Texas State terminates history professor after court-ordered temporary reinstatement
By Ryan Claycamp News Editor
Following a court-ordered due process hearing, Texas State University administration made the decision to terminate Associate History Professor Thomas Alter on Oct. 13.
“After a thorough review of Dr. Alter’s conduct and the information provided during his due process hearing, President Damphousse has notified Dr. Alter that his employment at Texas State University is terminated,
effective immediately,” Vice President for Marketing and Communications Sandra Pantlik wrote in an email to The Star. “There will be no further comment on this matter at this time.”
Alter was first terminated on Wednesday, Sept. 10, after videos of him speaking at an online socialism convention were published online. Texas State President Kelly Damphousse accused Alter of “conduct that advocates for
inciting violence.” Alter was reinstated, pending a due process hearing, following a temporary restraining order issued by 483rd District Judge Alicia Key on Friday, Sept. 26.
Alter said he received his termination notice from his attorney at 3:10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13. He provided his termination letter to The Star.
“As I explained in this decision,
I find that your remarks on Sept. 7, 2025 constitute serious professional or personal misconduct that warrant summary dismissal,” Damphousse wrote in the dismissal letter.
In the letter Damphousse said Alter spoke at the conference as a representative of the university and not in a personal capacity.
“You discussed your employment with Texas State University, the university’s role in training future public school teachers, and your role,
By Max Martinez Sports Reporter
After leading the Troy Trojans (4-2, 2-0 SBC) 28-7 at the end of the first quarter, the Texas State (3-3, 0-2 SBC) defense imploded, letting the Trojan offense do as it pleased, scoring 41 more points en route to blowing the lead and losing 48-41. The Bobcats’ trend last season of allowing teams to come back after jumping out in front early had not seen through the first five games of this season. Last year, Texas State’s defense was unable to hold up once the offense stalled, and that is what Saturday night’s game was reminiscent of.
Texas State was off to a hot start with an eight-yard touchdown run on the opening drive from freshman quarterback Brad Jackson. On the next drive, sophomore running back Greg Burrell exploded for a 59-yard score.
TXST community, students hold vigil in solidarity with Palestine
By Arabella DiChristina Assistant News Editor
By Cady Clements Life & Arts Reporter
Private Park, a San Marcos venue for music, markets and memory-making, faces potential closure due to a recent cease and desist order. However, its five-year legacy of bringing people together continues to echo through the community it helped shape.
The city of San Marcos wrote in an email to The Star that Private Park was issued a “Notice of Land Violation Code” by Code Compliance. Reported concerns included large gatherings without liability insurance, inadequate security and parking, noise complaints, no access for emergency response and reports of safety concerns related to fights and weapons.
However, Laura Benavides, the owner of Private Park, said she was only made aware of parking violations and noise complaints. She has the option to address the issues with Code Compliance or request a rezoning of the property that permits Special Event Facility use. Ultimately, city council has the final say on whether an area will be rezoned, according to the city.
Texas State students held a candlelight vigil in solidarity with Palestinians who have died in the war in Gaza on Oct. 9 at The Stallions, just hours after a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hamas.
The first phase of the ceasefire was the Israeli military pulling back its troops from Gaza, freeing Israeli hostages, and releasing imprisoned Palestinians, according to AP News.
On the same day, Texas State students gathered at The Stallions at 7 p.m. to hold a vigil in solidarity with the people of Palestine who have died since Oct. 7, 2023.
Saeed Moshfegh, faculty advisor for the Texas State Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC), said he wants the ceasefire to stand.
“I hope that it stands, but we are also a little bit worried. First, it came from Trump that he supported unconditionally, the state of Israel. It doesn’t come from
ROBERT STEPHENSON | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Signs set on The Stallions for the “Honor Our Martyrs” Vigil For Palestine event Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at the Quad. Students and faculty gathered to honor those who have died in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict, with some leading prayers and making speeches.
a good heart ... and it has been shown that previously Israel broke the ceasefires without any reason,” Moshfegh said. “We hope [that this] time it doesn’t happen and the people of Gaza can live in peace.”
A key component of the treaty’s first of 20 phases involves Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners, opening the border with Egypt, allowing aid to flow and withdrawing from Gaza, according to AP News. Oct. 7 marked the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which started the war in Gaza.
