the Observer The Independent Newspaper Serving Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s Volume 44 : Issue 104 Thursday, March 10, 2011 ndsmcobserver.com Basketball fans mad for tourney SGA Association By MEGAN DOYLE and SAM STRYKER News Writers discusses As March Madness approaches and the Irish anticipate their tour- nament experience, some Notre printing Dame students will forfeit sunny afternoons at the beach for the lights of Madison Square Garden access over their Spring Break. The No. 4 Notre Dame men’s bas- ketball team begins its quest for a By MEGAN LONEY championship in the Big East News Writer Conference tournament tonight as they square off against Cincinnati at 7 p.m. in New York. The quarterfi- After debate, Saint Mary’s nal game marks the next step in the Student Government Association team’s journey to a championship “It’s not the atmosphere of a (SGA) passed a motion season. home game here but it is still a high Wednesday to install a printer in If the team wins tonight, the Irish level of basketball,” he said. Holy Cross Hall before the cur- will play again in a semifinal game “Usually we are outnumbered in rent administration ends its at 9 p.m. Friday evening. terms of fans … but it is still a great term April 1. Sophomore Mickey Gardella said experience.” Student body president he could not remember the last time Notre Dame students from the Rachael Chesley said she will he missed the Big East tournament. surrounding area and members of work to implement this project “My dad and I go every year,” he the band typically join the stands to in coming weeks with student said. “I have been an ND fan my support the team as they play for body vice president Laura Smith whole life so we always try to go to the Big East title. and Residence Hall Association some of those games … but we see “We had a great finish to the year, (RHA) president Marianne other teams play as well.” and we are very hot right now,” he Jones. Gardella, a New Jersey native, said. “But we don’t know what will “We will work on setting a will travel home for spring break happen.” max print limit, a time limit and Friday. If Notre Dame wins The depth of the Big East developing an overall control Thursday evening, he will join the Conference could help the team plan for the printer,” Chesley Leprechaun Legion at 9 p.m. Friday handle the heat of NCAA tourna- said. to cheer on the team in the semifi- ment competition, Gardella said. Chesley and Jones met with nals. “I think that would help us Coordinator of Student The Notre Dame contingent in against a team like BYU or San Computing Kathy Hausmann to New York is typically smaller than Diego State that has not played the MAGGIE O’BRIEN/The Observer gather information about at a home game in the Purcell Students cheer on the Irish at the men’s basketball game vs. Pavilion, Gardella said. see FANS/page 3 Gonzaga on Dec. 11. Notre Dame won the game 83-79. see SGA/page 4 UN group, businesses, to meet at ND Habitat auctions

Business professor Fr. Oliver Williams is one of the directors of this conference. historic window “The United Nations founded the compact in 2000,” Williams said. “The compact is made of 10 prin- ciples for companies to abide by and incorporate into their daily practice.” Companies join the Global Compact and promise to protect human rights, labor rights, environmental issues and anti-corruption prac- tices. The Development Goals specifically outline 10 Photo courtesy of Lou Pierce goals to significantly relieve A former Main Building window is being auctioned off by poverty by 2015. Habitat for Humanity to raise funds for various building projects. To sign onto the Compact, BRANDON KEELEAN/The Observer the president of a company removed from the Main Building By ADAM LLORENS goals to end extreme pover- must write a letter to the ty around the world. By CHRISTIAN MYERS in 1997 will be included in an News Writer Secretary General of the The Mendoza College of United Nations indicating an News Writer auction hosted by the St. Joseph Business will host the con- interest in joining and County chapter of Habitat for Government representa- ference from March 20 to promising to write a report Notre Dame fans can now Humanity. tives and top business exec- 22. The United Nations each year indicating how purchase a window from the Jim Williams, executive direc- utives will meet on campus Global Compact began in the company is progressing Main Building to add to their tor of the local Habitat chapter, with the United Nations 2000 and established 10 in implementing the collection of University memora- said current bids for the win- Global Compact Foundation principles for the better- bilia. next week to discuss their ment of humanity. see UN/page 5 One of several windows see WINDOW/page 4

INSIDE TODAY’S PAPER Group discusses turnover process page 3 N Preparing for the Holy Half page 8 N Men’s hockey to face Lake Superior page 16 N Viewpoint page 6 page 2 The Observer N PAGE 2 Thursday, March 10, 2011

THE OBSERVER QUESTION OF THE DAY: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OLD CARTOON?

P.O. Box 779, Notre Dame, IN 46556 024 South Dining Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Douglas Farmer MANAGING EDITOR BUSINESS MANAGER Madeline Buckley Patrick Sala

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The keynote address of the Letters to the Editor must be signed and must include Fugitive comes out of ed Sabatini. May and remaining there Greed Conference titled “Excess, contact information. hiding for wife’s lasagna Many Italians prepare until the bank opened Greed and the World they ROME — He avoided lasagna with meat sauce again the following Created” will take place tonight Questions regarding Observer policies should be Italian police for a decade for lunch on the last Monday. in the Notre Dame Conference directed to Editor-in-Chief Douglas Farmer. on the run, but couldn’t Tuesday of Carnival. 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Box 779 prison sentence in a Swedish robber caught they forgot to take the The film “On the Bowery” will and additional mailing offices. 024 South Dining Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556-0779 cocaine trafficking case. because of urine left behind urine when they left “so we be shown tonight in the Acting on a tip, police COPENHAGEN, Denmark were able to get their DNA DeBartolo Performing Arts staked out the homes of — A Swedish bank robber samples from the bottles.” Center at 6:30 p.m. The film The Observer is a member of the Associated Press. All reproduction rights are Sabatini’s wife and daugh- forgot to cover his tracks The evidence helped earned an Academy Award reserved. ter Tuesday in Rocca and left three bottles of prosecutors win a 21- nomination for Best Priora, a town near Rome. urine behind after hiding month prison sentence for Documentary in 1957. Tickets TODAY’S STAFF When they spied the inside a bank vault in the Swede on Tuesday. His are $3 for students. daughter leaving her moth- Copenhagen for three days. accomplice is still at large News Sports er’s house and furtively The 27-year-old man and and the loot hasn’t been To submit information to be Megan Doyle Andrew Owens dashing toward her home his accomplice used the recovered. included in this section of The John Cameron Cory Bernard bearing a tray of lasagna, bottles to relieve them- Observer, e-mail detailed Tori Roeck Mike Todisco police, suspecting a secret selves after sneaking into Information compiled information about an event to Graphics Scene guest, burst in and arrest- the vault on a Friday in from the Associated Press. [email protected] Brandon Keelean Mary Claire Photo O’Donnell Suzanna Pratt Viewpoint Meghan Today Tonight friday saturday sunday monday Thomassen

CORRECTIONS EATHER

The Observer regards itself as a professional W publication and strives for the highest standards of journalism at all times. We do, however, recognize

that we will make mistakes. If we have made a OCAL HIGH 35 HIGH 33 HIGH 44 HIGH 42 HIGH 36 HIGH 39 mistake, please contact us at 631-4541 so L we can correct our error. LOW 33 LOW 28 LOW 34 LOW 29 LOW 29 LOW 28 Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Observer N CAMPUS NEWS page 3 STUDENT SENATE SMC reps discuss women in science

conversation about STEM research, opportunities to learn By CAITLIN HOUSLEY classes and careers with chil- lab skills and opportunities to Group discusses News Writer dren should start even earlier. grow into confident young “Everyone’s a scientist if women. The more women we Young women should study they’re curious,” Barstis said. graduate in biology, chemistry, biology, chemistry and engi- Nekvasil said STEM classes engineering and math, the senator turnover sometimes are resisted in ele- more we are contributing to neering to increase the female presence in the science field, mentary schools. STEM careers in the world.” dent body,” he said. “It would By MEL FLANAGAN four Saint Mary’s representa- “Through no fault of their With the help of Saint Mary’s really help facilitate coopera- tives said on local television own, elementary education curriculum and teachers, Hill News Writer tion.” Friday. teachers are not terribly com- said she realized the vast possi- Similarly, Pasquerilla East sen- The women appeared on fortable doing science,” bilities for careers in the STEM With student government ator Julie Doherty said an event “Economic Outlook,” a pro- Nekvasil said. “There have field as she began working turnover approaching on April 1, for the incoming senators to gram on the local public televi- been many studies done that toward her biology major. Student Senate discussed ways meet and get to know each other sion station WNIT. show they’re pretty comfort- Hill said she originally feared of improving the senator transi- would greatly reduce any dis- The show featured Dr. Nancy able with English and history, she would be restricted to tion workshop for incoming sen- comfort felt at the first few meet- Nekvasil, chair and professor so they spend their day doing careers in either education or ators at Wednesday’s meeting. ings. of the Department of Biology, that.” medicine by choosing to study Oversight Committee Chair Besides attending weekly and Dr. Toni Barstis, professor Student are not exposed to science. After her experience in Paige Becker said the student Senate meetings, senators are of chemistry and director of the STEM curriculum because it Saint Mary’s classrooms and government constitution also expected to serve on two College’s dual degree engineer- does not receive enough atten- study abroad, Hill discovered requires this transitional work- committees, such as the ing program. Erin Heck, a tion in the classroom, Nekvasil her passion for public health. shop to take place when old sen- Academic Affairs or Social 2008 graduate, and senior said. Other students should realize ators step down and new sena- Concerns Committee. Tara Hill also appeared on the “Science gets pushed to the the opportunities available in tors take over the positions. Chair of Academic Affairs program. end of the day and then maybe the sciences, Hill said, and out- “It’s supposed to provide some Committee AJ McGauley said the The show addressed women’s 10 minutes and maybe not reach programs such as those background for incoming sena- workshop should stress that sen- power to help the nation regain every day of the week,” she provided by Saint Mary’s can tors on Senate,” she said. “For ators are required to not only its competitive edge in science, said. be a mechanism for educating example, the role of senators, attend the committee meetings technology, engineering and Teachers need to better younger women. parliamentary procedures, time but also to be involved. mathematics (STEM) subjects. engage students by supporting Among these outreach pro- constraints, commitments.” “As senators on the committee, “About one third of the U.S. interest in the science and grams was Hypatia Day at Many current senators said the you are the bulk of the working students intending to major in using hands-on lesson plans, Saint Mary’s Feb. 26, when training should emphasize the force,” Cavanaugh senator engineering switch majors,” she said. middle school girls attended importance of communication Tegan Chapman said. said Phil D’Amico, host of Saint Mary’s has dedicated science classes and labs on with other dorm leaders. Farley Chapman said while there are “Economic Outlook” and a nearly 150 years to educating campus. senator Leslie Tatlow said the other people on the committees, member of St. Joseph County’s women in the science field, Saint Mary’s will host workshop leaders should recom- it is important for the incoming Chamber of Commerce. Nekvasil said, and the College “Celebrating the Education of mend the senators meet with senators to realize a large part The majority of students who encourages students to push Women in Science” Day on their hall presidents regularly. of the effort is their responsibili- make this switch are not themselves in the STEM fields. March 24 to emphasize the Knott senator Alex Kasparie ty. women, D’Amico said, but the “The Department of way women can be involved in proposed holding a few joint “[Non-senators] don’t feel they panel agreed students should Chemistry/Physics and the the field. meetings a semester with both have to step up and do work,” begin education in science Department of Biology wel- “[Science] is not hocus-pocus Senate and Hall Presidents’ she said. “But it’s part of your courses at a young age to foster come young women to enter and it’s not just for men,” Council. job, you got elected to do that.” interest. and complete our programs,” Nekvasil said. “I know it’s a large group of Barstis said sixth to eighth Nekvasil said. “We promise people, but I think it could be Contact Mel Flanagan at grade is a crucial time to influ- small classes, individual atten- Contact Caitlin Housley at constructive for the whole stu- mfl[email protected] ence children, but she said tion, opportunities for [email protected]

After the Big East tournament comes to a close Saturday evening, Fans Notre Dame will turn its attention to continued from page 1 the NCAA tournament. The March Madness first round schedule will schedule we have,” he said. be determined March 12, and tour- Junior Andrew Fessler said his nament games begin March 15. pilgrimage to Madison Square Sophomore Lauren Rasch said Garden for the Big East tournament though she will not be attending the is also an annual tradition. Big East tournament, she is excited “I used to go a lot when I was to watch the competition over her younger,” he said. “I’ve been going Spring Break. to one or two games a year for as “I’d like to [watch some games]. long as I can remember.” I’ll be with my dad. He is an alum so Fessler said the Notre Dame bas- he is excited to watch the games ketball team would enter the tour- with me,” she said. nament with a different vibe this Rasch said she is more excited for year than in seasons past. this year’s tournament because of “I’ve always been a big Notre how successful the Fighting Irish Dame fan and expected them to do have been in the regular season. well, even though they haven’t “I guess we’re fair-weather fans,” always been good,” he said. “The she said. difference is this year everyone Notre Dame needs to do well in expects them to do well, not just the competitive Big East tourna- me.” ment in order to set the tone for the This particular tournament is spe- rest of the championship season, cial for Fighting Irish fans because Rasch said. of high expectations for the team “We need to do well so that we this year, Fessler said. will continue having momentum,” “It is really important to the fans she said. “We’re the number two because they have never done that seed, so hopefully we will do well well in the Big East tournament, so and meet and exceed expectations, this year is exciting,” he said. and continue.” Fessler said the performance of Rasch said she has high expecta- the basketball team in the Big East tions for the Fighting Irish this tournament will dictate how well spring, both in the Big East tourna- the Fighting Irish play in the NCAA ment and the NCAA championship. championship. “I think we will do well. I think we “It’s always important because expect them to win some games,” we’re going against other top she said. “It would be really exciting ranked teams,” he said. “It really to win the whole thing.” impacts who we play in the tourna- Rasch said the Notre Dame stu- ment.” dent body seems more excited for The team’s success during the the basketball team than in years regular season should attract a larg- past. er fan base to Madison Square “I’ll walk into [LaFortune Student Garden, Fessler said. Center] and there will be games on “Usually the teams that had more and there will be a big group fans were from the area, like crowded around cheering,” she Syracuse or Saint Johns. They are said. “ [There are] a lot of obviously closer for a fan com- Leprechaun Legion T-shirts mute,” he said. “Most of the schools around.” are closer than Notre Dame, but Notre Dame has a national fan base Contact Megan Doyle at that other Big East teams don’t [email protected] and Sam have.” Stryker at [email protected] page 4 The Observer N CAMPUS NEWS Thursday, March 10, 2011

printer in the student center, SGA and we need to really think about if we have the necessary Architect speaks on city design continued from page 1 manpower or not to handle this printer.” installing a printer in the build- The board also discussed pro- By ALLISON FACHETTI next 40 years. beautiful.” ing. Printers existed in the jected costs. “We are building the wrong Many cities, including News Writer dorms in previous years. For the remainder of the year, type of product,” he said. Bombay, are embracing high According to Chesley, SGA will the estimated cost of buying and While these challenges can rises, he said, but these areas be single-handedly responsible maintaining a printer in one Leaving the planet in better cripple good urban design, will never be home to some- for the funding of installation dorm is $3,460, the group said. shape for future generations Thadani said city planners one who is used to living in a and maintenance of dorm print- This cost covers the price of the through good city planning can learn from mistakes made low-rise building. According ers. Information Technology (IT) printer (with scanning and copy- should be a goal for both in cities around the globe, to Thadani, the key in build- will not support this initiative, ing capabilities), two toners and architects and citizens, said such as his native Bombay. He ing cities is through incre- although SGA received a green three packages of paper. visiting architect Dhiru A. said life in the city has mental growth. light to continue with the proj- The estimated cost was pro- Thadani Wednesday. declined in the past 35 years Thadani said urban plan- ect. vided by Hausmann based on Thadani, a Bombay native, but was once a strong model ning should also be more con- “In our discussion at the last previous use of printers in the discussed the five crises for urbanism. scious of the environment in meeting [with Hausmann], we dorms. Americans face in city plan- “This collection of buildings its efforts to go green. were told that they will not After a vote, SGA approved ning today and the lessons he were designed to look like Everyone wants to go green, share a budget with us,” Chesley senior class president Kelly learned about urbanism from London, so when someone he said, but in some ways said. “We will pay for the paper Lyons’ motion to install a printer living in India during a lecture was arriving, they would feel these efforts do not help the and toner. [IT] will not pay for it. in Holy Cross Hall before the end at Bond Hall. like they were coming to a environment. Building main- They will help with installation of the current administration. “Urbanism is a perspective place that was familiar and tenance, such as cleaning, but that’s it.” This decision does not ensure solution to the crisis we face civilized,” Thadani said. “It should be sustainable as well SGA began pursuing this ini- that the following administration today,” he said. was an amazing place to grow as the overall building design. tiative at the beginning of the will continue to support and pur- Thadani drew on his experi- up.” “Covering a building in semester. Although the entire sue the dorm printer initiative. ences working around the While American cities such green fluffy stuff doesn’t make board welcomed the idea of SGA also hosted a visit by inte- globe to support his points. as Washington, D.C., it green,” he said. “I predict dorm printers, the group debat- rior designer Laura Connell dur- “When you work in the city, improved in recent years, architects will build buildings ed about the lack of a print limit, ing the meeting. Connell, work- you really need to think Bombay’s architecture took that look like vegetables.” the responsibility of SGA in ing closely with the SGA LeMans beyond defining the little ele- backwards steps, Thadani Building codes are another maintaining the printers and the Hall basement project commit- ments of the building, but the said. challenge to good city plan- cost factor. tee, brought fabric samples and space you are making … “D.C. has made all the right ning, Thadani said. Examples “The print limit is set up on a design board that depicts the being an architect not just of steps, taken the advice of of well-designed neighbor- the administrative network,” plan for the renovation of the the building, but of the city,” planners … Bombay has done hoods like Washington, D.C., Chesley said. “Since the printer hall. Thadani said. the reverse, it has pretty or Georgetown would not will not be connected to this net- “The plan is to create a group He described the problems much destroyed the beautiful comply with many building work, students will be able to area where everybody can just of population growth, the post British city,” he said. codes if being built today. print free of charge.” hang out,” Connell said. “It’s not peak oil era, climate change, Bombay is now a model for “Most good urbanism all Several board members a study space, but a place to public health and housing how not to plan a city, over the world is illegal,” he expressed concern over the pos- relax after a long day. You don’t supply and demand. He com- Thadani said. Bombay built said. sibility that students will exploit want it to feel like a basement.” pared working with climate “skywalks,” or bridged walk- The last lesson Thadani pre- the lack of print limit. Chesley, The renovation plan includes a change to “fighting a sumo- ways above the street, and sented was creating beauty in Smith and Jones said they are kitchen area with a booth setup, wrestler.” fences to prevent pedestrians architecture. He said taxpay- looking at solutions to prevent a gaming area with two tables “America is addicted to oil,” from crossing the street. ers deserve beautiful infra- students from taking advantage with backgammon and checker- Thadani said. “Most other Thadani said architects structure, such as the Golden of unlimited printing. board games built into them, a countries in the world includ- need to remember streets are Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Another concern was SGA’s movie area and a “chill zone” ing India are experiencing the made for people and should since that property belongs to responsibility for maintaining which will have bean bags and same thing.” be accessible to them. everybody. the printer. two chase lounges, Connell said. Large homes are a problem “It is really ludicrous to “You can’t forget about Student Activities Board presi- All of the furniture is custom for levels of supply and send pedestrians up flights of beauty,” Thadani said. “It is dent Allie Courtney said the designed and made-to-order. demand in the housing mar- stairs to walk across,” he said. not only beautiful plans and manpower required to take care The ship date for the furniture is ket, Thadani said. The market “Pedestrians need to be on buildings, but also beauty in of the printer is a critical factor April 5. does not meet the demand for the street level, that is where infrastructure.” in the decision. single household homes, but they belong.” “It’s very difficult to maintain a Contact Megan Loney at the supply of large homes will Thadani also said architects Contact Allison Fachetti at printer, as we’ve seen with the [email protected] exceed its demand for the must remember that “small is [email protected]

Deborah Olmstead, co-presi- dent of the Notre Dame Habitat Window chapter, said the club was doing continued from page 1 its part in promoting the auc- tion. “Our club is reaching out to dow have escalated to $500 as our alumni and donors to of Tuesday. The auction will inform them of this fantastic close at 6 p.m. on Friday. opportunity to own a piece of “This window would fit per- Notre Dame History,” Olmstead fectly in an Irish pub, and for an said. “Selling a physical part of alumni or a big fan it would be the Main Building means a lot to a great piece,” Williams said. us, especially since many mem- The proceeds from the auction bers of our club now know what will benefit both the Notre installing a window entails.” Dame Habitat for Humanity Local high school chapters club and the Habitat clubs of will use proceeds from the auc- several local high schools. tion and their other fundraising Notre Dame’s Habitat chapter efforts to finance their signature will use its portion of the pro- “Rock the House” build in the ceeds to fund its current con- South Bend area. struction project, and Williams Williams contacted the said it is fitting that the win- University to verify that the win- dows from the Main Building dows were used in the main should contribute to a building and to get the University project. University’s permission to sell “The Notre Dame student one of the windows. chapter was looking for some Charles Lamb, assistant direc- funding for their build, so the tor of University Archives, veri- timing could be really good on fied the authenticity of the win- this,” Williams said. dows. Habitat received the windows The exact age of the windows from a former Pella Windows has yet to be determined. Lamb and Doors plant in South Bend. said the window was in use as Pella originally used the win- early as 1966 but might be dows as templates to construct much older. replacement windows for the The window could possibly as building. old as 1879 when the Main Habitat bought the plant in Building was rebuilt after a fire. May 2010, Williams said, and Habitat for Humanity is work- now uses the space as a ReStore ing to determine the window’s location. ReStore is the building exact age. Williams is in contact materials warehouse operated with University Architect Doug nationwide for Habitat chapters. Marsh, and he said they hope to The window is currently on dis- have a definite answer before play at ReStore alongside a bid- the bidding closes on Friday. ding sheet. Bids can be made in person or over the phone with Contact Christian Myers at ReStore. [email protected] Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Observer N NEWS page 5 Wisconsin GOP cuts collective bargaining U.N. continued from page 1 Republicans bypass Democrats, approve proposal limiting public workers’ rights Principles, Williams said. The company must address Miller. “Tonight, 18 Senate the specific goals, which Associated Press Republicans conspired to take include abolishing of child government away from the labor, eliminating discrimi- MADISON — The Wisconsin people.” nation and using environ- Senate succeeded in voting The state Assembly previ- mentally friendly technology. Wednesday to strip nearly all ously approved the original “If globalization in the collective bargaining rights proposal and was set to con- world’s economy is going to from public workers, after sider the new measure on continue, it must be done in Republicans outmaneuvered Thursday. Miller said in an a fair manner,” Williams the chamber’s missing interview with The Associated said. Democrats and approved an Press there is nothing The problem that the U.N. explosive proposal that has Democrats can do now to stop was noticing was that many rocked the state and unions the bill: “It’s a done deal.” businesses based in multina- nationwide. The lone Democrat present tional countries were pro- “You are cowards!” specta- on the special committee, ducing the majority of their tors in the Senate gallery Assembly Minority Leader products in developing screamed as lawmakers voted. Peter Barca, shouted that the nations. Within hours, a crowd of a few meeting was a violation of the After they drafted the com- hundred protesters inside the state’s open meetings law. The pact, Williams wrote to the Capitol had grown to several Senate’s chief clerk said hours organization to offer his help thousand, more than had been later the meeting was properly in spreading awareness in the building at any point held. about the cause. The United during weeks of protests. Senate convened within min- Nations responded and asked “The whole world is watch- utes of the committee meeting Williams to host a confer- ing!” they shouted as they and passed the measure 18-1 ence at Notre Dame for both pressed up against the heavily without discussion or debate. AP United Nations and business guarded entrance to the Republican Sen. Dale Schultz Opponents of Gov. Scott Walker’s budget-repair bill leaders. Senate chamber. cast the lone no vote. demonstrate at the Wisconsin State Capitol Wednesday. “In 2002, we hosted the All 14 Senate Democrats fled “The jig is now up,” Barca first conference here with a to Illinois nearly three weeks said. “The fraud on the people double their health insurance tors facing recall efforts had number of companies attend- ago, preventing the chamber of Wisconsin is now clear.” contribution, a combination also publicly called for a com- ing,” Williams said. “Since from having enough members Walker had repeatedly equivalent to an 8 percent pay promise. the first conference, over present to consider Gov. Scott argued that collective bargain- cut for the average worker. “The people of Wisconsin 6,000 businesses have signed Walker’s “budget-repair bill” ing was a budget issue, Police and firefighters are elected us to come to Madison onto the compact.” — a proposal introduced to because his proposed changes exempt. and do a job,” Fitzgerald said Four years ago, the United plug a $137 million budget would give local governments Walker’s proposal touched in a statement after the vote. Nations contacted Williams shortfall. the flexibility to confront off a national debate over “Just because the Senate again and asked if he would The Senate requires a quo- budget cuts needed to close union rights for public Democrats won’t do theirs, be on the board of directors rum to take up any measures the state’s $3.6 billion deficit. employees and prompted tens doesn’t mean we won’t do for the UN Global Compact that spends money. But He has said that without the of thousands of demonstrators ours.” Foundation. Williams and his Republicans on Wednesday changes, he may have needed to converge on Wisconsin’s Union leaders weren’t happy colleagues have since funded took all the spending meas- to lay off 1,500 state workers capital city for weeks of with Walker’s offer, and were the development of the com- ures out of the legislation and and make other cuts to bal- protests. furious at the Senate’s move to pact in third world coun- a special committee of law- ance the budget. Wednesday’s drama unfold- push the measure forward tries. makers from both the Senate Walker said Wednesday ed less than four hours after with a quick vote. Phil “Companies need to prac- and Assembly approved the night that Democrats had Walker met with GOP senators Neuenfeldt, president of the tice better ethical standards, revised bill a short time later. three weeks to debate the bill in a closed-door meeting. He Wisconsin state AFL-CIO, said and consumers need to be The unexpected yet surpris- and were offered repeated emerged from the meeting after Wednesday’s vote that aware of where their compa- ingly simple procedural move opportunities to come back, saying senators were “firm” in Republicans exercised a ny makes its products and ended a stalemate that had but refused. their support of the bill. “nuclear option.” process by which they do threatened to drag on indefi- “I applaud the Legislature’s For weeks, Democrats had “Scott Walker and the so,” Williams said. “This is nitely. Until Wednesday’s stun- action today to stand up to the offered concessions on issues Republicans’ ideological war one of the major points ning vote, it appeared the status quo and take a step in other than the bargaining on the middle class and work- which will be touched upon standoff would persist until the right direction to balance rights and they spent much of ing families is now indis- at this conference.” Democrats returned to the budget and reform gov- Wednesday again calling on putable,” Neuenfeldt said. A number of prominent Madison from their self- ernment,” Walker said in the Walker and Republicans to While talks had been going companies will visit campus imposed exile. statement. compromise. on sporadically behind the at the upcoming conference, “In 30 minutes, 18 state sen- The measure approved Senate Majority Leader Scott scenes, Republicans in the including Coca-Cola, ators undid 50 years of civil Wednesday forbids most gov- Fitzgerald said earlier that Senate also had publicly tried Microsoft, Nestlé and Levi rights in Wisconsin. Their dis- ernment workers from collec- Republicans had been dis- to ratchet up pressure on Strauss. respect for the people of tively bargaining for wage cussing concessions offered by Democrats to return. They In addition to raising Wisconsin and their rights is increases beyond the rate of Walker, including allowing had agreed earlier Wednesday awareness of company mal- an outrage that will never be inflation. It also requires pub- public workers to bargain to start fining Democrats $100 practice such as sweat forgotten,” said Democratic lic workers to pay more over their salaries without a for each day legislative ses- shops, the conference will Senate Minority Leader Mark toward their pensions and wage limit. Several GOP sena- sion day they miss. look at businesses’ role as humanitarians who are able to use some of their power to jumpstart impoverished nations. The United Nations’ deci- sion to hold the conference at Notre Dame is another cause for hope, Williams said. “Notre Dame strives to teach both the hearts and minds of students so they will be able to use their tal- ents to help others,” Williams said. “The United Nations finds our values con- gruent with their own.” The Mendoza College of Business has already imple- mented some of the values and deals to be discussed at the conference in its educa- tional program. “We require all of our undergraduate and MBA stu- dents to take an ethics course, which takes a closer look at some of the compli- cated problems going on in the business world,” Williams said. “We believe the purpose of business is to produce both financial and human value.”

