volume lXXXv, number 3Wednesday, october 17, 2012WWW.pauWWoW.com

EST. 1933

S A I N T P E T E R ’ S U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R

THE PAUW WOW

Ins ide New York Comic Con 2012

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Head of Residence Li fe Resigns

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What ’s that thing in Jazzman’s?

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Continued on Page 3

drowning in debt: is A sAint Peter’s educAtion worth A lifetime of debt?

3OCtOber 17, 2012 OCtOber 17, 20122 news

THE PAUW WOWsince 1933

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Editorial Board

Editor-in-ChiefRosemarie Driscoll

Online Editor

Dylan Smith

Managing EditorNicholas Mederos

Layout Editor

Michelle Chalen

Layout Assistant Amanda Martinez

News Editor

Yarleen Hernandez

Arts EditorEmily Alequin

Sports EditorLaura Reinhart

Opinions EditorNick Mederos

Science/Tech EditorPrajwal Niraula

Copy Editor

Amanda Martinez

AdvisorErnabel Demillo

The Pauw Wow encourages discussion, but does not guarantee its publication. We reserve the right to edit or reject any letter or feedback.

Send your letters to rdriscoll@mail.saintpeters.edu. Letters 500 words or less are more likely to be accepted and must include names, phone numbers, major and/or group affiliation and year in school of the author or authors. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published.

The opinions of The Pauw Wow’s editorials are those of the editorial board; those expressed in the articles, letters, commentaries or graphics are those of the individual author. No part of The Pauw Wow may be reproduced without written consent.

Letters to the Editor:

Disclaimer:

editorial

Im presently following news of the presidential election with an intensity that’s probably getting on people’s nerves. However, I continue to be impressed by the events that our school provides to try to make us as informed as possible. The Guarini Institute, the political science department, the feminist action club, the honors program, the journalism department, and many other campus organizations repeatedly sponsor lectures, discussions, and even parties centered on the election and the events leading up to it. At this point, it seems to me like being ignorant of the election and all that goes with it is more

difficult than being informed.I take this as an indication

that Saint Peter’s is stepping up to become a center of intellectual life for its students. In the (not so) good old days, universities were closed off to most of the population because of class systems, monetary requirements, race, sex, and gender, among other limitations. These super-exclusive colleges became strongholds of knowledge and therefore power, guarding both very carefully and forming the entire intelligence of their community. Luckily, that knowledge and that power is now spread to everyone. From what I can see, it isn’t wasted.

The students of Saint Peter’s

are matching the leadership step for step with participation in the events. Though maybe some of us are just chasing down extra credit points or free food, it’s still great to see crowds at lectures that aren’t required and hear intelligent questions when the floor is opened to students. We need to continue to represent Saint Peter’s ability to think, grow, and progress. We need to make sure administrators, alumni, visiting lecturers, and the community at large are hearing our voices.

We at the Pauw Wow are always excited to see responses to our articles. We work hard on them and want to know what people think, which is

one reason we’ve made it easier than ever to get feedback. Our website, as well as our facebook and twitter feeds, are always available to comment, although it is still fun to get those old-fashioned “Letters to the Editor.” This is just one more way to make sure your voice is heard, to share what you know with everyone in your school and in your community.

Intelligence! Drive! Activism! These should be the hallmarks of Saint Peter’s students. This should be the reputation we build in the community, as well as the personas each of us strive to take up as we earn our educations and take our places in the professional world.

think, grow, and progress.

Visit the Website:

Continued From Page 1

By Dylan SmithOnline Editor ‘14

A letter from the Editorgraduate debt grows 46%

from 2010 to 2011

When a student decides to go to Saint Peter’s University, there’s an understanding among those who attend concerning why they have all decided to pursue their higher education here. For many students, it is not their first-choice school. For others, it’s not even their second or third choice school. What many students say is that what gets them to come to Saint Peter’s University lies in their acceptance envelope in the form of their financial aid documents. In these documents it appears as if everything is laid out which assists the parents in figuring out how to pay for school. This usually makes the decision an easy one for a home with a fading income.

However, this kind of offer is only so appealing to many because they are often children of parents who did not go to college and had dreams for their children to pursue an education they could not themselves afford. When asked, many students at Saint Peter’s reveal that they are often the first person in their family to even attempt to gain a college education. Saint Peter’s is creating an opportunity to gain an education for many students who never imagined they would be able to go to college, but such blinded optimism, as some students feel, is what is stopping many of their classmates from realizing that the average debt a Saint Peter’s student will leave with is growing closer and closer to the

$30,000 mark. College Data reports that

the average debt of a 2010

graduate from Saint Peter’s University was $19,553, but for 2011 graduates, the

average debt was reported to be $28,638, according to US News’ College Files. This

means that within a year, the graduates of Saint Peter’s University’s indebtedness increased over $9,000, which equates to a whopping 46.4%.

Many students we spoke to, say this creates a predicament, as many starting yearly salaries in various professional fields are lower than the amount of debt most Saint Peter’s students will graduate with.

“I cannot even begin to imagine what my debt will be after I graduate in May,” said a senior at Saint Peter’s who wished to remain anonymous because they had difficulties with financial aid. “I’m just afraid that if I cannot land a job immediately after college, I will never be able to go to grad school like I planned and my credit will be shot.”

A slow economic recovery also has students worried as they prepare to look for jobs. The economy also seems to be having an effect on the school’s enrollment. Even graduates who are now forced to confront their astronomical debt are stuck looking back on their days at Saint Peter’s with confusion as to how they were sent out into the world so unprepared.

“I loved [Saint Peter’s College] – I was probably one of the few people I knew who truly loved going to SPC,” said Danielle Woods, a 2010 graduate who majored in Communications and hoped to find a career Broadcast Journalism, in an email interview. “For the most part, I enjoyed my classes, was a captain on the cheerleading team and I had a great group of friends. Undergrad was nothing short of amazing. As much as I did love SPC, I didn’t really feel well equipped to enter the real world. I want a career Photos by dylan smith

5OCtOber 17, 2012 OCtOber 17, 20124 news news

The School of Nursing at Saint Peter’s University has already surpassed 54 other teams in its fundraising efforts for the upcoming Out of the Darkness New York City Walk. The event will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and according to team captain Michelle Beckford, the project’s future looks bright.

Saint Peter’s own nursing program currently ranks sixth out of 60 teams actively fundraising for the walk which will take place in Battery Park on Oct 28. Dr. Beckford, an assistant professor of nursing, said the money raised this semester has already exceeded the team’s original $3000 goal by $1000. But despite this success, the fundraising project still remains in its early stages.

Students have not yet begun to fully participate, explained Dr. Beckford.

“As it gets closer, I think we’ll have more. I got campus ministry posting the sign-up sheet. Some

people have posted about it on their Facebooks.”

Dr. Beckford said anyone can contribute to the cause just by creating awareness—either across campus or online.

“People can walk, join the team, or spread the word. It’s hard to get the word out for more positive things sometimes.”

“Our professor told us about it, and I went and signed up,” said Nicole Golden, a nursing student. “And with the easy access to post onto social networking sites like Facebook, it made it easy for me to spread the word. I started getting donations, and I felt good about supporting a good cause.”

“It started out of my vision of service learning, giving back to the community,” Dr. Beckford said.

Her team consists primarily of students in her senior Mental Health Nursing class and the decision to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention ties in with the course’s subject matter.

“What can be more appropriate to mental health nursing than trying to support suicide prevention?” Beckford asked.

Proceeds from the Out of the Darkness New York City Walk will help fund study, education, and advocacy programs dedicated both to preventing suicide and to supporting survivors, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website.

But raising money is not the only way to support the cause, explained Beckford.

“I’m telling students I don’t need them to contribute money,” she said. “Some have raised a little bit of money. I want them to walk.”

She hopes that increased participation will bring some recognition to the university as a whole.

“I have 35 people ready to walk. And there’s visibility with 35 people, I presume. There’ll be recognition to teams placed on the top five.”

A sum of less than $100 currently separates the School of Nursing’s fundraising team from the fifth place spot. However, despite the possibility of bolstering the university’s reputation, the project’s real goal remains supporting others, said Beckford.

“It fits with the message of Saint Peter’s, I think,” she added. “Being men and women for others and contributing to the community.” Erich Berkowitz Sekel, Saint Peter’s associate director of campus ministry for community service, expressed a similar view.

“Any time you’re raising awareness for when people are in need connects to the cura personalis, care for the whole person,” he said.

“I think there should be a foundation out there that supports prevention of suicide and aid to those in need like AFSP,” Golden explained. “Everyone should have someone to turn to, even if it is a total stranger.”

“Anyone who is struggling with or even thinking about suicide certainly could use love and care from others” agreed Sekel.

Dr. Beckford has not limited the fundraising effort to nursing students alone, and developing a large support system to support others has been instrumental in the fundraiser’s early success.

“We don’t exclude to just the

school of nursing,” Beckford said. “We’re reaching out to family and friends as well.”

Nicole Golden also stressed the importance of teamwork.

“I don’t think it’s the hand of one person who makes a difference,” she said. “I think everyone plays a part, and I’m just glad to be able to help.”

Anyone interested in getting involved can visit the School of Nursing’s “DonorDrive” page on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website. You can sign up to take part in the walk at the Office of Campus Ministry or even start your own fundraising team online.

The Internet continues to be a major vehicle for drumming up support.

“I’ve been doing a lot of emailing for sponsors and support systems, family and friends,” said Dr. Beckford.

“All you can do is try,” added Golden. “I’m certain most everyone has a Facebook and it isn’t difficult to just post a feed on your wall in hopes of any return at all and to ask others to repost and spread the word.”

standing up to suicidespu’s school of nursing makes early fundraising strides

By matthew holowienkaContributing Writer ‘15

in broadcast journalism, specifically television news, and I know I didn’t learn enough at the college.”

Meanwhile, the school itself seems to be suffering from the effects of a slowly recovering economy.

According to About.com’s College Apps section, Saint Peter’s 2010 enrollment was listed as 3,010 total students, while US News reports 2011’s enrollment figure as 2,986 total students. Though the decrease between both years does not seem that drastic, many students and professors have expressed that they feel that there’s an uneasiness surrounding the topic of enrollment.

Another worry is the amount of money being invested into the marketing of the school and its new image– including that of the $35 million dollar Mac Mahon Student Center. Some ask, what will happen if the new student center doesn’t do what President Eugene Cornacchia hopes it will? What if it doesn’t bring in new students to Saint Peters?

Meanwhile, the school has stepped up its public advertising campaign, with media advertisement and billboards. The f lags and banners with the school’s new logo around, huge posters like those at the PATH Station within Journal Square, and more marketing efforts trying to turn Jersey City into the city known for Saint Peter’s University.

“I love the new logo but I don’t understand the unnecessary grandeur of the new Mac Mahon Student Center,” added our anonymous source. “I believe that with all that money we could have managed to fix some of the issues on the campus first then decided on a reasonably sized student

center.Saint Peter’s has not

stopped at just ground-based promotions. One of the ways Saint Peter’s has angled its marketing

campaign has been to make the most out of the fact that the university is “one of the most affordable institutions within the area”. This suggestion of “affordability”

has been included in the countless advertisements in places like the Journal Square PATH Station and ads on media platforms like iHeartRadio, Pandora,

and, as some students have reported seeing, on the MTV network. The funding for this marketing campaign itself comes too from student tuition. (According

to St. Peter’s 2010 990 tax form, the school paid more than $800,000 in advertising and marketing.)

Some students also question how affordable

the institution is if so many students are taking out loans to begin with.

“I honestly don’t think students are prepared to tackle the debt that is facing

them,” added Woods. “It’s like you run up a “credit card” for four years and then, when you have to pay it, you realize your job doesn’t pay you enough to

do that.”They ask, is St. Peter’s

truly affordable if many of the students come from families who can barely pay their rent or mortgage?

“I do not know the exact amount of money that I owe from both schools combined, but, for SPC, it is about $90k,” explained Woods concerning her

debt. “Once you factor in [Syracuse University, where I got my masters], my debt is upwards of $150k, maybe around $160… I feel depressed… I feel like I’m owned by Sallie Mae. I can’t even tell you how much I’ve been crying since I got home from grad school… I won’t make more than around 25k for the first two years. How am I supposed to survive? I talked to a representative from Sallie Mae the other day and she told me that with my private loans alone, I’ll be paying around $828 a month.”

Despite the claims of affordability, the average new student, from 2009 to 2010, received $20,523 in grants and $6,616 in loans, which equates to $27,139 in total. Such aid still leaves 42% of the total tuition for a dorming student left to be covered during the year. Many students spoken to say that the longer a student is here at Saint Peter’s, the less aid they will receive.

