The Paisano Vol. 47 Issue 10

Social-working organizations you have not heard of see page 6

Softball sweeps weekend series see page 9

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

April 3, 2012

Volume 47

Issue 10

Student Government Association members working hard to make UTSA a better place for students.

Sarah Gibbens Paseo Assistant

news@paisano-online.com Before election results could be announced, a representative of Student Government Association (SGA) publicized that the results of the vice-presidential race would not be announced. The three candidates for vice-president included, at the time, Charles Miles, Marisa Daniels and Dan Rossiter. Rossiter was disqualified from the race by the judicial branch of SGA for using the Computer Science Department e-mail to spread word about the election. The Election Code of SGA prohibits the use of university email in campaigning.

Rossiter made the following statement in a press release on his campaign website: “I regret to inform all of my supporters from the past three weeks that I was disqualified from the Vice Presidential

race on March 22, leaving Miles and Daniels to compete in a runoff election… I wish both of the remaining candidates the very best of luck.”

In the runoff election between the two candidates, Miles received 39 percent of the vote, while Daniels received only 25 percent, leaving Miles as the winner of the runoff election for SGA vice president.

SGA elections saw 1,302 students vote, out of the 29,138 students enrolled at UTSA, leaving election results in the hands of only 4.47 percent of eligible student voters.

A crowd gathered at the University Center on March 22 in the Paseo to find out who would lead the school during fall 2012-spring 2013 academic year. Over the past few weeks, SGA candidates campaigned around campus asking students for their vote.

The candidates ranged from senators wanting to represent the different year classifications to representatives

of each college, to the top executive board—which includes the secretary, treasurer, vice president and president.

Andie Watson, a sophomore communication major, won the election for SGA Secretary with 99 percent of the vote while running unopposed. Watson joined SGA in the fall of 2011 and has been a senator since October. She has devoted her time in SGA to such endeavors as the University Advancement Committee, which has been concentrating on bringing a farmer’s market to the UTSA campus.

The decision to run for a position on the executive board of SGA was not an easy one for Watson. Before making an official decision, Watson consulted with current SGA secretary Kareena Kirlew. According to Watson, the current secretary assured her she “would be a good fit” and “had the right qualifications.”

Brianna Cristiano/ The Paisano

Brianna Cristiano / The Paisano

SGA VP candidate disqualified

A student checks their Facebook account while surfing the internet.

Employers check social networks Joshua Morales Staff writer

news@paisano-online.com When Robert Collins was asked to turn over his username and password to the Maryland Department of Corrections, he was faced with two options: either give up his Facebook account information or reduce his chances of getting hired, according to an interview with Collins by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

De-tagging pictures and deleting unwanted posts may not be the only things a job seeker might want to do before trying to land a job in the age of online social networking.

The Maryland Department of Corrections asked Collins to give them his login information to his

Facebook account during the interview.

“I felt disrespected. I felt that my privacy was invaded,” Collins said.

Complaints arose about requests to turn over personal information, so the agency changed its policy to only require interviewees to log in to their Facebook accounts themselves during the interview.

Collins still felt like this was not a fix to the problem.

“To me, that’s still invasive. I can appreciate the desire to learn more about the applicant, but it’s still a violation of people’s personal privacy,” Collins said.

Background checks used to be the traditional way to research any image-damaging behavior by potential employees, but now Facebook has become the new way to check someone’s background.

See FACEBOOK, Page 3

See ELECTIONS, Page 2

R o w d y We l l n e s s We e k Madelyn Garner Intern

Students listen to guest speakers a the kick-off of Rowdy Wellness Week.

Reyes said that the goal of Rowdy Wellness Week is to “help students improve their lifestyles, change any bad habits to healthy positive habits and to be aware of the resources (available) on campus.” Early detection is also vital to good health added Reyes, who stresses the importance of “not waiting until you have a medical diagnosis or condition that requires a drastic change to habits.”

The event is sponsored by the Rowdy Wellness Committee—whose members include Aramark, Campus Recreation, College of Sciences, Counseling Services, Department of Health and Kinesiology, EHSRM Rowdy New U Wellness Program, EHSRM Occupational Health, Human Resources-

Benefits, Student Health Services and Student Health Services-Health Advocates.

Similar, one-day health fairs at UTSA date back to the 80’s. In 2008, a health and wellness expo featuring 80 health-related exhibitors was held at the Sombrilla. This semester, however, Rowdy Wellness Committee members extended the event to four days.

Due to seating constraints, prior registration is required for some of the events. Students can register at https://mytraining.utsa.edu/td.

For more information on all the activities offered, visit http://utsa.edu/health/ RowdyWellness/ or call (210) 4586428.

AP photo

Rowdy Wellness Week kicks off this week at UTSA’s main and downtown campuses. The week-long event is packed with activities designed to get students involved in maintaining healthy lifestyles. The event, which is also open to faculty and staff, will offer daily activities such as “Heart Start,” a campus-wide walking initiative; health screenings that include checking blood pressure and blood glucose levels; interactive cooking demonstrations and “exergaming” labs where students will learn how to incorporate exercise with electronic gaming.

Coinciding with National Public Health Week, the activities offered throughout the week are aimed at reinforcing the importance of taking preventive measures when it comes to health. The activities will “help students take charge of their health and maintain their health on a daily basis,” Assistant Director of Health Promotion and Marketing of UTSA’s Student Health Services Barbara C. Reyes said.

Discussion forums, interactive demonstrations, Q & A sessions with health-care providers and information on health-related research by UTSA students will also be among the activities offered.

Briannna Cristiano/ The Paisano

news@paisano-online.com

A close up photograph of the tiny blood-sucking bedbug.

Matthew Duarte News Assistant

news@paisano-online.com Before you go to sleep tonight, make sure you know who you’re getting into bed with, because Some UTSA students staying in the dorms have had to deal with some uninvited guests in their bedrooms; bedbugs.

So far this semester, four reported cases of bedbugs have made life difficult for UTSA students.

Bedbugs are parasites that feed on human blood. They can be a major nuisance if not dealt with properly because they are notoriously difficult to get rid of and can spread very quickly. Bedbugs can cause skin rashes and allergic reactions

and have been labeled “hitchhikers” because of the way they travel from one room to another on clothes and backpacks.

Because a college campus is the perfect place for bedbugs to spread, administrators must treat each report seriously. According to Lionel Maten, Director of Housing and Residence Life at UTSA, each of the reported cases thus far have been dealt with almost immediately.

Maten also added that UTSA is already in the process of replacing the mattresses in the dorms with newer ones that are less desirable as a habitat for bedbugs. In fact, the mattresses were already being replaced last year when there were no reported cases of bedbugs.

