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CHAMPS!
Women’s soccer claims 2025 American Conference title
Professor reflects on repercussions of grant cut by NSF
By Marisela Cruz News Editor
Last spring, UT San Antonio experienced numerous cuts of federal funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation. These funds were used for grants and research endeavors across the university. Cuts have continued to significantly affect the university’s faculty and students.
The Paisano sat down with associate professor Dr. Crystal Kalinec-Craig from the College of Education and Human Development to discuss the grant that was terminated for her program. Kalinec-Craig is one of many faculty members who have experienced grant termination by the NSF.
While partnering with Kentucky State University and Georgia State University, Kalinec-Craig and her colleagues’ program — Noticing and Operationalizing Rehumanizing Mathematics — was awarded an NSF grant in 2023 for $158,787. When the grant was terminated $60,550.74 remained. UT San Antonio had to repay the remaining funds when notified that the NSF would no longer fund the NORM grant.
Twelve student candidates for this project would have done data collection and attended conferences for the program NORM. The NORM program grant was designed to be used across UT San Antonio and the two partner universities for the next four years. On April 18, Kalinec-Craig and other faculty members received a letter stating that their grant was terminated and unappealable.
Kalinec-Craig explained that the NORM program grant was terminated as it was not aligned with NSF principles and policies. She detailed how the NSF labeled
her grant’s language as in violation of their diversity, equity and inclusion policies. She stated that terms such as “rehumanizing” and “equitable” were used in the grant.
The UT San Antonio professor also thought the university being a Hispanic-serving institution may have also been flagged as going against the new anti-DEI policies.
“There was no research misconduct; there was no misuse of funds. We spent the next month working on an appeal to try to justify why our grant was still in line with the executive order. We had colleagues review our grant. They said that it was sound, that it was aligned with the NSF principles and mission, and that was sent off in May,” Kalinec-Craig explained.
At the end of summer, Kalinec-Craig and her colleagues received another letter stating that the appeal was denied. In turn, they had to return the remainder of the money left from the NORM program grant.
“This is probably the first time so many grants have been cut without warning and without any justification, and so the university was really caught off guard,” Kalinec-Craig explained. “It is becoming an incredibly punitive and scary place for professors to be able to even engage in [research], especially at a place like UT San Antonio, where the majority of our students are from Mexican and Central American backgrounds, or at least in my department, that’s primarily who we serve.”
According to the NSF website, the statement of priorities was last updated on April 18. When addressing how research efforts should be conducted, the website states that “these efforts should not preference some groups at the expense of others, or directly/indirectly exclude individuals or groups. Research projects with more narrow impact limited to subgroups of people based on protected class or characteristics do not effectuate NSF
priorities.”
Since the cuts took effect, Kalinec-Craig and her colleagues had to pivot to find another source of funding.
The Spencer Foundation allots money to those who had their grants terminated. Kalinec-Craig said that the $25,000 grant helped them for the fall 2025 semester and was divided among the three universities for the NORM program grant.
The NORM program will continue into spring 2026 as the Spencer grant assists them in paying the participants and further with funding research. Further plans are still in question for Kalinec-Craig and other colleagues experiencing the same funding shortcoming.
Professor of Applied Linguistics Martha Sidury Christiansen, a colleague whose funding experienced the same fate as Kalinec-Craig’s, explained to The Advance Journal that her grant was also terminated.
“My mind reeled, not with self-pity, but with the immediate nightmare scenario of my undergraduate research assistants losing their income, my PhD students losing their funding and five years of meticulously planned research collapsing,” Sidury Christiansen explained.
Kalinec-Craig warns that these cuts could have unforeseen effects on the academic community at large.
“We are on track to losing an entire generation of future colleagues because of these grant cuts,” KalinecCraig said. “The most important part of the story is that we are losing generations of future researchers and future colleagues and amazing scholars that would have done groundbreaking, life changing work, but because the grants have been cut and there are punitive structures in place for even applying for a new grant, it makes it incredibly difficult now to have grants funded without all of these restrictions.”
Courtesy /American Conference
NEWS
Proposition B approved Mayor notes next steps, insight from professor
By Jake Mireles Editor-in-Chief
Propositions A and B, concerning the revitalization of the Frost Bank Center, the surrounding rodeo grounds and the construction of a new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs, both passed in the most recent Bexar County election. Strong support was reported from San Antonio’s North and Northwest sides, while facing considerable opposition from the East and South sides. Prop A passed with 55.91% support and Prop B passed with 52.14% support.
With both projects approved, voters await the next steps. While there are many unknowns about the arena project and the greater Project Marvel, The Paisano followed up with Professor of Public Administration Heywood Sanders to discuss what voters can expect in the coming months and beyond.
Groundbreaking, construction progress
“It certainly won’t be immediately,” Sanders said when asked how soon voters can expect progress on construction. “Now that the venue tax has been approved, the county will have to do a bond issue, because it doesn’t have the money in hand.”
Now that voters have approved funding for the new arena project, the county will turn to the bond market, selling municipal bonds to investors to source funding for construction costs.
However, even when the county acquires funding for the project, it is unclear how quickly groundbreaking on the new arena will occur. The most recent timeline estimation provided by the City of San Antonio originates from an initial presentation about Project Marvel from Nov. 21, 2024. The presentation estimates that construction will begin in the second quarter of 2026 and will conclude in the second quarter of 2028. This does not account for any infrastructure or roadway upgrades that will occur in conjunction with the new arena’s construction. No updated timeline has been provided at the time of reporting.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones issues statement of support
Following the approval of Prop. B, of which Mayor Jones was a vocal skeptic, she released a statement of support for the project, committing to work with colleagues, investors and community leaders over the course of the project.
“Our urban core represents an opportunity to remake a vital part of our city — one that can drive economic activity, create quality jobs, and add affordable housing stock that our community desperately needs. I remain committed to working with Council colleagues, City Staff, the Spurs and with community leaders to develop a plan that ushers in an era of progress and affordability downtown,” Jones said. However, in accordance with her historical stance against the secretive nature of Project Marvel, Jones may seek further community involvement as more elements of Project Marvel are implemented.
“They can do it in any way they want,” Sanders said when asked what form community involvement may take. “Typically, there is an extended public process on these things in which various details of the project are presented to the public for input and discussion.
“Those could involve anything from specifics on the arena involving citing, design, traffic access, parking and
State of the City Week of 11/11
By Chloe Cotter Contributor
Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further.
Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week’s topics range from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to an apartment fire.
the like. There could well be a public process that examines the proposed convention center expansion. Another piece of the project is a proposal for a 1,000 room convention-centeroriented hotel. That hotel, the city staff has already indicated, may well require public incentives or subsidies. There should be a public discussion of that.”
Additional city funding for related projects
The passing of Prop. B has now begun the process of allocating public funds to contribute to the new downtown Spurs arena — much of which will be funded by the Spurs themselves, as outlined in the term sheet signed by both Spurs Sports & Entertainment and the City of San Antonio. The total cost of the arena is estimated to be $1.3 billion, with $500 million coming from SS&E and $800 million coming from the City of San Antonio and Bexar County.
