03 06 2007

BASEBALL BLOWOUT

The Bobcats hand Texas Southern a series shellacking in three weekend contests SEE SPORTS PAGE 12

Jazz-influenced hip-hop band Boombox explains their distinctive sound SEE TRENDS PAGE 6

THUMPIN’ TUNES

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

MARCH 6, 2007

TUESDAY

VOLUME 96, ISSUE 62

Service honors second Kappa Sigma brother’s death

By Scott Thomas The University Star Friends of Nathan Herzog gathered at the house of Memorie Buckert to reminisce about a time, not long ago, when Herzog was still alive. Herzog, Texas State alumnus, died in an automobile accident Feb. 26 in Dallas at the age of 24.

“He would do it for me. He

Policy change lowers housing requirements

would want everyone to get together and have a good time,” Buckert said about the service.

Herzog is survived by his mother and father, Peggy and Gary Herzog, and his sister Lindsey.

“Nathan was the best son anyone could ever have — best son, best friend, best brother,” Peggy Herzog said. “We loved him with all our hearts.”

Herzog was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, which was still feeling the effects of another member’s death, Michael Minter, just two weeks before.

“A lot of us had already been grieving,” said Mark Erickson, friend of Herzog and member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

“When I found out about (Nathan) it was overwhelming.”

Friends and family described Herzog as a humorous person with a cheerful personality and a constant smile.

“The most wonderful person you could know — kind, sweet and carefree,” said Tiffany Matocha, a former co-worker and friend of Herzog’s. “His smile was contagious.”

Five months prior to his death, Herzog went through

what his friends called a religious reawakening and became active in church.

“He had a lot of questions,” Erickson said. “I was happy to learn that just five months before his death he found some answers.”

Herzog worked as a sales representative at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and in his spare time, he would

On his own

often play sports. He coached a youth basketball team and went to nationals in four-square.

“I thought he was joking at first. He had to tell me several times,” said Buckert about Herzog’s national title.

Word had spread quickly of Herzog’s death, first reaching his family then friends in San See SERVICE, page 5

VP Oskey dissolves Grad House

By Paul Rangel The University Star

By Paul Rangel The University Star

Student residency policies have been changed in anticipation of enrollment increases for Fall 2008.

Unmarried students under the age of 21 who have completed 52 hours may opt to live off-campus. Students who are academically eligible and have completed between 46 and 52 hours may request to live in university-owned apartments. The change will be effective Sept. 1, 2008.

“Any time we make a decision about a policy at the university, we do it based on data,” said Joanne Smith, vice president for student affairs. “The thing that’s driving us at this point is that we are going to try and increase the amount of freshman students on campus.”

University President Denise Trauth’s Cabinet approved the policy in expectation of increased enrollment in upcoming semesters. The previous policy required all students who had not successfully completed 56 hours and were not 21, to live on campus.

“If you look at the long run (graduation), that’s the thing that drives us. But if you’re making a policy, you’re making a policy for the whole,” Smith said.

“The two year requirement, based on the long-term data, is better for retention.”

She said research nationwide is finding that the sophomore year is still highly vulnerable for people not returning to school.

“The philosophy for Texas State has been that this university be a residence campus,” said John Garrison, associate vice president for student affairs.

The university has one of the largest residential programs in Texas, which many other schools use as a model for their campuses, he said. With more than 6,000 students living on campus and overcrowding becoming an issue, groundbreaking for new halls should be expected in the next couple of years.

“From a capacity standpoint, we’re certainly OK,” Smith said.

“When talking about freshmen, sophomores — we have enough capacity as long as people are moving forward and those students are completing the freshmen and sophomore hours,” Smith said.

She said students are not taking as many hours as they used to, which is one of the reasons the residence halls are retaining third-year sophomores.

“I think a lot of it has to do with economic status — students getting advice from people that have taken fewer hours and people wanting to work,” Smith said. “Students would have to take 15 hours each semester to get 56 hours in two years, and

There are currently five package stores in the San Marcos area.

“I ran two establishments on Sixth Street in Austin and have been in this business for a while,” said Monte Sheffield, general manager at the San Marcos River Pub and Grill. “I don’t like this bill, and I don’t have confidence in (Republic and Glazer) as a businessperson. I think it’s a very negative deal.”

He said wholesalers are only going to deliver a couple times a week and are going to try to make bars and restaurants sell other brands of liquor.

“If we want Jack Daniels, they can make us sell Jim Bean instead,” Sheffield said.

Amanda Oskey, Associated Student Government vice president, dissolved ASG’s Graduate House of Representatives Monday night.

Invoking her power under the ASG Constitution, allowing the vice president to amend the document so it complies with “university policy, past referendums (most recent), procedures, rules, or regulations, or local federal or state law [sic],” Oskey nullified a 2005 amendment creating the Graduate House.

Oskey said she nullified the amendment because it was unconstitutional. In doing so, she nullified an ASG Senate bill ratifying the amendment. The ASG Senate Code of Laws prohibits the vice president from deciding the constitutionality of legislation.

Oskey met with members of the Graduate House Thursday to inform them she would be dissolving the organization. According to the memorandum presented by Oskey, the 2005 referendum created a plurality vote instead of majority. Therefore, the constitution should not have been changed because a majority vote is needed to amend the constitution, Oskey said.

The issue came to Oskey’s attention while preparing for the March 20 and 21 student referendums.

“I just realized that there are just some things that had been changed, and in such a way that was illegitimate, and it’s my job to protect the constitution and uphold the sanctity of it,” Oskey said.

Graduate representatives were not pleased to hear the news.

“There is no legality or constitutionality on the issue. I think Amanda is overstepping her bounds,” said Student Rep. Chris Harris. “The referendum that was passed two years ago made it obvious the students are in favor of some form of graduate representation.”

Harris said he met with ASG President Kyle Morris at the beginning of the fall semester to discuss the future of the House.

“When I met with (Morris) at the beginning of the year, he said he’s going to let us decide what’s best for the House, and it seems as if when the answer came back (it was an answer) he didn’t want. Maybe he’s trying to get rid of us another way.”

Harris, the former speaker of the Graduate House said.

Morris sponsored the 2005 legislation creating the Graduate House.

“What I supported was effective graduate representation,” Morris said. “ASG made a mistake by accepting the 2005 referendum results. We all did, the

See LIQUOR LAW, page 5

See ASG, page 5

See HOUSING, page 5

Travis Atkins/Star photo Matt Larson, criminal justice junior, (second from right) takes on North Texas Saturday at West Campus Field during the Texas State Renegade Rugby Club’s game. The Bobcats finished second in the state championship to qualify for a trip to Colorado.

SEE SPORTS, PAGE 12

New liquor law could dictate which drinks are served in San Marcos, throughout Texas

By Christina Kahlig The University Star A proposed law has package liquor stores and wholesalers arguing over who will call the shots.

House Bill 2266, filed Thursday by State Rep. Pat Haggerty, R-El Paso, could allow wholesale distributors to sell liquor directly to bars and restaurants. Currently, wholesalers sell liquor to package stores for resale, but are banned from selling directly to other establishments.

“There are only two wholesalers in the state of Texas that control 95 percent of the business: Republic and Glazer,” said Charles Sims, secretary and treasurer for The Texas Package Store Association. “If you want Jack Daniels, you buy it from Glazer. If you want Bacardi, you buy it from Republic. They do not compete.”

More than 500 package stores Cotton Miller/Star photo have a local distributor’s permit, allowing them to sell liquor to LIQUOR LAW: Mike Carlson, business finance senior, unloads bars and restaurants. Competinew bottles of liquor Monday night at San Marcos River Pub tion between these stores gives and Grill. A proposed House Bill could allow bars to buy direct- the bars and restaurants options ly from wholesalers, eliminating the package store middleman. concerning service and prices.

Today’s Weather

Sunny

72˚/45˚

Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 36% UV: 7 high Wind: S 11 mph

Two-day Forecast Wednesday Partly Cloudy Temp: 74°/ 48° Precip: 0%

Thursday Sunny Temp: 76°/ 50° Precip: 10%

don’t like “I this bill … I think it’s a very negative deal.”

—Monte Sheffield general manager, San Marcos River Pub and Grill

Inside News ..............1-5 Trends .............6-8 Crossword ......... 8 Sudoku .............. 8

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

Comics .............. 8 Opinions ............ 9 Classifieds ....... 10 Sports ......... 11,12

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

PAGE TWO Tuesday in Brief

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

starsof texas state Antonio Banos, mass communication-advertising senior, was awarded the Most Promising Minority Student Award by the American Advertising Federation.

The federation honors the top 50 minority-advertising students in the nation, and this year, Banos, a Mexico City native, received the accolade for his achievements in the Texas State School of Journalism and Mass

Communication.

Banos has made the most of his tenure as an advertising student at Texas State, with a summer internship at Dieste Harmel Partners and membership on the National Student Advertising Competition team.

—Courtesy of Public Relations

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

TUESDAY The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents “The Feminine Mystique Revisited,” 11 a.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132.

There will be a free lunch for all students from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Catholic Student Center lobby.

Facing the Fear: Anxiety and Panic Group will meet from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and offer a supportive way to cope.

For more information or to register, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208.