PHOTO BY ABEL BARCENAS
Troy defenders tackle senior running back Lincoln Pare (7), Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at UFCU Stadium
The Bobcats lost to Troy 48-41.
THOMAS ALTER
specifically, in teaching education majors, while promoting your vision for the recruitment of Americans into a ‘Revolutionary Socialist Party’ with the stated goal of overthrowing the United States government,” Damphousse wrote in Alter’s termination letter.
Alter sent his response to his termination to The Star
“To be clear, my termination is part of a broader political attack being carried out by the authoritarian far-right to crush democracy and democratic institutions in the U.S. in general and Texas in particular,” Alter wrote in his statement. “But the charges leveled against me by the Texas State University administration do not stand up to the facts; I have truth on my side and I look forward to my day in court.”
Alter sued Texas State on Sept. 16, after his initial termination. In the lawsuit he is asking to be reinstated, for backpay, damages and a “declaration that Defendants’ actions violated the due process and free speech.” The next hearing in Alter’s court case is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 14.
According to another document Alter sent to The Star, seven professional organizations, including ones from other countries, and several Texas State history graduate students wrote in support of Alter prior to his due process hearing.
The Texas State Employees Union (TSEU), which Alter is a member of, released a statement less than an hour after Alter’s termination.
“In a deeply troubling move that strikes at the heart of the First Amendment, Damphousse has upheld the termination of Dr. Tom Alter, a tenured history professor, after a coerced and fundamentally flawed due process hearing,” TSEU wrote in a statement emailed
to The Star
Just hours before the decision was released, Damphousse sent out a statement to staff and faculty attempting to address their concerns about events such as Alter’s termination. The statement was released after Damphousse was questioned by faculty at the Oct. 8 Senate Advisory Group meeting on the state of due process.
During that meeting, Damphousse promised due process still exists, saying “nothing has changed,” about due process on campus.
“The contrast between Damphousse’s rhetoric and his actions is stark. While he calls on faculty and staff to ‘move forward’ and trust in the administration’s judgment, his refusal to defend free speech or engage transparently on this issue undermines the very trust he says he wishes to rebuild,” TSEU wrote.
In its statement, TSEU said the decision comes amid “intensifying political pressure” aimed at Texas universities to “fall in line with partisan agendas hostile to free speech.”
“This pattern raises serious questions about whether President Damphousse’s choices reflect his own views on free expression, or if this decision is part of an effort to appease political forces that punish campus leaders who act otherwise,” TSEU wrote.
According to Damphousse’s letter, Alter can appeal his termination to the Texas State University System. Alter has three days to file his appeal.
This is a developing story. The University Star will update as information becomes available.
FROM FRONT MEMORIAL
Texas State’s Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) organized a candlelight vigil to honor the people of Palestine who have died, starting with prayers and speeches. PSC displayed posters of victims in Gaza with photos, names and the cause of death around The Stallions, along with signs reading “Your right to speech matters. Free Palestine.”
“I feel like the past two years have just been, it’s just been terrible, not just for kids, but for their families ... There shouldn’t be newborn children that are going hungry. They’re not a part of any so-called war,” Virgil Harris, childhood education freshman, said.
Each poster served as a memorial for those who lost their lives during the war on Gaza.
On The Stallions, there were candles spread around the posters with bloodied baby clothes and shoes to represent those who have died.
“The candles represent life and hope. As long as there’s a fire burning, there’s always hope and the chance for justice to persevere and thrive,” Damian Estrada, film senior, said.
Toward the end of the vigil, speakers read the names of those who have died and explained how they passed away.
Molly Bexfield, education
sophomore, spoke at The Stallions about her experience as a daycare teacher and realizing how the children she cares for are the same size as those in Gaza.
“I remember the children in Palestine, in Congo and Sudan; they deserve a life where their biggest problem is an annoyed daycare teacher,” Bexfield said.
I feel like the past two years have just been, it’s just been terrible, not just for kids, but for their families ... There shouldn’t be newborn children that are going hungry. They’re not a part of any so-called war,”
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Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, October 14, 2025. 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.
Corrections Policy: Errors appearing in the pages of The University Star and brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible.
