Sports Previews: Men's LaCrosse and Baseball

Men's LaCrosse

The men's lacrosse team will begin their ninth season at Catholic, with 21 new freshman and 16 returning players. Head Coach Brooks Singer has been with the Lacrosse program since its inception in 1998. After an overall record of 9-8 and a loss in the first round of the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) playoffs last year, Catholic is eager to improve.

The off-season additions balanced the team as there are only five returning seniors: Colin Whitaker (5-8, 180), Greg Lyons (6-6, 200), Kevin Picken (5-10, 170), Sean Agnew (5-10, 170), and Phil Reinckens (5-9, 165). Whitaker and Lyons are two of the team captains who bring knowledge and experience to the game. "I think the seniors have seen the program progress when they were originally here three years, [it was] the first time we had a winning season. Their goal is to help the team. I think that we really want to expand on the success of last year and the last few years, I think that this team can be a great team."

The seniors will assist the underclassmen, taking on their role as leaders. "Our captains this year, the seniors, Greg [Kavazanjian] the goalie who is a junior, Greg Lyons and Colin Whitaker, I think the leadership has to start with them," Singer said. "If the team is going to be [great] lies in what the coaches know and that if they come together. I think we're going to have a lot of success."

The incoming freshmen will make a large contribution to the team, but not as a few individuals, as a unified group. Singer stressed that they must work together as a unit, "The freshman are a great group of guys. I'm really excited. We already had the first scrimmage and that went well and we're going to be young and have a lot to work on," said Singer.

The road ahead will depend largely on the veteran production and the conditioning of the rookies this season, "There's not just one or two [freshmen]; we're getting at the level where we need over 40 guys to succeed at the next level. All of the freshmen come from a lot of different states high schools and levels of play. It will be very exciting how quickly they can learn the system and mature," Singer said.

The diversity of students on this season's roster will surely provide a well-rounded team that brings another winning season for Catholic.

Baseball

The baseball team will play the Randolph Macon Yellow Jackets in Ashland, Va. to open their 2007 season tomorrow.

One year ago, Catholic held a record of 17-22-1 overall, but they struggled in the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC), winning only four of ten games.

Returning this season are fifteen veteran starters, including sophomore pitcher Billy Robbett (6-0, 160), who led the men's team with a perfect batting average. Short stop junior Joseph Maca (6-2, 175) was named to the All CAC Team last season, with two homeruns, 34 RBIs, and an average of .421. Senior outfielder Pedro Rivera (5-7, 160) finished his year with a .341 average and 22 RBIs. The freshmen have ten players in total this spring, giving Catholic new talent to replace the graduated seniors.

In addition to practicing, the team has been busy in the preseason. Right after Christmas break, Head Coach Ross Natoli hosted the 21st Winter Instructional Baseball Camp at Catholic that ran from January 5 to February 9. The camp gives students from ages 8 to 18 a wonderful opportunity to learn from experienced players and coaches as well as professionals. It encompasses the greater Washington area and can help student-hopefuls gain knowledge on nearly every aspect of the game.

In addition to the busy off-season, the team has a brand new field under construction. Athletic Director Mike Allen said, "We are renovating the baseball stadium, so it's going to be really nice when it's done. With the weather, there are just some certain things we need to clear up. We were hoping to be done by now, but there's some things you just can't control with construction and so forth. The season's going to go on and we're hoping to get them playing out there as quickly as possible."

As soon as the field is fully operational, students will be able to attend home games for the Cardinals.

Women's B-Ball Destroys Gallaudet, 74-40

After a sluggish start, the women's basketball team rallied together to beat the Gallaudet University Bison 74-40.

In the first seven minutes, Catholic was scoreless against the Bison, as they left the Lady Cards in the dust. With five and a half minutes left, Catholic finally woke up and scored, which set up their run for the second half.

