SPORTS BOBCATS LOOK TO DEFEAT SUN DEVILS
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TUESDAY
September 9, 2025
VOLUME 115 ISSUE 5
TXST beats UTSA for second time
By Max Martinez Sports Reporter
Unlike last season’s blowout win over UTSA, 2025’s contest against the Roadrunners was much more competitive. Ultimately, the Texas State was again able to come out on top 43-36, Saturday afternoon at the Alamodome.
“I think [UTSA] is a hell of a team,” Texas State head coach GJ
Kinne said. “It was back and forth that whole second half; it felt like a high school shootout game.”
This game was closely contested all the way to the end, as neither team was able to maintain a lead for very long. After the 14-minute mark in the third quarter, both teams were on fire, combining for 280 yards of total offense and three touchdowns, each which resulted in a lead change.
After each team went back and
forth, sophomore kicker Tyler Robles hit a 38-yard field goal to give the Bobcats a 29-28 lead late in the third quarter.
The Bobcats’ defense was able to get the stop after UTSA went for it on fourth down, leading to a 6-yard touchdown run for freshman quarterback Brad Jackson, giving Texas State an eight-point lead to start the fourth quarter.
The pride parade’s Grand Marshal Jinx the Minx speaks before the drag show in honor of Omar Anthony Leos, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Industry.
By Ryan Claycamp News Editor
After rumors of closure to two floors of the Alkek Library, Texas State officials confirmed the sixth floor will be remodeled.
The remodel will include transporting certain materials to the Archives and Research Center (ARC), and turning the floor into the “Student Success Commons.” This will be done by moving Student Learning Assistance (SLAC), Academic Engagement, Supplemental Instruction, Bobcat Bounce Back, Success Coaching, Veteran Academic Success and more to the sixth floor. The remodeling is currently planned to finish by fall 2026, with major work being done over the 2025-26 winter break.
“But as we increase in students we want to make sure that we have not only space, but the right space to be able to continue to add some of that tutoring and supplemental instruction and success coaching,” Vice President for Student Success Cynthia Hernandez said.
According to the University Document, SLAC has been located in the same space on the fourth floor since 1990. In that time visits grew from 4,250 in 1990 to 26,193 in the 2024-25 school year, a 616% increase.
SMTX Pride holds tribute at drag show
By Marcus Bracken Life and Arts Contributor
Among the rainbow-colored decor and clothing that covered Industry, a family who recently lost a loved one received cheers and comfort from drag queens and festival attendees who joined them to remember him.
On Sept. 6, SMTX Pride held this year’s drag show in honor of Omar Anthony Leos II, educator and director, who died of complications from cancer surgery on March 13.
Leos had a passion for education and theater. He brought shows like “Real Women Have Curves,” “Admissions” and “Hairspray” to life for many theaters in San Antonio and was very involved in the city’s local theater groups and art councils.
Monica Becerra, Leos’ cousin, said she had a close relationship with him, and he had a passion for directing from a young age.
Record-breaking enrollment creates scheduling challenges
By Cara Cervenka News Contributor
Texas State University set another enrollment record this fall with preliminary data showing more than 44,700 students, straining class schedules.
The growth includes a freshman class of nearly 9,400 and more than 5,000 graduate students, pushing some undergraduates into 8 a.m. or evening classes and leaving fewer open seats across majors. Administrators say
they are actively responding to the complaints and adjusting schedules as necessary.
In a press release from Aug. 29, 2025, President Kelly Damphousse said the growth is a great opportunity for Texas State.
“TXST was founded to bring education and opportunity to Texans, and this year we are delivering on that promise like never before. Our growth is intentional,” Damphousse said To help manage the influx, the
university introduced New Bobcat Enrollment (NBE) this fall. The process, piloted in 2023, pre-enrolls incoming freshmen in their firstsemester classes before New Student Orientation. The goal is to reduce chaos during orientation and ensure students are placed in required Advising beyond the first semester, known as full advising, still takes place later and allows students to discuss academic goals, career plans and potential major changes in more
depth. Freshmen receive preplanned schedules (NBE) before New Student Orientation, but they are allowed to make changes after orientation courses.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MEG BOLES | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR & JEN NGUYEN | DESIGN EDITOR
Texas State junior wide receiver Beau Sparks (11) runs towards the end zone, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at the Alamodome.
The Bobcats beat the Roadrunner 43-36.
Changes to shuttle bus routes cause student delays
By Lesdy Hernandez Senior News Reporter
With the start of the semester, students experience issues from delays to overcrowding on Bobcat Shuttle services as routes undergo new updates.
