Issues Day 2008

ISSUES DAY 2008 Forty-one speakers address election issues Matt Bettonville kingdom of truth, justice, love and peace,” History teacher Anne Marie Lodholz, Core Staff encouraged openness and the importance of who organized Issues Day, said that the Jesuit orty-one speakers on different topics educating oneself on issues in society. address was intended to “discuss the idea of Faddressed small groups of students on The speakers each shared personal your responsibility as a Catholic Christian last week’s Issues Day, each intending to stories that served as teasers for the topics to participate in the political process.” bring a different perspective on various is- that other speakers would later address. The final Jesuit speaker, Ronald sues. Victor Cancino, S.J., told about his cousin’s O’Dwyer, S.J., challenged students to par- The day began with an address to the immigration from Mexico. He said, “Just ticipate in terms of faith: “If we are created whole student body by St. Louis University imagine what type of criminal acts she in the image and likeness of God, how can economics professor Doug Marcouiller, S.J., engages in. Drugs? Prostitution? No … she we be indifferent? … The opposite of love and three Jesuit novices. The address, based picks Washington apples so that we can have isn’t hate; it’s indifference.” on St. Louis U. High’s mission statement apples in our lunch bags and apple sauce on Following the address, students dis- that “SLUH is a Catholic, Jesuit learning our pork chops! But this is illegal, and she persed throughout the school to attend vari- community dedicated to building Christ’s is a criminal.” see SPEAKERS, 10 PHOTO BY MR. MATT SCUITO PHOTO BY MR. MATT SCUITO PHOTO BY CONNOR BLANQUART

Jim Goeke, S.J., Junior Kevin Black- the chaplain for St. burn votes for a Louis University presidential candidate Hospital, lectured and Missouri governor on health care during the mock elec- reform from the tion held by SLUH’s perspective of AP U.S. Government dealing with and Politics class. patients.

Sophomore Patrick Smith, sporting his McCain-Palin pin, poses a question to the Presidential debators at the end of Issues Day. McCain wins school’s Entertaining debate presidential election informs student body Luke Chellis Chris Brennan Staff News Editor tudents gathered in homeroom midday last Friday to cast ssues Day concluded with a debate between former head of the Stheir votes for presidential and Missouri gubernatorial candi- IMissouri Democratic National Committee Mike Kelley and dates in St. Louis U. High’s quadrennial mock election. As Presi- Patrick Werner, Chief of Staff for Second District Congressman dent George W. Bush did in SLUH’s 2004 mock election, Senator Todd Akin. The debate provided students with an opportunity to John McCain won the election in both the electoral vote and the listen and ask questions about the upcoming presidential election popular vote. McCain received 54 percent of the electoral votes between senators John McCain and Barack Obama. and 485 student votes, while Obama got 46 percent of electoral The debate began with a speech from President David votes and 440 votes. Ninety-four students’ votes were distributed Laughlin regarding a Catholic perspective on politics, followed by a see ELECTION, 11 see DEBATE, 12 2 News October 31, 2008 Newly added junior White Japanese House retreat cancelled Billiken visits Mike Lumetta retreats with ffty guys max, so we could only take two hundred, leaving sixty plus juniors Reporter without an option,” said Russo. SLUH he White House retreat for St. Louis Gilmore commented, “(Campus minis- Kevin Casey TU. High juniors scheduled for this try) had juniors who wanted to go on retreat Editor past Monday through Wednesday was can- and weren’t able to, especially on Kairos.” t. Louis U. High had four unusual visi- celled due to the lack of students signed According to Stewart, Kairos flls up Stors today, with students focking to up. The decision was made shortly before quickly because of its popularity among the frst-foor middle corridor during Ac- quarter exams, when Director of Campus students. Approximately ten area Catholic tivity Period to rub the feet of one of them. Ministry Matt Stewart, Assistant Director high schools send students on Kairos retreats, Sound strange? Well this may sound even of Campus Ministry Brian Gilmore, and creating a word-of-mouth chain among stu- stranger: the feet belonged to the wooden junior class moderator Mary Russo real- dents. Stewart explained, “There’s just sort statue of a Billiken, who traveled all the ized that, with only sixteen juniors regis- of this built-in advertising network.” way from Osaka, Japan, to get to the U. tered, the retreat would not have enough Hoping to allow more juniors to go on High. participants to cover the costs. either Kairos or the White House retreat this The wooden statue, or Billiken-sann For the past four years, Campus Minis- year, campus ministry added one more of each as many Japanese affectionately refer to try has provided four junior retreats a year, to the retreat schedule. The six retreats could it, was accompanied by Tsutenkaku Tower three of which are White House retreats. take as many as three hundred participants, Vice President Takai Ryuko and reporter Kei The fourth was formerly the only Kairos far more people than the junior class has. Iguchi of the Yomiuri Shimbun (the Daily retreat. A signifcant number of juniors were “We knew going in that it might be hard to Yomiuri), one of Japan’s most widely read unable to attend a retreat because each had fll all six retreats,” said Stewart. newspapers. The two journeyed to the U.S. to a limited number of students that it could Both Kairos retreats were expected to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Billiken, accomodate. fll to capacity, but the White House retreat which was created in 1908 by an American “The big thing was that there were four see 1814, 10 art teacher. The Billiken toy craze swept the nation AP U.S. Government seniors for a few years, eventually making its way over to Japan. Although not for certain, it may have been the mascot for a theme park speak on KMOX radio show in Osaka modeled off of Coney Island in New cool that anybody (outside of SLUH) cared. York City. The Billiken eventually faded into Patrick O’Leary I think it says a lot about the school (and its) oblivion in both countries but was revived Reporter reputation. (I think it’s great that Reardon) at Tsutenkaku Tower in the 1980s. Within ast Friday, KMOX talk show host would allow us to put our students on the several years the statue began to be treated Mark Reardon interviewed fve St. air.” L in an almost godlike manner. Louis U. High seniors and history teacher Moynihan said it was a great opportunity “The nice surprise was I don’t think we Paul Michaelson on the topic of Issues to be on KMOX, which he regards as the fully understood that they were bringing the Day. pinnacle of St. Louis radio. Billiken (statue),” said principal John Moran. After school on Friday, Chris Brennan, Mantia agreed and said that it was cool “We knew they were coming, we knew why John Mantia, Patrick Moynihan, David Jones, to “see how it works.” Mantia noted that they were interested ... but we didn’t really Kevin Wright and Michaelson drove to the he listens to Reardon, who is “normally have any sense that we’d actually have the KMOX studio where they were interviewed conservative but (he) brings in different visit from the Billiken. And that was the best by Reardon. There they talked about Issues opinions.” part.” Day speakers, the Presidential candidates Reardon said that he “thought it was a Iguchi frst contacted theology teacher and the issues most prevalent in our society good experience” and that he thought it was Matt Sciuto about the visit, and Sciuto and (the interview can be found at http://www. “good for his audience to see the perspective Assistant to the President Bob Bannister then kmox.com/pages/15098.php). Reardon said, of younger voters.” About the SLUH seniors, worked together on planning the two men’s “This election will be historic, no matter he said, “They were professional, smart, and stay in St. Louis. Iguchi and Kei left Japan (who wins).” informed.” on Oct. 28 to arrive in St. Louis the afternoon Reardon described being on his own Mantia, Moynihan, and Reardon agreed of Wednesday, Oct. 29. They visited both for information when he was in high school, that they would like to see Issues Days in- SLUH and St. Louis University (SLU) the which is why he admired SLUH’s organizing crease in frequency. Reardon said, “I’d like next day, speaking through Japanese transla- an Issues Day. to see more outside the presidential election, tor Noriko Shinkai. They then attended the Moynihan said of the interview, “It was at the very least every two years.” see OF JAPAN, 13 October 31, 2008 Opinion 3 EDITORIAL

