04 09 2009

FIGHTING FOR FIRST The Texas State softball battles Southeastern Louisiana for first place in the southland Conference this weekend see sporTs pAG p e 11

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Thursday

April 9, 2009

Volume 98, issue 71

Compost program may reduce cafeteria waste

By Sajen Claxton-Hernandez News Reporter

If Jason Sanders has his way, students’ leftover burgers and fries could end up on the soccer field.

Sanders, agricultural education senior, will introduce organic recycling bins to the LBJ Lair Food Court to reduce student waste as part of his thesis called, “Bobcat Blend.”

“We have a problem here on campus,” Sanders said. “We decided to tackle that problem.”

All waste students throw away after purchase is currently sent to a landfill.

Sanders said a significant percentage of waste thrown away could be recycled.

Bobcat Blend, a composting pilot program for the university, plans to introduce about a dozen, three-bin waste stations to the LBJ Lair Food Court by the end of the semester.

Organic waste in the compost bins will be taken to a facility at Muller Farm, where it will remain for approx-

Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo illustration CREATING AWARENESS: stephen Gates, student Foundation organizer for Bobcat pause, is creating ribbons in awareness of students, faculty, staff and friends who have died this past year.

Bobcats pause for ceremony of rememberance, honor deceased

By Theron Brittain Senior News Reporter Belinda Fuller-Upchurch, biology professor at Texas State, died in August of 2008.

Her husband, Gary Upchurch, describes his wife as a keen scientist and free spirit, with an intelligence rivaled only by her compassionate wit.

“She had a wonderful way of appreciat appreciating the absurdity of different situations,” said Gary Upchurch, associate professor of biology. “That is something the two of us had in common. She was a comic, but without the bite or the nastiness that is typical of the comedy of this age.”

Fuller-Upchurch is one of more than 300 faculty, staff, students and university friends who have died in the preceding year. Their lives and dedication to the university will be honored Wednesday at the 21st annual Bobcat Pause.

Bobcat Pause, sponsored by Student Foundation, provides members of the university community a chance to for formally recognize the contributions of the

deceased to the diversity of Texas State, and reassures survivors their loved ones are not forgotten.

“The purpose of this is to reflect upon and honor those Bobcats who have fallen before us,” said Stephen Gates, event or organizer. “Hopefully, when people attend this, they will be able to appreciate the history of this great university.”

Bobcat Pause, held 6 p.m. in the LBJ Teaching Theater, will feature a roll call of the deceased, a non-denominational prayer followed by a moment of silence and a slideshow of photographs. Gates said the University Choir will perform for the first time in the event’s history and conclude the ceremony with the singing of the alma mater.

University President Denise Trauth will attend and deliver an address to the audience. She said the event has become an important university tradition.

“Each Spring, we take time to honor the memory of faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Texas State,” Trauth said in an e-mail statement. “The individuals we remember at Bobcat Pause helped build

this great university, and through this memorial event, we hope to pay a fitting tribute to them.”

Gates said approximately 15 students have died in the past year, but was unable to confirm the number of deceased faculty, staff and friends of the university. He said “several hundred” invitations have been mailed.

For reasons of privacy, the Dean of Student’s Office would not release infor information on the deceased students.

More than 300 names will be read dur during the roll call. The event recognizes those who have died between March 1, 2008 and March 1, 2009, though officials decided student Tam Minh Tran, who drowned March 20 in Sewell Park, would be included in the official list.

Shannon Fitzpatrick, Student Foundation adviser and university attorney for students, said in her five years working with Bobcat Pause she has seen attendance increase steadily.

imately five months before becoming fertilizer.

“After we compost all the students’ waste, it will be tested and reapplied back onto our campus’s garden beds and sports fields,” Sanders said. “We are completing a cycle.”

Each waste station in the dining hall will include a recycling bin for cans and bottles, a compost bin for organic recyclables, such as unsoiled paper and food waste, and a trash bin for non-recyclables, such as Styrofoam and plastic-ware.

Sanders said the compost team, currently consisting of Sanders and Tyler Barlow, will service the compost bins.

Barlow, agriculture senior and avid participant in Bobcat Blend, said sending organic matter to the landfills breaks the cycle.

See CAFETERIA, page 3

Bobcat Bobbies provide safe, timely escorts on campus

By Megan Holt News Reporter From dusk until dawn, they cruise around campus looking for students in need.

The University Police Department employs nine Bobcat Bobbies who pick up people at night and deliver them to destinations around campus.

“If we see people, mainly females, outside, we ask if they need a security escort,” said Bobcat Bobby James McCracken. “A lot of times when we aren’t busy, we will sit at a busy location and wait for people.”

The lack of parking and recent steam and hot water outage proved Bobcat Bobby services useful to students.

“Due to the decreased amounts of parking, our service is really needed,” said McCracken, microbiology junior.

“A lot of calls come from the Speck garage.”

Sgt. Larry Fuller of the UPD’s security services said they had about 130 people call for an escort to and from the recreation center in one day during the hot water outage.

“Two out of three calls were to the rec. On average though, we usually get 50 to 60 calls a night,” Fuller said.

Cynthia Juraidini, pre-health administration sophomore, said Bobcat Bobbies are providing a valuable ser service because it “gets you from point A to point B safely and quickly.”

McCracken said Bobcat Bobby response time between destinations ranges from five to 10 minutes.

See BOBBIES, page 3

See CEREMONY, page 3

Bill may give students voting opportunity

By Megan Holt News Reporter A congressional house bill has Texas State students rallying alongside fellow collegians.

The bill, also known as the Student Voter Act, would require all universities receiving federal funding to offer voter registration to students at the same time as class registration.

The national movement supporting the passage of HB 1727 is spearheaded by 22-year-old Matthew Segal of Kenyon College in Ohio.

“We want to encourage young people to engage in the political process and realize they can go and talk to Congress and be heard,” Segal said. “House Bill 1727 has been referred to two commit committees. Hopefully, the bill will be signed by the end of 2009. The best thing we can do is publicize and hopefully rally support from college students.”

Segal, founder and executive director of the non-profit organization SAVE, Student Association for Voter Empower Empowerment, authored the Student Voter Op-

portunity to Encourage Registration Act of 2008 and presented it to members of Congress in July 2008. “(The act) is targeting people on college campuses where we have to traffic in drastic, high volume ways.” said Bobby Campbell, founder and director of policy and procedures for SAVE. “The way to do that is to tie in with the university system and enrollment registration.”

he act is “T targeting people on college campuses where we have to traffic in drastic, high volume ways.”

—Bobby Campbell, founder and director of policy and procedures for SAVE

Two-day Forecast

Today’s Weather AM Clouds/PM Sun

87˚

Precipitation: 20% Humidity: 47% UV: 9 Very High Wind: SW 19 mph

A recent Facebook group, Pass the Voter Act, has gained support from more than 2,000 students on Texas State and other university campuses who are rooting for the simultaneous registration opportunity.

“I started the Facebook group because, of course, young people are embracing social networking since the Obama administration,” Segal said. “I thought it would raise awareness, and I wanted to start a group that would get publicity.”

According to SAVE, Harvard University reported students are the most likely to blame their lack of attendance in elections to poor registration knowledge and mistakes.

“It’s kind of like hitting two birds with one stone,” said Isaiah Chavez, communication design junior. “(Registering for classes and registering to vote) at the same time will eliminate students mak making excuses. If they are already there, it makes it easier.”

