10 04 2005

END OF THE ROAD?

GOING FOR A RIDE

SEE TRENDS PAGE 5

SEE SPORTS PAGE 10

NASCAR takes a few laps at Kyle’s Thunder Hills Raceway

After six years on display, Canvas comes off the wall

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS

www.UNIVERSITYSTAR.com

OCTOBER 4, 2005

A WEALTH

OF

TUESDAY

VOLUME 95, ISSUE 16

ASG discusses lack of applicants for TSUS student regent position

EXPERIENCE

Dedicated to the students

By Clayton Medford News Reporter The Associated Student Government discussed the lack of regent applications as well as the construction of a commuter rail at their meeting Monday.

In his weekly report, ASG President Jordan Anderson expressed his concern that no applications have been submitted for the student regent position on the Texas State University System Board of Regents. Anderson urged senators to do whatever they could to raise awareness of the application process around campus.

“It’s getting late, the final hour in my opinion, and we’ve received no applications,” Anderson said. “It’s of great concern we find someone because I believe we are the best school in our system.”

Anderson believes the lack

of applications being turned in may be due to the short notice students were given. The deadline for turning in applications, which can be picked up at the ASG office, to university President Denise Trauth for review is Oct. 14.

By passing legislation authored by economic senior and senate clerk Kyle Morris, ASG is pledging its support for the construction of a commuter rail stretching from San Antonio to Austin. ASG is also trying to ensure that Texas State has a say in the construction of the rail.

“A district is being formed and it’s important that the position of Texas State students be heard supporting the construction of the Austin-San Antonio commuter rail,” Morris said.

“We don’t want to be left behind on this project.”

See ASG, page 3

Graduate representatives discuss future agenda, raise parking concerns

By Silver Hogue News Reporter With a new president, new issues and a graduate student senate full of new faces, the Associated Student Government tackled its first graduate representative meeting Friday in the LBJ Student Center.

There was no official agenda for the meeting, but ASG President Jordan Anderson and Vice President Cassie Holman gathered the new graduate representative nominees in a small meeting room for an overview of the organization and things to come.

Nominated by the deans of their respective departments, the graduate representatives filled the open positions in the newly created House of Graduate Representatives.

“We need to discuss what they’ll be doing as a body and when they can meet. We’re still trying to get all the scheduling and other things worked out,” Anderson said.

Anderson, Holman and the other senators in attendance said they would like to establish a more symbiotic relationship

Photo courtesy of Media Relations ASG President Jordan Anderson congratulates Joanne Smith Monday afternoon after she was appointed vice president of Student Affairs.

Smith named new VPSA at ceremony

By Emily Messer News Reporter Joanne Smith was named as vice president of Student Affairs by Texas State President Denise Trauth on Monday in a short ceremony that boasted cake, punch and many congratulations.

Smith had formerly been serving as interim VPSA before accepting the

title and permanent position, which she was offered late last week.

“It is just the greatest place to work,” Smith said about her 15-year career at Texas State.

Smith will oversee departments such as Career Services, Student Services, the Counseling Center, Multicultural Student Affairs and the University Police Department.

She said what she enjoyed most about her job is “being in college your whole life.”

“It keeps you young,” Smith said.

She described the constant cycling

of students as they were admitted to the college until they graduated as another great joy in her position.

Smith received her bachelor’s in education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, her master’s in counseling from Wichita State and her doctorate from Kansas State in student affairs administration. “(She) brings enormous depth of experience in many different areas of Student Affairs and nine months of experience as interim (VPSA),” Trauth said. “We couldn’t have found anyone better.”

Matriarchal studies conference held at Texas State

By Leah Kirkwood News Reporter This weekend, men and women from worldwide gathered in San Marcos to be a part of the Societies of Peace Second World Congress on Matriarchal Studies.

The conference began at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and concluded with “The Circle for a Peaceful World” from 3 to 6 p.m. at the state Capitol in Austin on Sunday. All lectures were held at

the University Performing Arts Center, except for Sunday’s big panel discussion, which took place at the San Marcos Activity Center.

The event was sponsored by San Marcos resident Genevieve Vaughan, director of the Center for the Study of the Gift Economy and founder of the Foundation for a Compassionate Society. The congress was organized and led by Heide Goettner-Abendroth, director of International Academy HA-

GIA in Luxembourg, Germany.

The purpose of the congress is to discuss the existence of past and current world matriarchal societies by putting together panels of scholars on the subject and indigenous people of those still existing matriarchal societies. The last day of the congress allowed all speakers the opportunity to make a statement on matriarchal politics and assist in developing a declaration.

All participants received a folder upon arrival to the

UPAC containing a letter from Vaughn and pamphlets written

by Vaughn and Goettner-Abendroth.

In her letter, Vaughn stated, “I think (the conference) is just what we need now in this time of upheaval and transition when perhaps it seems to many of us that there is no way out of a system that is violent, self destructive and mean.”

Several exhibitions were set

between its graduate and undergraduate bodies. Three undergraduate members were on hand at the meeting to supplement the idea.

“There needs to be some sort of constitutional change made, because it’s hard for graduate representatives to make it to the Monday night senate meetings,” Anderson said. “It’s one of the things that has been a problem with this university.”

The graduate body will normally only deal with issues concerning graduate students; however, if an issue arises concerning all university students, there will be a co-sponsorship between the two bodies in handling the matter.

The 14 graduate nominees were encouraged to discuss their ideas and suggestions with the undergraduate body.

“Please know this is your organization; you develop the Code of Laws,” Holman said. “If you’re interested in the difference between the senates, you’re welcome to come to our undergraduate meetings.”

One of the concerns at the See GRADUATE, page 3

PING ... PONG

See CONFERENCE, page 3

Study Abroad Fair to give students worldly information

By Jason Buch Special to The Star The Office of Study Abroad Programs will be holding a Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday in the Academic Services Building breezeway, located outside of The Den. The fair will offer students a chance to meet with representatives from 38 different programs from Texas State and worldwide that offer study abroad and

work abroad opportunities.

“We’re inviting people from Texas State to come talk about study abroad programs including internships, volunteer work and regular study abroad,” said Study Abroad Coordinator Isis Gomez. “Normally, the information is only available in catalogues. This is an opportunity to meet representatives face to face.”

Representatives from Mexico, Canada and even as far as Italy will be attending the fair; how-

Today’s Weather

Partly Cloudy 93˚/70˚

Precipitation: 10% Humidity: 61% UV: 8 Very High Wind: E 8 mph

ever, most of the representatives will be coming from offices in the United States.

Texas State offers students the opportunity to study in 14 different countries across Europe, the Americas and Asia.

The Office of Study Abroad Programs will be holding another fair in the spring, most likely in February.

“This is the best time to get a head-start on saving for summer,” Gomez said. “A lot of the time, February is too late to find

funds to study abroad. The earlier you start planning the better.”

Amanda Cobb, interdisciplinary studies sophomore, is planning to study in Salamanca, Spain, from January to March.

“It’s not all just study, study, study and homework, homework, homework,” Cobb said.

“They’re taking us to Rome for a week. We get to go all over Spain. We get to learn what it’s

Thursday Partly Cloudy Temp: 83°/ 55° Precipitation: 20%

Undecided freshman Justin Parker and marketing freshman Dale Korth battle it out in a game of Ping-Pong at Beretta Hall Monday evening.

See FAIR, page 3

Two-day Forecast Wednesday Partly Cloudy Temp: 94°/ 66° Precipitation: 20%

Danny Rodriguez/Star photo

Inside

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS

Classifieds Comics Crossword News

8 7 7 1-3

Opinions Sports Trends

To Contact The Star: 4 9,10 5-7

Trinity Building Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708 www.UniversityStar.com © 2005 The University Star

PAGE TWO The University Star

Tuesday in Brief

October 4, 2005

starsof texas state The Texas State has named Bryan Miller as the new marketing director for the department of intercollegiate athletics.

From 2000 to 2002, Miller worked as a marketing associate at which time he was responsible for increasing sponsorship and ticket revenue for Bobcat home events.

Miller is an alumni of Texas Tech University where he earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

During his three-year absence from Texas State, Miller worked for the Spurs Sports & Entertainment as the promotions coordinator for the Silver Stars, the Spurs WNBA team and the Rampage

of the American Hockey League.

For the past year, he worked for Maloof Sports & Entertainment as the manager of Strategic Alliances Partner Services. He had the opportunity to work with the corporate sponsors of the Sacramento Kings, the Sacramento Monarchs and at ARCO Arena coordinating the execution of contracts to help corporate sponsors receive the maximum exposures as partners of the basketball franchise arena.

The Star congratulates Bryan and wishes him continued success at Texas State.

News Contact — Kirsten Crow, starnews@txstate.edu

Calendar of

Health Beat

Walking the walk Education juniors Amanda Leal (left) and Shahrzad Shafa, walk the track on one of the West Campus fields Monday evening for exercise.

EVENTS Clubs & Meetings

Thursday

Tuesday

Study Abroad Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Academic Services Building breezeway.

Attaining Contentment Group is meeting from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m in the LBJ Student Center, Room 3-6.1.

Hispanic Business Student Association hosts its general meeting at 5 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 3-5.1.

Wednesday Higher Ground Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry meets at 5:30 p.m. for prayers, followed by a free meal at 6 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church. Everyone is welcome.

Events Tuesday Writing Center Workshop titled “Researching the Web” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. in Flowers Hall, Room G09. For more information, contact Bearden Coleman at (512) 2453018.

