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MARCH 31, 2009
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VoluMe 98, Issue 66
Officials ‘unsure’ of when hot water will resume By Amanda Venable News Editor
An estimated 3,500 to 4,000 campus residents have been without hot water since Wednesday evening, according to Rosanne Proite, director of Residence Life. All residence halls and campus buildings east of Comanche Street are without steam or hot water following the failure of a
temporary boiler the university has been renting since February 2008. Residents were told Thursday via e-mail that hot water was estimated to be back on “no later than” 6 a.m. Saturday. It was not. In fact, officials are unsure when the boiler will be fixed. Neither students nor hall directors were sent information about the heating and hot wa-
ter outage until late Monday afternoon, which Proite called a blunder on the administration’s part. “We should have been communicating more,” Proite said. “What occurred over the week weekend was, we thought it was going to be Saturday, and then we were told Sunday, and it was dif difficult to get someone to get that information out, and then Sunday was Monday. We just didn’t
communicate very well.” As a result, Proite said she and fellow administrators have gotten “non-stop” phone calls and e-mails from disgruntled students and parents. “We have been talking with everyone who is contacting us,” Proite said. “The entire administrative staff has been answer answering calls. There have been some parents who have been very accepting of the information and
others who have not.” University officials were hopeful the steam and hot water would be back on Monday after afternoon, but the temporary boiler failed a pressure test. Contractors Holman Boiler Works, Inc., have been working two, 12-hour shifts to repair the boiler since the outage Wednesday, according to Pat Fogarty, vice president of facilities. The $250,000 rental has been the
sole provider of steam and hot water for the university since the only two primary boilers, which were 35 years old, reached the end of their useful life. Fogarty said the first of two new $2.2 million boilers will not be installed until late April. “We will continue working throughout the night to do what whatSee HOT WATER, page 5
House Bills could affect uninsured students
LONE STAR AWARDS
By Allen Reed Assistant News Editor
David Schmidt/Star photo Rodney Parker and the 50 pesos reward entertains the audience at The lone star Country Music Awards inside Greune Hall on sunday. FOR FULL STORY SEE TRENDS PAGE 8.
A bill in the Texas House may bar thousands of Texas State students from enrolling, if passed. Texas Rep. Vicki Truitt (R-98) authored House Bill 1875 that, if passed, will prevent anyone without health insurance from enrolling at a general academic teaching institution in Texas. ASG President Brett Baker said the bill could discourage people from seek seeking higher education. “You’re born with the right to get an education,” he said. The bill will not only affect incoming students. Current students would not be able to continue their education unless they obtain insurance. Proof of insur insurance would be required every semester. The house could vote on the bill beginning this week. Section two of the bills states the changes in law will begin with the 2010 fall semester. Baker and Asha McElfish, public administration sophomore, traveled to Austin Wednesday to voice student concerns to the house higher education committee over the bill and House Bill 103, which would replace the college See HOUSE BILL, page 5
ASG candidates debate Bill would grant tax-free textbooks to students questions from senators By Rachel Nelson News Reporter
By Teresa Wilburn News Reporter ASG presidential candidates have two days to win students’ votes, but focused on questions from the senate at Monday night’s debate. Student government elections being held Tuesday and Wednesday have candidates talking about improvements within the senate body. Sen. Francesca Flores asked the candidates what they could do regarding alumni relations with the university. “I have done research with the Alumni Association,” said Brice Loving, presidential candidate. “Bobcats hire competent Bobcats. If we are going to get those better paying jobs and the things that are going to perpetuate the university into a higher serving institution, it comes down to alumni relations.” Chris Covo, presidential candidate, said the Alumni Association is vital to the university. He said ensuring all alumni feel as if Texas State is their home should be the focus. “Alumni want to talk to students,” Covo said. “It is just that simple. Alumni want to talk to
students, and we want to talk to them. This is their university and they can help us learn. We need to network.” Trenton Thomas, presidential candidate, said bridging the gap between alumni relations could be the ticket to university advancement. Sen. Andrew Salazar addressed concerns for a greener campus. He said the issue was raised last year, but nothing has been done to further efforts. “We need to get the environment committee more involved,” Covo said. “Students do not understand that in the Campus Master Plan, we have included the green parts, including lights. What we need to do is be proactive in the transformation of that.” Loving said the issue is rooted in sustainability. “It really comes back to using digital marketing,” Loving said. Thomas said the progress has to come from the community as a whole, and the proposed compost project within the univer university is a great start. “We do have a Campus Master Plan,” Thomas said. “Talking See DEBATE, page 5
today’s Weather Isolated T-Storms
74˚
Precipitation: 30% Humidity: 33% UV: 9 Very High Wind: N 20 mph
College students in Texas could see tax-free textbooks if Senate Bill 22, filed by Texas Sen. Judith Zaffirini, passes. “It’s one of my highest priorities,” said Zaffirini (D-21). Zaffirini filed the bill in November and is now waiting for the appropriations bill to be passed, which could happen late this week. “After that, I’ll pursue it in the finance committee,” she said. This is not the first time a bill of this kind has been filed. Zaffirini filed similar bills in 2005 and 2007, but they each died before being passed. The bill would provide a holiday at any store for those who have a valid student identification card, Zaffirini said. “Basically, it would give them two, 10-day tax-free periods — one at the beginning of the fall semester and one at the beginning of the spring semester,” Zaf Zaffirini said. “I wish all textbooks would be free.” Ans Bucio, pre-health care administration sophomore, agrees. “I think we should get free books along with our tuition,” he said. Bucio said he buys around five books per semester and estimates saving about $45 if SB 22 passes. “I guess it’s a good amount of
pocket change,” Bucio said. “It would help.” Zaffirini said students at a fouryear institution pay an average of $843 for books annually. “Everything is so expensive, and there are so many students that are working hard to complete their college education,” Zaffirini said. “And those who are supported by their parents — their parents need relief, too.” Alli Cox, digital and photographic imaging freshman, said she sold three of her textbooks back to the store before Spring Break because she was having financial struggles. She said, if passed, the bill would help students like her. “I think it’s a good idea,” Cox said. “I know I have to pay for my own books, so anything would help.” Zaffirini said there would be no way to regulate if students are always buying textbooks during the tax-free holiday period, but she does not believe it would be an issue. “I don’t think many students buy extra books not tied into their coursework,” she said. “Most students can’t afford it.” Zaffirini said the tax-free text textbook holiday would not have a negative impact on cities. “I do not believe this will be harmful to the cities in any way See TEXTBOOKS, page 5
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo NO TAX: If senate Bill 22 passes, college students will be able to purchase text books without the extra cost of tax.
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starsof texas state Second baseman Ryan Kos, economics senior, was 2-for-4, with two runs and two RBI to help lead Texas State to a 8-4 win over the New Mexico Lobos Sunday. —Courtesy of Texas State Athletics
Today in Brief
News Contact — Amanda Venable, starnews@txstate.edu Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System
BILLIARDS BREAK
CRIME BLOTTER
TUESDAY
University Police Department
“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.
March 13, 9:36 a.m. Medical Emergency - LBJ Student Center Bus Loop A student suffered from a seizure. The student was transported to Central Texas Medical Center for a medical evaluation.
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 13, 2:30 p.m. Civil Standby - J.C. Kellam Administration Building A nonstudent was issued a criminal trespass warning and was escorted off property. A report was made of the incident.
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. Pre-screening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 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 at 512245-2208. 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 512245-2208. 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 at 512-245-2208.
David Schmidt/Star photo Josh Hannum, pre-mass communication junior, plays pool in the den of the LBJ Student Center on Monday.
This day in history
1492: King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain issued an edict expelling those Jews unwilling to convert to Christianity.
Court ruled coma patient Karen Anne Quinlan could be disconnected from her respirator. (Quinlan remained comatose and died in 1985.)
1889: French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel unfurled the French tricolor from atop the Eiffel Tower to mark its completion.
1992: The U.N. Security Council voted to ban flights and arms sales to Libya, branding it a terrorist state for shielding six men accused of blowing up Pan Am Flight 103 and a French airliner.
1917: The United States took possession of the Virgin Islands from Denmark. 1943: The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma!” opened on Broadway. 1976: The New Jersey Supreme
1995: Singer Selena, 23, was shot to death in Corpus Christi, by the founder of her fan club. 1995: Baseball players agreed to end a 232-day strike after a judge granted a preliminary injunction against club owners.
1999: Four New York City police officers were charged with murder for killing Amadou Diallo, an unarmed African immigrant, in a hail of bullets. (The officers were acquitted in 2000.) 2004: Air America, a liberalalternative to conservative talk-radio, debuted on five stations.
March 13, 8:41 p.m. Graffiti - Loss under $500 Evans Liberal Arts Building A nonstudent reported to a police officer university property had been vandalized. The case is under investigation. March 15, 1:50 a.m. Driving While Intoxicated Guadalupe Street A police officer made contact with a vehicle for a routine traffic stop. Upon further investigation, a nonstudent was arrested for DWI and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date.
March 16, 1:14 p.m. Theft-Under $500 - Family 2005: Terri Schiavo died at a hospice in Pinellas Park, Fla., 13 days & Consumer Science Building A student reported to a police after her feeding tube was removed officer her property had been in a right-to-die dispute that engulfed taken without her consent. The the courts, Congress and the White case is under investigation. House. —Courtesy of New York Times
—Courtesy of University Police Department
Library Beat Library offers redesigned Leisure Reading area for relaxation If you enjoy a more relaxed environment in which to study, read or sit with friends, visit the Alkek Library’s newly redesigned Leisure Reading area. Located behind the grand staircase to the right as you enter the library, the space features an interesting selection of best sellers and books on popular topics, and it now offers even more comfortable seating options. Long study tables have been switched out for sofas and padded chairs from elsewhere in the library to create several group-friendly areas. An exhibition along one wall, of silvergelatin prints from the Wittliff Collection of Southwestern and Mexican Photography, further enhances the ambiance.
Additionally, the Leisure Reading book collection is being expanded. The bookshelves for the collection have been moved to create an entryway to the new sitting room. At present, most of the books are shelved in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. As the collection grows, the newer selections will be shelved by the Library of Congress call number. Look for new books at the end of the alphabet alphabetical books until the transition is complete. The Leisure Reading collection contains popular books about current events and interests such as gardening, biographies, cookbooks, and other non-fiction publications. Best-selling fiction authors of mystery, horror, ro-
mance and graphic novels are also included. The collection rotates over time. Some titles are returned to the vendor each year, and approximately 300 new titles are added. Some books become part of the library’s permanent collection and are then moved to the appropriate floor. The idea is to continually add new selections while keeping the collection small enough to browse. The check-out period is the same for these as it is for other library books, and you can renew them online from the catalog “My Account” option. We hope you enjoy the new space and the Leisure Reading collection. —Courtesy of Alkek Library
Criminologist will hold open lecture over criminal investigative failures World-renowned criminologist Kim Rossmo will lecture on criminal investigative failures at 7 p.m. April 7 in the Alkek Teaching Theater. The event is free of charge and open to the public. The lecture is based on Rossmo’s new book and will cover topics such as problems underlying unsolved investigations and wrongful convictions, tunnel vision and cognitive biases, groupthink and organizational traps,
and probability errors in forensic science and criminal profiling. Rossmo is a professor and an endowed chair in the Texas State department of criminal justice. He is also director of the department’s Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation. His research has focused on the criminal investigative function and the geography of crime. Rossmo is currently studying the geographic and geological
features associated with criminal border crossings and the spatial patterns of insurgency bombings. He is credited with developing the science of geographic profiling used in criminal investigations. For further information, contact the Texas State department of criminal justice at 512-2452174. —Courtesy of University News Service
Organization proves all are equal through secrets The Bobcat Equality Alliance, a student organization on campus, is sponsoring the United By Secrets campaign in the LBJ Mall area Tuesday and Wednesday. “The purpose of this campaign is the show the student body that no matter our gender, race, sexual orientation or other classification, we are all united together through our secrets,” said Maria Wasley, Bobcat Equality Alliance president.
A board is set up between the LBJ Student Center and the Alkek Library for students to anonymously share their per personal secrets. They will fill out a note card with their secret on it, put it in a drop box, and the secret will be posted about an hour later. “This was a great experience for me,” said Robby Hesselbrock, event participant. “It feels really good to share something I’ve
never shared before and to see how many other people’s secrets relate to me.” Students are encouraged to come and be a part of the event promoting diversity on campus this week. Please contact Maria Wasley at mw1331@txstate.edu for more information. —Courtesy of Bobcat Equality Alliance
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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Library pilot ends, no decision made for hours extension By Gabrielle Jarrett News Reporter The 24-hour pilot program is being put to bed. “The university library will resume regular hours the night of April 1, and will re-open the morning of April 2,” said Joan Heath, assistant vice president of the University Library. Heath said no decisions have been made as to whether the library will implement extended hours in the future. Heath said if any changes are going to be made, they would not take place until next fall. “A group will be pulled to discuss the data we collected,” Heath said. “I don’t expect to hear anything for at least a month.” Heath said attendance, services used, staffing and student feedback are some of the items the group will review. Heath said one way they gained feedback was through surveys handed out four nights during different weeks. The idea for extended library hours came from a piece of ASG legislation. Heath said she and Chris Covo, ASG presidential candidate, Joanne Smith, vice president of student affairs, and Carl Van Wyatt, vice president of Information Technology, met to put the plan in place. “There were mixed views among students and employees,” Heath said. Heath said she received
e-mails in response to the change in hours containing positive feedback. Heath said the only other comments came from student employees, which were limited. “Student employees were compensated for their time,” Heath said. “Generally, the testing period has generally gone smoothly, and I’m glad the process has gone well.” Heath said she is thankful for the support from ASG and the student workers in the library. Shayla Smiley, undecided health professions freshman, said she went to the library one night during the test pilot. Smiley said she and her friends think the library staying open late was helpful. “I had to work late, and I needed a place to study,” Smiley said. “I can’t do homework in my room because I tend to fall asleep.” Smiley said the library had a comfortable atmosphere. “I think the library staying open 24 hours should be a permanent change,” Smiley said. “If the librarians decided not to keep the library open 24 hours, then they should extend the closing time until at Bobby Scheidemann/Star file photo least 3 a.m. By then, people FINAL TEST: This week marks the end of the 24-hour library pilot that has been going on for almost 8 months. will be tired and go to their rooms to sleep.” library provides a quiet place library late at night are seri- Sullivan said. brary is not open 24 hours Scott Sullivan, exercise and for me to study. Last semes- ous about their work. Sullivan said the library next semester. sport science freshman, said ter my GPA was horrible, and “If you go to the library should stay open 24/7, or Sullivan said he, like Smiley, he went to the library every I have a 4.0 right now because early in the night then there all day except for two hours, is not sure where to study now week during the test pilot. the library has been open are a lot of people there talk- so the staff can clean. Sul- that the pilot is over. “I study better when I pull all night.” ing and playing around, but livan said he was one of the “I will probably end up studyall-nighters,” Sullivan said. Sullivan said he likes that by like 3 a.m. everyone is students who took the survey ing at IHOP because my dorm “My room is too loud and the the individuals studying in the getting down to business,” and he will be upset if the li- is not an option,”
Faculty Senate increases requirements for writing intensive courses By Kosaku Narioka News Reporter Writing intensive courses just became a bit more intensive. The Faculty Senate voted to increase the grade percentage part of the current requirement for writing intensive at their meeting Wednesday. The current policy entails that a minimum of 50 percent of a course grade must be based on written exams or assignments in writing intensive courses, according to policy statements. The senate voted to change the required percentage to 65 percent. Debra Feakes, Faculty Senate chair, said a
committee reduced the requirement from 65 percent to 50 percent, but the revision apparently did not go through the normal review process. Yet, for some reason, it was posted as final. She said the proposal has never gotten back to the senate. “It used to be 65 percent, and every other document that we have, to my knowledge, says 65 percent, so we need to make a decision as to how we can recommend that change,” said Feakes, associate professor in the biology and chemistry department. Faculty Sen. Donald Hazlewood asked if Feakes remembers the rationale for changing the percentage. Feakes said the core courses were getting larger. She said faculty members were concerned
Students want higher grades for effort By Amanda Sena Special to the Star University students in the United States believe if they are trying hard, a professor should reconsider their grade. The revelation is among others in a recently published study examining students’ sense of academic entitlement. Author Ellen Greenberger, a research professor of psychology and social behavior at University of California-Irvine, said in a study students’ sense of entitlement could be caused by increased parental pressure, competition among peers and family members and a heightened sense of achievement anxiety. Erina Duganne, an assistant professor in the art and design department at Texas State, said students’ efforts alone are not an adequate variable in grading. “Unfortunately, as I try to explain to students, putting in effort does not necessarily mean that they will receive a better grade or the often desired A,” Duganne said. “This is because effort in and of itself is something that is difficult to assign a grade to and is quite variable between students.” Richard Cheatham, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, believes students’ grade expectations might come from their experience in secondary education. “It may start back in junior high and high school, where if someone is a really nice student, they get a good grade,”
Cheatham said. Debra Monroe, a professor in the English department, agrees, saying national surveys indicate high school teachers and college professors value different features when grading, especially when it comes to writing. “A majority of high school teachers tend to reward students for graceful sentences and paragraphs, whereas most college professors will regard content development as the most important feature,” Monroe said. Greenberger’s study, “SelfEntitled College Students: Contributions of Personality, Parenting and Motivational Factors,” found a third of students surveyed said they expected a B just for attending lectures, while 40 percent said they deserved a B for completing the required reading. Melissa Espinales, digital and photographic imaging senior, thinks taking an extra step from simply going to class and completing the required reading should assure a good grade. “I think if you make the effort to study, go to class, take notes and do the assigned readings, that will get you the grades you desire,” Espinales said. “Plus, going the extra mile to make flash cards or going to study groups would help too.” Monroe argues it takes more than meeting standard requirements to receive a B, and said in her class, a C is given when requirements are met, as well as when students show basic com-
prehension of concepts, texts and writing. Greenberger’s study, published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, found students’ sense of academic entitlement is a hot topic and a source of much frustration, especially among instructors. However, when it comes to grade disputes, Duganne tends to be more understanding with her students. “Since their grades are based on a certain number of points, I have had students get into a dispute when the grade they received was on the borderline, for example, an 89.4,” Duganne said. “I am more sympathetic to these disputes because of the grading system in place at Texas State. I believe there should be pluses and minuses added to grades because, in my mind, a B+ means something very different than a B minus.” As for the process of handling grade disputes in the College of Fine Arts and Communication, Cheatham said informal channels are applied. “In our college, we ask the department chair to not talk to the student until the student has talked to the professor or even the professor’s assistant, if there is one,” Cheatham said. If a grade dispute can not be resolved by the professor, it is then transferred to the department chair. Lastly, the dispute will go to the dean of the college, he said.
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the 65 percent requirement became a burden to those teaching large classes. However, she said the university needs to change the course, not the criteria, for writing intensive class. Faculty Sen. Sally Caldwell moved to change the requirement from 50 to 65 percent. The motion was carried with a majority vote. Faculty Sen. Joey Martin opposed, saying 50 percent is sufficient. Faculty Sen. Steve Wilson said he wants requirements to change back to 65 percent. “It’s hard to call something intensive when it’s only half,” Wilson said. Faculty Sen. Michel Conroy, too, opposed. Conroy said her department doesn’t have many
teaching and graduate assistants to help faculty grade papers. Hazlewood said the requirement for writing intensive also appears in other parts of the policy statement. The section 2.01 of the academic affairs policy and procedure statement, posted on the university Web site, says, “Writing Intensive courses are those for which at least 65 percent of the student’s grade must be based on writing. Assignments must include at least one piece of writing containing a minimum of 500 words.” The section 4.01, the part the Senate was discussing last week, also says, “The University encourages the use of written assignments in as many courses as possible.”
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TEXTBOOKS CONTINUED from page 1
because students who spend money on books will spend the money elsewhere,” she said. Zaffirini said she promotes the idea of tax-free textbooks
DEBATE
CONTINUED from page 1
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo WORTH IT?: Some think tax-free textbooks would be a relief to students. Others worry about the revenue the state would lose.
HOT WATER CONTINUED from page 1
ever they can to get steam and hot water back on campus,” Fogarty said. “We have asked the contractor to locate a replacement boiler in case this fix does not work. It could be as far away as Dallas or as close as San Antonio.” Officials suggest residents shower at the Student Recreation Center in the interim period. However, Rachel Barrera pre-psychology junior, said the Recreation Center’s showers have had long lines. “Either the Rec Center is full or it’s closed when you need it,” Barrera said. “Me and my roommates in Sterry Hall have taken cold showers. Nobody has said anything except for
health-care system with a private insurance model. Emilio Carranco, director of the Student Health Center, attended to provide an analysis of potential effects of the bills. “I think it’s absolutely ridiculous to say to be educated you must have insurance,” Baker said. “It’s almost saying to be a citizen you must have health insurance. It’s disenfranchising students who want an education.” Carranco said the bill has positive and negative implications for Texas State students. He said 25 to 30 percent of Texas State students are uninsured, according to the Student Health Center’s surveys. Texas State has almost 30,000 students enrolled. “The Texas Department of Insurance did a survey in 2005,” Carranco said. “In that survey they found uninsured rates across the state varied from a low of 21 percent to a high of 78 percent.” Approximately 7,000 Texas State students will be affected, if the bill passes. “I believe everyone should have health insurance,” Carranco said. “Having said that, college students are the healthiest segment of the entire population. What’s really happening here is that a lot of money, millions and millions of dollars, will be paid into insurance plans that will not be used by students for the most part and really is going to go to compensate health care of all the other segments of the population.” Carranco said most students do not require expensive health care, but the bill would be beneficial for those who do. “There are college students who while in college will have serious injuries and illnesses and having health insurance will absolutely be great for them,” Carranco said. The bill will require all stu-
supporting this legislation.” Zaffirini spent 10 terms on the Senate Education Committee and is now the chair. She has 13 years of teaching experience, including at the college and university level.
The candidates were asked three scenario questions concerning hypothetical situations. One regarded a disgruntled student discussing tuition increases for athletics and the student center. Loving said the administration needs to address issues students have in an easily communicable way. “We are ranked as one of the best colleges in the United States,” Loving said. “If students feel as if their opinions are not being voiced, they are going to continue to have that negative perception that nothing is getting done.” Thomas said students need to know they are making an investment in the university when they pay fees. “We are working together as Bobcats in making investments into this institution,” Thomas said. “Once we rise and become that D-I institution, they will know that investment. They may not know it now, but the future Bobcats will.” Covo said students need to know where their money is going.
Henderson asked how the candidates would handle the steam outage currently leaving campus residents without hot water. Covo said the ASG Web site is going to be the main source of information and revamping it is on his agenda. He said the next step would be contacting the leaders of organizations and residence halls so they could take further action. Loving rebutted Covo’s statement, saying showcasing the negative aspects of a university on a Web site is not the best way to recruit new students. “That is just really bad publicity,” Loving said. “If I am a potential student on the Web site, I do not want to see that a university has been out of hot water for days.” Thomas said communication with residence halls should be a priority. “We can tell students that it is a steam outage, but we do not let students know about progression,” Thomas said. “We need to be able to work with these residential halls so they can know exactly what is going on.”
the two e-mails they have sent us. All we know is there is no hot water.” Jennifer Zavala, exercise and sports science junior and College Inn resident, had better luck. She has gone to the Recreation Center three times and has not waited to shower. But Zavala said the water there is not hot, either. “We have gone already four days without it; it’s frustrating we have to go somewhere else to shower or someone else’s apartments,” Zavala said. “There has been a lack of communication.” Tatiana Salazar, pre-mass communication freshman, created a Facebook group entitled “I just want my water back,” which posts the university e-mail updates and student comments.
More than 300 members joined the group as of Monday. The e-mail sent to students, faculty and staff Monday by Bill Nance, vice president of finance, did not specify when the steam and hot water will be restored. Proite said another e-mail will be sent Tuesday morning, which she hopes will say the boiler is working. “One of the most typical complaints from people, other than, ‘It’s cold,’ is ‘we don’t know anything,”’ Proite said. “We have, I believe, learned that we need to push out as much information as we can.” Proite said University President Denise Trauth was in Austin Monday but expressed concern about the issue.
dents at four-year institutions to have health insurance, allowing them the discretion to determine the minimum coverage. Universities would be obligated to provide some optional student health insurance to people who do not have it. “Our best estimate right now is that a decent health insurance plan will cost between $1,000 and $1,500 a year,” Carranco said. The bill allows for that cost to be covered by financial aid. “When talking to financial aid at the university, their sense is that, while some people may get some grant money to cover that cost, the majority of the cost will have to be covered by loans,” Carranco said. He said the extra cost could run students an extra $6,000 to $10,000 over the course of their collegiate careers. “People who go to college are adults and they have the ability to make their own decisions,” Baker said. “If they make the decision to not get health insurance or that they can’t afford it, they should have that option. If we’re trying to curb the amount of uninsured Texans, we don’t penalize people who are obtaining an education. I think if they could afford it, they would have it.” Baker said the issue is nonpartisan and transcends political ideologies. “Take out the party lines,” Baker said. “We need to do what’s in the best interest of our student body. Looking at the state of Texas, we need to take the burden off the incoming students.” The bill only affects full-time students at four-year institutions. Carranco said there are ways the uninsured could still receive educations, but the conditions are not ideal. “You could continue your education at Texas State as long as you are a part-time student,” Carranco said.
Baker and McElfish originally went to Austin to discuss HB 103, but both said HB 1875 is of greater importance to students. McElfish said the way HB 1875 and HB 103 work together is “incestuous.” “I think 1875 right off the bat is a great idea,” she said. “Texas has a rate of one in four uninsured persons. That’s horrifying. We are at the bottom of the barrel. So in spirit the bill is great. Alyssa Scavetta/Star photo In actuality, it’s horrible.” HIT THE GAVEL: Candidates Chris Covo, Brice Loving and Trenton Thomas debate among ASG McElfish does not have health members and senators Monday at the LBJ Student Center. insurance and would be required to either pay more money or discontinue her education if HB 1875 passes. “I can’t personally find a grand in a semester,” she said. McElfish said multiple insurance companies were present to lobby for the legislation and they would benefit from the bill. “They’re going to absolutely gain a large portion of Texas students,” she said. “It’s a private industry. They have their own marketing abilities. I don’t think the government should step in and say, ‘hey you have to have this.’ We are adults.” Brett Baker, who took his personal time to discuss the bills in Austin, said his work with the issue is not over. “We have to keep our eyes on this bill,” he said. “We have got to be in contact with the different offices. It’s necessary for students to understand the implications of it. We’re going to speak and do whatever we can do to make legislators understand the impacts this will have on students.” McElfish said she hopes students pay attention to the bill. “This is pertinent right here and now,” McElfish said. “This is not a hypothetical. It really honest-to-God means something and the fact the bill would start so soon — there’s not a lot of time.” Truitt was not available to comment.
HOUSE BILL CONTINUED from page 1
to the individuals about these programs gives us the option to choose how we treat our university. We are turning into a greener campus, but it takes individual efforts.” Thomas said the university is on the right path. Sen. Matthew Ferreira said he is concerned about equal representation for the different colleges within the university. He said the candidates do not have senate seat choices from the College of Science. Thomas said the lack of a science representation on each of the campaign tickets does not mean the department’s concerns will not be addressed. “We will always hear concerns from the people of liberal arts and business as well,” Thomas said. “We want every single walk of life here at Texas State to be actively involved and be able to voice that concern.” Rick Henderson, senior lecturer in the department of political science, mediated the debate.
because it is what the students requested. “I appreciate the students bringing this to my attention and being so passionate about it,” she said. “Students throughout Texas have been wonderful about
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Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu
The Main PoinT he University Star editorial board is endorsing Chris Covo for ASG president and Tommy Luna for ASG vice president.
T
The decision was not easy nor taken lightly. After much discussion, we feel Chris Covo is the candidate with the best experience and knowledge to lead the student body. His position on the executive board and seat as City Council liaison has prepared him for the difficult task of leading a growing institution of approximately 30,000 students. His plan to reconnect with alumni, something that has been sorely lacking in previous years, is a sound strategy to increase donations. Trenton Thomas is personable and intelligent. However, his record in the senate is not convincing. He has been a senator for more than one year, yet has not proposed any bills. His idea to create an organization known as Bobcat ROAR to promote the move to FBS has promise, but there is no real need to have a president create this initiative. Thomas and Edwin Maldonado, his former running mate, had ample time to try to create this program as senators, yet never did. Thomas needs to bring more to the senate before he becomes president. Brice Loving’s campaign has mostly focused on marketing. The president should have a broader focus. He should also have more experience than one month in the senate. His idea to create a new TRACS site is perplexing, seeing as how students already have access to TRACS. Further Furthermore, he could have put this in action by getting a bill passed. Tommy Luna promised to enforce senate attendance, keep proper records and put ASG legislation online. This is a breath of fresh air after the past year, when senators were known to have disregarded the attendance policy. However, poor records made it confusing as to who missed how many days. There are sitting senators who have no right to be there. Tommy Luna will change that. Luna is the most qualified candidate in this campaign, being often cited as a major factor in revamping the Residence Hall Association. He is also a member of several other on-campus organizations. Covo is not an ideal candidate. It is quickly becoming tradition for ASG candidates to shy away from making direct campaign promises. We understand the position of ASG president is far from dictatorial, but it would be refreshing to see bold claims backed up with promises. Covo matches the first part, not the second. We hope this does not translate into a lukewarm administration. However, as is evidenced by this endorsement, we believe the Covo/Luna administration will best be able to give students the leadership they deserve.
ELECTION
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 Illustration
United States need better equality, justice Tristan Watson Star Columnist These days, it seems our society wouldn’t know equality or justice if it jumped out from behind a fence wearing a clown costume. Citizens today are led to believe justice and equal opportunity prevail in every aspect of our government, economy and work workforce. However, individuals who have been oppressed for years know better. Morals and values have been misplaced in a nation filled with liars, racists and thieves. There is no equality in poverty stricken neighborhoods. Where is the equality in the workforce for women who still receive lower salaries than men? Why do the wealthy continue to get tax breaks? Vanity and beauty have been constantly promoted more than equality in our society, and this is evident in the unequal treatment and subjective behavior toward the obese and disabled. Equality has been lost. Our present government oper operates at the hands of individuals who aren’t concerned about the American people, but with their own self-progression. Certain American citizens aren’t free, and finding justice for particular minority groups will take about as long as it did to finally have a black president. Certain people in our society only like to listen to people or read litera literature that satisfies their own beliefs and views of society, and they may ridicule others who have a different perspective. This isn’t just or equal. Every individual is entitled to free speech. Suppressing others’ beliefs and ideas is unjust. The University of Dayton School of Law published an excerpt online written by Rebecca L. Case, entailing “we may not uphold the ‘separate but equal’ doctrine but we have certainly not created an integrated and equal system.” Fighting for equality and justice must come from individuals who are valiant and willing to face ostracism from those too dense to understand that not everyone has the luxury of a contented life. Some fearless figures were Martin Luther King Jr. and Lucretia Mott. Both of these leaders fought for equal rights and justice and did not let hate stop goals of egalitarianism. Anthology of Ideas, an online publication, states “equality of opportunity dictates all people should have the same opportunities open to them if they put out the effort.” This means people in the workforce need to stop giving promotions to employees based on friendship, government should subsidize all classes of society equally and any individual fighting for what’s right should be given the opportunity to be heard, even if society doesn’t agree. Our world needs a radical, bold and straight-forward individual who will do what is right and not cherry pick the truth to evade hurting feelings. America has come a long way from the chains of slavery and the shunning of women and minorities’ right to vote. Nevertheless, various aspects of society are unequal and unjust. Restoring equality starts with the American people.
Affirmative action may be detrimental to next generation By Nathan Seltzer Star Columnist America is a country built on dreams. Americans have dreamed of making their lives and their country better, from the time the pilgrims left England for the New World, to the women’s suffrage movement, to the Civil War, to the Civil Rights movement. The dream is always the same for the individual. America is the Land of Opportunity. Class and social standing are irrelevant. History is peppered with stories of the poverty-stricken who have risen to become oil
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tycoons or presidents. Our generation is no differ different. We all attend this institution of higher learning with the belief a degree will improve our lives, allow us to get better jobs and succeed. The American spirit is so ingrained in us, that for many, college was never an option, but simply the next step. Other students give years of service to our country in the military so at the end, they too can attend college and better their lives. Our generation is facing opposition on the path to success, for what may be the first time in American history, from the very
people who should be encouraging it: our parents’ generation. Some of the opposition seems benign, or even helpful at first. Affirmative action is aimed at ensuring minority representation in schools and jobs. But what is the message of affirmative action? The unspoken but obvious message is that without affirmative action, these minorities would not be represented. Every time a black student is accepted to college on the basis of affirmative action, he is being told he is too stupid to be accepted on his own merit. Every time a woman is hired because of affirmative action,
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she is being told she could never qualify for the job on her credentials. The statement is not true, but the message is still conveyed. Some opposition to our success is more obvious. Politicians our parent’s age are playing on our sentiments and emotions, using the current economic conditions to claim those with more money than us are our enemies and should be punished for their success. The AIG executives who were threatened and cajoled into returning their bonuses are just one example. The Associated Press reported a group of pro-
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testers took a bus to the homes of AIG executives to protest the bonuses their company paid them. Events like this are frightening, because they reveal an undercurrent of wealthenvy in the American people. Protesters instead berate and assault those who already have, rather than doing what they can to become wealthy themselves. Suddenly, achieving the American Dream has become dangerous. I will offer a quick reality check. Stripping the wealth from others will not improve lives. If other people’s wealth is a problem for someone,
maybe that person should focus on improving his or her own life, rather than trying to make others miserable. Where is the government in all this? Cheering on the class warriors. Government programs teach you cannot be successful on your own, because of the racists, bigots, sexists, homophobes, elitists and wealthy. Unfortunately, the government is here to “help” with affirmative action and redistribution of wealth. It is up to us whether we want to participate in this charade, or actually become successful. I’ll take the latter.
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Trends the university star
punkplay
8 - Tuesday, March 31, 2009
American Idiot, Green Day’s mega-hit of an album, has inspired more than a few pop-punk bands. The album has been made into a theatrical production that will take the Berkeley Repertory Theater stage on Sept. 4 and will run through Oct. 11. The group has been working with director Michael Mayer, choreographer Steven Hoggett and a 19-member company to bring the concept album to life. The announcement comes more than two months after producers announced the biggest selling album of all-time, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, would be made into a Broadway musical. Green Day will begin a North American tour in July, to support its newest album, which is set for release on May 15.
Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu
‘Night of awards, live music’ Lonestar Music Awards celebrate Texas country in historical venue By Christian Wallace Features Reporter The thump of a stand-up bass resonated from the boot-worn wooden floors to the bare tin roof of Gruene Hall as the inaugural Lonestar Music Awards began Sunday night. A crowd of people filled the oldest dancehall in the state to celebrate the achievements of artists associated with the Texas music scene. The Tejas Brothers performed a set of Tejano-inspired country to kick off the night of awards and live music. Artists nominated for awards and the fans who voted for them mingled throughout the dancehall. Adam Carroll, nominated for Best Original Song, leaned against the bar at the back of the hall with both hands stuffed into his pockets, nodding his head to the music. Carroll explained the inspiration for his nominated song, “Oklahoma Gypsy Shuffler,” was one of the legends of the “outlaw country” movement. “I wrote the song as a tribute to Leon Russell. At least, he is the guy I had in mind when I wrote it,” Carroll said. “It’s kind of a made up song about a real guy,” Carroll said he was excited about the prospect of the awards becoming an annual event. “I think this whole thing is pretty cool,” Carroll said. “Having an event like this really gives everybody a chance to appreciate everybody.” The Tejano Brothers finished their set, and the broadcasters of the event then announced people were tuned into the awards show in every U.S. state of the and in 22 countries around the world via the live online stream at www.radiofreetexas.org. The first award of the night went to Nate Van Dyke for Best
Album Artwork for his work on Reckless Kelly’s album, Bulletproof. The hardware handed out to winners was an electric guitar customized with the Lonestar Music Awards logo. Brady Black, fiddler in the Randy Rogers Band, was the second winner of the night for Best Musician. Black rested one arm on the smooth bark of a tree growing outside the hall minutes after accepting his guitar trophy.
“I
t’s definitely a step up for our kind of music, our fans and all the people who love this brand of country we put out” —Brady Black, fiddler in the Randy Rogers Band
“It’s kind of surreal. I don’t think you could really rank the best musician because there are so many good people playing our kind of music,” Black said. “I mean there are thousands of people driving in tour vans across the country who deserve this award more than I do. It’s very humbling — very awesome.” Black said he thought the Lonestar Music Awards was a positive addition to the Texas music scene. “I think (the awards show) is great. I’ll speak for the band — we’re really happy to be a part of it, especially on the inaugural year,” Black said. “It’s definitely a step up for our kind of music, our fans and all the people who love this brand of country we put out.” An acoustic set with singer/
songwriter Brandon Jenkins continued as the evening lineup. Two more awards followed Jenkin’s ensemble of songs. Wade Bowen snagged Best Vocal Performance for his singing on his latest album, If We Ever Make It Home, and Randy Rogers, Southwest Texas State alumnus, was voted Best Songwriter. Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward kept the amplifiers blaring with a half-hour set of country music before the next two category winners were announced. Austin-based group, Band of Heathens, won Best Emerging Artist and Cross Canadian Ragweed took home the prize for Best Live Act. Half-finished Shiner Bocks were raised into air as Randy Rogers and Brady Black took the stage to perform several of their songs acoustically. The crowd quieted as Black’s fiddle punctuated the balmy spring night. Rogers’ voice filled the dancehall while ceiling fans oscillated lazily above the crowd and smoke dissipated around the turning blades. Rogers related a personal vignette to the crowd. “I have a picture of me standing on this stage when I was 12 years old,” Rogers said. “I never imagined I’d be where I am today.” Rogers and his band were nominated in 7 of the 8 categories, the most of any artist. Rogers grinned at the end of his last song and said, “Chase your dreams, kids.” The final two awards included Best Song going to Jason Boland for “Comal County Blue” and Best Album to Wade Bowen. Wade Bowen hopped onstage to accept his second guitar of the night. “Thanks everybody, you’ll never understand how much I appreciate each one of you,” Bowen said. “It sure is nice to be recognized for your hard work.”
Sara Strick/Star photo SOUTH BY RIOT: Ra Ra Riot, a six piece band from Syracuse, N.Y., plays a show at the outside stage of 6th Street’s new venue Radio Room.
Ra Ra Riot band members discuss personal inspiration By Brittany Bemis Features Reporter Ra Ra Riot is no stranger to the road. This year marked their third consecutive trip to South by Southwest. The New York-based sextet released their recent album The Rhumb Line with a new label, Barsuk Records, last August. Milo Bonacci, guitarist, said his time at SXSW was relaxing. “We weren’t in a frenzy to find a record label or anything,” Bonacci said. “I think it was a much more low-key year all around. We had some good barbecue and Mexican food.” Bonacci said his favorite performance was the Rachel Ray Party because of the delicious food. The band’s show schedule was less demanding than previous years, and Bonacci said he was able to see fellow artists perform. “I went to see the Dirty Projectors, Devo and Au Revoir Simone, and all of them were amazing,” Bonacci said. “I’ve been a fan (of The Dirty Projectors) for years. It is one of the bands we end up listening to a lot in the van, and Au Revoir Simone we sort of know personally.” Ra Ra Riot formed when the members met while attending Syracuse University. “We just sort of played around campus and on the weekends
at friend’s houses — wherever we could find a show,” Bonacci said. “When we graduated, we were faced with the prospect of finding jobs or continuing playing music. I think we just felt there was a lot left to do in terms of music, so we decided to stick with it, and we are here almost three years later.” The band faced hardship in 2007 with the death of former drummer and lyricist, John Pike. Wesley Miles, keyboard and vocalist, said the loss affected him greatly because he and Pike worked closely together. “I wrote the lyrics for ‘Each Year’ with John, and that is one of my proudest lyrical contributions,” Miles said. “We had a specific concept. We were inspired from a specific feeling. We had a clear theme and it just kind of came real quickly. The whole bridge was just a stream of consciousness.” Bonacci said the band’s creative process was affected after Pike’s death. “He was a huge contributor in terms of songwriting and arranging and everything, so, obviously, that has changed a bit,” Bonacci said. “The whole dynamic with the band has been affected now. We have to carry on and face having that history.” Miles said each song he writes has meaning, and his work contains reoccurring themes. “The most obvious (theme),
and the one people talk about the most, is death, but there is also a lot of themes with eyes, water and time,” Miles said. “It is all part of a searching for meaning in life, or a story, or history. It is about trying to find that truth.” With such significance and meaning behind the lyrics, it might be surprising to learn the band’s name was an afterthought. “It was one of things where we needed to decide on something last minute, just to write on a flier or something. I think it was right before our first show. The band name itself was thought up by a friend of ours,” Bonacci said. “We were just going to use it until we thought of something else, but it ended up sticking, and we never got around to deciding what we really want to be called.” Bonacci said the possibilities for his band’s future are endless. “I don’t even know where I see us in a year. Ideally, we will still be writing new music that we are all really excited about and evolving the band and exploring new directions,” Bonacci said. “Hopefully, we will be keeping busy and still loving it.” Ra Ra Riot will soon be on tour with Death Cab for Cutie and Cold War Kids. Visit www. rarariot.com for information regarding tour dates.
I Love You, Man satisfies audiences
Brent Vickers
Trends Columnist
I Love You, Man, John Hamburg’s follow-up to 2004’s Along Came Polly, features an ensemble cast of modern comedy and a fulfilling experience for any movie-goer. Starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel, the film chronicles a friendless man’s (Rudd) efforts to find a best man for his wedding. The film displays witty comedy reminiscent of today’s films like 40Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Anchorman, but the lack of Judd Apatow’s presence is obvious.
Rudd plays an awkward man in his mid-30’s suffering from exorbitant self-pity and loaded with plenty of sarcastic remarks ready to be fired in any opposer’s trajectory. Yet Rudd’s performance is unique to his other films. He is happy in his relationship, undemeaned by his career and optimistic toward most things his previous characters were not. Likewise, Segel’s character is not much like his previous lead role in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, unattached to any female counterpart, other than sexual relations, and shamelessly shabby. Also important to note is the starstudded supporting cast. Rashida Jones as Rudd’s fiancee, Andy Samburg as Rudd’s masculine, homosexual younger brother and J.K. Simmons as Rudd’s father. An important component of the film is the homoerotic undertones placed throughout. The way Rudd
and Segel play off of each other is more reminiscent of a relationship than an actual friendship, and the “man-dates” Rudd goes on throughout the film mirror blind dates more than just hanging out. Rudd’s femininity in regards to friendship, his relationship and the way he interacts with society as a whole is evenly matched with Segel’s stereotypical male mentality of “hit it and quit it.” The delivery in most scenes is spot-on, but there are a few times throughout the film where one may find the dialogue contrived and forced, taking some of the comedy out and replacing it with fierce critical scrunity. Fans of Rudd and Segel, not to mention the big names taking over comedy near the end of the decade, will be completely satisfied with I Love You, Man and like the other major comedy’s coming out these days. They will find themselves quoting it with their “bros” interminably.
Diversions
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The University Star - 9
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Sports the university star
contestcontinuation
The men’s golf team is currently competing in the University of Arkansas-Little Rock First Tee Collegiate Classic. The team enters the final round of play today against fellow Southland Conference schools Central Arkansas, Lamar, Sam Houston State, Southeastern Louisiana and Stephen F. Austin.
10 - Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu
Kayla Hartzog/Star photo STRONG BALANCE: Isaac Deanda, exercise and sports science junior, performs his routine on the pummel horse and bar at Saturday’s gymnastics meet at the Student Recreation Center.
Bobcats take two of three games, tie for first in conference By Joseph O. Garcia Sports Reporter The Texas State baseball team won two of three games this weekend against Southland Conference foe Stephen F. Austin. The Bobcats are now tied for first place in the SLC with an 8-4 record. Kane Holbrooks, senior pitcher, pitched eight innings in the first game and improved to 5-0 on the season. He led the Bobcats to a 7-4 victory over SFA at Bobcat Field. The Lumberjacks took the early lead in the top of the first on an RBI groundout from Sean Meyers, SFA infielder. However, Texas State countered with three of its own in the bottom portion of the inning. Erik Gregersen, SFA pitcher, walked three consecutive batters before Spenser Dennis, senior outfielder, drove in the first run on a single through the left side. Kyle Kubitza, freshman infielder, followed with a two-RBI hit to left field with two outs. “(Spenser) is creating offense on the bases, which is important,” said Coach Ty Harrington. “He’s done a great job. He is fun
to watch right now, and I hope he continues.” The Bobcats lengthened the gap in the bottom of the fourth inning by scoring four runs on three hits, making the score 7-1. Dennis opened the frame with his second single to left field and scored when Adam Witek, senior infielder, hit a bunt down the right line. Jason Martinson, sophomore infielder, drove in Kubitza, who reached on a walk. The Bobcats scored two runs before Keith Prestridge, junior outfielder, was called out to end the inning. Holbrooks retired the side in the top of the seventh and shut the Lumberjacks’ offense down for four runs —three of which were earned — off nine hits. He added a pair of strikeouts in the victory. Dennis led the Bobcats’ offense going 3-for-4 with one RBI. Russo closed the game and earned his second save of the season. The Bobcats scored one run in the first inning and four in the second during the following game. Martinson doubled to right field and hit two runs in the
second inning. Tyler Sibley, freshman infielder, and Paul Goldschmidt, junior first baseman, each drove in a run to make the score 5-0. Kyle Livingstone, junior infielder, hit his first home run of the season in the third inning and scored two runs, increasing the Bobcats’ lead to 7-0. “From one to nine we have a nice-looking lineup, and so there are going to be moments when we can string things together,” Harrington said. “Today was one of those days.” The Bobcats scored a pair of runs in the fifth inning driven in by Ben Theriot, junior catcher, and Livingstone. Sibley scored the 10th and final run of the game when Goldschmidt popped a fly out to centerfield. Zach Tritz, senior pitcher, pitched his fifth complete game and second career shutout in a 10-run rule, seven-inning victory. He retired the side in the third, fifth and sixth innings and struck out five of the 25 batters he faced. “Zach came out today with a little bit of a vengeance,” Harrington said. “He wanted to show his team that he could bounce back.”
The Lumberjacks came back in the final game of the series. Sibley and Goldschmidt each scored in the first inning to make the score 2-0. SFA took advantage of a Bobcat error in the second inning with a wild throw and an RBI single, tying the game at 2. The Bobcats scored runs in the second and third innings to give themselves a 4-2 advantage heading into the fourth inning. The Lumberjack’s made four runs and took a 6-4 lead. SFA tacked on its final run in the top of the ninth. Texas State’s comeback attempt failed in its half of the inning. “I don’t think there is any question that missed opportunities was they key today,” Harrington said. “We didn’t execute the second half of the baseball game and they did. Our effort was there but we didn’t execute well.” Brian Borski, sophomore pitcher, had his first loss of the season after pitching 5.2 innings. He allowed six runs — four of which were earned — off eight while striking out five. Texas State will play 6:30 p.m. Tuesday against Baylor at Ferrell Stadium in Waco.
Austin Byrd/Star photo CONTACT: Paul Goldschmidt, junior infielder, makes contact for a standing double Sunday at Bobcat Field. The Bobcats were unable to complete the sweep of the Lumberjacks, taking two of the three games over the weekend.
Phillies prepare for chance at second World Series championship By Jim Salisbury The Philadelphia Inquirer The last time a National League team repeated as World Series champion, Gerald Ford was in the White House, cookie-cutter, multipurpose stadiums were still really cool and a blackberry was something to eat after rinsing with cool water. The Cincinnati Reds, with future Hall of Famers on the field and in the dugout, ruled baseball in 1975 and 1976. They are on a short list of the greatest teams ever, carrying a moniker that today still resonates with greatness. Thirty-three years later, the Phillies are preparing to see if they can become the first NL team to repeat as World Series champs since the 1976 Reds. The odds might be against the Phillies, but it is not far-
fetched to imagine Chase Utley stepping to the microphone and once again declaring the team world champions one of these next few Octobers. “That’s definitely what we’re thinking about,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “We have the talent. We’ve got an opportunity to keep winning these next few seasons. But first we’re going to work on this one. Repeating is hard, but I think we can.” Former general manager Pat Gillick, who became a frontoffice adviser with the club after it won the World Series in October, concurs. “I’d hate to jinx us, but, yes, I think we can do it again,” he said. “I think we’ll be right there.” Eight teams had won the World Series in the 2000s before the Phillies last season. All of them went into the next
season thinking they could do it again. However, none did. Four, in fact, did not make the playoffs. Manuel was right when he said it is hard to repeat, especially in an era when rising salaries can force owners to break up teams, when players can bolt for free agency and when competitive balance is improving. Injury and underperformance can also scuttle a team’s hopes of repeating. Three teams — the Oakland Athletics, Reds and New York Yankees — all repeated as World Series champs in the 1970s. Only the 1992 to 1993 Toronto Blue Jays and the 1998 to 2000 Yankees have won consecutive championships since then. The Phillies, in some ways, resemble several of the aforementioned teams. The Yankees’ championship teams from 1998 to 2000 were anchored by an allworld closer in Mariano Rivera. The Phillies had the NL’s best bullpen in 2008, led by closer Brad Lidge. The Blue Jays’ title teams were, of course, built by Gillick, whose acquisitions of Lidge, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, Matt Stairs, Jayson Werth and Greg Dobbs helped put the Phillies over the top. Phillies officials believe the team can win another title in the next three seasons. It became clear when the team
signed Howard to a three-year, $54 million deal in February. The contract bought out Howard’s remaining salary arbitration years. He can become a free agent after the 2011 season, when he will be 32. There is a chance the Phillies will look for a younger, cheaper alternative at first base when Howard’s contract is done. Lidge’s deal also runs through 2011, though there is a club option for 2012. Utley and Rollins will both turn 33 after the 2011 season.
“I
f we can match our pitching at the end of the season, we’ll be in business because I think our hitting will be better.” —Charlie Manuel Phillies manager
Manuel acknowledges a three-year title window, but he is focused on 2009. The club won 92 games last season — hardly an eye-popping total — but got hot at all the right times. The Phillies won the NL East with a 13-3 finish and the World Series with an 11-3 postseason. “It’s a long season, and you have to play with consistency,”
Manuel said. “We had that consistency the last five weeks of last season. We have to do that from the beginning. We’ve got to play better. People will be coming at us differently. But I think we can do it. The guys want to do it.” Manuel believes these Phillies can do more offensively. They were tied for second in the NL with 799 runs last year, and Utley was hurting all season with an injured hip, Rollins and Howard starting slowly and the departed Pat Burrell slumping in the second half. Raul Ibanez takes over for Burrell and is expected to bring more consistency to a team that ranked 10th in the NL with a .255 team batting average. “If we can match our pitching at the end of the season, we’ll be in business because I think our hitting will be better,” Manuel said. “We didn’t have a .300 hitter last season and that (ticks) me off. I think we have five or six guys capable of hitting .300. We can improve.” Pitching was the consistent strength of the 2008 Phillies, who had the fourth-best overall ERA (3.89) in the NL and best bullpen ERA (3.22). Manuel hopes to match that, but Larry Andersen, the team’s former reliever, current broadcaster and keen observer of the pitching staff, believes it
can do more. “Health is the key anytime, anywhere,” Andersen said. “Given good health, I don’t see the staff being as good as it was last year — I see it being better. “You hear a lot about the nucleus of the lineup, but the nucleus of the pitching staff is more important than the nucleus of the lineup. From what I see in spring training, the pitching is better.” Andersen loves Hamels and Lidge. He likes the way Joe Blanton has thrown this spring. The right-hander looks confident and comfortable beginning his first full season with the club. Andersen also believes Brett Myers is ready for a strong season. “It’s his free-agent year and, right or wrong, that has a tendency to give guys more incentive,” Andersen said. “Some guys feel pressure in a free-agent year, but I think Brett is the type who will use it to push himself. “To me, you judge a pitching staff by its weakest link. No disrespect, but Clay Condrey pitched well last season and developed a lot of confidence, and I know Charlie developed a lot of confidence in him. And you still have Lidge, (Ryan) Madson, (J.C.) Romero and (Chad) Durbin in the bullpen. There’s a lot to like about this staff — top to bottom.”
