At 3 p.m. on March 5, in the Aggie Rec Center, Cameron University hosted the 29th Annual Red River Career Expo for the Lawton-Fort Sill community.
Vendors from across Oklahoma and North Texas came to seek out prospective employees, offering job opportunities, internships and professional interviews to those who attended. Some of the vendors included Goodyear, City of Lawton, KCCU, Cotton Electric Cooperative and Chicken Express.
Nick Waring, general manager at the Lawton location for Tradehome Shoes, attended the expo offering full-time and part-time positions for students and community members.
Waring attended to look for people who can connect with customers on their foot health and match them with the right product.
“We work with a lot of local podiatrists in the area, and they send us a lot of their patients that are dealing with problems,” Waring said. “So, it’s really nice to have some sort of idea of how to help people.”
The event was open to the public, so Cameron students and members of the community were allowed to attend and meet with various companies and recruiters. The gymnasium was filled with a plethora of current and future opportunities for attendees to explore.
Austin Bowles is
an accounting major at Cameron and the vice president of the accounting club on campus. He was a volunteer at the expo and helped to set up booths for companies that were attending.
“(Our) main goal
“The kind of job I’m looking for is more community-centered,” Holley said, “groups that are focused on trying to give the community something to help them out.”
Holley came prepared with a Curriculum
“In the OKC scene, there’s a lot more opportunities. So being offered (this opportunity) at Cameron really helps outsource talent.”
- Austin Bowles CU Accounting Major
as volunteers is to help students toward certain booths and help companies set up their booths,” Bowles said.
Bowles added that the expo gave companies access to sources of talent, students and community members — opportunities they may not be able to get elsewhere.
“In the OKC scene, there’s a lot more opportunities. So being offered (this opportunity) at Cameron really helps outsource talent,” he said.
Many attendees came dressed and equipped for the event, ready to make a great first impression. Students and community members alike prepared answers for interview questions and were very excited about prospective job opportunities and internships.
Landon Holley is a physics and math major at Cameron and is the vice president of the robotics club. Holley was looking into internships and hoped to find those opportunities at the expo.
Vitae or CV, which is a document that details one’s entire academic and professional background. He said that he also did research on several companies present at the event, as he wanted to not only prepare for any questions an employer may have, but also ensure the company aligned with his values as well as his educational and professional goals.
One company in particular caught Holley’s attention: Cotton Electric Cooperative is a provider for electricity across several counties and has done several events for the community where Holley grew up.
“When you come from an area where there’s not really that much money … these are people who are there making sure that those communities have access to electricity, (and) to resources, which is kind-of amazing,” Holley said.
employers. It creates a perfect environment for networking and allows face-to-face interaction. With the modern job application experience being almost completely digital, the expo gave the community an opportunity to make their mark by showing up and leaving a lasting impression on employers.
If you missed this year’s Red River Career Expo, it is a recurring event and will return to campus next spring, so make sure you’re ready. To better prepare for career expos and networking opportunities, the college employment
mission, values and whether they align with personal and professional goals. Research the employers before approaching them to ensure a better networking experience.
Practice Introductions
A first impression can be the difference between a great conversation and a job offer. To enhance the conversation, practice personal introductions and answers to interview questions before attending an event.
Come Prepared
Wearing professional attire for a hiring event is a great way to make a good impression. Try to stay away from athletic or leisurewear when picking an outfit for a career expo.
Seek Out Career Services
Additionally, Cameron offers career services to students through the Office of Student Enrichment. They have career-related resources available, as well as workshops, programs and opportunities that help prepare college students
For more information on future events, contact the Office of Student cameron.edu, or go to the Student Enrichment Center in Room 2703 at
Events such as Red River Career Expo connect jobseekers with
Jaley
Photos by Mason Route
CONNECT ON CAMPUS Linking Students with Opportunities
Elizabeth Lehman Staff Writer
At 1 p.m. on March 4 in the MCC, the Student Enrichment Center staff hosted Connect on Campus, a networking event for students to potentially meet local professionals, ask questions and build professional relationships.
