Vol. 100, No. 11 - 11/28/2012

dash ‘ stache PAGE 10 Vol. 100 Issue 11

w

November 28, 2012

w

A St. Mar y’s University Publication Since 1925

SURVIVE THE END OF THE WORLD & FINALS WEEK

P. 8

P. 11

Junior Rebeka Garza attempts to finish her homework alongside a serious doomsday prepper. Photo by Adriana Avila

University bookstore adopts textbook rental policy Carla Rodriguez

LAYOUT/DESIGN EDITOR

In an attempt to offset student expenses, the St. Mary’s bookstore is planning a small introduction to a big opportunity—renting textbooks, instead of buying them.

While looking to upgrade the bookstore’s software system, bookstore officials keyed in on a bonus option which facilitates book rental. Because the demand to rent textbooks is increasing, bookstore officials decided it was time to accommodate the masses as early as next semester.

“That seems to be the thing in the industry these days. So we decided to go

GIFT IDEAS w PAGE 11

w

ahead,” bookstore director Arnold Davila said.

The program would start by renting out a limited amount of textbooks, excluding e-books. Once expanded, textbook shelves will state whether a book is eligible for rental or purchase.

After a student rents a book, a contract will be printed for the student to sign, agreeing to care for the book and return it by the due date, according to bookstore manager Kimberlee Ferris. Once the contract is signed, the bookstore will collect a credit card to place on file for the student’s rental period, to hold in case of delinquency.

This keeps students accountable for losses or

STUDENT ACTRESS w PAGE 12

w

severe damages, such as coffee stains and excessive page tearing, with the exception of highlighting and note taking.

At the end of each semester, if the book is not returned by the date due, the credit card on file will be charged a late fee of $10$20, which could increase until the book is returned, or the full price of the textbook is charged.

“Basically, the credit card is just security that (the student) rented the book and will return it back,” Davila said.

Additionally, students will have the option to rent using their bookstore accounts, or close the account. However, all rentals will still require a credit card on file.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR w PAGE 15

“I think it’s a good idea,” senior marketing major Brendan Valdivia said. “I rent my books from (the website) Chegg.com. I close my bookstore account at the beginning of the semester, and just rent my books because I think it will come out cheaper.”

Ferris aims to uphold current goals for students by providing the correct book at the right time at the best price.

Bookstore cashier Louise Sutton looks forward to the new options.

“It’s a good change. I think it’s good for the kids. I just hope everybody is patient with us because it’s going to be new,” Sutton said.

>>

www.stmurattlernews.com

2«news

www.stmurattlernews.com

News in Brief Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree

Join President Mengler and alumni in lighting the Christmas tree, today at 7 p.m. near the fountain in front of St. Louis Hall. The Alumni Christmas Social in Pecan Grove will follow from 8-9 p.m. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the University’s “Miracle on 36th Street” toy drive.

Faithful retreat

Join Brother Jose Matos in a retreat Friday to Sunday at the Benedictine Sisters Omega Center.

After two presentations followed by discussions, relax, pray, reflect and participate in recreational activities such as canoeing and hiking.

Bid a faithful farewell to graduates

Kneel alongside this semester’s graduates, friends and family in prayer and thanks for gifts received during time spent at St. Mary’s. The Baccalaureate Mass will commence Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m.

The 12th annual fall commencement

Whether graduating or cheering graduates, commencement is one of the most significant events of the semester. Reserve a spot, shed some tears and reflect upon the not-so-distant future. Commencement is Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Sing along at the Christmas Concert

The annual concert will start at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, and is open to the public. Stop in to hear a carol or two.

Police Blotter 10.28.12

SAPD stopped student vehicle near Lot H for not using turn signal; arrested student for illegal narcotics and weapon possession; evidence confiscated; referred to Judicial Affars.

10.30.12

DOD found highly intoxicated student in Founders Hall; student became combative; EMS contacted and transported student for further medical treatment; referred to Judicial Affairs.

10.31.12

Employee heated wax, breaking container and causing fire in Moody; fire extinguished; Physical Plant contacted for cleanup.

11.09.12

Student struck in throat during Greek Week event at Chaminade Field; student winded and bruised; DOD contacted; referred to Student Life and Judicial Affairs.

Can’t get enough of these? For a full list of the blotter, visit the News section at:

www.stmurattlernews.com

Contact Us The Rattler St. Mary’s University One Camino Santa Maria Box 83 San Antonio, TX 78228 Office: (210) 436-3401 Visit Us: University Center Room 258 Email: rattlernews@gmail.com Website: www.stmurattlernews.com

From left to right: Chancellor Rev. Martin A. Solma, Board of Trustees Chairman Charles T. Barrett, University President Thomas Mengler and his wife Mona during Inauguration ceremony Nov. 9. Photo by Christina Morgan

President discusses plans for University Daniel Cedillo

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

President Thomas Mengler conducted sessions last month with faculty and staff to move forward a strategic plan, according to Arturo Vega, associate professor of political science and former president of the faculty senate.

Mengler’s vision to reshape St. Mary’s into “the finest Catholic university in the Southwest” is earning both good marks and pointed questions from faculty in a process that will outline goals and objectives by early next year.

“What you want to do in a strategic plan is…have open sessions and have conversations,” Vega said. “He’s doing the right thing by having these sessions...

It is a very good thing.”

According to Professor of Mathematics Paul Uhlig, current president of the faculty senate, the sessions called to attention the need for St. Mary’s to better market its facets through strategic planning.

He indicated that “the solution is not to throw $10 million into an advertising program...(but) it’s a problem if our excellence is a secret…we need to be better about sharing our excellence with the world.”

The issue is tricky, according to Robert Skipper, associate professor of philosophy.

“I’m a really big fan of word-ofmouth advertising,” Skipper said. “I think a lot of people are cynical about published ads...if it comes from another person they trust, they’re more likely to believe it...I think the best spokespeople are alums.”

Mengler noted that St. Mary’s doesn’t have $10 million for an advertising campaign, and the institution must continue engaging the alumni in wordof-mouth advertising. Yet, alone it will not be enough, he said.

Issues such as this prompted him to enlist strategic planning consultant James R. Dublin to facilitate strategic thinking sessions. The previous University strategic plan, “Vision 2012,” was developed from 20 sessions with nearly 500 participants.

As he did with faculty and staff, Mengler addressed leaders of the student body Nov. 13, presenting his vision and clarifying that the process will be collaborative. In the session, Mengler answered students’ questions about adding graduate programs.

“We are open to other graduate programs…we have to be responsive to a community at large,” Mengler said.

However, he stressed that only programs that are academically excellent would be added.

“They have to be first class,” he said.

When posed the question about adding doctoral programs, Mengler placed emphasis on maintaining strong undergraduate programs.

“It’s hard to sway me to create new doctoral programs when we are fundamentally a different university.”

At Mengler’s inauguration ceremony Nov. 9, his wife Mona described her husband as a “visionary.”

“He believes strongly in collaboration with his colleagues and expresses his confidence with them in entrusting that they will be honest with him, even if they disagree,” she said.

Such collaboration to form a strategic plan is scheduled to conclude with approval by the board of trustees this spring or summer, according to Mengler on the Gateway home page under “St. Mary’s Strategic Planning.”

The next step is to propose goals and objectives for the next meeting of the University’s board of trustees Feb. 8.

“St. Mary’s will be the best place to continue the maturing process and continue the journey we’re all on, whether you’re 18, or 59 like me,” Mengler said.

news»3

www.stmurattlernews.com

Loss won’t deter Republican group Despite Romney’s loss, College Republicans maintain confidence.

Analissa Cantu

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Republicans woke up after the election with a “political hangover,” as less than 40 percent of voters ages 18-29 voted for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, but the University’s College Republicans say they’re not giving up, and will continue to organize.

“You pour so much effort and heart into it and it’s tough. At first you feel pessimistic, but I think (the organization) will be fine in the end,” junior political science major Alfonso Pacheco said.

StMU College Republicans volunteered in seven campaigns, including those of local judicial candidate Joseph Helscher, U.S. Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco, Senator-elect Ted Cruz and congressional candidate David Rosa, according to senior political science major Vanessa Benavides, College Republicans chairperson. Their volunteer efforts included raising money for candidates, compiling information packets and educating students about the candidates’ values.

“We know none of our efforts went to waste. We are the only organization on campus that protects the conservative voice,” Benavides said. “It is important that we remain active on campus so that students know that the minority political view is still represented on campus.”

Approximately 60 percent of young voters supported Obama, according to exit poll data reported by CBS News. Tufts University researchers reported if Romney won even half the youth vote, or if young voters had stayed home entirely, Romney would have been elected president.

“We have to appeal more toward the youth, and that’s not just us (Republicans on campus) but as a national platform,” Pacheco said. “That’s something that we struggle with.

Exit polls by age Obama 60% 60% 55% 48% 47% 44%

Age 18-24 25-29 30-39 40-49 50-64 65+

Romney 36% 38% 42% 50% 52% 56% Source: Edison research

Nationally, we need to stop with this religious bigotry.”

Despite Republican losses, the campus’ College Republicans plan to host the State College Republican Executive Committee (SCREC) Feb. 23. The meeting will bring together leaders from 28 different Texas chapters, including Trinity University, University of the Incarnate Word and University of Texas at San Antonio.

“We will bring in speakers to help us learn how to promote the conservative voice on our campus,” Benavides said.

The week before the convention, the College Republicans will host events including a session on why the conservative voice is less popular among young students, a “Respect for Life” program and a field day.

In addition to hosting SCREC, the College Republicans received an invitation to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) March 14-16 in National Harbor, Md. Previous conference speakers have included Mitt Romney, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Benavides and Pacheco said they hope to continue supporting other candidates, including Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and Bexar County District Clerk Donna Kay McKinney.

Pacheco, who’s been active in the College Republicans for three years, said the group has grown.

“When I was a freshman, there were five students, including me, in total (in the organization) and most of the students were older than I was,” Pacheco said.

The College Republicans now number almost 20.

“We have underclassmen that are willing to take on leadership roles whenever the older members leave, so I feel good,” Pacheco said.

“Everyone is welcome to come in and although people have different views, our ultimate goal is to make the country a better place. You have to read both sides. If you just get one side constantly and haven’t heard the other one, it kind of scares people (from politics).”

Freshman political science major Alexis Arriaga agreed.

“Even though this is a Republican (organization), we talk about each candidate, and not just one which helped me see which candidate’s views matched my own,” Arriaga said.

B U R N I N G Q U E S T I O N

When was the veteran memorial built and who does it honor?

“In 2004, Memorial Plaza, located between St. Louis Hall and Chaminade Hall at the front of campus, was dedicated in the memory of 1st Lt. Edwin Frank Dietzel Jr. (B.S. ‘41), who lost his life during World War II. The plaza’s monuments bear the names of St. Mary’s soldiers who have died defining their country during wars and major conflicts around the world.

Note that there are a few names that will be added in the near future.”

Gina Farrell Director of Media Relations

lithering

statistics

$26,492,400 total cost of all undergraduate credit hours

Total undergraduate credits hours

Cost at 720 per hour

10,945

$7,880,400

Sophomores:

8,642

$6,222,240

Juniors:

7,657

$5,513,040

Seniors:

9,551

$6,876,720

TOTAL:

36,795

$26,492,400

Freshmen:

Graphic by Alex Eakins

4«news

www.stmurattlernews.com

Hispanic ministry informs faithful Alex Eakins NEWS EDITOR

To incorporate bilingual activities and cultural celebrations into its faith, the Hispanic ministry has focused primarily on liturgies and major celebrations such as “Dia de los Muertos” and the upcoming “Posadas” in December, according to the Minister for Spiritual Development Brother Jose J. Matos-Auffant.

The Hispanic ministry began approximately a year ago, and has been gaining momentum at a reasonable pace since. Providing a connection to heritage for over 60 percent of the student population, the ministry desires a greater impact.

Fortunately, funding has not been a problem for the ministry.

“The beauty of it all has been the generosity of many student organizations and individuals willing to pitch in for each of our events so far, thus making this effort all the more rewarding beyond the numbers,” MatosAuffant said.

Students like sophomore accounting major Sandy Guevara have contributed significant amounts of time to Hispanic ministry related activities.

“I love reading in Spanish and I’ve had the opportunity of reading at Spanish Mass twice,” Guevara said.

The starting point for the Hispanic ministry is Spanish liturgy, because it attracts students through provocation of memories in their native languages.

“Many students are attracted to Spanish Mass or ‘Misa en Español’ as it evokes childhood memories or helps them keep connected with their religious traditions,” Matos-Auffant said.

RESIDENCE HALLS DORMS TO HAVE WI-FI A challenge for Matos-Auffant arises because the Hispanic community here is diverse.

In an email from Director of Student Development VP “We have to be very sensitive to regional and Residence Life, James Villarreal Kathy Sisoian, endorsed national pride, to history and to current issues in order confirmed suspicions that the proposal and requested to provide ‘a place for everyone at the table,’” MatosResidence Halls would soon immediate implementation of Auffant said. have Wi-Fi. this important addition to your Guevara has been grateful for the Spanish Masses After testing a new Wi-Fi halls,” Villarreal stated in the conducted by the Hispanic ministry. vendor in Marian Hall early in email.

“When I first attended Mass in St Mary’s, it felt the semester, Residence Life A quality of life survey awkward to listen to it in English, since I am used to grappled once again with the strongly indicated that students listening to it in Spanish,” Guevara said. “I decided to idea of adding Wi-Fi to the opted for Wi-Fi in dorms. attend the first Spanish Mass and it reminded me so Residence Halls.

Workers will begin much of my homeland and my family that I was very “Once the budgetary implementing Wi-Fi in dorm happy that they were finally going to make some time and hardware pieces were halls within the next few weeks. to give Mass in Spanish.” in place, the University When students return in Guevara is both hopeful and expectant of a Executive Council, led by January, Wi-Fi will effectively prominent future for the Hispanic ministry, indicating President Tom Mengler and be available in dorm rooms. that she would like to have Spanish Mass every Sunday. with strong support from

WearRingStMaryAd_Oct2012_Layout 1 9/24/12 11:46 AM Page 1

Wear the Ring: It’s our habit.

Explore the life of a Marianist brother|priest|sister

your, you’re their, they’re, there Know the difference?

Come to our writers meetings next semester.

Email rattlernews@gmail.com to join our contact list

The Society of Mary (Marianist brothers and priests) and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (Marianist sisters) are international Catholic religious orders founded in France in the early 1800s. They are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and find inspiration in her way of bringing Jesus to the world and following Him. From the time of their profession of perpetual vows, Marianist brothers, priests and sisters wear a ring as a mark of their lifelong commitment.

For more information, contact Brother Tom Wendorf at twendorf@sm-usa.org or 314.533.1207 or visit www.marianist.com/vocations

Taste the Tradition of Lisa’s 10% Discount with Student I.D.

Live Music Fridays

Celebrating your Birthday or Graduation: Lisa’s offers private party accommodations Full catering or delivery Curbside service Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 10:00pm Friday & Saturday 8:00am to 11:00pm Sunday 8:00am to 9:00pm 815 Bandera Road (Corner of Bandera and Woodlawn) (210) 433-2531 www.lisasmexican.com

6«commentary

www.stmurattlernews.com

STAFF EDITORIAL

Study sensibly

$$

$ $$ $

$$

$

$ $

$ $

$ $ $$

$

$$

$

$ $

$ $$

Letters to the Editor Policy The Rattler welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should not exceed 500 words and must include writer’s name, classification, major and telephone number.

Editors reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar, spelling, and content.

For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401 or email rattlernews@gmail.com.

$

Standards The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Assosiated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.

The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Assoiation, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

$

Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

$

Assistant Photo Editor Adriana Avila

$$ $

Advertising Manager Rachel Hernandez

$

Photo Editor Felix Arroyo

$

Sports Editor Christina Faseler

$

$

Web Editor Juan Casas

$

$ $

Entertainment Editor Stela Khury

$

$

Copy Editor Ashley Snipes

$

$ $

Features Editor Arturo Osteguin Jr.

$

$$

$

$$ $ $

Layout/Design Editor Carla Rodriguez

$$ $

$ $$

$$

Commentary Editor Briana Perez

$

$

Managing Editor Amanda Cano

$

News Editor Alex Eakins

$ $

$

Editor-in-Chief Nick Canedo

$ $

$

Editorial Staff

$

$ $

Finals week is notoriously a stressful time for students. Everyone has their own method for successful late night studying — drinking pots of coffee, downing dozens of energy drinks, eating sugary snacks or repetitive pacing around the dorm.

Unfortunately, some turn to unhealthy methods so popular, they are now referred to as “study drugs.”

The immense amount of pressure students feel to end the semester with a perfect letter grade may lead down a dangerous path. Some popular prescription study drugs include Ritalin and Adderall, traditionally used to treat ADHD. According to UT Austin University Health Services, both of these dangerous study drugs have the potential for dependency; side effects include insomnia, vomiting, tremors, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, unusual bleeding, and impotence.

A survey performed by the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania revealed in 2009, 25 percent of students on polled campuses admitted to using one of these study drugs.

The pressure to be perfect can permeate a college campus, but it is important to balance striving for perfect grades with responsible decisionmaking. No class or grade is worth destroying your long-term health.

Illustration by Jasmaine Aquino. Graphic by Carla Rodriguez

Tis’ the season to empty wallets?

Holiday commercialization takes meaning away from religious celebrations.

Commercialization allows for tangible ways to celebrate with loved ones.

Now that commercialism is the fuel for the holiday fire, the real meaning of Christmas is no longer the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. To participate in the holiday, it seems people must buy a Tamara Garcia tree, stick it inside the house, shove piles of gifts under it, open them Christmas day, then contemplate what to do with gifts which aren’t liked.

Many overlook what this holiday should mean.

As Christian tradition stands, Christmas is the day specifically set aside to celebrate Jesus’ genesis, in particular, the time leading up to his birth. It is a time to reflect on what Jesus was able to do for us: coming to earth to sacrifice himself, saving us all from our sins. Sadly, many people can go their entire lives not knowing the deeper meaning to the season draped in red and green regalia.

The take over of holiday commercialism muddled a day meant to be full of love and of joy and togetherness; people have completely forgotten what they are celebrating and exactly why they are celebrating it. The true meaning of Christmas has been lost to hundreds of dollars spent looking for the so called ‘perfect’ gift. Families continue to gather during Christmas, but the time spent together consists largely of eating and opening gifts, often without even a mention of Jesus Christ.

These gatherings are rendered meaningless without the underlay of spiritual significance.

As it is, there will always be people who cannot afford to buy gifts they want to for their loved ones. These people can often feel excluded from the holiday, as if it is their fault for not having the money for lavish gifts. What people need to focus on is looking past material objects to the deeper intent of the holiday season, allowing the traditional meaning of Christmas to remain strong in the future. The reason for the season is Jesus Christ, and nothing else.

Many think the commercialism surrounding Christmas has forced people to unnecessarily waste money on overpriced junk, causing them to lose site of the true meaning of Christmas. Not only is this Dale Fastle assumption incorrect, the commercialism surrounding Christmas is necessary.

The reality is the economy would suffer greatly if not for the holiday season. According to the Dayton Daily News, retailers find holiday sales essential to obtain yearly profits, as the holiday season accounts for up to 40 percent of annual sales. In fact, Black Friday—the day after Thanksgiving marked by huge sales from most major retailers— is when many businesses start to turn a profit. Without this pivotal day, and the weeks following, many jobs would be lost.

On a different note, without commercialization, there is no individual tradition. Giving complete meaning to Christmas means celebrating by giving, receiving, eating, decorating and realizing through these acts how much we love each other. Whether it’s birthdays, weddings, Thanksgiving, Valentine ’s Day, Mother’s or Father’s Day, we appreciate happiness by sharing gifts and receiving them. It is in our nature. As physical creatures in a physical world, physical manifestations of abstract concepts are needed in order to better understand them. Commercialization allows the manifestation of the abstractness of the Christmas spirit. Much of the significance of Christmas comes from the many traditions surrounding it, most of which could not exist without commercialization.