Sophomore Kerrie Pokusa immediately stepped up to her role as she snatched a total of six rebounds from the bulky Bison. Pokusa also had six points against Gallaudet.

Coach Carey said of the slow start, "Honestly, I have no idea. I don't know it's senior night, Gallaudet came out on fire. I'm clueless right now. We need to attack the basket and score inside. We need to move the ball better and we need to look like a collegiate basketball team. We came out cold and they came out on fire and they hit every shot. We have a big game on Saturday against Mary Wash and we've got to come out and finish the year, and so I really want us to pick up our goals. We came out with certain goals and few of them we didn't come out and we didn't go into the locker room with a few of those goals completed. We just really need to pick it up in the second half. We really need to step up."

The first half was so incredibly sloppy that Catholic did not take a one-point lead until 5:35 was left, altering the score to a mere 17-16.

Kerry said "it was a good win we needed it after the two games, it was good to get it under our belt. We have a huge game Saturday against Mary Wash so it would be just awesome to win against Mary Wash and go into the playoffs with a good start."

Even though Senior Maria Rojas was very ill with the flu, she played with a good effort and gave it her all for 30 minutes on the court.

Senior Jackie DeBorger was a key factor against Gallaudet, scoring a team high 19 points. In addition, freshman Kate Robinson had a solid game contributing nine points for Catholic.

Although freshman Justine Gray struggled a bit, the other girls certainly proved they were capable of the workload and in the end played as a team.

University Shuts Down for Day and a Half for Snow and Ice

The University canceled classes and activities midday Tuesday and all day Wednesday due to the snow, ice and sleet storm that hit Washington, D.C. Washington was one of many cities affected by the winter storm that blew through the Northeast and Midwest on Monday and Tuesday.

The Maintenance department monitored weather conditions and forecasts to best prepare for any snow emergencies. Christopher Vetick, Assistant Director of Facilities Maintenance & Operations (FMO) said that prior to the storm, careful preparations were taken, including the close monitoring of weather updates and changes, communication with the Departments of Public Safety and Public Affairs and the implementing of an established plan for dealing with snowstorms, when the conditions call to do so. The plan is comprised of work efforts divided into areas of priority. First priority is reserved for student walkways and building entrances, closely followed by roads.

Work began Monday night, when a small team from the Grounds Division of FMO began to salt pathways, according to Kevin Petersen Director of FMO. The full snow removal team, comprised of approximately 35 people from the FMO divisions of Grounds, Custodial and Building Maintenance, arrived early Tuesday morning and assumed their work. They have been on duty since Tuesday, actively clearing the snow.

While the situation was handled with no major difficulties, Petersen stated that the ice and sleet that accumulated during Tuesday's fall posed a specific difficulty. "The salt used to take care of [the ice and sleet] would wash off and the sidewalks and roads were re-freezing, creating a very hazardous condition." But the closing of the University enabled the clean-up crew to tackle the remaining first priority areas, and moving on to second priority areas, such as the DuFour and Hartke parking lots, according to Petersen.

The decision to close the University was made by John Convey, the University's provost. Convey worked closely with Carl Petchik, the Executive Director of Facilities, to assess the condition of the campus, when they ultimately decided to shut down the University. Victor Nakas, Associate Vice President for Public Affairs, was then responsible for posting the news of the University's closing, via e-mail and website, as well as notifying TV stations and radio news outlets.

"Dip it All" at the Melting Pot at Dupont Circle

I am prepared to say the Melting Pot is the greatest restaurant in the United States. Not being a frequent visitor or a connoisseur of restaurants, I know that I in no way own any high ground to even begin to make such a statement or anything mildly close to it. But I'll say it anyways. From the food to the service to the physical restaurant, the Melting Pot is exceptional; it is perfect. Of course, perfection comes with a price. But are you aware of the phrase "you get what you pay for"? Besides, the Melting Pot is not meant to be your weekly eatery. Its splendor is meant for special celebrations. After all, its fondue. It's not just a dinner or a restaurant; it's a dining experience.

