09 20 2007 by The University Star

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Cross country builds friendship, leadership through competition

Texas State student chooses abstinence

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SEPTEMBER 20, 2007

THURSDAY

VOLUME 97, ISSUE 9

Human Resources admits error, ends faculty drug-testing scandal By Scott Thomas News Reporter A misunderstanding between human resources and faculty regarding an out-of-date policy and procedures statement, which might have subjected faculty and staﬀ to random drug testing, was the topic of discussion Wednesday at Faculty Senate. John McBride, director of human resources, addressed the senate and presented the updated policy stating faculty would be exempt from any random drug testing. The Faculty Senate obtained

an outdated policy because of an error in the human resources department, McBride said. The statement was modified July 6 to state only staff would be subject to random drug testing at the discretion of a trained supervisor. The revised version further states Provost Perry Moore would handle any issues of faculty and drug or alcohol abuse affecting their performance. “Let me apologize for sending out the wrong PPS, it was an error in our office,” McBride said. The current version of the policy and procedures statement is not yet in place and still subject

to change. “We’ll continue to revise until everyone gets a chance or shot to look at it,” McBride said. “It’s such a big place, all those eyes will help catch those little things.” McBride said a policy for the faculty drug policy could be made separate from the staﬀ’s to avoid confusion in the future. “We had some people say, ‘can we have one place for drugs and alcohol policies,’” McBride said. “However, we don’t want it if it causes confusion.” In an e-mail addressed to William Stone, criminal justice professor and Faculty Senate chair,

William Nance, vice president of ﬁnance and support services and Moore, the changes were made after comments were received from University Attorney William Fly and the Faculty Senate. According to the minutes from the July 26 meeting of the Faculty Senate, Fly said the previous form of the policy was unconstitutional unless some provision is made to require evidence of need for the test to be administered. Though it was known the faculty was not subject to random testing, the statement was still questioned by the Faculty Senate.

CREEPY CRAWLERS

“I find what you’re saying to be more agreeable,” said Faculty Sen. Shirley Ogletree, psychology professor. “But I think the staff would like for us to look out for their welfare as well.” Faculty Sen. David Wiley, health, physical education and recreation professor, said the quality of the drug tests administered to staff could be an issue. “It doesn’t say we have to run an expensive test,” Wiley said. “It’s like pregnancy test, it leans towards a false positive assuming you’ll get a secondary test.” McBride said no faculty at Texas State he knows of has

ever been ﬁred because of drug or alcohol use. “I’ve had a lot of calls where someone tells me, ‘I think someone’s drunk on the job,’” McBride said. “Right now we have no policy for that.” McBride said background checks are run on staﬀ hired by the university, and gave examples of people almost hired who had committed frequent assaults and another man who was a twotime convicted murderer. “If you’ve been convicted of a felony within a certain amount of time or a convicted drug user, you’re out,” McBride said.

City Council discusses Sagewood Circle complaints By Philip Hadley News Reporter

Monty Marion/Star photo Crickets gather outside the Wells Fargo ATM at the corner of University Drive and north Edward G. Gary Street Wednesday night. The infestation has concentrated on the east side of campus, particularly in the Old Main and Hines Academic Center area. For the full story, see NEWS, page 3.

San Marcos City Council continued discussion on a solution for Sagewood Circle at Tuesday’s meeting. The council hoped to arrive at a plan to alleviate problems associated with a heavy student population concentrated around the Sagewood Trail duplex development. A large volume of complaints centering on noise, traﬃc and excessive trash has long plagued the neighborhood. Sagewood Trail, a multi-family zoned complex, is located in a single-family neighborhood. The meeting began with statements from City Council member Chris Jones who said all residents of San Marcos must be included in determining a solution to the issues surrounding Sagewood Circle. “It is important that people understand that students are citizens of San Marcos too,” Jones said. “They pay property taxes included

in their rent and they contribute to our community.” The council reached a general consensus that a long-term solution is needed in order to prevent more severe problems in Sagewood and other areas within the city. “It is important that we are not still discussing this issue next year,” said Councilman John Thomaides. “We need a long-term plan that is eﬀective and we need it implemented as quickly as possible.” The council moved to bring discussion of a proposed rental property permitting system to the top of the agenda. City Marshal Ken Bell led the discussion of a proposed long-term, ﬁve-year plan that would require owners of rental properties, used for commercial purposes, to obtain a license for each rental unit. “This plan would ensure the health and safety of the rental occupants and ensure minimum standards and equitable enforcement See SAGEWOOD, page 4

Residence life director apologizes for Burleson Hall at RHA meeting By Stephanie Kusy-Wilson News Reporter The Resident Hall Association held its ﬁrst meeting Wednesday by welcoming new members and addressing conﬂicts that have arisen since the beginning of the semester. One of the major concerns came from a female resident living in Burleson Hall, which unexpectedly changed from an all-female dorm to accommodating male students without notifying the female residents living there. “Right now it’s not a bad thing, but we

can see problems arising,” said Lisa Alvarado, industrial technology sophmore. She was concerned because she felt safer living there with only women, and she said the men caused more of a mess than their female counterparts. The resident said she wished the women of Burleson Hall would have been notiﬁed of the change before moving in instead of suddenly discovering men were allowed to live there. Roseanne Proit, director of residence life, apologized to the female student for the confusion and took full responsibility for not informing the residents of Burleson Hall of the sudden change.

She said it happened because many male students applied late and there was extra space in Burleson to accommodate them. Proit informed those in attendance Burleson Hall will return to an all-female hall next year. Tommy Luna, Resident Hall Association president, said the organization will grow this year and collaborate with other campus organizations such as Associated Student Government and Student Association for Campus Activities. “We will do things for our residents, so they are thoroughly enjoying their time here,” Luna said. “This year, we have a lot to do because we are trying

to put ourselves out there.” Luna plans to focus more on pride and tradition this year. He said the association will help students get involved with sporting events like football and basketball. Bryan Miller, director of marketing and promotions for the athletic department, said he plans to work with the association to get residents to attend sporting events and show their pride for Texas State. Miller pushed for ideas like having students wear maroon and gold to televised games this year. Lauren Miller, pride and traditions coordinator for Student Association for

Campus Activities, was a guest speaker as well. The pre-mass communication junior informed the members on upcoming events such as Homecoming, where Honeybrowne will be performing before the football game. Miller said she looks forward to the annual tradition of window painting the halls and pushed for the members to spread the word to freshmen. Maggie Pryor, president of Butler Hall, thought the meeting was informative and helpful. “We have been more focused on our halls, said Pryor, management freshman. “Now we have a sense of what is going on in others. It’s an eye opener.”

Acclaimed Hispanic activist will speak about Chicano Movement By Jackie Baylon News Reporter

Courtesy of University of Texas at Arlington Public Affairs Jose Angel Gutiérrez will be the keynote speaker for

Hispanic Heritage Month at Texas State Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the LBJ Student Center Ballroom.

Today’s Weather

Cloudy 90˚

Precipitation: 20% Humidity: 63% UV: 9 Very High Wind: S 8 mph

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Jose Angel Gutiérrez, an attorney and a political science professor at the University of Texas-Arlington, will be visiting Texas State’s LBJ Student Center Tuesday. Gutierrez will be speaking in two different sessions about the Chicano Movement and how students can become activists in the institution and community. Stella Silva, associate director of the Multicultural Student Affair’s Office, said Gutiérrez will have a positive influence on students. “As an attorney and professor, he is going to provide the students with an opportunity to learn about his leadership and experiences in the Chicano movement,” Silva said. “He will have a positive impact and encourage students

Two-day Forecast Friday Sunny Temp: 93°/ 67° Precip: 10%

Saturday Partly Cloudy Temp: 93°/ 69° Precip: 10%

to incorporate into their college, and he will also provide a voice for Hispanics students.” During the mid-1960s through the Chicano Movement and to the present time, Gutiérrez was lead organizer, founder and co-founder of several organizations. He was a founding member of the Mexican American Youth Organization in San Antonio in 1967. And he was a founding member and former president of La Raza Unida Party, a Mexican-American third party movement that supported candidates for oﬃce in Texas, California and other areas of the Southwestern and Midwestern U.S. Ricardo Zavala, political science senior has looked up to Gutiérrez since he was a little boy. “(Gutiérrez) has had a big impact in my life,” Zavala said. “He was one of the starters of the Chicano Movement and I have always looked up to

him from a young age and admired his leadership. He is huge motivation for me to better myself.” Zavala said his grandfather worked with Gutiérrez back in the 1960s and his father grew up in one of the cities where the Chicano Movement started. Zavala said he is happy to ﬁnally meet someone he has heard and learned so much about. “I am very excited to be able to meet him,” Zavala said. “It is kind of like meeting Davy Crockett. He is someone I grew up knowing so much about, looking up to and learning about.” Gutiérrez has received many honors including being named as one of the “100 Outstanding Latino Texans of the 20th Century” by Latino Monthly. He received the Distinguished Faculty Award from the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education in June 1995 and

the National Council of La Raza’s Chicano Hero Award in 1994. Gutiérrez founded the Center for Mexican American Studies at the UTA in 1994. He served as its director until December 1996, at which during that time, he became the special advisor to the president of the university until December 1998. Gutiérrez’s first session will be a VIP leadership dinner for students in different organizations from 5 to 7 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center Ballroom. The second session from 7 to 9 p.m. will be open to the public. He will speak from personal experiences of issues concerning disparity within underrepresented populations. “He has been very successful because he is not afraid to say what he believes is the truth,” Silva said. “He has made a difference for Hispanics and he will motivate students at Texas State.”

