Many college students would rank a certain holiday that we just celebrated as their favorite.

No, it’s not March 16, which is Everything You Do Is Right Day (a day Andrew Rafferty would love), or March 15, Everything You Do Is Wrong Day (which I especially love), but March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

On this day, students across the country throw on their green clothes, paint their faces and wear hats that read, “Kiss Me, I’m Irish.” Since the Indians, Cavs and Browns have yet to win a championship in our lifetimes, it is also one of the only acceptable days in downtown Cleveland people can loiter on city streets and cheer for the motorcades and floats going down Superior Avenue.

As someone who has a wee bit of Irish blood running through her veins, I also enjoy the day dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland. Corned beef, red potatoes, the Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade and my Aunt Beth’s special “potato candy” are all reasons I love St. Patrick’s Day and being Irish.

But most importantly, being Irish means having the luck of the Irish. According to Edward O’Donnell, an associate professor of history at Holy Cross College, the phrase originated when many Irish immigrants and Irish Americans were among the first to successfully mine for gold and silver in the United States during the late 19th century. So the luck doesn’t come directly from the motherland. Does that mean it is any less powerful?

To me, the luck of the Irish truly exists and is just as powerful as if it came right from the Emerald Isle. Some get all the luck. A good example is Browns quarterback Brady Quinn.

Not only does he have Irish heritage, but he grew up in Dublin, Ohio, played football for the Dublin Coffman Shamrocks and then went on to lead the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2006 to its first BCS bowl game since its last Fiesta Bowl fiasco in 2001.

How much luck can one guy have?

Yes, the luck can run out – Quinn lost to Ohio State in his bowl appearance – but you get my point. The Irish are lucky people.

On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish, and thus, everyone has all the luck.

I think St. Patrick would like that, especially since the man himself was of British descent. Although the holiday is over, it is never too early to start preparing for next year, or to start believing in the luck of the Irish.

I’m still hoping that Brady left a bit of his Irish luck somewhere in South Bend for Jimmy Clausen.

Junior Executive Vice President Molly Delaney addressed the mayor and Council. Delaney pointed out many of the positive things JCU students do to help the community, such as Footprints for Fatima and Through the Eyes of a Child.

However, Delaney was upset by The Sun Press article that quoted Mayor Rothschild as saying “while this ordinance is aimed at (John) Carroll tenants, it goes for everyone.”

In a previous City Council meeting, Mayor Rothschild was quoted as having said that the ordinance is for everyone and not specifically intended for JCU students.

Delaney said to be lied to is, “not only unethical, but demeaning. Some students do abuse the rules, and are the ones that give us a bad image.”

She suggested that the students this ordinance is aimed at and those it is not should be separated.
Mayor Rothschild responded and said that currently, a “communications agreement” with JCU and the city is being worked on, and will help relations between the two groups.

Mayor Rothschild also said that the comments made by The Sun Press are something she can and cannot say are exactly right or wrong, and she can’t be accountable for what The Sun Press prints.

One of the ordinances said that the Chief of Police can have a written order be served to the owner of the rental property, tenants of the property and building commissioner if there have been two or more violations within a 12-month period.

Landlords will be subject to having their rental permits revoked by the building department if the distinction of nuisance property is given to his or her property.

The new ordinance also established that when a third citation has been given to a certain house, a $250 fine will be issued because of the nuisance activity. For every additional report of a nuisance activity occurring at the house, a $500 fine will be given.

According to a Nov. 22 article in The Sun Press, “Nuisance activities include alcohol violations, littering, gambling, drugs, health and safety violations, animal violations and other disturbances of the peace where a citation was issued or someone was arrested.”

One significant amendment that the city made to the ordinance after the first reading was dealing with renters who currently live in homes that have received citations before they moved in.

Several JCU students were concerned that although they had not received the citations, previous renters’ citations would carry over and be applied to the number of nuisance activities reported at that house.

An amendment was added to the ordinance that said if the landlord could prove the tenants currently living in the house are not the same as those given previous citations, then the building commissioner can waive the prior citations.

As current University Heights Building Commissioner Bill Nadeau said, “You will not have to suffer for another man’s sins.”

A landlord will have 30 days from the date of the notice to appeal the Police Chief’s decision to designate the house a nuisance property. If facts can be seen that prove the nuisance label is not true, then the chief of police can withdraw the declaration of a nuisance.

However, if the chief denies this request, he will send the appeal to the city’s board of zoning appeals.

The ordinances all passed unanimously after a second reading. University Heights Clerk of Council Nancy English explained that while in some cities three readings are required to vote on new legislation, in University Heights it can be passed after only two.

One man, a Shaker Heights resident who rents a property on Warrensville Center Road, said he did not mind the new legislation, but brought up the need for more feedback from all parties involved.

“I’m not really concerned with the higher fee for obtaining a renter’s permit, or for the new rules,” he said. “However, I think all parties – the University, the city, the students and the neighbors – should be involved and have a dialogue.”

He specifically mentioned that the city had no contact with him as a landlord for almost two years.

He received one letter explaining the first increase in obtaining a renter’s permit two years ago, and then another letter recently when the new legislation was passed, raising the fee once again.

“We chose Einstein because it satisfies all parts of the day,” said Flores. “Students can get bagels at breakfast, sandwiches at lunch and soup for dinner. Plus, if a student wants, they can get breakfast food all day long. It has an appeal for everyone.”

Flores explained that Aramark has partnerships with several franchises, including Einstein Bros., Kentucky Fried Chicken, Quiznos and Subway. The company bought an Einstein’s franchise in order to run it at JCU.
According to Einstein Bros., JCU is now the 67th college to have an restaurant on campus. It is also the 14th licensed Einstein Bros. to open this year, with plans for 30 to 40 more locations to open in 2007.

Aramark set a goal of $300,000 in revenue for Einstein Bros. this year. Flores said that right now, the story is on track to make $270,000, which, he said, “is pretty much right on target of our goal.”

Brand name products and consistency among items are major reasons for the success of Einstein Bros.
In a place such as the Garden Café, Flores said, it is hard to maintain because it did not carry the “brand name integrity.” Therefore, students would shy away from buying products they are unfamiliar with eating.

“With Einstein Bros., students know that the quality of what they are receiving is going to be very similar to the Einstein Bros. they go to anywhere else,” said Flores.

Although bringing another similar franchise to JCU is not out of the question for the future, Flores said that it is too soon to tell if this will happen.

He explained that Aramark has partnerships with both Java City (JCU’s current coffee shop) and Starbucks; however, in order to put a Starbucks at a campus, the student population must be at least 9,000.

“Lots of demographics have to be considered,” said Flores. “A lot of businesses don’t want to go to a campus where the student population is smaller and the profit will not be as big.”

Another thing Flores explained was the “Sunrise Swipe.” Between the hours of 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. Monday through Friday, students may use one of their meal swipes in Einstein Bros.

Students may choose either a bagel and coffee, or a cinnamon twist and espresso.
A grand opening for both Einstein Bros. and the Java City located in the library is planned.

Events will take place between Monday, October 1 and Friday, October 5.
Einstein Bros., which is located in the basement of the Administration Building, is opened from 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday.

The short numbers that JCU traveled with came back to hurt the Blue Streaks later in the game.

JCU started strong with a four-goal explosion in the first half.

However, the start was too quick as JCU’s fresh legs ran out in the second quarter and Kent scored seven unanswered goals to take a 7-4 lead into the half.

Even though Kent managed to find the back of the net seven times in the second quarter it was not without the strong play of junior goalkeeper Aaron Syguda.

Syguda finished the game with 20 saves on 32 shots and was pivotal in keeping JCU close when the team ran out of gas.