ARABELLA DICHRISTINA | ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Students lay baby clothes on The Stallions to represent those who had died in Israel-Hamas conflict at the “Honor Our Martyrs” Vigil For Palestine event, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at the Quad. Students and faculty gathered to honor those who have died in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
MEG BOLES | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Former Associate History Professor Thomas Alter (center) speaks to students following his due process hearing with Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at The Stallions.
Texas Supreme Court separates from ABA-accreditation
By Arabella DiChristina Assistant News Editor
The Texas State Supreme Court issued an order to end its relationship with the American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation, letting its highest court determine which graduates can become lawyers.
According to the ABA, an ABA-accredited law school meets the minimum standards set by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and the Admissions of the Bar, and in most states, students must graduate from an ABA-accredited law school to be eligible to take the bar exam.
To practice law in Texas, students with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) must pass the Texas Bar Examination, known as the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which is produced by the National
Conference of Bar Examiners.
The Texas Supreme Court announced its plans on Sept. 26, with changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2026, following a public comment hearing until Dec. 1, 2025.
Assistant Professor for Criminal Justice and Criminology and Pre-law advisor, Melanie Soderstrom, wrote in an email to The Star that Texas is the first state to do this, so the fallout is unclear until it is in effect.
“There was a letter from eight deans of Texas law schools requesting that the Supreme Court continue the requirement that attorneys graduate from ABA-accredited law schools,” Soderstrom wrote.
Texas State University’s pre-law program is an advising program for students who are seeking law school after undergrad, but Texas State does not have a law school.
Pre-law advising consists of faculty advisor Kenneth Ward and other professors who have experience in law.
Ward wrote in an email to The Star that it is possible for new programs that allow students to be qualified to take the Texas bar exam even though they are not ABA-accredited.
“[Students seeking law school should] think hard about why you want to go to law school and how you expect a law degree to contribute to your
life. Too many people go to law school because they do not know what else they want to do,” Ward wrote.
According to JD advising, students often end up practicing in the state in where they attended law school.
Soderstrom wrote that pre-law students who are thinking about law school should seek advising to determine if law school is the best fit and which school aligns with their goals.
Each state has different bar exams and requirements for students with a J.D. to practice law. However, states that administer the UBE allow students to transfer to other states if they meet that state’s requirements.
“We have to remember that Texas law schools teach people besides Texas residents, and it would be to an advantage for that school to continue the ABA accreditation,”
David Levy, assistant professor of instruction in political science, said. “So that it wouldn’t make the school less appealing to someone from, say, Massachusetts or Oklahoma or some other state that might require ABA accreditation for their graduates to be able to take the bar exam in that state.”
Texas law schools that already hold ABA-accreditation will continue to allow graduates to sit for the Texas Bar.
“Where issues would arise are those students attending a law school in Texas no longer accredited by the ABA and seeking to sit for the bar exam of another state,” Soderstrom wrote. “... However, as noted, if the Texas law schools continue to seek ABA-accreditation, then there are no concerns.”
As part of being considered an ABA-accredited law school, the school has to report a Standard 509 information report, which contains information on the number of law students, LSAT test scores, acceptance scores, curricula offered and demographics. Students choosing
which law school to attend tend to look at this type of information to make their decision, according to Soderstrom.
“If a Texas law school chooses to no longer be ABA accredited, then they will no longer need to make this data publicly available,” Soderstrom wrote.
The Texas Supreme Court did not provide a reason why it decided to separate from with ABA-accreditation. This order comes after the Supreme Court of Florida announced plans that it was going to do the same, but due to “the ABA’s diversity requirement and political engagement.”
ABA filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration, asking a federal court to declare “Trump’s administration policy of intimidation against lawyers and law firms as unlawful.”
According to the order, the Texas Supreme Court does not want to impose additional requirements on law schools that are already accredited.
Law schools, on average, take students three years to complete, usually graduating in May and sitting for the bar exam of their chosen state in July.
“I feel like the bar is a pretty big part of what you do for law school, and that’s always been a big driving factor of where you go to school and stuff, because obviously once you take the bar, that’s the only place you can practice and everything,” Sadie Smith, sophomore criminal justice and pre-law, said.
Toward the end of the order, the Texas Supreme Court lists all the law schools whose graduates are allowed to sit for the Texas bar exam. Students are still allowed to study at law schools outside of Texas and be eligible for the Texas Bar exam.
To make a public comment, email rulescomments@txcourts.gov
Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.
President’s actions risk alienating community
By Editorial Board
After days of forced deliberation, President Damphousse has once again decided to terminate former Associate History Professor Tom Alter, a move that reinforces faculty concerns with their job security and free speech.
Even when given the chance to reverse a decision widely condemned by students, staff and faculty, the university once again proved itself incapable of honoring the wishes of the Texas State community. If President Damphousse cannot listen to the voices of students and staff when they express their concerns, the student body cannot trust him to advocate for the betterment of the university.
In a statement sent to The Star, Vice President for Marketing and Communications Sandy Pantlik confirmed Alter’s termination.
“After a thorough review of Dr. Alter’s conduct and the information provided during his due process hearing, President Damphousse has notified Dr. Alter that his employment at Texas State University is terminated, effective immediately. There will be no further comment on this matter at this time,” Pantlik wrote.
Damphousse is losing the
student body by furthering unwanted decisions and eroding their truth and support for his leadership. What began as a campus embracing an energetic and passionate leader has since soured, as Damphousse continues to distance himself from the desires of the community he serves. Despite his many statements and assurances that he understands the concerns of the student body, he ultimately failed to act on these promises, shaping his reputation through PR rather than meaningful action.
In a press release email to The Star, the Texas State Employees Union (TSEU) also confirmed Alter’s termination, describing it as the result of a coerced and fundamentally flawed due process hearing.
“Damphousse had an opportunity to uphold the First Amendment,” Ilesa Daniels Ross, President of TSEU, wrote. “Instead, he chose to send a chilling message to every faculty member and student who dares to speak out or stand up for their rights at Texas State.”
When given the opportunity to listen to the student body and reflect after weeks of outcry, the administration instead chose to pointedly double down. Damphousse may have made the easy decision for his career — one that placates legislators and deflects outside attention from his office — but it sends a clear message to faculty and students that their voice matters less than these outside pressures.
While all eyes once again turn to the termination of Alter, one must not forget that this is not merely spectacle, but rather the university depriving a professor, who achieved one of the highest honors in his department, and a father, of his livelihood. What the administrators are doing when they make decisions like this is leading without empathy or consideration, guided instead by protecting their jobs by sacrificing another’s.
Students have every right to feel betrayed, as their concerns seemingly fell on deaf ears and their trust was dismissed by the administration. Ultimately, this is a stain on both Damphousse’s reputation and Texas State, and only time will tell whether trust can be regained or is lost forever.
Texas State students have power at the ballot box
By Alexis Chan Opinions Contributor
Many Texas State students oppose the current political climate on our college campus, yet students fail to recognize and utilize their voices to advocate for meaningful political change. As early voting and elections season in Texas begins on Oct. 20, students must understand the importance of ethical and safe political engagement.
Voter turnout for local elections is generally low.
In 2024, 67% of registered voters in San Marcos voted in the general election. As residents of the city, Texas State students must not overlook the value of civic engagement.
Political participation is crucial because politics directly influence students and residents. Local politicians in San Marcos make decisions on funding, influence projects and policies and have a significant impact on the community.
While the idea of political involvement may seem daunting or stressful, there is no “single way” to be politically engaged; it is often easier than it seems.
Practicing political involvement is the first step in developing long-term civic engagement habits. Not only does democracy thrive when young people are civically engaged, but a higher quality of life is also present in communities where those habits are strong. One of the easiest ways to begin consciously participating in politics is to listen to others and take the time to discuss and understand different opinions.
The simple act of thoughtful and honest engagement with opposing viewpoints is a way for Texas State students to uphold democracy.
“When being politically engaged
... [students should] look for discourse, not a debate.” Isabel Thornton, public administration senior, said.
However, political content must be evaluated carefully, reasonably and objectively to identify misinformation, which threatens the effectiveness of government action by hindering political participation. When voters cannot differentiate misinformation from truth, they lose confidence in political institutions. As a result, they are less likely to practice civic engagement.
When students listen to opposing viewpoints while thinking critically, they can identify misinformation and prevent it from spreading. In doing so, they are actively and ethically involved with politics.
The voices of voters are magnified during local elections because of the significant impact local politicians have on their communities.
