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Issue 6, Volume 82

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Remembering a revolutionary Tony Award–winning playwright leaves a 20-year legacy at the theater department. | PG. 2

OPINION

Confidence lacking in campus safety

Columnist Caprice Carter writes that campus safety is a widespread issue with the perceived absence of security presence. | PG. 6

SPORTS

Outrunning adversity

After a year off, senior Selena Sierra is back for her final season racing on the cross country team, and she's leaving nothing to chance. | PG. 8

2 | Wednesday, September 21, 2016

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Emily Burleson, EDITOR

FACULTY

Best playwright, 'bar none,' passes at 88 School of Theatre & Dance remembers Tony-winning former faculty Edward Albee ALEX MEYER

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ALXMEY

The questions that great writing pose, ones that force you to see the complexities of life, are often rare — much like the masterworks of University of Houston professor and award-winning playwright Edward Albee.

Considered by critics and fans alike to be the premiere American playwright post-Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, Albee died Friday at his home in Montauk, New York at 88 years old. Aside from his time spent writing over 30 critically-acclaimed plays, including the Tony award-winning "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf ?," Albee dedicated over 20 years to teaching at UH. "It's not an overstatement to say that, he was, up until his passing, the most important living American playwright, bar none," dramaturge and director of the School of Theatre and Dance Robert Shimko said. "To have him in Houston and at UH for literally decades is just incredible."

'Succeed interestingly' Albee began his role as a professor at UH in 1989, teaching an advanced playwriting course for graduates each spring semester.

He also donated some of his time to a question-and-answer session with undergraduate students every year. To those who knew him during his years spent on campus, he was unexpectedly humble despite his significant fame.

“We are grateful for the years Edward Albee spent with the University of Houston,” President and Chancellor Renu Khator said of Albee’s passing in a news release. “Through classes and workshops, he shared his creative insights with young writers eager to transfer their stories from the page to the stage.”

Shimko considered Albee a personal idol and mentor during his experiences working alongside him in the theatre department.

"There's this great quote of his: 'If you're willing to fail interestingly, you tend to succeed interestingly,'" Shimko said.

"That, in many ways, was the key to his teaching. He was very interested in working with

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ABOUT CSM American playwright Edward Albee, author of Tony award-winning "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," passed away on Friday. Albee taught theatre at UH for over two decades. | Courtesy of M.D. Anderson Library Special Collections

student playwrights who were willing to try new things and who were willing to, in his terms, fail interestingly, so that down the line, they could succeed in a way that was new and

Influential cues Shimko said Albee wielded a powerful influence over his students to be original in their work, as he cared deeply about the future of playwriting.

“He was very interested in working with student playwrights who were willing to try new things and, in his terms, fail interestingly, so that down the line, they could succeed in a way that was new and unique to them.”

Robert Shimko, Director of the School of Theatre & Dance

unique to them."

In 2003, Albee left his post at UH to aid his partner, sculptor Jonathan Thomas, after he fell ill. Thomas passed away in 2005. Although Albee only returned to UH for a short stint in the following years, his profound impact on both students and faculty persisted throughout the past decade. After news of his death was released, an outpouring of love for the playwright and anecdotes from former students appeared online.

Theatre graduate Craig Putman was a freshman when Albee held a reading for his 31st and final play, which he never completed. Putman recalls Albee's commanding presence and admired how he listened to students' suggestions for his play in a conference after the reading.

"He was going through rewrites, and I read for a character in one of his new works," Putman said. "While I was intimidated by him — his play, "The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?" is one of my favorite plays — I was

inspired to know that he never settled and believed that he could always improve."

The curtains fall with love Some of his most beloved works, such as "A Delicate Balance" and "Seascape," were met with reverence by audiences nationwide for their psychological exploration into the pitfalls of human relationships.

His most well-known piece, the aforementioned "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf ?," is a raw depiction of the marital breakdown of two middle-aged scholars. It was famously adapted into the 1966 film of the same name starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

The play solidified Albee as one of the few American playwrights to revolutionize American theater.

According to the Associated Press, after undergoing a complicated surgery several years ago, Albee wrote a message to be released to the public in the event of his death.

"To all of you who have made my being alive so wonderful, so exciting and so full, my thanks and all my love," Albee said. news@thedailycougar.com

The Center for Student Media provides comprehensive advisory and financial support to the university’s student-run media: The Cougar newspaper, Student Video Network and COOG Radio.