On Aug. 19, the Finance and Support Services Department sent out an email announcing route changes, bus stop additions and other updates to TXST transportation services for fall 2025.
Rod Gonzales, TXST transit manager, said the bus route alterations were decided through intensive review of past ridership and overall student population numbers.
“Last year, [TXST] had a record number and this year we had a bigger record number,” Gonzales said. “So last year, we had a lot of people that decided, ‘I don’t want to take an eight o’clock class and so they took 10 or 11 or 12 o’clock classes and so we’re like based on history, this is the movement.”
The shift of last year’s freshmen living off-campus this semester caused a shift in the route predictions this semester.
“We predicted incorrectly, kind of incorrectly, not 100% incorrectly, but there was some stuff that we were like ‘ Yeah, that’s gonna happen, that’s gonna happen,” Gonzales said. “We don’t solely use the technology, we actually go out there, my supervisor and I, and we start reading people movement or traffic patterns and
people patterns, and so we see all this [traffic].”
Lindley Ringgold, computer science senior, said with her bus stop getting added to a different route this semester, buses will arrive at her stop already full, causing her to wait for the next available bus.
“I saw an email about it, and I looked and I didn’t even notice, I literally looked at the email, but I didn’t recognize that my stop had changed,” Ringgold said.
Some of the new route stops include the Meadows Center and Post at Uhland in the Post Road route and the Rec Center and Bexar Hall in the West Loop route.
Other changes Finance and Support Services Department announced include the addition of eleven new buses including four 60’ “bendy” buses.
Gonzales said more updates to the bus routes have continued as they have received feedback from the student population since the beginning of the semester.
“We listen to our students when they call and say, ‘Hey, this is what needs to be done, this is what needs to be done,’ We’re like, perfect,” Gonzales said. “On route 22, we did some changes and we added more service for [students] because we heard y’all say, ‘Hey, we need more.”
Macie Casson, human development and family sciences graduate student, said during her
freshman year, she utilized the Campus Loop Route the most, but with the new changes her usual route has become longer and confusing.
Casson said since the route changes, she leaves for her bus stop an hour before her classes start.
“I live close to the Quad Bus Loop, and all my classes are in the Family Consumer Sciences Building, so it’s kind of complicated now that they split up the Campus Loop,” Casson said. “I have to take the Campus Loop from the Quad Bus Loop to LBJ, and then take the West Loop Bus from LBJ to the Rec.”
Ringgold said she has found the wait times have decreased in
comparison to the first week of classes, but still experiences buses being full in the morning.
“Yesterday, I was able to get on the first bus at 7:22 a.m. or 7:23 a.m., and then I was still standing though, and we were still packed in,” Ringgold said. “But it wasn’t like I can feel the people’s breath on my neck.”
To avoid issues, Gonzales recommends students use the bus tracking app PassioGO!, consider alternative bus routes and pay attention to the available bus signage.
“Don’t be scared to try something new and use the resources that [students] have, all the buses that they have.” Gonzales said.
Housing to add two new dorms amid growing enrollment
By Ryan Claycamp News Editor
In response to multiple years of record enrollment growth, the Department of Housing and Residential Life is building two more residential halls.
The project is called Hilltop Phase II and will be located next to Alamito and Cibolo Halls, which were built as part of the first phase of the Hilltop Project. This will consist of two residence halls, a dining hall and is set to be finished in August 2027.
“This year, we’re at 9,842 students assigned right now. So that’s up from in fall of 2022 we had 6,863,” Bill Mattera, former executive housing director and current associate vice president and chief of staff for Student Success said. “We’re three of the four phases into the expansion of our housing at this point.”
Hilltop Phase II will be the third expansion of housing in recent years, with Alamito and Cibolo Halls opening in 2024 and Castro Hall opening in August 2025. The housing expansion will add 1,500 new beds to the total housing inventory.
Mattera said because this is the third residential project built in recent years, they have been able apply lessons learned when building recent dorms. He said that problems such as electrical issues in Alamito and Cibolo are not present in Castro Hall and should not be present in Hilltop Phase II.
Hilltop Phase II will lean into the community spaces present in the previous projects, while also making some changes. Mattera said rooms in
Phase II will not have closets, instead having wardrobes. He also said the bathrooms will be communal style instead of community style like the previous projects have.
“The bathroom will be a room with a door that closes and locks, the shower will be a room that closes and locks, and so they’ll be in a similar bathroom format, but they’ll be a little bit more private,” Mattera said.
Unlike the other recent developments, Hilltop Phase II includes plan for a dining hall connected to one of the buildings. Mattera said the dining hall will have 550 seats and will be similar to Harris and Commons Dining Halls. The project will also include improved walkways, such as bridges connecting to the LBJ Student Center.