At Texas State, students frequently gather at The Stallions to exercise their right to free speech. On Monday,
Letters to the Editor Policy
The University Star welcomes letters from our readers. Letters must be
300 words or fewer to be considered for publication. Writers must include their full name, mailing address, major and academic year designation (for students), phone number and e-mail address when submitting a letter.
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Oct. 6, supporters rallied together after Thomas Alter’s due process hearing, urging the university to reinstate the tenured professor. College protests have historically been a powerful method of political activism. However, protesting is not the only way students can make their voices heard.
Voting is an essential aspect of political engagement and gives people a platform to advocate for the needs of their community. It is particularly beneficial for college students to vote, as job opportunities and education are affected by policy decisions.
Unfortunately, the low turnout during local elections shows their importance is unrecognized. However, when cities have politicians who listen to their constituents, positive change is more likely to occur. For example, in 2024, the San Marcos City Council enacted the Single-Use Beverage Container Ban Ordinance. Before the council finally approved the ban, community members had spent years advocating for the ordinance because
campus is another accessible way for students to engage with politics. These organizations provide a platform for students to have their voices heard, help them understand politics, encourage the further development of their viewpoints and provide additional resources and opportunities for political engagement.
“Being active in a club that is politically oriented … can broaden horizons or hone in on questions [students] might have about how to lean into the political sphere,” Thornton said. “Being a civilian … and understanding what’s going on in your polls, in your elections, who you are voting for this term, understanding what kind of policies are being passed and what that means for you as a student … mounts up to [being politically active].”
-Alexis Chan is a mass communication freshman
letter writer. It is not used for any commercial purpose.
Letters become the property of The Star and may be republished in any format. The letter may be edited for length and clarity. An editor will contact the letter writer if their letter is a candidate for publication. The Star will not run letters that are potentially libelous, discriminatory, obscene, threatening or promotional in nature.
Letters can be submitted to staropinion@txstate.edu or by mail to Attn: Opinion Editor, The University Star, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666.
of the litter in the San Marcos River. Joining a political organization on
CARMEN KEEN | STAR ILLUSTRATOR
The Main Point is an opinion written by The University Star’s Editorial Board. Opinions expressed are
First Tuesday Film Series ‘loops in’ documentary
By Linae Lewter Life and Arts Contributor
“The Roping Fools” made its San Marcos debut on Oct. 7 at the First Tuesday Film Series. It follows the history of trick roping from its development by Mexican vaqueros to a competitive entertainment specialty adopted into Wild West shows and rodeos. The film illustrates how this history molded the performers who keep the tradition alive today.
William Fitzpatrick, theatre alumnus director of “The Roping Fools,” started trick roping when he was three years old. Trick roping, which is a combination of lasso skills and dance-like movements to create intricate tricks, was prevalent while Fitzpatrick grew up in Bandera, Texas, the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” However, he noticed it was disappearing from the cultural zeitgeist. His 2024 documentary “The Roping Fools” is an attempt to bring this niche sport back into the limelight and to celebrate its rich culture.
another big thing is we’re bringing award winning films that have not played on the big screen.”
Each screening is followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers and a community leader or TXST professor. Richeler Aladin, TXST School of Theatre, Dance and Film lecturer and an award-winning short film director, was asked to facilitate a discussion between Fitzpatrick and his producer, Ryan Sultemeier, on the film’s production.
from the
”[The film] is about trick roping, but it’s a proxy for having a niche skill and being passionate about it,” Fitzpatrick said. “And that’s what trick roping is for us. There’s a lot of people that are excited about it and who love it, but they’re not [living] close to each other because there might be 50 professional trick ropers in the world right now.”
After premiering in Claremore, Okla., in November 2024 at the Will Rogers Film Festival, the film came to San Marcos as a part of First Tuesday, a monthly event that screens thought-provoking indie films every first Tuesday of the month.
Jeffrey Brown, founder of First Tuesday, was drawn to “The Roping Fools” because of its homegrown appeal as a film by a TXST alumnus and its unique subject. As the sole project runner for First Tuesday, he takes care to showcase small films that can engage the community and fit into the intimate setting of a local Texas film event.
