TSURUTA / ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER EMILY OLANDER / MARKETING MANAGER JENNY CHEN / DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR SPENCER LLOYD / ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ASHLEY KIM / ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE KATIE DEFUSCO / ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE MIA TORTOLANI / ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ALEXIS IDERMAN / ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

ELIZABETH HLAVINKA MICHELLE LACONTE NICK OLIVES IAN PATTERSON DAN LEE EMMA POWERS KATIE MCGIRNEY

PHOTO ASSISTANTS

LAUREN FLICK KATHERINE KERR DANIELLE JOHNSON KRISTEN MORSE SHANNON WEST

Letter From The Editor Readers, friends, family – Thank you for taking a look at the March issue. In this edition of The Gavel, you’ll find stories that reflect campus’ current state as we move from winter to spring. Women’s lacrosse is winning on more than just the field of play; men’s club lacrosse is looking to its young guns for a chance at postseason perfection; BCDE is celebrating 35 years of dancing on the Heights; it goes on and on.

Before tipping any proverbial hat to the writers and editors who did a fine job creating these pieces, I want to emphasize the story-makers themselves.

That BC churns out inspirations and captivating stories so frequently as a University is a testament to its own uniqueness. We are always grateful to cover this special place for you, and we hope that you learn something from this March issue that you previously hadn’t known.

Thank you for your support,

Published with support from Generation Progress / Center for American Progress (online at genprog.org).

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fight courage faith support cation cure cancer awarene hope strength love friends ember family survivor help relay recovery service cele mpaign believe research st strength search education wareness support hope figh mily care recovery survivor age BC Relays for a p Million Dollar Cause cu Ph ot o

co ur te sy of Kr is Sh er er /

Fl ick r

By Katie Tu / Assoc. Copy Editor Design by Lily Bessette

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March 2015

cer patient’s journey, according to Emily Hoffman, one of the chairs of BC Relay for Life. “At the beginning of the event, the setting sun represents a cancer patient’s diagnosis. As teams walk throughout the night they represent the struggle associated with treatment and daily life for the cancer patient as well as the perseverance need to endure,” Hoffman said.

“When the sun rises in the morning we are reminded of the hope provided by the completion of treatment and remission.”

Participants of the event are encouraged to share why they joined the cause in order to give insight into the different situations in which cancer patients must live.

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Shannon West / Gavel Media

D

uring one night this March hundreds of students will gather at the Plex to participate in Boston College’s annual Relay for Life, an allnight fundraiser to raise money in support of cancer patients and research.

An event facilitated through the American Cancer Society, annual Relay events take place in towns, schools and universities across the country in a cohesive effort to fight cancer.

Relay for Life began as an annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society in 1985 to raise awareness for cancer patients and victims, and to continue the fight against one of the leading causes of death in America.

Since its inception, Relay for Life has raised $5 billion to support cancer survivors, conduct research for treatments and search for a cure.

On March 20, the Plex will be transformed into a giant camping ground, with each team occupying a spot and various organizations setting up tables to continue fundraising for the event.

The indoor track will be lined with luminarias, which are personalized paper bags containing candles, lit in honor of cancer patients and victims. The luminarias create an illuminated path, through which participants will walk in support of relatives and friends who have suffered from or are currently living with cancer.

The event is meant to mirror a can-

BC’s chapter of Relay for Life was founded in 2008, making this year’s event the eighth anniversary of the organization’s start on campus. The event promises to be bigger and better than

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“At the beginning of the event, the setting sun represents a cancer patient’s diagnosis.

As teams walk throughout the night, they represent the struggle associated with treatment and daily life for the cancer patient as well as the perseverance need to endure.”

“While each person has his or her own reason for Relaying, we can all Relay together to remember those who have lost their battle, celebrate those who have won their battle, and encourage and support those still fighting,” Hoffman said.

—Emily Hoffman

ever in 2015, with 880 participants and 119 teams currently signed up this year.

As the largest non-sporting event on BC’s campus, Relay is truly a collaborative effort, dependent on volunteers and committee members who have been working all year long in preparation for

Photo courtesy of Volunteer Engagement / Flickr

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a successful Relay in March.

All proceeds from preliminary events and the event itself will go directly to cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. So far, BC Relay has hosted various fundraising and publicity events, such as the Valentine’s Day Rose Sale, Annual Date Auction and Spring Kick-Off Event in Eagle’s Nest. Hosting such preliminary gatherings and fundraisers helps to raise awareness for the cause itself, encouraging students and faculty to join teams and donate in honor of those who have been affected by cancer.

The night will include games, activities, music and plenty of walking. Members of teams are encouraged to take turns walking during various parts of the night, to keep the Relay going for a full 12 hours. Various dance organizations will be performing throughout the night, as well as live musicians and other forms of entertainment. The collaboration among BC’s myriad of clubs and organizations is a huge feat, thanks to the dozens of com-

mittee members who have been working all year to make the final event successful.

“The work of the committee members and volunteers is essential to make Relay a success. There is no way we could put on such an involved evening without their commitment and hard work,” Hoffman said.

This year, BC Relay for Life is aiming to raise its one millionth dollar, a hefty and meaningful goal. “Considering the size of Boston College’s campus and that this is only our eighth year, that is a major accomplishment,” says Hoffman. This year’s fundraising is currently $12,000 away from the $1 million mark, but there is no sign of slowing down. BC Relay “will continue to advertise this accomplishment through fundraising meters and blast updates.”

For those interested in becoming involved with Relay, forming a new team or joining an existing one with friends or members of a particular organization

on campus is a great first step. Interested parties can also join the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), which fights for public policy change to end death and suffering from cancer. Any sort of involvement is appreciated and will unarguably benefit those on the receiving end of this fundraising event.

To stay updated on Relay for Life events, like the BC Relay for Life Facebook page, join the event on Facebook or follow BC Relay for Life (@bcrelayforlife) on Instagram and Twitter.

