Vol. 108 Issue No. 2 - 9/25/19

Vol 108 | Issue 2 | Sept. 25, 2019 | San Antonio, Texas

Community responds after student seriously injured in on-campus incident SAMANTHA SALAZAR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A St. Mary’s student was seriously injured in an incident being investigated as a possible suicide attempt by the university police department.

The incident occurred on the morning of Sept. 12, 2019 in the space between Reinbolt Hall and St. Louis Hall.

“Our student continues to receive and respond to medical care,” said Timothy

Bessler, dean of students and vice provost of student development. “We certainly ask for the community’s continued prayers for the student and the family.”

According to Bessler, university police officers were on the scene within two minutes of receiving notice and began notifying EMS on their way to the scene.

Additionally, student witnesses received care and support from faculty members who were at the scene while waiting for university police.

After notification from St. Mary’s chief of police, David Ott, Bessler immediately contacted Diane Coalson, executive director of the student counseling, health, and disability services to report to the scene to provide additional support to the witnesses.

“Myself and Ms. Deidra Coleman, the associate director of the SCC [student counseling center], then provided on scene-support to witnesses as necessary information was provided to UPD, who had responded within minutes of the event,” Coalson said.

The incident is still currently under investigation, however, Bessler is confident that what occurred does not reflect the availability or accessibility to the mental health resources on campus.

“I think one thing I would offer is that we do not believe what happened is any reflection at all of the care available to students at St. Mary’s,” Bessler said. “I’m very confident based on what I know that this was not a reflection back on care available.”

The counseling team, university m i n i s t r y, and

members of St. Mary’s administration met with various students and faculty members throughout the day, including visits to the student’s classes. In addition, Coalson contacted the director of the Trinity University student counseling center to request further counseling assistance if necessary.

“It was not—but it was comforting to know that we [had] access to additional counselors if we needed them,” Coalson said.

The student counseling center is available for all students at St. Mary’s, including undergraduate, graduate, and law CONTINUED ON PG. 2

OPINION

LIFESTYLE

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

PG.5

PG.8

PG.10

PG.12

Dating apps inspires human connection

How to maintain a workout routine

“IT Chapter Two” impresses audiences

Esports coming soon to campus

2 NEWS

EDITOR: SAMANTHA RUVALCABA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 25, 2019

SNAP | FEATURED PHOTO

THE RATTLER WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS MEETINGS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 UNIVERSITY CENTER Newsroom 5 p.m.

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St. Mary’s students enjoy Afro-Latin night in the Contreras Student Lounge celebrating the kickoff of Hispanic heritage month. | Photo by Vanessa Ortiz

Real Talk features Mexican-American lawyer and pioneer LARRY SHEA-RODRIGUEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CHECK US OUT ONLINE! www.stmurattlernews.com

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.

The first Real Talk session of the year was held on Sept. 12 in the university center which highlighted civil rights lawyer, Carlos Cadena. Real Talk sessions focus on educating and empowering students through teaching them about figures in history that are not commonly touched upon.

Cadena was a former civil rights lawyer based in San Antonio, as well as a professor at St Mary’s. He is most famous for his role in the case Hernandez v. Texas. The first and only Mexican-American civil rights case to be heard and decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Faculty and students alike listened to speaker, Maralicia Martinez, junior criminology and English major, speak about the history of Cadena’s life as well as the personal impact he had on her family. She was approached to do the talk due to her interest in immigration law.

“I am familiar with Mr. Cadena because FROM “COMMUNITY”

students. The center currently employs three full-time counselors and one part-time psychiatrist and are actively looking to hire another one. The student counseling center provided counseling to 415 unique students for around 2,500 sessions in the past two academic years. The staff psychiatrist typically sees 140 unique students for around 675 appointments per academic year.

“Based on the number of students who self-refer for counseling services, I believe the relationship between the SCC and the

of my mom,” Martinez said. “I was really inspired personally by the trailblazers that inspired the Chicano movement and the Latin civil rights movement. They eventually paved the way for people like me, my mom, and my friends to eventually pursue law.

Had it not been for them, I wouldn’t be where I am.”

After the talk ended, attendees broke into discussion groups and talked about some of the thoughts and feelings they had.

Students reflected about their own roles in helping society and discussed the Marianist charisms. One of those students was senior psychology major, Joseph Contreras, who was surprised to learn about the history of San Antonio and had a lot to resonate from the talk.

“This Real Talk 2.0 was really interesting, and I am glad I was able to participate,” Contreras said. “I take a real keen interest in the education of Hispanics in my community.

I am highly influenced by Hispanic figures.”

One of the most vocal members during the discussions was former professor Mojica

Fonesca Jr. who uses this case, as well as the life of Cadena, to educate his students on their heritage. Although not a MexicanAmerican himself, he believes students should learn about their past.

“Being Portuguese I have always been interested in the Mexican heritage,” Fonesca said. “A lot of younger Mexican children don’t know about their heritage. They don’t know the history. As Saul Castro said, ‘If its not in the books it never happened.’ Its important that they know their heritage and be proud of it. For me that’s important.”

Several students shared the sentiments expressed by Fonesca. Many people in the audience left the talk feeling inspired and prideful of their heritage. The campus will continue to host Real Talk sessions throughout the year covering figures of importance in the civil discourse.

The next session will take place on Oct. 9 featuring modern fair trade pioneer Edna Ruth Byler. All Fall 2019 sessions will take place in the University Center, conference room B.

students to be strong and getting stronger as the stigma of mental health concerns decreases,” Coalson said.

Ultimately, Bessler is proud of the community’s continued response of support for one another and believes it is a reflection of the Marianist charisms.

“I am incredibly proud about the way our community responded to a very difficult situation, both in the moment as well as the continued follow-up care for each other at the student level, care for each other between and among employees and faculty and for our students,” Bessler said. “There

definitely is a clear expression and animation

Student Counseling Center: The SCC is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For emergencies between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Walk in to the SCC and a counselor will see you as soon as possible For emergencies after 5 p.m. and before 8 a.m., and on the weekends: Call the Counselor on Duty at 210-825-3622 For non-emergencies: Call the SCC at 210-436-3135

University Ministry: Call 210-436-3213 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Rattlers Against Sexual Violence: Call 210-436-3837 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Law School Counselor: Call 210-431-4225 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

of that family spirit that is a part of our Marianist charism.”

The student counseling center, located in Center for Life Directions building, is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Emergencies from 8-5 p.m. can be seen as soon as possible and emergencies after hours and on the weekends are handled by the counselor on duty at 210-825-3622.

Other resources for mental health emergencies: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 800-273-8255 (TALK) or 800 SUICIDE United Way Helpline Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 211 or 877-541-7905 Graphic by Samantha Salazar

NEWS 3

SEPT. 25, 2019 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

POLICE BLOTTER SEPTEMBER 2019 SEPT. 1 Consumption of alcohol by minor reported in Dougherty Hall.

Case is closed.

SEPT. 3 Theft reported in the University Center.

Case has been referred.

SEPT. 7 Criminal mischief reported in Parking Lot D. Case is active.

SEPT. 8 Sexual assault reported in residence hall.

Case is active.

SEPT. 10 Harassment reported in Treadaway Hall.

Case is active.

SEPT. 10 Fraudulent ID documents reported in Treadaway Hall.

Case is active.

SEPT. 14 Possession of drug paraphernalia reported in Founders Hall.

Case cleared by arrest.

Benefit concert assists local women veterans GERARDO NIÑO-POZOS STAFF WRITER

The St. Mary’s department of music hosted the Women Veterans Benefit Concert in coordination with volunteers from the U.S. Air Force Band of the West. The benefit concert was aimed to raise awareness for women veterans and the collection of donations towards women in need within their community. Due to the high number of male veterans, women veterans are often overlooked; thus, they often do not receive as much aid or support as their male counterparts. Donations accepted ranged from a variety of new and gently used items such as hygiene products, hair accessories, and clothing products.

“I thought this would be a really nice place to do a concert like this so we can get students and faculty involved and have a space for an instant audience,” said Rose Valby, member of the Air Force Band of the West.

Valby having recently served one year in the Air Force was pivotal in organizing the event. Valby reached out to Matthew Mireles, chair of the department of music and whom she attended college with, which resulted in the two of them on board with the project.

Valby also helped contact the Women of Veterans of San Antonio, a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for female veterans to network, socialize, and give back to their communities.

One of the cornerstones of the concert revolved around the music performed by female composers as a tribute to women who have inspired them through their achievements in music. Before each performance, the performer would give a short prologue of what the song’s meanings were, followed by why the song was special

Denzel Rubio-Gomez, Skylar Tiner, and Leslie Lyon express their support for the organization with their performance together at the Women Veterans Benefit Concert.| Photo by Gerardo Niño-Pozos

to them.

A queue of volunteers performed throughout the night. The concert was musically diverse with varied instruments that showcased the abilities of the performers. Brass and woodwind instruments dominated the evening as the horn, tuba, flute, and oboe took center stage in several acts. Leslie Lyon, adjunct professor of guitar, began the concert with two others: Denzel Rubio-Gomez and Skylar Tiner, who each played the flute.

Valby also showcased her own skills with the horn shortly after. Nathalia Flores, a student at St. Mary’s, also performed as a soprano—the highest vocal register—which filled the recital hall with her voice alone.

“I love it, it’s a fantastic job,” Valby said.

“Being a musician, our mission is to honor, inspire, and connect. This is one of the best ways we can connect is by doing something like this.”

The night was finished by a triple song performance by members of the Air Force Band of the West, covering “Way Over Yonder,” “Pick Yourself Up,” and “America the Beautiful.” This is the first year a benefit concert for the Women of Veterans of San Antonio was hosted; there are talks of making this an annual concert for future donation events. All donations received will go to the Women Veterans of San Antonio in hope of bettering and supporting their communities.

Students Demand Action chapter making its way on campus IVAN BRIONES STAFF WRITER

A new student organization is in development at St. Mary’s with the purpose of bringing students together in demanding an end to gun violence. Students Demand Action, an extension of Moms Demand Action, is hoping to inspire activism within the St. Mary’s student population in turning

“

Look at Florida: Things began to change in that state when Parkland students who survived that tragedy rose up, determined to change state policy. Would students at St. Mary’s, who’ve witnessed gun violence near and far, want to do less?”

Bill Israel chair and associate professor of communication studies

outrage into action.

Chair and associate professor of communication studies, Bill Israel was among other faculty members that met with local Moms Demand Action liaison, Sandra Ogogor, following the recent mass shootings in Texas.

“Gun violence is a public health emergency in this country, and especially in Texas,” said Israel. “Look at Florida: Things began to change in that state when Parkland students who survived that tragedy rose up, determined to change state policy. Would students St. Mary’s, who’ve witnessed gun violence near and far, want to do less?”

Students Demand Action is rooted in using student leaders to bring new perspectives to the gun violence discussion.

The organization is hoping to bring awareness to the community on the issues of gun reform and the tragedies that have occurred during these acts of terror.

However, the organization has decided to take a step further by using student activism as a means of giving a platform and voice for those who are affected by this the most.

According to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, a nongovernmental organization committed to understanding and reducing gun violence, in 2019 there have been over 66 incidents of gunfire on school grounds that have resulted in 11 deaths, three of which were suicides, and 42 injuries. Among the 29 states that were involved, Texas ranks second only to Florida with five incidents for highest number of gun-related incidents in a state this year.

“I do think that with all of the gun control issues we are currently facing, a student organization that brings awareness to these issues would be highly beneficial,” said senior music education major, Victoria

Gonzalez. “It would create a space for share that in common. students to openly speak about their Currently, the Young Women’s Leadership concerns…. [and] advocate Academy has the only Students Demand for change in both policy Action Chapter in San Antonio, and society.” making St. The issues of gun violence Mary’s the have extended to not only first San the victims themselves, Antonio but also students across university to the country. Fear of mass have a Students shootings has steadily D e m a n d grown over the recent Action chapter years and continues to in history. affect students on a dayS t u d e n t s to-day basis. Senior Demand Action psychology major and are looking to El Paso native, Isabela continue to inform Baker has witnessed the community on tragedies strike in her what they can do own community. to help bring about “It’s important this change, not only to me that we for the benefit of the prioritize safety immediate St. Mary’s and prevent violence, to public, but also to Graph ic by C ensure that these acts of domestic hopefully extend their ody R ivera terrorism do not happen again,” reach and inspire others said Baker. “I am very disappointed in to join the battle to end America’s failure to reject easy access to gun violence. assault weapons.”

“It’ll take each of us who believe in peace University policy at St. Mary’s prohibits and social justice engaging in this emergency the possession of weapons while teaching to make a difference,” said Israel. classes, attending classes, and/or while Students Demand Action is one entering or being physically present on of the political and social activism the university’s premises. However, other organizations making its presence universities around San Antonio do not on campus.

4 OPINION

EDITOR: VICTORIA SALDAÑA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 25, 2019

Corporations should be held responsible for contributions to pollution issue Robert

Moncada STAFF WRITER

Climate change has been a hot topic recently, with everyone from celebrities to congressional leaders voicing their opinion. Congress has proposed different bills that would suffice the need to save the environment, with some being radical and resulting in major overhauls and changes to American life, and some subtle and small changes that have very little impact on how the American citizen functions. However, world pollution is not the direct result of one single country’s actions. Every human on the planet should be held accountable if one wants to keep the Earth habitable, and ironically, not every person is the root cause of the state of the climate.

In a study conducted by the nongovernmental organization GreenPeace, 10,000 volunteers traveled across 42 countries, where 239 cleanup events were held. More than 187,000 pieces of trash were collected, which led to a detailed report of how ten major corporations were responsible for a large portion of the world’s pollution. Among those top 10 were notable companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestle, with Coca-Cola being the top polluter.

These companies must be held accountable. Humanity has seen the effects of pollution in certain parts of the world.

because of their economic Floating trash islands occupy spaces of dominance over the globe. waters causing the sea life to choke on However, these autonomous the plastic in the ocean. GreenPeace multimillion-dollar reports that Coke-branded products businesses are made up of were not only found in 40 of the people. What this means is 42 countries visited, it is the only that the people who make brand ranked in the top three on up these businesses must all six continents. realize the initiative Major corporations such as starts with them.

Coke need to push for more They have the eco-friendly campaigns power to listen to to reduce this trend, as green consumers well as bring awareness and recognize the to the waste problem as a impact they have company. They should find on the environment greener ways to make their is instrumental. products, using recycled “A clean plastic in items such as environment bottles is a great start. benefits everybody,” “They should be Turner said. “So active in research,” said if we can put the David Turner, associate pressure of the professor of physics and consumer on the environmental science. corporation to make “They should be actively their product better, exploring ways in they and have sustainable can address and recognize practices, then they’ll problems. One way they can continue to do it.” do that is if the demand is Climate change coming out and telling them and pollution have ‘You need to do this’.” been tackled through Ocean plastic pollution multiple channels. is a problem. Major One of those is efforts corporations should not be put forth by Congress able to get away with this and the executive dirtying earth’s waters just Graphic by Victoria Saldaña

administration.

“The climate is changing,” Secretary of Energy Rick Perry told CNBC in an

“

So if we can put the pressure of the consumer on the corporation to make their product better, and have sustainable practices the they’ll continue to do it.”

David Turner associate professor of physics and environmental science

interview, “Are we part of the reason? Yeah, it is.”

Through combined efforts of the private sector and the government, the United States could be at the helm of the green movement, to protect the environment.

With countries such as China and Indonesia as the world’s leading plastic polluters, as reported by World Atlas, the United States can be the leading example of dealing with plastic pollution. If the country leads by example, others will surely follow.

“A clean environment benefits everybody,” Turner said. “So if we can put the pressure of the consumer on the corporation to make their product better, and have sustainable practices, then they’ll continue to do it.”

Multi- level marketing companies are manipulative and target young women Polina

Protozanova CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In today’s constantly evolving, fastpaced world the idea of a dream job has vastly changed its definition. A “perfect” occupation now includes traits like flexibility, working from home, being your own boss and so on. Not coincidentally, all of these describe working for multi-level marketing schemes.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, multi-level marketing schemes or MLMs, are systems for selling a product in which

“

But if the money a participant make[s] is based on the number of people he recruit[s] and his sales to them it’s probably illegal .”

Ma Zecong professor of marketing

someone agrees to buy an amount of product at a wholesale price—a lower price paid by a business—and then tries to make money by selling the product at a higher price to other people. Then tries to have others sell the product for them.

MLMs are also sometimes referred to as pyramid schemes largely because that is what they look like in reality: there is a founder, distributors of distributors and hundreds or, in some cases, thousands of levels just like these.

When looking at official MLM company statistics, it is easy to spot the only person that benefits from a business

is the founder, most of the distributors are actually left in debt. For example, the official data from the company “It Works!” divides all of the distributors into three categories: “distributor,” “executive,” and “ruby.” The average income for a “distributor” is $51, “executive” $219, “ruby” $474. Keep in mind that those numbers don’t even include the initial investment every member of business has to make, those “investments” range from $100 to thousands, depending on the promoted product.

Why do people stay in MLMs if the profit is so obviously low?

Firstly, because most of them don’t look at the publicly available data all MLMs are legally obliged t o

for MLMs because of their tendency to look for jobs from home with flexible hours and a supportive community.

Speaking of supportive community, pyramid businesses create an illusion of a welcoming group of co-workers, pushing each other to be the ultimate “boss babes”—an actual term used.

Overall, from an insider perspective, MLMs seem more like a dream job side to side with “best friends.”

Surprisingly, MLMs are not at all new. One of the biggest pyramid schemes was organized by Sergei Mavrodi, a soviet businessman, in 1989.

According to some expert estimates, it involved up to 15 million investors and distributors at a point, w h e r e Mavrodi w a s making $ 5 0

Graphic by Victoria Saldaña

disclose. But secondly, and most importantly, nowadays pyramid scheme businesses target two specific groups of people: mothers and military spouses—75 percent of all MLM distributors are women. Those two are “easy targets”

million a day. In the end, the pyramid fell apart, leaving tens of “distributors” so devastated with financial loss, many resorted to taking their lives. Looking at any other examples of “successful” MLMs in history, one will soon find out none

of them were actually long-lasting or beneficial to either sides.

If MLMs are as bad as the data shows, why are they even legal? Well, in some cases, they aren’t.

Multi-level marketing schemes are officially identified as pyramid businesses which, on their part, are illegal in some states. In California, MLMs are considered illegal and put under the section of dangerous lotteries. Georgia also prohibits pyramid schemes under the statutory framework.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, “The U.S. Department of Justice, in collaboration with investigative agencies like the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, prosecutes pyramid schemes criminally for mail fraud, securities fraud, tax fraud, and money laundering.”

Still not convinced that MLMs are evil? Hear what a St. Mary’s marketing professor Ma Zecong has to say about pyramid schemes: “If the money a participant make[s] is based on his sales to the public, it may be a legal MLM,” Zecong said. “But if the money a participant make[s] is based on the number of people he recruit[s] and his sales to them, it’s probably illegal. In the latter case, MLM is nothing but the marketing version of Ponzi scheme. MLM is illegal in most countries and 99% of participants lose money. So generally speaking it’s most likely to be bad.”

OPINION 5

SEPT. 25, 2019 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Tinder and other online dating forums empowers users to be more social Larry

Shea-Rodriguez CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Humans have an innate desire to form intimate connections with other people. In one psychological model, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, it is essential to achieve what he called selfactualization which is to achieve the peak version of yourself. So, people make friends and try to capture the heart of

Photo by Victoria Saldaña

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Samantha Salazar Managing Editor Isabela Vazquez Copy Editor Louie Diaz Layout and Design Natalia Zuñiga Advertising Manager Demi Bestor Photo Editor Cody Rivera Web Editor Victoria Valle Social Media Manager Karina Charo News Editor Samantha Ruvalcaba Lifestyle Editor Sabrina Evans Opinion Editor Victoria Saldaña Entertainment Editor Jacob Henson Sports Editor Tawny Davis Faculty Adviser Camille Langston, Ph.D.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Rattler welcomes letters to the editor.

Letters should not exceed 500 words and must include writer’s name, classification, major and telephone number. Editors reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar, spelling and content. For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401 or email rattlernews@gmail.com.

the ever-elusive significant other. Some individuals frankly have better luck than other people at doing both things. But what if someone didn’t have to be lucky or good at dating. What if there was a way to cheat the system and gamify it. Introduce dating apps, where the modern person doesn’t have to send a sonnet or show up with flowers all they need is a subtly elegant, “Hey wyd? ‘shy monkey emoji.’”

Online dating apps have taken off in recent years. But it’s not anything new.

Sure, the days of craigslist personal ads are gone but the trend has been there for years. A Huffington Post article published in 2017 goes as far to argue virtual dating has existed since the late 1600s. There are tons of dating sites online. But this isn’t a history lesson on dating apps, that’s how you end up without a date. This is a question of empowerment and whether online dating helps its users feel better about dating.

Among the most popular dating apps is Tinder. Most people know how Tinder works. Users swipe right or left, you get one “super like” and that is usually used accidentally with varying results. The problem with Tinder and similar apps is they are super easy to gamify. Things like how often you swipe right and how often someone gets or receive messages increases their odds of appearing for other users. Every user has a hidden score determining how often they show up for other users. This can be abused by only

swiping right on say, two out of every 10 potential matches, making a certain user appear to be picky increasing that user’s frequency on how often they show up for others. Swiping often or casting wide nets leads to the user appearing less often.

Online dating can certainly shift someone’s perspective and feel empowering for the user. It puts lots of potential intimate connections literally in your pocket. It can also help someone put themselves out there. Skylar Tiner, freshmen music major, is one of those people who had her perspective changed.

“Using online dating has definitely changed my view of dating,” Tiner said. “I’ve realized that it’s hard, but it’s a great way to meet people if you’re shy in person.”

Specialty sites like Christian Mingle can feel especially empowering for the user because they cater to a certain demographic. Chances are if someone is on a specialty-based dating app then they want to meet similar people too.

All of this can feel great, meeting people in a non-traditional way and potentially forming long-standing relationships in whatever way that means for the users.

People don’t have to go to spin classes or coffee shops, someone can just make a nice profile and write a great bio. The fear of rejection also fades because people only get shown mutual matches. Hugo Parra, freshman criminology major, believes it is empowering because users can control how they are seen.

“It’s empowering for users because they can create their own profile,” Parra said. “First impressions are important.

Allowing people to create their own image helps to present yourself exactly as you want to be shown.“ But empowerment comes at a cost.

Certain demographics, particularly men, tend to really play the system. In a society that places so much value in one’s sexual desirability, the perception of having a lot of desirability can lead to a power trip of sorts. Pickup artists and men’s rights movements alike have written books and articles, created YouTube channels, and have developed online communities focused on the art of picking up women. Those hidden scores are easy to manipulate and it’s even easier to use psychology to make a profile appear friendlier and more successful. Thus, leading to more positive matches for that profile and appearing more often.

So, is it empowering for the user? It can be incredibly empowering and lead to good results for someone. People may develop social skills they didn’t have or might meet the person of their dreams on Match.com, everyone has seen the commercials. However, there can be a dark side to all of this. Is that a risk that society is willing to take? Swipe right and find out.

Vape products should not be restricted due to recent incidents Angie

Bravo

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

An increasing intolerance for smoking has been observed through the years with its direct link to cancer being one of the biggest reasons. Vape pens have been the latest introduction to smoking substitutes but now what was intended to help, has become the reason for several deaths. Vape pens were initially intended to help smokers quit the use of cigarettes. However, they now face possible banishment as the president is proposing to declare flavored vaping products illegal for use. Ultimately, to ban flavored vape products, including e-cigarettes, removes an option for those actually trying to quit smoking and could be justified as a means to ban other substances which would be a direct attack of freedom of choice.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse e-cigarettes and vaping products provide a less harmful option for cigarette smokers with the goal being to cease smoking. Even though the primary use of vaping has become distorted and glorified as a means of socializing mostly through teen use, this does not take away from its initial purpose. Though research is not definitive, there is support identifying vaping products to be a “safer” option due to the lack of added chemicals linked to cancer. With a lack of potent deadly chemicals such as carbon monoxide, vaping is a valid option that should not be cut-off from people genuinely trying to end smoking habits.

Apart from restricting an option that could help someone live a healthier lifestyle, banning e-cigarettes and vaping products

could be used to justify the abolishment of other harmful substances, case in point: alcohol and cigarettes. The very premise of the proposal to ban vaping products because of the connection to deaths could be applied to other products. Many more deaths have resulted from actual cigarettes and alcohol than vape pens; but they remain available for purchase because it is a choice to use and consume and how often do so.

The banning on these products is a simple infringement on autonomy.

Alexander Chapa, freshman political science major said there is not enough information on the subject to make conclusive decisions.

“I don’t necessarily support the ban because there are other products that are just as harmful however the only difference with them is that we actually have research and people know about the effects,” Chapa said. “The federal government should make

research into the effects of not necessarily Juul, but the off brand products that you find in gas stations…and the ones that are THC infused because those are the products we are seeing that people are getting more addicted to… and seeing long-term effects coming into place.”

The debate over the legality of flavored vaping products has people at a crossroads, with a portion of Trump supporters reconsidering who they will cast their votes for in the 2020 elections. Freedom of choice is an innate part of America. To ban flavored vape products, including e-cigarettes removes an option for those trying to quit smoking and could be justified as a means to ban other substances which would be a direct infringement on agency. As far as the present situation is concerned, there is no real backing for the complete ban of vape products and thus flavored vaping products and e-cigarettes should remain legal.

Photo by Cody Rivera

8 LIFESTYLE

EDITOR: SABRINA EVANS | @STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 25, 2019

Creating a consistent workout routine that works for students’ lifestyle and health EVA F. GARCIA STAFF WRITER

For college students, working out is important not only because it helps sustain physical fitness, but for many other reasons. Exercise can help heighten a student’s focus, help them keep an elevated mood, lower stress, increase their energy and allows them to have a sharper memory. However, in order to do so there are a few steps to take to remain consistent in working out. One should begin a routine around the habit they want to build. Writing it out and posting it somewhere where they see it daily will help them start getting used to this new routine. Setting times when to go exercise on a regular day is the next step to get closer to the goal of working out consistently.

That being said, schedule days to go to the gym ahead of time.

For instance, maybe someone commits three days of the week for working out. In this case, Monday, Wednesday and Friday could be the three days, so marking on a calendar with these days will serve as a form of reminder, especially if they treat those days as important appointments. Starting small can additionally help beginners stay

consistent. It is also safer to do so, especially

intensity workouts. This will only result in

Joshua Pridemore, freshmen engineering major, uses gym equipment. | Compiled by Sabrina Evans

for those who are just beginning. Beginners should not commit to many days of high

being exhausted, sore, or even injury.

Because of this,when starting to exercise,

it is better to begin with two or three days a week to do high intensity workouts at first.

Once the beginner has gotten used exercising and feels encouraged to do more than what they are already doing, is when they should strive to do more. This is when someone can increase how frequent they exercise or raising the intensity of the workouts.

Many students put off going to the gym for all types of reasons.

Like stated before, for some, their schedules are so busy they barely have time to go to the gym.

Nonetheless, in order to remain consistent, it is vital to not make up excuses. Taking a day off every now and then is good, but making up too many excuses will break the habit of exercising. Additionally, it will make it harder to stick with working out in the end. Just a 10-minute run can help a student relieve some stress from a busy schedule. Working out can have such a great impact on students. It can help them live a much more salubrious life. More so, it gives them a break of hectic schedules that can get overwhelming at times. As a result, they can excel in both their studies and personal lives.

Helpful tips for students to properly recycle in San Antonio SABRINA EVANS LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Living a sustainable lifestyle is not an easy task to accomplish, but it is possible.

The steps to living an eco-friendly are reduce, refuse, reuse, and recycle in that order. While recycling is not known for reducing one’s carbon footprint the most, it is an imperative part of the process and should be done correctly. Some students commonly recycle with good intentions but end up causing more harm because it is done incorrectly. The reason correct recycling methods are important is because if it is not done right throughout an entire city, the city will end up eliminating the recycling program altogether because it ends up costing more money and wastes resources.

Graphic by Sabrina Evans

The cancellation of recycling programs can be easily avoided if people follow these tips to properly recycle.

Some imperative tips to remember are to always recycle all emptied metal food, beverage cans, emptied plastic bottles, jugs, office paper, newspaper, and clean, flattened cardboard, and put them in the appropriate recycling bin or bins. Also, remember to never put plastic bags or plastic wrap, plastic cups, dishware, straws, food or food-related paper, paper cups, plastic foam, paper tissue, clothing, wood, tubes, furniture, batteries, wires, electronics, garden hoses, prescription bottles, or needles, in a recycling bin, unless specifically instructed to. Instead, contact the county or city to learn where to properly recycle, compost, donate, or dispose of those items. A common mistake made by people is

attempting to recycle dishes. Remember to never put drinking glasses, cups or dishware in the recycling bin. Putting dishware and glass in the recycling bin can cause many issues for the processors and can also cause issues for the glass manufacturers, possibly destroying their equipment which causes the good glass jars and bottles to become unusable. Instead, bring dishware and drinking glasses that are intact to a local reuse shop. If they are broken, put them in the trash and send them to the landfill.

Plastic bottles and jugs with a number label of one or two on the bottom are recyclable. Be sure to empty and recycle all plastic bottles and jugs that have necks. It is generally preferred the plastic cap be put back on the empty plastic bottle or jug before being put it in the recycling bin. For other plastics

with the label number of three through seven, confirm that the city of San Antonio recycling hauler will accept them. When in doubt, throw them out. To find out what are accepted items to recycle in the city of San Antonio, call 210-207-6428. All electronics should be recycled through a SERI certified electronic recycling facility. There are four different SERI facilities in San Antonio and can be found at sustainableelectronics.org/ recyclers. San Antonio has guidelines for recycled materials. According to sanantonio. gov, “Do not put your recyclables in plastic bags before placing them in the recycling cart and make sure to empty and rinse recyclables with liquids or food residue to prevent contaminating other recyclables.”

Items that are accepted are listed at www. sanantonio.gov under the residents tab then click on garbage and other collections.

Janice Rodriguez, senior communication studies major, recycles her items in the proper receptacle on campus.| Photo courtesy of Janice Rodriguez

LIFESTYLE 9

SEPT. 25, 2019 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

How to establish a morning routing and why it helps students be more productive IVAN BRIONES STAFF WRITER

Establishing a morning routine in college can greatly benefit students in their daily, academic, and professional lives. By creating a morning regimen, one can improve time management skills, ability to establish short-term goals, and build a system that is designed to improve confidence.

Studies have shown that establishing a system of short-term goals in the morning can lead to overall higher productivity. One should create a list of tasks to complete before leaving the bedroom to receive a sense of stability that can reflect on the rest of the day.

Before going into the benefits of establishing a morning routine, it is important to address the problems of not having structure in the mornings. A common problem that exists especially in college students is using the snooze option on an alarm to rack in a few more minutes of sleep. To understand why these short naps are not healthy, the notion of REM sleep should first be explained. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is categorized as “deep sleep” or what humans experience when they rest for approximately over 90 minutes.

Once humans are awoken from this type of sleep, it takes time to fall back into that

state. Therefore, individuals who attempt to sleep an extra couple of minutes after hitting snooze may experience grogginess, frustration, and overall unhappiness from lack of quality sleep.

A way to establish a morning routine is to drink water the moment one wakes up.

The body naturally uses up water during sleep, therefore feelings and symptoms

of dehydration can present themselves as a feeling of fatigue that is commonly misunderstood as being “tired” or “not rested enough.” Another way to establish a morning routine is to simply commit to waking up at a certain time of the day, every day, regardless of what day it may be. Being able to wake up early on the weekends does not only leave you with more time to be productive

Soki Salazar, senior political science major, completes her morning routine.| Photo by Sabrina Evans

but will also make waking up early during the weekdays more attainable. The body’s natural circadian rhythms are flexible but can be really thrown for a loop if there is a lack of consistency in routine. The body will respond accordingly to its circadian rhythm and can produce unusual side-effects when disturbed. This phenomenon is also seen in what is the feeling of “jet lag.” Furthermore, finding time to exercise in the morning will greatly impact overall confidence that is needed to start the day off strong and alert.

Heavy exercise is not necessarily needed, the body just requires a few minutes of cardio to be able to wake up. Studies have shown that finding time to do cardio before starting out the day can lead to a sense of alertness and energy, not just physically but mentally as well. Lastly, morning routines are not only exclusively done in the mornings.

Preparing meals, outfits, and having the necessary items readily accessible the night before will remove those responsibilities from happening in the mornings and make getting ready a little less stressful.

Establishing a routine has clear benefits, but it may take more than one day. It is said that muscle memory can take up to 27 days to appear, so don’t become frustrated the journey to establish the routine seems too harsh.

Graphic by Sabrina Evans

MENTAL MOMENTS: How to reduce anxiety effectively COURTNEY PEÑA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Many college students may say that they have anxiety or that they feel anxious about a certain event going on. Anxiety is the mind and body’s reaction to stressful or dangerous situations. Some college students have a low anxiety level but there are some with high anxiety levels. This can cause panic attacks or can be considered an anxiety disorder.

No matter what level one may consider their anxiety level to be, here are some ways to reduce anxiety. Counting is one of the many simple ways to reduce anxiety. Counting can relax people because it gives them something else to focus on other than their anxiety. All someone needs to do is find a quiet, comfortable place to sit, close their eyes, and slowly count to 10. Depending on the level of anxiety, count as many times as needed. Most of the time, relief will occur quickly but other times, it may take a while.

The important thing is to stay calm and be patient in order for the counting exercises to work.

When someone is feeling anxious, their breathing rate tends to be higher than normal. Not only that, but their heart rate

this process ten times or as many times as needed to reduce anxiety. Massages helps the body relax from anxious thoughts. They can also relieve muscle pain and tension, improve circulation, create a relaxation response, reduce tension, lower heart rate, and can make a person feel calmer. Some people may use massage chairs or equipment that they inhaling can buy at deeply a store but through some may the nose. want to visit W a t c h an actual and sense mass age the hands therapist. as the W h e n Graphic by Sabrina Evans breathing exercises are meeting a massage therapist, happening. The hand on inform them any important medical history, the chest should remain still while the hand which includes anxiety symptoms. Let the on the stomach should move slightly. Then, massage therapist know what the massage exhale through the mouth slowly. Repeat should consist of and if at any time during will increase, they will begin to sweat, feel dizzy and lightheaded. To address this, breathing exercises will bring relief. Sit in a quiet and comfortable place. Put one hand on the chest and the other on the stomach. Note that the stomach should move more than the c h e s t w h e n

the massage there is some discomfort. At the end of a massage, some people may feel soreness for a couple of days but there should never be pain or discomfort during or after the massage. Overall, massages will lower tension and decrease anxious thoughts.

Some additional lifestyle tips to reduce anxiety is to know the signs that happen once anxiety starts to occur, know what gives you anxiety, try a healthy diet instead of leaning towards fast food, take a break in life and exercise, try a new activity to clear the mind of worries, socialize with family and friends, and set goals. If any student feels like they may need additional help, visit the student counseling center located in the Center for Life Directions. Soon, the center will be opening a Wellness Lab where students can schedule time to learn practice controlled breathing and learn how to track their heart rate through the Calm app which is leading in meditation. There are hundreds of different meditations students can attempt to best fit their needs.

Call 210-436-3135 for an appointment or 210-825-3622 for an emergency after 5 p.m. or before 8 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday.

10 ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: JACOB HENSON | @STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 25, 2019

Panadería Jimenez and Bedoy’s Bakery’s pan dulce impress

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Panaderia Jimenez offers student discounts on pan dulce, coffee, y mas. | Photo by Jacob A. Henson

most recognized panaderías in San Antonio.

Additionally, Bedoy’s Bakery has two locations, one on Hildebrand and the other on Hillcrest near Babcock road.

The staff at their Hillcrest location are so welcoming that the manager, Patricia B e doy, sat

down and gave her take on the significance of panaderías in the Mexican culture. Bedoy said panaderías, like Panadería Graph ic b yJ Jimenez and Bedoy’s ac ob A. Bakery, represent people who work hard and tirelessly, but also add to the flavors and culture of the city. So, the next time those sweet cravings hit, taste the heart and soul of the community with pan dulce from your closest panadería. on ns He

Panaderías are the heart and soul of San Antonio. Otherwise known as bakeries, panaderías bring sweet definition to the prevalent Mexican culture here in San Antonio. Here are two panaderías that broaden San Antonio’s sweetness.

Panadería Jimenez, opened in 2018, is family owned and has operated for 53 years in Lubbock, Texas, before moving to San Antonio. Located at 1846 Fredericksburg Road in the Deco District, this bakery sells traditional pan dulce—sweet bread—but also serves breakfast kolaches, lunch, coffee of course, and other pastries. The owner, Frank Jimenez, and his friendly staff bake by the motto, “Keeping San Antonio Sweet.”

Make sure to try their authentic conchas—sweet bread rolls with a crunchy topping in a seashell-like appearance—or other pastries like cookies, brownies, and even cake squares. If not conchas, maybe try the many varieties of sweet empanada—baked pastries with a pocket of filling, usually fruit flavored. With their quaint and homey feeling, Panadería

Jimenez is pristinely clean, with tables inside and outside to snack and study at, freshly bake goods Tuesday through Sunday, and provides student discounts; so remember to bring those student IDs. Two miles east of where Panadería Jimenez is now, Mr. and Mrs. Bedoy founded Bedoy’s Bakery back in 1961.

With traditional pan dulce like cuernitos— sweet crescent-shaped croissants, usually crunchy and sugar coated, marranitos— gingerbread cookies in the shape of pigs and, of course, conchas and sweet e mp a n a d a s .

B e d o y ’s Bakery sells sandwiches a n d breakfast tacos, b u t unlike Pana d e r í a Jimenez, has fewer places to sit down. Instead, this shop seems to c hi encourage the grabap Gr and-go method.

Yet, their heartfelt motto, “We Bake In Memory,” encapsulates the business’s passion to bake but also remember those who have passed on.

The original owner, Mr. Bedoy, learned how to bake from his father back in El Salto Juanacaltan, Jalisco. Then brought his family recipes to what would be one of the by

SAMUEL VEGA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Do Pennywise and the Losers match up to the predecessor?

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Pennywise has returned after 27 years to terrorize the fictional town of Derry, Maine.

It’s up to the Losers Club, the only people capable of defeating the shape-shifter, to return and destroy IT once and for all. “IT Chapter Two” is the sequel to the 2017 “IT.” This time around the movie is set in a modern time period, apart from a few flashbacks.

With a runtime of more than 2 1/2 hours long, the stages are well equipt for the epic clash of trauma, tragedy, fear, separation, death, and more, thus making the film one of the best follow-ups of the year.

Just like its predecessor, “IT Chapter Two” does not disappoint in its storytelling, and it’s pivotal developments are much darker. So dark that the traumatic experiences the characters face are shocking—depressing even, but also lead to greater character development; but certain characters have darker fates than others. The inner fears each of the seven must face when confronting Pennywise are integral

in defeating the shape-shifter. Fears such as separation, abuse, jeering, and loss are emphasized more in this film, especially in female lead Beverly Marsh’s character, played by Jessica Chastain. As such, these key elements truly drive the Losers’ story.

The story is told, with the amazing performances of the ensemble cast: Jessica Chastain as aforementioned, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Jay Ryan, Isaiah Mustafa, James Ransone, Andy Bean, and many others who make the screen time alluring and entertaining. Along with the charismatic, yet creepy, IT, played by Bill Skarsgard, the returning teenage actors are very much a part of the second chapter. Each cast member’s chemistry aided in their characters performance making the film all the more tragic and heartbreaking.

Additionally, the movie’s score has an eerie yet fitting mood, featuring the return of film composer, Benjamin Wallfisch. The score itself kept the audience on the edge and makes the most intense, disturbing moments that much more memorable—thus effective.

The best scenes throughout the film take place when the Losers are either separated to face their G

MIGUEL RAMIREZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

individual traumas and fears, or when they anyone who feels alone in a fearful world. are all together facing the threat-inducing Nevertheless, with many film adaptations clown. However, no thanks to the CGI and of Stephen King novels, some less successful special effects in the film, some the most than others, “IT Chapter Two” provides memorable scenes are also some of the a satisfying conclusion to an epic story. most unsettling.

Overall, the film deserves four out of “It was [a] heart thrumming and five rattlers. goosebumps-inducing experience,” said Krystal Ramirez, freshman biology major. “My favorite scene, even though it’s also the grossest, was the scene that involved fortune cookies.

The cookies turned into babies and other creatures; it sent the message home that the clown really enjoyed messing with the character’s minds.”

On the other hand, there are some minor yet noticeable issues in the movie. The aging of the teenage actors is evident and Pennywise seems to have less lines than compared to the first film.

The second chapter also lacks some of the scarier aspects of its predecessor.

However, the theme of solidarity, when not Miguel Ramirez, freshman English major, reviews the horrifying alienation, is a highlight for movie, “IT Chapter Two.”| Photo courtesy of Miguel Ramirez

SPORTS 11

SEPT. 25, 2019 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Partnership between LCTV Inc. and StMU athletics debuts TAWNY DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Last semester, St. Mary’s athletics partnered with LCTV Inc., in order to live stream all sporting events, either home or away, on campus. LCTV Inc. is a media production company that focuses on broadcasting college and high school athletic events. This partnership between StMU athletics and LCTV inc. was made to provide a new experience for students to enjoy athletics at St. Mary’s. This partnership means that from the start of this athletic season, all home games and events will be broadcasted live as well as interviews from different players, shows from coaches and end of the year highlights from the best games of the year.

Ed Lozano, the president of LCTV Inc., is excited about this new partnership.

“This is a unique partnership between a local business and St Mary’s University,” said Lozano. “We look forward to the continued success on and off the court and fields for Rattler Athletics and the continued expansion of The Rattler Network.”

The new production studio, which houses LCTV Inc., includes approximately $300,000 worth of equipment available for use by St. Mary’s athletics and future student interns and work-studies. Included among all the equipment are switchers, graphics machines, LiveU receivers, a Tricaster and an instant-replay machine for the purpose of streaming live games. This equipment works together to receive, edit and distribute

live and recorded video in order to stream any event from the production studio to the public. LCTV Inc. works directly with

“

Now I can accomplish both because I don’t have to take time out of my homework to watch games, I can just watch them either on my phone or on my laptop.”

Charles Keller sophomore exercise and sports science major

national outlets such as the NFL, CNN and The Weather Channel. LCTV Inc. also has a strong relationship with KSAT-12, this allows St. Mary’s athletic events to be streamed live on various KSAT platforms, including their mobile app, and on KSAT. com. This new partnership also allows St. Mary’s to comply with the new Lone Star Conference instant-replay requirements for basketball and volleyball.

While it may be a new perk for St. Mary’s athletics, it also gives students here on campus a new outlet to cheer their friends on various teams on campus. Charles Keller, junior exercise and sports science major, believes the new live stream will allow him to balance both going to games and completing schoolwork.

“Before I never really could go to the games

Ed Lozano on a conference call about broadcasting in the LCTV headquarters.| Photo by Cody Rivera

I really wanted to go to because I always had to some kind of schoolwork,” Keller explains, “but now I can accomplish both because I don’t have to take time out of my homework

to watch games, I can just watch them on

We look forward to the continued success on and off the court and fields for Rattler Athletics and the continued expansion of The Rattler Network.”

in a more accessible era at St. Mary’s, in

“

Ed Lozano president LCTV Inc.

my laptop.”

Overall, this new partnership between the athletic department and LCTV Inc. ushers which students can finally stay updated with every athletic event. The partnership also provides students an opportunity to work in the broadcasting field as well. Hopefully, this union will also draw bigger crowds at home games, so the teams on campus can have a crowd to cheer them on.

New locker rooms inspire softball and women’s soccer teams EVA F. GARCIA STAFF WRITER

This past summer, the St. Mary’s women’s soccer and softball teams received a locker room makeover. Instead of plain walls, the locker rooms are now covered in motivational quotes for the girls to get inspired by before games. These newly decorated locker rooms were made possible by many supporters, donors and alumni of the St. Mary’s women’s soccer and softball teams.

The athletes expressed gratitude for the upgrade.

“Getting our new locker room was a big surprise from our coaches to all the girls on the team,” said Miranda Narvaez, junior exercise and sports science major. “We were

not expecting that at all and so it was a pretty cool thing to walk into and see.”

Narvaez added that the new change to the locker rooms inspires her.

“I feel like walking into this new locker every morning, whether it’s before practice or on a game day, it’s a quick reminder of why we step out on that field and play this game,” Narvaez added. “We all work hard for ourselves and for each other.”

The softball team is equally grateful for the new change in the locker rooms.

“Our donors and alumni were very generous,” said Rebekah Hubacek, sophomore psychology major. “The walls went from a plain light blue to a complete make over with blue and yellow walls with encouraging words and phrases.”

Team member, Aracelli Sanchez,

Words of encouragement are placed around softball locker room to be seen.| Photo by Cody Rivera

“

I think it will effect our season by bringing a different atmosphere and get us more excited for a game.”

Rebekah Hubacek sophomore psychology major

sophomore psychology major, expressed similar feelings.

“I would describe it [the locker rooms] as all ‘rattler out.’ Our colors are all over the walls with encouraging quotes and words,” said Sanchez. “Our alumni were asked what words they would use to describe the program, and some of those words are posted large on the wall for us to see everyday we go in there.”

Concerning the upcoming season for the team, Hubacek indicated that the inspirational words will be a new motivation them even more before their games.

“I think it will effect our season by bringing a different atmosphere in the locker room and get us even more excited before a game. It also reminds us of all the support we have and people cheering us on,” Hubacek said.

Sanchez added that the motivational quotes serve as a reminder of all of their supporters and of all of the hard work that goes into sports.

“It serves as a reminder that we are not playing for ourselves. We are playing for one another, our school, and for our biggest supporters, such as our loved ones and the alumni,” said Sanchez.

The women’s soccer team’s new locker room displays quotes throughout.| Photo by Cody Rivera

12 SPORTS

EDITOR:TAWNY DAVIS |@STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 25, 2019

Intramural sports to include new esports league for students EVA F. GARCIA STAFF WRITER

“

We know students aren’t just into playing basketball and all Campus recreation and intramurals are that, and we know students coming together to create a new type of here on their off time do play sport at St. Mary’s, esports. It consists of competitive gaming and targets the students video games, so we thought that are more interested in video games than that it would be a great way to just get more students to physical sports.

“We are just really trying to get an join intramurals.” interest using intramurals and just go on from there,” said Carlos Salgado, intramural coordinator.

There are also discussions of a potential St. Mary’s esports team. As of now the games of interest are “Overwatch,” “League of Legends,” “Rainbow Six Siege,” and “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”

Staff members involved indicated this league was created to involve even more students with intramurals.

“We know some students aren’t just into playing basketball and all that, and we know a lot of students here on their off-time do play video games, so we thought that it would be a great way to just get more students to join intramurals,” Salgado said, “and just to be more involved with the St. Mary’s community.”

The structure of the esports league will be similar to how other college sports are structured, including teams, scrimmages, and competitions.

“The design for the esports team is

Carlos Salgado intramurals coordinator

actually going to be like a collegiate sports team where there is a group of people who compete against other colleges or teams within the leaguers,” said Matthew Orta, operations manager for the alumni athletics convocation center and campus recreation, “that would mean that we could also hold scrimmages between an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ team.

It will be very equivalent to whatever you see at a regular sport, such as basketball, softball, etc.”

For now, Salgado and Orta are focusing on esports occurring on campus, before competing with other universities or colleges.

“Right now, when we do have one-day events, it will be students against other students,” Salgado said, “we would like to branch out in intramurals one day. Just in general, we are just trying to get just more

St. Mary’s students sit and compete together in online gaming competitions.| Photo by Cody Rivera

students involved. Matt and I have been working on esports, but we are also just trying to get creative.”

This creative idea will get more students who do not really favor regular sports and would much rather prefer to play video games to feel more included in the St. Mary’s community. It will give them a sense of competition like that of other sports and at the same time meet students who they have not interacted with while doing

Alkek Plaza | 9 a.m., Start time

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something they enjoy. Additionally, it will also be favorable to students since it will get them out of their consistent routine in order to try something new and fun. It is also an opportunity for students to compete against each other for fun.

“We are trying to find those communities that are already here on campus,” Orta said.

“At the end of the day it’s about having fun and we are hoping that this program grows because of that.”