We try a new wrinkle here and there,” Brown said. “A lot of [the films] are some type of local tie in …
FROM FRONT COMMUNITY
Benavides created Private Park on 313 Nicola Alley to have a private space where she could host birthday parties and other events for her daughter. She also wanted a safe and comfortable place where people could relax and enjoy one another’s company.
Benavides said the people who walked into Private Park deeply impacted her life, and she hopes it left a lasting impression on theirs too.
“[Park visitors] have been a part of my life as well, and I’m so grateful for everybody that’s come to Private Park and have made it their temporary home,” Benavides said.
Benavides had been in contact with the city regarding parking issues and noise complaints. She said she worked with the city to change the parking arrangements prior to the cease and desist order. Benavides received the cease-and-desist order on Sept. 16, after several interactions with the city. The order listed that Private
Fitzpatrick met Sultemeier when they worked on the set of another documentary, “The Stars at Night,” directed by Betty Buckley, associate professor of practice. Buckley introduced them, and Fitzpatrick pitched Sultemeier his idea for “The Roping Fools.”
“I didn’t actually tell anybody about it seriously until we made ‘The Stars at Night’ with Betty Buckley,” Fitzpatrick said. “[Sultemeier] was the producer on that, and eventually I told him my idea about doing a full trick roping documentary because I knew I was one of the only people that knew all the top professionals within the world. And I would be willing to see their story … because I was a trick roper too, I could capture it really well.”
Fitzpatrick and Sultemeier collected first-hand accounts of trick ropers across the U.S., offering peeks into their lives and performances, including America’s Got Talent’s Loop Rawlins, traditional Charro performer Tomas Garcilazo, and four-time World Champion Rider Kiesner.
Fitzpatrick believed it was important for this movie to be an honest yet entertaining delivery of the world of trick roping. He had a goal to make a film that not only served the trick roping community but was a storytelling piece that anyone could enjoy as well.
“If you’re making a nonfiction piece, like a documentary, you know [from] the premise and nature of the medium that people are supposed to be honest,” Fitzpatrick said. “I was really careful to be honest the whole time, so I didn’t have to worry about that when showing the film. It was like, it won’t come off
Park was operating as a “special events facility,” which is not permitted based on the existing zoning of Character District-4, and the corrective measure is to schedule a meeting with Neighborhood Enhancement.
When Benavides announced the cease-and-desist order, community members stepped up and asked how they could help, including creating petitions and GoFundMe accounts for legal fees. As of Oct. 12, the petition gained close to 600 signatures.
Charlize Fedele, communications senior and FMA event coordinator, said the order affected the organization’s most recent event “FMACL FEST.” Inspired by Austin City Limits, the event was an opportunity to enjoy music while hanging out with friends. Though this was FMA’s first time utilizing Private Park’s space, Fedele said FMACL was a newer endeavor for the club, and there aren’t many spaces that fit the organization’s particular needs.
Director and Texas State alumnus Will Fitzpatrick poses with a lasso in his hands after a screening of his movie “The Roping Fools,” Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at The Price Center.
cheesy … and if you think it’s cheesy, then they’re honestly cheesy.”
First Tuesday Film Series is every first Tuesday of the month at the Price Center, located at 222 W San Antonio St. The next series will be on Nov. 11 due to the election. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Fedele said the cease and desist order affects students, especially as Private Park offers some of the most affordable prices and welcoming environments for club socials, events and concerts.
“There isn’t a venue space that is easily accessible and also low cost for struggling students for them to hold their events,” Fedele said.
Amma Selestial is the founder of Community Centered and Squared, a San Marcos organization built on leftist political beliefs to connect the community through mutual aid, horizontal structures and a focus on low-barrier, accessible events. She said that as long-time users of Private Park, many of the organization’s events to help the community can’t happen at the same level without the low-cost space that doesn’t discriminate based on political beliefs.
“Private Park is exactly what San Marcos needs to be different from our siblings like New Braunfels
and Wimberley; a place not just there to be cute and make as much money as possible,” Selestial said. “I’m supporting not just someone’s paycheck but my entire community’s access to what, for some, can be a lifeline.”
Benavides believes Private Park is worth fighting for, and the community involved will be there to support the cause, as they have already shown so far.
“It’s about the people, all of us gathering together, and there’s so many restrictions now that are going up on how people can gather, why people can gather and when they can gather,” Benavides said. “Private Park doesn’t put people in that box.”
Benavides is currently holding movie nights to come together as a community and writing letters to city council about why Private Park is so important to her and others.
Private Park sits vacant, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at 313 Nicola Alley. Private Park is available to rent for four hours
fire pits, a treehouse with chalkboards, a swing set and a stage.
LESLIE BELLO | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
A scene
documentary “The Roping Fools” from a screening as a part of the First Tuesday Film Series, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at The Price Center.
LESLIE BELLO | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
MINISTRY
Athletes in Action seek to build identity, form community beyond athlete life
By Hope Monte Sports Reporter
Amidst the daily pressures of training, competing and passing classes as a collegiate athlete, the Christian ministry organization, Athletes in Action (AIA), provides a space for Bobcat athletes of all backgrounds to seek community and find an identity outside of being an athlete.
AIA is a Christian ministry with local groups located across the globe. Texas State AIA Team Leader Nick Land was first introduced to the organization while playing baseball at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.
Land played through his college baseball years with the goal to play professionally. One day those plans were turned upside down after tearing a ligament in his elbow during senior year.
“Ironically, that was one of my favorite seasons. I learned that my identity wasn’t in who I was as an athlete,” Land said. “It wasn’t in my performance, but it was in something that was secure.”
Land found that both security in his faith and being out with an injury were what changed everything about his plans, setting him on a new mission to pursue athlete ministry with AIA.
“On the outside looking in, athletes have it all together. We, as the fans see, [athletes] could make NIL money and have a team, so that means they have community, they get all these resources, but when you sit down with the athletes, that’s not their story,” Land said. “There’s something missing, and so I want to share that with others, and show people that they’re more than just an athlete.”
Since joining Texas State AIA in 2016, Land has seen the San Marcos chapter grow from around 20 people to a now consistent group of over 40 athletes, and sometimes sees up to 70-80 students join together at “Tuesday Timeout,” a weekly gathering where athletes join for Bible study as a community.
“We just want to know you and let you be known, seen and valued. That’s why we actually advertise it as kind of a non-spiritual event,” Land said. “We want to just meet a need where they can build a connection outside of their sport and outside
FROM FRONT HOMECOMING
Senior running back Lincoln Pare scored a rushing touchdown on each of the next two offensive drives for the Bobcats, a seven-yarder and a 62-yarder consecutively. Troy only scored one touchdown in the first quarter via a 57-yard passing touchdown from junior quarterback Tucker Kilcrease to senior receiver RaRa Thomas.
After the first quarter, Troy went on a 20-0 run until Pare rushed for his third touchdown late in the third quarter. Troy would then outscore Texas State 14-3 in the fourth quarter with junior receiver DJ Epps catching the game-tying 18-yard touchdown pass.
Junior receiver Chris Dawn Jr. came up clutch with nearly half of his total yards coming on the last drive after two catches for 31 and 35 yards to give the Bobcats a chance to win the game.
Ultimately, Texas State doinked the go-ahead 42-yard field goal attempt from kicker Tyler Robles as time expired, sending the game to overtime.
Before the start of overtime, the Bobcats won the toss and elected to start on defense. It didn’t take long for Troy to strike first with a six-yard passing touchdown to Epps over the middle, immediately putting pressure on Texas State to score.
The Bobcats picked up nine yards on second down and were one yard away from converting a first down. They called two rushing plays, both in shotgun: one from Pare and the other from Jackson. Both were stuffed for no gain, and the Trojans stormed the field in celebration after finally completing the comeback for good.
Although Jackson did not throw a touchdown pass this game, he was still very efficient, completing 19 out of 22 passes for 248 yards. He added 77 yards on the ground with a touchdown on 18 attempts.
of what they tend to put their identity in.”
Getting involved with AIA provided support for exercise and sports science senior Justin Wagner, who joined while competing with the track and field team as a distance runner.
Throughout his career as a runner at Texas State, Wagner worked through many injuries and at times struggled to get back into competing, but said he discovered a new purpose through AIA.
“A lot of my self-worth used to come from how well I did a practice that morning or in the last race, things like that,” Wagner said. “God cares about me, he loves me, I am enough because of Jesus, not because of anything I’ve done.”
