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Volume 99, Issue 3
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SOCCER STORAGE F8tl attraction
The women’s soccer team gets brand Read the story about a new photo gallery on new locker rooms Trends page 6, then see a slideshow from page 10 the exhibit at universitystar.com
Plant endangers San Marcos River’s native ecosystem By Clay Thorp News Reporter
Jenny Polson/ Star Photo SMOKELESS CAMPUS: Amy McKee, exercise and sports science junior, takes a smoke break Tuesday. University officials are considering expanding Texas State’s smoke-free campus policy.
‘No smoking’
Campus-wide smoking ban could in the works By Bianca Davis Special to The Star University officials are considering implementing a campus-wide smoking ban, according to Terry Dowdy, director of Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management. “There has not been any specific action initiated,” Dowdy said in an e-mail. “This issue is of interest to University President Denise Trauth and the discussions started from her office a year or so ago. It is something our office would support, however.”
Ashley Dozier, health education coordinator at the Student Health Center, echoed similar sentiments, saying the administration is in “talks of expanding the (smoke-free) policy,” though no plans have yet to be made. Current university policy states there should be no smoking within 20 feet of a building entrance, open window or air intake. The Quad, Alkek Library and Academic Services Building breezeways are designated smoke-free areas as well. However, students can be
seen lighting cigarettes, even in areas labeled “smoke-free.” According to current policy, “Employees or students who observe smoking policy violations should make the person aware of the smoking restrictions,” and “individuals and management officials who fail to follow or enforce the Texas State smoking policy are subject to disciplinary action.”
Discovery of an environment-threatening plant species in the San Marcos River has community members concerned. The San Marcos River Foundation in correlation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and student and community volunteers have begun the task of removing the invasive plant species which has been found at Aquarena and other places along the San Marcos River, including Spring Lake and Scull Crossing. The plant, Alternanthera philoxeroides, commonly known as Alligator Weed, has a long, slim trunk with thin green leaves and a white flower at the very top. “Texas Wild Rice and pretty much every other native plant in the San Marcos River grows on the bottom,” said Jackie Poole, a botanist for the Wildlife Diversity Program of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Alligator Weed grows on top and blocks the light, so any plants that are submerged will be choked out.” Dianne Wassenich, executive director of the San Marcos River Foundation, has organized the campaign to remove the Alligator Weed. “We have workdays year round, on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, and again on the fourth Saturday of each month,” Wassenich said. San Marcos River Foundation volunteers have worked closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which protects endangered species in the San Marcos River. “One of our native plants, Texas Wild Rice, is endangered,” Wassenich said. Wassenich said endangered species keep the San Marcos River flowing. “If we did not have endangered species like the Wild
Rice in our river, then the federal Endangered Species Act could not have forced Texas to regulate groundwater pumping from the Edwards Aquifer in the early 90s,” Wassenich said. “Without some regulation of this aquifer pumping, we very likely would lose our river forever.” Wassenich said the potential costs of removing the Alligator Weed and other invasive plants in the San Marcos River are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars if left unchecked. “Another exotic, water trumpet from Sri Lanca was found below town, and it grew so quickly that we were in real danger of it choking out everything else,” Wassenich said. “It costs over a half a million dollars to remove it with huge dredging operations … that sucked up the plant, roots, gravel and dirt. It grew within a few years to be a massive problem, so this time with Alligator Weed we are trying to get it while it is small.” According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Alligator Weed was first discovered in Alabama in 1897 and is native to South America. It is considered invasive because the plant “forms dense mats that crowd out native species and impede recreational activities such as boating, swimming and fishing.” According to the Department of Agriculture, ballast water, found in the bottom of a boat, was likely the plants’ means of introduction to the United States. Poole said river-goers must be careful when moving from one river to another. “If you are going between river systems, make sure to wash your kayaks, tubes and other items before transporting them into another part of the river,” Poole said. “The smallest piece of vegetation could start an outbreak.”
Ongoing and new construction projects may force students to find an alternative rout to class. Michael Petty, assistant director in facilities and planning, said some projects have been completed recently, but more will begin in the coming months. One major project that will draw student’s attention is the Bobcat Stadium West expansion, he said. The project was approved in the Fall 2008. Construction began in January and
Sunny Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 48% UV: 10+ Extreme Wind: SSW 5 mph
Wednesday Mostly Sunny Temp: 100°/72° Precip: 20%
Thursday Isolated T-Storms Temp: 95°/72° Precip: 30%
INSIDE THIS ISSUE News…..Pages 1-4 Graduate studies celebrates 75 years of progress in degree variety, success Freshmen learn Bobcat traditions during summer camp Opinions…..Page 5 Main Point: Decisive Decision University permits more freedom Students should take heed of drought Trends….Pages 6-7 Students, alumni open studio, workplace local artists
Summer gives discomfort, humor for ‘realistic portrayal’
Photo courtesy of the National Plant Data Center
See “BAN” on page 4
is now 86 percent complete, ac- on campus.” cording to the 2009 Project StaFor the duration of the contus Report. struction, students taking class“The ribbon cutting is Sept. 5, es within the department have and it will be ready for the first been provided with temporary game,” Petty said. classroom buildings on site as The Family and Consumer of December 2008. The project Science Building is undergo- is set for completion by August ing construction in San Marcos, 2010. adding two new levels to the The expansion of buildings current site, according to the on campus is expected to pres2009 Status Report. ent problems to students seek“The family consumer science ing parking. Charles Teichner, addition is coming along fast,” construction manager, said Petty said. “They are framing the Mathews Street and Speck the second floor right now and Street garages projects will reprobably the roof will go up lieve some stress. next week. You can just imagine the chaos the students are expe- See “PROJECTS” on page 4 riencing particularly that close
98°/70°
Intoxicated cyclists get warning from city police
Shop offers social gaming Diversions…Page 9 Classifieds….Page 9 Sports….Page 10 Women’s soccer team finds home for equipment
Construction projects on schedule for completion By Lora Collins News reporter
Today’s Weather
Understanding Favre’s second comeback Upsets may cause reigning Florida champs to lose title
Lindsey Goldstein/Star Photo INVASION: The plant Alligator Weed has unwelcomingly found its way to the San Marcos River. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with the San Marcos River Foundation are working to remove the plant from the river.