Contact Adam Llorens at [email protected] The Observer Viewpoint page 6 Thursday, March 10, 2011 INSIDE COLUMN Deficit and debt What are you In the past few weeks, coverage of the nating the collective bargaining rights of nificantly, as more aging baby boomers ongoing labor dispute between Gov. Scott state workers will make it more difficult become eligible for social security and Walker of Wisconsin and the state’s public for them to obtain future pension and ben- Medicare, and as a result of the 2009 fighting for? sector employee unions has dominated the efit deals like the ones that contributed to health care law which expanded Medicaid headlines and editorial sections of news- the state’s present fiscal crisis, thus help- eligibility to 133 percent of the poverty All right, we’re guilty. Sometimes papers, talk shows ing to stabilize the long term finances of line, beginning in 2014. Spending of this we whine about working at The and websites Ryan Williams Wisconsin. magnitude is entirely unsustainable, and Observer; it often goes hand-in-hand throughout the In searching for creative solutions to Congress and state governments must be with our griping about the weather country. At issue in solve his state’s budget problems, Walker willing to take unpopular action in order and the weird this contentious freethoughts is joined by his counterparts in statehous- to restore a sense of balance to these things that go Allan Joseph debate is the right es across the nation, from New York to bloated disbursements. along with Notre Chris Allen of Wisconsin’s state California, Illinois to Texas, who all face Everything has to be on the table when Dame. But workers to collectively bargain for wages similarly desperate fiscal situations as they it comes to solving this predicament, sometimes we Assistant and benefits. witness the recession’s continuing negative including raising the retirement age, insti- get the opportu- Sports Gov. Walker, backed by Republican impact on tax revenues. Many of these tuting means-based testing, and reducing nity to be a part Editors majorities in both houses of the state legis- governors should be commended for try- the cost of living adjustment. Similarly, of something, lature, has proposed eliminating this right ing to responsibly trim down the size of when it comes to defense spending, it is even indirectly, that reminds us why and is asking state workers to contribute a state government by cutting wasteful time for the United States to listen to rea- we’re so lucky to be a part of this greater percentage of the health and pen- spending. Others have taken a far more son. Currently, U.S. defense expenditures University. sion benefits. On the other hand, severe and harmful approach to reducing account for 40 percent of total global mili- Over the past two months, we have Democrats and union members, while deficits, and are endangering the future of tary expenditures, six times more than the had the good fortune of organizing accepting the increased contribution the children of their states. next largest budget, that of the People’s the Observer’s coverage of Bengal requirements, have vehemently opposed Texas, a state that already ranks 49th in Republic of China. Bouts. It’s been a lot of work –– the effort to strip state workers of their SAT verbal scores and 46th in SAT math Do we really need to be spending $10 there’s no denying that. In getting to collective bargaining rights. They have scores, recently saw its governor, Rick billion on ballistic missile defenses that in know the boxers and going inside the staged massive overnight demonstrations Perry, propose to cut $2 billion more from 20 years haven’t ever worked once? How boxing club to learn about the moti- in the state capitol building and even, in his education budget. A similar slash-and- about $2 billion dollars annually for a fan- vations and backgrounds of the vari- the case of the Democratic members of the burn mentality has taken hold on Capitol ciful space laser program? Do we really ous fighters, however, we have been state senate, fled to Illinois to deny the leg- Hill, where enthusiastic new Republican need to maintain military bases in inspired. islature the ability to vote on the proposed legislators in the House of Representatives Germany or Portugal? Surely it is a sad It’s evident that this club is not one bill. Republicans argue that collective bar- have sought to enact tens of billions of dol- reflection on the state of our nation when that sees the support of the Holy gaining for public sector employees is an lars of spending cuts, to such worthy pro- government is willing to cut education Cross missions as a fortunate byprod- inherently flawed policy — they contest grams as food safety inspection, Pell spending before programs like these. uct of their fights. Everything they do that, while private sector unions are grants, food stamps and foreign aid. Our nation faces a massive fiscal crisis is imbued with a sense of purpose, a acceptable because they seek to bargain Efforts like these and those playing out that is going to affect our nation’s economy sense of being a part of something for a greater share of the profits of their in state capitals across the country aren’t for years to come. Our leaders in federal greater than oneself, and a sense of own labor, public sector workers create no addressing the true underlying causes of and state government are going to have to fighting for those who cannot fight profits, and so are merely trying to grab this nation’s fiscal crisis, because they make many tough choices about how and for themselves. an ever larger slice of taxpayer dollars focus solely on cutting non-defense, non- where to best allocate spending. Instead of These boxers take to heart their (ironically, a position shared by the great mandatory discretionary spending, which wasting valuable time and energy fighting motto: “Strong bodies fight, so that liberal icon Franklin Delano Roosevelt). constitutes only about 19 percent of the battles over collective bargaining and edu- weak bodies may be nourished.” Democrats see Gov. Walker’s bill as merely federal budget (and a moderately higher cation spending, they should be focused on Most telling were the interviews with the opening skirmish in a strategic war to share of state spending, but mostly fixing those programs that are true driving each one of the captains that formed whittle away the rights of all workers, because of the lack of defense spending in forces behind the deficit. Let’s hope they the basis of our feature stories in last public and private, to unionize. states). What’s more, they are consuming can acknowledge this fact and begin work- Friday’s paper. The captains spoke to In spite of these conflicting viewpoints, valuable political capital that ought to be ing to restore some common sense to our our writers with smiles on their faces the real driving force behind this debate is expended fighting for reform of that spending habits. and joy in their expressions that not a philosophical divide over the role of spending which is truly driving up the transcended boxing — they were public sector unions, but rather the need deficit — entitlements and defense spend- Ryan Williams is a sophomore. He can telling in words the stories of the to confront the stark reality that Wisconsin ing. In 2010, entitlement spending consti- be reached at [email protected] Holy Cross missions that they set out faces a massive budget deficit that voters tuted 55 percent of the federal budget, and The views expressed in this column are to tell every time they step between have made clear they want to see nearly 45 percent of many state budgets. those of the author and not the ropes and box. addressed. Gov. Walker reasons that elimi- These numbers are expected to grow sig- necessarily those of The Observer. For none of the captains is the box- ing club just a hobby — it is a way of life. Each one of the captains who had been to Bangladesh to visit the LETTER TO THE EDITOR mission called it a transformative experience and they meant it. Senior Mike Doran said it best; “A win in the ring is awesome, but there’s no bet- The Homer Simpson effect ter feeling than sending over a check for $150,000 that you know is going A few months ago, I found myself at a casino with some of my breed of primitive, persistently intoxicated mammals who only to change kids’ lives.” friends from high school, breathing in that unique casino smell of take occasional breaks from their daily routine of drinking, fight- The Bouts exemplify Notre Dame. body odor, cigarettes and shattered dreams. Upon finding that the ing, and making bad decisions in order to sleep and watch sports. They are truly a representation of only open seats for blackjack were located next to a chain-smok- Some might find this alarming, but my response is “So what?” what this University is about — using ing man with an exciting variety of prison tattoos and more poker I know that there are some “enlightened” men who like to sit our own personal talents to make the chips than teeth, my friends and I decided to wait it out and around cross-legged listening to indie music, comparing their world a better place. To bring about watch some TV instead. Playing at that moment was a commer- berets and complaining about “discriminatory gender portrayal,” this change through boxing — truly cial in which men leapt through their TVs trying to grab three but to these do-gooders I would suggest getting a sense of humor. one of the most physically demanding dimensional beer cans, causing a nearby man to casually remark, Quite frankly, watching men behave poorly on television is hilari- sports in the world — makes their “That’s just plain offensive.” ous, even if the joke is at our expense. Life is more fun if you can work all the more amazing. The Although I hadn’t really thought about it before, nowadays it learn to laugh at yourself, and so rather than get mad when men series of “What Are You Fighting truly is hard to turn on the television without seeing a commercial do stupid things on TV, I’ll continue to chuckle and tune in next For?” promotional videos put out by or show in which a man is doing something blatantly stupid. week, because a world without funny beer commercials is not a Notre Dame are taken literally in Most popular sitcoms, including classics like “The Simpsons,” world in which I want to live. Bengal Bouts — it begs any spectator seem to revolve around a rock-headed man who is consistently to consider whether they are in fact saved from his self-destructive antics by his wife or significant Dan Brombach putting their own talents to best use. other. It’s reached the point where I’m confident that an alien freshman We have been privileged to cover tasked with finding out all they could about men using only TV as Siegfried Hall Bengal Bouts over the past month, a reference would come away with the impression that we’re a Mar. 9 and to see firsthand the dedication it takes to fight for something you believe in. To the men and women who contribute to the mission of Bengal Bouts, from the co-presidents OBSERVER POLL QUOTE OF THE DAY on down, thank you for what you do. Thank you for giving this whole Notre Dame community a model of What are your plans for compassion to aspire to. Submit a Letter Spring Break? “I do not want people to be I'm going home agreeable, as it saves me the trou- The views expressed in the Inside Somewhere warms and sunny to the Editor at ble of liking them.” Column are those of the author and with friends Jane Austen not necessarily those of The Going on a service trip www.ndsmcobserver.com English novelist Observer. Contact Allan Joseph at Other [email protected] and Chris Allen at Vote by Thursday at 5 p.m. at [email protected] www.ndsmcobserver.com. The Observer Viewpoint Thursday, March 10, 2011 page 7 Zits, Mel Gibson and Ash Wednesday What do your first teenage zit, Mel point about marking our foreheads is now say more. We must note that Abraham’s and mercy? Gibson in Braveheart and Ash Wednesday obvious. The interesting question about humble confession is only half the truth, No wonder Isaiah will later bristle at the have in common? Ash Wednesday is not why we annually for the very same Genesis 2:7, which notes Israelites’ attempt to reduce their ashing Sometime between the ages of 9 and 13, mark ourselves with ashes. Human beings that God formed the first human being to mere self- effacement: “Thus says the deep inside of us, our bodies begin to mark the outer surfaces of their bodies from a heap of ash, continues, “… and Lord: Is this the manner of fasting I wish? change. The changes Lou DelFra with marks that signify interior realities then God breathed into the human being’s That a man bow his head like a reed and begin, not on the sur- all the time, both involuntarily through nostrils the breath of life, and the being lie in sackcloth and ashes? Do you call this face of our skin, but Faithpoint natural biological processes, and volun- became a living being.” Not mere dust and a fast? This, rather, is the fasting I wish: deep within our blood- tarily with everything from tattoos to ashes , but rather, as St. Paul writes, releasing those bound unjustly, setting free stream and hormones and glands. (I am designer clothes. “Within these earthen vessels, we contain the oppressed, sheltering the homeless talking science without a license here, The interesting question is: why ashes? a treasure.” And the treasure is nothing and clothing the naked when you see invoking freedom of the press and my What mysterious reality about ourselves, less that God’s spirit. them.” Program of Liberal Studies degree to talk utterly true but also deeply interior, invisi- Abraham, indeed, seems keen to the By now, Wednesday’s ashes have faded authoritatively about matters well beyond ble and always just out of reach, do we point, for immediately after acknowledging from our brows. Like the pimply signs of my understanding). Yet, of course, as is wish to mark by pressing ash to our fore- his humble origin, he begins to negotiate our adolescence, our Ash Wednesday obvious to us as we look back at our high heads? In our Scriptures, it is Abraham with God about the future of Sodom. In a marks eventually give way to a deeper school yearbook photos, at some point the who first confesses the seemingly devastat- truly startling scene for any God-fearing identity. We do not, after all, return merely outer surface of our bodies gives way to ing truth about humanity: “Forgive me reader, Abraham reminds God, who is to dust. On the other end of Lent awaits the biological and chemical forces swirling Lord, for I am nothing but dust and ashes.” about to wipe out the city, that He has the Resurrection, and the unleashing of within, and then zits happen! How can a It is a confession of his origin, recounted in claimed to be a just and compassionate the Spirit within us at Pentecost. Our deep- filmmaker convince the viewer of William Genesis 2:7: “Then the Lord God formed a deity, and wonders to the face of his est identity, Ash Wednesday reminds us, is Wallace’s passion for Scotland’s independ- human being from the dust of the ground.” Creator, “Will not the Just Judge of the that we are vessels of the Spirit. ence from England, a passion that smol- Abraham is manufactured from the dirt of World do what is right?” Before the ashes, upon our brows ders deep inside of Wallace, and will the earth, the same dirt where, elsewhere What kind of creature is this, who in one splashed the water and oil of our baptism, explode forth on the field of battle? in Genesis, God condemns the slithering breath acknowledges his most humble and which set us free from sin and death. Not The problem, of course, is that Wallace’s path of the serpent who tempted Eve. It is ephemeral nature, and in the next breath, ultimately bound by the ephemeral nature energy, his spirit, is invisible here, lost to a humble origin, to say the least. dares to remind his own Maker of the right of dust and ash, our lives in Christ are des- the naked eye. Yet nothing is more real, Abraham’s confession is, perhaps, an way to conduct His affairs? Could it be that tined for, in the last word of William more important to the movie, more driving instructive first Ash Wednesday, an outer in the exterior acknowledgement of this Wallace: freedom. in Wallace’s life and Scotland’s future. acknowledgment of what he knows in his profound truth about ourselves –– that we Thank God for facepaint! Smear Wallace’s heart to be true –– that his life is, at some are mere dust and ash –– a still deeper Fr. Lou DelFra is the director of Bible face in the colors of Scotland, and we cre- level, ash, and that his dusty beginning will identity is revealed? That into this dust studies for Campus Ministry and pastoral ate not only one of the iconic big-screen also be his dusty end. To mark our origin and ash, God has breathed God’s own director of the ACE program. He can be images of the last 20 years, but a visible and destiny as dust is a courageous divine spirit, and, as a result, we have reached at [email protected] sign of the deep, invisible forces at work acceptance of what is real and, ultimately, become nothing less than co-adjudicators The views expressed in this column are within his heart. beyond our control –– “we are dust and to with God, called to negotiate and work, those of the author and not Which brings us to Ash Wednesday. The dust we shall return.” And yet, we must with God in building a kingdom of justice necessarily those of The Observer. The implications of Lenten conversion LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Christian gospel is perceived as para- aspects of the spiritual life: discouragement. acy (we are, after all, the culture of the doxical, almost unrealistic, because it propos- Discouragement itself creates a vicious cycle microwave, the Internet, the iPad, and the Dear es a way of life which is not governed by the of failed attempts and dejection, which can drive-thru) and our hatred of ambiguity, we virtues so highly prized by our technocratic lead to despair. We cannot, and must not, try want to be and feel perfect right away. This is society: success, efficiency, immediate gratifi- to earn our salvation. Christ did that once for an occupation hazard, especially for recent cation and control. all. We must learn to humbly rely upon God's converts and persons returning from a Zahm The Christian Michael Heintz help so we transform through grace into the retreat experience. They have seen the gospel is not Guest Colum nist image of Christ, his Son. mountain-top, and they want to stay there. about success The second pitfall is the tendency to think Unfortunately, life almost never works that If you ever want to see your (gaze briefly at a that religion is a private affair between “me way. The first symptoms of spiritual aridity precious moose again, you crucifix for verification) it is highly inefficient, and Jesus.” This ingrained tendency of begin to “feel” less religious, less “spiritual.” will wire 50,000 flex points to frequently delays gratification and encour- thought undoubtedly has its remote origins in And after an attempt to become “Mother my account at the National ages us to relinquish our obsession with con- the rugged individualism which is part of Teresa” or “John Paul II” overnight, they Bank of the Maldives, trol to One whom we cannot see. American culture. While religious faith is and become disillusioned and discouraged. It is Account Number: 43.665- If unlearning ingrained habits and replac- should be quite personal, it is never private. best to look at our spiritual life more as a 110.718. ing them with new ways of thinking, feeling That is, our experience of Christian faith is continuum than “freeze-dried” moments of and doing is central to our faith “journey,” my mediated through a community of faith. This grace or sin. Spiritual life is about growth, so More De Grasta for us purpose is to point out three pitfalls of mod- is why there is RCIA; it involves the whole baby steps are more reliable than blind leaps. Knott Men. ern Christian living, which, in my limited parish or university community, not simply St. Thomas Aquinas observed that it is better experience, can have debilitating effects. Fr. Smith instructing Mr. or Ms. Jackson. That to limp along the right road than to run head- P.S. In no way shape or form is the above account The first unconverted tendency is to think is why very frequently Catholic children’s first long down the wrong road. And he was wise. number the latitudinal and that we “earn our salvation.” This may find penance is experienced as a communal cele- Realistic expectations about ourselves, and longitudinal coordinates of its roots in our American work ethic, as bration: there are, in a certain sense, no “pri- others, are essential as we seek to live in this your estranged moose. though our salvation is a commodity we can, vate” sins. While perhaps unknown to anyone world of ambiguity, complexity, and imperfec- with the right effort, acquire; it is as though else in the community, my sins nonetheless tion. In fact, we need to redefine spiritual life Nick Civetta we can somehow wow God by our behavior. have an impact on the community –– if I am from being searching for immediate perfec- Senior Unfortunately, Pelagianism is not a new idea. less of a person because of my sins, the whole tion to “learning to be imperfect well.” That is off campus Salvation is not something we can earn or community suffers because I am an integral why the image of the Church as a pilgrim is Mar. 9 achieve. part of that community. so apposite: we may not yet have arrived, but It is a grace, which means gift. Our task is Understanding our Christian faith as a we are certainly on our way. simply to receive it that way. I am not sug- social or even organic phenomenon is crucial. These are three significant challenges gesting we say, “I accept Jesus as my Savior,” Our experience of Jesus is, in fact, mediated which face us as we await the fullness of and think our work is done. Obviously, this through sacraments –– public and discrete God’s Kingdom, begun in Christ, but yet gift, offered by God in Christ, requires an rituals of the Church which bring us into con- unfulfilled. As we learn to live here as mem- active response of assimilation to him who tact with Jesus himself. That meeting place bers of his Kingdom, sharing in the truth he gave himself for us, indicated through how with Jesus is always within community; grace has revealed to us about ourselves, rather we live, behave, and choose. and requires a human or created agent. On a than accommodating the Gospel to our own Know But it is imperative to remember that the very practical level, we desperately need one limited and fallen imagination, we will, even initiative is on God’s side. God has to do most another: for support and for a shared sense if unawares, engage in evangelization. I am where the of the work; in fact, in Christ, he has already of what is true and good. not talking about the “in your face” tech- done so. Our task is to rely upon his grace as In fact, Christian hope envisions an eternal niques of overly argumentative people who moose is? we muddle toward his Kingdom for which we life with God which is intrinsically social –– it are more annoying than effective. By evange- pray, and, by our baptism, have also implicat- will not be “me gazing at Jesus,” but all of lization I mean the calm, steady and stable Submit a Letter ed. When we put the emphasis on our those who love God in communion with one behavior of a people who know they have strengths and abilities, we are bound to fall another in Christ. Heaven is innately social. found the Truth –– and love him. to the Editor at into one of two dead ends: Focus on personal Perhaps an apt metaphor for hell is precisely www.ndsmcobserver.com accomplishment, like the self-righteous and the opposite: if original sin is fundamentally Michael Heintz is the director of Divinity in judgemental Pharisees caricatured in the self-love, in hell we get exactly what we've the theology department. He can reached at Gospel, or forget we are bound for failure always wanted –– ourselves (and only our- [email protected] without His help when we put all the pres- selves) for all eternity: a grim prospect. The views expressed in this column are sure on ourselves. The third pitfall is to want to be perfect those of the author and not This leads to one of the most challenging “right now.” Rooted in our desire for immedi- necessarily those of The Observer. The Observer Scene page 8 Thursday, March 10, 2011

