Richland Chronicle February 28th, 2017

Vol. XLIII Issue 22 February 28, 2017

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Richland Student Media

@RLCStudentMedia

Richland Student Media

2 LOCAL/SCIENCE

February 28, 2017

NASA’s amazing discovery CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Talk about an Earth-shattering discovery: Scientists have spotted seven Earth-size planets around a nearby star, some or all of which could harbor water and possibly life. That’s the biggest cluster of planets like this yet to be found. Here’s a quick look: Age of Aquarius This star system is less than 40 light-years from Earth, or 235 trillion miles away, in the constellation Aquarius. At the hub is a small, faint star known as Trappist-1. Seven planets circle Trappist-1, with orbits ranging from 1 ½ to 20 days. If Trappist-1 were our sun, all these planets would fit inside the orbit of Mercury. That’s how close they are to their star and why their orbits are so short. The planets have no real names. They’re only known by letters, “b’’ through “h.” The letter “A” refers to the star itself.

Goldilocks Zone Three of the planets are smack dab in the so-called habitable zone, also known as the Goldilocks zone, where conditions are just right for water and life to flourish — not too much and not too little stellar energy. The four other planets are tantalizingly close to the Goldilocks zone— so close that they, too, could harbor water and potentially life.

But just because a planet is in this sweet spot, doesn’t mean life exists or ever did.

If aliens were observing our solar system from the Trappist-1 network, they might be saying, “Hey, there are three habitable planets there, Venus, Earth and Mars,” said Sara Seager, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology astrophysicist who did not take part in the study. The point is, “let’s wait and see

what’s out there,” she cautioned.

How’s the view?

“Let’s wait and see what’s out there.”

- Sara Seager Trappist-1, one of numerous ultracool dwarf stars out there in the galaxy, glows red.

If you were to stand on one of the planets, the star might appear to be salmon-colored.

Its planets are clumped so closely together, they would appear twice as big as our moon in the sky. The temperature could be pretty similar to Earth as well, at least on one of these planets.

Now what?

Scientists need to study the atmospheres of these almost assuredly rocky planets before jumping to any conclusions about water and life. The Hubble Space Telescope already is on the case. The still-under-construction James Webb Space Telescope will join in once it’s launched next year. The Webb will search for gases that might be a byproduct of life: oxygen, ozone and methane. Scientists say it should take five years to get a handle on all these atmospheres, and figure out whether water — and maybe life — are present. Altogether, astronomers have confirmed close to 3,600 planets outside our solar system since the 1990s, but barely four dozen are in the potential habitable zone of their stars, and of those, just 18 are approximately the size of Earth.

- Associated Press

Image courtesy NASA.gov

An artist’s rendering of the view from one of the newly discovered planets.

Richland professor weighs in HARRIS SADIQ Managing editor

The discovery of seven new planets the same size as Earth is a rare occurnance, according to physics professor Heather Appleby. “The fact that some of them may have water in the form of liquid begs the question: could life be found there? And by “life” I don’t just mean intelligent life, but plants, animals, even bacteria!” Appleby said. These planets will be studied in the near future for signs of life by studying gases in their atmospheres.” This discovery will also help astronomers like Appleby test how solar systems are formed. Astronomers will be watching these planets closely.

America’s space program is arguably one of the best investments a civilized nation can make. It’s unique to live in a culture that can look up to the moon in the night sky and say “We went there, it’s no longer a mystery.”

Looking back to NASA’s inception in 1959,

President Dwight Eisenhower signed the space agency into law as a national security necessity. The Soviet Union launched a satellite into space two years before nicknamed Sputnik. It was a simple low Earth orbit but the U.S. was not going to be outdone by the communists.

The space race began and the two superpowers went back and forth trying to represent leadership in the world. In the early 1960s, President John F. Kennedy pushed for innovative action by the best and brightest to inspire mankind. “Well, space is there, and we’re going to climb it, and the moon and the planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there,” he said in 1962 to a Rice University audience. By the end of the decade, President Kennedy had passed away but his promise to the beat the Russians to the moon came true. Today NASA’s purpose is more for mankind’s imagination and less about an existential threat. On Feb. 22, NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope spotted a distant new frontier 235 trillion miles away.

Dallas City Council members prepare for May elections DREW CASTILLO

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Staff Writer

Believe it or not, another election season in Dallas is just around the corner. Although it’s not the mayor’s race this time, it’s a critical point as the citizens of Dallas have the opportunity to elect new faces with new ideas.

All 14 seats of the Dallas City Council are up for re-election on May 6. Eleven of the council seats are being contested three unopposed. With the majority of the seats up for grabs, the citizens of Dallas can anticipate a shake-up on the council.

The duties of city council members include

The Dallas City Council in session, 2016.

Photo courtesy dallascitynews.net

“We don’t consider party affiliation. That’s irrelevant to council races.”

- Rosa A. Rios approval of municipal ordinances, budgets

and setting local tax rates. Council members are limited to four consecutive two-year terms.

Frequently, after their terms have concluded, members move back into the private sector or seek different public service positions.

The races are non-partisan and open to any citizen regardless of party registration.

City Secretary Rosa A. Rios said, “We don’t consider party affiliation. That’s irrelevant to council races.”

According to Robert Heard, deputy chairman of the Dallas County Elections Department, the deadline to register to vote in the May 6 joint election is April 6. Voter registration applications are available at most public libraries and post offices, the Dallas County Tax and a few are available at the newsroom in El Paso Hall Room E020.

Voters can find information about elections on the Dallas County Elections Department website at www.dallascountyvotes.org/voterinformation. The Texas Secretary of State website with information about Texas Voter Registration is available at www.votetexas.gov/registertovote.

February 28, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT 3

Life and death in 10 minutes: the plays are the things Copy Editor

Ten minutes is a really short amount of time, but long enough to tell a compelling story. That’s what happened Feb. 18 in the Arena Theater at Fannin Hall when the Richland Drama Department presented “Richland Writes: A Festival of 10-Minute Plays.”

The festival featured eight plays by Richland students. This was the first time this type of festival had taken place at Richland. It was the brainchild of drama chair Andy Long, who challenged students to write plays for a competition. Eight stories were selected and performed.

Act 1 opened with the fantasy “My Lovely Muse,” written by Brian Miranda and directed

by Eric Obregon. Carter Brown (as Christopher) did well portraying a young writer who is struggling with writing a play, hoping to please his father and seeking inspiration from an imaginary muse, played by Camila Fonseca.

Good rapport between Brown and Fonseca helped this fantasy come alive as he tempted her with doughnuts and French vanilla coffee.

The next production was a true story about problems caused by molestation. “The Last Petal” was written by Cori Clark and directed

by Mieko Hicks. The story followed Danae, played by Amanda Rodriguez, as she struggles with anxiety and life as an adult. Supporting actors were: De Jon Perryman, Hunter Kennedy, Daisy Santillan, Sheldon Vielma, Jabin Lewis, Charles Shu and Gloria Gergen.

Staff photo Aly Rodrigues

Writers, cast and staff bask in the glow after their first show of eight plays.

the foul-mouthed Lucifer. Jabin Lewis played Damien, an ordinary guy who ended up in hell. He whines, “I’m a good person,” as Clark yawns and the audience cracks up laughing.

Briana Guzman played Banshee, a bored clerk who follows orders.

The play “Catharsis” followed, written by Jeremy Gaydosh and directed by Kayla Pena.

Carter Brown plays Tom, a young man who is bogged down over a crime he once committed. His friend Bob, played by Eric Obregon, tries to help him overcome his guilt about beating a man within an inch of his life. No one ever found out who did it. Brown and

Obregon displayed great rapport as buddies sitting over a table discussing the issue.

The festival ended with the comedy, “Four Stalls,” as four young women, played by Cori Clark, Gloria Gergen, Chandler Austin and Jordan Bradford, enter a school restroom and clash. One of them is a male, but transforms into a female by dressing as one in the restroom. The others have their own reasons for being there. This play was the one the women in the audience will recall every time they use a restroom. The end result said it all: “We’re all equally #@$#@% up,” although it was difficult to hear what some of them were saying.

RichlandStudentMedia.com

JOYCE JACKSON

Same-sex marriage was the topic in “Angel Down” by Marcelino Vasquez, directed by Raven Lanuza-Brown. Sheldon Vielma played Ben, a young man whose husband, Max, was killed in a shopping mall shooting. In one particularly touching scene, Max, when alive, kneels down and proposes to Ben. Vielma demonstrated great acting in coming to terms with Max’s death. Carter Brown played the deceased husband. The chorus included De Jon Perryman, Rachel Haigh and Hunter Kennedy.

The audience stretched its imagination in the lyrical fantasy “Comes the Rain,” by Mieko Hicks, directed by Jabin Lewis. The play told the story of a mother (Gloria Gergen) who relates the story of Noah’s Ark to a child (Briana Guzman) while the Cloaked Man, played by Thomas Turnbow, seeks shelter at a stable. He’s confronted by an Old Man, played

by Brian Miranda and they discuss the end of the world.

Act 2 began with a drama about illegal immigration and human trafficking in “A Hopeless Dream“ by Eric Obregon, directed by Carlos Hernandez. Mieko Hicks was outstanding as the nasty La Jefa, who showed what could happen to young people caught entering the country illegally. The rest of the cast, Amanda Rodriguez, Camila Fonseca, Jordan Bradford, Thomas Turnbow and De Jon Perryman, made the scene realistic.

“The Devils Are Here” by Brian Miranda was a story about the ultimate evil. Directed

by Eric Obregon, the performance was entertaining and bizarre. Cori Clark was stunning as

4 ENTERTAINMENT

February 28, 2017

Surprises abound in Fannin Hall PETE SHANNON Staff Writer

The noontime recital in Fannin Hall on Feb. 21 was a pleasant surprise for the audience on multiple accounts. First was the appearance of Richland music professor Jordan Kuspa at the microphone as program host. Second was the arrival of some special guests.

Kuspa is frequently onstage as the director of one of Richland's string ensembles and less often as an accomplished cellist. On Tuesday, he stepped out front to deliver some interesting comments and program notes about the works to be performed by the featured artists: Richland music professor Sharon Knox Deuby on clarinet, Plano Symphony's Steve Pettey on oboe and University of Texas at Arligton.

Professor Laura Bennett Cameron on bassoon. Together, the trio is known as Les Vents Legers et Variable, or The Winds, Light and Changeable. The musicians are also regular players in the larger and nationally prestigious group the Dallas Winds.

Besides giving the players a well-needed break between the strenuous and demanding pieces, Kuspa shared his observations about one of the female composers whose work was featured in the program and made a brief appeal to the women musicians in the audience to explore their own creative inclinations by enrolling in one of his composition classes.

For a magical hour, the three wind players performed a challenging range of modern and

classical wind pieces by mainly French and Spanish composers. The program also included a too-seldom-heard theme and variation number by Beethoven based on Mozart's opera “Don Giovanni.” In this piece, as well as in the other works, the three artists communicated amongst themselves through their body language and eye movement reflecting how a precision-practiced professional group perfectly coordinates its intricate performance.

At one point, when an opening entrance was miscued, they had the courage to halt and begin again, thus demonstrating for their student audience that even professional musicians are human.

The second surprise came at the end of the wind trio's appearance. The music program was followed by an unannounced performance by Chinese dancers. The women, dressed in bright yellow kimonos and carrying various colored parasols, are part of a group of 17 English teachers who are guests of the Richland World Language Department. The instructors, from Xiangtan County in the Hunan Province of China, are participating in an ESOL Teacher Training Program facilitated by the American English and Culture Institute (AECI) and the Continuing Education English as a Second Language (ESL) program. They performed a series of fascinating maneuvers, set to a recorded accompaniment of Chinese music, depicting various emotions ranging from serious to comedic. When they bowed deeply upon the conclusion of their show, they were met with much merry applause.

Black History Month I do not really have a set list, but here are some of my top picks in honor of Black History Month. I've included some recent 2016 Oscar nominees on here as well.

–Ricky Miller “Fences” (2016) An Oscar-nominated Denzel Washington headlines this filmed stage play from writer August Wilson. Viola Davis is also Oscar nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

B+

“Hidden Figures” (2016) Another great flick looks at a quartet of black women (Taraji P. Henson, Janellle Monáe and an Oscar-nominated Octavia Spencer) aiding NASA in their race to space. Also with Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons and Kirsten Dunst.

B+

"The Color Purple" (1985) Significant because this one marked the film debuts of two powerful women in the business with Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. It is also significant because it was Oscar nominated 11 times and completely snubbed.

A+

“love jones” (1997) This is a tale about a new romance between Larenz Tate’s poet Darius Lovehall and photographer Nina Moseley (Nia Long). This movie is very bittersweet andheart-felt.

B-

“Do the Right Thing” (1989) Spike Lee’s junior effort looks at a slice-of-life story about a single sweltering summer day in which tensions boil over and restless New Yorkers voice their opinion about life and culture in modern day America.

B+

“Malcolm X” (1992) Spike Lee knocked one out of the park with Denzel Washington headlining this tale of the civil rights leader who had a different approach to making a change in 1960s America. Angela Bassett is great as his wife, Betty Shabazz.

B+

“Harlem Nights” (1989) Eddie Murphy’s directorial debut looks at gangsters in 1920s New York. Significant because it has both Richard Pryor and Redd Fox as well as his buddy and friend Arsenio Hall.

C-

“Red Tails” (2014) Like Edward Zwick’s amazing “Glory” in 1989, this tale captures the first all black squadron fighting in the air above during World War II. With Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard.

C+

Photo courtesy Paul Knudsen / Richland Marketing

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Visiting ESOL instructors from China perform a traditional dance at recital on Feb. 21.

“A United Kingdom” -This based-on-truth movie looks at the relationship between Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana (David Oyelowo) who falls in love with a white woman from London. Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), and gets banished in the process in the late 1940s.

B-

“Fifty Shades Darker” -- Here's more hogwash based on writer E.L. James' novel tracing the relationship between Anatasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and Christian Grey (Jamie Doran).

This time out, however, credible director James Foley "The Corrupter" takes the reigns.

C

“Fist Fight” -- This could have been an interesting movie, but too many f-bombs derail it from the juvenile antics. Ice Cube and Charlie Day are teachers who get into a scuffle the first day of school. With Tracy Morgan, Jillian Bell and Christina Hendricks (and TV's "Mad Men")

C

“Why Him?” -- James Franco is a savvy tech billionaire who has feelings for Zoey Deutch's Stephanie Fleming. Bryan Cranston portrays Ned, Stephanies protective father, who does not approve of her eccentric tech billionaire boyfriend Other stars include Megan Mullally and KeeganMichael Key. C-

“Rock Dog” -- Dallas's own Luke Wilson is the voice in this computer animated flick ($60 million) that follows a dog searching for his higher purpose. Also with the voices of recent Oscar winner J.K. Simmons, Sam Elliot and Eddie Izzard.

-Ricky Miller

C-

February 28, 2017

CAMPUS 5

Dancing to a different beat CHASSEDY JOHNSON Staff Writer

The Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble performs in the cafeteria on Feb. 21.

love when you interact.” Then proceeded to urge the crowd to join them on the dance floor.

When the drums started again, the last beat played was a traditional rhythm that signified the women's return from harvest.

Photo Keenan Cobb / Richland Marketing

The crowd joined in the dannce that meant it was time to eat.

RichlandStudentMedia.com

The Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble offered a dance to a different beat with much energy and stamina. In celebration of Black History Month, members of the Ensemble gathered in Richland's cafeteria Feb. 21 to share some of the African cultural diaspora. They invited students to dance and be one race (the human race), to the sound of African drums.

A steady tempo played by the shekere and djembe caught the attention of students passing by. The voices of the drums, known as the dundun family commanded attention.

The dundun family of drums from West Africa is made up of three drums with different functions. “Doundounba” is the biggest drum and is the leading voice of the set, also known as The Father. The mid-size drum is known as “Sangban” and it is responsible for the movement and tone of the total set. It represents the Mother. “Kenkeni” is the smallest drum and is known as the “talking” drum. It is the child of the set. Together they are a reminder of how to maintain peace and harmony within a family, according to Brother Kweku, an elder member of the ensemble One dancer, referred to as Brother Adrian said to the crowd, “In African dance, we

6 CAMPUS

February 28, 2017

And the award for excellence goes to ...

HARRIS SADIQ Managing Editor

Have you ever had a professor who left a lasting impression? Someone who didn’t just lecture but really taught and helped you grow?

Perhaps you thought his class was irrelevant but he managed to keep you interested. Maybe she pushed and challenged you to improve when you just wanted to pass the class. Have ever wanted to tell that professor thank you?

Well, now you can.

Every spring, Richland College offers students the chance to nominate the professor of their choice for the Excellence in Teaching Award. You don’t have to nominate just one. Categories include full-time and parttime instructors. As long as they teach, they can be nominated. The winners are honored at the fall convocation on campus. The recipients are also entered into the district-wide Minnie-Stevens Piper Award. The Piper finalists compete with Dallas County Community College District colleges and advance further to the state-wide Piper competition.

