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TORCH GRAPHIC/ KERI DODGE

WHAT’S INSIDE News......................2-5 Comics.....................17 Opinion..................7-9 Entertainment....19-21 Features.............10-12 Sports.................24-28

MUSIC Better Believe it!

Inferno reviews the newest album from the 16-year-old phenom in our Hit or Miss section.

ENTER RTAINMENT Pg. 21

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Last week’s poll results Are you going to watch March Madness?

33% Yes 67% No Check out our new poll every Wednesday “Think Outside. . .”

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Directory Managing Board LXXXVII

CHRISTINA HEISER, Editor-in-Chief EVERTON BAILEY, Managing Editor NELL O’CONNOR

BILL SAN ANTONIO

MARK MCDONALD

News Editor

Sports Editor

General Manager

JUSTIN THRIFT

LAURA AMATO

MALLORY TOKUNAGA

Editorial Page Editor Photo Editor

Chief Copy Editor

PATRICE BENDIG

KERI DODGE

ELIZABETH MILLER

Features Editor

Art Director

Layout Editor

ADELLE PLATON

JOSÉ SILVA

ELLEN CAREY

Entertainment Editor Online Editor

Advisor

Business (718) 9906576 Advertising 990-6756 Editorial Board 990-6444

Features 990-6445 Letters 990-6445 News 990-6444 Sports 990-6444

Special thanks to Richard Rex Thomas for assisting in the design of The TORCH

Movies Rock ‘n’ Roll Still Lives Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning trade in their vampire teeth for a mic and guitar in their latest film.

Inferno Pg. 20

Features SGI Elections Candidates for SGI gear up for this year’s elections on March 29.

Features Pg. 10

Men’s Basketball Star Search St. John’s is looking to find its next men’s basketball coach.

TORCH PHOTO/BRIAN LOPEZ

The pep band participates in a student rally to send off the Women’s Basketball team to the NCAA tournament in Florida. The team lost in the second round to Florida state, 66-65.

NEWS

Sports Pg. 26

GENDER-NEUTRAL DORMS? OPINION PG. 9 24 March 2010

COMPILED BY JUSTIN THRIFT AND EVERTON BAILEY

The TORCH

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Briefs: E-mail sent to students about schedule, registration for classes to start in early April

FOR MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 718-990-6756 The TORCH is the official student newspaper of St. John’s University. The Torch is written, edited, designed and produced by students of the University. All contents are the sole responsibility of the editors and the editorial board and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, faculty or students of St. John’s University unless specifically stated.

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

The TORCH is typically published on Wednesdays, approximately 20 issues throughout the academic year. Circulation per issue is 3,500 copies distributed free on campus.

This copy of The Torch is worth $ .75.

The negative reaction from students at last week’s academic forum failed to derail the University’s plans of modifying the schedule structure next semester, but resulted in a promise to assess its impact.

In an e-mail from President Rev. Donald J. Harrington and Provost Julia Upton sent to undergraduate students March 18, the administration acknowledged that despite schedule talks occurring “extensively during the past three to four years,” students were correct in feeling they were not “consulted” in the decision-making process.

“We regret that and apologize, and we are taking steps to address issues that have now been brought to our attention,” the statement read. “While, as you can undoubtedly understand, it is too late to alter the schedule for fall 2010, we are putting into place a structure and plan for assessing the impact of the new schedule and for determining how best to move forward and making changes to address

continuing concerns.”

Rev. Harrington and Upton were away on University business in Rome last week and were unavailable for comment.

The e-mail mentions that a task force made up of members from Student Government, dean’s offices and the Division of Student Affairs will be created to monitor the new schedule’s effectiveness.

“We recognize that change is often accompanied by anxiety and uncertainty,” said the letter. “Our goal remains as it always has been: to provide, for all of our students, the very best academic experience possible.”

Class registration for the fall 2010 semester is fast approaching and will begin Tuesday, April 6. As usual, students with the most course credits will receive the earliest registration time slots.

Students should contact their department advisors and make advisement appointments as soon as possible in order to have their registration forms approved. Students can run advisement reports on UIS prior to meeting with their advisors and bring them to the meeting.

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TORCH GRAPHIC/KERI DODGE

Obama signs health care bill into law NELL O’CONNOR News Editor

the American people and will not be as helpful as planned.

“The government showed blatant disregard for the will of the people by passing this bill and it will spend billions of dollars that this country does not have,” she said. “We as a nation will feel the negative.”

Browne thinks that Americans, particularly said he college students, should wait to see what happens during the transition.

“Time will tell on the exact impact of the healthcare overhaul as most of the reforms will not be implemented for months if not years,” he said. “The uninsured and those with pre-exisiting conditions will benefit from this health care reform.

“The best thing about this lengthy health care debate was that Americans were exposed to some of the intricacies of our legislative process.”

Additional reporting by Sara Cahill Marron

ANJY ALTAMIRANO Contributing Writer

and that two out of three marriages end in divorce.

“I would like to suggest we create our own future,” he said. “By our choice we co-create [with God] who we are.”

Both University students and professors attended the event.

“It was an interesting topic on hope which showed the importance and difference between the meaning behind hope and life,” said Matthew Knotts, a senior, when asked about what he got out of attending the sermon.

Chelsie Sapp, a freshman, said the lecture taught her more about having a

personal connection with God. “It helped me realize that God is ever present in our lives and that He really cares about the things we are going through,” she said.

Amy Marinaro, a sophomore, said she learned about prayer.

“It showed the importance of having prayer and having a conversation with God in all aspects of life,” she said.

When asked after his sermon what the focal point was, Fr. Lauder said, “God’s love surrounds us every minute of our lives and that should free us to be trusting and have hope in God.”

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Father Robert Lauder, a St. John’s philosophy professor, ended his Faith Hope and Love Lenten Series yesterday with a final lecture on the need for hope.

The lecture, the third in a series of three, took place in St. Thomas More Church.

Fr. Lauder opened his sermon with a quote from the Gospel according to John, saying, “We need only trust in Him and follow His will.”

Fr. Lauder also discussed the contrast

between “hope” and “wish.” He explained that a “wish “is focused on something in particular, while a hope alone “gives God unlimited credit.”

Throughout his sermon, Fr. Lauder gave examples from his personal life and made reference to plays such as “Waiting for Godot” and “Long Days Journey into Night.”

“Hope is infectious,” he said.

Fr. Lauder said that people are now all living in an age where they find life commitments difficult, then gave the example that less men are becoming priests, less women are becoming nuns

The TORCH

Lecture by professor sends a message of hope

24 March 2010

Obama acknowledged the tough decision Congress had made and said that the bill would not fix everything, “but it moves us decisively in the right direction.”

However, the law is estimated to cost taxpayer’s nearly $1 trillion and parts of the legislation will not fully take effect until 2014.

St. John’s students vocalized their opinions on the matter. Some showed their support for the legislation, saying that the most important part is that all Americans will now have easier access to coverage.

“I’m all for it, I’ve been waiting a long time, its’ progression,” said Jeff Fisher, a sophomore. “It’s change, it’s what we have waited for.”

Sarah Yu, a freshman, said she thinks that more legislation may be needed.

“I know there are so many people that can’t afford [health care], I’m happy that everyone has access to it now,” she said. “But the next bill better be about decreasing the prices because it is way too expensive.”

Meaghan Mapes, a junior and member of the College Republicans, thinks that the bill looked past the will of

NEWS

For college students across the country, health care will soon be one less thing they have to worry about.

After months of debate and controversy, President Barack Obama signed a new universal health care plan into law yesterday after a historic vote by the House of Representatives of 219212.

Under the new law, adult dependent children up to the age of 26 can be covered under their parent’s employerprovided insurance.

This new standard, which will go into effect September 2010, will take off some of the pressure to find a job with benefits immediately after graduation.

Anjali Bhardwaj, a graduate student, said she thinks that college students will benefit the most from this new plan.

“In my opinion, I think because they’ll be covered until they’re 26, it’ll

make it easier for students to further their studies,” she said.

Steven Kennedy, a junior, agreed.

“I’m just glad I’ll be able to be covered on my parent’s insurance until I’m 26,” he said.

Brian Browne, the assistant vice president of Government Relations, said that the new advantages will come at some kind of expense.

“Extending benefits for dependent children will help college students,” he said. “All these reforms come with a cost and those costs will be passed on to the consumer and taxpayers.”

Insurance companies cannot discriminate against a person’s preexisting medical conditions or any medical history. Those who are currently uninsured must find some kind of insurance or face fines determined by their income.

According to a statement made

by President Obama, this will help to drastically lower the premiums of those looking for health care, and cover more than 32 million currently uninsured Americans.

In a press conference held yesterday,

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Laramie Project to premiere tomorrow CHRISTINA HEISER Editor-in-Chief The Chappell Players’ latest production, The Laramie Project, debuts tomorrow night. The show runs in the Little Theatre from Thursday, March 25 through Saturday, March 27.

The Laramie Project was written after Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was assaulted, tied to a fence and left to die because of his sexuality. This brutal event, which was deemed a hate crime, occurred in 1998.

Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project conducted more than 200 interviews with people from Laramie, Wyoming, piecing together a play about the reactions of those in the town and their own experiences as well.

“The production is a message of tolerance,” said senior Amy Ziolkowski, the stage manager of the show. “It’s still an important message about hate, tolerance and it’s topics and arguments are even more relevant today.”

Ziolkowski said that the 10 actors in The Laramie Project are playing 60 roles, posing a challenge for the actors, and making costumes an important part of the play.

Sarah Goncalves, a senior Chappell Player performer, has multiple roles in the play.

“I always keep the script in my hand backstage to get into the character so I’m ready to be the person,” she said. “It’s been difficult juggling everything.”

Goncalves spoke about the challenges of creating a production of The Laramie Project, since the characters are all real people, and still living today.

“In the past we were playing characters so we could exaggerate,” she said. “But with The Laramie Project, it’s very subtle but we also have to make a distinction between characters so it’s been difficult.”

Junior Keith Plokhoy, who directed the play, said that The Laramie Project is not a conventional play.

“We can’t depend on the regular

TORCH PHOTO/LAURA AMATO

The Laramie Project will run through the weekend in the Little Theatre. build and falls of the narration,” he said.

“It is a distinct category of theater called documentary theater. It’s different and much harder to direct.”

Both Plokhoy and Goncalves spoke about preconceived notions audience members might have about the play, due to the nature of Shepard’s death.

“The Laramie Project is not about being controversial,” Plokhoy said. “It’s not about homosexuality and hate and the [Catholic] Church. It’s about how an

event can affect the town and change it forever.”

Goncalves shared similar sentiments.

“Many have a preconception that the production preaches pro or anti gay or is a controversy against religion,” she said.

“But it’s a personal story. It’s about the people and how they were affected by this event.”

Plokhoy said he hopes the audience makes a personal connection with the characters in the show.

“My hope is that the audience can sit here and listen to the story and realize this could happen in their own town,” he said.

“I want them to watch the characters’ reactions and how they changed. I hope they can connect with the town on a personal level.”

Additional reporting by Carolyn Wargula

NEWS

Students met Monday night to plan activities for the upcoming Peace Week this spring.

According to Widian Nicola, one of the Campus Ministers, Peace Week originated one year ago and “was born out of one experience last year.”

Students attended a peace march in Ft. Benning, Georgia aimed at shutting

torchonline.com

The TORCH

RICHARD MILLER Staff Writer

24 March 2010

University promotes peace through week-long series of events down paramilitary training camps funded by the U.S. Defense Department.

After returning, the students decided that they could raise awareness with a week’s worth of activities on campus.

That first year, Nicola described the committee organizing Peace Week as “five students and myself [Nicola].” This year Nicola said she is confident that there will be seven days of activities, all dealing with peace and this year’s theme, “Create.” Peace Week will be observed from Sunday, April 25 to Saturday, May 1.

Other activities planned for Peace

Week include a free hug campaign, relief for Haiti, a spoken-word concert, an art exhibition and a dodge ball tournament.

T-shirts will be sold throughout the week to raise money for various charities.

The dodge ball tournament, also known as “Dodge a Ball, Not Peace,” is one of the newer additions to Peace Week. Although the tournament is an Ozanam Scholar project, it will be held during Peace Week in Taffner Field House and it will also benefit relief work in Haiti.

Organizers are envisioning a tournament of up to 32 teams of students

and administrators who will compete in a best-of-three contest. MVP points will be awarded to participants and spectators, while spectators will make a one dollar donation to Haitian relief efforts.

Sororities may contribute to the event by holding a bake sale, but the event is still in the planning stages.

The large response from students about Peace Week led to an increase in size and scope this year, and Nicola said she is confident that the students this year will set the bar even higher.

“They have the heart for it,” Nicola said. “They want to do something.”

Events held to appreciate commuter students on campus RICHARD MILLER Staff Writer Commuters and residents came together last week to enjoy Commuter Pride Week.

This is the fourth year that the Campus Commuter Connection (CCC) organized activities to unite commuters and residents. The CCC is a student organization that regularly holds events for commuters on campus. The Student Programming Board also helped to

organize the events.

Yvette Clairjeane, president of the CCC, said that the week included a multitude of activities, such as free breakfast every day, a toga party and Commuter Chats. Commuter Chats are an opportunity for students to voice their concerns to the executive board of the CCC, who will then take them to the STJ administrators.

Clairejeane said that the CCC’s goal is “just to unite everyone.” She also added that, although the title sounds exclusive, “everyone is welcome,” including residents.

According to Clairejeane, the CCC “used social networking sites, e-mail, flyers around campus, and word of mouth” to promote Commuter Pride Week.

Students around campus said they appreciated the CCC’s efforts to bring students together.

Freshman Adeel Zubair said that commuters need opportunities like Commuter Pride Week to get involved.

“We [commuters] don’t stay on campus that much,” Zubair said. “[Commuter Pride Week] makes us feel more involved.”

Junior Michelle Rendom agreed that commuters find it hard to get involved.

“I feel like we’re not on campus,” Rendom said. “We’re left out. [Commuter Pride Week] makes it easier to feel included.”

Can’t get enough TORCH news?

Visit our Web site for online exclusives. torchonline.com

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Library encourages students to make Debate shows strengths and weaknesses of parties donations

SGI presents candidates NATASHA MARIE VELEZ Staff Writer

NATASHA MARIE VELEZ Staff Writer Students who have outstanding balances from past due library books are in luck this semester. St. John’s Staten Island and Queens campuses are participating in a program called “Food for Fines.”

The program started March 22 and will run through May 16. During these days students may bring in various food items to the library’s circulation desks on the third and fourth floors to have their balances waived.

Brian Mikesell, associate university librarian for Systems and Services, explained that one food item from the approved list will erase one fine. Appropriate donations include powdered mixes, canned fruit, meat or fish, evaporated milk, pasta, rice, and canned juices.

For students who have more than one fee on their record, multiple donations will be accepted and fines will be waived from the lowest to highest amounts. Pre-existing fines on library books are also acknowledged and wiped out.

“

This benefits both students and families in need, and it’s a great way to give back to the community...

”

-Nick Kofteris, a senior

The TORCH

torchonline.com

To donate, visit the circulation desks on the third and fourth floors in the library, located in St. Augustine Hall.

24 March 2010

Nick Kofteris, a senior, said, “This benefits both students and families in need, and it’s a great way to give back to the community while saving a few bucks if you have canned food you really don’t put to use.”

All of the food collected will be donated to Our Lutheran Food Pantry for those who are donating to Queens’ campus and Project Hospitality for those who donate on the Staten Island campus.

Bianca Sean-Cayenne, a junior, said “I feel that this is a good program because it encourages people to give to the less fortunate when they may not have if this program was not put into place.”

Karen Reyes, a senior, said she wishes she could participate in this program.

“Students get their fines taken away and St. John’s gets to help the community,” she said. “Sadly I don’t owe any fines this semester!”

The Food for Fines program is open to all St. John’s students, whether you have an outstanding balance or not.

NEWS

Student Government, Inc. held a debate yesterday afternoon in the D’Angelo Center to introduce the student body to the candidates involved in the upcoming elections.

Members of the UNITE and the Progressing in Academics Revamping Traditions Enhancing Your Experience (P.A.R.T.Y.) tickets, along with those running as independents, presented their platforms and views on issues that are important to University students.

During the debate, Chenele Francis, Elections chair asked standard questions such as what the candidates would like to change about SGI’s performance and what they would like to change on campus and why.

Patrick Brewer, P.A.R.T.Y.’s candidate for president, responded by presenting his ticket’s platform to students and administration, adding that he “would like to make our institution more approachable and visible.”

TORCH PHOTOS/THOMAS CARNEVALE He made it clear that his ticket is already involved in various organizations Candidates in the SGI elections presented their platforms and on campus. Brewer is the current introduced themselves to students and administrators. secretary of SGI, and each of his fellow P.A.R.T.Y. are active in other clubs. efficiently. According to Molina, the the functions of our school. We cannot The UNITE ticket emphasized advantages of social networking would complain about the happenings of St . “change” as Mike Molina, their candidate enable SGI to circulate information to John’s if we aren’t voicing our opinions for president, spoke on a variety of administration. and concerns.” issues including the enhancement of After the presidential candidates, Danielle Campbell, a freshman, SGI’s transparency and visibility on the rest of the party candidates and thought the debate was a great campus. the independent candidates introduced opportunity for students to learn about Molina also touched on such topics themselves to the audience and answered the candidates. as publicizing the budget so that all questions posed by students.

“Most of the candidates held their organizations and students on campus Students seemed impressed by the own and I have seen some of the things are aware of the funds available to efforts of the candidates. they are involved in as individuals and them. He discussed the advantages of “I know what I would like to see know that they are qualified,” she said. implementing various media outlets such changed or added to St John’s and Another debate will be held March as the TORCH, Twitter, and Facebook. whomever fits closest to that criteria is 24 in the Donovan Community Room He added that these outlets would who I will choose when I vote,” Keana at 5:30 p.m. Voting will March 29 and be used as tools to navigate through Woods, a freshman, said. “We as the 30 in the D’Angelo Center and on St. their differences and network more students have an obligation to aid in John’s Central.

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Editorial Board LXXXVII

Illustrator’s Corner:

CHRISTINA HEISER Editor-in-Chief EVERTON BAILEY Managing Editor NELL O’CONNOR News Editor JUSTIN THRIFT Editorial Page Editor

FLAMES OF THE TORCH

Health care reform at last

EDITORIAL POLICY ions expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administrations of St. John’s University.

Mail letters to: The TORCH Letters, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Pkwy, Jamaica, NY 11439 E-mail letters to: torcheditorials@gmail.com

Please include your full name, year, and college (or department). Letters should be no more than 350 words and may be edited for content, grammar, or space. Unverifiable or anonymous letters will not be published.

All letters are subject to the approval of the Editorial Board of The TORCH.

To the Editor: How often do you think we appreciate the fragility and grace of life? I’d say almost never, not because I am a pessimist, but because it is a necessity. The only way to go through daily life is to take it for granted. Look around you. Would we argue about the trivial topics we do or rush towards our shallow goals if we had an appreciation for life? The only way to live with ourselves is to keep our heads down. Keep in mind enjoying life is not the same as respecting it.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The topic of choice in the news is Haiti; I wonder how those victims consider life. Perhaps it has become a burden. I have never considered violence as the only means to keep my stomach from hunger pangs, but it has become a daily consideration after the destruction of the earthquake.

What makes these people continue?

Perhaps they have realized that life, no matter how difficult, is better than the al-

ternative. Obviously, they deserve aid, but who is to say that their need is more dire than anyone else’s? Look up. You encounter people in need all around you. Do I have the right to rank suffering?

A good deed is a good deed, regardless of need. You can lift an acquaintance’s spirits by hearing their subtle calls for help, or you can donate to Haiti by calling 1-718-990-2775, which is the number for our STJ Alumni Association’s Walk for the Homeless of Haiti; although the 5k walk is on April 2nd, there is no time limit on giving as people will always be in need. A small difference is better than no difference at all.

What about ourselves? Maybe, by looking up, we can appreciate the gifts we are blessed with, and by giving, we can help others. Everyone should be so lucky as to take life for granted.

Jeffrey Maiorino Class of 2012

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Letters to the editor The TORCH

Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of The TORCH. Columns are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of The TORCH. Opin-

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/KATRIN ASTARITA

24 March 2010

the right direction to changing the problems of this dysfunctional system. According to the Times, the bill’s authors claim that by 2019, 94 to 95 percent of Americans will have medical insurance. New laws will keep insurance companies in check and over time lessen the cost of coverage. Further amendments that were proposed by the House on Sunday await the Senate’s approval, but will additionally lower the costs of medical coverage.

For college students, insurance reform will have a particularly profound impression, as young people currently make up one of the largest groups of uninsured Americans.

Now, these students will be required to receive health care, at a more reasonable price. A section of the bill also enables young people to remain insured through their parents’ plans up until 26 years of age. This will cover millions of young adults that are currently living unprotected from day to day.

In the immediate future, small businesses will receive special tax credits so they can provide for their employees.

Over the next few years, we’re going to start seeing real change for the health care of Americans, and it’s about time.

Time will bring about the full effects of Obama’s health care initiative, and history will most likely reflect Sunday’s events in Washington as equally historic as FDR’s New Deal.

Obama finished the work of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, who was remembered Tuesday when Obama signed the bill as law.

Sunday night, President Obama referred to the passing of the bill as “answering the call of history.” For many future generations of Americans, his efforts will lead to healthier and more insured lives.

OPINION

As if Barack Obama’s presidency wasn’t already historic enough, his legacy reached new heights Sunday night when the House passed a health care reform bill that will fix many of the problems currently plaguing the American health care system.

For the last year, President Obama has risked his political agenda and fought for reform with his popularity at the hands of Republicans’ lies.

As a spokesman for the millions of Americans left uninsured and neglected, President Obama’s victory in the House on Sunday night was just as much an achievement for the welfare of the American people as it was a political victory.

Since his first months in office, Obama has faced extreme conservative opposition to reform and, in turn, the relentless difficulties of bipartisan politics. Despite the President’s repeated efforts to reach across the aisle and meet Republican leaders as politicians first and Republicans second, he received support only from his own party.

The fact that Obama was able to get this monumental measure passed without the vote of one Republican makes it a historic piece of legislation in itself.

Still, until the last hours of Sunday night’s efforts, Republican representatives remained stubbornly opposed to the bill. Until the end, they refused to face the fact that the United States, as the New York Times describes it, is the “only advanced industrial nation that does not provide or guarantee health care coverage for virtually all of its citizens.” Unfortunately, Republican officials failed to see that this is a simply unacceptable reality for our American health care system.

What the newly christened health care law will accomplish is a step in

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As a commuter student, I understand the difficulty of becoming an active member of campus life. While resident students can roll out of bed five minutes before class, I have to leave an hour before class starts to ensure that I get to campus on time, since the buses I take rarely run on schedule.

The new schedule change, which will be implemented for the fall 2010 semester, may make it more difficult for commuters, who still make up roughly 80 percent of the population at St. John’s, to get involved on campus.

Starting in the fall, Wednesday will be the designated Common Hour day, when student organizations will hold their meetings. Since Wednesday will also have three-hour block classes, many students are going to have off from class on this day.

With the cost of public transportation recently going up to $2.25 a ride, buying MetroCards definitely adds up fast — I typically spend at least $20 a week on transportation alone. And on the many nights I’ve worked on the TORCH until the early hours of the morning, I’ve had to take cabs home. The fact that transportation to and from St. John’s can be expensive is one of the main reasons why many commuters are reluctant to get involved.

Will commuters, who have to shell out their own money to get to campus, come in on a day when they don’t have class, just to go to an organization’s meeting or attend an event? Probably not.

There are the commuters who are dedicated to organizations, who will remain dedicated even if the new schedule makes it more difficult. But for the majority, this new schedule may make them feel less inclined to get involved in anything on campus.

Since the schedule is definitely being implemented next semester, the University now needs to take steps to ensure that commuter students are able to stay actively involved,

24 March 2010

OPINION

New common hour will affect commuter students’ involvement in campus activities and not feel left out of campus life. St. John’s now needs to ensure that any improvements it has made in the area of student engagement over the last year does not suffer.

At the Academic Forum last week, University administrators said students would have to get “creative” when it comes to holding organization meetings and how they plan their schedules next year. Just like students will have to be creative when it comes to planning their schedules, the University will need to find creative ways to keep commuter students engaged.

Every semester, the University holds a commuter appreciation week, with events geared toward the students that don’t live on campus, and last week was actually Commuter Pride Week on campus. These events have been poorly promoted, with minimal advertising and aren’t exactly the most exciting to attend.

Furthermore, any student, regardless of whether they are a commuter or resident, can attend these events, which defeats the purpose. At many of these events, students receive free breakfast or free T-shirts — but for commuters, wouldn’t something more practical like a free MetroCard be more meaningful?

If St. John’s routinely offered students a $4.50 MetroCard, that would be enough to get to and from campus on Wednesday, the day when organizations meet. By enticing commuters with MetroCards, more may be willing to come to campus on their day off.

I appreciate the efforts of the students and administrators who are involved in the Campus Commuter Connection, a relatively new organization that holds events where commuter students can share their concerns and have them brought to administrators.

Hopefully, administrators will take what these commuters have to say seriously, and make decisions that will make their college experience at St. John’s a positive one.

If St. John’s really appreciates its commuter students, it will do whatever it takes to keep this group actively involved on campus as the school transitions to a new schedule.

For a school rooted in the commuter tradition, anything else would be unacceptable.

Christina Heiser is a senior English major.

She can be reached at: torcheic@gmail.com

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/MICHAEL MONTIJO

A new classroom paradigm JONATHAN HONG Contributing Writer Enhancing student productivity is a challenge in most classrooms of the 21st century.

It is especially difficult for students at the collegiate level when they are working to find the right balance among academics, professional development and social engagement.

At St. John’s, there have been instances where the learning environment has lacked proper student engagement.

Many students have been ingrained with the notion that test scores measure productivity. The belief is that the higher the test scores, the higher a student’s level of productivity should be.

This should not be true. Exams are designed to test students’ familiarity with the material, not how well they work on particular tasks.

In order to correct this misconception, there is a need to engage students in a new form of learning.

Some professors give their students incentives to do better in class, but these are not usually the most beneficial to the overall learning experience.

For example, professors drop the lowest grade on exams, grade exams on a curve, or make extra credit assignments. They only put the focus on the tests, but offer no real value in the student’s productivity. The focus should be less on how well the students are going to

score, but how much they can contribute to a cause.

Honestly, that is what the real test is going to be in life and in the workplace. Playing the role as a student in a school can sometimes be subservient. The role of being a student should be worth more than just memorizing.

If students have no passion for their work or no real ideas to contribute other than how to answer a multiple choice question, then life after college is going to be quite challenging for them.

To enhance the productivity of the student body, the barriers between professor and student need to be broken down.

At the very least, students and professors should be discussing the material and learning from each other. With the high cost of tuition, the curriculum should be more discussion-oriented, rather than based on tests, where the information is forgotten afterwards.

Schools should think about integrating a customized program for each major. For example, students could be given an opportunity to compete with their peers in solving a problem faced by a local business as a term project.

This is just one example that the University could consider to be proactive in redefining the curriculum.

Education and productivity should not be based solely on test scores. In order for students to really learn something meaningful, they must be actively engaged in class.

STUDENTSPARKS: Health care

COMPILED BY THOMAS CARNEVALE

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The TORCH

Who do you think should be the next Men’s basketball coach?

Billy Donovan. If we pay him like $3.75 million he will come, or the Cornell coach.

Bradley Booker Junior

Someone who knows how to recruit and get home grown talent.

They should get an NBA coach like Avery Johnson; he wants to coach college.

I think we need a coach with leadership, integrity and credibility. We also need someone that is a big coaching face, like Jamie Dixon or Rick Pitino.

Sean Andrialis Junior

Steve Sanon Junior

Shaun Oliver Junior

9

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/KERI DODGE

Bringing equality to the dorm room Growing trend in gender-neutral college living presents a new debate ANURADHA BYAGARI Staff Writer

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blind housing movement. Although most college students prefer to live in a singlesex dorm room, many colleges would rather not aggravate parents and donors who view the movement as immoral and thus reject the idea altogether. Similarly, many parents and students fear the issue of safety as well as sexual harassment.

St. John’s is a Catholic university and adheres to strict Catholic moral standards, so having gender neutral dorm rooms, or even gender neutral floors, would be a difficult thing to achieve.

But since St. John’s has one of the most diverse student bodies and is located in one of the world’s greatest urban and cultural backdrops, students who would like to live with members of the opposite sex should not be denied the right to do so. As long as students pay their money, who they live with should be up to them.

The plausibility and propensity of St. John’s ever allowing men and women to cohabitate in a dorm room is small.

However, the controversy surrounding many colleges’ recent shift begs many interesting topics for discussion.

Gender-neutral housing will continue to redefine the environment of dorms at American colleges in the coming years, regardless of the resistance that schools like St. John’s present.

BILL PHAM Contributing Writer

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Visit torchonline.com for online exclusives.

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Since there is very little chance that the new schedule will not be implemented, students should remain calm and look at the positive aspects that the new schedule could bring to St. John’s.

Students should also be more flexible in coping with the new schedule. Talking with academic advisors, heads of departments and deans can all help make the change a little easier for students.

Change may not be so bad after all — it may actually prove to be even better in the long run.

If this change can genuinely improve and provide the students with the very best academic experience possible, they should be willing to give it a chance, before completely disregarding it.

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After a strong negative response from the student body at the academic forum last Tuesday, students received an e-mail two days later from the offices of the University President and Provost regarding the new schedule.