By TROY MATHEW Runners will receive a performance T- Also in the theme of improvement, Tate be present at the race to answer any Scene Writer shirt instead of a regular T-shirt, along hopes to heighten community involve- questions, fostering a highly interactive with coupons and promotions from the ment in this year’s Holy Half. The previ- donation experience. For Tate, the social Looking for substantial exercise, a race’s sponsors, which are still being ous four races donated proceeds to the service aspect of the race is truly evoca- great way to support the community or determined. Runners may also enjoy a Broadmoor Improvement Associaton, a tive of the Notre Dame community. possible lakeside entertainment from a unique form of race-time entertainment. cause devoted to rebuilding New Orleans “I feel like [the Holy Half] represents Mariachi band? Look no further than “ W e ’ r e after the destruc- what Notre Dame stands for. This is a big Notre Dame’s 2011 Holy Half Marathon. trying to get tion of Hurricane athletics school, and everyone is involved Its flyers advertise this year’s race as a Mariachi Katrina. The 2011 with that, so it has that aspect, but it also “bigger, better and holier” than ever. band to per- race has a more deals with social concerns which a lot of “We’ve added a lot of improvements form around local philanthrop- the students here find important,” Tate over last year. We’re trying to build this the lakes for ic focus. said. year’s race up as more of an event,” Holy r u n n e r s , “The three As a four-year runner and three-year Half co-director Gabby Tate said in an which I charities the race co-director, Tate traces her interest for interview with the Observer. think will be will support are directing the event back to her experi- USA Track and Field will certify the really fun. St. Adalbert ence as a freshman. 2011 Holy Half’s 13.1-mile route for We’re also School, Michiana “When I ran [the Holy Half] my fresh- accuracy in order to avoid an unforeseen working on Down Syndrome man year, I just thought it was a really mishap that occurred in the previous g e t t i n g and South Bend’s important and fun event,” she said. “That year’s race. things like Center for the really inspired me to take on more “Last year, there was some construc- water bot- Homeless. Each responsibility with the race. [Co-director] tion on campus we didn’t get notice of, so tles and JAMES DOAN/The Observer charity will be Sean Kickham and I have been involved the route ended up being shorter than b u m p e r manning a water ever since.” planned,” Tate said. stickers for the runners,” Tate said. station, so they really have a lot of The race will take place April 10 at 10 Changes have been added in order to Entertainment can be found in the live- involvement in the race,” Tate said. a.m. Participants can sign up for either make the Holy Half a more memorable ly student-runner crowd as well. Hyped Race participants will also have a the half marathon or 10K race. Runners and special experience for the runner as as a costume contest, the race spurs stu- unique method of donation. can register on the day of the race start- well. dents to get creative in their attire. A “The theme of this year’s race is ‘Who ing at 8 a.m., or by visiting nd.edu/~holy- “Last year I think we made some sacri- group of Waldos, a man in a Scooby Doo are you running for?’ and runners will half/ fices at the expense of the participants, so costume and a ghost, complete with a get to pick which specific charity their that’s something we’re trying to avoid for sheet over his head, were among last money goes toward.” Tate said. Contact Troy Mathew at this year’s race,” Tate said. year’s costumed participants. Representatives from each charity will [email protected]

Finishing the 13.1 miles of a half fancy new gear will spur you to go out will help you develop a consistent marathon can be a momentous and training more often to show it off. running pace that you will be able to exciting accomplishment — or pure maintain come race day. Running the torture for the unprepared. Follow Stick to your routine race itself with a friend or two will these tips to Everyone develops a routine keep you inspired as well and help ensure your through his or her training, and you to regulate your pace. However, if stride across Troy Mathew whether it’s a pre-race burrito or an you feel your friend is the proverbial the finish line intensive stretching regime, you need dead weight, you have my permission is a triumphant Scene Writer to stick to what works for you. While to guiltlessly leave him or her in the one rather a substantial meal rich in carbohy- dust. than an agonizing crawl. drates a few hours before the race is generally a good idea, there’s no one- The taper Create a shameless playlist Arguably the most important A good playlist is essential to part of a training routine, the maintain focus and energy taper is the period of time a throughout the race. Keep in week or two before the race mind, however, that “good” is where workouts gradually light- relative. Don’t be self-conscious en and physical activity greatly about your race-day music decreases. This period of time choices. If Miley or similar sick- allows your muscles to fully eningly-sweet pop music gets heal from the strain of running you amped, crank it up. The and conserves valuable energy purpose of the playlist is to keep for the big day. you motivated and block out the clomping feet and gasping lungs Dress for anything surrounding you during the The Holy Half takes place race, not to show off your Indie smack-dab in the middle of music cred. The running playlist spring, meaning the volatile can be considered a judgment- weather can range from bliz- free zone — unless of course zard conditions to balmy humid- your playlist contains JAMES DOAN/The Observer ity. Last year’s race was ideal Nickelback. In that case, I will judge size-fits-all, race-day routine. With running weather: dry and you heavily. that in mind, don’t get too caught up around 40 degrees. However, the in what information your frantic unpredictable conditions do not guar- Invest in looking legit Google search brings. Develop your antee the same will be true for this We’ve all seen the jeans-wearing own system and stick to what works year’s race. When in doubt, under gym goers, and we all know the dis- for your body. dress. The temperature will feel much dain they garner. These unfortunate, warmer once you start running, and and endearingly clueless, patrons of Find a Friend shedding layers of clothing during the the gym give us a valuable lesson: To the ultra-competitive Notre race is not always a possibility. avoid looking like a joke. Invest in Dame student, a place at the back of nice running shoes and clothes. Not the pack can be a source of much The views expressed in this column only will you look the part of a half- chagrin. Take advantage of this quali- are those of the author and not marathoner, but your quality gear will ty by training with a group. The necessarily those of The Observer. last you through the extensive train- group process will not only motivate Contact Troy Mathew at ing process and beyond. Plus, buying you to stick to your training, but it [email protected]

BRANDON KEELEAN I Observer Graphic The Observer Scene Thursday, March 10, 2011 page 9

There is no way to avoid pop music. It’s meeting with chums at Waddicks, one of of my friends share stalwart opinions as every second we are not asleep. When your ringtone. It’s on your iPod when you my friends expressed deep consternation they debated the poetic merit of Perry vs. those waking moments happen in the pub- walk to class. It pumps into your bathroom about the fact that Katy Perry’s song “Last Far East Movement. The music major in lic sphere, we are going to hear pop music while you shower. It plays constantly at Friday Night” is not as popular as, say, me had passed incredulity and ended and develop a relationship with it whether Waddicks, Sbarro and in your earbuds “Firework.” She was upset because, in her somewhere around mild mental engage- we want to or not. while you study. It opinion, the lyrics of “Last Friday Night” ment. This is pop music, I was thinking. So how does a pop song succeed in has become ubiqui- are far more interesting. Who on earth cares about the lyrics of pop worming its way into our ears 24/7? I tous within the “There’s a stranger in my bed/There’s a music, as long as you can sing along? think all a pop song needs is a good musi- undergraduate pounding my head/Glitter all over the This brings me to the tantrum of the day, cal hook and a dance beat. Au contraire, lifestyle. room/Pink flamingos in the pool/I smell like specifically the purpose of pop music and mes amis. As I found out, if you can’t sing But pop songs, a minibar/DJ’s passed out in the yard” are its necessary position within our 18- to 22- along to it — and enjoy singing along to it specifically those just a smattering of the lyrics my friend so year-old society. A pop song provides an — it’s going to fail. songs that are passionately defended as she read them in isolated event that, at any given moment, I come from a camp that considers pop undeniably “pop- declamatory fashion from her Blackberry. can surround us with memory and com- songs to contain the mindless dribble of ular” regardless Stephanie DePrez My other friend decided to step up to munity. We hear a song and think of where half-annunciated hipster-pop slang. But of musical merit defend a song he felt was far superior, we first heard it, when we memorized the apparently, I’m wrong. People listen to or your opinion, Scene Writer “Like a G6” by … do we even care? lyrics to it and who we were with when we lyrics and care about them, no matter how have a very “Poppin bottles in the ice, like a were dancing to it last weekend. It causes bad they sound during a dry-run recita- detailed role within our collegiate society. blizzard/When we drink we do it right get- immediate recall and emotional associa- tion. As displayed by the conversation I Their purpose, far and wide, is to create a tin slizzard/Sippin’ sizzurp in my ride, like tion, which in most cases brings up a posi- witnessed yesterday, lyrics matter. common touchstone of community that Three 6/Now I’m feelin’ so fly like a G6.” tive correlation. can be recognized and shared within any His argument seemed to center on the The second attribute of this banal beast The views expressed in this column are context, and the only way that happens is fact that “G6” remains focused on a singu- is that popular music can play alongside those of the author and not necessarily if the lyrics are good enough to be remem- lar topic, whereas “Last Friday Night” is our lives in literal soundtrack fashion. those of The Observer. bered. far too busy, lyrically. Apart from the moments we are in class, Contact Stephanie DePrez at Yesterday at my breakfast and coffee I sat in not-so-silent awe, watching two we can surround ourselves with music [email protected]

By CHRIS COLLUM an interview with the entertainment website However, it’s hard for Lupe to try capture might have the most irritating hook heard in Scene Writer Boxden.com last week, he went on the that sort of lightning in a bottle when paired quite a while, or “Break the Chain,” a record about “Lasers.” with artists like Trey Songz over beats that spacey number that just drags on and on. After over three years of silence following “One thing I try to stress about [Lasers] is, he didn’t even choose. For any other mid- Beyond that, there are about half a dozen his critically acclaimed sophomore album I love and hate this album,” Lupe said. “I lis- level hip-hop star, this album would work so-so tracks that would shine on most other “Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool” — a loose concept ten to it and I’ll like some of the songs. But perfectly well, but for Lupe it just sounds emcee’s albums, but coming from Lupe album following the inner-city exploits of a when I think about what it took to actually awkward. sound forced and somewhat distant. character named “The Cool” — Lupe Fiasco get the record together … I hate this album. Tense political verses have no place cou- Blaming Lupe for any of this seems unfair returns this week with “Lasers.” A lot of the songs that are on the album, I’m pled with a Skylar Green hook, such as in though, given his statements about But in those three intervening years, Lupe kinda neutral to … I know the sneaky busi- second single “Words I Never Said.” That “Lasers.” Let’s just hope that next time has hardly been sitting still. ness deal that went down behind this song, track is saved by some of Lupe’s best rap- around he’s working by his own rules, so He fought (and lost) a not-so-private battle or the artist or singer or songwriter who ping to date (see: one-liners such as “And that maybe we can get the instant classic he of wills with his label, Atlantic, over contrac- wrote this hook and didn’t want to give me this ain’t Jersey Shore / Homie it’s the news), still has in him. tual issues that resulted in the delaying of this song in the first place.” but just seems strange. The lyrics of the Contact Chris Collum at “Lasers” and the scrapping of his three- It is not often that an artist comes out so hook seem unrelated to the rest of the song. [email protected] album “LupE.N.D.” concept. Lupe also had publicly against his or her own album There is still room for some classic Lupe an original song featured on the “Twilight: before it is even released. Needless to say, on “Lasers” though. “Till I Get There” New Moon” soundtrack — one of the few this is far from a glowing recommendation sounds like a throwback to his debut album. ‘Lasers’ hip-hop artists on the soundtrack. for “Lasers.” “All Black Everything” shows the same kind These events, not surprisingly, baffled On the opener, “Letting Go,” Lupe echoes of social consciousness we have come to Lupe Fiasco some of his longtime fans who still thought these sentiments, sounding frustrated, even expect from Lupe. of Lupe as an “underground” rapper not caged as he raps “My self-portrait / Shows a Even on songs that Lupe has come out Label: Atlantic Records embroiled in major label shenanigans and man that the wealth tortured / Self- against, saying that he was practically Best Tracks: “The Show Goes blockbuster movie soundtracks. Naturally, absorbed with his own self” in the opening forced into recording over the track, he still On,” “Till I Get There,” “Words anticipation was high for “Lasers,” with bars before repeating “I’m getting out of kills it usually. Smash hit Modest Mouse- many fans fearing a contract-fulfilling cor- control” in the hook. sampling of the first single, “The Show Goes Never Said” porate byproduct. Unfortunately, a large This kind of back-against-the-wall desper- On,” is a stellar effort, and album closer portion of “Lasers” fits that description quite ateness fits very well given Lupe’s recent “Never Forget You,” while certainly different well. struggles, and it seems like it would be a for Lupe, is great as well, featuring a beauti- However, Lupe apparently still thinks of natural progression for someone cast so ful chorus from John Legend. himself as a less mainstream musician as abruptly out of the underground into the But then there are the painful-to-listen-to well — Atlantic Records thinks otherwise. In limelight. tracks, such as “State Run Radio,” which

BRANDON KEELEAN | Observer Graphic page 10 The Observer u CLASSIFIEDS Thursday, March 10, 2011

NCAA BASKETBALL Tourney format presents seeding challenges

Smith and the other nine com- games in Dayton, Ohio. Two violating NCAA rules. Tressel, want to ask questions about Associated Press mittee members. games will feature the bottom school officials said, waited the Ohio State University case. INDIANAPOLIS — NCAA They’ll spend the next five four seeds in the tourney more than nine months before Please, I ask that you be selection committee chairman days holed up in an while the other two will fea- notifying school compliance respectful. I’m here today as Gene Smith hopes he’s seen Indianapolis hotel trying to ture the last four at-large officials about his players’ chair of the men’s basketball the last of this week’s compli- find the 37 best at-large teams. involvement in selling signed committee. Those questions cations. teams — three more than pre- The NCAA has dubbed this memorabilia in exchange for are reserved for later days.” The Ohio State athletic vious years — and then seed group the First Four, though money and tattoos. Bear in mind, too, that the director is already dealing all 68 properly. those eight team probably will After that news conference, Buckeyes men’s basketball with a scandal in his own Nobody’s perfect, and it’s not feel the same way. Smith Smith drove from Columbus, team is currently ranked No. football program and a never easy, but this year’s has already prepared some Ohio, to Indy for the selection 1 and could wind up the tour- delayed arrival in selection process could be answers. marathon. ney’s top overall seed. Smith Indianapolis. Two committee more challenging and face “We will go through one Then, Wednesday morning, will need to leave the room members are also dealing more scrutiny. through 68 and we’re very while Smith was making his when Ohio State is discussed, with what Smith calls “signifi- Why? confident that the 35th, 36th, opening statement to per committee rules. cant” personal issues he did- The new format has created 37th slots that the at-large reporters, things went awry. But even without that, it will n’t specify and Wednesday’s added some different debates teams going to Dayton will be “We’re excited to select the be complicated enough trying news conference had techni- to the regular mix of who is in excited to go,” he said. “Every 37 at-large teams coupled to sift through all the data cal difficulties. and who is out. single year we evaluate what with the 31 automatic quali- and this week’s conference And Smith’s committee has- Some believe the Big East we did the previous year. fiers,” he said, before the tournaments to devise a 68- n’t even gotten to the hard should get a record 11 bids, Anything that we feel we need phone line went dead. team bracket everyone likes. part yet — selecting the first raising concerns about to modify based on that expe- Two or three minutes later, “Really, there’s 5,000 games 68-team field in NCAA tourna- whether the expanded field rience we’ll modify.” Smith was back explaining played throughout the sea- ment history. has simply become a way to Smith is getting pretty good what had happened and what son,” he said. “You might be “This committee is very get more teams from the six at adapting on the fly. he would and would not dis- able to have an impact in your close, very cohesive and we’re power conferences into the On Tuesday night, he cuss. first (tourney) game, maybe supported very well by the field. attended a hastily called news “Sorry we had some techni- your second game. The reality NCAA staff,” Smith said. “I’m Plus, Smith’s committee will conference to announce cal difficulties, we had to is that most teams that will be ready to roll.” likely face criticism about Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel move to a different room,” he advantaged by the tourna- This will not be just another which teams play in next had been suspended for two said. “I know there may be ment are those who come typical selection weekend for week’s four opening-round games and fined $250,000 for people out there who may through and win it.”

NCAA BASKETBALL Slighted Walker carries slumping Huskies to big win

should be more important.” nament, they were playing for Associated Press UConn had been struggling the conference championship NEW YORK — Kemba Walker coming into New York City, los- — including 2004, the last time keeps getting slighted by his ing four of its last five regular- the Huskies won the title. Big East brethren — and he season games. But with Walker “I would hope after these two keeps making everybody he putting together two masterful wins and coming in we have a faces pay for it. performances and the Huskies little momentum going, and we Walker scored 28 points in getting some inspired inside know who we’re facing,” another stellar performance play for the first time in weeks, Calhoun said. “We have a great Wednesday, leading the 21st- they appear capable of becom- opportunity to beat a terrific, ranked Huskies past No. 22 ing the first team to reach terrific basketball team in Georgetown 79-62 and into the championship Saturday after Madison Square Garden. conference tournament quar- starting off on Tuesday. What’s better than that?” terfinals. Walker had 26 points, seven Jason Clark had 23 points Many consider Walker a rebounds and five assists in and Austin Freeman scored 20 favorite for national player of their opener against DePaul. to lead the Hoyas (21-10), but the year honors, yet he wasn’t He only had 11 points at half- the backcourt duo combined to even a unanimous first-team time Wednesday, but dominat- go 2 for 13 from beyond the 3- All-Big East selection — at ed the final 20 minutes, eclips- point arc. They also got virtual- least one opposing coach left ing Richard Hamilton for fourth ly no production from Julian him off his ballot. And when on the school’s single-season Vaughn in the post. He was the conference announced its scoring list in the process. The scoreless in 12 minutes. player of the year Tuesday, it league’s second-leading scorer “We’re still a confident was Notre Dame star Ben has 748 points this season — team,” Freeman said. “We just Hansbrough who stepped up to with at least a couple games need to get back on track.” the microphone and accepted still to go. It would help if the Hoyas get the award. “We’re coming to play it all,” Chris Wright back for the “I think someone took a vaca- said Walker, who also had six NCAA tournament. tion and didn’t tell us and has rebounds and three assists The senior guard spent been gone five months. That’s against Georgetown. “Right another afternoon on the bench AP one theory of mine,” replied now we’re in a great situation. dressed in a suit, with a brace UConn’s Kemba Walker, left, celebrates with teammate Shabazz UConn coach Jim Calhoun, Pittsburgh beat us at on his broken left hand. He was Napier during the Huskies’ win over Georgetown Wednesday. when asked how Walker could Pittsburgh, and we want to hurt Feb. 23 at Cincinnati, and be overlooked among the five redeem ourselves, so we’re not coach John Thompson III has court, in every way,” Thompson before Roscoe Smith scored his best players in the league. going to let no fatigue beat us.” been hoping that Wright will be said. “The group that’s playing only basket to start a 22-7 “Whether we have a player of Yes, the Huskies get top-seed- available for the rest of the now, that played to today, has spurt for UConn. By the time the year or not,” Calhoun con- ed Pitt next. postseason. to be better.” Jeremy Lamb hit a 3-pointer tinued, “I think he’s the best The last three times the two “We miss Chris, absolutely, The teams were tied 15-all with 3:36 left, the Huskies had player in the country, and that teams met in the Big East tour- 100 percent, both ends of the midway through the first half, pulled ahead 37-22.