Continue Issues Day, embrace civic duty Representatives from the Democratic and Republican parties du- discern carefully which public policies are morally sound.” Ask eled from platform podiums before the entire school community on youself: Why would I vote for Obama? Why would I vote for Mc- Issues Day last Friday. The debate sparked an atmosphere ftting Cain? How will each help the people of this nation? What about for a gymnasium: we cheered for the debaters’ verbal freworks making English the government’s offcial language? Whom does this before holding our breaths for the results of the mock election polls. policy hurt? We, especially as SLUH-educated community leaders, Sarcastic “U-S-A” chants notwithstanding, we rocked the gym and need to answer these questions because “we are our brothers’ and showed that, at least for an afternoon, students care about politics. sisters’ keepers,”(Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship Issues Day provided a valuable opportunity to examine issues. 53) and our brothers and sisters all around us are direct recipients However, civic duty does not stop with Issues Day. There is way of the policies of government. You as you fll up your gas tank and too much out there to be learned to stop now. All students, espe- think about college, the family that would send you to college, the cially the senior class members who can vote, and faculty need to homeless man in front of the Hardees across the street, the woman continue their education in the political system which governs our sighing at her paycheck, and the unborn child in her womb all feel country. The path to true civic duty begins with seeking out truth the impact of the government that we create. and refecting on it. This means going beyond single-issue voting or While often times government may seem to divide you and your preconceived notions about where each candidate stands. The current friends on political campaigns or seem unimportant because you young generation has been criticized for receiving most of its news can’t vote, it can help the homebound and impoverished and protect from “The Colbert Report” or more recently, “Saturday Night Live.” the vulnerable, like the unborn and immigrants. These tasks are part True self-education can include such shows but necessitates looking of our duty not only as Christians but as humans, and government beyond programs which trivialize the importance of political life. brings the members of society together to fx these problems. So to Newspapers and news magazines offer a starting place. Forming continue the beginnings of civic duty started on Issues Day, frst, Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, on the SLUH website, provides inform yourself. Read the ballot initiatives and pick up the Post- an insightful Catholic perspective. The ballot initiatives as they will Dispatch, Wall Street Journal, or New York Times. Next, refect on appear on the ballot are listed on page 4. what helps your brothers and sisters at the gas station, on farms Informing yourself is only the frst step towards fuflling civic off I-70, in the middle of Times Square, and throughout the world. duty. Information is worthless when you do not join with others, Finally, act, stand for something, volunteer and bring people to the in discussion in advocacy groups or political parties, and work polls, vote, write in to a newspaper, or at least talk about the issues for what you believe is good. Forming Consciences for Faithful that are important to you and debate what we as a society can do to Citizenship tells American Catholics, “We have a responsibility to ensure the common good. LETTER TO THE EDITORS VOLUME 73 Miller, ‘09, discusses EDITORIAL POLICY The Volume LXXIII Prep News editorial policy serves the purpose Rathmann fundraiser of being the vehicle of the personal opinion, whether from students, Dear SLUH Community: faculty, or others wishing to voice an opinion. All topics discussed in On June 4, 2008, just days after his celebratory graduation at Powell the section will be related to St. Louis University High School. Symphony Hall, life changed forever for Mike Rathmann and his Nothing published either as an editorial or as a letter to an editor family. should be considered the opinion of the school, the administration, Mike was a great track & feld athlete at SLUH, and he was an or anyone other than its author or authors. excellent high-jumper. While hanging out with his friends on that A Prep News editorial is the opinion of all three editors on day, June 4, he wanted to show them this athleticism by landing a a particular topic. In their writing, the editors will make a strong back fip. He had accomplished this feat many times before, but on attempt to express their views in a clear and accurate fashion. this attempt he came short and landed on his neck. He was rushed A commentary is defned as an opinion of one member of the to the hospital. Every parent’s worst nightmare had come true for Prep News staff, not of the Prep News itself. Mr. and Mrs. Rathmann. Every member of the SLUH community is welcomed and Mike spent four grueling months in the hospital, fed through a encouraged to submit a letter to the editors. Every letter received feeding tube, not knowing if he would ever regain voluntary move- by the editors will be read and given consideration. All letters must ment in his limbs, and struggling with depression. Despite intense be signed, but the author’s name may be withheld from publication physical therapy that started in the hospital and continued upon his by request and at the discretion of the editors. release, Mike is a quadriplegic paralyzed from the diaphragm down. The Prep News editors reserve the right to edit any submis- He is now at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore to receive the sions for publication in order to meet grammatical standards, but see MILLER, 11 see POLICY, 13 4 Nov. 4 October 31, 2008 MISSOURI GENERAL ELECTION - Summaries taken from www.sos.mo.gov. Arguments for and against these amendments and propositions can be found at www.ballotpedia.org. Constitutional Amendment 1 Proposition B Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to add a statement Shall Missouri law be amended to enable the elderly and that English shall be the language of all governmental meetings at Missourians with disabilities to continue living independently in which any public business is discussed, decided, or public policy their homes by creating the Missouri Quality Homecare Council is formulated whether conducted in person or by communication to ensure the availability of quality home care services under the equipment including conference calls, video conferences, or Internet Medicaid program by recruiting, training, and stabilizing the home chat or message board? It is estimated this proposal will have no care workforce? costs or savings to state or local governmental entities. The exact cost of this proposal to state governmental entities is unknown, but is estimated to exceed $510,560 annually. Additional Constitutional Amendment 4 costs for training are possible. Matching federal funds, if available, Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to change provi- could reduce state costs. It is estimated there would be no costs or sions relating to the fnancing of stormwater control projects by: savings to local governmental entities. limiting availability of grants and loans to public water and sewer districts only; removing the cap on available funding and existing Proposition C restrictions on disbursements; requiring loan repayments to be used Shall Missouri law be amended to require investor-owned only for stormwater control projects? electric utilities to generate or purchase electricity from renewable It is estimated the cost to state governmental entities is $0 to energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass and hydropower with $236,000 annually. It is estimated state governmental entities will the renewable energy sources equaling at least 2% of retail sales by save approximately $7,500 for each bond issuance. It is estimated 2011 increasing incrementally to at least 15% by 2021, including local governmental entities participating in this program may ex- at least 2% from solar energy; and restricting to no more than 1% perience savings, however the amount is unknown. any rate increase to consumers for this renewable energy? The estimated direct cost to state governmental entities is Proposition A $395,183. It is estimated there are no direct costs or savings to lo- Shall Missouri law be amended to: repeal the current individual cal governmental entities. However, indirect costs may be incurred maximum loss limit for gambling; prohibit any future loss limits; by state and local governmental entities if the proposal results in require identifcation to enter the gambling area only if necessary increased electricity retail rates to establish that an individual is at least 21 years old; restrict the number of casinos to those already built or being built; increase Proposition M the casino gambling tax from 20% to 21%; create a new specifc Shall St. Louis County, Missouri impose, in addition to an ex- education fund from gambling tax proceeds generated as a result of isting County-wide sales tax of one-quarter of one percent for the this measure called the “Schools First Elementary and Secondary same purpose, a county-wide sales tax of one-half of one percent Education Improvement Fund”; and require annual audits of this (0.50%) which shall have a sunset date twenty years from the date on new fund? which the tax is frst imposed, for the purpose of providing a source State governmental entities will receive an estimated $105.1 to of funds for public transportation purposes, with the revenues from $130.0 million annually for elementary and secondary education, and one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) to be used for expansion of a $5.0 to $7.0 million annually for higher education, early childhood light rail system and revenues from the remaining one-quarter of development, veterans, and other programs. Local governmental one percent (0.25%) to be used for the maintenance and operation entities receiving gambling boat tax and fee revenues will receive of existing public transit facilities? an estimated $18.1 to $19.0 million annually.