Career Services will hold a Fall Job and Internship Fair. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Strahan Coliseum.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Catholic Student Center.

Night Prayer, sponsored by the men of Lambda Omega Alpha, will be held at 9 p.m. at the CSC. Wednesday A Stress Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the LBJ Ballroom.

Stress Symposium will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the LBJSC. Political Science Fall Film Series will be showing The Last Hurrah at 7 p.m. in LBJSC Teaching Theater. This event is sponsored by the Department of Political Science, Discourse in Democracy Grant and the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society.

The Rock-Praise and Worship will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the CSC. Friday Mark Jungers Band will be playing at Floore’s Country Store at 9 p.m. Door charge is $8.

Saturday Mark Jungers Band will be playing at Gruene Hall at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Immediately after the show they will be appearing at Flipnotics.

CALENDAR SUBMISSION POLICY Calendar submissions are free. Send submissions to Calendar of Events at starcalendar@txstate.edu, or call (512) 245-3487 for more information.

E-mailed press releases will not be accepted. If using e-mail, please submit as a simple bulleted list of essential information. Submissions are on a first come, first served basis and notices for weekly meetings need to be submitted every week they will take place.

The University Star reserves the right to refuse entries or edit for libel, style and space purposes. Deadline: Three working days prior to publication.

Courtney Addison/Star photo

CRIME BL TTER San Marcos Police Department Oct. 1, 2:18 a.m.

Disorderly ConductNoise/1101 E. River Ridge Parkway Two males were arrested, one for possession of marijuana under two ounces and the other for possession of a controlled substance.

Oct. 1, 2:44 a.m.

Evading Arrest/119 Crest Drive Male subjects arrested for criminal trespass, public intoxication, evading arrest and false ID. Oct. 1, 4:30 a.m.

DUI/North LBJ Drive and

Tanglewood Trail Officer made a detention for a minor driving under the influence of alcohol.

Oct. 2, 7:37 p.m.

Indecency with Child/ 2300 S. Interstate 35 Report of indecency with a child.

University Police Department Sept. 29, 11:13 p.m.

Public Intoxication/Bobcat Village Apartments Officer came in contact with a publicly intoxicated student.

The student was arrested and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration.

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

WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES The “Stars of Texas State” article at the top of Page Two in Wednesday’s issue stated that The Star would be reviewing that night’s Attic Ted concert at The Triple Crown in Thursday’s issue. We were unable to review the show and would like to apologize to the band and to our readers.

On page 6 of Thursday’s Greek Guide, the date of the founding the Texas State chapter of Delta Sigma Omega Sorority was incorrectly given as 1972; the chapter was actually founded in 1973. Also, on page 8 of the guide, the incorrect seal was placed with the description of Kappa Alpha Order.

STARS OF TEXAS STATE POLICY

Do you know someone at Texas State who has recently celebrated a great achievement? Nominate your choice to appear in The Star as a “Star of Texas State.” Write an e-mail to starletters@txstate.edu with the subject line “Stars of Texas State,” and include your nominee’s name, his/her relationship to the university, contact information for yourself and your nominee, and a brief description of the achievement. Also include a photo of your nominee if available. Accepted nominees will be featured at the top of Page Two.

Stress Fair to educate students of ways to alleviate stress

It’s October; do you know where your grades are? That first round of tests has hit, and now you know just how much work it’s going to take to get the grades you want. But you also have a job, maybe a family or other relationships, as well as financial concerns that take time and energy. How are you going to fit it all in?

By this point in the semester, most students, faculty and staff are hitting a pretty high stress point. Perceived obstacles and demands in our daily lives can cause physical, emotional, behavioral and mental changes in everyone.

Stress is a person’s natural response to a threatening situation, and it can be either positive or negative. Positive stress acts as a motivator while negative stress is draining and taxing. Negative stress manifests in numerous warning signals that include decreased motivation and concentration; changes in sleeping and eating patterns; increased smoking; recurring minor illnesses or colds; frequent muscle tension and headaches; forgetfulness; irritability and other mood changes.

The good news is stress can be maintained and managed through proactive coping strategies. Some strategies include working out at least every other day; prioritizing goals and writing down both long-term and short-term goals in a schedule; allowing yourself at least 20 minutes of “alone time” everyday and learning time management skills. Most importantly, you should develop a support network of friends, family members and counselors with whom you can speak open and honestly.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Counseling Center, along with other offices, is putting on a Stress Fair and Symposium to help students, faculty and staff find healthy ways to melt their stress away. For more information, visit the Counseling Center Web site at www.counseling.tx state.edu/stresssnf.htm.

— Courtesy of the Student Health Center

Texas State students!

San Marcos Needs

YOU!

Get up, Give back!

Visit the Student Volunteer Fair to learn how YOU can make a difference!

Individuals and student organization representatives are welcome

Student Volunteer Fair LBJ Student Center Ballroom Tuesday, Oct 4th 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community Relations

Sponsored by Student Volunteer Connection and the Office of Community Relations

For more information, call 245-1687 or 245-9645 www.studentaffairs.txstate.edu/svc

www.txstate.edu/community

NEWS

Tuesday, October 4, 2005

The University Star - Page 3

GRADUATE: New house will work in conjunction with ASG student senate CONTINUED from page 1

Courtney Addison/Star photo A student walks by the Southwest Texas State emblem, located outside the Alkek Library breezeway, on Monday evening. The emblem stands as a reminder of the university’s history.

CONFERENCE: Event draws experts worldwide CONTINUED from page 1

up in the lobby of UPAC for the first three days of the conference. The most prominent one was a photo display on “The New Matriarchal Mystery Festivals” put together by the International Academy HAGIA. The photos documented a full seasonal cycle of festivals worshiping the Great Goddess.

The Reformed Church of the Goddess, USA, was present at a booth nearby. Members of the religious group were on hand distributing tracts and talking with attendants about the Austin circle. Most participants of the congress were either involved or interested in some form of goddess worship.

Helen Hwang, a professor of women’s studies at a southern California junior college, was a first year attendee of the congress. She heard about the event through several friends with interests similar to her own.

“What really motivates me to come here and get connected is my research on the Great Goddess of East Asia named Mago.

In my research, I see a lot of intercultural connections across Europe, Siberia and into the Americas,” Hwang said.

Each morning before the discussions began, the audience was led in an opening ritual by one of the conference’s speakers. On Friday, Gad A. Osafo, a healer from one of the Akan tribes in Ghana, led participants in group meditation and a prayer referred to as a libation.

Osafo addressed the ancestors,

“I

’m telling you about my people. I’m speaking from the heart.”

— Willhelmina J. Donkoh Second World Congress on Matriarchal Studies speaker

river of San Marcos and all who had traveled to the event saying “here’s a drink for you” as he poured out some water into an onstage plant.

The first discussion in Friday morning’s West and South African panel was led by Willhelmina J. Donkoh. She spoke on the traditions of female leadership in her Ashante tribe of the Akan.

Donkoh opened by saying, “I’m telling you about my people. I’m speaking from the heart.”

Donkoh explained that among the Ashante, ancestry is traced through the female line.

She told of the Akan myth that is responsible for a woman’s central position in the culture.

A woman called Yami with golden wings descended upon Earth from the sky and was approached by a hunter. She told the hunter to tell others about her and bring them to the same spot the following day. The next day a crowd gathered at the site, but Yami never appeared.

Instead, she landed again some miles away and bore children,

whose father was unclear.

In the Ashante tribe, “There is no notion of cousins and aunts.

All mothers and mothers’ sisters are mothers generically.

Likewise all mothers’ sisters’ children are brothers and sisters generically,” said Donkoh.

The Akan people appoint an Ohema — a mother of the entire society. She appoints the male leaders of the tribe and councils them but may not speak in public.

“Essentially, female Ashante leaders are supposed to promote harmony and balance,” Donkoh said.

The next speaker was Gad A. Osafo. Originally from Ghana, he now works as an agricultural engineer and healing practitioner in Germany. He told listeners his personal motto: “Our world is not just what we can see.”

He discussed the notion of one’s own welfare being intrinsic to that of the family and clan.

“Family is an army,” Osafo said, and children are believed to be reincarnated, dead ancestors.

Osafo explained that in the Akan beliefs, blood is held in high esteem and Mother Earth doesn’t like for it to be shed.

One reason why women are so respected and almost feared by men of the tribe is that female menstruation goes against this belief.

Osafo also described several Akan medical remedies and rituals. He said that the Akan people are currently under a lot

of pressure from pharmaceutical companies to share their secrets with them.

“Something can be done to stop this,” Osafo said.

The final speaker on Friday morning was Swiss woman doctor and healer Cecile Keller. She shared her expertise on medicine in matriarchal societies.

Keller warned that the practices may be hard for some to understand because “our practice is based on such a different world view.”

Keller defined the word shaman as everyone who heals through medicinal powers.

Among many matriarchal cultures, medicine is considered to be present in plants, animals, humans and other inanimate objects such as rocks. In Korea, women have the main responsibility to act as shamans.

Keller discussed the Hopi Indian belief that “harmony is only attainable through a correct lifestyle. Human misconduct leads to illness, poverty and failure.” She said the Iroquois tribe makes medical diagnosis based on dream symbols.

