Vol. 102, No. 6 - 08/20/2014

The best campus study spots

6

SPORTS

ENTERTAINMENT

3

FEATURES

COMMENTARY Border crisis

Sunset at the Belltower

7

8

Fall sports schedules

Volume 102 Issue 6

89 t h Year of Publication

www.stmurattlernews.com

August 20, 2014

POURING GLASSES OF COMMUNITY

Alumni donate million dollars to establish pub as social space at Blume library

Mercedes Kelso News Editor A summer donation from alumni set into motion plans to establish another social gathering place for faculty and students alike in the library.

Plans to build a campus pub are made possible thanks to a $900,000 donation from St. Mary’s alumni, Tom Contreras (BBA ’88) and Leticia Conterras (BA ’89). Officials believe the pub and recreational area will provide permanent areas for students, faculty and staff to congregate and enjoy one another’s comradery.

“What we really wanted was to create a social gathering place,” Leticia Contreras said. “We felt like St. Mary’s didn’t have that anymore, and we wanted to take action to bring the community aspect back.”

The addition of a pub and recreational space will provide areas for all students to spend time

“I’m excited about the pub,” junior Finance and Risk Management major Kendra Gray says, “It’ll be a place to hang out and have a good time with friends, instead of going off campus.” | Photo by Rachel Grahmann

with friends, grab a bite to eat late at night, and perhaps indulge in an adult beverage or two,

according to President Thomas Mengler.

“These two spaces, I think, begin to address

the need for good spaces for students to have fun and to come together on campus,” Mengler said.

The addition of a pub and recreational lounge will contribute to the development and improvement of campus life, according to the Dean of Students, Tim Bessler.

“Mr. and Mrs. Contreras’ gift to the university [is something] that students have helped bring to the forefront of our attention and gives us the opportunity to build on that idea in a real physical and tangible way,” Bessler said.

The expected location for the pub is on the north side of the Cotrell Learning Commons while the recreational gathering space will be on the west side with an entrance through the Commons. Both areas have an expected completion of fall 2015.

Proposed by Executive Director of Facilities, Aaron Hanna, the location choice required consideration of noise given its proximity to the library. According to ...CONTINUED ON P. 2

Freshmen attend revamped orientation Mercedes Kelso News Editor

Students show school spirit at Zaragoza Rattler Days.

Photo by Matthew Martinez

Three revamped Zaragoza orientations and an extended Rattler Days orientation took place to help prepare the class of 2018 for their first undergraduate year at St. Mary’s.

Months of planning took place to create and implement a successful, new orientation.

Zaragoza transitioned from a 3-day to a 2-day orientation. Meanwhile, Rattler Days, an extended 3-day orientation starting August 15 and required for incoming freshman, was added.

Senior psychology major Mayra Espinoza and senior biology major David O’Mara are co-directors of the Zaragoza orientation and have been working diligently since November to plan and prepare for the orientations.

In addition to their positions, at the end of the fall 2013 semester, 15 student Zaragoza leaders were selected to take a Zaragoza leader training and preparation class during the spring 2014 semester.

“The Zaragoza class prepares the Zaragoza leaders to be professional and knowledgeable of the campus,” O’Mara said. “We taught them how to be prepared on the spot to ...CONTINUED ON P. 2

2 \ NEWS Welcome Week Events Friday, August 22 Quad Prayer: 11:15 a.m.

UPC Snake Shake: 7:30 p.m. at Flex Field Saturday, August 23 Continuing the Heritage: 7:30 a.m. check-in at Flex Field Sunday, August 24 University Liturgies and Ministry Fair: 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. in Guadalupe Chapel Ministry Fair: 12 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Pecan Grove Monday, August 25 Splash Back into Class: 4 p.m. at the outdoor pool The Dating Doctor: 6 p.m. in UC-A Tuesday, August 26 Burgers with the Brothers: 5 p.m. outside Casa Maria Wednesday, August 27 UPC Commuter Grab and Go Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. at commuter parking lot Opening School Liturgy: 11:10 a.m. in Guadalupe chapel Thursday, August 28 Rattler Round Up Student Organization Fair: 11a.m. - 1 p.m. at UC courtyard Friday, August 29 RHA Night at the Riverwalk 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. sign up at the UC Information Desk

Police Blotter Look for the first installment of the police blotter, coming Sept. 10.

Standards The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University.

The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy. The Rattler is a memeber of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Letter to the Editor Policy The Rattler welcomes letter 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.

Policy on Newspaper Theft Due to high production costs, members of the St. Mary’s University community are permitted one copy per issue. Where available, additional copies may be purchased (for 50 cents each) by contacting The Rattler newsroom. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and/or subject to university discipline.

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

stmurattlernews.com

from cover

PUB

Mengler, noise level will not intrude on the space.

“What I think is ideal about that location is that the so-called pub is adjacent to the mechanical part of the library so it will not, we believe, be intrusive at all in terms of noise to the purpose of the library,” Mengler said.

Though connected to the Learning Commons, administrators hope the recreational lounge will draw noisier students away from the Commons and into the lounge to watch TV, socialize or relax.

Though an element of concern exists with these additions, the library supports the location choices, according to Director of the Louis J. Blume Library Academic Media Center, Kathe Lehman-Meyer.

“There is concern anytime with any change, but my personal concern would be a concern for the responsibility that having a pub on campus puts on the students,” Lehman-Meyer said.

“It forces students to really think about the

from cover

ORIENTATION answer questions.”

Though the Zaragoza orientation has been in place for three years now, the Zaragoza leaders and directors have made noticeable changes to the orientation to cultivate a stronger sense of community among the class and to better prepare students for the semester.

The biggest change to this year’s Zaragoza orientation included the addition of Rattler Days, according to Dr. Sheri King, Director of Student Activities and Transition Programs.

“The main reason for the change was that there was so much packed into the 3-day orientation that by the end of the third day parents and students were walking out with a deer-in-the-headlights look,” King said. “It was overwhelming.”

While the summer

The above shows the preliminary layout for the campus pub to be built in the north wing of the Blume library.

The left shaded area represents the pub, while the right represents the lounge.

Graphic courtesy of Andrew Festa

role that [alcohol] plays in their personal and academic lives… but overall the library is on board to make this the best environment for students.”

As faculty and staff look forward to these changes, many also acknowledge the need for greater student responsibility with the addition of a permanent location that serves alcohol.

Bessler, however, did not express concern for an increase in unruly behavior on campus or a decrease in productivity among students.

“There will be an atmosphere there of

students, staff and faculty holding each other socially accountable for good behavior, role-modeling an appropriate way to enjoy a beverage…without getting out of control…

St. Mary’s students are generally responsible,” Bessler said.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback from faculty and staff regarding these two spaces, students have also weighed in on the eager anticipation for these additions.

“I’m most looking forward to meeting new people that I wouldn’t normally hang out with on a social level,” junior

biology major Seve Trujillo said. “There are a lot of different social groups on campus.

However, a pub would be something that everyone can enjoy.”

Though the addition of a pub on campus will increase a need for student responsibility, many believe that the creation of a social space outweighs those concerns.

“From the positive feedback we have gotten, I know we are headed in the right direction. We want to put St. Mary’s back on the map,” Leticia Contreras said.

Zaragoza orientations provided basic academic information and class registration opportunities, Rattler Days allowed students to settle into the residence halls, better familiarize themselves with the campus, bond with one

of classes, according to O’Mara.

“Now the students can go through these [Rattler Days] sessions and interact with the whole class,” O’Mara said.

Rattler Days began with a convocation, mass and evening

After a cookout for students and families, the evening concluded with attendance to the St. Mary’s men’s soccer scrimmage on Sigma Beta Chi Field.

According to freshman mechanical engineer major Ricardo de la Cruz, though busy and full of activity, Rattler Days prepared him for campus life.

“Rattler days was an amazing experience for my first time in the University,” de la Cruz said.

According to King though the Zaragoza leaders and directors experienced a few glitches throughout the orientations, they plan to continue to make improvements to the program.

Despite a few bumps, they were able to implement a successful set of events and sessions. “The feedback has been extremely positive.

People love it – staff, parents and faculty,” King said.

Freshmen students show their Rattler pride in the AACC during orientation. | Photo by Matthew Martinez

another and develop Rattler pride, according to King.

Rattler Days confirmed the hope for a positive change to the program by providing more opportunity for the class to spend time together before the beginning

social sponsored by Residence Life.

The second day included a play by Zaragoza leaders that acted out real-life college situations. Information sessions for parents and students about campus life followed the play.

COMMENTARY / 3

stmurattlernews.com

University students discuss future of campus pub Joe Rodriguez Staff Writer @Joe_Rodriguez_ Since the cafeteria upgrade, students have sought a new area on campus to congregate.

The Cotrell Learning Center was a great addition to the school, but students want an area where they can share a meal with commuters and residents alike, as they did before the new cafe was introduced.

The new on campus pub will offer everything students need.

The pub can be used as a getaway for students to settle down for a good time with friends.

The new pub offers students a greater chance to get closer to the staff around campus. Pub night’s resurgence will allow students to build comradery with their professors in a way not currently available. Increased rapport with professors allows networking possibilities.

Brothers on campus could also reserve the pub for events like

Burgers with the Brothers.

Students would be able to interact with the campus more and get the most out of their college experience.

Instead of going out in order to watch the “big game,” St. Mary’s students will have an on campus venue to host the excitement.

There may be some concern about alcohol, but the employees at the pub will be trained to prevent over consumption and selling to minors. The pub would also offer residents of legal age the chance to have a beverage without the risk of driving home drunk from an offcampus bar.

The pub will bring new life to campus and offers students a new place to come together and share in the St. Mary’s community.

Manuela Karim Contributing Writer @Bonjour_Manuela The excitement that has carried much of the 2014 academic year was compounded by the recent announcement that two alumni donated funs to establish a campus pub.

Although the pub itself seems like a great idea and very attractive for decorative reasons, in the long run, some students question whether prioritizing the structure was the best move amongst other issues that need addressing on campus.

“Although the pub is not a bad idea, I would honestly prefer to see other projects materialize first,” a sentiment which some other students share,” junior English

communication arts major Claudia Cardona said.

Like many universities, St. Mary’s has many priority needs for both students and faculty alike. Although the donation was earmarked to establish a pub, junior international relations major Dillon Sutton feels that the

“

The pub is a great idea, but $1.12 million is a lot of money which could be appropriated to more useful things.”

Dillon Sutton Junior international relations major

money might have better served other purposes.

All in all, the pub will serve as an asset to the campus, to the benefit of many, but the real question lies in whether or not the money would be best allocated toward other academic and practical efforts.

Border crisis needs attention Eric Rodriguez Commentary Editor @eric_rr33 This past summer, child immigrants began illegally crossing the border in unprecedented n u m b e r s — a humanitarian crisis that has divided the nation.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott stated the number of immigrants younger than 18 has increased 92 percent. U.S. politicians are polarized in their responses to this crisis.

Republicans say they want to secure the border

to keep these children out and deport illegal immigrant children as soon as possible.

In mid-July, Governor Rick Perry activated the National Guard to help secure the border.

Media figures from both ends have come out in support of these children.

Jon Stewart begs the question “What the [expletive] is wrong with you?” to those who want to deport children. While Glenn Beck implored the nation to “open our hearts” to the children coming across the border to Texas as he delivered

food and supplies to McAllen, Texas.

This is a test of our nation’s conscience.

Unfortunately, a situation that requires immediate attention has turned into a game of politics.

These children are coming to the United States to escape violence and poverty. They come alone, traveling in dangerous conditions for a chance to reach the U.S. They come because they believe this country Children under 18 are finding their way into the U.S. by use of smugglers and other forms of illegal transportation. | Graphic by Matthew Martinez is filled with opportunity.

Acting like these children back to their homeland nation to come together and respect these are less than human and dehumanizes them.

It’s time for our children’s dignity. deserve nothing but a trip

Hobby Lobby case favors businesses over people Eric Rodriguez Commentary Editor @eric_rr33 Over the summer the Supreme Court dealt with the case of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, which disputed the Health and Human Services Mandate of the Affordable Care Act, requiring organizations to cover birth control medications and devices. Its unfortunate decision considers a corporation a person, giving Hobby Lobby the right to exempt itself from federal law.

After some outcry, religious organizations were exempted from requiring birth control coverage for their employees.

However, Hobby Lobby quickly joined the outcry against “abortioncausing drugs.”

The Supreme Court ruled on June 30 in favor of Hobby Lobby’s right to be exempt from the mandate in a 5-4 decision. The ruling states that corporations that are not publicly traded can be exempt from certain laws.

The justices used the precedent set by the Religious Freedom

Restoration Act, which requires scrutiny when a law can affect a person’s ability to freely exercise their religion.

Hobby Lobby is not a person, but a for-profit corporation.

This decision gave corporations the right to exempt themselves from laws because of their religion.

In her dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, stated that she felt the Court had “ventured into a minefield.”

She says that under the precedent set, other religions

can refuse to provide coverage for medications and treatments that are against the teachings of their religion.

What this decision tells people is they no longer have to follow the law if it’s for religious reasons.

The Supreme Court needs to remember the words of the Constitution, specifically, the First Amendment Establishment Clause, prohibiting the government from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion.”

Hey there! We’re the staff of The Rattler Newspaper.

It’s safe to say that this summer seemed to fly by and the Rattler staff is already back in action reporting news from events across campus.

For this first center spread, we would like to introduce ourselves.

The Rattler has a staff of St. Mary’s students from all classes and majors. Beyond our 13 editors, we have freelance photographers and writers that suggest and pick up stories to contribute to the paper.

We welcome all students, from freshmen to graduate-level and all majors to share and contribute to our paper. If you see us around campus, don’t be shy! We would love to hear from you and have you write a story, take photos, illustrate or even apply to be a part of our staff.

It’s nice to meet you!

Alex Eakins Editor-in-Chief Senior, English from Phoenix, AZ

Rachel Grahmann Design Editor Senior, Communications from Victoria, TX

Why the Rattler?

Why the Rattler?

“Working for the Rattler has given me a place to build my skills and a new family on campus.”

“I believe strongly in conveying truth and building community.”

Tamara Garcia Managing Editor Junior, English from Brownsville, TX

Sara E. Flores Sports Editor Junior, Communications from El Paso, TX

After graduation?

Fun fact?

“I plan to be a professor and publish novels.”

“I have the same birthday as Beyonce.”

Travis Bowles Copy Editor Senior, Communciations from Castroville, TX

Daniel Perez Features Editor Sophomore, Political Science from San Antonio, TX

Favorite food?

After graduation?

“Mac ‘n’ cheese.”

“I hope to go to law school and become a litigator.”

Here’s our meeting schedule for Fall 2014:

Students who like to write and photograph are encouraged to attend our meetings!

During these meetings, we discuss news, pitch articles and give out photo assignments.

All meetings will be at 5 p.m. in AACC classroom 2155.

. Aug. 26 . Sept. 9 . Sept. 23 . Oct. 7 . Oct. 28

Please join us!

Eric Rodriguez Commentary Editor Sophomore, Political Science from San Antonio, TX

Kyra Littlejohn Photo Editor Senior, Communications from Southfield, MI

Fun fact?

Fun fact?

“I once won second place in a watermelon seed-eating contest.”

“I’m on the StMU Women’s Basketball team.”

Valerie Perez Advertising Manager Senior, Communications from Dallas, TX

Matt Martinez Assitant Photo Editor Junior, Communications from El Paso, TX

After graduation?

Fun fact?

“I want to travel the world!”

“I’m tri-lingual: I speak English, Spanish and German.”

Brandon Leonard Web Editor Junior, Computer Science from El Paso, TX

Mercedes Kelso News Editor Senior, Language Arts from Boise, ID

Favorite food?

Fun fact?

“Chico’s Tacos.”

“I grew up raising sheep!”

HIRING ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR:

For those interested, we’re hiring! We currently have an opening for our Entertainment Editor postion. Please stop by our Newsroom in UC 258 or email us at rattlernews@gmail.com for more information.

PAGE BY RACHEL GRAHMANN

6 \ FEATURES

stmurattlernews.com

SIX ALTERNATIVE STUDY SPOTS Neighbors blasting music, roommates coming and going, claustrophobia: these are just a few conflicts that might impair a student’s ability to study. Students need an alternative to the confines of the dorm room or Learning Commons. Here are The Rattler’s top six picks:

1

4

Treadaway third floor On the third floor of Treadaway Hall is a patio-like landing that has one of the best views of campus as well as the San Antonio skyline. This space has the potential for group or individual studying, but students coming and going from classes during the day might distract one from studying.

Residence hall lounges Studying here gives students a chance to work and socialize simultaneously.

While this might work well for group studying, students wanting a quiet space alone could have difficulty focusing here.

2

UC second floor (Near bridge) One of the University Center’s well-kept secrets is the small study lounge at the second floor entrance. The two tables are secluded from the usual hustle-andbustle of the University Center. Because the space overlooks the bell tower and St. Louis hall, students studying here share the benefit of a view.

5

Library third floor Studying in the almost deafening quiet of the third floor of the library is one of the best things a student can ask for.

Free of distractions, this is an excellent place to be productive in a way that can’t be done anywhere else. Time seems to fly by and it is easy to get homework, studying or projects done.

3

6

Amphitheater The amphitheater has been a place for holding campus events ranging from open-mic-night to a meeting place for campus organizations.

Tables outside library The picnic tables outside the entrance to the Learning Commons offer another social space to study. Being a high traffic area, students may find fellow classmates or professors who may be willing to stop by and offer some advice or assistance, but this may cause unwanted noise.

Photos by Matthew Martinez; compilation by Daniel Perez

Six student resources The university and national retailers recognize the struggle of the college student. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid being confined by a tight budget.

Discount Taco Cabana With a valid student ID Taco Cabana gives students a 20 percent discount off their meal.

Psychological and Testing Services Dedicated to ensuring the mental well-being of the campus community, students have access to counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists to help with any issue that may arise. To take advantage of this service, an appointment is required. Call 210-436-3135.

Renting equipment Rent laptops or other equipment at the library to complete class projects. Some training may be required for use. the equipment.

J.Crew Discount With a valid student ID, J.Crew will give a 15 percent discount on anything in the store.

Amazon Prime discount Amazon lets students purchase a Prime membership for $49 instead of the regular $99. One perk of being a member is the free streaming service.

With many titles that aren’t on other sites, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime provides alternatives to watch a show everyone is talking about.

CD or DVD rental.

Students can rent the CDs and DVDs in the library’s collection. Titles range from classics all the way up to new releases. If Netflix doesn’t have the movie, the library just might.

Did we miss something? Tell us what you think on Twitter, Facebook or our website.

CHECK US OUT

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Photo poll What was the one thing you regret not doing during your freshman year?

Hannah Garcia, junior, international relations and political science major

“Coming to college you think, ‘I’m an adult now, I should have all of the answers.’ Well the best way to be a successful student is to ask questions and have the discernment to seek help. I regret not using all of my resources like the Learning Assistance Center. I feel like, if I would have used such resources, my study habits would have been more efficient.”

Vanessa Lopez, junior business management major

“My biggest regret from freshman year was not changing roommates right away because I was afraid of hurting her feelings. Once my grades started to drop and my personal items were being taken, my stress level began to rise and I knew something had to be done. If I would have confronted my roommate sooner, it could have prevented many problems and helped me live comfortably.”

stmurattlernews.com

ENTERTAINMENT / 7

Freshmen gather at the Bell Tower to participate in Sunset at the Bell Tower, an event centered around creating a public art piece for the class of 2018. | Photo by Matthew Martinez

PEELING THE PAINT Class of 2018 gathers at Bell Tower, bonds over paint, photos, snowcones Tamara Garcia Managing Editor @tamvicgar This year’s freshmen got messy Sunday, August 17 as they gathered in droves to celebrate their initiation as new St. Mary’s students.

Sunset at the Bell Tower, hosted by Enrollment Management, featured four activities freshmen students were invited to participate in.

One of the most popular activities featured bottles of paint for which the intended target quickly went from

canvas to t-shirts.

“We wanted the event to be organic,” Rosalind Alderman, Assistant Vice President of Retention, said.

“We started brainstorming, and we really wanted people to reflect on what they want to happen during their time here,” Alderman said.

Freshmen ate free snowcones, signed and painted white canvasses that together make one sign denoting their expected graduation date of 2018, received stamps as part of Zaragoza orientation and took

Freshmen Marta (left), Magdalene (middle) and Mary Moipei (right) stand in line to get a free snowcone. | Photo by Alexander Eakins

photos at a booth while holding a placard stating what they have on their Rattler Bucket list.

Magdalene, Mary, and Marta Moipei, all freshmen music majors and triplets from Kenya, agreed that they’ve participated in many events through Zaragoza and Rattler Days, including Sunset at the Bell Tower, and have had fun.

The event provided an opportunity for students to interact with one another while also participating in these activities as the sun was setting.

Freshmen Alejandra Rivas (left) and Monika Gomez (right) paint Diego Zambrano‘s (middle) shirt. | Photo by Matthew Martinez

8 \ SPORTS

stmurattlernews.com

GO RATTLERS GO SPURS VICTORY MOTIVATES BASKETBALL TEAMS

San Antonio Spurs recent championship title motivates and inspires St. Mary’s basketball players on campus.

Sara E. Flores Sports Editor @stmusarasports The Spurs recent championship title served as a positive example to fans, more specifically to young basketball players around the world.

“The Spurs championship win helped motivate me for this upcoming season in so many ways, but the most motivational aspect of the game was the fact that they never gave up,” junior guard and political science major Danielle Vargas said. “I felt that they used last year’s tough loss as a learning experience,

I N T R A M U R A L S

which led them to their winning season this past year. It made me believe that regardless of what happened in our previous season, anything is possible this year.”

The women’s team ended their season last year in the semifinal round

“

The spurs championship win helped motivate me for this upcoming season in so many ways, but the most motivational aspect of the game was the fact that they never gave up.

Danielle Vargas Senior Guard

of the South Central Region Tournament.

Vargas admired the athleticism and attitude of Spurs forward, Kawhi Leonard during the NBA finals back in June.

“Not only did he step

Dodgeball Sand Volleyball Flag Football Slow Pitch Softball INSTA Soccer Kickball Badminton Scan the QR code for Pickleball more information about Raquet ball

W. SOCCER Date Time 9.5* @7p 9.7* @2:30p 9.9 @4p 9.14* @1p 9.21 @1p 9.24 @4p 9.26* @7p 9.28* @1p 10.4 @5p 10.6 @12p 10.11* @5p 10.13* @12p 10.18* @5p 10.20* @12p 10.27 @ 5p 11.1 @12p 11.3 @3p

Fall intramurals

VOLLEYBALL Date Time 8.24 @1p 9.4 @7p 9.5 @6p 9.6 @12p 9.10 @6p 9.13 @12p 9.16 @7p 9.20 @11a 9.26 @3p 9.26 @6p 9.27 @12p 10.2 @7p 10.4 @12p 10.6 @6p 10.9 @7P 10.11 @12p 10.14 @7p

M. SOCCER

Date Time 9.4 @2p 9.7 @12p 9.12 @7:30p 9.14 @11a 9.17 @7p 9.21 @12p 9.25 @7p 9.28 @3:30p 10.4 @7:30p 10.6 @2:30p 10.11 @7:30p 10.13 @2:30p 10.18 @7:30p 10.20 @2:30p 10.27 @7:30p 11.1 @2:30p

*denotes home games

RATTLER ATHLETICS SCHEDULES

up when he needed to during the finals, he’s such a humble, team player,” Vargas said. “He received the MVP award for obvious athletic reasons, but I felt that many of his personality and leadership traits played an important role as well.”

The men’s team ended their road to a title in the regional quarterfinals last season, but senior guard and international business major Marvin Whitt feels that, if the team strives to perform like the Spurs, a championship can be in the team’s near future.

“The Spurs motivated us because we truly saw the right way basketball is supposed to be played,” Whitt said. “The Spurs share the ball and never get rattled. To be honest I want our team to win a national championship

HEARTLAND CONFERENCE PRESEASON POLLS Volleyball

and the Spurs s h o w e d us exactly how we can do that; we just have to stay together as a team and believe in each other no matter the situation. We control our own destiny.”

Whitt explains he admires how Spurs point guard, Patty Mils had a positive attitude throughout the season and worked hard every game.

Both teams will start their seasons in November with the Spurs tactics in the back of their minds.

1. UA Fort Smith 2. Dallas Baptist 3. Lubbock Christian 4. St. Edward’s 5. St. Mary’s

M. Soccer 1. St. Edward’s 2. Lubbock Christian 2. Texas A&M Int 3. St. Mary’s 4. Rogers State 5. Dallas Baptist

W. Soccer 1. St. Edward’s 2. Dallas Baptist 3. Lubbock Christian 4. St. Mary’s 5. Newman

Students recap World Cup highlights St. Mary’s students recap their favorite World Cup moments and discuss all the memorable soccer highlights.

Sara E. Flores Sports Editor @stmusarasports Every four years soccer fans get to come together to celebrate the game they’re so passionate about, and this year’s World Cup was no exception.

Most fans in the area had their calendars marked for the USA and Mexico games.

Both teams advanced to the 16th round of the tournament bringing forth extreme patriotism in fans and causing controversy and social media trends.

Advancement of both teams amazed senior political science major Danielle Garcia.

She was a frequent viewer of the games, being that she played

soccer since she was in the eigth grade.

“Well the #noerapenal was just so epic, like sad epic. But honestly the refereeing was the most ridiculous job ever done in FIFA history,” Garcia said. “Mexico versus Netherlands wasn’t the only game that was horribly called; there were other games as well.

It’s just sad that Mexico’s journey had to end that way, being robbed because Van Persie was being a dramatic actor.”

Senior psychology major Arash Khozein felt that the most talked about World Cup incident on social media was when Uruguay soccer player Luis Suarez bit a player from the Chile team.

Aside from the scandalous moments, many moments ignited passions and devastated fans, leaving them in tears.

“The Germany and Brazil match was just history in the making,” Khozein said. “The injury to Neymar, the country

rallying for their hurt star, and the best team in the tournament going to town on the home team. It was a systematic destruction of Brazil.

What was unfortunate was that the home team was not only defeated on the field, but their own fans lost respect for their team.”

With so many highlighted moments, devastating losses, and passionate wins, it’s no surprise that fans are already getting excited for the next World Cup tournament.

“I hope that the next World Cup lives up to the amazing number of goals from this one,” Khozein said. “The fact that this World Cup had the most goals since the ‘98 cup talks about how much energy and passion every team brought to the tournament. I think that soccer—when it’s played at the rhythm that it was played this World Cup— is the reason why soccer is the most beautiful sport in the world.”