09 05 2006 by The University Star

AVERTING DISASTER

R.THEIS ON THE RISE

Football emerges victorious after surviving a week-one scare

Artist Ryan Theis prepares his psychedelic-inspired works for a farewell show

SEE SPORTS PAGE 10

SEE TRENDS PAGE 5

WWW.UNIVERSITYSTAR.COM

SEPTEMBER 5, 2006

TUESDAY

VOLUME 96, ISSUE 5

San Marcos man killed, use of lethal force questioned By Kathy Martinez The University Star A San Marcos Police ofﬁcer shot and killed a 19-year-old man who was allegedly stabbing his mother with a fork Wednesday on the 900 block of Gravel Street. Christopher Jonathan Gonzales was taken to Central Texas Medical Center and was pronounced dead by Hays County Justice of the Peace Joanne Prado at noon. The shooting has since raised many questions as to why the police did not use non-lethal methods to disable the young male.

Police said Gonzales was stabbing his mother with a fork around 10:48 a.m. when Ofﬁcer Tracy Frans shot one round at Gonzales, striking him in the chest. Police said an emergency 9-11 call made by Gonzales’ mother Rosita Pineda indicated her son was armed with a knife and threatening family members. Shortly after, dispatchers heard screaming and the line was disconnected. San Marcos Police Department Chief Howard Williams said Ofﬁcer Frans, who responded to the 9-1-1 call, found Gonzales in the street near his home holding his mother and threat-

ening to stab her with a fork. “Officer Frans told Mr. Gonzales several times to stop and drop the fork,” Williams said. “He was in the process of stabbing Mrs. Pineda with the fork when officer Frans fired.” Pineda said the family is angry that Officer Frans used his gun instead of his TASER. “They did not have to shoot and kill my son. I don’t understand any of this. They could have used a TASER,” Pineda said. “The officer was twice my son’s size … he could have even taken him down without a weapon.”

BETTER TIMES: A family photo of Christopher Jonathan Gonzales, the man fatally shot Wednesday by San Marcos police for allegedly stabbing his mother, shows a perfectly happy and normal young man.

Photo courtesy of the Gonzales family

See SMPD, page 3

Cypress tree memorial honors former student

Former Doggett aide gets probation, jail time for theft

A.N. Hernández The University Star A young cypress tree nestled delicately along the San Marcos River will soon grow large and tall, all the while bearing the name and memory of former Texas State student C.J. Nelson. Nelson, 21, whose life was cut short in an automobile accident July 4, was remembered Sunday by more than 50 friends and family members who arrived at the Wildlife Habitat Park located between Cheatham Street and I35. “What an incredible life he had in 21 short years. Some of us at 50 can’t say that we’ve done everything we wanted to and he sure did,” said Kathi Nelson, Nelson’s mother. “He enjoyed his life so much, so we have to carry on.” Visitors followed the trail of seven white ribbons that led the way to Nelson’s memorial tree. And although many were in tears throughout the ceremony that began at noon, everyone was determined to celebrate Nelson’s life rather than wallow in sorrow. Many wore shirts once belonging to Nelson that his parents had passed out as mementos. Meanwhile, children leapt and splashed in the river. On the drive to San Marcos from Cedar Park, where the Nelson family lives, the song “Sweet Home Alabama” came on the radio. Kathi Nelson expressed how wonderfully coincidental it was, considering it was the ring tone Nelson set on his phone to let him know it was her calling. She said it was natural that Nelson’s memorial tree be planted along the river, considering how much time he spent tubing and joking that he often missed class to take a dip. She said many of his friends were away for the summer but are now back at the university, which is why this memorial took place months after Nelson passed away. The San Marcos River Foundation plants cypress trees because they are long-living, hold the banks of the river and prevent erosion, said Judy Telford, the group’s vice president. Telford said the fence around the young tree would “protect it from beavers, dogs, nutria and people.” See STUDENT, page 3

David Saleh Rauf The University Star A former aid for U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett pled guilty Tuesday in state district court to stealing around $168,000 from the congressman’s campaign reserves. Kristi Willis pled guilty to the misapplication of ﬁduciary property and as part of a plea bargain with Travis County prosecutors was sentenced to four years of deferred adjudication probation and 30 days in jail, Travis County Assistant District Attorney Patty Robertson said. “She did it on her own. They came forward and said ‘we want to cooperate’ and saved us a substantial amount of time doing the investigation,” Robertson said. “(She) came forward and admitted to taking the monies and repaid the restitution and really co-operated substantially, is how I would describe it.” Willis’ cooperation with Travis County prosecutors was “taken into consideration” during the sentencing, Robertson said. Along with probation and jail time, the sentence calls for Willis to pay full restitution to the Doggett campaign, perform community service, continue counseling and produce her income tax records on an annual basis. “She made a substantial effort upfront to pay restitution and I think it was something around $75,000 is was it came out to — (she) sold her house, sold her car,” Robertson said. “We see a lot of embezzlements; we’ve got a couple hundred of them going

Karen Wang/Star photo FAMILY REMEBERS: CJ Nelson’s father, Tom, releases his son’s ashes into the San Marcos river Sunday while CJ’s mother and brother, Kathi and Nick look on from the shore. CJ passed away in automobile accident July 4, 2006 in northwest Austin.

right now, but it’s rare that we see it from a political campaign. It was an unusual situation; it was unlike most of our embezzlement cases, because the defendant really made an effort to begin repaying the restitution and she’s making payments now.” Doggett, D-Austin, will be running in a special election this November for the newly redrawn District 25, which now includes all of Hays County. Willis, 38, worked in Doggettt’s Austin ofﬁce where she served as his district director and in 1999 began maintaining his campaign books. She eventually quit in 2004. “Once this matter was brought to my attention I promptly alerted the Travis county district attorney’s ofﬁce regarding the theft and sought to restore supporter’s contributions,” Doggett said through a spokesman. Doggett said staffers discovered the thefts in the early part of this year. “She was misapplying campaign funds to pay her creditcard bill,” Doggett said. Willis also admitted to stealing while raising money for the Capital Area Democratic Women and for the Andy Brown campaign. Brown was a democratic candidate for the Texas House last spring. She has agreed to pay restitution to both parties but was not charged with the two thefts under the plea bargain, Robertson said. The $17,000 that was taken from Brown and $11,000 from See DOGGETT, page 3

Tutoring services reach out to students with online help, chat By Eloise Martin The University Star With the invention of the Internet came the ability for students to ﬁnd a tutor online and further their knowledge on a variety of subjects — all from the comfort of a computer. Tutorial Web sites promise better grades but usually charge a fee. Many Texas State students, however, do not realize they have already paid for online tutoring through their student fees. Two of these services available to students are the Writing Center and the Student Learning Assistance Center. Both centers now offer free online tutoring as well as resources accessible through their Web sites. The Writing Center, located in Flowers Hall, Room G09,

has been open to students since 1984 but began offering online services in the last few years. Nancy Wilson, Writing Center director, said the move to the Internet was done in part because of the limited hours available at the center and to provide service to commuters who may not have the luxury of spare time. “A lot of students don’t live in San Marcos,” Wilson said. “We are trying to duplicate that oneon-one experience for students who can’t make it into the writing center.” Personal online tutoring sessions will be available for students beginning Sept. 6 through Bobcat Chat, a new online tutorial program. The new chat option is provided by Breeze, a computer program recently purchased by the university.

Today’s Weather

Showers 86˚/66˚

Precipitation: 60% Humidity: 54% UV: 0 Low Wind: NNE 13 mph

The system will allow students to chat online with tutors and receive immediate responses. Aside from saving students the physical stress of scheduling a personal tutoring session, Wilson said the program has the ability to lower the anxiety level some students may feel when facing a personal work evaluation. “Some people are shy. Everyone thinks it is cold to work on a computer, but for a lot of people, it is hard to talk about their paper face-to-face,” Wilson said. Although there are Web sites with tutoring available for a fee, Wilson said students should realize “professional” sites are not always better. The tutors who answer questions through the Writing Center’s Web site are trained and have often been

Two-day Forecast Wednesday Mostly Sunny Temp: 93°/ 54° Precipitation: 20%

Thursday Partly Cloudy Temp: 96°/ 68° Precipitation: 20%

through the same classes as the students asking the questions. “The university knows what the students need,” Wilson said. “(Students) should take advantage of that.” John Roesler, technical communication graduate student, worked as a student tutor for the online center last year but began tutoring during his sophomore year at Texas State. Roesler said

he became a tutor to help students learn to recognize their own mistakes. “For me, it is the ‘ah-ha’ moment,” he said. “People always appreciate it when you ‘ﬁx’ their paper, but it is when you explain something and they really understand it that you realize you are really helping them.” In addition to Bobcat Chat, students can ﬁnd resources on

or me, it is the ‘ah-ha’ moment. “F People always appreciate it when you ‘ﬁx’ their paper, but it is when you explain something and they really understand it that you realize you are helping them.”

—John Roesler technical communication graduate student

Inside News ..............1-3 Trends .............5-6 Crossword ......... 6 Sudoku .............. 6

Comics .............. 6 Opinions ............ 7 Classiﬁeds ......... 8 Sports ...........9-10

the Writing Center’s Web site, including links to other writing centers, grammar exercises and electronic guidebooks for citation questions. Students can also use the site to prepare for tests such as the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas, the Texas Higher Education test and the Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation test required for all mass communication students. Jennifer Ayala, mass communications senior, took the GSP test her junior year and did not pass on her first attempt. Students are allowed to take the test three times, so Ayala decided to find a better way to prepare before taking it again. “I went to the Texas State Web site and just typed in GSP See TUTORING, page 3

PAGE TWO The University Star

Tuesday in Brief

September 5, 2006

starsof texas state Walter Trybula, a technology futurist and well-known proponent of nanotechnology, has plans to make big inroads in the small science of nanotechnology after being named by the operations board to head up the Nanomaterials Application Center at Texas State. Trybula assumes the NAC directorship after having served on the operations board for the previous three

years. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas, is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers fellow and an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer. He brings with him 13 years of experience at SEMATECH, 12 years with General Electric and experience from two startups. — Courtesy of Media Relations

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

Breezing along TUESDAY The Tennis Club will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the tennis courts on Sessom Drive, behind Joe’s Crab Shack. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, contact Tennis Club president, Chris Harris, at ch1282@txstate.edu. There will be advocate training at the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center. For more information contact Elizabeth Dixon at (512) 396-3404. Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity will hold a bake-sale fundraiser in The Quad from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization will be have their ﬁrst meeting of the year at 5 p.m. in the McCoy College of Business Administration, Room 127. This ﬁrst meeting is informational and CEO is open to all majors. Night prayer will be held in the chapel of the Catholic Student Center at 9 p.m. Women’s volleyball will play Baylor at 7 p.m. at Strahan Coliseum.

WEDNESDAY Overeaters Anonymous will meet at 12:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland St. For more information, call (512) 357-2049. There will be advocate training at the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center. For more information contact Elizabeth Dixon at (512) 396-3404. Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity will hold a bake sale fundraiser in The Quad from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Higher Ground, the LutheranEpiscopal campus ministry,

On This Day... 1774 — First Continental Congress convenes

offers a short service of prayer and reﬂection at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church, across from The Tower residence hall. A free meal follows at 6:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

1837 — Van Buren calls for independent treasury 1847 — Outlaw Jesse James is born in Missouri

A student-led rosary will be recited in the chapel of the Catholic Student Center at 6:25 p.m.

1877 — Crazy Horse killed

THURSDAY

1930 — Cross-country trip completed, backwards

1882 — First Labor Day is celebrated

The Tennis Club will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the tennis courts on Sessom Drive, behind Joe’s Crab Shack. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, contact Tennis Club president, Chris Harris, at ch1282@txstate.edu. There will be an on-campus Alcoholics Anonymous meeting from noon to 1 p.m. For more information, contact the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center at (512) 245-3601. There will be advocate training at the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center. For more information contact Elizabeth Dixon at (512) 396-3404. The Counseling Center will offer the following groups: Facing the Fear (Anxiety Group), which will run from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and Women’s Personal Growth Group, which will run from 5 to 6:30 p.m. For information or to sign up, contact the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208. Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity will hold a bake sale fundraiser in The Quad from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Rock - Praise & Worship will take place in the chapel of the Catholic Student Center at 7:30 p.m. Go to www.UniversityStar.com and click on contact to view calendar and Stars of Texas State submission policies.

1935 — Gene Autry’s ﬁrst Western opens 1970 — U.S. forces launch last major American operation of the war 1972 — Arab terrorists take Israeli hostages at the Olympics Bridgette Cyr/Star photo Business sophomore Clint Moore enjoys the beginning of Labor Day weekend by longboarding in the breezeway of the Alkek Library Friday afternoon.

CRIME BL TTER University Police Department Aug. 27, 5:20 a.m. Driving Under the Influence/San Marcos Hall Garage A police officer made contact with a vehicle for a traffic stop. Upon further investigation the student was issued a citation for DUI, expired inspection and a traffic violation. He was released at the scene. Aug. 27, 10:28 a.m. Theft under $500/ Blanco Hall An officer was dispatched to Blanco Hall in reference to a student who reported some of her clothing had been stolen from the laundry room. A

report was made of this case. Aug. 28, 1:28 a.m. Burglary of Motor Vehicle/ Tower Hall Parking Garage An ofﬁcer was dispatched to Tower garage where a student reported her vehicle had been burglarized. A report was made of this case. Aug. 28, 8:44 a.m. Medical Emergency/ Parking Services, N. LBJ An ofﬁcer was dispatched to Parking Services after a student felt dizzy and fell to the ground. EMS was called and the student was transported to Central Texas Medical Center for further evaluation.

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

1975 — Ford assassination attempt thwarted 1992 — Prince becomes toppaid singer

Health Beat Resolve to get fit with SRC programs There is no reason to wait until New Year’s to start a new resolution. Find out what you have at your fingertips and begin a new journey to excellent health by staying active, motivated and fulfilled. Along with a healthy diet, it is recommended to include a 30minute cardiovascular workout into your daily routine at least 4-6 times per week. Campus Recreation at Texas State provides a variety of ways to get a satisfying workout, from joining a pick-up game at the Student Recreation Center to canoeing Big Bend. Working out does not have to seem like work. By enjoying the activity, you have a better chance of maintaining your workout regimen and seeing results. To

bring some recreation to your evenings, get a group together and register for a team sport through our Intramural Sport Program. Flag Football registration ends Thursday. If you are interested, sign up now! Also, enjoy the pre-season tournament and come back for the full season starting on Sept. 17. The Intramural Program also offers special sporting events such as fantasy football, bowling, 3-on3 basketball and dodge ball, to name a few. Learn about all of the activities available for you at Campus Rec Day, Sept. 13. We will be located at The Quad and Mall area outside of the LBJ Student Center to show you what Campus Recreation has to offer. We look forward to seeing you Sept. 13 at Campus Rec Day. — Courtesy of the department of Campus Recreation

NEWS

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

SMPD: Family, police give conflicting reports of 911 call CONTINUED from page 1

Williams said although Frans was armed with a TASER at the time of the incident, standard procedure called for the use of his firearm instead. “TASERs are not a miracle weapon … they occasionally fail. Generally in a deadly-force confrontation such as this one, officers are trained to use less means if they have another officer there ready to apply deadly force should the lethal means fail,” Williams said. “In this case Officer Frans was alone and backup officers had not yet arrived. Had he missed with the TASER or if it failed to work, that only would have given Mr. Gonzales more time to inflict greater injuries on his mother.” Pineda, however, said her son never stabbed her with the fork. She said Gonzales did slap her in the face, causing her to bleed from the nose and that at the time of the shooting she was in front of him trying to convince him to calm down. “When I called the police that morning, I told them that my son was acting kind of odd and I didn’t understand what was wrong with him,” she said. Pineda said the argument started after Gonzales became angry with her for being on the phone earlier that morning. “When I did call the police to come over, the first thing I said was please do not come over and hurt my son. Please come and talk to him and calm him down,” Pineda said. When Gonzales saw the police car coming down the street, Pineda said he went outside to wave the car down to talk to the officer. “I think he was scared about getting in trouble when he saw the police, but when I saw him walking towards the police car I yelled at him to get back in the house — but he wouldn’t listen to me,” she said. “I started running towards Jon to pull him back inside and the officer got out of his car and pulled out his gun on Jon.” Pineda said she cannot recall if her son had the fork in his hand at the time, but says he did grab her from the back placing his arm around her shoulders. “The cop was yelling at him and Jon was holding me tight. I think he was just scared when he saw the gun,” she said. “I didn’t want Jon to let me go and I was actually holding onto him in case the officer tried to shoot him. I was trying to shield him and at the same time begging the officer to just talk with my son and put his gun down. The next thing I remember he shoots and I fell to the ground with Jon.” Michael and Ritchie Gonzales witnessed the shooting of their brother outside their home. “When Jon fell to the ground my mother went to him to hold him and put pressure on his wound, but the police officer pulled her by the jaw of her face and told her to get away from him,” Michael Gonzales said. “He then grabbed her by the neck of her shirt and threatened to put her in the police car if she didn’t step away from Jon.” The family said Officer Frans never initiated first aid to the suspect, instead checking his pulse only once until the ambulance arrived. “I had to just sit and watch my son lay there for about ten to fifteen minutes before the ambulance arrived. They wouldn’t let me touch him and the only thing the officer did was check his pulse during that time,” Pineda said. Williams told the San Marcos Daily Record on Thursday that Frans and Sgt. Randy Holmes “immediately began first aid on Gonzales until EMS arrived around three minutes later.” Although investigators report that the mother refused medical treatment for her injuries, Pine-

“I

didn’t want Jon to let me go and I was actually holding onto him in case the ofﬁcer tried to shoot him. I was trying to shield him and at the same time begging the ofﬁcer to just talk with my son and put his gun down.”

The University Star - Page 3

STUDENT: Cave in California named after Nelson CONTINUED from page 1

“The river’s really low around this year, so if any of you are in the area, stop by and give the tree a drink,” she said. Nelson, who attended Texas State from Fall 2003 through Fall 2005, took off the spring semester of 2006, but planned to attend the university again this fall. He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho and lived in California for 10 years with his family, until they moved to Texas three days before his 12th birthday. Dawn Nelson was Nelson’s aunt and godmother. While crying, she said she felt like she “was hit by a huge wrecking ball” after the death of her “really vibrant nephew, who had a heart of gold that extended beyond the boundaries of his body.” After his death, she spent ﬁve days creating an 8-by-8 foot piece of art, which she dubbed “C.J. Rubrick.”

“One of my fondest memories is when I would take C.J. and his brother and his cousins to what we called The Rock Beach. There were huge boulders, some four to ﬁve feet tall,” she said. “And C.J. was incredibly agile, darting across the rocks, way ahead of everyone, laughing. I just keep thinking about that, over and over, after he died.” Cell phone logs show Ryan Janway, geography senior, was the last person to speak to Nelson on the night of his death. Janway was one of Nelson’s closest friends for three years and they planned to be roommates in the fall semester. Janway said one of the things he would miss most about his “everyday buddy” is the “quirky sounds” Nelson would make every now and then. “We would spend a lot of time at the river, like at Sewell Park and when he would go to jump in, he would make this

— Rosita Pineda mother of Christopher Gonzales

da said her son never stabbed her with the fork and was not in the process of stabbing her when Officer Frans shot his firearm. Pineda said when she asked the officer if her son was alright after she saw him check his pulse, Frans told her that he was going to be fine. “I knew Jon was dying and that the officer was lying to me,” she said. “My son was lifeless while he was laying on the ground and they looked me in the eye and told me he was alright. All I wanted to do was hold my baby.” The family said they are outraged at the actions of Officer Frans. “I think that the officer was just trying to make the whole situation end and maybe he thought the answer to that was to shoot Jon. Either way, these policemen think that because they are coming into these poor neighborhoods that they automatically have to use excessive force,” Mary Gonzales, Jon’s aunt said. “Not everyone in this neighborhood is a criminal and Jon was a good kid, despite what police may first think when they see him. Being a Hispanic kid in a poor neighborhood does not make you a criminal.” Williams said he will not judge whether the use of force was appropriate until he has reviewed the entire investigation, which is ongoing. The Texas Rangers, the Hay’s County district attorney’s office and a Hays County grand jury will be conducting investigations. An internal investigation is also being conducted to determine whether Officer Frans followed policy and his training in the incident. Williams said information will determine whether disciplinary action should be taken or if new policies, equipment or training are needed to better prepare for future similar incidents. Williams said he has spoken only briefly with Officer Frans since the incident. “He seems to be doing about as well as one can expect under the circumstances,” Williams said. Officer Frans has been placed on administrative duty while investigations proceed, which is standard procedure in officerinvolved shootings. The family hopes to hold services for Gonzales Tuesday, but is still trying to get money together for the casket. “I can’t describe the pain that I feel right now. It’s unbearable. I can’t help but think if I had not called the police he would still be alive right now,” Pineda said. Pineda said one of the last things she remembers telling her son was goodnight the night before he was shot. “I kissed him on the lips and told him I loved him and said ‘get some rest’ because he looked so tired. He said ‘alright’. He always said ‘alright,’” Pineda said.

‘weeeee’ noise before he would jump in the water,” he said. Janway, who worked this summer on the outskirts of Pullelake, Calif., named a cave in the Lava Beds National Monument after Nelson, whose friends lovingly dubbed him “Siege.” Janway said after he found out Nelson died, he found a cave and named it “Siege Cave” in memory of his dearest buddy. On Sunday evening, Janway and a dozen of Nelson’s friends headed to The Backyard in Austin to see 311, one of Nelson’s favorite bands. “I think it’s truly amazing because his dad did not know anything about this concert when they scheduled this memorial,” he said. “I’ve seen 311 at least twice with C.J. and at around this time last year, on my 21st birthday, we were at Austin Music Hall and it was one of the best times of my

life.” He said the timing was “serendipitous.” As for the cypress tree, Janway said he knows it will thrive, considering all the people who care about Nelson. “Well, for my impression of the people that I was with, I think that tree will be visited frequently by his friends. I see myself being there a lot, at least once a week, as well as the rest of his friends,” he said. “It won’t go thirsty.” Toward the end of the ceremony, Nelson’s parents, Tom and Kathi Nelson and his younger brother, Nick Nelson, 17, pulled Nelson’s grey ashes from a black box. Preparing to toss them gently in the river, they held back tears. While the crowd looked on silently, the three waded slowly into the cool river. They opened the bag and emptied his ashes onto the rippling water. They set C.J. Nelson free for his ﬁnal ﬂoat down the river.

DOGGETT: Defendant’s lawyer cites

‘spending compulsion’ as problem CONTINUED from page 1

Chuck Kennedy/MCT UNHEALTHY ENVIRONMENT: Construction crews work at Ground Zero Aug. 17 in New York. Construction began on the footings for the World Trade Center Memorial and Museum, scheduled to be complete by Sept. 2009. A large number of Ground Zero workers have fallen ill and have not had proper medical treatment.

Ground Zero laborers extend help, receive none in return By Paul H.B. Shin New York Daily News NEW YORK - It has become an unspoken shame of Ground Zero. Thousands of undocumented immigrants who toiled amid toxic dust to clean buildings around the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11 attacks are suffering from serious health problems but have few places to turn for treatment, concerned doctors and advocates said. The only free medical care for these workers is a modest, privately funded program at Bellevue Hospital, which may lose its financial benefactor a year from now unless the government steps in. The workers, who played a pivotal role in reopening the nation’s financial hub within days of the attacks, said they feel abandoned, especially as anti-immigrant sentiments are stoked in Washington. “When we were needed on 9/11, no one asked for our papers. Now they don’t want us here anymore,” said Lucelly Gil, 50, who worked in the disaster zone for months, wearing only a flimsy dust mask and plastic gloves for protection. A New York Daily News investigation documented the exploitation of the undocumented workers just a few months after the attacks. The January 2002 exclusive revealed that contractors had been plucking illegal immigrants off street corners and putting them to work without giving them safety training or protective equipment. “All of us who worked in the disaster zone worked because we wanted to help the city,” said Alberto Melo, 47, one of the day laborers. Melo and Gil are suffering

from ailments ranging from severe respiratory problems to depression. Symptoms are also plaguing hundreds of firefighters, cops and other first responders who worked in or near the smoldering pit. “The only thing that mattered to the contractors was that we work quickly,” Melo said, noting his boss would drop in for brief visits to the work sites wearing a heavyduty protective mask equipped with canister filters. Meanwhile, Melo and his fellow workers would eat their pack lunches perched on dusty piles of debris. “We’re getting sicker each day,” Melo said in Spanish. The demand for treatment among the overlooked groups suggests that the roughly 500 people currently being treated at Bellevue are “just the tip of the iceberg,” Newton said. It will be an uphill battle trying to get government dollars for the program, currently funded by a two-year, $1.8 million grant from the American Red Cross. New York City officials have so far been reluctant to acknowledge that health problems even among police and firefighters who worked in The Pit could be linked to the toxic substances they were exposed to. David Worby, who is waging a lawsuit on behalf of 8,000 WTC responders and their survivors, said $20 million has been spent on city lawyers to deny claims of cops, firefighters and others who were sickened. “The government must understand that there were other heroes, too,” Melo said. “We risked our lives and health working without protection.”

the Capital Area Democratic Women has been “paid in full,” Willis’ lawyer, Charles Grigson, said. She has also returned $45,000 to the Doggett campaign and now works as a software application instructor. “She’s done everything that she possibly can that’s within her power to try to make things right for everybody concerned and she’ll continue to do that,” Grigson said. “She’s always accepted responsibility for all her actions. She’s never tried to blame anybody, just herself.” Grigson said he researched Willis’ credit card statements

and found that the stolen money was spent on basic living expenses and “small ticket items,” such as restaurant and clothing bills. “There was nothing really outlandish, nothing really extravagant; it was just living expenses that I guess got out of hand,” he said. Grigson said the thefts were probably due to a spending compulsion that Willis suffers from, but the root cause is still unknown. “I don’t think she really knows,” Grigson said. “She’s been engaged in counseling to try to get to the root of it and she’s going to continue counseling.”

TUTORING: GSP,

teaching certification help available online CONTINUED from page 1

in the search,” Ayala said. “It brought up a lot of worksheets and a practice test through the Writing Center.” Ayala said she printed out a number of the worksheets to study and took the practice test to gauge her level of knowledge. When she realized the areas she was having trouble with, she made an appointment with the Writing Center for additional tutoring. Ayala said she has paid for tutoring before, but feels she received the same level of professionalism from the students at the Writing Center as those who charge for their services. Students are not limited to the Writing Center for online help. The Student Learning Assistance Center has been available to aid students since 1973 and has provided resources online since 1999. For students who cannot make it to the fourth floor of the Alkek Library, SLAC offers not only online resources, but also a 48-hour response feature for students with specific questions. Students can also send in entire papers for review. We don’t edit or proofread, but try to find common, reoccurring problems, said René LeBlanc, student development specialist. We also look at content and try to help with brainstorming. The Online Writing Lab

(OWL) also contains handouts about common writing questions that students may print for use without traveling farther than their computer. Links to other writing sites are also available. No appointments are needed for SLAC or the online assistance. Math assistance can be found at the SLAC Web site. Although there is not a question/response feature, LeBlanc said the materials provided are still useful. Handouts for common math problems are available as well as a listing of all Texas State math professors, which includes their e-mail addresses and phone numbers. LeBlanc said SLAC is working this semester to improve online math assistance and the department is also hiring two history tutors who will be available to answer questions online. LeBlanc said the advantage for students who use online tutoring provided by the university instead of professional sites offered is the ability for follow-up personal tutoring sessions if needed. “Students can send their papers and questions online from their homes, but if there is confusion, they can walk in and come ﬁnd a person to talk to. That is a bonus,” she said. For more info go to: http://writingcenter.english. txstate.edu/ http://www.txstate.edu/slac/

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

The University Star - Page 4

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - Page 5

newreleases DVD RELEASES

United 93 (R) Christian Clemenson; Trish Gates Kinky Boots (PG-13) Joel Edgerton; Chiwetel Ejiofor Broken Trail (NR) Robert Duvall; Thomas Haden Church

CD RELEASES

Beyoncé B-day, Sony Lower Class Brats New Seditionairies, TKO Iron Maiden A Matter of Life and Death, Sanctuary Records

Trends Contact —Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Danny Rodriguez/Star photo CARTOONISM ON THE GO: Former Texas State student Ryan Thies shows off his labor of love, Cartoonism, at Jo on the Go. Thies’ third and ﬁnal showing can be viewed in Jo on the Go at 312B University Dr until Sept. 30.

Former student’s art ‘cross between Dr. Seuss and Salvador Dali ’ By Leah Kirkwood The University Star

Ryan Thies cut out namecards for his brightly colored, psychedelic artwork at Jo on the Go Saturday afternoon while visiting with a few friends. “I didn’t have time to hang up the names yesterday and I have a few short stories I want expose people to as well,” Thies said. Thies’ art will be displayed at Jo on the Go until Sept. 30. This is the third year his work has been exhibited at the coffeehouse. “I feel like each show is better than the one before it,” Thies said. “Each time I show new stuff mixed in with some of the old, to keep it fresh and keep people interested.” “Hairy Bunny” is one of the pen drawings making its debut at this year’s exhibition. Thies calls his work “a cross between Dr. Seuss and Salvador Dali.” He has used pen and

marker for his drawings for the past seven years. “Pen allows me to execute a high level of detail and (the ink) dries fast,” Thies said. “Also, it’s easier to whip out a sketchbook and draw in a public setting if I get the urge.” Although most works at Jo on the Go are prints or done in pen, the exhibit includes a few paintings Thies did over the summer. “I just wanted to explore cartoonism through another medium and even though I’m still creating in the same style as I have with pen, painting on canvas gives my art a slightly textured look,” Thies said. The exhibition also includes some of Thies’ hand-painted

toys, including polka-dotted rubber ducks called “Stubble Duckies.” “I have ideas for toys, but at this time it’s not practical for me to make them, so I paint manufactured toys,” Thies said. Thies incorporates puns and wordplay into his art. He signs his artwork “R. Thies” because it sounds like “ar-teece” (artiste) if pronounced a certain way. Thies is also humorous when naming his work. “My art is a joke; the titles are punch-lines,” Thies said. “Shelf-portrait” is Theis’ selfportrait painted on a shelf made out of foam-core board. It is the only work on display at Jo on the Go that is not for sale.