PageTwo
Jessica Weynand, senior outside hitter, was the spark of the offense as she recorded a season-high 18 kills and tallied seven digs. Weynand was named to the all-tournament team. —Courtesy of Texas State Athletics
today in brief
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
News Contact - Allen Reed, starnews@txstate.edu
Crime
Blotter
Aug 8, 9:57 a.m. Information Report/7- eleven A police officer made contact with a student engaging in suspicious activity. A report was made of the incident. Aug 8, 4:10 p.m. Medical Emergency/Other A student injured himself while swimming and was transported to CTMC for a medical evaluation. Hannah VanOrstrand/Star Photo CATCHING UP: Freshmen Chelsea Collins, pre-healthcare administration, and Stacey Edewu, exercise and sports science, hang out Tuesday outside Alkek Library.
City of San Marcos restricts water usage during drought The city is currently under Stage 2 drought restrictions. The restrictions include the following: Waste of water is prohibited. Waste includes allowing water to puddle or run off a property, operating a sprinkler system with broken or misaligned heads, and failing to repair leaks. Irrigation with sprinklers is allowed only one day per week on the designated weekday between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight. The designated weekday depends on the last digit of an address. Mon. is designated to 0 and 1, Tues. 2 and 3, Wed. 4 and 5, Thur. 6 and 7, and Fri. 8 and 9. Irrigation with hand-held bucket or hand-held hose is allowed on any day and at any time. Irrigation with a soaker hose or drip irrigation system is allowed only one day per week on the designated weekday between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight. Charity car washes are prohibited unless held at a certified commercial car wash. At-home car washing is allowed only on your designated day between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight and must be done using a hand-held bucket or hand-held hose equipped with a positive shutoff device. Swimming pools located outdoors must have at least 25 percent of the water surface area covered when not in use.
Filling of new swimming pools is prohibited. Operation of outdoor decorative water features is prohibited. Washing of impervious surfaces is prohibited unless required for health and safety. Foundation watering is allowed only one day per week on the designated weekday between the hours of midnight to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight. Restaurants are allowed to serve water only upon specific request by the customer. All other non-essential water usage is prohibited. The City Council recently amended these response rules, allowing residents to choose a different day, including Saturday or Sunday, if the designated weekday doesn’t work for them. Residents may request a form or download a form available online at sanmarcostx.gov to replace their designated day for a year. All other drought restrictions still apply. The forms may be submitted to Jan Klein, Conservation Coordinator, Public Services Department, 630 E. Hopkins, San Marcos, Tx 78666. The fax number is 512-392-2625 or e-mail at jklein@sanmarcostx.gov. —Courtesy of City of San Marcos
Aug 9, 1:19 p.m. Criminal Mischief-under $500/Riverside Apts A While on patrol, a police officer noticed university property had been damaged. The case is under investigation. Aug 9, 5:55 p.m. Criminal Trespass Warning/Saltgrass Steak House A nonstudent was issued a criminal trespass warning for jumping off the dam. Aug 10, 2:30 a.m. Theft-Under $500/College Inn A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation. Aug 10, 10:05 a.m. Warrant Service/Hill House A police officer was dispatched to the location for an accident report. Upon further investigation, a nonstudent was arrested for a warrant and transported to HCLEC and is awaiting a court date. — Courtesy of University Police Department
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
News
The University Star - 3
Graduate studies celebrates 75 years of progress in degree variety, success
By Megan Holt News Reporter
The Texas State Graduate College has done some great things. Lewis Gilcrease became the first Southwest Texas State graduate to be drafted into the National Basketball Association. Bill Krueger is the nation’s most accomplished high school basketball coach. H. Harris Goodman, Jr. pioneered the development of plastics in the automotive industry. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Texas State graduate studies. According to the Graduate College Web site, it has not always offered the 88 master’s degrees and eight doctorates and one professional doctorate that it does today. The late 1930s Graduate School offered only one Master of Arts degree and a major in education. “Back in those days, it was possible for someone to teach in a school and not have a (master’s) degree,” said Mike Willoughby, dean of the Graduate College. “Nowadays, people realize it’s beneficial to start off in various fields with a higher degree.” Willoughby said the Master of Arts in 1938 was a broad degree encompassing several majors including education, social science,
science and mathematics and language and literature. According to the graduate college Web site, the education major emphasized “the areas of administration, supervision and more effective classroom teaching.” “The graduate program started out with teacher training and eventually moved out to Master of Science degrees,” Willoughby said. “Even then, a lot of the degrees dealt with pedagogy of teaching.” Willoughby said education in the 1950s became more specialized. The Graduate College eventually moved from offering general degrees to more specialized ones, branching away from solely educational-based degrees. The first Master of Arts degree was earned by Margaret McClung Walker in May 1937 and the in August 1937 by Rosa Commander. “Both women ended up being teachers,” Willoughby said. “Mrs. Commander, I believe, was a public school teacher around Luling.” Sandhya Rao, assistant dean of the Graduate College, said Ph.D. degrees were not offered at Texas State 10 years ago. “The first doctoral program was approved in 1996,” Willoughby said. “The first people to receive those degrees were Lisa DeChano
and Todd Vottler, both for geography, in May 2000.” Enrollment for Fall 2008 totaled 3,495 graduate students, 234 Ph.D. students and 40 professional doctorate students. The Board of Regents recently approved and added a doctoral program in criminal justice in July. “In order to add a new program, we are looking at existing master’s degrees to see if new degrees should be added or if the existing degrees need to be restructured,” Willoughby said. “We ask questions to determine what the public demand is for a certain program and if there is employment need in a certain field.” Willoughby said potential programs cannot duplicate or be similar to existing programs in the state. Only highneed programs, such as education and health professions, can be at several universities. “The biggest difference in today’s college versus 75 years ago is the diversity in people and degree programs,” Willoughby said. “However, we continue to maintain a graduate faculty that mentors students and engages in personal research.” The Graduate College kicked off the 75th anniversary with an orientation event with approximately 450
Hannah VanOrstrand/Star SKATE SKILLS: Gary Foster, physics sophomore, takes his turn in a friendly game of skate with Ryan Sealy, undecided-professional sophomore, Tuesday outside San Jacinto Hall.
students— the largest student attendance in the Graduate College’s 75 years. Students were served pizza, given t-shirts and other materials. “To further celebrate the anniversary, we plan to recognize the contributions that have been made by faculty, former students and former graduate deans,” Willoughby said. “We may have a lot of programs now,
but we continue to maintain a strong commitment to quality in education.” State of Texas Comptroller, John S. Sharp graduated from the Graduate College in 1976 with a Masters in Public Administration. Chief Educator Advisor for the U.S. Department of State, George J. Garza Sr., graduated with a Masters in Education. Alumnus, Ralph Rushing, pushed the development of
student loan financing in higher education. “The Graduate College faculty and staff have nurtured graduates that have made significant contributions to society,” Willoughby said. “Some excelled in politics and sciences, some have played large roles in companies and performing arts, and, of course, teachers touch the lives of many people every day.”
