The Battalion — September 15, 2022

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2022 STUDENT MEDIA

Humane interest: local shelter needs rescue

Aggie Football: Bouncing back after App State landslide

HUMANE SOCIETY ON A5

SPORTS SECTION ON B1

Queen Elizabeth II dead; Charles III crowned king Queen Elizabeth II state funeral on Monday, Sept. 19

By Kyle McClenagan @KMcClenagan

Cameron Johnson — THE BATTALION

The Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center and the Distinguished Alumni Tribute viewed from the Plank Bridge on Wednesday, Sept.

14, 2022.

Distinguished Alumni honored

On Sept. 16, 12 former students earn Distinguished Alumnus Award

By Ana Renfroe @aeonial The 60th annual Distinguished Alumni Gala will honor 12 former students of Texas A&M. The highly anticipated event will host 1,000 attendees in Reed Arena on Sept.

16 at 6 p.m. to celebrate the life and achieve-

ments of the honorees.

The esteemed Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor that is awarded to former students. It has only been presented to 318 alumni, according to the Association of Former Students. With A&M’s former student network totaling over 565,000, only a small fraction of the top 1% of alumni have been recognized.

The Association of Former Students announced the 2022 recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award in August via a press release.

The Association congratulates this year’s selected Distinguished Alumni:

Travis L. Smith Jr., Class of 1898 Gen. Joseph W. Ashy, Class of 1962 Thomas W. Powell, Class of 1962 Joe R. Fowler, Class of 1968 William Mahomes Jr., Class of 1969 Mark A. Fischer, Class of 1972 Clifton L. Thomas Jr., Class of 1972 Mark W. Albers, Class of 1979 Gregory Cokinos, Class of 1979 Bill Jones, Class of 1981 Jimmy Williams Jr., Class of 1983 Elaine Mendoza, Class of 1987 ALUMNUS ON PG. A2

On Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth II died in Balmoral Castle in Scotland surrounded by her family.

The Queen reigned over the United Kingdom for 70 years, from 1952 to 2022, and her son Prince Charles, now King Charles III, has taken his mother’s place as head of state. Many have considered the loss of the queen as the end of an era, as the door closes one of the Western World’s last cultural links to the events of the 20th century.

While fellow world leaders, politicians and civilians alike mourn the death of the queen, it has also brought up the scars of Imperial England as Commonwealth nations grapple with their history and decide whether or not they want to continue to have the royal family as their figurehead, according to CBS News.

The queen’s coffin will continue to lie in state in Westminster Hall until her state funeral on Monday Sept. 19, according to the BBC.

Scan this QR code to view The Battalion’s June 1952 coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the throne.

Chaos in Commissioners Court Quorum not met, student voices not heard

By Caroline Wilburn @Carolinewilb Just seven weeks from Election Day, students gathered to speak at the Sept. 13 Brazos Valley Commissioners Court meeting, but they were unable to have their voices heard.

Due to the absence of Precinct 1 Commis-

sioner Steve Aldrich and Precinct 2 Commissioner Russ Ford, the Court was unable to meet quorum, which requires three physically present commissioners. Students from the Texas A&M chapter of Mobilize, Organize, Vote and Empower, or MOVE, were listed on the agenda to speak about the Memorial Student Center, or MSC, not being selected as an early voting location.

Biology senior and MOVE President Kristina Samuel said the students were left feeling frustrated after they were unable to testify.

“People who have jobs and have classes

and responsibilities, still made time to show up, but the commissioners who are elected to do this in the first place didn’t,” Samuel said.

“That was just extremely disappointing, and I know it wasn’t necessarily regarding our issue, but it was still disheartening to see.”

In an interview with The Battalion, Ford said he chose not to attend the meeting due to an ongoing issue with the proposed tax rate in Brazos County — a proposal he could only guarantee wouldn’t be passed if he was absent.

“I think we’re doing the wrong thing, raising taxes,” Ford said. “I asked [the oth-

er commissioners,] ‘Is there a chance that we can negotiate, that we could sit down and talk about this situation?’ … I feel like I have been manipulated and forced into this decision.”

The next commissioners court meeting will be held on Sept. 19 but Ford said he will not attend unless his fellow commissioners are willing to negotiate the tax rate issue.

“If they will take the tax rates off the agenda, then I will be there to take care of the business,” Ford said. “If they continue to leave COURT ON PG. A2

Celebración en Aggieland Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15

By Ruben Hernandez @battandmuse As the fall season approaches, the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, or HHM, makes its annual debut. According to the official National Hispanic Heritage Month website, the celebration first started as a single week in the year of 1968 under former President Lyndon B. Johnson, not being enacted into law until Aug. 17, 1988 by proclamation of former President Ronald Reagan, extending to a full month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

As of fall 2021, Hispanic students make up 24.9% of the population in Aggieland, earning Texas A&M the Hispanic-Serving Institution title. With such a large percentage of the school population fitting into the Hispanic community, the recognition of HHM will give thousands of A&M students a celebration either to host or to participate in themselves.

History and anthropology senior Maria Benavidez, Hispanic Presidents’ Council, or HPC director of operations, said HHM has value both nationwide and here in Aggieland.

“To me, personally, [HHM is the time] … to emphasize and promote and spread awareness, one of Hispanic Latino, Latina, Latinx heritage, to celebrate it as well since not everything is about educating the public,” Benavidez said.

“It’s also time for [organizations] to celebrate and be able to be in the spotlight, especially with the … HHM kickoff and … being on the official Texas A&M HHM calendar. It’s time for them to be recognized for all the work they do here since they’re the ones creating a lot of the spaces for Hispanic and Latinx and Latino, Latina students here.”

Even though Hispanic students make up nearly 25% of the A&M student population, some still find their cultural connections severed once they move away from their homes and are no longer in proximity to their cultural identity. But, this rift can allow students to reach out and build communities based on shared identities. Benavidez commented on how she has a established a home on

campus during her first years at A&M. “[When] I first came here … we had COVID[-19] my freshman spring semester to essentially all of my sophomore year, so coming back it was really time for me personally [to] find a home and really make this ‘home away from home,’” Benavidez said. “You have so many different ethnicities and nationalities of Hispanic and Latinx people here that I wouldn’t normally get at home … [and] it really brings to life a lot more Hispanic identities and Latinx identities ... Being part of the Hispanic Presidents Council has been a really good way to get connected to more and more Hispanic and Latinx [organizations] and people.”

Aggieland does more than just acknowledge HHM, as the community will host a month-long celebration of events across the Bryan-College Station area, ranging from interactive events to history lectures to dinners. Aside from HPC hosting the HHM Kickoff and helping manage the events, organizations such as Mexican Student Association will take the reins for their own A folklorico dancer performing traditional dance during events.

HERITAGE ON PG. A5

Hispanic Heritage Month festivities.

* Available online

With 12- and 8-Week Courses 12-week classes begin Sept. 26 8-week classes begin Oct. 24

www.blinn.edu/fall

blinnbound@blinn.edu

Provided

NEWS

A2

The Battalion | 9.15.22

Cameron Johnson — THE BATTALION

An ambulance charges beside the A.P. Beutel Health Center on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022.

Student Health Services transitions to University Health Services Mental, physical student healthcare united under new campus intiative

By John Chapa @JDChapnBatt

COURT CONTINUED the tax rate on the agenda, then no — we’re going to settle on the no new revenue rates on the 29th, unless they’re willing to negotiate.”

Precinct 3 Commissioner Nancy Berry said the canceled meeting created issues that extend beyond the early voting decision.

“By not showing up, the county couldn’t do business,” Berry said. “The jail can’t order food for inmates — they may run out of food for the inmates. We sent four new hires

On Sept. 1, Student Health Services, or SHS, and Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, officially became a part of Texas A&M Health’s new initiative: University Health Services.

Now, the two organizations are no longer under the Division of Student Affairs. The transition comes from a recommendation of MGT Consulting Group’s report on Texas A&M. Uni-

home because we couldn’t approve their hiring. Grants weren’t able to be submitted. We couldn’t do business. We couldn’t pay bills.”

At the July 5 commissioners court meeting, Berry voted against an early voting location in the MSC. After speaking with her, psychology junior and MOVE Civics Engagement Director Sabrina Wren said Berry may go back on her initial vote.

“She was saying that she would vote to reinstate the MSC as an early voting location and was planning on it,” Wren said. “How-

versity President M. Katherine Banks cited in her follow-up report, The Path Forward, that the idea to place SHS and CAPS under A&M Health was popular among stakeholders who reviewed the report.

SHS and CAPS will not only be integrated under University Health Services but also expanded. Associate Vice President for University Health Services Nancy Fahrenwald, Ph.D., remarked on the change Path Forward Workgroup #22 envisioned for the new initiative.

“The collaboration between [SHS] and [CAPS] is going to provide an opportunity for us to look at what else we can be doing to support our students,” Fahrenwald said. “It’s all about our students and their success. Their success is not only about their academic courses, but also their relationships and the access to healthcare when they need it.”

This transformation will also extend to physical facilities, Fahrenwald said.

“We are envisioning a brand new building,” Fahrenwald said. “In that vision, that building would hold both physical health and mental health resources to support our students. We would still use the existing facilities because we have so many students.”

Beutel Health Center student worker and agricultural economics junior Carson Davis said he agreed the changes coming to SHS are beneficial to A&M as a whole.