Thies took classes at Texas State last year and began the art program at Texas Woman’s University this semester. “I haven’t quite completed the foundation courses yet and I’m still debating whether to pursue studio art or graphic design,” Thies said. Thies grew up in the San Marcos hill country and graduated from Hays High School in 1999. “After living in San Marcos for seventeen years, I decided it was time for a change in scenery,” Thies said. Thies only took one art class in high school, but he enjoyed drawing from an early age. See ART page 6

Images courtesy of Thies SHELVED: Thies’ paints an image of himself on a shelf in his portrait, “Shelf-Portrait.” It was constructed of foam-core board and is the only piece not for sale at the exhibit. FUZZY BUNNY: “Hairy Bunny” is just one of many psychadelic-inspired works in Thies’ collection on display at Jo on the Go.

Common Experience exhibit highlights South Africa By Jill Jarvis The University Star Peer into the lives of some of South Africa’s most courageous inhabitants through the award-winning photography of Susan Winter and her exhibit, Hamba Kamnandi. Winters has over 25 years of experience in professional photographic and written documentation. The exhibit, on display in Lampasas Hall, showcases 150 black-and-white photographs that document the end of apartheid in South Africa, the election of Nelson Mandela in 1994 and the onset of the AIDS epidemic. It recently won the Mondi Shanduka South African Story of the Year award. The exhibit is a part of the

2005-2006 Common Experience theme, “courage,” and has been on display in the Mitte Honors Program Coffee Forum since April. Hamba Kamnandi, or Walk Well Forward, spotlights South African Nozuko Ngcaweni and her daughter, Noquobile, who have both been diagnosed with HIV. According to Winters, Ngcaweni was one of the first in her country to brave the potential negative reaction she would receive by disclosing that she was HIV positive. Since then, she has become an AIDS activist, educator and counselor in her small rural village in eastern South Africa. “Nozuko’s voice serves as a communications bridge between those who have infor-

mation and those who need information,” Winters said. Winters said she believes that the way to deal with the AIDS issue in South Africa is through a multi-faceted approach and that there is no one correct way to respond to AIDS. ASG President Kyle Morris, lecturer Linda Kelsey-Jones in the art and design department and Diann McCabe, instructor at the Mitte Honors Program, brought Winters’ exhibition to Texas State after securing funding from various resources throughout the university. They also helped to bring Winters and Ngcaweni to Texas State for several events surrounding the premiere of the exhibit. The women made a presentation in journalism

lecturer David Nolan’s visual communications class. “It was an extremely interesting, moving talk,” Nolan said. “Nokuzo was very eloquent and spoke with conviction. She expressed how, in her country, she saw the media as more of an adversary than a friend.” McCabe said that because Hamba Kamnandi has generated such a response, the Mitte Coffee Forum will now be used as the “Gallery of Common Experience” and a new exhibit will be hung in early October. The Hamba Kamnandi exhibit will be on display until the end of September and can be viewed Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Bridgette Cyr/Star photo FIGHTING TO SURVIVE: Susan Winter’s Hamba Kamnandi exhibit, on display in Lampassas Hall, documents many events and themes important to Africa. Most notable is Nozuko Ngcaweni’s story of ﬁghting the ignorance and stigma of AIDS in her home country while ﬁghting the disease herself.

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

Page 6 - The University Star

ART: ‘Hair Bunny,’ ‘Cocktator’

indicative of Thies’ work CONTINUED from page 5

“Rumor has it that I emerged from the womb clutching a crude drawing utensil crafted from placenta remnants,” Thies said. While Thies was a student in San Marcos, he saw a poster by the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization recruiting artists to sell their work in The Quad. He was one of the few artists who responded. “I got a lot of ﬂared nostrils and strange looks,” Thies said. “But some people thought it was funny.” Despite some negative reactions to his work, Thies sold a lot of prints in The Quad. “I was surprised at how much stuff I sold,” Thies said. Thies’ artwork has developed a following in the San Marcos community. He often displays his work at local businesses instead of in artistic venues. Over the last four years his

work has also been displayed at The Coffee Pot, Gil’s Broiler, Vagabond, Retro Exchange, Mochas and Javas, Valentino’s and the San Marcos Public Library. “I just went in and asked (the managers) if I could display my artwork, showed them some stuff and they seemed to be receptive to it,” Thies said. Joe Schooler, a friend of Thies’, stopped by Jo on the Go Saturday to check out his new works. “Ryan has a very unique sense of humor,” Schooler said. Schooler said he often offered Thies his couch to sleep on when he was a student at Texas State. “One of my favorites has always been (‘Cocktator’),” said Schooler. “(Thies) sketched some crazy-looking monsters at my house late one night and that was the ﬁrst time I really noticed his art,” said Schooler. “I was like, ‘That is the coolest

thing ever!’” The next day Thies drew the ﬁnal version of “Cocktator.” Thies has been painting steadily since his relocation to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. “Right now I’m taking several of my older pen/marker works and converting them into paintings on canvas by way of graphite transfer paper,” Thies said. Although he has not yet shown his work in Dallas, Thies has exhibitions scheduled in the near future at Cupboard Foods and the vintage clothing store Counterculture. Thies sells prints, posters, bookmarks, pens, cards and magnets with his images on them at his Web site, Rthies. com, and says his main goal is to inspire people with his art. “A lot of my art is kind of humorous, so if I can get a smile from somebody and get them to take their mind off what’s going on around them, that’s sufﬁcient,” Thies said.

✯Star Comics

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

Strutters show off at Strahan, invited to Spurs halftime show By Cheryl Jones The University Star Fans, family and students gathered this Friday to enjoy the Meet the Strutters night, held in Strahan Coliseum. With a total of eight routines and their ﬁeld entrance, the Strutters took the ﬂoor with a wide array of leaps and turns. The Strutters are Texas State’s dance team and perform at football games as well as other sporting events. Healthcare administration freshman Brittney Johnson, a dancer who plans to try out for next season’s Strutter team, attended the event. “I came out to support them all and to see what they had to offer and what I needed to work on,” Johnson said. “I will be present at every Strutter event to support as well as learn.” Samantha Poorman, studio art freshman, has a roommate who is a member of the Strutters. “I came to support her as well as the rest of the team,” Poorman said. She plans on attending a good majority of the Strutter events such as the Spring Show, which will be held early April, as well as the football games. Albert Vaiani, business management senior, attended the event at a Strutter’s request. “I am pumped about football and will see them there to support as well,” Vaiani said. Susan Angel, the director for

Monty Marion/Star photo HELLO LADIES: During Meet the Strutters night Friday at Strahan Coliseum, Texas State’s prestigious dance team performed eight of their routines for their fans crowd. The Strutters have recently been asked to perform at halftime for the San Antonio spurs because of their abilities.

the Strutters, said the team’s schedule this summer was tough in order to prepare for the upcoming football season. “The team met and practiced for a nine-day vigorous camp beginning July 31. The Strutters then began practice two weeks ago in the smoldering heat.” Angel said. The talents of the team have even caught the attention of outside organizations such as the San Antonio Spurs, who have requested for the Strutters to perform at their halftime show on April 18. Kim Brunner, Strutter captain and dance senior, said dancing has a positive effect on her. “Dancing is my way of therapy, a way of expressing myself,

a way of getting through hard times and is basically my life,” Brunner said. Brunner also said that she wants to continue to learn from dance and that she enjoys being challenged. “Dancing is so much fun; it’s a passion and it’s just what I love,” said Kayla Persyn, prepsychology freshman and Strutter. The Strutters will be taking their annual Spring Break tour and will be performing in Italy this year, which Angel said they are very excited about. Angel said that she urges Bobcat fans and the community to come out and attend athletic events and to support their Strutters.