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NBA NBA Jackson sympathizes with Heat Rose leads Bulls behind the Heat. he’ll play in this week’s World Associated Press It’s a freefall, and the Heat Golf Championships-Cadillac MIAMI — It has come to this: know that when they lose Championship. to win over Bobcats Even Phil Jackson is offering a games, most of the NBA is “They are trying to jell and sympathetic word to the reeling thrilled. So Wednesday’s prac- obviously they are adding Miami Heat. tice wasn’t about licking pieces,” Woods said. “I mean, The coach of the two-time wounds, Spoelstra said. The as soon as they become more defending champion Los Heat needed to simply get back cohesive, they add (Mike) Angeles Lakers has taken plen- to work. Bibby, so it’s going to take a lit- ty of jabs at the Heat in recent “Less talk, more action,” tle time. They have 18, 19 months, over everything from Spoelstra said. games left in the season, some- how this roster was put togeth- Oh, there was plenty of talk- where around there. They have er, Erik Spoelstra’s job security, ing as well. plenty of time to turn it around and this week the already-infa- Miami lost to Portland 105-96 and get rolling for the playoffs.” mous episode dubbed on Tuesday night, after which The Lakers head into “Crygate.” Wade suggested he’d like to see Thursday as the league’s So on Wednesday, with the rotation changes and Bosh hottest team, winners of eight Heat in a five-game losing insisted he would be demand- straight. streak, Jackson stood on their ing the ball more often down But even the champs have home floor and had ample low. And on Wednesday, those had their issues at times this opportunity to poke Miami themes hadn’t changed much: season, mild ones anyway, with again. Spoelstra took the rare step of a four-game slide and a pair of He went the other way immediately watching three-game losing streaks on instead. Tuesday’s game in his office their resume. “From what I’ve heard, this afterward, and Bosh was plan- That last three-game slump team feels like they’re being ning to chat with Wade and ended with the embarrassing AP looked at to lose, or they’ve James. pre-All-Star-break loss in Charlotte guard D.J. Augustin is defended by Chicago point been hoped at to lose,” Jackson “We’re all in this together, but Cleveland. The Lakers haven’t guard Derrick Rose during the 101-84 Bulls win Wednesday. said before the Lakers prac- at the end of the day, we know lost since, with five of their ticed for their Thursday game what people are going to be eight victories since the break Brown swiped and hit him across Associated Press in Miami. “I know locally that looking at,” Bosh said. “And we ended coming by double digits. the chest. Boozer grabbed his leg can’t stand true, but nationally, know who’s going to get the fin- “The difference between us is CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Derrick as soon as he tumbled to the floor if that’s the case, it’s a burden ger pointed at them first. And that we all know what our roles Rose and Kyle Korver scored 20 before limping slowly to the to carry. And then those games rightfully so — we asked for are,” Lakers guard Kobe points apiece and the Chicago bench. that are dramatic become big- this, coming together, and we Bryant said. “They’re still try- Bulls pulled away in the fourth After being examined, it was ger than they really should be.” knew that coming into the situ- ing to figure that out.” quarter to beat the Charlotte determined he was unable to take That certainly seems to be ation. We take the responsibili- Clearly, that’s the case. Bibby Bobcats 101-84 on Wednesday the free throws and was helped to the case around Miami these ty of it. It is what it is, no mat- was added essentially in place night, a victory dimmed by Carlos the locker room. days. ter what we say, no matter of Carlos Arroyo at point guard. Boozer’s leg injury. Charlotte knows all about Not even two weeks ago, the what we do.” James Jones, Eddie House and Korver had 12 points in the final injuries as its season begins to slip Heat were in a virtual tie with Lakers forward Lamar Odom Zydrunas Ilgauskas have large- period and Joakim Noah added 12 away. Boston for the top spot in the said the Heat plight is one of ly fallen out of the rotation at points and 13 rebounds for the The Bobcats played a third Eastern Conference. Miami the biggest stories in sports times, and Miami’s bench is Bulls, who won for the 11th time straight game without their top hasn’t won since, falling to right now. Considering who struggling — getting outscored in 13 games and expanded their scorer Jackson (hamstring), and third in the East, 4½ games was offering opinions on the 41-8 by the Trail Blazers and a hold on second place in the 24th without sixth man Thomas behind the Celtics and two Heat a few miles away on stunning 149-51 in the last four Eastern Conference to 2½ games (knee surgery), despite coach Paul games behind the Chicago Wednesday, he may be right. games. over slumping Miami. Silas declaring both ready to play Bulls. Even the No. 3 seed in Tiger Woods — with his own “One thing for sure about this Boozer limped off late in the a day earlier. the East playoffs isn’t exactly winless drought to deal with — team, we won’t go down with- game after his left leg bent awk- Backup center Joel Przybilla assured, with Orlando starting weighed in on the state of the out a fight,” Ilgauskas said. wardly on a flagrant foul by was then scratched before the play Wednesday three games Heat from nearby Doral, where “And we’ll keep on fighting.” Kwame Brown and didn’t return. game because of increased pain in Gerald Henderson had 20 points his surgically repaired right knee. and eight assists for the Bobcats, And with guard Matt Carroll who played again without Stephen (ankle ) sidelined, Charlotte had Jackson and Tyrus Thomas in 10 healthy bodies. their sixth straight loss. Still, the Bulls took a while The Bobcats, the only sub-.500 before they wore down Charlotte. team to beat Chicago more than With former Bulls star and once this season, faded late before Bobcats owner Michael Jordan Brown’s foul sapped a joyous sitting courtside, Henderson did a mood for the Bulls. decent impersonation of his boss Boozer, who had 10 points and on a twisting reverse layup along seven rebounds despite early foul the baseline in a third quarter that trouble, was going in for a layup saw Charlotte take a 68-67 lead as Chicago led by 17 points when on another hoop by Henderson. page 12 The Observer N SPORTS Thursday, March 10, 2011

WOMEN’S ROWING WOMEN’S GOLF Irish to compete in Tenn. Team to travel to Hawaii

By CORY BERNARD over break for tourney Sports Writer

By LAURA COLETTI right around the green, and After several months off, the Sports Writer new renovations that were Irish are eager for the return of recently completed added a warmer weather and warmer few more different lies with a waters. Notre Dame will get both The No. 21 Irish travel to a variety of synthetic grasses Sunday when it travels to Oak warmer climate this Spring used.” Ridge, Tenn. to take on Alabama Break, as they head to Conway said the South Bend and Minnesota. Kaneohe, Hawaii for the Dr. winter does not affect the The Crimson Tide possesses Donnis Thompson Invitational. team’s performance. the advantage of climate, as they After a 10th-place finish at “We may not be able to play rowed outdoors in the colder the Central District outside,” Conway said, “but months when lakes and rivers Invitational Feb. 22, Notre our facility certainly allows us are frozen further north. The Dame is look- to stay in top Golden Gophers also present a ing for a form during the difficult challenge, having stronger per- rough South already defeated the Irish in a formance this “We may not be able to Bend winters.” few races at the Head of the time around. The Irish Rock Regatta in October. In the time play outside but our hope their Irish coach Martin Stone said since the facility certainly indoor facilities his squad is looking forward to TOM YOUNG/The Observer Central District allows us to stay in will allow them facing Minnesota again. The women’s rowing team, pictured above, will travel to Tennessee Invitational, to compete “I think they’re pretty solid,” he over break to compete against Alabama and Minnesotta. the Irish have top form during the against their said of the Golden Gophers. been able to rough South Bend opponents in “They got us pretty good up at certainly not be the same way,” Stone said. “Emily, work on their winters.” Hawaii. The the Head of the Rock so we’ll be throughout the season. Stephanie and Carol Ann really game in spite field of 19 interested to see how they race.” “We’re just kind of subjectively just epitomize what the whole of the weather teams includes Though forced inside for much putting people in boats based on senior class has done for this in Notre Katie Conway a number of of the offseason between the fall how we think they’ll race,” he program.” Dame’s state- senior captain t o p - n o t c h , and spring seasons, the Irish said. “I imagine things will The seniors will be expected to o f - t h e - a r t warm-weather delivered on some goals from change, though. We’ve been a lead their team in their quest for indoor facili- squads in No. 9 2010. Stone said the individual long time out of the water and the same goals the Irish have ties. Senior Arizona, No. 11 fitness aspect of winter workouts we still need to see how people always had. captain Katie Conway said that Vanderbilt and No. 16 Arizona has yielded some impressive perform.” “In terms of performance-type the team did not go on a train- State. results. The Irish will bring a few goals, every year you are expect- ing trip over the winter, but Notre Dame faces an entirely “I think we’ve accomplished a proven commodities to Oak ed first to compete for you con- they kept in prime form in new set of competition, as no lot of [our] goals,” Stone said. Ridge this weekend. Senior tri- ference title, and then the nation- spite of that. other team that played in the “We’re still doing testing this captains Emily Crosby, Stephanie al title,” Stone said. “I think it’s “We have one of the best first event, the Central District week. We’ve had some personal Gretsch and Carol Ann Michel all understood here.” facilities in the country,” Tournament, will also play in bests and people are working participated as members of the Notre Dame will remain in Oak Conway said. “The facility has the Dr. Donnis Thompson hard. I feel pretty good.” varsity eight boat in the fall. Ridge over Spring Break to train six hitting bays and a putting Invitational. According to Stone, boats have Stone said his squad can look to and will face Buffalo on Saturday green with eight holes cut sur- The Irish tee off on the yet to be finalized because his the entire senior class as models before heading home. Sunday’s rounded by synthetic rough Kaneohe Klipper course staff does not yet have adequate of success. action begins at 11 a.m. and different lies for addition- Monday. racing experience on which to “As a whole, our senior class al short game practice. determine groupings. He said the has done a wonderful job this Contact Cory Bernard at “We can really practice Contact Laura Coletti at lineups in Tennessee will almost year of doing everything the right [email protected] every shot imaginable from [email protected]

MEN’S TENNIS Irish face off against No. 11 Kentucky Wildcats

By ANDREW OWENS The contest will not count toward Sports Writer the team’s overall record, but the Irish still want to continue the strong play they have put forth in Fresh off the program’s biggest recent weeks. victory in nearly a decade, the No. “Our plan is to play the 25 Irish hope to carry that starters,” Sachire said. “We don’t momentum into their matches know the format yet — we don’t next week at the U.S National have to adhere to the typical for- Junior Team exhibition match mat. We’ll be taking 11 or 12 guys and a critical road trip to and want to get them all matches, Lexington, Ky. but if there is a limited number, Notre Dame (10-7) defeated No. the starters will play. If we can 6 Illinois, 5-2 Tuesday evening, get everyone to play, we will.” after failing to put together a From Boca Raton, Notre Dame complete match against a top will travel to Kentucky for a opponent earlier in the season. Thursday match against the No. “It was a big win for us,” Irish 11 Wildcats. associate head coach Ryan “They’re a really good team,” Sachire said. Sachire said. “They’re at the Prior to the match, Sachire same level as Texas A&M and identified two key components to Illinois, two teams we’ve seen this winning at the highest level in season. We just need to play the tennis, and said those factors will way we’re capable of playing.” determine their success next With the Big East champi- week as well. onships now less than two “The first is you have to play months away, Sachire hopes to well enough to put yourself in see the team play with some con- position to win,” he said. “And the sistency the rest of the way. second is having the mental “The same keys apply the rest toughness to finish.” of the year,” he said. “We need to There is no drop off in the tal- perform well at all seven avail- ent of the opponents the Irish will able positions where points are face next week. The team will available.” travel to Boca Raton, Fla. Tuesday for the U.S. National Contact Andrew Owens at Junior Team exhibition match. [email protected] Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Observer N SPORTS page 13

Notre Dame’s zone consists of tion at zones.” talented squads from several Villaflor has made an effort to Chiang schools, mainly within the Big make practice enjoyable by light- continued from page 16 East and the Big Ten. ening the mood in the locker “Our zone is one of the most room, recognizing that the sen- dives; we just need to make small competitive in the country, so iors are not guaranteed competi- changes in technique.” there will be a lot of talented tion beyond this weekend. Villaflor said the team gains divers at OSU,” Grossman said. “We range from some guys confidence from improving their “Overall it will be a tough meet, who are more serious to others individual dives. He stressed the as we have competed against who are more lighthearted. importance of displaying mental these divers at past invitational Personally, I’ve been trying to toughness in any high-pressure and championship meets.” keep it really lighthearted. I try meet. The men’s squad is excited to not to build up the pressure,” “After Big Easts we went to the compete against an elite Purdue Villaflor said. “It’s difficult basics to fix anything, all the diver with whom they have pre- because this could be the seniors’ minor stuff we could change. viously crossed paths in junior last two days of diving this week- We’ve been doing each of our David Boudia. end. You want to enjoy your weak dives that haven’t been “We’re competing with some of potentially last couple days of the going as well,” Villaflor said. the best teams in the country. season.” “[Improving] increases your con- Purdue is really good and The Irish divers will begin fidence. Your mental state is real- Indiana and OSU have one of the fighting for a trip to the NCAA ly important and how you actual- best teams we’ve seen. They meet when they travel to VANESSA GEMPIS/The Observer ly finish up. All four of us [men] have an Olympian at Purdue that Columbus Friday. Senior pitcher Brian Dupra prepares to deliver a pitch in an 8-6 have really been helping out dur- we’ve seen a few times,” Villaflor loss to Rutgers on April 10, 2010. ing practice, whether giving out said. “We’re all friends with each Contact Megan Golden little tips or whatever.” other, so it’s really great competi- [email protected] iors. Each member of the trio car- ries a sub-4.00 earned-run aver- Aoki age into the upcoming weekend. FENCING continued from page 16 As a group, the staff has displayed phenomenal control, walking just mates over the break. six batters in more than 60 innings “It’s really great. Just as the of work, something Aoki said the average student enjoys the break staff has learned with experience. Irish head to NCAA regionals from schoolwork and the academic “I think it’s just that they are element, it gives the players a older guys who understand the chance to get away,” Aoki said. importance of throwing strikes,” he By CONOR KELLY “It is our expectation and “Fencing is a very psychologi- “Also, it gives us a chance to expe- said. Sports Writer our hope to advance 12 cal sport. Being No. 1 does rience, hopefully, some nice weath- The slate of games will be a test fencers for each team,” Irish not mean that we do not have er which we don’t see a lot of in for the Irish, highlighted by a game assistant coach Marek to respect our opponent.” South Bend.” with ranked Coastal Carolina An undefeated regular sea- Stepien said. “This tourna- Months of hard training and The Irish are coming off a week- March 12. The Chanticleers (7-4) son comes to a head this ment features the top fencers focus will be tested during the end at the Winthrop Invitational in are coming off a dream season for weekend for Notre Dame, as in the east region of the two bookend weekends of Rock Hill, S.C. during which the the program in which the team both the men’s and women’s NCAA.” spring break, as both Irish team went 1-3 against foes went 55-10 before falling to even- squads each send a group to Though each athlete will teams look to continue a Winthrop and Manhattan. For the tual champion South Carolina in Detroit, Mich., for the NCAA compete as an individual, tremendously successful sea- second straight weekend, the Notre the NCAA Super Regional. Aoki regionals at Wayne State each fencer will play a role in son. According to Stepien, Dame offense failed to find the fire- said the stretch features a strong University. team play as Notre Dame however, this is the result of power it possessed during the sea- overall level of competition. The event serves as a quali- fights for a national champi- Notre Dame’s work ethic. son’s opening weekend. Though “The level of competition is pret- fier for the NCAA champi- onship. Each team is ranked “They all focus and train freshman first baseman Trey ty darn good. First you have UAB, onships, which will take place No. 1 heading into regional very hard,” Stepien said. Mancini’s .323 batting average to which is a team that’s on a long the following weekend at Ohio play, and a national champi- “They want a championship.” go along with five extra-base hits winning streak. Coastal Carolina is State in Columbus, Ohio. onship is within sight. The NCAA regionals compe- — including two homeruns — has a team that’s fresh off playing in a Each Irish team sends 12 That, however, is no reason tition begins Saturday at been a bright spot, the team’s bat- super regional last year and they athletes, four in each disci- to be overconfident going into Wayne State. ting average has dipped to .242 on started the season with a ranking pline, to the regional champi- the postseason, Stepien said. the season. Aoki said the team is in the teens. Kent State is a team onships. The coaching staff “The fencers have to be Contact Conor Kelly working hard in practice to get with a bunch of solid players, and expects each fencer to qualify. very careful,” he said. [email protected] back on track at the plate. UTSA just gave [No. 12] Texas all “I think you have to stay pretty they could handle in a game optimistic. The guys have been [Tuesday night],” he said. “I’d say working hard at it, trying to make it’s a pretty good level of competi- a few adjustments here and there,” tion.” he said. “Obviously, the at-bats The team first takes the field at were pretty good against Purdue 11 a.m. Saturday against UAB, and Penn State the first weekend. before facing Coastal Carolina later Then the next weekend against that day at 2:30 p.m. The Seattle we struggled. It’s very much Invitational wraps up with a a work in progress.” matchup against Kent State at 11 One constant for the Irish thus a.m. Sunday. far has been the pitching of week- end starters Brian Dupra, Cole Contact Chris Allen at Johnson and Todd Miller — all sen- [email protected] page 14 The Observer N SPORTS Thursday, March 10, 2011