However, the City of San Antonio released the estimated costs for necessary infrastructure upgrades in the immediate vicinity of the new Spurs arena, estimated to forecast a $250 million price tag. These infrastructure investments would include road upgrades, signal improvements, new pedestrian bridges, on-ramp construction and parking upgrades. It has not been made clear if public funding for these upgrades will require voter approval.
“It’s possible that the city council will see [Prop B] as a green light for the entire [Project Marvel]”
When it comes to funding for other projects related to Project Marvel, including convention center renovations, Alamodome renovations and hotel construction, voters may not get the opportunity to vote on the further use of public funds for these projects. These projects would be financed by funds collected by Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones and Project Finance Zones, which are not subject to public approval.
“It’s fundamentally up to the city council,” Sanders said. “The TIRZ does not require a public vote. The PFZ does not require a public vote. Its proposed expansion to the convention center with the city’s hotel occupancy tax revenues does not require a public vote. Those same revenues could be used, along with any of the others except for [those originating from] the TIRZ, to support the Alamodome, and those do not require a public vote.
“It’s possible that the city council will see [Prop. B] as a green light for the entire [Project Marvel].” This is a developing story. More updates will be provided at paisano-online.com as they become available.
Mayor announces $1.6 million raised for local SNAP
San Antonio businesses and community leaders have raised $1.6 million for residents who are now unable to receive SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones organized the fundraiser and prioritized lowincome families with young children and senior citizens. The money is given in the form of H-E-B gift cards. Major sponsors include USAA, Frost Bank, H-E-B and Spurs Sports & Entertainment, among others.
Democrats, GOP reach deal to end shutdown
Sunday night deal does not guarantee extension of expiring Affordable Care Act
By Johnpaul Buwule Staff Writer
Senate Republicans garnered enough votes from eight Senate Democrats to reopen the government, amassing a vote of 60-40. Lasting 40 days, this shutdown surpassed the previous shutdown lasting 35 days under President Donald Trump’s first term and is the longest government shutdown in history.
The Senate Democrats formed a barrier to passing an appropriations bill. Democrats abstained from passing any stopgap or appropriations bill. The party demanded from the Senate Republicans an extension to subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, which 24 million uninsured Americans rely on, set to expire at the end of this year.
Senate Democrats and GOP reached a deal, called the “minibus” package, Sunday night. This deal includes funding for departments so the government is reopened, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and backpay for federal workers who have been furloughed or working without pay.
While the deal will reopen the government, critics argue that the agreement is insufficient as it did not include an extension to the ACA subsidies. Without an extension, millions of uninsured Americans can see a 26% increase in insurance premiums. If the subsidies expire, experts predict that 4 million Americans would go uninsured without healthcare in 2034. Instead, Democrats have settled from a promise that Senate will begin negotiations and vote on an extension to the ACA by the end of the second week in December. The future of the ACA is uncertain, as both parties did not reach a definite conclusion on it.
The deal contains three full-year appropriations bills to fund certain departments — such as the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Veteran Affairs — through the end of the fiscal year next fall. Furthermore, the deal offers a continuing resolution to fund the government at existing spending levels through Jan. 30.
The deal would also fund SNAP through next September, a contentious issue throughout the shutdown and has faced numerous legal battles in court.
In the midst of the government shutdown, federal workers have faced repeated threats from the Trump administration of firing and mass layoffs, which he delivered through reductionin-force notifications. The deal would reinstate laid off federal workers and secure back pay for federal workers who were furloughed or working without pay.
Before the deal can reach Trump’s desk, there are still procedural issues and hurdles that get in the way of the passage of the spending package.
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is objecting to the consideration of this bill because the funding package’s language would close the 2018 Farm Bill loophole that has allowed unregulated hemp products to be sold.
Even though the Senate secured eight key democratic votes, Senate Democrats who have fought to preserve healthcare subsidies can delay the final passage.
Moreover, if the package passes in the Senate, the House and Trump must approve the package. Once the package enters the House, it faces fresh scrutiny, which House Speaker Mike Johnson would need the support of almost all House Republicans to outweigh objections from House Democrats.
The eight Democratic Senators who agreed to the Republican deal were Catherine Cortez of Nevada, Dick Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Angus King of Maine, Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.
Proposition A, B approved in Nov. 4 election
Proposition. A won with a 55.91% majority during election day, approving an increased hotel occupancy tax to cover the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum and the surrounding grounds. Proposition B won with 52% on election day. The proposition approves the construction of the proposed Spurs arena, paid for in part by San Antonio’s 5% car rental tax and an increase in the county’s Hotel Occupancy tax by 0.25%.
Northwest Side apartment complex catches fire
A fire in a USAA Boulevard apartment building has left several families displaced and one person injured. The San Antonio Fire Department arrived around 3 p.m. on Nov. 7 and was able to remove those inside with no casualties. The tenants are currently being housed on-site in the apartment complex until further notice. The fire is believed to have begun on a second-story balcony and quickly spread, leading to a roof collapse and total loss of the building. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Noah Schwencke/The Paisano
Project Marvel; the anticipated Sports and Entertainment district will soon be funded with car rental and hotel tax increase approved by Prop B.
OPINION
Unclear prepositions, uncertain voters
Editorial
VLanguage issues in Texas propositions may have confused voters
oters easily passed all 17 amendments to the Texas Constitution during the Nov. 4 election. The amendments covered a wide range of topics, including preventing or decreasing various taxation methods, affirming parental rights and adjusting the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Almost every proposition passed by at least 20 points, making the results cut and dry; however, the language used in many propositions remains unclear.
For as long as the nation has existed, deciphering language in legislation has been a challenge. The U.S. even has a section of government dedicated to decoding what certain laws mean — the judicial branch. If the Supreme Court still cannot consistently settle what certain amendments imply, voters are even less likely to understand when voting for initiatives designed to be confusing. The Texas propositions in the latest election were no different — some were difficult to understand or had unclear effects, which could have led voters to act against their own interests unknowingly.
Proposition 15 read, “The constitutional amendment
affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children.” The amendment will likely allow parents to further encroach on education, politicizing it in the process.
While conservative groups may agree with enshrining parental choice, Prop. 15’s vague language actually removes all autonomy from parents. Ultimately, parents will never get to decide what “the right to make decisions concerning [their] child’s upbringing” entails. When an enshrined right is unclear, it is the courts and legislature that decide what it means. The citizens the proposition was designed to protect are cut out of the process — a key factor many voters were likely unaware of.
On the other side is Proposition 12, altering the State Commission on Judicial Conduct’s membership. The proposition’s language was nearly the longest on the ballot, but failed to explain its effects. Any voter who did not deliberately research this specific proposition would only understand that it will “change” the commission’s composition. They would not know that the proposition gives the governor more power by allowing him to appoint more commission members.
