“It’s all about showtime and I can’t wait until it’s on,” said Carole Steinhauser, amateur female boxer and student at UM.

Steinhauser, 22, recently entered the sphere of female boxing, after a quest for “something more intense and challenging.”

She began her sports career as a talented young tennis star from Luxembourg, but at 16, retreated from the strenuous effort of contests and practices.

“Many people tell me I have a great future in female boxing because of my skills, my looks, and my charisma,” Steinhauser said.

What Steinhauser forgot to mention, was her drive.

Because of the complexity of the sport, extreme and proper conditioning is imperative, Steinhauser said. She trains for four hours a day.

“I run a lot,” she said. “I run about 10 miles a week, in the sand.”

“You need strength, so I do light weight training and push ups, sit-ups and exercises where I use my own body weight to build up my strength,” Steinhauser said.

“You also need speed, that is why I jump rope, sprint. And then of course, I box. My trainer holds the mix, I use heavy bags, crazy balls, speed balls and have at least one sparring a week, 90 percent of the time with men.”

In addition to her mental and physical commitments to a rigid practice strategy, Steinhauser is a full-time UM student, majoring in advertising and French.

She also presides as a vice-president of a beach condo association, which she acknowledged as “actually pretty outstanding for such a young age.”

“Usually old and retired people do these kinds of honorary volunteer jobs,” she said.

Steinhauser has been a sportswoman since the age of 3, specializing in swimming and tennis.

Her parents, wary of all the chauffeuring, forced Steinhauser to choose between the two and she decided on tennis.

“I hated swimming and getting into that water,” she said.

Steinhauser traveled for her country to play tennis.

“By the age of 14, I had seen all of Europe, the Caribbean and some of the U.S. I was real good for my age,” she said.

The small size of her nation led to sponsorship difficulties. That, combined with wrist and knee injuries and steady parental pressures, led Steinhauser to make some weighty decisions.

“There was not enough money for me to leave my country, give up school entirely and take a major risk. So I decided to get my education first.”

Steinhauser retired from sports at 16, for an extended rest. But only two years later she began practicing karate at the Dojo to get fit.

Karate, however, “did not motivate me all the way,” she said.

After moving to Miami, and visiting a boxing gym, Steinhauser, under the instruction of trainer Jorge Manzanarez, began her training in boxing.

She said she pledged to give much hard work and patience to practice the “very complete sport.”

Steinhauser anticipates becoming a professional female boxer, but will wait until she graduates.

Her trainer is currently organizing an amateur match for the end of March. Steinhauser, who turns 23 in March, will minor in Marketing, and speaks “Luxembourgish, German, French, Italian, English, Spanish, and a little Portuguese and little Dutch.”

The advertising major is interested in the latest trends in advertising and consumer behavior but right now, she said, it’s all about “sports, especially fight sports.”

Was Lisa Gier King-a stripper and former prostitute-raped by a Delta Chi pledge at the University of Florida frat house, or did the sex simply get a little rough?

Billy Corbin and Alfred Spellman, both 23, will once more raise that question to a college audience on Thursday at 8 p.m. at Cosford Cinema when they showcase ‘Raw Deal. A Question of Consent,’ a documentary about the story the filmmakers claim police and the State Attorneys office didn’t thoroughly investigate.

A couple of weeks into the 2000 spring semester, the UM film majors packed their bags and headed to Gainesville with their trunk loaded with camera equipment and their mind set on getting the facts straight.

“Quite simply, it’s a great story,” Corben said, explaining why he and his best friend from high school decided to take a leave of absence from UM in order to make the 99-minute digital documentary.

On the morning of Feb. 27, 1999, an otherwise mundane Saturday morning at Florida’s largest college town was rocked by allegations of a distraught woman who told police she had been raped by Delta Chi pledge Michael Yahraus after a fraternity house party.

When cops questioned fraternity members, they were handed a piece of evidence that seemed to counter King’s accusations: raw footage of King and Yahraus having sex and footage of the events that followed, which were shot by a pledge member during the ill-fated party.

After viewing the tape, officers arrested King for filing a false police report, claiming the sex looked consensual.

King disagreed, as did the campus chapter of the National Organization for Women, sparking a dispute over the gray line between consensual sex and rape.

The argument shifted to the courts, and the infamous tape became public record – a move welcomed by media outlets and blasted the case to a national audience.

Tabloid TV-shows took on the story superficially because the images were too incendiary to air uncensored, and none of the parties involved wanted to comment at the time.

Getting sources to talk was not easy for the young filmmakers, who tackled the case after the initial layer of fog had lifted.

Although Corbin and Spellman were able to speak to King, Yahraus declined to comment, as did Rod Smith, the State Attorney at the time of the case.

