The University News

Baby Bills inspire hope for future

Joe George • February 5, 2009

Freshman year. Good times. Just thinking about the whirlwind that was my first year in college makes me both reminiscent and groggy. I had to worry about keeping up with classes, meeting girls, making new friends, what I could and could not do in the Griesedieck complex, making sure my laundry stayed reasonably under control (still working on that one) and so on.

Optimistic squad welcomes season challenges

Andrew Bush • January 29, 2009

The general consensus around the Saint Louis University tennis program is that this season will be one of superlatives. "I think this is our best team ever," Head Coach John Zych said. Another superlative-what could be the best SLU tennis team ever will be under the tutelage of what Zych considers his best coaching staff ever.

Newfound confidence, consistency energize Bills

Micah Miller • January 29, 2009

"In [the Atlantic-10], we had the hardest non-conference schedule, and that's paying off now," Francis said. Other elements have contributed to the team's success as well, including maturity and overall improvement. All these factors will be key if the Billikens are going to navigate through the remainder of their schedule as they penetrate deep into conference play.

Beleaguered backcourt plagues Bills

Joe George • January 29, 2009

Sometimes it takes losing a player to appreciate his value. The Saint Louis University men's basketball team learned that lesson the hard way against Richmond. Playing without freshman starting point guard Kwamain Mitchell strongly reinforced the feeling. After receiving a moderate concussion toward the end of an already tough loss (to put it mildly) at Temple last Thursday, Mitchell's role against Richmond was reduced to raising invisible pom-poms as he sat on the bench in a snazzy Polo ensemble.

Unexpected loss ends home winning streak at nine games

Micah Miller • January 29, 2009

You could see it in the faces of the fans. It was on the faces of the team. Even head coach Rick Majerus showed it. No, it wasn't school spirit. It was frustration. Richmond ended Saint Louis' nine-game home winning streak with a 70-62 win last Saturday at Chaifetz Arena.

10 school records set, several winners in EIU Mega Meet

Micah Miller • January 29, 2009

The Saint Louis University indoor track and field team continued its string of good performances this past weekend with several first-place finishes and 10 school records at the EIU Mega Meet. The women earned five first-place finishes and four school records, two of which were recorded by sophomore Tiffany Alexander in the 60-meter dash and 60-meter hurdles.

Divers excel in competition

Micah Miller • January 29, 2009

The Saint Louis University swimming and diving team took on Lindenwood, Missouri State and the Illinois Institute of Technology last Saturday. Junior diver Anna Larson won the one-meter and three-meter events, breaking the school record in the one-meter in the process.

Swimmer leads team after shaky beginning

Andrew Bush and Gina Cassaro • January 22, 2009

About five months ago, senior Justin Breithaupt had a scary conversation with head swimming and diving coach Jim Halliburton. Fresh off of a serious back surgery, Breithaupt was experiencing pain to the point that he considered quitting the sport he has loved since the age of six.

MLS and Europe are world$ apart

Andrew Bush • January 22, 2009

As Brandon Barklage, Dado Hamzagic and Kyle Patterson of Saint Louis University ponder their prospective professional soccer careers, a certain enviable footballer, playing more than 5,000 miles away in Milan, is simultaneously pondering his own future. Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, known more commonly by his nickname Kaka, has been the object of affection for the English Premier League's Manchester City for the past week, and the club is willing to offer AC Milan 100 million Euros, or $128.

Trio of Bills drafted into MLS

Micah Miller • January 22, 2009

For many athletes, becoming a professional in their respective sport is nothing more than a dream. But for three Saint Louis University men's soccer players, this dream is becoming a reality. Last Thursday, Dado Hamzagic, Brandon Barklage and Kyle Patterson were selected in the Major League Soccer Superdraft, meaning they will soon get the chance to play professional soccer.

Runners adjust to indoors

Sarah Fentem • January 22, 2009

Depending on whom you ask, Jon Bell could be considered the head coach of two teams: cross country and track. This would not do him justice, however. Coach Bell, in fact, is the head of six separate teams: both men's and women's cross country, men's and women's outdoor track, and men's and women's indoor track.

SLU wins second straight nail biter

Derrick Neuner • January 22, 2009

Playing against George Washington should have been quick and easy. It was neither, and Saint Louis University had to, again, rely on a late second-half run to salvage a 63-59 win last Saturday against the Colonials. A record 9,690 attended the match at Chaifetz Arena.