Boko, members of the band, faculty, and staff., Woods said. “It just built into this huge frenzy of cheering,” Woods said. “It was a really moving moment. The kids had no idea what they were walking into, but now they absolutely know what it is to be a Bobcat. They feel like they have a home here instead of just a place to go to school.” Woods said being a counselor is something she would like to continue doing for as long as possible. It is one of her personal goals to see that Cat Camp reaches the same caliber as Fish Camp at A&M University and Raider Camp at Texas Tech University. “It taught us a lot about ourselves,” said Melanie Ferrari, camp counselor and president of the Residence Hall Association. “It takes you back to that moment when you were a freshman. I wish I would have had this opportunity.” Andrew Potter, history freshman, was a camper this Photo courtesy of Texas State summer. He said his favorite MAKING MEMORIES: About 140 future Texas State students attended the second Cat Camp which was held Aug. 7 to Aug. 9 at Camp part during the three days Judea in Wimberley. was also the pep rally because it fired everyone By Lori Jones history and traditions and themed activities such as new Texas State tradition up about being a Bobcat. News Reporter what it is to be a part of the Old Main scavenger hunt that they will carry on.” “It got me energized about the Texas State community. and Battle for the Paddle, Sarah Woods, coming to Texas State,” Potter Incoming freshmen “I think the camp a game that incorporates communication design said. “I met a whole bunch of were learning what it is exceeded the counselors, the university’s traditions. junior, was a counselor at Cat people and I’m trying to go to be a Bobcat before they staff and campers “They did team building Camp. Woods said she hopes back next year as a counselor.” stepped foot on campus. expectations,” said Celeste which was camp wide and the “camaraderie” at the Each camper paid $155, The second Cat Camp Nored, director of Annual encouraged them to meet camp continues on, Woods which covered lodging was held Aug. 7 to Aug. 9. Giving. “It was a wonderful people outside of their said. Her favorite part of the and food. Potter said the About 140 future Texas experience, and I think it cabins and they decorated experience was the surprise only complaint among the State students arrived at will continue in the future.” cabin flags,” Nored said. pep rally that campers were campers was the Kosher Camp Judea in Wimberley to Each day the campers “They also practiced the joined by football players, food, something with learn about the university’s participated in Texas State- Bobcat Flip which is a cheerleaders, Strutters, which they were unfamiliar.
“It surpassed my previous expectations,” Potter said. “You can’t buy the experience and the friends that I made there.” Nored said the most memorable part of the three-day camp was the candlelight ceremony after the pep rally. Everyone was given a candle and both campers and counselors took turns in explaining why they were proud to be a Bobcat. “It’s so sad because you can’t totally describe how powerful that night was,” Nored said. “The campers were told they could return their candles at the end or keep them. Not a single one was returned. They all kept their candles for memories.” Nored said the campers participated in a mock ring ceremony the last morning. Seniors explained what it meant to be a student at Texas State. Each camper received a smaller version of the Texas State ring, which they dipped in a fountain. They are the only ones to have that ring, Nored said. As the campers were leaving, a banner that read “We came as students…” was lowered and flipped around to reveal the other side which read “We left as Bobcats,” Nored said. “It was the most touching thing to be a part of in my career,” Nored said. “From a staff perspective it was worth everything put into it. They have a bond. I promise you that bond will be one that goes way beyond Texas State.”
Freshman learn Bobcat traditions during summer camp
news
4 - The University Star
PROJECTS
BAN Otto Glenewinkle, crime prevention officer with the University Police Department said officers cannot issue a citation to smokers in a smokefree area. “There are currently no laws on the books regarding smoking on campus,” Glenewinkle said. “Violation of a University Policy is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and students can be referred to the Dean of Students.” Margarita Arellano, dean of students, said encouraging a smoke-free campus should be a collaborative effort. “If members of the community are not willing to put themselves out there and talk to their peers, we are not going to be successful enforcing this policy,” Arellano said. Vincent Morton, associate dean of students, compares the smoke-free policy to
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
speeding limits. “Not everyone drives 70 on the highway and not everyone abides by the smoke-free policy, but there needs to be a reporting mechanism,” Morton said. “The idea behind this is that through reasonable measures, students will patrol these areas themselves.” Guthrie Connor, biochemistry sophomore and smoker, said if someone asked him not to smoke in a designated area he would “probably put it out.” However, not all smokers feel the same way. “I would probably laugh and keep smoking,” said Meredith McGraw, undecided freshman. “If it were a teacher, I would probably just move away. There are so many people in The Quad, they wouldn’t know if I was still smoking.” The policy relies on student,
faculty and staff enforcement. “The university tries to promote self-awareness and selfpolicing,” Glenewinkle said. “Students should be responsible to inform others.” Non-smoker Kendall Rust, English junior, disagrees, saying students will not enforce the policy. “When a policy is written that expects students to police the campus, it’s just not going to happen, and it doesn’t,” Rust said. Miranda Quiroz, photography freshman and a nonsmoker, said she would rather move than “deal with confrontation.” “I think it’s unfortunate that we have a smoke-free policy when in essence we really don’t,” Rust said. “I don’t know how the university expects the policy to be upheld if no one makes an effort.”
Morton said the policy was proposed by ASG as part of the campus beatification initiative because of a concern with too many littered cigarette butts. It gained support by the university administration and became an official policy in April 2005. “This is a policy that is four or five administrations removed now, and maybe it needs a refresher through ASG,” Morton said. Arellano, who has been at Texas State four months, said she does not see a problem with the policy. “If someone thinks it is a problem, something should be done,” Arellano said. “A recommendation can always be made — there are proper channels to bring concerns to, but change needs to come from the community members.”
“It’s going to relieve the parking problem if students take advantage of it,” Teichner said The garages are 35 percent complete, according to the 2009 Status Report and are scheduled to be finished in the summer of 2010. Constructors plan to add a parking garage adjacent from the Performing Arts Center Complex that will hold 450 cars, according to the 2009 Status Report. “The biggest project we have is the performing arts center and it is going to be about $85 million,” Teichner said. “It’s a multifaceted project and it includes a lot of different disciplines.” The construction is expected to change the Music Recital Hall and Theatre Center. Contractors want to add approximately 43,700 square feet of space to accommodate a new recital hall and bigger theater. According to the status report, the theater will contain 400 new seats including a fly tower, public lobbies, restrooms, box office and a loading dock. The project is set for completion in December 2013. “The performing arts center will prove to be a very significant building,” Petty said. “We have more than 30 architectural teams interested in doing that
project and they are, as we speak, currently doing evaluations on which team they want.” The seventh floor of the Alkek library is 85 percent complete and the Wittliff gallery is expected to be complete and open for viewing in October. The Round Rock Higher Education Campus will expand with a new nursing building. Construction is 20 percent complete, but Petty has high hopes. “At the Round Rock Higher Education Campus they are framing the roof right now, and they have teaching labs and labs that simulate the hospital room,” Petty said. Petty said the progress of construction on campus has significantly grown. However, he said the need for extra funding this year was not rewarded by the Texas Legislature. “We had five projects we took to the Texas Legislature and we were asking for additional funding to the tune of about $315 million,” Petty said. “We want another Round Rock building for health professions, but the legislature did not approve money for those projects we are just going to have to wait another cycle.”
Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo RISING STAR: The construction around Texas State University never ends. New buildings for future students are a big agenda on the “to do list” in San Marcos.
Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo
Opinions
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Main Point exas State’s theater department has produced award-winning plays and trained talented directors, playwrights and actors.
T
John Boulanger, a graduate of the program, recently won the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival National Student Playwriting Award. Alumnus Patti Strickel Harrison recognized the extraordinary talents of the department and decided to act. Harrison, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, made the second largest donation to Texas State in the school’s history. Harrison’s $8 million gift will provide for a 400seat main theatre and a 350seat recital hall. University President Denise Trauth said the students and faculty in the theater department have proven their talent and deserve a new stage. “Performing arts programs not only educate aspiring artists and scholars, they also provide students and the community with an extraordinary cultural experience,” Trauth said. “Texas State desperately needs an appropriate stage for its tremendously talented students and faculty.” Harrison, who attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1947 and 1948, believes the timing was right for her gift and hopes to accomplish more than the construction of a building. “I’d like to think that this gift will get people off the fence to help, too,” Harrison said. Harrison’s gift was quickly followed by Trauth’s announcement of another generous donation. Bruce and Gloria Ingram, who gave the school a $5 million gift to create the Ingram School of Engineering in 2006, gave the school another $2 million gift which will be used for engineering student scholarships. The current state of the economy makes these generous donations even more invaluable. According to an article in the Aug. 28 issue of The University Star, Richard Cheatham, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, said Texas State’s budget requests did not make it past the committee stage in the Texas Legislature. Cheatham said the poor state of the economy and damage from Hurricane Ike were both to blame for the legislature’s tightened grip on the budget. “Unless it was a special need like that, the budget was so tight this year they did not fund any of the tuition revenue bonds,” Cheatham said. The generosity of alumni has been an integral factor in Texas State’s growth and transformation into one of the most prestigious universities in Texas. We owe a debt of gratitude to the donors who have been so instrumental in giving us our beautiful campus and education. Soon we will all be Texas State alumni and it will be our duty to carry on this tradition and help another generation of Bobcats get started on the path to success. 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 UniversitySan Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.
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DECISIVE
DONATION
Russell Weiss/Star Illustration
Students should take heed of drought By Kaycee Toller Star Columnist A quick look around San Marcos will reveal the effects of the drought that has plagued Central Texas all summer. Students who looked forward to a swim at Sewell Park will have to be content with a walk in the lower-than-usual river. The current spring flow is less than half of its normal level. If students want to continue to enjoy the San Marcos River, action is needed now. The San Marcos River is an integral part of life at Texas State. Students are attracted to the university because it has a river running through campus. The river has enabled Texas State students and faculty to conduct extensive research on rivers and the lives
they support. Now the university has a chance to give back to the body of water that has shaped campus life for the past century. The university reacted to city water restrictions by reducing the amount of water used for landscaping and turning off most of the fountains around campus. The fountain in front of the LBJ Student Center, which must be refilled about twice a week, continued to flow until August. The fountain was finally shut down after a complaint was made. Texas State is doing what is required to conserve water. Eventually, the drought will end and water will be a more abundant resource in Central Texas. Unfortunately, this may allow the university and its students to fall into bad water usage habits.
The responsible thing for Texas State to do would be to beautify campus with xeriscaping, a landscaping technique that requires less water. Fountains are pretty, but perhaps the campus could be decorated another way. The now empty fountain in front of LBJ looks like a flowerbed. Perhaps it could be filled with drought-resistant plants instead of water. The university cannot conserve water without help from students. In fact, 87 percent of the water pumped from the Edwards Aquifer by Texas State is used within buildings on campus. Students should limit their time in the shower, and only run the water when necessary. Water can be turned off while shampooing, shaving and brushing one’s teeth. Andrew Sansom, executive director of the River Systems
Institute, suggests students take any small steps possible to use less water. “Even little things help, like putting off washing your car or not ordering water at a restaurant,” Sansom said. Sansom recommended those who live off campus cut back on watering the yard. “I do not water my lawn at all anymore,” he said. “It looks bad, but it will come back after we are through this.” Water conservation in these critical times can be the way Texas State gives back to the river that has affected its campus so much. When aquifer levels rise and water conditions become more pleasant, one can only hope water-saving habits stick so the next time the area experiences a drought, the effects will be less severe.
