04 21 2009

Controlling Conference Iris Darrington Baseball sweeps Northwestern State, continues Texas State track and field star reflects on

SEE SPORTS PAGE 10 SEE SPORTS PAGE 9

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

www.UniversityStar.com

April 21, 2009

TuesDAy

Relay for Life Texas State raises awareness, money for cancer research

Volume 98, issue 75

New dean of students begins at Texas State

By Megan Holt News Reporter

poverty-stricken Nicaragua, obtained a degree and finished school with a Ph.D.

Margarita Arellano said the reason for her career change 21 years ago was because of a gift — an award for a full academic scholarship to finish her last year in graduate school.

Arellano, as a college student at the University of Texas, dealt personally with student affairs when she did not qualify for financial aid because she was considered an international student.

“Receiving financial aid really changed my perspective,” Arellano said. “My own personal experiences taught me we can help. That’s why I embrace this profession.”

Arellano rose out of a war-divided and

See DEAN, page 3

Margarita Arielano

Faculty senate discusses opposition to concealed carry on campus

By Kosaku Narioka News Reporter Faculty Senate is considering a resolution opposing concealed handguns on campus.

Faculty Sen. Bill Stone said the senate is feeling pressure from fellow faculty members to pass a resolution opposing a joint bill in the House and Senate that, if passed, will allow license holders to carry handguns in classrooms.

Debra Feakes, Faculty Senate chair, said she receives more e-mails about gun control than any other issue on campus.

“It is very, very frustrating for the faculty,” Feakes said. “They can go as an individual and lobby, but they can’t (do so) as a faculty member of the state agency.”

University President Denise Trauth, who visited the Faculty Senate meeting Wednesday to give legislative updates, Hannah VanOrstrand/Star photo STAND TOGETHER: As student, faculty, and friends gathered at this year’s relay for life on Friday, people walked the symbolic path to remember those who have lost the fight against cancer.

By Gabby Jarrett News Reporter The doctor told Reginald Deal there was good news and bad news. The golf ball-sized lump on the right side of his neck was benign, but a smaller growth on the left was cancerous.

Deal, counseling and student affairs graduate student, alongside others attended Relay for Life Friday to help fight the disease that has so af affected his life.

Rain encouraged event coordinators to transform the LBJ Ballroom into an indoor track sur surrounded by student organization booths, tents and fundraisers.

Aubri Nowowiejski, Relay for Life co-chair, said there were other relays in the area scheduled to take place Friday night.

The Texas State event was the only relay not cancelled.

“We had 81 teams sign up and all but five showed up,” said Shannon McFadden, Relay for Life co-chair.

McFadden, communication studies senior, said the night was not about the event or the money raised but the survivors and giving them the opportunity to walk the lap.

Deal and fellow cancer survivors kicked off the night with a walk around a small track inside the Student Center, which was lined with luminaries, each representing the life of someone who died from the disease.

“I am most grateful for my friends who jumped on board and donated to the Cancer Society so that we can help find treatments and cures,” Deal said.

Others got involved in Relay for Life, not because they themselves have been affected by See RELAY, page 3

was questioned by Stone and others who fear the university could face backlash from the State Legislature if the Faculty Senate passed the resolution.

“We are obviously not going to send it to Austin,” Stone said. “If we do something on campus, is there any danger of it mucking up the works in Austin?”

Trauth said there is no “real danger.”

“I wouldn’t want to characterize it as a danger if you take a position against it,” Trauth said.

She noted, however, as a head of a state agency, she can neither support nor oppose any legislation. She said it would raise an issue if a state agency took a position on a bill that is moving through the legislature.

“The main point is, as a state agency, you’re not allowed to lobby for or against,” she said.

See SENATE, page 3

Weekend dorm burglaries have police scanning for information

By Monte Ashqar News Reporter University police are looking for information in the investigation of four dorm burglaries that took place this weekend.

UPD Capt. Paul Chapa said Arnold Hall’s reception area was burglarized Saturday morning, while Falls, Sterry and Smith halls were burglarized early Sunday.

Chapa said the burglars broke into the reception areas’ cash drawers, stealing the money inside.

“The police department is actively seeking information regarding the incident,” Chapa said. “We don’t know how many suspects were there yet.”

Chapa said police investigators suspect the burglars on both days were probably

the same group because of the similarity and short time span between the incidents.

“The burglars got in without breaking any doors,” Chapa said. “We don’t know exactly how yet, but they could’ve piggybacked on some resident’s key.”

Chapa said UPD and Crime Stoppers, an organization offering cash for tips that help resolve crimes, are working together to bring the issue closure.

UPD fliers, in collaboration with Crime Stoppers, are posted on the entrances of dorms on campus, requesting students who might have information come for forward.

Crime Stoppers phone number is 866220-4357 or 512-245-0571.

Rosanne Proite, director of the Depart Department of Housing and Residential Life, was not available for comment Monday.

Virginia Tech becomes point of debate during anti-guns-on-campus protest

By Scott Thomas Editor in Chief Students, state legislators and others gathered outside the Capitol early Thursday afternoon to protest a controversial bill that would allow guns on campus.

The bill has been regarded as likely to pass, but that did not deter those opposed to it, as hundreds chanted, cheered and listened to anti-guns-on-campus sentiment.

John Woods, University of Texas graduate student and Virginia Tech alumnus, was the first speaker at the event that was held on the twoyear anniversary of the deadliest school shooting in history, which Woods witnessed first hand.

Woods, whose girlfriend died in the shooting, encouraged of officials to focus more on prevention than reaction.

“Since coming to UT, I’ve felt safer than I ever did at Virginia Tech,” Woods said.

Woods said counseling for disturbed individuals would do more than having guns on university campuses.

He sent a Facebook message to members of the event before the rally.

“I’ve seen those in favor of guns on campus cite the Vir Virginia Tech shooting over and over again — but not once have they asked the experts on school shootings,” he said in the mes-

Today’s Weather Scattered T-Storms

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Precipitation: 60% Humidity: 72% UV: 6 High Wind: ESE 17 mph

sage. “Not once have they asked survivors, ‘What was it like in there? Would guns help?’”

Texas State students were at the rally and the hearing on the bill that followed. Melanie Gutermuth, public administration senior, said she worried about the effects guns would have on free speech.

“That’s one element, that’s how some people feel about it, that they might not be able to be as ex expressive,” Gutermuth said. “But most people out here today were talking about safety on campus and resources and being able to Scott Thomas/ Star Photo reach out to troubled students.”

DON’T SHOOT: students from various universities skipped class to protest House Bill 1893, which Representatives at the rally See HANDGUN, page 3

would allow handguns on university campuses. Keshav rajagopalan, uT student body president, introduced speakers against the bill.

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PageTwo

starsof texas state

More than 1,300 attendees participated in the conference, designed to provide the ultimate marketing experience for students.

—Courtesy of University News Service

Today in Brief

2 - Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Calendar

The American Marketing Association chapter at Texas State was recently honored as a “Distinguished Chapter” during the 31st AMA International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans, La.

