Basketball players avoid prosecution in sex assault case

By Garin Groff and Damian Shaw
State Press
	The Maricopa County Attorney's Office decided Tuesday 
that it will not prosecute three ASU basketball recruits who ASU 
police accused of holding two women against their will and 
sexually assaulting one of them. 
	Officials with the county attorney's office concluded there 
was no reasonable likelihood of criminal prosecution because of 
inconsistent statements about the incident from the recruits and the 
women. Also, participants had engaged in consensual sex during 
the incident and in previous weeks, according to investigators.
	The players Ñ Thomas Prince, Rico Harris and George 
"Gee" Gervin Ñ were heavily recruited freshmen who did not play 
this season because they did not qualify academically.
	While ASU police conducted a proper investigation, the 
facts just didn't warrant prosecution, said Cindi Nannetti, bureau 
chief of the Maricopa County Attorney Office's sex crimes unit.
	"It's no reflection on ASU's investigation," Nannetti said.
	The unanimous decision came after a team of about 10 
prosecutors and investigators met Tuesday morning to review 
interview transcripts forwarded by ASU police.
	The transcripts show the women were friends with the 
recruits and visited them several times a week.
	The women told police they were not allowed to leave until 
they performed sex and were only allowed to go after one of the 
players said, "I'm not going to risk my basketball career because of 
this."
	But the men denied holding the women, saying they were 
free to leave at any time.
	The three were arrested after a Feb. 27 incident in which 
they allegedly held two 18-year-old women captive and sexually 
assaulted one of them. One was a student, but has since left the 
University.
	Police accused Prince of aggravated assault, threatening 
and intimidation, kidnapping and sexual assault. Harris was 
accused of assault, unlawful imprisonment and threatening and 
intimidation. Gervin was accused of sexual assault and kidnapping.
	Two other freshman players, Duane Davis and Okeme 
Oziwo, were questioned in connection with the case but not 
accused of any illegal activities.
	Chief of ASU Police Lanny Standridge said the 
investigation was professional and justified.
	"There was no basis to ignore their claims," he said.
	ASU basketball coach Bill Frieder would not say whether 
the players will be eligible to take their places as projected starters 
next season. 
	"We're not going to make any decisions yet," Frieder said 
Tuesday night on his weekly KTAR (620 AM) show. "We're going 
to take in all the facts and look at everything first. 
	"Something we have to consider is, are we going to run 
away from everything that creeps up, or are we going to deal with 
these young men's issues." 
	The coach acknowledged that any decision regarding the 
players' futures will be unpopular. 
	"We're going to take heat either way."
	Interim Athletic Director Christine Wilkinson said she 
wants to see the county attorney's report before department 
officials make any decisions.
	"As we receive the full report, we'll take that information 
into account and see how it applies to the student-athlete conduct 
policy," she said.
	Wilkinson said the recruits' eligibility will be evaluated 
individually within the next month. She added the players are not 
allowed use of ASU's athletic venues. 
	"Their current status is suspension from athletic activities 
and services," Wilkinson said. "That will be the case until we do a 
further review."
Angela Mull of the State Press contributed to this article.

IFC president Transfered to Mexicali jail to await trial

By Brian Anderson
State Press
	The president of ASU's Interfraternity Council, who was 
charged with allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman in Mexico late 
last week, was transported Tuesday to a Mexicali, Mexico city jail 
to await trial, according to a San Felipe police official. 
	Speaking through a translator, Manuel Valle Pe–a, public 
information officer for the San Felipe Police, said senior marketing 
major Mike Eckel was transported to the jail Tuesday afternoon.
	However, a subdirector of the Mexicali public jail said he 
did not have any information relating to Eckel's case. He added 
that he had not even heard of the student. 
	The subdirector said the only person from the United States 
that he had under his supervision or planned on taking into custody 
was a man from Virginia.
	The Public Ministry in San Felipe could not be reached for 
comment.
	A woman at the American Consulate in Tijuana, Mexico, 
who would not reveal her name, said Eckel asked that details of his 
case not be released to the public.
	The Interfraternity Council released a written statement 
Tuesday afternoon expressing the group's concerns about receiving 
accurate information from reliable sources regarding Eckel's 
situation.
	"The Greek System has become somewhat paralyzed in 
receiving factual information," the statement read.
	IFC Vice President Kyle Harimoto said most of the 
information they are getting is coming from the local media.
	Harimoto, a senior justice studies major, said he has had no 
contact with Eckel or his immediate family.
	According to Pe–a, Eckel's father and godfather, 
accompanied by Eckel's attorney, Carlos Fernando Gonzales, have 
talked with him in the San Felipe jail.
	Eckel's fraternity, Theta Chi, also released a statement 
expressing concerns similar to those of the IFC.
	"Because the arrest occurred in Mexico, and most of the 
Fraternity members have just returned from their spring break 
vacations, it has been difficult to assemble accurate information," 
the statement read. "Therefore, the members of our fraternity are 
simply not able to comment further on details."

