Vol. 102, Issue 1

ThePRAIRIE Pipeline to Graduate Studies program introduced this semester Feb. 14, 2018

Vol. 102 Iss. 1

extended graduate educational opportunities Students can find it tough for academically to get accepted into any q u a l i f i e d tier-one research university, WTAMU students including Texas A&M at TAMU University. in master’s The launch of the new and doctoral Pipeline to Graduate programs as well Studies at West Texas as other student A&M University this past educational and year is designed to create a recruitment pathway to assist students opportunities. interested in graduate Currently, those school to extended schools and opportunities in master’s colleges include and doctoral programs at the Bush School of Texas A&M University in Government and College Station.

Public Service, “We have over 40 the Colleges of exceptional and highly Agriculture and competitive graduate Photo provided by Tracy Helbert Life Sciences, programs here at Master student in Ag Business Noah Jesko Architecture, WTAMU,” said Tracy plans to attend Texas A&M University in E d u c a t i o n the fall being a part of the pipeline.

Helbert, senior graduate and Human not offer.” academic advisor.

Development, Engineering, The Pipeline to Graduate “Because we are invested Studies is a program that Geosciences, Liberal Arts, in our students and our enhances collaboration Medicine, Science, and community, we have between West Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine and partnered with the colleges University and Texas A&M Biomedical Sciences, as well and schools at Texas A&M University in College Station. as the Mays Business School University to create a Through Memorandum and the School of Public pipeline to graduate studies of Agreements (MOAs) Health. The School of Law is program for students to between WTAMU and pending final approval. Each pursue graduate education various schools and colleges of these colleges and schools in programs that we may at TAMU, the Pipeline offers at TAMU manages their

Nick Alvarado Editor-in-Chief

Dr. Paul Frazier kicks off Black History Month

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KWTS names first ever female sports director

Softball, baseball gear up for new season

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own graduate admissions.

“Students come to WTAMU from local to international geographical regions. They come for our outstanding programs and faculty and our affordability,” explains Dr. Angela Spaulding, vice president for research and compliance and dean of graduate school.

“After four years at the University, many consider the Texas Panhandle home and stay here to build a career and raise a family.

Campus administration, led by President Wendler, recognized the value for our students to have increased options in continuing their educational journey at the graduate level in order to support individual career and workforce goals and to help build a stronger Texas Panhandle economy.”

“The Pipeline to Graduate Studies is designed to bolster and encourage a student to continue their education through extended opportunities in master’s and doctoral programs to reach desired career and workforce goals - here in the Texas Panhandle and

beyond,” Helbert said.

In fact, the plan is already at work. Last year, nine WT undergraduate students enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at TAMU, the TAMU College of Engineering currently has a handful of WT graduates in the Ph.D. program, and many others have participated in summer research experiences.

Some students who have participated in Pipeline events include Liliana Vasquez and Joshua Castro, two McNair Scholars for WT, and Kryn McLain and Jenna Stewart. Casto and Vasquez participated in the Texas A&M College of Medicine fall recruiting event as part of Aggie Recuit Day. McLain and Stewart took part in the Public Service Institute in the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

For more information on the Pipeline to Graduates Studies program, students can contact Tracy Helbert at 806-651-2727 or also at thelbert@wtamu.edu.

Hughes signs quanity, quality with big recruiting class

BUFF Love

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Dr. Paul Frazier kicks of Black History Month at WTAMU Tova Kibal Senior Reporter It has been over 150 years since the 13th Amendment abolished slavery and over 50 years since the voting rights act of 1965 passed, prohibiting racial discrimination in voting.

But, according to Dr. Paul Frazier, elitism is well alive, and there are still places where black people socially don’t belong. He argued that prejudice and injustice is present even today as he pushed the future generations to get involved during his speech titled “Black History Yesterday and Today.”

“You can’t just stand on the sideline and talk about what’s wrong. We all know what’s wrong, but what are you personally going to do about it?’’ Frazier asked the crowd.

Frazier spoke about the past, the present and a

united future as the keynote speaker at the event that kicked off the Black History Month celebrations at West Texas A&M University at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center Legacy Hall. The event was sponsored by the Black Student Union, the history department, and the office for diversity and inclusion.

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree Tova Kibal/The Prairie without roots,” said Paul Frazier speaks during his “Black History Yesterday and Angela Allen, chief Today” speech on Thursday, Feb. 8 at Legacy Hall in the JBK diversity and inclusion Student Center.

Garrett Morgan who “When you think about officer, quoting the invented the automated just some simple thing that famous black nationalism leader Marcus Garvey. traffic light, and the inventor improves our lifestyles, “Think about that: if you of the home security system, improve our day to day, don’t know your history, how Marie Van Brittan Brown, we never mention those on earth are you going to be are some of the black people individuals or contributions in history that Frazier that they made to America,” prepared for your future?”

