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Cheer leads UH to nationals The Houston cheer team is returning to nationals for the second time in almost 10 years. | PG. 4

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Rebecca Hennes, EDITOR

CAMPUS

Veterans get their game on to fight depression JONATHAN VALADEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Video games are often attributed for killing brain cells, but for veterans, video games may help fight off mental disorders.

A recent study suggests that Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy and focus-based video games may help veterans who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression.

Clinical psychology doctoral candidate Simon Lau, who is also a veteran and studies psychological effects of deployment on military families, stands by these findings.

"Focus-based and virtual reality games can be extremely beneficial when aimed at providing relief from trauma,” Lau said.

VRET works by placing a veteran in an interactive environment controlled by a therapist. During treatment, veterans are placed in scenarios that try to recreate past traumatic events.

The idea is that by repeating

Video games helped veterans overcome PTSD. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

these exposures, veterans will began to decrease their perception of threat.

“When certain fears are avoided they tend to become stronger, but if you confront that fear in a controlled environment, that fear will usually decrease or (even) extinguish,” Lau said.

Virtual reality treatment has

been around since the 1990s, but many therapists have been hesitant to use the therapy, despite its success.

According to the Journal of Cyber Therapy and Rehabilitation, most studies have indicated a 66 to 90 percent rate of success in treatment when VRET replaced or supplemented traditional cognitive

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treatments.

The games that are being used for VR treatments are specifically designed for veterans. Games like Virtual Iraq and Virtual Afghanistan were created and evaluated by the Office of Naval Research and are used at UH in the the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston. “(Houston VA) uses Virtual Iraq to expose vets with PTSD to reminders of trauma to cause extinction of the symptoms,” DeBakey Veteran Affairs psychiatrist Tom Newton said.

Some veterans who suffer from anxiety, depression or PTSD credit console video games in their recovery.

While he was never diagnosed with depression or anxiety, senior biochemistry major Kenny Morales said he can see how video games could help those with a diagnosis.

Morales, who spent 15 years in the military, suffered a traumatic brain injury while serving in combat and underwent intense rehabilitation.

Morales said he was bedridden for most of his rehabilitation and turned to video games because it was the only thing he could do. He said he spent the majority of his time playing the Xbox games Destiny, Warframe and Mortal Kombat.

“Video games were an escape,” Morales said. “With physical limitations, the games kept me sane and from becoming depressed.”

Due to his traumatic brain injury, Morales had trouble focusing and said that video games even helped with the cognitive issues he was experiencing.

Although some veterans have been able to deal with diagnoses on their own, professionals like the director of Veteran Services Celina Dugas warn that these self-help methods may not be suitable for all.

“I would caution any one of our student veterans to not go out and start playing video games to treat mental illness without consulting a professional to discuss all treatment options," Dugas said.

Dugas said that while video games have been known to help, she would also ask that veterans refrain from playing games too much.

“I can imagine that it could be just like anything that makes you ‘feel better',” Dugas said. "(But) can too much lead to another addiction?” news@thedailycougar.com

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Houston cheerleading will be making its second trip to nationals in almost 10 years. —Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

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FACULTY

New program focuses on advancing faculty success Center for ADVANCING UH Faculty Success Department Chair Career Path Information Sheet

DMITRIY BOROVYKH

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Only 18 percent of STEM professors at UH in 2015 were female, according to the Center for Advancing UH Faculty Success, a new program that was created in part from a grant from the National Science Foundation.

A grant from the National Science Foundation helped create the Center for Advancing UH Faculty Success as a part of ADVANCE, a larger NSF program.

The goal of the program is to increase the number of women in STEM fields. The center had assembled the Career Paths Subcommittee in fall 2014 and tasked it with investigating career options for women.

The subcommittee conducted an anonymous survey among people inside and outside of UH who had served as department chairs.

“There were a lot of interviews with people in leadership positions within UH and the message was this is not a transparent process,” said Jami Kovach, asso-30 10597-Cougar News March

ciate professor of information and logistics technology and CPS chair. “A lot of these decisions about who becomes a chair, a dean and so on happen behind closed doors.”

Members of the committee said many employees face an issue of not knowing how to advance to an administrative position.

“Most people, once they get tenure and then get to associate level, just continue to do what they were doing before because they don’t know that there are other things that exist that they could do,” said Bill Epling, member of the subcommittee and professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering.

Even those who did manage to get an administrative position often don’t know how to handle it. Most of the time, leaders had to learn on the job, and while there are things that can only be learned through experience, it would be better if there were ways to prepare for the job, Kovach Auto Ad Halfsaid.

Page-2-PRINT.pdf 1 4/5/16

Competencies Needed to Become a Department Chair Motivation to serve (M to S) – Unselfish desire to serve in a leadership role; not self‐serving Financial management skills – Ability to understand financial issues, as well as develop and follow budgets Conflict resolution & negotiation skills – Ability to discuss arrangements/terms of agreements, often in an effort to secure benefits of interest to you or those you represent Organizational skills – Ability to manage your time, energy, and meetings well, and have a strong attention to details Leadership skills – Ability to develop a vision for the future by thinking strategically, planning, and effectively managing people/talent to transform your vision into reality

Interpersonal & communication skills – Ability to work with anyone and everyone (good communicator/listener, empathetic/emotionally intelligent, collaborative, hard worker, diplomatic/ discrete, and patient)

Qualifications* – Known as a respected researcher/scholar, good instructor, and an effective participant in service activities

Note: There are many ways to prepare to serve in a leadership position, such as Department Chair. Department Chairs are often elected/selected by the faculty in the department or are selected/appointed by the Dean. Some faculty members actively pursue becoming a Department Chair, but others that have not considered this before are asked to serve in this capacity.

These materials provide a framework for ongoing discussions among current Department Chairs and (newly) tenured faculty regarding the faculty member’s future leadership career aspirations. Department Chairs and faculty members may find these materials useful as a roadmap, and should use them in a way that best fits their department and the faculty involved in the conversations.

Strong faculty have the ability to work with anyone and manage time. | Courtesy of Center for Advancing UH Faculty *Please note that it is preferable for faculty members to attain the rank of full professor before becoming a Department Chair.

“A lot of people who we asked ‘What made you become a leader?’ – most of them didn’t really have a good answer,” said Fatima Merchant, associate professor of engineering technology and a member of the subcommittee.

2:56 PM

Though the initial goal was to get more women into leadership positions, the investigation revealed that women aren’t the only ones affected by these issues. Kovach said that the tools they developed can be useful to anyone, regardless of gender.

© 2015 Center for ADVANCING UH Faculty Kovach said she believes theSuccess committee's work promotes transparency in the process of getting into leadership positions, which fosters a more positive and inclusive environment.

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NEWS

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Rebecca Hennes, Editor

ACTIVITIES & ORGANIZATIONS

Cheerleading leaps toward national championship ANDREW CARLSON

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Cheer is moving from the field to the stage this week as it competes in the National Cheerleaders Association's Collegiate Cheer and Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida from April 6 to 10.

This is the team's second time competing at nationals after nearly a decade of not competing. It received a bid to the national competition after doing well at the NCA summer camp. To prepare, the team is completing a demanding training program under the watchful eye of head coach Jasmine Arnold.

“It has been a challenge preparing for nationals, but anything worth having is going to be a challenge,” hotel and restaurant management senior Asia Blanton said. “We push ourselves to continue to not only be ambassadors for UH, but student athletes as well.

We practice at least two hours everyday working on our personal skills and our skills as a team.”

There are multiple divisions and levels at the NCA competition, which are broken down

The Cheerleading team will head to Florida to compete at the National Cheerleading Association's National Championship April 6-10. | Courtesy of Jasmine Arnold

into intermediate and elite levels with all-female and coed divisions. UH will compete in

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the Intermediate Coed I division alongside nine other schools.

Arnold said the team's biggest competition is the University of Michigan.

"However, everyone in our division is our main competition," Arnold said. "You never know who will score well or who will hit a perfect routine.

At the end of the day, we are our biggest competition, as we want to do better than we did last year and place higher in our division.”

The goal of improving on last year was a constant attitude throughout the team.

“Last spring, we competed for the first time in 10 years, and it was an amazing time,” Blanton said.

“This year, we are going to go out there and represent the University of Houston and our city the best we can.”

A fun-loving attitude is one of the team's big themes heading into the competition. The team placed seventh at last year's national competition.

"I was very proud of that,” construction management

in games. We want to set a standard for everyone else to know what it means to be a University of Houston cheerleader.”

Team members said they are excited to return to nationals and to represent the city.

“It is an honor and a great opportunity to represent the University at a national level,” Everette said. “Practices have been very hard, but you only get the chance to do this once a year. So in the end, the work is definitely worth it.”

Win or lose, Arnold said the UH community needs to know what the cheerleaders are doing and support Xavier Everette, Senior Cheer Captain them as they compete and represent the school.

“We’re one of the most visible feet into the air and catch you ambassadors of the University takes a lot of work.” due to all the athletic events and The captains are responsible all the work we do both around for making sure all members of Houston and on campus,” the team are on the same page, Arnold said. "It’s important that especially when it comes to we have the school behind us tricky moves. because this is the one time we “We have to make sure that get to showcase our skills." everyone knows everything possible,” Blanton said. “We news@thedailycougar.com lead the team in practices and senior Xavier Everette said. “But I can’t wait to see what we do this year. I’m just ready to have fun and put on a great show.”

But there's more to it than just the fun — preparing for competitions is tiring physically and mentally, Arnold said.

"Cheerleading is very intense,” Arnold said. “It takes a lot of effort to toss people in the air, pitch them high in a pyramid and flip (them) on all surfaces.

It is also taxing mentally. Trusting someone to throw you many

“It is an honor and a great opportunity to represent the University at a national level.

Practices have been very hard, but you only get the chance to do this once a year.

So in the end, the work is definitely woth it."

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NEWS

Rebecca Hennes, Editor

PARKING

New 10-year parking plan will significantly impact commuters KAYDRA GREEN

NEWS WRITER

With enrollment projected to increase by 3 percent each fall, Parking and Transportation Services' 10-year parking plan will significantly impact student commuters.

In a blog posted on the PTS website March 29, the service outlined the first changes from the plan that will go into effect in fall 2016.

Along with the increased parking rates, the 10-year plan will limit permit sales, discontinue semester permits and combine economy and economy plus parking.

The Board of Regents voted to approve the proposed parking rate increases in February.

“A 10-year plan absolutely makes sense when you consider the logistical implications,” now former Student Government Association President Shaun Theriot-Smith said. “What this plan demonstrates, though, is the potential for permit rates to drastically increase in the coming years.”

Beginning in the fall, PTS will begin selling a limited number of permits. Once permits are sold

out, students will need to find alternative ways to get to and from campus or place themselves on a waiting list.

“I’d much rather them have a cap on parking permits,” broadcast journalism senior Kerri Barnes said. “It should never take someone 30 minutes to an hour to find a parking spot. Letting students know when permits are sold out will hopefully minimize the congestion in all the economy lots.”

Another change involves semester permits. There will no longer be an option for students to buy permits on a per-semester basis.

Anyone who needs a permit for only one semester can purchase an annual permit and return it at the end of the semester for a prorated refund.

The final change PTS announced so far was combining economy and economy plus parking and allowing students with economy passes to park their vehicles closer to campus after 4 p.m. each day, a perk currently only reserved for economy plus.

PTS is also working to provide 24/7 parking to residents

More spots, more debt service

8,700 $6.48 PARKING SPOTS Added to campus

MILLION Increase in debt service

Increasing enrollment totals have led to a greater need for parking spots across campus. PTS has added 8,700 spots since 2007, but 4,500 of those were just to replace others lost due to campus expansion.

The debt service that results from parking operation fees is the direct responsibility of PTS. Increasing by 450 perfect, debt service increased to $6.48 million in 2016 from $1.44 million in 2007.

and incentives to encourage UH commuters to use alternative transportation in order to minimize the parking demand.

“Right now, it’s really hard to manage the oversell of the student parking facilities,” Browand said.

“We have a group of residents that are parking here 24/7, so that space never becomes vacant, and we have commuters coming and going. It’s hard to determine what the oversell of parking should be.”

PTS hopes to phase in 24/7 resident parking over the next three

years and covert 3,000 current parkers to alternative transportation such as car pool or METRO services over the next four years.

“I feel that students will appreciate the economics behind the decision once they see the justification,” Theriot-Smith said.

According to a YouTube video outlining PTS's 10-year plan, an increase in permit prices was necessary to stay financially stable.

“We are an auxiliary service,” PTS director Bob Browand said.

“What that means is we are

self-supporting. We operate off of the fees we charge for our services.”

Funds that previously went toward maintenance, repair and improvements are instead being used to support daily operations while the condition of parking lots and streets is deteriorating.

And as enrollment rises, surface parking may be lost to new educational and support facilities, and the only way to meet future parking demand is by building garages.

Because PTS receives the majority of its funds through permit sales, garage parking rates will need to increase to support a large portion of the debt service, which is something the UH community may not understand right away.

“The increased rates are reflective of a price closer to the true value of providing parking services on campus,” Theriot-Smith said.

“Our permit rates have been undervalued, generally, and Parking and Transportation Services has been overstretched in terms of budgeting capacity.” news@thedailycougar.com

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Anthony Torres, EDITOR

OCTOGENARIAN

I've never seen a crazier election season KEN LEVIN

OPINION COLUMNIST

I

n my lifetime, I have lived under 14 U.S. presidents, starting with Herbert Hoover, and have survived 21 presidential campaigns. Despite hearing from several of those campaigns that this election will be the end of America as we know it, both me and my country, have survived them all and prospered.

The first presidential campaign I worked on was for Harry Truman, who was running KEN for re-elecLEVIN tion in 1948.

OPINION COLUMNIST Truman was really hated because his election would be the fifth election of a Democrat for president

and that would mean 20 consecutive years of a Democrat in the White House.

Truman had so little chance of winning that the morning after election day, a leading Chicago newspaper came out with the now infamous banner headline, “Dewey Wins.”

Since then, I have closely observed every presidential campaign and been involved in some on both sides. But I have never observed a campaign like today’s 2016 slugfest.

How and why is this one different?

For one thing, the lack of integrity exhibited by the candidates is overwhelming. In a political campaign, you expect exaggeration. But with this campaign, the amount of smear tactics, false innuendo, vilification attempts, misguidance toward false fears and the outright bigotry is overwhelming.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Glissette Santana

1038 Campus Recreation and Wellness Center

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Anthony Torres

NEWS EDITOR

Rebecca Hennes CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Emily Burleson

OPINION EDITOR

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Leen Basharat Efren Diosdado Brittaney Penney Trey Strange Sonia Zuniga

SPORTS EDITOR

Bryce Dodds

STAFF EDITORIAL

This is arguably the most heated presidential election in modern history. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

I think constantly of my mother, sister, wife, six daughters, their daughters and my great-granddaughter juxtaposed to members of the Republican party that

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shows complete disdain and disrespect toward women.

This movement is led by their bigot and chief, Donald Trump, and carried on by the next to worst senator in the Congress, Ted Cruz. These two purveyors of hate and bigotry with a disregard for our Constitution are two of the most dangerous politicians on the American scene in my lifetime.

As for John Kasich, his record shows that he too, is no friend to your wife or mother either.

On the Democrat side, we have Bernie Sanders, seen as a nice old guy who is making the same speech day after day.

As they say in Texas: all hat and no cattle.

Sanders claims that the reason Hillary Clinton won all of the early states is that he did not compete at all in those states. But Sanders' own people admit that, in at least three of those states, he was the first to have campaign headquarters and that he did compete, just unsuccessfully.

That leaves my choice for next president of the U.S., the candidate who has successfully accomplished more than all of the others combined: Clinton.

Since the late 1980s, I have seen the political right accuse her of virtually every crime possible. She is easily the strongest candidate and the only one prepared for this job.

Disagree with me? Good. At least you’re thinking. But gather your facts, not anecdotal nonsense.

Opinion columnist Ken Levin is a political science senior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar. com

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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OPINION

Anthony Torres, EDITOR

LGBTQ

Society mistreats the transgender community

T

he U.S. celebrated its sixth annual Transgender Day of Visibility last week. In the trans community, members identify with a gender that is incongruous with their biological sex. Their gender identity — their sense of being male, female or something else, and their gender expression, the way they communicate their identity — do not conform to the identity and expression typically associated with their original biological sex.

These individuals experience a SONJA disproportionAUNE OPINION ate amount of COLUMNIST discrimination.

According to Trans Student Educational Resources, a disheartening 80 percent of trans students report feeling unsafe at school because of their gender expression.

Similarly, 58.7 percent of gender non-conforming students have experienced verbal harassment in the past year because of their gender expressions compared to 29 percent of their peers.

In a study conducted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Williams Institute, 41 percent of transgender individuals try to kill themselves at some point in their lives — compared to the 4.6 percent of the general public.

:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

SONJA AUNE

OPINION COLUMNIST

80%

of trans students feel unsafe at school because of their gender expression

58.7%

49%

of gender non-conforming students have experienced verbal harassment in the past year because of their gender expression, compared to 29% of their peers

of trans people reported physical abuse in a 2007 survey Source: Trans Student Educational Resources

Many don't realize transgender individuals are a highly discriminated minority. | Infographic by Jen Garcia

These numbers are alarming.

Last year, Houston voted on Proposition 1, an ordinance which would have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the city. The ordinance was ultimately defeated with scare tactics and factually unfounded scenarios.

On a national level, discrimination is still written into legislation. Just last week, the governor of North Carolina passed a law requiring people to use public, multi-stall restrooms that match their birth sex, regardless of gender identity. This would legally require even fully transitioned women to use the men’s bathroom despite their feminine appearance.

It is clear that the transgender community is largely unprotected

from discrimination on a national level. In May 2013, the American Psychiatric Association released the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This diagnostic tool is regarded as the universal authority for psychiatric diagnosis.

Shortly after the DSM-5 was published, Robin Rosenberg, a clinical psychologist and co-author of the psychology textbook “Abnormal Psychology,” told science news website LiveScience that “the distress that accompanies gender dysphoria arises as a result of a culture that stigmatizes people who do not conform to gender norms." In other words, those who identify as transgender may or may not fall into the category of gender dysphoria.

Despite this revision, Paul R. McHugh, former psychiatrist in

chief for Johns Hopkins Hospital and current distinguished service professor of psychiatry, still believes that a transgender identity is a mental disorder.

“This intensely felt sense of being transgendered constitutes a mental disorder in two respects,” McHugh told Cybercast News Service in 2015. “The first is that the idea of sex misalignment is simply mistaken – it does not correspond with physical reality. The second is that it can lead to grim psychological outcomes.”

McHugh goes on to report that the suicide rate among transgender people who had reassignment surgery is 20 times higher than the suicide rate among non-transgender people, as if this were evidence to prove that being transgender is a mental disorder.

This statistic may have supported

McHugh’s claim had the suicide rates been compared to transgender people who had not yet transitioned.

Even if there is a higher suicide rate among fully transitioned trans men and women, there are social factors that may account for that rate. According to the University’s LGBTQ Resource Center, only 43 percent of transgender people maintain their family bonds throughout transitioning. In a 2012 study of 433 individuals, TSER reports that attempted suicide rates among trans youth with unsupportive parents was as high as 57 percent.

Research in the field of transgender identity and its link to mental health needs a control group. It needs a group of transgender individuals who have not experienced discrimination and social rejection, and that control group simply does not exist. For this reason, it is nearly impossible to say with absolute confidence that the higher instances of poor mental health in the transgender community are due to discrimination and social rejection.

But the correlation is clear, and the amount of anxiety and depression present in the transgender community is disheartening to say the least. For whatever reason trans people are at higher risk for poor mental health, major steps toward anti-discrimination must be taken.

Opinion columnist Sonja Aune is a Spanish senior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

STAFF EDITORIAL

The Panama Papers: journalism at its best

T

his past weekend, the largest data leak ever breached the Internet, linking prominent world leaders to unethical abuses of offshore bank accounts. It dives into how the major players of our globalized world are linked to bribery and unlawful transactions.

Essentially, the files show just how corrupt some rich figureheads have become.

Documents either directly link or link via associates people such as soccer superstar Lionel Messi, President Xi Jinping of China, the president of Argentina, the kings of Morocco and Saudi Arabia and, most notably, President Vladimir Putin of Russia. The

The data leak was a global effort. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

leaks revealed money hidden in tax havens on islands in the Caribbean, Oceania and off the

coast of Africa.

The 11.5 million documents leaked are being called the

"Panama Papers," and the willingness of the unknown whistle blower to leak the documents to a German newspaper is a triumph of public information that must be imitated if the relationship between journalists and society is to remain meaningful.

And, fairly, the 400 journalists from 80 countries who contributed should be lauded for their commitment to information freedom and service to societies all over the world.

Sadly, the Panama Papers confirm a notion that people already believe: world leaders are corrupt.

It's not all of them, but if just a few are abusing the system, the

lack of personal accountability looks bad from a systemic point of view. The leaders of any organization — government, business, sports or even university campuses — need to be more transparent about their finances so the public knows whom to trust.

If our leaders are hiding their bank accounts, what else are they hiding? Can we trust them at all?

One role of the media is to hold powerful people accountable, and these leaks are an example of how investigative journalism can make a difference on a global scale.

— The Cougar Editorial Board

8 | Wednesday, April 6, 2016

SPORTS 713-743-5303

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Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

RUGBY

Rugby looking to make noise during sevens tournament PETER SCAMARDO STAFF WRITER

As the club rugby team moves towards the championship round of the Southwest Collegiate Rugby Conference Championship Sevens Tournament, they're gaining confidence that they can compete with the tough competition they face.

After sweeping five wins in the first round of the tournament, the Cougars have gained confidence ahead of their second round competition, hoping to clinch a spot in the conference championship round.

The results from the first round and next week's second round will determine the seeding for the championship round on April 23 at UNT. The Cougars have played the majority of these teams during the fifteens season and know they will be tough competition, but everything changes when it comes to sevens.

“The favorites in general usually are UNT and Texas State," acting head coach Sam Enari said. "They’ve

been good strong programs in the conference for a long time. So those will probably be the top two teams to look for.”

The Cougars had high expectations for their sevens season, but got off to a rough start in a friendly tournament against the Sam Houston Bearkats where the Cougars were simply outplayed. In the ensuing weeks, the Cougars have been hard at work during practice knowing the teams they are facing will be much tougher than Sam Houston.

“We’ve been very adamant about working on our defense,” scrum-half Bryan Monks said. “Communication has also been a really big thing as well, and just trying to play a good, slow game but also come out on top.”

Players unanimously consider junior hooker Abe Blanco, inside center Brett Funderburk and fullback and team captain Ryan Becker to be the standout performers. Each one of them were the leaders for the team during the fifteens season

and are expected to play quality rugby for the Cougars if they want a chance to win the tournament.

“Really, if you look at the tournament from a player’s standpoint, we’ve got the skill,” junior prop Mike Wendt said. “We’ve got seven really good guys, but we’re trying to develop our backups. And also, we need really good chemistry because a lot of players work, so it’s hard to get them out to practice.”

The Cougars understand that the tables are stacked against them, but they know that anything is possible in sevens. If all the players are fit, focused and ready to play, the Cougars will be able to show what they have to offer to the rest of the conference and that they are serious about getting to nationals.

“Like anything, you’ve got to win it,” Wendt said. “This is our way to show that we deserve to be here.

This is where we come out and make a statement.” sports@thedailycougar.com

The Cougars won all five of their games in the first round of the Southwest Collegiate Rugby Conference Championship Sevens Tournament. | Courtesy of UH Rugby

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MEN'S BASKETBALL

Time at UH was about family for two seniors SHARDANNA JONES

graduation?

STAFF WRITER

@ SHAYGOTIT

EW: I actually have two options—either the workforce or basketball—but as of now I’m just focusing on my studies and trying to see where that takes me. Having both options is definitely a good thing, so I’m just weighing them out as I go through this semester. I’m majoring in psychology. I like to talk to people, I’m good with communication, and I have a connection with the guy who’s working with the University, and he told me that he’d like for me to be his assistant, so I could also go that route and learn from him.

With men’s basketball having wrapped up its season three weeks ago, four seniors have completed their time as part of the Cougars' squad, including Eric Weary Jr. and Devonta Pollard.

Pollard and Weary were two of the fresh faces bought in at the beginning of the Kelvin Sampson era when he joined the program two years ago.

The Cougar sat down with the players one last time to reflect on their time at the University and find out if their basketball road ends here.

Eric Weary Jr.: I’d have to say my entire senior year. Seeing how we started and where we started from, it was definitely a positive way to end my career. Our record was better, and for me that was a good way to finish.

Devonta Pollard: I would have to say the trip to China, just because of the time that I had to spend with my brothers, with no Internet, no phone and things like that. It just brought us closer together as a team. If it wasn’t for that trip, I don’t think I would know each of my teammates the way that I do now.

TC: How has playing here been beneficial to your growth?

EW: I’ve learned a lot since I’ve been here. Coach has shown me a lot of things. I’ve been through a lot of trials and tribulations with him and the team, and that has helped me. He always tells me that he got me, and so I just plan on finishing out the year and seeing where I can go from here.

DP: The people around me, as far as helping me and supporting me the way that they do, and being there when I needed them. They’ve helped me communication-wise, being able to talk me through situations and keep me settled and calm instead of walking around here with my head held down wondering 'what am I going to do now' or 'what am I going to do next'.

TC: Your time as college athletes is officially over. Is it

Senior forward Devonta Pollard says his time at UH has been where he found a true home with his teammates and his coaches. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

bittersweet, or are you excited about what’s to come?

EW: It’s kind of bittersweet, because I’ve been in school so long, and it actually started to get fun as I got here, but I feel like I’m still a part of the family even after I leave. I’m sad that it’s my senior year, but I know this University is going to be nothing but positive with Coach Sampson.

DP: The basketball part is sad and bittersweet because at the end of the day, as a basketball player, of course all of the conditioning and stuff, you’re ready for it to end. As far as games and being able to play with your teammates, you don’t want that to end. But school, I’m happy it’s over. I’m going to hate leaving my brothers, because of all the teams that I’ve played for, this team this year probably was closer to me and bonded more with me than my two previous teams.

putting a house in my hometown, but if everything works out right, and I play ball after college, I want my second house to be here.

TC: So what’s the next step after

HOLY CHUTE!

TC: How has the program changed since you guys have been here?

EW: You always have to start somewhere, and I feel like my junior year was a groundbreaking year for this program. I feel like senior year was maybe two or three steps toward the right direction for us.

DP: When I first got here, I think there were people who supported UH basketball, but they weren’t around and showing their faces.

Just to have the support and see the support, that was a change that I saw as the year went on, and also seeing the new facility and what they want to do to Hofheinz. It really is good to be a Cougar. sports@thedailycougar.com

‘

The Cougar: What would you guys say was your fondest or happiest memory during your time at Houston?

DP: As of now, I’m still trying to figure out which agent I’m going to sign with and whatnot, and then, after that, I’m going to see where I’ll go to train and work out, and see where it goes after that. Hopefully it doesn’t take long. Overseas ball is fine, but of course everyone’s dream is to go to the League. That’s

what I’m aiming for, but if I have to go overseas, it wouldn’t be something that I’d be mad about doing.

TC: Do you see yourselves returning to Houston, being that neither of you are from here?

EW: If I take on a pro career, I’ll probably be in Houston longer than I’d originally thought. I’ll probably use the development center as a workout tool, and New Orleans is only four to five hours away from here, so I’ll always be good to come back.

DP: Last year, I told myself that no matter what I did after college, I wanted to put a house in Houston. I just love Houston and the school. The coaching staff: they made me feel at home without being at home. I plan on

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SPORTS

Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

COMMENTARY

Cougars continue to struggle against ranked opponents REAGAN EARNST STAFF WRITER

Running into a string of tough competition, the No. 15 Cougars' success has come to temporary halt as they have dropped three of their last four games.

The Cougars have struggled so far this season against ranked competition. Houston is just 2-7 against ranked opponents and has been outscored by a combined 51-28 in those games.

Looking to shake off their 7-2 midweek loss to the No. 1 Texas A&M University Aggies, the Cougars traveled to Greenville, North Carolina last weekend for a series against the No. 19 East Carolina University Pirates.

The series marked the start of conference play for the Cougars, and the team attempted to get off to a hot start as it sent its top two pitchers to the mound.

Junior Andrew Lantrip started Friday’s game against the Pirates but failed to earn a victory.

10597-Cougar News March 30 Brand Lantrip pitched eight innings

After losing their weekend series against the 19th-ranked ECU Pirates 1-2, the Cougars' record against ranked teams is now 2-7 on the season. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

in which he surrendered three gars fell 3-1 on Friday. runs and recorded four strike Sophomore Seth Romero took outs. The right-hander entered the hill on Saturday having only the game with just one walk in given up two earned runs in his the entire season but allowed first five appearances. two to the Pirates.

Unlike his other starts, Ad Half Page-PRINT.pdf 1 4/5/16 2:55 PM Unable to plate runs, the Cou- Romero gave up five runs in just

five innings of work.

With the offense only able to manage one run late in the ninth inning, the team suffered its second consecutive loss to ECU by a score of 5-1.

Saturday’s loss marked the fourth consecutive loss to ranked opponents, but the Cougars ended the streak on Sunday.

The hitters finally found their stride Sunday when they scored six runs on 10 hits. Senior Josh Vidales, who recently returned from injury, went 2-3 and recorded three RBI. Four errors by the Pirates coupled with a solid pitching performance from freshman Mitch Ullom helped the Cougars avoid the sweep, winning the finale 6-1.

“Mitch Ullom was huge for us today. I thought he pitched really, really well,” head coach Todd Whitting said in a news release.

“That is one of the better teams in the country. To come in here and scrap one after

falling into a little bit of tough luck during the first two days was big.”

Despite the rough patch of losses, the team has a 17-10 record as of Monday.

Now 1-2 in conference play, the Cougars will look to claw their way back to the top in their conference series matchup this weekend against the University of Central Florida Knights.

And unlike those losses on the road, Houston has felt right at home at Schroeder Park this season, as they are 13-4 at home.

Freshman Joe Davis had a hot start for the Cougars early in the season, but has since cooled down, going just 2-17 in his last 19 at-bats. In this span, his batting average has dipped to .358, a mark that is still top on the team.

Next up for the team is the UCF Knights Friday night at Schroeder Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. sports@thedailycougar.com

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Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Despite early exit, NIT will prove a stepping stone DEZMOND EWELL

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Three weeks after men’s basketball’s 81-62 loss to Georgia Institute of Technology in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament, the Houston athletics front office views the postseason performance as a positive for the entire organization.

Houston traveled to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech in the NIT opening round on March 16. After a 22-8 season and the first postseason bid for the Cougars since 2010, many expected them to go further in the tournament. As a result of their early exit, the Cougars are finding a way to understand that they still had a good season.

“You can’t judge your season off of (a bad loss),” head coach Kelvin Sampson said. “You can’t let that override what a great year you had.

We had a great year.”

Although the NIT is sometimes looked down upon by some fans, mainly because it doesn’t possess the prestige of the NCAA tournament, Sampson believes that it is a stepping stone to better regular season and postseason play in the

near future.

“For us, getting to the NIT was a great first step,” Sampson said. “Our second year was better than our first, and we think our third year is going to be better than our second, and that’s what a program should do.”

Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Hunter Yurachek also felt the NIT was a stepping stone for the program.

“For our men’s basketball program to have the season it had, and then get selected, then get a five seed in the NIT is the first step in building the program in what we want it to be,” Yurachek said. “To be able to advance to the NIT – that’s that next step we needed to take this year to get into a legitimate postseason men’s basketball tournament."

The NIT bid is effecting more than just morale for the athletics department and athletes. The bid is aiding in recruitment strategies for incoming athletes and validating the upcoming improvements to Hofheinz Pavilion, the Cougars’ home arena.

Future recruits can look at the progress the Cougars have made since Sampson became head coach and see the progression. Sampson’s first year with the Cougars resulted in a 13-19 record. His second year drastically improved to a 20-13 record and a bid in the NIT. This is a good time for recruits to come to Houston and play for a team that isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.

“You look at some of the teams that were in the NIT, like South Carolina and Georgia Tech,” Yurachek said. “There are teams from Power 5 schools that are in it year in and year out. Many of them that win use that as a springboard for next year. I look at it as a positive as we go from last place in the conference and not participating in any postseason events to the 22-10 record.”

After a positive season for the Cougars, the upcoming renovations to Hofheinz Pavilion feel necessary to fans and front office alike.

One year after TDECU Stadium’s opening, Houston opened its new state-of-the-art basketball training facility, so the next logical step

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Head coach Kelvin Sampson said the NIT was the first step in the right direction for Houston. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

would be to improve the arena.

“We’re getting ready to embark on renovations to the current basketball facility that will open up as a new renovated facility two and a half years from now,” Yurachek said.

“You can see that direction within our men’s basketball program and what Kelvin Sampson and his staff is building right now.”

Overall, it seems to be a unanimous decision that the NIT is already creating a positive impact within Houston athletics, especially

on the basketball side. If the Cougars can continue to follow the path they have created, good things are in store for Houston basketball.

“The positive is our team was selected to play in a very prestigious postseason tournament,” Sampson said. “That’s a great accomplishment for our team to have this year.

Now, next year the goal will be to go to the NCAA tournament because I think that’s our next step.” sports@thedailycougar.com

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