Shannon West / Gavel Media

Shannon West / Gavel Media

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BC Gavel

March 2015

Spring Break

Destinations S

pring break is consistently one of the most highly anticipated times of the year. Concentrated in Chestnut Hill, the Boston College student body disperses to various refuges all over the world for one week of freedom from papers, exams and the 70 inches of snow that torment them daily. Whether it’s a service trip, a family vacation or home to hibernate with Mom’s cooking and a Netflix account, BC students can be found all over the map. Where did BC go for spring break this year?

By Mary Yuengert / News Editor Design by Andrew Gross

“I went home to Vermont so I could see my family and ski while my sisters were in school.”

—Caroline Hall, A&S ‘16

“I flew back down to Texas for the break, so I went to visit some friends at UT Austin and SMU in Dallas. Then I headed to the gulf shore for some R&R on the beach.”

—Forrest Word, CSOM ‘18

“I went to the Holy Family School, which is a completely segregated early childhood center in Natchez, MS. I initially joined my freshman year just to get involved, but once I was there I immediately fell in love with everything the trip was about and the people we met, which is what made me keep going back every year.”

“I went to Big Creek, KY, on Appalachia for spring break because the connections I make on the trip are not only with the people in Appalachia but also the ones in my group. It’s always an extremely fun week, full of great memories and heartwarming service.”

—Tom Reid, A&S ‘17

—Annie Kate Joyce, LSOE ‘16”

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E C N E I R E P X E E P P U R A r

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very year, dozens of Boston College students spend eight to ten days of their winter break on service and immersion trips in different parts of Latin America and the Caribbean as part of the Arrupe International Immersion Program. While Arrupe students are often seen fundraising and hosting events across campus, the program itself and its purpose are somewhat of a mystery to those outside of the Campus Ministry community. The Arrupe experience is not just an international trip or a service opportunity. It’s a chance to immerse oneself in a different culture and explore issues of faith and service, but most importantly it can be a transformative experience for those involved.

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Photo courtesy of Katie Seibly

The current locations for the trips are Mexico (Puebla, Morelos and Chiapas), Belize, Ecuador, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala and Nicaragua. The program for each trip varies based on location, but the mission remains the same.

“Our goal for this program is that students form intentional and faith-based communities—real connections with their peers and across cultures, with people in the communities that we visit—so that they can understand the magnitude of love and life, in all of its broken and beautiful realities, and learn how to respond today and tomorrow,” says Margaret Nuzzolese, Program Director of Arrupe International.

March 2015

“

Photo courtesy of Katie Seibly

Our goal for this program is that students form intentional and faith-based communities—real connections with their peers and across cultures, with people in the communities that we visit—so that they can understand the magnitude of love and life, in all of its broken and beautiful realities, and learn how to respond today and tomorrow.

”

—Margaret Nuzzolese, Program Director of Arrupe International

The program was named after Fr. Pedro Arrupe, the former Superior General of the Jesuits and the man responsible for the saying, “Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” The trips began back in the 1980s, said Nuzzolese, during times of great turmoil in countries like El Salvador and Nicaragua. Students partnered with Campus Ministers to learn more about the affected regions and the lives of the people who lived there.

The trips began informally, with sign-up sheets posted on doors, but grew into the program it is today.

Arrupe is more than just a one-week experience. Students meet weekly throughout the year with their Arrupe group, continuing the conversation and reflecting on their experiences in Arrupe and at BC. “Arrupe breaks down barriers to talk about difficult issues. The injustices we saw in Jamaica are not just Jamaican issues, and we have to be aware of the poverties of Boston College as well,” said Lauren Yarkony, CSON ’17, who went to Kingston, Jamaica with the program.

Students who participate in Arrupe speak passionately about the program and its mission. “Arrupe is not just an extra-curricular to put on your resume, but an experience to enter into openly with the possibility of gaining a widened perspective on culture, globalization, social justice, faith and humanity,” said Kate Quinn, A&S ’16, who went to Belize on her Arrupe trip.

While some Arrupe trips include a service component, like helping to build a house, not all do. “Rather, the general focus of the Arrupe program centralizes in Catholic Social Teaching, life and dignity of the human person, family as a central community, rights and responsibilities of the human person, preferential option for the poor, dignity of work and rights of workers and solidarity,” said Quinn.

As the program has become more popular, it has also become more competitive for students. Only a third of the students who apply are accepted into the program, which can be frustrating or disappointing for students who face rejection. The application process may be stressful, but is meant to make sure participants are a good fit for the program.

“We look for people who are open, eager and able to make the commitment to the Arrupe Program; open to the process of building community across cultures and countries; eager to deepen faith, understand the causes of injustice, and to discern one’s own role in the world; and able, dedicated to the time, the fundraising, the human interactions and in good physical and emotional well-being,” said Nuzzolese.

For students interested in the program, there are information sessions before and after spring break, as well as information available on the Arrupe website. Applications for the 2015-2016 academic year will open after spring break.

Photo courtesy of Claire Horrigan

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By Ambrey Rice / Features Editor Design by Alex Farrell

Photo courtesy of Eun Hee Kwon

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BC Gavel

March 2015

S

ince 1980, Boston College Dance Ensemble— fondly known as BCDE, or simply “DE” around campus—has offered BC women the

opportunity to continue pursuing their passion for competitive dance throughout their college years, in the form of both choreography and performance. This year, the group is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and its biannual showcase this month at Robsham Theater will reflect a 1980s theme to honor the event. “Because it’s our 35th anniversary and the group was founded in 1980, it seemed only fitting that the show be called ‘1980,’

Lauren Flick / Photo Assistant

and that the theme be the decade itself,” said Morgan McCaskey, CSOM ’16, who joined BCDE as a freshman and is now one of the team’s Executive Officers.

As one of the group’s three costume directors, McCaskey is in charge of working closely with the choreographers to decide exactly what the dancers will wear for each performance, including ordering, budgeting, accessorizing and communicating all aspects of the costuming process to the team.

Lauren Flick / Photo Assistant

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“All of the costume directors work together to costume the whole show,” she said. “We choose outfits for the whole team to wear during our opener and finale, and we have to design them to go perfectly with the theme of each show.”

The 1980s theme offers endless opportunities for costume and music choices, and the showcase will reflect the culture of the decade. “All the music will be from the era, and the costumes will consist of brightly colored mesh tops, scrunchies and other 80s workout accessories,” said McCaskey.

“You’ll definitely be seeing a lot of high ponytails.”

BCDE is an entirely student-run organization, and the group’s repertoire consistently displays a wide variety of dance genres, including ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop and tap.

All thirty members of DE are highly committed to the group, rehearsing for upcoming shows three days per week and even taking classes to improve their dancing skills. This hard work ultimately culminates in two major showcases per year—one at the end of the fall semester and one mid-spring—and some additional performances that may occur throughout the year, such as the ALC Showdown.

“While the time commitment does pose a challenge, since we are all taking a full course load of classes and are involved in other extracurricular activities on campus, it’s still very manageable and a ton of fun,” said McCaskey when asked about any

The best part of being in DE is definitely the girls... there is a real sense of camaraderie among us because we all share a common interest... difficulties that she has faced as a member of DE. Fortunately, the demanding practice schedule that DE requires is worth it for its members. Thanks to their participation in DE, these 30 girls, some of whom have been dancing and/or competing for almost their entire lives, did not have to give up their love for the sport of competitive dancing when they got to college.

“We all danced competitively in high school, and we wanted to continue throughout college,” said McCaskey.

“DE is definitely one of the best places for a female student at BC with a passion for dance to do just that.”

Any student at BC could tell you that there are an overwhelming number of dance groups here on campus, each slightly different from the next. What sets BCDE apart from any other, however, is its legacy as the oldest dance group on campus, as well as its commitment to serving the Campus School as part of its core mission.

“BCDE is committed to its philanthropic partnership with the Campus School, a non-profit special

Photo courtesy of Eun Hee Kwon

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education day school for students ages three through twelve with multiple disabilities. Each year, BCDE donates all proceeds it generates from performances to the Campus School,” states the organization’s mission statement, as displayed on its OrgSync page.

As an organization, BCDE has high standards for who is given a spot on the team each year. Auditions are held in the fall, and they seek girls who have extensive, competitive dance experience and are technically trained in one or more types of dance.

“Depending on the year, we usually take 7-10 girls as part of the new class of dancers out of about 30-40 who audition,” said McCaskey, who has been on the team through three rounds of auditions, including her own as a freshman.

More than just the opportunity to continue practicing dance at a competitive level, BCDE offers a strong sense of community for its members.

“The best part of being in DE is definitely the girls. It’s an automatic group of friends from all class years, and there is a real sense of camaraderie among us because we all share a common interest—dance—that we love,” reported McCaskey. “And it’s not all work; we do social things together, too!” she added with a laugh.

This semester’s show, “1980,” will take place in Robsham Theater on Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13. All proceeds go to the Campus School.

Photo courtesy of Eun Hee Kwon

March 2015

The Rock - 5 The Heights - 42

New England Classic - 49 Turkey & Brie - 28

The Gavel - 53

Mediterranean Hummus - 16 Tuna Delight Panini - 7 Sunday - 1 Thursday - 9 Saturday - 29

CAMPUS NEWS SOURCE

SANDWICH OF CHOICE

Friday - 61

FAVORITE NIGHT OUT

Lines at Late Night - 18 UIS - 19

WORST TORTURE DEVICE

Million Dollar Stairs - 25

Pop Quizes - 38

if

Football Game - 57

BOSTON COLLEGE were 100 PEOPLE

CHOSEN LATE NIGHT OPTION

Hockey Game - 40

FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT

Basketball Game - 3

The Mods - 48

SENIOR HOUSING DREAMS

Voute or Gabelli 26 Iggy or Ruby - 19

PREFERRED GRADING FORMAT

Stayer - 6 Edmonds - 1

Pizza - 8 Steak & Cheese - 9

FAVORITE ALUMNI

Chicken Tenders - 38

Mozzerella Sticks - 45

Exam - 62

Paper - 38

Chris Kreider - 5 John Kerry - 8

Matt Ryan - 11

Amy Poehler - 76

In a school of over 9,000 undergrads, individual students’ preferences are often lost among the opinion of the majority. The things these students value – sandwiches, sports, housing, etc. – come in all shapes and sizes, but not everyone loves the same things. With so many students, though, it can be hard to gain perspective.

Here’s a summary of what the scene would look like if BC were just 100 people.

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Teams across the nation go the extra mile to shatter the silence surrounding relationship violence.

By Shari Dryden / Assoc. Copy Editor Design by Annie Belgrade

Lauren Flick / Photo Assistant

O

n May 3, 2010, University of Virginia senior Yeardley Reynolds Love was finishing her final season as a Division I lacrosse player and preparing to attend law school in the fall.

Just two weeks before graduation, Yeardley was tragically beaten to death by her ex-boyfriend in her apartment. Five years later, Boston College and UVA lacrosse teams have sparked a movement to honor Yeardley’s memory and raise awareness of the alltoo-common occurrence of relationship violence.

Photo courtesy of One Love Foundation

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March 2015

Yards for Yeardley, an idea conceptualized by Molly Erdle, CSOM ’16, challenges teams to run one million yards over the span of one month. In November 2014, Yeardley’s mother, Sharon Love, came to Boston to speak to the BC women’s lacrosse team and other local sports teams about the One Love Foundation. The One Love Foundation was created in 2010 to honor the death of “Yeards” and to prevent future tragedies by raising awareness of the warning signs of relationship violence.

After hearing Mrs. Love speak, Molly Erdle couldn’t shake the image of Yeardley from her mind. “It was the first time I had really connected [with the tragedy], because this could have happened to any one of us—myself, one of my teammates or anybody else I have been blessed to know through lacrosse,” Erdle recalled, having seen an image of Yeardley in her lacrosse jersey printed on one of the foundation’s brochures.

This thought stuck with Erdle over Thanksgiving break: “I just kept thinking, we run so much; we could definitely do something with this,” she said.

“Yeardley’s jersey number was one. One Love, one million yards…it was a goal that you’d definitely need a whole team to reach.” Within days, Molly and her teammate, Covie Stanwick, CSOM ’15, organized Yards for Yeardley. On Dec. 6, 2014, the BC women’s lacrosse team began the first sprints of a movement that has now covered over 88 million yards across the nation.

Shortly thereafter, Stanwick, whose family has been close friends with the Love family, reached out to the UVA Women’s Lacrosse team to partner in the crusade. The movement then spread like wildfire through word of mouth within the lacrosse community. As of February, 110 women’s Division I, II and III teams have all participated. “It’s so

powerful that the lax community can come together and raise awareness for such an important issue and show that Yeardley’s spirit has lived on,” Stanwick said.

Indeed, the importance of the issue cannot be understated.

According to One Love Foundation, one in three women and one in four men will fall victim to some form of relationship violence. Women age 16-24 experience the highest per capita rate of intimate partner violence.

It’s something that cannot be ignored, and the One Love Foundation aims to “Shatter the Silence” around this previously taboo and uncomfortable topic.

This is an issue that transcends the boundaries of gender: the UVA men’s lacrosse team, for which Yeardley’s murderer had previously played, has also participated in Yards for Yeardley.

“We can’t think of anything better than for men’s teams to get on board with this movement, ” said a representative for the team.

Since December, 14 men’s Division I teams have completed the challenge.

Additionally, many high school and club lacrosse teams have run their million yards, and several soccer teams have also joined the cause.

“I think that Yards for Yeardley was a

Lauren Flick / Photo Assistant

huge motivator for all of the teams that participated, because it allowed teams to think about how they could help a great cause,” Caroline Seats, UVA ’15, said. “In particular for my team at UVA, it allowed us to honor Yeardley’s legacy.

Being the five year anniversary of her death, it is extremely important for us to reflect on what we have done as a program, and what we can do in the future, to help spread awareness of such a tough issue through supporting the One Love Foundation.”

For many teams, the movement is far from over after that one million mark has been crossed. “It’s my dream—and I think it’s very achievable—that every year for the preseason, teams will run their million yards for training and keep the memory of Yeardley and the mission of One Love alive and present until relationship violence ends,” Erdle said.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing relationship violence, seek help immediately.

National domestic violence hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) || 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) || thehotline.org BC University Counseling 617-552-3310 || SANet 617-552-2211

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in the spotlight:

showdown

By Emily Olander / Staff Writer Design by Valerie Liang

B

y definition, to dance means to move one’s body in a rhythmic pattern of steps. But years of ballet training have taught me that the true art of dance involves a great deal more than choreography and technique; to dance means to express oneself through an interpretation of the passion that a piece of music conveys. With over a dozen dance groups on campus, the Boston College community has clearly taken to the art-form as a means of self-expression, and UGBC provides a platform for these dancing fools with its Annual Showdown competition—one of the spring’s most highly anticipated and attended on-campus events.

Some of Showdown’s star contenders helped give us an inside look at what goes into this major celebration of BC’s dance community, which will take place this year in Conte Forum on April 11.

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Duane urtesy of Photo co

Godding

March 2015

Photo courtesy of Eun Hee Kwon

fuego del corazon

Year Founded: 2003 Style of Dance: Latin Strengths: Performance, stunts and technique What inspires your choreography and style?

We find inspiration in many professional Latin dance teams that perform in international competitions around the globe.

How will you prepare for this major event? What does it take?

We will start daily practices very soon. These require us to stay in the studio until we complete our goals for the night. If one person is having an off day, the rest of the team has to step up and support them until they are at their highest level of performance. We function as more than just a team, but as a family.

What differentiates your team from the competition?

Fuego’s dance style is unique from other teams’ because the majority of it is partner dancing. Our choreo is not something that each member can practice alone in their rooms until they get it right, because they need their partner to practice. Both parties must be equally focused and engaged in order to create the performance we have in mind.

Trust between partners takes time to build and this is why we feel so close to one another.

What do you love most about performing?

Definitely the adrenaline rush that we get on stage.

We take many risks in our choreography with dangerous stunts that make every performance exciting because we never know what will happen. We are just as nervous as our audience!

UPrising

Year Founded: 2012 Style of Dance: Hip Hop Strengths: Stunts, visuals and high-energy, fun choreography What inspires your choreography and style?

Our choreography and style are inspired by our love for dancing and the people that surround us.

How will you prepare for this major event? What does it take?

It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. We prepare by putting all of our focus and energy into making this performance as exciting as possible, giving the audience something new that they’ve never seen before, while still fostering an environment of creativity and fun. There will be late nights and sweat shed, but in the end it’s all worth it, because it’s our love for dance and our passion for performing that brings us together as a family.

What differentiates your team from the competition?

What really differentiates us is that, as one of our founders Brandon Moye put it, “We’re a family first, dance team second.” This is what helps us to work so well together and what makes our performances so fun. We use it to feed off of each other on stage and to make our performances even more high energy and exciting than ever.

What do you love most about performing?

The rush of excitement and happiness that it brings—and getting to share it with people we love just makes it all the better!

Sum up your team in five words or fewer: Rhythm, passion and heart.

Sum up your team in five words or fewer: Passion, energy, excitement and family!

Answers Courtesy of Emily Wise, Fuego team captain.

Answers courtesy of Maddy Chin, UPrising team captain.

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synergy hip hop dance co.

Year Founded: 2004 Style of Dance: All styles, but primarily hip-hop urban dance. Our members come from all different backgrounds. Some have had years of training in ballet, tap and jazz, while others have never danced before. We pride ourselves in the diversity of our styles and our commitment to fostering an environment where we really learn from each other.

Strengths: Diversity in style, intricacy in our choreography and family mentality in and out of practice What inspires your choreography and style?

It’s hard to say what inspires our team’s choreography and style because, given our different styles and backgrounds, we all find inspiration from different sources. In a way, I guess what pushes our team to go to greater heights is each other.

How will you prepare for this major event? What does it take?

Planning begins as early as December. We practice three times a week, sometimes more as needed, in order to prepare for Showdown.

But it’s not just about making a bunch of pieces and learning them.

We need to think about what kind of experience we want the audience to have, what songs can convey the message of the set, how to match those choices with costumes and stage design... a lot more than just dancing goes into our Showdown performance.

What differentiates your team from the competition?

Our commitment to continually push the boundaries and bring new experiences to the stage. Last year we brought out a lit-up roller coaster, the year before that we had a number of crazy costume changes and effects. Get ready for all the surprises we have this year!

What do you love most about performing?

The feeling of sharing one stage with your team and with your audience. We feed off of each other’s energy as we leave it all out on the floor. The sound of your teammates’ breathing and the roar of the audience’s cheers is truly electrifying.

Sum up your team in five words or fewer: (6 words) Dance to express, not to impress.

Answers courtesy of Michael Myung, Synergy Director.

Photo courtesy of Thinh Nguyen

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March 2015

Until 1970, St. Patrick’s Day was a dry holiday in Ireland. As a religious observance, pubs were closed for the day and most people celebrated the holiday by going to mass and spending time with their families.

An estimated 13 million pints of Guinness will be consumed around the world on St. Patrick’s Day.

As of 2008, the number of Americans claiming

Irish

ancestry

has exceeded the actual population of Ireland.

The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was not actually held in Ireland, but in Boston in 1737. This year marks the 113th parade in South Boston.

Irish descendants comprise 23 percent of Massachusetts’ population, a proportion higher than any other state.

The chances of finding a four-leaf clover are one in 10,000.

Photo courtesy of Time Magazine

St. Patrick’s Day brings more than 600,000 visitors to Boston.

Did You Know?

St. Patrick’s Day Facts

By Shari Dryden / Assoc. Copy Editor Design by Eleni Venetos

CULTURE

19

Photo courtesy of Tumblr

Clear and Present Danger

to humanity

By Nicholas Reed / Assoc. Copy Editor Design by Emma Blackney

In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attack, I could not help but envision a dark room, filled with cigar smoke, overstuffed leather chairs and the self-satisfied chuckling of powerful world elites. I doubt that such a room exists.

But the sentiment remains: was the Charlie Hebdo attack a victory for the most powerful and wealthiest members of our society, champions of neoconservative foreign policy and benefactors of the military industrial complex?

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March 2015

the status quo is carefully choreographed

M

ost Americans believe the answer is no. We are taught—as we pledge allegiance and sing our national anthem—that America is the City on a Hill, a nation with providential destiny. For neoconservatives, there are certain moral imperatives in the world that the United States, as the only superpower, must uphold, ensuring the maintenance and spread of democracy. Charlie Hebdo was an attack on that freedom, and US foreign policy dictates a pursuit of those responsible. This pursuit, the cost of war, is the great sacrifice we make to uphold democracy and freedom and is how we rationalize war and occupation around the globe.

This belief is more difficult to rationalize in a historical context. The United States’ mid-20th century involvement with Iran is perhaps the most well-documented example to oppose traditional American logic.

Mohammad Mosaddegh was democratically elected as prime minister of Iran in 1951. In May of 1951, with the wishes of the Iranian parliament, he announced his intention to nationalize the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC). The AIOC was an immensely profitable oil company, but Iran only retained 17 percent of its profits, with the rest going to Britain.

Mosadegh’s desire to nationalize the company was popular in Iran, but angered Britain and the United States, who feared losing access to inexpensive oil. Under the auspices of fighting

communism, in 1953 the CIA launched Operation Ajax, a covert mission that overthrew the democratically elected Mosadegh, and propped up Reza Shah, a brutal dictator.

The AIOC withdrew from Iran, and became known as British Petroleum (BP).

The United States overthrew the democratically elected prime minister of a sovereign nation, implicitly for oil. This act is an indelible, and cannot be reconciled with the belief that America intervenes for democracy. Worse, Iran is not the only example. Nicaragua, Chile and Guatemala are a few of the many countries that have been manipulated by the CIA. A group of political scientists reject the neoconservative view.

At the forefront of this group is Noam Chomsky, who presents a theory of global hegemony.

Where does Charlie Hebdo fit? Indubitably, it was a horrific event, one tragedy among many in a long line of attacks that have taken the lives of innocent civilians. Since 2001, the US has legitimized its hegemony through the “War on Terror.” I posit that Charlie Hebdo is the exact event US elites count on to maintain the status quo: the expansion of the economy through a military system and the extraction of resources and profits from other countries, especially in the Global South.

Capitalism cannot hold steady; it can only grow. In the current system, the US can only expand through exploitation abroad.

Photo courtesy of Tumblr

OPINIONS

21

most powerul empire in human history The maintenance of the status quo is a carefully choreographed act, honed in the second half of the 20th century.

During World War II, contractors made record profits and did not want them to disappear in peace. Similarly, the War Department, hundreds of thousands strong, did not want to be shuttered.

Thus, the military industrial complex (MIC) was born, a collusion between industry and the War Department, renamed the Defense Department.

MIC’s survival depends on consistent credible threats. The economic survival of capitalism relies on expansion.

Together, they worked to make the United States the largest and most powerful empire in human history. In 2014, over 160,000 military personnel are stationed in bases located in over 150 countries around the globe. Friend or foe, 150 countries sounds like an empire to me.

The MIC created its first credible threat immediately after World War II: communism. The Soviet Union—vilified as a purveyor of oppression and cast as the antithesis of American morals—was the perfect target. It was used as a proxy for invasion and occupation around the globe, but presented to Americans as a case of good and evil.

The fall of the Soviet Union necessitated a new threat to legitimize foreign action.

This new threat—

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terrorism—was placed on a global stage on September 11, 2001. Let me be clear, terrorism has existed since the beginning of human time, and “Wars on Terror” have taken place, but never before in such a scale. This most recent case has been a catastrophe. But, when it began 14 years ago, the government and media appealed to the fundamental American belief in freedom from oppression, and addressed our most basic fear: death.

Simultaneous jingoism and xenophobia (glorified fear-mongering) united the country in a noble crusade.

This is where the three stories fit together: the elites, Charlie Hebdo and the MIC. The United States is incredibly unequal. The top ½percent control nearly fifty percent of all corporations, and these same people and companies fill the pockets of politicians each election cycle. While any capitalist society is bound to be unequal, the US has become so unequal that it is impossible for people to get ahead, and most are falling behind.

The elites who benefit from this need to distract from domestic issues at home to justify military action for economic expansion abroad. No war is more just than one of good and evil, against an enemy of Western values and killers of innocents.

In 2014, many Americans are

frustrated with US military engagements.

But attacks like Charlie Hebdo make it impossible to object without being labeled unpatriotic. In the immediate aftermath, world governments and the media condemned the attack, labeling the perpetrators as faceless members of a global scourge: radical Islamic terrorist groups. Fear was rekindled, and people were reminded why we fight. The elites smiled in the room because there was again a distraction, and again a cause for battle. Workers may be at odds with CEOs, but when there is a war to fight, a noble cause for freedom, patriotism rejects our seemingly individual issues for the all-encompassing American “We.” The “We” is dangerous. It hides the fact that a select few control our government, media and industry, labeling us as one in times of crisis.

True patriotism is rallying behind the values our country was founded on—life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness— not the endless pursuit of oil and profits overseas whilst the hard-working American faces stagnating wages, declining purchasing power and limited opportunity. Terrorism is a threat, but a far greater threat is the irresponsibility with which the United States acts as a hegemon, for its own interest or those of its Western allies.

March 2015

The Monthlyranting Diatribe about the most trivial

By Maddie Webster / Assoc. Opinions Editor Design By Emily LeoGrande

concerns on campus since 2015 Jeanette Jimenez, CSON ’17: “They always lock the one door that everyone uses the most which is kind of absurd.”

Danielle Johnson / Gavel Media

Paul Howard, CSOM ’17: “It’s ridiculous how BC probably has to pay someone to go lock a single door.”

“LIKE I’VE BEEN LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN” It’s 1:50 a.m. on a frigid Sunday morning. You’ve just gotten off the Comm. Ave bus after a wild night in the far-off land of Lower Campus. All you can think of are the crispy, hot—well, at this point, probably stale and cold, but in your hazy stupor, still delicious—chicken tenders from Late Night. You run up to Mac at lightning speed, yank on the door handle, but it’s locked! You’re devastated until it occurs to you that Mac is playing its tricky little game again: the other door directly next to it is unlocked. WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO US?!

Greg Michalowski, A&S ’17: “BC just likes making us play guessing games. It’s a different door every time.

They’re just preparing us to choose between mozz sticks or chicken fingers.”

Jenna Corcoran, A&S ’17: “It’s annoying how quickly the Agora Portal logs you out, especially when you’re doing homework and you have to log back into Canvas every couple of minutes.”

YOUR SESSION HAS EXPIRED

I cannot for the life of me fathom why the Agora Portal logs us out as frequently as it does. Like locking a single door outside of Mac, logging us out does not prevent any crimes from occurring. By insisting on such procedures of caution, I a) get severely annoyed and b) end up procrastinating on the homework I was in the process of doing. Why would anyone want to hack into my account, anyway? To check out Canvas?

Feel free to do my homework for me. Feel free to look at my grades, too, while you’re at it, because guess what? I don’t care!

Xavier Husser, A&S ’18: “Professor, I would’ve done the assignment, but Agora logged me out before I finished it…”

Christina Moore, A&S ‘17: “I frickin’ hate that.”

OPINIONS

23

Superficial But Not

Superfluous

By Neil Quigley / Assoc. Opinions Editor Design by Emily LeoGrande

Lauren Flick / Gavel Media

B

oston College students are known for their looks, so much so that it seems ingrained in our very culture. Upon taking their first steps on campus as a student, every incoming freshman is greeted by a host of well-dressed, physically fit orientation leaders.

Some relish the idea that they will

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BC Gavel

be spending the next four years with a group of attractive, friendly people.

Others find this prospect intimidating, worrying that they will be required to live up to certain physical standards or be ostracized from the BC social scene. While the latter is not actually the case, the appearance-conscious culture of BC prevails, year after year.

March 2015

Is this because new students are trying so desperately to fit in that they inevitably succumb to the overwhelming pressure to look a certain way? Probably not.

Is it because it is necessary to spend countless hours at the Plex in order to conquer the plethora of stairs that plagues BC’s campus? Maybe, but unlikely.

Is it because no professor will give the time of day to a student who doesn’t show up to class dressed to the nines in Ralph Lauren and J. Crew? No… The root of the stereotypical “attractive” BC student boils down to one simple truth: People make changes because they want to improve.

This assumption, however, is predicated by the fact that being “attractive” is necessarily an improvement from “unattractive.” Though this statement may seem shallow, in today’s society it rings true.

Dressing nicely is a precursor to professionalism. Though work culture will vary largely between different companies and positions, most of the fields students enter after college will entail a certain degree of professional dress. Additionally, the harsh reality of the job search is that interviewers are judging prospective employees primarily on their first impression and on their appearance.

“A lot of people, myself included, came from private high schools with dress codes,” Gus Merrell, A&S ’17, said.

“The purpose of [such dress codes] is to prepare people for the business world, and I think a lot of people take

that style of dressing with them [to BC].” He continued, “A lot of people share a similar mindset in regards to their appearance, but I don’t think being here necessarily creates a pressure to look a certain way.”

While not everyone is blessed with genetic gifts, attractiveness encompasses much more than just a pretty face and perfect proportions. Given the level of control individuals have over their sense of style and how much time they spend working out, it makes sense that college students would want the odds to be in their favor when it comes to impressing professional connections, prospective employers and, of course, potential romantic partners.

Several studies over the past few years have confirmed that attractive people do, in fact, fare better in life.

This is highly apparent in romantic endeavors, but also encompasses greater academic performance, being hired with greater frequency, earning greater salaries and raises and generally being treated better than their less attractive counterparts. These results are also partially a result of the self-confidence one gains simply from feeling attractive.

It’s also no secret that physical fitness directly correlates with one’s overall health. The primary benefits of a healthy lifestyle, as outlined by The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, include a healthy heart, strong bones, a sense of well-being, a

Lauren Flick / Gavel Medi

good social life and looking/feeling better.

Every student who gets regular workouts in lifting, running, spinning, sport-specific training or any other activity—can likely attest to this.

“I like being healthy and feeling strong,” Kaitlyn Solano, A&S ’17, said. “I have more energy when I eat right and work out and generally sleep better too.

Plus, [working out] is how I relieve stress.”

The key to maintaining one’s appearance is moderation. Being conscious of one’s appearance should not entail a full-on obsession with food, exercise or designer labels. However, if an attractive outward appearance accompanies equally attractive internal characteristics, such as personality and intelligence, one should not be worried about being perceived as shallow or conceited.

The next time you encounter a “superficial” BC bro or biddy, try not to judge a book by its cover, no matter how well the book is dressed or how much time it spends at the Plex. Remember that there are a whole host of benefits to looking good, and fortunately, BC students have more to offer the world than just our good looks.

Lauren Flick / Gavel Media

OPINIONS

25

Authority fromMajority: Freshman Centric Lacrosse Team Looks to Excel

L

By Katie McGirney / Editorial Assistant Design by Alex Flynn

ike a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Boston College men’s lacrosse team is experiencing its own rebirth.

The Eagles graduated three of their leading offensive producers, an All-American

midfielder and two All-PCLL (Pioneer Collegiate Lacrosse League) defensemen. These players helped lead the Eagles to the MCLA (Major Collegiate Lacrosse Association) National Quarterfinals, and their departure has created some large holes to fill.

How exactly do you fill those holes? You bring 26 new players on to the squad, that’s how. With 22 freshmen, the Eagles may be lacking in experience, but they make up for

Kristen Morse / Photo Assistant

26

BC Gavel

March 2014

“” I would say we absolutely have the talent of a DIII roster. Our biggest restriction is field time and practice time but in terms of competitiveness and skill level, we’re right with those teams.

Kristen Morse / Photo Assistant

it with talent and passion, and they are not to be overlooked.

A tough loss in last year’s national tournament against an undefeated Arizona State left senior captain Joey Volk (A&S ‘15) with a bitter taste in his mouth. He came back ready to rebuild.

And rebuild he did. “Normally, we don’t take that many players, but we lost a lot of seniors last year and we just wanted to build a new culture, so we decided to take a few more,” said Volk.

Due to Title IX, Boston College cannot field an NCAA Division I team, the last one playing in the 2001 season. But that doesn’t kill the Eagles’ competitive spirit. “I would say we absolutely have the talent of a DIII roster. Our biggest restriction is field time and practice time,” says Volk, “but in terms of competitiveness and skill level, we’re right with those teams.”

They’ve always had the skill, but this team is different from that of years past, and it seems like everything is starting to fall into place for the Eagles. “When I got here, we were talented but we didn’t put in the work. Then we put in the work, but just didn’t have all the pieces together,” Volk recalls of his three years on the team. This year, the pieces seem to be fitting together seamlessly.

“Once we got to know each other, we started playing together well, and just gelled from there,” said freshman Christian Backe (A&S ‘18). From day one, new players were welcomed; everyone was ready to revamp the team.

With the help of new coach Peter Sessa, the boys have become a family ready to fight and prove that it is just as good as—if not better than— the team it was last season.

Sessa was brought in at the beginning of the season. A former Division III lacrosse player at Springfield College, he is a wonderful new asset to the Boston College program. He has experience coaching and playing overseas, as well as coaching at his alma mater and other DIII programs.

Bringing in Sessa has created a much-needed change of pace for the Eagles. “Coach Sessa has taken us to the next level. His coaching [and] his knowledge of the game is just unparalleled. He’s such a good motivator; he’s created a totally new culture,” said Volk in regard to the new ringleader.

With a new coach and a new team, these guys have one goal in mind: win a national title. “We all knew from the beginning that we want[ed] to win the national championship; that’s what everybody wants to do,” said freshman John Kenney (A&S

SPORTS

27

‘18). “That’s absolutely the goal, no questions about it,” added Volk, “it would be really cool to bring that to BC.” In order to fulfill that goal, however, everyone is going to need to take initiative and become a difference maker.

With a team that is half freshmen, the younger players are going to have to step up and become leaders in their own right to make up for the loss of the powerhouse seniors from last year.

This club is unique, and will be gaining leaders from the bottom up, who will heavily contribute to triumph on the field. “There’s so many of us. We all kind of have our roles.” said Kenney. “We made it our own team.”

Ready to shake things up, the Eagles are hoping to use the unfamiliarity of this year’s team to their advantage.

With new talent and a largely reshaped lineup, other teams won’t know what to expect. “Other schools don’t know kids on our team, so it’s awesome to have this whole new pool of players that no one’s really seen before,” said Club Vice President TJ Zegarelli (A&S ‘16), “which is what’s going to push us over the brink.”

BC is ranked eighth in the MCLA preseason poll after finishing at 11-4 last season. During the fall, the team scrimmaged Northeastern, UNH and Vermont, winning those games to avenge losses from last season. A tight game against Babson that ultimately ended in a loss was a learning experience for the team. But with a little more practice under their belt, the Eagles will be ready to come out swinging and strike revenge on the DIII program.

The team is scheduled to play MCLA and NCAA teams as the spring season approaches, and hopes to improve

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BC Gavel

its game by scrimmaging some DII and DIII teams. The Eagles begin their challenging season in Colorado, facing the first and fourth ranked MCLA teams, respectively. A tough home schedule is also going to test the Eagles, as they face other top-25 teams such as Michigan State (five), Northeastern (17), Georgia Tech (25), and Texas (15). “We’ll put on the best show we can,” said Backe with regard to the home matches.

Perhaps one of the most important home matches—and one of the biggest events for the team each season—is the Welles Crowther Red Bandana game, which will be played on April 18 against UCONN. Jefferson and Allison Crowther will be in the stands cheering on the Eagles to a hopeful win, and will be honored at halftime for the bravery of their son, a hero.

The Red Bandana: an emotional and powerful symbol that has integrated the core values of strength and courage into the heart of this program. With the meaning of the Red Bandana in mind, this year’s team is ready to fight until the end. It is prepared to give its all until that final whistle blows, leaving it all on the field.

Expect big things from the men’s lacrosse team this season. They’ve been challenged, and they are ready to rise to the occasion. “This year, we’ve got big things in store,” said Volk. “We’re where we want to be,” added Zegarelli.

Young and unafraid, this team is ready to take the bull by the horns and have one of its best seasons yet. Goals have been set and the work has put in; these Eagles can’t wait to take flight and show everyone what they’re made of.

March 2014

New England Signing the Dotted Line

By Mike Kotsopoulos / Assoc. Sports Editor Design by Olivia DiNapoli

Twenty-six signed players later, National Signing Day ended unceremoniously for the Boston College football team. No shocking developments. No last minute flip-flops.

Nothing new.

Here on the Heights, people seldom roll out the red carpet for National Signing Day. Why? Look no further than Andre Williams and Jeff Driskel. Williams graduated high school as the 44th ranked running back in the nation. Overnight, the unheralded power-option turned into a Heisman finalist, carrying BC back to relevancy on the tail of his meteoric rise. Driskel, on the other hand, signed with Florida as an unblemished five-star high school recruit. Today, the quarterback plays for Louisiana Tech, an unprecedented fall from grace from his once promising NFLbound potential. Like the Weather Channel and the NFL Draft, Signing Day remains a shot in the dark.

So, without further ado, let’s examine a few of Coach Addazio’s top hauls from college football’s second informal championship: National Signing Day. Zach Allen: Connecticut’s reigning Gatorade Player of the Year, Zach Allen attempts to leap from small-pond New Canaan to the ACC. The three-star recruit projects as a top prospect at defensive end, displaying tremendous potential as a lethal pass-rusher. Having won consecutive state championships, he has the heart of a champion. Let’s pray Allen sacks a few more wins at Alumni these next fall Saturdays.

Chris Lindstrom: A prodigy from central Massachusetts, Chris Lindstrom adds another threestar profile to Steve Addazio’s shortlist—all 240 pounds. The 2014 ESPN Boston Lineman of the Year singed his letter of intent back in December, excited at the prospect of starting classes here on the Heights on January 7th. Eager to step foot in the locker room, Lindstrom aspires to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, Eric, who played for the Eagles years ago.

Jeff Smith: An intriguing prospect, Jeff Smith proves Addazio’s reach exceeds past New England. By signing a quarterback from Seminole, Florida, BC reestablished itself on the recruiting trail, breaking into sacred SEC territory. Luring Smith away from Indiana and Army, Addazio saw a raw, dual-threat quarterback evoking memories of a young Tyler Murphy.

Measuring at six feet, Smith has great size for the position — now he just needs to wait for his chance on the depth chart.

Anthony Palazzolo: Standing at 6’5’’ and weighing well over 300 pounds, Anthony Palazzolo scares away his own shadow. Another product out of Connecticut, the offensive lineman graduates from Fairfield College Prep this spring with a chip on his monstrous shoulder. The moment Palazzolo committed to Boston College, Rivals.com downgraded his status as a four star recruit to a three-star recruit.

Have no doubt Addazzio uses this as bulletin board fodder on way to restoring BC as O-Line U. Alex Krowiak / Gavel Media

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29

F R OZ E N FOUR

Boston College’s Bid Could Be

A

DISTINCT POSSIBILITY

By Joe Castignetti / Sports Editor Design by Sara Pollei Kristen Morse / Photo Assistant

30

BC Gavel

March 2014

AS THE BOSTON COLLEGE MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM WINDS DOWN ITS REGULAR SEASON AND ENTERS THE POST-SEASON, THERE ARE DOZENS OF QUESTIONS THAT THE TEAM WILL HAVE TO ANSWER THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRETY OF MARCH. AT THE VERY FOREFRONT OF THESE QUESTIONS: WILL THE EAGLES BE ABLE TO MAKE IT BACK TO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT, PARTICULARLY BACK TO THE PRESTIGIOUS FROZEN FOUR?

T

he Frozen Four—the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship—is the premier ice hockey tournament, and only has enough room (four spots, as implied by the name) for the best of the best in college hockey. And for the first time in over a decade, Boston will be hosting this eminent championship.

The prospect of having this kind of a championship in Boston College’s backyard is exciting. How much more thrilling would the championship be if Boston College was able to secure a spot? For SuperFans, exponentially. However, this prompts the question: Will the Eagles make it?

With a team that has exhibited its fair share of inconsistency and shakiness, this is an especially difficult question to answer. The fact that this season’s record is likely the least impressive record the Eagles have had within the past five years is a testament to how consistently dominant the team has been in this same time period. On top of BC having a (comparatively) weak record, the Hockey East is the strongest it has been in a long time.

With teams like Boston University, Harvard, Providence, Vermont, UMass Lowell and Merrimack consistently breaking the top 20 spots of USCHO’s Division I Men’s Poll, the Eagles will have an abundance of competition

to face in the Hockey East Tournament.

However, as we have all learned in the past, if there is a York, there is a way. Sure, the team lost its best player to the NHL. Sure, the team doesn’t have the prolific offense that it had last year. And sure, the team broke its five-year streak of Beanpot final appearances and victories. But at this point, these things are entirely inconsequential. They’re in the rearview mirror. They’re an afterthought.

This year, the team has been able to recover from an anemic beginning to become a formidable and dominant again. The team has rallied around its tenacious defense and its adroit goaltending. And the team has made necessary adjustments, prompted by the all-time winning coach in the history of college hockey, to effectively reshape its gameplay and transform into a contender again.

While the road ahead is rugged and laden with challenges, in whom could we better place our faith than the Boston College Eagles? Perhaps the Eagles will flounder early in the Hockey East Tournament and fail to even make the NCAA Tournament. But I wouldn’t bet on it. Now, how about putting a sub-standard season behind them, working hard to learn from their mistakes and entering the Hockey East Tournament, the NCAA Tournament and perhaps even the Frozen Four? With a competitive fire and a chip on their shoulders, BC will be ready to disprove a college hockey world that has effectively written them off? Now that’s something I may just bet on.

SPORTS

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