The Paisano, Volume 42, Issue 11

Professors say ‘Rate my Professor’ is overrated Page 6

Letter to Editor: Show support for your Prez! Page 5 Comic: Secret world of UTSA monopoly Page 5

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

April 6, 2010

The Bird Seed, Page 5

Volume 42 • Issue 11 • 14 Pages

UTSA Concerto Concert

Page 10 Story Updates

Sorority accused of hazing

AP Photo

Phi Mu Sorority is being investigated for hazing. A decision will be made within the next week.

Dr. Kevin Price, dean of students, said that hazing investigat ions typically require conducting dozens of interviews and many follow ups.

“Every year we have over a 1,000 cases that come through Student Judicial Affairs (SJA),” Price said.

The close of the semester is the busiest time for SJA. “At the end of the semester a lot of acadamic cases that come in that take priority because they involve grades,” Price said.

Phi Mu’s National Headquarters also completed their own investigation.

Price said that the National Headquarters placed members of Phi Mu on probation until UTSA completes its investigation.

Recent violence in Monterrey has caused UT Austin to order all its foreign exchange students home. Monterrey is roughly the same size as San Antonio.

UT Austin recalls Mexico exchange students Associated Press The University of Texas at Austin, citing the raging violence in northern Mexico, has ordered its foreign exchange students in Monterrey to return home, officials confirmed Friday.

Monterrey is a bustling industrial city about 280 miles south of San Antonio.

It is the first time UT, which had more than 2,200 students in studyabroad programs around the globe in the 2008-2009 school year, has ever recalled students, officials said.

“This year I really wanted to go to Monterrey for spring break, but could not because it was so dangerous.”

Ana-Christina Gonzalez

Former resident of Monterrey UT Executive Vice-President and Provost Steven Leslie issued the order March 23, said Christian Clarke Casarez, director of interna-

tional public affairs. The order only applies to students enrolled at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education.

“Due to the deteriorating security situation in Monterrey, the university recalled students in the program,’’ Clarke Casarez said. “The university is committed to securing the safety of our students wherever they are in the world.’’

At least two other schools, Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, have also canceled programs in Monterrey in recent days, according to The Chronicle of Higher

See RECALL, Page 2

UTSA raises enrollment standards Christopher Connell paisanonews@sbcglobal.net

Over the next few years, UTSA will gradually begin denying admission to high school students who graduate in the bottom half of their class.

UTSA President Ricardo Romo said the change will not be radical, but the plan is to funnel students with weaker academic credentials to the Alamo Colleges, keeping enrollment at bay and giving the university a chance to build research capacity and catch up with explosive growth.

In an interview with KABB, the

local Fox affiliate, Romo told potential students, “If you’re not a serious student and you didn’t finish well, then perhaps UTSA isn’t for you.”

UTSA is competing with six other emerging research universities to draw money from a $500 million endowment set aside for Tier One efforts.

The six other universities are: Texas Tech, University of Texas at El Paso, University of Houston, University of Texas at Dallas, University of North Texas and University of Texas at Arlington.

Students denied admission to UTSA but still wishing to attend can seek redress with the admission

appeal process.

Interested students will need to submit a Letter of Appeal (UTSA banner ID necessary), supply at least one additional letter of recommendation, specify the reasons for the appeal and write a personal essay on one of the following topics Why a UTSA education is important to me? What I can contribute to UTSA as a student?

“Selectivity will come slow, we are not going to make any jumps,” Romo said. “But if we took in more students, we would not have any place to put them. With the recession, we will not be able to hire 53 (professors) like we did last year, See ADMISSION, Page 3

Free video game encourages rape In recent weeks, the Japanese video game “Rapelay” has come upon heavy criticism from anti-violence advocates.

Illusion, the game’s developer, calls the game a 3D sex-simulation.

Rapelay has sparked controversy because it allows gamers to stalk and rape women.

According to the Associated Press, the game follows the molestion and rape of a woman and her two daughters. Giant Bomb, an online video game review Web site, confirms the plot of the game and adds that the point of the game is to rape the women until they become slaves.

The game created in 2006, was recently banned for sale in Japanese stores, and subsequently banned for sale on eBay and Amazon as well.

Despite strong opposition, the game is available for download from many Web sites.

Source: Associated Press, local interviews and other sources.

Captured Soldier returns to U.S. Associated Press A U.S. Army linguist returned to his family in Southern California Saturday after more than two months in captivity in Baghdad, according to a National Guard spokeswoman.

Issa Salomi arrived home in San Diego and was “resting and beginning his adjustment back to normal life,'' Maj. Kimberly Holman said in an emailed statement.

“He wants to again share that he is healthy, is in good spirits and he adds that he is looking forward to a good home-cooked meal and a few good night's rest,'' Holman wrote.

Salomi, 60, arrived in Texas on Tuesday for medical tests and debriefings with Army officials at Fort Sam Houston.

Salomi has not made a public appearance since the Pentagon announced his release March 27, but issued a statement saying he was “safe,

healthy and unharmed.'' He said it was one of the most satisfying moments of his life when his plane touched down on U.S. soil in San Antonio.

The family asked for privacy and planned no immediate public appearances or statements.

A Shiite extremist group claimed responsibility for the Jan. 23 kidnapping and posted a video online that showed a man wearing military fatigues, reading a list of demands for the release of militants, the prosecution of Blackwater guards and an immediate U.S. troop withdrawal.

The group issued a statement indicating Salomi's release came in exchange for the release by the Iraqi government of four of its members.

Asaib Ahl al-Haq, known in English as the League of the Righteous, said the four were freed “in response to our demands following the capture of the American officer'' – a reference to Salomi, who was not identified by name.

Could light rail be on the way?

Bradley Banks

AP Photo

paisanonews@sbcglobal.net

San Antonio could see the addition of a light rail, similar to the one above, in the next few years.

VIA is bringing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to the San Antonio area. Not since VIA first started service 30 years ago have they introduced such a significant and distinctive transit option for San Antonio.

According to the VIA Web site, “BRT uses rubber-tire, high capacity vehicles, improved fare collection systems and controlled traffic signals to move riders more efficiently.

Boarding will take place at stations rather than bus stops. In the end, riders using this premier transit service will get to their destinations faster.”

The first BRT line, scheduled to launch in 2012, will be along Fredericksburg Road traveling from the UTSA Main Campus to the South Texas Medical Center and on to downtown San Antonio. This line will change the face of the Fredericksburg Road corridor by offering opportunities for transit-oriented development.

The BRT line is the first step in expanding San Antonio’s mass transit alternatives. SmartWay SA is VIA’s long-term study to identify and prioritize mass transit strategies for the Bexar County area. Such alternatives include bus rapid transit, electric streetcars, light rail, commuter rail

Paisano-Online com

and high occupancy vehicle lanes.

In an effort to identify a pilot rail project for the system, a specific focus of the SmartWaySA process will be to identify and recommend elements for an inner-city rail circulator system using modern, historic or replica rail streetcar vehicles.