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The University Star - 5
University permits more freedom By Jon Bible Special to the Star This is the second of two columns dealing with the propositions that faculty have a right of academic freedom that gives us wide latitude in structuring and teaching our classes and in conducting research without fear of censorship or discipline. The First Amendment to the Constitution protects us when we speak out on matters of concern to the university community. In the first column, I noted court cases that raise questions about the first proposition. Today I will address the second issue. In Garcetti v. Ceballos (2006), the Supreme Court held that the First Amendment protects a public employee only if, in making a statement, she spoke as a private citizen and the statement involves a matter of public concern. A public employee does not speak as a citizen if he makes a statement pursuant to his official duties. Since Garcetti, two federal appeals courts have applied the ruling in the university setting. In Renken v. Gregory (2008), a professor argued his university retaliated against him when it withdrew his grant application after he complained about how his dean handled lab space for the project, funding, etc. Observing that it must decide what is within the scope of an employee’s official duties by focusing not on job descriptions, but on the employee’s actual duties, the court concluded the professor had applied for the grant as part of his teaching duties as defined by the university. Thus, his comments were made in his capacity as a faculty employee and were not protected by the First Amendment. In Gorum v. Sessoms (2009), a department chair altered student grades. After being fired, Gorum, the professor in question, sued claiming a breach of his First Amendment speech rights. He argued the president, Sessoms, had retaliated against him because he had retracted an invitation to him to speak at a fraternity prayer breakfast and advised an athlete in a disciplinary proceeding. The court rejected Gorum’s claim that the assistance he gave the athlete was protected citizen speech because it went beyond his specified duties, finding that, because it was his special knowledge of the disciplinary code that made him valuable as an adviser, his assistance in that capacity was in the scope of his duties. Likewise, his revocation of the invitation was not citizen speech because university policy made professors responsible for advising student organizations; thus, the withdrawal was made by a public employee engaging in his official duties. Of course, deciding when one is wearing his faculty or citizen hat, and when an issue is of public concern, can require fine line-drawing. For example, if I write a letter to the editor of the local paper expressing a viewpoint on gay marriage, I am protected by the First Amendment. I am not protected, however, if I complain about department hiring policies. Because I serve on the department personnel committee, which enacts such policies, that speech would involve my official duties. As I have said, we’ve been lucky this university generally regards faculty speech as constitutionally protected. According to the Supreme Court, however, things do not have to be that way. — Dr. Jon Bible is a business law professor in the McCoy College of Business
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State UniversitySan 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. Copyright Wednesday, September 2. 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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The Walt Disney Co. agreed to buy Marvel Entertainment Inc. for a stock-and-cash deal valued at $4 billion. X-Men and Spider Man, along with 5,000 other Marvel characters, will join the Disney family in the deal that Disney’s CEO promises will lead to an action-packed future. The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction, but the decision is not final until shareholders of Marvel give the thumbs-up. “Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters, given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses,” said Ike Perlmutter, Marvel’s chief executive officer. Trends Contact – Ashley Dickinson, starentertainment@txstate.edu
6 - The University Star
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Students, alumni open studio, workplace local artists By Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor
Tina Phan/Star photo ART SCENE: F8TL Studios is an artist’s cooperative, gallery and studio space located on North LBJ. They are currently showing the PreSeptembre Foto & Film Exhibition.
Art is killer. F8TL Artist’s Cooperative and Studio opened in March by former and current Texas State students and displays pieces by local artists. The Studio originally opened as a resource for photographers, but the cooperative has since opened its doors to other types of media. Owner Kevin Walsh said he wants to keep it local but not limited, and they will include any Central Texas artist with work to show. “I want to provide a showcase for local art and activity, but I don’t want to be exclusive to any one group,” Walsh said. The name of the studio grew from a photography process. “When we started the studio, we were just photography nerds, and we thought of ‘fatal,’ which is something you use when you do a color print,” Walsh said. “Someone said we should change the ‘A’ to an ‘8,’ so we went with it.” Tara Spies, artist and cooperative member, said she enjoys the professional aspect of the studio. “Instead of it being like a place you were selling something, it would be more of a place to work,” Spies said. “It’s not just a gallery.” Spies said the cooperative is always looking for a few new members. “We invite anyone who is interested to inquire, but it does cost money,” Spies said. “Every time we have a show, we have more people who are interested. We’ve been pretty successful at this new location.” The members of the cooperative pay a portion of the rent each month to keep the
space running. “This is one (thing) that we created on our own,” Spies said. “It’s former students and current students. We didn’t get any help from the school. It is something we can be proud of.” Mathew Jobson, elementary education graduate student and artist, said he enjoyed the response his work received at the gallery. “The shows have always been well received,” Jobson said. “People come and are pretty excited by what we’ve done. It’s always been a collaborative exercise, which is exciting, too.” Jobson said he enjoys the freedom the space provides. “I like how it is small and we can do whatever we want,” Jobson said. “It is not run by the school and it is a little more of a professional setting.” Jobson said the studio provides local studio-drawing sessions with models. “You’d have to travel to Austin or San Antonio for something like that, but we provide it here,” he said. “It is not really open to the public. It is more for other art professionals.” web goal for the galWalsh’s extrastudio is to “provide lery and a showcase for local art and activity.” There will be different art workshops, and this Saturday a $10 workshop will focus on contact print. “Basically, expose (it) out See theand Video Online in the sunlight printat it www.universitystar.com out in the water,” Walsh said. Shows are held every last Saturday of the month. For more information, visit the store at 829 N. LBJ Dr. See the Photos Online at www.universitystar.com
trends
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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The University Star - 7
Shop offers social gaming
Check out universitystar.com for an exclusive video on Underground Games
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Intoxicated cyclists get warning from city police See the Video Online at
www.universitystar.com
By Jovonna Owen Features Reporter
and they become a danger to themselves or others. “This is a college town, See the Photos at Bicyclists might thinkOnlinepeople like to drink, and www.universitystar.com twice before riding their intoxicated bicyclists are not bikes home after a night out rare,” Casteel said. on The Square. Casteel said driving under Drunken riding can lead to the influence is only if you a public intoxication charge are in a motorized vehicle on if stopped by the police. a public roadway. Bicyclists Wayne Casteel, San Marcos would receive a public Police day-shift supervisor, intoxication, not a DUI/DWI, if said they are not looking found riding their bike under to harass students but will the influence of alcohol. cite an intoxicated person if Garrison Kriegel, necessary. communication design “There are plenty of junior, is not worried about locations in town that sell the police stopping him. alcohol and then turn you “I’m more worried about loose — we end up having to a drunk driver hitting me,” babysit them,” Casteel said. Kriegel said. Casteel said the police He said he liked the feeling have the option to take an of riding his bike after intoxicated person home drinking alcohol. instead of ticketing them. “It feels good to go out “But if you’re going to go cruising after feeling a little back out on the street then loose,” Kriegel said. we’re liable, and if that is the Kriegel said he drinks more case we will put you in jail,” at bars than he normally Casteel said. would if he were driving. Casteel said public “I don’t think that I’m intoxication is when a putting people in danger,” person consumes enough Kriegel said. “If I’m drunk alcohol that it impairs them enough to not be able to walk
See the Video Online at
www.universitystar.com
home, then I’m not going to ride my bike home.” Alejandro Martinez, English See the Photos Online at junior, has been stopped www.universitystar.com by San Marcos police while riding his bicycle under the influence of alcohol. “It was clear we had been drinking, but the police just made us walk our bikes home,” Martinez said. Martinez said the police made him walk his bike home because it was missing the proper safety equipment. Martinez said there is a risk involved while drinking but feels he is being safe by bicycling instead of driving. “The only time I’ve had an accident is when I was really not paying attention or just taking a curve too fast,” Martinez said. He said he knows his limit when it comes to drinking. “If I’m too drunk, I’ll walk to a friend’s house or walk my bike home,” Martinez said. Martinez said bicycling is his lifestyle. “It’s a way of life here in San Marcos and we’re smart about it,” Martinez said.
(500) Days of Summer: Seemingly original, but basically irritating because of the constant chronological jumping around, “not-a-lovestory” love story about a dude who obsesses over a chick who is way out of his league. The guy is surprised when she wants to hang out with him all the time, have sex and do a bunch of things one would be led to assume go handin-hand with a relationship, but they are all-in-all “just friends” (according to her). Yes, if this sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Girls I talked to said they loved the film, but the male audience members seemed somewhat pained by the realistic portrayal of being in love with someone who doesn’t love you back. However, the film is awesomely entertaining, and there is also a great singand-dance scene that made the entirety of the audience giggle and ask themselves
“What? Where did that come from?” or “This is like so original, but at the same time, it’s like random and like goofy. I love ‘indie’ movies.” Indeed, this is quite the “indie” movie. Just one of the many riding the coat-tails of Juno, which, in fact, there is a trailer for Juno 2: Rebel Roller-derby (actual film title: Whip It). (500) Days of Summer — yes the ‘()’ are necessary — is full of “obscure” band references, like Belle and Sebastian and The Smiths, and an homage sequence tipping the hat to various foreign films, like Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal. Much “indie-cred” is given to this movie for rehashing the little kid from 3rd Rock From the Sun’s, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, career, as well as starring indie princess Zooey Deschanel as “kind of a bitch,” according to a member of my audience, Jordan Kennamer, junior at St. Edwards University. The story is told from the male perspective, but
By Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor
Plasma TVs, couches, personal gaming sections and Xboxes are not the typical decorations in a retail video game store, but they are for Underground Games. Influenced by video arcades in his youth, Bryan Perrotta opened Underground Games in March to recreate that experience. The store offers a Pay-4-Play service, which allows customers, for an hourly fee, to play in-store games on available consoles. “What we originally intended was to offer both in one place: offer the retail side and offer the gaming, social side,” Perrotta said. “ A lot of people play in their homes, play in the dark, play at night, and sure, they are talking to people online, but there is no real social interaction.” According to the Web site, advertistingpawn.com, “the new generation of consoles is not defined by technology, but by community.” Perrotta said he set out to it does seem to favor the create a more welcoming store female counterpart of the with interaction in mind. relationship, which may leave “The gaming enterprise has some insecure male viewers a little uncomfortable. The truth is this film is quite entertaining for both genders, filled with plenty of laughout-loud moments and lots of sadness. Being distributed by Fox Searchlight, creators of Little Miss Sunshine, Juno and Slumdog Millionaire, and as fun and original a film that it is, I would be less than surprised to see (500) Days getting an Oscar nod for Best Picture — considering the upping of the nominees to 10 for this coming Academy Awards — and definitely a Screenwriting nod. Any fan of the aforementioned attributes of (500) Days will, of course, be a fan of the film itself. It hilariously throws countless music, movie and book references in, so only I, and every other member in my audience, was only able to give one reaction: “God, that’s perfect.”
Summer gives discomfort, humor for ‘realistic portrayal’ By Brent Vickers Trends Columnist
Allie Moncrief/Star photo GAMING CULTURE: Underground Games, located on North Edward Gary, allows gamers to come and play against one another and hosts gaming competitions twice a week.
become not very friendly. Sort of a ‘get in, buy your stuff, get out’ experience, and it’s an expensive hobby to be treated like that,” Perrotta said. “We felt there could be a lot more put into the experience.” Perrotta wants to encourage everyone to stop in and see what Underground Games is about. “Obviously, we are a business, and we hope to make some money. We don’t want to encourage just general loitering,” Perrotta said. “But the general theme we are going for is to have a retail operation that is more customer friendly. But at the same time, we wanted to create an interior that was attractive to the various demographics we target.” Perrotta said he was surprised at the female turnout the gaming store generated. “I hadn’t anticipated getting much interest from the female demographic, but we have,” Perrotta said. “I haven’t seen many of them participate in the tournaments, but from an interest level, they come in and think it’s cool.” Advertising Pawn lists the
average age of a gamer to be 32 and notes more women are becoming gamers. “We have many, of what I call, ‘non-traditional gamers,’” Perrotta said. “We are seeing a healthy mix of both sexes, but locals also come in up to mid30s and 40s.” Jonathan Ellis, Underground Games customer, said the store is unique in San Marcos. “This isn’t just a retail store,” Ellis said. “I don’t even own a gaming system. I don’t buy games at all. I pay for the membership and use their systems.” Underground Games hosts interactive competitions for interested participants. “We started a summer tournament series,” Perrotta said. “We’ve had a good turn out for everyone.” The tournaments are on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Perrotta said he thinks the store is turning into a place locals and students are calling their own. For more information visit www.gamemorenow.com.
8 - The University Star
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The University Star - 9 FOR RELEASE APRIL 28, 2009
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 Family group 5 Imogene of comedy 9 Succeed 14 Widespread 15 Made fun of, in a way 16 Prefix meaning “vinegar” 17 Where the steeple is, vis-à-vis the church 18 Composer Édouard 19 In-your-face challenge 20 Talk aimlessly 23 Parlor piece 24 Opposite of “All rise” 28 Snowfall unit 30 Ex-quarterback Dan 31 Blame someone else 36 Debussy’s sea 37 MD’s calendar listing 38 Traveler’s choice 39 Fluids in shots 40 Brazilian port 41 Dress to impress 45 Space along the page border 47 Chimney sweep’s sweepings 48 Old things 51 Looks shocked, e.g. 55 Pass its peak, slangily, as a TV series 57 Margaret Mead subject 60 Burn a bit 61 Buffalo’s lake 62 Sci-fi staple 63 Aware of 64 Pre-deal payment 65 Rising agent 66 Where Homer drinks Duff Beer 67 Insect repellent ingredient
solution
sudoku
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NORTH GATE ON LBJ HAS A BRAND NEW 1BD FOR $695, A 2BD/2BA FOR $775 AND A 3BD/2BA FOR $1025. Water/waste water and trash paid. Walk to campus. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Joe at (512) 665-3321 for a showing.
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ENJOY WORKING WITH CHILDREN? J&R Gymnastics is looking for energetic gymnastics, tumbling and cheerleading instructors. Locations in San Marcos, New Braunfels and Seguin. Schedule: 4-30 hrs.per week. Pay: commensurate with experience. Experience preferred. Call (830) 606-0375. NANNY NEEDED FOR THREE AWESOME KIDS! Elem Ed major preferred. Afternoons and Saturdays. Hours are flexible. Email tampiper@yahoo.com. PART-TIME TUTOR/NANNY/ HOUSEKEEPER– Good skills in high school math/ science; light housekeeping; Must have own transportation. dwatts003@centurytel.net.
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FRONT DESK CLERK WANTED. Perfect job for students. Duties include: answering phones, reservations, handle cash & credit card transactions & guest services. Will train. Math and sales skills necessary. Need smart, hard working, computer literate, enthusiastic person with common sense. Apply in person at Americas Best Value Inn, I-35, Exit 221, Buda. GET PAID TO PLAY: TEACHERS NEEDED! Now hiring part-time, afternoon teachers. Experience and bilingual preferred but not required. M-F 2:30-6:30 PM. Quality Child Development Center in Kyle. (512) 405-3700 or fax (512) 405 3701. www.rockinghorseacademy.com SAN MARCOS YOUTH SOCCER REFEREES needed for youth soccer in San Marcos. Contact Paula at pkorzeniewski@yahoo.com
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THE CITY OF UHLAND IS SEEKING WEBSITE SERVICES. Email uhlandRFP@gmail.com to request a copy of the RFP.
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4/28/09
By Joy C. Frank
DOWN 1 Boorish 2 Supple 3 What the game is, to Holmes 4 One hiring relatives 5 Pasadena science institute, familiarly 6 Colorful fish 7 Fanzine focus 8 Hacienda brick 9 Dangerous pipe problem 10 Of the eye 11 Lawyer’s charge 12 Place to get bucks fast, briefly 13 Fish eggs 21 It’s pitched by campers 22 “Semper fi” military org. 25 Like Olympic races 26 Año starter 27 Rapper’s cap 29 Oven output 31 Italian city known for its cheese
Monday’s Puzzle Solved
(c)2009 Tribune Media Servies, Inc.
32 Like beehives 33 Baseball or golf 34 Much of an obit 35 Java holders 39 Adjust for daylight-saving time 41 Pleasingly pungent 42 E pluribus __ 43 Bullfighters 44 Cultivation tools
4/28/09
46 Military action toys 49 English Derby site 50 Dictator’s aide 52 Mexican meat 53 Clichéd 54 Shooting contest with traps 56 Despise 57 “By the way ...” 58 Stein filler 59 Actress Farrow
rates & policies Cost-25¢ per word (1-6 days); Cost-20¢ per word (7+ days); Deadline-2 business days prior by noon All classified ads must be paid in advance, unless credit is established. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. We do our best, but please check your classified ad for accuracy. Any corrections to your ad must be made by the second day of publication. As a free service to you, all classified ads will be published on-line on our web site at www.universitystar.com. However, since this is a free service, posting is not guaranteed. While The University Star attempts to screen ads for misleading claims or illegal content, it is not possible for us to investigate every ad and advertiser. Please use caution when answering ads, especially any which require you to send money in advance. Contact — starclassifieds@txstate.edu
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Sports
WRIGHT’S WORDS
The first Brad Wright Radio Show of the year for New Braunfels radio station KGNB (AM 1420) begins 6 p.m. Thursday at Sean Patrick’s Irish Pub. The show will feature interviews with Coach Wright and assistant coaches for the Bobcat football team. Fans are encouraged to come to the show and will have opportunities to meet the coaches and players. Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu
10 - The University Star
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Women’s soccer team finds home for equipment By Jessie Spielvogel Sports Reporter
The Texas State women’s soccer team finally has a place of its own. The Bobcats have new locker rooms located below Harris Dining Hall near the West Campus Fields. The freshmen and sophomores on the team live in San Marcos Hall, which is near the location of the new locker room. “It doesn’t work out so bad,” said Coach Kat Conner. “Granted, juniors and seniors move off campus, so they will have to find a parking spot.” Conner said the locker rooms are still a work in progress, but the facility is an improvement from what the team had before, which is nothing at all. “We are supposed to be getting platforms for working out and we should be getting a Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo small area for the trainers so BRAND NEW: The Texas State women’s soccer team has a new locker room located under that players can get wraps the Harris Dining Hall. if they need to during the
game,” said Britney Curry, junior forward. “Before, we used to just do our talks right there on the field. It is a huge deal and it helps you to get focused before the games,” Conner said. Curry believes the new locker rooms are beneficial in preparing for games. “Before the St. Mary’s game, we watched a video that the coaches projected on the wall,” Curry said. Curry said the new locker rooms are “homey.” “We could hang out in there. There are showers, restrooms and a big open center where all the lockers are,” Curry said. Christina Racanelli, senior defender, said the locker rooms look well set-up. “Most locker rooms have metal lockers and look cheaply designed, but ours have wooden lockers and look really well put together,” Racanelli said. Conner believes by having new locker rooms, play-
ers will feel like they are not just going from a high school team to a club sport. Players hope the new locker room will attract talented high school athletes for the upcoming seasons. “It makes them feel a little bit more big time,” Conner said. “It has been a long time coming, so it should help us out a lot.” Racanelli believes the new locker rooms will be a significant improvement to the program. “I think it will definitely help in the future because athletes want to come to a place with facilities like that,” Racanelli said. According to Conner, the new development brings high hopes for the team’s future. “We are just trying to bring in some wins,” Conner said. The team’s next home game will be Sept. 18 against Grambling State.
Understanding Favre’s second comeback
As soon as the news became official, the robust debate began. The topic: whether it is a good idea for Brett Favre to play for the Minnesota Vikings this coming season. Personally, I have mixed feelings about old-man gunslinger making
another comeback. When Brett Favre, NFL’s iron man and future Hall of Famer, retired from the Green Bay Packers following the 2007 season, people were skeptical for good reasons. Favre announced his unretirement in August 2008 and signed with the New York Jets. The Jets’ season started off strong with Favre at the helm, including an impressive 34-13 win on the road over then-undefeated Tennessee. However, the Jets stumbled at the end of the season losing three of their last four games and missing the playoffs. When the season was over, Favre informed the Jets that he would be retiring, this time in a way unlike at the tearful press conference that took
place in Green Bay. I was ready to say goodbye to Favre and an entire era of quarterbacks that included the likes of my favorite of all-time, Troy Aikman. Yes, I have fond memories of Aikman and my Cowboys winning the 1995 NFC Championship Game against Favre and the Packers. Before I get caught in the glory days, let me get back to the topic. When I heard rumors of Favre coming back to play this season, I was pretty excited. When he signed to play with the Vikings, I was delighted about seeing Favre play at least one more season. However, when I put myself in a Packers fan’s shoes, I started to think differently. Favre signed with the enemy. He signed with a division rival which Packers fans
despise. For me, that is like Aikman making a comeback and signing with the Eagles. As my friend and life-long Packers fan wrote on his Facebook page, “Brett Favre is dead to me.” There are also those who think Favre is playing for the Vikings just to “stick it to the Packers” and General Manager Ted Thompson for two games. However, one must have to consider the fact the Packers didn’t want him. You must also consider Favre’s list of accomplishments: threetime league MVP, 10-time Pro Bowl selection, most consecutive starts by a quarterback (269, 291 including playoffs), career-passing touchdowns leader with 464, career-passing yards leader with 65,127, two Super Bowl
appearances, one Super Bowl ring and a Super Bowl MVP, just to name a few. No matter how much you may like or dislike Favre, he was correct about the Vikings being a perfect situation for him. Typically, Super Bowlwinning teams have a great defensive line and an exceptional running game. You can check both of those off that list with Kevin and Pat Williams on the line along with Jared Allen and the best running back in football, Adrian Peterson, in the backfield. Favre also knows the current Vikings offense like the back of his hand. He ran it his whole career as a Packer and has weapons such as Peterson and rookie Percy Harvin to use. All of that stuff is great, however, the reality is he
just showed up whenever he wanted to at the Vikings camp. Apparently, some of the Vikings players are split on backing Favre. In addition, he missed all preseason workouts including training camp, which teammates would have appreciated his presence there. He is coming off shoulder surgery and is one year older as well. Favre admitted last year he physically broke down in the final month of the season. I know Favre is going to be throwing the ball less with Peterson and Chester Taylor to hand off to, but eventually he may still wear down in the end. As a football fan, I hope not, but if it comes down to the Cowboys versus the Vikings in the playoffs, I wouldn’t mind.
could end up defining the season. Here are 10 potential upsets that might do the trick in 2009. Brigham Young over Oklahoma, Cowboys Stadium, Sept. 5: Remember the last time Oklahoma faced a non-BCS school on a neutral site? Boise State trick-played its way to a Fiesta Bowl win in January 2007. Brigham Young might be the best team from the most underrated conference, and the blue-and-white faithful will come to Dallas in droves to watch the potential upset. South Carolina over Ole Miss, Sept. 24: Despite all Ole Miss’ hype, the Rebels still must show they have the steady defense to warrant a Top 10 ranking all year. South Carolina has been known to play tough teams close early in the year before
getting depleted by injuries. A fresh Gamecocks team led by Stephen Garcia might be able to expose Ole Miss’ secondary. Besides, can’t Steve Spurrier have a little fun these days? Miami over Virginia Tech, Sept. 26: Miami’s first four games are brutal at Florida State, Georgia Tech, at Virginia Tech and Oklahoma — but the Hurricanes need to save face with at least one win in September. If Miami can follow a bye week with a Georgia Tech win, momentum and speedy defensive playmakers could help UM stall the Hokies’ potent running game. Arkansas over Alabama, Sept. 26: Bobby Petrino is too good a coach to be mediocre for a second straight season. He even made Casey Dick look like a reputable quarterback at times
last year. With stud Ryan Mallett, the Hogs will steal one from the Tide in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama lost leaders at almost every position. Illinois over Ohio State, Sept. 26: Most of the Big Ten doesn’t have the offensive firepower to handle Ohio State’s balanced attack. Illinois does. Wide receiver Aurelius Benn and quarterback Juice Williams are dark-horse Heisman Trophy candidates. If the two are clicking, the Buckeyes will have a blemished 2009 resume. LSU over Florida, Oct. 10: The mighty Gators could have that perfect season spoiled when the Tigers get the best of them once again in Death Valley. Florida hasn’t won in Baton Rouge since 2003. LSU’s always-physical defensive line will find ways to get
into Florida’s backfield, forcing Tim Tebow to win the game off his arm — which he can do, but are his receivers ready for the challenge? Michigan over Penn State, Oct. 24: It will take a win over OSU or Penn State to pull Michigan out of the Rich Rodriguez funk. Penn State showed it’s susceptible to a late-season meltdown after last year’s loss to Iowa. Michigan might not win nine or 10 games, but the spread offense should be clicking well enough by late October to give the Nittany Lions fits at home. Arizona State over USC, Nov. 7: You’d think USC would be done playing down to its Pac-10 competition, but not with freshman starting quarterback Matt Barkley and a defense that lost too many stars. Expect the Sun Devils to
rebound after last year’s 5-7 campaign. Veteran coach Dennis Erickson knows what to do with 15 starters returning. Colorado over Oklahoma State, Nov. 19: The Buffaloes have been off the national map for too long and should be desperate for a marquee Big 12 win. For all their offensive firepower, the Cowboys gave up at least 42 points in three of their last four games last season. One offseason isn’t going to fix that defense. Texas A&M over Texas, Nov. 26: The Longhorns could be undefeated by the time they roll into College Station. Will their eyes be fixed on a national title berth instead of this rich rivalry? Either team will always have a chance in this game no matter the records.
Upsets may cause reigning Florida champs to lose title By Jeremy Fowler The Orlando Sentinel Upsets can deflate talented teams or provoke eventual champions. Take Florida and Southern Cal, for example. After a 31-30 loss to Ole Miss last year, the Gators played the rest of the year like a team possessed, as Tim Tebow promised. The run was so dominant the Bowl Championship Series voters gladly welcomed the Gators in the national title game. These days, USC seems to lose at least one Pac-10 game to a lesser opponent every year. The recent flubs have kept the Trojans out of BCS title contention — even with a string of dominant defenses. Every year, a handful of otherwise nondescript games
Photo courtesy of Al Diaz/Miami Herald CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION: Tim Tebow, Florida quarterback, celebrates the Gators’ National Championship victory over Oklahoma Jan. 8. According to some experts, SEC rival Louisiana State is predicted to upset Florida this season.