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PAGETWO

Foreign aid to and interest in Cambodia are on the rise, with renewed interest in helping an inexperienced, but stable regime realize its potential. Among those interested in Cambodia is Ann Brooks, educational administration and psych services professor. She was recently honored with Ann Brooks a Fulbright Award, a highly competitive internaNews Contact — Nick Georgiou, starnews@txstate.edu Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System

Today in Brief

Thursday, September 20, 2007 - Page 2

Texas State volleyball will play University of Texas-San Antonio at 7 p.m. in Strahan Coliseum. The Catholic Student Organization will meet at 6 p.m. in the library of the CSC. The Rock — Praise and Worship will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Jude Chapel of the CSC. Comm Club will have a fundraiser selling sausage wraps in The Quad from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Mitte Honors Coﬀee Forum will hold an art exhibition Help Save Our Planet: Children’s Artwork from South Africa. Gallery reception will be held 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Lampasas Hall, Room 407. The Generic Meditation group will “sit” at 4 p.m. in the classroom of the Campus Christian Community. All are welcome to attend: any religion or no religion. For more information, call Sheila at (512) 8472159. Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, Room 320. There will be contemporary worship, relevant teaching, prayer and plenty of fun. Everyone is welcome to attend. Women’s Personal Growth Group will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. For information and screening on groups, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208. FRIDAY Alcoholics Anonymous meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 3.4. Alcoholics Anonymous Newcomer’s Meeting, River Group, will be 9:15 p.m. at 1700 Ranch Rd. 12, Suite C. SATURDAY Texas State volleyball will play A&M-Corpus Christi at 4 p.m. in Strahan Coliseum.

tional educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. State Department and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Aﬀairs to act as researcher and lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, located in Cambodia’s capital. —Courtesy of the University News Service

SOUNDS OF LBJ

Calendar THURSDAY

starsof texas state

SUNDAY Texas State’s women’s soccer will play Houston at 1 p.m. at the Bobcat Soccer Complex.

Sexual Assault and Abuse Survivors Group, a program of the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center for Texas State Students will meet from 5 to 6:15 p.m. For information and screening on groups, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208.

Department

The Generic Meditation group will “sit” at 6 p.m. in the Dialogue Library room of the Philosophy Department in the Psychology Building. All are Austin Byrd/Star photo welcome to attend, any religion or no religion. For more infor- The Bernie Calcote Band plays music from its CD Surrounded Tuesday in the LBJ Student Center mation, call Sheila at (512) 847- Amphitheatre. 2159.

Texas State volleyball will play Texas Christian University at 1 p.m. in Strahan Coliseum. Every Nation Campus Ministries will be holding a weekly campus meeting at 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall, Room G-02. There will be free food, fellowship and a message exploring the person of Jesus. The CSC will have a free lunch for all students from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CSC lobby. Overeaters Anonymous will meet at 12:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland. For more information call Lynn, (512) 357-2049. GLBQ Pride Group meeting will be held from noon until 1:30 p.m. For information and screening on groups, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208.

Library Grants available for professors needing Beat materials not located in library

Faculty members who need materials not currently in the library collection to support their research are invited to submit a proposal for a Library Research Grant. Each year the Alkek Library provides funds to acquire non-curricular materials for this purpose. Although the review process is competitive, a majority of professionally written proposals that clearly justify how the materials requested would beneﬁt research have been funded in recent years. Priority is given to materials that can be permanently added to the library collection.

$20,000 in funding is available. Proposals more than $3,000 are unlikely to receive full funding. Materials may include books, back issues of journals, electronic resources, AV materials and computer software. Requests should not include current subscriptions, journal articles or multiple copies of materials. Applicants are asked to provide a brief description of the project, a list of needed materials and the estimated cost. To submit a proposal, use the form at www.library.txstate. edu/grant/.

Checklist to avoid unhealthy rut presented by college life

View an example of a past application, which received funding, at www.library.txstate. edu/grant/app-example.pdf. The proposal deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 2. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Questions? Contact Joan Heath, assistant vice president of the university library, at jh06@txstate. edu or (512) 245-2133. Members of the Research Grant Subcommittee will recommend funding recipients to the Library Committee. — Courtesy of Alkek Library

University, civic leaders will engage in dialogue

Facing the Fear — An Anxiety/Panic Group will meet from 3:30 to 5 p.m. For information and screening on groups, call The San Marcos Area League of Women Voters the Counseling Center at (512) will sponsor a “Town & Gown” public forum 7 p.m. 245-2208. Monday in the San Marcos Activity Center. University President Denise Trauth will repreAnger Management: Your sent Texas State at the forum. Other participants Plan for Real-Life Coping will include Mayor Susan Narvaiz, Hays County Judge be from 5:10 to 6:25 p.m. For Liz Sumter and San Marcos CISD Superintendent information and screening on Patty Shafer. groups, call the Counseling CenThe speakers will engage in a dialogue exploring ter at (512) 245-2208. the current relationships among the four entities, as well as discussing issues facing each in future endeavors. Each will speak for approximately

Nutrition Beat

In a Sept. 18 University Star article regarding mineral makeup, the quote from Ashley Dekker should read, “It takes some time ..., it doesn’t look like you have a bunch....”

CRIME BL TTER University Police

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Correction

There are many ways to be active on campus, but do students ever think of what they could do in between their classes and those long breaks? Well, here are some tips for burning some extra calories while on campus. 1. Instead of sitting and talking in the lunchroom, go and have a

10 minutes on issues presented to them by the League. This will be followed by an extended period in which each will address audience questions. The goal of the forum is to create a better understanding among these entities. The public is encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served following the forum. For more information, contact Rebecca Burroughs, president of the San Marcos Area League of Women Voters, at (512) 805-9346. — Courtesy of University News Service

nice conversation outside while taking a walk with a good friend. 2. Take the stairs when possible and avoid the elevator. 3. Skip the bus whenever possible. Walking is a great and easy way to burn some calories. 4. Go and take advantage of the Student Recreation Center in

between classes and those long breaks, it’s a lot less full during the day. 5. When time is available, park as far as away as possible and walk to and from class. — Courtesy of the Student Nutrition Organization

GIVE US YOUR

2 cents the university star e-mail suggestions to staropinion@txstate.edu

Sept. 14, 12:16 p.m. Alarm — Fire/Elevator Rescue/McCoy Building An officer was dispatched for an elevator rescue during a campus wide power outage. A student was released from an elevator without incident. A report was generated for this case. Sept. 14, 2:01 p.m. Theft — under $20,000/ Music Building An officer was dispatched for a theft report. A non-student reported that property was taken from the building without her consent. This case is under investigation. Sept. 16, 1:23 a.m. Driving While Intoxicated/ Failure to Comply/Striking Unattended Vehicle/Bishop Apartments An officer was on patrol and initiated a traffic stop. Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation, arrested and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration. Sept. 16, 2:16 p.m. Criminal Trespass Warning/Sewell Park An officer was on patrol and observed individuals skateboarding. Upon further investigation, three non-students were issued CTWs. Sept. 16, 3:05 p.m. Criminal Mischief – under $500/Butler Parking Lot An officer was dispatched for a burglary of a vehicle report. Upon further investigation, a student reported her vehicle was damaged while it was parked. This case is under investigation. Sept. 16, 7:19 p.m. Information Report/ Bobcat Village An officer was dispatched for a recovered stolen vehicle report. Upon further investigation, a student reported he located his stolen vehicle. A report was generated for this case. Sept. 17, 8:17 a.m. Medical Emergency Peques Lot An officer was dispatched for a medical emergency.Upon further investigation, a non-student who reported falling down was evaluated by EMS and transported to Central Texas Medical Center for further evaluation. Sept. 17, 4:53 a.m. Failure to Comply/Striking Unattended Vehicle/UPD Lobby an officer was dispatched to the lobby for a hit and run report. A student reported his vehicle was damaged while it was parked in the Lindsey parking lot. This case is under investigation. Sept. 17, 8:56 p.m. Investigation/Eskimo Hut at 420 University Drive An officer initiated a traffic stop. Upon further investigation, several items were confiscated from a non-student pending further investigation. This case is under investigation.

NEWS

Thursday, September 20, 2007

The University Star - Page 3

Students, faculty sickened by those pesky crickets By Sophia Stenis Special to The University Star The cricket infestation on campus appears to be ﬁnally dwindling down. The infestation was worse than usual this year on the east end of campus near Old Main and Hines Academic Center. “It only used to happen for a few weeks, and now they just don’t seem to be dying out,” said Theresa Rangel, public relations senior. Rangel was sitting in a class in Old Main when an unexpected visitor fell from a crevice in the ceiling onto her notebook.

