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VOLUME 102, ISSUE 59

www.UniversityStar.com

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

Tuesday

FEBRUARY 26, 2013

GO NE ONLI NOW

Prestissimo Trio Presti, the country’s first professional all-female guitar trio, played in Texas State’s Music Building Recital Hall as part of the School of Music’s Guest Artist Series. To watch an interview with the musicians and segments of the recital, go to UniversityStar.com.

Affidavit, search warrant connect softball player to murder By Taylor Tompkins Assistant News Editor A Texas State softball player has been linked to an ongoing murder investigation, according to an affidavit and search warrants obtained from the San Marcos Police Department. Sophomore shortstop Selena Hernandez lives in the duplex on 704 Allen St. where Arthur Martinez was stabbed at a party of about 300 people Feb. 3, according to the SMPD search warrant. Brelyn Sorrells allegedly stabbed Martinez after fights broke out among multiple people at the party. Martinez died of his wounds about an hour later, and Sorrells is now being held in jail.

The search warrant and arrest affidavit detail the events of the night, which include potential evidence tampering and making false reports to police officers. Williams said it is possible that charges could still be filed against those at the party or additional accusations could be brought to Sorrells. Two softball players were indefinitely suspended from the softball team Feb. 8 for “violating team rules,” according to Coach Ricci Woodard. Athletics officials would not confirm if Hernandez and sophomore outfielder Brittney Garcia, both 20, were the suspended players, but neither have played this year. Five other players were suspend-

ed Feb. 8 for that weekend and have returned to play. Garcia was not named in the search warrant or arrest affidavit, and San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams could not confirm if she was involved in the incident. He said there was another roommate in the duplex living with Hernandez, but did not know his or her name or gender. Athletic Director Larry Teis and Sports Information Director Rick Poulter declined to comment. Poulter referred back to their original statement, which said team members “did not break university or departmental policies. They had an issue between player and coach. So, (Woodard) made the decision to

COMPARING COSTS Total cost per passenger

Residential Routes

Campus Routes

$1.57 $1.57

BTI Routes

$1.57 $8.14

Combo Routes

suspend them.” Candace Risien, administrative assistant in President Denise Trauth’s office, said Trauth would not comment, deferring questions to Student Affairs. Vice President David Simoneaux, Staff Photographer for Student Affairs Joanne Arthur Martinez was stabbed at 704 Allen Street Feb. 3 and Smith did not was pronounced dead at Central Texas Medical Center. return calls by press time. girlfriend, 19-year-old Angel HerPolice responded to a noise rera, according to the arrest afficomplaint they received around davit. Police stopped the car bemidnight and intercepted a blue Ford Escape driven by Martinez’ READ MURDER, PAGE 3

Saturday Routes

$1.57 $24.69

By Paige Lambert News Reporter

Night Routes

$1.57 $4.57

$1.57 $1.52

$1.26 0.1% 4.1%

2.1% 16.6%

0.8%

Percent of total route usage

76%

Cost-effectiveness factored into interurban tram cancellation By Caitlin Clark News Editor While officials say the cost-effectiveness of the Bobcat Tram Interurban services was the driving factor that led to its cancelation, there are two other tram routes that have a lower ridership and are more expensive to operate. A review of the transit services provided by the university led to the elimination of Bobcat Tram Interurban services, effective Aug. 26. The interurban trams service both the Kyle/Austin and New Braunfels/ San Antonio areas. Interurban passengers account for about four percent of all Bobcat Tram riders. However, the interurban operating costs are 20 percent of the total annual

expense to operate all Bobcat Tram services, according to the study’s findings. Bill Nance, vice president for Finance and Support Services, said having the student body support the interurban services through their student services fees could no longer be justified. “We already need more buses in San Marcos, and we don’t feel we’re adequately meeting the needs of those who need those bus services,” Nance said. “So, how can you justify (keeping the interurban services)?” Nancy Nusbaum, interim director for transportation services, said the Texas A&M Transportation Institute calculated the amount of hours, miles and peak vehicles used by each bus route offered at Texas State. The number of passenger

boardings per route was also calculated. The institute’s report is still considered a draft for final review, Nusbaum said. According to the report, Bobcat Tram Interurban routes account for 4.1 percent of total passenger boardings but cost $8.14 per rider. Night and Saturday routes are even less cost-effective. Night routes account for .8 percent of passenger boardings and cost $4.57 per rider. Saturday routes are the least cost-effective, making up just .1 percent of total passenger boardings and costing $24.69 per rider. Nusbaum said eliminating the Saturday and night services would have saved money but would not have freed up buses. “That was the whole point, to improve

READ BUSES, PAGE 3

Edward Gary Street Garage increases parking possibilities for campus By Nicole Barrios News Reporter Texas State is hoping to ease parking woes with the addition of a new garage operating under a permit and pay-as-yougo system. The new Edward Gary Street Parking Garage, located next to the Performing Arts Center, opened Jan. 2 for students and the public. Nancy Nusbaum, interim director of transportation services, said the garage has 458 parking spaces in total, 250 of which will be designated for residential permit holders. Nusbaum said the remaining 208 spots will be pay by the hour spaces. She said the entire garage is currently open for parking, but the construction of the surrounding sidewalks is yet to be completed. Michael Petty, director of Facilities and Planning, Design and Construction, said office spaces in the garage are not yet

complete, but will be ready no later than September. Petty said the garage reached “substantial completion” on Jan. 2, and the Edward Gary Street Garage project is anticipated to cost $17.7 million total. Nusbaum said residential permit prices will range from about $250 to $485 once the costs increase next fall. She said the residential permits will be made available to other individuals if they are not purchased by students living on campus. The permits allowed in the parking garage may be limited to certain residence halls in the area, but it has not yet been determined. Nusbaum said the garage was constructed to provide parking for the university, the Performing Arts Center and downtown shoppers. Kirstin Sims, music education junior and member of VocaLibre, said she paid to park in the garage while at an hourlong rehearsal. Sims said it is convenient

Transportation director search narrowed to two

to have parking available by the theatre building and many of the dorms, rather than in the student center garage on the other side of campus. Mitchell Classen, construction science and management sophomore, said he will not use the new garage this semester because it is not near his classes. He said the university is a business that is trying to “make as much money as possible.” He said from a business standpoint, the pay-as-you-go garage is a good idea for the university, but for students who are being “subjected to high tuition, it is a pain.” “I think they can do a better job at helping out commuter students,” Classen said. Gwynne Ash, associate professor of education and faculty senator, said the group is concerned the garage is causing an increase in permit prices. Many of Ash’s colleagues in the College of Education seem eager to buy spaces in the new garage, she said.

Two candidates have interviewed to be the new leader of transportation services, a department involved in several changes that will affect the student body next fall. Nancy Nusbaum, assistant vice president for Finance and Support Services, has served as interim director for the department since Joe Richmond, the former director, announced he would be on extended leave. Nusbaum said Richmond will not be returning, leaving the permanent position vacant. Interviews for the new director of transportation services began last week. A decision could be made quickly, but the candidate who is awarded the position will not be announced for a few weeks, Nusbaum said. The position was posted in November and garnered many applications, Nusbaum said. Applicants were required to have experience with transit system operations, knowledge of parking systems and effective communication skills. Experience with contract administrations, higher education and parking were also preferred, Nusbaum said. Scott Lansing and Jane Wilcox are the two candidates being considered for the position. Lansing has 35 years of experience in transit positions, beginning at the University of Virginia. He has held various director positions within First Transit, the company with which the Texas State Tram service is contracted. Wilcox has 15 years of experience working with parking at different universities, including the University of Texas-Austin and the University of Texas-San Antonio. Wilcox is the current parking director for Stephen F. Austin University. Nusbaum said each candidate met with vice presidents of various departments across campus during their interviews. Lansing and Wilcox both participated in an “open-discussion presentation” with representatives from student affairs, the Associated Student Government and other entities. Lansing said he looks forward to the challenges presented during the current issues being tackled by transportation services, such as the cancelation of the Bobcat Tram Interurban services and increases in parking permit fees. The department is facing mounting debt, according to a Feb. 5 University Star article. Lansing said he sees the situation as a chance to grow. “Challenges are opportunities,” Lansing said. “Any job like this is going to have challenges. I have created a 100-day plan to find places for success, to help get the team going. That way the university can excel and move on.” Wilcox said she thinks the changes being faced by the department should be communicated and advertised so there is a clear understanding of what transportation services is doing. “I think the main thing is communication, opening up dialogues with various student groups, Faculty Senate and ASG,” Wilcox said. “It is very important to open up the lines of communication, share what our vision is, so they can help us meet those visions.” Like Lansing, Wilcox said she sees the recent transportation challenges as opportunities for the university to grow. “These opportunities are providing a chance for the university to evolve and progress, and that excites me,” Wilcox said. “That’s on the leading edge. Making it so that you can get to your class on time is the most important.” ASG Vice President Alison Sibley said it is important that the new director be willing to keep students updated on key concerns related to parking and transportation. “We have gotten into a very serious situation with parking and transportation, and that’s because no one was willing to have those conversations with ASG or students,” Sibley said. “I feel like we need someone who will tell us from the get go what the situation is, so there are no surprises. Someone that can be upfront but also knows how to communicate with students.”

2 | Tuesday February 26, 2013 | The University Star

OPINIONS

For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu

University fails to accomodate students in multiple areas

mid Texas State’s recent reclassification as an Emerging Research Institution, rapid changes should be taking place to improve the university’s overall prestige, operations and services to students. However, the editorial board believes Texas State is failing to serve its students at acceptable levels in multiple areas including growth management, transportation, university and community relations and transparency. The University Star aims to inform the public by being a watchdog for the university and the community. The editorial board painstakingly edits and aids with the reporting of the university and felt these major themes needed to be addressed in a comprehensive way. The grades the editorial board gave reflect a worrisome and complex web of financial and communication errors that are plaguing the university.

Growth Management

F-

The university is overcrowded with students, who are spilling out into the streets and causing problems that run far beyond traffic. The School of Music does not have enough space to accommodate students inside the building. It is ridiculous that music majors are routinely forced to practice outside because all of the rooms inside the building are occupied. The officials students need and trust are commonly not available to provide their services because of excessive demand for their duties. The Counseling Center cannot support the amount of students who are in need of services. In addition, the University Police Department has been historically understaffed and would certainly have trouble handling a large crisis if there ever was one. Janitors have to clean almost double the area the university sets as its standard, while more students continue to pour in to provide funding for the university’s operations. More students equals more money for the university, but this theory has begun to backfire on the university with strain on basic facility management. Texas State is trying to improve prestige with Emerging Research Institution status by adding more Ph.D. and master’s programs. Despite this, the current space available to house students in majors like engineering and music is a question in itself. More space and funding are needed to build additional buildings, but the university land bubble has appeared to burst, and 99 percent of the university’s property has been built on already. Texas State has handled growth management as poorly as it possibly could, and where the university will go from here is a serious concern.

Transportation

F+

Students have been negatively affected in their efforts to get to class on time and park around campus because of recent decisions by transportation services. Officials have canceled interurban tram services to Austin and San Antonio for the upcoming fall semester and proposed to raise prices for every type of parking permit. Some students, particularly commuters who utilized the interurban buses, will soon find they will have to shell out more money in gas and permits for a trip to and from campus. The increase in permit prices is necessary to pay off debts incurred from parking garage construction. Though parking garages are part of the campus Master Plan and will benefit students in the long run, doubling campus residents’ permit fees is a poorly-planned solution to unorganized planning in the past. Debt service is a steady, predictable cost, and for it to become so insurmountable after only a year of declining permit sales and parking violation fees is inexcusable. More expensive permits are inevitable, but a gradual increase, perhaps $20 to $50 per semester, would be much easier for students to handle. Some commuters who utilize the interurban trams are without cars and may not be able to continue attending Texas State in the fall when those routes are canceled. Even with their deceptively-worded surveys, transportation services realized there was a demographic whose education depended on the commuter bus routes and chose to disregard it. Transportation services leaders appear to maintain there is no connection between the interurban tram cancelations and permit price increases, but the timing is more than coincidental. These officials have demonstrated a consistent failure to accommodate Texas State’s growth, earning them a solid F. Transportation services officials did allow students with permits to park in the previously restricted lot near the tennis courts, giving the grade a plus. But it is troubling that such a huge lot was ever restricted to begin with.

The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

Emmanuel Ramirez, Star Illustrator

University and community relations

Texas State students comprise a large percentage of San Marcos’ population, but there is still a disconnect between the university and the city. There is a historical tension between students and residents, but the issue lies within the lack of communication and cooperation between city and university officials. The draft of the San Marcos Comprehensive Master Plan only mentions Texas State once among 113 objectives, according to a Jan. 24 University Star article. It is nonsensical that the university, whose presence is vital for the city’s success, was only mentioned once in a plan that will essentially serve as the blueprint for San Marcos’ future. In addition, the city and the university have done a poor job of planning for the construction projects that are a ubiquitous part of Texas State and San Marcos. It is understandable that construction cannot be completely halted during the university’s academic year. However, it could have been planned so that university and city construction projects would not be occurring simultaneously within close proximity. Construction and the traffic it causes is perhaps the most visible example of a lack of coordination between the city and university, but the problems are rooted much deeper. The university and the city do not appear to take the Achieving Community Together initiative very seriously. A.C.T. is designed

Editor In Chief................................................Beth Brown, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor............................Lee Moran, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters..................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor...................................................Caitlin Clark, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor............................Hollie O’Connor, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..........................................Liza Winkler, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor..........................................Cameron Irvine, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief......................Thomas Glasebrook, starcopychief@txstate.edu Web Editor.............................................Cayla Green, starwebeditor@txstate.edu

to collaborate the efforts of the city and university on shared values and goals. It is unacceptable that a student undergoing cancer treatments, who was mentioned in an April 25, 2012 University Star article, was unable to break his lease with The Edge until the end of the spring after withdrawing at the beginning of that semester. The Edge is still a member of A.C.T., and this situation between the apartment complex and the student is a prime example of how disappointing the communication between the city and university truly is.

Transparency

In recent years, students have been lulled into a paralyzing apathy regarding their ability to influence the actions of the university, which is in large part because of their real and perceived sense of insignificance. Transparency at Texas State is unacceptably low, a problem rooted partially in the way administrators work with students. In the past two months alone, students have been excluded from important decisions and officials have been uncooperative when answering controversial university questions. Incredibly important decisions regarding the future of parking permits and transportation were decided without three of the four major components of the university. Students, faculty, staff and the administration should maintain a balanced and open communication regarding major concerns, and the administration has left out the other three. The decision to increase parking permit

Multimedia Editor.........................Alex Peña, starmultimediaeditor@txstate.edu Design Editor.............................................Sarah Ansell, stardesign@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Catie Brossard, starad3@txstate.edu Account Executive.................................Blakely Knowles, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Hannah Wilson, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist................................... Chris Salazar, chris.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...........................Kelsey Nuckolls, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

fees was decided in the president’s cabinet instead of in the Transportation Services Advisory Committee, which has faculty, staff and student representatives. The president’s cabinet is a closed-door meeting among top university officials, and they made their decision while shutting themselves off to the concerns and feedback of the rest of the university. This explains why so many of the top officials are unknown to students. Trauth is attempting to make herself more available to students, but two open door sessions a semester only allows her to meet with .02 percent of the student body. Students cannot participate if they are not allowed to participate in the discussion. Additionally, the administration has failed to rise to the occasion by answering questions regarding the alleged involvement of two softball players in a murder earlier this month. Administrators have created ambiguity regarding these allegations, which is unprofessional and demonstrates a lack of organization and readiness to tackle the issues—a common problem on this campus.

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.

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos and is published every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Tuesday, February 26, 2013. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.

Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

The University Star | Tuesday February 26, 2013 | 3

NEWS

murder

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

cause it was speeding away from the party. Martinez and Adrian Shepard , who were both involved in fights at the party, were in the car. Martinez was bleeding from stab wounds in his torso, and Shepard was suffering from a “head laceration” from a blunt object, according to the search warrant. Police could not confirm whether anyone in the car was a Texas State student. Martinez was transported to Central Texas Medical Center by Emergency Medical Services. Martinez was pronounced dead at 12:54 a.m., according to the search warrant for Sorrells’ Austin home. Police called for backup after stopping the Ford Escape, according to the search warrant of the residence on Allen St. Officers found blood droplets on the pathway from the garage and smears on the doorframes, according to the SMPD search warrant. Officers heard bottles “clanging” inside along with “bumping” and “thumping,” according to the search warrant. The police forced entry after knocks on the door and calls from dispatch went unanswered. According to the search warrant, officials forced entry out of concern that evidence was being destroyed or tampered with. Police found blood had been cleaned from a chair in the living room and dis-

covered broken glass around stains on the carpet. There were signs of struggle in the living room. Police could not rule out that the broken glass was used to stab Martinez, according to the search warrant. Police took swabs of blood from the living room and chair. Three sections of the living room carpet, an army knife stained with blood and a broken bottle among other items were taken from the house. The search warrant said “numerous individuals” inside the house were uncooperative with police and seemed to be tampering with evidence by cleaning. “If you’re cleaning up the crime scene before we arrive, that’s evidence tampering,” Williams said. “Whether they were doing that intentionally to cover something up or if they were doing that just to clean up a big mess is what you have to learn through the course of the investigation to try to determine.” Witnesses at the party gave inconsistent statements about the event to police, according to a Feb. 6 press release from the City of San Marcos. It is unclear what actions will be taken toward the Texas State softball players involved in the incident because administrators declined to comment.

Feb 9th - Mar 31st, 2013 & spring break Friday (March 15) 10am-dusk, rain or shine

BUSES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the local service, and to do that we need buses,” Nusbaum said. Residential routes account for 76 percent of all Bobcat Tram passenger boardings, with the cost per rider totaling $1.26. Campus routes are the second most utilized, making up 16.6 percent of passenger boardings and costing $1.57 per rider. Combination routes are 2.1 percent of all passenger boardings and cost $1.52 per rider. Nusbaum said the priority is to improve the local bus system for the Texas State community. The buses used for the Bobcat Tram Interurban services need to be reassigned throughout the other routes in San Marcos. Nusbaum said it is not the university’s responsibility to provide transit to the general public, which is another reason why the interurban services were eliminated. The only way the university could afford the additional interurban buses it needed in 2005 was through a grant from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The stipulation for the grant money was that the university could not offer the interurban services exclusively to Texas State students, faculty and staff. Therefore the interurban services are open to anyone who wants to use them.

The decision to eliminate the interurban services was not easy, Nusbaum said. “I know that students are concerned about how they’re going to continue their education, but we’re trying to find other solutions for that,” Nusbaum said. Christina Rodriguez, a political science graduate student who rides the San Antonio interurban buses to campus, said she will be able to continue her education once the services end next fall. However, some of her friends may not be able to. “I have friends who live further into San Antonio than I do. So, the drive (to campus) is much worse for them,” Rodriguez said. “They have to think about if it’s worth it for them to continue their degree (at Texas State) because driving will be so much more expensive (because of gas). It’s not as cost or time efficient.” Rodriguez said administrators should have looked at shortening the distance the interurban buses traveled if cost-effectiveness was an issue with the service. Rodriguez said she would rather drive from San Antonio to a bus stop in New Braunfels and then take a bus to campus rather than driving the whole way. She said alternative options should have been explored before cutting the service altogether.

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4 | Tuesday February 26, 2013 | The University Star

TRENDS

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Movie screening commemorates fallen police officers By Glen Tadych Assistant Trends Editor The law enforcement officers who gave their lives protecting others were honored Friday with the screening of the documentary film “Heroes Behind the Badge.” The film was directed by Academy Award-winning film and television director Wayne Derrick, grandson of former Texas State President Leland Derrick. Derrick’s connection with Texas State served as reason for the Kyle Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association to host the event on campus, as well as an opportunity to introduce the new organization to the local community. “Heroes Behind the Badge” presents viewers with an inside look at the actions taken by law enforcement officers every day. Some officers lived to share their tales of heroism and loss, but the stories of those who sacrificed their lives are shared by those closest to them, officers and family alike. “We wanted (the film) to be real, raw and powerful,” said Executive Producer Bill Erfurth. “We wanted to show something that creates a greater sense of respect for the officers of law

enforcement.” The evening commenced at 7 p.m. in the Evans Liberal Arts auditorium, beginning with the presentation of the United States and Texas flags by the Lehman High School JROTC and the singing of the national anthem by Sgt. Mike Wood of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. A short memorial service honoring the past year’s fallen law enforcement officers followed, accompanied by Texas State student Christopher Diaz’s playing of taps, and finally the singing of “Amazing Grace” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Ron Ulen, School of Music assistant professor. Those who performed were met with silence. Pastor Cole Phillips of Connection Church in Kyle led the audience in a brief invocation before Cynthia Vetter, widow of a police officer, took the stage to receive a plaque from the Kyle Citizens’ Police Academy. Vetter then shared the story of her late husband’s passing. As Vetter exited the stage, Dallas Lee, master of ceremonies, introduced Erfurth to the audience. Erfurth spoke to the crowd about the film’s importance for the law enforcement community, as well as its meaning to him as a “labor of love” because of his 26 years as an offi-

cer with the Miami-Dade Police Department. He retired five years ago. The audience then viewed the film, which told seven stories of officers at the federal, state and local levels. The documentary placed a strong emphasis on an officer’s job having the potential to switch from routine to serious in a matter of seconds, sometimes resulting in loss of life. “It’s a wonderful film that portrays law enforcement in an area most don’t see it in,” said John Helenberg, Director of Agency Operations for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. “It brings a better understanding to the community and will increase officer safety.” The screening was sponsored by the Kyle Police Department and Kyle Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association. “We wanted everyone to feel that we have an investment in our law enforcement officers,” said Maria Lee, president of the association. The film brought attention to National Police Week, an annual event held in Washington, D.C. during the week of May 15, honoring the sacrifices of law enforcement officers.

“It reveals both the humanity and tragedy of our profession without utilizing a graphic portrayal of the violence we live with,” said Earl Bolls, a 37-year detective with the Austin Police Department. According to Erfurth, the documentary has already impacted the law enforcement community. Texas became the first state to mandate that the film be shown in all state police academies, with six other states already following suit. A private screening will be held on Thursday at the Texas State Capitol in Austin for the Texas legislature at 5 p.m.

DVD and Blu-Ray copies of the film can be purchased at the film’s website, http://www.heroesbehindthebadge.com/, from which 50 percent of the proceeds will go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Students celebrate 50 years of desgregation By Zach Mayer Trends Reporter Students, faculty and San Marcos residents enjoyed fellowship, entertainment, free food and an educational and encouraging keynote presentation to celebrate 50 years since desegregation at Texas State. Approximately 60 people attended the Desegregation Celebration at the Calaboose African American History Museum Saturday afternoon. The event was the second annual desegregation celebration organized by the alliance during Black History Month. “The theme for the event is history, then and now,” said Darius Jones, communications studies senior and Black Student Alliance president. Sandra Mayo, associate professor and director of Multicultural and Gender Studies, was the keynote speaker. Mayo spoke about how Texas State’s diversity has grown over the past five decades, specifically speaking about the expansion of the black community. She reminded attendees of the legal struggles the first five black students had to go through in 1963 before enrolling for classes at what was then Southwest Texas State College. The five women were Dana Smith, Georgia Hoodye, Gloria Odoms, Mabeleen Washington and Helen Jackson. Smith became the first black student to graduate from the university in 1967. “You can call them the San Marcos five, or the Texas State five, or the heroic five,” Mayo said. “Five brave women took the stage and integrated Texas State.” Mayo described the milestones following the enrollment of the first black students as

well as the increasing diversity at the school today. In 1963 there were five black students at the university. Now there are 2,471, which is 7.2 percent of student enrollment, as well as 49 black faculty members. “With the minorities here at Texas State, we’ve definitely grown a lot since then,” Jones said. Mayo mentioned distinguished black Texas State faculty such as Joanne Smith, vice president of student affairs, and alumni such as Charles Austin, a high jumper who won the gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics. Caitlyn Halliburton, English senior, said she wouldn’t be enrolled at the university if it wasn’t desegregated. She hopes the university will become more diverse and ethnically integrated, but students of different ethnicities need to take the initiative to network together. “I think people are comfortable,” Halliburton said. “It’s a stigma of precedents. Their parents were used to being discriminated against. I know my parents were used to being discriminated against. So, they feel uncomfortable venturing out to other groups of people.” Benjamin Calloway, communications studies junior, said increased multiethnic fellowship and understanding among students of different cultural backgrounds would help continue ethnic integration. “Sometimes African Americans, white students, or Hispanic students don’t do stuff together,” Calloway said. “That’s one of the things we want to try to improve, to influence with our events. Bring more people together outside of class, and outside social activities, and more so to come together and learn each other’s history.”

David Simoneaux, Staff Photographer

Darius Jones, communications studies senior, presented a plaque of appreciation to Sandra Mayo, associate professor, for her speech to the Black Student Alliance Feb. 23 at the Calaboose African American History Museum.

Your friendly neighborhood watchdog.

David Simoneaux, Staff Photographer

Attendees of the desegregation event dance Feb. 23 at the Calaboose African American History Museum.

The University Star | Tuesday February 26, 2013 | 5

SPORTS

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Men’s Basketball Standings WAC Total

Women’s Basketball Standings WAC Total

La. Tech

Seattle

Denver

Utah State

14 11

NMSU

Idaho

12 14

Utah State

UTSA

14 11

UTA

15 10

La. Tech

12 13

Idaho

10 10 16

Denver

12 14

SJSU

TEXAS ST.

NMSU

10 12 14

UTSA

TEXAS ST.

Seattle U

UTA

Baseball Standings WAC

Softball Standings WAC

Total

UTA

NM State

UTSA

UTA

CSU

Seattle

D. Baptist

SJSU

NM State

UTSA

Sac. State

La. Tech

TEXAS ST.

SJSU

Utah State

TEXAS ST.

Seattle

SOFTBALL

Losing streak hits six after dropping all five games of Texas Shootout By Odus Evbagharu Sports Reporter In Texas State softball’s first home stand this year, the ball club lost all five games in the Texas Shootout and dropped to 2-12 overall. The softball team is in the midst of a six-game losing streak, the longest the team has endured since the 2005 season when it suffered 10 straight losses. The team lost starting pitcher Anne Marie Taylor to a leg injury last week, a n d has gone without sophomore shortstop Selena Hernandez and sophom o r e outf ielder Brittney Garcia

Baseball Matchup - February 26 A&M Corpus Christi

Texas State

Record

3-5

2-5

Batting Avg

.256

.183

On base %

.328

.304

ERA

4.62

3.46

Best Win

6-0, Texas PA (2-5)

6-1, Houston (5-2)

Bobcats won the series 2-1, all games played in C.C.

Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor

Freshman pitcher, Ashley Wright, releases a pitch Feb. 24 at the Bobcat Softball Stadium. Wright will continue to cover for senior pitcher Anne Marie Taylor, who has been sidelined due to a leg injury.

Last Season

all year. The Bobcats had not lost a home contest since Feb. 19, 2012. The team was riding a 14-game homewinning streak coming into this year’s Shootout. “Unfortunately, we can’t go back to last year,” said Coach Ricci Woodard. “We’ve got to move forward and try to get this team on a roll and see if we can get some things going. Whether it’s at home or away right now, I don’t really care. Obviously, I’d like for it to be at home, but we’ve got to do a better job offensively, a better job defensively and a better job pitching.” For the second time this year, the Bobcats have lost five games over a weekend tournament. The other occasion was at the Hilton Houston Plaza Classic the weekend of Feb. 8. Woodard said the team’s biggest need for improvement is in their batting. “We can sit around and make excuses all day long, but at the end of the

day it’s either a win or a loss,” Woodard said. “I think right now this team is buying into our excuses a little bit too much instead of just getting after it.” The Bobcats were outscored 29-11 in the Texas Shootout. They left 45 runners on base in the tournament—the most of any team. The team scored one more run in the entire tournament than Baylor did when it defeated Texas State by the mercy rule Thursday night, 10-2. The mercy rule goes into effect when a team is losing by eight or more runs after the fifth inning. The 11 juniors and seniors that saw action this weekend for the Bobcats combined for a .191 average, three RBI, eight runs, 11 walks, 18 strikeouts, and left 38 stranded on base. “We have some upperclassmen that need to do a better job at the plate,” Woodard said. “If you are a junior or a senior by now, you know you can’t be leaving runners in a scoring position like we are.” The team was able to capture the lead twice in the tournament. The Bobcats had a 1-0 advantage over the University of TexasArlington in extra innings, but gave back the run when junior pitcher Rayn House hit the batter and allowed a bases-loaded run. In the top of the 10th, freshman Kelli Baker hit an RBI on a groundout to bring home junior Timishia North and

give the advantage back to Texas State, 2-1. In the bottom of the 10th UTA responded. Junior third baseman Taylor Zink drove in the game-tying run with a single through the right side of the infield for the Mavericks. The Bobcats were not able to manufacture any runs in the 11th. The Mavericks succeeded in getting runners on base for sophomore infielder Meagan Michele. Michele singled to right center and drove in the game-winning run, defeating Texas State 3-2. “Obviously we like playing here,” said senior first baseman Haley Lemons. “It’s a really nice stadium. We were excited to be at home. It’s where we feel most comfortable and it’s always good to get home games in because we have the support here whether we win or lose.” Texas State was picked by WAC coaches to win the conference in pre-season polls. With a rocky start to the season, Woodard knows that in the coming months, the team must be better. “We have to be better in March and in May,” Woodard said. “That is where we are kind of headed right now. We understand the fact that we are not a very good team right now. My thoughts are that we are making steps in the right direction.” Twitter: @odus_Outputs

MEN’S BASKETBALL

First half burst, leading scorer help defeat Cardinals The Texas State’s men’s basketball team got their first win since January, beating former Southland Conference foe Lamar University 74-61 in the ESPN BracketBusters game to snap a five-game losing streak. Lamar won the Southland Conference tournament last year, earning a spot in March Madness. However, only three teams have a lower winning percentage than the Cardinals this year. The Bobcats ended their losing streak with the help of junior forward Joel Wright, who filled the statistic sheet with 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists, four blocks and two steals. Wright said the team needed the game to get their confidence up. “We didn’t go into the game looking at the record or stats,” Wright said. “We looked at it as an opportunity to work on different parts of our game.” Wright’s performance earned him his second WAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week honor. Wright leads the WAC in conference-only matches with 18.7 points per game and is ranked No. 1 for the season at 17.6 ppg. The match against the Cardinals was his eighth 20-point game. Junior guard Deonte’ Jones added 19 points, all but one of them coming from 3-point territory. Senior forward Matt Staff recorded his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 12 points and collecting 11 rebounds.

“Deonte’ is a big part of this against Nicholls, Lamar junior team,” Wright said. “When he’s forward Amos Wilson recorded hitting his jump shots, we’re a 19 points and seven rebounds and dangerous team. He’s been in a converted all of his foul shots. slump, and I told Phil (Hawkins) For the season, Wilson has averwe needed to get him the ball. aged 8.6 points and 4.5 rebounds When Deonte’ gets hot, he makes per game. Stan Brown added 16 the game easier for everyone.” points and matched a career-high Texas State’s 13-0 run propelled 14 rebounds. the Bobcats to 21-9 early with With four remaining matches, 11:20 left in the first half. Wright Texas State starts a two-game scored the final 8 points of the home stand against Seattle Unihalf for the Bobcats. versity (2-13 in WAC) and UniWith 11:17 left to play, Amos versity of Idaho (5-10 in WAC). Wilson’s layup brought Lamar’s They finish the season on the deficit to eight, 49-41. The Bob- road against Utah State Univercats went on a 17-5 run to es- sity (9-5) and San Jose State Unitablish a 66-46 lead with 5:52 to versity (3-11). Seattle, Idaho and play, the largest lead of the game. San Jose State have three of the Wright scored 11 straight points five worst records in the WAC during that run. and may give Texas State the opLamar managed to commit a portunity to secure a higher seed season low of 12 turnovers. The for the conference tournament. team averaged 18.7 per game with The Bobcats are currently eighth a -7.1 turnover margin coming in out of 10. to the match. “I think this game was a conShooting at 36.1 percent and fidence boost,” Wright said. “I a 16-point deficit in the paint think everyone is ready, and we led the Cardinals to their fourth know what’s at stake. We know straight loss. Lamar shot 22-61 what we have to do, and we know from the floor and was outscored where we stand. I think everyone 38-22 in the paint. just played their role, which is Lamar’s struggles this year good. We win games when everyhave come from beyond the arc. one contributes and plays their The Cardinals are last in the na- game.” tion with 1.7 3 pointers made per Coach Doug Davalos did not game. For the ninth time this sea- return inquiries for interview. son, Lamar was unable to connect from beyond the arc. Lamar shot Twitter: @SamuelRubbelke 0-3 for the game, while Jones made six buckets from beyond the 3-point line. Coming off a caFor Rent/Sale Jobs reer-high 23 points

Star File Photo

Men’s basketball defeated Lamar University Feb. 23 in Beaumont in the team’s first win this month.

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6 | Tuesday February 26, 2013 | The University Star | Sports

BASEBALL

Struggling offense costs Bobcats Houston series nie Hart. All combined had one hit, no runs and three strikeouts. The deciding match went in Houston’s favor after Texas State gave up two runs in the 10th inning. Texas State has now been in as many extrainning games this season (3) as last season but has lost them all. The Bobcats took the lead in the sixth inning when Lovejoy scored on a passed ball. Grist battled back from his loss last weekend with seven and one third innings and gave up two runs on seven hits. Grist struck out seven while walking one. Junior pitcher Hunter Lemke earned his second loss of the season, giving up two runs on four hits, all in the final two innings. Lovejoy and Mattlage enjoyed their best weekends of the young season. Combined, the two had nine hits in 23 at-bats (.391), half of the hits for Texas State through the weekend. They also contributed to two of the team’s eight runs in the series. “More confident? Yes. For sure? No,” answered Lovejoy when asked how he stands in the lineup after a solid weekend at the plate. “(Harrington) says you have to earn stuff around here. Whoever is Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor playing the best should play. That is just how it Sophomore outfielder Brooks Orton slides to home plate Feb. 24 at the Bobcat Baseball Complex. The Bobcats were defeated 4-2 in extra innings. should be.” There have been a lot of changes to the lineup By Jordan Brewer knocking in senior outfielder Morgan total hits from both clubs. Texas State’s since the team’s loss to Baylor UniverAssistant Sports Editor Mickan. Junior catcher Tyler Pearson lone hit came from Lovejoy. added to Lovejoy’s efforts with a run and Houston got its first hit and run in the sity last week. One of last weekend’s Texas State baseball’s conference- a fifth inning RBI while hitting 2-3 from second inning, when third baseman Jona- starters, senior catcher Andrew Stumph, worst .183 batting average continued to the dish. than Davis doubled to right center, bat- saw little action the entire series. He was be a glaring weakness in the weekend Junior pitcher Kyle Finnegan earned ting in first baseman Justin Montemayor. called upon to pinch hit in Sunday’s loss series against the University of Houston. his first win after a no decision last week. The Cougars won 1-0, their second vic- to Houston where he lined out to center The team’s offense came through with He gave up one earned run on three hits tory in their last 10 matchups with the field. “No, nowhere near close,” said Har10 hits Friday night for a 6-1 victory in five innings of work. Finnegan struck Bobcats. against the Cougars. However, the Bob- out nine while walking four. Sophomore pitcher Taylor Black was rington on how near he is to a set lineup. cats only managed eight hits for the rest Freshman pitcher Lucas Humpal came a bright spot in the box score for Texas “Nobody’s job on this team right now is of the weekend and fell back into their of- in relief and pitched three innings while State in his seven and one thirds inning insured. There’s nothing set on this team fensive slump with 1-0 and 4-2 losses on walking one and giving up one hit. Soph- of work. Black gave up one run on one right now.” Saturday and Sunday, respectively. omore pitcher Austen Williams made his hit and three walks and six strikeouts. Twitter: @jbrewer32 “We have a lot of guys hurt,” Coach Ty appearance in the ninth inning to protect The bullpen consisted of seniors Michael Harrington said. “Injuries are not sup- and ultimately seal the game for the Bob- Pitts and Covey Morrow and junior Donposed to be an excuse but the reality is cats. we have some guys out right now. It’s “I always have confidence in (the made our lineup a little bit softer. We bullpen),” said junior pitcher Scott have to get those guys healthy, and the Grist. “When Donnie Hart came in, I guys who are healthy have to play better. had no doubt in my mind that he was The bottom line is we are not offensive going to get that guy out. It doesn’t right now. We are pitching fine and the happen every time, but I always have defense is good enough, but we are not confidence in those guys no matter scoring runs.” what.” The Bobcats used five runs in the first The Bobcats were able to get to two innings to coast to a 6-1 victory in Houston’s ace starter Matt Hernanthe first game. Sophomore designated dez (1-1), who pitched an inning and hitter Cody Lovejoy was 3-4 with an RBI, a third after giving up five earned runs a run and a walk. Lovejoy currently is on five hits. He did not record a strikethe team’s second leading hitter, batting out and walked two batters. .294. The following two games for the BobSophomore shortstop Garrett Mat- cats produced almost polar opposite tlage, who is the team’s leading hitter results. The second game of the series (.296), had an RBI in the second inning, was a pitcher’s duel with only three

TRACK & FIELD

Women bring home first WAC title By Cameron Irvine Sports Editor Texas State women’s track and field has claimed the university’s first WAC Championship. The women took home the indoor track and field championship this past weekend in Albuquerque, N.M., bringing home individual golds and new school records. “It’s definitely special and I definitely can appreciate this event,” said Coach Dana Boone. “It’s really big to our staff. It wouldn’t have mattered what conference we’re in, just our first championship as a staff makes it special.” Senior thrower Kelsey Titzman, junior jumper Danielle Candelaria and freshman pole-vaulter Hannah McWilliams took home gold medals over the weekend, helping the women to a first place finish. Titzman’s 15.60-meter throw was her personal best. Titzman was named women’s field athlete of the year. “(It’s) really super exciting (to win),” Titzman said. “I actually didn’t even know that award existed because it didn’t exist in the Southland Conference. I was really surprised. My mom was crying and just really happy and proud of me. My dad was there too but he’s less emotional.” McWilliams, in her first year of collegiate competition, cleared 3.92 meters. Overall, the Bobcats placed three of the top four pole-vaulters on the women’s side. “It’s real exciting to do this well as a freshman,” McWilliams said. “Getting a ring in my first season is awesome, especially being a part of getting my seniors a ring.” McWilliams was one of only four freshmen who won individual awards in the championships, on the men’s and women’s sides combined. “To handle that pressure and come up with a championship as a freshman is

a true testament to what kind of competitor she is,” Boone said. “A lot of our freshmen stepped up. A job well done to the staff in recruiting.” Boone earned coach of the year honors, her first award as a head coach. “It’s a wonderful feeling and a nice honor, but I truly believe that it’s a group honor,” Boone said. “I’m only as good as my staff, and they have my back.” All the medalists looked to improve almost immediately after winning. Candelaria wanted to “jump a little higher,” McWilliams “wanted to jump 13-feet” and Titzman “really wanted 16 meters.” “I’ve had a lot of injuries, and it’s been a tough season, but this is a perfect way to end it,” Candelaria said. “Hopefully, the momentum will keep going on and everyone will give their best efforts.” On the men’s side, Texas State finished fourth. Sophomore thrower Darian Brown, senior pole-vaulter Logan Cunningham, freshman pole-vaulter Seth Arnold and senior hurdler Timothy Young brought home gold medals. Brown set a Texas State record with a 19.47-meter throw, Cunningham set a new WAC record, clearing 5.53 meters and Young’s 7.82 time in the 60-meter hurdles broke another school record. Overall, the teams took home 20 medals from the tournament. “Logan hasn’t been having the season that he’s wanted all year,” Boone said. “But to come to the conference meet and show up and improve his season best by a foot (proves) he’s always a ‘gamer,’ and now he’s going to nationals.” Texas State will begin the outdoor season at the Texas State Track and Field Complex when the Bobcats host the Texas State Elite on March 23. The WAC outdoor championships will be held in Arlington and hosted by the University of Texas-Arlington from May 8-11.