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MARCH 24, 2009

tuesday

VoluMe 98, Issue 63

ASG senators announce candidacy, discuss platforms By Amanda Venable News Editor A third candidate has entered the ASG presidential race, filing paperwork the day of the deadline. Brice Loving, marketing junior, joined Chris Covo and Trenton Thomas in the race for student body president. However, unlike his opponents, Loving does not have a running mate. Loving was sworn into the ASG senate by current president Brett Baker in February. His campaign strategy is to enter as a surprise candidate. “Being within the McCoy College of Business Admistration gives the real

life experience of working in teams and I have had experience leading groups in a positive direction,” Loving said. Loving’s campaign platform focuses on furthering the university and greeklife marketing efforts. He also wants a change to the current GPA scale. “The idea is to start changing the GPA scale to a plus or minus scale,” Loving said. “The University of Texas is pushing to this system in the fall. If our academics are comparable to these schools that are using this, then we should follow with those changes.” Loving said he has researched his opponents’ platforms, saying, while they have good points, the success of their propos-

als need a large-scale marketing effort. He said his marketing strategy involves the promotion of student par participation in university activities and improving the image of greek life. Loving is not the only candidate whose platform focuses on greek life and student involvement. Covo, whose campaign focuses on promoting student participation on campus, said “a successful greek system is vital to a successful university.” Covo and running mate Tommy Luna, student body vice presidential candidate, propose a three-prong platform: revamping recruit recruitment, improving alumni relations and student appreciation, the latter of which

Covo said is most important. “If the student government is running effectively, like it is actually supposed to, then we will be able to affect student participation as a whole,” Covo said. “If the next administration does not under understand that then it will be the same organization it has been. I can promise — it is the only time I have ever promised anything — but we will work very hard to make sure the senate will work like it is designed to.” Thomas, who is running with Edwin Maldonado, vice presidential candidate, agreed student enthusiasm and ASG senate involvement in campus efforts is critical. The Thomas / Maldonado tick tick-

et, if elected, plans to hold grievance sessions with students. “Sometimes, it gets to be all talk with the ASG administrations,” Thomas said. “Maldonado and I will have an open door policy. We are going to actually use our senators and our executive board to talk to student organizations. We want open forums so students can come in and see what their student government is doing.” The Thomas / Maldonado ticket’s four-tier platform argues success for Texas State’s Football Bowl Subdivision drive depends on “getting all of San Marcos to support and back” the uniSee ELECTION, page 4

Texas State student drowns in San Marcos River at park

sXsW 2009

By Scott Thomas Editor in Chief

Karen Wang/Star photo For coverage of this year’s south By southwest, see Trend’s pages 6,7 and 8.

ASG legislation Train collides with car trapped on railroad tracks may ease motorcyclists’ parking woes By Teresa Wilburn News Reporter Motorcyclists now have shelter on rainy days. Monday ASG legislation proposed giving motorcycle riders more options regarding the parking situation on campus. The bill entitled, “Motor-Cycle Friendly Campus,” asks for a preceding pass to be issued to motorcyclists on bad weather days for a car pass. It also asks for additional parking slots around campus for motorcycles. “Motorcycles reduce congestion on campus,” said Sen. Michael Guzman, author of the legislation. “I ride a motorcycle myself. The problem is that sometimes the parking spots fill up. The permit costs the same as a car, but the university does not allow you to park in another parking spot.” Guzman has been inconvenienced by the parking regulations around campus. If the weather is bad, he has to use alternative transportation. Without the additional parking permit, the university can issue a ticket, he said. “The main thing will be setting up a type of system that will allow a temporary permit,” Guzman said. “If it is raining, I cannot ride my motorcycle. I have to drive my other vehicle to campus. I would need to have two See ASG, page 4

today’s Weather Scattered T-Storms

68˚

Precipitation: 70% Humidity: 68% UV: 3 Moderate Wind: NE 20 mph

A student drowned Friday af afternoon in the San Marcos River at Sewell Park, despite being pulled from the river by an onlooker and an attempt to resuscitate him. Tam Minh Tran, a 24-year-old mathematics junior, was swimming in the river Friday after afternoon when Ben Asmus, criminal justice sophomore, spotted him. Asmus said Tran was swimming recreationally. “He wasn’t swimming real hard,” he said. “(He was swimming) like everyone else does.” Asmus was at the park with friends and his girlfriend. He noticed not seeing Tran swimming for a few minutes. “For some reason, I realized I hadn’t seen him in a while,” Asmus said. “I don’t know why. I said something about not seeing him come up.” Asmus said he, his girlfriend and a friend got up to look. Asmus’ girlfriend spotted Tran on the bottom of the river. “She spotted him and said ‘is that him?’” Asmus said. “You could tell he had been down there for quite a bit. I jumped in. He was in the deep part of the river.” Asmus said he shook Tran’s shoulder and saw he was unresponsive. “I grabbed him and took him to shore,” he said. “I had to haul him up the ladder, which was tough. I had him on the edge before someone helped me pull him up.” Asmus described jumping into the river and pulling Tran out as “pure reaction.” “There was nothing in my head,” he said. “I didn’t think a whole lot. I just kind of did it.” Asmus did CPR with another individual for approximately two minutes, he said. EMS showed up at approximately 2:33 p.m. University Police received two

Sajen Claxton-Hernandez/ Star photo SMASHED UP: Candice and Caitlin Taber’s car after a train ran into at approximately 1 a.m. March 13.

By Sajen Claxton-Hernandez Special to The Star Twin sisters Crystal and Candice Taber stalled in the mud on a train track about 1 a.m. Friday the 13th. They attempted to free the car so they could arrive at a friend’s house on time. They saw a bright light in the distance approaching. Their plans changed. They abandoned the car. The light drew progressively

nearer as the horn grew louder. The tremors in the ground became stronger, and the twins had no choice but to watch as the unstoppable train struck their immovable car. The twins’ car got stuck on the train track at the intersection of Post Road and Uhland as students were beginning Spring Break. They tried to free the car for roughly 20 minutes before seeing an approaching train in the distance. The twins called the police at 1:05 a.m. The train collided

with their car shortly after. Crystal Taber was driving her sister’s car as it stalled on the tracks. “Me and my sister were on our way to a friend’s house,” Crystal Taber said. “I took a right on the train track, and we slipped in the mud.” The twins made various attempts to free their car from the track. “We tried dragging it out,” said Crystal Taber. “We moved all the See TRAIN, page 3

two-day Forecast Wednesday

Thursday

Rain Temp: 52°/41° Precip: 70%

Mostly sunny Temp: 55°/42° Precip: 50%

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...........11,12

Tam Minh Tran

See DROWNING, page 4

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

PageTwo

2 - Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Calendar TUESDAY

starsof texas state James E. McWilliams, associate professor in the department of history, is the 2009 recipient of the $50,000 Hiett Prize in the Humanities, which recognizes an emerg-

ing leader in the humanities, from the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture. —Courtesy of University News Service

Today in Brief

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

HUNGRY DUCKS

“Say What You Need To Say” is from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Become a pro at direct, open, honest communication. Pre-screening is required by calling the Counseling Center 512-245-2208.

University Police Department

Every Nation Campus Ministries will be holding our weekly campus meeting at 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall, room G-02. Bring your cell phone. We will be responding to hot topic questions that are texted in and giving a biblical response.

March 8, 9:57 p.m. Possession of Marijuana / San Marcos Hall Two officers were dispatched for suspicious odor. Upon further investigation, one student was found in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The student was arrested and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date. Another student was issued a citation for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The Guest Artist Series presents Martin McCain, bass trombone, at 8 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students. Career Services Presents: Personal Growth through Motivation/Responsibility at 3:30 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center, room 3-7.1 WEDNESDAY LGBQ Pride Group is from 12 to 1:30 p.m. It is open to students wanting to discuss the impact of their sexual identity on crucial aspects of their lives in a safe and confidential place. Prescreening is required by calling the Counseling Center 512-245-2208. Anger Management Group is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Learn simple, innovative techniques for managing anger and developing healthier ways of relating. Pre-screening is required by calling the Counseling Center 512-245-2208. ACOA/Dysfunctional Families Group is from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. for adult children of alcoholics dealing with dysfunctional families group. Prescreening is required by calling the Counseling Center 512-245-2208. There will be an Overeaters Anonymous Meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland. THURSDAY 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 512-245-2208.

