No. 9 Oct 21

The University News A Student Voice of Saint Louis University Since 1921

Thursday, October 21, 2010 unewsonline.com MOVING FORWARD

Vol. XC No. 9

Introducing the SLU SCOOP

Can SLU men’s basketball still go dancing on the hardwood? >>SPORTS

New weekly DPSSS blotter >>PAGE 2

Timeline of events Editor’s Note: To the best of our abilities, we have discussed and double checked with sources on campus and in the Midtown area to gather the following information.

Kicked off the court Mitchell’s future uncertain; Reed contemplates options

Friday, April 23

Thursday, May 6

St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s office will not press charges against Mitchell, Reed and a former player. According to a statement released by St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, “there is insufficient evidence for us to bring charges against the suspects at this time. We will continue to seek additional information, and if circumstances change, we will reevaluate the matter.”

Tuesday, May 11 The academic year ends. Two of the players leave SLU and transfer to other universities to continue their college basketball careers.

Sunday, Sept. 12

Mitchell and Reed are given their summons to appear at a Student Conduct Hearing.

Saturday, Sept. 18 9 p.m.- Mitchell and Reed receive the results of the conduct hearing, according to Reed. They both receive a one-year suspension from the University. Both of the players send their appeals to Vice President for Student Development Kent Porterfield for review. The players were allowed to stay on campus during the appeal process.

Wednesday, Oct. 13

SLU releases a brief statement regarding Mitchell and Reed’s enrollment. The statement reads: “Saint Louis University men’s basketball players Kwamain Mitchell and Willie Reed are currently not enrolled at the University. Federal law — the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) — does not allow the University to release any additional information without the consent of the students involved.”

News Editor

and ERIKA MILLER

Saturday, May 1

Kwamain Mitchell and Willie Reed meet a female student outside of Laclede Street Bar & Grill. They discuss basketball. Mitchell and the female student exchange phone numbers.

By ANDREA ROYALS

2:45 a.m.- Female student is standing outside of Laclede’s, where four of the basketball players- Mitchell, Reed and two former players- are standing. They invite the girl to a party that they say is going on in the Grand Forest Apartments.

2:50 a.m.- The female student, Mitchell, Reed, and two former players leave the outside of the bar and walk down Laclede Street to Grand Forest Apartments.

Enterprise Editor

On the cusp of what was shaping up to be a promising season, the Saint Louis University men’s basketball program was knocked back a few paces after an announcement that starting point guard and team captain Kwamain Mitchell and starting center Willie Reed were no longer enrolled at the University.

The announcement came Oct. 13, right before the team began practices and public appearances in anticipation of the season.

Due to internal privacy regulations, SLU officials gave no further details on why Reed and Mitchell were no longer enrolled in the University. This came amid allegations that they sexually assaulted a female student last spring.

On May 1, St. Louis Metropolitan Police arrested and questioned three SLU basketball players after a 20-year-old female student said that she had been sexually assaulted the previous evening in Grand Forest Apartments.

The players, Mitchell, Reed and a player who

has since transferred to another university, were released, and no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence. However, the circuit attorney’s office’s sex crimes unit is still reviewing the case.

With no criminal charges brought against the alleged offenders, the female student, who has also transferred to a different university, pursued action at SLU through the office of student conduct. According to SLU’s policy regarding cases of sexual misconduct, “even if criminal justice authorities choose not to prosecute, the University can pursue disciplinary action.” Such action could result in dismissal or suspension.

A student conduct hearing was held Sept.

17, involving the allegations of sexual assault.

Mitchell and Reed received the results of the hearing Sept. 28 that called for a one-year suspension from the University. Both players chose to appeal this decision to Vice President for Student Development Kent Porterfield, who is responsible for reviewing appeal requests brought through student conduct.

According to Reed, on Oct. 12, Mitchell and Reed received the results of the appeal, which reduced the one-year suspension to a

one-semester suspension with the ability to reapply to the University after Jan. 1, among other requirements, including letters of apology to the victim, the University and the basketball program.

The statement released by the University Oct. 13 read: “Saint Louis University men’s basketball players Kwamain Mitchell and Willie Reed are currently not enrolled at the University. Federal law — the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) — does not allow the University to release any additional information without the consent of the students involved.”

Mitchell’s attorney John Rogers told St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Mitchell plans on returning to SLU in January and complying with all stipulations set forth by the University.

“The administration and the appellate process found that there was no evidence to substantiate that Kwamain should be disciplined for any type of sexual assault,” Rogers said to the Post. “I anticipate that Kwamain will do everything in his power to See “Basketball” on Page 11

3:00 a.m.- They arrive at a former player’s apartment. The University News cannot confirm what happened in the apartment after they arrived.

3:50 a.m.- The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is called.

4:00 a.m.- Officers arrive and the female student gives her statement, as EMTs assist her outside of Marchetti Towers East.

4:05 a.m.- Department of Public Safety arrives on site. The female student also gives her statement to DPSSS, formerly known as DPS. 6:00 a.m.- Mitchell, Reed and a former player are taken into custody by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police. The three players are transported to the downtown station at 215 North 9th Street.

6:15 a.m. through early afternoon- Mitchell, Reed and a former player are questioned. All four individuals are released.

The players walk back to their apartments.

Friday, Sept. 17

A conduct hearing is conducted from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Allied Health Professions Building on the Medical Campus. Each witness has to give an oath that he or she will not share the details of the hearing.

Willie Reed GamesPlayed: Played:67 67 Games MinutesAveraged: Averaged:24.7 24.7 Minutes TotalRebounds: Rebounds:424 424 Total Blocks:113 113 Blocks: PointsAverage: Average:10.2 10.2 Points

By CHRIS ACKELS Sports Editor

and ANDREA ROYALS

Mitchell and Reed receive the results of their appeals. Their consequence is reduced to suspension for one semester, with the ability to reapply to SLU after Jan. 1, 2011. Also, Mitchell and Reed must write a letter of apology to the girl, SLU and the men’s basketball team.

On Wednesday, Oct. 13, Saint Louis University released a brief statement regarding the enrollment of two men’s basketball players: “Saint Louis University men’s basketball players Kwamain Mitchell and Willie Reed are currently not enrolled at the University. Federal law — the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) — does not allow the University to release any additional information without the consent of the students involved.”

Under SLU regulations for FERPA, the University “will not disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s educational record without prior written consent of the student.”

Mitchell and Reed move out of Grand Forest Apartments and leave campus. Reed receives his athletic scholarship back in the afternoon, releasing him from SLU and allowing him to play at other institutions.

GamesPlayed: Played:66 66 Games MinutesAveraged: Averaged:32.5 32.5 Minutes FieldGoal GoalPercent: Percent:.441 .441 Field Assists:219 219 Assists: PointsAverage: Average:13.6 13.6 Points

Student Conduct: Process remains unclear

Tuesday, Oct. 12

Thursday, Oct. 14

Kwamain Mitchell

News Editor

Educational records consist entirely disregarded, and Reed of admissions records, official said that the case was brought transcripts and non-academic before the Student Conduct Board disciplinary records, which at the University last month. Reed include records said the hearing of student took place from conduct, among 2 p.m. to 10 others. p.m. on Friday, Following Sept. 17 at the the regulations, [The Conduct Board] goes Allied Health the University off of a ‘more-than-likely’ P r o f e s s i o n s has refused to situation, and they say that Building. comment on just because I was there, it According to the removal of was ‘more-than-likely’ that I the University’s Mitchell and Student Code Reed. However, was involved. of Conduct, Reed said that “ s e x u a l -Willie Reed their suspension misconduct,” is the result of an is defined as alleged sexual “sexual acts of harassment case that was brought any nature that occur without forth last spring from a female the consent of the victim or student who has since left SLU. that occur when the victim may Due to insufficient evidence, be incapable of consenting... criminal charges were never filed. committed either by force, However, the incident was not intimidation or through use of

“

”

the victim’s mental incapacity or physical helplessness, including intoxication.”

According to Reed and his family, the allegations of sexual misconduct against him are false.

Willie Reed Sr., father of the former SLU basketball center, called the process of the hearing “totally unfair” for several reasons.

“I was not allowed to be there to defend my son. [The female student’s] parents were there and her dad was the one who See “Student Conduct” on Page 3

Blue the Billiken A new challenge

Because this investigation is still ongoing in the circuit attorney’s office and due to the protection offered by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the following questions still remain unanswered in this case: - What actually happened in the Grand Forest Apartments on the night of May 1?

- Was the SLU student conduct code applied consistently and fairly throughout the process?

- Will the circuit attorney’s office ever have enough evidence to press charges?

- Will the case ever be closed?

- Will the University ever be able to give a full statement on what transpired with this incident?

Read and Recycle The University News prints on partially recycled paper.

News

2

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Let Us Introduce You

Hady Elmashhady

Freshman tackles anxiety, studies martial arts, medicine

by MARKI BURNETT Contributor

Hady Elmashhady suffered from anxiety from an early age.

When he was 17, he experienced a disorder called depersonalization for an extended period of time.

“You know the feeling you sometimes get that you are dreaming, even though you aren’t; that feeling where nothing seems real? That’s what I was experiencing,” Elmashhady said of depersonalization. “But it was different in my case because it persisted.”

Tired of living in constant fear of his anxiety, Elmashhady said that he developed his own healing process.

He was successful, and made it his mission to help others in dealing with anxiety.

