SPORTS TEXAS STATE POWERLIFTING CLUB COMPETES NATIONALLY PAGE 6
NEWS
LIFE & ARTS
PAGE 3
PAGE 7
KOKO RENEWS GLOW RUN FOR AHEAD OF PEAK FLU SEASON, TXST PROMOTES VACCINATIONS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
TUESDAY
October 20, 2026 VOLUME 115 ISSUE 42
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
SEE PAGE 7 - 8
JEN NGUYEN | DESIGN EDITOR
FOOTBALL
COUNTY
Homecoming clash: TXST vs USU Hays County
restores Price Center’s grant
By Ayden Oredson Sports Editor
Coming off a record-setting performance against Colorado State that saw the offense break multiple singlegame records, the Texas State Bobcats will look to keep the pedal on the metal while donning Southwest throwbacks when the Utah State Aggies come to town for a homecoming showdown. This will be the two programs’ first matchup since the Bobcats transitioned to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2012. The Aggies defeated the Bobcats in a 38-7 home victory when both teams were in the Western Athletic Conference. Now conference opponents once more, here’s what lies ahead between the ‘Cats and Ags.
By Rylee Valva News Contributor
A battle of two opposites While the two sit tied early in the conference standings, the two teams are polar opposites of each other. Texas State (3-3, 1-1 Pac-12) boasts one of the country’s top offenses, while the Aggies (2-4, 1-1 Pac-12) have a considerably strong defense.
SEE PREVIEW PAGE 6
SAMUEL LEE | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Texas State senior running back Torrance Burgess Jr. (4) scores a touchdown, Thursday, Oct. 15, at UFCU Stadium. The Bobcats beat the Colorado State Rams 66-27.
The Hays County Commissioners Court reversed its previous decision to deny the Price Center’s annual grant, restoring funding after community opposition. During its Oct. 13 meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to reinstate the San Marcos nonprofit’s $10,000 grant after county officials attributed its initial exclusion from the fiscal year 2027 budget to confusion over the organization’s name. The Price Center, which serves as an alternative senior center, had received county funding for more than 15 years until commissioners denied its request for the fiscal year 2027 budget on Sept. 15. At its Oct. 13 meeting, Hays County Officer Scott Woodland said the funding matter was an accidental error.
SEE FUNDING PAGE 2
FEATURE
Soap Box Derby builds community through the decades By Cady Clements Life and Arts Editor
Nearly six decades after Texas State students first raced homemade cars down a San Marcos hill, the Soap Box Derby continues to bring generations of Bobcats together through competition and school spirit. Established in 1967, the Soap Box Derby is one of Texas State’s longeststanding Homecoming traditions. Student organizations compete in decorated, gravity-powered cars, carrying on a tradition that has moved across campus throughout its history. The Soap Box Derby tradition
began when the Interfraternity Council (IFC) came together to create a tradition built to last. Arnold Air Society, SWT Rodeo Association, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Kappa Tau, Sigma Nu and Theta Xi were the entries for the first Soap Box Derby, according to The University Star archives. Bob Covey, 1969 Texas State graduate and Lambda Chi Alpha alumnus, said the derby was a lively and competitive way to bring more school spirit to a commuter school. PHOTO COURTESY OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES, ALKEK LIBRARY
SEE DERBY PAGE 7
A Pi Kappa Alpha racer rides down North Edward Gary Street for the Homecoming Soap Box Derby tradition in 1976.
NEWS
2
Arabella DiChristina | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 AIDEN FRITSCHE | MUTLIMEDIA EDITOR
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico speaks at a campaign rally, Thursday, Oct. 15, at CFPO Youth Sports field in San Marcos.
James Talarico rallies in San Marcos ahead of midterms Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, James Talarico (D-Round Rock) rallied supporters in San Marcos emphasizing the importance of education and voting in the November elections. In the Nov. 3 elections, Talarico is running for U.S. Senate against republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Talarico currently is a democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 50. Early voting runs Oct. 19- 30, and Election Day is Nov. 3. On Thursday, Oct. 15, a crowd of supporters and San Marcos residents attended Talarico’s rally at the CFPO Youth Sports field to hear Talarico discuss his campaign and priorities. Talarico’s campaign staff began the rally with a performance from Texas State’s first Black majorette dance organization, The Golden Elites. Afterward, Talarico said it is important to elect a senator who would serve Texans rather than major donors. “Elected officials aren’t supposed to serve themselves,” Talarico said. “They’re not supposed to serve their mega donors. They are supposed to serve us. They are supposed to serve the people.” Talarico is running against Paxton, who has served as the state’s attorney general since 2015. Paxton, endorsed by President Donald Trump, is launching an 18-day “Come and Take It” bus tour to more than 30 cities across Texas leading up to election day.
