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February 21, 2002
Courageous Brother Defends Burrito Joint
Whipped by the wind and snow after hours of wandering with brothers who had just participated in the Sigma Chi Fraternity Indiana State Day, Brother David Manzeske (’02) of Iota Sigma at Valparaiso University found reprieve in a small burrito joint in the Broadripple Bar district in Indianapolis, IN. On that cold evening of February 9, 2002, in the dining area of La Bamba’s Mexican Restaurant, Manzeske became a local burrito joint hero.
While waiting in line for at least fifteen minutes to order a burrito, Manzeske struck up a conversation with the owner of La Bamba’s to inquire about t-shirts sold by the establishment. The men agreed on a transaction, but given the busy nature of the restaurant, postponed their exchange until business slowed slightly. As he waited for Jaime (pronounced HIGH – MAY) to finish up with a few other customers, Manzeske noticed a grave injustice.
It seemed that several unruly college students had devised a scheme to brutally rob Jaime’s business. After having ordered the burritos, these criminals had passed them back to friends who left the restaurant. Shortly thereafter, when it had come time to pay, the said criminals denied their orders and demanded a smaller bill.
As Jaime began to argue with these robbers, Manzeske, recognizing the ideals represented by the White Cross of Sigma Chi, stepped forth to help out his new friend. After a few minutes of intense argument, these dishonest individuals bolted for the door. Quick on his feet, Manzeske moved to block the door. Soon thereafter, the police arrived. Having listened to Manzeske’s testimony, the police required the thieves to pay for their loot. They were then escorted from the premises.
The restaurant exploded with applause. Grateful for Manzeske’s help in saving his business, Jaime offered Manzeske and his friend, fellow Iota Sigma Sig Tim Birner (’02) t-shirts for the effort. Because he felt guilty about taking from a man who had already been victimized once, Manzeske insisted on paying for the shirts.
“I couldn’t help but step in for Jaime. We had developed a pretty close relationship, even during our limited interactions,” said Manzeske. “We must all, as brothers, dedicate ourselves to the ideals for which our badge stands, even if it’s only in a burrito joint in Indianapolis.” He also mentioned that the t-shirts boasted “perhaps the finest quality, both in substance and design, that I have ever seen.”
No one in La Bamba’s will ever forget Brother Manzeske’s heroic efforts to save the establishment.
Posted by Webmaster at February 21, 2002 05:41 PM