This was not an uncommon occurrence in Old Main, as the crickets worked their way behind the walls. Nor was it unusual to see cricket carcasses line the ﬂoor around the classrooms. Rangel gave another instance of the cricket nuisance when she said she was walking in front of Hines at approximately 9 p.m. earlier this month when, to her disgust, three crickets fell from a ﬂoodlight onto her head. “I wish that we could get rid of them, that’s all. Something needs to be done,” Rangel said as she cringed. “They’re everywhere and

they’re loud and they smell when they’re dead,” said Laurie Ellis, administrative assistant in the chemistry department located in Hines. Ellis said the cricket problem is something that is expected every summer, but it seems particularly worse this year. “I’m sure it has been worse before, but I can’t recall one that’s been this bad,” Ellis said. “I just assumed that it was this bad campus-wide,” she said. The problem seems to be limited to the east end of campus. Olivia Espinoza has been a custodian at Texas State for 14

years and works in the Evans Building. Espinoza said she has seen fewer crickets this year. “Last year was the worst,” she said. “I think it’s the lighting. There isn’t a problem here now because it is a dim lighted area, and I guess that deters them.” Students could rest easy knowing the LBJ Student Center, where many eat their meals, was not heavily infested this year either. Linda Sparks, administrative assistant at the LBJSC, said there were just a few crickets in the oﬃces, and they were easily vacuumed up.

The escalated cricket population may be limited to the east side of campus because of moisture from the nearby San Marcos River, said biologist Mark Walvoord. Old Main and Hines are closer to the water source than buildings that are not being swarmed by crickets. Walvoord said the river is a likely cause of the infestation. Crickets mate during late summer and early fall because of the temperate climate, and Walvoord said the soil near the water is prime for the females to stick their eggs into. He said the babies and eggs

are more likely to survive in warm, wet climates; and the females like to bury eggs in the moist soil where the crickets are not at risk of drowning. “Around campus, there are usually crevices in the buildings and water can run oﬀ into the soil,” Walvoord said. Although in China, crickets are considered good luck and often kept in cages as pets, the students, faculty and staﬀ at Texas State would rather get rid of them. A power spray and extermination outside of Old Main is planned for Saturday.

Bolivia overwhelmed in political civil war “This is a ... battle,” Morales said at a rally last week in the central Bolivian city of Cochabamba. “And here there are two things, comrades: the poor win or the rich win.” Morales has polarized Bolivians by building close ties with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and harshly criticizing the U.S. Last week, Morales established diplomatic relations with Iran, a Chavez ally, while imposing tough visa restrictions on U.S. visitors. The latest, and possibly most potent, controversy erupted last Jack Chang/MCT month, when residents of the sleepy town of CAPITAL CONUNDRUM: University students and professors march Sucre, where the conSept. 11 in Sucre, Bolivia, in support of moving the country’s capital stituent assembly is from La Paz to Sucre. being held, demanded that the assembly reloBy Jack Chang assembly to consolidate power, cate the country’s capital here. McClatchy Newspapers and six of the country’s nine Sucre had been the capital until governors have turned against 1899, but the seat of government SUCRE, Bolivia — When Evo Morales on key assembly issues. was moved to La Paz after a civil Morales became Bolivia’s first Groups demanding everything war. Only the Supreme Court reindigenous president in 2006, he from more self-government to mained in Sucre. promised to heal years of bitter moving the country’s capital are Hunger strikes and street prosocial divisions and give poor Bo- digging in for the fight. tests broke out, and violent battles livians, and especially the indig“There’s been no agreement between protesters and police enous majority, a greater say in because there’s been no com- closed down the city last week. Suhow the country was run. promise by any of the two sides,” cre residents were especially outTwenty months later, those said political analyst Fernando raged when Morales’ allies in the high hopes have collapsed, Mayorga. “In fact, there’s been assembly, who make up a majority, Morales is struggling to stay a radicalization on both sides voted to take the capital issue off in control and this landlocked that’s dangerous.” the agenda, a vote a district court country of 9 million people So far, Morales is in no danger later declared illegal. once again is teetering on the of being ousted by the kind of The big challenge now is findbrink of disintegration. social protests that have claimed ing a way to pull the country Bloody street battles have bro- two Bolivian presidents since back from the brink and restart ken out between Morales’ indig- 2003. Last week, in fact, Mo- dialogue between opposite enous supporters and his critics, rales made more history — he’s camps, said Guillermo Richter, while a section of the country now stayed in power longer than head constituent with the oppois seeking more autonomy from any of his four predecessors. sition Nationalist Revolutionary the central government. Yet the 47-year-old president, Movement party. The biggest blow has been the who heads the Movement to SoA gesture from Morales, who failure of Morales’ most ambi- cialism party, has fueled tensions still enjoys approval ratings of tious project, a yearlong assem- with his often-fiery rhetoric and more than 50 percent, would be bly that he called to rewrite the hardball tactics, critics said. key to such reconciliation, Richcountry’s constitution. He has sparked animosity by ter said. So would steps by ordiAfter 13 months of meetings repeatedly denouncing what nary Bolivians to unite for the and political in-fighting, not a sin- he says is the “oligarchy” that country’s survival. gle article has been approved. The controls the country’s eastern “There’s a lot of pressure comassembly’s deadline has been ex- lowlands. Morales often accuses ing from society, and this attempt tended to December, but few be- those provinces of refusing to at change has opened the space lieve it will finish its work by then. share land and resources with for different groups,” Richter said. Morales’ opponents have ac- poor indigenous people in the “What we need now is agreement cused him of trying to use the country’s mountainous west. on what we want for Bolivia.”

Monty Marion/Star photo

NEWS

Page 4 - The University Star

Jena 6 issue draws demonstrators

Thursday, September 20, 2007

SAGEWOOD:

Plan includes new punishments CONTINUED from page 1

Hugh Grannum/Detroit Free Press/MCT HIGH TENSIONS: Attorney Melvin Butch Hollowell departs from Detroit Wednesday to participate in a rally supporting six black high school students accused of beating a white classmate in Jena, La.

By Howard Witt Chicago Tribune JENA, La. — Merchants bolted their doors, state police set up checkpoints and dozens of TV news trucks planted their satellite dishes Wednesday as thousands of civil rights demonstrators from across the nation headed to Jena in overnight bus convoys for a planned Thursday morning march to protest what they perceive as unequal justice in the racially-embattled central Louisiana town. Estimates of the expected crowd ranged from 10,000 to 50,000 as the loosely organized demonstrators departed colleges and churches to join Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King III and the Nation of Islam in a mass demonstration in support of six black teenagers charged with felonies for the beating of a white student at the local high school. Meanwhile, the local district attorney at

the center of the controversial prosecution of the Jena 6 broke his long silence about the case, declaring it “is not and never has been about race.” With the white victim of the school beating, Justin Barker, standing silently behind him, LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters told a news conference his only motivation was “ﬁnding justice for an innocent victim and holding people accountable for their actions.” But Sharpton countered by criticizing Walters for charging the black students with felonies after months of racial unrest in the town but declining to similarly charge white youths who were implicated in assaults on blacks. “We need to show America that we’re not going to allow the clock to be turned back in Jena, Louisiana,” Sharpton said. Racial tensions in this mostly white town began to build a year ago after three white

students at the high school hung nooses from a shade tree in a warning directed at black students to stay away. Superintendent Roy Breithaupt dismissed the incident as an “adolescent prank” and declined to expel the white students, outraging many AfricanAmerican residents and setting off months of racial fights both on and off the campus. Although Walters insisted he would press ahead with his prosecutions, he did break with Breithaupt and other town leaders over the gravity of the noose incident. “This was an awful act,” Walters said. “It was not a prank but a vicious and crude statement ... The people who did it should be ashamed of themselves and mortified at the havoc they have unleashed on this community.” Nevertheless, Walters said, he could find no hate-crime charges he could have lodged against the white youths, a conclusion also reached by the U.S. attorney in the region.

of the rental structures,” Bell said. The plan would require an annual inspection. If the property is properly maintained, the owner will be allowed to self inspect and self report the property for up to three years without any outside inspection. The plan would further call for a responsible party for the rental unit to reside in Hays County for emergency conditions. “This would ensure the responsibility of ‘out of town landlords’ who have commercial use property in San Marcos,” Bell said. The plan would feature a reward and punishment style of enforcement for unruly occupants and property that was not maintained. “Three conﬁrmed violations, criminal or civil, would result in revocation of the owner’s registration license for up to one year,” Bell said. He said the license registration would cost only half of 1 percent of the annual income of an average rental unit. “If you maintain your property correctly, you will only pay $10 a year after the initial fee,” Bell said. The proposal was preceded by comments from Councilwoman Betsy Robertson who said the plan might be too excessive. “I think this looks like overkill to me,” Robertson said. “I think I expected more of a task force operation. I think this is more than we need to solve this problem.” Mayor Susan Narvaiz followed by saying the city should use and strengthen the tools already in place. “We need to step up enforcement and develop a work group to help us look at these options,” Narvaiz said. She would not say who the

“T

his plan would ensure the health and safety of the rental occupants and ensure minimum standards and equitable enforcement of the rental structures.”

—Ken Bell ﬁre marshal

members of the work group would include, but did suggest some possible members. These members include Jason Tarr of Great Locations and Vance Elliott of Vance J. Elliot Realty, who manages several rental properties in San Marcos. “The work group will include seven members and should include people who are experienced with rental properties and tenants,” Narvaiz said. “We are going to work together to strengthen and tweak the tools we already possess.” Narvaiz said a long-term plan was needed to address the Sagewood area. “On the idea of long-term concerning the Sagewood area, I think we should explore what else can be done there,” Narvaiz said. “How can we work with the owners and the investors and see what we can do? Maybe we can put something in place that’s a better buffer for the neighborhood, like married student housing. But in the end we are doing a better job today in zoning than we were doing before.” Narvaiz said the names of the members of the work group would be announced at the next city council meeting Oct. 2.