One of the visiting representatives, Samuel Wheeler, spoke with students about graduate opportunities at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Wheeler explained that the university offers graduate programs designed to prepare students for licensing exams and careers in healthcare. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, many of the programs take about two and a half years to finish.
The university offers degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physician assistant studies, graduate nursing, education, health administration and health science. Wheeler also assists students with the graduate school application process and helps them understand what to prioritize while preparing for professional programs.
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences operates several campuses across the country, including locations in San Marcos, CA; Dallas and Austin, Texas; and St. Augustine and Miami, FL. They provide virtual learning, too.
Wheeler said he primarily works with students interested in the Texas campuses, Austin and Dallas. Students interested in learning more about the programs can visit usa.edu. The university is recognized as a certified B Corporation.
Maggie Tamez, a Harvard-certified nutritional planner, spoke about her work helping women take control of their lifestyle. She is also involved with a women’s club that supports networking, health, wellness and professional development. The organization helps students and aspiring entrepreneurs build connections and access resources and community.
According to Tamez, the group is particularly
interested in connecting with young women who want to grow their networks and explore businesses and personal development opportunities in Lawton. You can learn more about it at www.running-fox.com.
Students interested in faith-based volunteer work also had the chance to learn about Eagle Sky Christian Challenge Camp. The Christian challenge camp is located in the Ozark Mountains and focuses on building relationships, faith and leadership through outdoor experiences.
The camp is currently looking for college students willing to serve as counselors for about three weeks during the summer. Counselors guide campers through recreational activities, participate in chapel services and lead small group discussions centered on faith and personal growth. The camp encourages building relationships through small groups and aims to leave a positive impact on campers’ lives while sharing the gospel. The program is entering its second annual camper season and welcomes Cameron students who enjoy camping, mentoring younger students and serving others.
Another organization seeking student volunteers was the Comeback Kid Society, a nonprofit that works with adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system. The organization recently expanded into Lawton earlier this year and they are looking for volunteers who are interested in social work and mentorship
The nonprofit collaborates with treatment centers and foster homes to support troubled adolescents and help build healthier futures. Volunteers can help guide teens who have been in juvenile detention centers and be a positive role model who encourages better choices and long-term personal growth.
Campus staff members were also present to connect students with resources available at Cameron University. Isabella Myers is an academic coach who focuses on workforce readiness and financial literacy. Myers noted that many students are unaware of some of the opportunities and events available on campus, which
makes outreach events like Connect on Campus an important way to inform and engage the student body.
Also present was Francesca Morris, MHA, a financial community resource specialist at Cameron University. Morris emphasized that a part of her mission is making sure students have access to resources such as housing assistance and financial aid support.
Morris said these services are especially important because Cameron University has an estimated 18 percent rate of student homelessness, making access to housing resources a major concern for some students. She believes events like Campus Connect help students practice communication and networking skills in a low-pressure environment before entering professional settings.
“These events allow students to build confidence without the pressure of a formal job interview,” Morris said.
She also encouraged students to attend career-focused events such as the annual Red River Career Expo, where employers recruit students from the university.
Students attending the event said the experience helped them feel more comfortable talking with professionals. Alexander Cullen, a Cameron student who attended Connect on Campus, said the event gave him the opportunity to interact with volunteers and representatives in a positive environment.
Cullen said that after attending the event, he felt more confident and felt like he was on the same level as the volunteers he spoke with. He added that the experience met his expectations and gave him a chance to practice communication skills that will be useful in future professional settings.
Events like Connect on Campus and the Red River Career Expo also prepare students who are ready to transition from college into the workforce. Connect on Campus gave Cameron students a chance to explore different paths while building confidence and making connections that could help them in the future.