During the rally, Talarico drew on his experience as a public-school teacher in San Antonio, connecting it to the importance of increasing public school funding. “I entered the classroom in the fall of 2011, right after the Texas legislature cut more than $5 billion from public education,” Talarico said at the rally. “I saw the impact of those cuts firsthand. I saw programs get eliminated. I saw students slip through the cracks.” Austin residents Teresa and Joe Hernandez said they were drawn to Talarico’s candidacy because of his experience as a teacher at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School. Teresa Hernandez was a former public-school teacher for 38 years in East Austin before her school closed. “I feel like at this point Texas public schools are in dire need of a change,” Teresa Hernandez said. “I’m here to support our public-school teachers, and I think Talarico will do them justice.” After Texas Gov. Greg Abbott passed the voucher system in May 2025, which allowed Texas families to use public funds for private school tuition, Teresa Hernandez said she could not vote Republican. Since then, Joe Hernandez said they have supported Talarico because he spoke about teacher pay raises. Additionally, students and members of the United Campus Ministry (UCM) at Texas State came out to show their support because of Talarico’s
FROM FRONT FUNDING
AIDEN FRITSCHE
By Sidney Orman News Reporter
“The Price Center applied for everything as [the] Price Center. In the system, past awards have always [been] awarded to the Greater San Marcos Senior Citizens,” Woodland said. “It is my understanding that those two are innately connected; it just wasn’t clear through what they submitted for their proposal.” Clay DeStefano, executive director of the Price Center, said he was shocked to learn the decision had been reversed. DeStefano said he tried to contact county officials but received no response about both the grant’s initial denial and its sudden restoration. “The truth is this is an ongoing struggle for all nonprofits; funding is always the issue,” DeStefano said. DeStefano said despite the county’s claim, the grant application identified both the Price Center and the Greater San Marcos Senior Association. Victoria Lambdon, a Price Center community member and San Marcos resident, submitted a written comment to the commissioners that the Price Center is a welcoming community where people can form meaningful, fulfilling connections at the Oct. 13 meeting. “The Price Center has made a difference in my life. It is a place where folks from all backgrounds are welcome. I don’t understand why [the county] failed to support this essential place. Shame on you. I thought you were supposed to represent me, and you did not,” Lambdon wrote for the Oct. 13 meeting. After hearing public comments, the commissioners unanimously voted to restore the grant request, stating the original exclusion was unintentional.
past as a Presbyterian seminarian. UCM members, integrated studies senior Devin Davis and exercise and sports science sophomore Audrey Capers, came to the rally as well. “Because he is a Presbyterian pastor, I know that it’s very similar to mine, and I know that it aligns with the Bible,” Davis said. “It is loving, and it is inclusive, and those are the most important things.” Capers said Talarico’s faith and commitment to his candidacy is important to her. “His walk with faith and willingness to be so open with his public and faithful to his mission is the most important thing to me,” Capers said. “We get to see his heart in his campaign and his work with people, both as a teacher and as a pastor, and it’s just very incredible to see such a faithful man actually do what he says he’s going to.” Talarico ended his speech with a biblical analogy comparing his campaign to the story of David and Goliath. “We are going up against our own Goliaths,” Talarico said. “Those billionaire mega donors, those corporate PACs, the entire Washington, D.C. establishment. Their power is real, but so is ours.” Following applause, Talarico told his supporters, “You are my slingshot,” after referencing the slingshot David used to defeat Goliath. “I feel it in my bones that if we do that work, we are going to win this election on Nov. 3, and we’re going to elect a senator who will serve [Texas],” Talarico said.
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
The historic Price Center, Friday, Sept. 25, 2025, in San Marcos.
“I thought it was important to address why the Price Center wasn’t in the budget and how that process went,” Pct. 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer said during the Oct. 13 meeting. “It’s my understanding that it wasn’t put under the Price Center [on the application]. It was not like we mistakenly or intentionally tried to leave out the Price Center. We didn’t know it was the Price Center.” Commissioners voted to reallocate $6,500 previously designated for PAWS Shelter of Central Texas and the Indigenous Cultures Institute to the Price Center because these organizations are no longer accepting funding or are now under other organizations. The remaining $3,500 will come from the county budget.
PAWS Shelter of Central merged with Austin Pets Alive! to launch Hays County Pets Alive, leading commissioners to reallocate their funding to the Price Center. Indigenous Cultures Institute had chosen to deny the offered grant. “I’m grateful, but I’m really sorry to hear that PAWS took a hit,” DeStefano said. “I think they made a snap decision.” Following social media posts regarding the grant denial, community members donated $23,225 to the Price Center. Margaret Adie, a Price Center volunteer and San Marcos resident, said the commissioners misunderstood the proposal. “They didn’t read his proposal for
Editorial Staff
History:
Trinity Building 203 Pleasant St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 245 - 3487
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 3,000. Printing is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.
Sports Editor: Ayden Oredson
stareditor@txstate.edu
starsports@txstate.edu
Managing Editor: Meg Boles
Multimedia Editor: Aiden Fritsche
News Editor: Arabella DiChristina starnews@txstate.edu
Life & Arts Editor: Cady Clements starlifeandarts@txstate.edu
Opinions Editor: Regina Orozco Lopez Forment staropinion@txstate.edu
Design Editor: Jen Nguyen stardesign@txstate.edu
Check out Star News Network for broadcast news!
Publication Info
Editor-in-Chief: Andrew Bencivengo
starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu
the grant request. It said that we were [The] Price Center of the Greater San Marcos Senior Association,” Adie said. “So many people wrote letters to the commissioners, including myself. I’m glad they reconsidered.” DeStefano said he struggles to understand what went wrong when he submitted the application. “I would [just] like an opportunity to talk with them about what they consider fundable,” DeStefano said. “They said something about a clerical error and [that] they misunderstood who we are. I’m not sure that’s 100% accurate, but I’m grateful to have the funding reinstated. I’m not going to argue with them as to how or why.” DeStefano said he believes the restoration of funding would not have been possible without the strength of the San Marcos community. “It was the ultimate exercise in the power of the people from my perspective. People were angry, people were hurt, people were confused. And most importantly, they wanted to take action,” DeStefano said. DeStefano said that with over $23,000 in donations and the upcoming $10,000 grant, he believes the Price Center is headed toward a stable 25th anniversary. “I’m just absolutely heartened, reminded by the power of the people, and overwhelmed just [by] all the love that’s been shown for us,” DeStefano said. “We’ll be 25 years old next year, and at the very least, I’d like to go for 25 more.”
starmultimedia@txstate.edu
Engagement Editor: Tatum Pou starengagement@txstate.edu
PIR Director: Keely Florez starpr@txstate.edu
Creative Service Director: Sophia Gerke
Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, October 20, 2026. 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.
starcreative@txstate.edu
TV News Director: James Phillips startvnews@txstate.edu
Director: Laura Krantz, laurakrantz@txstate.edu
Advertising Inquiries Contact at: 512-245-3487 advertising@universitystar.com
NEWS
3
Arabella DiChristina | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Health officials urge vaccination amid illness concerns By Kayna Khatri News Contributor
As influenza (flu) season begins, health professionals advise students to get vaccinated ahead of the peak winter flu season. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that circulate seasonally. Through common spaces such as classrooms or residence halls, Rodney Rohde, regents’ professor in medical laboratory science and professor in clinical laboratory science, said students can spread respiratory infections, and viruses change over time, making annual vaccination important. Flu activity typically peaks between December and February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rohde said October is the month when college students should get their annual flu vaccine. “[Flu vaccines] are good for yearround, but they’re really strong for about four or five months,” Rohde said. Rohde said influenza is an RNA virus, meaning its genetic material is made of ribonucleic acid rather than DNA. Changes in the virus’s genetic material can affect its characteristics, including those recognized by the immune system. “RNA viruses, just by the nature of their genome, their viral makeup, they mutate way more often,” Rohde said. “Flu is a great example.” During the flu season of 2022-23, 28.6% of adults aged between 18-49 were vaccinated for flu in the state of Texas, while 35.2% in the U.S. were vaccinated, according to the Texas Health and Human Services. Rohde said scientists monitor circulating influenza strains to help determine which strains should be included in future vaccines. Amidst flu season, San Diego State University’s football team faced a mumps outbreak ahead of its Pac-12 opener against Texas State, with San Diego County Public Health Services
ABBY FUNDERBURK | STAR ILLUSTRATOR
confirming 14 cases, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Don Coryell, vice president for intercollegiate athletics and director of athletics, wrote in an email to The Star that Texas State monitored the outbreak before the game and remained in communication with San Diego State Student Health Services and university medical professionals. “Based on the information and medical guidance available to us, there was no recommendation that our team does not travel or that participation in the game should be handled differently,” Coryell wrote. Since the U.S. mumps vaccination program started in 1967, mumps cases
have declined by more than 99% in the United States. However, mumps outbreaks still occur, particularly in settings where people have close, prolonged contact, such as universities, schools and correctional facilities. While close contact among students and athletes can increase transmission risk, Rhode said it’s important to get vaccinated, get early detection if any symptoms are noticed and to utilize preventive measures to protect students and the campus community. Dr. Sarah Doss, Director of University Health Services at Texas State Student Health Center, said Texas State was unaware of any
known mumps exposures involving its students as of Oct. 15, 2026. She said University Health Services had discussed potential response plans with Hays County public health officials. “We do not know of any exposure,” Doss said. “That doesn’t mean that it’s impossible it could have happened, but at this time we are not aware that any students were exposed to [mumps].” Doss said University Health Services has examination rooms equipped with specialized airflow systems to help prevent the spread of infections, while evaluating patients suspected of having contagious illnesses. As students prepare for flu season, Doss said University Health Services offers influenza vaccines for $25 to uninsured or out-of-network students, and vaccines are covered by most insurances. “Students can receive flu shots by appointment or walk-in at university clinics. The Student Health Center also offers the MMR vaccine for $131 and the human papillomavirus [HPV] vaccine for $411 for uninsured or out-of-network students,” Doss said. In the academic year 202526, Texas State’s Student Health Center administered a total of 1,718 vaccines, and in 2024-25, 1,962 vaccines, according to the Student Health Center. University Health Services will provide flu shots at the Bobcat WellBeing and Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 21 in the Jowers Center gym. The event will also feature free health assessments and campus wellness resources. Rohde said vaccination is not only about protecting individuals from infectious diseases but also about protecting vulnerable members of the community. “And again, the more we vaccinate, the more we protect our neighbors and our community,” Rohde said.