Friday

Saturday

mostly sunny Temp: 87°/63° precip: 0%

scattered T-storms Temp: 77°/65° precip: 40%

See OPPORTUNITY, page 3

Tina Phan/Star photo GREEN THUMB: Dave Mix of Pacific Home and Garden lectured on the importance of quality pottery for gardening as part of the spring speakers series at the Great outdoors Nursery march 28 in Austin.

See TRENDS, page 7

Inside News ........... 1,2,3 opinions ............ 5 Trends .......... 6,8,9

Diversions...........10 Classifieds..........10 sports............11,12

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

PageTwo

Jenna Emery, respiratory care sophomore, hit a seventh inning homer over the right field wall to give Texas State a 2-0 win over Baylor in Waco tonight. The hit was the Bobcats first hit of the game coming at a great time to set up the win. The Bobcats improve their record to 26-12, while earning their fourth straight and their fourth win over a Big 12 opponent this season. Baylor drops to 29-15 on the season.

Today in Brief

2 - Thursday, April 9, 2009

Calendar

starsof texas state —Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

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

THURSDAY

FREE LUNCH WEDNESDAY

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting on at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, room 320.

Enjoy contemporary worship, relevant teaching, prayer and plenty of fun. Contact 512-557-7988 or mail@ texasstatechialpha.com for more information.

CRIME BLOTTER

University Police Department

There will be a meeting of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at 5 p.m. in LBJ Student Center, room 3-14.1. Cost is $25. Learn how to get rid of debt and build wealth by using the principles Dave discovered after the hardship of bankruptcy that have now turned him into a millionaire. Contact Krista at 512-353-4414 or bsm4jesus@centurytel.net for more information.

April 1, 3 p.m.

Theft-Under $50 - Sewell Park A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation.

There will be a “Simple Silent Sitting” meditation group from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. in Psychology Building, room 130B. All are welcome (any religion or no religion). Brief instruction can be arranged before we “sit” by contacting Colby at 512-408-4544 or Sheila at 512-847-2159.

April 2, 2:44 p.m.

Theft-Under $500 - Student Recreation Center A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation.

The Student Recital Series presents Jennefer McLauchlen-Graduate Flute Recital at 8 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free.

FRIDAY There will be an AA meeting from 1 to 2 p.m. in LBJSC, room 3-6.1 The Joint Student Recital Series presents Christopher Brandon Morales and Zach Kibodeaux’ Junior Voice Recital 8 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall.

Admission is free.

SATURDAY The Student Recital Series presents Billy Satterwhite Senior Jazz Studies Recital at 4 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free.

The Student Recital Series presents Luis De La Cruz Senior Saxophone Recital at 8 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free.

SUNDAY Every Nation Campus Ministries invites you to join us for Christ Community Church, meeting at Travis Elementary (by TXstate golf course). We will have a one-hour service starting at 10 a.m. with contemporary worship and an encouraging message.

Lindsey Leverett/Star photo Mike Heredia, communication design sophomore, chats with friends Wednesday at the Baptist Student Ministry.

Library Beat

Student library opinions provide useful guidance for staff

Feedback is essential to evaluating and guiding how library services evolve as staff converge the traditional library with modern-day technologies. More than 1,550 students, faculty and staff recently responded to the LibQUAL+® Survey, providing more than 500 comments. The Association of Research Libraries are analyzing the results. The association hosts this systematic Web survey designed to help institutions across the nation solicit, understand and act upon their users’ opinions of service quality.

Students filled out Answer

Boards placed in the library responding to “If I Ran the Library” questions. Staff learned student opinions on blocking MySpace and Facebook were split 50/50. Library users also provided constructive suggestions to relieve the waiting lines for computer users, such as timed browsing and segmenting areas in the building where access to social networking tools is available.

Answer Boards also provided advice about noise control: change the furniture, have floor monitors enforce quiet study areas, increase space for groups and for individual study

and extend library hours.

Students participated in the pilot of extended library hours between February 1st and March 30th. A team is compiling all the data collected, including door counts and surveys from overnight library users, and will report the findings to ASG and the university administration.

Library users can continue to send their likes and dislikes online using the “How Are We Doing” link on the bottom left www. library.txstate.edu/mylibrary/ forms/howarewedoing.html.

—Courtesy of Alkek Library

April 3, 12 a.m.

Criminal Mischief-under $500 Blanco Hall A nonstudent reported to a police officer university property had been damaged. The case is under investigation.

April 3, 9:45 a.m.

Medical Emergency - Jowers Center A student reported to a police officer she fainted. The student refused medical transportation.

April 3, 11:24 a.m.

Burglary - Habitation - College Inn A student reported to a police officer her property had been taken without her consent. The case is under investigation.

April 3, 12:34 a.m.

Disturbance - College Inn A police officer was dispatched to the location for a disturbance report. Upon further investigation, two students had a verbal argument. A report was made of the incident.

—Courtesy of University Police Department

News

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Police departments adopt social BOBBIES networking to deliver information CONTINUED from page 1

Patricia Drew Special to the Star Police departments nationwide are getting social.

Law enforcement agencies are utilizing social media Web sites like Twitter, Myspace and Facebook to disseminate information faster. Public safety officials use the sites to distribute short press releases, Amber Alerts, road closings and suspect descriptions.

The University Police Department has a staff size of 32 commission officers, three of which are assigned to the Community Awareness and Resource Team.

They present more than 100 crime-prevention programs each year, including topics such as personal safety, drug dangers and self defense. They do so in part by using Myspace.

About 80 percent of their Myspace followers are other police departments or officers.

“There’s a misconception about police branding,” said Otto Glenewinkel, a university police officer assigned to the Community Awareness and Resource Team.

Glenewinkel said the police department cannot report breaking news because often they are informed to refrain from commenting.

The most informative tool the UPD uses is the police blotter because it provides daily accounts of on-campus incidents and can be found on the UPD Web site.

“Our staff size pales in comparison to other universities,” Glenewinkel said. “We’re doing

a good job at community awareness for the resources we have.”

The San Marcos Police Department has only the official Web site to communicate to the public via the Internet.

Terry Nichols, San Marcos Police Department Commander with the criminal investigation division, said there is an audience for direct Web-based communication, especially at the university level.

“It is definitely something we have looked into, but not developed,” said Danny Arredondo, San Marcos officer of the community service division.

“Any organization that has the goal of engaging a community can find ways to use social media effectively,” said Cindy Royal, assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Royal specializes in teaching the practical and theoretical concepts of new media.

The New York Times recently reported the Auburn, ME police posted images on Facebook from a surveillance video showing three teenagers vandalizing.

Users on the site were soon providing tips that resulted in the suspects’ arrests.

Iowa’s Coralville Police Department has been using Twitter since September, providing updates to more than 300 followers.

They tweet road closures, service reminders, event information and things that would directly affect the community such as armed robberies and car accidents.

“I try not to tweet too much

CAFETERIA CONTINUED from page 1

“At some point, we just created this waste attitude for throwing away a resource that could be potentially thrown back into the cycle,” Barlow said. “That (cycle) is what we hope to complete.”

Sanders and Barlow conducted a waste audit to see what percentage of trash from the LBJ Lair Food Court could be composted, recycled or sent to the landfill.

“We took all of one day’s postconsumer student waste form the LBJ Lair Food Cafe and separated it into categories,” Sanders said. “We have an idea of what’s being thrown away in the LBJ food court.”

Sanders said participating students will have to partake in the separation of trash to the proper bins.

“We will be the first university in the state of Texas to do postconsumer source separation in the cafeteria,” Sanders said.

Sanders said they will make the source separation simple for students.