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Thursday, September 20, 2007 - Page 5

onlineconnection For news updates throughout this semester, check out www.UniversityStar.com.

SILENCED Opinions Contact — Bill Rix, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

ith humanity’s everincreasing dependence on technology, we are slowly becoming more like the machines around which we spend countless hours.

It is no coincidence, then, the new ideal professor is one who sticks to the lesson plan, droning away in a monotonous cacophony and slowly transforming into robotic shadows of their predecessors. According to a Sept. 18 article in The University Star, many states in our country, “the land of the free,” are enacting measures limiting collegiate faculty’s freedom of speech. This is a slippery slope. Once universities get into limiting faculty speech, where do they draw the line? What exactly constitutes a violation of said laws? Would a professor, graduate assistant, counselor or custodian be judged under the same guidelines? One of the best collegiate experiences is discovering each professor’s quirks and passions. It is a safe assumption every Texas State student has entered a class they were convinced they would hate. It is a safe assumption there is at least one professor for these classes who has changed the student’s mind as well. The subject matter may be mundane, but the infectious passion of a good professor can turn that attitude around in seconds ﬂat. However, this is not merely an issue that would potentially limit student enjoyment. In another article from the Sept. 18 issue of The Star, it was reported college students are becoming less and less familiar with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This is unacceptable. How can a student expect to be responsible and conscientious without knowing the basic backbone of our rights as American citizens? The First Amendment ensures freedom of religion, speech, the press and the right of the people to assemble. The power to speak freely is an extremely important right. The Supreme Court has debated, and will continue to debate, any infractions of these unalienable rights. While the Supreme Court judges’ political parties reﬂect their decisions at each time, the First Amendment has always remained one of the toughest rules of law to circumvent. Limiting the freedom of speech without just cause is an infringement of the basic fabric weaving the long history of the U.S. There are forces that enjoy reports about ignorant college students, and will do anything to take advantage of these situations. Edward R. Murrow summed up the point best when he said, “A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.” The Star sincerely hopes people will take these disturbing measures as a wake-up call to pick up a book or go online and at least read the First Amendment, if not the entire Constitution. Speak up and support the American Association of University Professors. Their concerns are warranted, and they can’t protect themselves without the support of the students.

SPEAKERS

The content and opinions contained herein are in no way meant as legal advice. All information is general in nature. Do not rely on information within this article when trying to resolve a speciﬁc legal issue. All situations are unique and require speciﬁc legal advice from competent counsel. Account Executive...............................Scott Lynch, sl1148@txstate.edu Account Executive..................Samantha Manley, sm1299@txstate.edu Account Executive...........................Krystal Slater, ks1429@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator..Linda Allen, starbusinessoffice@txstate.edu Publications Director..............Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright September 20, 2007. 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.

The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reﬂect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

Claude Dylan Ramey/Star illustration

LEGAL GUY: Honor code violation is serious issue

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

Editor In Chief.................................Maira Garcia, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor.......................Sydney Granger, starletters@txstate.edu News Editor...................................Nick Georgiou, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor.......................Clara Cobb, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor.......................................Bill Rix, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor...............................Spencer Millsap, starphoto@txstate.edu

specific actions that if committed would cause a student to be charged. According to the Texas State honor code, “copying another student’s test paper, laboratory report, other report, computer files, data listings or other programs” constitutes cheating and will result in problems for any student found to have participated in the activities mentioned. The honor code goes on to list six other actions that would fall under the purview of cheating as defined by the code. Using any testing materials not specifically allowed for a test; collaborating with someone else during a test; knowingly buying, using, or selling a test never given; trading places with another student; bribing someone to steal or buy an unadministered test; or finally, the purchasing of papers, all qualify as cheating and could result in expulsion. If a student is suspected of cheating or otherwise violating the honor code then the procedures set forth specify that the professor must have a conference with the student to discuss the incident. Then the faculty member decides whether they think there was an honor code violation or not. If the student chooses to appeal to the professor’s decision or if the professor recommends even tougher sanctions then the honor council is convened. On the honor council, there are seven students and seven faculty members that draft a

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By Justin Chase The Maine Campus (U. Maine) ORONO, Maine — Charity is in many ways the embodiment of goodwill. It is a human virtue recognized the world over, in many different forms, despite the mild corruption some organizations dig themselves into. However, this isn’t one of those cynical articles about charity. According to www.msn.com, many charities actually give quite a bit of the money they raise to their designated causes. According to Forbes, even those charitable organizations which have the lowest overall monetary commitment to their causes are still donating roughly 70 percent of their overall funds raised. Regardless of what one feels about charities, one thing that can be agreed upon is that charity should be productive. While a productive charity is a great thing, why do so many people indulge themselves in unproductive means of charity? One example is the walk-a-thon for breast cancer held in Bangor. In a phone call I received, a lady asked if the household would donate money in order to sponsor a person walking. As I said no, she said “OK” with an unpleasant tone and hung up. If she stayed on the phone she would have discovered I was willing to donate money towards breast cancer as a cause because it is something that has affected my family. I just see no logic in paying someone to walk. Walk-a-thons are often promoted as a symbol of remembrance or awareness. People who have lost someone because of an illness do not forget it. Many causes, such as those for breast cancer research, would be hard-pressed to find people who were not aware cancer exists. Making this private issue a public problem is fine, but why can’t we go about this in a more productive way? With walk-a-thons, many people give up time in which they could be doing things more productive than walking. Instead of walking, why not give up a few hours to make phone calls for donations? Surely someone who donates money for someone to walk would donate that same money to the cause regardless. Many people participate in unproductive activities because we are socialized to do so. Plenty will remember canned-food drives in middle school in which the class that raised the most got a prize. This example shows us that by participating in charitable events, one is rewarded. According to the University of Maine Web site, a student organized a “chic fashion show” to benefit the United Way in the spring 2007 semester. The article detailed the organizer’s internship with the United Way and stated, “... It has taken her almost a year to make connections and arrangements for the ‘Rendezvous Fashion Benefit’ and learn html computer language and build a Web site to promote the show.” While there is nothing wrong with creating a charitable event and expecting an award (such as favor and experience), there are so many other ways in which a charitable event could be organized in a simpler, more rational and less costly manner. The tickets cost $12 and appetizers were included. How much did these appetizers cost? If they were donated by a restaurant, wouldn’t it have been more productive to ask the restaurant to donate money to the cause instead? These events are, in part, nothing more than attempts to let people feel less guilty about their prior lack of charitable donations. These are the same people who join a Fight Against Cancer group on the social networking Web site Facebook. Does anyone favor cancer? What rational purpose does this group serve other than elevating shame? Let’s all put our egos aside and stop expecting rewards and focus on what’s really important: the charity.

Students must help protect freedom of speech

An important document embodying alteration of materials provided to asTexas State dogma can be — and often sist students in the mastery of course is — completely overlooked. The only materials.” Plagiarism, on the other time most students ever think of the hand, is not complicated at all and is honor code is when their teacher menmore common. In layman’s terms, tions it during the beginning of the plagiarism means the accused supsemester, but soon thereposedly appropriated someone after any thought of the else’s words and incorporated consequences of improprithem into their own work that ety stop there. they attempted to turn in for Although many people credit. Collusion involves two or know the term “honor more students who have collabocode” and might even be rated on anything an instructor familiar with the honor informs students that is to be council at Texas State, done individually. For example, other students are not as if a professor tells their class at fortunate. Hopefully not a the beginning of the semester single student will need to discussing the homework is OK CARSON GUY but giving a friend the answers sit before the honor counStar Columnist to the homework is cheating, cil telling their side of the story of an alleged infracthen a student is no longer simtion ever again, but sadly ply collaborating with a partner that is not the reality of the situation. In or friend because the professor has fact, with more Web sites than ever to eliminated the option of working as a buy or download term papers and more team; now it is colluding. homework being done online, the tempAnother important dimension to untation to cheat is greater than ever. derstand when discussing cheating is Texas State has four classifications what constitutes as cheating and what for honor code infractions: abuse of re- does not. After all, how can someone source material, plagiarism, collusion comply with the rules when they do not and cheating. Abuse of resource mateknow exactly what they are or how the rial is not an ambiguous offense but framework set forth by the code opermerely an uncommon one. According ates? The first three classifications have to Texas State’s honor code, “abuse of no other explanation than the primary resource materials means the mutilaone set forth in the honor code. Howevtion, destruction, concealment, theft or er, cheating is broken down into seven

Walk for exercise, donate for charity

recommendation on the extended punishment recommended by the professor or that judge the guilt of the accused. The honor council then submits their report to the dean of the college in which the alleged infraction took place and the dean makes a ﬁnal decision to apply penalties, if any. Being accused of plagiarism or some other form of honor code violation is an extremely serious matter that should never be taken lightly. Many people think the repercussions for a violation might result in simply getting a zero or failing a class, but those people are wrong. If the dean uses the full power at their discretion then the student being accused will most likely ﬁnd their self at another institution of higher learning, if they can get into one that is.

Carson Guy is a political science senior. His column tackles legal quandaries. E-mail questions to Guy at staropinion@txstate.edu.

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

riverclean up Geography students can unite at the fifth annual undergraduate picnic 5 p.m. Thursday at Sewell Park. Food will be provided. For students interested in geography or seeking service hours, the Geography Student Organization is hosting a river clean up 2 p.m. Friday at Sewell Park. Snorkels will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. For more information on either event, please e-mail sg1050@txstate.edu.

Thursday, September 20, 2007 - Page 6

Trends Contact — Clara Cobb, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Abstinent life choice realistic for Texas State student By Erica Rodriguez Features Reporter Katie Ellis, English senior, is a woman of conviction. She’s blond-haired, hazel-eyed and is on a full four-year scholarship. She’s also sexually abstinent. Unlike the 54 percent of Texas State students who reported having at least one sex partner in 2006, Ellis has chosen to remain abstinent until marriage citing religious and personal convictions. “It’s not that I don’t want to have sex,” she said, a smile spreading across her face. “One of these days on my honeymoon, I will. I don’t do it for (my future husband) — I do it for me and God.” But what does it mean to be abstinent from a public health perspective? “Not engaging in vaginal, oral or anal sex or anything that could lead to an STI (sexually transmitted infection) or pregnancy,” said Julie Eckert, peer education coordinator for the alcohol and drug resource center, and adviser for the student health awareness organization, the Network. According to the Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year there are approximately 19 million new STIs, and almost half of them are among youth aged 15 to 24. Information provided on the Student Health Center Web site states although there may be differences from campus to campus, chlamydia, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and genital herpes appear to be the most common STIs among

“I

don’t think abstinence is the only thing that should be taught, but I do believe it should be done.”

—Julie Eckert peer education coordinator, alcohol and drug resource center

Texas State and college students in general. “Young people need to know levels of risk. What’s no risk, what’s a low risk and a high risk in terms of sexual behavior,” Eckert said. “There’re a lot of misconceptions about what can put you at risk for an STI.” Surprisingly, she said, most people have differing views of what it means to be sexually abstinent. “There’s a health perspective, there’s a cultural perspective, there’s a religious perspective,” Eckert said. “It’s all defined differently depending on the arena you are in.” Ellis said she believes even though one has abstained from sex in the fullest sense of the word, they still aren’t remaining physically or emotionally whole for their future husband or wife because of the emotional connection sex can incur. “Emotionally there’s definitely a bonding, an attachment. You look to that person for affirmation emotionally and physically,” she said. “When those emotions aren’t fulfilled outside of the physical act that just leads to hurt and low selfworth.”

Source: 2006 American College Health Association National College Health Assessment

Joseph Borsage, psychologist at the counseling center, said he believes sex can incur stress for reasons besides emotional attachments. “From a counseling perspective, I’ve seen more people come in here who are distressed who have got some type of STI and it really has affected their lives than people who are choosing to abstain,” he said. “They have different issues.” Contrary to what some may believe, abstinence isn’t just something that’s handed down from a pulpit to sexually promiscuous young adults. It’s something that’s taught in sexuality education programs in colleges and talked about at family planning centers. “The first thing we always talk about is abstinence

and then monogamous partnerships,” said Vicky Taylor, clinic manager for the Community Action Inc. Family Planning Clinic in San Marcos. However, teaching abstinence as the only option for teens and young adults is not a safe alternative. According to the Planned Parenthood Web site, there is little evidence that participants of abstinence-only programs actually abstain from intercourse longer than their peers. “I support abstinence as part of a fully comprehensive sexuality program,” Eckert said. “I don’t think abstinence is the only thing that should be taught, but I do believe it should be done.” Eckert said she believes programs should provide options for students.

No one can argue the Network, an organization renowned for passing out condom goodie bags in The Quad, hasn’t done its part in creating options for those who choose to be sexually active, said Kelsea McLain, psychology senior, and president of the Network. “We don’t condemn or judge anyone for their decision. We basically provide information for people to remain as healthy as possible for the remainder of their adult lives,” she said. In the end, for students like Ellis, it all boils down to personal convictions and not what others believe. “I wait because it’s what God wants me to do,” Ellis said. “They may not understand or want to change their lifestyle, but they still respect it.”

Bridal Web sites create presidential database for women s a female educator, “A I would prefer seeing a site that informed all By Cheryl Jones Features Reporter

Preparing for a wedding is one of the most stressing and rewarding self-appointed duties for a woman. Hiring a caterer, picking the ﬂowers, the dresses, the music and so much more is break out, headache and madness. But when everything ﬁnally comes together, it’s a night to remember forever. A new unchecked box might be making its way on brides’ to-do list soon. Voting decisions could be the next step in wedding planning. Two leading wedding Web sites, www.theknot. com and www.weddingchannel.com, teamed up to create a one-stop destination for engaged or newlywed women to be informed of the 2008 presidential candidates’ political views. The site, www.bridesdecide.com, is a free database and forum for women to educate and discuss all of the presidential hopefuls. “As a female educator, I would prefer seeing a site that informed all women about the stances of all candidates, particularly the candidates’ stances on women’s issues,” said Kay Hofer, political science professor. Potential presidents have pages listing their political stances, biography and wedding day bliss stories. The site includes photos of the candidates on their wedding days in their tuxes and gowns. According to the site, there are more than 12 million nearly-weds and newlyweds involved in

women about the stances of all candidates, particularly the candidates’ stances on women’s issues.”

—Kay Hofer political science professor

Internet communities across the nation. According to Texas State’s enrollment offices, there are approximately 1,008 married female students this semester. Jennifer Dewitt, political science senior, has been married for four years and said she is apprehensive about getting information on such an important issue off a site linked with weddings. “For me, I’d rather do my own research to find this type of information,” she said. “It almost seems sexist how they’ve set it up. Just because I’m a bride doesn’t mean I’d automatically go to it.” Perlesta Martin, a health and fitness management senior, is engaged. She said she believes the behavior of politicians in the past has tarnished a bride’s perception of them. “I don’t know why I’d want to see it especially since so many politicians cheat on their spouses

with men or women,” Martin said. The site was not strictly for engaged or newlywed women. Any person wanting to gain a better understanding of the candidates has the ability to look — just don’t mind the ﬂowers and bows said www.bridesdecide.com spokesperson, Jacalyn Lee. “We encourage men to visit the site,” she said. “Many brides discuss their wedding plans with their future husbands at home, the issue of politics and the upcoming election is sure to come up.” According to the site’s homepage, the forum was designed to educate savvy women. The election, which will take place Nov. 4, 2008, currently has 18 potential candidates. The bridal-based site makes for an interesting, easy perusal, but double-checking a “list” and facts is a wise choice, regardless of the search portal used to obtain candidate information, Hofer said. “The more informed each American is, the stronger our democracy can become.”

✯ FYI To see presidential candidate’s wedding photos and read their views on top issues visit www.bridesdecide.com.

—Graphic Courtesy of MCT

TRENDS

Thursday, September 20, 2007

The University Star - Page 7

Bottling the myths about bottled water By Mackenzie Steffen Features Reporter Water is the essence of life. It is natural, powerful and has recently become one of the biggest status symbols you can fit in the palm or your hand. The National Resources Defense Council reports bottled water sales have tripled in the past 10 years. With this flood of exposure, bottled water was bound to be the subject of some dirty little rumors. Here are the top four myths — and the reality checks. Myth #1: Plastic water bottles leak cancer-causing dioxins when heated or frozen. Sheryl Crow brought it up on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and then there’s all the emails. Everywhere people look there are warnings about leaving bottled water in a warm car or freezing it. The truth: there are no dioxins in plastics, according to Dr. Rolf Halden, of Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. “In addition, freezing actually works against the release of chemicals. Chemicals do not diffuse as readily in cold temperatures,” Halden said. The Food and Drug Administration regulates all materials used in the production of plastic water bottles as food contact substances. All food contact substances must pass inspections under the FDA’s food additive regulations, he said. So, just

like food dyes and preservatives, plastic water bottles are deemed safe by the U.S. government. Myth #2: Bottled water with added vitamins and minerals is healthier than regular water. Bottled water companies struggled to stand out amongst the crowd, to differentiate its brand and product. Hence, the creation of the marketing ploy known as enhanced water, explained Elizabeth Ames, Registered and Licensed Dietician of the Central Texas Medical Center. “Water with added vitamins and minerals is not necessarily needed in your diet,” she said. “As long as you eat a well balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, you will get the essential nutrients. It’s always better to get your vitamins through natural foods. Plus, you can end up spending a lot of extra money on bottled waters.” While these products do contain the additives the companies claim, most waters typically oﬀer a much lower dose than what is needed in a daily serving. Unless one is drinking these products with every meal, including snacks, the enhanced waters are hardly making an impact on anyone’s overall health. In addition, these types of bottled water often contain sugar, which greatly increases the calorie content. Be sure to read nutrition labels and always check the serving size as many bottled water products contain two or more servings each, Ames said.

Myth #3: Bottled water is always safer than tap water. Tap and bottled water are equally safe to drink. While the FDA regulates bottled water, the Environmental Protection Agency regulates tap water. According to the National Science Foundation, the FDA and EPA do not require tap or bottled water to be 100 percent contaminate free. Both products must meet federal and state drinking water standards. Tom Taggart, director of Water and Wastewater for the City of San Marcos debunked the bottled water myth. “Drinking water in the U.S. is the safest in the world due to the quality of our purification process. Both tap and bottled water are of high quality, and in many cases, bottled water is really just bottled tap water. While they are equal in safety, tap water is much more affordable. In San Marcos, tap water costs anywhere from $5 to $7 per 1,000 gallons. Bottled water averages about $1 per 16 ounces. Plus, you have a plastic bottle to dispose of, which can have great consequences on the environment,” he said. Myth #4: You need eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Let’s face it, some of us have a little trouble getting that much water down each day. The truth is, these 64 ounces can come from many sources. The key is to find healthy sources. The Institute of Medicine recommends 80 percent of daily

Austin Byrd/Star photo H2O SAFETY: Bradley George, sophomore quaterback, drinks from a water bottle during a Texas State football game.

water intake come from water, milk, fruit juices, coﬀee and tea, while the other 20 percent may come from fruits and vegetables. “Getting water from foods and other drinks does count as ﬂuid, but it isn’t as good for you as drinking actual water. The needed amount varies from person to person and is based on things like an individual’s weight,” Ames said.