Angelica Martinez Managing Editor
One of the strongest business advocates for the wider Lawton/Fort Sill community is the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber plays a central role in shaping the economic future of Southwest Oklahoma, including the job market students are likely to enter after graduation.
According to Vice President and COO Jamie Southerland, who has worked with the Chamber for over 10 years, its mission is to serve as the leading voice for businesses in the region.
“We help protect, strengthen and diversify the local economy while providing trusted leadership for the future,” Southerland said. “Everything we do is about adding value, creating economic opportunity, supporting local businesses and making Lawton/Fort Sill a better place to live, work and build a future.”
Southerland emphasized that the Chamber is not a government entity and
does not regulate businesses. Instead, it is a member-driven, not-for-profit organization that convenes business leaders and advocates for economic growth at the local, state and federal levels.
One of the Chamber’s most visible divisions is the Convention and Visitors Bureau, which recruits conferences, sporting events and group travel to Lawton. These tourism efforts generate hotel-motel tax revenue and increase spending at local restaurants, shops and attractions.
Advocacy is another key component of the Chamber’s work. Each year, The Chamber brings 30 to 40 business leaders to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal legislators and promote the interests of Lawton and Fort Sill.
Southerland recalled a visit in which Chamber leaders successfully advocated for cross-functional military teams to remain at Fort Sill rather than be located elsewhere in the state — a decision that preserved jobs and strengthened the local economy. The Chamber also hosts an
annual “Day at the Capitol” in Oklahoma City to maintain relationships with state lawmakers and allow business leaders in Lawton-Fort Sill to voice their needs and build relationships.
“We let them know what we’re doing well, where we need help,” Southerland said. “You can only really be effective when you have a relationship and you are able to share that information.”
Workforce development is also a priority. The Chamber collaborates with Cameron University, Great Plains Technology Center, Workforce Development and Lawton Public Schools to prepare students for in-demand careers. By communicating industry needs to educational institutions, the Chamber helps align academic programs with workforce gaps.
“For instance, Cameron just opened their engineering program, and we had wanted that for a long time,” Southerland said. That is part of economic development—we have to have the workforce that these companies are looking for or we can’t get them to move
here. So when we play our part in that by alerting our educational institutions that there is a need, and we have that relationship with them and they move on that recommendation, then we’re able to develop the workforce so we can bring in the businesses.”
For students, involvement with the Chamber provides networking opportunities beyond the classroom. The organization hosts luncheons, leadership events and volunteer opportunities that connect students with business owners and community leaders. Discounted student memberships allow college students to serve on committees and gain firsthand experience in economic development.
Ultimately, the Chamber’s work influences the quality of life and professional opportunities available in the community. By supporting businesses, building partnerships and preparing for future growth, the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce aims to create a region where students can build their careers after graduation.
SGA DATES TO REMEMBER
As the semester reaches its end, Cameron University’s Student Government Assosiation (SGA) is preparing for many upcoming changes, including officer, and additional
Keep an eye out for any emails and official SGA announcements to stay informed and have your voice heard.
in an age of misinformation
Amanda Purser Managing Editor
In any modern democracy, a free press is vital for informing the public, accountability and protecting the truth. Today’s society is defined by freely exchanged opinions, unreliable sources and misinformation being spread rapidly, which is all highlighted on social media platforms every second of the day.
A free press is more important than ever, to ensure that we are maintaining some standard within journalism and continuing to encourage public discussion with informed and unbiased facts, all the while not infringing on our inherent American rights.
Our nation, with all of its flaws, has had one reliable concept woven into the fibers that built it. The Constitution not only established our governmental structure, it has helped to protect, liberate and reassure millions of people that freedom is obtainable, for more than two centuries.
On Dec. 15, 1791, the United States Congress ratified the Bill of Rights, in which the First Amendment outlined certain rights that were not to be abridged.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The Constitution and its contents are clearly established and anyone running for government office, especially those elected by the people as representatives, should understand, accept, uphold and respect this document at all times. That is possibly the most basic concept and lowest standard for elected officials.
Recently, the current presidential administration has made efforts to silence, censor and dictate who can be a part of the press, what they can cover and how it should be framed. The idea that a sitting president can become upset with negative press or stories printed and broadcast about them and seek vengeance, completely tramples on the concept of a free press.
If there was false information being spread or “fake news,” one might think the appropriate course of action would be to prove this either in the public eye or in a court of law, after all, defamation of character, libel and false statements being made are illegal for a reason. A reasonable person might ask what someone is afraid of, when they work so hard to silence others, especially when there are other forms of recourse available. Isn’t it a common sentiment that if you do nothing wrong, then you would have nothing to worry about?
To use
the power of the position one is granted, especially when they are supposed to be the leader of the free world, is completely inappropriate and frankly, immature. The president does not get to decide who is able to be on television, in news or in online or printed publications to voice their opinions, raise social awareness or spread information.
Furthermore, there is not supposed to be retaliation for reporting, even if a journalist uncovers corruption or highlights controversial issues; the government should not be able to remove them from positions or limit their representation at the White House press conferences, which affects balanced and unbiased reporting.
The Associated Press (AP) were banned from the White House press briefings by the president in February 2025, reportedly because the AP continued to use “the Gulf of Mexico” rather than the renamed Gulf of America. A federal judge ruled in favor of the AP when a lawsuit was brought forward, but the case continues to be drawn out through appeals.
Even press adjacent media personalities are being limited, punished, threatened and censored on their own platforms, which is complete overreach and textbook authoritarianism. This behavior certainly feels like prior-restraint which is supposed to be forbidden by the government against the press, and has been repeatedly deemed unconstitutional.
Defending the free press ... Resisting censorship
It sends a strong message to the press and media as a whole, that not only are their careers being targeted, their livelihood is in jeopardy as well, which can hinder industry growth. Young journalists being trained, educated and looking at future job opportunities may be negatively impacted by this current culture and the way censorship is being handled and enforced. More needs to be done to protect the idea and practice of free press in America, especially when we consider that its not just at the benefit of journalists and the media. Public record laws and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) exist to ensure that any citizen, not just members of the press can gain valuable information, which is incredibly important for transparency and accountability.
When the press is muzzled, the public remains in the dark and ultimately the truth is buried which affects our democracy. Now more than ever, we need to protect the first amendment and keep the press free.
Comic by Jaley Melton-Wiley
Kiss all the Time.
On March 6, Harry Styles released his fourth studio album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” proving yet again that a break is sometimes good for the soul (and good for ratings). The title of the album is a little misleading, with the majority of the album being electropop with a subtle funky vibe, it’s more akin to club
techno, with just a touch of disco.
This, however, is where my bias comes in. The best song on the album for me was “Coming Up Roses.” This song differs from the majority of the album with a more indie pop ballad feeling. It felt raw in a way that captures Styles’ essence. This makes perfect sense, seeing as this is the only song on the album that Styles was the sole writer of. It started as a Christmas song, but turned into a beautiful emotional ballad.
music, definitely something you could catch at a party. It is a newer vibe than what you’re used to hearing from Styles, but it is a more watereddown version of the genre.
Styles released “Aperture” as the single on the album, and it really helped set the mood for the album as a whole. “Aperature” is the longest song on the album, the first track, and is heavily influenced by
“Coming Up Roses” is about appreciating how something is special, but understanding that it doesn’t have to last forever. Styles wanted to portray to his audience that there are still gifts that can be learned from a lost relationship. I wouldn’t say that Styles is necessarily known for his more emotional songs, but it’s not out of the blue. What makes “Coming Up Roses” so special is the live orchestra that adds to the feeling of melancholy and yearning that the song portrays.
