02 27 2007

AND THE

WINNERS ARE…

THE VICTOR AND THE VANQUISHED

Students host parties to celebrate the Oscars

Texas State steam-rolls TCU in round one of rugby playoffs

SEE TRENDS PAGE 4

SEE SPORTS PAGE 10

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

WWW.UNIVERSITYSTAR.COM

FEBRUARY 27, 2007

TUESDAY

VOLUME 96, ISSUE 59

Communication Week hosts one of first black students

By Jeffrey Hooten The University Star Helen Franks was one of the first five black women to enroll in Southwest Texas State College in 1963.

The women began attending classes that year, after Dana Smith Parnell won a law suit mandating integration of the college.

Franks opened the 19th annual Communication Week with a presentation Monday.

The presentation was given in interview format with Kyle Morris, Associated Student Government president and economics senior. Morris delivered questions to Franks about her expe-

riences at the college upon her arrival.

“I didn’t know what I was going to face when I got here,” Franks said to an audience in Centennial Hall. “I was very frightened.”

Franks said as a young person transferring from then all-black Huston-Tillotson College, she lacked a complete grasp of the historical significance of her enrollment at the time.

Franks said the true motivation for her transfer did not extend past her desire for an education.

“Being young, I didn’t really know (the importance of) what I was doing at the time, but as time went by I realized that I was opening doors for others,”

Franks said.

During the presentation, Franks outlined some of the difficulties she faced after enrolling at Southwest Texas State College — including not being allowed to eat in the cafeteria with other students — and her personal efforts to overcome these challenges.

Franks discussed both the progress made toward racial equality at Texas State and the work left to be done.

“I feel that things with the students have come a long way, but we’ve got a long way to go,” Franks said. “Until more African Americans are in administrative and teaching positions (equality cannot be considered com-

plete).”

Franks urged students to take the initiative toward positive social change by being actively involved in their community.

“Up until you can love one another and respect one another, things will remain how they are, but first you must love yourself,” she said.

The event occurred during one of Marvin Love’s public speaking classes. Students from the class introduced and thanked Franks and Morris.

Love, communication studies senior lecturer, said he was very pleased with the presentation.

“It exceeded my hopes,” Love said.

Engineering Day

Kyle high school students catch a glimpse of possible future

By Alex Hering The University Star

Amidst marshmallows and raw spaghetti, 17 high school students from Kyle learned a valuable lesson.

The group, mostly freshmen, was asked to participate in activities such as the design and construction of towers using the fluffy confection and raw spaghetti noodles. Their results were judged in a competition at the first annual Engineering Day at Texas State, which marked the end of National Engineering Week.

The Bruce and Gloria Ingram School of Engineering, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Institute of Industrial Engineers and representatives from the Houston-Louis Strokes Alliance for Minority Participation were all present Saturday at the Roy F. Mitte Technology and Physics Building to welcome the participants with advice about the importance of a career in engineering and continuing education.

Susan Romanella, director of the minority participation scholarship program, said some of the students were turned off to math in the past. She said their teachers hoped this would be an opportunity to inspire the students to continue working hard in school and concentrate on math and science in particular.

“This is specifically focused for students who are interested in engineering and technology, and a lot students in the Houston-Louis Strokes Alliance scholarship program are engineering and technology students,” Romanella said. “Most of them are here helping today. They are role models and mentors for upand-coming students to encourage them to go on beyond high school.”

Abby Hernandez, a math teacher at Lehman High School, said most of the students had Jon Clark/Star photo never seen the campus and DOMO ARIGATO: A group of high school students watch as mechanical arms perform the task hoped Engineering Day would of picking up and moving objects during Engineering Day, held at the Roy F. Mitte Technology and Physics Building Saturday.

See ENGINEERING, page 3

Jeannie Yamakawa/Star photo BREAKING BARRIERS: Helen Franks, one of the first blacks to attend Southwest Texas State College, speaks with Traci Stevens, communication studies sophomore, after her discussion Monday afternoon in Centennial Hall.

ASG discusses graduation study, campus developments

By Paul Rangel The University Star

Pleasant Street. Instead, planning will begin for a Matthews Street garage that could hold about 1,000 spaces.

Another topic discussed was the American Association of State Colleges and Universities choosing Texas State for a study on the Hispanic/Latino graduation rate versus the Anglo rate.

“We are one of 11 schools selected,” Smith said. “They will be on campus for the next two days to see what we’re doing to keep that up. We are very honored to be part of this.”

Information pertaining to the “Pass Through Finance Agreement” passed in an earlier meeting came up Monday as well. A public hearing held by the Hays County Commissioner’s Court will be made March 8 as to whether Ranch Road 12 needs to be expanded.

“There is a possibility that this may go to a referendum vote in May,” said Sam McCabe, executive cabinet member. “I want to see how many students we can get together — people that have lived on Ranch Road

The Associated Student Government’s meeting Monday began with updates presented by Joanne Smith, vice president for student affairs, in which she discussed bids for the Student Recreation Center expansion coming back higher than expected.

“At this point we’ve gone through and looked at some things that we basically had to take out,” Smith said. “We are re-bidding the project and hope that we will get a more favorable bid.”

If the bids come back lower, the project will be taken to the Texas State University System Board of Regents meeting in the hope that it will be approved, she said. If approved, construction should be seen in the summer.

Other development to be seen on campus is the Speck Street Parking Garage, which was recently approved for construction. Groundbreaking for the garage should take place after Spring Break. However, a garage will not be built on

See ASG, page 3

Student Justice won’t consider petition against drug charges

By Alex Hering The University Star

“(Ismael Amaya, student development specialist) called and he told me that the decision about the possibility that I could finish the semester was no longer a possibility,” Bennett said.

“He told my father that I could stay the semester, so I didn’t withdraw.”

Although it is likely Bennett will not be able to remain a student, he received much support from students.

“I received over 500 signatures in the end,” Bennett said, who petitioned in The Quad

The Texas State freshman who petitioned last week in The Quad to remain in school is awaiting possible expulsion.

Winston Bennett, chemistry freshman, said he “just wants to stay” at Texas State after being arrested twice this month for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

Bennett said Student Justice had told his father that he would be able to finish the semester so Bennett decided not to withdraw because of that possibility.

See PETITION, page 3

Sen. Obama’s Austin appearance stirs up crowd of about 20,000

By Maira Garcia The University Star AUSTIN — Rain couldn’t stop Obama fever Friday.

Speaking to an audience of approximately 20,000 at Auditorium Shores on Town Lake, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., highlighted issues at the center of his campaign for the White House in 2008. The event, which was originally scheduled to take place at the University of Texas, was moved to Auditorium Shores because of increased interest in

onlineconnection To listen to Barack Obama’s speech at Austin’s Auditorium Shores Friday visit www.UniversityStar.com. the event.

People lined the sideSen. Obama walks to enter at 12:30 p.m., while volunteers greeted them with free campaign signs and T-shirts and buttons for sale. Parisa Fatehi, a UT law student introduced Obama.

Today’s Weather

Partly Cloudy 81˚/58˚

Precipitation: 10% Humidity: 48% UV: 7 High Wind: SSE 12 mph

He took the stage after 3 p.m.

Fatehi, who volunteers to help Hurricane Katrina victims, said she was selected to introduce Obama because they wanted someone who was a community organizer such a he was.

“I’ve been involved with Texans for Obama and I’m a grad-

Two-day Forecast Wednesday Cloudy Temp: 77°/61° Precip: 10%

Thursday Partly Cloudy Temp: 76°/42° Precip: 10%

uate student here, so my name got passed up and I guess they wanted me to speak to introduce him,” she said. “It was very exciting. I mean, obviously he is easy to get excited about.”

Tie-less with a dark sports coat, slacks and a white shirt, Obama walked down a catwalk to

a raised platform where people cheered, screamed his name and held up “Obama ‘08” signs — all as Gary Glitter’s “Rock and Roll (Part 2)” played.

Light rain began to fall as Obama began his speech, in which he described the essence of his campaign: change.

“We are gathered here in this place because the entire nation understands that we are at a crossroads,” he said. “We are at a crossroads internationally.

We are at a crossroads domestically.”

The majority of Obama’s speech concentrated on ending the war in Iraq, bringing the nation together and regaining allies internationally.

“We have to make sure, absolutely sure, that the strength of our military is matched with the power of our diplomacy and the power of our alliances,” he said.

“We have failed in doing that. It is time to bring our young men and women home.”