See BEDBUGS, Page 3

News The Paisano ELECTIONS: Less than 5 percent vote 2

April 3, 2012

Watson chose fellow SGA member Roger Cardenas as her campaign manager. Cardenas advised Watson to reach out to groups and organizations on campus and, as a result, received several official endorsements. However, since she was running unopposed, Watson’s main focus was to encourage UTSA students to vote, and went door to door with other candidates.

When the election results were announced, Watson expressed her sentiment by saying, “the announcement did not come as a huge surprise because I was the only candidate, but it was exciting nonetheless!”

As the future SGA secretary, Watson’s job will be to increase transparency.

“I will be in charge of posting the minutes and events to Collegiatelink.

I will also be in charge of keeping the Student Government Association website, that Kareena (Kirlew) set up, up to date.”

In the next year, Watson would like to see all her hard work payoff in the form of a farmer’s market on campus.

As secretary, she hopes that students become more familiar with SGA and that they more readily voice their opinions.

Darnell Thomas, a senior accounting major, who also received 99 percent of the votes in his category, will be the fall 2012-spring 2013 SGA treasurer.

When asked what made him want to run for treasurer of the SGA, Thomas responded by saying he wanted to make a difference.

“I wanted to have a position from which I could have a greater impact on the students; going from the Senate to the Executive board gave me that leeway to do more for the student body,” Thomas said.

Thomas ran for treasurer specifically because of his passion for accounting and finance and was benefitted by

Courtesy of Xavier Johnson

From Page 1

Newly re-elected SGA President Xavier Johnson.

his work as Business Affairs Co-Chair with Dining Services.

The future treasurer’s campaign platform included working to fix technological issues on campus—such as AirRowdy, BlackBoard and the library laptops—as well as increasing SGA visibility and accessibility to students by cosponsoring events with other campus organizations and expanding LeaderFund to benefit more student organizations.

Like his colleague Watson, Thomas also ran unopposed.

“It definitely made it easier. I still made sure to put posters and flyers up so that people would know who their Treasurer was and to publicize the elections themselves, as well as talking

to multiple student organizations and leaders on campus,” Thomas said after being asked about how he chose his campaign style.

As the incoming treasurer, Thomas hopes to accomplish everything he campaigned on, specifically his goals to expand the LeaderFund and increased SGA cosponsored events.

As an organization funded by tuition and fees, students can expect their money to be invested to their benefit.

“We are funded by student fees, we are here to serve the students, and that’s exactly what I want to do,” Thomas said when responding to the question of where SGA money will go.

“Expanding the LeaderFund gives the opportunity for more students to go

to leadership conferences, hosting cosponsored events gives smaller organizations the opportunity to collaborate with us and host an event that could boost their membership and visibility on campus.”

In a close race of 55 to 44 percent, incumbent Xavier Johnson was reelected as SGA president.

“Going into a second term I have built networks with the administration, I have established myself in various organizations, and I can learn from mistakes made during the past administration,” Johnson said.

The race for president was one of the closest in the SGA election. Johnson, a junior sociology major/legal studies minor, ran against Travis Merriweath-

er, whose campaign was also highly visible on campus. Johnson believes the election was close because there were, “two quality candidates running which tends to lead to close elections.

Travis was a really good candidate, and he certainly put in the work during the election times.”

In an era of social media defined by instant information sharing, the Johnson campaign made use of different Facebook features, even creating memes on the UTSA Memes Facebook page. Johnson also spread the word by utilizing traditional grassroots campaigning by going to student organization meetings, as well as tabling to pass out flyers. Johnson did have some difficulties while campaigning.

“Reaching out to a larger student demographic than I had in the past as well as convincing some students who didn’t believe in voting that it was the best way to ensure their voice could be heard,” Johnson said about the difficulties of running his campaign.

In his current term as President, Johnson helped head such initiatives as bringing alcohol to the Chili’s on campus, finalizing by-laws to the Green Fund and being elected Chairman of the University of Texas System Student Advisory Council. As Chairman, Johnson convinced the administration to build a Starbucks at the Downtown campus and increase tailgating space at the Alamodome.

Johnson also helped shed light on and correct a FERPA (Federal Education Right to Privacy Act) violation in which students’ personal information was accessed by unauthorized persons on ASAP. As a soon-to-be senior, Johnson hopes that the Downtown Campus Starbucks will be one of his legacies; he also aims to expand the shuttle system before his new term is over.

The Paisano

April 3, 2012

News

3

From Page 1

Companies look for a candidate’s criminal record, consumer report, educational and employment history when conducting a background check, and Facebook has become an easy way for companies to screen for unwanted behavior. The issue has sparked a vast amount of controversy around the nation. Unemployed Americans and privacy advocates have become critics to this practice and are arguing that giving up account information to access a person’s personal online social networking profile is a violation of privacy.

In the past, companies would ask job seekers to open up their Facebook accounts on a computer during the interview as the interviewer “shoulder surfs” to see if the applicant has anything suspicious on their account.

In this tough economy—which currently has an unemployment rate of 8.3 percent—job seekers may have no other option but to let companies access their online accounts. Employers used to browse people’s online accounts to see if there was any information that might signal bad behavior, but with privacy settings only certain people can see a person’s online activity.

Facebook used to allow any user to look at another user’s private information, but the policies have been changed to where only certain people have access to private information.

Companies want to work around the new privacy policies of sites like

Facebook by demanding prospective employees to surrender their private information.

Facebook has also become a lot of people’s “online journals.” Users tend to use the site as a way to express how they feel throughout their day, and many users tend to forget that other people can easily read anything that they post on their profile.

Social media sites like Facebook give access to information about a person’s political party affiliation, gender and sexual orientation. This information may be determining factors in a company’s decision to hire a job seeker if the law does not try to stop it.

“Employers asking for a login and password is an invasion of privacy.

Even IT (Information Technology) does not ask for password information,” senior Brittany Smith said.

“Employers should be able to look at your profile without that information because once you place information on the internet, anyone can access it if they really wanted to. People should be careful how they present themselves in public as well as on the internet.”

Companies that request people to surrender their “online journals” are not only violating laws such as the Privacy Act of 1974 but Facebook’s privacy policies as well. Facebook’s privacy statement says: “You should never have to share your password, let anyone access your account, or do anything that might jeopardize the

Brianna Cristiano / The Paisano

FACEBOOK: May I see your user name and password?

Employers are now checking social networking sites such as Facebook shown above in order to check the backgrounds of potential employees.

security of your account or violate the privacy of your friends. We have worked really hard at Facebook to give you the tools to control who sees your information.”

Places that are practicing this form of privacy violation are mostly public agencies, such as law enforcement and 911 dispatcher positions. Lawmakers such as Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal and New York Senator Charles Schumer are calling for an end to this issue. Part of their plan to end this violation of privacy includes having the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission look at current federal

employment laws to see the legality of this issue.

At the University of Texas at San Antonio there has not been a case where someone has been asked to give up their online login information. “This is an invasion of privacy.

Fortunately, I have yet to experience this sort of employment technique,” Senior Richard Rodriguez said. “A potential employer should not require my Facebook login information. I seriously doubt that my future boss wants to sit down at his or her desk and scroll down through my newsfeed.”

Facebook’s Chief Privacy Officer

Erin Egan recently released a statement concerning the issue at hand.

“Facebook takes your privacy seriously. We’ll take action to protect the privacy and security of our users, whether by engaging policymakers or, where appropriate, by initiating legal action, including by shutting down applications that abuse their privileges,” Egan said. “While we will continue to do our part, it is important that everyone on Facebook understands they have a right to keep their password to themselves, and we will do our best to protect that right.”

BEDBUGS: Don’t let them bite! Signs of bedbug infestation From Page 1

If a room is found to have bedbugs, it is treated by an exterminator and the room is brought to high temperatures with special heaters to kill any surviving bugs. The furniture and carpet are replaced to ensure that the bedbugs won’t be a problem in the future.

Because bedbugs are nocturnal, it can be difficult to spot one; however, common signs of bedbugs are bites on a person’s skin, and tiny dot of blood can appear on bed sheets.

If a student living on campus thinks he or she might have an infestation of these unwanted pests, UTSA’s Hous-

ing Office urges the problem be reported immediately to stop them from spreading any further. The housing office can be reached by calling (210) 458-6200 or by email at studenthousing@utsa.edu

• • • •

Blood spots about the size of a pencil tip on mattress or linens.

Small black dirt specks in seams, cracks or crevices of beds and furniture.

Small white casing in seams, cracks or crevices of beds and furniture.

Unexplained rash on your body - bed bug bites resemble mosquito and flea bites and tend to appear in a straight line.

6 4

Features Paseo

The Paisano

April 3, 2012

Green Societies at UTSA Vanessa Osteguin Contributing Writer

Sarah Gibbens

Assistant Paseo Editor paseo@paisano-online.com

Courtesy of Franciso Balandrano

Courtesy of Franciso Balandrano

Many students recognize the importance of sustainability, but lack the outlet to express their environmental concerns. At UTSA, two of the largest student organizations that champion going green are, The Movement, which has headed ambitious initiatives in their infancy as an organization, and the Green Society, which started activities in spring 2006.

The Movement, founded in April 2010 by senior marketing major Travis Jourdan and senior biology major, Jared Junior civil engineering major Steven Byers surveys the project’s land (left). Senior mechanical engineering major Francisco Balandrano tests a water sample with Dr. John Joseph (right). Haney, hopes to help students capitalize on their passions of sustainability.

The Movement’s president, Jourdan, believes what differentiates the Movement from other groups is, “constant productivity in the realms of their quality of life, ” Hayes said; “It gives me a lot of purpose in Daniel Crotty sustainability and philanthropy.” my studies and provides me with a lot of encouragement. ” Staff Writer Jared Haney, vice president of The Francisco Balandrano, a senior mechanical engineering paseo@paisano-online.com Movement notes that one of the Movemajor, says he joined Engineers Without Borders because, “I ment’s most important goals is student was interested in the programs they were doing.” Balandrano Engineers Without Borders UTSA has been a student led enrichment, saying, “we want students added, “a project they worked on in 2008 also drew me to the and operated organization at UTSA since 2006. Timothy to be more involved around UTSA group.” Balandrano explained that the group’s recent work in Hayes, junior civil engineering major and vice president for through our initiatives around the city Peru, when finished, would benefit about 90 families or 400 the group, explained, “Engineers Without Borders’ mission and the university.” people. “ is to design and execute infrastructure development.” Hayes The Movement members have Our group accepts students from all majors; it is a very continued, “Primarily, what we are going to do is open up acalso held leadership positions within cess to water, structural infrastructure development and design interesting and exciting group to be in,” Balandrano said. the UTSA community such as the Steven Byers, a junior civil engineering major and Design seismic-resistant structures.”

Lead for the organization, says he joined the group because he Green Fund Committee, Dr. Romo’s The group is funded primarily through donations from nonSustainability Council, the University liked the projects they were doing. governmental agencies and municipalities from the interna“We’ve learned a lot about practical uses of engineering, and Advancement Committee and the Stutional community. The group recently received support from these people need help; this is what we are actually going to do dent Government Association.

Texas Partners of America, which helped the Engineers WithDefining what it means to exist in with our degree,” Byers said. Aside from petting llamas, one of out Borders group go on a trip to Peru; providing transportation, translators and project materials for the group to travel to Byers’ favorite activities he has participated in is, “going down a constant state of productivity, The Movement has involved itself with isthere (to Peru) to the pump and seeing how much water we Villa Vieja, Peru. sues such as bottled water dependency, can get for the community.”

“Experience and our job as engineering students keeps us going. Civil engineers improve peoples’ quality of life: we do sources, structures and developments, which helps improve

Courtesy of Travis Jourdan

Engineers Without Borders travel to Peru

Members of The Movement collect old shoes for charity at Dimploma Dash.

plastic bag pollution, double-sided printing, UTSA policy change and is regularly involved with Habitat for Humanity.

Some of The Movements most prominent accomplishments include the development of the Green Fund, a fund designed to encouraged sustainability practices by utilizing student fees, which, in its first proposal, passed a bill to install six hydration stations on campus. This proposal had its roots in a The Movement initiative to reduce bottled water dependency under their 2010 “Trust the Tap” campaign.

In the a different effort to reduce bottled water consumption, The Green Society began, in fall 2011 semester, promoting its new campaign, “Think Outside the Bottle.” The campaign is a national awareness drive, carried out by students to stop the use of bottled water by reducing consumer demand and purchase. Green Society President, Merced Carbajal, a junior multi-disciplinary studies science major, believes that if the majority of students are willing to switch their habits from bottledwater to tap-water, a boycott can be successful done at UTSA. “We have tabled several times trying to get people to sign a pledge to stop the use of bottled water. Since UTSA has a contract with Pepsi, the only way to stop the retail is to make an economical decrease in sales,” said Carbajal of the Green Society’s tabling efforts.

A “Water Taste Test” was conducted on campus to see if students could distinguish the difference between tap and Nestle Pure life. The final results were 50/50 most students stated that they could not recognize the difference and had to guess between the two. One reason so many students had trouble distinguishing the two is because Nestle Pure Life water bottles and other companies have disclosed that their water bottles consist of 100 percent tap water.

Many companies do not have to disclose that their water is tap water because they get it from different locations, which means that ones purchases more expensive water to get tap water from different locations.

Working for change in other areas of conservation, Movement members have also been involved in UTSA policy change by their involvement in passing a double-sided printing bill.

See SUSTAINABILITY, Page 6

The Paisano

April 3, 2012

The Paisano Editor-in-Chief: Allison Tinn

News Editor: Ryan Branch

News Assistant: Matthew Duarte

Paseo Editor:

Victor H. Hernandez

Paseo Assistants: Daniel Crotty Sarah Gibbens

Arts Editor:

Katy Schmader

Arts Assistant: Erica Cavazos

Sports Editor:

Stephen Whitaker

Sports Assistant: Richard Castillo

Photo Editor:

Brianna Cristiano

Ads Manager: Kevyn Kirven

Business Manager: Jenelle Duff

Web Editor: Burk Frey

Staff:

Sylvia Alejandro, Crystal Alsip, Henry Anderson, Jed Arcellana, Daniel Corona III, Dylan Crice, Emily Grams, Alyssa Gonzales, Annie Highfield, Joshua Morales, Cliff Perez

Contributing Staff:

Charles Horvilleur, Morgan Kennedy, Biljana Jovanova, Casey Lee, Kathleen Palomo, Matt Bailey, Lorenzo Lopez, Victoria Garcia, Stephen Gonzalez, Vanessa Osteguin, Kate Bartanusz, Ray Perez, Valeria Perez, Dylan Bynum, Doug Richter

Advisor:

Diane Abdo

Advisory Board:

Steven Kellman, Mansour El Kikhia, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman

Interns:

Madelyn Garner, Carly Cirilli, Richard Rowley, Melissa Lopez, Erica Cavazos The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a nonprofit, 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. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards:

© The Paisano 14545 Roadrunner Way San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)690-9301 Fax: (210)690-3423 E-mail: editor@paisano-online.com

Send letters to: editor@paisano-online.com

Letters must be less than 400 words and include the writer’s name, classification or title and telephone number.

The Paisano reserves the right to edit all submissions.

Like The Paisano on Facebook

The Paisano

encourages new comic submissions!

Send to Editor@paisano-online.com

Join us!

The Paisano has meetings every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. near The Cantina.

Opinion

Editorial Unpaid internships add stress to students Internships used to be an opportunity for students getting closer to graduation to gain experience in the profession of their choice. Most internships are unpaid, and an intern would be lucky if they found a company willing to do so.

Today, internships have become more of a requirement, rather than a way to gain experience, for college students about to enter into the workforce. But ever since the unemployment rate reached 7.7 percent in 2011, unpaid internships have become a financial problem.

Granted, an unpaid internship is a way to gain valuable experience, but students who also work to pay for

school or to support a family may not be able to afford working for a company that does not pay its interns.

Additionally, internships were usually designed as a trail period between companies and the intern. At the end of an internship period, the company would then decide if he or she was the right person to bring on to the company as a full-time employee.

This unpaid employment trend is being used to benefit the company financially, but there is no guarantee that a company will offer student interns a paid, full-time position once they graduate, making unpaid internships an even riskier bet.

Though a good amount of com-

panies are posting these internship opportunities without pay, there are some companies who have become fearful of the repercussions of unpaid labor and are now paying their interns.

Internships are designed for students to gain workforce experience so they are doing the type of work that they would actually encounter as an employee. Companies should, at the very least, pay the interns the federally required minimum wage so they can cover the cost of the basics such as food, water and transportation to work while gaining that ever-sought -out experience that most companies require.

Commentary Trade in your soul for a porn magazine at UTSA Much like an annoying colony of fire ants after heavy rain, a mound of radical, extremist atheists frequently pop up on the university grounds espousing their nihilistic dribble at public meetings. Each year, a small group of very vocal individuals known as Atheist Agenda (AA) burst forth upon the UTSA campus, desperately seeking attention by trying to coax countless students to trade in religious texts for pornographic magazines. Creatively, AA has titled this obnoxious appearance “Smut for Smut.” However reprehensible, AA’s convergence upon the UTSA campus is protected by freedom of speech, but at what cost?

Many students and onlookers are noticeably distressed by this attempt to vilify what they believe to be sacred and the cornerstone of American society. These “Smut for Smut” events generally create an overtly hostile atmosphere within the university and play out as carefully orchestrated publicity events that are designed to gain attention by offending the sensi-

bilities of the majority. Many students go to school to focus on academics solely. These students can sometimes find these AA gatherings to be very disruptive and emotionally upsetting.

Often, students momentarily forget the tenets of their religious beliefs and lose their temper, while others seek to understand and challenge the collection of malcontents and their radical belief system.

Consequently, UTSA police officers and security personal must be diverted from their normal security duties to protect this aggravating group of naysayers.

AA does not just target Christian Bibles. The small group also accepts Korans, self-help books (God forbid someone try to help themselves) and other religious texts. If an individual wants to trade in their text, then the lucky person can look forward to receiving a Penthouse or Playboy magazine from wild-eyed AA members.

AA maintains that they want to educate people about the horrors that lie within religious texts and to finally reveal how dangerous these works of fiction are to the masses. Their preferred method for communicating this to students is by trading some-

thing of greater value for something they believe to be of lesser value.

I find it very troubling that these young people are willing to devote so much time and energy to a cause that is disruptive to the student population and adversely impacts the image of the university within the community.

I often imagine prospective new students taking a tour of UTSA, exploring the buildings, the faculty and the students that embody the tradition that is so much a part of the this university and then witnessing the degradation that emanates from ‘Smut on Smut’. Ultimately, it appears as if AA wants to trade their values for the values that the majority of student hold so dear. In other words, the Atheist Agenda wants to trade historic writings that have had a profound impact on countless individuals in exchange for rubbish that most people could care less about.

and confront Mr. Martin and a tragedy occurred, not just for the family of Trayvon Martin, but for George Zimmerman. If a case for self-defense can be made for George Zimmerman, why not make a case for self-defense for Mr. Martin, who was being followed by an armed man with no legal authority to police his neighborhood?

Neighborhood watch organizations are a boon to law enforcement: they provide a group of people who watch and report crime in their area. The purpose of a neighborhood watch is not to actively patrol the neighborhood like guardian angels, but to watch, report and assist law enforcement in protecting their neighborhood. Mr. Zimmerman has now learned a painful lesson: carrying a firearm is a tremendous responsibility; it is one that should never be taken lightly. The simple licensing to carry a concealed firearm does not provide the level of training a sworn law offi-

granted for 100 percent [non-drinkable] water use.” In other words, since UTSA’s fountains don’t use recycled water, they had to be turned off.

Thankfully, recent rains allowed SAWS to lift drought restrictions on March 5, which means UTSA may run the long-dry fountain again—and I agree with Perez: the sound of rushing water in the Sombrilla would be refreshing (as temperatures creep higher) and soothing (as finals creep closer).