QUOTEPOLITIK COMPILED BY MARK WATERMAN “In order to become the master, the politician “I’m tired of hearing it said that democracy poses as the servant.” - Charles de Gaulle doesn’t work. Of course it doesn’t work. We are supposed to make it work.” - Alexander Woollcott “Our political institutions work remarkably well. They are designed to clang against each other. The “There is one safeguard known generally to the noise is democracy at work.” - Michael Novak wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but especially to democracies as against despots. “Go vote now, it’ll make you feel big and strong.” What is it? Distrust. - Demosthenes - Bob Schieffer October 31, 2008 Sports 5 Soccer shuts out MCC; winning streak at 20 Joe Neill Vincent, “but I think we had the better of inanimate obstacles. Reporter the play. I’m glad we came away with the Marquette contained SLUH’s offense he St. Louis U. High soccer team has result.” (averaging 3.08 goals per game on the year) Tclinched MCC supremacy. The team With the win, SLUH completed the rare and even garnered a few half-chances. Luck- lengthened its winning streak to 20 games, feat of shutting out each PHOTO BY ZAC BOESCH ily, SLUH made it to the the longest in head coach Charlie Martel’s of their four conference half unscathed, 0-0. tenure, in its frst match against MCC opponents. The Cleaning- counterpart Chaminade. The Jr. Bills then UpShopbills adjusted to Chaminade hung tough through the frst traveled to Marquette the physical play in the half hour, and continued keeping the Jambills’ Tuesday night. The second half by focusing defense rotating throughout the match. game was very physi- on quicker, more direct SLUH took a 1-0 lead in the frst half cal from the start, and play and vertical long when senior Brian Schultz assisted senior the teams exchanged balls (similar to “dump Ryan Vincent’s tenth goal of the season. fouls throughout the and chase” tactics in Senior Tim O’Connor then looked to frst half. hockey) and pounded add to his MCC-leading goal pile, but the Despite the game’s in four goals. linesman questionably ruled that the ball did physicality, there were Schultz began not cross the goal line. no cards, and neither the onslaught with a The ruling proved inconsequential, team played dirty, Senior Tim Milford launches another pass from the spectacular header off though. A Red Devil breakthrough was according to assistant midfeld in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Marquette. a defected corner kick. never likely, and SLUH needed only two coach Charlie Clark. Junior and underclassman scoring leader saves from Corby to preserve their sixth win “Marquette was very motivated … Dominic Hewitt added two goals of his own, in seven 1-0 decisions on the year (and their we were set up to lose that game,” said and senior Nick Maglasang bent a 25-yard fourth of fve 1-0 MCC contests). Clark, citing the cold weather, hard surface, free kick over and around the wall but off “It was a hard-fought game,” said bouncier-than-usual ball, and small feld as see SUPREMACY, 7 Footbills defeat Mehlville, clinch district SLUH’s defense held strong despite a Lowry spearheaded the ensuing SLUH attack Adam Cruz few big plays from the run-oriented green with three of his nine total catches. However, Reporter and white offense, and SLUH’s offense took a Swanston pass was intercepted near the evenge is proftable,” said Edward over again following a punt. After a few solid end zone, and Mehlville dodged the bullet RGibbon. The St. Louis U. High Jr. run plays, junior Michael Mayberger caught again. Bills validated those wise words Friday the big one, a 56-yard touchdown reception Luck was on Mehlville’s side this drive, night, defeating former tormenter Me- from Swanston, putting SLUH up 7-0 with as a double fumble by Clark landed in the hlville 38-24 and clinching their third con- two minutes left in the opening quarter. hands of his own teammate. Junior Jake secutive district championship. The win After a big return set the Panthers up Pilla’s sack forced a Panther punt that backed over the Panthers vaulted the Bills into with good feld position, a crazy run put SLUH up to its own nine-yard line. a playoff spot and put their record at 7-2 them on the scoreboard. Quarterback Tyrone Swanston dropped back to pass under the (2-0 in districts) heading into last night’s Clark appeared to have been sacked by senior shadow of his own goal post and hit junior district fnale against the Lindbergh Fly- defensive end Cecil Edward, but he broke Bill Weiss in stride. After 91 yards of huff- ers. free and cut across the feld, weaving his way ing and puffng, the duo landed themselves “It’s always great clinching a playoff around both SLUH defenders and his own in the SLUH history books for the longest berth, but it’s especially great beating blockers. Fifty-one yards and two apparent pass play and regained the lead, 14-12. (Mehlville),” said senior quarterback John clips later, Clark was in the end zone. The “I had no idea there was a record in- Swanston. “Two years in a row they’ve missed extra point left the score at 7-6 as the volved. I was just trying to get us back in knocked us out, and now we might have frst quarter came to a close. the lead,” said Weiss. “The line gave Swan done the same to them.” The teams traded punts to begin the time, and he delivered a perfect ball. All I The second game of districts started out second quarter, and junior H-back Griffn had to do was run.” as a tough one for the Bills. After linebackers Lowry fumbled deep in SLUH territory to With 2:27 left in the half, Mehlville senior Morgan “The Eleventh Plague” Cole give the Panthers solid feld position. Three embarked on perhaps their best drive of the and junior Kevin McAuliffe piled up tackles plays later, Clark scored from three yards night. Again, the defense bent but avoided to force a Mehlville punt, the tough Panthers out. With a failed two-point conversion, the breaking in the red zone, and an Aaron Al- defense returned the favor to SLUH’s of- Panthers led the TKObills 12-7. exander feld goal was all the Panthers got. fense. Determined to make up for his fumble, see PLAYOFFS, 7 6 Sports October 31, 2008 Dell Orco’s 299.95 sets record The medley relay, consisting of seniors Cross country Pat Nugent Trent Going, Matt Hohenberger, Andrew Reporter Howe, and Charles Gerber won the frst dusts feld in he St. Louis University High swim- event. In the 200 freestyle, senior John Savio Tming and diving team faced off fnished in 1:56.99, while junior Dan Schmidt against three teams this past week and raced the 200 individual medley in a time of district win came away with two losses and a win. 2:12.19. Brandon Thornberry The team lost to Lafayette 115-71, barely Later in the meet, senior Will Derdeyn Reporter fell behind Chaminade 95-90, and fnally was able to qualify for State in the 100 pulled out a win yesterday against CBC backstroke with a time of 57.99, while Going t. Louis University High School cross at Forest Park Community College in the narrowly missed the cut in the 100 freestyle Scountry reinforced its reputation as team’s last home meet. with a time of 51.51. Howe swam the 100 one of the deeper and more dangerous Last night the Speedobills met at Fo- fy in an impressive 1:00.37 and sophomore cross country programs in the Midwest PoCoCo for their last home meet, which Steve Hoerr won the 100 breaststroke with this past week. SLUH entered seven se- included a tribute event and presentation of a time of 1:08.08. The 200 freestyle relay, niors outside the team’s top seven in the fowers to the seniors and their parents at the consisting of sophomore Bill Luhhman, Clayton Invitational varsity meet last Fri- competition’s end. The Injury-pronebills beat Gerber, senior Mike O’Neill and Schmidt, day, and placed second to a strong Class CBC with several strong swims. see PLUNGE, 8 3 team, O’Fallon. The following morn- PHOTO BY ZAC BOESCH ing, SLUH raced a strong district squad without top seven runners Cliff David and 2007 All-State runner John Clohisy, but still managed a 60-point victory over Webster Groves to win Districts. On Friday afternoon, the Jr. Bills left the Issues Day debate early to arrive at Shaw Park before the afternoon’s race. After a week of hard rain, the course was muddy, damp, and extremely slick around its sharp turns. “The course was really sloppy with all of the mud and rain,” said senior Ben Carron. “The cold weather and wet ground really Senior Andy Howe returns for