Albert Christian, UT petro-

Inside News ..............1-3 Trends .............4-6 Crossword ......... 6 Sudoku .............. 6

Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System

Comics .............. 6 Opinions ............ 7 Classifieds ......... 8 Sports ........... 9,10

See OBAMA, page 3

To Contact Trinity Building Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708 www.UniversityStar.com © 2007 The University Star

PAGE TWO Wednesday in Brief

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

starsof texas state

Jesús F. DeLaTeja was appointed Texas State Historian

by Gov. Rick Perry. DeLaTeja is a history professor and chair of the department.

He previously served as director of archives and records at the Texas General Land Office where he assisted novelist James A. Michener with research.

De la Teja received a bachelor’s degree in political sci-

ence from Seton Hall University and a doctoral degree in history from the University of Texas.

De la Teja is a member of the East Texas Historical Association, the Western History Association and the Texas Institute of Letters. He also serves as president of the Texas State Historical Association.

—Courtesy of Currents

News Contact — Nick Georgiou, starnews@txstate.edu Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System

WEDNESDAY The Philosophy Dialogue series presents, “Politics, Media, and the Bandwagon Effect,” 1 p.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132.

Attend a one-hour orientation and training session and learn to use the Freeze-Framer biofeedback program to reduce the negative effects of stress. A session will be start at 1 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 3-11.1. For additional information, call Annie at (512) 245-2208.

A student-led rosary will be prayed at 6:25 p.m. in the chapel of the Catholic Student Center.

The Earth First Organization will hold its weekly meeting 4 p.m. in Evan Liberal Arts, Room 314. For more information, e-mail Bogan Durr at bd1132@txstate.edu.

The Tennis Club will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the tennis courts on Sessom Drive, behind Joe’s Crab Shack. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, e-mail Chris Harris, tennis club president, at ch1282@txstate.edu.

The Alcohol and Drug Resource Center will hold The Network meeting 5 to 7 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 3-6.1.

THURSDAY The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents, “Too plugged in? Media Manipulation and Freak Show Politics,” 11 a.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132 The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents, “Power, Politics and the Media: A Dialogue,” with special guest Dr. Yaron Brook, director of the

Ayn Rand Institute at 3:30 p.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132.

Above the net

CRIME BL TTER University Police Department

The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents, “Power, Politics, and the Media,” a panel discussion with special guests Senator Robert Krueger and Dr. Yaron Brook, director of the Ayn Rand Institute at 6:30 p.m. in Evan Liberal Arts, Room 116.

Feb. 16, 3:08 p.m.

Warrant Service/POM/ PODP/San Marcos Hall An officer was dispatched to serve a warrant. A student was found in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and issued a citation. The student was arrested and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration.

The Catholic Student Organization will meet 6:30 p.m. in the CSC lounge.

Feb. 20, 10:33 p.m.

Information Report/Comanche Hills An officer was dispatched for a report of suspicious circumstances. A student reported someone had been in her apartment while she was away. A report was made of this case.

The Stations of the Cross will be at 6 p.m. in the CSC chapel.

The Rock - Praise & Worship will be at 7:30 p.m. in the CSC chapel.

Meditation and contemplation will be from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Campus Christian Community Center. For more information, e-mail Micah Robbins at mr1235@txstate.edu or call (512) 878-2036.

Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society will hold a poetry and fiction open reading 5 to 7 p.m. in Flowers Hall, Room 108. Pizza will be provided.

Everyone is welcome.

Overeaters Anonymous will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland St. For more information, call (512) 3572049.

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will meet at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, Room 320. There will be contemporary worship, relevant teaching and prayer.

Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call (512) 557-7988 or e-mail mail@texasstatechialpha.com.

Danny Rodriguez/Star photo Aytan Leibowitz, undecided sophomore, spikes a ball while practicing hitting drills in Jowers Center during his intermediate volleyball physical fitness and wellness class Tuesday afternoon.

February 21, 12:08 a.m.

Property-Lost/Stolen/UPD Lobby An officer was dispatched to the lobby for a theft report.

A student stated an item had been taken at Alkek Library without consent. A report was made of this case.

Project researches Latino presence in media Federico Subervi grew up in Puerto Rico, admiring the writers of the fourth estate — dogged journalists who promoted social justice and exposed corruption by authoring critical articles.

However, after viewing the listless personal lives of journalists and staff when working at a Puerto Rican newspaper following graduation from the University of Puerto Rico, a career change in academia sounded more rewarding.

“The folks at the newspaper had a routine of cards and dominoes,” Subervi said. “They weren’t too involved in creative opportunities that I could see and I had this urge to know what was going in the world. Puerto Rican images weren’t altogether positive and I wanted to know why.”

Subervi, professor in the

school of journalism and mass communication, teaches courses in Latinos and media. He also directs the Latinos and Media Project, a site dedicated to the dissemination of research and resources pertaining to Latinos and the media.

“The project-research and teaching I do is important because developing a positive identity is core to success in life,” Subervi said. “Images of Latinos aren’t often positive in the media, so the predominant life of the majority of Latinos gets left behind.

I want to know how we get more representative in these issues.”

Since the early 1980s, he has been conducting research, publishing and teaching on the subject and since the early 1990s, developing his findings from the Latinos and Media Project. Su-

bervi directs two research projects regarding the diversity of Latino-oriented media voices in Central Texas.

One project funded by a $30,000 grant from the Ford Foundation focuses on the characteristics, including local news content, of Latino-oriented print media in Central Texas. The Social Science Council is funding the second research initiative with a $7,500 award, probing the diversity of Latino-oriented Spanish language broadcast media in Central Texas.

“It’s really interesting coming into this and realizing that many of the newspapers aren’t producing local news and informing their communities,” said Genevee Varela, public administration graduate student and research assistant for the Latinos and Me-

dia Project.

Preliminary research indicates concentration of media ownership has stifled the diversity of voices in political, social and cultural contexts. Furthermore, the Latino-oriented radio stations studied don’t carry local news, resulting in a disconnect on the regional level.

“This is a product of the conglomeration of corporate interests and the Federal Communications Commission’s rules of recent years,” Subervi said.

“We are trying to assess to what extent it has had a social and cultural effect.”

For more information, visit the home page of the Latinos and Media Project at: www.latinosandmedia.org/index.html.

—Courtesy of Public Relations

Sea turtles caught, released in Gulf Coast ASG Beat AUSTIN — About 90 green sea turtles that washed up on South Texas beaches stunned by cold weather in January were transported Feb. 20 to 21 by truck from fish hatchery and aquarium facilities in Corpus Christi to the Port Isabel area and released back into the wild in the Lower Laguna Madre.

On Jan. 23, about 50 sea turtles arrived at the Gulf Coast Conservation Association Central Power and Light Marine Development Center fish hatchery operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Flour Bluff, just outside Corpus Christi on the way to Padre Island. The following day, about 40 more turtles were taken to the Texas State Aquarium near downtown Corpus Christi.

A sudden drop in water temperature caused by an arctic cold front had stunned the turtles. Scientists

and volunteers with Sea Turtle, Inc. in South Padre Island rescued turtles that began washing up on area beaches, but the numbers quickly overflowed the facility.

Biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Padre Island National Seashore and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helped transport many of the turtles to larger facilities in the Corpus Christi area. The team used fish hatchery trucks hauling trailers with water live-wells, typically used for stocking redfish and trout into coastal bays, as well as SUVs carrying turtles wrapped in blankets.

In the weeks since their rescue, the turtles were cared for and fed in warm indoor tanks and aquarium facilities and were finally ready to return to the wild.

Early Feb. 20, Texas Parks and

Wildlife biologists and technicians loaded about 50 turtles into live-well trailers at the marine development center. The next day, staff and volunteers transported turtles from the Texas State Aquarium to Port Isabel.

Both days, the turtles were transferred to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s research vessel in Trinity Bay, taken out in the afternoon and released in the Intracoastal Waterway a few miles north of the Queen Isabella causeway, an area from which the turtles could readily access intracoastal bay seagrass habitat. Colley’s Fins to Feathers tour boat service volunteered to take news reporters and photographers out to see the turtle release.

—Courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife

ASG seeking students to serve on election commission The Associated Student Government is the official voice of the students at Texas State University. The meetings are open to the public and held every 7 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center, Room 3-14.1 Monday nights. To address the Senate, come prepared to speak during our Public Forum.

Any interest in being a guest speaker should be directed to Amanda Oskey, the vice president.

ASG is currently looking for people interested in serving on the election commission. It is paid positions through the student government. In order to qualify you cannot be on the ballot for this coming election.

Contact the ASG office if you are interested in applying.

ASG is in full support of Bobcat Athletics and the necessary actions to take Bobcat football to a Football Bowl Division. With

overwhelming support from the students, alumni and community leaders, a clear vision of where athletics could be is forming.

Do not forget to turn in your ASG Scholarship applications by 5 p.m. on March 1.

There is $280,000 to be awarded, so turn in applications today! Applications are available on the ASG Web site and should be submitted to the ASG office in the LBJSC, Room 4-5.1.

Last Friday, members of the ASG Graduate House of Representatives showed unanimous support upon the first reading of a resolution in favor of the upcoming student referendum, which is designed to allow better participation in ASG elections for student body president. The Graduate House of Representatives meets at 1 p.m. every other Friday in the LBJSC, Room 3-12.1. Graduate students are encouraged to attend. The next meeting will take place March 5.

—Courtesy of ASG

NEWS

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Chinese Celebration

The University Star - Page 3

OBAMA

CONTINUED from page 1

leum engineering junior, an exchange student from France who volunteered at the event, said Obama has become very popular in Europe.

“He has become a real pillar in U.S. and world politics,” Christian said. “A lot of people can relate to him and I think he is really going to be a good candidate and inspiring.”

Obama said his motivation for running for president is to

capitalize on people’s desire for change.

“My life is pretty good right now,” he said. “I’ve got a pretty good job. I’m getting enough attention, but we decided it was a unique moment in time, where if we were able to help galvanize a movement for change, that the American people are ready to be awakened.”

When Obama finished speaking, some people crowded around the catwalk for a glimpse or autograph. As he retreated,

PETITION: Community

college an option if Texas State expells student CONTINUED from page 1 Cotton Miller/Star photo An evening with traditional Asian dance, clothing and food was held in the LBJ Ballroom Friday night in celebration of the Chinese New Year. For more pictures of the Asian Student Association’s Lunar New Year celebration, log on to www.UniversityStar.com.

ENGINEERING: Group given full tour of Roy F. Mitte Technology and Physics Building CONTINUED from page 1

give the students a chance to see something different.

“It’s actually good for the students to meet other students to serve as teachers to them,” Hernandez said. “They can see what they have the potential to be. When we were walking up I asked how many of the kids have seen the campus before — about 5 of them raised their hands. It’s a big deal for them to see what this is about.”

She said the students were happy to give up there Saturday to learn something new.

“A lot of them have other obligations and gave up there Saturday afternoon to be here, which is great,” she said. “These are students who are very dedicated and hardworking.”

The students also enjoyed the company of Angelo Cordero, a biomedical engineer from Mountain View, who spoke to the students about his job as a project

manager. He said a little encouragement makes a big difference in the lives of young students.

“It makes a huge difference because you get a lot of competing messages especially at this age,” Cordero said. “For them to hear the importance of education and college, and especially an engineering education, is good. To hear it enough times, it could make a difference.”

The students also had a tour of the Roy F. Mitte Technology and Physics Building with William Pool, engineering and technology senior lecturer, where they had the opportunity to see the inside of the foundry, the metal work room and the assembly processing room.

Edward Hernandez, a senior at Lehman High, said he is considering coming to Texas State when he graduates in the spring.

He is thinking about attending the University of Texas, as well.

Hernandez opened his mind to college when he enrolled in an

engineering graphics class at Lehman High. Hernandez’s inspiration came from his mother who he said worked hard for his success.

“I think that’s what I’m going to be — an engineer,” he said.

“I like designing things and I will find out more about (Texas State) after this. I just want to pay my mom back for everything she has done for me. I would be the first in my family to (go to college). She has worked so hard to support me and I just want to pay her back for that. I want to stay close to home because I wouldn’t be used to it — I need family around me.”

Hernandez, who is also researching technical schools, said he found himself agreeing with most of the topics Cordero talked about.

“I agreed with (Cordero) about people making excuses for not going to school like ‘my family doesn’t have money,’ but that really isn’t anything.”

Tuesday. “(Student Justice) said that it was only hurting me and that it was only bringing attention to myself and would only hamper any chances.”

Amaya said the decisions of Student Justice are based entirely on the facts of the case, and although students have a right to petition, it did not have any effect on the decision.

Bennett said he was given the option of withdrawing or expulsion, but said he would rather stay as long as possible.

“I feel like if the appeals process is the only way I can stay here through the semester, that’s what I’m going to do,” Bennett said. “I’m adamant about staying here. The situation looks bleak to say the least.”

Amaya said the decision to withdraw is entirely up to the student.

“Expulsion is an administrative decision — a student can always withdraw,” Amaya said. “It would depend on the institution looking at (a transcript); typically it is (negative) because it is an administrative decision.”

Bennett said Student Justice did not tell him if he would be able to return to the university. “(Student Justice) never made mention of returning,” Bennett said. “I know there are plenty of opportunities out there but I just want to stay here.”

The administrator with the final say on appeals, Joanne Smith, vice president of student

affairs, said her office must follow certain guidelines.

“We have rules that we have to follow like the regents’ rules,” Smith said. “In any situation we will make sure we are following the rules prescribed. What are the rules governing the situation, what are the circumstances around the situation, is there something different like new information than what the rules indicate that we would have to do differently? Then, I rule on the decision.”

Amaya said there are also different facets taken into account when deciding on a case. “(We) look at the allegations, the circumstances; we also look at what the student is involved in, the contributions to campus, but that’s not what makes the decision,” Amaya said. “Those things are only taken into consideration. For the most part we are just looking at the facts of the case.”

A representative from undergraduate admissions said other options available to Bennett include a two-year institution like Austin Community College that has an “open door policy,” or a private institution.

Although Bennett said he was not receiving financial aid at the time of his convictions, student aid would be suspended until two years after the date of the last conviction or until the student completes “an acceptable drug rehabilitation program,” according to the Free Application for Financial Student Aid Web site.

others ran toward the backstage fence, screaming his name in an effort to get his attention.

Beatriz Santillan, UT biochemistry senior, volunteered at the event because she said it would be a great opportunity to see a political figure getting attention and drawing excitement.

“It’s good to see people excited over a political candidate,” Santillan said. “It’s exciting to see people excited about the political process.”

ASG CONTINUED from page 1

12 and those who have seen the traffic issues — and testify to the County Commissioner’s Court.”

McCabe, mathematics sophomore, said the county would like to improve all of Ranch Road 12, but the Texas Department of Transportation will only fund $157 million. After the Commissioner’s Court puts language to the project, the future of Ranch Road 12 will be known, he said.

In other news, nominees for open Senate seats introduced themselves to Senators and advisers at the meeting. Melanie Aranda, political science senior, and Kristi Detweiler, political science junior, both presented an interest in making a positive influence on the university.

During questions for nominees, Student Sen. Sarah Stone voiced concern over Detweiler’s nomination.

“How do you expect to make a positive influence when there is a picture of you drinking and driving on Facebook?” Stone said.

Detweiler said there was not a picture of her on the social networking Web site drinking and driving. She said she would go on the Web site that night and make sure the picture was not there.

At the time of the meeting, there was a picture on Facebook of Detweiler holding an alcoholic beverage while in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

Detweiler sent an e-mail to Senators after the meeting saying she took the picture down and she does not drink and drive.

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

releasesof the week Try Me One More Time — David Bromberg

music

Wow: Formative Years and M.F Horn 4 & 5 — Live at Jimmy’s — Maynard Ferguson

Stranger Than Fiction — Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal (PG-13)

dvd

A Good Year —Freddie Highmore, Russell Crowe (PG13)

All My Life — Billy Joel The Pursuit of Happyness — Will Smith, Jaden Smith (PG-13)

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - Page 4

Trends Contact — Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Restaurant brings free food, charity benefits

By Jessica Sinn The University Star As the Texas Roadhouse management team sets up shop in San Marcos, it plans to give back to the community by serving up a veritable smorgasbord of steaks, ribs and side dishes to local firefighters.

During training week, the restaurant’s cooks, meat cutters and kitchen crewmembers prepared hot meals to be donated to San Marcos and Hays County firefighters. The steakhouse officially opened its doors Monday.

Managing Partner Paul Zimmer said instead of paying for mass-market advertising, he would rather build a solid foundation in San Marcos by getting involved in community events and supporting local charities.

“We are our own store marketer,” Zimmer said.

“We’re going to get involved with the community by building relationships with each individual store, instead of going around and doing blanketadvertising.”

The pre-opening events featured “VIP nights,” where trainees served free meals to their friends, families and to San Marcos community members.

Zimmer said the events were devised to raise money for Always Wanted a Riding Experience, a local nonprofit organization providing therapeutic horseback riding for adults and children with physical and mental disabilities.

“When the people with invitations come in, they get a great meal,” Zimmer said. “Their meals are free, but we’re looking to get a bigger tip than normal out of them because all the tips we collect are going to the A.W.A.R.E. foundation here in San Marcos.”

Zimmer said in addition to raising money for the foundation, the Texas Roadhouse management team plans to set down roots in San Marcos by reaching out to local firefighters. Over $4,000 worth of food was donated during training week.

Zimmer said local firefighters have shown positive responses to the food donations.

GOOD EATS: Texas Roadhouse staff prepares food for friends and family Saturday evening during training for the restaurant’s opening.

Karen Wang/ Star photo

“The fire stations here and around town are loving it,” Zimmer said. “They all came by, took a tour through the restaurant, had fun with the staff and gave them all high-fives as they walked through here. We just loaded them up with food, which allowed us not to waste it.”

Len Nored, San Marcos Fire Rescue assistant chief, said the restaurant handed out generous portions of fresh, hot entrees.

“I wasn’t here, but the guys were just telling me

it was pretty much all they could eat, and they went on and on about how good it was,” Nored said. “I’m looking forward to the official opening.”

Nored said the food donations allowed firefighters to take a break from eating their usual brownbag lunches and reheated leftovers.

“They don’t get to go home at night and eat dinner with their families,” Nored said. “They’re here for 24 hours, and in a lot of cases they’ll bring food with them and microwave it, or occasionally they’ll

go out to a restaurant. It’s nice to have somebody cook something for you — it’s a good thing.”

Nored said the firefighters were happy to participate in the training process, and didn’t have any hesitations about eating food prepared by trainees.

“I think it’s a win-win deal,” Nored said. “They’re trying to get better at their cooking and our guys certainly enjoy having something new to eat for a change.”

Academy Award celebrations San Marcos style

By Hayley Kappes The University Star Whether it’s for the red carpet fashions, celebrities or catching a glimpse of the year’s best movies, the Oscars are an excuse for people to congregate in celebration of film.

Megan Titus, history senior, hosted her first Oscar shindig.

However, she said she has been gathering with friends for the past three years to watch the telecast.

“It’s always fun to get a group of friends together to watch TV. For some, it’s football or baseball, but for me it’s the Oscars,” Titus said. “Getting to see all of the movies and compare opinions with my friends is my favorite part, but the red carpet fashion is fun, too.”

Titus had guests predict who

the winners would be in each starred in Little Miss Sunshine, category. Partygoers filled out a would win for best actress in a ballot and placed $5 in a pot, and supporting role. at the end of the show whomever “Everyone can get really comguessed the petitive, and it’s most correct a lot of fun to winners won watch even if you the cash. haven’t seen the “It’s always movies,” Blasko fun because said. “I really like you don’t have watching the red to be a movie carpet and seeexpert to get ing all the beauexcited about tiful dresses.” whether or Ryan Simon— Aimee Blasko son, University not your picks win,” Titus psychology junior of Texas senior, said. “After a said he wasn’t incertain point, terested in being it’s mostly based on luck because competitive on Oscar night. He no one sees the foreign films or said Oscar night meant having a all of the documentaries.” relaxing evening with a couple of Aimee Blasko, psychology ju- friends and some takeout. nior, attended Titus’ party and “I love how this year the Oscars was hoping Abigail Breslin, who went international,” Simonson

“I

really like watching the red carpet and seeing all the beautiful dresses.”

said. “A lot of people are fatalist when it comes to Hollywood, but I think it’s becoming more progressive with films that provide social commentary. A lot of independent and foreign movies were recognized.”

Simonson said he was happy Martin Scorsese’s The Departed took home best picture, but believes films such as Pan’s Labyrinth and Babel did not get as much recognition as they deserved.

Titus said she believes people have different reasons for watching the Academy Awards, but that it all come-down to one thing.

“Some want to know what movies are worth watching, some want to see the newest fashions and some people love film,” she said. “It comes down to entertainment no matter how you look at it.”

Bridgette Cyr/Star photo CHECKING THE BALLOT: Aimee Blasko, psychology junior, counts her winning votes Sunday at a party thrown for the 79th Annual Academy Awards.

TRENDS

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

The University Star - Page 5

Preparation the most important part of a road trip

By Lauren Davis The University Star If flying is not an option this Spring Break, and driving will be the way to escape for a week of relaxation, pre-planning a road trip could save headaches down the road.

To prevent car troubles on the way, Bill Powell, information specialist for the Texas Department of Transportation, said he advises students to check the tires for wear and tear and proper inflation.

“If a tire or tire’s treads are worn to the point a penny inserted between the treads shows Lincoln’s head, then have the tire checked to be sure it won’t leave you stranded by the side of the road,” Powell said.

He said to make sure your engine is running well and has no obvious odd sounds or noise coming from under the hood.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, plan in advance and make reservations. According to Greg Duncan, Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake Manager, it is best to make a reservation and guarantee a certain room type in advance. He said when traveling on Spring Break, especially to places such as Daytona Beach and other Spring Break spots, it is best to make reservations two to three months in advance.

“You will receive cheaper rates and guarantee the room type you want when you book a hotel room early on,” Duncan said.

Even if the outdoors are more your style, reservations are still necessary at some campsites, according to Sam Breadner, mass

communication junior. Breadner works at the Outdoor Recreation Center and has traveled to places such as Big Bend, Canada, Georgia, Alaska and Oregon.

“Plan ahead and make sure camp sites are available before leaving on your trip,” said Breadner.

However, the most important part of planning a road trip is choosing your travel buddies according to Cortnie Jones, a recreation graduate student who also works at the Outdoor Recreation Center. She said the mix of people and how well they mesh together will set the atmosphere and tone for the entire trip.

“I think the best combination of personalities would be: a crazyfun-adventurous person to get you into trouble, someone who knows a lot about where you are going and possibly knows people there, someone with a great music collection who also happens to be good at navigating and one motherly-type to give sound advice when things get out of hand,” Jones said.

Breadner said music is essential when you’re cooped up in a car for a long time.

“As for passing time in the car, music was something that was important,” Breadner said. “On all the road trips that I have been on, there has most definitely been some singing going on.”

Road trip recommendations The Texas Department of Transportation has rest areas located throughout the state for travelers needing a driving break. They also provide wireless Internet with free access to travel, weather and safety information.

To fight fatigue on the road, TXDoT recommends: • Get a good nights rest before you leave on your trip.

• Schedule regular stops or change driver every two hours.

• Drive a maximum of eight to ten hours a day.

• Allow fresh air from outside to circulate. Carbon monoxide can build up in car cabins and accelerate fatigue.

• Avoid driving late at night.

• Avoid alcohol and sedating medications.

• Get off the road if you hit the shoulder rumble strip. It means you are losing alertness.

—Courtesy of www.txdot.gov

✯FYI Fuel costs: www.fuelcostcalculator.com Road conditions: 204.64.21.201/ travel/road_conditions2.htm

Facebook group plans San Francisco trip on shoestring budget

By Laura Jamison The University Star Bound for golden gates and the eerie darkness of Alcatraz, five students plotted and planned a way to San Francisco that would fit their budget.

They even have their own Facebook group, “San Fran or Bust,” created by Stephanie Henderson, family and child development junior. The group left Friday on a plane out of Houston and came back Monday morning. Allen Westmoreland, industrial engineering

junior, said they wanted to keep it cheap.

“We just wanted to go somewhere that had cheap tickets and public transportation because we did not want to rent a car,” Westmoreland said. “So we are taking Continental Airlines and going to San Francisco.”

Henderson said they wanted to go somewhere fun and a place no group members had ever been before, but they really did not care where or when.

“We asked other people if they wanted to go and they thought it was dumb,” Henderson said.

Westmoreland said having an open mind is crucial when planning a trip.

“Be flexible,” he said. “Spontaneity is important when you are in college because there is not much other time to do it.”

They bought their plane tickets last October, which amounted to $254 each.

“Definitely plan early and buy a guidebook,” Henderson said.

The group saved money by staying in a hostel and using public transportation to get around.

“We are staying in a hostel

for $20 a night. They have communal baths and there are three girls to a room. We also have bunk beds and lockers,” Henderson said.

Henderson said that in order to stay in the hostel you have to meet certain specifications.

“If you want to stay in the hostel you have to show that you are not from California and you are a student. It’s harder to stay there if you don’t have that stuff,” Henderson said.

Prior to the trip, the group had not stayed in a hostel.

“We have never stayed in one

yet. But we are open to new things,” Henderson said.

They planned a nighttime boat ride to Alcatraz, the infamous federal penitentiary, and a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Henderson encouraged other students organizing a trip to utilize www.tripadvisor.com, a site that helps with travel plans.

“They will put you in a hostel and on the site people tell you about the place you are going to and what it is like. They also have other budget-things to do,” Henderson said.

Kye Lee, Spanish senior, said

students should try to become frequent flyers.

“I am a frequent flyer member with Delta and American Airlines and they send me exclusive discounted deals. They e-mail it to you,” Lee said.

✯FYI For deals on student travel and tips on how to make a vacation worthwhile, visit www.studentuniverse.com and www.mytravelguide.com.

Page 6 - The University Star

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Slam poets compete for team membership

By Michael Lee Gardin The University Star Words will come alive as lyricists speak their minds at this year’s campus poetry slam.

The Student Association for Campus Activities is hosting a poetry slam 7 p.m. Tuesday at the LBJ Amphitheatre, where artists will have the opportunity to share their thoughts through poetic expression. This open-themed event features various students who will have three minutes to impress five judges. The judges will be randomly selected from the audience. The top four performers will make up the new Texas State Poetry Slam Team.

Tim Swain, communication studies junior, is a member of the

current Texas State Poetry Slam Team and will perform in the event. Swain said he believes the event will be an inspiring one.

“The audience should expect a surplus of creativity,” Swain said.

“Get ready to be taken on an emotional journey.”

Swain said he hopes the audience will gather new insight on writing and performing.

“I hope the people can walk away with an understanding of the significance and power behind writing and sharing your voice with others,” he said.

Adam Cervantez, history senior, is coordinating the poetry slam. Cervantez said this year’s event will be moved outdoors to create a causal atmosphere.

“I am taking it out of the LBJ

Teaching Theater and I am putting it in the amphitheatre,” Cervantez said. “It is going to be an outdoor environment. The audience members are going to be able to relax and enjoy themselves. It is going to be a really laidback atmosphere.”

Audience interaction is a key element involved in poetry slams.

Cervantez said he hopes a lively crowd will attend the event.

“I hope that those people with increased energy will actually spread their energy,” he said.

Cervantez said the event will follow the Poetry Slam Association guidelines. Performers must limit their acts to three minutes and the highest and lowest scores for each performer will be dropped.

Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains every digit from one through nine inclusively.

Thursday’s solutions:

© Pappocom

Thursday’s solution:

OPINIONS M FANATICAL CAT FIGHT onlineconnection

THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Chris Stacy and Rick LaFavers have followed David Bailiff to Rice University, making them the fifth and sixth staff members to join the former head coach in Houston. What do these departures mean to the football program? Go to www.UniversityStar.com to vote in our online poll. Results will be published in Thursday’s issue of The University Star.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007, Page 7

*This is not a scientific poll

Opinions Contact — Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

embers of the athletic department aired their opinions about the Web site www.BobcatFans. com in Thursday’s University Star.

The athletic department showed they are split on their opinion of the site and the publication associated with it.

The article also opened up discussion, on and off the site, about BobcatFans.com and BobcatFans magazine in the Texas State community.

Members of The Associated Student Government have written a resolution titled “In Support of BobcatFans.com.”

As of this writing, ASG has refused to supply The Star with a copy of the resolution.

An important issue brought to light in the article is BobcatFans’ Rick Koch claiming those associated with the site have been denied media credentials because the site hosts a message board.

In fact, Ron Mears, director of sports information, said BobcatFans magazine requested and was granted media passes to home games during the 2006 football season. Mears said the athletic department supplied the magazine with two passes, one for a reporter and one for a photographer, upon request at Texas State home games. Mears said only one of those passes was used.

This casts both the publication and the Web site in a bad light. It also lends credence to some officials’ claims that the site is overly negative and harmful to the program. If those who run the site and the magazine aren’t willing to take advantage of opportunities offered by the athletic department, then go complaining to The Star, they don’t have much of a leg to stand on.

On the other hand, the athletic department needs to come to terms with the Web site. Schools with major athletic programs have fan-based sites where students and alumni go to complain about the program. They don’t all have a companion magazine claiming girls with bare midriffs are the school’s greatest resource, but they exist.

Football Coach Brad Wright made a good point in Thursday’s article, saying he doesn’t like the concept of anonymous postings. That’s a reasonable gripe, and some on the site responded by signing their names when they posted.

The long and short of it is the athletic department needs to deal with the fact BobcatFans exists. Trying to ignore those involved with the site is not constructive. Embracing what constitutes a large portion of Texas State’s loyal fan base can only stand to help them.

BobcatFans isn’t helping anything by making it their No. 1 goal to bash Athletic Director Larry Teis. That won’t get them any of the respect they think they deserve.

Athletic department, fan site must learn to compromise

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

I cannot believe that Karl Rove has been invited to speak during Communication Week.

This man has lied, cheated and masterminded the demise of our democratic form of government.

He has helped to bring a moronic despot to power. He is absolutely disgusting and represents everything an ethical journalist or public relations person does not want to be. Surely someone of higher standards could have been found to speak at your seminar. I certainly hope students will not be motivated to conduct their careers in a manner similar to Rove’s.

Sandra Lane North Texas State University alumna, 1988 bachelor’s in journalism

What strikes me as odd from Dr. Teis’ comments about BobcatFans.com in Thursday’s story “Athletic officials voice concern with Web site” is that he seems to be forgetting that the members of BobcatFans.com have raised money to fix the baseball team’s locker room and have raised money to help upgrade the speaker system at Bobcat Stadium. For full disclosure, when I was the managing editor of The Star from 2005 to 2006, we teamed up with BobcatFans. com to help in some tailgates during the football season (while never in an official capacity, we shared space, fans and meat).

Does Dr. Teis not realize that the members of BobcatFans.com are also members of the Bobcat Athletic Foundation and Alumni Association? Does he not realize a significant part of his audience are the members of this Web site?

He’s an intelligent man — he does realize the impact the members of BobcatFans.com have on the program, as do those Bobcat fans who are not members of the site. When I was at The Star, there were a number of employees who were also a part of the Web site’s posters and who continue to do so even after they’ve left San Marcos. It is sad and disheartening to read that Dr. Teis is choosing to outright ignore the opinions of fans and supporters of Bobcat Athletics for the sole reason that they belong to a Web site. It is also sad that he is willing to accept their financial support, yet expects them to stay silent and wear blinders when it comes to the operation of his athletic program.

If Dr. Teis continues to choose to alienate his fan base, his program will inevitably suffer the consequences.

Joe Ruiz Former University Star managing editor 2005-06 BobcatFans.com member

Pat Stark/Star illustration

Students caught with drugs must face the repercussions of their actions

The University Star

Rove’s twisted ethics give poor example to students

Let BobcatFans’ voice be heard

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.

As I was walking through The Quad, an annoying noise ran through the air.

It was not the usual hassle of the people trying to save the environment or BRANDON SIMMONS the preachers who Star Columnist come every other week to tell us we’re going to hell.

This ruckus came from freshman Winston Bennett, who is facing imminent expulsion after being charged twice with possession of marijuana and paraphernalia during one month. Currently he is trying to get back into school.

At first, I thought he deserved a second chance to make things right.

Then it occurred to me he got caught a second time. He already had a second chance. Now this guy expects to find lightning striking twice in the same place for him.

Letters to the Editor

An old acquaintance of mine was caught with marijuana once. When she got caught, she was gone for that semester and probably never came back to this school. But this was nearly three years ago. The rules have completely changed. Instead of Bennett being automatically gone for at least two semesters, he is going to have his case reviewed by Student Justice.

This is not exactly a “softening up” of a punishment but it gives more cushion for consequences. According to Thursday’s University Star story on Bennett, some of the consequences offenders possibly face outside of expulsion are writing an essay or doing community service, such as visiting a counseling center. Those options let offenders realize their actions through self-education, but that is not a foolproof solution. Bennett needs to learn from his mistake.

Most importantly, he needs to learn not to repeat his mistake.

Editor In Chief...................................Jason Buch, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor.........................Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu News Editor..............................Nick Georgiou, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor....................Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu Photo Editor...................................Monty Marion, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor..................................Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

In fact, students who are caught with illegal drugs should just face the consequences. I want to see the day when marijuana becomes legal in all states, but that day has yet to come.

Bennett is old enough to know the law. If I was writing about him getting in trouble for the first time, I would hope he could be reinstated and that he never runs into something like this again. He only had less than a quarter ounce of marijuana. But this is his second time being caught, and within a month. He obviously didn’t learn from his mistake.

What’s sad about this case is Bennett is only a freshman. He has his whole academic career ahead of him, not to mention his life. Also, if he was receiving student aid, Bennett would be denied the money until two years after the date of his last conviction or until he completes “an acceptable drug rehabilitation program,” according to the

Copy Desk Chief................Sydney Granger, starcopychief@txstate.edu Design Editor..........................Michael E. Perez, stardesign@txstate.edu Systems Administrator.............Chris Jeane, starsysadmin@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator......................Jodie Claes, starad1@txstate.edu Advertising Sales Manager....................Lindsay Lee, atlas@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................Jonathan McCoy, jm1751@txstate.edu

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.

According to www.higheredcenter. org, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, from 1989 to 2000 marijuana use by college students increased from 26.4 percent to 33.6 percent. Today, there is no new data for marijuana use. But it would not be surprising if the percentage continued to increase.

Bennett certainly made an error by having a bad choice for something considered a “good” thing. In life, we all make mistakes that can either help us when we learn from them or hurt us when we don’t. Expulsion is just not a sensible solution. Still, that does not mean suspension is ruled out. If he is reinstated, I bet you the one lesson he learned did not come from the classroom.

Brandon Simmons is a pre-mass communication junior.

Account Executive...........................Jackie Pardue, jp1271@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................Krystal Slater, ks1429@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator..Linda Allen, starbusinessoffice@txstate.edu Publications Director..............Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

News should place our state’s culture over pop culture It took days for our good news to appear on the university’s “news” link from the homepage and then it wasn’t even up as long as the American Idol story.

I am talking about the proclamation from the Texas House of Representatives declaring Feb. 10, 2007 “Hecho en Tejas” Day as the Southwestern Writers Collection celebrated the latest in its book series.

Hecho en Tejas is not just another book edited by Texas State faculty Dagobert Gilb. It is the first of its kind. The anthology of Texas Mexican literature is long overdue and with the university working toward becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution, I had hoped to at least see the news story up a little longer. At least President Trauth made a short appearance at the daylong event.

Mary Garcia 1993 alumna 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 February 27, 2007. 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.

�LASSIFIEDS ���������� C THE ����UNIVERSITY �����������STAR ����

��������������������� ad policiesand costs

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - Page 8 Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - Page 33

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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW A NEWSPAPER IS MADE? DO YOU HAVE A WRITING TALENT NONE OF YOUR FRIENDS APPRECIATE? WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT? Employment at The Star provides you with an opportunity to work with motivated students who are interested in journalism and newspapers. This is a must for anyone who in a career in journalism, and it is an excellent opportunity for students who want to get involved with the university and learn about the world around them.

The Star is currently hiring for the following positions: •NEWS REPORTERS Must be able to gather information, conduct interviews and come into the newsroom to have stories edited.

•SPORTS WRITERS Must be able to attend games, interview coaches and players and come into newsroom to have stories edited.

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•ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS Must be able to report on arts and entertainment events on campus and in Central Texas, conduct interviews and come into newsroom to have stories edited.

•ENTERTAINMENT COLUMNISTS Must be able to write intelligent and interesting columns about arts and entertainment on campus and in Central Texas.

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Accepting applications for Summer 2007!

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SPORTS

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

The University Star - Page 9

Yankees’ Giambi proves Owens’ surgery sparks optimistic after hardships concern for Cowboys owner

By Mark Feinsand New York Daily News (MCT)

TAMPA, Fla. — He smiles every day when he walks into the clubhouse. He jokes around on the field, gives his teammates the business during batting practice and chats up reporters at his locker.

Life is good for Jason Giambi.

Of course, it hasn’t been so easy for the Yankees’ slugger for the past few years, as he found himself embroiled in the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative steroid controversy, battled a mysterious illness and watched his status as one of the fiercest hitters in the game wither away in the blink of an eye.

Those experiences could have destroyed Giambi’s career.

Instead, they strengthened his resolve.

“I’ve gone through some tough times, so I’m definitely stronger,” Giambi said Sunday.

“I might have come over here as a boy, but I’m a man now.

There’s no doubt about it.”

Five years ago, Giambi was the fresh face in the Yankees’ clubhouse, the wild child from Oakland brought in to replace Tino Martinez and help the club remain on top despite the retirements of Paul O’Neill and Scott Brosius.

Giambi was the center of attention in his first spring, and while the expectations on his broad shoulders were enormous, he delivered with a solid season, hitting .314 with 41 home runs and 122 RBI. His second season saw his av-

erage plummet to .250, thanks to a bum knee and a staph infection in his eyes, though his power numbers remained among the league’s best. The 2004 campaign was a disaster for Giambi, who was limited to 80 games because of an ankle injury, an intestinal parasite and a benign pituitary tumor. He batted .208 with 12 homers.

Two months after the 2004 season ended, a report in the San Francisco Chronicle revealed Giambi had admitted to steroid use during grand jury testimony in the BALCO case. He apologized in a press conference before spring training, though he never said why he was apologizing.

Giambi started slowly in 2005, and there was talk of the Yankees trying to get out of the contract or demoting him to the minors.

But he went on to win American League Comeback Player of the Year honors with a huge second half despite a balky knee.

Last year, he hit 37 homers and drove in 113 runs, playing the latter portion of the season with a wrist injury that would require offseason surgery.

Giambi has realized his desire to win outweighs his desire to post numbers for the back of his baseball card.

“Over the last couple years, being hurt with my wrist and my knee, I didn’t go on the (disabled list),” Giambi said. “I may have sacrificed some personal numbers, but it gave me more gratification when we won. It was better than hitting .290 and not making the playoffs. You learn that as you get older that

it’s all about winning.”

Despite the rollercoaster ride he has been on, Giambi believes he has come out of it with a greater appreciation for the game, something he thinks about every day when he takes the field.

“It makes you get back to why you play this game, which is to have fun,” Giambi said. “I know you can make a lot of money, but at the same time, all I ever wanted to be was a ballplayer.”

“This spring, he just seems to be having a lot of fun so far,” manager Joe Torre said. “He’s working hard. Hopefully it’s a good result for him and he’ll feel good about it.”

Giambi admits he isn’t the same person he was when he played in Oakland, citing the colossal amount of media attention the Yankees receive on a daily basis. The frat-house atmosphere of the A’s clubhouse never will be replicated in the Bronx, but Giambi has tried to instill some levity into his new baseball home.

More importantly, Giambi has erased the fear of failure from his head. After all, when you’ve hit .208 with 12 home runs as recently as three years ago — and survived — what is there to be afraid of?

“I think everybody plays with a little but of a fear of failure, like, ‘I don’t want to be bad,’” Giambi said. “After awhile, you get the confidence, and it’s a lot more fun to play from that place, thinking, ‘I’m a good player.’ It’s a more enjoyable game if you’re not always worrying about failing.”

By Clarence E. Hill Jr. McClatchy Newspapers (MCT)

INDIANAPOLIS — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledged he is concerned about Terrell Owens’ upcoming finger surgery and the wide receiver’s ability to be ready for the 2007 season.

Owens is set to have a second surgery Thursday to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger. According to team trainers, he is not expected to start catching passes until training camp in July.

Jones said the surgery and rehab will have no impact on his decision to pay Owens a $3 million roster bonus in June to guarantee his $5 million salary for next year. He said Owens is under contract and will remain with the Cowboys.

But Jones is worried about Owens’ ability to be in top shape by training camp, not just because of the finger, but because he could lose time acclimating to the coaching staff and possible changes to the offense.

“I am concerned,” Jones said. “I want him to have the advantage of a real good off-season so that we can mitigate the chances of having another hamstring, those kinds of injuries, when he gets to training camp. I know the better off-season you have the better shape you come into training camp. His finger shouldn’t keep him from being in the right kind of shape at the beginning of training camp.”

Jones expects Owens to attend the team’s offseason program to get as much mental preparation as possible. Owens participated in only a handful of off-season workouts at the team’s Valley Ranch complex last year.

“He’ll be out there running routes. He’ll just have to compensate with the work we do in the mandatory minicamps and quarterback schools,” Jones said.

Stewart still on hold The Cowboys are expected to finalize their staff by adding Chargers secondary coach Brian Stewart in the next day or so, Jerry Jones said. Stewart or secondary coach Todd Bowles will be named defensive coordinator, with the other handling the secondary.

Romo extension?

Jerry Jones said the Cowboys’ biggest focus this week is getting a contract extension for right tackle Marc Colombo before he becomes a restricted free agent Thursday.

Because Colombo and quarterback Tony Romo have the same agent, Tom Condon, Jones said there have been informal discussions about an extension for Romo.

“We are not necessarily in negotiations to get that done,” Jones said. “We are just seeing how to get that done. But we have a real opportunity to have a long-term answer at quarterback.”

Paul J. Bereswill/Newsday A NEW MAN: The New York Yankees’ Derek Jeter, left, celebrates a homer by Jason Giambi as Giambi returns to the dugout. Giambi said he has emerged a stronger man after a steroids controversy and mysterious illnesses.

Badgers forced to regroup with no shot left at Big Ten championship

By Mark Stewart Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MCT)

MADISON, Wis. — Now the University of Wisconsin-Madison men’s basketball team must pick up the pieces.

The Big Ten regular season championship is out of reach.

The Badgers’ premium positioning for the NCAA tournament has been jeopardized. And their starting power forward could be out for the season.

A lot has happened in a week.

The previously top-ranked Badgers (26-4, 12-3 Big Ten) dropped three spots in the Associated Press poll to fourth after their one-point loss Sunday at Ohio State and an 11-point defeat Tuesday at Michigan State.

They fell three spots to fifth in the USA Today/ESPN coaches’ poll.

“It’s real disappointing when you come out with your first number one ranking ever and after that you come out with two straight losses,” senior Jason Chappell said. “It’s just not what we wanted to do.”

If the Badgers want, they can take solace in the fact that they nearly handed Ohio State its first home loss of the season.

However, the first step to returning to their winning ways would be jump-starting their offense, which posted consecutive season lows in shooting percentage in the losses to Ohio State and Michigan State, the league’s best defensive teams.

Ohio State did it with a matchup zone and the intimidating presence of center Greg Oden,

whereas Michigan State packed the lane and took advantage of its athleticism to slow down UW. As a result, Wisconsin shot just 18 free-throw attempts in the two games after averaging 23 per Big Ten game beforehand.

Senior Alando Tucker, who entered last week averaging 20.4 points per game overall and 23.3 on the road, posted 16 and 12-point efforts, missing 19 of 30 shots and getting to the free-throw line just three times.

No Wisconsin player appeared to take the losses harder than senior Kammron Taylor, who missed the first of bonus free throws with 20 seconds left against Ohio State and saw his game-winning attempt blocked at the buzzer.

“I talked to him and told him that everybody is looking at me, him and Chappell and how we respond,” Tucker said of the team’s seniors. “How are we going to respond to this next week, preparing for Michigan State, and he understands that.”

From there, it’s on to the post-season.

The Badgers, who can win a school record 13th Big Ten game at 11 a.m. Saturday at home against Michigan State, are assured of the No. 2 seeding in the conference tournament next week in Chicago, but with a strong showing there, they could still end up with a top seeding in the NCAA tournament.

Despite the two straight losses, Wisconsin is ranked fifth in the latest version of the Ratings Percentage Index behind UCLA,

Ohio State, North Carolina and Southern Illinois.

There is a possible tiebreaker match with Ohio State, which is ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN polls.

“We still know we’ve got a long season ahead of us,” Chappell said. “We didn’t accomplish our first goal, which was to win the Big Ten regular-season title, but we’ve still got two more goals, to win both tournaments.

We’ve just got to keep our heads up and stay focused on what is ahead of us.”

The Badgers hope Brian Butch is along for the ride, but he might need a significant amount of time to recover from the elbow injury he suffered 10 minutes into the Ohio State game.

There was no official word Monday but television replays showed Butch colliding with teammate Greg Stiemsma while going up for a rebound and injuring himself when he braced for impact with the floor.

Butch’s elbow clearly appeared out of its socket.

If he is out for an extended time, his 9.1 points and teamhigh 5.8 rebounds per game will be missed. Still, Wisconsin nearly beat the nation’s new No. 1 team even though he played just 3 minutes.

“We’ve got another game, another game at home, a day of rest and then you get back at it,” Coach Bo Ryan said. “If it was a pick-up game, we’d be ready.

If it’s a regular game, we’d be ready. If it’s a practice, we’re ready. You just get back and get after it.”

Ron Jenkins/Fort Worth Star-Telegram ROMO THROW: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the team is starting informal discussions on extending quarterback Tony Romo’s contract.

Staff dinner The departure of Bill Parcells means the annual Cowboys staff dinner at St. Elmo’s restaurant was fully attended Saturday night. Parcells did not attend dinners in the past. But new coach Wade Phillips, his staff, the trainers, doctors and scouts dined with Jerry Jones.

Because of all of the recent hires, it was the first time many of the staff members had been together.

SPORTS

weekendtravels

THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Texas State baseball and softball hit the road over the weekend, the latter coming away with a 4-1 record in the Golden Panther Invitational at Florida International University. Amy Krueger hit 9-for-17 in the team’s five games, and currently leads the Bobcats with a .382 batting average. The team visits Texas-Arlington Tuesday, in Texas State’s first Southland Conference series of the season. The Bobcat baseball team won one of three games over the weekend at New Mexico. Texas State avoided being swept Sunday with an 11-4 win over the Lobos, as pitcher Eric Weaver moved to 2-0 on the season.

— Compiled from other news services

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - Page 10

Sports Contact — Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

Last home game ends in defeat for men’s basketball

By Nathan Brooks The University Star The scene was all too familiar for the Bobcats, as they slowly exited the floor of Strahan Coliseum this season for the last time Saturday.

It was another valiant effort ending in defeat for Texas State, who dropped its final home game of the season 97-83 to rival Sam Houston State.

The men’s basketball team was already eliminated from Southland Conference Tournament contention after losing 78-75 Thursday at Stephen F. Austin. Texas State dropped to 9-19 overall and 4-11 in conference play.

The Bearkats used an early barrage of three-pointers, shooting 11-of-17 from beyond the arc in the first half. Then they successfully attacked the Bobcats’ full-court pressure to score a new seasonhigh in points, on 52.7 percent shooting from the floor.

“All five of their players can shoot the three and beat you off the dribble,” Coach Doug Davalos said. “But in the end, was our defense good enough? No. Was their offense pretty darn good? Yes.” Sam Houston State struggled with the Bobcats’ zone defense in their first meeting Jan. 27, but had little difficulties with it Saturday.

“We stayed in a 1-2-2 full court and tried to trap a little out of it,” Davalos said. “I don’t think it was some magical zone the first game, but I think it caught them off guard. They were prepared for it this time, but I still don’t think we were aggressive enough in it.”

Aaron Wade, the Bearkats’ starting center, finished with a careerhigh 26 points on 5-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. Forward C.J. Hadley added 18 points and 12 rebounds in the win.

Brandon Bush scored 14 points to lead the Bobcats, in addition to seven rebounds.

Game Notes Senior Day for Antwoine Blanchard Senior point guard Antwoine

Blanchard stood alone at half-court before the Saturday tip-off against Sam Houston State.

After five years in the Texas State basketball program, he was the only one left to receive a basketball from Coach Doug Davalos commemorating his career in the maroon and gold.

The ball was littered with signatures and notes from his coaches and teammates. But of all the words scribbled on the ball, two stood out from the rest.

“Thank You.” It may not sound like much, but those two words are the perfect sentiment for the one player who stuck with the program through some of its darkest hours.

Blanchard endured a school name change, a mass exodus of players under previous coach Dennis Nutt, a disastrous 3-24 record last season and a complete overhaul of the coaching staff heading into his senior season.

The opportunity to jump ship and get a fresh start somewhere else was there, but by staying he rewarded himself with his best season at the collegiate level in Davalos’ up-tempo system.

Blanchard finished the season averaging career-highs in points (8.4), assists (3.4), steals (1.5), rebounds (2.1) and minutes (26.9).

He also rewarded himself with an important life lesson.

“It was a tough battle, because when I first came in we did pretty good, but last year was the worst season I’ve ever experienced in my whole basketball career,” Blanchard said. “But all the ups and downs taught me to deal with adversity.”

His decision to stay also made an impact on Davalos.

“He’s impacted my life as a coach more than any one-year player,” Davalos said. “He easily could have come in with a bad attitude after last year, but he’s come in everyday with a great attitude. He’s a quiet leader and leads by example.

I’ve enjoyed coaching him and I’m going to miss him.”

Blanchard finished the game with 13 points, three assists, and three rebounds.

Austin Byrd/Star Photo LAST HURRAH: Senior point guard Antwoine Blanchard leaves a shoe behind as he goes for a lay-up during the Bobcats’ 97-83 loss at the last home game of the season.

Bobcats go 1-1 with season’s end looming

By Gabe Mendoza The University Star After a weekend round of games in the Southland Conference, the Bobcats found themselves in a familiar position when they looked at the standings Monday.

Texas State split a pair of contests over the weekend, losing at home for just the second time this season, 73-70 against Stephen F. Austin Thursday.

But the Bobcats rebounded to win a road contest versus Sam Houston State 79-71 Saturday.

The victory over the Bearkats, coupled with an SFA loss at home to Texas-Arlington, pushed the Bobcats ahead of the Ladyjacks by half a game, the same margin they went into weekend play with.

These last few games can determine the seeding of teams in the upcoming SLC tournament, slated for March 7, 9 and 10 in Houston. While a higher seed could help, the Bobcats try not to overplay its importance.

“You have to go play somebody, and everybody is good,” said Coach Suzanne Fox. “Yes, we’d like to get the highest seed we can, but in all actuality we’re going to have to beat three teams, and you’re going to be playing three good ones.”

Saturday’s contest was much closer than the score would indicate, as it took late free throws from Brooke DeGrate with under 30 seconds left in the contest to seal the game.

Ashley Leffingwell tied a season-high with 18 points to lead all scores, and was one of three Bobcats in double figures. Forward Erica Putnam added 17 to go with nine rebounds, and Joyce Ekworomadu, who leads the team in scoring on the season, chipped in 12 points and grabbed nine boards.

After a tough loss at home Thursday, the Bearkats Austin Byrd/Star Photo showed up at just the right time on the schedule. With BREAKING THE DEFENSE: Freshman forward Aimee Hilburn looks for a way out of a Lumberjack Saturday’s loss, Sam Houston State fell to 2-12 in conference double-team during the Bobcats’ 70-73 loss to Stephen F. Austin Thursday evening. play and are 5-22 overall.

Thursday’s loss to SFA was saw that my team needed me, 7 p.m. Friday, as the Maver- in San Marcos. caused by Bobcat mistakes, and I was willing to do what- icks put their undefeated conwith the team committing 14 ever I needed to do to help ference mark on the line.

Senior Night first-half turnovers and miss- them win.” ing several free-throw opporWhen it looked like the LadyFriday night’s regular season Game Notes tunities over the final minutes jacks were ready to break the finale will honor Texas State of the game. It was the second match open, Washington kept seniors Erica Putnam, Elyse loss to the Ladyjacks this sea- Texas State in the game by hitNo. 125 for Fox Wright and Ashley Riley, who son for Fox’s squad, meaning ting several big shots midway will be playing their final home should they finish with identi- through the second period.

Saturday’s victory over Sam game at Strahan Coliseum. cal conference records, SFA “Janesha in a really tremen- Houston State in Huntsville Putnam is averaging 9.9 would be awarded the head-to- dous player for us,” Fox said. was Coach Suzanne Fox’s points per game this season, head tiebreaker.

“The thing we’re looking for 125th career win with the and leads the team in rebounds One bright spot for the Bob- from her is consistency. The Bobcats. The coach now sits at with 7.8 per contest. Riley, a cats was the play of guard Jane- last three or four games she 125-155 all-time at Texas State, four-year Bobcat, is averaging sha Washington, who came off had not been playing her best leaving her in third place for 3.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in the bench to score 18 points in basketball like we had seen in wins behind Judy Rinker (145) 27 games this season. just 15 minutes of play. Wash- January, and (Thursday) she and Linda Sharp (138). Fox is Wright has also seen action ington scored 16 in the second responded and played a very in her 10th season as a Bob- in 27 of 28 games, and will be half. good ball game for us.” cat, and will be heading to the completing her second year at “In the first half I was sat Just one game remains for Southland Conference Tourna- Texas State after transferring out because we have a two-foul Texas State before heading ment for the seventh straight from Central Arizona College, rule,” Washington said. “So in to Houston for the Southland season. Fox compiled a 117-33 where she won an NJCAA nathe second half, I was deter- Conference Tournament. The career record at Abilene Chris- tional title during the 2004-05 mined to come in because I Bobcats host Texas-Arlington tian University before arriving season.

Rugby club celebrates largest margin of victory in playoffs

By Travis Atkins The University Star The Texas State Renegade Rugby Club defeated TCU Saturday, 71-24, in the first-round of the state playoffs. The win was the largest for Texas State this season.

The team celebrated in Renegade fashion by gathering at the middle of the field at game’s end and collaborating in a vulgar chant.

“Those have been going for 30 or 40 years,” Chris Mutschler, club captain, said. “Rugby has so many traditions and so many chants, every team will have something that’s totally off-thewall.”

A similar pre-game chant seemed to get the team pumped to start the contest.

Texas State jumped out to a quick lead, with tries scored by Charlie Faglie, Alex Zottarelli and Philip Laney. Tod Mullen

converted two of the three tries to give Texas State a 19-0 lead with almost 30 minutes left in the second half.

“I thought they played really well, especially in the first half,” Assistant Coach Scot Courtney said. “They did everything that we’ve been working on. The second half got a little sloppy. TCU got a little frustrated, which spilled over to us. But, fundamentally, we played well throughout the match.”

At halftime, the score was 48-0 in favor of Texas State, but Coach James Summers still found areas to work on. The coach stressed to his players to calm down and keep their heads because they were letting emotions get the best of them, causing them to make some minor mistakes.

“We had a lot of penalties,” Mutschler said. “(TCU) didn’t really know how to take advantage of us when they had the advantage of the penalties, but the bet-

Jon Clark/Star photo FROGS GET HORNED: The Texas State Renegade Rugby Club huddles up against the TCU Horned Frogs before claiming victory Saturday afternoon at the West Campus Field.

ter teams, like the ones we’ll be playing next weekend, will know how to capitalize.”

TCU was able to put some points on the board in the second half by executing a strategy used

by Texas State early in the match.

To gain better field position, the Horned Frogs would kick the ball the length of the field and let the stiff wind carry it out of bounds in the corner. While it gave Texas

State possession, it allowed TCU a very short field if they were able to regain control of the ball.

“They got it from us and it worked for them,” Summers said.

“There is not much you can do to stop a kick like that.”

TCU got into the tournament on a wild card after Baylor was disqualified for not turning in its paper work. While confident in his team’s chances, Summers was quick to point out that TCU was better than their record indicated.

“The points scored against them versus their points scored indicate that they are a much better team than their record says,” Summers said. “They are a tough, well-coached team and we can’t take anybody lightly in this division.”

Julian Nunn, John Hinson, Tommy Taylor, Nick Elkins and Ryan Kennedy scored additional Texas State tries. Kennedy scored on his first-ever try and, in rugby tra-

dition, was referred to as a “Zulu warrior” the rest of the day.

Texas State suffered one injury in the game; Zottareli limped off the field with a hurt ankle. He joins starter Keith Freeman on the sidelines, who has been out for two weeks. Texas State will look to its depth to replace the two Bobcats.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who can step in and play,” Courtney said. “Our depth is one of our greatest strengths.”

Texas State moves on to the second-round to play North Texas 11 a.m. Saturday at the West Campus Field. If the Bobcats are able to advance, they will move on to the state championship game 2 p.m. Sunday, where they would await the winner of Angelo State vs. the University of Dallas.

“We did everything correctly (Saturday) and rolled over them,” Mutschler said. “It was a great way to start the playoffs, one down and two to go.”