However, Anthony Marzullo, the fraternity’s pledge master -also caught naked on tape- provided his recollection of the evening’s events.

In a matter of four months, the documentary was ready for its first screening at the Sundance Film Festival, where it was torn apart by a handful of outraged critics that deemed it pornographic, and praised by others who saw it as a groundbreaking piece of reporting.

“People enter the film with a lot of personal baggage,” said Spellman. “It really polarizes audiences,” he added , alluding to the dozens of Q&A sessions after each viewing – many of which run longer than the documentary itself.

One interesting response came from King herself, who told a New York Post reporter at Sundance: “They did a better job of investigating this than the police.”

Another peculiar reaction that caught the film’s creators by surprise was laughter from an audience member at the most graphic point of the film during the first screening of Raw Deal at the Miami Film Festival earlier this year.

“Nothing surprises me anymore,” Corbin said. “Pretty much all responses have been visceral.”

That factor makes Corbin wish he could hold a Q&A session after every screening, an impossibility considering Raw Deal will go mainstream this summer.

In light of their success, reporters often ask the pair if they plan to move their base to bigger film hubs, like Los Angeles or New York.

Their answer is no. Newly established Spellman and Corbin Productions will stay in their Biscayne Bay offices, where the producers will split their time between five new projects -including a pilot for a television series titled Stiltsville- and home-work.

Corbin is nine credits shy of earning a triple-major undergraduate degree in film, theater and political science at UM.

Spellman has one semester left before he becomes a college grad.

So, how does Corbin feel about returning to school after such a hectic leave of absence?

“Mom’s happy, that’s for sure.”

Hugs flowed freely and poignant moments were abundant, as students opened their hearts and their minds to 400 special citizens from the local area for FUNDAY in the U.S.A.

Each special citizen was paired up with a student buddy to participate in a slew of activities that embraced this year’s theme of patriotism and unity.

Some swayed to melodies during music therapy, proudly belting out unifying lyrics like “this land is your land, this land is my land” and “we all need somebody to lean on.”

Others created dazzling red, white, and blue magnet hats with pictures of themselves and their buddies in the middle during arts and crafts.

“Today is about empowering them because they’re a very important part of our community,” said Sigma Alpha Iota member Andrea Floyd. “It’s so overwhelming to see how our common love for music allows us to all have fun on the same level together.”

As genuine smiles adorned the faces of students and special citizens alike, both groups appeared equally elated and humbled by their companions.

“This day is not only helping me learn about them, but it’s helping me to learn about myself,” said freshmen William Dezama. “It’s something everyone should experience.”

The mellow lounge atmosphere of the UC was transformed into a high-energy disco where the pairs danced and hula-hooped to funky oldies music. Students entering the party in the UC could not help but succumb to the almost euphoric enthusiasm pervading the room.

“It’s just an incredible time,” said junior Catlin Rivera. “They have so much love and they all have such distinct personalities.”

Indeed, there were extraordinary personalities galore, lighting up the UM campus on what would have otherwise been a dismal rainy day.

Special citizens like Howard, who is gearing up to swim in this summer’s Special Olympics; Edith, a sassy lady juggling two jobs to fulfill her dream of having her own home; and Jeffrey, an amazing citizen wearing a FDNY [New York Fire Department] hat and a University of Miami Class of 84′ ring on his finger, all proved that nothing could stand in the way of fervent ambition.

Wondrous displays of goodwill could be seen in every corner, like the fraternity brother who carefully balanced a plate of food on his head so that he could use both hands to help his special citizen down the stairs en route to the Rathskeller. When he almost lost balance of the plate, she quickly reached both arms out widely, signifying her readiness to catch her buddy’s lunch.

“My faith in humanity is restored,” said Marc Kaufman, a junior on the executive FUNDAY board. “Seeing kids that I see everyday in class and at bars walking around holding hands with their new friends. It’s just amazing what happens when people come together.”

“I’m on such an emotional high right now,” said senior Julie McCoy, another of the 32-member FUNDAY executive board.

FUNDAY Chair, Natasha Bae, spent the day running from place to place, making sure everything was going smoothly, but always taking time to stop and hug the special citizens and to invite them back next year.

“The love and warmth they have is contagious, as you can see from the smiles on everyone’s faces,” Bae said. “We are so lucky to have this chance to bond with them.”

At the end of the day, hundreds of special citizens stood hugging their buddies and each other, some refusing to let go of their warm embrace.

Their hands could be seen waving good-bye to their new buddies from nearly every window of the bus.

Those still waiting to board their buses were already talking about coming back next year.

Four students from the soon-to-be defunct School of International Studies showed up at President Shalala’s surprise party-but not to wish her a happy birthday.

