10 06 2009

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS Amnesty period over for municipal court warrant roundup OPINIONS

Volume 99, Issue 17

06

TUESDAY

OCT

www.UniversityStar.com

Big Love goes Big Time

The student produced play Big Love starts today. See an exclusive video at UniversityStar.com about the preparation that went into this production.

Texas State students enter ‘Austin City Limits’

Main Point: Feasible Funding revoked Downtown San Marcos needs makeover, new focus Low self-esteem affects college students

web extra

For more video and photo coverage of ACL, See visit the Video Online at UniversityStar.com. www.universitystar.com

TRENDS Dancing in the rain: Fans’ moods not dampened by downpour Audience dances in mud to L.A.X.’s ‘big sound’ concert.

KTSW reaches wider audience Hillel celebrates ‘Festival of Sukkot’ SPORTS Thunderbirds peck Bobcats: Southern Utah defeats Bobcats in Saturday’s game Cross country teams prepare for conference Soccer team celebrates conference victories

See the Photos OnlineHEADLINER: at Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs performs Friday night on the AMD stage at ACL. www.universitystar.com

‘Trashfest’ competition Smoking-ban petition makes river clean-up fun on Facebook gains

By Dj Nutter News Reporter Rainy weather did not discourage 446 scuba divers and volunteers, who collected 4,820 pounds of trash at the 35th annual Trashfest.

Scuba divers from all over the United States met at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels, spreading out along the Comal River in search for anything and everything man-made.

93°/73° Scattered T-Storms Precipitation: 50% Humidity: 71% UV: 8 Very High Wind: S 14 mph

Wednesday

Isolated T-Storms Temp: 86°/75° Precip: 30%

Thursday Isolated T-Storms Temp: 89°/75° Precip: 30%

Texas Gulf Coast Council has sponsored Trashfest since 1974. This year, Cans for a Cure, a non-profit organization created by Texas State student, Sergio Palacios, hosted the event for the first time.

Jessica Ole, secretary of Cans for a Cure, said 63 scuba diver teams separated aluminum cans from their individual bundles of trash. Cans collected from this years’ Trashfest were sold to Green Guy Recycling for 40 cents a pound. All

the proceeds were donated to Cancer research. Divers collected a total of 2,670 cans, cups and bottles.

“Texas State is a party school, so I wanted to come up with a really simple opportunity for students to donate their beer cans to a cause,” said Palacios, president of Cans for a Cure.

Sponsors of Trashfest attract scuba divers by transforming

“That is the time frame the contractors laid out.”

Root said the process can begin once the testing center and other offices vacate the building in the coming weeks.

“It has now been determined that, baring any type of unexpected situation, once the contractor starts their work, we will be re-opening the dining hall,” Root said. “Hopefully, as early as the spring semester at the start of classes.”

Root said this is not a guar-

antee and there is not an exact date yet.

“After they get finished there may be some other things that need to be done, but we will re-open,” Root said.

University officials plan to continue building renovations after the dining hall is reopened.

“We’ll make the investment in the building to do some oth-

see ‘RIVER,’ page 4

ASG discusses dining hall efficiency with officials

By Bianca Davis News Reporter Commons Dining Hall will be re-opening, university officials said in Monday night’s ASG meeting.

John Root, director of auxiliary services, said there is a contract in place to perform the necessary renovations to the Commons Hall needed to meet necessary standards.

“That process will take minimally 10 weeks,” Root said.

Today’s Weather

Sara Strick/Star photo

Students get to business

see ‘COMMONS,’ page 4

signatures, attention

By Kaycee Toller The University Star A petition is circulating on Facebook with the goal of measuring students’ opinions about a potential smoke-free campus.

ASG Sen. Dallen Terrell created “A Smoke Free Texas State University,” a Facebook group with an online petition to ban smoking on campus, to gauge student interest in possible legislation.

“Currently, we are looking at what students would like in regards to the smoking policy,” Terrell said. “We are not in favor of any particular method of reformation to the policy.

We are just working on what the students would want.”

The Facebook group and online petition entails that, “There is nothing in the constitution that provides for smoking as a right. Every student has a right to pursue an education at a public institution in a healthy and safe environment.”

Terell said around 25 students have signed the petition

to date. Approximately 100 people have joined the Facebook group.

There are more than 300 colleges and universities nationwide that have enacted 100 percent smoke-free policies, according to the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation’s Web site.

The current policy on campus prohibits smoking in The Quad, in the Concho Green Mall, in breezeways and within 20 feet of buildings.

ASG Sen. Asha McElfish signed the petition for a smoke-free campus.

She supports a smoke free campus, but is not yet sure whether a new smoking ban would include all areas of campus.

“Since no formal legislation has been written, I don’t know any specific details,” McElfish said.

She said the Facebook petition would help ASG senators know what students want for their campus. see ‘SMOKING,’ page 4

City Council, candidates answer questions at debate

By Clay Thorp and DJ Nutter The University Star

City Council hopefuls fielded questions Thursday from community members.

The Council of Neighborhood Associations held their annual San Marcos City Council debate in the Activity Center. Moderated by Richard Salas, the debate gave community members the chance to ask the members from their respective neighborhood what their plans would be once in office. “(This debate) is not as formal as the League of Women Voters,” said City Councilmember Kim Porterfield, Place 1.

“Each area of town usually has their own questions.”

Ben Rondeau/ Star portrait photo Those running for place BUSINESS MINDED: Britney Parker, fashion merchandising senior, 5 included Lisa Coppoletta, Shaune Maycock and Ryan uses pre-made shirts to create custom dresses for her personal Thomason. business. Since she started her business in August, sales have Questions directed toward been steady and strong. See page 3 for story.

Coppoletta, Maycock and Thomason included inquiries about a veterans’ center in San Marcos and protecting the San Marcos River and promoting green industry.

“We don’t do enough as a nation or as a community for veterans,” Thomason said. “We need to do more.”

Coppoletta said she would work for veterans as well.

“I support the amendments for affordable housing and schooling for veterans,” Coppoletta said. “I want to see job training and advising.”

Maycock, Iraq veteran, told community members he would fight for a VA hospital in San Marcos.

“Going to a VA hospital in Austin or San Antonio after waiting six months for an appointment is not what our veterans deserve,” he said.“I want to bring a VA clinic here to San Marcos.”

Other topics included pos-

sible incentives to curb water consumption and promote green practices and industries in San Marcos.

