Issue 08, Volume 82

PRINT WEEKLY. DIGITAL DAILY.

Breaking news online thedailycougar.com

Are you watching? coogtv.com

Tune in to student-run radio coogradio.com

Join the Student Media team Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Issue 8, Volume 82

uh.edu/csm

A Cougar's share of the work Senior quarterback Greg Ward Jr is showing his maturation at his position and has led the Cougars to a perfect record in the process. | PG. 8

NEWS

Student startup making WAVVEs

A filter made from shrimp shells may soon be the answer to challenges facing the need for water, thanks to a UH professor. | PG. 5

NEWS

Students cook up graphic novel

A classroom collaboration between students created 'Kolache,' a comic book that professors say is "uniquely Houston." | PG. 2

2 | Wednesday, October 5, 2016

NEWS 713-743-5314

thedailycougar.com/news

news@thedailycougar.com

Emily Burleson, EDITOR

DESIGN

Writing, arts students create graphic novel

i

The Cougar

thedailycougar.com

ABOUT THE COUGAR The Cougar is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters and online at thedailycougar.com. The Daily Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees.

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

Nguyen Le CLOSING EDITORS

Trey Strange Bryce Dodds Leah Nash

i

Center for Student Media uh.edu/csm

ABOUT CSM The art styles in "Kolache," a graphic novel that debuted last week, vary between the stories based on artists' interests and inspirations. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

ELENA ESPITIA

CONTRIBUTING WRITER @ LENA_MOLNIJA

Students of the Graphic Novel Workshop celebrated the publication of their collective comic book, "Kolache," on Wednesday at Moody Towers.

Creative writing professor and graphic novelist Mat Johnson and artist and professor of painting Michael Ray Charles have taught the course for eight years.

"It’s always chaos," Johnson said. "Every time we start the class, it’s all new people. It’s all new skill sets, and you are trying to rearrange things and figure out who is gonna do what. It’s always a miracle when it comes together. And it always does come together."

Every student in the Spring 2016 class created a five-page comic book either alone or with the help of a writer.

The production process was fairly lengthy with each panel, or frame, of the 15 comic books written, drawn and inked individually.

The separate comic books were then assembled to produce "Kolache" and were published over the summer.

"The only challenging thing is pacing yourself in the class because there is a deadline,

so you have to be meticulous about how you plan,” Painting graduate Jiwei Saw said.

"Because (when) making a comic, people think, 'Oh, it’s just drawing,' but a page can take you anywhere from six to eight hours. A panel can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours — depending on how detailed it is."

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.

Skills coming together Although the workshop is a collaboration between the creative writing program and the School of Art, students come from a range of disciplines.

“It’s been a really successful program,” Johnson said.

“It helps my writing students because they learn to think visual as opposed to just on the page and it helps the artist because they learn to tell a story as opposed to just having static images.”

Each student's work was displayed, for the first time, last spring as part of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts' CounterCurrent festival in the "Sequence: Graphic Storytelling" exhibition.

"The best part about the class and working on the book was the gallery. It was my first time getting art out there,” said painting junior Donovan

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.

Creative writing and fine arts students came together in the Graphic Novel Workshop to plan, write and create "Kolache." | Justin Cross/The Cougar

Johnson. “It was nice having our work displayed in a professional gallery setting.”

'Uniquely Houston' The workshop offers students an opportunity to explore graphic novels and gain experience in creating a comic book.

Students get to experience the medium and the messages comic books can convey.

“A lot of the stories in 'Kolache' are very grim," Saw said. "I find when people do that kind of stuff it touches people very easily. When I tackle comics, I prefer to take people out of their state of mind and kind of give them a

break from reality.”

"Kolache" is a varied collection of comics based on the interests of each individual artist. The diversity in the book exemplifies the diversity of UH and the comic book medium.

"We wanted something that was uniquely Houston, and 'Kolache' is uniquely Houston," Johnson said. "Then we also thought it would be interesting if the book itself was also a surprise.

"It is UH. It is incredibly diverse. When you open it up, you get a surprise — like a kolache." news@thedailycougar.com

CENTER FOR STUDENT MEDIA

(713) 743-5350 csm@uh.edu www.uh.edu/csm N221 University Center University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-4015 ADVERTISING

(713) 743-5340 advertising@thedailycougar.com thedailycougar.com/advertising ADVERTISING REPS Jose Salazar

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 | 3

HOUSTON

10/7 July Talk and Caveman • 10/9 Russell Dickerson 10/14 The Mowgli’s with Colony House & Dreamers 10/16 Temperance Movement 10/21 Finish Ticket with Run River North

THE BOX OFFICE AT REVENTION MUSIC CENTER OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000

All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER FOR SPECIAL OFFERS AND PRESALES 520 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77002 www.ReventionMusicCenter.com

4 | Wednesday, October 5, 2016

NEWS 713-743-5314

thedailycougar.com/news

news@thedailycougar.com

Emily Burleson, EDITOR

SAFETY

Police department hires officers in wake of campus carry RAFA FARIHAH

NEWS WRITER @RAFAFARIHAH

The UH Police Department has significantly increased their police force as a response to Texas S.B. 11, or campus carry law, and other community concerns, said Lt. Bret Collier, UHPD's Chief of Staff.

Campus carry went into effect in all Texas public four-year university campuses Aug. 1. It permits anyone with a license to carry a handgun to carry their gun, concealed, on most of campus.

UHPD added nine commissioned peace officers to the department this summer.

They include three corporals, or non-commissioned officers of Army rank, and six police officers.

Twenty years ago, UHPD had 40 police officer positions and one security officer position. Today, this number has increased to 60 and 130.

“The additional personnel will allow the department to better address any campus carry concerns of our community and to perform responsibilities related to campus carry such as weapons storage functions, community training and awareness, etc.,” Collier said.

Students had expressed concerns about how the campus carry policy will affect them at the University. UHPD also found through forums, surveys and conversations that students would prefer to see increased responsiveness to service calls.

Collier said UHPD is actively trying to increase the number of officers to carry out more duties.

“Just because they increased their police force doesn’t really make me feel any safer," said Communications sophomore Hadi Rahman. "I want to know that these officers are accessible every time I need them, like late at night when I’m walking to my car. I haven’t seen more of a

Chief of Police Ceasar Moore Jr. addressed staff, police and security officers who are currently being trained about how to handle License to Carry holders and how to report openly carried weapons. | Courtesy of the University of Houston Police Department

presence of officers, so I for one haven’t felt any difference.”

The personnel unit has been working to fill the positions

Some women's only hope of getting pregnant is to receive donated eggs from another woman.

Become an

Egg

Donor

since May with qualified officials.

The additional officers will help with checking in handguns at the police station.

Students who carry handguns are required to store their gun at UHPD if they plan to enter a campus carry exclusion zone, where carrying handguns is prohibited.

UHPD is also increasing its training. Staff, police and security officers are being trained about campus carry, how to handle License to Carry holders on campus and how to report openly carried weapons, Collier said.

Collier also said that the department is creating a designated check-in space and storage area for weapons at the station.

“As peace officers, we have been dealing with concealed carry since the mid-90s and these issues are integrated into many aspects of police training

starting at the academy," Collier said. “There are roughly a million License to Carry holders in the state, and our officers have had many professional interactions with this community over the last 20 years.”

Collier said UHPD hires police officers who show initiative, respect and knowledge for the law and have a sense of ethics and an attitude to serve the community. He said these are qualities that make great officers.

“Law enforcement is supposed to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves,” said Guillermo Leon, an Army veteran who recently joined UHPD as an officer.

UHPD has posted additional information about campus carry on their website including awareness and training materials and an Exclusion Zone Request form.” news@thedailycougar.com

If you are a young woman between the ages of 20-28, you can receive up to $7,000 compensation.

Help make someone's dream of having a family come true Please contact: Cynthia Tamez Egg Donor Coordinator 713-512-7553 CTamez@hfsivf.com www.fertilityspecialists.net

Chief of Police Ceaser Moore Jr., left, welcomes one of the nine additions to the University force. | Courtesy of the University of Houston Police Department

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 | 5

713-743-5314

thedailycougar.com/news

NEWS

news@thedailycougar.com

Emily Burleson, EDITOR

BUSINESS

Water filter student startup creates big WAVVE MCRAE PEAVY

STAFF WRITER

@ MCRAEPV1

Five variations of the word "water" and four former Bauer College of Business students blend to create a company with a great cause.

The purpose of WAVVE, which stands for Water, Agua, Vatten, Voda, Eau, is patenting technologies that filter a crucial resource to society.

“We believe that clean, safe water is a fundamental right for every person around the world,” said WAVVE's CEO Eric Beydoun.

Clear goals When Beydoun was a student, he and four classmates were given a project to prove the marketability of one of UH’s many patents. The group decided to focus their project on a water filter made from shrimp shells.

“WAVVE Stream produces a cost-effective and sustainable

gel made from shrimp shells that efficiently recovers nutrients (like harmful phosphates and nitrates) from water,” Beydoun said.

Associate professor Debora Rodrigues discovered the technology in 2011 when she was an assistant professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Cullen College of Engineering. WAVVE Stream Inc. was officially incorporated in April 2014, but over time WAVVE's five original founders dwindled to just Beydoun.

Beydoun said the rest of his group moved on to other projects and passions. Today, the core team behind WAVVE Stream includes Beydoun, business developer Raghav Ramabadran, post-doctoral UH fellow Enrico Nadres and chemical engineer Pavan Raja.

“The key word here is we’re not removing, we’re recovering," Beydoun said. "That means that because it’s made of shrimp

Stirring for change

Students are leading a startup that sells a water filter patented by associate professor and engineer Debora Rodrigues. | Courtesy of Debora Rodrigues

shells, at the end of the life of the gel it can biodegrade and become fertilizer itself.”

The startup’s end goal is to have water filters in households around the world. Beydoun said the company intends to promote their products in the industrial heavy metal market.

Beydoun said WAVVE's work is a game changer because no

other company they encounter at conferences produces biodegradable water filters with shrimp shells.

WAVVE plans to scale up in 2017 to have their first sale.

While the company is still in the testing phase and utlizing the University's labs, most of the testing has been in chromium plating plants.

However, the company can’t sell the gel yet.

“They are still in the phase of getting the money," Rodrigues said. "They are still exploring their markets, and seeing who would be interested. WAVVE Stream is still in the testing phase for the water filters and have not ramped up production for commercialization."

One of her students, chemical engineering sophomore Brittany Trinh, conducts experiments and collects and analyzes data to see how well Rodrigues' filters work.

Trinh had not planned on continuing her education past a bachelor’s degree before she researched with Rodrigues, but now she is planning to pursue a doctorate.

“My favorite aspect of the research I am doing is seeing the results," Trinh said. "The color of the water changes in front of me.” news@thedailycougar.com

6 | Wednesday, October 5, 2016

OPINION 713-743-5304

thedailycougar.com/opinion

PUZZLES

opinion@thedailycougar.com

58 A dam is one, essentially 64 States with conviction 66 “___ we having fun yet?”

67 First thing read, typically 68 Camelot weapon 69 One way to move quickly 70 Alpha’s opposite 71 Church part 72 Tennis match segment 73 Chart anew DOWN 1 “To thine own ___ be true” 2 Au ___ 3 Jacob’s twin 4 Used a thurible 5 Like proper venetian blinds 6 Bird that repeats (var.)

7 Cowboy’s pride 8 Part of a TV feed 9 Leave high and dry 10 Big bang creator .11 Things that get in the way 12 Type of skirt that flares outward 13 “Farm” or “home” attachment 21 Some members of Indian royalty 22 Kingly sphere 26 “The Dukes of Hazzard” spin-off 27 By way of, briefly 28 Acquire in the field 29 Roadblock 30 H.S. math subject

31 35 37 38 40 42 45 47 50 52 53 54 55 59 60 61 62 63 65

Bacon bit “Awright!”

Be a good doctor Competitive advantage Quick haircut Big mess Coup participant John Deere product Belle of the ball, briefly One of these days La ___ (Milan opera house) Type of base Autocrats no more Common test answer Lease Agenda unit Legendary gymnast Korbut Tide type Former electronics giant

EDITORIAL BOARD

POP CULTURE

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Pepe the frog meme is not a hate symbol

S

ACROSS 1 Eyeglasses, informally 6 Impressive degree 9 Turkish generals 14 Artistic stand 15 Word from a finger-pointing chooser 16 Constructed 17 Jungle vine 18 Affirmative action?