“Aaron was the backbone of the team, making several outstanding saves in close to keep the team in it and acting as a vocal, calming force on defense to help out the young players,” second year head coach Bill Schmoldt said.

While JCU’s intensity did not match the opening stanza, the Blue Streaks looked like a new team in the second half.

Both teams would exchange goals in the third quarter as Kent maintained a slight edge on the scoreboard.

Despite suffering from a short bench, and losing starting defenseman, senior Josh Kaczmarek, JCU only trailed by four entering the final stanza.
The Blue Streaks continued to fight throughout the fourth quarter and managed to fight to a two goal deficit. However, JCU could not manage to find the back of the net to tie the score late in the game.

While JCU came up short on the scoreboard, their effort was not overlooked coach Schmoldt.

“The team showed a spirit, pushing to come back even though the players, especially the middies, were exhausted and the defense lost its veteran leadership in Josh,” Schmoldt said. “While the game did not end as I had hoped, the experience the young players gained will be invaluable, and there are several pieces in place for an excellent spring.”

JCU received scoring from six different players.

Senior Chris Hooton led the team with three goals while fellow senior Chris Ostrander and freshman Harry Steinwald had two goals each.

Also finding the back of the net was senior Dan Garbes, sophomore Ryan Barrett and freshman Pat Durkin.

The solid core of goal scorers JCU has will be important come next weekend when they travel to play the University of Pittsburgh as they continue their fall schedule.

Although JCU dropped their first game to Kent State in four years, the team is confident that Kent will be singing a different tune come springtime.

“Now we know where we stand,” Hooton said. “I can say that Kent will be playing a completely different team in a couple months and the outcome will be very different.”

Job Description:
BET’s “Comic View” host and movie actor.

How long have you been in comedy?
About ten years.

What influenced you to start doing comedy?
Everybody always told me I was funny. I knew I wanted to be a comedian because in junior high I was watching a stand up show and there was a commercial called, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” where this old lady fell down. I told a joke about that commercial and that weekend a comic did about the same joke. I thought, “Wait a minute, I’m thinking along the same wave lengths as this guy. I can do this.”

Who is your inspiration in comedy?
I don’t have one, man. I don’t watch a lot of stand up because I don’t want to think my jokes aren’t from me. I think you can take somebody’s concept without realizing where you got the idea.

Tell us how you got to host BET’s “Comic View.”
It was funny how I got the job. I was in the Navy, stationed in San Diego and I was listening to the radio and heard, “We’re looking for the funniest black comedian in San Diego.” So I called the radio station. I didn’t say I wasn’t black or I was black. I won the contest of Funniest Black Comic in San Diego and first prize was an audition for Comic View on BET. Even Comic View’s a contest. So I won that and became the host for the next year. I had to come back to the Navy every two weeks, but that’s how I got on “Comic View.”

What was the most embarrassing moment you had on the show?
I’ve never had anybody write a joke for me. “Comic View” gave me three writers that I didn’t know and wasn’t vibing with at all. I used one of their jokes one time. I looked at it and said, “I don’t think that’s funny,” but they said the crowd was set up for it. I walked out there and crashed and burned.

How do you get your material?
Just day to day life. Honest to God, sometimes I just ask the crowd what they want me to talk about.

How do you tell jokes about race without offending anyone?
You can talk about any nationality and black people don’t care. But if I were to do black/white jokes for a white audience, there better be black people in the audience because white people always look at the black people to make sure it’s cool to laugh. I just get jokes from observations. I’m going to tell that joke the same way in front of a black or white crowd.

Was there a time someone got offended by a joke?
There have been a couple times when people got offended. But if there’s a thousand people in the audience and one person got offended and 999 people laughed, that person has a problem. You can’t come to a comedy show to get offended. One time I was doing some 9/11 jokes and one lady was taking it serious. I just looked at her and said, “Well, I’m sorry you feel that way.” I had one lady come up to me after Virginia Tech and she had her seven-year-old kid with her, and she said, “I can’t believe you just did that in front of my son.” I just said, “It’s 11 o’clock.”

The event, which took place last April 21 and 22, raised $100,356.86. This exceeded the JCU Relay leadership team’s goal of $40,000. Based on the amount of JCU students, it was determined that $25.76 per capita was raised. Gettysburg College, located in Pennsylvania, came in second place, almost $2 behind JCU’s per capita.

In a press release, JoNell Peterson, Ohio’s vice president for Relay For Life, said, “This was John Carroll’s first year to Relay and they set the pace for the nation.”

JCU’s first Relay had 832 participants on 65 teams, with 30 survivors participating as well. It is estimated that 1,200 attendees came to partake in the festivities during the 18-hour event, and only $18,250 of the over $100,000 raised came from sponsorships.

The University of Dayton and JCU were the only two Ohio schools to be nationally recognized. Other Jesuit universities, such as Georgetown University, Saint Louis University and Loyola College also ranked in the top five of their enrollment brackets.

Event Chairperson Joel Mullner ’07 and Co-Chairperson Patrick Kelly ’07 led the first Relay for Life.

Mullner, who is now a graduate assistant in the JCU Office of Student Activities and will be the staff advisor for this year’s Relay, said he was thrilled with the news of JCU’s ranking.

“We didn’t even know that Relays were ranked until we received word of this recognition. This just reiterates what I’ve known deep in my heart for the last four years – that the people of JCU, when called upon, really come together when it counts,” said Mullner.

This year’s event co-chair for mission, junior Samantha Cocco, said she was proud of everyone who had a part in Relay last year. She was especially proud that the Relay had so much success after being planned in 90 days.

“I am still amazed by how much we accomplished in 90 days as far as planning, and how much money all of the participants were able to raise in that short period,” said Cocco. “I really think the amazing enthusiasm and dedication of our participants was what made our Relay such a success.”

Cocco added, “The leadership team was phenomenal. We all took the initiative to complete our own tasks, and also helped one another out.”

According to the American Cancer Society, The Relay For Life “aims to celebrate survivorship, remember those we’ve lost to the disease, and give everyone an opportunity to fight back against cancer.”

All money raised during the event benefits the American Cancer Society and its work with cancer patients.

Cocco said that this year, the 20-person leadership team has seven months to prepare.

“I have no doubt that our second annual Relay will surpass that of last years in so many ways. We would like to have more participants, survivors, volunteers, money and even more fun than last year,” she said.

“We hope to use the skills we developed and all of the experience we gained from last year to ‘wow’ everyone again with another phenomenal Relay.”

Mullner added, “After gaining the national spotlight, there will be a lot of eyes on the 2008 Relay to see if last year was a fluke or if we are truly building something special here at Carroll. I think we have the focus and leadership to become consistently known for hosting one of the nation’s best Relays.”

JCU’s second Relay For Life will start on Saturday, April 26 and end on Sunday, April 27. For more information, go to www.jcu.edu/relay.

Cancer survivors kicked-off Relay by doing the first lap. Each team then took the track, holding a sign that identified their team.

The JCU Gospel Choir, sophomore Peter Niro and a DJ kept walkers entertained as they made their way around the track.

At 9 p.m., all Relay participants gathered for the Luminaria Ceremony. According to junior Marc Hartmann, manager for mission and sponsorships, over 1,100 luminaries were lit, all in memory or in honor of those who have battled cancer.

Junior John Bednar, whose mother died of cancer, was one of the speakers. He spoke of remembering his mother. Later he said, “I feel Relay For Life is the most powerful and moving event John Carroll has ever had.”

Senior Maureen Carroll, the survivorship chair, spoke about her experience of battling leukemia. Carroll explained the struggles she went through over 12 years ago.

“As a leukemia survivor, Relay For Life gave me an opportunity to remember my own struggle,” said Carroll.

