03 05 2009

Warrant roundup Cave relo eloC Cation The 5-0 is collecting

The Bike Cave has expanded and PAGe PAG e3

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MARCH 5, 2009

City Council begins noise ordinance revisions

Thursday

VoluMe 98, Issue 59

TOURNAMENT BOUND

See CITY COUNCIL, page 3

By Scott Thomas Editor in Chief

Austin Byrd/Star file photo Bobcats are headed to the Southland Conference tournament for the first time since 2005. see full story page 10 FOOTAGE ON UNIVERSITYSTAR.COM

By Lori Jones News Reporter

Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo REDUCING WASTE: Food waste in the dining halls is becoming an issue on campus especially in buffet-style halls such as Harris and Commons. Chartwells is introducing Project Clean Plate to help reduce food waste.

83˚

Precipitation: 10% Humidity: 54% UV: 7 High Wind: S 15 mph

A fee increase for the LBJ Student Center is not the only election students will have the opportunity to vote on this semester.

ASG elections will be held March 31 and April 1. Applications for student body president, vice president and senator positions are already being filed. More than 4,7000 ballots were submitted in the 2008 ASG general election, the largest turnout in the history of the university.

ASG President Brett Baker said the figures for the referendum are low in comparison to the number of students on campus, but the turn out was “not that bad.”

“If you think of ASG elections and you think of how those elec elections campaign so far ahead of time — you get higher numbers,” Baker said. “In the referendum we weren’t campaigning. Our job is to stay unbiased. In ASG elections they are in people’s face with laptops saying ‘Come vote.’

When you think of that, I wouldn’t say the referendum was a low turnout at all.”

Samantha Barker, pre-interna pre-international business junior, said she looked up information on the LBJ Student Center when she received the e-mail encouraging students to vote.

“I thought it was a good idea,” Barker said. “If everyone pays $4 then they could get a lot of money.”

Barker said she thinks more See REFERENDUM page 3

Director resigns, will be missed

Less student food waste means donations for local food bank

AM Clouds/PM Sun

By Amanda Venable News Editor A slim majority vote passed the student referendum increasing the LBJ Student Center fee.

Students will now pay $64 each fall and spring toward the center — an increase of $4 per semester.

Approximately 56 percent of the 1,937 students who voted supported the higher rate, which Andy Rhoades, director of the LBJ Student Center, said will generate $235,000 a year to cover increased overhead costs.

Campus-wide e-mails sent to the entire student body linking to a virtual ballot box and two ASG vot voting sites were open Tuesday and Wednesday for the referendum.

Lindsay Bond, accounting sophomore, said she received the e-mail sent by the Dean of Students Office reminding people to vote, but did not do so. Bond is not alone.

Of the approximately 27,000 students on campus, 7 percent voted in the referendum.

“I think it’s important to vote, but I just usually don’t,” Bond said. “It’s contradictory, but I think people probably figure ev everyone else is going to vote.”

Ryan Hess, pre-psychology freshman, agreed, saying he did not vote because he trusts the “student body will take care of it.”

“I just assume other people will vote for it,” Hess said.

By Theron Brittain Senior News Reporter An amended city noise ordinance made uncertain progress Tuesday night.

The City Council passed the first reading of the revisions. They were designed to give police clearer guidelines about handling noise disturbances with the understanding that serious work needed to be done before the second and final readings.

An ad hoc committee was created after heated discussion made it clear the ordinance would not pass into law in the current form.

“If we are going to put an ordinance into effect, I want to make sure people who are responsible can abide within the guidelines,” said Council member Chris Jones, Place 4. “Quite frankly, there is so much discretion in (the ordinance) I cannot pull that out of this.”

Jones, along with Kim Porterfield, Place 1, and John Thomaides, Place 6, were charged with reviewing amendments and suggesting changes to make the ordinance more amenable to residents.

Noise ordinance revisions have been a hard sell for the San Marcos Police Department, despite general consensus about the existing laws needing updates.

Amendments have been criticized for language, said to be unclear on what constitutes a noise violation. Local realtors are voicing concerns over amendments to the Host Responsibility ordinance establishing new fines for property owners who repeatedly allow parties to get out of hand.

Residents could be cited under new definitions of “excessive noise” for sound that crosses their property line. Officers could use “time of day” and “size of gathering” as parameters to determine violations, but would not be held to specific times or numbers.

“The actual number of people (present) is not a good measure of the amount of noise,” said Howard Williams, San Marcos police chief.

“We did discuss the possibility of establishing a decibel level, (but) there are issues of measur measuring ambient noise.”

Police are requesting the authority to desig designate a gathering “unruly” and to disperse it.

“We do not have a specifically defined author authority to tell people to leave or they are going to be

Student center fee referendum passes with low voter turnout

Friday

Two-day Forecast

Partly Cloudy Temp: 84°/61° Precip: 0%

Saturday Mostly Cloudy Temp: 82°/63° Precip: 10%

Students lingering in Harris Dining Hall will find a diagram strategically placed next to the conveyor belt displaying food waste they and other patrons are accumulating daily.

Chartwells found 1,630 pounds of food is wasted in Harris after one week of students using trays. John Root, director of auxiliary ser services, said trays may become a thing of the past for the all-you-can-eat dining halls.

“There are two benefits with being tray-less,” Root said. “One is to reduce the physical washing of those trays and the other is to reduce the amount of food that is wasted.”

Auxiliary Services is working with Chartwells to introduce Project Clean Plate to Harris and Commons Dining Halls. The program is designed to reduce food waste and ultimately make donations to the Hays County Area Food Bank.

Harris is now attempting to take the plan a step further by removing the use of trays. The dining hall has provided more food stations, requiring students to place an order and reducing the need for multiple plates.

“What we have seen in the past is when students have a tray, they feel the need to fill it up,” Root said.

He said a lot of food would be disposed of because they got too much — not because the students did not like it.

See CLEAN PLATE, page 3

Lori Bergen, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, announced Wednesday she will be leaving Texas State to be dean of the College of Communication at Mar Marquette University in Milwaukee.

Bergen’s departure will come in June. An interim director will taker her place while university officials seek a permanent replacement.

Bergen said she told Richard Cheatham, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, about her decision to accept the position Monday.

“This all kind of happened quickly,” she said. “Once I knew I would be accepting the position I wanted to put on as much lead team for the School to find new director. I can tell you this is the best job a person could ever have.”

Bergen said the students are what she will miss most.

“The students here are special because they didn’t come here because it’s a place for the entitled and there’s no arrogance here,” she said. “Student here are students who are genuine and hard working and feel privileged to be here. I’ve never been so impressed by a group of students.”

Jaime Kilpatrick, mass communication graduate student, said she felt like her and Bergen had a co-worker relationship.

“She literally had an open door policy with me and I always felt very comfortable,” said Kilpat Kilpatrick, who worked as Bergen’s graduate assistant. “I’m really sad to see her go because she’s had such an impact on me. I can’t say enough good things. Whoever they get to replace her will have high standards.”

Bergen said leaving Texas State was a difficult decision for her.

“There is a kind of push/pull of an opportunity coming to fruition that will take you away from a wonderful place,” Bergen said.

“I’m excited to begin to be dean at

a college similar to the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Texas State, but I’m sad to leave Texas State. Our School of Jour Journalism and Mass Communication is filled with great students, faculty and staff … But you can only go to the prom with one boy.”

Kym Fox, senior lecturer in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, said the search for a director can be “quite a lengthy process.” Fox said she does not expect Ber Bergen’s absence to directly affect the students.

“I know the faculty will spend quite a bit of time searching for a new director,” Fox said. “It really can set the tone for your school.

We ask much from our director.”

Tom Grimes, Bergen’s husband, will continue teaching at Texas State. She said he will be an adjunct professor at Marquette University and might teach classes there in the summer.

“He is a Texan,” Bergen said.

“He loves being here as much as I do. My professional focus will obviously be somewhere else.”

Bergen came to Texas State as a faculty member in 1988 after getting her Ph.D. at Indiana University. She became director of the school in 2006.

“Several people have said to me, ‘well maybe you won’t stay there forever, come back to Texas State,’” Bergen said. “That’s cer certainly a door I hope will stay open because this is a great place and it’s a hard place to leave.”

Bergen said her primary goal while still at Texas State is to finish the re-accreditation process for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, which will conclude May 14 with a meeting in Portland Ore. “Because we did so well with the site team visit typically means we can move forward with the confidence that re-accredidation will occur,” Bergen said.

She said her ties to Texas State are not being severed, but changing. Bergen said when she leaves for Milwaukee a picture of Old Main will be carried with her.

Inside News ........ 1,2,3,4 opinions ............ 5 Trends .......... 6,7,8

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

Diversions............9 Classifieds...........9 sports.................10

To Contact Trinity Building Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708 www.universitystar.com © 2009 The University Star

PageTwo

2 - Thursday, March 5, 2009

Calendar THURSDAY

starsof texas state The Texas Public Relations Association named Judy Oskam as the 2009 recipient of the Alan Scott Rising Star Award at its annual statewide conference this past weekend.

Oskam is associate professor and associate director for Round Rock Programs in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State.

—Courtesy of University News Department

Today in Brief

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

LISTENING IN

CRIME BLOTTER

Veterans Support group is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans can help veterans cope with the stress of transition and the demands of college lives. Pre-screening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-245-2208.

University Police Department

Feb. 20, 10:13 a.m.

Theft-Under $500 / Centennial Hall A student reported to a police officer her property had been taken without her consent. The case is under investigation.

Coping with Grief and Loss Group is from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. It is a source for students who have experienced the death of a loved one. Prescreening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-245-2208.

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting on at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, room 320. Enjoy contemporary worship, relevant teaching, prayer and plenty of fun. Contact 512557-7988 or mail@texasstatechialpha.com for more information.

There will be a meeting of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at 5 p.m. in LBJ Student Center, room 3-14.1 Cost is $25. Learn how to get rid of debt and build wealth by using the principles that Dave discovered after the hardship of bankruptcy that have now turned him into a millionaire. Contact Krista at 512-353-4414 or bsm4jesus@centurytel.net for more information.

There will be a “Simple Silent Sitting” meditation group from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. in the Psychology Building, room 130B. All are welcome (any religion or no religion). Brief instruction can be arranged before we “sit” by contacting Colby at 512408-4544 or Sheila at 512-847-2159 for more information.

The Music Lecture Series Presents: “Countdown to a Successful First Year of Teaching” by Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt, Lecturer at 7 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall.

Admission is free.

FRIDAY There will be an AA meeting from 1 to 2 p.m in LBJSC, room 3-13.1.

SATURDAY Texas State Opera Theatre presents “The Student Prince” by Sigmund Romberg at 7:30 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. Admission will be $10 for general public and $5 for students.

Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m.

Failure to Comply/Striking Unattended Vehicle / Jowers Parking Lot A student reported to a police officer her vehicle was damaged while legally parked. The case is under investigation.

Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo Tom Gibson, sound recording technology senior, edits his work in pro-tools at Fire Stations Studio Tuesday.

This day in history

1770: The Boston Massacre took place as British soldiers, taunted by a crowd of colonists, opened fire and killed five people.

1868: The Senate was organized into a court of impeachment to decide charges against President Andrew Johnson.

1933: The Nazi Party won 44 percent of the vote in German par parliamentary elections, enabling it to join with the Nationalists to gain a slender majority in the Reichstag.

1953: Soviet dictator Josef Stalin died at age 73 after nearly three

decades in power.

1963: Country music singer Patsy Cline died in a plane crash near Camden, Tenn., at age 30.

1970: A nuclear non-proliferation treaty went into effect after 43 nations ratified it.

1982: Comedian John Belushi was found dead of a drug overdose at age 33.

1997: Representatives of North Korea and South Korea met for first time in 25 years, for peace talks in New York.

2001: Vice President Dick Cheney underwent an angioplasty for a partially blocked artery.

2004: Martha Stewart was convicted of obstructing justice and lying to the government about why she had unloaded her Imclone Systems Inc. stock just before the price plummeted.

2006: AT&T Inc. announced it was buying BellSouth Corp., a big step toward resurrecting the old Ma Bell telephone system.

—Courtesy of New York Times

Feb. 20, 6:01 p.m.

Theft-Under $500 / Student Recreation Center A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 20, 9:51 p.m.

Information Report / Butler Hall The location had smoke and the San Marcos Fire Department was called out to the scene. Upon further investigation, the building was deemed safe and residents were allowed back into the building. A report was made of the incident.

Feb. 20, 10:31 p.m.

Possession of Marijuana / Bobcat Village Apartments A police officer was dispatched to the location for a burglary of a vehicle report.

Upon further investigation, a nonstudent was arrested for burglary of a motor vehicle and possession of marijuana.

The nonstudent was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date.

—Courtesy of University Police Department

Texas State launches new program improving minority representation in math, sciences A new program at Texas State will look to improve minority representation in science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.) by partnering with San Antonio College.

The program, Puentes: A Partnership to Improve Access to the Baccalaureate for South Texans through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Teaching and Learning Innovation, is a Title V grant funded by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act to San Antonio College, which has provided a sub-award to Texas State as a partnership. Puentes looks to create a link between Texas State and San Antonio College, both in STEM faculty and staff professional development to increase the number of minor minority and low income S.T.E.M. transfer students.

“This program will increase the amount of Hispanic or minority and/or low-income S.T.E.M. transfers from San Antonio College to earn their bachelor’s degrees from Texas State,” said Sonya Rahrovi, Puentes pipeline coordinator for Texas State. “There is an emphasis on Hispanic and lowincome students.”

One element of the program will include professional development workshops during the academic year and the summer for both institutions’ faculty and staff to focus on improving instructional practices. The workshops will update participants’ instructional knowledge and increase communication between the institutions. Another element will include Texas State “pipeline coordinators” which will work with personnel at both institutions

to create articulation agreements for S.T.E.M. majors in order to make the transition from San Antonio College to Texas State smoother and shorten the time to graduation of transfer students.

As Texas State aims to become a Hispanic Serving Institution, minority S.T.E.M. students at San Antonio College will be given the oppor opportunity to attend orientation events encouraging transfer to Texas State. Further funds through the program will be allocated to build a research greenhouse for the department of biology.

Contact Sonya Rahrovi at 512-245-8015 or e-mail sr41@ txstate.edu for more information about this program.

—Courtesy of University News Service

News

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The University Star - 3

Annual river clean-up seeks volunteers

San Marcos officers plan to physically locate warrant-issued residents

By Chase Birthisel News Reporter

CLEAN UP: Katie Barnett, health and fitness management junior, cleans up trash along San Marcos’ river banks.

By Jordan Gass-Poore’ News Reporter Tom Goyles, San Marcos River Clean-Up coordinator, likes getting down and dirty, and hopes students do too.

The 24th annual San Marcos River Clean-Up is looking for volunteers this Saturday to help clean up the entire 90 miles of the San Marcos River in one day.

“We have several different starting times Saturday morning, depending on which section of the river you’re cleaning,” Goyles said.

One group of volunteers is meeting at 8 a.m. below the freeway at Palmetto Park.

There will be another meeting at 9 a.m. at Spencer’s Canoes, near the Shady Grove campground in Martindale. Volunteers will clean up areas, including Pecan Park and Spring Lake.

Bank crews will pick up trash on foot along the riverbanks and watersheds. Goyles hopes to disperse the volunteers among different parks before more trash gets into the water.

“Any piece of trash that’s picked up saves that trash from ending up in the river,” said Leah Gibson, co-president of the National Association of Environmental Professionals.

The association, which educates people about recycling, will have members participate in the clean-up.

Goyles said careless tubers cause most of the trash in the river.

“Some people can’t imagine what to do with their empty beer can,” Goyles said. “When you’re reaching for another one, instead of putting it between your legs and letting it sink into the river, crush it and put it back in the cooler.”

Litterers may face a fine between $200 to $2,000 per violation, said Kenneth Bell, emergency management coordinator for the City Marshall’s Office. The fine is subject to location and type of litter.

“It can be a criminal charge if you are dumping as opposed to littering,” Bell said. “There is a difference: dumping is a solid waste issue, like where you’re literally backing your truck up somewhere and throwing out stuff from the back.”

A cigarette butt thrown out the window may result in a $200 fine.

Bell said something blown out of a car or tossed on the ground is considered littering. He said the fine increases each time someone is caught.

“It’s a big deal, actually, because solid waste and litter becomes a

Jenny Polson/Star file photo

health matter, a public safety issue,” Bell said. “It’s a bigger deal than people give credit to it. We look back at it from as far as the big great fires of Chicago. A lot of it had to do with solid waste transmitting disease and vermin, along with other safety issues that go along with that.”

Bell said the City of San Marcos has single-week residential pick-up sites to prevent litter in neighborhoods, which is the “most aggressive program” in Central Texas.

Open-spaced areas, such as around interstates and state highways, are primary areas San Marcos has the most problems with trash accumulation because of the wind conditions, Bell said.

Goyles began cleaning the river in 1972. Goyles said after much “trash talking” and a few volunteer crews, he decided to attempt an entire river clean-up. They managed to clean all the lakes in one day.

“People won’t throw trash into the river, but don’t mind throwing trash out of their car or out the window,” Goyles said. “Either way, eventually, it will end up in the river.”

The association is sponsoring a Back to School Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 2 in The Quad to promote green living.

Students with warrants might find the police knocking on their doors come Saturday.

The San Marcos Police Department is participating in a statewide warrant roundup.

Rusty Grice, deputy marshal of the San Marcos Police Department, is in charge of warrants.

“From Saturday on, we will pick a date and will be looking for you,” Grice said. “We don’t give the exact time that we go out obviously, because people would not be home.”

Grice said citizens with outstanding warrants will be searched for and arrested at home, work or school. He said the police department warns those with warrants beforehand.

“We sent out about 2,800 letters to the addresses that we are given,” Grice said. “People can also look on the city Web site, and they can search for their names.

We have had this information out since Feb. 17.”

There are 8,233 names on the online warrant list.

Students with charges can pay fines or schedule a court appearance during open hours at the San Marcos Municipal Court.

Warranted citizens must pay half of their fine to see a judge, except for special times this Friday.

“We require half of their fine to talk to the judge, mainly because they didn’t come in the first time,” Grice said. “This Friday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., individuals can come in and talk to the judge without paying any money up front.”

Grice said the warrants are for those who failed to pay class C misdemeanor tickets. He said students with warrants should not let the situation “snowball.”

“There are a lot of students that think when they graduate and leave here, no big deal,” Grice said. “In the state of Texas, the Department of Public Safety will put a hold on your driver license if you have a warrant.

Let’s say you get stopped and they run your license. If it comes back with a warrant, they will impound your car and take you to jail. You will have to pay both tickets and the $150 a day to get your car back. It just adds up.”

Grice said students receive more than 50 percent of warrants in San Marcos. Students receiving warrants from the University Police Department are involved in the roundup.

“The university doesn’t have a court here on campus, so we have them issued to the San Marcos Municipal court,” said UPD Officer Otto Glenewinkel. “Parking tickets are the only tickets you can pay on campus.”

Glenewinkel said it boils down to the court receiving their money.

“With a warrant, unless you have to go in front of a judge, you post the money and you’re out,” Glenewinkel said. “They just want you to pay your money.”

Pablo Martinez, assistant professor in the department of criminal justice, said the roundup is both positive and negative.

“I think it is a reminder that we are a society of laws, and if we don’t abide by these laws, there is a consequence,” Martinez said. “On the other hand, it’s hard for those young people who are having economical difficulties.”

4 - The University Star

News

Thursday, March 5, 2009

CITY COUNCIL CONTINUED from page 1

cited,” Williams said. “What happens is we fall back on other violations in the penal code and we start making arrests. This would be a less egregious way of having some enforcement authority short of having to take people to jail if they don’t want to leave.”

The council hit a wall after Jones insisted on including guidelines for party hosts to follow.

“I want clear criteria for party

hosts outlining things they must do in order to be in line with the law,” Jones said.

Jones said he did not see this in the amendments as they are written.

“An officer may have all of the (rules) in his mind to consider, but if I am hosting the party and I want to be a law abiding citizen, then I may know a little bit of what he is speaking about, but I still do not know what the determination of the officer will be,” Jones said.

City Council passed the first

reading and will hold a workshop to clarify revisions. Williams and Lisa Dvorak, assistant police chief, expressed willingness to work with the council.

ASG posed questions to police officials at a forum hosted Monday night. Senators are among those concerned about the level of discretion granted officers under the new ordinance.

Chris Covo, City Council liaison, informed council members Tuesday night ASG would take a position on the ordinance in the coming weeks.

REFERENDUM CONTINUED from page 1

students did not vote because they think it “doesn’t make a difference.”

ASG Sen. John Nesselhauf participated in the student government’s effort to encourage voting by working Wednesday at one of the on-campus voting locations. Nesselhauf, international studies-Asian studies junior, said he got “about 60 or 70 people to come and vote” in the one hour he manned the booth.

“People were asking what it was for and what they were going to do with the money,” Nesselhauf said. “I was supposed to not give my opinion. It’s supposed to be nonbiased, I can’t say, ‘Vote yes.’”

Nesselhauf said he hopes some of the generated funds will go towards school sprit.

Baker said he thinks students did not vote because of the low amount associated with the increase. However, Stephen Schmidt, English sophomore, said he thinks most students do

CLEAN PLATE CONTINUED from page 1

Removal of the trays is not an attempt by the dining halls to reduce the amount of food students consume, Root said.

“It’s not that we’re in any way, shape or form, trying to discourage students from eating,” Root said. “The all-you-can-eat dining halls are all you can eat. You can come back and forth through that line as much as you want.”

The program is being introduced to make students conscious of how much food is wasted.

Chartwells has tracked and recorded the amount of food waste on a chart displayed in the respective dining halls. On average, the usual patron wastes a quarter pound of food daily. Around 3,370 pounds of waste were accumulated between both facilities in one week.

“Project Clean Plate is just a way to create awareness from the students to see what they are not eating and how much is being wasted by the amount of food that they are taking,” said Leslie

Bulkley, resident district manager of Chartwells. “Hopefully, if they see how much food we are trashing that they are not eating, they would pick up less food.”

The tray-less system has not only created awareness among students, but among surrounding colleges as well.

“Another university has contacted us because they want to go tray-less,” Bulkley said. “They plan on visiting us to see how Harris is responding to the change.”

In the first two weeks since the project started, 1,189 pounds of food was saved.

Bulkley said the numbers are getting lower, but the difference in numbers between the two dining halls is drastic. The variance between week one and two for Harris was 194 pounds, which is 116 pounds less than Commons.

“Commons still has trays, so the first week at Commons versus the second week was much larger numbers compared to Harris,” Bulkley said. “But Harris has less waste. Students who eat at Harris are more conscientious of wasting

not bother casting their ballot, no matter the dollar amount.

“We are a generation of unenthused,” Schmidt said. “We are so lazy. People think it will notaffect them in the future, and it will.”

Schmidt said he will vote in the ASG election — if he receives an e-mail prompting him to do so.

“I don’t get enough information about the issues,” he said.

“The sad thing is I really don’t get involved in things and I want to — I just don’t.

less since they don’t use trays.

We’re looking at possibly going tray-less at Commons, too.”

Chartwells in now partnering with the Hays County Food Bank to donate non-perishable foods such as flour, pasta and sugar based on how much food is saved each week. Items donated are on display next to the tracking chart.

The first goal of Project Clean Plate is a 20 percent reduction of food waste resulting in a donation of 200 sacks of flour to the food bank.

The next goal will be a 30 percent reduction in food waste and a donation of 300 pounds of pasta.

Bulkley said students are responding positively to the changes and are becoming mindful of how much they put on their plate.

“I think Project Clean Plate is a great idea,” said Christlyn Corona, pre-mass communication sophomore. “Before I noticed that so much food was being wasted. People would get plates of food that look untouched once they went to throw it away. Taking away the trays saves food and even helps me eat less.”

OPINIONS TRANSITION onlineconnection

Check out www.UniversityStar.com in the following weeks for continued News, Sports, Trends and Opinions coverage.

5 - The University Star

Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

he new introductory T camp for students

will help freshmen start their entrance into university life with more ease, excitement and comfort.

If student turnout and reaction is positive for ASG’s new Cats Camp, Texas State will benefit from the experience.

According to the Feb. 25 issue of The University Star, Cats Camp’s style and purpose follows in the footsteps of other major universities’ introductory programs, such as A&M’s Fish Camp, Texas Tech’s Red Raider Orientation and Tarleton State’s Duck Camp. Unlike events like New Student Orientation and Paws Preview, Cats Camp’s focus is not on courses or camps, but on what it means to be a Bobcat.

Students who attend the camp will build a stronger love and dedication to the university even before the first day of classes. The $150, 300-attendee camp will provide for a relationshipbuilding environment. Current students who choose to play the role of mentor for the incoming freshmen will receive valuable leadership and communication skills.

Freshmen who attend, on the other hand, will have a comfort and friendship established with older students who already know how Texas State works.

Aside from gaining beneficial social and guidance experience, Cats Camp provides students with early exposure to traditions Texas State students have followed for years.

Introducing incoming freshmen to things like our school song, history, and alumni tradition will make living on campus a bit easier. Rather than learning the Texas State ways while attending school, freshmen will have a head start into established Bobcat ways of life.

Cats Camp will have positive repercussions for future Texas State events and groups. New students’ immediate awareness of school spirit, and comfort with showing it may go even as far as helping bring in larger crowds to sporting events.

Overall, nothing but positive results can emerge from Cats Camp. Even if Texas State may be a little behind compared to other state universities in providing an environment for students to become familiar with university traditions, it is better late than never.

TRADITION

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Patriotism does not mean bailing out companies

By Garrett McSpadden Star Columnist

Vice President Joe Biden said to the International Laborers Union of North America in Akron, Ohio, “Paying taxes is patriotic.” But what is patriotic?

He was referring to President Obama’s recent budget plan for the next four years. President Obama is attempting to throw money at the problem.

The so-called solution is prevalent in politics. I recognize the validity in both bi-partisan ideologies, but throwing money at the problem does not seem to be the right direction for our country to take at the moment. We are living in an era unlike any other, whether we like it or not.

Our parents never dreamed they would call an operator in India because their Dell computer kept closing programs unexpectedly.

McDonald’s now sells hamburgers in Hamburg, Moscow and Bangkok.

I bet those signs accounting for all the burgers sold need a recount now. It might say, ‘Over 10 trillion sold.’

Globalization is real and unavoidable.

People think an increasingly global economy means less American jobs — they may be right. Going abroad for better employees makes sense when CNNMoney.com reports most Americans at GM expect to be paid $60,000 a year to screw in rivets. However, Honda Motor Co. has opened numerous plants on American soil because it is cheaper to make the vehicles here than to ship them from Japan.

Jobs are still available, but our boss may be on the other side of the world. What President Obama’s $3.55 trillion budget is aimed at, aside from creating the greatest deficit in the history of our country, is to maintain American businesses.

Plenty of companies such as Hyundai, Honda and Toyota would gladly take over GM’s business market after they fail to run efficiently. We never hear of Honda asking Japan for a bailout. They ran their business responsibly, which is something our native businesses seem to have forgotten how to do.

Our government is throwing money at the problem rather than submitting to the way of the world, giving private companies enough money to stay afloat while they learn how to run their affairs properly.

The money comes from us — the taxpayers. Well, eventually. Right now it is coming from the Banks of China and Japan. We are going to have to pay them back.

So I ask, which is better — should we support giving over one trillion dollars to failed companies and hope for the best so our cars can be American, or should we let business take its course and let the most competent companies take the reins?

Joe Biden meant our nation should pay taxes to businesses that faulted with our money when he said Kate Sciscoe/Star Illustration paying taxes is patriotic. It seems like the opposite of patriotism.

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.

ASG president should sign petition as person, not politician

ERICA RODRIGUEZ

Star Columnist

For nearly two weeks now, Josefina Ibarra, the sophomore whose 18 year-old sister Samantha died in a tragic car accident on Highway 123, has been petitioning on campus with a handful of clipboards and Samantha’s Quinceñera picture.

Ibarra has collected almost 900 signatures from students, employees and student senators in a petition for the state to build shoulders and turn lanes on the highway. But the student with

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

perhaps the most important signature has politely declined.

Brett Baker, president of the student body, refused to sign.

Not because he does not support this, which he will make very clear, because as a person he fully supports this petition, but the responsibility as student body president keeps his hands tied.

“Yes, I completely support it but I’m just not going to put my name on paper,” he said.

Baker argues his signature would constitute a formal endorsement by ASG to support the initiative, an idea that has not yet made its way to the senate. There is a possibility someone would take his name, scribbled on a blurry line on a clipboard, as the views of the entire student body.

If a senator were to voice the

issue, draft legislation and present it, Baker says he would happily sign. The role as an objective and impartial head of the student body is what comes first.

According to the ASG Code of Ethics, Baker is entitled to the right of individual expression of “personal preferences” in regards to political representation. He is only explicitly forbidden from endorsing political candidates.

The petition will be sent to state officials and a TxDot spokesman, but Baker is not actively advocating for a cause here. He would not be volunteering, picketing or rallying for Ibarra. He would not be endorsing a political view. All the sister of this victim wants is support from her president, but not as a political figurehead and not as a student, but as a person.

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“My job, and our job as members of the student body, is to represent the student interest,” he said.

This is a student interest.

We pride ourselves as Bobcats on creating a sense of community and care. The safety of a highway that brings students onto our campus everyday and the grief of one of our own is a student interest that Baker should take a moment to consider more thoroughly.

What we have here is a question of ethics. At what point do you put aside the mantle of student body president to do something in line with a higher moral code?

As students, leaders and private citizens we play multiple roles in our community. No one knows this better than council-

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man, alumnus and citizen, Chris Jones.

“As a private citizen you bet I want that road improved,” Jones said. “I will say this: I signed that petition as a politician, as a private citizen and a student.”

To most, the decision to sign something that will help improve our highways, ensure the safety of our community and prevent needless death is a nobrainer. To Baker it is a line he is not authorized to cross, even as a private citizen.

Tommy Luna, senator and president of the Resident Hall Association, upon learning of the situation, said he plans on drafting an emergency bill to be considered at Monday’s ASG meeting to support Ibarra.

That just might be Baker’s saving grace.

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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 Thursday, March 5, 2009. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

operaopportunity

6 - Thursday, March 5, 2009

Royalty meets barn maid and falls in love on a stage at Texas State. This weekend, the university opera theater program will present “The Student Prince,” which tells the story of the Prince of Karlsberg as he enters university life and confronts conflict between his heart and his royal duty.

The show is operetta style with a Broadway feel and will also be accompanied by the chamber orchestra ensemble. The production runs tomorrow and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $10 for general admission. Call 512-245-2651 for tickets or additional information.

Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Show portrays traveler touring world for $5 a day, living on human kindness

By Brittany Bemis Features Reporter Leon Logothetis traveled around the world for less than the cost of a caramel macchiato from Starbucks every day.

Logothetis’ show, “Amazing Adventures of a Nobody,” illustrates his travels and invites others to live vicariously through him.

Logothetis said he was inspired by the movie The Motorcycle Diaries.

“It is a story about Che Guevara traveling from Buenos Aires to Caracas, relying on the kindness of strangers,” Logothetis said. “It inspired me to do something similar, and what I came up with was traveling around the world on $5 a day, relying entirely on the kindness of strangers.”

Logothetis witnessed events throughout his travels, but his favorite destination has been “without a shadow of a doubt, Nepal.”

“It’s a very spiritual place, really inspiring, great people,” said Logothetis. “Their generosity transcended what I expected.”

After experiencing acts of human kindness, Logothetis said one instance in particular remained with him.

He described meeting a woman in an airport in Indianapolis.

“She gave me the only set of keys to her house and said, ‘If you can find your way to Chicago you can stay the night in my house for free’,” Logothetis said. “She wasn’t even going to be there, she was going to be at a wedding in Indianapolis. If there were five

words to describe my entire trip it would be: ‘the magic of human connection’.”

Logothetis explained tips behind the success of his travels.

“You have to be very personable, you have to understand people, and they have to like you, if they don’t like you it’s all over,” Logothetis said. “I did it on $5 because I wanted to test my resourcefulness out, and I thought putting myself in that kind of extreme situation would bring out the best in me and in others, hopefully.”

Stephanie Del Bosque, prepsychology freshman, has always wanted to experience different cultures.

“I’ve always wanted to travel,” Del Bosque said. “One of my friends is a backpacker, and he went through Brazil. I probably wouldn’t make it after a week, but I would try it.”

Rheva Weers, interdisciplinary studies senior, said her Spring Break plans are not as exotic as Logothetis’s.

“I have a little house on the lake in Kingsland, so we are just planning on spending the week there doing nothing,” Weers said. “If I had money, I would be doing something fun and exciting.”

Logothetis recommended Miami, Panama City and Las Vegas as good Spring Break destinations.

“If you want a little bit of culture but still want to party there is New York, which is an interesting place,” Logothetis said.

Logothetis warned people traveling internationally about Polish taxis and roaming charges in-

curred on American cell phones.

“You should get a pre-paid phone from wherever you are going, so when your parents call you or when your friends call you, you are not paying for their calls you only pay for outgoing calls,” Logothetis said.

“It is not as expensive as using your American phone.”

He said one of his experiences with Polish taxis was rather frightening. His driver stopped in the middle of a freeway with another taxi.

“Basically they were blocking the entire freeway to have a chat,” Logothetis said. “If you ever do have the misfortune of getting into a Polish taxi and his name is Martin, get out immediately.”

Leon recommended the following Web sites for people interested in cheap travel: www. couchsurfing.com, www.lastminute.com, www.mobissimo. com, and www.erideshare.com.

Logothetis began his TV career on Discovery Channel’s “Destination Future.”

In addition to traveling from Paris to Moscow, Logothetis once traversed across America from New York to Los Angeles.

“Amazing Adventures of a Nobody” airs on the Fox Reality Channel.

Lindsey Leverett/Star photo BIKE WAREHOUSE: The Bike Cave moved to an old wood shop on campus off of Pleasant Street.

Bikers, to the cave

Bike cave relocates for more space

By Lindsey Leverett Features Reporter

Photo Courtesy of leonlogothetis.com FRUGAL TRAVEL: Leon Logothetis has traveled around the world relying on the kindness of strangers. The host of Fox’s “Amazing Adventures of a Nobody,” once traveled from Moscow to Paris for $5 a day.

The Bike Cave is kicking it into high gear.

The Texas State center for all things with two wheels and handlebars relocated over Winter Break.

“It’s not really like a cave any more. It’s a warehouse,” said Brian Mines, studio art senior and staff member at the Bike Cave.

Mines said the new location was last used in 1993 for a wood shop, and has since only been used for storage.Its last space was a car garage.

The warehouse is nestled between the Music building and the Trinity building.

“The biggest down side is that no one knows where it is yet,” Mines said.

The Bike Cave has not done any advertising yet, nor has it had its grand opening.

Mines said this is because of a few technical issues that still need to be worked out. The staff plans on having the place done around Spring Break, but it will remain open until then.

“We get people on bikes and

keep people on bikes,” Mines said, “we offer advice, help and tools.”

The Bike Cave is open to all students, no matter what their bike experience. The Bike Cave offers a class where students are taught to take a bike completely apart and rebuild it.

The new, larger space allows more students to work at a time, which means less waiting for a stand to become available. There are six new stands on the walls used for holding the bike while it is worked on, which means at least six students can be working at a time. The stands and the bikes for sale occupy space in the largest room in the warehouse. There are two other rooms, one currently used to store other bike parts. The other is on its way to becoming an office. The office walls house windows that look out into the open workroom.

The space is littered with tools and bike parts. Students may use the tools for $8 an hour, or may volunteer for an hour to cover the costs. The hours of the cave have become more regular since the move.

Students may come at any time during their hours to start a bike project or fix something on their current bike. The Cave has bikes and tires for sale, and gives away other bike parts.

“It’s neat that you can come in here and they fix it right up for you,” said Brooke Blume, exercise and sports science junior. Blume walked into the cave, told them what she wanted and received help.

“As soon as I told him what I was looking for, he got it on the rack and started working on it,” Blume said, “I didn’t expect to get a bike for 30 or 40 bucks.”

Judith Wilson, pre-geography resource and environmental studies senior, said the benefits of bike riding go far beyond finances.

“It’s not just about bikes,” Wilson said. “It’s about living in a cleaner world, and bicycles can do that.”

Students can check out the Bike Cave Web site, www.tram. txstate.edu/bicycling/Bike_ Cave.html, for information on its location, hours and current events, or they can stop by the new location.

Trends

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Entertainment Calendar Thursday Nathan Hamilton, 6 p.m., Funkotron 9 p.m., Triple Crown Robbie and the Robots, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Ponty Bone’s Trio, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Blue Diamond Shine, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Kyle Park, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Friday Ricky Stein, 6 p.m., Devil’s Hollow, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Texas High Life, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon The Subdudes, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall Joel Hofman Band, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Walt Wilkins & Jason Eady, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Saturday Word Association, Quanstar, 10 p.m., Triple Crown Nasty Clan w/ The Little Gentlemen, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Lost Immigrants, 1 p.m., Brandon Rhyder, 9 p.m., Gruene Hall Shelli Coe, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Brett Crenshaw, Doctor G & The Mudcats, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Sunday Open Mic with Pat, Holly and Nate, 8 p.m., Triple Crown Jazzie-Oke, 9:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist, 10:30 a.m.,

The University Star - 7

New couples, flowers blossom in spring

Bret Graham, 12:30 p.m., The Belleville Outfit, 5 p.m., Gruene Hall Open Mic w/ Glenn Allan, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Ash Family, 4 p.m., Cheatham Street Monday Robbie Doyen, 6 p.m., Doomsday Device, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Matt Begley & Friends Song Swap, 9 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Bret Graham, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Free Pool & Jukebox, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Battle of the Bands, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Tuesday Phil Stevens, 6 p.m., Song Swap, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Adam Carroll with Owen Temple & Kim Deschamps, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Jack Higginbotham, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Midnight River Choir & Jordan Minor, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Wednesday Bruce Smith, 6 p.m., The Anchovies, The Canvas Waiting, Mankind & Me, 8:30 p.m., Triple Crown Open Mic w/ Matt Begley, 9:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Zach Walther & the Cronkites, Texas Renegade, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Tyler Cannon, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Kent Finlay’s Songwriters Circle, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street

Crystal davis

Trends Columnist

Springtime brings more than pollen in the air and blossoming flowers. It brings the cutesy couples out of their winter hibernation to remind everyone spring has arrived and romance is contagious.

“Nearly everyone gets ‘twitterpated’ in the springtime,” said the Owl in Disney’s 1942 Bambi.

According to urbandictionary. com, twitterpated is the state of being totally enamored with someone or something.

It does seem to happen that way, doesn’t it?

Watching new couples form can be quite entertaining. For example, on any given weekend night in a local bar or club, one might witness the very shy flirtations of new attraction budding between two people.

In the early stages of every romantic ritual I’ve witnessed between locals, the word “date” never comes into play.

One might hear, “Would you like to hang out sometime,” or “Would you like to come over and watch a movie,” but I have yet to hear a male student who is brave enough to ask a female on an actual date.

Maybe formalities don’t exist

in a college town, or maybe our generation is just different from our predecessors in the rituals of the mating dance.

It’s a shame because there are so many places unique to San Marcos that would be ideal for a date.

If one wanted to plan a picnic, Stokes Park has its very own small waterfall and the city has cleared away much of the brush to make new paths that follow the river.

The Wine Cellar on The Square is an intimate setting with some of the best gourmet food that will ever touch a palate.

If two people just wanted to meet up for drinks, Restless Wind is a casual setting that is not too loud and rarely overcrowded.

There are different ways to think beyond the norm and achieve a quality first date experience in San

Marcos.

Maybe dating has become outdated and the games we play with the people we like have replaced the traditions of the past.

Instead of asking someone on a date, asking someone to hang out makes the person who is asking feel less vulnerable.

Even if that is the case and it is just more comfortable to ask a person to hang out rather than go on a date, there is a lack of clarity in such a broad statement. It is important to make known somehow that hanging out isn’t just platonic or it could get confusing.

Whether going on dates is fashionable or not, it will always remain a sure-fire way to woo that special someone because it gives love a chance to create memories and lovers a chance to just enjoy being twitterpated.

8 - The University Star

Trends

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Orchestra students, faculty prepare for Italy performances Morgan Wilson Features Reporter Some students will be preparing to have the ultimate Spring Break experience as students, faculty and staff prepare to leave San Marcos.

The Texas State Chamber Orchestra, String Quartet and Faculty Trio will leave for the Tour de Italy on March 12, visiting venues in Rome, Florence, Siena, Cremona and Venice.

The Chamber Orchestra will play the “Classical Symphony,” “Chrysanthemum,” “Cowboy Minimal Quartet” and the Beethoven “Triple Concerto” over the course of eight days.

“We wanted to take a piece by a composer here on campus,” said Lynn Ledbetter, associate professor in the School of Music.

Charles Ditto, senior lecturer in the School of Music, composed “Cowboy Minimal Quartet.”

“It is minimalist in style,” Ditto said. “I wrote it in the ’90s — similar to a Philip Glass composition. Being minimal in terms of music only means you take a small amount of info to make a great sound.”

The “Triple Concerto,” Beethoven’s work, was rehearsed for months because the sounds were different with each set up. This will be a premier experience for a lot of the students attending.

“This is the first time at least half of our students have traveled internationally,” said Ledbetter.

Ledbetter said the anticipation of international travel with the orchestra has inspired the students.

“We have had so much cooperation from everyone, especially the students,” Ledbetter said.

“Students are excited, not only about traveling, but about the opportunity to perform.”

Washington Garcia, assistant professor in the school of music, said the orchestra has not rushed any of the preparation for the concert.

“It is a unique opportunity to work with students because it’s quite rare to spend time with an orchestra in preparation for a performance like

we do,” Garcia said.

Ledbetter and Garcia are part of the Faculty Trio. They both see this trip as a great opportunity for the students.

“It has been a very sweet experience. The students are receptive to style issues as well as what we need from them,” Ledbetter said. “It’s a pleasure to be a guide and anticipate what they will see and say.”

Garcia hopes the tour will bring Texas State some recognition on an international level.

“I think this performance is a great opportunity to enhance our international visibility,” Garcia said. “It is another step to furthering the Texas State name.”

Most people who see their performance will only view the final product, but a lot of work and practice went into the production.

“This is a very special opportunity. When I played with other orchestras, I normally had two rehearsals and a dress rehearsal, then the performances, but here we are not limited to the number of rehearsals we have,” Garcia said. “The work we have invested has been unconditional and will prove to be a great product.”

Garcia has been playing at international venues since he was 15. However, he said this is the most gratifying for him.

“Out of all of my international exposure, this is the most rewarding experience,” Garcia said.

“Not only because students have been so receptive to the ideas we as faculty have brought forward, but also because they have a very strong inner voice which makes it easier to communicate during rehearsals and actual performances.”

Ledbetter said the trip will expose the students to music, culture and history.

“With international travel, you will meet people you normally do not hang out with,” Ledbetter said. “As a musician, it is important to travel because most of our classical music comes from central and western European cultures. InternaAndrew Nenque/Star file photo tional people are always happy to hear new music FINELY TUNED: The Texas State Orchestra will be traveling to Italy to perform in the 2009 Celebration of — American music.”

Music.

Diversions

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The University Star - 9

Solutions 3/4

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

Solutions for 3/4

Classifieds E-mail Classifieds at starclassifieds@txstate.edu

rates and policies

Cost - 25¢ per word (1–6 days); Cost - 20¢ per word (7+ days); Deadline - 2 business days prior by noon All classified ads must be paid in advance, unless credit is established. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. We do our best, but please check your classified ad for accuracy. Any corrections to your ad must be made by the second day of publication. As a free service to you, all classified ads will be published on-line on our web site at www.universitystar.com. However, since this is a free service, posting is not guaranteed. While The University Star attempts to screen ads for misleading claims or illegal content, it is not possible for us to investigate every ad and advertiser. Please use caution when answering ads, especially any which require you to send money in advance.

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Sports the university star

southlandseries

The Southland Conference Basketball Tournament will be held March 11 to March 15 at the Merrell Center in Katy. The top eight teams men’s and women’s teams will face off to determine the conference champion. The winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com

10 - Thursday, March 5, 2009

Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu

Bobcats secure spot at conference tournament

By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter

The Bobcat men’s basketball team defeated the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners 80-66 in its last home game of the season.

With the win, the Bobcats have a 14-14 overall, 7-8 Southland Conference record. They have won six of their last seven games and have officially secured a bid to the Southland Conference Tournament March 11 to March 15 in Katy.

“It’s great we’re going to Katy,” said Coach Doug Davalos. “This is one of the best wins of my career. But we can’t get ahead of Lindsey Goldstein /Star feature photo ourselves. We have to still get past MAKING A SPLASH: The Texas State’s women’s water polo club shows off its team spirit Monday at Sam Houston.”

The game started out with an the Aqua Sports Center. administrative technical foul on Texas State because the coaching staff did not submit its starting lineup early enough. The Roadrunners were awarded two free throws, which they made, to start the game.

Texas State was down by nine in the first half but went on a 22-9 run

By César G. Rodriguez amazing team spirit,” said Thom- and very fast. It’s just a realistic to take the lead, thanks in part to Sports Reporter as, club captain. “Each member goal of ours.” is dedicated to the team and to Thomas said the tournament The Texas State women’s wa- helping the team grow.” gives the team an opportunity ter polo club swims ahead into Two newcomers are Ashley to improve offensively and defenthe season with new members Krall, international studies ju- sively. However, the competition and an improved record from the nior, and Emma Stephens, exer- is in the pool, and outside it is all previous year. cise and sports science junior. camaraderie.

Kathryn Garner, interdisciplinStephens swam competitively “We also want to use this time ary studies junior, said playing for 10 years, but she wanted to to make the other universities water polo has its advantages. challenge herself while applying feel welcome and create a posi“It’s exciting,” Garner said. her pool skills. tive name for Texas State wom“I’ve always been a swimmer.

“I wanted to try something en’s water polo,” Thomas said.

Swimming back and forth can new and fun that would utilize Garner said though the combe very boring. (Water polo) is a my swimming skills while chal- petition is a month away, the competitive sport — a good way lenging myself,” Stephens said. club is already preparing for it. to get out your aggression.”

Krall said the intensity of the Practices include scrimmage Last season was the women’s game and the workout caught games with the men’s water polo first time playing in the Colle- her attention. club. The teams are co-ed. giate Water Polo Association in “The most important thing “We like to even the teams the Texas division. The club won is having fun, but we’d also like when we do scrimmage,” Garner two games and holds a record of to make a positive name for our said. “Put some boys and girls on 3-1 this year. school and team,” Krall said. each team because when we play The women attended a compe- “Even though our program is just boys versus girls, they mantition two weeks ago in College only two years old, we want to handle us.”

Station and lost to Texas A&M, remain competitive with the bigStephens enjoys the fellowbut defeated Baylor, Trinity and ger, older programs.” ship in the team.

Rice. Garner, club president, The women’s water polo club “It is so awesome when I see said the members had a good will host a regional tournament the results of my practice pay experience.

April 4 to April 5. The teams par- off. When you feel like you can “We learned that we need to ticipating include Texas, Texas be an asset to the team rather square out from defense to of- A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor, Trin- than ‘the new girl,’ you know you fense, that we were faster than ity and Rice. The regional com- have accomplished something,” we thought we were,” Garner petition will serve to rank the Stephens said. said. “We’re doing a lot better clubs advancing to the playoffs The first tournament results than we did last year.” at Texas later in April. are in the past for Krall. Now she Laura Thomas, fashion-merGarner is optimistic, yet realis- looks forward to the tournament chandising sophomore, said the tic, about the expectation of the in April. newcomers to the club have tournament.

“We were so excited to do so adapted well to the game and it “We feel confident in becom- well at our first tournament, but will pay off in the season. ing second,” Garner said. “No we also know we have a lot of “We have several new girls one is unbeatable. A&M is a work if we want to continue to who are excited to play and have great team. They are very smart do well,” Krall said.

Women’s water polo club hosts tournament with new members

Brandon Bush’s, senior guard, 14 first-half points. Bush surpassed the 1,500 career-point mark on his second bucket of the game. He is only the fourth player in Bobcat history to do so.

“It’s a blessing to even put on this jersey and play ball,” Bush said. “I love playing basketball and it’s been great being a Bobcat. All our hard work is paying off.”

The Bobcats went into halftime with a 37-32 lead.

Brent Benson, senior guard, made back-to-back 3-pointers with less than 12 minutes to play in the second half. Benson’s 3-pointers gave the Bobcats a 54-43 lead.

“We kept getting stop after stop and it was just easy for me to knock those down after that,” Benson said.

Ryan White, junior forward, jumped between two defenders to tip a rebound to Bush with 9:38 left. Bush immediately jumped and was fouled despite the basket going in. He converted on the ensuing free throw, giving the Bobcats a 61-49 lead.

The Bobcats continued to increase their lead as Benson hit

another 3-pointer, his fifth of the game, to give Texas State a 64-51 advantage with 6:48 left.

The Bobcats increased their lead even further to 71-58 as Bush hit Corey Jefferson, senior guard, under the basket with a no-look pass.

Dylan Moseley, senior forward, hit a 3-pointer with 2:40 remaining to extend the Bobcats to 7459 with 2:04 remaining. Then Moseley received an outlet pass on the next play, which he took to the hole for a slam dunk with 1:44 remaining.

“It’s been great being a Bobcat,” Moseley said. “I’ve been through the thick and thin and to be in the tourney is great. I’ll miss playing in San Marcos for sure.”

Bush received a standing ovation as he was substituted out of the game with 24 seconds left.

Bush led all scorers with 28 points and 14 rebounds, followed by Benson’s 19 points and eight rebounds.

The Bobcats will play their last game at 2:05 p.m. Saturday in Huntsville against Sam Houston State.

Track, field members aspire to beat personal records

By Jessie Spielvogel Sports Reporter The Texas State track and field team will compete at the Tiger Relays Friday in San Antonio.

Assistant Coach Clayton Bynum said the upcoming meet will be more like a practice. The team’s smaller meets are a time for the Bobcats to see where improvements can be made.

Jennifer Matthews, agricultural education graduate, was the pole vault champion for the indoor season. She will continue to pole vault with a higher

goal for the outdoor season.

“My ultimate goal is to jump 13 feet, but I need to get there gradually,” Matthews said. “I would like to get comfortable at 12 feet, 6 inches for now.

Before I was at 12 feet.”

Katie Evans, international business senior, also has high hopes for the upcoming season.

“I used to hold the record for the heptathlon, and I would love to break it again,” Evans said.

Evans said the heptathlon record is approximately 4,700 points.

Evans believes her strongest

events are the heptathlon and the high jump.

The team began its outdoor season at the Trinity Invitational Feb. 28. Few team members attended the meet because it was the weekend after the SLC Indoor Championships.

The team will compete almost every weekend until the conference championship in May. The Bobcats will travel March 21 to Waco and compete at Baylor. The team will hit the road again March 28 for the University of Texas Invitational in Austin.

Trinity Invitational Results Renee Shepard, exercise and sports science sophomore: second in 100 meter

Gerry Kammer, criminal justice sophomore: won the 400 meter

Maria Gustafsson, exercise and sports science freshman: second in 200-meter event.

Brett Berry, exercise and sports science junior: won the long jump event

Mary-Beth O’Connor, communication studies senior: won the 400-meter hurdles

Ikenna Obonna, finance sophomore: second in long jump and triple jump

Sara Olayiwola, finance senior: won the triple jump and placed fifth in long jump

Goldstein Okafor, exercise and sports science sophomore: won first place in triple jump.

Stefon Hargrove, exercise and sports Collins Ekeocha, biochemistry science freshman: won the 100 meter sophomore: third in triple jump

Austin Byrd/Star photo MOVING ON: Brandon Bush, senior guard, drives to the basket Wednesday and leads the Bobcats to an 80-66 victory. The Bobcats have clinched a spot in the Southland Conference tournament.

Austin Turfcats signs former Bobcat quarterback Clint Toon

By Joseph O. Garcia Sports Reporter The last time Clint Toon was in uniform was for the 2008 Texas State football season.

Toon will now be suiting up for a new team, the Austin Turfcats, in April.

The former Texas State quarterback signed Feb. 21 to play with the new arena football team.

Toon played in six games for Texas State this season. Some highlights include an 80-yard drive for the game-winning touchdown with 1:48 left against Angelo State. He had his first start at quarterback against Northern Colorado and completed 18 passes on 32 attempts for 227 yards and a touchdown.

Toon played one season at Kilgore Junior College before transferring to Texas State. He led Kilgore to the Southwest Junior College Football Conference Championship.

Toon said he is happy about signing with the Turfcats.

“It’s pretty exciting right now,” Toon said. “I’m still kind of waiting for things to pan out right now between (graduate) school and football, but I’m excited to have the opportunity.

“College (football) was so fun to play, and to get the opportunity to play again when you are done is (really) exciting.”

Ronald Oswalt is the vice president and general manager of the Austin Turfcats. The team is part of the Southern Indoor Football League. Teams include the Louisiana Swashbucklers, Houma Conquerers, Texas Pirates, Acadiana Mudbugs and the Florida Kings.

Toon said he was unaware Austin had a new team.

“Mr. Oswalt e-mailed me one day and asked if I would be interested,” Toon said. “He is trying to get people excited around the Austin, San Marcos, New Braun-

fels area. He is trying to get people interested in this new team and new league.”

Toon is confident in his game and the way it will transfer to the arena league.

“I don’t have the big arm, but I think the arena will be good for me. Fifty yards, I can do that (easily). The short, quick passes are going to be good for my game. That is where I’m strong.

Hopefully it will be pretty fun and it will work with my game real well.”

Chris Duliban, Turfcats head coach, thinks highly of Toon.

“He has a quick release, good anticipation and threw a good indoor ball,” Duliban said. “He seems very intelligent and eager to learn.”

Duliban said Toon will compete for the starting quarterback job.

“He has quick feet and decision making abilities,” Duliban said. “(That is) very important.”