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

REGGAE FEST

TUESDAY Every Nation Campus Ministries will be holding our weekly campus meeting at 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall, room G-02. Bring your cell phone.

We will be responding to hot topic questions that are texted in and giving a biblical response.

The Ensemble Series presents Modern Music Ensemble with Dr. Dimitar Ninov at 7 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students and senior citizens.

The Ensemble Series presents Texas State Percussion Ensemble and Steel Drum Band Concert, Mr. Genaro Gonzalez, Conductor at 8 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium.

Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students and senior citizens.

WEDNESDAY There will be an Overeaters Anonymous Meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland.

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

Enjoy contemporary worship, relevant teaching, prayer and plenty of fun. Everyone is welcome.

Contact 512-557-7988 or mail@ texasstatechialpha.com for more information.

There will be a meeting of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at 5 p.m. in LBJSC, room 3-14.1.

Cost is $25 Learn how to get rid of debt and build wealth by using the principles that 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.

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.

The Student Recital Series presents Michael Hamilton Graduate Voice Recital at 8 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free.

The Faculty Artist Series presents Texas State Wind Octet Recital featuring Ms. Daris Hale, Bassoon at 8 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium.

Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students and senior citizens.

FRIDAY There will be an AA meeting from 1 to 2 p.m. in LBJ Student Center, room 3-6.1 The Guest Artist Series presents Enrico Elisi, Piano at 6 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall.

Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students and senior citizens.

Dr. Joey Martin, Conductor at 8 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium. Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students and senior citizens.

Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo Texas State students and Austin locals gathered to watch Radio La Chusma play Sunday at Austin’s Reggae Festival presented by the Capital Area Food Bank.

This day in history

1649: The Maryland Toleration Act, which provided for freedom of worship for all Christians, was passed by the Maryland assembly.

1789: John Adams was sworn in as the first vice president of the United States.

1816: Charlotte Bronte, author of Jane Eyre, was born in Thornton, England.

1836: Texans led by Sam Houston defeated the Mexicans at San Jacinto, assuring Texas’ independence.

1918 Baron Manfred von Richthofen, the German ace known as the “Red Baron,” was killed in action

during World War I.

1960: Brazil inaugurated its new capital, Brasilia, transferring the seat of national government from Rio de Janeiro.

1975: South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu resigned after 10 years in office.

1977 The musical “Annie” opened on Broadway.

1980 Rosie Ruiz, the first woman to cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon, was disqualified when officials discovered she had jumped into the race about a mile from the finish.

1986 A vault in Chicago’s Lexington Hotel that was linked to Al Capone was opened during a live TV special hosted by Geraldo Rivera. Except for a few bottles and a sign, the vault was empty.

1992: Robert Alton Harris became the first person executed by the state of California in 25 years as he was put to death in the gas chamber for the 1978 murder of two teenage boys.

2004: Five suicide attackers detonated car bombs against police buildings in Basra, Iraq, killing at least 74 people.

Allies of Texas State host guest speaker Reverend Jamie Washington, founder of the Washington Consulting Group, will give two presentations as part of the biennial meeting of Allies of Texas State today.

The meeting will be in the LBJ Student Center on campus with the focus of addressing sexual orientation and its relationship with religion and race.

Washington will address faculty and staff in room 3-14 of the student center from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The presentation for students will be held in the LBJ Teaching Theater from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Both speeches, entitled “One More River to Cross: the Intersections of Race, Religion and Sexual Orientation,” will identify challenges unique to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning students who are also ethnic minorities. Information will provide tools for peers to create a supportive environment for these students in their organizations created around ethnic identity.

The Washington Consulting Group is a mul-

ticultural organizational development firm in Baltimore. Washington has served as an educator and administrator in higher education for more than 25 years.

The Allies of Texas State biennial event is co-sponsored by the Office of Disability Ser Services and Department of Housing and Residential Life. It has also received support from the Counseling Center, the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center, the Diversity Team, Equity and Access, Alliance and Multicultural Student Affairs.

To attend the faculty and staff speech, please RSVP at www.txstate.edu/allies. For more information or accommodation requests due to a disability, please contact 512-2452208 or e-mail allies@txstate.edu. For disability accommodations, please contact at least 72 hours in advance of the program start time to ensure availability.

—Courtesy of University News Service

SMPD arrests, charges man for bank robbery A 27-year-old New Braunfels man arrested by the San Marcos Police Department last week for robbing the Dollar General store has been charged with robbing the American National Bank in San Marcos on January 12.

On Monday, a federal complaint was filed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the United States Attorney’s Office in Austin charging Christopher Ryan Smith with Bank Robbery and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence.

Smith is currently jailed at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center under bonds totaling $600,000, including $400,000 for the aggravated robbery of the Dollar General and $200,000 for evading arrest.

At approximately 6:45 a.m. on January 12, an employee arriving at the American National Bank, located at 2202 Hunter Rd., was accosted by an armed suspect who forced the employee at gunpoint into the bank. Once inside the bank, the suspect took an undis-

closed amount of currency and then fled on foot into the wooded area near the bank.

The investigation into the bank robbery revealed two similar bank robberies believed to have been committed by the same offender in neighboring cities.

On October 27, 2008 the American Bank of Texas in Garden Ridge was robbed and Decem December 12, 2008, the American National Bank in Luling was robbed. The suspect description in the robberies was of a white male subject wear wearing black clothing and tennis shoes and carrying a black bag. The suspect was armed with a black colored handgun in two of the robberies.

Smith was arrested Thursday in New Braunfels for robbing the Dollar General Store at gunpoint and leading police on a high speed pursuit.

Evidence recovered at the time of his ar arrest from the execution of a search warrant at Smith’s residence in New Braunfels led to the Monday’s filing of Federal Bank Robbery charg charg-

es. Federal charges for the Luling and Garden Ridge bank robberies are anticipated as well.

“We are very relieved to have this violent offender in custody” said San Marcos Police Commander Terry Nichols. “Many different agencies worked together to apprehend this bank robber and this type of case is a testament to the strong working relationships area law enforcement have with each other.”

Agencies involved in the bank robbery investigations include the San Marcos Police Department, Luling Police Department, Garden Ridge Police Department, the Texas Rangers and the FBI. Agencies involved with the response and apprehension of Smith on Thursday included the San Marcos Police Department, Texas State University Police Department, New Braunfels Police Depart Department, Comal County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Highway Patrol.

—Courtesy of city of San Marcos

—Courtesy of New York Times

CRIME BLOTTER

University Police Department April 10, 12:01 a.m.

Burglary - Habitation Falls Hall A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation.

April 12, 12:38 a.m.

Possession of Marijuana Bexar Hall Parking Garage A police officer made contact with a nonstudent engaged in suspicious activity.

Upon further investigation, the nonstudent was issued a criminal trespass warning and arrested for possession of marijuana. The nonstudent was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date.

April 12, 5:26 p.m.

Burglary of Vehicle - Falls Hall A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken from his vehicle without his consent. The case is under investigation.

—Courtesy of University Police Department

News

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The University Star - 3

ASG supports Texas representative’s House Bill

By Teresa Wilburn News Reporter Emergency legislation passed at Monday night’s ASG meeting calls for senate endorsement of tuition relief being discussed in the House Legislature.

The legislation, entitled, “A Resolution to Support Tuition Assistance”, will allow the student government to support House Bill 2637, authored by Texas Rep. Patrick Rose (D-45), which provides a maximum 6 percent cap on tuition increases throughout the state.

“Representative Rose’s bill does a lot of very good things,” said ASG President Brett Baker.

“It gives students tuition relief, which is very important. Especially moving into the future, we need to make higher education as affordable as possible.”

Baker said the proposed plan allows for universities to prosper and grow.

“Six percent is a very reasonable figure,” Baker said. “The university can work with it as well as students.

We have got to meet in the middle somewhere, so this is something that can allow us to do that. It also allows the state to step up to the plate and appropriate more money to higher education.”

Baker, along with ASG President-elect Chris Covo, testified on behalf of the tuition relief

Wednesday at the Capitol.

“I think it is important that the senate take up this legislation and voice their support,” Baker said. “Right now, legislators are trying to make up their minds on what is best for the students in the state of Texas.”

Sen. Mandy Domaschk, coauthor of the legislation, said the possible increase in tuition would directly hurt the middle class.

“Tuition is sky rocketing,” Domaschk said. “It is pricing out the middle class. Without the middle class being able to go to college, it only leaves students who are eligible to apply for FAFSA or financial aid and the upper class.”

Domaschk said it is important

for the student senate to support the legislation as a whole.

“This is going to affect every university,” Domaschk said. “Every university should be able to have their say on what they feel is best for their students.

It is the students who carry the weight of tuition, so only we can know what is best for us.”

Sen. Michelle Malcik voted against the supporting Rose’s bill.

Malcik said the bill does not represent the entire student body.

“There are other pieces of legislation in the house that we did not look over,” Malcik said. “I felt that I was representing the opposite view.”

Malcik said it is important to

take away the tax burden in the economy. If this bill passes, it would most likely fall on the average Texas citizen, she said.

“It is necessary to know that as inflation grows, tuition will also,” Malcik said.

Sen. Colter Ray said he is glad to see the senate is taking the initiative to get behind one of the many bills being proposed for tuition regulation.

“Patrick Rose has done a lot of great things for this university,” Ray said. “I am not surprised that this is the bill that we are looking to support. At the same time, there is a plethora of bills right now towards this issue, so it will be interesting to see which

one comes out on top.”

Sen. Tommy Luna, legislation co-author, said if the bill passes in the house, it would bring attention to what the state is not doing.

“There are way too many people having to put away their acceptance letter right now,” Luna said.

Baker said the senate’s decision could serve as an example for students all around the state.

“If we can have the student senate for the university say that this is the best possible solution for our long term future, I think that is great,” Baker said.

The legislation was voted on by dividing the house. Fortytwo senators stood in support of Rose’s plan and two against.

senting Team Vicky, a group of Coach employees.

“We wanted to come out and show her that we miss her,” Cusimano said. “We have not seen her much.”

Relay for Life raised about $36,800 as of Sunday for cancer research, approximately $18,000 more than last year’s event. McFadden said the top team earner was H-E-B with $19,020 and the top individual earner was Dennis Wolking with $1,100. Results will be made final later this week.

The money raised goes to the American Cancer Society to help individuals like Deal, who is a survivor of thyroid cancer.

Deal is blind. He said discuss-

ing the disability has made it easier to speak openly about his cancer.

Deal initially made the decision to go to the Student Health Center because of an unusual tingling in his body.

“The doctor started feeling around and found a lump,” Deal said. “I immediately thought, ‘Is it cancer?’”

Deal said three days after his ultrasound he received a call saying he should talk to a doctor about having surgery.

He withdrew from summer school, delaying his graduation.

Deal said the doctor concluded the cancer had not spread but suggested Deal undergo radia-

tion treatment, which is standard for thyroid cancer.

“I have a Papillary Carcinoma which is the most curable form of thyroid cancer, and I have to go get treatment four more times,” Deal said. “I started tak taking replacement treatment. Theoretically, that should help ward off the return of the cancer, but there is a chance it could comeback. They say with the type of treatment I had and as early as they caught it, there is a 90 per percent chance that I’m cured.”

He has to take a blood test ev every six months for the next five years. He will then undergo an annual radiation scan to make sure there are no new thyroid

cells regenerating.

Deal’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer after he finished treatment. Deal said he is trying to help her get through treatment.

“I used to sit and wonder what I would do if I ever found out I had the big C,” Deal said. “Having gone through it and being in remission, it will help me accept it if and when it comes again to me or my loved ones.”

Deal said he made great connections with people around him during his battle with cancer.

“I had a support system that kept me going,” Deal said. “The staff in my department helped me by staying supportive. I nev-

er had to worry about my grad career being put in jeopardy when I came out of treatment.”

Deal said he encourages anyone with cancer to reach out and get involved with support groups.

“There is hope,” he said.

“Cancer is not an automatic death sentence. You can’t live life in fear of what might happen.

I have come away with a new appreciation for life.”

Deal said he asked his friends to throw a party for his graduation.

“I am looking forward to graduating because it will be a year and one day after I took my last steps out of treatment,” he said.

working as a coordinator in divisions of disability services, greek life, student activities and gender and sexuality.

“I really am happy,” Arellano said. “I can see my students’ growth. We are the ones who plan things to help (students) grow outside the classroom.”

Arellano attended UT for six years as a student. Two years af after earning her Ph.D., Arellano began working in the student services office. Soon, she found herself as the senior associate dean of students overseeing

more than 1,000 campus organizations.

“I love leadership development,” Arellano said. “Student organizations are the heart of the university.”

Arellano has been in the position for two weeks and said she is still getting acquainted with the campus.

“I want to work closely with the students by listening and aligning goals between the Dean of Students Office and the goals of the university,” Arellano said. “Alignment is very important. I want

to provide services for students when needed. For us to be there and support students in a time of need is really important.”

Arellano plans to focus on student emergency services, which she said would ensure the university is ready to assist in times of need.

“I have a lot of ideas,” Arellano said. “I’m going to spend my time to enhance those areas so we have what we need to help them.”

Arellano said she realizes a lot of students leave college because they have no financial aid and can-

not continue to go to school.

“For that, I will ask the students what we can do to help,” Arellano said. “I will ask for other resources we might need to enhance this.”

Joanne Smith, vice president of Student Affairs, said in an email that Arellano is “knowledgeable about the field and very passionate about the value of (student affair) work in helping students succeed and graduate from college.”

“She immediately connected with students and will undoubt undoubt-

edly engage them in a positive manner,” Smith said.

Smith said Arellano is the sec second ranking position of the division of student affairs. As dean of students, she will “assist in developing and implementing our strategic priorities and determine proactive ways of civic engagement and leadership for students.”

“My personal experiences have sensitized me to poor students on campus,” Arellano said.

“Student affairs helped me. I do know we can make a differ difference.”

RELAY

CONTINUED from page 1

cancer, but because someone close to them has had the disease. Sean Myers, public relations senior, is the vice president of Cans for a Cure, an organization whose semester goal was to raise money for the event. My Myers said he got involved because his mom is a cancer survivor.

“My mom came in from Dallas to celebrate Relay for Life,” Myers said. “I got involved with Cans for a Cure, and I hope to help take this group to the next level.”

Emily Cusimano, English junior, said she participated in Relay for Life to support her work manager. Cusimano was repre-

DEAN

CONTINUED from page 1

Arellano is facing a new chapter in her life now: She left her position at UT to become the new dean of students at Texas State.

“I have worked many fruit fruitful years at UT, but I’m excited about where Texas State is going,” Arellano said. “I am coming here to learn and enhance what’s already here. If this university didn’t excite me, I wouldn’t be here.”

Arellano chose to focus her career on student affairs after

HANDGUN CONTINUED from page 1

turned their sites on the National Rifle Association, which has been a proponent of having guns on campus since the beginning of the movement.

“NRA lobbyists will be (at the public safety committee meeting following the rally), but all too of often we haven’t heard from people like you,” said State Rep. Lon Burnan. “There’s a weapons race in this country perpetrated by people who aren’t thinking about what they are doing … Every professional in the field, except for the weapons traffickers paid by the NRA, are opposed to this.”

State Sen. Rodney Ellis echoed sentiments against the NRA. “I think it’s a shame when organizations capitalize on tragtrag edy to make money,” Ellis said.

“That’s what the NRA is doing.”

Ellis said a person’s mood could be a factor when guns are on campuses.

“I don’t own a gun because

some days I’m just not in a good mood,” he said.

Travis County Constable Bruce Elfant said he brings a law-enforcement perspective to the issue, and he opposes the bill.

“We are told if we get more guns in more places we’ll be safer, but we have more guns in more places and we’re not safer,” Elfant said. “Less than one-quarter of 1 percent of people who died from guns last year were on a university campus.”

Proponents of the bill say armed license holders would make universities safer. They have said fears of accidents or rage shootings are unfounded.

Elfant echoed Woods’ stance that the Legislature should focus more on prevention.

“We now know the Virginia Tech shooter would have been denied a gun if he had gone through the proper background checks,” he said. “The LegisLegis lature should designate more money to diagnose people bebe fore they become a danger.”

SENATE

CONTINUED from page 1

State senators and representatives co-authored Senate Bill 1164 / House Bill 1893. HB 1893 passed in the Public Safety Committee earlier this month.

Trauth said the bill seems to be gaining “a lot of attraction in Texas.”

According to a Public Safety Committee analysis, “23 states with concealed carry laws do not prohibit the possession of firearms on post-secondary school campuses. The federal Gun-Free School Zones Act, which prohibits the possession of firearms within 1,000 feet of a school, exempts concealed carry permit holders licensed by the state in which the school is located.”

The Public Safety Committee amended the bill to allow pripri vate universities to set their own rules after consulting with their students, faculty and staff.

Provost Perry Moore said he

www.universitystar.com

suspects the bill will pass, though they are aware university faculty members do not support it.

“I think it’s because a good number (of legislators) believe such an approach would prevent another Virginia Tech,” Moore said.

Faculty Sen. Richard Warms said he does not think the Senate will have much influence over the legislature. However, he said it is important and the issue is whether the faculty-elected senators can satisfy constituents’ desire for an anti-handgun statement, without receiving outside repercussions.

“If, as a unit, you voice the concern, it’s likely to be heard rather than an individual trying to voice it,” said Faculty Sen. Jaymeen Shah.

Faculty Sen. Barbara Melzer said a letter from an individual is as valued as one from the FacFac ulty Senate.

“I think people underestimate how influential they can be,” she said.

4 - The University Star

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

TRAM

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu

The Main PoinT t seems there is an inexhaustible amount of frustrations one runs into when attending an institution of higher learning.

I

The financial strain is often cited, but perhaps the primary grievance centers around logistical complications — namely park parking and the bus routes.

The problems seem to go hand-in-hand. If parking were more available, fewer people would be required to ride the bus. However, when new park parking garages are constructed, they will prove only a slight respite for commuting students.

Therefore parking will always be a problem. The truth is Texas State’s parking and tram problems actually pale in comparison with other major universities.

Texas State students should feel fortunate to have a mass transit system, especially one as comfortable and easy to use.

A ride on a bus in some major metropolitans could make the Texas State trams seem like a limousine service.

However, there are problems with the way Texas State officials currently run the tram service.

The way the system is currently designed leaves no room for growth. Maybe Texas State had enough trams to accommodate the student body in recent years, but more apartment complexes are being built and more students will require the trams’ services.

According to the April 16 issue of The University Star, Paul Hamilton, Shuttle Service manager, said the trams take up to a year and a half to complete. He also said there are no plans to add trams to the fleet of 46.

Anyone can see where Texas State’s enrollment numbers are heading. As more students enr enrroll every semester, more trams will almost assuredly be necessary. Of course, trams do not come cheap, and the money has to come from somewhere.

Furthermore, officials have other options available. Rerout Rerouting trams from the campus loop and putting them in service across town would surely better benefit students.

Students might have to face higher costs to pay for new trams in the future. Tram costs are included in students’ tuition. Students might have to chip in more for their own convenience and necessity. Few are in a position to walk to school everyday, and even less to drive. That leaves the trams, and Texas State will need more sooner than later.

Reinstating Friday classes helped with the congestion some. However, as Texas State and San Marcos continue to grow they need a tram service reflecting their size. Anyone paying attention after last summer’s gas prices knows mass transit will be a factor in every American’s future. San Marcos and Texas State should not be left in the dust, as they should acquire more trams on the road.

TRIALS

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.

L2E: Letter to the Editor

Russell Weiss/Star Illustration

‘Conservative presidents much bigger spenders than Democratic presidents’

Why did Republicans choose now to protest? I read in the university newspaper that some Texas State students participated in the “Tea Parties” on tax day. What I cannot understand is why are Republicans now interested in big spending, big government? Regardless of what you are told in your young Republican clubs, “conservative” presidents are much bigger spenders than Democratic presidents.

I know, I know, that goes against all you have ever been brainwashed — I mean told — to believe. However, the facts simply do not lie. During Rea-

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gan’s administration the national debt skyrocketed. During Bush Senior’s term, it continued its upward climb.

Then, during Clinton’s presidency, our budget managed a surplus! Of course during Bush Junior’s reign — well, we all know what happened — spending that hasn’t been seen since Reagan!

Yes, this administration is going to spend some money. Yes, it is necessary to get us out of the mess created by “Dubya.” Luckily, with the money spent by Obama’s plan, we will at least get something in return. Obviously, what has been touted are the new

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highways and hospitals and school improvements. That is all very good. On the other end, are the “pet” projects that people are complaining about.

Yes, there are more important things to spend money on than the Museum of Whatever. My point still stands. We will get something for our money. Now compare that to the spending of the last 8 years. We received absolutely no benefit from the massive amount of spending on Iraq and Afghanistan.

Well, I suppose a couple of key companies, with a couple of key executives, received a great deal of prosperity

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from our war on terror.

In the last 28 years (prior to 2009), America has had 20 years of Republican presidents and only 8 years of Democrats in office. During 20 years of Republicans, our deficit rose. During the 8 years of Clinton’s presidency, our deficit fell. So, back to the original question: Why now, after only a few months of Obama’s presidency, are you protesting about big spending governments?

Steven McCloud, senior

L2E: Letter to the Editor

‘Learn what it means to be American’

The economy is manmade.

It’s not natural like the trees.

It’s natural like school is natural. It is natural to civilization.

When all the money disappears, it is not because of some act of God like a hurricane, but the magician’s sleight of hand.

The recession is not only the biggest con since Hitler took power, the truth has all but been censored. The American system of capitalism is infinitely superior to the practices of British Free Trade.

The Reagan Administration successfully argued for the implementation of trickle-down economics into American policymaking. With that, capitalism died, and a national pyramid scheme was established.

America was still hung-over from the ’60s and ’70s.

With USA taken by the ponzi scheme, all that remained was its implementation across the globe. Hence every president you can remember has been a pusher of so-called free trade.

In Econ101, we learn there is no such thing as a free lunch. It just goes to show you the intelligence of politicians.

The mass media have preemptively attacked protectionism. They wish to portray protectionism as isolationist or totalitarian. I have numerous issues with this slander.

First, Alexander Hamilton was a protectionist. Under his economic ideals a fledgling America was able to defend itself against the combined strength of empire. America had 25 percent tariffs initially and all it took was one productive economy to beat the global power of empire.

Second, Abe Lincoln, who most only remember for his tall hat, was notable for his commitment to the ideals of his economic adviser- Henry Carey. Carey is the guy who named the Ideals of Alexander Hamilton as the American System. He said British Free Trade was to blame for the Civil War. The CIA might call that ‘intelligence’.

Lincoln’s protectionism reformed the US into a leading world producer. And that is quite a feat considering civil war had just demolished half the population. On April 16, Barack Obama enacted a transcontinental rail system that emulates Lincoln’s economic planning for internal works.

Additionally, Franklin Roosevelt was a protectionist and in doing so managed to yank us out of the last depression — which many refer to as great. All this leads to the shocking conclusion that Capitalism can work.

Protectionism is economic sovereignty and it is every bit as important as political sovereignty. Thus, America is inseparable from the American System. If we value those ideals that went into our inalienable rights, and recognize the American System, then we can establish a productive society in which capitalism dominates — not empire building.

John Adams remarked, “There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation. One is by sword, the other is by debt.” What do you think the debt of the bailouts mean to future generations?

Personally, I would hate to be a slave, and that is why I encourage everyone to learn what it means to be American and what it means to be human.

The future is in your hands.

-John O’Connor, pre-mass communication junior

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

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6 - The University Star

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Trends the university star

recordriot

Saturday marked the 2nd annual Record Store Day and artists from numerous genres helped fuel the holiday. The day featured 82 exclusive “Record Store Day” releases from artists like the Flaming Lips, Bruce Springsteen, Beck, Sonic Youth and Bob Dylan. Eric Levin, whose store Criminal Records is based out of Atlanta, said the store’s vinyl sales alone were more than the entire take from last year’s holiday. 600 artists performed at record stores and venues across the country in conjunction with the Record Store Day celebration.

7 - Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Theater graduate student wins national playwriting award Morgan Wilson Features Reporter John Boulanger was shocked to learn his play was going to be featured at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The cast of “House of Several Stories” performed for the final time this weekend in the American College Theater Festival competition.

“Winning this year’s National Student Playwriting Award is a huge honor,” said John Boulanger, theater graduate student.

“One that I’m not quite sure has fully sunk in yet. I am still dumbfounded when I recall some of the names of past winners.”

Texas State hosted the Annual Region VI American College Theater Festival in February. Boulanger’s play, “House of Several Stories,” was one of Texas State’s entries in the competition.

“I received a call from Gregg Henry, the artistic director of festival in Washington, D.C. The call was both congratulatory and informative,” Boulanger said. “It was literally a dream come true.

I’m not sure I fully processed all that Mr. Henry had said.”

Boulanger said the rewards from winning were remunerative and more than his expectations.

“I remembered the prize package he described, because it far exceeded what I had initially thought,” Boulanger said.

“I imagined a small monetary scholarship and maybe a plaque, but my mouth dropped as he mentioned the Dramatist Guild of America membership, an option with Samuel French publishing and a fellowship at Robert Redford’s Sundance Theatre Lab. The $2500 scholarship also broadened my smile.”

Boulanger said winning thus

far has inspired him to continue honing his craft.

“I’m excited about future writing projects, which I have started in the past, but which have resided as mere icons on my laptop for months, in some cases years,” Boulanger said. “With this award comes a great responsibility, if only to myself.”

The award speaks not only to the quality of Boulanger’s work but also of Texas State’s department of theater and dance.

“To be recognized nationally for writing is great in itself, but it is for the high caliber of Texas State’s production that the play is being recognized by audiences. What I’ve received from the Texas State theater department has unquestionably been the highpoint in my academic and writing career,” he said. “Being at Texas State and through the support of the theater department, I’ve been fortunate enough to see my script receive a staged reading under the direction of a New York City-based director; an Austin premiere; a remount production on our studio theater stage; and now it’s soon to be seen at the Kennedy Center Family Theatre.”

Boulanger said going back to school in 2003 for his undergrad degree after a 10-year hiatus benefited him in many ways.

“I am now a writer for two reasons,” Boulanger said. “I think I had reached an age to where attending classes was a luxury and not a chore — I was actually interested in what I was being taught.”

Boulanger said he used his time away from the classroom to mature as a writer.

“During that absence from school, I was a bartender – a lucrative and fleetingly glam-

orous life,” he said. “I think it was through those many years of simply having to talk for a living to myriad types of people throughout a day, and consequently getting to observe the discourse and transactions that transpired in and among these different personalities that have inadvertently fueled my love for dialogue: how people communicate, what they hide behind the words they offer, or sometimes not, and, needless to say, the colorful characters one encounters during alcohol service.”

Boulanger does not believe he has hit his creative peak yet.

“I have every confidence that one or two decent screenplays are still in me waiting to come out, but they don’t seem to be an immediate priority,” Boulanger said. “I would love to continue writing for the stage, and maybe come across a script that can be adapted to and is viable for film.”

Boulanger said he is not quite sure what will come from his experience at the Kennedy Center, but is sure it will open doors for him.