She added, “Seeing the campus spring to life on Saturday served as a reminder to myself of how fortunate I am to be alive.”

After the Luminaria ceremony, bagpiper Ryan Dieter led all Relay participants to the Lombardo Student Center.

Event Co-Chair senior Patrick Kelly said that there were several reasons for the Relay to continue inside after the Luminaria ceremony. One concern was the weather, which recently had been cold with a lot of rain and snow.

Security concerns also played a factor. Kelly pointed out that many JCU students were not in attendance and would be coming and going from campus. “If it was held outside all night, we would have had to rent more security, which would have been more expensive,” he said.

A third reason was the availability of bathrooms. Kelly said that the university buildings were not going to be kept open all night, and that would mean port-a-potties would need to be rented.

Finally, noise and lights were an issue. Kelly said, “Lights would have been another additional expense. Plus, the lights and noise could have proved distracting for neighbors. By being inside, we could be as loud as we wanted.”

Overall, Kelly said that he and members of the Relay membership team looked to cut costs as much as they could and as he pointed out, “Every dollar spent is a dollar not going to cancer research.”

Activities and entertainment started when participants began Relay inside. JCU’s own Quanta and Rhapsody Blue sang, while events such as ‘Relay Idol’ and musical chairs were on the gym floor.

At 9:30 a.m., all Relay participants reported to the gymnasium floor for closing ceremonies. Awards were given to several JCU organizations and people.

Kelly said, “I am extremely impressed with the level of enthusiasm displayed by all participants. I remarked at one point to Joel [Mullner] around 7:30 a.m., ‘How in the world do these people have any energy right now?’”

Event Chair senior Joel Mullner felt that Relay spoke for the type of people who attend and surround JCU. “I am so very proud of the enormous amounts of hard work that went into planning and executing the event,” said Mullner.

He added, “The final lap was bittersweet as it drew this year’s event to a close, while knowing that in some small way we’ve made a difference in the lives of others, and that there is no finish line until we find a cure.”

A Relay For Life wrap-up meeting will take place on May 1. Mullner added that donations and money will be accepted through this day.

Kathryn Madden, a principal from Sasaki Associates, told the crowd that Sasaki has now pulled all material together about the JCU campus. “Now, our next step is to ask if this is what John Carroll really wants,” she said. “We want to know if we are right, and what alternatives there are that we should possibly look at.”

The first thing Madden discussed was space utilization. All assigned space, such as classrooms, labs, offices, athletic complexes, the student center and the library were evaluated.

According to Madden, JCU has the right number of classrooms in relation to the number of students. However, she said, “Faculty have expressed concern about the way the classrooms are shaped and set-up.”

Labs are both a strong and weak point for the University. While Dolan Science Center contains more teaching and resource labs needed for the sciences, the quality and existence of media and language labs are lacking.

Madden addressed the fact that offices on campus are very small. “We noticed that many of the offices contain no windows,” she said.

An evaluation of the Grasselli Library brought mixed reviews. While Sasaki thought the library space may not be adequate, no major complaints from students or faculty emerged. An examination of other universities comparable to JCU indicated that the facility is adequate.

However, later in the meeting, several staff members of Grasselli Library voiced the opinion that space in the library is restricted. It was brought up that students are in need of more group study space. Madden said that this could be taken into consideration.

Athletic facilities were one of the areas that Sasaki noted needed the most improvement. Locker rooms, the Auxiliary Gym and the wrestling room were mentioned as facilities in need of being updated or expanded.

However, as Madden mentioned, “John Carroll is surrounded by a community, so land to build new facilities is scarce.”

Madden made a point of saying John Carroll has more space than needed. Still she said, “This space in buildings and land must be utilized to the fullest.”

Chris Ostrander Sports Editor
American League
AL East- Boston Red Sox
AL Central- Detroit Tigers
AL West- Los Angeles Dodgers
AL Wild Card- New York Yankees

National League
NL East- New York Mets
NL Central- St.. Louis Cardinals
NL West- Los Angeles Dodgers
NL Wild Card- Atlanta Braves

Andrew Rafferty Managing Editor
American League
AL East- Boston Red Sox
AL Central- Cleveland Indians
AL West- Seattle Mariners
AL Wild Card- Detroit Tigers

National League
NL East- New York Mets
NL Central- Cincinnati Reds
NL West- Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Wild Card- Atlanta Braves

Max Flessner Campus Editor
American League
AL East- Boston Red Sox
AL Central- Chicago White Sox
AL West- Seattle Mariners
AL Wild Card- Detroit Tigers

National League
NL East- Atlanta Braves
NL Central- St. Louis Cardinals
NL West- San Diego Padres
NL Wild Card- Cincinnati Reds

Possible suggestions were to reconfigure Murphy, Dolan and Pacelli halls into suite-style living in order to attract upperclassmen. Sutowski, Hamlin and Campion halls would remain as they are currently formatted.

The big question for Sasaki is Millor Hall. “Millor Hall’s brick is deteriorating, and needs several other improvements,” said Madden. “The question is, does the University want to spend a large sum of money to improve Millor, or would it be more cost-efficient to knock the entire building down?”

In the overall campus analysis, Sasaki project manager Tyler Patrick first pointed out the positive features of the JCU campus. “Every building at John Carroll is within a ten minute walking circle, which is very convenient to students,” said Patrick.

Another strongpoint mentioned were the courtyards in front of several of the resident halls. Patrick said, “These courtyards could become more areas for student activity. They are such an asset to the University, and should be capitalized upon.”

However, issues such as more student vibrancy and parking were brought up as problematic. While areas such as the Lombardo Student Center and the RecPlex are considered good areas to promote student unity and involvement, more areas are needed to benefit the student population.

Parking, according to Sasaki representatives, is one of the biggest problems John Carroll faces. Currently, the University has 1,621 parking spaces.

However, Sasaki said that they hope the need for more parking spaces would decrease in future years if more students moved on campus.

Sasaki also presented the idea of recreating the rest of the Hamlin Quad, which currently is half-covered by the Temporary parking lot.

The plan would be to destroy the temporary parking lot and have more grass available for student lounging and enjoyment. However, this would eliminate over 250 parking spaces that currently exist.

Another part of Sasaki’s vision is to create four districts, all pertaining to some aspect of the University. One district would be the Campus Town, containing the shops on Fairmount Circle.

A second district would be the Academic Core, including the O’Malley Center, Administration Building and Boler School of Business.

A third district would be a Student Life district. This would include the Lombardo Student Center and RecPlex. The fourth district would be the Athletic Fields, such as the Don Shula Stadium complex.

The next Master Plan meetings will be on May 22. The focus of these meetings will be to present a series of development alternatives to faculty, staff and students.

JCU played three games over the weekend, ending with a 1-2 record after playing Ohio State University, Bowling Green State University and Slippery Rock University.

After dropping their first game 15-4 against OSU Saturday morning, John Carroll bounced back with a strong performance against BGSU on Saturday night.

After a slow start JCU trailed BGSU 6-2 at the end of the first half. However, JCU would come out in the second half and only allow one goal while going on a five goal tear.

The strong defensive effort from the Blue Streaks was crucial in the victory. Particularly the strong play they received from senior goaltender Chris Geraghty who recorded 14 saves.

JCU’s offensive explosion was led by junior Chris Hooton who had three goals in the win. JCU also recieved scoring from junior Eric Gooch and seniors Dan Garbes, Paul Bender and Eric Schmidt. The win was the first against BGSU in seven years.

Sunday would be more of the same for JCU. Slippery Rock would jump out to a 7-1 lead by the end of the first half.

Like the night before JCU would buckle down defensively in the second half, allowing them an opportunity to crawl withing three goals, but that is as close as JCU would get and Slippery Rock would go on to win 11-7.