DPS racism task force holds first meeting at MU today;Group hopes to educate students about hate crime prosecution

By Brian Anderson
State Press
	A recently-formed Task Force on Racially Motivated 
Crimes will convene for the first time at noon today in the 
Memorial Union La Paz Room to discuss the authority police have 
when attempting to prosecute hate crimes. 
	The ASU police-sponsored group was hastily created 
earlier this month to respond to heightened racial tensions on 
campus.
	ASU Police Crime Prevention Coordinator Radawna 
Michelle said the 30-minute seminar is meant to educate people. 
	"What we need to do is tell the community what other 
options they have to address (racism)," she said. "We have to make 
sure the community sends a clear message that (racism) isn't 
acceptable here."
	Michelle said in many cases where racially derogatory 
propaganda is distributed, police cannot arrest an individual 
because no laws have been broken. She added that suspects are 
also hard to hunt down.
	Chief of ASU Police Lanny Standridge agreed.
	"As difficult as it may be to handle, (racist propaganda) 
may not be illegal under the law," he said. "There are certain rights 
that individuals have to express themselves. Those must be 
observed as long as they don't infringe upon the rights of other 
individuals."
	Standridge added that he hopes the task force seminar will 
help people confront racism in a productive way.
	"We really need to address the issue from this standpoint," 
he said.

FARMers ask Americans to try 1 meatless day

By Andrea M. Healey
State Press
	Beef. It's what's for dinner, but not today Ñ it's the Great 
American Meatout.
	The Farm Animal Reform Movement (FARM), a national 
public interest nonprofit organization, is coordinating the one-day 
event in an effort to have Americans "kick the meat habit, at least 
for a day, and explore a more wholesome, less violent diet."
	FARM is made up of consumers concerned about negative 
effects on human health, environmental quality and animal 
welfare. The organization supports veganism, said Scott Williams, 
national director of the Great American Meatout. 
	Veganism goes beyond not eating meat to avoiding the 
consumption of any animal products, such as leather, honey or any 
other animal by-product. 
	Karen Moses, assistant director of health and wellness at 
ASU Student Health, said vegetarianism can be very healthy, but is 
dependent on diet.
	"Most people are used to fast, convenient foods, and 
vegetarian eating takes a little more effort," she said.
	Moses also said it is important to replace nutrients you may 
not get if you choose a vegetarian diet. She said a couple of 
nutrients that are important to supplement are vitamin B-12 and 
iron.
	Moses also said that for vegans, it is harder to get the 
proteins that someone who was still consuming dairy products, 
eggs and other animal-produced foods would get.
	One precaution Moses said people should consider is not 
becoming lazy in their eating habits. She said that what she sees 
with some students on campus is that when they choose to not eat 
meat, they end up eating cake or pasta, but without the vegetables.
	"What I've seen happen a lot with students is it takes time 
and effort to build a vegetarian diet," she said. "Instead of opting to 
eat healthy as a vegetarian, they opt to eat things that aren't very 
nourishing, or they opt to not eat. A vegetarian should be someone 
who eats a lot of fruits, vegetables and a lot of legumes." 
	As to whether a meat or vegetarian diet is healthier, Moses 
said the answer is gray.
	"You could do either thing poorly, or you could eat either 
way really healthily. Either way you have to be conscious of 
balance."

Adviser to steer students to less random course choices

By Andrea M. Healey
State Press
	In attempting to earn a degree in four years, students tend 
to stay focused on their major and do not look beyond course 
requirements in their academic careers, according to an ASU 
official.
	"What students do is typically spend elective credits on 
randomly chosen courses," said Jay Rodman, president of ASU 
Council of Academic Advisers. 
	The council is hosting guest speaker Ned Laff, director for 
academic advising at Utah's Weber State University. Laff will 
address how students can complement their major with their 
interests and career goals. 
	Laff speaks at 3 p.m. today in the North Architecture 
Building lower level auditorium. 
	"He's going to be addressing his comments to a very 
general audience, but particularly undergraduate students," said 
Rodman, who is also coordinator of cross-college advising services 
for freshmen. "One of his basic ideas is that academic advisers 
need to create a program that integrates a student's interests and 
major."
	Rodman added that Laff's goal is to show students how to 
make the most of their college education and career.
	"He's really used to thinking about how students can come 
up with a coherent set of classes in their program," Rodman said. 
"He'll be talking about general undergraduate majors ... (and) the 
opportunities for electives to be structured to relate to each other, 
rather than just random courses."