Every Nation Campus Ministries will meet at 7:00 p.m. in Centennial Hall, Room G-02. There will be free food, fellowship and a relevant message.

A CEO Meeting will be at 5 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 127.

Overeaters Anonymous will meet at 12:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland St. For more information, call (512) 357-2049.

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.

San Marcos Toastmasters Club will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lone Star Café at the Prime Outlet Mall (Interstate-35, exit 200 at Centerpoint Road). Optional dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Visitors and guests are welcome to attend. Practice speaking, listening and thinking skills; boost selfconfidence and develop leadership skills. For additional information, call Ren Linér at (512) 353-0217; e-mail smtoastmasters@yahoo.com or visit www.sanmarcos.freetoasthost.org

Students in Free Enterprise will meet at 4:15 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 113. Students interested in becoming involved with the community, making business connections and learning leadership skills are encouraged to attend.

Chalk it up!

CRIME BL TTER University Police Department Feb. 24, 3:29 a.m.

Information Report/San Marcos Hall An officer was dispatched for a report of disorderly conduct. Upon further investigation a student was found to be a minor in possession of alcohol and was issued a citation.

WEDNESDAY Texas State softball team will play St. Johns 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Bobcat Field.

The Freethought Society of Texas State will host a panel discussion, “The Individual and the State” 7 p.m. in the LBJ Ballroom.

A one-hour orientation and training session will teach attendees to use the Freeze-Framer biofeedback program to reduce the negative effects of stress. The session will be at 12 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 3-11.1. For more information, please call Annie at (512) 245-2208.

The Philosophy Dialgoue Series presents “Gina Weatherhead Dialogue: Writing Women Back into Modern Philosophy,” with philosophy professor Lynne Fulmer, 12 p.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132.

American Marketing Association and Ad Club present guest speaker Candace Clarkson, account manager for GSD&M Advertising , 5:30 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 314.1. Free food and drinks available at 5:15 p.m. All majors are welcome.

Business-casual dress is suggested.

For more information, visit www. business.txstate.edu/AMA The Association of Information Technology Professionals will have a chapter meeting 5 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 127. Mark Aschenbeck will discuss working at the USAA bank . Pizza and soda will be provided. All majors are welcome.

Feb. 25, 2:04 a.m.

Warrant Service/Bobcat Stadium An officer initiated a traffic stop. Upon further investigation, a non-student was found to have an active warrant. The non-student was arrested and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration.

Jon Clark/Star photo Henry Craff, theatre senior, and Alex McDonald, theatre junior, both members of At-Random Theatre Group, stage a “happening” Monday at the free speech area in The Quad. During “happenings,” members of the group gather for a planned event before dispersing quickly into the crowd.

Feb. 25, 9:36 a.m.

MIP/Blanco Garage An officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high speed. Upon further investigation the driver was found to be a minor in possession of alcohol and was issued a citation.

GRE undergoes sweeping changes Procrastination rarely pays off, and for those considering going to graduate school, there’s a strong rationale not to put off taking the Graduate Record Exam.

The exam will undergo a dramatic overhaul in September and will be less convenient, more expensive and contain new question types unfamiliar to most students. While the changes themselves are noth-

ing to fear, The Princeton Review strongly advises the more than 350,000 students who plan to take the GRE to take the current version.

Students are urged to register early. The final administration of the current GRE will be July 31 and the test will not be offered again until it is released in the revised format Sept. 10.

To help students understand the new GRE, The Princeton Re-

view has developed a free “NoStress Guide to the New GRE.” It is now available at www.PrincetonReview.com/GREchanges/.

The “No-Stress Guide” provides detailed information about the changes and helps students decide which version of the GRE will best showcase their abilities and cause the least amount of anxiety.

The Princeton Review is offering free strategy sessions for the

GRE that walk students through questions from both the current GRE and the new GRE debuting in September. These sessions give students the opportunity to determine which test is best suited for them.

Students can call (800) 2738439 or visit PrincetonReview. com to register or obtain more information.

—Courtesy of The Princeton Review

NEWS

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

The University Star - Page 3

Students learn limits to drunken driving

By Karen Little The University Star Students observed the consequences of drunken driving Monday afternoon as part of the university’s Spring Break alcohol awareness program.

“Know your dreams, know your limits, know the consequences,” a mock, head-on collision car crash was fashioned in The Quad, complete with fake blood, police tape, empty fast food bags and crushed Keystone beer cans. Two white boards were placed in front of the crash where students could write memories of loved ones killed by drunken drivers.

Carmen Castro, senior victim advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said she noticed a trend among alcohol cases while for the San Marcos District Attorney’s office for 10 years.

“You just saw the defendant in the courtroom and not the victims,” she said. “I always wondered who the injured parties were. That’s where I began to work with victim services. So, there would be two sides to every story.”

Castro said the risks of drunken driving increase during Spring Break and graduation. However, it is becoming more of a year round concern with many repeat offenders.

“The university has always wanted to do prevention and intervention,” she said. “Every year, I come trying to focus on awareness. I want to give information to students when they ask for it. We advocate for victims in and out of the courtroom.”

At the event, Otto Glenewinkel, university police department officer, informed students on the hazards of drunken driving. He constructed a DWI

Bridgette Cyr/Star photo WORDS OF LOVE: Geoff Newman, engineering sophomore, reads messages of love written by students who have felt the effects of drunken driving. The mock car crash was set up in The Quad Monday to show students what can happen over Spring Break if they make the decision to drink and drive.

simulator placed near a coffin and silver hearse donated by Pennington Funeral Home. Students are given a pair of “drunk goggles” which act as an impairment to the racecar-style video game.

“I either help or hinder the person driving,” he said. “(Students) really get into it, or get mad because they can’t win.”

Glenewinkel said approximately 90

percent of the students he engages in conversation tell him they do not drink and drive. The “social norm of drinking” has faded and most students know it is a bad idea, he said.

“I want you to experience how it feels to be intoxicated and how it alters your driving,” Glenewinkel said.

Even though this is the first year for the simulator, it has been progressively effective with students, he said.

“After they use the simulator, their response is ‘I can’t believe some idiots would do that,’” he said.

Mark Moreno, pre-music freshman, played the simulator three times. He was one of the few students who beat the odds by defeating the to defeat the DWI simulator on the first attempt.

“I think the only hard part is (Glenewinkel) kept messing with me,” he said.

Recently, his uncle, who was one of the few drinkers in his family, died of cancer. He said his uncle enjoyed warm beers. After the funeral, his father bought non-alcoholic beer for them to drink in his memory. Moreno declined his father’s offer.

“I’m not much of a drinker,” Moreno said.

Glenewinkel and Moreno took turns playing the simulator at the end of the afternoon.

The sounds of the simulator’s revving engines and crashing cars attracted various students so they could witness the effects of drinking and driving.

“I think a lot more students realize how devastating drunk driving is,” Glenewinkel said. “(The program) has been quite an experience.”

Texas State has been hosting this event the week before Spring Break for the past six years. Organizations involved include UPD, MADD, Students With Alternative Transportation, the Hays County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas State Alcohol and Drug Resource Center.

Generals apologize after hearing Walter Reed treatment stories

By David Goldstein McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON — The faces of the scandal over the treatment of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center appeared before a congressional panel Monday.

Annette McLeod, whose husband suffered a brain injury when he was hit by a steel door in Iraq, said the Army tried to blame his mental problems on the fact he needed extra help with math and reading while in grammar school.

The hospital kept putting up roadblocks to his treatment, she said. On his test for traumatic brain injury, they said “he didn’t

try hard enough,” McLeod said.

“This is how we treat our soldiers,” she said angrily, her voice breaking. “They’re good enough to sacrifice their lives, but we give them nothing.”

Staff Sgt. John Daniel Shannon, who lost his left eye and received a brain injury after he was shot near the Iraqi city of Ramadi, told lawmakers that once at Walter Reed, he was basically abandoned.

“The system can’t be trusted,” he said.

The generals in charge were apologetic, even as several said they were unaware of the conditions that blackened the reputation of the Army’s premier medical facility.

“I couldn’t be madder; I couldn’t be more embarrassed,” said Gen. Peter Schoomaker, the Army chief of staff. “I’m ashamed.”

“I’m personally and professionally sorry,” said Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley, who headed Walter Reed before becoming the Army surgeon general. “Simply put, I’m in command, and I share these failures.”

Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, who took over the hospital in August and was fired last week, said, “You can’t fail one of these soldiers. Not one. ... And we did.”

Weightman, who some in Congress believe has been made a scapegoat for the problems, at

one point turned to the McLeods and apologized for “not meeting their expectations. I promise we will do better.”

The House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee held the hearing at Walter Reed, where some combat-wounded outpatients were housed in squalor and had to battle the Army bureaucracy for their disability benefits. Other House and Senate panels, along with similar questions about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ treatment of wounded veterans, are certain to hold more on Capitol Hill as the issue crackles like lightning in political and military circles.

The hearing came in response to recent Washington Post reports

the hospital housed some of its wounded outpatients in a bug- and rodent-infested building, known as Building 18. Mold grew on the walls, security was compromised and utilities weren’t always working. The online magazine Salon first reported the problems more than a year ago.

“It was unforgivable,” said Spc. Jeremy Duncan, who lost his left ear and the vision in his left eye and suffered other wounds when a roadside bomb exploded near him.

“It wasn’t fit for anybody to live in a room like that,” Duncan said.

McLeod, Duncan and Shannon described a system in which the injured have to justify their

wounds in order to earn their disability payments. They said Army medical personnel can diagnose their conditions, but case managers can question the diagnoses, prolonging their ordeal.

Paperwork gets lost, appointments get postponed and decisions get delayed, they added.

“Too often, wounded soldiers are poorly served and fall through the cracks,” Cynthia Bascetta, a Government Accountability Office health care investigator, told the hearing.

Several generals said they were unaware of reports from both the GAO and the media in recent years, which have detailed the problems wounded soldiers often face.

NEWS

Page 4 - The University Star

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Asst. fire chief completes WMD training

By Christine Mester The University Star Assistant Fire Chief Len Nored, of San Marcos Fire Rescue, recently completed a weapons of mass destruction training course at the Center for Domestic Preparedness, located in Anniston, Ala. The center is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Grants and Training and is the only federally chartered educational facility for handling weapons of mass destruction in the country. Nored’s weeklong training, which began Feb. 26, prepared him to respond to situations dealing with hazardous materials.

“In this day and age, in our business, you need to be aware of what is out there,” Nored said. “(I) need to know how to respond to certain types of calls and know how to protect our people.”

During the training, Nored participated in advanced, hands-on training for all hazards including chemical, ordnance, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons of mass

“I

learned a lot. It’s not every day that you get to work in and around actual live nerve agents.”

— Len Nored Assistant chief, San Marcos Fire Rescue

destruction.

Training conducted at the center assists the nation’s emergency response community with the overwhelming tasks of preventing, protecting against, responding to and recovering from acts of terrorism.

The center’s Web site said its vision is for an emergency response community prepared for and capable of responding to catastrophic events.

Nored was briefed on entry into a hazardous material environment, respiratory protection and incident management. At the end of the training course, Nored put his newly-learned skills into use during various disaster drills.

“We went into an atmosphere that had been exposed to VX (and) Sarin (gases),” Nored

said. “The purpose of that is to teach you to go safely into those kind of atmospheres and handle materials.”

Attendees of the training course are specially selected from the nation’s 11 million emergency responders. Training ensures responders gain critical skills and confidence enabling them to effectively respond to local incidents or potential weapons of mass destruction.

Nored said the training was very valuable and more emergency responders should attend.

“I learned a lot. It’s not every day that you get to work in and around actual live nerve agents,” Jon Clark/ Star feature photo Nored said. “People from all WMD CERTIFIED: San Marcos Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Len Nored attended and completed a over the country were there to training course that has prepared him to handle situations that include chemical, ordinance, biologiinteract and find better ways to cal, radiological and nuclear weapons of mass destruction. do things.”

Software must be updated for early Daylight Saving Time

By Zach Halfin The University Star Daylight Saving Time will come early this year, and Technology Resources is asking students, faculty and staff to update software that might be affected by the change.

In accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Daylight Saving Time will begin March 11, the second Sunday in March, instead of the customary first Sunday in April. The bill was signed into law by President George W. Bush Aug. 8, 2005, and is intended to reduce the effect of growing energy use.

Texas State Technology Resources sent out a university-wide email warning students and faculty of the upcoming potential for errors on university systems. The e-mails said most software can be updated to avoid any clock-related conflicts.

Mark Hughes, assistant vice president of technology resources, said a majority of the software-related problems will be limited to scheduling mistakes.

“The biggest issue with the Daylight Saving Time change is with scheduling software,” Hughes said. “The primary challenge is Microsoft Outlook, that is the biggest issue. As long as people regularly update their software, there shouldn’t be any real problems Most devices will just need to be reset just like a watch or clock on the wall needs to be.”

Hughes said people missing appointments, because they are not aware of the time change, will cause more trouble than any big software glitches.

Businesses relying on scheduling appointments will take measures to help inform their clients that there has been a time change.

Jenny Noble, financial secretary for Robert Donnelly, DDS, said the office will use its regular confirmation call to inform clients to help reduce the number of them that are late.

“We will handle it normally, like we would handle any other time Daylight Saving (Time) hits,” she said. “Whenever we do our confirmation the day before an appointment, we will go ahead and remind them.”

Dana Domstead, Student Health Center nurse, does not expect the change to effect any of the center’s scheduling.

“Since we only schedule same-day appointments, I don’t think we should have any problems,” Domstead said. “I would imagine that by that Monday, after it switches over, everyone should have their watches reset.”

Hughes said Technology Resources is going to avoid fixing most of the initial issues associated with the change because of Spring Break.

“For us, the first week of Daylight Savings Time (is) Spring Break, (so) most people on campus have no appointments,” he

said. “The real test will be in the following two weeks that lead up to April 1, when we used to change the clocks.”

The university has been conducting a software evaluation process since January. Technology resources has contacted software vendors and received update patches for university systems.

“Microsoft released update patches for Exchange on Feb. 17 and then subsequently released a second version Feb. 21 that worked out some of the anomalies that were found,” Hughes said. “The challenge to us in (Information Technology) is that every system is different and needs different updates.”

Daylight Saving Time has been in effect in the U.S. since the passing of the 1918 Daylight Saving Act. It was created in order to allow workers to take advantage of longer summer days.

✯ FYI Technology Resources has created a Web site to assist any student who wants to update their software. The site is www. txstate.edu/css/faq/dst-change.htm. If a student has any problems with university systems, the Technology Resource Help Desk can be reached at (512) 245-HELP.

NEWS

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

HOUSING CONTINUED from page 1

it’s trending that people aren’t getting there.”

The Associated Student Government passed a resolution about three weeks ago, starting a petition to have the policy changed. Their resolution stated students with 30 hours and a cumulative GPA of 3.75 should be allowed to move off-campus. Likewise, students with 40 hours and a GPA of 3.5 may also receive such privileges.

“Lower the policy, lower the requirements and get a few extra people off-campus,” said Kyle Morris, ASG president.

“It’s not going to significantly damage the university in any way. The university contends

that the retention rates are why they want to keep the requirements so high.”

An issue concerning some Student Senate members was that the GPA requirement may be set too high. In turn, administrators brought similar concerns about retention rates, Morris said. Students with a high GPA are more likely to retain that status and give others a goal to reach, he said.

When Smith spoke to the Student Senate Feb. 26, she made them aware of the policy change and also provided information on upcoming additions to the campus.

“Exciting progress is beginning with the prospect of new halls and renovations to some old halls,” Garrison said.

SERVICE CONTINUED from page 1

Marcos.

“At first nobody even knew if it was true or not,” said Shawn Burleson, a friend of Herzog’s.

“I heard it from a friend of a friend of a friend — kind of a grapevine deal.”

The funeral was held Friday in Keller.

“His dad gave a wonderful tribute to him, and his best friend, J.T. Gayle, read scripture and talked about Nathan and his Christianity and acceptance of Jesus Christ as his savior,” Peggy Herzog said.

The funeral was overwhelmed with mourners wishing to pay last respects to Herzog.

“You know how many people were in love with him when

you show up to the funeral and there are about 2,000 people there,” Burleson said.

Peggy Herzog said since her son’s death, the family has been surrounded by family and friends, and others call in every day to check up on them.

“We’re taking it one day at a time,” she said.

After his death, the Nathan Herzog Scholarship fund was started. Anyone wishing to donate money should send to the Tommy Maddox Foundation, c/ o Nathan Herzog, 401 N. Carroll Ave. No. 164, Southlake, TX 76092.

“He was just a great kid,” Burleson said. “He was never down, never unhappy about anything, always had a smile for you no matter what, always made your day a little better.”

The University Star - Page 5

ASG: House representatives’ input not LIQUOR LAW sought in decision to amend Constitution

CONTINUED from page 1

CONTINUED from page 1

dean of students office made a mistake.”

The Constitution states the ASG Supreme Court is “the interpreter of the Associated Student Government Constitution, the legislative body’s Codes of Laws, and the Election Code [sic].”

An appeal has been filed with the Supreme Court, but it has not decided if the case will be heard. It would take the approval of three justices for the complaint to be heard by the court.

“The biggest criticism that has been leveled to us by Amanda and Kyle is that it doesn’t seem that we’re at the same level as the student Senate,” Harris said. “It’s a system that has been brought up and been developed over a long period of time. There is a learning process that gets transferred from one group to the next, and we just want the opportunity to make changes and improve and show growth and do our best to represent the graduate students.”

The 2005 referendum ballot offered three voting options for students. The first option would have created a bicameral form of government, the Senate and Graduate House of Representatives. The second option would have created a separate form of representation known as the Graduate Student Association.

The third option was to not support changes to the constitution.

The referendum results came in with 45.9 percent voting for

the first option, 43.6 percent for the second and 10.5 percent for the third.

Oskey said she did not have to get approval from the dean of students to make the changes to the Constitution.

Rod Fluker, ASG adviser, said what Oskey did was right, but before important decisions are made there is time for discussion.

“What she did was correct, so the question is did it have to happen tonight?” Fluker said. “And, whether or not the House was given an opportunity to be brought into any kind of discussion before that had to take place?”

After the memorandum was presented, Student Sen. Megan Titus amended the agenda to include taking the graduate representation to referendum.

If the legislation were to pass, it would place an option on the ballots during elections to include the formation of graduate representation either as a bicameral form of government or a separate body. That legislation won’t be voted on until after Spring Break.

In other news, the Senate voted to have 80 percent of the current Student Organizations Council funds directed to ASG for allocation to student organizations. The remaining 20 percent will be given to the Student Leadership Council, which would replace the Student Organization Council.

Channeling so much money into the Senate raised concerns during the debate as to whether to pass the legislation.

It will be up to the Senate to

decide who will be in charge of allocating the fees, Student Sen. Rebecca Quillin, author of the legislation, said.

Freshman Casandra Johnson was appointed to the ASG Supreme Court.

Melanie Aranda and Kristi Detweiler were approved as student senators. Detweiler’s nomination drew criticism last week when a picture of her in the driver’s seat of a car, holding an alcoholic beverage, was brought up in the Senate meeting.

A resolution brought to the Senate floor was “Giving Greeks Options; On-Campus Housing” which, if passed, would advocate for greek housing to be considered on-campus.

The issue was created by a growing concern that freshmen and sophomore greek members were unable to run for executive council positions because they are required to live at the fraternity or sorority house.

That is not possible for some members who have not met the 52-hour requirement in the Texas State residence policy.

Legislation was read supporting the “Gay? Fine by me” T-shirt campaign. It is a national campaign created to provide support to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

The program has been successful at several highly acclaimed universities such as Duke, which was dropped from The Princeton Review’s top 20 most unfriendly schools in the nation. This resolution will be up for vote at the next ASG meeting.

Glazer’s Distributing in Dallas and Republic Beverage Company in San Antonio paid $1.7 million in campaign contributions to more than 150 politicians to persuade the Legislature to change the law, but offered no comment when asked about the situation.

“Wholesalers want to control what (these bars) are selling,” Sims said. “Republic and Glazer don’t want anyone to use anything except their mainline national brands.”

The prices at bars and restaurants will rise and the service is going to deteriorate, Sims said.

“If you only use a couple bottles of Crown a week and you only need a bottle, (wholesalers) are going to try to sell you a whole case,” Sheffield said. “Package stores will sell you however many bottles you want.”

Sims estimates about eight employees may be laid off if package stores do not get their way.

“If we lose our local distributor business, it will hurt us really bad and we will have to scale back the employees,” he said.

“They’re all college students that go to Texas State. We run off of students and put a lot of kids through school with these jobs.”

Sims not only worries about the employees of the package stores, but also about the establishments in San Marcos.

“We work real hard to take care of the bars and their business and, for the most part, they know we have their best interests at heart,” Sims said. “So what’s going to happen to this little bar on The Square when he has to deal directly with wholesalers? They’re going to squish him.”

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

releasesof the week music

Neon Bible — Arcade Fire

Pocket Symphony — Air

MTV Unplugged — Korn

dvd

Borat - Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan — (R) Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian

Tuesday, March 6, 2007 - Page 6

Fast Food Nation — (R) Wilmer Valderrama, Catalina Sandino Moreno

Peter Pan (Two-Disc Platinum Edition) — (G) Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont

Trends Contact — Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Boombox ATX

jams in the SMTX

By Maira Garcia The University Star The first time Carlos Sosa played a show with MC Overlord, he was worried.

“I mean we were college kids — the horn section,” Sosa said.

Sosa said the group performed at what was then the only black club in Austin, Cactus Nation.

“So the horn section, of course we are all Mexican, but we’re not black,” he said. “We walked in thinking that we were going to get our asses kicked, but then we started playing with (MC Overlord).

“Then everybody on the horn section started playing with … Ian Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Bob Schneider.”

Since then, Sosa, a Southwest Texas State University alumnus, has teamed up with a number of big name artists such as Jason Mraz and Blues Traveler, winning Grammys in the process. While Sosa has been behind the scenes in the past, he, along with the rest of his band, is trying to revolutionize not just a genre, but music in general.

“A lot of hip hop now is just beats. Manufactured beats,” Sosa said. “The whole thing now for us is like a kind of movement or philosophy. There are few bands that can really play their instruments.”

The result is Boombox. The 10-man band, featuring MC Overlord and MC Trey God, a brass section headed

by Sosa called the GrooveLine Horns, a guitarist, bassist, drummer, DJ and keyboardist, played their first San Marcos show Thursday at Lucy’s San Marcos.

“So now our record’s almost done and we just really decided to get out of town and start playing around Texas,

L.A. and New York and started doing something with it,” Sosa said. “It’s too good just to play every Tuesday night and then disappear.”

Boombox has been playing Tuesday nights at the Lucky Lounge on 5th Street in Austin for the past three years, according to Sosa.

“This is my baby, you know. I was in Japan with Rob Thomas and flew back every week just to play with Boombox and go back,” Sosa said. “It’s just a really good thing.”

Ross Tyler, an Austinite who frequents their shows, said the band packs Lucky Lounge.

“They sell it out every night. They bring the fire marshal in because there are too many people,” Tyler said. “There’s a line outside the door for them every Tuesday.”

MC Overlord, or Donnell Robinson, said Boombox is all about producing great music and bringing hip hop back to basics.

“I mean (hip hop) was all about spoken word and real music, which is how it really began,” Robinson said. “So when we put this group together, it was all about bringing all of the core aspects of what makes music, music. I mean blues, funk, jazz, soul, R&B, hip hop.”

Despite the number of personalities on stage, Robinson said the group has great chemistry. Unlike other bands in the industry, who only meet when they have to practice and play together, Robinson said the band is like a family that understands one another, even if there are disagreements.

“It’s nothing for us to sit around a table, hang out, talk, joke with one another,” he said. “It’s just a common bond of friends being there for one another and that’s what’s so See SMTX, page 8

onlineconnection To hear an interview with Carlos Sosa and MC Overlord log on to www.UniversityStar.com.

Cotton Miller/Star photo MISTER MC: Eight-time Austin Hip-Hop Artist of the Year MC Overlord performs with Boombox Thursday night at Lucy’s San Marcos.

Tantra Coffeehouse features four new, local artists

By Michael Lee Gardin The University Star The spotlight split four ways, highlighting a quartet of artists Saturday at Tantra Coffeehouse.

The coffeehouse hosted 4 Eyes Saturday evening, an exhibit showcasing works by R. Thies, Boone Graham, Emma Flocke and Chris Wolf.

Flocke, Texas State alumna, presented five collage and paint pieces at Tantra. Flocke said she is currently studying art history at Texas Woman’s University in Denton and visits Tantra often.

“I definitely come in whenever I can,” Flocke said.

Flocke said she gains inspiration from mythology.

“I have always liked combining images,” Flocke said. “What is really appealing is that I can take ancient myths and portray them using modern people.”

Graham, Texas State alumnus, featured six watercolor and ink images and performed music at 4 Eyes. Graham said he gathers ideas from past artists.

“Lately I have been obsessed with what my friend calls ‘peeling the onion,’” Graham said. “What I mean by that is when you find something you like, you go and look at what (the artists) were influenced by.”

Graham said some of his art

resembles comics and uses repetition.

“Ever since I was a kid and got into drawing, I was always trying to do comics,” he said. “More recently I realized the use of repetition in it. A lot of my art these days has been taking something and trying to draw it many times.

It starts to break down and become something else. I like the simplicity of line where you can say a lot with a very little.”

Graham said he is happy Tantra hosts the art show.

“It’s great,” Graham said.

“They are always just very supportive of music and art around here. It is a great place to show my art.”

Wolf, studio art senior at Texas Woman’s University, showcased seven mixed-media pieces of fabric, dye and wire artwork. Wolf said she enjoys the casual atmosphere and friendly crowd at Tantra Coffeehouse.

“This is the first time I have shown in a coffeehouse,” Wolf said. “It is really neat. It is a little less formal than a gallery. The people are really easygoing. I’m happy with the turnout. There are more people than I expected.

It’s a great crowd.”

Wolf said she often experiments with different mediums when creating artwork.

“The work I’m showing is large scale abstract textile work,” she said. “I work with a lot of different fabrics. I explore different textures and colors.”

The exhibit included 23 colorful cartoons by Thies and Christopher Sipes, Texas State alumnus, organized the event.

The show included music by Lara Claire and HalleyAnna Finlay.

The art will be displayed until March 31.

Karen Wang/Star photo FOUR EYE ARTIST: Emma Flocke showcases her piece, “Persephone,” at the 4 Eyes art show at Tantra Coffeehouse Saturday.

TRENDS

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

The University Star - Page 7

Driver F will bring energetic rock to Lucy’s

By Todd Schaaf The University Star Austin sing-along rock band Driver F will be kicking it Tuesday at Lucy’s San Marcos.

Driver F was formed while its members were still in high school in The Woodlands and is still very much alive and kicking, literally.

Driver F’s live shows are known to be energetic and frenetic.

Though the band was focused primarily on making ska music in its earlier days, bassist Nathan Bazooka said Driver F has evolved since its adolescence.

“We all went to the same high school and we formed a band,” Bazooka said. “We played around in Houston, we started writing new music and moved away from ska a bit, around the time when we came to college — when we came to Austin.”

Andy “Bandy” Rector, trombone player, said the band’s newer sound can be described as rock with horns.

“If we’re writing a song we’re always thinking about what it’s like on stage, we’re very live show driven,” Rector added.

Andy “Wandy” Lane, guitarist and vocalist, said the band writes songs with specific hopes in mind.

“We try to be as ‘sing alongy’

“W

e try to be as ‘sing alongy’ as we can while still keeping creative juices flowing a little bit.”

— Andy “Wandy” Lane Driver F guitarist and vocalist

as we can while still keeping creative juices flowing a little bit,” Lane said.

The members of Driver F said the band is eclectic in its tastes and influences.

“We have influences when we’re writing which immediately would be the other guys in the room because we write music together,” said drummer Jeremi Mattern. “For us its less the band and more the album. We’ve been influenced more by albums.”

Mattern said Driver F has been influenced by albums ranging from Third Eye Blind’s self-titled album to Rx Bandits’ The Resignation and The Police’s Outlandos d’Amour.

Driver F has recently released two EPs. The first was released a year ago and is titled Not Home Yet, a studio-recorded EP produced by Jim Vollentine, who has worked with the likes of Spoon and Blues Traveler. Early this year the band released the self-

recorded acoustic EP, Montclaire Sessions. Montclaire includes five new songs and one from Not Home Yet. Bazooka said the band felt it needed to make an acoustic EP. “Montclaire Sessions was recorded in my bedroom, it was self released and we were kind of in limbo of when this next album is going to come out,” Bazooka said. “So what could we do? So we made an acoustic EP to hold everyone over. And then we thought an acoustic EP is kind of lame, why don’t we make it a whole package, where you get a DVD and a poster.”

The members of the band say they pride themselves on their live show performance. According to its biography on the social networking site MySpace, Driver F’s live shows deliver ‘controlled chaos in rhythm.’ The band issues a warning to show goers who have not yet seen Driver F live.

“Stretch out,” Rector said.

Low-rider contest comes to San Marcos

By Tug Ledermann The University Star Chopped and Screwfest, the first local foray into the world of low-riders and hip-hop, was held Saturday at Hays County Civic Center.

Ruben Garcia of Big R Productions and Daniel Tijerina of HD Entertainment have been friends since high school, and together, the San Marcos natives decided to start the festival. The San Marcos locals brought a lowrider competition together with several live performances. The old friends said they are proud to bring the event to their hometown.

Other than bringing local artists, low-rider cars and small businesses to one event, Tijerina said the duo started Chopped and Screwfest with hopes of making it an annual event. Most major cities have at least one low-rider competition, he said. Chopped and Screwfest will enable locals to enjoy the excitement of the competitions without having to take a road trip.

“We’re trying to put San Marcos on the map,” Tijerina said.

Local businesses and performing artists showed their support for the show by purchasing booths to sell music, clothing, jewelry and sunglasses. Tomás Schramme, Audio Outlet representative, said events like Chopped and Screwfest create opportunities for businesses to promote themselves.

“Looking around Chopped and Screwfest, I see a clientele that speaks,” Schramme said.

He said the festival allows customers to talk to him about modifying their vehicles and enjoy the music and sights of a lowrider show at the same time.

The musical performances featured Big Moe and included San Antonio artists Fade Dogg and 7even 8ight along with San Marcos locals I-35 U-Haulers and Chicano Texas Boys.

I-35 U-Haulers producer John Page said he appreciates Garcia and Tijerina for bringing Chopped and Screwfest to San Marcos. I-35 U-Haulers have performed at Gordo’s in San Marcos and The Troubadour Saloon in Austin.

“A lot of people talk about bringing this kind of show to San

Marcos, but Ruben actually did it,” Page said.

Thirty trophies were awarded for the low-rider competition with different classes of cars.

The judging awarded points for nine different aspects including engine, paint, interior, audio, wheels and suspension.

Although there was not a hydraulics competition, low-riders demonstrated the capabilities of their hydraulic systems near the outside stage. Some motorcycles and low-rider bicycles were included.

The cars, booths and initial performances took place outside. The final musical performances took place on the stage inside. With the positive turnout from the community, low-rider competitors, businesses and performing artists, Tijerina said he hopes the first Screwfest is the beginning of a successful annual event in San Marcos.

Garcia said he knows how to prepare for next year’s Chopped and Screwfest.

“Next year will be bigger and better, so look out for the second annual Chopped and Screwfest in March of 2008,” he said.

Jon Clark/Star photo NEXT TO THE MIC: Former director of Texas State’s Gospel Expressions Wayne Thompson introduces Myron Butler at Gospel Fest at the Evans Auditorium on Saturday.

Gospel Fest features Grammy-winning artist

By Zandria Avila The University Star Grammy-award winning gospel artist Myron Butler performed to more than 450 guests Saturday for the Central Texas Gospel Fest 2007 at Texas State.

Butler performed with a mass choir consisting of five visiting colleges and Texas State’s Gospel Expressions Association.

“The reason I’m here is to spread the message of victory,” Butler said to the crowd.

Butler performed three songs from his debut album Set Me Free, including a song by the same name.

“It was my first time attending Gospel Fest,” said Ricardo Zavala, political science senior.

“Myron Butler’s performance was really good, and I was impressed he got the audience’s full participation. His show was the last burst of energy.”

Though this is Butler’s first album, he has been in the music business for several years as a producer, singer and writer.

“I’ve always had that desire

to be an artist,” he said.

Butler said he has known since childhood that he would one day be a performer.

“I can vividly remember telling my big mama, ‘Big Mama, I see myself onstage in front of people,’” Butler said. “While it was always a desire, I learned it was what I was supposed to do.”

Butler said his album was divinely inspired.

“Set Me Free is a collection of my experience. Songs like ‘Redeemed’ I wrote eight or nine years ago, and some God gave to me. God drops things into my spirit,” he said.

Butler said people who aspire to do greater things should know success is something that develops.

“It really is about the process, the journey,” Butler said.

“Don’t think because it has not manifested yet, that the thing you have prayed for has not been presented, doesn’t mean it isn’t going to come.”

Shuan Bailey, president of Gospel Expressions Association, said Butler’s demeanor

was unexpected.

“I was surprised he was humble,” the healthcare administration senior said. “Some artists act as if they are removed from the public. Myron Butler was not like that. Butler always greeted me with a hug.”

Adrian Thomas, exercise and sports science junior, did not intend to stay for the entire concert.

“At first I really came out to support, but once I got there I received a blessing from the performers who were there,” Thomas said. “Once I got there I was not going anywhere.

“I felt like it was a true churchexperience.”

After his performance, Butler said people who share an interest in God compel him to continue performing.

“I enjoyed being in the presence of young people who desire to be in the presence of God, who were passionately seeking his presence,” he said.

“I enjoyed myself immensely.

When coupled with people who have an earnest desire for Him, I could stay all night.”

Page 8 - The University Star

✯Star Comics

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

SMTX: Grammy-winning alumnus lends talents to eclectic fusion of funk, hip hop CONTINUED from page 6

cool about it.”

The band, featuring musicians such as drummer Les Fisher, who has played with the likes of Chaka Kahn and Janet Jackson, and bassist Brad Houser, who started the New Bohemians, is an amalgamation of Austin talent.

“There is so much talent there and we just brought it all together and formed this one unit. It’s what people in the industry would call a super group,” Robinson said.

“You take these super prime personalities, put them all together in one unit and it works.”

Robinson and Sosa said their music gets compared to acts such as The Roots and Ozomatli. While these groups inspire the band, Robinson said they want to be unique.

“We’re not trying to follow anybody else’s blue print,” Robinson said. “We’re just trying to be the first Boombox, you know, not the next anything.”

So far people believe Boombox is different, Robinson said.

He said when people visit Austin from all across the country and see Boombox live, the band is often told they need to tour

other cities.

“You know, there is nothing like this out there and this is letting us know because we haven’t had ample opportunity yet to go out and tour the nation,” Robinson said. “It’s coming, but to get that feedback and that warm reception from people who never even heard of us, it’s really amazing.”

Ultimately, Sosa said they want to frequent San Marcos more often and get their name out.

“We just want to people to know we are all about great music and putting on great performances,” Sosa said. “If you support us, we will never disappoint you.”

✯FYI To learn more about Boombox and to hear their music, visit www.boomboxatx.com or www. myspace.com/boomboxatx.

Upcoming shows: Tuesday — Lucky Lounge 11 p.m.

March 16 — Lucky Lounge 9 p.m., Speakeasy 12 a.m.

April 12 — Vicci 11p.m.

BOOMBOX ATX: Carlos Sosa, Southwest Texas State alumnus, plays the saxophone for Austin based Boombox Thursday night at Lucy’s San Marcos.

Cotton Miller/ Star photo

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 solutions:

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

onlineconnection Faculty Senate voiced its opposition to the Texas Legislature’s House Bill 956, which would require professors to issue textbooks useable for at least three years before being replaced by newer versions. How do you feel about the bill? Go to www.UniversityStar.com to vote in our online poll. Results will be published in Thursday’s issue of The University Star.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007 - Page 9

*This is not a scientific poll

RESPECTING FREE SPEECH Opinions Contact — Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu

K

THE MAIN POINT

arl Rove’s visit to Texas State last week prompted a large debate about the exercise of free speech.

The University Star loves such debate, and we were happy to hear people saying they firmly support our First Amendment rights.

Unfortunately, while so many people patted themselves on the back for “protecting” Rove’s right to free speech, demonstrators outside of the Evan Liberal Arts building were not having their rights respected.

A group of mostly older women protesting Rove’s appearance and the Bush administration’s policies were subject to verbal abuse from Texas State students.

This is just as unacceptable as a handful of people shouting at Rove. The man is a trained speaker and knows how to handle hecklers. Insulting people who came to our campus to have their voices heard is unconscionable. The people who yelled at the protesters should be as ashamed of themselves as the people who yelled at Rove.

This is in no way an apology for the people who heckled Rove. Students and members of the community came to hear a presidential adviser speak about White House communication. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and to interfere with that is completely unacceptable. Students who yelled during Rove’s speech poorl represented our school.

However, The Star has to question why a member of one of the most uncommunicative presidential administrations would be asked to speak about communication.

We would have liked the opportunity to meet Rove and ask questions, such as the members of College Republicans had.

The Star was denied requests for an interview, which we expected. But we would have relished the opportunity to grill the man on any number of issues: the 2006 elections, the Valerie Plame leak or the upcoming presidential election.

We would like to know why conservative columnist Robert Novak, who outed undercover CIA agent Plame and said Rove was one of the people who leaked her name to him, was never called before the government’s grand jury investigation.

But we also understood it would not be appropriate for a reporter to shout those questions across a crowded auditorium full of people who came to hear Rove speak on a very specific issue.

The nice thing about free speech is people can say whatever they want. If someone wants to yell at Rove or shoot him the bird, it’s allowed. If people want to bang drums in The Quad and protest Rove’s politics, they can. If someone wants to yell at those protesters, he or she is allowed to do that as well. We make Texas State look bad when we don’t respect other’s rights to free speech. Many people did that when Rove came to campus, and The Star is embarrassed.

First Amendment doesn’t protect anyone from looking foolish

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

Shortly before the Iraq war the Bush administration sent Joseph Wilson to Niger to investigate “yellow cake” sales to Saddam Hussein. Wilson wrote a report stating there was no evidence supporting the claim that Niger was selling “yellow cake” to Iraq. The Bush administration, more specifically Scooter Libby, leaked an undercover CIA agent’s name, Valerie Plame, to the press, who just happens to be Joseph Wilson’s wife. Scooter Libby is on trial for this right now and he has implicated Dick Cheney and Rove as giving the order to leak Plame’s name.

What I asked Karl Rove on Tuesday was, “Did you tell Scooter Libby to leak Valerie Plame’s name to the press?”

Nick Georgiou did not interview me to ask what I said or why I said it nor did he even quote me accurately. At no point in time did I tell or want Rove to get offstage. I wanted the absolute contrary; I wanted him onstage discussing something with substance. Is he actually getting paid to tell us the Internet is unreliable?

Speaking out is not a disgrace to our school. Asking important questions is not a disgrace to our school. What is disgraceful is uninformed apathy and a belief that when presented with an unfounded opportunity to ask monumental questions it is ethical to just be quiet. What is a disgrace is Nick Georgiou’s libelous quotes and The University Star’s willingness to support biased yellow journalism. Why did Rove meet secretly with College Republicans? Why didn’t he take questions from the general public? What does he have to hide? Did he think someone with knowledge of what he’s done would bring his disgraceful nature to light?

Will Compton biology junior

BobcatFans press pass conflict misunderstood

Pat Stark/Star illustration

Standardized testing, poor funding harming Texas education system ing grade, according to the AP. The TAKS test has received a lot of heat since its impleSTEPHANIE SILVAS mentation in Star Columnist Spring 2003.

Parents, students and teachers have complained that the tests require too much classroom time. Students are spending an entire six-weeks learning one subject-area of the test and are forced to weaken their knowledge in normal curriculum.

Teachers are being enticed with bonuses to simply teach a test rather than the skills a student needs to succeed in life.

And even with the incentives to help students pass the TAKS, students are continually falling short.

In 2006, a record 31,716 Texas students — more than one in

Speaking out is not disgraceful

Editor’s Note: Nick Georgiou was not the author of the “Political communication focus of White House adviser’s speech” article.

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.

New legislation may put an end to the dreaded TAKS test for high school students, but the proposal is just not enough for our public school system.

Public school funding needs to be balanced to ensure all students receive an equal opportunity.

The bill put forth by the leaders of the House and Senate education committees will phase out the exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills and replace it with 12 end-of-course exams, according to The Associated Press. Currently, a failing grade on any subject area within the TAKS will result in total failure of the test and will withhold a student from receiving his or her diploma. In some grade levels, a student cannot advance with a failing grade on the test.

The new proposal would allow students to graduate high school with a cumulative pass-

Letters to the Editor

eight students — could not receive a diploma after failing one or more sections of the test after multiple tries, according to the Texas Education Agency.

The problem I have with the bill is that it isn’t broad enough.

The TAKS test has been a failure for all grade levels, not only those in high school.

“The TAKS creates undue anxiety and stress on students, especially at the elementaryschool level,” a study done by the Association of Texas Professional Educators said.

Elementary school students are overloaded with homework that consists of several variations of a question that may be seen on the test. This cycle continues through high school for several weeks at a time. The result is burnout. Our students are competent, but they need more than just knowledge of a test to be successful. They need a well-rounded curricu-

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

lum, and schools need better funding for all students to have a satiated education.

There is no reason that Texas students cannot compete with students worldwide. And the problem isn’t that the standards are too high.

Texas was the only state to reduce per-student spending in education in 2005, according to the State Comptroller’s Web site. Unfortunately, schools are not being funded to meet those standards. Not only are students failing TAKS, but they are also being left behind financially.

This state needs to reconsider its funding. Most of public school funds come from local property taxes. So, if you live in a rich neighborhood, your local school district is likely to have more funding than if you lived in a poor neighborhood.

Texas public school funding has been unfair and unbal-

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anced.

To hold a child accountable for the lack of income their parents make is unfair. The school districts should be funded equally per child. It is a mistake for our state to allow some school districts to have new books, new sports equipment and better-paid teachers, while some school districts lack those necessities.

The TAKS test is only the tip of the iceberg. Standards should be raised, and our students should be able to meet those standards. But first we must fund our schools fairly.

All students should be able to receive an equal opportunity to succeed.

There is no reason Texas should be ranked as one of the lowest states in education. We need to take pride in our state and in our students.

Stephanie Silvas is a mass

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

I think Jacob Mustafa did an excellent job writing a very objective article but misunderstood the BobcatFans Magazine battle for a permanent all-access pass credential when asking questions about the relationship between BobcatFans and the athletics department.

My main gripe was that BobcatFans Magazine has to ask and receive credentials on a game-by-game basis because of these rules. However, the Austin American-Statesman, which also runs an outside Web site and forum, does not. They receive a permanent laminated all-access pass good for all Texas State sporting events.

I know that BobcatFans Magazine is no Statesman, but if those are the rules that the Texas State media guide follows regarding publications with additional Web sites then the Statesman should not be exempt, or BobcatFans Magazine should also be given a permanent media pass.

The Web site is the voice of students, alumni, faculty and fans of Texas State. If it has been seen as negative, then the athletic director’s office must ask themselves what they are doing to change the overwhelming perception of their fan base and not simply suggest that the fans not have a forum to talk. BobcatFans.com and the readers of BobcatFans Magazine are made up of the same people who buy season tickets, attend games and give to the Bobcat Athletic Foundation; they have a right to be heard.

Rick Koch owner, BobcatFans LLC 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 March 6, 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.

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SPORTS

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

The University Star - Page 11

BASEBALL: Harrington takes team to Waco for second time CONTINUED from page 12

wants us to play ... helped me figure some things out and made me more comfortable,” Randell said.

Perhaps Sunday’s biggest story was pitcher Justin Fiske’s second start of the season, whose six innings of scoreless baseball led to eight strikeouts.

The senior has only recently started on the mound after closing a year ago, and Harrington thinks the role might stick.

“His best work was in the fifth and sixth (innings), so he got better as the game went along,” Harrington said. “He’s a good strike-thrower for our Sunday games, and that’s what it

comes down to.”

While the Bobcats may be protecting their home field with a 7-0 record, they cannot rest on their laurels, as they play the Baylor Bears in Waco for the second time this season. Their last game against Baylor ended in heartbreak, after the Bobcats led through six innings but allowed nine runs over the final two.

Harrington said he believes Tuesday’s 6:30 p.m. rematch with the Bears will not show that the last game with Baylor is weighing heavily on players’ minds.

“I don’t question whether these guys will be ready,” Harrington said of his team. “They normally are.”

“G

etting redshirted for a year and learning how Coach wants us to play ... helped me figure some things out and made me more comfortable.”

—Laurn Randell sophomore centerfielder

Cotton Miller/Star photo ON THE RUN: First baseman David Wood watches as right fielder Aaron Garza runs under a fly ball during the Bobcats’ 7-0 victory Sunday over Texas Southern at Bobcat Field.

Basketball’s second fall to the Mavs ends season on low note

By Nathan Brooks The University Star

Texas State men’s basketball finished its first season under Coach Doug Davalos with a 93-84 loss to Texas-Arlington Saturday at Texas Hall.

In frustratingly familiar fashion, the Bobcats fell behind by doubledigits early and were unable to recover despite several rallies.

“When we made a run it was because we were scoring a little,” Davalos said. “Defense leads to offense for us, but offense also leads to defense.

When you’re always playing

transition defense, when you miss a lot of shots, that means we never get set on defense.”

Sophomore forward Dylan Moseley single-handedly sparked the Bobcats’ final rally of the game, cutting a late 10-point deficit to just three points with only one minute and 47 seconds left in regulation.

Moseley was fouled on a threepoint attempt and connected on all three free throws with 2:26 remaining. After a Bobcat defensive stop, he drained a three-pointer to cut the lead to 85-81.

Texas-Arlington guard Cardell Hunter turned the ball over on

the Mavericks’ next possession and fouled Moseley out of frustration, sending the sophomore back to the line with only 1:47 left on the clock.

This time, Moseley made his first free throw but missed on the second attempt, cutting the deficit to 85-82.

That was the closest the Bobcats would get after Mavericks guard Ro’ger Guignard capped an 8-2 run in the final minutes, scoring six points in the final 49 seconds of regulation to seal the win.

The Mavericks opened the game on a 17-5 run before Texas

State cut the deficit to 23-22 at the nine-minute mark of the first half. UTA responded with a 12-0 run over the next four minutes, capitalizing on the Bobcats’ cold spell from the floor. Eventually Texas-Arlington took a 46-38 lead into the locker room at halftime.

All five Mavericks starters scored in double figures, led by Guignard with 19 points, in addition to six assists and five rebounds. Texas-Arlington forward Tommy Moffitt added 17 points and 11 rebounds.

“They have as good of offensive talent as there is in the league,” Davalos said. “They always have

five scorers on the floor.”

Sophomore guard Brandon Bush led the Bobcats with 25 points in addition to seven rebounds. Moseley scored 12 points and pulled down five rebounds.

Junior forward Chris Agwumaro continued his strong finish to the season, scoring 12 points and grabbing a career-high 10 rebounds.

Texas State was plagued by defensive struggles once again, allowing an opponent to score over 90 points for the fourth time in their final six games.

However, the 93 points allowed Saturday was an improvement

over the 110 points the Bobcats surrendered in their first meeting with UTA Feb. 2.

The Mavericks finished the game shooting 50.8 percent from the floor and 43.8 percent from three-point range. Texas State shot just 37 percent from the floor, including 25.7 percent from beyond the arc.

“We had good looks but we again shot under 40 percent from the field,” Davalos said. “It may sound simplistic, but they hit more open shots. Then we gave up too many second shots and didn’t convert turnovers into points.”

Texas State suffers 21-point loss to Texas-Arlington at home

By Gabe Mendoza The University Star Texas-Arlington took a two-point lead even before Friday’s opening tip-off, rarely missing a beat the rest of the way while sending the Bobcats to their fifth conference loss in the regular season finale at Strahan Coliseum.

The 81-60 loss to the Mavericks came in a game that was seemingly doomed from the start, as a late change in Coach Suzanne Fox’s starting lineup led to a rare pre-game technical foul on Texas State.

Two Terra Wallace free throws later, the Bobcats were fighting an uphill battle before the game even began.

The teams started out evenly matched, trading early baskets before the Mavericks showed the explosiveness that allowed them to go a perfect 16-0 for the year in Southland Conference play. Led by the reigning Conference Player of the Year in Wallace, UTA went on a 30-8 run to build a doubledigit it would not relinquish the rest of the way.

“Part of the (disappointAustin Byrd/Star Photo ment) for us was that I didn’t think we played with a lot of CUTTING THROUGH THE SOUTHLAND: Junior guard Brooke Degrate cuts energy or emotion in that first through the defense for a bucket during Friday’s loss to Texas-Arlington at Stra- half,” Fox said. “I thought we han Coliseum. The Bobcats enter the Southland Conference Tournament as the were really flat, especially on No. 3 seed and will face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. the defensive end, and they

were just scoring at will.”

Texas-Arlington scored extensively in the first half, culminating with a 50-23 lead at the midway point. The 50 points marked the most given up in a half by the Bobcats all season. The Mavericks shot a blistering 57 percent from the floor on their way to the 27-point cushion.

The Bobcats came out energized in the second half and used a pair of Ashley Riley field goals from the top of the key to ignite the offense. Texas State would claw to within 19 points with less than 12 minutes to play in an effort to stay alive in the ballgame.

“I thought that in the second half we responded and played with more energy and effort than we had in the first half,” Fox said. “I think the kids defensively picked it up, intensity-wise, and that made a difference.”

Unfortunately for Texas State, the firsthalf deficit was too much to overcome and the Bobcats dropped their second-straight home decision after an impressive 10-1 start at Strahan Coliseum.

Junior Joyce Ekworomadu led the team with 12 points, and was one of four Bobcats in double figures. Freshman Victoria Davis added a career-high 10 points to go with seven rebounds.

On a night for the seniors, Riley, Elyse Wright and Erica Putnam made their last game on the home floor a meaningful one.

Putnam recorded her seventh double-double of the season, scoring 11 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Wright added five points in her final home game. Riley scored 10 points in 19 minutes of action.

The pre-game ceremony honoring the seniors set the tone for a night that was full of emotion.

“There’s that feeling there, especially

with me being here all four years. It’s just one of those things, like, ‘man, it’s already here,’” Riley said. “I can’t believe that all four years have just rolled past me. It’s like I blinked and it’s here.”

There will be little time to dwell on the loss, as Fox must now prepare her squad for the Southland Conference Tournament in Houston this week.

Game Notes Washington Out Guard Janesha Washington will not travel with Texas State for the post season and is no longer with the team, according to Texas State media relations. Coach Suzanne Fox said only that Washington left the team for “personal reasons.” Washington was averaging 9.2 points a game, third best on the team and was a vital part of the rotation off the bench. Her field goal percentage of 52 percent led the Southland Conference. Washington was also shooting 73 percent from the free throw line and 33 percent from three-point range.

Conference Honors Junior Joyce Ekworomadu was named to the All Southland Conference second team for the second consecutive year Monday. Ekworomadu finished 11th in the league in scoring with an average of 13.3 points per game. Erica Putnam received an honorable mention for her season and Brooke DeGrate was selected as the conference’s Newcomer of the Year.

DeGrate, a junior transfer from South Plains College, averaged seven points a game during the regular season, and led the Bobcats in assists (72) and steals (66).

Bobcat softball loses two in weekend series against Lions

By Carl Harper The University Star The Bobcats won one of three games for a second straight series, falling twice to Southeastern Louisiana over the weekend at home.

Texas State, now at 10-11 overall and 2-4 in Southland Conference play, scored nine runs in the second inning on its lone win from the weekend, a 12-1 drubbing in game two Saturday. The win was sandwiched by two onerun losses: 1-0 in game one and 5-4 in the series finale Sunday.

Senior Amy Krueger doubled down the left field line to score Ryan Kos and Jill Kloesel in the second inning of Saturday’s win, to make the score 4-0 in favor of Texas State. “I’m seeing the

ball pretty well right now so I’m confident at the plate,” Krueger said. “It’s good that all of our team is hitting and starting to put it together.”

Later in the inning, centerfielder Jetta Weinheimer singled to left with the bases loaded, which led to the second pitching change of the day for the Lions.

Jenna Yoder started the game for Southeastern Louisiana but left after two-thirds of an inning, giving up three runs on four hits.

Nicole Shoenberger took over for Yoder until Jessica Sander relieved her in the second inning following an RBI single from Weinheimer.

First baseman Leah Boatright led the team in its win with two RBIs, giving the team a quick 3-0 lead on a single in the first

inning.

“It felt really good to come through and to be swinging well with good contact right now,” Boatright said.

Texas State performed with patience during the game on its way to 10 walks, a school record.

“The thing we wanted to do was to swing at pitches in the zone that we could hit hard and try to work on pitches away in the zone,” Coach Ricci Woodard said. “Obviously they were having trouble throwing strikes and so the kids did a good job with that deal.”

SLU’s Arica Rodriguez knocked out her SLC-leading sixth homerun in the fifth inning to spoil the shutout for the Bobcats. Ragan Blake pitched for

Texas State, allowing no runs on two hits and two strikeouts.

Blake relieved Sarah Lancour in the eighth inning of game one Saturday, after the starter had pitched seven scoreless frames with eight strikeouts. Lancour and Rachel Ray of the Lions pitched well in a tight duel, combining to allow five hits with three walks and 14 strikeouts.

Rebecca De la Garza sealed the one-run win for the Lions after hitting a solo homerun in the ninth.

“Lancour did a great job,” Woodard said. “The only reason why I pulled her out was because she had thrown 120 pitches already and we were getting back to the top of their line up. We decided to make the change to give them a different look.”

Southeastern Louisiana battled Texas State for the rubber match Sunday, improving to 14-8 on the season. Lancour pitched well again in game three until she left in the sixth inning after giving up a single to Rodriguez and an error that was charged to Ali McCormack at third base.

With the score at 1-1, Texas State pitcher Elizabeth Dennis entered the game with two on and gave up an RBI single to Michelle Lemons on her first pitch.

Two more RBI singles put SLU up 5-1 in the sixth.

The Bobcats made the game interesting in the bottom of the seventh, as pinch hitter Chelsea Giroux grounded into a fielders’ choice that scored Haley Koop from third base. With two outs and Kruger standing on second

base, freshman Lacey Duncan slammed her first career homerun on a 2-2 pitch to left field, bringing the Bobcats within one run. Ray was able to get Boatright to pop out to left field to close out the series.

“It was a really good series,” Lions coach Pete Langlois said.

“Texas State is good. They were picked high in the conference.

We’re still trying to find our way. We’ve been picked down at the bottom so we are working hard at getting recognized and getting some momentum in the conference.”

Ray raised her record to 7-1, pitching seven innings and allowing four runs off six hits and six strikeouts. Lancour pitched five and one-third innings, giving up four runs to fall to 2-6.

RUGBY: Team expects difficulty against west coast teams CONTINUED from page 12

down.”

The team can still look forward to a trip to Colorado Easter weekend. By finishing second in the state tournament, the Renegades qualified for the Western Playoffs, hosted by the University of Northern Colorado. The team goes in ranked No. 14 in

the nation in Division II. “We got a shot to compete,” Mutschler said. “The west coast teams are going to be pretty difficult, but it should be fun.”

The team now turns to the alumni association to help raise money for the trip.

The Renegades got off to a sluggish start Saturday against North Texas and were tied 5-5 at halftime. Coach James Sum-

mers addressed his team at halftime and was able to get his team going.

“I told them they need to catch the ball in the air, especially on a windy day like this,” Summers said. “Also, they were not tackling well at all.”

Mullen, a rising star according to Summers, got the scoring started in the second half with a breakaway sprint down

the middle of the field. Charlie Faglie then scored to make the game 17-5 and the rout was on.

When Will Burns scored, the Renegades went up 42-5.

North Texas’ only points of the second half came on a drop kick, a very rare scoring method in college rugby.

“That is usually something you see in international rugby and not here at the college lev-

el,” Summers said. “That was the first one I have seen in a couple of years.”

Ironically, a successful drop kick at the end of Sunday’s game would have given the Renegades a one-point victory and the state championship trophy.

The play is seen more often in Europe than the U.S. “We were not really in a position for (a drop kick) and it

wasn’t set up,” Courtney said.

“Had it been set up, we would have thought about it.”

The Renegades still have a chance to get the last laugh against Angelo State in Colorado. After losing to North Texas earlier this year, Texas State dominated UNT Saturday in the state semifinals, and will look to execute that same type of revenge at the Western Playoffs.

SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

racquetrebound Texas State tennis changed its fortunes over the weekend, winning two matches after previously dropping three in a row. Friday the Bobcats defeated Trinity University 7-0, then finished Sunday with a 5-2 victory over McNeese State to even their Southland Conference record at 1-1. Friday’s face off with Trinity was the first since the opener for Rabea Hartmannn, who won a singles match 6-3, 6-1. Earlier in the contest she grabbed an 8-3 doubles victory, paired with Lainy Chaifitz. Go to UniversityStar.com to read the full story.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007 - Page 12

Sports Contact — Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

Rugby takes second place in state tourney

By Travis Atkins The University Star The joy of victory and the heartbreak of defeat were on display Sunday at West Campus Field.

After making a run to the state championship game, the Texas State Renegade Rugby Club lost to Angelo State 17-15 in front of a large crowd.

The Renegades were up 15-12 with about four minutes remaining, but after a long struggle, Angelo State was able to force the ball just over the goal line to take the lead 17-15. Texas State was then forced to score with three minutes left on the continuous clock.

Angelo State’s defense stiffened, never letting the Renegades get closer than 20 yards from the goal. The Texas State fans featured numerous rugby alumni looking to relive their glory days from their state championship season of 1987.

The crowd did everything it

could to urge the team on, but the referee’s whistle blew to signify game’s end and a Renegade loss. Angelo State rushed the field and the Renegades were left to ponder what might have been.

“We gave it all we had,” team captain Chris Mutschler said.

“A couple of breaks went their way. Overall, I think we were pretty evenly matched. We gave everything we had, they gave everything they had; in the end, it was just the way the ball bounced.”

Texas State was trailing 12-5 early in the second half when Tommy Taylor received a red card for an illegal tackle. The penalty put the Renegades a man down and at a significant disadvantage. Coach Scot Courtney felt the penalty was too severe.

“Typically, a red card is reserved for if there is intent to injure,” Courtney said. “I don’t think there was and, even afterwards, the referee said it would

not be written up as intentional.”

Even with Taylor’s ejection, the Renegades were able to mount a comeback, beginning with Philip Laney running down the sideline and diving across the goal line to score a five-point try, making the score 12-10. Drawing energy from the crowd, Texas State was riding a wave of momentum.

With 12 minutes remaining, Texas State scored another five points with a try. Because both tries were scored on the right Travis Atkins/Star photo side of the field rather than the SLIPPING BY: Junior Doug Grosch runs from a tackle during the Texas State Renegade Rugby Club’s middle, the ensuing two-point Saturday game against North Texas.

The Bobcats lost the state championship game to Angelo State kick attempts were further back and at a severe angle. Those fac- 17-15 in the final moments. tors, combined with the strong wind, prevented kicker John ous Renegades. It appeared as ing,” Nunn said. teams desperately trying to colHinson from getting the ball though he was going to score, One more goal-saving tackle lectively move the other, Angelo anywhere close to the uprights. but Julian Nunn’s clutch tackle and the outcome might have State crossed the goal line.

The score was 15-12 in favor right before the goal line saved been different. While Nunn’s “Our main goal is to keep of Texas State, but the Bobcats Texas State for the time being. tackle temporarily kept An- them out, and then, we try to could not hold out over the final “I was able to get underneath gelo State out, the Rams were secure the ball,” Nunn said.

12 minutes for the state title. An the ball and Hunter (Bittle) able to maintain possession at “But it was hard with a man Angelo State player broke into came in and secured the second the same end of the field, and See RUGBY, page 11 the open field, dodging numer- man, keeping them from scor- amongst the chaos of both

Three-game series leads to all-around victory over Tigers baseball

By Jacob Mustafa The University Star Texas State baseball regained its momentum over the weekend, sweeping Texas Southern in preparation for a rematch against the Baylor Bears Tuesday night.

The Bobcats, 12-5, extended their winning streak to four games after a dominant threegame series against the Tigers that led to 10-2, 16-4 and 7-0 victories. “(We) needed to win three games and we obviously played well enough to win three

games,” Coach Ty Harrington said.

Friday’s 10-2 victory was led by starter Mike Hart, who registered a personal-best 11 strikeouts over a season-high seven innings. The win by Hart, 3-1, came on the heels of a performance a week ago against New Mexico in which he allowed seven runs in five innings, culminating in his first loss of the season. The sophomore pitcher said he needed to prove something to his team and himself Friday night.

“I needed to come out this game and show something to

myself,” Hart said. “So I’m happy it worked out.”

Right fielder Aaron Garza also belted his first home run of the year in Friday’s game, a two-run hit that put the game out of reach in the bottom of the third inning.

“I’ve kind of been trying a little too hard to get one under my belt,” said Garza, the team’s clean-up hitter. “Now that I’ve got one, I can relax.”

The victories grew increasingly lopsided after Saturday’s win, a game in which the Bobcats first five hitters drove in 13 runs. First baseman David

Wood continued exerting his will at the plate, notching three runs and five RBIs. “The offense is getting better,” Harrington said.

The second game also increased Garza’s hitting streak to seven games, a stat which he claimed not to keep up with.

“I haven’t looked at the stats once all year,” Garza said. “Now that you said that, it’s going to end.”

Garza proved prophetic, going 0-for-3 Sunday.

After the dominant wins over the Tigers in the first two games, Texas Southern

collapsed upon itself Sunday afternoon, as starting Tigers pitcher Wayne Guillory committed three errors and allowed six walks. The team combined to commit six errors, allowing the Bobcats to score four unearned runs. Adam Witek got their first RBI on a bunt in the third inning.

“We didn’t play as well (Sunday) as we did in the first two games,” Harrington said. “We got a little unfocused at times, but we played well enough to win.”

Sophomore Laurn Randell, still known as the man who

drove in the go-ahead run in a home victory against Rice, started in center field because of Kyle Jones’ season-ending arm injury. Harrington recently moved Randell up in the lineup to bat in the two-hole.

“I definitely feel more comfortable and I’m getting more pitches now,” Randell said.

Since moving up in the order, Randell is hitting at a .462 clip, as opposed to his .358 average for the season.

“Getting redshirted for a year and learning how coach See BASEBALL, page 11