“We were hurt by penalties late in the game against Slippery Rock,” coach Bill Schmoldt said.

The victory over BGSU this weekend has put JCU in a good playoff position.

“The win over BGSU will give us something to build on the rest of the season,’ Schmoldt said.

JCU will be one step closer to the playoffs if they beat Youngstown State University Saturday. Tomorrow they face Penn State Behrend at 6 p.m. Saturday’s game against YSU begins at 2 p.m.

In the first game, Mount Union limited JCU batters to six hits, as the Purple Raiders won 5-1.

Unfortunately, Mount Union’s hitters came ready. In the top of the first inning, MUC junior Andy Warner doubled to right center. Warner’s double scored Jason Evans, who had reached base in a previous at-bat and put Mount Union up 1-0.

After going scoreless in the second, Mount Union was fired up to start the third. With two outs, senior Josh Faltot doubled to left center, and earned two RBI when Dave Bogner and Warner scored off the hit. A single by Jon Schulz scored Faltot, and the Purple Raiders would extend their lead to 4-0.

Although Mount Union would score another run in the fourth inning, it would not be needed. JCU’s lone run would occur in the bottom of the sixth, when sophomore Russell Toth scored after senior Warren Ciabattoni tripled to center field.

Ciabattoni led the Blue Streaks in the first game with two hits and one RBI. Juniors Matt Fort and Brandon Kurtz pitched for JCU. Fort picked up his second loss of the season while allowing five runs in 3.1 innings pitched. Kurtz relieved him, and was able to limit Mount Union to three hits.

In the second game, the batting power was on JCU’s side, as six Blue Streaks had two hits while beating Mount Union 7-3.

JCU’s first run came in the bottom of the first inning. Junior Adam Sockel hit a ball through the right side, which scored junior Sean McCarthy who had singled earlier.
The score stood at 1-0 until the bottom of the fourth inning. Toth led off, doubling to right field. Ciabattoni followed right after with a single that allowed Toth to score and put JCU up by two.

However, Mount Union would not be counted out. In the top of the sixth inning, Thomas Pfaus scored after Jon Suntala hit a single and drove Pfaus home. The damage would be limited, though, as JCU sophomore Chris Cairo would tag Bogner out at the plate.

In the bottom of the sixth, JCU would explode, batting through the entire order. Sockel led off, hitting a double to right center. Toth followed with a single, which scored Sockel. Ciabattoni came to the plate, and also hit a single. Cairo hit another single, driving in Toth.

The Blue Streaks were not done doing damage that inning. With two outs and two runners on base, freshman Mike Carbo came to the plate. He singled to left field, bringing in both Ciabattoni and Cairo.

Junior Sean McCarthy followed shortly after with a single of his own to bring in Carbo. Sophomore Matt Pangallo would end the inning with a ground out, but not before the Blue Streaks went up 7-1.

Mount Union would score two unearned runs in the top of the seventh, but the deficit was too much to overcome for the Purple Raiders.

Carbo led the Blue Streaks with two hits, one run and two RBI. Senior Matt McKinnon picked up the win for JCU, with his record now standing at 4-0. In 5.1 innings pitched, McKinnon only gave up seven hits. Junior Marty Smith finished the game, earning his second save of the season.

John Carroll now stands at 9-5, 1-1 in the OAC. Mount Union falls to 5-9, 1-1 in the OAC.

Carbo said that the team must improve upon two things in future OAC games. “Our intensity level from the start of the game all the way to the finish needs to be consistent, and we have to capitalize on missed opportunities throughout the game,” he said.

McKinnon added, “I think we learned how important it is to score first in conference games. It is very difficult to play catch up against teams that are in the OAC.”

On Wednesday, JCU played at Allegheny at 1 p.m. Scores for these games were not available at press time. On Saturday, March 31, the Blue Streaks will return to Schweickert Field to face Ohio Northern University. Game one of the doubleheader will start at 1 p.m.

When asked about home field advantage, Ciabattoni felt that it plays a major role. He said, “Playing at the Schweick is definitely an advantage. The Schweick’s dimensions reduce the propensity of the long ball.”

Several other Blue Streaks shared their sentiments of playing at home, including Carbo who said, “Playing at home means you get to play on the field you practice on everyday.”

Added McKinnon, “It is nice to play in front of our loyal fan base on campus; it’s something we look forward to as a team.”

When JCU returns from Easter Break, the Blue Streaks will play at home on April 10 and face neighborhood rival Case Western Reserve at 4 p.m.

Both teams make an annual trip over spring break to warm up for the upcoming season. This year was different because four days before the trip the teams had no coach.

In January, former coach, Bruce Thomas, stepped down leaving the men’s and women’s position empty.

After the resignation, JCU was forced to find a replacement for a coach that had led both teams to a conference title less than 12 months before.

That replacement was Ben Hodgkiss-Lilly, a former standout at Wittenberg College.
Hodgkiss-Lilly was given the chore of getting both teams to Hilton Head two days before the trip, having barely any prior knowledge about either team.

“I was just glad that we made the trip,” Hodgkiss-Lilly said, “that was the biggest victory of the trip.”

Another hurdle Hodgkiss-Lilly faces is defending two team titles with only nine returning players from the 2006 campaign.

The men’s team returns are sophomore Alex Campanelli, sophomore James Steward, junior Jeff Copp and senior Chris Masci. These four will act as the core of a team filled with underclassmen. Ten players are underclassmen, six are freshmen.

Despite being comprised of numerous underclassmen, the team recorded a 2-4 record on their trip to Hilton Head over spring break.

The 2-4 record is deceiving because JCU was playing Division II and NAIA teams, a slight step up from their usual OAC competition.

JCU recorded their two wins over Lebanon Valley and Tri State. They first toppled Lebanon Valley 5-2 and then rolled Tri-State 6-1 in the third match of the trip.

While the biggest victory may have been making it to Hilton Head, the team also learned a lot about the young talent they have.

One player that stood out to coach Hodgkiss-Lilly was freshman Alex Millar, “Alex turned in a consistent performance for the entire trip.”

Combined with returning veterans and young talent, the men’s team should threaten for the OAC title again in 2007.

As for the JCU women, they face a similar road to a second straight OAC title. There are only four returning players from 2006 and only two have major playing experience.

Senior Elizabeth Spirk and junior Sarah Crane will be the anchors for the inexperienced squad. As a doubles pair they will be pivotal to JCU’s success this season.

“Sarah and Elizabeth will be strong as our one and two players,” Hodgkiss-Lilly added, “but you cannot win with just two players.”

Coupled with the experience that Spirk and Crane provide, junior Allison Balestrino and senior Sarah Hipp will provide leadership and experience to a team heavy with freshmen.

“Both Sarah and Elizabeth did a great job keeping the team together before I got here,” Hodgkiss-Lilly said.

The trip to Hilton Head provided a report card for the young team. Playing a similar schedule to the men, the women’s team recorded a 3-5 record on their spring trip.

JCU went on a three game tear beating Lynchburg 7-2, Stonehill 5-4 and Brevard 6-3.
The valuable experience gained on the Hilton Head trip will carry the women into their OAC schedule.

Like the men, knowing they have freshmen that can compete at the college level will be pivotal in recapturing the OAC crown.

The first OAC test for the women comes today at Marietta, then their home opener Saturday against Capital. The men travel to Capital on Saturday for their first OAC match of the season.

Playing on a snow covered Don Shula stadium JCU played a back and forth game with Akron before sealing the 10-6 victory late in the fourth quarter.

JCU started fast, jumping to a four goal lead after the first quarter. Senior Paul Bender got the ball rolling and JCU would pick up goals from juniors Eric Gooch and MJ Laperch and freshman Dan Warner would score his first collegiate goal.

Although JCU would not relinquish the lead for the duration of the game, the cold, snowy conditions kept the Blue Streaks from putting the game out of reach. Both teams were hampered by the weather, particularly JCU as their passing and overall team speed was limited on the snow covered field.

JCU’s dominance was clear in the first quarter as Akron struggled to get the ball past midfield, let alone possess the ball and set up their offense. Akron’s inability to handle the ball hurt them for the entire game, particularly when senior Andy Ellis would pick up a dropped ball by the goaltender and put the ball in the empty net.

Akron kept the game close with a three goal second quarter and adding three more goals in the second half to keep JCU in their sights.

JCU managed to effectively shut down the Akron attack in the fourth quarter and add one last goal to put the game away 10-6.

JCU received scoring from eight different players, led by Bender and fellow senior Dan Garbes with two goals each. Junior Chris Hooton added a goal and three assists, Gooch, Laperch, Warner and junior Chris Schmoldt each scored for the Blue Streaks.

JCU will be back Saturday and Sunday. The first face off against defending league champion Slippery Rock is Saturday morning, Bowling Green under the lights on Saturday night and Ohio State on Sunday. All three games will be played at Don Shula Stadium.

The team played a total of 10 games splitting their record in half at 5-5, a decent beginning for an up and coming squad.

Batting a collective average of .335, the girls racked up a total of 57 runs throughout the week.

Several of the games came down to less than 10 runs between teams, placing two of the Streaks’ losses at a very close gap. Much to their satisfaction, however, all five wins were taken by eight or more runs.

The Streaks’ wins included defeating Husson College 8-0, Muhlenberg College 10-2, Bethany College 12-0, the US Merchant Marines 8-0, and Eastern University 9-0.

Anticipating a successful upcoming season is Head Coach Gretchen Weitbrecht. Weitbrecht has just entered her 17th year with the Blue Streaks.

“Last weekend we returned 5-5 but there were three games that we were in position to win and let slip away,” said Weitbrecht.

“Our focus should be on learning to win the close games and keep leads when we have them.”

The Streaks finished last season with a record of 19-21, marking the first season under .500 in three years.

Still, the team has left the 2006 season in the past and plans to focus intently on the season ahead.

Adding to an experienced and diversely positional team are six freshmen.

“We’re young but we have a good core of starters and we feel comfortable playing with one another, so hopefully that will give us support to play the best we can,” said sophomore catcher Jamie Smrdel.

Freshman pitcher Samantha Thompson contributed to six strikeouts against St. Francis along with senior Betsy Rafferty in game one of the tournament.

She also had an impressive eight strikeouts in seven pitched innings against Bethany College.

Thompson also registered her second win with six strikeouts against the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“As a pitcher I have to bring the team together and have faith in them to back me up no matter how I’m pitching,” said Thomspon.

Freshman Laura Boselovic made her John Carroll debut pitching her first win against Muhlenberg with three strikeouts in five innings.

Junior Barbie Lewis came in relief and combined for a one-hit shutout against Husson.

Boselovic pitched her second win in the last game of the tournament against Eastern University, allowing only three hits.

Julie Marlowe, another freshman, is a key offensive contributor to this year’s team. With two RBI and a double early in the week against Muhlenberg, her streak did not end there.

Marlowe had two additional RBI, a double, and a triple in game 10 against Eastern University along with eight additional hits, batting a collective .500 average throughout the week.

Returning Blue Streaks include Smrdel who bats a .462 average with 11 homeruns in the 2006 season. She was also second team All-OAC last season and will contribute defensively as well.

Over the course of the week, Smrdel had six RBI, and seven additional hits, two being doubles, batting an average of .571. Still, she remains modest.

“I think each of us contribute to our team. I don’t think there is one person who stands out more than anyone else,” said Smrdel.

“We all do our jobs, and each of us doing our part is what makes us a team.”

This year’s team is led by Rafferty, and senior infielder Alisha Zapor, according to Weitbrecht.

Zapor batted the 2006 season with a .336 average and will have a strong offensive impact this season.

She had two RBI and a double in game two against Husson, leading the team to a victory early in the game.

Rafferty finished last year’s season with a .289 batting average: 24 hits and four doubles. This past week she went 3-4 against Bethany College scoring two runs and a triple.

“Florida was a setting in which we looked at multiple lineups defensively,” said Weitbrecht.

“Our next step is to settle in on a starting line-up to provide some consistency on the field for our players.”

With spring break past, expectations for the rest of the season include winning all non-conference games in preparation for the OAC schedule.

“The OAC looks to have eight teams that are strong and it will once again come down to winning the close games in the conference,” said Weitbrecht.

Due to inclimate weather, the Blue Streaks’ home opener last Sunday against Wittenberg College was moved to Wittenberg.

The team fell short by a run in the first game to end it 7-6.

However, game two proved to be a success as the Streaks pulled out a win 7-4.

The Blue Streaks are on the road for their next two non-conference games and will play their home-opener at Bracken Field on Thursday, March 29 against Wooster at 3:00 p.m.

In 2006, the Blue Streaks went 21-17, 8-10 in the Ohio Athletic Conference as it tied for fifth with Capital and Muskingum.

Although the team graduated some key players, others are ready to pick up where they left off.

Junior Sean McCarthy will provide stability in the outfield. McCarthy returns with a .398 batting average, while collecting 33 RBI in 38 games played.

Sophomore Michael Krainz also returns in the outfield. Krainz started in 16 games last season. Sophomore Matthew Pangallo and junior Joe Bott are expected to also challenge for time in the outfield.

JCU’s infield will be staffed by several players, including junior Dan Sabella, sophomore Doug Snider and junior Dan Madden. Sabella will hope to provide the Blue Streaks with swift base running.

Snider and Madden will be counted on to give stability. Snider hit three home runs last year. Madden had a .377 batting average.

Adam Sockel

Senior Warren Ciabattoni, junior Adam Sockel and sophomore Adam Milanovich will also contend for playing time in the infield.

Four upperclassmen will provide the needed experience to help guide the pitching staff this season.

Senior Matt McKinnon will enter this season after going 5-3 last year.

Juniors Matt Fort, Brandon Kurtz and Marty Smith will round out the experienced staff. Fort returns after striking out 22 batters in ten appearances.

“Our lineup is solid and has a lot of depth,” said Fort. “Our pitching staff is also solid. The starting combo of myself, Kurtz, McKinnon, and O’Donnell should be one of the best in the OAC.”

No matter who is throwing, 8th year coach Marc Thibeault will have either sophomores Chris Cairo or Russell Toth behind the plate.

JCU has started the season strong, compiling an 8-4 record. The Blue Streaks went 5-4 during spring break at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Ft. Myers, Florida.

However, JCU has lost their first two games. Thiel College beat JCU 6-5 on March 4, while Worcester Polytechnic handed JCU its second loss later that day, winning 7-4.

McKinnon delivered a solid performance on March 5 to help defeat WPI. Ciabattoni drove in the winning run as the Blue Streaks rallied to win 3-1.

JCU again defeated WPI later that day, 11-10. Krainz was the star, hitting a double and a triple.

On March 6, JCU fell victim to St. Vincent, 12-7. However, JCU rebounded, beating OAC rival Baldwin-Wallace College on March 8.

Fort pitched, winning 10-0. He struck out 11 batters. Milanovich scored three runs and hit his first home run.

In the second game, JCU beat B-W 8-4. Both JCU and B-W scored four runs each in the fifth inning. JCU quickly responded in the sixth, scoring another four runs.

A somber attitude surrounded the games. JCU was scheduled to play Bluffton University, which lost five players in a bus accident.

“This tragedy made us enjoy all the time we have with our teammates and coaches,” said Kurtz.