Keep in mind, caﬀeinated beverages act like diuretics, which will increase your daily water needs, she said.

✯ FYI

For more information about the San Marcos water supply, visit the city Web site at www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us or contact a bottled water company for its annual water quality report.

‘Freshman 15’ can be avoided with Chiodos rocks out all over nation healthy eating habits, exercise By Sophia Stenis Special to The Star

She encouraged students to substitute greasy foods with sandwiches, salads and fresh fruits. It’s no secret when transitioning “The more often you eat, the better young adults are kicked out of the nest — five to six small meals a day,” Harpand enter The Den Food Court, it’s easy er said. “You don’t have to know that to gain a few extra pounds. much, just that you need a variety of Experts agree the foods.” ‘freshman 15’ is no Harper reminded stumystery. With the dents, “a male can drink half proper nutrition, a of his daily caloric intake in a healthy amount of exsix-pack of beer. ercise and a little self“Some college students control, gaining weight drink and drink, and they doesn’t have to be a don’t know what they could right of passage. be doing to their bodies,” According to a she said. study conducted by As she raised an eyebrow, the National Center Harper scanned the nutrifor Chronic Disease tional facts on the back of a Prevention and Health package of Ramen noodles Promotion, 63 percent as she punched the numof American adults are — Courtesy of MCT bers into her cell-phone caloverweight. culator. Heather Harper, a nutritionist at “I seriously thought it would be worse Round Rock Medical Center, said rapid than this, but actually I’m kind of surweight gain may occur when young prised,” she said. “There’s not enough adults are taken away from the familiar- protein, and it’s pretty high in sodium, ity of friends and family, when they take but it’s not that bad. on the stresses of college or find themIf we all listened to our bodies’ hunger selves rushing about campus. cues, and we all ate when we’re hungry “On campus it is so much easier to and stop when we were full, we wouldn’t grab the unhealthy options, and if they all be overweight.” eat in the cafeteria, there are no labels,” A Surgeon General’s report hangHarper said. ing on a wall in front of the treadmills At one point in their college career, at Gold’s Gym in Austin reads, “Failure most students will come to a moment to exercise a minimum of three times when they find themselves staring into per week for at least 60 minutes is the the nutritional bleakness of a vending equivalent of smoking one pack of cigamachine because they just didn’t have rettes each day.” time for anything better. Aaron Morris, general manager and Harper suggested, given the options, certified trainer at Gold’s Gym, said an pretzels, low fat popcorn and some gra- abnormal spike in weight can hit college nola bars are smart choices. students because they are not as active Among foods to avoid in the cafeteria, and involved in sports as they may have Harper listed pizza and hamburgers. been in high school.

“They become more sedentary in college,” he said. “They don’t have anyone telling them when or what to eat, and they’re not on a specific schedule.” Morris said good solid exercise is essential to physical fitness and students need to pursue fitness activities in addition to walking to classes or going out dancing at The Square. Morris emphasized the importance of accurate knowledge about nutrition and how the body metabolizes food. “The biggest negative impact is the lack of accurate information,” Morris said. “There is a lot of pseudo-accurate information out there.” If students believe they can eat whatever they want and make up for it later, they should think again, he said. “Constant moderation is the biggest helper,” he said. Eating large portions a few times a day isn’t healthy. If the body is only getting large amounts of food throughout the day, it stores more fat, begins to burn less calories, and slows its metabolism. Students have to be aware of their options. Morris described a recent trip he took to Subway, known for its “Eat Fresh” campaign. He said he ordered a turkey sandwich, while his lunchtime companion ordered a meatball sub with cheese. “The choice can be made,” he said. “Just make sure that it’s the right one.”

✯FYI Nutritionist Robert Williams is on staff at Texas State University in the Recreation Center and can be reached at (512) 245-8820. Williams is available to counsel and inform students about how to live a healthier lifestyle.

By Brett Thorne Features Reporter

From international tours to magazine covers to a brand new record, the world of Chiodos has never been more hectic — but it doesn’t seem to faze the guys in the band. Recently, Chiodos’ drummer and “resident hippy,” Derrick Frost explained a headlining stint on this year’s Warped Tour and the band’s new album, Bone Palace Ballet, which reached No. 5 on the Billboard charts, is all just another part of the agenda for the band. Chiodos, currently based out of Michigan, is composed of drummer Frost, singer Craig Owens, guitarists Jason Hale and Pat McManaman, keyboardist Bradley Bell and bassist Matt Goddard. “I want to be able to use that attention I get and turn it into something positive that will make an impact,” Frost said. Tyler Threadgill, management freshman, said he is an avid Chiodos fan. “I could deﬁnitely recognize Derrick was in the band because he looked like a hippy when I saw them at the Taste of Chaos,” Threadgill said. “I’m not normally a hardcore dancer, but when Chiodos plays I always end up in the pit.” Music industry success isn’t the only thing on the band’s agenda. Frost recently moved back to his home state of Texas to be with his family. “It’s hard having a 12-year old sister who grows up without you and you don’t know her,” Frost said. “My brother could also use some guidance but he’s one of my inspirations. He is probably the best bass player I know. Also, Tecate is just way cheaper in Texas.” One has to wonder if the 1500 miles that will soon be separating Frost from his band mates will have any eﬀect on the band. “We’ve always practiced a ton but now that we tour so much we don’t have to

practice as often, so I don’t think it will affect anything,” he said. “When it’s time to write or practice I will make the journey up to the Murder Mitten to be here with the guys.” Frost isn’t the only member of the band settling down. Frost said the band puts family before its work. It’s clear why the band puts such an emphasis on family — Bell recently tied the knot with Goddard’s younger sister. Chiodos is literally a family now. For all the happiness the marriage will surely bring into the band members lives, it also threatens to disrupt the chemistry within the band. Always the optimist, Frost dismissed the notion anything could stop his band, which he compares to a one-way train. “We have girlfriends and wives come out for a few days when we’re on tour so we’re used to it,” he said. “We are a ‘family-first, music-second’ band. Nothing will change our drive and our determination.” Frost grew up in a military family, he said, so life has been anything but stable. He lived in Spain, Japan and Germany before finally settling down in San Antonio. Frost said he believes this aspect of his childhood made an indelible mark on his character, while shaping the person he has become. “Growing up in a military family definitely affects a lot of my feelings towards people, especially because my entire life I’ve never lived in one place for longer than a few years,” Frost said. “I can make friends very easily but staying in touch or actually having a strong connection is hard.” The rigors of being on tour for months at a time offer no solution to Frost’s inability to keep close relationships. But Frost wouldn’t change a thing. “I never cared about anything more,” Frost responds. “I couldn’t imagine myself not rocking faces everyday because that’s what I believe I was born to do.”

Thursday, September 20, 2007

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

The University Star - Page 8

UnPowerfulPoint presentations After 90 hours of classes across nearly probably don’t need to teach with four years at Texas State, one of the few PowerPoint files. Additionally, if you things I’ve learned, which has actually insist on spending the entire class stuck, is this: PowerPoint has no place in period breezing through slides, isn’t the classroom. it a little audacious to take roll? Can Unless you are a computer science or a professor actually keep a straight similar major where your school life is face while checking the roster, knowcentered around working on computers, ing the computer will handle the PCs and Macs don’t really have a place in class? I could stay at home and read the classroom. In all the classes I’ve had, the textbook and gain a better underBILL RIX the computer was never merely a minor standing of the material, I believe. Star Columnist player — either it was never used or it Granted, I’m positive teaching was a full-blown crutch for the professor. via computer eases the burden Instead of quietly humming along in the backof professing when you don’t need to actually ground, content in their life as an occasional remember the lecture, but it’s infinitely more teacher’s aid, computers have become somewhat fulfilling to be in a class wherein the lights are of a substitute for traditional teaching. Classes fully on and I have to actually record notes, rather tend to be boring by definition, but unbridled enthan go home and download them via TRACS or nui sets in when the entire hour and 15 minutes Blackboard. It may be difficult, but at least I feel is spent in a low-light environment staring at a as though I am getting my money’s worth. And in poorly created, regularly malfunctioning Powerany event, I’m much less tempted to fall asleep Point presentation. mid-presentation. I’m no Luddite, this is clear from my previous So professors, please take heed: Millions of work. However, I can’t help but feel shorted by a students have graduated from colleges and univerprofessor when the entire class is spent gazing sities without the aid of computers (or any techat a slide presentation in a darkened room. I give nology). No one needs thousand-dollar projectors the aegis of my education to professors when I and HDTVs to learn about English or art, much enter their classes, but some seem to rather give less multimedia-enhanced classroom blowouts. the reins to the computer, seemingly fine with Come on. It’s Tennyson. I can understand The Lotos-Eaters without visual aid or hearing a reprotheir decision to constantly click a mouse rather duction via Google Video. Let go of the technothan profess. Let me add: If you need the assislogical crutch and regain the vigor and verve of tance of a TA in order to connect the computer traditional teaching. to the projector or to get everything running, you

Art exhibit displays Common Experience theme In conjunction with this year’s Common Experience theme of “The Water Planet: A River Runs Through Us,” the Mitte Honors Coffee Forum is proud to start off the school year by hosting a special art exhibition in September. This unique exhibition, titled Help Save Our Planet, features artwork mostly from children in East London, South Africa. Help Save Our Planet will double as a fundraiser the day of the reception. All money raised and donated will be used to purchase a village water pump. The gallery reception is 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday in the Honors Coffee Forum, Lampasas 407. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Mitte Honors Program at (512) 245-2209.

— Courtesy of Mitte Honors Program

Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains every digit from one through nine inclusively. 9/19 Solutions:

C �LASSIFIEDS �� THE STAR ��UNIVERSITY ��

�� ad policiesand costs

Thursday, September 20, 2007 - Page 9 Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - Page 33

All classified ads are charged 20¢ per word. Ads may be emailed to starclassifieds@txstate.edu. Check your classified ad for accuracy. Any changes must be made by the second day of publication. The deadline for all classified ads is noon two business days prior to publication. Classified ads must be paid in advance unless credit has been established. Refunds will only be given when a classified ad has been paid by credit card. The Star reserves the right to refuse, edit, and discontinue any classified ad at any time without prior notification. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. Classified ads that do not note heading, will be put under the appropriate heading. All classified ads are published free, on-line at www.universitystar.com. Since this is a free service, posting is not guaranteed. While The University Star attempts to screen ads for misleading claims or illegal content, it is not possible for us to investigate every ad and advertiser. Please use caution when answering ads, especially any which require you to send money in advance.

E-mail eds at starclassifieds@txstate.edu Email Classifi Classifieds starclassifieds@txstate.edu

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FOR SALE FOOSBALL TABLE FOR SALE. Maker: Harvard, heavy-duty, gently used. $125, contact: lf15@txstate.edu. AKC WEIMARANER PUPPY, female. 9 weeks old. (361) 648-2542. PIEBALD DACHSHUND-Adorable, Male, 9 mo., Shots, Neutered, and AKC papers, $150. Call (512) 754-8745. 1998 OAKWOOD MANUFACTURED HOME. Clean 17 x 75, 3BD/2BA. Includes deck and shed, all appliances included. Bike to campus. $625/mo. or $29,500 cash. Jeﬀ, (512) 363-3696.

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TEACHERS NEEDED: NOW HIRING PART-TIME & FULLTIME LEAD TEACHERS. Education major/experience/bilingual preferred, but not required. Quality Child Development Center in Kyle. (512) 405-3700 or fax (512) 405-3701. www.rockinghorseacademy.com HANDYMAN NEEDED: PARTTIME. General maintenance, plumbing, painting, repairs, lawn. Must pass criminal history check. Rocking Horse Academy, (512) 405-3700. !BARTENDING! Up to $300/day. No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK. (800) 965-6520 ext. 157. ENJOY WORKING WITH CHILDREN? J&R Gymnastics is looking for energetic gymnastics, tumbling and cheerleading instructors. Schedule: 430 hrs. per week. Pay: commensurate with experience. Experience preferred. Call (830) 606-0375. !!L@@K!! GR8 OPPORTUNITY, ADMIN ASSISTANT NEEDED. Fun environment! Part-time 10-20 hrs./week. $8.50/hr. Raise after 45 days. No experience required! CALL NOW! (512) 736-4558 or andrew@thebackmarket.com. PART-TIME ADMIN. ASSISTANT FOR MEDICAL BILLING OFFICE. Flexible hrs. 20-30/week, occasional Sat. Must be detailed oriented & have interpersonal and telephone skills. Drop oﬀ resume at 1348 Hwy. 123, Suite A. ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN FOR CALENDARS, GREETING CARDS, ETC. $75-200/hr. No exp. needed, (512)684-8296. PROFESSOR’S ASSISTANT. Reliable, computer literate. (512) 245-8050, ma04@txstate.edu. CRI IS SEEKING INDIVIDUALS TO WORK AS TELEPHONE INTERVIEWERS. Flexible Schedule, Paid Training, No Experience Necessary. Within walking distance of TxState. $7-$12/hr. Call (512) 353-3627x209 today!

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TAKING APPLICATIONS AT SMALL COUNTRY STORE for individuals with outgoing personalities. Retail experience a plus. Call (512) 559-2642 and leave name and phone number for call back. WATERLOO ICE HOUSE NOW HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS for our new location in Southpark Meadows in Austin. Please apply in person from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m., M-F at the following location: Waterloo Ice House, 9600 Escarpment Blvd., Austin, (512) 301-1007. OUTGOING STUDENTS NEEDED to distribute fliers Sept. 24, 25. Flexible hours, $10/hr. 1 (800) 927-9194. MOVIE EXTRAS. New opportunities for upcoming productions. All looks needed no experience required for cast calls. Call 877-218-6224. RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDER looking for a reliable, punctual, hardworking individual for 16-24 hours per week. Ideal for an industrial arts major who wants some hands on experience in the building trade. Must be familiar with and be able to use standard power tools. Will work around class schedule for right applicant. Call (512) 392-1577 and leave message. ECONOMICS AND FINANCE TUTOR NEEDED, $10/hr. If interested call: (512) 392-6101. E-mail: jm1482@txstate.edu GRUENE ONION GRILL now hiring experienced waitstaff with wine knowledge. Apply in person. 1324 Common St., New Braunfels. TEKA MARKETING is looking for help with light office work. Starting pay is $8 an hour. Call (512) 805-0020 to set up an interview.

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THE UNIVERSITY STAR IS NOW HIRING! News reporters Must be able to report on university and local news, gather information, conduct interviews and come into the newsroom to have stories edited. Trends reporters Reporters must be able to report on university and local arts, entertainment, social and cultural events, gather information, conduct interviews and come into the newsroom to have stories edited. Sports reporters Reporters must be able to report on university and local sports, gather information, conduct interviews and come into the newsroom to have stories edited. Opinions columnists Must be able to write thought provoking columns on university, local and state events and come into the newsroom for editing. Please contact Maira Garcia editor-inchief at stareditor@txstate.edu or call (512) 245-3487.

SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

rottenjuice O.J. Simpson met his $125,000 bail Wednesday on charges including kidnapping and armed robbery that could imprison him for life, if found guilty. Simpson is the alleged leader of a group of armed men that held up sports memorabilia collectors. The spree began Sunday in Las Vegas to retrieve items Simpson claims belonged to him. Upon his arrest he said, “I thought what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Simpson has yet to enter a plea. — Compiled from various news sources

Thursday, September 20, 2007 - Page 10

Sports Contact — Scott Strickman, starsports@txstate.edu

Leaders emerge on women’s cross country By Lisa Carter Sports Reporter

According to Texas State cross country Coach Grigori Viniar, “a leader becomes a leader by demonstrating the attitude and loyalty to the goals that most of the team is trying to reach.” Viniar is referring to sophomore Heather Bullin and junior Whitney Perkins. These women are both leaders and top runners for the cross country team. Bullin and Perkins have worked side by side, motivating each other as well as the team. “They have done a great job getting everyone excited about this season,” said senior team captain Tenley Determan. “They are trying to improve the

“H

eather and Whitney really balance each other out and work together very well.”

—Tenley Determan cross country team captain

team by helping and encouraging the other girls.” Perkins, who has placed among the top 10 runners in her first two meets of the season, views herself as a motivator for the team. “I try to keep the girls positive and focused,” she said. “I find it really rewarding when teammates want to work out and compete with me.” Perkins ran cross country at Central High School in San Angelo. Since she joined the team at Texas State in the fall of 2005, she has achieved big things. Last year, she set a personal record, finishing ninth in the 2007

