Vol. 104, No. 5 - 04/14/2016

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A S T. M A R Y ’ S P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C E 1 9 2 4

Volume 104

April 14, 2016

Issue 5

THE VILLAGE AT ST. MARY’S

University bookstore replaced

by Barnes & Noble, Marianist spirit questioned After 55 years of operation, the St. Mary’s bookstore is closing.

Barnes & Noble will now take over the bookstore, and will be open for business starting Fall 2016.

SARA E. FLORES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

themselves that they will workout and diet all week before and after to make up for all the bad foods consumed over the weekend.

Though people are aware that the foods are unhealthy, the purchases are still being made.

There are several reasons why people continue to buy the high calorie foods.

Whether it is deep fried, served on a stick or dipped in chocolate, it’s really all St. Mary’s students have for the weekend.

The university shuts down, and so does the

St. Mary’s has undergone many changes recently from exciting residence hall updates to the most recent uproar of the university bookstore closure.

Efforts to improve the bookstore have been ongoing for the past three to four years. Administration had been looking into the change of a national partner since February.

“The main reason we made a change was to achieve a more sophisticated online site and more sophisticated merchandising in the store,” Rebeckah Day, vice president of administration and finance, said.

The seven university bookstore employees were informed on March 23 of the change. The next day, Barnes & Noble came to campus to inform current bookstore staff of employment options and application processes with them.

Two weeks later, on April 7, work-study employees gathered with financial aid to discuss alternate work options for the upcoming academic year. Work-studies were guaranteed positions next year and were also encouraged to apply with Barnes & Noble.

Junior political science major and bookstore work-study, Noel Cortez, has described the bookstore’s atmosphere as one full of tears and heartbreak. He expressed how hard he sees the staff work on a daily basis to make sure students receive services they need such as: overnight book orders, stocking shelves well before students arrive back to campus for the school year and accessibility to book orders before each semester begins.

The book store staff is being provided assistance during their transition out of university employment. Services such as career counseling and resume assistance are provided as well as severance packages.

The staff will continue to get paid through the month of May, even though the bookstore will be closing May 9.

In addition, 2013 alumnus Joseph O’Hare made the extra effort to create

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The first dormitory of The Village at St. Mary’s will open in Fall 2017, six more dormitories will follow. | Photo Courtesy of University Communications

SARA E. FLORES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Outback will be home to a new residence hall facility in Fall 2017. After the addition of the new hall and construction of an additional six more residence halls, The Outback will become The Village at St. Mary’s.

First in the timeline of construction is the addition of a brand new residence hall in the empty area next to John Donohoo Hall. Once the construction of the new building is done, Adele Hall and Archbishop Flores Hall will be demolished.

Next, Anthony Fredrick Hall and John Donohoo Hall will be torn down; Cremer

INSIDE THIS ISSUE SEAWORLD SHAMU SHOWS SeaWorld announces discontinuation of Shamu shows. 7 FIESTA LINE UP Check out the entertainment lineups for the 100th annual Oyster Bake. 13 CARTER WILLIAMS Students grieve the passing of St. Mary’s student. 16

www.stmurattlernews.com

Hall will be the fifth demolished residence hall, followed by Herbert & John G. Leies Hall and finally Lourdes Hall. All razed halls will be replaced with new buildings, with the possible exclusion of Lourdes.

The master plan is set up to include time for reflection in between demolishing and building periods in order to improve living conditions.

Each hall will have individual names inspired by the prominent villages Father Chaminade traveled though during the founding of the Marianists. Possible names could be: Perigueux, Bordeaux or Zaragoza.

The first dormitory scheduled fto be built in The Village will cost around $22 million. Room rates are expected to exceed

operation costs in between seven and 10 years. The new hall will house seniors and juniors and include a suite-style living environment with a common area — similar to Leies hall. Rooms will consist of four individual rooms, two private bathrooms, a living room area, a kitchenette area, a full size refrigerator and a microwave. Floor kitchens are also being considered with oven and stove accessibility.

There has also been contemplation of community buildings, grill stations, outdoor pools, an amphitheater and sports courts. The community building that will be located in the center of the community CONTINUED ON 2

Popular Oyster Bake favorites pack on deep fried calories for food lovers PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS MANAGING EDITOR

With an average of 70,000 attendees and volunteers each year and a net profit of $550,000, which contributes to the $7 Million Scholarship Endowment Fund, Oyster Bake is approaching its 100th year.

Though the community may love the famous chicken on a stick or fried cheesecakes, fair foods are packed with fats, sugars, salts and high calories.

Students, faculty and staff across campus prepare for Oyster Bake foods by promising

2 NEWS

EDITOR: BLAKE A. VERA/ @STMURATTLERNEWS

SNAP | FEATURED PHOTO

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE STAFF OF THE RATTLER STUDENT NEWS PUBLICATION FOR CAPTURING A TOTAL OF 25 AWARDS AT THE TEXAS INTERCOLLEGIATE PRESS ASSOCIATION (TIPA) 2016 CONVENTION, MARCH 31-APRIL 2.

ON-SITE CONTEST AWARDS 2ND PLACE Editorial Cartoon: Paige Gandara-Valderas

3RD PLACE

Print Advertising Design: Michelle Michimani-Leyva

HONORABLE MENTION

Yearbook Design: Guillermo Avelar

PREVIOUSLY-PUBLISHED CONTESTS NEWSPAPER DIVISION 5 1ST PLACE AWARDS

1. Overall Excellence: The Rattler 2. Special Edition: The Rattler 3. Single Subject Presentation Design: Sara E. Flores 4. Headline: Sara E. Flores 5. Information Graphic: Manuela Gonzalez 6. Sports Page Design: Allie Beedle

2ND PLACE AWARDS

1. Single Subject Presentation Design: Alondra Garcia 2. In-Depth Reporting: Daniel Perez 3. Information Graphic: Sara E. Flores 4. Sports Page Design: Allie Beedle

3RD PLACE AWARDS

1. News Story: Michelle Michimani-Leyva 2. In-Depth Reporting: Sara E. Flores 3. Feature Photo: Marissa Holguin 4. Photo Illustration: Brandon Leonard 5. Editorial Cartoon: Brandon Leonard

HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS

1. Page One Design: Alondra Garcia 2. Opinion/Editorial Page Design: Sofia Zanetta 3. Feature Story: Joshua Madrid 4. Feature Photo: Julia Ewalefo 5. Photo Illustration: Sara E. Flores 6. Illustration: Manuela Gonzalez & Brandon Leonard Special Sweepstakes Award (highest rating in division): The Rattler

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 member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the College Media Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

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.

EDITORIAL STATEMENT

The content published in the Rattler is the responsibility of each respective writer. The views expressed in the staff editorial reflect the views of the majority of the editorial staff.

MISSIONS Grounded partially in the Marianist values of family and community, we maintain an open forum for discussion. We strive to produce quality content that informs, not inflames; encourages, not discourages. We must be sensitive, not sensationalistic; reasonable, not ridiculous; balanced; not bitter

St. Mary’s community comes together to celebrate the “255th birthday” of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade on Friday, April 8.| Photo by Julia Ewalefo

FROM “THE VILLAGES AT ST. MARY’S”

area may be able to vacate satellite offices, university ministry operations, programmatic events or possibly additional dining options. Over time, the need for amenities will be used to decide what purpose the community building will serve.

The addition of each individual residence hall is designed to include a unique amenity with it. With the addition of the first hall, there will be an outdoor pool. Leies and Founders Hall receive a lot of positive feedback from residents.

The new living community will feed from elements of the positive living conditions that are already present on campus.

“We know Leies is extremely popular because of the four, private bedrooms with a shared bathroom and living space. So FROM “BOOKSTORE CLOSING”

a GoFundMe account to help employees with resume services, interview attire, job searches and other areas where seeking employment may require extra financial assistance.

“I feel like that bookstore was very special place for a lot of students. Every time I went back to St. Mary’s, I made sure to check in with all the employees. I was really sad to hear about the closing of the bookstore and felt that the alumni-base did not have a say in the decision. I think the decision was counterintuitive to the values the university was built on,” O’Hare said.

The GoFundMe account has been active for two weeks and will remain active for two more weeks. O’Hare explains that the grand total will be dispersed among the seven employees evenly.

Community and Marianist traditions have been called to question during this significant time in university history.

Day said that aside from an increase in merchandise, enhanced book purchasing options and a broader online selection, the subject of community has been an important talking point in meetings with Barnes & Noble management. Bookstore committees will be formed to create positive student experiences with the business.

“I think the community of people is

we want to capitalize off of what we know is working in those buildings while designing a residence life program that creates progression through a housing experience,” Timothy Bessler, dean of students and interim associate provost, said.

With the new facilities, students will evolve from a less private living experience in Founders and move to a more private living experience heading into sophomore year.

Apartment-style living will be targeted to juniors and seniors — pulling elements from Leies’ structure of individual rooms with common areas.

In addition to The Village at St. Mary’s, current halls will also be renovated and modernized in the process.

“When we look at all of the halls across campus, there are some of our buildings

that are really well built, well designed.

With some investment to refresh them and modernize them [the existing halls] will live very nicely as part of the residence life program for quite a while,” Bessler said.

Chaminade has been the most heavily renovated hall recently. The first floor has been fully renovated with furniture, flooring and paint jobs. Over the summer, remaining floors are expected to be fully renovated.

Treadaway, Marian, Dougherty and Founders are also in consideration for future renovations and updates. Estimated costs for renovations are expected to be around $3 million.

“The world continues to evolve, the world continues to change, and as a higher education institution we have to do that. We have to continually meet the needs of our students as they come to us in responsible

based on people, it’s face to face and we’ve already been in conversation with Barnes & Noble about how important it is to us that they’re not just a business on our campus, and that they are also members of our community,” Day said.

May 10, the day after the bookstore closes, Barnes & Noble will move in and begin stocking up and moving in equipment.

The new bookstore is set to open May 18, minus full renovations. The completion of renovations will occur during the summer.

“Although it has been a difficult decision, there is a component of it that does not feel good. [I’m] looking to the future of what this will mean for our students and really very excited about how this will help respond to our student needs,” Day said.

Many show support by sharing or donating to the Go-Fund-Me account created by Joseph O’Hare, St. Mary’s alumnus, to raise funds for staff undergoing transitions. | Source from Gofundme.com

NEWS 3

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Dean’s Cabinet contributes to H.S.S. student representation BLAKE A. VERA NEWS EDITOR

Beginning this semester, students enrolled in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (H.S.S.) have the opportunity to represent the interests of their majors in an advisory body.

The Dean’s Cabinet is a new program created by the Student Government Association, the Academic Affairs Council and H.S.S. Dean Janet Dizinno, which began meeting on Wednesday, March 30. Students now have the ability to voice suggestions and concerns they have to fellow students who are studying the same major. The

Dean Dizinno (bottom left) meets with members of the Cabinet.| Photo by Paige Gandara-Valderas

representatives are undergraduates who were all recommended by professors and staff within H.S.S. departments.

St. Mary’s Greehey School of Business already has a similar entity, titled the Dean’s Student Advisory Board, which is led by Dean Tanuja Singh. The Academic Affairs Council is currently working to develop a cabinet for the School of Science, Engineering and Technology (S.E.T.).

Carlos Treviño, senior international relations major, spearheaded the creation of the Dean’s Cabinet under his role as the chair of the Academic Affairs Committee and senior senator in the Student Government Association.

“Our goals in creating this cabinet were to build the relationship between the dean’s office and students who have been nominated to participate in the cabinet and represent their department,” Trevino said.

Department heads and professors from each major have suggested one or two students who act as voices for not only their fellow students in their major, but also for the H.S.S. community as a whole.

During the pilot meeting, the representatives and Dizinno discussed a range of subjects including plans for possible H.S.S. events and how the cabinet should actually function. Some students suggested, for example, new living-learning communities for similarly related majors

or expanding existing communities such as the Political Science Freshman Community.

The enacting of H.S.S. student retreats was another possibility discussed during the meeting, which would help form a bond between undergraduates of varied majors.

Dizinno expressed her enthusiasm in forming this sense of commonality, seeing that her school is particularly diverse in terms of what students study. Forming the Dean’s Cabinet is something that Dizinno has wanted to start for quite some time now. As opposed to the School of Science, Engineering and Technology and the Greehey School of Business, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences contains an array of fields that are often perceived as more different than similar. For this reason, many who are involved in the Dean’s Cabinet look forward to learning from people who are in different departments and sharing ideas within the program.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences hopes this program will create a gateway for communication between students and the Dean’s office. Students will be able to provide input that would otherwise be lost in translation or not heard at all. It is a mechanism that directly connects the needs and wants of students with the administrative offices that can bring about positive change. This change will further represent the hard work of students.

Enactus student group travels to India GUILLERMO AVELAR LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Thirteen St. Mary’s students, faculty and staff members embarked on a journey to Bangalore, India during spring break as part of Enactus, a global organization that motivates students to use entrepreneurial skills to make the world a better place.

Over eight days in India, students experienced a different culture, but also conducted workshops with students at local schools. The condition of the slums was one of the first observations made by the group.

Celeste Padron, junior management major, presents to a group of students in an Indian university. | Photo by Guillermo Avelar

“I was [shocked] with the way these people live here, the amount of trash on the streets and how no one is doing anything to address these issues,” Sarah Cantu, senior marketing major, said.

The nine undergraduate students delivered presentations in networking, emotional intelligence and the business model canvas to attendees of the GMR Foundation, a three-month vocational program that stems from GMR’s corporate social responsibility initiative. This program is supervised by the Marianist community,

which is next door from “Infant Nilaya,” the Marianist residence where students stayed. The group stayed in this residence for a large portion of the trip and meals were provided, further emphasizing the hospitality of the country. The main purpose of the trip focused on community building and exposing students in local schools to new aspects of business and development.

“I loved seeing how interested the students were in my business model canvas workshop, and how, despite the cultural differences, everyone participated and contributed to the discussion,” Celeste Padron, senior management major and president of Enactus, said.

Students, while presenting, realized they had not taken into account gender differences. “After assessing our workshops, we noticed that the women experienced the most impact because they did not see themselves as business leaders at the beginning,” Padron said.

Besides working with the GMR program, they had the opportunity to visit another Marianist community, Deepahalli, which houses the Rag Pickers Educational Development Scheme (REDS) program.

Like GMR, REDS is a vocational program aimed at helping boys 13–18 years old.

“I was taken by the love and dedication that the Marianist brothers and staff had at Deepahalli,” Jose Parrilla, junior information systems management major, said. “They truly view work as love made visible.”

This was the first time a group of St. Mary’s students, faculty and staff visited Bangalore, India, but the program is expected to continue.

Participants agreed that it was an eye-opening experience and came back motivated to make a lasting change in the Bangalore community through Enactus’ projects. Nothing would have been possible without Enactus and the Business School.

FOR INFORMATION ON ADVERTISEMENTS CONTACT US AT: RATTLERNEWS@GMAIL.COM

Groundbreaking for a New Residence Hall The St. Mary’s University Community is invited to a ground-breaking ceremony for a new residence hall, the first in the establishment of The Village at St. Mary’s. This exciting, amenity-filled housing community will offer juniors and seniors contemporary on-campus living with plenty of cool places to socialize, including an outdoor swimming pool, picnic area and grill.

Tuesday, April 26 2:30 p.m.

Southwest corner of campus (next to Leies Hall) A reception will follow.

The Catholic and Marianist University www.stmarytx.edu

WHY BECOME A

MARIANIST? When Brother José Julián MatosAuffant, SM, joined the faculty at a Marianist school in Puerto Rico, he began sharing daily prayers and fellowship at the Marianist community.

He was drawn to “teaching as a sacred calling and to religious life,” he says. “It’s a life that sustains me and helps me grow.”

Brother José is minister of spiritual development at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.

IS A MARIANIST LIFE OF SERVICE, COMMUNITY AND PRAYER RIGHT FOR YOU? Learn more today. Contact Brother Tom Wendorf, SM twendorf@sm-usa.org Sister Nicole Trahan, FMI ntrahan@gmail.com

BROTHERS – PRIESTS – SISTERS

marianist.com

6 COMMENTARY

EDITOR: SOFIA ZANETTA/ @STMURATTLERNEWS

Obama turns history into promising beginning Recently, a new slate was created when President Obama finally took an initiative to improve international relations with Cuba.

But what exactly does this mean for the two countries? A smooth transition is not foreseeable.

Christian

Valdez

FRESHMAN, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

The flags of Cuba and the U.S. stood parallel to each other as President Obama gave a liberating speech to Cuban crowds.

As of 2016, many can finally freely visit Cuba with a U.S. passport.

Obama has reestablished diplomatic relations with Cuba after more than 50 years of disconnection.

The two countries are finally putting their historical differences in the past and opening their borders for peace.

The bad blood between both countries all began with Cuba’s former dictator, Fidel Castro, who claimed the concept of communism as a label that would cover authoritarianism.

Communism is actually defined as a system in which goods are owned in

WORKS OF ART

depart

common and are available to all as needed.

Their international ties suffered through the Bay of Pigs (1961) which was a covert mission created by the CIA that failed to overthrow Castro’s government.

The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) further strained relations, as it caused panic throughout the U.S., due to the brink of nuclear war with the Soviet Union.

This inevitably led to the result in the separation of Cuba and the U.S. until now. Obama visited the city of Havana and spoke with dissidents and civil society leaders.

All may sound mended, but the leaders of Cuba refuse to think so.

Many leaders of Cuba did not want to hear Obama’s speech on restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba.

They firmly believe that Cuba is doing fine, but the people of Cuba think otherwise.

The people of Cuba carry a strong voice, and when

they speak they should be heard. There is no need for continued separation, what occurred in the past should stay in the past. Citizens of Cuba are calling for change.

The Atlantic online published a spread of photos which included Cubans’ reactions

to President Obama’s visit, among them was Yoendry Gainsa, 35, a bricklayer: “I hope everything gets better and that there will be better work and development for our children. Long live Obama.”

“This is a new day — es un nuevo dia — between our two countries,” Obama stated during his speech.

Both leaders agree that there is still some diplomatic tension that will take time to settle.

However, both leaders appear to want change for the greater good.

The U.S. lifting the blockade, otherwise known as an embargo, that was created to prevent Cuba’s economic, financial and commercial sectors from evolving and expanding, will finally allow them to do just that.

Cubans deserve their human rights and have been deprived from them for too long. It may take years in order to reach a final agreement on both terms.

In the end, Castro and Obama shook hands; the gesture ensured an ending to the Cold War dispute and perhaps a new, mutually beneficial future on the rise.

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Sara E. Flores Managing Editor Paige Gandara-Valderas Copy Editor Dean Detten Advertising Manager Michelle Michimani-Leyva Layout and Design Editor Guillermo Avelar Web Editor Brandon Leonard Photo Editor Julia Ewalefo Assistant Photo Editor Kriston Minor News Editor Blake Vera Features Editor Jasmin Rivera Commentary Editor Sofia Zanetta Entertainment Editor Claudia Cardona Sports Editor Kimmy Arrieta Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Graphic by Sara E. Flores

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.

Kimberly Arrieta SPORTS EDITOR

Claudia Delfina Cardona ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Sara E. Flores EDITOR IN CHIEF

“It’s been a rollercoaster!” That’s how I can describe my time with The Rattler with the fewest number of words. I learned so much. It’s not the type of learning where you “learn it because you have to and never use it again,” but it was a type of learning that I will apply in my future endeavors. Although my time with The Rattler was not long, the environment was always one that I enjoyed coming to. I’m a strong believer in surrounding myself with those who want to be successful just as much as I do, and as a result, I will prosper. That’s exactly what I did with this staff. We worked hard to put out a great product and it was never something we weren’t proud of. Brother Dennis made the transition simple and always made sure to make me feel welcomed. He also let us be actual journalists in terms of telling a story that needed to be heard. My time as the sports editor has been real, I’m out.

Never would I have thought that my freshman self who wrote stories for The Rattler would end up as the entertainment editor for the last semester of my college career. Although my time with The Rattler has been relatively short, I have greatly appreciated the time I’ve spent, surrounded by creative peers who all care about reporting on issues that matter. I will always remember the magic of being in a room full of talented writers and editors who all come together to create a publication in the span of a weekend. After a semester of immersing myself into journalism, I now realized that journalists are true artists because of the stories we write and the layouts we design. As the writer David Foster Wallace has said, “Good art can do things that nothing else in the solar system can do.” I feel honored to say that The Rattler staff has created, and will continue to create, great art.

Blake A. Vera NEWS EDITOR

Brandon Leonard WEB EDITOR

Kriston Minor ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to work at The Rattler this semester. Although I won’t be working here next Fall, the newspaper will always have a special place in my heart and on my mind as it continues to inform and educate students on important issues. What I learned from working here can’t really be summed up in this small farewell, but I can definitely say I will be walking away from this with new skills and a lot of respect for everything that goes into the creation of a newspaper. I enjoyed working with my fellow students who have a lot of talent and passion for what they do and am proud to now call many of them good friends.

Two years ago, I started as the web editor for The Rattler and it was an overall great experience. As a computer science major, I did not expect to work for a newspaper. However, my sophomore year, a couple of my friends thought that I’d be perfect as a Web Editor and I ended up taking the job.

The Rattler has allowed me to explore my graphic design interests and has given me more friends and connections than I can count. I’ve learned a lot about maturity in the workplace and what working with a large group of people can be like. I’ll definitely miss the good Rattler days and press weekends as I start the next chapter of my life.

Being a part of The Rattler has been a blast this semester.

Since I was only able to be a member for a minimum amount of time and got close to the people, I am going to miss it a lot. I am going to miss the amazing staff the most. Through the ups and downs, agreeing and disagreeing, I believe that they have welcomed me with open arms. The environment and vibes that are present in the newsroom brightens my day every time I step foot in the office. Brother Dennis is awesome and cares so much about our opinions and us as humans, and that is what reeled me in. I loved being around a group of intelligent, humble and caring people. That is what The Rattler is about!

Three years in the newsroom isn’t enough — but then again no amount in here seems like enough. My collegiate years can easily be defined by the memories I’ve gained working for The Rattler. What I’ve learned goes beyond any technical skill we are taught as journalists. Working in a group of people who I believe to be so incredibly talented with so many different creative opinions can be challenging to say the least — yet so inspiring.

Every staff that I’ve been on has contributed to this newspaper in countless ways, and I am beyond grateful to have crossed paths with every single one of them. Once you enter the newsroom, you become a part of a family — a family that argues, a family that laughs, a family that’s too honest, a family that eats way too much on press weekends, a family that I hope to never lose.

All families need that one person to keep everyone sane, to give everyone faith and reassure everyone that everything that should happen will happen: Brother Dennis easily takes this role in our Rattler family. I can’t count how many times I’ve ran to his office freaking out over the newspaper, school and even my career. I like to think of Brother Dennis as a father away from home, and I can’t thank him enough for being such a blessing in such an important time in my life. Thank you Brother Dennis for being that person in my life that you didn’t have to be, I owe a great deal of my growth as a person, student and journalist to you.

Serving as Editor-In-Chief has been the greatest leadership challenge I’ve experienced so far. I couldn’t have led the newspaper this semester had it not been for the other 12 people that surrounded me in the newsroom. To my Spain clan, (Blake, Claudia, Sofia, Dean), reminiscing on our European adventures will never get old, and don’t ever let anyone keep you from saying “Remember that one time in Spain…” To my athletes, (Julia & Kriston) keep slaying with your model statuses. To my babies, (Michelle & Guillermo) I see so much potential in both of you, and I can’t wait to see you two lead the newsroom when it’s your turn. To my replacements, (Paige & Jasmin), I have so much faith in what you’ll do with the newspaper, keep fighting even on late nights. To my veteran, (Brandon) being on staff with you for three years has been down right fun. Remember me when you become the next Bill Gates. Lastly, thank you to my best friend (Kimmy) whether it’s inside or outside the newsroom you’re always there to give me the ugly truth.

The Rattler has been a home for the past four years, and I know no matter how far I venture off it will always be home.

COMMENTARY 7

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Blackfish criticism causes effect on SeaWorld’s logistics ALEXIS ZEPEDA & SOFIA ZANETTA SOPHOMORE, ENGLISH / JUNIOR, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

“Blackfish” (2013), a popular cultural critique documentary that is available to stream on Netflix, converted SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment’s reputation into an infamous one. The corporation received a wave of backlash from viewers of the film, including animal rights activists and lawmakers. After years of judgment and decline in attendance, SeaWorld finally made the decision to stop the breeding of killer whales, thus giving into the advocates’ demands. Many researchers and official experts are concerned whether this change is really the best and healthiest solution for the whales already in captivity.

“The change will cost and alter some things that they will have to monitor very closely...they have had to use birth control methods before to try to manage populations, so certainly that happens, but now we are talking about the entire population, all killer whales in SeaWorld care in The U.S. at least...if you project it out 20, 30, 40, 50 years from now when you have a killer whale by itself, now that’s not a humane situation but a decision made today because of pressure of individuals

who weren’t informed is going to cause that in future generations,” Dr. Heather Hill, department of psychology, said.

There are 29 remaining orcas, which are mostly located in San Diego, California.

In November 2015, SeaWorld stated orca shows in San Diego were being discontinued.

Since then, the company has followed their statements’ implications by stopping all shows in parks as well as ceasing breeding efforts. The killer whales that are currently being held will be the last generation in captivity, however, they range in ages from one to 51. The majority of the whales have never lived in the wild, so SeaWorld has taken the initiative to keep them in the parks for their health and survival.

Although SeaWorld is making strides to end their shows, the orcas will still be in captivity for some time and will now be the center of attention in the new attraction titled, “Educational Encounters.”

The “Educational Encounters” differ from the current “Killer Whales: Up Close” shows in that they will no longer be staged, but be allowed to swim freely. Similar to the current shows, the new encounters will have an emphasis on orca enrichment, exercise patterns and their overall health and wellness. These shows will go into effect starting next year.

Following the announcement to cease breeding, SeaWorld has committed to enhance rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Orlando park visitors are now able to enter a previously prohibited area of the park: the Manatee Rehabilitation area. Guests can view medical treatment sessions and park educators are available to answer any questions about the manatees.

In addition to pleasing critics and “Blackfish” audiences, SeaWorld is receiving praise from the Humane Society of the United States (HUSA). After battling with SeaWorld for more than two decades, the two organizations have finally come to terms, working together on new policies advocating for animal welfare.

Although, HUSU is making efforts to reconcile ties with SeaWorld, the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is still not satisfied (PETA). PETA has recently posted a satirical video mocking the recent announcement to end breeding. PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman stated, “Some of SeaWorld’s justifications for continued cruelty are too laughable to argue with, so we thought we’d just make fun of them.”

As of 2016, St. Mary’s partnership with SeaWorld remains as sturdy as when it began in 2006. The research practices involve four

Source from nationalgeographic.com

different species: belugas, killer whales, pacific white sided and bottle nose dolphins.

The program has proved to be successful and allowed students access to research the animals’ behavioral development. St. Mary’s has published on mother calves and belugas and also has a paper in review for a killer whale, mother and calf pair.

“There’s something about seeing a whale close up in person. The majority of individuals will only be able to see these animals by going to SeaWorld…something there says there’s more to this world than just me…how can I help them?” Hill said.

It may be that a television screen wouldn’t fuel the same emotion-filled connection that a face-to-face encounter would, therefore leaving us detached from the goal that achieves their very conservation.

Ticket availability becomes scarce Alexis

Zepeda

SOPHOMORE, ENGLISH

Graphic by Paige Gandara-Valderas

Oyster Bake ruckus engulfs residents PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS & SOFIA ZANETTA JUNIOR, ART EDUCATION / JUNIOR, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Fiesta is an annual event that takes place in April, which gives San Antonio a sense of identity through culture and celebration.

For St. Mary’s specifically, Fiesta means Oyster Bake. Oyster Bake is considered to be Fiesta’s kick-off event. Oyster Bake is fun, but also brings inconveniences for many people who live on campus.

Though the fencing put up around campus acts as a barrier to keep out intoxicated people and strangers, it forces students, faculty and staff to find alternate ways around campus. This is especially inconvenient for the freshman who have never been to Oyster Bake before, simply because they have never experienced it and do not know what to expect.

Oyster Bake also produces large amounts of trash, which can affect things like walkways, smell, presence and even things like animal life. Though post-Oyster Bake offers volunteering opportunities to clean up the trash, it can still be a big problem.

Even though most trash is picked up after the event, trash pieces are still found all throughout the campus grounds.

This past week, workers who set up the fencing around Casa Maria accidentally hit a water pipe, leaving the Marianist brothers without water for part of the day.

It even went so far as the brothers having to find an alternate place to shower and use the restroom.

One of the biggest complaints made by students is the fact that they do not get free admissions to the event. Most believe that it should be free since it is being held at a place they call home. Organizations offer volunteering options to their members so that they can get free admissions, but some students may not always be comfortable with the idea. Some students may not feel entirely comfortable with being in large crowds and around people who are strangers and intoxicated. Therefore, students are forced to either purchase tickets or go somewhere else for the weekend.

The parking also creates large amounts of traffic, noises and disturbances. The streets are congested, and it’s almost impossible to leave campus for necessities such as grocery shopping, going to work, or prior engagements during that weekend. Drunken people are fenced off from campus life, but the ruckus made during this weekend is an annoyance for many. St. Mary’s is considered a home to many, so standards are set high.

Fans have wondered why so many favored artists have been selling out within minutes.

Ticket scalping, a recent phenomenon, is the practice of purchasing, then reselling tickets. This is a common practice around the world; it is an inconvenience for many concert and event-goers. However, this practice is not illegal.

Popular artists such as Radiohead and Adele attract crowds like few other artists.

Unfortunately, purchasing tickets for upcoming shows are almost impossible — Adele’s upcoming tour sold out in minutes.

Fans open web browsers before tickets even go on sale, and a large percentage still end up having trouble obtaining tickets. Yes, some fans are still able to get their hands on tickets at times, but ticket scalpers are far advanced in their tactics to buying the tickets first. Scalpers then go online to resell these tickets at a higher price, profiting off of the artists’ fans.

Event-goers often see individuals outside of venues selling l ast-minute tickets.

Occasionally, the tickets are being sold because the purchaser cannot attend, but most of the time they are being sold by scalpers.

Scalpers are generally able to sell these tickets at the desired price because they are in high demand and there are limited numbers available.

Ticket scalping has been made easy by websites such as StubHub and Ticketmaster

because it allows ticketholders to resell their tickets directly on the websites. StubHub is an online marketplace, owned by EBay that allows ticket holders to virtually list and sell their tickets. Ticketmaster is a popular ticket distribution company where fans buy tickets to events online. Ticketmaster has started a resale program where account holders are able to sell any of the tickets they have recently purchased with the click of a button.

Once the tickets are sold, the money the individuals earn back is deposited directly into their bank accounts. Ticketmaster has initiated this program to directly compete with sites like StubHub to boost revenue while giving people a safe place to buy leftover tickets.

Artists are now making efforts to fight against scalpers and help real fans obtain tickets at a reasonable price. Adele has partnered with Songkick, a website which sells tickets through the artist’s website. The site also blocks known scalpers from taking tickets away from legitimate fans. This has helped fans buy their tickets at the listed price rather than the elevated resell price.

Eric Church, a country artist, has also made efforts to stop ticket scalpers.

In August 2015, Church and his team Graphic by Sara E. Flores discovered that 2,700 tickets were purchased by scalpers, and made the decision to cancel the sales and put them back on the market at regular prices. Church and his team continue to monitor ticket sales, making sure that real fans are able to purchase at a reasonable price and preventing scalpers from profiting off of his shows.

10 FEATURES

EDITOR: JASMIN RIVERA/ @STMURATTLER

CHARGING WITHOUT AN OUTLET MIRIAM ROBLES STAFF WRITER

the one-type design.

“The backpack can be a good investment,” Selma Montes-Arredondo, Uncharged phones, laptops or sophomore environmental science major, tablets can lead to the loss of important said. “When you’re always between school, communication throughout the day. The work and home, it would definitely be worth longevity of battery life in electronics is one having something like that.” Arredondo step closer to being solved thanks to TYLT, a commutes to school and spends over eight California based company that specializes in hours each day on campus. electronic accessories.

“I try to always have a charger on me, A report by Common Sense Media so a backpack like that would save my life,“ suggests that young adults spend up to nine Arredondo said. hours on their phones and are dependent For Savannah Valenzuela, freshman on chargers. While having a charger philosophy major, the TYLT backpack is at all times would be ideal, people a little less than life altering. still depend on outlets nearby to “I guess it would be cool, but only plug it in. if you really traveled a lot and were TYLT recently released a somewhere that didn’t have a lot of backpack that acts as a charging outlets, otherwise I don’t know if it’s station for electronic devices. The really worth the money,” Valenzuela backpack, priced at $99, has over said.

1,450 cubic inches of space is travelAs a resident, she is able to go back friendly and charges up to three to her dorm whenever she needs gadgets at a time. anything, including a charger.

The TYLT, on the Valenzuela thinks that the TYLT other hand, has some backpack solves a problem that disadvantages. The price is not really there. is almost double in The TYLT backpack is comparison to a regular convenient, but can be argued backpack, which can be if it is a necessity. Whether steep for some students. or not it is advantageous for The battery also needs to all students, one thing is for be recharged regularly to certain: the charging backpack charge electronics properly. is an innovation that has the A few other disadvantages potential to revolutionize the include the heavy weight, way people recharge their Graphic by Brandon Leonard devices on the go. standard black color and

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Picture elelments computer image used as inspiration for OpenStax College by Brandon Leonard

Website partners with universities in attempt to reduce the cost of books MEAGAN LOZANO STAFF WRITER

Across the United States, college students have to pay for the ever-increasing cost of college textbooks. OpenStax College, a nonprofit organization, offers free textbooks to university students.

OpenStax College was initiated through Rice University and made possible through donations that support the organization’s mission to issue free textbooks. One of the largest donors for the program is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The textbooks provided by OpenStax College cover a variety of subjects from common fields of study. Various versions of each textbook are provided in order to cater to the different types of learners.

For students who do prefer a physical copy, the textbooks still cost around $50 — still a significant difference from a textbook bought through a university bookstore that can range from $100 to $200. Downloadable versions of textbooks such as PDF files are free, as is live web accessibility.

A general, concerns among students is that an online version of a textbook would limit how students study and retain important information.

“These textbooks may not be as high quality as the ones professors currently assign to students,” Valerie Dominguez, senior marketing major, said.

“I’m assuming that this is the only reason why they aren’t already being used.

Another con could be that only online texts are truly free with this service. I am the kind of student that prefers to have a physical textbook to highlight and make notes on,” Dominguez said.

For students who study better with a physical textbook, PDF versions are available for print out.

Karla Martin Patino, junior mechanical

engineering major, likes the idea of OpenStax College’s providing free textbooks for college students.

“I think this is a wonderful idea. It will really help our students be able to get a hold of textbooks without the worry of having to make that extra buck for expensive textbooks or having to look for someone from whom they can borrow their books,” Patino said.

Through OpenStax College, students and faculty are not limited to accessing these affordable textbooks individually.

Universities and colleges across the nation are encouraged to adopt OpenStax College’s initiative to provide free textbooks.

St. Mary’s is one of over 1,000 universities across the country that adopted OpenStax College as another means of obtaining textbooks for courses offered at the university. While St. Mary’s supports OpenStax College, students only utilize the service if their professors require the textbooks available through the website.

Although book selections for courses are limited, most students are unaware of St. Mary’s adopting the program. Dominguez believes St. Mary’s should emphasize its availability at the university so that students can afford the textbooks.

“If St. Mary’s reached out to students or staff about using OpenStax College, I definitely haven’t heard anything about it. Even if St. Mary’s has determined that OpenStax College is not right for our campus, students should be updated on efforts to make textbooks more affordable.

Informing students can empower them to be part of the process and lead to more improvements in the future,” Dominguez said.

With free and affordable textbooks, college students can worry less about obtaining required texts for class and trying to maintain satisfactory grades.

FEATURES 11

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

English professor motivates students to think creatively JOSHUA MADRID STAFF WRITER

Dr. Refugio “Ito” Romo, associate director of English and communication studies, encourages his students to pursue passions that they do not always see within themselves. With much guidance, he builds up confidence in his students in order to become published writers.

Romo, a Laredo native, moved to San Antonio in 1979 where he received his Bachelor’s of Art in English communications at St. Mary’s.

“Originally when I came to St. Mary’s, I thought I wanted to go to law school,” Romo said. “that’s not quite what I wanted to do.

I’m really happy that I realized that because I don’t think I’d be a happy lawyer.”

Romo was originally accepted into the University of Texas at Austin for a master’s program in English, but chose to come back to St. Mary’s instead. Romo found his passion for the arts and writing stories. He later receive a doctorate degree from Texas Tech University in a creative writing program.

“I always see the world visually,” Romo said. “The next step to me, would be to try and reproduce that visual world in text. That has been my real challenge.”

Romo believes it’s extremely important for his students to have a balanced education.

“One of the hardest things is for my

students to be able to say ‘I’m a poet, I’m a writer or I’m an artist.’ For one reason or another, our society doesn’t seem to support that as much as they support somebody who’s going to go into business school or law school. Creativity is such an important part of humanity. It’s a very important thing for our students to realize that the creative side is just as important as anything else you’re studying here.”

Last year Romo started the Pecan Grove Review, a literary publication. Every year, the English department takes short story submissions and poetry from students, faculty, staff and alumni. When the book

“

Creativity is such an important part of humanity. It’s a very important thing for our students to realize that the creative side is just as important as anything else you’re studying here.”

Professor Romo introduces “The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven.” | Photo by Julia Ewalefo

gets released, the published writers are encouraged to attend the launch party.

The launch party gives the writers an opportunity to read their work in a professional environment.

Romo insists that his students get their work published, even if they are shy.

“Even if people say no to you, you at least tried,” Romo said. “There are so many outlets for students to get published and a good place to start is with the Pecan Grove Review.”

Romo has two books available for purchase, “El Puente/The Bridge and ‘The Border Is Burning.’ Both books are published through the University of New Mexico Press.

Refugio Romo English Professor

In October, Romo announced that his next book is a mestizo vampire novel. It’s a story that travels to Granada in the 18th century and moves through Mexico ending in New York City in 2043.

If any student is interested in getting a copy of the Pecan Grove Review, free copies are available in the English department located on the fourth floor of Chaminade Tower.

Students organize first Super Smash Bros based tournament on campus ERICK CERRITOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

St Mary’s Video Game Club hosted their first Super Smash Bros Tournament Saturday, April 2. Approximately 30 students participated in the tournament and an additional 20 students attended as supporters.

Super Smash Bros is best known as a fighting game where characters have distinct skills to battle against each other. Characters are licensed from popular franchises such as Pokémon and Final Fantasy. Kiernan Akers, junior engineering major, and Fernando Ruiz, freshman psychology major, won the

Wii U and Melee competitions, respectively.

The event was entirely organized by members of the Video Game Club. Some of the prominent leaders of the organization include President Robert Simpson, junior political science major, and Vice-President Jacob Medina, sophomore math and biochemistry major.

The organization was created so that people can gather together, have a good time and play video games. The club spent an entire month planning the Super Smash Bros Tournament.

The Video Game Club utilized five screens total for the competition. The two divisions in the Super Smash Bros Tournament were

either played from the Wii U or Melee from the Game Cube. The rules of the game were printed out and placed on walls for the players to see. The scoreboard was maintained through a monitored website, in order to keep track of each individual players’ progress.

The event brought students together who had common interests. Ultimately, players in the tournament saw this as an opportunity to engage community and develop new relationships.

“This tournament means a lot to me. I see this tournament as an opportunity to expand the smash scene on campus,” Edward Cuevas, junior political science major, said.

“Since my sophomore year, there have been tournaments at St Mary’s that I have hosted, played [in] and have been a part of, but the hype is real because for the first time ever people from all over campus literally watched and competed in this tournament.”

Cuevas previously competed at Penny Arcade Expo South 2016 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center where he made the top 25 percent of players in a competition out of 256 people. He also competed at the San Antonio Weeklies at the Otaku Cafe last year.

With the tournament’s success, the Video Game Club plans to host a similar event in the near future.

Graphic by Brandon Leonard

12 ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: CLAUDIA D. CARDONA/ @STMURATTLERNEWS

Netf lix adds new original series and classic movies for spring season CLAUDIA D. CARDONA ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Netflix recently added several new original series this spring alongside new seasons of their classics such as “House of Cards.”

Netflix audiences will receive season two of “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Daredevil” in the spring season.

Alongside these new seasons, Netflix has also added original shows and films such as “Fuller House,” “Bloodline,” “Flaked” and “Love.” TV critics praised “Bloodline” and “Love” for the story writing and acting, but they were not fond of “Flaked” and “Fuller House.”

Although Netflix often lacks a diverse choice of good quality films, April will bring some critically acclaimed titles.

Some titles that Netflix has added this month are Academy Award winners such as “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Sunset Boulevard” and “E.T.” The site has also added two Stanley Kubrick films, “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “A Clockwork Orange.”

Aside from Netflix originals, new seasons of “Bob’s Burgers,” “Archer,” “Cutthroat Kitchen” and various home improvements shows were also added. “Documentary Now!” a “mockumentary” series starring Fred Armisen and Bill Hader has also been added to Netflix which has favorable reviews according to metacritic.com.

With the inclusion of many new series

and films, some movies will be leaving Netflix including “Pride and Prejudice,” “101 Dalmatians” and “Along Came Polly.”

The new additions to Netflix will provide an abundance of the choices available for audiences to watch for the remainder of the semester.

Source from queerguru.com

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ENTERTAINMENT 13

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Oyster Bake

ENTERTAINMENT Source from dazeddigital.com

Amandla Stenberg opens up about her non-binary gender expression MIRIAM ROBLES

STAFF WRITER

Amandla Stenberg, most famously known for playing “Rue” in “The Hunger Games” movie, recently came out as nonbinary on her personal blog. The 17-yearold, who also recently came out as bisexual, says that she had been struggling with realizing that identity is multifaceted — specifically that while she is non-binary, she is also bisexual and a feminist. Stenberg’s experience furthers the point that identity is important, but it is also fluid, as more and more of one’s identity is revealed through experience, representation and visibility.

Non-binary is an umbrella term used to define gender identities not exclusively inside of the gender-binary. In other words, someone who identifies as non-binary may identify as outside of the masculine/ feminine rules. Instead, they may identify as having no gender, overlapping gender, moving between genders or having two or more genders. Sexuality is defined by physical attraction, while gender is defined by oneself and how one identifies.

Non-binary individuals may express their gender identity through preferred pronouns such as they or them as opposed to the gendering she or him.

Even though celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Ruby Rose and Angel Haze all identify as some variation of non-binary, visibility in the media is almost nonexistent. The term itself is relatively new and first appeared in 1993 during the intersex visibility and rights movement. However, that does not

mean non-binary people did not exist since before that time.

Stenberg, who is a feminist and avidly advocates for minority visibility, explains that she “can’t stress enough how important representation is” and how powerfully it can impact a person.

The non-binary community’s lack of representation, like the lack of representation for any community, is harmful because it negatively affects selfperceptions. It can also cause confusion for someone trying to figure out identity.

Without visibility, there could be conflicting emotions that associate with harmful selfimaging and self-esteem.

Stenberg expresses this conflict by explaining that “[she is] not a girl any more, or [she] never was one. But when [she] was young [she] didn’t know there was any alternative to what people were telling [her].” That is why visibility is important.

Hopefully, Stenberg will continue to advocate for the rights and visibilities of minorities while including those of nonbinary people as well. Representation, however, first begins with dialogue both on a large, national and also on a smaller, community scale.

So, while Amandla Stenberg and other non-binary celebrities have started the conversation, it is important to boost the conversation in every community, including here at St. Mary’s. Conversation will lead to the understanding of the non-binary community and identity representation. Visibility, after all, should begin within one’s own community.

San Antonio celebrates poetry month CLAUDIA D. CARDONA

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR This April marks the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month, which is celebrated through various events in San Antonio. The Academy of American Poets has marked April as National Poetry Month for a total of two decades in a row. Since 2009, San Antonio has continued to publish a local calendar with public information about poetry events around the city. Some of San Antonio’s poetry events are partnered with organizations such as Gemini Ink, Young Pegasus and VIA Poetry on the Move. This year, there are over 90 events listed on the calendar.

As a precursor to the month-long celebration, Jenny Browne was inducted as the new poet laureate of San Antonio for 2016–18. Browne teaches classes in poetry, creative writing and gender studies at Trinity University. Three of her poetry collections have been published, including her most recent book, “Dear Stranger.”

There will be several events hosted by poets around the city throughout this month. These events include poetry slams,

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public readings, open mic nights and writing workshops hosted by educators, poets and writers. Some of these events host readings by local poets such as Carmen Tafolla, Laurie Ann Guerrero, Victoria Garcia-Zapata and Jenny Browne.

“National Poetry Month is a great way to heighten awareness of the power and beauty of poetry, one of our most ancient tools of self-expression” says Cyra S. Dumitru, English professor at St. Mary’s. “For me personally, poetry is a daily necessity, both the reading of other people’s poetry and writing my poems. It is as natural and essential as breathing.”

More information about the events happening during National Poetry Month can be found on www.npmsa.com.

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14 FITNESS & HEALTH

EDITOR: KIMBERLY ARRIETA / @STMURATTLERNEWS

Two students show off their high calorie packed chicken on a stick accompanied by a jalapeño at this year’s annual Homecoming Baby Bake held Saturday, April 2.| Photo by Paige Gandara-Valderas

FROM “COVER”

on-campus food options.

Resident students with a meal plan receive $60 worth of food coupons and commuter students are able to purchase up to $60 worth of food coupons with their dining dollars. The food coupons provided to students only increase buying chances at Oyster Bake.

The food is there, they have the coupons and everyone is doing it. Oyster Bake, to many, is a fun and enjoyable experience where they can ride rides, play games, hangout with friends and eat food. It allows students to participate in Fiesta activities with the convenience of not having to

leave campus.

It is difficult to get off of campus, and many students would prefer to stay on campus than to leave and not be able to get back. Another reason why people tend to buy so many Oyster Bake foods is because it only happens once a year.

Throughout the year, students anticipate chicken on a stick and can’t wait to grab one the first chance they get. People excuse themselves for this weekend and allow bad habits to break loose.

One way to avoid eating so badly on this weekend is to go out and buy some healthy foods from the grocery store the day before Oyster Bake. These groceries can be eaten prior to heading out into the carnival area,

which will help ease temptations of eating unhealthily. Another option is to be aware of things that are being consumed.

According to healthcastle.com, finding a comfortable spot to sit down and enjoy the treats is better than mindlessly walking around and not paying attention to what is being consumed. Although Oyster Bake has plenty of unhealthy food options, there are a few other options that can be purchased as well. Some of these include raw oysters, shrimp on a stick, roasted corn/corn in a cup (without the added butter and toppings), non-fried meats on a stick, boiled crawfish and fruit cups.

Locations for all food items can be found at oysterbake.com

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Students raise debatable questions over usage of Fitbits: necessity or accessory?

KIMBERLY ARRIETA SPORTS EDITOR

A new health craze surfaced during the last couple of years is catching momentum. The Fitbit is an activity tracker that is able to track number of steps, heart rate, sleep quality and several other personal metrics through the wearable technology.

However, some have argued that the Fitbit acts more as a trend than an actual health tracker device.

Students around campus use this accessory in order to track progress throughout the day.

On the other hand, others are deciding to not make the pricey purchase, and instead decide to physically track their exercise without using the device.

“I wouldn’t buy a Fitbit because I feel there are resources that our phones provide us with that can do the same thing for free,” Daniella Muniz, senior biology major, said.

More than 70 percent of the company’s customers who purchased a Fitbit in the first three quarters of 2014 stopped using their devices by the end of the year according to Forbes.com.

One issue with the Fitbit is that counted steps do not provide enough information to

the user. There are also glitches associated with the calculated step counts. For instance, when a person’s arm/wrist is moved, it counts a step even when the person is not moving.

This issue is apparently solved by wearing the Fitbit on your non-dominant hand, but even then, it may not be completely accurate. This is not the case for everyone, as some students actually find the accessory to be beneficial. Students enjoy using it to track their sleep patterns and how long they are active.

“I just felt like I wasn’t getting enough sleep and I had no way of monitoring how much I’m working out compared to how much I’m eating. Moving into college you consume different calories than you do at home. I am able to track the amount of calories I take in and how much I’m burning,” Gisela Reyes, freshman philosophy major, said.

Reyes stated that she bought her Fitbit because her boss was obsessed with reaching her daily goals, which can personally set on the device.

Depending on the person and the intent, the Fitbits’ helpfulness can vary. If a person is not interested in the long-term progression of their health, Fitbits may just act as an accessory rather than a tool.

However, people use Fitbits to stay active and challenge friends to reach their daily goals. Regardless of its overall effectiveness, people are still purchasing them and use them as some type of motivation or another.

To say that Fitbits are just a fashion trend is a stretch. There are many outlets that

people can use other than Fitbits, which include manual logs, phone tools or other wearable devices that are placed on other areas of the body. Whether it is trendy or an actual progression tool, it solely depends on the persons’ intent of the device.

Student uses Fitbit to keep track of daily goals and progress for the day.| Photo by Julia Ewalefo

SPORTS 15

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Men’s tennis team remains confident with challenging schedule this season KIMBERLY ARRIETA SPORTS EDITOR

The men’s tennis team has had a tough schedule this year, but that has not kept them from being successful on the court.

Late last month, the team was able to pull off a five game winning streak, brought to an end by the number two in the nation, Hawaii-Pacific.

“The guys had a very tough schedule this year and it would have been easy for them to get discouraged by not getting the results, but they have been working very hard at practice and trusting the process and investing in getting better everyday and throughout the season,” Ross Dausin, assistant tennis coach said.

The 5-0 winning streak was able to be obtained because of the hard work the men have put in. With such a tough schedule this season, it can be difficult to remain positive throughout the season.

“You worry about that as a coach, but the guys on the team have very good heads on their shoulders and they really have taken everything in stride. They have been very flexible and have taken the attitude of showing up and competing every day, especially on match days,” Dausin said.

Dausin believes that when the team notices success from the work that they have put in, it makes it easier to remain positive.

“Our players are smart and have been playing their whole life. I think when you get to this level it comes down to your work ethic, attitude and mentality you have as a

competitor every day. So I think that’s what I try to focus on when coaching these players,” Dausin said.

In order to remain successful on the court, the team has to understand the importance of every match. As of now, the men’s tennis team holds an overall record of 10-9 and 2-0 in conference.

The team doesn’t focus on winning streaks, but rather on each match individually. If the team continues to win, it will build momentum for the next match and the next task at hand.

“I think no matter the opponent we

In February the St. Mary’s volleyball team welcomed their new coach, Calloway Mefford, replacing Coach Jenny WarmackChipman, who has been with the team for the last six seasons.

As they prepare for the new volleyball season, the team is welcoming their new coach in hopes of also continuing to grow the program.

Mefford was successful in her past programs and was named The Sun Conference Coach of the Year in both 2012 an 2014. Mefford hopes to turn things around for the better.

A former athlete herself, Mefford is originally from Kentucky and graduated from Samford in 2007.

She has spent the last four years coaching at St. Thomas University in Miami, an NIA university.

Mefford understands the pace and responsibility of the game. The new head coach has expectations that she knows are reachable on and off the court.

She understands the role academics play in being a student athlete and will continue to stress the importance in order to succeed in all areas.

Just like every other coach, the idea is to win games, but it doesn’t stop there — it’s about players growing individually and growing as a team.

Mefford applied to be head coach shortly after moving to San Antonio with her husband.

one another.

“Each guy on the team has different strengths and each and everyone of them brings something different to the table and it has been really good for the lineup,” Dausin said.

The team is diverse and Dausin states that he’s very lucky to have a group like that. The men want to win and they want one another to win.

They plan on continuing to be successful in using their abilities the rest of the season and as they head into the Heartland Conference Tournament.

Brien Galon and Matt Banner caught in action as they face off in a doubles match in hopes to bring home another Rattler vicotry.| Photo by Mat Martinez

Athletics names Mefford head coach of volleyball program after successful past KIMBERLY ARRIETA & NICOLAS MCKAY SPORTS EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

managed to fight until the end. We had some close loses at the beginning of the season, and I think now we have learned the importance of every match and wanting to win every point,” Joshua Mosseri, junior mechanical engineering major, said.

The team runs deep in the idea that they are very versatile. This allows the lineup of singles and doubles to change in case of injury, Mosseri adds.

With a team as deep as this one, it is easy to match players with one another and be successful. The team has done a really good job of using their abilities to push

“I was very impressed with St. Mary’s.

It’s just an open and friendly campus and you get a good feeling from the moment you walk on. There’s a lot going on here that recruiters get excited about,” Mefford said.

Mefford attended a school with an atmosphere just like that of the St. Mary’s community, and it made it that much more of a reason why she was attracted to the program.

Although she has only been head coach for eight weeks, Mefford has been hard at work restructuring the athletics program.

During this time, she has implemented a new weights and conditioning program, setting a higher focus on nutrition and redesigning the intensity levels of each practice.

Team bonding is also important to Mefford, who invited the team for dinner at her house last month.

“It’s something we try to do a lot here,” Mefford said. “Right off the start I was able to get to know them better.” She hopes to have bonding moments like these at least once a month.

Mefford is confident and ready for the new season.

“They are exited and ready for a fresh start,” Mefford said.

The team’s first exhibition game will be against the Southeastern University Pirates Saturday, Aug. 27.

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CARTER WILLIAMS REMEMBERED FOREVER

Students gathered at quad last Friday to pay respects to Carter Williams. Williams passed away April 4 due to surgical complications.

Kappa Sigma fraternity members, sophomore accounting major Gabriel Mendez, sophomore psychology major Roberto Cardoza and sophomore marketing major Nick Dauphine grieve over the loss of fraternity brother at a memorial prayer held at quad last Friday. | Photo by Paige Gandara-Valderas

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Williams became an Eagle Scout in 2009, marking that one of his greatest achievements.

Williams, pictured with his father, went on an Alaskan vacation in 2012. | Photo courtesy of Barbara & Todd Williams.

A son, a brother, an excelling student and an overall well-rounded individual went to his heavenly home Monday, April 4 due to surgical complications. Carter Williams, 21, was well known for his optimism and humor.

He never failed to put a smile on someone’s face or humor someone with laughter. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Williams, his father, Todd Williams and his sister, Meryl Williams.

This was Carter Williams’ third semester at St. Mary’s. He transferred from Frank Phillips College after receiving an associate’s of science degree in business. He quickly found his home here at St. Mary’s during his first semester in January 2015. On top of working toward a bachelor’s degree in finance and risk management, he also took up a spot in the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He enjoyed being a part of the community and his brotherhood.

“When he went to St. Mary’s, he knew he wanted to pledge a fraternity,” Barbara said. “He just loved St. Mary’s so much and everyone there. This was the right place for Carter, especially since he was just starting to figure himself out.”

Some of Carter Williams’ favorite hobbies included fishing and hunting. In December 2004, he was the youngest in his Kuk Sool Won class to receive a black belt in Korean martial arts. His skills in academics and leisure activities always shined throughout his life. One of his prized achievements in life was becoming an Eagle Scout through Boy Scouts of America.

“He started Boy Scouts kind of late,” Barbara said. “He started in 10th grade and still managed to get his Eagle Scout’s badge.”

Through all of Carter Williams’

endeavors, he pulled through to make the best of every situation.

“One thing that people don’t know about Carter is that he had Tourette’s syndrome,” Barbara said. “He was diagnosed with it when he was in first grade. How he managed to walk into school everyday, I will never know. He had severe vocal text and motor text, but that was not going to stop him from going to school.”

Through much guidance and support of his professors at Frank Phillips College, he was able to pull back into a social life, eventually becoming the student body president.

“I think that was the first step that really opened him up and made him realize that he was no longer Tourette’s, but that he was Carter Williams.”

Carter Williams was full of life and looked on the bright side of things. One of his famous sayings was, “I’m just going to keep on going. I got this, I got this.”

His fraternity brothers not only acted as a support system for him, but also for his family. During his passing, a few brothers spent the day with his mother to comfort her.

People were shocked and in disbelief of his sudden passing. St. Mary’s mourned and held a Greek memorial service Friday, April 8 at the Alkek Plaza, where each Greek organization lied down their letters to demonstrate unity for a fallen member in the Greek community.

St. Mary’s will miss his smile and bright, fun-loving self.

“I’m telling you, he was the happiest I had ever seen him at St. Mary’s. He was so content and surrounded by so many friends,” Williams said. He didn’t have that anywhere else, but he had it there [at St. Mary’s].”

Williams pictured with fraternity brother and alumnus Louie Perez on a Friday at quad.

Williams this past Thanksgiving with his golden cocker retriever, Paxton. | Photo courtesy of Barbara & Todd Williams