Vol. 101, No. 5 - 04/16/2013

MIGL REACHES 1,000 WINS! PAGE 16

NO DAY BUT TODAY. page 12 vol. 101 issue 5

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April 16, 2013

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a st. mary’s university publication since 1924

R E B A T KE S Y O jump to page 8 for more information

WIN

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Cut on the dotte d line, place your face through the hole, take a picture and ha

shtag your photo #ShuckYeah wh en you upload it to Ins tagram or Twitter for a ch ance to win Oyster Bake tic kets!

Two-day event produces waste, majority to be recycled Veronique Moreno CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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This weekend’s annual Oyster Bake may set records not only for atendees, but for recycling – yet campus officials are saying that student engagement in recycling now looks to be waning.

Oyster Bake traditionally means recycling cans, bottles, paper, plastic, cardboard, aluminum and oyster shells, as alumni, volunteers, faculty, staff and a few student organizations pick up the remains. Still, more recycling may occur this year, partly because St. Mary’s has joined with Texas A&M-Kingsville to haul the oyster shells to Corpus Christi, in part of a “Sink Your Shucks” program. The program uses bleached and ground up oyster shells to regenerate degraded oyster reefs in Texas bays and estuaries, according to campus risk management officer Srikanto H. Paul and Fiesta Oyster Bake Director Steve Rosenauer.

Last year, Oyster Bake officials ordered 16,842 pounds of plastic, 5,775 pounds of aluminum and 8,121 pounds of glass to conduct the festival, according to Rosenauer and Ramirez. From the two-day event last year, officials filled a 30 cubic yard dumpster with just oyster shells and recycled 65-75 percent of all the materials ordered, they added.

In the two years he’s been a member of the St. Mary’s community, Paul said recycling efforts have seen a continuous improvement on the part of campus staff, focused through the campus Sustainability Committee (formerly the Recycling Committee). But what used to be a strong involvement with students has declined in the past year, he said.

Another who said he’s seen a decline in student involvement is David Ramirez, who’s see RECYCLING page 4 Senior Kendrick Vela, 2013 Homecoming king.

Cartoon by Angela Engle. Photo by Nick Canedo.

GAY RIGHTS w PAGE 6

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BREAK-UPS w PAGE 11

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LATINO POPE w PAGE 3

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2«news News in Brief

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SNAP | FEATURE PHOTO

Grab some tickets

Chicken on a stick, live music and death-defying heights should be more than enough reason to show up to the 2013 Fiesta Oyster Bake celebration this Friday and Saturday. If that’s not enough, then maybe the fact that proceeds are allocated toward scholarship money is. Shuck some oysters, have fun and fund scholarships.

Slide into the living museum

Stop by UC-D between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

April 24 to see a “living museum” exhibit in observance of the Civic Engagement and Career Development Center’s service through art day.

Each of the exhibits, created by students in Adam Burke’s Civic Engagement core class, features a social issue and proposes steps to alleviate the damages of such issues.

Lend a hand and a foot

Donate used shoes to the Student Development and Wellness team in order to raise awareness about sexual assault within the community. All donations will go to local charities.

Police Blotter 3.27.13

Student found stumbling in hallway of Founders Hall; struck head against wall; DOD contacted; student found asleep under the influence of unknown substance; left to sleep.

4.04.13

Employee flipped golf cart over; cart landed on top of employee, who struck head on pavement and possibly broke leg; transported for further medical treatment after EMS contacted.

4.06.13

Student backpack full of alcohol bottles recovered at Pecan Grove; DOD contacted; citation issued; referred to Judicial Affairs.

4.07.13

Visitor to campus fell and broke wrist at the AACC; EMS refused.

Find extended blotter at:

www.stmurattlernews.com

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

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

Rattler baseball team celebrates coach Migl’s 1,000th win playing against Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s Aggies. Photo by Kyra Littlejohn

Officials warn against potential thefts Mariajose Romero

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Campus officials alerted students to be more vigilant as this semester ends for fear of a repeat of last semester’s increased thefts in the Charles E. Cotrell Learning Commons.

A half dozen such thefts occurred earlier this year in the Learning Commons, a favorite spot to work, grab a drink from Starbucks, interact with friends in comfortable surroundings or take a break away from work, with the knowledge that 32 video cameras are surveilling the floor.

Yet, as useful as the cameras are, they don’t protect against theft, Caroline Byrd interim director of the Louis J. Blume Library said.

“With or without cameras, students should not leave valuables unattended anywhere,” she said.

In December, an iPad, property of the University, was reported missing.

Then, in January, two MacBook Pros were stolen from an employee’s office.

Another laptop was missing after an employee left the office door cracked open for just a moment.

None of the victims of the thefts,

such as Professor of English Gwendolyn Diaz, would comment for the record.

But her husband, Henry Flores, professor of political science and dean of the graduate school, called his wife’s loss potentially “devastating.”

“She wanted to transfer all of her stuff from the University’s laptop to her own, and someone took both of them,” Flores said.

Thanks to a back up, Diaz reconstructed almost everything she might have lost otherwise, Flores said.

“We travel with our lives in our computers, and when they (thieves) take your life’s work it is really devastating,” he said.

Police reviewed video of the floor, questioned some people, identified a suspect, but could do no more.

“We couldn’t prove anything,” University Police Chief David Ott said.

Since then, he said, there have been no theft reports.

“Yes, we had them (thefts), but they stopped,” Ott said.

In spite of this failure, the cameras have generally been helpful in resolving student concerns.

“Occasionally, a student reports

leaving something in the Commons at a certain time, but when we check the playback, the student has actually taken the item,” Byrd said.

Items to protect 1. Cell phones 2. iPods 3. Laptops 4. Cash 5. Bikes 6. Books 7. Jewelry 8. Credit cards 9. Identity theft info 10. Television sets Source: www.collegestudentsafety.com

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Campus cat deaths rising The following comes from email reports sent by For Paws. For full story, visit www.stmurattlernews.com 3.25.13

I’m sad to report that Chula was found dead yesterday near the Treadaway feeding station ... I’m also sad to report that Tyler’s body was found this morning.

4.01.13

Lately we’ve noticed a lot of canned cat food and table scraps at feeding stations and random places around campus. The well-intentioned folks who are doing this are not helping the cats; in fact, they may be hurting them by attracting dangerous dogs (as well as skunks and possums).

4.02.13

Pope Francis (center) greets the faithful in Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, one of his first official appearances as the new pope. Photo by Vincent and Martha Breslin

Community relates to Spanish Pope Pope Francis’ spanish roots and personable demeanor uplift local hispanic community.

Jasmine Rodriguez

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The election of a Latin American pope has resonated well with the large Hispanic population on campus, sparking interest in more conjoined work with the Catholic, Spanish speaking University population.

University Ministry has increasingly targeted the Hispanic community, a goal that has renewed significance in light of Pope Francis’s election.

“There is a reality that St. Mary’s has a Hispanic population that is grossly underserved,” Director of University Ministry Wayne Romo said. “We in University Ministry need to no longer wait for the right time to implement these kinds of services.”

Minister for Spiritual Development Brother Jose J. Matos-Auffant has high hopes for the Hispanic ministry due to the leadership of Pope Francis.

“My hope, and the hope of many campus ministers and pastoral agents in the United States that deal with Hispanic ministry, is that with a Latin-American Pope more people in the United States will be more open to integrate Hispanics into their communities and to form a new way of being a Church,” he said.

Although both his parents were born in Italy, Pope Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is hailed as the first Latino pope because he grew up speaking Spanish in Argentina. His reputation as a cleric for living simply and ministering to the poor seems

to recall not only the life of St. Francis, but the St. Mary’s University mission of peace and social justice, according to students and Marianists who work here.

St. Mary’s Law Student Carlos Rodriguez justified Pope Francis’ Latino heritage by saying that to claim otherwise would be the same as claiming an American whose parents were born in Mexico isn’t truly American.

Indeed, Rodriguez added, the Latino community may have influenced the election of the pope because of the percentage of Latinos within the Church.

“I, too, feel a sense of pride, knowing that one of the most powerful men in the world speaks the language that I do, even if he has lived his whole life on a different continent,” Rodriguez said.

Kevin Vaughan, visiting professor of theology, said he’s noticed positive conversation and a sense of pride about the Pope’s election.

Furthermore, Pope Francis’s public expressions to date seems to have pleased many here.

“I was pleased to hear that Pope Francis didn’t seem to think of himself as a ‘big shot’—a former chemistry teacher, lived in an apartment instead of an archbishop’s mansion, did some of his own cooking, took the bus to work and even broke the precedent after the election by returning to pay his own hotel bill,” Brother Frederick Halwe, a professor in the English and communication studies department, said. “He (also) stopped to shake hands with common people, and departed from the ‘script’ during his first appearances.”

Rodriguez said people expect Pope Francis will present himself more personably than his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

Sadly, we’ve lost yet another cat. Lynx had been a campus cat since May, 2010 ... Lynx had visible bite wounds, so we believe this is another case of DBD (death by dog).

B U R N I N G

Q U E S T I O N Is the Marianist Heritage in use today and how will it be used in the future?

“That is the oldest building in the University. I don’t think it was one of the first, but it has been moved around...The Office of Mission Identity (is) the responsible department for that ... We fixed it up again, and we used it for initial MEA meetings until we had outgrown it. One of the things is that, as a building, it’s never had any computer connections, so it’s very difficult to function as an office there. We’re still discerning the future of the heritage house, but it is the oldest building. Is it a historical site per say? I really don’t think so ... Preserving anything that would have been a part of a memory is not here. ” Reverend Rudy Vela Vice President for Mission and Identity

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Committee mulls over student concerns, relays to Aramark Rachel Grahmann

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

After almost an entire school year of mixed response from students, staff and faculty, a new student committee on the St. Mary’s campus is assuring opinions about the new cafeteria system are heard.

The committee has been reviewing the new Café system, a buffet-style replacing à la carte, introduced last semester.

It’s clear that, around campus, students are still having a difficult time adjusting, according to James Villarreal, director of residence life.

Since August, Villarreal has encountered students with concerns about the Café.

“The system changes have impacted not only students, but also staff and employees. There are growing pains and everyone is adjusting, but if students don’t take action, it’s going to stay the same.”

Taking action is what sophomore political science major Jennifer “Spunky” Garcia is doing. As head of the new Food Committee, part of the St. Mary’s Student Government Association, she’s working to bring the voices of students to the Café staff and employees.

The Committee, which began after commotion from students about the cafeteria’s changes, has been teaming up with John Finerghty, Aramark food services director, to from cover

RECYCLING been at St. Mary’s for 19 years. Though he saw students’ recycling aspirations increase little by little over the last generation, Ramirez said that in the last six to eight months, there’s not been much student involvement at all.

Despite the blue recycled materials containers placed around campus that are emptied twice a week, Ramirez said, there’s still tons of trash.

“Ninety to 95 percent of anything we throw away can be recycled,” Ramirez said, “and the students on campus are not doing their job and paying enough attention.”

Besides paper, plastic and aluminum, St. Mary’s recycles metal, wooden pallets, computers and ink cartridges, Ramirez said. “No money is made from this,” he added, “but it’s the right thing to do.”

When Ramirez said he started at St. Mary’s, the University recycled only paper, yet began to do more because of the interest of students.

In the last few years, Ramirez said he’s purchased more recycling containers partly because of student support and concerns about trash overflow.

bring about improvements.

“We focus on what students want and bring that information to Mr. Finerghty,” Garcia said. “My job isn’t to fight with Aramark or fight with the students. My job is to be a liaison between Aramark and the student body, a mediator.”

Last year many students had high hopes for the new cafeteria arrangement and anticipated a better selection, and some, such as junior political science major Mayra Torres, say there has been improvement.

“After two semesters, I think they’ve gotten a little better.

At the beginning of the school year the newness was really exciting,” Torres said.

Although the buffet scheme promised more food and easier access to it, some do not experience this, Torres said.

She also said that she visits the Café less frequently because the options are so limited.

The Diamondback Café hours have also been reduced and the doors now close at 9 p.m., limiting some students’ options on campus to Chick-fil-a or Subway - which made sophomore biology major Miguel Garcia, for one, “very unhappy.”

“Especially when I get out of labs or evening class, I rarely have the chance to eat there at night,” Garcia said. “Although I think the (Café’s) look is better, I don’t feel like I’m getting

Another acquisition Paul and Ramirez noted is a 40-yard commingled disposal compactor, an addition to two smaller 8-yard roll-off dumpsters that used to fill to overflowing, resulting in more throwaways and the loss of recyclable material.

Because of the compactor, there’s now more room to fill up the dumpsters with recyclables that get picked up twice a month, they said.

The machine compacted six tons of plastic, three tons of glass and two tons of aluminum from last year’s Oyster Bake, Ramirez said.

The Recyling Committee, Paul said, was renamed the Sustainability Committee in order to “focus not only on the recycling, but on the conservation part of sustainability. Recycling is only one aspect and we want to conserve and sustain all of our materials that we use here on campus.”

my money’s worth anymore.”

Senior biology major Robert DeLosSantos agreed, saying that he spends more money off-campus than ever in the past because the Café is closed when he finishes class.

Junior accounting major Karen Ramirez misses the old cafeteria layout, which, she said, gave students more choice in what they ate and had more flavorful recipes.

Garcia said the sentiment is common among students, and that the Food Committee has told the staff that students miss the flavors and techniques from previous years.

“One thing the staff members and employees have done is to come together and try and write down recipes for some of the students’ favorite dishes to send to corporate for approval so they can start making them again,” Garcia explained.

Aramark’s cooperate office must approve recipes, eliminating flexible meal options in favor of maintaining nationwide consistency, Garcia said.

The committee successfully proposed a solution for purchasing Oyster Bake tickets, Garcia said. Originally, the plan was to price Oyster Bake tickets with dining dollars, but it worried the committee that many students had already used most of their points. A compromise was reached with Finerghty, and students with a 5-7 day meal plan can now receive up to 60 tickets without expending points.

The Residence Life Office would like to congratulate our 2012-2013 graduating staff members: Erik Albach Amy Cameron* Alex Celerier Gabriela Chavez Julie Crusa Portia Gresham* Yesenia Guzman Alysius Joseph Samantha Lara Zenon Perez Alexis Ramirez* Selena Rangel Sam Regonini Melissa Vasquez And Ryan Davis**

* December Graduate ** Master

View a video about the 2011 Oyster Bake clean-up.

Thank you for your dedication and service to our office and St. Mary’s University.

“

our favorite hellos and hardest goodbyes As the semester winds down to a close, five graduating editors say goodbye to The Rattler Newspaper.

nick canedo. editor in chief: may 2012 - may 2013, copy editor: may 2011- may 2012

My job is too easy. I come to work, sit on my throne as king of the newsroom and think of extravagant, sometimes improbable ideas for the newspaper and Website. I then assign these ideas to one of the talented editors to execute, and, because they have such innate respect for me, they do (and do a better job than I could’ve done). Ok, so maybe that’s not how things work, but this talented team does make me look good. Thanks Alex, Briana, Lily, Arturo, Rachel G. and Christina for your consistent dedication to the sections. Thanks Carla and Juan, for leaving your imprint on the organization. Thanks Felix and Adriana, for putting up with each other and somehow managing the photo team.

Thanks Rachel H., for making us some serious money. Thanks Ashley, for teaching me things I never knew (even though I said I already did). Thanks Azhmir, for teaching me the tricks of being EIC, and thanks Stela, for having the courage to be the next EIC. Thanks Brother Dennis, for everything. But most of all, thanks Amanda, my editor-incrime, for sticking around one more year (I don’t know what I would’ve done without you). Thanks staff, for executing my ideas (even when they required more work), for laughing at my jokes (even when they weren’t funny), for playing good music (especially Mumford & Sons), for listening to my critique (or pretending to) and for teaching me valuable lessons as a leader. You all made my job easy (and incredibly difficult at the same time). Never stop communicating and being creative—it’s what separates us from everyone else (along with our weird obsession with social media).

amanda cano. managing editor: may 2011-may 2013, features editor: august 2010 - may 2011

I walked into the newsroom four years ago, embarrassingly making videos on Windows Movie Maker and writing “you” in articles. Slowly, I grew into myself and Bro. D saw me “earn my own desk with my name on it.” I didn’t just gain a nameplate and chair, but also a family. I could write about all the skills and lessons learned, but, instead, I want to thank every person who helped me earn “Editor of the Year.” I joke about it but I couldn’t be the “Editor” I am without the right ingredients: a family, the supportive Bro. D, the backbone of The Rattler, Patricia and my crazy editor-in-crime, who you might know as The Chief. I often thought my goals and visions for not only The Rattler, but myself, were outrageous but these people never said no. Instead, Bro. D somehow always thought of a crazier plan than the one I proposed, Patricia asked what I needed to make them happen and Nick reinforced my confidence. To the rest of my family, without you, the EIC and ME don’t have a kingdom to rule—that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them a hard time though. Work hard, take pride in what you do and the awards will come. Above all else, cherish every moment with each other, even when you want to tear each other’s heads off during press weekends. Embrace unexpected friendships, but stay away from Adriana, because she’s mine. No matter how many times I joked about being ready to leave a year ago, it’s still hard walk out of the newsroom for the last time. To my fellow graduates, it’s been a long and exciting journey, but I can’t wait to see you all impress the world and make St. Mary’s proud...even the Veteran, who I wouldn’t have survived this newsroom without.

juan casas. web editor: may 2012- may 2013

When I was hired for the web editor position, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. My coding experience was as basic as changing the font on my MySpace page – that still hasn’t changed. Managing the website has been one of the most entertaining and thrilling things I have done during my time at St. Mary’s, even though people usually ask me, “The Rattler has a website?” I know where technology is taking us and I realize that the website can only go up from here. I love what I was able to do with The Rattler and, even more so, I love every single one of my fellow staff members. It is fair to say they have seen me at my lowest and at my highest. “Journalistically speaking they have seen me naked.” –Kathleen McElroy

felix arroyo.

photo editor: january 2010 - may 2013. asst. photo editor: january 2009- december 2010

One of the hardest things for me to do is to say goodbye. For four years I have sweat, bled and finally cried for The Rattler Newspaper. I can still recall being the intimidated scrawny kid with the Jew-fro that walked onto campus back in 2009. Joining The Rattler Newspaper has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Through the years I have grown to be a better photographer as well as a better person, all the while getting a few nicknames like Swarley, Felijah, Randall and, finally, the Veteran. Over the years I have seen editors both come and go, always leaving behind a lesson or a piece of advice that I have held to this day. My advice, appreciate the people that you will meet in life, one minute you’ll be with them and the next, they’ll be gone. Every editor I have had the privilege of meeting has influenced me, but specifically two—Amanda Cano and Adriana Avila—have changed my life. And now the end is near, so it is time for this veteran to finally retire. If I should ever find a better group of friends…family, well then forgetaboutit!

rachel hernandez. ad manager: may 2012- may 2013

As I reach the end of my college journey, I have bittersweet emotions. I find it hard to say goodbye, but in the end I know much more awaits me. The Rattler has made my senior year the most memorable by far. As the Advertising Manager, I have been able to play a small part of something that is much bigger than myself. It is inspiring to see that every editor who works for this paper is extremely passionate, motivated and dedicated. I am late to every press weekend and show up just in time for lunch, but my little, Adriana Avila, has put me in my place. She plays the role of my personal calendar since I have the memory of a squirrel. I will miss her and everyone who has made a major impact in my life in college. In the end, this has just been the beginning of wonderful friendships.

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STAFF EDITORIAL

Coaching ethics Recent surfacing of a video exposing Rutgers University men’s basketball coach Mike Rice physically and verbally abusing basketball players has sparked national concern.

A vast majority of college athletes rely on athletic scholarships to pay for their tuition. For athletes to revolt or report an abusive coach would mean potentially putting their future on the line. Because college coaches have the power to deny a student athlete the funds necessary to pay for school, many coaches take advantage of that privilege. In cases such as the Rutgers, incidents occur when coaches will abuse their position of power. While it is a coach’s responsibility to be stern, and even aggressive at times, for a coach to intentionally harm their athletes is unacceptable.

Coaches should not simply strive for accolades.

Their goal should be to help each of their athletes develop their skills and eventually succeed.

Winning has wrongfully become the central factor in determining a coach’s success. Often, how well they can foster the success of their athletes is an even greater testament to a coach’s ability.

Despite the risk involved, athletes and students in general should never succumb to abuse in fear of losing a scholarship. Better yet, they should step forward and shine light on an overlooked issue.

Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief Nick Canedo

News Editor Alex Eakins

Managing Editor Amanda Cano

Commentary Editor Briana Perez

Layout/Design Editor Carla Rodriguez

Features Editor Liliana Espinoza

Copy Editor Stela Khury

Entertainment Editor Rachel Grahmann

Web Editor Juan Casas

Sports Editor Christina Faseler

Photo Editor Felix Arroyo

Advertising Manager Rachel Hernandez

Assistant Photo Editor Adriana Avila

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illustration by Jasmaine Aquino

Same-sex marriage incites heated debate The tide is finally turning in favor of gay marital rights across the nation.

Gay marriage offers no benefits to society and is against Christian values.

As a woman who is happily committed to her female partner, the issue of gay-rights is one of human rights, and, like Rachel Maddow eloquently stated, “Here’s the thing about rights—they’re not actually Tamara Garcia supposed to be voted on. That’s why they’re called rights.”

According to The New York Times, a recent poll conducted in light of the controversial Proposition 8 in California, which banned same-sex marriage, showed major support of marriage equality that surpassed the opposition’s numbers. This increasing support is a reflection of a nationwide trend.

More and more Americans, including over 200 major companies, are taking a stand.

According to another article published in The New York Times, several companies signed an amicus curiae brief which urged Supreme Court justices to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage being between only a man and a woman. Some of these companies included Walt Disney, Starbucks, Amazon, Microsoft and Levi Strauss.

The gay rights movement is also shaking up the bases of far-right conservative movements as more Republicans speak out against their party’s general stance opposing gay marriage. For example, Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio changed his view on the issue after his son announced that he was gay.

It should not be that after years of being in a relationship a partner does not receive the same benefits they would if their partner was of the opposite sex and can only exercise marital rights in the nine states that now allow same-sex marriage.

The gay rights movement is about the rights of an individual, a facet of freedom Americans should strive for and pride themselves on. We are working against our own ideals if we deny homosexuals their rights.

As a Catholic and Marianist institution, it is tremendously surprising that St. Mary’s is home to such an overwhelming number of students who avidly support gay marriage. Even more astounding, however, Christina Faseler is the number of students, both Christian and non-Christian, who have passively remained silent in this debate of ethics, morality and logic.

Homosexuality is no new phenomenon. The scriptures of the New and Old Testaments clearly point to these relations as sexually immoral and even reference these as symptoms of failure to acknowledge God in one’s life.

The laws of the Old Testament plainly and clearly state, “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable,” to the men of Israel in Leviticus 18:22.

From the Christian perspective, it is clear that the act of homosexuality is not one condoned by our Lord. For this reason, it is the duty of Christians everywhere to negate the passage of pro-gay marriage legislation.

This is not to say, however, that Christians should treat those who are homosexual as different than any other person. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Christians should not advocate the practice of homosexual relations any more than the act of lying, stealing or murder. At the same time, however, it is still a Christian’s obligation to act in love toward homosexuals, liars, thieves and, yes, even murderers.

From a secular frame of thought, allowing the matrimony of a man and a man or a woman and a woman has little benefit for the whole of society. The state interest in propagating society would not be benefitted by allowing gay marriage.

While homosexuals should be treated in only the most humane of manners, gay marriage is not a right, but rather a stipulation that would cause major societal, economic and moral harm.

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Ticket limit saps graduation significance Fulfillment not found through marriage alone

In less than a month, graduating seniors will be crossing the Bill Greehey Arena stage and saying goodbye Azhmir Acosta to the place where they chose to receive their higher education. But rather than sharing this special day with their closest friends and family members, only six individuals will be allowed to attend the commencement ceremony as a guest of each graduating senior.

Despite student objection, the registrar’s office has set the number of commencement tickets to six for each student because of the large amount of graduating seniors. This number may change in the next few weeks, but, until then, this limitation has taken a toll on graduating seniors who must now decide who to invite to share this special day with them.

As a Hispanic-serving institution, most students come from large families with many siblings, and some students are first-generation college graduates.

Other students also come from more than just single families.

So how do we choose whom to invite?

Better yet, why should we be forced to choose? Our university experience has

changed us, molded us and prepared us for the future. It has been our home for four years and at the time when we most want to share it with our family, we are not allowed to.

Our university made the conscious choice to relocate the commencement ceremony from the Freeman Coliseum to campus in 2009 so students could share the University with their families.

But if we cannot invite all those we want to celebrate with, then their primary purpose is automatically defied.

So we continue on, looking forward to the day when we will cross the stage and receive our diploma.

We may have to settle for having just those six people there.

Or we can go around, asking people for leftover tickets, not knowing whether or not we will be able to scrounge up one or two more at the last minute.

It is

disappointing that our university has not found a more appropriate solution for this problem. Instead, they are asking us to choose six people—and only six people—to join us on one of the most important days of our life. While it will be a joyous day for graduating seniors, it would be made even more special if they could share it with all the people that offered them support, encouragement and help in exploring their potential— not just a select few.

Illustration by Anglela Engle

LETTER TO THE EDITOR In the commentary “Rodman forges questionable friendship,” Travis Bowles makes a valuable point—that fraternizing with dictators is generally a bad idea. And the reasons he gives for not befriending North Korea’s Kim Jong Un are strong.

However, two other points might have been considered: if Dennis Rodman’s visit seems foolish in Rodman’s adulation of Kim, it might also have afforded us an opening for communication. It is communication, not isolation, that is more likely

to lead to understanding and to peace.

Secondly, when Bowles extends the analogy to Charles Lindbergh’s adulation of Hitler, he makes a good point again—for history has proven that Hitler was perhaps the worst dictator in world history. But when he extends the analogy to Jane Fonda’s traveling to North Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh and to Gabriel García Márquez’s friendship with Fidel Castro, he makes a mistake, in my view, all too common in American society: to assume that

whatever person or nation the U.S. government labels as an enemy is simply evil.

History has well concluded that the war in Vietnam was wrong, that the U.S. was wrong and that Ho was hardly a dictator.

While Fonda has said that her journey was an error, it does not mean the war was right after all.

Finally, while U.S.‒ Cuban relations are bad, most of the world does not see the Cuban government as evil, reinforced by the fact that there are few nations that will not trade with Cuba and will not

recognize the government as legitimate.

None of this is to say that the “enemies” of the U.S. are inevitably good, but that a more balanced understanding—through open communication—is necessary. It is precisely because President Barack Obama took that stance that in 2009 the Nobel committee awarded him the Peace Prize.

Richard S. Pressman Department of English

A recent letter to the editor to the Daily Princetonian, written by Princeton alumna Susan Patton, has caused uproar because it urges female students to find a man to Danielle Saenz marry before they graduate. The letter brought to light that while there is an increase of enrollment of women in college, the feminist movement in higher education might still be lagging behind.

Patton’s letter, titled, “Advice for the women of Princeton: the daughters I never had,” states that the reason female students should start looking for a husband is, “Smart women can’t (shouldn’t) marry men who aren’t at least their intellectual equal.” She believes college educated women will have a difficult time finding a husband that is an intellectual equal if she does not find him before she gets her diploma. Patton urges female students to begin searching as soon as their freshman year.

For most freshmen, looking for a potential life mate is the furthest thing from their mind. Patton misses what the point of college really is—to be self-sufficient for life, not to find a husband. The reason a young woman goes to college nowadays is to obtain an education, not to find a husband that will help define her social status. In fact, Patton states, “The cornerstone of your future and happiness will be inextricably linked to the man you marry,” completely disregarding the fact that many women find fulfillment outside of a relationship and without the help of a man.

Advice like this is shockingly backwards. The feminist movement, with the help of successful women, needs to encourage female students to go to college, not look for a famed “MRS” degree, but one that will ensure them a secure career.

The majority of female college students would hopefully find what is at the core of this advice totally unacceptable. Patton is essentially asserting that college women should not worry too much about excelling personally, because finding a good enough husband is equal to obtaining a college education. “Advice” such as this is why the feminist movement moves backward instead of forward.

Voice your opinion. Visit the Commentary section at: www.stmurattlernews.com

1916

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friday EVENTS 5:00 P.M.

ADMISSION

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FRIDAY, APRIL 19 5 P.M. - 11 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 20 11 A.M. - 11 P.M. ONE-DAY PRE-SALE $18 TWO-DAY PRE-SALE $30 FRIDAY @ EVENT $20 SATURDAY @ EVENT $20 UNDER 12 YEARS OLD, FREE!

stage 1: radiostar stage 3: st.mary’s jazz combo stage 4: dj tone

8:00 P.M.

stage 1: lit stage 2: mario flores & the soda creek band stage 3: ghici stage 4: cece segarra

S 6:45 P.M.

stage 1: lit stage 2: maria flores & the soda creek band stage 3: outer circles stage 4: third root

8:45 P.M.

stage 1: tonic stage 2: kevin fowler stage 3: ignacio berroa stage 4: drop city yacht club

1951

First recorded Oyster Bake profit, totalling $165.96.

1970

The general public is first invited to the Bake; menu expands from only oysters and shrimp.

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stage 1: Budlight spotlight finalist stage 2: texas tide stage 3: patsy torres stage 4: j. stiles

5:00 P.M.

stage 1: trapt stage 2: brandon rhyder stage 3: los desperadoz stage 4: stmu battle of the bands winner

2:45 P.M.

stage 1: budlight spotlight winner stage 2: chilton vance band stage 3: bombasta stage 4: E7

9 P.M.

stage 1: Theory of a deadman stage 2: roger creager stage 3: ram herrera stage 4: sean kingston

Scan for Friday and Saturday maps of the Oyster Bake grounds!

Graphic by Carla Rodriguez.

Compiled by Carla Rodriguez.

Source: www.oysterbake.com Photos: www.stmarytx.edu

10«features

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GRADUATING SENIORS POLL Question: Now that you are graduating, what are some things you regret, things you would change and advice you would give to other students?

Compiled by Liliana Espinoza

My advice is to live on

“

Something

“

Learn how to manage

“

that

campus because it will help

worked for me was getting

you fulfill your campus life

your time so that you can

to know my professors

experience. I moved out

was making sure that I

do well in class, go out

very well and having a

my sophomore year and I

interacted with as many

and get enough sleep.

good

with

felt alienated (by) all of my

“

people as I did. I made

Freshman and sophomore

them.

Studying abroad

friends. What helped me

I regret not studying

a lot of good friends, and

year I was a hermit, and I

is

something

in my major was getting

abroad. As far as advice

without them I don’t think

didn’t go out. I regret that

everyone should do. Just

to know my professors.

for others, I’d advise to

I would have gone this far.

I didn’t get the full college

make sure you plan it

Professors are here to

be yourself and don’t be

My advice is to remember

experience. It wasn’t until

early – as early as your

help you in anything you

ashamed of it. Do what

your friends and know

junior and senior year

freshman year. I went to

may need, to offer you

makes you happy and do it with conviction.”

that it is not all just about you.”

that I perfected this time management skill.”

London, but I recommend going anywhere!”

advice and to lead you the right direction.”

“

What worked for me

Ariana Reyes Senior, Criminal Justice

Gregory Valdez Senior, English Literature

Wendy Espinoza Senior, Psychology

relationship

definitely

Janet Chan Senior, Biology

Richard Ramirez Senior, Biology

Craigslist provides opportunities for profit Juan Casas WEB EDITOR

With the end of the school year quickly approaching, some students may find themselves packing more things than they arrived with during the fall, while other students will be looking for furniture and decorations to fill their new apartment. In any case, the Internet can be a useful tool to buying and selling products online.

Craigslist, an online marketplace, allows people to buy and sell items locally. Listings on Craigslist range from electronics to antiques. One can even find job or a place to live.

Senior international relations major Mariah Villarreal used Craigslist to find housing in Washington D.C. for a summer internship.

“I responded to about 30 listings,” Villarreal said, “and I eventually found a place.”

Villarreal admits that finding a place was a lot of work.

“What made it especially hard was being all the way in Argentina,” she said.

A person new to Craigslist should become familiar with the site. The site is plain and white, and might look suspicious at first.

“It’s very sketchy,” freshman environmental science major Anvy Vu said.

When helping her parents put their home up for rent, Vu explained she had to repost the listing on a regular basis.

Posting a listing on Craigslist is simple. After selecting a city and state, posting a listing entails selecting the “post to classifieds” option on the top left corner.

For every post, an email address is required. However, a Craigslist email will take the place of the personal email address allowing for anonymous contact. Listing a price for an item is

optional but highly encouraged. Do not be afraid to list an item at a higher price in order to leave room for negotiation Making the post is only half the battle, however. In order to make a deal, a seller must coordinate with an interested buyer to determine where to make the exchange.

“You really have to be investigative,” Villareal said.

After locating the house on Google Maps, Villareal decided to take the plunge and hope for the best.

“I paid him $900 all the way from Argentina using PayPal. I was terrified,” she said.

Never provide a mailing address and only list a phone number if comfortable with being contacted by strangers.

“Ultimately it all worked out perfectly,” Villareal said, “There will always be a risk but if you are careful you might find a great deal.”

features»11

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Students deliberate creative ways to cancel potential dates Liliana Espinoza and Andrea Baber FEATURES EDITOR AND CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Students that date may often find themselves in the predicament of wanting to cancel a date without feeling the guilt that is associated with breaking a date, or possibly hurting the feelings of the other person.

Still, there are some tips students can implement in order to avoid an awkward, and often hurtful, situation.

Junior psychology major David Sotuyo comments on some of the most unique ways in which he would cancel a date, without compromising his reputation.

“One of the most creative ones (is) if you just tell the girl you can’t make the date because you have an interview with a big company. That way you don’t go on the date and you still look good,” Sotuyo suggested.

Even though freshman psychology major Natalie Uriegas does not break dates on a regular basis, she shares her own idea of how she would get out of a date.

“I wouldn’t answer the phone or reply to the messages and the next day I would call them back or text them and be like, ‘I’m so sorry! I lost my phone, so I didn’t get any of your messages,’” Uriegas said.

Junior exercise and sport science major

Lance Zuluaga also does not have any recollection of times when he has had to break off a date. Despite this, he does have a couple of hypothetical excuses he would give to the other person.

His advice is to take advantage of any extracurricular activities that may take up a lot of time and dedication.

“I’m a baseball player and we have practice early morning Sunday,” Zuluaga said. “I would tell her that because we didn’t play good this weekend, the coach scheduled (a) last-minute team practice and I won’t be able to go out as we originally planned.”

For those who are not members of a team, or any other time consuming extracurricular activities, there is still hope. To Zulugada, being a college student has a lot of potential for generating date-breaking excuses.

“You can always tell the other person that you have an exam the next day, so you won’t be able to go to the date,” Zuluaga said.

The art of dating does not always end up with a tragic ending, however. There are times when two individuals may find that physical appearance is not the only attractive attribute of the other person.

Sotuyo mentions that a guy will often be interested in a person who shares some of

his views and likes.

“I prefer a girl with similar interests or hobbies and who has a sense of humor as opposed to a girl that is too serious or can’t carry a deep conversation,” Sotuyo explained.

Similarly, Uriegas’ sleek strategy of bailing on the date only happens when she finds that her date isn’t as nice as she initially thought.

“What makes me break off a date is when they have a bad p e r s o n a l i t y,” Uriegas said. “What attracts me is if they have a nice smile or if they smell good.”

Zuluga adds, “I definitely look for a girl with a cute personality, a girl that looks like she enjoys being healthy and fit,

intelligent and a girl that has ambition.”

This shows that although an individual’s physical appearance is what may initially attract a person for a first date, it is mainly a pleasant personality that is responsible for attracting the same person for any additional dates that may arise.

Freshmen Amy Salgado and Gerardo Herrera experience the hassles of dating. Photo by Sara E. Flores

University staff encourages students to spend summer time wisely Liliana Espinoza FEATURES EDITOR

Before deciding to be a couch potato all summer, it is important for students to realize that summer is one of the best times to polish their résumé and improve their employment skills.

Director of the Civic Engagement and Career Development Center Amy Diepenbrock comments on the importance of utilizing summer wisely in order to get ahead in résumé building activities.

“Don’t do nothing this summer.

Use this time to make connections with people who are in your field of interest,” Diepenbrock said.

“80 to 90 percent of jobs are filled because somebody had a connection.”

One of the best ways to start planning out some career-

friendly summer events is by taking advantage of the facilities and assistance that are offered to University members, such as the Civic Engagement and Career and Development Center, which is dedicated to helping students find internships, community service and job shadowing opportunities that are pertinent to their field of study.

“Even if students don’t find something in our system, we can still help them find something,” Diepenbrock said.

According to Diepenbrock, when employers consider hiring a college student, one of the primary things that they look for is that the student must have participated in at least one to three internships before graduating.

Freshman biology major Leonel Teran thinks that summer can be a time where students both take time to relax and time to acquire a

superb job experience.

“As a priority, I wish to obtain the opportunity to work in a hospital facility where I will gain experience in my desired field of interest,” Teran said.

Other students around campus are also considering using their summer time more efficiently by getting ahead in the courses that are required by their major.

“I’m probably just going to go to work in my dad’s business, be a life guard, and probably take a summer course to get ahead in my credits,” freshman engineering management major Fernando Torrez said.

Fortunately, even if students are unable to participate in an internship opportunity, they can still improve their résumé by applying for any type of job—such as retail work—and improving their work experience.

“Some work experience is

better than no work experience at all,” Diepenbrock said. “Look for a job that will improve your communication skills—oral or written; any chance to show that

you are responsible—opening or closing a door or anytime you work with money. This shows that an employer actually trusted you to get the job done.”

Freshman Leonel Teran completes his summer school application for this upcoming break. Photo by Liliana Espinoza

12«entertainment

www.stmurattlernews.com

no day but today for

Drama department embraces challenge of producing thematically daring musical.

Nicole Gomez

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway musical has found its way into the University’s drama department, pushing the boundaries of both cast and audience.

“Rent,” a milestone musical covering various themes such as sexual orientation, drugs and HIV, is directed by visiting professor of drama Adam Burke and will perform its final show tomorrow.

Sophomore vocal performance major Janelle Pierce plays Joanne Jefferson, a lesbian lawyer who graduated from Harvard. Pierce shares a few kisses with on-stage girlfriend Maureen Johnson, a lesbian and performance artist played by senior music major Elisha Bryant.

“It helps that we’re good friends and have done numerous shows together, this being my fourth,” Pierce said. “If it was a complete stranger, then I would be scared, but our friendship and comfortableness shows on stage.”

Despite the mature approach needed to address the subjects that come with

“Rent,” the topics raised are ones which need to be discussed. “‘Rent’ is intense because it carries a really important message despite how risqué it is. There are lots of references to drugs and you have to talk about it in order to address something like AIDS/ HIV,” Pierce explained.

Roger Davis, an HIV positive rocker, is played by Joseph Sanchez, a senior theology major. “‘Rent,’ being as crazy as it is, has helped build the chemistry of the cast,” Sanchez said.

His on-stage love interest, Mimi Marquez, a HIV positive stripper and dancer, is played by junior music major Emma Felicia.

“This is completely pushing me out of my comfort zone, to play such a sensual character,” Felicia said.

The mature content today’s generation will find relatable and entertaining is what makes this performance stand out from past theatre productions.

“People will remember this show here at St. Mary’s,” Sanchez said.

The cast of St. Mary’s production of RENT rehearse a scene on set in preparation for their busy two-week performance schedule . Photo by Dale Fasvvv

entertainment»13

STAFF WRITER

Cerroni’s Purple Garlic is not simply a restaurant, but a family reunion. Its amiable atmosphere is complimented by renowned handmade food. This can be most clearly seen by the sign above the entrance that ardently declares: “Enter As Strangers; Leave As Friends.”

Located next to a popular pizza franchise on Austin Highway, it stands as a testament of why many recommend eating local. On any occasion, it’s a perfect opportunity to both have fun with old friends or to meet new people.

Customer service is a cornerstone in Purple Garlic’s business philosophy. Upon entering, patrons are offered to sit anywhere they like in both the colorful interior and spacious exterior, with an added sandbox for children near the back of the building.

During the entirety of the visit, the manager

periodically makes sure the patrons are enjoying their meals and chats with them.

Greg Derlin, co-owner of Purple Garlic, remarked, “We’re all about the customer service, and it’s worked well for us.”

No expense has been spared recreating the atmosphere of a neighborhood Italian restaurant. There is a collection of wines proudly displayed near the front, while pictures of longtime customers adorn the walls. Food is ordered from a counter, cooked from scratch and delivered to the table all in the course of 20 minutes.

The food comes in excellent portions and manages to make even the most seasoned veterans of Italian cuisine fall in love with it.

Customers can choose from many signature Italian dishes, but the restaurant’s baked

Cool flicks beat the heat Jessica Valles

o’ s

San

o Ant ni

best ice cream

goods are the most popular and sought after. Warm-out-of-the-oven bread is served generously before meals to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. The desserts are not to be missed either, consisting of an assortment of different favorites, such as Italian crème cake and tiramisu. Often, they are so rich that two people can eat a single slice, and both feel satisfied afterwards.

In a world where Italian food seems to be the same anywhere that is visited, Purple Garlic stands as a bastion for a new experience. With a sense of newfound familiarity upon simply entering, one can already be cheerful about their visit. Often, many will leave wondering which the restaurant focuses more on: the dinner or the diner.

Paciugo Gelato 999 E. Basse Road H 210.832.8820 Amy’s Ice Cream 255 E. Basse Road H 210.832.8886 Justin’s Ice Cream Company 245 Commerce St. H 210.222.2707 Brindles Awesome Ice Cream 11255 Huebner Road H 210.525.1961

STAFF WRITER

Hollywood promises to keep movie lovers indoors during the three hottest months of the year with an impressively varied set of upcoming blockbusters.

Junior biophysics major Cassandra Antell, like the majority of blockbuster fans, is undecided about what she is anticipating most.

“It’s a toss up between ‘Iron Man 3’ and ‘The Great Gatsby,’” Antell said. “I’m a diehard superhero movie fan, but I think I’d have to go with ‘The Great Gatsby.’ It’s a classic with a killer soundtrack and awesome cast. I got chills from just watching the preview.”

The trailer for “Iron Man 3,” set to premiere May 3, depicts Iron Man’s enemy, the Mandarin, played

by Ben Kingsley, pitted against Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Don Cheadle’s War Machine, plus an army of similarly suited partners.

Under a different genre entirely, director Baz Luhrmann, of “Moulin Rouge” fame, has adapted F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, “The Great Gatsby,” to be released May 10. Luhrmann is known for his appealing visuals and 3D mastery.

The soundtrack, which has also been teasing anxious fans, includes Jay Z, Florence and the Machine, Jack White and Lana Del Ray. “Monsters Inc.,” one of the highest grossing animated films to date, is getting a prequel on June 21, “Monsters University,” which is likely to fill theatres all over the country with children, adults and, especially, college students.

Senior English-communication arts major Elizabeth Garza was one of those who were first introduced to Mike and Sulley when she was only a 10-year-old.

“I’m excited for ‘Monsters University,’” Garza said. “‘Monsters Inc.’ is my favorite movie and it looks really funny. If it was a sequel, I don’t think I would want to see it. I like that they got creative and set the movie while they were at university, because it’s right before they go to scaring so it’s not far away from the first movie time-wise.”

CHECK OUT

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM FOR MORE SUMMER MOVIES

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Carrie Underwood April 25 Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran May 22 George Strait, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert June 1 Pitbull, Kesha June 24 Vans Warped Tour Aug. 3

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Bruno Mars Source: usmagazine.com

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SUMMER CONCERTS

Taylor Swift Source: stud-center.com

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HOUSTON

Paramore April 25 The Killers May 8 Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran May 16 Kendrick Lamar June 11 Beyonce July 20 One Direction July 21 Vans Warped Tour Aug. 3 Bruno Mars, Ellie Goulding Aug. 15

Hayley Williams of Paramore Source: wallpoper.com

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14«sports

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CrossFit training sensation sweeps nation, hits campus Travis Bowles STAFF WRITER

An exercise regimen that has quickly spread across the country, has found a home at St. Mary’s University, offering one of the best deals in town for the exercise program and forming a tight-knit group of friends.

CrossFit is an exercise methodology started by gymnast Greg Glassman in the 1970s. However, it was relatively unheard of until more recent years. The Business News Network of Canada says CrossFit Training is now the fastest growing fitness program in the world. In the past eight years, the number of CrossFit affiliated gyms has skyrocketed from a meager 18 in 2005 to over 2,500 today, according to CrossFit’s official website.

Armando Diaz, an exercise and sport science major and the certified CrossFit trainer in charge of the classes, describes the program as a “constantly varied, highintensity, functional training that involves cardio, weight-lifting and gymnastics.

Not the gymnastics you would see in the Olympics, doing flips and stuff, but things

like push-ups, pull-ups and squats – those fundamental movements you would use in your daily life.”

Considered one of the most intense workout routines, it is increasingly used by police and firefighters across the country.

The U.S. Marine Corp. has been shifting their focus to CrossFit since 2007.

Sophomore Angelica Holguin, an international business major, points out the effectiveness of CrossFit by recalling how she has worked out regularly since high school. She continues that when she thought she’d “be able to keep up with everybody. It was the simplest moves, but it was such hard work. My body has never felt so tired afterwards. But it’s very motivating, every day is a new day.”

With CrossFit, everyday is a new day because there is a new workout each time.

This variation ensures different muscle groups are exercised regularly.

Jorge Diaz, an exercise and sport science major, is Armando Diaz’s brother and also qualified as a CrossFit instructor. He believes that the effort of following through with this exercise routine is well worth it.

Bar Mosaico

“It’s very varied and it’s going to be tough,” Diaz said. “But, it’s good because it challenges you and helps you reach your fitness goals, and higher, if you just keep working at it.”

With such dramatic results, it’s easy to think people who practice CrossFit must live in the gym, but they only spend 30–45 minutes per workout, with half of that time devoted to properly warming up and stretching. Sara Guariano, a freshman psychology major, loves how so much can be done in such little time.

“It’s very short, but super intense, so you can get it done in like five minutes,” Guariano explained. “If you don’t have time to spend two hours in the gym, you still get in shape.”

The entire group touts the benefits of CrossFit, all agreeing boundaries are pushed every day in every exercise. However, they all reached their fitness goals and beyond, or as Armando Diaz calls it, “making yourself the 2.0 of yourself.”

Most CrossFit gyms in the San Antonio area will cost around $100 a month or more, but St. Mary’s students pay only $35

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a semester for the same benefits. The group meets every Monday and Wednesday in the gym in the AACC at 4:30 p.m.

Junior Armando Diaz does a pull-up/leg-lift cross over. Crossfit uses varied techniques of gymnastics to isolate specific muscle groups with applied strength training. Photo by Christina Faseler

sports»15

www.stmurattlernews.com

Rattlers take tradition

to the sand Senior Sara Perez fields a grounder in practice. Perez currently holds a .927 fielding percentage. Photo by Sara E. Flores

SOFTBALL

Team undefeated in conference play Tamara Garcia STAFF WRITER

The Rattler team poses after its team victory at the Heartland Sand Volleyball Tournament. Mikayla Bass and Karlie Ortega (bottom row, left to right) took home the doubles individual team championship title at the tournament. Photo courtesey of Karlie Ortega

Sara E. Flores STAFF WRITER

A duo of University volleyball players conquered a yearly sand volleyball tournament organized between conference volleyball seasons.

Setter Mikayla Bass, a freshman psychology major, and outside hitter Karlie Ortega, a junior English major, placed first at the tournament in the championship round against a team from Dallas Baptist University.

This year, the Heartland Conference held its Sand Volleyball Tournament on March 23 at Sideliners Grill in San Antonio. The tournament occurs every spring semester, and every volleyball team in the Heartland Conference can participate. This year, St. Mary’s sent five teams to the tournament—four pairs and one team of three.

“Even though it was just a spring tournament, winning the whole thing felt awesome,” Ortega said with a smile.

“I’ve wanted to win this tournament since I was a freshman.

More importantly, I could not have done it without my partner Mikayla Bass. We worked really well together and had great chemistry.”

The other Rattler composed teams placed fifth, seventh, 12th and 18th. The tournament can also serve as a scouting event to see the Rattlers’ competition in a different environment.

“It’s something different; it challenges them in a different way,” Head Volleyball Coach Jenny Warmack-Chipman said. “You get to know your opponents in a different way; two on two outdoor versus six on six indoor is a different relationship.”

The team enjoyed the tournament because it gave them a chance to play their favorite sport in a competitive environment during the off-season.

“I absolutely loved it, sand volleyball is something I love and it was awesome to have that side of the game during off season as well as the indoor,” Bass said.

The Rattlers currently stand as undefeated in conference play, sitting at the top of the Heartland Conference leaderboards with a record of nine conference wins.

Haley Richter, a sophomore mathematics major, thinks that although the team has had some “rough days,” the season is going great.

“So far I think we’re good but we need to keep working the way we have been working because we don’t want to be done,” Richter said. “As a team, we are getting into the hardest part of our season.”

At this point in the season, with only six conference games remaining, the Rattlers are under a huge amount of pressure to keep up their energy and their scores in preparation for their upcoming games.

Working together as a team, though, is not something Richter has any major worry about.

“I think we work extremely well,” Richter said. “I think we have to work extremely well if we want to be successful.”

To Richter and the rest of the team, their bond is much more than one of obligational proximity. The team possesses a family-like tie that could never be replaced.

“We’re able to pick up each other up and help each other out even when we are having a tough day,” Richter said. “That is what being a team is all about.”

As an example of this, Richter describes the team’s recent dilemma against Oklahoma Christian University.

The Ratters were up 4-0 going into the last inning when Oklahoma Christian scored five runs.

“We could have just given up,” Richter said, “but we kept fighting and we came out for our half of the inning to score four runs and win the game.”

The team has been pushing through every practice and game with all of their energy to achieve what they have so far. With such a talented and encouraging team behind each player, the Rattlers should have little trouble maintaining their outstanding record and advancing far beyond conference-level competition.

16«sports

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THE HOT

Jackie Woods

Junior Exercise and sport science Quick facts: Woods has played on the women’s basketball team since her freshman year and just recently received the distinction of Honorable Mention All-American.

How do you feel about your recent All-American honor?

Very proud to be able to accomplish that type of award but also humble.

How do you feel about the way you ended the season as a team?

I was disappointed losing (in the) first round at regionals but for how we finished conference I am proud of my team because we all worked hard every day to finish our season strong to qualify for regionals.

Coach Charlie Migl gives sophomore Mario Maldonado hitting advice before he goes up to the plate. In addition to breaking past numerous statistical milestones, Migl has been awarded several coaching distinctions, such as the 2012 National Coach of the Year award, for the level of dedication that he exhibits and the attention he gives each of his players. Photo by Sara E. Flores

Coach Charlie Migl hits 1,000-win milestone With the final out of the seventh inning in the Rattler’s Friday afternoon game against Oklahoma Panhandle State University, the team jumped and roared to celebrate much more than their 22nd Heartland win—the victory marked the 1,000th

of long-time Rattler coach Charlie Migl’s career.

With this win, Migl has found his way yet again into NCAA history as only the 11th coach in Division II athletics to accomplish this feat. A few of Migl’s other career accolades

Migl graduates from StMU

Do you feel that you achieved your goals for this season?

I am thankful for the individual awards that I got, but my main goal was to be playing in the elite eight so that’s a goal that was achieved this year.

Takes position as StMU head baseball coach

When did you start playing basketball?

The first time I played organized basketball was in seventh grade.

include a national title in 2001, 13 conference championships, five NCAA Division II regional appearances, two Division II regional championships and the distinction of the 2012 NCBWA National Coach of the Year.

Wins South Central regional championship Appears in NAIA World Wins NCAA Series Division II National Championship

How do you feel about the team chemistry?

I loved the team’s chemistry this year.

We all got along on and off the court.

How do you prepare for games?

I take a hot shower before getting to the gym. Then I have my headphones on getting in the zone while I’m getting ready.

Do you have any superstitions about your basketball routines?

I always have to listen have headphones before the game. Even if I forget my headphones, I’m borrowing somebody’s.

Compiled by Sara E. Flores

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