months behind the team, much has changed on both squads. In Contest particular, a new goaltender has continued from page 16 revitalized the Lakers. “Ever since they put the fresh- regular season contest, a home man [Kevin] Kapalka in goal, defeat at the hands of Western midseason or so, they’ve been a Michigan, 2-0, Feb. 26, which pretty good hockey team,” prevented the Irish from captur- Jackson said. “They’ve had good ing the CCHA regular season success defensively. He’s definitely championship. Though the Irish made a difference for their team.” have moved on from the loss, they While the length between are still looking to use lessons games will change things from from it for this series. the first two contests the teams “At home against a team like played against each other, there is Western Michigan — they had a one more factor: It’s the playoffs. lot on the line just like we did. “It’s do or die. It happens at That’s playoff hockey, and we’re every level, once you get to the going to have to be prepared for playoffs, guys get to a new gear, games where the visiting goal- and it’s just a lot more intense tender is playing extremely well,” and a lot more physical,” Johnson Irish coach Jeff Jackson said. said. “The speed’s faster. It’s more “We’re going to have to avoid fun to play in the playoffs, just frustration and certainly play because of all those factors.” more disciplined.” Regardless of the series result, Though penalties taken is one the games will mark the last time thing the Irish hope to improve, the Irish hockey team will play on one constant lately has been Joyce Center ice since joining strong goaltending, with both Division I in 1968. Notre Dame sophomore Mike Johnson and will move into the brand new freshman Steven Summerhays Compton Family Center next sea- playing well in recent weeks. son. Johnson will continue to be the Though the memories will be No. 1 netminder, with bittersweet, the Irish are focused Summerhays another viable solely on winning the games at option. hand. “Mike’s the guy I’ve looked “I think it’s going to be a tough towards as being the more expe- weekend,” Johnson said. “But rienced guy in this situation,” hopefully we can have some suc- PAT COVENEY/The Observer Jackson said. “But Steven certain- cess if we do the right things and Senior forward Cale Ridderwall skates up the ice during Notre Dame’s 2-1 win over Bowling ly played well enough in the last stick to our game plan.” Green Feb. 11. The Irish will play Lake Superior State in the CCHA playoffs this weekend. six weeks that, if necessary, he’ll Notre Dame takes on Lake be in there. It depends on if it’s a Superior State at 7:35 p.m. two or three game series.” Friday, 7:05 p.m. Saturday and, if Michigan team they had the first game of the series, The Irish and Lakers have met necessary, 7:05 p.m. Sunday at Playoff already beaten twice to earn are they going to be able to up once before in a series this the Joyce Center. continued from page 16 the crown. It was the final come back and win two in a season, with Notre Dame picking regular-season game in Joyce row? up a pair of 4-2 victories Oct. 14 Contact Sam Gans at growing pains. Freshmen are Center history, and a vocal These questions won’t stop and 15. But with those games five [email protected] expected to tighten up on the crowd was on hand to witness bothering me. I hope the big stage and on the road in what should have been a title freshmen aren’t starting to places like North Dakota’s celebration. feel the heat. This team has Ralph Engelstad Arena Instead of a celebration, played too well for too long for SMC SOFTBALL (capacity 11,640), Michigan’s however, the fans were left this season to come to a quick Yost Ice Arena (capacity only with disappointment as end. Yet, if the young guys 6,637) and Miami (Ohio)’s Notre Dame came out flat and don’t focus on the playoff Steve Cady Arena (capacity dropped a 2-0 decision to the games at hand, that’s just Belles to begin season 4,000). This team struggled a Broncos. Michigan’s 5-0 victo- what could happen. If the couple times in those places, ry gave the Wolverines the problem is focus, it’s fixable. If to be sure, but in those six regular-season crown and the the problem is pressure, it intimidating away games, they top seed in the playoffs. might not be. with Florida tourney went 2-3-1. That’s a pretty The Irish can only hope that I’m still an optimist about good performance for a team game was an aberration. Irish this Notre Dame team. With a full of young guys. coach Jeff Jackson said his really solid group of leaders would be crucial to the team’s They were loose and care team got caught looking ahead and arguably the best coach in By KATIE HEIT success this season. free all season long, oblivious to the playoffs. I want to the country behind the bench, Sports Writer “I think our biggest problem to the pressures of playing believe him, and I think I do. they could certainly make a is we fall short,” Bojorquez with a top-10 ranking and the There’s just this sinking feel- run to the Frozen Four. It said. “We wait a little too long CCHA lead. They had no mem- ing. wouldn’t surprise me at all. With Belles coach Erin to make key adjustments. Every ory of the disappointment of Playing at home in front of a It’s hard for me to believe Sullivan leading the way, the time we play in our season, we last season, and a core group sellout crowd in the Joyce the Irish only lost because team is ready to begin its sea- play double headers. In the of seniors in Joe Lavin, Calle Center’s last game for a title, they didn’t focus against son with a Spring Break tour- past we have struggled to make Ridderwall, Ryan Guentzel and the Irish get caught look- Western Michigan. I just hope nament in Fort Myers, Fla. adjustments right away and and Ben Ryan guided the team ing ahead? To what? I’m wrong. Since becoming head coach at instead wait until the second to the brink of a conference In any case, going down 2-0 Saint Mary’s, Sullivan has time around to get it right.” title. With only one regular- in the first period should have The views expressed in this helped her teams clinch five Bojorquez said the inability to season game remaining and a been enough of a wake-up column are those of the author consecutive seasons with 20 or make adjustments in prior sea- one-point lead over Michigan call. Is Notre Dame going to and not necessarily those of more wins. sons has had a dramatic affect (playing on the same day), the drop the ball again this week- The Observer. But she won’t let it go to her on the team’s results in confer- Irish simply had to win once end because they were looking Contact Allan Joseph at head. ence play. more against a Western ahead to Detroit? If they lose [email protected] “I’m just making sure to focus “I think that has been a huge on the small successes we have factor in why we have not been and not worry about anyone able to win our conference, else,” Sullivan said. “We cannot which is our ultimate team control what our opponents do goal,” Bojorquez said. “We ... we only control what we do.” don’t fix what needs to be fixed With 10 games scheduled early on so it hurts us in the through five days of the break, end. This year we are looking the team will face a range of to improve on that.” opponents. No matter what happens next “I'm not worried about any week, Sullivan said she would team in particular,” Sullivan be satisfied if her team per- said. “These games are all forms at the highest level it important to us as they give can. great feedback on how pre- “The best thing about our pared we are at this stage of sport is you always have a our season.” chance to come back,” Sullivan Junior Kate Mitchell said she said. “That will to win and suc- is eager to start the season. ceed is what will determine our “The good thing about our success. Success for us isn't tournament in Florida is that about winning every game, it’s we don’t really know much about playing the best we can about our opponents,” Mitchell play and being a team through- said, “It’s beneficial because we out the highs and lows.” learn to make adjustments The Belles open their season within the moment.” Sunday against SUNY Senior captain Hayley Brockport at 9 a.m. Bojorquez said her team’s abili- ty to make last-minute adjust- Contact Katie Heit at ments against the opponents [email protected] Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Observer u TODAY page 15

CROSSWORD WILL SHORTZ HOROSCOPE EUGENIA LAST

PLEASANDVILLE JEFF KNUREK JAMES SOLLITTO, CODY ECKERT and JOHN FLATLEY JUMBLE MIKE ARGIRION

THE MATING RITUAL SCOTT MITCHELL and MATT MOMONT

Make checks payable to: The Observer THE OBSERVER and mail to: P.O. Box 779 Notre Dame, IN 46556 Published Monday through Friday, The Observer is a vital source of information on Enclosed is $130 for one academic year people and events in the Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s Community. Enclosed is $75 for one semester Name ______Join the more than 13,000 readers who have Address ______found The Observer an indispensible link to the City ______State ______Zip______two campuses. Please complete the accompa- nying form and mail it today to receive The Observer in your home. The Observer Sports Thursday,Friday,Day, Month January March XX, 21, 200510, 2010 2011 page 162028

HOCKEY Playoff pressure Notre Dame takes on Freshman-laden roster Lake Superior State in creates uncertainty as CCHA tournament postseason play begins

Less than a month ago, I was By SAM GANS supremely confident this Irish Sports Writer team would win the regular- season CCHA title, storm After a one-week hiatus, Notre through the league playoffs and Dame returns to home ice this claim anoth- weekend for a second round er trophy in CCHA playoff matchup against Joe Louis Lake Superior State in the final Arena — round of hockey games that will making a ever be played at the Joyce serious run Center. at another The No. 8 Irish (21-10-5, 18-7- Frozen Four 3-2 CCHA), who earned a first appearance. Coming into round bye after finishing second Allan Joseph in the conference, will battle the this week- Lakers in the best-of-three series end’s play- off-opening for the right to move on to the Sports Writer CCHA semifinals at Detroit’s Joe series Louis Arena March 18. LSSU (12- against 15-9, 8-12-8-5), the CCHA’s No. 8 Lake seed, advanced to the second Superior State, however, I have round after sweeping Ohio State no idea what to expect. last weekend. Notre Dame’s a freshman- Notre Dame will look to laden team, which usually rebound after falling in its last SUZANNA PRATT/The Observer means there will be some Freshman goalie Mike Johnson defends the net for the Irish during a 2-1 win over Bowling Green see CONTEST/page 14 Feb. 11. Johnson totalled 21 saves on the night. see PLAYOFF/page 14

ND SOFTBALL Squad to travel to California for invitational tourney

midseason tournament, it is the per- Washington and No. 6 Michigan. ing great together and going up,” as well as a school rivalry with By JACK YUSKO fect opportunity to gauge where the In addition, recent injuries have Clay said. “We haven’t peaked yet, Michigan. We’ve met them in the Sports Writer team stands at this point in the sea- benched a few key players, and the which is a good thing as we can con- post season the past three years and son, said senior catcher Alexia Clay. team was dealt its first two losses tinue to improve until the regional lost each time, “Clay said. “It’s a bit As Spring Break approaches, the “This tournament is a great last week at the Diamond 9 Citrus hump later in the season.” of a sore spot and we’re ready to get Irish are preparing to head for opportunity to see where we need to classic. With the postseason nearing, the some revenge.” warmer climates — but the next be and if we’re there yet,” Clay said. Yet even with such a rigorous Irish are grateful for the chance to The Irish hope to build upon the week will be anything but relaxing. “We look forward to this tourna- schedule and couple of setbacks, the face solid competition before the winning streak that began last The team is headed to the Judi ment every year as there are always team maintains confidence. The conference tournament, as few reg- weekend as they spend the break in Garman Classic in California, an tough teams to beat and good soft- Irish came off their two consecutive ular season games remain against California playing some of their annual tournament hosted by Cal ball to be played.” losses with a three-game winning ranked opponents. stiffest competition yet. The team State Fullerton that attracts many The tournament will indeed be streak to finish out the invitational Clay said she is especially looking kicks off the tournament against top-25 softball teams from across tough. This year, the Irish (12-2) will and Clay believes things are looking forward to playing Michigan in a Oklahoma Wednesday at 4 p.m. the nation, including eight former play No. 10 Oklahoma, Cal State up. renewal of the traditional rivalry national champions. Fullerton, No. 17 Louisiana- “We’ve had a few injuries lately between the two schools. Contact Jack Yusko at Widely considered the premier Lafayette, New Mexico, No. 5 but have adjusted well. We’re play- “We have a bit of a softball rivalry [email protected]

BASEBALL ND SWIMMING & DIVING Team to head south for break Irish to send swimmers By CHRIS ALLEN to NCAA qualifiers Sports Writer

The Irish bats have gone cold in By MEGAN GOLDEN Villaflor and [sophomore] Ryan their past six games, but the team Sports Writer Koter on the men’s side. This will head to warm climates and try may be one of the best teams our to get hot at the plate as they play The final practices are in the program has had,” she said. eight games in nine days over books, and the Irish are pre- Chiang said she and Grossman Spring Break. pared to extend the seniors’ final have worked the past several Notre Dame (4-6) will compete season by bringing a solid per- weeks to perfect their dives for against UAB, No. 24 Coastal formance to the NCAA Zone the qualifying meet. Carolina and Kent State in the qualifying meet in Columbus, “In preparing for big meets, Caravelle Resort Classic in Conway, Ohio. our practices usually change S.C., and against Iowa and Eager to earn her spot in the from doing a high quantity of a Gonzaga in the Irish Classic in San NCAA meet, sophomore Jenny specific dives to about three to Antonio. The team will also face off Chiang said the Irish are confi- four each of multiple categories against Texas-San Antonio in a dent in the two women and four of dives and focus more on quali- regular game between the two men from Notre Dame who will ty,” Chiang said. “This way we tournaments. be competing in the zone meet. are able to practice all the dives Irish coach Mik Aoki said it “I think we have a very strong we will be competing in the meet would be beneficial for his team to team between [senior] Heidi because by now we don't need to hit the road and play in warm cli- VANESSA GEMPIS/The Observer Grossman and I on the women’s be making big corrections on Notre Dame celebrates after a game against Rutgers April 9, 2010. side and [senior] Eric Lex, see AOKI/page 13 The Irish will play at South Carolina and San Antonio over break. [senior] Nate Geary, [senior] Wes see CHIANG/page 13 page 2 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER Thursday, March 10, 2011 Unexpected rise Irish enter Big East as No. 2 seed could be prelude

Three years ago, Ben For the first time in recent Hansbrough was toiling away memory, Notre Dame did not unhappily at Mississippi State. suffer an embarrassing loss Less than five months ago, this season. Granted, all five of Big East coaches not only left its losses came by margins the Irish which could qualify as eye- senior sores — at an average of 16 guard off points per loss — but each of the those losses also came on the Preseason road, against NCAA tourna- All-Big East ment-bound teams. Thus, it is First Team, realistic to presume the Irish they did not will avoid an embarrassing even grant upset against an opponent him honor- Douglas Farmer akin to Old Dominion or able men- Winthrop, as they have in the tion status. past. Tuesday, Sports Editor Another change from years those same past is that Notre Dame has coaches proven it can win games when named Hansbrough the Big its 3-point shooting does not East Player of the Year, after show up on a given night. In unanimously naming him to back-to-back games at the Old the All-Big East First Team on Spice Classic in November, the Sunday. Irish shot a combined 5-of-34 Three years ago Notre Dame from deep, yet still prevailed finished 10th in the Big East, over Cal 57-44 and Wisconsin and ended the season with a 58-51. At some point in the loss to Penn State in the NIT coming tournaments, fourth- semifinals. year forward Tim Abromaitis’ Less than five months ago, shot will not be falling. This is the Irish finished seventh in a Notre Dame squad that can the Big East preseason coach- survive such a drought. es’ poll, five spots behind The Irish also know how to SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer Villanova. slow down their fast-paced Irish freshman guard Eric Atkins drives past Marquette sophomore guard Junior Cadougan in Now, the Irish enter postsea- offense. Though Notre Dame Notre Dame’s 80-75 victory over the Golden Eagles Jan. 22. son play after finishing second put up 93 points to topple vival’ in this league and get- believe … his team doing in the Big East and No. 4 in the then-No. 19 Villanova on Feb. By MIKE GOTIMER nation’s final polls. 28, it also held itself to 56 ting one of the bids, and then things is something he wants Sports Writer Unexpected rises seem to be points in a 56-51 victory over once we get to nine [Big East to remember and put his mark the theme to Notre Dame’s then-No. 2 Pittsburgh on Jan. wins], then I start thinking on as he goes on to play in the season: to the extent that 24. After completing one of the about gravy or dessert or NBA and comes back to Villanova would have needed The security blanket known best regular seasons in school whatever,” Brey said in his reunions, et cetera.” to win two games in order to as Brey’s ‘burn’ offense allows history, No. 4 Notre Dame March 2 teleconference. The Irish are certainly off to face the Irish in the Big East Notre Dame to enjoy whatever heads to the Big East “Certainly the way we won, an auspicious start in New quarterfinals tonight. Alas, the tempo its opponent brings to Championship as the No. 2 the different ways we won, the York, but they would undoubt- Wildcats couldn’t even beat the court. Whether facing a seed in the conference and guys that helped us win in edly like to return to South South Florida Tuesday, further high-flying Kansas or a plod- looks to take the first step in Orlando got me energized Bend with a conference cham- skewing the preseason prog- ding Purdue, the Irish will having one of the program’s coming out of there that, you pionship to go along with their nostications. have options. best postseasons ever. know, we could be pretty darn individual accolades. While Only two questions remain: But the most encouraging In what is arguably the good. We were better earlier the Irish have played in the How high can the Irish rise? difference between this version strongest conference tourna- than I thought we would be — Big East semifinals before, And will Hansbrough and of Notre Dame and the ones ment in NCAA history — which I thought we’d be good — but including a 53-51 loss to West Notre Dame end up flying too previously seen did not reveal boasts a field that includes as certainly once you get moving Virginia last year, they’ve set close to the sun? itself until the final regulation many as 11 teams that could toward eight or nine [confer- their focus on reaching the The Irish last tasted a top- game — a 70-67 victory over make the NCAA Tournament ence wins], then you start program’s first championship five ranking in January 2003 then-No. 16 Connecticut. When — the Irish (25-5, 14-4 Big wanting to be greedy. game. after opening the season with Hansbrough fouled out with East) earned a double bye and “Obviously the pattern of the “The one thing we talked 12 wins in their first 13 games. more than eight minutes left, it will open up action in the league when we got out of about even back in the fall and This season, an identical start seemed that sans their cata- quarterfinals, which is crucial [facing Marquette and I talked about it over the sum- only carried Notre Dame to the lyst, the Irish would fold. in a conference that boasts Pittsburgh back-to-back] and mer was our program, we’ve No. 15 slot in the polls. Instead, Notre Dame rose nine teams ranked in the then we had that nine-day gotten an identity and a A late-season, three-game without its leader. ESPN/USA Today top-25, seven gap, you know the skies kind respect and a rhythm in this swoon dropped the 2003 Irish Already this season, the Irish of whom also appear in the of opened up where you could league now, and we’ve played into a No. 5 seed for the NCAA defeated two top-20 teams Associated Press’ top-25. frame it as chasing down the on Friday night here in New tournament. Mike Brey’s cur- while senior forward Carleton While Notre Dame was not leader of the league,” he said. York in the semis, but our pro- rent squad only lost consecu- Scott rode the bench nursing a left for dead at the beginning Although Brey picked up gram’s never played on tive games once, and thus, sore hamstring, and Notre of the season, few had high another prestigious honor, he Saturday night,” Brey said to could face a No. 16 seed in the Dame rallied to the upset at expectations for the Irish after was not the only member of bigeast.org after receiving his NCAA’s opening round. Pittsburgh without Abromaitis the departure of starters Luke the Irish to win one of the Big Coach of the Year award. “And The most unexpected aspect attempting a single field goal. Harangody and Tory Jackson, East’s top-four awards. I verbalized that — I haven’t of this rise is that Notre Dame The Irish can truly win no and the Big East coaches Fourth-year forward Tim talked about the NCAA brack- deserves a No. 1 seed. matter who does not show up picked Notre Dame to finish Abromaitis was named Big et, I haven’t talked about any- But can these Irish handle on any given day. Combine seventh in the 16-team league. East Scholar Athlete of the thing but, ‘I wonder what it such accolades, or will no that with consistent perform- Four short months later, how- Year, and senior guard Ben would be like to play on longer being the underdog and ances no matter the opponent, ever, the Irish find themselves Hansbrough became Notre Saturday night at the Garden,’ instead being the focus of con- an independence from the 3 ranked in the top-five of either Dame’s first Big East and I think this group has versation backfire and Ben, and a varied offense, and per- poll for the first time since the Conference Player of the Year embraced that and we’re Brey and the boys? haps this is finally the year for 2002-03 season, which was winner since Harangody won [going to] try like heck to get No matter how much fans — a deep Notre Dame run. the last time Notre Dame the award in 2008. to that.” and columnists — speculate, reached the Sweet 16 of the Hansbrough’s win marked the Notre Dame finds itself on a no one can know for sure how The views expressed in this NCAA Tournament. This time second time that Brey won favorable side of the bracket Notre Dame will handle the column are those of the author around, the Irish are one of Coach of the Year honors in to accomplish that goal as the heat, but certain indicators and not necessarily those of the favorites to win the Big the same season that the Irish Irish boast a 6-2 record should fill Irish fans with confi- The Observer. East Championship and boasted the conference’s top against the teams they could dence as St. Patrick’s Day Contact Douglas Farmer at remain in contention for a player. Brey said he believes potentially play before approaches. [email protected] coveted No. 1 seed in the that his star guard will enjoy Saturday night’s final. The NCAA Tournament. the individual accolades but other double bye on their side Irish coach Mike Brey, who would rather see his team suc- is No. 3 seed Louisville, who won his third Big East Coach ceed. the Irish beat 89-79 in over- of the Year award in the last “I think individual honors time Feb. 9. In Notre Dame’s five seasons Tuesday, recog- for Ben … and you know you first game, however, the Irish Follow The Observer nized his team’s potential probably say, ‘oh BS,’ but you will face No. 7 Cincinnati or early in the season with its guys have been around this No. 15 South Florida. Sports on Twitter win in the November’s Old psyche now for a while and The Irish will tip off at Spice Classic and is more than you’ve been around it this Madison Square Garden thrilled with how the season year — it’s pure in wanting his tonight at 7 p.m. on ESPN. @NDObsSports has progressed in the vaunted team to win,” Brey said. “It’s Big East. extremely pure, it started Contact Mike Gotimer “I always go in thinking ‘sur- back in June, so I firmly [email protected] Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER page 3 Back to the Big Apple Irish senior forward Tyrone Nash fulfills childhood dreams of playing in Madison Square Garden

“Those past players motivate point, 11-rebound effort By ANDREW GASTELUM me,” Nash said. “I have a against then-No.19 Villanova Sports Writer bunch of old Michael Jordan on Senior Night. videos. I used to watch tapes of Following Nash’s lead, the Almost two decades ago, Dr. J, Grant Hill and all those Irish are 21-1 when they out- Tyrone Nash crossed a busy guys over and over again. rebound their opponent and Eighth Avenue in downtown Then I would go and try to do 15-1 when Nash scores in dou- New York, clenching his what they did on my Fisher ble figures. He has helped to father’s hand. Dodging the Price hoop with a rubber ball. build a plus-5.1 rebounding traffic, Nash couldn’t have That’s where my basketball margin over opposing teams been happier. His eyes twin- career started.” on the season. Nash has done kled in front of the magnificent Nash has come a long way this while also guarding colos- palace in front of him, for he from the hoop on the back of sal centers that outsize his 6- was there to see his favorite his door, as the experienced foot-8 frame. player take on his favorite senior is a key part of No. 4 “It is a different task every team in America’s sports Notre Dame’s run this season. day,” the forward said. citadel. With the Irish’s 70-67 win at “Sometimes I have to guard “My first [Knicks] game was Connecticut Saturday — where the biggest guy on the court, seeing Michael Jordan kill us he had 13 points and five but then again he has to guard at the Garden,” said Nash, rebounds — Nash became the me on the offensive end too. I Irish senior forward and all-time winningest player in just try to use my speed and Queens native. Notre Dame quickness and make his life “I was four basketball his- hell when he has the ball. It’s years old and tory with 94 good that I can be versatile my dad took “It is a story that I can wins, passing and guard the big men but me. I’ll never tell my grandchildren the mark Tory then go out there and guard forget it.” Jackson and the guards. It’s definitely an That is where when I get older: That L u k e asset to my game.” the dream granddad is part of Harangody set After he rips away a rebound began for Nash. the winningest class in last season. from his bigger opponent, the He grew up in “It is a story senior often brings the ball the shadow of Notre Dame history.” that I can tell down the court himself to set the Garden with my grandchil- up the offense, something that a fantasy that Tyrone Nash dren when I get he picked up as a hybrid star all New Yorkers Irish forward older: That in high school. share: to play granddad is “I was like a guard-forward,” there. But Nash part of the win- Nash said. “It was more of a got the chance ningest class in comfortability thing. My old early, as a young athlete with Notre Dame history,” Nash coach used to always trust me his local basketball team as a said. “I’m etched in history with the ball and I made good halftime filler. now, and it’s a great thing. If decisions. It just stuck. And “One time I got to play at you would have told me that [Irish] coach [Mike] Brey real- halftime when I was in a youth coming into my freshman year ized that it could help the team league and that was the only I would have never believed out a little bit. It brings out time I thought I would play at you. It is a testament to the [the other team’s] big man and SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer the Garden,” he said. “But lo great teams that I have been relieves some of the heat off Irish senior forward Tyrone Nash looks to score in Notre Dame’s 97- and behold I got the chance to on. We just keep winning.” the guards who face a lot pres- 72 victory over Maine Nov. 22. be a part of the Big East and The teams keep on winning, sure when they bring the ball play there every year.” but Nash is a bigger part of the up the court.” coaching staff for his develop- year. On top of that, the senior The dream became reality winning than he gives himself At times, Nash even plays ment, and, moreover, for the has played in a team-high 80 multiple times throughout credit for. The senior is aver- like a true point guard. His essential confidence in his consecutive games, dating Nash’s Big East career. Years aging 9.7 points and 6.1 vision and passing abilities game necessary for a multi- back to February of his sopho- after watching his heroes hus- rebounds per game, while over his career have resulted tool player like himself. more year. That type of consis- tle down the court, Nash will leading the team in offensive in 82 assists in the past four “[Coach Brey] has helped me tency has developed the Irish play once again on the very rebounds with 76. He has seasons, including a seven- by just giving me a chance,” into a top-five team; Nash, same floor they did, something scored in double-figures in five assist night at Providence Feb. Nash said. “He instilled confi- however, is not ready to cele- he could only dream of while of the past six games, high- 23. The forward, who has led dence in me and my game, brate this ranking, knowing watching highlight films as a lighted by his fourth double- the Irish in assists in eight which is something that I that there are still three more kid. double of the year with an 11- games this season, credits the lacked in my freshman year teams ahead of his. and going into my sophomore “Don’t get me wrong, it’s year. He would just tell me, great, but I don’t want to be ‘You can do it. Go for it.’ satisfied with that,” the veter- Because of that, the confidence an said. “I don’t want to get in my game went up and pro- too comfortable with a rank- vided me with the opportuni- ing. It doesn’t mean anything ties that I have today.” when we get to the tourna- Those opportunities were not ment. We still have a lot of always there for the senior, work to do and goals to be ful- who was also offered scholar- filled.” ships from Kentucky, St. Starting tonight, Nash can John’s, Purdue and many oth- expand his records at the ers. Nash sat behind veteran famed Garden, a place that forwards his freshman year, holds a special meaning of averaging less than four min- home-court advantage to the utes per game. But he was senior. never one to quit, starting off- “Playing at home in front of season work immediately after my home crowd is just an his freshman season. incredible feeling,” Nash said. “Nothing in life is given to “Hopefully we could come out you and you have to learn of there with a win this time everything,” Nash said. “I and a Big East championship learned that early on in my in my hands. It would definite- freshman year. I made a real ly be a great story.” effort to go home and work Reflecting on his career hard on my game to show the before practice in the Purcell coaches how I have improved Pavilion Monday afternoon, the so I could earn some minutes senior’s wide grin — provoked on the court and play in this by thoughts of New York — league. After that I was able to soon morphed into a meek start my first game that year. It smile. His eyes twinkled due to just made it feel that much the magnificent palace in front better that I worked so hard of him. for it and I earned it.” “I’m going to miss this whole Since then the forward has thing … All of it,” the senior been the most consistent force said, ready to return to his for the Irish. Along with home on 7th and West 31st one fourth-year forward Tim last time. SUZANNA PRATT/The Observer Abromaitis and fellow senior Senior forward Tyrone Nash scores in Notre Dame’s 66-58 win over Cincinnati Jan. 19. Nash and Ben Hansbrough, Nash has Contact Andrew Gastelum at the Irish will play their first game of the Big East tournament tonight at Madison Square Garden. started in every contest this [email protected] page 4 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER Thursday, March 10, 2011 Notre Dame Notre Dame’s starting lineup Record: 26-5 (14-4 BIG EAST) AP: 4 Coaches: 4

2010-11 Schedule Nov. 12 Georgia Southern W 98-61 Nov. 14 Liberty W 72-51 Nov. 17 Chicago State W 102-62 Nov. 22 Maine W 97-72 Nov. 25 Georgia (Orlando, Fla.) W 89-83 (2OT) Nov. 26 California (Orlando, Fla.) W 57-44 Nov. 28 Wisconsin (Orlando, Fla.) W 58-51 Nov. 30 Indiana State W 81-72 Dec. 8 Kentucky (Louisville, Ky.) L 72-58 Dec. 11 Gonazaga W 83-79 Dec. 19 Stony Brook W 88-62 Dec. 22 UMBC W 93-53 Dec. 29 Georgetown W 69-55 Jan. 1 @ Syracuse L 70-58 Jan. 4 Connecticut W 73-70 Jan. 8 St. John’s W 76-61 Jan. 10 @ Marquette L 79-57 Jan. 16 @ St. John’s L 72-54 Jan. 19 Cincinnati W 66-58 Jan. 22 Marquette W 80-75 Jan. 24 @ Pittsburgh W 56-51 Feb. 3 @ DePaul W 83-58 Feb. 6 Rutgers W 76-69 Feb. 9 Louisville W 89-79 (OT) Feb. 12 @ South Florida W 78-55 Feb. 19 @ West Virginia L 72-58 Feb. 23 @ Providence W 94-93 Feb. 26 Seton Hall W 60-48 Feb. 28 Villanova W 93-72 March 5 @ Connecticut W 70-67

BEN HANSBROUGH SCOTT MARTIN 18.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.2 apg 9.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.8 apg

The Big East Player of the Year has proven to be a complete player for the Irish Martin has struggled recently on the offensive end, scoring just 15 points in his last this season, including showing abundant amounts of emotion on the court. three games combined. But when he is making his shots, Martin is a dangerous Furthermore, his defensive performances against the likes of Connecticut’s Kemba weapon for the Irish, and his size at the guard position creates a mismatch for almost Walker and Pittsburgh’s Ashton Gibbs cemented his status as completely neces- everyone who guards him. He likely will not lead Notre Dame in any categories, but the sary. Hansbrough enters the Big East tournament 12 for his last 16 on 3-point Irish need him to contribute points and rebounds if they are going to make a run in the attempts, and will be a difficult matchup for any and all who face him. tournament.

TIM ABROMAITIS CARLETON SCOTT 15.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.8 apg 11.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.2 apg

Abromaitis’ offensive repertoire hinges on his 3-point shooting and ability Scott is Notre Dame’s most versatile scorer. He can shoot from distance, making to slip behind the defensive for backdoor finishes. Luckily for the Irish, 37 percent of his attempts beyond the arc. He can also muscle his way down low Abromaitis has made 18 3s over his last four games, including a Purcell and score on put-backs, and he has a knack for finding open space for a mid-range Pavilion record nine against Villanova Feb. 28. The Wildcats learned that jumper. Defensively, Scott’s most prized asset is his help defense, using his athleti- leaving Abromaitis open can be a grave mistake, and Notre Dame’s opponents cism to guard the lane and protect the rim. Scott seems to consistently hit big shots in the Big East tournament would be wise to learn from ‘Nova’s mistake. for the Irish, and in New York, he may be called upon to do just that.