Other discussions of the four day conference covered topics such as “Black Madonnas, Cathars, and Witches — Peaceful societies and Violence,” “Matriarchal Principles for Today Economies and Societies,” “Matriliny among the Khasi and Garos of Meghalaya” and “Notes on the Origin of Patriarchy.” The congress was to serve as the final event in the 20 years of work by The Foundation for a Compassionate Society.

meeting was in establishing committees for graduate students to work within.

“Try to think of areas in the constitution that you feel could be tweaked a little, and make sure nothing overlaps,” Holman said.

The undergraduate senators who were at the meeting viewed a potential committee overlap as another opportunity to bring the two bodies together.

“If there is overlapping between the senate committees, there should be no problem in working together on issues that come up,” said Sen. Catherine Reed, communication studies senior.

The nominees began brainstorming some of the issues that generally affect graduate students including parking, transportation and the various Campus Master Plan 20052014 elements.

“There aren’t any campus buses that go to some of the departments, and it’s hard when you’re carrying all your books with you. It’s just a bad situation,” said Rep. John Muniz, agricultural education graduate.

The graduate representatives said parking seems to be a major concern that continues to cause problems for graduate students who have tried to remedy the situation in the past.

ASG: Approval for new, required class in the works CONTINUED from page 1

In the legislation, the ASG states “that our University Administration and student body fully support the construction of (the rail) and establish a relationship with its operator in an effort to subsidize the cost of riding for Texas State students, faculty and staff.”

In response to officially being named the Vice President of Student Affairs Monday, the ASG congratulated Joanne Smith, whom ASG had supported for the position since last semester. “(Smith) had extensive work in student affairs already,” Anderson said. “She is very well experienced here at Texas State.”

Morris closed the meeting by updating senators on the process of getting a course earmarked for the Multicultural

FAIR: Students need not be fluent to participate in scholarly travel CONTINUED from page 1

like living in the country and living with the people.”

Cobb said she will receive 12 hours credit for the quarter she spends in Salamanca.

One goal of the fair will be to educate students about scholarship opportunities.

“All Texas State students who have a 2.5

GPA as an undergraduate or a 3.0 GPA as a graduate and are studying abroad for credit can apply for a scholarship,” Gomez said. “A lot of students do their internships abroad and don’t realize they’re studying abroad.

As long as students get credit they can apply for scholarships. We help a lot of students every year.”

Students who do not speak a foreign lan-

“Graduate students every semester have tried to push parking changes through,” said Rep. Mia Lofton, graduate student.

“Maybe we could come together and find a spot for us all to park at.”

The idea of increased parking for graduate students got mixed reviews from others in the meeting.

“I’m not trying to play devil’s advocate, but if you’ve got more parking for graduate students, the undergrads won’t have any.

I just don’t see that opening up for graduates,” said representative Melissa Jones, wildlife ecology graduate.

Tyler Young, political science graduate, was appointed the unofficial House Leader, a job that will consist of handling the suggestions of graduate members. Also in the meeting the constitution was read and analyzed by senators and representatives.

The new graduate body unofficially plans to meet twice a month on Friday afternoons.

Anderson said he would also like to have a house representative to the student senate.

“In the future, I will try to have more of a roundtable setting at our meetings,” Anderson said, “I want to make sure we know where we’re going before anything is put on paper. I want this structured and I want it to last.”

guage should not rule out foreign studies.

Gomez said that most of the programs offered through Texas State have English language curricula.

Any interested students who cannot attend the fair but wish to learn more about studying abroad can get information from the Office of Study Abroad Programs in the ASB North Building, Room 302.

Need six authoritative, relevant sources? Before sunrise?

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We can’t write 20 double-spaced pages for you, but we can get you started. Google Scholar helps you find and search academic papers, abstracts and other authoritative sources – all with the speed and accuracy of Google search. www.google.com/university/scholar

and Gender Studies graduate requirement.

“We set out to find a course in the basic university requirements that most people have gone through and that could meet the MCGS requirement.

(Speech Communication) 1310 has a huge multicultural emphasis both in the class and in the book and the majority of students have taken it. Earmarking this course would meet the requirement that all Texas State University students have a MCGS class,” Morris said.

Morris said he had already met with and received approval from Communication Studies Chair Steven Beebe and University College Dean Ronald Brown. Morris plans to meet with University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Perry Moore for his endorsement.

Where the good meat is

© Copyright 2005. Google and the Google logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

A SEAL FOR THE STUDENTS

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

quoteof the day “It is the responsibility of every generation to be true to the founders’ vision of the proper role of the courts in our society.”

”

— Newly named Supreme Court Justice nominee Harriet Miers on Monday.

(Source: CNN.com)

Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - Page 4

Opinions Contact — Joe Ruiz, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

Central Texas could benefit from a future NFL team

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. Letters policy: E-mail letters to starletters@txstate.edu.

Letters must be no longer than 300 words. No anonymous letters will be printed. We reserve the right to edit for grammar, spelling, space and libel.

We reserve the right to refuse obscene, irrelevant and malicious letters.

All e-mails must include the name and phone number of the letter writer.

Students should also include their classifications and majors.

Is the News Media too liberal, conservative or just about right?

(By party affiliation) 81%

Kelley Simmons/Star illustration

The National Football League made its regular season debut in San Antonio yesterday as 58,688 watched the New Orleans Saints win their first home game of the season and defeat the Buffalo Bills 19-7.

While the Alamodome is fine as a temporary home for the Saints, if the city of San Antonio wants to make a strong push for a NFL franchise, they must involve the entire region of South and Central Texas.

The city must involve New Braunfels, San Marcos and Austin in their pitch. It’s a given that fans in the region are going to benefit and a number of current NFL teams – while named for a particular metro area – are regionally based.

It is a wonder as to the level of support that would come from the middle of the San Antonio-Austin corridor since filling up Bobcat Stadium is a problem in itself, but one has to believe that the inclusion of the local area as well as fans from South Texas and Mexico would happily drop their dollars into the local economies if a stadium were to be built between New Braunfels and San Marcos.

A facility placed there would allow Austin and San Antonio to capitalize on people coming to and from games and other events as well provide great access from cities north, south and west of here, which allow fans from non-represented regions of the state to get their football fix.

Sunday’s announced attendance of more than 58,000 people, though, was not the best move for those people highly interested in securing a NFL franchise, whether it be the possibly displaced New Orleans Saints, a floundering franchise like the Jacksonville Jaguars or an expansion team. We’ll give the fans the benefit of the doubt that a sell-out was tougher than normal due to the short notice of sales and delayed opening of some seats due to season ticket holder policies of the Saints, but it would have been nice for one of the local (or regional) corporate sponsors to buy the remaining allotment of tickets and do whatever it took to fill those seats.

Saints officials said the right things, though, and that’s a start for those strongly in support of bringing a team to the area.

“It was one of the loudest NFL crowds I’ve ever heard,” Rita Benson LeBlanc said in Monday’s edition of the San Antonio Express-News. “I’m more than pleased.”

LeBlanc is a member of the Saint’s Board of Directors as well as the granddaughter of team owner Tom Benson.

While it’s understandable that bringing professional football to the area isn’t going to be on the top of many people’s lists when it comes to issues for local city councils, somebody at City Hall should at least make a courtesy call to San Antonio and find out what San Marcos can do to make the New Orleans Saints into Los Santos de San Antonio.

Campus officials should take stand on ban This open leting students to “poCLARA ter is to those lice themselves” with SPRIGGS-ADAMS quoted in the regards to not smokGuest Columnist Sept. 14 article ing in The Quad. If in The University you feel that self-poStar titled “Butting Out of The licing is such an effective tool, Quad” — Dean of Students why not apply the same logic to Vincent Morton, University campus parking?

Police Department Chief Ralph Why you, the leader charged Meyer, Associated Student with the responsibility of enGovernment President Jordan forcing the laws, policies and Anderson and President Denise ordinances of this university, Trauth and the entire university have taken this stance on the administration. smoking issue is not only paWhy we are still discussing thetic but also irresponsible. this campus smoking issue is You are advising students to do beyond comprehension. For the job that you and your offia group of obviously intellicers are paid to do. Some smokgent people, you’ve missed the ers get very belligerent when mark on this one. All of you anyone dares to address their are shirking your responsibilhabit in any manner. Students ity to the nonsmokers on this have no authority whatsoever campus by refusing to take a to enforce the so-called smokdecisive stand and make a deing ban. finitive decision that protects By asking us to approach the health and safety of all con- smoking students and remind cerned. them of the smoking ban is The fact that you’re unwillasking for trouble. You are creing to stand up and be counted ating an unsafe environment speaks volumes about your where our physical safety is ability to lead an entity of jeopardized. I’m amazed that this magnitude. Being a good this, apparently, did not occur leader means that sometimes to you. decisions must be made that It is no wonder that the are not popular but are necessmoking issue hasn’t been resary for the benefit of all. This solved. The University Smoking smoking issue is one such issue. Policy itself is full of smoke and If you’re unable to resolve this mirrors. It comes on strong in issue, how can we have confithe beginning but fizzles out dence in your ability to solve almost immediately. Why have other important issues? a smoking policy if it’s not goChief Meyer, you are expecting to be enforced?

According to the article, Morton said “The smoking ban is a student initiative … We’re not trying to get people fired or thrown out of school … We expect people to police themselves.”

That last comment seems to be a common theme with you officials. If this “self-policing” is so effective, how about we make better use of it and apply it to tuition payments, returning library books and laptops, paying parking tickets, shopping at the bookstore and all the other areas in which holds are placed on students’ records and prevents them from registering for classes or receiving degrees and transcripts if they don’t comply.

