03-31-2026 by The University Star

Therapy dogs provide relief during

mourning period

By Azja Farabee Life and Arts Contributor

A man’s best friend is more than a friend. Working therapy dogs bring more to the table than just companionship. Therapy dogs are here to help throughout the process of grieving a loved one.

Mourning periods are not clear cut for anyone, but 58% of pet owners prefer to spend time with their pets when feeling stressed, according a 2025 release form from mental health company Calm and pet care business Mars.

Hays top county for rabies cases in Texas

By Jakob Salsgiver News Reporter

Hays County is currently the leading county in Texas regarding confirmed rabies cases.

“People are more apt to open up to an animal coming towards them or one sitting at their feet with their head on their lap and just pet them and have a bit of relief as opposed to feeling the need to talk to somebody,” Hershman-Ross said.

Jyl Hershman-Ross, Canines Who Care therapy dog program trainer, said having a trained therapy dog to rely on while grieving a loved one is important.

YDSA Propaganda Chair Carmella Castruccio calls for justice for philosophy professor Idris Robinson, Monday, March 30, 2026, at The Fighting Stallions. Robinson is filing a wrongful termination suit against the university.

Rabies is a virus that primarily affects the central nervous system. Rabies mainly occurs in wildlife, such as foxes, skunks, and raccoons. After exposure to rabies and before clinical symptoms, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can treat the disease. However, once symptoms appear, the virus is almost 100% fatal.

PEP involves four or five vaccines, wound care and an infection prevention measure.

If PEP is used after exposure to rabies, it is almost 100% effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Douglas Loveday, a press officer with the Texas Department of State Health Services, wrote in an email to The Star that only Hays and Bexar counties are in the six to eight confirmed cases category of rabies, surpassing all other Texas Counties. Hays has a total of eight cases, whereas Bexar has seven.

Texas State community protest university amid professor’s lawsuit

By Ryan Claycamp News Editor

Students, faculty and union members gathered at The Stallions to protest the firing of Associate Philosophy Professor Idris Robinson on Monday, March 30.

Texas State placed Robinson on leave in June, informing him that his contract would not be renewed in July due to comments he made at an out-of-state book fair in 2024. Robinson is now suing the university over

his termination.

Aimee Villarreal, president of the Texas State chapter of the American Association for University Professors, said her organization was one of the few able to defend Robinson due to Texas State temporarily replacing the faculty senate with an advisory group because of Senate Bill 37 in 2025. According to Villarreal, the university’s decision regarding Robinson is part of an attack on freedom of speech in higher education

and academic freedom.

“Stand up for academic freedom, for your freedom to learn,” Villarreal said. “This is your education. You’re paying for it, and what is the cost? Your freedom to learn.”

Gracie Hargrave, a philosophy graduate student and member of the Texas State Employees Union (TSEU), helped organize the protest. She credited Robinson as being the reason she came to Texas State.

AIDEN FRITCSCHE |

Grant allows participation in WWII anthropology project

By Peyton Till News Reporter

The Department of Defense awarded the anthropology department a grant, which allowed 11 graduate and doctoral students to fly to France, in hopes of uncovering and returning home the remains of four missing crewmen from a crashed B-17 World War II flight.

The department received a $280,000 grant from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), an agency within the Department of Defense with the mission to “provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel to their families and the nation,” according to its website

The grant was spearheaded by Todd Ahlman, director of the Center for Archaeological Studies, to enable a team of students to travel to an area near Rennes, France, for four weeks in summer 2025. They are expected to return to the project in July 2026, but there are ongoing budget negotiations regarding funding for the second year of the grant.

“DPAA is the military, so there is a very regimented process, there’s a lot of record keeping that has to happen,” Ahlman said. “One, because it’s the military, but also to be accountable to the families.”

The group is working to uncover a B-17 bomber plane that went down in 1943 the European theater, which was the area of Europe involved in World War II, after an air battle with the Nazi German Luftwaffe.

Ashley McKeown, a professor of instruction and one of the participants of the project, said going to France made her realize how powerful World War II was, with how the French still live with the effects of the Nazi occupation to this day and how different it was for people in America.

“It still informs how [locals] live and think … to hear them talk about what the U.S. did during

“His wife had just brought their son into this world, and he was scheduling calls [while] on paternity leave over the summer with me about my anxieties and general fears with grad school,” Hargrave said. “That type of support is ultimately the reason that I chose to come to school here, and that is what is lacking [with] the absence of some of our most profound faculty members.”

Hargrave said Robinson’s absence caused her to face difficulties she otherwise would not have if he had been present to help her.

“When I arrived on campus and faced the natural difficulties of moving to a new state alone for the first time, alongside the mountain of work as a grad school student … I was missing the support of my mentor,” Hargrave said.

Jen Rowland, associate professor of instruction of philosophy, said events like the firing of Robinson and former associate history professor Thomas Alter have left her afraid to conduct her class as she always has. She said fear of teaching controversial issues will lead to Texas State students having a less well-rounded education.

“I’m terrified of what I can and can’t say,” Rowland said. “I teach classes that are specifically designed to be about controversial issues.”

Students are also afraid, with many at the protest declining to speak or requesting anonymity due to fear of retaliation from the university. Rowland said she sees the same fear in the classroom, with students selfcensoring during class discussions.

“My students often say that

History:

at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 3,300. Printing is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

World War II to free them from Nazi occupation, was really moving,” McKeown said.

This is the first time Texas State has partnered with the DPAA, making it the first Texas university to receive a DPAA grant for terrestrial, or aboveground, anthropology.

“This is taking it to a whole new level, going out into the field and representing Texas State in a foreign country, doing this level of work,” McKeown said. “It’s designed to be training for our graduate students, and giving them the practical training and skills that might help them land a job down the road is really critical.”

Last summer, the team included 11 students, nine crew members, two student field chiefs and a recent graduate who was the team’s interpreter.

“I really support the work that the DPAA does; it was amazing to get to be a part of that,” Rebekah Stowe, a forensic anthropology student who went with the team in summer 2025, said.

Ahlman said the project is expected to be completed in three years, but it is dependent on the work and findings. Information about the flight history, crew, and status of the project is limited, as it is ongoing with DPAA.

“I think this is wonderful work, and I’m very glad that the DPAA is still investing in World War II’s missing and unaccounted for service people,” McKeown said.

Brenda Rodriguez (center), program director for special projects for the Dean of Students, informs former associate history professor Thomas Alter (right) that he can’t protest on campus, Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Fighting Stallions. Texas State updated their expressive activities policy to restrict where non-campus affiliated individuals can protest in September, 2025.

they’re terrified about speaking up in class because they’re worried about being too controversial or getting anybody in trouble,” Rowland said. “They’re worried about getting me in trouble, and I’m worried about getting into trouble.”

Rowland said Robinson being punished is hitting her harder because she is a Texas State alumna. She said she first learned to appreciate the values she is now advocating for during her time as a student at Texas State.

“I’m a Bobcat all the way through, and I was thrilled to come back here

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and work here,” Rowland said. “But I don’t know if I’d known then what I know now, I would’ve entered academia at all. Definitely not in Texas, which breaks my heart.”

During the rally, Alter showed up to stand in solidarity with Robinson, as he went through a similar situation. Alter is also a member of TSEU, the same union as Robinson.

Shortly after Alter arrived, Brenda Rodriguez, program director of special projects for the Dean of Students, informed Alter that he would not be allowed to protest under university policy. The university’s speech policy

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was updated in September to prohibit non-campus-affiliated individuals from participating in “expressive activities” unless at Bobcat Trail or sponsored by a student organization. Alter pushed back against Rodriguez, saying university policy does not outweigh the First Amendment. Rodriguez then threatened to call the University Police Department.

Ultimately, Alter was allowed to stay at the rally on the condition that he would not protest in any way.

“I was exerting my constitutional rights. University policy does not trump the Constitution, free speech and the right to assemble, also this is a free speech zone on a public university,” Alter said. “Those university policies are currently being contested in court.”

Alter said actions like the university forcing him to stop protesting are what the rally was meant to oppose.

“There’s an administration right now that feels it has more power than the U.S. Constitution,” Alter said. “We’re saying ‘no, this university administration does not have more power than the Constitution.’ That’s why it is so important to be out here in solidarity with [Robinson] and exert our rights.”

Publication Info

Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, March 31, 2026. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor-in-chief.

Corrections Policy: Errors appearing in the pages of The University Star and brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible.

ELLA MADIS | STAR ILLUSTRATOR

FROM FRONT PROTEST

RYAN CLAYCAMP | NEWS EDITOR

River otters’ presence indicates healthy ecosystem

By Arabella DiChristina Assistant News Editor

During calm mornings at the San Marcos River, students could see North American River Otters peek out over the water, indicating a healthy river ecosystem.

This year marks the otters’ sixth spring back in San Marcos since the fur trade in the 19th and 20th centuries that almost wiped out the population. The otters are now returning to return due to healthy water quality, according to Virginia Parker, executive director for the San Marcos River Foundation (SMRF).

“We’re seeing the population rebound on the San Marcos river, and that is not only indicative of a healthy ecosystem, but is also indicative of the fact that the fur trade is not as relevant today,” Parker said.

Parker said otters are native predators and help manage the fish populations, despite some people’s beliefs about them being a threat to fish.

“[Otters] love fish, crawfish and

some mussels ... as a predator, they’re going to kill [a] diverse [number of animals] because if there’s any species that is overwhelming, it’s going to control that,”Ivan Castro-Arellano, associate professor in biology, said.

The fact that the river otters are still present means the river is doing well and there is enough fish for them to prey on, Castro-Arellano said.

According to Castro-Arellano, people can find the river otters at Sewell Park, Spring Lake or the boardwalk early in the morning when there aren’t many people around.

While the San Marcos River has been in a drought for nearly four years, Castro-Arellano said the ecosystem seems to be doing well.

“If the river gets completely dry, they cannot survive in the area; they will move to another watershed, so I assume they’d follow the river until they can jump to the next,” CastroArellano said. “We’re so lucky here that our Aquifer and Spring Lake is running decently. If the aquifer [dries out], we have more serious problems than the otter.”

Three of the biggest threats to the otter population are development, pollution and drought, according to Castro-Arellano.

Thomas Heard, deputy director of the ecological research and fish and wildlife biologist at the Meadows Center, said the habitat conservation plan through the Edwards Aquifer Authority, helps keep the river health. Under the plan, Heard and his team replace invasive plants with plants native to the river.

“I think observationally, we don’t have data on this, but because we have replaced much of the invasive vegetation in the river with mainly native species, it’s possible that the river has been able to remain resilient during those low flow periods,” Heard said.

Heard said that if rain continues missing San Marcos and the recharge zones, it’s hard to predict how bad the ecosystem could get.

Parker said when people get the chance to see the otters, it creates a special moment between the person and the river.

“... Having those emotional, special moments on the river brings people closer to the river, which is good for people’s health overall, but it creates an opportunity for them to care about the river a little bit more,” Parker said. Parker said she saw the otters a few times and made a special connection with them on Mother’s Day.

“Within the first 10 minutes of my paddle, there was a river otter. I don’t know if they eat mussels, but that’s what I think he was eating, and I just got really quiet and sat there, and I got to watch him for about 20 minutes, and it was so special,” Parker said. “I’ve also gotten to sit and watch a mother and baby bobcat along the river and that was just such a special moment.”

Parker said that if people have the chance to see an otter, they should enjoy the moment and avoid any interaction with them. Additionally, when walking in the river, they should avoid stepping on vegetation to keep the otters’ habitat healthy.

Confirmed cases refer to animals tested for rabies in a lab after collection.

“[There may be cases] in other counties that we just don’t know about because the animals died from the virus and were never discovered and tested,” Loveday wrote.

Rodney Rohde, a professor and chair in the College of Health Professions, said there is an alert from the Texas Department of State Health Services in Hays County due to several rabid animals. The alert includes a skunk that tested positive and a recent fox attack. While the alert is high level, Rohde said it does not mean every human is under imminent threat.

“It’s just more about being aware that wildlife, especially wildlife that’s behaving strangely or doing things that they normally wouldn’t do, to kind of avoid them and certainly if they come into contact with anything like [an animal that is behaving strangely] to let city officials know, as well as their doctor if they actually get exposed to a bite,” Rohde said. Rabies is primarily transmitted through bites. Other ways include scratches and, in extremely rare cases, organ transplantation. In humans, symptoms appear in the first two to 10 days. Symptoms such as a fever, headaches, anxiety and irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tingling or burning at the bite site can all occur. Any warm-blooded mammal is capable of transmitting rabies, according to Rohde.

Kate Esqueda, community health services manager for the Hays County Health Department, said rabies activity has increased in 2026 compared to previous years. There is also a possible shift toward foxes sustaining rabies at a higher level than skunks, who are the largest host in Texas. This shift has not yet been confirmed by DSHS.

In 2023, by March there were five rabies cases, however by March in both 2024 and 2025 there were no cases, according to Esqueda.

“Hays County is now a part of a larger regional outbreak effecting multiple counties,” Esqueda said.

Esqueda said to take measures such as avoiding contact with wild animals and to be aware of surroundings when walking outside. People should also take action with domestic pets, such as vaccinations and spaying or neutering pets to ensure they are less likely to look for mates. Rohde said there are animals on campus that people should be cautious of, including a gray fox and several skunks. He also mentioned that there are bats in the area.

Anyone who sees an animal that may have behaviors related to rabies is encouraged to contact the local authorities. Local residents can contact the Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division, San Marcos Animal Shelter and Animal Services. In addition, any person who has possibly been exposed to rabies should seek medical care with urgency.

FROM FRONT DISEASE

North American River Otter swims in front of City Park, Friday Feb. 23, 2026, in San Marcos. Otters poke their head above water to check out the surrounding area.

MADELINE

PHOTO COURTESY OF RENE PEREZ

March 31, 2025

Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our

administration, Board

Abandoning pets threatens SMTX ecosystem

By Syghlas Morales Opinions Columnist

Rising pet abandonment and growing stray populations are causing problems in Hays County, the delicate ecosystem that makes San Marcos so special is being threatened. These issues particularly affect San Marcos. San Marcos is home to a variety of unique native species. Many animals reside in the one-of-a-kind San Marcos River, while others settle in the surrounding greenbelt.

Along with animals, San Marcos houses plenty of college students that are more likely to care for animals irresponsibly. According to a study by Rutgers University, a large portion of pet abandonment is directly linked to college students.

According to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, 981 calls regarding stray animals were received between September 2024 and September 2025. With the San Marcos Regional Shelter facing severe overcrowding, many pets are ending up in sensitive wild areas.

The Texas blind salamander, San Marcos salamander and Goldencheeked Warbler are just a few of the already endangered species found in the Hays County area. And as stray pets move deeper into wild spaces, additional stress is being placed on some of San Marcos’ most vulnerable species.

Christopher Riggins, a wildlife and fisheries biologist at the Meadows Center, said the disturbance that stray animals have on the environment is often underestimated.

“It doesn’t often seem like one animal can do that much by itself … but it really depends on where they fall in that food web as to how much they disrupt that,” Riggins said. “Stray cats eat mice and birds … and we have endangered birds that nest only in this area of central Texas that could fall prey to [strays].”

Golden-cheeked Warblers are among the most at risk by roaming pets. The bird only breeds in Hays County and is especially vulnerable to predation and habitat loss. According to the American Bird Conservancy, free-roaming cats kill about 1.3 billion birds in the U.S. each year.

threatened due to invasive species, like armored catfish, that are introduced through dumping.

“I think a lot of people just don’t understand. ‘Well, I have a fish. That’s in water, and there’s a lake right here, that’s water, why doesn’t it belong there?’” Riggins said.”[People] not understanding how delicate some of these ecosystems and the food web and the species interactions really are, especially for a unique ecosystem that’s spring-fed [puts everything at risk].”

Stray animals don’t appear out of nowhere. The responsibility for this situation lies entirely with San Marcos and Hays County residents. Every abandoned pet, free-roaming cat and stray dog contributes to disturbances the ecosystem cannot withstand.

The solution to this environmental

actions through responsible pet ownership.

Part of being a responsible owner is being proactive. Resources are readily available for preventing unwanted litters through Prevent A Litter of Central Texas (PALS), a San Marcos-based non-profit that provides low-cost spay/neuter, vaccines, microchips, pet food and community cat services for Hays County residents.

Beyond PALS, the San Marcos Regional Shelter offers foster opportunities and adoption specials, helping keep animals off the streets and out of environmentally sensitive areas. It is important to recognize that prevention is far easier than rescue. Owning a pet is not an easy task or hobby, but a full-time responsibility that goes farther than some may think.

San Marcos’ biodiversity is one of a kind, and protecting it is a collective responsibility. Taking measures, like neutering and rehoming instead of dumping, can protect the environment and ensure that San Marcos stays environmentally healthy and unique for generations to come.

“Protecting the ecosystem and the species that reside in all of our surrounding ecosystems … that responsibility kind of falls on everybody … we all [need] to do our part to try to take care of it,” Riggins said.

Syghlass Morales is a wildlife biology freshman

On department marketing On San Marcos drought

I was extremely disheartened to see posters in Evans Liberal Arts earlier this semester that declared, in giant type, “Education is Boring.” In smaller font below, it indicated that students should scan the QR code and answer the question, “How can we make it more fun?” This poster was printed by the College of Fine Arts and Communication.

I have never found a college education to be boring. On the contrary, this special period in students’ lives is quite possibly the only time they will ever have to explore new topics, new perspectives, and new ideas in a supportive, collegial environment.

I went through several emotions when I first saw the posters. I was shocked, disappointed, and finally angered. A key component of my entire academic career has been to make education interesting, fun and relatable. I work hard at those goals, and my colleagues do as well. Countless students have responded to me over the years that I have succeeded. Therefore, I find this poster insulting and dismissive of the efforts of TXST faculty members who actively engage their students in course material.

When developing and teaching a course, I have always had the attitude that most students perform to the level that is expected of them. By reinforcing this tired trope, we are sabotaging not

trap, especially when your university is telling you that your educational time here is boring. Why even try to engage with the course content if it’s supposed to be boring? Just stay bored with it and try to survive your classes; a passing grade is simply good enough. Get that diploma and head out into the “real world” which will be much more exciting.

The intent of the poster may have been to work towards involving students in finding new and innovative learning methods, but the effect of the poster simply reinforces common negative tropes about education and promotes anti-intellectualism. Students are told by this message that learning about the world is dull, and that instead they should be entertained rather than put in the time and effort to be active participants of educational content. What you get out of a class is directly proportional to what you put into it. Ask any of my former students.

I don’t know who was responsible for this marketing campaign from the College of Fine Arts and Communication, but it is extremely disappointing and, as I stated earlier, disheartening.

Deborah L. Cunningham, Ph.D. Department of Anthropology

Letters to the Editor Policy

at the University of Texas at Austin currently taking coursework in marine science. Having gone to school and lived in San Marcos for five years, I found your article on the importance of the river to both residents and the ecosystem very compelling.

In my studies, I’ve been learning about the intersection of climate change and water runoff. In particular, greenhouse gas emissions and warming contribute to instability in natural climate patterns, leading to longer periods of drought and unexpected cold snaps.

Based on this increasingly frequent pattern of longer, arid conditions, I believe one significant factor of the current Stage 3 drought restrictions on the city of San Marcos is the broader effect of climate change. Warming increases the atmosphere’s capacity to hold water, leading to more variable precipitation patterns. This, in turn, causes longer dry periods, leaving less water available for the aquifer to recharge. Furthermore, even when the rain does come, it tends to fall on more parched, compacted soil, causing runoff instead of recharge.

Overall, I agree that the river, which flows through popular spots like Sewell Park, is vital to both the residents and the delicate ecosystem

of San Marcos, and I believe that this balance may be further disrupted by climate change. I hope that recognizing these broader warming patterns and lengthening cycles of drought will encourage students and residents alike to conserve water while voicing their concerns, demonstrating that global warming is a real problem directly impacting our community and something we have an ethical obligation to protect.

Sincerely, William Lunkenheimer

ROWAN CLARK | STAR ILLUSTRATOR

LIFE & ARTS

FEATURE

Pet resort opens to San Marcos community

By Leo Tchoulanov -Ezhevsky Life and Arts Contributor

After five months of construction and planning, Kuri Pet Resort officially opened its doors on March 19, welcoming cats and dogs of all different shapes and sizes.

Kuri Pet Resort offers many different services for cats and dogs. While its primary service is overnight boarding, it also offers a day camp and bathing services for dogs.

Robyn Leenaerts, founder and co-owner of Kuri Pet Resort, said location, community trust and employment were some of the biggest challenges in making the pet resort a reality. She previously worked with a pet business called Old Towne Pet Resort in Washington, D.C., where she discovered her passion for the field.

“It’s when you see the dogs start trying to get out of the car before the cars even stop to come in, when they’re so excited walking in the door because they know that they’re going to have a good time, that just makes your heart light up,” Leenaerts said.

Leenaerts chose San Marcos for the first Kuri Pet Resort location because she is originally from La Grange and has family nearby. The growing population of the region was a major factor in her decision to open her first location.

“The amount of growth

potential that’s happening in this area ... It’s a great place to open a business,”

Leenaerts said.

Leenaerts also said the small-town community and Texas State population residing in San Marcos creates a great environment for community-based businesses like a pet resort.

“We’re literally taking care of folks’ extended children … We take a lot of responsibility for that care that we do and provide … We want to make sure [the dogs and cats] are safe and wellcared for,” Leenaerts said.

Leenaerts said she wants to ensure pet care starts with the employees. She said Kuri Pet Resort is very selective in deciding who is on its team to prioritize the care and safety of the animals. It considers hiring responsible, attentive and flexible individuals.

“You have kisses, licks and slobbers, it’s a messy job … By and large, you sometimes even have to love dogs more than humans to work here,” Leenaerts said.

Amber Park, Kuri Pet Resort employee and animal sciences junior, said the resort could provide employment opportunities to Texas State students, especially those who aim to pursue an animal science-related education like her. She said there was the challenge of having a low number of customers in the first two day of the pet resort’s opening. However, that gave her the opportunity to get to

FROM FRONT THERAPY DOGS

Animals in general are known to have a sense of when there is an issue. However, therapy dogs specialize in this and tend to have an immense amount of empathy to approach those they feel are suffering. Hershman-Ross said the dog’s personality and behaviors depends on the situation.

“The dogs themselves naturally know what to do depending on the situation,” Hershman-Ross said. “If we’re with younger kids, we would bring dogs that are a bit silly and have them do tricks for comic relief.”

Texas State’s Therapy K9s specifically supports

know her coworkers.

“It’s really your coworkers who can make or break your day,” Park said. “If you have amazing coworkers, it helps ease your day as well.”

Angel Velez, Kuri Pet Resort employee and wildlife biology alumna, said Kuri Pet Resort also had a special impact on recent Texas State graduates, as it was also her first pet-related job following her graduation. She said the employees and management at the resort make the challenge of working at a job easier.

“The employees that work here are really nice ... And it’s rare to have a boss that really cares about you, that really sees you,” Velez said.

Leenaerts said after the initial opening in San Marcos, she hopes to certify all employees in safety and pet care and eventually open two more locations, such as somewhere in Schertz. She said all of the work that went into creating Kuri Pet Resort wouldn’t matter if the community doesn’t trust the resort with their “extended children.”

“Trust is a very important piece [of running a business],” Leenaerts said. “The pet parents that decide to place their pet in our care ... That’s a lot of trust that happens. We don’t have that reputation yet, we don’t have those reviews yet ... but I’m very confident that we will.”

the community’s mental well-being by reducing stress through interactions, responding to crises in teams and building community for students.

Canines Who Care helps with various crisis scenarios. When a student died, it visited the school to provide grief support to the staff and students. It also visits places within the area such as hospitals, nursing homes and firehouses to provide stress relief for staff and patients there.

“Sometimes [people] don’t want to talk to anyone,” Hershman-Ross said. “They just want to put their hands on something living that just

Scan the QR code to visit Kuri Pet Resort’s homepage.

Scan the QR code for more information on Texas State’s Therapy K9s.

‘gets it.’”

CARLENE OTTAH | LIFE AND ARTS EDITOR Kuri Pet Resort co-owner Robyn Leenaerts plays with 8-monthold Australian Shepard Mix Winnie, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Kuri Pet Resort. Winnie, a rescue, arrived at the pet resort that day.

CARMEN

BASEBALL

Tovar’s hill: lefty off to strong start in ‘26

By Jack Lysaght Sports Reporter

Junior pitcher Jesus Tovar’s pitching doesn’t stand out at first glance. He doesn’t deal high heat or indulge in theatrics after a strikeout or inning-ending double play.

Still, most opposing hitters he has faced in 2026 are powerless to solve him.

A six-foot lefty starting pitcher from El Paso, Tovar has been making short, quiet work of opponents as the Sunday starter for the Bobcats, leading the team in wins with six, innings pitched (36.1) and opponent batting average (.185). His ERA (2.48) and hits allowed (22) have him in the top 10

among all Sun Belt Conference pitchers.

“For me, being a starter means you got to take it easy, don’t give the other dugout any type of energy to feed off from you,” Tovar said. “You know the saying, ‘don’t wake a sleeping dog.’”

Tovar said he has a specific mindset that allows him to pitch deeper into games.

“I feel like you kind of have to save some energy for later in the game,” Tovar said. “So I don’t want to use up all my energy, and then I’m tired for the rest of the game. [If that happens], then my stuff doesn’t perform like it did in the first or second inning.”

After being selected District 1-6 player of the year in 2021 for Montrose High School, Tovar enrolled at New Mexico Junior College. However, a string of injuries hampered his efforts there, sidelining him and resulting in Tommy John surgery, a procedure used to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament inside

he transferred to Texas State in 2025. He excelled as a strong midweek starter, with quality road perfor mances against

two Top-25 opponents in then-No. 18 Oklahoma State and then-No. 1 Texas A&M before moving to the weekend rotation.

Tovar came into the 2026 season as one of the few returning veterans, with over 15 starts and over 66 innings under his belt.

Stepping away from the traditional four-seam fastball, Tovar focused his attention on location within the strike zone and mixing speeds to keep hitters off-balance. During winter training, he implemented a sinker as part of his pitching repertoire, along with his cutter and changeup.

“He’s been really good,” Texas State pitching coach Josh Blakley said. “He made some arsenal adjustments, bought into them, and it’s given him the confidence to go out there and do what he does.”

The numbers prove this as well. Tovar has only given up two extra-base hits so far. Tovar has also benefited from the program’s investment in new analytics technology. Austin Wallace, director of pitching development & analytics, developed tools to measure performance, find weaknesses in a player’s game and how best to address them.

“The first thing we did was change his primary pitch from a four-seam fastball, which was average at best, to a sinker,” Wallace said. “Then, we helped him get away from the barrel and

induce a lot more ground balls, which is kind of what’s allowed him to get deeper into games … just keep getting that weak early contact.”

Despite his success, Tovar will never forget his roots and what it takes to get the success he’s earned Though his family lives eight hours away in El Paso, they come to San Marcos about once a month to watch his starts.

“My mom and dad have been a huge part of this, my sister as well,” Tovar said, “They’ve been through the ups and downs, through all the injuries, through the surgery ... Every time they come here, I feel like I play a little harder for them just

so that they can reap the rewards of all the sacrifices they’ve made.” Wallace also said he looks forward to continuing the development of Tovar’s game and that he has high expectations for his potential trajectory.

“I would love to see him take that next step and get that frame a little more filled out, hopefully the velocity comes with that,” Wallace said. “Then we’re talking about Jesus Tovar pitching in the majors.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY AYDEN OREDSON Texas State junior pitcher Jesus Tovar pitches against Abilene Christian. TXST won 3-0.

Texas State junior pitcher Jesus Tovar (13) holds tournament trophy, Sunday, March 1, 2026, at La Moderna Field, in Cleburne, Texas.

AYDEN OREDSON | ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

THIS WEEK IN SMTX

Texas State sprinter Sai Brookins competes in Women’s 200 Meter Dash, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Texas State’s Track and Field Complex. Brookins placed fourth with a final time of 24.29.

A San Marcos local participates in the No Kings Protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Hays County Courthouse. The protest was held by Step-Up San Marcos and other local advocacy groups.

Programs and Grants Director at American Artists Project Singer Jasmine Williams performs at The Night of Ideas, Friday, March 27, 2026, in the Taylor Murphy courtyard. The Night of Ideas is a festival held in 18 cities across the U.S.,

Founder of local photography club San Marcos

Friends

teaches participants about cyanotypes, Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Taylor Murphy building. Emerick hosted the session as a part of The Night of Ideas.

Texas State distance runner Jack Deelman competes in the Men’s 1,500 Meter Run, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Texas State’s Track and Field Complex. Deelman placed seventh with a final time of 3:55.74.