Editorial: Protect Mike Eckel

	To say that Mike Eckel is in trouble is an understatement.
	While in Mexico during spring break, Eckel Ñ the 
president of the Interfraternity Council Ñ was arrested and 
charged with raping a 19-year-old woman.
	As previous events have demonstrated, such charges are 
very serious business. Had this occurred in Tempe, we would have 
urged careful consideration of the evidence Ñ and fair treatment of 
both parties.
	But Eckel's arrest didn't occur in Tempe, but in San Felipe, 
Mexico.
	Needless to say, we are extremely concerned about Eckel's 
welfare.
	In the United States, Eckel would be presumed innocent 
until proven guilty in a court of law. There would be a careful 
investigation of the facts involved, followed, if necessary, by a fair 
trial.
	Contrast that with Mexican justice Ñ guilty until proven 
innocent.
	Eckel has had little time to gather evidence in his favor. Yet 
tomorrow, a Mexican judge is scheduled to render a verdict.
	In other words, an ASU student will have a life-changing 
judgment passed on him without any real chance to defend himself.
	Of course, this verdict can only be rendered if anyone can 
find out exactly where Mike Eckel is.
	Eckel was transferred to a jail in Mexicali, according to a 
spokesman for the San Felipe jail. Yet the Mexicali jail has no 
record of receiving him Ñ nor were they informed of any transfer.
	The U.S. government deserves to know where one of its 
citizens is being held.
	Where is Eckel?
	Concern for Eckel's welfare is warranted, considering the 
history of American suspects in Mexican custody.
	Everyone is familiar with stories of U.S. citizens being 
mistreated, even beaten by Mexican federal police. A few years 
ago, a man arrested and convicted for drug possession reported that 
he was beaten with a rubber hose by his captors. It is also clear that 
corruption still exists in the Mexican judicial and law enforcement 
systems.
	The U.S. government must ensure Eckel's safety and 
welfare while he remains in Mexican custody.
	At the very least, U.S. embassy personnel should be 
allowed to see Eckel immediately, in order to verify his immediate 
safety. These personnel should ensure that Eckel is not being 
mistreated in any way by Mexican authorities.
	This action is an absolute necessity. After all, one of the 
primary roles of the U.S. government is to ensure the safety and 
well-being of its citizens, both at home and abroad.
	The United States must also request that Eckel be given 
appropriate access to legal counsel, and receive a fair and impartial 
trial.
	Though we are unfamiliar with international law, we 
believe it would be appropriate for Eckel to be extradited to a U.S. 
court, since this case involves only U.S. nationals Ñ and because 
there is every reason to believe that justice may not be properly 
served in a Mexican court.
	We want to see justice served in this case. If ruled guilty in 
a fair trial, Eckel must be punished.
	But we demand that Eckel receives the fair trial that he 
deserves.
	And we demand that the United States does everything in 
its power to ensure that he gets it.