Here’s a newsflash: People are not “policing themselves.” They are still smoking wherever they please, and we nonsmokers are still suffering from the burning eyes, stinging noses, headaches, nausea and the stench on our clothes and in our hair when we are forced to walk through the gauntlet of smoke to get to class, into the library or having to share spaces (like elevators, tables, classroom seating) with them.

If the breezeway at the Alkek Library is a nonsmoking area, why haven’t the ashtrays been removed? Please don’t tell me they are there to keep the butts off the ground. Even with the

ashtrays there, the butts are still all over the ground, the steps and everywhere else.

According to the article, Anderson said “It was never our intention to have UPD enforce any type of ban.” What exactly, may I ask, was ASG’s intention?

Why have a ban if it’s not to be enforced?

All of you should be ashamed of yourselves for your failure to demonstrate proper leadership in this matter. All of you should grow a backbone and do the right thing. The right thing is to create designated smoking areas for smokers, so that they are not infringing upon the rest of us by smoking in breezeways, doorways, and any and everywhere they please.

My guess is that many of you who are charged with enforcing the smoking ban are either smokers yourselves, or you are afraid to alienate your friends and colleagues.

Smokers cannot smoke in the presence of nonsmokers without forcing us to smoke with them. My concern is breathing air that is not saturated with cigarette smoke. My concern is not whether I will offend smokers. Your concern and action should be ensuring that this campus is user-friendly for all of us.

ering that it was more than 100 degrees that day, I wouldn’t have wanted to wait around in the sun, would you?

While you may disagree with her content, I don’t believe a mean-spirited assault on her character is in any way a valid or poignant argument. Thanks for writing anyway, though.

between the LBJ Student Center and Alkek Library was an extremely poor site to have this event. I do not understand why the event was not at a location suited for a mass audience. According to the university Web site, Bobcat Stadium has a maximum capacity of approximately 15,200 and Strahan Coliseum’s capacity is 7, 200 people.

I know that these facilities are often booked months in advance, but a special event such as this should have had precedence over all other scheduled events.

If you recall when Judy Shepard visited Texas State, the mall was also overcrowded, and viewing was extremely limited.

If you look at all the abnormal geometrical “architecture” in that area, logistically speaking, it’s a nightmare to host any activity in that part of campus.

Although just hearing Maya Angelou speak was a monumental treasure in itself, it would have been a much more enjoyable experience if the audience could actually see her deliver her inspirational and thought provoking speech.

Spriggs-Adams is a sociology senior.

Letters to the Editor One “Distinctive Voice” should not be heard

15% 3%

Republicans 40% 38%

57% 21%

Independents

18%

23%

Democrats

These results are based on telephone interviews with a randomly selected national sample of 921 adults, aged 18 and older, conducted Sept. 12-15, 2005. For results based on this sample, one can say with 95 percent confidence that the maximum error attributable to sampling and other random effects is ±3 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

921 People Polled The University Star

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

Gallup/CNN/USA Today Poll Released: Sept. 27, 2005

Were you drunk when you hired her?

What is it that compels people to assign significance to cheerleaders and various other permutations of girls dancing at football games? By virtue of their physical attractiveness, we pay attention while they prance and smile like well-trained Ludivicos.

Is it justifiable to give them columns in the school newspaper?

Abby Minica’s column “Struttin’ her stuff in Aggieland” is a vulgar display of self-involvement and frivolity. Consider the storyline: some girls ride a bus to a football game in which their team loses, but the girls’ friends see them cheering in the stands, and then they ride the bus home. Most of the column is spent griping about weather and cramped quarters on the bus. A chimp could have written this.

And yet, it gets printed. I can sympathize with the need to fill up space. But if words are involved, look into your soul

Editor In Chief..................David Michael Cohen, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor..................................Joe Ruiz, staropinion@txstate.edu News Editor......................................Kirsten Crow, starnews@txstate.edu Assistant News Editor.................Ashley Richards, ar1225@txstate.edu Trends Editor..............Christina Gomez, starentertainment@txstate.edu Photo Editor............................Courtney Addison, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor...................................Miguel Peña, starsports@txstate.edu

and try to print something that at least pretends to be relevant.

Abby’s knack for precision, like telling us exactly how long she waited for the bus (a ghastly fifteen minutes), illustrates a clear incompetence or total lacking of anything worth mentioning.

Why do we encourage this sort of pointless narrative?

Robert Crump English junior

Christina Gomez Entertainment Editor

Dear Robert, No, I wasn’t drunk when I hired Abby. The “Distinctive Voices” section of the Trends section seeks to highlight student’s individual experiences that are of interest to the student body.

While I can’t comment on the necessity of physical attractiveness to be a Strutter, I can vouch for their tenacity. I can hardly imagine what would compel an individual to endure long, sweaty practices and endless crunches.

In her latest entry, “Struttin’ her stuff in Aggieland,” Abby is simply conveying her excitement at performing at such a large event. She focuses on the experiences of her team and relates her excitement to the reader. Consid-

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Special appearance should have had a better place It is with extreme gratitude that I thank the Student Association for Campus Activities and the Common Experience organizers for their diligent work and tireless efforts to bring Maya Angelou to the Texas State campus on Wednesday evening.

It is an all too rare occasion when this campus is able to host someone of her stature, and I was a bit taken back when I first learned that she would actually be present at Texas State.

However, the mall on campus

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Christopher Baker public relations junior 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 other Wednesday of Summer I and II with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Copyright October 4, 2005. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - Page 5

releasesof the week music Extraordinary Machine – Fiona Apple All the Right Reasons – Nickelback You Could Have It So Much Better – Franz Ferdinand

dvd Somebody’s Miracle – Liz Phair Royal Albert Hall: London May 2, 3, 5&6, 2005 – Cream

The Interpreter – (PG-13) Sean Penn, Nicole Kidman The Amityville Horror– (R) Ryan Reynolds, Melissa George

House of D – (PG-13) David Duchovny, Robin Williams The Fly: Collector’s Edition – (R) Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis

Trends Contact — Christina Gomez, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Canvas paints the town...

By Rachel Felderhoff Entertainment Writer and David Michael Cohen Editor in Chief AUSTIN — After six years of giving Central Texas some of the most original music heard locally, Canvas is taking an indefinite hiatus. Saturday night marked the official break as they played their last show (for now) at Antone’s to a crowd of more than 500 fans that reflected just as much energy as the band.

The crowd grew steadily through opening shows by Driver Friendly, Echoset and Alpha Rev and was begging for Canvas to come on stage as the band set up for its epic show. Candles lined the top of their speakers, evoking the fire dances that used to accompany the band’s perfor-

one last time?

mances here and at other classic Austin venues like the now defunct Metro on Sixth Street.

The band consists of Joseph King on vocals and guitar, Julian Mandrake on guitar, Brad Byram on bass and backing vocals and Scott Thomas on drums.

Each musician brings his own sound and talent that combines with the rest to form a sound unlike that of any other band in the genre, bringing the four-member lineup to a new level.

The show was played chronologically, starting with “Tarot,” the first track from their first album, Invocation. The audience spent the night reliving the journey on which Canvas has taken them for the last six years. Even guitarist Ben Rada, the band’s fifth member until he quit about 1 1/2 years ago, returned to the

stage to play one song with his former bandmates for the first time since they parted ways, to the wild cheers of the fans packed into Antone’s. Other highlights included a guest appearance by Johnny Goudie and a cover of “There is a Light That Never Goes Out” of which The Smiths would have been proud.

The show started at midnight, and by closing time the fans packed into the venue, most of whom sang along to nearly every song, had not had nearly enough.

“If it’s all right with you all, we’d like to keep playing for another 20 minutes or so,” said King, and the crowd screamed its assent.

The band finished its 2 1/2hour set with a 10-minute rendition of “Lover,” off of Invocation,

Jeremy Craig/Star photo Front man for Canvas, Joseph King, performed for the crowd for almost three hours, giving their fans the ultimate closeout concert before the band takes its hiatus.

complete with a fire dancer who lit up the stage with 1foot torches attached to each of his fingers as he gyrated along with band members. The crowd lit up with glee at the return of this once-regular feature of the Canvas stage show.

K n o w n Jeremy Craig/Star photo around town Brad Byram, bassist for Canvas since it made Austin its home base in 1999, for their live puts down his heavy bass lines, underlining King’s powerful vocals. performances and for drawing in audiences with their stage grew to a size that rivaled that of promised another year of shows, presence, Canvas proved one many major label bands. a hope that was dashed when thing in this possibly final per“We’re not just fans, we’re a Canvas announced the hiatus. formance: They will be sorely family,” Chartier said.

Roses is warmer with an almost missed.

This closeness was also ex- progressive sound to it. The Canvas originated in San pressed by King during the set more mature sound also has a Francisco as King’s musical as he thanked “everybody here mellower feel while keeping all creation. When they played at who’s ever let us crash at your the genuine talent that makes South By Southwest seven years place.”

