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Issue 02, Volume 81

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Taking the long way home

Custodian Christian Ramos returns to a foreign land as the Texan looks to overcome a language barrier on his path to a college career. | PG. 6

Campus Recreation & Wellness Center

2 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

NEWS

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news@thedailycougar.com

Henry Sturm, Editor

i

The Cougar

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ABOUT THE COUGAR The Cougar is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters, and twice during the summer and online at thedailycougar. com. The Daily Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The first copy is free. Additional copies cost 25 cents.

COPYRIGHT No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the consent of the director of Student Publications.

ISSUE STAFF COPY EDITING

Taelor Marquetti-Gadison CLOSING EDITORS

Sean Alder Mónica Rojas Glissette Santana

ABOUT THE COVER

With the goal of creating a more positive and healthy place for students, the University became tobacco free on Aug. 17. | Photo Illustration by Sonia Zuniga

CAMPUS

UH's tobacco-free policy aims for a healthier community The University hopes to reduce the effect of smoke around campus

VICTORIA ESTES

more than 480,000 die to second-hand smoking.

Student had mixed feelings Mechanical engineer junior about UH officially became a Amy Nicholson said the cigatobacco free campus on Aug. 17 rette smoke “clings to you” as in an effort to become a healthyou walk by. ier Tier One university.

“I’m not a smoker, so it doesn’t The University’s policy aims affect me,” said Nicholson. “I to have a more positive and think a lot of people should just health-directed impact on the smoke elsewhere.” entire student body. According While emails and social media to the Surgeon General, students posts were created to inform the PRO AUDIO • DJ • KARAOKE • LIGHTING between the ages of 18 and 25 incoming student body for the are the most susceptible to be fall semester, not all students addicted to were aware of tobacco. this significant Assismoment for tant Vice UH. President “I definitely for Student didn’t know Includes 2 Mics + 500 Karaoke songs THE RISK OF DYING Affairs from about (the Additional rental units and music packs available. from a smoking-related the Health ban),” said disease, according to the CDC and Wellness mechanical SING FROM VIA SMART DEVICE. Center Floyd engineering Robinson said that the health sophomore Daniel Guerra. of the entire campus is vital to In 2001, the tobacco free the future well-being for the policy was first introduced to University.

UH. After deliberations and “We're trying to make a posrevising, a plan was set in itive effect for our community,” motion in 2013. This modisaid Robinson. “We are confied version made smoking on cerned about (smoking) issues campus more difficult, but not WHEN YO U (that are) affecting our student impossible in designated areas.

MENTION THIS AD body and faculty.”

Floyd Robinson expressed Code: Coogs2 UH anticipates to reduce negthat UH supports those who 015 ative influences and reinforce want to quit smoking. healthier choices. Tobacco use “We hope our students take is the leading preventable cause advantage of this policy, possibly of death in the U.S., according to make a change,” Robinson said.

14037 WESTHEIMER RD 281-988-7988 ShopMegaKaraoke.com the Center for Disease Control HOUSTON, TX 77077 news@thedailycougar.com and Prevention, signaling that

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Custodian Christian Ramos was willing to tell his story, but wanted to keep his face hidden to maintain his privacy.

— Photo by Pablo Milanese

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NEWS

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Henry Sturm, Editor

CITY

Mayoral race to cover top community issues This year's November elections will have ten candidates fighting for the highest seat in the Houston's government LEEN BASHARAT

highways. De congesting the highways is a key area especially as population grows.

For psychology freshman Julie Do, having an alternative option for transit in her suburb town would alleviate pressure for those who commute.

“I hope that the next mayor will improve our METRO rail system in a way where even people in the suburbs have an easy access to (it),” Do said.

“This will help people who do not own a car to be able to travel throughout the city with ease.”

STAFF WRITER

With Mayor Annise Parker’s final term ending and the new Houston mayoral election just around the corner, tension rises as 10 candidates race to become the next mayor.

According to the Houston Chronicle, during the last mayoral election in 2013 only 13 percent of the city’s registered voters actually voted in the mayoral election. This brings to question whether Houstonians know what the mayor’s role really is..

Education

The Budget This fiscal plan measures the potential expenditures and revenues of the year. The budget is fed by property and sales taxes Houstonians pay – meaning the higher the budget, the higher the taxes; the lower the budget, the lower amount of resources allocated to the city’s departments.

Candidate Adrian Garcia, former sheriff and councilman of Houston believes there are challenges to be addressed, but with the “budget potentially being already $126 million dollars in a hole,” it takes precedence.

“The first challenge will be to get our financials in order, make some tough decisions, find some efficiency and do everything possible to balance the books— that will be priority number one,” Garcia said.

Infrastructure With all the potholes, uneven roads and lack of sidewalks, one wonders how the streets of Houston can be so neglected.

The mayor maintains the infrastructure of the city, ensuring

The election results this November will hinge upon issues that have plagued a large number of Houstonians for years. | Sonia Zuniga/The Cougar

the proper amount of resources is being allocated to the Department of Public Works and Engineering –all while, making sure it is done efficiently.

Candidate Ben Hall, a former Houston city attorney, focuses on the infrastructure of the city.

He believes the city should focus on long term solutions and with the introduction of new technology, road repairs should be more efficient.“ Transportation in

Houston is a nightmare,” he said.

Transportation In Houston, there is a lot of options to get from point A to point B, but in some areas, those options are not as prevalent as other areas. The mayor has jurisdiction in making the transit system more available through an expansion of METRO, light rails, hike-andbike trails, bike lanes, roads and

First Shift 8:00am - 2:30pm

It is presumed the education system is within the purview of the federal government and corresponding school districts, however, this is not always the case. Mayors do have an influence in the availability and opportunity of education.

For mayoral candidate, former councilman and former congressman Chris Bell “improving public school in Texas is the most important issue facing Texas and…the city of Houston.”