Elmashhady wrote and self-published a book during his senior year of high school entitled Nothing to Fear: Seven Simple Steps to Transcend Anxiety.

In the book, Elmashhady empathizes with fellow anxiety sufferers, assures them that their anxiety is beatable and outlines a plan to rid them of the disorder.

Elmashhady is a freshman at Saint Louis University studying philosophy and premed.

His goal has always to become a doctor.

“My uncle and aunt are doctors. When I was three, I was living with them and I saw a diagram of the skeletal system,” Elmashhady said.

“It was so amazing to me, how perfect [the skeletal system] was set up.”

Elmashhady said that with his degree, he is interested in becoming either a cardiothoracic surgeon or neurosurgeon, but would also like to continue writing material that will help others.

“I definitely want to write while being a doctor. If I could bring something new to the medical community or help people in some other way,

THE SLU SCOOP

Monday, Oct. 11

Friday, Oct. 8

2:12 p.m. - DISTURBANCE Student became violent after being refused medication at Student Health.

1:00 a.m. - SICK CASE Student reported that she thought she had been given unknown substance at an off-campus bar. Student was transported to SLU ER.

3:20 p.m. - PROPERTY DAMAGE Graffiti written on south elevator of Reinert Hall.

Saturday, Oct. 9

9:32 a.m. - PROPERTY DAMAGE Car in Gonzaga lot found with tampered door lock.

Be a Responsible Billiken

All Information Provided by Department of Public Safety and Security Services

9:08 p.m. - STEALING Student discovered GPS stolen after car was parked in Canisius lot.

Tuesday, Oct. 12

10:48 a.m. - INFORMATIONAL SLU employee reports receiving calls from unknown caller, stating many people were upset with University president and harm could come to University president.

Check out unewsonline.com in the proceeding weeks for future profiles on your DPSSS officers.

STOP. CALL. REPORT. 314-977-3000 witness.slu.edu dps.slu.edu

Officer profile: Mark Chambers Noah Berman / Photo Editor

that would be awesome,” Elmashhady said.

In addition to writing, Elmashhady said he also loves to participate in martial arts.

This passion was inspired

by Bruce Lee. When 12-year-old Elmashhady saw a television program about Lee’s life, he was determined to learn martial arts. He attended Rakkasans, a martial arts school in Hazelwood, Mo., and became immersed in the art of Tae Kwon Do. After earning his Green Belt in Tae Kwon Do at age 17, Elmashhady moved on to learn Muay Thai, an intense form of Thai boxing.

“Self-confidence, self-reliance, respect, strength of mind and body, morals, values and tradition are but a few of the many things one gains from practicing martial arts,”

Elmashhady said.

“The love for the practice of martial arts is something I will more than likely take with me all the way to the grave.”

In addition to Elmashhady’s illustrious career paths and love of the art of self-defense, he is also involved in several extracurricular activities at SLU. He is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, SLU’s chapter of the National Premedical Honor Society, Alpha Phi Omega ser vice fraternity, intramural flag football, Karate Club, and iLEAD, a leadership community at SLU that emphasizes service and leadership skills among the student body.

“I like to help other people.

I like to do things outside of myself,” Elmashhady said.

“Mainly, I like to be with my friends, have fun, and enjoy myself.”

by SEAN WORLEY Assistant News Editor

While Of ficer Mark Chambers has difficulty choosing a favorite author, he is quick to point out that he is not a fan of James Patterson.

“I don’t like him. I think he’s shallow,” Chambers said, lightheartedly.

Chambers is an officer for the Department of Safety and Security Services, and he is an avid reader—especially when it comes to history.

“Normally I read novels.

I like anything that has to do with history,” Chambers said.

Long before Chambers started spending a lot of his time reading or working for Saint Louis University, he worked as a police officer for the United States Air Force and, most recently, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Chambers spent four years

in the Air Force and then went on to spend 35 years with the SLMPD. Chambers worked in the sex crimes/ child abuse patrol and homicide units. Chambers is not afraid of the more difficult aspects of law enforcement, which is reflected in his tendency to work night shifts for the majority of his career.

“With the police department, at night, more interesting types of cases take place,” Chambers said. Chambers continues to work the night shift at SLU, his shift often beginning at 11 p.m. and lasting until 7 a.m. One thing can improve the night shift for Chambers: bike patrol.

“I like riding the bike. I think [University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J.] likes bike officers,” he said. The bike offers more agility and maneuverability.

When he’s not zipping around campus on his bike, Chambers has been working

Noah Berman / Photo Editor

to develop a new course to teach first responders how to interact with sexual assault victims. He will be starting to help teach other DPSSS officers in the next few weeks.

Until then, Chambers will go back to his reading and his slower-pace law enforcement career.

News

3 Students respond to LGBT suicides, seek to raise awareness unewsonline.com

by ANDREA ROYALS News Editor and SEAN WORLEY Assistant News Editor

During the past few weeks, reports of multiple youth taking their own lives began to surface and fill media outlets. The case of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi, a freshman at Rutgers University in New Jersey, particularly garnered a lot of attention.

Without Clementi’s knowledge, Clementi’s roommate videotaped him having an intimate encounter with another male student. The video was published online, and Clementi took his life by jumping off a bridge. It is believed that Clementi committed suicide after discovering the video that was posted on the Internet.

Clementi’s story is one of many that have surfaced over the previous weeks, but members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community taking their lives is not a new issue.

Thomas Bloom, president of Rainbow Alliance, is intrigued to see that the suicides have obtained so much coverage.

“I think that because of particularly shocking cases, like [Clementi’s], the media is drawn to it. I don’t think this is necessarily that new,” Bloom said.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds and accounts for 12.2 percent of deaths annually, according to an information packet published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lauren Araujo, executive vice president for Rainbow Alliance, believes that suicide is even more common in the LGBT community “I think that there are already very high statistics of the LGBT community having higher rates for suicide,” Araujo said.

“Lesbians have higher suicide rates than straight women, and gay men have higher rates than straight men. Across the board, transgendered [individuals] have the highest over anyone,” Both Bloom and Araujo agree there is a need for discussion about this topic.

“I think that there is still a little bit of a disconnect.

People think that it’s not something that could happen here,” Bloom said.

While there have been no suicides on Saint Louis University’s campus, there are still incidents of hate and lack of acceptance expressed to members of the LGBT community.

“Just last week, the Reinert elevator had to get shut down because there were gay slurs written,” Araujo said.

Bloom said that the incident was handled in a timely manner, it is not an isolated occurrence.

“There is that sort of thing, and you hear various other slurs around campus. I think that people assume this is a welcoming campus, but at the same time, you don’t see a same-gendered couple walking down West Pine holding hands,” Bloom said.

Maya Rao, vice president of Active Minds, a student organization dedicated to

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Ryan Giacomino / Photographer

Rainbow Alliance commemorates the recent LGBT suicides during the Coming Out Month Vigil, held on Oct. 20. helping people cope with mental illnesses, said that the best advice for students who may be struggling is to find someone to talk to among the SLU community.

“A really good thing to do is to talk to a trusted adult,” Rao said. “It helps to know that a lot of people go through the same issues. There is nothing wrong with seeking out counseling.”

Aside from Active Minds,

those who struggle with thoughts of suicide can find refuge through the Safe Zone program, a campus initiative that seeks to help members of the LGBT community with expressing their sexual identities.

Araujo and Bloom explained that Safe Zone trains individuals to deal with issues those who identify as LGBT often face. Those who are trained do so will-

ingly. They are encouraged to be accepting and used as a resource for those who need help coping with their sexual orientation.

“That person is always available to talk with anyone who may be going through these sorts of issues,” Araujo said. “It also means that the person is not going to stand for hate speech being said around them.”

Rainbow Alliance is also

recognizing the recent suicides by making the focus of the annual Coming Out month candlelight vigil those who have suffered recently.

“I think that the fact that our vigil is a part of Coming Out month every year shows that this isn’t a new phenomenon. Every year we are taking time to think about those who have been hurt or put to death because of their sexual orientation,” Araujo said.

Student Conduct: Reed family calls hearing process unfair, leaves University Continued from Page 1

suggested that both of those gentlemen should be suspended for a year.

And that’s what happened,” Reed Sr. said. However, Reed said that the female student’s parents were not present throughout the whole hearing.

The Student Code of Conduct does not make specific references to hearing procedures regarding the presence of parents, and no member of Student Conduct would comment at this time.

However, upon further investigation, Reed said he was advised, not instructed, to prevent his parents from attending.

According to Reed, Janet Oberle, the associate director of Athletics for Compliance and Student Services, gave him this advice. “She told me that I shouldn’t have my parents there because they would be biased toward me,” Reed said.

Student Conduct was not involved in this advisement,

and Oberle could not be reached for comment.

Reed Sr. said that his exclusion from the hearing was not the only inequitable factor.

“According to Student Conduct, if someone is trying to bring up charges against another student, no professional attorney can be involved in that,” Reed Sr. said.

“But she had a professional attorney at the hearing.”

Reed Sr. is correct.

The Student Code of Conduct states in section 2.10.6: “Legal counsel (including without limitation, law students, law school graduates not licensed to practice law and licensed attorneys) is not permitted at a hearing, even as a personal advisor, except when criminal charges are concurrently pending against the Accused Student, arising out of the same conduct that is the subject of the hearing. In such cases, the Accused Student and the Complaining Party are permitted, but not required, to have legal counsel present

as an advisor.”

