06 14 2006

FUN IN THE SUN

NFL DREAMS

San Marcos music scene heats up with Summer in the Park

Two Bobcat football players are making their way in the pros

SEE TRENDS PAGE 10

SEE SPORTS PAGE 10

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS

www.UniversityStar.com

JUNE 14, 2006

WEDNESDAY

Texas State track star suffers severe injury in bicycle accident

By David Saleh Rauf The University Star A member of the Texas State track and field team has undergone surgery to amputate a portion of his right leg after sustaining a severe injury during a bicycle accident on June 5.

Twenty-one-yearold James Ortiz was riding his bike down the sidewalk on N. LBJ Street, in front of Grin’s, when he collided with the side of a BFI Waste Services garbage truck while making a left turn onto Forest Street. Ortiz, special education and exercise sports science senior, was transported to Austin’s Brackenridge Hospital where he has since been through a number of medical procedures.

“He’s got several surgeries still lined up,” said Ruben Ortiz, James’ brother. “Our number one concern right now for him is to recover from his injury. He has another surgery on Sunday and then another on Tuesday and the big one is on Wednesday.”

Ruben Ortiz said doctors are making sure the affected area is safe from infection “There just trying to save as much of his leg as they can,” he said. “Right now, there hasn’t been any infection. He’s been fighting that off.”

San Marcos Police Department Assistant Chief Johnny James said the officer that investigated the accident filed a complete report, including eyewitness testimony and an inspection of the commercial vehicle, which

indicated Ortiz failed to the yield right-ofway to the garbage truck.

“The garbage truck was in the traffic on LBJ, executing a legal left hand turn onto Forest Street, and Mr. Ortiz ran into the side of the garbage truck,” James said.

Family and friends have been by Ortiz’s side since the accident occurred.

Nathan Ehlinger, exercise sport science senior, ran cross country with Ortiz for four years and said the situation is unfortunate.

“Everybody that knows him knows how much he loved to run,” Ehlinger said. “It’s just a tragic situation.”

Ortiz has maintained an optimistic outlook regarding the situation thus far, Ehlinger said.

“He’s doing pretty good; he’s been positive about it,” Ehlinger said. “At certain times he’s kind of been down and out, you know, but what I saw for the most part, he’s been pretty positive. It looks like he’s keeping a level head about it.”

Josue Cervantes, Texas State alum, has made regular trip to the hospital to visit and support Ortiz. Cervantes said Ortiz has remained mentally strong, but the idea of not being able to run anymore is causing some anguish.

“The fact that he is a runner is causing him a lot of emotional distress, because, I mean, that’s the one thing he’s giving up,” Cervantes said. “It’s just that much harder knowing that as a runner you’re legs provide you with so much. I like to tell him to start over. There’s so many other options for him.”

One potential option includes the use of a prosthetic limb. Cervantes said the option of See BICYCLE, page 4

Loan consolidation plan offers students chance to decrease debt

By Bradley Childers The University Star The letters have come in the mail. The flyers are up on campus: “Student loan interest rates expected to rise July 1. Consolidate now!”

The interest rate for federal loans such as Stafford and Perkins will increase from the current 4.7 percent to 6.54 percent, marking a 1.84 percent increase. For loans already in repayment, the rate will rise from the current 5.3 percent to 7.14 percent.

Rates on Parent PLUS loans will also go up to 7.94 percent from 6.1 percent.

Chris Jass, assistant director of the Office of Student Financial Aid, said students should highly consider consolidating their

loans but cautions students to do research first.

“Do your homework. Keep a file on your loans, what you’ve gotten, who their lender is, when they got them,” Jass said. “When you consolidate, you’ll want to have it all in line to make the consolidation easier.”

Elizabeth Belli, vice president of marketing and sales at Student Trust, a privately owned student loan consolidation agency, said the average amount a student who consolidates with Student Trust borrows about $20,000. If such a student consolidates before June 30, they could save about $2,000, lowering their monthly payment by $19.

See LOAN, page 4

VOLUME 96, ISSUE 1

ALL EYES ON THE BORDER Cameras, civilian call-ins to be part of proposed $125 million border security plan

By Nick Georgiou The University Star Frustrated by federal inaction and a 31 percent cut in Texas’ Homeland Security budget, Governor Rick Perry plans to install hundreds of surveillance cameras along the Texas-Mexico border in an effort to combat illegal immigration.

The surveillance cameras are part of Perry’s proposed $125 million border security plan. The video feed from the cameras will be shown in real time, 24 hours a day to state, local and federal law enforcement agencies. The video stream will also be posted on the Internet, allowing anyone with Web access to report illegal activity. A toll-free number will be available to those who witness a crime.

“This is a program that will be run and staffed by law enforcement officers, so when a citizen calls in having viewed suspicious or criminal activity on a border camera, that activity will verified by law enforcement and the response will be coordinated by law enforcement,” said Rachael Novier, press secretary for Perry. “It’s simply a neighborhood watch program that has broad participation and uses technology.”

Latino civil rights groups disagree.

Luis Figueroa, legislative staff attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, said the program is an unproductive use of time and taxpayer money.

“It can lead to people who do not understand immigration policy profiling on the Internet,” Figueroa said. “It’s harmful to all Latinos.”

MALDEF, the largest Latino civil rights group in the United States, has called on Perry to reconsider his surveillance camera plan. The group fears “intolerant” individuals will make false reports.

“Local law enforcement and private citizens are not authorized, trained, or equipped to enforce federal immigration laws,” Nina Perales, MALDEF southwest regional counsel, said in a press release. ”Improper enforcement

A.D. Brown/Star file photo THE GREAT DIVIDE: As Americans and immigrants protest the recent immigration issues, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, as part of his proposed $125 million border security plan, has approved the installation of hundreds of surveillance cameras along the U.S./Mexico border.

by unqualified private individuals will lead to more problems for federal law enforcement that will have to respond to false alarms, frivolous allegations and racial profiling.”

MALDEF has already been concerned about possible civil rights violations in El Paso, where a sheriff has been accused of illegally using money from a state fund to apprehend immigrants.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has denied the allegations.

“We are in the process of learning more about those activities,” Figueroa said.

Perry has recognized the complaints, and has directed them to the U.S. Attorney.

Anthony Martinez, Democratic Sen. Eliot Shapleigh’s press secretary, said the abuse and racial profiling of Hispanics in El Paso has been rampant.

In addition to the $5 million appropriated for cameras, Perry will dedicate $20 million from state funds to expand Operation Rio Grande, a project aimed at reduc-

ing illegal drug activity and illegal entry along the southwestern border of the United States. Perry will also ask the Texas Legislature in the next session to authorize $100 million to sustain the operation.

Novier said she expects the legislature to approve the $100 million.

“We certainly believe the threat of the border is compelling and budgeting is about priorities and this is certainly one of the states highest priorities,” she said.

“Given the threat posed by our porous border in Texas and other key critical infrastructures in our state and the fact that we are recovering from catastrophes like hurricane Katrina and Reno last year, a reduction in homeland security funding for our state defies logic.”

The funding disparity, combined with continual federal inaction, jeopardizes border security and reinforces the belief See BORDER, page 4

Country crooner, alumnus Strait receives honorary doctorate

By Kathy Martinez The University Star Award winning county music singer/songwriter George Strait was presented an honorary doctoral degree by his alma mater Texas State in a private ceremony last month.

Strait, who graduated from Texas State in 1979 with a bachelor’s in agriculture was presented with an honorary doctor of humane letters by university President Denise M. Trauth.

Mark Hendricks, assistant director for the Texas State University News Service, said the university considers awarding honorary doctoral degrees to recognized individuals with a record of excellence in public affairs, humanities, the arts, business and the sciences.

“To have the university’s name and image associated with Strait in such a positive manner and in so many large and diverse media markets cannot help but be beneficial to the university,” Hendricks said.

Individuals who have con-

tributed significantly to the university, the state, the nation, internationally or who have made distinguished contributions to humanity are also eligible for consideration.

In 1984, Strait was also honored by Texas State with the university’s President’s Excellence Award, and in 1987 the Alumni Association Board of Directors named Strait a Distinguished Alumnus of the university.

Marketing senior Valerie Moore said she was disappointed that Strait was not able to receive his honorary doctorate at the commencement ceremony this past May. “George Strait is most definitely a favorite amongst college students at the university.

His musical roots are here and I would love to see him come back and give a performance for the university,” Moore said.

Most honorary doctorates are presented during regular commencement ceremonies, however Strait’s schedule would not permit him to attend a commencement. Instead, Strait re-

Today’s Weather

Sunny 96˚/69˚

Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 43% UV: 10+ Extreme Wind: E/NE 8 mph

quested a private ceremony be arranged.

To date, Strait has recorded 52 number one singles — more than any artist across all genres of music. Strait has also been named Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year on multiple occasions and has been awarded a Special Achievement Award by the Academy of County Music.

In his article “It’s the music: Kent Finlay’s Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos Texas” in the Journal of Texas Music History, history professor, Dr. Gregg Andrews writes about Strait and his musical beginnings at Cheatham Street Warehouse.

“Strait has one of the greatest and purest country music voices and a very strong attachment to traditional county and western swing influences,” Andrews said. “He knows how to choose a great song that’s just right for his voice and that appeals to the feelings he wants to convey in his music.”

Andrews said while Strait was

complishments and feels the singer is more than deserving of an honorary doctorate from the university.

“He has done so much for this town and for the university in putting them on the map and establishing a cultural history of Texas music,” Finlay said.

Criminal justice graduate Michael Eagan said he is a longtime fan of Strait and enjoys going to Cheatham Street Warehouse to listen to the county music tradition that Strait established.

“George Strait has created a history for Cheatham and has been an inspiration for many county music bands that are starting out for the first time on this stage,” Eagan said.

Photo courtesy of Media Relations Finlay said he remembers his DOCTOR STRAIT: Country icon and Texas State alumnus George first impression of Strait, deStrait receives an honorary doctoral degree from Texas State Presi- scribing him as a genuine perdent Denise Trauth in a private ceremony on May 26. son and a real cowboy.

“He has never changed and a student at Texas State, the debuted at Strait at Cheatham nothing is contrived about country singer responded to a Street on Oct.13, 1975. him,” Finlay said. “He is still notice posted on campus that Kent Finlay, songwriter and the same guy wearing the same advertised an opening for a lead owner of Cheatham Street Wrangler jeans and cowboy hat singer in a band.

Warehouse, said he is very See COUNTRY, page 4 The band, Ace in the Hole, proud of Strait’s musical ac-

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To Contact Trinity Building Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708 www.UniversityStar.com © 2006 The University Star

PAGE TWO The University Star

June 14, 2006

Wednesday in Brief

News Contact — David Saleh Rauf, starnews@txstate.edu

CRIME BLOTTER University Police Department June 12, 5 p.m.

Theft under $20,000/UPD Lobby An officer was dispatched to the UPD Lobby in reference to an employee who stated that a computer had been stolen from the Old Main building. This case is under investigation.

June 12, 12:36 a.m.

Alcohol: DUI Minor/Hopkins Street at Guadalupe Street An officer came in contact with a non student who was driving while under the influence of alcohol. The non-student was issued a citation.

June 11, 5:39 a.m.

Possession of Marijuana: Under two ounces/Outside Jowers An officer came in contact with four non-students. Upon further investigation, the nonstudents were arrested for possession of marijuana and transported to the Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration.

June 10, 10:48 p.m.

Driving While License Invalid/N. Guadalupe Street An officer came in contact with a non-student for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, the non-student was arrested for driving while license invalid and transported to HCLEC to await magistration.

June 7, 5 p.m.

Criminal Mischief under $500/West Campus Maintenance Shop An officer was dispatched to the West Campus Maintenance Shop in reference to a report that a university golf cart had been damaged. This case is under investigation.

June 6, 4:30 a.m.

Criminal Trespass Warning/ Sewell Park An officer came in contact with a non-student who attempted to jump off a bridge in Sewell Park. The non-student was issued a criminal trespass warning.

Servin’ summer

Admission of first Latino student to be remembered at Race, Ethnicity, Conference

June 6, 3 a.m.

MIP: Tobacco/Sewell Park An officer came in contact with a non-student who was in possession of tobacco and under age. The non-student was issued a citation and a criminal trespass warning.

June 5, 4 p.m.

Criminal Trespass Warning, Alcohol: MIP/Sewell Park An officer came in contact with a non-student who was in possession of alcohol in Sewell Park. The non-student was issued a citation and a criminal trespass warning.

June 5, 12:25 p.m.

Medical Emergency/Academic Support Building An officer was dispatched to the Academic Support Building in reference to a student who stated that she had stomach pains. She was transported to Central Texas Medical Center.

June 5, 4:35 a.m.

Public Intoxication/Outdoor Recreational Center An officer came in contact with a non-student who was publicly intoxicated and a nonstudent who was a minor in possession of alcohol. One nonstudent was arrested for public intoxication and transported to HCLEC and the other non student was issued a citation. Both non students were issued criminal trespass warnings June 2, 8 a.m.

Burglary: Vehicle/UPD Lobby An officer was dispatched to the UPD Lobby in reference to a non-student who reported that her vehicle had been burglarized. This case is under investigation.

Crime stoppers: UPD: 245-7867, SMPD: 353-TIPS

Monty Marion/Star photo POLISHING UP: Criminal Justice senior Shelly Holmstrom takes advantage of the falling temperatures by practicing her tennis skills at the Texas State Tennis Complex on Tuesday, June 13.

The third international Race, Ethnicity, and Place Conference will be held Nov. 1 through 4 at Texas State.

In the 2006-07 academic year, Texas State will commemorate the centennial of the matriculation of the first Latino student, Maria Elena Zamora O’Shea, on its campus, holding several celebratory events during the year.

The highlight of these events will be the international Race, Ethnicity and Place Conference III. Binghamton University — SUNY, one of the nation’s top 50 public universities — and Howard University, the “Harvard” of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, hosted the first two conferences.

CenturyTel, the city of San Marcos and Hays County, are co-sponsors of the event.

This international conference will include nationally distinguished public speakers, scholars of various disciplines from throughout the world and students worldwide who will discuss contemporary diversity and equity issues, particularly those affecting Latinos and African Americans.

For additional details about the conference or fiesta, e-mail REP3@geo.txstate.edu or phone (512) 245-7618.

— Courtesy of Media Relations

Football players hold fundraiser for defensive back’s fight against cancer Texas State football players are currently selling tickets for a barbeque dinner as part of a June 22 fundraiser. All proceeds will go toward senior defensive back Walter Musgrove’s fight against cancer.

Musgrove, an All-Southland Conference First-Team selection as well as an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District team

member, was diagnosed earlier this year with Hodgkin’s disease. The Duncanville native’s prognosis to make a full recovery is very good.

Tickets for the barbeque dinner are $8, and in addition to being available from any member of the Texas State football team, can be purchased through the football of-

fice by calling (512) 245-2587.

Rudy’s Country Store and Barbeque will cater the barbeque.

The dinner will be served June 22 on the East Concourse of Bobcat Stadium from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

— Courtesy of the Athletics Department

NEWS

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Council extends airport lease, hires firm to review development code

By Clayton Medford The University Star Although San Marcos City Council members approved the hiring of Dunkin, Selko and Associates, some members expressed concern about the cost of hiring a consultant to review the costs incurred by the high standards set in the city’s development code during the June 6 meeting.

Some council members challenged the objectivity of the firm, Dunkin, Selko and Associates, who helped city officials draft the code in December 2004.

The council agreed to pay the firm $26,000 to conduct a study to “quantify the costs and describe the benefits” of the city’s land development code, according to the proposal. More specifically, the code will determine the costs of land development in San Marcos compared to development in New Braunfels, Kyle and Buda.

Councilman Chris Jones said because the firm drafted the code, Dunkin, Selko and Associates would not be able to objectively review the costs.

“I still feel a little uneasy granting them this $25,000 contract because, I mean, if they helped write the code, can we seriously see them scrutinizing the code to the point of getting to what is heavily impacting it?” Jones said.

Jones said he supported the idea of reviewing the code, but the council should approach it from the perspective of those affected by the code, not of those who wrote it.

Councilman Ed Mihalkanin said Dunkin, Selko and Associates, who also helped write the New Braunfels land development

code, are in a unique position to assess the costs of the San Marcos code.

“I am more comfortable that this firm participated in drafting not only the San Marcos code, but also the New Braunfels code.

I’m sure that there will be differences in those two codes because we are two different cities; we have different kinds of components in our communities. There are a whole range of things that make us different economically,” Mihalkanin said. “There’s no incentive here for this firm to cook the books.”

Councilman Gaylord Bose did not see the need in reviewing the code. He said city officials had appropriately addressed the numerous concerns of residents when the code was written in 2004.

“This land development code is for our city, for our standards, and we set them high because we want for our community that has high standards, that they will be met,” Bose said. “If we raise the standards high, five, 10, 15 years down the road, and people see because of higher standards better buildings, better homes, better quality homes, it will pay off.”

Bose was the only member to vote against hiring the firm.

The council also reviewed and approved two changes to the San Marcos municipal airport. Council members approved an extension of the lease between the city and Berry Aviation, whose lease is not set to expire until 2012.

The lease extension will provide Berry operating space until 2032 and will increase their rent from 5 cents per square foot of building space to 20 cents per square foot, according to the resolution.

onlineconnection connection For online stories about the San Marcos downtown survey results and the UPD’s Identity Theft Workshop, go to www. universitystar.com.

Several council members and San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz said they received an anonymous e-mail claiming to be from other airport tenants alleging Berry had received preferential treatment from the city by allowing the company to renew its lease before it expired.

“This is no doubt an economic development deal and we are trying to convince Mr. Berry to continue operation and be successful in the airport,” City Manager Dan O’Leary said. “In terms of a monopoly out there, he is the only major FPO we have at the airport now and we certainly are trying to attract others as well.

When they come in … we will have to structure deals similar to this as well. We want to attract them just like we do any other economic development contract.”

Narvaiz questioned the effectiveness of locking in the 20 cents per square foot amount for twenty years. O’Leary reiterated the unique nature of the lease with Berry Aviation.

“Probably in the future, that rate will look funny. But, the fact is that this isn’t just a standard lease on the open market; this is an economic development,” O’Leary said.

The more economically substantial change to the San Marcos Municipal Airport the council approved Tuesday involves the provision by the city of $340,000 in matching funds to improve airport facilities, including a runway. That money will be paired with $3.06 million, or 90 percent of the total cost of design and construction, from the Texas Department of Transportation. The $340,000 will be paid between 2006 and 2008.

The University Star - Page 3

Blaze consumes 60 acres Southwest RV Centers employees battle fire until emergency crews arrive

By David Saleh Rauf The University Star New Braunfels Utilities crews conducting maintenance on electrical wires accidentally sparked a brush fire in the 3800 block of North Interstate Highway 35 on Friday, resulting in approximately 60 acres of scorched land.

“We had two crews out there that were working on an overhead electric line and an arc caused the sparks, which landed in the dry grass underneath the poll,” Gretchen Ruewer, New Braunfels Utilities communications manager said.

“That quickly ignited into a small fire.”

The blaze began in a vacant lot located by exit 192, directly adjacent to Southwest RV Centers. The New Braunfels Fire Department responded at 4:30 p.m., said Darren Brinkkoeter, New Braunfels Fire Marshall.

With the assistance of “mutual aid” from several neighboring agencies, the fire was brought under control by 6 p.m.

The initial unit responding to the fire, Brinkkoeter said, reported heavy smoke and requested an additional brush truck and water tanker. Upon arriving, firefighters encountered a fast moving grass fire and requested a “full assignment,” consisting of two ladder companies, one engine company and two EMS units, he said.

Jason Buch/Star photo SCORCHED: Dry weather and strong winds caused the brushfire near Interstate Highway 35 at exit 192 to spread toward Southwest RV Centers on Friday. The New Braunfels Fire Department and four neighboring agencies extinguished the fire that scorched approximately 60 acres of land over the course of two hours.

“We do not put trucks ahead of the fire because it’s endangering our firefighters lives, so we very quickly have to work the flanks … until we can cut it off,” Brinkkoeter said.

Brinkkoeter said the strong winds caused the fire to change direction, triggering it to steer directly toward the Southwest RV Centers parking lot.

“The dry conditions of the grass and the strong southernly winds really contributed to it spreading fast,” he said.

Julieann Hunt, Southwest RV Centers service writer, said she noticed the fire was spreading and heading in the direction of the RV lot, causing her to take up arms in the form of a water hose.

“The fire started at the front and it just started rolling. All of the sudden, the wind kicked up and it came straight toward us, so we went out there with a water-hose,” Hunt said. “We tried. The heat was coming across with the wind and the

fire department hadn’t got here yet … so it started melting and bubbling the end of the metal on the travel trailer. I was trying to cool them off.”

Lucas Boggs, Southwest RV Centers lot porter, observed the fire from atop a camper, describing the flames as 15 feet high.

“It was a good blaze,” he said.

During the fire, Boggs “was pulling trailers out of the lot to make sure they didn’t burn.”

Brinkkoeter said fire units were able to extinguish the fire before a “substantial loss” to the 15 camping trailers, valued at $600,000, occurred. Two trailers, however, sustained minor radiant heat damage at an estimate of $3,200.

Ruewer said NBU will deal with the damages caused by the fire with the owner of the property that was affected.

“If anybody was affected, we’ll deal with them on a oneto-one basis,” she said.

NEWS

Page 4 - The University Star

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

LOAN: Students HUD distributes $2.6 million to San Marcos Housing Authority often miss out on grace period

By Clayton Medford The University Star

CONTINUED from page 1

However, consolidation is not an option everyone considers to be beneficial.

Mark Trevino, criminal justice senior, said he is taking out loans but is indifferent about the notion of consolidation.

“I’ll be going into the military after I graduate,” Trevino said. “They are going to pay off my loans.”

The law currently states that students can only consolidate once. If an undergraduate consolidates now, their loans will be locked at the current interest rate, but any loans incurred in the future will be subject to fluctuating interest rates.

Although the financial aid office can provide helpful information regarding the consolidation process, it can not actually consolidate loans for students, Jass said.

“Everything goes through the school for that, as far as obtaining and processing their loan,” Jass said. “But once they get ready to pay the loan off or consolidate, they need to contact the loan agency.”

In addition, recently graduated students who are still in their loan grace period and chose to consolidate will be forced to start paying them off immediately, nullifying the six-month period.

“The grace period loss is very common,” Jass said. “But I’d recommend they check with their lender because there are some lenders which might offer incentives.”

Sallie Mae, the largest privately-owned student loan lender and consolidator, is among the lenders that offer incentives, such as reducing the loan rate by 0.25 percent if a student pays by direct debit from their checking account.

Additionally, many lenders will drop the interest rate by a full percentage point after a loan is paid on time for 36 months.

Students who have loans with one lender are required to consolidate with that lender. Students who have loans from various lenders have the option to use an outside agency such as Sallie Mae or Student Trust.

Janelle Schulze, bilingual education senior, consolidated her $22,000 in Direct Stafford loans recently and said the process was quick and easy, but she still had questions that went unanswered.

“It really seemed like a beurocracy. The person I talked to was helpful in registering me for the consolidation,” Schulze said. “But when I inquired about specific information like payments, they said I would have to talk to someone else.”

Sam Lopez, transfer student from Austin Community College, who is taking out $7,500 in loans, and his father, Felix Lopez, were unaware of the rate increase.

“I’ll definitely get his loans consolidated if it will save that much money,” Felix Lopez said.

Congressman Henry Cuellar recently announced the distribution of $2.6 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Capital Fund Program to the 28th Congressional District, $449,700 of which went to the San Marcos Housing Authority.

“The money we collect for rents really isn’t enough to maintain the units that we have,” said Albert Sierra, San Marcos Housing Authority President. “So the money that we get from HUD through this Capital Fund Program really is a godsend.”

The San Marcos Housing Authority has received grants from the program for the past five years.

Sierra said money his organization receives from the program typically goes toward repairing the 495 units the authority manages. More than half of the units under the housing authority’s care are completely government-owned and residents pay only $180 per month for rent.

Gene Martin, resident services director for the housing authority, said almost $130,000 has already been appropriated to the new Poder Learning Center. “(The new center) was two duplexes that we completely gutted out everything but the frame and redid them to be an after-school center for youth. They have a computer lab in it, a reading area for the kids to read, and a recording studio,” Martin said. “We have a place for the kids

to do their homework and we show movies in there.”

“The money that we have used in the past have been used to renovate units, hire people to work on the renovation of the units and doing water and sewer line repairs as needed,” Sierra said.

One project Sierra said is in progress is the installation of cut-off valves on a water line that serves two large sites. Sierra said without them, a break in the line would sever water service to dozens of units.

Sierra said the amount of money the housing authority receives from the federal government has decreased each year.

“Half a million dollars, it’s a good amount of money, but we need six to seven million dollars long term

to keep on doing what we need to do here with our properties,” Sierra said. “Every year we have things that need to be done. Units need to be updated. We have … central air and central heat units that are older and need to be replaced. We have roofs that need to be done. It’s just upkeep, maintenance.”

Congressman Cuellar pointed to Republican-backed cuts to domestic programs like HUD as cause for municipalities receiving less federal housing assistance.

“The administration has talked about cutting, or has cut, a lot of the domestic programs, whether its education, healthcare or housing. I sit on the budget committee and we have fought to try to stop the cuts on the domestic front,” Cuellar said.

BORDER: Civil rights group sees program BICYCLE: Athletics department establishes as waste of time, waste of money fund to assist Ortiz CONTINUED from page 1

CONTINUED from page 1

prosthesis, however, “is not really talked about.”

“Everybody just wants him to recover. We’re all grateful that he’s still here. That’s the biggest thing we have to be grateful for,” he said.

Cervantes said the idea of Ortiz pursuing his passion for running with the help of a prosthetic limb could not be ruled out.

“I think everyone just kind of knows that with James’ ability it’s a possibility; it just goes unsaid to be honest, he said. “It’s a possibility. I just know that he could still do something.”

Ortiz is Texas State’s current record holder in the 1500 meters and is an All-American in the Southland Conference in the event.

“He took pride in beating someone from Texas or Harvard. One of James’ goals was always to be someone that commands respect,” Cervantes said.

“He wanted to be that person that would step on the track and somebody would be like, ‘That’s James Ortiz.’ In my eyes, he already was.”

The Athletics Department has established a fund to assist Ortiz’s family. Tracy Shoemake associate athletic director, said the university will allocate the funds according to Ortiz’s greatest needs.

“We don’t know what his greatest needs are going to be yet; he’s got a long road ahead of him,” she said.

Donations can be forwarded to the athletics department at 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666. Checks can be made out to Texas State Athletics. For more information, contact Texas State associate athletic director, Tracy Shoemake, at (512) 245-2114.

that Texas must never wait for Washington to act, Governor Perry said in a press release.

Novier agreed, saying the state of Texas cannot “wait for the federal government to act.”

“It takes time often for the federal bureaucracy to move and that’s why we have taken steps here at the state level to better equip local law enforcement agencies to provide funding to increase their manpower so that we can have more pa-

trols and more officers focusing on border crime and violence as a result of a porous border,” Novier said.

Figueroa said the immigration system should be fixed through legislation and not through, what he calls, “draconian” plans that focus on punishment and enforcement.

“The immigration system is broken,” he said.

MALDEF supports a bi-partisan and realistic approach to comprehensive immigration reform that will result in safer

communities, proper enforcement of immigration laws and a long-term solution, Figueroa said.

Ricardo Zavala, political science senior and president of the Association of Mexican American students, has a different perspective on the issue.

“Perry’s border plan is more politically motivated than anything,” Zavala said. “Perry has got to answer to the majority of the conservative base. It’s too big of an issue to be answered right now,” Zavala said.

COUNTRY: Strait ‘never changed’ from his Cheatham Street Warehouse roots CONTINUED from page 1

that he always has.”

Finlay still holds a copy of Strait’s first album that is signed “Thanks for giving us a place to play when no one else would.”

“George Strait may have majored in agriculture at Texas State, but he majored in music at Cheatham,” Finlay said.

Hendricks said the presentation of Straits honorary doctorate degree has brought a large

amount of national and international media coverage to the university.

Among the print publications that have carried the story are the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, New York Newsday, and Billboard Magazine. The story has also been picked up by wire services in Austria and Romania.

An active alumnus of Texas State, Strait established an endowment fund for the devel-

opment and operation of the Freeman Ranch for agricultural, land and wildlife management, and scholarships in 1985.

Texas State has endowed honorary doctorate degrees in the past to President Lyndon B. Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, Gilbert M. Grosvenor, chairman of the board of the National Geographic Society and Texas State benefactors Roy F and Joann Cole Mitte.

www.UniversityStar.com

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - Page 5

Trends Contact — Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Photo courtesy of www.derailers.com RIGHT ON TRACK: The Derailers, pictured above, provide listeners with what NPR calls “hangdog honkytonk”. The Derailers will play on August 10 at San Marcos Plaza.

Photo courtesy of twotons.com TEXAS BLEND: Texas natives Two Tons of Steel incorporate a unique style of country that lead singer Kevin Geil describes as “countrybilly.” The band will be playing during the 2006 Summer Concert Series at San Marcos Plaza on June 29.

Summer Line up

June 15 June 22 June 29 July 6 July 13 July 20 July 27 Aug. 3 Aug. 10

Hill Country Brass Texas State Mariachi Two Tons of Steel Aire Force Band of the West Poor Man’s Fortune The Double Eagle String Band Salsa del Rio Grant Mazak The Derailers

Series promotes outdoor nights with music, tradition

By Charlotte Almazan The University Star After tubing, swimming, sunning and grilling, the summer experience is not complete until you have spent an evening under the stars.

Starting in June, two local series, Summer In the Park and Movies In the Park, commence as crowds gather at dusk in San Marcos Plaza Park. To participate, all you need is to do is round up a group of friends or take a date down to the park and claim your spot.

Both summer series are orchestrated by the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation

Department in collaboration with local organizations to provide free entertainment along with continuing a concert tradition.

Summer in the Park is an annual music series that happens from 7:30 to 9 p.m. every Thursday. The series celebrates live, outdoor music with an array of sounds. The long-standing city tradition continued this summer when the Crabby Grass Boys kicked off Summer in the Park’s 20th season on June 1. “[I think] the event gives the students a hometown atmosphere since they are away from their families,” said Cecilia Rivera, a San Marcos resident.

The San Marcos Arts Commission and series sponsor CenturyTel partnered with the Parks and Recreation to present the sounds of summer.

The season line-up intentionally reflects a variety of talent.

The performers’ sounds vary between jazz, standards and rockabilly.

Bands like the Derailers and Two Tons of Steel are included in the showcase to attract the university crowd.

“Moving here from Austin, San Marcos has shown that they have what it takes to be a fun and exciting city. I’ve been impressed with the entertainment,” said psychology senior

Katie McKinney.

Lisa Morris, the recreation manager for Parks and Recreation explained that the heat does not factor in the audience turnout because the locations provide shade under the trees.

“The music is such great music that it’s a tradition,” Morris said.

The event coordinators have designated two locations to host the music series, Plaza Park Stage and the Veramendi Park Gazebo. Both locations are easily accessible with plenty of space for blankets and lawn chairs.

If you are looking for a night under the stars and it’s not a

Thursday night, then you are still in luck. Time Warner Cable and Parks and Recreation have joined together to present Movies in the Park.

According to the tentative schedule, the traveling Time Warner vehicle stops in the surrounding cities throughout the summer. The first showing, Nanny McPhee, was held on Monday in Plaza Park.

Parks and Recreation is responsible for organizing the pre-movie activities and publicizing the event. Time Warner cable provides the employees and the equipment to produce the show of the evening.

The films and activities are

specifically family-oriented.

They are chosen for their content and mass appeal. Pre-show activities consist of group games for the children until nightfall when the movie starts.

Groups can arrive early at 7:30 p.m. to participate in games until the films starts around 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their packed picnic baskets or visit the on-site concession stands. If you are bringing a packed dinner, know that glass containers and alcohol beverages are prohibited from the event.

Proceeds from the concession stands support the Greater San Marcos Youth Council.

Cool Mint Café specializes in organic foods, emphasis on mint CRÈME OF THE CROP: The recently opened Coolmint Café on Burleson Street brings freshly made desserts and homey appeal to diners. Customers can indulge their sweet tooth with a taste of their freshly made Crème Brulee topped with fresh fruits and berries.

Emily Messer/ Star photo

By Maira Garcia The University Star The Cool Mint Café doesn’t leave the ‘mint’ out of anything, whether it’s the food or the actual building itself.

The cafe, located at 415 Burleson St., opened its doors May 13 with a distinctive but delicious menu.

Offerings include not only entrees such as beef tenderloin and ginger-spiced salmon, but also Cool Mint’s signature salad and rich desserts such as the chocolate decadence with vanilla bean ice cream.

Co-owner and chef Suzanne Perkins received inspiration for her mintthemed restaurant through the organic garden she

grows at her home in Waco.

“I was walking through the house with a bunch of mint in my hand when my partner said, ‘Maybe you should name the restaurant the Mint Café,” Perkins said.

The 1920s bungalow she purchased to house the restaurant was already painted mint-green, which fit with not only the name, but the style of food Perkins said.

Many of the items incorporate mint, particularly the signature salad which mixes mint leaves with fresh spinach, green olives, tomato, cucumber, onion and lemon-garlic vinaigrette.

“Mint is a natural digestive…We really try to focus on natural and organic foods,” Perkins said.

Even their freshly prepared lemonade, limeade and teas contain a natural no-calorie sweetener, stevia, which is an extremely sweet herb, and sprigs of mint.

Cool Mint’s menu covers the gamut in taste. Ethnic flavors are represented in items like the Greek Platter, Grilled Cinnamon Chicken and Asian Pork Tenderloin.

Perkins said all food is fresh and the staff tries to make everything in house. The café even has its own pastry chef, Ricardo Smith, to prepare decadent desserts like the New York Style cheesecake and crème brulee.

Coupled with the great tasting food is a quaint interior design. It is cozy and inviting, making you feel like you�re eating a meal

in your own home. Small, framed vintage posters line the cream colored walls. The house also features a large deck for outdoor lounging.

The café plans to open their to-go and breakfast section in the coming months which will feature cases with pastries, to-go lunches and handheld breakfasts, Perkins said.

The only disadvantage Cool Mint has is the number of tables, which can be problematic during peak hours. Waiting times can be from 15 to 20 minutes during lunch hours and longer on weekends. “[Traffic] has picked up everyday. It’s all been word of mouth. People from offices bring co-workers and they come back that night

with their [spouse],” said Perkins.

The café has just implemented the Blue Plate Special, which is the lunch special served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. The special includes a choice of beverage and costs $6.95.

Regular menu entrees start at $9.95 and up. Beer and wine will be served starting June 16. Reservations are recommended for weekends.

The Café delivers around town and requires a minimum order of $19. In addition, Cool Mint specializes in catering.

Cool Mint is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

The University Star - Page 6

By Andrea L. Short The University Star Now that temperatures soar into the ’90s and above, showing some skin has become mandatory for comfort and style. This season’s swimsuit trends offer an array of options for every body type and personal style. A few key summer accessories like stylish sunglasses and several pairs of flip-flops are essential.

For the ladies, finding a swimsuit that suits you and your activities can be difficult. In a People magazine poll, 39 percent of women try on four to six suits before they find one they like.

But don’t dispair, there is still hope for those struggling to find the perfect suit.

According to People magazine’s summer 2006 issue, trends in swimwear this summer include ruffled skirts, bandeau tops, cutout one-pieces and the traditional itty-bitty string bikini. Colors run the gamut from bright fuchsia and turquoise to brown, while prints include nautical stripes, paisley and geometrics.

Knowing what suit will flaunt your assets best is the key to swimsuit success. If you want to maximize your bust, pick a suit with ruffle, bead or ring detail on the top. To minimize a larger bottom, try mix and match suits by picking a darker solid for the bottom and a stripe or paisley printed top. Doing this will draw the eye upward and put the focus on your top.

For those who want to add curves, People suggests trying a suit with a skirt or ruffles on the bottom, as this will add width to the hip area and provide more coverage. For a subtle, more conservative option, try on this season’s one-piece suits with strategically placed cutouts. A one-piece is especially good for those with longer torsos or larger busts. And of course the everpopular string bikini is still a hot suit this summer. If you want to stick with this basic suit, try one in brown — the hottest solid color this season.

Although men might find the right suit easier than women, there are still a few good guidelines to follow.

“Comfort is key. I really like the Volcom and Quicksilver brands because they have more of a surfer feel and fit me best,” said Peter Stinzi, communication studies senior.

Major rule: Unless you’re on the swim team, no Speedos please. Board shorts with fabric fastener or string ties are most popular.

“Guys usually don’t like the elastic waist band, they go more for the board shorts with classic ties and solid and print mixed,” said Megan Molina, American Eagle Outfitters employee in the Tanger Outlet Center.

After the swimsuit come the other summer essentials such as shades and flip-flops. Hot sunglasses for ladies are still square, round and oversized. New trends in shades include whiterimmed glasses, side details such as big logos and crystal designs and shields — an updated aviator style. Keep in mind the shape of your face when picking out shades. If you go too big, you’ll look goofy. Too small and you won’t block enough sunlight to protect your eyes. Basically, sunglasses need to be tried on just like anything else.

For the feet, say goodbye to tennis shoes and hello to flip

flops of every color and style.

This is the ultimate accessory because they match almost anything and can go from pool-side during the day to a party or dinner in the evening.

If you’re looking for cheap footwear, Old Navy offers a rainbow of colors in the basic rubber flip flop for around $10, but the most popular by far is basic brown.

“People wear flip flops everyday, everywhere, so they need a pair that is going to last all summer and will match every outfit they put together,” said Lee Casas, an assistant manager at American Eagle.

Casas also said that the most popular flip-flops they sell are simple, brown leather pairs, with little decorative touches.

“The sequined flip flops aren’t really big sellers anymore,” Casas said.

Once you’ve got your suit, shades and flops, an ounce of good sunscreen is all the accessory needed for a day at the river, beach or by the pool.

Courtesy of www.gremlinsolustions.co.uk

Hotter weather means hotter styles for 2006

RIX’S

TECHNOLOGY FIXES

Abandoned Arcades: Why gaming gatherings are few and far between

No swearing. the minds of many playNo yelling. No ers. food or drink. No It’s an unfortunate fighting. side effect of the home Those rules gaming industry, but it — among othhad some help. The arers — written in cade games themselves red marker on are fairly limited as far a white acrylic as their technology is BILL RIX board, stood for concerned. Japanese Star Columnist years above the manufacturers have to ticket counter at Jolly Time, continuously publish titles to greeting everyone who walked even begin to compare with into the arcade. modern computer and console But this was back in the mid games. ’90s, back when arcades were Of course, you can still find still a dime — or quarter — a arcades, but rarely are they dozen. standing alone. Most are tacked What killed the arcade? Sure onto other entertainment there are still a few left but not venues like movie theaters and in number or quality like they miniature golf courses. were back in the ’90s. Console Robert Putnam’s Bowling games surely contributed to Alone hypothesized that many the demise of the arcade. The social ills can be blamed on relative ease in which one the threadbare social fabric could play games at home of America. Compared to 50 — pop in a cartridge or disc, years ago, people belong to grab a control and hit the “on” fewer bridge clubs, belong to switch — the video arcade in fewer clubs in general and go

Monty Marion and Spencer Millsap/Star photo SIZZLING SWIMWEAR: As summer’s hottest days approach, scores of students rush out to buy the latest swimwear and accessories. Today’s popular market includes two piece bikinis with bright colors, boardshorts and big sunglasses.