air while racing the 200 butterfy in Monday’s swim meet against DeSmet. make the conditions diffcult.” With a squad of seven seniors, most H-e-doublebills start preseason of whom had rarely raced on the varsity Tony Billmeyer his own, and freshman goalie Nick Breunig level, the team went to the start line ready Reporter kept the shutout. to compete. Through the frst mile, Carron he St. Louis U. High hockey team The Fitzbills tried to keep the success few towards the front with the other top fve Tdropped the puck by going 1-3 in its going the following game when they took runners: senior teammates Neil Backer, Max frst four preseason games. on CBC. The Cadets dominated the game, Ottenlips, Mike Cannady, Matt Kocisak, and Though the Bergerbills have been short- winning 7-1, with SLUH’s only goal coming Matt Kliethermes. handed for all four of the games, they have from Berger. Into the fnal miles, the Jr. Bills fought looked promising. Senior Kevin Corby hasn’t The last and most entertaining of the four to hold places, but ultimately fell 26 points touched the ice, as he plays goalie for the games was a shootout loss to Chaminade. short of frst place. Carron was frst for the soccer team. Other notable absences include The game remained 1-1 through overtime, team with a ffth place fnish, followed by seniors Jack Berger and Connor Quinn, who and went to a shootout, which the Fuhrbills medalist Backer at 14th place. Ottenlips and have each missed two games while playing lost. Cannady fnished well and captured the last for their club team. The preseason has been productive in few medals at 27th and 29th, respectively. The Busiebills fell in their frst game giving youngsters playing time and building Kocisak and Kliethermes also fnished in the to Oakville 5-3. Senior Colin FitzGerald team chemistry, according to Berger. top 45 of the varsity race, placing 37th and looked impressive, scoring two goals in the FitzGerald commented, “We want to see 44th, respectively. frst game. what lines work and what freshmen will make “The purpose of this meet was to create The U. High bounced back with a win the team. (The preseason) gives us a chance a chance for seniors who are outside our over Lindbergh. FitzGerald once again led to work together outside of practice.“ top seven to have a chance to compete in a the offensive onslaught with one of the Jr. Sunday night the Courtnallbills will take varsity meet,” said head coach Jim Linhares. Bills four goals. Berger added two goals of on Lafayette at Affton at 8:30. see SENIORS, 8 October 31, 2008 Sports 7 PLAYOFFS (from 5) Opa! Mehlville led at halftime, 15-14. ing the Jr. Bills a touchdown and the lead. Pat Lynch The second half did not begin how the “(Lowry) obviously came to play, and Core Staff Milnerbills had hoped. On the half’s frst play he didn’t let mistakes get him down,” said embers of Greek teacher Mary Lee from scrimmage, Lowry was stripped of the senior captain Matt Storey on Lowry’s 181 MMcConaghy, PhD.’s Greek class ball and Mehlville took over. The defense, total yards in the game. He also made nine and history teacher Tim O’Neil’s AP facing a tall task in their own red zone, held tackles at cornerback. The incredible catch Modern European class spent Wednesday tough, and some key tackles by Lowry kept roused the crowd and put the Circusbills up afternoon exploring ancient Greek archi- the Panthers to a feld goal. for good, 28-24. tectural infuence on the city of St. Louis. Momentum shifted sharply toward Mehlville punted on their next drive, and The group went to “Temple Corner” at SLUH on the ensuing kickoff. Senior Ronnie the third quarter ended in SLUH’s favor. Kingshighway and Washington, the St. Louis Wingo felded the ball at the one-yard line The Flipbills could not be stopped now, Public Library, and the Old Courthouse. and tore downfeld. Led by his wedge, Wingo and Swanston connected for his fourth and The feld trip concluded with lunch at found pasture and never looked back. The fnal touchdown pass of the day, this one to the Olympia Kebob House & Tavern on 99-yard kick return touchdown put SLUH Mayberger from 14 yards out. The touch- McCausland Avenue. The students dined on ahead again, 21-18. down catch, Mayberger’s second, tripled his fne Greek cuisine such as faming kasseri On the next kickoff, the Snoopybills season total. cheese, gyros, and lamb kebob. almost let Mehlville’s Christian Stewart do “Each game I feel more comfortable at his best impression of Wingo, but a diving se- the position,” said Mayberger. “With Swan SUPREMACY nior Joe Schrick clipped Stewart’s knees and throwing balls like that, I feel like I can do (from 5) prevented a touchdown. The tackle delayed anything now.” the bottom right post. the inevitable, though, as ten seconds later With the score 35-24, the Panthers des- Minutes later, senior defenseman John Stewart reached the end zone on a 19-yard perately needed to get back into the game. Merlo lathered icing on the Jr. Bills’ 3-0 cake run, giving Mehlville the lead in this seesaw On a key third down, Edward forced Clark to with a goal of his own. contest. fumble and the Jr. Bills took over once again “They’re fne in a brawl,” said Clark. The Jr. Bill offense could not be stopped, with nine minutes to play. Schrick tacked on “They’re fne once we fgure out what type however, and two big receptions by Weiss a 33-yard feld goal and SLUH led by two of game it’s going to be.” put the Bills in position to strike. From eight touchdowns. SLUH is now off for the week. They yards out, Lowry had what was perhaps the Clark, trying to lead Mehlville back play next Tuesday in their frst playoff game, catch of the year as he gathered Swanston’s into the game and nearer to a playoff spot, against a team yet to be determined. pass with one hand while being tackled, giv- scrambled for a frst down on a 4th and 13 to “We’ve really come a long way from keep the Panthers’ dim hopes alive. Around PHOTO BY MATT SCIUTO where we were in the beginning of the year. midfeld, the Panthers faced another long I think we have a good shot at competing for fourth down, and junior Collum Magee State,” said O’Connor. stopped Clark’s scramble fve yards short Clark believes the team can avoid a play- to give the Jr. Bills the ball back. off let down. “We don’t get too wound up,” Thanks to a bulk of Wingo’s 87 rush- he said. “That’s why we’re successful.” ing yards, including a 23-yard run where he was tackled inches before the goal line, the 20-game win streak Westbrookbills successfully juiced the clock. By the Numbers A Swanston kneel down ended it in SLUH’s favor, 38-24. .650 “Two years in a row Mehlville’s brought opponents’ win percentage out the worst in me, and it was great having a good game against them,” said Swanston, 19 other MCC teams’ loss total who passed for 338 yards. second-longest concurrent win “We didn’t play our best for awhile, but 19 streak (Lafayatte girls’ v-ball) now we’re rolling,” said Mayberger. “When districts started it was make history or be 68-6 SLUH goal differential history, and we’ve responded.” Last night SLUH took on the Lindbergh Senior Ronnie Wingo receives his U.S. Army All- Flyers, a powerful team that was eliminated 2003 SLUH’s last 2-loss year American Bowl jersey in the theater on Wednesday. Wingo will join the ranks of such former Army from playoff contention last week after its Bowlers as Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow at the Ala- overtime loss to Ritenour, whom SLUH beat 2003 SLUH’s last championship modome in San Antonio (Jan. 3, 12 p.m., on NBC). in overtime two weeks ago. 8 Sports October 31, 2008 SENIORS (from 6) four medalists and a second place fnish, they the course. placed second overall, followed by Ford in proved they were varsity caliber athletes.” Chaminade, Webster Groves, and Mc- third, Emmett Cookson in ffth, senior Da- Perhaps the highlight of the meet was the Cluer North were the only teams that could vid Kuciejczyk-Kernan in sixth, junior Bill return of senior John Clohisy to competition. realistically hope to challenge the State- Gabler in eighth, junior Tim McLaughlin in In order for an athlete to compete at the state boundbills for a district victory. Despite no ninth, and junior Tony Minnick in eleventh. meet in November, the athlete must race at anticipated competition on the team level, The team captured a decisive frst place by least one MSHSAA-approved varsity race. Chaminade’s Matt Estlund and Hazelwood sixty points without top runners Clohisy and With his eyes focused on