According to Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, criminal charges were not pending at the time of the hearing, as they were never officially filed.

Sources confirm the presence of a professional attorney representing the female student in the room at the time of the hearing.

Attorney David Korum, who represented the female student when the incident was brought to the office of the circuit attorney last spring, did not return requests for comment from The University News.

Reed said he was provided a second-year law student two days before the hearing to advise him during the conduct process, and that due to class and scheduling conflicts, the two did not have adequate time to prepare a defense.

Reed would not release the name of the law student who advised him. “[The female student’s] attorney had basically the whole summer to prepare

for this, and [Reed’s legal defense] only had hours to prepare for it,” Reed Sr. said.

Reed said that the Conduct Board originally scheduled 15-minute breaks and a dinner hour within the duration of the hearing. According to Reed, the scheduled recesses never occurred. Although he was allowed time for a closing statement, Reed said he did not have adequate time to prepare one.

According to the Student Code of Conduct, “After the hearing, the Conduct Body will determine (by a majority vote if the Conduct Body consists of more than one person) whether the Accused Student has violated University policy based on the information in the hearing.

In its determination, the Conduct Body will utilize a standard of whether it was more likely than not that the Accused Student violated University policy.”

Reed said that he disagreed with the decision of the Conduct Board, a group he said was comprised of seven

members, five of whom were female. “[The Conduct Board] goes off of a ‘more-than-likely’ situation, and they say that just because I was there, it was ‘more-than-likely’ that I was involved. So I don’t think that was right,” Reed said.

On Sept. 18, Reed said he was notified at approximately 9 p.m. of the verdict from the conduct hearing.

The decision, which called for a one-year suspension of the two male students from the University, was immediately met with a request for an appeal from Reed and Mitchell.

The University responded on Sept. 27 to the conduct hearing by issuing this statement: “Saint Louis University takes any allegation of violations of its Code of Student Conduct seriously and has a fair and impartial student conduct process that is modeled after the best practices of colleges and universities around the country. The student conduct process is confidential,

and any comment from the University regarding student conduct issues would not come until the entire process — including appeals — is completed, and it may not be able to comment even then.”

The result of the appeal, released on Oct. 13, stated that Reed and Mitchell would be suspended from the University for the remainder of the semester, with the option to reapply as of Jan. 1.

Mitchell and his defense attorney refused to comment on the appeal, as his future at SLU remains uncertain.

Reed, who alleges that he did not have sexual relations with the female student but was present during the incident, said he has decided to leave the University, and that his family may consider bringing legal action against the University.

“We just want justice.

We just want Saint Louis University exposed for the way they handled this situation. They damaged my son’s character,” Reed Sr. said.

The University News

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

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The University News gives full disclosure on SLU basketball player reporting process

The University News at Saint Louis University is a student-led organization dedicated toward ser ving our University by accurately reportng news relevant to the SLU community. We value justice, fairness and, above all, objectivity in our methods.

In the wake of the explosive announcement of Kwamain Mitchell and Willie Reed’s suspensions, we have been working around the clock to gain as much information as possible to give you an accurate picture of what happened. We will give you full disclosure on how we acquired the facts that we were able to publish, and why – given that there were many possible sources for information – we could not publish all the details. There are definite gaps that prevent a complete understanding not only of the events that happened in May, but also of the details of the conduct hearing that resulted in the suspensions.

The first reason for certain gaps of information is the fact that this is a sensitive issue. Many departments, key individuals and involved parties would not comment or disclose information on either the incident or the conduct hearing. This includes all members of the Athletic Department (including team members), the President’s Office and Kwamain Mitchell (as well as his lawyer). Our biggest setback happened when Student Conduct Board declined to comment, leaving the due process information a myster y. Furthermore, our understanding of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Compliance rules came from extensive readings off of the website, and no direct quotes could be acquired. With no comments from SLU administrators, we only had their official statement released last week. Even the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, as well as other news sources that also

reported on these issues, could not get quotes from any of these parties (and they could not even confirm their own stories with us). The level to which people remained silent handicapped our stories.

Adding to this frustrating lack of direct sources – which are absolutely crucial for writing credible news stories – is the fact that we did manage to collect information that we either later could not legally publish (due to the ongoing investigation) or that came from indirect sources. Beyond that, we would have violated privacy laws.

We made a timeline of events from certain sources, reports from Department of Public Safety and Security Ser vices, reports from the St. Louis Police Department and from hospital reports. So apart from Reed and his father, our sources came from readings, reports and third parties. Only Reed and his father, one party of the many involved- and who is, furthermore, leaving SLU- were willing to share details up front and candidly.

In summar y, we had six of our finest reporters – all of our editors, in fact – doing their level best, contacting ever y possible source of information conceivable to bring you the clearest picture of this situation.

Not a stone was left unturned, and we are still continuing to follow this stor y as information becomes available.

In the end, we are proud of the work we have done, and we are only disappointed in the lack of cooperation and information we received. But we believe in maintaining the highest standards of ethical, credible journalism. We leave you with this full disclosure of whom we contacted for information and what we discovered, and we hope we have done our best to ser ve the SLU community in such tr ying times.

We need to save human lives one identity at a time

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Soulful flames twirl around candle wicks, cutting through the black of night as they emanate heat, light and courage. Saint Louis University students held their candles on Oct. 20 in a vigil in memory of the lives lost to gay abuse. Students also wore purple, not only to express sorrow for those who had committed suicide, but also for those who face daily struggles with bullying and harassment.

ABC recently reported on the five recent suicides that “gay students experienced significantly greater harassment and discrimination, and they were more likely to seriously consider leaving school because of it.”

They also “found that there is a lack of safety and inclusiveness for gay students on campuses across the country.” The source was a study done by Campus Pride, a national organization that promotes gay rights and issues.

We can only imagine, with heartache and confusion, the degree of exclusion, harassment and desolation that these individuals felt which compelled them to take their own lives. Raymond Chase, Tyler Clementi, Seth Walsh and so many others faced an issue that we all confront within our own lives, in some form or another.

Personal identity and acceptance is the bedrock of our self-confidence and daily energy. Without feeling that our inner worlds, feelings and dreams can find actualization in reality, we can only implode with the pres-

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Posted below are the results from our web poll on The University News’ website. These are the most preferred ‘bromances’ of SLU’s student body.

Arts editor Ashley Jones Assoc. ARTS editor KRISTIN Mcguire arts.unews@gmail.com Sports editor CHRIS ACKELS Assoc. Sports editor DERRICK NEUNER sports.unews@gmail.com photo editor Noah Berman photo.unews@gmail.com chief copy editor MELANIE MORIARTY copy editors HEATHER FLISS SARAH MAREK copydesk.unews@gmail.com Account Executive Peter flYNN ads.unews@gmail.com

Adviser Jason L. Young jyoung42@slu.edu The Editorial Board of The University News Recognizes Avis Meyer, Ph.D. as the newspaper’s faculty mentor.

The University News is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, the Student Press Law Center, the College Media Advisers and the Missouri College Media Association, a division of the Missouri Press Association.

sure of attempting to conform to the ideals and expectations of others. College tends to be a fresh start for so many of us, where we draw outlines of ourselves and slowly fill them in with the colors of our unique experiences.

How can we, as college students, work to not only form our identities but also to accept the identities of others? In our continuous struggle to be “men and women for others,” we need to understand that “others” include our peers. We feel that Rainbow Alliance, Active Minds, Campus Ministry, Una and other such activist organizations work hard toward gaining acceptance – or at least understanding and awareness – for oppressed and struggling groups of individuals. We take pride in the effort these groups put toward bringing individuals into the light.

By working to reverse ugly paradigms and hurtful prejudices, groups at SLU do the world a great service.

We want to stress that we are not speaking from a political, religious or ideological standpoint. We, as moral entities, are concerned about human life, which is our most precious commodity.

It is crystal clear that when personal expression, caring and understanding are absolutely crucial towards motivating struggling individuals to hold onto life, we must work as hard as we can to create spaces in this world for all individuals to grow, thrive and live.

What is your favorite bromance?

Chris and Derrick (UNews Sports Editors)

46% 27%

Harr y Potter and Ron Weasley Sherlock Holmes and Watson

18% 9% 0

Obama and Biden

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SLU owes its students greater transparency In the last two issues of The University News, several students have expressed concern about the lack of information concerning the status of the investigation of a sexual assault that took place on campus this past spring.

I compliment those students for resurfacing the issue and sharing their concern. I share in that concern.

While I understand the complexity of the legal issues associated with the investigation, I believe that University authorities have an obligation to provide appropriate information to members of the Saint Louis University community about the status of the investigation.

Failure to do so creates a vacuum which leaves room for speculation about what has or has not taken place.

More importantly, the lack of transparency raises the issue of respect for community members' right and need to know in such situations.

This issue is particularly important in light of the announced emphasis of the Department of Public Safety and Security Services on "security and community." Increasing feelings of security and building a sense of community requires transparency.

This situation provides an excellent opportunity to work toward achieving that goal.

- James Allen is an Associate Professor of Social Work

Quotes of the week

“ “ “

We will not return to SLU. I have asked for his release.

-- Willie Reed Sr.

See Page 1.

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We’re making strides. I did see students coming together after the events.

-- LaTanya Buck, program manager of the Cross Cultural Center

See Page 3.

I think that people assume this is a welcoming campus, but at the same time, you don’t see a same-gendered couple walking down campus holding hands.