Unclear ballot language places a greater burden on
voters who must spend additional time on a voting process that should be seamless. Voters with low literacy face additional challenges when ballots are poorly written. Similar to gerrymandering, ballot design allows to choose and manipulate voters rather than allowing constituents to elect what is best for them. In the next election cycle, voters can submit corrections to the Secretary of State, and state legislators should be petitioned to create clearer ballot language.
Point V. counterpoint: government shutdown
Democrats starve 41 million Americans
Point v. Counterpoint
By Henry Holmes Staff Writer
With 41 million Americans losing access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and 1.4 million federal workers furloughed or working without pay, the 40day federal shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — has created devastating effects.
Planes are crashing, and 1.3 million active-duty military personnel have been abandoned since federal workers cannot be paid because a few holdout Democrats had refused to sign a spending bill to reopen the government.
Furloughed federal worker Stephanie Rogers, with two young daughters, moved in with her mother before the shutdown. Even with precaution, she states in an NPR interview, “I don’t know if I even have a job when I walk away from this, much less if I will get paid.”
Rogers is not alone in her financial uncertainty. Millions of Americans have been placed in a perilous predicament. The Democrat-induced shutdown will cause 4.5 million paychecks, or $21 billion in wages, to be withheld from hardworking American families.
Democrats refuse to reopen the government unless Republicans extend Affordable Care Act funding expiring at year’s end. In either scenario, Americans are placed into a lose-lose situation. On one side, the shutdown inflicts more damage, or the ACA and government handouts continue to impoverish the public.
Since the ACA was introduced, healthcare costs have continued to skyrocket to unaffordable levels. Premiums for individuals have increased by 213%, and 245% for families. Government handouts increase reliance on the government. If this shutdown were 100 years ago, people’s
healthcare and method of putting food on the table would not have been jeopardized. Handouts create dependence, and dependence gives control to those who should have it the least: politicians.
Even if the ACA was not substantially more damaging than it was useful, democrats have chosen to starve the country’s most impoverished today rather than negotiate tomorrow. If they truly cared about lowering costs, they would feed the millions on SNAP and negotiate so that handouts are not needed at all later. In San Antonio, 300,000 people lost their SNAP benefits, and 1.7 million children in Texas are risking going without food.
While Democrats battle to extend the ACA, 1 million veterans struggle to access services from the Department of Veterans Affairs; while Democrats blame Republicans for the shutdown, $1.6 billion has been withheld from schools; while Democrats voted against 13 funding bills, 41 million Americans
Republicans strip civilians’ SNAP benefits
Point v. Counterpoint
By Jake Mireles Editor-in-Chief
The first 10 months of President Donald Trump’s presidency have been riddled with unprecedented, unjustifiable cuts to social safety nets. The Republican battle against the well-being of vulnerable Americans has culminated in the longest government shutdown in the history of the U.S. — a direct consequence of Trump’s deadly incompetence.
On Oct. 1, Congress failed to pass a bill extending the federal government’s budget. Republicans, who hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, want to pass a stopgap spending bill that would unconditionally continue to fund the government. However, Democrats are using the Republicans’ slim majority in the Senate to their advantage, pushing to extend Medicaid subsidies set to expire in January. Medicaid is primarily used by children, the elderly, those with disabilities and low-income citizens.
multiple paychecks. In a nation where 67% of workers are living paycheck to paycheck, unable to save after covering basic necessities, this shutdown will be detrimental. Trump warned federal workers that backpay for paychecks missed during the shutdown is not a guarantee, a vile display of disregard for every furloughed federal employee and a direct contradiction to a law passed under Trump’s first administration.
As the shutdown has continued, funding allocated for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ran dry, sending states scrambling to feed their most vulnerable citizens. State assistance may not meet the level provided by the federal government, as some states implement programs that exclude “able-bodied” adults who are not primary caregivers for children or their elderly relatives. Nonprofit agencies and Democratic attorneys have sued the federal government to release SNAP payments scheduled for November and have won favorable rulings, causing states to release payments to millions of recipients immediately.
On Nov. 9, the Supreme Court issued an emergency injunction on court orders requiring SNAP disbursement. The Trump administration demanded that states claw back dispersed payments from SNAP recipients — one of the most heinous, unjustifiable actions of cruelty in Trump’s second term. These citizens cannot afford food, and Republicans are forcing them to give back the one ounce of hope they have received since the government shut its doors.
Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the executive. They hold the power to end the pain, anguish, fear and desperation caused by this government shutdown, yet they refuse to act.
Pushed out: Texas turns its back on queer youth
Commentary
By Audrey Villar Web Editor
Homelessness disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ individuals. In the queer community, 28% of youth reported experiencing housing instability at best and homelessness at worst. Of all homeless youth, 40% are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, despite only 9.3% of people in
the U.S. identifying this way. This points to a clear systematic and cultural problem in the country, as vulnerable queer youth are failed repeatedly by their families and the government. In San Antonio, LGBTQ+ homelessness has increased by 10% since 2020. This reveals a terrifying upward trend in the nation, exacerbated by harmful rhetoric in Texas and a lack of institutional help.
Recent Texas legislation contributes to destructive societal views surrounding the queer community. Earlier this year, Gov. Greg Abbott started an initiative to ban all diversity, equity and inclusion policies in Texas institutions, including universities. A host of bills were passed in 2023 that stripped rights from transgender individuals, such as banning puberty blockers and limiting gendered sports teams to biological sex.
Even drag communities — a pillar within the LGBTQ community — were
targeted. A bill aimed at banning sexual performances in front of children used wording specifically targeting drag shows, stating that any prosthetics used to enhance gendered characteristics would result in criminal charges. This selective wording singles out queer performers.
These recent state politics contribute to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, which is why many gay youth become homeless. Familial rejection and unsafe living situations due to homophobia in Texas households lead many teens to live on the streets. As Christian anti-queer rhetoric is continually perpetuated by Abbott, Texas households are strongly influenced by that outlook on the community.
Homelessness has detrimental physical and mental health effects, but Texas laws regularly demonstrate a lack of concern for affected queer individuals. Mental illness rates statistically double in homeless populations. A huge disparity already
exists between LGBTQ+ people suffering from mental illness versus those not a part of the community, and the increasing homelessness crisis only aggravates this inequality.
Additionally, individuals without a home are at increased risk for physiological conditions that compromise their physical health. They often lack proper access to medical or preventative care to maintain good health. As such, the LGBTQ+ community is disproportionately affected, as their rates of homelessness continue to rise in San Antonio. As the Alamo City’s homeless queer population continues to rise, so do the health risks that they are already vulnerable to. Homeless rates will keep worsening with the developing anti-queer rhetoric in Texas politics, and LGBTQ+ individuals suffer at the hands of Abbott.
Blue US is no longer a fairytale
Commentary
By Emma Cavanaugh Staff Writer
It is about time Democrats regain their voices after a year of President Donald Trump’s towering intimidation. Following the second “No Kings” protests, Democrats continued to march their way to the polls, securing numerous victories across the U.S. This past year has been filled with countless attempts by Trump to turn America into a dictatorship. With more democratic leaders, America can attain a fair democracy and fight Trump’s current unchecked rule.