Column: Rape remains same south of the border

Bryn Chancellor
Columnist

	"Leave your morals at the border."
	As Mike Eckel, president of ASU Interfraternity Council, 
sits in a Mexican jail, contemplating the rape charges of which he 
is accused, he must be thinking what a stupid, stupid thing it was to 
believe in that spring break mantra.
	That is, if he had morals to leave in the first place.
	And if Eckel is convicted, he could have the next eight 
years in prison to contemplate his actions.
	Not in America. In Mexico.
	Mike Eckel is in deep doo doo.
	This whole situation practically begs for a fraternity-
bashing session seeing how Mike Eckel is the IFC president. 
Everyone should have plenty of fuel to feed the frat boy stereotype. 
Bye bye, Chris Weber, there's a new whipping boy in town.
	Eckel is probably scared to death (and rightfully so). I'm 
scared for him. We've all heard the horror stories of Mexican jails 
that come about from what we consider minor crimes. Spring 
breakers get a little rambunctious, down a few too many Coronas, 
maybe smoke a little hooch, and yikes, they're in jail. The fun and 
games are over. Even if Eckel is innocent, he is still held in a 
Mexican jail without bail for a crime taken very seriously in 
Mexico (and rightfully so). 
	But this isn't about the Greek system, alcohol or a couple of 
college kids getting silly. 
	This is about rape.
	Or maybe I should say estupro, the Spanish word for rape.
	When two men (one of whom got away) decide to rape a 
passed-out woman in a hotel room, there is nothing fun about it. It 
is the furthest thing from a game imaginable.
	The logistics of estupro don't change when you cross that 
border into San Felipe or Rocky Point or wherever. A woman's 
body is sexually violated without her consent, period.
	I wonder what she will contemplate for the rest of her life.  
	Alcohol is once again a factor in this latest reported 
estupro. There is certainly more alcohol to consume in Mexico. 
Legally, that is. The woman who accuses Eckel is 19 years old and 
said she was taking painkillers for a broken left hand in addition to 
drinking at the time of the incident.
	I think it's safe to say she was good and loaded.
	Maybe she even willingly went to the hotel room with 
Eckel and his buddy. Fun and games, you know. This is spring 
break. Maybe she kissed Eckel, maybe she had on a short, short 
skirt, maybe she flirted with him all night. Maybe not. 
	The thing is, none of that matters. None of it.
	Estupro has to do with the state of mind of the rapist and 
not the state of intoxication/dress of the victim. If you're thinking 
that a woman should not put herself in the kind of situation this 
woman did in the first place, stop. Ask yourself this instead: What 
does a man like the accused Mike Eckel think when he looks at a 
drunk, passed-out female on a hotel bed? What are the factors in 
this society that allow for those thoughts? And why does he act on 
those thoughts?
	Many would blame the alcohol. Sure, we've all done some 
stupid-ass stuff when we've been drinking. Stupid, embarrassing, 
hide-your-face-the-next-day kind of stuff. It's always convenient to 
fall back on the "I was wasted" excuse.
	I'm sure alcohol creates the setting and circumstances under 
which a 19-year-old woman is assaulted.
	I'm sure alcohol fuzzes up judgment and perceptions. 
	But is alcohol the cause of estupro? Not a chance in hell.
	Being wasted is no excuse at all. 
	I am uncertain of the system of justice in Mexico. In the 
States, we all know one is supposed to be innocent until proven 
guilty. 
	Mike Eckel is not in the States. Our system of a trial and 
court system is left behind at the border. Things are different down 
there. Things change.
	One thing doesn't change, though.
	Estupro still means rape.

Bryn Chancellor is a master's student studying English.

Column: Arpaio's latest reform plan degrades homeless people

Liz Montalbano
Columnist

A Man Named Joe
(To be sung to the tune of the Beverly Hillbillies theme song)

Once there was a story 'bout a man name Joe,
Was a big bad sheriff who would rid us all of woe,
Forced his prison inmates to dig graves for the po',
But the clergy got pissed off and became the sheriff's foe.
(Undignified, they said. Irreverent ... rude.)