”

-- Thomas Bloom, senior in the College of Arts and Sciences

See Page 3.

unewsonline.com

Opinion

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Circuses are fair grounds for cruel animal abuse

Prioritizing awareness costs due attention to important issues

For many young St. Louisans, an annual trip to the Scottrade Center to see the Ringling Bros. and Commentary Barnum & Bailey Circus is as much a winter time tradition as Ted Drewes F r o z e n Custard is Vincent Schneider a summertime one.

Indeed, I remember my first trip to the circus, being mesmerized by the fire eaters, clowns and flying trapeze artists. As a child who always loved animals, however, my favorite part of the circus was always the elephants.

Unfortunately, due to my naiveté and the whimsical portrayal of circuses in pop culture, I was unaware that the elephants surely did not enjoy being at the circus as much as I did.

Having outgrown my childhood delusions, and as someone who considers himself an animal activist, I now view the circus as a disgusting display of animal cruelty, and I am ashamed that my city and its citizens continue to support this tortuous event year after year.

This year, from Nov. 8 to Nov. 11, this repulsion will be visiting St. Louis –I will not be attending.

Ostensibly, the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus company protects the welfare of its captive creatures.

Feld Entertainment, the company that owns the circus, maintains that it is compliant with all USDA regulations, and in 1995 the circus founded the Center for Elephant Conser vation in Florida for the breeding, research and retirement of its Asian Elephant herd.

Unfortunately, such PR spin control has not been able to save the circus from recent and repeated negative public-

From the bumper stickers of cars speeding down Grand Blvd. to the plastic bags in which we tote our Commentary groceries home from Schnucks, America’s observance of October as Breast C a n c e r Awareness Month is Jacqueline Fuqua very visibly in full swing. To preface, being close to several survivors, I am deeply touched by the subtle, daily reminders of the heroic women that have courageously lived with and fought this disease.

It is beginning to appear, however, that every month now urges our observance of an overwhelming glut of estimable causes.

With so many issues to be informed about, it is only logical that plenty will fall through the cracks, and be thus, out of mind.

Causes such as breast cancer, which leave no demographic unaffected, are - as a result - exceptionally marketable.

I mean no offense. It is ideal to both raise awareness and fundraise to further encourage researching a cure and easing the lives of victims, their families, and friends.

I implore you though - simply recall the last time you walked through the aisles of any grocery store.

In ‘Baking’, you’ll find pink cupcake tins in ‘School/Office’ you’ll find pink Bic pens, and at checkout, you’ll be bombarded by mountains of pink ribbons, tote bags, water bottles and the like.

In our attention to supporting - and simultaneously commercializing - this cause, most remain arrantly unaware that October is also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The victims, past and pres-

Kristen Miano/Illustrator

ity. Indeed, USDA inspection reports from December of 1993 to March of 2009 (which are freely and publicly available on the Internet) show many instances of non-compliance, including inappropriate housing, poor sanitation and causing of physical harm and stress to the animals.

The USDA also pressed charges against the circus company in 1998 for forcing a sick elephant to perform. In a move which I personally find enraging, the circus settled the matter by paying a mere $20,000 fine.

Do we truly live in a world where large corporations can buy their way out of such wickedness?

These accusations by the USDA are further corroborated by the findings of various animal welfare “watchdog” groups.

In December of 2009, PETA released video footage allegedly depicting Ringling employees striking elephants behind the ears and on the chin (the most sensitive areas on an elephant’s body). Based on this investigation, PETA

has since filed a complaint with the USDA. Also in 2009, the widow of Sammy Haddock, a 30-year elephant trainer employee of Ringling Bros., came forward with a damning indictment written by her late husband, whose dying wish was to expose the circus.

He also included in his exposé several pictures from his time at the circus; among them was a fairly graphic picture of a small baby elephant being trained by five handlers.

Of this picture, Haddock wrote: “The baby elephant is slammed to the ground. See how its mouth is wide open?

It’s screaming bloody murder. It doesn’t have its mouth open for a carrot.”

Indeed, the rearing of baby elephants was the most gut-wrenching aspect of Haddock’s job. He stated that “Ringling’s training regimen included brute force, electricity and a savage disposition.

Raising a baby elephant at Ringling is like raising a kid in jail.”

The age of animal exploita-

Suicide questions not only issues of homophobia, but also simple college idiocy When I first read about Tyler Clementi’s suicide, I was outraged. I hoped that whoever had caused Commentary his death would be l o c k e d away for a long time.

I assumed that the students who had humiliated him Ben Eldredge were simply r un-of-themill bigots doing their best to hurt a gay student. Now, I’m not so sure.

Friends of Dhuran Ravi and Molly Wei (the students who captured Clementi’s encounter) have defended their characters: “A lot of the online news sources, what I’ve read, have kind of hinted that [Ravi]’s a prankster.

That he’s kind of homophobic. He’s really not. He’s very, very open-minded,” Michael Zhuang said. Similar sentiments were echoed by Wei’s friends.

Others have been more damning in their assessments of the incident. “...We are sickened that anyone in our society, such as

the students allegedly responsible for making the surreptitious video, might consider destroying others’ lives as a sport,” Steven Goldstein, chairman of New Jersey gay rights group Garden State Equality, said. Goldstein also stated that the group considers Clementi’s death a hate crime. How do we explain these conflicting pictures of Ravi and Wei? It seems unlikely that they are homophobic bigots with cruel intentions, but then why would they do something so obviously humiliating to one of their classmates?

I can see no evidence that either Ravi or Wei was prejudiced against Clementi because of his homosexuality.

Here are the two public messages Ravi disseminated on Twitter (Ravi also allegedly broadcast the incident, but investigators have not released the website): “Roommate asked for the room ‘til midnight. I went into Molly’s room and turned on my webcam.

I saw him making out with a dude. Yay. Anyone with iChat, I dare you to video chat me between the hours of 9:30 and 12. Yes it’s happen-

ing again.”

Nowhere in these tweets does Ravi come off as homophobic.

If anything, he finds Clementi’s encounter funny.

Would there be the same level of outrage if he had videotaped his heterosexual roommate? I doubt it. Ravi and Wei aren’t bigots, they’re just idiots.

So, how should Ravi and Wei be punished?

It’s not just a case of invasion of privacy; there is no arguing that Clementi is dead because of their actions.

Of course, the two did not intend for Clementi to kill himself.

Should we punish their intentions, which were to embarrass and mock? Or should we punish them for the consequence of their actions, which was death?

I admit that I’m conflicted.

On the one hand, I don’t think that two promising lives should be ruined for idiotic, youthful indiscretions. On the other hand, Clementi is dead, and these students need to answer for it.

Ben Eldredge is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Heather Fliss / Illustrator

tion for nothing more than human entertainment must come to an end. Indeed, many circus companies have abandoned the used of captive animals in their performances.

One such circus company is Cirque du Soleil, a much more artistic and far less barbaric incarnation of the timeless ‘circus.’

For those who simply must satisfy their desires for circus entertainment, I can happily recommend the performances of Cirque du Soleil – in fact, the Cirque du Soleil show “Dralion” will be performed at our very own Chaifetz Arena in 2011, from Jan. 19 until Jan. 23.

As one who is passionate about the welfare of animals, I urge the Saint Louis University community to join me in boycotting Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus when it comes to St. Louis this winter, for the self-titled “Greatest Show on Earth” surely is not so great.

Vincent Schneider is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.

ent, of this issue are also predominantly women, and indisputably, survivors.

Their stories, however, receive far less national attention, just as the social agencies devoted to DV eradication receive far fewer monetary donations.

October of every year, domestic violence and breast cancer are painfully and undeniably in competition.

Because it currently is, does not mean it always has to be, however.

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women will be directly affected by breast cancer during ‘her’ natural lifetime.

Shockingly, 1 in every 4 women will be affected by domestic violence.

The startling prevalence of both these issues illuminate perfectly the unfortunate trend that has become assigning months “concerns” of the moment.

Obviously, the issues that national agencies seek to highlight are not ephemeral concerns by any means. Nor should issues such as breast cancer, domestic violence or any of the others receive a high concentration of our attention - financial or otherwise - for a simple month.

Attention to the struggles of our nation’s suffering or marginalized must definitely be raised. It must also be held.

Who among us can name which month is Sexual Abuse Awareness, or National Hunger?

In order to give any social or political issue the attention it deserves, we must break from our restrictive habit of compartmentalizing them into the confines of a mere 30 days.

Catch our attention, hold it and teach us the breadth of social issues that exist, and the distressing depth of their reach.

Jacqueline Fuqua is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.

To honor commitment to current students, SLU must strengthen quality of academic advising Editor’s Note: This column is in response to the “Students need to actively seek advisers and participate in campus events” Letter to the Editor published in the Oct. 7 issue.

I’ll admit it.

Back when I was a high school student I was captivated by the granCommentary deur, the potential, the dream of what it would mean to be a Billiken at Saint Louis University.

T h a t Sean Worley captivation ultimately led to my application and thus my acceptance and eventually confirmation of my being a part of the incoming class of 2013.

The excitement of starting the next chapter of my life as a SLU Billiken began to escalate.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, the exhilaration has waned.

I love SLU and what it means to be a student at this wonderful institution.

Do not get me wrong on that account; however, something needs to be done.

I am not referring to increasing the amount of CSOs on campus or SLU sponsored events, but something more.

Those previously mentioned facets of campus life are plenty and fulfilling.

As a student that holds executive board positions in two student organizations, I know what it means to be involved and what it means to “leave my room.”

I have taken it upon myself to ensure that I do remain involved in campus going-ons, but my college experience is not solely influenced by how many extracurricular activities I participate in.

The University needs to help make sure they have a say in that their students have the best experience possible.

As I said before, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions did an extraordinary job at convincing me SLU was the place I wanted to spend up-

“

wards of $39,000 a year.

Yet I expected that the other SLU offices that actually pertain to me as a student would be as well-run and excited once I began my studies here.

I was mistaken.

There seems to be a disconnect between the energy spent on recruiting students and the energy spent on facilitating their success and enjoyment once they arrive.

I’m talking about student services such as academic advising, faculty involvement and correlation between the students and the administration, just to name a few.

These are important aspects to a college student’s academic career and they need to be focused on.

My already-growing dissatisfaction was only increased after my most recent academic advising appointment.

After spending a few hours preceding my appointment I worked out my schedule for

much when I request that my adviser invest a smidgen of time in my life here.

I mean it’s not like I am taking out student loans that will not be paid off until years later or anything to be here.

No, not at all.

However, I decided to take a step back after my appointment and look further into why it seemed that I was being glanced over as a member of this community.

The thought crossed my mind that it may be possible that the advisers do care about my peers and myself, but they simply do not have the time to devote to us as individuals.

The Office of Institutional Research has published on its website the number of students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, as of 2009.

With 2,648 students in the school and only seven academic advisers on staff, each adviser is responsible for 378 students a piece.

Now I understand the brevity of my appointment.

There is no logical explanation as to how one person can handle, sufficiently, the academic careers of almost 400 students. This is my complaint.

There needs to be a change. A change that will bring about a parallel in the amount of time and energy spent on bringing students to SLU and in the time and energy spent on current students.

This overworking of the advising staff can be extended into the other departments that dwell on our well being as existing Billikens.

I love to see more and more freshmen arrive on campus each year, but I also love to see more and more sophomores, juniors and seniors be provided the support and services they were promised.

So I guess I’ll just go back to filling all my time with participation in CSOs or campus events.

Hell, I may even go to a basketball game.

Because that’s what going to college is all about, right?

My already-growing dissatisfaction was only increased after my most recent academic advising appointment.

,,

the next few semesters to make sure I was on track.

It was my anticipation that I would go into my appointment and my adviser and I would discuss this plan in much further detail. I was wrong again.

My advising session lasted all but five minutes and that short span of time was mostly spent signing various forms.

There was not even an inkling of advising present.

Maybe I am an idealist and believe that advising should be more about signing forms and obtaining that ever sought after Alternative PIN number.

Maybe I am crazy for thinking that the employees of this University should take interest in the lives of the students and ensure that all is well.

Maybe I am asking too

Sean Worley is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

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Comics/Student Art

Last Week’s Solutions:

Comic by: Little Miss Muffet and Ron Weasley

Sudoku

Figger It

Crossword

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The University News

Arts OUT ON THE TOWN Ashley and Kristin’s Pics

MUSIC Thursday, October 21 8:30 p.m.

Russell Malone Trio Jazz at the Bistro Tickets are $10 Friday, October 22 7:30 p.m.

Celtic Thunder The Fox Theatre For ticket prices visit thefabulousfox.com 8 p.m.

NOISEFEST/10 The Lemp Arts Center Tickets are $5 8:30 p.m.

Russel Malone Trio Jazz at the Bistro Tickets are $10 Saturday, October 23 8 p.m.

NOISEFEST/10 The Lemp Arts Center Tickets are $5 8 p.m.

Chuck Prophet and The Incurables Off Broadway Tickets are $12-18 8:30 p.m.

Russel Malone Trio Jazz at the Bistro Tickets are $10 Sunday, October 24 8 p.m.

Noisefest/10 The Lemp Arts Center Tickets are $5 Monday, October 25 9 p.m.

Callers Billiken Club Admission is free Tuesday, October 26 9 p.m.

Active Child Billiken Club Admission is free

Thursday, October 21, 2010

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Thursday, October 21 8 p.m.

Evil Dead: The Musical Stray Dog Theatre Tickets are $18 Friday, October 22 8 p.m.

Evil Dead: The Musical Stray Dog Theatre Tickets are $18 Saturday, October 23 8 p.m.

Evil Dead: The Musical Stray Dog Theatre Tickets are $18

MOVIES Saturday, October 23 12 a.m.

Rocky Horror Picture Show The Tivoli Theatre Tickets are $10 Friday October 22nd Hereafter opens in theaters

unewsonline.com

Ways to celebrate Halloween within five miles of campus

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Evil Dead:The Musical

When: Now through Oct. 30, Thursday - Saturday Where: Stray Dog Theatre at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Ave. Cost: $18 Website:straydogtheatre. org

“Evil Dead: the Musical” is about as ridiculous as it sounds. This hilarious show spoofs the 80s cult classic “Evil Dead” films. Saint Louis University’s own Gregory Cuellar stars in the musical.

“You’ve never experienced a live performance quite like this. We use 15 gallons of [fake] blood per performance, and about seven is dedicated to the splatter zone,” Cueller said. “If you liked Lady GaGa’s 2009 VMA Performance, you will love ‘Evil Dead: the Musical’.”

Those with a strong stomach may want to sit in “The Splatter Zone.” Tickets for this seating costs $35, but those brave enough to sit here will recieve a free t-shirt.

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Ghost Hunter Ross Allison

When: Oct. 29 & 30 at 9 p.m.

Where: Oct. 29 at the Grandel Theatre at 3610 Grandel Sq. Oct. 30 at Dubourg Hall Cost: Free Billikens After Dark and Saint Louis University Paranormal Investigators will give students a chance to hunt ghosts. As part of OkSoberfest Week, professional Ghost Hunter Ross Allison will give a presentation on the paranormal and join attendees on a ghost hunt. “The ghost hunt is hands-on, so you will be recording Electronic Voice Phenomenon and Electromagnetic Fields while exploring St. Louis’s Grandel Theatre,” Gretchen Weber, President of Paranormal Investigators said.

Those wishing to attend should meet at DuBourg 157 on Friday and Sinquefield Stateroom on Saturday.

By KRISTIN MCGUIIRE Associate Arts Editor

2

The Lemp Mansion

When: Haunted tours are every Monday; Edgar Allen Poe readings are every Thursday in Oct. and Pumpkin Carving on Oct. 24 Where: 3322 DeMenil Place Cost: $10-20 Website:lempmansion.com The Lemp Mansion is often said to be one of the most haunted places in St. Louis.

“We are the original Haunted House,” manager Mark Halim said. Naturally, haunted tours are given on Monday evenings by paranormal investigator and historian, Betsy Belanger. She has been on The Travel Channel, National Geographic Television and The Discovery Channel. In addition to haunted tours, the Lemp Mansion hosts Edgar Allen Poe readings on Wednesday nights by Anne Louis Williams and pumpkin carving contests.

The Stray Dog Theatre will be performing their rendition of “Evil Dead: The Musical” Thursday through Saturday until Oct. 30. Saint Louis University junior Gregory Cuellar (above left) stars in the musical, which is based on the 80s “Evil Dead” movies.

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When: Oct. 29 Where: Koken Art Factory, 2500 Ohio Ave. Cost: $5 Website:kokenartfactory. com

When: Oct. 29-30 Where: Powell Symphony Hall at 718 N. Grand Blvd.

Cost: $10-15 Website: stlsymphony.org

Come view a variety of art made in all mediums by over 80 artists. Live music includes The Feed and the Upright Animals from St. Louis. There will also be Hoop dance by the STL Hoop Club, a tarot card reader and a costume contest (for a cash prize.) “Not only is there going to be fantastic local artwork, but local bands as well. You’ll get to see artwork live music and two Hoop performances.” Assistant Coordinator Brandy Misuraca said. “There is going to be a lot of crazy art.” This event is intended for those over 18. Start your Halloween weekend off with a spooky, but cultural, event.

It’s just a short walk to enjoy the one of the most classic Halloween films. Hitchcock’s “Psycho” will be playing at the Powell Symphony Hall with live orchestra accompaniment. “I don’t know how many SLU students have seen ‘Psycho,’ but it stands out as one of the greatest thriller movies. But what really takes it over the top is the big screen and the St. Louis Symphony actually playing the famous score,” Eddie Silva, Publications Manager said. Costumes are encouraged. The Symphony invites people to come dressed as their favorite Alfred Hitchcock character and to enter to win a prize pack.

When: Oct. 30 Where: Off Broadway at 3509 Lemp Ave. Cost: $10 with costume for 21+, $13 with costume for 20 and under, $12 without costume for 21+, $15 without costume for 20 and under Website: offbroadwaystl. com

MOnster Mash ARt Bash

Photograph courtesy of John Lamb

HItchcock’s Psycho

Halloween Hootenany

Costumes are encouraged at the 6th annual Halloween Hootenanny. The show will be held at Off Broadway and will feature the indie and rockabilly music of Strawfoot, The Monads and Kentucky Knife Fight. It just so happens to be Strawfoot’s final show for a while and The Monads final show ever.

“You get $2 off if you wear a costume,” Steve Pohlaman, co-owner of Off Broadway said. “It’s sure to be a good time!”