Canvas so delicious. ago, he decided that Austin was This fierce fan loyalty explains Canvas’ members are going a much more respectable place why it’s so frustrating for Can- their separate ways to pursue infor Canvas’ musical style. The vas, after six years of creating dividual projects, but King made move to Austin left King with remarkable music, to be without it clear during the show that they only Rada to share his vision a label. With such a large base of were not breaking up over perof Canvas, and the two began support for their music, play- sonal disagreements. searching to find musicians to ing shows around the United “We just want you to know play the perfect combination States with musicians like Robby that we all love each other very of not-too-heavy bass, melodic Krieger, the guitarist from The much up here,” he said. guitar and raw vocals to grab Doors, Canvas fans feel that the The night was bittersweet for listeners’ souls. Austin’s Canvas band is due a label — the music the band and the fans, who remiwas born in August 1999 and has world owed them that. nisced together about the times grown in popularity and acclaim In 2002, they released their they’d shared. ever since. second album, Four Days Awake.

“We did a lot of bad things to In 2001, Canvas recorded This time they chose producer a lot of nice people — mostly and self-produced Invocation in Stuart Sullivan (Sublime, The ourselves,” King said of one of their garage, creating a work of Butthole Surfers). The release those times. “I woke up in the remarkable sound and balance. of Four Days prompted a tour middle of an acid trip at 4:30 in The music generated in Invoca- around and outside of Texas and the morning, in the bathroom tion is fresh and original. The spread Canvas’ music to fans — and wondered where everyvocals, which are sometimes ex- who were hungry for rock ‘n’ roll body had gone.” plicit, have a raw reality to them. that was unlike any other band.

The fans trailed slowly out of “Joseph is so passionate about “They’re just so poetic. They Antone’s, trying to hold onto the his music — the whole band is. create a soundtrack for your life night for as long as possible.

They play amazing music that is because they convey so much “You either hear them and so genuine,” said Dre Chartier, a emotion,” said Jay Price, another you fall in love — you’re overlongtime fan and friend of the fan. whelmed by how they make band.

Released earlier this year, you feel — or you just don’t get Invocation sold more than Painting the Roses enticed fans them,” Chartier said between 2,000 copies as Canvas’ fan base into believing the new album tears, after the end of the show.

After three releases, Canvas takes a break

Star: How’s the reaction here versus San Francisco?

King: It was such a fledgling project out there that it’s really hard to compare … over the four or five years we’ve kept a really good draw and the crowd has turned over a couple of times and we’ve always kept the clubs full. People have been really good to us.

Star: So, the big issue – why is Canvas taking this hiatus?

King: Well, we absolutely loathe each other now. Ha-ha.

Brad Byram: We’re kind of like an old married couple taking separate vacations.

Star: Is that all it’s going to be — a vacation?

King: It’s hard to say, we don’t want to promise anything, but we intend to get back together and play. Now, in the meantime, we’re all doing different things. I’m moving up to New York City to write music and record, to put together — I wouldn’t call it a solo

record — but just write in a different direction outside a rockband format and record and play solo around the city.

Star: Acoustic, right?

King: [It is] stuff I’ve wanted to do and see creatively what a new atmosphere it pulls out. We’ve been doing our own things, and we’ve been in this band as its own entity for six years now — we’ve put out three albums, we’ve played the Texas Midwest circuit and done tons of shows, and even though we love each other very much, we just knew at this point it was time to take a break.

Star: Is there any timeframe you can give your fans of when you’re going to play again — maybe even just some shows during the hiatus?

King: Yeah, we’re going to talk about it — we’re definitely done for the rest of the year … as soon as we made this public, bands all over town started calling us, recruiting us. Saying ‘Oh, you’re leaving town, that’s too bad — can I have Julian’s number then?’

Star: How frustrating has it been not to be signed after being together for so long and having such a large fan base?

King: It’s pretty f**king frustrating.

Star: Does that have anything to do with why Canvas is taking this break?

King: Well, absolutely. We’d

be lying if we said if we hadn’t caught what we would consider a much-deserved break in the last year or so, then yeah of course it’d be different.

Star: What have been your best times then — any big memories?

Byram: They asked us that on the radio the other day on the spot. Hmm — I said playing with Robby Krieger, the guitarist from The Doors. Playing a couple of shows with him, he seemed to really like our music.

Scott Thomas: My favorite part has been playing with other bands … one of my favorite [memories] was playing the Toadies’ farewell show at Waterloo Park.

King: We like to have a good time — we shine in the festival atmosphere. We’re those guys backstage- we’ve definitely garnered a nice healthy rock and roll reputation. You know the lifestyle is definitely for real; we haven’t shied away from that.

Star: Do you guys have any big influences, not necessarily that you copy, but maybe idolize?

King: Collectively, The Beatles is on the top of everyone’s list.

After that, everyone just scatters … Some closer influences here in Austin, Johnnie Goudie has been a huge influence — he produced our last record. For me personally, David Garza has been an influence and we all love David, and Blue October was definitely an influence (because) we toured

so long together, and while our music isn’t really that similar its close enough that you can’t help but rub off on each other. Jane’s Addiction has been another band that collectively was a big influence on us, especially in our early stuff. In our early shows, we had fire dancers.

Star: I’ve read about the fire dancers — what’s the deal with that?

King: It was just fun.

Star: Where was that?

Julian Mandrake: It got pretty wild (because) we started having really big shows and the fire department would start calling us.

King: They knew who we were — they would have a meeting just about us.

Mandrake: They would call the club and let them know that they would be coming by on any given night so clubs started telling us we couldn’t do fire, so we did the whole — run the person at the front door and wave us down.

Star: How do you feel about that, and where you are today as a band?

King: We definitely enjoyed what we were doing then but artistically, creatively, you evolve over six long years, so what we’re doing now — the last record I’m very proud of. If we hadn’t made this last record, I don’t think I would feel as comfortable as I

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feel taking this break. We wonder if we kept doing what we were doing from the start — what we would sound like now — I’m sure it would be awesome, superheavy fun stuff.

— Compiled by Rachel Felderhoff

For the complete interview with the guys of Canvas check out www.UniversityStar.com

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Star: Canvas originally started out in San Francisco, why did you decide to come to Austin?

Joseph King: We decided after we ran out of money in San Francisco, and we’d been touring the West Coast and Southwest for about a year or so, we played in Austin a couple of times and got a really good reception down here, we got into South by Southwest — just stayed.

TRENDS

Page 6 - The University Star

Tuesday, October 4, 2005

Rattler Round-up a success, raises money for San Marcos CISD

By Nixon Guerrero Entertainment Writer This weekend, San Marcos held its first Rattler Round-up & Chili Cook-Off. Opening to an initially meager turnout, the event quickly filled up and was viewed as a success.

The three-day event was held at Plaza Park, complete with food booths serving everything from funnel cakes to turkey legs to sausage-on-astick, a rock-climbing adventure and live music provided by indigenous groups such as Emilio Navaira, Two Tons of Steel and Del Castillo.

The Rattler Round-up was held to create community awareness and raise money for San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District students and faculty by the San Marcos Education Foundation.

The foundation is a nonprofit public corporation with a mission to “provide educational resources that will enrich teaching, inspire learning and maximize opportunities for all students in the San Marcos community,” said Rene Ruiz, coordinator of the weekend’s events and vice president of the foundation.

“One of the main aspects of our mission is to provide funding for projects that there usually isn’t funding for,” Ruiz said. “We have what’s known as the Innovative Teachers Grant in which a faculty member submits a grant request, and if it meets our criteria, we will issue anything from $5,000 to $10,000 to them and do the same for other requests two to four times a semester.”

On average, the foundation contributes $20,000 to $40,000 a semester to the schools of San Marcos.

The foundation was initially created to support the local education community financially. But the foundation doesn’t just donate money annually; it

also tries to publicly recognize individual students for their academic excellence, as well as encourage and acknowledge dedicated teachers and their efforts in contributing to the classroom as well as the community.

Some of its more generous contributions included when the foundation paid for every single high school junior’s SAT administration fee last year.

“We wanted to make sure that nobody was left out on a chance to go to college,” Ruiz said.

As the temperature slowly dropped on Saturday afternoon, the number of fun loving, supportive individuals increased. Many arrived to hear bands like Ace in the Hole and Darryl Lee Rush. The grassy knoll, once bare, was blanketed with folding chairs, ice chests and umbrellas — all in the employ of hundreds of San Marcos denizens. Children of all ages could be seen joyously playing with their family dogs or passing footballs in open delight. Laughter and pleasant conversations resonated throughout the day into the night.

“This is just a fun day with good people, good food and good music — all for a great cause,” said Robert Garza, a Texas State music junior.

Sunday proved just as successful as the day before. With attendance just as, if not more Linda L. Smith/ Star photo impressive, than Saturday, the Guitarist Mark Del Castillo and lead vocalist Alex Ruiz of Del Castillo performed Sunday night at Park Plaza. Del Castillo fun was nonstop. People came was the last band to perform Sunday, closing out the Rattler Round-up and Chili Cook-Off festivities. from all over the area to hear Texas State alumni Emilio Na- South Austin’s own Del Castil- munity is doing and it’s a great The foundation holds many that we can help to improve vaira perform. lo. As the band was to take the cause,” said Ricky del Castillo, fundraising and public events the education of our kids.”

The Rattler Round-up & “San Marcos is great town stage and lead everyone in an one of Del Castillo’s lead gui- year round, such as their Anwith great people,” said Navai- entertaining feel-good time, tarists. “When our manager nual Wine and Cheese affair, Chili Cook-Off was the first in ra after his performance. “The the crowd hurriedly rushed mentioned it to us, we were all the Pack the Outback Annual what is hoped to be an annual foundation raising money for and surrounded the immedi- about it. We’re happy and hon- Luncheon and their Academic event. With hopes high and a solid, immovable allegiance to Recognition Banquet. the kids of the community is ate front of the stage trying to ored we could be here.”

“There are many ways Texas the community, the San Mara great idea. And we’re glad we get the best view of the perThe San Marcos Education could help.” formers. Del Castillo delivered Foundation is an organiza- State Bobcats can get involved cos Education Foundation has To finish the weekend off, an eye-opening and spiritual tion that’s passionate about and contribute to the cause,” made a positively confident San Marcos was to witness the performance of some of their making a sizable difference Ruiz said. “The fundraising impact on the town’s educafiery Latin, double acoustic greatest songs. in its educational community never stops, and it’s through tional ability and will no doubt guitar-lead musical triumph of “It’s awesome what the com- and shows no sign of fading. these funds and contributions continue to do so.

Cory Morrow: puts the Streetlight Manifesto, ‘country’ into Hill Country

By Kyle Carson Entertainment Writer You don’t have be a conservative, nor do you need to love George W. It’s not necessary to own a pair of Wranglers or know how to square dance. It doesn’t even matter if your belt buckle has less than a pound of silver on it. If you want to experience a feel-good, Hill Country auditory celebration, why not try a little Texas country?

“We want you smilin’, we want you movin,’” Cory Morrow screams out to a jampacked Gordo’s on Thursday night.

With no room left on the dance floor, latecomers were forced to take higher ground on the balcony. This, of course, was no problem considering the thundering volume not only reached up the stairs to the loft but permeated the bathroom doors and escaped into The Square for passersby to hear.

The band opened with “Heart of Fire,” a fiery track off its newly released album Nothing to Hide. However, Morrow did anything but promote his new music. While only playing a few

new releases, the majority of the music consisted of crowdpleasing favorites like “21 Days on the Road” and “Big City Stripper.” Though there wasn’t much room for two-stepping, the crowd maintained a deafening roar in response to the beginning, middle and end of each and every song, especially when one daring fan offered up his drink to the singer.

Morrow, recently criticized for inebriated performances reasoned, “I’ve got 1 1/2 hours before I have to drive, so I can have one drink, right? That’s enough time.”

Then he proceeded to down the beverage, perhaps to spite any on-looking, nay-saying critics who may have been at the show.

Texas country hasn’t nearly been the same since Houston native Cory Morrow burst into the scene. What is a big name like Morrow doing in quaint San Marcos you may ask? It’s simple — having a gnarly time.

More than playing massive venues, this singer-songwriter enjoys popping open a frosty beer and making people dance (even if they don’t know how).

Most people don’t realize that Cory Morrow started playing music at Texas Tech. After he dropped out, he met, among others, Pat Green and has been expanding his music ever since.

Let this be a lesson to all aspiring musicians: If you want to succeed, drop out of college and befriend Pat Green.

Morrow’s new album, Nothing Left to Hide, boasts some decent tunes. Amazingly, this is his eighth record to be released. However, like any artist who has been around awhile and has made it big, the music is in danger of sounding repetitious — even for country. The new album will be a hit among Texas country fans, but the next one will need to carry a different tune.

Be on the lookout for Cory Morrow’s next show in San Marcos. Forget going to Austin for a night and kick back in town to experience some great live music. The live show is where his band excels. Anyone, regardless if you’re a little country or a little rock ‘n’ roll, will have an excellent time watching Morrow perform. Just make sure you bring your Stetson.

local bands bring ska to the White Rabbit

By John Overton Entertainment Writer

On Sept. 27, rudeboys, punk rockers and many other music lovers congregated at the White Rabbit in San Antonio to see Streetlight Manifesto and other bands. Streetlight Manifesto was on their “No One Quit Since Last Tour” tour. Accompanying them on the tour was Whole Wheat Bread, a poppunk band.

The White Rabbit venue has two stages, which switched off to give a constant stream of music throughout the night.

The first band on the smaller stage was local high school ska band Two Seconds Left.

The seven-piece band plays a ridiculously good version of ska-punk, especially given their collective ages. The singer/guitarist harmonizes with the horn line through braced teeth while playing a solo-based rock guitar. If this band sticks to it, in a few years they could be the best ska band out there.

Before Whole Wheat Bread and Streetlight took to the stage, two other local ska bands performed, The Royal Customs and Kevin Goes 2 College. The Royal Customs was mostly unmemorable; the only point of note was, as a friend put it, “The singer sounds like he’s from a Japanese pop group.”

Kevin Goes 2 College plays

great sounding ska-punk. The thing of note about the band is that they sound exactly like mid-90s ska band Save Ferris.

The singers even look somewhat similar. This isn’t a bad thing though, as Save Ferris plays good music. As a result, Kevin Goes 2 College plays good music.

Whole Wheat Bread is both something else and more of the same. They play typical high school pop-punk. Their songs deal with typical high school themes of defying authority, girls and drinking. The band’s CD does little though, to describe how energetic and great they were on stage.

Dressed like rappers, complete with baggy clothes and a bit of bling, it’s a bit of a trip for them to play songs that could have easily been written by Blink 182. Though their music was generic, they did put on a good show Tomas Kalnoky formed Streetlight Manifesto in 2003.

The members are culled from the ska bands One Cool Guy and Catch 22, who Tomas Kalnoky sang and played guitar for on their album, Keasbey Nights. After that album’s release, Kalnoky returned to college. Catch 22 went on to make music that sounded like Keasbey Nights while not having any of the essence. Streetlight Manifesto plays coherent ska

that borders on rock with a recognizable beat, tune and lyrics that are comprehensible. Each song sounds distinct in both tune and mood from the last.

Their lyrics cover issues from a friend threatening suicide, planned robberies and their own critics. Streetlight’s first album Everything Goes Numb was sort of a wake up call to the ska genre in what could be done with it.

The seven-piece almost completely covered the stage, and after taking the stage, the band began a melody composed of three songs off their latest album. This then melded into a complete version of “A Moment of Violence.” The crowd became a moving, swaying body that chanted out the lyrics. Kalnoky often allowed the audience to yell out the chorus allowing him to focus on his guitar. Each instrumental section had the crowd break into a skanking, moshing, moving pit of humans. During some of the songs, particularly “Point-Counterpoint,” the line between the band and the audience became blurred, with both sides participating with equal passion.

Almost each band present at the show had great stage presence, regardless of the quality of their music, and the venue was actually really nice, all things considered.

Your friendly neighborhood watchdog.

Spencer Millsap/ Star photo Cory Morrow rocked listeners at Gordo’s Thursday evening with his Texas-country style.

Morrow will perform Oct. 21 at Stubb’s in Austin.

TRENDS

Tuesday, October 4, 2005

Distinctive voices

The University Star - Page 7

✯Star Comics THE CAT BIRD SEAT

BY JEFF COLE

A nontraditional point of view

This week I have questions: he jumped on the chance to say yes.

Why on earth would a large uniHow could I refuse? I knew about her, versity have itty-bitty desks in its but he actually studied her life and classrooms? At first I thought, as I her writing. So off we went, back to get older gravity tends to drop lowcampus. It was hot and humid while er or maybe it was only me actuwe sat behind her and listened to this ally carrying the desk with me every incredible lecture. We were literally SUSAN RAUCH time I had to get up. Then I talked blinded by the spotlights, and I worEntertainment to other students and was relieved it ried Matt would lose focus, but after Columnist was not just me, and that many of finding another spot to sit, he was these desks had the honor of being engaged in listening to her speak. placed in campus classrooms all over.

Afterward, I asked him if he enjoyed My kids in middle and high school have larger himself, and I felt so proud that he said yes. desks. In one of my classes, I have to refer to While leaving, as we passed through the LBJ my book and write at the same time on one of Student Center, I remembered the AIDS quilt these tiny-sized desks. This is very frustrating. that was there earlier that day. It would have It makes me feel disorganized too. been nice if they extended that viewing until I am also wondering why most instructors the late evening after the lecture so Matt and only have office hours and study sessions on I could have also experienced that together. It Tuesdays and Thursdays. I really miss out on was a very moving display. I went to my classes those days for extra help. I can say happily that the next day with an uplifted feeling from the I at least “passed” most of my previous week’s day before. The weather was beautiful, classes exams. At first, I wasn’t happy with my grades did not appear complicated (except for math after trying my best to study, but I found out — as always), and I felt a renewed energy that I was actually in the average range of grades evening while attending tennis practice with compared to others taking the same exams. It is the tennis sports club on campus. I missed the really tough for me to study around my family big game on Saturday due to work and my havand work responsibilities, but I now feel a bit ing to transform back from my role as student more focused with how to delegate my study to wife and mom. I would have much rather time — well at least I hope I do. been tailgating with the Non-Traditional StuI did have a “proud mom” moment this past dent Organization and attending the game week on campus. My 14-year-old son, Matt, than literally battling my cart through the aisles was telling me about his English class and how at the grocery store! the last two weeks he studied and read Maya Angelou’s work. He brought this up the same We will be following Susan’s first freshman semesday she was speaking on campus. Due to the ter in 25 years in next Tuesday’s issue of The Star. commuting and soaring gas prices, I was not planning on coming back to attend the lecONLINE: www.studentorgs.txstate.edu/ntso ture, but when I told my son she was speaking and asked if he would be interested in going,

Erin Leeder

Random Acts of Violence

NEED ADVICE? E-mail us at starentertainment@txstate.edu with any questions you have. Whether itʼs relationship, school or work problems youʼre having, weʼll give you our advice.

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9/15/05

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Page 1

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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.

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SPORTS

Tuesday, October 4, 2005

Staff picks for MLB playoffs 2005 Christina Gomez-Trends Editor Yankees Yankees (4) Angels ALCS Yankees (6) Red Sox White Sox White Sox (5) Cardinals Cardinals (4) Padres NLCS Astros Braves Braves (5)

The University Star - Page 9

NASCAR rolls through Thunder Hill

Yankees (6) Cardinals

Kyle Bradshaw-Asst. Trends Editor Yankees Yankees (5) Angels NLCS Red Sox (7) Red Sox Red Sox (5) White Sox Astros Braves

Cardinals (6)

Braves (5) ALCS Cardinals Cardinals (3) Padres

By Adam Schoenky Sports Reporter

Cardinals (5)

Adam Brown-Asst. Photo Editor Yankees Yankees (4) Angels NLCS Yankees (6) Red Sox Red Sox (5) White Sox Astros Braves

Astros (6)

ALCS Cardinals Cardinals (4) Padres Joe Ruiz-Managing Editor Yankees Angels Angels (5) NLCS Red Sox Red Sox (5) White Sox

Yankees (7) Astros (6)

Red Sox (6)

Astros Braves

Braves (7)

Braves (5) ALCS Cardinals Cardinals (4) Padres

Braves (7)

Kevin Washburn-Senior Sports Reporter Yankees Angels Angels (5) NLCS Angels (7) Redsox Red Sox (4) White Sox Astros Braves

Cardinals (6)

Braves (4) ALCS Cardinals Cardinals (3) Padres

Cardinals (7)

Marc Cleverley-Sports Reporter Yankees Angels Angels (5) NLCS Angels (4) Redsox Red Sox (4) White Sox Astros Braves

Astros (4)

ALCS Cardinals Cardinals (3) Padres CONTINUED from page 10

“We played very effectively on offense,” Chisum said. “The key was getting in a good rhythm.”

After two quick victories against the Lions, the Bobcats faced a minor scare in game three, as Southeastern Louisiana matched Texas State point for point before bowing out.

Texas State trailed eight times in the deciding game, including as late as 21-22. Nwoke and Prewit then scored successive kills, forcing a timeout from SLU. Out of the break Brown gave her team a two-point lead with a kill.

A Nwoke error tied the score at 29, guaranteeing extra points.

Texas State made short shrift of the extended play, with Prewit killing the final two volleys to earn the win.

“We expected them to come out stronger in game three,” Prewit said. “Coach Chisum told us to just bear down and finish the job.”

Saturday it was Karry Griffin’s turn, as Texas State took down Nicholls 3-0 (30-22, 3018, 30-26). Against the Colonels the middle blocker did her best Kacee Rogers impression, whom the Bobcats lost this year to graduation. Griffin notched nine kills and five blocks, leading the club in both areas. The technically-sound junior hit a blistering .727, but sat out game three for the second consecutive night. The coach said Griffin had been bothered by a shoulder injury.

“We wanted her to be ready to

Cardinals (6) Cardinals (7)

go (Saturday), so we gave her the rest,” Chisum said.

Griffin’s defense led the way, as the Bobcats out-blocked Nicholls 12-4.

“We stress the block in practice. That’s a big part of our game,” Griffin said. “We played well all around, and you feed off good defense.”

Nicholls, winless on the season, proved a tougher than expected match, with Texas State’s offensive leaders Nwoke (.130 hitting) and Brown (.062) struggling to bring home the bacon.

That’s when Chisum turned to another youngster: freshman Amy Weigle. The middle blocker entered a hard-fought game three, quickly making a difference by recording 4 kills and three blocks.

“Amy’s a good player. That’s something people should realize,” Chisum said. “It’s good that she can come in there and play well if we’ve got people struggling.”

The Bobcats also suffered from service errors, something the coach attributed to a lack of focus. Texas State committed six errant serves in the opening game.

“That was definitely a concern of ours,” Chisum said. “That’s just a mental thing, and we got better at it later, but they scored all but (seven) of their first 10 points on our errors.”

The Bobcats next play a nonconference match Tuesday with Texas-Pan American. The contest is slated for 7 p.m. in Edinburg.

There was a palpable air of excitement Saturday night as a capacity crowd of 9,000 fans filed into the Thunder Hills Raceway in Kyle to witness the first ever NASCAR sanctioned race in Central Texas.

The Allstate Texas Thunder 200 was one race in the NASCAR Grand National West Series. The Series is NASCAR sanctioned, with only slight modifications and shorter tracks separating it from the Nextel Cup version that most race fans are familiar with.

The similarities were myriad. The same abundance of sponsor logos were present, although touting the merits of smaller outfits like Ron’s Rear Ends and Food City. The crowd was clad in the same bent straw hats, with the same party atmosphere, if on a slightly smaller scale. There was even a local celebrity urging the Gentlemen to “start their engines.”

The honorary starter, Texas Comptroller and gubernatorial candidate Carole Keeton Strayhorn, thinks that NASCAR represents “Texas at its best.”

“It’s about patriotism, determination, individualism, and healthy competition, and that translates into the rest of the lives of the folks here,” Strayhorn said.

For all of the fervor surrounding it, the race itself did not disappoint. The three-eights mile track, the shortest of the tracks on the Grand National Series, allowed for racing in some very tight quarters.

As the race started, it was clear who were the crowd favorites. Sarah Fisher was the only female driver in the race.

While she is no Danica Patrick as of yet, she did manage to create quite the stir in the stands as she vied for third place for most of the early part of the race.

The first disappointment of the evening came during the 59th lap when crowd favorite and Austin resident Tavo (CT) Hellmund had to end his night early due to problems with his car’s oil line. Hellmund is part owner of Full Throttle Productions, the company that organized the race, as well as the personal favorite driver of Comptroller Strayhorn.

The continuous bumping and grinding of the short track race led to multiple spinouts and collisions, each of which resulted in caution laps as the track and cars were cleaned up.

A total of 56 of the race’s 200 laps were run under caution as a result of nine incidents ending in caution flags.

As each set of caution laps neared their end, the crowd was worked into a frenzy as they shouted in unison, “Lets go racing!,” inspiring the pedals to once again hit the metal at the raising of the caution flag, at least until the next one.

Since the pit at Thunder Hills

Raceway is located to the side of the track, there was a ten-minute pit break after 100 laps had been run. This is when the final adjustments are made in preparation for the final stretch.

Cars were allowed to change up to two tires, and numerous other adjustments were made to each car. A close-up look at the cars in the pit makes one realize just why there are so many advertisements for the same companies on each car. The intense grinding nature of the race scratches most of them down to the bare metal of the car.

As the cars sped back on to the track, their crews sped to the fence to see how their work will hold up. Noticing one car seemingly held together by duct tape at this point, one crew member can’t help but comment.

“I gotta think that front end is going to drop,” he said.

“It is,” confirmed one of his contemporaries.

It does, and we are back under caution. The latter part of the race, caution laps and all, was dominated by Steve Portenga in the NAPA Auto Parts car. At third in the standings entering the race, Portenga and his crew were looking for the checkered flag.

With the exception of one brief moment during lap 127 when David Gilliland inched ahead for the lead, Portenga led the race from lap 108 on.

The former amateur boxer was able to protect that lead until the checkered flag, when he finished 1.12 seconds ahead of Gilliland.

Portenga said he relished the short track racing style offered at Thunder Hills.

“There was a lot of bumping and banging, so I didn’t really rely on my spotter much, I just went for it. That’s old school racing,” Portenga said.

The checkered flag winner was impressed by the racing in Central Texas, and voiced the high hopes shared by many of the area’s racing fans.

“I’d love to come back next year and run 300 laps. If they put some more stands in here, we’ll fill ‘em up.”

Adam Brown/Star photos From top: The first East Central Texas NASCAR Grand National division race was hosted in Kyle on Saturday evening.

A NAPA car pit crew member replaces a tire during a pit stop.

Pre-race entertainment, which featured three bands and a Radio Disney Raceland, and a 20-car high-speed race, provided an exciting evening for an estimated 7,000 fans.

Steven Portenga, from Sparks, Nev., drove the No. 16 Chevy NAPA car and finished first overall.

Life is calling. How far will you go?

Tuesday, October 4

Wednesday, October 5

Texas State Fall Job and Internship Fair 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stahan Coliseum

Information table 10 AM- 2 PM Second floor of the LBJ Student Center

General Information Meeting 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. LBJ Student Center Dining Room #1

www.peacecorps.gov 1-800-424-8580

To attend, reserve a seat by calling 214.253.5471 or e-mail RSVP@peacecorps.gov.

SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Southland conference standings Stephen F. Austin 3-1 Texas State 3-1 McNeese State 1-1 Sam Houston State 1-2

Nicholls State 1-2 South Eastern La. 1-2 Northwestern State 1-2

Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - Page 10

Sports Contact — Miguel Peña, starsports@txstate.edu

Texas State runs all over the Jackrabbits

By Miguel Peña Sports Editor Texas State got out to an early start running up the score 14-3 over the visiting Jackrabbits from South Dakota State University. Barrick Nealy found K.R. Carpenter in the end zone on their first drive of the game to get the ball rolling. The combo connected five times for 118 yards making up nearly 72 percent of the total passing game.

The Bobcat rushing attack made up the majority of the offensive threat however, racking up 309 yards on the ground due to a big effort from the Bobcat starting offensive line.