the State meet, Clo- East’s Charles Johnson were determined to David. hisy entered, treating the race as an “aerobic” capture the individual district title. The team also celebrated Emmett Cook- run in order to receive his certifcation. After At the start of the race, Johnson took son’s incredible performance. Cookson, the the race, he and his teammates celebrated his the race out fast. Through the frst mile, team’s tenth man, placed third on the team return to competition. SLUH had senior Austin Cookson and junior for the day. “It’s really great to see John back and Caleb Ford in the front pack, hanging on to “He completely ignored the pecking competing,” said Linhares. “He really Chaminade’s Estlund. As the race progressed, order,” said Linhares. “His race earned him brings a lot of dedication and support to the Estlund began to break away; Cookson and a spot on the state racing squad.” team.” Ford responded, leaving Johnson to fght for With both Cooksons on board, a healthy After a successful day at Clayton, the fourth. John Clohisy, and a strong supporting set of team arrived at McCluer North High School SLUH’s pack behind the leaders was seniors and juniors, the Jr. Bills have their to compete in the district meet. Previously fronted by junior Emmett Cookson, who eyes on the state title. On the fnal stretch held at Parkway Central High School, the worked to close the gap on Johnson. toward state, the SLUH Jr. Billkens will new district course had its share of hills and Into the fnal half mile, Austin Cookson compete at the state qualifying sectional turns. Still wet from the week’s rain, mud charged after Estlund but was unable to meet at 9 a.m. at the Central Fields in Forest pits and slick turns were a common sight on reach him before the fnish line. Cookson Park. PLUNGE Thank You, Seniors (from 6) CROSS COUNTRY speedily completed their race in 1:35.08. “It was good to get it out of the way,” Dell’Orco and Berger fipped and spun said Dell’Orco. “It was one of my goals at Neil Backer their way to another diving victory, scoring the beginning of this season and I knew I Mike Cannady 288.65 and 211.15. could do it. Now that I made it I’m trying Ben Carron Despite the two losses, the team still to get eleven good dives ready for state had some very impressive performances. On championships.” John Clohisy Monday, the Jr. Bills traveled to Chaminade Dell’Orco hopes to improve upon his Austin Cookson and swam several good races. Senior Trent ffth place fnish last year and achieve a new Chris Cowlen Going was able to qualify for state champi- personal best with his reverse 2 1/2 tuck. The onships in the 200 individual medley with a diving team as a whole looks very strong Cliff David time of 2:09.49 and also win the backstroke coming into the fnal meets of the season. Connor Hagan with a time of 58.86. Junior Dan Schmidt Now the Nohairbills are preparing for Alex Hall also swam very well, swimming state times the fnal meets of the season, including in both the 100 and 200 freestyle events with MICDS and JV Metro Catholic Conference Drew Jablonski a time of 51.26 and 1:53.32, respectively. championships tomorrow, varsity MCCs on Matt Kliethermes “Despite the loss, I think we did pretty Wednesday and Thursday of next week, and Matt Kocisak well,” commented senior John Savio. “Some fnally state championships two weeks from David Kuciejczyk-Kernan of the faster guys were really able to show now. what they could do.” “We look good and I feel that we have a Pat Linhares At Lafayette last Friday, senior captain real chance to win both MCC meets,” com- Peter McNulty Matt Hohenberger was able to win the mented O’Neill. Max Ottenlips 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:06.90 Senior captain John Heafner added that while the diving team rocked the pool. Senior “although JV lost a meet to DeSmet earlier Nevin Peeples Ryan Berger was able to score a personal best in the season and varsity lost to Chaminade, John Schlesinger of 230, and senior captain Mick Dell’Orco I think that, after we shave down and get Zach Stauder captured SLUH’s oldest swimming record pumped up, we’ll be ready to go out there from Tom Tretter, who set the record in 1991, and possibly win these MCC meets.” Brandon Thornberry with an awe-inspiring score of 299.95. October 31, 2008 News 9 Speech team wins frst meet by Fire drills: The narrow margin of three points principal’s Nick Fandos total determines the outcome. Reporter The Jr. Bills won the season-opening perspective he St. Louis U. High speech team meet by a slim margin of 3 points. The team Ben Kim Tparticipated in its frst competition of has high hopes for the year. In past seasons Core Staff the team has dominated competition with the year this week. The SLUH squad took “ ll right, let’s go.” Principal John consistent frst and second place fnishes frst place in its opening meet and sits atop Moran curled his right index fnger, and this year’s team appears just as strong. A the ongoing leaderboard. beckoning me to follow. We left the main The team is anchored by seniors and co- This week’s meet, hosted by St. Joseph’s offce and walked down silent senior hall- presidents Andy Frank, Jack Erbs, Andrew Academy, was the frst in a series of three way towards the switchboard, our shoes Fowler, and Mark Holzum, and while the meets culminating in February. The competi- tapping softly against the foor. We stopped competitions allow only ffteen competitors tors hail from boy’s and girl’s Catholic high just outside Director of Security Charlie per school, the SLUH squad is 22 men deep. schools from around the St. Louis area. The Clark’s offce, and Moran explained the The team even has several students who are program itself offers eight different catego- situation to me. interning for positions in competition down ries of competition, ranging from storytelling “Last time there was some bog down in the line. to prose and poetry for both individuals and this corner because people weren’t using that Since the competition allows for such pairs. door there … and there was a lot of cross- varied types of performance, “the students Speakers perform twice in front of a traffc. Cross-traffc slows things down. So mostly practice on their own, (but) I offer group of judges and are awarded a number of ideally we will see that this door gets used coaching and advice,” explained coach points out of 25 each time. The two scores are this time and that we learned our lesson from Kathryn Whitaker. She is also “responsible added together and then ranked, with those last time,” Moran said. “We’ll stay till the for choosing appropriate and challenging scoring above 46 receiving a blue ribbon. building looks pretty much clear, and then material,” she said. The scores of the 15 competitors represent- I’ll follow out and get a sense of just how see SPEECH, 12 ing each school are compiled, and the team far down the road people got. We’ll use the walkie-talkies to—” Metta Quintet presents on The bell rang, cutting Moran off. He continued, “When people are cleared origins of jazz, role of women of the building, I call in and say ‘It’s all clear,’ presentation focused especially on women and then it’s all clear.” Curtis Riganti whose infuence on jazz music went un- The PA system beeped twice, and As- Reporter known or forgotten. Many of the musicians sistant Principal for Student Affairs Brock t. Louis U. High’s Joseph Schulte discussed were not well-known singers, but Kesterson announced the beginning of the STheater often plays host to outstand- rather instrumentalists. SLUH band director fre drill. Several moments later, Kesterson’s ing musical performances, whether it be Bryan Mueller said that by watching the voice cackled from the walkie-talkie on Mo- SLUH’s symphonic band, jazz band, or presentation, he “learned a lot about women ran’s belt. “Ok, here we go,” said Moran. musicians from outside PHOTO BY ZAC BOESCH jazz musicians who As the high-pitched alarm sounded, Mo- of SLUH. When New are not presented well ran watched as students and faculty poured York’s Metta Quin- enough in the history into the senior and freshman hallways and tet arrived at SLUH to books.” the adjacent staircases to evacuate. give jazz presentations Tuesday’s pre- Soon the noise subsided as the last of on Monday and Tues- sentation gave the the students left the building. Moran looked day, hundreds of local audience a taste of at me and pointed at his watch. “That took grade school children the history, origins, about two minutes,” said Moran, switching and SLUH students musicians, and soci- to his walkie-talkie. “We are done on the were in for a wonder- etal and cultural infu- northeast part of the building.” ful show. The quintet ences of jazz music. I followed Moran as he walked out the Metta Quintet plays “My Heart” by Lil Hardin, one gave the presentations of the artists highlighted during the day With a background double doors. He stepped onto Oakland during activity period highlighting women in jazz. of jazz music from Ave. and peered over at the large mass of on both days, with an additional show on the quintet, the speaker quickly engaged his students huddled together on the sidewalk. Tuesday. audience with reminders of many famous “Ok, we have all the boys on Lawn Ave. by The presentation on Monday focused Americans with connections to jazz, such the northeast corner.” on the history of women in jazz music. The see JAZZ, 12 see FUEGO, 12 10 News October 31, 2008 SPEAKERS (from 1) focus on remaining objective in his presen- that entail heavily biased information, Lod- ous small group sessions on topics of their tation. After some economic background, holz said she was looking for “a balanced choosing. he highlighted key election issues such as set” of speakers so that multiple viewpoints Major Julie Caruso Haines of the Army education, health care, and the current crisis would be covered. Missouri state repre- JAG Corps gave the best attended presenta- in the economy and presented both Senator sentative Bob Onder, M.D., who proposed tion and was a student favorite. She had the Barack Obama’s and Senator John McCain’s a signifcant immigration bill to the state largest venue—the Joseph Schulte Theater— plans and the intended economic effect of legislature recently, gave his immigration for all three small group sessions because each. viewpoint, while Director of the Missouri of the overwhelming interest in the War on However, on other topics, many students Immigration Reform Advocacy Jennifer Terror. She addressed United States Law of said they found some of the speakers to be Rafanan, who led the successful charge to War and the Geneva Conventions, as well as heavily biased, particularly on the issues of reject of Onder’s bill, gave hers. deployment of troops and how unpredictable immigration and right to life. Freshman Ben Issues Day drew many notable speakers, it can be for families. Lodholz estimated that Thomas said that he attended two different including many presidents and vice presi- over the course of the day over 800 students immigration speeches, and that the speakers dents of major organizations, several college attended her presentation. each presented contradictory numbers about professors, state legislators including state “It gave a frst-hand perspective on the immigration. senator Jeff Smith, and Wall Street Journal war rather than just hearing it in the media,” “It makes me wonder if one of them was op-ed writer Peter Ferrara. said senior Phil Sigillito. biased,” said Thomas. “The statistics were History teacher Paul Michaelson, Ph.D., Senior Director of the Catholic Health just completely different.” who helped organize Issues Day, said that Association Jeff Tieman also drew a crowd Lodholz said of the clashing information, although the speakers are all “very big with three sessions of over 100 students “That’s exactly what was supposed to happen names in the feld that they are going to be each, according to Lodholz. Chairman of … it’s both sides of an issue; it’s both sides discussing,” it was not particularly diffcult the Center for Citizen Leadership Eric Gre- of an argument. … the only way that we can to get speakers to present. He said that all the itens, a veteran of the wars in both Iraq and deal with this is to recognize (that) there is speakers were volunteers and many were not Afghanistan, spoke to around 140 students an argument or there is a bias. Now what do only willing to come, but also “very excited” about his new book, Strength and Compas- I do with that? How logical is this person’s about the prospect of sharing the issues with sion. argument, or how much does this person’s students. Assistant Vice President of the Federal argument either tie into what I know about “There (were) so many fabulous speak- Reserve Bank Chris Neely gave another an issue, or question what I know about an ers,” said Lodholz. “It’s very impressive to well-attended presentation on economics issue, or challenge me to fnd more informa- read some of these people’s resumés.” and the 2008 Presidential Election to around tion?” Videos of individual speakers are available at 300 students. Many students liked Neely’s Particularly on issues like immigration http://student.sluh.org/pulse/issues.html 1814 (from 2) year. “I would (probably) schedule fve un- year, but that’s not the situation we have.” scheduled for this week fell short and re- less a group of people came to me and said Despite the lack of a mandatory, uni- scheduled the participating juniors to go on a whole bunch of people were coming,” said fed retreat schedule for juniors and seniors, the November White House retreat. Stewart. SLUH retreats remain successful because of Junior Joe Zacher, who was one of the Despite the small change, campus min- strong student participation, Stewart said. He students going this week, did not believe the istry succeeded in accomplishing its original said that almost every student goes on retreat cancellation was much of an inconvenience. goals. With fve junior retreats, the whole at least once during junior or senior year. On “[None] of the people I talked to were really class had the option of going on a retreat. retreat, openness from the students allows upset about it, they just said, ‘Okay, we’re Gilmore said, “This year a higher percentage the retreats to infuence the participants and going another day,’” he said. of juniors are going on retreat, which was renew the community spiritually. Both Stewart and Russo believed that one of our goals.” Stewart commented, “Guys seem to be scheduling the extra retreats was a benefcial Stewart said that campus ministry will invested in it, they want to be there, they’re experiment. “I thought adding the two junior continue to promote its optional junior and doing what we tell them, and they get, as retreats was a good idea. As it turned out, we senior retreats in addition to running the (St.) Ignatius would say, ‘spiritual fruit.’” didn’t need them,” said Stewart. mandatory freshman retreat and the manda- “The Kairos was received well, but tory revamped sophomore retreat. He hopes the White House (retreat) didn’t work out,” to keep retreats prominent and effective in added Russo. the SLUH community. Stewart and Gilmore are unsure about “The retreat program is as important how campus ministry will schedule its junior as academic formation. It’s an experience retreats in the future, but both agreed that of God through other people,” he said. “I the other fve retreats have worked well this would love every guy to go on retreat every October 31, 2008 News 11 ELECTIONS (from 1) booths, and maintaining proper order. between Bob Barr, Chuck Baldwin, and However, the percentages and even raw Ralph Nader. numbers may be misleading, resulting in the The Prep News gathered data from its conclusion that McCain won by a substan- archives dating back to 1956 and spanning tial margin. In contrast, the election in the eleven elections (2004, 2000, 1996, ’92, ’88, SLUH Electoral College was decided by four ’84, ’80, ’76, ’72, ’60, and ’56). In the 12 battleground homerooms. Each homeroom mock elections for which the Prep News has was assigned an electoral vote value rang- empirical data, students voted for the Repub- ing from 9 to 17 based on the number of lican candidate ten times and the Democratic students in the homeroom. (Senior advisors candidate twice (Bill Clinton in ’92 and John were registered in freshmen homerooms.) F. Kennedy in ’60). Disregarding the pend- In homerooms M122, M218, 222c, and ing 2008 election, in every year but ’96 and M205 popular vote was absolutely even ’76, the outcome of SLUH’s mock election between McCain and Obama. Because of correctly predicted the outcome of the actual a tie-breaking rule, the electoral votes from election. 222c, M218, and M205 were sent to McCain This year was the frst in SLUH history and those of M122 were sent to Obama. Had in which the mock election was conducted the electoral votes of M218 and 222c been entirely by electronic vote. Previously, stu- sent to Obama instead, SLUH would have dents had marked paper ballots, which were elected Obama. Had the electoral votes of tallied by hand. these homerooms been divided equally According to Issues Day Coordinator between the two, McCain would have only Paul Michaelson Ph.D., the program writ- won by 15 electoral votes. ten by SLUH Technology Advisor Jonathan Four percent of the student body did not Dickmann saved time and ensured a fairer vote in the mock presidential election. result. President and Vice President. Students were The ’08 SLUH Issues Day also featured For this year’s mock elections, students able to choose either Republican candidates a mock election of the Missouri gubernatorial returned to their homerooms after attending John McCain and Sarah Palin or Democratic race. On the ballot were Republican Kenny various discussions earlier in the day. Upon candidates Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Or Hulshof, Democrat Jeremiah (Jay) Nixon, returning to homeroom, students, sometimes as an alternative, students could choose the Libertarian Andrew Finkenstadt, Constitu- accompanied by homeroom teachers, de- recognized third-party tickets of Bob Barr, tionalist Gregory Thompson, Independent bated various issues pertaining to the election Wayne A. Root (Libertarian Party); Chuck Theodis (Ted) Brown, Sr., and Independent and Issues Day in general. Baldwin, Darrell Castle (Constitution party); Mark Serati. Hulshof received 49 percent After exploring their own and their class- Ralph Nader, Matt Gonzalez (Independent with 472 votes while Nixon received 41 mates’ political ideas, the homerooms fell party); and Cynthia McKinney, Rosa Cle- percent with 394 votes. All other candidates silent as each student voted in turn by secret mente (Green Party). Seniors in the AP received a combined total of 10 percent with ballot on reproductions of offcial Missouri Government class acted as election judges, 100 votes. Only 91 percent of the student body General Election ballots for the offces of U.S. bringing in computers, arranging voting voted in the mock gubernatorial election. MILLER (from 3) I really do believe in the “Brotherhood” to them; each and every one of us can be best medical treatment available. here at the U. High, and this is a time we Christ in their lives. Although everyone continues to hope really need to step up for our brother. It is Students I have talked to all agree this and pray for Mike in his battle for recovery, scary to think about, but we are all just one story hits particularly close to home. It is the Rathmanns must take measures now to accident away from being in Mike’s situ- no longer just something on the ten o’clock improve his quality of life. Unfortunately, ation. How much money would you want news, this is our brother. Will we take the those measures are almost prohibitively someone to give for you and your family in time to offer daily prayers for the Rathmanns? expensive, and not covered by medical in- this situation? Will we sacrifce fve, or ten, or twenty surance. The custom wheelchair Mike needs My brother Matthew played both SLUH dollars to someone who needs it more than alone will cost around $25,000. The purchase and CYC basketball and became close with us? I know I will, and my friends are also of a handicap accessible van, and some reno- Mike in their four years together, and our enthusiastic to help in any way possible. I vations to their house to make it handicap parents know each other well. Personally, challenge each and every student to do the accessible will add another $50,000. The I get chills every time I think about what same. Please give whatever you can. Rathmanns have endured enough already has happened. The strength the Rathmanns God Bless, over the last four months without having to have shown through this tragedy has been Michael Miller, ‘09 worry about these expenses. truly admirable. We can make a difference 12 News October 31, 2008 DEBATE (from 1) gave some good information. I don’t follow tion.” speech from government and politics teacher politics, but it helped inform me of what was History teacher and event organizer and Issues Day organizer Paul Michaelson going on.” Anne Marie Lodholz said, “I think some of about civic duty. Senior Jackson Ramsey said that it could them they were very honest. Mike Kelley said Next came the debate. Kelley repre- have been better. “(There was) no real new a couple times, ‘I don’t know, you’re going sented the Democrats while Werner replaced information. At frst they were trying to give to have to look up the details on that.’” the originally scheduled John Hancock, who out their points, but as they saw our response Junior Pat Archer said, “I do like McCain was required to attend a McCain rally in to it and the way we were reacting, scream- better than Obama but I think (Kelley) came Springfeld, Mo. ing like high school boys do, I think they off stronger overall. His stances were simpler, Each speaker gave an opening address were more playing towards the reaction,” but (Werner) had a couple big slams.” to students, laying out his reasons to vote he said. Michaelson said, “I thought they did for his party’s respective candidate, before Others believed the debate to be infor- okay … some of the questions were pretty answering questions formulated in home- mative. Freshman Andrew Young said that specifc. You can’t expect somebody to be room sessions. Kelley stressed making a he thought “it was pretty good,” noting that able to answer all the specifcs on Obama’s change from the last eight years of the Bush it, “helped (him) feel more informed” about health care plan or McCain’s tax plan unless presidency, the war in Iraq, and health care, issues such as Obama’s health care plan. they’re a spokesperson for that campaign, while Werner spoke about experience in in- Junior Mark Amoroso thought that the and neither of these guys were.” ternational affairs, opposition to the idea of debate focused less on information: “I think Topics ranged from the Patriot Act and “spreading the wealth,” and moral clarity. everybody had their minds made up already. health care to college tuition assistance and The debate was greeted with enthusiasm So it kind of reinforced their ideas.” tax plans to the representatives’ opinions on from the crowds of both political leanings as Sophomore Jackson Hoffman said, “I which issue is most important in this elec- Kelley and Werner answered the homeroom don’t really follow many politics. It really tion. questions. The two speakers were amiable showed me that those people know their Michaelson said, “I thought the ques- to each other and articulated Democratic stuff and what their candidate represents … tions were fairly good questions. (The and Republican positions on issues ranging I felt like they were both really prepared. It speakers) should have been prepared, I told from college tuition assistance to McCain seemed like they answered the questions to both of them that they were going to come and Obama’s choice of vice president to the the fullest they could.” give the presentation and then the kids were origins of the economic crisis. Amoroso thought that the representa- going to ask them questions. Reaction to the debate was generally tives dodged some questions. “I thought it Kelley and Werner could not be reached positive. Sophomore Jimmy Berger said, “It was interesting that (Kelley) didn’t answer for comment. JAZZ some of the questions, like the pro-life ques- FUEGO (from 9) that the ensemble was “excellent.” (from 9) as author James Baldwin and classical com- The Metta Quintet, in addition to present- After listening to his walkie-talkie one poser George Gershwin. The speaker sorted ing during activity period, talked to SLUH last time, Moran waved his hands to the through the history of jazz, with help from band members on Tuesday about musical students, directing them towards the school: pictures being projected on a screen above improvation. SLUH students will have an- “Thank you.” the stage, as well as the relaxing music of the other chance to see the Metta Quintet when As students shuffed back up Oakland, quintet. Whenever a famous musician, such they perform two shows on Saturday at Jazz Moran turned to me and said, “So that was as Louis Armstrong, or a famous event, such at the Bistro. The frst set is at 8:30 p.m., and really probably just under fve minutes till as the stock market crash of 1929 was talked the second at 10:15. the last person came around this corner about, the band serenaded the audience with here. (The fre drill) was smoother than last music ftting to the discussion. After talking time.” about Duke Ellington, the quintet played SPEECH A car braked hard and screeched down Ellington’s “Rockin’ in Rhythm.” (from 9) Oakland, and some students sent out a Junior Luke Landolt said that the The length of the season presents a unique muffed ‘whoa.’ “That sure added some quintet “covered the history well.” He was obstacle to the team. Formal practices are excitement to our fre drill,” said Moran. also impressed by how the band gave their sparse, so the challenge lies in “staying up to presentation in a unique, quick way, as date with the material,” said Erbs, emphasiz- they had a lot of history to cover. Landolt ing the importance of “keeping the freshness Congratulations especially enjoyed the Bebop section of the of speech” in each individual performance presentation, saying that it was “interesting to achieve the best possible score. Water Polo Captains to see the way (Bebop) was formed.” The speech team’s next competition is The 2008 water polo captains are John Band director Bryan Mueller also on Jan. 7 at Duchesne and is the frst of three Heafner and Matt Hohenberger. Congratulate praised the presentation, which he described events before the fnals in January. them and wish them luck in continuing their as “very impressive.” He also commented winning streak. October 31, 2008 News 13 OF JAPAN (from 2) According to Ryuko, about one million Billiken has only left his perch one other SLUH football game against Lindbergh on people visit Billiken each year, sometimes time, when he took a limosine for a stay in Thursday night. waiting two to three hours on weekends just Tokyo. According to Ryuko, who spoke through to put a hand on the little creature. The deep Before leaving for America, Tsutenkaku Shinkai, “Since this creature was born 100 indents in the statue’s feet were caused by Tower threw Billiken a 100th birthday party, hundred years ago ... this statue itself is look- being rubbed so much. A Tsutenkaku Tower complete with a birthday cake and Billiken ing for its own roots, so that’s why he tried PHOTO BY MR. MATT SCIUTO mascot—not unlike that of SLUH’s very own to get back to the original spot.” In Japan it Sluhmo. “Around 50 people surrounded this is referred as a sapogaeri, which translated statue,” said Ryuko. “Then everybody sang means “return to the birthplace” or “looking a song for a happy birthday, and treated him for roots.” like family. That is the kind of celebration It is partly for this reason that Iguchi, who that happened.” usually covers police-related topics, wanted Iguchi and Kei will be leaving St. Louis to be involved with the story, which Shinkai this morning for Cincinnati, Ohio, the home said he described as “very warm-hearted.” of 27th President William “Billy” Howard “I never ever imagined that this very Taft, whom it is said the billiken is named favorable statue related to St. Louis, Mis- after, and University of Cincinnati geography souri,” said Iguchi. The VP and reporter also professor Wendy Eisner, who studies the came to learn more about the Billiken’s past, history of billikens. asking questions like what is means to us and After that they will journey to New York how it became SLUH’s mascot. City to visit Coney Island, which was the Mr. Takai Ryuko sits with Osaka’s Billiken Billiken usually sits upon its throne 91 model of a smaller amusement park in Osaka meters high, overlooking Japan’s second brochure even refers to it as the “God of in 1912. It may have been the construction of largest city of Osaka, on the ffth foor of Good Luck.” this park that originally brought the billiken Tsutenkaku Tower. The original Tsutenkaku “To him people pray to pass school to Japan. The two men, along with Billiken, Tower, which literally means “tower reaching exams, fnd mates, etc.,” says the brochure. will then make their way back to Japan on heaven,” was the highest in the East in 1912, “It is believed that if you rub the soles of his Nov. 3. the year it was built. It was later dismantled feet, your wish will be fulflled.” Iguchi and As a sign of their gratitude, Iguchi and in 1943 for use of its steel in World War II, Kei pointed out that in Japanese culture many Takai gave SLUH a gift: the school now only to be rebuilt in 1956. The tower is also things may be considered to have a godlike has its very own golden replica fgurine of home to Japan’s largest clock and a neon status. Like with the Billiken, different cul- Billiken, “the god of things as they ought to turret that acts as the city’s weather tower. tures treat the same object different ways. be.” POLICY PIC OF THE WEEK (from 2) PHOTO BY ZAC BOESCH they will not skew the author’s original intent. Also, the editors reserve the right to Dr. Leo Sanchez, withhold from publication any submission if it is deemed vulgar, tasteless, or otherwise Director of the Center inappropriate. for Hispanic Studies All authors wishing to have letters at Concordia Semi- published must submit them by 4:00 p.m. nary, plays a song on the Wednesday before the letter is to be his guitar during se- published. Letters can be given to any Prep News nior prayer service on editor or moderator. In addition, letters can Friday. Sanchez was be mailed to the Prep News courtesy of St. at SLUH yesterday to Louis University High School, 4970 Oak- speak about land, St. Louis, MO 63110, or e-mailed to immigration. [email protected] 14 Billiken-Sann October 31, 2008 by Matt Bettonville Calendar *Lunch menu subject to change. Oct. 31 - Nov. 7 Friday, October 31 Sunday, November 2 IM-Basketball-Soph. Schedule R All Souls Day SWIM @ MCC Prelims Halloween Open House 11:30am-4:30pm STUCO Blood Drive SOA/Ignatian Teach-In Prep 4pm Thursday, November 6 Senior Class Liturgy Schedule R Flu Shots Monday, November 3 Junior Ring Make-Up Orders IM-Bashball-Soph./Jr./ vs. Faculty All- No Classes College Visits: Stars Parent-Teacher Conferences 2-5pm & Univ. of Missouri–Columbia AP Snack: Mini Tacos 6-8pm Xavier Univ. Lunch: Special – Chicken Nuggets IM-Music Trivia-All Levels vs. Faculty Healthy – Pizza Calzone Tuesday, November 4 SOC @ District Tourney Finals 6pm Schedule L – Homeroom at 8:50am B-SOC @ CBC Tourney Semifnal Saturday, November 1 SOC @ District Tourney Semifnal 4pm All Saints Day B-SOC @ CBC Tourney Quarterfnals Friday, November 7 B-SOC @ CBC Tourney JV-FB @ Lindbergh 4pm Schedule R SWIM @ MICDS, Parkway South (at Junior Class Liturgy Rec Plex) 7pm Wednesday, November 5 Ignatian Mix-It-Up Lunch JV-SWIM @ MCC JV Meet Noon Schedule R IM-Basketball-Soph. XC @ Sectional Meet STUCO Forum FB @ State Sectionals Fresh. English Tutorial SWIM @ MCC Championships

PHOTO BY ZAC BOESCH

FALL BALL PHOTO BY MR. MATT SCUITO

SLUH juniors and seniors gathered at Windows off Washington last Saturday for the annual Fall Ball. Seniors Collin Klages (left) and Tim Schonhoff groove to the music. BILLIKEN BRIEFINGS Senior linebacker Morgan Cole (41) and line fy to block a Lindbergh kick. Students will debate Presidential politics Tuesday during PN Nightbeat: SLUH loses, 20-17 activity period in the theater. Last night the St. Louis U. High football team (7-3, 2-1 district) fnished out district play with a 20-17 loss to Lindbergh. The Chess Club will hold its second annual chess tourna- After senior Joe Schrick’s feld goal, the Flyers went up 7-3 on ment after school on Monday, November 10. The tournament a touchdown by Mike Heumann, cousin of Fr. Carl Heumann. is open to all students, faculty, and staff. No experience or Senior All-American Ronnie Wingo regained the SLUH lead expertise is required. The entry fee is $2.00, with prizes going with a 16-yard touchdown. Senior Nikko Sansone kept the game close with a season-high three interceptions. to the top three players. Registration and play will begin at Lindbergh surged ahead on a feld goal and 72-yard touchdown. 3:15 p.m. in the Ignatian Conference Room, at the western Senior QB John Swanston threw a 49-yard screen pass to junior end of the Art Wing. Griffn Lowry with 1:28 left in the game, cutting the lead to 3. A failed onside kick gave the Flyers the ball near midfeld with Starting Tuesday, Nov. 4th, there will be a sale of “Retro” 1:20 left. The U. High defense recovered a fumble on third down basketball uniforms. The sale will take place during activity with a minute to go, but a late interception by Heumann sealed period in the team meeting room below the library. the win for Lindbergh. - Tony Billmeyer