In his last album, Styles had the song “Maltilda,” which served as a typical Styles ballad, so it makes sense for him to have included this song in his new album.
Another standout song
from the album was “Pop.” “Pop” had the upbeat feel that listeners were expecting from the album, with that distinct 2010’s boyband feeling. “Pop,” while being lyrically a little on the surface-level, is a fun dancing song that can be compared to some of Styles’ earlier works like “Cinema” with similar themes and upbeat vibes.
A song that doesn’t necessarily get the attention that it deserves from this album is “Ready, Steady, Go!” It is the second shortest song in the album and deserves to be one of the longer songs on the album. It has an almost chaotic vibe that feels like the moment right before you make an impulsive decision, and Styles can create that feeling through the music and not necessarily have to rely on the lyrics. It almost feels like Styles is letting us, as the listener, into the emotions of rushing into a new relationship.
One of the last tracks that was coincidentally supposed to be the first, was an emotional ballad titled “Paint By Numbers.” The meaning of the lyrics caused many discussions online, with fans debating whether or not the song was about a past relationship, a past friendship, or a reflection on life itself. Regardless of the meaning, “Paint By Numbers” is a beautiful, melancholy ballad. The song ends on an unresolved chord, and with it being the shortest on the album, you can’t help but think Styles did that on purpose, showing that the song is indeed a reflection of life, maybe even of grief.
The album is quintessentially Harry from the first track to the last. The album is less disco, more dancing. A more apt album title would be “Dance All the Time. Cry Occasionally.” With a run time of 42 minutes and 12 tracks, it’s a quick listen that leaves the listener feeling the upbeat vibe that Harry has perfected over the years. It’s a 4 out of 5-star album with no skips that leaves the listener feeling just a little lighter than when they went into it.
Willow: Petal Rock Black
Makayla Flenoury A&E Editor
On Feb. 17, Willow released her seventh studio album:
“Petal Rock Black.” As a huge fan of Willow, this drop took me by surprise, literally. I didn’t know. What didn’t surprise me was how great the album is.
Willow’s discography spans a wide variety of genres across her albums. From alternative R&B and neo-soul to rock and pop-punk. Her songs feature a common theme of self-discovery, emotional depth, spirituality, growth and empowerment. And of course, whipping her hair.
She is a powerful symbol for many communities, uniting a diverse audience with her compelling voice. She presents her personal journey across all her albums, allowing listeners to connect at different points in their own lives.
“Petal Rock Black” is a rather short album, with only 12 songs and a total of 26 minutes, but that doesn’t detract from its essence.
The album opens with the Godfather of Funk, George Clinton speaking over airy and thunderous rain. The sounds aid in Clinton painting a picture of a stormy cathedral with the lyrics, “Stormsmeared picture / Worship, his whisper.” Clinton then refers to the Goddess who wishes for her people to grow with the lyrics “Dreams a symphony we all soar on / Goddess, rain woman.” The last line of the interlude signals a reflection inward and growth with “Shadow me, Mother / With your ear to the cocoon.”
I believe this interlude is setting up the album to reflect Willow’s inner work, self-growth and growth away from things that may confine her. The following song, “Vegetation,” supports the idea
of denying expectations.
“Vegetation” takes a stand. The music is powerful and self-assured, but ebullient and elegant. Willow often uses her voice as instrumentation, which works well with strong percussion, wispy piano, and later, brazen guitar. The instrumentation of her voice and the music only get more assertive as the song goes on.
The lyrics focus on breaking free, saying “I don’t know why I have to be just who you want me to” and repeating the phrase
“Just let me go, just let me” at the end of every verse. Willow is singing with a calm rasp, paired with an assured beat shows that she is sure of who she is.
Track 6, “Not a Fantasy,” further dives into the idea of growth and resisting expectations. This is my favorite song from the album because of how much it resonates. Again, Willow relies on her vocals, percussion and guitar to make up the beat. Except this time, it’s thin, calm and flowy, creating a raw, intimate feel rather than the assertive one.