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Rocky Horror Picture Show

When: Oct 22-23, Oct 2930 and Nov 5-6 Where: The Tivoli Theatre at 6350 Delmar Blvd St Louis Cost: $10 Website: landmarktheatres.com This delightful horror film spoof is one of the longest running midnight movies of all time. With live performers and encouraged audience participation, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a quirky Halloween tradition. “Everyone dresses up in crazy costumes, some in lingerie, some like the characters,” SLU senior Kathryn McCulley said. “It’s always a ridiculously eccentric experience.

I’ll be going this year for the fourth year in a row!”

8 zombie walk 9 Boo at the zoo 10The Darkness When: Oct. 30 Where: Leland Ave. and Delmar Blvd. in the Loop Cost: Free

THEATER

Talk to us: Ashley Jones 314.977.2812 arts.unews@gmail.com

Zombies are everywhere.

We saw them in Chicago last Spring, and now the Zombie Walk is back- but this time right off campus. You don’t have to be a competitive runner to participate in this walk. In fact, the slower the better! This Saturday, take part in a truly unique experience as “zombies” trudge down the “Walk of Stars.”

This fundraiser will donate all proceeds to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of American, as well as turn heads at the Delmar Loop. In the spirit of Halloween, come sporting full zombie make-up and costume, and be sure to bring a camera! “Zombies” should meet at 6 pm in the parking lot behind Starbucks, near the intersection of Leland Ave. and Delmar Blvd.

When: Oct. 22-30 Where: The St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park Cost: $4 for members, $5 for non-members Website: stlzoo.org Experience the St. Louis Zoo in a whole new light at Boo at the Zoo! In addition to saying hello to your favorite animals, Boo at the Zoo offers Fireside stories, Night Hikes and dramatically decorated grounds. You will get to see the animals that only come out in the dark, as well as all of the graveyards and skeletons the zoo has set up! “Although parts of this event are intended for kids, it’s actually a lot of fun. I liked seeing the zoo at night and all of the kids in their Halloween costumes!” senior, Emily Frankoski said. Boo at the Zoo is sure to bring about a good time and a sense of nostalgia.

When: Sunday-Thursday: 7:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday Oct. 22-23, 29-30: 6 p.m.- 12:30 a.m.

Oct. 31: 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

Nov. 5-6: 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

Where: 1525 South 8th S. Cost: $20, but group rates are cheaper Website: scarefest.com Rated one of the most terrifying haunted house in the country, the Darkness is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Because it is renovated every year, the Darkness is still a shock for those who have experienced it before. “SLU students who are fans of scary movies will be thrilled with the all-new scenes at The Darkness, especially the falling barrel wall. It’s like being surrounded by and walking through a horror film,” Larry Kirchner, owner and chief designer for Halloween Productions, said.

Photograph courtesy of Insight Marketing & Communications

The Darkness haunted house consists of two floors of hightech animations and special effects. In addition, there are 50 live actors who interact with visitors.

Dorm Room Diet helps students avoid college weight gain As college students, we have all heard the warnings.

The playful banter about gaining that “FreshCommentary man 15” eventually turns into a reality.

Providing a 10-step program to prevent the dreaded “FreshStephanie Mueller man 15,” The Dorm Room Diet, by Daphne Oz, provides a plan to prove the warnings wrong.

The introduction of the book describes a somewhat

exaggerated, yet fairly plausible plight of the college student. Waking up to an acnestruck face, eating on-the-go after hitting snooze one too many times, not fitting into outfits that were perfect before, taking four-hour naps, indulging in a “pick-me-up” sugar meal, and eventually heading back to bed, more tired than imaginable. The contrasting college student that Oz describes (after following the steps in her book, of course) has a clear face and is happy to wake up in the morning. Their clothes fit better than ever before, leaving more than enough time for a balanced breakfast. This ideal college student is not

swayed by sugary desserts or carbonated drinks. They work out after this breeze of a day and still have time to hang out with friends. Could this really be reality?

As a recent college graduate, Oz knew the downfalls of an unhealthy lifestyle. Overweight from the time she was seven until seventeen, she changed her ways, losing 10 pounds her freshman year of college, breaking the wellfounded stereotype.

Just as emotions and stress run high in college, Oz hoped to create a tangible plan for students facing the same dilemmas she did.

Oz prefaces the “get informed” section of the book

by saying that a recent report claimed that only 6 percent of American college sophomores had gained 15 pounds their freshman year. Then again, about 50 percent of these sophomores reported gaining 2-5 pounds over their freshman year, slightly less shocking but still entirely avoidable to Oz. The main cause for this shift in weight, says Oz, is the pure freedom of the college experience. Diets and exercise are no longer regimented by parents or school. It is all up to the individual student, and it is often that responsibility that gets a student into the dreaded situation of going home over Thanksgiving

break to a sea of unsurprised faces at the already noticeable different fit of one’s jeans.

The following steps of the how-to guide include easy recipes for healthy living, exercises for the confines of the dorm and nutrition tips for buying food on campus.

While the 10-step plan does not promise a seamless year of weight loss, it does give hope that new college students will not fall into the treacherous hole of inactivity and overeating.

While some of the advice is not entirely realistic, the book seems to have a firm grasp on the issues that college students encounter.

Arts

8

Thursday,October October21, 7, 2010 Thursday, 2010

Noah Berman / Photo Editor

The Carolina Chocolate Drops performed at the Sheldon Concert Hall on Oct. 20. This was their second time in St. Louis since their August performance at LouFest.

Carolina Chocolate Drops show what it is to experience good music It is Oct. 20, 2010, and, courtesy of the Billiken Club, you are sitting comfortably inside the Commentary nearly 100year-old Sheldon Concer t Hall. The lights are dimmed.

T h r e e musicians sit on Noah Berman stage surrounded by instruments. Roughly 500 people fill the seats around you.

The lead singer of the group - who you know to be the Carolina Chocolate Drops - speaks for a moment about the history of the song they are about to play.

Written down, but not composed, by a white man named Dan Emmett, the tune from a black family of string band musicians - the Snowdens who lived nearby. A song with a history. Titled by Emmett “Genuine Negro Jig,” the band - while using the former

as the title for their latest CD - has re-titled the song in honor of the original songwriters: Snowden’s Jig. The band begins to play.

I’ll leave the actual sound of the song for you to go forth and discover on your own right now, even, before you finish this article! - but know this: There is nothing in any other form of entertainment, as far as I am aware, quite like the experience of being taken on the musical trip of Snowden’s Jig with 500 other people, all clapping along or stamping the ground to the beat. This is encouraged by the band, and with good reason: These are not songs for sitting idly by and appreciating.

These are songs for dancing to, for getting up and grooving to the beat. Were we not in a tightly packed concert hall, it would have been sacrilege for the concertgoers to stay seated.

Still, had they not clapped or stamped along, it would have been blasphemy.

As I’ve admitted in previ-

ous reviews, I am somewhat prone to hyperbole. The thing is, these guys and gal are really just that good. Really freaking good.

We are lucky to live in a world in which these musicians exist. They may not be playing much or even any of their own original compositions, but they are dredging up from the past and bringing into the future the kind of music that, at least for me (and I think also for you) points toward a sort of “ur-music,” a feeling of what it is to experience “good music.” When you listen to the Chocolate Drops or other musicians of similar caliber (no matter the genre), you are taking a glance into what Plato would call the Form of music, that thing outside of time and space by which all music can be judged. In the case of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, that judgment is guilty- guilty of being too good for this world.

But while they’re still here, we need to enjoy them while we may.

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Talk to us: Chris Ackels 314.977.2812 sports.unews@gmail.com

Thursday, October 21, 2010

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SLU athletes play on solid ground

Volleyball Junior Alyssa Deno was named the Atlantic 10 Conference’s volleyball Offensive Player of the Week, and freshman Hannah Kvitle was selected the Rookie of the Week for the period ending Oct. 17.

The duo helped the Billikens win three matches last week and build a season-high four-match winning streak.

The volleyball team is back in action this weekend, facing Temple on Friday night, and visiting LaSalle Sunday.

Men’s Basketball Men’s basketball will host a “Billiken FanFest” on Monday, Oct. 25 at Chaifetz Arena.

The event is free to the public, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Beginning at approximately 6 p.m., fans can get their first glimpse of the 2010-11 Billikens as the team will play a 20-minute, Blue vs.

White intrasquad scrimmage.

Additional activities include player introductions, a Q&A with players and coaches, and opportunities for complimentary autographs.

Free soft drinks and light concessions will be offered, along with other Billiken giveaways.

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Noah Berman / Photo Editor

SLU’s Grounds Supervisor Keith Labitska oversees the maintenance of all Billiken athletic fields. Labitska has served SLU for four years.

Groundskeeper maintains pristine playing fields

By MICHAEL JOHNSON Staff Writer

When the term “grounds supervisor” is mentioned, images of the most famous groundskeeper of all time, Bill Murray’s character in the movie “Caddyshack” probably come to mind. In the flick, Murray is constantly crawling on the ground, mumbling nonsense to himself while trying to ward off pesky, burrowing gophers.

Saint Louis University’s Grounds Supervisor, Keith Labitska, will be the first to proclaim that there is some truth to the depiction.

“You have to be a little goofy and quirky to take care of grass for a living,” he said.

Labistka is not all fun and games, though. After 22 years in the business, he has mastered the blend of the art and science that is grounds keeping.

Evidence of this mastery can be found on the pitch at Robert R. Hermann Stadium, his pride and joy for the past four years. The natural grass field is as green as Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day. The current state of the lush turf was a product of the hard work Labitska and his staff put in over the past couple months.