“Above each bin, there is going to be educational signage that will have a picture of what items can go in which bins,” Sanders said.

Sanders said he hopes students will take the source sepa-

ration actions from the cafeteria home with them because it could be the future of waste management.

“We want to educate the student body about the importance of the resource of their waste,” Sanders said. “We want to get as many students as possible to understand that organic matter is a very important resource for us to use.”

Sanders said he has a lofty goal for the Bobcat Blend Program.

“Our goal is a zero-waste cafeteria,” Sanders said. “We are looking at eliminating all of the plastic food containers and going towards biopolymer food containers.”

The dining halls on campus currently use the less expensive non-recyclable utensils such as Styrofoam and plastic cutlery.

Sanders plans to conduct a cost analysis program to see if a zero-waste cafeteria could save the university money because of reduced trash hauling expenses.

Tina Marie Cade, associate professor of horticulture and sponsor for Bobcat Blend, is hopeful they can provide evidence the program will save money to justify keeping it around.

“I hope we are successful in getting the operation going at the LBJ Lair Food Court and that it has the potential to ex-

because people will be less likely to pay attention if I tweet every minor car accident or theft report that doesn’t affect them,” said Meleah Droll, the Coralville Police Department’s community relations officer.

Droll said they use Twitter as a public relations tool, which makes the department more approachable.

The Bayton Beach police of Florida uses YouTube, Facebook, Myspace and Twitter to alert followers of breaking news, events and crime prevention tips.

“We are now in control of our content, our image, our information on the Web,” said Stephanie Slater, Bayton Beach public information officer. “Our message is not boiled down to a sound bite or news brief by media outlets.”

Slater said followers of social media sites are there because they want to be.

The San Marcos Police Department has a yearly outreach program, which airs on the public television channel called “Year In Review.” They discuss activity within the department throughout the past 12 months and invite the public to ask questions. The most recent program is aired Wednesday.

A fake Twitter account was recently shut down for impersonating the Austin Police Department. The account issued fake tweets to about 450 followers since it was created in 2008.

“There are many general pitfalls surrounding social media, if not used appropriately,” Royal said. “And there are no recipes for success.”

pand to other cafeterias,” Cade said. “I know that the (students) will learn something, and I hope that will inspire students environmentally as well as make them more aware of compost and horticulture.”

Bobcat Blend has received support from various organizations and companies such as Chartwells Food Services, the Environmental Service Committee and the Texas State Recycling and Waste Management employees.

“Chartwells has been fully supportive of this program,” Sanders said. “They are looking forward to working with the composting project.”

The compost facility at Muller Farm was funded through a grant awarded to the department of agriculture and the River Systems Institute to conduct a study on water hyacinth led by John Montoya, graduate student in the horticulture program.

“John Montoya’s study and grant, along with the Environmental Service Committee’s grant, has made Bobcat Blend possible,” said Sanders.

Sanders said Bobcat Blend is making the campus a greener, more sustainable campus.

“We’re going in the right direction in our cafeterias,” Sanders said. “We’re the rising organic recycling star of Texas.”

— Photo courtesy of Ashley Wright, AF ROTC READY, SET PIE: Cadet Clayton Hafernik prepares to pie Cadet Ashlee Adame during the AF ROTC Warrior Spirit Day. The “pie in the face” was part of fundraiser for Race for Cure and breast cancer research.

“Response time to a call depends on how many people are working,” Fuller said. “After 12 a.m., we usually have just one Bobby on call.”

When Bobcat Bobbies reach their destination, they are instructed to wait about five minutes before responding to another call.

“People complain about the response time, yet they still ride,” Bobcat Bobby Anna Bartsch, music studies senior, said. “It evens out in the end.”

Fuller said Mondays and Tuesdays are their busiest nights, reaching “triple digits”.

“Tuesdays are sorority and fraternity nights, so usually when they get out of meetings, we get a call from (the Student Cen-

The University Star - 3

ter),” Fuller said. “On the other hand, the rec center and Jones Dining Hall are other hot spots for students.”

Fuller said students who want to apply for a Bobcat Bobby position must go through extensive background checks, including criminal history and driving record checks before they are hired.

“Even though we have to go through background checks, we really retain employees in this job because it’s fun,” McCracken said. “One of my perks for this job is it is very peaceful when it’s not hectic, because I like to drive.”

Bartsch said good Bobcat Bobbies work well with people.

“You have to be someone who can tolerate bad attitudes,” Bartsch said. “You have to be patient, considerate and thoughtful

because you don’t know that person’s situation.”

Fuller said UPD gets strange calls from drunken students wanting them to locations they are not supposed to go to.

“They do get picked up,” Fuller said. “Just not by the Bobcat Bobbies. They get to ride in the squad car.”

Bartsch said the weirdest call she received was from UPD to the music building parking lot where a man and his family needed a ride to their car. The man wanted to give her a tip to “buy tacos.”

Bobcat Bobbies not only offers escorts around campus, but can also dispatch a shuttle for pickups and drop-offs at the stadium, coliseum and Bobcat Village.

Bobcat Bobbies can be reached at 512-245-SAFE (7233).

CEREMONIES CONTINUED from page 1

“When we first started we had a few dozen people attend,” she said. “Last year, we had about 150 and this year we are hoping to get 250 or at least fill the teaching theater. We want to spread awareness around the university community the importance of honoring those whose shoulders we literally stand upon.”

Fitzpatrick said gathering data on community members that have died is difficult.

Gates said every person who visits Texas State is touched in some way by their experience.

“It is only right for us to share their stories, even briefly, and reflect upon their life in general

and their life as a member of the university,” Gates said.

Jerry Fife, alumnus and San Marcos resident, died Feb. 20.

Fife punted for the Southwest Texas State football team from 1982 to 1985, following in his older brother, Jim Fife’s, footsteps on the team. Jerry Fife served as an attendance liaison in the past year for the San Marcos school district, dealing with students with poor attendance.

“There is no doubt he had a huge impact on those students,” Jim Fife said.

He said people who knew his brother, if only a short time, felt they had known him their whole life.

“Wherever he went, and who-

ever he came in contact with, he could just light up a room,” Jim Fife said. “He just had that kind of personality.”

Upchurch said his wife was a competitive swimmer her whole life and qualified for the tryouts for the 1972 Olympic Games. He said he would remember her “determination, comprehensive intellect and her all-around niceness.”

Gates said the history of Texas State is written by the lives of its members.

“The past is what helps us form the present,” Gates said.

“There are people who have come before us, and it is important for people to come and appreciate those that were part of our Bobcat family.”

OPPORTUNITY CONTINUED from page 1

Currently, the Higher Education Act of 1998 requires universities to, “in good faith,” offer voter registration on campuses to students. “Offering registration at that time takes away the excuse of ‘Oh, I don’t have time to do it’ on everyone’s part,” said Lucy Hernandez, pre-social work junior.

According to SAVE, colleges

and universities have an obligation to “equip students for a lifetime of civic participation.”

SAVE argues combining class and voter registration together will help fuel a healthy democracy that depends on “active, informed citizenry.”

“Young people have the boldest and freshest ideas,” Segal said. “They need to be valued in the (political) process. They are also the highest unemployed and uninsured, but they are the

most educated.”

Despite recently encouraging increases in elections and the ratification of the 26th Amendment, the number of 18-year-old voters has declined, according to SAVE. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, college students who registered to vote in the 2006 election totaled 68 percent. Of that percentage, 47 percent came out to the polls. In the 2004 election, 74 percent registered, while 66 percent voted.