Part of the Student Life portfolio in the Division of Student Affairs, the CSM is concerned with the development of students, focusing on critical thinking, leadership, ethics, collaboration, intercultural competence, goal-setting and ultimately, degree attainment. While our students are engaged in producing and promoting media channels and content, our goal is to ensure they are learning to become better thinkers and leaders in the process.

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Wednesday, September 21, 2016 | 3

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Emily Burleson, EDITOR

ENROLLMENT

UHin4, great football spur another enrollment record DOUGLAS VAN

SENIOR STAFF

@ DSVATUH

There's never been this many people on campus.

On the 12th day of class, when enrollment numbers are officially counted, 43,767 students were enrolled in classes at UH, the third year in a row that UH's enrollment has reached a record high.

Since President and Chancellor Renu Khator assumed her office in 2008, enrollment has grown from 36,104 that fall to 43,767 this semester. That spike of over 21 percent will mean ongoing changes, including challenges such as increased class sizes and parking and traffic difficulties.

“Expansion sometimes means difficulties,” Student Government Association President Shane Smith said. “But with plenty of feedback and hard work we can do our best to make sure that everything still functions smoothly.”

With the exception of 2013, UH’s

enrollment has grown every year since 2006. Smith attributes this to skilled campus leadership.

“The consistent trend towards rising enrollment is reflective of the tremendous work by members of the administration,” Smith said.

“We’ve had a strategy in place that has increased our application numbers and yield rate while raising the quality of our University. Clearly, that strategy has succeeded.”

Some in UH’s Office of Institutional Research think that UHin4, a program designed to help students graduate in four years, is partially responsible for retaining students who aren't freshmen.

“We don’t have specific explanations for the growth since we don’t have a way of capturing that,” Susan Moreno, Executive Director of Institutional Research and Information Management, said. “I do think UHin4 has played a role in that students are required to maintain a certain level of enrollment. And there’s been more outreach and

focus on working with students to ensure they continue their enrollment.”

In addition to UHin4, the success of UH’s football team and changing academic credentials are given some credit.

“In my opinion, another reason is likely tied to the excitement around the University with regards to it standing and its football team,” Moreno said. “I think it’s getting more recognition nationally which draws more students to it, whether it’s inside or outside the state. That’s my personal opinion.”

Some on the Student Fees Advisory Committee, a group of students, faculty, and administrators who allocate funds to various campus departments and organizations, are excited about what the growth in student population will mean: more funds.

“It brings in some extra funds for us," SFAC member and SGA Sen. Fahad Rehan said. "255 dollars times a thousand is a lot of money.

Since Renu Khator entered office as chancellor and president, UH's growth has only continued. Top-ranked Texas public school University of Texas at Austin enrollment has stabilized and decreased. | Leah Nash/The Cougar

With that increase in funds, we can invest in different programs at U of H, which increases the value of student life at UH. Though, due to the increase, we do have to also factor in the needs of an extra thousand students.”

Rehan thinks that this is indicative of UH’s rise to prominence in Texas.

“We are truly coming out as a third power in Texas. We are no longer considered people’s safety school,” Rehan said. “With our football program the way it is, and our academics constantly improving, I don’t see why students wouldn’t want to be here.” news@thedailycougar.com

4 | Wednesday, September 21, 2016

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Emily Burleson, EDITOR

BUSINESS

College town developer to open 'luxury' apartments EMILY BURLESON, ALYCIA OLSON

NEWS STAFF

National student housing developer Aspen Heights is breaking out of college towns and into the Third Ward, building a new complex on Old Spanish Trail.

The property from the rising student housing group at 4971 Martin Luther King Blvd. is scheduled to house its first University of Houston and Texas Southern University students in the Fall of 2017.

Kiley Rapier and Geron Fuller, the complex's managers, said the apartments will bring luxury to student living.

Theatre freshman Clare Keating summed up many students’ thoughts when asked about the new property: “That would be cool, if I could afford it.”

Most of Aspen Heights’ student housing options are townhomes with access to amenities. In 2015, the company began constructing the apartment-style housing that will appear at 4971 Martin Luther

Aspen Heights, a housing developer with a history of creating student townhomes, will create an apartment complex for students at UH and Texas Southern University. Leases can be signed Oct. 10. | Courtesy of Aspen Heights

King Blvd.