Milanovich said, “It put things into perspective to the point where a strikeout with the bases loaded wasn’t such a tragedy.”

Added Fort, “The Bluffton community is in all of our prayers.”

The next day, Thiel would beat the Blue Streaks, 9-5.

JCU beat Nichols, 18-1 on March 10. McKinnon picked up his second win of the season.

JCU’s success at the plate and at the mound continued into the Wittenberg Baseball Classic, where they beat Hiram 19-8 on Saturday and 4-3 on Sunday.

After Milanovich hit a homerun and two doubles to beat Hiram Saturday, JCU was more challenged by the Terriers on Sunday.

Hiram held a 3-0 lead in the seventh inning. JCU would strike back, tying it in the ninth after a home run by Toth. This sent the game into extra innings, where the Blue Streaks capitalized on an error to win the game 4-3.

On Sunday, JCU defeated Wittenberg, 14-2. Eight of JCU’s runs came in the first two innings.

Freshman Mike Carbo went 4-5, while Fort improved his record to 2-1 by striking out seven in six innings.

Many JCU players agree that one of their main goals is to secure a spot in the OAC playoffs, and eventually win the conference championship.

Milanovich said, “Since fall ball, winning a championship has been first on our list of goals.”

Fort added, “It is about time we get back and make a run for the conference championship.”

On Thursday, March 22, JCU will play their home opener against Case Western at 3 p.m. Mount Union will come on Saturday, March 24 to begin OAC play. Game time will be 1 p.m.

Little did the Pizzurro family know that one day, Adam would be on his way to the NCAA Division III National Tournament.

Hailing from Westerville, Ohio, Pizzurro has compiled a career record of 68-31 in three years.

This season, his record was an impressive 24-7, while going undefeated in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

On Feb. 17, Pizzurro beat Baldwin-Wallace’s Jared Selover 5-3 to capture his first OAC title at the 133 lb. weight-class.

“It feels great to win an OAC title,” said Pizzurro. Because of his win, he will travel to Dubuque, Iowa, on March 2 to compete in the national tournament. Pizzurro describes this as his “proudest accomplishment at JCU.”

Along with winning the OAC title this year, Pizzurro also was the 125 lb. runner-up at the 2004-2005 OAC championships.

Pizzurro had many accomplishments to be proud of, though, before becoming a Blue Streak.

While at St. Francis DeSales High School, he was a four-time state qualifier who placed 5th in the state as a senior. He also was a two-time Academic All-Ohio honoree.

One person who has known Pizzurro his whole life, and knows how hard he has worked to get where he is today, is Adam’s twin sister and JCU junior soccer player Cara Pizzurro.

“I am really excited for Adam to go to nationals. This is such a great accomplishment in itself,” said Cara.

Cara feels that Adam’s hard work has gotten him to the point he is at, and she added, “I know my family and I are so proud of him, and he should be proud of himself as well.”

Senior Ryan Summers, who will accompany Pizzurro to Iowa as a qualifier in the 184 lb. weight-class, has nothing but praise for his teammate.

“Adam deserves his success more than anyone I know,” said Summers. “I remember seeing him in the weightroom everyday this summer, getting prepared for this season. He has pushed through injuries and got the job done.”

Added Summers, “I can’t say enough great things about him. After he leaves here I bet he will be remembered as one of the elite members to travel through the program. He is a true competitor and also a great all-around person.”

Junior teammate Dominic Spitalieri, who works out with Pizzurro every day, says that Pizzurro has a great work ethic.

“Adam knows when to have fun and when to get serious. He brings intensity into the room and makes everyone else wrestle better. He works hard, and he helps motivate the underclassmen,” said Spitalieri.

Through this great work ethic, Pizzurro has developed since coming from his high school program.

During his time at JCU, he feels as though he has matured physically and mentally as a wrestler.

“At the collegiate level, I have learned that patience is key,” said Pizzurro.

“In most college matches you are wrestling a quality opponent. During a match you can’t take bad shots or make mental errors and still expect to win in high school. If you take a bad shot or make a mistake, you will pay for it,” said Pizzurro.

Pizzurro made very few mistakes on his way to his OAC title.

“After winning in the OAC, I’m excited to have earned another opportunity to compete this season against some of the best guys in the nation,” he said.

However, Pizzurro acknowledges that without the great support he has received from JCU and his family, his OAC title would not be as sweet.

“Winning an OAC title is that much sweeter when others recognize your accomplishments and how much effort you pour into your goal,” he said.

“I am most-blessed for all my family, teammates and coaches. My coaching staff has been there for me all year long, win or lose,” said Pizzurro.

“My teammates continue to support me, offering to work out with me even though many of them have entered the off-season. It’s a great feeling to know I have their support,” he said.

Along with appreciating the support his family has given him, Pizzurro names his father as his biggest role model, whom he feels has opened many doors for his siblings and himself.

He said, “My dad has given all of his kids many opportunities he never had. I know he is proud of my accomplishments, and I am glad that I have made it this far to show I appreciate all the sacrifices and support he has given me.”

When traveling to Iowa this weekend, Pizzurro looks to go hard against all of his opponents.

Pizzurro commented, “In a sport such as wrestling, there is always room for improvement. Staying confident will be the key to my success in the tournament.”

Looking back on the season, Pizzurro notes his team’s great chemistry and very competitive attitude.

“As a team, we all grew from last year,” he said.

Pizzurro added, “We entered this season with a chip on our shoulders. Most importantly, we had to revive our program’s rich tradition.”

“Next year, we will continue to strive to improve. In the OACs, we sent five guys to the finals. Hopefully next season, we will hope to get all five guys to nationals, not just two,” he said.

So as the rest of JCU students return home or travel to exotic places, Adam Pizzurro and Ryan Summers will compete to make dreams come true and achieve their ultimate goals–Division III national wrestling championship titles.

Prior to the win, JCU had not beat B-W since Dec. 7, 1993. With the victory, a 30-game losing streak was put to a halt.

Victory did not seem to be in the cards for JCU during the first half of play. Senior Jessica Gibbons scored JCU’s first point of the game with a made free throw at the 16:59 mark. The first basket of the game for JCU did not come until 15:31 remaining when sophomore Rachael Price made a lay-up.

The Yellow Jackets’ biggest advantage arrived at the 2:43 mark, when Michelle White hit a shot to make the score 37-14.

JCU would never hold the lead the first 20 minutes of play, as the halftime score would be 39-20.

A breath of new life appeared to be in the Blue Streaks after intermission. While B-W went cold, JCU went on a 13-2 run to start the second half. The Yellow Jackets lead would be less than ten when freshman Caitlin Sureck hit a lay-up to make the score 41-33 with 15:05 left.

For the last ten minutes of play, JCU would spend the time trying to catch-up. With 4:44 remaining, the Blue Streaks would take their first lead of the game when Gibbons would hit a jump shot to put JCU up by one, with a score of 51-50.

During the last 3:21 of play, John Carroll would either hold the lead or be tied with the Yellow Jackets.

Made foul shots by sophomore Alex D’Amico, senior Allison Kern and Gibbons would give JCU the final advantage.

Senior Tracey Prosinski led the way for the Blue Streaks in her last performance at home, scoring 20 points and bringing down 16 rebounds. Price added ten points. B-W’s Amanda Mondrach led her team with 11 points, while teammate Jessica Latimer added ten points.

Kern said, “I don’t think there is a word that could even come close to describing this feeling.”

Gibbons added, “The one word I would use to describe the way I felt after beating B-W is blissful.”

“Our heart and determination were evident from the comeback victory,” said Prosinski. “I couldn’t have imagined a better senior night.”