The e-mail stated a proposed schedule change had “been studied and discussed extensively during the past three to four years.” The message also featured an apology that “some members of the student body” were not consulted during the planning phase but went on to say that the new schedule would still go on as proposed for the fall 2010 semester.

While the sudden alteration has left many students feeling frustrated, they should consider the changes at hand before ridiculing the school’s decision.

Though the University should have consulted more students in the decision-making process, this change

could benefit St. John’s students in the long run.

At the forum, Dr. Julia Upton, university Provost, reasoned that the new schedule will serve to improve the quality of the academic experience. With 85-minute classes instead of 55-minute classes, students will have more time to delve into deeper discussions during the allotted time. Also, 55-minute classes are almost the same length as high school classes, so longer classes will give students a better feel for being in college.

Within the new schedule, it would also be possible to have off from class three days a week, if planned correctly. If a student planned all of his or her classes during the Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday slots, this would leave plenty of time for an internship or part-time job outside of St. John’s.

The deans also guaranteed that they would do their best to help the students overcome any difficulties that they could possibly encounter. Since registration does not begin for another two weeks, these possible difficulties are very hard to predict.

24 March 2010

Seeing the positives in a schedule change at St. John’s

OPINION

Over the past few decades, more colleges across America have been adopting co-ed dorm room options for their students. Institutions such as Brown, Harvard, UConn, Dartmouth, Carnegie Mellon and Stanford are some of the more well known schools to already provide their students with the option of gender-neutral housing assignments.

Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass., has provided this option to resident students since the 1970s.

This has naturally created quite a stir amongst parents and students alike for some time. Tastefully dubbed “gender-neutral” housing, this option offers members of the opposite gender to cohabitate.

Although co-ed floors are common at most public and private universities, only about 50 colleges currently have adopted the gender-neutral dorm room option in which males and females may choose to live together in the same room — a trend that will hopefully continue to grow in the future.

In an effort to promote the cause of gender-neutral living, the National Student Genderblind Campaign was created

in 2006. Their Web site contains a quote emulates “real life,” where there are no from the Harvard College Democrats that gender boundaries. sharply points out,“The proper role of the Furthermore, there is no reason why college is not to determine with whom men and women cannot live together if students may or may not live, but rather they can respect each other’s space and to empower its students to make their own observe similar study and sleep habits. As decisions responsibly.”

The accelerating drift towards genderneutral housing was Furthermore, there is no prompted by the nereason why men and women cessity to accommodate gay students who cannot live together if they can prefer to live with the respect each other’s space and opposite sex and transobserve similar study and sleep gender students who do not identify with habits. either gender. Since gender has taken on all kinds of definitions in the world we live in, this is a natural evolutionary long as all the people living in the dorm process towards gender equality. In fact, are comfortable with it, there’s no reasome colleges have not fully adopted son why such living situations should be mixed rooms, but make exceptions for against the rules. transgender and gay students.

Still, many universities that ofApart from the gay and transgender fer gender neutral housing often dissegments of the population, those in fa- courage the co-habitation of students vor cite their rights as adults to choose who are romantically involved for a where and with whom they want to live plethora of obvious reasons. as their primary reason. Secondary arguDespite the growing trend, there are ments include the fact that the experience plenty of people opposed to the gender-

10

Think Outside...

Features

3

Section

TORCH iILLUSTRATION/CATHARINE CORRIGAN

Getting the word out SGI canidates hit the campaign trail for elections PATRICE BENDIG

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The TORCH

24 March 2010

FEATURES

Features Editor

Spring is in the air at the University, which means one thing for the students active in Student Government, Inc. — elections. In order to be in the running for a SGI position, hopeful students must start by doing what every person in office has done — hitting the campaign trail.

For the 2010-11 school year, 18 candidates are running for SGI positions, including two full tickets (Progressing in Academics Revamping Traditions and Enhancing Your Experience and UNITE), and four independent candidates. This is the most candidates SGI has had to date.

The current 18 students running were weeded out of the 31 students who showed interest in running for the positions. An exam was issued on March 5 based on the rules, bylines, and background of SGI, including the specifics of the campaigning process. Those who received a passing grade of 70 percent or higher moved on to campaigning.

“Campaigning is a multi-step process,” said Chenele Francis, the SGI Elections Chair. “It is not just about passing out flyers; it is about talking to people and student engagement. I am really pushing for maximum engagement, not just for maximum voter turnout.”

As the Elections Chair, Francis is in charge of making sure the candidates are in accordance of the rules during campaigning, and that every candidate has the same advantage to get their name out in the University.

“We have so much going on in the school right now,” said Francis.

“We need to make sure whoever gets this represents your views. They have to talk to people, go to general body meetinga — everything that they can.”

The candidates are expected to follow the rules set in place by the elections committee, including that all

online social networking campaigns and flyers must be approved by Francis and kept on file. Candidates are not allowed to put up personal flyers in residence halls, where campaigning is not permitted except during designated time periods.

“Only general election posters are permitted in the resident halls,” said Francis. “It is equated to telemarketing — people do not want to be bothered in their own home.”

Candidates who go against the regulations of campaigning will receive a violation that will ban them from campaigning for 24 hours. After three violations, the candidate is disqualified from the race. None of the candidates have been issued violations as of March 23.

Although there are strict regulations and specific bylaws candidates must adhere to, all of the candidates have come up with their own unique ways to campaign.

Natalie Hincapite, who is running independently for senior senator, has been building on the University’s mission during her campaigning process.

“I take on the Vincentian approach when it comes to campaigning. I go to the library, I have discussions with people while I am eating dinner, and I talk normally. I want to hear what is going on,” she said.

Katie Beckmann, who is running on the UNITE ticket for vice president, says her party has been using a mixture of social networking and conversations.

“We are on Facebook, and every day at noon you will see us in Marillac and the D’Angelo Center,” she said.

“We are trying to talk to as many people as we can.”

Patrick Brewer, who is running under the P.A.R.T.Y ticket for president, said his team is focusing on reaching many types of students rather than specific organizations.

“It’s an interesting time to be running. Students are most concerned with the new scheduling and the shuttle buses right now” he said.

“It’s a good time for people to become involved because of the big changes the University is experiencing.”

What makes the SGI campaigning process different

from typical political elections in the outside world, is that all of the candidates must balance their academic and personal lives, along with working toward their political goals.

“It is a draining experience, you are pulling 18-hour days, and not getting much sleep,” said Beckmann. “But when you are committed to this position and trying to get your name out there, it is worth it.”

For Michael Molina, presidential candidate for the UNITE ticket, being constantly in contact is the most difficult aspect of the process.

“One of the most draining parts of the campaign is the meet and greet, meeting thousands of students on a daily basis,” said Molina. “There is not a moment when you are not in an interview, running a social networking site, or answering e-mails. It takes a lot out of you.”

For Tami Telford, the vice presidential candidate for the P.A.R.T.Y ticket, the excitement and adrenaline of the campaigning is what keeps her going.

“What keeps me going is that this is exciting,” said Telford.

“It is two weeks of campaigning, then you find out how many students you have reached. The fact that I can talk to hundreds of students today keeps me going.”

Although the campaigning has been intense since it began on March 15, the candidates have been receiving positive feedback, and plan on getting more aggressive until campaigning officially ends on March 30, when students can begin voting.

“Our campaign techniques are going to anyone who is out there, and reaching as many groups of people that we can,” said Brewer.

“We are reaching out to people in Marillac, Montogris and the D’Angelo Center, finding out students’ needs, and letting them know that we are here.”

Students can begin voting at midnight on March 29 and vote until March 30, on St. John’s Central, and at designated polling places.

For more information on SGI, visit StJohns.edu

11

PHOTO COURTESY OF RELAYFORLIFE.ORG

Relay For Life will be held at St. John’s University on Friday, April 9. This year will be the fifth time the University has participated in the event.

Racing towards a cure Relay For Life raises $7,000 with “Painting the Campus Purple” event Relay Fast Facts - 3.5 million Americans participate yearly.

- It’s a global event, with 20 countries involved.

- The first Relay for Life occured in 1986 (it had 19 teams and raised $33,000).

- 11 million Americans with a history of cancer were alive in January 2009.

- In 2009, New York had 34,190 estimated deaths due to cancer.

- The probability of developing invasive cancers is one out of 48 for people under the age of 39.

- 30 percent of all people who die from cancer and 87 percent of people who die from lung cancer are smokers.

- More than 85 percent of annual cervical cancer deaths occur in developing parts of the world.

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- Currently 25 percent of U.S. teen girls have gotten the HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention.

The TORCH

- Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke result in 443,000 premature deaths.

24 March 2010

- This year 562,340 Americans are expected to die of cancer; that is more than 1,500 people a day.

The Director of Student Wellness Dr. Kathryn Hutchinson, Student Government, Inc., the Office of Student Engagement, and the Planning Committee designed all the activities and promotions for the “Paint the Campus Purple” event.

Sophomore Theresa Brennan, a member of the main planning committee for Relay for Life, said she feels that the participation for the fundraising was exceptional this year.

“This is the best Paint the Campus Purple Week that St. John’s has ever had,” she said.

John Marchi, the Student Affairs assistant chair of SGI, said he feels that the D’Angelo Center has had a significant part in making this year one of the most successful fundraising weeks for Relay for Life.

“The D’Angelo Center is in the heart of the campus. I know last year they operated out of the UC and Bent Hall,” he said.

FEATURES

- In the United States, men have a slightly less than one out of two lifetime risk of developing cancer. For women, the risk is a little more than one out of three.

Seattle.

“It’s very hard, but I realized this is something that really unites people,” she said. “Relay for Life is a cool event because so many people have been affected by cancer and to come St. John’s painted the campus together in one night is so great. It’s purple this past week, in an effort to cool to think so many students would raise money for cancer research and come out for a cause like this.” awareness. In just a week’s time, the The Luminaria decorating was University raised thousands of dolone of the most emotional events lars during “Paint the Campus Purple sponsored on campus this week. This Week,” a fundraising event that ran was the first year students could write from March 15-19, leading up to the and draw on the luminaria bags to exschool’s fifth annual Relay for Life, press how they have been affected by taking place on Friday, April 9. Purple the disease. Some students also sent is seen as a color of hope, and is often in pictures of people they knew afused in cancer awareness symbols, fected by cancer for the event. making it the perfect color to use in Christina Zaccarelli, vice presithis campaign. dent of SGI, said she thought the perAccording to the American Cancer sonalized luminaria helped students Society, about 1.5 million new cases reflect on their grief and find hope. of cancer were diagnosed in 2009 and “I haven’t personally had anyone it is the second leading cause of death close to me affected by cancer, but in the United States, making it essenwhen organizing the bags and reading tial for those that can through the personal messages, it’s lend their time and Relay for Life is a cool event definitely a humbling experience,” money to help find a said. because so many people have been she Marchi cure. said he enjoys being inaffected by cancer and to come volved with Relay for Life because Prior to “Paint the Campus Purple together in one night is so great. It’s as it reflects the University’s VinWeek,” the University centian spirit. had raised roughly cool to think so many students would “I feel like I have been able to $3,000 in donations come out for a cause like this. experience all parts of the mission. and 58 teams had Instead of being on the giving end, signed up to particithis lets me be on the organization phomore level,” he said. “It’s kinda of like -Theresa Brennan, Sophomore pate in the 12-hour long Relay for Life I’m taking this to the next level.” event. During the Although the “Paint the Campus week of campaigning, St. John’s Purple” event is over, students and “I think the D’Angelo Center reraised another $7,000, and now, there ally helped and had a central part.” faculty are still encouraged to donate are more than 100 teams signed up and contribute to the foundation.

For many participants, there are to participate in Relay for Life. The personal reasons attached to the “Cancer is something that people money raised through St. John’s Re- cause, which bring them back year are aware of but they’re not proaclay for Life event will help fund shut- after year. tive in doing something about it,” tles to take individuals who cannot said Marchi. “This really gives them Brennan said that she first parafford transportation to and from their ticipated in a Relay for Life event a chance to be aware but also help out cancer treatments. in the third grade, growing up in and make a real difference.”

CAROLYN WARGULA Assistant Features Editor

12

STJ mock trial goes to court Nationally ranked team gains more than wins for their hardwork SARA CAHILL MARRON Staff Writer

Saturdays are spent mostly developing speech habits and a confident presentation in the courtroom, while the weekday practices focus mainly on individual research and in-depth analysis of the case and roles.

At the beginning of the year, students are given a case that is to be argued during competition as if it is a regular trial.

The case given out in September is used for the entire year.

“We really push for background research, it’s what sets St. John’s apart in

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The TORCH

24 March 2010

FEATURES

The Mock Trial Team, an 18-yearold institution, is a hidden gem among St. John’s activities.

In 16 of the 18 years it has been in existence, the team has earned a bid to the Opening Round Championship National Competition. Coaches Bernard Helldorfer and Oscar Holt lead this team of 14 committed students.

“This is not basketball, this is what schools really about,” Helldorfer said.

After advancing with a sixth place finish at the Atlantic Regional Competition in February, the Team’s “A” squad competed in the Opening Round Championship Series of the National Mock Trial Tournament during the second weekend in March.

“It’s intense, it’s combative. Certain schools, like Columbia or NYU more or less consider themselves superior to us.

It’s nice to see that we can compete on an academic level,” Helldorfer said.

“Our students here are just as capable as those from any other institution.”

The team’s season runs from about mid-November until March, during which its members spend Saturdays practicing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as meeting individually during the week to hone their skills.

Hema Aravindaksahn is a member of the team. She is a senior, but new this year to Mock Trial.

“We’d be here until 11 p.m. at night working on our cases. We go the extra mile to learn the information, that’s what makes St. John’s good,” Aravindaksahn said.

“We know how to play the game.

When we go against NYU or Columbia they’re intimidated by us.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY

Top: Squad A presents their trophy winning bid for Nationals.

Above: Gary Dun and Michael Schillinger prepare for trial.

the competitions,” Helldorfer said.

“We will go to a medical examiner and watch an autopsy, or to an airport, or have a police chief give a lecture, or get advice from the pharmacy students in order to have a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Then, the person really sounds like who they’re trying to be.”

Tryouts start in the fall and run for three to four weeks during late September and early October.

According to Professor Helldorfer, 84 students initially tried out for the team this year. At the end of tryouts 14 students were selected to comprise two squads.

“Based on tryouts, we pick who we feel will perform the best and do the best in each individual role of the trial,” Helldorfer said.

Ricardy Fabre is also new to the team this year. For him, mock trial is a refreshing combination of his two passions: drama and law.

“Being a witness requires creativity and acting,” Fabre said.

“One of this year’s characters was an astronomer named Hunter Baxamusa.

He was a complete nerd, but a lot of fun to play.”

Practices are long and intensive, and in addition to the weekly meetings, team members are also required to devote a portion of their winter and spring breaks.

“I live in Long Island, so coming by train or bus on a Saturday morning was rough at first,” Fabre said.

During an actual competition, teams are only allowed to use the materials that are provided and they are under strict time constraints. Each trial is meant to last three hours.

Trials are broken down into segments such as opening and closing statements or presentations of cases that are also bound by time limits and follow the federal rules applied in courtrooms across the country.

“Students have to know all of this,

there’s a ton of material,” Helldorfer said.

During a competition, team members are judged on a grading scale from 1-10.

Overall, there are 140 points at stake that can be earned during direct examination of witnesses, cross-examinations, and opening and closing statements.

In order to recognize outstanding individual performances, judges award points in categories for “outstanding attorneys” and “outstanding witnesses.”

The ballot is very official, printed on long blue paper with the text “American Mock Trial Association Ballot” at the top.

While the scoring is formatted in the points system, Helldorfer noted that judging could be very subjective based on who is behind the pen.

“There are two judges watching the same trial, but they can potentially say two drastically different things and give different scores,” said Helldorfer.

“Even against these big name schools, academically and intellectually, St. John’s students can be as good as anybody.”

Claiming positive personal growth, sophomore Tahir Boykins described mock trial as a team that has sharpened its skills.

“It prepares you for the pressures of speaking by improving your overall demeanor—I can listen now, and actually hear what people are saying. I’m more perceptive,” he said.

After Freshman Peter Ozelius joined mock trial his first year at St. Johns, his perspective on what the typical college experience is changed.

“You have to have your head on straight for mock trial. I began to realize that it was more rewarding to get up early on a Saturday than to stay out all night on Friday,” he said.

“I had a skewed perspective of what college was supposed to be. Mock trial has been worth every minute. I’m sharper mentally and I have more direction.”

TORCHCOMICS

I can’t draw Alex Reyes

Controlled Chaos Catharine Corrigan

Pam’s World

Michelle Alerte

1-800- ARMSTACO

Jonathan Roman

24 March 2010

19

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ADISNEY.GO.COM/DISNEYPICTURES/ALICEINWONDERLAND

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Pg. 16

24 March 2010

The latest sci-fi film puts a price on life

ENTERTAINMENT

repo men are coming

20

A Runaway Revival THE 1970s ROCKSTAR LIFESTYLE MAKES A COMEBACK WITH TWILIGHT CAST CHRISTINA HEISER Editor-In-Chief THE RUNAWAYS-

OUT OF 4 STARS

T

ENTERTAINMENT

he Runaways isn’t at all what you’d expect.

Starring actresses from the (poorly-acted) Twilight series, Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning are surprisingly convincing as reallife rockers Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, who are thrust into stardom during their teenage years as members of the all-girl rock band, aptly named “The Runaways.” The film chronicles their rise and fall in an industry where sex and drugs are rampant.

Jett wants to form an all-girl rock band and is told by her manager, Kim Fowley, that she needs to find a pretty, blonde lead singer. Jett conveniently meets Currie in a night club and decides that she would be the perfect fit for the band, thus The Runaways is born.

Stewart plays Joan, an electric guitar-playing teenager who will do anything to become a famous rock star.

Stewart definitely nails Joan’s look with the perfect haircut and clothes, and acts the part of a budding rock star pretty well, too.

But the movie’s main focus is Cherie, and Fanning does a believable job of portraying the innocence of the character at the beginning of the film and her subsequent lapse into drug addiction when she becomes famous at the mere age of 16.

While Jett’s family life is never fleshed out, viewers get a taste of Cherie’s living situation: Her mother abandons Cherie and her sister for her new husband, and her alcoholic father is routinely stuck in bed for days at a time. Since the movie is based on Currie’s real-life memoir, Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway, it is understandable that she’d be the main focus of the movie.

Michael Shannon plays Fowley, The Runaways’ flamboyant manager, who lands them a record deal and has them go on tour in Japan, where the girls encounter their first taste of the rock star lifestyle. Much like he did in last year’s film Revolutionary Road, Shannon truly steals every scene he is in and is definitely the strongest actor in the film, garnering many laughs with his overthe-top behavior.

Some of the best moments of the film are the perfor-

PHOTO COURTESY OF RUNAWAYSMOVIE.COM

The Runaways cast (left to right) stars Alia Shawkat (as Robin), Scout Taylor-Compton (Lita Ford), Stella Maeve (Sandy West), Kristen Stewart (Joan Jett) and Dakota Fanning (Cherrie Currie). mance scenes with Stewart and Fanning rocking out onstage, making it understandable why the band is revered as a classic rock icon. At the same time, some of these scenes are uncomfortable to watch, as the young Fanning struts across the stage in a revealing outfit; throughout the film, her character is referred to as “jailbait.”

Other moments in the film, however, are more contrived. Jett is repeatedly told by her manager that a girl rock band won’t make it in a male-dominated music industry and the other band members get jealous when Cherie has her own photo shoot and appears in a magazine by herself. The film also dabbles into a lesbian relationship that is not worth the hype.

The Runaways works best when it focuses on the girls’ experiences in the band and their process of makPHOTO COURTESY OF RUNAWAYSMOVIE.COM ing music. Overall, the lead actors deliver solid performances. Ultimately, the film offers an accurate glimpse into the ’70s: a decade where rock ’n’ roll was at the top Dakota Fanning (left) and Kristen Stewart (right) of its game. emulate the looks of their rockband counterparts.

The Pursuit of Unhappiness THE BOUNTY HUNTER LEAVES LITTLE TO CHASE EVEN WITH BUTLER AND ANISTON ON SCREEN

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The TORCH

24 March 2010

KATIE CIMMINO Staff Writer

THE BOUNTY HUNTER -

I

OUT OF 4 STARS

n the latest romantic comedy, the Bounty Hunter, starring Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston, the thrill of the pursuit is what keeps love interesting, not so much the film.

Butler plays an unclean and cut former cop who works as a bounty hunter by the name of Milo Boyd. He is given the task of tracking down his exwife, Nicole Hurly (played Jennifer Aniston), after she jumps bail.

Hurly is a reporter for the New York Daily News and tries to track down the details of a mysterious suicide while on the run. Although it is not clear why they broke up, it is evident that their opposite personalities never help things work out. In an odd twist of events, Boyd and Hurly are forced back together as they take a brief trip from Atlantic City back to New York.

At first, the plot appears to be suspenseful and filled with humor, but quickly proves to be nothing more than PHOTO COURTESY OF THEPURSUITBEGINS.COM a superficial storyline leading to the always predictable Nicole Hurly (right) tries to skip bail until her exhappy endings.

The movie has some action-packed sequences husband Milo Boyd (left) hunts her down for money.

(seemingly out of nowhere), but come as a much needed relief to the sometimes awkward interaction between Butler and Aniston.

Another flaw is that the two leading actors have little chemistry in the film. Their characters do not possess much substance, especially since the audience knows little about their past relationship. The biggest draw to this movie is the fact that both actors have big names.

The supporting actors provided most of the comedy. Jason Sudeikis played a fellow news reporter who is smitten with Hurly and is not shy about his unhealthy obsession with her by following her everywhere. While his nerdy character was annoying, his situation was at least entertaining to watch.

Christine Baranski also stars in the film as Hurly’s flamboyant mother, Kitty, who acts as a prima donna Atlantic City singer. Unfortunately, her appearances are too few and brief, however, she at least manages to bring her character to life and draw out laughter from most viewers.

There are many times when director Andy Tennant (Hitch) loads the film with unnecessary music as a way to fill the empty spaces in the movie. Unfortunately, the score does nothing to enhance the romance between Aniston and Butler and could have been filled with some sarcastic wit that the film seems to lack.

The Bounty Hunter contains a pinch of romance, comedy and action, but has an overall predictable recipe like the chick flicks that have come before it.

Hit or Miss INFERNO REVIEWS THE LATEST ALBUM AND MIXTAPE RELEASES TO DETERMINE IF THE MUSIC IS RIGHT ON TARGET ADELLE PLATON Entertainment Editor JUSTIN BIEBER My World 2.0 (R&B/Pop) 1/2 OUT OF 4 STARS

T

he 16-year-old teen sensation returns with a second look into his world. My World 2.0 is the latter half of Justin Bieber’s two-part debut album.

Reminiscent of the boy band sound of the ’90s, the album is filled with cheesy lyrics and playful ditties perfect for a grade-school romance. Listeners (most of which are probably 18 and under) will have much to gush over.

The album starts off on a high note with Bieber’s smash hit, “Baby,” featuring rapper Ludacris.

The song, produced by Tricky “The Dream” Stewart and Christina Milian, has been infecting the airwaves since its release in January, not to mention appearances from Drake in the video.

R&B fans will be pleasantly surprised by some of Bieber’s tracks such as “Runaway Love” while some songs serve as space-fillers, like “Eenie Meenie,” featuring Sean Kingston. “Overboard” is a duet with singer Jessica Jarrell is a heartbreak anthem that has potential.

Despite the overly sentimental lyrics of a teenager who has yet to hit puberty and wants nothing more to make the world filled with “one less lonely girl,” My World 2.0 is the perfect soundtrack to rock out with your younger siblings or simply mock.

Regardless, Usher’s protégée shows potential and could evolve as an artist as he matures, vocally and mentally.

Like Bieber sings in his song, “Up:” “It’s a big, big world/ And I’m gonna show you all of it.”

Go ahead, Bieber. You do just that.

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21

Managing Editor MONICA Still Standing (R&B) OUT OF 4 STARS

After a music career spanning 15 years, R&B singer Monica attempts to show fans that she is still relevant with her sixth album, Still Standing.

To the delight of R&B fans, the 29-year-old Georgia native shows that she’s still got it.

With only 10 tracks, Monica’s latest effort after a four-year hiatus is a bit thin on quantity and besides a guest appearance from rapper Ludacris, she goes it alone.

But the album certainly does not lack soul, which features the singer touching on love, heartbreak and life.

The best word to describe the album as a whole is probably consistent. Although some songs stand out more than others, like the Bryan Michael Cox produced “Superman,” “Mirror” and the title track “Still Standing,” they are not that far behind in quality that listeners are compelled to hit the skip button.

“Still Standing,” in particular, comes across as one of the more personal songs on the album, which features lyrics like “I’ve been up against ropes/ Everything you’re going through/ I’ve been there before/ Seen them all come/ And I seen them all go/ You can bet your last that my head won’t hit the floor.”

Despite being a solid album, anyone expecting Monica to reinvent herself with her latest effort will be sorely disappointed.

Many of the songs featured on this album could easily fit in with her older material like 1998’s Angel of Mine and 2003’s After the Storm.

And though the songs are all consistently good, there really isn’t one that can be considered great or spectacular.

This album continues to show that Monica has the musical chops to hang around the R&B landscape. Anyone looking for an easy listen, solid and soulful album should definitely give Still Standing a listen.

(Electric)

(R&B)

The Men of the Future JACOB SULEYMANOV Staff Writer REPO MEN-

epo Men is a futuristic, sci-fi adventure with an intriguing story and talented cast. Similar to its smaller and unrelated predecessor Repo! The Genetic Opera, the plot gets an upgrade on the big screen by director

The TORCH

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PHOTO COURTESY OF REPOMENARECOMING.COM

Jude Law (left) and Forest Whitaker (right) costar as serial murderers whose job is to kill civilians who fail to pay for their artificial organs and repossess the parts.

guilt for his actions and is no longer able to perform repossessions. His newfound conscience pits him against The Union and possibly his best friend, Jake (played by Forest Whitaker).

The film’s talented cast does not disappoint. Law is fabulous in the lead role. He carries the film with charm and a strong presence. Whitaker is an odd choice to play opposite Law, but he plays the role skillfully. He gives the character of Jake depth and believability. Alice Braga, who plays Remy’s wife, gives a passionate performance. Unfortunately, her thick accent makes her dialogue difficult to understand sometimes. Liev Schreiber exudes charisma with his role as the amoral supervisor of The Union.

This is Sapochnik’s first feature film and shows great promise as a visionary filmmaker. He creates a distinct futuristic environment, cluttered with advertisements and technological advancements with striking cinematography.

The film’s theme may stir some controversy. There is an underlying connection between this film’s nefarious organization and the present health care problem. The Union’s crimes are blatantly immoral and yet go unaddressed. As soon as someone can’t make the payment, he is cut off. The theme may be too jarring for audiences to digest, along with the large amount of blood-gushing gore.

Repo Man contains so many entertaining qualities, but can be bogged down by a tired formula and derivative themes. Although it attempts to be a gritty science fiction classic, it resembles better films. The film lags in the second act, but picks up the action in the finale. It also boasts a twist ending, which breathes creativity into the familiarity-ridden film.

While Repo Men might not be considered, it is still worth watching for its exceptional performances and clever ending.

24 March 2010

R

OUT OF 4 STARS

Miguel Sapochnik.

Although the film’s deeper message against the privatization of medical advancement might not connect with everyone, the film’s entertainment value makes up for it.

Humanity has figured out how to artificially produce vital organs and other body parts to be sold by an organization known as The Union. The payment plans made available for these are extremely expensive, but greatly needed. But when clients are late on their payments, repo men are sent as hitmen to retrieve them.

Remy (played by Jude Law) is the Union’s best repo man. After an accident forces Remy to receive an artificial heart from The Union, he begins to experience

ENTERTAINMENT

SCIENCE FICTION’S NEWEST THRILLER IS WORTH THE HEFTY PRICE OF AN ORGAN

24

Baseball Lacrosse team falls hard to Hofstra dominates homestand MIKE CUNNIFF Staff Writer

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The TORCH

March 24 2010

SPORTS

DYLAN KITTS Staff Writer

After losing five of seven in the south, the St. John’s baseball team returned home wanting to make a point. With a jolt from the bats, the Red Storm dominated their home stand last week. With three offensive explosions, they won three of their four games on last week’s homestand, outscoring opponents 42-21.

St. John’s (11-6) smashed three home runs en route to a 16-5 blowout against Fairfield on Wednesday. In the seventh inning, the Red Storm exploded for nine runs. Joe Panik and Jeremy Baltz each hit a home run and had three runs RBI. Three other players had two RBI apiece.

Starting pitcher Eddie Medina allowed only one hit and two runs in 5.0 innings of work.

After attaining an early 2-0 lead, the Red Storm broke the game open in the third inning. After sending seven men to the plate, they scored four runs, increasing their lead to 6-0.

The bats were too silent early on to win the opening game of the Albany series on Friday, as St. John’s fell 9-6. After a triple in the third inning with the score tied, Albany (1-11) retired 12 of the next 13 St. John’s batters. By the seventh inning, they had to dig out of a 7-2 hole. Scott Ferrara and Baltz both had three hits apiece, while Jimmy Parque added two RBI. Karmas and Case both added an RBI. The bats returned in full force the next day. Eight players registered multi-hit games as St. John’s beat Albany 18-8 to even up the series.

Paul Karmas had a game-high seven RBI, Greg Hopkins had four, and Baltz put in three. The game was never in doubt, as the Red Storm led 8-1 at the end of the second inning.

The Red Storm broke the game early in the second, scoring five more runs and taking the 8-1 lead. Two-run singles by Hopkins and Baltz ignited the inning.

Freshman starting pitcher Kyle Hansen closed out the series on Sunday afternoon, allowing just two runs in six innings in an 8-2 win against Albany. Hansen did not allow a run after the first inning. Miguel Valcarcel hit his first-career home run and Hopkins drove in two RBI. In the fifth inning, Karmas started the inning with a single. Baltz later drew a walk. With runners on the corner, Valcarcel smashed a fastball to left field.

St. John’s will make up for their game against Columbia, which was scheduled yesterday afternoon, today at Kaiser Field at 3 p.m. The Red Storm have won six straight series against the Ivy League school.

In the first game in 15 years against regional rival No. 6 Hofstra, the St. John’s lacrosse team dropped a 13-4 decision last night at DaSilva Memorial Field.

HOFSTRA ST. JOHN’S

13 4

It was the first time the Red Storm have played the Long Island powerhouse since the lacrosse program was reinstated in 2005.

Hofstra came in to the game in between three straight victories over ranked teams and a Saturday afternoon showdown with No. 19 UMass, but didn’t overlook the unranked Johnnies, outshooting them 42-31 and winning 14 of 20 faceoffs.

The first quarter saw little scoring thanks to the goalkeeping of freshman Jeff Lowman. Starting just the second game of his career, he stopped six out of seven shots in the first quarter and held the high-powered Hofstra offense to just one goal.

St. John’s got on the board midway through the first quarter when junior attacker Terence Leach found senior midfielder Tom Manes, who put a shot past Hofstra goalie Robert Bellairs. The lead would last for six minutes until Hofstra attacker Jay Card scored with 1:07 left in the first.

But in the second quarter, the Pride found their stride. They scored seven straight goals in the first 11:44 of the second quarter to take an 8-1 lead and

TORCH PHOTOS/BRIAN LOPEZ

Tom Manes briefly gave the Red Storm the lead in the first quater before Hofstra went on a scoring run and put the game away. never looked back.

Hofstra attacker Jamie Lincoln led the attack during the 8-0 run. The Pride’s leading scorer tallied a goal and four assists in helping his team build the lead.

“You can’t give anybody as much offensive time as we gave them in the second quarter,” said Head Coach Jason Miller. “I don’t think we won a faceoff, and that proved to be the damage. What was 2-1 was all of a sudden 8-2, and that’s probably too big a hole to climb out

of against a good team.”

Lowman fell to earth in the second quarter as well. After his near-flawless first quarter, he stopped only three of the 10 Hofstra shots on goal in the second.

But Miller attributed much of that to his team’s inability to get the ball out of their own zone.

“He made some huge saves early,” said Miller. “The problem when you play that much defense in the second quarter—we probably played 12 minutes out of 15 in the defensive end—is that everything starts to break down.”

Halftime didn’t slow down Lincoln and the Pride. After a goal by St. John’s sophomore attacker Harry Kutner, Lincoln scored two goals in a 25-second span to extend the lead to 10-3. He would add a fourth goal in the fourth quarter to finish the game with eight points on four goals and four assists.

Senior goalie Gavin Buckley, who has missed time with an injury, subbed in for Lowman in the fourth. He saw three shots, stopping one and giving up two goals.

The sixth-ranked Pride was the third ranked opponent in the last five games for the Red Storm. They previously lost 9-6 to No. 14/14 Georgetown and 21-6 to No. 12/15 Stony Brook.

Another opponent, Drexel, who they lost to 11-4, is now ranked No. 12.

The Johnnies (3-4, 0-1 Big East) will get a chance to show Miller how well they play as a favorite when they travel to State College, Pa. on Saturday to take on winless Penn State.

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25

SOFTBALL

Softball’s home opener a quick one MIKE GURNIS Staff Writer

The St. John’s softball team finally arrived home last week after playing 19 games on the road to start the season, but their stay was short-lived.

ST. JOHN’S

8

FAIRFIELD

0

With surprisingly warm temperatures in the air, the Red Storm needed just five innings to blow out Fairfield in an 8-0 victory last Wednesday, a game that was played in just over one hour.

The Red Storm’s offense pounded ten hits in the winning effort.

Junior catcher Kacee Cox went 2-for-3 with three RBI while freshman shortstop Chrissy Montez went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run.

Stacia Dopudja also added an RBI in a 1-for-2 performance.

“We came through with no outs, with one out, with two outs,” Kvilhaug said. “So there was a lot of clutch hitting that was going on. It was nice to see that people were staying within themselves and doing their jobs.”

The win moved the Red Storm to a 10-10 record in the 2010 campaign.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Kacee Cox went 2-for-3 with 3 RBI against Fairfield last week.

“I was extremely pleased with our overall team effort,” said head coach Amy Kvilhaug. “Obviously, our offense was great. We stayed within our individual plans and then the team’s plans.”

But it wasn’t just the Red Storm offense that came through against Fairfield. The Red Storm received strong pitching from junior Kat

Lawrence, who improved her record to 6-2 on the season with the complete-game shutout victory.

“I was very happy with Kat’s performance today,” Kvilhaug said. “She spun the ball well.”

Lawrence surrendered just two hits and struck out five over five innings of work. Though she has a 6-2 record on the season, Lawrence has struggled

at times, this season, entering the game with an ERA of over 5.00. Her performance, however, lowered that number to 4.79.

“It was a very good moral pickup,” she said. “I’ve struggled a bit this season, which I’m not used to. I stayed within myself, and I had great defense behind me.”

After Lawrence kept Fairfield off the board in the first, the Red Storm wasted no time getting their offense rolling, as they scored three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Cox lined an RBI double to right center field to score the first run of the day.

Later in the inning, Fairfield pitcher Sarah Minice threw an illegal pitch—a pitch thrown with the pitcher’s foot off the rubber—with the bases loaded, which brought home Cox, before Dopudja lined an RBI single to make it 3-0.

With St. John’s leading 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth, Cox laced a two-out RBI single to right field.

Then, with runners on second and third, Montez would hit her second career home run, a three-run home run to straightaway center field to put the Red Storm up 8-0.

After the two-out rally in the fourth, Lawrence would respond by retiring the Fairfield lineup in order, as she got Fairfield hitter Dani Griswold to ground out to third, which sent everyone home early, and sealed the shutout victory for St. John’s.

The Red Storm take on Hofstra today at 3 p.m.

Cady at ease in center after rough freshman campaign MIKE GURNIS Staff Writer

24 March 2010 The TORCH

torchonline.com

Kristi Cady is having a breakout sophomore season after a rough freshman campaign during which she batted just .197.

SPORTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

On Feb. 20 against Youngstown State, sophomore center fielder Kristi Cady did something that she didn’t do her entire freshman season at St. John’s.

She belted her first career home run, which was a grand slam over the left field fence, in helping her team to a 10-0 victory.

It was only the beginning, of what so far has been quite a turnaround from last season for the Red Storm’s center fielder.

“I was really excited [about the first home run], and it shows that hard work pays off,” said Cady.

Cady started all 48 of the Red Storm’s games during her freshman season last year, but struggled mightily at the plate, batting .197 with just eight RBI. It was a very difficult start to a collegiate career for a player who has had a life-long goal of playing softball at a Division I school.

“I got down on myself,” said Cady.

“It was a downward spiral. I didn’t have a mental plan, but I knew that I had to change.”

The “change” that Cady needed to make has turned her into a rising star on the St. John’s softball team, which culminated in her being named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll for the week of March 8-14. During that week, she led the team with a .435 batting average, two home runs and seven RBI. “It’s a huge honor,” said Cady of the

award. “It’s very special to me, and the whole team has always supported me.”

Through 20 games this season, Cady is batting .418, and has hit three home runs and has driven in 17 runs. Her batting average is tied for second-best on the team behind Kacee Cox, who is batting .441, while she leads the team in RBI, and is tied with Cox for the most home runs this season.

The turnaround has come as no surprise to Head Coach Amy Kvilhaug.

“It’s not a surprise. She has a natural ability, she’s worked very hard and is more mature,” said Kvilhaug.

Kvilhaug also said that Cady is “mentally strong” and is able to bounce back.

Cady’s spectacular start to the season is due in large part to what she referred to as, “going back to basics.”

“I shortened up everything,” she said.

“I started hitting with a slapping position, where I’m just looking to make contact,” said Cady. She also attributes her improvement at the plate to having a year of experience, and that she is “seeing everything a lot better.”

Although Cady comes up to the plate with the intention to just make contact, she has done more than that this season. She’s tied for the team lead with three home runs.

“Before I came to college, I was kind of a power hitter,” said Cady. “Right now, I don’t think as a power hitter, I’m just doing what I know how to do.”

But has this incredible start to the season lifted a weight off Cady’s shoulders?

“I don’t think I had a weight [on my shoulders]. I just contributed to the team, knowing that the next person behind you is going to pick you up.”

26

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Going big or go home Monasch, Athletic Department willing to spend to bring in top coach

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The TORCH

24 March 2010

SPORTS

BILL SAN ANTONIO Sports Editor

During Norm Roberts’ tenure at St. John’s, the school’s athletic department followed the philosophy that a more wholesome culture of Red Storm basketball be nurtured.

When Roberts was fired last week, athletic director Chris Monasch decided it was time for that philosophy to be tweaked slightly.

Roberts, whose the 2009-10 salary hovered around $650,000, was among the conference’s lowest-paid coaches, not surprising considering St. John’s doesn’t have the kind of revenue that schools like West Virginia and Pittsburgh—schools deemed by many as “football schools,” who retain tremendous revenue through their football programs—can devote to their basketball programs to maintain the salaries of Bob Huggins and Jamie Dixon, who each make more than $1 million per season.

When Monasch addressed the media Friday, he assured the St. John’s community that the athletic department would be willing to pay for a top head coach, even if it meant paying double what it paid Roberts to get him to come to Queens.

“The University has committed resources to make this team successful,” Monasch said. “I don’t know if you can always look at dollars spent as a commitment, but in my five years here I don’t feel we’ve ever not done something because financially, we couldn’t do it.”

Monasch wasn’t kidding. The New York Daily News reported Tuesday that Florida head coach Billy Donovan, rumored to be atop the Red Storm’s wish list, had rejected a $3 million deal to

TORCH PHOTO/LAURA AMATO

Athletic Director Chris Monasch already has potential replacements for Norm Roberts in mind. become the next head coach at St. John’s.

The New York Post also reported Tuesday that St. John’s received permission to talk to Georgia Tech’s Paul Hewitt and will meet with him today.

Though the school plans on making a larger financial commitment to a head coach to help reach the NCAA tournament, Monasch vowed that he will not allow the program to revert to its pre-Roberts days, when the men’s basketball team was forced to forfeit its 2003 NIT championship and was placed on postseason probation until 2006 due to multiple NCAA violations, no matter who is eventually hired.

“We will look nationally for a proven winner at a high level who will be able to impart that success to our program,” Monasch said. “We seek a candidate who has an understanding of the sports culture in New York City and its pressures and media demands, who has the ability to recruit New York student-athletes, and who recognize the importance of the winning tradition of St. John’s men’s basketball.

“We are looking for candidate with a solid plan for marked improvement on the conference and national levels, while seeking to maintain the high level of integrity on and off the court that we have

restored over the past several seasons,” Monasch said.

Monasch may not want to compete within his own conference for coaches, but he’ll likely have to fight off teams within the tri-state area to fulfill the Red Storm’s head coaching position. Seton Hall (South Orange, N.J.) and Fordham (Bronx, N.Y.) are searching for their next head coaches, and reports indicate that both schools are also interested in Pecora, with Fordham deeming him a potential favorite to replace interim coach Jared Grasso.

“There are enough coaches that we’d all be happy with,” Monasch said.

Recruiting in the city good, not a must for program success I’ve never understood why recruiting players from New York City was so important to the St. John’s men’s basketball program.

Yet throughout every aspect of the former Norm Roberts era and as the search for the next head coach begins, that sentiment constantly rings loud and clear.

St. John’s is looking for an upstanding citizen to be its next head coach. It is preferred that he be a native New Yorker who can handle the pressure to win immediately with players he didn’t recruit and win annually once he brings in players of his own. He needs to be able to continue Roberts’ mission—to develop players as great men in addition to great basketball players—as well as get the Red Storm’s fan base excited about its team again.

Oh yeah, and if that wasn’t enough, he’s got to find players from the New York City area to get the job done, remaining under the shadow

of Lou Carnesecca.

When everything is spelled out that way, it’s no wonder why Billy Donovan rejected St. John’s $3 million offer, which the New York Daily News reported yesterday. St. John’s could offer him nothing that Florida could not. After all, that $3 million offer didn’t even match his $3.5 million salary with the Gators.

In addition, a reclamation project is always a risky career move. Donovan has roots at Florida, and is only enticed by what could eventually come to be at St. John’s. If that potential does not come to fruition, he and Roberts would be in the same boat—looking for work while athletic director Chris Monasch searches for another leading man.

By the way, Donovan had just one player from New York City on his team this season—sophomore point guard Erving Walker from Christ the King High School—so much for recruiting within the city.

Had Donovan taken the St. John’s job and continued recruiting from Florida, instead of New York City, I doubt it would have been an issue if the team annually reached the NCAAs. Roberts, like Donovan, had New York roots, but not the New York recruiting experience.

While working as Bill Self’s most trusted recruiter, he helped recruit players mainly from the Midwest, building Tulsa’s program and laying the foundation for Illinois’ success under Bruce Weber before continuing the success Roy Williams left behind at Kansas.

But when Roberts arrived in Queens, he did so amid NCAA violations and an alleged rape scandal. High school coaches began pawn-

ing their players on schools outside the tri-state area, and St. John’s had to get struggle just to land lesser-revered recruits. Pretty soon, Lance Stephenson was returning home to New York from Cincinnati and Kemba Walker was recalling his glory days at Rice High School as a member of the Connecticut Huskies.

That was always the biggest knock against Roberts.

Not only couldn’t his teams win 20-plus games, but they didn’t have the stars from New York caring enough about St. John’s to want to attend the school. But why was that so important? Why did Roberts continue to look to New York first, then expand his recruiting radar outward?

He was fighting a losing battle. Roberts told THE TORCH early in the men’s basketball season that players travel so much during AAU and high school ball that most aren’t worried

about picking up and moving somewhere else.

As years progressed, and the image of St. John’s became more positive throughout the city. The issue for recruits became less about the program’s off-court issues and more about its floundering status in the Big East. Suddenly recruits had a new reason to reject St. John’s, and there was little Roberts was able to do to stop them.

If so many players were leaving, why not go elsewhere? Why not travel to places others called home, in hopes of coaxing them into going to school in New York City and reviving St. John’s basketball?

Some say the definition of a fool is someone who continues performing the same action but expecting different results each time. St. John’s must bear in mind that it can no longer depend on New York City to provide the bulk of its recruiting.

27

TORCH SPORTS

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

STORM

CAST

Leavin’ their Mark Lawrence makes Honor Roll Junior pitcher Kat Lawrence, after an 8-0 shutout win against Fairfield on March 17, has been named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll.

Lawrence pitched her fourth complete game of the season against the Stags and her second shutout of the season. She now boasts a 6-2 record with a 4.70 ERA, and 56 strikeouts over 45.1 innings.

Lawrence’s six wins ranks fourth among Big East pitchers. This is Lawrence’s second time receiving this honor this year, the first being after a strong showing at the Charleston Southern tournament.

STJ holds Career Night

TORCH FILE PHOTO/LAURA AMATO

Da’Shena Stevens missed the game-winning shot that would have sent the Red Storm to the Sweet 16.

Women’s NCAA run ends with loss to FSU

FLORIDA STATE

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ST. JOHN’S

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Blowin’ in the Wind

“

I think just to be in a position to take the game-winning shot and miss it, it will really be on my mind. It will make me work harder heading into next year, no doubt.

”

-Da’Shena Stevens on missing the game-winning shot against Florida State

Red Storm home games

Baseball: Mar. 30 LIU

3 p.m.

Softball: Feb. 27 Villanova

3 p.m.

torchonline.com

Headin’ this Way

The TORCH

They entered the NCAA tournament with the highest seed in program history, marking only the Red Storm’s fifth NCAA Tournament appearance, their last coming five years ago. They also tied a program record with 25 wins in a single season.

The Red Storm’s run to advance to the program’s first Sweet 16 was halted

by No. 3 Florida State on Monday, as the Seminoles won 66-65 in overtime in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida State’s Jacinta Monroe scored the final four points of regulation to vault the Seminoles into overtime. Monroe then scored the eventual game winner with 28.9 seconds left.

The game was close throughout.

Without any breakout runs by either

and I missed it.”

Despite mismatches against Florida State in both height and experience, the Red Storm’s run throughout the season surpassed Barnes Arico’s initial expectations.

“Beginning of the year I would have not been sure about how the freshman would do,” Barnes Arico said. “Our chemistry and our defense were all question marks.

But last week, my expectations were to go very far in this tournament. It was such a tremendous year. We got better every day.”

The Red Storm will return every rotation player next season except McCorvey and Kelly McManmon. Yet, even with continued improvement, nothing is guaranteed.

“Five years ago, we were here, and the following year we had a bunch of injuries, had a bunch of different things happen and we won eight or nine games,” Barnes Arico said. “You never know when the opportunity is going to present itself again.”

Stevens doesn’t think that will happen with this team. This is a game, she says, that will linger in her mind throughout the offseason.

“I can only speak for myself but I know it will definitely be in my head,” Stevens said. “I think just to be in the position to take the gamewinning shot and miss it, it will really be on my mind. It will make me work harder heading into next year, no doubt.”

24 March 2010

Despite breaking numerous records throughout the season, the No. 6 St. John’s women’s basketball team wasn’t able to achieve what would be their most remarkable feat of the year.

team, the highest lead by any team was five. There were 19 lead changes and 19 ties.

“We are extremely devastated that we lost this game,” St. John’s Head Coach Kim Barnes Arico. “But it was a great basketball game and I’m proud of how my team played.”

Freshman point guard Nadirah McKenith led the Red Storm (25-7, 12-4 Big East) with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Despite spending most of the second half and overtime battling leg cramps, Da’ShEna Stevens scored 14 points with 10 rebounds. Joy McCorvey had 13 points.

Shenneika Smith broke Stevens’ freshman year single season scoring record of 412 points, by finishing with 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting Monday.

Smith may have injured her left knee battling for a steal in the second half as she hobbled throughout the rest of the game.

Stevens, battling leg cramps near the end of the game, had a chance to win it with a pull-up jumper as time wound down in overtime, but her last ditch effort from the left wing bounced off the rim as the horn sounded.

“I’ve never really cramped before in a game that much,” Stevens said. “It’s probably because there was so much intensity out there. Everybody played hard. I just left everything out on the floor and the last shot. I thought Nadirah was going to go all the way but I got the ball. It was just a tough shot

SPORTS

DYLAN KITTS Staff Writer

St. John’s University held a “Red Storm Career Night” March 23, 2010 as a way to network with professionals from their respective fields.

Student-athletes were invited to bring résumés and stay for dinner as a part of the annual event, which continues a 20-year legacy due to the efforts of Mary Pat Beirne, the current Assistant Director of Athletic Development.

“Tonight’s event provides student-athletes with a great opportunity to network with business professionals as they start to plan for their future careers after St. John’s,” said Michelle Kyriakides, Associate Director of the Career Center.

Kim Piard of the track team said, “It was great to see St. John’s athletics come together tonight.

We are here to start networking and preparing for our careers after St. John’s. I think this opportunity to meet business people and learn from the success stories of former student-athletes has been a huge benefit for me.”

SPORTS 24 MARCH 2010 | VOLUME 87, ISSUE 17 | TORCHONLINE.COM

TORCH PHOTO/ LAURA AMATO

TORCHSPORTS.WORDPRESS.COM

The women’s basketball team’s NCAA run ended Monday night with a loss to Florida State.

The softball team won its home opener on March 17 over Fairfield.

Pg. 25

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