TXST’s first satellite launches aboard SpaceX rocket By Aaron Dann News Contributor
A Texas State satellite was launched into space to study radiation in Earth’s atmosphere. The satellite, named PROVES-Maia, launched Oct. 13 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, after more than two years of work by the PROVES-Maia team at the Texas State Space Lab. Evan Jellison, assistant professor of instruction in physics, said the space lab, made up of students and faculty, had been waiting to launch a satellite for nearly seven years. “It’s been a long time coming for us, so it means a lot to us personally,” Jellison said. “It means that we can show people, including NASA and these aerospace companies that are now in Central Texas, that this student body here at our university is ready to go for a career.” According to Jellison, NASA funded PROVESMaia’s space launch through the CubeSat Launch Initiative, a program that allows educational institutions to fly small research satellites on upcoming space missions. The development of satellites is funded by the institutions themselves, according to NASA’s website. Saidi Adams, electrical engineering junior, said the mission also tests the PROVES kit, an opensource satellite platform developed at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. The kit builds smaller satellites that are more accessible to other institutions. “I’m hoping [the mission] allows other universities like ours, who have never done something as crazy as launching a satellite but have that inspiration and want to do so, to have a much better time getting into it,” Jellison said. Adams also said that at least eight other universities have signed up to launch their own satellites using the PROVES kit. “Through our work on the software in collaboration with all the other universities, we’re able to push it forward a lot for other universities and even high schools to keep working on satellites,” Adams said. According to the Texas State Space Lab, the development of the PROVES kit and PROVES-
Maia itself was part of the Pleiades Five Program, a collaboration among Cal Poly Pomona, Columbia University, Northeastern University, UC Santa Cruz and Texas State. With the open-source design, universities can adapt the satellite’s hardware to specific research needs, according to Johnny McCaskill, mathematics, physics and computer science senior. “Being able to prove and demonstrate the ease of use and the ability to put your own hardware [on the satellite], and showing how open-source design and software can facilitate that is a big benefit for us and other people,” McCaskill said. PROVES-Maia also has a student-designed detector for gamma rays, which are high-frequency electromagnetic waves, that will provide information on how the atmosphere shields the Earth from radiation, according to McCaskill. Jasmine Rawles, mechanical engineering senior, said she helped integrate and test the satellite for this mission and described the types of tests the satellite went through before launch. “We would have software tests to make sure
all of the functionality is there to make sure we can actually speak to it before it’s several kilometers away,” Rawles said. The team also conducted several tests in both the space lab and a facility in Houston to ensure the satellite could withstand the environment of a rocket heading to space, according to Jellison. “They put [the satellite] on a giant vibration table, strap it down, and shake it at different frequencies and orient it in different ways,” Rawles said. “At the end of that test, they open the launcher back up, and we have to see if our satellite turns on and if it still works.” Jellison said the launch occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 13, during which members of the PROVES-Maia team watched the Falcon 9 lift off to launch a Dragon Spacecraft carrying the satellite to the International Space Station. “Watching a really cool launch and then essentially owning a part of it is such a crazy feeling,” Rawles said. “The fact that I am here to see it launch is so insane and wild to me.”
PHOTO COURTESY | NASA & JOHN KRAUS
OPINION
4
Regina Orozco Lopez Forment | Opinion Editor | staropinion@txstate.edu
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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.
Bobcat pride shouldn’t end at Homecoming By Regina Orozco Lopez Forment Opinion Editor
As Homecoming approaches, school spirit engulfs campus; however, during the rest of the year, it is lacking. School spirit should be prevalent year-round as it ignites community, networking opportunities and a united sense of identity. High levels of university pride can not only be beneficial while students are actively in school, but, according to Touchscreen Software, it can later bring advantages, like recognition when seeking employment, acceptance in alumni networks and relationship building, all of which can ultimately create professional opportunities for students. Having strong alumni networks allows students to tap into connections with individuals who want to see Texas State win across the board. Therefore, when they meet current students, they want them to individually win as well. This creates a deeper community between alumni and students, one that can become a resource for networking and general assistance. Additionally, with a strong sense of school pride, alumni can be key builders in growing and helping Texas State by donating, advocating and giving back to the school they once attended. With over 41,000 undergraduate and over 6,000 graduate students currently enrolled at Texas State, the university should be a place filled with pride and school spirit. However, with
MEG BOLES | MANAGING EDITOR
low turnout at athletic events, a weak perception of the university, due to past stereotypes and localized camaraderie, there is an evident absence of Bobcat pride. Mirena Franco, civil engineering sophomore, said she often hears from students that the university’s reputation contributes to a lack of Bobcat pride. “Because of the fact that we are [known as] a party school, some people may feel a sense of shame in saying that they go here … maybe some people do not feel as accomplished to go [to school] here,” Franco said. Historically, Texas State had a “party school” reputation, one that many students and non-students may still believe to this day. While alumni remember their time at the university fondly, there are still efforts to be made to make sure every student feels a sense of pride. The university has already begun initiatives to enhance the Texas State name, through athletics by officially joining the Pac-12 Conference in July. While also showing efforts
in academics, with the push toward R1 status. Pushing away from this prior stereotype and shining a light on the diversity of our academics and student body can be achieved when school spirit flows directly through students. Showing up is imperative; whether through attending games, academic efforts or involvement, students have the unique opportunity to show what a true Bobcat looks like and what it means to hold that title. One way to get the ball rolling on widespread school spirit is through pride within organizations. The knowledge, contacts and experiences students obtain when they become prominent members of an organization influence their personal and professional lives long-term. Organizations can foster leadership, initiative and teamwork all while creating opportunities for future career endeavors, skills that employers respect and look for. This sense of kinship should add to pride, creating layers of what it means to be a Bobcat.
Another way to ignite a broad sense of school spirit is through student attendance and engagement in athletic events. Attending games puts all Texas State students at the forefront of success, which can only be possible if the student turnout grows. “I have definitely noticed that there are significantly more people at the tailgates than at the games … the student section always feels empty,” Franco said. There have been significant recent efforts from athletics and the administration to involve students more. There have been attempts to expand game attendance by involving residence halls, promotional emails and giveaways; the next step is for students to show up. Supporting athletics, attending games and participating in these kinds of events puts Texas State’s sports teams on the map. With plans to increase the budget from around $50 million to $91 million by 2035, these funding goals become a possibility when our team succeeds, but an imperative key to success is support. If we display pride towards our diversity, academics, athletics and general student body, it creates a deeper understanding of the culture fostered at the university. The strong connections made with peers, faculty and alumni make for an unparalleled sense of kinship and can end up paving the way for students’ future success. - Regina Orozco Lopez Forment is an English senior
Stigma and stereotypes increase risk of STIs By Syghlas Morales Opinion Columnist
Many Texas State students may have heard of “Bobcat bumps” in passing or as a joke. But when sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spoken about seriously, significant stigma surrounds this topic, which can lead to an increased risk of transmission. STIs are infections that can spread through sexual contact and bodily fluids; some develop via skin-to-skin contact, like syphilis. Many students with STIs may not know that they have an ongoing infection due to lack of testing. Most STI tests will detect infection three weeks post-exposure, but stigmatization may cause students to avoid testing out of fear of embarrassment or shame. However, without routine STI testing, it is difficult for a sexually active individual to know when they have a transmissible infection. Alicia Rosas, a health promotion specialist with Texas State Health Services, wrote in an email to The Star that misconceptions like “STIs always cause symptoms” are why testing is vital. “That’s why preventive care, testing and screenings are so important; many people will spread STIs without knowing because they and their partner(s) never had any symptoms,” Rosas wrote. However, testing alone is not enough to prevent the spread of STIs. Disclosing your STI status to sexual partners is another crucial step. According to Testing.com, 45%
of Americans diagnosed with an STI have had sex without disclosing their status, with 49% of respondents not doing so due to shame. Six out of 10 of those respondents also had unprotected sex. Stigmatization makes STIs a taboo subject that’s uncomfortable to talk about; this causes people to prefer not disclosing their status. The stigma surrounding STIs can make students feel ashamed, embarrassed and alone in their diagnosis. A Texas State student, granted anonymity due to discussions of personal medical history, said they felt embarrassed and ashamed after learning they had contracted an STI. “When that happened to me, I was just like ... what is going on,” the student said. “Honestly for me, it was just horrible because I felt disgusting. I was so embarrassed to tell anyone ... and it just made me feel so bad.” Patients with STIs may also convince themselves that they are “gross” and “unclean” or that their infection is their fault due to heavy stigmatization. “... Just remind [yourself] that it’s not your fault. It takes one person to get it,” the student said. “And it’s not disgusting ... [having an STI] doesn’t make you a disgusting person ... it just happens.” STIs are nothing to be ashamed of and extremely common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were more than 2.2 million various types of medically confirmed STI cases in 2024 alone. With this many people contracting STIs annually, communities must work to fight the stigma and to reduce the spread of STIs. Stigmatization
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. Submissions that do not include this information cannot be published. This information is seen only by the editors and is used to verify the identify of the letter writer. It is
is not only harmful to those dealing with STIs but also to others who are sexually active. When a problem is viewed negatively and ignored, the problem doesn’t disappear but instead gets worse. To prevent the spread of STIs at Texas State and in San Marcos, students and residents must educate themselves on testing, treating and preventing STIs. Texas State students have access to Healthy Cats, a peer health education program that focuses on promoting student health on a variety of topics like sexual education. “Healthy Cats provides health education to all students,” Rosas wrote. “We use evidence-based, research-effective approaches to ensure that students have access to as much effective health education as possible.” Outside resources like Texas Wears Condoms (TWC) are available for the San Marcos community. Residents and students can order condoms, dental dams and at-home HIV testing kits via the TWC website. Practicing safer sex is only the first part of minimizing the spread of
CARMEN KEEN | STAR ILLUSTRATOR
STIs. Regular testing and keeping up with your status is equally important if you are sexually active. Texas State students can get tested at the Student Health Center, where they provide STI screenings and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is a prescribed medicine to reduce the risk of getting HIV. Residents of San Marcos can get tested at local clinics that provide STI screenings. STIs may seem like a daunting topic; however, millions of people deal with them annually. When students and residents protect themselves via condoms and testing, they make strides to keep our community healthy and break down the barriers stigma creates. Don’t be embarrassed to get tested and receive treatment if needed. STIs are very common and a risk of being sexually active, but with proper protection and prevention, students can reduce their risk of infection. Stay protected and get tested. - Syghlas Morales is a biochemistry sophomore
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.