The rail circulator study will consider what type of operation would leverage the most economic development while providing mobility to the downtown workers, residents and visitors. It will also include the transit facilities and amenities needed to improve efficiency, passenger safety, convenience and use of the entire transit system, all ADA accessible.

See RAIL, Page 3

Contact Carolyn Bagnetto, RN at 567-7575

The Paisano

April 6, 2010

Dramatic photo of the week

News

Global & Local

AP Photo

Man attempts to revive dead opossum

West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins consoles forward Da’Sean Butler after he was injured during the second half against Duke in a men’s NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball game Saturday, April 3, 2010, in Indianapolis.

RECALL: Study abroad RAIL: VIA moves students brought home into future with BRT From Page 1

Education.

UT officials cited a U.S. State Department travel advisory issued March 14. It warns of violence in the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango, along the border and in Monterrey.

UT also relies on third-party security experts to assess the safety of its students in foreign study programs.

The State Department warning mentioned violent shootouts between drug cartels and Mexican authorities, and it said U.S. citizens had been harassed in their vehicles and subjected to ``robbery and violence’’ on the highways between Monterrey and various cities along the border.

Two students - not from UT - were killed March 19 on the Monterrey campus when they got caught in the crossfire of a shootout between the Mexican military and drug gangs, ac-

cording to a report in El Norte newspaper.

Out of the 63 UT students enrolled in Mexico-based programs in the last school year, six were in Monterrey, Clarke Casarez said.

The recall order will remain throughout the approaching summer and fall semesters. Officials say UT students in other programs in Mexico aren’t affected by the decision.

Ana-Christina Gonzalez, junior communication major, was born in Monterrey, Mexico.

“This year I really wanted to go to Monterrey for spring break, but could not because it was so dangerous,” Gonzalez said.

“I want to go back, but not forever,” Gonzalez said.

Students interested in learning more are invited to attend the next American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter meeting where VIA Strategic Planner, Arturo Herrera JR, will offer further insight into VIA’s long term strategy as well as provide a question and answer forum for students.

The meeting will be held April 7 at 5 p.m. in the Loeffler Room (BSB 3.03.02). Food and soft drinks will be provided.

For more information, contact ASCE Public Relations Officer David Russell at asceutsa@gmail.com.

Police say they charged a Pennsylvania man with public drunkenness after he was seen trying to resuscitate a long-dead opossum along a highway.

State police Trooper Jamie Levier says several witnesses saw 55-year-old Donald Wolfe near the animal Thursday along a highway about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh.

The trooper says one person saw Wolfe kneeling before the animal and gesturing as though he were conducting a seance. He says another saw Wolfe attempting to give mouth-tomouth resuscitation.

Levier says the animal already had been dead a while.

ADMISSION:

George Stern Jon and Elisa Loar Carol Scott Michael L. Lafferty Bill & Diane Workman Kim and Jack Palmer Stephen and Eva Brown Gary and Jennifer Wright Jesus Santos Ryan Lambrecht The Florence and John Newman Foundation The Amy McNutt Trust Donations In Memory of: George Stern Ernst Hosely Joey Teague

UTSA may deny students

Man burns down shed in attempt to get rid of snake A Monroe, Louisana man’s attempt to get rid of snakes in his yard ended up sending his wife to the hospital and burning down his shed.

The News-Star reports, the man, whose name the Monroe Fire Department did not immediately release, apparently started several fires with pieces of paper in his shed and around his yard in an attempt to eliminate several snakes.

The shed caught fire and sent smoke billowing into the couple’s nearby home.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze Wednesday shortly after they arrived on the scene.

Utah community college may lose school paper Salt Lake Community College’s student newspaper may have to fold because of budget cuts.

The Utah Board of Regents on Thursday approved the school Student Fee Board’s recommendation to cut The Globe’s funding allocation by half.

The action, which was part of statewide changes to higher education student fees, will mean a total decrease of about $20,000 in funding for the newspaper.

Allison Barlow Hess of Utah’s So-

ciety of Professional Journalists criticized the move, saying student journalists need the experience of running a newspaper at the college level.

Among other things, the Student Fee Board also decided to cut funding for cultural programs and lectures, and to increase funding for a media center for student journalists to use film and video.

In contrast, The Paisano is a nonprofit that receives no funding from UTSA. All revenue is generated by ad sales and donations.

Source: Associated Press

Walkin’ the Beat UTSAPD’s weekly crime report (March 25 - March 31)

Christopher Connell contributed to this story.

The Paisano Educational Trust thanks the following supporters for ensuring the future of The Paisano with their generous donations: Rachael and David Noll Diane Abdo & Rick Noll Rosemary Abdo John Eckrem Jack Himelblau Sandy Norman Tricia McElligott Richard Mild Matt Stern Paula Tran Roger Trevino Mansour el-Kikhia Steven Kellman Cristina Besosa Mitch Kilby Jamal Hasty Llyas din-Salud Tiffany House Joyce Hyde Randall and Marylyn House

From Page 1

3

August 26, 2008

Evading arrest: One incident Driving while intoxicated: Three incidents Theft: Four incidents Alcohol consumption by a minor: Two incidents Consumption of alcohol by a minor: Four incidents Assault: One incident

From Page 1

Graffiti: One incident

maybe half of that.”

Over the past year, UTSA has also faced a hiring freeze and is planning for a 5 percent cut in its budget.

By 2016, the university plans to enroll a maximum of 30,000 students, only slightly higher than its current enrollment of 27,183.

Credit card theft/abuse: Two incident

Missing San Antonians

SOLDIER:

Now home

From Page 1

But Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said he had no information about anyone being released in exchange for Salomi.

Salomi was raised in Baghdad as the youngest of four children and studied civil engineering in England. His father worked as a photographer for the Iraqi monarchy.

Salomi became a U.S. citizen and returned to Iraq in 2007 to work as a linguist for American troops.

Corrections

In the article about increased tuition The Paisano misspelled two names: Lene Banks and Jason Shroyer.

Lene Banks’ quote was also taken out of context. The quote should have read: “People want affordable education and it is societies responsibility to ensure it.”

NAME: Nicholas Plaza AGE: 14 DESCRIPTION: 3’6”, 40 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes CASE INFORMATION: He was last seen at 126 Rock Valley in San Antonio, Texas.

He has not been seen since October 23, 2001.

Paisano-Online com

NAME: Karina Gaitan AGE: 25 DESCRIPTION: 5’06”, 160 lbs, dark brown hair, brown eyes CASE INFORMATION: She was last seen at 1:00 am onSaturday, July 18, 1998, at theLas Brisas Apts. She was last seen wearing a T-shirt, wind shorts and slip-on beach sandles. She has a cross burned into her right hand between her thumb and forefinger.

