Joseph Battista, Editor

As the graduation date for La Salle’s class of 2024  draws nearer, I am sure you have been made aware of the changes to the day’s itinerary. What was once the big event of the day, the undergraduate ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m., has been toppled. La Salle’s President Dan Allen announced last week that this graduation will be the best since the school’s foundation in 1863.

This year, President Allen is challenging a feral bobcat to a one-on-one duel on the campus quad at 12:30 p.m., under the stage name, Silver Fox. Chasing the high of the $10 million Charter Challenge, last year’s fundraising initiative for La Salle University, this event is another step in the president’s fundraising binge.

At 12 p.m., the showdown begins with an undercard match. This undercard match is between the La Salle Explorer and a flock of crows, before the title fight. You don’t want to miss this.

Attendees can donate to support La Salle’s gladiatorial efforts or bet on the fight through La Salle’s financial team. Odds are currently 5/8 in President Allen’s favor, considering the statistical match-up. The Explorer’s projected odds are 10/4; the crows have been spotted flying in guerilla-like formations since the fight’s announcement.

Allen’s weight and reach are greater than the bobcat, which weighs 38.2 lbs. Sources close to the Silver Fox state that he is religiously preparing for the fight and feeling confident. His preparations include nightly training against small mammals such as squirrels and invasive groundhogs, along with calcium supplements for fortified nails built for clawing.

Stakes for the fight are high. There has been no official comment on how these fights will conclude or if it will be till death. One can only hope our president has it in him to put on a show.