Construction of the project will
Editorial Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Blake Leschber stareditor@txstate.edu
be limited to times when class is in session, so that disturbances to studying and sleeping are kept at a minimum.
“The only exception to that is concrete pours, which happen a little bit earlier,” Mattera said. “We have a pretty good system of notifying the residents, so we’ll notify them 24 to 48 hours before a concrete pour.”
According to a Texas State spokesperson, this growth in on-campus housing means the university was able to avoid temporary hotel housing, which it have been needed in recent years.
“Housing and Residential Life reserved a number of hotel rooms as backups in case the number of incoming students exceeded expectations, but ultimately those extra rooms have not been necessary,”
Sports Editor: Adrian Ramirez starsports@txstate.edu
Jayme Blaschke, assistant director of media relations, wrote in an email to The Star.
Despite not needing to use temporary hotel housing, residence halls are still above normal capacity.
“We are full and thriving,” Kate Ganno-Cullinan, executive director of DHRL said during the Sept. 2 Campus Safety Committee meeting. “We are at 103% occupancy.”
According to Mattera, DHRL is able to be above 100% capacity, but not use temporary hotel housing because they have something called “flex housing,” where other rooms, such as floor lounges are turned into temporary bedrooms.
“Those don’t count as part of our permanent occupancy,” Mattera said. “And so when we’re using those spaces, they count as sort of additional beds towards what our buildings are occupied at.”
Mattera said students will not be moved from the “flex housing” to regular rooms during the semester. He described mid-semester moves for that as disruptive.
When Hilltop Phase II opens, DHRL will have approximately 12,000 beds, which Mattera said will allow them to house about 25% of students on campus.
Mattera said there are no further plans for additional dorms on campus after Hilltop Phase II is complete, but DHRL will evaluate older residence halls on campus.
“I think our next move after Hilltop II is to look at what we have and sort of figure out what do we need to do next,” Mattera said.
Publication Info
History: The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 3,000. Printing is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.
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Construction takes place on campus, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, next to Alamito and Cibolo Hall, the future site of Hilltop Phase II.
LUCIA GONZALEZ | STAR ILLUSTRATOR
ISABELLE CANTU | MULTIMEDIA ASSISTANT EDITOR
Advising beyond the first semester, known as full advising, still takes place later and allows students to discuss academic goals, career plans and potential major changes in more depth. Freshmen receive preplanned schedules before New Student Orientation, but they are allowed to make changes after orientation.
Vice President for Student Success Cynthia Hernandez said the university’s growth creates more opportunities for Texans to access higher education but acknowledged it also requires ongoing adjustments.
“About 84% of first-year students take the same 50 classes. By preloading schedules, we can make sure students get what they need without waiting hours for an advisor,” Hernandez said. “Students still have the ability to make tweaks, but this way we can plan ahead and ensure enough sections and faculty.”
Hernandez said as Texas State continues to grow, it’s the university’s job to open enough sections so every student has the chance to take the classes they need.
“I bet everybody would love to have their classes between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., but feasibly, we just can’t,” Hernandez said.
While administrators point to NBE as a solution, some students say the program limited their ability to shape their schedules.
“We honestly thought we were going to pick
FROM FRONT REMODELING
The confirmation of the remodeling from Texas State comes three days after a petition was launched by a student employee at Alkek, who claimed the project would remove over 350,000 books and other items by November.
Originally, the creator of the petition said both the fifth and sixth floors would be affected, however they later updated the petition to clarify it was just the sixth floor. University officials have also confirmed only the sixth floor will be remodeled.
Texas State officials have since confirmed there are only 320,237 items on the sixth floor of Alkek and not all of the items will be relocated.
The petition also claimed that some items would be recycled. Sandra Pantlik, vice president for marketing and communications, said that there are no plans to recycle or otherwise destroy any materials.
“I believe it is actually against state law to destroy any materials, so I can’t imagine that is happening,” Pantlik said.
On Sept. 8, there were recycling bins containing books located on the fifth floor or Alkek. According to officials, those books are part of a separate project, related to the handling of federal documents. The bins were marked “reserved for government documents special project only.”
The creator of the petition spoke to The Star under the condition of anonymity due to concerns of retaliation.
“We were first informed about this project about a month and a half ago,” the petition’s creator said. “My supervisor came and told us that we were expected to start removing books sometime soon.”