So what do you get for approximately 45 green ones a person? You start off with a delicious bang; cheese fondue. You can choose between various types of cheese fondues, including Cheddar, Swiss, and Mexican style. If you're a fan of the cheese, this will blow your mind. For your dipping pleasures, you can use three types of fresh baked bread, or if you're up for a tasting sensation, you can dip fresh apples. Dare to experiment.

Salad lovers do not fret. After the mouth-watering cheese fondue, they serve the salads. While the selection is less than varied, their salads are nothing less than satisfying. But the salads are just an afterthought once we get to the main course. After choosing the type cooking broth, which will make all the difference, the servers lay out the meat. Depending on the order you choose, you can have chicken, beef, pork, duck, pot stickers, ravioli, shrimp, lobster tails, fish and more. Plus, they are nice enough to lay out a wide array of different dipping sauces such sweet and sour, teriyaki, their special "green goddess" blend and so much more. And for the healthy crowd, they have unlimited vegetables for your dipping pleasure. Now, here's the catch; its raw. But the surprisingly best part about this dining spectacle is the fact that the food is raw; because you get to cook it. You dip your pieces of meat and veggies into the broth, and wait approximately two minutes, and, just like magic, its perfectly cooked with that savory broth taste, ready for dipping, all to your heart's concent. So not only can you feel like a 5-star chef, but while you dip, you have the free time to make small talk with your dinner party. It's the perfect scenario for a date I might add.

Now, arguably the best part of this culinary adventure is the dessert. Forget what you've heard about chocolate, because your mind is about to implode with taste and sensation. The chocolate fondue is sure to turn on even chocolate haters, because it happened to me. Choose from eight or so types, including a smores-flavored, bailey's-flavored, or just plain milk chocolate, and much more. In addition to the rich sea of chocolate is that which you dip into the chocolate, which includes brownies, pound cake, cheesecake, fruit, and more, depending on the day of the week. This really does not do justice to just how delicious this can get, but trust a non-chocolate eater, its great.

And the with each day, the menu offers a different "order of the day" selection, so there's always one new option you can choose, in case you're lucky enough to have tried them all. But this review does not do justice to the Melting Pot. Its really one of those "you have to try it" restraints to fully grasp why I regard the Melting Pot has superior to any other eating establishment on the face of this great nation, and quite possibly the Earth. But by all means, hop on the Metro and ride down to Dupont Circle, and try it for yourself. You'll thank me for it.

Deadline Extended for 2007 Housing Deposit

Due to the weather-induced closure of the University on Wednesday, the $500 deposit and intent to return deadline has been extended to Monday, Feb. 19 at 5 p.m.

Housing Services is still working out the final details in the on-line room selection process. This is the first year that students will select their dorms online, and some are skeptical that it will work. "I think it's going to be a mess," said Devin Dolan, a sophomore media studies major.

"CPIT is currently working out the final details with the service provider," said Monica Monfre, assistant director of housing services. Monfre said they should have the details worked out by next week, and will be sharing the details with students. They have recognized the concerns about the ability of the system to handle the increased volume on the server.

Monfre stated that Housing Services would be working with CPIT to provide troubleshooting information to students in order to prevent any problems that may occur. Housing services will also perform tests of the online selection in order to get an idea of how the process will run.

The next step in the housing selection process will come on March 5 when students will be able to log into Cardinal Station and view the "My Housing" page where they will be able to view their lottery numbers.

The online process will allow multiple lotteries to be held simultaneously. Through the new on-line process, students will be able to pick their roommate, select their room, and choose their meal plan online all at the same time.

Beginning on March 7, room selection sessions will be held. Information will be available on-line regarding individuals selection times.

This year seniors will no longer pick before juniors in the selection process. Given the growing number of freshman and sophomores some students expressed concerns about getting on-campus housing.