Sureck felt that even though she is a freshman, she knew how much this win meant to the seniors. She said, “To have the opportunity to play in this game was an unbelievable feeling, and seeing the looks on my teammates’ faces was priceless. Basically, it was wonderful.”

Unfortunately, another win was not in the forecast for the Blue Streaks. Wilmington College handed JCU its worst loss of the season on Saturday, winning 70-44.

The Quakers scored the first 13 points of the game after just four-and-a-half minutes of play.

JCU never was able to catch Wilmington, as the halftime score read 34-13. In the first 20 minutes, the Blue Streaks’ shooting was dismal, going 5-26 from the field.

The Quakers’ biggest lead occurred with 1:45 left to go in the second half. Ashley Leon would hit a three-point shot to make the score 70-41, a 29-point difference.

With the loss, JCU finished the regular season at 10-15 overall, 7-11 in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

Gibbons felt that the Blue Streaks’ biggest accomplishments occurred during the second round of OAC play. “In our first round of playing each team in the OACs we only won two games. In our second round, however, we came back to win five games.”

On Tuesday, the Blue Streaks traveled to Bexley, Ohio, to face Capital University in the first round of the OAC Tournament. Gibbons said, “I expect us to play hard and as a team on Tuesday.”

Prosinski echoed Gibbons’ comments saying, “Tournament time is the start of a whole new season. Every team is 0-0 and is hungry for a win.”
However, JCU’s season came to an end on Tuesday night, as Capital beat the Blue Streaks 55-38.

Twenty-four turnovers and a dismal 13-52 shooting performance doomed JCU. Capital’s Caitlin Elsass made life difficult for the Blue Streaks, as she just missed a double-double by scoring 15 points and pulling down nine rebounds. Teammate Danielle Manalac helped the Crusaders’ cause by scoring ten and having four rebounds.

JCU scored only 15 points in the first half, compared to Capital’s 26. Prosinski finished her last game with nine points, while classmate Gibbons added eight. Kern ended her career with six rebounds.

The Blue Streaks will compete in the Ohio Athletic Conference championships this weekend, at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio.

This season, the Blue Streaks will contend for their fifth team title in six years.

Sophomore Elie Naoum is the Blue Streaks’ star at 125 pounds. Naoum garnered the most wins by a JCU wrestler this year, going 24-11 overall.

In OAC dual meets, he was 5-1, with his only loss coming in a 6-4 decision to David Penny of Ohio Northern.

Naoum feels that his top two challengers will be Clemens Artmann of Heidelberg, and Penny.

“I feel confident. I just have to make them wrestle my match and my tempo, and I know I can beat them,” said Naoum.

At 133 pounds, junior Adam Pizzurro has provided plenty of stability for the Blue Streaks.

He, along with teammate Ryan Summers, are the only two JCU wrestlers to win all six dual meets in which they participated.

“I have wrestled pretty well in OAC dual meets, so I don’t plan on changing my strategy for Saturday’s tournament,” said Pizzurro.

Junior Dominic Spitalieri will be counted on to improve his 18-14 overall record at the 141 weight-class.

With sophomore Dan Mizener moving up to compete at the 157 weight-class, the 149 spot for the Blue Streaks will be taken by junior Matt McDiarmid.

Mizener, who finished the OAC dual meets with a record of 4-2, will make his OAC championship debut at 157 pounds.

“I was at 149 all year and have been recently bumped up to 157,” explained Mizener.

Junior Steve Bagnowski will handle the Blue Streaks’ position at 165. Bagnowski, whose overall record is 12-16, finished 3-2 in OAC dual meets.

At 174, junior Chris Branchen will be counted on to dominate a talented 174 weight-class. Branchen went undefeated in OAC dual meets, carrying a 4-0 record.

Currently, Branchen is ranked eighth in the Division III National Wrestling Poll.

Ryan Summers will hope to end his career as a Blue Streak on a high note. Summers, a senior, has never lost an OAC match.

As a sophomore he was the OAC champion at 184 pounds, and went on to be the Division III Runner-Up.

Summers feels his greatest competition will come from Heidelberg’s Kyle Rooney, whom he beat earlier this season 5-0.
“He [Rooney] has a very unorthodox style that I controlled during our last match,” said Summers.

Sophomore Matt Harmon will be JCU’s representative at 197 pounds.

A fullback on the Varsity football team, Harmon joined the wrestling squad just in time to have a Cinderella season, finishing with a 3-1 record in the OAC.

The big surprise in the Blue Streaks’ line-up in this weekend’s conference championship will be at the heavyweight level. Junior Derrick Bendau will make his OAC debut this season at the tournament.

Bendau, who has had several injuries over the course of his career, recently was cleared to compete.

Before getting hurt early this season, Bendau was 4-0 overall. Last year he did not wrestle due to injury. In 2004-2005, he went 8-1 and held a ranking as high as fifth in the national rankings.

Preparation for the OAC championship has been very hard but worthwhile, according to Summers.

“We have been mixing up our workout routines and doing some cross training in the pool and on the track. These kinds of workouts will hopefully get us ready and in-shape for OACs.”

Summers regards all of his teammates very highly and knows they have been working hard.

He said, “I see it in the room and during our two-a-day workouts, no one outworks our guys. I wouldn’t go into battle with anyone but my teammates.”

Pizzurro expects his team to put up a battle in every match they compete in, just as they have all season.

He said, “If we continue to battle, we have a good chance of winning the big matches, qualifying guys for nationals, and finishing high as a team.”

Naoum added, “No one weight class is a complete runaway. With that said, I think if everyone takes care of their own business, we definitely have the ability to win the [OAC] tournament.”

In my entire 19 years of existence, I have never had a real relationship. The last time I came close to one was back in 7th grade, when I went out with a boy for about five minutes. How glorious those five minutes were in my life.

In all seriousness, though, I am the girl every guy considers their “best girl friend.” Not that I am complaining. I do like hearing my guy friends speak about the cute things they do for their girlfriends, and I love talking about how great the Indians will be this year.

But sometimes, I find myself wondering what a relationship would be like.

Everywhere I go, I see couples holding hands, kissing before class or eating a romantic dinner together in Parkhurst. I wonder to myself, what’s it like to be them?

Most of the time, these couples seem to enjoy one another’s company. I see them laughing, smiling and talking to one another.

On this very newspaper staff, I can only think of two or three people who do not have a significant other.

Not a day goes by that I do not see one of these significant others, and I can honestly say all of them are the epitome of being a good boyfriend or girlfriend.

They meet them for dinner, walk them back to their dorms or cars after a late deadline night and sometimes, they just stop by to chat and see how their night is going.

When I see this, I admit, I’m jealous. It would be nice not to have to buy my own candy from the Inn-Between.

But, I’ve also seen the worst relationships. Too many times I’ve heard stories about a girl who cheated on her boyfriend, or how a fight broke out at a bar because a couple had an argument. I certainly do not want these types of relationships.

These horror stories make me wonder if being in a relationship is wonderful and fulfilling after all.

But, as I reflect on this so close to Valentine’s Day, I can’t help but to also wonder what I am doing wrong. Maybe I’m too shy. Perhaps I give off a vibe that tells the guy next to me in English class to beware of the strange girl sitting next to him.

I certainly hope none of these scenarios are the case. I’d like to think that I just haven’t met the “right guy” for me yet, but he will be here soon.

Whatever the case may be, I know this for sure: In the next 19 years of my life, I will experience the joys, and maybe the pains, of a relationship. I hope.

The game started off slow. JCU would take its first lead of the game when sophomore Rachael Price made a three-pointer to put the Blue Streaks up by three at the 14:54 mark.

Play continued to be tense between JCU and ONU, as the difference in the score was no more than four for the first 11 minutes of regulation.