Affordable? Many students simply do not agree, including Danielle Woods, who worries for the newest graduates and hopes to give them some advice.“

You graduate feeling like you are on top of the world and accomplished, then you feel like the biggest failure once you realize how much debt you are in at the tender age of 21,” said Woods, who is trying to learn from her mistakes. “Try to get a job and save money so that you can pay for your loans. Yes, that means you might not be able to participate in every “Thirsty Thursday” celebration, but you will be better off when you start paying off loans. And hopefully you are smarter than me and chose a career path that pays more than enough to place you two cents above the poverty line.”

“I honestly don’t think students are prepared to tackle the debt that is facing them,” added Woods. “It’s like you run

up a “credit card” for four years and then, when you have to pay it, you realize your job doesn’t pay you enough to do that.”

Saint Peter’s 2012-2013 Financial Aid InformationPhoto Credit by Us news’ College files

After months of complaints from students, Honey Minkowitz abruptly resigned as the Director of the office of Residence Life, according to Pauw Wow sources. During her short stay, Minkowitz managed to ruffle many feathers and left students with a lot of unanswered questions.

From the moment of her arrival, Minkowitz did not have a dominant presence in the Residence Life community.

According to an anonymous Saint Peter’s Resident Assistant, there was always a lack of communication between Minkowitz and the rest of the student staff. Many changes were made and none of them were ever explained.

“I’m not surprised that Honey is leaving the department,” said Alicia Johnson, a resident on campus. Johnson experienced, firsthand, the neglect that many students have been complaining about. There was no stability or consistency with helping the residents.

Minkowitz still appears

on the campus website and there is no word on her replacement. The university’s new Dean of Students, Dr. Anthony Skevakis, said he would meet with the Pauw Wow to address any questions concerning Minkowitz. That meeting is scheduled after this edition’s deadline. Meanwhile, students are hopeful.

“I’m excited to get a new director as long as he or she is competent and attentive to the job,” said Johnson.

With so much turmoil surrounding the department since the start of the semester, many students are wondering

how this went on for so long.“No one knows why she is

leaving,” said an RA on campus who would like to remain anonymous. She was not around too often, not even during summer training. She gave no warning and no explanation for her resignation. “As a first year RA this is not the type of environment I anticipated working in,” said the RA.

The limited contact was not just in her own department. Several members of the Pauw Wow staff have attempted to reach out and get Minkowitz’s side of the story, but got nowhere.

“She is not a bad person,” said Joel Dilone, a west campus RA. But students did say Minkowitz had a hard time empathizing with them. The student body had a hard time adjusting to her changes.

“She didn’t connect with the student body in the way that we all hoped, but that doesn’t mean she was bad for the job,” said Dilone.

Resident students hope for a replacement soon, especially since the office is already overwhelmed. The new director has a big task ahead of him or her.

honey Minkowitz resigns froM saint peter’s

By kSenia StSepyetkinaContributing Writer ‘14

7OCtOber 17, 2012 OCtOber 17, 20126 science and technologynews

The first time you had walked into Jazzman’s this fall, you might have been taken by surprise. The space had grown smaller and perhaps, you had to cram in one of the corners slightly annoyed. But on the other hand you were curious to know - what were those big monitors actually for? It is indeed uncommon to see a transparent room with computers spitting out incomprehensible data unless you are watching sci-fi movies. But if your university is going green, this is a real possibility. And, fortunately for Saint Peter’s University - the school is going green.

The 2011 deal between ENER G, a Manchester- based Company, and then Saint Peter’s College are finally being noticed. Solar panels have been installed around the campus.

Dayton Beihl, who works under Strategic Development Group, reported, “We have installed three arrays of solar panel in Dineen Hall, one in

Pope, one in McDermott and one in Parking Garage.” This project aims to meet West Campus energy demand with the clean energy, while also casting its net wide enough to include the means for energy conservation. For the energy conservation, ENER G is working on heating and air-conditioning system. New technologies which are more energy efficient are being introduced.

The total upfront cost for the project is $6.3 million. However, there is no direct cost for the university. Most part of the project has been funded by ENER G. along with a major contribution amounting to $1.63 million coming from the New Jersey Clean Energy Program and Federal Tax Credits awards for solar energy. President Cornacchia, in the earlier program “Conversation with President”, had reported, “The energy initiatives around campus will be saving $200,000 a year once it kicks in.”

Looking more closely at solar energy, you’ll find that its rise in popularity coincides with the environmental

awareness. The possibility of an environmental catastrophe resulting from the rapid environmental destruction has pushed us to find appropriate measures to meet our energy resources. Ever since there has been increasing emphasis on the use of renewable energy. Renewable energy like solar is believed only help to stop environmental damages, but also to reverse its effect. The installation of solar panel in our university is calculated as being equivalent to the planting 651 acres of pine trees annually.

Despite all its advantages, there are some factors that might need to be considered.

Dr. WeiDong Zhu, Assistant Professor of Physics in Saint Peter’s University, said, “I am a firm believer in Solar Energy. But do not get me wrong - it is not for everyone.”

When considered without the incentives, solar energy remains one of the most expensive sources for energy. In addition, solar energy alone cannot meet demand for world energy. In the university’s case, the solar production will be assisted by two natural gas generators. (These generators are more efficient than the traditional electric generators, and are therefore considered more environmentally friendly.) And, unlike wind turbines which work all time, a solar panel works only in the presence of the sun. It is a simple equation - no sun equals no energy.

However, times are changing. With the help from government supporting solar programs and visions of energy companies like ENER G, solar energy is becoming an attractive choice. The project undertaken in Saint Peter’s University will be serving as the model for other institution to consider alternative energy

more serious. For all the school has received, the space you share with Energy Control Center in

Jazzman’s corner appears as a small price to pay for.

what’s that thing in jazzMan’s?

By prajwal niraulaScience & Tech Editor

Campaigning experts are taking a creepy new direction to seek out voters: they want to know as much about you as possible. Sacha Issenberg, a journalist and political analyst, covered this electoral shift in his book, The Victory Lab.

The Guarini Institute featured Issenberg in their lecture series last Wednesday in Pope Hall. The event boasted a full audience of students, professors, and administrators.

As with any event pertaining to the Presidential election on November 6, the lecture produced a palpable excitement. Guarini Institute director Nick Chiaravalloti introduced Issenberg and his book as covering the “analytical and technological revolution” in the 2008 election before the expert took the stage.

Issenberg gave an overview of what his book explains at length: a recent change in campaign science, due to what he called a “new generation of geeks.” Decades ago, those seeking to court voters focused on changing the minds of those who were undecided.