According to a document sent to The Star by Pantlik, the majority of materials that will be moved have not
Texas State students attend Brian Cooper’s Economic
Evans Liberal Arts Building.
our schedule, and then we went into NSO and our schedule was made for us,” Audrina Vela, a freshman finance major, said. “By the time you can change it, most of the classes are already full.”
The impact of the record breaking enrollment goes beyond scheduling. Freshmen especially said classrooms feel overcrowded, dining hall lines are longer and parking is difficult to find.
“One of my friends had to sit on the floor her first day because there weren’t enough chairs. My sister told me the same thing happened in one of her classes,” Vela said.
Hernandez said the start of the semester is always an adjustment period, and some problems can’t be anticipated. She said administrators address issues as they arise and encouraged students to report concerns directly through the Texas State mobile app.
“You’re always going to see lines at advising, dining or buses in the first two weeks,” Hernandez said. “But things level out as everyone gets into a rhythm. We’re listening, and we encourage students to report issues directly so we can respond.”
been checked from Alkek in the last 10 years. Pantlik also said only 3-4% of the items on the sixth floor were checked out during that time frame.
“Transferring lesser-used items to the ARC has been an ongoing effort since Alkek Library opened in 2017,” the document stated. “The sixth-floor renovations will accelerate these efforts to prepare for the construction.”
According to the petition creator, the tracking of the use of items is flawed, as they do not track items that are used, but not officially checked out. According to Pantlik, that is true, but there are so materials, such as the art and design books, which are frequently requested, but not checked out, that will remain in Alkek.
The petition creator also claimed the items moved to the ARC, which is off campus on East McCarty Lane, would only be available by appointment. However, officials have
confirmed that a van route would be created from the ARC to Alkek, so that relocated items can still be checked out without leaving campus.
“Items transferred to the ARC will be stored in climate-controlled facilities which will preserve them ensuring that they are accessible to our campus for decades to come,” the university document stated. “They will continue to be available for checkout to students, faculty, and staff from both our San Marcos and Round Rock campuses through our catalog.”
Another concern raised by the petition was loss of the quiet floor space on the sixth floor. Hernandez said she wasn’t certain if the renovated floor would remain a quiet floor, or if another floor would be designated one.
“I think quiet floors shift,”
Hernandez said. “If you’ve been here long enough you see that different floors get deemed or have taken on different auras ... depending on how students utilize it.”
Hernandez and Pantlik were both unable to say what may replace the offices of all the services being moved to the “Student Success Commons.”
“We have talked about that,” Pantlik said. “We don’t have any firm decisions yet on that, but we can let you know student spaces will remain.”
Pantlik also confirmed said there are no current plans to let go of any Alkek employees, but instead will find work for them in other floors of the library.
This is a developing story. The University Star will provide updates as they become available.
JAMES PHILLIPS | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Geography 3303 lecture, Thursday, Sept, 4, 2025, in the
ELI HARTMAN | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Students walk past Alkek Library between classes at Texas State University ,Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at Texas State. According to a change.org petition, Texas State University administrators are considering a renovation of the library’s 6th floor.
RYAN CLAYCAMP | NEWS EDITOR
A recycling bin full of books on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 on the fifth floor of Alkek. University Officials say the bin is unrelated to the removal of books from and remodel of the sixth floor.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.
SMTX Pride is more important than ever
The Main Point is an opinion written by The University Star’s Editorial Board. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of our entire publication.
By Editorial Board
As attacks on the LGBTQ+ community escalate across Texas and the nation, celebrations like SMTX Pride are more vital than ever, bringing necessary awareness and solidarity to our city.
On Saturday, Sept. 6, the San Marcos community celebrated the 9th annual SMTX Pride, highlighting key voices and providing a space for residents and visitors to express themselves. The celebration featured a march, live music and a drag show.
As pressure on the LGBTQ+ community continues at the state and federal levels, pride celebrations remain essential for acceptance and awareness. San Marcos Pride provides a platform for diverse voices and unites the community, making it an essential part of our culture.
Brynn Chavez, theatre senior, who identifies as lesbian, said celebrating pride is important not only for awareness but also for normalizing LGBTQ+ identities.
“Celebrations of pride must continue; the more people that are aware, the less scared people feel about it,” Chavez said.
During the summer Texas legislative session, lawmakers filed more than 100 anti-trans bills, several of which ultimately passed. The sheer volume of bills filed shows how recent political priorities have focused on
restricting LGBTQ+ rights, with many harming the community.
On the federal level, President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders to restrict LGBTQ+ rights, leaving those individuals in Texas under attack on two fronts.
“It is definitely scary right now,” Chavez said. “It feels like members of the [LGBTQ] community have an increasing target on their back.”