	Sheriff Joe is at it again.
	Seems Arpaio's latest attempt to inspire Maricopa County 
prison inmates to reform their evil ways is to force prison chain 
gangs to fill in graves at Maricopa County's cemetery for the 
indigent.
	Ohhhh ... yeeaahhh. Pink underwear was just the tip of the 
iceberg from hell.	
	In defense of his newest program, dubbed "Scared Stiff" by 
the inmates, Arpaio said, "I want the prisoners to know who is 
being buried. Crack addicts, criminals, people whose lives have 
come to nothing. I think it may open the eyes of some of those 
prisoners and make them say to themselves, 'Hey! That could be 
me if I don't get myself turned around.'"
	Brilliant plan?
	The group that supplies clergy for the county cemetery's 
burial services for the poor didn't think so.
	Just a few days after Arpaio's grave-diggers went to work, 
the Ecumenical Chaplaincy for the Homeless ordered its chaplain 
to stop performing burial services at the cemetery, calling it 
"undignified" for inmates to be present at the burial services.
	"On the one hand, you've got the heavy hand of the law Ñ 
guns, chains, manacled prisoners Ñ involved," said founder of the 
ECH Gerald Roseberry, "and on the other hand, here's a clergyman 
attempting to lend dignity to a person whose life was devoid of 
dignity."
	The group took special offense to Arpaio's generalized 
description of the homeless who are buried there, asserting that not 
all of them are criminals or drug addicts. 
	Or, as Sheriff Joe so politely put it, "people whose lives 
have come to nothing."
	Sure, using the inmates to dig graves saves taxpayer 
money, not to mention puts all that extra time they have lying 
around in a jail cell to good use.
	If these were the only reasons behind Arpaio's program, I'd 
say go for it.
	But making an example of the poor to scare criminals into 
reform is a mockery.
	Contrary to Arpaio's testimony, my own experience with 
the homeless has taught me that a person forced to live on the 
streets who may die penniless and without a friend in the world 
isn't necessarily a person who deserves such a fate.
	Though there are homeless people who fall into Arpaio's 
crude categories, many are actually hard-working people Ñ like 
Arpaio himself Ñ who just stumbled upon hard times. Through 
little fault of their own, they've lost their jobs and their families, 
and are just struggling to get by day to day on the kindness of 
strangers.
	Their deaths should be mourned Ñ as the death of any 
human being is Ñ not exploited to show criminals who deserve 
every bit of their jail time what might happen to them if they don't 
shape up.
	And while it is true that many prison inmates are poor, too, 
and find themselves incarcerated because they didn't have enough 
money to hire rich lawyers to get them off, there is a fundamental 
difference between the jailed poor and the homeless poor who live 
on the streets.
	It would be easy to turn to a life of crime to get yourself a 
roof over your head while you're on the street.
	Yet many so-called indigents stay out of trouble with the 
law Ñ even while forced to survive in unforgiving Phoenix 
neighborhoods.
	That they die on the streets and not in jail should be to their 
credit, not held against them even in death.
	And while it may be true that not all homeless people are 
saints who have never committed a crime in their lives, they are 
still human beings, and every human life has its own inherent 
value.
	Arpaio claimed he was not trying to target the homeless 
when he instituted the "Scared Stiff" program, saying, "I never 
mentioned homeless people."
	But many of the people buried in the county cemetery for 
indigents are just that. 
	And by deeming the dead who are put to rest there "people 
whose lives have come to nothing" he has degraded people whose 
stories he will never know, whose plight he could never imagine.
	Reforming prison inmates is intrinsically positive. Arpaio 
should be lauded for even trying.
	It's unfortunate that he has to insult those who aren't even 
alive to defend themselves in his effort to achieve his goals.

Liz Montalbano is an M.F.A. student studying creative writing.	

Letters to the Editor

Letter: To soon to make judgments about IFC President Eckel

	In light of the events that have transpired in the last few 
days the Interfraternity Council would like to address its fellow 
students at ASU. On Thursday, March 14 the IFC President, Mike 
Eckel, was arrested in Mexico for alleged sexual assault. At this 
time members of the Council know nothing more than what is 
being reported. We feel that it is premature to make any judgments 
on the guilt or innocence of Eckel at this time. The trial is 
Wednesday, March 20. Until responsibility or non-responsibility is 
determined through the proper legal channels, the IFC will not take 
any actions toward Eckel in regards to his status as president of the 
IFC.
	Regardless of finding any accused individual responsible or 
non-responsible for these acts, the IFC takes these allegations very 
seriously and sees them as a disturbance to the Greek system. The 
IFC is concerned with the well-being of the victim and with Mike 
Eckel's rights/conditions in the current situation. The act of 
acquaintance rape or sexual assault will not be tolerated by the 
IFC, the Greek system or society in general. This type of behavior, 
by no means possible, lives up to or parallels the ideals and 
standards of Greek organizations on college and university 
campuses. As well, these acts do not meet in concurrence with the 
campus community standards.
	Monday, the IFC in collaboration with the Panhellenic 
Council addressed the issues and allegations surrounding Mike 
Eckel in their respective self-governance meetings. These issues 
were addressed immediately with the rationale of allowing the 
facts available to be disseminated and Greek students to express 
their feelings.
	The purpose of this statement is to ask our fellow students 
at ASU to please refrain from drawing any type of premature 
conclusions about the character of our Greek System as a whole 
and the individual members in it. We understand that we have not 
at all times represented our student body in a flattering light. We 
hope to expand on our existing programs that deal with difficult 
issues, sexual misconduct and others which affect our society. We 
appreciate the campus community's support and look forward to 
working together in a continued effort to assist in the development 
of our young student leaders as our founding members would 
astound.