The four girls confronted the president at her party, demanding to speak with her about her decision to integrate SIS into the College of Arts and Sciences.

“We found out yesterday that the school was closing and we thought, well, she didn’t have the decency to come to us to tell us, so we decided to go to her party,” said Nuri Haltiwanger, a senior in SIS, referring to Shalala’s absence at the meeting the day before to announce the school’s imminent closure.

Alhough the students apologized to Shalala at a meeting the next day for confronting her at the birthday bash, they said they felt justified at that moment.

“What I think was inappropriate was that she didn’t come to us to tell us herself that she made this decision, without consulting the faculty of SIS or consulting the students,” Haltiwanger said.

Haltiwanger and the other girls confronted Shalala with reasons why the school should not be closed down.

“This decision shows that you have no consideration for the students,” they told Shalala.

The president repeatedly told the students that the decision was made for their benefit and then left the party, looking somewhat angered herself.

“We’re having a rally at the faculty senate meeting on Wednesday,” Haltiwanger said.

At that meeting, the final decision-to close down SIS or not-will be made.

“We needed to let her know how upset we were before that,” Haltiwanger said.

Haltiwanger and friends came with flyers to distribute to students in support of their cause to keep SIS open.

The first half hour of Shalala’s surprise party, however, went off without a hitch.

“I think it went really well despite the weather. Everbody’s still here,” said Category Five co-chair, JD Barbosa, ten minutes into the midday party.

The slight drizzle at noon had forced the party to relocate from the Rock to under the shelter of the UC walkway.

Bunches of orange and green helium-filled balloons decorated the walkway, and students lined up for a piece of the matching birthday cake.

“This Shalala really knows how to party,” said junior Robby Villanueva.

The president, dressed in a bright red suit to match her smile and a large heart-shaped gold brooch, greeted the students enthusiastically.

“Come have some of my birthday cake,” Shalala called out to the numerous students passing by the UC to see what was going on.

“It’s a sweet cake, just like Shalala is,” Villanueva said.

“That’s the reason why we had this. We wanted to give the students a chance to say Happy Birthday,” Barbosa said, as he passed around a pen and a two-square foot ‘birthday card’ for students to sign.

Although Barbosa was worried the party may not be a total surprise to Shalala, the president said it was a big shock.

“President Shalala has a way of figuring things out. We should have done it on Feb. 12 instead,” Barbosa joked.

“I was stunned,” Shalala said. “Vice President Whitely, she was the culprit! She said I had to come and meet with the student leaders.”

“I didn’t know she meant all the students,” Shalala said.

“I’ve been at a lot of universities and the students never had a birthday party for me,” Shalala said.

“We knew it was Valentine’s day and President Shalala’s first birthday on campus. Everyone should have a first birthday celebration so we decided to do something nice,” Whitely said.

Whitely had been working with Category 5 since the beginning of the semester to plan the surprise party.

“It just goes to show that the University of Miami deep down is a good party school too. Not only are we an excellent academic institution but also a world-class party school,” Whitely said.

Even the uncharacteristic gloomy weather could not keep Shalala’s spirits down.

“Well, you have to understand that I’m from the North. This is warm to me,” Shalala said. “I haven’t been bothered by the weather yet.”

The UM Student Government approved a bill last week to place a referendum sponsored by Hurricane Productions [HP] on the spring ballot to increase the student activity fee by $7.50.

This increased budget of about $108,000 will enable HP to raise the quality level of on-campus entertainment.

“We have to meet student expectations and provide good quality programs,” said Max Alvarez, secretary of HP.

HP said they are trying to provide the best entertainment possible but that it is very costly.

“We are doing our best, but the cost keeps rising and it’s hard to keep up with it on such a low budget,” Alvarez said.

“Other schools nationwide have budgets of several hundred thousand dollars, whereas UM has a $50,000 budget,” said Michael Johnston, the Speaker of the Senate.

HP says that $7.50 would normally buy you a movie ticket, whereas the budget increase will enable the organization to provide you with on-campus concerts (usually costing above $40), sneak previews, the latest movies, live music from local bands, and distinguished lecturers.

“We are trying to cater to everyone’s tastes. This campus is so diverse that it is very difficult to entertain everyone,” Alvarez said.

“Some people view it as a lot of money, but considering how much you would normally spend on a night out, it’s not much,” Johnston said.

The bill passed with a majority vote in the Senate.

“We are asking students to go out and vote for it, as it will enable us to provide them with first-class entertainment,” said Graham Micone, the HP representative who authored the bill.

“We hope that students realize that the future of on-campus entertainment depends on this,” Micone added.

