Baseball Begins Baseball takes home three wins and one loss in Texas-Arlington’s weekend tournament SEE SPORTS PAGE 8
Music in History George’s will host jazz concert as final event of Black History Monty SEE TRENDS PAGE 6
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february 25, 2009
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Volume 98, Issue 55
ASG passes legislation over introductory student camp By Teresa Wilburn News Reporter Incoming Bobcats might want to start packing their bags before the end of summer. Freshmen and transfer students will now have the opportunity to attend a weekend camp out focusing on the pride and traditions of the university. ASG members passed the legislation at their meeting Feb. 16. “Cat Camp is the only program at Texas State that will
be completely dedicated to our university’s history, points of pride and traditions,” said ASG Sen. Tommy Luna. “It gives freshmen the ability to interact one on one with outstanding campus leaders.” Luna said the camp’s off-campus setting is unique because it will bring together Texas State leaders and incoming freshmen in a setting with bountiful potential — building rapport and friendship among all who attend. “It really is one of a kind,” he
said. The program will be held in Wimberley at Camp Young Judea, featuring multiple basketball courts, a mess hall and a pool area with slides built by Schlitterbahn. Luna, Residence Hall Association president, said this year’s pilot program will allow for a maximum of 300 people until expansion. He said the camp will run in two, three day sessions with 150 students each. Attending Cat Camp will cost
$150. Luna said The Texas State Pride and Traditions committee have been trying to keep all students in mind by working on scholarships and an extended payment plan. “The curriculum for the program ranges from learning the fight song and alma mater to learning about our prominent alumni,” Luna said. “These are the things that most of our student body lacks, which is something that we cannot allow to continue.” Luna said Texas State is on
the road to vast expansion and growth and to becoming one of the most prominent universities in the nation. “This legislation is great,” said ASG Sen. Colter Ray. “It is something that we definitely need to compete in (with) the direction that the university is going. If you look at someone who has gone off to Texas A&M, they go to Fish Camp and come back in love with their university. It is a great thing.” Texas A&M holds Fish Camp every summer with more than 6,000
freshmen yearly. It takes place in Palestine and is a four-day event. Texas Tech has “Red Raider Orientation,” and Tarleton State University has “Duck Camp.” Ray said the camp is important for transfer students who might be lost when they arrive at Texas State. “As a transfer student, you get here, you see an adviser, you sign up for classes and you’re on your own,” Ray said. “My girlfriend See CATS CAMP, page 3
Texas State students make new friends Texas State officials reach toward larger minority enrollments By Erica Rodriguez News Reporter
The student body is becoming more colorful. The semester marks record enrollment numbers at Texas State with double digit increases among minorities. “We, at this institution, have been very aggressive in our outreach efforts to connect — especially among groups who have traditionally not gone to college at the same rate as their white counterparts,” said Michael Heintze, associate vice president of enrollment management. Heintze attributes the growth to changing demographics, targeted recruitment and retention efforts. Minority enrollment increases were concentrated among black and Hispanic populations with increases of 12 and 10.2 percent, respectively. Asian populations experienced the highest percentage change at 13.5 percent, but not in terms of actual numbers. American Indian enrollment absorbed the least growth, increasing only 10.1 percent. Heintze said the majority of spring semester increases often come from transfer students at community colleges, but is only one facet of the boost. Admissions recruiters strategically located in the Rio Grande Valley, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio work to identify “majority minority” schools from which to recruit talent. The admissions office organizes free visitation trips and busses in high school students from as far away as the Valley, who may be the first in their family to attend college. “One part of the equation is recruiting the students, the other part of the equation is retaining them,” said Jose Laird, associate director of undergraduate admissions. Retention is at an all-time high. Last semester the university reported a record high 77.6 percent retention rate for freshmen students. Black freshmen in the College of Fine Arts and Communication led the way for all students with a 92.6 percent retention rate.
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo BEST BUDS: Wes Donaldson, excersise and sports science sophomore, and Robert Haris, paired by the Best Buddies program spend time together in the San Marcos bowling alley.
By Chase Birthisel News Reporter The bowling alley doors opened Monday to an interesting pair. Wes Donaldson and Robert Haris, an intellectually challenged 38 year old, walked in. Haris has his bowling ball and shoes in his hands. “I’m better than him,” Haris said, eager to play. Haris and Donaldson, exercise sports science sophomore, are a part of Best Buddies, an organization on campus bringing together college students and intellectually challenged adults around the San Marcos area. Volunteers dedicate time to taking their buddies to do activities such as bowling, eatingout or having fun for a few hours at the park. “You contact them at least twice a week, either by e-mail or phone just to see how they’re doing,” Donaldson said. “You make a com-
mitment to hanging out with them at least once a month to do something one-on-one with them.” Haris and Donaldson are regulars at the bowling alley. Haris said he is in a league that meets one Sunday a month. He said he won first place in his last tournament. The two have been “buddies” since Donaldson signed onto the organization his first semester at Texas State. Haris speaks of what he thinks of Donaldson as his buddy. “He needs to clean up, and then he would be OK.” Haris said smiling. Donaldson laughs and pats Haris on the back. “He always tells me to get a hair cut,” Donaldson said. Donaldson is the relationship coordinator of the organization and Haris is the buddy director. “He is the lead buddy and goes to all the officer meetings to give us his input,” Donaldson said.
Haris is active in Best Buddies and does what he can to help the organization. “I live in the Springtown Villas and I go around to places at that shopping center and ask them for donations,” Haris said. Donaldson said Haris’ contributions to the organization are significant. “Haris will go to different restaurants and tell them about our organization and try to get them to donate,” Donaldson said. “Robert is really good at getting donations. They usually give us gift certificates and it helps when we do raffles.” Donaldson said he has been helping people with disabilities since he was in high school. “I was involved with a group home for severely disabled children in San Antonio,” Donaldson said. “When I came to college, I was looking for something along those
tracks, because I really enjoyed doing that. I saw a flier at the library and decided to give that a try.” Donaldson went to James Madison High School with Devon Quevedo, interdisciplinary studies sophomore, and the Texas State Best Buddies director. Donaldson told Quevedo about the organization. “Donaldson found the flier in the library,” Quevedo said. “I really wanted to find something that incorporated my major into an extra-curricular activity. Now, in my sophomore year, I’m the director.” Quevedo said the group has about 20 active members in Best Buddies, with six to eight consistent pairs. She said both the college students and the buddies benefit from the experience. “The buddies look forward to it a lot, and so do we,” Quevedo said. “All of our buddies are amazing. They’re
See MINORITIES, page 3
See BUDDIES, page 3
Students may not be fully utilizing dining halls By Lora Collins News Reporter
The freshmen class is growing, though their appetite might not be. John Root, director of auxiliary services, said students are not fully utilizing the dining halls. “Right now, we do not have any place where we can say we are really overloaded to the point of critical,” Root said. “I think at this point, in terms of facilities, we have enough; I think it is whether or not we are getting the most out of those facilities.” Leslie Bulkley, Chartwells resident district manager, said the dining halls do not reach capacity levels. “There is not one day that I have been into one of our locations where
there have not been seats available,” Bulkley said. The freshman class totaled 4,728 in fall 2008, adding to the university’s already dense population. Bulkley, however, said the increase in students required an extension of dining hours. “We are opening different venues as we see needed,” Bulkley said. “Just last week, we decided to open Freshens at The Den to allow students to have something different in the morning, but it also accommodates the increase in the population of students by opening one more venue in the morning.” Bulkley said increasing venues by an extra hour each day helps students get more out of their meal plans.
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Root said the students are choosing retail locations such as The Den and the LBJ Student Center over the all-you-can eat dining. He said students do not realize they have multiple options. “Jones is a prime example of a place that could probably absorb more students,” Root said. “Students come to the LBJ Student Center and they will stand in line here, but they could have gone down to Jones and gotten something there.” He said marketing issues is at the heart of some of the problems. “Part of that is our issue of getting that word out,” Root said. “I think sometimes with the commuter student, which is still 80 percent of our campus, there is this perception that their din-
ing is the LBJ Student Center and The Den, and the resident students have Commons, Harris and Jones.” Emily Kridler, undecided health professions freshman, said she has no problem finding access to all dining hall locations. However, she said the repetition of eating the same foods bothers her. “I think the (dining halls) are pretty good,” Kridler said. “I have thought of things that I wish they had, but for the most part I just eat salad and sandwiches. I do eat the same thing over and over, and it gets old.” Alicia Shugart, exercise and sports science senior, disagrees, saying the campus food is just “college food” and does not often fit into her diet. “I don’t eat on campus a lot because
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of it,” she said. Root said the main concern of development is replacing the Zataran’s restaurant venue located in The Den. He said they do not service enough students per day to keep the location open. “We need to get something in Zataran’s, maybe we could put in a convenience store type of thing,” Root said. “Hopefully if we change, we may serve (more students).” Root expressed the need to get students to visit more locations and said the only major changes may take place with the renovation of new housing. “They are talking long term, I think within five years, they are looking at the Smith Arnold buildings to build a new housing complex, and that may include a new dining hall,” Root said.
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PageTwo 2 - Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Today in Brief
starsof texas state
Guard Corey Jefferson, exercise and sports science senior, scored a careerhigh 22 points to lead the Texas State men’s basketball team to a 71-66 overtime victory against Nicholls in a Southland Conference game Saturday at
Strahan Coliseum. The win improves Texas State to 12-13 overall and 5-7 in SLC play, while Nicholls fell to 15-10 overall and 8-4 in SLC play. —Courtesy of Texas State Athletics
News Contact — Amanda Venable, starnews@txstate.edu Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System
This day in NEGATIVE SKETCHES history
University Police Department
1836: Inventor Samuel Colt patented his revolver. 1913: The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving Congress the power to levy and collect income taxes, was declared in effect.
Feb. 12, 5:04 a.m. Criminal Mischief-under $500 / Bobcat Village Parking Lot A student reported to a police officer his vehicle was damaged while legally parked. The case is under investigation.
1919: Oregon became the first state to tax gasoline. 1943: Beatles guitarist George Harrison was born in Liverpool, England. 1948: Communists seized power in Czechoslovakia. 1964: Cassius Clay (who later changed his name to Muhammad Ali) became the world heavyweight-boxing champion by defeating Sonny Liston in Miami Beach. 1983: Playwright Tennessee Williams was found dead in his New York hotel suite at age 71. 1994: American-born Jewish settler Baruch Goldstein opened fire inside the Tomb of the Patriarchs in the West Bank, killing 29 Muslims before he was beaten to death by worshippers. 1999: A jury in Jasper sentenced white supremacist John William King to death for the dragging death of James Byrd Jr., a black man. 2000: A jury in Albany, N.Y., acquitted four white, New York City police officers of all charges in the shooting death of unarmed, African immigrant Amadou Diallo. 2005: Dennis Rader was arrested for the BTK serial killings that terrorized Wichita, Kan. (He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 life prison terms.) —Courtesy of New York Times
CRIME BLOTTER
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo Elizabeth Gunter, art freshman, works on capturing negative space for her class Tuesday in the Mitte Art Building.
Health Beat
Feb. 13, 3:56 a.m. Evading Arrest / Hopkins Street A police officer made contact with a student acting suspiciously. Upon further investigation, the student was arrested for evading arrest and public intoxication and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date.
‘Drunk means no’
Feb. 13, 4:31 a.m. Public Intoxication / Concho Street A police officer made contact with a student acting suspiciously. Upon further investigation, the student was arrested for pubconsidered sexual assault. According to Po- lic intoxication and transported lice Officer Otto Glenewinkel students can to Hays County Law Enforcestay safe, even in a party setting. ment Center and is awaiting a “During Spring Break, there are increased court date. incidents of sexual assault, especially involving the drugging of victims,” Glenewinkel Feb. 13, 4:36 a.m. said. “You should never drink what you didn’t Public Intoxication / Conopen and only accept drinks that you saw what cho Street they were made with.” A police officer made contact Intoxication inhibits the ability to think with a student acting suspiciousclearly, makes communication difficult and ly. Upon further investigation, makes it harder to assess risk, especially in a the student was arrested for pubsexual situation. lic intoxication and transported Remember during Spring Break that sexual to Hays County Law Enforceactivity while intoxicated can have numerous ment Center and is awaiting a consequences. Contact the University Police court date. Department at 512-245-2805 if you or someFeb. 13, 5:09 p.m. one you know has been a victim of sexual asCriminal Mischief-under sault. $500 / Bobcat Village Apart—Courtesy of Caleb Hudgens, Student Health ments A student reported to a police Center
Intoxicated people cannot give legal consent to sexual activity
People have heard the phrase “no means no”, but a phrase that should be the mantra for Spring Break-ers is “drunk means no.” If a person is intoxicated, any consent that they give is not considered valid by law. Actions can lead to damaging legal problems and emotionally harmful consequences. A study by the American Medical Association found 83 percent of respondents said Spring Break trips involve more or heavier drinking than what occurs on college campuses and 74 percent said there is also an increase in sexual activity. The combination of increased alcohol consumption and sexual environment associated with Spring Break amplifies the risk of sexual assault. Sexual assault is unwanted sexual contact possibly intended to humiliate or exert power over a victim, and can be committed by a partner, date or an acquaintance. Having sex with someone who cannot legally give consent is
officer university property had been damaged. The case is under investigation. Feb. 14, 5:23 a.m. Possession of Marijuana / N LBJ Drive A police officer made contact with a vehicle for a routine traffic stop. Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation for minor in possession and a nonstudent was arrested for possession of marijuana. The nonstudent was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date. Feb. 15, 1:10 a.m. Public Intoxication / Pleasant Street A police officer made contact with a student who was acting suspiciously. Upon further investigation, the student was cited and arrested for public intoxication. The student was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date. Feb. 15, 4:00 p.m. Theft-Under $50 / The Tower Hall A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation. Feb. 15, 4:49 p.m. Theft-Under $500 - The Tower Hall A student reported to a police officer her property had been taken without her consent. The case is under investigation. —Courtesy of University Police Department
Volunteers preserve, clean San Marcos River The public may join the 24th annual Great Texas River Clean Up at 10 a.m. March 7. Volunteers should meet at the City Park Recreation Hall/ Lions Club Tube Rental to register, pick up trash bags and grab a breakfast taco with a cup of coffee. Downstream river cleaners will be meeting at 8:30 a.m.
and 9 a.m. at different sites. Check www.txrivers.org/archive/SMCleanup2009.html for further details. Snorkelers, swimmers, canoeists and bank walkers are invited to join in the event to keep the spring-fed river clean. The morning breakfast tacos and hamburgers will be served by at noon League of United Latin
American Citizens 4876. The event is sponsored by the Texas Rivers Protection Association, San Marcos River Foundation and the City Parks and Recreation. Call Melani Howard at the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department at 512393-8400 for more information. —Courtesy of City of San Marcos
News
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The University Star - 3
Air traffic control tower may MINORITIES reduce risk for first-time flyers CONTINUED from page 1
By Lori Jones News Reporter The San Marcos Municipal Airport is preparing for lift off. A $1.6 million federal grant was given to the airport last year for the development of an air traffic control tower. Flights out of the airport are either private or charter. The funds will allow the facility to make necessary upgrades to become a commercial airport. “The tower will generate more traffic at the airport once it’s commercial,” said Scott Gallagher, San Marcos Municipal Airport manager. “San Marcos is geographically very well-positioned to compete for the business of aviation both in Austin and San Antonio.” Gallagher said the airport and the Texas Department of Transportation aviation division have come together to fund the project. He said the facility will pay 10 percent of the costs and the other 90 percent will come from federal funds. The airport must pay construction costs exceeding the allocated project costs for the project. Gallagher said building prices skyrocketed last year, forcing the airport to “take a hard look at the expenses for the tower” and how to best use the grant money. He said the engineering and plans have been finalized, and builders will break ground barring any complications early
this spring. The tower will stand 100 feet tall and be operated by three controllers. Pilots use two-way radios to communicate locations with one another, and are responsible for visually determining if their path is clear of other planes. The tower will allow trained air traffic controllers to use new radar equipment and twoway radios. “I think it’s a great thing,” said Lowell Daigle, flight instructor at Texas State Aviation. “It’s an extra pair of eyes. It’s a huge safety factor.” Daigle instructs about eight Texas State students a week. The tower will aid firsttime flyers in making position calls and direction turns. He said students will feel more comfortable flying in a controlled air space. “I’ve flown at both uncontrolled and controlled airports,” said Brian Dierks, marketing junior. “I definitely feel more comfortable knowing somebody has my back.” Gallagher said the tower will not generate more revenue for the airport directly, but it will benefit the facility in the long run. The airport’s goal is to attract the business of corporate, executive aviation and small private pilots. “Corporate organizations and insurance companies realize they are absorbing less risk by having their aircraft operate at a controlled airport,” Gallagher said. The airport is operating at 30 percent
capacity, and 700 acres of land are available for aviation and industrial development. Gallagher said plans are being completed to build security and perimeter fencing around the airport and executive hangar terminals. Gallagher said the executive hangar terminals will bring direct revenue to the airport through land and facility leases. Money made on airport grounds must remain at the facility to cover maintenance fees, a limitation of the federal grant. Gallagher said the revenue is used to “repave runways, pay the light bill and keep things running.” Property taxes for the planes will flow back to the city and benefit the community, he said. Gallagher said airport officials anticipate paying for the capital improvements out of revenues generated within the next five years. “Putting the tower and the other projects in will hopefully set the conditions where by we can sustain ourselves on all fronts: operational, maintenance and capital improvements,” he said. “The airport should be as self-sustaining as possible.” City Manager Rick Menchaca and community leader Chuck Nash formulated the plans for the airport from a strategic standpoint. “I saw the city had a vision for the airport,” Gallagher said. “I just wanted to be the guy to implement that.”
SWAT encourages volunteer participation By Lyanna Fuentes Special to the Star Students With Alternative Transportation has yet to lose its drive, despite a slow start this semester. The student organization, which provides students with a safe ride home after a night out, was unable to run on Saturdays for two weeks during the beginning of the semester because of a lack of volunteers. Janelle Hibbing, research assistant for S.W.A.T., said volunteer participation is a problem the organization faces each semester. “My guess would be that people were still getting used to their schedules,” said Hibbing, health education graduate student. “Volunteering wasn’t at the top of their priority list.” The number of volunteers has increased since then, allowing S.W.A.T. to run each night. However, new faces willing to offer time and help are always welcome. “We’re always looking for help, whether it’s one night a week or once a month,” said S.W.A.T. president Samantha Barker.
S.W.A.T. operates 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Ten volunteers split into boy/girl pairs between three rented vehicles and work through one shift. Students in need can call 512-805-SWAT, and the volunteers will pick up and drive them home. “We don’t take them to the bars or to a party,” Hibbing said. “We just make sure they have a safe ride home.” Barker said more calls begin to come in as the semester continues and word about the services spreads among students. The organization transports an average of 17 people each night. She said the number should increase by the end of the semester. “Our biggest problem or liability is the stereotypes,” said Barker, pre-international studies junior. She said students refrain from calling the service because they worry about underage drinking or possible negative judgments made against them by the volunteers. Volunteers do cite a verbal contract, but no information is necessary on the student’s part.
“It’s all confidential and anonymous,” Hibbing said. “We don’t take ID’s or anything.” Interested parties can work as many shifts as they want. Volunteer work with S.W.A.T. counts toward community service hours, and all majors and ages are welcome. “It’s beneficial to everybody in the community to keep drunk drivers off the road,” Hibbing said. Students can sign up at the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center, room 5-4.1in the LBJ Student Center, or online at www. adrc.txstate.edu. The requirements are a valid driver’s license and insurance. Volunteers are asked to sign a consent form for liability purposes. Hibbing said volunteers might be surprised with how much they will enjoy helping out. “I think it’s one of the more fun things to volunteer with,” she said. “It’s fun driving around in the cars and socializing with the people and your fellow volunteers. And there can be some interesting people.”
Fueling retention is something that comes from students themselves. “If you want to know why Texas State is such a great place to come, it’s because students are helping one another,” said Jennifer Beck, director of retention management and planning. “It’s the fact that you can talk to someone, being able to connect to an individual. Those are all the things that students can really help to do.” Student-led programming targeted specifically at minority enroll-
BUDDIES CONTINUED from page 1
hilarious, they have a great outlook on life, and it is really awesome getting to spend time with them. It definitely goes both ways.” Best Buddies is a nonprofit international organization founded in 1989. It is found within all 50 states and on six continents. “It has been here in San Marcos for at least eight years,” Quevedo said. Best Buddies members plan on setting up in The Quad to recruit volunteers. “We will bring some of our buddies so people can see the kind of people we work with and what it’s all about,” Quevedo said. “After we
ment is part of what Beck believes keeps the populations here. The African American Leadership Conference, Hispanic Heritage Month programs and peer support groups for first-generation students help underrepresented groups feel more at home, she said. “It’s a very conscientious effort throughout programs at the university to look at multicultural issues,” Beck said. “A culture of caring” is what Joanne Smith, vice president of student affairs, calls the effort. But she said it is something meant for all students, not just minorities.
did it last time, we had a really good turnout, so we need to do it again. Haris was out there the whole day last time.” As for Donaldson and Haris, the two plan to continue being best buddies. “I like hanging out with Rob a lot,” Donaldson said. “I plan on doing it for as long as I can, as long as Haris will let me. If you were to ask any one of the buddies what it means to them to have someone there, it’s more than worth the commitment to help.” Donaldson looks at Haris. “Wouldn’t you say so?” Donaldson said. Haris looks back at Donaldson. “Believe everything he says,” Haris said.
CATS CAMP CONTINUED from page 1
transferred here from LSU. If it had not been for me filling her in on everything, I do not know where she would have gotten the information.” Pablo Lopez, pre-mass communication freshman, said he would have loved to attend Cat Camp if it were offered last summer. “I think it would really help out,” Lopez said. “As a freshman, the more information I can get, the better. There are a lot of things students miss out on their freshman year just because they didn’t know about them.” Lopez said the university possibly held off having Cat Camp in the past because freshmen already go through Paws Preview and orientation, and they might not want to do more. Shevawn Wofford, pre-psychology freshman, said the camp is a good idea, and it will bring freshmen together to get to know each other and
the campus. “I would definitely have gone to the camp,” Wofford said. “It is an opportunity for incoming freshman to get experience for campus life and make friends before classes start and orientation.” Wofford said Texas State being the last to add on a camp for freshmen might say something about the university. “They probably wanted to make sure it was worth it,” Wofford said. “For me, I was fine staying one night over at Paws Preview. I thought that it was a great experience in itself.” Luna said Cat Camp would further extend that welcoming. “It is giving a clearer picture of where we want to go and how to get there,” Luna said. “If we can gain that investment early, before they even get here, we will see not only an investment in Texas State, but an affinity that will last for years to come.”
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu
THE MAIN POINT imes, they are a-changing.
T
The demands imposed on students today are changing right along with them. It is not enough pressure to compete with hundreds of like-minded people at the university, not to mention the innumerable competition from all over the country. Now one’s familiarity with technology itself can make or break a career. Students must be, in the very least, proficient in their chosen fields of study, and stay updated with the technological advances of future careers. Students of all majors, from journalism to business, are challenged with staying current on the latest technologies to better market themselves to prospective employers. There are people who choose to ignore it, but like it or not, the future is here. Students can either sink or swim and people who move with the times are wearing flippers. According to the Feb. 19 issue of The University Star, Aron Pilhofer, editor of Interactive News Technology at The New York Times, said that when he approached the project of “deepening and broadening the interactivity on The New York Times Web site” his lack of knowledge in computer science was a set back. Pilhofer said he was “most entirely selftaught.” Students should strive toward achieving the esoteric, technical skills their various chosen professions have to offer. Experience and marketability are key qualities when it comes to landing that dream job. A likely candidate for any job has put in considerable time doing hands-on work in that field and is a multi-faceted applicant with extensive knowledge in all aspects of a profession, both practical and theoretical. The knowledge does not happen over night, and cannot always be found between the pages of a textbook. It is not enough these days to sit through lectures. People who will someday become indispensable employees will seize every opportunity to learn the ins-and-outs and behind-thescenes efforts of whichever job they desire. Rather than “pay(ing) no attention to the man behind the curtain,” we must befriend him and have him teach us to operate the giant, holographic Oz head. Instead of “survival of the fittest,” students are now struggling with “survival of the most dynamic.” We must either become familiar with the newfangled contraptions that would make the baby boomers’ heads spin, or face unemployment.
TAKEOVER
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.
Zach Ashburn/Star Illustration
Fixed-gear biking just useless fad
Michael Walker
Star Columnist
Fixed-gear biking, aside from previous legal controversy regarding appropriate braking systems and scrutiny from San Marcos and campus police, has a few more problems to shake before I give it sanction. Fixed-gear bicycles are thinframed road bikes with only one gear, instead of the conventional multi-geared bikes typical in street traffic. The bikes are recognizable and chic. Their owners and riders are no exception, riding through campus with a steady gaze, a fitted shirt, and snug jeans with the legs rolled up. Any given night on The Square, a crew of riders can be seen carousing and cruising, looking hip. What is it about those fixed gear kids that seems so cool? Perhaps the simplicity of the bikes they ride comes across as swanky and vogue. However, using a more primitive model of bicycle comes across as redundant and almost arrogant. Any pedals on the road means less gasoline and traffic congestion in today’s economic and energy crises, but I don’t think fixed-gear biking is the best means to that end. If anything, the fixed-gear craze sweeping Texas State is nothing more than a wild-eyed, green urban trend, sharing similar growing popularity patterns to skateboarding in the ’90s. The fad has become a culture that began with good intentions, but lost its luster and instead found a false superiority over other forms of bicycling and seems more of a high school clique than a group dedicated to anything important. According to Complete Clothing’s blog, Raul Perez, fashion merchandising senior, said the bikes were intended to “to be an extension of themselves (the riders).” The same can be said of wearing a NASCAR tank top, owning a shotgun and flying a confederate flag from the bed of a pickup truck. I argue fixed-gear bikes are no more advanced than a mountain bike or the ten–speed, ’70s model Schwinn roadster sitting on my porch. If anything, the one-gears are devolved from my Schwinn racer, and knowing this makes the snobby looks I get when riding by fixed-gear kids on a weekly basis all the more gratifying. I take pride in knowing I am participating in higher bicycle science and mine is made from heavier and less quality materials. My smile is smug and wide. So, fixed-gear riders across campus and our great town, I question their character as members of modern society. Are we so unimaginative in Central Texas that our cultural trends have to mock those of larger urban areas like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco? That too begs the question of contentiousness. Or is fixed-gear biking in San Marcos a mindless fad like UGG boots and Coach purses? Stop being pretentious and demanding laws regarding conventional bicycle brakes, and please stop giving me dirty looks when I ride by on anything other than a fixed gear. There is much more to life than college campus fads.
Teachers should meet higher standards
Tristan Watson
Star Columnist
Today’s educational system can be described as a joke. If teachers are not involved in the latest scandal of sex with students then their lessons are sure to put an insomniac to sleep. Some educators deserve the low salaries they receive. Institutions across the country are graduat-
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ing students who could care less about children and wanting to make a difference in a child’s life. According to the College of Education here at Texas State, the educational standards for students majoring in education is a 2.5 GPA to graduate. The mediocrity is why teachers are lifeless in their teaching. Teacher certification should be made harder to distinguish between individuals who possess the knowledge and qualities of becoming an effective educator. If students are struggling and barely passing the required education courses it is time for these individuals to switch majors and stop wasting time focusing on a field that is not meant for them. Some students majoring in education view it as an effortless job and an easy way to collect a paycheck. These soon-to-be teachers are one reason for the high dropout rates, because of their indifferent attitude toward the students they claim to care about.
Editor In Chief..............................Scott Thomas, stareditor@txstate.edu Letters.....................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor.............................Amanda Venable, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor....................Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor.......................Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.....................................Karen Wang, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor.....................................Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu
Educators today are babysitters at the elementary level, raising and chastising at the high school level and they’re causing students to slumber at the college level. Teachers can earn all the extra certification and obtain the highest level of education they desire. However, if they are not gifted with the talent to teach, then a bachelor’s, master’s and a Ph.D means very little. The educational system is in ruins as a result of the last eight years. The previous administration’s educational plans did nothing to help education. Students need an educator who is knowledgeable and cares about their self-progression. Educators who declare themselves professors need to stop being selfish with their time and learn to engage students beyond lectures they’ve been teaching for 20 years. Educators know if they are mind-numbing and ineffective. It reflects in their students’ test
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scores, unwillingness to attend class and lack of focus. The last thing our society needs is an apathetic teacher who has no desire to work with students. PsychologyCampus.com, states good teaching can be taught and teachers should be knowledgeable of the subject and teaching resources. They should use critical thinking and problem solving skills. One of President Obama’s educational strategies is to restore teacher retention. According to the Barack Obama Web site, 30 percent of new teachers leave within their first five years in the profession. They probably realize teaching is actually work and students depend on an educator who wants to teach. The educational system in the next few years will continue to worsen if schools allow lethargic and uninteresting teachers to instruct students.
Office Manager.............................Emily Gerngross, eg1166@txstate.edu Media Specialist.......................................Matt Lynch, matty@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator......................Jodie Claes, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator...........................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...............Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Wednesday, February 25, 2009. 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
Trends the university star
maskedmusical
The stage and the silver screen will collide Feb. 18th. The Spider-Man musical, which has long been the subject of comic book-enthusiasts conversations, will finally be presented to the world in 2010. Julie Taymor, director of Across The Universe, has held readings with Jim Sturgess and Evan Rachel Wood, the stars of her Beatles tribute. Wood has already confirmed that the role of Mary Jane is hers but Sturgess has denied taking the part of Peter Parker. U2’s Bono and the Edge will provide the lyrics and music for the production.
6 - Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu
Band contributes to musical, social movements Leslie Peters
Trends Columnist
The introduction of a Latin influence on the rock genre started in the 1950s with Ritchie Valens, more specifically “La Bamba.” The exciting and fresh sound
was seemingly lost forever with his tragic death in plane crash. The torch was carried on, however, with Carlos Santana in the 1960s. Santana continues to be a major influence for diverse artists. Mana is a Mexican pop/rock band from Guadalajara. It fuses Latin influences with rock, pop, reggae and calypso. The band began in 1978 when a group of young men played a collection of their favorite songs by The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. The band name and members have since
changed, but the essence of its music has resonated for more than 30 years. Mana’s second album was released in 1992, containing hit songs including “Vivir Sin Aire,” “Oye Mi Amo” and “Como Te Deseo”. The album sparked an international tour of 268 concerts in 17 countries, and was released in 1994 as a live album. Suenos Liquidos received a Grammy for Best Latin Rock/ Alternative Album in 1997. , The title captures this marriage of tracks, and the album exemplifies
band members’ specific style, with songs such as “Hechicera” and “Como Dueles en los Labios.” Mana’s lead singer Fher Olvera connected with Santana in 1999, after releasing the intimate live experience of MTV Unplugged. The pair collaborated in writing, producing and singing “Corazon Espinado, ” which became a hit on Santana’s Supernatural album. Mana’s album Revolucion de Amor was released in 2002. It was the product of an effort to combine style with rock-and-roll of the ’60s and ’70s, The album earned
the band another Grammy, and set it up with the an amazing opportunity. Mana shared the stage with legends and Latin American favorites such as Queen, Deep Purple, Bono, Ricky Martin, Zucchero and Andrea Boccelli at the Pavarotti and Friends concert. The members of Mana focus on peace and dignity. These important messages come across in theirmusic. The band also supported Puerto Rico’s prospective independence in 2007. Members are also Food and Agriculture Organization Ambassadors (for
the international defeat of hunger) and began their own agency called the Selva Negra Foundation (for helping the environment for future generations). Amar es Combatir was released in 2006 and Arde el Cielo was released in 2008. Both records marked high points in the band’s career. Mana’s contributions to musical and social movements have caused its influence to span across the world. It is time America pays dues to a band seldom heard of beyond the Latin community.
Red’s Lounge celebrates musical contributions for jazz By Erica Rodriguez Features Reporter Black History Month will end on a happy note. Red’s Lounge, a music event recognizing the history and celebrating the contributions of jazz music, will take place 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at George’s in the LBJ Student Center. The event, sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta sorority, will highlight black musicians’ contributions to blues, jazz, rhythm and blues and soul, featuring a pianist, guitarist and vocalists in a line-up of music and history. “It’s black history in the form of music,” said Rena Iglehart, electronic media junior and event organizer. Red’s Lounge will take place on the last day of Black History Month, a fitting way to conclude the month honoring black culture. “I just though it would be good for Texas State students to learn the history and the background of
African American music today, to learn its roots and where it came from,” said Trevor Young, interdisciplinary studies senior who organized the event. “There were struggles with a lot of African American music.” Historical black musicians had the ability to transcend racial divides through music. Jazz founding-fathers Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington can perhaps be credited as the first black celebrities of the time. “Not only were they pioneers in jazz, but they were world-famous,” said Freddie Mendoza, senior lecturer in the School of Music, who teaches a course on jazz history. “They actually crossed racial lines in a time that the U.S. was extremely segregated.” Jazz musicians like Armstrong and Ellington did much to synthesize the genre, and even play the prelude for black activists to come. “In a sense, they were the first Civil Rights leaders of their time,” Mendoza said.
The opposition black musicians faced was ardent in a time when prejudice trumped talent recognition. Nick LaRocca, a popular jazz artist around the turn of the century, often claimed black people had absolutely nothing to do with jazz. Mendoza believes this could not be farther from the truth. “You could really say that the African American man and woman invented jazz — that’s a pretty big contribution,” he said. There’s no denying the influence of jazz in American music. Jazz, the byproduct of European and African cultures, eventually influenced funk, rock ’n roll and hip-hop. Iglehart believes the event will help educate students in an entertaining way about a legacy not typically written in music history. “I think its something different that people can appreciate,” she said. Contact Trevor Young Monty Marion/Star file photo at ty1011@txstate.edu for CELEBRATING HISTORY: A jazz concert will be held at George’s, located in the LBJ Student Cenmore information. ter, closing Black History Month on Saturday.
Web site provides budgeting, tax, credit, loan advice By Ashley Dickinson Features Reporter A graduate’s hard-earned résumé may go in the trash if employers discover bad credit scores. Students could be destined for unemployment before the end of their freshman year. Employers have started checking credit scores as a hiring tool. Responsible financial boundaries could help students embrace life after academics, according to Money Savvy Cats, a Texas State Web site and financial literacy program. The site was founded in August by Kimberlee Davis, assistant professor in the department of family and consumer sciences and accredited financial counselor. Money Savvy Cats includes tips such as guides to insurance, taxes, credit and loans. Additionally, the site includes special interest help, such as budgeting for weddings or plans of action after losing a wallet or purse. Davis said the program could help students better their long-term financial habits. “The sooner you learn these skills and you start making them a habit, the better you’re going to manage your money,” Davis said. “The sooner you can manage your money, the more wealth you’ll be able to create throughout your lifetime.” According to the MSN Money Web site, employers, lenders, landlords and
insurance carriers find bad credit a sign of irresponsibility. Davis is a Southwest Texas alumna who began the program to give back to her community. “I came home when I came here to teach. I think this mission is really important,” Davis said. “I can really contribute, not only to the students in my classroom, but to the entire student body. I feel like I’m this alumna who can do something that helps.” Davis said she got the idea from helping with a similar program at Texas Tech, her previous place of employment. Other institutions are adopting comparable programs. The April frenzy that comes with tax season is approaching. Tax-filing companies may help students get through the month, but Money Savvy Cats could help manage the rest of the year’s spending. According to a study conducted by Buffalo State College on www.newswise. com, college students carry an average of $1,035 of credit card debt. CashCourse, a resource included in Money Savvy Cats, entails budgeting tips tailored to pre-college and current students, alumni and parents. Students can even find advice about keeping parents happy about spending their money. Davis said students’ biggest financial problem is spending without thinking and the overwhelming effect of unexpected credit card bills. Money Savvy Cats is a Web site-only
program, but Davis said this spring she hopes students who have gone through a sequence of preparatory courses will be able to do community outreach. “It will be students helping students,” Davis said. “They will discuss managing money, managing debt, identity theft and how credit works.” A small number of students are assisting Davis in spreading the word about the program. “For now, we are just campaigning as much as we can to promote the program and to help be an outreach for students in need of financial tips,” said Laura Felux, public relations senior. Members can receive weekly financial tips by joining the program’s group, Money Savvy Cats, on Facebook.
✯FYI The average college student graduates with $21,000 of debt. Undergraduates have an average credit card debt of $2,100. 78% of all undergraduates have at least one credit card. 32% have at least four. Visit the Money Savvy Cats Web site at www.vpsa.txstate.edu/ moneysavvy.
Diversions
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The University Star - 7
02/24
Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains every digit from one through nine inclusively.
Solutions for 2/24
Classifieds E-mail Classifieds at starclassifieds@txstate.edu
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Cost - 25¢ per word (1–6 days); Cost - 20¢ per word (7+ days); Deadline - 2 business days prior by noon All classified ads must be paid in advance, unless credit is established. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. We do our best, but please check your classified ad for accuracy. Any corrections to your ad must be made by the second day of publication. As a free service to you, all classified ads will be published on-line on our web site at www.universitystar.com. However, since this is a free service, posting is not guaranteed. While The University Star attempts to screen ads for misleading claims or illegal content, it is not possible for us to investigate every ad and advertiser. Please use caution when answering ads, especially any which require you to send money in advance.
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SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR
pitchingphenom
Texas State softball’s Chandler Hall, freshman pitcher, won her second straight Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week award Tuesday. Hall helped the Bobcats defeat Texas A&M 3-2 Feb. 18 and Northern Iowa 3-0 Sunday. Hall had a 2.12 ERA for the week and held teams to a .231 batting average.
8 - Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu
Softball finishes pre-conference games with double wins, losses By Eric Harper Sports Reporter The Texas State softball team took a road trip to Louisiana during Mardi Gras weekend. However, the Bobcats did not take their tour to Bourbon Street. The team competed in Baton Rouge at the LSU Purple and Gold Challenge. The Bobcats were riding on back-to-back wins over Houston and Texas A&M going into the tournament. Texas State kicked off the weekend by continuing the streak with a 3-0 shutout of Alabama-Birmingham. Katie Garnett, senior pitcher, pitched the shutout for the Bobcats, holding UAB to five hits and one walk during six scoreless innings. Garnett was relieved by Elizabeth Davis, junior pitcher, who recorded her second save of the season. Taylor Hall, senior outfielder, led the offense with a 2-3 day recording two RBIs. Garnett got the win going to 4-2 on the season. Day two of the LSU Purple and Gold Challenge held different results for Texas State. Northern Iowa ended the Bobcats’ three-game win streak with a 2-0 shutout in the first game of the double-
header. The Bobcats were held to one hit and drew two walks. Chandler Hall, freshman pitcher, pitched a complete game, allowing two runs in the first inning and five hits over her seven-inning stint. The day’s hit against Northern Iowa was the only one for the Bobcats. Texas State fell 8-0 to LSU in the second game of the day. The Bobcats were hitless for the first time this season and had four walks. LSU scored four runs in the first inning and held the 8-0 lead when the game was called after five innings. Hall took the loss, dropping to 3-2. The Bobcats shut out Northern Iowa Sunday 3-0. Chandler Hall picked up the win and allowed four hits and four walks. Taylor Hall, Alex Newton, senior shortstop, and Ryan Kos, senior second baseman, each drove in a run. Chandler Hall recorded the win, improving to 4-2. Coach Ricci Woodard said the team did a great job of refocusing Sunday. The Bobcats will begin Southland Conference play against Texas-Arlington this week. Woodard said the team is prepared for conference play. “We are excited to start conference play this week,” Woodard said. “We have played a very tough pre-conference schedule and should be prepared to get off to a good start in the Southland.”
✯ UPCOMING GAMES Austin Byrd/Star file photo CHALLENGE AT LSU: Alex Newton, senior shortstop, strikes the ball at the Feb. 18 game against Texas A&M. The Bobcats had two wins and two losses at the LSU Purple and Gold Challenge this weekend.
Feb. 25 Texas-Arlington Feb. 28 McNeese State Feb. 28 McNeese State March 3 Texas
Arlington San Marcos San Marcos San Marcos
2 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m.
Bobcat baseball wins three of four openers By Joseph Garcia Sports Reporter The Texas State baseball team dropped the 2009 season opener in extra innings, but bounced back to win three straight games. The Bobcats opened the season in Arlington at the UTA Hilton Invitational. Texas State played the Arkansas State Red Wolves Friday in its first game. The Bobcats jumped to an early 2-0 lead against Arkansas State in the top of the second inning. Bret Atwood, sophomore outfielder, hit a triple down the right field line scoring Spenser Dennis, senior outfielder, and Kyle Kubitza, freshman infielder, for the first runs of the game. The Bobcats maintained the advantage for the next four innings when Michael Russo, junior pitcher, made his debut on the mound for the Bobcats. Russo retired the first nine batters and saw two base runners in the fourth and fifth off walks. Arkansas State scored its first run in the seventh inning when Giovanni Garcia, Arkansas State infielder, singled to left field
and advanced to second base on an error. Kyle DeGrace, Arkansas State outfielder, followed by batting in Garcia. Texas State answered in the top of the eighth with a base hit to right field from Atwood. He finished the game going 2-for-4 with a game-high three RBIs. The Bobcats replaced Russo on the mound with Tim Heath, junior pitcher, in the bottom of the eighth. Heath gave up two hits for one run and narrowed the lead. The Red Wolves later scored on a wild pitch from Heath, bringing around the tying run. The game was tied at 3 going into extra innings when Andy Ferguson, Arkansas State pitcher, walked Kubitza with one out, putting Texas State on base. However, Adam Witek, senior infielder, hit a double play and ended the Bobcats’ effort in the 10th inning. Arkansas State rallied back with two outs when Brandon Eller, Arkansas State infielder, doubled down the right field line. Cody Pace, Arkansas State outfielder, pinch ran for Eller and scored the game-winning run on Josh DeMoney’s, Arkansas State outfielder, base hit up
the middle for the victory. The Bobcats took on tournament host Texas-Arlington Saturday. Tyler Sibley, freshman infielder, led the team going 3-for-4 with a pair of runs and a game-high three RBIs. Ben Theriot, junior catcher, led the second inning with a single to right field and Kubitza reached on a walk. Sibley then hit a double to left field that sent Theriot and Kubitza across the plate. Sibley got a one-out base hit to left field. Atwood then moved Sibley to third base on a single. Sibley scored on Laurn Randell’s, junior outfielder, chip through the left side of the field, putting the Bobcats ahead 3-0. Evan Raley, Texas-Arlington infielder, kept his team in the game when he launched a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning. He hit an RBI double down the right field line in the sixth inning. Atwood scored in the top of the sixth inning. Kubitza crossed home plate in the top of the seventh. Jeff McVaney, freshman outfielder, came in to relieve Bobcat starter Zach Tritz, senior pitcher, on the mound in the bottom of the seventh. He split playing time with Tyler Brundridge, senior pitcher. Tritz completed five and one-third innings. He earned his first win of the season after facing 26 batters, striking out seven and allowing two earned runs on six hits. Coach Ty Harrington said the pitchers did their best.
“We pitched well this weekend,” Harrington said. “I discovered that we have some guys who are capable of pitching well. I was very pleased with the performance of our four starting pitchers.” The relievers kept TexasArlington scoreless in the bottom of the seventh. However, they allowed Andrew Kainer, Texas-Arlington outfielder, to hit a two-run homer, cutting the Bobcats’ lead to one. Dennis, senior outfielder, advanced to second base after a walk and a wild pitch in the ninth inning. Witek singled down the right field line and put the pinch hitter in scoring position. Texas State scored its first run of the inning. The Mavericks brought Drew Clementz, Texas-Arlington pitcher, to finish the inning, but gave up two more Bobcat hits and two more runs to take an 8-4 lead. Texas-Arlington rallied back by getting three hits to open the bottom of the ninth, but Lance Loftin, senior pitcher, forced Chad Comer, Texas-Arlington catcher, to ground out into a double play and end the game. Texas State played a doubleheader Sunday against Arkansas State and Siena. The Bobcats were down 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth against the Red Wolves. Paul Goldschmidt, junior infielder, got the offense started with a right field RBI single to bring home Atwood. Atwood moved to second base on a wild pitch before scoring on Goldschmidt’s hit.
Texas State tied the game when Sibley hit a sacrifice fly to right field scoring Randell in the seventh inning. Texas State rallied to score a run in the bottom of the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. The Bobcats overcame a 2-0 Arkansas State lead and took a 3-2 victory to avenge their previous loss to the Red Wolves. Harrington said the team will improve offensively. “We weren’t as good offensively as I hoped this weekend, but we are going to be,” Harrington said. “I discovered we need to go back to basics, workout-wise, in our offense to get more things accomplished.” Brian Borski, sophomore pitcher, retired the side in the first inning against Siena’s top three batters in the second game. Atwood had a one-out double to right field and then scored on a base hit by Goldschmidt. Loftin roped a second-base single to move to scoring position when Keith Prestridge, junior outfielder, hit an RBI single to plate Goldschmidt. This was all part of a Texas State fourhit, three-run inning. The Bobcats took a 7-0 lead off of four hits and an error in the second inning. Atwood singled to third base and two runners scored on Goldschmidt’s double to right center. Loftin followed with a double of his own and brought home Goldschmidt. Texas State added a run in the bottom of the third inning and two in the seventh.
Atwood went 4-for-5 with four runs scored. “We spent the early part of the first two games really pulling off of some balls offensively (and) trying to do a little too much with the bats,” Harrington said. “Particularly on Saturday when the wind was blowing 30 to 40 mph. On Sunday we did a better job of staying on some balls, hit some balls up the middle and the other way.” The Saints scored in the top of the fourth, sending Kevin Quaranto, Siena first baseman, across the plate. The Saints scored runs in each frame to cut the lead in half in the top of the sixth and eighth innings. The Bobcats took the victory 10-5. Texas State had a total of 15 hits. Six Bobcats had at least one hit. Goldschmidt and Loftin had three hits each and three and two RBIs, respectively. Harrington says it is too early to describe the potential of the team. “Some moments, I was pleased with the way we did things, and there were some moments where they weren’t so good,” Harrington said. Harrington emphasizes practice. “Today’s practice is so important to us, not only in preparation for TCU on Wednesday, but for conference this weekend and the rest of the season,” he said. Texas State will play Texas Christian 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Lupton Stadium in Fort Worth.
Expect same from Houston Rockets this season The Houston Rockets of the 2000s are desHopes Lane and ended in an early flight home, tined to anguish their entire fan base. Their courtesy of first-round foe, the Utah Jazz. team motto listed above their locker room acThe Rockets are sticking to their team mottually reads “Get Your Hopes Up. It’s What to, as this year looks all too familiar. Fans felt We Do.” the Rockets were in contention for the champiThe Rockets have been nothing more than a onship after reestablishing health in the locklousy prom date for the past few years. You exer room and welcoming defensive playmaker pect to go all the way with them, but then they Ron Artest to the squad. Expectations were leave early and you’re left wondering, “What through the roof, yet, once again, we were all could have been?” lying to ourselves. It was announced early last The Rockets have done everything we’ve exweek Tracy McGrady will miss the rest of the pected them not to do dating back to the start season to have a microfracture surgery on his ANDREW VIZZONE of the 2004 to 2005 season. They finished that left knee, providing another disappointing seaSports Columnist year with a 51-31 record.The team lost to the son for the Rockets.The 2008 to 2009 season Mavericks in the playoffs in a decisive game is all but over for the men in red, barring an seven, but headed into the next year fourth in MVP-like run from Florida State stud Von Wathe power rankings. fer. Somewhere a witch is brewing a curse. Experts predicted a great outcome in 2005 to 2006, but the What does this mean for the Rockets’ future? What does it Rockets wanted to prove us all wrong. Yao Ming missed 25 mean for phenom Tracy McGrady? Will we see another great games while T-Mac missed 37, resulting in 46 losses without the player come and go without getting his ring? The recent news of tandem and a cozy seat in last place in the division. Houston trading away its star point guard Rafer Alston may be The next two seasons, while a truckload better, were ironically a sign of rebuilding. We’ve seen a rebuilding process in Phoenix comparable. The Rockets maintained their cool in the 2006 to as it traded away a starter last year, and have now been coached 2007 season and finished 52-30 behind T-Mac’s 24.4 points-per- by two different people. The firing in football Coach Mike Shagame output despite Yao missing two months to another injury. nahan, two-time Super Bowl champion, in Denver is another The Rockets flirted with the history books in the 2007 to 2008 example of a team’s desire to start fresh. The Rockets may be season, winning 22 games in a row at one point. Their streak headed down that same path. was 11 games shy of all-time record. Consistency is one positive we can take from the Houston Rockets. 22 games. I don’t think I could even beat my 11-year-old broth- The Rockets should be chalked up right by the definition of consiser in HORSE 22 times in a row. tency, in fact. If the past repeats itself, then we probably shouldn’t They ended the season with a 55-27 record and all was jolly in expect much out of this team in the near future. It seems as though Houston. Unfortunately, both seasons were headed toward High Lady Luck doesn’t travel to the eastern parts of Texas.