Ghostland Observatory has Lucy’s crowd sweatin’ to their sounds By Leah Kirkwood The University Star

FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 5, 2006

THE Daily Crossword Edited by Wayne Robert Williams ACROSS 1 Country mail rtes. 5 Sty dwellers 9 Dull 14 Writer Ambler 15 Spoken 16 Minneapolis suburb 17 Scorch 18 Mexican cash 19 Updated record release 20 Faculty position guarantee 22 Italian car 24 Feminine city on Lake Mich.? 26 Singer Brenda 27 __ ex machina 28 Early Peruvian 30 Sierra Nevada lake 34 Coating 36 Those in favor 39 End up equal 41 Northern Ireland capital 43 Have the nerve 44 Extinct birds 46 Positive replies 47 Smacking blow 49 Noggin 51 German exclamation 53 Self-centered rice-growing region? 59 Poster boy 61 Tell 62 Check recipient 63 Pilaf base 65 "Come __ my parlor..." 66 Quaking tree 67 Caesar's being 68 Bluish green 69 Enjoys a book 70 Cries of discovery 71 Biblical weed 1 2 3 4

DOWN Breaks Former FBI director Louis Photographer Arbus Use elbow grease

5 The Sailor Man 6 Dander 7 Fumigator's gear 8 Ashcan School painter John 9 After starter? 10 River to the Baltic 11 Manly mountains? 12 Bring together 13 Glenn Close movie 21 Cowpuncher contest 23 Sty dwellers 25 Relish 29 Bistro 30 Sen. Kennedy 31 Ms. Gardner 32 Girl's chocolate loc.? 33 Turow book 35 "Ghosts" playwright 37 Linguistic suffix 38 Ave. crossers 40 Called strikes, for short

Despite some technical difficulties, Ghostland Observatory turned the Lucy’s San Marcos dance floor into a mass of sweaty, dancing fans on Saturday night. The band returned home to Austin last month after promoting their albums delete. delete.i.eat.meat and Paparazzi Lightning on a summer tour. Producer/drummer Thomas Turner called the show “unpredictable.” The band experienced some problems with their equipment at the beginning of the show. “The power kept going out on my side,” Turner said. “Luckily, Aaron kept it going and finally they plugged in the (keyboard) to a different source and then (Behrens’) amp went out,” Turner said. Front man Aaron Behrens said the power problem did not keep the band from having a good time. “We can’t control it, so we can’t get angry about it,” Behrens said. “We just got to let it go and maybe hope for the best.” The audience didn’t seem to mind the brief electrical blip either. “(The crowd) was super supportive and they stuck in there even after all that stuff happened,” said Behrens. “They were still right there with us and we couldn’t have asked for more.” Highlights of the hour-long set included “Piano Man,” “Stranger Lover” and “Sad Sad City” from their album Papara-

zi Lightning. Communication design senior Jacqueline Hammond first heard Ghostland Observatory at their show on April 1 with Clap!Clap!. “The April show was more packed, but it was still a good show (tonight), there were still a lot of people and everybody was dancing,” Hammond said. Excited fan Jeremiah Graph bought Paparazzi Lightning at Saturday’s show. “This is the first CD I’ve bought in over seven years,” said Graph. “I respect everything they stand for. They are amazing.” Behrens said equipment wear was to blame for the problems and the band would definitely play at Lucy’s again. “We’ve been touring for a long time and our stuff’s

SU DO KU

Solutions for 8/31

Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains every digit from one through nine inclusively.

Solutions for 8/31

42 Comic/panelist Paul 45 Put an end to 48 Somme port 50 Goes along with 51 How some stocks sell 52 Discontinue

Danny Rodriguez/Star photo Ghostland Observatory’s front man Aaron Behren sings while bandmate Thomas Turner beats his drums in the background. Despite equipment difﬁculties, the duo still managed to entertain the supportive crowd with songs from their album Paparazzi Lightning.

54 Divided nation 55 Dis-lodge? 56 Kurt Weill's Lotte 57 Mongolian invader 58 Like a hermit 60 Require 64 Reb outfit

wearing down,” said Behrens. “We’re not a super group or anything, so we don’t have a lot of money, but we do the best with what we have.” San Antonio resident Zach Silva has seen Ghostland perform three times. “It was sweaty, that’s for sure,” Silva said of the show. Silva said Saturday’s show featured a few songs he’d never heard. Behrens said there are not yet plans for a third Ghostland Observatory album. “We’re just trying to get these two albums out as much as possible before we even think about recording again, but we write (songs) when something comes up,” Behrens said. “We just let it happen and (a new album) will be here before you know it.”

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

onlineconnection What do you think about the level of safety in San Marcos? Go to www.UniversityStar.com to vote in our online poll. Results will be published in Thursday’s issue of The University Star.

Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - Page 7

*This is not a scientiﬁc poll

LAME CROWD

Opinions Contact — Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu

Letters to the Editor Texans treated terribly at game I was excited to see the turnout for the home opener this Saturday against Tarleton State. However, I am disappointed in our fans. The way in which Tarleton State fans were treated by some of our fans was abhorrent. There is no need to throw things at other fans or make some of the awful comments that I heard. It is totally uncalled for. I understand being passionate about one’s team, but there is a way to feel that way and maintain some sort of civility. Hopefully, fans who are new to the scene will learn this, because so far it’s lacking. I would like to apologize personally to Tarleton State fans for the behavior of some of ours. Fortunately, there are some of us who know how to cheer at a football game.

Fans at a football game are supposed to cheer, right? THE MAIN POINT

he University Star attended the Bobcat football game Saturday and we were incredibly pleased to see how many students showed up to support the team. The 15,388 in attendance was a record turnout and it warmed our hearts to see a sea of maroon and gold. What did not warm our hearts was the behavior of Texas State fans that we witnessed. But in much of the second and third quarters, the miniscule Tarleton State section drowned the Texas State crowd out while the Texans took control of the game. When the Bobcats launched their comeback, some of the crowd started to make noise. But mostly we were disappointed. Perhaps the football team has improved so quickly that the fans can’t keep up. If that’s the case, let The Star offer some advice for football fans. The ﬁrst part of this advice is to yell and clap a lot. Sending text messages may be an appropriate activity at social events, but not at a football game. The most important time to yell and clap is when the Bobcats make a big play. Sacks, tackles for a loss and forced fumbles by Jeremy Castillo are excellent times to yell and clap. Whooping is also acceptable. The idea is to make as much noise as possible as the offense lines up on the ball. This is intended to interfere with the offensive line’s ability to hear the snap count. Fans who yell at this point in the game are able to feel like they’re doing something constructive to help their team. Cheering for a fan favorite, key playmaker or player with a heartwarming story of triumph over adversity is also appropriate. Whenever Walter Musgrove, the Bobcat cornerback who was diagnosed with Hodgkins disease after breaking his collarbone in November, makes a tackle, Texas State fans should go wild. Not only is Musgrove’s story gridiron-movie mate-

rial, he lays on crushing hits. The apathy of Texas State fans was not the only problem that came to the Star’s attention. The Star received a letter over the weekend that said a student saw Texas State fans were harassing Tarleton State fans and throwing things at them. If this is true, we are very disappointed in our fellow fans. Unsportsmanlike behavior such as that is unacceptable and tarnishes the image of this school. For some reason, it seems even worse that a lazy and inactive crowd would turn so mean and violent after the game. Behavior like that is never OK, but at least it makes some sort of sense coming from a rabid crowd that screamed its head off all game. Because we are so happy about the win and the huge turnout, we’ll keep our other complaints to a minimum. We won’t whine too much about how we wish whoever had been calling the game over the PA would have told us what happened after every play, instead of every third or fourth down. We like to know who was involved in the play and why the officials keep throwing little yellow flags onto the field. Let’s take these lessons to heart and when the team comes home on Sept. 16. Let’s be loud, supportive and well-behaved.

Adele Walajtys Sociology graduate student

Cross country glaringly omitted I would like to bring it to your attention that your sports section has been doing an incomplete job. Every year I sit back and watch as football, volleyball and soccer get coverage. If your writers believe that these are the only sports in season, they are mistaken and there should be someone in there who knows all the sports that are active in the fall. I am talking about Texas State cross country. These men and women run miles upon miles every day and have the endurance and cardiac ﬁtness many on this campus cannot even imagine. I don’t think there are that many on the staff of The University Star or across this campus who are willing to get up at 6 a.m. on a Sunday morning and drive for 20 to 30 minutes to an area that is full of hills and sharp declines to run 13 miles without stopping. Sure they get covered at conferences, but what about the rest of the season? Their ﬁrst race is this Friday at Stephen F. Austin. I am very disappointed in The Star for their lack of interest, especially considering that this team had a great tragedy this summer when James Ortiz losing part of his leg. He was a big asset to the team, as I am sure you know. The rest of this team deserves coverage to show that there is versatility to Texas State and that they are important to the athletics.

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.

Denise Delgado Athletic training senior Kelly Simmons/Star illustration

How very un-American: Sacrificing freedom for security Courage: we like with a new face. Every to think of it as an time the trumpet has American trait. sounded and our miliIndeed, we call ourtary has gone to foreign selves the home of shores there have althe brave. In 230 ways been those who years of our national stay behind and worry. life we can look back SEAN WARDWELL Some worry about their to a proud lineage loved ones in harm’s Star Columnist of courageous men way. Others worry on and women who called us to general principle. They worry embrace ideas and causes larger because they can’t, or won’t, than ourselves. Even though remember our history. To these we have the luxury of two people, every new crisis is the oceans separating us from other worst one to befall us. Because troubles, America has never of that, they are willing to trade hesitated to give aid to those everything that makes us who who need it. we are in the name of safety However, we ﬁnd ourselves and security. They are willing to in a new kind of war; one that shed the Constitution in order seeks to redeﬁne this nation to save it. both inside and out. This new It’s surprising how many war has brought forth a new people follow these sirens of American; or rather, an old one despair, too. These are the cos-

metic patriots. These summertime soldiers will cover their cars with yellow ribbons and compete to have the biggest flag on the block. But when push comes to shove and we need to defend what truly makes this nation great, they are the first to lay down their arms and head for the rear. Unfortunately, the tone has been set by our leaders and there are no shortages of followers. Am I exaggerating? Is this dramatic license in order to provide yet another column that bashes the Bush Administration? I don’t think so. The domestic situation we find ourselves in is not Bush’s fault. If anything, we asked for it and he’s just giving us what he thinks we want. No, we asked for this because we are afraid

and we want someone to protect us. History provides all kinds of examples of those that would trade freedom for safety. After the revolution, we had the Alien and Sedition Acts to contend with and they were proposed in the name of security despite being patently un-American. The Civil War brought forth a suspension of habeas corpus and this was to reign in Peace Democrats. The Red Scare, McCarthyism and now the “War on Terror” have all had their fair share of the weak and frightened who would like us to believe that if we only bend a little bit of the Constitution in the short term we will be stronger in the long run. They were cowardly liars then and they are cowardly liars now.

Next week will bring us the ﬁfth anniversary of Sept. 11. Instead of living in a safer world, we live in a purposely ambiguous one. The media feeds us fear and panic as if we were strapped into a highchair. We go to the airport and willingly surrender our deadly bottle of water and have our shoes xrayed. On the plane we throw nervous looks toward anyone who might have a deep tan. We have become puppets of fear, dancing and twitching on command, yet when we get home we laugh and slap each other on the back, congratulating ourselves on living in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I wonder exactly what have we done lately as citizens to deserve that title? People that are free and brave usually don’t

live in constant suspicion. Every generation of this nation has had a test to see if we are worthy of the legacy that men like Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Paine left us. Even though many were found wanting at the scales of safety versus freedom there were those who remember and revere. They remind us to walk our talk and to not be afraid. Why? Because, even after all this time, and despite political sunshine patriots and summertime soldiers, this is still the land of the free and the home of the brave. Panic and fear does not become such a nation or a people. Sean Wardwell is a communication studies junior.

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FOR RENT 2 UNITS AT 903 & 905 HILYER ST. Each unit has 3BD/2BA, ﬁreplace, dishwasher, microwave, W/D & refgr. Nice wooded setting with large backyard. $1,030 per mo., discounted to $990 with long term lease. Call (559) 568-1015, or (559) 723-1676 ask for Teri or Don. 500 CREST CIRCLE. Country living. 2BD/2BAwith w/d connections. 1 car garage and fenced yard. REDUCED to $800 per month. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy, (512) 665-3321. 612 MILL STREET. 2BD/2BA available in October. W/D included. On the shuttle. $650 per month. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy Real Estate, (512) 665-3321. TWO STORY DUPLEX, 3BD/2.5BA, 2 car garage. Near university area in Hughson Heights. Freshly painted and ready for tenant, $895/mo. 1/2 month free. Call (512) 829-2015 for quick move-in. 1BD/1BA, ceiling fans , hardwood ﬂoors, W/D, pets OK, $600/mo 557-0961.

FOR RENT

$765, 2BD/2BA WINDMILL DUPLEX. 3 blocks from TxState. Move-in today! Free HBO, Road Runner, full-size W/D. www.windmilltownhomes.com for ﬂoor plans & prices. (512) 396-4181. DUPLEXES FOR LEASE OFF OF SAGEWOOD! 3BD/3.5BA; two-car garage/Internet access. Call today! (512) 913-8028. 900 HAZELTON. 3BD/2BA/1 carport for a REDUCED $925. W/D connections. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy, (512) 665-3321. NICE 2BD/1BA, ﬁreplace, fenced yard, pets OK. $650/mo. (512) 392-2443.

FOR RENT-HOUSES 2 ROOMMATES NEEDED. 2,600 sq. ft. house, 1 mile from university. $450+ utilities. Call (210) 422-0577. 2010 NEVADA. 4BD/2BA. Newly painted. $1,000 per month. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy Real Estate, (512) 558-2651. BRAND NEW 3BD/3BA HOUSE ON 2 ACRES, large deck and shade trees, $1,500/mo. Call (512) 557-1831. FOR RENT-3/2 HOUSE W/ LARGE DECK. 1.5 miles from TxState campus. $1,050/mo. $800 deposit. 2020 Ramona Circle. Call Nik at (512) 964-6251. 118 QUAIL RUN, 3BD/2BA, 2 car garage, ﬁreplace, CH/CA, ceiling fans, patio, $950/mo. (512) 353-2684. HOUSE FOR RENT. 3BD/2BA, 1 car garage. Rent $900 plus utilities. All appliances. Deposit $300. (830) 481-4048. 2904 PHILO FOR LEASE. 3/2/2 for $1,250 per month. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy Real Estate, (512) 665-3321.

GARAGE SALE GARAGE SALE!! 1110 Girard St. by the Old Crockett Elementary School. College clothing (like new), baskets, playstation 2, dishes (kitchen ware), and lots more. Friday, 9/8; Saturday, 9/9; Sunday, 9/10. Starting at 10 am.

HELP WANTED TEACHERS NEEDED : Quality child-development center in Kyle needs teachers for our preschool & afterschool programs. Hiring young men and women. Must be fun & energetic. Must be able to work M–F, 2:30–6:30. www.rockinghorseacademy.com; (512) 405-3700 or fax( 512) 405-3701. CHILDCARE NEEDED FOR TWO SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN (Kindergarten and 3rd). Fall and Spring Semesters, Mon.-Fri., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Education or Early Childhood Development major preferred. Call (512) 353-3707. TEKA MARKETING INC. is now expanding and looking to ﬁll several FT/PT positions, very ﬂexible hours and casual work environment. For more information call (512) 805-0020. ATHLETIC MALE MODELS WANTED for physique photography in Austin. $200-$1000 per session. Call Wu at (512) 927-2448.

HELP WANTED

ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN for calendars, greeting cards, etc. $75-200/ hr. No exp. needed, (512) 684-8296. ATTENTION STUDENTS! POSITIONS AVAILABLE •$13 Base Appointment •Flexible Schedules •Customer Sales/Service •No Experience Needed, will train •All Ages 17+ •Conditions Apply Call today (512) 392-7377 www.workforstudents.com RAILROAD SEAFOOD STATION. Now hiring top bartenders, servers, managers. (210) 361-3944, ask for Alex. POSITIONS AVAILABLE-chef, cooks, prep cooks, and waitstaff, both shifts. Apply in person. Juan Henry’s Restaurant, 500 River Road, Wimberley. EQUESTRIAN AND PHOTO MODELING OPPORTUNITIES. Apply on-line @ www.texasarabianhorses.com SPANISH 1420 TUTOR NEEDED for a correspondence class. Must know the grammar well. Will pay good! (512) 350-4192. U.B. SKI IS LOOKING FOR SALES REPS to post College Ski Week Flyers. Earn free trips and extra cash. Call 1-800-SKI-WILD. BABY SITTER NEEDED. MON. AND WED. 10am-5pm. Please contact (830) 203-0144 or (512)757-8740. BOBCATSNEEDJOBS.COM. We need Paid Survey Takers in San Marcos. 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys. ENJOY WORKING WITH CHILDREN? J&R Gymnastics is looking for energetic gymnastics, tumbling and cheerleading instructors. Schedule: 4-30 hrs. per week. Pay commensurate with experience. Experience preferred. Call (830) 606-0375. COME WORK FOR THE STAR! Are you interested in learning how a newspaper is made? Do you have a writing talent none of your friends appreciate? Would you like to see your name in print? Employment at The Star provides you with an opportunity to work with motivated students who are interested in journalism and newspapers. This is a must for anyone who in a career in journalism, and it is an excellent opportunity for students who want to get involved with the university and learn about the world around them. The Star is currently hiring for the following positions: •News reporters Must be able to gather information, conduct interviews and come into the newsroom to have stories edited. •Sports writers Must be able to attend games, interview coaches and players and come into newsroom to have stories edited. •Sports columnist Must be able to write interesting and entertaining columns about Bobcat Sports. •Entertainment writers Must be able to report on arts and entertainment events on campus and in Central Texas, conduct interviews and come into newsroom to have stories edited. •Entertainment columnist Must be able to write intelligent and interesting columns about arts and entertainment on campus and in Central Texas. •Opinions columnists Must be able to write well-organized and thought-provoking columns about on-campus and local happenings.

HELP WANTED •Photographers Must be able to capture visual human reaction to a news event, gather subject’s information, edit pictures and write cutlines. Having digital SLR equipment a plus. •Copy editors Must have excellent knowledge of GSP and AP style. •Page designers Must be able to lay out pages using InDesign. Knowledge of other Adobe products a plus. •Comic artists Must be able to create a comic strip three days a week. •Illustrators Must be able to work with the editorial staff to create editorial cartoons and story illustrations as well as bring original ideas to the table. •Front office assistant Works directly with the business manager on maintaining office finances and records. Great phone and people skills are a must. Work study preferred. •Account executive Create revenue by selling display ads and classified line ads. Includes servicing and renewing existing accounts as well as prospecting new accounts, work with customers to design ads, complete paperwork to insert ads and collect payments. •Delivery drivers On-campus delivery person needed from 2pm-5pm, Tuesday-Friday; Offcampus delivery needed 9am-noon, Tuesday-Friday. Excellent pay!!! Must have your own vehicle and good driving and parking history. Pick up an application at the Trinity Building, or download one at www. universitystar.com. COTTON EYED JOE’S part-time position available. Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays. Apply in person. 1680 Hunter Rd., Historic Gruene District. ATTENTION BUSINESS MAJORS, store manager needed immediately in Buda, P/T, flexible hours, phone skills, people person. E-mail resume as a Word document to betrulock@onr.com or mail to Barbara Botkin, 150 Paintbrush Path, New Braunfels, TX, 78132, (512) 415-7433. GRUENE ANTIQUE COMPANY part-time positions available. Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays. Apply in person. 1608 Hunter Rd., Historic Gruene District. !BARTENDING! Up to $300/day. No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK. (800) 965-6520 x 157. PART-TIME TEACHER NEEDED for a small in-home preschool. Great experience for future teachers. Must be available to work between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday and Wednesday. More hours possible. Pay rate of $7-8.50/hr. E-mail work history to ddelgado4@austin.rr.com. Web site: www.dragonflyacademy.net TECHNICAL SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE - teleNetwork is currently seeking TSRs to provide technical support for dialup and DSL customers. Full or Part Time positions available with flexible scheduling at our Austin and San Marcos call center locations. More information and online application available at http://www.telenetwork.com/careers POOL AND SPA COMPANY NOW HIRING. PT, no experience necessary, (512) 754-0662.

HELP WANTED

PT DELIVERY DRIVER FOR J-CO JANITORIAL SUPPLY CO. Flexible hours 12-5 preferred. Must have own full sized truck, pleasant personality, good driving record. $7.25 per hr. plus 45¢ per mile. Contact phone (512) 392-7765, fax (512) 395-8895, email jcosupply@grandecom.net NANNY/BABYSITTER NEEDED. Afternoons only, will pay well to pick up 3 daughters from school and take home, (512) 757-3833. Evenings(512) 353-5912. PETE’S DUELING PIANO BAR is seeking friendly, outgoing cocktail waitresses with big smiles and hardworking doorman. We are open and accepting applications Tue.-Sat. 6:30-8:30 at 421 E. 6th St., Austin, Texas. WANTED: VOLUNTEER COACHES FOR SAN MARCOS YOUTH SOCCER. Training available. Fun community service opportunity for soccer players. Contact Michael Colca, colca@io.com, (512) 847-5238. GROUNDSKEEPER/LIGHT MAINTENANCE: Full-time position available immediately. Start at $9.25. Duties to include: grounds, light maintenance and make readies. Landscaping experience desirable. Excellent beneﬁts and paid vacation. Background and drug screen required. Leave message @ (512) 396-4181. COLLOQUIUM BOOKSTORE. Accepting applications for a FT shipping & receiving clerk. Visit bobcatbooks.com for more details.

MISCELLANEOUS TEST ANXIETY? (512) 658-3063.

PERSONALS WANT TO JOIN A POOL LEAGUE? (512) 754-7665.

ROOMMATES ROOMMATE NEEDED, Christian, non-smoker, female, $450/mo. plus cable and electric bill. Call (830) 377-7508. ROOMMATE WANTED: MALE STUDENT TO BE A CARETAKER FOR A DISABLED MALE. Free housing possible, 20 miles from San Marcos in Luling. Ideal for someone wanting to cut routine drive from San Antonio or Austin. Would take care of yard and some housework in nice home. CALL BILL AT (830) 875-6933. NEED FEMALE ROMMATE to share 2bd/2.5ba townhome, 2 blocks from campus, w/d, includes cable and internet, $395/mo. Call (214) 726-6998. FEMALE ROOMMATE NEEDED, 2BD/2.5BA townhome, $392 per mo., plus 1/2 water and electric, close walk to campus. (281) 793-3083 ROOMMATE NEEDED for 3BD/2BA house in Martindale. Available Sept. 1. $300 plus 1/3 bills; large fenced yard; pets OK. (512) 558-2603 or (512) 665-2872.

WANTED HEALTH CLUB-OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. Part-time positions, front desk, must be working on a related degree, $5.50 per hour. Ideally suited for kiniesology/physiology major looking to develop into a full time professional ﬁtness trainer upon graduation. E-mail resume to ﬁtnessdoctors@AOL.com and call (512) 560-6761. USED CARS, TRUCKS, VANS. Any condition, running or not. If you have something to sell please call Willis Mitchell. (512) 353-4511. BIKINI MODELS WANTED. (512) 754-7665.

SPORTS

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

Page 9 - The University Star

FOOTBALL: Musgrove, Scott

make comebacks; first-time players shine in season opener CONTINUED from page 10

Austin Byrd/Star photo SHUTOUT GAME: Freshman midﬁelder Andrea Seledee winds up for a shot during the Bobcats’ 2-0 victory over Centenary Friday evening. Seledee’s goal came in the 69th minute after following up on a near miss from senior Kim Phillips.

Soccer team endures Ladies’ attack and lives to tell the tale By Carl Harper The University Star On the eve of the 2006 football season, Bobcat soccer picked up its first win of the season by shutting out the Lady Cyclones of Centenary 2-0 in a hard-fought battle. Leading the record crowd of 1,176 in cheers were players from Texas State’s very own football team, as they made an appearance to support their soccer women. The old record for attendance was 834, set in 2004 against Rice. The teams were evenly matched in a scoreless first half, as the Bobcats led in shots 5-2. Finally, in the 69th minute of the second half, freshman Andrea Seledee kicked a chip shot into the net after senior Kim Phillips missed one of her three shots of the night. The miss ricocheted off the crossbar right into Seledee’s presence. “It was a great shot and my coach has always told me to rebound,” Seledee said. “I knew the defense wasn’t pressuring me so I just sat on the offense side and shot it in.” Phillips is still in search of her first goal of the season, as she has now missed three shots where the ball either bounced off the crossbar or skimmed the goalpost. “She is going to come through,” said Coach Kat Conner. “Her effort fires up the team and everybody loves her. She will get it going; it’s great to see her out here.” Eleven minutes later, the Bobcats drew blood again as the team set up a threepiece pass down the field to the goal. Freshman Andrea Grifo sent a cross-pass toward freshman forward Lindsay Tippit, who sent a header to Angela Crissy. On a duel battle inside the 18-yard box with Centenary’s goalkeeper Ali Hilsher, Crissy was able to slide the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead. “I slid right into Ali and it popped out of her hands and rolled in. I just fought it out,” Crissy said. Texas State took revenge against Centenary Friday night, as they lost their firstever meeting with them, in 2005, a 2-1

decision at the Texas State Soccer Complex. Not only had the defense improved this time around, but the stellar offense also out-shot the Ladies 22-3, including a 16-1 margin in the second half. Tippit attempted a career-high five shots in the game, while earning her first collegiate point with an assist. Phillips and Grifo also received their first assists of the season against Centenary. Goalkeeper Brittany Beltramini posted her first shut-out of the young season, as she had two saves and watched a third shot go wide, right of the goal. Conner was pleased and relieved to get the first win of 2006 out of the way. “First of all, the team’s intensity was better,” Conner said after her team dropped their first two games by a combined score of 12-1. “Defensively they stepped up and pressured Centenary and that allowed us to get our attack going. They got behind the defense and got shots off. Through that they created draw runs and that’s what led to the goals.” Texas State will travel to El Paso next weekend to take part in the Border Classic, hosted by the Miners. There Texas State will play Western Carolina Friday before going head-to-head with the Texas-El Paso at 1 p.m. on Sunday. In 2004 the Bobcats won 3-2 at UTEP, one of the nation’s best programs of late, prior to losing 3-1 last season at the soccer complex. “UTEP is a strong team that is very good,” Conner said. “They play with a lot of intensity and they like to play smashmouth soccer, kind of like how Centenary was playing tonight. We are going to have to play with the same intensity we had tonight because UTEP has a great crowd and they are hard to play there.” With the heat of day games in El Paso, Conner also plans on taking more players to use. “In the El Paso heat, I will travel with more players than I normally do because we will need to throw in more subs,” Conner said.

to the three-yard line. Following an incompletion, Daniel Jolly punched the ball in for the deciding score, giving Texas State a 27-20 lead with 9:43 left on the clock. The senior back totaled 40 yards and a pair of touchdowns, the first coming in the second quarter to give the Bobcats a 13-7 lead. Texas State won the ground game handily, out-gaining Tarleton 220-35 on 40 carries. Most of the rushing yards came in the first half, as Texas State relied almost exclusively on the running game. Following a Crosby muffed punt and forced fumble by Jameil Turner, the Bobcat offense took the field for the first time from its own 17, three minutes into a scoreless game. Wasson kicked things off with a 19-yard sprint to the outside to bring the ball to the Bobcat 36. The junior ran three times for 53 yards on the drive, capping it with his own rushing touchdown from the Tarleton 13. “Obviously, we’ve got a lot to improve on,” Wasson said. “But like Coach said, it’s still great to get the win. Last year against Delta State (in the season opener) was kind of the same case. We’re not down at all.” The Texans came back to tie the game just three plays later after Bronson’s kickoff. From his own 29, Bartel rolled left under pressure to find Dustin Pleasant streaking upfield a step ahead of Turner, who fell down upon committing an interference penalty, leaving the wide-out with an easy touchdown. Tarleton scored both of its touchdowns on long passes, the last from 34 yards out on another Bartel-Pleasant connection to give the Texans a 20-13 lead with 6:21 remaining in the third quarter. “I got to watch him (while coaching) at TCU and he’s just as good now as he was then,” Bailiff said. “That first touch-

MILLER: Late coach leaves legacy

for ‘current and future generations’ CONTINUED from page 10

noted that Coach Miller led Texas State through changes from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics all the way to Division I and that everyone loved him. “I’m sure he would love this,” Trauth said. “I know he’s watching right now.” Bailiff acknowledged that he would not be where he is today without Coach Miller. Coach Miller himself visited Bailiff as a young man to offer him a football scholarship. “I had gone through a couple of knee surgeries and no one would give a scholarship (to play football),” Bailiff said. “But Coach Miller did and now part of him lives in me.” Bailiff also showed appreciation to President Trauth for recognizing that Coach Miller deserved a proper tribute. Jackson spoke at length about Miller, who showed an early appreciation for the Strutters organization. “When he became a coach here, it was just one semester after Strutters began,” Jackson said. “He was a strong and faithful supporter of the Strutters organization.” Jackson also acknowledged Johanna Haley, last year’s president of Strutters Always. Haley

had gone “I through a couple of knee

surgeries and no one would give a scholarship (to play football). But Coach Miller did and now part of him lives in me.”

—David Bailiff football coach

was the prime force behind making the dedication a reality after Miller was honored with a plaque at last season’s ﬁnal regular season game. “I took this one as a labor of love,” Haley said. According to Jackson, the Bobcat Victory Ball is a result of Haley’s many hours of diligent work. She also recognized Jason Scull, the artist responsible for creating the sculpture. Haley originally sent Scull a picture of the Texas Christian University Victory Ball, which resides at the school where Bailiff worked as defensive coordinator previous to his head-coaching job

with the Bobcats. “We found that people would go up to it and take pictures of it with their families,” Haley said. “And after ours was finished I asked Coach Bailiff if this one looked better than TCU’s and he said, ‘You better believe it.’” As Jackson closed her speech she said, “As current and future generations walk past and touch this victory ball, we hope that they feel the power and strength of one of Texas State’s greatest giants, Coach Bill Miller.” The last person of the event to speak was Miller’s wife, LaRue. She teared up several times, but never faltered in her speech. She told stories of Coach Miller’s relationships with the people around him and the impact he had on their lives. She even included a story about an anonymous player who may or may not have been a young Coach Bailiff. When LaRue finished, the sculpture was unveiled for everyone to see. Fittingly, LaRue was the first one to touch the tribute to her late husband. She had just begun to tear up when Coach Bailiff put a big hand on her shoulder in support. When it was Bailiff’s turn to touch the ball, someone from the crowd yelled, “Go get us a victory!” and was greeted with resounding applause.

