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MARCH 25, 2009
wednesday
VoluMe 98, Issue 64
ASG DEBATE TONIGHT
Alyssa Scavetta/Star photo Running for President of ASG, Chris Covo, political science sophomore, Trenton Thomas, finance junior and Brice Loving, marketing junior, promote their campaigns across campus Tuesday. ASG candidates will debate at 5 p.m. Wednesday in Flowers 341.
ASG senators support presidential candidate platforms By Allen Reed Assistant News Editor
ed and sought. Covo has 52 senators, Loving 4 and Thomas 14. Chris Covo, ASG presidential candidate, said the main thing senators need to know is simple — the student government is a student organization. “It’s not something for you to just put on your résumé,” said Covo, ASG executive assistant. “The people we’ve recruited
The company one keeps is a strong indication of character. ASG presidential candidates have gathered an entourage of prospective senators on their campaigns. Each ticket is unique in the type of individual it has attract attract-
understand that we’re (ASG) not just a bunch of students who get together, argue for our ourselves and think we’re cool.” Covo, political science sophomore, said he gathered students with specific goals, who understand his platform and are diverse. Covo said he did not accept every prospective senator who
wanted on his ticket. “It was just two or three who weren’t really sure what the student government was,” he said. “It wasn’t that we turned them away, but it was mutual.” A senator who is running alongside Covo is Justin Collard, interdisciplinary studies junior. “Chris is crazy. He is abso-
asG vice presidential candidate removed from ballot By Amanda Venable News Editor Edwin Maldonado dropped out of the race for ASG vice president after finding out late Monday night he was ineligible according to the ASG election commissioner. Maldonado was Trenton Thomas’ running mate. “Words cannot describe how I feel right now,” Maldonado said. “I have told everybody it’s not about me anymore — it’s about my commitment that I made. It’s not fair to everybody else.” Maldonado said he thinks the reason for his ineligibility is GPA requirements. Because it is past the filing date, Tommy Luna will be
the next ASG vice president, assuming there is not a write-in candidate, no matter who is elected student body president. Luna expressed disappointment Maldonado is no longer in the race. He said a “healthy student democracy” takes place when there are multiple ideologies. “It’s unfortunate, but am I excited? Absolutely,” Luna said. “But it’s still not over. We still have Chris and Trenton running, two great candidates. It’s not over.” Maldonado said he will remain engaged with Lindsey Leverett/Star Photo the campaign, despite the fact that he will not AND THEN THERE WAS ONE: Tommy be on next week’s election ballot. See MALDONADO, page 3
luna is now running unopposed for AsG vice president.
Economy affects college enrollment By Lora Collins News reporter
Public and private universities across the nation may see a change in enrollment numbers because of the economy. The recession has caused some administrations to predict an increase in enrollment numbers or, in the case of private universities, a decrease. Michael Heintze, associate vice president in enrollment management, said the recession will not decrease the number of applicants, but may hinder the number admitted. Texas State has had a 12 percent increase in the number of students admit admitted, according to Heintze. “Some public institutions may see an increase in applications,”
Heintze said. “If this occurs, they will admit enough to meet their needs, and then deny the remainder.” Institutions have relied on statistical models in the past to make final decisions regarding who is accepted. Jennifer Wood, associate director of admissions at St. Edwards University, said they have not seen a decrease. “St. Edwards has not experienced a fall in the number of freshman applications,” Wood said. “I do think that we are at the mercy of a lot of factors in the future which we cannot control.” Wood said private schools need to improve marketing strategies to keep up with enrollment.
Today’s weather Scattered T-Storms
68˚
Precipitation: 70% Humidity: 68% UV: 3 Moderate Wind: NE 20 mph
“I think it will be more about educating families,” Wood said. “I think it will be the responsibility of the colleges to get out there and better educate families on what their students will be investing money in. Other universities might have to get more creative with their approaches.” Heintze agrees with Wood, and said the marketing strategies and costs may cause students to change to public institutions. “Some private institutions may be concerned that a portion of their traditional applicants and families might determine that they cannot manage the cost of attendance and will not enroll,” Heintze said. He said the number of students accepted into private uni-
versities may increase “in hopes of yielding the ideal number of enrolling students.” Heintze said Texas State has not seen a decline in the number of students drawn in by marketing. “Our Visitors Center has not been impacted by gas prices,” Heintze said. “Their visitation rates are normal. In fact, attendance at our two Spring Bobcat Days have been at record levels.” Ben Crockett, student manager at the Texas State Visitors’ Center, said students who are motivated will find a way to show universities they are interested. “I do not think we have seen that big of a drop off here,” Crockett said. “I do not think it See ECONOMY, page 3
lutely crazy about the school and the students,” said Collard, ASG senate pro-tem. “He wants nothing more than for Texas State to be recognized as the great school that it is.” Sen. Trenton Thomas, ASG presidential candidate, said his ticket is primarily composed of prospective senators rather than those running for re-elec-
Friday
Rain Temp: 52°/41° Precip: 70%
Mostly sunny Temp: 55°/42° Precip: 50%
See ASG, page 3
Top 10 percent rule may be done away with By Megan Holt News Reporter Some Texas high school students automatically know they have been accepted into their college of choice before even applying. Senate Bill 175 proposes eliminating these top students’ certainty. Current state law allows Texas high school students to attend any public college or university they choose if their grades fall within the top 10 percent of their peers’. The top 10 percent law, House Bill 588, was passed by the 80th Texas legislature in 1997. Its purpose is “to uniform admission and reporting procedures” for freshmen. SB 175, authored by Florence Shapiro (R-Plano), intends to “limit the automatic admission of undergraduate students to general academic teaching institutions.” Shapiro argues limiting automatic admittance will help “maintain a more well-rounded student body.” The University of Texas and A&M University’s student population continues to rise as more top 10 percent students gain automatic admittance. According to UT’s top 10 per percent report, automatically ac-
Two-day Forecast Thursday
tion. “The qualities I primarily looked for are leadership and enthusiasm,” said Thomas, finance junior. “People who were not more concerned with how it would look on their résumé. ASG is an entity to serve students and make change happen.”