However, when social field experiments were introduced to political science, campaigners were able to see, empirically, how hard is to change someone’s mind. These findings caused a shift in their strategy. Rather than driving those undecided to a choice or trying to persuade their opponent’s supporters, candidates try to mobilize those most likely to support them.

As to why campaign

researchers were so slow to pick up on this method, Issenberg explained, “Campaigns dissolve as corporations after 3, 6, or 18 months. They have no incentive for investing in research.”

However, not everyone thinks those in the political field are doing such a shoddy job.

“Political science didn’t drop the ball on this one,” said Professor Mirescu of the political science department, referring to the lack of research in electoral behavior. “Political science has a lot of weaknesses, but this isn’t one of them.”

Voters are still skeptical when it comes to a politician and their ethics.

“They can say whatever to get your vote,” said Junior Shakyah Williams.

When a voter registers, they give their age, gender, address, and maybe an identification of a political party. Some states will also ask for a voter’s race. Using this information, a campaigner will try to predict which candidate is more likely to get that vote. The campaigners will then begin sending the voter materials to motivate them to get to the polls on election day.

However, it’s usually hard to guess from just a few bullet points of information. “[Campaigns] are basically the only industry without market research,” said Issenberg.

In the corporate world, credit card records allow -- to track consumer’s purchases. Marketing agencies can then see these records and figure out what’s selling well to which demographic. As campaigns are really just marketing corporations -- “the worst companies ever,” Issenberg joked -- this ability can also be

used to their advantage. “It [Issenberg’s lecture]

affirmed my suspicions, but I’m not surprised,” said senior Wilmont Wilson, who was at the event. “I wouldn’t use the word surprised.”

The newest strategy, still under development, is for campaigners to seek information regarding which sites a given person visits. Once they’ve figured out who you’re more likely to vote for,

that campaign will pick out ads specifically tailored to your concerns that will pop up on your computer. For example, if the campaign researchers notice that you’re going looking it applying to a university, they’ll point out to you that Romney wants to cut federal help for college students through personalized ads on the websites you’re most likely to visit.

“This marketing research is new,” said junior Stephen Kenny. “They’re taking it to a whole nother level.”

As this election is one of the first to use this type of online marketing, Issenberg cited the strategy as “one of biggest mysteries [of campaigning].” No one is sure yet of the direction or the influence online targeting and marketing can have on the electoral process.

Victory Lab author speaks to studentsguarini institute features journalist, author,

and campaign expert sacha issenberg

By roSemarie DriScollEditor-in-Chief

Photos by dylan smith

toP Photos by dylan smith

Photo by Prajwal niraUla

going solar

9OCtOber 17, 2012 OCtOber 17, 20128

zombie sighting at saint Peter’s UniversityBy Garvey Potter, Class of 2014

Orange machine guns, music, top hats, tattered and scarlet-stained clothes, dancing, the living dead, black grease makeup, and improvised comedy. These were only a few of the elements that made up “The Zombie Show” presented by the Argus Eyes Drama Society.

This year’s fall variety show was centered on a theme that has become quite popular within the past few years -- the zombie apocalypse. The cast got the scissors and fake blood to create their costumes and applied the makeup to give themselves a ghoulish glow.

Ayonnah Garcia, a senior member of Argus Eyes, directed the show and developed the theme and set list for the show alongside Aaron Clemons, another senior member of Argus Eyes. The improv comedy program and troupe is directed by Jonathan Carvalho, a sophomore and Vice President of Argus Eyes. Music direction was handled by Performing Arts Coordinator and advisor to Argus Eyes Kevin Cummines. There was also a special performance by the Saint Peter’s University Dance Team during the final song.

Songs performed included The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence, and “No World for Tomorrow” by Coheed & Cambria, which featured a new arrangement and setting by Kevin Cummines. The cast concluded with Michael Jackson’s pop classic “Thriller.”

The show, which ran from Thursday, October 4th to Saturday, October 6th, had a good turnout and was well-received by the audience.

*Garvey Potter is president of Argus Eyes and performed in The Zombie Show. Photo by helene mCgavin

11OCtOber 17, 2012 OCtOber 17, 201210 arts & lifestylearts & lifestyle

Strip away the magic, the spells and mythical creatures and you’re left with the normal, the seemingly ordinary, and the socially and politically tainted. J.K Rowling’s new book “The Casual Vacancy” hit the shelves and online bookstores on Thursday, September 27th and has received both harsh and stimulating reviews. Rumors spread of it being “obscene”, “thought-provoking”,”inappropriate”, “genius”, “boring”, “disappointing” and that it is a satire of contemporary English society; but which is the truth?

As her first adult novel, Rowling sought to create something new and completely opposite of the magical lands of Harry Potter. She left the grounds of Hogwarts, the cobble stone paths of Diagon Alley, the dark halls of the Ministry of Magic and the shops of Hogsmeade so that she might open audiences to the small and simple town of Pagford; a town seated in the middle between the village of Yarvil and the run-down,crime-filled, cheap-housing estate known as “The Fields.”

So, what is “the casual vacancy?” Basically, if the holder of a seat in the town’s council dies, is unqualified, has not accepted his seat or resigns, the seat is now opened;

creating a casual vacancy. So it’s safe to say this isn’t a story about an old hotel or inn in some creepy and haunted town in England (like I had first suspected/hoped.) This story is completely centered around a single parish council election in this small country town.

Chapter one begins with the death of a very crucial character, Barry, yes Barry; not Harry. His death results in (and here’s where the book title comes into play) a casual vacancy. But from one death comes the flow of years of hidden prejudices, conflicts, drama and deceit.

As news of Barry’s death spreads throughout Pagford, readers are introduced to the expanding cast of characters which come in all shapes, sizes and forms of malice. First are the Mollisons: Miles and Samantha Mollison are a middle-aged married couple and have long since drifted apart. Mile’s father, Howard and his wife Shirley both see Barry’s death as an opportunity to change Pagford to their liking by putting “one of their own” in Barry’s seat; their own son Miles.

Next are the Walls, with Tessa, the school counselor at Winterdown, her husband Collin Wall who is the deputy headmaster of the school, and their adopted son Stuart “Fats” Wall. Collin, was a close friend of Barry’s and wishes to fill his seat in remembrance and respect of him. Tessa often has to deal with students like Krystal Weedon, a loud-mouthed, trouble starting girl from the Fields, while her son “Fats” is busying himself with searching for his purpose or meaning to his life.

Finally the Prices. Simon

Price,wife Ruth, and their two sons Andrew and Paul. Ruth is a simple nurse, but her husband Simon, who wishes to win Barry’s seat for selfish reasons, is a violent and abusive man. Teenage son Andrew despises his father and wants nothing more than to see him fail which leads to a decision that causes an important turning point.

There are plenty of other characters apart from those, but I don’t want to give away too much. Now that all of that is out the way, the big question on everyone’s mind is: is there really sex, drugs and cursing in this book? The answer: yes, but with limitations.

Sex scenes are really not that big a deal; none of them even last longer than half a page and they’re not very descriptive, pretty to the point if that’s a safe way of putting it. As for drug-use and cursing, also a good amount of it (but it’s nothing thats going to attack you throughout the entire read.) Abuse, self-harm, and rape are also present.

So, how does this book’s structure flow with all of this? Written in continuous third person, the book’s chapters switch back and forth between its characters so the reader can get the “full experience” of their ways of life. The book is divided into seven parts; each part beginning with its own chapter one all over again.

“The Casual Vacancy” is certainly a work that is thought-provoking, simply because it does display the different social classes, hardships, and genders. It still has all of the same writing skill and style Rowling has become known for in her works yet the plot and characters themselves fail to make lasting impressions. The

first 100 pages begin to draw you in with their introductions of characters and even through 200 pages your interest is still held; continue on through 300-400 pages and that interest begins to dwindle. Because the chapters are written in a way that each returns to any random character, you’ll have to read about their day-to-day thoughts or activities; and not every character is as interesting as others. Some developments are quite slow or happen towards the very end of the book.

There are various “twists and turns”; some definitely more dramatic and effective than others.

This book is simply one of those reads that at times when you’re reading, you’ll feel completely involved in the chapters and characters, yet other times you’re waiting for one chapter to end so you can just move on to the next. It began, and ended, in a very solemn way and the rest of it does have a cynical feel to it because of the subjects it deals in.

The ending is a sort of mash-up of revolutions for the characters; each one taking the next step while others appear now lost. It was definitely a casual read (excuse the pun), one where you can just put the book down, walk away, and return to it whenever you felt like. If you’re into the contemporary reads which involve politics and society and don’t mind a simple read such as this then feel free. If not, there’s nothing wrong with skipping this one, it didn’t change my opinion of J.K Rowling, it simply made me want to re-read all of my Harry Potter books.

is j.k rowLing’s “the casuaL Vacancy” abLe to stand on its own?

coMic con 2012

renowned author j.k rowling releases new adult book

where nerd and pop culture collide

By emily alequinArts Editor

Photo by emily aleqUin

Every year during the second weekend of October, nerd culture and pop culture collide in four days of video games, movies, and, most importantly, comic books. The event is New York Comic Con (NYCC) and I’ve been an attendee for the past 6 years. This year, however, showed an entirely new aspect of NYCC that threw even veterans such as myself for a loop.

With an overall attendance of 115, 000 people, the Jacob Javitz Center resembled a small city more than a convention. Due to an increase in the popularity of comic books via movies such as “The Avengers” and “The Dark Knight Rises”, people from all over the country have decided to make NYCC part of their plans for the fall.

The goal of these types of conventions used to be the sale and promotion of comic books. As the number of fans rose, these goals changed over time and, today, the convention more closely resembles an entertainment showcase. Comic books have taken a second seat to the more popular media such as movies and video games.

Despite this change, the major comic book publishers (Marvel and DC) have both made major announcements regarding their most popular comic books. The Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics Geoff Johns, when asked about the Justice League comics, has made reference to an event in 2013 known as “The Trinity War” that will revolve entirely around the three main superheroes in the Justice League (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman). Johns also released artwork showing the covers of the next few issues of nearly all of DC’s titles.

Marvel, on the other hand, is facing some controversy after deciding to end the “Amazing Spider-Man” series and start a new series titled “Superior Spider-Man”. More controversial than the name change, however, was the announcement by Dan Slott (writer of “Amazing Spider-Man” and “Superior Spider-Man”) that the new Spider-Man would not be Peter Parker. Despite a backlash from fans to the news, Slott has reassured fans that, as a fan himself, he would never do anything to ruin the character.

Comic books were not the only things mentioned at the convention. Video game developer Capcom had playable demos available on the Showroom Floor of all of their recent projects (Resident Evil 6, Marvel vs Capcom 3, Monster Hunter 3, Darksiders: Resurrection). While this is the norm for video game developers, Capcom made an interesting decision to accommodate the rising number of attendees. A room was reserved on the lower level of the convention center where players who were unable to get to the busy consoles on the main floor were able to get their chance to play in a more

quiet and peaceful environment when compared to the loud and busy booth.

Websites such as RoosterTeeth (makers of the popular web series, Red vs Blue), were on full display and ready to make their mark at NYCC. I got a chance to speak with Matt Hollum (co-founder of RoosterTeeth) and ask him what major announcements RoosterTeeth (RT) were planning to make. The first announcement was about “Red vs Blue”. RT is going to release a DVD anniversary set of the popular series complete with 14 disks to be made available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

The second announcement was a reminder that RT has a podcast that they record every week that has recently converted to a live video stream every Tuesday night.

“We take questions over

Twitter and AIM and answer them live on the podcast”, said Hollum. On a personal note, as a fan of the podcast, I recommend it to anyone with a sense of humor.

The final announcement was a new web series that was going to be starting on their website (RoosterTeeth.com) called RWBY (pronounced Ruby). RWBY is an animated series starting in 2013, animated by RT’s own Monty Oum. Hollum describes the series as “A fantasy animated show where fairy-tale heroes team up to fight evil.”

Attendees were not limited to the Showroom Floor. Panels were available on the lower levels of the Jacob Javitz Center where creators and exhibitors got the chance to talk to the public. Also available on the lower levels is the autograph section where celebrities such as Adam West, Robert Kirkman,

and Burt Ward were available for autographs and photos. The most populated venue on the bottom level was the IGN Theater, the main auditorium used by exhibitors to make the major announcements for which NYCC has become famous.

Thursday night in the IGN Theater, Ben Folds Five performed for an audience that waited outside the theater for nearly three hours before showtime. While waiting on line (of which I was in the front), I met some of the nicest people that I had met the entire weekend. Meeting these people reminded me of the real goal of NYCC. The people who started attending these conventions years ago were people that weren’t considered socially apt. NYCC gives people the chance to meet like-minded people and make real connections over things like comic books.

By nicholaS meDeroSManaging Editor

Photos by niCholas mederos

13OCtOber 17, 2012 OCtOber 17, 201212 opinionopinion

Two years after my father earned his law degree, he was in a car accident that left him entirely disabled, both mentally and physically. Besides the emotional impact this had on my family, it also thrusted us into a nearly impossible f inancial situation. He had been working freelance on wills and estates, but luckily had held a full-time job for a month before the accident, so the emergency medical costs were covered by his health insurance policy. Our immediate costs, such as the mortgage on the house where my parents and seven of my younger siblings still live, groceries for said siblings, and utilities, were picked up by my extended family and charitable friends.

As my father’s condition stabilized, he was able to move home with a roomful of medical equipment, a wheelchair, a handicap van, and a daily cocktail of prescriptions. Naturally, the bill collectors from the hospitals, the pharmacies, and insurance agencies began calling. Worst of all were those seeking payment on student loans.

They could not let a comatose man, completely unable to work and with seven children to support, leave off his debt. The loans were at f irst defaulted, which has an effect on one’s credit score similar to f iling bankruptcy, and are now being processed in court.

What does that mean for those with no dependents,

of able body, but who are no less scared of the detriment of student debt? According to the Project on Student Debt, 53% of college graduates are facing

unemployment, and 1 in every 5 graduates is forced to default on their loans, resulting in major f inancial detriment. Repayment on student loans have recently outstripped the costs of car ownership, home ownership, and -- perhaps most shockingly -- credit card debt.

And it isn’t just a pain for individual borrowers. With what Occupy Student Debt reports as 36 million Americans needing to borrow money to go to school, with a total of more than $1 trillion already in borrowed money, student debt is a major obstacle for our already limping economy. According to the Project on Student Debt, most students from St. Peter’s will owe upwards of $25,000 by the time they graduate. More than 2 million Americans over the age of 60 are still paying back student loans, and a third of those who hold student loans are, like my father, older than 40.

Because of the impact on the economy, the federal government is trying to pull the brakes on what

is otherwise certain to become a trainwreck. When the housing bubble burst, resulting in the present recession, housing costs had increased at a rate 50

times as high as inf lation since the year 1978. In that time, college tuition has risen at a rate 650 times that of inf lation. A bust in college loans could completely dismantle the American economy.

According to the US Department of Education, federal loans can be forgiven for teachers, public service workers, and those who are permanently disabled, but private loans are not. Even when taken to court, less than 1% of all student loans are discharged, and they can’t be appealed once a decision has been made. My family will be very fortunate if they decide to let my father’s loans be discharged.

Neither federal nor private student loans can be discharged in bankruptcy, which is supposed to be the last resort for those in f inancial crisis. Researching student debt is not only depressing and anxiety-inducing, it’s downright morbid -- the only situation in which student debt is entirely discharged is death.

College is supposed to

enable us to become adults and full participants in the economy. Anyone who reads job listings regularly (as most college graduates do) will see that a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for even entry-level positions. We’re meant to graduate and get careers, houses, and cars; this used to be the American dream. Now it’s almost impossible to make rent in one of the few cities in our country with job openings.

We have to go to college to get a job, and if we’re fortunate enough to f ind one when we graduate, then we will spend all the money we make there paying our loans back. If that job is lost, or we become unable to perform it any longer, the only word that can be used

to describe our situation is one that’s entirely inappropriate to print in a newspaper.

I suppose we could always take presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s advice and borrow money from our parents to go to college; that is, if our parents aren’t unemployed, disabled, or just -- for some crazy reason -- can’t scrape up the half million we need

to earn our degrees. If a college degree is

necessary to become a full participant in our country’s economy, they should be making a stronger effort to provide one. The entire system needs to be reworked: tuition should be made reasonable, degrees should not be seen as more necessary than training school certif icates.

The student debt problem, though a huge one for our economy, should also be seen as the moral issue it really is. Both federal and private attempts to collect money from the disabled and unemployed, at massive interest, read like villainous episodes from the novels of Charles Dickens.

The story of my family’s

present struggle might be unique in plot but not in theme: no one can pay for all the things they need any more. Education is a human right and a necessity for a working population as well as a thriving economy. It is a tenet of American society and should be upheld. It is not a luxury that we should have to spend the rest of our lives paying for.

student debt: ‘tiL death do us part

By roSemarie DriScollEditor-in-Chief

“More than two million Americans over the age of 60 are still paying back

student loans.”

“The only word that can be used to describe our

situation is one that’s entirely inappropriate to print in a

newspaper.”

As a professional journalist who is both a fierce critic and staunch defender of the media, as a Saint Peter’s alumnus, and as a concerned citizen, I want to respond to Scott Miller’s column in the October 4 issue entitled “Media Bias: Who Cares?”

I have four points:1. Media bias is not as extensive

as Scott implies.2. Everyone should care about

media bias.3. In-depth reporting is vital to

the public interest.4. Even though students are

very busy, they should at least scan one or more important websites of organizations that offer comprehensive unbiased news coverage.It’s obviously true that

Fox News and MSNBC have pronounced biases, and that’s okay as long as viewers recognize these biases and don’t depend on them as their sole source of news.

My primary news sources are The New York Times, NPR, the PBS Newshour and CNN. I do not find bias in their news

coverage. The Times has a strong liberal bias on its opinion pages, though it does have two conservative columnists – David Brooks and Ross Douthat. Its news coverage is straight down the middle, in addition to being the most comprehensive of any news organization in the world. Nowhere else can you find the in-depth reporting offered by The Times, not just on the major news of the day, but also investigative reporting.

Mitt Romney and the Republicans would like to eliminate all funding for public broadcasting, but I defy him or anyone else to find bias on NPR’s signature programs: “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” or any of its other news and public affairs programs. These programs often devote five or six minutes to major stories. No other radio station or network does that.

The PBS Newshour is the single most informative news program on television.

WNYC is the public radio

station in the New York area. It can be found at 880 AM and 93.9 FM. Channel 13 is the PBS station. The Newshour is on at 7 pm.

As for CNN, I don’t feel that it has a left-wing bias. In general, I think it does a good job of covering the news and it certainly offers far more comprehensive coverage than any other network, although CNN International is much better for world news. CNN is particularly good on major stories. That said, like most of the media, its coverage of the election campaign focuses far too much on the “horse race” – how the candidates are doing on the polls, rather than what they’re saying about the issues.

One of my pet peeves is that the media have generally failed to cover important issues that the candidates are avoiding but should be talking about. For example, neither candidate has said much at all about poverty, even though 16 percent of the American public lives in poverty. Nor have they said anything at all about guns because they are so

afraid of alienating the National Rifle Association. Yet the media has failed to take the candidates to task for ignoring these issues. Ironically, the most attention paid to guns resulted from an ad by Stephen Barton, a victim of the mass shootings at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., this summer. “In the next four years, 48,000 Americans will be murdered with guns in the next president’s term. Enough to fill over 200 theaters,” says Barton, who was shot in the face and neck. The ad drew some coverage, but the news media did not produce that type of eye-opening statistical information.

Even the best news sources often ignore important aspects of key stories. During the long, agonizing debate in Congress over healthcare legislation three years ago, there was practically no mention of single-payer and highly regulated systems common in all other industrialized countries – all of which provide comprehensive coverage that provide healthcare to all citizens and at far lower costs.

Globalization has made international news far more important than ever, yet so many news organizations have cut back on their foreign coverage. The New York Times, NPR and CNN offer the best international news coverage. You can get a different perspective on world news by scanning web sites such as BBC and Al Jazeera.

Another good source is Google News – news.google.com. It aggregates stories from news organizations around the world, and you can program it to fit your tastes, including business, sports, entertainment, science and technology. For New Jersey news, you can go to the Star Ledger’s web site –nj.com.

I can’t say that I myself pay attention to all of these news sources, but I’m mentioning them here to let you know that they exist and the value they offer. Even if you don’t have much time for the news, you can at least scan one or more of their web sites.

-Bill Armbruster, ‘71

Media bias;“eVeryone shouLd care”

In the last edition of the Pauw Wow, I happened across an article (printed, oddly enough, twice) commenting on the "disadvantages" of Commuter Students. In particular, after summarizing some of the primary issues facing Commuters on campus, the article exhorts readers to "fear not," as a student association dedicated to their cause is currently being revived.

While I fully support the idea of Commuters coming together to address and discuss their concerns (an idea beneficial for any group of students in a university), I feel that the concerns expressed in said article were slightly overblown and, to be honest, one-sided.

As a Resident, I have noticed that Commuter concerns generally follow the two main

complaints listed in the former article: the morning commute and the inconvenience of evening

events. To the latter, I would like to note that such scheduling relates primarily to the fact that

ALL students have classes during the day. Evening events avoid class scheduling conflicts, and unless Commuters happen to all take classes at the same time (which I doubt), I wager that daytime activities would still inconvenience some. And don't forget, we Residents like free evenings as well.

I acknowledge the fact that some Commuters don't want to wait hours before going home.

The catch is, Commuters can leave campus at their leisure, while we Residents have the ironically-termed home-away-from-home (which, as Ms. Ahmad noted, costs a pretty penny).

Yes, we "live" right there. But it does have its drawbacks. East Campus has to share floor facilities, which can become, and remain, clogged. West Campus has to deal with tenants. Both

usually have that one dude that parties until 4am on a weekday, building fines from when those

pranksters put a hole in the wall, and an incredibly shoddy heating system. (Really, we have fans in windows in the winter.)

True, we Residents have the Office of Residence Life. But if you ask any Resident, they will tell you that we have just that: the office itself. Having just gone through a fresh set of staff for the umpteenth time, we'd probably be better off being allowed to get our own duct tape and toolkits. So if a Resident groans at claims of Commuters not being heard, it's because we also usually have our own issues that are not addressed. And if you think you're alone on the parking issue, keep in mind we Residents also have jobs, drive, and need car space. We don't live there, too.

Commuters have a commute. We have communal living. And not all of us consider it

the ultimate away-from-home experience. It's nowhere close to a substitute for being home. We both have issues and disadvantages. Clearly, based on Ms. Ahmad's list of activities and offices,

Commuters do have opportunities, same as Residents. So yes, please do form a committee. But please stop with the comments of how Commuters have the worse college experience. The feud has gone on long enough.

Sean Block4th Year Resident, Class of 2013

aheM… to the coMMuters…

why student loans are never forgiven

15OCtOber 17, 2012 OCtOber 17, 201214 sportssports

Meet the coach

andrew brown

By FranceSca rizzoContributing Writer ‘14

The Women’s Volleyball program at Saint Peter’s University has a new coach this season. Andrew Brown was named head coach of the Women’s Volleyball Program in August and comes in with years of experience at all different levels. With his upbeat coaching style, positive attitude, and non-stop support for his team, Coach Brown could bring the winning season that the Saint Peter’s Women’s Volleyball program has been looking for.

1. Can you give us a background of your volleyball career?I started playing my junior year of high school, at Montclair; I started the boy’s program there. In 2006 I was recruited by Coach

VanDerBack of Ramapo College. This past winter, I played in Brazil with the United States National team. I also coach both boys and girls volleyball back at Montclair, and am heading into my 5th season coaching for DIGS volleyball club in Bergen County. This past summer I also worked at a volleyball camp at Columbia University. I believe having all of this experience molds me into the coach I am today. 2. What made you decide to coach at Saint Peter’s University?I was looking for an opportunity to coach at a higher level, and this just sort of fell into my lap. I was contacted by Saint Peter’s off of a recommendation from a high school coach. I believe this will be a great opportunity for both me and the players as it will help us all

grow and gain more experience.3. Who inspired you to be the player/coach you are today? It’s the factor of three people. My older sister, shaped me to be the well rounded caring person I am today. My high school coach really inspired a passion for volleyball in me. My college coach with his trust and confidence in me to be the player and coach I am today. He has a way of making volleyball a part of your life to continue to excel and work hard at the sport and at the same time to make sure you share that knowledge and information with others. 4. What are your philosophies as a coach?It’s all about the small steps. We have to pay attention to details if we want it to come together in the end. The hard work is definitely paying off. We took Marist to five

hard sets. It just showed us that the work is paying off and that we have to focus on the task at hand. 5. What are some of your goals or expectations for the volleyball program?We have our goals as a team. I want to start a tradition, set precedents of higher commitment and dedication. Our goals are what will keep this program moving forward.

6. If you could describe the team in three words what would they be and why? Raw talent in terms of being able to learn and advance their skills. Intelligent by being able to work on showcasing their strengths and limit the opponent to finding weaknesses. Motivational to fight hard at every point in the game. The team is full of fighters.

Favorite Food: SushiFavorite Movie: Wall-eFavorite Quote: “All life is a chance, so take it! The person who goes furthest is the one who is willing to do and dare.” Favorite Song: “Sail” by AwolnationOne surprise about Coach Brown: He was on the show “Say Yes to the Dress” on TLC with his sister when she bought her wedding dress.

When people think of basketball players they often think of slam dunks and points scored. For other sports such as baseball most think home runs and pitching. However, it seems that many people forget that when the athlete walks off of the field or court they live a totally different life.

Often times the warrior that’s on the soccer field, such as Maggie Neiswanger on the women’s soccer team, screaming, fighting, and living in the glory is often the quiet student sitting in the corner of the classroom, contributing to community service, or in this case participating in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

What most people do not know, at Saint Peter’s and outside of this institution, is that student athletes are

not simply just students and athletes. Student athletes are part of a larger collective group and organization that does more than win games.

“SAAC, standing for Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, is a committee of student-athletes whose goal is to represent the best interests of the student-athlete body as a whole,” described SAAC President Adam Purcilly. As members of this organization student athletes work towards increasing support for athletic teams through different marketing techniques, organizing community service projects such as trips to the Hoboken Soup Kitchen and NJ Food Bank for each team every semester, and providing feedback on NCAA legislation.

SAAC allows student athletes to be a part of something that is bigger than simply just class and games. As described by Purcilly, it allows them to have a voice and enhance the athletic experience at their specific institution.

Performing community service activities each semester encourages student athletes to continuously give back and set higher standards outside of the court or classroom.

“The administration has been excellent, both so far this year and in years past, about listening to our ideas and implementing our initiatives. Without their support, we could not represent the student-athlete body to the best of our abilities,” Purcily noted. With the support of the entire university community, the initiatives and goals of SAAC will keep moving forward.

The two main goals for SAAC are to give back through community service in a more impactful manner and to continue to grow the Code Blue initiative.

“In this project, we are designating one specific game per team that will be the Code Blue game. At this game, all of the student-athletes will attend wearing Code-Blue t-shirt to support the team. We are hoping

that this will rub off on the rest of the college community and will encourage them to attend more athletic events,” describes Adam Purcilly.

The purpose of Code Blue is to create a greater sense of unity within the whole college community through athletic events. Lastly, continuing with the Jesuit Ideal of “men and women for others,” every team looks to perform bigger, more impactful, and enriching community service projects in both the fall and spring semesters.

Being a student-athlete at Saint Peter’s University represents more than scoring goals and getting home runs. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee offers bigger opportunities to student athletes as well as creates a better sense of pride within the institution itself. With the greater exposure of SAAC initiatives, both student athletes and members of the University community can create an experience that can

turn into new traditions for the entire University. SAAC allows student-athletes to be more than a clutch player and excellent student, it allows them to be more than simply just a student-athlete.

More than an athLeteBy laura reinhart

Sports Editor

It was a first place finish for the Saint Peter’s golf team at the recent Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference championships.

The tournament featured a variety of schools including Navy, however Saint Peter’s University clenched first. This was no small feat for the golf team. The team was beyond ecstatic to take this victory because they have been working so hard and have come so close on various occasions. Winning the tournament has boosted the team in many ways, but the most important of which

is confidence, which the team hopes to have as they look forward to upcoming tournaments.

When asked how the team was motivated throughout the tournament, co-captain Andrew Gain said, “ We were all kind of feeding off each other. I know a few people struggled a bit, but having the number one, two, and three guy playing well lifted their spirits so they could post a solid score to help our total. Coach motivated them and kept feeding positive thoughts to them as they played which helped a lot. We all had a game plan, and I stressed in the team meeting we have that you have to stick to your game plan no matter how you are playing

and the team did that and we were able to pull through.”

Eric Edmunds, a sophomore, was champion for the day for the ECAC Collegiate Individual portion. It was his first time winning a collegiate award and he will soon be known as a force to be reckoned with.

“During the time I was about to win, nothing special was going through my head,” Eric said. “I go into every tournament expecting to win, so I was calm and excited.”

The golf team has plenty of tournaments left, winning a championship shows that they have what it takes to win. They placed 2nd at Binghampton the following weekend and their main goal is to work towards

winning their conference in the Spring. With their hard work, skill set, and positive

attitude they seem to be on the right track towards being champions...again.

they haVe what it takesBy Sara marcazzoloContributing Writer ‘15

On a recent gloomy day, numerous students assembled around the field outside of the freshmen dorms, Millennium and Whelan, to observe a penetrating game of dodge ball. Both upper and lower classmen mentally and physically prepare themselves to compete. The gamekeepers work diligently behind the scoreboard to assure that the game remains safe and fair. The players reach their assigned positions and the game starts. Dodge ball, a popular childhood game, is a sport in which players attempt to strike other players on the opposite

team with their own balls while avoiding being hit themselves.

Dodge ball is just one of the many activities offered by the popular Saint Peter’s Intramural Sports Program. Students can join a number of teams, including basketball, flag football, wiffle ball, and of course dodge ball.

At the recent game, the opposite teams fiercely battle one another while simultaneously trying their hardest to avoid the daunting dodge ball. Female students scatter around apprehensively when the ball soared anywhere in their general direction. The ball itself was continuously thrown into ongoing traffic, onto the roofs of several buildings, and fiercely into many bodies. Scorekeepers

scrutinize the intense match, making sure to give credit where credit is due. After a grueling and highly amusing match of dodge ball, both teams make amends. Everyone is exhausted but their evident exhaustion will never stop them from competing again.

“Dodge ball is definitely one of the MOST intense sports and I don’t play…I just watch,” stated junior Darren Lightburn. “I mean but…which intramural sport here isn’t?

The school through its intramural program strongly values competition, companionship and fun. According to those who participate,intramural sports is a great way to promote fun and

competition for students who are not part of an athletic team. For students who are interested in frivolous competition and an effective way to build school spirit as well as making new friends, participating in an intramural sport is an option.

The school offers intramural softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, Frisbee, flag football, kickball and dodge ball. These intramural games are also an alternate way for students to participate in games that the school does not offer as a sanctioned athletic sport such as Frisbee, flag football and dodge ball.

Referee Tenay Howard, has facilitated a few games. “It gets

very, very intense. And a lot of players are very athletic and each team strives to win.” According to the Howard, the most intense sports include basketball, soccer and the infamous dodge ball where onlookers can view various players visually become angry as they struggle to win.

Track star, Aaron Lucus is deeply involved with intramural sports away from his rigorous Track practice. “These guys give excellent effort and treat it as if it was or the NCAA championship, “ he said. Lucus who is a member of intramural basketball.

So Peacocks if you are competitive, if you play to win or just play to have fun, intramural sports may be the way to go !

get your gaMe on!students play hard in intramural sports

By Valerie jeanContributing Writer ‘14

Photo CoUrtesy of sPU athletiCs

Photo by ashton kUChera

OCtOber 17, 201216

Photos by dylan smith

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