Solutions from June 1:

Go to www.UniversityStar.com for today’s answers.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

bowling with other people less often. People also go to video arcades less, where some degree of social interaction is almost impossible to avoid.

Are we really missing anything? Well not “we” — some people have never been inside an arcade. The dim lighting, the loud games, the rattle of the change machine, the plastic stools thrown around all pell-mell — it’s a bit of an acquired taste. Then again, some fondly remember inserting coin after coin into arcade legends like Galaga and Mortal Kombat and cashing in ticket rolls for plastic tops and bracelets. But it’s not the games that were most important, it was the idea of the arcade itself.

It’s unfortunate that video arcades are mostly anachronisms by today’s standards.

The dearth of arcades is a small player in the “bowling alone” idea, but it sure isn’t helping.

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

onlineconnection To check out our newest online surveys, go to www.universitystar.com.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - Page 7

Opinions Contact — Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu

Paving the way for

SAFER STREETS

Letters to the Editor

Building awareness key to less accidents

THE MAIN POINT

W

hen classes at Texas State are in session, the intersection of N. LBJ Drive and Sessom looks more like Wall Street than a small-town intersection.

Droves of students walk or ride their bicycle across the busy pedestrian walkway on N. LBJ Street while motorists zoom past them.

It’s an area that gets a heavy flow of traffic and disregards to traffic laws have caused avoidable wrecks and pedestrian injuries. And despite the need to be more cautious in a high-volume area, many people disregard any need to be safe.

As a result of misunderstandings of traffic laws or an inability to adhere to them, James Ortiz, a Texas State track and field team member, has had surgery to amputate a portion of his right leg. On June 5, Ortiz, 21, was riding his bike down the sidewalk on N.LBJ, directly in front of Grin’s, when he

collided with the side of a BFI Waste Services garbage truck while making a left turn onto Forest Street. He was transported to Austin’s Brackenridge Hospital.

San Marcos Police Department Assistant Chief Johnny James said the officer who investigated the accident filed a complete report, including eye-witness testimony and an inspection of the commercial vehicle, which indicated Ortiz failed to yield the right-ofway to the garbage truck.

At 3 minutes and 48.35 seconds, Ortiz is Texas State’s record holder in the 1500 meters and an All-Southland Conference performer in the event. He was redshirted this past track and field season. He was twice named SLC Cross Country athlete of the week during his career, and in 2004 was the team’s top finisher in conference.

Sometimes drivers are careless, sometimes they are

completely devoid of common courtesy. They become as belligerent as Wal-Mart customers on a Sunday afternoon, violently looking for a week’s worth of groceries.

And sometimes bicyclists aren’t aware of the traffic laws they’re supposed to follow, such as riding with the flow of traffic and staying off sidewalks in the business zone.

Some people think that bicyclists and pedestrians always have the right-of-way — a dangerous misconception.

Last fall, San Marcos residents approved Bond Proposition 6, allowing for $1,185,000 to be spent on constructing and improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the city. But there are other ways students can pave way for safer streets. Be aware of your safety and follow

Geography department deserves pat on the back

traffic laws and let someone else know if they’re not. Also, go to a city council meeting and request that the speed limit around N. LBJ Street and Sessom be lowered.

Simple things can be done to prevent horrific accidents such as the one that could potentially end James Ortiz’ career.

I graduated from SW Texas in 1999 with a geography degree. I saw the article in reference to geography major and emergency medical. Since graduation, I also have worked in emergency field but in a different arena — the Department of the Army. I went to Germany for three years and then back to my home in San Marcos, working as an instructor for Fort Sam Houston teaching chemical, biological, nuclear, explosives, emergency management, first responders and also traveled teaching all the Border Patrol agents through United States, Canada and Mexico and I am now the Antiterrorism/ Force Protection Officer for the Army in Japan and Okinawa.

I say all of this to show how the geography department at Texas State impacts the world by the wonderful professors and their mentoring ability. I am actually stationed with four different graduates of Texas State, (small world), and the chief of staff’s son is attending Texas State now. Good work and good marketing for the university. A great school and yes, it will always be a party school that has very influential graduates. My daughters also graduated from Texas State.

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.

Amelia Harris USARJ G3, Antiterrorism/Force protection officer

Online Poll Results

Kelly Simmons/Star Illustration

School Finance Reform

Case shows Criminal Justice system needs reevaluation Ask Jim Tenny what he thinks of the Texas Criminal Justice system and you’ll, at SEAN WARDWELL the very Star Columnist least, get an informed answer. Tenny spent the last seven years getting an up close and personal look at it from the inside. He was convicted for murder and sentenced to 65 years. He claimed it was self defense. He was right too.

Tenny’s then wife, with whom he was in the process of splitting up with, lunged at him with a can of gasoline and managed to soak his face and chest with it. As she tried to ignite him he fought back, stabbing her fatally. This was also after he had been stabbed twice by

her and had his skull cut open by a dinner plate. He called 911 and tried to revive her to no avail. The next thing he remembered was waking up with his leg cuffed to the bed. He was charged with first-degree murder and found guilty.

Now, seven years later, he’s a free man. He got a retrial and was found guilty of aggravated assault. Since he already served the five years that verdict entails (plus two more) he was released and now lives in Wimberley.

His self-defense story was seen as a scam on the jurors at the time.

Like many things in life there is a story behind the story though. Jim Tenny did not get justice until seven years of his life were robbed from him. He was saved because the Houston law firm of Vinson and Elkins took an interest in his case and agreed to represent him pro

bono, or for free. Big law firms have this luxury because they are, well, big law firms with lots of money. I have no problem with them having that kind of money too.

In this world, someone’s going to be rich and someone’s going to be poor. It’s nice to see the rich looking out for the little guy, to be honest with you.

Public relations or not, its good corporate citizenship.

But what about all the other Jim Tennys? What about the people in the system who can’t afford competent counsel?

Texas has never been known for an enlightened or progressive penal attitude. We like to lock people up and throw away the room. Or better yet, why house when you can just as easily kill?

Texas has set land-speed records with the death penalty — a penalty where there is no room for mistakes.

Given the recent revelations regarding the ethical breaches within the crime labs in Houston, a city that sends more people in this state to death row than any other, can we honestly say that we have never executed an innocent person? Can we be that sure? Tenny was lucky in the sense that he never had to face that chamber.

The criminal justice system in this state is horribly broken.

We have incompetent attorneys representing defendants in capital cases. While it is true that an attorney can be provided to you at no cost, there’s no rule that says he or she has to be a good lawyer. When a defendant’s life is on the line, don’t we owe it to the system alone that they be proficient in their job? Anything less creates a kangaroo court. It gives lip service to a system that, when run right, is the best in the world.

When we don’t respect that system, or better yet when the system doesn’t respect itself enough to level the playing field, how can we expect anyone else to respect it either? The truth is that we can’t and we shouldn’t.

The fact that someone has a law degree does not automatically make them Perry Mason.

The state needs to ensure that attorneys that represent defendants free of charge be competent and professional. It isn’t just a job when someone’s life or freedom is at stake.

The legislature needs to ensure that even though people are accused of horrific crimes, and aren’t able to pay, they still have access to dedicated and competent legal help, and not just some guy who lucked into a Juris Doctorate.

Sean Wardwell is a communication studies junior.

Letters policy: E-mail letters to starletters@txstate.edu. Letters must be no longer than 300 words. No anonymous letters will be printed. We reserve the right to edit for grammar, spelling, space and libel. We reserve the right to refuse obscene, irrelevant and malicious letters. All e-mails must include the name and phone number of the letter writer. Students should also include their classifications and majors.

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

Editor In Chief...................................Jason Buch, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor.........................Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu News Editor..............................David Saleh Rauf, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor....................Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu Photo Editor...............................Spencer Millsap, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor..................................Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief................................Bill Rix, starcopychief@txstate.edu

Design Editor..........................Michael E. Perez, stardesign@txstate.edu Systems Administrator.............Chris Jeane, starsysadmin@txstate.edu Webmaster...........................Ryan Johnson, starwebadmin@txstate.edu Art Director.......................................Marisa Leeder, ml1131@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator......................Jodie Claes, starad1@txstate.edu Advertising Sales Manager....................Lindsey Lee, atlas@txstate.edu Account Executive.............Lauren Lowing, lauren_lowing@txstate.edu

Account Executive.....................Lindsey Randolph, lr1068@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator..Linda Allen, starbusinessoffice@txstate.edu Publications Director..............Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

W

hat do you think about the school finance reform passed in the Texas legislative 79th called session?

It will not be successful

40% (25) Don’t know

25% (15) Too soon to tell

25% (15)

It will be successful

10% (6)

Results compiled from The University Star Web site online poll. This is not a scientific survey.

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 other Wednesday of Summer I and II with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Copyright June 15, 2006. 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.

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All classified ads are charged 20¢ per word. Ads may be emailed to starclassifieds@txstate.edu.

Check your classified ad for accuracy. Any changes must be made by the second day of publication.

The deadline for all classified ads is noon two business days prior to publication. Classified ads must be paid in advance unless credit has been established. Refunds will only be given when a classified ad has been paid by credit card. The Star reserves the right to refuse, edit, and discontinue any classified ad at any time without prior notification. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. Classified ads that do not note heading, will be put under the appropriate heading. All classified ads are published free, on-line at www.universitystar.com. 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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1628 POST HAS A 1/1 AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN. $400 per month.

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527 WEST SAN ANTONIO.

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1015 MLK.

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$785 2/2.5 WINDMILL APTS. 3 blks from TXState. Preleas-

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GL (512) 878-2233.

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FOR RENTCONDO/TOWNHOME 1226 N. LBJ. Giant condominium home 4 blocks to campus. Water/trash paid. This unity is so big you can play basketball in the living room. Call VJE Realty, 353-3002.

1005 NORTH LBJ BAYNEBRIDGE CONDOMINIUMS.

Not some dull old apartment. We are talking sexy, sexy. This gorgeous 2 bedroom/2 bath condo has everything that they won’t give you in an apartment. Water/trash paid. Call VJE Realty, 353-3002.

3

blks from TXState. Preleasing for 8/20. Free HBO, Road Runner, fullsize W/D. www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans & prices. 396-4181.

EXTRA LARGE AVAILABLE AT 736 CENTRE. Has

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ROOMMATE WANTED to

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SERVICES WWW.STUDENTATTORNEY.COM

WANTED THE UNIVERSITY STAR IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ALL POSITIONS FOR FALL!

Experience is preferred, but not necessary for many positions. Develop your written and verbal communication skills, meet great people and build your resumé! Download an application at www.universitystar.com or come by the Trinity Building.

WANTED: USED CARS, TRUCKS, VANS. Any condi-

tion. Running or not. If you have something to sell please call Willis Mitchell. 512-353-4511.

SPORTS

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

’Cats season ends with heartbreak at Southland Conference

By Chris Boehm The University Star Ty Harrington said his team would win. Texas State’s head coach knew they would play hard — and they proved him right in that respect — but in the end it was not enough.

The Bobcats dropped two heartbreaking games on May 25 and 26, losing 9-8 to Northwestern State on day three to bow out of the Southland Conference championship.

“I’m surprised we’re still not playing (in the tournament),” Harrington said after the loss. “You run through a lot of emotions during a game, and I’ve never wanted a team to win more than this one.”

David Wood’s two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to close the deficit to one would be all she wrote, as Pat Crumpton ended the game on a grounder to second three batters later. The out secured a win for the Demons, whose situational hitting provided an edge in the contest.

“They executed well with two bunts and three hitand-runs,” Harrington said. “At this level, that’s going to create a great opportunity for yourself; I thought that was the difference in the game.”

The loss came a day after Lamar snaked a 7-6 win on the strength of reliever Allen Harrington, who allowed two runs over the final five innings. The Cardinals won the game in the ninth on an 11-pitch epic between Bobcat closer Justin Fiske and Lamar’s Jo Jo Haney.

“He was battling. I felt good about what I was throwing,” Fiske said. “I was putting the fastball where I wanted it, and I knew he had to hit it to win the game.”

Lamar had Matt Lambeth on third following a leadoff double and groundout with the game tied at six. Fiske then engaged Haney, whose sacrifice fly to right field brought the home crowd to life and propelled the Cardinals into the next round.

Texas State won its tournament opener against TexasArlington, the SLC’s eventual champion. The Mavericks won three straight following the loss — capturing the title with an 8-2 win over the Demons.

“It’s been a blast,” outfielder Luke Cannon said of the season’s conclusion. “I hated that we were eliminated, but I’ve loved this season — from the first game to the last.”

The Bobcats entered the tournament with the league’s best ERA but could not take advantage, as the final two starters (Dan Donaldson and Mike Hart) would combine to allow eight runs in 4.2 innings of work.

“I thought the pitching would be better than it was,” Harrington said. “You can talk about ERA or whatever, but at this point in the season there’s no fixing anything.

Either you do it or you don’t.”

The University Star - Page 9

Davis and Iwuchukwu close track season at NCAA championship in Sacramento

By Carl Harper The University Star Texas State recently concluded its 2006 track season, as two athletes moved on to compete in the NCAA national championships held on June 7 through 10 in Sacramento, Calif.

Jacque Iwuchukwu and Camilla Davis each advanced from the Midwest Regional — held in Austin on May 26 and 27 — to represent Texas State in the triple jump and long jump, respectively.

Davis had the early pressure of jumping on the first day in Sacramento, and things did not go the way she hoped. Her first of three long jumps went for 5.76 meters and ended up being her best mark.

The junior finished her season 27th at nationals.

“It was good to be a part of something big on the national level. I am privileged to be able to say that I was here,” Davis said. “Obviously, my performance didn’t go that well, so next year I will have higher expectations for myself.”

As for Iwuchukwu, she concluded her collegiate career with a 21st-place finish and a mark of 12.55 meters in her second of three triple jumps.

“It was an experience of a lifetime,” Iwuchukwu said. “I am blessed to be here and to be doing well.”

Iwuchukwu committed fouls on her first and third attempts — something she was not all too sure about.

“One of the jumps really came out questionable on if I scratched or not, but I can’t do anything to go back and change it now,” Iwuchukwu said. “The jump was far and felt good, but then being told I scratched was hard to deal with.”

Iwuchukwu’s appearance at the nationals ended a spectacular career for the Arlington native, as she was a two-time Southland Conference champion in her event and recorded her best-ever mark at the

Midwest Regional.

On the first day of the regional, Davis competed in both the long jump and 100-meter prelims. She placed eighth in her flight and 14th overall in the long jump — her best distance for the event at six meters. The jump earned Davis her at-large bid to the NCAA championships.

“I felt good about the long jump,” Davis said. “Just being there for the two events was a good experience, and no one really expected it; it helped me gain confidence for the regional next year.”

Additionally, Davis clocked a time of 11.66 seconds in the 100 meters, which came out as the 16th-best time overall.

Freshman Robert Melin brought his sensational rookie season to a close by posting a sixth-place finish in discus during the first day of the regional with a throw of 56.13 meters, the sixth-best in school history. In the hammer throw, Melin found his best performance of the season with a toss of 54.07 meters, after four consecutive foul attempts. He finished ninth in the event.

On the track, sophomore Errol Harris had the 19th-best time in the 400 meters by clocking in Star file photo with a time of 47.91 seconds, and Dmitri Kabakov registered a sea- GRAND FINALE: Jacque Iwuchukwu finished her college track career son-best mark of 5.06 meters in with a 12.55 jump to finish 21st at the NCAA National championships the men’s pole vault to claim 14th which took place on June 7 through 10 in Sacramento, Calif. place.

Chris Demerson finished ninth in his flight and 13th overall in of the regional meet,” Iwuchukwu On the men’s side of throwing the long jump with a leap of 7.31 said. “All the hard work paid off, events, sophomore Kemuel Mometers. The Waco native went on and I made it to the nationals.” rales put up a third-place finish to jump 7.40 meters in his final atSarah Stultz, who had been in the first flight of the shot put, tempt. turning the heads of everybody in as his first toss of 17.07 meters was Breaking the news on the second the conference this year, updated good for 13th overall. day of the regional was Iwuchukwu the school record in the hammer Back on the track for the last buying her ticket to the national throw with a toss of 56.11 meters, time this season, the 4x400 meter championship on the strength of a good for 14th place. Her previous relay team of Erroll Harris, Jack career-best triple jump. Iwuchuk- career and school best had been Higginbotham, Dino Buchanan wu stamped the second-best mark 55.83 meters, which she set ear- and senior John Akinloye placed in Texas State history by placing lier this year in Austin. Stultz also 11th overall with a time of three fourth in the event with a jump of found another 14th-place finish in minutes and 14.71 seconds, in 12.99 meters. the discus with a throw of 48.64 Akinloye’s last performance as a “I was really excited and proud meters.

Bobcat.

www.UniversityStar.com

SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - Page 10

Sports Contact — Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

Nealy sees

NFL opportunity

... and runs with it

By Chris Boehm The University Star Everyone at one point in life is forced to do things they do not actually want to, but they usually are not handed a six-figure salary to do it.

Former Texas State quarterback Barrick Nealy finds himself in a unique situation, taking part in the Minnesota Vikings’ camp this summer after signing as an undrafted free agent. However, he won’t be taking snaps under center anytime soon; the Vikings asked him to try out as a wide receiver. “(The Vikings) were one of the first teams to contact me,” Nealy said. “I knew what they wanted to bring me in to do, and it wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but they put a great offer on the table.

I feel like if I had waited maybe something would have come up at quarterback, but there are no guarantees.”

The Vikings currently have 13 wideouts on their roster, according to the team’s Web site, including established veterans such as Koren and Marcus Robinson, Travis Taylor and 2005 first-round pick Troy Williamson. In April’s NFL draft, Minnesota did not select any wide receivers.

“It’s tough. There are a lot of guys up here who have experience,” Nealy said. “(The Vikings) didn’t bring me up here just because; they knew I would be raw. So it’s just about them being patient and letting me develop into a wide receiver.”

Nealy said teams had approached him before the draft about the prospect of catching footballs, running routes for clubs at the NFL combine.

“I knew (wide receiver) was a possibility, but I went into the combine as a quarterback,” Nealy said. “It’s really a blessing; I have a lot of friends who would love to be in the position I’m in. It may not be quarterback, but I’m here (in the NFL). That’s all you can ask for.”

Nealy said he knew he would be in someone’s camp this summer — drafted or not.

“I was being told anywhere from rounds three through eight — eight being a free agent,” Nealy said. “It was hard for my family to go through the draft — not seeing my name called — but they stuck behind me, and that support is always going to be there, regardless of what is happening. We knew everything would work out for the best.”

Nealy will try to follow in the footsteps of play-

ers such as Kordell Stewart, Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El as college quarterbacks who made the switch to NFL receiver.

“You would think they wouldn’t have moved him (to WR) if that’s not where he could benefit the most early,” said David Bailiff, Texas State head coach. “You see a lot of guys that are hardheaded. They say, ‘no, I’m a quarterback,’ and then they don’t make it.”

In Stewart’s case, he eventually was given the chance to lead the offense and went on to play quarterback for Pittsburgh, Chicago and Baltimore.

“If something comes up (at QB) down the road, I’ll be ready for it,” Nealy said. “But right now I’ve got to run routes and catch balls; I’m taking it one day at a time.”

Final rosters will not be determined until teams wrap up their four-game preseason schedules on Sept. 2, as they are required to trim lineups after each week’s game.

“There are a lot of good people up here (in the front offices) and we’re all getting the same opportunity,” Nealy said. “These guys are all about business — how you control yourself on and off the field.”

As the 2005 Southland Conference Player of the Year, Nealy completed 57 percent of his passes for 2,875 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also added 1,057 yards on the ground and finished his three-year stay in San Marcos as Texas State’s alltime leader in offense.

“I look back at what I’ve accomplished, and I would walk away and be happy with what I’ve done,” Nealy said. “I’ve developed a lot of great relationships with the people of San Marcos, and that’s what it’s really all about.”

After signing with Minnesota, Nealy joined defensive tackle Fred Evans as the only two players from the Bobcats’ playoff team to reach the NFL. Evans was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round.

“He says he loves it there in Miami,” Nealy said.

Bailiff said the contracts for Nealy and Evans make his job easier — showing potential Bobcats that San Marcos can be a road to the pros.

“Student athletes can see that the NFL does go to all levels,” Bailiff said. “It helps with recruiting, and I hope when (Nealy and Evan’s) careers are over they come back and get their degrees.”

Photo courtesy of Rick A. Kolodziej, Mn. Vikings Barrick Nealy participates in the Vikings’ minicamp at his new position of wide receiver. The former Bobcat quarterback was signed as an undrafted free agent following the conlusion of the NFL draft, held April 29-30.

Bobcat duo gets chance to continue diamond dream

By Carl Harper The University Star As many great moments as a ball player can have playing baseball, none of them quite measure up to receiving a phone call from a scout and being told he has a chance to play the game for a paycheck.

On June 7, right fielder Luke Cannon and starting pitcher Scott Moore were selected in the 21st and 23rd rounds of the firstyear player draft, respectively.

Cannon was picked by the San Diego Padres as the draft’s 633rd overall selection. He was the first Bobcat to be selected since Kyle Anson, Dominic Ramos and Chris Jean were picked a year ago.

“I’m very excited to go; it was a huge relief for me and my family,” Cannon said. “The opportunity to keep playing baseball is great.”

Cannon said he began to get nervous watching round after round pass by, after hearing rumors that he would go higher than he did.

The Crandall native had a breakout season in the batter’s box by claiming the school record in single-season home runs with 18. Along with his home runs came a .753 slugging percentage to pace the Southland Conference. He also led the team with 65 RBIs and a .347 batting average, compared to 27 and

t just felt like “I the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders. It has been a dream of mine since I was little to play in the big leagues.”

— Scott Moore Bobcat starting pitcher

.228 in 2005. Cannon shared his thoughts on how he improved and remained consistent at the plate.

“I worked all year with the coaches on making good solid contact with the ball and keeping my hands back,” Cannon said.

On being selected in the draft, Cannon does not have a favorite team in the big show; he is just glad a scout got in touch with him.

“I didn’t really have a team preference; I’m just happy to be playing,” Cannon said.

He will now head out to Oregon to play summer ball as part of the Padres organization, and has high hopes of catching up with an old friend who was drafted to the same club last year.

Two rounds later, Moore was taken in the 698th spot of the

Dennis Hodges/UT-Arlington Media Relations BIG LEAGUERS: Senior outfielder Luke Cannon, left, and senior pitcher Scott Moore, seen during the Bobcats’ SLC tournament on May 25 and 26, were recently selected in the MLB First Year Player Draft on June 7.

2006 FINAL STATISTICS Luke Cannon AVG 347

GP-GS 54-50

AB 190

R 45

H 66

2B 11

3B 6

HR 18

RBI 65

ER 38

BB 62

SO 118

Scott Moore ERA 3.34

W-L 10-4

APP 16

GS 16

IP 102.1

draft by the Oakland Athletics.

Similar to Cannon’s reaction, Moore found relief in receiving this very important phone call.

“It just felt like the weight of

R 43

the world was lifted off my shoulders,” Moore said. “It has been a dream of mine since I was little to play in the big leagues.”

Moore admitted to liking the

idea of going back to his native Houston, but said the opportunity to pitch in the pros is enough in itself.

“The draft is unpredictable,” Moore said. “It would have been cool to be with the Houston Astros, but thank the Lord I even have the chance now.”

The right-handed pitcher remained dominant the entire season as he led the conference with 118 strikeouts and posted a 10-4 record. He concluded the season with a 3.34 ERA and held hitters

to a .238 batting average. The senior pitched 102.1 innings this season, while his strikeout total ranks third all-time in Texas State annals. Moore talked about his progress on the hill and what he worked on this year to gain success. “(Pitching coach John Maley) helped me out so much,” Moore said. “He changed my mechanics and taught me to control my off-speed pitches. Last year, I was trying to blow a fastball by everybody, and it wasn’t working.”