GAMES
5
Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026
Sophia Gerke & Milla Deur | Creative Services | starcreative@txstate.edu
SUDOKU
WORD SCRAMBLE
GAME BY SUDOKU-SOLUTIONS.COM
Homecoming 1. ETA
‘EM UP
__ __ __
2. RTFU
GREEN
__ __ __ __
5
3
7
__ __ __ __ __
3. WLASC
SCRATCH
4. TBAOCB
MEOW
__ __ __ __ __ __
5. ASMOCT
BOKO
__ __ __ __ __ __
6. TOLBAFLO
SPORT
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
ONOGRAM
8
2 6
9 8
NONOGRAM 6
1
1 1 1 1 1 1
6
1
5
0
1
2 1
6
0
5
5
5 2 1
1
1
2
4 2 6 0 7
1 1
1 1
1 1
8
1 1
4
1 1
2 4
4 2 2 4
CROSSWORD Homecoming
1
3
2
3
Down:
Down: 2. This Song is featured in the coming of age 2. This Song is featured in the coming of age film Perks of Being a Wallflower during their film Perks of Being a Wallflower during their Homecoming dance, Come on _______. dance, Come on _______. 3. The Homecoming event in which these homemade wessels 3. The event in which these homemade wessels are raced against each other annually in are raced against each other annually in celebration leading upuptotoHomecoming, celebration leading Homecoming, _______ Derby. _______ Derby. Across: Across:
1. Shape hand TXSThand hand sign sign represents. 1. Shape thethe leftleft hand TXST represents. 4. The “Eat ‘Em Up, Cats” hand sign imiates a 4. The “Eat ‘Em Up, Cats” hand sign imiates a bobcat’s ____. bobcat’s ____. 5. Mascot of Utah State, Big _____. 5. Mascot of Utah State, Big _____.
4
6
4
2
3
8
Homecoming CROSSWORD
5 1
1 1
1 1
2
5
2 1
4
7
3
Homecoming 0
9 1
ecoming
2 1
6
4
5
5
6
9
SPORTS
6
Ayden Oredson | Sports Editor | starsports@txstate.edu
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
CLUB
AVA MILLER | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Abdias Castillo powerlifts for the TXST Powerlifting Club on Sept. 28, at the Geronimo Gym in Seguin, Texas.
Powerlifting seeks to build on national success By Lucas Castillo Sports Contributor
Texas State’s powerlifting club aims to improve its national rankings after a strong 2026 that saw its men’s and women’s teams place in the top 15 nationally. The Bobcats, led by head coach Max Peck, compete in USA Powerlifting (USAPL), which includes clubs competing at the high school, collegiate and national levels. They are one of 37 clubs competing in the state of Texas, according to their database. The powerlifting program, founded in 2015, never experienced a ranked season until a standout year in 2018, when then-president Blake Wright won a USAPL national title in the 205 division. Since Peck became coach in 2024,
FROM FRONT PREVIEW The Bobcats took out their recent frustrations against the Rams with 716 total yards of offense. More than 500 yards came on the ground, the first time an FBS team rushed 500+ yards against another FBS opponent since 2021. Before playing TXST, the Rams ranked second-worst nationally in total yards allowed per game. The offense’s consistently strong performance continues to be driven by two individuals: sophomore quarterback Brad Jackson and senior running back Torrance Burgess Jr. The rushing attack has been the most productive part of head coach G.J. Kinne’s squad, as evidenced by Texas State’s 1,821 rushing yards, fourth-most in the NCAA. In fact, Burgess Jr. accounts for 838 rushing yards, ranking second nationally in total rushing yards. Defensively, the Bobcats still have some concerns, such as giving up 32.2 points per game (PPG) and haven’t wrecked much havoc so far this season, with just five total turnovers, four of them being interceptions and one fumble recovery, and recording six sacks.
he’s coached the men’s and women’s groups to place within the top 30 nationally in 2025. As a team, the Bobcats placed 13th in the men’s raw division and 10th in the women’s raw division in 2026. Raw competition allows limited, supportive equipment, including belts, knee sleeves and wrist wraps. Sophomores Makayla Gregory and Christian Morales placed second and third, respectively, in their weight class at the 2026 USA Powerlifting Collegiate National Championship. The results of last year’s nationals have made Texas State a recruiting figurehead in collegiate powerlifting, rivaling other top programs such as Midland University, according to Morales. “Compared to Midland, they give money to their athletes, and yet athletes still choose us,” Morales said. “They love how our team morale is Meanwhile, the Aggies have seen few positive outcomes to start the season but have won two out of the last three games. Utah State started 0-3, including a 29-17 loss to Idaho State, a program that plays in the tier below the FBS in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), in the season opener on Sept. 5. Their offense has seen better days as they average 14.5 PPG, the third-lowest in the FBS. In fact, the season-high for the Aggies in points scored in a single game so far has been 21 points in a win against Troy on Sept. 26. The reason why Utah State isn’t sitting winless is because of their defense. While they are statistically a middle-of-the-pack defense all around, averaging 23.5 PPG, with one fewer interception than Texas State, they’ve given up 13 offensive touchdowns, the least in the Pac-12. The Aggies held then-No.19 Washington to just 16 points as the offense fell short in a 16-14 loss on Sept. 12. They recently gave up the same amount of points to Washington State, only this time they scored just enough to secure a 17-16 win on Oct. 9 before entering
and our goals as a team in one and how connected we can be.” Alongside Morales and Gregory, Texas State returns multiple podium finishers along with other athletes who competed at the college powerlifting national championship; Peck was especially excited about one senior: Abdias Castillo. “[Abdias Castillo] didn’t get to compete at collegiate nationals last year, but he’s coming back [this year] for a national title,” Peck said. Peck said that he wants his contributions to the team to go beyond simply coaching the club into national champions. “My impact is just [to] help people who wanna be helped,” Peck said. “I wanna be that person anyone can come to to ask questions, ask for guidance, and be a leader amongst this group of young people trying to help develop not only as lifters but humans as well.”
While the Bobcats improved their competitive results, they have also grown closer on a personal level as the team tries to build a winning culture. “Before I got here, I heard something that the team is kinda split in half. Once I got here, the team kinda started to gel more; we started to hang out more and started to be one big family.” Junior Vice President Kie Jones said. “I hope to make this team one of the best teams in the country. I think we have the talent to do it”. Texas State Powerlifting will compete in the USAPL Texas Collegiate State Championships on Nov. 21-22 at Texas Strength Systems in San Antonio. It is available to stream on the Texas Strength Systems’ YouTube channel.
SAMUEL LEE | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Texas State redshirt sophomore quarterback Brad Jackson (8) celebrates after a touchdown, Thursday, Oct. 15, at UFCU Stadium.
a bye week. As the race to make the Pac-12 Championship game heats up, a win for either team will put them within range of challenging one of Boise State and Oregon State for a spot at
the top. Texas State will face Utah State in a 6:30 p.m. homecoming showdown on Oct. 24 at UFCU Stadium. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
LIBBY ALLEN | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Texas State senior linebacker Terrence Cooks II (16) tackles Colorado State sophomore quarterback K’saan Farrar, Thursday, Oct. 15, The Bobcats beat the Rams 66-27.
at UFCU Stadium.
LIFE & ARTS
7
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Cady Clements | Life & Arts Editor | starlifeandarts@txstate.edu
FEATURE
Koko’s Glow Run supports breast cancer awareness By Kaylee Cantu Life and Arts Contributor
A Texas State Homecoming tradition is getting a pink makeover this year as Koko’s Glow Run brings breast cancer awareness to campus. The annual Glow Run will take place at 6:30 p.m., with the race starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the West Campus Fields. The event will feature pink medals, themed activities and a focus on supporting people affected by breast cancer. Runners can RSVP through the Bobcat Organization Hub up to 10 minutes before the event. Student Body President Johanna Ajayi, finance and business management junior, proposed the change and worked with Campus Recreation to incorporate the cause into the event. “This was one of the events I’ve been to since my freshman year, and it’s always been a staple event for me,” Ajayi said. “I got connected to the Student Recreation Center, and I brought up the idea. I’m really excited for [the event] to come to fruition.” Ajayi said the Student Recreation Center is very supportive in making a race that students want to attend. “I have a meeting with [the Student Recreation Center] every week to make sure everything is going as planned,” Ajayi said. “They are very flexible and welcoming to the idea.” Ajayi said that together, she and the Student Recreation Center thought of ways to make this year stand out. They ultimately decided on pink medals to honor breast cancer awareness. Julie Saldiva, associate director of programs and student engagement in the
AIDEN FRITSCHE | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Texas State student runs through the finish line, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at West Sports Field. Boko’s Glow Run was one of several Texas State Homecoming events.