Once the students vote, the referendum must be approved by Dr. Whitely, Vice-President for Students Affairs.

Voting will be held on Feb. 26, 27, and 28.

HP has many events lined up for this semester, including “Battle of the Bands” and a Source Fashion Nation Tour.

“It’s going to be one of the biggest things on campus,” said Maria Gomez, HP Chair.

The Fashion tour will be held on March 29th at 11 a.m. on the UC Patio. Corporate sponsors include Pepe Jeans, Adidas, 555, T&B Nation, and Sean John, and they will pick 25 male and 25 female models from UM.

From the nationwide finalists, two models will be chosen for a layout in Source magazine and one model will win a contract with Ford Modeling Agency.

At night there will be a hip-hop street gathering called “99 Jams,” a musical event with DJ Thaliks playing live.

HP is also hoping to bring the MTV Campus Invasion Tour featuring NickelBack to UM this April.

“We are still talking to MTV and nothing has been confirmed. It’s not a sure thing yet,” Micone said.

HP has received $1000 from the Student Government for this project and they have also approached Category 5, AGLO, and SAFAC.

The tour will cost them several thousand dollars and they are looking for funding.

“We don’t want a single bored student on campus. We want everyone to have a good time,” Alvarez said.

Runovr

Chris Campbell, a senior linebacker on the national champion Miami football team, died almost instantly after losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a tree early Saturday morning at a Coral Gables intersection. He was 21.

Joel Rodriguez, 23, the only passenger in the car was in stable condition Sunday afternoon. He is recovering from a punctured lung and a few broken ribs at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was taken shortly after the accident.

A liberal arts major from Mount Pleasant, Texas, Campbell was slated to graduate in May. He was engaged to Tombi Bell, sister of Philadelphia 76ers guard Raja Bell and daughter of UM Associate Athletic Director Roger Bell.

“Chris was a great friend,” said Rodriguez, who was his roommate and close friend. “He was the basis of my motivation,” he said, adding that while Campbell did not have many close friends, he was the type of person who had a profound effect on those he let into his life.

“The way he would keep you going,” is what Rodriguez said he will miss most about his late friend. “I can’t believe he was taken like that,” he said.

Campbell is survived by his father, Willy Searcy, 48,who is a pastor, his brothers Eric and Jacob, and his mother, who lives in Houston.

Police said Campbell was already dead by the time they arrived at the scene of the accident Saturday morning, prompted by the 911 call placed at 4 a.m. by a neighbor.

Investigators believe Campbell was headed eastbound on Blue Road, and lost control of the vehicle attempting to veer south onto Biltmore Drive, said Coral Gables Police spokesman Sergeant Ra?l Pedroso.

The point of impact was the driver’s side of the car, and the damage was significant, according to police, who also said they have no reason to believe there may have been another car involved in the accident.

Although toxicology reports have not yet been released, investigators said they found no evidence at the scene to suggest alcohol may have been a factor in the accident.

Rodriguez told the Hurricane he had one beer that night. He said Campbell was sober as far as he could tell, and described him as a very responsible driver.

Miami offensive lineman Ed Wilkins told The Miami Herald that Campbell was playing video games at the home of teammates Markese Fitzgerald and James Lewis and had departed before midnight.

He was also spotted in Coconut Grove later that night.

“Chris was a wonderful young man. His death is a tragedy for our whole community,” said UM’s President Donna Shalala.

“Our hearts go out to Chris’s family at this time,” said Miami head football coach Larry Coker. “Chris’s death is a tremendous tragedy and a terrible loss for the Miami football family. On behalf of the entire Miami football program, I’d like to express our deepest sympathies and our condolences to Chris’s family.”

Coker said he learned of Campbell’s death and immediately contacted assistant coaches and players.

Campbell was a three-year starter and had a good chance to be a NFL draft pick. He started 30 consecutive games for the Hurricanes as strongside linebacker since midway through the 1999 season, before missing the 2002 Rose Bowl after suffering an infection to his left knee following minor surgery. Coker said he was training aggressively in hopes of being drafted.

He recorded 68 tackles, two sacks, and one interception in 11 games played this past season. During his career at UM, Campbell played in 41 games and had 221 tackles and six sacks.

“The Hurricane Athletic Department mourns Chris’s passing,” said Director of Athletics Paul Dee. “He was an exceptional young man. Chris and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.”

About 35-40 players showed up for practice Saturday morning on their free weekend, and Coker said they were all shocked by Campbell’s death.

Coker stressed the fact that the team will recover from the loss. “You don’t get over these things, you deal with these things. We’re going to bounce back and face the future,” Coker said.

An on-campus memorial service is planned for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Gusman Hall. Campbell will be buried in Texas.