CRIME BLOTTER

David Schmidt/Star photo Taylor Pletcher, biology freshman, and Kermit Lynch feed bread to ducks outside the theater building.

This day in history

1765: Britain enacted the Quartering Act, requir requiring American colonists to provide temporary housing to British soldiers.

1995: The House of Representatives passed a welfare reform package calling for the most profound changes in social programs since the New Deal.

1882: German scientist Robert Koch announced in Berlin he had discovered the bacillus responsible for tuberculosis.

1999: NATO launched airstrikes against Yugoslavia — the first time the alliance had attacked a sover sovereign country.

1958: Elvis Presley was inducted into the Army in Memphis, Tenn.

2002: Halle Berry became the first black per performer to win a best actress Oscar, for her work in Monster’s Ball.

1973: The album Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd was released. 1988: Former national security aides Oliver L. North and John M. Poindexter pleaded innocent to Iran-Contra charges.

2005: The U.S. Supreme Court denied an appeal from the parents of Terri Schiavo to have a feeding tube reinserted into the severely brain-damaged woman. —Courtesy of New York Times

March 8, 7:10 p.m. Reckless Damage or Destruction / N LBJ Drive An officer was dispatched for a damaged property report. Upon further investigation, a student reported damage to a building and maintenance was notified. The case is open pending any new information. March 8, 6:17 p.m. Medical Emergency / San Marcos Hall An officer was dispatched for a student that felt ill because of medication. Medics were dispatched, evaluated the student and the student refused transport. A report was generated for the case. March 8, 4:59 p.m. Elevator Rescue / Blanco Hall An officer was dispatched for an elevator rescue. A student was released from the elevator unharmed. Elevator maintenance was notified. A report was generated for the case. —Courtesy of University Police Department

News

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The University Star - 3

TRAIN

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rocks in front and back of the tires, then 20 minutes later, we saw a train headlight coming.” They called the police as onlookers warned the twins about the train. “We saw eight people say ‘get the hell out of the car now,’” Crystal Taber said. Candice Taber blamed her sister for dooming her car, according to Crystal Taber. “Candice starts to freak; she’s just stopped still,” Crystal Taber

said. “She punched me right in the face.” Crystal Taber said her sister did not want to abandon the car. “I said ‘we’re getting the hell out of here, we’re going to live tonight,’” she said. “I grabbed her by her hair and dragged her all the way past the stop sign.” The train did not stop in time to avoid the collision. The twins watched the train hit their car. “We saw the train come, and it did not stop,” said Crystal Taber. “It went right toward the car, and hit the car.”

The train came to a complete stop approximately 100 yards past the point of collision, blocking multiple intersections in San Marcos. The crash damaged a nearby crossing cabin that controls the railroad signal. Signal maintainers at the site said the accident caused an estimated $40,000 in damages. The Union Pacific Railroad Police issued the twins a ticket for interfering with railroad property. Sgt. Christopher Tureaud of the San Marcos Police Department said the police could have stopped the

ESCAPED DEATH: Candice and Crystal Taber after a train demolished their car March 13.

train if the twins had called sooner. “If you get stuck on the tracks, immediately call the police,” Tureaud said. “If you wait until you see a train to call, it’s too late.” Crystal Taber shed tears as she expressed how lucky she felt that Friday the 13th. “I think there was an angel that came after us tonight,” Crystal Taber said. “I have a five-year-old daughter at home right now, and I know that, I’m going to go home and kiss her.” The train began moving at 3:12 a.m.

Sajen Claxton-Hernandez/ Star feature photo

Career Services offers students job seeking advice By Kristina Kenney Special to the Star In the midst of a dwindling economy, unemployment rates are at a record high, the Career Services Office could be a shining beacon of hope for Texas State students and alumni. Jonathan Pliego, career adviser with the Career Services Office, reminds discouraged students that taking advantage of on-campus services specifically tailored for them and their career paths could mean getting a competitive edge over other job seekers. Pliego stresses several strategies for job applicants during the economic downturn, including an

effective résumé, internship experience and having a global perspective of the market. “Employers right now are seeking graduates who have experience,” Pliego said. “Experience outside the classroom is crucial.” For Samantha Brune, public relations junior, the pressure of finding a job and standing out in a highly competitive market causes concerns. “When people with years of experience are being laid off, it’s scary to be just entering the job market,” Brune said. Pliego said Career Services, whose resources are exclusive to the university, is a way for stu-

dents to prepare for and find jobs before graduating. Through applications like Jobs4Cats, an online job search provided by Career Services, participants can upload résumés, create a profile, list job experience and interact with potential employers. Val Bummara, sociology sophomore, said she is glad to have the opportunities offered by Career Services. “I will probably use the resources in the Career Services Office, especially the résumé critiques and mock interviews to pinpoint my weaknesses and work to correct them,” Bummara said. Pliego stressed job candidates need be “marketable beyond what

they learn in the classroom,” by gaining skills or experience that make them stand out amongst others. Knowing a second language or having international experience are things Pliego recognizes as beneficial to a job application because employers want to hire people who can improve their companies. Lauren Little, pre-radiation therapy junior , is concerned about finding a job after graduation and knows getting ahead of the competition is the best way to do that. “Now more than ever people applying for jobs need something that sets them apart from others,” Little said. “I think Career Services helps.”

Social networking sites make students more politically aware By Gabrielle Jarrett News Reporter Social networking is taking away students’ excuses for not being able to get politically involved. Local politicians are using social networks to make the community aware of new issues and to gauge public opinion. “I began using Facebook in association with Texas State just for student organizations,” said Councilmember Kim Porterfield, Place 1. “I also had friends that had Facebook accounts.” Porterfield said she keeps her Texas State Facebook separate from personal and group pages. Porterfield said she decided to begin a Facebook group when she ran for City Council, which now helps her reach out to constituents. Facebook is not the only multimedia tool Porterfield uses. “I am a recent joiner of Twitter,” Porterfield said. Porterfield said one of her first Twitters was during the ASG public forum with Police Chief Howard Williams and Lisa Dvorack, assistant police chief, over possible amendments to the city noise ordinance. Porterfield said she posted issues discussed during the meeting and was surprised how quickly she got a response from students tracking her on the site. “I see social networking as a great way to stay connected and get the word out quickly,” Porterfield said. “I use networks every one or two days.” Porterfield said she now uses Twitter more often, but in combination, because she can link things to Facebook through Twitter. Councilmember Chris Jones, Place 4, said he uses Twitter and Facebook. Jones said he used his Facebook more during his campaign last fall. “I was one of the first people to use Facebook during my campaign,” Jones said. “The issues people posted helped me build my platform.” Jones said he uses Facebook more than Twitter because it is a more functional tool. Jones said he does not do much blogging, but is in the process of setting one up which may change how often he uses Twitter. “I use them both daily,” Jones said. “I get alerts on my iPhone when I have an update.” Jones said he uses his Facebook group to post current events and to gain feedback from community members. Trenton Thomas, finance junior running for student body president, said he likes local politicians taking time to use social networks. “I think it is great they are reaching out with quick response to handle our issues,” Thomas said. “It helps young adults get looked at as political contributors.” Thomas said he is using a similar tactic during his school campaign. He is setting up a Facebook group site to stay informed about student concerns. Thomas said students do not always have the time to stop and seek out the information, but do want to be informed on the issues of the representatives. Thomas said Facebook is a good way to achieve this goal and meet people’s needs. “With social networking sites, you get news out to broader amount of people with quick responses,” Thomas said. “These sites are revolutionizing the way we view politics today.” Thomas said the great thing about the networks is politicians often link his or her speech to the site, or new concerns being raised in the communities. Thomas said the information is always there, and a person can pull records to see what actually happened.