Nealy had 129 yards for one touchdown while Douglas Sherman gained 98 yards on 15 carries.

Nick Session was given the ball in almost all of the Bobcats short yardage situations garnering three touchdowns on the day with only 45 yards.

“Our O-line can play. I’ve never doubted that, and they just get better as the weeks go by. They get more assignmentsound every week,” said Nealy.

Defensively, the Bobcats showed their teeth, keeping the Jackrabbits at bay with only 246 yards despite a 123-yard rushing total from sophomore runLinda L. Smith/Star Photo ning back Cory Koening.

Jamarqus O’Neal, Shola ObaSenior Bobcat running back Douglas Sherman makes his way to a first down. Sherman femi and David Simmons all contributed 98 yards rushing Saturday night. grabbed an interception to keep the SDSU passing game to 123 yards.

“It was a huge momentum changer. Jamarqus just continues to improve, he has only been here for two months but he’s already taking great ownership in this university,” Coach David Bailiff said.

Penalties were kept to a minimum in the game as the Bobcats only afforded two calls for 20 yards, a marked improvement on their previous three game averages of 136.

“We wanted to eliminate stupid penalties and we worked hard at that for the last three weeks. You can guarantee no penalties every week but that’ll take the aggressiveness out of the players,” said Bailiff.

At the end of the first quarter the Bobcats were looking back at South Dakota State with an 11-point lead, scoring two TDs to run up a 14-3 advantage.

SDSU made a first drive down deep into Bobcat territory but were shut down and had to settle for the field goal from 18yards out.

Texas State made short work on their next drive moving the ball 80 yards while taking 1:51 off the clock. Session scored after a questionable call by the officials on a significant scrum at the 1-yard line.

Session emerged from the pile without a helmet and continued to run the ball into the end zone.

The play was called back to the Linda L. Smith/Star Photo 1-yard line for a facemask call on SDSU. Session successfully Senior Bobcat quarterback Barrick Nealy had 286 yards of total offense Saturday, helping crossed the goal line on the folthe team to a 42-12 victory over South Dakota State. The Bobcats will play their Southland lowing play. conference opener on Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana University.

The Jackrabbits hopped their

way into the Texas State redzone once again but were dominated by a relentless pass rush that almost caused a turnover on a fumble by senior quarterback Andy Kardoes that rolled out of bounds untouched. SDSU finished off the drive with a 30-yard field goal that barely squeaked by the uprights to give them a score of six.

On the Bobcats next drive, Nealy started things off through the air connecting with Carpenter for a 20-yard gain to the 48yard line.

Nealy could not resist showing off his running skills as he turned up field for a 15-yard gain to the 31.

Following the run, Nealy found Justin Williams for a 20yard pass to the 11-yard line.

Morris Brothers ran ahead for a 4-yard gain to the 7-yard line and called again for the ball this time for the touchdown giving the Bobcats a 21-6 advantage with 10:54 in the first half.

SDSU could not get their bearings as they were afforded a loss of two yards by senior defensive tackle Fred Evans.

Obafemi bobbled but managed to get a grip on his second interception of the season which he returned for six yards giving the Bobcats a first down at the Jackrabbit 20-yard line.

Following an incomplete pass to the right side, Nealy found Carpenter again this time for a 15-yard pick up giving Texas State a first and goal from the five. A defensive facemask called at the three gave the ’Cats the first at the 1-yard line.

Session earned his second touchdown of the day on a 1yard run putting Texas State ahead, 28-3 following the extrapoint by Cory Elolf.

Koening once again was given the hand off and found a wide-open field to run it in for the first Jackrabbit TD on the day pulling them within 16.

The unsuccessful 2-point conversion left SDSU still needing three scores to make up the 2812 difference.

Opening the second half, the Jackrabbits received the ball in the end zone and returned to their own 19-yard line but were unable to move the chains as they were forced to go three and out after the eight yard loss after a sack by Fred Evans.

On fourth, the punt went only a few yards not even reaching midfield as Derwin Straughter fielded the punt at the 47 and returned the ball to the 41.

Texas State made short work on their next possession with five plays all together.

Following the sack on Nealy

by Eric Schroeder, the Bobcats were lined up for a third down with 18-yards to go. Nealy called his own number and found some running room as he streaked across the field leaving a fallen crowd of Jackrabbits in his wake. The play went for 38 yards and a TD giving the Bobcats a 35-12 advantage. The run gave Nealy his third 100-yard rushing game as he broke 125 rushing yards on the play.

The Jackrabbits were stopped on the drive but managed to inch their way to the Bobcat 28 before they were forced to kick again. On their third field goal attempt of the night the Jackrabbits were unsuccessful as the 42-yard attempt flew wide giving the Bobcats the ball at their own 26.

The Bobcats decided to keep it on the ground for the entirety of their next possession which allowed them a first down but they were unable to repeat on the next succession as they were stopped shy of the first.

The punt for 38-yard punt wound up in the hands of Paul Aanonson who returned the ball for 49 yards putting them in Bobcat territory at the 41. After a short gain on first, O’Neal came up with his second interception of the game and returned the ball 51 yards to the SDSU 44-yard line. The Jackrabbits stopped the ’Cats on their next drive as they were forced to punt. Unable to return the ball they started off the drive at their own 7-yard line.

A penalty on second down pushed SDSU back to their own 7 once again giving them a 3rd and 10 as the clock ran out ending the third quarter of play.

A short gain is all that Sherman needed to gain 100-yards in the game which marked the first time since the 2004 game against Eastern La. when Texas State had two players who rushed for a hundred yards in one game.

The following play saw them take that away as Sherman was tackled for a 2-yard loss on the play. Following the historic let down, Nealy scrambled in the backfield and found Carpenter running down the right side line for a gain of 69 yards through the air. Session, the short yardage artist, finished off the drive by putting his head down for a his third TD in the game.

SDSU looked shaken as they started their next drive. Andrew Hoogeveen was tackled for a 9yard loss.

The Bobcat defense continued to show their grit as they forced the Jackrabbits to punt once again.

On the following Bobcat drive, Session got the ball for a string of touches for 35 yards and three first downs before he headed for the sideline to get a breather.

Brothers then took over as he proceeded to take hand off after hand off all the while maintaining control of the clock and steadily progressing toward the end zone.

Nealy broke form and connected with Dameon Williams for a big gain that left the Bobcats at the 21-yard line. A short gain on first followed by a loss of yardage on second left the Bobcats with a third and long that they could not convert. With a botched field goal attempt the score remained at 42-12 as the clock wound down.

The Bobcats improved to 3-1 on the season heading into conference play starting with a road trip to SLU.

Bobcat volleyball improves to 4-1 in conference play

By Chris Boehm Sports Reporter During the weekend, the Bobcats improved to 4-1 in district play with wins over Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls State. Texas State now sits in a third-place tie with Sam Houston State.

Friday night, the Bobcats faced the Lions (4-9, 0-5) who, like Texas State, missed two games the previous weekend in preparation for Hurricane Rita.

In fact, both weekend opponents have been heavily effected by this summer’s storms, particularly Nicholls. The Colonels, in addition to last weekend’s cancellations, had six games wiped out following Hurricane Katrina.

“We had a great crowd, and it’s good to finally get back on the court after a 10-day layoff,” said head Coach Karen Chisum.

“We got in some good practices.

It’s been tough for those teams, though. I know Nicholls hasn’t been able to practice much.”

If the past two matches proved anything, it’s that Texas State has a deeper roster than anyone expected, especially with players getting healthy and underclass-

man settling into roles. The Bobcats had four players with at least nine kills over the weekend, and in Saturday’s game alone Chisum sent 15 different players to the floor.

“It’s good to play these younger players now, because we’re going to need them down the road against someone like Stephen F. Austin,” Chisum said. “They can look back at these games for experience.”

Texas State disposed of SLU in three games (30-24, 30-19, 31-29), as Chisum incorporated Erin Hickman into the lineup for the first time this year. The junior setter had been battling a leg injury early in the schedule but was healthy enough to play the entire weekend.

“She’s just getting back, and we wanted to get her a lot of reps,” Chisum said. “I’m glad it worked out that she could play three complete games (Friday and Saturday) and work on a rapport with the hitters. Right now she’s looking like our starter at setter.”

Hickman didn’t wait to make the most of her chance, recording 51 assists on Friday, a seasonhigh for a three-game match in

league play. The transfer from Jacksonville University finished with 91 over the two games.

“Our passing and serving game was really the key (against SLU),” said Brittany Prewit.

“Erin did a great job.”

While throwing praise elsewhere, Prewit was contributed in her own right. The sophomore southpaw held down the right side for the Bobcats, recording 12 kills and three blocks Friday against the Lions. Prewit, like Hickman, has also battled injuries to step into the rotation.

She has 33 kills in her last three matches, hitting .409 in that span.

“It’s awesome to be back and making a difference for the team,” Prewit said. “It’s nice to see the work you do in practice pay off.”

Prewit’s efficiency on offense reflected a well-oiled machine at work, with the Bobcats topping their .200 season hitting average in all but one of the weekend’s six games. Friday Liz Nwoke Monty Marion/Star photo and Lawrencia Brown were their Junior Karry Griffin spikes the ball during Friday’s game against Southeastern Louisiana usual selves, leading the way with University, where the Bobcats won three games straight. The Bobcats play the University of 14 and 16 kills, respectively.

Texas-Pan American at 7 p.m. today in Edinburg.

See VOLLEYBALL, page 9