Yet, although it’s permitted, is it prudent to run the fountain with drinking-quality water, with last year’s drought still so fresh in mind?

Probably not, if other options exist.

One option, according to SAWS Conservation Director Karen Guz, is us-

hit on March 11 by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s Daniel Minor. UTSA got four hits in the 1-0 loss. It was also

Junior / psychology “I love the Hunger Games because it really went alongside the book.”

Gagan Dhot

Junior / psychology “The Harry Potter movies because I love all of them.”

Sophomore / environmental education

cer must possess in order to carry and potentially use a firearm in the course of their duties.

The question for investigators now is, was the shooting of Mr. Martin necessary? The pursuit of Mr. Martin and his tragic, senseless death by a man who simply should have reported his suspicions and let a professional police officer handle the investigation raises an even more important question about how we interpret Second Amendment rights and responsibilities in the United States.

Ultimately, George Zimmerman was an untrained citizen acting in a position of authority without the commensurate level of training and responsibility that was sorely needed.

It resulted in a death that will haunt him and Trayvon Martin’s family for the rest of their lives.

“Probably Lord of the Rings because it was a really good movie.”

Gisselle Laredo

Freshman / environmental science “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest because they really did the book justice and more.”

Jeffrey Cisneros Senior, History

ing air conditioning condensate from campus buildings to run the fountain.

It’s not such a crazy idea; after all, La Cantera mall does it. The mall has, Guz writes, “more than enough” condensate to run its numerous water features despite the drought.

Sure, retrofitting the fountain might be challenging, but we have the brainpower on campus to make it happen.

And since UTSA is already a leader in water stewardship (we recently won the SAWS “Refreshing Ideas” award), I think we have the will, too. So let’s bring back the Sombrilla fountain—in a water-wise way.

Lindsay Ratcliffe, Lecturer II Writing Program

Correction In The Paisano Volume 47, Issue 9 (March 27), it was reported incorrectly that UTSA baseball had been no-

Rose Sidhu

Adrian Willis

Letter to the Editor A greener solution to the Sombrilla Fountain issue In “Commentary” (March 27), staff writer Cliff Perez lists among his “UTSA pet peeves” that the Sombrilla fountain isn’t running. “Why is the water fountain currently off?” Perez asks. “While I recognize that the cost of running a fountain 24/7 might be excessive or indulgent, I still feel that the ambiance of the Sombrilla could be greatly improved with a little rushing water sound.”

For nearly a year, April 2011 to early March 2012, the fountain was off not because of expense, but drought. According to SAWS, when the Edwards Aquifer index well falls below 660 feet mean sea level, “use of fountains, waterfalls, or other aesthetic water features — outdoors or indoors — is prohibited, unless a variance has been

What is your favorite movie from a book?

Dylan Crice Staff Writer

Letter to the Editor Self-def ense: t o pursue and kill?

This is in response to the opinion column titled “Self-defense has unofficial racial exceptions.” The writer passionately makes a case that race is or was being used as an exception to laws in the State of Florida regarding self-defense. The primary question in my mind is not about race, but why was George Zimmerman carrying a firearm acting as his neighborhood watch captain? I am not aware of a law in the State of Florida that allows a neighborhood watch captain to carry a firearm in the pursuit of his volunteer duties. I will grant the premise that Mr. Zimmerman’s intentions were good, but Mr. Zimmerman is not a sworn law enforcement officer and does not possess the training necessary to make life and death decisions in pursuit of his duties.

This is why the dispatcher told him that following and chasing Trayvon Martin was not necessary. Zimmerman took it upon himself to follow

Photo Poll

5

reported that UTSA baseball lost to Rice 9-0 when in fact that final was 9-1. The Paisano regrets the errors.

Rebekah Wachholz

Senior / psychology communication “Fight Club because I love the psychological aspect of it… and Edward Norton and Brad Pitt.”

Jared Haney Senior / biology

“My favorite would be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban because I really enjoyed the movie.”

Photo poll: Alyssa Gonzales

7 6

Features Paseo

August 26, 2008

Sustainability:

Student organizations go green

The Paisano

Features

Occupy UTSA: Students fight for justice

Courtesy of David Tueme

UP-AND-COMING SOCIAL LEADERS: American and Mexican Initiative for Good Objectives towards Society (AMIGOS), an incipient student is the consolidation stages, aims to create awareness about the binational responsabilities of the American drug consumer and their impact on countries affected by the war on drugs. Carlos de la Garza, Gabriela Cantu, Fernando Tamez, David Tueme and Ana Arriaga.

Courtesy of Timothy BriannaGiddens Cristiano/ The Paisano

FROM PAGE 4 The bill sets default printing settings to printing in both sides of the page, which will come into effect in Summer 2012.

Notable accomplishments by individual Movement members include: Earth Week Events, spearheaded by Jennifer Kennedy; as well as a sponsorship from Nike to recycle used tennis shoes into sport courts in underdeveloped nations, secured by member Michael Adames. The organization also proposed a bill that sets the default printing settings in the university’s machine to print in both sides of the page, which will come into effect in summer 2012 For students interested in joining the Movement, the only prerequisite asked that they bring is a passion for change. Jourdan believes the Movement can offer to its members the, “free flow of ideas,” that will help them establish connections with one another, thus allowing them to, “further act upon their interest.” Haney notes that The Movement can offer change, with their group motto: “What Moves You?” While The Movement hopes to leave a positive lasting impact on UTSA, Jourdan believes the most lasting impact will be on the student members in The Movement, “who learn firsthand that change is possible, and that strategic collaboration and passionate work can lead to some serious achievements.”

“We know that our generation has the ability to make the future a bright one; we just need to stop following and start leading,” Haney said.

7

April 3, 2012

Student members of SUSJ, and former student leader Jason Hensley, participate in the Cesar Chavez March for Equality. The group held a panel to discuss education on March 22.

Sarah Gibbens

Assistant Paseo Editor paseo@paisano-online.com Out of an economic collapse and social injustice, a new venue of social media was born, The Occupy Movement. Originating from Occupy New York, these peaceful yet powerful protests quickly spread across the nation. Hundreds of miles south, an extension of the protest movement found its home on the streets of San Antonio. A purposely unorganized group of people from every social and economic background, gathered- and still gather- to call attention to the corruption perpetuated by government and large corporations.

Thus began Students United for Socioeconomic Justice (SUSJ). Created in November of fall 2011 semester, the club has only recently been officially recognized during this spring 2012 semester. Modeled after the leaderless unification of the Occupy Movement, Students United for Socioeconomic Justice has no hierarchical leadership within the group, choosing instead to believe in the empowerment of each member.

The group was collectively founded by UTSA students and other members of the community actively involved with the Occupy Movement. Due to name restrictions, SUSJ cannot operate under the title “Occupy UTSA,” but maintains that they stand in full solidarity with the Occupy Movement.

The group also chooses to not associate with any particular political party and welcomes all ideologies.

Formed to bring local awareness of the Occupy Movement, Timothy Giddens, a

senior political science/Mexican American Studies Dual major and one of the group’s founders, says of the group: “we have focused our scope to bring awareness and self-education to the problems of rising tuition costs, student loan debt forgiveness, and taking back education from the banks, corporations, and privatization of higher education.”

Giddens also believes that Students United for Socioeconomic Justice is a group that, out of necessity, should appeal to every student at UTSA. Anyone in the range of age 18 to 34 should expect to be adversely affected by rising tuition and student loans, he contested. Stated by Giddens, “this generation will be the first generation in American history that will not be likely to earn as much as their parents did, and will likely be in debt for life.” A sobering thought, as the number of students who take out loans to pay for school expense increases each year.

Giddens also attests that the Occupy movement should truly appeal to everyone, not simply students, as the Occupy movement tackles issues of social injustice, equality, equity and the economy. A common theme of the Occupy movements was a call to reduce “crony-capitalism” type policies that unfairly favor large corporations at the expense of a more common socioeconomic class or “the 99 percent” as they were often referred to by protesters. Upholding this ideal of the protest movement, Giddens believes “our failure of an electoral system should unite the general public into creating change for the future from the ground up, and move us away from money in politics.”

Gaining traction on campus, Students United for Socioeconomic Justice has, in

their short time as an official organization, already held info tables, self-educational teach-ins, meetings, and collaborates with other college Occupy movements, such as Occupy UT in Austin.

Most recently, this past March 22, SUSJ, held a panel discussion on education. The group hosted four speakers from San Antonio and Austin who spoke on such education related issues as state funding, equity in legal cases against the state, teacher activism, the current generation’s economic outlook and rising tuition in regards to student debt.

Off campus, SUSJ has actively taken part in the San Antonio Martin Luther King Day March, International Women’s Day March, protested with UNITE HERE- a group working against the unfair working conditions imposed by the Hyatt. SUSJ also frequently joins in protesting with their sister group- Occupy San Antonio.

For students interested in joining this crusade against social injustice, Giddens said, “we offer hope. We offer leadership and citizen building skills, empowerment through self-education, and access to activism, direct action and participatory democracy. We offer our members a chance to think for themselves in a free space, and we offer an alternative to mainstream culture.”

Giddens hopes the legacy SUSJ might leave at UTSA, is, “to have mass support from students and the community and, in the spirit of non-violent direct action and social justice,” Giddens said.

“We wish to imprint ourselves into history. Ideally, we would love to leave a legacy of social justice and change in the lives of others.”

The Paisano

April 3, 2012

Arts&Life

Newest exhibition displays outstanding students arts@paisano-online.com Across from the Recital Hall in the Art Building sits the “XXVIII Student Exhibition” where UTSA’s very own artists have presented their thoughts and inspirations though various media for visitors to see. There are 46 pieces in total and many are for sale. The gallery itself is organized by themes, moods, colors, subjects and style.

For many of the students, it is required to submit their work as this is a great opportunity to get their name out and let people see their talents.

Senior art major Kara Stevens explained her inspiration and process behind the creation of “The Alleviation Machine, ” a sculpture that won best in show.

“It’s a fun piece; all my stuff is very surreal. It’s fun and yet serious all at the same time. When people look at it they’re kind of like ‘Bizarre!’” Stevens said, while seated on her sculpture.

“This piece is about my friend with Ménière’s disease (An inner ear infection that causes migraines, among other symptoms). I wanted to create this piece where the viewer can go behind the sculpture and look in the exact mold of her (Kara’s friend) ear. I have this big horn thing shooting out, which is kind of her ear canal. And it shows my hand holding a migraine pill,” Stevens said.

One of the interesting factors of the piece is that the viewer can sit on the stool provided and interact with the sculpture.

“The piece plays circus music. And you can turn different stuff on it, like the handle or play with the hose--you

can also honk the horn,” Kara said.

Much of Stevens work creates a conversation about the human condition.

As one of three pieces in the exhibit, “The Alleviation Machine” is no different.

“My pieces are very psychological and about human issues. Where human issues are very serious in real life I kind of make them fun in art,” Kara said.

Many of the featured artists at the exhibit work for weeks on end before the exhibition and each one has earned its place. With 34 students contributing artists, there is a wide variety of mediums that were used to create this exhibit.

Among them “The Good Book,” by Michael Austin Heuszel and “Memory,” by Ray Perez are two additional pieces that require the viewer to walk around and get up close to appreciate the fine detail put into them. Having these kinds of pieces engages the viewer and draws them further into what this exhibit has to offer. There are many pieces that are showcased, and each is different from the next— but they are carefully placed so that when walking through the exhibition viewers are lead from one piece to the next. without an abrupt shift in mood.

From controversial portraits to very personal sculptures, this exhibition is a must-see and will only be open through April 22. So be sure to stop by because not only is it here on campus, but it’s also free for UTSA students.

Ongoing Events Local Music Week

(*editor’s choice) Valeria Perez / The Paisano

Staff Writer

Campus Calendar

The XXVII Student Exhibiton at UTSA’s main gallery, shows off many talented students in the Art program.

San Antonio, TX - Local782 announces its third annual Local Music Week, a multi-day celebration of our rich local music community. From April 1 through April 7 local venues will showcase San Antonio’s diverse and united music community. Check out local venues all week for fantastic local music.

Thursday, April 5 6 p.m. Megan Harrison: “Elastic Limit”

Harrison’s newest exhibit of drawings can be spotted at the cactus bra SPACE at the Blue Star Complex.

6 p.m. David Alcantar: “Maneuver”

Three Walls gallery will be displaying David Alcantar’s newest work. According to his website “ My artworks are illuminations of the continual and universal human behavior of negotiation. Specifically, they tend to explore the private negotiations that occur within the self and the narratives and interests that surround them.”

6 p.m. UTSA Satellite Space

This Thursday, join the UTSA Satellite Space in celebrating the thesis work of two graduate students. The exhibit will be on display until April 22.

Joe Harjo “Indians for Sale” discusses misinformed stereotypes, false imagery, representation and identity of Native American Indian culture.

Valeria Perez / The Paisano

Valeria Perez

7

Mat Kubo: “It’s all Going Back” is a body of work that involves Kubo’s interactions with store-bought objects which are documented then returned to their original retail locations containing documentation and contact information. His work gently mocks consumer culture, but it also allows viewers to question their relationships with retail objects.

Want an event in our calendar? Email your event to arts@paisano-online.com

Steven’s sculpture “The Alleviation Machine,” takes found objects to create something out of the ordinary.

Full of flavor, Peng’s packs punch Doug Richter

Contributing Writer arts@paisano-online.com

(210) 493-5544

isabellesdayspa.com • Eyebrows to Brazillians • Pedis & Shellac Mani’s • Relaxing Massages 15% off with Student ID *Coupon Required

Not often does a restaurant combine great food, affordable prices, and a relaxing atmosphere. Situated on San Antonio’s northwest side, Peng’s Chinese blends all these features together to create one of the more enjoyable dining experiences in the city.

Upon first entering the double glass doors, you are treated to a calming silence with only soft, classical music playing in the background of a dimly lit room. After helping yourself to a seat, you can enjoy the Chinese zodiac place settings or the paintings and sculptures spread across the dining room.

Every menu item at Peng’s is delicious, although the kung pao chicken, beef and broccoli, sweet and sour

chicken and triple delight are among the most popular. Spicy beef and peppers are combined with sautéed vegetables in the kung pao offering, and the beef and broccoli consists of peppery beef mixed with seasoned broccoli and carrots. The sweet and sour plate, one of the most unique varieties on the menu, consists of your choice of chicken, shrimp, or pork, and is then breaded and fried into a crispy yet surprisingly light specialty and served with red sweet and sour sauce.

Rounding out the favorable dishes is the triple delight, a sizable main course of beef, chicken, and shrimp, grilled with broccoli, carrots, and an assortment of Chinese vegetables.

Any of these selections is guaranteed to deliver a satisfying meal.

See PENG’S, Page 8

LUCIDITY: Sketching the Dream-state Friday, April 6th at 6-11 pm 520 Madison St •Abstract Art for Sale •Music •Live Paintings • Photography Featuring the Art of: Jose Cardenas, Stephen Bakondy, Vijay Isham Musicial Talent: Ben Pedraza, Benedetto Bosco, Bigfoot and the Electogasms, The Bigtop Little River Boys, Daniel Heslin, Emmanuel Ramirez, and Melina Twyman

8

August 26, 2008

Arts&Life

The Paisano

Pay phone restoration brings life to abandoned space Staff Writer

arts@paisano-online.com It was not all that long ago when cell phones were few in number, and the primary method of communication when out of the house was the pay phone.

These days, though, pay phones are of little use to most people, and with this decrease in use comes many empty phone stalls around cities. But in a city like Austin, TX, an empty pay phone stall is more inspiration than clutter, and that is exactly how the Pay Phone Revival Project (PPRP) began.

Three years ago, Bridget Quinn’s interest in the use of public space and the way people interact with it led her to photograph the outdated pay phones in Austin. It was not long before her passion for public art and the artistic potential of the city resulted in Quinn organizing the first round of the Pay Phone Revival Project. It began in January 2010 with eleven local artists repurposing seven abandoned pay phones in Austin.

By November, the installations were ready to be revealed on a bike tour that visited all the sites as part of the 2010 East Austin Studio Tour. The general theme of all the installations is the restoration of the communicative potential of the pay phones, but the sites represent this in a variety of ways; they range in design from a full wall mural to interactive projects like

a see-saw resembling a giant handlebar mustache.

Quinn says the project is meant to be a temporary piece, but the movement is not slowing down now.

The second round of installations was unveiled on April 1. Like the first round, the first day kicked off with a bicycle tour of the ten new sites. But there have been a few additions to this year’s PPRP; some of the eleven participating artists are actually teams, and they now include non-Austin residents.

The project is being partially funded by the Downtown Austin Alliance and donations through kickstarter.com. This year the project is part of the Fusebox Festival in Austin.

The additional funding allows the installations to be more interactive; they now include a voice amplifier, a letter exchange, and a charger for cell phones and laptops.

Quinn explains that with temporary public art there is less controversy with the residents, so there is more freedom for experimentation. “I think people are really hungry for that kind of work,� she said. And they must be, because there has been great support for round two of the PPRP, which is sure to capture the attention and imagination of many Austin residents with its theme of interpersonal communication and appreciation for public space.

Music Review Annie Highfield Staff Writer

arts@paisano-online.com

Katy Schmader/ The Paisano

Dylan Bynam

April 3, 2012

Event Highlights TUESDAY, APRIL 10

Douglas Goetsch Reading Q N t 5IJSZ "VEJUPSJVN

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

Publishing Panel Q N t 5IJSZ "VEJUPSJVN Martha Rhodes and David Parsons Reading Q N t 5IJSZ "VEJUPSJVN

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

Carlos Robson Spoken Word Performance Q N t .BMM "SFB Headline Author: Judith Ortiz Cofer Reading Q N t 5IJSZ "VEJUPSJVN

After almost five years, The Shins have come back yet again to release their latest album “Port of Morrow.�

This album brings a new age sound to The Shins nostalgic quality that has previously become entwined in each of their songs. “Simple Song� has become the most successful song to date from the album’s release on March 20. The song is reminiscent of “Turn on Me� from the band’s 2007 album “Wincing the Night Away,� showing that listeners still crave that original upbeat sound from The Shins.

Thankfully, James Mercer didn’t totally detach the band from its origins; he simply added a pop twist to their formerly acoustic mindset. It’s hard to devote yourself fully to the album when passively listening on the walk to school or when driving in the car, but upon taking the time to become acquainted with the lyrical creativeness of “Port of Morrow,� it’s hard not to invest a piece of yourself into this album.

Mercer has always carried a sense of metaphorical story telling in his song writing that is apparent in each song that The Shins has released in their albums. “Port of Morrow� retains this facet, but in an organized fashion.

The albums bonus track “Pariah King� best embodies this notion of new age sound combined with The Shins’ highly symbolic lyric. The song’s chorus is carried out by a few simple piano chords and a basic drum beat that perfectly accompany Mercer’s lyric “you feel done, then it breaks down�. Mercer eloquently and simply states the theme of the al-

bum in its only life singing that “we all spend a little while going down the rabbit hole�. This album shows all sides of life; the good, the bad and the ugly from a standpoint that it is only life and we’ve only got one to live.

Mercer began a project with Danger Mouse’s Brian Burton in 2009 that successfully became Broken Bells in late 2010. Part of The Shins clarity and simplicity of sound in “Port of Morrow� is thanks to James Mercer’s reconstruction of the band and collaboration with Modest Mouse’s drummer Joe Plummer as well as Yuuki Matthews of the Crystal Skulls and Jessica Dobson. Modest Mouse’s influence on The Shins is clear in the aesthetic and consistent nature of each song that seem to keep the album moving along at an enjoyable pace.

Lead singer James Mercer offers crisper, clearer lyrics than in previous albums without compromising The Shins’ uniqueness that has made them famous as a band. These new members have clearly impacted and contributed to the creativity and structure that James Mercer has put into Port of Morrow.

The Shins

“Port of Morrow�

Genre: Indie For those who enjoy: walking in the woods....barefoot.

Peng’s: delicious Chinese food right around corner From Page 7

With a reasonable price of $7.95, all lunch entrees are served with two generous scoops of fried or steamed rice, a crispy egg roll, iced tea, and of course, a fortune cookie.

Dinner plates combine those items with a cup of hot soup for about a dollar more. Lunch specials are available daily from 11am-4pm and dinner specials from 4pm-9pm.

Peng’s combines affordable prices with a quiet atmosphere, making it the perfect place to review some notes before class or just enjoy some rare peace and quiet. If you visit a few times, you can even engage in some candid conversation with Mary, the sole waitress who

cordially asks, “How’s mama?�

In a community filled with an overabundance of fast food options, Peng’s stands out as a welcome alternative to the dull drive through routine. Using a minimalistic approach to Chinese cuisine, the small restaurant is sure to leave a positively strong impression on even the most selective diners.

Located on the corner of Bandera road and Huebner road, Peng’s is open for business Monday through Saturday from 11am-9pm.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

David Rice Reading B N t 5IJSZ "VEJUPSJVN Randa Jarrar Reading Q N t 5IJSZ "VEJUPSJVN "MM FWFOUT BSF GSFF BOE PQFO UP UIF QVCMJD 4PNF FWFOUT NBZ DIBOHF GPS BOZ VQEBUFT BOE UIF GVMM TDIFEVMF PG FWFOUT WJTJU www.ollusa.edu/LitFest.

Check out www.paisano-online.com Join the Paisano for meetings every Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

14545 Roadrunner Way, 78249

The 2012 Literary Festival is made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and from the ShieldAyres Foundation. The High School Outreach Day and the Literary Journal Online are funded with a grant from the Richard and Joyce Harris Sapience Foundation. The appearance of Judith Ortiz Cofer has been made possible in part by a grant from the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts.

4 8 UI 4USFFU 4BO "OUPOJP 59 210-434-6711

Scan this code (on the right) with your smart phone and a QR app, to read these articles online!

Sam Houston State shellacks Roadrunner baseball Stephen Whitaker Sports Editor

sports@paisano-online.com

Brianna Cristiano / The Paisano

The Roadrunners took on the conference-leading Sam Houston State Bearkats at Roadrunner Field over the weekend with the Bearkats taking the series in a sweep.

Friday’s contest saw the Bearkats take advantage of Roadrunner errors early on to score eight of their 12 runs in the first three innings before hold-

ing off the Roadrunners onslaught to pull out a 12-6 victory.

The Roadrunners were hoping to avoid the problems that had plagued them in their loss to the Bearkats on Friday when they took the field on Saturday.

Unfortunately for the Roadrunners, Saturday’s contest ended up more lopsided than did Friday’s.

It didn’t appear that it would be lopsided, though, as Roadrunner starter Michael Kraft began the day with a

Sam Houston’s Corey Toups (6) avoids the tag from Roadrunner catcher John Bormann during Sunday’s game.

Work in Progress Baseball is back Stephen Whitaker Sports Editor sports@paisano-online.com This week is one of the best of the year for one reason: Opening Day for baseball.

From the lowest level of the minor leagues all the way up to the

Major Leagues, the opening of baseball is like a holiday for Americans all over the nation.

The new season brings promise for every team. It doesn’t matter if they are expected to contend, like the Texas Rangers, or not, like the Houston Astros. At least for one day, every team has a chance at the playoffs before the inevitable fall for some.

The schedulers were kind to the Texas teams this year as both teams will open at home.

The Astros will open their final

strikeout and a groundout to second base before the Bearkats struck with two runs on two hits and two walks.

Kraft would hold the damage to two runs and the Roadrunners would score a run of their own in the bottom of the first to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The Bearkats got two more runs in the top of the second but left the bases loaded when the Roadrunners recorded the third out.

Both teams failed to score a run in the third inning. That was not the case in the fourth as the Bearkats scored three runs in the top of the fourth to up their lead to 7-1.

Roadrunner center fielder Daniel Rockett led off the bottom half of the fourth by hitting a Caleb Smith pitch over the left field wall to bring the Roadrunners within five runs, 7-2, after four innings.

The Roadrunners didnt get any closer as the Bearkats scored two runs in the sixth and four in the seventh to go up 13-2. The game was called after seven innings.

The Roadrunners looked to avoid the sweep on Sunday. Instead, the Bearkats continued the beating as they won another run-rule shortened game, 15-1.

The Roadrunners will travel to College Station to take on the Aggies of Texas A&M on Tuesday, April 3. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

season in the National League by hosting the Colorado Rockies Friday Apr. 6. The Rangers open with the Chicago White Sox in Arlington that same day.

On the subject of Pennants, the San Antonio Missions of the Double-A Texas League (TL) won their twelfth TL Pennant in team history in 2011. They will raise the pennant on Thursday April 5. It will also be Dollar Night at the ballpark for hot dogs, sodas and beer.

Sports

9

Stephen Whitaker / The Paisano

The Paisano

April 3, 2012

Roadrunner freshman Courtney Buchman watches a pitch as it comes toward the plate during action Saturday.

Softball sweeps Northwestern State Carly Cirilli Intern

sports@paisano-online.com UTSA’s softball team had a successful weekend hosting and defeating the Lady Demons of Northwestern State in a two-game Southland Conference series.

With these two victories, the Roadrunners’ record improved to 13-18 overall, and evened the league record at 3-3. The Roadrunners can also boast 12 straight home-field wins.

The Roadrunners started Friday’s game successfully as they scored all six of their runs in the first inning.

The Demons threatened to come back in the third inning with five runs, but the collective efforts of starter Haylee Staton and reliever Alyssa Vorden-

baum shut out their chances. The win went to Morgan Luksa, while Kelee Grimes received the loss, and the final score was 6-5.

The two teams faced off again Saturday, but UTSA was able to hold off Northwestern State’s efforts again as the Roadrunners clenched another home-field victory. UTSA’s final score was six on 12 runs, while NWSU finished with only four runs on eight hits.

Katy Akins received her first win Saturday, and Morgan Luksa received a save. The game’s loss was credited to Brooke Boening.

The Roadrunners will travel to Husky Field to take on the Houston Baptist Huskies in a doubleheader starting Wednesday April 4. The first pitch is set for at 2 p.m.

Time is ticking down on the semester!

Join the Paisano!

Meetings Thursdays at 5:30 at the Paisano Office Near the Cantina on UTSA Blvd.

2 10

Advertisement

The Paisano

April 3, 2012