Amid much of this legislative chaos, San Marcos and Texas State remain a place where LGBTQ+ people can freely express themselves and be celebrated. Organizations on campus, including Bobcat Pride, provide a safe space for students to express themselves, and events like SMTX Pride do the same.
“I have found a great community here,” Chavez said, “I come from a
small town and coming to a place as diverse as Texas State and San Marcos really allowed me to accept and express myself.”
This awareness is especially important at Texas State, as a public institution, the university must adhere to and enforce state laws. Additionally, some bills, such as Senate Bill 8 which restricts bathroom use by sex assigned at birth, explicitly apply to government buildings and schools. Ultimately, students often feel the consequences first when legislation like this passes.
At the city level, awareness remains just as important. Pride is more than a celebration; it is deeply tied to identity. Every community member who attends or supports it helps LGBTQ+ identities be expressed openly, rather than kept hidden due to fear.
As SMTX Pride comes to a close, pride for one’s identity and freedom of expression does not. Legislation is increasingly targeting the LGBTQ+ community, making celebrations of pride more important than ever, showing that, despite state efforts, personal identity can never truly be silenced.
Bathroom bill won’t harm only transgender students
By Shar Kiefer Opinions Columnist
On August 29, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 8, known as “The Texas Women’s Privacy Act.” If signed into law, the bill would not only fuel transphobic fearmongering nationwide but also harm all cisgender Texans.
The Texas Women’s Privacy Act is not about privacy; it is about fear. Texas State would be forced to comply with this law that would impose active harm to not only transgender students but also anyone on campus. College is often valued for its freedom of expression and for allowing students to discover themselves. Enacting a bill like this would put an end to this form of free expression.
SB 8 would impose a $25,000 fine on those found using the “wrong” bathroom in public spaces. The bill claims that bathroom usage is strictly based on one’s assigned biological sex at birth. Imposing SB 8 would allow people to judge whether or not someone looks “trans” and ultimately decide if they want to report them.
At public universities like Texas State, the bill would apply to all bathrooms, with the bill applying to “all public spaces”. If passed, Texas State would become less LGBTQ+ friendly to students, thus evoking more fear.
The Williams Institute found that allowing transgender people to use their preferred bathroom does not put others at risk. According to GLAAD, evidence shows that transgender and nonbinary students face increased risks of assault when being forced
to use a bathroom not aligning with their gender identity. Media figures have perpetuated the notion that trans people are dangerous and pose a threat to cisgender women as they attempt to invade their spaces.
Part of the distinction between gender and sex lies in expression.
The Yale School of Medicine states that sex refers to someone’s biological reproductive organs, whereas gender is someone’s self-expression of their sex. This bill would enforce identity solely based on physical features, which aren’t always accurate signs of someone’s biological sex.
Nico Melton, wildlife biology sophomore who identifies as non-binary, raised questions about the ethics of confirming someone’s sex.
“There’s no ethical way of doing it,’ Melton said. “You cannot ethically
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confirm someone’s assigned sex at birth without violating them in some way.”
The bill relies on these stereotypes under the guise of “protecting privacy.” But incidents where more masculine-presenting women have been mistaken for being transgender have occurred. Incidents like these are likely to increase under the self policing rules the bill sets in place.
“People believe that any trans woman that exists is doing it solely to be a predator,” Melton said. “It’s blatant sexism towards trans women, where they make them out to be disgusting predators, but it’s really the opposite.”
Anti-trans legislation relies on the narrative that trans women are the “boogeymen” who invade women’s spaces. However, this narrative is
incredibly harmful as it relies on depicting trans women as predators or “men dressed as women.” Projecting this narrative becomes easy when most claiming it to be true have never had an experience with a trans person in the bathroom.
Ultimately, this bill is not about protection; it is about fear. Students must be willing to not only advocate for their transgender peers but also understand how they are affected.
Enacting SB 8 will not erase transgender people, but will instead introduce harms to all students in public bathrooms.
-Shar Kiefer is a political science sophomore
letter writer. It is not used for any commercial purpose.
Letters become the property of The Star and may be republished in any format. The letter may be edited for length and clarity. An editor will contact the letter writer if their letter is a candidate for publication. The Star will not run letters that are potentially libelous, discriminatory, obscene, threatening or promotional in nature.
Letters can be submitted to staropinion@txstate.edu or by mail to Attn: Opinion Editor, The University Star, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666.
Executive Director of Mano Amiga Eric Martinez, hands out pride flags during the SMTX Pride march, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at the corner of MLK and S LBJ. The march marks the 9th year of SMTX Pride.