Now in his senior year, Wagner is pursuing his passion for ministry while staying connected to fellow athletes as he joins AIA as part-time staff for 2025-26.
For some athletes like Kason O’Riley, a former Bobcat high jumper who took his career to the professional level, being a part of AIA played a role in supporting his career and finding purpose on the outside, all at the same time.
“Sports take a lot out of you mentally, and put a lot of stress on you, so doing the discipleship [with AIA], I really learned that what you do [and] your sport does not define who you are,” O’Riley said.
O’Riley said spending more time in the AIA
community and seeking discipleship helped him adopt a new mindset, which resulted in the improvement of his athletic performance.
“I started pretty much going to ‘I don’t really care what happens at the meet, if I succeed, I succeed, if I do bad, I do bad. I’m not going to let it beat me up inside,’” O’Riley said. “I started jumping better, I go with that mindset, and I ended up PRing by like, three inches.”
In the final seasons of her collegiate tennis career, Texas State alumna Callie Creath found new purpose in playing while competing as a graduate student.
“I realized that the things that we do on the court, on the field, whatever it may be, are for God, and that is something that has really stuck with me,” Creath said. “So in my second year, when I came back and played tennis, I felt like I was a completely different person.”
Now navigating life outside of Texas State and tennis, Creath said what she learned from AIA still sticks with her in everyday life and can be applied to everything.
“I would encourage people, if they’re thinking about joining AIA, I would say just go. It’s going to change your life,” Creath said. “It changed my life, and now I’m able to tell that story.”
Dawn Jr. had seven catches for 119 yards, averaging 17 yards per reception.
The rushing attack remained the focal point of the offense. Burrell finished as the game’s leading rusher with 136 yards and a touchdown on only 13 carries, averaging 10.5 yards an attempt, while Pare rushed the ball 22 times for 113 yards and scored three touchdowns to lead both teams.
Kilcrease made up for the lack of a run game by having arguably his best career start, throwing for 415 yards and five touchdowns with a 77% completion rate.
Epps had the most receiving yards out of any player in the game with 10 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score, averaging 14.8 yards per reception.
Texas State has scored over 30
points in every game so far this season, besides one. Statistically, the Bobcats are one of the most efficient offenses in the country, and after a 41-point performance on Saturday, remain so.
The Bobcats have been an inconsistent defense all season long, as the team gives up an average of 29.8 points a game and has now given up game-winning drives in two consecutive games.
Texas State now finds itself 0-2 to start conference play against in-division opponents, putting a damper on the chance to depart the Sun Belt as conference champions.
The Bobcats will now look to bounce back on the road against Marshall at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 18, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, W.Va. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.
Texas State freshmen quarterback Brad Jackson (8) runs the ball against Troy, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at UFCU Stadium. Texas State lost to Troy in overtime, 48-41.
ABEL BARCENAS | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Texas State athletes gather for a bible study at Athletes in Action’s Tuesday Timeout, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in San Marcos,
PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHLETES IN ACTION
TXST HOCO
Texas State management senior Pablo Cardona performs at Texas State’s Got Talent, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in the LBJ Ballroom.
Texas State’s Got Talent is a homecoming talent show where audience members vote for their favorite act.
The soap box driver for Texas State fraternity Fiji (right) reaches out to slow down Lambda Chi Alpha’s driver (left), Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in front of the Ingram School of Engineering. A soap box derby is a race where participants race down an incline using motorless cars.
Texas State sororities and fraternities perform at homecoming week Hump Night, Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025, at the LBJ Mall. Hump night is put on by The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. at Texas State to promote community within Black Greek life.
science senior Joaquin Marquez celebrates after being crowned Texas State’s 2025 Homecoming King, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at UFCU Stadium. Marquez, who is President of the Hellcats spirit fraternity, was crowned during halftime of the homecoming football game against Troy.
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The Golden Elites perform at the Homecoming Spirit Parade, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at Woods Street Parking Garage.
The Golden Elites are Texas State’s first black majorette dance organization, established in 2019.
Texas State fraternity Pike, in partnership with sorority Zeta Tau Alpha, wins the Soapbox Derby, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in front of the Ingram School of Engineering. Held since 1967, the Soapbox Derby is one of Texas State’s longest running traditions.