Southland Conference cross country motivate and unite the girls. In ad- try running in college and see how it competition with Bullin as well. championships. She placed in the 10K dition, Bullin has had many other ac- played out. I’ve loved it and am so glad “(Bullin) is my biggest competition and scored points for the women’s complishments as well. She ran cross I decided to run here.” because I know how much effort we team at the SLC track and field champi- country at Cedar Park High School in Both girls agree that both put into our workouts,” Perkins onships. This year, she hopes to place Cedar Park. Her team competed in the there has been comsaid. “She is one of my favorite trainin the top five in cross country, take state meet every year she was in high petition between ing partners because she is uplifting the team title as women’s SLC cross school. Cedar Park won the 5A State them since their and always gives 100 percent.” country champions and run a long disChampionship and placed time together on Both Bullin and Perkins have been tance time of 17:42. She also hopes to fourth in nationals Bul- the cross counpositive influences on the team at place in both the 5K and 10K events lin’s sophomore year. try team. Texas State, Viniar said. and overall, remain injury-free. By her senior year, “It’s definitely “As a coach I really enjoy workBoth Perkins and Bullin have inforBullin was skepti- a healthy compeing with such athletes, not just mally taken on the roles as leaders cal about running tition because because of the progress they of the team this year, as Determan in college. I know that if demonstrate in cross counhas been out with an injury. “I had pretty Whitney has try and track, but also in “(Determan has) been at every much decided that a good race the way they manage their meet cheering us on,” Bullin said. I did not want to and I don’t, I’m academics,” he said. “In ad“She’s really such an awesome role run in college, un- still going to be dition to that, they have great model, and I feel so lucky to have her til I came to just as excited personalities, which make as a captain.” Texas State as she is that them such good friends and Determan, in turn, enjoys watchon a visit she ran well,” partners for the other meming the girls race and is proud of and met Bullin said. “I bers of the team.” their leadership as well. the team,” know that she Viniar is also proud to have a “Heather and Whitney really B u l l i n is always pulling chance to work with Perkins and balance each other out and said. “They for me, and that Bullin. work together very well,” offered me always motivates “I believe that every coach has Determan said. “Seeing a scholar- me.” a dream to make each and every them (work together) so ship, and I Perkins is athlete he or she is working with well has really motivated decided to aware of the better than the level they were on me to do whatever it takes when that athlete came to him or to get back.” her,” Viniar said. “But with these Bullin, however, believes two girls, I have an opportunity that she has taken on a different to work on something more inrole for the team. teresting and important than “I don’t really consider just some results on some myself a leader because distance. They are able to the girls all bring so much face real challenges and work Chris Vidrine/Star photo to the team individually,” hard to reach goals.” CLOSE ’CATS: Sophomore Heather Bullin (left) and junior Whitney Perkins (right) have become Bullin said.”The only leadership role I could really strong leaders as a result of friendly competition for the women’s cross country team this year. claim on the team would be the team Bible study leader, and that’s such an easy job to take on.” Bullin, who was awarded SLC Freshman of the Year in 2006, began a team Bible study to help

Volleyball team encourages loud ‘n’ rowdy fans By Travis Atkins Sports Reporter The Texas State volleyball team received an ideal momentum boost to start conference play by sweeping all three matches and winning the Rhode Island Invitational. However, a different atmosphere is to be expected Thursday when Texas-San Antonio comes to Strahan Coliseum. “They’re going to bring people in blue and orange faces and they’re going to be loud and rowdy,” Coach Karen Chisum said. Junior middle blocker Amy Weigle, named most valuable player of the Rhode Island Invitational, is quite familiar with the Roadrunners and their rabid fans. “I would encourage our fans to get in their heads and go after (UTSA),” Weigle said. “Don’t be vicious or anything, but definitely be loud.” The Bobcats are 6-5 and UTSA is 7-9. With three straight wins and a developing depth of talent, Chisum thinks her team exudes a confidence level that belies their mediocre record. “We have gotten better every match,” Chisum said. “The chemistry with this group is excellent. They like each other, they work well with each other and they are feeling pretty good about themselves right now.” Chisum thinks a major advantage for Texas State is that they have several players UTSA has to prepare for. “We are not a one-dimensional team,” she said. “Teams can’t look at us and say, ‘oh, we

got to stop Amy Weigle,’ or ‘we got to stop Lawrencia Brown.’ In our first three tournaments, we have had five or six kids named all-tournament.” Brown is leading the team with 133 kills on the season but is followed closely by Weigle and junior middle blocker Emily Jones who have 113 and 111, respectively. Freshman setter Shelbi Irvin has 296 sets on the season and sophomore libero Kacey Wimpy has 196 digs. The Roadrunners have two players, junior middle blocker Victoria Prior and freshman outside hitter Kendra Rowland, who really have Chisum’s attention. Each has over 200 kills this season. “If we serve tough and they don’t pass well, they can’t get the ball to (Prior),” Chisum said. “(Rowland) is leading them right now in some stat categories, so she’s pretty good.” Irvin has seen the most action of the six freshmen for Texas State. She realizes the magnitude of this match by watching her teammates and is not in the least intimidated. “After winning those three matches in a row, I feel really confident and I think we can pretty much beat anybody right now if we are all there mentally and playing together,” Irvin said. Although UTSA travels well, Chisum wants to make sure on Thursday night Texas State has a true home court advantage. “Don’t come in here and just sit like you’re in church,” Chisum said. “This is a coliseum and we want a loud, rowdy intercollegiate atmosphere.”

Bobcats expect tough contest in South Dakota By Lora Collins Sports Reporter

After falling 34-27 to the Baylor Bears, the Bobcats are now looking forward to picking up their game Saturday against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Junior wide receiver Cameron Luke believes the team suffered the loss as a result of wasted opportunities. “We kept it close the whole game and we had a few chances to win it,” Luke said. “We didn’t convert on some of our third downs and that put us in some tough fourth down situations, and anytime you are in a fourth down it’s hard to convert.” Coach Brad Wright agrees with Luke that the team did not take advantage of their opportunities. “We played poorly,” Wright said. “We had many chances to win the game, and we didn’t take any of them, and our young men understand that.” After reviewing the tapes, Wright anticipates SDSU will put up a strong fight even though their record stands at 0-3. The three teams SDSU lost to are teams ranked in the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll. Wright said their challenging schedule has only prepared SDSU to play at a higher level. “One of the main problems I see is they are bigger and stronger than we are,” he said. “They are still searching for their first win, and when they get the Baylor and Abilene Christian tapes they will be biting on our heels to beat us.” In hopes of raising their record to 2-2 in time for Southland Conference games, the team wants to execute plays and make sure every player is on the same page, both offensively and defensively. Sophomore quarterback Bradley George set a school record with 30 completions and threw for a total of 322 yards and two touchdowns against Baylor. He believes the Baylor game has prepared the team for the upcoming contest. “We made a little bit of improvement from last week, and we have a tough game this weekend,” George said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge. If we win this it will give us more momentum and confidence going into

the conference games 2-2. Overall, we need to work on execution. Even last week against Baylor we had some chances, and we didn’t take advantage of them.” Offensively, South Dakota State may reign in size, Luke said, but compared to the Baylor Bears, SDSU does not appear as fast a team. “They are a lot like ACU,” he said. “They use secondary plays and off-zone coverage, so we should be able to have a good game if we execute. They play hard, but they are probably not as athletic as the teams we have played, like Baylor.” Pinpointing SDSU’s weak points has been difficult for the Bobcats due to the Jackrabbits’ intensity. “We are trying to match how hard they were by emphasizing every play,” said senior defensive end Nick Clark. “We are hoping that we will have eleven men running for the

ball each time. Usually a weak point in a team comes from one or two players lollygagging around. (In their videos), they have eleven guys all playing hard at the same time, so I haven’t been able to see a weak point in the team so far.” Offensively, the team’s plan is to mix it up and increase the efficiency of running plays. “We want to be more balanced mostly,” George said. “Last year we felt like our offense was predictable. Overall we have been pretty balanced this year so far. We need to get our running game back to where it was and continue to do well (in our games).” Although confident in his team’s standing, George understands the strengths of SDSU. “What they lack in speed they will probably make up (for) with physical toughness,” George said. “They don’t look like they put themselves in bad situations.”

Austin Byrd/Star photo EXTRA EFFORT: Junior wide receiver Cameron Luke ﬁghts for extra yardage during last week’s game against Baylor. Luke and the Bobcats will visit South Dakota State Saturday.

Men’s golf finishes fifth in Texas Cup By Javier González Sports Reporter After displaying an impressive beginning to their season, the Texas State men’s golf team settled for fifth place at the Texas Cup held at the University of Texas Golf Club. The Bobcats scored 603 for the two rounds, as they came in just behind Texas–Arlington and Texas, who had third and fourth place finishes, respectively. Joining the top 20 was fellow Southland Conference member Stephen F. Austin, who finished eighth respectively. In spite of the results, Coach Shane Howell believed his group did a very good job on what could have been a near-impossible course to play on. “I felt we played really well for the first 14 holes of the second round,” Howell said. “We had a top notch showing and still shot well throughout the course. We’re a little disappointed that we didn’t win because the goal is to win every time. But, it was a very,

very difficult golf course to play at, about an eight out of 10 difficulty level.” Furthermore, Howell acknowledged the UT Golf Club is definitely a top-notch place, as it is consistently used to host national, regional and other tournament championships. “It really is a first-class course,” Howell said. “It is about 7,400 yards, which is about typical for most PGA standards. Though the wind didn’t really play that much of a factor this time, I feel it will help by serving as a better golf course down the road.” Freshman Andrew Bryant, second-year player, claimed Texas State’s top individual honors for the tournament. He tied for 11th place with UT–Arlington’s Bobby Massa with a final round score of 147. “He (Bryant) is getting really, really close to having individual honors,” Howell said. “It takes a little experience but further down the road he’ll have more contention for individual titles. His skill set is very, very good but he needs to have more confidence,

as any golf player needs to have. By the end of the year, I think he should be competing for titles week in and week out.” Howell said his team can improve from this tournament appearance, specifically by being mentally stronger down the last few holes as well as having better course management. Finishing in the individual top 25 were freshmen Philip Krebsbach and Michael Carnes. Both tied for 21st with final scores of 151, shooting 9-over-par; however, Howell thought they deserved better. “Michael is a little more aggressive, while Phillip has been solid at both tournaments thus far and will continue to improve,” Howell said. “It’s a little learning process they go through, but as well we were playing at a tougher course with tougher fields and tougher competition.” The Bobcats return to action Oct. 1 and 2 for the UTA/Waterchase Invitational in Fort Worth, which is to be held at the Waterchase Golf Club.

09 20 2007

Published on Sep 20, 2007

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