3/21/2019 Issue

INSIDE

Meet your 2019 Miss TAMUK candidates ... Page 9 Texas A&M University-Kingsville

The South Texan

Volume 93, Issue 20

thesouthtexan.com

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Mind over matter

Contributed photo

(Left to right): Editorial Editor C.R. Neal, Campus Editor Aryssa Enriquez, Editor-in-Chief Darcy Ramirez, Faculty Adviser Nicole Morris, Managing Editor Iliana Flores, and Photographer Amanda DeFrees

Write hard or go home The South Texan competes in statewide TIPA convention

DARCY RAMIREZ Editor-in-Chief Future journalists at Texas A&M University-Kingsville were tired of being overlooked. This past week The South Texan staff proved their talents.

Every year college students across the state attend the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association convention (TIPA) and compete in various on-site competitions pertaining to writing, photography, advertising, design and editing.

In addition, selected judges review previously published yearbooks, literary magazines, online publications, newspapers and podcasts.

This year six students, C.R. Neal, Dylan Dozier, Aryssa Enriquez, Amanda DeFrees, Iliana Flores and Darcy Ramirez competed at the annual convention held from March 14 to 16 in Corpus Christi.

This year’s competition was more challenging than previous years because of the shrinkage of categories and the interweaving of divisions, yet The South Texan walked away with 11 awards.

The on-site contest winners were as follows: First Place Newsprint Writing - Iliana Flores, Honorable Mention Headline Writing - C.R. Neal and Honorable Mention Sports Action Photo - Amanda DeFrees. This was also the first time Flores and DeFrees were contenders.

“This was my first time going to TIPA so I was really nervous. However after competing and attending workshops, I’m so glad I went. It was a great opportunity to grow closer with my South Texan family and learn new ways to improve our paper,” Flores said.

The previously published winners included: First Place Sports Action Photo - Frankie Cardenas, Second Place Newspaper Cover Design - Crystal Zamarron, Second Place Overall Excellence Website - The South Texan Staff, Second Place Multi-Media Fea-

ture - Ashley Gonzalez, Lillian Morris and Hector Landin, Third Place Feature Writing - America Quintero, Third Place Headline Writing - Darcy Ramirez, C.R. Neal, America Quintero and Dakota Roberts, Honorable Mention Overall Excellence Newspaper- The South Texan Staff and Honorable Mention Website Design - Darcy Ramirez.

In the past The South Texan did not compete in online publications but the newly constructed website, www. thesouthtexan.com was recognized for its capability and design proving that the organization is transitioning to a more modernized outlet.

TIPA continued on Page 11

Contributed photo

On-site contest winners (left to right): C.R. Neal, Amanda DeFrees and Iliana Flores.

Students earn third place for exercise science and sports medicine trivia DARCY RAMIREZ Editor-in-Chief Students representing Texas A&M University-Kingsville attained third place, a historic finish in 10 years, at the 2019 Texas American College of Sports Medicine Student Bowl (Texas ACSM Student Bowl).

The event took place from Feb. 28 through March 1 at the Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas.

The student bowl involves 35 teams of undergraduates from universities all over Texas competing in a scholastic-jeopardy game devoted to exercise science and sports medicine topics.

“We’re just so proud of these students. They are our elite exercise science students, and they work so hard for six months, 6 a.m. practices and all that, for a chance to go up against the elite students from the rest of the universities in Texas. The competition is absolutely brutal, in front of hundreds of spectators, and our team performed exactly how we would expect a team from Javelina Nation to perform. They were awesome,” Christopher Hearon, chair of the department of health & kinesiology, said.

TAMUK’s team consisted of team captain Armando Gonzalez and fellow members, Alyssa Fick, Abbey Wells, Isaiah Culpepper and Isabel Soto. The five students had practice every other week starting from October and quickly became a tightly-knit group. Each member began to

Texas ACSM continued on Page 11

Page 2 - Campus

thesouthtexan.com

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Club of the week-Anthropology Club

Learning about diverse cultures and human behavior

ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor Anthropology is the study of human behavior and cultures around the globe.

The Anthropology Club is dedicated to encouraging students to explore the world around them and create connections according to their discoveries to define what it means to be human.

The Anthropology Club is currently composed of 30 active members, and meets bi-weekly alternating Wednesdays and Fridays at noon in Manning Hall.

Each semester the club takes a field trip to a museum or a cultural site in Texas, to encourage cultural exploration and professional development. In recent years the Anthropology Club has visited special exhibits such as “Mummies of the World,” “Death by Natural Causes,” and “The Lascaux Cave.”

“We have gone to multiple trips in the last year. The Science Museum in Houston, and this semester we are going to the Natural Bridge Caverns and Safari Zoo in San Antonio. We have done diggings around this area.

I would say that students should join if they would like to interact from outside the class to learn more about

anthropology/archeology…I’ve been in this organization since my first semester here in TAMUK, and it has made me a more social student. My knowledge in culture and our history of human kind has grown,” said Diana Luna, Criminology Major.

In addition to field trips, each semester the Anthropology Club will conduct a historical preservation or archaeological research project. The Anthropology Club has regularly assisted in providing preservation efforts at a historic cemetery for Mexican American farmworkers. They act as stewards by doing brush work and cleaning graves.

“The organization is geared to bring benefits to three different kinds of students. First, we have an Anthropology minor at TAMUK (no major) and the organization is designed to give Anthropology minors rich, co-curricular experiences to go along with their class experiences. Second, the club provides a chance for students who are taking, or have taken, an Anthropology course, to go further with the subject.

Lastly, the club is open to students who have an interest in human societies and cultures, but who maybe do not have room in their degree plan to take a formal course in Anthropology,” said Dr. Christine Robbins, adviser of the Anthropology Club.

The Anthropology Club allows students to get involved in the world around them and develop a sense of the meaning of humanity.

“Students gain so much knowledge and are able to immerse themselves into the world of anthropology. Everyone comes together from different

majors for the interest of the field or having a curiosity of what anthropology is. All majors are welcomed and encouraged to join. Anthropology Club does not have any requirements

when joining the club. If you would like additional information about the club you are welcomed to contact Dr. Reiser-Robbins,” said Victoria Wilson, Psychology Major.

Photo submitted

Anthropology Club excavating and screening for artifacts.

CfSS highlights Javelina Talent CfSS hosts karaoke and Lip-sync battle ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor A range of music genres, dancing and unexpected performances were witnessed at the Little Theater on March 7.

Pure talent echoed through the Little Theater as the Center for Student Success (CfSS) hosted its first Karaoke Night. Single Ladies, Wrecking Ball, Billionaire are just a few of the songs that showcased mighty Javelina talent at Karaoke Night.

Students were able to walk up to the stage with friends and sing to the beat Contestants during Karaoke Night of their favorite song for a chance to battle, I watch it a lot on TV, so why win cool prizes.

A friendly lip-sync battle was also not go?… I was super nervous to go sponsored by the CfSS in which first, on stage, whenever I’m nervous I try second and third place were awarded to convert all that energy and try to do something to make me not nervous by the audience.

Etta Enow, the master of ceremonies, and I just tried my best… I just feel proudly announced Kiarry Waleford happy, everyone else was really good as the first- place winner for her au- and I’m really proud,” Waleford said.

Karaoke Night offered students an thentic performance; Marianna Trevopportunity to enjoy a night with no ino, Amanda DeFrees, Joshua Cantu academic strings attached and just reand Aryssa Enriquez earned second lax among friends. place, and Amanda DeFrees placed “It was a great experience, filled with third. All of the performances were laughter and fun. At first I was unsure filled with enthusiasm and vibrant if to do it but I’m glad I did. I think it’s energy, having the audience clapping pretty cool that our UNIV teachers are and singing to different tunes. doing this for us, ‘cause sometimes “Just a little singing and lip sync

Photo submitted

school can get stressful, so this was a good way to just chill and hangout with friends,” said Joshua Cantu, second place winner of Karaoke Night.

The CfSS department engages in helping students thrive and reach new peaks of success.

Several workshops and events are being planned throughout the remainder of the semester to help students grow academically and accomplish all their goals.

“I really enjoyed it, it was nice being able to see the students have fun, and be able to sing some of their favorite songs. I think it really helped that me and my co-worker got on stage and

sang Backstreet Boys just to break the ice. I know it can sometimes be nerve wracking and even in the classroom when presenting.

“I look forward to maybe hosting another karaoke night in the upcoming year. Karaoke night really emphasizes students can still have fun and balance school work. Karaoke Night was refreshing, and it was another way to connect to our students,” said Diana Bustamante, First Year Seminar Instructor.

You can follow the CfSS on Instagram and Twitter @TAMUK_CFSS to keep updated on any upcoming events and workshops.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

thesouthtexan.com

Page 3 - Campus

TAMUK Theater shows talent at KCACTF June Bugs cast earns prestigious awards on the big stage

ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor Great theater is about challenging perspectives and venturing into another individual’s life.

That is exactly what the award winning cast of June Bugs did as they delved into the life of five homeless drug addicts living in a park. June Bugs is an original piece, written by Corey Ranson, associate professor and director of theater activities, and was selected during the fall as a competition piece for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in Carthage, Texas.

A panel of directors then determined June Bugs should be performed at the KCACTF in front of more than 2,000 collegiate thespians at the Abilene Convention Center.

The hard work and dedication of the June Bugs cast was then showcased during the regional festival as they walked away with great recognition and several awards.

The cast of June Bugs excitedly received the KCACTF ASPIRE Arts Management Award granted to Ryan Duncan earning him an opportunity to advance to the finals in Washington DC. Lexi LaCour was also recognized as one of the KCACTF Music Theater Ini-

tiative Finalists.The original play, June Bugs, also received an invited production plaque for their performance at the Regional Festival 51, and Ranson was awarded the most prestigious award given during the regional festival, the KCACTF Gold Medallion Award.

“The production made a big change from fall to spring. In fact, it was interesting to see how different the actors in June Bugs went back to the play after not doing it for a couple of months that process, the rehearsing and performing is always very interesting to watch the transformation…it just means we got some recognition for what we do.

“They know we are a small program and I appreciate them a lot. It also bodes well on myself and the university for what we have done here. When we go to do a show, we know we must work harder than other schools, but we still put up great work,” said Ranson, director of June Bugs.

The play had been practiced for several months, giving its first performance last fall and once again during the spring in the Little Theater.

“I feel incredibly proud of the overall performance the cast of June Bugs displayed in Abilene at this year’s annual KCACTF tournament. The cast was mostly comprised of juniors and seniors who have worked on several plays together over the last few years and there was such genuine authenticity and strong connection with each other that truly made the stage feel like home.

“I think the biggest challenge we faced with this particular production was delving into the world of an ad-

Step into Spring with our Annual Spring Fling

Attend Spring Fling for fun, friends and food ETTA ENOW Contributing Writer

Spring Fling ,a time of great food, drinks and great games; it’s also a time of hard work and determination for students working the event.

On March 27, Texas A&M University-Kingsville is hosting its annual Spring Fling sponsored by the Campus Activities Board.

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is responsible for coordinating a wide variety of social and educational events.

Every year, different clubs operate different booths filled with food, drinks and games to raise money for their organizations.

Greek organizations, volunteers, cultural and professional clubs all participate in running booths at Spring Fling.

“It is crucial that each organization take the required steps in order to participate in Spring Fling. That means attending all the leadership meetings

like SOFC, making sure that your organization is an official organization here at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and then attending all meetings prior to Spring Fling in the SUB hosted by Student Activities,” said Loreal Robertson, assistant director of Student Activities.

Spring Fling is an event that bringsthe community and university together.

“As students of the university, it is our job to be active in the community because it gives us so much, like the opportunity to represent the school,” said Darrell Sanchez, president of Campus Activities Board.

Goers can expect another incredible event this year.

“We can always count on the Spring Fling to outdo itself year after year, especially when it comes to the entertainment. We are right now working on get DJ SLUGS to DJ and host the event,” said Kristopher Reyes, social chair of Campus Activities Board.

Whether it is raising awareness about club events or providing fun activities, organizations, and students should take the opportunity to participate in Spring Fling and put themselves out there to the community and hopefully raise some money in the process.

June Bugs cast during regional festival dict… It is an actor’s dream to perform a character that has never been done before and bring it to life for the very first time. There are no previous performers who have ever done these roles so we were at complete liberty to make these characters our own,” said Lauren Hoefelmeyer, actress in June Bugs.

The KCACTF allows for professional and college theater to come together, and encourages students to engage in various aspects of theater such as productions, acting through workshops.

“Always a great experience going to KCACTF. It’s been years since TAMUK has been invited to present a show at the regional level and it was an honor to be part of the show. I’ve made friends that will last a lifetime and these festivals and shows I will never forget. There are workshops to attend

Photo courtesy of Facebook

and they all have helped me grow within the craft of theatre. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have been given at KCACTF,” said Dylan Mendoza, actor in June Bugs.

The regional festival grants students the opportunity to grow and establish a sense of networking among professionals.

“To be completely honest, I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything. I still can’t really believe that I’ve been granted this opportunity, but I’m so excited. I’ve been trying to buckle down and make sure I have everything ready for this because I want to make as much out of this opportunity as possible. This play has propelled my future to say the least. Without this show I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do what I’m doing in Arts Administration,” Duncan said.

Page 4 - Opinion

thesouthtexan.com

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Music of the fight

The South Texan The First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.”

The South Texan is a student publication produced by Texas A&M University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas A&M University system. The South Texan uses student fees in part to publish. The South Texan is part of the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT), The Javelina Broadcast Network (JBN), and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).

STAFF Darcy Ramirez Editor-in-Chief Iliana Flores Managing Editor Aryssa Enriquez Campus Editor C.R. Neal Editorial Editor Colby Sims Sports Editor Jaylin Morales Advertising Manager Reporters Josue Villarreal Ashley Gonzalez Aaron Monreal Kelby Sprinkles Hector Landin Adam Pena Zachariah Wilson Dylan Dozier Susan Cortez Rachel Tapps Leti Torres

DYLAN DOZIER Reporter The rolling cadence of the speedbags forward and back. One-two-three.

Thump, thump, thump. A pair of mitts bangs out a combination. The jingle jangle of the chains over-head. Weights clank. Jump ropes tip-tapping time.

“Hands up, where are your feet, hands up, work off the two, nice kid, hands up, back to your chin, why can’t you keep your hands up, do something with the punches, every punch, fighters don’t take beatings, hands up, move, (buzz), TIME!” I’m listening while I wrap my hands.

In five minutes, I’ll be adding my own rhythm to the gym’s song while I beat on a bag.

“Hey mano. You’re going to spar today if Antonio is here.”

I nod. The various bags have been my constant companions for the last two months. I have yet to see the inside of a ring.

Hands double-wrapped, I take my place in front of the mirror for seven three-minute rounds of shadow boxing. Keep the hip torqued, chin tucked, hands up. Back to the chin, on the two, dig it in.

“Hey kid. Get your stuff. Antonio just got here.”

The gloves I use to train are different than the ones that are normally used in the ring, so I drop those off in my locker, find my mouthpiece, head back to ringside. For the sake of my future self’s desires, I put a cup in. Coach Eddie turns my right glove down and opens it wide. I slip the hand in and watch as he wraps the laces around my wrist then tapes the laces. He’s talking to me about what to expect, but

Nicole Morris Adviser

For advertising inquiries, e-mail The South Texan at thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu or call (361) 593-4370.

Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters considered for publication must be 300 words or fewer. Letters may be emailed to thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363

I can’t hear him. The last two months of instructions are frenetically trying to download themselves into my shortterm memory.

He rubs petroleum jelly on my eyes and forehead, pulls on the headgear, and slaps me on the ears.

“You ready kid?”

I nod and enter the ring.

In my corner, everything has gone silent, and no one is in front of me. Back and forth on the balls of my feet, hands up and furiously launching them. Onetwo, duck, and back, one, one, duck, three. I turn back to the center of the ring where coach is standing. One hand waving me in, his other hand, waving in the man who stands my opposite. I arrive. He’s speaking, but everything in my mind is silent. He points back to the corners.

I head back, breathe, bell rings, hands up, moving forward.

Feet are good, boxing position, hands are up, work off the jab…

WHAM! My mind’s mariachi has been commissioned by the right hand of another.

The dance has begun.

Duck, body, back up, move forward, ow, ow, back up, back up, catch my breath and back forward again, jab, jab, one-two, one-two, ow, ow, back up, back up, damn these ropes. Push him and back forward again. Jab, jab, ow, ow, back up, back up, move forward…

TIME! Back in my corner. I drop my mouthpiece into Coach Eddie’s hand. I can barely breathe. He puts a white towel under my nose and presses, pulling it

away crimson. The inability to catch my breath concerns me more than the blood coming out of my face. Coach sprays me down, pours water into my hung-open mouth, and tells me to keep my hands up.

The bell rings. And the dance repeats.

Jab, jab, jab, wham, wham, wham, la, la, la.

After three rounds, the session is over.

I step out of the ring and the hands that have bloodied me wrap around my torso, and I hear a far-off voice, “Great work brother. Welcome to the club.”

Coach removes my headgear, unwraps the laces from around my wrists, I remove my mouthpiece, then my cup.

“Hey kid. Wash those off and get on a bag. Back to work.”

I nod and move toward the heavy bag with gusto. My combinations are half-baked, and it feels like I’m coming down from something. None of my thoughts are clear, and it is difficult to give myself to what I’m doing. But one thing keeps ringing thru the buzz.

“Have I finally been beaten bonkers?”

TIME! The buzzer rings. I wash my mouth out, take a short drink, and a long breath. Moving forward to the speed bag. The round starts with a ring, and I’m back on the hunt for my rhythm.

One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. One, two, one, two, one, two, one, two…

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap…

J.K Rowling queerbaiting to no one

Photographer Amanda DeFrees

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Photo Courtesy boxlasalle.com

Boxing ring corner

JOSUE VILLAREAL Reporter In 2007, writer of the iconic Harry Potter books J.K. Rowling shocked the world by revealing that beloved mentor and Headmaster to Hogwarts Albus Dumbledore was a homosexual man all along.

This LGBTQ+ community rejoiced, and the revelation put a whole new spin in the text that they had grown to know and love. It was just a shame that, at the time, there was no more Harry Potter material to make it more than just subtext.

Since then, new Harry Potter material has come out. A spin-off Broadway play, more movies and still no explicit mention of the sexuality of Dumbledore.

This led many to accuse Rowling of queerbaiting, or the act of hinting at, but not actually depicting, a same-sex romantic relationship between characters in a work of fiction.

With many other instances of problematic inserts to her text, Rowling has gone from a beacon on how to write representation right in a time when there was none, to being a laughingstock and the pinnacle of doing it wrong.

The joke seems to have peaked with it recently being reported that in the special features of the upcoming BluRay release of the latest film, Rowling claims, “Their [Dumbledore and Grindlewald’s] relationship was incredibly intense. It was passionate, and it was a love relationship.”

She went on to describe that she “… believes there is a sexual dimension to this relationship,” and the internet was not going to take it lightly.

Jokes making a mockery of this news began trending on Twitter. Many of them emulating the way Rowling adds sexualities and races to her characters seemingly at random with no attempts to make it real representation. None of these jokes were products of homophobia, or an audience that is not ready for gay characters.

They are a result of an audience that is desperate for representation of their group and for someone to do it right.

Rowling continues to perpetuate an ongoing trend in media that wants to appeal to the LGBTQ+ community, so that they may go see their product, without representing them in a substantial way. This is not representation as much as it is tokenism and a simplification of actual humans to a simple accessory that can be added later.

Many of the fans are done with Rowling to the point of anything she says will almost certainly be met with ridicule, and the ridicule will not stop until proper representation is given.

Seeing how awful these movies have been up to this point, I don’t see that happening any time soon.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

thesouthtexan.com

Page 5 - Opinion

Adjusting to small-town life Returning from Spring Break reminds me it is important to be happy where you are

KELBY SPRINKLES Reporter After a sun and fun-filled Spring Break, most students dread returning to their university campus. Post-break depression is common and understandable. The mundane lull of student life is hardly something to look forward to.

Whether we spent the break at home with friends or discovering a new city, how and where our time was spent was completely in our control.

Returning to class means giving up that control, leaving many students feeling powerless.

This powerlessness combined with the fact that Kingsville does not have the typical facets of a college town can cause many Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) students to be dissatisfied with where they are.

It is common at TAMUK to hear students complain about the small city we inhabit and all that it lacks, especially in the weeks following a holiday such as Spring Break.

It is easy to become disillusioned yourself listening to fellow students describe how the grass must be greener somewhere else.

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be happy living in a simple place such as Kingsville.

When I moved to Kingsville three years ago, I had a difficult time adjusting to the slowness of the city. At the time, Kingsville did not appear to have many redeemable qualities.

I quickly developed a negative view of my new location. It was extremely hot, and there was no Target in proximity.

Fast forward to present day, and I have become wholly content with living in Kingsville. It took a little time, but I soon learned to appreciate the simpler things in my life. This path to appreciation did not begin until I made an active effort to be present and engaged with my surroundings.

For me, being present and engaged meant finding every aspect of Kingsville that could potentially bring me joy, no matter how small that aspect initially seemed.

I rescued a dog in the Wal-Mart parking lot. I began trying every restaurant

Cartoon courtesy bemozza.org

Man reading a newspaper in his bed in town, and frequented the ones that I loved. I joined student organizations on campus. I created a beautiful space that was unique to me by decorating my dorm room. I walked around campus during the afternoon. I took weekend trips to Corpus Christi. I rescued another dog from the city’s shelter. I bought myself flowers from HEB. I went dancing at the Ranch and Country Lua. I made friends from all different circles. I did my homework at Starbucks, instead of alone in my room. I fell in love with a guy. I tried to make my life beautiful in any way

that I could.

I understand that the things I did to make a home out of Kingsville would not work for everyone, but I do believe that having a present and engaged attitude is the only way for anyone to reach true contentment.

Therefore, do not be disappointed about returning to your simple life in Kingsville after the awesome Spring Break you just experienced.

Fear not, for there is joy and fulfillment to be found here if you are willingly to go out and actively seek it.

Bloom where you are planted.

Man on the Street This Week’s Question:

What did you do for Spring Break?

Name: Melissa Olmos Major: Vet Tech “I volunteered at a vet clinic during Spring Break. It was busy, but I learned a lot. They were training me so I can be a veterinarian myself someday. I learned how to give vaccinations to dogs.”

Compiled by: Josue Villarreal

Name: Jacob Martinez Major: Mechanical Engineer “This past Spring Break I spent time and hung out with my girlfriend. We went down to Progresso in Mexico.

She needed some new glasses, but we were still able to walk around and do a little shopping of our own. My mom loves Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, so I bought her one there.”

Name: Merideth Harvey Major: Animal Science & Pre-Vet “My Spring Break was really good. I had a lot of fun, and I got to go to a festival called the Pickle Parade. It’s the only festival in Mansfield, and it was the most fun. I ran a 5K, ate some really good popcorn and drank some really expensive drinks. It felt really good to get away from all the testing.”

Name: Leo Navarro Major: Political Science “My Spring Break was uneventful really. I caught up on some left-over homework, and worked on projects like group assignments, multiple essays and lab projects. While I didn’t get away from school, just being home and being in a more comfortable environment felt good. It was nice to do homework and have family presence.”

Page 6 - Sports

thesouthtexan.com

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Javelinas compete in the Lonestar conference tournament TAMUK loses hard fought game to the Lady Buffs DYLAN DOZIER Sports Reporter Despite double-digit point outings from Ravae Payne, Kristina Kana and Bri-Anna Soliz, the Texas A&M women’s basketball team suffered a firstround elimination at the hands of the West Texas A&M Lady Buffs, 74-51.

This was the third match-up of the season for these two teams. The Javelinas won the first contest 86-84 on their homecourt, lost the next matchup on the road, and finished their season with a March 8 loss to the Lady Buffs at the Comercia Center in Frisco.

The Javelinas were 19 for 64, making 29.7 percent of their attempts from the field and 5 for 17 from behind the three-point line, for a three-point percentage of 29.4 percent.

Payne led the scoring charge for the Javelinas with 14 points, eight of those coming from the free-throw line.

Payne led the team’s passing and defensive games with three assists and three steals.

Kana made the most of her 23 minutes with a career-high 11 points. She was three-for-five from beyond the arc. She also dished off a team-high three assists.

Soliz, a freshman, was the other Javelina to break into the double-digit scoring column with 10 points. Soliz proved to be the Javelina’s main force around the rim, pulling down a teamhigh six rebounds.

The other Javelinas in the scoring column were Hannah Aucoin

(8), Brynae Thompson (4), Danielle Meador (2) and Nicole Hutchins (2).

The loss left the Javelinas with a 9-20 record for 2019.

West Texas A&M was dominant offensively, shooting 52.6 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. They never failed to lead after the game’s first minute.

The game in the paint proved to be the difference maker for the Lady Buffs.

They pulled down 26 percent more rebounds and scored 44 of the 66 points made in the paint.

WTAMU was led by Lexy Hightower who shot 70 percent from the field, 80 percent from three-point land, and totaled 18 points.

The three other Lady Buffs who placed themselves into the double-digit scoring column included Nathalie Linden (13), Megan Gamble (11) and Abby Spurgin(10).

The Lady Buffs would go on to win the Lone Star Conference tournament by beating the Lions of Texas A&M-Commerce and Angelo State University.

They then continued their winning run with a home victory over the Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico before falling in OT to Angelo State in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Semifinals.

This contest was the Javelina’s last under the leadership of head coach Wade Scott. Scott’s contract ended after this season.

Stay tuned for information on TAMUK’s national coaching search.

Photos by Javelina Athletics

Javelinas playing hard in the conference tournament.

Javelina Baseball takes the series versus Eastern

Baseball takes three of four for a conference series win COLBY SIMS Sports Editor The Javelina baseball team left Portales, N.M., with a conference series win this past weekend.

The Javelinas hit the road over spring break and won three of four games in what was a very offensive weekend.

The Javelinas totaled a whopping 47 runs on the weekend compared to the Gryehounds total of 23.

Sophomore Giancarlo Servin totaled nine hits on the weekend and seven RBIs to lead the Javelina offense.

When asked about the big win in

New Mexico, student assistant Christian Caudle said, “The travel to Portales is not an easy one, and we did a good job of overcoming that obstacle.

Anytime you can win a series on the road, you have to be happy about it.

Now we have to carry this momentum into conference with West Texas this coming weekend at home.”

In game one of the series the Javelinas threw up 16 runs on the board opening the series with a very dominating performance at the plate.

Servin and Senior Pablo Hernandez both had three hits a piece at the plate and together batted in five runs.

The Javelinas went on to win game one by a score of 16-4.

Game two was a bit of a different story compared to game one.

The Javelinas fought hard but lost the game 11-6.

Game three the Javelinas got back on track and put up 17 runs to win the game 17-1.

Servin turned in another three-hit game with three RBIs. Junior Seth Spinn also had a threehit game with a trio of RBIs as well.

The Javelinas scored every single inning in the game and could not be stopped at the plate.

Game four of the series was a tight one but the Javelinas prevailed winning 8-7.

Servin had another outstanding

Photo courtesy of Javelina Athletics

Sophomore Giancarlo Servin.

night at the plate with three more hits to add to his weekend total.

Cameron Melcher also turned in three hits in the game as well.

Hernandez also hit a three runs blast to help the Javelinas win the game.

Senior Garrett Alexander came in to close out the game and series.

When asked about the series win head coach Jason Gonzalez said, “I’m extremely proud of the fight and pack mentality that the guys showed…

They out-toughed the other team and they don’t know how to quit.”

TAMUK will be back at home at 6pm Friday, March, 22 to take on West Texas at Nolan Ryan Field.

Photo courtesy of Javelina Athletics

Junior Seth Spinn at bat.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

thesouthtexan.com

Page 7 - Sports

Rec features leaderboard

Show some strength at TAMUK Rec Center Zach Wilson Sports Reporter

Photo by Internatianl Business Times

Odell Beckham Jr. and Antonio Brown.

NFL free agency kicks off Big moves made by the Browns, Raiders AARON MONREAL Sports Reporter There has certainly been a lot of moves going on in the National Football League so far in the offseason of 2019.

This past week the NFL kicked off its free agency deals with big trades that turned heads around.

Starting off with the first big move was former wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers Antonio Brown.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Brown’s new contract is a three-year contract and worth $50.125 million with a maximum value of $54.125 million.

Also Brown will receive $30.125 million guaranteed, which is $30.125 million more than he was due to receive from the Steelers.

In return for the trade, the Steelers will receive a third and fifth round pick in the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft.

This trade was speculated for quite sometime because of a series of events that Brown displayed.

This included the Facebook live video posted by Brown in the locker room after a playoff win in 2016 against the Kansas City Chiefs, on the sideline rants and twitter posts about quarterback Ben Rothelisberger.

This trade certainly came as a shock, because the Steelers appeared to have invested in Brown with a long-term,

five-year contract that would keep him through the 2021 season.

“We were trying to build this team a certain way, but when he [Brown] became available at a different level, it was kind of like, listen, we can change how we practice,” stated Gerneral Manager of Oakland Raiders Mike Mayock in an interview with Rapoport.

The second biggest trade of the NFL is former wide receiver of the New York Giants Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham has been traded to the Cleveland Browns for a 17th overall pick in the 2019 draft, a third round pick and former Browns’ safety Jabrill Peppers.

Beckham had signed a five-year $90 million extension with the Giants last year.

Beckham still has over $72.7 million left on his original contract but only $16.7 million of that is guaranteed salary.

Certainly this came as a shock to the league as the Giants’ organization last season had expressed they had no interest in trading Odell.

Though Odell certainly has had his share of causing on and off the field problems.

This would include his scuffle with safety Josh Norman in 2015, his hitting of the field goal net, partying before a playoff game and his questioning of his desire to win games with an onside kick.

As of this semester, the Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) Recreation Center (Rec Sports) has added another way for students, staff, faculty and alumni to show off their strengths, literally, with their new weight room Leaderboard; as opposed to only competing in intramural sports.

This gives a chance to all the strong and wannabe strong people to really test their stuff as all they have to do is have a Rec Sports staff member watch them perform the lift they are going for.

There are two weight classes which are over and under 200 pounds and the top three lifts and times get their names on the board.

This has already caused plenty of excitement for gym goers who have been going to work out with Rec Sports.

Jesus Alvarez is a personal trainer at Rec Sports and a participant as well and is with the majority that likes the idea of the Leaderboard.

“Having the Leaderboard at the rec is pretty dope.

It makes lifting a lot more interesting in the sense that it helps motivate people to try and get on and beat the other records. The first couple of days it was up I didn’t pay it much attention since I wasn’t sure where my max was at, so I just wanted to try

and hit 315 before I tried hitting 325,” Alvarez said. “Once I knew where I was I basically trained chest just once a week but I would do heavy weight for low reps to help increase my strength and then would do accessory work and deload for size and symmetry. Also I do feel like it’s a good thing for the rec to have. It’s a fun competition that makes you want to work towards getting stronger so you can maybe try and break one of the records and get on the board. “ Ernesto Gamez, a power lifter and employee at Rec Sports had a slightly different take.

“I think 200 pounds is still a little high to divide between people…I think maybe 175 would be a better cutoff between weight classes,” Gamez said.

Krystal Cepeda, a participant in all things Rec Sports for a few years, could see both opinions as valid.

“I like the idea of the leaderboard, I think it’s a good motivator for people…I want to try to beat the treadmill one,” she said.

Alvarez will not be deterred.

“Funny thing is that once I finally got on the board I was only up there for about five hours until they came and beat my record,” he said.

“Once I saw that I got beat I told myself that I would get back on the board and put up 350 for second place but I tied and put up 345 like it was butter.”

Photo by TAMUk Rec Center

TAMUK student lifting.

Page 8 - Entertainment

thesouthtexan.com

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Anthem a broken, unfinished game Video game is superficially simple C.R. NEAL Editorial Editor Anthem is a boring, repetitive experience masquerading as an exciting one. At the start of the game, players are in awe of the beautifully rendered surroundings and chaotic nature of the world, but the game outright refuses to add anything of substance after the inciting incident. Instead the game coasts on its first impression in the hopes players will accept an unfinished game.

The Freelancers are a loosely-knitted group of humans wearing exosuits called Javelins who fight to keep humanity alive on a hostile, alien planet.

Relics left by a mysterious alien race called Shapers harnessed the Anthem of Creation to shape the planet. After they disappeared, they left their relics functioning, which leaves Freelancers to deal with the apocalyptic accidents the relics cause.

Anthem is a four-player cooperative online action-adventure game that will feel eerily familiar to fans of the Destiny series. Players go on missions together to complete objectives, fight enemies and get better gear.

The game seems exciting when summarized, which makes the reality of the situation all-the-more disappointing.

That is the main issue with Anthem. The developers of the game, Bioware, created a world that lends itself to an engaging story and characters, but the game falls on its face in these departments. The story feels half-finished and disjointed to the point that even the charismatic characters cannot save it.

The main characters in the game, while intriguing, are criminally under-utilized. They almost always stay in the same spot, which makes them feel completely separate from gameplay. The conversations with non-play-

able characters (NPCs) feel like people talking at each other, not with. The player should feel a resolve to protect these characters from the events of the game, but they only elucidate indifference. The villains of the game, the Dominion, get so little screen-time the player does not get a chance to understand their mission, much less why it is their mission.

Unfortunately, Anthem’s problems go much deeper than its story and characters.

Games like Anthem are in a vein of games referred to as “looter shooters.”

Basically, players are constantly grinding to get better guns and abilities.

Anthem’s loot-drop system is nothing short of a travesty. There are six tiers of loot in the game: uncommon, common, rare, epic, masterwork and legendary. However, most of the loot from missions are either copies or worthless. It makes no sense to have a broken loot system in a game that focuses on loot drops. Even worse, all of the guns look identical to others of the same type (i.e. shotguns.)

Another huge problem in Anthem are the plethora of loading screens.

When players go on a mission they have to load into the world. Usually, there will be at least one loading screen, if not more, between areas in the world. Once players have completed the mission they have to go through another loading screen to see the loot and experience gained from the mission. After that, players have to load into the Forge to equip any gear. Finally, there is one more loading screen to Fort Tarsis where players can launch the next mission or talk to NPCs. If that explanation seemed long-winded, imagine having to go through it every mission. To make matters worse, loading screens generally take between one and two minutes. In a time when some open-world games are able to eliminate loading screens, it is unacceptable that a title with the resources Anthem has is this riddled with them.

Despite numerous failings, Anthem does excel in some areas. The graphics in the world are awe-inspiring. The way the light flows through the trees and penetrates fog is truly a marvel of video game design. In short, the game looks marvelous.

Photo by Flickering Myth The flight mechanic is brilliantly crafted, and might be the best part of the game. Players are able to fly around the map like Iron Man, and view the world from a completely different perspective. Players can even explore the depths in trenches of water. Flight can also be utilized to add an extra layer of strategy into combat.

The combat checks off nearly every box in the grading criteria. It’s fun and flashy, yet maintains a need for strategy to use it to its full extent. Abilities can be used to prime and detonate combos between players, which result in awesome explosions.

Overall, Anthem has the potential to be so much more than it is at launch.

There will be additional content added to the game in the future, but by that point most of the player base will have moved on to games that come out before then. In fact, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 has already pulled players away from Anthem.

It is disheartening to see the studio that developed games like Star Wars: The Old Republic and the Mass Effect series produce a game so blatantly unfinished and broken.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

thesouthtexan.com

Page 9 - Features

Miss TAMUK Candidates Miss TAMUK is an annual pageant competion where fourteen Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) students are given the opportunity to compete for a scholarship and to serve as a representative of TAMUK. The 2019 pageant will be held at 7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium on April 13. Here are this years candidates.

Name: Elizabeth Alfaro Hometown: Mathis, Texas Major: Biomedical Sciences

Name: Cristina Basaldu Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas Major: Kinesiology

Name: Samantha Brock Hometown: San Antonio, Texas Major: Chemistry

Name: Sarah Gomez Hometown: Zapata, Texas Major: Kinesiology

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

“I want to be Miss TAMUK because I want to be a role model to as many people as possible. I also love helping others and I feel this position will offer many opportunities.”

“I would like to be Miss TAMUK because I would love to represent Texas A&M University-Kingsville so I can help people, students and future Javelinas understand how great this school is and the traditions that come with it.”

“To use experiences I have to empower students to strive to be the best they can be.”

“I want to be able to listen to students’ concerns and ideas and see what I am able to do to help them. As well as be a positive role model for others while supporting my university.”

Who is your favorite musical artist?

“Brendon Urie from Panic at the Disco; he has all types of songs for any mood with amazing vocals.”

What are some of your hobbies?

“Cooking and putting together puzzles because they help relieve stress.”

What are some of your hobbies?

“I’ve loved working out since high school. I fell in love with it and have enjoyed it since. Another hobby would be napping. Complete opposite huh? I could literally sleep all day.”

What is your favorite movie?

“Miss Congeniality. I love crime and comedy[and] it combines both.”

Who is your favorite musical artist?

“Cody Johnson [becasue] all of his songs put me in a good happy and dancin’ mood.”

Name: Julia Gonzales Hometown: Robstown, Texas Major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Name: Ydanissa Gonzalez Hometown: San Perlita, Texas Major: Agriculture Science

Name: Talia Hernandez Hometown: Victoria, Texas Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

“I want to be Miss TAMUK because of the great opportunities it comes with.”

“To continue a campus tradition and give back to our community.”

Who is your favorite musical artist?

What are some of your hobbies?

“I want to be the next Miss TAMUK so that I can represent the university and give back to Kingsville with volunteering and engagement.”

“Phoenix [because] they have very good music. When I am feeling down or sad I listen to them and I feel better.”

“I like to sing and play guitar. I’ve opened up for Jon Wolfe when he was here for homecoming one year!”

Who is your favorite musical artist?

“Taylor Swift, need I say more!”

What is your favorite movie?

“South Paw [because] he goes through a tragic event and faces darkness but finds strength and dedication to be there for his daughter and pushes through.”

Page 10 - Features

thesouthtexan.com

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Miss TAMUK Candidates

Name: Kassidy Lackey Hometown: Conroe, Texas Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet

Name: Amanda Mascorro Hometown: Edinburg, Texas Major:Agricultural Science

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

“I want to be Miss TAMUK because I want to support the community and school and give them someone to look up too.”

“I would like to be Miss TAMUK because being Miss TAMUK would be an honor along with the amazing opportunity to represent my college and reach out to the community as well as students of all ages. Being Miss TAMUK would give me an opportunity to grow as a leader and as a future educator.”

What are some of your hobbies?

“I like to sing and work at the vet clinic. I enjoy singing because it’s a way to express my feelings. I enjoy working at the vet clinic to donate my time to animals that need help and support people who need the animals.”

What are some of your hobbies?

“When I am not in class, I enjoy distance running, yoga, spending time

Name: Jusitne Moreno Hometown: Hebbronville, Texas Major: Communications Sciences and Disorders-Graduate Student

Name: Adriana Palomo Hometown: Sinton, Texas Major: Communications Sciences and Disorders

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

“I want to be the next Miss TAMUK because throughout my four-year journey, I have truly watched TAMUK’s Mission Statement become a reality. It would be an honor to share how our university has impacted my life and I would hope through this I can inspire others to strive for endless possibilities TAMUK has to offer.”

“I would love the chance to represent this amazing university and to hope one day to make a difference. I also want to challenge myself as a leader and grow with this university. I know taking on the role of Miss TAMUK will be an amazing experience.”

Who is your favorite musical artist?

“George Strait; DUH! He is the King of Country!

“‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ because I am a sucker for romance.”

What is your favorite movie?

Name: Briana N. Rodriguez Hometown: McAllen, Texas Major: Business Management

Name: Olivia Salazar Hometown: Endinburg, Texas Major:Biomedical Science

Name: Sarahi Vasquez Hometown: Port Isabel, Texas Major: Marketing

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

Why do you want to be Miss TAMUK?

“As a Senior, I feel that I can share my experience with students and help them prepare for what lies ahead and make a difference with the help of the community.”

“Miss TAMUK is a platform that young girls look up to. She represents Texas A&M University- Kingsville.

She is a representation of the characteristics of the women who attend our university. I want to be an inspiration and instill the notion that kindness, integrity, compassion, and through due diligence, all things are possible.

I believe it would be a blessing and incredibly humbling to serve within the community, representing my university, and all the while being an inspiration to young women as well as my fellow candidates.”

“I want to be a representative to those that feel there are none for them, the full-time workers and students. Those who feel it is hard to reach such positions due to personal obstacles.”

What are some of your hobbies?

“I love to read. Albert Einstein once said, ‘Wisdom is not a product of schooling, but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.’ I could not agree more and what better way to do that, than read.

Who is your favorite musical artist?

“Fleetwood Mac [because] I love their lyricism pertaining to spirituality and self-love.”

Thursday, March 21, 2019

thesouthtexan.com

Page 11 - Jumps

TIPA continued from Page 1 “The South Texan right now is the premiere outlet for the student media and it’s going to eventually be branching out into more multimedia and transmedia to include possibly some collaboartions with TV2 and KTAI,” Todd Lucas, chair of the department of art, communications and theatre, said.

The South Texan is a home to 15 staff members, one of the smallest organizations that competed at TIPA, but each year the newsroom expands.

The returning staff members hope to compete in more categories involving video, podcasts and multimedia

stories.

“The student journalists of The South Texan give of their time, talent and skills each week to tell the stories that matter on this campus. They do this because they believe they serve a purpose. To have their hard work and dedication recognized with these awards is amazing. I am proud to serve as their adviser, and I know they will continue to thrive here and in their future careers,” Nicole Morris, faculty adviser of The South Texan and First-Year Seminar Coordinator for UNIV said.

Submitted photo

(Left to right): TAMUK team members Alyssa Fick, Abbey Wells, Armando Gonzalez and Isaiah Culpepper.

Texas ACSM continued from Page 1

Submitted photo

(Left to right): Staff members of The South Texan, Dylan Dozier, C.R. Neal, Iliana Flores, Nicole Morris, Darcy Ramirez, Amanda DeFrees and Aryssa Enriquez at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association convention.

trust the other as they learned their strengths and weaknesses.

“Dr. Christopher Hearon offered me the position of Captain for this season and I owed it to my department, my professors and my teammates to bring out the best of the team. It was never for me, I never wanted it to be for me. I took pride in serving the department that has done so much for us throughout my undergrad career. There is not enough praise in the world for them and professors that were with us every step of the way.

Third place, first place or last place, I’m so very proud of the team,” Gonzalez said.

The final standings for the bowl were as follows: 1. University of Texas, 2. University of Texas, 3. Texas A&M

University-Kingsville, 4. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 5. Texas Christian University.

Texas ACSM is one of 12 regional chapters of the ACSM, which is the largest exercise science and sports medicine professional society in the world, with more than 70,000 members dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of the exercise sciences and sports medicine.

“Preparing for this competition, we focused on maximizing our strong areas and trusting each other to help in our individual weaknesses. Our ability to trust each other without question really helped us during the competition,” Fick said.

Page 12 - Advertisement

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Thursday, March 21, 2019

Texas A&M University-Kingsville University Housing & Residence Life

Current Residents Amenities:

Barbecue and Picnic area Exterior card access system Game tables Ice machines & Vending Machines Intramural teams Lounges with living rooms and TVs Planned residence hall activities Professional staff members Resident/Community Advisor staff Smoke-free building Student leadership opportunities

Don’t Forget to Sign your Housing Agreement with us to lock in your rate freeze for the 2019-2020 academic year.

The priority sign up period begins March 21st. Don’t forget to attend your Wing Meeting.

TURNER/BISHOP/MARTIN HALL $2,096 PER SEMESTER LYNCH HALL $2,311 PER SEMESTER LUCIO HALL & MESQUITE VILLAGE WEST $3,394 or $3,604 PER SEMESTER

Email: residencelife@tamuk.edu Phone: 361-593-3419

Lucio Hall, Office 119, Kingsville, TX 78363-8202