“We can help protect the springs by having more native plants in (our) landscaping,” Thomason said.

Coppoletta emphasized the need for more green industry in San Marcos. “(We) need to curb polluting industries and attract the most ethical and green-friendly industries,” she said.

Maycock agreed, saying San Marcos should use Austin’s model of “incentivizing individuals to find green solutions to conserve water.”

Those running for place 6 included incumbent John Thomaides, Monica Garcia and Anita Fuller.

Questions directed at the see ‘COMMUNITY,’ page 4

Page Two

2 - The University Star

ON THIS

STARS OF TEXAS STATE

Alvin Canady scored the first touchdown of the Bobcats football game Saturday. He rushed for 50 yards and one touchdown on nine carries. Canady was Texas State’s receptions leader with catches totaling for 34 yards.

—Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

Texas State University – San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System

CRIME

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

DAY IN BLOTTER HISTORY 1683: Thirteen families from Krefeld, Germany, arrived in present-day Philadelphia to begin Germantown.

1884: The Naval War College was established in Newport, R.I. 1889: The Moulin Rouge cabaret opened in Paris.

1927: The era of talking pictures arrived with the opening of The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson.

1949: American-born Iva Toguri D’Aquino, convicted as Japanese wartime broadcaster Tokyo Rose, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined $10,000.

1973: Egypt and Syria attacked Israel during the Yom Kippur holiday.

Sept. 26, 3:26 a.m.

Public Intoxication/ Strahan Coliseum Parking Lot A police officer made contact with a nonstudent acting suspiciously. Upon further investigation, the nonstudent was cited and arrested for public intoxication.

The nonstudent was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date.

Sept. 26, 5:16 a.m.

Sell, Manufacture, Possess Fictitious DL/ San Jacinto Hall Parking Lot While on patrol, a police officer observed a nonstudent engaging in suspicious activity. The nonstudent was issued a citation for possession of a fictitious driver’s license.

Jake Marx/Star photo

CEO GRILL: Patrick Gron, industrial engineering junior, grills sausages and hamburgers for students in The Quad Monday for the Collegiate Sept. 26, 12:39 p.m.

Entrepreneurs Organization.

Reckless Damage or 1976: In a debate with Destruction/Sewell Park Democratic candidate Outdoor Center Jimmy Carter, President A student reported to a Gerald R. Ford asserted police officer a nonstudent there was “no Soviet damaged university domination of eastern In Thursday’s issue of The University Star, Jude Prather said if a proposed program for veterans is adopted by City property. The case is Europe.” Ford later Council, it will wave the deposit for utilities for a veteran or soldier, provided they show discharge papers or military ID. under investigation. conceded he had — The Star regrets this error. misspoken.

Sept. 26, 4:48 p.m.

Medical Emergency/ 1979: Pope John Paul II Bobcat Stadium became the first pontiff A nonstudent was to visit the White House, transported to Central where he was received by Texas Medical Center for Neighborhoods across San Marcos are planning special events prevention awareness and generate support and participation President Jimmy Carter. a possible heart attack. at the 26th annual Texas Night Out Against Crime. for local anti-crime efforts. The event also seeks to strengthen A report was made of the The annual event is designed to heighten awareness of crime neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send 1981: Egyptian President incident. prevention in neighborhoods as part of National Night Out. The a message to criminals that residents are organized and fighting Anwar Sadat was shot to event has been rescheduled from August to October in San back. death by Islamic militants Sept. 26, 5:00 p.m.

Marcos and other Texas cities.

The City Council rescheduled its first October meeting to while reviewing a military Failure to Comply Residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights yesterday, Oct. 5 so parade.

Striking Unattended and spend the evening outside with neighbors, police and city councilmembers, staff and the public may participate in Texas Vehicle/San Jacinto Hall leaders for Texas Night Out. Night Out. 2004: The top U.S. arms Parking Lot Officer Danny Arredondo, Crime Prevention coordinator, City Council members, City staff, police, fire fighters, EMS and inspector in Iraq, Charles A student reported to a announced more than a dozen neighborhood events will be held 911 operators will visit gatherings throughout the city.

Duelfer, reported finding police officer his vehicle in San Marcos today.

Neighborhoods throughout San Marcos will host a variety of no evidence Saddam was damaged while legally The neighborhoods participating include Hills of Hays, special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, visits Hussein’s regime had parked. The case is under Mockingbird & Pulte Sunflower Lane, Blanco Vista Subdivision, from police, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and antiproduced weapons of investigation.

Mariposa, Savannah Club, Stone Brook, Allenwood Homes, crime rallies.

San Marcos Texas Night Out parties have drawn mass destruction after Chapultepec Apartments, Springtown Villas, Sierra Circle, enthusiastic participation in recent years.

1991.

Hughson Heights, Oak Heights & Sierra Vista, Castle Forrest, Contact Officer Arredondo at 512-754-2270 for more —Courtesy of University Franklin Square, CM Allen Homes, The Wellington and Willow information.

—Courtesy of New York Police Creek Subdivision.

Other neighborhood events were awaiting Times

Correction

Residents host crime prevention parties

confirmation.

Texas Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug

—Courtesy of City of San Marcos

News

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The University Star - 3

Amnesty period over for municipal court warrant roundup

By Rachel Nelson News Reporter Students with outstanding warrants may soon find themselves in handcuffs for neglecting to take action on past offenses.

A one-week amnesty period which allowed persons with pending cases to appear before a judge without posting bond ended Friday, meaning officers have put forth special efforts to seek out and arrest

persons with outstanding warrants in San Marcos Municipal Court.

A press release sent out by the City of San Marcos states, “People with outstanding warrants for traffic violations, city ordinance violations and other misdemeanor charges filed at Municipal Court are urged to contact the court immediately to avoid arrest at home, work or school.”

UPD Officer Otto Glenewinkel said serving warrants on

campus or tracking students down at their residences is not an uncommon practice. Police sometimes wait outside of a classroom to arrest a student with a warrant.

“Warrant roundups happen all the time, and there are constables who come up here to serve warrants,” Glenewinkel said. “They usually publicize it two or three times a year to get people to come in voluntarily.”

It is unlikely a student would be served a warrant during

class, Glenewinkel said.

“Usually as a rule we don’t pull students out of class for someone to serve a warrant,” Glenewinkel said. “We can wait 50 minutes to serve them when they are coming out of class. We have served warrants when people have been in class, and the only reason why we do that is if we think they may be violent. Usually if we do it while they are in class, they have a tendency not to be violent.”