“I did my due diligence of reading the information [student workers] were given in regard to the transition,” Davis said. “The largest reason for this is to be more unified with A&M Health. Whatever we can do to benefit the patient is where we are going to go. University Health Services is going to keep up with its continuity of care, daily.”

Davis said one benefit of SHS and CAPS merging with A&M Health is increased funding.

“Beutel was essentially competing with other entities for funds,” Davis said.

“Hopefully, this transition will lead to more treatments, better treatments and better accessibility for students.”

Another large change coming to the integration of SHS and CAPS is a student advisory council. Fahrenwald said the official announcement pertaining to the council formation will be made in six to eight weeks.

“This council will probably include students from distant campuses as well on campuses,” Fahrenwald said. “We will work with Student Senate and student organizations interested in this area so we get the right representation. It isn’t only health professionals that need to be a part of [University Health Services]; it’s the entire community.”

Another aspect of University Health Services is the expansion the ‘culture of caring’ at A&M between faculty and students.

“We’re going to stay laser focused on students,” Fahrenwald said. “We still have to work with faculty on what to do when a student is in distress. We want staff to recognize – ‘Oh, this student hasn’t been showing up to class, should I reach out?’ or ‘Oh this student hasn’t been looking at me, should I say something?’ That’s called culture of caring, and while we are good at that at A&M, it doesn’t mean we can’t be great at it.”

This is only the beginning for University Health Services, but there is reason to be optimistic about what is in store for the future of student healthcare across the country, Fahrenwald said.

“We hope this becomes a national model for student health and counseling services,” Fahrenwald said. “University settings are the perfect example of what we can do in the area of human healthcare and mental health. We are funded by our students, so we have limited resources, but how we creatively use these resources to promote health, recognize risks early and intervene early before people are suffering is how we can help students flourish and succeed.”

ever, her colleagues did not show up, so she wasn’t allowed to. But next meeting, which is next [Tuesday], she is planning on voting to reinstate it.”

Unlike Berry, Wren said Precinct 4 Commissioner Irma Cauley was devoted to her initial decision about the MSC location.

“We asked if we could count on her support at the next meeting and, she said no, because it wasn’t fair to the real residents of Bryan-College Station, which we feel is unfair because A&M students are real residents of

Bryan-College Station,” Wren said.

Given there are at least three commissioners present, the court plans to meet again on Sept. 20. Samuel said herself and several other students from MOVE plan to attend.

“Just proving not only that, it’s important for us, but also that it’s extremely doable,” Samuel said. “On every single argument they were telling us about it not being so, is pretty much incorrect.”

CELEBRATES CONSTITUTION DAY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY PROUDLY SHOWCASES a weeklong celebration to mark the 235th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. Born of dedication and service to country, the document was signed September 17, 1787 and guarantees the freedoms that allow generations of students to flourish and learn. Texas A&M joins educators and students across the country to honor the founding document of America’s success. Please join us for celebrations planned throughout the month of September.

2022 CONSTITUTION WEEK EVENTS CONSTITUTION WEEK: SEPT. 16-23 La Villita Chapter of DAR has a Constitution display at the Larry Ringer Library in College Station throughout the month of September.

KAMU radio will be airing spots with LaVillita Chapter of DAR throughout the week.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 17: CONSTITUTION DAY 3 P.M.

– Texas A&M University will join institutions across the nation in Bells Across America playing patriotic music on the Albritton Bell Tower Carillon bells.

The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band will showcase patriotic music and excerpts from the Preamble of the Constitution during their halftime performance at the Miami football game.

10:30A.M. & 12:30 P.M.

– George Bush Presidential Library & Museum is presenting Historical Impressionist Peter Small as George Washington. For performance times and to make your reservations online, visit https://www.bush41.org/education/ storytelling-field-trips.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21 1 P.M.

– KAMU-TV will air Inventing America: Making a Government, which tells the story behind the Constitutional Convention of 1787- four momentous months that changed the world.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 1 P.M.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 20 1 P.M.

– KAMU-TV will broadcast Inventing America: Making a Nation, which brings our Founding Fathers back to life. This program features three delegates to the Second Continental Congress discussing the lead-up to the Declaration of Independence.

– KAMU-TV will air an episode of Liberty for All, which reveals the conflicts and infighting behind the new U.S. Constitution and how that led to the Bill of Rights. The program features a Q&A with college students in which the Founders apply the Bill of Rights to our own time.

LEARN MORE AT

COLLABORATIONS.TAMU.EDU

NEWS

A3

The Battalion | 9.15.22

Aggies losing spirit for buses Shortage of drivers, buses leads to student frustations and tardiness

By Kenzie Allen @kenzieranae The fall semester is well underway, and students are still struggling to get to class on time due to the unreliability of Aggie Spirit buses.

From inconsistent arrival times to having only one bus en route, Aggie Spirit buses continue to be a volatile method of transportation this semester. These inconsistencies cause large amounts of riders to wait at stops, meaning buses quickly reach maximum capacity when they do arrive.

While healing from an injury, English junior Lexi Vallandingham experienced some of these issues when taking the Bonfire bus to her morning classes.

“I was in a boot because my ankle was injured,” Vallandingham said. “When I got on the bus, every single seat was taken and there were already people standing everywhere, so I had to ask someone to get up so I could use their seat.”

Frequent overcrowding often means not all riders can board, forcing them to stay behind and wait for the next bus. Texas A&M Transportation Services transit manager Justin Tippy said bus ridership trends correlate with traffic conditions throughout Bryan-College Station.

“Peak bus ridership occurs in the first two to three weeks of each fall semester,” Tippy said. “After this initial peak, ridership decreases, then plateaus as students settle into their routines and determine the best transportation options for them.”

Increased traffic in the area can also impact route timing and frequency. When intersections are crowded, Tippy said buses may stack-up in those areas, which causes delays that contribute to student overcrowding at bus stops. Data indicates ridership peaks on weekday mornings from 7 to 10:30 a.m. and weekday afternoons from 3 to 4 p.m.

“These peak times correlate to when students are leaving for class in the morning and again when they are going home in the afternoons,” Tippy said. “Many students attempt to take the leave time closest to their class time in the mornings, which can lead to overcrowding at bus stops.”

ALUMNUS CONTINUED In 1962, the first Distinguished Alumnus Awards were presented, although the event was intended to be a one-time occasion. However, the event was so well received that it has since become an annual tradition to recognize the achievements of Aggies, according to Vice President of the Association of Former Students Scot Walker.

Walker, Class of 1990, said there are three general qualifications for the award: All recipients have excelled in their profession, shown dedication to their community and remained devoted to A&M. “All of those things can take a lot of different forms,” Walker said. “These distinguished alumni exemplify the Aggie Core Values of Texas A&M University.”

The honorees have been selected for their superior demonstration of the Aggie Core Values: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service, and Walker said this is one of the highest awards for former students. “[We want to] recognize this year’s distinguished alumni in a commensurate way,” Walker said. “It is an exceedingly rare honor. This is a very esteemed award.”

Although the primary focus of the event is to recognize the most recent honorees, all past recipients are honored annually. The Association said it wants to honor all of the recipients by displaying their achievements, excellence and service in a befitting manner. During the gala, the newest recipients will share their unique and inspiring stories with attendees.

The evening will be filled with fun and fellowship to celebrate the impressive achievements of the recipients. The event will conclude with a rendition of the Aggie War Hymn, purposely ending in time so attendees can participate in the Sept. 16 Midnight Yell, according to Walker.

One of this year’s honorees, Jimmy Williams Jr., Ph.D, Class of 1983, said he was thrilled to discover he was selected.

“Out of almost half a billion graduates, only [318] are distinguished alumni,” Williams said.

“It is quite an honor and recognition. I think with that recognition comes an opportunity to do more impactful things for [A&M].”

Williams said his experience attending A&M was foundational to his career. Williams said he gained an essential understanding of leadership that he was able to apply to his professional and personal life.

Even if students try to arrive at their stop earlier, there is no guarantee that they will catch an earlier bus. The TAMU Aggie Spirit app provides a map featuring live locations of buses, but the leave and arrival schedules are not updated in real time. Transportation Services said it does not have the ability to publish updated schedules while classes are in session, and while students are encouraged to arrive early to accommodate for delays, not all of them can.

Students who have never used the buses before are still learning how the system works.

Vallandingham said she has also witnessed this issue as a leader of a student organization on campus.

“This definitely affects my sophomore staff members who live off campus,” Vallandingham said. “Before, they weren’t used to making accommodations to get to campus for events, but now I’m having to tell them to account for the buses so they’re not late.”

A large contributor to the issue is staffing shortages. Similar to many departments, both locally and on-campus, Transportation Services is experiencing a shortage of workers.

Less bus drivers leads to less buses being available throughout the day.

“We are actively recruiting to increase our number of drivers and get them trained to drive a bus safely and responsibly,” said Tippy. “Our highest priority is to transport students, faculty and staff safely around campus and town.”

The training process takes nine to twelve weeks to complete, meaning there is a large amount of time between a driver getting hired and when they are able to independently, and safely, operate a bus. With between 25 and 45 drivers in training at any given time, Tippy said new drivers are onboarded weekly.

In the meantime, Tad Fifer, communications manager for Transportation Services, recommends passengers help out by riding an earlier bus when possible while waiting for bus ridership and traffic in town to normalize, since peak capacities occur in the 10-15 minute window before classes begins.

“The addition of new drivers will enable us to increase the number of buses we can put into service,” Fifer said. “This will relieve pressure during peak ridership times, reduce overcrowding and increase bus frequency.”

Fifer also recommended passengers consider other modes of transportation, such as Cameron Johnson — THE BATTALION riding a Veo or walking, when their schedules A bus parked on Asbury Street in front of the University Central Utility Plant on Jan. 30, 2022. permit.

“Choose to explore, grow and trust the [A&M] experience,” Williams said.

“Trust the outcomes that can be impactful for you, your career, your family and your engagement at [A&M]. Trust the process.”

After graduating from A&M with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, Williams returned to Missouri to pursue his MBA in marketing and management, later obtaining his doctorate in engineering and policy.

Additionally, Williams has served on the boards of multiple A&M organizations. In 2018, he was the first Black chair of the board of The Association of Former Students. In 2020, he cochaired A&M’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. His extensive experience, along with his other accomplishments, testifies to all of the ideal qualities of a distinguished alumni. “[The recipients are] all so deserving,” Walker said. “There is such a diverse collection of achievements, backgrounds and experiences.”

Walker said he strongly encourages all readers to view the 2022 recipients’ biographies, available on The Association’s website. Additionally, all of the previously recognized distinguished alumni’s biographies are posted as well.

For future recipients, individuals must be formally nominated through the appropriate forms and steps listed on The Association’s website. Online nominations for 2023 Distinguished Alumnus are open until Aug. 31, 2023.

Cameron Johnson — THE BATTALION

The Aggie Ring sculpture outside of the Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center on Wednesday, Sept.

14, 2022.

Michaela Rush, Editor-in-Chief Kyle McClenagan, Managing Editor Caroline Wilburn, News Editor Kenzie Finch, Asst. News Editor Cameron Johnson, Photo Chief Ishika Samant, Asst. Photo Chief & Social Media Editor Kathryn Miller, Life & Arts Editor Ruben Hernandez, Asst. L&A Editor

Emma Moser, Business Manager Caleb Elizondo, Opinion Editor Jordan Epp, Sports Editor Grant Gaspard, Asst. Sports Editor Zoe May, Asst. Sports Editor & Social Media Editor Robert O’Brien, Design Editor Shelby Henson, Page Designer

THE BATTALION is published Thursdays during the 2022 fall semester (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center.

News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs.

Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com.

Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising call 979-845-2697. For classified advertising, call 979-845-2697. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com.

Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion.

First copy free, additional copies $1.

LIFE & ARTS

A4

The Battalion | 9.15.22

Ishika Samant — THE BATTALION

Back-to-back pop-up crates sit along the hallway of Aggieland Humane Society due to full kennel capacity in the rescue dog building on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.

Aggieland seeks to ‘Clear the Shelters’ Aggieland Humane Society struggles to find placement for Brazos County rescues

By Caitlyn Porras @caitlyncarole This past August, as students were buckling down for the beginning of the new semester, Aggieland Humane Society hosted its annual “Clear the Shelters” adoption special, a two-day event for people to find their new four-legged friend with a waived adoption fee. This year was considered a successful turnout with 63 pets being adopted during the 48 hours.

Ashley Quick, Aggieland Humane communication coordinator said the event was extremely successful.

“It was crazy. I mean … we had cars parked on both sides, all the way down to the gate,”

Quick said. “We were really happy with it.”

Quick began working at the shelter after leaving the hospitality industry during the pandemic, and noticed an opening in the fundraising department.

“So, I decided, why not apply for it? … I’m thankful I got it,” Quick said.

Quick said her day-to-day job is creating new ways to market their pets, with the intention of finding their forever home, as well as gathering funds, which are a must when it comes to shelter pet care.

“And I get to hang out with pets pretty much all day,” Quick said.

Executive Director Jennifer Young explained this past year has been like a dream job for her, after originally working for another nonprofit homeless and housing program.

“I went from working with homeless people to homeless pets … and the transition has been so much fun,” Young said.

Located on 5359 Leonard Rd, Aggieland Humane is home to a wide area of land that can allow for multiple volunteers to walk all

the dogs at a comfortable pace, which is beneficial during the shelter’s busiest months.

“I would say … March to November are probably pretty busy. Our intakes are pretty high … [but] they do slow down during the cooler months,” Quick said.

According to their website, the shelter’s annual intake is around 3,000 animals, and their services do not only cater towards dogs and cats but also goats, chickens, pigs and even a snake this year.

“That includes the full gamut of what we serve … I want to say [last year] we had 21 different species,” Young said.

Aggieland Humane said its ultimate goal, as a shelter is to reunite. From pets that go missing and are reunited with their family to pets that are finally finding their home and are thriving, that is their ideal happy ending.

“We’ve got goals within that too by educating the community about the importance of things like microchipping, spaying and neutering their pets,” Young said.

Young said that when bringing awareness

to the shelter with events like “Clear the Shelter”, it is important to remind people of the misconceptions that can come with shelter pets.

“Maybe they’re damaged goods … but I think if people would come out and visit, they would find these pets are incredible,” Young said.

One intake that is currently looking for her forever home is Pickles, a two-year-old dog who has come a long way in the month and half she has been at the shelter. When she first arrived, her skin was so irritated and dry that she was pink and losing tufts of fur. Now, she is known to have the cutest little prance and is ready to go home.

“I think if you’re having a bad day, just come watch Pickles run around in our play yard. It will bring a smile to your face,” Quick said.

For more information, hopeful pet parents can visit aggielandhumane.org to look for their new furry, or scaly, friend.

Ishika Samant & Kalena Agpasan — THE BATTALION

Pictured left to right: pet names and adoption numbers Reggie (51003347) a 2-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, Pickles (50771992) a 2-year-old pitbull mix, a tabby and white cat (adopted), Faith (50940292) a 7-month-old Australian Cattle Dog mix and her siblings (adopted) at the Aggieland Humane Society on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.

NEWS

A5

The Battalion | 9.15.22

CHRISTIAN FACULTY NETWORK

We are a group of professors, instructors, lecturers, and administrators united by our common experience that Jesus Christ provides intellectual and spiritually satisfying answers to life’s most important questions. We are available to students, faculty, and staff who might like to discuss such questions with us. For more information about the Christian Faculty Network and its activities, please visit our website: http://cfn.tamu.edu Chris Carson 12th Man Foundation

Ralph Wurbs Civil Engineering

Charles W. Lafon Geography

H.J. Su Mechanical Engineering

Clint Dempsey 12th Man Foundation

Diane Oswald College of Architecture

Adam Barry Health and Kinesiology

C. Steve Suh Mechanical Engineering

Sharon Haigler Academic Success Center

Gwendolyn M. Wilkins College of Education

Joel McGee Academic Success Center Natalie L. Allen Accounting Jeannie Barrett Accounting Michelle Diaz Accounting Matt Ege Accounting

Hands holding in support of Suicide Awareness Month, Sept. 12, 2022.

‘You matter’

CAPS, Active Minds, Aggieland offer prevention resources, advocate for suicide awareness

By Madison Umphrey @u_madison

Texas A&M Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, Active Minds and the Brazos Valley community offer support throughout the month of September to bring awareness to suicide and to offer prevention resources.

Suicide Awareness Day was Sept. 13, but related activities are available throughout the month. A&M has partnered with Brazos County to host events throughout September, honoring Not Another Aggie Suicide Awarness Month. Their website includes events that will take place, including: Breathe In and Stretch Out Yoga, Donuts for Downloads, Coffee with a Counselor and a HelpLine meet and greet.

CAPS said they are partnering with the Suicide Awareness & Prevention Office, or SAPO, to continue to recognize the need for A&M to raise awareness of resources, reduce stigma of suicide and increase interpersonal connections through awareness programs.

“This year, we will again be hosting a kickoff event to Suicide Awareness Month and our four-week walk challenge courtesy of our partnership with AgriLife Extension’s Walk Through Texas History program,” the CAPS website reads. “In addition, we will be hosting several events and programs throughout the month of September.”

Assistant director of CAPS, Santana Simple Ph.D, said these events throughout the month partner with other organizations on campus, including the Division of Marketing & Communications and Athletics.

“The rest of this month we will be hosting coffee with a counselor. This is a time for students to be able to connect with counselors and maybe even learn about counseling,” Simple said. “A yoga session will also be in the art gallery. All of the dates of events are on our website to look at.”

Business management senior and Active Minds President Randall Schmalriede said their organizational events will take place throughout the week of Sept. 11 to 17.

“Our big event is [the] pinwheel display which will be out all week,” Schmalriede said.

“We are wanting to table sometime during the week as well so that everyone can get a chance to see us on campus again.”

According to wtaw.com, Brazos County

HERITAGE CONTINUED “We broke the record this year, we have 24 events on our HHM calendar … and then at our kickoff event [on Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. at] Rudder Plaza, we have 17 organizations and departments coming together to do activity booths,” Benavidez said. “It’s really big this year, and I’m really proud … [showing] that we’re a Hispanic-serving institute now and … that there are Hispanic Latino, Latina, Latinx people all across campus. They’re in so many different departments, so many different student [organization] groups … and they’re willing to come together to celebrate [HHM].”

With a festivity as big as HHM, misconceptions on the celebration can arise, such as what, specifically, is being celebrated, or most commonly, who falls under the Latino, Lati-

has greatly discussed and formally recognized the significance of Suicide Awareness Month in August.

“September’s designation as Suicide Awareness Month was recognized with a proclamation during the Brazos County commission’s Aug. 16 meeting,” according to wtaw.com.

“The proclamation, read by County Judge Duane Peters, included activities taking place at Texas A&M that includes an awareness event Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rudder Plaza.”

Simple said CAPS’ partnerships with the Brazos County community have raised awareness about mental health, and several peer organizations attended the suicide awareness kickoff event on Sept. 7.

“We partner with the Brazos Valley Council and many different mental health organizations in general within the community,” Simple said. “One of our biggest partners is the AgriLife Extension which provides and promotes wellness across the state.”

Schmalriede said Active Minds stays involved with A&M students and the community at large throughout the year.

“We do a lot of tabling events in the [Memorial Student Center] and events in general,” Schmalriede said. “We try to stay visible to everybody. Our big goal as an organization is to get people talking about mental health and that it is not such a scary subject. Letting people know what resources are available is important.”

Simple said CAPS holds workshops throughout the year, with the next hosted on Sept. 28, to help students be aware of trigger signs or other symptoms.

“We offer our ‘Gatekeeper Training,’ [and] QPR [which is] Question, Persuade and Refer,” Simple said. “These are the types of questions to ask, statements of support to make and how to refer students to the right sources. This is available for faculty, staff and students. We then have Campus Connect, [which is] specifically oriented for students to be aware of how to support a peer going through any mental health struggles. Gatekeeper 2.0 is taken after both of the training when having additional questions or concerns.”

Schmalriede said this month can be challenging for many, especially those whose lives have been affected by suicide.

“I know it can be a really tough day, it brings up a lot of emotions for a lot of people,” Schmalriede said. “There are so many people that are here for you and to talk to in general. You matter more than you think you do and you impact more lives than you think.

If you are struggling at any time just reach out to someone, there are so many different resources and people that can help.” na, Latinx categories. Benavidez clears the air on such misunderstandings and states the importance between a balance of identity, open-mindedness and history.

“I think one thing about HHM is that, although it does use the word Hispanic, it’s also for Latino, Latina, Latinx people, it’s for Chicano people, it’s for people of all different ethnicities, nationalities [and] races,” Benavidez said. “We’re all here to celebrate culture and heritage and it’s important to look to the past and recognize that [we have] come a long way … It’s open to everyone, so even if you’re not Hispanic Latino, Latina, Latinx you can always join in and learn something or just celebrate with other people.”

For more information on HHM at Aggieland, visit the dms.tamu.edu.

Janet L. Parker College of Medicine (HSC) - Emeritus Vicky A. Keys College of Nursing Martin Carlisle Computer Science Walter Daugherity Computer Science

Mary Lea McAnally Accounting

Timothy J. McGuire Computer Science & Engineering

Sean McGuire Accounting

Melissa Daigneault Construction Science

John Campbell Health and Kinesiology Kelli Campbell Health and Kinesiology Stephen Crouse Health and Kinesiology Maurice Dennis Emeritus Professor Health and Kinesiology Carl Gabbard Emeritus Professor Health and Kinesiology Diane Graham Health and Kinesiology Mike Hanik Health and Kinesiology

Regina Greenwood Media Services H. Wayne Sampson Medical Physiology (TAMHSC) - Retired David Howell Molecular and Cellular Medicine Steve Maxwell Molecular and Cellular Medicine David Boyle Nuclear Security Science and Policy Institute Karen Beathard Nutrition and Food Science Pete Murano Nutrition and Food Science

Mike Shaub Accounting

Jonathan Houston Construction Science

Sarah Stuber Accounting

Lance Simms Construction Science

Mary Beth Henthorne Health and Kinesiology

Steve Smith Admissions

Tim Davis CSE

Leah Lintz Health and Kinesiology

Jimmy T. Keeton Nutrition and Food Science

James Boyd Aerospace Engineering

Richard K. Anderson Economics

Walter Haisler Aerospace Engineering

Tim Gronberg Economics

Steve Martin Emeritus Professor Health and Kinesiology

Steve Talcott Nutrition and Food Science

John Valasek Aerospace Engineering

Silvana Krasteva Economics

Leonard Ponder Health and Kinesiology - Emeritus

Byron Schlather Office of the Commandant

John Whitcomb Aerospace Engineering

Steven Wiggins Economics

Rhonda Rahn Health and Kinesiology

Oral Capps, Jr. Agricultural Economics

Mort Kothmann Ecosystem Science and Mgmt.

Scott Waltemyer Health and Kinesiology

Sharon Mena Offices of the Dean of Student Life

Nathan Harness Agricultural Economics Connor May— THE BATTALION

Jon Buchanan College of Engineering

Gregg Bennett Health and Kinesiology

Grace Melo Agricultural Economics James E. Christiansen Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication - Emeritus Kim Dooley Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication Alvin Larke, Jr. Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication Tobin Redwine Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

Misty Stiles Education & Human Development Bryan Cole Educational Administration and HR - Emeritus Larry Dooley Educational Administration and HR David A. Erlandson Educational Administration and HR - Emeritus Debra Howard Educational Administration and HR Robert "Trez" Jones Educational Administration and HR

Dan Hale Animal Science

Patricia Larke Educational Curriculum

Andy Herring Animal Science

Lisa Perrott Educational Psychology

David Greg Riley Animal Science

Jay Woodward Educational Psychology

Donna Witt Animal Science

Hector Ramos Educational Psychology

Jeff Haberl Architecture

Adam Birchfield Electrical and Computer Engineering

Jay Holmes Athletics Colin Killian Athletics James R. Wild Biochemistry and Genetics Michael C. Cochran Bush School of Government and Public Service

Meagan Orsag Center on Disability and Development Kim Sutphen Center for Executive Development Ben Welch Center for Executive Development Greg Reeves Chemical Engineering Jack Lunsford Chemistry - Emeritus Jim Pennington Chemistry Micah Green Chemical Engineering Stuart Anderson Civil Engineering Lynn Beason Civil Engineering Gene Hawkins Civil Engineering Dallas N. Little Civil Engineering Lee Lowery, Jr. Civil Engineering Jose M. Roesset Civil Engineering - Emeritus Hayes E. Ross, Jr. Civil Engineering - Emeritus Donald Saylak Civil Engineering - Emeritus Scott A. Socolofsky Civil Engineering

Barry Nelson Health Science Center Jesús Palomo Health Science Center Hilaire Kallendorf Hispanic Studies Lorien Foote History Richard Feldman Industrial & Systems Engineering Cesar Malave Industrial & Systems Engineering Don Phillips Industrial & Systems Engineering Aaron Becker Information and Operations Mgmt.

Tom Overbye Electrical and Computer Engineering

Steven Oberhelman International Studies

Andrew K. Chan Electrical Engineering

Greg Graves Industrial & Systems Engineering

Seth Sullivan Engineering Academic & Student Affairs

Wendy Kreider CEHD, Dean's Office

Rob Heffer Psychology

Elsa Murano International Agrilife Research Program

Cindy Raisor Bush School

Cynthia Billington Career Management Center

Brian Colwell Health Promotion & Community Health Sciences

B. Don Russell Electrical and Computer Engineering

John H. Painter Electrical Engineering

Jerry Vinson Engineering Design - Emeritus Walter Buchanan Engineering Technology William Bedford Clark English Elizabeth Robinson English Elizabeth Tebeaux English Craig Kallendorf English & International Studies Catherine McIntyre English Language Institute (CLLA) Terry Larsen Environmental Design Russell K. Biles Family and Community Medicine George McIlhaney Family and Community Medicine Lamar McNew Family and Community Medicine Matt Poling Family and Community Medicine David Segrest Family and Community Medicine James Sterling Family and Community Medicine Linda Ladd Family Development and Resource Mgmt.

Shane Johnson Finance James Kolari Finance Adam Kolasinski Finance Karen Cochran Foundation/Arts & Sciences

Duane McVay Petroleum Engineering Marlan Scully Physics

Jim Ji Electrical and Computer Engineering

Robert Nevels Electrical Engineering

Rebecca Hapes Office of the Registrar

Wedi Zimmer Health and Kinesiology

Della Whitcomb Information and Operations Mgmt.

James M. Griffin Bush School of Government and Public Service

Matt Upton Bush School of Government and Public Service

Wayne Wylie Emeritus Professor Health and Kinesiology

Susanne Talcott Nutrition and Food Science

Scott Waltemyer Kinesiology & Sport Managament Michelle Brown-Link Libraries Paula Sullenger Libraries Ronald Chandler Management David Flint Management

Rob Heffer Psychological & Brain Sciences Roger R. Martinez Public Partnership & Outreach Charles Johnson Public Policy Research Institute Louis Hodges Recreation and Parks Chris Harrist Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences Gary W. Maler Real Estate Center Diane Friend Rellis Katherine Smith RELLIS Lawrence Smith RELLIS Jessica Lennerton Residence Life Jim Burdine School of Public Health Heather Clark School of Public Health Brian Colwell School of Public Health Jane Nelson Bolin School of Rural Public Health Kerrie Green Social and Behavioral Health Monty Dozier Soil and Crop Sciences Henrik Schmiediche Statistics Briana Wyatt Soil and Crop Sciences

Camille Hailey Management

Mike Nelson TEES Information Systems

Paul Busch Marketing, Emeritus

Andrea Kishne TEES Smart Grid Center

Stephen McDaniel Marketing

Emily Binks-Cantrell TLAC

Lauren Osborne Marketing

Amanda Ros University Libraries

Janet Parish Marketing Leslie Seipp Marketing Rob Rahm Mathematics Robert Gustafson Mathematics David Manuel Mathematics Eli Jones Marketing Katy Lane Mays Business School LTG (Ret) John Van Alstyne Mays Business School Michael Alexander Mays Grad Program Janet Parish Mays Marketing Walter L. Bradley Mechanical Engineering - Emeritus

Donald A. Sweeney Urban Planning Joe Arosh Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Sakhila B. Arosh Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Timothy Phillips Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Loren Skow Veterinary Medicine Michael Willard Veterinary Medicine Judith M. Ball Veterinary Pathobiology Kenneth Pierce Veterinary Pathobiology - Emeritus Karen Snowden Veterinary Pathobiology

Dave Claridge Mechanical Engineering

James E. Womack Veterinary Pathobiology

L. Roy Cornwell Mechanical Engineering - Emeritus

Jim Jensen Veterinary Physiology

Harry Hogan Mechanical Engineering

J.D. McCrady Veterinary Physiology - Retired

Tillie McVay Mechanical Engineering

Nicola Ritter VIBS

Gerald Morrison Mechanical Engineering

Richard Davison, Jr. Visualization

NOTE: This ad presents the personal convictions of the individuals listed herein; the ad does not represent or support any view or position of Texas A&M University or any academic department. The ad does represent and acknowledge the diversity of academic contributions toTexas A&M University by men and women of various race, ethnic group, and cultural background who share the Christian faith.

LIFE & ARTS

A6

The Battalion | 9.15.22

Robert O’Brien -- THE BATTALION

One of the OPAS coordinators speaks during the OPAS 50th Anniversary Gala.

Celebrating half a century of OPAS performances

OPAS reaches milestone for bringing Broadway to Aggieland

By Neha Gopal @10Novel

Over the past 50 years, the Opera and Performing Arts Society, or OPAS, has showcased performances that have dazzled audiences with fierce intensity, comedic lightness and poetic beauty alike.

Texas A&M OPAS will kick off its 50th anniversary season in Rudder Auditorium this month with two performances of Neil Berg’s “Fifty Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll” on Sept. 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. As part of its Golden Anniversary season, OPAS will celebrate 50 years with performances nostalgic to the past, showcases embracing the present and new productions looking toward the future. “Legally Blonde,” “Anastasia,” “STOMP,” “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” and “Winnie the Pooh” are just some of the productions on tour this season.

OPAS Executive Director Anne Black said she wanted to start the momentous season off on the right beat and said Broadway composer Neil Berg knew just how to do that.

“We can’t wait to rock out and are thrilled to kick off the 50th season in September,” Berg said.

According to the OPAS website, “50 Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll” brings back five decades of

the edgy music genre that took the world by storm. This Broadway production will feature the era-defining songs of rock pioneers, such as Ray Charles, the Beatles, Arethra Franklin, Janis Joplin, Aerosmith and Elvis Presley, among others.

“This is our third time playing [at] Texas A&M, and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of something so special,” Berg said.

“We love the audiences, the backstage crew, the technical team — all pros and the very best people to work with.”

The Memorial Student Center OPAS Student Committee, known as the “Opasites,” is one such dedicated, behind-the-scenes organization that is committed to introducing the performing arts to Aggieland.

Anthropology senior Madie Gereighty, director of publicity and advertising for the MSC OPAS student committee, said this season, OPAS presents some of its most striking and exhilarating performances. Gereighty said she is most excited to see “Dublish Irish Dance” in February and that it will be a melodious evening of dancing.

“Our smaller shows always surprise me — they’re a ton of fun and find interesting ways to involve the audience,” Gereight said. “I am also excited to see ‘Legally Blonde,’ ‘My Fair Lady,’ ‘Anastasia,’ and ‘Our planet.’”

“It’s safe to assume I am excited for every show we’re bringing. The shows are hand selected by the OPAS Board and never disappoint. They take into consideration every member of the community, young and old.”

For Gereighty, OPAS is more than just a

stage for grand performances and she recalled a showcase from last spring that illustrated how OPAS impacts the community.

“I was assisting a mother and son to their seats, and when we walked into the auditorium, they both gasped in delight,” Gereighty said. “They told me they were from El Paso and had just moved to the area. They saw our advertisement for the show and bought tickets because they never lived close enough to a city that hosted broadway performances.”

“They were in shock at how big the stage was and told me they had never seen one that big before.,” Gereighty said. “As they took their seats, I could see the mother wiping her tears because she was so excited to allow her son to see a Broadway show.”

With a fervent conviction, Gereighty said the long-established productions of OPAS have done what they do best for 50 years: presenting creative shows with resounding messages worth sharing.

“OPAS doesn’t just enlighten and entertain.

We provide shows that inspire conversations that should be addressed,” Gereighty said. “All of the shows we bring for education outreach offer more than entertainment; they’re there to provide an educational experience for the children who watch.”

History senior Mattie Calhoun serves as the MSC OPAS’ Student Committee Chair and, like Gereight, believes in OPAS’ mission to reflect a culture’s values and aspirations through performing arts.

“Since 1972, OPAS has maintained its mission of enlightening, entertaining and inspir-

ing this community,” Calhoun said. “OPAS is a hallmark of the arts here at Texas A&M, and this significant milestone represents the longstanding tradition it has kept and will continue to be kept for 50 years more.”

Calhoun is most excited for “Anastasia” in March, a sumptuous fairy tale about a young amnesiac princess, Anya, in post-Revolutionary Russia seeking her way home amid war and chaos.

“I relate to her story of finding her true identity with the help of those around her,” Calhoun said. “That, I feel, is what we experience on a daily basis here at Texas A&M — we surround ourselves with people that bring out our best qualities and, in doing so, find ourselves through one another.”

The OPAS 2022-23 season invites the community to experience performances that will usher audiences into OPAS’ magical, sacred arena of imagination — productions that will leave viewers absorbed in thought long after the curtains have dropped. Gereighty said there is much anticipation for the momentous golden season.

“Hitting 50 years is an achievement that is truly one of a kind,” Gereighty said. “[This] is our biggest year yet. We are bringing more big names in one year than we ever have before.

It is not something you are going to want to miss.”

Tickets to all of OPAS events are on sale now. For ticketing information and the whole 50th-anniversary season schedule, visit opastickets.org.

TX A&M Battalion 9/15/22 Crossword

Across

HELP WANTED

CLOSE TO CAMPUS. $50 10x10 Call 979-696-4464 APARTMENT NEAR CAMPUS: Large 980 sq ft- 2/2, 3 blocks from campus, on bus route, $950. 254289-0585 APARTMENT WITH LAND: Efficiency apartment for lease. 12 miles from mall. Pasture for horse.

Price negotiable. 979-777-4211

HELP WANTED TUTORS WANTED for all subjects taught at Texas A&M, Blinn College and Sam Houston State.

Pay starts at $15 an hour. Apply online at www.99tutors.com. Call 979-255-3655 with questions.

GYMNASTICS COACHES NEEDED: Brazos Valley Gymnastics is hiring Gymnastics Coaches. Part time, flexible hours and competitive pay. Email or call: brazosvalleygymnastics@gmail. com or 979-776-4856.

PART-TIME OFFICE HELP NEEDED: Apply in person between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Equity Real Estate, 110 Navarro Dr., Suite 200.

16 17 18 19 20 22 24

BIT.LY/WORKATPEPES: Family-owned restaurant, in business over 50 years, looking for about 6 new team members. Perks include paid vacations, referral bonuses, half priced food for you when you work, and half priced food for your entire family once a week.

Flexible scheduling, we’ll work around your classes or other commitments. Texas Food Handler’s card required. No experience necessary, just bring a great attitude and we can teach you the rest!

Apply: bit.ly/workatpepes

25 27 29 30 33 36

WORK ON NORTHGATE: Cedar Lane/Dragonfly is hiring for all positions. Send a message on Cedar Lane Facebook page at facebook.com/cedarlanenorthgate MUSICIAN NEEDED: Church seeking someone to play piano/ keyboard during Sunday church services. Salary is negotiable depending on experience. Please call 979-703-8005 for more info.

Life & Arts Photos Maroon Life Classifieds

www.thebatt.com

to todays puzzles

IN PRINT • ONLINE

ANSWERS

TheBattalion News Sports Opinion Multimedia

1 5 10 14 15

REAL ESTATE ASSISTANT: Howdy! Our team is looking to hire a part-time Real Estate Assistant. Are you a TAMU student interested in flexible hours, good pay, and the opportunity to gain REAL sales experience you won’t find in the classroom? rokrbox might be a great fit for you!

Please apply at: tinyurl.com/rokrbox

to todays puzzles

STORAGE UNITS

ANSWERS

FOR RENT

38 40 41 42 43 45 46 47 48 50 52 54 57 59 61 62 64 66 67

Crowning On the double Spill the beans Nevada city Corporate department Hokkaido native Injure Bouquet Sub followers Entices Matter of debate Lewis Carroll’s fictional animal Gossipmonger “Shucks!”

Newcomer, briefly Prosciutto Rookies “Arabian Nights” menace Tiny organism Squire Great time Suffers Moves a muscle Money dispenser Cousin of a bittern Grenade part Append Blueprint Newspapers, etal.

Willow twig Impassive Gab “Buenos ___” Anticipate Part of the eye Hideous sort Whinny

1

2

3

PuzzleJunction.com

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22 23

24

25 26 27

28

29

33 34 35

36 37

40

41

30 31 32 38 39 42

45

43

44

47

48 49

46 50 51

52

53

57 58

54

55 56

59 60

61

62 63

64

66

67

68

69

70

71

65

Copyright ©2022 PuzzleJunction.com

68 69 70 71

9 10 11 12 13 Down 21 23 1 Usher’s offering 26 2 Eye drops 28 3 Whopper topper 30 4 Hair style 31 5 Panhandle site 32 6 Persian spirit 33 7 Torment 34 8 Video maker, for 35 short 37 Adroit Burn slightly Not relaxed To be, to Tiberius

“Seinfeld” role Model wood In ___ of Advance amount Clear the tables Goofs up Greek promenade Bivouac Tire designs Successor Up to the task Sail holder Recipe amt.

Himalayan legend Parade stopper Uneaten morsel

39 44 46 49 51 52 53 55 56 57 58 60 61 63 65

Size Hindu garment Toward sunrise Pour out Abominate Tough question Toledo locale Little people Shoals Sound of resignation Scarlett’s home Fixes, in a way Med school grad Diminutive Devoured

OPINION

A7

The Battalion | 9.15.22

Cameron Johnson— THE BATTALION

The Texas A&M Academic Building on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.

Letter from the editor: Share your voice Opinion editor Caleb Elizondo invites Aggie Family to join the conversation, and write guest contributions Caleb Elizondo @CalebElizondo7 Whether it’s a love for learning, the captivating sight of a touchdown on Kyle Field or the frustration of sitting in traffic behind a seemingly endless train, there’s a myriad of shared academic and social experiences that bind Aggies together.

Talking about these experiences, sharing advice and even voicing disagreement is invaluable to any community — and sometimes the ideal place for this discourse isn’t a TexAgs message board. Which is why, for decades, The Battalion has published letters and guest commentary from members of the Aggie family.

This publication is ultimately for your

benefit. That’s right, you, who I presume to be at least incidentally affiliated with Texas A&M. Our staff is considerably large, and we strive to encapsulate our university and surrounding community, its members and their opinions.

Despite our best efforts, it turns out that A&M and Bryan-College Station are inevitably much larger and multifaceted than our roster of writers and reporters could ever be.

That’s where you come in.

Writing for the community is a chance to explore the issues that affect us all and participate in one of A&M’s longest running traditions. Have any particular academic insights you would like to share? Perhaps an interest in the often overlooked arena of local politics? Interesting research being done at A&M you

would like to address? Or maybe you just disagree with something my opinion writers penned and want to offer an alternative viewpoint? If it’s a topic on Aggies’ minds or something that should be, it’s fair game.

Currently, our university and community are undergoing a period of unprecedented change, which brings with it an increased responsibility to not only document these developments but to foster an environment conducive to healthy civic debate and participation. Students, faculty and residents should feel enabled to engage with local and academic issues.

At the opinion desk we hope to be a catalyst for this activity.

So, you got something to say?

Guest work can be submitted via email to editor@thebatt.com, and while you’re

at it be sure to cc opinion@thebatt.com.

We’re looking forward to reviewing your submissions! While we typically avoid frequently featuring the same guest author, if you’re a current student, and find yourself to be especially passionate, you can always apply to become a staff writer at tx.ag/applybatt.

When evaluating guest columns, I often look for the piece’s relevance to our audience, timeliness and ability to engage the local community in a constructive manner. If you want a better shot of getting published, be sure to review some of our previous guest contributions before sending your work.

Thanks and Gig’em!

Caleb Elizondo is a computer science sophomore and opinion editor for The Battalion.

First time guests enjoy

20% Off fff

Please bring (or screenshot) this coupon for your appointment!

Expires: 12/31/22

Haircuts $12 Color $34 Balayage $58 Highlights $56 Olaplex Treatment $26 Milbon Treatment $48

Other Services We Offer

Call to schedule an appointment!

Special Occasion Hairstyle

979-776-4375 9799 77 9776 76-4 - 375 7 75

Make-up Application Facials

Follow us!

Brow Wax Manicures Pedicures

Charles & Sue's School of Hair Design

*All prices are starting prices *All services provided by student stylists under the supervision of licensed educators.

1711 Briarcrest Dr. Bryan, TX 77802

979-776-4375

@charlesandsueshairschool

charlesandsues.com

OPINION

A8

The Battalion | 9.15.22

OPINION Cameron Johnson— THE BATTALION

Jack of all, master of none Opinion writer Maya Pimentel says fear of failure shouldn’t stop students from exploring new hobbies and passions

Maya Pimentel @maya_pimentel As school resumes, we are returning to an environment that constantly reinforces the importance of comprehensive knowledge and intellectual commitment to achieve academic success. However, while productive in professional settings, it can be difficult, as students, to let go of such expectations in other aspects of life.

I cannot tell you how many times I heard the phrase “practice makes perfect” as a child. The academic slogan reflected off each teachers’ lips, echoing the glittery banners lining classroom walls. I am sure you felt it too, walking past the chromatic propaganda-like posters with poorly drawn children smiling down on you from each empty space on campus, surrounded by streamers and theater audition flyers. Underneath each disproportionate, inhumanly colored figurine was some piece of advice: “Try your best,” “don’t forget to smile” and, worst of all, “live, laugh, love.”

As children, we are constant consumers of advice, whether it be intentional, through constructed verbal communication, or otherwise. Our identities and moral values become the summation of these adages, which we absorb like sponges, rationalize in our plastic brains and reflect out to the world after minimal post-internalization modification.

That is the essence of education … and I love it.

I am a firm believer in education.

It is the single, most effective tool for humans to find success, grow essential social skills and develop impermeable moral compasses. However, sometimes academic lessons, like any oral tradition, can be misconstrued, returning me to the iconic phrase, “Practice makes perfect.”

In a professional or academic setting, practice, practice, practice. Be the best you can be, strive for success and constantly challenge yourself with extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Under the interrogation lights of professionalism and occupational achievement, this phrase is innocent. It holds true and aims to inspire.

It’s more than an old ring.

However, under the settings of personal growth and exploration, repeated exposure to this ideology of future success may hinder self-satisfaction.

Let me explain.

I love learning new skills. In my free time, I play the electric guitar, study languages, thrift flip clothing items, practice photography, write articles like these and more. However, that doesn’t mean much. Whenever I share my hobbies, I am always met by a surprised stance and a, “Wow, you are so talented.”

However, when I say I like to “make pottery décor,” I don’t mean I throw Grecian amphoras on the weekends. I go to Target, I buy five dollars of airdry clay, piece together a lumpy ring holder and poorly coat it with Crayola kid-friendly paint. Boom, pottery.

I do not confess any quality to my work, nor would I ever call myself a ceramics artist, but I do find immense joy from the immediate, albeit small, satisfaction of this practice. Pleasure should be the metric that inspires us to invest time, not perfection.

Many people avoid exploring new

skills or opportunities because they fear incompetency. Everyone’s said or heard something to the effect of, “I have always wanted to learn how to play the piano, but I know I will suck at it.”

However, that is the joy of the pursuit itself: realizing that there is only room for improvement. It is important to explore these weaknesses and celebrate the imperfection.

As we all moved onto or returned to campus last month, it felt fitting to remind the following: Don’t let the fear of perfection hinder your desire to explore.

That lurking self-doubt can be an exhaustive barrier to confront, particularly in higher education. We are taught to seek perfection, as it makes us better students and better people. However, sometimes it is difficult to acknowledge that such constraints are not always beneficial outside of the classroom. Take a breather, make ugly pottery and enjoy sucking at something.

Maya Pimentel is a EnMed student and opinion writer for The Battalion.

Senior Boot Bag

Price Includes Embroidered Logo and Name (More logos available) Shop for Little Aggies and Much More etsy.com/shop/aggiesandbows

by Charlotte, Reveille’s Dressmaker Aggie Mom & Grandma For A&M Sterling Jewelry: stores.ebay.com/charboeg979

1711 N Earl Rudder Fwy Bryan, TX 77803 979-778-2293 | charboeg@yahoo.com All its polish and ornate details may be gone, leaving only an amorphous wad of gold, but its owner sees it differently.

For him, this old ring represents a special place and time where he learned who he was and what he could become.

Neither he nor this ring looks the same as they did then, but they both still shine, nevertheless.

Since 1953, donors to the Texas A&M Foundation have helped provide life-changing scholarships and support for Texas A&M University students earning their Aggie rings. Learn how you can help build a brighter future for Aggies today and tomorrow at txamfoundation.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2022 STUDENT MEDIA THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2022 STUDENT MEDIA

It’s like uber, but for longer distances.

30% off your first four rides (up to $50 off each ride) CODE: AGGIENEWS3

Waiting for the

Storm

Ishika Samant— THE BATTALION

Sophomore DB Deuce Harmon (11) pushes against App State OL Isaiah Helms (54) during the Aggies’ game against App State at Kyle Field on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

Aggies kick off against Miami at Kyle Field at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17

By Zoe May @MayZoella Following its loss against Appalachian State, Texas A&M prepares to face a 2-0 Miami team who sits No. 4 in the ACC Coastal and No. 13 in the overall AP rankings after its match against Southern Miss. The Aggies moved to 1-1 and dropped to No. 24 in the AP ranking after their performance.

“Give credit to a very good App State team,” coach Jimbo Fisher said. “They played a very good game, deserved to win. We did not. We did not execute to the level we needed to execute to win the game. I’m very disappointed in how we played and how we did.

We had opportunities to win the game, and should have played much better.”

The Hurricanes have amounted a total of 100 scored points in its last two games. The

Miami offense is headed by sophomore quarterback Tyler Van Dyke who had a 81.3% completion rate against Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Sept. 3.

Surrounding Van Dyke is a receiver core who has 20 receptions for 281 yards led by sophomore wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, junior wide receiver Frank Ladson Jr. and sophomore running back Henry Parrish Jr. Despite their impressive offensive showing so far, the Hurricanes have spent their time preparing for the match against the Aggies by analyzing their performance and space to improve, rather than stressing about the impending environment of Kyle Field.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for [A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher],” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “They are a very talented football team. Most importantly, we need to go back and assess our film. Where are our holes? Where could we have been better today? Where can we firm up the things that we can be better at so we can operate at a high level in a very hostile environment, as we know, against a really talented football team?”

After a 40-minute defensive campaign

against App State, the A&M defense must prepare to face a Miami team who has also dominated field possession for its last two games.

After kick-starting its rush game against App State forcing four quarterback hurries, the Aggies put the defensive line to the test against the Hurricane offense and Van Dyke who has seven rush attempts for a total of minus-19 yards of offense only rushing attempt on the season ended in a 3-yard loss.

“I feel like we should do a better job at just playing hard,” senior defensive back Demani Richardson said. “It’s one game. We lost it, we have to live and learn from it … we’ve just got to keep moving forward so we can keep getting better, so one game won’t turn into two games, two into three.”

The maroon and white will need to recover from their offensive performance against the Mountaineers, only accumulating 14 points and losing three of four fumbles.

Outside of the performance of sophomore quarterback Haynes King, who went 13-for20 for only 97 yards, the main offensive struggles for the Aggies fell on the offensive line who allowed two sacks and five tackles for a

loss. However, with the return of sophomore offensive lineman Bryce Foster, A&M holds a chance to hold off an aggressive Hurricane rush game who has two sacks and six tackles for a loss this season.

“I have confidence that we’ll get right back on the horse,” junior offensive lineman Layden Robinson said. “That’s going to determine our character, how we get back up after we get knocked down. It’s not always about how you are in the victories, it’s how you are in the losses. So, I feel like we’ve just got to attack this week as an offensive line, bear down and make sure we’re in each other’s corners during these dark times.”

As A&M’s SEC schedule rapidly approaches, the Aggies need to buckle down now before it becomes too late. Facing a top-15 team in Miami, Week 3 could prove pivotal.

The late-night game will be televised on ESPN for national viewing, and kickoff for the match is set for 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.

17.

It’s like uber, but for longer distances.

Private or shared rides between cities. Enjoy 30% off your first four rides (up to $50 off each ride) CODE: AGGIENEWS3

SPORTS

B2

The Battalion | 9.15.22

Players to look for A&M vs. Miami

It’s like uber, but for longer distances.

30% off your first four rides (up to $50 off each ride) CODE: AGGIENEWS3

Miami — Henry Parrish Jr, No. 21

In the Week 2 matchup against the Mountaineers, Texas A&M allowed 181 rushing yards on an unprecedented 52 carries to three different running backs, a receiver and a quarterback. This week, the Aggies won’t have to worry about as many rushers but do have to switch their focus to one player who is possibly more lethal.

Sophomore running back Henry Parrish Jr. has carried the ball 37 times the past two weeks and accumulated 217 yards and four touchdowns. In both of Miami’s victories, he had over 100 rushing yards, so expect Miami offensive coordinator Josh Gattis to continue to feed him the ball.

A&M — Tunmise Adeleye, No. 30

If there was one positive after last week’s matchup, redshirt freshman defensive lineman Tunmise Adeleye would be it.

With the lack of blitz packages called by defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, senior quarterback Chase Brice saw hardly any pressure.

Adeleye had three of A&M’s QB hurries and ended the game with five tackles, four solo.

Expect Adeleye to bring this same energy to A&M’s Week 3 matchup.

Miami — Corey Flagg Jr, No. 11

With the hype surrounding the Miami offense, people tend to overlook the experienced 11 on the opposite side of the ball. This includes the suffocating sophomore linebacker who lives in the opponent’s backfield.

The Houston native will be making his return to the Lone Star State with a plan to cause chaos for the Aggies.

Corey Flagg Jr. leads Miami in both tackles and tackles for loss with 10 and 3.5.

Everyone on the Aggies’ offensive side of the ball needs to beware of No. 11 come Sept. 17.

A&M — Bryce Foster, No. 61

With limited time in the pocket on Sept. 10, sophomore quarterback Haynes King struggled to find time for plays to develop. Now, an important piece to the maroon and white wall has been activated back into the lineup in sophomore center Bryce Foster. If they decide to play him, expect an immediate change in the game and freshman center Matthew Wykoff to be moved back to second string.

Miami - Tyler Van Dyke, No. 9

Cameron Johnson— THE BATTALION

Grant Gaspard @grant_gaspard

If I had a dollar for every time I heard this sophomore quarterback’s name, I could pay someone to write this for me. After being named the starter midway through the 2021 season, sophomore quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has turned the Miami offense around.

In Miami’s Week 1 and 2 matchups, Van Dyke has completed 73.9% of his passes, threw for 448 yards and has a 172.9 passer rating. His favorite target is sophomore receiver Xavier Restrepo, when these two get going, it’s hard to stop.

If the Aggies don’t apply continuous pressure in the Hurricane’s backfield, the game will be over before it starts.

A&M — Donovan Green, No. 18

In the upset loss to Appalachian State, the 12th Man witnessed a glimpse of how valuable this Dickinson native could be to the Aggies’ offense.

Freshman tight end Donovan Green caught the first pass of the game for 12 yards; however, this was his only catch of the game.

Coach Jimbo Fisher said everything with the offensive system will be reevaluated this week, and if so, let’s hope they reevaluate who to feed the ball to come game time on Saturday, and that Green is at the top of the list.

T R E N DY, D E S I G N E R & V I N TA G E

EARN CASH FOR CLOTHES Welcome Aggies!!

2022 2410 Texas Ave S, College Station, TX

B3

SPORTS

B3

The Battalion | 9.15.22

It’s like uber, but for longer distances.

30% off your first four rides (up to $50 off each ride) CODE: AGGIENEWS3

The Texas A&M Aggies lost to the Appalachian State Mountaineers 17-14 at Kyle Field on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

Ishika Samant & Cameron Johnson— THE BATTALION

Defense vs. Offense

Aggie defense looks to regain lost ground against Miami

A&M’s offense reevaluates against strong tropical front

By Jordan Epp @j_epp22

By Luke White @lukewhite03

With a 1-1 record before the start of conference play, Texas A&M is feeling the pressure on the program early. The saving grace at Kyle Field has been the defensive presence, pitching a season-opening shutout and holding an Appalachian State team who scored 61 in Week 1 to just 17 points in Week 2.

While App State proved they were no slouch of an opponent — beating the Aggies 17-14 on the road — A&M’s Week 3 opponent might be its toughest challenge yet: the University of Miami.

“I have to get the guys to put App State behind them,” senior safety Demani Richardson said. “I have to hold more guys accountable.”

Miami is currently 2-0 on the season with wins versus Bethune-Cookman and Southern Miss, and they will be the Aggies’ first ranked opponent of the year, something A&M will face a lot in the SEC. The Miami offense is captained by sophomore quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who ended the 2021-22 season on an elite run. In his last six games, Van Dyke threw for 300plus yards and three-plus touchdowns each game, ushering him into the list of preseason Heisman candidates, with the 11th-best odds on BetMGM. The Hurricanes also had two players listed on the Preseason All-ACC team: senior tight end Will Mallory and junior tackle Zion Nelson.

But the focal point of the offense so far this season has been sophomore running back Henry Parrish Jr., an Ole Miss transfer. In two games, he has rushed for 217 yards and four touchdowns, showing an ability to rush both inside and outside of the tackles.

The Aggies’ run defense had two different outcomes this year. Against Sam Houston State, A&M racked up six tackles for a loss, holding the Bearkats to just 13 rushes for 47 yards outside of sophomore quarterback Jordan Yates. The maroon and white plugged up the middle of the field.

In Week 2, though, the Mountaineers found plenty of success rushing to the outside. Junior running back Camerun Peoples took 19 carries for 112 yards as Appalachian State held the ball for 41 minutes and 29 seconds.

“You’ve got to get guys in the box, tackle well in space and get them down,” A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said. “You’re going to have to play a complete football game on defense and then keep the ball on offense.”

For the Aggies’ defense, pressure from the front seven will be important, both in the passing and rushing game. The Aggies have rotated a large number of defensive linemen, with sophomore Shemar Turner leading the unit in tackles and freshman L.T. Overton leading in sacks.

The centerpiece for A&M’s defense is junior defensive back Antonio Johnson. He has a team-high 17 tackles and one sack this season. Johnson will certainly be in the game plan for both teams, being the do-it-all player for the maroon and white: pass coverage, pass-rushing, blitzing and run-stuffing.

For A&M’s defense, the name of the game will be slowing down an offense averaging 50 points per game and 525 yards of offense.

The Aggies allowed just 16 points per game last season under defensive coordinator Mike Elko. Now under the captainship of defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, the maroon and white appear off to a good start, but they will need to maintain and improve as the competition gets steeper.

After a preseason filled with high expectations, the Texas A&M football team’s offense has been a no-show to start the 2022 season.

The 17-14 loss on Saturday, Sept. 10, to unranked Appalachian State at Kyle Field was one of the program’s lowest points during the Jimbo Fisher era. Junior running back Devon Achane put the Aggies on his back versus the Mountaineers, tallying 191 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

The rest of the offense was a different story though. Freshman wideout Evan Stewart was held at bay with a team-high 48 yards on five receptions, while senior wide receiver Ainias Smith was kept to just 21 yards on four catches. Sophomore signal-caller Haynes King threw for just 97 yards with none of his 13 completions going for more than 19 yards.

As a whole, the maroon and white amassed a mere 186 yards on just 38 plays. For reference, the fewest plays ever run in a game by A&M was 29, which came against SMU in 1945.

“We had eight possessions in the game and did not execute at a high enough level,” coach Jimbo Fisher said. “It gets back to fundamental things there, and we did not do that.

It was in those situations we’ve got to play a little bit better. [We] had opportunities in the game … We’ve got to execute better in the things that we’ve practiced and worked on.”

The Aggies’ recent performance, coupled with an underwhelming offensive showing against Sam Houston State, have renewed calls from fans for changes to the way the offense is run, whether it be a change at quarterback or other positions.

“We’ll evaluate everything we do, seriously,” Fisher said. “We’ll look at everybody and

what goes on, and whatever we have to do to be successful, we’ll do … I believe in our players, and I believe in what we’re doing.”

This past week has shown that, while the puzzle pieces may be there for the Aggies to be successful, the offense won’t be productive this season unless they play with chemistry and communication. It’s imperative that the team corrects its mistakes quickly in order to avoid a freefall once the gauntlet of SEC play begins in less than two weeks.

However, the offense’s job won’t get any easier with a 2-0 Miami squad coming to town.

The Hurricanes themselves have rode a strong scoring attack to outscore Bethune-Cookman and Southern Miss 100-20 in their first two games.

Defensively, the “U” has reeled in four interceptions this season. Sophomore linebacker Corey Flagg Jr. has paced the team in tackles with 10 total, while sophomore safety James Williams has added eight this season.

Last season, the Hurricanes allowed an average of 28.4 points per game as they finished with a 7-5 record overall and went 5-3 in the ACC. “Coach Fisher, he’s a bright, bright football coach,” Miami defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said. “The challenge is great, they’re very talented. It’s at home in College Station, so that’s a different place to play … It’s different, so all of those things that shouldn’t matter, you have to factor in and prepare for — crowd noise and all those kinds of things.”

SPORTS

B4

The Battalion | 9.15.22

A&M kicks off SEC play against Georgia

Ishika Samant — THE BATTALION

Sophomore MF Quinn Cornog (33) heads the ball coming from the TCU goalie at Ellis Field on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022.

Aggie soccer shoots for strong conference opener against Bulldogs at home

By Emily Godsey @emgodsey Texas A&M’s soccer team looks to defeat SEC competitor Georgia in its first conference match of the season during the Turn it Gold match on Friday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at Ellis Field.

After a 4-1 win against South Alabama on Sunday, Sept. 11, the Aggies plan to use their rising momentum to take on the notably strong opponent and solidify their position as a powerhouse within the conference this season. According to coach G Guerrieri, Georgia is a prime example of a tough team to beat, with a 6-2 record on the season thus far — but the Aggies are not the type to back

down from a challenge.

“I’m really excited to show that SEC team — and every SEC team — who we are this year,” freshman defender Carolyn Calzada said. “I think our team is really well-prepared, and I think this last weekend against South Alabama was a real confidence booster for us going into conference play.”

When the Aggies took their first loss of the season, a 2-1 match against TCU, the team’s confidence did not wane. What could have been a discouraging defeat was nothing more than a learning opportunity for Guerrieri and his athletes, especially with SEC matchups looming in the distance.

“There were really good lessons for us to learn,” Guerrieri said. “The way that they scored against us, and the way that we gave up a goal on Sunday, those are things that we have to fix before we get into SEC play, which has a lot of great coaches.”

Now that it has experienced a loss and fixed the errors found both in victory and defeat,

the team feels even more prepared to enter conference play and come out victorious.

“We’ve been waiting for this moment for a while now, and we’re just excited to bounce back and show what we’ve got,” sophomore defender Olivia Fetzer said.

Fetzer noted the physicality that Georgia brings to its gameplay and how important it is to go into SEC matchups expecting a certain level of aggression.

“SEC teams are very physical, and I think we need to take that into consideration when playing against them,” Fetzer said. “It’s not only just going to be about our skill and our possession but also the physicality as well.”

There’s a different level of intensity when you go into conference play,” Calzada said.

“It’s high energy and everybody wants to score, so having patience with the high energy and the nerves – we’re continuing to focus on that.”

The fiercely competitive atmosphere of conference play is something that the coaches

and players have been preparing for since the beginning of the season.

“The SEC this year is probably the strongest we’ve seen in the 10 or 11 years we’ve been here, so we have to be really, really good at being us,” Guerrieri said.

But he has no worries about his players, as he cites all of their success to the close connections and bonds that the team has forged within the last few months.

“When the going gets tough, they’re going to pull each other up; they’re not going to push each other down,” Guerrieri said.

“We know there’s going to be some tough times, and some tough challenges in the SEC, and I feel good that the chemistry of the team will help get us through it.”

The Aggies will begin their match against Georgia on Friday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m, and will continue to make their push towards their first national championship title.

WEEK 3: STAFF PICKS Texas A&M vs. Miami Saturday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. on ESPN

Kyle McClenagan

Michaela Rush

Editor-in-Chief @ Michaela4Batt

It’s like every time the wind blows I feel it tearing us apart. :(

MICHAELA

KYLE

Managing Editor @KMcClenagan

Mr. Field is my father, call me Kyle.

Jordan Epp

Zoe May

Sports Editor @J_epp22

For clarification, I had them winning before last week. :/

Asst. Sports Editor @MayZoella

Laynes>(Hurri)Canes

JORDAN Caroline Wilburn

Caleb Elizondo

ZOE CALEB

CAROLINE GRANT

News Editor @Carolinewilb

Opinion Editor @CalebElizondo7

What’s more embarrassing than losing to App State? Paying 1.5 million dollars to lose against App State.

We can’t suck two weeks in a row ... Aggies by seven.

Grant Gaspard

Cameron Johnson

Asst. Sports Editor @Grant_gaspard

I survived Harvey, I’ll survice this hurricane.

Aggies by 30.

Photo Chief and Graphics Editor @Cameronj.

Recency bias.

CAMERON Ruben Hernandez

RUBEN BOBBY

Asst. Life and Arts Editor @Battandmuse

100% chance of kicking Miami’s ass.

Bobby O’Brien

Design Editor @Bob4Batt

Last time A&M faced a hurricane, we kicked its ass, BTHO Harvey.

SPORTS

B5

The Battalion | 9.15.22

AROUND THE SEC A LOOK AT THE CONFERENCE FOR WEEK 3

By Brad Bennett @Brad_Bennett13

No. 22 Penn State @ Auburn

Mississippi State @ LSU

Saturday, Sept. 17 — Jordan-Hare Stadium — Auburn, Ala. 2:30 p.m. on CBS

Saturday, Sept. 17 — Tiger Stadium — Baton Rouge, La. 5 p.m. on ESPN

The only reason why this won’t be a blowout is because it’s a road game for Penn State. Auburn’s question mark at quarterback will continue to hold back a talented roster that could flirt with a last place finish in the SEC West. Penn

State’s lack of an explosive offense should keep the game from being a blowout victory.

Can junior LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels keep up with junior Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers?

Daniels has looked good so far, but has yet to face an SEC defense. Expect a high-scoring game that could come

Prediction: Penn State 27, Auburn 13

down to the wire, with Mississippi State pulling out the win in the end.

The Bulldogs have shown they can win on the road, so don’t expect Mississippi State to be phased by the environment in Baton Rouge.

Prediction: Miss. State 38, LSU 31

Youngstown State @ No. 9 Kentucky

No. 1 Georgia @ South Carolina

Saturday, Sept. 17 — Kroger Field — Lexington, Ky. 11 a.m. on SEC Network

Saturday, Sept. 17 — Williams-Brice Stadium — Columbia, S.C. 11 a.m. on ESPN

This game should not be close. The main question is if Kentucky will continue to show they belong in the upper echelon of the SEC East. Senior quarterback Will Levis is talented and could end up being a dark horse contender

for a Heisman invite. Kentucky should have an easy week against Youngstown State as they prepare for SEC play.

Prediction: Kentucky 59, Youngstown State 6

How is Georgia’s defense this good after losing eight players to the NFL Draft? The unit has allowed three points through two weeks. While South Carolina does have some good players, it won’t change the result on

Saturday. Georgia should continue to dominate in its quest for a second consecutive national championship.

However, South Carolina will score at least one touchdown.

Prediction: Georgia 34, South Carolina 7

This is your sign to sign up for Prime Student.

Start your 6-month trial. amazon.com/joinstudent