Defending the First Amendment since 1911
Volume 99, Issue 6
WEDNESDAY
www.UniversityStar.com
PUTTING PREMIERE
The women’s golf team travels to College Station for its first tournament of the season
page 8
Cartoon Craze
New art exhibit opens at Wake The Dead Coffee House page 6
Students stranded after SWAT disbands By Lora Collins News reporter Students no longer have the option of calling Students With Alternate Transportation to assist in getting them home after throwing back one too many drinks. SWAT is no longer running. Judy Row, director of the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center, said there has been too
few volunteers to sustain the program for the last two and a half to three years. “The maintenance of SWAT and the running of SWAT takes a tremendous amount of time and students certainly wanted to,” Row said. “But most of them had jobs, all of them were going to school and it just got to be too much” Row said she hopes SWAT will pick up again.
“I know definitively not for this year because they did other things with the budget,” Row said. “I know ASG was looking at some alternatives so I don’t know whether that will help bring it back faster or not.” SWAT began in 2000 at Texas State as a model of Texas A&M’s Carpool program. “We did a lot of communication back and forth the six
months before they went into operation and they helped us get through the first two years,” Row said. “It’s an excellent program and ours was almost exactly like it.” The program operated Thursday through Saturday from 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. and assisted students in getting safely home from surrounding bars and apartments. Row said part of the program’s problem
was getting students to trust SWAT. “Some trusted us, but one of the myths SWAT fought, (was) that they would report to university police or the San Marcos police who rode which was never ever true but there is also a sizeable amount of people who would not have ever called swat,” Row said. See SWAT page 3
Scam Artists
Students trade, steal classes they do not need Gabrielle Jarrett News Reporter
There could be a black market for art classes. Erika Molina, art junior, said she found a suspicious flier in an art-building bathroom. “The fliers will say, ‘does anyone need a metal or sculpting class?’” Molina said. “The students will then get together and make the trade at the same time.” Molina said art students register for classes they do not need and then trade then among themselves. She said a former student who was part of the University Honors Program would use his early registration times to enroll in classes he did not need. Molina said instead of getting classes he needed, he would register for all of the classes his girlfriend needed and drop them during her enrollment time. “Some students sign up for any class and find others to trade with,” Molina said. “This process is really ‘hush hush’ among students because they fear the consequences.” Erik Nielsen, School of Art and Design director, said he was not aware of students trading courses. “If this is in relation to the petition, then we are doing what we can to offer more courses,” Nielsen said. “The
administration has been generous in providing us with more courses for next semester.” Nielsen said there will be Saturday courses along with a new list of classes for the spring semester. Laura Henckendorn, communication design senior, said she has been offered a course someone did not need but has never traded with anyone. “I wouldn’t be surprised if students were trading classes because there aren’t enough courses,” Heckendorn said. “I would hope it wasn’t happening though.” Andrea Ball, theater senior, said she has never encountered students trading classes. Ball said the trading is probably isolated among a small group of students. Ball said she ran into problems signing up for classes because they were full. Ball had trouble getting into a class she needed for graduation and even tried to register for the course at an advanced level. Ball said she thinks there should be consequences for students trading classes. However, she said no one would confess to stealing courses. “It would be hard to catch people,” Ball said. “How could you even tell if students were trading?”
Today’s Weather
93°/71° Scattered T-Storms Precipitation: 20% Humidity: 59% UV: 8 Very High Wind: E 10mph
Thursday Scattered Thunderstorms Temp: 94°/71° Precip: 30%
Friday Isolated Thunderstorms Temp: 94°/70° Precip: 30%
INISDE THIS ISSUE News…..Pages 1-3 Athletic liason is ‘best fit’ for position Mall development still on hold, could attract crime Opinions….Page 4 Main Point: Ineffective Enforcement Students should learn to recycle Question ethics of Blackwater Trends.......Page 5-6 Coffee house hosts ‘Cartoon Visions’ Diversions…Page 7
Jenny Polson/Star Photo
Classifieds…Page 7
ARMY AWARNESS: All around campus are yellow ribbons to honor the troops.
Sports…….Pages 8
Veterans welcomed with yellow ribbons By Heidi Morrison Special to The Star Texas State students are seeing yellow. Seven people assisted in putting approximately 3,000 feet of yellow ribbon throughout the campus in just about two hours, said Sheila Bustillos Reynolds, coordinator for Retention Management and Planning. Reynolds said the ribbons were a way to make student veterans feel a part of the Texas State community. “Our purpose of putting them up was to welcome the veterans, but also to educate students about what they meant and symbolized for veterans,” Reynolds said. The Veterans Alliance, a campus organization offered
to student veterans for various resources and support, played a key role in the project. “It’s for awareness, just to stop and think about some things that are going on,” said Amanda Lewis, student veteran and former treasurer of Veterans Alliance. “On campus, it’s easy to forget there’s a war going on and we’re dying all the time.” Lewis, social work junior, calls it a place where veterans can go to be with people they identify with. Veteran Chris Schave, international business junior, is president of the Veterans Alliance and said its purpose is to help veterans adjust to college life. “Essentially, what we do is help transition veterans back into university life that are
coming out of the military,” Schave said. “We try to provide a social outlet. Since veterans typically are older than the kids coming out of high school, they may not feel comfortable with a typical college life.” Schave said Veterans Alliance does community services, such as reaching out to older veterans and sending care packages to Iraq. He said it is important for people to acknowledge sacrifice. “It’s knowing that this guy sitting next to you in class may have risked his life so you could be sitting in this class next to him,” Schave said. See RIBBONS page 3
Women’s golf looks to send message to competitors Bobcats grill Rams for season opener Garrett brothers keep reigns on Cowboys.
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo illustration BLACK MARKET: Art and Design program classes have become so scarce students register for classes they do not need and trade others.
Page Two
2 - The University Star
STARS OF TEXAS STATE Daren Dillard, sophomore wide receiver, recovered an onside kick and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown to give Texas State some breathing room at 41-21. — Courtesy of Texas State Athletics
Texas State University – San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
In Tuesday’s issue of The University Star, ASG Senate Clerk Allison Birk said, “Last year a senator had the option to suspend the rules and take up a vote by way of voice vote. The standard way to vote is by roll call vote. If a senator did suspend the rules, and a piece of legislation was taken up by voice vote we said, ‘Aye’ or ‘nay.’”
ON THIS
— The Star regrets this error.
CRIME DAY IN BLOTTER HISTORY
Jake Marx/Star photo LISTEN TO THIS: Shayla Carballo, pre-mass communication sophomore, runs the show in one of the KTSW booths for her audio production class at Old Main.
Rain barrel rebates for installation The City of San Marcos Public Services Department has announced a new rebate program to help residents save water. Through the rain barrel rebate program, City of San Marcos single-family residential water customers can receive up to a $50 rebate for purchasing and installing a qualifying rain barrel. Residents may receive rebates for up to two barrels per home. Barrels must be new, finished rain barrels sold solely for the purpose of collecting rainwater and must have a capacity of 100 gallons or less. Barrels also must be screened or covered to restrict accessibility, and must be ultraviolet-resistant to prevent algae growth. “We’ve had a lot of questions about rainwater
harvesting this year, and I think it’s the perfect time to implement a program,” said Jan Klein, conservation coordinator for the City of San Marcos. “People are very concerned about the drought and want to do everything they can to conserve our precious water resources. Even a small rain can result in a lot of harvested rainwater that can be used later for watering plants.” According to San Marcos drought rules, rainwater is considered an alternative source and is exempt from drought restrictions. For more information please visit the City of San Marcos Web site at sanmarcotx.gov/water or contact Jan Klein at 512-393-8310. — Courtesy of City of San Marcos
1776: The second Continental Congress made the term “United States” official, replacing “United Colonies.” 1926: The National Broadcasting Co. was created by the Radio Corporation of America. 1948: The People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was created. 2003: The Boston Roman Catholic Archdiocese agreed to pay $85 million to 552 people to settle clergy sex abuse cases. —Courtesy of New York Times
United we sing honors Sept. 11 heroes, victims United We Sing, a community concert honoring the victims and heroes of Sept. 11, will be held 3 p.m., Sept. 13 at Evans Auditorium on the Texas State campus. Co-sponsored by the Heart of Texas Chorus and the College of Fine Arts and Communication, the concert will be comprised of exceptional musical talent from San Marcos and surrounding areas. United We Sing commemorates the bravery and sacrifice displayed by America’s finest during the terror attacks on Sept. 11, as well as a tribute to all who have served in our country’s military. Honorees of the evening will be firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians and military veterans. The concert is free and open to the public.Free event parking will be available in the parking garage at the corner of Pleasant Street and North LBJ on the Texas State campus. For more information about United We Sing, call toll free 866-801-4238. – Courtesy of University News Service
Animal shelter wins grant for spay, neutering The City of San Marcos has been awarded a Texas Department of State Health Services(DSHS) animal friendly license plate grant of $20,000 for a spay or neuter voucher program in partnership with Pet Prevent a Litter (PALS). Beginning in September, the San Marcos Animal Shelter and PALS will issue free pet sterilization vouchers to residents of Hays County who cannot afford spay and neutering services for their pets. Grant funds are generated by the sale of animal friendly license plates to Texas drivers. Qualified Hays County residents include those who receive public assistance, have low income, have disabilities or other hardship situations. Hays County residents interested in applying for the vouchers may call 512-805-2650 or 512-754-PALS.The mission of PALS of Central Texas, a non-profit corporation, is to help end pet overpopulation and pet homelessness. PALS is dedicated to promoting responsible pet care through community education and spay or neuter programs for those in need. PALS programs are provided in adjacent areas as funding is available. PALS seeks both donors and volunteers especially in preparation for the Oct. 10 PET FEST. Visit the PALS Web site at preventalitter.com. – Courtesy of City of San Marcos
Aug. 27, 3:17 p.m. Medical Emergency/ LBJ Student & Visitor Center A nonstudent reported to a police officer she had a seizure. The nonstudent was transported to Central Texas Medical Center for a medical evaluation. Aug. 28, 2:26 a.m. Medical Emergency/ San Jacinto Hall A student reported to a police officer another student was ill due to alcohol. The student was transported to Central Texas Medical Center for a medical evaluation. Aug. 28, 10:06 a.m. Medical Emergency/ Commons Hall A nonstudent injured her back while moving furniture. The nonstudent was transported to Central Texas Medical Center for a medical evaluation. Aug. 28, 11:33 a.m. Medical Emergency/ LBJ Student & Visitor Center A student reported to a police officer she injured her ankle while falling down the stairs. The student was transported to Central Texas Medical Center for a medical evaluation. Aug. 28, 5:00 p.m. Burglary – Habitation/ Smith Hall 1 A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation. Aug. 28, 7: 35 p.m. Public Intoxication/ Texas State A police officer made contact with a student engaged in suspicious activity. The student was arrested for public intoxication and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date. — Courtesy of University Police Department
News
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
SWAT
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RIBBONS
1
Howard Williams, chief of police for the San Marcos Police Department, said the agreement between SWAT and students was a good way to get students home safely. “We don’t mind people going out partying. We just want to see that they do it safely and get home safe,” Williams said. “It’s a little disappointing there weren’t enough students on campus willing to volunteer.” The program operated on a volunteer basis where students could fulfill community service hours for tickets and school groups that required the service time. Row said for a long time, the problem was getting the word out to students. “The students here have tried all kinds of outreach things into sororities, fraternities and into various student organization councils to be sure people understood it was
free, and that no one was ever going to know your name, or check your ID,” Row said. Running SWAT required 10 volunteers per night to operate four rental cars from Enterprise Rental. Row said the numbers were small, but the program made a big difference in the San Marcos area. “So if we are looking at operating three days a week, 14 weeks in a semester, so that’s 28 weeks total,” Row said. “The maximum ridership of SWAT was 1800, and that was 1800 people who shouldn’t have been on the road.” The San Marcos community is working with CARTS, capital area rural transportation system, to discuss the possibility of carting students around by bus on weekends. “They won’t make door to door stops, but they will be able to follow routes,” Williams said. “We are also working with cab companies in town to
extend their hours so they will be available at night. Row agreed with Williams, and said students would benefit from the city’s help. “Evidently, there are ordinances keeping the cabs from patrolling The Square. They couldn’t do that and they couldn’t park someplace for an extended time, so evidently the city is working on revising those ordinances,” Row said. “That would help if we could somehow get the university committee coalition to give free cab rides or something.” Williams said students should have transportation plans when going out until the city can find a way to assist students with transportation. “Say you live out on Ranch Road 12 and you know you have had too much to drink, risking going home and hoping you make it is a bad idea, and usually you can call a friend,” he said.
By Gabrielle Jarrett News Reporter
asm. “To be voted in unanimously as athletic liaison makes me feel right about being in my position,” Flowers said. Flowers said he wanted the position because he is willing to do anything to strengthen the Texas State athletic program. “Every week I go to the external affairs meeting and the marketing meeting,” Flowers said. “I go to know what’s going on and to bring student input.” Flowers’ first course of action was the restructuring of tailgates, making them a student-run initiative. “My ultimate goal is to strengthen the student experience with athletics,” Flowers said. “I want to keep an opendoor policy with students. If there are any suggestions. I want them to feel free to stop by, e-mail or call me. Texas State needs an average of 15,000 fans in the stands at the games to be able to move to Football Bowl Subdivision. Part of Flowers’ role will be to
encourage students to come to the games. Saturday’s tailgate, coupled with the opening of the Jerry D. and Linda Gregg Fields West Side Complex, helped attract approximately 14,000 people to the game. “We had a great victory on Saturday,” Flowers said. “The higher the attendance and the more we win, the greater the help we have to push towards our goal of moving up.” Gordon Taylor, ASG chief of staff, said he was happy to see Flowers take the position. “Michael is perfect to help organize tailgating events and be the voice for student opinions in the athletic department,” Taylor said. Taylor said Saturday’s tailgate was a success because of Flowers’ initiatives. “The key thing to remember is this position was made by the student government, but it is up to the students to help out by attending games and giving input,” Taylor said. “Our school is a reflection of our students.”
Athletic liaison is ‘best fit’ for position Texas State athletics and the student government have collided. ASG President Chris Covo appointed Michael Flowers, public administration senior, to become the ASG athletic liaison, a position Covo created aimed to open communication between Bobcat athletics and the student body. Michael Flowers was appointed Aug. 30 as the ASG athletic liaison. “This was one of my platforms,” Covo said. “I wanted to build onto Reagan Pugh and Brett Baker’s previous administrations to help the drive for athletics.” Covo said he spent the summer going through a list of names for students who would be suitable for the position. He said Flowers was the best fit, calling the moment he was sworn in by a unanimous vote “exciting.” Flowers shares his enthusi-
The University Star - 3
Schave said the ribbons have made an impact on awareness, and he has received a mass amount of e-mails thanking him and other Texas State veterans for their service. David Fink, business management junior and veteran, said he felt honored to be part of the effort. “As a vet, I can say being in the military is often a tough and thankless job,” Fink said. “I think the vets who saw those ribbons were glad to know someone was thanking them for their service.” Fink is the treasurer of Veterans Alliance and said people have acknowledged the purpose of the ribbons. “I have heard several comments around campus about
continued from page
how nice they looked and how cool it was Texas State put up ribbons for vets,” Fink said. “That was nice to overhear someone saying, not knowing a vet was standing right next to them.” Other services are offered to student veterans, from healthrelated resources to the Veterans Advisory Council, which Schave said is “absolutely wonderful.” “They’re doing amazing things,” he said. Fink agrees. “The Veterans Advisory Office here is the best I have ever seen,” Fink said. “The faculty and staff are so understanding and supportive it has made my experience here one of the best of my life.”
1 The Student Organization Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in the LBJ Ballroom, where a special veterans section will provide students webwith information on extra resources. The Texas Veterans Commission will also be there to help with paperwork. See the Video Online at
www.universitystar.com
The Veteran’s Alliance will be hosting a Veteran’s day ceremony Nov. 11 in The See the Photos Online at Quad. www.universitystar.com
Mall development still on hold, could attract crime
Star File Photo VACANT LOT: Springtown Center is empty now, but San Marcos officials have high hopes for development to take hold.
By DJ Nutter News Reporter
The Springtown Center parking lot still stands vacant. Mayor Susan Narvaiz has appointed a task force of 21 city officials to redevelop aging infrastructures like the Springtown Center. Narvaiz said the task force will determine how funding will be obtained for Springtown’s redevelopment within the next 90 days. She said the condition of Springtown, which is located at the intersection of Interstate 35 and Springtown Way, creates security and safety concerns. “The center’s partial vacancy could attract graffiti and looting, and this risk is one of the reasons I’ve appointed a task force to advance Springtown’s renewal,” Narvaiz said. Austin developers LamySpringtown Mall, Ltd.’s plan for the vacant shopping center, introduced February, was met with opposition because of a sales tax rebate and loan to incentivize non-local businesses, Narvaiz said. Narvaiz said an objective of city officials is to figure out how — once Springtown is redeveloped — to use the increased sales tax revenue generated by the property to expand and renovate downtown initiatives. “The Downtown Master Plan includes options for a commuter rail station, more pedestrian facilities, and is designed to make people feel like they can spend the evening strolling from seeing a play to dining at a restaurant,” Narvaiz said. “Pulling down electrical poles to install underground utilities is another way we can create a different downtown feel.” Amy Madison, economic director of the center’s redevelopJenny Polson/Star Photo ment, said revenue gained from ATHLECTIC LIAISON: Michael Flowers, public administration senior, was appointed as the ASG Springtown could help expand what downtown has to offer loathletic liaison this fall. cals and visitors. “The mayor is always positive about including down-
town’s development as a part of this project, and I agree the two, more or less, are married,” Madison said. City Councilmember Kim Porterfield, Place 1, said there is a lack of activities for people under 21 years of age in San Marcos. “People want to spend their money downtown, but complaints have made it evident to city officials there is nothing for them to do,” she said. Miguel Arredondo, student council president at San Marcos High School, attended a City Council meeting to address the project. Arredondo said Springtown’s redevelopment would expand San Marcos’ entertainment opportunities apart from downtown.
“My friends and I have to travel to Austin or New Braunfels because our city doesn’t have many recreational opportunities for all-ages,” Arredondo said. “More family-friendly venues, including maybe a miniature golf course, could be offered if Springtown were to turn into an entertainment district.” Springtown remains in the redevelopment stage, Madison said, until the right investors come at the right time. “Since a decision on funding was never reached, all things are on the table,” Madison said. “The developers will continue to amend the possibilities for Springtown if we continue to see investors’ interested in its venue.”
Opinions
4 - The University Star
The Main Point
I
t is not uncommon to see people lighting up on campus. Signs indicate certain areas are smoke-free — Alkek breezeway, portions of The Quad, The Den and others. However, these signs have done little to nothing in preventing students from smoking. According to a Sept. 2 article in The University Star, Texas State officials are considering expanding currently unenforced “smoking rules” — potentially making the campus completely smokefree. Rules state students smoking on campus are to be at least 20 feet away from any entrances or open windows to a building, but officials are unable to assign any sort of citation to rule breakers. Officials can only ask students to step away from the area or put their cigarette out, but enforcement of the rule is rare. The dangers of using tobacco and second-hand smoke are well documented. However, the simple pragmatics of implementing a campuswide smoking ban should be the focus. As it stands, expanding the current smoke-free policy would take too much effort to uphold. Implementing a campus-wide ban is next to impossible. Even if officials recognized enforcement, students will continue to smoke. If the policy is not taken seriously now, what makes officials think it will be in the future? The University Star believes some fights are worth the effort, but this one is not. People should remember the university already has reasonable smoking enforcements on campus. Smoking in areas can be harmful to the public at large. It makes sense to have such enforcements in areas where cigarettes are already banned, such as the tightly packed Quad and poorly ventilated Alkek breezeway. However, one must wonder how a person sitting on a bench by him or herself enjoying a cigarette harms others. That is why a campus-wide ban is too unreasonable. It would be impossible to enforce and trample on others’ freedom of choice. It is a right to smoke where a person wishes on an outdoor campus. It is also a person’s right to not have to breathe smoke. Thus, smokers’ freedom extends to where it is not harming someone else. The greenery and countryside around Texas State make it a beautiful campus. It is essential for smokers to clean up their cigarettes themselves and not leave their trash for janitors and volunteer groups to have to take care of. After all, the best way to avoid unwanted regulations is to impose high standards on oneself. The current smoking policies should not be changed, but smokers must be respectful of the campus everyone shares. The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.
The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
INEFFECTIVE
ENFORCEMENT
Russell Weiss/Star Illustration
Question ethics of Blackwater By Garrett McSpadden Opinions Columnist Blackwater, a private security force, killed 17 innocent civilians in 2007 in Baghdad. The murder left the soldiers in a sort of legal Limbo as they were not under military command. Americans questioned the legality and morality of such a force fighting under the stars and stripes of the American flag. Now, as reported by The New York Times, Blackwater, now renamed Xe (pronounced Zee) to shed any negative image post-Iraq, “has assumed a role in Washington’s most important counterterrorism program: the use of drones to kill Al Qaeda’s leaders, according to government officials and current and former employees.” Those in Washington have obviously figured out the legality issue, but have we as a country
reconciled our moral qualms? The problem is a simple one. Do we agree privately paid mercenaries should be contracted by the CIA to carry out dangerous missions in Afghanistan? Any reader with the aforementioned knowledge of the 2007 incident would undoubtedly find the idea hard to swallow. Lt. Col. Michael Elliot, professor of military science at Texas State, said the Blackwater soldiers who committed the war crime in Baghdad are “kind of like the one bad cop in the precinct.” We cannot assume all private contractors are going to open fire on innocent civilians. This is a trust we must also extend to our national armed forces. What, then, is the difference between soldiers in the Army and those in organizations like Blackwater? For one, the wage these men receive is dramatically higher
than what is paid to traditional soldiers. Bonnie Erbe of usnews.com, wrote Blackwater soldiers “were making as much as $1,200 per day.” This astounding amount could possibly be justified when these men were merely a security force for high profile individuals, but as they are now contracted by the CIA, is this rational? It is not rational or conducive to the war effort for one branch of our government to pay these ex-soldiers more money to do the jobs our soldiers should essentially be doing anyway. What does Blackwater have that our soldiers do not? Conspiracy theorists could say since these soldiers are not under military command, they are able to carry out more lucrative jobs without the danger of legal recourse. This theory may be true.
With all doubt and ideas about why we are in this war cast aside, there is a fundamental point we should consider. We are fighting a group of people, not a country, not a national military and not even a man in a uniform. We face a man in simple clothes posing as a farmer that may or may not carry an AK-47. Is it moral to use privately contracted mercenaries to prevent these people from killing our military men? I submit that there is no real answer, but in desperate times we must sometimes take desperate measures. We are no longer fighting the likes of Germany or Russia, when our enemy was apparent, known and uniformed. There are a number of smoke and mirrors in place, making it harder to discern the truth. – Garrett McSpadden is a geography junior.
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Students should learn to recycle By Kaycee Toller Opinions Columnist There is an easy way for Texas State students to create jobs, save money and natural resources and decrease our dependence on foreign oil without spending much time or money. Recycling is a simple step that can make a difference in their community. All it takes is throwing waste in its appropriate bin. The Texas State Recycling Program has made it easy for everyone in the university to recycle his or her waste. Bins have been placed in dorms and academic buildings, as well as in several outdoor locations across campus so students, faculty and staff can help reduce waste and save resources and energy. Unfortunately, people choose to throw waste in the garbage, using the excuse a single person’s recycling will not make a difference. The fact is every little bit counts. If a student were to recycle just one can, the energy saved could run a television for three hours. If every student on campus recycled one aluminum can, they would save the equivalent of 1,875 gallons of gas in energy. Aluminum is one of the materials that can be recycled on campus. Each day, trash cans around campus are filled to the brim with plastic bottles, which could easily be recycled. Plastic is not a biodegradable material, and more than 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills each day. Texas State could have a huge impact on the environment by simply recycling paper. Mario Garza, Texas State’s Recycling and Waste Management coordinator estimated students recycle about 10 tons of paper each month. Ten tons of recycled paper can save 170 trees, 3,800 gallons of oil, 30 cubic yards of landfill space, 40,000 kilowatts of energy and 70,000 gallons of water. If Texas State students recycled all of their waste, the impact would be pretty incredible. More can be done to recycle on campus, but students need to get involved. A few messy students can ruin the recycling process for everyone, just by ignoring the labels on the bins. Students have the habit of putting trash and food waste in campus recycling bins. “It’s contamination. My student workers have to sort through all that, and sometimes it’s just plain nasty,” Garza said. Not only is contamination nasty, it’s wasteful. “If contamination gets too bad, we just have to throw (the recycling) away,” Garza said. “A year and a half ago, contamination was a really big problem. Now it’s not as bad, but students could still do better.” Garza believes Texas State could convert more waste material if students knew where and how to recycle. “We do pretty well as a university as far as providing the means to recycle. Now it’s just a matter of getting everyone on board,” Garza said. With just a little extra effort, Texas State students could save money, energy and raw materials. All it takes is tossing recyclable materials in the correct bin, and leaving trash out. –Kaycee Toller is a journlism junior.
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State UniversitySan Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Wednesday, September 9. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.
Trends
Touring Time
JAY-Z, multiple Grammy Award winner musician, announced the venues and dates for his new tour, which will include college campus arenas and traditional venues across North America starting on Oct. 9. He has 21 dates confirmed and will be visiting Austin. He will be holding a charity tour kickoff concert Sept. 11 in New York. JAY-Z’s new album will be released the same day.
The University Star - 5
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
‘ACTiVATE’ aimed at women entrepreneurship By Elizabeth Barbee Features Reporter A program in support of female entrepreneurship will make its way to Texas State in October. ACTiVATE originated at the University of Maryland and helps provide the education and resources business professionals need to successfully launch and sustain their own companies. Terry Chase Hazell, founder of Chesapeake PERL Inc. and treasurer and
chairperson of SD Nanosciences Inc., brought the program to Central Texas after she moved to the area with her family. “I was an instructor in Maryland, and I found it very gratifying,” Hazell said. “I am really enthused to help other women launch their own businesses.” The curriculum, under the direction of Hazell and the instruction of Jamie Rhodes, founder of Perceptive Sciences Corporation, and Robin L. Curle, former chairman and CEO of Zebra Imaging, will
be divided into three fundamental parts: entrepreneurship and business instruction, mentoring and skills development and networking with regional resources. Participants will secure a license for their business during the second half of the program and give a presentation to potential investors, among other duties. ACTiVATE is aimed at women who are often underrepresented in the business world, but men with ambition and
experience are welcome to apply. “We are looking for experienced people who say ‘I want to be an entrepreneur’ or ‘I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur,’” Hazell said. Bill Covington, vice president for research and federal regulations, said even though ACTiVATE seeks professionals, preferably with a Master of Business Administration and years of working experience, undergraduates should take note.
“It is good for students to be aware of these opportunities,” Covington said. “They might find it is something they want to do when they get a degree.” Terry D. Golding, director of the Center for Research and Commercialization, said young companies like those ACTiVATE hopes to launch, could provide career opportunities for graduating seniors. The program will not begin until October, and aspiring business owners are beginning to
submit their applications. “We have had a very healthy response already,” Golding said. “Now, my concern is we will have to turn people away.” Members of ACTiVATE will meet on Mondays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., ending November of 2010. Visit www.txstate.edu/activate to learn more about ACTiVATE. Individuals interested in applying to the program should send a cover letter and a résumé to ACTiVATE@txstate.edu.
Invitational reading at Alkek, Porter House By Colleen Gaddis Special to The Star Every year, graduates from the creative writing Master of Fine Arts program invite an author to visit the university for book readings and signings at the Alkek Library and the Katherine Anne Porter house in Kyle. This year they chose Jayne Anne Phillips, a critically ac claimed short story author and novelist, whose latest work, Lark and Termite, was a New York Times bestseller and a current candidate for the National Book Award. “(They are) stories unlike any in our literature … a crooked beauty,” said Raymond Carver, another short story writer and poet, of her first book. Influential writers praise Jayne Anne Phillips’ work. Michael Cunningham, author of The Hours, said Phillip’s first book, Black Tickets, which earned Phillip’s national recognition, is one of the most important books in his life. “Phillips is an unusually
visceral writer,” said Michael Noll, program faculty for the English department. “Her stories can almost knock you off your feet … She is able to evoke the desperation and loneliness of poverty, and also the determination to improve
also received a Guggenheim Fellowship, two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships and an Academy Award for writing. Priscilla Leder, English professor, said Phillips’ work “turns a kind of intense lens on very ordinary conflicts —
one’s situation.” Jayne Anne Phillips finds influence through authors such as William Faulkner and Katherine Anne Porter, the namesake of the very house she will be reading at this week end. Her first short story collection,Sweethearts,earneda Pushcart Prize and the Coordinating Council of Literary Magazines Fels Award. Phillips
divorce, failed love affairs, being annoyed by your parents — experiences everyone has.” The first reading will be held at the Wittliff Collections on the 7th floor of the Alkek Library at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. The reading at the Katherine Anne Porter house in Kyle will Photo courtesy of Texas State English Department take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday. SPEAKING SANCTUARY: Jayne Anne Phillips will be speaking at the Katherine Anne Porter house in Both events are free and open Kyle. to the public.
“(They are) stories unlike any in our literature … a crooked beauty,” — Raymond Carver short story author, poet
‘Extract’ gives mediocre notion to viewers
By Brent Vickers Trends Columnist Mike Judge returns to the big screen with his film Extract, a comedy about the trials and tribulations of owning a small business. The main character Joel, played by Jason Bateman, owns an extract company in Texas and is on the cusp of being bought out by a larger corporation. Opposite him is his wife Suzie, played by Kristen Wiig, a temporary hire played by Mila Kunis and his best friend and confidant, a drugaddled Ben Affleck. With others in the support ing cast, Judge is able to convey an environment working Americans — specifically Texans — can relate to. I am a huge fan of Mike Judge, but I found this movie to perhaps be his weakest yet. Many of the comedic instances were indeed comedic, but the plot elements didn’t seem to fit as well as one would have hoped. First of all, the failing relationship between Bateman
and Wiig is one we have seen repeated too often in film: A seemingly happily-married couple living in an amazing house in an upper-middle class community, yet at the core they are actually drifting apart. It is an overplayed scenario, but it did help add to the ambiance of the film as well as the development of Bateman’s character. However, most of the comedy came from either the floor workers in Bateman’s factory or from the terrible advice Ben Affleck’s character gives him. Bateman’s character frequently visits a bar in the evening time because of his marital problems, and the bartender, played by Affleck, is his best friend from college. People will dismiss this character the second they recognize Affleck’s face, but in actuality, it is the best performance he has given since Mallrats. Another great comedic performance came from Gene Simmons. His character’s name is Joe Adler — obvious reference to Jim Adler — who is a lawyer hired to sue the company. General viewers may not be too impressed, but any fans of Mike Judge will be satisfied. Extract is full of references to old Judge films, horse tranquilizers, a pool-boy gigolo and an uncredited Judge cameo. Therefore, Extract is sure to please, if no one else, Mike Judge fans.
universitystar.com universitystar.com universitystar.com
Trends
6 - The University Star
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
F I N E A R T S Coffee house hosts ‘Cartoon Visions’ CALENDAR By Matthew Barnes Special to The Star
Wednesday
Saturday
A Closer Look: Jeff Dell, all day, Mitte
A Closer Look: Jeff Dell, all day, Mitte
Introducing Rose Newton, Claudia Roeschmann, and Jason Reed, all day, Mitte
Introducing Rose Newton, Claudia Roeschmann, and Jason Reed, all day, Mitte
Guest Artist Series: Susan Martin Tariq Percussion Recital, 8 p.m., Music Building
Sunday
Thursday A Closer Look: Jeff Dell, all day, Mitte Introducing Rose Newton, Claudia Roeschmann, and Jason Reed, all day, Mitte
A Closer Look: Jeff Dell, all day, Mitte Introducing Rose Newton, Claudia Roeschmann, and Jason Reed, all day, Mitte Monday A Closer Look: Jeff Dell, all day, Mitte
Student Recital Series: Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fall 2009 Rush Recital, 7:30 p.m., Music Building
Introducing Rose Newton, Claudia Roeschmann, and Jason Reed, all day, Mitte
Friday
Tuesday
A Closer Look: Jeff Dell, all day, Mitte
A Closer Look: Jeff Dell, all day, Mitte
Introducing Rose Newton, Claudia Roeschmann, and Jason Reed, all day, Mitte
Introducing Rose Newton, Claudia Roeschmann, and Jason Reed, all day, Mitte
Aimed to amuse and confuse, former Texas State student Ryan Thies and artistic cohort David Degrand are displaying Cartoon Visions at Wake the Dead Coffee House in San Marcos. Potty humor and stream-ofconsciousness mood-toons are brought together in the exhibit. The artists said they try to blur the lines between cute and disturbing with visually stimulating, whimsical cartoons and present the viewer with several different layers to interpret. The pieces on display consist of toilets with breasts, contorted phalanges and trees stuffed full of faces, to name a few. The two artists said they are influenced by animated cartoons like Invader Zim and The Simpsons, along with old black and white rubber-hose cartoons like Betty Boop and early Mickey Mouse. “(The art is) like snapshots from a cartoon universe where nothing makes sense,” DeGrand said. “I find images of where my mind was at the moment … (that) portray how I feel about societal issues and class struggles.” The exhibit was introduced with a reception Saturday where Thies screened art videos and animations to a laughing coffeehouse crowd. Cartoon Visions will be on display through the end of September with a closing reception and second screening by Thies planned for Sept. 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The animations are his works brought to life, but with plenty to look at, and some as greeting cards with adult themes. He closed the presentation with the three-minute “The Diarrhea Diaries” short animation, featuring jokes and a naked superhero. “I take my art seriously, but try to have fun,” Thies said. Thies grew up in the Hill Country of San Marcos and had his first art show on The Square in 2002. Since then, he has been promoting his artwork around Central Texas and has taken a couple of trips out of state. Because of a hand injury,
Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo
Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo ART AT TANTRA: Ryan Thies, former Texas State student, displays his artwork at Cartoon Visions, an exhibit being shown at Wake the Dead Coffee House.
Thies was unable to present Stubberfoam, a slapstick side project in which he plays acoustic ditties on a hand-painted guitar with giant foam hands. However, he recently moved back to San Marcos with plans to finish his art degree at Texas State
and will be performing the comical act around town and campus when the wound heals. Thies met DeGrand in 2007 in the Dallas/Fort Worth art realm when he transferred from Texas State to Texas Women’s College in Denton, and the two have worked to-
gether ever since. DeGrand said he earned his art degree at the University of Texas-Arlington in 2003 and continues to work out of the Fort Worth area exhibiting his art and designing puppets for an upcoming TVshow pilot.
FOR RELEASE MAY 2, 2009
Diversions
Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Wednesday, Los September 9, 2009 Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
DOWN 1 Pop singing brothers from the Isle of Man 2 Like some gases 3 Cold burst?
By Alan Olschwang
4 “There’s __ in team” 5 Spike TV, once 6 Avg. levels 7 Chitlins might be cooked with ’em 8 Classic ghost story 9 Numbered hwy. 10 U.S. Army medals 11 Like some grounders 12 Ruined 13 Scooby-Doo, for one 14 Confirmation word 18 It might be sent from a bridge 23 15th century year 24 Dabble in 26 __ passu: impartially 28 Sizable refs. 30 Latin I word 31 Oil source 32 Tumult 33 Resolve, in a way
Tuesday’s Friday’s Puzzle Solved
(c)2009 Tribune Media Servies, Inc.
35 O.T. book 37 Go cautiously 38 Letter opener 39 “The Last Time __ Paris”: 1954 film 44 Reagan speechwriter 46 Corrida hero 48 Mock 50 Missouri River city
c rossw ord
ACROSS 1 The Pleiades’ Alcyone, for one 10 Bag opening? 15 Touching base 16 Dull thing, in slang 17 Where many strings are pulled 19 Street address 20 Sun. speech 21 Milo of “Ulysses” 22 Shellac 25 Turbulent waters 27 German aviation pioneer Lilienthal 29 Like some felonies 31 China biggie 32 Polite title 34 Branch headquarters? 36 Inflate 37 Fall opportunities for high school seniors 40 Cotillion honoree 41 Making a crossing 42 Sense of style 43 Flash 45 Often-allergic attack 47 This, in Toledo 48 Not pizzicato 49 Battle of Endor fighters of film 53 Shellac 55 Ernst contemporary 57 Chem. unit 58 Former Boer republic 62 Out of, as work 63 It’s pitched at a stake 64 Dreams, to some 65 Like an imposition
The University Star - 7
sudoku
5/2/09
5/2/09
51 Japanese stringed instruments 52 Glossy 54 Exec gps. 56 Gnat, for one 58 “Double Fantasy” artist 59 Loan-insuring org. 60 Congeal 61 Chicken general
sudoku solution
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NORTH GATE ON LBJ HAS A BRAND NEW 1BD FOR $695, A 2BD/2BA FOR $775 AND A 3BD/2BA FOR $1025. Water/waste water and trash paid. Walk to campus. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Joe at (512) 665-3321 for a showing.
ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN FOR CALENDARS, GREETING CARDS, ETC. $100-200/hr., up to $1,000/day. No exp. needed, (512)684-8296.
FINE DINING RESTAURANT in Kyle has openings for experienced servers, also lunchtime kitchen and dishwasher positions. Servers must have some wine knowledge and professional appearance. Apply in person Tues and Thurs, 5:30pm to 6:30pm at Bordeaux’s, 108 Center St, Kyle, (512) 268-3463. Bordeauxs.net.
THE GRAPEVINE WINE TASTING AND RETAIL GIFT SHOP has parttime positions available immediately. Must be available to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and Holidays. Must be 21. Apply in person. 1612 Hunter Rd. Historic Gruene District.
For Rent– Townhouse/Condo
TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT ON HOPKINS, 2BD/11/2BA, $595/MO. Water, trash, W/D included. Contact Lynsy at (512) 917-1014.
For Rent-Duplex
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ENJOY WORKING WITH CHILDREN? J&R Gymnastics is looking for energetic gymnastics, tumbling and cheerleading instructors. Locations in San Marcos, New Braunfels and Seguin. Schedule: 4-30 hrs.per week. Pay: commensurate with experience. Experience preferred. Call (830) 606-0375. FALL SEMESTER WORK •Base pay •Flexible schedules •Customer Sales/Service •No experience necessary •Scholarships possible •Conditions apply •Call (512) 392-7377 www.workforstudents.com
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GET PAID TO PLAY: TEACHERS NEEDED! Now hiring part-time, afternoon teachers. Experience and bilingual preferred but not required. M-F 2:30-6:30 PM. Quality Child Development Center in Kyle. (512) 405-3700 or fax (512) 405 3701. www.rockinghorseacademy.com SAN MARCOS YOUTH SOCCER REFEREES needed for youth soccer in San Marcos. Contact Paula at pkorzeniewski@yahoo.com
STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in San Marcos. 100% FREE to join. Click on surveys. THE CITY OF UHLAND IS SEEKING WEBSITE SERVICES. Email uhlandRFP@gmail.com to request a copy of the RFP.
TUTOR/NANNY POSITION AVAILABLE THROUGH MAY 21, 2010. Hours are approx. 2:45 -7pm weekdays. Some flexibility required with schedule. GPA of 3.50 or greater with strong academic background in math, english, science and spanish. Prefer Secondary Education major. Non-smoker only. Pays $10/hr + bonuses. Call (512) 787-7609 for an app. Transcript and class schedule also required. More info on Jobs4Cats #16281. Interviewing now!
Contact — starclassifieds@txstate.edu
Sublease FEMALE NEEDED TAKE OVER MY LEASE AT SANCTUARY LOFTS! $555/month! Water and electricity separate. If you’re interested, call (254)371-2298 or email ld1170@txstate.edu
Wanted NURSE AIDE TRAINING. Registering for classes. Contact Comfort Connection Nurse Aide Training (512) 392-4663.
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Personals
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is hiring for multi-media staff. Know FinalCutPro? Can you use a video camera? Then email matty@txstate.edu for more information!
Sports 8 - The University Star
ATTENDANCE ACCOMPLISHMENT
The Texas State volleyball team is ranked No. 10 in attendance, according to the Division I Women’s Volleyball Attendance Report announced Tuesday. The Bobcats had 2,389 fans in the stands for their home opener against the Texas Tech Red Raiders Sept. 2. The spot marks Texas State’s highest attendance ranking in school history.
Garrett brothers keep reigns on Cowboys By Jeff Caplan McClatchy Newspapers The Dallas Cowboys’ three Garrett brothers — John, Jason and Judd, each one a year older than the next — had to rewind two decades to their Princeton playing days for the last time. All three wore the same team colors. Judd joined the Cowboys scouting department last year. John, the tight ends coach, came aboard with Jason in 2007, yet it was Jason’s surprising decision to return to Valley Ranch for the 2008 season that ultimately guaranteed the Garrett reunification. Branded a genius for his deft handling of mercurial receiver Terrell Owens, celebrity-hound quarterback Tony Romo and the rest of the high-flying 2007 Cowboys offense, Jason Garrett, a red-hot head-coaching prospect, appeared on the brink of taking over the Baltimore Ravens. “I think in the long run it was his either strong feelings or even loyalty to the Cowboys for how much they had done for him over the years, and how much he enjoys being in Dallas and how much he loves the Cowboys that caused him to come back,” Judd said. “In the conversations I had, that was the thing that came through to me.” Owner Jerry Jones, of course, helped to woo Garrett back with the title of assistant head coach and a substantial raise that made him the highest-paid assistant ever in the NFL and put his salary on par with head coach Wade Phillips. Everyone knows the story from there. The bottom fell out in 2008. The Cowboys missed the playoffs and in the ugly postmortem, Owens and even Romo questioned Garrett’s ability to scheme and adjust. Now with Owens out of the picture, Roy Williams taking over as the No. 1 receiver, tantalizing backfield options and two pass-catching tight ends, the pressure is on Garrett to produce. It all starts Sunday at Tampa Bay when Garrett will don the headset as the most scrutinized offensive coordinator in the game. Garrett, who rarely reveals
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu
emotion behind his icy-blue eyes when talking to the media, speaks in monotone, offers limited information and delves mightily in cliché, said winning football games is his only focus. “We talk to our players all the time about being focused on the task at hand, one play at a time, one day at a time, and all those things, and that’s really the way I approach my life and certainly the job that I have,” Garrett said. “You do your best in life when you’re focused on what you’re doing and you’re not distracted by other things. “It’s pretty simple, and it’s probably something that I learned a long time ago and it’s an important part of doing your job well.” The Garretts are a football family. Their father, Jim, spent 30 years in the NFL as a coach and scout, 21 with the Cowboys. John and Judd each have four children and live down the street from each other. Jason and wife Brill do not have children, so when the job allows for free time they are often visiting with their three nephews and five nieces. “He’s unbelievable with the kids as far as playing games with them or whether it’s quizzing them in history or doing a little Jeopardy thing,” Judd said. “He has a good way with kids.” Cowboys fans are more concerned with Garrett’s on-field relationships, especially the one with his quarterback. Romo has been upbeat throughout training camp about the direction of the offense. Romo called Garrett a good teacher with a great mind who understands the game. Curiously though, when asked if they have smoothed over any lingering potholes, Romo did not take the opportunity to expound. “I’m not sure. You’d have to ask Jason that,” Romo said. “(Quarterbacks coach) Wade (Wilson) and Jason are great people to lean on to gain advice on things that you need to talk about.” However Romo and Garrett communicate, they are inextricably linked, for better or worse. They are expected to return the offense to top-five
form after sliding to 13th in 2008. If that happens Romo will find vindication and Garrett might get a second shot at a head coaching job. “I was there with Jason in Dallas and his dad worked for me. I think he’s an outstanding football coach,” former Cowboys coach and FOX analyst Jimmy Johnson said. “It is a little bit unique there with the way he came in and the success that he had. I thought he had a very good year last year. It was disappointing at the end that they didn’t get in the playoffs, but Jason is an outstanding football coach, and I think the last couple of years has seasoned him as far as grooming him to become a head coach, whether that be in Dallas or with some other team in this league.” Hall of Fame Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, a longtime friend of Garrett’s, who served as Aikman’s backup, looks at the offensive minds that Garrett has picked — Norv Turner, Ernie Zampese, Sean Payton, Scott Linehan — and has no doubts Garrett will reclaim his position as one of the league’s brightest coordinators. “I know there’s some young receivers that they’re counting on, and if those guys develop like they anticipate,” Aikman said, “then I think the weapons are there and the quarterback is there, that this should be a heck of an offensive football team.” This could be the final season the Garretts stick together in Dallas. If the Cowboys are successful, Phillips could garner an extension and Garrett could draw interest as a head coach elsewhere. If the Cowboys fall flat, Jones could turn over the entire staff. Either way, do not look for Garrett to reveal much. “Jason is pretty steady; he’s pretty level-headed,” Judd Garrett said. “When they’re calling him a genius, he’s not going to buy into that. When they’re calling him an idiot, he’s not going to buy into that, either. He knows what he is. He knows who he is. He knows what his strengths are, he knows what his weaknesses are, and he’s going to work accordingly.”
Photo courtesy of Ron Jenkins/Fort Worth Star-Telegram SUMMER SESSIONS: Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator and assistant head coach, supervises practice during summer training camp Aug. 18 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Women’s golf looks to send message to competitors By Lisa Carter Sports Editor
“Obviously we’d like to win, but there are a lot of good teams there, so we have to play really well because the course is hard,” De Reuck said. The teams will tee off on the 6,255-yard, par-72 course at 9 a.m. Friday. Akers said the course seems similar to the one at Wolfdancer, one in which two women have played before. “Both of these student-athletes (Bliss and De Reuck) have played (Wolfdancer) quite a bit,” Akers said. “I called up and talked to the golf professional last week and (he) said the greens would be running at 11, which is very fast, and we haven’t been putting on very fast greens around here. We’re going to try to putt on some fast greens in Austin to prepare.” Akers said the team has a good balance of both young and experienced players that could ultimately lead to a victory. “(My personal goal is) to win. I really think we can win and send a message out early that we’re better than ever and this is our year to really get nationally recognized,” Akers said. “We have
Confidence sets the tone as the Texas State women’s golf team prepares for its season opener. Caitlin Bliss, health and wellness promotion junior, knows the work required in preparation for a seasonopening tournament. “We practiced all during the summer. We never really had an offseason,” Bliss said. “We practice all year.” Bliss, along with four other women, will participate in the Texas A&M “Mo”Morial tournament Friday through Sunday at Traditions Golf Club in College Station. The tournament features 11 teams, four of which are in the Southland Conference. Coach Mike Akers believes Texas State can win the tournament. “I think if we play well, we can win,” Akers said. “It’ll be hard to beat A&M on their home course, and we’ll have to do a good job of preparing in the practice round of the course on Thursday.” Gabby De Reuck, undecided sophomore, said the team has to give its best performance.
all the pieces in place and we’ve been building up to this point. Now we have the depth and we have the experience to hopefully make the run to the national tournament in May. We’re very strong and we’ll send a message. There are some conference schools here, and we will let them know who’s the best team in the conference.”
TEXAS STATE
LINE-UP 1. Caitlin Bliss, health and wellness promotion junior 2. Krista Puisite, undecided freshman 3. Valdis Jonsdottir, preinterior design freshman 4. Gabby De Reuck, undecided sophomore 5. Amy Glazier, marketing senior Fans can watch live stats from the tournament at www.golfstat.com.
“MO”MORIAL TEAMS
Texas A&M Tulane Missouri Oklahoma Tulsa Texas State
Sam Houston State Southern Mississippi Texas-San Antonio Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Texas-Pan American
Bobcats grill Rams for season opener By Joseph O. Garcia Sports Columnist The grill was hot, the sun was shining and a steady breeze was swirling throughout a sea of maroon and gold. The Texas State football home opener against Angelo State was an event to experience. Students, alumni, families and fans enjoyed the opening weekend of college football at Texas State, and there was much to celebrate. The day began with tailgating in the morning and continued until kickoff. The smell of meats cooking on an open flame was intoxicating. The entire east stadium parking lot was full of tailgaters and the west lot had plenty as well. Students passed the time playing games, listening to music, throwing footballs and enjoying food, drinks and friends. The crowd cheered after the announcement that Jerry
and Linda Fields had given the largest gift to Bobcat athletics in school history with a $6 million donation. The school officially opened the Jerry D. and Linda Gregg Fields Bobcat Stadium West Side Complex. The Fields are among the university’s most generous contributors. The recent gift brings their total contributions to about $9.1 million. As the day continued, students were text messaging friends and family, and searching on their cell phones for score updates around the country. I was interested in the Georgia vs. Oklahoma State score and the Nevada vs. Notre Dame score. Like every other football fan in America, I was impatiently waiting for the season to arrive. As I was basking in the thought of what the rest of the season might hold for college football, the live music of Charlie Robison began. Robison put on an excellent show, which everyone seemed to enjoy. Shortly after the show started, the gates opened to the masses, and students who were done tailgating flooded in. However, I still had food to grill before the game started. There I was, 10 minutes before kickoff, trying to eat a
piece of sausage that just came off the grill, which, needless to say, was very hot. Moreover, there was no way I was going to miss the kickoff to the season. I burned my hand and tongue in the name of Texas State football. As it turns out, it was well worth it. The day capped off with a 48-28 victory for the Bobcats led by Bradley George, senior quarterback. The team put up a solid performance, and George ended the game with 328 yards and three touchdowns. With the game being played in the newly renovated stadium, the players fed off energy in the crowd. My favorite play of the game was when Angelo State attempted an onside kick and Daren Dillard, sophomore wide receiver, returned the kick 38 yards for a touchdown. A firework show after the game put the final touch on what was an extraordinary day for Bobcat fans. The college football season is here and promises to be full of great games, plays, stories and upsets (sorry Oklahoma fans). I encourage all students to make it out to Bobcat Stadium for good food, fun, and of course, Texas State football.
Bridgette Cyr/Star file photo GIVING THE RUNAROUND: Alvin Canady, junior running back, makes the Angelo State defense work at its attempt to recover the ball Saturday.