Source: UTSAPD & SAPD

Campus&Opinion 5

April 6, 2010

Photo Poll What do you want to do now that you’re covered under Obamacare?

Alex McBride Junior/Anthropology “I would ride my brake against 5:00 traffic.”

Megan McLeod

Junior/American Studies “I would hope people wouldn’t take advantage of the system. This is a terrible question.”

Letters to the Editor

Don’t be ignorant As a member of Atheist Agenda, I’d like to say a few things to Gonzo Smothermon and a few others. First off, you claim as if Atheists believe or worship Satan. As an atheist I don’t even believe in Satan, or hell for that matter. So the fire and brimstone method of trying to scare people into religions is exactly what most of us are against. It shouldn’t take the fear of hell or Satan to make you want to believe in a God. Belief in a God should be a personal thing that someone decides on their own without being overwhelmed with fear every time they “sin.” Although, in my opinion, exploring multiple religions and beliefs is the only true way to see what you believe to be the best.

To say you would never agree with anything an atheist says makes you completely ignorant. People from both sides, religious or not, can be very well educated. Just because we don’t believe in “the word of God” doesn’t mean we don’t know anything about it.

To the gentleman from a few issues ago who was quoting the student handbook, Smut for Smut was not directed at any specific group; therefore, it was fully within our rights to conduct the campaign. It was not

Freshman/ Undeclared “I’d be more of a risk taker.”

Long Nguyen

Joe Engel

Replete with a tenuous grasp on the facts and the exorbitant demand for President Romo’s resignation, Mr. Hensley’s letter amounts to little more than misinformed opinion masquerading as fact.

The letter cites the Federal Reserve’s “Keynesian loose monetary policy” as the cause of three depressions and “countless recessions.” Two of the depressions mentioned began in 1920 and 1929. Whatever causal role the Fed played in these depressions, it was neither “Keynesian” nor “loose.” Keynes published his first major economic work, “A Treatise On Money,” after these depressions in 1930. Additionally, the Fed tightened the money supply, which both caused and exacerbated the Great Depression. There are plenty of negative things to say about the Fed, but this level of factual inaccuracy makes it difficult to take any of the conclusions seriously.

Furthermore, even if Mr. Hensley

Veronica Peña Senior/Psychology “Go skydiving.”

Sandra Nwigwe Sophomore/ Computer Engineering “Go bungee jumping.”

7:30 PM UTSA Orchestra Concerto UTSA Recital Hall

Wednesday, April 7 10:00 AM What’s Up! Wednesday UC Paseo

12:00 PM Bicultural-Bilingual Studies and

Career Services Free Workshop UC 2.03.06

6:00 PM Bicultural-Bilingual Studies and Career Services Free Workshop (Downtown) Buena Vista Buidling, Assembly Room

8:00 PM Coffeehouse

Ski Lodge - UC 1.01.00

Thursday, April 8 8:30 AM Spring 2010 Educator Job Fair Convocation Center

11:00 AM BARR Thirsty Thursday UC Paseo

4:00 PM The Paisano General Meeting

14545 Roadrunner Way (next to The Cantina) UC Ballroom 2

believes the Federal Reserve is “the most corrupt organization that is involved in government,” demanding President Romo’s resignation is foolish. As long as the Fed’s importance isn’t going to diminish anytime soon (it’s not), and Mr. Hensley doesn’t have any issues with Dr. Romo’s positions on economic policy (which we have to assume he doesn’t because they weren’t even mentioned), then he should actually be pleased that the President of our University has a prominent advisory role. The letter implicitly assumes Dr. Romo supports the corruption. However, the far safer bet is that the career academic, former history professor, native San Antonian who has made a career of increasing educational opportunity for the underprivileged contributes a refreshing and valuable perspective to an organization otherwise dominated by corporate insiders.

I must ask—rather than simply condemning any association with the Fed, why not start a dialogue? Since there is no mention of Dr. Romo’s

Freshman/ Criminal Justice “I’d feel more confident about living the life.”

Tuesday, April 6

7:00 PM Girls Night Out

Let’s support Romo Response to “Romo should resign” from our March 30, 2010 issue.

Edgar Cortez

discriminatory, nor was it intended to interfere with a student’s academic progress.

Also, the pornography was handed out in envelopes; therefore, people were not exposed to pornographic images, and we encouraged people to not open them on campus.

To the author of the original article, I feel as though it was written in a very biased light. Portraying the agnostics as peaceful when you yourself were sitting with them? I feel as though the article should have been produced by a bystander, not someone involved with the protest.

Agnostics sitting in the middle were just as aggressive at times as the crazy man growling in tongues.

Smut for Smut was not meant to offend; it was meant to spark conversation, and it did. We had a huge turnout of people who simply wanted to talk about religious issues with us and find out our stance on the matter. We gladly listened to theirs if they would listen to ours.

Campus Calendar

The Bird Seed by Megan Lovelady

Friday, April 9 9:00 AM 11th Annual NIUTSA Set-Up Buena Vista St. Building 1.326

9:00 PM UCinema Night: Daybreakers Retama Auditorium - UC 2.02.02

Saturday, April 10 4:00 PM 11th Annual NIUTSA

Buena Vista St. Building 1.326

7:00 PM UCinema Night: Daybreakers Retama Auditorium - UC 2.02.02

positions on economic policy, I have to assume the author didn’t first write a letter expressing concern and asking for clarification on the issues.

If this assumption is correct, I feel comfortable offering assurance that Dr. Romo’s response would not have been “I intend to use the power and influence of my role on the Board to steal from you, all for the benefit of the rich, the elite, and corporations.”

Mr. Hensley’s misinformed, reactionary alarmism is all too common in contemporary American society and politics, but as members of a university community we should strive for more reasoned debate and open dialogue.

Tyler Rutherford

The Paisano Editor-in-Chief: Mansee Muzumdar News Editor: Christopher Connell Features Editor: Arianne Evans Assitant Features Editor: Ruben Mercado Arts Editor: Joseph Tidline Assitant Arts Editor: Krystal Bordner Sports Editor: Vanessa Elizarraras Assistant Sports Editor: Noah Ramirez Interim Photo Editor: Burk Frey Web Editor: Robert Torres Ads Manager: Kevyn Kirven Business Manager: Fidelity Gomez Interns: Nicole Beltran, Eloy DeLeon, Meagan Hernandez, Noah Ramirez

Staff: Kevin Won, Robert Calcagno, Jonathan Nomamiukor, Annalise Perry, Megan Lovelady, Krysteen Villarreal, Evan Anders, Misha Yurchenko, Tammy Tran, Judd Messer, Ravi Kaku, Itza Carbajal, Jose Vasquez, Steven Ordaz, Chelsea Harbin, Bradley Banks, Robyn Lorkovic, Ariel Alvarez

Contributing Writers:

Anna Bryant, Michael Gardiner, Ana Bartlor, Andrew McClung, Christopher Thomas, Veronica Salinas, Marium Ayyad

Advisor: Diane Abdo Advisory Board: Steven Kellman, Mansour El Kikhia, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Matt Stern 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. 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: paisanoeditor@sbcglobal.net

6

Features

The Paisano

April 6, 2010

Professors rate back Professors find evaluations on ‘Rate My Professor’ less than accurate

Ruben Mercado Paisanofeatures@sbcglobal.net It’s hard to imagine how students chose which classes to take before Rate My Professor.