In his campaign, he details a plan of using under-utilized space in library branches to be remodeled for classroom space for prekindergarten classes. By using the 31 library branches in the Houston area and the empty spaces in each, Bell is making early education available for more students especially for those in areas where schools are not nearby.

Frequently, grants are given to political figures whom give the money right back to those in need. Houston Mayor Annise Parker did so when she provided $80,000 to assist students with tutoring through the AfterSchool Achievement Program.

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JOIN THE WEEKS OF WELCOME DAY OF SERVICE AND SHOW YOUR COUGAR SPIRIT BY MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

WEEKS OF WELCOME

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Sat. August 29, 2015

Register online by noon on August 28th. Cougar ID Required.

Transportation, equipment, lunch, and t-shirts will be provided. www.uh.edu/csi/leadership SERVICE SITES INCLUDE: Generation One / The Forge for Families / Interfaith Ministries (Meals on Wheels) / Houston Public Library Hermann Park Conservancy

As did mayoral candidate and former Texas House of Representative Sylvester Turner when “H.E.B. provided (him) with $500,000 and gave it to Lone Star Community College for tuition assistance”

Public Safety Houston is amongst the top most dangerous cities according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Report.

Therefore, it is no surprise for public safety to be on a mayor’s agenda. This includes dispersion of budgets and resource to police enforcement and fire department. Monitoring and enforcing the flood control district is a duty within the mayor’s sphere of influence. All of the mayoral candidates have addressed their specific ways in how they will assist and support those chronically challenged with flooding in the Houston community.

"I had no idea the mayor had control of this topic,” said Mehreen Basit, a management information systems junior.

“My hope is that the next mayor really helps us out with flood control because my cousin’s neighborhood was flooded for about two days straight and they were basically stranded.

So I really hope we fix our flood control problem.”

The mayor’s plate has plenty for this upcoming term. Each of the ten candidates have campaigned and will continue until the election on November 3, 2015 where the Houston community will come together to decide the future of Houston itself. news@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | 5 thedailycougar.com/news

news@thedailycougar.com

NEWS

Henry Sturm, Editor

CITY

Breakdown: A look at Houston's Mayoral Candidates These hopefuls look to lead the city with reform in their differing areas of interest

Adrian Garcia He's been on this earth for...

64 years You might know him because...

He was the Harris County Sheriff His political affiliation is...

Democratic His undergraduate alma mater is the...

None. Garcia entered the police force.

According to a Houston Public Media poll Garcia's slice of the voting pie is...

15 percent

Sylvester Turner

Chris Bell

Stephen Costello

Ben Hall

He's been on this earth for...

He's been on this earth for...

He's been on this earth for...

He's been on this earth for...

60 years

55 years

62 years

59

You might know him because...

You might know him because...

You might know him because...

You might know him because...

He is a state representative

He was a city councilman and congressman

He is a city councilman

He is a lawyer and ran for mayor in the last go-around

His political affiliation is...

Democratic His undergraduate alma mater is the ...

University of Houston According to a Houston Public Media poll Turner's slice of the voting pie is...

14 percent

His political affiliation is...

Democratic

His political affiliation is...

His political affiliation is...

Republican His undergraduate alma mater is the...

His undergraduate alma mater is the...

University of Texas at Austin According to a Houston Public Media poll Bell's slice of the voting pie is...

University of New York at Buffalo According to a Houston Public Media poll Costello's slice of the voting pie is 4 percent

Democratic His undergraduate alma mater is the ...

University of South Carolina According to a Houston Public Media poll Hall's slice of the voting pie is 3 percent

5 percent

— photos courtesy of the candidates' Facebook accounts

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Henry Sturm, Editor

STAFF

A native Texan with a language barrier Custodian Christian Ramos wants to teach math one day, but moving back to Texas after growing up in Mexico has made things difficult SONIA ZUNIGA

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Every morning, custodian Christian Ramos wakes up at 5 a.m. and gets ready for his 8-hour shift in the Student Center.

Walking down the still halls before the sun is out is normal for Ramos — he enjoys the calm before students come in. But if he had the chance, he would be attending UH to got to class, not

to sweep floors.

“I’d study mathematics,” Ramos said. “I hope to be a teacher one day.”

Ramos, 20, doesn’t speak English, but understands the basic starting conversational greetings. Last year, he took a couple of ESL classes at HCC-Southwest in Gulfton, preparing himself if he chose to enroll at a college in the city.

“How are you today?” he tentatively asks. When I ask him the same in English, he smiles and says, “Good.”

Home is a foreign place As many people would mistakenly assume, he isn’t the average immigrant crossing the border illegally. Ramos was born in Fort Bend, where his mother, Valentina, resided with some relatives at the time, and later moved to Houston where Ramos started school. He

RAMOS

Ramos remembers little of his first five years as he quickly moved to Mexico from Houston after a family emergency brought his mother home. He wouldn't retun to Houston for 13 years. | Pablo Millanese/The Cougar

Continues on page 8

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | 7 713-743-5314

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Henry Sturm, Editor

NEWS

The front of M.D. Anderson Library was once again crowded with students and faculty walking to and from classes, and carried first week goodies while chatting with friends. | Catherine Lara/The Cougar

Welcome back Cougars New and returning students were welcomed to water pouches, maps and ice cream to beat the heat.

Volunteers handed out popsicles to students to help them cool down from Monday's heat. | Catherine Lara/The Cougar

One of the signature sights of Weeks of Welcome, the University provided maps and guidance to lost students through the first days of the new school year. | Catherine Lara/The Cougar

Two is better than one when it comes to beating August's temperatures during first week festivities in front of M.D. Anderson. | Catherine Lara/The Cougar

8 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

NEWS

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RAMOS

lot.”

Ramos was 18 when he Continued from page 6 decided to jump on a bus and doesn’t recall much of his first ride back to Houston. five years in Houston, but he Earlier this year, Ramos remembers the feeling of startmoved out to be on his own. ing Pre-K and hating it.

Since 2013, Ramos previously “I was lived with his scared of father, Ramiro, leaving home,” and his family, he said. “That but Ramos class was a never felt like foreign place he belonged. to me.”

Many students When his age find it Ramos was exhilarating to 5, his mother move on their received a own and enjoy call from their newly Christian Ramos, UH custodian back home in found indeMexico, telling pendence, but her Ramos’ that’s not the grandfather, who was suffering case with Ramos. from bronchitis, was on his “I don’t like it much,” he death bed. said, “I’m someone who needs Valentina made the decision company, knowing you have to go back to Mexico to say someone nearby.” goodbye to her father, taking Ramos recently added a new Ramos and his baby sister with bed for his sister, who is coming her, knowing she couldn’t came from Mexico. He was thrilled. back to Houston, “Maybe I’ll take her to see our By the time they reached his zoo— she wants to see everygrandfather’s ranch in Cerritos, thing,” Ramos said. “It’s going to San Luis Potosi, he’d passed be all new for her, coming from away. the ‘pueblo’ to such a big city. I “It was sad," Ramos said. "We know she’ll miss her friends and mourned for our loss. We lost a my mother. When she comes

“Knowing how much I have to pay for tuition, some part of me still doubts that it's possible for me to do this,"

in, I’ll tell her, 'don’t be afraid of change, it will all work through.'"

“When I came in, I felt all alone," he said. "She won’t have that, she’ll have me.”

Language Barrier In 2013, Ramos graduated from “Centro de Bachillerato Tecnologico y Agropecuario #123,” a high school in his home town in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, with a goal of studying and getting a better education in the U.S. Getting a better education seems like a long shot now according to Ramos, especially since he doesn’t know where to find the useful resources.

“Knowing how much I have to pay for tuition, some part of me still doubts that it’s possible for me to do this,” he said, momentarily glancing to the cheering young teens visiting the campus, jumping down the steep staircases on the basement floor in the Student Center.

Ramos could have the option between taking a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to get admitted or attend the Language and Cultural Center’s Intensive English Program, a 13-14 week program depending on the placement score.

news@thedailycougar.com

The program has six levels, from beginning Level 1 to advanced Level 6, and is one of the longest programs per term, according to Admissions Manager Andrea Goatley.

The Center gets hundreds of applicants (323 enrolled this summer), predominantly from Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, China and Venezuela. However, Mexican applicants are scarce in the program according to LCC Director Joy Tesh.

“We have four applicants this fall,” Tesh said. “We’ve had as many as 10 applicants, but never big numbers. We’d love it if it were.”

Tesh accredits that to the cost of the program, which is currently $4,293 for international students, a high number that students find it hard to pay without any sponsorship from their country.

Anali Nolasco, 22, is one of the 40 lucky students who got to graduate this summer on August 6, said she was the only student from her country in her class, an accomplishment on its own. Her test score passes her to Level 6, so she’ll be back next summer to finish.

“I’m happy I found this place, it’s a great program,” Nolasco

Henry Sturm, EDITOR

said. “If you work hard and keep a positive mind, the world opens up.”

A chance without loopholes At his apartment, Ramos will occasionally pull out his notes and flashcards from his past ESL classes going over certain words and readings before heading to bed every night. Those latenight practices have lessened due to the added hours at work.

“I’ll continue with more advanced English classes,” Ramos said. “But I have to work so maybe not right now.”

His goal is to learn about mathematics at UH one day, but for now, Ramos is where he wants to be.

“I love the easy concrete solutions that mathematics supplies,” he said. “It has a start and an end. It’s simple, not many loopholes. I love this campus, maybe one day I’ll be able to study here.” news@thedailycougar.com EDITOR'S NOTE: Ramos' quotes were translated from Spanish

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OPINION

Anthony Torres, EDITOR

SMOKING

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF

Glissette Santana

MANAGING EDITOR

Mónica Rojas

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Sean Alder

NEWS EDITOR

Henry Sturm CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Taelor Marquetti-Gadison

SPORTS EDITOR

Bryce Dodds COOGLIFE EDITORS

Trey Strange Karis Johnson PHOTO EDITOR

Justin Tijerina OPINION EDITOR

Anthony Torres ASSISTANT EDITORS

Sonia Zuniga, Efren Diosdado.

Sarah Kim

STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major.

Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.

GUEST COMMENTARY Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be limited to 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies, but rather should present independent points of view. Deliver submissions to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

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UH tobacco ban alienates smokers CAROL CAO

OPINION COLUMNIST

T

he recent tobacco ban on campus stems from good intentions.

Since 2012, a task force of UH students, staff and faculty pushed toward a “tobacco-free campus.”

The policy does “not require faculty, staff and students to quit using tobacco products, but does expect the policy to be adhered to by all individuals on university property.”

According to a news release from Floyd Robinson, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs - Health and CAROL Wellness, the CAO OPINION ban came from COLUMNIST “our social responsibility to promote the health, wellbeing and safety of UH students, faculty, staff and visitors.”

However, this pursuit of campus-wide health comes at the expense of individual smokers.

Designated smoking areas were established as part of a gradual “effort to phase in the tobacco free environment,” said Robinson.

The areas weren’t designed to be a permanent presence but rather a fleeting step of a transitory process.

The recent removal of the areas will inconvenience an essential right of smoking on campus.

Although anti-smoking organizations preach about the harmful effects of tobacco, smokers tend to know what they are getting into when they light a cigarette.

They know about the risk of lung cancer.

They likely were warned about the negative effects, but they know it’s their life. To them, smoking is a preference. For some, it’s a means of stress-reduction and a break after a hard day of classes.

In the past year, the idea of designated smoking areas granted some productivity. Even if the execution wasn’t perfect.

“Maybe they (could have) planned the areas better," said media production senior and former smoke, Kevin Kendrick.

"Areas I’ve seen were in the middle of crosswalks (where non-smokers often pass)."

Overall, it presented compromise.

“The areas were like a peace treaty that was really well-respected by smokers," Kendrick

Studies show that at least one third of college students use tobacco products. | Illustration by Kevin Lemus

said.

Overall (even if imperfectly), the areas sanctioned a degree of courtesy toward the health of non-smokers. Smokers could hang around these areas and responsibly minimize smoke for those who did not wish to be exposed to second-hand smoke.

Kendrick said campus smokers would be deprived of their safe area for a smoke.

“Taking away the designated areas means that people are going to be smoking elsewhere… areas not heavy on traffic on campus.

No one wants to walk off campus to smoke.”

UH does a good job accommodating those who want to quit, such as providing the availability of tobacco-cessation resources.

The notion of quitting tobacco, however, should be treated as a strong recommendation rather than mandatory implementation over the overall smoking population at UH. People are going to smoke whether the school wants them to or not. Penalizing people for a lifestyle choice is not the answer.

Opinion columnist Carol Cao is a creative writing and media production senior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

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OPINION

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Anthony Torres, EDITOR

RACE

In a time of turmoil, black lives really do matter NICHOLAS TRIPP

OPINION COLUMNIST

T

he necessity for a disruptive type of political activism, sometimes even quite rude, is generated by the inaccessibility of traditional means of voicing a political message. These protesters seek to be heard. Everyone is involved in the political process; voters, incumbents, candidates and the like, should listen.

Recently, various groups of Black Lives Matter protesters have interrupted presidential candidates like Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush NICHOLAS demanding TRIPP that they seek OPINION solutions for COLUMNIST the current state of racial abuse.

The interruption that has gotten the most attention was conducted when protesters Marissa Janae Johnson and Mara Jacqueline Willaford charged Bernie Sanders’ stage to honor the memory of Michael Brown and to launch a criticism of the expansion of the prison industrial complex, the preschool to prison pipeline, Seattle

gentrification and police brutality.

Opponents of these interruptions say protesters have been choosing the wrong candidates to interrupt. The most vocal opposition often comes from Sanders supporters who argue that he more than any other candidate is an ally to the movement for black life, seeing as how he was an active member of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s.

While it may be true that Sanders has his receipts in order, and following the interruption he released a racial justice platform, no one is above criticism. Allies should welcome criticism, even interruption, as a moment of possibility that gives them the capacity to better position themselves in the movement.

The purpose of an ally is to follow, not lead.

This may seem counter-intuitive for someone running to be the “leader of the free world.” But an ally to the movement for black life and someone who doesn't live with the experience of being black in the United States is incapable of coming up with solutions that fully address the myriad of structural disadvantages black people experience without the intervention of criticism.

A leader should be reflective,

#BlackLivesMatter has been used as a way to bring people closer to the cause. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

incorporating criticism into politics.

The scene of the interruption is important. It was a rally supporting the protection of Medicare and Social Security. These are issues that indeed impact black lives as well.

Activists should hit an intersection. Our movements should happen together. Solidarity is not only valuable, but it is necessary to prevent movements from being infiltrated and turned against each other. The most valid criticism that should be given to these activists is one that is concerned with solidarity.

“It should be understood that in the context of the civil rights struggle and the struggle against police misconduct and brutality, and by

association, the Black Lives Matter movement, there exists, and will always exist, constant competition for the attention, understanding and substantial analysis the movement feels these issues deserve both outside and within the traditional media further incensed by the often inconsistent rotation of the news cycle," said political science and African-American studies senior Marcus Smith.

However, many consider this competition, expressed by interrupting Sanders, as rude and counterproductive, especially for those who view him as the candidate most in favor of addressing black issues.

Without getting into more intricate analysis, this is largely true.

This is what solidarity looks

like. Solidarity with black folks whose lives have been interrupted by disproportionate policing and legacy of economic and political disenfranchisement.

Michael Brown, Sandra Bland and Sam Dubose will never get to reap the benefits of social security.

They will never get to have their health checked up on through Medicaid.

Every interjection of this position is valuable, even when it’s a bit rude. Black life is unpredictable and all too often interrupted because the world fails to realize: black lives really do matter.

Opinion columnist Nicholas Tripp is a psychology junior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar. com

FROM THE EDITOR

We need more balanced opinions

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ver the years, The Cougar has received a lot of feedback regarding the opinion page's "lack of conservative voices."

Quite frankly, I agree with those who say this. There needs to be more input from all different points of view; whether it be liberal, conservative, communist or evangelical.

I consider myself a pretty open-minded person. As a political science major, I make it my mission to become familiar with different viewpoints to have a more informed conclusion about issues both complicated and mundane.

Unfortunately, colleges tend to be filled with many liberal

minds, and those liberal minds tend to be the most vocal. This is just a byproduct of youth.

Harris County, in particular, is actually more liberal than most of Texas. This is shown by the fact that Obama carried Houston in both the 2008 and 2012 elections.

This isn't to say that UH is filled with a majority of "liberal-minded" people. We are in fact the second most diverse university in the nation — something I am particularly proud of.

What this means is that our readers have a vast variety of different perspectives. This is just one of the benefits to being such a diverse university.

The bottom line is, there's no

way we can cater to every ideology when those with opposing viewpoints aren't stepping up to write for this organization.

I welcome all different viewpoints for The Cougar. I don't have to agree with all of them, but that doesn't mean their opinions are less valid than mine.

So if you have a difference in opinion, then come apply to write for us. The opinion page is meant to be a place where everyone's opinion is heard, regardless of how controversial the position may be.

—Anthony Torres, opinion editor

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | 11

thedailycougar.com/opinion

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Anthony Torres, EDITOR

OPINION

FINANCE

Millennials need to start saving for their future now

REBEKAH BARQUERO

OPINION COLUMNIST

As students, we face many obstacles in finances including minimum wage pay, student loans and building credit. Despite the lack of knowledge the majority of young adults have regarding savings, investments and how to manage money. It’s actually vital that we start learning now in order to have a more comfortable future.

A report published by the Boston College Center for Retirement Research analyzed how much people REBEKAH should save, BARQUERO OPINION addressing COLUMNIST factors such as age and salary percentage.

They found that the earlier you start saving, the less percentage of your salary you will have to invest in, and essentially, the sooner you are going to be able to retire.

Millennials are more likely to burn through their assets and go into debt than to save. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

If you are a student who doesn’t have an employer who provides benefits and a retirement plan, the best way to start saving is opening a savings account and contributing a little bit of your paycheck to the account every month.

Young, lower-paid workers are most likely to contribute below matching contribution rates.

A recent study found that 40 percent of workers in their 20s

contribute below the matching rate, versus only 20 percent of those in their 50s.

Even though retirement seems far off for young adults, not saving money at a young age could drastically affect a person’s life later on.

According to US News, “Compound interest has plenty of time to accumulate when you’re young, so you should take advantage of it while you can.”

Tracking what you spend and limiting yourself to a budget each month also helps you not carelessly spend your income and ensures you have money set aside for all your bills and expenses.

It’s good to get into the habit now, instead of waiting and having to learn everything all at once later on when you have more responsibilities, not only financially but in every aspect of life.

The first is to start researching,

reading and planning.

An article in USA Today analyzed a survey done by the non-profit Employee Benefit Research Institute, and found that almost a third of workers — 28 percent — say they have less than $1,000 in savings and investments that could be used for retirement.

Often people want to continue working, but the survey found that 50 percent of retirees left the workforce earlier than planned; of those, 60 percent left because of health or disability problems and 27 percent because of changes in their company such as downsizing or closure.

We cannot control what life throws at us. Events happen unexpectedly that can affect your career, your health, and the well-being of yourself or the ones you love.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare for your future.

Opinion columnist Rebekah Barquero is a print journalism sophomore and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

12 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

SPORTS thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

VOLLEYBALL

Head coach looking to get '1 percent better every day' BRYCE DODDS

SPORTS EDITOR

@BRYCEJDODDSTC

For head women’s volleyball coach Kaddie Platt, the start of training camp couldn’t come soon enough.

“You’re waiting for it and waiting for it, and then it comes, and you’re pretty excited about getting one percent better every day,” Platt said. “That’s where we really want to be all the time: training.”

Following a strong opening last season, the Cougars faltered a bit after entering conference play, going just 6-14 against American Athletic Conference foes.

But for Platt, despite some difficult seasons, coming to UH wasn’t about instant success; it was about setting a strong foundation to compete at the highest level.

“We’re really just thinking of building a program,” Platt said. “In volleyball, you’re recruiting four years out, so this year is really my first recruiting class…I feel like this year we have cohesiveness in the locker room, and they’ve

Head coach Kaddie Platt is entering her fourth season at Houston, but feels more comfortable with the team than ever. | Bryce Dodds/The Cougar

bought into what we’re trying to accomplish here.”

Platt came from an established program at Houston Baptist University, which she elevated to a perennial top five program in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes, to a team that saw a rapid turnover rate for its staff.

“When I took this job, you’re talking three coaches within four

years,” Platt said. “That does a terrible job for your recruiting… there’s no continuity there.”

Platt, going on her fourth year, feels she has finally established a good standard for the program going forward.

“We’re trying to build on the concepts of we have to work hard and we have get better every year,” Platt said. “These are all my kids, but this is the first year that it’s

my locker room.”

Despite this finally being ‘her team’, Platt also knows that this team sustained losses in key areas with a number of outgoing players, but has confidence in her group of seniors to help the team.

“This is their year, where they have more experience than anyone else,” Platt said.

“With that, there’s just the natural tendency to step forward.”

For seniors Sophie Paine and Olivia O’Dell, a leadership role has been something they’ve been building to in their time at Houston, and a natural step forward for them.

“We’re both pretty ready for it,” Paine said. “As a senior you know that you’re going to have to take on more responsibility.”

The team added five players to the roster this off-season, between incoming freshman and transfer students, and with the changes in the roster, Platt sees a slight change in the mentality of the team as well.

“I think they have a bit more

focus,” Platt said. “When there is the stress of getting something done, there is laughter that relaxes everybody…but I do feel like they’re a bit more focused to doing things with detail and excellence.”

O’Dell also sees a shift in the team’s attitude this season, but knows that the team has also retained their sense of humor.

“We’re focusing on accountability, making sure people are doing the right thing, with the teammates telling them rather than the coaches," O'Dell said. "So it’s been a bit more serious in that sense, but we still have fun.”

Paine said that the identity of this team is focused in a pursuit of greatness, with a tenacity that will be sure to serve the team well in the coming season.

“I think the team this year wants to be known for being really competitive and being really fierce,” Paine said. “That’s what we want to be known for.” sports@thedailycougar.com

UH CATHOLIC NEWMAN CENTER CATHOLIC STUDENT ORGANIZATION

ASTHMA STUDY OPEN HOUSE AT THE CATHOLIC NEWMAN CENTER Aug. 24th—Sept. 4th 9 a.m. — 9 p.m. during Welcome Week.

Free Ice Cream Sundaes from 1 p.m. — 4 p.m.

Free Lunch on Wednesdays after the daily Mass at 12:30 p.m.

MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Aug. 23rd at 10:45 a.m. at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center.

Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz will be our main celebrant.

CATHOLIC STUDENT ORGANIZATION First Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10th at 7 p.m. at the Catholic Newman Center

MASS SCHEDULE Tuesday — Friday at 12 p.m. at the Catholic Newman Center Sunday, 10:45 a.m. at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center (next to Quad Dorms) Sunday, 6 p.m. at the Catholic Newman Center (across from the Recreation Center)

RECONCILIATION SERVICE Before or after all the scheduled masses or by appointment with Fr. John Paul For more information call

(713) 748-2529 or visit uhcatholic.org

Baylor College of Medicine is currently recruiting volunteers for a National Institute of Health (NIH) funded asthma study.

The effects of a new drug in patients with mild asthma will be investigated. If you are between 18-60 years of age, with mild asthma and are not currently taking any other asthma medications except rescue medication (albuterol), you may be eligible to participate in this study.

You will be compensated for your time and travel.

For more information: Contact us at 713-873-8772 or email: asthma@bcm.edu

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | 13 thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

High turnover along the defensive line leads to retool

ROUND TABLE

Projecting the year for women's tennis

Juniors Cameron Malveaux, Chauntez Jackson and B.J. Singleton will be expected to lead the 3-4 defense of Todd Orlando this season as many of the Cougars' key defensive powers from last season have left. The group will have a lot to prove if they want to retain the attacking style that played largely into UH's success, but To read the rest of the story, head over to can they reach the bar set by Orlando? thedailycougar.com/sports

Bryce Dodds Sports editor

Last season, junior Despoina Vogasari was a top player for the Cougars. Do you think she continues her strong play this season?

One thing Vogasari has proven at her time at UH is she knows how to win, and I expect that to continue this season. Last season, she was ranked as high as No. 21 in the ITA singles rankings, and I can see her exceeding that this year. While not the most senior member of this team, I expect her to be a leader for the squad and to continue to develop her game.

Efren Diosdado Assistant sports editor

Do you expect any drop off with the transition to a new head coach in Courtney Steinbock?

SPORTS

Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

E F I L Y T I R O R O S & Y IT

N R E T FRA

E M I T E F I L A R O F P I H S R E D A E L D E S A B VALUESents

stud H U l l a g n enti

repres s l i c n u o c s and 5

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I can see Coach Steinbock making improvements to the team, but not immediately. The team will need to take a step back before they can take a step forward.

I see Steinbock using the fall semester to get to know the team's strengths and weaknesses and the spring semester to make improvements.

Tevin Mills Staff writer

Tennis has experienced a resurgence with a pair of 20-win seasons the past two years. How do you see them doing this season?

I expect the success to continue this year for the tennis team. The losses of last year’s seniors Elena Kordolaimi and Charlotte Phillips will definitely be felt but not enough to derail the team. There are able bodies ready to step up and fulfill those roles on the team.

Michael Calderon Staff writer

The Cougars fell in the first-round of the NCAA Championships last year to Mississippi State; do you see the team making a deeper run in the playoffs this year?

While the team is returning many of the same players as last year and some natural progression is to be expected, a dramatic improvement is too much to ask for in the first year of the Courtney Steinbock era. I do think that the former Oklahoma State University assistant has enough experience and talented players to make it back to the first-round again, but I don’t see them moving past that.

sports@thedailycougar.com

Tap into programs, relationships and support systems to help you succeed and lead. Find out how to join at:

http://uh.edu/cfsl/join WWW.UH.EDU/CFSL CFSL@UH.EDU

@UH_CFSL FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON @UH_CFSL

14 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Campus Recreation & Wellness Center

uh.edu/wow

Student Organization Fair FREE Food Games & Activities Chance to win an Apple Watch or a Beats Pill & much more!

A VALID COUGAR CARD IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | 15 thedailycougar.com/sports 

sports@thedailycougar.com 

Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

SPORTS

In just a few short months, the exterior of the building went from bare bones to nearing completion, with bricks and paneling having been laid. | Kevin Portillo/The Cougar

Since you've been gone: a glimpse inside the development facility While students were away for the summer, construction continued on the new space for the basketball teams. The vision is starting to become a reality, as the project is set to finish on budget at $25M, with a completion date of Nov. 11.

Each team will have their own designated lounge area, completed with furniture and a snack bar to fuel up before class. | Kevin Portillo/The Cougar

The atrium of the development center features large windows and a view out onto Cullen Boulevard from all three levels of the building. | Kevin Portillo/The Cougar

The development center also features a pair of locker rooms complete with a ring of screens featuring important stats. | Kevin Portillo/The Cougar

16 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Empower Your Life through Meditation

SPORTS

thedailycougar.com/sports

FREE Seminar

“Opening your Heart to Love, Compassion & Forgiveness Through Meditation”

by Dr. Andrew Vidich Thursday Sept 10th from 10am to 11:30am Student Center, Space City Room 214, 4455 University Dr, University of Houston Registration is mandatory, please visit

houstonsos.org/opening-your-heart

The Houston Basketball Development Facility will serve both the men's and women's teams with a number of state-ofthe-art amenities, including large-scale monitors in the practice courts, tablet integration in both film rooms and a retinal scan required for access to every floor. | Kevin Portillo/The Cougar

BASKETBALL

Development facility next step toward prominence

LIKE US ON

facebook.com/thedailycougar

BRYCE DODDS

SPORTS EDITOR @BRYCEJDODDSTC

In late September of 2014, construction began on the Houston Basketball Development Facility, the next step in Houston’s plan to compete on a national scale.

The process began with the construction of TDECU Stadium, which was finished last summer in time for the Cougars 2014-2015 season.

The development facility is phase two in a plan for Houston to re-energize their athletic programs and return their amenities to a world-class level.

“President (Renu) Khator…(Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics) Hunter Yuracheck, Tilman Fertitta, everybody on the Board of Regents, I thank them for their commitment to this program,” said head men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson. “Basketball coaches… win games, but if you want to win championships, you have to have the commitment of the administration.”

When asked to talk about the development facility, Sampson had just two words to describe it: game changer.

Women’s head basketball coach Ronald Hughey echoed Sampson’s sentiments.

“It puts us in the playing field with everybody else when having one of the top facilities in the nation, not along Texas, but in the nation," Hughey said. "It opens up the door for us to build a Top-25 program.”

This is arguably the biggest construction project undertaken by the University for basketball since

1969, when Hofheinz Pavilion opened.

Sampson is already seeing the expansions pay dividends with the recruits who come to campus.

“When we ask these kids 'what it is you like best?', they say the facilities.” Sampson said. “Really?

When’s the last time we heard that? Maybe it was when Elvin (Hayes) and the early-'70s guys (were here).”

Sampson also talked about how the building of the development facility will help overcome some of the struggles in even the most basic aspects for a basketball team.

“We have one court over here in the Athletics/Alumni Center.

We have two teams...we’re a major college program, but we share facilities,” Sampson said. “This was my first time going around this conference, so I didn’t know what they had, but we’re way behind these schools, facility wise.”

To Sampson, this is a necessary move forward for a program looking to take the next step.

“We want to win championships, we’re a school that can,” Sampson said, “We don’t have to take a back seat to other people, I want people to have a little swagger to them—to believe in this place—but we can’t do it with what we have.”

The development center is that next step forward in a return to prominence for UH, a three-story facility featuring dedicated spaces for each team with areas for players to work on their game, study or relax, and with offices for both coaching staffs and support staffs.

Highlights of the facilities include two practice courts,

equipped with large-scale monitors for coaches to draw over the recorded feeds of the practice, a trainer’s area complete with hot and cold tubs for faster recovery and development rooms with equipment meant to maximize efficiency based on player metrics.

Even the smallest details were considered in the construction of the facility, said TJ Meagher, the associate athletics director for Capital & Special Projects.

“We’ve raised the height on the tabletops in the last two rows,” Meagher said. “As you can imagine, we’d like to have 6’10”, 6’11”, 7’ players, well we need to design a facility for that.”

The project is set to finish on-budget for $25 million, with an estimated mass completion date of Nov. 11.

With the completion of phase two, the University will turn its attention to the third phase of their project, the renovation of Hofheinz Pavilion.

With the recent commitment to return Houston to a national leader in athletics, the University is showing that it is striving to thrive as not only a research university, but to become a premier institution in all areas.

“Without a doubt, it gives us a chance to show people every day that we are on the rise…like football with their moto, we’re taking it over and we’re chasing greatness in everything we do," Hughey said.

“That’s just who we are, because when we’re chasing greatness, it’s that vision that we have to be the best of the best.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | 17 thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

SPORTS

Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

BASKETBALL

For the Cougars, a trip to China was about more than basketball SHARDANNA JONES

STAFF WRITER @SHAYGOTIT

The men’s basketball team has traveled to China for a 10-day trip, but for them, it amounts to more than a vacation.

“What a great opportunity for our program,” said head coach Kelvin Sampson.

Not only did the team get a head start on the season with 10 extra practices and four games under their belt, they will also have the opportunity to sightsee and receive three credit hours towards a Sociology course.

Sampson said the trip to China is most importantly about forming a culture and bonding as a team, which is something he did not have in his first season at Houston.

“When we start practice in October it’s not going to be like starting practice last year in October when we didn’t even know each other,” Sampson said. “They’ve already built some good relationships, but this gives them a chance deepen some things and strengthen some relationships that normally we wouldn’t be able to, and also to form some relationships and do it

in China.”

LeRon Barnes, one of last year’s team captains and a senior, sees the trip to China as a chance for team bonding, but also give the team an edge going into the season.

“I think it is going to give us an advantage,” Barnes said. “I think we’re going to be very comfortable with each other, and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Sampson will also be able to see each player compete in a game before the start of the season, which he had not been able to do last year.

Redshirt junior guard Ronnie Johnson, who sat out last season after transferring from Purdue, looks at the trip to China as an opportunity to finally get his feet wet.

“I’ll be able to show what I can do,” Johnson said. “Be a leader for the team out there, get guys on board and make us better.”

“We’ve got a couple of things that were excited about within basketball itself,” Sampson said.

“Ronnie Johnson hasn’t played in a game in a long time. Same with Damyean Dotson who transferred from Oregon, who sat out last year.

Head coach Kelvins Sampson had the opportunity to work out his team, as well as provide some cultural learning for the Cougars. | Kevin Portillo/The Cougar

Seeing those kids in a formal practice setting and watching them play games, I am excited about that.”

With an unknown starting lineup, Sampson is anxious to see the development and progress of each individual player, especially the newcomers.

“Kyle (Meyer), Galen (Robinson), Xavier Dupree and all the new guys, it’s going to be interesting to watch them,” Sampson said. "I’m anxious to see how we handle this.”

Another area he looks to tackle is observing the growth made by players from the previous season.

“I want to see the progress that (Danrad) Chicken Knowles has made,” Sampson said. “That’s important. Also Devonta Pollard.

Bert Nkali, who we had projected to be our starting center last year, who ended up getting hurt and ended up sitting out the year. I’m anxious to see it all.”

Pollard said he looked forward

to finding out what it is like to play against teams of a completely different culture.

“I think it’s going to be true competition just because most of the guys who play in the D-League or who come from overseas are mostly from China and places like that, so I think the competition is going to be good and I like that,” Pollard said.

As part of the trip, the team will be required to write papers and complete assignments for the Sociology department, but will also have the opportunity to sightsee, with scheduled visits to churches, museums and different areas throughout the duration of the visit.

Returning to Houston just in time for class, the Cougars will do so having won three of four games to win the series against the Qingdao Doublestars.

“This is something that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives,” Sampson said. “When someone talks about China they can now say ‘I went to China’ and be able to talk about it.” sports@thedailycougar.com

GET UP TO 103% FINANCING WITH TDECU MORTGAGE. Life on campus couldn’t be better as a TDECU member. If you’re just starting out and are looking to buy your first home, condo or loft, TDECU Mortgage has the best options to fit your needs.

With a home loan from TDECU Mortgage, you can finance up to 103%, to help minimize your out-of-pocket costs. Plus, you can receive up to $1,000 off your closing costs. We’ll even give you $250 if we can’t meet or beat any local competitor’s rate on the purchase or refinance of your home after closing.

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800.839.1154 x4614 TDECU.org/mortgage Credit approval required. Certain terms and conditions may apply. Additional loan options available for primary residence, second home and investment properties.

Loans of $100,000 or more will receive $1,000 off closing costs. Loans less than $100,000 will receive $500 off closing costs. The offer for payment of closing costs applies to new purchases only. We require a Truth in Lending and a Good Faith Estimate from the competitor in order to compare, and a copy of the final HUD-1 statement in order to receive the $250 if we can’t meet or beat your qualified rate. Offer valid through 12/31/15 exclusively to the students, faculty/staff and alumni of the University of Houston, and cannot be combined with any other TDECU Mortgage offer. 10039-CN-0826 0815-PA-8250.01

10039-Cougar News August 26.indd 1

8/20/15 10:55 AM

18 | Wednesday,August 18| Wednesday, August26, 26,2015 2015

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | 19 thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

SPORTS

Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

COMMENTARY

By the numbers: Houston's Big 12 dreams BRYCE DODDS

SPORTS EDITOR @BRYCEJDODDSTC

Among speculation of the Big 12 looking toward expansion, Houston supporters have expressed a desire to see the Cougars selected for membership.

Rumors indicating that Houston is a candidate have sent Cougar supporters into a fever pitch.

But as we’ve seen in the past, Bob Bowlsby, the Big 12 Conference commissioner, and the Conference aren’t exactly in a rush to expand.

Despite all the indications that the Big 12 is set for the time being, rumors have still swirled, and support for a move for the Cougars soars.

The biggest question: does a move to the Big 12 make sense?

Athletically, the Cougars have suffered from a series of difficult years on the football field, with just 21 wins in the past three seasons, but the hiring of Tom Herman has brought excitement back to the program.

But Houston making the leap into the Power 5 isn’t just about

wins and losses, because when it comes to football, money and the Big 12, it’s so much more than a game.

Arguably the biggest thing working against the Cougars is the market share Houston would add to the Big 12.

Despite the Cougars location in one of the largest cities in the nation, the Big 12 might look to add a new market with expansion into cities like Orlando or Cincinnati.

Let’s ignore all that for a moment though and just look at numbers we can see.

Football reigns in the south, and will factor largest into which team will join the Big 12.

One of the critiques from the past season for UH was that the stadium seemed half-empty more times than full last season.

Houston averaged 28,311 fans per game, putting them sixth in conference in average attendance.

If we look at percentage of the max capacity, UH filled 71 percent of their stadium on average, which bumps their ranking up to fifth in the AAC.

The attendance last season at TDECU started well, with the Cougars selling out the first game, but attendance dropped during the rest of the season, and crossed 30,000 just three times all season. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

Now, let’s take a look at the numbers from the Big 12, Houston’s prospective new home.

Each school in the Big 12 averages at or above 90 percent with the exception of Kansas, who averaged just 68 percent filled this past season. Additionally, the average size of stadiums in the Big 12 is 61,777 seats, putting UH at about a 21,000 seat deficit.

Based on average attendance per game, Houston would have ranked last in the Big 12 last season, trailing 10th place

Kansas by 5,766 seats filled, and league-leading Texas by 65,792.

Should UH join the Big 12, fans might turn out more because they’d see the Cougars playing against better competition, but what happens if the Cougars start losing?

The teams of the Big 12 are at a completely different level of competition from those in the AAC, and when the losses and poor play started to add up for Houston last year, attendance started to drop.

The Cougars sold out just one

game last season: the home-opening loss.

The following week, attendance dropped to barely over 30,000 fans, and UH cracked 30,000 just one more time last season, the homecoming loss against Tulane.

Look at the numbers of another slumping Texas school from last season in the University of Texas.

UT was first in the Big 12 last season, with an average attendance of 94,103, but tied for sixth with a percentage of capacity at 94 percent.

All these numbers don’t mean that UH doesn’t belong in the Big 12, but just that they don’t belong in the Big 12 right now.

Houston is striving for notoriety both on and off the field, and have a good chance to prove that they are here to stay this year.

A strong performance by Tom Herman and Houston, including a run at a strong bowl game would go a long way to furthering the Cougars' cause.

But, after all, it’s just a game, right? sports@thedailycougar.com

STRENGTHENING THE PRIDE

INTRAMURAL SPORTS

ZUMBATHON Tues, September 1

SPORT

REGISTRATION

EVENT TIME

Badminton Doubles

8/24 - 9/4 @3pm

9/4 from 3p-6p

Table Tennis Singles

8/24- 9/11 @ 3p

9/11 from 3p-6p

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Racquetball Singles

8/24- 9/18 @ 3p

9/18 from 3p-6p

3v3 Basketball Tourney

8/24-9/10 @ 12p

Student Center

5v5 Cricket League

8/24-9/10 at 12p

4v4 Sand Volleyball

8/24- 9/24 @ 12p

5v5 Indoor Soccer

8/24-9/10 @ 12p

Houston Room Register on imleagues.com For more information uh.edu/recreation

FREE for UH Students with UH ID First 100 participants receive a free UH water bottle

RECFEST WEDNESDAY

SEPTEMBER

2

3-6p

Campus Recreation & Wellness Center

GRAND PRIZES

GoPro

Michael Kors Purse

+

FREE

Beats Wireless

Participation Required!

UH Students only

GAMES & POOL ACTIVITIES ribbon cutting +@ cake 4:30pm

*While supplies last!

NEON POOL PARTY

OUTDOOR LEISURE POOL 9pm-11pm

20 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015