It is possible to become entirely sucked into the commercialized aspect of Christmas and to lose all sight of the underlying meaning behind the gifts and lights and food. But so long as people remember why they get and give, the spirit of Christmas is enhanced, not hindered, by the commercialization surrounding the season.

commentary»7

www.stmurattlernews.com

Election may finally spur action in D.C. When looking at the 2012 election results, it’s easy to believe not much has changed.

Obama remains Emily Artalejo president, the House of Representatives is still a Republican majority and the Democrats retained control of the Senate. Many believe that the United States is destined—or doomed—to repeat the last four years.

Citizens—disgruntled with this perpetuation of the status quo—have accessed a page of the White House’s website, We The People, in order to create and promote petitions to secede from the United States. In total, citizens of over 30 states have filed a petition and currently Texas and Louisiana have obtained enough petition signatures to garner a response from the White House. However, scholars predict that the seccession campaigns will lose their fervor by January.

Though citizens are exercising their right to make their voices heard through peaceful means, Obama’s re-election is actually a step in ending the political gridlock in Washington. As Republican House Speaker John Boehner eloquently stated, “Let’s rise above the dysfunction

Illustration by Ana Cano

and do the right thing together for our country.”

We can expect fewer attempts to repeal legislation passed in Obama’s first term. Without the pressure of an upcoming election, parties can work together to agree on a deficit-reduction plan by Jan. 1.

Not only do the relationships between parties in Congress look promising, the current Congress is the most diverse ever. There are more women and African Americans in the Senate than ever before, as well as an increase in the Hispanic representation; on Nov.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR In Azhmir Acosta’s article last issue, “City Catholics react to politics in church,” the Catholic Church in San Antonio was dealing with increased scrutiny from Catholic residents objecting to the Church’s involvement in politics.

Acosta believes the Church as a whole should not endorse specific political candidates. Religious leaders should have the right to impact voters’ decisions, especially when religious values and freedoms are being targeted.

On Aug. 1, 2011, President Obama administered the HHS mandate. The mandate requires all health insurance plans to cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods and sterilization procedures. A large majority of religious organizations will be required to choose to either violate their consciences or drop health coverage for employees.

In addition, citizens who oppose the contraceptive services and sterilization procedures will have to support it with tax dollars – which goes against their religious freedom as well. Forcing religious institutions to comply with the mandate, despite objections of good conscience,

6, the electorate put into power Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay candidate to be elected to the Senate. There are two practicing Hindus in Congress and the first Buddhist was recently elected to the Senate, and 20 members of the House are younger than 30. Finally, the legislative body is beginning to look more like an actual American melting pot.

As diversified politicians begin to deemphasize politics and emphasize action, it’s quite possible that the nation may truly become a nation by the people, for the people.

is a severe blow to one’s religious liberty.

Like Acosta said, religious voters need to realize that political rhetoric finds its way into all aspects of life, including the religious life. No political candidate is perfect, but one who decides to impose on a right that is associated to all, is a candidate who does not agree with the Founding Fathers of this country.

A letter to Obama released by the Family Research Council and signed by over 2,500 pastors and evangelical leaders, states, “Thomas Jefferson drafted the Virginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom in 1779, which passed in 1786, and set the stage for the First Amendment. In it, Jefferson states: ‘to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical.’”

Katherine Benavides Senior English-Communications Arts

Local school district surveils student location One of the largest school districts in Texas, San Antonio’s Northside Independent School District, is currently running a pilot program to track students Nick Canedo on two of its campuses using technology rooted in their student identification cards and may possibly expand to all 112 schools, which serve nearly 100,000 students.

It doesn’t seem a coincidence the district admittedly chose to run the program at John Jay High School and Anson Jones Middle School where attendance is the lowest in the district; this gives NISD the most room to show potential attendance improvement during the pilot program.

“This way we can see if a student is at the nurse’s office or elsewhere on campus, when they normally are counted for attendance in first period,” district spokesman Pascual Gonzalez said.

If students wish to skip class the last place they would be is on school property. But the “smart” cards can only track students while they are on school property.

The “smart” cards will be worn on lanyards around the neck. Forcing all students at a public school to wear a certain article of clothing on a daily basis that tracks their whereabouts on school property sounds like something out of a utopic novel. Unfortunately, it’s happening in the city’s largest district.

District officials claim the Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) tags will improve safety by allowing them to locate students as well as provide an accurate count at the beginning of the school day to help offset cuts in state funding, which is partly based on attendance. Apparently, the district thinks this task is too much for the teachers, who currently hold that responsibility.

The pilot program will cost the district approximately $261,000, with no tangible reason for implementation besides increasing attendance.

“I think this is overstepping our bounds and is inappropriate,” said trustee M’Lissa M. Chumbley at the May board of trustees meeting. “I’m honestly uncomfortable about this.”

Sadly, the rest of the board didn’t feel the same.

What do you think? Voice your opinion and visit the Commentary section at:

www.stmurattlernews.com

A relatively overlooked doomsday scenario would

One of the more devastating scenarios that could

TIM PAIZ, SENIOR, READY FOR ACTION

Last May, NASA reported 4,700 “potentially

CYNDY ALVAREZ, SENIOR, COMET-ED TO RUN

3

LIANA CASTRO, SENIOR, GOING HOME

2

Polar shifts are a natural geologic process whereby magma in the Earth’s mantle and crust moves, happening at a rate equivalent to the growth of human fingernails on a geologic scale. Although shifts as rapid as portrayed in the movie “2012” simply do not occur, others say it can happen. Redistribution of water resulting from polar shifts would cause calamity. First, it might mean earthquakes, abnormal weather patterns, tsunamis able to submerge continents and holes in the earth’s magnetic field, which protects the planet from harmful cosmic rays. Next, climatological shifts and ocean current alterations would result from redistribution of land, making the Earth nearly inhospitable.

To prepare for the unlikely event of a rapid polar shift, first, hoard necessary supplies for food and shelter. Then, find a safe, flood proof location far from cities and coastlines, but near a fresh water source and potential firewood.

A solar flare occurs when magnetic energy built up in the solar atmosphere is suddenly released.

As a result, radiation is emitted across virtually the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The amount of energy released is the equivalent of millions of 100-megaton hydrogen bombs exploding simultaneously.

According to a report by NASA, almost nothing is immune to a super solar fare, followed by an extreme geomagnetic storm.

While electric power is modern society’s cornerstone technology on which virtually all other infrastructures and services depend, it is particularly vulnerable to bad space weather. On a hot summer day in Texas, for instance, people in Houston might be running their air conditioners on power routed from Dallas. It makes economic sense—but not necessarily geomagnetic sense.

Interconnectedness makes the system susceptible to wideranging “cascade failures.” If this happens, people will panic and be forced to survive until the problem is fixed…if it ever is.

The Zombie Apocalypse occurs when the zombie infection gets to the point when social chaos ensues.

This may happen quickly or over time, depending on the vector, rapidity and initial outbreak location of the infection. For example, if the outbreak is viral, with an incubation period of a few hours, or breaks out in a major city, the patient zero to full-on ZPOC in a very short period of time.

The best way to kill zombies depends on the infection vector and unique physiology of the zombie. General consensus is that destroying the central nervous system is the most reliable method, which can be accomplished with a blow to the head. If they are living zombies, then severing the major blood vessels, heart or lungs will be quick, but not instant.

1

TAYLOR BACA, SENIOR, DISORIENTED

RAUL JIMENEZ, SOPHOMORE, BURNED ALIVE

SEAN LANAGAN, SENIOR, ZOMBIE HUNTER

Graphics by Carla Rodriguez All scenerios written by The Rattler Staff Photos by Adriana Avila

(and wil l)

^

According to the Arlington Institute, oil accounts for

JEROME BUDOMO, STAFF,SCAVENGER SNIFFLES ALEX REGUERA, SENIOR,

4

What would happen in the event of an electromagnetic pulse? First, all electronic devices would be fried to the point of no repair. Airplanes would instantly fall out of the sky, pacemakers would stop working, all automobiles would be out of commission and a media blackout would occur. And this would only be the beginning. Without security systems, stores and homes would be raided. The government, without any communication to its people, would fall. With a mad dash for food and other essentials, everyone would fight with each other and humanity would be in a war over resources. The only way to survive would be to be the first in the stores to take all necessary equipment and food, and then hide away for a while as everyone else fights over what’s left.

KEYLA RAMOS, SENIOR, IN THE DARK

it DOOMS DAY 12canways happen DESTRUCTION

5

2

10

1

6

3

11

7

12

According to Mother Nature Network, one of the most dangerous threats to the human race is a virus. A virus is a deadly disease that spreads rapidly throughout the world. Within the last century, there have been four major flu epidemics, as well as HIV and SARS. Scientists believe it is inevitable for another pandemic like these to occur. More people were killed in the 1918 influenza “Spanish Flu” outbreak than in World War I. In today’s times, a deadly contagion could spread faster and infect even more people because of modern transportation and the amount of international travel that takes place today. Even if a natural virus does not threaten the human population, mankind is a threat in itself with biological warfare and diseases like anthrax and cholera.

If the world were to end because of natural disasters, we could see hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions and many other extraordinary life threatening natural events. Although the planet experiences many natural disasters each year, these disasters may become increasingly more frequent and significantly more intense then any ever before. Along with the increased property damage and economic losses, the loss of human life will increase exponentially. In actuality, experts say the frequency of earthquakes has not changed in the last hundred years, and the likelihood of the world ending from a violent earthquake is slim.

In order to prepare for a natural disaster, stock up on food, water, candles, matches, blankets and take shelter in safe places.

In a recent poll, 10 percent of interviewees believed the Maya calendar pointed to what could be the end of the world. For the Mayan society, the concept of time is cyclical in nature and the idea of death and rebirth were central to how the calendars were laid out. The Maya created four separate calendars; each depended on the event recorded. Their most prominent calendar was the Long Count, which was only outlined until 2012. The Maya succeeded in pinpointing historical events beyond their time, such as droughts, disease outbreaks and astronomical occurrences, all of which are connected to natural, repetitive events. The end of this cycle of the Long Count calendar meant the completion of an era to the Maya, but what that should mean to modern society is not clear.

Specialized archeologists claim the Mayans weren’t fatalistic, but merely attached to their cycles. The question is: the end of the cycle of what? Only Dec. 21 will tell.

9

BRITTANY TALAMANTES, SENIOR, FROSTED

JEROME BUDOMO, STAFF, SNIFFLES

MELISA ESTRADA, JUNIOR, BLOWN AWAY

JENNIFER NUNEZ, SOPHOMORE, DOOMED

8

10

Opposite to global warming, scientists believe Earth has the potential to freeze over. Fallout from nuclear war or a volcano blast could create enough dust in the air to completely block sunlight, thus causing a deep plunge in surface temperatures.

In the 1960s, climate modelers discovered that if Earth stayed covered in enough ice, most of the incoming solar radiation would be reflected back into space causing a constant temperature of 50 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. If Earth remained cold long enough, it could be catastrophic to the ecosystems and human life. In the 1990s, a geobiologist from the California Institute of Technology discovered glacial deposits in the tropics, which means Earth has already spent long stretches of time frozen. The life remaining during that time may have managed to survive by clinging to the few sanctuaries heated by volcano springs.

over 45 percent of all energy generated worldwide, as well as fuels 96 percent of the transportation sector. Oil is also an essential part of the plastics, fertilizers and asphalt industry. As a finite source, oil will one day be depleted. What will happen then? The world will have a socio-economical collapse. People will stop reporting to work, the stock market will crash and the world as we know will cease to exist. Modern society will be sent back to its primitive stages. People will have to grow their own food and engage in bartering as the collapse of the market will mean the collapse of fiat currency or legal tender. There will be riots in the streets, there will be no police forces and the government will cease to exist. Utter anarchy will result.

8

hazardous” asteroids are currently near Earth.

Rocks bigger than 300 feet are so close to the planet, one could make it through the atmosphere; some of them are projected to pass by Earth as early as February 2013. There have been three confirmed major impacts within the last 10 years, none of which made impact in largely populated areas, but this is no more than a matter of chance. It is largely accepted that an asteroid caused the mass extinction during the Cretaceous period which wiped out the dinosaurs. An impact today could have the same result: extreme volcanic activity, the regression of the shorelines cutting access to drinking water and the movement of the flood basalts, releasing sulfuric gases into the atmosphere, ultimately making any life on unsustainable.

7

result in the end of the world is a nuclear holocaust, or a global nuclear war. According to the Federation of American Scientists, there is an estimated 19,000 nuclear weapons currently in the world, although information from other countries is highly unreliable.

Countries recognized as nuclear forces include the U.S., the United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, India, Israel, Pakistan and North Korea. Recent reports also reveal Iran is on its way to becoming a formidable nuclear threat. Of the known nuclear warheads, 2,000 U.S. and Russian weapons are considered on high alert, ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. The results of nuclear detonations could include immediate extermination, radiation poisoning, a drastic change to global temperatures and societal chaos. In a full-on nuclear war, there really is no hope of survival for humanity.

6

be an alien invasion. According to Stephen Hawking, the outcome would be similar to when Christopher Columbus first landed in America, which didn’t turn out very well for the Native Americans. Hawking explains that aliens might exist in massive ships, traveling the universe as nomads. Having used up all the resources on their own planets, they would be looking to conquer and colonize whatever planets they can find. Unless invaded by peaceful aliens, the world would either be exterminated, enslaved or a combination of both.

The best bet would be to find shelter. It would be important to stock up on supplies. Nonperishable foods would be especially important to survive in hiding. Ultimately the aliens will leave, conquer or fall to the human race.

5

N

10«features Campus unites to raise awareness for prostate cancer by scavenging with soup strainers.

Mercedes Kelso

STAFF WRITER

Noshave Movember Personalities

“Movemeber” has become the month many people worldwide participate in to promote prostate cancer awareness. On campus, the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and Campus Recreation are partnering to hold the second annual fundraising event, ‘Stache Dash, tomorrow at 5 p.m.

“While doing research on what No Shave November was, I came across the website Movember.com that explained it as a way to bring about awareness for men’s cancer,” sophomore marketing and management double major Jacob Bartholomew said.

Reading about the cause inspired Bartholomew to create his own event. ’Stache Dash is a scavenger hunt type of event in which students make teams of three to five people to compete in various actives and riddles around campus.

“The event requires you to use your brain and your brawn,” according to Bartholomew. “Once you solve a riddle, you will be given a list of more riddles and then you will have to complete a quick physical challenge.”

Senior philosophy and economics double major Sam Regonini participated in ’Stache Dash last year.

“It was a really fun experience with my friends, but it also helps in raising money and awareness for Movember and prostate cancer affecting men,” Regonini said. “I always participate in Movember/No Shave November and ’Stache Dash is a really cool way

www.stmurattlernews.com

to make it more than just growing facial hair.”

Sophomore finance major Alyana Stokes participated in ’Stache Dash last year and hopes to do so again this year.

Stokes said, “Overall it was a lot of fun. We had a good time trying to figure out the clues. They were unique and made you think outside of the box.”

Bartholomew expects to work out the kinks from last year to make this year a greater success.

“One of the failures from last year was the craziness of holding it for the first time, but it will run more smoothly this year,” Bartholomew said. ’Stache Dash is open to the whole campus. There is a small entrance fee per person and there will be prizes for the winning team.

“This event is for a good cause and will be a lot of fun. Who wouldn’t want to compete?” Bartholomew said.

Sophmore Jacob Bartholome, organizes the annual ’stache dash, usually with an articfial mustache.

Photo by Adriana Avila Graphic by Amanda Cano

Duck Tail

Justin Quiroz Senior Theology

Boxed Beard

Chin Curtain

Nick Campana

Senior English-Communication Arts

Pablo Cruz Jr. Junior English

Jesus Style

Brian Buchmeyer Senior Mathematics

www.stmurattlernews.com

Made for you with pennies and love Gift ideas that will melt hearts without freezing accounts.

Vivian Rodriguez STAFF WRITER

Providing gifts for family and friends doesn’t mean draining students’ bank accounts or racking

up interest on a credit card.

Making or buying something small and from the heart means a lot more than buying a generic gift that could be given to anybody.

Here are a few ideas to jumpstart the creative side of the brain that may have been fried while cramming this semester.

Mason Jar

Whether on a budget or not, buying inexpensive gifts with a personalized touch can make others’ hearts melt during the cold, snowy season.

After all, it is always the thought, not the monetary value, that counts.

features»11

Survive

FINALS Graphic and Compilation by Amanda Cano

Attire

Don’t wear overly comfortable clothes, like pajamas. If you are comfortable, you will be more prone to want to go to sleep sooner.

Dream Catcher

Posture

Sit up straight at a table. Do not study on a comfy lounge chair or on your bed.

Action Plan

Anyone can put a variety of gift ideas into a mason jar, which can be edible or inedible. Some people layer cake into a mason jar or an assortment of candy, a miniature flower arrangement or diorama of a shared memory.

For those who may be superstitious or even simply appreciate a cultural art form, a dream catcher is a great addition to someone’s decor. This will not only remind people that they’re safe at night from evil spirits, but it will also give them an incentive to be reminded of the care given to them.

Photo Album

Batch of Cookies

Switch tasks every hour to avoid exhausting your brain on one subject.

Often times, a break from a specific topic helps refresh one’s perspective on the subject.

Breaks

Take 15 minute breaks, but do not use these breaks to take naps. Try stretching to keep you awake.

Rejuvenate

Although most people turn to caffeine to stay awake, the best thing to drink is water. Drinking water leads to consistent restroom breaks.

Study Hours During Finals Week Dec. 9 through Dec. 15

A photo album filled with pictures of family and friends can go a long way. There are photo albums already designed that just require photos to be slid in, but there’s also scrapbooks where an extra crafty person can embellish pages with themed stickers and papers. Michael’s Arts and Crafts supply store has a large selection of scrapbook albums with easy to customize paper and personalized stickers to make that person feel extra special for a gift that isn’t too pricy, but is priceless.

A simple trip to the grocery store to pick up some mix and just about an hour of baking is all it takes to make someone’s day. And with some extra change, a trip to the dollar store or a craft supply store might yield a Christmas themed tin to put the goodies in. It’s from the heart, requires a personal touch of baking and it doesn’t cost too much money and it’s a unique gift that everyone will want a piece of.

Photos by Adriana Avila

Day

Blume Library

Sun.

1 p.m. to midnight

Learning Commons 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Mon. 7:45 a.m. to midnight

7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Tue.

7:45 a.m. to midnight

7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Wed. 7:45 a.m. to midnight

7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Thu.

7:45 a.m. to midnight

7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Fri.

7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

12«entertainment Up next From Movies Dec. 14

Source: rottentomatoes.com

The Hobbit The movie adaptation that has been in the minds of Tolkien fans for nine years finally delivers its first out of three installments.

With the promise of a faithful recreation of the story, coupled with content from the appendixes of the novel, fans have much to look forward to. Tickets for the premiere weekend are already sold out at many locations.

Television Nov. 28

Valerie Dominguez

passion totheatre successchanges : student

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Senior English-communication arts major Anndria Flores is a rising star in the University’s theatre program and is sure her experience with acting will help her pursue a varied career in hotel management and teaching.

Flores was born and raised in San Antonio surrounded by richness of culture in local theaters such as the Majestic Theatre. Flores’ family often took her to see plays, especially the Nutcracker during Christmas time. But theater has not always been a passion of hers.

“I was a little bit (too) timid to get involved with (theatre),” Flores admitted.

Flores first attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where she chose ballet as an elective because she felt more comfortable in it. But when Flores moved to West Campus High School, where theatre was her only choice, she participated in “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” and found great pleasure in reading scripts. Flores believes fate put theatre in her path and she found herself hooked.

“I started my freshman year and I was in theatre every year after that,” Flores said.

Though theatre became a part of her, Flores chose to attend St. Mary’s to pursue a career in hotel management. Her experience at the Embassy Suites Hotel was not all she had in mind, though. The more she moved up the

www.stmurattlernews.com

employee ladder, the more she grew wary of how her work schedule impacted her lifestyle.

“I quickly realized it was a 24-hour operation...you work crazy hours, period,” Flores said.

Flores adjusted her goals to accommodate what she feels matters most to her: friends and family.

“I’d like to teach communication or business administration,” she stated.

Although Flores has identified a variety of career paths, these have not satisfied her hunger for theatre. In addition to her plans as a professor, Flores chose to pursue a minor in theatre, adding a semester to her degree plan.

“It’s something I am very passionate about,” Flores said.

During her time here, Flores has participated in two productions including the recent production, “Hamlet.” Flores pointed out that playing Ophelia in “Hamlet” was especially difficult.

“A lot of the characters I played were the shy, timid character…I’ve never played a character where someone goes off the deep end. It was really hard for me to get to that mental state,” Flores said.

However challenging different roles can be, Flores loves theater and believes it can be the perfect creative outlet for anybody, whether it relates to their field of study or not. She says

Anndria Flores directed a student oneact for the drama department on Nov. 16.

Photo by Felix Arroyo

that in every career, it’s important to be able to communicate with others.

“Theatre has allowed me to be comfortable in my own skin and to be quick on my feet; to not be afraid to interact with people,” Flores affirmed.

Student Art Exhibitions The art department is accepting submissions from students enrolled in art courses for the fall 2012 student invitational exhibition.

Source: blogspot.com

BBC’s The Hour “The Hour” premiered under the guise of a newsroom drama set in the ’50s. Instead, it dazzled audiences with an espionage mystery, a far cry from the melodrama of “Mad Men.” The new season brings another mystery and an dynamic not as amicable between Freddie and Bel. The show returns to BBC America on Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

Eligible submissions • drawings, paintings, printmaking, photography

and sculptural works.

Deadlines • Nov. 28 - Dec.5 • Charles Francis 23 (9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. or by

appointment) Artwork will be on display in Blume library over the winter break.

Compiled by Danielle Saenz

Amanda Marlyng Saldivar concentrates on finishing her painting for a class. Photo by Alex Diaz

entertainment»13

www.stmurattlernews.com

New from Nintendo, just in time for holidays well as interactivity during races through the touchscreen, such as using boosts and items.

Nintendo brings its A-game to the holiday On “Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed,” shopping battleground with what might be the gameplay does not differ from its previous the first of a new generation of video game installment, but it expands on the original consoles. game with new levels and crisper graphics.

The WiiU, released Nov. 18, is a greatly The highly anticipated “ZombiU” is anticipated upgrade to the widely successful Nintendo’s attempt at appealing to serious Nintendo Wii, which lagged behind gamers. The WiiU’s upgraded HD graphics with technological specs compared to its and HDMI port allowed Nintendo to catch counterparts including Xbox 360 and up to the competition in this first-person Playstation 3 consoles. zombie shooting game with an interactive The new Nintendo console is reported flare: players may customize a character to be 50 percent more powerful than Sony’s with their own face, but if the player dies inPS3 and offers interesting game their character gaming dynamics with the lives on as a addition of the WiiU zombie who, GamePad. The new main when found controller is tabletand killed, WiiU quick facts shaped, yet surprisingly provides •Eighth generation home console ergonomic, with basic s p e c i a l •8GB or 32GB internal memory gaming buttons plus a items. The •HDMI audio and video output touchscreen used for inmultiplayer •Nintendo Wii accessories compatible game interactivity, such mode of as accessing maps, items, “ZombiU” is •Basic bundle ($299), Deluxe bundle ($349) reloading ammunition one of a kind, and even video chatting. with both The WiiU may not split screen and be as revolutionary as its online gaming Source: wired.com available. The WiiU GamePad adds to the multiplayer fun by allowing one of the players to assume the role of a zombie and go against the others.

“Nintendo Land,” the accompanying game The University of the Incarnate Word with WiiU, allows players offers 20 graduate degrees, to experiment with the 4 professional and 2 doctoral programs. functionality of the GamePad through different UIW’s newest programs are: entertaining minigames – a must-have for early adopters.

• Master of Education with a However, “Nintendo concentration in Online Teaching & Land” only comes with the Training WiiU Deluxe bundle, which includes a 32GB memory and • Master of Education with a Come to o controller charging stands. It u upcomin concentration in Student Services in g inform r ation ses will retail for $349, a bargain sion Higher Education Thursday , Dec. 13 for buyers considering the at 6:30 p • Doctor of Business Administration .m game itself is $60 and the . in the UIW Internatio Conferen WiiU Basic Bundle is $299.

(Pending SACSCOC approval) nal ce Cente r Audito RSVP by Look for WiiU and its rium calling 21 0-829-60 .

05 launch games anywhere game or online at UIW.edu /g radstu consoles are purchased. diesrsvp

Stela Khury

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

predecessor, but it pushes for new game ideas and the reimagining of old formulas.

“Epic Mickey 2” is another of WiiU’s additions, which builds on its predecessor with a more stable camera and voice acting.

The game also brings co-op play to the table so players can switch between characters to perform certain unique tasks. Multiplayer is also now available.

“Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed” is a simultaneous release with the PS3 and Xbox 360, but with extra features exclusive for the Nintendo console. The WiiU GamePad allows five player racing on split screen as

Twilight Zone

Source: google.com

Apple better watch out!

Google’s competitive answer to the iPhone, the Google Nexus 4 is already smashing records.

The phone sold out in less than an hour on the online Google store. Besides having all high end technologies, the phone is the first to have an open source Android operational system. The best part: the Nexus 4 starts at only $299.

Hearsay

Increase your earning potential at UIW

Source: listal.com

RDJ as...Geppetto?

Until recently, Tim Burton’s “Pinocchio” was a project that not even the director thought would see the light of day, but it seems the movie is happening. Jane Goldman of “Kick-ass” fame is reportedly writing the screenplay.

If rumors are true, Robert Downey Jr. will play Geppetto, a man who embarks on a journey to find his doll turned human boy.

Despite the well-known names attached to the production, no film adaptations of “Pinocchio” have been well received in 72 years. Downey Jr. and Burton are leaping into a risky project and one can only hope they survive.

14«sports

www.stmurattlernews.com

WINNING THE TIP-OFF

Senior Felicia Jacobs looks to pass the ball into a teammate in a game against Cameron University Nov. 10. Photo by Sara E. Flores

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Team starts off season on up-side, record stands at 4-2 Sara E. Flores STAFF WRITER

The women’s basketball team was selected as the second place team in the Heartland Conference pre-season poll, behind Arkansas Forth-Smith, and is expected to excel further in the post-season than last year.

The team used the untimely end to last season as motivation for a 4-2 start this year with a recent win over Harding University 78-58 Saturday. Returning forward Morgan Pullins, a sophomore exercise and sport science major, had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals.

“My goals as an individual are to get the team to that NCAA championship and to just do whatever I’m needed to do,” Pullins said.

Also returning is guard Jackie Woods, a junior exercise

and sport science major. Last season, she led the team in points, was named to the All-Heartland Conference First Team and was named the Heartland Conference Newcomer of the Year.

Woods takes the most pride in receiving Newcomer of the Year honors.

“That tells me that other teams acknowledge my abilities,” she said.

Woods continues to live up to her reputation this year, leading the team with 16 points against Incarnate Word despite the teams loss, 54-65. “(Our goals are) to be first in conference and make it all the way to the elite eight for the chance to win a national championship,” Woods said. players focus their individual goals into one singular team goal for victory, the team is sure to see nothing but

wins this upcoming conference season.

“As a team I’d like to get to the Conference tournament, win, get that ring, play back at home in the elite eight and go on to win the whole NCAA tournament,” Pullins said.

GAME TONIGHT The women’s basketball team is in action tonight as they play Tarleton State University at 7 p.m. in Bill Greehey Arena.

Admission is free with student ID.

Join the Rumba!

sports»15

www.stmurattlernews.com ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Coach Migl steps down from Athletic Director position Christina Faseler SPORTS EDITOR

After 12 dedicated years of service, Charlie Migl will be stepping down from his role as athletic director at the end MIGL of the semester and spending 100 percent of his time as the St. Mary’s baseball coach.

“I think it’s come to a time where (my) job is two full time jobs,” Migl said. “President Mengler and I had a conversation and we both came to the conclusion that I probably needed to do one or the other.”

During Migl’s time as athletic director, St. Mary’s received four of its six national championships – baseball in 2001, softball

in 2002, an individual golf championship in 2006 and an academic golf championship in 2009. Migl regards these championships as some of the greatest accomplishments for the athletic department.

“In the course of your career, it’s hard to win that last game,” Migl said. “It’s exciting because everyone who helped you is excited, the school is excited about it, the community is excited about it and it’s something that the players will have with them for the rest of their lives.”

Although Migl takes great pride in the championships achieved during his tenure as athletic director, he directs the accolades to the team coaches and the athletic staff as a whole.

“I was just here, I mean, I was just part of the deal,” Migl said. “A lot of people have to do a lot of things for all of that to happen, so

it wasn’t just me by any means.”

Migl also takes pride in his athletes’ classroom performance.

“Both academically and athletically, I think we’ve done good things,” Migl said.

“Winning the championships and then our athletes doing so well in school, that makes you feel good. “ In the search for a new athletic director, Migl hopes to see an inspired individual rise to the position.

“I think the biggest thing is that we get somebody in here who has a vision for what we want to do here at St. Mary’s,” Migl said.

“Hopefully we can continue the success that we’ve had; making us the best Division II school that we possibly could be.”

MIGL’S LEGACY CONTINUES Migl’s children have left their own marks on St. Mary’s Athletics.

Katy Migl (class of 2005) set the University’s volleyball record for digs in an individual match, digs in an individual season, digs per set average and career digs. She was also recognized as the Heartland Libero of the Year.

Tyler Migl finished his final season of eligibilty last summer with a trip to the College World Series and the American Baseball Coaches Association Golden Glove award.

Jason Migl will be starting off his career as a freshman on the Rattler baseball team this upcoming season.

Photo courtesy of Sports and Information

R ATT L E R H O O P S S C H E D U L E Nov. 28 - Jan. 12 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL DATE

OPPONENT

Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Dec. 5 Dec. 17 Dec. 19 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 10 Jan. 12

Tarleton Texas A&M Intn’l Texas Woman’s Southeastern OK State East Central UTPB OK Panhandle State Arkansas-Fort Smith Newman

TIME 6 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

MEN’S BASKETBALL DATE Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 18 Dec. 19 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 10 Jan. 12

OPPONENT

TIME 4 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

11 p.m.

9 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

Texas A&M Intern’l Incarnate Word Dallas Christian West Florida Drury Texas Permian Basin OK Panhandle State Arkansas-Fort Smith Newman

*Home games in bold.

Home games played in Bill Greehey Area.

Compiled by Christina Faseler

UP

FALL-OW

Senior Emilie Snelson named to AllConference Team. Seniors Leia Kirch, Annia Olivares, and Carolyn Martin and junior Leah Snelson named All-Conference Second Team.

Jenna Paul named Heartland Freshman of the Year and selected for AllConference Team.

Jack Wolf named Heartland Freshman of the Year and selected for All-Conference Team.

Seniors Anthony Bustos and Aaron Stares selected for All-Conference Second Team.

16«sports THE HOT

www.stmurattlernews.com

Students workout body, minds for finals Stationary bike + textbook Freshman exercise and sport science major Jessica Rodriguez (right) and freshman psychology major Niobi Gottlieb (left) study their textbooks as they cycle to sucess in the classroom.

Annia Olivares Senior Forensic Science

Quick facts: Olivares was selected to the Heartland All-Tournament Team after just one game in the tournament, and was also selected to the Heartland All-Conference Second Team.

Sprints + vocabulary Joel John, a first-year law student, picks up a term on a notecard and sprints to the opposite end of the court to match it with its definition

When did you start playing soccer?

I started playing soccer when I was in third grade. My school nurse was the one who introduced me to soccer and the first soccer team I was a part of. The name of my first soccer team was the Cheetahs.

Static plank + Novel Senior marketing major Allie Murray uses chapters instead of minutes to determine how long she holds her lower plank.

Have you ever played any other sports besides soccer?

Yes. I also played volleyball, basketball and ran track in high school.

What position do you play and why?

I play center back. I have always played defense since I first started, but I’ve always been very versatile. I love playing anywhere on the field. When I first got here, our coach pretty much put me in any position on the field; I didn’t mind as long as I was playing. Defense was always my favorite position because it is what I’m used to and where my coach needed me most.

Why did you choose to play at St. Mary’s?

I always wanted to come to St. Mary’s ever since I first heard of it. When I was in seventh grade, I played with an age 19 and under team. A lot of the girls were recruited to St. Mary’s and did really well here. From then on I was always determined to play for St. Mary’s.

(That’s) what I did and I don’t regret it; it was the best choice I made both for athletics and academics.

How do you get along with your teammates?

I get along with them really well. I consider all of them my sisters. They are the greatest group of girls I know.

Compiled by Sara Flores

Vertical leg raises + study materials Jumior exercise and sport science major Kyle Bumpas gets his workout in while reviewing with his spotter.

Oblique twists + notecards Junior political science major Jim Schwen uses notecards instead of a medicine ball to reach from side to side.

Photos by Sara Flores and Christina Faseler Compiled by Danielle Saenz and Christina Faseler