Since its creation in 1999, the Web site www.ratemyprofessor.com has been a popular stop for college students looking to get information about professors before registering for classes. The site consists of ratings from students ranking over one million professors in categories including clarity, easiness and the ever- popular “hotness” rating.

Approximately 1,776 UTSA professors are listed on the site, representing every department. How do UTSA professors view this site?

One of the biggest issues with the Web site is that students are allowed to submit evaluations anonymously.

Ken Burchenal, an English professor who is ranked favorably by most students on the site, said of the sites accuracy, “Anonymous evaluations of any kind allow respondants to make claims that are inaccurate and unfair without any fear of reprisal.

However, my guess is that signed or refereed evaluations would be even less accurate.

“I am very interested in getting honest feedback about my teaching methods; I am less interested in what students think about me as a

person,” he said.

Burchenal’s comment raises the issue that most professors seem to have with the site: How much of “Rate My Professor” is about the teacher, and how much of it is disgruntled former students venting?

Evaluations on the Web site tend to include emotional responses from students who have had bad experiences rather than fair responses to the teachers methods.

Italian professor Molly Zaldivar said, “I have heard that students who use these Web sites do so because they had horrible experiences with certain professors. Not sure how ‘fair and accurate’ a student can be when they go on these sites.”

Laura Oliver, a communication professor whose overall rating on the site is 4.7 out of 5, doesn’t pay much attention to it.

“I haven't really thought about it.

I got on the site a few years ago to see what it was all about, but haven't been on since,” she said.

Oliver didn’t see the validity to using the site to gain information on professors, since “word of mouth is a more reliable source for information,” she said.

Zaldivar also stated she

didn’t see the point in checking the Web site.

“Honestly, I have never logged on to look at this site. I get an idea of what students think of my classes in their student evaluations.”

Most professors care what

“I read my students’ course evaluation comments. I believe I know what they think of me because I teach them how to communicate effectively, and they do tell me what they think through email, the discussion site on BlackBoard and they stop by the office,” Oliver said.

According to Zaldivar, what is said about her has nothing to do with her methods. “While I know to a certain extent what stuThis dents say about me, I try P r o fesso talks r not to let it influence the a b o oran ges ut way I teach a course,” Zaldia lo t! var said.

Most professors pay attetion to student feedback. Professors use responses to evaluate and improve their teaching effectiveness.

“Some of the criticisms I see over and over again are valid and fair,” Burchenal said. “Teaching is an art, not a science; every teacher must make choices about the structure of their courses that is students think, but there are other consistent with his or her skills and ways of checking besides anonyphilosophy.” mous websites.

Teachers’ lack of familiarity with

Web sites like Rate My Professor should not be taken as apathy towards student opinions.

The way students feel about the course and the professor is important, but there are better avenues to express yourself. Be honest when filling out the IDEA surveys distributed in classes. Talk to another administrator or dean if you have a real problem. If you are so bold, you could even talk to the professor yourself.

While looking up information about professors for classes you need to take, it is important to remember that not all the reviews on Rate My Professor are accurate.

Other options are available to students. Talk to a friend that has taken the professor before and get their feedback. Meet the professor before registering for the class to get an idea of what the class might be like. You could even sit in on a lecture.

There are many options for students to get an idea of what to expect.

Just remember, don’t believe everything you read on the internet.

Your AD could be here!

Call: 210.690.9301

Paisano-Online com

The Paisano

April 6, 2010

Spotlight on:

Features

Ask a Professor

UTSA Ambassadors

Professor

Paul

Organization represents and serves campus

The UTSA Ambassadors is a campus organization dedicated to serving the UTSA community. Student members act as hosts for universitysponsored events and have provided over 7,800 hours of service during the 2009-2010 academic year.

“Our organization is one of great traditions at our school, having been established in 1988,” Cesar R. Lopez, chair of public relations for the UTSA Ambassadors said.

“Leadership, Service and Integrity are our values, and we demonstrate it day to day with our assistance to Dr. Romo's events and other activities around campus.

“We are also a widely diverse organization with members from every college, numerous ethnic backgrounds and five continents,” Harrison K. Pierce, mentee of student recruitment for the UTSA Ambassadors said.

The UTSA Ambassadors participated in numerous university events this year: the Governer Rick Perry signing, Alumni Gala, President’s Dinner, as well as Fall Convocation and Commencement.

“The Ambassadors also hold an Etiquette Dinner, Graduating Ambassador Celebrations, Ambassador Banquet and the Amber Dinner, where we honor a faculty member that has meant a lot to us,” Pierce said.

In addition to their contributions

to the UTSA community, the UTSA Ambassadors also take time for themselves.

“The UTSA Ambassadors is not ‘all work and no play,’” Pierce said.

“We have monthly socials, two retreats, and large social events like the Ambassador Olympics. We like to have fun and many times the friends you make in the UTSA Ambassadors become lifelong friends.”

Lopez and Pierce say there are benefits to joining the UTSA Ambassadors, such as developing leadership and public speaking skills and being able to network with influential people around the community.

Members are also trained in CPR and first aid.

This year the UTSA Ambassadors inducted 48 new members.

Recruitment for the UTSA Ambassadors begins each January. To join, students should fill out an application on the UTSA Ambassadors’ Web site at www.utsaambassadors.org. Applicants are interviewed between February and March.

To be eligible, students are required to complete six hours of service each month, maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher, and have at least one full semester remaining at UTSA. For more information, contact the UTSA Ambassadors at ambassadors@utsa.edu

Leblanc, Ph. D. Itza Carbajal Paisanofeatures@sbcglobal.net

Photo courtesy of Paul LeBlanc

Meagan Hernandez Paisanofeatures@sbcglobal.net

7

1. Where are you from?

Baton Rouge 2. Where did you graduate from?

I started at LSU and then I transferred to St. Mary’s to do my undergraduate. I went back to LSU for my masters degree.

3. Why did you choose to teach at UTSA? When I was looking for a job, I had a couple of geographic criteria.

It had to be west of the Mississippi and south of Kansas. I do not like cold weather, and I like to have some topography. A couple of schools offered me jobs, but I decided to come back to San Antonio. I knew the area, and it was relatively close to home.

4. Among teaching classes, is there another project you are working on?

I am working on a paper that researches pharmaceutical ads that I will be presenting at a Las Vegas conference. I am interested in researching on whether or not there is a higher level of health literacy required for understanding pharmaceutical ads than the expectations of the general public. The ultimate question lies in whether those advertisements really reach the general population just based on how the ads are presented.