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Thursday, April 9, 2009

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

EXPENSIVE EDUCATION

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu

The Main PoinT he concept T of tax-free textbooks has died in the halls of the capitol more times than even aged legislators can count.

Even on the local level, ASG put forth legislation last year advocating tax-free textbooks, only to be run asunder by interests more powerful than their own.

Now, State Sen. Judtih Zaf Zaffirini (D-21) has put forth a more restrained plan in the similar vein. Instead of per permanently stripping textbooks of their taxes, Zaffirini’s bill would, if passed, create a holiday for economically burdened students to purchase the school supplies tax free.

There is something to be said of taxes. Few words can inspire such ire in the average American, but even those with limited knowledge in government realize nothing could be done without funding on the local, state or federal level. In other words, taxes get things done.

However, an educated populace is as important for the progression of society. Having a high number of people emerging from the best institutions of higher learning the world has ever seen will keep America on top in this new, global economy. That will not happen if students cannot afford their textbooks. And there are more economic challenges every day.

That is why students need a small break from the monetary obligations that come with attending a university.

Students need a few days they can go to the bookstore, present their university-issued ID and not have to worry about being double-billed by Uncle Sam. Students have not only been paying too much for text books at the check-out counter, when they pay taxes that money is going toward their education as well. The amount of tax dollars going into higher education is never fully taken into account when discussing how much students pay.

So after years of having the government double bill students for something that, over time, benefits everyone, it is good Zaffirini’s bill may help relieve that burden, if passed.

This bill does not promise it will help everyone. Even the long-lines at the bookstore during this tax recess would deter some. However, the people who need it the most will gladly brave long lines even before their university might have started.

Give the students a break Uncle Sam, create a tax free holiday.

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.

PETA’s tactics are too extreme

AMMIE JIMENEZ Star Columnist

As a vegetarian, I have a soft spot for organizations fighting for animal rights and trying to bring an end to animal cruelty.

I strongly support organizations that care about these issues and try to inform the public about what goes on behind the scenes.

However, there are some organizations that are so extreme I think their tactics accomplish the opposite of what they set out to do, gaining enemies instead of supporters.

People for the Ethical Treat Treatment of Animals (PETA) is one of the best-known organizations when it comes to animal rights.

It goes after people or organiza organizations they believe are mistreating animals. But there is a difference between tough and extreme. I am no longer in agreement with its tactics when it crosses that line.

It becomes counterproductive when protests focus on humiliat humiliating people or shoving their beliefs in others’ faces. John Kelso, from The Austin American-Statesman, said, when it comes to trying to start a chicken empathy museum, “in Louisiana, if it’s not a cutlet, it’s a nugget. Next time, try this stunt in New York City and maybe somebody will bite.” It is frustrating when the main outlet for animal rights is a group so controversial and at times radical they fail to achieve their own goals.

As covered by the News Channel 36 Web site, placing a 12-yearold girl inside a cage dressed like an animal is a bit much. Once the shock of such demonstrations wears off, anger and opposition is left. There are better ways to get people to listen about animal rights without going to extremes.

PETA members need to consider that people who consume meat were raised that way. I don’t believe they do it out of hatred toward animals or malice, so it doesn’t make sense to ridicule or call people murderers and expect lifestyle changes because of protests.

The logical thing would be for PETA to pull its efforts into educating the public in ways that don’t cause people to act defensively and immediately repel the information given. There has to be a balance between fighting for a goal and knowing how best to achieve it. It’s time for PETA members to take a step back and remember what they fight for is animal rights and the priority is to gain victories, not enemies.

I am not completely against PETA, it has done a lot of good when it exposes acts of animal cruelty. But I do not support the strategies behind some its efforts.

There has to be a time when the extreme protests are drawn back.

Juan Ramirez/Star illustration

Buying from conglomerates contributes to country’s financial problems

GARRETT MCSPADDEN Star Columnist

An idea popular in the Depression has re-emerged in northeastern progressive towns.

According to USA Today, “A small but growing number of

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

cash-strapped communities are printing their own money.” The idea came about in the 1930s because the dollar lost all of its value and businesses began to grind to a halt. Sound familiar? People can spend $10 in federal money and receive $20 in the “funny money” to spend around town at any business that accepts it. Businesses generally get a sum of money after agreeing to accept the alternative cronies to jump-start the program.

Local businesses benefit from this program because it encourages people to keep the money in the community rath-

er than spend it at a Wal-Mart or other conglomerate chains.

When money stays in the community, so do happy people.

History can prove that the effects of spending money outside the community may have contributed to our present situation. Mass production meant cheaper products, and cheap is so irresistible that we naturally started buying those goods. The profits, however, did not harbor the same characteristic. They went to one man, Sam Walton — the Wal-Mart pioneer. Eventually, Sam became so rich he had the power to tell the market what

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

their prices were. According to The Wal-Mart Effect by Charles Fishman, Wal-Mart said “We want the 2.97 gallon of pickles.

If you don’t do it, we’ll see if someone else might.” Such a low price was barely yielding profits for Vlasic, but they had no choice. They could either do what the powerful business wanted, or face giving up their biggest contract. They took their losses and instead fired workers to compensate. Essentially, we pay Wal-Mart for their “everyday low prices” and we lose our jobs for it. As Fat Bastard would say, “It’s a vicious cycle.”

Copy Desk Chief..............Claire Heathman, starcopychief@txstate.edu Design Editor...Kelly Patterson, Carrie Evans, stardesign@txstate.edu Art Director...........................Michelle Oros, starartdirector@txstate.edu Sales Manager.................................Krystal Slater, starad2@txstate.edu Marketing & Promotions.......Samantha Manley, sm1299@txstate.edu Office Manager.............................Emily Gerngross, eg1166@txstate. edu

Everyone has opinions of how the blessed United States has taken such a nasty turn.

It could be global domination groups like the illuminati, it could be Obama’s evil plan and it could be the war in Iraq. I think it is damned aliens and mind control. Or it could be sufficed to say we have done it to ourselves.

We pay the big businessmen the money because they make life a little easier. They then have the money to make the earth turn. Those in power then realize they like it. They want more and will use any ir irresponsible business practice

available to get it. Then, we fall for their dirty tricks and land ourselves in a mound of debt, pointing a finger 180 degrees in the wrong direction.

I am not suggesting we stop shopping at Wal-Mart. I still do.

I am a poor college kid who is victim to the same circumstances. It does not change the fact that if we do not our tune, we will eventually be governed by a low-price tycoon. If we don’t want that, I suggest we all stop paying them.

Cuevas Produce off River Road has watermelons for three bucks — way cheaper than Wal-Mart.

Media Specialist.......................................Matt Lynch, matty@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator......................Jodie Claes, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator...........................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...............Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

Copyright Tuesday, March 24, 2009. 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.

6 - The University Star

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Thursday, April 9, 2009

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

potterblotter

7 - Thursday, April 9, 2009

Vincent Crabbe might need to learn a “break out of jail” spell before he continues practicing his patronus spells. Jamie Waylett, the actor who plays Vincent Crabbe in the Harry Potter series was arrested yesterday for possession of marijuana after the police pulled him over and found eight bags of marijuana in his car. The situation got stickier when police decided to search his mom’s house and found 10 marijuana plants growing. The collection of greenery was estimated to be worth almost $3000. Waylett will play Crabbe in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, set for release on July 17.

Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Thursday Charlie Shafter Band, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Brandon Rhyder, 8 p.m., Cheatham Street Noel McKay, 6 p.m., Raina Rose, Jesse Dalton, Foscoe Jones, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Michael Wren and Friends, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Thirsty Thursday with Mike Ethan Messick and Friends, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern

Friday The Band of Heathens, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall Zach Walther and the Cronkites, 9 p.m., Cheatham Street Mark Jungers, 6 p.m., Hammer, Ethereal Architect, Die Among Heroes, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Texas Saints, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Joel Hofmann Band, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Saturday Ben Mallott Band and Meagan Tubb Band, 1 p.m., Max Stalling, 9 p.m., Gruene Hall John Arthur Martinez and Dr. G & the Mudcats, 8 p.m., Cheatham Street Funkotron, David Hasselhoff on Acid, 10 p.m., Triple Crown Douglas Kent, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Donny Waits, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Sunday Easter Gospel Brunch, 10:30 a.m., Bret Graham, 12:30 p.m., Clay McClinton,

Spring Speaker series offers gardening help

5 p.m., Gruene Hall Open Mic w/ Grant, Holly Leigh Morgan and Nate, 8 p.m., Triple Features Reporter Crown The best way to go green is to Jazzie Oke, 9:30 p.m., Gray start with the thumbs.

Horse Saloon The Great Outdoors is hostOpen Mic with Glen Allan, 8 ing the Spring Speaker Series p.m., Riley’s Tavern Monday Bret Graham, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Battle of the Bands, 9 p.m., Cheatham Street RC Banks, 6 p.m., Triple Tronica w/ Jon Dishon, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Tuesday Adam Carroll w/ Michael O’Conner, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Midnight River Choir and Jordan Minor, 9 p.m., Cheatham Street Bill Passalacqua, 6 p.m., Sean Faires, Shane Walker, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Paul Eason & Beverly Hensley, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Wednesday Texas Renegade, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Kent Finlay’s Songwriter Circle, 8 p.m., Cheatham Street Ken Raba & the Broken Rope Band, 6 p.m., James Thompson Group, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Open Mic with Kris Smith, 9:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Jesse Felder & the Bus to Brooklyn, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern

to help garden-lovers of the Austin area overcome botanical problems they may encounter.

The knowledgeable guest speakers can answer any question, from helping gardens survive the Southern heat, maintaining a garden for a small space or creating a vegetable garden that can save money. Experts for the series are from all over the country and support the gardening cause and invite others to be part of their passion for plant life.

Bill Welch is an honorary guest visiting the Great Outdoors, who will be speaking about plants for southern Texas. Welch is the author of multiple popular gardening books and is well known for his appearances in Southern Living Magazine. Another, more than qualified speaker, is Chris Wiesinger, who will be speaking on the Texas bulb. Wiesinger owns The Bulb Company and has been featured in The New York Times for his work.

Matt Welch, manager of the Great Outdoors, encourages students and faculty to attend the Spring Speaker Series.

“Our speakers are pros. This is a great opportunity for gardeners to learn some valuable concepts,” Welch said. “The talks will be entertaining and informative. It is just a fun event.”

Carley Anderson, interdisciplinary studies sophomore, said container gardening is geared towards a student’s lifestyle because there is little space and absolutely zero time for garden maintenance.

“Flowers are pretty to look at and help to create a home, but as students, it is basically impossible to have a garden in an apartment and even harder to prioritize gardening into a busy schedule,” Anderson said.

Looking beyond their aesthetics, gardens also have the ability to save people money.

“Food prices are going up and the economy is hurting. People are starting to grow their own food, also known as a depression garden,” Welch said. “Students are usually the heads of these trends. When other industries are hurting, the garden industry is not.”

Christina Widacki, marketing sophomore, agreed gardening could take a chunk out of grocery expenses.

“If they have the space, students could benefit from having their own gardens. It would save a person a lot of money at the grocery store by just growing

Tina Phan/Star photo QUALITY GARDENS: Great Outdoors Nursery is hosting an nogoing Spring Speakers series March 28 in Austin that provide lectures on the importance of quality pottery for gardening. their own vegetables,” Widacki said.

Welch wants the Speaker Series to be fun for those who attend.

“We want to be a resource for the community, not just to come and buy plants, but to come out and have a good time,” Welch said. “We want this event to feel like a garden party. (It is) a place to come with friends, sip on some refreshments and enjoy yourself before going out for the night.”

The fun was not lost on Widacki.

“This is an event I can defi-

nitely see myself attending with my girlfriends. It seems to be a fun and relaxing hobby,” Widacki said.

“I’ve watched my mother garden for years and it is definitely something I would like to learn more about,” Anderson said. “It is a way of making something your own.”

The Great Outdoors is located in Austin on South Congress.

Events will be held on Saturdays for little or no cost. Visit www. gonurser y.com/pdf/speakers. pdf for more information, including an itinerary and topics guest speakers will cover.

Trends

8 - The University Star

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Moonlight float offers new experiences Award winning author speaks at reading series Crystal Davis

Trends Columnist

A vital part of student life is finding new things to do, places to see and people to meet. The nocturnal aspect of the college experience, for most of us, is the most thrilling, and often we find these adventures through friends and media.

However, my last unforgettable nighttime excursion came about in a completely different way: through a class lecture.

Matt Knifton, owner of The Texas Rowing Center in Austin, came to speak to one of my classes about different aspects of business and the benefits of rowing.

I haven’t been in any kind of watercraft that wasn’t inflatable since living in San Marcos, but he started talking about an event

called “the moonlight float” and it peaked my interest.

The moonlight float is a monthly trip taken by canoe or kayak. It begins in Austin on Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) and participants paddle out to Congress Street Bridge to watch the bats fly out at sunset and then paddle back in the moonlight. Out of pure curiosity, I called to make a reservation and join the moonlight float last Saturday.

The trip began at 6 p.m. with a potluck dinner and everyone who signed up brought something to eat. The spread had everything from fried and roast chicken to pizza and vegetables.

Afterward, people started taking to the water and rowing out to the bridge. The rowing center’s guide informed me it was about a two and a half mile journey round trip.

The scenery was very tranquil, but the most amazing perspective was seeing downtown Austin from a new angle. Looking at the skyscrapers and lights from the middle of a park was a

humbling experience.

Halfway to our destination we passed a concert in the park and Sugarhill Gang was performing “Rapper’s Delight.”

Once we got to the bridge, a man who had brought his clarinet with him began playing extremely intricate jazz music. The ambience couldn’t have been more fitting because once the bats began to fly out of their niches it was it was amazing to watch.

When the show was over and everyone started to row back, the sun had gone down and the only remaining light was from the moon, the neon from buildings and the glow-in-the-dark bracelets around our arms.

The concert was still going on as I rowed by but this time the performers were a blast from my pop culture infatuated past – Boyz II Men. The sounds of junior high nostalgia followed me the remainder of the journey.

Overall, it was a memorable night and the moonlight float is an experience I would recommend to anyone. I guess attending class can lead to fun.

By Erica Rodriquez Features Reporter National Book Award winner and novelist, William Vollmann is much acclaimed for tackling graphic subjects using a means many authors refuse — experience.

Vollmann has smoked with Cambodian prostitutes, run with Afghan guerrilla forces, broken into rail yards to hop trains and will give a reading of his work, followed by a question and answer session at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Alkek Library.

Vollmann has traveled to the North Pole, Bosnia and the Congo and has written a number of books, essays and short stories commenting on society’s most pressing issues such as violence, war and poverty.

“His writing is very focused on moral problems and moral issues,” said Marc Watkins, graduate English student who is a fan of Vollmann’s work. “His writing carefully, yet elegantly illuminates controversial subjects that most writers shy away from.”