Department of Campus Recreation, said she wants students to continue being kind and building community through the event. “This is the third year we have been doing [the Glow Run],” Saldiva said. “We really hope people come out, have a lot of fun, meet some new people and feel supported.” Organizers designed the event to support people affected by breast cancer. Saldiva said that there are several ways to spread and show awareness, such as learning about health, staying fit, hanging out and learning something new. “I feel like everyone I know knows somebody who’s been affected by it [breast cancer], and just as a woman,
early detection is very important and key to survival,” Saldiva said. Saldiva said in past years, students have responded positively, saying they loved the event. This year, more is planned, such as a professional face painter and new ‘Boko Minis’, Bokothemed blind boxes, for the first 300 students who attend. The 2.33-mile course begins near the West Campus Field and continues through campus. Saldiva said that in the past, the event only passed out medals to the first 600 runners, but now the number has increased to 900. “As long as people come out and have fun and feel like they’ve got to participate in some part of homecoming,” Saldiva said. “I, like a
lot of my colleagues, love to see the students have a good time ... because school is stressful, so we’re always happy to help when we can provide an outlet.” Running the course, Esteban Puzon, accounting senior, said he knows many people who are close to him who have been affected by breast cancer. “Just because [breast cancer awareness] is so integrated in society doesn’t mean we should discount its importance. It’s important not to get desensitized,” Puzon said. Puzon said that he is a huge fan of cardio, so he is looking at this event as an outlet for relaxation. The running portion of the event begins at 8 p.m. “I’m looking for an opportunity to clear my head because I’ve never had an opportunity to truly disconnect from everything and just clear my mind,” Puzon said. “I want a bit of a meditative experience from this.” Partnerships with organizations and more are planned to gain more participants, including a DJ and a performance from the Golden Elites, Texas State’s first Black majorette dance organization. Texas State peer educators will also share breast cancer awareness information. “We’re just hoping for a big turnout,” Ajayi said. “I want students to be able to support each other and remember that there are so many things that are bigger than us as individuals.”
FROM FRONT DERBY
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES, ALKEK LIBRARY
Spectators gather to watch Texas State’s Homecoming Soap Box Derby in 1976. The Soap Box Derby homecoming tradition started in 1967.
“There wasn’t a large amount of students, and a whole lot of those students went home on the weekends, so we used to say it was a ‘suitcase university’,” Covey said. “That’s one of the reasons that I got into a fraternity, because if you wanted to do something on the weekend, you needed to be a member of something, but the Soap Box Derby was exciting
because it was something different.” Texas State’s Homecoming dates back to 1911, with rotating traditions from neon-lit night runs to parades and parties. According to the Texas State website, the Soap Box Derby tradition is one of the longeststanding Homecoming traditions, with only minor changes to rules and location over the years.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY STAR & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES
Students race homemade cars during Texas State’s inaugural Soap Box Derby Monday, Oct. 23, 1967.
The Soap Box Derby started at the top of the hill at North Edward Gary Street, before moving to Woods Street near Bruce and Gloria Ingram Hall. This year, it will be moved to Read Street. For current students, the derby is more than a race; it links them to generations of Bobcats. Evan Flores, business management senior and Lambda Chi Alpha president, said he thinks the tradition is a point of pride for alumni who return each year to watch new members carry it forward. “It’s definitely special, you know, we have had a lot of alumni over 60 years, and they came back together by themselves even before we rechartered,” Flores said. “It’s really special to be young and then still know how important it is to represent well for our alumni and leave a good legacy for the future.” According to The University Star’s archives, participants have incorporated creative designs since the first derby. In an article on the first derby, The Star said Sigma Nu, one of the fraternities that participated in the first derby, approached the first
race in an unconventional way. According to a 1967 issue of The University Star, “Spectators did a double take at the Soap Box Derby lineup as the Sigma Nu racer waddled up to the starting line. More heads turned as the white papiermâché thing — a conventional racer sporting a huge duck head as a hood ornament — ‘duck walked’ down the race way several lengths behind its competitor.” Covey said of all the traditions at Texas State, he is most proud to share the legacy of student support, especially since he has shared this tradition with his family. His three sons, many of his nieces and nephews and one of his grandchildren all attended or are attending Texas State. “Texas State wants to do everything they can to support their students. And I think that is a tradition that just has lasted all of the years, and ... it makes me very proud,” Covey said Rae Knight this story.
contributed
to
8
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 NATALIE MURRAY | ASSISTANT DESIGN EDITOR
LIFE & ARTS
Cady Clements | Life & Arts Editor | starlifeandarts@txstate.edu
SNAPS
Aiden Fritsche | Multimedia Editor | starmultimedia@txstate.edu
9
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
AIDEN FRITSCHE | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
San Marcos residents gather to participate in the No Kings: Vote Early protest, Saturday, Oct. 17, in front of the Hays County Courthouse. The protest was put on by Step Up San Marcos. Texas State fans cheer on the football team, Thursday, Oct. 15, at UFCU Stadium. The Bobcats beat Colorado State 66-27.
Texas State redshirt senior running back Torrance Burgess Jr. (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown, Thursday, Oct. 15, at UFCU Stadium. Burgess Jr. is 2nd in rushing yards in the NCAA. LIBBY ALLEN | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Lone Star Lore host and producer Matthew Thornton welcomes the audience to a live podcast recording, Thursday, Oct. 15, at Taylor Murphy Hall. Lone Star Lore is a podcast centered around Texas history and culture.
SAMUEL LEE | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Texas State cheerleaders cheer on the Texas State football team, Thursday, Oct. 15, at UFCU Stadium. The Bobcats hosted their first PAC 12 home game.
SANTIAGO RIVERO | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
LIBBY ALLEN | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
10
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
ADVERTISEMENT
Debug your gameplan. Verify you’re a student; unlock $579 value.