19 “Tomorrow” musical 20 Aggravation at a lack of progress 23 Type of modern testing 24 Airplane passenger’s concern 25 Addressed a waiter 27 Pronged weapons 32 ___ fide 33 It may be right above a knee 34 Down’s partner 36 The time being 39 Knocks on a door 41 Begets 43 Gulf War missile 44 Stand on its head 46 Jack’s nemesis 48 .0000001 joule 49 Went out, as a fire 51 Jewish sect member of old 53 Small scrap 56 It can help with a housewarming 57 “Overhead” engine part

Frank Campos, EDITOR

eptember was fueled with multiple racially charged incidents that have continued to divide the country.

These incidents include the dorm vandalism at San Jose State University, where two students scrawled CAPRICE swastikas in a CARTER residence hall, SENIOR STAFF the shooting of COLUMNIST Keith Lamont Scott and now the designation of a popular meme, Pepe the Frog, as a hate symbol.

For as long as there have been symbols meant to represent a positive message, some group or person has been able to turn it into something offensive. By designating Pepe the Frog as a hate symbol, the Anti-Defamation League is allowing the alt-right to win.

We can't let the trolls win.

Pepe the Frog made its debut in 2005 when Myspace user, Matt Furie, uploaded the drawing for his comic series, “Boy’s Club.” The meme grew in popularity, spreading to sites like 4chan, 8chan and Reddit, where the anthropomorphic frog became fair game.

It wasn't until recently that Pepe the Frog took a sinister turn as 4chan users began to take back their overly used meme from general public.

Shortly after Hillary Clinton said that half of Donald Trump supporters fit in a “basket of deplorables” during a fundraising event in New York, Pepe the Frog resurfaced in an unpleasant way.

Donald Trump Jr. fired back at Clinton’s comments with a manipulated poster of the film “The Expendables,” featuring Pepe the Frog sporting a familiar fringe.

Pepe has turned into a popular meme since it was first introduced in 2005 on Myspace.com. | Courtesy of giphy.com

Trump senior, his sons and other well-known Republicans also have their faces superimposed onto the poster.

A slew of racist memes followed, all featuring Pepe the Frog. They showed him with the blood drop cross of the KKK, sporting a Hitler mustache and wearing a Schutzstaffel uniform.

The worst thing about the ADL’s decision to designate Pepe the Frog as a hate symbol is that hate memes have been around for years.

If all racist memes were labeled as hate symbols, 50 percent of them would be made obsolete.

The Nazis have a history of turning symbols with positive meaning into something negative.

They did it with the the swastika.

According to U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the word swastika was derived from the Sanskrit word "svastika," meaning “good fortune” or “well-being." The symbol first appeared in Neolithic Eurasia, despite what people may think.

Some thousands of years later, because of what it represents, it is one of the most hated images in the world.

Are we really going to give the alt-right this symbol to twist and use any way they like? Branding Pepe the Frog as a hate symbol is handing him to the alt-right — gift-wrapped.

The best way to fight racism and bigotry is to take it head on. Pepe the Frog has and always will be a symbol for devoted slackers and stoners all over the world.

There will always be millions of hateful memes around the internet because sometimes people just don't know when to stop being hatefull.

Although Pepe the Frog isn't necessarily a character to look up to, what he means to people — and social media — won't change because bigots have decided to create terrible memes.

Pepe is meant to represent emotions of all types, and is almost always funny.

Racism doesn't come to mind when thinking of Pepe the Frog.

Because of that, he should not be considered a hate symbol.

We all love Pepe the Frog, and you know what?

It “feels good, man.”

Senior staff columnist Caprice Carter is a communication junior and can be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.

Trey Strange

MANAGING EDITOR

Bryce Dodds

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Leah Nash

CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Nguyen Le

NEWS EDITORS

Emily Burleson Alex Meyer Marialuisa Rincon 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

Caprice Carter Bruce Chao Jasmine Davis Peter Scamardo Jorden Smith Douglas Van

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.

The Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

studentpress.org/acp

Wednesday, September 28, 2016 | 7

713-743-5304

thedailycougar.com/opinion

OPINION

opinion@thedailycougar.com

frank Campos,

EDITOR

CARTOON

Ken Paxton's crusade to stop Washington with your taxes

Buy One Get One FREE

With Drink Purchase COUPON REQUIRED

Valid for regular footlong (30cm) sandwiches or regular 6-inch 15 (15cm) sandwiches Free sub must be of equal or lesser price.

Not for sale. No cash value. Not valid with any other offer. Valid at participating restaurants.

Valid at:

4835 Calhoun St. 2533 Southmore St. 3704 Scott St. OPEN 24 HOURS

8 | Wednesday, October 5, 2016

SPORTS 713-743-5303

thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

Reagan Earnst, EDITOR

Senior quarterback Greg Ward Jr. uses his unique athletic ability and intuitive decision-making to determine the best way to get his team yards each play. | Ajani Stewart/The Cougar

FOOTBALL

Quarterback's maturity pilots Cougars to success MERVIN WRIGHT JR.

STAFF WRITER @WATCHMESWERV

Senior quarterback Greg Ward Jr. has progressed in nearly every facet of his game in his third year as the Cougars' signal caller.

After leading his team to a 5-0 start for the second consecutive season, Ward’s stellar play has thrust him into the Heisman Trophy conversation.

“On the defensive side we call him 'Houdini,'” Sophomore cornerback Garrett Davis said. “He will just make a play happen out of nowhere.”

Wiser player In the four games he has started this season, Ward has racked up 1,325 passing yards and eight passing touchdowns — all while throwing only two interceptions.

Ward has the seventh-best completion percentage in the nation at 70.7 percent and is averaging 331.2 passing yards per game.

On the ground, Ward has gained 178 yards this season and amassed another five touchdowns.

“He’s much more patient in the pocket,” said head coach Tom Herman. “That comes from great coaching over the course of 20 months that really taught him the offense. He’s feeling much more comfortable. He’s growing up before our eyes as a passer.”

Often, Ward has been unable to find an open receiver. He's had to find a small hole between a couple of defensive linemen to gain yards with his feet.

Although Ward is posting impressive numbers, many parts of his game cannot be quantified.

His numbers also don't show how many times he has stayed in that collapsed pocket — despite his size — and delivered a strike to one of his receivers while taking a hit.

“On the defensive side we call 'Houdini,' he will just make a play happen out of nowhere.”

Garrett Davis, Cornerback

Ward currently ranks sixth in the nation in completion percentage at 70.7. | Ajani Stewart/The Cougar

“Really good throwing quarterbacks get hit as they throw — that’s the nature of the position,” Herman said. “Last year, you would have seen him come off of that read or receiver and scramble around. He’s doing a great job of standing in there.”

In 2015, Ward was quick to give up on pass plays under pressure. With more patience and growth since last season, he is taking his time and being more of a true quarterback.

Additionally, the typically soft-spoken Ward is becoming more of a vocal and emotional leader on and off the field.

“His fire and energy is very

palpable this season and I look forward to getting back to work with him again,” Herman said.

“He's playing with a tremendous amount of confidence.”

All eyes on him Coaches from other teams are also paying attention to Ward.

The University of Connecticut Huskies' head coach, Bob Diaco, had nothing but praise for Ward after the game on Sept. 29. Diaco called him an “absolute weapon” and admitted difficulty in dealing with Ward’s dual-threat abilities.

Ward earned the respect of his peers with his on field

performance and ability to fight through pain.

All season, he has fought through a lingering shoulder injury sustained in the opener against the University of Oklahoma Sooners. The injury kept him out of the game against Lamar University Cardinals, but five days later he still lead the Cougars to win against the Cincinnati Bearcats.

“He’s an aggressive guy, and he’s going to hit,” Herman said.

“That’s why it’s important for him to be 185 pounds, be as strong as he is and have the offseason that he did.”

Despite his achievements, Ward remains humble. Even though national media keep mentioning his name for college football's most prestigious award, he remains focused on his team’s goals.

It’s the mentality that could lead the Cougars to a conference championship — even a spot in the College Football Playoff.

“I don’t think about that at all,” Ward said. “I just think about doing my job for my team and just doing what I can to make sure we get the win.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 | 9

713-743-5303

SPORTS

thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

Although running less this season, Ward still managed 65 yards and two touchdowns on the ground against the Huskies. Ward's two scores put him in a tie for second all-time in Cougar rushing touchdowns. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

Reagan Earnst, EDITOR

Originally recruited as a receiver, Ward has found his niche as the quarterback in an uptempo spread offsense | Justin Cross/The Cougar

INTERESTED IN REACHING OUT TO MORE THAN 40,000 STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF AND ALUMNI? The Cougar is looking for new editors, writers, photographers, cartoonists, opinion columnists and copy editors! No experience is required; we'll teach you everything you need to know.

Submit your application through Get Involved.

See you in the newsroom!

SPOOKTACULAR 8-11PM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7TH SC HOUSTON ROOM

FACE PAINTING

TAROT CARD READINGS HAUNTED HOUSE

PRIZES COSTUME CONTEST

uh.edu/infrared

FREE FOOD & MORE!

Sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement -------------------- SFAC Funded If you will need accomodations for this event, contact the Center for Students with DisABILITIES at 713-743-5400 or uhcsd@central.uh.edu

10 | Wednesday, October 5, 2016

SPORTS thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

Reagan Earnst, DITOR

FOOTBALL

Defense sees all-around improvement in new season JONATHAN VALADEZ

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @JONOUNSEEN

Every day before practice, defensive coordinator Todd Orlando writes "STOP THE RUN. GET THE BALL." on a whiteboard.

It did not take long before the message sunk in and the players started abiding it.

“We pride ourselves on stopping the run and just being a physical defensive team,” said sophomore defensive back Garrett Davis.

Up the ante Although the Cougars defense hasn't been able to take the ball away at a rate comparable to last year, it has been able to stop the run more effectively. Through five games, the Cougars possess the No. 1 rush defense in the country.

It started against the University of Oklahoma Sooners, who were a top-25 rushing offense from last year. Going into the game against the Cougars, the Sooners featured a dynamic running back tandem in redshirt sophomore Joe Mixon and junior Samaje Perine.

During the game, the two backs were held to just 71 yards, which set the tone for the rest of the season for the Cougars.

The Cougars have only allowed 140 yards on 103 carries in the four games since playing the Sooners. They are also allowing 11 fewer yards per game than the Air Force Academy, who is the second-ranked rushing defense.

A big change for the Cougars is the fact that they have played the majority of their defensive snaps in the nickel package instead of the more traditional 3-4 defensive scheme this season. The nickel replaces one of the outside linebackers in a 3-4 with a defensive back, which typically allows for

Garrett Davis (1) and Terrell Williams (23) have helped the Cougars become the top rushing defense in the nation. | Ajani Stewart/The Cougar

more flexibility in coverage.

Head coach Tom Herman said the change was to get the team’s best players on the field instead of worrying about trying to get certain players to fit a specific scheme.

Senior cornerback Brandon Wilson is usually the nickel corner when the Cougars line up in the package. Since he’s injured, however, Davis has filled in at the position.

“Garrett Davis — or had it been Brandon Wilson — they’re perfectly capable of playing that field

As of week five, the Cougars have scored more points (221) than rushing yards allowed (210) | Ajani Stewart/The Cougar

outside linebacker spot, holding the point on perimeter runs, sticking their nose in there and they’re great at blitzing,” Herman said.

In the previous game against the University of Connecticut Huskies, the Cougars started in the nickel and Davis benefited because it allowed him to blitz and get after the opponent's quarterback.

He led the Cougars with 2.5 tackles for loss and also added one sack.

No laziness here While the majority of their snaps have been run in the nickel, the Cougars’ defense starts games according to how the opposing offense is lined up. There are times, like in the University of Cincinnati Bearcats game, where Wilson or Davis will be asked to sit out until substitutions are made.

Orlando said it is important to have veterans like Wilson and Davis who don’t care if they get the start as long as it benefits the team.

Since the Cougars have been so great at stopping the run, it has actually made them a better team in pass coverage, too.

“You win defensive series on

“If you take the field for the University of Houston, you better be out there with your hair on fire, running full speed down the football. There’s no such thing as a lazy step in this program.””

Tom Herman, Head Coach first and second down,” Davis said.

“If you stop the run, they become one-dimensional and they start throwing the ball.”

When a team becomes limited with what they can do offensively, it makes it easier for a defensive coordinator to call plays because it narrows down the guesswork.

Heading into the season, the Cougars had a questionable secondary after the departure of several of their starters from last year. Despite the inexperience, the team has given up 66 fewer yards through the air compared to the previous season.

Orlando said that the improvement actually means nothing to him — the defense just needs to keep opposing teams out of the end zone.

“You can give up 400 yards and give up 10 points, and to me, it’s

all about points,” Orlando said.

“I care about points and strictly points.”

The defense has done just that.

After giving up 20.7 points per game last year, the Cougars are allowing just 11.2 points per game and recorded their second shutout during the Orlando era against Lamar University.

While improvements are visible all across the board statistically, Herman credited the culture and effort for the progress.

“If you take the field for the University of Houston, you better be out there with your hair on fire, running full speed down the football,” Herman said. “There’s no such thing as a lazy step in this program.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 | 11

713-743-5303

SPORTS

thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

Reagan Earnst, EDITOR

VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball captain seeks success for her team J.D. SMITH

SENIOR STAFF WRITER @JDSMITH_08

Thanks to her father, she knows what success is. Now, she is lighting the path for the team's younger players.

Junior setter Keandra “Keke�

McCardell — the sole captain on the women’s volleyball team — reveles in her ability to lead, especially on a team where two-thirds of the roster is underclassmen. “It was a great honor by my teammates and I was surprised by it,� McCardell said, on being chosen as team captain. “I’m known as someone who just works hard and not really (noticeable) in the background, so for my team to recognize me as a leader was really cool.�

McCardell’s father, Keenan, is a former NFL wide receiver and two-time Super Bowl champion. “He taught me to always be prepared and go after what you work for,� McCardell said. “Hard work pays off and if you really want something and that’s your goal in life, if you work for it every single day you can achieve it.�

Although McCardell has not always been known as a vocal leader on the team, this season she is speaking up more and has become a beacon of assurance for her teammates when they need a confidence boost. “She’s the one person on the court I look to for assurance,�

Junior Sarah Afflerbaugh said. “If I’m losing confidence in my game, I can look at her and she’ll say ‘Sarah, you’re fine. Shake it off, and play your game.’�

Head coach Kaddie Platt

Junior Keandra McCardell, left, is the sole captain of the volleyball team in 2016. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

also took note of McCardell's vocal presence on the team. The team's decision to make McCardell the captain is justified based upon her ability to coach her teammates. “She talks a lot to her players and gives them belief in what they can accomplish and in their abilities,� Platt said. “She reassures them that they’re doing their job and doing it well. Every single play she’s communicating offense.�

The Missouri City native is now in her third season as the primary setter, and she is on her way into the record books.

Totaling 2,054 assists in her first two seasons, she is entering into uncharted territory for a Cougar volleyball player.

With a hot start this season, McCardell currently ranks eighth in the American Athletic Conference averaging 7.4 assists

per set.

Earlier this season, her dominance was on display when she tied a career-high with 18 digs in a match against the University of

Louisiana at Monroe.

Also recording a season-high 54 assists in the come-from-behind victory in the Flo Hyman Collegiate Classic, McCardell’s

performance earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

Currently 5-9 on the season, volleyball is need of a boost.

McCardell will try to get volleyball back on track by reminding her teammates that no opponent is going to hand them a win and that they must earn all of their successes. “Her actions speak loud,�

Afflerbaugh said. “She’s always the one who’s hitting the ground or going for balls, going for blocks even though she’s shorter than a lot of us blockers.�

Just as volleyball needs to become a more complete team, McCardell will use a final piece of her father’s advice to try to boost her team. “Be a kind person and somebody who always works hard,�

McCardell said. “You can’t slack off and expect somebody to hand it to you.� sports@thedailycougar.com

worship DIRECTORY

CATHOLIC MASS ON CAMPUS

SUNDAYS: 10:45 AM - Religion Center 6:00 PM - Catholic Center WEEKDAYS: Tuesday—Friday 12:00 Noon CATHOLIC NEWMAN CENTER Confession: Before or After Masses Office # (713) 748-2529

4VOEBZ 8PSTIJQ 4FSWJDF 'JSTU 4FSWJDF 4FDPOE 4FSWJDF 5IJSE 4FSWJDF 'PVSUI 4FSWJDF 4VOEBZ 4DIPPM

B N B N B N Q N B N B N

8BUDI -JWF BU XXX XIFFMFSCD PSH

Sunday Bible Class

3FW %S .BSDVT % $PTCZ 1BTUPS t 3FW "MFYBOEFS & . +PIOTPO "TTPDJBUF 1BTUPS GPS 8PSTIJQ .JOJTUSZ 3FW 8JMMJBN " -BXTPO 'PVOEJOH 1BTUPS &NFSJUVT 8IFFMFS 4U t )PVTUPO 5FYBT XXX XIFFMFSCD PSH

Junior setter Keandra “Keke� McCardell totaled 2,054 assists in her first two seasons on the volleyball team. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN WORSHIP DIRECTORY, CONTACT JOSÉ SALAZAR AT 713-743-5356

12 | Wednesday, October 5, 2016

SPORTS 713-743-5303

thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

Reagan Earnst, EDITOR

FOOTBALL

Cougar receiver powers past tough times to thrive PETER SCAMARDO

SENIOR STAFF WRITER @PLSCAMARDO2

Although largely unheard of during the last three seasons, one member of the football team is becoming a household name among Cougar fans.

In just five games in 2016, junior wide receiver Linell Bonner has eclipsed his yardage total of 439 from last year and is averaging 87.8 yards per game with two scores.

Against the University of Connecticut, Bonner played the best game of his career — accumulating 12 receptions for 159 yards and a highlight-reel touchdown that found its way to SportsCenter's Top 10.

All this media attention, however, made it easy to forget that Bonner was once in danger of having his career shortened without ever setting foot on the field.

Proof of potential

COOGTV

After playing football for Dekaney High School, Bonner entered the

Cougar football team in 2013 thanks to his high school coach’s connection with the coaching staff.

Although he sat out his freshman year, Bonner said he improved daily during practices.

“My first year I redshirted, and I would say towards bowl week I had moved up to the (second-string),” Bonner said. “But about four weeks before spring ball, I tore everything in my knee so I didn’t get to play my sophomore year, either.”

Bonner recovered just in time to join new head coach Tom Herman’s spring football workouts. He impressed both Herman and offensive coordinator Major Applewhite.

Applewhite said Bonner's most outstanding element was his intelligence. Despite not having formal game experience, he was easy to coach.

“When we were putting in the new offense and putting in plays, the volume of offense starts to become too much for players,” Applewhite said. “The first thing that jumped out to me was that he was the one

PRESENTS

THE

ACCOUNTANT

A SPECIAL SCREENING OF

Linell Bonner is one of the top receivers for UH. | Ajani Stewart/The Cougar

guy who wasn’t busted. He always knew his assignment, would catch the ball that was thrown to him.”

Bonner knew that he would be an unknown when he met Herman and the coaching staff.

Since he needed a scholarship, Bonner was motivated to show the coaches that he was a physical player and rapid learner. He got one before the 2015 season.

“I was just thinking about how all

the hard work paid off — everything about when I tore my knee and thought my career was over," Bonner said. "That’s basically what they told me, that I’d never be the same. And once I got (the scholarship) I made sure to not get complacent and stay consistent, to earn that spot on the bus."

Living lesson For Bonner, it was incredibly

satisfying to play during the 2015 season after sitting out for two straight years.

During his time at UH, Bonner has learned from two of the team’s best receivers, Deontay Greenberry and Demarcus Ayers. Bonner absorbed their advice and translates it into his performance on the field.

After the championship season last year where he was not considered as the main player, Bonner emerged as the top receiver through five games this season.

Despite adversity, Bonner has battled through to become a mainstay for the Cougars.

From not being highly recruited out of high school to nearly having a career-ending injury, Bonner is proof that being smart and having a strong work ethic will fulfill goals.

“I always felt like he could be a starter because intelligent players are a commodity,” Applewhite said.

“He’s done a really good job.” sports@thedailycougar.com

THURSDAY OCTOBER 6TH, 7PM STUDENT CENTER THEATRE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED