VOLUME 102, ISSUE 53
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TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 12, 2013
GO NE ONLI NOW
2013 Theatre Kick-off The Texas State Department of Theater and Dance will put on a contemporary version of Richard III, a classic Shakespeare play. The performance opens Feb. 12 and runs through Feb. 17.
Concealed carry bill divides local leaders
UPDATING AN ICON
By Nicole Barrios News Reporter A bill filed in the Texas Legislature has sparked discussion among the San Marcos community about the hot-button issue of concealed carry on college campuses. Senate Bill 182 was filed to the Texas Legislature on Jan. 17 by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury. The bill would permit the possession of concealed handguns on college campuses. SB 182 was referred on Jan. 29 to the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice. Similar bills were defeated in the last two legislative sessions. SB 182, if passed, could bring changes to Texas State and other universities. State representative Jason Isaac said he received feedback from residents about concealed carry during the last legislative session, and people are either passionately opposed to it or fully supportive of the measure. Isaac said he believes harm is done on college campuses because it is a place where people can’t exercise their Second Amendment rights. “I have a tough time with creating locations where our Constitution does not apply,” Isaac said. “I feel like that’s what we’ve done with our concealed handgun legislation as it stands right now.” Daniel Benitez, University Police Department captain, said while they may have issues with the bill, it will follow whatever the legislature decides. “Just like anything else, we’re going to have issues with anything that is passed,” Benitez said. “Not everything is always up to par.” Benitez said UPD would be concerned with the possible actions of a concealed handgun license holder during an active shooter situation on campus. “I think we have a big concern as to how much training (gun holders) get on a yearly basis,” Benitez said. Isaac said he completed the training and classes required to obtain a concealed handgun license so he could document the process. He said it takes about 16 hours of effort and more than $300 to obtain a license. “That’s a pretty strong commitment, both in time and finances,” Isaac said. Benitez said the required 15 hours a year of training is “not sufficient at all.” He said UPD officers are trained for more than 100 hours and undergo active shooter training to prepare for emergency situations. Benitez said the legislature is considering laws concerning the mental health of potential gun holders and requiring a background check before they are able to purchase this kind of weapon. The mental health of college students is a concern for Amy Meeks, senior lecturer in the psychology department. “I’m afraid truly (allowing concealed carry) will make it more dangerous because you’re going to have more people with the ability to act dangerously in a very split-second rash decision situation,” Meeks said. Meeks said the majority of college students’ brains won’t be fully developed until their early- to mid-20s. She said the frontal lobes are the last part of the brain to fully develop, and they are the portions that deal with making complex decisions and rationality. Meeks said factors such as mood, intuition and responses to others contribute to an individual’s behavior. Meeks said she does not think having handguns on campus will make anyone safer. However, Vanessa Cortez, president of College Republicans at Texas State, said she would feel more protected on campus if people could have concealed handguns with them. Cortez said she and the majority of the College Republicans are in support of SB 182. Cortez said carrying a handgun is an individual’s right and is a means of self-defense everyone should have. On the other hand, Samantha Sheffield, president of College Democrats at Texas State, said the organization does not want SB 182 to pass because it is unreasonable to add more guns to the equation during emergency situations.
Kathryn Parker, Staff Photographer
The projected cost of renovating Old Main is $1.8 million and is scheduled to be completed by November.
Renovations in progress for campus’ oldest building By Nancy Young News Reporter Texas State’s oldest and most iconic building is undergoing a facelift this year to repair decades of wear and tear. Renovations to Old Main began in late December 2012 and are on schedule to be complete in November. The construction project includes replacement of the entire roof, restoration of mortar on the exterior of the building and regular maintenance work. The entry doors on the east side of the building are being replaced. The projected cost of the project is $1.8 million. Craig Reynolds, the managing principal from Brown Reynolds Watford Architects, said if the renovations are completed ahead of time, several new projects could be added. Reynolds said extra projects could include restoring the building’s wood windows, working on electrical service and updating the fire protection inside Old Main. “These extra projects are not in the $1.8 million budget,” Reynolds said. “These are just in the talks for a couple of possible projects if we come in under time and under budget.” Bill Nance, vice president for Finance and Support Services, said he is satisfied with the restoration’s results so far. Nance said the contractor’s bid was below budget, and he hopes to have the air-conditioning units in Old Main’s attic fixed with the savings. “It just makes sense to fix the units while the roof is off, but only if it is in our budget,” Nance
said. “It’s all about protecting Old Main. We just want to restore this historic building.” Kym Fox, Journalism and Mass Communication senior lecturer, said there was talk that faculty, staff and students would have to be relocated for the duration of the renovations. Fox is grateful she did not have to move out of Old Main. “It was a real possibility. We were told that while they re-roof, we would have been located to a different building,” Fox said. “There was talk about the psychology building, but I’m not sure exactly which building it would have been.” Some faculty, staff and students say they are still experiencing minor inconveniences because of the construction, even though classes were not moved out of Old Main. Construction workers are renewing the mortar joints of the building through a method called repointing. This method repairs the weathering and decay that causes space in the mortar joints over time. Charles Kaufman, Journalism and Mass Communication senior lecturer, compared the sound of the repointing process to that of sitting in a dentist’s office. “Probably the most nauseating noise is the drill that makes you feel as if you’re getting every filling in your mouth refilled,” Kaufman said. However, Kaufman said the renovations to Old Main are necessary. “This is an important building to the university, and this work has to get done sometime,” Kaufman said. “It is an inconvenience, but it is necessary.”
Company’s success may signal busy future New trash compactor whom he had previously worked with as a freelancer in Austin. Creative director Luke Woody joined Taecho in October. Woody said he and McCombs Despite what its name implies, San Marcos’ met as Texas State students and pledged the same Taecho Group is already achieving recognition for fraternity. its work. McCombs said shortly after the startup be“Taecho” is a translation of “in the beginning,” gan, the Austin-area Circuit of the Americas apthe first words of the Korean Bible. The web de- proached Taecho to build a website as the raceveloping company, co-founded by Texas State track was being constructed. alumnus Adam McCombs, creates websites and “Most of our clients have a web presence, and applications for a number of clients. McCombs that’s why they come to us,” Woody said. “They said he hopes it will soon grow into a full service want to have a cool vibe and tell a story in a neat agency that will take on advertising projects and way.” campaigns. McCombs said the demand for Taecho grew beMcCombs started the Taecho Group in 2011 cause of the recognition that came from working with co-founder and developer Robert Banh, with Circuit of the Americas. Taecho now works with clients in several different states and countries, the group said. Banh said word of mouth played a major role in helping Taecho grow, although the original duo did not have plans for the company to do so. He said clients who worked with him and McCombs during their freelancing days were an integral part of the process. “You do work with two great clients, they refer people and then you have four people,” Banh said. “It just exponentially grows.” Ongoing projects for Taecho include helping to build an ecommerce platform for a CanDavid Simoneaux, Staff Photographer ada-based company and conMichael Way and Alenas Fernandez, Texas State alumni, work on a project for Taecho tinuing to promote music at the Group. The group of technology engineers design websites and applications for smart Tower Amphitheater. phones. By Adrian Omar Ramirez Special to the Star
may reduce litter By Amanda Ross News Reporter Texas State is hosting a solarpowered trash compactor for a trial period in an attempt to cut down on waste management fees and litter on campus. The BigBelly Solar Compactor system, located between the Alkek Library breezeway and the LBJ Student Center, is a trash receptacle that automatically compacts litter and alerts management when maintenance is needed. The BigBelly compactor is quickly becoming a staple on college campuses, parks and city centers throughout the world, said Mario Garza, supervisor of Recycling and Waste Management. Garza said while the compactor’s demonstration was meant to last until Feb. 14, it has been approved to stay on campus for an additional week to better gauge its popularity with passersby. He said the biggest obstacle in obtaining Texas State’s own permanent BigBelly is awareness. “We are just not getting good data from it right now just because the students and staff do not know where it is or even
what it is,” Garza said. The next step would be to write proposals for the purchase of permanent units throughout campus, if the demonstration has a positive response. High-traffic areas such as the Student Center would be candidates for the new receptacles. “We would definitely want to take on more of them,” Garza said. “We just need to get the word out so students can start to actually use them and see the possibilities it could bring to campus.” Garza said the compactor is revolutionary in its ability to self-maintain and operate. The machine has a sensor that measures the amount of trash inside, which is compacted once it reaches a certain level. The BigBelly’s solar panel charges an internal battery, which is used to power the compactor. The solar panel that fuels the compactor requires virtually no servicing and its simple, modern aesthetic makes it more acceptable for public areas than a conventional garbage can, Garza said.
READ waste, PAGE 3
2 | Tuesday February 12, 2013 | The University Star
OPINIONS
For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu
Austin, San Antonio commuters abandoned by cutting interurban trams
T
exas State commuters will effectively be thrown under the bus this fall when the Bobcat Tram Interurban routes become a thing of the past. A recent review by a Texas A&M transit institute led transportation services officials to, beginning Aug. 26, discontinue the interurban tram, according to a Feb. 5 University Star article. These routes cover the Kyle, Austin, New Braunfels and San Antonio areas and are frequented by students who cannot get to campus any other way. Alejandro Cuevas, finance junior, said in the same article he depends on the interurban services to get him to campus. Students like Cuevas who utilize these services will have to make a potentially life-altering decision in the next few months. These students are going to be put in the unfortunate situation of deciding whether it is possible to complete the degrees they have worked toward. Some commuters chose Texas State over other colleges because of the interurban tram services. The interurban buses have become a safety net for students who wake up at the crack of dawn to get to their classes on time. It is suspicious that transportation services officials would conduct a survey in November and then three months later announce the cancelation of the service that was promised to these students. The surveys were given in a questionable manner, administered at the end of November or December when the buses were largely empty because of finals. One-fourth of the riders questioned said they might not be able to stay at Texas State next semester as a result of the interurban service cancelation, as indicated by the survey. This statistic alone is sufficient evidence that the service should not be cancelled. Texas State officials are disadvantaging some of the most vulnerable students with this decision—commuters. Many commuters are non-traditional students who specifically chose Texas State over other
universities in the area. It seems as though officials are more concerned about saving money and allotting more buses on San Marcos routes during peak hours than catering to student commuters who are just as valuable. Transportation services officials are asking students to pass a referendum that would hike the bus fee up from $78 to $95 per semester for fall 2014 on top of the interurban service cancelation. The “pointto-point” service from The Quad to the Mill Street parking lot will help alleviate the overcrowding that will be further perpetuated by the increase in passengers, but at too high a price. Students deserved to be notified at least one to two years in advance of this cancellation. Commuters with years left in their degree plans made the decision to come to Texas State under the impression that this service would continue. Students were told about the bus fee increase a year and a half before it will actually take place. It seems ridiculous that commuters only received about six months’ notice to find a new way to reach campus. Some do not have a vehicle and may have to take on new student loans or jobs to purchase one if they are unable to carpool. Others may have a vehicle but should not have to pay for both gas and a more expensive commuter parking permit if they were advertised the interurban service from the start. Transportation officials would not have entered panic mode with proper planning and could possibly have avoided giving the boot to the entire interurban service. The way in which the interurban service was canceled is shameful. It may force some students to withdraw from Texas State. Reducing commuter bus transport only to campus and surrounding lots diminishes the university’s core mission of education and will drive students away from Texas State.
Grace Perkins, Star Illustrator
The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.
Local bus concerns should be first priority
By Alex Pernice Opinions Columnist
A
lthough it would be wise to bring back the Bobcat Tram Interurban services in the future, removing the routes is a step in the right direction toward tackling issues here in San Marcos first. Texas State will no longer be providing bus services to the Kyle/Austin and New Braunfels/San Antonio areas beginning Aug. 26, according to a Jan. 31 campus-wide email. The decision to cancel the interurban tram was partly
made with the justification that transportation services could focus on better serving the student community living in San Marcos. The university’s transportation services have been struggling for a period of time, which has become obvious since the end of the past fall semester. Texas State enrollment numbers have been steadily increasing with a total growth of 30.1 percent over the past decade, according to a Sept. 19 press release. A larger enrollment, combined with intense congestion of highly populated tram routes, has made semesters tough for Bobcat bus patrons. It seems unlikely tram issues will get better any time soon, with the addition of apartment complexes and student living communities this upcoming fall. It is apparent the bus transportation problem in San Marcos has regressed, and a solution needs to be found sooner, rather than later. Transportation services’ decision to cut the Kyle/Austin and New Braunfels/ San Antonio routes is rightfully aimed.
Interurban route users make up 4.1 percent of the total number of tram riders, according to a Feb. 5 University Star article. It would seem taking action to benefit the bulk of local riders would be a priority because an overwhelming majority of passengers reside in San Marcos. Large student communities like Aspen Heights, Copper Beech, Hillside Ranch and other future complexes will soon feel an even heavier stress from the system if the tram shortage is not remedied. There seems to be a deficiency of buses used for local routes, and continually packed trams are evidence. Trams are scarce for highly populated areas such as Mill Street, Blanco River and Aquarena Springs, and these routes will likely be further strained when new complexes open this fall. Trams are typically overflowing with both sitting and standing riders at the busiest Quad bus loop times. It is imperative these problems are fixed, and the move to end commuter routes will help with the issue.
However, throwing away the interurban tram routes should not be a permanent solution. The problems in San Marcos must be quickly remedied with solid action, but those who rely on the tram to travel to Kyle, Austin, New Braunfels or San Antonio cannot be ignored. Transportation services must work to solidify quality provisions for local students so they can potentially offer interurban routes in the future. It is important for Texas State to keep all students in mind, and inconveniencing a small population for even a short period of time could create huge backlash. Transportation services may struggle to find the perfect balance of local and interurban transit unless proper action is taken. Students will be more efficiently served if Texas State can remedy this issue in a timely manner while returning the interurban tram service in the near future. --Alex Pernice is a mass communication sophomore.
Tram cancelation ignores, disadvantages commuters
By Daniel Palomo Opinions Columnist
I
nstead of largely focusing on profits, transportation services officials should care more about accommodating the students who may not be able to enroll next semester because of the interurban bus cancelation. Students received an email Jan. 31 regarding the cancelation of the Bobcat Tram Interurban lines. Students were told the service was too expensive, rarely on time and a study indicated 48 percent of students could drive if the interurban tram was canceled, among other things. Normally, I take the bus from a Via Metropolitan Transit center in San
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Antonio. I spend a lot of time riding the interurban tram, and it is surprisingly efficient. I step off the bus, barely two hours after leaving my house, grinning ear-to-ear because I landed in San Marcos. I feel connected to the campus, as if the marquee on my bus read “Wonder World.” My far-Northwest San Antonio home, when the news started to sink in about the cancelation, felt isolated, and so did I. I promptly set out to find some of the 52 percent of student survey respondents who said they would not have a ride to campus as a result of the termination. The students I spoke with shared their stories in a candid way. People readily admitted the system has its flaws, knowing the interurban tram’s existence is threatened and negative feedback regarding the structure helped lead to its cancelation. However, none of the students I spoke with supported its cancelation. Many are not fortunate enough to own a vehicle capable of the demanding Interstate 35 commute. Some live in homes where drivers outnumber cars, or they do not own a car at all. Jason Hall, communication studies junior, commutes from Austin. Hall said his vehicle
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broke down the first week of school. He sold his car, after being unable to fix it, and adjusted his schedule to allow him to ride the interurban tram and continue taking classes. Attending Texas State was a conscious decision for many commuters, despite the presence of other more conveniently located universities. Meto Pokorney, exercise and sports science junior, said he chose Texas State because it has the best program for his degree plan. Pokorney wishes he had “gone to UT” because of the impending termination of the bus service and the location of his Austin home. Interurban tram passengers overcome physical, emotional and financial obstacles in order to attend Texas State. Students who rely on the service experience a shared, although nuanced, hardship, regardless of various individual reasons for riding the buses. The reason Denetra Taylor, nursing junior, gave for riding the bus was sincere and powerful. “I can’t depend on anyone,” she said. Commuters’ hometowns cover a wide portion of the Texas Hill Country. Urbanites can live in downtown Austin
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and attend a school not named “UT.” Sprawling San Antonio, or as one I-35 billboard puts it “Schertz’s biggest suburb,” is home to many happy Bobcats. The interurban tram is the vital link that connects these commuters to Texas State. Students saw the survey taken last year as a means of strengthening this link. Instead, the survey results were used as justification to dissolve it entirely. I am a multi-modal commuter, often using my bicycle as a means of transportation to the bus and around campus. Potential auxiliary benefits, such as decreased car use and increased pedestrianism, seemed to factor little into the administration’s decision. It seemed to be all about numbers to transportation services officials, at the end of the day. Only one set of numbers may matter to the 52 percent of surveyed interurban tram passengers who said they would not be able to drive to campus—Aug. 26. This date marks the cancelation of the service and potentially several students’ last day as a Bobcat. --Daniel Palomo is a mass communication masters student.
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos and is published every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Tuesday, February 12, 2013. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.
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NEWS
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waste
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
BigBelly provides a software system stopped to actually take a look at it. It’s that alerts members of Recycling and right next to a recycling bin. So, I assumed Waste Management through emails when they were the same thing,” Alderete said. it reaches capacity, effectively eliminating Garza said one problem he heard of time workers spend unnecessarily check- was students not wanting to touch the ing the barrels. handle to the lid of the receptacle for fear “The unit is supposed to reduce labor as of germs. far as servicing the barrels,” Garza said. Liam Reitz, sales representative for Big“In theory, this should cut down the time Belly, said the handles are stainless steel that the grounds staff spends working with and completely sanitary. the receptacles.” “It’s not like touching a trashcan,” Reitz The unit currently costs about $3,000, said. “It is designed to be clean for everybut could pay for itself in time because of one to touch. No one should worry about reduced maintenance costs. The unit may that at all.” be purchased at a lower potential cost because Texas State is a public university. Garza said some universities and cities have eliminated all other trash receptacles and replaced them exclusively with the BigBelly system. He said the option to phase out other forms of waste management can be partly attributed to the carrying capacity of the unit, its sustainability and sleek design. Cody Alderete, criminal justice junior, said he thought the Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor compactor was just another recycling bin at first glance. The BigBelly Solar Compactor’s trial run has been extended to “I didn’t notice it until I Feb. 21.
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4 | Tuesday February 12, 2013 | The University Star
TRENDS
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Broadway veteran to portray title character in Shakepeare’s “Richard III” Professor Chuck Ney, production director and avid fan of Shakespeare, prepared for more than a year to bring the monarch’s tale to the Texas State stage. He sees it as a timeless story on which American audiences thrive. “We tend to like the rise of stars and then the fall as well,” Ney said. “It’s one of those stories we seem to Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor fascinated with.” Jacqueline Guillen, theatre senior, and Eugene Lee, artist-in-residence, act out beThis a scene in the production of Richard III Feb. 10 at the Theatre Center. The play will be production far from will run Feb. 12-17. conventional as it is set within an airBy Glen Tadych port in a modern-day developing country, Trends Reporter as opposed to 15th century England, while retaining the Shakespearean language, acThe infamous downfall of the Planta- cording to a University News Service press genet dynasty will come to life as the Texas release. State Department of Theatre and Dance “I think (the setting) makes it more acpremieres its production of William Shake- cessible,” Ney said. “People won’t feel like speare’s “Richard III.” it’s a museum piece.” “Richard III” tells the eponymous tale of Ney was not at all hesitant to present a notorious British monarch who kills his “Richard III” in this manner. He is not a way to the throne, only to lose it soon after. Shakespeare purist and has placed produc-
tions in both contemporary and historic settings in the past. Stepping into the lead role of King Richard III will be artist-in-residence and awardwinning actor Eugene Lee. “William Shakespeare is one of the classic dramatists in history,” Lee said. “It’s a standard part of theatre training to perform the classics.” Ney said Lee’s background in Broadway and film adds to the production, as well as his ability to tap into the challenges of Shakespearean language. Lee’s involvement provides the department’s student actors the opportunity to work with a seasoned performer. “In the beginning I was very intimidated to actually be working with a professional,” said Jacqueline Guillen, theatre senior playing the role of Lady Anne. “Eventually, though, I saw that he’s a sweetheart and really makes the experience an easy and comfortable one.” Guillen set her sights on the character of Lady Anne from the beginning. She viewed her as a deviation from the model of a typical female role. “I think she’s a good example of a strong character,” Guillen said. The skeletal remains of Richard III were recently positively identified Feb. 4 via DNA confirmation. This historic discovery taking place only one week before the premiere has filled cast and crew members
with excitement. It provided a convenient marketing opportunity for the production as a timely event. “This will certainly make (people) aware,” Ney said. “Hopefully it brings more people in.” Ney said Shakespeare’s take on “Richard III” is known for causing controversy in England because of the monarch being portrayed as a hunchback. However, the king’s remains have confirmed that Richard III suffered from severe scoliosis. The discovery has revealed that Shakespeare’s take was based on reality to a certain extent. The cast has come together, despite the size and complexity of the production, to bring the story to life. “I’m feeling very optimistic,” Ney said. “I have a wonderful cast and crew, all who are working very hard to make this happen.”
“Richard III” will premier Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Theater Center, and will run at the same time until Feb. 16, with a final performance on Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. General admission is $12 with student tickets available for $7. For additional information, contact the box office at 512-245-2174.
Kent Finlay
“Godfather of Texas songwriters” Kyle Park, Randy Rogers and George Strait himself. Cheatham Street Warehouse began “Kent Finlay’s Annual 29th Birthday” on Monday with a line-up of artists to last all night. The two-day festivities will continue with another list of those who want to support Finlay, the owner of Cheatham Street Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor Warehouse since Sterling Finlay, Dub Miller, and Pake Rossi perform at Kent Finlay's “Annual 29th its opening nearly four decades ago. Birthday” Feb. 11 at Cheatham Street Warehouse. Finlay is the owner of the Cheatham By Randi Berkovsky Street Music Foundation, which includes Trends Reporter Kyle Park, William Clark Green and Sons of Fathers. Every glance at the old pictures and The Cheatham Street Music Foundaposters on the wall of Cheatham Street tion, established in 2008 to carry forward Warehouse confirms its role in the coun- the work of Finlay, is a non-profit organitry music movement. The neon lights of zation dedicated to the promotion, develthis honky-tonk warehouse by the rail- opment, preservation and perpetuation road tracks that opened in 1974 have been of Texas music. It is involved with the art, home to the start of big names such as
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craft and business of songwriting and its education. All of the funds raised at the birthday benefit concert will help to continue the work of the foundation. The University Star got the opportunity to sit down with Finlay during his 29th birthday benefit concert on Monday. Finlay smiled when asked his actual age and said, “Well, I’m 29.” He continued on to talk about the foundation and its work, the beginning of Cheatham Street and the preservation of Texas music.
This place was an old warehouse by the railroad tracks. It was exactly right, and it sounds beautiful in here. So, we started Cheatham Street.
RB: Tell me about your Cheatham Street Music Foundation. Why did you want to start something like this? KF: After everyone is gone, there will be kids who will carry on and promote the music. A hundred years from now, people can hear what happened today.
RB: What does it feel like for you to know that you had a part in helping so many artists get their careers started? KF: I’m proud of every one of them. I’m glad I had a little hand in it, but it is them and not me. It’s good when the good guys win, you know.
RB: Why did you want to devote your life to Texas music? KF: It’s important. There wasn’t any music in San Marcos back then, and someone had to do it.
RB: Is there anything else that you would like to tell me about the Cheatham Street Music Foundation and its work? KF: It is so the magic that comes out of this room doesn’t go away. We want the foundation to continue doing its work. The mission of the foundation will always be the same: to perpetuate and celebrate Texas music.
RB: How did Cheatham Street Warehouse come to be? KF: We looked for a place that had character and none had soul until here.
RB: I know there is a songwriter’s circle that is a part of the foundation’s work. How did that get started? KF: Back in the day, songwriters didn’t get any attention. Being a songwriter myself, I wanted to have a night where songwriters can come and listen to each other.
The University Star | Tuesday February 12, 2013 | 5
SPORTS
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classifieds
SOFTBALL
7 suspended for ‘violating team rules,’ 2 indefinitely By Cameron Irvine Sports Editor The Texas State softball team suspended two players indefinitely and seven players in total over the weekend for “violating team rules,” according to Coach Ricci Woodard. “We have two that we let go and five that we suspended for the weekend,” Woodard said. Woodard would not name the seven players suspended, but did mention that the suspensions were handed down by her in an interview on Monday. The following players were absent from the box score at the Hilton Houston Plaza Classic this weekend: Anna Hernandez, senior second baseman Selena Hernandez, sophomore shortstop Brittney Garcia, sophomore outfielder Alli Akina, sophomore outfielder Timishia North, junior utility Delia Saucedo, junior pitcher Courtney Harris, sophomore third baseman The Bobcats were predicted to finish first in the WAC this year in the Preseason Softball Coaches Poll.
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Athletic Director Larry Teis said in a statement that players “did not break university or departmental policies. They had an issue between player and coach. So, (Coach Woodard) made the decision to suspend them.” Selena Hernandez led Texas State in several offensive categories last season, including at-bats (183), runs (28), hits (55) and RBI (26). Anna Hernandez led the 2012 team in on-base percentage (.381), was tied for first in home runs (3) and was second in hits (49) and total bases (65). Harris hit .229 last season with one home run, three doubles and 13 RBI. Garcia, who is primarily used as a pinch runner, hit .200 last season with four steals. North, Akina, and Saucedo joined the Bobcats for the first time this year. The Bobcats went 0-5 this weekend to start the 2013 season. “The good part is this weekend is behind us, and we get five of them back, and we move forward,” Woodard said. “When you violate team rules, there are consequences, and you move forward.” Twitter: @txstcamirvine
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Bobcats gain win after close loss Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor
Diamond Ford, senior guard, leaps to make a basket Feb. 9 at Strahan Coliseum. The Bobcats won 68-63 against Louisiana Tech University. For coverage of men’s basketball’s losses to UT Arlington and Louisiana Tech, visit UniversityStar.com.
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By Bert Santibanez Sports Reporter The women’s basketball team’s weekend was not without drama following a victory over fourth-in-the-WAC Louisiana Tech University and an overtime loss to the University of Texas-Arlington. The Bobcats’ loss to UTA came on a layup in the final seconds of play, dropping the contest 73-72. It was the team’s fifth loss in the last six games, and senior guard Diamond Ford said it was “frustrating.” Senior guard Diamond Ford scored 10 of the Bobcats’ first 12 points against UTA on Thursday. The Bobcats finished the first half shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 5-10 from 3-point range. The last time Texas State shot 45 percent or higher from the field was in December against the University of Texas-El Paso. The Bobcats led with a score of 40-30 at halftime. The Bobcats’ shooting proficiency dropped dramatically in the second half, declining to 30 percent. UTA went on an 11-3 run 5 minutes into the second half, tying the game at 50 for each. The teams exchanged the lead 12 times after the Mavericks tied the score. Ford ended with a game-high 26 points. Freshman Erin Peoples grabbed a rebound after a missed layup attempt by UTA’s Aron Garcia, with 1:49 to play in the second half and Texas State trailing 63-62. Freshman guard Ayriel Anderson proceeded down the court, pushing the ball through the defensive traffic of UTA. Anderson’s attempt at a layup was unsuccessful. However, junior guard Jasmine Baugus, who had nine rebounds and 7 points in the game, snatched the offensive board and was then fouled. The foul gave her a chance to tie or take the lead at the free-throw line. Baugus made one of two free-throw attempts, tying the game at 63 with 1:32 remaining in the second half. Peoples made a layup with 17 seconds left in the game to give the Bobcats a 2-point edge. UTA tied the score at 65 with 9 seconds to go. Ford’s half-court miss before the buzzer sent Texas State to overtime for the second time this season. Texas State grabbed a 72-71 lead with 28 seconds left in overtime. Chauntandr Williams took the last shot for the Mavericks, making a heavily contested layup high off the top of the glass, giving the Mavericks a 73-72 lead. Anderson’s final 3-point attempt was unsuccessful. “I, in no way, shape or form, like losing to UT-Arlington.” said Coach Zenarae Antoine. “To be honest, I am very upset in losing this particular game. Not because of (UTA’s) record, but because we had such a great start.” The Bobcats’ next challenge was against the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters, who came into the game 7-4 in conference. Texas State won 68-63 against the Techsters, coached by former Olympian and WNBA player Teresa Weatherspoon. “I felt like we matched up well against them,” Baugus said. “Me and Erin really matched up well against them. I took more shots. I was more patient, but if (I) didn’t have the shot, (I) just know to kick it out.” Texas State came out shooting during the first half, hitting 40.6 percent from the floor and 40 percent from beyond the 3-point line. Six players made 3 pointers in the first half. Louisiana Tech sophomore guard Kelia Shelton was active offensively, tallying up a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Bobcats built an 11-point lead to end 35-24 in the first half. The Techsters cut the deficit to one in the second half, 6160, with 1:02 remaining. Texas State was able to hold the lead hitting five free throws down the stretch. “It feels real good, especially playing two whole halves,” said junior guard Kaylan Martin. “It was definitely a battle the whole game.”
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6 | Tuesday February 12, 2013 | The University Star | Sports
SOFTBALL
Suspensions, “adversity” lead to 0-5 tournament finish By Odus Evbagharu Sports Reporter The Bobcats dropped all five of their games in the Hilton Houston Plaza Classic as seven players sat out this weekend’s action after violating team rules. Among the suspended were sophomore shortstop Selena Hernandez, senior second baseman Anna Hernandez and sophomore third baseman Courtney Harris. They make up three-fourths of Texas State’s returning starting infield for 2013. The Bobcats were selected last month by WAC coaches to finish first in the conference. The team won the Southland Conference last year after starting the campaign by dropping five of six contests. This year Texas State is off to a similar start with some “adversity” to face. “We’re going to have to keep battling through adversity,” said Coach Ricci Woodard. “We always talk about how it’s not always about how you start. It’s important on how you finish. Going 0-5 this weekend is not a major issue for us, as long as we learned from it.” The ball club led in three of the five games played in Houston, and was tied at one point in another. The team took a 4-1 lead into the final inning against its first opponent, the University of Iowa, but gave up a two-run homer and a double in the seventh in a 5-4 loss. Texas State had an opportunity to win in the bottom of the seventh but could not capitalize. The team ended the game with a runner on first and second. Texas State dropped a 7-3 decision in its first ever meeting against Lipscomb University. The Bobcats jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead with freshman catcher Katie Doerre’s
first collegiate home run but gave up seven runs in the game. Games two, four and five were against the University of Houston, and the Bobcats were unable to gain wins in any of those matchups. Texas State started with a 2-1 advantage in Saturday’s game against the Cougars, but allowed Houston to rattle off six runs between the third and sixth inning. The Bobcats tried to make a comeback by scoring three runs in the sixth inning but fell short 7-5. The Bobcats were shutout 7-0 in the last game of the tournament on Sunday. The Cougars scored seven runs on 13 hits and handed Texas State its fifth loss in three days. “I actually thought the team did a really good job struggling through things this weekend,” Woodard said. “The team tried to continue to battle, and I felt that (Sunday) was really the only day it caught up with us. Other than that, I felt that we had every chance to win every ball game.” The Texas State softball team was outscored 29-12 in the Hilton Houston Plaza Classic. The Bobcats were the only team that did not get a win. “Well I think the key is that we’ll have to move forward,” Woodard said. “Last week is behind us. We are kind of ready for a new week. We’re looking forward to practice (Tuesday) to rekindle the fire a little bit this week.” Other suspended players this weekend included Brittney Garcia, who was used as a pinch runner last year. Sophomore outfielder Alli Akina, daughter of Defensive Back Coach Duane Akina from the University of Texas-Austin’s football program, is a newcomer alongside Timishia North and Delia Saucedo. Twitter: @odus_Outputs
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