TYRONE NASH BENCH PERFORMANCE/INTANGIBLES

9.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.7 apg Most of Notre Dame’s opponents are deeper than the Irish, but freshman guard Eric Atkins is leading the Big East in assist-to-turnover ratio, providing Nash has received consistent playing time for four years now, so he is no a stabalizing force for the offense, and sophomore forward Jack Cooley has stranger to the physical style of play in the Big East. He often gives up size to come on strong in the second half of the season. whomever he is guarding, but has done an excellent job defending the cen- Winning his third Big East Coach of the Year award in five years, Irish ters around the Big East. Nash will score and rebound for the Irish, but may coach Mike Brey has done an excellent job leading the Irish this season. help their offense most with his vision, creating three-point attempts with his Notre Dame can run and shoot or can slow things down and run the ‘burn,’ inside-out passing ability. and Brey has switched between the two masterfully this year. Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER page 5 Notre Dame’s most likely opponents at Madison Square Garden

No. 1 seed; 15-3 Big East, 27-4 overall No. 3 seed, 12-6 Big East, 23-8 overall

Lost to Notre Dame 56-51 on Jan. 24 Lost at Notre Dame 89-79 (OT) on Feb. 9 LOUISVILLE

When the Irish and Panthers met in late Louisville came the closest of anybody January, Notre Dame managed to silence to beating Notre Dame at Purcell Pavilion a rowdy Oakland Zoo with its nearly- this season, but when the extra period patented “burn” offense. commenced, the Irish ran away with the Pittsburgh boasts a one-two punch in victory.

PITTSBURGH Ashton Gibbs and Brad Wanamaker that Kyle Kuric’s sharp-shooting can keep should still scare Irish fans. the Cardinals in nearly any contest.

No. 4 seed, 12-6 Big East, 25-6 overall No. 5 seed, 12-6 Big East, 20-10 overall

Defeated Notre Dame 70-58 on Jan. 1 Lost at Notre Dame 76-61 on Jan. 8 ST.JOHN’S Defeated Notre Dame 72-54 on Jan. 16 Long-time Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim has essentially perfected the zone Nobody wants to face the Red Storm at defense, and utilized such against the home, otherwise known as Madison Irish with no mercy on New Year’s Day. Square Garden. St. John’s ran Notre Notre Dame’s only answer to the Orange Dame out of the gym when they met in SYRACUSE is to simply shoot the lights out until New York City, while the Irish did likewise Syracuse gives up its zone gimmick. when in South Bend.

No. 7 seed, 11-7 Big East, 24-7 overall No. 8 seed, 10-8 Big East, 21-9 overall GEORGETOWN Lost to Notre Dame 66-58 on Jan. 19 Lost at Notre Dame 69-55 on Dec. 29

Only South Florida stands between In a roller coaster of a season, the Cincinnati and a quarterfinals date with Hoyas have risen to the top-10 in the Notre Dame. country, and nearly fallen out of the polls. The Bearcats are an NCAA tournament Georgetown could not figure out how to lock, but have quite a bit to play for in score against Notre Dame, as the Irish CINCINNATI New York city as their seed will largely held the Hoyas more than 10 points below hinge on their performance this weekend. their season average.

No. 9 seed, 9-9 Big East, 22-9 overall No. 15 seed, 3-15 Big East, 10-22 overall FLORIDA SOUTH Lost at Notre Dame 73-70 on Jan. 4 Lost to Notre Dame 78-55 on Feb. 12 Lost to Notre Dame 70-67 on March 5 After upsetting Villanova Tuesday — In two evenly-matched contests, Notre shortly before this Insider went to print Dame came up the victor twice. — South Florida provided the Garden its Connecticut junior guard Kemba Walker first unexpected drama of the weekend. would relish a third chance to one-up Ben If the Bulls can get by Cincinnati Hansbrough, but will not get the chance if Wednedsay, they’d get a shot at upending CONNECTICUT he doesn’t make it to Saturday. the Irish, however unlikely it may be. Predicting the Irish postseason: Big East and NCAA

Irish coach Mike Brey may have now won three of The Irish have given us legitimate reasons to think big — Though I’ve claimed to be a believer in the Irish the last five Big East Coach of the Year awards, but, perhaps even into April — and have been rewarded for every step of the way this season, when big games hands down, this has been his best coaching job in his those performances this week with the No. 4 spot in the presented themselves, I’ll admit my faith wavered. 11 years at Notre Dame. polls and individual recognition for Ben Hansbrough and I knew Notre Dame was good, but I never thought Granted, it doesn’t hurt to start five seniors. That coach Mike Brey. But what I love about this team is that it that it would beat then-second-ranked Pittsburgh combination usually yields pleasing has earned everything to come its way on the road. I knew the Irish were results in the springtime, and this this year. I thought the Irish were vastly one of the best teams in the coun- year the Irish will prove that theory underrated coming into the year, but try, but beating Connecticut on the true. instead of complain about it, they won road on the Huskies’ senior day — Only two teams in the Big East can the Old Spice Classic, and then kept on especially when Irish senior guard claim winning records against Notre winning. I remember how excited Brey and catalyst Ben Hansbrough Dame — Syracuse and West Virginia. said his players were when they first fouled out with more than eight Fortunately, the earliest the Irish earned a top-25 ranking because they minutes left — just seemed unlike- could face either of them would be knew they had earned it. I love the way ly. the Big East semfinals. By that point, Brey has allowed his players, and even But now, the lack of faith is over. Douglas Notre Dame will have locked up a No. Matt Gamber himself, to publicly enjoy some of the Eric Prister I’m on board, all in, 100 percent. Farmer 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, and unexpected magic of this season, like Notre Dame just has a certain the Irish bandwagon will be filling when he joked that he should retire if spark this year, and they will beat Editor-in- quicker than ever. Senior Sports he won his third Big East Coach of the Associate Cincinnati, Louisville and finally Chief The way Notre Dame has been Writer Year award in five years. Coach, it’s a Sports Editor Pittsburgh in the Big East tourna- shooting of late though, neither the relief you didn’t stay true to your word. ment on the back of the Big East Orange nor the Mountaineers could But heck, if you get us to Houston, you Player of the Year as the Big East slow down the onslaught. Ah, the springtime. can do whatever you want. You’ve earned it. Coach of the Year guides them. It’s their time. Big East: Notre Dame tops Pittsburgh for the Big East Big East: Notre Dame falls to Syracuse in the Big East Big East: Notre Dame over Pittsburgh in the Big East tournament title tournament final tournament final NCAA: With a No. 1 seed, the Irish make it to the Final NCAA: Notre Dame makes it further than ever under NCAA: Notre Dame earns No. 1 seed, makes it past the Four, where a sole bounce can determine a game Brey, but falls again in the Elite Eight Sweet Sixteen page 6 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Thursday, March 10, 2011 Notre Dame faces a long history of NCAA missteps Despite eight trips in his 10 years at ND, Irish coach Mike Brey has yet to tally three wins in one March

17 points in last year’s upset loss, first time in 23 years, beating No. By MATT GAMBER which shows that the Big East 9 seed Charlotte, 82-63, to Senior Sports Writer player of the year is tournament- advance to a game with No. 1 tested and NCAA-ready. seed Duke, the defending national Notre Dame begins play Second, their high seeding will champion. Thursday in New York with a real- mean the Irish will likely be The Irish led their second-round istic shot at advancing to, and favored in their first three tourna- game 71-64 with six minutes to winning, the program’s first-ever ment games — or, in March play, but the top-seeded Blue Big East tournament title. But the Madness terms, until the Elite 8, Devils would recover with a 20-6 Irish, who are ranked No. 4 where the Irish have never been run that gave them an 84-77 vic- nationally, have their eyes on under Brey. tory. another tournament in which they While seedings and point Then-Duke star Jason Williams will likely receive a top-two seed. spreads can almost always be made the go-ahead free throws Notre Dame will qualify Sunday thrown out the window during the with 1:04 to play and made anoth- for its eighth NCAA tournament NCAA tournament, it is worth not- er pair 30 seconds later to bury an during coach Mike Brey’s 11-year ing that under Brey, Notre Dame Irish team that received 20 points tenure, and a strong showing at has only once beaten a team with each from David Graves and Matt Madison Square Garden this week a higher seeding than the Irish. Carroll in the near-upset. should guarantee the Irish a No. Notre Dame trailed 45-39 at the 2-seed, if not a No. 1, in the 2001: No. 6 seed half and 48-39 with about 16 min- NCAAs. While that high seeding Brey, in his first season at Notre utes to play, but the Irish surged will provide an added amount of Dame, ended an 11-year tourna- ahead with a 14-0 run that nearly pressure to perform in the Big ment absence by qualifying for the propelled Brey to a victory over Dance, the Irish are a veteran NCAAs after winning the Big legendary Duke coach Mike group that has been to the NCAA East’s West division title in the Krzyzewski, under whom Brey tournament before. regular season — in large part coached in the early 1990s. Unfortunately for Notre Dame, thanks to the efforts of forward that experience hasn’t been alto- Troy Murphy, who won his second 2003: No. 5-seed gether successful in recent years. straight Big East player of the Notre Dame snuck by No. 12- After the Irish won six of their year award in 2001. seed Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 70-69, Observer File Photo final seven games to escape the Murphy, a first-team All- in the first round. In that game, Then-senior guard Tory Jackson walks off the court last March bubble and earn a No. 6-seed in American, scored 19 points in the Irish needed every one of after Old Dominion upset the Irish in the NCAA’s first round. last year’s tournament, Notre Notre Dame’s first-round game to guard Chris Thomas’ 27 points to Dame suffered a first-round upset help lead the Irish past No. 11- top the Panthers, who were led by 2007: No. 6 seed serve in its first game by beating to No. 11 Old Dominion, 51-50, in seed Xavier, 83-71. current-Tennessee coach Bruce Notre Dame knew to look out for No. 12-seed George Mason, a pop- New Orleans. No. 3-seeded Mississippi ended Pearl and were making their first- No. 11-seed Winthrop, a trendy ular Cinderella team after its mag- “It’s just amazing how fast it can Notre Dame’s run in the second ever NCAA appearance. upset pick, but the Irish still fell in ical run to the Final Four in 2006. end,” Brey said after the loss. round, however, when Rebels Playing in Indianapolis, the Irish the first round 74-64 to an Eagle But the Irish run ended two “Once you get into these one- guard Jason Harrison’s 3-pointer enjoyed a quasi-home court program that secured its first days later, when Washington State game shots, anything can hap- beat the shot clock and gave Ole advantage and drilled 13 3 to beat NCAA tournament victory. trounced Notre Dame, 61-41, in pen.” Miss the lead, 57-55, with 46 sec- No. 4-seed Illinois, 68-60, and The Big South champions held Denver. In addition to having that expe- onds to play. The Irish fell, 59-56, advance to their first Sweet 16 off a Notre Dame team that rallied The Irish shot only 24.5 percent rience from which to learn, there to end Brey’s first season. since 1987. back from a 54-34 deficit to take a (13 of 53) from the field, and 17.6 might be two silver linings for this Notre Dame would advance no 63-62 lead with 2:21 left, as the percent from 3 (3 of 17), in a game year’s Irish team. 2002: No. 8-seed further, however, as top-seeded Eagles finished the game on an that saw senior forward Luke First, senior guard Ben Notre Dame won back-to-back Arizona — led by the trio of Luke 11-2 run of their own to send the Harangody pull in 22 rebounds Hansbrough led Notre Dame with NCAA tournament openers for the Walton, Jason Gardner and Irish packing. but score only 10 points on 3-of-17 Channing Frye — rolled by the shooting. Irish 88-71. Notre Dame turned 2008: No. 5 seed the ball over 19 times in a game it A year after suffering a first- Contact Matt Gamber at trailed 53-40 at the half. round upset, Notre Dame held [email protected] Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER page 7 Hansbrough, Walker among Big East honorees Pittsburgh’s Gibbs, Providence’s Brooks named by coaches to all-conference first team

basketball IQ.” By ERIC PRISTER Kemba Walker finished sec- Associate Sports Editor ond in the Big East in scoring with 23.1 points per game. He Among other accolades, led the Huskies in scoring in including Big East Player of the 25 of their 31 games this sea- Year, Irish senior guard Ben son, scoring 24 points or more Hansbrough was named to the 13 times. He played a confer- Big East all-conference first ence-high 37.4 minutes per team. Joining Hansbrough game and finished 10th in the were five others, Connecticut Big East in assists with 4.3 per junior guard Kemba Walker, contest. Providence senior guard “He’s leading a lot of young Marshon Broosk, Georgetown people to some awfully good senior guard Austin Freeman, places,” Huskies coach Jim Pittsburgh junior guard Ashton Calhoun said after Gibbs and St. John’s senior Connecticut’s Feb. 16 win over guard Dwight Hardy. Georgetown. “I’ve never seen a Hansbrough finished third in guy be able to do those kinds the Big East in scoring, averag- of things. He obviously wins ing 18.5 per games, but he’s game, and 11th also a pretty in assists with “[Hansbrough’s] been good guy to four per con- watch play. test. His 45- amazing. He is a live- He’s fun to percent 3-point on-the-edge, compete- watch play.” shooting per- every-day, want-to- M a r s h o n centage is also Brooks led the third in the win-everything Big East in conference. [player].” scoring with a H a n s b r o u g h 24.8 points per averaged over Mike Brey game average. 20 points per He scored 20 AP game in Big Irish coach points of more Connecticut junior guard Kemba Walker celebrates during the Huskies’ 78-70 win over Georgetown East play, in all but three Feb. 16. Walker and five others were recently named to the Big East all-conference first team. including four Big East games, straight contests over 20. He including a 52-point explosion Notre Dame. “I feel like he is “Austin Freeman in most sit- cent of his shots from beyond was the only player unani- in Providence’s one-point loss pretty unselfish, I don’t know. uations is unflappable,” Hoyas the arc, and in free throw per- mously named to the all-Big to Notre Dame Feb. 23. Brooks But it’s a special player. He can coach John centage at 89.5 East first team. also finished seventh in the score in so many ways.” Thompson III percent. Gibbs “He’s been amazing,” Irish conference in rebounds, Austin Freeman scored 17.8 said after “Austin Freeman in sunk at least coach Mike Brey said of pulling down just over seven points per game for the Hoyas, G e o r g e t o w n three 3-point- Hansbrough on Jim Rome is per game. He led the Friars in good enough for fifth in the Big d e f e a t e d most situations is ers in 19 con- Burning. “He is a live-on-the- points in 26 of their 31 con- East. Freeman was named the Villanova Jan. unflappable. So the tests this year edge, compete-every-day, tests, and recorded seven dou- Preseason Big East Player of 29. “So the last last three minutes of for the want-to-win-everything [play- ble-doubles. the Year, and scored at least three minutes Panthers. er]. And he pulls his team- “Marshon Brooks is able to 20 points in 11 contests this of the game the game were only Hardy was mates along with him, come make the right plays — not just season. He ranked third in the were only indicative of what he’s named the Big hell or high water. He’s just scoring, but make the right Big East in free throw percent- indicative of done the last four East Most done a great job setting for the passes,” Friars coach Keno age, shooting 86.7 percent what he’s done I m p r o v e d tone for us. He has a great Davis said after the loss to from the charity stripe. the last four years.” Player and years. They’re earned Big running, trap- John Thompson III East Player of ping and mak- Hoyas coach the Week three ing it hard to do times, the most what you want in the confer- to do, so you put the ball in his ence. His 17.9 points per game hands because good things was good enough for fourth in happen.” the conference, and he finished Gibbs finished sixth in the fifth in free throw percentage, Big East in scoring for the reg- making 84.4 percent from the ular season champions, aver- line. aging 16.1 points per game. He led the conference in 3-point Contact Eric Prister at percentage, making 46.6 per- [email protected] page 8 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER Thursday, March 10, 2011

SUZANNA PRATT/The Observer

The Irish finished the regular season winning 11 of their last 12 contests

and earned the No. 2 seed in the Big East tournament. Three victories over

top conference opponents would earn them their first ever

EILEEN VEIHMEYER/The Observer Big East tournament title.

Follow Douglas Farmer, Eric Prister and Matt Gamber as they travel to

New York to cover Notre Dame’s road to the championship.

SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer

SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer

DAN JACOBS/The Observer DAN JACOBS/The Observer