A straightforward “street-journalistic narrative” is how Michael Noll, program faculty in the department of English described Vollmann’s style.

“He’s kind of an experimental writer,” Noll said. “He has some subjects that are a little offbeat.

I haven’t read a lot of it but what I have read is pretty interesting.

He’ll sort of boil down a lot of complex social issues.”

Verbose novels sometimes thousands of pages long, numerous footnotes and absence of quotation marks are typical Vollmann trademarks, but something his fans savor.

“I was just absolutely fascinated with this style of writing and the language he uses and his outlook on life,” said Jonna Beck, graduate English student who has followed his work for years. “It’s kind of a mix between pragmatic and dark … He writes about war and violence but with a sort of worship for them.”

Vollmann won the National Book Award in 2005 for Europe Central, which portrays World War II-era Europe through short

profiles and sketches of Europeans. Vollmann is also well known for his book Afghanistan Picture Show: Or, How I Saved the World, which recounts his 1982 travels in Pakistan and Soviet-occupied Afghanistan.

A chance to interact with Vollmann is something rare. A recluse by nature, Vollmann scarcely does interviews and doesn’t even have his own Web site.

“It’s really amazing that he is engaging with the university,” Beck said “The only time he is engaging with the future is in his writing.

I’m looking forward to just being in his presence.”

Watkins hopes to learn from Vollmann’s inspiration.

“I just hope to figure out what really drives this guy,” he said.

“We have people sitting behind desks writing from imagination.

It’s refreshing for someone to go out and view their subject first hand.”

The Therese Kayser Lindsey Reading Series and the department of English is sponsoring the event. Contact Michael Noll at 512245-7679 for more information.

Presidential seminar honors professor

By Jovonna Owen Trends Reporter Beverly Penn, professor in the department of art and design, was honored by Texas State at the 40th annual Presidential Seminar.

University President Denise Trauth said the Presidential Seminar was established to showcase the career of a faculty member, and it allows Texas State to honor a person, not just for a single achievement, but for a significant part of his or her career.

“I’m very honored,” said Penn.

“It’s quite an honor to represent this department at the university level for creative research, because artist’s don’t typically fit the academic model, so it’s an opportunity and great acknowledgement from the administration.”

Penn said research work can be hard early in a career when trying to establish research credentials, but she never gave up.

“I absolutely love what I do — the materials, the process,” said

Penn. “It kept me motivated to continue, not reasons of acknowledgement but for fulfillment of researching the ideas.”

Penn discussed “Second Nature: Art as Primary Experience,” during the seminar. She said her research took her to places such as Spain, Italy and Mexico.

Penn specializes in metal art sculptures. Her work has appeared at the Austin Museum of Modern Art and Whole Foods.

Stacey Staudt, studio art senior, helped cast metal pieces featured in Penn’s artwork.

“I’m extremely proud of her,” Staudt said. “She is the most deserving person of this and has been very modest about it.”

Staudt said she admired Penn as an artist.

“Seeing her presentation really opens your eyes to how accomplished she is,” Staudt said. “She has so much experience — a true professional.”

Trauth said one of the things that demonstrates being at the top of one’s profession is hard

work, which Penn possesses.

“Her work is beautiful, but it’s also painstakingly creative,” Trauth said. “When you think about how much time and effort goes into this, from the conceptualization to getting it hung on the wall, it’s remarkable.”

Erik Nielsen, department of art and design chair, said it was amazing for Penn and the art department to be recognized.

“This university had been really good at the support they have given our creative people,” Nielsen said. “She is obviously an example of one of the best.

During the 19 years I have known her, it’s been amazing to see her growth and the success that she’s had.”

Nielsen said you could not ask for more from an instructor.

“This is what inspires the students,” Nielsen said. “When they can go into the class room and they see a true practitioner who has met with success, worked in the field and is teaching from experience.”

Trends

Thursday, April 9, 2009

The University Star - 9

Feetbelts offer straps for fixed gear tricks

Lindsey Leverett/Star photo NEW BIKE SENSATION: Ben Woodling, economics senior, and friend Justin Taylor work in their studio to make more of their bike product known as Feetbelts.

By Brittany Bemis Features Reporter “If it is supposed to save your life, you know it won’t break on you,” said Chaz Armijo, pre-communication design sophomore.

Armijo is referring to Feetbelts,

the brainchild of Justin Taylor, local artist and avid cycler.

Feetbelts are straps created from recycled seat belts, to ensure a cyclist’s feet stay in place while riding.

“They attach through the reflec reflector holes on a bike pedal,” Taylor

said. “With fixed gear (bicycles) you put a lot of force pulling up on the strap so it needs to be really strong and (this way) the stress is distributed evenly.”

Taylor said the idea to create Feetbelts came to him after his girlfriend totaled her car.

“I used to ride with a similar product that broke really quickly.

(The car) was sitting in the driveway and I was contemplating how to make a product that was more durable and more comfortable too,” Taylor said.

“I saw the seat belts and just cut them out and made my first pair.”

From there, Taylor said his new invention gained a kind of notoriety and he decided to collaborate with fellow biker Ben Woodling, economics senior.

“When I started making them to sell I just had a suitcase in my trunk that I would take to bike rac races, with no real marketing what whatsoever,” Taylor said. “Ever since (Woodling) has started handling the business online, advertising and contacting people, it has com-

pletely taken off.”

Woodling said the demand for their business is growing on both a national and international level.

“You can purchase them at The Hub here in town and we’re work working on selling them (at several locations in Austin),” Woodling said. “They are also available online and we’ve shipped to probably 44 states, (as well as) England, Italy, France, Australia and Hong Kong.”

From the product to the pack packaging, every characteristic of Feet Feetbelts is recycled.

“Half of it is to keep costs down and also create an appeal to all people,” Woodling said. “We use the back side of (cereal) boxes for packaging, it’s a lot of cardboard and it adds up.”

The entrepreneurial duo said Feetbelts is just the beginning.

“We are working on 6 or 7 designs for products that we can make (from recycled materials), like bags, watchband covers, frame pads, wallets and belts,” Woodling said. “We are also start start-

ing a clothing line. (Taylor) is a master screen-printer and we will collaborate with local artists as well as some in San Antonio and Austin for a shirt line.”

Taylor said Feetbelts are par particularly unique when it comes to doing tricks compared to similar products on the market.

“I do a lot of tricks on my fixed gear, and I don’t like to have my feet in the straps or in any sort of cage so I always flip them over and stand on the other side of the pedal,” Taylor said. “But if you have cages on your bike, while going backwards or doing a trick they hit the ground, and if you really hit them you would bend or break them.”

Armijo said Feetbelts enable him to perform tricks without worrying about damage.

“I would definitely recommend this product to others who are tired of dealing with broken cages,” Armijo said. “Not only is it durable, but it is finally putting cars to good use.”

Woodling said the Internet has

been instrumental in getting the Feetbelts name out.

“We’ve been on 19 of the top 20 cycling blogs,” Woodling said. “(Feetbelts) are being reviewed in Wired magazine next month and have been in Urban Velo, an underground cycling ‘zine.”

Feetbelts may also make their way to the North American Handmade Bike Show.

“It’s like a car show for bikes,” said Woodling.

Taylor and Woodling have been blown away by the positive response to their product.

“This guy contacted us and he has two bikes actually in the show and he wanted our product on them,” Taylor said.

Armijo said he thinks Feetbelts are a practical and affordable product.

“They might seem like a do-ityourself project, but it is actually a huge process,” Armijo said. “For $20, they are definitely worth the price.”

Visit www.feetbelts.com for more information.