News

4 - The University Star

ELECTION CONTINUED from page 1

versity’s initiatives. “If you look around in WalMart or HEB, you see more Aggie and Longhorn things than you do the Bobcats’,” Thomas said. “We plan to get people more enthused about the (FBS) move, a lot of people look at is as just a sports issue, but FBS can help us through scholarships and through alumni giving.” Poor fan turnout to football games is an issue university of-

CONTINUED from page 1

parking permits, and that is not really fair.” Motorcyclists can pay for the LBJ parking garage as an alternative if they have another vehicle. Parking can often be scarce there, he said. Guzman said there are three areas in consideration for additional parking spaces for motorcycle. Bobcat Trail by Nueces Hall, the LBJ Parking Garage and the Student Recreation Center are all mentioned, he said. “I was surprised to find out that motorcycles even pay the same price as commuter permits,” said Sen. Colter Ray. “I would think that it would be cheaper since it helps the environment.” Ray said he supported the legislation. It will be interesting to

Edwin Maldonado Vice Student Body Presidential Candidate

Brice Loving Student Body Presidential Candidate

ASG External Affairs Committee member RA for San Jacinto Invisible Children member

ASG Senator VP of Membership for the American Marketing

Tommy Luna Vice Student Body Presidential Candidate

Chris Covo Student Body Presidential Candidate ASG Senator in Spring 2008 Baker & Moore Campaign Manager in Spring 2008 ASG Executive Assistant ASG City Council Liaison Texas State University System Alumni Liaison Food Service Committee member Achieving Community Together member Student Foundation member

ficials are trying to remedy in order for Texas State to move to FBS status. The Covo / Luna ticket said, if elected, they will create an athletic liaison, which would meet with department directors and student athletes promoting the Bobcats. The Covo / Luna and Thomas / Maldonado campaigns emphasize the need for strong relations with the San Marcos community. Thomas said his administration would reach out to local residents through student participa-

tion. Covo said he and Luna plan to launch a Know Your Rights campaign to educate students about laws, officer discretion and city ordinances. All five candidates will discuss issues at the ASG Presidential and Vice Presidential Debate at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday hosted by The University Star. To learn more about the candidates, visit UniversityStar.com for one-on-one interviews and complete campaign platforms.

RHA President University Pride and Traditions Committee member Student Foundation member Founder of Hombres Unidos

see what the administration decides to do with the legislation, he said. “I think that what we have done is great,” Ray said. “I hope that it goes into effect the way that we want it to. At the least, we will be calling attention to the fact that it is an issue that should be taken into consideration.” Guzman said he is glad to see ASG supported the legislation on the matter. He hopes to see a change in parking around campus for motorcyclists, he said. “I would like to eventually see more motorcycles and scooters around campus,” Guzman said. “I think it will ease the strain on the tram system and parking. There are not many spaces for permit parking as it is. This will give people the benefit in that they can park closer to the buildings.”

The legislation passed unanimously by way of voice vote. Lisa Dvorak, assistant chief of police for the San Marcos Police Department, also came to speak with senators at Monday’s meeting. Dvorak is the co-chair for ACT, Achieving Community Together, the local campaign that is focused on bringing students and long-term residents closer. “ACT is something that is going to be a part of the City of San Marcos and Texas State,” Dvorak said. “It is a collaborative effort where we can work together on common values and goals. We would like to promote different levels of positive relations between community residents.” Students have moved into neighborhoods and have not felt welcome, Dvorak said. It is a way to bridge the gap between

misunderstandings between the generations, she said. “Texas State students and the City of San Marcos, along with the San Marcos Police Department, have formed this committee to put on programs and events so people can be aware of what is going on in the community,” said ASG President Brett Baker. Baker said ASG senators work on matters affecting the community on a daily basis. “Right now, we face the possibility of the bars closing at 2 a.m.,” Baker said. “One of the things we might be able to with ACT is work with the city and local area in providing safer transportation for students. It would help to keep students off the road and make the community feel safer about people leaving the bars at night.”

ASG

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Association Senior VP of Ethical Projects for Students in Free Enterprise Involved in the Business Leadership Forum for the McCoy College of Business Administration Trenton Thomas Student Body Presidential Candidate ASG Senator ASG Student Life committee member Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity member Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor and Leadership fraternity RA for San Jacinto Hall Student Foundation member Athletic Advisory Council Student Representative Black Student Alliance Parliamentarian

DROWNING CONTINUED from page 1

calls at approximately 2:31 p.m. Tran was pronounced dead at Central Texas Medical Center at 4 p.m. Asmus said he would not call the situation frustrating, though his attempts to save Tran were unsuccessful. He said he only felt sad for the family. “I’m disappointed nothing else could be done (for Tran),” Asmus said.

University Police Captain Ricky Lattie said police do not know why Tran went from swimming successfully to drowning at the bottom of the river. “We don’t know the whole story of what happened between (Asmus first spotting Tran swimming then him drowning),” Lattie said. Lattie said police are waiting for the medical examiner to get back to them which could take as long as a month.

Lambda promotes gender, sexuality issue awareness across campus By Christine Mester News Reporter The Lambda organization has seen a spike in membership since initiating a campus-wide effort to raise awareness about the LGBTQA community. Scott Schoenmakers, Lambda president, said the organization supports members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allied community. “We have a purpose now,” Schoenmakers said. “We’ve been trying to raise awareness about the underdogs of the community, such as bisexuals and transgendered. People don’t know a lot about us and the issues our community

faces. We want them to understand that these issues are real and they are part of our community.” Lambda held a student, teacher panel to discuss issues of bisexuality March 4. Nearly 100 people attended the event, according to Heather Aidala, Counseling Center psychologist. Aidala, who participated on the panel, is involved in promoting awareness and understanding about bisexuality. “I shared research and addressed myths about how bisexuality is a phase or how bisexuality can be a process of coming out as gay,” Aidala said. “Bisexuality can be an ongoing identity for different people. We discussed

how it impacted relationships and how they are supported or even rejected by the heterosexual and gay community.” Lambda is now partnering with College Democrats to initiate a White Knot Program. Jeffery Groenke, Lambda vice president, said the initiative would support same-sex marriage and promote awareness about gay marriage. “We thought for an organization as large as Texas State, there is so much more we could be doing on campus,” Groenke said. “We are trying to create an umbrella coordination with other organizations on campus.” Lambda has collaborated

with the Allies program, SACA, Residence Hall Association and Bobcat Equality Alliance in their effort to raise awareness about the LGBTQA community. “We all benefit by working together,” Schoenmakers said. “We can discuss the issues we are all facing and collaborate together. We want to become known across campus. When people see us as a positive thing, it may help change opinions.” Schoenmakers said the main issues the organization faces is educating the public on issues dealing with the LGBTQA community. “Some people aren’t really sure what those terms even mean — they don’t understand

it,” Schoenmakers said. “We want to help them learn the facts and learn how to be sensitive and aware of our community.” Aidala, who has been with the university since 2000, said the LGBTQA community is gaining recognition on campus. “There was not as much visibility before,” Aidala said. “The program has expanded and therefore we are more visible. The current group of students has been more into social activism and education. It is a combination of how our overall culture has changed and how different groups have been showing their support in our community.” Lambda of Texas State was

founded in February 1985. Aidala said the main goal is to create a safe environment on campus. “This effort is geared towards being supportive of people and creating a climate where they can be themselves and not be judged living in a heterosexual world,” Aidala said. Lambda of Texas State meets at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday in LBJ Student Center, room 3-3.1. “The purpose of our organization is to provide a comfortable and safe environment for LGBTQ community as well as their allies,” Groenke said. “We want them to feel like they are part of a community and that they’re not alone.”

OpiniOns 5 - The University Star

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

AggrAv AvA Av vAting Ating

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu

The Main PoinT he application for financial aid seems to have more disadvantages than benefits.

T

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, better known as FAFSA, does not take into account a number of factors in deciding which students should receive financial aid. These include assets such as the family businesses, homes, cars and the high cost of living in certain areas of the country. Thus, a student living comfortably in a small town with a household income of $50,000, for example, could be receiving financial aid while a student in a high-cost living area with the same income may receive nothing. The application itself is another nuisance. The form entails 100 questions that can be complicated and time consuming. According to a Feb. 22 article in The New York Times, some families are paying professionals up to $100 to fill out the form for them. According to the article, Pat Watkins, director of financial aid at Eckerd College, said students get “form fright,” meaning they stop filling out the form once they see how difficult it is. The number of questions and the difficulty in filling out the form causes students and their families to be discouraged from applying for financial aid. Students who have trouble affording college tuition should receive every opportunity available to obtain financial aid without a daunting, six-page questionnaire. A new form should be put in place to make both applying and receiving financial aid easier for students. According to The New York Times article, Margaret Spellings, former Secretary of Education, proposed a form that would be two pages containing less than 30 questions. This would make students less intimidated to apply. President Barack Obama has already made plans to eliminate the FAFSA form. According to a March 11 article in The University Star, Obama’s budget includes all federal loans to go through the Direct Loan program, saving the government $4 billion per year, which will, in turn, go to financial aid for students seeking higher education. Application for financial aid, under Obama’s plan, will be under families’ tax filing in which they can check a box indicating whether or not they want their information to be considered for financial aid. Applying in this way could greatly help students, as it would be less intimidating for them and their families to try obtaining financial aid. FAFSA is inconvenient for families who need financial aid. Government officials need to take action as soon as possible to help these families, especially in this recession, before the number of students who need aid rises drastically.

ApplicAtion ApplicA Ation

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.

Russell Weiss/ Star Illustrator

San Marcos music scene lacks venues By Patricia Drew Guest Columnist Musicians and music enthusiasts were shocked by a heavy blow to the San Marcos music scene. Lucys’ doors have permanently closed and the fate of live music in this town does not look promising. Lucy’s, considered to be the best venue in town by most local music fans, was put to rest while students went home for Christmas break. Bar One-41 took its place on Jan. 26th. It is no longer a music venue, but a chic lounge with an energetic club atmosphere. “It was merely a decision based on numbers,” said Brian Scofield, owner of Bar One-41. Derrick Lee, a regular live music attendee, is beside himself when thinking about what his weekends are to become. “I liked that place because it really had character,” Lee said. Character is what most places on The Square lack because they cater to the same party crowd. I’m sure it was not an easy decision for Scofield to make, but, either way, I can’t really blame him. It’s a business, and he is trying to stay afloat like everyone else. The question is now where will local and out-of-town bands play to keep live music in San Marcos from going under. The band This Will Destroy You got its start in San Marcos in the summer of 2004. Drummer Andrew Miller said they have probably played at Lucy’s more than 30 times over the past five years. “It’s a kind of dismal thing that Lucy’s is gone,” Miller said. No venue in San Marcos has the capacity to entertain as many people as Lucy’s. The former live music hot spot could hold 360. Triple Crown’s maximum capacity is 199. Triple Crown has offered live music for more than 12 years, according to Eric Shaw, who has been booking their shows since day one. Burt Shaw said Triple Crown has been picking up the slack and booking more bands. Direct Events took over book booking for national acts in Austin, and they put a radius clause in all their contracts, prohibiting the bands from playing other venues within a 45-mile radius. It creates higher ticket sales at venues, but since San Marcos falls at about 32 miles outside of Austin, we’re just out of luck. Shaw said he has heard rumors about a new downtown club becoming a live music venue. It would be fantastic news for the rest of us who enjoy going out for entertainment that is not dirty dancing with characters resembling people on MTV’s Tool Academy. I am very concerned about what looks like a serious recession for live music in San Marcos, but there is still a demand. A demand is usually followed by a brave entrepreneur willing to tackle the cost. Maybe if we all cross our fingers at the same time our savior will step up to the plate. Patricia Drew is a print journalism senior.

Taxpayers pay bonuses for corporate employees

nATHAn SELTZER

Star Columnist

As we trudge through the depths of a recession, one element has captured the attention and the ire of the people, and nearly every elected official in Washington. There is only one action so callous and reprehensible in our society that the media can talk

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of nothing else for weeks. That’s right, AIG paid its employees. Whether or not the recipients of these payments actually deserved them is not remotely relevant. AIG had contractual obligations to pay $165 million, so it did. As a result, political scum in both the House and Senate began railing against the insurance giant as soon as “news” of the bonuses came to light. “This is another outrageous example of executives — including those whose decisions were responsible for the problems that caused AIG’s collapse — enriching themselves at the expense of taxpayers,” Sen.Chris Dodd, banking committee chairman said according to a CNN.com article.

Does he sound surprised by the bonuses? He shouldn’t be, since he wrote the very provision in last month’s bailout that allowed AIG to pay those bonuses, according to Bloomberg News. President Obama, meanwhile, asked no one in particular, “How do they justify this outrage to the taxpayers who are keeping the company afloat?” Did I mention, according to the Bloomberg news, the Obama administration requested Dodd add the provision allowing the bonuses to be paid? It may also be of interest to learn Obama and Dodd were the two leading recipients of campaign donations last year from

Editor In Chief.............................Scott Thomas, stareditor@txstate.edu Letters....................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor............................Amanda Venable, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor...................Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor.......................Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor....................................Karen Wang, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor....................................Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu

AIG employees — more than $100,000 each according to the Wall Street Journal. Permit me to lay out the time line. AIG makes huge donations to Dodd and Obama. Dodd and Obama insert provision that allows AIG to use taxpayer money to pay executive bonuses. Public finds out about bonuses. Dodd and Obama feign surprise and outrage. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying Obama and Dodd are corrupt. I’m saying they are incompetent. Now, the Associated Press is reporting our heroic representatives are talking about a special — and probably unconstitutional — retroactive 90 percent tax on the

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AIG bonuses. Pop quiz. What’s the differ difference between a retroactive tax and a fine? The fine requires due process of law. So to fix their mistake, the politician’s plan is to seize the assets of the law-abiding citizens that they gave a sweetheart deal to. If only the country’s founders had foreseen this eventuality and put some type of Bill of Rights into the constitution. Maybe some wording like no one should be “deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” Oh well, maybe next time. The great part about all of this hypocrisy is it is really just a big distraction from the real issue. AIG received $173 billion of our

money. The bonuses are only a tiny fraction of that. What did they do with the 99.9 percent of the unaccounted money? What did other companies that received bailout money do with it? If this money is being squandered, misspent and wasted, something needs to be done. The problem is zero accountability. The politicians don’t hold the companies accountable (until after the fact) and we don’t hold them accountable. As with most problems in Washington, this one begins with us. Nathan Seltzer is an electronic media senior.

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Trends the university star

realreligion

6 - Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Texas State will host a religion discussion tonight in Centennial Hall, room 157 at 7 p.m. Robert Krueger, former U.S. senator, will be one of the panelists discussing the intersections of religion, ethnic identity, human rights and the nation-state. Krueger was born in New Braunfels and received his B.A. from Southern Methodist University, an M.A. from Duke University and doctorate of philosophy in English literature from Merton College in Oxford. Other speakers will include Amjad Mohammad, Arabic language coordinator at Texas State, Jean-Marie Ngendahayo, scholar-in-residence from Texas Lutheran University, and Leah Renold, assistant professor in the history department.

Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Blind Pilot makes first visit to Texas for South by Southwest By Brittany Bemis Features Reporter South by Southwest attracts musicians, actors, writers, speakers and fans from all over the world. The festival crams separate music, film and interactive festivals into a little over a week. The music portion brings signed and unsigned bands. Blind Pilot, an indie-folk duo comprised of Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski from Portland, Ore., was one of the bands showcasing music during the week. Nebeker, vocals and guitar, said the name came from the pilot boats in Oregon and from the bar pilots whose job it is to lead larger ships into the harbor. “We started the band as an idea to tour by bicycle on the west coast,” Nebeker said. “(Blind Pilot) just seemed fitting since we had never done a bike tour before.” The two packed their bikes and instruments and headed off to play shows in small venues

along Oregon’s west coast. Nebeker said SXSW was his first trip to Texas. “We drove in from Chicago, and I was expecting (Texas) to be just arid and dry,” Nebeker said. “I was bowled over by how pretty it was. It was the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen.” Nebeker said he was inspired and wrote a few things that might be used in the next album. Blind Pilot made its big break when chosen as iTunes’ “single of the week.” “That kind of sparked more and more things, and that was all online,” Nebeker said. Lorraine Muller of Les Handclaps said her band’s success was also because of the Internet. “Seriously, we could do an ad for MySpace because everything we’ve done, like 90 percent of what we’ve done, is thanks to MySpace,” Muller said. Nebeker said he could not say anything negative about getting music through the Internet. “Illegal downloading is kind of

like radio now,” Nebeker said. “I think it is a great thing that bands can get out there based on the merit of their work, and they don’t need a huge label to do it.” Cristine Tritt, SXSW attendee, said the Internet is how she finds all of her new music. “I heard about Blind Pilot through a certain blog I follow. This guy frequently updates his music collection on his “mixtape,” and he had two of their songs on there,” Tritt said “Upon listening to them, I thought they were the greatest thing I had heard in a very long time, so I immediately researched them, bought their record and consistently listened to their music.” Tritt said she enjoys music more when she respects the artist. “(Blind Pilot’s music) is more genuine than what you are used to hearing. It’s a folk-rock band, but you can tell they really love what they do,” Tritt said. “It’s not just about making money — it’s not the stereotypical rock star attitude.”

Sara Strick/Star Photo CLAP HAPPY: Les Handclaps, of Montreal, Quebec, headlined the Pop Montreal Showcase at SXSW Saturday.

Sara Strick/Star Photo PILOT PERFORMANCE: Blind Pilot, featuring Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski from Portland, Oregon made their first SXSW appearance this year.

Band claps its way to SXSW, blends multiple languages By Brittany Bemis Features Reporter Les Handclaps wants to get the whole world moving. The pop trio, who hails from Montreal, Quebec, had its first taste of fame when one of its songs was featured in a commercial for Telus, a Canadian telecommunications company. Daniel Saucier, organ, programming and vocals, explained the band name has symbolic meaning. It incorporates the multilingual music of the group and serves as an encouragement for movement. “Handclaps is like the most simple music you can make with your body. It is like the union between dance and music,” Saucier said. “So when we started doing music together we found that hand-clapping was really the thing that made you dance in a song.” The band writes songs in German and Spanish, but a majority of their music is “Franglaise,” a blend of French and English. Lorraine Muller, vocals, enjoys the various languages employed by the group. “It’s just fun,” Muller said. “It sounds nice. It makes you think differently and sing differently. You can express the same thing with different words. It is just a different texture for the music.” Saucier and Hugo Clermont, guitar, programming and vocals, began playing together four years

ago and added Muller to the mix two years ago. It all began with a farfisa organ. “(Saucier) bought a farfisa organ, and I used to stop by during my lunch break and listen to him play,” Clermont said. “We just loved the sound of it and wrote a song for a friend’s wedding.” The pair discovered Muller on MySpace, and Les Handclaps was born. Les Handclaps is not finished yet. The band hopes to create a project utilizing sound and images, and has begun by adding its own dance crew. “We were inspired by ’60s music, garage bands, and there was the go-go music at this time. We wanted to see how the go-go dancers would be today,” Clermont said. “They are not actually go-go dancers, (but) they are inspired by the go-gos.” Marie Béland and Marilyne St-Sauveur are trained contemporary dancers, Muller said. “(They are) the physical side of the music,” Saucier said. Choreographing for the group was a new and difficult experience. “It was a challenge to try to find the blend of mixing go-go dancing and contemporary dancing,” Béland said. “(The goal is) doing something as simple and clear as possible, because the dance is a part of a show, and for me, a way to put the music in the body.”

St-Sauveur said she and Beland do more than jump around on stage. “(We want to be the) image of the music,” St-Sauveur said. “Complementing what they are doing, because they are already on stage is a balance of taking space and leaving space.” The band is awaiting the debut of their first album, which is scheduled for release in May. “We have a lot of special guests on the album — the guitarist from Montreal band Les Breastfeeders, and Stuart Zender, former member of Jamiroquai,” Muller said. “I keep joking and saying if the people who were on the album were told a year ago that they would be on the same record as the other guests, they would never see where their worlds could meet.” Saucier said the band was very excited to be chosen to play in the South by Southwest showcase. “We only had a sample of a demo. We didn’t have the album done,” Saucier said. “We are quite proud and honored to be here.” Muller said she was more surprised than the rest of the band members that Les Handclaps was selected to play at the festival. “Getting into SXSW is impossible, if you look at the odds,” Muller said. “But getting in when you don’t have a label, you don’t have an album ... you don’t have anyone pushing for you, nothing, that is pretty outstanding.”

Karen Wang/Star Photo HOUSE BAND: Victoria Legrand of Beach House opened for Explosions in the Sky at Auditorium Shores tSaturday.

Trends

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Convention brings collector, vendors together By Brett Thorne Trends Editor Hordes of people flocked to the Austin Convention Center Saturday to show off their sleek necks and curvaceous bodies. The first South Buy Sell Trade gave collectors and vendors a forum for buying, selling, trading and eyeballing rare guitars and accessories. The collectors gathered at the entrance to the exhibit hall were greeted by dozens of vendors from all over the country. Jay Ottenwess, a vendor at the show, began handcrafting his own guitars nearly two years ago. “I’ve been a player for a long time,” Ottenwess said. “I was looking for a guitar to play professionally. Something that no one else had.” Ottenwess explained the su-

perficial differences in his guitars also equated to sonic differences when plugged into an amp. The Porchboard display was one of the most popular exhibits at the show, offering players a chance to test-play guitars while testing out an entirely new instrument, with roots dating back to some of the earliest forms of the art. The Porchboard is a long board placed at the foot of a musician, which allows them to recreate a kick drum or “porchboard” sound. Nadene Isackson, owner of the Porchboard Company, explained the instrument was created out of a necessity. Isackson and Bill Stevens, inventor of the Porchboard, have been involved in an antidrug program using music to help kids resist drugs. “The reason we needed the Porchboard was because when

you have 300 people in a room and only an acoustic guitar, it’s hard to keep their attention,” Isackson said. The realization led Isackson and Stevens to develop the Porchboard as a simple accompaniment for guitar players. Isackson said the success of the Porchboard has gone beyond what she, Stevens and Dean Dwyer, designer of the Porchboard, ever expected. “It’s actually surpassed anything we thought,” Isackson said. “Somebody saw it and wanted it and somebody else saw it and wanted it.” One of the company’s biggest successes came when Tommy Hamilton, bassist for Aerosmith, posted a video on YouTube of himself playing bass along with the Porchboard. Isackson said the Porchboard was a hit at South Buy

Sell Trade. “We sold out,” Isackson said. “We were really surprised. There was a man from Australia who bought a Porchboard and said if he couldn’t fit the Porchboard in his suitcase with all his clothes, he would leave his clothes, because he could get more of those in Australia.” Jimmy Wallace’s exhibit attracted collectors with its stock of Fender and Gibson guitars, including a Gibson hollow-body played by Eric Clapton. Wallace said the current state of the economy has had an effect on his business, but he is sure the guitar-collecting business is here to stay. “There was a momentary lag, but everyone kind of got together and said ‘You know what? This is what we do and we’re going to make it work,’” Wallace said.

The University Star - 7

New rendition of old film changes some scenes, maintains plot I’m sure the last Some may even thing Wes Craven say Last House isn’t expected was the even a true horror status of a cult clasmovie. It has no sic when he wrote real monsters, nor his horror masterdoes it have jumpy piece “The Last moments, but the House on the Left” fact is: this movie in 1972. is horrifying. Even further One change from the thought from the original was the idea is when the proof a Hollywood tagonist’s daughbox-office suc- brent vickers ter is brutally cess of a remake. raped, rather than But that’s just Trends Columnist murdered, which what he got. His is by far the most original was actually a re- disturbing scene in the film. telling of the 1960 film The Parents be warned: this movie Virgin Spring by Ingmar is NOT for children. Other Bergman, but he changed significant changes are the the pace from drama to hor- killer’s means of escape from ror with great elegance. His prison, the ways the parents presence as the producer of go to exacting revenge, and the remake was also appar- the final outcome of the parent. The remake of The Last ents’ future. The film keeps House on the Left followed its overall feeling of despair closely in its predecessor’s and ultimately, a disturbing refootsteps, with grueling sus- lief. However, it veered off the pense, a terrific re-write and course of the source material an ensemble of relatively with these changes. unknown actors. The Last House on the Left The Last House on the Left has is filled with almost everygrossed $24 million so far, and thing a horror buff would proven to be a nice follow-up to want: unique twists, plausible its underground source mate- outcome and ingenious and rial. Fans of the 1972 film have original kill sequences. Unexpressed their admiration and fortunately, like most horror respect to the modern re-telling movies, this one would not of the classic. However, many be the wisest choice to take have also shown their disdain to a date. I can recommend this the changes. What it all comes film to any and all who enjoy down to is how prepared the a great scare, but be warned: audience is to see brutal rape this movie is not for the faint and gruesome murder scenes. of heart.

✯FYI On its opening weekend, Last House on the Left took in $14.1 million while the 1972 original took in only $3.1 million. Sara Strick/ Star Photo VERY VINTAGE: Collectors and vendors from around the country gathered at the Austin Convention Center Saturday and Sunday for a vintage guitar show.

Fine Arts Calendar Tuesday

Alyson Fox, Misako Inaoka, Mimi Kato: What isn’t is, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Martin McCain bass trombone recital, 8 p.m., Recital Hall

Wednesday

Alyson Fox, Misako Inaoka, Mimi Kato: What isn’t is, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Vanessa Monetlongo junior French horn recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall Battle of the Bands, 7 p.m., LBJ Student Center Flute Festival, 8 p.m., Evans Auditorium

Thursday

Alyson Fox, Misako Inaoka, Mimi Kato: What isn’t is, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Donna Lee, 8 p.m., Recital Hall

Friday

Alyson Fox, Misako Inaoka, Mimi Kato: What isn’t is, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Karlyn McCutchan Senior Voice Recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall Side Show: Dance Show, 7:30 p.m., Jowers Studio 178

Saturday

Alyson Fox, Misako Inaoka, Mimi Kato: What isn’t is, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Stephanie Thoreson Oboe Recital, 4 p.m., Recital Hall Sharolyn Ferrer Jazz Recital, 4 p.m., Evans Auditorium Jason Slayden, 8 p.m., Recital Hall Side Show: Dance Show, 7:30 p.m., Jowers Studio 178

Sunday

Alyson Fox, Misako Inaoka, Mimi Kato: What isn’t is, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Alejandro Jaime Junior Trumpet Recital, 4 p.m., Recital Hall Lauryn Gould Junior Flute Recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall

Monday

Alyson Fox, Misako Inaoka, Mimi Kato: What isn’t is, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Nathan Smith Senior Tuba Recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall Jazz Ensemble Concert, 8 p.m., Evans Auditorium

Adjusted for inflation, the original beat out the remake by about $2 million

8 - The University Star

Trends

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Random Questions for Random Artists: The Star speaks to members of Passion Pit and Les Handclaps

1. Who is your favorite fictional character and why? “Gaston Lagaffe. He is a total anti-hero just being bored at everything but a kind of really sweet guy.” —Daniel Saucier “Holden Caufield! No, Robinson Crusoe, of course.” —Nate Donmoyer 2. What is the strangest talent you have? “I can stretch my skin a lot” —Hugo Clermont “I’ve done a lot of folkloric dance when I was young and I can do a 10 minute solo clapping my feet. I’ve done it so much and it’s not part of my life anymore, but I still have the moves in my feet” —Daniel Saucier “I’m not going to say the cherry stem thing because that is just too typical, but I can do it, in case anyone out there was wondering. OK, it’s not a talent, but I can look out of my left eye with my right eye” —Lorraine Muller “I can hula hoop while cooking” —Marilyne St-Sauveur “Knitting. Anything you want.” —Marie Béland “I can spin notebooks on my finger for days. Pointless.” —Nate Donmoyer

Sara Strick/Star photo FRANGLAISE POP: Les Handclap members Lorainne Muller, Daniel Saucier and Hugo Clermont traveled from Montreal, Quebec to Austin for 2009’s South by Southwest Music Festival.

3. If you could be a dinosaur what kind would you be? “I’d be a flying dinosaur so I could get away from the big guys! I’d be a pterodactyl for sure. Then I could be on ‘The Flintstones.’” —Lorraine Muller “I would want to be a parasitic one living off the others, being protected by the big ones. And probably a vegetarian.” —Daniel Saucier “I wouldn’t be a big fat dinosaur. Maybe a velociraptor.” —Hugo Clermont. “Pterodactyl.” —Nate Donmoyer 4. What is your most treasured possession? “It’s between my baritone saxophone and maybe my (hockey) season tickets.” —Lorraine Muller “My guitar. It is actually the guitar from my favorite band as a teenager. It is history, and many bands in Montreal have used this guitar.” —Hugo Clermont “I had a lock which I used since I was five. I don’t even have to think of the numbers. Sometimes I thought I lost it, but I always found it again. But in the airport here they cut it off and I was ashamed of how upset I was just because of the lock. I had it for so long and it was so useful in my life!” —Daniel Saucier “My speakers.” —Nate Donmoyer 5. What traits or characteristics do you admire most in others? “Honesty, even when it’s hard. And absolutely above anything: integrity” —Lorraine Muller “People that can get into a discussion with anybody. I am quite respectful of this capacity.” —Daniel Saucier “Simplicity.” —Marie Béland “People who really give their time to other people. Altruism — it is very impressive.” —Hugo Clermont “Humor and humility.” —Nate Donmoyer Nate Donmoyer, Drummer for Passion Pit Daniel Saucier, organist, vocalist, and programmer for Les Handclaps Hugo Clerrmont, guitarist, vocalist, and programmer for Les Handclaps Lorraine Muller, vocalist for Les Handclaps Marilyne St-Sauveur, dancer for Les Handclaps Marie Beland, dancer for Les Handclaps

Diversions

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The University Star - 9

EDITOR IN GRIEF

COMIC BY

CANK

Solutions 3/12

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

Solutions for 3/12

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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lost & FoUnd

lost Yo Y Ur pet? If your pet is lost anywhere in Hays County, please check the San Marcos Animal Shelter (512)393-8340 which is located at 750 River Road off of east Hwy 80. All strays from the Kyle, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Uhland and some of Buda (non-city) areas are taken to San Marcos. Hours: Mon. and Fri. 11:30 to 5:30; Tues., Wed., Thurs. 11:30 to 4:30; Sat. 11:30 to 4:30. Please go in person rather than call, you are the only one who can identify and reclaim your beloved pet! Remember, an ID tag is a ticket home!

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10 - The University Star

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Sports

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The University Star - 11

Missouri Tigers claw way to Sweet 16 round By Todd Rosiak Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Everything had fallen into place. Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews regained their strokes. The ball security was there, safe for a short spell in the first half. The defense, especially in the halfcourt, was ferocious. And still, it was not enough. Done in by an inability to score down the stretch and then some strange circumstances in crunch time, the Marquette Golden Eagles lost to the Missouri Tigers, 83-79, in a second-round NCAA tournament nail-biter Sunday afternoon at Taco Bell Arena that featured the return of Dominic James from a broken left foot. It was the second heartbreaker in as many second-round games for the sixth-seeded Golden Eagles (25-10). One year ago to the day, they had lost to the Stanford Cardinal, 82-81, on Brook Lopez’s crazy behind-thebackboard prayer in the waning seconds in Anaheim, Calif. “It’s just, like, I don’t know, why us?” said Lazar Hayward, junior forward, in a somber locker room afterward. “We go through so much stuff during the course of the year. I don’t get it. It’s just a crazy feeling.” McNeal added, “We weren’t able to go out the way we all wanted to go out. It’s disappointing.” McNeal matched a personal high with 30 points, and Matthews equally great with 24 points

and seven rebounds. But neither one could get anything to go over the final 3 minutes 31 seconds until McNeal split a pair of free throws with 38.3 seconds left that knotted the score at 79-79. And that is when things got strange. On the ensuing possession, third-seeded Missouri (30-6) brought the ball up court and ran the clock down to 19.0 seconds before coach Mike Anderson called a timeout to set up a final play. Coming out of the huddle, the Tigers got the ball to defensive specialist J.T. Tiller, who after some dribbling found a clear lane to the basket. He drove and was hammered near the rim by McNeal. Tiller went down hard and came up holding his right wrist. After some delay, Anderson chose to pull the right-handed Tiller from the game and insert freshman guard Kim English off the bench, as the rules allow, to shoot the free throws. At first glance, it was a strange tradeoff. Tiller was at 75.9 percent from the line this season and English 68.0 percent. But English was on fire in the first half, and he delivered once again by knocking both freebies down to give the Tigers an 81-79 lead with 5.5 seconds left. “It was obvious he was hurt,” Anderson said. “Nothing was ever explained to me,” Marquette coach Buzz Williams said. “I had to call a timeout to get an explanation.” Tiller tried to check back into

the game after the free throws but was denied by the officials. It was a move that was soundly booed by most of the 12,184 in attendance, who had slid over to MU’s side during its comeback attempt. Then, on the ensuing inbounds play, Hayward was whistled for stepping over the baseline after he double-clutched when McNeal and Matthews were unable to get open. “I was trying to get it to Wes or Jerel down there,” Hayward said. “I’ve got to be a lot smarter than that. I’m more intelligent than that. I just didn’t want to throw the ball away, and that’s why I kind of jerked.” Missouri got the ball back on the turnover, and Marquette immediately fouled Leo Lyons. A 75.3 percent free-throw shooter and 4 for 6 on the day to that point, Lyons calmly drained both to put Missouri up by four. The Golden Eagles inbounded the ball for one last-ditch effort at scoring, but Maurice Acker’s three-point attempt was well short as he appeared to be fouled well beyond the top of the key. There was no whistle, and that was that. Marquette managed just one field goal over the final 12:23 of the first half — a long three by McNeal at the buzzer_and shot just 34.8 percent to head into intermission trailing, 46-35. Things did not get any better for the Golden Eagles to open the second half. Hayward missed three goals, and after a three-point play by

McNeal, Marquette missed five more in a row. Even when the Golden Eagles seemed to be getting a lift, such as on Matthews’ thundering baseline dunk, the Tigers immediately responded. In this case, Matt Lawrence beat everyone downcourt for a layup to make it 54-42 with 16:22 left. But a little less than 8 minutes later Marquette had turned the tables on Missouri. Matthews led the way, scoring 10 points in a 19-9 run that pulled the Golden Eagles to within 63-61 at the 9:08 mark. Taking care of the basketball, defending in the halfcourt and turning those stops into baskets on the other end, Marquette was doing it all. And with a free throw by McNeal with 5:36 left, the Golden Eagles had actually clawed their way back into the lead at 68-67. They would hold the advantage until just 48.7 seconds remained, when Lyons grabbed his own miss and was fouled, giving the Tigers a 79-78 lead, and setting the stage for McNeal’s tying free throw. James checked in early, at the 17:08 mark, but did not have much of an impact. McNeal, Matthews and Hayward handled most of the ball-handling, and James was more of a pressure release than anything. He did not attempt a shot and played 13 of his 17 minutes in the first half. “Above all else, I wanted him to finish his career in a uniform,”

Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel FOUL TROUBLE: J.T. Tiller of Missouri draws the foul from Jerel McNeal of Marquette in the final minute of their game Sunday. Missouri defeated Marquette 83-79 at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho. to move to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

Williams said. “I wanted him to have closure in regards to his basketball career at Marquette. I thought he did a good job.” Hayward finished with 13 points and 11 boards, and senior

Dwight Burke five points and a personal-high 10 boards for Marquette, which beat Missouri on the glass, 41-30. The Golden Eagles also knocked down 28 of 33 free throws (84.8 percent).

Japan moves to finals after victory over United States By Al Balderas The Orange County Register Japan scored five runs in the fourth inning to reach the finals of the World Baseball Classic with a 9-4 victory over the United States on a cold and windy Sunday night at Dodger Stadium. Japan will appear in its second consecutive WBC final game, playing Korea Monday night. It will be the fifth time the teams face each other since the tournament started March 5. They split the previous four games with Japan holding a 21-9 edge in cumulative runs. “They were fundamentally

sound,” Jimmy Rollins of the U.S. said of Japan. “They took advantage of mistakes. They didn’t worry about trying to drive the ball out of the park. When you put the ball in play, you can find some holes. They definitely did that.” The United States took a 1-0 lead Sunday on the second pitch of the game when Brian Roberts hit a home run to center field. Japan tied the score in the second on a sacrifice fly by Kenji Johjima, only to watch Team USA go back on top in the third. Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins singled with two outs, stole second and scored

on David Wright’s double off the right-center field wall for a 2-1 U.S. lead. Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka started for Japan. He looked shaky at times, but he gave his team 42 and one-third solid innings. The United States had runners on base in four of the first five innings and left 10 runners on base in the game. “Dice-K was Dice-K,” Rollins said of Matsuzaka. “A lot of pitches and a way to squeak out a win.” Houston Astros and Team USA starting pitcher Roy Oswalt said before Friday’s workout

that he could throw 100 pitches if necessary. It looked like he was up to the task for the first three innings. His night ended after throwing 66 in 32 and one-third innings. Atsunori Inaba and Michihiro Ogasawara singled to start the bottom of the fourth and Kosuke Fukudome followed with a hard grounder off Roberts’ glove at second base. Inaba scored on the error andOgasawara scrambled to third. Johjima tied the score at two with his second sacrifice fly of the game and Akinori Iwamura hit a two-run triple to give Japan a 4-2 lead.

Japan pulled away with an RBI single by Munenori Kawasaki. Kawasaki scored on a two-out double byHiroyuki Nakajima, giving Japan a 6-2 advantage. Oswalt was replaced by John Grabow, who got the final out of the inning. “I had hoped to have him (Grabow) ready by the eighth hitter (Iwamura), but it was awful cold out there,” Team USA manager Davey Johnson said.“I didn’t think it was going to take him so long. It was my fault. It took him longer in the cool weather to get loose.” The U.S. crept closer by tagging Takahiro Mahara for two

runs in the eighth inning. Mark DeRosa doubled to score Ryan Braun and Brian McCann, cutting Japan’s lead to 6-4. DeRosa wound up at third base when left fielder Norichika Aoki overran the ball in the left-field corner. But Evan Longoria struck out, and Roberts grounded to the pitcher for the final out. Japan responded with three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, one of which was charged to Angels reliever Scot Shields. Two of the three runs for Japan in the eighth inning were unearned because of a throwing error by Derek Jeter.

Sports the university star

hitterhonor

Softball’s Jenna Emery, sophomore utlity, was named Southland Conference hitter of the week Tuesday. Emery had a .418 batting average and a .812 slugging percentage in Texas State’s games against Central Arkansas. She had her first home run of the season this weekend and was 2-for-2 at the plate.

12 - Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu

Baseball wins two of three games in series By Joseph O. Garcia Sports Reporter

The Texas State baseball team finished Spring Break proudly. The team traveled to Beaumont Saturday and Sunday to meet the Lamar Cardinals for a three-game Southland Conference series at Vincent-Beck Stadium. The Bobcats won the series 2-1. Ricky Testa, Lamar pitcher, pitched seven solid innings in one game and held the Bobcats to just six hits Friday, leading the Lamar Cardinals to an 8-1 victory. The game began with a lead-off home run by Tyler Link, Lamar outfielder, giving the Cardinals their first run. Testa retired seven of the Bobcats’ first 10 batters. Texas State tied the game with a bases-loaded ground out from Ben Theriot, junior catcher, to score Spenser Dennis, senior outfielder, in the fourth. Lamar broke the tie after scoring five runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 6-1 lead. The Cardinals added two more runs in the bottom of the seventh to seal the 8-1 victory. Zach Tritz, senior pitcher, gave up six runs on eight hits in five innings. Texas State rallied in the top of the ninth inning to win game two of the series. Lamar contained Texas State to just one run heading into the top of the ninth. The team scrapped out three hits with one out to take over the game. “Still down one, facing arguably one of the best pitchers in our league, Lamar’s Brian Needham, we managed to score three runs in the ninth,” said Coach Ty Harrington. “Spencer Dennis had a huge RBI, game-tying double, with one out. Then Tyler Sibley (freshman infielder) followed up with a

game-winning single.” Lance Loftin, senior pitcher, retired the first two Cardinal batters in the bottom of ninth, but a single and a fielder’s choice that followed put the tying runs on base. Loftin then struck out the final batter and closed out the win. “Loftin went out in the ninth and closed the door, which last week, we weren’t very successful,” Harrington said. Loftin earned his first win of the season. He pitched three and two-thirds innings and gave up one hit while striking out four batters. Kane Holbrooks, senior pitcher, started the game and pitched into the sixth inning. He allowed six hits and one earned run while striking out five batters. “Kane Holbrooks threw six good innings, and for one of the first times this year, we got tremendous relief help,” Harrington said. “Lance Loftin didn’t allow a run for three and a third innings. He was really good.” Brian Borski, sophomore pitcher, earned his fourth win of the season in the final game of the series. He pitched eight complete innings and held the Lamar Cardinals to one run in a 4-1 victory for the Bobcats to clinch the series. Borski held the Cardinals to seven hits in the game. Lamar’s two hits in the bottom of the third tied the game at 1. Texas State took the early lead with a double from Jason Martinson, sophomore infielder, and brought in Theriot in the top of second. The Bobcats broke the tie in the top of the fifth with two runs after a Cardinal throwing error. Bret Atwood, sophomore outfielder, scored on a base hit from Paul Goldschmidt, junior first baseman. Keith

Prestridge, junior outfielder, batted in a run with a sacrifice fly to centerfield and Dennis singled down the left filed line to score Goldschmidt for the 3-1 lead. Texas State added its final run in the top of the ninth on another Lamar error. A wild throw gave Sibley the opportunity to score after getting on base with a double. The Bobcats notched seven hits in the decision, and Goldschmidt led the team with a 2-for-5 outing at the plate. “On Sunday, the secret to the game was Brian Borski,” Harrington said. “He was really, really good. His eighth inning was better than any of the other innings he had all game long. “Michael Russo (junior pitcher) came in and pitched outstanding,” Harrington said. “He came into a jam and did an outstanding job of closing for us, which is probably going to be his new role.” The Bobcats improved to 12-8 overall and 6-3 in the Southland Conference, while Lamar falls to 16-7 and 5-4, respectively. Harrington said he is proud of the team. “Anytime you win two out of three in Beaumont against Lamar, it’s an accomplishment,” Harrington said. He told the team members they need to not only evaluate, but appreciate, what they accomplished. “They have been winning baseball games at Lamar for 30 years, and it’s hard to win two out of three down there, particularly after you lose game one,” Harrington said. “I was very proud of their efforts and concentration particularly late in games.” The Bobcats will host Prairie View A&M Tuesday and Texas Tech Wednesday before a three-game series Friday with Stephen F. Austin.

Austin Byrd/Star file photo FAST PITCH: Brian Borski, sophomore pitcher, throws the ball at the game against Purdue on March 8. The Bobcats won two of three games against Lamar at Bobcat Field.

Softball takes weekend sweep from Central Arkansas By Blake Barington Sports Reporter Underclassmen contributed in the three-game sweep against Central Arkansas this weekend. Leah Boatright, junior first baseman, scored the first run for the Bobcats in Saturday’s opening game after Emery doubled to left field in the second inning. The Bobcats hit two home runs in the bottom of the fourth from Jenna Emery, sophomore utility, and Chandler Hall, freshman pitcher, scoring three runs, putting Texas State at 4-0. Central Arkansas made a comeback effort in the fifth inning scoring two runs off a single. However, the rally was not enough for the Bears because the Bobcats took the first game 4-2. Texas State continued its hitting in the first inning of the second game. The Bobcats scored four runs with contributions from Boatright and Ryan Kos, senior second baseman, with a single and double, respectively. Boatright scored a three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to put Texas State up Austin Byrd/Star photo 7-1. The Bobcats won the game READY TO RUN: Tamara Keller, senior infielder, awaits a game-winning RBI by Chandler Hall, freshman 7-2. pitcher, Sunday at Bobcat Field. The Bobcats swept Central Arkansas in a three-game series. Chandler Hall and Katie Gar-

nett, senior pitcher, earned wins for the Bobcats striking out 13 batters and holding the Bears to a batting average of .231. Chandler Hall had the first hit for Texas State coming in the second inning with a single. The bases were loaded for the Bobcats in the bottom of the second after Allison Snow, freshman outfielder, and Kristina Tello, junior utility, drew walks after Hall’s hit. However, Alex Newton, senior shortstop, flew out leaving the game scoreless after two innings. Taylor Hall, senior outfielder, made a catch in right field at the top of the sixth inning. Taylor Hall then fired to first to make a double play, ending the inning after the Bears attempted to run back to first after the catch. McKenzie Baack, sophomore first baseman, was the Bobcats’ last chance for a win in the bottom of the seventh with the game scoreless. Baack struck out, sending the game into extra innings. The Bobcats needed to score one run after the Bears were still scoreless in the middle of the eighth inning. Emery started the Bobcats’ scoring with a double off the left field wall. Tamara Keller, senior utility, came in for Em-

ery and scored the winning run after Chandler Hall hit a single to left centerfield, giving the Bobcats victory. “(I was most impressed with) Chandler Hall,” said Coach Ricci Woodard following the Sunday afternoon game. Chandler Hall had nine strikeouts in game three of the series. She allowed only one hit and three walks. Texas State improved to 2211 on the season and 14-4 in Southland Conference play. Central Arkansas fell to 15-17 overall and 6-6 in SLC play. Texas State will play TexasEl Paso 2 p.m. Wednesday at Bobcat Field. The Bobcats will resume conference play against Texas-San Antonio 5 p.m. April 10 at home. The Bobcats are first in conference play followed by Nicholls State and McNeese State.

FYI Texas State’s game against Texas-El Paso will be the first meeting between the two teams. UTEP is currently 15-16 overall and 4-5 in conference play.