TUESDAY February 20, 2024 VOLUME 114 ISSUE 21 www.UniversityStar.com
Downtown free electric cab service to discontinue By Candace Taggart News Reporter The “Get Around Downtown" free electric cab service pilot program will discontinue on Feb. 29. According to Charles Campbell, multimodal parking initiatives manager for San Marcos, after two years of running with over 16,000 riders and approximately 14,000 miles traveled in San Marcos, the funding for the program is soon to be expended. The pilot program started Nov. 7, 2022, and Tax Increment Zone 5 (TIRZ) provided $500,000 in funding for short-distance travel
while Electric Cab of North America (ECABNA) provided the vehicles. Feb. 29 is when the $500,000 of funds will be expended. The TIRZ 5 is approximately 244 acres, consisting of mostly the San Marcos downtown commercial area with Texas State University as a north boundary, I‐35 as a south, CM Allen Parkway and McKie Street as an east and North Street as a west boundary, according to the city of San Marcos. “[TIRZ] is the ability to use funds within a zone that's identified as a tax increment reinvestment zone, or the reinvestment of tax dollars within a boundary,”
Woodard further establishes legacy with 800 career wins By Brendan Fielding Assistant Sports Editor In her 24 years of coaching Bobcat softball, Head Coach Ricci Woodard has not only proven her ability to win but also to mentor young women preparing to enter the real world successfully. On Feb. 9, Woodard achieved her 800th career win in Texas State's 3-1 victory against Kennesaw State University, making her overall record 800-487-2. In doing so, Woodard became the 13th softball head coach of all time to reach the attainment for one program.
Campbell said. “Because this was TIRZ 5, the shuttle boundary was limited to that zone.” A pilot program is a short experiment that tests if a long-term program will work in practice. Chief Executive Officer and founder of ECABNA Chris Nielsen said the discontinuation of pilot programs happens often. However, Nielsen said he knew working with the city of San Marcos Parking and Advisory Board and TIRZ funding was going to be different than the usual “evergreen contracts” which automatically renew annually.
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Austin synagogue recovers from TXST student's arson By Blake Leschber News Editor Congregation Beth Israel (CBI), a synagogue in Austin, is working on rebuilding and recovering after a Texas State student committed arson to its sanctuary. On Oct. 31, 2021, Franklin Sechriest, an 18-year-old Texas State student at the time, set fire to the CBI sanctuary. On Nov. 29, 2023, Sechriest was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. He's also required to pay $470,000 for committing a hate crime and arson charge.
SEE SOFTBALL PAGE 5 SEE DEVELOPMENT PAGE 3
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
TXST students host recurring thrift market in downtown SMTX By AnaBelle Elliott Life and Arts Reporter Two juniors have created and arranged Vanilla Bean Market, a recurring local thrift market in downtown San Marcos. David Ixtabalan and Cooper Philpot were motivated by the goal of creating a more accessible option for college students who want to sell or buy clothing without traveling outside of town. “The original idea was to make a market here for San Marcos and for the college kids because we've been to markets all over San Antonio and Austin
and everything, but we had to drive that far for the markets,” Philpot said. “We knew vendors that lived here that we wanted to put something on for the residents of the city and the college kids, so they don't have to drive so far.” Since August 2023, Ixtabalan and Philpot have hosted the market five times in Kissing Alley. Through social media, ads and networking with local sellers they tripled the participants of vendors from their first five markets. On Jan. 20, Vanilla Bean Market had 65 vendors and has since relocated to the courthouse lawn.
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
Eventgoers browse the variety of clothes for sale at The Vanilla Bean Market, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, outside Hays County Historic Courthouse in downtown San Marcos.
SEE COMMUNITY PAGE 2
2 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911
LIFE & ARTS
Marisa Nuñez | Life and Arts Editor | starlifeandarts@txstate.edu
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
FROM FRONT COMMUNITY
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
Eventgoers at Vanilla Bean Market browse the multitude of showcases on display, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, outside Hays County Historic Courthouse in downtown San Marcos.
San Martians browse clothes for sale at Vanilla Bean Market, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, outside Hays County Historic Courthouse in downtown San Marcos.
“We used to have a location in Kissing Alley, which was about 20 to 25 vendors,” Ixtabalan said. “So almost tripling the amount of vendors was definitely a big change and a lot of pressure. But thankfully, all our vendors are super nice, considerate and they know it's our first time doing something this big.” Ixtabalan and Philpot started collaborating their freshman year selling different clothing items. Philpot believes that vintage apparel is popular right now among college students and being in a college town, he wanted to make buying and selling vintage clothing more accessible. “When we got here as freshmen, we had trouble finding outlets to sell our stuff and we had to drive 30 to 45 minutes to either San Antonio or Austin,” Ixtabalan said. “Even then, the prices were really high. So eventually we're like, 'Hey, you know what, let's try and start something here for us and for local vendors,' cause we knew a bunch of people who were also doing the same thing as us. So I [thought] let's just make something in [the vendors'] backyard.” The market on Jan. 20 took three months of planning. There were around 10 people from Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin. Vendor Zozo Huval came from out of state.
Huval of Pickled Okra Aesthetics traveled from Lafayette, Louisiana to sell at the market on Jan. 20. Huval specializes in 1950s, 60s and 70s vintage and western wear and heard about Vanilla Bean Market through an ad on Instagram. They said their selection is different from the style in their town which is predominantly street wear clothing. They choose to acquire clothes strictly through a method of thrifting. We want to make something that brings people into our city and shows them what we have to offer,” David Ixtabalan Co-Owner of Vanilla Bean Market “I know a lot of people will buy bulk online and stuff, but I'm not about that,” Huval said. “I like to go in and at thrift stores and find stuff. That's where the locals donate so there's a lot more history and culture that goes into the sourcing aspect.” Gina Sanguineti heard about the event through Instagram and made their debut as vendor at the market on Jan. 20. Sanguineti’s shop Retro Revibe, features loud colors, patterns and retro statement pieces.
Their collection comes from thrift stores and estate sales local to San Antonio and from over the country from their and their family’s travels. They normally sell in Austin. Daniel Kenika of Kenika’s Kloset heard of the event through word of mouth from other friends who sell clothes. The San Antonio local said he does most of his buying online or through relationships with other sellers. “My target audience I definitely cater to is street wear, vintage Y2K, primarily a main focus on streetwear,” Kenika said. Ixtabalan said he and Philpot realized over the course of being in San Marcos for three years, the pattern of students leaving town during the summer break and returning in the fall. Since students are a large target audience, they decided to time their markets with this in mind. "Over the last three years that we've been here, San Marcos has really turned into our home," Ixtabalan said. "We want to make something that brings people into our city and shows them what we have to offer." The next Vanilla Bean Market is from noon to 5 p.m. on March 16 at the courthouse grounds.
Starting a new chapter: Bookshop opens in SMTX By AnaBelle Elliott Life & Arts Reporter
goal: to have people see themselves in his shops. His shops have allowed him to reignite joy in himself and he hopes to do the same in those Green Heron Bookshop opened its doors to who visit the bookshop. the San Marcos public on Feb. 9. It's the com“I felt this surge of needing to do something munity's first bookstore since Half Price Books to provide joy and to also ignite my joy and it closed in June 2022 after a decline in customer has been doing that," Vetiver said. “That's been traffic. Some locals, like Texas State alumnus the baseline goal the whole time. I just want to Chris Boeke, said they couldn't find a place to spread some happiness." buy their books. Boeke attended the opening day Green Heron Bookshop is filled with roughly of the new store. half used books and half new books. Book cat“I was here when there was a Half Price egories consist of contemporary, fiction, bestsellBooks,” Boeke said. “It closed down, and I was ers and new releases. He plans to change out the like, ‘There's no bookshop.’ I'm just glad there's top-10 books in the nation on a monthly rotaa place now.” tion according to the Ingram Content Group Bookshop owner Wade Vetiver owns Solidago list. Apothecary within the same building. As a Texas “I love poetry, cooking, philosophy and art so State alumnus, he the shop is heavy on decided to purchase the those titles,” Vetiver I feel like it's something this space for the bookshop town has been missing because said. “[The shop when it became availeven Half Price Books is more of is] also heavy on able because he doesn't fiction because of the a chain,” remember there being community picks. an indie bookstore Clara Blakenship [They're histories], when he attended the Psychology Senior especially histories university. that feature marginal"We saw the bookstores die, we saw the things ized groups. I have LGBT history, Latin Amerigo away, we pushed into this digital isolation can history and indigenous history of the United bracket the last few years," Vetiver said. "People States.” are ready to do something and enjoy themselves One intention Vetiver had when planning the and experience the world and other people and bookshop was to create a liminal space. He did things in it, which books are.” this by creating some art for sale that centers Clara Blankenship, a psychology senior, saw around local themes to San Marcos including a on Instagram that Green Heron Bookshop had blind salamander, a mermaid, bats and a heron. opened. He said he wants to be in tune with archetypes of “I feel like it's something this town has been San Marcos. missing because even Half Price Books is more “I'm obsessed with liminal spaces in general,” of a chain," Blankenship said. "I love Half Price Vetiver said. “Doorways, crossroads; The bookBooks, but it's nice to have a little Indie-like shop is a liminal space too because it's a bridge independently-owned, small business bookstore between our thoughts or art or dreams, and what to come support, and I'm excited to not have to we don't yet know.” drive to Austin." Green Heron Bookshop is open Monday, Vetiver opened Solidago Apothecary in Thursday, and Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and January 2023 after experiencing loss in his life. on weekends from noon to 4:30 p.m. The endeavors of both his businesses are for his
PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN
Owner Wade Vetiver connects with local residents on opening day, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at Green Heron Bookshop.
PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN
A local resident browses through the "Popular Books" section, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at Green Heron Bookshop.
Publication Info
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NEWS
DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 | 3
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Blake Leschber | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu
FROM FRONT TRANSPORTATION
PHOTO BY CARLENE OTTAH
Stephanie Guzman, healthcare administration junior, catches a free ride near campus, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in San Marcos.
“This was the first time we’ve worked with a limited budget that had an expiration date,” Nielsen said. "With San Marcos also having a large student population, ridership dropped in the summer." According to Nielsen, ECABNA provides urban transportation on demand with electric vehicles for trips in areas under two miles. In 16 years of service, the San Marcos program was ECABNA's longest running coverage, despite covering its shortest distance. The cabs are fully electric and have zero carbon emissions. Campbell said the pilot program was important because it showed the city’s commitment to sustainability and contributed to innovation in transportation. “In addition to exploring transportation options, we are placing an emphasis on services that align with
environmentally friendly practices and contribute to a cleaner, greener community,” Campbell said. Nielsen said his company petitioned to expand the route’s coverage, but the TIRZ funding is limited to its zone. “We probably could have doubled ridership if we had doubled our coverage area, ” Nielsen said. "If we could have had more flexibility with our coverage area, we could've had a lot more ridership. 16,000 people in 14 months is not too bad." Campbell said the city is planning a study to review current public transportation routes. “[The study will] look at connectivity to locations across markets, including the downtown area,” Campbell said. “Information on the route study will be available once the study starts the public participation process.”
Henry Gomez, a healthcare administration freshman, used the shuttle nearly every day to get from his apartment at The View to campus. Gomez said there is a private shuttle, but its schedule is not as flexible. "The last call for that shuttle is 4:50 p.m. and my class doesn't get out until 4:50 p.m., so I would miss it and just call the e-cab," Gomez said. "It was a shock to me when I found out the program was ending so soon. Even one of the drivers I talked to didn't know it was this month." Gomez said the walk to campus from his apartment is about 15 minutes and has several hills. "It just sucks that the [shuttle] is canceled, especially since it was free," Gomez said. "Now I'll just have to walk or spend money to call an Uber."
FROM FRONT DEVELOPMENT 60-70 sent in statements to be read in grants from the Federal Emergency court in support of the synagogue. Management Agency which have hard“I don’t think anyone felt good to ened the security of the building. This be there,” Cohen said. “To see a young has included building bullet-resistant man who had made a terrible mistake... glass, film over windows and key code it was painful to see someone who is locks on doors. struggling that much.” In addition, Cohen said CBI While Sechriest was sentenced met with architects in mid-February to 10 years in prison, Senior Rabbi to decide the future of the building Steven Folberg said the judge recom- and security. mended he be sent somewhere he could "A group of 25 congregants spent get mental help. a day at a vision retreat with archi“He was recommending that the tects to look at our campus and future perpetrator be sent to a federal facility and begin the planning process," with hospital classifications,” Folberg Cohen said. s a i d . “ No t j u s t These efforts a regular prison also coincide It's the idea of taking because it was with trends in something that was hostile a place where t h e c o u n t r y. and hateful and dark and h e c o u l d g e t making it something that radiates Ac c o rd i n g t o therapy and get light." the Anti-Defamedication.” mation League, PHOTO BY BLAKE LESCHBER D e s p i t e Steven Folberg antisemitic t h e d i f f i c u l t y Senior Rabbi at CBI crimes increased Caution tape surrounds the burnt by over 300% doors of the CBI sanctuary, Wednesday, of the hearing, Cohen said CBI is actively working since Oct. 7, 2023, a trend Cohen said Feb. 14, 2024 in Austin. “No one should have to fear that on efforts to rebuild and enhance its is seen in the Austin area. “A few months ago, an antisemitic their daily lives will be inflicted by hate- security measures. “We’ve never had daytime secugroup had a banner drop on the overfueled violence, or that their place of rity prior to the arson and immediately pass just around the corner from the worship and community could become after the arson we began working with a building,” Cohen said. “There’s also a target of hate,” U.S. Attorney for company to provide daytime security,” been [antisemitic] graffiti in and around the Western District of Texas, Jaime Cohen said. “We also have additional the building and community.” Esparza, said in a Nov. 29 press release. The community used the now According to Executive Direct- and increased security during events and other worship services.” burned-down sanctuary as a prayer or Jake Cohen, about 25 members of Cohen said CBI received multiple space. After the arson, CBI decided to CBI attended the hearing, and another
start hosting its prayers and services in the Smith Auditorium, a room designed originally as a multipurpose space, in August 2023. In the auditorium sits two glass panes and a glass Ner Tamid, a flame sculpture. These glass fixtures come from the original glass of the sanctuary, embodying how CBI believes the community has persisted. "It's the idea of taking something that was hostile and hateful and dark and making it something that radiates light," Folberg said. While the feeling of the Smith Auditorium is not the same for some members of the community, it has provided more technological benefits. "It's a brighter space," Folberg said. "It's acoustically better... but it has taken time to get used to that space." Folberg said the community has persisted over the years, even through world-changing events. "COVID-19 and the arson were really a one-two punch," Folberg said. "But it's a strong community and I think we have been navigating this as well as anyone could be." Now, the doors of the burned sanctuary still stand, serving as a reminder of the crime and its impact. “There was something that really gutted people about the fact it was the doors that were burned because it’s [an] entry and it’s [a] welcome,” Folberg said.
4 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911
OPINIONS
Rhian Davis | Opinions Editor | staropinion@txstate.edu
Tuesday, February 20, 2023
Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.
Uber is not the safest option for students By Maddie Hanraads Opinions Contributor When planning for a night on The Square, “How are we going to get there?” is probably the first question to be asked. The reply is usually simple, “Let's just call an Uber!” Finding transportation as a college student can be challenging and looks different for everyone. Many Bobcats choose Uber as a solution to this issue. Unfortunately, Uber hasn’t proven to be the safest or most reliable option. The cost of consistently ordering Ubers adds up quickly, and many users have reported being frequently subjected to uncomfortable situations when using the ride-hailing app. Luckily, Texas State and the city of San Marcos offer a few helpful alternatives, but, these resources deserve more funding. According to businessofapps.com, 131 million people, 25% of the U.S. population, use Uber or Uber Eats at least once a month. Calling an Uber is a dependable way to ensure no one will be driving under the influence and it's often more reliable than choosing a designated driver. Uber allows people to plan ahead and be responsible. Unfortunately, despite efforts to be safe, innumerable riders have experienced unwanted sexual advances or uncomfortable conversations while being passengers. In its U.S. Safety Report, Uber reported 6,000 sexual assaults over two years between 2019 and 2020. Though the number is relatively low compared to the amount of Ubers taken every year, it still contributes significantly to the national average. Aside from instances of sexual assault, taking an Uber is notorious for uncomfortable or creepy experiences. The feeling of unease in Uber rides
ILLUSTRATION BY DEVON CREW
has become so widespread that a trend on TikTok to create "audios" people can use if they ever felt threatened went viral. Some of the audios are serious, while others make light of the situation. The TikToks often pretend the rider is on the phone with someone intimidating or someone proclaiming loudly that the passenger’s location is being shared and monitored. Because there is no way for Uber to conduct detailed, in-person background checks on all drivers, each ride poses a unique risk to the passenger. Kaitlin Hyder, a San Marcos resident, uses Uber frequently to get to work. On one occasion, she said her Uber was involved in a highway collision. Hyder was not harmed, but her driver forcefully insisted she shouldn't report the incident and refused to cancel the ride, leaving her unable to get her money back. This is just one example of passengers being taken advantage of.
"[The driver] said, 'Get out of the car. I can't let the other drivers know I was in an accident,'" Hyder said. "I was so startled and I didn't know how to say 'no,' so I went along with it." According to the Uber website, the average cost between an UberX, Comfort and ComfortElectric for a three-and-a-half-mile drive at 11:00 p.m. is $13.25. If a student were to take just three Ubers a month the total cost would be close to $40. Over the course of a year, the price could exceed $500. However, Bobcats don’t have to pay a cent for services such as NiteCats or Bobcat shuttles. NiteCats is a Texas State service that operates from 8:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sundays. NiteCats offers rides anywhere on campus. To use NiteCats, students can download the TXST NiteCats app on the App Store or Google Play Store, enter their student informa-
tion and schedule a ride from wherever they are on campus to any other on campus location. The Bobcat Shuttle system also has a mobile app for convenient access to bus schedules and bus stop locations. No student ID or fare is required to ride the shuttles, meaning anyone can utilize this service. Buses run during the week at various times. The latest route, route 10 to Bobcat Stadium, runs from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., except on Fridays when it runs until 5:30 p.m. One of the best transportation services available to Texas State students is the free taxi service provided by the city of San Marcos called Get Around Downtown. But, due to a lack of funding, Feb. 29 is the last day to take advantage of this free taxi service. Get Around Downtown currently runs from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. in downtown San Marcos. Get Around Downtown is not only convenient but also eco-friendly, as all of the taxis are 100% electric and can carry up to five passengers at a time. Since its launch in November 2022, the shuttle service has completed over 16,000 rides, saving passengers time and money and providing safer transportation. Get Around Downtown offers something unique to the community, and it shouldn't be taken away. Services such as NiteCats and Get Around Downtown must be properly invested in so they can remain available to Texas State students and San Marcos residents. These demographics should not have to depend on ridehailing apps such as Uber, which comes at a steep price and often subjects users to discomfort. -Maddie Hanraads is a journalism junior
TXST Greek life offers many benefits to students By James Phillips Opinions Columnist Greek life is a historical and prominent aspect of the typical college experience. However, in recent years, largely due to tragedies stemming from a previous culture of harsh Greek hazing, Greek life has earned an unfairly negative reputation. In reality, modern Greek life at Texas State provides students new skills and opportunities, as well as strengthens familial and cultural bonds. Bob Dudolski, associate director for Student Involvement & Engagement in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), said he would not have his job in academic administration had he not joined a fraternity when he was a student at the University of Iowa. Dudolski also said fraternities and sororities are more than places to party. "There are people who seek out fraternities and sororities with the wrong intentions," Dudolski said. "Because of the reputation that fraternities and sororities have, there are people who seek out joining a fraternity or sorority because they think [partying] is what it's for, but those people tend to not stay very long [when] they realize there's more to it than that." One example of Greek life having a larger purpose comes from the University of Central Florida when the "47 social Greek-lettered organizations [at UCF] raised $1,065,391" in 2017 as a way to give back to the community through philanthropy. Greek organizations put great deals of effort into tasks that benefit their communities. Another historical part of Greek organizations is the concept of the legacy, which is an "immediate family member of an initiated member," according to the FSL office at Stanford University. Madison Mendizabal, an education sophomore, member of Alpha Delta Pi and president of the Texas State Panhellenic Council, is a Greek legacy. Mendizabal said being a part of a family tradition
such as Greek life gives her a closer bond with other legacies and her family. “A lot of my friends who are not in the Greek world don't understand [Greek life]," Mendizabal said. "[They think] it's paying for friends. [Greek life] is easier for me because I know my family has gone through it." Mendizabal also said her experience in Greek life pushed her to enhance her academic pursuits. “One thing Panhellenic promotes is scholarships," Mendizabal said. "I'm not a school girl... [Greek life] gives me a sense of accountability. It's not just parties." Greek organizations actively encourage members to grow academically; members are not only accountable to themselves but to their wider organizations as a whole to maintain their GPA. Greek life at Texas State is also incredibly diverse and encourages cultural growth among its members. Many Greek organizations are denoted as cultural organizations which, according to the FSL office at the University of Northern Iowa, "[commit] to raising awareness of and celebrating the cultures on which they were founded." These organizations mainly belong to the Texas State National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), which largely represents the historically African American
– James Phillips is an international relations junior ILLUSTRATION BY MADELINE CARPENTER
NOVA MOVES IN
COMIC BY QUINN FANTA
Greek letter organizations, and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), which largely represents Asian and Latino multicultural Greek organizations. Devin Prophet, a communication studies junior and Vice President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, is a member of NPHC. Members of Phi Beta Sigma, one of the Divine Nine historic African American Greek organizations, have a long history of leadership in the African American community. "I feel connected to the [leadership], and I truly say that because [in Phi Beta Sigma] we have had leaders who served [such as Congressman] John Lewis," Prophet said. "[Congressman John Lewis] pledged Phi Beta Sigma in his college days and he was one of the head leaders of the civil rights movement. Having those leaders in your organization and having that history... it's a legacy." Prophet said the traditions held within Phi Beta Sigma helped connect him to African American culture. "The performance of strolling actually has its roots in Africana history," Prophet said. "Things such as our hand signs and the dances that some of the [African American Greek organizations] do are deeply rooted and ingrained in African culture. It's a way that African Americans are still connected to their roots even today." Greek life provides many benefits, from connecting individuals to their cultural heritage and family legacies, to providing new academic and career opportunities. Students should not listen to only the negative reports of Greek life, and instead, learn for themselves about the positives of Greek life. “I would say don’t knock it till you try it, until you see what we really do," Mendizabal said. "We volunteer at nursing homes and hospice centers. You don’t see the volunteering we do, see the rules we have to follow. It's more than just pictures on Instagram."
SPORTS
DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 | 5
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
David Cuevas | Sports Editor | starsports@txstate.edu
Decline in women's basketball season sparks reflection
FROM FRONT SOFTBALL
By Candice Gilmore Sports Contributor The Texas State women’s basketball team achieved a successful 2022-23 season in terms of stats and accomplishments. The Bobcats compiled a 23-10 overall record and a 13-5 conference record. With two weeks remaining in the 2023-24 season Texas State has a 13-14 overall record and is 3-11 in conference. The Bobcats entered the conference tournament last season as the second seed and won two games to advance to the championship round where they lost to James Madison University 81-51 ending their hopes of being crowned conference champions and earning a NCAA Tournament bid. The Bobcats were invited to the NIT Tournament, where they lost in the first round 89-79 to Stephen F. Austin University. "With our group last year, you had veterans— those who have been through the ups and downs of being a college athlete, who fought for five years for playing time,” Texas State Head Coach Zenarae Antoine said. “They had time to grow with each other, learn the stress and build on that and themselves." Following the season Antoine was named as the 2023 Sun Belt Coach of the Year and was awarded a contract extension that will keep her with Texas State through the 2025-26 season. The end of the season also brought a major change to the program as Texas State lost several key contributors such as graduate student forward Da'Nasia Hood, graduate student guard Kennedy Taylor and redshirt senior forward Lauryn Thompson among others to graduation.
PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN
The Texas State women's basketball team huddles together , Sunday, Dec. 30, 2023, at Strahan Arena.
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PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN
Texas State head softball coach Ricci Woodard during the Texas Tech game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, at Bobcat Softball Stadium.
“You know, [milestones are] always nice because you get to recognize the people that you do this with,” Woodard said. “I’ve gone through a lot of assistance and a lot of players in the 24 years that I’ve gotten to do this. So, there’s a lot of different people that contribute to all those wins.” Senior outfielder Piper Randolph said Woodard’s demeanor and passion for the softball program can make her seem harsh at times, but this passion is instrumental in the team’s success. “Out of all the sports, she was definitely known for strictly business,” Randolph said. “But in a good way... That’s what you have to do to be able to succeed.” According to senior pitcher Jessica Mullins, who started in Woodard’s 800th win, Woodard has been far more than just a coach to her since she became a Bobcat. Mullins said no matter the problems she’s had, she could rely on Woodard for support. “Every college student-athlete has their trials and tribulations, but I have truly appreciated how she has always had my back no matter what situation I brought to her, no matter what problem I may have had,” Mullins said. “I consider her to be like another mom to me and she’s helped me truly blossom into the woman that I want to be.” By building a strong support system within the program and a team that performs year after year, Woodard has established herself as a San Marcos icon and built a likeminded group in the softball team. Randolph
said Woodard remains objective, and her unyielding coaching philosophies help the team remain consistent. “She always focuses on ‘You get what you put into it,’ and that applies in every aspect of life,” Randolph said. “She’s a big believer in that and she instills that in us every single day at practice.” As the quarter-century mark approaches for Woodard, she said as she looks back on her time at Texas State, there isn’t a moment where she felt any less eager to accomplish her work on or off the field. Though every new season brings butterflies in its coming, Woodard’s passion for Bobcat softball hasn’t done anything but grow into a deep love and appreciation. “I haven’t found anything else I want to do," Woodard said. "That’s why I keep telling people, ‘Someday I’m going to grow up and have a real job.’ It’s something I still enjoy... coming to the ball field every day and getting to work with 18 to 22-year-old females, watching them develop into young women. You know, it just doesn’t get any better than that in my opinion.” In the way of college softball coaches, it may not get any better for Bobcat Nation, either. Woodard has established herself as more than just the coach of Texas State softball. She is the heart and hopes to continue her success this season.
TXST Softball Tournament standings School Texas Tech
4-1
Tulsa
3-2
Texas State
3-3
Sam Houston
2-3
N. Colorado
1-4
6 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911
HOUSING GUIDE
Blake Leschber | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
On-campus housing changes for next school year By Blake Leschber News Editor As students start picking their living arrangements for the 2024-25 school year, the Department of Housing and Residential Life (DHRL) is making changes to on-campus housing for incoming freshmen. According to Bill Mattera, executive director of DHRL, three new on-campus residence halls are expected to be completed by fall 2025. Alamito and Cibolo Halls, otherwise known as Hilltop Housing, will provide 1,006 beds and opens in fall 2024. Canyon Hall, otherwise known as James Street Housing, will provide 942 beds and opens in fall 2025. In addition, DHRL is also in the beginning discussion stages to open Hilltop Housing 2. It's currently in its design phase. “We’re just starting to think about what that might look like,” Mattera
said. “It will likely be a mix of first-year beds and upper-class beds, non-apartment style… but we hope for that to open in either fall 2027 or 2028.” Bobcat Village, an apartment-style residence hall that's only been open to first-year students for the last five years, will be restricted to upperclassmen starting fall 2024. One large change made in on-campus housing was the purchase of Vistas and Sanctuary Lofts apartments. According to Mattera, these apartments, in conjunction with Bobcat Village, will add about 1,700 beds for returning students. These apartments will allow upperclassmen to live on campus next year, which was restricted in the 2023-24 school year. These apartments were also the target of the housing lottery, which DHRL did not use last year. Only upperclassmen are given access to the housing lottery and if selected, students can choose between Bobcat Village, Sanctuary Lofts and Vistas.
“When new first-year students select their housing this spring, Bobcat Village won’t be an option for them,” Mattera said. “That will be filled with returning students next year. So folks who entered the lottery now, looking for fall housing on campus, will see Bobcat [Village], Vistas and Sanctuary Lofts as their three options.” With upperclassmen living in these buildings, Mattera said they will not be required to buy meal plans as they will have their own kitchens. Traditional residence halls are still expected to be restricted to first-year students, according to Mattera. Upperclassmen may be able to get accommodations for on-campus housing through the Office of Disability Services, but the goal is to keep residence halls to firstyear students. “What we’re really trying to do is keep our halls for first-year students…,” Mattera said. “So we just made the decision at this point that we’ll do apart
ments for upperclassmen and the rest of our inventory for first-year students.” According to Mattera, there is a possibility for upperclassmen to live in residence halls after Canyon Hall opens in fall 2025, but those plans are currently unclear. During the 2022-23 school year, there were more students wanting on-campus housing than beds were available, putting some in hotels. However, according to Mattera, DHRL believes there won't be a need for hotels next year. “We maintain a permanent contract with a hotel for even emergency spaces…,” Mattera said. “However, we do not plan right now on needing that again. The 1,000 beds at Hilltop will really allow us to make up for the last two years so we feel pretty good that we won’t be in hotels.” According to DHRL, roommate selection for on-campus housing will begin on Feb. 24 and students will get room assignments starting May 14.
TIMELINE BY MADELINE CARPENTER
Dorm hall bracket: Our audience via Instagram polls voted for the best dorm hall at Texas State San Marcos Hall San Jacinto Hall Bobcat Village San Jacinto Hall
1st place San Marcos Hall 2nd place San Jacinto Hall
Best dorm room: According to our audience on Instagram
Nonprofit fights homelessness in Hays County By Katie Cusick News Contributor As homelessness increases across the county, a network of organizations work to support the Hays County homeless population. As a recently founded nonprofit organization, the Hays County Homelessness Coalition works to educate and address homelessness across the county. “The Hays County Homeless Coalition is a network of organizations that work to provide support to the homeless community of San Marcos,” Nancy Heintz, the co-coordinator for the annual homelessness count, said. The annual homeless count is a random draw of the public that assesses the number of homeless people on a given night within Hays County. It functions as the primary identification for the amount of homeless people in Hays County within a given year. According to the annual homelessness count, numbers are increasing as the years go by. From 2020-22, the number of homeless people in Hays County increased by 34%. Heintz predicts the numbers will continue to increase in 2024. Heintz said results for the annual homeless count conducted on Jan. 25 will likely be released next March. One of the primary missions of the coalition is to “unite people to find and close housing and supporting service gaps in our Hays County communities through communication, cooperation, coordination and collaboration,” the Homeless Coalition of Hays County Bylaws stated.
According to Heintz, there are 26 agencies within the Homeless Coalition of Hays County that provide volunteeroriented support to the homeless population of Hays County. “Our goal is to learn as much as we can about Hays County homelessness and to support the people,” Kaimi Maltila, a board member of the Hays County Homeless Coalition, said. Some of the organizations supporting the homeless population are HaysCaldwell Women’s Shelter, H.O.M.E, San Marcos Housing Authority and Bobcat Bounty. Hays-Caldwell Women's Shelter is currently the county's active emergency shelter. In 2023, it ser ved 2,054 victims of abuse and 11,316 community members. Southside Community Center is open on a first-come first-serve basis as a shelter for bad weather conditions. According to its website, Southside Community Center supports the homeless population by helping them find resources for proper medical care, food and shelter. The homeless population at Texas State has access to various resources such as the Southside Community Center, the Hays-Caldwell Women's Shelter and more. In addition to what the coalition offers, Texas State has a university-run student-led food pantry called Bobcat Bounty. It is a resource that aims to decrease food insecurity by providing healthy food to students. Most of the Bobcat Bounty food comes from the Hays County Food Bank. For more information, visit the Hays County Homeless Coalition Facebook page.
2023 Hays County Homeless Population Count
Sadie Proffitt, Accounting Freshman
Male: 28 unsheltered, 62 sheltered Female: 11 unsheltered, 82 sheltered Other: 0 unsheltered, 2 sheltered *Sheltered includes people living in an emergency shelter or in transitional housing for less than 90 days.
HOUSING GUIDE
DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 | 7
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Blake Leschber | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu
Vistas and Sanctuary Lofts transition impacts students, current residents By Lucciana Choueiry Assistant News Editor At the end of fall 2023, Texas State finalized the purchase of two off-campus apartment complexes: Vistas and Sanctuary Lofts. Now, as new management takes over, residents are adapting to the changes ensued by this shift. The two complexes, which are now considered Texas State on-campus housing, brought in 1,086 beds to the university’s housing inventory for returning students only. According to William Mattera, executive director of Housing and Residential Life (DHRL), the reason for the purchase was due to a housing demand study conducted in spring 2023 which showed the cost of living off-campus in San Marcos increased by 42%. “The goal is to increase our inventory by buying beds, which is cheaper than building beds,” Mattera said. “Just looking at what properties were adjacent to campus was really important to us… it’s about creating additional affordable opportunities for returning students to be able to move on campus.” Mattera said Texas State purchased the two complexes for $140 million from American Campus Communities
INFOGRAPHIC BY MEAGAN WALTERS
(ACC), which saved $35,000 per bed for the university in comparison to if it would have built a new dorm. Similar to off-campus complexes, Vistas and Sanctuary Lofts currently have rooms not occupied by residents. However, Mattera said DHRL plans to fill those by fall. There are two main types of leases students will encounter when seeking off-campus housing: a joint lease and a rent-by-the-room lease. Vistas and Sanctuary Lofts operate on rent-by-theroom leases. Ethan Chou, a staff attorney at Texas State’s Attorney For Students, said although the initial cost of a joint lease may appear high, it covers the entire unit, allowing tenants to divide the expense among themselves. On the other hand, an individual lease may seem more affordable, but since the cost is per room, the total sum can end up being higher than a joint lease. “So landlords are actually making more money with a rent-by-the-room lease… if you have someone you trust enough to share a joint lease with, you could practically save more money,” Chou said. According to Mattera, before Texas State took over the complexes, residents
had an 11.5-month rent-by-the-room lease spanning from August to July. Now, residents can choose to switch to a 10-month contract from August to May, keep their original lease or cancel their entire lease with no penalties. “A lot of students made really intentional choices about where they wanted to live next year with the mindset that it is not an on-campus property, so we did not want to trap students when we knew behind them there were a lot of students who would openly like that process,” Mattera said. Current residents opting to switch from their original lease to the 10-month lease, residents who signed leases after the acquisition and incoming residents, will experience a shift from monthly rent payments to payments per semester through Texas State’s portal. The only ones allowed to continue with monthly rent payments for the next year are residents who signed an 11.5-month lease before the purchase of the complexes. According to Mattera, the pay-bysemester method will allow students to allocate financial aid money toward their rent. “What this will do is move [rent] billings into the financial aid cycle, so it will be a normal bill at the start of the
semester and if you get aid it will pay that bill for you,” Mattera said. “We think it will be easier for students to manage that period of time.” A change that took Skyla Murray, a Vistas resident and criminal justice senior, by surprise was the Vistas’ announcement that resident assistants (RAs) would be assigned to both complexes. “It’s crazy to do room checks and things like that because this is an apartment,” Murray said. “I feel like they’re taking some of that independence away from us by buying the Vistas.” However, Mattera said the goal with RAs is not to recreate the first-year experience for upperclassmen. While in residence halls, one RA is appointed for every 32 students. At Vistas and Sanctuary Lofts, one RA will be appointed for every 50 students. “RAs walking in the building are to make sure doors stay locked and things are secured. Also, students have crises everywhere they live so RAs can be someone they go to,” Mattera said. “Then there is the facility component, [RAs] can be in the building to have their eyes on things that may go wrong.”
8 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 Jen Nguyen | Creative Service Director | starcreative@txstate.edu
GAMES Tuesday, February 20 , 2024