News

10 - The University Star

✯Star Comics

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Solutions for 4/8

Classifieds E-mail Classifieds at starclassifieds@txstate.edu

rates and policies

Cost - 25¢ per word (1–6 days); Cost - 20¢ per word (7+ days); Deadline - 2 business days prior by noon All classified ads must be paid in advance, unless credit is established. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. We do our best, but please check your classified ad for accuracy. Any corrections to your ad must be made by the second day of publication. As a free service to you, all classified ads will be published on-line on our web site at www.universitystar.com. However, since this is a free service, posting is not guaranteed. While The University Star attempts to screen ads for misleading claims or illegal content, it is not possible for us to investigate every ad and advertiser. Please use caution when answering ads, especially any which require you to send money in advance.

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SPORTS

Thursday, April 9, 2009

The University Star - 11

Bobcat softball takes victory over Big 12 opponent Baylor

By Eric Harper Sports Reporter The Bobcats returned to action Tuesday in Waco against the Baylor Bears after a vacation from games.

Texas State won 2-0, marking its 26th victory of the season and its fourth against a Big 12 Conference opponent.

The Bobcats got their first base runner with two outs in the sixth when Kristina Tello, junior utlity, drew a walk.

Alex Newton, senior shortstop, then reached on a fielder’s choice, but Taylor Hall, senior outfielder, grounded out to end the two-out rally. The Bobcats broke the Baylor no-hitter in the seventh inning when Jenna Emery, sophomore utlity, hit a home run to right field. Emery’s home run broke the scoreless tie, giving the Bobcats a 1-0 lead. Chandler Hall, freshman pitcher, then reached base with a single. She then scored on a two-out RBI single by Ali McCormack, senior third baseman.

C. Hall knew she had to keep the Baylor hitters off the board.

“I had to make sure to keep people off the bases. I wanted to keep their hitters swinging at my pitches and keep them off the board until we could score some runs,” C. Hall said.

C. Hall allowed one hit in the first inning, but escaped without allowing a run. Baylor got a single in the third and did not reach base off C. Hall until the seventh. Baylor had a one-out double and moved the runner to third on a wild pitch. The runner did not come in to score, and Hall followed with a strikeout and a fly out to end the game. C. Hall allowed five base runners during her seven-shutout innings, striking out three and allowing three hits. C. Hall improved her record to 17-6 on the season.

C. Hall said the key to her success was remaining focused and executing her game.

“I was able to play my game. I had the hitters swinging at my pitches, and I just stayed focused on hitting my spots while the offense was not scoring,”C. Hall said. “If I did that, I had a feeling the offense would come through and we would win.”

The Bobcats will return to Southland Conference play against Texas-San Antonio 12 p.m. Saturday as part of the I-35 Rivalry series. The Bobcats sit atop the SLC with a 14-4 conference record, 2612 overall, while the Roadrunners are currently fourth with records of 13-8, 20-18.

Austin Byrd/Star file photo VICTORY OVER BEARS: Mckenzie Baack, sophomore first baseman, hits against Northwestern State April 12, 2008.

The Bobcats claimed a 2-0 victory against the Baylor Bears April 7 in Waco.

Baseball competes for conference lead against tied team

By Joseph O. Garcia Sports Reporter

Bridgette Cyr/Star file photo HARD HIT: Laurn Randell, junior outfielder, hits the ball at the March 24 game against Prairie View A&M. The Bobcats will play Southeastern Lousiana Thursday at Bobcat Field.

Statues give team good luck for NCAA tournament

By Stu Durando St. Louis Post-Dispatch Seeking any advantage in his bid to win a national championship in St. Louis, Connecticut Coach Geno Auriemma took time before the 2001 Final Four to stop at Busch Stadium and touch Stan Musial’s statue for good luck.

He soon realized his mistake.

“It was only good for one half,” he recalled Tuesday night of UConn’s loss in the national semifinals.

Eight years later, Auriemma made another stop at Busch and took his ritual several steps further before the Huskies won the program’s sixth national championship with a 76-54 win Tuesday against Louisville at the Scottrade Center.

“This time I got them all,” he said. “I got the whole crew down there. I went all the way back. I figured, now I’m a true St. Louis guy, I got to touch all the statues and rubbed all their heads.”

Connecticut (39-0) inducted another group of players into the school’s hall of fame of “undefeats” as the 2008-09 Huskies capped their third unblemished season by winning every game by double digits.

“The scores might have shown we won by a lot,” guard Renee Montgomery said, “but it wasn’t easy.”

Tina Charles, junior center, led a trio of AllAmericans by scoring 25 points and grabbing 19 rebounds. The Huskies won for the third time in as many tries this season against their Big East rival.

Louisville (34-5) managed to keep things interesting for 10 minutes, but the Cardinals missed 18 consecutive shots during one excruciating stretch that spanned the first and second halves.

Meanwhile, the Huskies went on a 20-3 run that ended the drama early. In two other meetings this season, Connecticut had defeated Louisville 75-36 and 93-65.

“I felt really good going into the game,” Louisville coach Jeff Walz said. “The first five minutes was what I was most concerned about.

We went back and forth and I really felt good about things. Then we started to rush some shots and Tina Charles did an outstanding job of intimidating us.”

Auriemma said he spent the past two weeks feeling physically ill over the prospect of what his team faced in the NCAA Tournament.

Previous teams, he said, could not handle

the challenge of living up to the program’s undefeated predecessors in 1995 and 2002. He was searching for reasons to believe this team was different.

“After this team ran off a bunch of wins, they had to live with the whole thing of going undefeated and winning a championship,” he said.

“The margins kept getting bigger and more was expected. Of course, they’re going to win.

Of course, they’re the best team ever.”

Reminders of past Connecticut national championships lurked everywhere at Scottrade Center, occupying spots on the bench, above the tunnel where the Huskies entered and on the sidelines as media analysts.

The crowning achievement was witnessed

by Shea Ralph, now an assistant coach, Jen Rizzotti, coach at Hartford, Rebecca Lobo, ESPN analyst, and Kara Wolters, radio analyst, among other players who won championships at UConn.

Did this team surpass all other UConn champs?

“I can’t say ‘yes’ and I can’t say ‘no,” said Tiffany Hayes, freshman guard. “But our team is definitely going to go down in history.”

The former players saw Charles turn in one of the most dominant individual performances in a title game as she made 11 of 13 shots and achieved a double-double with three minutes left in the first half. She was named the most outstanding player of the Final Four.

Louisville looked like it was up to the challenge for the first 14 minutes. The Cardinals swarmed on defense, forced numerous early turnovers and All-American Angel McCoughtry, senior forward, started fast.

She scored 11 of the team’s first 15 points and Louisville maintained contact until the 10minute mark, when the game was tied at 17.

The Cardinals were within four with six minutes left in the half.

But Charles was more than Louisville could handle with a front line consisting of 6-foot-1 Gwen Rucker, freshman center, and 6-2 Keshia Hines, sophomore forward. Charles used her height advantage and experience to record 15 points and 12 rebounds in the first half.

The junior, who was benched before last year’s NCAA Tournament, sparked a big half for UConn’s big three. Charles, Moore and Montgomery combined to score all but four of the team’s points before the intermission.

And Louisville’s fast start quickly fizzled into a 27 percent shooting performance in the half as the Huskies finished with a 13-3 run.

A catfight will break out Thursday at Bobcat Field.

The Texas Sate baseball team is tied for the No. 1 spot in the Southland Conference standings with Southeastern Louisiana Lions. The teams have identical SLC records at 10-5.