Monty Marion/Star photo CHASING VICTORY: Despite a hard blow on the goal line, Junior quarterback Chase Wasson posts the Bobcats’ ﬁrst points of the 2006 season with a 13 yard run in the 1st quarter.

down was a bust by a first-time player. Everything tonight was firsttime players.” Backup quarterback Bradley George briefly got into the game during the third quarter, moving the Bobcats to the opposition’s 36-yard line before turning the ball over on downs a possession before Nunn’s costly fumble. The redshirt freshman completed five of six passes for 40 and also ran once for 10. “We wanted to get Bradley some game experience,” Bailiff said. “He showed that he’s improving. He showed that he’s a college quarterback.” The game marked comebacks for two Bobcats, Musgrove and wide receiver Tyrone Scott. Musgrove suffered a broken collarbone in the Bobcats’ last regular season game of 2005, then

overcame Hodgkin’s Disease over the summer while still participating in fall camp. “I felt 100 percent. I felt great,” Musgrove said. “I didn’t feel sluggish at all.” Scott, a senior on a young receiving corps, battled back from knee surgery to be active for the first game, catching two passes for 16 yards. “It was good to be blessed and back in there,” Scott said. “I tried to play every play like it was my last.” Among the bungles from game one was a botched coin-flip that caused Texas State to kick off at the beginning of both halves. As with other areas, Bailiff attributed this to youth. “The scenario was if we won the toss we’d defer,” Bailiff said. “That was the first time those guys had

www.UniversityStar.com

done that and they got nervous. The official gave them no option to defer and they said he confused them.” Of more concern was the number of holding penalties the Bobcats procured, most coming in the second half. As a team, Texas State committed 12 penalties for 82 yards. Neither team could escape the yellow flag, as Tarleton was flagged 10 times, including twice on its final drive of the night. We’ve got to eliminate holding penalties,” Bailiff said. “Offensive line’s not easy. You’ve got to be pretty intelligent to play there.” Texas State returns to action Saturday at Kentucky, which opened its season with a 59-28 loss to Louisville. Game time is 6 p.m. from Lexington, Ky.

SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - Page 10

battlingthe bears Catch Texas State volleyball in action 7 p.m. today at Strahan Coliseum in a face-off against Baylor. This will be the second straight match against Big 12 competition for Coach Karen Chisum and company after Texas State, 3-2, was swept 3-0 by Texas Tech over the weekend. The Bears come to San Marcos at 6-1 following a ﬁrst-place ﬁnish at the Clarion Invitational over the weekend, held in Waco.

Sports Contact — Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

Bobcats tear up Texans “I

t was a great learning experience and a thrill to win. Now we don’t have anybody on this team who doesn’t have game experience.”

—David Bailiff football coach

Mark Decker/Star photo RABID ’CATS: Texas State fans cheer wildly during the Bobcats’ 27-23 season opener victory over the Tarleton State Texans Saturday evening at Bobcat Stadium.

Tarleton in tears after first football game of the season By Chris Boehm The University Star

Mark Decker/ Star photo SWIFT FEET: Alvin Canady (22) sprints away from defenders during the Saturday season opener verses Tarleton. Canaday ran for 59 yards, 41 of which came on one play.

Accolades of late Bill Miller to live on as part of new tradition

Texas State’s defense righted its ship just in time. The Bobcats defeated Tarleton State 27-23 Saturday night before 15,388 fans to avoid a crushing blow in week one. After an off-season’s worth of buildup following a trip to the NCAA Division I-AA semis last year, Texas State struggled all game to keep down the Division II Texans. “That’s exactly what I thought the game was going to be,” said Coach David Bailiff. “It was a great learning experience and a thrill to win. Now we don’t have anybody on this team who doesn’t have game experience.” Holding onto the four-point lead late in the game, Texas State’s pass defense, which quarterback Richard Bartel had his way with most of the night, came up with two stops to secure the win. The last came when Dallas Coleman broke up a pass intended for Hunter Storm on a desperation fourth-and-10 try from the Bobcat 34 with 40 seconds remaining. “What a break on the ball,” Bailiff said of Coleman’s game-winning knockdown. In a game marred by ﬁve fumbles, four turnovers, a missed extra point and a muffed punt on what would have been the Bobcats’ ﬁrst possession, no blunder was bigger than Tarleton running back Lin Nunn’s fumble just twenty yards from his own end zone, forced by a blitzing Jeremy Castillo with Texas State down 13-20 near the end of the third quarter. “That wasn’t a fumble. That was a takeaway on a violent collision,” Bailiff said. “Castillo’s a senior. That’s what I expect from him. It was huge and it changed the momentum of

By Nate Brooks The University Star

“To honor Coach Miller’s legacy, let every Bobcat who passes this way touch the ball for personal victory today.” Those words now stand, engraved for all who would call themselves Bobcats, to live on after the life they honor. The Bobcat Victory Ball and memorial to the late Coach Bill Miller were unveiled Saturday to a crowd of around 50 spectators before Texas State’s season-opening victory versus Tarleton State. On top of the inscribed marble memorial to Coach Miller lies a bronze football and Bobcat logo meant to be touched by all who pass. Speakers at the event included President Denise Trauth, Coach David Bailiff, Cindy Jackson, president of the Strutters Always Alumnae Association and the late Coach Miller’s wife, LaRue. “I hope I’m as strong as you all say I am,” Miller said as she prepared to speak. “When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.” Fans gathered behind the west stands to honor the man who served as head football coach of the then-Southwest

Tarleton State head coach Sam McElroy walked off the ﬁeld at Bobcat Stadium proud of his team’s effort after a heartbreaking 27-23 loss to Texas State Saturday night. “I was extremely proud of our kids,” McElroy said. “I told them after the game to walk off the ﬁeld holding their heads high because they gave everything they had tonight. They laid it all on the line but it just didn’t work out.” McElroy was also proud to be back at his alma mater and the place where he got his start as a student assistant coach over 20 years ago. “This is a great place,” McElroy said. “It has been forever and always will be because of the class of people that operate this university. I’m proud to say I was here at one time.” McElroy was part of the 1983 staff that led the Bobcats to a 92 record and a Lone Star Conference title in the school’s last season at the Division II level. After the Bobcats moved to Division I-AA, he continued to work under head coach John O’Hara for two more seasons before graduating in 1985. His coaching journey took

Mark Decker/Star photo

Texas Bobcats from 1964 through 1978. During that time, he compiled a record of 94-53-3, which still stands as the most victories in school history. The score of each win appears etched on the memorial. His tenure as athletic director from 1975 to 1992 was a time of growth and success for the both the athletic department and the university.

In that time, 31 Bobcat sports teams claimed conference titles. He was not only a former Bobcat football player but also the recipient of a master’s degree from the university. Miller passed away in February at the age of 74. President Trauth and Bailiff both spoke ﬁrst, but each were brief in their words. Trauth See MILLER, page 9

See FOOTBALL, page 9

Former Bobcat McElroy returns to old stomping grounds as Texan

By William Ward The University Star

LEGACY: Coach David Bailiff speaks on the legacy of Bill Miller on Saturday before the season opener versus the Tarleton State Texans. A monument honoring Miller was placed in front of the End Zone Complex.

the game.” Texas State’s Jervoress Crenshaw recovered the loose ball at the Tarleton eight-yard line to set up Chase Wasson for his second rushing touchdown of the night. The junior finished the night 11 of 17 for 75 yards and an interception to go with 91 yards on the ground in his first start at quarterback since the 2004 season. “I thought Chase managed the game well. There was a big difference from his start (as a freshman) against Baylor to now,” Bailiff said, asking Wasson if he remembered the game. “He’s made a big improvement.” Following Kyle Bronson’s point after the score read 20-all with a quarter to play. Tarleton State started a drive from its own 17, but Bartel could not find a target on three straight passes. The former SMU starter completed 19 of 38 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns on the night. “I’m surprised to find out they threw for 300 yards,” corner back Walter Musgrove said after the game. “We knew what to expect. We noticed they ran the offense somewhat like Sam Houston, so we watched some old Sam film and tried to attack.” The Bobcats offense went to work from their own 33 after the Texans’ punt, starting things off with a five-yard run by Stan Zwinggi. Three plays later Texas State was at the Tarleton 46 following a 10-yard completion to Morris Crosby. Tarleton made matters worse when a defender was called for roughing the passer, moving the chains to the Texans’ 29. Wasson completed four straight passes on the drive, the last to Galen Dunk to get the ball

him all around the state of Texas, including head coaching stops at T.K. Gorman High School in 1991 and Alto High McElroy School in 1992. While serving as both head football coach and athletics director at T.K. Gorman in Tyler, he led the Crusaders to a TAPPS Class AA state ﬁnals appearance and a district title. He followed that success the next year at Alto High School, winning a district title and earning a state playoff berth en route to being named 1992 District 22-AA Coach of the Year. McElroy joined the Sam Houston State staff in 1993 as an assistant and in his seven years with the Bearkats he developed a relationship with then-University of New Mexico assistant David Bailiff. “We go back a long way,” McElroy said of Bailiff. “We used to recruit East Texas together when he was at New Mexico and I was at Sam Houston State. “We’ve eaten a ham-andcheese sandwich together on the

road before and hung out. He’s a classy guy,” McElroy said. After defeating his old friend Saturday night Bailiff was quick to praise the job he’s done with the Texans. “Sam’s done a great job,” Bailiff said. “He’s been my buddy for 20 years. They’ve very wellcoached.” And it comes as no surprise to him that Texas State has experienced success under Bailiff’s short tenure as head coach. “There was no question that Coach Bailiff and those guys would get this thing rolling,” McElroy said. “He does a great job with this program representing this university. Texas State is fortunate to have to him and they know that.” After falling just short of the Division II playoffs in his ﬁrst year at the helm of the Tarleton State football program, McElroy was able to sit back and watch the Bobcats historic run through to the National Semiﬁnals last year. “Anytime your university does well you always feel good,” McElroy said. “It is a good thing for all of us who have been a part of it to see Texas State be successful. I wish they wouldn’t have been tonight to be totally honest with you, but they’ve done well and they deserve it.”

The University Star

Published on Sep 5, 2006

09 05 2006

Published on Sep 5, 2006

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