Glenewinkel said one reason for the warrant roundup is to boost money for the city.

“There’s a lot of revenue that they don’t get because people don’t pay their citations,” Glenewinkel said.

A list of people with outstanding warrants can be found on The Municipal Court’s Web site.

“We urge anyone who has delinquent cases in San Marcos Municipal Court to contact the court to take care of the matter

immediately,” said Rusty Grice, deputy marshal with the San Marcos Marshal’s office.

Glenewinkel encourages people with warrants to take care of them promptly to avoid future problems.

“It’s hard for anyone to go though life and not make contact with a law enforcement officer at one time or another,” Glenewinkel said. “Eventually I would think everyone sooner or later gets contacted by the police.”

Mind your own business Texas State students double as entrepreneurs

By Hollie O’Connor Special to The Star

Brittany Parker doesn’t wear a pantsuit every day.

She doesn’t tote a briefcase to class. She doesn’t work in an office building.

However, Parker is an entrepreneur.

Parker, fashion merchandising senior, said she started her own business, BP Shortees, last August after friends’ encouragement. Parker, a seamstress, transforms her clients’ T-shirts into dresses, racer backs and tank tops.

Parker said the idea for the business came to her during high school.

“For spirit days we (my friends and I) would make Tshirts, but we really wanted something cuter,” Parker said.

“We were tired of men’s shirts dyed pink and sold to women.

We wanted something that actually fit.”

Parker said owning a small business has not been easy.

Funding, she said, remains a constant problem.

“There are so many expenses you don’t think about,” Parker said.

She is careful about spending and choosing materials and works at State Farm Insurance with what spare time she has left. At times her parents help with finances and lend another set of hands when she is Jake Marx/Star file photo swamped with orders, she said.

ROUND-UP: Special efforts are being made to “round-up” those with outstanding warrents.

“My dad will do little things like put elastic in dresses,” Parker said. “I know I’m running up a tab with them (my parents). I keep telling them ‘I promise I’ll make you rich one day.’”

Parker’s business continues growing despite difficulties, she said. She gets orders from students statewide, including students at Texas State, University of Texas, A&M University, St. Edward’s University and Baylor.

Parker said in the future she hopes to continue working in what the fashion industry calls “fanwear” — clothing marketed toward fans of college or professional sports teams. She said companies that make and sell “fanwear”, such as NBA or MLB stores, are usually geared more toward men. Parker wants to expand the market to include women’s wear, much like what she is doing through BP Shortees.

“My biggest goal is to be successful and I want to do it the right way,” Parker said.

Parker is not the only Texas State student who has started her own business.

James Bell, professor in the department of management, said student entrepreneurship is not uncommon at Texas State.

Bell said a series of classes students take in the McCoy College of Business are meant to jumpstart their ideas. The

first class of the series has spots for 214 students, but the fourth and final class, Applied Entrepreneurship, admits 20 students with the most feasible business plans.

“All these kids have businesses,” Bell said “It’s amazing what these kids can do.”

Bell mentored Richard Lepre, English junior.

Lepre created a way to help consumers find products that best fit their needs, without sifting through endless product reviews.

Through the service “The Gizaplex” consumers select a product they are interested in purchasing and indicate what qualities of the product will factor into their decision. The Gizaplex then provides them with a list of products that will best suit their needs using information extracted from online word-of-mouth.

“What we’re saying is we can take these sentiments in the reviews and choose a product for you,” Lepre said.

Like Parker, Lepre sees his business as a step toward something greater. He hopes to build a reputation and generate revenue to jumpstart his career as a writer, but for now, Lepre said he is focused on the present.

“I just want it to work and see these three years pay off,” Lepre said. “I just want to see it work.”

News

4 - The University Star

River

continued from page

the river into a strong current of competition.

Randy Wibaman, chairman of the weigh-in station, said there are four categories in which divers compete. They are accurate weight, number of shoes and sunglasses, number of cans, bottles, and cups, and the unusual items.

Contest officials painted 96 rocks with different colors that gave divers another opportunity to win door prizes supplied through sponsorships once retrieved from the river bottom.

Utila Tours donated a seven nights/eight days stay at Laguna Beach Resort in Utila, Bay Islands of Honduras. The trip includes three meals daily, three boat dives daily, two night boat dives and unlimited shore dives.

Wibaman, along with the help of Kappa Alpha Order, used the weigh-in station for diver’s trash. Fifteen members helped weigh the larger items found, in which a member of the Christian sorority, Phi Beta Chi, would record in the respective team weight log.

“We like to work with nonprofit organizations, mostly getting involved with community outreach opportunities that are outdoors,” said Daniel Smith, new member educator of Kappa Alpha Order. “The guys are loading up a trailer with the larger items found, but

1

they are also separating crawdads that have made homes in some of the cans.”

Ivan Veda, a member of Sigma Pi, was in charge of the second station in which teams would dump their trash and count the number of aluminum cans. Teams sifted through diverse piles of trash — tennis balls, deflated inner tubes, car batteries, shoes, Dasani bottles and Sunkist cans.

Ivan said the teams counted the cans, however, he supervised to make sure the honor system was followed as the number of aluminum cans factored into teams’ eligibility for door prizes.

Kyle Hahn, owner of Green Guy Recycling, said they help every year with different river clean-up initiatives. Hahn worked with the recycling department at Texas State as a former Bobcat.

“We’re a convenient place to recycle even tires, and what members of the community can’t accommodate on their curbside we complement,” Hahn said.

Hahn said prices have dropped for aluminum due to the current economic climate — falling from 75 cents in July 2008 to 25 cents in December 2008, climbing back up to aluminum’s current rate of 40 cents.

Trashfest officials use the

competitive aspect of the event to increase divers’ enthusiasm over accumulating recyclable material and improve the safety of the river by removing heavy, dangerous items.

Greg David, owner and founder of Divebuddy, said his team (#15) picked the area past the main tube chute for strategic purposes. The area had plenty of heavy items to lead the team to victory in the most weight bracket of the competition. Divebuddy is an international group of divers, and this has been their fourth annual Trashfest.

“We had to loop a rope to a pole on the exterior of the river, and wade through some parts because the current was too strong to dive,” David said.

“Some people come out and dilly dally, drink beer, but we’re here to clean out some of the heavier items that most teams wouldn’t think to remove.”