Amenities there will include a pool, 24-hour access gym and a private parking garage, with room for 717 beds, Fuller said.

“We just saw a huge opportunity, especially for how big of a commuter school it is and all of the

international students, to go ahead and get some additional housing,” Rapier, the Sales & Marketing Manager for the new complex, said. “The amenities are to die for. They’re going to be bigger and better than the competition.”

There’s a clear demand for on

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or near-campus housing at UH. In September, Chancellor and President Renu Khator announced that all beds on campus were filled.

The Quadrangle, the oldest student housing on campus, will be demolished after spring 2017 to make way for updated housing. In the meantime, hundreds of students will need to find alternatives.

When construction of the location at 4971 Martin Luther King Blvd. is complete, Aspen Heights will have opened 24 housing developments in 10 years. Rapier said they’ve never attempted to build anything in a city as large as Houston.

“Houston is about to overcome Chicago as the third largest city come 2020, so that's one thing that's different,” Rapier said. “Most of the time our property is in college towns, so this is different, since it is a commuter school."

Despite the developers' focus on student housing, Aspen Heights’ UH property will be 1.2 miles from the Student Center South— making it the furthest-away housing marketed specifically for UH students.

Aspen Heights’ management said they hope UH students will take advantage of the METRO Rail stop near the intersection of their property.

“Right now we have a nice balance of (UH) being our own place and still being active in the neighborhood around us,” said Jack Lucy, a political science freshman.

“If it’s handled well, there’s a lot of ways it could go well.”

Many students said they were concerned about the location’s “luxury”-level cost and crime in the Third Ward, but they were excited for new residential communities.

On Aug. 23, dozens of cars were vandalized at the gated parking garage at off-campus apartment complex Campus Vue, a half mile closer to campus than Aspen Heights will be.

To address security concerns, Fuller said students will need an access key to enter the gated community and security will live onsite.

“Crime can happen anywhere, but we’ll do all that we can do,” Rapier said.

Rates at Aspen Heights will be competitive to other private student housing near UH, Fuller said.

Exact rates will be available and students can sign a lease at Aspen Heights starting Oct. 10. news@thedailycougar.com

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Military science students hoped to show the general student body the kind of training they do on a day-to-day basis. | Ajani Stewart/The Cougar

Cadets practice skills with paintballs ROTC cadets based at the University of Houston marched from their base at Hofheinz Pavilion to the Energy Research Park on Friday at 6 a.m. As part of a planned training exercise, cadets ate hot dogs and played paintball in the trees behind the ERP.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016 | 5

OPINION

PUZZLES 713-743-5304

PUZZLES

thedailycougar.com/opinion

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Frank Campos , EDITOR

GOVERNMENT

NASA needs a boost to make a difference

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opinion@thedailycougar.com

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he future of humanity lies in space.

As far as we know, it’s populated only with robots sent to collect information about the area that is beyond Earth.

Yet, the U.S. government remains content to give NASA a subpar budget. We need another Space Race in which the finish line is THOM Mars. But why DWYER wait when ASSISTANT priorities could OPINION EDITOR be straightened and NASA could again have the budget it did back in the 1960s?

NASA's discoveries have historically led to spin-off inventions such as the memory foam that served as a precursor to Tempur-Pedic mattresses and portable cordless vacuums.

Science can be fun while greatly

benefiting us — especially since we have the technology to discover more than in the past.

A method pioneered by NASA to fix blurry images on the Hubble Space Telescope is also applicable to detect early signs of breast cancer. The endeavors that NASA commits its resources to often create something that aid the whole society and make our lives a little bit better.

With more restricted funding, it is more difficult for NASA to make breakthroughs. There needs to be some sort of spark to get NASA the funding it deserves. The agency should have the ability to push the envelope as it used to do during the Space Race.

This is not just for our own's sake, but for future generations and the generations after as well.

Earth will outlive us, but it is a matter of time until we render the planet uninhabitable. Our solution to that problem lies

NASA's best developments go far beyond just space exploration. | Courtesy of Wikiemedia Commons

among the stars.

We better start looking at that place now before time runs out and we are all doomed.