Inside News ........... 1,2,3 opinions ............ 5 Trends ............. 6,7
Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System
Diversions............8 Classifieds...........8 sports................10
cepted freshmen for fall 2008 totaled 81 percent. A&M’s institutional studies and planning reports yielded 54 percent of incoming freshmen for fall 2008 fell under the same law. Shapiro’s bill analysis projects UT will see 100 percent of their students admitted under the top 10 percent law in 2013. “Hypothetically speaking, one of the results that Texas State might face (if the bill is put into effect) is that Texas State’s incoming freshman class may get larger,” said Michael Heintze, associate vice president for enrollment management. “It just depends on how many top 10 per percent students UT turns away.” Shapiro’s analysis entails, “A university needs the flexibility to consider criteria other than high school rank, such as test scores, special talents, leadership ability, personal achievements, or other relevant aspects of what the student can offer the academic environment.” The bill will amend the Texas educational code, concerning automatic admission for all higher education institutions. Colleges and universities will be required to admit no more than 50 percent of incoming undergraduate students under the top 10 percent law. See EDUCATION, page 3
To Contact Trinity Building Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708 www.universitystar.com © 2009 The University Star
PageTwo
Texas State played in its first extra inning game of the season and came out on top when pitcher Chandler Hall, pre-fashion merchandising freshman, hit a single to left field, scoring Tamara Keller, exercise and sports science senior, on the play. The Bobcats complete a three-game sweep of Central Arkansas, as they won 1-0. —Courtesy of Texas State Athletics
Today in Brief
2 - Wednesday, March 25, 2009
News Contact — Amanda Venable, starnews@txstate.edu Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System
CRAVING CREATIVITY
WEDNESDAY
Tommy Luna, ASG vice presidential candidate, is a founding member of Hombres Unidos.
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. Pre-screening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-2452208.
The Star regrets this errors
CRIME BLOTTER
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 at 512-245-2208.
University Police Department
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 at 512-245-2208. Coping with Grief and Loss Group is from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. It is a source for students who have experienced the death of a loved one. Pre-screening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512245-2208. Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting on at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, room 320. Enjoy contemporary worship, relevant teaching, prayer and plenty of fun. Contact 512-557-7988 or mail@texasstatechialpha.com for more information. FRIDAY There will be an AA meeting from 1 p.m. to 2p.m in LBJSC, room 3-6.1 SATURDAY The Student Recital Series presents Stephanie Thoreson Senior Oboe Recital at 4 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free. The Student Recital Series presents Jason Slayden Senior Voice Recital at 8 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free. SUNDAY Every Nation Campus Minitries invites you to Christ Community Church, meeting at Travis Elementary (by TXstate golf course). We will have a one-hour service starting at 10 a.m. with contemporary worship and an encouraging message. MONDAY Sexual Assault and Abuse Survivors Group is from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. It is a support group of the HaysCaldwell Women’s Center for Texas State students. Pre-screening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-245-2208. TUESDAY “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 at 512-245-2208.
Hannah VanOrstrand/Star photo Kate Donegan, pre-communication design freshman, and Alli Cox, digital and photographic imaging freshman, dive back into their painting after a week off.
Health Beat
Sun overexposure should be monitored The vitamin D we acquire from the sun is both necessary and beneficial to our health, but overexposure is never a good idea. Warmer months are quickly approaching and students plan on sun-centered vacations and river tubing to enjoy the time off. However, some facts should be kept in mind when floating down the river. Everyone is susceptible to sunburns, but people with fair skin complexions, those exposed to the sun regularly, individuals with moles and those with a family history of skin cancer should be especially careful with exposure. Apply a sun screen of SPF 15 or higher at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, and re-apply about every two hours, especially if you are sweating or in water, to decrease the risk of skin cancer. People might overlook some changes in skin or in moles with a pursuit of the per perfect tan, but staying out too long and forgoing sunscreen can lead to a sunburn. Apply a cool compress to a burn and then aloe vera ointment or other moisturizers to help heal the skin. It could take a few days for your skin to fully heal. Avoid re-burning the skin because this increases healing time and the chance of skin cancer.
Moles can change as a result of over overexposure to the sun and can be an early indicator of skin cancer. If you have a questionable mole, remember the ABCDs: Asymmetry — if you draw a line down the mole and the two sides are not symmetrical, Borders — the edges of the mole are blurred, ragged or notched, Color — the color is not uniform, Diameter — the mole is wider than six millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser. The ABCD changes in a mole could be an initial sign of cancerous cells, and one should schedule an appointment at the Student Health Center for evaluation. Grilling out in the backyard, tubing down the San Marcos River or tossing a ball at Sewell Park unprotected and overexposing oneself to the sun can, over time, lead to skin cancer and other side effects such as early aged skin and advanced wrinkling. Cancer Awareness Month is in April, and if you would like to schedule an appointment for a skin cancer screening call 512245-2167 or go online at www.healthcenter. txstate.edu. —Courtesy of Caleb Hudgens, Student Health Center
Health Beat
March marks brain awareness month
Most brain injuries in the United States appear in people 15 to 24 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “As uncommon as it sounds, a lot of head injuries occur on campus,” said Ashlee Dozier, Student Health Center health education coordinator . “Most people just don’t realize the possible severity of their injury.” The most common head injury is the concussion — a bump, blow or jolt to the head. The symptoms usually last for a short period of time, but concussions can sometimes lead to long-lasting problems if gone untreated. “Basically a concussion is a mild head injury, which is hard to detect,” said Denise Gobert, assistant professor in the department of physical therapy . “Concussions are not detectable in a CT or MRI scan and you can still do a lot of normal, everyday functions. Symptoms can get worse, but most people blow them off as a bad headache.” Common symptoms include increased dif difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating, re-
membering and following conversations or directions. Headache, constant fatigue and increased emotional distress are also common. Gobert said untreated concussions can lead to severe complications, especially when a second injury occurs. “Danger arises with second impact syndrome, re-injuring the brain with a second concussion,” Gobert says. “More bleeding occurs in this episode which magnifies neurological damages that could lead to disability or death.” Gobert will present a brain injury seminar that will include a guest speaker from Brackenridge. The Bobcat Heads-Up and brain exercise March 26. If you have sustained a head injury and are experiencing any symptoms of a concussion, call 512-245-2167 or visit www.healthcenter. txstate.edu to make an appointment. —Courtesy of Caleb Hudgens, Student Health Center
March 9, 10:21 a.m. Theft-Under $500 / San Jacinto Hall An officer was dispatched for a theft report. A student reported his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation. March 9, 10:21 a.m. Theft-Under $500 / San Jacinto Hall An officer was dispatched for a report from a student that his property was taken without his consent. The case is open pending any new information. March 9, 11:37 a.m. Medical Emergency / J.C. Kellam Administration Building An officer was dispatched for a medical emergency. Upon further investigation, a staff member was ill. Medics evaluated and transported her to Central Texas Medical Center. A report was generated for this case. March 9, 8:50 a.m. Medical Emergency / Health Professions Info Center An officer was dispatched for a medical emergency. A student fainted. She was evaluated by EMS, but refused transport to Central Texas Medical Center. A report was generated for this case. March 10, 12:30 a.m. Theft-Under $1500.00 / Alkek Library A nonstudent reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation. March 10, 1:14 p.m. Theft-Under $500 / McCoy Business Building An officer was dispatched for a theft report. A student reported his property had been taken without consent. A report was generated for this case. March 11, 8:18 a.m. University Police Department/ Medical Emergency - Education Building A faculty member injured her head while walking. The faculty member was treated and released. A report was made of the incident. —Courtesy of University Police Department
send your news tips to us at starnews@txstate.edu
ACOA/Dysfunctional Families Group is from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. for adult children of alcoholics dealing with dysfunctional families group. Pre-screening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-2452208.
The Student Recital Series Presents: Flute FestivalAdah Toland Jones, Director at 8 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium. Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students.
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MALDONADO CONTINUED from page 1
“It breaks my heart because I’ve been working really hard,” Maldonado said. “But I am big on my faith and whatever is God’s plan. This is not over, I was talking to Trenton and telling him I am still going to be up at 5 a.m. setting up the tent, handing out things. I made these (platform) points as well — these are things we both care about and collaborated on. Obviously, just because I’m not running anymore doesn’t mean I won’t still be involved.” Edwin notified Thomas late Monday night of his ineligibility. “At that time, when he told me — there was nothing we could have done,” Thomas said. “We had to get out in The Quad the next day and get our name out there and we did. We kept look looking forward.” Thomas said not to “count Mal-
donado out just yet,” especially if his ticket wins the election. “The strategy is about our platform and our senators, it always has been,” Thomas said. “Nothing is going to change. Obviously, his name is going to be taken off certain media things — it has to be because we don’t want to be deceptive.” Maldonado is not the only candidate to be taken out of the ASG elections. Kathryn Weiser, assistant dean of students, said of the approximately 75 students who filed to be an ASG senator, three were found to be ineligible because they did not meet GPA or hour requirements. According to the ASG Constitution, the president and vice president must be full-time students and “have attained at least a 2.75 Texas State GPA at the time of candidacy and may not drop below a 2.50 Texas State
The University Star - 3
ECONOMY GPA during the term of office.” ASG senators need be a fulltime student and have at least a 2.50 Texas State GPA at the time of candidacy and maintain a 2.25 during their term in office. Luna said he is ready to lead and will continue to campaign on the same platform issues. “I think whoever will be in the senate, because I know some of the senators on Trenton’s ticket are fantastic senators as well, will be great,” Luna said. “They will keep me in line, and they will keep Chris in line. It will just be a lot of good coming out every Monday.” According to the ASG Election Code, a student needs only five write-in votes to become a candidate and added to the ballot. The candidate must meet eligibility qualifications. If no one is written in, Luna will run the senate.
MBA Student Association brings students, faculty, alumni together
CONTINUED from page 1
(the recession) has had too big of an effect on students, because if they are sure they are going to college, then they will make sure to visit and take the appropriate steps to get accepted.” Chris Ellertson, dean of admissions of financial aid at Trinity University, said it is too early to see what the recession will do to college enrollment. He said some public schools have “increased private funding” to keep current students enrolled in future semesters. “One phenomenon I have seen is that students are applying to more and more universities,” Ellertson said. According to Heintze, colleges in the past have had the chance to be more selective in whom they accept. Now private
universities may not see the same amount of interest. “The economy has gone into recession, private colleges may have a more difficult time meet meeting their enrollment targets,” Heintze said. “This is because of their cost, compared to the economy and the concerns of parents. Thus, to meet their enrollment needs, some private institutions will likely admit more of their applicants — this anticipates a lower conversion rate from accepted to enrolled.” Ellertson agrees with Heintze, but said each school will deal with enrollment problems accordingly. “I think schools are dealing with the economy and recession in different ways,” Ellertson said. “We have seen a lower expected family contribution in recent years (at Trinity University),
and it has forced us to take dif different actions to keep students enrolled at the same rates.” Heintze said the effect of the recession on universities is “too early to tell”, but students may seek other options until they can reach financial stability. “The state of the economy is certainly an important factor in the college selection process this year,” Heintze said. “This may result in some adjustments in the type of institutions students select. For some, they may elect to enroll at a public institution rather than a private. Other students may choose to stay at home and commute to a two-year or fouryear institution, rather than live on campus. And unfortunately, some students may decide to delay their college plans and seek employment.”
EDUCATION CONTINUED from page 1
SB 175 says if a university exceeds 50 percent of automatic admission, applicants will be selected based on the educational code, which outlines general admission procedures. “If (the bill) were to go into effect, it wouldn’t affect Texas
State enrollment because the legislature is really addressing other institutions with a higher percentage of students that fall under this law,” Heintze said. Texas State’s and marketing’s enrollment reports for fall 2008 reported 4,728 incoming freshmen. “At Texas State, 13 percent of last fall’s freshman class was
of the top 10 percent,” Heintze said. “I suspect if the bill passes, there will be a large number of students who narrowly miss (the top 10 percent) criteria.” Currently, SB 175 has completed the first two stages of becoming a law. It has five total stages to pass through before it takes immediate effect.
and you know how fraternities usually beef with each other? He’s just the type of person you can talk to and cross lines.” Sen. Brice Loving, ASG presidential candidate, said he is selective with who is on his ticket. Loving said he was primarily looking for senators who align with his party platform. “I’ve only been a senator for a month now, and from what I’ve seen there’s a lot of people who aren’t considering the big picture with a lot of the ideas they are pushing,” said Loving, marketing junior. “They are concentrating on smaller goals. I’m looking for senators who see the bigger picture.” Loving said he did not turn away any senators. He said keeping a low number and quiet campaign is part of his market marketing strategy. All of his senators are business majors. “I only have four to five sena-
tors running on my ticket, but at the same time, I don’t want to be the candidate who has 60 senators running on his ticket,” Loving said. “What’s the point of supporting 60 people? They aren’t all going to get elected. It’s redundant because you end up pitting them against each other.” Covo said this was not true, and his ticket is carefully constructed so that no senators are contending against each other. Joe Koenig, marketing junior, is a senator on the Loving ticket. “His level of professionalism, no one can touch it,” he said. “You see this guy and you see his work, you can’t beat it. It’s incomparable.” All the senators interviewed said there was nothing with their party’s platform they disagreed with and they felt being on their respective tickets helped their chances with being elected.
ASG
CONTINUED from page 1
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo BUSINESS GRADUATES: Lauren Peterson, business administration graduate student, speaks to other MBA students about the new student organization Tuesday at the McCoy Atrium.
By Chase Birthisel News Reporter An MBA Student Association is making its way to Texas State. The association is a new organization started by students of the Master’s of business administration program. The group had their first meeting yesterday evening to recruit members and socialize with students. MBA students arrived to converse, hear about opportunities and take advantage of the free pizza. Sarah Zomper, the association’s vice president, said one of the or organization’s goals is networking. “The great thing with Texas State’s MBA program is that it has a quick turn-around and is very flexible,” Zomper said. “But that also makes it harder to establish a friend base and get to know people that are in the program. We are trying to give these students an opportunity to connect and get to know other students in the program.” Zomper said the organization is still in its infancy, and was finalized this month. “We want to have networking lunch-ins, where former MBA alumni and students can meet people who have jobs, and may
be great resources to find work through,” Zomper said. “We also want the organization to have a social aspect. We don’t want it to feel professional or networkingoriented, so maybe we could have a happy hour where people can have fun and make friends.” Lauren Peterson, MBA Student Association president, said student involvement is essential to developing the MBA program. “The MBA program is getting increasingly better, and they want to hear the students’ input,” Peterson said. “A big part of what we found important about creat creating the organization is that we are going to be the voice of the students. That is why we want everyone in the MBA program involved.” Peterson said the student association will be working on projects such as fundraisers, speakers, newsletters and an of official Web site. Zomper said students seem interested in the program. “Just from talking to students in class and at the professional development seminar, we have more than 50 people whom have showed interest,” Zomper said. “We haven’t reached out to the whole program yet, so we’re do-
ing pretty well.” The organization’s leaders are working closely with Sandra Pate, senior lecturer in the department of management, and Robert Davis, assistant professor in the department of finance and economics, to develop the MBA Student Association. “One of the things that Dr. Davis and I wanted to do is to build a stronger network with MBA alumni,” Pate said. “The Student Association that Lauren and Sarah are starting is going to be a great stepping stone into building a network with current MBA students and graduated MBA students. That way, there are greater opportunities to connect with the business world once you graduate.” Peterson said the MBA Student Association wants to bring everything together. “We want to be that channel of communication between the program, the alumni and the faculty,” Peterson said. Current MBA students and alumni can join by turning in an application at a scheduled meeting. Members pay a $35 annual due and receive free food at monthly meetings, a free T-shirt and the opportunity to network.
ASG presidential candidates share marketing strategies By Teresa Wilburn News Reporter Using the best forms of advertising they can think of, and the element of surprise, three candidates are heading toward a marketing finish line with less than one week until the election. “To reach different voters, we really want to try and utilize every aspect,” said Trenton Thomas, ASG presidential candidate. “We are going to be out publicizing and getting the point out to whoever is interested. We are trying to hit up every organization from residence halls to greek councils.” Thomas said he is trying several methods of marketing for his campaign. Facebook has been a popular outlet for the campaign, he said. “In our day and age, every everyone loves Facebook,” Thomas said. “Literally, the first day we opened it we had 200 people join the group. Millions of people use Facebook, and being visible for everyone is really important. It also feels great to have the support as well. It is nice to see people write on the wall that they are behind us.” Thomas said he is asking the leaders of the organizations what they need and what they feel needs to be done differently. “We are trying to get the word out of what we stand for,” Thomas said. “Also, we have utilized Facebook to the best of our abil-
ity. We have a group and invite people to take a look at us and what we stand for. We have had some great questions regarding our values and giving back to the community.” Tommy Luna, vice presidential candidate supporting Chris Covo for president, said the key to their marketing strategy is speaking with student leaders. “We feel that student leaders have a large part in what we are trying to do,” Luna said. “We want word to spread between students. We want people to ask questions that they want answered from the people who are trying to run to be their student leaders.” The Pan-Hellenic greek council is supporting them, Luna said. The Covo Luna campaign has raised more than $3,000. “We had family members of senate members donate money,” Luna said. “It is actually great, because they have all been small donations that have added up to more than $3,000 toward our campaign.” Luna said the senators and supporters for their campaign are rotating between three tents set-up across campus. They have been speaking on behalf of Covo and Luna in their classes as well, he said. “It’s very basic: students need to know what’s going on,” Covo said. “For us, our primary goal was name recognition. You see Covo / Luna everywhere during
the day. It was our biggest strat strategy, marketing-wise, and I think it’s working for us.” Brice Loving, presidential candidate, is leaving his campaign strategy a secret. “My name is pretty memorable in itself,” Loving said. “A name like ‘Loving’ is something you will not forget, so one of my strengths is to utilize it in my Web site, voteloving.com. It is easy to spell, and a great communication device.” Loving said Web sites are an effective strategy for reaching college students. “In the large scale of things, it is an excellent way to communicate,” Loving said. “Everything has a Web site. One of my mar marketing signs is a flyer that says, ‘I am a Loving Bobcat’.” Loving said he has spoken with several of the greek councils, along with the other two candidates. “Because the motto of ASG is students serving students, my campaign is focusing on students,” Loving said. “It comes down to what I am serving the students. We pass a lot of legislation, but most people cannot name more than one or two things that we have done for the university. I would like to let students know what they are going to get. What my speeches come down to is what I can do for students.” Loving said he will release his campaign strategy soon, and students will have to wait to see.
Thomas said his senators’ dedication to Texas State set them apart. “Every single person that’s on that list has put in countless effort and time and real value into what we’re trying to do,” he said. Thomas said he turned away a few prospective senators after they voiced concerns about the amount of work the position requires. “After a couple of conversations with some of them I said, ‘Maybe you should work with another student organization, because ASG is real time consuming,’” Thomas said. Temitayo Gidado, exercise and sports science senior, is seeking to become a first-time senator and has joined forces with Thomas. “He’s a gentleman,” Gidado said. “He is very down to Earth. We’re not in the same fraternity,
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Wasting
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu
The Main PoinT
W
ater is a necessity of life.
It is easy to forget how precious water is because Americans are privileged with a seemingly endless abundance of it. Remembering people were killing each other over water long before they were doing the same for oil puts into per perspective the importance of this resource. In parts of the world, people are still dying over who controls the water supply. The economy is already slumping and regions of Texas are experiencing a drought. Local livestock is dwindling because of both. University of officials have not adjusted water usage to accommodate the drought, thus affecting the ecosystem and plant life in the San Marcos River. People in the city turn on their faucet and water flows. However, few people put much thought into water conservation. But not far away, in the more rural areas of Central Texas, ranchers must use thousands of gallons of water to hydrate their cattle. If the drought continues, they will have to continue selling livestock at a lower price. If it gets worse they could see their cattle die. The drought is affecting more than farmers and ranchers. According to the March 11 issue of The University Star, the San Marcos River is in danger of reaching a critical low flow rate of 96 cubic feet per second. The rate is currently at 98. The river is one of San Mar Marcos’ most precious traits. Texas State should do its part to help protect it. Lowering landscaping ir irrigation is an option, but the Campus Master Plan continues to make the university more “green,” thus requiring more water. Until the end of the drought, watering athletic fields and parks should be reduced to a bare minimum. Furthermore, fountains should be turned off. Having a beautiful university is important, but these are tough times. The university population should only use what it needs. William Fogarty, associate vice president of facilities, said the university will reduce the amount of river-based water if it reaches a critical level. However, if the university decreased its water usage now, it might never become a critical situation. Fogarty said e-mails are sent to faculty, staff and students reminding them about water conservation. However, it seems hypocritical for an institution to tell its population to conserve water when its officials wait until critical flow to reduce their consumption. The university is operating within its legal rights, but of officials should remember their ethical duty to conserve water for all. One can only imagine what the ranchers watching their cattle suffer from thirst think of Texas State literally shooting water into the air because it looks nice.
W Water
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.
‘Wealth will not save the world’
miChaEl walkEr
Star Columnist
Capitalism is failing. Evidence is not just a lofty conceptuallyfounded critique of capitalism’s flaws, but can be seen through pragmatic instances in everyday American life. The British economist John Maynard Keynes once said, “Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest good of everyone.” Sufficed to say I do not have an immediate alternative economic system to put into practice, just as our nation’s energy crisis does not have an immediate answer. However, the crisis requires vigilant, intelligent attention to begin any kind of positive transformation. The free market is not really free. People who are born into, own rights to or own physical property have control, because the market can be reduced to trade of physical goods. The word free inherently deletes itself from the definition, since not everyone is entitled to such luxury. Something simple as owner ownership begs an ethical question of current energy crisis. Is it moral for those who own natural resources to withhold what could improve human life, not only in one’s country, but globally, simply because ownership entitles misuse and abuse, and because they can be manipulated for profit in the market? Oil companies and car companies displaying similar activity are not only unethical businesses, but are repulsive to progress in society. The explosive growth capitalist countries have experienced since the Industrial and Technological revolutions has not been as smooth as convenience would have it. The United States alone has experienced an expansive list of panics, recessions and depression, as a result of instable market conditions. To argue capitalism is the most effective and best economic system for any country is to deny the nation’s history. Yet even in the current economic slump, people are encouraged to keep spending. Keep buying frivolous commodities that are the staple of our super capitalist monster. Why haven’t we searched for a new form of subsistence, one to better the global situation at large? Humans have evolved physically, culturally and technologically since the beginning of our existence. The history of Zach Ashburn/ Star Illustration human evolution begs wonder when it is observed on a grand scale as to why we have resorted to an inherently exploitive system that won’t allow a single mother on minimum students for signs of comprehen- wage salary to properly raise sion and interest so they know even one child, nor give her how well the subject is being the means to rise above her taught. Laptops are sometimes situation. Why do we endorse a in the way of students’ faces and system full of waste and counalso keep them from making eye terintuitive values? contact with the teacher. Call me unpatriotic, but I Professors at Yale said they don’t interpret the rightfully have seen the ban pay off for given pursuit of happiness in their students, with more interac interac- American life to mean we can tion in class and higher grades, overlook our responsibility to according to The Yale Daily News. our fellow cohabitants, just More professors, around because green pieces of paper the country and at Baylor, have become a cultural signifishould consider enacting a cation of happiness. Wealth will ban on laptops to keep stunot save the world, cooperation dents engaged, focused and off with combined intellect and Facebook during class. muscle will.
Laptop distraction tempts students from education By the Editorial Board The Lariat It’s back to paper and pen for students at top universities around the country. According to The Yale Daily News, more than two dozen professors at Yale have banned the use of laptops in their classrooms since 2006. Professors at Georgetown and Cornell have forbidden laptop use as well. Technology is a necessary part of today’s society and learning, but laptops do not automatically have a place in classrooms. Students may say they bring
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their laptops to class because it helps them take better notes, but most use it to do other things during class time. The endless temptations of a laptop in the classroom include instant messaging, shopping, playing games and checking Facebook. A 2006 study by Dr. Carrie Fried, a professor of psychology at Winona State University, found students reported using their laptops for purposes other than taking notes almost 25 percent of the time they were in class. Eighty-one percent said they checked their e-mail during class, 68 percent said they were signed
into an instant messenger service and 25 percent reported playing games while class was going on, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education. Even when students are using their laptops to take notes on the lecture, they aren’t learning the material as well as they could. Laptops allow people to type fast faster and take down the professor’s lecture almost verbatim. They stop processing the information they are typing out, becoming more stenographer than student. Students have to think through the information they are receiving, prioritize it
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
and write down only the most important points when taking notes by hand, because it is slower. The Winona State study showed the GPAs of students who used laptops in class were 5 percent lower than those who didn’t. Baylor’s classroom conduct policy states students must conduct themselves in a way “that does not distract from or disrupt the educational pursuits of others.” A ban on laptops would be a proactive measure to enforce this policy. Professors also benefit when laptops are taken out of class. Instructors look to the faces of
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The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.
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Trends the university star
culturalconference
Texas State students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to learn about a culture that predates America. The Four Winds Intertribal Society created a scholarship fund for Native American Texas State students, which will be dedicated to the memory of Patricia Maxwell Duncan. Speakers at the conference will cover topics like linguistics, spirituality and the healing powers of Native American dance. The conference will open with a breakfast at 8 a.m. at the LBJ Student Center and will conclude with a panel discussion in the LBJ Ballroom at 5:15 p.m.
6 - Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu
San Marcos record label works with international clients By Jovonna Owen Trends Reporter San Marcos has its own independent record label. Chris Perez, president and CEO of CaptivaMusicGroup, graduated in 1989 from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in anthropology and international studies. Perez started doing local band promotions in San Marcos in 1995, and began the label Captiva Records in 1999. According to the CaptivaMusicGroup’s Web site, the label consists of the following: Captiva Records, Captive Audience Management and Captiva Dominian Publishing. Perez has worked with international bands from the U.K., Italy, Germany, Australia, Scotland and, most recently, a Columbian band called Diva Gash. Diva Gash played at an unofficial SXSW showcase with 76 other local and international bands, organized by Captiva Records. “It’s cool that I’m here in San Marcos. It’s exciting for me, especially being an international studies major, having the whole global approach to what we do,”
Perez said. Perez said his company focuses on client management and licensing deals, working with bands that already have a finished product. “Diva Gash falls more under management, so we’re working on getting them booked on an international tour,” Perez said. “But with all our international clients, it’s getting their presence known in America, (and) getting their music on TV and film.” Perez said the small size of his label is an advantage right now, with the state of the music industry in the weakened economy. “Being a smaller label, we’re able to move more quickly and are able to deliver a high-quality product,” Perez said. “We’re easier to work with, there’s not lots of layers of bureaucracy to go through here.” Perez is adjusting to the changing music industry by distributing music through mainly digital routes, such as iTunes, Rhapsody and Emusic. “It’s quicker, a lot less expensive, and we can spend more money on marketing,” Perez said. “We do physical
products, such as CDs, when it comes to bands that are touring and need products to sell at their shows. It makes a lot more sense right now.” Perez scouts new music as A&R executive for CaptivaMusicGroup. “I get tons of e-mails, MySpace pages and demos sent from all around the world,” Perez said. “If I find something that I like, I’ll start the dialogue with the band.” Perez said his label is not genre-specific. “I like that it’s not the same thing, it keeps things interesting that way, keeps things different,” Perez said. “I’m passionate about all the artists I work with. When I wake up in the morning, I’m thinking, ‘What I can I do for (them)?’” Perez has five Texas State students working for him as interns. “I have a great relationship with the mass communications department at Texas State. For the last two and a half years, I’ve been getting great interns from Texas State,” Perez said. Chuck Kaufman, mass communication internship coordinator,
said students are interested in the music industry. “Chris set’s up every year at our career fair in the fall,” Kaufman said. “It’s wonderful to have
Captiva Records in San Marcos. The company is doing great things in the music industry. It’s a great opportunity for students to work with international and
U.S. bands with crazy names.” Perez said he will be looking for interns for the fall semester, and looks forward to students sending in résumés.
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo NEW LABEL: Chris Perez, Southwest Texas State alumnus and owner of Captiva records, works on e-mails in his office off The Square.
Recession causes increase in purchases of secondhand clothes By Rachel Sutherland McClatchy Newspapers
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Julia Roberts does it. So does Penelope Cruz. And so does just about everybody else these days. They’re wearing and buying pre-owned or used clothes. As the recession slogs on, shoppers are getting more savvy about finding deals. They’re trading preconceived notions about who buys used for brag-worthy deals on Diane Von Furstenberg dresses and Christian Lacroix heels. A recent survey done by Harris Interactive for eBay revealed 75 percent of adults are purchasing
pre-owned goods to save money. Nine in 10 adults surveyed see buying used merchandise as a form of recycling. “It is the height of chic,” said Constance White, eBay style director. “A lot of stylish people are wearing ... used clothes now.” Gone are the days of negative associations with second-hand clothing, White said. These days, it’s about saving money without sacrificing style. Robertstook the stage in a classic vintage Valentino when she won an Academy Award in 2001. Cruz accepted her Oscar this year dressed in a 60-yearold Balmain gown. “(Pre-owned) is ultra styl-
ish,” White said. “It’s nice to say Penelope Cruz was wearing vintage, but she was wearing a used dress. That’s what it is.” That same survey found 70 percent of adults say buying used is more socially acceptable now than five or 10 years ago, and 43 percent say it’s easier to buy popular items if purchased used rather than new. New-to-you deals abound on Internet giant eBay, and a little closer to home, as well. Shopping options include thrift stores such as Value Village, Salvation Army and Goodwill, as well as hip vintage shops and more boutique-type consignment shops.
“I tell my customers, if you can get the quality and the name brand at consignment, you should never pay retail,” said Faye Wilson, owner of Penny Pincher Consignment. Wilson’s store has been on the Charlotte, N.C., retail scene for 25 years. Buying pre-owned items doesn’t necessarily mean you’re buying used, eBay’s White points out. Often, shoppers can find items that were given to sellers as gifts, or were impulse buys that never made it out of the package. “You can get special things that will really personalize your wardrobe,” she said. Among
her favorite used purchases is an oversized clutch that really “makes an outfit,” she said. “I do not think I would have found it new.” Savings can be as varied as the shopping experience. At thrift stores prices are generally lower, but items are minimally pre-screened, which can be a boon if you love the thrill of the hunt. Finding a Chanel or Michael Kors jacket for $5 is the exception, not the rule. At consignment and vintage shops, the inventory has been screened on a variety of variables including brand name and physical condition. Shoppers will pay a premium for the sifting service:
Expect prices to be at least half off the retail price. Business is up across the board, shop owners say, with a marked increase in shoppers and also a boost in the number of people looking to consign. Consign by Design owner Beverly Sokol estimates she has more than 500 consignors who bring designer clothing and accessories to her store in Charlotte. Her shop, which carries labels such as Giuseppe Zanotti, Kate Spade and Rock & Republic, has been bustling, especially since she leased part of the space to Womb, a maternity consignment shop opened by Stephanie Clark in August 2008.
Trends
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The University Star - 7
Film’s ‘little details’ add interest, relevancy Brent viCKerS
Star Columnist
Volunteering at this year’s South by Southwest film festival as a projectionist had its perks. The biggest one was
being the projector at the IFC booth and showing a relatively unknown film called Medicine for Melancholy. The story was introduced by Barry Jenkins, and was a unique spin on a quirky indie-romantic comedy. The overall premise of the film was a 24-hour time span documenting the interaction between two people in San Francisco after a one-night stand. The awkward tension that arises in the beginning of the film soon grows
into intrigue and fascination as the two exchange their thoughts and ideas on the city they live in, music, film, race and bikes. Playing the male lead of Micah is Wyatt Cenac, of “The Daily Show” fame. Opposite him is Tracey Higgins, portraying the character Jo. Jenkins revealed in an insight insightful question and answer session after the viewing that the film was almost completely self-funded, and everyone else involved were friends or former classmates from
his film school. He explained the style was heavily based on French New Wave, and early German Expressionism, which while not obvious, were subtly noticeable. The film was not shot in blackand-white, but the colors were all desaturated, with the exception of about 7 percent of the film in full color. He said he had not intended it, but someone had noticed the film was 7 percent in color, and the African-American population of San Francisco makes up ap-
proximately 7 percent of the entire city. Such little details, even if unintentional, make the film all the more worth viewing. The pop-culture references, unlike those in movies such as Juno, seem to be coming completely out of actor’s heads, rather than being forced to make a relatable scene. Jenkins revealed in the question-and-answer that a good portion of the dialogue was, in fact, improvised, and constantly praised the work of Cenac and
Higgins—which I would have to add, was astoundingly real. The film is not yet being distributed, making copies extremely hard to come by, but I’m keeping my eyes open and fingers crossed— because Medicine is a gem I don’t want to miss out on. The tagline of the film reads “A night they barely remember becomes a day they’ll never forget.” It is somewhat cliché, after one viewing, but this will easily become a film people will never forget.
Dallas film festival poised for greatness By Christopher Kelly McClatchy Newspapers The AFI Dallas International Film Festival did the unthinkable for its first edition in 2007: It managed to carve an instant niche in the cluttered filmfestival landscape, mainly by pouring millions of dollars into an elaborate, “uber”-glamour event standing in stark contrast to most scrappy, underfinanced regional film festivals. The festival avoided the sophomore slump in 2008 by strengthening the quality and breadth of film programming and attracting some A-list names, among them Charlize Theron, Robert De Niro and Helen Hunt. So can the upstart festival maintain its lucky streak and continue to carve out an identity entirely distinct (but just as high-profile) as Austin’s recently-wrapped South by Southwest Film Festival? “We’re taking chances that people might not understand right now,” says Michael Cain, artistic director and CEO of the festival. “But we want to take the long approach. We’re asking ourselves: ‘What is it that we can do to bring the spotlight on Texas to the world for the next 50 years?’“ The chances Cain speaks about are not necessarily with the festival’s marquee events, which this year once again include local premieres of high profile, star-driven vehicles such as The Brothers Bloom (starring Adrien Brody and Rachel Weisz) and The Burning Plain (directed by 21 Grams screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga and starring Theron), along
with tributes to Brody, director Kathryn Bigelow (Point Break, Strange Days), and the Oscarwinning screenwriter Robert Towne (Chinatown). Cain understands that a cer certain number of A-list names are needed to sell tickets, like most festival programmers. But this year’s program is also rich with intriguing inter international cinema, including the challenging, beautifully directed IRA drama Hunger and the Ar Ar-gentine comedy-drama Empty Nest. Cain also believes in the importance of educational and film history-based programming. To wit: On April, 2, Cain has scheduled a tribute to the late Rita Hayworth (her daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, will accept the honor), along with a screening of the iconic actress’s most famous effort, Gilda. The festival is also kicking off a new series the same night at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas called “Book to Film,” with a screening of The Last Picture Show, with director Peter Bogdanovich in attendance. “We’re in a lucky position, in some ways, to help re-brand the way people think of Dallas and Fort Worth,” Cain says. “People come to town and prepare to be underwhelmed, but then they’re like, ‘We had no idea (these cit cities) had so much to offer.’” The deep-pocketed AFI Film Festival has not been immune to the economic downturn, as with most arts organizations. Target reduced some of its sponsor sponsorship support, and Audi dropped out entirely (though Cain said that Lexus has stepped up to pick up some of the slack). But Cain insists the festival hasn’t skimped on anything
— and that, in fact, it will be a more concentrated and effective event than ever before. “We given some stuff up, but in other areas we’ve added,” he says. “The family component was a one-day event last year, but this year it’s a two-day event.” Cain said in addition, an “environmental visions” category has been added this year. The lineup includes a documentary about preventing whale hunting in the Antarctic Ocean (At the Edge of the World) and a horror film about a vegan woman pregnant with her first child (the terrific Grace). As for the challenging task of sifting through the 180 scheduled screenings to figure out what you should see, Cain has a hard time selecting favorites. But he encourages festival attendees to explore the unknown. “It’s like when you first open up a museum, like the Nasher or the Modern,” he says. “We’re curating something. Our doors are open to everyone. And we want you to come in and take a chance.” Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight The festival is April 2 and SUMMER LOVIN’: 500 Days of Summer, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel will be more information can be found showcased at this year’s Dallas AFI International Film Festival. at www.afidallas.com.
Diversions
8 - The University Star
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains every digit from one through nine inclusively. Solutions for 3/24
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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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The University Star - 9
Sports the university star
tournamenttest
The Texas State men’s golf team is in first place with an 11-stroke lead at the Carter Plantation Invitational in Springfield, La. Jeff Gerlich, mass communication senior, is in first place for the individual competition with Corey Roberson, exercise and sports science senior, following in second place. The final round of the tournament takes place today.
10 - Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu
Women’s tennis prepares second half of conference play By Dustin Stelly Sports Reporter The Texas State women’s tennis team will travel to Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State. The matches mark the halfway point in this season’s conference play. Coach Tory Plunkett said the second half of the schedule should be easier than the first. “We just played the best three teams in our conference,” Plunkett said. “Now we have all the bottom to go.” Texas State started the first Saturday of Spring Break losing to undefeated Texas-Arlington 5-2. Rain delayed the match by more than three and a half hours. According to the rulebook, Texas State was required to wait for two hours to resume the match. However, Plunkett said since the team was away from home and did not have anywhere to go, the women grabbed a bite to eat and waited it out. Mackenzie Farmer, political
science senior, and Saskia Kruse, exercise and sports science junior, won their fourth doubles match in a row. Ashley Ellis, political science senior, and Nyssa Peele, art junior, won their doubles match. Plunkett said even though Texas State lost the day, the doubles point will be important down the stretch. “At the end of the season we’re going to have to continue to fight for the doubles point and it’s going to pay off,” Plunkett said. Texas State has won the doubles point in the last four matches. Plunkett said as the season goes on, winning in doubles becomes increasingly important to team confidence. However, singles play was not as successful for the Bobcats. Farmer was the first player off of the court losing 6-1, 6-2 to UTA’s Nicola Matovicova. Plunkett said Matovicova played exceptionally well against Farmer’s style of the game. She said Farmer could have won if Plunkett had told her to change her
strategy set back and just lob the ball back and forth. “I didn’t get over to her until later in the second set and by then it was too late. I take responsibility for that,” Plunkett said. The only win in singles for Texas State came from Ellis. She said even though she is working hard in her last year on the team, she is having fun and is impressed with Texas State’s effort against UTA. “It was an exciting match,” Ellis said. “Even though we lost, the match was a lot closer than the score showed.” She said winning her match at UTA motivated her to keep working hard over Spring Break. Ellis said with the difficult opponents behind the team, she feels like Texas State has much to look forward to. “We went out nervous our first couple of matches but I think we’re still in a good place,” Ellis said. “From here on out, we should win every match.”
Bridgette Cyr/Star photo FULL FORCE: Garret Carruth, junior pitcher, throws toward an unsuspecting batter from Prairie View A&M Tuesday at Bobcat Field.
Bobcat baseball outruns Panthers in its ‘largest victory margin’ By Joseph Garcia Sports Reporter The Texas State baseball team began its five-game home stand with a record-setting night against the Prairie View A&M Panthers. The Bobcats scored the most runs in school history with 33. The previous record was 28 in 2001 against Texas Southern. The 33-3 win was the largest margin ever for Texas State. The Bobcat offense got an early start in the first inning after Tyler Sibley, freshman infielder, scored on a bases-loaded walk. Ben Theriot, junior catcher, hit a grand slam over the right-field fence to make the score 6-0 in favor of the Bobcats at the end of the inning. Spenser Dennis, senior outfielder, began the next inning with his second single of the game. Two runs were scored on an error by a Panthers centerfielder. Lance Loftin, senior pitcher, doubled to right centerfield to score Theriot. Adam Witek, senior infielder, followed with a single to score Loftin. The score was 10-0 at the end of the second inning. The Panthers got on the board in the third inning after an RBI single by John Villapando, Prairie View
A&M infielder. Texas State added two runs in the bottom of the third. Paul Goldschmidt, senior first baseman, hit a double down the leftfield line to score Dennis and Sibley. The Bobcats scored five runs on four hits and one error in the fourth inning. Sibley hit an RBI double and Dennis hit an RBI single. Keith Prestrigde, junior outfielder, then hit a triple to score Goldschmidt and Dennis. Theriot followed with a single for his fifth RBI of the game. Villapando continued to bat in the Panthers’ only runs with a solo homer in the top of the fifth inning. The score was 17-2 at the end of the fifth. Garret Carruth, junior pitcher, was relieved in the sixth inning by Covey Morrow, freshman pitcher. Carruth pitched five innings and gave up seven hits while striking out four. “I was really pleased with Garret,” Coach Ty Harrington said. The Bobcats scored five runs in the sixth inning. Theriot started the inning with an RBI triple to score Prestridge. Laurn Randell, junior outfielder, and Sibley each hit doubles to bring in one run each. Dennis, a former Prairie View A&M Panther, continued
hit a two-RBI triple to right centerfield to make the score 23-2. “I don’t have a grudge against them,” Dennis said. “I was just trying to hit it hard somewhere. I wasn’t trying to do too much, see the ball, hit the ball.” The Bobcats scored 10 runs on eight hits, batting around the entire lineup in the inning. Texas State set another school record for most hits in a game with 30. Dennis set a record with seven hits on eight at-bats. He tied a record with five runs scored and drove in four. Dennis said his teammates told him after five hits, he had a chance to break a record. “They tried to pressure me to get the sixth one,” Dennis said. Harrington said he was unaware of the record at first. “I didn’t know about Spenser’s record until one of the players sitting next to me yelled, ‘Yeah, Spenser!’” Harrington said. “If you get seven hits in a game, that’s a special night. I’m proud of Spense. The guy works incredibly hard.” Theriot set a school record by driving in six RBIs. He went four-for-five at the plate and scored three runs of his own. The Bobcats will host Texas Tech 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bobcat Field.
Tina Phan/Star file photo HIGH SERVE: Ashley Ellis, political science senior, prepares a serve in one of her matches. Ellis was the only Bobcat to win a singles match against Texas-Arlington during the weekend.
Bowler creates unconventional throwing style andrew vizzone
Sports Columnist
Aussie native Jason Belmonte has the world’s bowling community turning heads. Belmonte has been carrying his bowling ball from the ball rack and thrusting it down a lane since before he traded his bottle for a sippy cup, only seeing the best results. By age five he was averaging an astonishing 117 and had a game high of 179, which is a feat most casual bowlers would go “gah-gah” over.
Now at 25, he averages a more than respectable 230 and has bowled 30 perfect 300 games. The secret to his masterful ability lies in his hands, literally. Holding and releasing the ball with both hands, Belmonte has brought a dynamic style to this old-fashioned game. Belmonte puts just his two middle fingers in, leaving his thumb out, and with his off hand, supports what’s left of the ball and whips it down the lane with dramatic rotation. The new style has now become global. Marcelo Garafulic, Bolivian Bowling Federation president, and the Bolivian national team
are raking in more medals than Michael Phelps, courtesy of the two-handed style. However, Garafulic is also planning on teaching an entire generation of kids this style. “We get more medals this way,” Garafulic said. Here’s my beef. The first established “rules” of bowling came about in New York in 1895. Nothing in the rulebook discusses a correct bowling technique, but the traditional style of throwing with one hand has been practiced and perfected for more than 100 years now. So why should this new two-handed style be “taught”? Doing so wouldn’t be just a simple modification. This would be a complete reformation. Peter Tredwell, vice presi-
dent of the U.S. Bowling Congress, feels this new style may bring a great deal of attention back to the sport. According to a recent Boston Globe article, Tredwell said, “(We) talk about what Tiger Woods did for T.V. ratings in golf, and what (David) Beckham did for soccer. Could Belmonte do that for bowling in America?” Right. Like Belmonte’s bizarre throwing style, Tiger turns his putter around like a pool stick to tap in his birdies. Wrong. Woods boosts T.V. ratings because he plays the sport like everyone else, but in a phenomenal fashion. Beckham heightened the excitement of soccer in America for the same reason. He didn’t
play differently — he simply played better. However, change in sports can be necessary. For instance, the invention of the 3-point line in basketball and the invention of Instant Replay in football were undeniably beneficial. Contrarily, using an entirely new style or approach in any sport, and molding the newer generations into learning it is preposterous. It’s wrong to force an unneeded revision. Are we supposed to slap easy buttons on sports to make everyone feel equal? No. Sports are about competition, which instinctually drives athletes to become the best. Just ask “Mr. 300” Bob Learn, Jr. The PBA
gave him his unique nickname because of his World Record status of having 60 perfect games, which were all bowled with one hand. Belmonte’s exceptional style is admirable, but we shouldn’t take it too far. With people like Garafulic, we might see the invention of the first right-turnonly track in NASCAR. No, it isn’t necessary, but it’s different and according to Tredwell and Garafulic, that is what’s important. The beginning of a generation jumping while shooting a free throw may arise as well. Heck, it’s an easier style and isn’t in the rulebook. You know what else isn’t in the rulebook? Bowling like a sissy.