Things quickly changed with 8:38 remaining in the first half. ONU’s Leah Zimmerman would hit a three-point shot, making the score 20-14 in favor of the Polar Bears.

JCU would not be able to take another lead in the first half. Sophomore Sara Sweeney hit a shot with three seconds remaining to cut the Blue Streaks’ halftime deficit to 33-26.

Down but not out, JCU would come out strong against ONU. Sophomore Alex D’Amico came in and hit a three with 15:42 remaining to tie the game, 35-35.

D’Amico again would help the Blue Streaks pull close to the Polar Bears at the 11:21 mark, when she scored to put JCU’s deficit at one. Freshman Caitlin Sureck supported the Blue Streaks’ cause, making both of her free throws to put JCU up, 45-44 with 10:46 remaining.

However, JCU could not keep up with the Polar Bears. With 5:08 to go, ONU’s Tara Butler would put her team up 56-49 after a made basket and foul shot.

ONU’s defense in the final minutes of the game would seal a win, as the Blue Streaks would not score in the last two and a half minutes of play.

Senior Jessica Gibbons gave JCU its best offensive effort, scoring 15 points. Tracey Prosinski, Gibbons’ classmate, also contributed, scoring 11 points in her 6th Man role.

JCU found success on Jan. 31 at Mount Union, where the team beat the Purple Raiders, 63-56 in a come from behind victory.

Sureck would score the first basket of the game, but the Blue Streaks would hold the lead just other time during the first half. This lead occurred at the 10:45 mark when freshman Whitney Hamilton would score on a jump shot to put JCU ahead, 10-9.

Unfortunately, the Purple Raiders would score the next basket and maintain the lead right into halftime, where they held a 30-24 advantage.

Mount Union would continue to hold the lead until senior Allison Kern hit a jump shot with 7:43 remaining in the second half to put JCU up 43-42.

Although MUC would cut the Blue Streaks’ lead to two with 2:23 left, JCU responded with a lay-up by Price and two free throws by Prosinski. The Blue Streaks would not give up the lead for the remainder of regulation.

Four players scored in double figures against Mount Union. Price led the way, scoring 20 points. Prosinski came in to score 12, and both Hamilton and Sureck chipped in ten points.

To win its last four games, the Blue Streaks will need to work hard on both defense and offense. On defense, Sureck currently leads the Ohio Athletic Conference in blocked shots with 37, and Prosinski is second in defensive rebounds, averaging 5.40 per game.

Four JCU players are all averaging points in the double figures. Kern is second in the OAC in offensive rebounds, averaging 3.40 per game, while Price is shooting a league-best 84% from the free-throw line.

Prosinski says the Blue Streaks key to finishing a strong season will be to play a “solid 40 minutes of basketball each game.” She added, “In the last few games we have had the shots to win, but we could not get the scores. We need to hit our shots from the start, and not rely on last minute efforts.”

Sophomore Sara Sweeney feels to end the season strong, JCU must have intensity for the next four games. “In the last few games, we have been coming out weak in the first half and stronger second half,” said Sweeney.

Currently, the Blue Streaks stand at 7-14, 4-10 in the OAC. On Wednesday, JCU will travel to Tiffin, Ohio, to play Heidelberg College in a 7:30 p.m. contest.

The Blue Streaks last home game of the season will occur on Feb. 14, when cross-town rival Baldwin-Wallace will come to the DeCarlo Center.

In order for JCU to beat B-W, Prosinski says rebounding will need to be a factor in the game. Prosinski explained, “We need to be aggressive on the boards and take away B-W’s second or third shot attempts which to spark our own transition scores.”

This, of course, is the Winter X Games.

From January 25-28, the Winter X Games 11 was held again in Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado at Buttermilk Mountain.

With over 69,650 energetic fans, concerts were given by some of the biggest celebrities such as Paul Wall.

Five full days of live ESPN coverage nothing can compare to such an intense weekend of fanatical and dare deviling sports.

This is the Woodstock for extreme sports fans!

“Records will be broken and tricks unveiled as athletes accept inherent risk in the name of progress,” stated the Los Angeles Times.

“This is what the X Games are all about, but this year they’re about even more, at least as far as the marquee sport of snowboarding is concerned.”

The most watched event at the X Games for the past few years has been the Men’s Snowboard Super Pipe.

With 20 of the top pipe riders in the world this two-day event was packed with surprises.

I was fortunate to have a front row view for this event for the second year in a row.
In 2006, my younger brother, Louie Vito, was seated in second place after the first day of competition and finished with a fifth place metal in his first appearance in the X Games.

However, while many of us are slaving away at John Carroll writing papers and studying for tests, there are four riders that are still in their teenage years competing in the Games.

They are known in the snowboard world as “The Four Young Guns.”

They do not have the pressures of schoolwork mounted on their backs like we do.
Instead, they have the pressures of being the best and landing their runs.

They hope to win so they can take home the gold medals each week for not only themselves, their fans and the companies that they represent.

The four riders that are still teenagers and are known throughout the world as the “Young Guns” of the snowboarding halfpipe world are Danny Davis, Michael Goldschmidt, Scotty Lago and Louie Vito.

They are young and talented and can be seen on and off the slopes together.

These 2010 Olympic hopefuls have all made it to the top in many contests before, but this year it was an upset when not one of them made it into the finals.

It is said by many that these young riders are the future of snowboarding.

In 1984, he had become the youngest defensive coordinator in the NFL, and was essentially asked to do wonders with a team in transition from its Super Bowl years of the mid to late 1970’s.

As any Steelers fan living in Pittsburgh would attest, having a member of the Steelers living in your neighborhood was a cool thing. But the neighborhood also wanted to respect his privacy, so it was somewhat unwritten to not make a big deal about it.

On this particular Sunday over a break from school, I had been lounging in the house when the phone rang. I heard my mother answer it and was talking for a few minutes. When she hung up, she casually mentioned to my father that Lauren Dungy was coming over to pick up some cookware, serving utensils, platters and other items for a party she was hosting.

I mentioned it would be cool if Tony was coming over as well, and my mother said, “I think he is.”

In no time at all, I bolted upstairs and rang up my friend Gerry, who lived about a mile away, and told him Tony Dungy was on his way over.

He had just come home from church and so he got back into his car and raced over. Gerry got there minutes before the Dungy’s arrived.

Once Tony and Lauren arrived, they could not have been nicer. We spent some time talking, during which time my father mentioned that I was playing football at John Carroll and my friend was considering playing at Allegheny.

Instead of just nodding and acting like he didn’t care, he asked several questions of us, asked us about our high school team, things of that nature.

As they were ready to leave, I summoned the courage to ask him if he wouldn’t mind posing for a picture.

But I also felt it would have been rude to not include his wife. I think she was somewhat surprised to be included, but she was a good sport.

The one thing I remember most about meeting Tony Dungy was how dignified he was.

He had no airs about him, no sense of being a prima donna, or that he was better than you because he was the defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was just a nice man, a regular guy if you will.

I followed his career ever since, from the day he lost his job in Pittsburgh because his players felt the defensive scheme was too complicated … to the day he was hired as Tampa Bay head coach … to the game he almost upset the St. Louis Rams in the NFC championships … to the day he was let go in Tampa … and then landing on his feet in Indianapolis … to watching John Gruden take Dungy’s Buccaneers team to the Super Bowl the next year … to seeing the anguish he and his wife suffered when they lost their son James (not yet born when our picture was taken) … to the height of winning Super Bowl XLI.

The word that strikes me when I think of him back then is the same word that strikes me when I think about him now: Dignity.

Back in the early part of 1987, little did I know I had a future Super Bowl champion head coach standing in my living room.

I am certainly proud to see all that he has accomplished, but I am also encouraged to know he still seems to be that same down-to-earth guy that I met 20 years ago.