Eckel begins defense before Mexicali judge

By Brian Anderson 
and Melody McDonald
State Press
	ASU's Interfraternity Council president has been 
transported to a Mexicali, Mexico city jail for the first day of what 
will be a three-day presentation of his defense to a Mexicali judge, 
a public jail official said Wednesday.
	Senior marketing major Mike Eckel was charged last week 
with raping a 19-year-old Phoenix woman during spring break.
	In a telephone interview, Edelia Lozano of the Mexicali Jail 
said Eckel spent Wednesday presenting his case to Judge Leticia 
Beaza in a Mexicali courtroom.
	On Friday, the final day of Eckel's defense presentation, 
Beaza will determine his fate, Lozano said.
	The verdict may not rest entirely on Eckel's defense, 
however.
	Julie Erfani, an associate political science professor, said if 
the woman accusing Eckel does not appear at the trial, Eckel will 
be allowed to return home.
	She added that the possibility of Eckel being released to 
U.S. officials for prosecution in the United States is unlikely.
	"When you commit a crime in another country, you're 
subject to the laws of the land," she said. "He can't be tried for the 
crime in the U.S., and he certainly can't be imprisoned here."
	ASU Spanish professor Emil Volek disagreed.
	"If convicted, he won't stay," he said. "He'll be brought into 
the States."
	JosŽ Vasquez, an official with the American Consulate in 
Tijuana, Mexico, said he could not release any information 
pertaining to the case other than that a small delegation, led by 
Consul John Coe, traveled to Mexicali Wednesday morning to 
speak with Eckel.
	As of Wednesday evening, the group had not returned to 
the American Consulate.
	Vasquez added that Eckel is "doing fine."
Interpreters for this story were Eddie Diaz and Sandy Marcialla.

Mexican jail conditions harsh, ASU professor says

By Melody McDonald
State Press
	After he was robbed in Mexico City, ASU Spanish 
professor Emil Volek saw the horrific conditions of a Mexican jail 
first hand. 
	"Even the best treatment might be worse than what you'd 
get anywhere else," he said. "Hygienic conditions are very bad, and 
there aren't good facilities."
	Mexican jails are so harsh and crowded they are 
"unimaginable to us," Volek added. 
	"You may have big groups of people in one cell Ñ groups 
that have all been arrested for different things," he said. "So they 
are all piled up in one cell without any beds and things, and they 
are sleeping on the floor. In some (cells), you may have people that 
need to sleep in turns."
	Interfraternity Council President Mike Eckel may be 
experiencing these harsh conditions in a Mexicali jail.
	The 24-year-old senior marketing major was charged with 
raping a 19-year-old Phoenix woman in San Felipe over spring 
break. He is being held in Mexicali, located just across the 
California border at the north end of the Baja California peninsula.
	A worker for the American consulate in Tijuana, Mexico 
would not comment on the Eckel case or current conditions of the 
Mexicali jail or any other jail in Mexico.
	"I don't know anyone that would go on record that would 
disturb the diplomatic relationship between U.S. and Mexico," she 
said.
	Volek said violence in cells is also a concern for those 
jailed in Mexico, partially because many aggressive people are 
packed inside. He added that police often ignore the brutality.
	"If somebody is beating someone, they wouldn't rush in," 
Volek said. "They stay away from the dirt."
	However, improved conditions in jail are not entirely 
impossible. 
	 "Sometimes they can get better conditions if they bribe the 
guard," Volek said. "(But) if you don't have money, you're 
screwed."
	He also said many have their extended families bring food 
in from the outside, adding that jail food usually consists of 
traditional Mexican food such as tortillas.
	"Don't expect any french fries, salads and pastries, " he 
said.
	Julie A. Erfani, associate professor of political science, 
would not comment on the conditions prevalent in Mexican jails. 
But she did say jails on Mexico's borders are often worse than jails 
centered near the capital. 
	"Since this occurred in Mexico's northern frontier, the 
likelihood of irregularity is greater and conditions of the jail being 
inferior or worse is greater," she said.
	Despite the severe conditions, Volek said Eckel is probably 
being treated better than the locals, adding that he was amazed the 
case was brought before the judge in just a week. 
	"Normally, it would take months," he said.
	Although he said Eckel is probably doing fine, Volek said 
he would not like to be in those conditions.
	"Fortunately, I have never (been) in a cell, and I hope I 
never will," he said. "(Eckel) is definitely ready to come back to 
the States."

Students plan rally against racism;Organizers hope to educate on effects of discrimination

By Brian Anderson
State Press
	With campus race relations at their lowest point in years, 
one student group is attempting to bring together diverse 
organizations and individuals to combat discrimination.
	Students Against Discrimination will be holding a rally at 
11 a.m. today in front of the Memorial Union to "raise cross-
cultural consciousness" toward the effects of discrimination, said 
group spokesman Dondrell Swanson.
	Swanson, a senior journalism major, said SAD is not 
protesting any specific person, but simply demonstrating their 
feelings to anyone who will listen.
	"There is nothing violent or hostile associated with this 
rally," he said, referring to an angry protest last month. "Our goal 
is to create an environment that is conducive to the educational 
process."
	Swanson said he expects about 300 people to attend the 
rally. Among the attendees will be representatives from the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the 
Lambda League, the American Indian Movement and the Hillel 
Jewish Students Association.

ASASU senate race wide open

By Tim Baxter
State Press
	Although the race for Associated Students of ASU 
president is hotly contested, almost all of the senate seats are wide 
open.
	"Right now there are only two competitive races Ñ 
everything else basically has one or two seats open," said Elections 
Coordinator Alex Shivers. 
	Only the business and liberal arts seats are contested.
	The Honors College has two people running for two seats. 
Out of the nine remaining colleges, three have a single candidate 
running and six have no candidates at all, providing a golden 
opportunity for write-in candidates.
	"I've already had a ton of inquiries," Shivers said. "In fact, 
the young Democrats have already contacted me about what it 
would take to get someone on."
	The deadline for write-in candidates is Friday, March 29. 
Potential write-in candidates need to fill out a form at the ASASU 
offices on the third floor of the Memorial Union. ASASU will 
check to make sure the applicant meets minimum requirements to 
hold the office. Collecting signatures is not necessary.
	"If there's not too many write-in candidates and they do 
even a little campaigning among their friends, they should have no 
trouble getting in," Shivers said. 
	"It's definitely a good opportunity to get involved with a 
low degree of work, and then you can also say you were elected, 
which gives you more credibility even if it was just by five or six 
votes," he added.

ASU West eliminates engineering program

By Timothy Tait
State Press
	Citing dwindling enrollment, ASU West has cut funding for 
most engineering classes Ñ effectively eliminating the branch 
campus' engineering program, said an ASU West official.
	David Schwalm, vice provost for academic programs at 
ASU West, said a lack of students forced the University to cut 
funding.
	"We have suspended the teaching of live classes due to a 
lack of enrollment," he said. "Engineering courses were part of the 
original plan, but the students and faculty never materialized."
	Eight to 10 classes may be eliminated next semester, 
Schwalm said.
	The only ASU West engineering classes that will remain 
are courses televised from the main campus, unless the College of 
Engineering and Applied Sciences chooses to pick up the funding.
	"It depends on what the budget situation is for us," said 
Daniel Jankowski, college of engineering associate dean for 
academic affairs. "ASU West serves some students, but not many. 
It is just not cost effective."
	Enrollment in the ASU West engineering classes has 
dropped steadily over the past three years, Schwalm said.
	"The enrollment this semester was pretty small," he said. 
"We only had an average of eight students per class."
	Twenty students are needed to financially support a class.
	"The enrollment didn't come and we couldn't justify 
spending the money," Schwalm said. "This was a decision after 
three years of examination and seeing that (enrollment) hasn't 
taken off."
	Jankowski said the class sizes at the West campus would 
not be permitted at the Main campus.
	Less than 80 students are enrolled in engineering classes on 
the West campus. Many of these students are Main students.
	"The enrollment has always been small," Schwalm said. 
"Very little of the campus was dedicated to engineering. The loss 
to students will be very minimal."
	Daniel Wilson, a senior lecturer of engineering at ASU 
West, said the demise of the classes is imminent.
	"They are closing a program that was a cornerstone of the 
West campus," the 10-year ASU West veteran said. "But it has 
struggled for years."
	However, Schwalm said engineering courses may return to 
ASU West in the future.
	"I suspect that if it returns, it will return as a hosted 
program that would be run by Main," he said. "We will revisit this 
at some point."
	The engineering classes hosted by ASU West were part of 
the original plan for the branch campus. However, major firms 
such as Honeywell have dramatically reduced their work force, 
lowering interest in the West engineering courses, Schwalm said.
	"When ASU West was started in the 1980s, Honeywell had 
maybe 7,000 employees; now they have maybe 700," he said. 
"Engineering didn't develop in the West Valley Ñ the demand just 
was not there."

Editorial: Tale of 2 cases

	For a campus that has been following the issue of rape so 
closely in the past year, this week has been an eye-opener.
	In Phoenix, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office 
announced that the three basketball players accused of kidnapping 
and sexual assault will not be prosecuted. The office cited 
inconsistent statements and prior consensual sexual activity as their 
reasoning for deciding that a conviction would be hard to get.
	In the United States, it is difficult indeed to get a conviction 
for acquaintance rape. Unless the evidence is seamless, flawless 
and damning, prosecutors seem to shy away from trying for a 
conviction.
	Across the border, in San Felipe, Mexico, another ASU 
student is learning the hard way that other countries deal more 
harshly with rape suspects.
	Mike Eckel, president of the Interfraternity Council, was 
accused of raping a 19-year-old woman while on spring break in 
Mexico. Eckel was taken into custody on Thursday, and is 
currently being held in a Mexicali jail.
	Two similar situations Ñ but two different countries, and 
two different results.
	Without rock-solid evidence, there cannot be a sexual 
assault conviction in a U.S. court. By contrast, a defendant in 
Mexico must prove his innocence, or else be ruled guilty by 
default.
	Obviously, the chances of conviction will skyrocket if 
Eckel is tried in Mexico.
	In the United States, we have no higher principles than 
these: The defense of human rights for all, and the proposition that 
any person accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty.
	These principles were upheld in the case of the three ASU 
basketball players. Although the police report makes it clear that 
the players' conduct was indefensible, there was no way to prove 
the men guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
	Eckel deserves similar treatment. We urge that he be 
transferred back to this country to await charges, if any. But in 
order to be convicted, Eckel should be also be proven guilty 
beyond a reasonable doubt.
	We would also urge that both cases be treated similarly out 
of court as well.
	The basketball players will not face criminal charges, due 
to the unlikelihood of successful prosecution.
	But all of the reports released on this case show clearly that 
the players' conduct was flagrantly inappropriate.
	Though a final decision should be left to the University, it 
is clear that the players' actions probably violated the ASU Athletic 
Code of Conduct.
	If they did,appropriate action should be taken immediately 
Ñ even if their actions did not warrant prosecution.
	Eckel's case should be handled in the same way.
	If reports show that Eckel's actions were out of line with the 
standards of the IFC, then that organization should have no choice 
but to expel him from office Ñ even if criminal charges are not 
filed.
	The lack of prosecution should not be regarded as a defense 
of actions.
	Actions don't have to be criminal to be inappropriate.
	And, a conviction should not be a prerequisite for punitive 
action to be taken by an organization.

Column: Race still vies for attention from politicians

Rebecca Murray
Columnist

	Few countries enjoy the level of freedom that citizens of 
the United States can lay claim to. Other countries are beginning to 
emulate the example set by North America. The individual's right 
to vote and take part in electing leaders is a recent change in South 
Africa. In Russia, the strangle hold on freedom of speech has 
begun to loosen, allowing Russian citizens and the rest of the 
world to be better informed about the former Soviet Union. These 
are examples of the trend toward democracy which was 
spearheaded by a free and independent America which guarantees 
a constitutional right to freedom and equality for all of its citizens.
	Unfortunately, the American Constitution is flawed Ñ not 
in its ideals, but in the way that those ideals are practiced. While 
America boasts about its dedication to democratic ideals, in 
practice, the United States is still considerably lagging behind what 
it preaches. The pull between Black and White, and where to find a 
common ground is for all intents and purposes turning backwards.
	Jeff Cohen and Norman Solomon recently wrote a column 
examining which individuals are in charge of the American 
political system. They point out that Southern politics, the kind that 
opposed the civil rights movement, is running the show. Southern 
politicians occupy top positions in the House and the Senate, 
heading numerous committees. They may not be spouting the 
diehard calls for racism that characterized the 1950s and 1960s, but 
the basics are still there underlining political agendas.
	Cohen and Solomon point out that Southern politicians, or 
Dixiecans, are strong advocates of returning power to the states. 
This shift in power has strains reminiscent of the call for "states' 
rights" during the 1960s.
	Pat Buchanan, would-be Republican presidential candidate, 
would have the American public believe he is the right man to lead 
this country into the next century. For the staunchly conservative 
Americans who prefer to keep the reigns of authority within White 
America, he is the perfect man for the job. Campaigning to a 
primarily White male audience, Buchanan has welcomed the 
minority vote, as long as it stays at the back of the bus with the 
women.
	David Duke's run for office in Louisiana should have 
opened America's eyes to the direction in which it was headed, but 
the ex-Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan managed only to create a 
minor stir. He was briefly noted by both supporters and the 
opposition, but in short order was relegated to the annals of history. 
His bid for election should have been a warning to the American 
public that little has changed since the civil rights movement. The 
contentious issues that were once debated publicly have been 
swept under the rug instead of being solved.
	The South cannot claim all of America's racial bigotry and 
not all Southerners hold racist views. America cannot blame the 
South for slavery or for the racial tensions evident across the 
country. Take the recent fiasco known as the Simpson trial. 
Regardless of whether or not Simpson was guilty, the "race card" 
was played, bringing an almost clear-cut division of opinion along 
race lines. It left no question that the United States has very clear 
racial divisions. 
	Racism is a well-defined staple of the American culture and 
although the United States has come a long way from its history of 
slavery, it has only fought half the battle. Affirmative action and 
minority scholarships will only go so far to equal the playing field. 
Public belief is the bigger problem. How is America's image as the 
country of democracy supposed to hold up to the incessant barrage 
of internal race problems? The racial tension plaguing the country 
makes a mockery of the Statue of Liberty and everything it stands 
for as a welcoming beacon.
	The underlying current of racism is ignored by politicians 
because most don't rely on the African-American vote for election. 
There are those who will make the time and effort to hear their 
opinions and problems, but in the end it makes little difference 
because the voters who decide whether or not politicians gain 
office are not concerned with racism unless it affects something 
voters value. 
	While it can be argued that this is merely apathy on the part 
of voters, the bigger problem is politics. Political agendas are not 
concerned with the way a teacher attempts to fuel a discussion on 
racism, or with the beating of a Black man on a university campus. 
To the politicians making the agendas, these are insignificant 
issues that do not amount to substantial issues in a campaign. 
These politicians are the same ones who extol the virtues of a free, 
equal and democratic America. Politicians disregard African-
American interests because they are not important to their agendas. 
Because the American public lets politicians ignore minority 
concerns as inconsequential, politicians are effectively pulling the 
wool over America's eyes. 

Rebecca Murray is a master's student studying mass 
communications.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Race relations at ASU microcosm of society

	The campus of ASU has been targeted by elements of the 
White supremacist movement as a breeding ground for the 
expansion of their doctrine and the continuation of their objectives. 
ASU is under attack and is now wounded by the weapon of race 
discrimination.
	The Nation of Islam Student Association, along with the 
rest of the campus community, view these recent physical threats 
and racial insults directed at members of the Black community at 
ASU as disturbing to say the least; however, we are not surprised.
	Recently, members of the Arab and Muslim community on 
several college campuses across America have been insulted and 
harassed in light of the bombings and violence that has taken place 
in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in what is called the Middle East. 
This has not been as widely reported Ñ yet it exists.
	Affirmative action foes are using everything at their 
disposal to ensure that their mission is accomplished Ñ and let us 
not forget the presidential campaign of Pat Buchanan which was 
well supported and received by many here in Arizona and 
undoubtedly many at ASU. In this sense, this University is a 
microcosm of the macrocosm showing that as far as race relations 
in America, we still have a long, long way to go.
	It is for this reason that the Nation of Islam Student 
Association would like to express support for the Students Against 
Discrimination led by Dondrell Swanson and Christina Bailey. 
They have expressed that they would like our support, and we 
gladly lend it, for we, too, are against discrimination based on 
religion, color, sex, class or ideology.
	There is a type of discrimination that we are in favor of and 
it is explained in the Holy Qur'an Ñ the book of scripture of the 
Muslims Ñ Surah 25 entitled Al-Furqan. It speaks of the 
discrimination between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, good 
and evil, righteousness and wickedness. This is the only type of 
discrimination we should participate in.
	Seeking to harm or kill those who have different beliefs or 
look different from you is reprehensible. Religious persecution, 
political persecution, sexual discrimination, racial discrimination 
Ñ those are the evils of the society in which we live that must be 
eliminated if we are to ever live in a society based on the principles 
of freedom, justice and equality.
	The administration of ASU should be commended for their 
stance against racism and discrimination with the formation of the 
Campus Environment Team and the newly formed Task Force Ñ 
however, approaching the problem from the position that racial 
tension is increasing Ñ as if it never existed on the campus 
previously is terribly naive.
	Thank you for reading these words and may God bless 
every one of us to participate Ñ in our own way Ñ in healing the 
wounds of racism.

Ashahed M. Muhammad
Muhammad Mosque No. 32, Phoenix
Nation of Islam Student Association

Letter: Unite against discrimination

	A news story aired recently on National Public Radio 
suggested that our society may be even more "racially torn" now 
than it was during the civil rights movement 30 years ago. Closer 
to home, incidents of racial violence, vandalism, harassment and 
offense on this campus this year have threatened to strain our 
community bonds to the breaking point.
	In the face of these incidents and reports of sexual assaults 
and homophobic harassment, many people of goodwill are asking 
how they can get beyond dialogue, roll up their sleeves and do 
something about the environment on campus. After all, rules, 
regulations and administrative programs can accomplish only so 
much. At some point, individuals must shoulder the responsibility 
of healing wounds, showing solidarity with those who have been 
victimized by harassment, and working to prevent further 
degradation of the environment.
	As a first step, those interested in getting involved should 
make every effort to attend campus rallies scheduled for the next 
few weeks. Each has a distinct purpose of education and 
commitment to change and progress.
	First is a "Unity Rally '96" sponsored by Students Against 
Discrimination, today at 11 a.m. in front of the Memorial Union 
fountain. If you have not experienced discrimination on campus, if 
you have been sheltered from the sting of discriminatory 
harassment and offense, then you should come to this rally and 
bring your similarly situated friends. The first step in addressing 
the problems on campus is to understand their nature, to better 
appreciate the perspective of those most affected by them. I'm 
guessing that Thursday's rally will provide that education.
	Then, on April 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on West Hall 
Lawn, bring your ideas and sense of commitment to a rally 
sponsored by the Campus Interfaith Council and other campus 
groups, entitled "Community Response to Intergroup Conflict and 
Tension." All interested faculty, staff, students and guests from the 
community are invited to express their opposition against 
discrimination, to demonstrate that harassment of an individual is 
an affront to the entire community and to show solidarity in a 
commitment to take action to improve campus life. Speakers will 
provide specific information about the proposed programs in which 
individuals can participate, even as we celebrate common values 
around which we can unify.
	Finally, for those inclined toward the power of prayer and 
meditation, graduate student Peter Lima is organizing a prayer and 
meditation session at Danforth Chapel on April 6 from noon to 2 
p.m.
	As members of a diverse campus community, we have 
reacted to incidents partly on the basis of different perspectives 
shaped by unique experiences, and we have occasionally disagreed 
on the specific solution to be applied to a problem. But we can 
unite on some fundamental values and goals regarding making 
ASU a safe haven for all to work, live and study. Even as we work 
through our differences, let us demonstrate our solidarity on 
essential goals.
	Act now. Find out how you can participate in improving 
campus relations. You can start by attending one or more of the 
rallies and working to re-establish our community bonds.

Charles Calleros is chair of the Campus Environment Team.

Letter: There is more to a person than just skin color

	When I first became a student at ASU, I was under the 
impression that college was supposed to be an exciting, 
advantageous opportunity. Now, I have become sincerely skeptical 
of this outlook. 
	In my two years at ASU, I have been exposed to more 
hatred and ignorance than imaginable. I never thought that in order 
to receive a quality education I would have to battle the individuals 
who provide it. It is absolutely ridiculous, and (to be completely 
frank) a damn shame to attend a division one university which does 
not ensure that a sufficient and effective  balance of cultural 
awareness and sensitivity be obtained among students on campus.
	When an individual has to deviate from their daily routine 
because of death threats on their life, there is a serious problem. 
What is it going to take for people to realize that racial tension on 
this campus is at its peak? Something needs to be implemented 
now before a life is lost because of the nonchalant manner in which 
the situation is being addressed. 
	I'm not taking away credit from individuals who are 
honestly trying to help control the situation. I am addressing 
individuals who have power and are not applying it effectively. 
	These are the people who need to put more effort in trying 
to assure individuals who come to this campus that it is an 
institution of higher education and not a comfort zone for 
ignorance.
	The time is now.
	We all need to open our eyes and see that life is not about 
stepping on others to reach the top, but about helping each other 
and helping ourselves do what is right.
	Once people are able to understand that there is more to a 
person than just skin color, maybe we can begin to look toward the 
future and see a brighter light.

Eureka Skinner
sophomore
 English

Letter: Student leaders need to step up, be leaders

	In response to the current climate of racial hostility at ASU, 
it is time for some changes and some action to make those changes 
happen. In order for change to occur some student leaders needed 
to step up and be leaders. One group of students has stepped up 
trying to make things happen.
	The Students Against Discrimination have proven to be an 
organization that is serious about catalyzing change. The recent 
events that have occurred on our campus are not issues that solely 
affect the African-American community. They are issues that 
affect the entire ASU community and the Phoenix metropolitan 
area. SAD has recognized this and is working to help everyone else 
understand it.
	The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. not only 
support the efforts of SAD in spirit but also with our physical 
presence. If we are to recognize the cross-cultural effects of 
discrimination, we need to work together to come up with 
solutions. SAD is currently a group of unified students from 
several different communities Ñ  gay, lesbian, Chicano/Chicana, 
White, Black, Native American and many others. Now SAD can 
use your support.
	We encourage other organizations that care about their 
community (ASU) to support the efforts of SAD and get involved 
with assisting them. They are working hard to encourage 
productive changes for us all. Write letters, go to meetings and 
encourage others to get on board with the Students Against 
Discrimination.

The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated
Mu Eta Chapter

Devils to compete at NCAA Championships;Senior Mollica attempting to win ASU-record 3rd national title in Minneapolis

By Dan Miller
State Press
	MINNEAPOLIS Ñ There are only three days left for the 
sixth-ranked ASU wrestling team to reach its postseason peak.
	Today six Sun Devils will be among 330 of the best mat 
warriors in the country as they converge at collegiate wrestling's 
big show Ñ The NCAA Championships.
	"We've wrestled the best teams in the country Ñ 
consistently, not sporadically Ñ throughout the season," said ASU 
Coach Lee Roy Smith, whose Sun Devils will begin first-round 
combat at 10 a.m. at the Target Center. "Our schedule is as tough 
as anyone's. I don't think our wrestlers get intimidated on the road. 
They deserve to win. They expect to win."
	Senior three-time All-America Markus Mollica, the 
defending NCAA champion at 167 pounds, will be going for an 
ASU record third national title at the tournament. Mollica, who has 
been ranked No. 1 in the country since the pre-season, has 
compiled a team-best 30-2 record this season and is 109-13 in his 
ASU career.
	"It's a different feeling," Mollica said of being at the 
NCAA's. "It's the biggest tournament. It's the biggest event. It's a 
feeling of being more focused."
	Mollica, who will enter the tourney as ASU's only top seed, 
became the first wrestler in conference history to win four Pac-10 
titles two weeks ago at Cal State-Bakersfield.
	He said he hasn't adjusted his preparation for the biggest 
tournament of his career.
	"I'm just trying to focus more on the things that I do well in 
matches and certain aspects of competition," Mollica said.
	In addition to Mollica, senior two-time All-American Steve 
St. John (134 pounds) represents ASU's strongest shot at making it 
to Saturday night's finals, Smith said.
	"The Sun Devils other entrants are sophomores Matt Suter 
(158), Aaron Simpson (177) and Shawn Ford (126), and redshirt-
freshman Casey Strand (190).
	"I'd like to see us end up in the team honors," Smith said, 
referring to a possible top-four team finish. However, anything can 
happen and that's what we've emphasized."
	ASU placed fourth at last year's NCAA's in Iowa City, 
Iowa with the same number of wrestlers. The defending-champion 
Hawkeyes are the pre-tourney favorites to repeat.
	However with a few key performances, ASU could 
legitimately press for top honors. St. John has already beaten the 
top-ranked wrestler in his weight class this year.
   "I just have to realize that the season starts over at the national 
tournament," said St. John, who beat Iowa's top-ranked Mark 
Ironside last month.
	St. John, who spent over half the year recovering from 
major knee surgery, has gone 15-3 since January and climbed back 
to a No. 5 ranking.
	Two Sun Devils will try to channel disappointments at the 
conference championships into positives at nationals
	Suter, the defending Pac-10 champ, lost a bitter double-
time overtime match in the conference final.
	"It was kind of a wake-up call for me," said Suter, (28-8), 
an NCAA qualifier last year who is ranked eighth in the country. "I 
went into the Pac-10's thinking I was going to win it, not having 
any thought of losing it. I think the fact that I lost it is just going to 
make me hungrier all around."
	Simpson, who suffered a mild upset in the quarterfinals of 
the Pac-10's, but wrestled back for third, agreed.
	"It definitely motivates me," said Simpson, who is also a 
1995 NCAA qualifier. "That's been a big factor with how I've been 
approaching practice all week. But the national tournament has 
been a goal of mine all year, win or lose. I've wanted to go and 
hopefully I'll find myself an All-American (top-eight placer)."
	Strand and Ford are both making their first appearance at 
the tourney.
	Strand, whose natural weight is 187 and is considered small 
for his class, still managed to go 17-13 and finish second at the 
conference meet.
	That feat, according to Strand, was no accident.
	"I planned it all year," he said of going to the big dance. "I 
don't think I got lucky by getting there. I'm not just going there to 
compete. I'm going to be an All-American."
     So is Ford, a walk-on, who despite an 18-19 season record, 
finished third at the Pac-10's.
  	"I think I will be overlooked," Ford said. "Hopefully I can 
upset a couple of people. I've been wrestling the best guys all year 
and I figure I'm right there with them."

ASU wrestler forced out of action in Championships

By Dan Miller
State Press
	MINNEAPOLIS Ñ ASU junior All-America Danny Felix 
was forced to withdraw from the NCAA Wrestling Championships 
Wednesday after failing to make weight.
	Felix, who was scheduled to be the fifth seed in the 118-
pound bracket when the tournament starts today at the Target 
Center, was 1/2 pound over just prior to the 5 p.m. weigh-in 
deadline. Dehydration and cramps prompted the ASU coaching 
staff's decision.
	"Danny struggled with his weight control all year," said 
ASU coach Lee Roy Smith. "He had a very difficult time (making 
weight) at the Pac-10's (March 2) and unfortunately it caught up 
with him. Our staff was monitoring him very closely."
	Felix, whose natural weight is about 132, was 1 3/4 pounds 
over when weigh-ins began at 3 p.m. 
	He was not available for comment.
	Felix (27-8), a three-time Pac-10 champion who is ranked 
seventh in the country, was on track to earn his second All-
America honor (top-eight finish).
	He has twice beaten the tournament's No. 1 seed, Mike 
Mena of Iowa. Their last meeting was in Tempe on Feb. 11.
	It would have been Felix's third NCAA appearance in three 
years after placing seventh in 1995.
	The Sun Devils still have six wrestlers vying for honors.

Junior guard may leave men's hoops

By Dustin Krugel
State Press
	When ASU basketball coach Bill Frieder landed star recruit 
Lenny Holly last year, he expected to have his starting point guard 
for the next two seasons. However, after suffering from several 
injuries this season, Holly said he might be forced to abandon 
basketball.
	"It's crossed my mind, but I'm 50-50," he said. "I really 
want to play. Hopefully I can get my situation under control so I 
can come back. Right now it is still open." 
	The 6-foot-4 junior guard, who averaged about seven points 
per game this season, suffered a series of seizures which forced 
him out of two games and several weeks of practice.
	"He had a very tough, frustrating year," Frieder said. 
	Holly said Frieder has not pressured him into making a 
quick decision.
	"Basically, he just told me it's up to me," Holly said. "If I 
want to come back, he would have me back. If I don't, he 
understands why. He understands totally, so that's good on his 
part."
	Frieder said the most important thing for Holly is school.
	"Lenny needs to get his education whether he plays 
basketball or not," Frieder said. "It's in your best interest to stay in 
school, but Lenny is very frustrated with what happened to him 
medically this past year. I think it's very up in the year.
	"Just because you can't play basketball, you don't throw in 
the towel academically."
	Holly was the Southwest Conference Newcomer of the 
Year in 1992-93. He averaged 8.8 points, five assists and two 
boards per game for Texas Tech. Holly helped lead the Red 
Raiders to the NCAA Tournament in 1993 before transferring to 
New Mexico Junior College for the 1994-95 season.
	Frieder and Holly have not set a timetable on when a final 
decision will be made on Holly's status.

ASU swimmers visit South America

By Ed Odeven
State Press
	The 1996 South American Swimming Championships gave 
four ASU students a chance to solidify their claim as world-class 
swimmers.
	The international meet, which was held on March 14-18 in 
Porto Alegre, Brazil, featured the best South American swimmers 
including ASU's Felipe Delgado, Robert Delgado, Eduardo 
Piccanini and Francisco Sanchez.
	Felipe Delgado and Francisco Sanchez tied for first in the 
50-meter freestyle at 23.3 seconds. Sanchez narrowly edged 
Delgado in the 100 freestyle by five-tenths of a second.
	Ex-Sun Devil Piccanini, a three-time All-America 
selection, won the 200 butterfly in 2:03.5 and finished second in 
the 100 butterfly in 55.3 seconds. 
	"Unfortunately, he didn't make the times he needed to 
make," said ASU assistant coach Brian Jones. "He'll have another 
shot at it in May (to qualify for the Brazilian Olympic team)."
	Robert Delgado posted personal-bests of 55.99 seconds in 
the 100 butterfly, 2:06 in the 200 butterfly and 1:56 in the 200 
freestyle.
	Although the Sun Devil quartet had an impressive showing 
in Brazil, Coach Ernie Maglischo said he  wants his swimmers to 
peak in the NCAA's which take place March 28-30 in Austin, 
Texas. 
	"I was very happy about it," he said. "But my mind is on 
the NCAA's. That is the acid test for our program." 
	Maglischo said he was happy with the performance of his 
athletes, but worried that competing in Brazil will have a negative 
affect on them.
	"Taking that trip down there will probably detract from 
what they do in the NCAA's," Maglischo said. "Because they didn't 
get the chance to train last week and now we've got to get them 
back in shape a little bit with very little time before the NCAA's."
 	Felipe Delgado was pleased with the performance another 
Sun Devil Ñ  his brother Robert.
	"I feel great," Felipe said, about Robert qualifying for the 
Olympics. "He finally came out of a slump that he's been in," 
Felipe said. "He hasn't been doing well lately. He just had a helluva 
swim."
	Sanchez left Brazil with two gold medals and a big smile.
	"I did pretty good," Sanchez said, also earned a spot on 
Venezuela's 4 x 100 relay team.. "I didn't go there to try to swim 
fast, but to do my best. I just tried to have fun and win a medal for 
my country."

ASU Police reported the following incidents Wednesday:
- A student's car was damaged in Parking Structure 5. 
- A female student reported receiving threatening phone calls from 
an unknown person.
- Someone stole a supervisor manual and a hot-cold coffee mug 
from the Learning Resource Center. 
- A woman not affiliated with ASU was arrested on an outstanding 
warrant from ASU DPS for failing to pay a fine on a suspended 
license. She was not able to post bond of $1,900 and was booked 
into a jail.
- A student's vehicle was damaged in the Towers parking structure.
- A woman's purse was stolen in Parking Structure 3. 
Tempe police reported the following incidents Wednesday:
- A man was arrested after allegedly looking into a residential 
window, exposing his genitals and leading police on a foot chase 
before being caught. He was charged with indecent exposure, two 
counts of criminal trespassing and delay and obstruction.
- An ASU student was arrested for failing to appear in Tempe City 
Court on theft charges. He posted bond of $500 and was released.
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.
-  Arizona Filmaking Society Ñ Eye In Hand Film and Video 
Festival meeting. Planning and assigning positions. All welcome. 
MU Yavapai Room 209; 3 p.m.
-  Campus Crusade for Christ Ñ Thursday Night Live. 205 E. 15th 
St.; 7 p.m.
- Christian Students Fellowship Ñ Topic is "Knowing Christ as 
Victory over Bondage." All are welcome. Memorial Union; 12:40 
p.m.
-  Honors College Council Ñ Council meeting. All members 
encouraged to attend. McClintock Courtyard; 3:15.
-  Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Ñ Phoenix 
Section Wave and Device chapter. Professor David Allee 
presenting. COB 150; 5:30 p.m.
-  Interdisciplinary Humanities Program Ñ Brown Bag Lecture 
given by Fabio Lopez-Lazaro. Language and Literature 638; 11:30 
a.m.
-  Japanese Student Organization Ñ General meeting. Everyone 
welcome. MU CDC Room; 3:15 p.m.
-  KASR Video Ñ New episode including videos from Phunk 
Junkeez and Seven Mary Three. Cox Cable Channel 22; 11:30 p.m.
-  MUAB Ñ Culture and Arts Committee meeting. Everyone 
welcome. MU Conference Room 2A; 4:30 p.m.
-  Native American Business Association Ñ General meeting. 
American Indian Institute; 5 p.m.
-  National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Ñ General 
meeting. Members and non-members encouraged to attend. 
Stauffer Hall Reading Room; 5 p.m.
-  PSI CHI Ñ Presentation by Anderson Consulting. Psychology 
205; 5:30 p.m.
-  Scandinavian Studies Program Ñ Public lecture. Language and 
Literature B141; 7:30 p.m.
-  Student Life Learning Resource Center Ñ Free Computer Skills 
Workshop. SSV 361; 9 a.m. (UNIX); 11 a.m. (MS Word); 2 p.m. 
(Internet); 6 p.m. (DOS); 7 p.m. (UNIX). Communication Skills 
Workshop. MU Room 219; 6:30 p.m.
-  T.H.E.M. Ñ General meeting. McClintock Hall Courtyard; 3:15 
p.m.
-  V.I.T.A. Ñ Free tax advice for ASU students and faculty. 
Armstrong Hall 114; 6-9 p.m.
-  Young Democrats Ñ General meeting. Everyone welcome. MU 
Pima Room; 3:30 p.m.