Interfraternity Council

Letter: Show respect for race diversity

	In response to J. Russell Reid's comments on March 4, I 
would like to bring light to a few issues.
	To begin, let's all get off Tina Holder's back. I too have 
read the issues she has addressed in the State Press, and she is not 
"complaining about her Indian heritage." See it for what it is worth, 
a person whose heritage has been raped and pillaged by the 
government for 500 years is making an attempt at educating the 
public on issues that get swept under the carpet. Race and 
discrimination issues would continue to be dealt with in this 
manner if it weren't for people like Holder. Kudos to you, Tina.
	I have yet to read an article where Holder presents factual 
evidence claiming everything was "perfect" prior to European 
arrival. Yes, the Indians did war against each other, but they never 
abolished sovereignty, tribal governments, native religion or broke 
treaties, just to touch on a few tragedies imposed by the White 
man. The point you are missing is that these are the things the U.S. 
government has always done when dealing with the Native 
Americans. So check your historical facts, Reid, before you go 
pointing fingers.
	Lastly, you made reference to the lumping of all Indian 
nations into one collective group. Yes, there were several hundred 
different tribes with different languages, but when the settlers 
came, they didn't give a rat's ass about the tribes, or the culture, or 
the beliefs of the individuals. It was the government who choose to 
lump them into one collectively when they robbed them of their 
sovereignty, inalienable rights and land. Refer to your precious 
history books regarding Native American issues. You'll find things 
like The General Allotment Act (1887) where the government 
imposed a "blood quantum" code to determine who was Indian 
when dividing up their native lands. This doesn't even scratch the 
surface of Indian affairs.
	I don't care if you are Black, White, native, foreign, green 
or blue. But if you are going to point your finger at someone, point 
it at yourself first. We all need to show compassion and 
understanding when dealing with these issues. Until we can respect 
each other's individuality and diversity, we don't have a prayer for 
the future.

Carrie Mitchell
Senior 
Justice studies

Sun Devils have high hopes for 1996 season ;First day of spring football practice has large turnout after '95 success

By Dustin Krugel
State Press
	 In the last couple of years the ASU football team has 
occasionally had to scrounge around for enough bodies to practice 
in spring football.
	But ASU Head Coach Bruce Snyder said the number of 
returning players is the highest it has been in his five-year tenure in 
Tempe in the Sun Devils first spring practice Tuesday. 
Approximately 90 players including walk-ons attended.
	"It's a pretty good number for spring ball, although we are 
missing some players," he said, referring to injuries sustained by 
flyback Jeff Paulk, offensive lineman Glen Gable and tight end 
Steve Bush.
	ASU returns nine offensive starters and eight defensive 
starters from last year's 6-5 squad that just missed making the post-
season.
	"The young guys aren't young anymore," senior 
quarterback Jake Plummer said. "They are experienced. We have a 
real strong class of seniors and a good class behind, the juniors."
	Snyder said the practice came at an odd time Ñ right after 
spring break.
	"If they have spring break either they'll be in shape or 
they'll get out of shape. Now if you go to Lake Havasu, you tend to 
be in not as good shape." 
	After almost three hours of practice Snyder didn't see 
anyone heaving afterwards.
	"That's a long practice and I didn't see much fatigue," he 
said.
	Plummer said the Sun Devils have shown a new 
commitment to fitness.
	"I see a lot more players (working), there are not just a 
select few who are busting their butts," he said. "There are a lot 
more people on the team putting that extra effort and are trying a 
lot harder."
	Along with the team's commitment to staying in shape, the 
Sun Devils expectations have skyrocketed to the point where ASU 
football and the Rose Bowl are mentioned in the same sentence.
	"The feeling amongst the team is take care of business," 
Snyder said. "They have as a legitimate chance as anyone to have a 
really successful year. Some people are talking Rose Bowl or a 
major bowl."
Rashada Returns
	Senior safety Harlen Rashada practiced with the team for 
the first time in over six months. He walked out of a practice at the 
start of the 1995 season because of  personal reasons.
	"(Snyder and I) talked a couple of times after the season," 
Rashada said "We decided it would be the best thing to do Ñ come 
back to ASU and try to help these guys get to the Rose Bowl."
	Rashada said his teammates have welcomed him back with 
open arms.
	"I've had a lot of guys say it's good to have you back, we 
needed you," he said. "It's good to hear it but it's not good to hear 
at the same time.
	"I know I should have been with those guys last year. I 
made the decision and I paid the price. But it's in the past."
Medical Redshirts
	ASU's defensive backfield received a big lift when 
cornerback Marcus Soward and safety B.J. Alford were given an 
extra year of eligibility after suffering injuries last year.

Freshman gymnast finds switch to college a breeze

By Randy Jones
State Press
	It's too bad the women's gymnastics Pac-10 Championships 
aren't held at the University Activity Center each year. If so, maybe 
more gymnasts like freshman Lisa Vincijanovic would be 
competing at ASU.
	Out of gymnastics for almost two years, the meet last 
March rekindled her fire to compete.
	"At Pac-10's I was at a point where I had quit gymnastics. I 
watched them and it got me thinking about getting back in the 
gym," she said.
	"I talked to John (Spini, head coach), and he said he had a 
full scholarship waiting for me if I could graduate early (from high 
school). And I was like, that's cool."
	Narrowing her choices to ASU and Stanford, her decision 
was easy after watching the two teams.
	"I don't think Stanford acted as much like a team. ASU was 
screaming and totally into it. And that's how it's been at every meet 
this year," she said.
	Vincijanovic finished at Scottsdale Chaparral High School 
in December, and was practicing with the team in early January.
	"I was ready for college. High school just wasn't for me 
anymore. College is fun, pretty easy. I'm glad I came her. I love 
ASU," she said.
	The reason for her leaving gymnastics for two years? One 
look at her right wrist explains it all.
	Showing her large scar, a result of major wrist surgery, 
Vincijanovic said, "It's pretty ugly. But it's a real good for starting 
conversations. "
	For Spini, the performance of the young gymnast, who is 
still just 17, has been a great addition to the team.
	"Lisa's been outstanding, competing up to her ability," he 
said. "Sometimes you don't know with a freshman. But she's been 
all we expected and more."
	Vincijanovic is especially proud of one of her early 
achievements at ASU.
	Against UCLA she became a rare freshman to anchor the 
beam team. Another was Lisa Veis, who was one of her coaches 
with the Arizona Sun Rays, the club she competed with before 
ASU.
	According to Spini, a freshman anchoring the event is rare.
	"I do not let too many freshmen take on that (role). It can 
be a lot of pressure. But she handled it great," he said.
	Vincijanovic remembers talking to Spini before the meet.
	"I was talking to John, and I was saying 'Please let me 
anchor beam.' And he said yes," she said. "I  called my mom and 
dad and told them I'm anchoring beam as a freshman. Hopefully I 
can live up to Lisa's reign as freshman beam anchor."
	Responding to the pressure she won the beam competition, 
and scored a career-high of 9.925.
	"It doesn't surprise me at all," said Veis. "She has an 
awesome beam. It has high difficulty, and she's got the attitude you 
need."
	Her performance in vault and floor have been just as 
exceptional, not showing any rust from her injury-induced absence 
from the sport.
	"I've been very pleased. I haven't done floor in three years. 
John got me in shape in about two weeks (at the beginning of the 
year), and I've been getting 9.8s when I hit. On vaults I've had two 
9.95s, so hopefully I'll continue that," she said.
	Another asset she brings to the team is her fiery 
competitiveness.
	"Lisa's like a spark plug, she livens up the whole team," 
said Spini. "Both her and Gina Holleran really get the crowd going. 
She's a winner. She gets things done when she puts her mind to it."
	Dan Witenstein, another of Lisa's pre-ASU coaches agreed.
	"Her power and explosiveness, together with her dynamic 
personality make her the type of athlete that everyone would want 
to coach," he said.
	Aside from gymnastics, Vincijanovic has her mind set on a 
career in medicine. She plans to major in either micro-biology or 
bio-chemistry, hopefully receiving her degree in three and a half 
years.
	"Lately I've been real interested in virology. I would hope 
to do bio-safety level four work, which is all the dangerous viruses 
like ebola," she said.
	For the Pac-10 Championship meet on Friday at Oregon 
State, Vincijanovic believes the team is in good shape.
	"We are one of the most mentally tough teams out there. 
We have dealt with Carie's (Courtney) car wreck, Wendy's 
(Ellsberry) knee and Katie's (Freeland) ankle. Everyone's been 
stepping up and helping everyone out. I think we are in great shape 
for the rest (of the season)."

ASU police reported the following incidents Tuesday:
- A male not affiliated with the University was contacted at the 
Language and Literature Building while sleeping. He was advised 
of loitering and trespassing and left the area.
- A female student reported that she is being harassed by another 
student at the Music Building.
- A male student was contacted at Parking Structure 1, where he 
had sustained an injury. He was treated at the scene by the Tempe 
Fire Department and taken to Chandler Hospital by a friend.
- A male employee reported that someone entered the tool room at 
Drama City and took a drill. Loss is estimated at $180.
- Two bikes were reported stolen.
Tempe police reported the following incidents Tuesday:
- A man was arrested after allegedly stealing a truck from a Tempe 
Circle K and leading police on a 10-mile chase into Phoenix. The 
man stopped the truck at a Phoenix apartment complex and ran into 
an apartment occupied by two women he did not know. The man 
held the women against their will and refused to let them call 
police. He was charged with two counts of kidnapping, driving on 
a suspended license, unlawful flight, possession of stolen property 
and theft of a motor vehicle.  
- A man was arrested for allegedly attempting to burglarize a house 
last weekend. He was charged with trespassing, possession of 
stolen property and possession of marijuana.
- An ASU student was arrested on assault charges after allegedly 
punching his girlfriend in the face three times, breaking her nose.
- A known prostitute was arrested on charges after an officer saw 
the transvestite begin to perform a sex act with a man. 
Compiled by State Press reporter Garin Groff

	Campus clubs and organizations may submit written entries 
to the State Press in the basement of Matthews Center. Requests 
will not be taken over the phone or via fax. 
	Deadline for requests is noon the day before publication 
and entries will not be accepted more than three working days 
before publication. Only one entry per organization per day is 
permitted.
	Entries must contain the full name of the club or 
organization, a description of the event, date, time and the full 
address of the location. All requests are subject to editing for 
content, space and clarity. Incomplete or illegible entries will be 
discarded.
	The Today Section is a daily calendar of events printed as a 
service to the ASU community. Requests are accepted on a first-
come, first-served basis and are printed as space permits.

- Alcoholics Anonymous Ñ Daily campus meeting. Newman 
Center, Aquinas Hall in the basement; noon to 1:15 p.m. Campus 
Women's Group meeting. Newman Center, Aquinas Hall in the 
basement; 10 a.m.
-  Asian Business Leaders Association Ñ General meeting. 
Anyone welcome. MU Yuma Room 211; 3:30 p.m.
-  ASU Police Ñ Seminar titled "Defeating Racism: A  Law 
Enforcement Perspective." Find out how to deal with aggressive 
individuals and learn reporting options. MU La Paz Room 223; 
noon.
-  Communications Student Association Ñ General meeting. Guest 
speaker Julie Nylee. 211 Communications students welcome. MU 
Coconino Room 206; 3:30 p.m.
-  Eckankar Ñ Discussion titled "All Life is Cyclical." MU 
Graham Room 216; noon.
-  4X Native Architecture and Design Students Ñ Meeting and 
Indian Gaming presentation. American Indian Institute Conference 
Room; 5:30 p.m.
-  Hemp/ Students for AZ4NORML Ñ Planning for Earth Day 
event. MU Gold Room; 7:30 p.m.
-  Hispanic Business Students of America Ñ General meeting. All 
majors welcome. Business Administration 365; 3:30 p.m.
-  Kundalini Yoga Club Ñ Yoga means "to unite." Come and unite 
yourself with the cosmos. MU Pinal Room 215; 7 p.m.
-  M.E.Ch.A. Ñ General meeting. Hayden Hall; 3:30 p.m. Talking 
Circle with Junebug. Hayden Hall; 7 p.m. 
-  MUAB Ñ Gallery Committee meeting. Everyone welcome. MU 
Conference Room 1A; 4:30 p.m. Recreation Committee meeting. 
Everyone welcome. MU Conference Room 1A; 3:30 p.m. Special 
Events Committee meeting. Everyone welcome. MU Conference 
Room 2A; 3:30 p.m.
- Phillipine Ñ General meeting to discuss culture week and other 
upcoming events. New members welcome. MU Mohave Room 
222; 5 p.m.
-  Phoenix Union High School DevilsÑ We are having a picnic. 
Come check out our organization. New members welcome. In front 
of Irish Hall; 4 p.m.
-  RAZA Women Ñ General meeting to plan and organize for the 
rest of the semester. Student Services Conference Room B; 6 p.m.
-  Religious Studies Club Ñ Reading Day! Bring any readings/ 
inspirational writings to discuss. Refreshments provided. Everyone 
welcome. ECA Room 334; 3 p.m.
-  SHPE de ASUÑ General meeting sponsored by Honeywell. 
Officer nominations to be submitted. Everyone welcome. Food and 
refreshments provided. COB Room 251; 4:30 p.m.
-  Student Life Learning Resource Center Ñ Communication skills 
workshop. MU Room 219; 3 p.m.
-  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Ñ Free tax advice for ASU 
students and faculty. Bring your tax information and we'll help you 
prepare your return. Armstrong Hall 114; 6 to 9 p.m.