The main theme of “Not a Fantasy” is self-love. Leading into the first verse is a blunt “I am enough.”
There’s a small pause to emphasize the first line. My favorite part of the song is the chorus, which repeats the phrases “It’s not a fantasy to be who you are” and “It’s not a fantasy to live like the water does.”
It’s no secret that Willow lives a more spiritual lifestyle. Spirituality is often scorned by society, even being deemed as evil or demonic, or it is seen as “woo-woo,” implying the people who follow spiritual practices are crazy or living in a fantasy. Willow denies the
stereotypes society placed on her beliefs.
“Omnipotent” speaks deeper into spiritual beliefs. The beats’ simplicity with the lyrics evokes a sense of peace and contentment. The first verse “All the time I’m in awe of all the beauty all / All around me, I see it clearly” and “I’m just searching every moment to find the truth / Maybe I’ll find out, maybe I won’t.” The second verse speaks similarly, showing the growth of the song’s protagonist. Willow is presenting the lens of peace and contentment, choosing to see the beauty in everything, to let go of worry and stop trying to dictate what you can’t control.
“Nothing and Everything” is another one of my favorite tracks. The use of string
instruments creates an intimate, vulnerable feeling. The deep emotion in Willow’s airy voice brings a sense of comfort.
The song could be interpreted in two ways: as a love song or Willow referring to the self. I interpret the song as the latter. The song starts with, “whenever there’s nothing, there’s you,” meaning at the end of the day, you always have yourself. The verses alternate ending lines between “you destroy it all” and “how you birth it all,” referring to the mind’s ability to dictate one’s reality. Like pessimism vs optimism.
The album completes Willow’s transformation with
the final track “Ear to the Cocoon.” The song features the same lyrics from the beginning track, but instead of George Clinton’s raspy voice and thunderous rain, it’s Willow’s voice changing pace, cadence and having fun.
The beauty of the album comes from the jazz beats, smooth rhythm and the deeper meaning behind it. As a spiritual listener, the album moved me. The way it resonates is almost healing. Putting aside my beliefs, this is one of Willow’s weaker albums compared to “Empathogen” or “Coping Mechanism,” which are stronger lyrically and have more complex compositions. Even so, I would give this album 4/5 stars.
Elaina Benke Centennial Editor
GraphicbyFabiolaPerez-Aponte
Courtesy graphic
Staff Writer
The path of Cameron University cross country and track and field head coach Zach Johnson began in the small Oklahoma town of Loco.
After graduating from Velma-Alma High School, Johnson earned his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and later completed a master’s degree at Oklahoma State University.
Johnson’s introduction to running came early. He began
enough people for teams,” Johnson said.
He became serious about track and field during his sophomore year of high school. “I wanted to win, and track and field gave me the best chance to do that.”
His interest in coaching developed during his time at Oklahoma Baptist University. Johnson said he wanted to remain involved in sports and use his experience to help others.
Influential high school coaches, he added, shaped both his athletic growth and
personal development, inspiring him to pursue the profession.
After spending 11 years as an assistant coach, Johnson accepted the head coaching position at Cameron University in the summer of 2014.
At the time, the program included only a men’s crosscountry team. The women’s program was later added, and track and field teams were introduced during the 2018-19 season.
Johnson’s first impressions of Cameron were positive. He described it as a small university with a welcoming campus and supportive community.
“In life and work, you encounter people with different viewpoints and experiences, so learning to interact positively is important .”
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Zach Johnson Head Coach
Growing up about 60 miles away, he was already familiar with the school and had relatives who attended Cameron. As a child, he watched Cameron football and basketball highlights on local television.
Today, Cameron’s program is defined by its international diversity. Athletes from numerous countries and cultural backgrounds
contribute to the team dynamic, an aspect that Johnson considers a strength.
“It has been enjoyable working with people from very different backgrounds and experiences,” Johnson said. “Everyone has different expectations about what a track team is and what practice should be like.”
He believes that diversity strengthens the program by introducing new ideas and perspectives while helping athletes develop interpersonal skills.
“In life and work, you encounter people with different viewpoints and experiences, so learning to interact positively is important,” he said.
Looking ahead to the season, Johnson’s expectations center on effort and improvement.
He wants athletes to work hard in practice, compete at their highest level, and continue progressing in their events. Academic performance remains equally important, with the team aiming to maintain its strong GPA.
Among the team’s competitive goals is qualifying as many athletes as possible for the Lone Star Conference championship in Canyon, Texas, and
delivering their strongest performances of the year at that championship.
Long-term, Johnson hopes to see a Cameron athlete qualify for the national track and field championships, a milestone the program has yet to achieve.
Beyond results and ranking, Johnson emphasizes personal growth. He hopes his athletes develop a lifelong appreciation for running and understand the value of perseverance.
“I hope they learn that sometimes doing hard things can be rewarding and that the harder your work, the greater your chances of success,” he said.
For Johnson, the most rewarding aspect of coaching is witnessing athletes evolve both on and off the track.
“It is rewarding to see people work hard, run personal bests, and improve throughout college,” he said. “It is also special to watch them grow from immature freshmen into responsible young adults and eventually, college graduates.”
Under Johnson’s leadership, Cameron’s program continues to build not only stronger athletes, but also stronger individuals prepared for success beyond competition.
As someone who’s spent the last few semesters covering Aggie athletics, I’m excited to see what the 2026 baseball season will look like once it’s over.
After a tough 2025 season that saw the baseball team finish 1333 overall, the Aggies athletic department turned to a new voice in the dugout, naming Holden Capps as head coach last May.
Capps, a former MLB
with Division I coaching experience and deep Oklahoma roots (he’s a Lawton High alumnus), brings credibility and the potential to rebuild culture and competitiveness here.
After 21 games the Aggies sit at 7-14 overall and 7-14 in Lone Star Conference play. That is a .333 winning percentage.
After the strong start and ranked win, the team hit a rough patch, going 0-4 at West Texas A&M, splitting 2-2 at home with Eastern New Mexico, and dropping
sweep against Texas A&M International
at McCord Field.
Game 1 went 6-2 in Cameron’s favor, followed by a highscoring 13-10 victory in Game 2.
That 2-0 start gave Capps his first NCAA head coaching wins and set the tone.
The team dropped the series finale to TAMIU 12-6, but still claimed the series victory (2-1), showing an immediate improvement in winning close games and series when compared to last year.
The schedule then took the Aggies on the road for a challenging series against Texas A&M-Kingsville.
They split early games (a 11-7 loss in Game 1, followed by a 9-7 comeback win), but dropped the finale, resulting in a 1-2 series outcome.
Still, showing fight in comebacks was a positive sign.
The real statement came against #18 St. Edward’s. In a dramatic
Friday game, the Aggies rallied for an 11-10 walk-off thriller. They followed with an 11-2 domination on Sunday to clinch the series win (2-1 overall for that weekend, losing Game 2).
Beating a nationally ranked team and taking a series from them is huge for our program, especially when coming off a sub-.300 season.
It shows Capps’ emphasis on changing the culture, and it showed early.
This weekend the Aggies head to Odessa for a four-game LSC series at UT Permian Basin.
After that, they return home for a series against UT Tyler (March 20-22), followed by Oklahoma Christian and the rest of the LSC grind.
As a sports fan and student here at Cameron, I want to
see all of our athletes winning.
Turning around a program takes time, however, and although 7-14 isn’t 20-0, the vibe is different already.
While the road has gotten tougher
the early momentum and ranked victory show Capps’ impact is real, and the team is still battling every series. If they keep battling, protect home turf, and continue their offensive stride, a .500-or-better
