Feb. 9, 2017 by The East Texan

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Feb. 9, 2017

Maternal Respect

Local Businesses Grow

A Split Perspective

Wrangling Future Glory

Entertainment Editor Imogené Wofford heavily stresses the importance of respecting mothers and the fact of pregnancy. PAGE 2

The Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of the gym Commerce Fitness and new ownership of Dickey’s Barbeque Pit. PAGE 3

M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller was released in January, and audience’s hearts have been thumping ever since. PAGE 6

The university Rodeo team holds a comfortable spot in their region, but they look to aim higher to nationals. PAGE 8

Aspiring New Heights The university, city, and Commerce ISD come together to learn from each other.

The ASPIRE program is meant to develop a mutually beneficial education and enrichment plan between all three entities.

Imogené Wofford Entertainment Editor ASPIRE is a project that is being put on to raise the level of education and increasing the quality of life to Commerce and the surrounding areas. The project is a collaboration between A&M-Commerce’s College of Education and Human Services, Commerce ISD and the city of Commerce. Head of the collaboration is Dean of the College of Education and Human Services Timothy Letzring, Associate Dean of the College of Education and Human Services Dr. Mark Reid, A&M-Commerce President Ray Keck, Commerce ISD Superintendent Charlie Alderman, and Mayor Wyman Williams The project started when President Keck went to the September Commerce School Board meeting, and he expressed an interest in finding ways to collaborate between the university and the school district. ASPIRE is an acronym for A School Partnership for Inspiration of Recreation and Education. Superintendent Alderman was very interested in finding was to capitalize on, the already many collaborations that happen between the school district and the university, like when the school district allows A&M-Commerce students to student teach at the schools, or when Commerce has their varsity football games at the university football field. Dr. Reid and Mayor Williams had been talking about trying to get the university faculty involved with the city; so shortly after President Keck met with the school board, Mayor Williams hosted a town hall meeting, where 90 people showed up—this was the first meeting. Along with being associate dean for the College of Education and Human Services, Dr. Reid is also a father of a student who attends Commerce ISD, as well as a resident of the city of Commerce. Dr. Reid facilitated that meeting for Mayor Williams, and they “had people use Socrative to tell them what challenges they saw and ideas that the city could address,” Dr. Reid said. Socrative is an online system that allows people to use their phones, tablets or computers to type their responses in.

Before the planning sessions at the school district, Superintendent Alderman went around to each of the Commerce ISD campuses. At each of the campuses he spoke with the faculties about the plans for what would later be named the ASPIRE project. Through a survey Superintendent Alderman had them to talk about their biggest challenges, and what was going well so that they could find issues that needed to be addressed, changed, solutions that could help things grow. There was a meeting held at the central administration building where people came if they wanted to be involved in the planning sessions. About 25 teachers showed up for those series of meetings, and one of the first things that Superintendent Alderman had the teachers to do was to pick the most important topics to continue with. There were two different sets of meetings, held in the fall semester of 2016, where one set was planning sessions by teachers and administrators at the school district, and another set of meetings where Superintendent Alderman went to local establishments and wanted community input on graduate profiles, as well as the ASPIRE project. At the meeting with the teachers and administrators, Superintendent Alderman had them come up with topics that they wanted to work on, address through a survey. In November Mayor Williams, Dr. Reid, Superintendent Alderman, and City Manager for Commerce Darrek Ferrell met and discussed where they were related to the planning of the project, and decided that they needed to bring the university to the table. “Good planning was going on, but we weren’t quite getting the collaboration piece that we wanted, that [President Keck] asked us to create…we wanted to take advantage of that the best that we could. “So we realized that we needed to get the university people around the table and immediately Superintendent Alderman suggested that the meetings should be at the university,” Dr. Reid said. The first meeting at the university was held on Dec. 12, 2016 and about 80 people showed up. There were eight topics, plus a couple more add-on topics, chosen.

TAMUC PHOTO

“That was extraordinary to me because it was December, and it’s such a busy time,” he said. “We are trying to raise the level of education for students of all ages, and increasing the quality of life for Commerce and surrounding areas,” he said. When we got to the meeting, I had topics spread all over the tables for everyone to choose from and talk about. This was the meeting were people got to know each other and form teams. The next meeting was held in January of 2017, it was the planning meeting for the 11 presentations that were held on Feb 7, which was the final meeting. “I think it will be a fun night. I’m sure and confident because of the new leadership because our [university] president, superintendent and mayor are new, within the last year; and all three of them see the value of collaborating, working together, leveraging the resources, and make Commerce an educational icon. “We are known for education, that’s what we do, we have a legacy as a university, and Commerce ISD needs to be a district that is known for being a premier district in Northeast Texas because of the collaboration with the university. “Out of ASPIRE I fully expect a robust mentoring programing to come out of this, collaboration on afterschool and summer programs, further developing TBRI collaborations that help us meet the needs of students and families in the Commerce area. I think it will be extremely powerful,” Dr. Reid said. TBRI stands for Trust Based Related Intervention. It is where educators are working with students who’ve experienced some form of trauma, and it was developed at Texas Christian University. Dr. Reid has hosted TBRI workshops, and Angie Proctor will host the lead workshop for Commerce ISD. “At the beginning of all this, one thing President Keck said was ‘don’t let resources and personnel hold you back from your collaboration suggestions,’” Dr. Reid said. “The leaders from the school district, city and university are very much interested in seeing collaboration that will meet the needs of the students, educators and administrators in Commerce ISD and get Commerce to that premier district that it needs to be.”

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Opinion

FEB. 9, 2017 You have an opinion. Voice it. Vote in weekly surveys on tamuceasttexan.com

A Woman’s Right:

Beyoncé, Babies, and Boss Ladies Imogené Wofford Entertainment Editor Beyoncé made the world stop…this past week with the press release that she and Jay-Z, husband, are expecting twins. The announcement was a simple, yet stunning, photograph from her maternity shoot that captioned, “We would like to share our love and happiness. We have been blessed two times over. We are incredibly grateful that our family will be growing by two…” She released the photo through her Instagram account, and it quickly became the only thing everyone was worried about. The post broke the Guinness World Record for most liked Instagram post with over 8.1 million likes. It’s only the second month of 2017 and she has already embodied this year, literally, I mean it’s Beyoncé, how could she not. No, I’m not writing a piece on Beyoncé but she is essential to my story because she is pregnant, and this is about pregnancy. I remember when she announced her pregnancy with Blue Ivy and people had an issue with the fact that she didn’t look pregnant, and some even said she used a surrogate—even though she posted pictures of her growing baby

bump. This was in 2011 and this all started when she had a guest appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and the way she sat down gave the impression that she was wearing a pregnancy pillow. From that point on WOMEN said that she wasn’t pregnant, it’s a sham, and even when Blue Ivy was born, she used a surrogate. Now first of all it’s very disrespectful to say that any woman is not pregnant, or having a baby, regardless of how the child is getting here. It’s so crazy to see on social media that the majority of negative comments are coming from women to fellow women. Number one, how can any woman bring herself to bash another woman about her having a baby, that’s none of our business. Beyoncé has given the public the opportunity to get a look into her life and people, more importantly women, decide to show negativity to such a beautiful, personal moment. It is exceedingly disrespectful to tell any woman anything negative about her pregnancy. It’s already hard for women to have a stress free pregnancy, especially when you’re a private person—and a celebrity. I don’t understand why women believe that it is ok to point out whether or not a woman is

pregnant, or not. She is a woman, how would you like if someone said that to your mother, sister, aunt, etc.…you wouldn’t, point blank period. I still don’t understand why women were/ are saying that she is vain and a liar. She posted videos and photos on her website about her pregnancy with Blue Ivy, and women still say she wasn’t pregnant. The same thing is happening to famous YouTuber Domo Wilson, just a little different because her shade is coming from teenagers saying that she shouldn’t be pregnant because she is a lesbian, stud or any other disrespectful, discriminatory labels. Regardless of whether a woman is pregnant by a man, in a same sex relationship and goes to a sperm bank, a single woman has a donor, goes through an adoption agency, or uses a surrogate; she is still having a baby She is simply a WOMAN!! She is a MOTHER!! Women are the beginning of life, without a woman giving birth no one would be here, so women should be more sensitive to other women, and think about what they’re saying when it comes to the beautiful experience of carrying life and bringing life into this world. Yes you may say well she’s a celebrity so

she signed up to live in the public eye, and get bashed; but, more importantly, she is a woman, a mother, a source of human life. I fell accross the Instagram page, HomeSweetHomeBirth that’s basically a social media page about pregnancy, how to have a healthy, safe pregnancy, blabor, and home births. It is a very informative page that uses women, who aren’t celebrities, in their most powerful expierences—giving birth. Under some of the posts there were comments that were mean and hateful like “ewww, this is gross” or “OMG who wwants to see this.” On the contrary, it is very right! Those are women who are bringing new lives into the world, they don’t care what they look like, or how they are perceived. Pregnancy is a beautiful, life-changing experience that women get the joy to go through. They are already pregnant and all they want is to have a healthy, positive pregnancy so that they can give birth to a beautiful, healthy baby. Women are giving the public an opportunity to share this glorious experience with them, don’t be disrespectful…and if you don’t have anything positive to contribute to any woman’s pregnancy, keep your statements to yourself because you wouldn’t want that said to you.

Lead.er.ship Mind.ful.ness: STOP Dating Your SELF & Commit Sheriff Osni Special Contributor Editor’s note: This opinion piece is by special contributor Sheriff Osni, a graduate student at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

“Aim and self-discipline assure success, and even with talent and intellect, a person with no purpose or aim in life will be a failure.” ~ Don Green Some people live life as if they were dating themselves, living in noncommittal relationship, not engaging themselves in a serious relationship towards SELF development and improvement. Casually booty calling upon themselves only in dire times such as midterms, finals, projects that are due, weak grades, career transition, job hunting, interviews, separation, divorce, illnesses, deteriorating health or wellness, failing personal or professional relationships, and other challenging life moments and expecting a rewarding ROI on their lack of investment - and even then only a few are provoked enough to take responsibility and begin their transformation, while others resolve to blaming others and circumstances and life in general and unfairness and bad luck

and not enough time and professors who are not understanding and the shifting of wind and the migration of the birds and everything that has to do with nothing... The Interdependence Theory in psychology sheds light as to why individuals in modern society may often be reluctant or unmotivated to commit to their SELF betterment and improvement and explains that the individual level of commitment is equivalent to the degree that they are dependent on their “partner” - or to illustrate my point rather than a “partner” it is their “SELF.” “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” ~ Attributed to many sources If you are not committed to mind.ful continuous SELF growth, development, and improvement then you are committed to mindless SELF sabotage. Committing to the relationship with your Self is not a new year’s resolution that fades away with time, but a deliberate, conscious, intentional, and mind.ful practice of thinking to program the mind, and scheduling to act to manifest what the mind thinks. Demand more of your Self from your Self for your SELF. This is the one and only time in life that you are permitted, in fact required, to put your SELF before others. Until few years ago my

mindset was to better and improve and develop myself primarily to serve three famous individuals: me, myself and I. In 2012, a catastrophic life event challenged my life and I chose to commit to transform my SELF by re-evaluating who I am, what I am, and why I am. Since then I demand more of my SELF from my SELF for others; to be more, to do more, to serve more. “Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world.” ~ Ramana Maharshi Your potential is limited only by the limitations you choose to limit your SELF to. Stop dating your SELF and commit to the symbiotic relationship that you are what you choose to program your mind to think, you are what and how you choose to act, in order to become all that you can be (a clue about me, can you guess what it is?). Will you stop dating your SELF and start a serious, committed relationship with your SELF now? If not now, then when? When? When? Think...then act accordingly. “A thing can be finished in the outer only as far as it is finished within the consciousness of the one doing the work.” ~ Idella M. Chadwick Be mind.ful of the choices you make and lead mind.fully.

Campus Comment: Do you prefer social or natural sciences?

“I prefer social like psychology. Everyone is different and we get to know everyone.” -Swetha Kandale, Graduate Student

“It depends on if I’m mixing chemicals or am I studying a psychopath.” -Imogené Wofford, Senior

The East Texan Staff

Editor Travis Hairgrove Managing Editor Alissa Silva News Editor Christian Aleman Opinion Editor Alex Medrano Entertainment Editor Imogené Wofford Web Editor Todd Kleiboer Sports Reporter Ricky Moser Staff Reporter Manny Ramirez Staff Reporter Acacia Muñoz Staff Reporter Evangelina Morales Staff Reporter Isabella Garcia Photographer/Reporter Gwion Jason Nam Photographer Kristen Taylor Photographer CJ Cannon Distribution Assistant Michelle Whitehead https://usmg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2%5f0%5f0%5f2%5f1%5fACt3w0MAF7mWWJkv awDawHD0Raw&m=YaDownload&pid=2&fid=Sent&inline=1&appid=YahooMailNeo&up loadId=MjAxNzAyMDZfMjAxNzUzLmpwZw== https://us-mg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/downl oad?mid=2%5f0%5f0%5f2%5f1%5fACt3w0MAF7mWWJkvawDawHD0Raw&m=YaDownlo

“Natural sciences like physics or biology, because without fact what is there.” -Autunm Crane, Freshman

The East Texan, official student newspaper of Texas A&M University-Commerce, is published 11 times per semester during the Fall and Spring by students including journalism students in reporting classes. Content is solely the responsibility of the student staff and writers. The comments and views expressed in The East Texan, in print or online, do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of other students, staff, faculty, administration, or the Board of Trustees. The East Texan is located in Room113 of the Journalism Building. Single copies of The East Texan are free, additional copies are available in The East Texan offices for an additional 25 cents each.

“As students, we need everything. Everyone can not be in biology just like everyone can not be a psychologist.” -Nataraj Goud, Graduate Student

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News

FEB. 9, 2017

Commerce Celebrates New Businesses With Ribbon Cutting Christian Aleman News Editor The Commerce Chamber of Commerce celebrated the expansion of business in the community with two ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new gym, Commerce Fitness, and Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, under new ownership. “I like it, I like it,” Dickey’s owner, Aaron Byrd said. “I like ribbon cuttings because it gives you a chance for everyone to come out.” The ceremony began at 12 p.m. at the strip mall next to Braum’s with Commerce Fitness and ended next door at Dickey’s. “It’s a lot different,” first-time owner Byrd said. “I don’t want to say [it’s] a little more pressure…” Byrd hopes that the ceremony will signal a new chapter for the restaurant as he works to improve the restaurant’s image. “I think the main thing is the reputation before, that I’ve heard…,” he said. Byrd has ideas he aspires to implement to make the business successful and known around the area. “There’s a lot of stuff,” he said. “Just getting out and making sure people know we’re open and trying to work closely with the university. I have some stuff working with the athletic department already, and making sure, you know, we’re benefiting the students as well.” As for Commerce Fitness, the family owned and operated gym was put together in about two months and was opened on Jan. 14 by owners Chad and Julie Gentle.

“We try to give back to everyone in the community,” Julie said. “We have classes for the kids, Zumba on the weekends for free, we reach out to the seniors…” The idea of a having and running a gym had been a dream for the couple. “Literally one day Chad was sitting at Braum’s and somebody mentioned that this building was available and he thought ‘Uh, I can’t afford that,’” Julie said. “I’m like ‘Just call,’ and just that one phone call changed everything, and it just put a series of events into motion and here we are eight weeks later. It’s just surreal.” The couple acquired the building in early Nov. and put in work to get it open. “We worked from –we got the key Nov. 10 and we worked frantically,” she said. “We did all the construction ourselves; my husband, my son-in-law, and myself.” With the gym having been open for almost three weeks, the owners have ideas planned for the future of the gym. “We’re talking about bringing powerlifting shows, cross training shows, we’re hoping to bring people from other states…,” Julie said. The couple envisions that the gym can be something beneficial CHRISTIAN A LEMAN/PHOTO COURTESY to the Commerce community. “Well, I think it’s going to be big for Commerce because we’re reaching out to a whole different dynamic of people,” Julie said. “It’s going to be a staple of Commerce. It’s just going to be the place to go. It’s going to be the hangout.”

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Student, Love Thyself “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” –Oscar Wilde Shannon Moseley, M.S. Ah, Valentine’s Day. The day of hearts, flowers, candy, and purposefully setting aside time to engage in a special activity. An entire day dedicated to L-OV-E. Traditionally people think of this time of year as being for couples. Certainly romance is a beautiful thing-why not celebrate it? However, this year, I want to encourage you to consider this occasion to reflect on the idea of self-love. To make the time to get to know YOU better and to pamper YOU in all the ways that YOU deserve. It’s far too easy to burn with excitement at the idea of being in the presence of someone else. What would it be like to dedicate the same amount of energy to wanting to be with the person you see in the mirror? How often do you make an effort to compliment, gift, surprise, show affection, compassion, and kindness to please someone you care about? How often do you do that for the only person you’ll spend every minute of your entire life with? (That’s you by the way). Here is a short list of ideas to inspire you and jump start your Valentine’s Day. Please feel free to add to this list or just share the different ways you plan to love yourself this Valentine’s Day (or everyday) on the Counseling Center’s twitter account: @TAMUC_ CounCtr Take yourself out on a date…Set healthy boundaries...Write yourself a love note…Forgive yourself…Look in the mirror and compliment yourself…Turn on your favorite music and dance like nobody is watching…Get a professional massage… Color…Read a good book just for fun…Work on project that you’ve been meaning to do for a while… Declutter...Do something that is of first and foremost a benefit to you.

CHRISTIAN A LEMAN/PHOTO COURTESY

Nursing and Health Sciences Building Project to Break Ground on March 10 ment feels so grateful to have so much administrative support as they have increased in capacity throughout the Phase 3 Residence Hall and the years. Jerry D. Morris Recreation Center’s “It’s so exciting that we will have “It’s an exciting collaboration tennis courts will not be the only two the ability to increase in number for sites under construction this spring se- between the school of Nursing and the department,” Tucker said. “I curmester. rently have one of my faculty in a closHealth Sciences with Biology.” et. At this point we are maxed out not The new Nursing and Health Sciences Building construction will beonly in offices but as well as in labs. - Dr. Barbara Tucker gin March 10 with a groundbreaking We will be quadrupling our skills lab, ceremony. This new facility will house doubling our assessment lab (twice as nursing, health and human performance, A&M-Commerce first announced many exam tables), and adding two addiand the Biomedical Institute for Regen- and created the Bachelor of Science in tional hospital rooms to the Simulation erative Medicine. Nursing program in 2012. The depart- Laboratory.” “It’s an exciting collaboration between the school of Nursing and Heath Sciences with Biology,” Dr. Barbara Tucker, Chair and Director of the Nursing Department said. “It gives us the opportunity to really expand in this new learning and research area.” The ceremony will commence a new chapter for Texas A&M UniversityCommerce that is expected to bring excitement. “This is going to be a joint event that day. We will start the morning with the kickoff at the Heritage House to celebrate our 100th anniversary as a state institution,” Jill Mobley, Associate Director of Annual and Special Programs COMMERCE JOURNAL/ PHOTO COURTESY Acacia Muñoz Staff Reporter

So, you see, it doesn’t matter if you are single, engaged, dating, or “it’s complicated”. Be sure to take the time to love yourself in a way that says you are special and worthy of love. Also, please don’t wait an entire year to treat yourself special. I encourage you to make this a daily habit.

“Self-love, my liege, is not so vile a sin, as self-neglecting.” – William Shakespeare, Henry V.

said. “The groundbreaking will take place at the end of the celebration.”

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Mary Claire Bradicich Writer The Anime Club is a subgroup within the Fandom Society at Texas A&M University-Commerce whose purpose is to bring individuals together to share their thoughts and enjoy commons interests together. “The purpose of the group is to basically bring like-minded individuals together. As a freshman, you come in with these different interests, these different things about you and it’s very hard to find certain groups and individuals who are also in that same mindset,” Tanner McCarter, president of the Fandom Society, said. Another purpose of the Fandom Society is to help students who have trouble interacting with others adjust to college life. “We serve as the group that comes in for the people considered as the outcasts, they are like the nerds, the geeks…these people are basically welcomed with open arms and basically we are just a mediator for them to connect to one another, and be able to converse. We are here to serve, to build relationships, and have them not feel like they are alone,” said Tanner McCarter. Tobias Griffiths, treasurer of the Fandom Society and leader of the Anime Club, expanded on McCarter’s explanation.

A (nime) M U C FLICKR / PHOTO COURTESY

“There are some people that like, like he was saying, it’s difficult for them to speak to other people, difficult for them to branch out in the university and you know, find friends and then branch out from there. Often we’ll get groups in of freshman and they’ll be with us for maybe a semester or two but they’ll find their place… and we’ll see them move on,” said Griffiths. The Fandom Society is an organization that focuses on science fiction, fantasy, and other fandoms. Within the Fandom Society are several subgroups, one of which is the Anime Club. Anime is a popular type of film in Japan. “See anime, in the lamest terms, is Japanese animation-that’s what it stems from. You know, it’s a Japanese animated thing,” McCarter said. “There’s all genres. There’s stuff for children, there’s stuff for adults. It’s just like going to the movies and watching whatever…it’s just it’s all animated and it’s in Japanese.” Every week, Griffiths posts a poll on the group’s Facebook page and lets members decide which anime they would like to watch during meeting time. Due to its versatility, there are different genres within the anime realm. There’s different things for everybody, Griffiths said. “Like there’s stuff that’s real mellow, that’s real relaxing, there’s nothing very serious going on. And then there’s stuff that things are blowing up and people are going crazy.” Griffiths describes what the Anime Club means to the students of Texas A&M-Commerce. “Anime is a culture. It’s not a way of life; it’s just like-minded people coming around and watching Japanese production. It’s an art form,” said Griffiths. The Fandom Society holds its general meetings on Fridays at 5 p.m. and the Anime Club meets every Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the McDowell Business Administration Building.

2017 GROUP FITNESS SCHEDULE Demi Hairgrove Staff Reporter Struggling to keep your New Year fitness goals? Well you are in luck. The Morris Recreation Center are offering fitness classes throughout the semester. The program is called “Group Fitness”, classes are free with no required experience. It is open to students and to anyone with a membership to the rec. Classes range from Yoga, and Zumba to Dance, cycling and much more. They are offered Monday through Friday at different times. James Thayer, the assistant director of fitness and wellness explains how each class brings in a different atmosphere. Some classes may be high energy such as the cycling and boot camp classes, others may be low energy such as the yoga classes. There is no pre-registration to join the class just bring yourself and a bottle of water and get your workout on. Now there is no excuse to not keep your 2017 fitness goals. You are not alone in this journey, being a part of Group Fitness will allow you to meet others that may have the same goals as you. Fitness classes are held in the activity room. Let this be the start of something good. You can find the group fitness schedule,

Swingin’ Into Spring Jazz Band hosting showcase Isabella Garcia Staff Writer The Swing into Spring Dance hosted by the music department will welcome the new season as they showcase their musical talents. This performance will be on Thurs. Feb. 16 beginning at 6 p.m., in The Club of the Student Rayburn Student Center. Admission is free and students and faculty are encouraged to listen and dance along. The two big bands performing will be the Blue Cat Big Band, directed by the trumpet professor, Dr. Daniel Kelly while the Mane Attraction band is conducted by Dr. Chris Beaty, the saxophone professor. The jazz bands have only been practicing for a couple of weeks due to music rearrangement and change in members with additions to the band from January auditions. The audience will be able to listen to a mixture of older and newer compositions, including swing, ballad, funk, and funk rock tunes, as well as classic favorites such as Sing, Sing, Sing. This year will also be the first time two members from the Vocal faculty department will work alongside the bands which will help enhance the full performance. “I think the thing we haven’t ever done is feature faculty vocalists in this type of concert,” said Professor Beaty, “at least in the 5 years I’ve been here, so this is kind of the featured section of the dance this year.” Dr. Jennifer Glidden, the Assistant Professor of Music Voice and Opera, and Brock Johnson, the Adjunct Instructor of Music, will be featured singing along with both big bands, on about three or four sections each. They will also

be performing a duet and their own solos with each band. However, it is common to hear a few members in the big bands perform improvised and rehearsed solo pieces during other concerts. This event is no exception as some band members will be able to show off their skills on this night. “We usually feature soloists within the band in performances,” said Beaty, “for this event I’ll feature both alto saxophone players during the evening, and our trumpet player, Jerry Garcia, is also featured on a selection.” The music will be performed in three small sets, alternating between the two bands. The top jazz band, the Mane Attraction Jazz Ensemble, will perform for about 30 minutes, followed by the second jazz ensemble, the Blue Cat Big Band, who will play for about another 30 to 40 minutes before finally ending with the Mane Attraction for the final set. This concert doubles as a social event where students will also have the opportunity to dance along to the swing music. On this night, The Club will have a dance floor that will be installed for this special event only. The bands will be wearing tuxedos and more formal attire, but there is no dress requirement for students to attend. The Jazz Ensembles host two concerts in the spring and this will be the first one of the semester, although it functions more as a dance. Students will have another chance to listen to the same big bands on April 24 in their normal venue, Finney Concert Hall. Everyone is invited to enjoy the production held by the Jazz Ensembles for this unique occasion. Students will be able to listen to a diverse display of music and venture to dance along to tunes that is unlike the mainstream music of present day.

This performance will be on Thurs. Feb. 16 beginning at 6 p.m., in The Club of the Student Rayburn Student Center. Admission is free and students and faculty are encouraged to listen and dance along.

along with a description of each class on the campus rec. page of the university’s website. Hope that all of your fitness goals are achieved.

FLICKR / PHOTO COURTESY

Humans of Commerce -Student stories, student lives-

What would you define as a family?

- A lot of the family I have here aren’t my blood but I consider them family because we have been through so much together, especially my Auntie Grace. Around middle school we got evicted from my house and we had no place to stay and we were staying at her house. Whenever I got sick, she would come pick me up for school. So she technically isn’t my blood but she has been there and she is one of the closest people to me. Those kind of people are my family. Julius Chilundika - Freshman, Construction Engineering

Documented by : Jasmine Baker and Alex Medrano

Features Broadening Horizons:

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FEB. 9, 2017

Developing global citizenship by studying abroad

...in Australia Gwiwon Jason Nam Staff Reporter This summer, Texas A&M University– Commerce a faculty-led study abroad program in Australia will offer a sociology course about the health care system. The planned course is Comparative Health Care Systems. “We will travel to Sydney and Melbourne to learn about the health care system which they refer to as ‘Medicare,’” Associate Professor of Sociology Yvonne Villanueva-Russell said. “Unlike the United States, where health insurance is often tied to employment, the Australian system is both privately and publicly funded.” This is the first time a group of A&M– Commerce students will visit Australia as part of a faculty-led study abroad course. Dr. VillanuevaRussell designed this course at the invitation of the Office of International Studies after she built a similar course last year where participating students travelled to Sweden. “I think that students interested in healthrelated fields, like nursing, medicine, physical therapy, nutrition, neuropsychology and even animal science would benefit from this trip, as we will go on field experiences connected with those occupations during our stay,” she said. During the trip, students will take several tours of medical facilities and have field experiences at the health-related institutions. They also have a plan to connect with alums from A&M– Commerce who live in Melbourne and work in health-related fields. “Students should gain a new perspective on health care,” Villanueva-Russell explained, when the purpose of this course.

“More specifically, they should be able to critically examine the health care systems in the United States and Australia. What aspects do we excel at in the United States, and what areas could we improve? What might we learn or borrow from the Australian model that could improve what we do in the United States?” she said. Dr. Villanueva-Russell will be the instructor on the trip, and Amanda Grant (the Graduate Program Enrollment Coordinator for the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts) will accompany her. “This is a terrific opportunity to study abroad and earn course credit from Texas A&M University-Commerce,” Dr. Villanueva-Russell said. “For most students, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Australia. We will visit universities, hospitals, and the professional offices of healthcare practitioners, but will also fit in many cultural activities, like a visit to see koalas and attendance at an Australian-rules football game,” she said. This is a 3 credit hour course, open to both undergraduate and graduate students. It is estimated that the trip will cost approximately $4,500, including tuition, but scholarships are available. There are no prerequisites for the course. Applications and nonrefundable deposits are being accepted until February 14. Selected participants will have pre-departure meetings in early June to prepare them for the trip. They will be departing in mid-June and stay in Australia for 11 days. If students are interested in this course, they can contact Dr. Villanueva-Russell at Yvonne. VRussell@tamuc.edu

Our Century as Lions Campus community gears up for centennial celebration of becoming a state institution

Elizabeth Rodriguez Writer In 1889, William L. Mayo founded a private teachers’ college in Cooper, Texas. The school, then called East Texas Normal College, was established in order educate rural teachers. The campus was destroyed by a fire in 1889 and was then relocated to Commerce, Texas where it struggled to survive. In order to revive the college, Mayo worked along with school alumnus and State Senator Ed Westbrook to get a bill before the state Legislature that authorized the purchase of East Texas Normal College by the state. That bill was passed on March 14, 1917, and East Texas Normal College became East Texas State Normal College. 100 years and four name changes later, Texas A&M University–Commerce is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the university becoming a state institution. Celebrations will take place March 10, and preparations are already underway. The first planned event is a morning ceremony held at the Heritage House on campus. Guest speakers including House Speaker Joe Strauss, Rep. Dan Flynn, and Sen. Bob Hall will commemorate the university’s 100 years as part of the state of Texas. “This ceremony is to pay tribute to Dr. Mayo’s ingenuity, imagination and hard work for having created this school out of practically nothing,” Vice President for Media Relations and Community Engagement, Noah Nelson, said. Later on in the day, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Nursing Building is scheduled near Gee Lake. The same VIP speakers are expected to be there and say a few words about the Nurs-

ing Program and it’s importance. “The significance of this building is that there is a shortage of nurses here in Northeast Texas, and more specifically in the rural areas,” Nelson said. “By opening up this new state-of-the-art facility, we can now take in and graduate more nurses to address that problem.” In addition to the main ceremonies in March, there will be markers put in place at various locations around campus where significant buildings once stood or important events occurred. These permanent markers will serve to recognize the long history of this university as the main celebrations are still being prepared. There is a committee consisting of administrators, faculty and staff putting together the commemorative events for March 10. Representatives from different disciplines, including media relations, historians and archive experts, are putting in a collaborative effort to make this a historically significant day for the university and the community. The celebrations are open to everyone. Alumni and citizens of Commerce are expected to attend as well. While plans are still in the works, more information regarding the activities will be sent out to students and posted around campus in the near future. The people involved in putting this day together believe that students and the community should know about the history of the university. “It’s important that people know that we’ve been part of the state of Texas, and also this community, for so long,” Nelson said. “We’re very proud to be able to celebrate the longevity and durability of Dr. Mayo’s dream to build a school to produce teachers and educate Texas.”

PHOTO COURTESY/ A NTHONY K ERNICH

...in Costa Rica

Todd Kleiboer Web Editor In its seventh year, the study abroad program to Costa Rica led by Dr. LaVelle Hendricks of the Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education Department offers students a new view of the world and focuses on drug and alcohol addiction during the Summer II session. “It provides a unique opportunity for our students to become global citizens,” Dr. Hendricks said. “A lot of our students have never had a chance to leave the States, and it’s a wonderful experience for them.” The study abroad program is in partnership with the University of Costa Rica because A&MCommerce has a memorandum of agreement with them, essentially a plan to cooperate to reach a goal or complete an objective. In this case, it is an agreement to educate students on addiction and the types of treatment available in Costa Rica. “Some of their [University of Costa Rica] faculty members will come over and teach the latest drug trends, the drug addictions, their treatment modalities that they use in Costa Rica,” Dr. Hendricks explained. “Our students get a chance to visit several drug treatment facilities [that use] the psychotherapy approach to treatment, the medical model for treatment, and the faith-based model.” Students also visit during their stay Costa Rica’s IAFA (Instituto sobre Alcoholismo y Farmacodependcia), an organization that focuses on the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of those with addictions to alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs and has a hand in forming Costa Rican drug policies. “We get a chance to talk to the director and to the executive,” Dr. Hendricks said. “We get a chance to talk with the therapists, and it’s an eye-opening for our students to see the approach

they use for treatment.” The real consequences of the illicit drug industry will also be seen by students as they tour prisons in which the inmates have either used, sold, or were in possession of illegal drugs, and some of these people addicted to drugs have been as young as 12. “We get a chance to talk with teenagers and to individuals as young as 12 and up to 16 years of age, folks who are strung out on drugs and so forth,” Dr. Hendricks stated. “Their drug of choice there is marijuana and cocaine, cocaine because of its proximity to Columbia.” The study abroad program is still a class, named COUN 497/597, and so students will still be expected to write a paper and give a presentation over their findings on drug addiction counseling. “It is an academic approach,” Dr. Hendricks said. “We want students to actually learn how other countries are dealing with alcohol and drug addiction issues.” Dr. Hendricks looks to take seven to eight students to Costa Rica, and the deadline to sign up is the week before Spring Break in March. Students can contact Dr. Hendricks to show their interest, but the paperwork involved in gaining admittance and scholarships may be daunting. “I encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities that university provides for them,” Dr. Hendricks urged. “It’s a wonderful experience for students. They come back a changed person, but more importantly, in this global economy and global society that we are currently experiencing, it’s a unique opportunity for students to see how the other world operates.” The trip takes place July 9-July 15, and students can contact Dr. Hendricks at Lavelle. Hendricks@tamuc.edu. The Office of Global Programs is located on the second floor of Ferguson through which scholarships for study abroad are offered.

Model Train Society still chugging along

Spencer Nelson Staff Reporter The East Texas Model Train Society continues its operations after 28 years. “We like to play with trains. Some like engineering, some like operating. Some just want to run trains.” RG Teeter, a member of the Model Train Society, said in an email interview on Wednesday. The East Texas Model Train society is a nonprofit group looking to focus on excellence on a smaller level. Model trains happen to be that level. “I read somewhere a report that model railroaders were almost nonexistent as criminals” John Allen, a well-known model train craftsman, said in 1973 for a NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) bulletin. “Perhaps someday we might also be recognized as among the more careful craftsmen.” The club’s focus is to create a gathering point for likeminded individuals who are drawn to model railroading and enjoy the hobby. The focus of the club is the history of the steam to diesel transition era, or the 1870’s to the 1960’s. “The degree of planning depends on how realistic you want your layout to be,” Jared

Peckham, the youngest member of the group and a former Texas A&M University-Commerce student said. “Model railroading can be a meticulous art.” There is a running joke in the club for not only being a model train club but also a carpentry club, electrician club, history club, etc. due to the endless possibilities that model railroaders can do when creating their models, as the track can be as simple as an oval or as elaborate as a replica of an historic train scene. The ETMRS showcases their tables at several different festivals, malls, fairs and local display locations along with volunteering at the Dallas Area Train Show, held at the Plano Centre, which happens each year during both the fall and the spring. “In my opinion, model railroading is one of the greatest hobbies in which I am merely a neophyte,” Peckham said. “And, that I am extremely grateful of the opportunity to be a member in this great club and to be in the same sphere of influences these men that I consider to be both my friends and mentors.” The East Texas Model Railroad society is always looking for new members, and monthly dues is $20. Contact rteeter@geusnet.com for more info over membership.

PAGE 6

Entertainment

FEB. 9, 2017

A Split Decision Manuel Ramirez Staff Reporter I’ve actually enjoyed the films of M. Night Shyamalan; my personal favorites continue to be The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs. Even his lesser material have their moments (to an extent), though I won’t deny that he has delivered a decade of disappointing duds from The Village to After Earth. Nevertheless, I always look forward to his next project hoping that it’ll be great like his earlier work. While many viewed his previous film The Visit as his big comeback, I failed to see what the appeal was. Now we have Split, which like The Visit is a smaller-scale movie that harkens back Shyamalan’s days of chills and thrills. The plot follows Casey Cooke (Anya Taylor-Joy) who after a party is kidnapped and imprisoned with two other girls Marcia (Jessica Sula) and Claire (Haley Lu Richardson). Their captor is revealed to be Kevin (James McAvoy), who embodies twenty-three identities in his head. There’s the menacing Dennis who orchestrated the crime, the sickly sweet Patricia who oversees the girls, and the mischievous nine year-old Hedwig who alludes to a twenty-fourth identity simply known as “the beast.” What do they want with the girls? Is the “beast” really a fully-fledge monster? How will the girls escape? Where are they? What is this all leading to? Will Shyamalan finally give us a good film? As the movie progressed it played everything that I’d seen in the trailer from the girls trying to win young Hedwig’s trust, Kevin’s therapist Dr. Karen Fletcher (Betty Buckley) studying his condition, even the supposed twist I felt was given away. Taylor-Joy’s Casey is great as the main heroine, I was puzzled that throughout the ordeal she remained calm and wasn’t fazed that she was kidnapped. I was afraid she had fallen under Shyamalan’s bad troupe of dull dialogue and personality but we are given an explanation that just thinking about it makes me take back on what I thought of her on first glance. James McAvoy is just chilling in this movie as he juggles a variety of personas, a role that’s not easy but makes it work. Among other things the film contains a few horror clichés from the over-the-top panicking girls to dialogues of exposition, a common Shyamalan trait. Not to mention a few problematic elements that made it a bit of uncomfortable viewing, which I understand what it’s trying to say but the subject may not bode with everyone. I’m happy to say that this is one of Shymalan’s better films in a long time and a definite step in the right direction. I can’t wait to see where Shyamalan goes from here but all I ask is to not leave us hanging in the same vein as Tron: Legacy or John Carter.

Manson’s Maidens Alex Medrano Opinion Editor In the summer of 2016, 50 years after the infamous Manson Murders, The Girls, written by Emma Cline, is out. Through the book, Cline takes on a coming-of-age approach to the serial killer story. It becomes unsettling during some of the chapters, remembering the novel ends with multiple innocent murders; but if you can get past the nonchalant look at life, this book is great. The story itself revolves around Evie, a preteen character struggling with her puberty, and then transitioning to her middle-aged self. The moments of going back and forth seem unnecessary, and at the end there is no big reveal as to why Cline did this. It seemed the only reason for this was to offer a counterpoint from Evie, the plucky preteen; and then her older middle-aged self, who develops into a wisp of a person who has never done anything with her life. The stories that happen on both ends are entertaining, but it seems like two stories trying to morph into one. Cline does a great job at the descriptions and progressions of the Manson girls. The consistent relationship in the story is between Suzanne (a Manson girl) and Evie (the spunky preteen). The evolution that Cline gives Suzanne brings back the severity of the true story. The book starts off nice with a good backstory (one of white privilege but semi-relatable to most girls) and becomes great in the middle. The middle is where the chapters become emotionally driven and you can see the Manson girl take form. The reader can read the growing toxicity. Cline’s ability to write Suzanne’s transition from someone who was free-spirited to someone who would kill was critical. In doing so, Suzanne became the focus of interest for the rest of the story. It was during those moments that Cline seemed to understand the horrific actions these girls made and how they became the Manson girls. But it is the end of The Girls that loses the points. It ends like a romantic comedy were everything is always alright by the time the credits roll. Evie is back in private school and her older self is re-evaluating the poor life decisions that caused her to lose all sense of self….and then you have the murders Cline brushes over like an afterthought with a couple sentences. The book was almost great.

La La Lame

Manuel Ramirez Staff Reporter A new winning record of seven Golden Globes and a big contender for the Oscars, Damien Chazelle’s La La Land, is a postmodern musical filmed in the style of 1950s classics like Singing in the Rain. A movie seen as a celebration of cinema, music, and as the tagline states “to the fool’s who dream;” a film that pays tribute to other Hollywood classics from An American in Paris to Casablanca. I love musicals as much as the next person but I found myself not feeling the love for this feature film for a few reasons. Despite the memorable songs, dance numbers and great cinematography I did not like the main characters of La La Land, Mia and Sebastian played by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Both give great performances but the characters came off more obnoxious than charming. Nevertheless, I remained hopeful but as the film came to a close I couldn’t but think of John Carney’s Once, another film where music plays a central role. The premise of that film and La La Land are very similar. Both are about a young couple who are musically gifted, passionate in their fields, aren’t living the life of a luxury despite their talents, struggling to find a better route in their lives, are presented a chance to make it big

and are faced with a decision with pursuing their hopes and dreams or being with each other. I’ll admit that Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have chemistry but they lack what makes the couple in Once more endearing—charm, likability, and the effort to make amends when conflict arises. With Mia and Sebastian, they are at each other’s throats; even when a reasonable decision is made neither side is content that it’s just irksome to watch. Without going into full spoilers, I understand the point of its ending. A decision is made with moments of sadness, regret and hope. An unexpected and emotional moment that left me sad and happy but at the same time I understood why it happened. There’s just one problem… I’ve seen this done before and better in Carney’s film! Once has a humble and calm atmosphere containing beautiful and poignant themes in its story, characters and music. What make it more impressive is that it comes from a very small and low-budget film. La La Land attempts this with a bigger budget, stellar cast, catchy songs, and glamorous look in an attempt to make it mainstream but it’s the heart that’s absent, making the pay-off completely empty. Many say La La Land is the film that makes us love and go to the movies but for me its films like Once that makes movies worth watching.

FEB. 9, 2017

PAGE 7

finalscore

hotshot

60-59

2.1

A&M-Kingsville rushed in the last minute to put up 11 points to topple Midwestern, the first time A&M-K has beaten them since 2008.

The average number of steals per game of WT’s Sasha Watson who leads the conference in number of steals and steals per game.

Softball

Men’s Hoops

WT tops conference poll for first-place finishers

Team Tarleton State UT-Permian Basin A&M-Commerce West Texas A&M A&M-Kingsville Cameron Midwesterm State Angelo State East. New Mexico West. New Mexico

Conf. Overall 11-2 20-3 9-3 18-4 8-5 16-6 7-5 19-6 7-5 14-7 7-6 14-9 6-7 13-9 5-7 13-7 3-10 9-14 0-13 2-19

Individual Players Points

Player

Points

Chavlovich, David (WT)

485

Francis, Daeshon (UT-PB)

405

King, Quay (ASU)

377

Albert, Malik (A&M-C)

368

Camidge, Ridell (TSU)

348

Points Per Game Player

P/G

Chavlovich, David (WT)

20.2

King, Quay ASU)

19.8

Francis, Daeshon (UT-PB)

18.4

Albert, Malik (A&M-C)

18.4

Lacy, Johnnie (UT-PB)

15.5

Three Pointers

PHOTO COURTESY/L ONESTARCONFERENCE .ORG

West Texas A&M is the top choice to win a fourth straight Lone Star Conference softball championship according to the preseason poll announced by league officials on Tuesday. WT received 26 of the 30 first-place votes for a total of 324 points in the poll decided by LSC coaches, sports information directors and various media representatives. The Lady Buffs finished the 2016 season 59-5 overall with a 30-2 league mark to earn the South Central Regional title, a third straight LSC championship and secondstraight tournament title.

Texas A&M - Commerce finished second in the poll with three first-place nods for 269 points, just in front of Texas Woman’s, who was tabbed third with 268 points the remaining top vote. Angelo State ranked fourth with 263 points as just six points separated A&M-C, TWU and ASU. Cameron was fifth with 176 points, Tarleton State sixth (167), Midwestern State seventh (161), and Texas A&MKingsville eighth (144). Eastern New Mexico (80), Western New Mexico (79), and UT Permian Basin (49) rounded out the poll.

PL AY ER S

OF T H E

The Lady Buffs claimed the individual awards as Ashley Hardin was tabbed LSC Preseason Player of the Year, while Kilee Halbert earned LSC Preseason Pitcher of the Year honors. Hardin, a junior outfielder from Flower Mound, Texas, registered one of the best statistical seasons in WT history in 2016 hitting .392 with 16 doubles, one triple and an LSCbest 23 homeruns en route to first-team All-LSC honors. She drove in a league-best 82 RBI for a slugging clip of .829 while walking 34 times for an on-base percentage of .471. Hardin was

Men’s Basketball: Italics denote winner February 2nd

DEFENSIVE: Madison Parker, WT

Last Week:

while allowing an opponent batting average of .243. The overall LSC Champion will be the team(s) with the best winning percentage in regular-season conference games, while the winner of the postseason championship will be recognized as LSC Tournament Champion and receive the league’s automatic qualification into NCAA postseason. The singleelimination championship featuring the top six teams will be played May 5-6, at the No. 1 seed.

S COR E R EC A P

WE E K

Women’s Basketball

OFFENSIVE: Artaejah Gay, A&M-C

a force in center field recording 65 putouts with 10 outfield assists and just three errors for a fielding clip of .962. Halbert, a junior pitcher from Dalhart, Texas, put together one of the best statistical seasons in the circle in WT history in 2016 as she went 27-4 with a 2.11 ERA to earn LSC Pitcher of the Year and Academic Player of the Year honors. She made 37 appearances with 35 starts while tossing 19 complete games with five shutouts, three one-hitters and a save. Halbert tossed 192.2 innings as she allowed 82 runs (58 earned) on 181 hits with 145 strikeouts

Last Week:

39 points

3 steals

10 rebounds

9 assists

3Ps

King, Quay (ASU)

Chavlovich, David (WT)

McPherson, James (UT-PB)

Evans, Jordan (WT)

Camidge, Ridell (TSU)

Schedule

February 9th Cameron AT West Texas A&M Angelo State AT A&M-Commerce A&M-Kingsville AT Tarleton State Midwestern AT UT-PB February 11th Midwestern AT West Texas A&M A&M-Kingsville AT A&M-Commerce Cameron AT UT-PB Angelo State AT Tarleton State

Women’s Hoops Team

Conf. Overall

Angelo State

12-2

18-2

East. New Mexico 12-2

16-5

West Texas A&M

10-4

A&M-Commerce

10-4

16-6

Tarleton State

9-5

10-10

17-6

Texas Woman’s

7-7

14-8

Cameron

6-8

8-12

A&M-Kingsville

5-9

10-10

UT-Permian Basin 3-11

7-14

76-74

Midwestern State

3-11

6-14

Cameron AT Angelo State

85-77

West. New Mexico 0-14

4-17

West. New Mexico AT A&M-Commerce

112-79

Midwestern State AT A&M-Kingsville

60-59

East. New Mexico AT Tarleton State

February 4th

Individual Players Points Player

Cameron AT A&M-Kingsville

58-56

Points

Gutierrez, Jordan (WNMU)

376

Dorsey, Taylor (ASU)

354

against

Midwestern State AT Angelo State

74-67

Saygo, Kenesha (TWU)

322

ENMU

East. New Mexico AT A&M-Commerce

72-65

Watson, Sasha (WT)

319

West New Mexico AT Tarleton State

86-45

WNMU

West Texas A&M AT UT-Permian Basin

77-73

Men’s Basketball

OFFENSIVE: Daeshon Francis, UT-PB

Last Week:

33 points 10 rebounds

15 rebounds

against

Arlington Bap.

ENMU

WT-A&M

WNMU

Women’s Basketball: Italics denote winner

Gutierrez, Jordan (WNMU)

17.9

February 2nd

Saygo, Kenesha (TWU)

17.9

Dorsey, Taylor (ASU)

17.7

Hailey, Mackenzie (TSU)

15.5

James, Savanna (CAM)

15.2

46-45

East. New Mexico AT Tarleton State

81-76

West. New Mexico AT A&M-Commerce

92-65

Player

Cameron AT Angelo State

90-72

Caro, Briana (UT-PB)

Texas Woman’s AT UT-Permian Basin

78-74

Roher, Kaylin (A&M-K)

Taylor, Whitney (MSU)

Decker, Alie (WT)

Taito. Niva (UT-PB)

West. New Mexico AT Tarleton State

84-70

Midwestern State AT Angelo State

65-45

Texas Woman’s AT West Texas A&M

80-55

East. New Mexico AT A&M-Commerce

85-67

Cameron AT A&M-Kingsville

69-54

Softball: Games won & lost in tournament February 3rd-5th West Texas A&M

5-0

Angelo State

4-1

A&M-Commerce

4-1

Texas Woman’s

4-1

Tarleton State

3-2

Cameron

3-3

Softball

Track And Field Schedule

Invitational A&M-Kingsville Don Kirby Invitational Lubbock Christian West Texas A&M MSSU Lion Open A&M-Commerce Tarleton State

Team

316

Points Per Game P/G

January 28th

4 blocks

Gay, Artaejah (A&M-C) Player

Midwestern State AT A&M-Kingsville

DEFENSIVE: Romond Jenkins, Tarleton

Last Week:

February 9th Indoor Track and Field Classic Tarleton State A&M-Commerce Dunamis Classic Meet Midwestern (W’s) February 10th Fastrack National

Player

Conf. Overall

West Texas A&M

0-0

5-0

Midwestern State

0-0

1-5

Angelo State

0-0

4-1

East. New Mexico

0-0

0-5

A&M-Commerce

0-0

4-1

A&M-Kingsville

0-0

Texas Woman’s

0-0

4-1

UT-Permian Basin

0-0

0-5

Tarleton State

0-0

3-2

West. New Mexico 0-0

0-5

Cameron

0-0

3-3

Schedule

February 10th-12th Dixie State Tournament West. New Mexico North Texas Softball Bash Texas Woman’s UT-Permian Basin East. New Mexico Tarleton State A&M-Kingsville

George McCorkle Challenge Angelo State 2017 WT Invitational West Texas A&M Cameron NFCA Lead-Off Classic A&M-Commerce MSU Round Robin Midwestern State

Three Pointers 3Ps

Schedule

February 9th Cameron AT West Texas A&M Midwestern AT UT-PB A&M-Kingsville AT Tarleton State Angelo State AT A&M-Commerce Texas Woman’s AT East. New Mexico February 11th Cameron AT UT-PB A&M-Kingsville AT A&M-Commerce Angelo State AT Tarleton State Midwestern AT West Texas A&M Texas Woman’s AT West. New Mexico February 14th Tarleton State AT A&M-Commerce

Page 8

Feb. 9, 2017

Sports

Game schedule Fe b. 11 : Wo m e n ’s B as k e t b a l l v s A ng e l o St ate @ 5 :30 pm Fe b.1 1: M en ’s Bas ket bal l vs A nge lo Stat e @ 7 :30p m

Feb . 10- 1 2: S of t b all N FCA Le ad-o ff Clas s ic @ Cl earw at er, FL.

Lions Softball Dominate Four Games Before Falling to Southern Arkansas Todd Kleiboer Web Editor Lions’ softball dominated in their first four games of the season before being edged by No. 5 Southern Arkansas in a 15-14 game of the Southern Arkansas Tournament this past weekend. The first winning game against Newman marked the first time the Lions had won their season opener, and the Lions had 11 hits, junior Baylea Higgs hitting 3 of 4 pitches. Two new Lion players, junior Mariah Jameyson and freshman Kinsie Hebler, each scored a homerun, and the Lions has 7 steals overall. The Lions proved their worth again in a 6-2 win over Washburn, and they stole 8 games. Jameyson and Higgs had two RBIs each, and Jameyson along with junior Monica Cherry had two hits. Sophomore pitcher Courtnee Jones sealed the win with a good performance. On the same day as their win against Washburn, the Lions won again against Newman, but Newman proved to be a harder opponent in this to-and-fro game. Newman scored first, but freshman Vanessa Avina scored off a steal from third base to tie it. However, Newman came back, and the score was 4-3 before the Lions pulled ahead to ensure the win.

The next day, the Lions rolled Washburn 8-3 though Washburn had an early lead at 3-2. Hebler secured the win with a threerun homer, and she also had five strikeouts and three runs on six hits. Overall, the top and bottom of the Lions’ batting order gave seven out of eight runs. In the second game of the same day, the Lions met their match against Southern Arkansas. Southern Arkansas jumped into the lead in the first inning with a homer and a RBI single, but the Lions snapped back in the third inning with 2 RBI singles and a RBI double. In the same inning, Southern Arkansas responded with six runs, raising the score to 8-4. By the ninth inning, the Lions had jumped ahead again to 9-8. This back-and-forth game continued until Southern Arkansas scored three runs in the last inning to seal the victory 15-14. Lions’ softball is 4-1 for the season, and they go to Clearwater, Florida this weekend to compete in the NFCA Lead-Off Classic.

PHOTO CREDIT/ LION ATHLETICS

They will play five games, including No. 13 Valdosta State and No. 17 Saint Leo. Given how they played against Southern Arkansas, the Lions should prove to be tough adversaries in these games.

N at ion a l Sig ning D ay BJ Laudermilk Staff Reporter National Signing Day is a celebrated day for every collegiate sports team, as the future stars and leaders for those programs begin the first step on their way up by signing their letters of intent. While most collegiate fans think of the beginning of February as the official day for signees, there are only a select few sports that sign all of their commits in February. The only sports that received commits on the first day of the month at Texas A&M UniversityCommerce were the women’s soccer team and the football team. In other sports, the recruiting process is very different and more time consuming. “Ours is a non-stop process,” women’s basketball head coach Jason Burton said. “The thing about basketball is that we have

two signing periods, we have one in the fall, and we have another one in April.” Basketball is not the only sport that has a long recruiting timeframe. Softball only has one signing day, but head softball coach Richie Bruister said that the recruiting and even the commitment of players can come years ahead of time. “We recruit three or four years out, so we’re actually recruiting sophomores and freshmen [in high school] right now,” he said. “I had a recruit in earlier this week, a sophomore in high school, who loved what she saw here, what we had to offer, and actually committed to us. She’s decided she’s coming here three years ahead of time.” For Burton, the current season with his basketball team is already well underway when the first signing period comes around, but with changes to how the conference schedule shapes up, he and his coaches are still able to scout and recruit players during the year, as well as get those players in to see how they are able to stack up to the competition.

Rodeo Kicks Off Confident

“We had some come to the West Texas game, which was great, the first time we beat West Texas in a long time, and they got a chance to be a part of that,” Burton said. “And we’ll continue to have that throughout this home stand.” Whether there is one signing period or two, players that commit ahead of time can still be recruited until they sign, which has its positives and negatives. “I think there’s a lot of good to it because you still get to evaluate the seniors and there’s not a lot of pressure about a commitment,” Burton said. “If you get a commitment in December, you still have to recruit them all the way to April, you really can take your time and evaluate some players.” The early signing period in November was rewarding to both Burton and Bruister, as Bruister signed six in that class, while Burton got the early commit from three players. “We’re very fortunate with the excitement we have, it keeps our girls committed for a long time, and they’re loyal to us and we’re loyal to them as well,” Bruister said.

Hard Work Pays Off Dareious Scott Staff Reporter

Spencer Nelson Staff Reporter The Texas A&M University-Commerce Rodeo team, which was very successful in the 1980’s, has been rising up for the past four years. Taking home 6th in men’s and women divisions out of eighteen teams. “All know how to do their job and do it well, even in the classroom” team coach Dameon White said, “3.13 is my teams GPA.” White has been coaching rodeo at TAMUC since 2013 and is proud about the team he is in charge of, in and out of the arena. He said that one student is not more passionate than the other, and they all have a love for the sport. The current standings for the Southern Region show that both the men and women divisions for TAMUC are sixth out of 18 teams with eight student placing in the top five places in their respected event, according to NIRA (National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association). For the Team Roping Header event, Coleton Mitchell is currently second with Shane McCall taking fourth, Mark Buster taking fifth and William Savage taking sixth place. Under the Team Roping Heeler event, Carson Hicks is standing at second place with Eric Williams at fourth place, and Dane Reed at fifth

TAMUC PHOTO in their respected competitions. Shelby Dominique is in fourth place for Breakaway Roping and Hannah Williams taking third in goat tying. The team is going to Trinity Valley Community College this upcoming weekend, Feb.10 and 11. The men’s team is currently in the tenth seed, and the women in the sixth seed. Sam Houston State University in the first seed for men’s and Texas A&M University in the women’s first seed. One hope that White plans to make is taking both the men and women’s teams to College National Finals Rodeo in Casper Wyoming. Finals will begin on June 11 and end on June 17 with the Championship round at 7pm. Currently the closest rodeo to commerce is in Athens, Texas on Feb.10 and 11. The team will then go from Athens to San Antonio for the College Showdown on Feb.12 and 13, where students must place to qualify to enter. “This sport isn’t like any other. It’s between you and the animal you draw,” White said. “You can have the best guy in the nation there draw a bad animal and do poorly.” Coach White has high hopes and confidence in his team’s performance in the upcoming rodeo. He said that his team can only get better from practicing and is proud how far they have come for such a new program.

For the third time this season, Dorian Armstrong, a junior from Detroit, Michigan, has earned the Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors. In his last four games, Armstrong averaged 2.5 blocks per game going along with 8 rebounds per game setting the defensive tone for his teammates. One of Armstrong’s most efficient games came against Cameron where he recorded three blocks and 19 rebounds to help the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions secure a 73-65 win. Although Armstrong is the recipient of the award, his eyes are set on the bigger picture and that’s helping his team win basketball games. “It feels great, but I don’t really look into it all that much,” Armstrong said. “Of course it’s good to be acknowledged, but I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help my team win games. That’s my primary focus.” The Lions currently have an overall record of 15-5 and a lot of that is accredited to the team defense that is played by all of the players and to Armstrong, defense is the backbone of the team’s success. “Defensive is very important and it’s something that coach [Sam Walker] preaches to us constantly,” Armstrong said. “It’s our job to stay on top of that every night that we go out onto the floor whether it’s a practice or a game.” The Lions are currently tied with West Texas A&M for third place in the Lone Star Conference with a 7-4 conference record. The Lions have seven games remaining in the season before the playoffs begin, and five of those seven games are home games where the Lions stand at 7-2. Knowing this, the Lions have a slight advantage going into the final stretch of the regular season. “Home court plays a huge advantage for us. We can’t let teams come on our court and steal a game from us,” Armstrong said. “We’re trying to win every single one of these home games we have coming up, so it’s important for us to come out every night and compete if we want to accomplish that.” There’s no denying that the Lone Star Conference standings hang in the balance and nothing is set and stone as of now, but Armstrong was still able to stop and commemorate his team and that their performance so far through a long season. “I’m very proud of this team, and I love my team,” Armstrong said. “We win together and we lose together and whatever we do or accomplish, it’s because of the team. We feel like our record should be better than what it is, because we know how hard we work and what we’re capable of doing. We’re still happy with where we are of course, but we have to stay focus and finish strong.”