1.17.17

BY ts UTSA studen R FO ts UTSA studen

Vol. 55 Issue 2 January 17 January 24, 2017 /PaisanoOnline

/ThePaisano

@ThePaisano

@PaisanoMedia UTSA’s Hula Hoop Troupe

DomestiCATed

News Pg.2

www.Paisano-Online.com

Should professors offer extra credit?

Opinion Pg.6

Life Pg.3

EIGHT STRAIGHT: ‘Runners defend home winning streak See SPORTS, page 7

Freshman gaurd Giovanni De Nicolao drives up the lane against FAU.

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

Students march to honor MLK African American Studies department facilitates large student turnout Isaac Serna News Editor

@IsaacRSerna news@paisano-online.com Among the sea of participants in San Antonio’s 30th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. march, Roadrunner orange brightened the streets.

“We wore orange because we wanted to show that this is a UTSA community,” Mr. UTSA JaCorey Patterson said.

“We had these t-shirts made with Martin Luther King, Jr. and our Roadrunner creed printed on it.”

Participants assembled at the M. L. King Academy and began their march at 10 a.m. The nearly three mile route led San Antonians by the thousands through the historic Eastside. Since the first march in 1987,

participation has grown to 300,000 people.

Patterson marched with the African American Studies (ASA) department, which facilitated the largest turnout of UTSA students at the march. He explained this is the first time ASA organized a march for the holiday.

“I felt empowered by how many people came,” Patterson said. “I feel like having African American Studies in the march is a big step for UTSA.” UTSA student participation was not exclusive to the ASA. Students affiliated and unaffiliated with organizations participated in the celebration.

“It’s our first time out here,” senior education major Adrian Farruggia said about him and his friends, “Getting involved

is part of growing up, we came to show that we can be involved in the community in more ways than recreation.”

Brandishing a Mexican American Studies (MAS) banner, senior Alixandria Rowe and fellow students promoted a fight for civil rights, which she described as a huge part of MAS. “MLK and everything he stood for, like bringing equality, is important to Mexican American Studies too.” Rowe said. “I think we should be united in that fight together, instead of fighting it separately. Black, brown and all people of color should be involved.”

This year’s theme was “King’s legacy for peace is justice for all. Remember!

Celebrate! Act!” In commemoration of King, Jr. UTSA exemplified the theme.

Isaac Serna, The Paisano African American Studies Program students march with rowdy pride during the MLK march.

Dr. Hill calls for activism CNN political contributor discusses social justice

Jeremiah Hobbs Staff Writers

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday brought knowledge and encouragement to the city of San Antonio.

Distinguished Professor of African American Studies and CNN political contributor Dr. Marc Lamont Hill visited Trinity University.

The MLK Jr. Commission presented a lecture titled, “From Segregation to Social Justice: What Would Martin Say?” to commemorate King’s memory.

Hill’s lecture stressed an intellectual connectivity between distinct fields of activism to address the complexity of intersectionality—the

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

intersections of systems of oppression, power and privilege. He said, “We can’t just think of King as the negro preacher who said, ‘I had a dream.’ He was also the person in ‘68 who was linking militarism

“Challenge America to listen.”

-Dr. Hill CNN political contributor

to what? Capitalism...Who understood (racism) as an international issue and a human rights issue...He made the connections.”

Dr. Hill was a lively and engaging speaker, equipped with the verbal skills to handle any distraction, guiding the audience back

to his lecture.

According to Hill, King’s legacy is the activists vying for change that resolves societal needs, which “challenge America to listen to itself so (America) can keep track of its promise.”

The promise Hill refers to the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution which called for the abolition of slavery, the granting of civil rights to all and black suffrage.

Hill ended with encouragement to activists who feel alone and are under the pressure of opposition: companionship exists when one joins activist organizations.

“The biggest problem in the world today is that there are too many people who don’t do anything,” Hill concluded.

NEWS

Rowdy Renovations

UTSA The 85th legislative session held in Austin, Texas, will have Texan legislators address UTSA’s financial priorities within the next four months. UTSA’s current priorities are emergency relief funding from the Legislature to balance out the Legacy exemptions of the Hazlewood Act, five million dollars for cloud computing research, four million dollars for the San Antonio Life Science Institute, and a 10.7 million dollar matching fund to preserve the Texas Research Incentive Program.

Library undergoes construction Danielle Throneberry Staff Writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com Over the next year, students will notice big changes in the John Peace Library. A series of fire safety renovations are being made as part of “The Fire Life Safety Project” in order to guarantee the library is up-to-date with regulations.

Students will see brand new glass magnetic doors installed throughout the library’s numerous stairwells. However, the bulk of the updates will take place on the third floor including new glass doors

along the perimeter of the landing and state-of-theart fire-resistant glass walls replacing the infamous wooden panels.

“I believe that the renovations to the third floor were long overdue. I am excited to study in the new safe atmosphere,” said junior information systems major Anthony Lopez.

UTSA Libraries Facilities and Operations Manager asserts the primary objective of the renovations is to ensure top “safety and comfort” for all UTSA students.

Texas New Wave Feminists, a Texas-based feminist pro-life group, has been removed from the Women’s March, a pro-choice movement expected to happen Jan. 27 on Washington, D.C., after an outcry on Twitter. The Women’s March organizers defended their decision by reminding partners and participants “the anti-choice organization is not a partner of the Women’s March on Washington.” The New Wave Feminists plan to attend the march on Washington despite their removal.

U.S. Noor Salman, whose husband Omar Mateen shot 49 people and injured 53 in a Florida gay nightclub on June 12, 2016, was arrested in San Francisco, Calif.

The F.B.I. charged her with aiding and abetting Mateen. They suspect she helped Mateen with materials or transportation either before or after the attack.

World Turkish police have arrested Abdulkadir Masharipov as their main suspect for an Istanbul nightclub attack on New Year’s Eve. Masharipov is charged with the murder of 39 individuals. The Islamic State has taken credit for the attack stating it was retribution for the Turkish military’s airstrikes in Syria, that killed 70 Islamic State militants.

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January 17 - January 24, 2017

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano Yellow tape and construction cones mark inaccesible areas on the third floor of the John Peace Library.

Correction:

The Paisano Vol. 55 Issue 1 story titled “UnDACAmented” (pg. 2) reported Dr. Alistair Welchman as an English Department faculty member when in fact, he is a member of the Philosophy Department. We apologize for the error.

News Editor, Isaac Serna

Student spotlight: Madison Chilton Samuel De Leon Contributing Writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com As the policy makers begin the 85th session of Texas Legislature, one Roadrunner is making moves as an intern for Speaker of the House Joe Straus.

Sophomore political science and English major Madison Chilton is an intern to Straus’ policy office.

Chilton fields work from the Texas State Capitol and works with various students from around the region through the Legislative Scholars program.

Knowing early on she wanted this internship, Chilton felt this could be the crucible necessary to decide if a career in law is right for her.

Described as a “fledgling full-time intern,” Chilton’s duties match most interns, but with some components strict to the title. One component is speaking with House Speaker Straus’ constituents.

Chilton advised students with similar aspirations to, “Be OK with uncertainty.

Be OK with feeling afraid, or unprepared.

“Unless you plan to limit your life’s accomplishments to things that you have

Ethan Pham, The Paisano Sophomore Madison Chilton differs politically from her employer.

conquered up to the present moment, feeling unprepared should not be the reason you don’t go for something.”

She admits she was

“Be OK with uncertainty.

Be OK with feeling afraid, or unprepared.”

-Madison Chilton English, Political Science Major nervous before submitting her application. Being one of the youngest members in the office, Chilton did not know how she would fit in. She describes the transition to her first job

as “bumpy,” and credits the patience of staff members to her current success in the policy office.

Although she identifies politically as a liberal, she admits to learning more about the political process through her current experience under a Republican Speaker of the House.

Chilton now believes, “Party labels should not be the vehicle through which we form our opinions, but instead an after-the-fact label.”

By the end of her internship, Chilton expects to have more experience and insight to how to continue her journey to becoming an attorney.

DomestiCATed

Faculty volunteer to care for cats on campus Danielle Throneberry Staff Writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com Roadrunner Cat Coalition (RRCC) is a volunteer-based faculty/ staff organization making strides towards the care for and maintenance of UTSA’s renowned feral cat colony.

The RRCC was formally founded in 2006, without any university funding, after a group of cat-loving faculty members noticed the feral cat population at UTSA was substantial.

Their mission is simple: care for and humanely manage the feral cat population on campus through responsible

practices such as spaying or neutering.

The cats are fed, vaccinated and receive routine veterinary care.

However, the particularly friendly cats are fostered by a member of the organization and then

“There are about 20 permanent resident cats on campus.”

-Karen Williams

Distinguished senior lecturer, College of Business

The UTSA Cat Coalition is not a shelter; cats cared for roam freely on campus.

placed for adoption.

According to faculty member Karen Williams, “There are about 20

Science U.S. astronaut Gene Cernan, the last human to leave a footprint on the Moon in 1972, died Jan. 16 at the age of 82.

He was also the last human to speak while standing on the Moon’s surface, saying, “We leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return with peace and hope for all mankind.”

Only 12 humans have ever walked on the lunar surface.

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano Chap cat enjoys breakfast with a friend.

permanent resident cats on campus,” which is a significant decline from when the organization began due to RRCC’s humane population management initiative.

She went on to state the cats are “ear-clipped” in order to identify the cats as either neutered or spayed and are a part of the UTSA cat community.

Williams said the politically correct term for feral cats is now “community cats.” She affirmed these campus community cats are free-roaming, permanent outdoor residents that don’t cause trouble.

The most celebrated of the cats is Harry, also known as “Chap Cat,”

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

the large orange tabby usually found roaming the premises of Chaparral Village. He is a hit at the dorms and even has his own Instagram account @ chap_cat.

Williams wants the UTSA community to be aware of the cats, but instructs students not to approach them for general safety measures. According to Williams, the best way to get involved with helping animals is to join the student organization PAWS. For more information about the organization, visit the websiteutsacats. com or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/ UTSACats.

January 17 - January 24, 2017 5 OPINION The Paisano Trump's choice for Education Secretary is a threat to Title IX Editor in Chief: Caroline Traylor

editorial

Regardless of how we voted in the 2016 presidential election, we should all be paying News Editor: very close attention to Isaac Serna Donald Trump’s proposed Arts & Life Editor: policy changes for higher Raquel Alonzo education, and more specifically, his selection of Sports Editor: Betsy DeVos for Education Frankie Leal Secretary.

DeVos is a philanthropist Web Editor: Ricardo Rodriguez and former chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Photography Editor: Party, known for her ardent Tristan Ipock financial support of charter school voucher programs Magazine Editor: (school choice).

Jade Cuevas Little is known about both Trump’s and DeVos’ Video Editor: views on federal higher Kat Joseph education policy — they’ve offered so few specifics Senior Copy Editor: and have no experience Jessica Salinas in the area — but what is Business Manager: known is deeply troubling Will Stransky to advocates for survivors of sexual assault and Advertising Marketing proponents of Title IX. Liaison: Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments Jenelle Duff Act is the landmark civil rights legislation that STAFF states, "No person in the Chris Herbert, Aidan Watson- United States shall, on the Morris, Anelia Gomezbasis of sex, be excluded Cordova, Benjamin Shirani, from participation in, be Danielle Throneberry, Abby denied the benefits of, or be Sharp, Justice Lovin, Jesus subjected to discrimination Nieves, Sam Ceballos, Ryan under any education Thompson, Enrique Bonilla, Alex Birnel, Taiwo Adepoju program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

PHOTO TEAM Although Title IX is best David Guel, Benjamin Shirani, known for breaking barriers Ethan Pham for women in collegiate sports; it also opens doors MARKETING TEAM for women in STEM, Valery Assad, Ethan Pham, ensures fair treatment of Kristy Olsen, Will Stransky, pregnant and parenting Jenelle Duff, Ray Hagimoto, students and requires Mikayla Cooper, Kat Joseph that students, faculty and staff are afforded a CONTRIBUTORS learning environment Josh Zollicoffer, Sam De Leon, Jess free from bullying and Thomas, Sheldon Baker sexual harassment. Under Title IX, sexual assault is ADVISOR considered a form of gender Diane Abdo discrimination.

The Department ADVISORY BOARD of Education directs

Managing Editor: Ethan Pham

Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo, Red Madden

The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tri-point and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus.

All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to:

14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 © 2016, The Paisano The University of Texas at San Antonio's Handbook of Operating Procedures states in 5.03 that: The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) will not exercise control over the format or content of Student Publications, but will regulate distribution on campus. Student Publications will be free of censorship and advance approval of copy, and their editors and managers are solely responsible for editorial and content policies and decisions. Editors and managers of Student Publications will not be subject to arbitrary suspension/expulsion or removal from their positions within a Registered or Sponsored Student Organization (Student Organization) by the University because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content.

Student Organizations that distribute Student Publications are afforded the same rights and privileges as Student Organizations that do not distribute Student Publications.

every school to employ a Title IX Coordinator to manage complaints.

Once a complaint is filed, universities must conduct their own prompt investigation the department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) proposes 60 days as an appropriate timeframe regardless of whether the complainant reports the assault to local police.

A major distinction between a Title IX violation and a criminal conviction is the burden of proof Drew Angerer, Getty Trump's pick for Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will face her Senate confirmation hearing institutions are required on Tuesday.

The Senate delayed her hearing because of questions about her financial dealings; to use when adjudicating Democrats complained she had not made the necessary financial disclosures. sexual assault cases.

While the standard of however, the Republican reported to police. There to a dumpster, and he spent proof for criminal cases Party did include campus are a number of reasons three months behind bars. is “beyond a reasonable sexual assault and Title for this, but one is that Many victims of sexual doubt,” universities are to IX as part of its platform survivors rarely see justice; assault seek justice at a use a “preponderance of released at the July GOP the vast majority of rapists university level because the evidence” standard, which convention. The platform will not go to prison or face outcomes in the criminal is just enough evidence to called sexual assault a jail time. justice system are so make it more likely than terrible crime “that should According to RAINN abysmal. At universities, not an assault has occurred. be investigated by civil (Rape Abuse & Incest Title IX is a tool for The preponderance authorities and prosecuted National Network), out fairness and a beacon of of evidence standard in a courtroom, not a of every 1,000 rapes, 994 hope juxtaposed to bleak was laid out in 2011 faculty lounge.” perpetrators will walk free. statistics and measly when the Department of Additionally, the We’re reminded of this sentences from the criminal Education’s OCR issued platform criticized the regularly as a society. This justice system. a Dear Colleague letter White House’s expansion summer, Brock Turner Now is not the time to urging institutions to better of Title IX’s scope, was caught raping an scale back on Title IX. investigate and adjudicate calling it a distortion to unconscious woman next cases of sexual assault. The “micromanage” the way letter clarified how the colleges and universities department interprets Title handle allegations of abuse.

IX and, for the past five Betsy DeVos has given years, has been the guiding thousands of dollars to document for colleges an advocacy group called hoping to avoid a federal Foundation for Individual civil rights investigation Rights in Education (FIRE) into their handling of whose primary focus is to • We're looking for writers, complaints. “defend the rights of those photographers, graphic designers, The Obama accused of campus sexual copy editors and social media gurus administration made assault.” FIRE has sued the preventing campus sexual Department of Education to join our team! assaults a signature issue of to raise the standard of • No previous journalism experience its Education Department. proof for victims of sexual His successor has been assault in university required. accused of sexual assault administrative hearings.

• Meetings are every Wednesday and has boasted about Due to the absence of at 6 p.m. at the Paisano Media Arts groping and kissing women an actual record, DeVos’ without “even waiting” for donations are quite Center: consent. disturbing to those who • 14526 Roadrunner Way Trump has not stated want to crack down on whether he plans on campus assault.

(Directly behind the Block) changing any guidance or The majority of sexual funding related to Title IX; assaults that occur are not

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

MNLM: The case for a minimalistic lifestyle

commentary

Ethan Pham @Ethan_Bethan Unsurprisingly, we live in a consumer-driven society with a rapid cyclic need to constantly upgrade. A lifestyle like this is something I believe to be unhealthy.

I distinctly remember moments when I first

became more concerned about our environment. I began to concern myself with the well-being of the planet we all call home, especially after seeing studies by the EPA that the average American produces around 4.4 pounds of trash a day—not a small amount of trash by any means.

One of the environmentalist mantras I try to live by is, “reduce, reuse, recycle.”

Repeated enough, one can easily begin to question what we can reduce, reuse and recycle.

Recycling is easy: toss your recyclables in the recycling bin. However,

I always question what more I could be doing to help our planet. The words reduce and reuse began a journey for me to live more minimalistically.

Minimalism may seem like a lifestyle in which one owns the bare necessities and might live in a tiny home. If this is something you want to do in life, then pursue it.

In actuality however, minimalism is a philosophy in which we live a life not dominated by convenience and the need to buy and consume all that we can.

I will admit it seems insane to me to have to give up the luxury of convenience, but after

seeing amazing stories such as Lauren Singer going zero waste in her life and the minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, I knew living a minimalistic life rather than a consumerist life was for me.

For me, minimalism started because of environmentalism, but minimalism is a lifestyle meant to combat our cultural norm of constantly buying stuff. Stuff we cling to for reasons we don’t know. It can help us declutter our lives and free up space in our lives both physically and mentally.

Asking yourself the question, “does this add

value to my life?” makes us think about what we truly need and what we do not.

This lifestyle isn’t saying to get rid of everything you have or to abandon the material objects that define you, but to ensure what you own becomes a part of your life and not meaningless objects just bought out of impulse or held onto because you didn’t know what to do with it.

Living minimalistically means maximizing life by simplifying it, rather than making it more complex and cumbersome in order to fulfill our lives.

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OPINION

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January 17 - January 24, 2017

Do the stars predetermine your personality? commentary

Jessica Salinas @ylwbird_

Astrology: the study of movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.

According to Kepler.edu, Shakespeare used astrological descriptions as a shorthand description of the personality and attitudes of his characters.

In India, the practice is integral to the culture and until the 17th century, astrology was an integral part of Western culture too. Traditionally, attitudes toward astrology are divided into two camps: those who are skeptical one’s entire life can be determined by what stars

they were born under and the “New Age” crowd, those who are mocked for taking astrology too seriously.

Social media platforms such as Twitter and Tumblr dedicate accounts to astrology humor, memes and sincere posts—introducing a new generation to astrology and allowing them to find new aspects of their identities.

These memes and online jokes about horoscopes are often stereotyping predefined personality traits, but there is an undeniable comfort in seeing yourself mirrored in these categories.

I myself have indulged in reblogging various Aquarius posts on Tumblr.

I see a direct correlation between the average Aquarius traits and my personality.

I consider myself progressive and independent. I have a deep need for alone time in order to regain energy.

I tend to be perceived as cold and insensitive, but these are just defense mechanisms.

I have often had a difficult time fitting in and relating to my contemporaries. There is a comfort in finding ways to identify myself outside of my race, gender and religion. It’s easy to pluck personality traits from the narrow choices by my astrological sign, my Hogwarts house (Ravenclaw) or my MyersBriggs type (INTJ).

But there is a problem with narrowing people to these particular identifiers, especially when these identifiers are mistaken for an explainer of behaviors without holding people accountable.

The narrow identifiers pertaining to astrological signs, Hogwarts house or Myers-Briggs personality type should not be used as excuses for not taking responsibility for actions.

These personality rubrics are tools to support your intuition—ways to hone in on a true sense of self.

People are ultimately multifaceted. I am not just an Aquarius and others are not just their sign.

Again, these frameworks

should be used recreationally as tools to uncover a deeper and truer self.

One should never attempt to pigeonhole an ever-evolving personality into a predetermined set of

traits. To do so is to limit one’s potential.

Photo Poll

The Paisano asked: “What is the most interesting thing you have learned during your time in college?”

Interviews by Ryan Thompson Photos by Enrique Bonilla Mary Toland Modern Language Studies Junior

“It is average to make mistakes and to be behind the first year of college. Everybody’s going to struggle their first year anywhere.

Whether it’s being a grad student or transitioning into work from college, you’re going to have struggles.

While you may think that only certain people have those struggles, everyone has some sort of struggle in those transitions.”

Ricky Saocedo Communication Senior

Graphic by Tristan Ipock

commentary

Sam Ceballos @sambina95 Extra credit: the college equivalent of the hallelujah chorus. While I don’t feel professors should be required to give extra credit to students, I will never pass up the opportunity to boost my grade, especially if I’m not doing too hot in the course. Other students share the same sentiment towards extra credit.

Some professors are more than happy to help you

out. Others flat out refuse to give themselves more work to grade, which is fair to them considering all of the work they already have. I stand in the middle.

As a hopeful (way in the) future professor, I would have to assess the situation and class attitude to determine if students earned the extra credit. It’s challenging to want to help those who have not put any effort into the class.

Another factor considered is participation.

Professors give extra credit in hopes that students will go out and experience education beyond the classroom. Maybe in the process the student will have fun and gain a greater appreciation for the course, though not all extra credit opportunities provide the chance of expanding one’s horizons.

In all honesty, extra credit shouldn’t be mandatory or even expected. It puts people in the wrong mindset and lets them think they can get away with slacking off. Extra credit should be seen as a gift, not as an expectation.

There exist exceptions in which students need extra credit for whatever reason, but students cannot expect accommodations from a professor. As much as we want the world to go the way we planned, it is unlikely.

While students can go above and beyond traditional education methods to learn material, extra credit adds stress to both students and professors. Maybe students just need to listen to the beautiful extra credit chorus when it is played.

“Knowing that people actually come here to learn. I’ve found it really interesting how people want to keep learning, and have a reason to do it!”

Kayla Rogers Psychology Freshman “The bookstore needs to stock up on books at the beginning of the year. I’ve learned that it is very hard to get your hands on books!”

Jeromey Franklin Anthropology Junior

“I never knew how to get financial aid. Before I would work and save up money and just pay out of pocket, and it takes too long. I decided to bite the bullet and go for student loans and financial aid. I was out of the loop, and learning that has been key to me being present in the classroom and finishing this degree.”

Dejia Mouton Business Freshman

“The people have made me grow as a person. Just being on my own made me realize who I am.

Knowing myself. I like being by myself and knowing more about myself. It shows you what your strengths and weaknesses are as a person.”

Gavin Wager Psychology Freshman

“How many interesting people there are. I’ve learned that it’s important to be open about learning to meet new people and experience new opportunities!”

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January 17 - January 24, 2017

Behind the beak with Rowdy Justice Lovin Staff Writer

@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com Roadrunners, are you aware that among us there walk students who are more than students, more than just human? There are a select few of us who have access to a superhuman amount of energy and school spirit, true Roadrunners who take on the mantle of Rowdy the Roadrunner.

At football games, Rowdy is there. At basketball games, Rowdy is there. At volleyball games, Rowdy is there. Wherever there is a need, Rowdy is there representing the university and rousing the spirited enthusiasm in all of us that lies dormant most of the time.

The Paisano was able to interview the legendary bird at a rare, free moment in its busy schedule on the condition of anonymity for the man—

or woman—behind the anthropomorphic mask.

There have been many Rowdys through the years, going back to 1977 when Rowdy was named the official mascot of UTSA; however, the current generation of mascots have had the particular opportunity of defining the role of the mascot now that UTSA has a football team.

This has led to the establishment of a new tradition and a new position, that of the Rowdy Wrangler, who works in collaboration with Rowdy (wrangling him, presumably) in the spirited environment of the games.

Other, older traditions maintain their hold, though. For instance, one little known tradition of UTSA mascots is wearing the Rowdy costume— headless—beneath their graduation robes.

But it’s not all fun and games being Rowdy.

The costume is “hot; it’s a sweat machine,” said

“Being Rowdy is like fame that you can put on and take off; you get to be two people. ” Rowdy the Roadrunner

Graphic by Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

ARTS & LIFE Rowdy. At football games, Rowdy wears the costume from two to four hours.

“You’ve got to make sure to drink plenty of water the next day (to stay hydrated),” said Rowdy.

And all that sweat can make a costume stink, which is why there are a total of four costumes; cleaning and maintaining are the most important aspects.

To be Rowdy, it takes more than just the costume. To be a great mascot, one must have years of training and experience.

“I tried out for the mascot team my sophomore year (of high school) and was fortunate enough to continue doing it my junior and senior years… and I worked with the Spurs too, assisting their mascot. I learned a lot from that.”

The question then is: why do they do it? Why put in the hours and hours of hard work? What does one get out of being

a mascot?

“The best part is the fans; they make everything better…It’s entertaining to mess with people and see what kind of reactions you can get, like elementary school kids go crazy. You’ve got to go off of the energy of the crowd.”

“Being Rowdy is like fame that you can put on and take off; you get to be two people. Sometimes I see people I know as Rowdy, and I want to talk to them, but they don’t know me.”

So keep an eye out ‘Runners, as the semester begins. There are at least five people currently taking turns filling those giant shoes. They might be sitting next to you in class or in the next row over, but they’ll definitely be at the game.

If you are interested in becoming part of the mascot team, email audralee. scofield@utsa.edu or call 210-371-6179 for information on tryouts.

Rowdy hoop troupe hula hoops way to fitness and fun Taiwo Adepoju Staff Writer

@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com As the music plays, they waist hoop, lasso (hooping over the head), weave (weaving the hoop from the left side to the right), and hoop their elbows and necks.

These are some of the moves members of Rowdy Hoop Troupe display whenever they hula-hoop on the lawn between the MS and the Sombrilla.

Rowdy Hoop Troupe is an organization created for beginner and expert hula-hoopers by UTSA alumni Taylor Lyons and

Taylor Bird. Lyons and Bird wanted to stay active, do something fun together and get involved with the community by helping students live a healthy lifestyle.

“I joined because when I first saw them, I was like ‘this so different. This is what college is about, trying new things and everything’,” said Jasmine Ayena, a sophomore community health major and co-president of Rowdy Hoop Troupe.

Hula-hooping is a great way to relax, de-stress and get fit.

“There is a level of difficulty to it, but I mean, it’s not out of reach, too unattainable. You just

have to practice a little bit,” said Jaliyah Bennett, sophomore biology major and co-president of Rowdy Hoop Troupe.

Rowdy Hoop Troupe is open to everyone. “All we do really is just hang out, play music, have fun and hula-hoop. You don’t have to be on any sort of level,” said Ayena.

Rowdy Hoop Troupe, for some people, has given them the chance to build new friendships, pick up new hobbies (such as acro yoga or hoop dance) and de-stress. For Ayena, being a member of this organization opened her mind to new activities and new music as well as making her a social person.

Photo courtesy of Jasmine Ayena Members of the Rowdy Hoop Troupe gather around during practice for a quick photo.

The goals of this organization for this semester are to be seen more on campus, to table, to collaborate with some of San Antonio’s famous hoopers and to

expand their troupe.

If you are looking for a new hobby, a way to meet new people, or make your new year’s resolution of getting in shape a reality,

join Rowdy Hoop Troupe.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@howdyhooptroupe) for more information and updates.

Culture clash fashion show makes campus debut Jess Thomas

Contributing Writer @ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com

The Culture Clash Fashion Show is debuting this Thursday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. in the UC Ballroom on main campus.

Chyna Francis, UTSA junior and founder of Aspiring Stars organiza-

tion, is the mastermind behind the fashion show and DJ competition.

Aspiring Stars seeks to bring together talented individuals to share their genius with the world through film productions and live performances.

“This is a fashion show that has fashion designers from all around south Texas, and it is (also a DJ) competition,” said Francis.

The reason behind the show is so DJ Yung Troy can thank UTSA students for supporting him throughout the year.

There will be an after party at Nirvana Lounge and the winner of the competition will be DJ for the night.

Follow the organization on Twitter (@AspiringStars1) for updates on the Culture Clash Fashion Show.

Culture Clash flyer for fashion show

Promotion photo for the fashion show.

Photo courtesy of Brandon Lawayne

ARTS & LIFE

4

January 17 - January 24, 2017

Events this week in San Antonio Tuesday 17th Civic Entrepreneurship: Startup Movements and Common Good Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Place: Launch SA Price: Free

Puro Slam Poetry Presents The Dreamweek Slam Time: 9:30 p.m.

Place: The Korova Price: Free

Saturday 21st Mystic Market Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Place: Brick Price: Free

Brujeria, The Casualties, Pinata Protest

Wednesday 18th

Thursday 19th

Friday 20th Silent Film Classics with Strings Attached

The Ms. Entrepreneur Role Model Study Abroad Fair Search Mega Mixer Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Time: 6-10 p.m.

Place: AT&T Center Price: $15

Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Place: UTSA Recital Hall Price: Free

Place: UTSA UC Building Price: Free

Latin Dance Classes Time: Wednesdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Continues through May 31 Place: 151 Saloon Price: Free

Tribute to New Order and Erasure

Simon Steinberger

Sunday 22nd “Good Vibes” Time: On view through Jan. 31 by appointment only Place: Clamp Light Artist Studios & Gallery Price: Free

Time: 10 p.m.

Place: Brass Monkey Price: Free

Monday 23rd UTSA CACP Speaker Series: Jason Griffiths Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

Place: Aula Canarla Auditorium Price: Free

Donald Hodges Lecture Series Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

Place: UTSA Main Campus Price: Free

Time: 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

Place: The Rock Box Price: $22-$25

Tristan Ipock

Jen Frost Smith

Local indie band Booty Feet releases first EP

Alex Birnel Staff Writer

@alexbirnel arts@paisano-online.com Imagine a tiny room packed with 100 people.

Imagine those people jumping up and down as if they were trying to separate the floor from the four walls around them.

Imagine kids in white, pink and blue lights bracing themselves against a wobbly oscillating fan attached to a low hanging ceiling above them just to crowd surf, even during slow songs. Finally, add into the ether of this picture in your head the proverbial blood, sweat and tears it took to make it all happen and you can understand why the four guys holding instruments in front of this crowd were stuck smiling this past Saturday.

On Jan. 14, the San

Antonio based band Booty Feet played this show to celebrate the release of their first self-titled sixsong EP. For the three mainstay members of the group, Jakob Rau (bass), Luke Mitchell (drums) and Noah Escamilla (guitar and vocals), the ecstatic response burgeoning out from the crowd as they

it sounded right.

As the songs gradually came together, usually with one band member looking drowsy cushioned on the turquoise leather couch in the room, song Noah Escamilla of Booty Feet names and inside jokes settled into the melody of naturally eked themselves their opening song was out. cathartic proof their work The EP’s online cover horse ethic hadn’t been in art, a picture of Mitchell’s vain. passed out dog Houdini, Starting in the morning the band’s mascot, suits and often finishing after Booty Feet’s unassumsunset, they meticulously ing lore: they’re a no frills tracked and retracked in band comprised of three Mitchell’s DIY home stufriends who laugh together dio over five months, each and trash talk each other member one at a time, bar through the arduous proby bar until by consensus,

cess of making music that is 100 percent their own.

In many small ways, the band uses their creative autonomy in an effort to be real with you. The song “Scotty Pippin” is about booty friend Mark Burton hiking up his basketball shorts a la the famous Chicago Bulls player as an impromptu Halloween costume this year. “Birdhouse” is the band’s most nostalgic track, taking them back to their origins at Vapure, a shop off Grissom Road, where they practiced after hours and polished their first song.

As a finished product, the EP is laden with the retraceable foot steps it took to get to Saturday, and made being there for the crescendo all the more special for the band and crowd.

“Seeing people so hyped about us was unreal,” Mitchell said about look-

Enrique Bonilla, The Paisano

ing up from the drum kit, seeing the room shake with smiling faces. However, for his part, even in the shock of it, Rau said he knew they would do great.

“I had enough confidence in us. We worked so hard.”

Musically, Booty Feet is an indie band with great pop sensibility. Rau’s bass playing is big and keeps the pace perfectly, Mitchell’s zen drumming is technical, but controlled and tasteful, and Escamilla’s vocals have hearty warm timbre, range and a goose-bump quality when you least expect it.

Amalgamate it and there’s real charm in the synergy of these talents. The EP is seriously good.

You can find Booty Feet’s music at bootyfeet. bandcamp.com and follow the band’s activity on Facebook.

Enrique Bonilla, The Paisano

‘Creative Creatures vs. The Universe’ rocks the Brick at Blue Star Enrique Bonilla Staff Writer

@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com Brick at Blue Star created the perfect scene for “Creative Creature vs. The Universe,” the 3rd anniversary celebration of Creative Creatures. Founded by Karen and Eddy Rios in Jan. 2014, Creative Creatures brings together artists to monthly and quarterly showcases.

Sparked by a lack of activity in the San Antonio art scene, Creative Creatures sought to bring together amateur and professional artists, both local and regional, to be part of the growing art collective.

The dimly lit crowded corridor leading to Brick was filled with people

of all backgrounds and fashion senses, including cosplay characters, culminating in a long line of visitors. Rios stood at the door greeting and selling tickets to patrons; portions of proceeds were donated to Robert Tatum’s Art Star Foundation.

Upon entering the brick faded to a matte white hallway filled with the aroma of beef fideo loco, a pulled pork sandwich topped with slaw & sriracha mayo courtesy of Renegade Foodie’s pop-up stand. To the left pinned against the wall, a never ending line leading to the bar and opposite, the entrance to the heart of “Creative Creatures.”

Booths lined the walls and created corridors in the large white room.

Wayne Holtz (of House of Holtz) kicked off the

performances of the evening with a dance-only performance followed by Cruzita Bones (of Bonez Burlezque). In between the booths, Mista Boombastica, an incense maker, left behind trails of his homemade “butt nekid.”

The corners of each line of booths were definite points to stop and stare as artists live-painted varying subjects; their work was available for sale at the end of the night.

Particularly notable artist Adrian De La Cruz of DLC Art painted a large canvas of a stormtrooper at the event.

Patrons could also support face painters as well as more permanent skin artists from Calaveras Custom Tattoo. “Creative Creatures” fell on Friday the 13th, which made the event teem with tattoo

machines buzzing and an endlessly long line of tattoo-happy patrons.

After the two dance performances, instruments and amplifiers hummed and shrieked in anticipation of a sonic act

by Young Costello, a ska reggae four-piece band.

There was an overwhelming amount of support for each artist at this event. Regina Morales held a crowd near her booth showcasing her popular illustrations.

Juxtapoz magazine featured artist, Jonny Duncan, sold prints, canvas pieces and

apparel with his distinct cartoon figures. St. Dukes, local jazz rock four-piece amassed a large crowd in the second musical act.

The final act of the night, Orsinger, had a large group of musicians performing Latin fusion rock and ska for a large crowd of dancers and

onlookers.

The event never lulled in crowds and creativity throughout the entire night. “Creative Creatures vs. The World” was the apex example of San Antonio’s growing art scene.

Be on the lookout for their next event!

Graphic by Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

SPORTS

7

January 17 - January 24, 2017

UTSA men's basketball remains undefeated at home

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

Freshman guard Giovani De Nicolao dribbles and scans the FAU defense.

Chris Herbert Staff Writer @HerbieGibbs sports@paisano-online.com At the beginning of the 2016-17 season, the men’s basketball team looked as if they were struggling to adapt to first year head coach Steve Henson’s system. The team began at 2-7, and was losing games at a 15-point margin.

Many of those who saw last year’s 5-27 team were expecting a transitional year. Seven players from the late Brooks Thompson’s final year transferred or graduated and were replaced with Oklahoma transfer guard Bola Alade and six incoming freshman. Other than upperclassmen J.R. Harris, Nick Billingsley, Lucas O’Brien and James Ringholt, the rest of UTSA’s returning players were seldom used in the past

season.

In spite of the team’s inexperience and inauspicious start, the Roadrunners have flourished thus far in conference play, starting at 4-1, and are now 9-9 overall. Two of their most recent victories were at the Convocation Center against the Florida Atlantic Owls (5-11, 1-4 C-USA) and Florida International Golden Panthers (4-14, 0-5) have defined the team’s sudden growth.

“There were a few times early in the year and exhibition games where they looked at each other and were unsure, but they trust each other more now,” Coach Henson said about his players Saturday afternoon. “They are a good, close knit group who care about each other.”

After trailing the majority of Thursday night’s game, the Roadrunners were led by a career high, 29 point, 10 rebound performance from junior forward Jeff

Beverly as UTSA defeated Florida Atlantic 6863.

At one point, the Owls were ahead by 11 points and UTSA was unable to consistently score apart from Beverly, shooting only 30 percent from the field.

With ten minutes left in the game, starting guards Gino Littles and Giovanni De Nicolao began to show life offensively, finishing with 12 and 11 points respectively.

Support from the guards was enough for Beverly to finish off the Owls, as he scored the final six points for the Roadrunners, including a go ahead basket over two Owl defenders.

As for their second win of the week, the Roadrunners were able to hold off strong scoring performances from FIU’s Elmo Stephen and Michael Kessens, outlasting the Golden Panthers, 57-55.

Beverly once again led

UTSA players with 17, but freshman guard Bryon Fronhen’s 13 point, 10 rebound game was the story of the afternoon.

FIU’s Stephen scored 21 points, scoring 12 from the three point line. Kessens finished with 17 points and 9 rebounds.

Saturday afternoon's game against the Panthers was a contrast of drama, as the Roadrunners led for 30 minutes with a margin as high as 15 points, but was again struggling from the field. UTSA even went on an eight minute scoring drought beginning at the 14.38 mark in the second half.

In spite of the scoring struggles, the Roadrunners began to match FIU’s physical nature, and strongly benefitted from the freethrow line, shooting 83 percent from the line on 24 attempts.

After FIU’s Eric Nottage scored a layup putting the

Roadrunners down 55-52, Frohnen scored the basket ending UTSA’s scoring drought. He then made two late free throws that giving his team the lead once again with 40 seconds left. Sophomore Center Nick Allen finished with

the game’s final point.

With eight seconds left, FIU had a chance to push the game to overtime, but Nottage was unable to score as Littles grabbed the rebound, extending UTSA’s undefeated home record to 8.

Frohnen’s late game efforts have been the story to the Roadrunners season as unlikely heroes have stepped up to give UTSA four games ahead of last year’s win total.

“These last couple of games have frustrating, but as a team, we always persevere” Frohnen said on Saturday. “Our toughness has really helped us.”

UTSA’s season will be put to the test as the team will begin a three game road trip against UTEP (413, 2-3 C-USA) Jan. 21 in El Paso’s Haskins Arena.

The next home game for the men’s basketball team will be Feb. 2, as they play defending conference champion Middle Tennessee State (15-3, 5-0 C-USA) at 7 p.m. in the Convocation Center.

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

Young, energetic men's tennis team prepares for spring season Sheldon Baker Contributing Writer @paisanosports1 sports@paisano-online.com In his second season as UTSA men’s head tennis coach, Rodrigo Da Silva’s expectations for the 2017 season will not be centered on wins nor losses; instead, his focus is on creating a culture of accountability, intensity and competitiveness on and off the tennis court.

“The culture I’m trying to create is that we’re going to be accountable in every aspect, on the court, off the court; everything we are going to do, we’ll be accountable for,” Da Silva said after a recent team practice.

“After you learn how to be responsible in class and be friendly to people, you become a better person and

a better tennis player.”

The UTSA men’s tennis team enters the spring campaign as one of the younger teams in Conference-USA. After posting an atrocious 3-20 record during the 2016 season, Da Silva will rely heavily on Fabian Brand, a junior and the most experienced player on the team, in helping to develop the seven freshmen on the roster and to lay the foundation for future Roadrunner teams.

“Matches are won by having great energy, and that’s what we’re trying to (instill) in them in every practice, every day,” said Brand. “We are trying to be super intense. Coach has one rule. We need to be mentally engaged and physically intense. We are trying to get great energy in practice every day.”

Photo courtesy of Jeff Huehn/UTSA Athletics Junior Fabian Brand stares across the net at his opponent.

The Runners will need to bring a competitive spirit into every match this season because they will face notable teams like nationally ranked UT (4) on Jan. 12 in Austin, Texas Tech on Feb.10 in Lubbock and Rice University on March 12 in Mississippi. Before the Conference-USA tournament in April, UTSA will host Navy, Marquette University and Trinity University, all highly competitive teams.

If there is one word to describe this season’s team and give Roadrunner fans something to look forward to, Coach Da Silva summed it up by saying UTSA will be “competitive” if nothing else this season.

The Roadrunners started the season in Austin playing the nationally ranked Longhorns on Jan. 12 Alex Cronje reaches to hit a backhand lob.

After losing 7-0 to the fourth ranked Texas Longwith a 1-0 lead after horns on Thursday, coach claiming the doubles Da Silva, instead of being points. upset with the loss, left Yuya Ito and Harrison Austin more encouraged Scott, ranked 38th in douwith his young team’s combles, kept UTSA’s Kai Breitpetitive intensity against back and Patrick Poesinger one of the nation’s best from scoring in route to a tennis teams.

6-0 victory at number two.

“There’s never a good At the top of the lineup, loss, but after what I saw UT’s Colin Markes and Leo in that match, my expecTelles scored another point tations went higher than what they were before,” said for the Longhorns when they defeated the RoadrunDa Silva after his team’s ner’s Fabian Brand and Igor loss in Austin. “The guys Cantanhede. looked really good. I’m not “I was happily surprised saying we should’ve won, by the match. The energy of but we missed some key the guys was great. Some of executions, but I was really the guys were a bit nervous happy with how well they because it was the first performed.” match of the year,” The Longhorns started

Photo courtesy of Jeff Huehn/UTSA Athletics

said Brand. “The funny thing was, we all knew UT was ranked number 4, and some of the newer guys knew they were good but didn’t know how good, so when we said they were 4th, they got really excited with their first match.”

In singles, the Texas Longhorns shutout the UTSA Roadrunners and nearly swept every match except one.

UTSA’s Takeru Watanbe, one of seven freshmen suiting up for the ‘Runners this season, lost 4-0 to UT’s George Goldhoff, 6-3, which clinched the match for UT. As the Roadrunners begin to prepare for their

home opener, Coach Da Silva will remind his team to focus on something they forgot to do during the Longhorn match: celebrate.

“Sometimes when they did something really good, they didn’t pump their fists.

That’s the kind of energy we want to have.

When something good happens, celebrate,” said Da Silva.

UTSA returns home on Jan. 25 to host Prairie View A&M in their home opener.

The first serve is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the UTSA Tennis Center.

8

January 17 - January 24, 2017

SPORTS

Ethan Pham, The Paisano

Josiah Tauaefa: the rise of number 55 Samantha Ceballos Magazine Assistant @Sambina95 sports@paisano-online.com

After a few bad seasons and dwindling Roadrunner fans, this past season proved to be one of history making, both as a team and individually. One of the greatest assets for the ‘Runners football program this past season is linebacker Josiah Tauaefa.

He has created quite the resume with his skills and leadership on the football field. Having ended his explosive freshman season with 115 tackles, Tauaefa has become one of the most decorated players in UTSA’s short football history.

The red-shirted freshman came to UTSA from Corinth, Texas where

he attended Lake Dallas High School. There, Tauaefa received many MVP honors and has since kept adding on to his impressive list of accolades.

Before making it onto the UTSA football roster, he rejected offers from Colorado State, UTEP and Fresno State.

Tauaefa comes from an athletic family. His father, Siolo Tauaefa, played high school football and then focused his attention toward a power lifting group, The Power Team.

Both of Tauaefa’s older brothers also played college football. Isaac played for UTEP and Josh played for Minnesota; both were defensive tackles.

While at UTSA, the longhaired powerhouse player started off his season with 13 tackles against Ala-

bama State. His greatest record being 15 tackles against Old Dominion.

Tauaefa earned the title of Defensive Player of the Week for ConferenceUSA in October after an amazing game against Southern Miss where he racked up 12 tackles and gained the first interception of his career, helping the ‘Runners win 55-32.

After everything was said and done, Tauaefa ended his season as Conference USA’s Freshman of the Year and First-team AllConference, making him the first player to earn an individual honor in Roadrunner football history.

He is the second player within the program to earn a spot on a league’s top team. Tauaefa follows in the footsteps of Triston Wade, the first to

earn first-team All-WAC (Western Athletic Conference) honors in 2012.

Recently, Tauaefa was named to the 2016 Sound Mind Sound Body/FWAA Freshman All-American team by the FWAA (Football Writers Association of America).

Tauaefa’s 2016 concluded with nine TFLs, six sacks, seven quarterback hurries, his first interception and 115 tackles (the record for a single-season in Roadrunner football).

These stats ranked him second in Football Bowl Subdivision Freshman of the Year.

Tauaefa’s dynamic and impressive performance on the field, as well as his dancing along the sidelines, has made him a fan favorite. This season brought many ups and

downs for Roadrunner fans as the team began to take shape under a new head coach, Frank Wilson. Attendance numbers and school moral increased thanks to

the dynamic players and coaching staff. The 2017 season holds nothing but oppurtunity (and hopefully more honors) for the team and for Tauaefa.

Ethan Pham, The Paisano Tauaefa stares down ASU punt returner while playing special teams.