Horizons Online Edition

Issue date: 4/21/06 Section: False Horizons

Driving down Willow Creek it is really hard to miss the friendly Riddle Hobo that students often see on their way to classes. Many have wondered, who is he? Where does he come from?

So on a cold February morning Horizons investigated to find out who the man behind the old faded hoodie really is.

He sits on the side of the road near the old front entrance occasionally reading an old text book or rocking back and forth with eyes glazed over, saying random numbers that sound like equations.

When approached he stood up right away and shook our hands. But we stepped back to avoid the obvious lack of personal hygiene.

First we asked why he's here and he replied with this crazy smile and said, "I used to be a student here and now I just can't see myself anywhere else."

The Riddle Hobo or Justin Randolph used to be a student here back in 1997. "I started off with engineering but then that took up too much time so I became a pilot. Then I ran out of money so I moved onto my next passion ASP."

During his last semester in 2001 Justin became afraid for the future and started to struggle in his classes. Professor Crawford of Arts and Sciences said, "I remember Justin being real motivated but than he slowly stopped showing up to class, let his hair grow out, and he began wearing these very unusual clothes."

"I didn't want to leave Riddle. It had become my home and my life. Without it I would be nothing. I couldn't leave the comforting presence of Chartwells and the great food," said Justine.

So on May 5, 2001 instead of walking up that stage to accept his diploma, Justin ran out of the ceremony, gown flying, screaming, "I can't do this. It's too much!"

No matter what friends or faculty said no one could convince Justin to come out his room in Hall 3. "He sat in there for days just looking out the window. Every once in a while he would sob to himself and then eventually he started to talk randomly to himself. It was pretty scary after a while," said former roommate Henry Bunch.

Eventually, housing had to escort Justin out of housing. "He didn't go quietly," said former Resident Director Larry Lynch, "it took three of my R.A.'s to drag him out kicking and screaming that we were ruining his life. It was very pathetic."

After multiple attempts to get back in housing by sneaking in through the windows and even just sleeping on the steps Justin gave up and made his permanent home on the side of Willow Creek Road.

Many students have come to know him has Crazy Justin. "I was a little afraid at first but then one of friends told me if you became friends with Crazy Justin he would help with classes and even do your homework for you," said a current student. "Crazy Justin helps me through classes; I mean all the guy does is sit there and read textbooks all day. And he has been through it all: four years of classes, and even graduation."

Crazy Justin has no intention of leaving any time soon, "I will be forever a part of this place whether they want me here or not."

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