Of course, any democratic victory could not go without Trump’s classic phrase — “they stole the election.” A tired, overused
Virginia has elected a new governor and Lt. Governor, Abigail Spanberger and Ghazala Hashmi. The state made history by seating its first female governor, as well as Hashmi, the first Muslim American woman to hold statewide office in the country’s history. New Jersey elected Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill as their third consecutive Democratic governor, an accomplishment last attained in the 1960s. These record-setting victories are only the beginning; America will see a brighter future. A government that represents the people’s needs, not just Trump’s wants, is possible. With increased democratic representation, the current echo chamber of unrestrained conservative ruling will come to an end.
“TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Virginian Democrats swept the election floor statewide, with Jay Jones winning the state’s attorney general race.
Detroit elected new mayor Mary Sheffield. Connecticut sat new Democratic mayors in Stratford, Milford and New Britain. New York secured Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest in more than a century. Beating former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York had its largest voter turnout for a mayoral race in three decades, despite Trump’s domineering. President Trump calling Mamdani a “communist” and threatening to cut off financial support held no standing against citizens who are fed up with seeing American democracy perpetually fail.
Mamdani confirmed the shared outrage during his victory speech, as he declared, “To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.” Local elections are a win for all of America, a sign that real change is on the horizon. Americans will no longer stand idle to Trump’s tyrannical presidency. The nation can now, not just flaunt the word, but actually practice democracy.
Redistricting took center stage this election following recent controversy in Texas and other states, with their sneaky unfair advantages in Republican congressional seating. In response, Californians fought for Proposition 50, standing as the first state to counter Republicans’ mid-cycle redistricting. Prop. 50 allows for the redrawing of congressional district lines, giving them an additional five House seats. Mississippi was also able to attain several seats in the House and Senate, benefiting from new redistricting. States have been playing dirty, and others are fighting back — America now can fight the majority republican house. This stands as a possibility to return to a democratic nation.
America has a real chance at a change now with the proud citizens who showed up and made their voices heard through classic democracy. Fighting Trump’s attempt at dictatorship is now possible with new democratic representation. Keep voting in local elections and pressing for change.
California fires back against Texas
By Aidan Gonzalez Staff Writer
In passing Proposition 50, California sent a clear and unapologetic message to the rest of the nation: If Republicans are willing to gerrymander to win elections, Democrats should too. For years, Republicanled states like Texas and Florida have shamelessly gerrymandered congressional maps to dilute minority voices and secure artificial majorities. California’s decision to temporarily restore redistricting power to the legislature is not an act of hypocrisy but of selfdefense.
The Republican Party has mastered the art of manipulating district lines to guarantee outcomes before a single vote is cast. In Texas, for instance, Republican lawmakers redrew districts after the 2020 Census to grasp dominance despite the state’s rapidly growing and diversifying population. Republican-drawn maps in Texas reduce the voting power of Black
and Latino communities and all but erase competitive districts. When one side abandons fairness, it is naive to expect the
control Congress, taking the high road is not noble; it is surrender.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Democrats argue that this move is about protecting democracy, not undermining it. They are right. California is not trying to silence voters; it is ensuring representation in Congress reflects the actual will of Californians. The previous independent maps diluted California’s influence in national politics, while GOP states drew maps explicitly designed to boost their power in Washington. Prop. 50 will help the state regain the House seats that were unfairly given to Republicans via partisan gerrymandering in other states. Passing Prop. 50 was not an attack on democracy; it was an act of democratic preservation. In a country where one party has rewritten the rules, the other cannot afford to sit quietly and hope fairness will return to its own. The cost of sitting idly is watching democracy slip away from the hands of the American people. Proposition 50 is not a political maneuver; it is a response to an unfair game.
Abbott insults Mamdani’s sweep
Commentary
By Henry Holmes Staff Writer
After winning the election for New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani declared, “[He] can see the dawn of a better day for humanity.” The mayor-elect ran on a platform designed to move power from the few to the many by making New York more affordable. While he is a Democratic Socialist, Republicans and Democrats alike have called him a “Communist” threat. Attempting to prevent Mamdani’s election, several politicians have unjustly threatened to take serious action against the city if he wins. Gov. Greg Abbott stated that he “will impose a 100% tariff on anyone moving to Texas from NYC,” and asked for “a moment of silence for NYC” following the election.
At this point, all that separates Abbott from an infant is his diaper size. The governor cannot seriously claim to defend the Constitution adamantly while actively disregarding it. States do not have the power to tax citizens from one state moving to another. His declaration signifies nothing more than childish political signaling.
Before the governor gave his “thoughts and prayers” to NYC for Mamdani’s election, he should have taken a look inward at what his policies have done for Texas. Republicans have controlled the
Texas Governor’s office for over 30 years, but have yet to implement positive change.
Texas ranks sixth worst in the nation for affordable housing, only slightly lower than the national average for overall costof-living and nearly last for healthcare, with no indications of improving. Many of Mamdani’s policies would benefit Abbott and Texas.
In large Texas cities like Austin and San Antonio, poverty-stricken residents are continuously priced out of their neighborhoods. While Abbott is the boy who cried “Communist,” Mamdani has promised to make NYC more affordable by building 200,000 housing units over 10 years, freezing rent in rent-stabilized apartments and changing the city tax system to combat gentrification.
The state also had the opportunity to care for its poorest residents in the latest election. Instead, it elected to prioritize tax issues that more predominantly affect wealthier Texans. While Abbott has sent the Texas Guard to arrest immigrant families in other states, Mamdani promises to fix NYC’s cost of living issues by making buses free, creating city-owned grocery stores and regulating corporations with abusive practices.
The only thoughts that should be sent to New York are thoughts
The Paisano
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to move there.
It is truly a wonder how politicians have failed to move past calling any progressive a “Communist.” Rather than actually address progressive policies for what they are, an immature label is slapped on them. After over 100 years, the practice has proven tiring and unproductive.
Hopefully, Mamdani’s victory can inspire Abbott to finally dare take a seat at the grown-ups’ table. Until then, his low-effort comments will spoil, letting Texas and his party fall behind.
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J Law kills in ‘Die My Love’
By Audrey Villar Web Editor
Spoiler Warning
“Die My Love,” a dark psychological drama, explores the experience of a new mother as she struggles to adapt to her changing life and relationship. Directed by Lynne Ramsay, the film masterfully uses dry comedy and unhinged acting to portray a mental decline and emotional tension through a crazed lens.
As the movie opens, the captive camera resides in the kitchen as Grace, played by Jennifer Lawrence, and Jackson, played by Robert Pattinson, arrive at a dilapidated house. They explore the rooms and discuss their plans for moving in. Such static shots are employed multiple times throughout the movie, making the audience a passive viewer to the couple’s life. Attention is drawn away from the visuals and to their dialogue, emphasizing their playful dynamic.
The couple’s turbulent relationship slowly devolves throughout the film. An intimate scene early on shows them crawling like predator and prey, with playful fighting shining light on the lively nature of their dynamic. As the movie continues, tense arguing scenes in which Jackson reaches out and Grace pulls away with her deflective tactics show a decline in their relationship, and intimate scenes no longer exist.
Lawrence expertly portrays Grace’s emotional detachment. The way in which she shuts down when confronted with a serious situation, peppered with the occasional existentialist remark, followed by a comedic punch, displays her inability to feel and process her mental state properly.
Grace’s interaction with her baby further contributes to the aloof manner in which she carries herself. The child is constantly referred to as “the baby” or “the boy.” The lack of a given name demonstrates distance. She consistently disregards her baby in favor of momentary fun, creating an emotional disconnect where Grace is unable to step into motherhood. Her crazed behavior and dialogue create an erratic atmosphere, deftly showcasing her descent into madness.
The consistent theme of Grace’s unseen writing career metaphorically symbolizes her stunted emotional state as well. Characters hint at her stagnant process, with no scenes showing her so much as sitting down to write. This reflects her mentality, suffering from an inability to adapt to her new situation.
Lawrence further portrays Grace’s unstable mentality through her unconventional mannerisms and actions. She is seen crawling throughout the film, prowling through the grass and getting on all fours to confront the constantly barking dog that she cannot stand. She even strips down to her underwear and jumps into a pool at a party full of children, entirely disregarding societal norms that may restrict her actions.
“Die My Love” is a creative and expert depiction of a new mother’s slow decline into insanity. Lawrence seamlessly steps into the shoes of a struggling woman who cannot come to terms with her own psyche, showing a striking performance that creates an emotionally impactful and riveting film.
Give Alex Ramirez flowers
By Alexei Sanchez Contributor
Writer, director and San Antonio native Alex Ramirez’s “Flowergiver” is a coming-of-age tale of “a selfdestructive teen skater” falling for “a Latina muralist” with a deep secret. Following themes of grief, young love and identity, “Flowergiver” is set in 2007 in San Antonio’s West Side.
Q: Where did the idea of “Flowergiver” stem from?
AR: Well, it’s really born out of my childhood years of growing up on the Far West Side and memories of early memories of San Antonio in the 90s. A lot of the characters in the film [are] inspired by people that I knew, and it’s been a story that I wanted to tell for a long time.
Q: Filming is taking place here in San Antonio; why San Antonio?
AR: I think San Antonio is really important to my work as a filmmaker, as a writer, as a teacher. So that’s what’s really exciting about this. We’re trying to go local for almost all the casting.
Q: What are your thoughts on San Antonio’s film and art scene?
AR: This real kind of building of the community, for example, like our theater scene here, is becoming so robust, and I’m seeing such a great generation of young actors who are really coming through that scene.
Q: Which films and filmmakers have inspired you? And are any of them SA natives like Robert Rodriguez for instance?
AR: What I love about someone like Robert Rodriguez is you really see these tenants of rasquachismo and DIY, which is absolutely crucial
to just any art being made. As like the paradigm that I see a lot of DIY film makers here in San Antonio like following. Japanese cinema during the 80s. In the 2000s, I think there was such a specific aesthetic that in a weird way I saw my own memories. “All About Lily Chou-Chou” by Shunji Iwai, these great films by Wong KarWai, that’s immediately what I was thinking about. You also see it through this kind of grainy, 2000s, video, glitchy lens that is really hyper specific to that era.
Q: How are you going to implement your influence from foreign directors?
AR: I work by reference. I teach media, film and photography, but it also includes aspects of graphic design and just media at large. And the way I’ve kind of thought about this project is to really be comfortable mixing formats in digital high definition the way you would shoot something normally and then intercutting it [with] old Handycam footage for a certain aesthetic, a certain feel.
Q: What are some of the locations on the West Side that viewers are looking forward to possibly?
Q: How do you think “Flowergiver” will be or has been impacted with the recent laws passed regarding filming in Texas?
AR:Yeah, our production’s definitely been hit. I’m laughing, but it’s not funny. People want local stories told, but this is the kind of story it seems like an administration and would not like a story like this told. I just wanted to tell a good story. I never intended for an overt political message. But I do recognize that my very existence, the existence of this film, people who are going to be in it — our existence is an act of resistance. I suppose it’s something I can’t even really escape from.
Q: What kind of advice do you have for young filmmakers, actors and artists? Specifically in San Antonio. AR: It’s tough. That’s no secret. But I think because it’s a tough industry, you really have to learn to be your own hero because things will get tough. People think of [filmmaking] as an art form, but it’s also a job. If you want to be a great filmmaker, kind of have to become familiar with not just the classics. You need to be able to read things that are of different viewpoints. I just hope filmmakers read more.
Q: Once “Flowergiver” is released, what’s the big take away you want the audience to see?
AR: I think I just want them to realize that you know this city and time existed. I love the community that this film is really about. I wanted to immortalize that.
AR: We haven’t secured locations, but we’ve done tons of scouting throughout the city. A lot of San Antonio that I’ve seen throughout the years, the way it’s represented in [the] media at large is like people know two things: the Alamo and the Riverwalk. But I really feel like San Antonio is so much more. I love the natural aspects. I don’t think they get enough representation, you know. My memories of the West Side, and I say this very lovingly, are of this kind of like nature mixed with this industrialization and this decay of the West Side.
Hocus pocus, ‘NYSM: NYD’ magic is atrocious
By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor
Director Ruben Fleischer looks to revive the decade-old franchise “Now You See Me” with his latest film, “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.” However, this revival functions purely to turn a profit on younger audiences, and it does so incredibly poorly. Everything from costume design to exposition to dialogue is executed so terribly anyone associated with this movie’s production ought to be ashamed of themselves. It should not be seen at all.
Fleisher adds three Gen Z characters to the original “Horsemen” of the franchise. Aside from age setting them apart from the older cast members, their attire does as well. Any Zoomer watching the film can tell a Millennial, Gen X or the least fashionable Gen Zer to walk the earth was behind the costume design.
The first outfit of the Gen Z girl named June, played by Ariana Greenblatt, is reminiscent of the TikTokviral e-girls of 2020. The choice of dress is dated. The two Gen Z boys repeat the exact same outfit formula throughout the movie: usually a white t-shirt, a cropped jacket or overshirt and a wide-leg pant. For the sake of inclusivity, June also wears the same clothing combo in later scenes.
The unimaginative formula becomes exhausting, especially when the young characters wear the same casual clothes to formal events. The pieces worn by the cast, both young and old, look cheap as well. Horsemen who pull off massive heists on the wealthy and corrupt and villains who control immense riches should be able to afford more than pleather jackets and trendy, elevated basics.
“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” is where the “show, don’t tell” technique in storytelling goes to die. Original Horseman Atlas, played by Jesse Eisenberg, makes a habit of monologuing characters’ backgrounds and the next trick to be pulled, effectively spoonfeeding the audience the exposition.
The dialogue does not get much better. If viewers were to take a shot every time an old Horseman takes a dig at how young the Gen Zers are, they would be blackout drunk by the end of the movie. The Gen Z
versus Millennial and Gen X debate should have been confined to TikTok and Reddit. Whoever greenlit it to go on the big screen deserves to age like milk.
Fleisher really took a step outside the box with the film’s antagonist. Spoiler alert: she has an accent — how experimental. Rosamund Pike plays Verionika Vanderberg, the eye-rollingly, comically despicable super-villain. Pike’s accent throughout the film is tricky to pin-point as it shifts from kind of British to sort of French and maybe a bit German. Turns out the accent is South African, which
Pike only achieves some of the time.
The film also contains an irritating amount of buzzwords. Hearing “AI,” “deepfake,” “cryptocurrency,” “anticapitalist,” “Nazi,” “daddy issues,” “attention,” “slaps,” “motorsport” and “Abu Dhabi” all in one movie sounds like the top 10 trending topics on social media in the 2020s. If the abysmal script and awful costumes were not enough, there are a plethora of cliches, questionable character decisions, corny life lessons and outright impossible physics indicative of lazy writing rather than movie magic.
Atlas reveals the entire journey he and the young Horsemen will undergo to steal a diamond in busy, public settings where anyone could overhear. The enemy, with eyes, ears and connections spanning the globe, is somehow oblivious to the group’s public announcement.
June gets a “girl-boss” moment to show an older Horseman “girl-power” — how original. Yet again, a Black character has an absentee parent. Wonderful work from Fleischer and co., breaking away from stereotypical portrayals of Black characters in the media.
The film presents the corniest “takeaways” and “life lessons” imaginable. It is as if the screenwriters plucked the lowest-hanging fruit to concoct the script’s “heartfelt” moments.
Where it has no place, a love story is haphazardly slapped together and forced into the movie’s plot. It feels like a half-baked afterthought of a concept slipped through to the final cut via back-to-back blunders by the producers.
Only children would find exposition being spoonfed to them, overused cliches and glaringly horrendous acting and character design to be palateable. Any sensible adult with baseline media literacy would see through the CGI magic tricks to the motion picture’s piss-poor execution. “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” shows Gen Z from Gen X’s perspective for Millennials’ Gen Alpha children to consume at their financial expense. This disappointing motion picture will unfortunately be released in theaters starting Nov. 14.
Mason Hickok/The Paisano
ARTS & LIFE
Wigs, R owdy, Halloween
By Emma Cavanaugh Staff Writer
As UT San Antonio’s weather chills and students recover from a spooky weekend, they are filled with school pride, Halloween spirit and an immense urge to skip class. The wind is blowing, students are holding down their wigs and trying to pull themselves together to end the semester.
This week, The Paisano interviewed first-year computer science major Dominic Fornicola, first-year nursing major Chelsea Folarin, first-year biology major — cybersecurity minor — Christabel Onwuemelu and graduate finance major Henry Barajas.
What is the weirdest Halloween costume you saw last weekend?
‘Runners ran into some spooky folks this Halloween. Fornicola and Barajas both referenced themselves as the weirdest — perhaps the freakiest — thing one can be is a Roadrunner.
“I was Paully D and I thought that was actually a lot of fun,” Fornicola said.
“Last weekend I saw someone dressed as Druski,” Barajas recalled. “It was me by the way, but I looked fly as hell though.”
Onwuemelu saw a bloody Jackie Kennedy post, referencing the former first lady following her husband’s assassination. Folarin remembers seeing the Twin Towers.
Rowdy the roadrunner… would you?
It seems ‘Runners have got the hots for Rowdy. Students all eagerly noted their adoration for Rowdy, except Onwuemelu, who appeared flustered and left her answer ambiguous.
“Eeeuuhhh… Hear me out, Hear me out,” Onwuemelu muttered.
“Handsome, charming, all the above. Something about that orange and blue though… most definitely I would,” Barajas stated.
Fornicola and Folarin blushed about their infatuation with Rowdy. He’s got some passionate fans — howdy Rowdy.
Do you wear wigs? Have you worn wigs? Will you wear wigs?
At UT San Antonio, students have determined that if one wants to look tantalizing — one has got to lay that lace.
“[I will wear wigs] for Rowdy,” Fornicola said with a devilish smirk.
“Yes, when I wanna look real sexy,” Folarin proclaimed. Barajas and Onwuemelu agreed they have worn wigs. What is the craziest reason you have skipped class?
“I don’t really be skipping class unless I really have to study,” Onwuemelu said. “I’m a nerd.”
“I had a really big crush on a girl who used to go to my run club,” Barajas confessed. “So, I skipped class to go to run club and run three miles with this girl.”
Fornicola and Folarin expressed no absurd reasoning for their absences; they simply did not want to go.
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Feeding Roadrunners
By Lori Zaragoza Staff Writer
Main Campus’s Whataburger Resource Room, located in Student Union room 1.04.06, has been open to students, faculty and staff in need of food or other essentials since March of 2017. When one enters the food pantry, they are immediately captivated by how full the pantry is with food for students. The colorful foods and the open door bring in a welcoming vibe. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable in the ways to assist anyone that needs it.
The food pantry was named after the partnership between UT San Antonio and the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Program. The pantry also receives assistance from the San Antonio Food Bank. The university also has a pantry at the Downtown Campus, located in the Durango Building in room 1.306.
The resource room supports all UT San Antonio students and is open Tuesday through Thursday, as well as Saturday. On Friday, the pantry is closed to replenish and restock. There are volunteer positions that are offered to help refill the pantry and other events, like the Thanksgiving meal bagging event, associated with the university or the pantry itself.
The Paisano interviewed political science major Lesley Guzman, who has worked at the food pantry for three years.
“[We] provide UTSA students, staff and faculty with free resources,” Guzman said when asked about the purpose of the resource room.
A big part of the pantry’s mission is to help support students
may not be able to afford them. Guzman continued, “Not just limited to food, we have hygiene products, baby food, pet food, scantrons and school supplies.”
The pantry accepts donations through its collection bins located outside of the Whataburger Resource Room in the Student Union. The pantry is for students who are going through difficult times or just need food in general. The food pantry believes everybody’s situation is different and they are there to assist with all types of situations through food or clothing.
“We are here to make sure students, staff and faculty are fed, especially during times like these,” Guzman stated.“I really like the aspect of helping people. We are all in the same boat here at UTSA, and we just got to be there for one Whataburger Resource Room has its own Instagram account sharing updates, photos, information and recipes for students. The pantry was created to help with student success by helping to feed students all year. The partnership with the SAFB shows the connection that UT San Antonio has to the city and the students within it.
Míra Matcha: Matcha done right
By Aidan Gonzalez Staff Writer
If anyone in San Antonio is a fan of matcha or wants to find a new cafe, Míra Matcha is one spot people should look out for. The shop is located at 2202 Broadway St. in a quaint little trailer, but it makes a big impression. From the first sip, it is truly clear that this place cares about craft and quality.
The drinks worth trying include La Clasica with Mexican Vanilla and the ‘94 Matcha. La Clasica was rich with bountiful flavor without being too earthy or bitter. The Mexican Vanilla enhanced the matcha’s taste while bringing in a sweet, warm flavor. La Clasica stands out from most matchas in the city, and watching its creation and seeing the level of care the barista put into the drink made it all the more special.
The second matcha one should try is the ‘94 Matcha. The first notable detail of this drink is the blue color — a contrast to the idyllic green of matcha. This hue made its appearance aesthetically pleasing, and the drink’s flavor spoke for itself. Made with blue spirulina and apple cinnamon syrup, both flavors enhance the matcha without overpowering the matcha
flavor. They complemented each other as it was extremely present with the apple peaking through along with the spirulina.
Míra Matcha does not try too hard to be fancy or complicated. The setup is clean, and the menu is very simple. The warm trailer invites customers in with its wooden decorations that adorn the walls.
The staff is also very friendly, making quick work of the matchas while ensuring each drink is made to the best quality possible. Whether it is before work, between classes or just for the weekend, the calm and friendly atmosphere makes it a spot worth revisiting.
Míra Matcha proves a standout in San Antonio’s matcha scene. Both drinks ordered were exceptional and some of the best matcha in San Antonio. The trailer setup creates a sense of authenticity, and the quality of the drinks is to die for. The only thing the shop could improve is the seating as there is not much where the trailer is parked. Míra Matcha is a mustsee place in San Antonio. The matcha differentiates itself from the commercially accepted beverages of Dutch Bros. and Starbucks — a new story can be told with every sip.
Míra Matcha has a shop located at 2202
St.
Genevieve Vega/The Paisano
Aidan Moreno/The Paisano
Jazz Student Ensemble recital
By Noah Schwencke Photographer
UTSA hockey delivers Houston a Texas-sized defeat
By Sarah Quintanilla Graphic Editor
SAN ANTONIO – After a high-scoring 9-1 win the night before, UTSA hockey secured a flawless weekend by defeating the University of Houston 4-0 on Saturday at the Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods.
The puck on the cold ice of the rink was at the center stage of the face-off; as soon as the whistle was blown for the first period, players commenced in their pursuit of it. UTSA’s Thad Bielanski scored the first goal three minutes into the game. The remaining time was spent on saucer passes, UTSA battling with Houston’s defense and body checks on the boards. Throughout the first period, PhD student Joe Spracklen’s butterfly goaltending was a strong technique that did not let a single puck hit the net.
Spracklen, captain and goalie of the team, shared his expectations before the game.
“We know our team is gonna come out with a lot of passion, with a lot of hunger,” he said. “The guys are ready to go, we’re hoping for a big win.”
Two minutes into the second period, freshman defender Justin Trevino scored an insurance goal with a clear snapshot. Houston furiously glided through the ice in defense of their goalie, but ultimately failed to register a rebuttal score. Graduate forward Travis Sorce scored the third goal with 14 minutes left on the clock, and junior forward Jaylen Mendez scored the fourth and last goal of the night a minute later.
“I think today was more focused on not underestimating them after a big win,” head coach Zac Swank shared. “We still came out, we won four to nothing, so we listened to the game plan and stuck to details, so that’s where we found success.”
After the fourth goal hit the net, full-strength saucer passes and offside stoppages filled the remainder of the time. Mendez earned a visit to the penalty box for cross-checking, ultimately causing a 5-on4 favoring Houston two minutes before the second period ended.
Tensions arose in the third period as sophomore forward Jackson Stubblefield was dragged to the penalty box three minutes into the game for holding the opponent’s stick, causing another power play on Houston’s side for two minutes. Spracklen repeatedly froze the puck with every shot on goal from Houston, earning MVP of the game for greatly aiding his team’s success.
With one minute left on the clock, sticks hit the floor as a fistfight broke out between Stubblefield and a Cougar defender, resulting in both players being ejected.
“I think I’m most proud of the team and our efforts to never give up honestly, and trying to keep our composure,” Mendez said. “I know we lose our heads sometimes, it’s just part of the game but I think next week we have to be ready as a team and just play smart hockey, and definitely learn from this weekend and keep the win streak going.”
“My mindset was just to stick to our game plan and play hard, which is to get pucks deep and be on the defensive side of the puck,” Trevino said. “We had a lot of players back from suspensions tonight but we were able to execute our game plan the way we wanted to.”
Next up, UTSA will play an away game against Rice University at 6:15 p.m Friday at the Bellerive Ice Center.
Proposition B’s impact on sports in San Antonio
By Lori Zaragoza Staff Writer
Prop. B has been the talk of the city since its introduction, and now that it has been approved by voters, the plans for the new stadium for the San Antonio Spurs are officially underway, costing between $1.2 and $1.5 billion. This will change the pace for sports in the city of San Antonio, as part of the project is to renovate the Alamodome to enhance guest experience and host larger events.
Prop. B will influence and encourage the city to continue growing around sports and entertainment. It is mainly focused on basketball but has avenues for football expansion. There are hopes that this project will help encourage improvements or interest in the San Antonio Missions, the city’s Minor League baseball team.
The project’s timeline remains an area of interest for San Antonio residents. The project will need to be completed before 2032, as that is the year the Spurs’ lease with the Frost Bank Center expires. The approval for the new Spurs stadium squashes rumors about the team’s possible relocation to Austin, Texas. These plans will keep the Spurs in the Alamo City, where they have been for more than 50 years.
UTSA football will benefit significantly from the improvements that will be added to the Alamodome. Graduations and other large events also stand to gain from the modified stadium. Football, basketball and baseball are the leading sports in the city. The city huddled up and collectively decided that sports needed an upgrade and a place to put the home court. The improvements to the Alamodome, the new stadium for the basketball team and interest in improving the baseball team facilities will draw more attention and tourists to the city, which is beneficial for the local economy.
The San Antonio Missions also have an approved project that has been greenlit since 2024. Their new stadium is expected to be done and open by the 2028 season at a price of $160 million. This, along with the city’s interest in football and basketball, shows the growth in focusing on sports and entertainment in San Antonio.
San Antonio will undergo many major changes in the sports and entertainment industries for the next decade as these projects and renovations are all being created. With other developments involving the Stock Show and Rodeo grounds and the Spurs’ current home, Frost Bank Center, the improvements will score major points for the city’s sports and entertainment sectors.
Roadrunners fail to overcome disastrous start versus South Florida
By Rylan Renteria Sports Editor
Coming off a signature win over Tulane University on a nationally televised ESPN broadcast, UTSA football had a chance to build off its momentum and run the table like the team did in 2024.
Instead, the Roadrunners were dominated 55-23 by the University of South Florida on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium.
Before the first quarter finished, the Roadrunners’ (4-5, 2-3 AC) fate was sealed. On the opening play, junior quarterback Owen McCown tossed a 40yard pick six to Bulls (7-2, 4-1 AC) defensive back Tavin Ward. Bad starts are not insurmountable, especially if said bad start was over the course of just a single play. However, the ensuing drive was what really hindered the ‘Runners. After driving into the South Florida redzone, McCown had the ball stripped and the Bulls recovered for an 85-yard touchdown. UTSA was unable to rebound and fell to 0-4 in conference away games in 2025.
“We couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start,” coach Jeff Traylor said after the game. “We were already outgunned, outmatched to begin with, and we didn’t help ourselves with that. I had a great 16play drive, and the turnover there on the 1-yard line was an absolute killer. They just kicked our butt in every facet of the game.”
The South Florida offense did not see the field until there was a little over two minutes left in the first quarter, after sophomore kicker Michael Petro drilled a 33-yard field goal. When the Bulls’ offense was on the field, they were nearly unstoppable. The Bulls scored on seven of their 11 drives, an offensive output the Roadrunners did not come close to matching.
UTSA found paydirt for the first time early in the second quarter after McCown connected with sophomore tight end Patrick Overmyer for a 45yard score. The Roadrunners wouldn’t score again until late in the third when Petro nailed a 39-yard field goal.
Trailing by nearly 40 points, Traylor pulled McCown for sophomore quarterback Brandon Tennison. The Gilmer product found freshman wide receiver Mekhi Anderson from 19 yards out for the Roadrunners’ final touchdown of the night.
“It was a six-score game. The game was over.
There’s no reason to put that kid out there,” Traylor said of his decision to bench McCown.
Petro was three of three on field goals, which set a new season high for him. Junior tight end Houston Thomas led in receiving yards with 77, while senior running back Robert Henry Jr. and freshman running back Will Henderson III tied for lead rusher with 27 yards apiece.
The Roadrunner defense registered seven tackles for loss and just one sack that came from junior money backer Bryce Grays.
The ‘Runners final away game of the season will come against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte at 11 a.m. Saturday at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
Jake Mireles/The Paisano Miles Jones/The Paisano
Aarien Foster/The Paisano Aidan Moreno/The Paisano UTSA hockey dominates Houston 9-1 on Saturday night at Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods.
Carrigan gifts ROADRUNNERS
first American Conference title
By Rylan Renteria Sports Editor
Three weeks ago, redshirt freshman midfielder Bri Carrigan was left off of UTSA soccer’s travel roster for their game against the University of Tulsa. Carrigan was “ticked off” according to coach Derek Pittman. She had battled back from an ACL tear that she suffered against Colorado State University in 2024 and was vying for a starting spot with the Roadrunners. Carrigan played her way into the starting lineup and, in the biggest game of her young collegiate career, delivered the game-winning goal to push UTSA past Rice University 1-0 on Sunday to claim the American Conference title.
“A lot of people didn’t give us a chance to be here, but I’m really proud of our players, their dedication and their overall commitment to one another to go out and execute the game plan,” Pittman said after the game. “I could not be more proud of this group. From the opening game against UAB, going out and executing what we asked them to do, changing that slightly and doing our job against a really good Memphis team — I thought our players adapted well.
“It feels good to be called American soccer champions.”
With the score deadlocked at 0-0 for the entire 90 minutes of regulation, the Roadrunners and Owls bid at a title was to be decided in overtime. Scoreless through nine minutes of overtime, it seemed the ‘Runners were headed to a penalty kick finish, similar to their win over the University of Memphis in the semifinal. Carrigan, of course, had other plans.
In the 99th minute, Carrigan took possession of the ball near midfield and drove her way past multiple Rice defenders. She set up her shot, and with her left foot, etched her name into the UTSA history books.
“I’m so in shock right now,” Carrigan told ESPN after the game. “This team is amazing. We’ve worked so hard this year. We just never give up. I love this team. Thank you to God for everything.”
A scoreless game through 98 minutes obscures the fact that the Roadrunners were securely on the front foot against the Owls. UTSA led in shots 19 to 13, and freshman forward Brooklyn Bailey took an individual career high seven shots and four shots on goal. Bailey’s
seven shots is the fourth-most ever during a single game in program history. Junior goalkeeper Jasmine Kessler was named Most Outstanding Defensive Player, while Carrigan was named Most Outstanding Offensive Player. Bailey, Carrigan, sophomore defender Aaliyaiah Durden,
Senior guard Austin Nunez leaps for a dunk in UTSA men’s basketball’s home opener against the Ambassadors.
Roadrunners set defensive record in home opener against CBS
UTSA holds Ambassadors to 30 points en route to victory
By Logan Martinez Staff Writer
SAN ANTONIO – A 43-6 first-half scoring run allowed UTSA men’s basketball to cruise past the College of Biblical Studies in its season opener 97-30 on Wednesday at the Convocation Center.
Opening night was a display of pure dominance from the Roadrunners (1-0). The team scored 56 points in the opening period while giving up 18 to the Ambassadors (14). The ‘Runners’ defense set a new record, as they held their opponent to the fewest points in school history. Five Roadrunners scored in double figures, including junior forward Macaleab Rich, who led the team with 15 points off the bench. Starting freshman forward Kaidon Rayfield was second to Rich, tallying 13 points and 13 rebounds in 23 minutes. A combination of full-court pressure and effortless offensive execution ended the game before the halftime buzzer even sounded.
“We needed to come out, play well and dominate the game,” head coach Austin Claunch said. “It’s not about who it’s against, it’s about this group being able to do it.”
The contest quickly became one-sided thanks to an early 18-0 scoring run mere minutes into the opening
period. Despite starting the game in a half-court man defense, the Roadrunners quickly sprang into a full-court defense, trapping the ball and forcing their opponent to work to get up the floor. At times, the Roadrunners toyed with the Ambassadors, stealing the ball and scoring whenever they pleased. Offensively, the team was crisp, effortlessly swinging the ball and finding open teammates for easy buckets.
“It was just a great feeling,” senior guard Austin Nunez said after the victory. “No matter what the individual stats were or the opponent, it was just great to get a win.”
Desperate for an answer, the Ambassadors came into the second half attempting a 2-3 zone defense. The scheme did little to affect the Roadrunners, as they scored 41 second-half points while holding their opponent to 11. UTSA beat out the Ambassadors in every statistical category, including rebounds with 59 to 22 and assists with 22 to 4. The team as a whole shot 44% from the floor and 25% from beyond the arc.
“We were really balanced tonight. I think you’ll see that a lot going forward,” Claunch said. “We’ll enjoy this for the next half hour, but we have a really good team coming in on Friday. We’re going to have a quick turnaround.”
The Roadrunners will face Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Convocation Center.
Kessler and senior midfielder Zoë May were named to the All-Tournament team.
The Roadrunners earned an auto-bid to the NCAA Tournament and will face Texas Tech University in the opening round at 6 p.m. Friday at Jones Walker Soccer Stadium.
By Jordan Gibreal Contributor
Courtesy/American Conference
Aarien Foster/The Paisano
Freshman midfielder Bri Carrigan hoists the American Conference trophy following UTSA’s win over Rice.