"I'm concerned about getting on-campus housing next year," Kristin Lipinoga, a sophomore at CUA said, "As an Architecture Major, I pretty much live at Crough Architecture Studio - even so, it would be nice to have a bed to sleep in [on-campus] once in a while."

The rates on all dorm rooms for next year have been raised by five percent from the 2006-2007 rates due to what a letter from Father O'Connell described as "escalating costs of the University."

Notes and Asides

The University, and the city, shut down because the snow was too deep. That's what she said.

The Admissions department has accepted the common application, which yielded a 58% increase in incoming applications. We hope the common application includes questions like "are you a spoiled brat?"

Even in death, Anna Nicole Smith's body is passionately sought out for, courtesy of Trimspa. Oh yeah, and also because of the undetermined paternity results of her 4-month old daughter, which could possibly be, but not limited to her ex-boyfriend, attorney, celebrity Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband and (yes, it gets better) the frozen sperm of her dead billionaire husband. Why did you die.

Editorial: Admissions Will Affect the Future of CUA

The University's decision to accept the common application for freshmen applicants has proven to be a small yet effective change that has resulted in an avalanche of possibilities. Compared to previous years, applications are up over 50 percent. That number is staggering. One shudders to think of admissions officers sitting at desks stacked to the ceiling with clone applications from a pool of hopefully diverse applicants. The task set before them is monumental. They must handpick a group of qualified and exceptional students from what must seem like a sea of similarity.

Current students, wary of dwindling housing and strained resources probably view the news as negative. This should not be the case. For the first time, the University has a chance to take advantage of several positive results from simply the selection process.

Most know that rankings are based largely on the number of students a college does not accept. Maintaining current acceptance levels will surely spike our ratings at a time when The Catholic University of America is ranked last among Catholic colleges in the nation according to US News and World Report. This benefit is, however, an intangible one whose effects will never be felt by the common student.

If the admissions department approaches their task with increased stringency, the average student will notice a difference the first day the class of 2011 arrives on campus. Doing their utmost to remain focused on selecting truly qualified additions to the student body will produce an immediate positive effect in a way that increased funding, adequate housing and effective student government could never hope to.

We hope that the incoming freshman class will be the most involved and passionate class to date. We hope that the malaise that seems to prevail on campus will not be evident in their ranks. We hope to see a generation of students who embody their own tagline, rather than the current tactic of writing a tagline, then attempting to force a student body to adapt to it. We hope that the class of 2011 is the turning point for a University that seems to be priming the pump for overall redefinition.

It is reasonable to assume that admissions personnel are up to the challenge. We have faith that they will serve the University in their decisions.

Fifth Column

I think the best Valentine's Day gift I ever received came this year: a day and a half of a snow day for CUA. As the young'ns probably don't know, snow days have been rare during my tenure here, and at first I thought this was my fault. See, I come from a high school that was open during blizzards, hurricanes, the London Blitzkrieg, and the opening of a Cold Stone Creamery (who, by the way, were not appreciative of my shouting "SING MONKEYS!" after I tipped them). I swear, in the event of a nuclear holocaust, the only things that will continue to exist will be cockroaches, Twinkies, and the school board of my old high school saying that the damn place is still open. Because of this, I thought I brought this bad luck with me to CUA, but for once this isn't the case.

Anyway, I digress. Valentine's Day is a noble tradition brought by those who understood St. Valentine's message of love, forced gift-buying and female-induced guilt. If you ask me, nothing shows appreciation for a Christian martyr than a sale at Zales. Which makes me think, where did some of these Valentine traditions come from anyway? Someone please explain the point of box chocolates, for example. You get a nice big box of chocolates in the shape of a heart for your lady; cute right? Except your gal tells you she's too fat and on a diet. And may God help you if she takes a bite out of flavor she doesn't like. "But sweetie, I like coconut! Why don't we share?" "NO! THEY'RE MINE!!!!" Then there's roses. Beautiful, red, roses; seems romantic right? Except for those stupid thorns, but that's taken care of. love hurts right? Then of course, roses wilt. Gee, that's great symbolism for a relationship.

The worst part of Valentine's Day is that it draws attention to those who are not currently involved romantically. My favorite alternate name is "Singles Awareness Day." Just as Jesus probably feels left out of Christmas and Easter, so do single people. Which is why I say to single people of the world: do not be afraid! Go stalk on Facebook and Myspace! I mean, that's what they're there for, right? Guys, I promise you, the next girl you meet online may in fact actually be a girl this time! Or you can do what I did: find a girl and kick her in the butt a couple of times. It works, seriously. (This, along with all my other great ideas can be found in my upcoming book, "Slapping Orangutans: Jacob's Keys to Success.")

In conclusion, a snow day and Valentine's Day go together hand in hand; you can push one of those happy couples down one of the icy hills.

Barba Will Continue On in American Idol's 'Final 24'

Antonella Barba, junior Architecture major, is the University's second American Idol contestant and made it to the "Final 24" last night. She and her best friend, Amanda Coluccio made it through the group performance audition, leaving the last girl in their group to be cut. After evaluating the remaining contestants the judges decided Coluccio was not going to make it through to the next round of auditions and for the first time in the show, Antonella was on her own. After day four of auditions the judges brought each contestant up one by one to tell them if they have made it to the Final 24. Antonella and one other contestant were remaining for one spot. They were sent up to face the judges together. Ultimately the judges chose Antonella.

University applications Up Over 50% From Last Year

Applications for a spot in the University class of 2011 are up over 50 percent from last year, according to the Office of Enrollment Management. Dean of University Admissions Christine Mica says that the University is working towards a goal of 4,500 applicants this year, up from 3,500 for the class of 2010.

Mica credits the increase in applicants to the revamped admissions website, heightened recruitment efforts, and the University's acceptance of the common application, which began this year. In the spring, the website was expanded to include a high-tech virtual tour of campus with photos and videos of locations throughout campus complete with student voiceovers.

The hard work and efforts of the students in the Enrollment Management Office, the Cardinal Ambassadors, and the student telecounselors has paid off, said Mica.

"We have excellent student representatives who have been trained and put in many hours helping with the recruitment of students," said Mica. Students worked at open houses and in the admissions office, the Cardinal Ambassadors were available for two daily tours for visiting students, and the telecounselors worked at night and on the weekends to make calls to potential students and their families.

"All of the ambassadors have a real zest for the University," said Beth Palmisano, a Cardinal Ambassador and sophomore from New Orleans, La. "We talk up the school to encourage more students to apply here."

Maryland saw the highest number of applications, followed by New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, Florida, and Connecticut. The deadline for applications was yesterday, so final counts and trends among applicants have not yet been figured out. The University is aiming to enroll approximately 850 new students.

While the record number of applications is an overall good sign for the University, it may cause problems for rising juniors and seniors who would like on-campus housing. University policy requires non-commuter freshmen and sophomores to live in on-campus dorms, and guarantees them a place to stay. In addition to reserving Spellman, Conaty, Flather, and Unanue halls for freshmen, Housing Services has set aside groupings of spaces in Regan for honors housing, as well as Engelhard and Magner for single-gender housing options. The new student housing application deadline is May 15.

Because of the increased size of the class of 2010, the University entered a master lease with The Towers at University Town Center in Hyattsville, Maryland this year. If upperclassmen chose to live at The Towers, the spaces they previously held on-campus were re-assigned to incoming freshmen. According to Heidi Zeich, the director of Housing Services, the majority of the spaces were in Gibbons Hall, Ryan Hall, and Centennial Village.

"There are plans for one and possibly two additional halls on the same site as Opus Hall," said Zeich. She said that specific plans and timeframes regarding the future use of the current site of Conaty and Spellman have not yet been determined, but that discussions have begun.

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