Marc Reiter, team captain for the Mudcats (#37), said they found a five-foot bookshelf, a no-parking sign and post, and a wallet, as well as enough flip flops to open a Pay Less Shoe Source. Reiter said members drove from as far as Louisiana for Trashfest.

“Cleaning the river is disgusting at first,” said Reiter’s wife.

“But by the end, you’re digging your nails in the mud like nobody’s business.”

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Commons

continued from page

1

er upgrades a little bit down the road,” Root said. “But the fact is we’ll get what we need to get done to get back in there for the spring semester.”

Leslie Buckley, Chartwells resident district manager, said statistics show an increase in the number of students eating at other dining centers on campus.

“We’re seeing about 700 to 800 more students eating at Jones during the day,” she said.

Buckley said dining services has dealt with the major increases in dining populations at Jones and The Den by adding more staff.

“We added more people to The Den and Jones to try to speed up the service,” Buckley said. “I think overall service is pretty much the same. I don’t really see a great impact.”

ASG Sen. Dallen Terrell, political science sophomore, said the efficiency during peak times could be improved, noting Chick-Fil-A and George’s in The Lair as examples.

“The lines are way too long and it’s consistent, it’s everyday,” Terrell said. “So if it’s consistent, why can’t we tweak it a little bit and help the problem out?”

Buckley said regulations set by the franchise regarding cooking and the amount of time food can sit out contribute to the long lines.

Root said space is an issue.

He said Chick-Fil-A staff has said they need more space and is drawing up a plan for expansion.

Dining Services is preparing for the opening of the new Panda Express.

Root said the opening of

three candidates came from Texas State students, including how a growing student population within the city would be accommodated.

“The city’s population growth will require us to look at multi-family complexes to accommodate students,” Garcia said.

Thomaides referred to his previous efforts on the City Council.

“The Achieving Community Together Program has been successful in addressing problems before they get out of hand,” he said. “Improving the relationship with Texas State and the City of San Marcos is good for all of us.”

Fuller told community members she would promote positive university and community relations.

“The city has been success-

Community

Smoking

continued from page

continued from page

ASG President Chris Covo said the idea of the legislation and the Facebook poll are not indicators of whether any new smoking policies will go into effect.

“There’s so much that goes into this because it’s a huge policy change that will affect everyone on campus,” Covo said.

The possible smoking ban is in the early steps of a lengthy process, where senators gather data about student interest.

“It’s in an infant stage,” Covo said.

McElfish said ASG senators Courtesy of Greg Davis could use student responses to CLEAN-UP: Scuba divers from all over the country met in New Braunfels to clean up the Comal River the Facebook poll to create the wording and details of the posof everything and anything man-made. sible legislation.

Panda Express in Jones is set for Oct. 21.

“We’re planning on having everything in place by the end of this week, beginning of next week at the latest,” he said.

Buckley said the time of equipment arrival varies depending on the individual franchise.

“When you work with a franchise, you have to buy their equipment, their package, so you have to depend on when they ship it,” she said. “It has been ordered, but we have had a little bit of a problem with getting it here.”

Root said the counter, a major piece, is scheduled to arrive early next week.

“They will work basically straight through, if need be, once that gets here to get everything set up,” he said.

1 ful in working diligently with the university in bringing students into the community through such efforts as Bobcat Build,” Fuller said.

Polls for early voting will open Oct. 19 and will remain open until Oct. 30.

San Marcos residents can also vote on Election Day, Nov. 3.

1

The current smoking policy on campus is peer-enforced, and university police officers are not able to issue citations for offenses.

“It’s not a violation of criminal law,” said Sgt. Adam Rodriguez, of the University Police Department.

Students who violate the current policy phase cannot be cited for smoking.

“Right now, the most we can do is report them to the Dean of Students (Office),” Rodriguez said.

McElfish hopes a new policy will be more enforceable than the current smoking policy.

“I’ll bet this is going to have more teeth than what’s in place now,” she said.

Officer Otto Glenewinkle said UPD may not be able to keep students from smoking on campus.

“Until there is a large push for education and enforcement, it won’t work,” Glenewinkle said.

“We need to enforce the rules that we have on the books now.

Why add new ones?”

McElfish hopes a possible smoking ban will be seen as a way to promote campus beautification and student health, not an act of discrimination.

“This is not an attack on students who smoke,” McElfish said. “It’s an attempt to help the general well-being of all students.”

Opinions

What’s your opinion?

Send your thoughts to staropinion@txstate.edu

The University Star - 5

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Feasible funding revoked the main

point.

When

something good is taken away, it is usually more comforting when done for a reason But when stricken for little to no reason, it makes the loss sting more.

The university administration’s decision to re-appropriate funding from S.W.A.T. into graduate studies research is all the more bothersome. At first, the message was S.W.A.T. disbanded because the program lacked volunteers. Now it is a different story.

According to the Sept. 30 issue of The University Star, S.W.A.T was disbanded after funding was removed from the program to be given to a graduate student’s research on alcohol education. Funding for research is an important matter, but it should not come at the expense of eliminating a program as important as S.W.A.T. Perhaps one of the worst parts of this story is how university officials’ initial claim was the program was canceled because of lack of volunteers. Joanne Smith, vice president of Student Affairs, said the number of volunteers had been dwindling, but it does not matter how many or how few people gave their time to the program if the funding had been revoked.

No one is saying the student’s research project is unimportant. In fact, the more

educated students are about drinking and driving the less likely they are to do so. So it would seem the two complement each other nicely. But like any two things that complement each other, the value of one is lessened without the other. Sure, more students abstain from getting behind the wheel after being intoxicated if they are more aware of the consequences, but there are still those who will do so if not provided an alternative.

Therefore, S.W.A.T. needs to continue. After all, who says the funding had to come from S.W.A.T.?

Texas State is a lean institution by the standards of other universities, but surely the administration did not have to cut a program as vital as S.W.A.T. Why did the program that has probably saved lives have to be the one that was cut?

The program did not make money, as Janelle Hibbing, the graduate student whose research received the S.W.A.T. funding, pointed out.

But something does not need to make money to have value.

The lives S.W.A.T. saved gave it value, not to mention it encouraged responsible drinking habits among students.

Hibbing said the program just no longer seemed feasible. However, it had feasibility for years before. Why are future generations of Bobcats going to miss out on having such a worthy cause on campus?

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.

Juan Ramirez/Star Illustration

Downtown San Marcos needs makeover, new focus

By Brett Thorne Opinions Editor If Austin were a book it would be Where the Wild Things Are. The party people of 6th Street are enough to prove this on any given Friday night. If San Antonio were a book it might be Finnegan’s Wake. It’s so dry and you can’t help but wonder what the point was once you’ve gone through it all. The literary equivalent

of San Marcos is definitely A Tale of Two Cities.

The city south of Guadalupe Street includes the new convention center, outlet malls and Target shopping center.

Then there is everything else.

Brian Montgomery, owner of the Wine Cellar and president of the Downtown Association of San Marcos, said city officials were slow to react to revenue erosion in the downtown area. The city focused much of its effort on attracting businesses to the southern part of town.

“That’s great for tax revenue, but it really drew people away from downtown,” Montgomery said. “And the heart of a city is its downtown.”

The city is taking a much

more active role with the health of its heart and Montgomery thinks help is coming just in time. The Downtown Association of San Marcos and city officials are organizing programs in conjunction with the convention center to bring tourists downtown. They are also working together to devise ways of subsidizing businesses like music venues, art galleries and theaters. Such a system might have prevented a venue like Lucy’s from closing.

More savvy San Marcos residents might be thinking the city has its own art gallery. I can’t argue with this. The San Marcos Activity Center houses the Walkers’ Gallery in a hallway between a basketball

court and a couple of meeting rooms. You and your friends can go admire the artistic talents of Jane Doe, age 9, from a local elementary school after a hard-fought game of H-OR-S-E. On a recent trip to Marfa, I noticed the town has art galleries the way Houston has Starbuck’s coffee shops — everywhere. The tiny community in the mountains of West Texas even has a few original Andy Warhol paintings.

Montgomery suggests a civic center might do something to liven San Marcos’ downtown by attracting people to music and theater performances.

Businesses like Tantra Coffeehouse, the Coffee Pot and the Root Cellar Café have

helped keep the arts alive in San Marcos. They provide platforms for musicians and visual artists to perform and display work. However, a civic center could provide a much larger stage (literally) for bigger artists to showcase their creations for San Marcos residents and tourists. This would increase profits for hotels and motels, which could, through a subsidy system, be poured back into the downtown area.

It’s safe to say most San Marcos residents would like to see an increase in fine art performances and venues so it’s time to make that happen. Or as Montgomery put it, “Stop fighting about how we want to get there and get there.”

Students can do more than

go out on Fridays to support local businesses — although that helps. Seats 5 and 6 are open in the upcoming election and students’ votes will help determine the future of the city.

“There are a few (candidates) who have visions for what will happen downtown,” Montgomery said. “We had a debate-forum at the Downtown Association meeting and it really was striking to see how many have no clue about what’s happening. And that’s scary because we could end up right back where we started.”

is probably filled with young adults who battle low selfesteem issues everyday.

Why? It’s the erroneous notions about college that allows them to think all students are supposed to have an abundance of friends, maintain the highest GPA and have the stamina to party all night.

Students may think less of themselves if they don’t belong to a fraternity or sorority, if they’re not a part of numerous student organizations or if they’re not the best looking.

Individuals should know these are immaterial factors and shouldn’t play a role in how people view themselves.

It’s important for students to remember every individ-

ual is different and shouldn’t let pressure from others or society dictate what “normal” is or should be.

Overcoming low self-esteem begins with the individual.

An individual must find qualities within themselves they are content with and accept themselves.

According to a study conducted by certified professional empowerment coach Cherrie Bautista, low self -esteem causes more than 29 percent of students to drink alcohol everyday. It also causes 16 percent of students to smoke cigarettes.

Low self-esteem can stem from childhood trauma, disappointments from teenage

years, or a lack of feeling confident in one’s self. Facing self-esteem issues may seem minuscule to some, but others can’t function in society. They feel unworthy, unimportant, unpopular and feel as if they’re not well accomplished in their studies or other personal endeavors.

These are just a few of the reasons why students may have esteem issues.

The National Mental Health Information Center reports improving self-esteem can begin if we change negative thoughts into positive ones, if we reinforce a positive selfimage and affirmations about ourselves.

According to the Counsel-

ing Center at Texas State, developing self-esteem “means becoming comfortable with who you are, what you are about and where you are headed.” Our happiness shouldn’t be contingent on what others think of us.

Those who have esteem issues can’t try to be someone they’re not or change for others. It’s critical to maintain self-respect and not change to please people.

Our society needs to learn praise, and recognition from others shouldn’t give someone confidence. The challenge is to realize an individual’s selfworth is not dependent on others’ approval. It doesn’t take having an abundance of

friends or being the best at everything to be happy with one’s self.

Individuals who dealt with being bullied and terrorized in school should overlook the idiocy of others. Acceptance from peers isn’t something needed in order to feel good about one’s self.

People who battle low selfesteem need to realize insecurities will only show through if individuals allow them to.

Overcoming low self-esteem begins with accepting one’s self and not relying on others’ approval. Individuals produce their own self-confidence.

—Brett Thorne is a general studies senior.

Low self-esteem affects college students

By Tristan Watson Opinions Columnist

Gaining acceptance from others is not easy.

Growing as a person in today’s culture can sometimes be a difficult task if an individual doesn’t act how society expects them to. Low self-esteem is often a closed subject matter college students believe only little kids or teenagers go through. However, our society

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

Copyright Tuesday, October 6. 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

Fame Killed The Tour

Kanye West and Lady Gaga canceled their tour called “Fame Kills.” Live Nation did not offer any explanations for the abrupt change of plans. The take-off date was scheduled for Nov. 10 in Phoenix and was going end Jan. 12 in Dallas.

Dancing in the rain 6 - The University Star

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Fans’ moods not dampened by downpour

By Sara Strick Photo Editor

Signaled by the Star Wars theme song, music fans from around the world rushed to the open gates of the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Every year in the beginning of fall, music lovers flock to Zilker Park in Austin for three days of sun, fun and what Austin has made its reputation on — live music.

This year’s festival, held Friday through Sunday, included headliners such as Pearl Jam, Girl Talk, Dave Matthews Band, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Ghostland Observatory.

ACL has done more than bring in musicians from around the world — it unites fans and friends alike.

“I (liked) the whole experience of being here for three Sara Strick/Star photo days, seeing all of your old CHEERING: Fans yell as Phoenix enters the stage on Friday at the AMD stage. friends come back into town and of course, the music,” said Casey Wilson, undecided sophomore.

ACL brings in a variety of musicians of all genres, from country to rock, electro to rap and everything in between.

It was not uncommon for hip-hop acts such The Knux to share the stage with hard rock act like Them Crooked Vultures.

A few noticeable changes Sara Strick/Star photo were made to the festival this year, one of which was the DANCE PUNK: Nic Offer of !!! (Chk Chk Chk) takes the stage on new grass laid throughout the Saturday on the AMD stage. park. People walked barefoot and sat without laying down and pouring rain, leaving Despite the mud, rain and blankets. Previously ACL was Zilker covered in mud for humidity, the spirits of first held in mid September, but Sunday pass-holders. How- time ACL attendees were not this year the early October ever, festival-goers were not dampened. dates held hopes for cool, discouraged.

“It is so much more than I comfortable weather.

“I think people are really thought it would be … it exHowever, this year festival going to enjoy dancing in the ceeded my expectations,” attendees received a little rain. It’s going to get muddy said Michelle Rohmer, admore than they bargained for. — Girl Talk, The Toadies, and vertising sophomore. “Even Friday’s sunshine and heat Ghostland Observatory are though it is really muddy, I Sara Strick/Star photo did not last long. Saturday going to be really fun,” Wil- think it adds to the vibe.” brought dark skies, clouds son said Saturday.

FAN FAVORITE: Thomas Mars, front man of Phoenix, performs Friday afternoon on the AMD stage.

Sara Strick/Star photo

MASH UP: Gregg Gillis, better known as Girl Talk, plays Sunday night at the Xbox 30 Stage.

Sara Strick/Star photo MAKING A MESS: Rain on Saturday resulted in a mud-filled Sunday for ACL attendees.

Sara Strick/Star photo

Sara Strick/Star photo BROTHERLY LOVE: Scott Avett of The Avett Brothers talks the stage Friday afternoon on the AMD stage.

Sara Strick/Star photo FRESH FEEL: New, fresh grass laid down at Zilker Park had festival attendees walking barefoot for the three day festival.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Trends

The University Star - 7

Audience dances in mud to KTSW reaches wider audience L.A.X.’s ‘big sound’ concert

By Patrick Ygnacio Special to The Star

By Ashley Dickinson Trends Editor L.A.X.’s mud-filled set at ACL proved dancing shoes are an accessory – going barefoot in the sludge works just fine.

The Austin-based dance band took stage at the festival Sunday morning, welcoming dancers and fans making their way through the remains of Saturday’s showers.

L.A.X. began in 2005 as an electro duo with Andrew Collins, keyboardist and vocalist, and Erin Jantzen, vocalist.

Recently, the two members became six, with special appearances for bigger shows.

Yadira Brown, vocalist, Jonny Oz, drummer, Rory Allen Phillips, guitarist, and Chris Green, bassist, are the newer additions who Jantzen said equals to “the more the merrier.”

“There’s more of a reaction (with the new members),” Collins said. “We’re trying to make production bigger and Sara Strick/Star photo bigger.”

DANCIN’: Erin Jantzen and Andrew Collins perform with their band The band had a temporary L.A.X. Sunday morning at ACL. eight members for ACL, “I love them,” Clause said. “I’ve including Santiago Vela on brings about commonly asked questions, and it comes from been following them since they percussion.

Zelae, a local hip-hop artist, a brainstorm that worked for started. I was actually listening to their first album last night made a guest appearance, who they are.

“Plus, we are all certified and I think it’s drastically better. creating a crowd-pleasing pilots,” Brown said jokingly.

They have matured a lot in their effect. The members said having The 10-song L EP is the sound.” more musical talent in the band Collins, Texas State student, adds to the already-established precedent to what the band hopes will be a 12-song album said it is hard work balancing “dream team.” this spring, following their between being a musician and “There’s a really good understanding of everyone’s presence at Fun Fun Fun Fest. studying.

“I have a test on Monday,” roll in the band,” Collins ACL was the band’s largest appearance, and they attribute Collins said. “I’ve been at Texas said. “It starts off with the the recent growth to bigger State since 2002, on and off. songwriting and the vocals, and Being a student is necessary, but the musicians you see outside sound and new relationships.

“We’ve formed really good being a musician is awesome, of us three are adding a whole relationships with a lot of local too.” different dimension. But at the people, and they help us as we Having to delay graduation for same time, they’re not calling a music career is not something shots. The songs are already help them,” Jantzen said.

Brown credited the original that worries Collins. written.” members for the platform they “I hope we get an offer and Phillips, who was front man started as a duo. it’s another three years before I for Rory and the Artificial Heart, “The sound is bigger and graduate,” Collins said laughing. has been prevalent in the Austin “A house beat making love music scene and plans to help definitely a lot crazier, but they put in a lot of work before with synth” is the self-described L.A.X. with future recordings. the rest of us got here to fully sound of L.A.X. The band said to “He’s someone who has done be on the look out for their new things and knows what he’s develop it,” Brown said.

Fans took note of their change album with upcoming touring doing,” Jantzen said. “He’s easy in sound and size, and Lindsay dates. to work with and really fun. We Clause, English junior, thinks it “I have really high hopes for all just like to hang out.” it,” Jantzen said.

L.A.X. said their name is an improvement.

KTSW listeners turn on their radio for music or get the latest Bobcat scores, but they may not realize how wide an audience the station has.

For years KTSW has streamed its live broadcast over the Web for anyone to hear. Listeners from across the country and around the world can visit the station’s Web site and tune in.

Broadcasters have the ability to stream content to listeners far and wide with the help of Web sites like Shoutcast.com and Ustream.tv.

Dan Schumacher, KTSW general manager, said the radio station has offered live online streaming of its programming for at least a decade.

“Some stream us for our music, some for our sports broadcasts, because we are the outlet for all the Bobcat sports,” Schumacher said. “There are a lot of different reasons they come to us.”

Adam Swank, KTSW station manager, said he receives plenty of feedback proving how popular the Internet broadcast is among listeners.

“Whenever our streaming service is down, which occasionally happens, I get a flood of e-mail complaints,” Swank said. “So, if that’s not an indication of how valuable it is, than I don’t know what else is.”

He said delivering KTSW over the air is still important

in offering programming to the widest possible audience.

“There are a lot of radio stations moving to online only and that is by no means KTSW’s goal,” Swank said. “But we want to have as much content online as possible and give listeners who are outside of our range a chance to get what people in San Marcos enjoy.”

Swank said former Texas State students like to tune in after moving away.

“Often we have graduates who spread out and get a job in other cities and they really want to continue listening to KTSW,” Swank said. “They use the streaming service for that and it’s really the only way they can get it.”

Among these Internet followers are several international fans. Swank remembered a listener from England who called in to make a special request.

“He called us and requested a song and said, ‘I’m in England and I could use some drinking music,’” Swank said. “My response was ‘Well, we don’t play very much drinking music but I think I have something for you.’”

Web sites like UStream. tv have become hubs for a variety of broadcasts during which users can chat and interact with followers who are often thousands of miles away.

Jason Walstrom of Arlington said he was surprised by feedback from international

fans of his entertainment podcast, Nowhere in Mulberry.

It broadcasts live every week on Ustream.tv.

“The first time I’d say was kind of shocking,” Walstrom said. “It was early on that we got an e-mail from someone from Norway. It was a woman who said she loved our show and I thought ‘You do? How does some 30-year-old woman in Norway like our show?’ I didn’t understand.”

Walstrom said the show, which he created with friends Bill Laughner and Stephen Sisk, has averaged more than 1,000 downloads per week.

The show has attained listeners from Canada, Philippines and Australia.

Mark Anderson, of Ontario, Canada said he tunes into Nowhere in Mulberry on Ustream.tv regularly and downloads the podcast whenever he cannot listen live.

Anderson said he appreciates how the hosts correspond with fans.

“Podcasts feel like a much more intimate medium than standard radio,” Anderson said in an e-mail.

Walstrom said he wanted to create a show that offered everything he was looking for but could not find in a normal radio show.

“If there are people out there who feel like I did, and are just trying to get through their work day, and we make it better, then that’s awesome,” Walstrom said.

Trends

8 - The University Star

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Hillel celebrates ‘Festival of Sukkot’

By Matthew Barnes Features Reporter Hillel has constructed a temporary home in The Quad, and members are eating meals inside of it to commemorate what they refer to as “The Season of Our Rejoicing.”

Hillel, the only Jewish organization on campus, built a Sukkah in front of the Psychology building Thursday. The small green booth is a tradition during the Festival of Sukkot. It commemorates the 40 years the Israelites wandered the desert and serves as their harvest festival.

“It’s five days after Yom Kippur, the most solemn Jewish holiday,” said Alanna Newman, vice president. “So after that comes our most joyous and happy holiday, the Festival of Sukkot.”

The Sukkah in The Quad is a symbolic version of the tradition.

“Most people have it in their backyard,” said Danielle Linzer, president. “They eat, drink and sleep there. They’re temporary, so we have to dwell

in them to commemorate the time when we were traveling through the desert after we were freed from Egypt, to remind us of what God did for us on the way to Israel.”

Sukkot holds different meanings for its observers.

“I take it for the literal meaning,” Linzer said. “You’re in the Sukkah and you’re hot.

You’re sweating, there are flies all around you getting stuck in the honey … It makes you think ‘Why am I sitting here?

What am I doing this for?’ (It reminds us) who God is and what God has done.”

Newman said the festival is nostalgic.

“I remember hanging up little ornaments in the Sukkah, like fruits,” Newman said.

“Or my parents used to help us cut out paper chains from construction paper to decorate.”

Hillel will meet inside the booth for several lunches and dinners, but the device also helps the small group with their self-promotion.

“Jewish students walk by and say ‘Wow I didn’t know there were other Jews on cam-

pus,’ but it’s nice because they realize there are other people who share some of those (religious) things with them,” said Stan Friedman, co-faculty adviser.

Observant students face difficulties when upholding their Jewish beliefs, such as eating kosher foods.

“I’m the only person on campus who keeps kosher, who’s actually asked for an exemption from the meal plan,” Linzer said. “There’s no kosher food on campus. I have to go to Austin.”

Food is not the only reason they travel. There is no synagogue in San Marcos either.

“A fair number go to San Antonio (or Austin) for religious services,” said Friedman, senior lecturer in the department of psychology. “We have some people who are observant, so they come up and stay the weekend. An observant Jew can’t go out and drive from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.”

The group says they are focused on growing membership for the time being.

“It’s a lot of socializing,” Newman said. “A place for the Jewish community to have fun together, and then we can incorporate more traditional aspects.”

Hillel meets every other Allie Moncrief/Star photo Wednesday in the LBJ Student SPREADING THE WORD: Stan Friedman, faculty adviser, helps build the Sukkah in honor of the Center, room 3-4.1.

Jewish holiday, Sukkot.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

c ro s s w o rd

Diversions

The University Star - 9

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

sudoku Courtesy of McClatchy-Tribune

Courtesy of McClatchy-Tribune

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Sports 10 - The University Star

TENNIS TRIUMPH

The Texas State women’s tennis team participated in the Stephen F. Austin Fall Invitational Friday and Saturday in Nacogdoches. Mariana Perez, pre-communication disorders freshman, won the singles and doubles divisions. Her partner, Gabriela Rojas, undecided freshman, took the runner-up spot in the singles division. The team will compete in Hawaii’s Fall Class Thursday to Saturday in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu

Thunderbirds peck Bobcats Cross country teams Southern Utah defeats Bobcats in Saturday’s game The Bobcats fell to Southern Utah Saturday 38-16 for the second consecutive year.

The Thunderbirds’ opportunistic defense forced four turnovers, including a 99-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by corner Akeem Anifowoshe.

The Bobcats fumbled the opening kickoff. Southern Utah scored on its first possession, an 11-yard strike to running back Major Gray.

Alvin Canady, junior running back, tied the game at 7 when he wrapped the Bobcats’ first drive with a 10-yard touchdown run.

The relentless Thunderbirds answered back, scoring off a threeyard pass from quarterback Cade Cooper to wide receiver Tysson Poots. Poots caught 11 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown.

The Bobcats appeared as though they were going to turn the game into a shootout. Texas State orchestrated a drive that got the team into Southern Utah’s red zone. Da’Marcus Griggs, junior wide receiver, abruptly ended the drive as he lost a fumble.

The Bobcat defense answered the forced turnover with one of its own. Joe Bell, senior linebacker, recovered a fumble.

Texas State got into the red zone, this time all the way down to the two-yard line. But Alvaro Garcia, sophomore wide receiver, Tina Phan/Star file photo had the ball stripped at the oneyard line. Anifowoshe scooped the ball and returned it 99-yards, TAKE IT BACK: Alvin Canady, junior running back, takes off with giving the Thunderbirds a 21-7 the ball Sept. 26 against Texas Southern. Bobcats lost 38-16 to lead.

