10 29 15fullissue

THE

M O N TA G E It is a matter of campus security security Campus Security provides safety measures to protect students & staff

Illustration by Marissa Diercks Katelyn Ericson Staff Writer

America has once more experienced a school shooting.

CNN ranked the Umpqua shooting among the “28 deadliest mass shootings” in the United States. According to ABC News, there have been

Story on pg. 3

47 school shootings this year.

What safety procedures and practices does STLCCMeramec have to prevent a similar event from occurring?

While it is impossible to prevent or predict a tragedy like Umpqua, we put systems in place to minimize the risk, Vice President of Student Affairs Kim Fitzgerald said.

“You do everything you can do to insure the safety of faculty, students and staff,” Fitzgerald said.

In response to school shootings like Umpqua, STLCC campus police are training in case the worse should happen.

“We have increased active shooter training and lockdowns.

Every campus police officer has had these trainings once, most twice, in

the last two years,”Chief of Campus Police Anthony Russo said.

Campus police have firearms and emergency equipment that they train with.

“Our officers are highly trained,” Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management Mark Potratz said. “Our officers daily wear and use a widerange of safety equipment.

VOLUME 51, ISSUE 5 | THURSDAY OCT. 29, 2015 | www.meramecmontage.com

They regularly practice their skills.” This application of skills is very important, Potratz said.

Campus police conduct two kinds of drills that prepare staff, faculty and students for an armed intruder.

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Continued p. 3 Illustration

by Jason on Waters

NEWS

2

Making a paycheck last: to spend and to budget

Professor Mark Tulley advises students on finances while attending school Dalila Kahvedzic Editor-In-Chief

Money skills are essential for college students.

STLCC–Meramec business professor Mark Tulley has been a full time professor for 10 years after a career in securities, business and financial planning.

On Thursday Oct. 22, he held a presentation for students on how to make a paycheck last.

Tulley was on his own since he was 16 years old. He put himself through college and graduate school and worked full time.

“I worked so much that I spent a lot too, and I really wasn’t very good about budgeting. I knew I was supposed to, I just didn’t do a very good job of it. So, here’s what I did. I took 15 percent off the top of everything I ever made and saved it, put it away in savings,” Tulley said. “It worked.”

Personal financial planning requires everyone to look at the bigger picture, Tulley said.

“You really need to get a handle of where you are financially, because everything really should be driven by what your financial goals are,” Tulley said.

There are three goals: short term, medium term and long term, Tulley said.

Short term is a goal that takes less than a year to attain, something like a laptop or a vacation. Medium term would take one to five years and long term would be longer than five years.

“I try to get everyone to establish those real tangible, specific goals first and then the second thing is, alright, those are my goals, where am I financially? Can I even achieve these goals,” Tulley said.

The next step is to take a picture in time of where you are, Tulley said. This picture includes three things: past, present and future.

Past involves where your money came from and where it went. This includes sources of income whether it is a salary, gift money, interest from a bank — any and all income.

“Then try to break it up into two categories — fixed and variable. Fixed expenses are the things you have to pay — rent, car loan, etc.,”Tulley said. “If I don’t pay my car loan, they’re going to take my car away. If I don’t pay my rent, they’re going to boot me out of the apartment — I have to pay them.”

Variable expenses are things you have more

EDITORS

control over , Tulley said.

“Variable expenses can even be utility bills because we can say ‘well, let’s make it a little colder in the apartment, let’s cut back the expenses a little bit,’” Tulley said.

For a lot of people, especially younger people, it would be scenarios such as not eating out as much, Tulley said.

“Cut the fast food, cut the entertainment,” Tulley said.

“Instead of going out to eat tonight, we’ll just barbecue some hot dogs — those are ways to control your expenses.”

Fixed expenses are what people have a pretty good handle on, Tulley said. People tend to underestimate their variable expenses by about 60 percent.

“It’s because you don’t think about it,” Tulley said.

Instead of buying a small bag of chips at the vending machine for over a dollar, go to Costco and purchase a big pack to last you awhile.

“The present aspect is where are you financially right now?

What do I own and what do I owe. What I own are things like my car,” Tulley said. “What do I owe? Debt. Not my bills — that is an expense. What’s your credit card debt? What’s your car debt?

Photo by Ashley Biundo

Mark Tulley discusses financial planning at his presentation in BA 114

paying bills online, there are a lot of benefits, especially the immediacey, Tulley said.

“A lot of times that helps you get your bills paid quicker. It’s going to get taken out of your bank account the next day and get paid.

So that protects you from being late on your payment,” Tulley said.

“Look at your priorities.”

What’s your home debt? You still owe $5,000 on your car, you have $2,000 that you still owe on your credit cards — that’s your debt,” Tulley said. “All things you have to cover because you’re going to create problems if you don’t.”

When creditors look at you for loans, they’re going to look at those ratios, Tulley said.The future aspect is to set up a budget.

“The key to the budget is don’t make it too complicated. The goal of the budget is to do one primary thing — and that’s to achieve those objectives that we set up earlier.

The goal of the budget is to make the best use of every dollar you have available, and as best as you can — to get the things you want and not waste it on other things that you really didn’t need,” Tulley said. “Look at your priorities.”

When it comes to

The only thing you always want to be careful with in online payments is protection, Tulley said. Make sure that you are careful about it, that you do not just leave the information open; make sure you log out.

When paying bills, direct payments are not always a good choice, Tulley said.

“What happens is people don’t pay attention to it. It just gets taken out of the statement. If you have to go online and actually tell them to pay the utility company, authorize it, you’re recognizing ‘oh I paid this amount of money for my water bill or my gas bill or electric’ — you’re conscious about it, you’re controlling the payment and you’re keeping track of it,” Tulley said.

If financial responsibilities are shared between a couple, both should be financially

MONTAGE STAFF

Mike Alivernia Dalila Kahvedzic Editor-in-Chief Jason Waters Production Manager James Claiborne Jonah Durbin Katie Leicht Art & Life Editor Katelyn Ericson Brittney Farrow Opinions Editor Tyler Fuson Christian Hargas Sports Editor Daren Hembrador Marissa Diercks Graphics Editor Jason Jamison Alex White Photo Editor Link Johnson Katie Hayes Copy Editor Patrick Niehaus Shannon Philpott Faculty Adviser Toni Roberson Proud member of

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involved, Tulley said.

“My suggestion is ‘yours, mines and ours’ so that regardless of girlfriend, boyfriend, husband or wife — whoever, when there’s a couple involved — both should be involved financially with financial issues. Even if one typically pays the bills more,” Tulley said. “‘Yours, mines and ours’ means you have your own checking, savings and investment account. I have my own checking, savings and investment account, and then we can have an ‘ours’ that pays the rent or pays the utility; something in common,” Tulley said.

Doing things this way gives each person some independence, Tulley said. It gives each person their financial identity.

“This is critical because you want to establish your own credit, your own credit history, your own credit score because you’re equally important as individuals but also when you’re a couple. So if you guys go apply for a loan together for a car or a house, etc, they’re going to look at both credit scores,” Tulley said. “What some women do, they would take on the husband’s name — like Mrs. John Smith — you don’t want to do that. You start to lose your credit identity and your credit history. You want to be parallel — you have to be independent.”

Credit cards are a good way to establish credit history and are sometimes necessary, Tulley said. For travel — to rent a car, to book a hotel room — you are going to need a credit card.

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As far as number of credit cards, go slowly in this — don’t jump in total body, Tulley said.

“Put a toe in, then put a foot in and then work your way up.

When you’re done, normally one of the big credit cards is probably a good idea. Like mastercard, just because they’re universal, you can use them in lots of places.

One of the things you check on is what are the benefits? Some of them have good reward programs.

The other would be a specialty card (for specific places) if it’s a place you go to a whole lot, you buy a lot of their product, and you get financial benefits and discounts by using it and you’re going to pay it off on time.”

The most amount of credit cards a person should have is three. When all is said and done, maybe three to cover everything, Tulley said. To spend oevr a third of the balance on the credit card is not ideal.

“One thing I tell everybody is don’t carry them all with you.

It keeps you focused. Carry what you need,” Tulley said.

So long as you are paying it, so long as you have control of your finances and you are able to pay your bills on time, then a credit card should not be a problem,Tulley said.

“You should be able to use it for the convenience, use it to be able to establish credit, use it for the reward program. But the key is this — don’t pay interest.

Pay the thing off in time,” Tulley said. “As long as you manage them and they don’t manage you.”

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NEWS

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Behavioral Intervention Team prevents campus disturbances Connecting students with appropriate resources Katelyn Ericson Staff Writer

They say the best defense is a good offense. At STLCCMeramec, the offense is a team of four who have strategized and helped students succeed since 2008, according to original team member Linda Nissenbaum, manager at the Access Office.

They are the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT).

Meramec’s BIT is a member of the National Behavioral Intervention Association (NaBITA).

According to NaBITA’s website, BIT was not designed as a response to campus shootings and violence, but as a proactive method of addressing the increasing need at universities and colleges for a central, organized, caring and developmental intervention program for people in need — prior to crisis.

“BIT gives the opportunity to staff, faculty and students to report unusual behaviors,” Vice President of Student Affairs Kim Fitzgerald said. “Once an incident has been reported, BIT will refer the student, staff or faculty member to counselors and the Access Office.”

Some of the cases may be referred to mental health resources that are not connected with Meramec, Fitzgerald said.

The foundation for BIT at Meramec was laid in April 2008, Nissenbaum said. Student Affairs, the Access Office and Personal Counseling collaborated to create the handbook that is now called ‘Maintaining Positive Student Interactions.’

“We encouraged people to report concerning behavior,” Nissenbaum said. “It is meant to be informative so we could help.

We’ve been able to support faculty Continued from p. 1 The active shooter drill is technical and tactical training for police, Chief of Campus Security Anthony Russo said. Lockdown is technical and tactical training for students. Lockdown drills are very simple — lock the door, turn the lights off, stay out of sight.

Drills are good practice for students, faculty and staff because they force people to mentally prepare for emergencies, Vice President of Student Affairs Kim Fitzgerald said.

The success of campus security and safety is not the sole responsibility of the campus police, according to Russo.

Building Evacuation Leaders are in every building on every floor. These people are part of Meramec’s Emergency Response Team (EMT). They are responsible to help people leave or take shelter in the building.

“Police are only as effective as the staff and faculty,” Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management Mark Potratz said.

Meramec’s police force has had a very high level of cooperation from faculty and staff, Potratz said.

and staff. We work together to come up with ideas about how to solve situations with the best possible outcomes.”

Meramec ’s team is comprised of Fitzgerald, Chief of Campus Police Anthony Russo, Nissenbaum and Counselor/ Professor Hope Steiner.

They meet every other week.

The team members come from various backgrounds.

This varied composition brings different perspectives Photo by Ashley Biundo to the table in Campus police officer Robinson greets student Kimberly Kwentus in the campus bookstore. considering behavioral issues, Meramec’s BIT additionally to gather information to let such as a major change in the Fitzgerald said. Reported concerns covers South County Education us know about the things that personality of someone, Russo said. range from plagiarism to students and University Center. are going on around campus.”

“The role of BIT is for it riding their bicycles in buildings.

“BIT is not punitive. It’s The team is kept small to to be proactive and get positive What is most important to proactive,” Nissenbaum said. “We ensure efficiency, Fitzgerald said. results,” Nissenbaum said.

BIT is that the team members get help to the student so they When the need arises, other Another safety measure connect the students with the can have success at STLCC.” faculty will be called on to help. similar to the BIT reports is the appropriate resources, Fitzgerald All STLCC Behavioral “Faculty and staff have been ‘See something, say something’ said. In the event of a violent Intervention Teams use the just great. They have been good campaign promoted by campus situation or threat, BIT would be software Maxient, Fitzgerald partners in this,” Fitzgerald said. police, Russo said. Students in contact with the local police. said. They enter reports into At www.stlcc.edu/BIT, can and should report concerns “Our major priority is not this database, allowing all teams students, staff and faculty can directly to the campus police discipline,” Russo said. “It’s about to share the information with fill out the Behavior Incident by calling 314-984-7667. support first. Our priority is to all of the campuses. During Report form. The report can be “I would like to reassure our keep the student in school and the semester, BIT chairs meet submitted anonymously, although students that we have systems get them the help they need and several times to discuss issues. BIT prefers the reporter to give in place to address situations,” then, last, disciplinary issues.”

“Our main concern is to his or her name, Nissenbaum said. Fitzgerald said. “We take behavior Each campus has one get information,” Nissenbaum The types of issues to report seriously. We are on top of this and Behavioral Intervention Team said. “We wanted to have a way include behaviors of concern — are being responsive to reports.” that receives NaBITA training.

The Building Evacuation Leaders are a very valuable part of EMT. Twice a year, during spring and fall semesters, faculty and staff have an emergency management drill conducted by a fully comprehensible emergency operations plan, Russo said.

kinds of emergencies.

The safety forums are for anyone, including members of the public.

“The key to safety is to learn how to respond to all kinds of hazards — man-made and natural,” Potratz said.

“Police are only as effective as the staff and faculty.”

“It is imperative to get faculty and staff and police to drill for all hazards and emergencies,” Russo said. “We regularly update the emergency plan for everyone. It is a plan to help us keep students safe.”

The campus police offer safety seminars, safety tips, the emergency text alerts and informational material to help students prepare for various

During student orientation, students learn about some of the safety procedures and the ‘see-something-say-something’ campaign, Manager of Campus Life Carolyn O’Laughlin said.

However, the emphasis of student orientation is not emergency drills.

“Our goal is to help prepare students to succeed at Meramec and to inform them that we do

have structures to keep everyone safe,” O’Laughlin said. “I want people to understand that they are a part of the community.

We are all responsible for the safety of our community.”

Some Meramec students are familiar with the three minute and 45 second safety video shown before class during the first week of the new semester. However, some students have not seen these videos which prepare them to handle emergencies at Meramec.

Amanda Herring, an STLCC student for three semesters, transferred from the Wildwood campus to Meramec in spring 2015.

According to Herring, she saw the video perhaps twice at Wildwood.

“I don’t remember seeing the video at Meramec,” Herring said.

“All the teachers skipped over the video. One instructor asked if any students had not seen it but then didn’t wait for students to raise their hands. If there was a fire, I’d have no idea where to go.”

According to Potratz, faculty operate on academic freedom which means that it is the instructor’s choice of whether

or not to show the video as part of their course material.

“To show the video would be to the advantage of everyone,” Potratz said.

We rely heavily on faculty and staff cooperation to inform students of the safety procedures from the video, Fitzgerald said.

“I wish they had gone over fire and tornado drills,” Herring said. “I don’t know the procedure.

I’d want to know where to go to.”

To show the video in class should be mandatory, Russo said.

“If it means the safety of another individual, yes. I would love to see that video mandatory,” Russo said.

While showing the video is not a requirement, the Department of Public Safety recommends that instructors show their students the video during the first week of class as part of student orientation, Russo said.

The video is not on STLCC’s YouTube channel. Students new to Meramec who are concerned about safety procedures can contact the Campus Police, the Student Government Association (SGA) and Campus Life.

Oct. 29, 2015

4

OPINIONS Black lives matter Lexie Keller Staff Designer

Being a healthy society should matter more than a movement Christian Hargas Sports Editor

Meramec needs LGBT A call for acceptance

As a freshman attending my first semester at STLCCMeramec, I have not seen anything really catered towards the LGBT students. This leads me to believe there is simply not enough LGBT acceptance on Meramec’s campus.

The LGBT community is not always comfortable on college campuses, and national research supports this. A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control found that students who did not attend school due to safety concerns on at least one out of the last 30 days before they took the survey ranged from 4 percent to 11 percent among heterosexual students.

The percentage increased from 11 to 25 percent among LGBT students. There has also been a higher risk of behaviors such as suicidal tendencies and self-harm among the LGBT community according to the Centers for Disease Control.

As a rule, I try to be accepting of people for who they are and not make judgments or assumptions about a person based on skin color or sexuality.

We learn how to be accepting during our childhood through exposure to the media and by learning about other cultures.

As we get older, our opinions help make us more aware of our surroundings and the people that we interact with.

Parents, friends, teachers, the media, mentors and many others influence our opinions.

Unfortunately, a lot of these opinions tend to be very negative about accepting others.

A club on campus could help students to see that acceptance is something not only needed but also should be mandatory.

The club could also help students make friends with each other and reassure them that they are not alone in whatever situation they have at home.

We need a week or even a day dedicated to the LGBT students on campus where other students can learn more about the different sexualities and have a luncheon to help LGBT students make friends on campus.

Putting these ideas into motion would greatly improve the outcome of LGBT acceptance on the STLCC-Meramec campus.

No acceptance will only lead a bigger path for ignorance to walk through.

Illustration by Marissa Diercks

Oct. 29, 2015

In the United States, the Black Lives Matter movement has been one of the most sensitive and consuming topics in local and national radio and television media. For the past 13 months, this has been the predominant storyline of our nation’s current ethical, racial and even political structure. This is something that has risen to prominence through the aggressive and enthusiastic effort of the supporters for their voice to be heard by the masses.

With that being said, this is also something that has been misconstrued, misinterpreted and even misrepresented by the very people who initiated it. Black lives most certainly matter, but being a healthy society should matter more.

Please do not misunderstand me; I realize there was a period of time in United States history when African Americans were not treated as equally as whites.

As an African American myself, I understand the significance of how our race was once treated in the past and I know it was not good.

Throughout the progression of my life, I look up to individuals like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. for their fearless

and determined efforts to make the United States an equal society.

As a result of their sacrifices, the change that was once a dream came to fruition because they understood there was a real issue at the focal point of American society.

When it comes to the Black Lives Matter movement, I just do not know if these same historical figures would be able to decipher the real issue.

In my opinion, the real issue has been twisted, contorted and disguised by many different subheadings and side stories.

The point of the movement is to spread the message to American citizens that black lives matter and they should be treated equally and fairly. The problem with this message is that there has not been a point in time since the late 1960s where blacks were not treated equally as a majority race in this nation.

Dare I say the United States has done an admirable job at making sure people of all races and ethnicities are afforded the same opportunities and rights?

There are instances where equality and fair opportunities among people with different races and ethnicities are challenged – even to a potential breaking point – but what does looting and destruction of property solve? What does burning down buildings, tipping cars, threatening police officers

Illustration by Christian Hargas

and breaking into and stealing from business corporations do but stir up more trouble?

Somewhere along the way, this new narrative has been created where blacks are not treated fairly and we are heading backwards as a society.

We are heading backwards as a society, but I can assure you it is not because of some misconstrued conspiracy against African Americans. As an African American, I am deeply offended by how our community has reacted and what the state of our public unity has become.

We need to be lifting each other up instead of tearing each

other down. What happened to the society our grandparents grew up in? What happened to the days when we knew our neighbors and cared about them?

What happened to the days where we did not have to be afraid to step outside of our homes?

I cannot speak for anyone else, but I want to live in a society where people of all races can get along. I want to live in a society where people of all races feel they are treated fairly and that no race believes their lives do not matter.

Black lives most certainly matter, but being a healthy society where we are all unified as one should matter much more.

changes to the original work, from name changes, removing certain episodes, and even changing the relationship of Haruka and Michiru (Amara and Michele in the dub) from lesbian lovers into cousins.

Some were enraged by this change, so much so that they called the people who worked at Cloverway homophobic; however, since American broadcast standards are very different from Japanese ones, the change had to be made simply to make sure it would be broadcasted.

More than anything, Cloverway and DiC were trying to avoid controversy and make the show family-friendly. They did not make the decision because they were repulsed by the idea of a lesbian couple.

It is this profound sense of entitlement that cripples fan bases and turns them into hostile environments. It only leads to petty arguing and it only gets worse from there.

If fans do not feel comfortable in their own fandom, and if they feel shunned by said fandom as a whole simply because of their differing opinions, how can we expect them not to feel ashamed of calling themselves fans of anything – be it a movie series, an anime, a TV show or a rock band? Why would anyone feel comfortable in any environment where insults and humiliation are the norm, be it online or anywhere?

Self-entitled purists and elitist fans have to understand and respect the fact that not everyone is going to agree with them on their favorite characters or series.

They also have to restrict the impulse to think of those who do disagree as morons or pretenders.

Moreover, they simply need to know three very important things.

First of all, it does not simply belong to you. Regardless of what you are a fan of, it is for anyone to enjoy. Your memories of it belong to you, but the material itself belongs to the rightful owners.

Secondly, art and business go hand-in-hand. Forget about all of your preaching and ranting that art and business are not mutually exclusive.

Studios and companies are all willing to make money by any means.

They do not owe you anything.

Finally, your opinions are not to be shoved down someone’s throat.

By trying to convince others that your thoughts and opinions are more important than the writers, creators and distributors, you are forcing others to follow your beliefs. You and no one else in the entire world have that right.

There are no rules when it comes to how to enjoy anything.

There are no rules when it comes to who should or should not be a fan of anything. Overall, there are no rules regarding what you can or cannot be a fan of.

The fandom menace

Why fanbase entitlement has to stop Tyler Fuson Staff Writer

When it comes to fans of sci-fi, fantasy, anime and comic book superhero fiction, there is no question that their passion runs very deeply. They debate over which character would win in a fight or discuss their favorite stories within the lore; they even talk about the themes and philosophical messages within the stories.

Sometimes, however, it seems as these franchises only attract negativity.

Fans will demolish and insult one another because one of them enjoys a movie or episode that the rest of the fandom perceives as worthless. Fans will even attack either the creators or distributors of the work entirely, claiming that they ruined their childhood or that they ruined the work as a whole, while looking down on the more appreciative fans as either idiots or liars.

How do they expect to think of themselves as fans when most of their involvement in a particular franchise is spent on petty and putrid insults and complaints?

The “Star Wars” fandom is an incredibly infamous example of a heavily divided fan base. In one corner there stands the original trilogy fanboys; these are the self-entitled purists and elitists who will not stop criticizing the

changes in the newer additions.

From scathing Internet reviews that do nothing but nitpick everything or complain ceaselessly, to calling fans of the prequel trilogy sheep or pretenders. In the other corner, there stand the prequel supporters, who see the movies as one whole saga.

The issue, however, is not that some people were disappointed with the prequels or that some people love Jar Jar Binks.

Rather, it has to do with the fans’ attitudes. Their constant need to have the last word in any argument and rant on message boards about George Lucas and the Prequels has driven fans of the Saga away in disgust.

With the fanboys’ constant complaining and criticism, who can blame them?

Who needs to be told what they should or should not be a fan of ? Even after 16 years, people are still angry at George Lucas for creating Jar Jar Binks.

Anime purists and elitists seem to be no better than “Star Wars” elitists when it comes to their senses of entitlement.

They demand that anime be presented in its most original form possible, without dubs or edits.

Their attitudes towards the original two dubs of “Sailor Moon” are a great example of their profound senses of entitlement.

The original two dubs of the anime that were done by DiC and Cloverway made many

OPINIONS

5

IIllustration by Brittney Farrow

The tipping point

How bad tips contribute to the dehumanization of food service workers Brittney Farrow Opinions Editor

With a chef dad and a server mom, my family is a food family. Having parents with careers in the food service industry, my whole life has revolved around dining.

While other families spent their time and vacation funds on theme parks and gift shops, my family spent their money on black truffles and glazed duck. At only eight years old, I had already dined in my fair share of four and five-star restaurants, and my favorite dish — much to my chef father’s dismay — was lobster. I grew up in bars, grills and restaurants.

I learned how to wordlessly tell a server I was done with my meal (fork and knife lined up in the center of the plate with the handle resting on the rim); I learned which utensils to use for each course. Most importantly I learned how to tip my server, and that good service should always be rewarded generously but bad service should never be severely penalized.

My mother made a living on tips and I realized very quickly that for many people their livelihood depended on the appropriate etiquette of customers like myself.

I have had many part-time jobs, but none have suited me quite as well as working as a server.

When I first started at a popular chain restaurant I started off hosting — which is compensated by an hourly wage — and then transitioned

into a much more hands-on and frantic position which depends mostly on tips.

I made good money hosting; however, being a waiter or waitress gives one the opportunity to make really, really great money.

Unfortunately, that also means I can make nothing. Whether or not I make enough to pay my bills does have some relation to the level of service I provide, but I’ve noticed something highly disturbing: it also does not.

make it easy; it does not excuse the way I am sometimes treated.

Being a server and relying on tips to get by means that I am at the mercy of my guests.

Cranky old men, overwhelmed and snooty soccer moms — it does not matter. At the end of a meal, every guest is the same.

I have to tolerate being talked down to and scolded for things beyond my control — things that include changes to the menu, the speed of the kitchen staff and the amount of garlic

Unless your server is horribly offensive (and no, that does not include being less smiley than you would like) a diner needs to pay at least fifteen percent.

If the experience is truly awful, a general manager or any other manager is always available to listen to complaints, and those complaints will always reach the waiter or waitress.

A person’s livelihood should never suffer over minor inconveniences.

If fifteen percent is too steep for a tip,

“Being a server and relying on tips to get by means that I am at the mercy of my guests..”

Waiting tables is exhausting.

It is a very physical job weighed down by mental stress. Many nights I come home covered in chicken & gnocchi soup and stinking of garlic. My feet ache, my fingers get blistered; I burn myself over and over again.

At the end of the day I fall into bed — way too tired to do anything but sleep — and no matter how much rest I get it is never enough.

Do not get me wrong: I know I chose this life. I know that I took these minor inconveniences in exchange for the chance to make a decent living. That does not always

salt dusted on a breadstick.

Things that I have no part in.

When I try my best to please a table and end up with only loose change it is hard not to feel more than a bit worthless and defeated.

When older men give me attention that I do not want, I am forced to grin and bear it to make the money I deserve. One time I was even verbally attacked in a brutal ambush stemming from a mother and daughter tag-team, and even though my manager was at fault I could not say so. It would not have mattered anyway.

My point is, tipping your server should never be seen as an optional component of dining.

then perhaps eating out is not a valid option. Fast food or food shops do not require tips, and can be just as delicious.

Even cutting a few cents out to make an even number as the total bill price is really not acceptable. It does not make you a decent person, even if you only stiff your waiter a few coins. Sure, it may sound like a greedy way of life but it is also a difficult way of life.

I, as a server, would never spit in someone’s food, but I am only one cog is a system of many parts. When the decency a guest displays could be the difference between a waiter or waitress

feeding their children, some will not show the same restraint that I do. Tip well, not because you need to but because you should.

The people who eat out at restaurants and do not tip appropriately are no different than the people who throw their empty popcorn bags and candy boxes on the floor of movie theaters and say it is someone else’s job to clean it up. Yes, that may technically be true, but it only further proves that so many people look at food service workers as beneath them.

McDonald’s workers recently requested $15 an hour and were met with scrutiny and ridicule. Whether or not fast food workers deserve so much money is not the point. The point is that for some reason that I cannot fathom most people think that they are not required to treat people in the food industry with respect.

If someone hired a plumber and did not pay them they would face extreme consequences; if someone requested the assistance of a brain surgeon to improve their health and did not pay the bill they would be harrassed with telephone calls until they found the money.

Why is it so difficult to believe that I, along with those I work with in the same industry, want to be regarded with half of the same respect?

I am not asking for more money than I deserve. I know when I give someone poor service; I feel extremely guilty when my guests walk away feeling cheated out of a lovely evening. Still, servers work hard.

We deserve more than pennies.

Oct. 29, 2015

INDEPTH

6

The Exorcism o

Myths dispelled and m

Oct. 29, 2015

of 1949

mysteries made clear

matter of faith, certain facts about exorcism and the case of 1949 are known to be true.

Katie Hayes Copy Editor

Interest in the exorcism of Roland Doe has not ceased since the ritual took place in St. Louis 66 years ago — especially around Halloween.

During a six week period in 1949, arguably the most famous exorcism of our time took place in St. Louis.

Although it is the most welldocumented exorcism, the story often travels by word of mouth where rumors are perpetuated.

“I have a feeling that at least among the students here, there’s probably a tendency to stretch things,” St. Louis University student Joe Martin said. “It’s probably more fun to just let the facts go to the wayside in favor of drama. It makes the story more interesting to not worry about facts.”

William Peter Blatty’s 1971 book, “The Exorcist,” is based on the events that took place. Two years later, the movie by the same title was released. Viewers were terrified to the point of losing consciousness in theaters — no one saw a film quite like it before.

Exorcisms are notoriously private — approval to perform the rite must be obtained by an archbishop, filming is forbidden by the Vatican and only those necessary for the ritual are allowed in the room.

Dr. Terry Cooper, professor of psychology at Meramec, co-authored “Evil: Satan, Sin and Psychology,” a chapter of which was dedicated to the 1949 exorcism.

Surrounding not only the exorcism of 1949 — but the rite as a whole — are a lot of misconceptions, which stem both from how it is portrayed in media as well as the secrecy of the practice.

Although the question of possession is a

Myth Debunked

According to Martin, campus tour guides take pleasure in relating the stories to potential new students around Halloween.

“Especially this time of year, I’ll probably hear about it maybe once or twice a week,” Martin said.

When asked about the story, however, Martin knew a more accurate version than St. Louis University students are credited with knowing.

The rumor is that the exorcism happened at St. Louis University on the fourth floor of DuBourg Hall, which is now the administration building.

In reality, it happened over roughly a six week period in various locations — a suburb in northwest St. Louis and Alexian Brothers Hospital, which was raised in 1978.

The boy also spent a brief period of time in St. Francis Xavier College Church on SLU’s campus, where he converted to Catholicism.

The Rite of Exorcism

Exorcisms exist in various religions, but are mostly associated with Catholicism in the United States. They are notoriously private, however, which leads to many rumors and misinformation.

“I think one common misconception is that people can just decide on their own that somebody is possessed and make that diagnosis....

That kind of back and forth nonsense is not really very realistic at all in terms of the way it’s been handled historically,” Cooper said.

To perform an exorcism, a priest must obtain approval from the archbishop.

“It’s very difficult [to obtain approval]. You’ve got to exhaust all other possibilities.

This case

INDEPTH is psychiatry and psychology believe, but it still holds that point of view,” Cooper said.

Leading Figures

happened in 1949, so there were certain things that weren’t available, but the Catholic Church doesn’t want to be embarrassed about this, so they want to make sure that they have done, like, pet scans of the brain, every physiological possibility, psychiatric possibility,” Cooper said.

To obtain permission to perform the Rite of

The exorcism was performed by Father William Bowdern after obtaining permission from Archbishop Ritter who later became Cardinal Ritter. According to Cooper, Ritter asked Bowdern to keep meticulous notes and to use caution.

It was also Father Bowdern who asked Blatty to change the gender of the boy to a girl.

Father Walter Halloran also assisted in the exorcism.

He played football in high school, which was helpful when he held down Roland Doe. He was the last surviving Jesuit who assisted in the case.

Media Portrayal

Exorcism, a priest must provide proof of possession.

This proof would include occurrences such as speaking in a language the person didn’t previously know, the body levitating, extraordinary strength and knowing secret information the person could not possibly know otherwise.

“There is a lot of disagreement, even among, let’s say Jesuit Priests for example, as to whether exorcism is ever appropriate.

Some of them will say it only serves a kind of psychological catharsis, that it helps the person who is convinced that he or she is possessed feel a release because the Rite of Exorcism helps them find that release. There are others who take it more seriously and believe that the individual may be under the influence or grip of some sort of spiritual presence,” Cooper said.

Whether Jesuit Priests believe in possession or not, the Rite of Exorcism — although rarely performed — still exists.

“The official belief of the Catholic Church is that it’s rare, but possession still occurs. Now, that’s not probably what the majority of people

The biggest difference between how the rite was portrayed and the actuality of the circumstances, was the gender of the child.

Although “The Exorcist” was about a girl, it was actually a boy who underwent the rite.

The boy is referred to as both “Roland Doe” and “Robbie Mannheim.” These are both aliases, however. To protect the privacy of the boy, his identity was never revealed.

There were 48 witnesses to the events that occurred in 1949. Some of what happened in the movie was accurate, while other specifics were only added for entertainment value.

“Some of the things that carried over to the film according to the eyewitnesses were that his bed shook and he didn’t do it,” Cooper said. “They claimed there were writings on the body that he didn’t do.

He didn’t throw up on people like Regan did, but he could spit pretty meticulously across the room and hit somebody in the eye. He seemed to be revulsed over anything that was religious or holy.”

Modern Psychiatry

“A lot of times if people had some sort of strange obsessive compulsive tendencies, it was perceived as maybe demonic,” Cooper said. “If they had Tourettes, if they would blurt out really obscene things — they thought that was a sign of possession. Even just epilepsy was often perceived as that. Anything that we didn’t understand and seemed to have a mystery to it, it was open to the possibility that there was a larger reality causing it.”

7

Many of these disorders are now understood and therefore treated with medication; however, exorcism is still considered valid treatment in extreme cases by the Catholic Church.

“I haven’t personally seen a case that I thought warranted an exorcism, but I know people who very much believe that those things occur,” Cooper said.

In the case of Roland Doe, there was speculation that he was not possessed; however, the true answer is unattainable.

“There’s a part of me that thinks that exorcism was a prescientific way of what we do now with therapy, with medicine, with pet scans, with different things that we use.

That that was just a different way of understanding mental illness and occasionally, I’ll run into somebody that I think psychology can’t quite explain,” Cooper said.

Cooper did not discount the merit of the Rite of Exorcism when asked if there was ever a case in which an exorcism could be useful.

“Maybe a case in which someone was so utterly convinced that nothing else would work and you actually could participate in that world with them. And if they could experience a release and really believe it was gone. It perhaps could do some good,” Cooper said.

/ After the exorcism, Roland Doe went on to live a relatively normal life. His identity, to this day, remains a mystery.

If Roland Doe is still alive, he would be around 80 years old.

Granted, some of the events in “The Exorcist” are exaggerated. Roland did not vomit on the priests and his head did not turn 360 degrees.

The bed, however, did shake and objects did fly around the room, which was confirmed by 48 eyewitnesses.

Perhaps the child was not truly possessed and modern psychiatry could have cured him. Perhaps, though, there was paranormal activity that could only be expelled by the Rite of Exorcism.

All that is known is this: in 1949, an exorcism was performed on a 13-year-old boy in St. Louis by a Catholic Priest — and it worked.

Oct. 29, 2015

ART & LIFE

8

BIWEEKLY INSPIRATION

“Love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space.”

- Amelia Brand, Interstellar 2014 Meramec student Max Price talks talent, comedy and nerves Rising comedian simultaneously pursues education Katie Hayes Copy Editor

Comedian and student Max Price got his start in St. Louis, but now performs across the Midwest.

In addition to doing stand up in fellow comedians’ shows, Price is set to host his own show Nov. 3.

“It’s an art form that you never really perfect,” Price said when asked about his comedy career. “My end goal is just to be able to do what I love for a living.”

physical therapy assistance while pursuing his passion for comedy.

“I always loved any form of comedy — stand up, sketch and improv. I was always watching Comedy Central as a kid, and watching stand up,” Price said.

“I always thought that was the most amazing art form because it’s an instant reaction. You instantly know if it’s good or not.”

The comedian performed on stage for the past two years, but worked on his craft for four.

“I had so much respect for people who did it, so I started

“My end goal is just to be able to do what I love for a living.”

Although the comedy scene in St. Louis is not wellknown, there is a show nearly every night. Many of these shows are inexpensive or free.

“He goes to comedy shows and open mics any time he can,” Price’s roommate Brian Baumgarner said.

Price, 22, moved to St. Louis from San Diego in 8th grade.

He began attending Meramec in 2012 where he studies

writing my own stuff. Then I practiced little things, like practicing in front of family, friends, went to a bar or something.

Then I decided I would try it out at an actual comedy club,” Price said.

His first routine was performed at the Funny Bone in West Port Plaza.

“It was the greatest thing I ever felt and I just instantly became addicted. From there, I

Submitted photo

Oct. 29, 2015

spent all my time writing new material, practicing, then going up and doing it. It just kind of took off from there,” Price said.

The Funny Bone hosts a comedy competition every year with 75 performers. Price placed ninth his first year and fourth his second.

“It gets you a lot of work. It kind of got my name out there and a lot of people asked me to do shows. That introduced me to other people, so now I do a lot of shows out of town also,” Price said.

He has performed not only in St. Louis, but Kansas City and Chicago as well.

According to the comedian, his first routine was nervewrecking. Although there are typically 20-30 people at an open mic night, there were close to 100.

“I was super nervous, naturally. I mean, I was totally freaking out and my heart was beating super fast. Whenever I was about to go up, I started to completely blank and forget what I was gonna say,” Price said.

According to the comedian, his first joke only received a few laughs. However, the next joke was when he captured the audience.

“What helped a lot was that the spotlight that’s on you, it’s so bright that you can only see the first row of people and then onward, it’s completely dark. So that calms my nerves,” Price said.

One of the questions Price is asked most often is what he does if no one laughs.

“Sometimes, I’d have awesome sets. Sometimes, I’d have sets where not a single person laughed once at any joke, you know, that’s just how it is,” Price said.

Price said the subjectivity of comedy. Even if a crowd finds humor in your set, you could tell the same set to a different crowd and get crickets.

“Even if you have a terrible set, it’s worth it to come back and have that awesome set because it brings you way up. Luckily, my first set was good enough to make me want to come back. It was nerve wrecking, but I got through it and still loved it,” Price said.

Some comedians quit if their first set goes awry, but Price has a different view.

“When people don’t laugh, it’s not a career ending thing — it’s just a part of it. It’s just a part of figuring out what works and what doesn’t. It’s not really failing, it’s just finding out what not to use,” Price said.

Price’s style of comedy mostly consists of storytelling, where he draws from his childhood.

Max Price doing a stand up at The Funny Bone.

His favorite style to listen to are one-liners, but he doubted his own ability in the form.

“I try to get laughter out of my actual material and my dialogue,” Price said.

Price seeks advice from professional comedians who visit the open mic nights as well by asking them to watch his set.

“You can’t ever feel attacked if it’s not all good, because there’s so many things to perfect. You just always have to be working on it. I just always

Submitted Photo

want to be growing,” Price said.

Although the comedian is not currently living off the money made from shows, he plans to make comedy his career.

“I have only been in comedy two years. I don’t plan to be able to live off this for another 10 years. Comedy takes a really long time to perfect,” Price said.

In the meantime, however, Price continues to pursue his craft while making a name for himself in the Midwest.

ART & LIFE

9

Photos by Dalila Kahvedzic

Professor Albert Kuo instructs student Jenny Diaz on further steps to continue a project in his Design I class.

Creating the Artist’s Reality

Professor Albert Kuo uses artist experiences to educate students Dalila Kahvedzic Editor-In-Chief

STLCC–Meramec and Florissant Valley Fine Arts Professor Albert Kuo’s childhood consisted of living in two distinctly different cultures. Travels to and from Taiwan gave him a wide range of experiences, which he now applies to his teachings.

He recently began teaching as a part-time adjunct professor after years of studying various subjects as a student.

Kuo received his bachelor’s degree in fine arts and painting and a master’s degree in painting from Fontbonne University. He also received his associate degree at the University of Utrecht in Holland.

Kuo was the first person in his family to be born in the United States — his family is originally from Taiwan. His father is an architect who currently teaches at the University of Hawaii, where Kuo acquired his love of art.

“All I did was hangout with him in his work space at his architectural firm,” Kuo said.

“Even in Taiwan, I would go there and study Taiwanese painting and come here and do drawing classes.”

His parents were supportive and encouraging of his decision to have a career in the arts, Kuo said.

Traveling to and from Taiwan gave Kuo a very different perspective on life.

During his years as a student, Kuo had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Utrecht for two years.

“It was a beautiful experience to say the least,” Kuo said. “I came back here with definitely a more diverse perspective on how we should be educated as artists and

about studying art in general.”

Kuo also studied music for awhile, playing on and off in Japan for four years.

“I played under different labels and was making good money. I could’ve kept doing that but it didn’t seem very fulfilling to me,” Kuo said. “It’s a seasonal thing, strangely — mostly based on when you go on tour, or record a new record or something like that.”

Music is the highest form of all the arts, Kuo said, quoting many of the artists he admires.

“It can emotionally capture us at any time and it’s also suitable for all moments in life,” Kuo said.

Kuo went on to study cooking, housing and construction and

schools before coming to the decision to become a professor.

“My first choice was Rhode Island Institute of Design (RISD) and Yale University as well. All the alumni from those schools are alumni that I admire.

I got into Yale and I got into RISD but neither of the schools offered me finances,” Kuo said.

Fontbonne University offered him a full-ride scholarship, which also better suited him and his style for the traditional aspects of art, Kuo said.

He never really considered teaching until the idea arose from the guidance of a former professor in grad school, Kuo said.

“I never wanted or thought

“When you’re in school and you’re a student, you need to get tough skin.” attended mixology school as well.

During this same time, he said he was always interested in art and knew he wanted to create it.

The end points to all these possible careers were visible and the thought of that was unappealing, Kuo said. He decided to go back to school and study painting.

To take a life break and experience new things before graduate school is something he strongly suggests.

“Even if it’s just like a year or a few months, I think it’s healthy.

It gives you a better perspective on how you care to learn,” Kuo said.

Kuo attended many different

I would ever be a teacher until I finished grad school. I wasn’t in a hurry to graduate, because I still did not think that I was going to be teaching — I never was against it, I just never thought about it or considered it really,” Kuo said.

In graduate school, he worked as a teacher’s assistant and apprenticed under Tim Liddy, whose work is currently featured in the Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery.

“I became very close with him and people that he knew and artists that he was working with and everything started to make sense from there,” Kuo said. “I would

teach his classes out of default and I was like ‘this is something that actually translates a lot of my skills pretty well because I enjoy talking to people, I enjoy expressing ideas — seems to work okay.”

“He had a huge, huge influence on where I’d be at — I used to be very prominent on moving out of St. Louis and doing things there but he definitely kind of grounded me and said it doesn’t really matter where you’re at today as an artist — it still seems like it — but it depends on what kind of art you’re making,” Kuo said.

He said learning skills and vocabulary are just half of what matters in art school — it is all about growing as an individual.

“Not only are they [good visual artists] looking at now, but they’re more concerned in what’s to come forever — why are things this way and not that way, right? What can I do about it, even if it’s not a conscious choice that they’re making,” Kuo said.

Kuo takes what he learned into his studio, where he spends 99 percent of his time.

“The studio is not a happy place. No studio is — it’s hard work. It’s tear-your-hair out. It’s laborious — it’s frustrating. Good days come once every two months with every artist, I promise you, that makes good work. There’s no romantic fantasy in art making; it’s work, it’s laborious. I think the reason why it’s laborious is because you care, you want to do it the best you can and when you’re not doing it, you get frustrated.

That’s what it is,” Kuo said.

Every piece of successful art work took plenty of time, Kuo said.

“Very rarely do I show any piece made by anyone under the age of 55. It’s a long time of hair

pulling and self doubt, but that’s part of it. But what it does is — when you’re in school and you’re a student — you need to get tough skin. And if you can’t, if you’re someone who cannot stand up to those situations; I don’t think you should be an artist. Your skills lie elsewhere in the world and you’re more useful somewhere else. And I think that’s the truth,” Kuo said.

Teaching has been a good experience so far, Kuo said. He believes students should be passionate about what they are learning, that the information should come from a kind of passion or desire, not necessarily because it is being forced.

“It’s just learning why you want to do something and why stuff matters to you,” Kuo said. “That’s the main thing.

Everyone’s really smart; we’re all capable of learning the same things for the most part. But our passions are what separate us.”

To do this, it took him some time as well, Kuo said.

“It took me a long time to figure that out because I’m definitely someone who likes to try everything. And so I did that and I knew, still to this day, I just learn things slowly because I try a lot of things even If I know it’s going to be a disaster,” Kuo said.

Art is a slow process, but it has to be a process that is important to the artist, Kuo said.

“Art is something where there is no actual reality to it other than what we see. It has to be created. So it’s a little bit more sensitive to the development of the individual,” Kuo said. “If you learn why it’s important to you, you’re going to make good choices; choices for yourself and choices for your own career.”

Oct. 29, 2015

ART & LIFE

10

Trunk or Treat lights up the cafeteria Students organize a night of fun for families Katie Leicht Art & Life Editor

On Friday Oct. 23, Meramec’s cafeteria was full of not only students, but also families from throughout the St. Louis area enjoying this year’s Trunk or Treat. The event was organized by the Student Governance Council along with the Student Activities Council. The event was held inside the campus cafeteria due

to possible weather conditions in Kirkwood. In charge of the entire night was Campus Life Director, Carolyn O’Laughlin.

“I know Meramec has loved Halloween,” O’Laughlin said.

The college did activities in the past during the Halloween season, such as a haunted house, but this is the first time Meramec has held a Trunk or Treat inside of a campus building.

“The Trio Student Leadership Board helped decorate the inside

Photo by Katie Leicht

Chemistry Professor Tony Frost making dry ice bubbles

and we are proud of how it turned out,” O’Laughlin said. Maddie Marlow, Meramec student and President of the Student Activities Council was also helping the night run smoothly.

“This is the first year Trunk or Treat is back, and we are trying to make it an annual thing,” Marlow said.

The cafeteria was lined with 16 different clubs and office tables handing out treats and candy. The Chemistry Club table had a solution mixed with dry ice, forming dry ice bubbles entertaining children, parents and students. Chemistry Professor Tony Frost was at the table with his students, handing out candy as well. His wife and two sons participated in the Trunk or Treat. Some students from the Student Activities Council also wrote letters to staff members of the different departments, asking them to come back to campus with their families the night of the event to join in the Trunk or Treat.

Student Jessi Lee’s table in particular was different from the rest. Lee gave away two tables worth of free books for all age levels as part of her Honors project in sociology.

Although the children really seemed to love getting free candy, Lee’s table was just as popular.

The night was full of frights, treats, books and dancing.

Funky Halloween Facts

The unusual truths about the frightening holiday Previous names for Halloween include ‘Witches Night’, ‘Lamswool’ and ‘Snap-apple Night.’

Scottish girls believed that if they hung wet sheets above a fire on the night of Halloween, they would be able to see images of their future husbands.

Halloween is thought to have been around for 6,000 years; possibly having an origin around 4000 B.C.

The first ever jack-o-lanterns were made from turnips.

According to facts.randomhistory.com

Photo by Katie Leicht

Students and trunk or treaters dance in the campus cafeteria to music provided by a dj.

In 2010, 72.2% of people surveyed by the National Retail Federation hand out candy, 46.3% carve a pumpkin, 20.8% visit a haunted house, and 11.5% dress up their pets.

In medieval Europe, owls were seen as witches and to hear their call meant death for somebody.

Based on a tradition, if clothes are worn inside out and a person walks backward; it is believed they will see a witch at midnight.

The largest pumpkin to ever be weig was 836 pounds which broke a world record in 1993.

The colors of halloween are orange and black; orange being associated with endurance while black is associated with darkness.

This is a reminder that Halloween was once a festival which symbolized life and death.

Illustration by Dalila Kahvedzic

Oct. 29, 2015

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SPORTS

12

Christian’s Corner Christian Hargas Sports Editor

The Teams of Destiny Destiny is something sports fans do not pay much attention to because there is a belief that it does not coincide with the team’s actual performance.

In my opinion, however, the concept of one particular team going the distance because it is “meant to be” is very real.

It is true that some teams who were “meant” to bring home the gold were not able to. The 2015 Chicago Cubs were in a position to reach the World Series for the first time since 1945. Fans believed this was the year the Cubs were going to reach the fall classic and win their first championship since 1908. The film Back to the Future (1985) prophesized the Cubs winning the World Series in 2015, but they were eliminated by the New York Mets. While destiny does not always play a factor, certain team were “just meant” to achieve championship success.

The 2007 New York Giants were not expected to make the NFL Playoffs following their 2006 season. The Giants snuck in the back door and eliminated the heavily favored Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers before advancing to Super Bowl XLII. There, New York defeated the previously unbeaten New England Patriots to capture their fourth Lombardi Trophy.

The 2014 Los Angeles Kings gained momentum at the right time heading into the NHL Playoffs. Facing superior competition in the form of the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks and defending champion Chicago Blackhawks, the Kings outlasted and defeated them in seven game series to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. The New York Rangers were their final test and favored to win the cup, but the Kings defeated them in five games.

The San Francisco Giants won three World Series championships in the last five years [2010, 2012, 2014]. Their 2012 victory was nothing short of miraculous because of the number of times their backs were against the wall.

After losing the first two of a five game National League Division Series against the Cincinnati Reds, the Giants won the last three to advance to the NL Championship Series. Trailing three games to one in a seven game NLCS against the Saint Louis Cardinals, they won the last three to advance to the World Series. The Giants swept the high-powered Detroit Tigers in the 2012 fall classic to win it all.

A team can surprise you with a conclusion that leaves you wondering, but there is no reason to wonder about something that is just meant to be.

Oct. 29, 2015

Photos by Ashley Biundo

From left to right, the STLCC men’s soccer team defeated Crowder 2-1 on Saturday, Oct. 24. Wingman Dillon Smith (left) and Forward Matt Schneider (right) each scored one goal.

Arch Attack

Men’s soccer team finishes season with ‘best overall record in STLCC history’ Christian Hargas Sports Editor

The STLCC Archers Men’s Soccer team amassed a record of 16-6-1.

Although, the last game was a loss against East Central, 4-2, in the Region XVI semi-finals, there are different contributing factors to the team’s overall success, Head Coach Tim Mosby said.

“We have very skilled players with great character. The passion and dedication for the game has been the biggest,” Mosby said.

Forward Matt Schneider said good coaching and direction is a big reason for the Archers’ success in 2015.

“We now have a coach that cares and wants to turn something around, and he is doing it and proving it. He is recruiting too and getting better players for the team, which is nice,” Schneider said.

Good chemistry within the team is another one of the major contributing factors to the team’s strong performance on the field, Defenseman/MidFielder Steven Lilako said.

“I think the biggest reason for our success is because we have high morale. Everybody knows their roles and is playing up to their potential. We also have a lot of depth in different areas of our team,” Lilako said.

Having good team communication is also a very big deal, Schneider said.

“If you do not communicate in soccer, then your team is just going to drop. If you have high communication with everyone, your team is just going to grow more and more. It will make you such a better a team,” Schneider said.

The Archers are ranked fourth in Division I in goals scored with 90, and second in shots on goal with 260.

Progression over last season, the offseason played an important part in improving the production of goal scoring, Mosby said.

“We went out in the offseason to find recruits that can put the ball in the net in a variety of

positions.

We have practiced finishing and how to best put ourselves in position for goal scoring opportunities,” Mosby said.

Averaging four goals per game, Wingman Dillon Smith leads the team with 25 goals.

Having good strikers and midfielders is very important, Goalie Nick Bertich said.

“I feel like we have really good strikers and our backs can get the ball up to the strikers and the mid-fielders, and they can just do their work. They can really put the ball on the net.

We have one of the top scoring strikers in the whole country and it is pretty awesome,” Bertich said.

Even with success, the Archers are striving to continue making improvements, Mosby said.

“We can always improve on all facets of the game. I believe we still need to improve on whole team defense, ‘one vs. one’ defending, and back post finishing. This year, we have improved on set pieces,

Staying calm during road games is the main reason for our success away from home, Mosby said.

“We do not let the environment disrupt our game plan. We use road games as a time to bond and take on the challenge,” Mosby said.

The best part of this season’s whole experience is winning, Bertich said.

“At the start of the season, we have never beaten Jefferson Co. It was like the first or second game, it was soaking wet, and we beat them.

Just the feeling that washes over you, it is amazing. I did something, I felt like I made history. Now, we are hosting a playoff game. That is some good stuff,” Bertich said.

It is a good feeling knowing that other teams are aware of the Archers’ success this season, Schneider said.

Sometimes, there can be extra determination and the team plays with a chip on their shoulder.

“Coming into the season,

“If we play our game of high -intensity offense and sharp lock down defense, we can compete with anyone.” finishing under pressure, attacking as a unit, overall goals against, and time of possession,” Mosby said.

Cleaning up the defense’s performance can be a quick fix, Mosby said.

“We will be recruiting defenders in the offseason. I think with moving some of our guys around, we have improved our defense for the short term,” Mosby said.

Bertich agreed.

“I think [defense] will be a quick improvement, but we will just have to know when teams attack. Get back and help me cover this guy. That comes from game to game when we step onto the field,” Betrich said.

The Archers improved their road performance during the 2015 season as they posted a 7-31 record away from Meramec.

they would say ‘oh it is Meramec and it is going to be a blowout’.

But, when we show up now as good as we are, and we beat them, they are all shocked. They all say ‘how did this happen’ and they are just speechless,” Schneider said. “Some games, we get kind of cocky and we do not play as good. However, sometimes you get that extra chip and we play very well. It just depends.”

Soccer is important, but life takes the front seat and soccer teaches them [players] a lot about the challenges of the real world, Mosby said.

“I am just proud of the guys and how much they have grown as a team, as athletes, as students and as men. We have a good group of guys. We are like a group of brothers. Some days we are best friends, other days not so much.

But I will say in times of high stress or adversity, our guys will stick up for each other, play for each other and like being around each other,” Mosby said.

There was a feeling of high expectations from the coach to the players from the very start, Betrich said.

“He knew that we were going to be one of the top teams in the region. He was a little disappointed at us that we did not get the first seed because we lost to Maplewood, and that was just a bad game. Overall though, he is excited to be in this spot and feels like being the fourth seed is actually a good thing because you still have that hunger,” Betrich said.

Schneider agreed.

“He likes it [team’s success], but he knows it is not over yet. But, I feel he is very proud of us and he just likes coaching us,” Schneider said.

Letting the players know each day they are a part of history allows for strong feeling and emotion along with the success, Mosby said.

“They have the best overall record and region record in STLCC history and the highest seed in region tourney. They have three wins and one tie against top 20 opponents. They are hosting the first playoff home game in two decades, and they are setting records for goals scored and defeating teams STLCC never came close to over the years,” Mosby said.

The Archers feel they have the ability to reach the national tournament, Betrich said.

“I feel like it is there for us, but we just have to take it. We just have to play every game to its fullest, focus on team defense and we will be up there with anybody because we can put the ball in the net. It is just keeping them out, which we are improving on,” Betrich said.

Taking the remainder of the season one game at a time is important to maintaining consistency and competing within Division I, Mosby said.

“We need to stay focused on winning within our region. Yes, I do think if we play our game of high intensity offense and sharp lock down defense, we can compete with anyone,” Mosby said.