Opinion Assistant Editor Thom Dwyer is a communication junior and can be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com

55 Lash mark 56 Eliot of the Untouchables

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REGISTERNOW NOWTO TOATTEND: ATTEND:www.uh.edu/familyweekend www.uh.edu/familyweekend REGISTER

6 | Wednesday, September 21, 2016

OPINION 713-743-5304

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opinion@thedailycougar.com

Frank Campos, EDITOR

SECURITY

Campus safety remains a hazy notion

O

ne look at the security alerts on the UH Police Department website and it’s not much of a leap to guess why UH students are a little on edge.

While the UH police department has a strong presence on the outer perimeter of UH, when it comes to the inner campus area, security begins to feel a bit thin.

At night, the inner campus is more reminiscent of a horror film. With shadows falling in every corner you dont know if you’re being overly suspicious or if that CAPRICE CARTER figure walking COLUMNIST toward you is someone with nefarious intentions. The nearest call box is across campus, and there’s no police officer in sight.

This is the stuff of nightmares, but it’s what every nighttime commuter or resident must face during their walk across the middle of campus in the evening.

being robbed isn’t at the forefront of their minds. No one in their right mind would stage a robbery in broad daylight, right?

Six of the cited incidents in 2016 took place between noon and 5 p.m., which begs the question: Should there be the legitimate fear of walking around a campus without much visible security?

Of those security alerts, one sexual contact assault, two robberies and the alleged kidnapping all took place within the campus.

That's not exactly half — but enough to get the point across that danger can strike anywhere on campus.

As the number of violent crimes on campus rise, so does apprehension among students. On top of the pressures that come with being a student, worrying about safety should be the last thing on the mind of UH attendees.

To feel that there is a strong police presence within the inner campus as well would give students a peace of mind. They don't have to wonder whether they are being targeted.

Studying with fear

Measures taken

In 2016 alone, there have been nine robberies, two sexual contact assaults and one alleged kidnapping. A violent crime or two to mark each month so far.

For commuters who attend classes during the day, the fear of

That’s not to say that UHPD hasn't done their due diligence. But with more than 45,000 students, faculty and staff, it's impossible for the police to be everywhere at once.

The dreaded walk across campus has become one of

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF

Trey Strange

MANAGING EDITOR

Bryce Dodds

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Leah Nash

CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Nguyen Le

NEWS EDITORS

Emily Burleson Alex Meyer SPORTS EDITORS

Reagan Earnst Jonathan Valadez

OPINION EDITORS

Frank Campos Thom Dwyer ARTS EDITORS

Karis Johnson Greg Fails PHOTO EDITORS

Justin Cross Ajani Stewart SENIOR STAFF

Dmitriy Borovykh Caprice Carter Bruce Chao Peter Scamardo Jorden Smith Douglas Van

STAFF EDITORIAL

Students should report information regarding a crime to the UHPD station, which is on Wheeler Street near TDECU Stadium.| Justin Cross/The Cougar

extreme paranoia. More than half of the reported robberies in 2016 occurred in parking lots. Going in groups is a smart move, but what about those who have no option but night classes?

And what happens when the nearest emergency call box is too far?

The vast majority of the campus's total of 64 call boxes are in parking lots and dormitories.

Some routes are completely clear of them.

The call boxes on campus are a thing of beauty when there’s an emergency. To see more of them would certainly be a show of good faith both to students and visitors.

Violent crimes can be sudden, and it would be silly to think of the police as omnipotent beings who see all. Yet, to know that help is close would add to campus safety.

While students can certainly make an effort to be more aware of their surroundings by putting away their phones, this doesn’t strictly guarantee safety. No one is ever completely safe, but there would be comfort in seeing as much of UHPD’s presence within the campus as we do externally.

Opinion Columnist Caprice Carter is a communication junior and can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

CARTOON

The Trump uncertainty principle is discovered

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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Wednesday, September 21, 2016 | 7

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SPORTS

sports@thedailycougar.com

Reagan Earnst, EDITOR

VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball seeks to net quick start in conference play JD SMITH

STAFF WRITER

Since their final preconference-play tournament concluded last weekend at Rice University, the volleyball team is ready for their remaining 20 matches against American Athletic Conference opponents.

After finishing 9-11 in conference play last season, the Cougars will try to start 1-0 when they travel to the University of Connecticut on Friday.

The trip will mark the first time they’ve truly gone on the road this season.

Formiddable rivals The Huskies enter conference play at 9-2 and are winners of two straight games — all while leading the conference in hitting percentage, kills and assists per set. Using their quick-paced attack and size, the team's impressive start has surprised many. “They run a pretty fast offense and they’re pretty big, so I think it’s about us being disciplined on our side of the net to be able to run our system clean,� head coach Kaddie Platt said. “We’re a tough serving team and I think that will neutralize some of their offense.�

However, there are more high-caliber teams the Cougars should watch out for in the coming weeks. The East Carolina University Pirates and the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane already have 10 wins and will visit Houston later in the season.

After being named the preseason favorite, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats enter conference play with a 4-6 record, while the top-seven teams in the conference are 8-4 or better.

Volleyball enters conference play this weekend with a 5-5 record on the season. | Courtesy of Juan DeLeon

teams and any of them could’ve won it,� Platt said. “(Cincinnati) is definitely going to be a tough team, but UConn has also shown to be pretty strong along, with Temple and SMU.�

Road wins will be of utmost importance for the Cougars, as the team has a youthful roster this season.

Although made up of mostly underclassmen, Platt isn’t worried about the effects of traveling on her team. With conference play on the horizon, the Cougars will now have to adjust to playing away from Houston. “They’ve all traveled a lot in high school these days with club ball and they’re traveling all over the nation,� Platt said. “It’s a little more helpful that they’ve had that experience at a younger age.�

equal importance. “It’s a long season, so if you can get wins early that’s really helpful, but last year it came down to the ending stretch as to who won the conference,�

Platt said. “We want to get

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In addition to traveling experience, Platt said she can exercise more control over the team while on the road. She believes the game-day flow while trav-

Kaddie Platt, Head volleyball coach eling can have a multitude of benefits for the team.

Platt said that having structure during downtime while traveling would give the team plenty of rest and studying time before their match.

sports@thedailycougar.com

worship

'One day at a time'

“We want to get out and take care of matches in early conference, but it is a long season and every week it’ll be a battle.�

With multiple teams capable of competing in 2016, Platt said that the conference is “wide open.� “There are a lot of good teams, similar to last year, when there were the top eight

The team will attempt to get off to a quick start in conference play with a victory over the Huskies or the Temple University Owls this weekend.

But in a conference as close as the American, every game has

out and take care of matches in early conference, but it is a long season and every week it’ll be a battle.�

Last year, the Cougars started 3-0 in road conference play, but failed to capitalize in the latter parts of the season.

Beginning the year with two wins away from home this weekend can give the team momentum in the early stages of conference play.

Similar to the mantra football's head coach Tom Herman has established for his team of going 1-0 every day, Platt instills the importance of improving by one percent each day. “We’ve got to manage our teams well and prepare to play each opponent. Each team has a different play style so we have to adjust week-to-week," Platt said. "We’ve got to take it one day at a time.�

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8 | Wednesday, September 21, 2016

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Reagan Earnst, EDITOR

CROSS COUNTRY

Cross country athlete outruns adversity PETER SCAMARDO

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

A member of the women’s cross country team has quickly triumphed over the doubters with her performances over the first two meets in the season.

After redshirting during the 2015 season, senior Selena Sierra is making a strong comeback — being the top finishing Cougar for the women at the Stephen F. Austin and Rice invitationals.

Sierra finished second and 11th, respectively, and helped her team to second and third-place finishes overall.

The Rice Invitational could indicate how the women will perform this season, as they were pitted against tough competition, such as host Rice University and Louisiana State University.

“We were missing two girls that day but we still did really well,” Sierra said. “Before the race everyone was talking about placing in the top three, preferably two. But we all just wanted to do it for each other.

"There was a point where I started hurting, but I was just thinking about how much it meant to them," Sierra said. "That’s

After a one year absence, senior Selena Sierra is hoping to pick up where she left off in 2014 and be part of her teams success. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

really been a driving point this season: to do it for each other.”

No time to stop Sierra said that knowing how much all of her teammates wanted a top finish helped her persevere to the finish line.

Before the SFA Invitational, the last time the cross country team had seen Sierra was at the NCAA

South Central Regionals in 2014.

There, she finished 65th overall in the 6K, but it was the capstone to a season in which she was consistently one of the team’s top performers.

Due to circumstance Sierra admitted that her fitness was not at optimum level before the start of the 2015 season.

Sierra’s mother was diagnosed

with cancer prior to the first meet, making Sierra incapable of balancing being there for her mom and preparing for the season. She decided to redshirt her junior year.

However, Sierra has not been inactive. When her redshirt season ended, she joined the track team and performed well during both the indoor and outdoor seasons.

Sierra notably ended her track career with the Cougars on a high note, when she broke both her personal and school record in the 5,000 meter with a fifth-place finish at the American Indoor Championships.

Sierra is now back to cross country and head coach Steve Magness is ensuring that everyone in the women's team has a successful campaign this year.

“He’s been really positive this season,” Sierra said. “He’s been pushing us to improve both on a mental and physical level. He’ll give us a crazy workout and we’re not sure if we can get through it, but he knows we can.”

Running with confidence Next weekend, the Cougars will travel to College Station for the

Texas A&M Invitational. Since there will be more talented schools present than at Rice, the team will need to run some of their best races if they want to win.

Sierra said that fear shouldn't be an option.

“We have what it takes and we all practice really well together,” Sierra said. “Sometimes we get afraid of pushing ourselves to that next level of hurt. But the closer we get to each other, the better our points will be and the higher we’ll score as a team.”

It's her final season. Sierra said she will leave nothing to chance.

Along with senior Maddie Brown, who was the top finisher for the women in her absence, Sierra is confident that the team’s hard work will translate into success this year.

“I set all these goals my freshman year and these past two years I realized I’m running out of time,” Sierra said. “I really needed to step it up. So my mileage increased, the workouts got harder. We know we can be up there.” sports@thedailycougar.com

FOOTBALL

Cougars try to beat Bobcats for second consecutive season REAGAN EARNST

SPORTS EDITOR

@ REAGANEARNST

After escaping Cincinnati with a 40-16 win over the Bearcats last Thursday, the Cougars must now prepare to go on the road again for a Saturday night game with the Texas State Bobcats.

Although a blowout by score, last Thursday's victory showed the character of the football team as the players trailed at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Head coach Tom Herman credited resiliency, fortitude and run-stopping defense as the reasons for the team's successful start to the season.

“It’s something I’ve never been around,” Herman said. "(Cincinnati) had 30 yards total rushing, (Lamar had) 12 yards the week before and Oklahoma had I think 60 or 70. It’s unbelievable, if you can stop the run you’re going to have a chance to win a lot of football games.”

Although 3-0 on the season,

With a win against Texas State University on Saturday, Tom Herman could improve his career record to 17-1 overall. | Reagan Earnst/The Cougar

senior quarterback Greg Ward Jr. is feeling the effects of his fearless play. Having missed a game this season due to an ailing shoulder, Ward showed no signs of going light against the Bearcats, as he rushed a career-high of 26 times.

The added hits coupled with an already bum shoulder has left many wondering if Ward will be ready to play against the Bobcats.

Herman said that although Ward was healthy enough to play in the Sept. 10 game against the Lamar University Cardinals, but he didn’t want to risk further injury to his quarterback — especially with a quick turnaround coming the following week against the Bearcats.

This will not be the case when the Cougars travel to San Marcos.

“Texas State is not Lamar,” Herman

said. “That’s a really good football team. They went on the road in their first game in the (coach Everett) Withers era and won a triple overtime game at a (Mid-American Conference) opponent’s place that has traditionally been one of the top teams in the (conference).

Much different animal, he’s going to play.”

The Bobcats will enter the game with a win against Ohio University and a loss to the University of Arkansas. In their match with Ohio, the team racked up 546 yards on their way to scoring 56 points.

However, when faced against a Top-25 team, the Arkansas Razorbacks, over the weekend, the Bobcats managed just three points and 105 yards. Regardless of their struggles against formidable opponents, Herman recognized that the team has multiple strengths.

“Even though they’re a spread offense like us, they’re going to run the football first,” Herman said.

“They’re going to try to pressure you in the backfield on defense.

I know they play really hard and really physical.”

For Herman, the game may hold more weight than simply another win or loss to his resume. Having been friends with Withers for over a decade now, Herman feared that a friendly rivalry could exist.

The two coached together at Ohio State University and the University of Texas at earlier stops in their careers. Herman said that their wives remain in touch and become close friends while Withers and he coached in Columbus, Ohio and Austin.

“We were excited when Everett got the opportunity to move back to the great state of Texas,” Herman said. “I’m excited to see him off to such a great start, to go on the road against a really good opponent like Ohio University I think shows that his players are already believing in him and buying in to his way of doing things.” sports@thedailycougar.com