“I am still on such a high from these recent developments that I think I am actually on my ideal path,” Boulanger said. “If I have to pick a next phase, I suppose it would be to see one of my scripts premiered by one of the large, prominent regional theaters that have proven to be vehicles to New York City–Broadway or off. I think I could find satisfaction following a number of paths, as long as it leads to writing. I now have a greater want, if not need, Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo to follow up with something DRAG SHOW: Ms. Mona preforms for Lambda’s Bobcat Ball, which was hosted Saturday at Bar that merits the attention that ONE-41 to raise money for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

“House of Several Stories” has received — if not more.”

Fine Arts Calendar Tuesday Thesis Exhibition I, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Modern Music Ensemble, 7 p.m., Recital Hall Spring Musical Review, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Center Percussion Ensemble and Steel Drum Band Concert, 8 p.m., Evans Auditorium Wednesday Thesis Exhibition I, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Jazz Lab Band Concert, 8 p.m., Evans Auditorium Thursday Thesis Exhibition I, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Percussion Studio Recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall Michael Hamilton’s Graduate Vocal Recital, 8 p.m., Recital Hall Friday Thesis Exhibition I, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Choreographer’s Showcase, 2 p.m., Jowers Enrico Elisi Piano Recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall Choreographer’s Showcase, 7:30 p.m., Jowers VocaLibre, 8 p.m., Evans Auditorium Kristopher Brown Senior Euphonium Recital,

8 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Saturday Thesis Exhibition I, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II Brian Boman Senior Trombone Recital, 2 p.m., Recital Hall Beth Bauman Senior Voice Recital, 4:30 p.m., Recital Hall Sarah Tucker Senior Voice Recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall La Feria del Mariachi 2009, 7 p.m., Strahan Coliseum Chorale Concert, 8 p.m., Evans Auditorium Sunday John Potter and Chris Crummel Joint Percussion Recital, 1 p.m., Evans Auditorium Cristina Flores & Alyssa Bugg Joint Voice Recital, 1:30 p.m., Recital Hall Celeste Curiel Voice Recital, 4 p.m., Recital Hall Lambda Pi Eta Membership Induction Dinner, 5 p.m., Salt Grass Steak House Sean Michael Sr. Percussion Recital, 5 p.m., Evans Auditorium Trombone Studio Recital II, 6 p.m., Recital Hall Clarinet Studio Recital, 8 p.m., Recital Hall

Students speak easy at Bobcat Ball fundraiser

By Jovonna Owen Trends Reporter

Aviators, mobsters, flapper girls, Texas State students and San Marcos residents got jazzed Saturday at Lambda’s annual Bobcat Ball.

Bar One-41 was transformed into a 1920s speakeasy, minus the prohibition. Booze flowed openly, students hit the dance floor, and the drag queens that performed were as sparkling as the hand-painted skyline mural adorning the back of the stage.

Attendees knocked three times at the door and said “hotsy totsy” to get a free door prize.

They then walked up the stairs to see Bar One-41 transformed into a speakeasy by the hardworking members of Lambda.

As the drag show was about to start, students rushed to the stage to get a good spot. Amber Rain, Texas State alumna, hosted and performed two acts.

The five drag queens who performed eight acts served not only to entertain the audience, but also to raise money for the Aids Healthcare Foundation, the largest HIV/ AIDS care group in America.

“It’s for a good cause,” Rain

said. “It’s a tax deduction. Pennies, quarters, checks, we’ll take anything.”

Scott Schoenmakers, exercise and sports science senior and president of Lambda, spoke to the crowd and encouraged everyone to donate money.

“We’re trying to donate $1,000 to the Aids Healthcare Foundation,” Schoenmakers said. “The money helps those infected with HIV and AIDS to get treatment and prescription medications.”

Throughout the show, people gathered around the stage to donate $1 bills. Schoenmakers said the drag queens do not keep the money they make for themselves, but that they would donate it all to Lambda.

The drags queens performed back to back shows with songs ranging from Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” to the duet “Take Me Baby” from the play “Rent.”

Savannah Cervantez, music studies senior and Lambda member, said it was her first time seeing a drag show “It was very interesting,” Cervantez said. “The two girls doing the duet from “Rent” were my favorite. I love that song and they were amazing.”

Asha McElfish, public administration sophomore, said it was also her first time to see a drag show.

“It was awesome,” McElfish said. “It blows my mind that those are men up there. I think everyone in the crowd was surprised and thought it was fantastic.”

The crowd went wild when Rain chose three, straight crowd members to participate in “Drag in a Bag.” The three contestants rushed to dress in woman’s clothing and wigs and hurried into the crowd to collect tips.

Tate Mayeux, a local musician, was one of the contestants chosen to dress in drag.

“It was fun but a little weird,” said Mayeux. “Usually, I’m on stage playing music, but this time it was different. I raised $15 dollars.”

Jeffery Groenke, pre-communication studies sophomore and Lambda vice-president, said the event raised close to $2,000, exceeding their goal of $1,000.

Cervantez said she was very pleased with the turnout and the response from those who attended.

“We have a very generous campus,” Cervantez said. “It’s been a blast.”

Trends

8 - The University Star

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sakura festival commemorates spring Alumnus joins colleagues in

Karen Wang/Star photo EMPTY HAND: Saki Matsukawa performs Karate at the 2007 Sakura Festival at the LBJ Ballroom. The annual festival, which was sponsored by the Japanese Language and Culture Club, took place Thursday.

By Erica Rodriguez Features Reporter The annual Sakura festival brought Japanese song, celebration and sushi to campus Thursday. The traditional festival is spon-

sored by the Japanese Language and Culture Club, and is a commemoration of spring.

“Japan is one of America’s greatest economic allies, and yet, we understand so little of them,” said Wyatt Taylor, international studies senior and the organization’s presi-

dent. “I think it’s important everyone understand more of everyone’s culture and not be so ethnocentric.”

The event brought more than 300 participants from Central Texas to the LBJ Ballroom.

The night began with nihon buyo, the dance of a grieving Japanese woman, followed by an Akido demonstration, musicians and a break-dancing student group.

“It expands people’s minds so they don’t just have these stereotypes,” said Elliot Freeman, pre-international studies junior, who attended the festival. Freeman is planning a trip to Japan this December, and believes Sakura helped prepare him for what to expect.

“It’s going to help a lot so I don’t go over there looking like an idiot,” he said.

The festival provided cultural tips of Japanese life. The etiquette booth offered examples of how to properly greet and eat in Japanese culture. Tips on bowing when greeting, how to eat with chopsticks and respectful conduct when entering a temple were displayed and explained.

Underlying the celebration were reallife lessons countering racial stereotypes.

Taylor said he has experienced racism and believes Sakura helps to reverse racial generalizations against Asians.

“Everyone’s so different from each other, yet we kind of clump them up as Asian people,” he said. “Being Chinese, Japanese, Korean-American doesn’t really matter to most Americans when they’re looking at me.

I’m just Asian.”

Race is something Elizabeth Aguilar, history junior and event organizer, believes is important to look past.

“It’s important for people to be comfortable with other races and other people,” she said. “I strongly believe there’s only one race, and that’s the human race. The only reason we’re different is because our genes are different. Inside we’re all the same. We all have the same organs. We all bleed red.”

Aguilar said she would like to become trilingual, and is learning Japanese with the hope of studying abroad in Japan and inspiring others to do the same.

“I hope having that type of experience, I can bring it back to the classroom locally and tell people, you know, get out in the world,” she said. “Learn about the world, don’t just stay on you Xbox or your TV. Get out there and make a difference.”

Taylor said he supports any event promoting “cultural caring.”

“Especially in America where everyone is so ethnically diverse, it would be ignorant of us to ignore the fact that people come from different cultures and make them adapt to what we think is normal,” he said.

Closing the event was the so-ran bushi, a pulsating dance depicting the lifestyle of Japanese fishermen. The group won first place at last semester’s homecoming talent show and practiced for two months before Thursday’s performance.

Texas Institute of Letters

By Brittany Bemis Features Reporter The Texas Institute of Letters, whose membership includes such luminaries as Cormac McCarthy, Sandra Cisneros and Kinky Friedman, welcomed Texas State’s Steven Davis this weekend. Davis, Wittliff Collections assistant curator, said he was excited to join such an esteemed group of writers.

“It is certainly the leading organization for writers in Texas,” Davis said. “It is a very prestigious organization, and I am very honored to be a part of it.”

According to its Web site the institute was founded “to stimulate interest in Texas letters and to recognize distinctive literary achievement.”

Davis, Southwest Texas alumnus, said his predominate literary focus is Texas history, particularly Southwestern studies.

“I am an English major. I love literature, and one of the great things about studying the southwest of Texas is that people become aware of the significance of their own environment,” Davis said. “We try to help people learn about our area, our part of the world, the political forces and the various changing demographics.”

Davis said he strives to avoid using fancy or complicated jargon with his writing.

“I think we have a mission as academics to make our words accessible to our public,” Davis said. “I write for anybody who is an intelligent general reader, who might be interested in the subject.”

Connie Todd, Wittliff Collections curator, said she has worked with Davis for years and is proud of all of his accomplishments.

“Because of his wonderful work, I was able to move him into an assistant curator position,” Todd said. “As the years have gone, by he has steadily assumed more and more responsibility.”

Todd said she believes Davis to be one of the pre-eminent scholars of Southwestern Literature in the country.

“The wonderful thing about

the work that (Davis) has done to this point is that he focuses a lot on the holdings here at the Wittliff,” Todd said. “He is working on a biography of J. Frank Dobie, and it has already been accepted for publication.”

Larry McMurtry, Texas Institute of Letters member, read J. Frank Dobie: A Liberated Mind in manuscript and expressed his admiration of Davis’s writing.

“At last, after a long wait, we have a crisp, reliable, and thorough biography of J. Frank Dobie,” McMurtry said. “Steven Davis gives us a much richer understanding of Dobie than we have had previously.”

Davis said he is pleased to be working at Texas State in the Wittliff Collection.

“The great thing about the Wittliff Collection is that it has really grown and flourished over the last 10 to 15 years,” Davis said. “I’ve been able to be a part of that and see that happen and help make it happen.”

Mark Busby, program director of the Center for the Study of the Southwest, has been a member of the institute since 1996 and was Davis’s professor during his graduate years.

“He really has had an astonishing career,” Busby said.

“He writes very well and has access to materials that provide him with a wealth of (knowledge.)”

Busby said while their relationship started as teacher and student, it has changed over the years.

“We now have a relationship that is more accurately described as colleagues,” Busby said. “But I was very proud to see one of my former students inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters.”

Davis said he was thrilled to be recognized by his peers.

“I really love studying writers as people. I think they are so interesting. They are usually very smart, very aware, very funny and very nice people,” Davis said. “I just enjoy their company a lot, so being in a group of writers is like being in Heaven, as far as I am concerned.”

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The University Star - 9

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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

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Sports the university star

seasonstubs

The 2009 Texas State football season tickets are now on sale. Prices start at $72 for general admission and go up to $90 for non-Bobcat Club member adult reserve seats. Call the Texas State Athletics Office at 512-245-2272 to purchase tickets.

10 - Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu

Bobcat baseball continues winning streak

By Joseph O. Garcia Sports Reporter The Texas State Bobcats won a doubleheader on the road Sunday to continue their winning streak.

The Bobcats took the field in what was originally a threegame series with the Northwestern State Demons this weekend, but was rescheduled because of rain.

“Not actually doing anything for two days was kind of frustrating,” said Coach Ty Harrington.

“I worried about out team’s momentum. We had a lot of momentum coming into the weekend.

We got out finally on Sunday, and they played with an enormous amount of energy and focus. It was good and fun.”

Kane Holbrooks, senior pitcher, improved to a perfect 8-0, pitching the first complete game in his collegiate career. He went seven innings and gave up three runs on six hits and recorded five strikeouts.

Holbrooks pitched four perfect innings before giving up a hit.

“He was dominating for four innings,” Harrington said. “His pitch count got a little high. He was tired when the game ended.

We were pleased to get out of there with a win.”

A solo home run from Paul Goldschmidt, junior first baseman, in the top of the first gave Texas State an early lead.

However, the second inning was a nine-run frame that put the game out of reach early for the Demons.

Tyler Sibley, freshman infielder, hit his fifth career home run in game one. Goldschmidt followed with a walk and Keith Prestridge, junior designated hitter, hit a three-run homer to give Texas State a 9-0 advantage.

“They intentionally walked Goldschmidt to get to him and he hit a home run,” Harrington said. “If you are going to hit behind Paul, we need someone who can (hit) because otherwise they just won’t pitch to him.”

Lance Loftin, senior infielder, tacked on the final run of the inning with an RBI single through the left side. Texas State headed into the bottom of the third with a 10-0 advantage.

Sibley went 4-for-5 with a pair of home runs to give the Bobcats a 15-3 seven-inning run rule victory in game one.

Harrington thought the team’s focus and interest at the plate was above satisfactory.

“Their ability to take advantage of the pitcher’s mistake was good. The wind blew out hard, which set up well for us offensively,” Harrington said.

Prestridge led the Bobcat offense with a pair of home runs in game two for a 15-10 victory to complete the sweep.

Texas State put three runs

on the board in the first two innings. Northwestern State answered by taking its first lead of the series in the bottom of the third with four runs. Justin O’Neal, Northwestern State outfielder, hit a three-run homer and two hits later, Tyler Baisley, Northwestern State outfielder, hit an RBI single up the middle for the 4-3 lead.

The Bobcats came back with an eight-run fifth inning.

Goldschmidt knocked in two RBIs, followed by a three-run homer from Prestridge to clear the bases. Texas State struck the Demons for four more base hits leading to three runs for the 11-5 comeback.

Prestridge hit his final home run in the top of the ninth, a tworun shot to centerfield.

“I think Keith did a great job of stepping up,” Harrington said.

“He goes out in the ninth and hits a two-run home run to give us a big enough cushion to win the game.”

Tyler Brundridge, senior pitcher, was called in for relief in the third inning. He pitched 3.2 scoreless innings to pick up the 15-10 win.

Texas State improves to 2710 overall and 15-5 in Southland Conference play. Northwestern State drops to 16-18 and 10-9, respectively.

Texas State will play Baylor Wednesday in Waco. The series is tied 1-1.

Austin Byrd/Star file photo DOUBLE WIN: Paul Goldschmidt, junior infielder, runs home at the March 25 game against Texas Tech. The Bobcats won a doubleheader Sunday against Northwestern State 15-3 and 15-10 in Natchitoches, La.

Florida quarterback donates time to orphanage

By Tyler Ruststein Independent Florida Alligator Florida quarterback Tim Tebow found his passion for something greater than sports and school at 15 years old, when he returned to his birthplace in the Philippines and visited an orphanage for young children called Uncle Dick’s Home.

“After spending time with

those kids, from that point on I knew my ultimate goal in life wasn’t about how many touchdowns I could score, whether I could make a lot of money or become famous — it was about taking all my blessings and trying to help these kids,” Tebow said.

Carlos, 7, is one of the orphans at Uncle Dick’s Home who is close to Tebow.

Carlos arrived a little more than four years ago at the orphanage after he was in his family’s old truck driving down a dangerous mountain, and the brakes failed. His mother threw him out the window in a courageous attempt to save Carlos, and the rest of his family drove off the cliff.

Carlos, severely injured with broken bones and a deep slash

across his forehead, was the only one to survive.

Carlos now has more than 50 brothers and sisters in his new family at Uncle Dick’s Home.

“He went from such a tragic thing to the happiest, most joyful kid,” Tebow said. “He’ll run around with me all day and just make me so tired. To be able to bring that out in him and let him know he’s special is an amazing thing.”

Tebow’s dream to help others and raise awareness lingered in his prayers on and off the field as he built a reputation as a fearless and faithful quarterback.

His dream became a reality in 2008.

Tebow brought his mission to David Sinopoli, a Florida alumnus, and former student body president Ryan Moseley, and the three came up with a powder-puff football tournament.

The student government’s first powder-puff tournament in 2008 raised awareness and $10,000 for children in Gainesville and Uncle

Dick’s Home. The event raised more than $300,000 this year.

“I knew it would end up growing this big, but I didn’t think in year two we would be this far,” Moseley said. “That’s a credit to a guy like Tim.” A new component of the philanthropy called A Brighter Day brought 10 disadvantaged children from a local Boys and Girls Club to an Orlando-based theme park, accompanied by Tebow and student government volunteers.

The children held hands with Tebow as they walked through the theme park. The ecstatic children plummeted down a roller coaster and pulled Tebow by the arms to go down the corkscrewing drops again.

“It’s the best feeling in the world,” Tebow said. “Brightening up a kid’s day, I don’t know if there’s too much better than that, at least for me.”

Student government also incorporated other events, such as decorating playrooms at Shands at Florida’s Pediatric

Oncology Cancer Unit and hosting an ice cream party Thursday for the children.

The powder-puff tournament took place April 11on Flavet Field, and the winners faced off in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

That evening, a benefit dinner and silent auction, hosted by the University Athletic Association in conjunction with student government, was held to raise money for Shands at Florida and Uncle Dick’s Home. Tebow’s red battlestained jersey from the 2008 Florida State University game was auctioned, as well as footballs and helmets.

“Because I’m a football player, people look up to me,” he said in an emotional speech to the guests at dinner. “But if I was just a football player, I wouldn’t be successful. It’s about making a difference, and you all can. It’s taking what you’ve been blessed with and the little effort to go see a kid and encourage him.”

By Andrew Kim Daily Californian

“They’re doing a great job helping me manage it, so that I’m not overworking myself,” Vereen said. “That was one thing coach (Jeff) Tedford said to make sure I don’t overwork myself. So as long as I can take care of my body, take care of treatments and stuff like that, I should be good.”

Vereen was a standout track performer at Valencia High in Valencia, Calif., recording the fastest 100-yard dash time of any junior in Southern California during the 2006 track and field season, so there is not much of a novelty for him in switching sports in the middle of the year.

Still, the track and football teams are unavoidably distinct — starting from the teammates.

“The biggest thing I think with football and track is that in football, there are so many more (guys), so you get a lot more characters, a lot more goofing around and stuff like that,” Vereen said.

“But track is a smaller group, so everything’s a little bit different.

Both of them are good.

“I knew a couple of the guys on the track team, just going to school with them. So there was a little bit of that new-guy thing, but I met everyone, and I’m not really the new guy anymore.”

But as much as Vereen fits the bill as a runner, at this point in his career, he is unmistakably a football player running track.

He said he will return to Memorial Stadium to lift weights and study film individually as time permits.

Having sent off the seniors to

graduation and the NFL Draft, Vereen also noted his need to emerge as a leader on the football team has become more apparent.

But entering his third year and second season at Cal, Vereen did not seem too burdened by the veteran tag.

“It feels a lot different,” Vereen said of the spring atmosphere.

“Just the whole (running backs coach Ron Gould’s) talk about being mature, the maturity level and being mentally tough, it grows with you as you go through years and days of practice. It grows and you start to develop, and the longer you’ve been out here, the more you know and the better you’re prepared.”

Tedford mentioned at the start of spring practices that he plans on using Vereen in a similar role to the one that he filled last year — a back that does a little bit of everything. Vereen rushed for 715 yards while catching 27 balls in 2007.

The tailback does not seem to have a problem preparing for such a role, either.

“I work hard at all positions,” Vereen said. “I’m trying to learn the offense as a whole. That way no matter where the game plan puts me, I’ll be OK. “The biggest thing for me (in the spring) was to improve in all aspects of the game. Going out every day in practice, trying to get a little better, trying to improve a little more in my pass protection, in my running the ball, in my catching the ball. You can never stop getting better.”

Bears tailback begins more time on track field Jahvid Best is the one who gets the Heisman hype.

The rising junior is the one who “everyone in the country knows about,” according to Cal quarterback Kevin Riley.

So why exactly is Best jealous of fellow Bears tailback Shane Vereen?

“My track career is over,” Best said. “I’m done with it.”

Vereen’s, meanwhile, is about to hit a different slope.

The rising redshirt sophomore has been splitting time with the Cal track and football teams, but with the conclusion of spring practices, Vereen will now be spending more of his time running in circles rather than north-and-south.

Vereen said he plans on participating in the 4-by-100-meter relay and possibly the 100-meter dash.

His goal is to run in the 10.4-10.5 seconds range in the latter.

“It’s a little late in the season,” said Vereen, insinuating his goals would be higher had he had more time to prepare.

“It’s (going to) be pretty good for this university,” Best said. “I feel like he can score points for the track team, so it’s (going to) be pretty good ... I wish I could do it, too.”

Vereen will return to football at the end of track’s Pac-10 season, according to the tailback. So far, coaches on all fronts have been keen on not overworking the Bears’ all-utility back.