It is quite the feat, considering Mother Nature handed Labitska and the rest of the St. Louis community its second hottest summer on record this past year. With temperatures approaching and exceeding tripledigits on a regular basis, it provided a challenge for Labitska to keep the grass healthy.

Labitska struggled against the scorching heat all summer, trying to keep the field in a playable condition.

Nevertheless, when the Billiken soc- ones seen at Hermann Stadium. cer teams resumed play this season, Labitska goes into mad-scientist there were noticeable blemishes and mode when he takes a sample of the brown patches present, both qualities grass and sends it to a lab for tissue no groundskeeper likes to hear as analysis. describing one of their fields.

The lab will then return the results, Labitska accepted the circumstanc- which show the levels of nitrogen, es when the season commenced, but phosphorus and potassium, or NPK he set a goal to have the field in per- as it is known in the grounds keeping fect condition for the late September business, in the grass. homecoming soccer match.

The varying levels of NPK help He wanted to make a good impres- Labitska determine the type of fertilsion on the large crowd expected for izer with which to dress the field. the much-anticipated It is important to game versus Drake constantly check the University.

NPK level because You have to be He utilized many with temperatures different resources a little goofy and constantly changing, and technologies to quirky to take each element’s level in reach that objective. the grass fluctuates. In Labitska tapped care of grass for order to combat those into the artistic side a living. changes, one must of grounds keeping by change the fertilizer —Keith Labitska making it a habit to and cultural practices walk the field every day. to keep the turf in “Even if I miss walking the field for good shape. a single day, the conditions of the field “It is a juggling and balancing act,” can take a turn for the worse.”

Labitska said.

Labitska examined the field from Labitska also employs a technique different vantage points in the sta- called “vertidraining” to keep the dium to enure he did not miss a single grass in good condition. He defined detail; he compared before and after this as “the process of poking holes photos to monitor progress. several inches into the ground to Since his job requires him to spend ensure that oxygen is getting to the so much time on the turf, he has devel- roots of the turf.” oped a personal relationship with it.

The grass on the field at Hermann “Yeah, I’ll get down there and talk Stadium is more than what is found in to the grass from time to time to see an average backyard. how it’s doing,” Labitska said. “It has It is a bluegrass, which is a cold seabecome almost like a child to me.” son grass. That means its prime growBeing the grounds supervisor ing conditions come in September requires more than just checking on and October, optimal for the Billiken the grass and watering the brown soccer schedule. patches. It takes a thorough knowlWhen the bluegrass is a rich green edge of the technical side of the pro- hue, compliments continually flow to fession to produce results like the Labitska.

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Junior men’s soccer player Beau Bellomy is one of many varsity players who benefits from Labitska’s hard work.

“Our game field is always looking real nice,” Bellomy said. “They work on it every single day. Not only does it look good, but it plays really well. The players really appreciate it..”

Labitska stresses that the credit should not be directed only to him, but also to the members of his crew.

“They’re the ones doing all the work. I just spur them in the right direction. I don’t even get my hands dirty, although I try to every now and then,” Labitska said.

Labitska appears to be, unfortunately, of a dying breed. Within the past decade, there has been a rise in the number of institutions replacing their natural grass fields with an artificial turf substitute.

A movement in this direction could potentially put Labitska out of a job in the future, but he is certain his employment is secure.

He considers artificial turf not as a substitute, but rather a poor replacement.

“Nothing can compare to the feel, smell or beautiful green color of a natural grass field.”

It is important to note that Labitska is not only responsible for the condition of the soccer game field. He also oversees the baseball, softball, intramural and practice soccer fields.

The new multi-purpose athletic fields, currently being built at the medical campus, will also fall under his jurisdiction.

With all of those fields to maintain, Labitksa definitely has his hands full, even more so than Murray with his gophers.

Thoughts about the Field: “When I was a kid, I would come watch SLU play, and I always loved how the field looked.

They put so much time into it. All of the guys have a large respect for them.”

“The fields are in really good shape, and they work so hard to keep it that way. They are always out there before the game, at halftime and after the game. We really appreciate that.”

Nick Maglasang Sophomore, Men’s Soccer

Maggie Baumann Sophomore, Women’s Soccer

“Good grass is the best surface to play soccer on. Turf can eat away your knees over time.

Grass is softer and smoother, and it’s more natural for your knees.”

“You can tell they really care about keeping the fields nice. But they also care about us.

They are all so friendly at practice or walking around campus. They are really great.”

Mike Roach Junior, Men’s Soccer

Allison Hu Sophomore, Women’s Soccer

Charlotte Duquesne

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A big loss, but life goes on for Billiken basketball

GWU

Slow down there, Chicken Little.

It would be foolish of me to try and convince Commentary you that the dismissal of two star basketball players does not have an adverse effect on Derrick Neuner our comm u n i t y.

Losing your top scorer and your top rebounder would be a major blow, to any program.

Let me use this space, then, to preach another message.

The sky is not falling. Saint Louis University basketball is going to be just fine.

I have been covering the rebirth of Billiken basket-

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ball since head coach Rick Majerus took over the dormant program in 2007. It has been a tumultuous ride: Majerus arrived in St. Louis in May and cleaned house; stars were let go and coaches were handed pink slips. That year, the team posted one more win than loss.

Slowly and meticulously, Majerus worked his magic.

He brought in under-theradar recruits to rebuild the brand and put SLU back in the ESPN spotlight.

Three years after his arrival, writers from Sports Illustrated to USA Today are buzzing about the resurgence of Billiken basketball, not to mentions the wonders of Majerus.

The big dream, a berth into the NCAA Tournament, elusive for the last 10 years, seemed so close to a reality.

For the first time since joining, SLU was ready to rock the Atlantic 10 Conference.

All that changed last week.

But all is not lost.

The last time I checked, and I could be wrong, but two players do not constitute a team. There are still 10 men who need our support.

And there are still 10 players that believe the NCAA is within reach. SLU still has the ammunition to get there, too.

Here’s how the Billikens will get it done.

Junior Kyle Cassity will be handed the reins and likely the title of captain. Cassity can be a prolific shooter, but he’s tended to be a giver, not a taker.

That will come in handy, too, because the young guard will have to direct the offense, as well as take deep shots.

Part of his cast will include

Christian Salecich and Cody Ellis, who will both have to become more comfortable with the ball.

Let’s not forget the excellent Paul Eckerle, who has been a great teacher for this young team.

On the defensive side, an untested leader will take charge and hopefully provide the fire underneath the net necessary to give SLU a chance. That player, Brian Conklin, is finally healthy and should show us why Majerus brought him here in the first place. I’m also hearing great things about sophomore Cory Remekun.

The biggest variable this season is not how the holes will be filled, but who will fill them. Majerus has brought in perhaps the most high profile class in SLU history in the new freshman class. We will

get to see, in full force, how that class will perform on the court. There are plenty of minutes to go around.

Among the first to be tested are Mike McCall, Dwayne Evans and Rob Loe. Look for all three of these young men to be dominating forces starting as soon as the season starts. Indeed, the entire season may rest on the shoulders of the freshmen; the Billikens may rise and fall along with their progression.

Sound familiar?

I am not going to pretend that it will be an easy year for the SLU Billikens. But the team is optimistic, excited and more determined than ever to reach new heights. And with Majerus at the helm, they will have the guidance to do so.

This team is going to be just fine.

The sky’s not falling.

Sports

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unewsonline.com

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Athletes active while on academic break Men’s Soccer October 8

SLU 1 - Duquesne 0 The team went to Pittsburgh poised to defend their 2009 Atlantic 10 Championship, despite an unimpressive 2-3-2 record in non-conference play. The game at Duquesne was the first of eight games in the A-10 schedule this year.

Just 10 minutes into the match, SLU freshman Jon Roeckle put in a corner kick that found the head of sophomore Benny Estes, who buried the ball into the right side of the net. 80 minutes later, that goal stood as the only tally of the game, and SLU came out on top 1-0.

October 10

St. Bonaventure 1 - SLU 0 After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer in Olean, N.Y., St. Bonaventure’s forced overtime against the Billikens after impressive play from Bonnies’ goalkeeper David Flynn. SLU’s Nick Shackelford also had an impressive showing in regulation but was bettered in overtime for the game winner.

Nicholas Perillo of St. Bon’s collected a loose ball and sent it to the right of Shackelford about eight minutes into overtime. The Bonnies improved to 1-1-0 in conference and look to be a dark horse contender for the A-10 title this year.

While SLU students studied for midterms and enjoyed fall break, athletes from six different sports were also active representing the Billikens in Atlantic 10.

Take a look at how the Billikens did during the break.

Swimming & Diving October 8

October 9

SLU claimed a victory in all but one race when they hosted Western Illinois for their home opener. On the men’s side, Will Butzke and Chris Mandli each won two events, while Kyle Embrey, Mike Kelly, Stephen Sheridan, Chad Carmichael and Hunter Stevenson added to it with wins in their own events.

On the women’s side, Lizzy Osterman, Taylor Rogers and Taylor Streid all on two events, while Ariel Hyams, Anne Christensen and Hannah Tautz all contributed with single-event victories.

Senior Michael Dahle lead the men’s team with victories in three different events- the 200 IM, the 200 fly and the 200 back- as the Billikens edged out cross town rivals Washington University in Clayton.

Dahle was aided by Patrick Merlihan and Billy Hrabovsky in solidifying a 128-120 victory for the men’s side.

