Richland Chronicle March 7th, 2017

Vol. XLIII Issue 23 March 7, 2017

The boys are back in town Pg. 7

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2 NATIONAL/CAMPUS

March 7, 2017

A presidential resemblance

Attorney General recuses himself

CHASSEDY JOHNSON Staff Writer

President Donald Trump gave a speech to a joint session of Congress held on Feb. 28. He vaguely mentioned some of the promises he made in his campaign and reached out to the nation in a way that had not been displayed before.

In the aftermath of the vandalism to Jewish cemeteries and the Kansas City shootings, Trump offered words of consolation to those affected by the recent events.

Trump’s comments sought to unify the American people, acknowledging the nation’s divisiveness and said, “We may be a nation divided on policies, but we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms.”

With one executive order after another and the fallout from the “travel ban,” Trump’s first month has been tumultuous. For many, it has caused fear and for others it has brought comfort.

In his speech, he stated, “We want all Americans to succeed. We must restore integrity and the rule of law at our borders.”

Calling on law enforcement and Congress to help enforce border laws, he made it clear that he had no intentions of backing down on his plans to build the wall along the U.S Southern border.

Although there was as much praise and support shown from Republicans in

VIEWPOINTS

Photo courtesy Associate Express

President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress last Tuesday on Capitol Hill in Washington. Vice President Mike Pence (l) and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan listen.

attendance as there was disdain and disagreement among Democrats, Trump appeared for the first time, to be presidential in his attempt to bring the two sides together.

With shoulders squared and a tentative tone, he spoke of America’s 250-year anniversary approaching and asked the question, “What will America look like at 250?” Although the anniversary is nine years away, the 45th president expressed hopes of unity for the future, saying it feels like, “Impossible dreams are firmly within our grasp.”

He drew much applause throughout the night, but the display of one set of sentiments brought both parties to their feet: When he publicly offered condolences to a visibly emotional Carryn Owens, the wife of Chief

“What are your plans for Spring Break?”

“Last year for Spring Break, I went to a lake house in Gun Barrel [city], which is about an hour away. It’s a lot of fun so I am planning on going back there.”

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Petty Officer William “Ryan” Owens who lost his life during a raid in Yemen ordered by Trump on Jan. 29.

“Ryan is looking down right now and he’s very happy. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, for our freedom and we will never forget Ryan,” Trump said.

It was the first military casualty of his presidency but it was as if he had finally found common ground with both parties. “Our vets have delivered for this nation and now we must deliver for them,” he said.

The speech came with a different tone as he offered comments of hope, courage, unity and confidence: a renewal of the American spirit.

For Trump, the solution still seems quite clear: “America must put its citizens first.”

The election of 2016 has been followed by much controversy and it does not just follow the president. Just weeks after national security adviser Michael Flynn was dismissed for his role in misleading Vice President Pence on his ties with Russia, a member of Trump’s Cabinet has recused himself.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has found himself in a peculiar position after allegedly having meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyaks as a senator in 2016. As of Thursday, Sessions voluntarily recused himself from any future proceedings involving the investigation of Russia’s meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

When asked if he intentionally misled anyone, he admitted speaking to and meeting with Kislyaks on two separate occasions as senator but attests that although he could have answered with more thought he did not lie and there was no collusion with Russia.

Although Trump has conveyed “total” confidence in the Attorney General, Sessions has decided to follow the advice of his close confidantes, but advises that the recusal “should not be interpreted as the existence of any investigation.”

As possible investigations are considered, Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente will handle the proceedings going forward. – AP contributed to this story — Chassedy Johnson

“Going out with my family somewhere like camping, or the beach, because it’s almost summertime and it’s already hot out there. Either that or just relaxing.”

-- Bel Khuu, international business major

-- Kevin Vida, computer and game design major.

“ I’m going to see my mother [in Oklahoma] and we’re going to work on her bedroom at her home.

We’re going to redecorate and I’m bringing my dog.”

“At the moment, I’m thinking about going out of town and catching the sights; probably go check out a couple of different colleges to see where I could possibly transfer next semester.”

- Cheryl King, English professor

--Victor Mora, music major

– Henry Pham

March 7, 2017

CAMPUS 3

From bloodhounds to bloodmobiles at Richland Copy Editor

Photo courtesy pinterest.com

Dog obedience school is coming to campus.

Is your dog disobedient? Does he ignore you when you give an order?

Now there’s a solution for that. It’s Richland’s dog obedience course on Thursdays March 30 to May 11 from 7 to 8 p.m. There is also a Saturday class March 25 to May 13 from 4 to 5 p.m. The cost for either course is $60.

Helen Noble from Continuing Education said dogs must be at least six months old and come to every class. Owners must bring proof that the dogs have had their rabies vaccines.

“The instructor will teach you how to train your dog to obey commands,” Noble said.

“Instruction will take place outside by Guadalupe Hall in Parking Lot Z.” Register through Continuing Education for the March 30 course, No. 1078408 83002 or the March 25 course, No. 1078406 83001on the phone at 972-238-6145, or in person with a credit card.

“Cash or checks will also be accepted in person,” Noble said.

A Canine Good Citizen class will also begin from 8 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, March 30 to May 11. The cost is also $60. Register through Course No. 1062733 81001.

This course will include commands such as sit, stand or stay and enable people to take their dogs to a senior citizen home.

BLOOD MOBILE ON CAMPUS Donna Diehl, a representative from Carter BloodCare, was on campus Feb. 27 to distribute information to students, faculty and staff.

The Bloodmobile was also on the Richland campus.

Diehl said Carter goes to many schools and at most campuses, between 25 and 35 students give blood.

“Our average draw is about 20,” she said.

One unit [of blood] can help save three lives.

They can take platelets for cancer patients.

They can take plasma for burn patients. They can take red cells for surgical patients.”

Children’s Medical Center, Diehl said, insists that Carter BloodCare inform people that one donation of blood can help up to six babies.

Last summer when the five Dallas police officers were killed and nine wounded in a shooting in downtown, Carter BloodCare was able to supply enough blood for them, Diehl said.

“We cover so much area that we are trying to find 1,100 units of blood per day for the community by these drives,” she said.

For more information on where to give blood, call 817-412-5377.

TO DONATE BLOOD YOU MUST: Be at least 16 years old, in good general health and have written parental permission if under 18 Weigh a minimum of 110 pounds Eat a low-fat meal within two to four hours before giving blood Drink lots of water or juice before and after donating and avoid alcohol Avoid strenuous activity for 12 hours after donating It’s OK to give blood after allergy shots, influenza vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine and tetanus shots.

Staff illustration Sarah Hammond

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JOYCE JACKSON

4 ENTERTAINMENT

March 7 , 2017

Remembrance: Bill Paxton

Photos courtesy IMDB.com

RICKY MILLER Entertainment Editor

I am sad, so very, very sad. Growing up, one of my favorite character actors was Bill Paxton. Paxton suffered a fatal stroke Feb. 25 following heart surgery in Los Angeles. He was an endearing person and a Fort Worth native.

Paxton was starring in the television series “Training Day” with co-star Justin Cromwell that launched last week. It is an offshoot of

Antoine Fuqua’s Oscar-winning film that won Denzel Washington his second trophy.

I interviewed Paxton on three different occasions. The first was for “The Traveller,” an drama about con artists with Mark Wahlberg and “ER’s” Julianna Margulies.

The other interviews were in conjunction with “A Simple Plan” and “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” his sophomore effort directorial. In one interview, he referred to the movie industry as “an exercise in futility.”

Paxton was awesome as Hudson, the cynical

marine in James Cameron’s “Aliens” in 1986.

He had an endearing screen presence in many of his portrayals.

Paxton went on to work with Cameron in “True Lies” in 1994 and the multiple Best Picture Oscar-winning “Titanic” in 1997.

He spent time in the HBO slice-of-life drama “Big Love” (2006) in which he portrayed a husband with three wives living in a polygamist family. Paxton won awards for the series.

He seemed to love ensembles, having appeared in 1993’s “Tombstone” as Morgan

Earp. Paxton portrayed Fred Haise as part of NASA’s astronaut crew in Ron Howard’s “Apollo 13.” The movie won two Oscars. He received another career boost headlining Jan De Bont’s “Twister” in 1996.

Paxton, who was 61, leaves behind a wife and two children.

Although there won't be any new movies from him, it's a comfort knowing his career included many memorable flicks that will entertain audiences for years to come.

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Bill Paxton Report Card “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)

A-

“Nightcrawler” (2014)

C+

“Million Dollar Arm” (2014)

B+

“2 Guns” (2013)

C

“Hatfields and McCoys” (made-for-TV) (2012)

“Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams” (2002)

B-

“Frailty” (2001)

C

+

“Vertical Limit” (2000)

C

+

B+

“U-571” (2000)

“Haywire” (2011)

C

“Thunderbirds” (2004)

C-

“Club Dread” (2004) “Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over” (2003)

C-

C

+

D+

“Traveller” (1997)

C+

“Boxing Helena” (1993)

C-

“Titanic” (1997)

A-

“Indian Summer” (1993)

B

“Twister” (1996)

B-

“The Vagrant” (1992)

C

“The Evening Star” (1996)

C-

“Trespass” (1992)

C+

C+

“The Last Supper” (1995)

C+

“One False Move” (1992)

A-

“A Simple Plan” (1998)

A-

“Franke & Jesse” (1995)

C

“The Dark Backward” (1991) C +

“Mighty Joe Young” (1998)

C+

“Apollo 13” (1995)

A-

“Predator” (1990)

C

“A Bright Shining Lie” (made-for-TV) (1998)

B

“True Lies” (1994)

A-

“Aliens” (1986)

A

“Tombstone” (1993)

B-

“Weird Science” (1985)

C+

“Logan” — This "X-Men" entry is said to be the last appearance of Logan (Hugh Jackman), the mutant with an accelerated-healing skin who, is indestructible. This flick takes full advantage of its "R" rating with dismemberment and carnage galore.

With supporting actors, Patrick Stewart and Dafne Keen.

B

“Get Out” — This intriguing drama suspense-thriller looks at the relationship between Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluya) and his girlfriend, Rose Armitage (Alison Williams). Soon after arriving at her parent's (Bradley Whitford and Catherine Keener) house, something goes amiss.

B-

“Table 19” — This cute little movie is about a group of strangers (Anna Kendrick, Lisa Kudrow, Craig Robinson, June Squibb, Stephen Merchant and Tony Revolori) who meet at the wedding of a woman they each know. All are seated at the dreaded table 19 ,which is for those halfheartedly invited.

B-

“Assassin's Creed” — As I have said in the past, video games and movies make bad bedfellows. This one is an exception, due to the amazing production design and visual effects. Michael Fassbender portrays Callum Lynch, thought to have been executed, but survives as an assassin.

C+

“Collide” — Intriguing tale about car thief Casey Stein (Nicholas Hoult) and girlfriend Juliette Marne (Felicity Jones) needing a lung transplant. Stein is involved in a failed heist with Anthony Hopkins (“The Silence of the Lambs”) who, with co-star Ben Kingsley “Ghandi”) spend time chewing up the scenes.

C-

March 7 , 2017

ENTERTAINMENT 5

Dallas is 'Kurios': The human circus has come to town Editor-in-Chief

Dallas is hosting the most famous circus in the world for a limited time.

Cirque du Soleil returned to the city with the show Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities Feb. 17.

It’s a show about a seeker, a scientist/inventor who explores an unimaginable place where anything seems to happen, such as traveling into another dimension and finding different, incredible characters on his journey.

Cirque du Soleil was officially founded in 1984 by Guy Laliberté, a musician, businessman and investor in Quebec, Canada. The name was chosen because in Laliberté’s words, “The sun symbolizes youth, energy, and strength.”

In almost 40 years of producing theater entertainment, with no animals included, the circus celebrates its huge success. With more than 1,300 artists from 55 different countries and currently 20 shows touring around the world, Cirque du Soleil is an attraction to all ages.

Kurios will complete three years since the premiere of the show in Montréal on April 24, 2014. It has already traveled 15 cities all over the United States and Canada with about 65 trucks transporting Kurios equipment. In total there are 122 tour members, in-

familiar with the material.” She added, “At first there were a lot of changes happening before the show was really settled.”

Kurios is a little bit more than two hours long. As the only singer, it’s necessary to be prepared and be careful with her voice.

“I do drink a lot of water all day. I do very light exercise. I like doing yoga and stretching, so I feel warmed up and ready.”

For those who have never been to a Cirque du Soleil performance, the pricey tickets might be a surprise, but one must remember that this is not simply a circus. This unique and incredible show literally takes the spectacle to another world: featuring amazing performances, indescribable acts, lighting shows combined with colorful costumes. It makes every penny worth it. It’s no doubt the show will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In Erini’s words, “Kurios is a really magical show and the whole experience for people is really worth it. And I think if you need some inspiration, some positive energy and you know, to escape reality for an evening, it’s an amazing thing to do.”

Erini said, “You get to experience the journey with the scientist without knowing if it’s all part of reality or a dream.”

Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities will be in Dallas until March 2017 before departing to their next destination, Houston.

Photo courtesy Martin Girard/ CirqueduSoleil.com

Wriggling artists at the Cirque du Soleil.

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ALY RODRIGUES

cluding 46 artists from 23 different countries.

The success of the show is not only the talented cast but also the live music. Sung by Eirini Tornesaki and the band, the original songs make the performances come alive and keep the spectators even more connected to the acts.

Best known as Erini, the 25-year-old vocalist joined Cirque du Soleil in 2014. She grew up in Heraklion, on Crete, Greece. At the age of 18, looking for more opportunities to study contemporary singing, she moved to England to study modern vocals at the British and Irish Institute of Modern Music. In 2013 Erini heard from a friend about the auditions for Cirque du Soleil and tried out. She received the callback one year after to work as a vocalist for a new production, which was still in the process of creation.

The show travels to different cities every two months. Touring can be tiring, but according to Erini, the best thing about touring is, “The best part is how exciting I feel every time I’m moving to a new place. I’m always just dreaming about what this place and the people would be like, and how I will create my new life there and make it my home. So, this is a very exciting feeling, every two months.”

Her favorite city so far is New York City.

With a busy, tight schedule and sold out shows it’s natural for artists to be nervous but Erini said, “Not anymore, because I am very

6 CAMPUS

March 7, 2017

The Cézanne Quartet dazzles Richland audience

PETE SHANNON

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS

Staff Writer

With wide eyes and a huge smile, Richland music professor Melissa Logan swung open the doors to Fannin Hall on Feb. 28, and gushed her greeting to the waiting noontime recital class. "Come on in!" she sang out.

"You're in for a real treat today. I've heard this group in rehearsal and they're awesome!"

How very right she was.

Already seated on stage was the Cézanne String Quartet, the Peak Fellowship ensemble-in-residence at SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts. Its members are Eleanor Dunbar, violin, Lauren Densinger, violin, Steven Juarez, viola, and Elizabeth White, cello. The quartet is named after the French impressionist painter, Paul Cézanne. The first piece the group performed together was written by another French impressionist, Claude Debussy.

White made some introductory remarks about the first work, Benjamin Britten's "String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op.25."

Then the ensemble held the audience spellbound while demonstrating what happens when 16 strings stretched over four old wooden boxes are aggressively agitated by four well-practiced, proficient professionals. The Britten quartet was both demanding and interesting because it called for so many unusual string techniques.

During the Q-and-A session, the performers were asked what advice they could offer to music students about practicing.

"Think of your metronome as you would

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Design Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Editor Page-Layout Editor Photo Editor

Staff photo Harris Sadiq

COVER AND FONTS

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

STUDENT MEDIA STAFF Photo courtesy cezannequartet.com

The Cezanne Quartet: Eleanor Dunbar, left, Elizabeth White, Lauren Densinger and Steven Juarez.

a wise parent who is telling you what to do," suggested Juarez, smiling. "When you practice, go straight to your weakest spot in the score," added White. "Play slow at first so you can play faster later," said Densinger, nodding her head as some students sighed in agreement. "Forget about how many hours you put in," said Dunbar. "Your practice time is more about quality than quantity."

Another question focused on physical requirements playing. The players responded differently depending on habits and preferences. "I'm not much of a mover," admitted Juarez. "But I am," said White, "because I'm small for a cellist, and I feel I need to show the others what I intend to do."

Dunbar then observed that each group tends to have its own body language.

Staff Writer

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

ON THE COVER

"An audience listens with its eyes," she said. "People come to concerts not just to hear the music but also to witness and enjoy the interactions between the musicians as they trade information silently."

White then introduced Mendelssohn's "String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80."

It was written near the end of Mendelssohn's life shortly after the death of his beloved sister, who was also a composer. White noted that the piece is written in a minor key and thus is very dark but also immensely beautiful.

As the players bent to their tasks, the students concentrated on what they had just learned. Then at the end they gave both the piece and its performers the rousing accolades they deserved.

Speakers urge students to pursue educational and professional goals DARA WEMIDA MARIA ETETERE Motivational speaker and former Thunderduck Jonathan J. Jones, appeared at Sabine Hall Feb. 27 to give the speech “Skyrocket Millennials to Success” as part of Black History Month.

Jones is also author of “14 Surprisingly Simple Behaviors to Skyrocket Millennials to Success.”

In his speech, Jones discussed his life as a student and the process he has undertaken to pursue his goals and become a professional.

He said practice is the key.

“Practice is the only thing that makes the difference from a professional and a student,” Jones said. “All of us have the power and the great potential to be great. Don’t allow yourself to be content where you are.”

Around 50 people attended the event. Some asked questions, including Bruce Kennedy, a development coach and entrepreneur.

Kennedy asked about time management.

“You have to have some mental time for yourself,” answered Jones.

Clifton McVea , a Richland student, asked if Jones made sacrifices to pursue his goals.

“A student should have to know what type of learner he is, because we live in a world that seems to be saturated with negativity from the news, the radio, social media and even family

CHRONICLE Richland

Jonathan J. Jones

Photo courtesy squarespace.com

and friends,” said Jones. “Therefore, my book not only shows how you can transform your way of thinking but also how you can train your mind to develop a positive frame of reference for the future.”

Jones realized that preaching about chance would do absolutely nothing if it wasn’t followed by rock-solid action. Thus, he has provided a set of 14 succinct principles including being thankful, positive, respectful, on time, professional, a giver, determined, being yourself, a social butterfly, healthy, faithful, forgiving, being a role model, and finally, being educated.

Jones said these principles, once implemented, will allow you to be fully equipped for success by harnessing your inner strength and challenging you to become the best you can possibly be.

Staff Writer Have you ever struggled to get or stay motivated? Kevin L. Garner Sr. discussed the topic at Richland on Feb. 21 in his presentation “Focusing on your Focus” as part of the Male Achievement Program (MAP) programming.

Garner said staying motivated is key.

“I stay motivated by basically staying involved in the things that I’m passionate about, as well as having mentors and people around me that sort of hold me accountable.”

He went on to discuss the “dream killers,” negative people, places and things that keep people from reaching goals. He recalled being refered to as a boy throughout adolescence. He continued to act like a boy until he changed his mindset. He said mindset is the greatest investment tool.

A key strategy Garner discussed was what termed “waste management.” “There are distractions that can get you off course. What is obscuring your vision?”

Garner’s advice to students, “never give up.”

“There are doors that are going to open.

You know, there are opportunities that are going to come.”

Garner’s main passion, however, is to see people maximize their potential. “I love seeing people be happy,” he said. “That’s one of my greatest things I enjoy doing.”

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 Dara Wimea

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS Erica Edwards Jack Fletcher Meg Fullwood

David Goodloe Tim Jones Larry Ratliff

ISSUE DATES March 28

April 25

April 11

May 2

April 18

May 9

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

SPORTS 7

March 7, 2017

T-Ducks falter, new faces in the pros

Tru Grit The Richland T-Ducks wrestling team fell short at the Southwest Conference Tournament and finished in second place behind the University of North Texas (UNT) with a score of 76-71. The University of Texas (UT) was third followed by Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Texas State, and Houston. The Richland women’s team was runner-up to UNT in the women’s division this past weekend as well.

Richland will be well represented with seven men and three women (Maripo Gasarabaga, George Haskins, Asad Mohammad, James Moore, Dustin Basham, Hugo Martinez, Kendrall Willis, Mireya Cortez, Yaritza Arteaga and Alexus Sauceda) in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NAWA) National Tournament taking place in Allen on March 9 to 11.

In basketball, it was a painful ending to a wonderful season for the Richland men’s team. The Thunderducks lost to North Lake in the Metro Athletic Conference (MAC championship game, 72-60. They should have kept the championship game at Richland after the impressive home court advantage in their tournament game against Brookhaven.

Overall it was an impressive season for third-year coach Jon Havens and the Thunderducks.

The baseball squad is off to a rocky start in the MAC but it’s still early in the season with Richland only a couple of games below .500.

The T-Ducks are flying high in the offensive ranks of Region 5 in runs, RBIs, on-base, slugging, and batting average. The T-Ducks faced North Central Texas to end February and will face Mountain View and Rock Valley to lead off March.

Spring training is under way in major league baseball. The defending American League West champion Rangers team is looking to avenge last season’s disappointment. Most of the roster is still intact but there are some new faces. I’m not so sure about Mike Napoli since he’s been with the Rangers twice before.

Pitcher Yu Darvish is looking to come back from a rebuilding season to add more firepower once again with ace Cole Hamels.

The Mavericks picked up third-year man Nerlens Noel from Philadelphia after losing Deron Williams and Andrew Bogut. The former first-rounder could learn a lot from veteran Dirk Nowitzki as Noel looks to improve in Dallas after two and a half disappointing seasons with the 76ers. Believe it or not, the Mavs are only three games behind the final playoff spot in the West. The (NCAA) National Championship basketball

tournament will begin soon after conference tournaments as Kansas once again wins the Big 12 conference for the 13th straight regular season, as the bracket itself will continue to shuffle on and on.

Mack Beggs of Euless recently won the state championship in girls’ wrestling despite the fact that the transgender athlete is transitioning from female to male. It’s obvious that females in the tournament were a bit intimidated having to face the junior wrestler from Trinity High School. Richland’s Bill Neal said, “The transgender situation is an ongoing debate every year. Rules prohibit any competition between women and men and the ruling defaults to the birth certificate. Another distraction that is not good for the sport.”

Indeed it is ongoing and will continue to be a distraction. Clearly in recent photos, Beggs doesn’t look like a woman and, as he said before, he wanted to wrestle boys. Now that Mack is male, the University Interscholastic League should have let him wrestle boys.

Beggs’ family obviously has medical proof of his transition and since the high school wrestling season is over, it’s time for the UIL to get to work. Stop having these district reclassifications every two years and do something about high school athletes making controversial moves before the matter heads to court.

And then the judge will lay the smackdown on either Beggs or the UIL. —Tru Armstrong

Baseball season is already a home run

Upcoming Events

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

Today

12:30 to 1:30 p.m. i

Richland percussion group and steel bands Fannin Performance Hall

i

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Open mic - Sharing poetry, short stories/plays Amphitheater or if bad weather: Sabine Hall, Room SH117

Wednesday

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. i

Game Day: pool table, air hockey and more El Paso lounge 11 a.m. to noon

i

Richland Guitar Ensemble “Pre-Spring Break Concert” Cafeteria stage, El Paso Hall

Thursday

Noon to 1 p.m. i

Women’s history trivia Cafeteria stage, El Paso Hall 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Richland International Film Series i “Sarah’s Key (PG-13) French/mainly in English

Sabine Hall, Room SH117

March 13-17: Spring Break Campus closed

Tuesday, March 21 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Staff photo Harris Sadiq

i

Richland Composition Recital Fannin Performance Hall

Wednesday, March 22 11 a.m. to noon

i

Richland Steel Sound steel band Cafeteria stage, El Paso Hall Noon to 1 p.m.

i

Fashion show El Paso lounge

Staff photo Harris Sadiq

Catcher Chris Lozano waits for the pitch.

Staff photo Quan Tran

Chris Lozano takes his turn at the plate.

Staff photo Quan Tran

Pitcher Tanner Knowles fires the ball home.

Next issue of Chronicle will be Tue, March 28.

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Richland player Pierce Khan rounds the bases against Mountain View College last Wednesday during a 20-10 home win.

8

March 7, 2017

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