9/20/2018 Issue

INSIDE

Not as scary as she looks.... Page 9

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

The South Texan

Volume 93, Issue 3

High schoolers walk among us Concerns regarding coursework, safety raised C.R. NEAL Opinion Editor High school students roam the campus at Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK).

TAMUK partners with 20 school districts who send some of their students to college while still taking courses in high school, which is called dual enrollment. This list includes Premont, Freer, San Diego and Brooks County ISDs. In total, these high schools send 1,159 students to TAMUK. The schools pay for tuition, books and supplies for their students, allowing at-risk kids the opportunity to get a college education. By the time they graduate high school they can have up to 60 college credits.

Miranda Joiner, coordinator of the dual enrollment program, believes the program is a great benefit to these students.

“Through their participation, high school students gain first-hand knowledge as to the college-level academic and social expectations that facilitate the transition of motivated students to higher education,” Joiner said.

Superintendent of Premont ISD, Steve VanMatre, applauds the program.

“From an academic perspective, the level of rigor in the classroom, the standards of a typical four-year university within the Texas A&M University system is hard to duplicate at a comprehensive 2A high school,” VanMatre said. “It’s priceless for our kids.”

At Premont ISD, 120 out of the 152

Dual Enrollment continued on Page 11

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Food Tour on Wheels

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Your stomach starts grumbling, your mouth starts watering and all you can think about is food. It’s that time of day again. You’re hungry.

As a student on a budget and a time crunch, what should you do? Should you drive by Burger King, eat at a restaurant, or go to the university dining hall? Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) students can consider a fourth option. They can choose to get food at one of the many food trucks around Kingsville.

Food trucks offer the price and convenience of fast food, but the homemade quality of a local restaurant. Learn about where and when you can pick up your food on the go.

Compiled by: America Quintero, Adriana Palomo, Kelby Sprinkles and Jose Tello

Two years ago, Los TacoMen transformed from a small food cart into a popular taco food truck. Located at 223 W. King Ave., Los TacoMen specializes in Mexican food, such as Los taco platters and stuffed TacoMen piratas ranging from $6 to $9 and open from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on weekdays.

Los TacoMen cut their own meat, blend their own queso fresco, make homemade salsas and cook a daily fresh batch of beans. TacoMen cook, Raul Rivas, states that their food truck uniquely caters to meat-eaters and vegetarians.

He explains that they like to experiment with their ingredients until they create an end product that meets customer expectations. “What makes us different? I don’t believe we are, we are simply passionate about what we do,” Rivas said.

Isabel Lopez wanted to be self-employed. With a business degree from Texas A&M International University, she and her husband jumped into the food truck El Tio business in McAllen.

Guero After some contemplation, the duo decided to transition to Kingsville, where it is easier to obtain a food permit. The restaurant on wheels, named El Tio Guero, features a menu that includes street tacos. Prices range from $3 to $9, wait is about 10 minutes but the customer service is great. El Tio Guero is located at the corner of 14th Street and Caesar Avenue in Kingsville.

Coming all the way from Houston, Taco Planet made its first appearance in Kingsville on Aug. 12 of this year. Currently, the menu features quesadillas, tacos and burritos, Taco ranging from $2 to $11.

The truck is located at 620 Planet N. Armstrong St. and is open from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the weekdays and on weekends.

Jai Reddy, a cook at Taco Planet, informs that 9 p.m. is the busiest hour for the food truck. Out of all the menu items, Reddy’s personal favorite is the chicken taco. “The chicken is really good…The food we cook is different. We put more spices in our food,” Reddy said. If business goes well, the owners of Taco Planet plan to expand the menu, sell drinks and change their hours.

Craig Alexander, owner of Baffin Bay Seafood, was excited to open a local food truck in Kingsville. This food truck is located on the corner of General Cavazos Baffin and Brahma BouleBay vard. It stands in front of “Gregg’s Short Stop” and has been open since Aug. 1. They have a full-service restaurant located in Rivera Texas. Their best-known item on the menu is “The Seafood Co-Platter,” which includes three shrimp, 6-ounce drum and four-ounce oysters. Also included is one side and two hush puppies, all for $19. The food truck has been open for a month. Baffin Bay Seafood hopes to draw in more customers who live in the Kingsville area and are excited to see this new addition of Baffin Bay restaurant serve the community of Kingsville.

Eli Canaries is the co-owner and operator of Dandy’s Burgers in Kingsville, Texas. His bright orange food truck has been traveling around Kingsville for about one year. Originally, Dandy’s Burgers parked at Sunny’s Market on 14th Street during the morning, and at night the truck would move to the Country Lua Saloon located on University Boulevard. The truck is now permanently stationed at the Country Lua Saloon and open from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. every day, Dandy’ s except on Sundays. Their best-known item is the bacon-cheeseburger. Canaries chose this Burgers specific type of food, burgers, for his own truck after working for a food truck company in San Antonio. “It’s pretty cool because it opens up people to try food trucks. I came from San Antonio and Austin and everything there is food trucks. When we started about a year ago there were only two food trucks here. Now they’re popping up left and right, which is good.

I wish everyone the best. We are not competing against each other because this is such a small town and the food is limited. There is always room for everyone,” Canaries said.

Page 2 - Campus

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Thursday, September 20, 2018

Western college night out at TAMUK

2018 CNO for College of Arts and Sciences

DARCY RAMIREZ Editor-in-Chief Everyone loves free food, especially college students. On Sept. 25, the College of Arts and Sciences will host the 12th annual College Night Out at the quad near the fine arts building. At the event there will be team relay races, student organization booths, face paintings, dunk-a professor, and of course free food and drinks, plus lots of other activities. This year’s theme is westerns, so grab your boots, and cowboy hat ‘cause it’s gonna be a good time!

“I think this year’s theme is actually fun and interesting. I have clothes that will work for this event and it’s exciting because sometimes the themes at these events are too hard to dress up for, which takes the fun out of it,” Jessica DeLaRosa, a biology major, said.

College Night Out started in 2007 as an opportunity to educate students about the departments within the college.

Every two years the theme is changed to keep the event new and fresh.

The College of Arts and Sciences tailors the games, activities, food and decorations to the theme, but student clubs participating are encouraged to decorate their information tables to fit the theme for a chance to win a prize.

The College of Arts and Sciences’ ultimate goal is to have 100 percent student participation, but the staff is happy to see the attendance ratings increase every year.

In 2016 and 2017, CNO had the highest ever event attendance – with approximately 350 people present.

“Over the years, the event has evolved to be student-organization centered as a way to encourage our students to explore the social aspects of their academic programs,” Elisa M. Guerra, executive assistant to the dean, said. Guerra has been coordinating CNO since 2014.

Usually for events like this that occur during the first few months of the semester the targeted audience is freshmen. But CNO is open to everyone because freshmen are not the only students who still want to branch out, join organizations and be part of a teamlike setting.

“College Night Out offers many positive rewards for the students. Not only is it a free event, which is essential to the life of a college student, but it offers a safe place to have fun and meet new people. We offer an opportunity to meet other new students, faculty members and student organizations. One of the biggest regrets I hear from students is that they wished they had been more involved with the college and actively sought out friends or interacted with students, from different backgrounds and disciplines, beyond the classroom.

I would like to think we provide them with the opportunity to do just that,” Jennifer Vela, administrative coordinator II, said.

‘KIN’ exhibit at Ben Bailey Art Gallery ILIANA FLORES Campus Editor

The Ben Bailey Art Gallery at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is currently showcasing Cassie Normandy White’s artwork in an art exhibit titled “KIN.” Inspired by the research of environmental forest biologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, White’s “KIN” artwork depicts the invisible connections between natural systems and evaluates the relationship between humans and other natural beings.

“Kin chronicles phenomena of ordinary gatherings, drawn from a curiosity about unseen interconnection within natural systems. My subjects reflect the overlooked: they are either miniscule, common or hidden, easily receding into the background of everyday experience,” White said in the exhibition summary.

“Given time and observation, these seemingly banal subjects are reminders of the mystery, complexity and coincidence of life on earth.”

The word Kin was created by Kimmerer who believes that humans should call other living beings “ki” or “kin” when plural instead of “it.”

In doing this, she believes humans will be acknowledging the intelligence of beings on Earth that are not human.

“And...in English, we speak of our beloved Grandmother Earth in exactly that way: as ‘it.’ The language allows no form of respect for the more-thanhuman beings with whom we share the Earth,” Kimmerer said in YES! Magazine.

“In English, a being is either a human

world reinforces the notion that our species is somehow more deserving of the gifts of the world than the other 8.7 million species with whom we share the planet,” In the exhibit, there are 10 pieces of artwork by White being displayed.

The mediums of each piece vary from monoprint to drypoint or colored pencils.

Within in each piece, White is depicting the overlooked intricacies of living beings on Earth and their relationships with humans.

“I utilize man-made materials to evoke natural phenomena and reveal the complexity of these unseen worlds through visual representation. I hope to encourage observation, so that we may begin acknowledging and appreciating the wonders and mysteries of kin who surround us,” White said.

Nicolette Garcia, a fine arts major, said her favorite piece from the exhibit is titled “That Sweet Moon Language.”

The piece is monoprinted and drawn from colored pencils. The vibrant colors are one reason Garcia likes the piece.

“Well besides the fact of the color, it’s just that pretty much from whatever distance you stand within reason you can see. The closer you get the more it draws you in and you start to see the images...that are hidden in the image itself,” Garcia said.

To view White’s work, visit the Ben Bailey Art Gallery where the “KIN” exhibit will be displayed until Sept. 28.

The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For people interested in meeting White, an artist reception will be held in the gallery on Sept. 21 from 6 to 8

Photo by Iliana Flores

White’s piece “That Sweet Moon Language.”

Photo by Iliana Flores

A black and white drypint piece titled “Black Bellied.”

Thursday, September 20, 2018

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Page 3 - Campus

Conner Museum hosts Maurice Schmidt Artwork shows the life of South Texans ADAM PENA Reporter From Aug. 30 to Oct. 25, the Conner Museum is hosting a gallery exhibit featuring the works of local artist Maurice Schmidt, who was a professor emeritus in art at Texas A&M University- Kingsville (TAMUK) from 1965 to 2002.

The exhibit currently housed at the Conner Museum is called “I Call South Texas Home” and includes 84 pieces of art, each with their own story and meaning. Schmidt is inspired by the life and culture of South Texas. His Photo courtesy of Javelina Nation works range from traditional oil on Schmidt’s portrait of John E. canvas, to watercolors, sculptors and Conner. lithography.

Schmidt’s works are a series of glimpses into life in South Texas. Many Warm, muted colors invoke a sober, of the sights and scenes that he cap- homey feeling in a scene such as the tures and interprets are very familiar one presented in Viejos in the Park, to most of us who are native to the re- consisting of two old men sitting on a gion. From fields and farms to the fast- bench under a palm tree as a woman paced city streets of San Antonio and stands nearby.

Austin, a little piece of the Texan spirit Similarly, Mariachis offers the same exists within his works. earthy Tex-Mex colors, but offered “Painting only from life, Schmidt with more dynamic expressions and captures a dynamic sense of motion positions of the focal mariachi band, and color in his work. This exhibition giving the appearance of motion. focuses on Mexicana themes, but in- When staring at the piece, one can alcludes various samples of Schmidt’s most hear the blaring trumpets set to interpretation of the unique South Tex- the driving tune of a traditional guitar. as region he calls home,” the Conner However, not all his paintings are Museum website said. confined to the farms and cities. From

Photo courtesy of Javelina Nation

Oil on canvas piece titled “Mariachis.”

Photo courtesy of Javelina Nation

Maurice Schmidt at Conner Museum for opening day of exhibit.

Port Arthur to South Padre Island, hundreds of miles of Texas coastline provide life to a wide and diverse range of Texans.

Nautical-themed works such as Bounty of the Sea, a watercolor piece painted with a mixture of cool blues and warm reds and yellows, represents Texas fishermen.

Along with artwork depicting South Texas, the exhibit includes a portrait of John E. Conner, the person for which the museum is named. Schmidt painted the portrait when Conner was 100 years old.

“I met him (Conner) years ago, he was 100 at the time that I met him, and we just kind of became friends. I enjoyed talking to him and I asked him to sit for a portrait, which he did. And that’s the result of it. I did it in about three sittings about an hour-and-a-half, two hours each. He was a wonderful sitter, and he’s easy to talk with, and he was soft-spoken, and he enjoyed talking about his life,” Schmidt said in

a TAMUK video interview.

The art being displayed at the Conner Museum is not the first time Schmidt has given back to the university, according to a TAMUK press release.

In the past, he has donated other art pieces and started two endowments.

One endowment provides fine arts students scholarship money and the other provides support for the museum.

“I wanted to give back because of what the university allowed me to do—to have a wonderful career in creating art. I did it, and was able to be part of A&M-Kingsville history. Also, much of my subject matter was influenced by the history and lore of South Texas – I really do consider South Texas home,” Schmidt said in a TAMUK press release.

To art enthusiasts who would like the experience, or someone who simply wants to see an artistic perspective of South Texas and its people, Maurice Schmidt’s exhibit is worth a visit.

Page 4 - Opinion

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‘I want to die’

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Joking about suicide is okay 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 America Quintero Managing Editor

C.R NEAL Opinion Editor If you know what the Internet is you have heard of memes by now.

They are usually pictures with overlaid text conferring a mass inside joke that people share.

One trend that has been growing in the meme industry is the shared joke, “I want to die.”

The debate concerning whether joking about suicide is okay has subliminally overtaken our culture.

The reason it is subliminal is that we, as a society, have demonized suicide.

As a person who has thought about suicide my response critiques that demonization, for how can people who have not considered suicide possibly understand it?

How can a person tell me that my thoughts are bad, or unhealthy?

French Philosopher Albert Camus had an interesting perspective on suicide.

Camus argued that, “Should I kill myself,” is the essential philosophical

question.

Camus saw suicide as a natural response to the absurdity of life.

We eat dinner on a piece of wood hewn from a tree that humans killed so we could have a place designated for eating.

We live on a massive rock hurtling through the vacuum of space in an infinite universe.

The concept of life is foundationally absurd.

To a person who closely inspects the world we live in it seems that we distract ourselves with commodities and drama as to avoid confronting our own existence.

Basically, the distractions of our daily lives cover up the meaningless of life.

The question then becomes, “How do I find meaning in life?”

French Philosopher Jean-Paul Satre claimed, “Existence precedes essence.”

He meant that we are born into this world with a blank slate that we fill with our experiences and desires that craft our essence, or meaning.

People who see past the façade of spending our whole lives in a constant state of distraction naturally ask themselves if they should commit suicide.

To be clear, I am not saying that we should all commit suicide because life

Graphic By C.R. Neal

is meaningless. I am saying that in order to be the best, whether as an individual or a society, we should ask what our priorities are.

The people who make memes are young and have been raised in a culture that is self-aware, so it is expected that they are depressed and think about suicide.

A Twitter user reached out to Rick and Morty show-runner Dan Harmon for advice on how to deal with depression and thoughts about suicide.

“The most important thing I can say to you is please don’t deal with it alone. There is an incredible, miraculous magic to pushing your feelings out,” Harmon replied. “Even writing, ‘I want to die’ on a sheet of paper and burning it will feel better than thinking about it alone. Output is magical.”

That’s the whole point of memes joking about suicide.

We feel it and joke about it to not only express our feelings with others, but to take the power away from our suicidal thoughts.

That is why it is okay.

Bicycle racks and where to find them

C.R. Neal Editorial Editor Plaserae Johnson Sports Editor Iliana Flores Campus Editor Jaylin Morales Advertising Manager Reporters Josue Villarreal Aaron Monreal Jose Tello Kelby Sprinkles Adriana Palomo Nicole Morris Adviser Dr. Manuel Flores Consultant Advertising 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

Adam Pena Reporter If you ask anyone what their perceived image of a typical college campus would be, chances are that bicycles would be included somewhere in their description.

A relatively cheap and easily available option for transportation around campus, bicycles, are a common sight around residence halls and classrooms across the country.

A 2010 study published by the University of Auckland indicates that if only five percent of yearly vehicular travel was switched from cars to bicycles, we would save almost 600 thousand gallons of fuel.

So, what’s the problem? Bicycles are easily accessible and so widespread around college campuses that their image is nearly synonymous with college itself. Well there is another stereotypical pitfall of college campuses that bicycles also unfortunately fall in to.

There’s simply nowhere to put them all.

All around the TAMUK campus during the middle of school days and the rush of students from class to class, the observant eye can notice that the

Photo Courtesy C.R. Neal

bike racks are overflowing with bicycles of all shapes and sizes, so crowded that a few latecomers can be seen chaining their bicycles to trees, handrails, fences, other bicycles and pretty much anything else they can fit a bike lock around. This is a problem for several reasons.

The first and most important reason is that the lack of infrastructure present for students who ride bicycles to school each day is discouraging to the layman who has to resort to chaining their bicycle to some other object, where it can prove to be an obstruction, take up additional space and can possibly even be stolen.

Statistics by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) show that $1,068,408 worth of bicycles was stolen between the years of 2011 and 2015, showing that it can and does happen.

For the average college student’s income, the approximate $100 loss that comes with losing a bicycle could mean all the difference.

Another reason is that these issues can be easily avoidable by the installation of additional bike racks around campus. The existing ones are pushed to their maximum capacity on a daily basis, which gives justification for infrastructure expansion.

The installation of more bike racks is as simple as placing them outside the buildings and residence halls around campus.

The Texas A&M University-Kingsville Office of Campus Sustainability’s webpage shows that .04 metric tons of carbon dioxide are emitted by fossil fuels for every 100 miles travelled by vehicle.

The existence of the Office of Campus Sustainability shows that TAMUK cares for the environment, and these goals are ones that we should all follow for a cleaner future. Bicycles play an important role in conserving fuel and lowering emissions, so it’s high time we got enough space to put them all.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

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Page 5 - Opinion

Good grief, Donald Trump What do you stand for?

DARCY RAMIREZ Editor-in-Chief Meryl Streep is truly iconic. She can do anything, and she will do it better than anyone else. Streep is the best actress of her generation. Harrison Ford is a worldwide name. He is the embodiment of Han Solo and Indiana Jones. He is a man respected. LeBron James is a three-time NBA Champion, and prominent charitable United States athlete.

All three are said to be traitors of the U.S.A because they have spoken out against President Donald Trump.

On Sept. 12 to 14 at the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, Calif., Harrison Ford offered his thoughts and opinions.

The summit brought leaders and people together from around the world to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of states, regions, cities, companies, investors and citizens with respect to climate action.

Ford wanted anyone and everyone in the crowd that was concerned about the world’s environmental future to understand that their problems start

at the very top of the “food chain.”

“Stop giving power to people who don’t believe in science, or worse than that, pretend they don’t believe in science for their own self-interest. They know who they are. We know who they are,” Ford said. The comment by the “Star Wars” actor could certainly be interpreted as an attack on President Donald Trump. In 2012, Trump referred to the climate crisis as a hoax created by the Chinese “…in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.”

But this isn’t the first time a celebrity has called out our “fearless leader.”

On Jan. 8, 2017 in her Golden Globes speech, Meryl Streep criticized Trump for mocking a reporter with a physical disability. “There was one performance this year that stunned me,” she said. “It sank its hooks in my heart.

Not because it was good. It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter.

“This instinct to humiliate when it’s modeled by someone in the public platform by someone powerful filters down into everybody’s life. Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence,” Streep said.

She was referring to Trump’s speech in 2015 at a rally when he flailed his arms and slurred his words while speaking about New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski. Trump responded on Twitter denying the accusations of mocking Kovaleski and calling Streep overrated.

More recently in an interview that aired Aug 30. on CNN, LeBron James

Photo Courtesy CNN

President Donald Trump repeated a comment he has made before that he believes Trump is using sports to divide Americans. “What I’ve noticed over the past few months ... he’s kinda used sports to kinda divide us, and that’s something that I can’t relate to,” James said referring to National Football League (NFL) players kneeling during the national anthem. After the interview aired Trump responded via twitter a few days later, “Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!” Trump tweeted.

I understand that everyone is entitled to their beliefs and opinions. Our President has done many questionable things during his reign, but his ignorance, neglect of the truth and immaturity is astounding.

When Trump speaks he has a way of shaping the truth in a different light.

He spins stories every day, but whenever someone goes against him they are immediately labeled as traitors.

Trump is our leader whether we like it or not.

He is a symbol of America to other countries, but for him to be so ignorant, petty and neglectful it makes U.S. citizens look pretty bad.

Ford, Streep and James are not the first or second or even third personas to call Trump out on his defective intelligence and immaturity, but due to Trump’s erratic, abundant and hurtful tweets people are starting to take notice of the real Donald Trump.

Our President needs to realize that he is the leader of our country and he cannot keep acting like a 6 year old anytime someone disagrees with him.

He cannot keep insulting and attacking his citizens, or else the U.S will start looking like a dictatorship rather than the land of dreams.

Man on the Street This Week’s Question:

Should pineapple go on pizza?

Name: Allison Kyral Major: Kinesiology “Sweet should not go with salty.”

Compiled by: Jose Tellos & Iliana Flores

Name: Camila Salcedo Major: Biomedical Sciences “Sweet should go with salty.”

Name: Natalie Flores Position: Biology “I like pineapples and I like pizza, but they should not go together.”

Name: Cody Hammons Major: Accounting “The only reason pineapple should be on pizza is if the pineapple was thrown on the pizza after the pizza was thrown away.”

Page 6 - Sports

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Thursday, September 20, 2018

Javelinas defeated in 2nd LSC game Angelo defeats TAMUK in Lone Star Conference battle AARON MONREAL Sports Reporter The weather conditions were unfavorable when the Javelinas played their second Lone Star Conference game on Saturday in San Angelo against the Angelo State University Rams. Starting Quarterback Koy Detmer Jr. was benched; adding to the downfalls, the Javelinas were defeated 30-14.

ASU won the coin toss as they were selected to receive the ball. The Jave-

linas forced ASU to punt. Keyshawn Rowe defensive back had an impressive play.

He broke through the ASU line and led his teammate, Jacob Armstrong, in for a quick touchdown. After this play the Javelinas took the lead 7-0.

Though the Javelinas started strong, they’d soon struggle to keep the lead.

ASU rammed back and gained the lead with a 25-yard field goal. Then a 30-yard touchdown pass.

The two teams went back and forth for the majority of the game.

Going into the second quarter, Sean Landez gave the team new life with a 39-yard punt return. Next, Detmer threw a 22-yard pass to Tyler Wilson for the touchdown to put the Javelinas back in the lead.

ASU put up seven points and three in the fourth as the Javelinas went scoreless. The Javelina offense put up only 96 passing yards and 110 rushing yards. For the defensive side of the ball, the Javelinas gave up about 205 yards to ASU. Adding to the defense was Jalen Harrison and Tre’Michael Tutt with 11 tackles and Devonte Williams 10 tackles. The Javelinas will return to the Javelina Stadium, this weekend.

Photo by Javelina Athletics

Devonte Williams makes a play for the ball for the Javelinas.

Tasty tailgate tradition at TAMUK

Expect BBQ, tents and school spirit at this Saturday’s Tailgate PLASERAE JOHNSON Sports Editor

Photo courtesies of Google Images & coachalvarado.blogspot.com

Javelina barbecues are a part of the tailgates.

When you think about football – you probably think about tailgates.

Tailgates are the tradition for the National Football League and universities and colleges all over the nation.

Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) is no exception.

Students have their own expectations of what to get out of the tailgates. For some, it’s food and drinks, as for others, it’s music and games.

“The high school I went to didn’t really have much school spirit, even though our teams were great. [At TAMUK] there’s just so much energy behind [them] whether [the team is doing] good or not. Knowing there’s a lot more people here I think [my tailgate experience] will be better. I expect a lot of music, BBQ, beef fajitas, chicken and things like that,” said Nadia Cuellar, a freshman anticipating the tailgate this weekend.

During the tailgates, campus organizations and sponsors start setting up their tents as early as 7 a.m. on game day.

The tent area is not reserved for organizations but on a first-come, firstserve basis.

There are only reserved areas for corporate sponsors. The sponsor for the Javelina football game this Saturday is IBC Bank.

“The game’s sponsor is IBC Bank.

They’ve been a corporate sponsor for about four or five years. They’ll have the tent closest to McCulley Hall,” said Joe Biedron, the associate director for corporate sponsorship at TAMUK. Because the tents are set up at a first-come, first-serve-basis it is possi-

‘I think it’s cool that students and organizations come together to celebrate our school and show school spirit.’

- Jasmine Garcia, TAMUK student

ble to experience some new tents almost every tailgate.

“I don’t know who’s going to be there. It’s a first-come, first-serve basis, but we try to get every one of our home games sponsored. I only have one on the schedule that needs a sponsor as of now,” Biedron said.

Some organizations or sororities, like Chi Betas Delta, try to post up tents every tailgate.

“We get together and socialize. I think it’s cool that students and organizations come together to celebrate our school and show school spirit.

I’ve never been to a tailgate anywhere else, but I think it’s [amazing] how people can just get together and have fun here,” said Jasmine Garcia, a member of the Chi Betas Delta sorority.

Some students like Garcia think the tailgates help bring people to the football games.

“I think the tailgates enhance the football games,” Garcia said.

This Saturday the Javelinas (1-2) will be hosting the Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico University at 7 p.m. at the Javelina Stadium.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

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Page 7 - Sports

Lady Javelinas face weekend of losses Team falls to Pioneers, Lions on the road; head to Austin ASHLEY GONZALEZ Sports Reporter The Javelina Volleyball (7-5) team hit the road last week for back-to-back game days and back-to-back losses.

The first match was Friday, in Denton, Texas, against the Pioneers of Texas Woman’s University. The Javelinas were defeated, 2-3.

Saturday, the Javelinas went to Texas A&M University-Commerce in Commerce, Texas, to battle the Lions. The Javelinas were swept, 0-3.

The ladies hold a Lone Star Conference record of 2-2.

There is no room for anything but improvement and focus because the conference is extremely competitive, coaches said.

“The Lone Star Conference [on the road] has always been tough. It’s definitely going to be a battle going into these two matches,” said Joe Morales, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator days before the matches.

For senior Madison Brabham, travel-

ing on the road can be difficult, but has advice for her team.

“As long as we keep our minds straight, we will go in and do fine.

Straight business and forget about all the difficulties about traveling,” Brabham said.

Morales sees improvement happening with the team.

“Pretty impressed with our defense, especially our libero, who’s been doing a really good job at that position and as a freshman, too. Our ball handling skills have gotten skills a little bit better and our athleticism as well,” Morales said.

The only returners from last season are seniors Haley Hutchinson and Brabham, who play a large role in the success of the early season.

Hutchinson is the block leader and Brabham was named the Offensive Player of the Pre-Season.

“I think Haley is going to get our blocks and I think Madison is going to be very aggressive,” Morales said days before the matches.

There were also high expectations for freshman Nicole Murff going into the weekend. Murff raked up 147 digs for the Javelinas thus far. “Serve and serve receive,” Murff said.

“If we serve well, that’ll make our defense easier. When we have a great serve receive, we execute on the first play,” Murff said.

The Javelinas are back on the road today, Sept. 20, in Austin to battle the St. Edwards University Rams.

Photo by Javelina Athletics

The Lady Javelinas huddling together during a timeout

Page 8 - Sports

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Thursday, September 20, 2018

Basketball assistant comes from legendary family of players Pressey recalls moments of father’s grandeur HECTOR LANDIN Sports Reporter From shooting baskets before the Boston Celtics would take the court with his younger brother before the game at the famous TD Garden in Boston, to winning championships at every collegiate level, to now teaching young college basketball student athletes at Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Matt Pressey has been a journeyman for the game of basketball.

The game has taken him places he never dreamed of, and it continues on a daily basis.

The son of the “Original Point Forward” Paul Pressey who played in the the NBA for 11 years and has coached since 1994 for the Lakers, Spurs, Cavaliers, Warriors, Magic and Hornets, Matt Pressey has a resume of his own with a legacy. He currently works under the current head coach of the men’s basketball team at TAMUK Johnny Estelle and previously played for Estelle at Navarro College in Corsicana Texas. Matt Pressey is solidifying himself in the college ranks.

Matt Pressey was named a National Junior College Athletics Association All-American as a sophomore while leading Navarro to the NJCAA tournament while averaging

17.5 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, 2.7 assists per game and 2 steals per game. The consistent leader talked about his biggest takeaway at Navarro. “(Coach Estelle) gave me the best opportunity to express my game in every aspect. He allowed us to win many championships and many games and accomplish a lot,” Pressey said.

After Navarro, Matt Pressey went on to the University of Missouri after turning down Gonzaga, Texas A&M and others, to continue his education and athletic opportunity on a scholarship.

Matt Pressey averaged 5.7 points per game, 1.8 rebounds per game, 1.6 assists per game and 0.8 steals per game in two years.

He would continue his norm of consistency in Columbia, Mo. While playing in the BIG 12 conference with teams like Oklahoma, Baylor, Kansas, Texas and others, Matt Pressey and his team would make history by capturing the BIG 12 championship.

About Mizzou, Matt Pressey stated, “My best basketball memory is in 2012 being on the stage winning the BIG 12 championship against Baylor.”

Men’s Basketball Graduate Assistant Matt Pressey

‘(My dad) being able to coach Kobe Bryant, and being around him, not [just] anybody gets the opportunity to be around somebody like that.’

- Matt Pressey

Photo courtesy of sportslogonews.com

Photos by Javelina Athletics

Paul Pressey, father of Matt Pressey, when he played for the Milwaukee Bucks The son of Paul Pressey comes with many amazing memories he can share, such as his dad scoring on Michael Jordan, coaching Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker in San Antonio while winning championships.

Matt Pressey talked about his memories about his father. “(My dad) winning an NBA championship in 1999, and being at home and winning on the road in New York City and coming home with a world championship,” is something Pressey says he will always treasure. “(My dad) being able to coach Kobe Bryant, and being around him, not [just] anybody gets the opportunity to be around somebody like that,” Pressey said.

Matt Pressey accepted the current graduate assistant position with TAMUK in 2017 after being

referred by Estelle.

Many people know the legacy of the family, but some have watched Pressey and his sons tear up the basketball court. For instance, new assigned graduate assistant coach in Kingsville for the men’s team, DeAndre Miller (Irving, Texas) recalls watching them play.

“I remember watching him and his brother play at Missouri, and my dad remembers watching his dad play in the league a long time ago.

This is a cool experience,” Miller said.

Basketball is a beautiful game.

Once you establish yourself as a presence in the game, your legacy never fades away. For Matt Pressey and his family, that is exactly the case. Championships, opportunities, success will come with a winning background and you can say this about the Pressey family.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

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Page 9 - Entertainment

Creepy but not terrifying

Movie loses audience with more bumps than scares DARCY RAMIREZ Editor-in-Chief

Popcorn remained in my hands as I sat in the theatre watching The Nun (2018). I didn’t scream, I hardly jumped, and I found myself laughing.

The movie, defined as a prequel to The Conjuring series, was full of jump scares and suspenseful music, but it lacked that terrifying aspect that makes viewers stay awake at night watching the door.

I love when horror movies truly terrify me to my core, and The Nun did fall a little short, but I was not completely disappointed.

The movie begins with a young nun at a sequestered abbey in Romania taking her own life. Shortly after the incident a priest with a haunted past and a young novitiate with supernatural visions are sent by the Vatican to investigate.

Soon, they uncover the abbey’s demonic secret. They risk their lives, their faith, and their very souls, as they confront a demonic presence in the form of the nun who made its first appearance in The Conjuring 2.

Taissa Farmiga plays the novitiate, and happens to be the younger sister of Vera Farmiga, who plays Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring movies. Demian Bichir and Jonas Bloquet also star in the movie as the priest and young villager.

Their acting is rather believable and worthy of notice, but the plot lacked the cohesiveness of ideas and the steadiness of pace the previous Conjuring movies had. The Nun seemed like it was trying too hard to scare viewers and for some reason it just wasn’t well executed.

In The Conjuring 2, I found myself terrified of the Nun; she gave me this creepy, cold and demonic feel even through the television, but as I sat in the theatre watching her origin story, I was more scared of the tense music than the actual antagonist.

During opening weekend, the movie grossed $54 million at the box office, so many fellow movie goers did enjoy the movie, though it was not equal or superior to either Conjuring movies. On Rotten Tomatoes the movie had a 46 percent overall rating from audiences, and on IMDb it received a 5.8 out of 10 review.

Obviously, the movie is not worthy of an Oscar nomination, but it was worth the effort and time to watch.

Don’t expect to scream or to shield your eyes with your favorite blanket, but simply relax and sit down in your seat and enjoy the decent flick.

Kamikaze Crashes and Burns Eminem’s return to fast flows can’t save a bitter album JOSUE VILLARREAL Reporter Last year in December, famed influential rapper Eminem released his ninth studio album Revival.

While the record was Eminem’s eighth consecutive Number 1 album on the Billboard 200 list, the album received mixed reviews from critics and a strong negative reaction from music fans on social media.

The response was strong enough that Eminem, being the extreme reactionist that he has always been, released this unannounced surprise tenth album with no advertising behind it whatsoever on Aug 31.

Many of the songs mention, discuss and even diss the many critics of his previous album.

Eminem returns to his roots with Kamikaze. Gone are the pop-star hooks and overly sad crooning of the previous album. Instead, he goes for the fast, hard hitting, often offensive bars for which Eminem is known.

Tracks such as “Not Alike,” featuring Eminem’s Bad Meets Evil partner Royce Da 5’9”, or “Lucky You,” featuring up and coming rapper Joyner Lucas, show that Eminem still has a knack for constructing fast flows and clever wordplay when dissing other rappers.

Unfortunately, while Eminem’s performance is better than he’s been in awhile, that isn’t enough to save Kamikaze from being an irritating listen.

It shows that while Eminem still has the talent, he still lacks taste and struggles to evolve as an artist.

The return to his roots is both a blessing and a curse. While it makes the songs more listenable, the fact that he’s still using homophobic slurs and inciting violence is unbelievable at Eminem’s age.

Now that Eminem is 45 years old, he is a much older and a rich father of three kids. It’s just silly to think that Eminem is the same person that he was all those years ago when he first hit the scene and screamed angrily against the world.

Doing this and occasionally throwing decent shade at popular young rappers comes off as him blaming everyone but himself for his failures, giving attention to all the critics who he claims that he doesn’t care about.

Even if you ignored the childish content, musically, the album is less than impressive.

Bringing back Dr. Dre as an executive producer and having talented producers like Ronny J, Boi-da and Mike WILL Made-It, you would expect the beats to be hot and fun.

Some are, but none of it really matches the other work of these producers.

No beat is particularly memorable, some being excruciating like the annoying clattering nonsense of the title track.

Also, Eminem has never been good at constructing catchy hooks, but they have never been worse than they have been on Kamikaze.

From the clunky structure of the hook on “Greatest,” or the corny melodramatic bad singing on “Stepping Stone,” to the horrible performance from feature Jessie Reyes on “Nice Guys,” they are unlistenable.

The hooks that are listenable are lifted straight from other songs, copying the flow from Lil Pump’s “Gucci Gang” and Migos’ “Bad & Boujee.”

The point is supposed to be that he can be inspired by these flows and use them better than his contemporaries, however, the other choruses in the album are so bad that it comes off more as desperately needing something to be catchy.

Altogether, Kamikaze is a frustrating listen. Strong flows and a return to form in some areas is not enough to save the overly childish tantrums, unmemorable production, and some of the worst choruses in his entire career.

I advise that unless you’re a super fan, this is not worth a listen.

Page 10 - Entertainment

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Thursday, September 20, 2018

Pokemon Go, not just for little kids AMERICA QUINTERO Managing Editor After finishing their classes, students at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) are not done scurrying around campus. Whether it’s the middle of the day or late at night, onlookers may see students sprinting from building to building. What’s the rush?

They’re using the Pokémon Go app, on a mission to catch ‘em all.

Pokemon Go is an interactive smartphone app that lets users catch virtual creatures known as Pokémon.

The type and amount of Pokémon that appear are determined by the player’s real-world geographical location. As players move around, so does their avatar.

Using augmented reality (AR) technology, the game places “PokéStops” and “Pokémon Gyms” in real-world locations. These stops and gyms are where players can obtain items and battle amongst each other.

Since its release date on July 6, 2016, Pokemon Go has turned into a global game sensation. Many praise the game for encouraging ¬players to get active. Before the game came out, Gabriela Lara, animal science major, used to stay in her room a lot and had a hard time getting to talk with other people.

However, she explains that Pokemon Go got her to “go outside,” not just physically, but mentally. It helped her get out of her shell and helped her meet new people and make new friends.

“It got me outside,” Lara said.

“You meet more people and get to

know where you live more.”

Lara explains that the game is a fun way to get to know your town or city. Once a player arrives at a “PokéStop,” the game gives them a brief description of the area. For example, if a “PokéStop” is placed is placed in a library, the game will give a brief description about the library.

Besides getting players to socialize and be active, many enjoy playing the game because of the nostalgia that comes with it. Michael Lagunes, engineering major, says he’s always been a fan of Pokémon since he was a child.

Lagunes explains that the game allows him to become a real Pokémon trainer, a life-long dream of many people who grew up with the game series. He believes Pokémon has become more than just a children’s game.

“It was once supposed to be perceived as a ‘kid’s game,’ but then it became more for adults after the first-generation players started to grow up. Then the next generation grew up and so forth. So, it became more of an all-type game play,” Lagunes said.

“Now there is a lot more detail put into the game and into the franchise itself.”

The game has made several updates since its release two years ago. New features include Pokémon trading, special quests, updates to Pokémon ¬Gyms and much more. One thing that has remained constant is the competitive drive between the three main teams in Pokémon Go: Team Valor, Instinct and Mystic. The app has players pick a team at the beginning of the game. Players can use their team status to claim a “Pokémon Gym” in the name of their team. This feature¬

allows the game to be competitive and creates team building.

Jose Ramirez, civil engineer major, says fighting against others team is his favorite feature in the game. With four “Pokémon Gyms” on campus, Ramirez explains that the competition is very stiff at TAMUK, specifically between Team Mystic and Team Valor.

Another improved feature are the Pokémon Community Day events.

During that time, a rare Pokémon will appear more frequently for three hours on a specified day. Community day occurs once a month and brings players from surrounding cities. In Kingsville alone, people come from Corpus Christi, Alice and Bishop just to play.

The next Pokemon Community Go event will occur on Sept. 22.

Despite being release in 2016, the

game is consistently getting new players. Joseph Garza, biology major, just downloaded the game in his phone this summer.

“The game is highly addicting.

We’re about to get a fourth generation, maybe before the year ends or during 2019,” Garza said.

Garza isn’t the only one hoping for a new generation of Pokémon to be added to the game. Many players are hoping a new generation will be arriving soon and expand the community that Pokémon Go has created.

“If they release new Pokémon generations, then the game will stick around a bit longer. Just as long as they keep pumping out new Pokémon. But as soon as the designs get too ridiculous, then they might start falling,” Ramirez said jokingly.

Photo Courtesy of https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-leak-new-shiny-models/

Kingsville is a hotbed for Pokemon Go activities.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

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Page 11 - News & Jumps

President Tallant Welcomes Class of 2022 Freshman Convocation gives students warm welcome to TAMUK JOSUE VILLARREAL Reporter On Wednesday, Sept. 12, the Freshman Convocation was held to finally welcome the newest freshman class to Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Around 1,250 students packed into the Steinke Physical Education Center making this the second biggest freshman class in TAMUK history.

“We grew 16 percent with our freshmen,” TAMUK President Dr. Steve Tallant confirmed.

After the National Anthem, the students learned of university traditions such as the regalia and the class ring,

but not before being hyped up by Senior Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Terisa Riley.

“They are full of incredible spirit, and seem very ready for college,” Dr. Riley said.

After being built up, Dr. Riley introduced Dr. Tallant to speak to the freshman class.

Dr. Tallant spoke passionately about the importance of time management, the pride one should have for attending university, and the fact that every single person in the room could succeed if they set their minds to it.

The significance of this being Dr. Tallant’s last freshman class was evident. His emotion was both excited for the future, but sad that he must say goodbye.

“It’s bittersweet,” Dr. Tallant began, “leaving an institution, leaving a place that has done so well the last 10 years, and leaving the students is going to be very difficult.”

Dual Enrollment continued from Page 1 students take college courses, 71 of them take the classes through TAMUK and eight percent are special needs.

Since Premont ISD enrolled students in the dual enrollment program the percent of their students who went to college rose from seven to 70 percent Animal Science and Pre-Vet major Jodi Linscomb is enrolled through the dual enrollment program at Freer ISD. “I enjoy it because I get to experience new things other kids don’t. I have more opportunities, like when I graduate I’m going to have maybe 30 hours,” Linscomb said. “It’s difficult at the same time because I’m in sports and it’s a lot sometimes, but I have a good support system.”

However, Linscomb points out the flawed execution of preparing them for college.

“I feel like the teachers go easier on us. It’s not like we’re in an actual college class. I don’t think we’re really that prepared for college, like we’re going to get a rude awakening,” Linscomb said.

Sociology Lecturer Kristina Bernal-Marichalar sees the same issue from a different perspective.

“In theory the dual enrollment program is wonderful, the practice of it might need a little bit of tweaking,” Marichalar said.

In the 2018 summer session, Marichalar taught a course with 40 students. The course had a high school-to-college ratio of approximately four-to-one. In her student evaluations for that class a few students felt the course was too easy.

“After the first three or four assignments I recognized that these students still needed a little more work as far as understanding the theories,”

Marichalar said.

Not only does Marichalar make assignments a little easier she alters the material to easier as well.

“As I go over my lecture notes right before class I take certain things out because I don’t know if the dual enrollment student is going to understand, or misinterpret, what I’m meaning, especially when I talk about sexuality, crime rates, abortion and drug usage,” Marichalar said. “When I do throw out figures and research-based materials I don’t know if they are going to understand that’s what the research supports versus are they going to think that it’s my opinion.”

Another potential problem for putting high school students in a university environment is the possibility of a relationship with an older student.

“I do worry that they’re going to develop a social relationship with an older student and go somewhere they shouldn’t,” VanMatre said. “That’s why prior to every semester we do as much education as we can with the family to make them aware that there are risks and this is what we’re going to do to minimize those risks.”While instructors want their students to have experience going to college on their own, they want to ensure an inappropriate relationship does not happen.

Early College High School Administrator for Premont ISD Nina Everett faces this issue.

“We keep as close an eye on them as we can, but we do actually want them to get the experience of being around college students maybe creating friendships with them, study groups and interacting with them in an academic way,” Everett said.

Photo by C.R Neal

Premont Early College Academy, one of the schools, that offers dual enrollment courses through TAMUK.

Photo Courtesy

President Steven Tallant welcomes the freshman class to TAMUK

Despite the underlying sorrow of goodbye, the faculty is sure that the legacy of Dr. Tallant will help and inspire all students of this class and many classes to come.

“We have so many new programs, activities, majors and facilities on campus that would not have been possible

without his vision,” Dr. Riley said.

The students are more than ready to be what Dr. Tallant expects them to be, and to succeed the way he would want them to.

“TAMUK has been my dream school as far as I can remember,” Animal Science major Zulema Villarreal said.

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