The women clinched their side of the victory in the 400-meter freestyle relay.

Taylor Rogers, Molly Sheridan, Emily Kopec and Taylor Streid teamed up for first place in the event, as the ladies beat the Bears 127-117.

Bills dominate W. Illinois

Billikens edge out Wash U

Volleyball

Cross Country October 15

Two Bills set records At the Bradley Classic in Peoria, Ill., on Oct. 15, 2010, two Billikens etched their names into SLU’s cross country record books. Hillary Orf smashed the school record for the 6K run, posting a time of 21:21. Orf already holds the 5K record, which she broke earlier this season.

For the men, Brian Holdmeyer burned SLU’s 8K record, finishing in 24:45. He became the first Billiken to finish the 8K in under 25 minutes. And the lady Billiken Margo Richardson posted a time of 21:32 in the 6K, a mark that also would have busted SLU’s previous record.

Field Hockey October 8

Siena 1 - SLU 0 In a game that was all about defense, Siena finally beat SLU goalkeeper Alex LaBarge in the 58th minute to get the game’s only goal and propel the Saints to a 1-0 victory. The two teams combined placed only seven shots on goal during the game, putting little pressure on LaBarge and her counterpart, Lisa Heimerle.

SLU put four shots on goal in the second half, but the Siena defense was able to turn the Bills away a preserve the 1-0 win.

October 15

October 9

October 15

Though Richmond struggled in nonconference play, the Spiders have been impressive so far inside the Atlantic 10.

Jake Russell scored in the final minute of the first half, giving the Spiders a 1-0 lead.

But the Billikens attack was as productive as it has been all year. Saint Louis University generated three times as many shots as Richmond did, and forced Spider keeper Brock Tomlinson to make a season-high six saves. But the Bills were never able to capitalize on an opportunity and finished their second straight game without scoring.

Freshman Andrea Beaty recorded a career-high 19 kills to pace the Saint Louis University volleyball team to a 3-1 victory over Illinois-Chicago on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Chaifetz Pavilion. Set scores were 2520, 19-25, 25-20, 25-15. In addition, fellow freshman Hannah Kvitle directed the SLU offense with a career-best 56 assists.

Set two featured 12 ties and four lead changes before the Flames finally tied the match at 1-1. Set four was tied at 9-9 until an Alyssa Deno kill put SLU on top for good.

The Billikens led 20-15 before scoring the last five points of the match.

Alyssa Deno and Megan Boken both registered double-doubles to lead SLU to a 22-25, 25-17, 28-26, 25-19 victory over Rhode Island on Oct. 15 at Chaifetz Pavilion. Deno hammered down a match-high 18 kills and added 15 digs, while Boken finished with 16 kills and 17 digs for the Billikens.

Set three turned into a thriller as the Billikens let a seemingly comfortable lead slip away, only to charge back to take the set. The Billikens led 17-16 before the Rams rallied to tie 24-24, but SLU countered to win the set 28-26.

October 17

October 12

Billikens sweep Fordham

October 15

Alyssa Deno hit a blistering .417 as the women’s volleyball team swept Fordham at Chaifetz Pavilion Oct. 17. Set scores were 25-18, 25-15, 25-18. The victory is the fourth straight for the Billikens, who improve to 11-9 overall, 4-2 in the Atlantic 10. Fordham falls to 12-14, 3-5 in the league.

The Billikens roared to early leads in both the first and second sets and controlled the tempo throughout. The Billikens led 19-15 in set three and took control by scoring four of the next five points. Deno’s final kill ended the match 25-18., as SLU holds on to fifth place in the A-10.

The Billikens returned home for the Atlantic 10 home opener on Oct. 15 against Richmond. SLU plays home games at the Anheuser-Busch Center in Fenton, Mo. Richmond entered with a 5-8 overall record, as both teams were looking for their first conference win.

After a close first half, the Spiders scored with just 53 seconds remaining before the intermission. From that point, it was all Richmond, who tallied three more in the second frame. The loss dropped SLU to 0-2 in A-10 play.

Richmond 1 - SLU 0

SLU 1 - G. Washington 0 The Billikens walked onto Mount Vernon Field in Washington in desperate need of a rebound after two close losses in their previous two A-10 matches. Early in the game, the Billikens got the jump they needed from a pair of sophomores, Devin Newport and Alex Sweetin.

Sweetin played the ball into the box directly to Newport, who then buried the shot for his first career goal. Though it came in just the 17th minute, it was all the Billikens would need to win the match and advance to 2-2-0 in conference play.

Billikens defeat UIC

SLU upends SE Missouri St. Hannah Kvitle narrowly missed a tripledouble in leading the Billikens to a 25-16, 25-20, 20-25, 25-20 volleyball victory over Southeast Missouri State on Oct. 12, in Cape Girardeau, Mo. The freshman setter finished the match with 48 assists, 17 digs and tied her career high with eight kills as the SLU won its second straight outing.

The Redhawks led the early portion of set one and were up 6-5 before the Billikens scored four straight to surge into the lead.

The Bills took over from taht point forward, and took the match 3-1.

SLU handles Rhode Island

October 17

October 9

UMass 1 - SLU 0 The Billikens traveled to Amherst, Mass., for their Atlantic 10 Conference opener against the conference’s top team, the Minutewomen of the UMass. Right away, UMass exerted their dominance, scoring twice in the first 15 minutes. UMass is recognized as a national contender in women’s field hockey.

The Billiken offense was not able to generate a serious scoring chance in either frame, and UMass launched themselves to 1-0 in conference with a 4-0 victory.

Richmond 4 - SLU 0

Sports

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Basketball: Team forced to adjust to loss of Mitchell, Reed Continued from Page 1

satisfy the administration that he is a student worthy of reconsideration when he attempts to re-enroll ... after the first of the year.”

Mitchell and Rogers could not be reached for comment with The University News.

Mitchell’s return in January would depend on his consent with stipulations set forth by the University, such as the letter of apology.

If he did return, he would have missed 13 games and would be eligible for 17, including the whole of the Atlantic 10 Conference season.

Reed, who has denied allegations

of sexual assault, said he has secured a release of his athletic scholarship from head coach Rick Majerus and does not plan on re-enrolling at the University next semester.

“We will not return to SLU. I have asked for his release. After a few days, they finally granted that. This gives us an opportunity to pursue a career at other universities, and continue his education,” Reed’s father, Willie Reed Sr., said.

Reed said that he is currently exploring transferring options for the next semester, including University of Missouri-Columbia, Texas A & M and Kansas State University, but has not yet confirmed which college he

Ryan Giacomino / Photographer

Willie Reed Jr. expressed his plans to leave Saint Louis University following his recent conduct hearing and continue his education and basketball career elsewhere.

plans to attend.

The transfer process may not be that easy, due to NCAA regulations regarding players who have been suspended and then transfer.

Matt Mitchell, a basketball coach at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., said that if a student is suspended from a Division I school and transfers to another Division I school, they’ll have to take either a year of residency or a year off before they can play again.

Regardless of where Reed plans to transfer, he said that he plans to redshirt one year in efforts to lengthen his period of eligibility.

When a teammate chooses to redshirt, he or she may take classes at a university and practice with the athletic team, but is prohibited from participating in games against opposing colleges.

Based on game statistics, Mitchell and Reed had been standout players since their freshman seasons at SLU. Mitchell was second-team allAtlantic 10 last season, and Reed received an honorable mention.

They were crucial pieces in Majerus’s process of rebuilding the team using quality freshmen recruits.

Reed and Mitchell together averaged more than 28 points a game last season and almost 30 minutes on the court.

For two seasons the Billikens defied odds as one of the youngest teams in the nation.

This season, the majority of starters were going to be experienced juniors, with freshmen supplementing and learning throughout the season.

The loss of Mitchell and Reed may impact the strength of the team.

In his two seasons with SLU, Mitchell missed two games due to injury, and SLU lost both matches.

Now, with the departure of two of the team’s top starters and leading scorers, SLU must once again depend on underclassmen teammates.

No matter the outcome, Mike Putnam, president of SLUnatics, formerly known as the Blue Crew, said that he is encouraging students to look forward and continue to support a strong team.

“This is still our team,” Putnam said.

“It would be a disservice to the team if we only focus on two players being gone.”

Putnam said that the student section this year will be the best yet and that the group is moving forward full force with plans for home games and also possible road trips to big away

Ryan Giacomino / Photographer

It is unclear whether former Billikens team captain, Kwamian Mitchell, will reapply to Saint Louis University following his one semester suspension. games.

“We’ll weather the storm,” Putnam said.

Other students seem less than optimistic about the team’s future.

A small gathering of students in the quad on Thursday expressed their discontent with the decision handed down by student conduct.

Freshman Bret Langer said, “[Mitchell and Reed] are our best players. We’re angry and it’s kind of an outrage.”

The Athletic Department declined to comment on how this situation could impact ticket sales and marketing strategies for this season.

Reed, who thanked all of the fans

in St. Louis, never thought he would have to leave the team.

“I am leaving from people who expected great things from us not only as athletes but as student-athletes.

They expected us to bring great things to the school, academically and basketball-wise,” Reed said.

“I kind of feel like a let-down and a disappointment to the fans that I can’t be there to help them out.”

Additional reporting by Assistant News Editor Sean Worley, Sports Editior Chris Ackels, News Editor Kristen Miano and Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Ernst.

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

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