Bertha Berman who mentioned have contributed Frazier said. “And to think that some of these invented the fitted sheet, to our world today.

STAFF OF THE PRAIRIE

Editors Nick Alvarado Austin Heinen

individuals came from slaves or sharecroppers, and they were still making those contributions.

As Frazier discussed these social problems, he continuously asked his crowd who they thought the real enemy was.

“We’re still pointing fingers, because it is another man’s fault, and we are not unified on one single thing until a tragedy happens,’’ Frazier said. “It amazes me that we don’t come together until it’s in our own backyard.’’

He argued that people need to unite, help each other, and get involved in issues to make a change.

“We have to let go of that mentality that we are victims. And if we make it, whatever making it is, we gotta keep coming back down the stairs and help people up.’’

Sports Editor Allie Smith

Adviser Dr. Nancy Garcia

Online Editor Mason Bray

Photographer Natalia Molina

The Prairie is a student-operated newspaper at West Texas A&M University. It functions to inform, educate and entertain readers accurately and responsibly. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, faculty or staff. The Prairie verifies the legitimacy of the advertising appearing in The Prairie, but cannot be held liable for any advertising claim made in this publication. The Prairie has a circulation of 1,000 and is printed by The Pampa News.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. -- First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

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Welch grant highlights student involvement on campus Hannah Nelson Senior Reporter

department with the ability to conduct research by providing a financial support. The award will be divided up over the next three years. These funds will help pay for a variety of expenses including the cost of lab equipment.

“The Welch Foundation funds chemistry research across the state of Texas,” assistant professor of chemistry, Dr. Jason Yarbrough said.

The Welch Foundation was recently awarded a $90,000 grant to the department of chemistry and physics for the use of research starting in the summer of 2018.

The newly awarded grant is an extension of a previous one by the foundation. This grant will give students the ability to work in funded research while attending Photo provided by Dr. Nick Flynn school.

“The Welch Foundation has a number of different grants that they provide to chemistry faculty, this particular one is what they call a Welch departmental grant,” professor of biochemistry, Dr. Nick Flynn said. “It’s a grant that is intended to provide both undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to do research.”

The Welch Fo u n d a t i o n has provided the chemistry

Looking into the next three years, the department will be using the grant for some key topics. These main topics include the delivery of chemotherapeutics to cells, polymer research and research with yeast metabolism.

“This grant is going to allow us to tackle what I think are important issues, from a chemist’s perspective, take on projects that are going to allow students to get

in the lab and do things they otherwise wouldn’t have access to,” Yarbrough said.

For students who are involved in conducting the funded research they have resources to help them while doing working the topic they are apart of.

“It can provide them with the right financial support in the form of a stipend or a fellowship, or it can be used to purchase pieces of equipment or chemicals they need to do their research,” Flynn said.

Flynn also hopes that the grant will spark more student involvement and convince students to apply for fellowship opportunities.

“We would actually like to see a couple more students get involved in what we have currently, we would like to see along the order of three, four, or five students participating in this each year,” Flynn said. “We would like to

see those students presenting their research either at a regional ACS [American Chemical Society] or a national ACS meeting.”

James Welbaum, a biochemistry and biology major, participated in research through the Welch Fellowship last semester.

For him, this was a gain experience.

“I traveled to an ACS meeting down in Lubbock, and they helped pay for that, the grant did,” Welbaum said. “I also went down to Baylor for their chemistry they have an advanced instrumentation workshop and that actually fell under the Welch Fellowship as well.”

Being a part of the research and presenting has also helped Welbaum personally get his name out there in professional settings.

“It helped me get my name out there because people were interested in what we were doing,” Welbaum said.

Students wanting to apply or learn more can contact a faculty member in the department of chemistry and physics. Applications include providing a transcript, personal essay and brief description of the research project.

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WTAMU faculty showcase skills at annual grand recital Hannah Nelson Senior Reporter A lone piano sits center stage inside the Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. A crowd begins to take their seats and the lights dim as the 34th annual Faculty Grand Recital begins.

The Faculty Grand Recital is an annual event presented by the West Texas A&M University School of Music. The event took place on Friday, January 26th showcasing many of the department faculty members as they perform.

“I did two movement of the Carmen sweep by Georges Bizet and obviously from the opera “Carmen,” Dr. Shanks said. “I did the Habanera and the Danse Boheme segments of it, normally played on flute, and technically difficult on flute, and so I played it on trombone.”

Accompanying Dr. Shanks during their duet performances was instructor Lyudmila Abbasova on piano.

“I like to stretch the possibilities of what you can do on the trombone and show that we can play more than just slow long notes,” Dr. Shanks said.

“We shouldn’t constrain ourselves, we shouldn’t make limites for ourselves, we should see what we can do.”

The recital gave the faculty members a chance to perform some trios and duets. However, it also gave the faculty a time in their schedules to come together as people.