The teams will begin a three-game series at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and continue at 6:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday.

The winner of the series will take the top spot in the SLC. Coach Ty Harrington said the Lions are tough competition.

“They (Southeastern Louisiana) had one of the best clubs in the league last year,” Harrington said. “(This year) I think they are pitching well again. They have got three, if not five, really good offensive guys in their lineup, including freshman infielder, Justin Boudreaux.

“They do a great job, they have a nice club, their stats speak for themselves. There is a reason why they are tied with us at the top.”

Harrington said he is excited for the weekend series.

“I’m anxious for this weekend to get here, and I’m anxious to see how we respond and how well we play and how hard they play.”

Cody Gambill, sophomore outfielder, agrees.

“I’m really excited about the series this week-

end,” Gambill said. “It’s always nice to have two teams at the top of the conference come in and play at this point in the season.

“Everyone knows what they are playing for. We are really excited. It’s awesome that we are having it at our place. Hopefully a lot of fans come out to support us.”

The Bobcats will keep the same pitching rotation, although the series is pushed up because of Easter Sunday.

“They are just going to have to get back a little bit sooner,” Harrington said. “Hopefully they will come out and perform well this weekend. I know that our guys will be ready to play.”

Harrington is asking the student body for support.

“I’ve tried to talk this thing up a little bit. I’d like to see as many students out here making as much noise as possible,” Harrington said.

The students can make a big difference, according to Harrington.

“The atmosphere in this place has been really neat and a lot of fun, but a good portion of the good atmosphere has been our students.”

“I’d love to see (the students) come back out on Thursday and Friday,” Harrington said. “If they go home for Easter, I get it, but if they are sticking around, there (isn’t) a better place to be sticking around than to come out here. Throw the tailgates out here and let’s have a nice time and have a great weekend.”

SportS the univerSity Star

asiya award

Asiya Iskakova, marketing junior, was named Southland Conference female outdoor track and field athlete of the week Wednesday. She placed third in the high jump and fourth in the triple jump at the Texas Relays during the weekend.

12 - Thursday, April 9, 2009

Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu

Women’s golf prepares for conference tournament

By Javier González Sports Reporter The Texas State women’s golf team prepared for conference in warmer weather Monday and Tuesday.

The team competed in the Ryder Canes & Cardinal Classic in Miami Lakes, Fla. for the final regular season tournament.

Coach Mike Akers said the course was typical of Florida with Bermuda grass, water and trees, which served as a warm-up for conference.

The team finished in sixth place with a combined total score of 914. The Bobcats shot a 297 in the first round, which tied a Texas State all-time record.

Akers said the week was up and down.

“It was a roller coaster week for us,” Akers said. “We were riding high after tying the school record Monday morning. Somehow we didn’t hold on to our

good play.”

Sydney Liles, applied arts and sciences senior, tied for 16th place with 229. She shot a 74 in her first round, 76 in the second and concluded with a 79 in the third.

Liles was followed by Adin Stromgren, undecided health profession sophomore.

She shot 230, giving her a tie for 19th with scores of 74, 79 and 77 first, second and third rounds, respectively. Amy Glazier, marketing junior, tied for 21st at 231, one stroke back of Stromgren, after her third-round score of 83.

Akers said the latter part of the tournament did not go as well as he had hoped.

“Our goal was to finish in the top three and we just didn’t do the job,” Akers said.

“It was nice to defeat Texas Tech, however.”

Gabby De Reuck, undecided freshman, came in tied for 34th with a total of 236 af after shooting 77, 79 and 80 in each round.

Trine Mortensen, undecided sophomore, placed behind De Reuck with 238.

Texas State competed against Penn State, Miami, Texas Tech, Washington and Princeton.

Akers said he feels his team can beat just about anyone.

“We are trying to build a nationally competitive program,” Akers said. “The only way to become the best is to play against the best. Our schedule gets harder and harder each year but that will make us better.”

Akers said the competition was elite.

“We (were) very excited to travel to Miami and play against some top caliber teams,” Akers said. “San Jose is ranked No. 21 in the nation, so they (were) the team to beat.”

Next for the Bobcats will be the Southland Conference Championship tournament Monday to Wednesday in Kinder, La.

International student rules tennis court

Lindsey Goldstein/Star feature photo KIKI WINS: Saskia Kruse, exercise and sports science junior, has more wins than any of her tennis teammates this season.

By Dustin Stelly Sports Reporter In Klingelbach, Germany, a small town with about 800 residents, a retired pilot and his wife live at an old water mill where they have raised three children.

One of these children includes Texas State women’s tennis player Saskia Kruse, exercise and sports science junior.

Kruse, better known as “Kiki” to her friends and family, has more wins this season than any of her teammates with an 8-1 conference record.

Kruse began playing tennis when she was nine or 10 years old. She and her brother started playing while their parents took lessons. Kruse began taking private lessons and playing in local tournaments when her parents’ coach spotted her talent.

Kruse said she first became interested in America in 10th grade because she loved the English language and the people fascinated her. She said she prefers an American accent to a British one.

“I love when little kids speak English. It’s so cute,” Kruse said. “I could hear that all day long.”

Kruse said going to school in the United States was an exciting prospect for her.

“In Germany you can either study full time or you play tennis professionally, but then you just play tennis,” Kruse said.

Kruse said going to the United States was the only way she could go to school and play tennis. She began sending letters to colleges and was offered scholarships at 12 universities after coaches saw videotapes of her playing.

Kruse first attended school at Barry in Miami, but she felt like the tennis program did not challenge her enough. Kruse decided to transfer to Texas State when a friend told her about Coach Tory Plunkett.

Plunkett asked teammate Jennifer Nowland, psychology sophomore, if she would show Kruse around the tennis program and introduce her to everybody. Kruse and Nowland became roommates after writing to each other.

“We’re together all the time,” Nowland said. “We drive together, we come to practice together, we live together, we travel together, so we get to see each other a lot.”

Nowland said she and the remaining teammates have

learned much from having Kruse on the team.

Nowland said Kruse’s playing style is unique and brings something different to the team.

“I don’t know how to describe it,” Nowland said. “It’s touch … it’s a lot of touch. Soft touch.

It’s very unconventional.”

Nowland said she had never seen anyone use so many drop shots like Kruse. Kruse’s practice style eventually led to a practice session where all of the team had to learn the technique of dealing with drop shots.

Kruse said most girls tend to just hit the ball back and forth, but she has found success by varying her shots. Her opponents get frustrated because they cannot adapt to her unexpected style.

“I’ve had several girls who were crying after the match or during the match,” Kruse said.

“They were so frustrated, they hit balls out of the court.”

Nowland said she enjoys watching Kruse play when given the chance.

“I can always cheer on her court because I know she’s going to be kicking some girl’s butt and making her cry,” Nowland said. “I’ll move to other courts, but I always start on Kiki. She puts me in a good mood.”

Kruse said her major was an easy choice because of her love of tennis. However, she does not want to be a professional coach. Kruse said she thought about being a police officer or a pilot like her father, but right now, she is unsure as to whether or not she will stay in the United States or return to Germany.

“I think it all depends how everything works out,” Kruse said. “I still have two years left.

A lot of things can happen dur during that time, so I’m open to everything.”

FYI Kruse’s family looks after more than 200 animals, including cats, chickens, rabbits, raccoons, kangaroos, emu, zebu, nundu, deer and birds.

“My mom takes care of (baby) animals who are injured,” Kruse said. “We take care of them, and then we keep them, because once they are used to it, we can’t put them back into the wild.”