5. Any other projects that you are working on?

I am working on building a barn. The barn is a three-year project, which I will be working on by myself. The building part is the reason it is taking so long. Our current barn is insufficient. I am building a barn to have more working space, and also the current barn is terrible. Hopefully, the new barn will look nice. As soon as the new one is finished, the old one is coming down.

6. Besides researching communications, what do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy the outdoors. One of the best advice I love giving my students is telling them to visit Big Ben. I actually proposed to my future wife at Big Ben. I also ride motorcycles. I currently ride a Harley Fat Boy. 7. What is the best thing you love about teaching at UTSA? I love seeing my students get a paper published or presented somewhere. The most rewarding part of my job would be to see that what my students learn from me has helped them achieve their goals.

Features needs you! paisanofeatures@sbcglobal.net

Meetings Thursday@4

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Arts

The Paisano

‘Titans’ fails to dazzle Even with 3-D, ‘Titans’ remake does little to satisfy this moviegoer

Jaqueline Calvert

After watching the bland 3-D effects in “Clash of the Titans,” audiences will be pining for the days of 2-D films. “Titans” may have been something to talk about had it been made three years ago.

Of course, there are many other things wrong with “Titans.” The visual effects just barely touch the surface of how bad this movie is.

The film, directed by Louis Letterier, is a remake of the 1981 campy classic of the same name. The influence of greek mythology on the film adds interest but only enough to last for the first 30 minutes.

Perseus (Sam Worthington) is sent on a very long journey to defeat Hades (Ralph Fiennes) before he can seize power from his brother, Zeus (Liam Neeson), and turn the entire earth into his personal underworld.

Hades tries to release the infamous Kracken and let all hell break loose.

The film was shot in 2-D first, then made into 3-D later. The result? Dull, anti-climatic effects lacking any sort of digital magic. The 3-D is not worth the additional $4 charge.

“Titans” just does not live up to the advertisements seen on television.

This shows how far film makers will go for a hit, but after the amazing “Avatar,” it is going to be difficult to measure up.

The visual effects are a downer throughout the film, adding little to the plot. There are a few bright spots, though, including Medusa’s head, which is well animated.

Although the story and acting are subpar, the action intense and suspenseful enough to keep the bore-

Who wants to hookah?

Eloy Deleon

paisanoarts@sbcglobal.net

Hookah has made its way across the sea to across the street from the UTSA campus.

The Karma Hookah Lounge will have its grand opening April 9 across the street from UTSA, directly next to The Cantina. The lounge will be open seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Karma will feature live band performances Fridays and a live DJ on Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.

A Hookah is a single or multi-stemmed instrument used for smoking flavored tobacco. The smoke is cooled and filtered by passing through water, which adds to the flavor.

Karma has a premium European blend including 15 unique flavors.

They also serve pizza, paninis and desserts instead of conventional Mediterranean food.

“I like having a Hookah bar close to campus,” freshman Nickolas Tamez said. “Now my friends and I do not have to drive miles to go to the next nearest one.”

There are over 20 other Hookah locations in San Antonio, but Karma is the closest to UTSA. “[Karma] is a fun and relaxing place to hang out at,” Tamez said.

“Whenever I’m really stressed from school, I’ll go with friends to smoke.”

Karma offers an $8.99 hookah with a promotional flyer and is $12.99 at regular price. It will also have free brewed coffee and discounted speciality coffee for the first month.

To find out more information about the Karma Hookah Lounge, call (210)601-4733 or visit their Facebook group.

Courtesy of Legendary Pictures

paisanoarts@sbcglobal.net

April 6, 2010

Joseph Tidline/ The Paisano

8

3-D couldn’t even make “Clash of the Titans” a hit.

dom at bay.

Worthington, fresh off the reign of “Avatar,” plays a demi-god raised as a human. Worthington, though very handsome, does little to lift the film out of its dull nature.

There is an attempt at romance in the film. Perseus is followed throughout the film by a beautiful, mysterious woman, played by Gemma

Arterton. She appears from time to time to help Perseus on his journey. Although the film makes a nice attempt at romance, the two leads have little-to-no chemistry, mostly because they are not close enough to each other to even hold hands. The two lovebirds don’t even kiss.

While the film is a bold attempt at remaking a classic, perhaps it should

The atmosphere is relaxed and the hookah lounge has loads of space for students to loosen up.

have stuck to 2-D, or have been made three to five years ago. The film takes itself too seriously, and the action is not interesting enough to distract the

audience from the atrocious plot.

Skip “Titans” unless you’re a moviegoer who enjoys bland effects and an even more bland story line.

Wanna be on the next Creative Corner?

Submit your poetry and short stories to paisanoarts@sbcglobal.net.

UTSA College of Business Real Estate Finance and Development Program

Real Estate EXPO

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 3:00 – 6:00 PM Denman Room University Center (UC 2.01.28)  Learn about career opportunities  Learn about educational opportunities  Open to all majors  refd.utsa.edu

Food and drinks will be provided

Water Cooler Eloy Deleon paisanoarts@sbcglobal.net

Erykah Badu: stripper or philosopher?

Erykah Badu, known for her hit song, “On & On,” and for dating stars like Common and Andre 3000, is in the news for all the wrong reasons.

Badu just released her new album, “New Amerykah Part Two” on March 30.

“Window Seat,” Badu’s new music video, is causing nothing but controversy. In the video, Badu performs on the streets of Dallas in the nude in front of unsuspecting adults and children.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, the exact location of this video was filmed at the John F. Kennedy memorial site - the same location where President Kennedy was assassinated.

“I tied it in a way that compared the assassination to the character assassination one would go through after showing his or her self completely,” Badu told the Dallas Morning News. “That’s exactly the action I wanted to display.”

I don’t understand some of these musicians today. That is just flat out disrespectful to our former president. I might understand why Badu did this if the lyrics to the song had something to do with President Kennedy, but they don’t. “Window Seat” is mostly about her wanting to evolve and be noticed.

Indeed, she accomplished getting noticed. However, there are plenty of other ways to achieve this goal.

Badu did receive a charge for disorderly conduct and was fined up to $500.

Arts 9 Students by day, musicians by night The Paisano

New student band makes splash into San Antonio music scene Veronica Salinas

paisanoarts@sbcglobal.net When I first learned of the band’s name, Junglenoize (yes, that’s noise with a ‘z’), my ears assumed it would be coming from a group of guys going through their college Rastafarian phase or perhaps from a trio of rappers. However, the six members of Junglenoize are quite the opposite.

For UTSA students Joshua Gutierrez, 21 (guitar), Sarek Gutierrez, 19 (drums), Andrew Maley, 20 (bass), Alex McBride, 21 (percussion), band artist Rawb Bishop, 20 and Tyler Olsson, 20 (vocals, guitar, keys of Northwest Vista College), being a member of a band sounds very similar to the calling card of a superhero: student by day—musician by night.

Although the band is fairly new, they have been playing gigs for only two and a half months-the freshfaced members are eager to make their way into the San Antonio music scene. Officially, the band, which is based out of Katy, Texas, where five out of the six members are from, didn’t start playing together until 2008. However, in their bright and shining eyes they have the focus and determination of seasoned musicians.

“For all of us it’s kind of like a form of therapy because you don’t really have anyone else to talk to about stuff like that. Then you can’t [play] our guitars and not tell anyone what we’re thinking,” Joshua said. “Our name came from the [holistic] binary concept of soul [music]--which is the jungle and noise-- which is the rock and roll.”

When asked about Junglenoize’s influences, Maley said, “Our biggest influence is taking all the stuff that we like and incorporating it into our

Courtesy of Junglenoize

April 6, 2010

Junglenoize combines art and music to tickle the audience’s senses.

own style, and creating something with that style in mind with our own external influences like life, school, friends and fun. Just existence, period, is number one inspiration to everybody I imagine.”

While listening to their music, you get a kaleidoscopic sense of their existence. Junglenoize puts a contemporary twist in their resonance by fusing genres like jazz, soul, psychedelic and classic rock. Their unique style of music has multi-cultural influences as well as references to pop culture. While they played a live show, a tapestry of the zodiac calendar hung behind them and a Mexican flag covered an amp like a tablecloth.

“We try to make it a full-on experience. We try to tailor to as many senses as we can. You don’t go and passively watch us play. We want it

to be more interactive and engaging,” Maley said.

The psychedelic undertones flowing within their music are also reflected in the hands of Bishop whose artistic abilities are inspired by Junglenoize’s sound and vice versa.

“The basic concept is like equal balance of music and art,” Bishop, said. His work is a mix of swirling colors and images, which have a surrealistic feel as well as a geometric harmony.

One of the main hurdles the band faces as students is managing time.

“Time is always against you,” Joshua said. Somehow these guys manage to balance a full-time school schedule, work and music.

“We want to be able to balance both [academics and music] because we don’t want to be like some bands

we know that just drop everything [for the band] and wind up doing it for two years then break up. We wanna make sure we have good heads on our shoulders,” Sarek said.

“We’re trying to be successful in our own way. So we’re just trying to do things in stages. First, it was getting shows, and the next stage was getting into a magazine. We’re trying to complete small goals at a time.”

They just got a review written about them in the San Antonio Current and are also featured in a publication called Backbeat Magazine.

Be sure to catch the band at their next show, which will be in Austin at the Red Eyed Fly, April 14.

More information on Junglenoize can be found at www.myspace.com/ junglenoize and at www.facebook. com/junglenoize.

Arts

10

The Paisano

April 6, 2010

Winners!

Creative Corner

This week: The torment bleeds through

The UTSA Concerto and Aria Competition Winners’ concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 6 at the UTSA Recital Hall.

Michelle Lange (soprano), Ryan Hughes-Mazurkiewicz (clarinet), Julian Tello Jr. (viola) and Bronwyn White (soprano) will perform solos accompanied by the UTSA orchestra. The composers to be performed at the concert include Johannes Brahms, Giacomo Puccini, Carl Maria von Weber, Gaetano Donizetti and York Bowen.

“What’s really great about this year’s concert is that [the radio station] KPAC is sending a DJ to emcee

the concert,” UTSA orchestra conductor Dr. Eugene Dowdy explained about the event. The local radio station will also record the event and play it on the air at a later time.

The competition was tough. Each student was chosen by a judging panel that consisted of both UTSA faculty and local experts. Almost 40 students auditioned for the four spots this year. Lange and HughesMazurkiewicz have competed and won before.

“I take everything I learn from each class and bring it to what I play,” Hughes-Mazurkiewicz said about his success in the competition last year.

Tello Jr. and White are newcomers to this concert and are already making waves on campus. White has been the lead in many of the operas

performed on campus and Tello Jr. is the only freshman performing in the concert this year.

“It’s very rare that a freshman wins this competition,” Dowdy said of Tello Jr.’s accomplishment.

Tello Jr. will be performing “Viola Concerto in C Minor” by Bowen.

“It’s the third time this piece has been performed in the United States and the first time in Texas,” Tello Jr. said.

“The piece is one of the most difficult in the [viola] literature and yet here is this freshman playing it,” Dowdy said. “He is one to watch.”

Tickets for the concert are $5 for students and $10 dollars for general admission. For more info, call (210) 458-5683.

Gabriellena Weidanz/ The Paisano

Gabriellena Weidanz/ The Paisano

Gabriellena Weidanz/ The Paisano

After winning competion, UTSA musicians have public performance Joseph Tidline

paisanoarts@sbcglobal.net

Bronwyn White, Julian Tello Jr. and Michelle Lange are all very excited to perform. Ryan Hughes-Mazurkiewicz pictured on front page.

Monica De Los Santos “Will Work for Insanity” Bored from this rotating morgue of ideas I need a switch cause this uninspired nailed to the ground Piece of pathetic is itching the middle of my back and both arms Are broken and casted in the tightest of plastic molasses type fabric My fingers grow rabid; torpid bodies irritated my usually sapid mood Is it true insanity escorting irrationality is only a formality of originality?

Bout to slap a stranger and yell sold to the outside though the exchange Takes place Within.

Emily Sanchez “An Uneasy Mind” It is in these days that give me a great deal of bother.

No answer to the questions, actions, thoughts, or words.

Not one excuse, no wonderment to ponder.

A choice, an event of another day that goes down in history.

To who’s history does that one behold to?

A girl, a girl at times who posses many lives, many who are not hers.

A girl who often thinks in a paranoid sense of mind.

No calmness can heal her effort’s to be sane or saved.

So she lives a life that is not seen by others.

Those who do get a glimpse do not know what they see.

She does not have a bravery to ask what others might think.

So she sit’s and assumes the worse of it and lives’ her continuous life in chaos.

All she waits for in life are for two days, one of which will give her what she desires.

The other her death from a torturous mind.

Send your poetry and short stories to paisanoarts@sbcglobal.net.

The Paisano

April 6, 2010

Sports

11

Men’s tennis serves up seventh Men’s track set two new school consecutive win over weekend records at Texas Relays The UTSA track & field teams wrapped up a busy weekend of action on Saturday with a pair of school records at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays.

The Roadrunners men saw their 400-meter relay team register the third-fastest time in Southland Conference history and senior Devon Bond continued his strong opening campaign with another record-breaking performance in the triple jump.

The quartet of freshman Adam Hebert, senior All-American Teddy Williams, junior John Matthews and freshman Nate Brunette circled the Mike A. Myers Stadium track in 39.59 to finish fifth. The time shattered the previous program standard of 39.84 set by Will Vese, Williams, Cedric Harris and Steven Brown at the same meet two years ago. The mark was the fastest in the league in a decade and trails only Louisiana Tech’s 39.36 effort in 1985 and UT Arlington’s 39.58 recorded in 2000. It also ranks as the nation’s seventh-quickest time this spring.

Bond, meanwhile, made a triumphant return to the track he called home the previous two seasons.

The Trenton, N.J., native easily recorded the longest triple jump measurement of his career, 51-6 ¼ (15.70m), and he obliterated the previous Roadrunners mark of 49-5 ¾ (15.08m) set by Johnthan Whittaker in 2008. The Guyana native also set his country’s outdoor na-

tional record less than two months after skipping to an UTSA and Guyanese indoor standard of 52-5 ½ (15.99m) two months ago at the New Balance Invitational in New York City.

Williams also saw action in his inaugural 100m race of the season.

The three-time All-American posted the nation’s second-best time of the year when he crossed the tape in a wind-legal (3.7 m/s) 10.19 in the Invitational division and that was good for sixth place behind five professional athletes.

Other top performances included junior Brandon Chiuminetta, who raced to a runner-up finish in the 3,000m steeplechase (9:44.66) on the meet’s opening night, and freshman Keith Benford, who picked up a bronze medal in the high jump after recording a season-opening clearance of 6-11 (2.11m) and that ranks fourth on the school’s alltime performers list.

Meanwhile, the Birds received winning performances from freshman Katie Bragg [149-3 (45.50m) hammer] and fellow first-year performers Porshia Fobbs (14.97/100m hurdles), Zaquita McClanahan [4411 ¾ (13.71m) shot put], Phil Steinert [159-6 (48.62) hammer] and Colin Thomas [6-6 ¾ (2.00m) high jump] at the local Trinity Tigers Relays on Friday. The Birds added eight other top-three performances at the one-day meet.

UTSA returns to action next Saturday, April 10, at the Trinity Alumni Classic.

goUTSA.com The UTSA men’s tennis team won its sixth consecutive match with a rain-shortened 5-0 victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Friday at the Lamar Tennis Facility.

The Roadrunners improved to 10-6 on the season, while the Golden Lions dropped to 5-4 overall.

UTSA swept all three doubles matches for the early 1-0 lead.

Senior Rodrigo Morgado and sophomore Pedro Zanotelli made quick work of Bruno Hurtado and Jorge Villacis, 8-1, at the top spot. Freshman Martin Ayala and junior Daniel Moreiras then secured the point when they came off the court with an 8-3 victory against Adres Rio Bueno and Tito Bonadonna. Freshman Tyler Brown and junior Max Stratmann collected their teamleading ninth doubles win of the season with an 8-6 triumph against Hugo Gomez and Eduardo Luque at No. 2.

The Roadrunners continued their dominance in singles action with wins in four of the contests.

Zanotelli disposed of Rio Bueno with a pair of 6-1 wins at the No. 6 position, while Moreiras stretched the lead to three with his straight-sets victory at No. 4 (6-2, 6-1). Stratmann clinched the match for the Birds with his 6-1, 6-3 defeat of Huartado at No. 3.

On Saturday the team stretched its winning streak to seven matches with a 6-1 win at Lamar.

The Roadrunners improved to 11-7 overall and remained perfect in league action at 3-0.

The Birds opened the match with a 1-0 lead after collecting the doubles point.

Paisano-Online

com

File Photo

goUTSA.com

Senior Rodrigo Morgado was one of the many successful Roadrunners this weekend. Morgado and doubles partner Pedro Zanotelli won both of their games this weekend.

The freshman-junior combination ed his winning streak to a half dozen of Ayala and Moreiras put UTSA on with a 7-6, 6-4 victory at the No. 6 top with their 8-3 win against Marton spot. Freshman Tyler Brown fell beHorvath and Diego Snyder at the No. 3 hind Richard Filkuka 6-2 in the first set position. Morgado and Zanotelli paired but rallied to win the next two frames, up for the 8-5 victory at the top seed to 6-1, 6-3, to clinch the match at the No. give the Roadrunners the point.

3 slot. Ayala and Moreiras also collectUTSA then took five of the six sin- ed wins for the Roadrunners at Nos. 2 gles matches to secure the victory. and 5, respectively.

Morgado’s straight-sets win (6-4, UTSA heads to College Station for a 7-5) at No. 1 gave the Birds a 2-0 lead noon matchup at No. 12 Texas A&M and senior Jorge Delgado then extend- on Monday.

12

Sports

The Paisano

April 6, 2010

UTSA softball takes two of three UTSA baseball outslugs Texas against Southeastern Louisiana A&M-Corpus Christi, 15-10 Noah Ramirez

goUTSA.com

After close losses to the No. 17 Texas Longhorns (UT 8, UTSA 7; UT 4, UTSA 3) in last Tuesday’s doubleheader, the Roadrunner softball team claimed two-out-of-three wins against the Lady Lions of Southeastern Louisiana this past weekend at Roadrunner field.

UTSA 10, Se. Louisiana 6 UTSA (12-24, 8-10) began the weekend series with a 10-6 win on Friday night. Junior pitcher Danye Holmes got the win behind a 10 run, 14 hit output by the Roadrunners. Holmes went five innings allowing nine hits, and six runs—five of which were earned.

Sophomore pitcher Morgan Luksa got her first save on the season, going two innings while allowing only two hits. Holmes helped herself by going 2-4 at the plate, with four RBIs and one home run. Kristin Kappler sent two balls over the fence en route to four RBIs. Senior outfielder Rudi Cantu and sophomore shortstop Caitlyn Ivy also contributed two and three hits and a walk each in the win.

UTSA 9, Se. Louisiana 6 In the second game of Friday’s doubleheader against Southeastern Louisiana (6-21, 2-11) the ‘Runners defeated the Lady Lions 9-6 behind six innings from junior pitcher Emily Humpal— Humpal threw 72 out of 108 pitches.

UTSA found themselves all tied up coming into the bottom of the fifth before senior second baseman Kelly Cato delivered an RBI single that scored senior outfielder Chelsey Chapman.

Joseph Tidline/ The Paisano

paisanosports@sbcglobal.net

Sophomore shortstop Caitlyn Ivy sets up to bat. Ivy hit her eleventh home run of the season against Southern Louisiana on Friday.

Ivy also slugged her team-leading who collected her first win of the seaeleventh homer of the season in the son for the Lady Lions. inning, a two-run shot to center that Morse pitched a complete game, gave the orange and blue a little more allowing five hits and two runs while breathing room headed into the final striking out four. Roadrunner freshinnings. Luksa closed the door on the man Samantha Beeson gave UTSA Lady Lions for her second save of the their only runs on the day, a two-run night. gopher ball over the left-center wall— Se. Louisiana 5, UTSA 2 the first of her career.

In the series finale, the Roadrunners UTSA travels to Conway, Arkansas suffered their tenth conference loss of to take on Southland Conference opthe season. UTSA was limited to five ponent Central Arkansas (14-24, 4-10) hits and two runs afforded by South- for a three game series April 10- 11. eastern Louisiana pitcher Kati Morse,

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi pounded out 10 runs on 12 hits but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 15-run outburst by UTSA and the Roadrunners picked up a 15-10 victory in Saturday’s series finale at Chapman Field.

The Birds won their first Southland Conference series of the year in improving to 12-14 overall and 3-9 in the league. A&M-Corpus Christi dropped its eighth contest in the last 10 outings and fell to 1216 (4-8 SLC).

Junior right-hander Taylor Walton (3-1) earned the relief win after allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk in four innings.

UTSA jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first and never trailed the rest of the day.

Junior Ryan Hutson and freshman Ryan Dalton each had tworun base hits off Islanders starter Ian Campbell (3-4), who did not make it out of the inning.

AMCC had an opportunity to get back into the game after loading the bases with one out in the first, but Chris Vergne hit into the first of four double plays for the Islanders on the day.

After the Roadrunners added a run in the second and two more in the fourth, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi woke up offensively in the bottom of the fourth.

UTSA southpaw starter D.D. Towler walked Vergne and Weston

Montgomery to start the inning and Omar Garcia loaded the bases with a single. Bobby Buckner followed with grand slam to right to pull the Islanders within three at 7-4.

The Birds responded with three two-out runs in the fifth to extend the advantage to a half dozen, but AMCC tacked on a pair in the bottom of the frame.

The Roadrunners put up another three-spot in the sixth, but A&MCorpus Christi answered with four in the bottom of the panel.

UTSA put the contest out of reach with another pair of marks with two down in the seventh to wrap up the scoring.

The Birds rapped out 19 hits and finished the three-game set with 49.

Senior Lance Brown, junior Tyler Carpenter, senior Ryan Rummel and sophomore Casey Selsor all had three hits and Rummel had a team-high three RBIs. Garcia, Trey Hernandez and Caleb Marx each had a pair of hits for the Islanders.

The Roadrunners wrap up their five-game road trip on Tuesday at No. 22 Texas A&M (18-8-1).

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Sports 13 Women’s Final Four takes over San Antonio The Paisano

April 6, 2010

No. 1 UConn to face off against No.1 Stanford in rematch of 2008 women’s final.

Noah Ramirez

paisanosports@sbcglobal.net

Burk Frey/ The Paisano

For the fourth time in eight years, UTSA, the Alamodome, and San Antonio are playing host to the NCAA Final Four—a testament to the culture and zeal alive and well in the River City.

In addition to the women’s semifinal and national championship games, the city is bustling with activities of the final leg of women’s March Madness. Tourney Town Concerts featuring the Atlantics, Joe Nichols, Kate Voegele and Ayla Brown; a Battle of the Bands; and the WBCA High School All-America Game presented by Nike were just a few of this weekend’s events.

This year’s Final Four featured No. 3 Oklahoma vs. No. 1 Stanford in the first semifinal game and No. 1 Connecticut vs. No. 4 Baylor in the second semifinal game on Sunday night.

Inside the Alamodome 25,817 fans watched in boisterous support. Analysts and Baylor alums Trey Wingo, Kara Lawson and Carolyn Peck occupied an ESPN studio while banners dawning messages such as “High Quality of Play,” “Fundamentals,” “Role Models” and “Sportsmanship” hung from the third level.

Baylor freshman Brittney Griner blocks UConn junior Maya Moore. Griner had a total of 13 points on Saturday’s game, but UConn still came out victorious.

Stanford 73, Oklahoma 66 In the first semifinal game, Stanford dominated Oklahoma in the first half, creating a 34-21 advantage heading into the break. After making only 8-32 in the first half, the Sooners found themselves climbing out of a hole for much of the second half.

The hole would prove to be insurmountable as the Cardinals controlled most of the game, particularly in the frontcourt. The Sooners, who trailed

Paisano-Online

com

by as many as 18 points with 6:47 remaining in the second half, clawed their way to within four, 66-62, with 1:31 left on the clock.

But the Cardinal forward Nnemkadi Ogwumike totaled seven of her gamehigh 38 points in the final 51 seconds --including 5-5 from the free throw line. Stanford, who is making their third straight Final Four appearance, shot over 41 percent from the floor in the first half, 39 percent on the game.

In what would prove to be the difference, Stanford out-rebounded Oklahoma 53 to 41 and totaled 42 points in the paint compared to Oklahoma’s 30.

Danielle Robinson led the Sooners with 23 points, while hauling six boards and dishing six assists. In the end, Ogwumike was too much for Oklahoma; in addition to her 38 points, Ogwumike grabbed 16 rebounds while making 12-13 from the charity stripe.

“We did not have an answer for Nneka [Oqwumike] all night long,” said Oklahoma Head Coach Sherri Coale. “We just made some bad decisions and found ourselves in a hole.”

Connecticut 70, Baylor 50 The Connecticut Huskies entered this year’s tournament as one of the most feared teams in the history of women’s basketball--a status they have undoubtedly earned by maintaining a perfect mark of 37-0, and a NCAA record of winning 76 consecutive games.

UConn won its first four tourney games by an average of 47 points per game (ppg).

Baylor freshman center Brittney Griner led the Bears averaging 18.6 ppg on the season; Griner set a NCAA tournament record with 35 blocks through the first four games, 14 of which came against Georgetown.

The 2009 Naismith College Player

of the Year and 2010 candidate for the same award, Huskie forward Maya Moore proved why she is one of the most prolific players in the game.

Moore totaled 21 points on 9-14 shooting, including 3-5 from behind the arc, and that was only in the first half.

Moore finished the day leading all scorers with 34 points while pulling 12 rebounds. The Huskies entered halftime with a 39-26 lead on the strength of shooting 47 percent from the field.

Baylor got as close as three points, 41-38, after opening the second half on a 12-2 run over the first five minutes of the half, but Huskie Head Coach Geno Auriemma wouldn’t allow his team to stand idle for long, as Connecticut held Baylor to only 12 points over the final 14:55 of the game.

UConn center Tina Charles contributed 21 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished four assists in the victory.

Baylor forward Morghan Medlock and Griner compiled totals of 14 and 13 points and six rebounds, respectively.

If you’re looking for a reason to watch this year’s women’s National Championship game, think of Stanford like a Joe Frazier and UConn as a Muhammad Ali in a battle of college basketball titans. The Cardinals enter the game on a 27-game winning streak, and a 38-1 season; the lone loss was dealt by, the Huskies. The game which will take place April 6, just so happens to be the two-year anniversary of the Huskies’ last loss– an 82-73 defeat courtesy of Stanford.

The Cardinals will likely pay special attention to protecting the ball and limiting Connecticut’s offensive boards, as the Huskies converted 18 points off of 21 turnovers and 16 points on 14 offensive rebounds to defeat Baylor.