To nominate an instructor, fill out a form with their information and why you selected them at https://richlandcollege.edu/excellence/. The deadline is March 10.

Once an instructor is nominated, Dr. Zarina Blankenbaker, executive vice president for academic affairs and student success, will

contact them to coordinate their credentials with a peer committee that will choose a finalist for each category.

“There are typically three finalists and from the three one recipient is announced,” said

Staff photo Harris Sadiq

Last year’s winner, Dr. Dee Hobson, with her parking pass for Excellence in Teaching.

Blankenbaker. “It’s definitely worth a student or peer’s effort to nominate an instructor because the award is really a recognition, an honor, for individuals who work hard to distinguish the caliber of their teaching.”

If a student’s nominee is a finalist they may attend the fall convocation and might get to see them win the award.

Last year’s full time faculty winner from Richland was Dr. Dee Hobson from the School of Business. Hobson has taught at Richland for 17 years. She specializes in Access, Excel and computer skills needed for business in the modern world. Currently, she teaches a Windows 10 class for emeritus students.

Hobson was surprised to win the award.

“My feeling was it’s an honor to be nominated.

That’s probably as far as I can go and that’s fine,” she said. “So literally I was speechless. I don’t even remember what I said. I do remember saying the other two were just as worthy as me.”

Hobson won a stipend, which she has yet to spend, but was particularly happy to receive a parking pass to make getting around campus much easier.

“That was the real prize right there,” Hobson said.

If you know an instructor who goes the extra mile, nominate him or her so that he or she knows his hard work is appreciated and recognized.

Terry Transfer Scholarship provides tuition THU NGUYEN

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Staff Writer

Transferring to a four-year university and getting a bachelor’s degree may be the objective of many community college students, but not everyone can afford the high cost. Luckily, there are several private scholarships available to help students financially. The Terry Transfer Scholarship is one of the most competitive grants.

Ezra Calado won the Terry Transfer Scholarship as a student at Richland. She is now pursuing a degree in accounting and global business with a minor in international political economy from the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas).

“Ever since I started school in the U.S. it was always clear to my family that my parents couldn’t afford to send my siblings and all to college,” Calado said. “So throughout my middle school and high school career, I made it a goal to take that burden away [from] my parents and graduate college debt free.

“I applied for the Terry scholarship because it put me one step closer to reaching that goal and without it, I would probably not be able to continue my studies at UTD.” The Terry Transfer Foundation, based in Houston, is the largest private scholarship provider in Texas. It emphasizes helping outstanding students pursue their educational goals at 13 affiliated Texas public universities. Terry-affiliated universities include: The

University of Texas at Austin (branches in San Antonio, Dallas, Arlington and El Paso), Texas State University, Sam Houston State University, Texas Tech University, Texas Woman’s University, Texas A&M, Texas A&M-Galveston, the University of Houston and the University of North Texas.

The transfer scholarship of at least $13,000 per year, up to 65 percent of official tuition and six semesters of funding in all majors, is only available for the summer and fall semesters. The scholarship winner also has the opportunity to study abroad for one semester and receive extensive support through fellow scholars, foundation staff and on-campus advisers.

While the Terry Transfer Scholarship is prestigious, it is extremely competitive as well.

There are many requirements for applicants, but the focus is on outstanding academic performance and strong leadership skills.

“At first glance, the application is long and difficult,” Calado said. “I’d say it was pretty personal and required some self-reflection.

There were times that I didn’t want to finish the application because my personal stories felt shallow or it was a struggle to put my dreams and goals for all to see.”

“Although the whole application process was difficult, it was worth it because the Terry Foundation continues to invest in students like me, giving us the gift of time with the scholarship,” Calado said.

“I definitely encourage others to apply for the same gifts and opportunities.”

Applicants for the Terry Transfer Scholarship must be enrolled, accepted and nominated by one of the Terry-affiliated Texas public universities that offer the scholarship.

They must be admitted as a full-time transfer student for the purpose of completing a first baccalaureate degree. Summer and fall deadlines for applications are set by each school.

The scholarship is only available to students within Texas. Applicants must meet U.S. and Texas residency and citizenship requirements to qualify for in-state tuition and federal aid assistance. They must be current continuous residents of Texas for at least three years at the time of application and at least 20 years old on May 1 of the year in which the application is submitted.

To win the scholarship, applicants must exhibit outstanding academic achievement.

Students must have completed at least 30 hours of transferable, post high school credit hours at a Texas college or university and have a minimum of 3.0 GPA. A strong record of leadership in school and the community and demonstration of financial need are required.

There is no Terry Transfer representative at Richland currently, but the Richland Honors Academy is available to help students with questions, applications or recommendation letters.

Contact Dr. Kathleen Stephens, Honors Academy coordinator, or any other honor advisers with questions. Otherwise, students may contact Terry-affiliated universities for details.

CHRONICLE Richland

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Design Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Editor Page-Layout Editor Photo Editor

Alessandra Rodrigues Harris Sadiq Quan Tran Joyce Jackson Ricky Miller Ahlam Maryam Al Mahrooq Ibrahim Al Taha

ON THE COVER Staff Illustration by Quan Tran

COVER AND FONTS

Certain cover fonts are provided by the following www.nymfont.com – www.bvfonts.com

STUDENT MEDIA STAFF Tru Armstrong John Berry Drew Castillo Maria Etetere Gloria Gergen Zoë Gilbert Jorge Gomez Abraham Igene Chassedy Johnson Ashley Martin

Thu Nguyen Marisol Orozco Jorge Perez Henry Pham Esther Reese Fernando Rodriguez Pete Shannon Kathleen Spurger Joe Stumpo Tommy Thompson

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS Erica Edwards Jack Fletcher Meg Fullwood

David Goodloe Tim Jones Larry Ratliff

ISSUE DATES March 7

April 25

March 28

May 2

April 11

May 9

April 18

AWARDS

ACP Newspaper Pacemaker Winner, 2016 CMA Two-Year Radio Station of the Year 2015 ACP Best of Show Award 2015 ACP Photo Excellence Award 2015 CMA Newspaper of the Year Finalist, 2014 1st Place – TCCJA Overall General Excellence, 2014 2nd Place – Pinnacle College Media Award, 2014 1st Place – TIPA Sweepstakes, 2005 3rd Place – TIPA Online, 2005 & 2006 ACP Pacemaker Winner, 2000, 2001, 2007 ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 ACP Online Pacemaker finalist, 2007, 2008 Over 270 Texas college journalism awards since 2000

CONTACT INFORMATION

El Paso Hall, Room E020, 12800 Abrams Rd., Dallas 75243 Newsroom: 972-238-6079; richlandchronicle@gmail.com Advertising: 972-238-6068 Email: Advertise@dcccd.edu Fax: 972-238-6037 Staff meetings Fall semester: Monday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. in E020 Letter Policy Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements.

Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. For identification and verification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s classification (grade level), full name, address and telephone number, although address and telephone number will not be published.

Editorial Policy The Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration. © Richland Chronicle 2017

February 28, 2017

From mats to bats, spring fever arrives

SPORTS/CAMPUS 7

Tru Grit Here’s what’s happening: Richland’s men’s basketball loss to Eastfield put the T-Ducks in a regular-season-ending first place tie with North Lake. That means the T-Ducks and the Blazers are the Metro Athletic Conference regular season co-champions. Richland won the coin toss over North Lake to clinch the top seed and host the MAC Basketball Tournament Feb. 25. Defeating Brookhaven 71-67 to advance to the championship game against Northlake.

Richland’s baseball season is already under way staying above .500 in the first two weeks of the young season. Richland entered conference play against North Lake on Feb. 22.

The 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend was held in New Orleans after the league stripped the festivities from Charlotte due to North Carolina’s bathroom bill. At the Smoothie King Center in the Rising Stars Challenge, Team World defeated Team USA, 150-111. New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis defeated Utah’s Gordon Hayward to win the Skills Challenge.

Former Pelican, now Rockets’ guard, Eric Gordon won the Three-Point Shootout over Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving and Charlotte’s Kemba Walker. If the NBA kept the All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, Hornets fans would have given their star Walker the advantage.

The son of former top draft pick and two-time NBA All-Star Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson Jr. has become the “Big Dog” in the weakest Slam Dunk Contest I’ve seen in years. Pacers guard Glenn Robinson III defeated unknown Suns forward Derrick Jones Jr., DeAndre Jordan of the Clippers and last year’s runner up Aaron Gordon of the Magic.