ISABELLE CANTU | ASSISTANT MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
MILLA DEUR | STAR ILLUSTRATOR
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship introduces online student marketplace
By Vanessa Rivera Life and Arts Reporter
From decor and crochet to apparel and beauty, a student-run entrepreneur platform launched its Texas State chapter.
Student-Made launched this September with support from Quinn Valentine, director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). It is a national organization that partners with colleges and universities to create a custom online marketplace for student entrepreneurs to promote their business to their campus and local communities. The platform helps student creators showcase, sell and gain support for their creations online and in-person through pop-up shops.
The program and its student managers plan to expand its community of creators and campus engagement at Texas State by offering a place where students can showcase their businesses while gaining hands-on experience, entrepreneurial skills and community support.
In collaboration with the CIE, Student-Made showcased its organization at the Student Involvement Fair on Sept. 4. Tyson Rizzo, StudentMade campus manager and finance senior, represented the program at the fair, sharing its mission to support student creators.
“We care most about creator success, and we care about how we can help them,” Rizzo said. “We hope that our community draws people [in], that we create such a positive environment that people want to be a part of, and also we obviously want our creators to be very successful.”
Student-Made started as an opportunity for creative students to share their businesses with their campus on an online platform. It provides student entrepreneurs and creators the neces-
FROM FRONT TRIBUTE
so passionate about it and they were so willing to help made me think about it like, ‘Oh, maybe I should [start my own nail business] at some point.”
Nicole Abidde, public health junior, inquired about the organization and gathered opinions on her interest in starting her business.
“I’m very interested in starting my own fashion business, so I was interested in going up to the Student-Made [organization],” Abidde said. “[The campus manager] seemed very enthusiastic about the organization, so that made me even more enthusiastic about joining it.”
After speaking with the organization, Abidde appreciated its many resources that provide students with a foundation in starting their business. These included marketing products, creating promotional events such as pop-ups, helping creators with finances, shipping and getting them connected with their campus community.
sary tools and a community of support to succeed in growing their business and gaining outreach.
“Student-Made is an opportunity for student entrepreneurs to host an online store as well as participate in on-campus and off-campus pop-ups,” Rizzo said. “So, let’s say you have a business like a barber or photographer, or you make crafts you want to sell, we provide you marketing and operational support to make that possible.”
Jordan Lusk, Student-Made finance and strategy manager and accounting sophomore, echoed the program’s aim to support and guide student entrepreneurs through navigating the business process.
“Student-Made not only provides a platform for student entrepreneurs but also a community they
“We grew up together,” Becerra said. “We spent summers together, holidays together, spring break together for decades. He liked to direct. I was always his subject.”
Leos was an art director for several school districts, and his love for art played a huge part in his interest in drag. Becerra said he felt there was a lot of power in the arts and expression.
Monica Garcia, Leos’ friend, felt they were connected through theater and knew how to work together on stage.
“Omar directed a friend of ours’ first play, and I wrote the script,” Garcia said. “I definitely saw Omar’s work on stage, behind stage coaching.”
Becerra and her husband normally donated t-shirts to help raise funds for SMTX Pride. In July, they expressed interest in including a tribute to Leos to their close friend Sylvia Sandoval, SMTX Pride creator. Sandoval hadn’t known Leos very well, but because of the donations from the Becerras, she felt she could honor Leos in return.
“The family wanted to do this for him in his honor, so I respectfully said, ‘Yes,’ but other than that, they took care of all that with the drag show,” Sandoval said. “So, I let them meet the drag queens and get a little behind the scenes with them and talk
about Omar.”
can depend on,” Lusk said. “This community supports their business every step of the way — whether they need guidance with financial strategies, marketing or simply connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs. We provide the resources to help our student entrepreneurs thrive.”
Among the many students who attended the fair, Catalina Parra, psychology junior, stopped by the CIE and Student-Made table. She thought it was interesting to learn more about the organization and its mission in supporting student entrepreneurs.
“I’ve never really had any plans to start my own business, but when I talked to [Student-Made], I thought it was a really good resource for people who do want to start their own business,” Parra said. “The fact they were
Until a few years ago, the drag queens who performed at the shows donated their time and kept their tips because supporting the movement was more important than money. Sandoval said having a budget for the drag queens and the drag show allowed for the option to donate to the show, which went directly to the performers.
“In the beginning stages, they’d also donate their time, and we’d just raise money ... no one wanted to donate because no one wanted to be involved with this whole LGBTQ protest,” Sandoval said. “So, it took us a long time to build those relationships and finally get some funding coming through for everything. Most of it was always out of my pocket. So, if I could raise it, I would give it.”
Garcia had a session with a medium in August when she believed she would feel connected with her friend again through a drag performance. Weeks later, Becerra reached out to Omar’s husband, Marty, about the drag show, who then told Garcia.
“I literally first heard about [the drag show] weeks before Marty sent the flyer,” Garcia said. “I was re-listening to the recording, Omar was expressing that there was going to be a pride parade and a stage show coming together.”
“They offer so [many] materials and help and assistance, especially because starting your own business is very hard; it gives you a foundation,” Abidde said. “I think [the organization will] invite a variety of students to join the organization.”
Students who are interested in becoming featured creators and joining the Student-Made network can submit a creator application on its website, answering questions and providing information on their business.
Scan the QR code to learn more about Student-Made Texas State.
At the drag show, Leos’ parents described his love for drag shows and described who he was. His family was super engaged and excited during each of the performances. The show’s first one reminded Garcia of when Omar would perform an inside joke that made her laugh.
“Omar did a very particular, slender-looking move with his arm up in the air, and he sang Blondie to the tune of ‘Call Me,’” Garcia said.
Leos’ family continues to be grateful for SMTX Pride giving back to its community and letting the community pay their respects to honor him in such a respectful way.
“I really felt like it was a true tribute to my cousin,” Becerra said. “I was so grateful they acknowledged him.”
Sandoval said she would want to continue the tradition to keep honoring people and bring awareness to loving loved ones.
“We want representation for our loved ones,” Sandoval said. “In this case, it was the first time this was done, and I love the respect and honor [Leos’ family] did for him, so I would like to continue doing that.”
(Left) The family of Omar Anthony Leos watches Drag Queen Tequila Rose (left) perform. The drag show served as a memorial service for Leos’ death. (Right) Drag Queen Tequila Rose (right) comforts the family of Omar Anthony Leos during SMTX Pride’s drag show, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Industry.
Computer science sophomore Diwas Pandit (left center), digital media innovation junior Jamian Lebron (center right), and digital media innovation junior and the CIE marketing coordinator Cadyn Perkins (right) explain to a student the benefits of getting involved with Student-Made, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at the Student Involvement Fair in the LBJ Grand Ballroom.
LAUREN TOURISH | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Texas State seeks to avenge loss to ASU
By Ayden Oredson Sports Reporter
On Sept. 12, 2024, the Texas State Bobcats hosted the Arizona State Sun Devils in a game where the two schools engaged in a classic shootout. Both teams started the game with undefeated seasons on the line. While the Bobcats had 400 yards of total offense compared to Arizona State’s 347, the Sun Devils would come away with a close 31-28 victory as they capitalized on crucial turnovers and timely possession.
“I thought the guys came out and played hard and executed very well at times… It’s not offense, defense, special teams, coaches. It’s collective as a group.” Texas State Head Coach G.J. Kinne said in a postgame conference following the loss.
After the game, both teams saw their seasons turn in different directions. The Bobcats, despite high expectations, would go 8-5 and win the First Responders Bowl against North Texas.
As for Arizona State, they continued their big momentum and catapulted to a Big 12 Title en route to a College Football Playoff appearance, earning a first-round bye to the Quarterfinals before falling short in double overtime against Texas in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.
A year later, the Bobcats will now travel to Tempe, to rematch the Sun Devils, and they will be going into Mountain America Stadium with very few players who previously played against Arizona State last year.
However, the Bobcats are a formidable force. Along with new incoming players, they have some notable returners with a chip on their shoulder from last year, such as running back Lincoln Pare, wide receivers Chris Dawn Jr and Beau Sparks, offensive lineman Tellek Lockette, and defensive end Kalil Alexander, to help counter Arizona State.
Quarterback Brad Jackson will attempt to continue his strong
FROM FRONT RECAP
momentum in what will be his third career start, who so far has shown he’s been up to the task.
Across two games this season, Jackson has 500 passing yards with five passing touchdowns. He has also displayed his strong mobility as well, with 82 rushing yards and having tacked on two scores.
The matchup will be a big test for the Bobcats, just a week after their triumph against the UTSA Roadrunners. Not only will Head Coach Kenny Dillingham’s efficient offense return a budding star in redshirt sophomore QB Sam Leavitt, but the Sun Devils will also include numerous returners and incoming transfer talents.
One of the returners, wide receiver Jordan Tyson, was a big contributor in the victory last season. Tyson tallied six receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown.
“Credit to [Texas State],” Tyson said after their victory against the Bobcats. “They gave us a good game. There was a lot of talk about them feeling like they were better than us. We took that as disrespect.”
While it will be hard to replicate what Heisman finalist running back Cam Skattebo brought last season in terms of production, the Sun Devils brought in some more than respectable pieces to replace his production.
Arizona State also managed to retain some of its starters on the offensive line and brought in transfers to help with depth, arguably making the offense even more talented than last season. The Sun Devils’ defense consists of veterans looking to continue capitalizing. They are bringing back defensive linemen Clayton Smith, who led the team in sacks last season, along with Elija O’Neal, who was second.
Among their lethal defense is a star-studded defensive back group. Xavien Alford headlines the safeties, as he previously earned a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team with five passes broken up, along with two interceptions.
Arizona State will be looking to bounce back against the Bobcats following a 24-20 loss against Mississippi State last weekend that had them dropped from No. 12 to just right outside the AP Top 25.
Texas State will ultimately look to give the Sun Devils what they had previously given the Bobcats last season: a loss at home. If the Bobcats win, they will start the season 3-0 for the first time since 1983.
The Bobcats are set to travel to Tempe to play the Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 9:30 p.m. Central Time. The game will be televised on TNT.
“The atmosphere in the crowd today was something I have never seen before,” Jackson said. “There were a lot of chances that we could have gone and spiraled out of control, but we stayed composed and we just continue to keep loving each other, supporting each other and we were able to get the win tonight.”
The Roadrunners’ offense did not slow down, though, as senior running back Robert Henry Jr. broke free for a 30-yard touchdown run. UTSA was able to get the two-point conversion, which tied the game up at 36 with ten minutes left.
The Bobcats’ offense didn’t take long to fire back. On the first play of the next drive, Jackson found junior wide receiver Beau Sparks behind the defense for a 65-yard touchdown.
This ended the scoring barrage as neither team put up any more points and the Bobcats’ defense was able to make big plays late to close out the game.
Sparks finished the game with five catches for 155 yards to go along with his go-ahead touchdown, and after the four-touchdown game last week, it is clear that his connection with Jackson is a strong one. They connected on two throws of 65 yards or more as Jackson was not afraid of throwing it deep this game.
McCown, who finished 23-43 with 219 yards passing and 55 yards rushing on seven attempts, averaging eight yards a carry.
Henry Jr. averaged nearly 10 yards a carry and ended up with 160 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while also adding four catches for 21 yards and a receiving touchdown.
UTSA’s leading receiver was junior Devin McCuin, who had five catches for 83 yards and one
long of 56
With a game this high scoring, much of the focus was deservedly on the offense, but the Bobcats’ defense had multiple crucial
when they play against the Arizona State Sun Devils at 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, in Tempe, Ariz.
Texas State’s football team celebrates winning the I-35 Showdown against UTSA, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at the Alamodome. The Bobcats beat the Roadrunners 43-36.
Texas States offensive line prepares to snap the ball against Arizona State, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 at UFCU Stadium. The Bobcats lost to the Sun Devils 28-31.
MEG BOLES | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Texas State junior wide receiver Kole Wilson (2) is tackled by his Arizona State defender, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 at UFCU Stadium. The Bobcats lost to The Sun Devils 28-31.
MEG BOLES| MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
SMTX PRIDE
Members of the United Campus Ministry at Texas State walk in a pride march hosted by SMTX Pride, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 at the corner of MLK Drive and S LBJ Drive. The UCM serves the Texas State campus as an inclusive ministry.
Drag Queen Eileen Dover collects tips during the SMTX Pride Fest Brunch Drag Show, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Industry. The show honored the loss of Omar Anthony Leos who died from complications with cancer this year.
Parade Grand Marshal Jinx the Minx waves to supporters during a downtown pride parade, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at the corner of LBJ and MLK Drive. Jinx the Minx serves as the co-social media director for the San Marcos Queer Council.
Drag Queen Bunny Boom Boom performs during the SMTX Pride Fest Brunch Drag Show, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 at Industry. Bunny Boom Boom hosted the event with Tiffany Ephinany.
Scan the QR code to view all photos.
ISABELLE CANTU | ASSISTANT MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
LIBBY ALLEN | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
ALLEN | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Members from 2.42 Church in San Marcos walk in a pride march hosted by SMTX Pride, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at the corner of S LBJ Drive and MLK Drive. 2.42 Church is non-denominational student focused ministry in San Marcos.
Local drag queen Tequila Rose performs during the SMTX Pride Fest Brunch Drag Show, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Industry. Tequila Rose is a Texas State alumn who began performing in 2016.
ISABELLE CANTU | ASSISTANT MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
ISABELLE CANTU | ASSISTANT MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
LIBBY ALLEN | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER