The Griffin: volume 66, issue 14 - Feb. 16, 1996

              by Mark Ciemcioch Griffin Sports Editor two Big Four double-headers to be played at the arena each year. There will be a third doubleheader involving Canisius, U.B., Niagara and a non-conference opponent. In addition, two of the will face Syracuse on Dec. 10. Both Canisius and Niagara will host Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponents in another double-header every year. Canisius will play five to seven three St. Bonaventure rivals will play in Olean on the Bonnies' home turf. The biggest announcement involving the non-conference, marquee games was that U.B. see Big Four page 3 Construction of new townhouse complex on schedule Warmer weather eliminates delays caused by inclement conditions by David A. Hoffmann Griffin News Reporter Construction on the new townhouse complexes next to the 1908 Builiding on schedule as a result of the recent "warm" streak. Photo by CHR1ST1N TANK The new townhouse complexes are designed to be accessible to many modern conveniences, stated Cooke. For instance, each four or five person apartment will be cable, telephone and computer ready. Each apartment will include two double bedrooms (the five person models will also include a single), a split bathroom (the five person apartments will have two), a living area and a full kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, microwave, The issue of safety has been among the prime concerns during this project, said Cooke. The crosswalk at Main St. and Eastwood Ave. has been deemed less than adequate. As a result, the driveway on the 1908 campus will be reconstructed to line up with the end of Eastwood. In addition, Canisius College has proposed all new traffic patterns to the City of Buffalo for consideration. 'The season's cold temperatures and high precipitation had caused concerns," said Cooke. "However, a recent warm streak has brought the project back to speed." According to Brian Cooke, Planning and Design Manager of the Uniland Development Company, the new townhouses being constructed next to the 1908 Building will be completed on schedule. The new complex is scheduled to accept 227 student on Aug. 1, 1996. The closing of the residence halls will also affect the tunnels, clubrooms and offices which are contained in them, said Mulville. Clubs and offices will be evaluated and relocated according to their necessity and usefulness. This evaluation is still in progress. "Housing for all resident students will be tricky," said Matt Mullville, associate director of Residence Life. "People need to understand, for one year at least, that housing assignments in Residence Life will be difficult. We're in a crunch." This "crunch" will result from further renovation plans involving Bosch and Frisch Halls. Next semester, Bosch Hall will be totally inhabited by freshmen. Frisch Hall will close for renovations starting on May 20. It is scheduled to reopen on Jan. 1,1997, and all of the Bosch residents will have to move to Frisch for the spring semester. Bosch will then close and reopen for the fall semester. As a safety measure, all external doors at the new complex will be card swipe entry, so no new desk attendants will need to be trained. stove and refrigerator. A community center is also in construction that will be shared by the new townhouses, the Main-Humboldt apartments, Griffin Hall and Campion Hall. This building will include a lounge, a kitchen, a computer center, a conference room, vending machines and possibly a mail facility. A ' I Only 100 days to | (see page 7) I Big Four agreement consummated on Wednesday Serious concerns, imminent failure overcome after weeks of negotiation Here we go a lobbying! (see page 2) Strokes of success(see page 11) VOLUME LXVT, NUMBER 14 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1996 "We feel that college basketball in the Marine Midland Arena will be one of the area's most exciting and satisfying sports presentations," commented Lawrence Quinn, president and chief operating officer of the arena. "With the rise of college basketball to its prominence as a favorite spectator sport in the United States, with the tradition of the past here in Buffalo, and with the presence of 75,000 alumni in the area from the participating schools, we are confident college basketball in the Arena will be a win„ »» ner. The Big Four (Canisius, St. Bonaventure, Niagara and the University at Buffalo [U.B.]) have agreed to a five-year, multievent package at the new Marine Midland Arena which was announced Wednesday afternoon at the Memorial Auditorium. This announcement followed weeks of negotiations between the four schools on the stipulations of the deal. The new deal signed involves conference games in the arena. The deal was made in the hopes of reviving college basketball in Western New York. "If we're playing our games down here [the Marine Midland Arena], and in the past we've only had a couple of thousand come out, then that's the same as it's always been," said Dr. Daniel P. Starr, Canisius director of Athletics. "The fact that there's gonna be a few of [the teams] in there playing at the same time, with the power of the Sabres organization behind it to promote and so on, should bring bigger crowds. With bigger crowds means more enthusiasm for the double-headers." Support for the deal came from the city of Buffalo, as well. "As an alumnus of Canisius and of Little Three basketball back in the 60s, it's certainly exciting to know that the Big Four will be going strong in the Marine Midland Arena," said Mayor of Buffalo Anthony Masiello. "It's great for college basketball, and it's great for the fans. Today is a win-win for everybody." The Griffin Serving* the Canisius Community Sinee 1933 The tradition of collegiate basketball in the downtown area is alive and well as a result of the recently signed Big Four agreement. Photo by MARK CIEMCIOCH