Southern Utah Saturday in Cedar City, Utah.

The Bobcats were forced to punt for the first time on their next drive. The Thunderbirds took running back. It was the fourth terback, threw for 197 yards and possession and drove the ball into consecutive game in which Red- completed 26 of 41 passes. field goal territory. Southern Utah dic reached the end zone. The Running back Major Gray led notched a 42-yard field goal to score was narrowed 31-16 with a the Thunderbirds with 93 yards take a 24-7 lead at halftime. missed extra point. rushing and two touchdowns.

The Thunderbirds continued The Thunderbirds took possesThe Bobcats fall 2-2 as the to roll in the second half, scoring sion inside Bobcat territory and Thunderbirds improve 2-3 and off a 16-yard touchdown grab by scored the game’s final points, end a three-game losing streak. wide receiver Fesi Sitake on their a 13-yard touchdown run, after The Bobcats have not won a road first possession. The score was the a failed Bobcat onside-kick at- game this season. last of Cooper’s three touchdown tempt.

Texas State will return home to passes. He threw for 256 yards, Karrington Bush, junior run- open conference play 2 p.m. Satcompleting 27 of 42 passes. ning back, returned to the field for urday against Southeastern LouiThe Bobcats scored 10 straight the first time since the Bobcats’ siana. points, which included a 24-yard season opener. Bush gained 82 field goal, a one-yard touchdown yards off of nine carries.

—Staff report compiled by run by Frank Reddic, freshman Bradley George, senior quar- Keff Ciardello

prepare for conference

By Blake Barington Sports Reporter

The Texas State men’s and women’s cross country teams were back in action Saturday after three weeks vacation from competition.

They traveled to Stillwater, Okla., to race in the Cowboy Jamboree against Division I and II institutions.

Michael Morris, biology sophomore, was the first Bobcat to cross the line with a time of 26:31, finishing in the middle of the field.

All the underclassmen at the meet, including three freshmen and two sophomores.

“As long as our two top cross country runners are injured (Jon Hernandez and Mike Richards), the support from our freshmen is very important,” said Coach Grigori Viniar.

Viniar was especially impressed Saturday with Morris’ performance.

“Mike Morris was ahead of all the UTA (Texas-Arlington) runners we had a dual meet with,” Viniar said.

Jesus Ordaz, pre-geography freshman, finished the 8K course in 27:04 minutes.

Viniar was pleased with Ordaz’s first race of the season.

“Jesus Ordaz got his eligibility paperwork with NCAA done just one day before the trip to Stillwater and showed a very strong run,” Viniar said.

Hugo Corral, pre-international studies sophomore, and Chase Teinert, undecided freshman, finished with times of 27:39 and 28.27, respectively. Andres Herrera, exercise and sports science freshman, rounded out the scoring for the Bobcats with 28:59 minutes.

Steffanie Armstrong, exercise and sports science sophomore, finished 79th in a field of 211 runners with a time of 19:02 for the 3.2-mile course.

Esperanza Lopez, undecided freshman, finished in 19:09 on the heels of Armstrong.

“Esperanza Lopez keeps progressing with her new distance,” Viniar said.

Viniar said the top three Bobcats had an impressive pack time with Heather Bullin, exercise and sports science senior, coming in at 19:14 minutes.

Other scorers for the Bobcats included Amanda McKinney, nutrition and foods junior, with a time of 19:42, and Sandra Venegas, exercise and sports science sophomore, finishing in 20:15 minutes.

Next for the Bobcats is the Incarnate Word Invite Saturday in San Antonio.

“We’ll have our back-up teams go to the Incarnate Word meet,” Viniar said. “I am looking for two to three more runners to be added on the top teams towards conference.”

Soccer team celebrates conference victories

Southland Standings FOOTBALL

TEAM Central Arkansas McNeese State Stephen F. Austin Sam houston State Southern Louisiana Texas State Nicholls State Northwestern State

LAST

WEEK’S

RESULTS

WINS

3 3 3 2 2 2 1 0

LOSSES

1 1 1 2 2 2 3 4

Southern Utah 38, Texas State 16 Sam Houston State 41, Saint Joseph’s 0 Central Arkansas 45, Missouri S&T 10

Lindsey Goldstein/Star file photo TAKING A SHOT: Jaimie Leake, freshman midfielder, takes a shot on goal against Prairie View A&M Sept. 25. The women’s soccer team came home victorious against Central Arkansas 2-0 Friday and Sunday against Northwester State 5-0.

October means the start of conference play for the women’s soccer team and victories for Texas State.

The Bobcats lashed out on two conference opponents, taking down Central Arkansas 2-0 Friday and on Sunday scored 1-0 against Northwestern State.

New faces for Texas State got into the mix this weekend. Jaimie Leake, freshman midfielder, and Maddie Piranio, sophomore midfielder, both scored their first goals of the season.

The Bobcats resumed from the game at home last week against Prairie View A&M. They scored in the sixth minute of action (Erica Michaud, sophomore forward, to Britney Curry, junior forward) to put the Bobcats up 1-0. Cur-

ry had assists on both goals against Central Arkansas.

The Sugar Bears fell into a slump against the Bobcat defense, getting one shot on Texas State in the first half.

Northwestern State put up a fight Sunday, but could not win.

Kendell Webber, sophomore midfielder, assisted Leake for the go-ahead goal in the 38th minute, sealing the weekend sweep of Southland Conference opponents.

Northwestern State was outshot 11-10 and hung around in a game that featured 17 fouls.

Mandi Mawyer, senior goalkeeper, has allowed one goal in the last six games. Texas State has won five out of its last six games.

The Bobcats return home this weekend, where they

have outscored their opponents 15-4. All four goals were allowed in the Bobcats’ only home loss of the season thus far against the Texas-El Paso Miners 4-2.

The Bobcats are surging as a collective unit with a 4-1 home record after starting the season at 3-5. Michaud and Curry continue to pace the offense, scoring 16 of the 23 goals this season.

Texas State plays its first slate of conference home games Friday against Lamar and Sunday against McNeese State. The Bobcats tied at 2 with McNeese State in 2008 after double overtime. The Bobcats defeated the Lamar Cardinals 4-0 last season.

—Staff report compiled by Cameron Irvine