Unfortunately, Zach LaVine, who won the

Upcoming Events All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

Today 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. i

El Paso Hall 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. i Photo Associated Press

title last year, suffered a season-ending injury.

So it was up to Gordon to steal the show.

After a bunch of failed attempts, Gordon got the hook in the first round. Robinson won the contest after he jumped over a few Pacer personnel including a cheerleader. LaVine, please come back next season. Anthony Davis of the home-team Pelicans took MVP honors with an All-Star record 52 points as the West beat the East, 192-182.

Closer to home, 17-year-old Mack Beggs is wrestling proud for Trinity High in Euless. The thing is the wrestler is transgender and causing major controversy. Beggs is transitioning from female to male and using steroids legally while competing for championships. One wrestler chose not to compete and decided to take second place in the Class 6A Regionals.

Coppell’s Madeline Rocha forfeited her match against Beggs. Now Rocha’s family and lawyer are filing a lawsuit against the University Interscholastic League. While the opposition wants Beggs suspended for steroid use,

Mack’s grandmother Nancy Beggs is sticking up for Mack saying that a wrestler is a wrestler all the way to the heart regardless of skin color and preference. Beggs is living as a male, but according to UIL rules, he must compete against females due to the wrestler’s birth certificate gender and the rule prohibiting boys from wrestling girls.

Beggs wants to compete with the boys.

By looking at Beggs’ picture, he should. The question is, do the male wrestlers want to compete against Beggs or should they forfeit their matches? The situation is causing major dissension in high school wrestling, except at Trinity. Regardless of other opinions, Beggs will continue to compete. But for how long?

And what will it look like if Beggs decides to wrestle in college? Too much confusion and opponents will have their opinions. Soon enough the courts will determine what to do with transgender athletes. But for now, try not to focus on the looks. Just wrestle.

—Tru Armstrong

Staff Writer

The Richland College Dance Program held a Jazz Master Dance Class, hosted by guest instructor Darrell Cleveland on Feb. 9.

Cleveland has danced professionally with musicians En Vogue and Toni Braxton during his career. His aim was to expose students dance professionalism and styles he’s learned from all around the world.

“I come from a different perspective,” said Cleveland. “I was out there dancing for about 20 years. I still perform as well.”

The students in Cleveland’s class were of varied ages and backgrounds. Suzanne Gentry, a 71-year-old mother of two and grandmother of four, said, “It was very hard today. He really worked us hard. We did a routine. At least I attempted to.”

The students started with stretches and warm ups to get prepared for learning some new moves. They got their feet moving, their bodies moving and their heart rate revved up.

“Today was a lot of exercise; a lot of stretching,” Gentry said. “The last classes I was doing was more of a routine. He worked it into our exercises.”

The class members danced to a number of different artists, including contemporary ones.

Cleveland said he likes to dance to Beyoncé

Carter Blood Care blood drive East Circle Drive (outside Bonham and Fannin Halls)

Euless Trinity’s Mack Beggs, left, wrestles Grand Prairie’s Kailyn Clay during the finals of the UIL Region 2-6A wrestling tournament at Allen High School in Allen, Texas

Hosted by RLC Health Center Noon to 1 p.m. i

RLC Fusion Band: “Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) Concert” Cafeteria stage, El Paso Hall 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

i

Cezanne String Quartet Fannin Performance Hall, Room F102 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

i

A master holds class and all that jazz JORGE PEREZ

Transfer information: Tarleton State University

First session of the intercultural initiative “Passport to the Globe - The Diversity of India” Sabine Hall, Room SH117 For more information call 972-238-6299

and New Orleans jazz.

“I’ve been working with Gina Sawyer, discipline coordinator for the Richland dance program, for about two years, he said. “I came as a guest resident artist and I performed. She invited me to come in to choreograph and also do master classes.”

Wednesday 9 a.m to 2:30 p.m. i

Free HIV and syphilis testing Health Center, Thunderduck Hall, Room T110 Open to all students, employees and community 18 and older

Friday 10 a.m to noon i

Motivational speaker Troy Stende Sabine Hall, Room SH118

Staff photo Jorge Perez

Instructor Darrell Cleveland, right, leads a jazz master class Feb. 9 in Fannin.

8

February 28, 2017

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Richland Student Media

@RLCStudentMedia

Richland Student Media