“We are so busy you know we dont get together very often, but there is a time when we practice that we talk also,” Instructor Lyudmila Abbasova said.

The Faculty Recital is a big night that allows the students

and community to witness the department exhibit its talents . Even as a professional performer, Dr. Shanks still experiences a form of preshow suspense occasionally.

“The science of performance anxiety is a wide ranging one.

There wasn’t a thought of I can’t do this but there was only thoughts of this is very important and let’s go out there and give it my Hannah Nelson/The Prairie best,” Shanks said. A Faculty Grand Recital program sits at the front of Mary Moody However, as Dr. Northern Hall. Left, a piano sits played by Instructor Lyudmila Shanks begins to Abbasova and other instructors. play his instrument “To take that energy and wonderful school we have,” and his piece progress the channel it rather then let it Abbasova said. adrenaline begins to rush. eat you,” Dr. Shanks said.

The event not only On the day of the recital attracted the attention of the department also potential WT students but hosted its Auditions Day. current students as well.

Having these events on Freshman Music Education the same day allowed the major Elizabeth Foster department to present its contributed the the event faculty to many potential by setting up the reception income students who following the recital with stuck around for the the Opera Buffa club. performances.

However, she still managed “It is nice to play for to find time to watch a few them to show them what performances. we can do or what kind of

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Speaker Encourages Authentic Leadership at Summit Natalia Molina Photographer There are several types of leadership styles one may follow. James T. Robilotta, however, does not ascribe to the ones that are the most usual. Instead, he leads through authentic leadership.

Robilotta was the speaker for The Leadership Summit, hosted by Rogers Lead WT and sponsored

by The Distinguished Lecture, on Friday, Feb. 2 in Legacy Hall in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center. These organizations gave students the opportunity to listen to the author, professional speaker, personal coach, Natalia Molina/The Prairie and entrepreneur. James T. Robilotta speaks during the Leadership Summit hosted by Rogers LEAD WT on Friday, Robilotta’s presentation February 2 at Legacy Hall in the JBK Student Center. titled “Leading we can only learn from why I lead and also what get his master’s degree in Imperfectly: The Value of people who are imperfect,” kind of leader I am,” junior counseling from Clemson Being Authentic for Leaders, Robilotta said. “It is crucial corporate communication University. He worked on Professionals, and Human that we lead through our major, Starmie Bennett college campuses for about Beings.” stories.” said. “But I was definitely 13 years and then decided to Robilotta explained his In exemplifying this, challenged by the speaker become a full-time speaker leadership style by stating his Robilotta told several stories, to dig deep and learn more and coach. agreement with the idea that some that made people about my true self.”

Robilotta now travels others have stated numerous laugh and others that made Robilotta is from Sayvillem, internationally giving times. people realize what they New York, and earned his presentations about “A number of individuals should change or improve in degree in marine biology authentic leadership. have defined the idea that themselves as leaders. from the University of North He refers to his idea and as humans we can’t learn “The speaker made me not C a r o l i n a - Wi l m i n g t o n . focus during his talks as from people who are perfect, only think about how and After that, he decided to “Edutainment,” which is the

idea of always wanting to be educational, but wanting to do it in a very entertaining way.

“I want the audience to feel I am authentic, educational, and entertaining, and in that order,” Robilotta said.

“I would love for the audience members to see themselves in me.”

He had a strong impact on many people in the audience, and opened their eyes to what leadership means to each of them.

“He was very detailed and personal in his approach, and he specifically mentioned how we can’t learn from people who are perfect, but only from people who are imperfect.

I liked that a lot because I think many people many times feel pressure to be perfect when they lead a group, but that creates a bad environment with limited room for growth.” said the junior management Marlene van Mourik.

To learn more about authentic leadership or about Robilotta, visit his website www.jamestrobo. com. Robilotta also wrote a book called “Leading Imperfectly,” which is available at the WTAMU Cornette Library.

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KWTS makes history with first ever female sports director Ashley Hurst Junior Reporter Pursuing a career as a woman in a male-dominated profession can be an intimidating endeavor, but Ashley Venable has found that viewing opposition as motivation and having confidence in your work can lead to success.

The sophomore broadcasting electronic media major recently made history as she became the first female to earn the position of sports director for the KWTS 91.1 radio station at West Texas A&M University. However, Venable said she doesn’t think of it as any different than if a male was holding the position. The weight of the historical title that came along with the position is often something that others remind Venable of, not something she is quick to announce.

“I don’t feel any different than anyone else,” Venable said. “I usually don’t introduce myself as being the first female sports director.”

While Venable does not focus too heavily on her title as being the first female sports director, she does not take the honor lightly.

Venable recognizes the

impact that this historic title can have on others and how others may treat her because of it.

Venable uses this pressure to drive herself in her work and sees it as another reason to give her all to everything.

“Som eone’s gonna criticize me and say, ‘Oh, it’s because she’s the first female; she doesn’t know what she’s doing.’

I’ve been trying my hardest to do everything 100 percent so that people can’t use me being a female against me.”

As sports d i r e c t o r, Venable is responsible for Photo provided by Ashley Venable managing the sports team in the KWTS show each Wednesday night. practicum class, which KWTS graduate assistant includes overseeing live Dane Glenn said that remotes for WTAMU home Venable has proven herself games, and hosting the to be capable and hardUnsportsmanlike Conduct working and was a clear fit for the position.

“Ashley changed the game,” Glenn said, “But we at KWTS didn’t give her the position, she earned it several times over.”

KWTS General Manager Frank Navarrete described

Venable as a student that is always striving for success and collaborative with others.

“She is determined to get things accomplished, and she is always open to feedback and room for improvement,” Navarrete said.

Claiming this position was another step for Venable as she pursues her dreams in the realm of sports, something she has known she wanted to do since she was a child. By claiming the first female sports director title, Venable has blazed the trail for those who will come after her. For those wanting to pursue a similar career Venable emphasizes the importance of confidence and hard work.

“You can do the exact same things anyone else can so just push yourself farthest,” Venable said. “Don’t even announce that you’re a female. Just say, “Yeah, this my position, this is what I do. I do it well.’”

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Lady Buffs keep same expectations, goals with new coach Nick Alvarado Editor-in-Chief Despite having a different coach in the third base box, the West Texas A&M softball team will stay the course with having the same approach of games, philosophy and goals as the 2018 season is here.

For former associate and now new head coach Candace Abrams, the transition to becoming the head coach is a smooth one, being alongside former and longtime head coach Kevin Blaskowski.

“It’s been pretty easy to transition into everything that we have been doing,” Abrans said. “[Its] just a new label.”

“I’m excited to see what the atmosphere will be like this year,” center fielder Ashley Hardin said. “I’m expecting it to be the same.”

“I think its [the transition of coaches] been really fun,” designated hitter Allie Smith said. “Definitely, expectations do not change.

We are still looking to win and that’s always been the goal. We are really excited about where coach and specific talents are going to lead us. Nothing really is going to change, it is about our expectations.”

The Lady Buffs, who are

Nick Alvarado/The Prairie Shanna McBroom chases down a Regis runner attemping to score. The Lady Buffs will rely on senior leadership and experience in attempt to get back on the big stage of the World Series. senior laden that include advance to super regionals Hardin, Allie Smith and ace by conference rival, Texas pitcher Kilee Halbert, will Woman’s. look to return to the World In what was a solid fall Series, in which they have season, the coaching not made an appearance carousel took its turn as since 2016 in Denver. longtime softball coach “We are very fortunate to Kevin Blaskowski resigned have eight returners coming from his post. back,” Abrams said. “I’m Now, the Abrams era has excited about this group. begun with no changes on The seniors are ready to what is at the task at hand, come out and could have play the style of Lady Buff the chance to become the softball and continue to win winningest seniors in the games and keep the same program.” traditions.

“The cool thing is that “I would not say there is weonly have four seniors,” a ton of change going on,” Smith said. “We are young Hardin said. “It’s just gettting in a good way.” back in the groove of things, Last season, the Lady having good practices.”

Buffs were eliminated from In 2018, the world series is their home regional in back in the Mile High city the final game in order to and the Lady Buffs look to

return with a different result in their last appearance.

Other returnees for the Lady Buffs include pitcher and outfielder Shaney Starkey, Alyx Cordell, pitcher, infielder Kourtney Coveney, and Kylee Moore.

Transfers also make a key part of the team and have the potential to make their mark on the team right away.

Palm Beach State College transfer Suka van Gurp, Phoenix College transfer Stevie McLemore, Pima College transfer Mari Ruiz and Southern Idaho transfer Sam Riesen will bring not only experience to the squad but the ability to make an immediate impact on the

season.

“We have a transfer class that is absolutely ready to step in and make a difference.” Abrams said.

The Lady Buffs are currently 7-1 and are riding a 18-game home stand to open up their season, allowing fans and students to see the team in action on the diamond until March 6, where they will entertain Oklahoma City University in a doubleheader.

“It’s really nice to be at home,” Abrams said.

“There is no better environment than Schaeffer Park. It’s exciting to be at home and have our home fans support us.”

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Buff baseball confident about new season with balanced roster Austin Heinen Co-Editor The back-to-back Lone Star Conference Tournament Champions are back in action. Action for West Texas A&M began away from the comforts of home, in Pueblo, Colorado this past weekend.

The Buffs came back with a solid 2-1 record after a split with Colorado StatePueblo and a victory over Adams State. Now, WT prepares for their first series of home games against New Mexico Highlands. Head coach Matt Vanderburg looks to continue the trend of competing for championships.

“I think it’s just the culture of stuff here,” Vanderburg said. “We have a culture

here and we’ve been really good these past few years.

Our expectations never change. We expect to win championships.”

Winning championships has partially come from the Buff’s tradition of having solid pitching depth. That tradition could be carried on this year with junior righthanded pitcher Dominic Yearego. Being awarded first team all-region, Yearego says he has done the work and has what it takes to continue WT’s success at pitching.

“This is my fourth year here,” Yearego said.

“Having Coach Hall with me and a couple of the older guys, helped build a tough mentality, a competitive mentality. It’s something I look to pass onto the other guys. Just the way to

compete and have a bulldog mentality.”

In each of WT’s game, the Buffaloes scored at least five runs. Showing that the bats should play a great factor to this year’s success as well. Senior right fielder Nick Canas led the team in batting with 69 hits and finished with a .354 batting average in the previous season. Canas says that the balance of experience and young guys this team possesses has him and the team excited.

“I’m excited,” Canas said. “We got a great group of guys returning as well as a great signing class. I think we can do some big things. We’ve always been a pitching strong team, but also offensively, we’ve been working in practice on doing a lot of different things. ” That balance Canas speaks is part of the story. Every year the Buffs have seemed to be question on how they will replace certain players.

Like other great programs, WT baseball has found ways to avoid rebuilding by just reloading. Coach Vanderburg says the pieces have just always been in place.

“I think the guys are in place and the work ethic is in place,” said Vanderburg.

“Coach Hall does a great

Nick Alvarado/The Prairie Jimmy Cubillos is one of 11 seniors on the team that will bring experience from a 36-18 team that qualified for regionals a season ago. job with the pitching staff, he The Buffaloes will have always has. You have to have their home opener this the talent. There’s going weekend with their first to be guys we had last year, game on Friday at 5pm that step up and pitch more against New Mexico this year. Obviously, we Highlands. Then will play also recruited. We’ve signed a doubleheader with the some really good guys. Some Cowboys with game two on guys that I feel could be the Saturday at 1 p.m. and game best pitchers in the country.” three at approximately 3:30

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Buffs, Lady Buffs finish regular season home schedules this weekend The nationally ranked four seniors on Buffs have always done Saturday with well in protecting their Jordan Evans, home court. This Rylan Gerber, past weekend, WT Tommy Gove, and took care of business David Chavlovich. in back-to-back road Brown says these games. One was a win players could at Midwestern State, be good in any which was the first win program, have in Wichita Falls in head been very special to coach Tom Brown’s the program, and tenure and the first have put WT on for the program since the map.

2008.

“The four seniors “They’ve had some we have here are really good teams great,” Brown there,” Brown said. said. “All four of “They’ve had some these guys, you’ll elite eight teams so see 17 wins their they’ve been really first year, 21 the good in the past. We’ve next, then 26, and had some tough games currently 22. If you over there and this was just look at that, a good one for us to get those guys are just over there and the way Nick Alvarado/The Prairie going up and up way beat them was a Jordan Collins shoots a teardrop jumper and up. That’s very lot of fun.” impressive for those during the game against Western New This week WT will players. It’s onto Mexico on Jan. 27 host Texas A&Mthe next guys to Both men and women end their home Kingsville on Thursday continue that. It’s slate this weekend.

Feb. 15 and host going to be tough, Angelo State for senior day regional team last year and it’ll be emotional those guys Saturday Feb. 17. WT won it will be a good ball game are the core group that we both earlier contests on on Thursday. Then Angelo brought in.” the road, beating ASU 81- is right there in the thick of WT and Kingsville’s things for regionals as well 77 and Kingsville 70-69. tip is set for 7:30 p.m. on Coach Brown knows both right now. We got to be able Thursday and tip-off against to stay in front of people Angelo State is set for 4 p.m. games will be a challenge.

“We’ve had some really against Angelo as well as -Austin Heinen Kingsville.

Hopefully we can good games with Kingsville Wins at home are always get a couple W’s this week.” over the last few years,” important to any team’s The Buffs will be honoring season but wins on the road Brown said. “They were a

are especially crucial in terms to the Lone Star Conference race.

Snagging a pair of road wins this past weekend, topping Texas Wo m a n ’ s , Cameron and Midwestern, was key in terms of finishing in the top half of the conference as Nick Alvarado/The Prairie they now tally Reagan Haynes prepares to shoot a 20 wins on three during the game on Jan. 27 against the season.

Western New Mexico. “ [ I ’ m ] we always say, the next extremely proud of the girls game is the biggest game and the effort,” women’s of the season and it always basketball coach Kristen feels that way. We need to Mattio said. “We played be playing pretty good.” hard. Cameron was a close The Lady Buffs will finish game at the half but for the their home slate with a pair most part, came out really of home games with A&Mfocused. [We] did a good Kingsville on Thursday and job early on the offensive Angelo State on Saturday, end to pace ourselves. It’s which also will be senior huge taking steps forward in day. conference play.”

“We are looking for After dropping the last four consistency,” Mattio said. of five games, the Lady Buffs “We are looking that we can look to turn the corner and show up every night, take pick up home wins with the care of business and win end of the season looming. on the road. Consistency is “You just take it one game key.” at a time,” Mattio said. “As -Nick Alvarado

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‘Sustaining excellence’ expectation as Lady Buffs approach post season Allie Smith Sports Editor With four games remaining before the post season, the WTAMU Women’s Basketball team is running off the momentum of a five-win streak.

This season has seen some ups and downs for the Lady Buffs, but they have continually proven that the grind of the long season and the complications that come with it are not too big to handle.

“The biggest thing is we have everything in front of us,” head coach Kristen Mattio said. “We just have to earn it and we have to go fight for it every day.”

This is a team with a 12-4 conference record. They are ranked second in the Lone Star Conference and #25 in the country. They answered a three-loss streak with a five-win streak. They refuse to quit.

“You go back to your foundation of ‘What got us here?’” Mattio said.

“We won 14 games in a row to start the season.

How did we achieve that?

What got us to that point?

Sometimes, not that you’re living back in history, but you have to remember who you are. Don’t worry about these other teams that we’re

that just ultimately makes us better.”

Mattio said there is definitely a learning curve for newcomers to the LSC. “We have some transfers and new faces that are just learning this,” Mattio said.

“If you haven’t been in the Lone Star Conference, you don’t know the grind and what it looks like. Every place we go to is new for them when we travel.”

This and other factors played a part in the midseason grouping of a few tough, close losses.

However, Hightower said Nick Alvarado/The Prairie Lexy Hightower has been one of the top sophomores in the that she thinks the team country, averaging about 15 points per game for the Lady used it to their advantage.

“We bounced back by Buffs. regrouping,” Hightower playing, their strategies and new people on the team their tactics. Understand also is a strength because said. “We came together who you are stepping onto each one of them brings and are holding one another the court every night and something different to the more accountable. I think it that should fuel you and give table. As a team, each one of was a learning experience us has a role and it doesn’t for us and a wake up call, you confidence.”

This Lady Buff squad is matter what classification showing us that everyone unique thanks to the way it you are. You are expected to is going to play their best relies on players of all ages do your role every time we game against us and we have to bring it every night step on the floor.” to find the win column.

Lexy and prepare even better for “Having multiple people Sophomore contribute on this team is Hightower said that the teams when we practice.” one of our greatest assets and varied talent is one of the With the journey of the post season looming on the strengths,” senior Madison team’s best assets.

“Having all ages on the horizon four games away, Parker said. “I think having a few veterans on the team court creates a very fun Mattio said that this is the keeps us focused and adds and interesting dynamic,” best time to make sure the confidence because we know sophomore Lexy Hightower team is functioning like a how the process works and said. “Everyone plays a well-oiled machine. what it takes to reach our different way and with a “I talk about strong body, goals. Having young and different strength and I think strong minds,” Mattio said.

“Your health is the most important thing you have to offer to your team, and to offer in life in general because if you’re not healthy, you can’t do what you’re called to do. So you just have to talk about it. We do have a lot of structure in how we do things…

I think you have to talk about it because everybody comes from different backgrounds… When you get into this grind of your season, there has to be some sacrifice but there also has to be ultimate discipline too so you can perform at your highest level every single night.”

Overall, thanks to solid senior leadership and the consistent contributions of every name on the roster, the Lady Buffs said that they feel they can control their destiny as they continue with the thickest of competition.

“You take it one day at a time,” Mattio said.

“Don’t look too far ahead.

Don’t look behind you.

Just understand the next step that we’re taking. I’m excited to continue to keep working with these girls because they play hard and they’re fun to coach. I think really the sky is the limit for this Lady Buff Basketball team.”

Feb. 14, 2018

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SPORTS

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Hughes signs quantity, quality with big recruiting class in, a lot of them are going to have an immediate In his first full offimpact of what season, head football we do in the coach Hunter Hughes upcoming fall.” has brought in a class of West Texas 63 total commits. With 57 A&M has of which being incoming always provided freshman, while also an opportunity bringing in six transfers to to get noticed. the class.

With four players Last year, WT brought in on current only 32 commits. After his NFL rosters, first full offseason, Hughes according to and his staff have nearly ESPN, WT has doubled that number. been one of the Time, of course, plays a best division part in that. Hughes says two schools in that during that extra producing next time he and the coaches level talent, were able to share more one of them, schemes to recruits.

Bryan Braman “When our coaches go being apart of out, they talk about the Nick Alvarado/The Prairie a Super Bowl schemes we are running,” Head football coach Hunter Hughes speaks during the National Signing Day press conference at the championship Hughes said. “Last year, Buffalo Club Room at the First United Bank Center on Wednesday, February 7. this season with we didn’t have that much Philadelphia. a chance to show who the are, what we are about, show Coach Hughes, it brings Hughes knows not a lot of time. We came in late and a lot of guys got brought in coaching staff was and how them this campus, talk about more competition to the division two teams can say the middle of this process. they worked help build those the academics, and the city team as well. the same. of Canyon we are in. I think “I tink we went out in this “I think you make sure Now we’re spread out ties. through the state of Texas. “I think it’s having them those coaches trust us. If recruiting class to get depth everyone knows, that’s an Playing a year, and seeing know who we were, the they send their kid here, they and competition,” Hughes opportunity for the player,” what we are doing, I think type of coaching staff, and know we are going to take said. I think as you go Hughes said. “They got to the way we do things,” care of them.” through the list and look at do their job to get noticed, helped us tremendously.” season’s injuries the guys, we accomplished and you can get noticed That year not only made Hughes said. “The culture Last we’ve established, I think is plagued the Buffs on both that. The players that hosted here at West Texas A&M. I an impression on players, but it also helped with resonating around the state. sides of the ball. Getting our recruits were absolutely don’t think there’s too many building relationships with I believe, we go out and we a big signing class like this wonderful, relaying the other D-II schools that can high school coaches as don’t try to play the recruiting can help eliminate those message we want to relay to say that.” well. Hughes says having game. We go out and speak problems by bringing depth, our recruits. I truly believe the truth, tell them who we and more importantly to that when these guys come Austin Heinen Co-Editor

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Feb. 14, 2018

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Don’t get caught cold: Tips to avoid the flu bug We have all heard of the severity of the influenza outbreak this year.

Last week, about 15% of the people who walked into BSA Hospital’s emergency room tested positive for the flu. It is rampant this year as the flu shot provided less protection than usual.

There are lots of ways to attempt to avoid catching the flu, such as cleaning hands and avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick. Keeping from touching your face, drinking orange juice and covering your mouth and nose help too.

There also happen to be some interesting, less common tips to prevent getting under the weather.

This list from health.com gives some surprising tips to keep out of the doctor’s office and away from a positive flu test.

Ditch alcohol, especially

when you are running on lower amounts of sleep.

Disrupting your normal sleep schedule can negatively impact your immune system’s ability to guard against germs.

Hot tea with honey and lemon. The steam from the tea helps your nose move germs more efficiently, the lemon thins mucus, and honey is antibacterial and will help your throat feel better if you happen to catch the bug.

Protein! Low protein levels in your diet negatively impacts your immune system. Grab that yogurt on your way to class and use this as an excuse to hit up Chick-fil-A. Clean what you touch. Use those antibacterial wipes at the front of Walmart to wipe off the carts before you touch them and even the wipes for the equipment at the AC

when working out.

Sanitize the things that people touch. Microwaves, door knobs, desks. The more the merrier.

Sanitize your hands! Hand sanitizer, hand washing, baby wipes, rubbing alcohol, whatever you have to do.

Clean those hands!

Breathe out when you’re around someone who sneezes or coughs near you until you’re about 10 feet from them. This keeps you from inhaling their germs!

Zinc is a great preventative.

Cold-eeze lozenges have zinc in them to help keep them away. Emergen-C is worth noting here as well.

Use your own pen rather than borrowing the ones at the bank, at church, at the post office, or at restaurants.

Keep your own germs to yourself and other germs on other pens.

Nasal saline. Check it out if

you’re down for that sort of thing.

Juicing is a great tool to ward off bugs. Veggies and fruits are always helpful and putting tons of water in there will help flush your body naturally.

Keep your hands to yourself. Quit touching stuff!

Water fountains, handrails, countertops. Don’t touch anything you don’t have to.

Essential oils, especially lavender and mint, are always helpful. Vaporizers ensure that you breathe them in as you sleep.

Relax. Doctors say that bad energy makes you tired, which can make you sick.

Take this trick with a grain of salt.

Find a friend who is a nursing major who is learning hand massages and get rubbed out! Being less stressed means you’re less tired, which will help keep

you healthy.

Work out. Sweating helps flush your body naturally.

Make sure to follow up with lots of water!

Don’t share drinks or chapsticks. Anything you put your mouth on after someone else does is a nogo.

Take that nap! Use this excuse to get some extra sleep so you can boost that immune system.

Wash your hands. Okay, this one is universal. Don’t be that person who doesn’t wash their hands. That’s just gross.

Clean your phone!

Wiping your phone off with a baby wipe means you wipe off all those gross germs your fingers picked up throughout the day.

Consider cleaning that laptop, too!

Good luck navigating the flu season, Buffs!

Feb. 14, 2018

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ENTERTAINMENT 13

WT students give comedic performance in a Flea in her Ear Hannah Nelson Senior Reporter The West Texas A&M theatre presents their production of David Ives’ adaptation of “A Flea in Her Ear”, directed by Callie Hisek, assistant professor of art, theatre, and dance.

This French farce, written around the 1900s by George Feydeau.

“Basically what happens is Raymonde Chandesbise finds a pair of suspenders that were sent to her husband, they are his suspenders, and they were sent from the Frisky Puss hotel,” Hisek said. “So now she is lead to believe that her husband is deceiving her.”

A set up is planned by Raymonde and her friend Lucienne to confront the husband. The woman writes a letter pretending to be a female from the hotel and sends it to Raymonde’s husband. Then they hope he will go to the hotel where they can confront him.

“The best laid plans never work fully, and that’s how we pretty much get the farce that is A Flea in Her Ear,” Hisek said.

The production is fastpaced filled with jokes, physical humor, and wit.

The story is a wild and

Photo by Callie Hisek

chaotic adventure with Raymonde trying to find out if her husband is cheating on her.

“All because of this Flea in Her Ear, which is a French term basically meaning that somebody has put a thought into somebody else’s mind, and they can’t get rid of that annoying thought,” Hisek said.

Senior theatre performance major Marlee Wall was very excited to take on her role as Raymonde Chandesbise.

“She is the ultimate drama

queen that I think we all want to let out sometimes.

She holds nothing back and all of her emotions are right out there on her sleeve,” Wall said. “She can cry, laugh or shriek at the drop of a hat and that has been the most enjoyable thing to experiment with all of her wild levels.”

Time has been spent researching the time period and setting. All the actors and actresses also spent time working on executing their character and what makes

them unique.

“Camille as a character has to be very physically active, using body language to convey what she means. It’s taken a lot of work to get my body comfortable with that,” Jax Ebert, sophomore theatre education major said.

Wall has enjoyed the challenge of her role with applying all of the comedic aspects to her performance.

She has worked alongside the cast to transform herself into Raymonde.

“Comedy challenges me more than drama does. It is finding a truthful yet humorous way to play a moment without making it too much or too little. It’s working with your fellow actors to find that balance and feeding off what they are giving you,” Wall said.

A big part of performing this farce is executing all of the comedic aspects that the characters are involved in. The audience also plays a big part in allowing the actors and actress to hear their reactions.

“Having an audience will take this farce to the next level. It really makes a

difference having people there to feed off of,” Ebert said.

Rehearsals for the play started towards the end of the fall semester. There are many aspects within the production, including fight scenes that took some time to polish.

“You can’t just punch somebody in stage combat and assume that it is safe, it’s all about eye contact, distance, coordination, making it look smooth, making it look real. So, a simple punch can take an hour and a half to learn,” Hisek said.

The production of “A Flea in Her Ear” will take place inside the Branding Iron Theatre with performances running Feb. 8-10 and 1517 at 7:30 p.m. The final performance will be on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit wtamu.edu/theatre.

“I’m really just looking for the audience to get in there and just to forget about their problems for awhile, and just enjoy the craziness of these characters,” Hisek said. “The show is just very fun, flirty, and frenzied.

That’s what I think the audience is going to see and enjoy and that’s what I look forward to the most.”

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GAMES

Feb. 14, 2018

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Feb. 14, 2018

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COMICS

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PHOTO

Feb. 14, 2018

BUFF Love Marinna Hernandez & Chris Lowe Shannon & Dan Westemeyer

We started dating in November 2013 and have been inseparable since. We have the same morals, values, thoughts, and the same taste in everything. Honestly, we were just made for each other. We used to work together at Texas Roadhouse, and we were known as “Dannon.”

What I love most about him is his sense of humor and smile. Overall the sweetest man I have met. He makes me feel special, and because of him, I haven’t felt this happy in a long time. We sometimes have “Who has the better pick up line” arguments for the funny.

Chris usually wins.

Hannah Yock & Myles Smith

Jessica & Seth McCandless

I started school at WT the fall of 2010.

Not long afterwards I met the most amazing man! We started dating and now almost 8 years later, we are married and have two wonderful cats!

We started dating on October 30th, 2015. We were elected to be homecoming representatives, won king and queen, then started dating after going to watch one of the plays at the BIT. We are getting married on campus this summer, because it’s one of our favorite, most important places to us. We have done mission work in Kenya working with Aids & HIV Orphans and Widows.

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Carolina & Jon Galloway

Jon and I met in Dr. Byrd’s Cognitive Psychology class. We started dating in the spring of 2010. We got married twice, the first time was in Port Aransas, TX and one year later we got married in my hometown, Esmeraldas, Ecuador, in the same church where I was baptized.

Chaney Cozart & Ben Allen Chaney and I met our freshman year, fall of 2015, at the Wesley Foundation. She was attracted to me even when I looked homeless (gross beard). What I like most about her is that she has put the Father before me since day one. Her relationship with the Lord is so real and inspiring.

The Prairie/ Natalia Molina