VOLUME 102, ISSUE 27
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OCTOBER 24, 2012
Construction and Businesses
Business owners and customers around the campus voice their concerns about the construction at their front door. For more, visit UniversityStar.com.
CLEARING CONFUSION
Hays County road projects expected to come in under budget
Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor
Ranch Road 12 is one of several road construction projects expected to finish under budget. By Nicole Barrios News Reporter
Kristen Lefebvre, Staff Photographer
Sydney Williams, curriculum and instruction freshman, and Weddy Moore, biochemistry freshman, speak with state representative candidate John Adams Oct. 22 about early voting.
Candidates affected by Texas State’s electioneering guidelines By Natalie Berko News Reporter Electioneering guidelines have been sent to the Texas State community and candidates for local and state office for the first time in order to clear up any confusion about rules for campaigning on campus. Students, faculty and staff were emailed Texas State’s electioneering guidelines Oct. 15, one week before early voting began in the LBJ Student Center. Joanne Smith, vice president for Student Affairs, said the email was prompted after concerns were raised from both students and candidates during previous election cycles. Smith said some candidates were concerned during last year’s elections that they did not have adequate opportunity to talk with students in The Quad while campaigning. Two students complained they did not understand why the candidates were on campus. “This year we wanted to make sure that everybody knew that during this period of time there would be candidates in The Quad who may be trying to contact students, staff and faculty to talk about their platforms,” Smith said According to the email, individuals who will be campaigning on campus must submit an Electioneering Request Form to maintain the security, health and safety for person and property and campus. The restrictions include controlling pedestrian and vehicular traffic so free movement, entry and exit from university facilities are permitted. Smith said candidates are asked to set up their tables at the LBJ Student Center Mall or The Quad because those areas are where people typically go to express their platforms. Candidates are not allowed to set up at any other location on campus. Smith said some candidates have previously felt
restricted by the electioneering guidelines. Joe Ptak, manager of Planet K, said he witnessed an incident last year where candidates were being confined to staying behind their tables in the campaign areas. He said this rule was confusing to him. Joyce Cowan, Hays County elections administrator, said candidates can walk through the LBJ Mall or The Quad if they want to shake hands with students. “We cannot confine somebody and say ‘Here is your six foot space, and you cannot go anywhere else,’” Cowan said. According to the guidelines, the Dean of Students designates one or more places near the polling area where persons may place signs for or against any candidate, measure or political party. Signs must be at least 100 feet from the outside door of a polling place. The guidelines cite a University Policy and Procedure Statement that allows the Dean of Students to designate appropriate areas where signs may be placed during early voting this year. The designated areas are the LBJ Student Center Mall, LBJ Student Center Bus Loop and The Quad. “(The guidelines) give more access to the signs than they do to the candidates themselves,” Ptak said. Ptak said the electioneering guidelines deny candidate access to students who do not typically pass through the LBJ Mall or The Quad. ,Cowan said the 100 feet rule is a state law put in place to protect the security and privacy of an individual’s vote. “(The rule) is to maintain that you are not being harassed as you are going into the polling area,” Cowan said. Cowan said the rules are put in place to protect voters and not disenfranchise them all while maintaining a controlled facility.
Numerous projects approved by Hays County voters in 2008 have come in under budget, resulting in an extra $34 million for the county to spend on additional road projects. Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Precinct 1, said nine road projects have been completed so far, and all have come in under budget except one. She said State Highway 21 at FM 2001 came in over budget by more than $18,000. Commissioner Will Conley, Precinct 3, said other projects including I-35, Ranch Road 12, Highway 21 and FM 1626 are anticipated to come in under budget. He said this is because said commissioners were able to take advantage of low interest rates and financing costs. Hays County is also expected to receive an extra $8 million from the state because commissioners agreed to take benefits if the projects came in under budget, Conley said. Under this agreement, the state will reimburse 14 cents on average for every vehicle per mile traveling on the improved roads. While reimbursement on some roads such as Hwy 290 has already begun to pay off quicker than expected, others on the payment plan have not been opened to the public yet, he said. Commissioners met with Texas Department of Transportation executives Oct. 12 to discuss how to spend the $34 million in extra funds. While Ingalsbe said the county has not yet made a decision on how the extra funds will be spent, commissioners are working toward choosing a project they can submit to TxDOT. Greg Malatek, TxDOT Austin district engineer, said commissioners discussed some areas of concern that were priorities to the county during their meeting. He said the commissioners want to pinpoint certain areas instead of a broad list of projects. “Our focus would be along the (Interstate) 35 corridor and how we can invest that money to help improve safety, mobility and create economic development opportunities along the corridor,” Conley said. Malatek said the extra money could possibly go toward just one project, but ideally would help fund several. He said commissioners will look at what the needs are around the county and what can be addressed by local, state and federal funds. Malatek said he plans to schedule a meeting with the commissioners and TxDOT staff to look at the situation from the district and county level. He said the commissioners and TxDOT will meet again around mid-November to discuss their options. “We want to submit something that would help spur economic development, ease our traffic congestion and improve our mobility,” Ingalsbe said. “So we want to really take a look at what project may do that.” Timing played a role in the projects coming in under budget, Conley said. Due to the recession, contractors were “hungry for work,” which lead to project bids being competitive, he said. Ingalsbe said studies done at Lime Kiln at Sink Creek and Post Road at Blanco River both came in under budget.
SH 130 resolution approved by commissioners court By Taylor Tompkins Assistant News Editor Hays County commissioners unanimously voted during their Oct. 23 meeting to adopt a resolution in support of adding local and regional connecting roads to State Highway 130. The resolution said connectors to sections five and six of SH 130, which opened Oct. 24, would provide safety, mobility and economic development opportunities in the county. The additions to the toll road span from Seguin to Georgetown. According to the resolution, the road will help relieve traffic congestion on Interstate 35 and improve
quality of life for Hays and Caldwell County residents. The state has plans for roads connecting to SH 130, which will be included in the Capital Area Metropolitan Area Planning Organization’s 2040 plan, said Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Precinct 1. Ingalsbe said she has met with planners for Hays County and their counterparts in Caldwell County to determine which projects are worthwhile. “This is very important,” Ingalsbe said. “We have picked a couple of roads we would like to see extended. We support Caldwell County and their efforts also. This is important for our region, and I fully support it.”
The resolution supports additional north and south highways to relieve congestion through Central Texas on I-35. “I think that support of this resolution is very obvious in the interest of the people we represent and the interest of the region,” said Commissioner Will Conley, Precinct 3. Commissioners said this major infrastructure development will provide opportunities in the realms of economic development, change, traffic and mobility in the future. Connections and expansion to SH 130 will support economic growth in Hays County and provide jobs for residents in the area, Conley said. The roadways head-
ing east and west in Hays County will open up the region to house manufacturers, distributors and other kinds of industry. “It’s a good policy for us to have that connection,” Conley said. “We ultimately have the responsibility that we help create an environment in which businesses can be successful because that helps our citizens whether they live in Kyle, San Marcos or even Wimberley and Dripping Springs.” SH 130 is the fastest in the country, with a speed limit of 85 miles per hour, according to the toll road’s website. The addition spans 41 miles of the 91-mile road, and will house only electronic toll booths. The road costs approximately $1.35 billion dollars, according to the website.
2 | Wednesday October 24, 2012 | The University Star
OPINIONS
For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu
Open door schedule, turnout insufficient
Lara Shine, Star Illustrator
I
f anyone is capable of making changes at Texas State, it is University President Denise Trauth. Unfortunately, Fall Convocation is most likely the first and last time an average student will be in the same room as Trauth. For this reason, students should have jumped at the opportunity to meet with the university’s highest administrator during her Oct. 16 open door session. Students had the opportunity to meet with Trauth in her office to address any questions or concerns they have with Texas State. Unfortunately, only six students—or about .0175 percent of the student population—showed up to the session. Many students express their day-to-day concerns about a variety of campus issues among fellow peers. Some of these topics include a lack of student parking, the difficulties of the bus system and suggestions for the types of food that should be offered at dining halls. The open door session was a perfect opportunity for students to take those issues to the person with the most power in making changes at this institution: Trauth. It is safe to say more than six members of the student
body have an issue or question they would like Trauth to hear. It is concerning that only a handful of students were proactive enough to take the time out of their day to speak with Trauth. There should have been a line of students waiting outside Trauth’s office to speak with her. However, it is understandable why that number was so low, and Trauth is additionally to blame for the event’s poor turnout. The open door sessions are usually held 2-4 p.m. only once per semester. If Trauth expects a reasonable turnout, the sessions should not be held during a time when many students are busy with work or class. The time period when the sessions are held is not only inconvenient, it is not long enough for Trauth to speak to an adequate amount of students. Trauth allots enough time to have 15-minute discussions with each student. This means only eight out of the more than 34,000 students on campus are able to meet with Trauth. The editorial board does appreciate that Trauth devotes her full attention to each student for 15 minutes. However, only a small fraction of the student body can be heard when the sessions are set up this way. Trauth is a busy person, but it is doubtful she can only find two free hours on her calendar to meet with students each semester. Former University President Jerome Supple met with students regularly during his tenure and taught classes on campus. Trauth does not teach classes,
and spotting her in The Quad talking to students is a rare occurrence. If holding open door sessions is the only way Trauth can make an effort to interact with the students she is serving, the number of sessions needs to be increased. Trauth makes important decisions every day, and they should not be put into action without adequate student input. Both Trauth and the student body need to take the open door sessions more seriously, because what happens behind the doors of the president’s office will shape the university’s future.
The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.
Incumbent still best choice for State House in District 45
By Jose R. Gonzalez Opinions Columnist
T
exas State students should vote to re-elect State Rep. Jason Isaac to the District 45 seat. Isaac has encountered many of the same financial issues that a lot of Texas State students face today. According to Isaac, it took him 11 years to pay off the loans he borrowed while he was at Stephen F. Austin State University. Isaac has been motivated to work on legislation to lock tuition rates for students after his firsthand experiences with the burdens of college finances. In the 82nd legislative session, Isaac au-
thored and filed House Bill 1515. According to the text of the bill, it relates “to temporary limitations on the total amount of tuition charged to a student by a four-year public institution of higher education.” According to Texas Legislature Online, the bill did not make it to the House Committee. Despite this, Isaac said it helped initiate a dialogue on the issue between him and the Texas State University System leadership. Texas State students need a representative in the Texas Capitol who listens to their concerns, puts their suggestions into action and fosters an established rapport with higher education officials. Isaac’s work toward locking in tuition demonstrates that he is the right person for the job. In addition, Isaac points to a “lead by example” approach in keeping true to his commitment to cost-saving measures. According to Isaac, he accomplished this by decreasing his office’s budget by 10 percent. “We just need to be more fiscally responsible. We need to be more efficient in our spending in every level of government,”
Isaac said. Juxtapose Isaac’s sensibility in the State House to the stubbornness of his opponent John Adams, trustee for Dripping Springs I.S.D. Adams fails to see the urgency for the state government to reduce spending. Isaac’s strong sense of community and good understanding of investment are further displayed through his work with US Lacrosse. According to the US Lacrosse website, the organizers “envision a future which offers people everywhere the opportunity to discover, learn, participate in, enjoy, and ultimately embrace the shared passion of the lacrosse experience.” Isaac manages US Lacrosse’s Central Texas Chapter as president. According to a Feb. 9 San Marcos Mercury article, the Central Texas Chapter of US Lacrosse is now composed of more than 100 lacrosse teams under his leadership. According to the same article, Isaac also helped bring more than 20 teams to a Feb. 18 tournament hosted by the US Lacrosse Central Texas Chapter and the San Marcos Area Youth Soccer
Organization. The tournament helped drive economic development in San Marcos. Furthermore, Isaac sees the promise available in the infrastructure of Central Texas. Isaac envisions the economy in the region growing and attracting jobs, and would in turn help encourage Texas State alumni to stay in the area. “I-35 is an incredible asset going down to the valley and then going all the way up to Canada,” Isaac said. “It is a huge corridor of truck traffic. We’ve got rail traffic that’s close by. So, this is a really phenomenal area for manufacturing.” The economic future of the district lies largely in the votes that Bobcats will cast in this election. The contrast is clear. Isaac provides an opportunity for commercial growth, and Adams offers stifling government largesse. Texas State students would serve the district and their wallets well by re-electing Isaac. —Jose R. Gonzalez is a mass communication senior.
Adams’ background in education benefits students
By Christian Penichet-Paul Opinions Columnist
T
he best choice to represent Texas State students in State House District 45 is candidate John Adams. Students deserve a state representative who has the experience and the willpower that is necessary to fight for student interests. Adams, a trustee for Dripping Springs I.S.D. and a former school board member, will work to improve higher education while lowering tuition prices. As a father of three children, two of which attend public Texas universities, Adams understands the concerns of college students and their
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families. He is not beholden to partisan ideologies, and he is more concerned with the well-being of students and public education. Unlike his opponent, Adams is willing do what is best for Texas without compromising for politics. The best way for Texas State students to make their voices heard in the State House is to elect Adams to office. Adams is a strong advocate for students in higher education. He is aware that tuition prices have risen too much in the last few years. He knows that many students have to work long hours and take out loans to pay for college. According to a Sept. 20 New York Times article, conversely, Jason Isaac, the current District 45 representative, was one of the Republicans who voted for the current budget that cut $5.4 billion from education. College students tend to bear the burden of the state’s budget cuts. Adams supports restoring funding to higher education and providing more financial resources to universities. The reinstatement of this
Editor In Chief................................................Beth Brown, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor............................Lee Moran, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters..................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor...................................................Caitlin Clark, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor............................Hollie O’Connor, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..........................................Liza Winkler, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor..........................................Cameron Irvine, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief......................Thomas Glasebrook, starcopychief@txstate.edu Web Editor............................................Karyn Kittlitz, starwebeditor@txstate.edu
funding along with additional financial support will help lower tuition rates, and help improve the quality of education. This is a win-win situation for both students and the state. Higher education is beneficial to students who are looking for careers. Also, an educated workforce is imperative for Texas to remain competitive in the global market. According to Dwight Clark, Adams’ campaign manager, Adams supports giving students an additional tax credit for textbooks. Textbooks are already expensive, and broke students could do without the stress of added costs. Adams’ support of programs that help ease student financial concerns makes him the right candidate for Texas State students. According to an Oct. 8 PolitiFact report, the budget cuts supported by Isaac mean there is currently $500 less for every student in public schools. As a result of the cuts to education, younger siblings of Texas State students may see more overcrowded classrooms and less available
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supplies in school. Public education cuts are unnecessary. According to an Oct. 4 University Star article, Adams cares about protecting women’s access to health care and contraception. According to Clark, Isaac, however, supported a $12 million statewide budget cut to women’s healthcare services. The cut denied thousands of women access to preventative health care examinations, vital cancer screenings, and affordable contraception. Reproductive care is a personal health issue, not a political one. Adams should work to restore funding for women’s healthcare services and should make sure contraception is easily available. Adams is willing to hear out many differing opinions in order to make the best decision for the state. Adams’ support for higher education and women’s healthcare rights prove he is the correct choice for students in this election. -—Christian Penichet-Paul is a history junior.
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos and is published every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Wednesday, October 24, 2012. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.
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The University Star | Wednesday October 24, 2012 | 3
TRENDS
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RJ: I attended Texas State for the first time back in 2004 and then left to pursue music again. I then returned to Texas State in 2007, but after a semester I left again to move to L.A. to pursue music. My sister is a (Southwest Texas State University) alumna. So, growing up, I came to visit and just loved the campus and the central location to Austin and San Antonio.
Photo courtesy of Paul Drinkwater
Former participant on “The Voice” By Jordan Gass-Poore’ Trends Reporter Since Ryan Jirovec was a child he has been interested in music. However, it was not until last month that country music artist Blake Shelton discovered Jirovec’s voice. The McAllen native worked for almost four years in Los Angeles as a demo singer for “popera” artists Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli with the hopes of creating his own album before auditioning for NBC’s “The Voice” at the insistence of his sister. After performing twice on “The Voice,” Jir-
ovec, health and fitness management junior, lost his battle round last Monday, posting on his Facebook that he enjoyed gaining friends and fans from the show and is on to his next adventure. Jirovec spoke with The University Star about his “on-again, off-again” status as a Texas State student and his first performance in front of a live studio audience and band during his blind audition, where he was chosen by Shelton to continue on the series as part of his team. JGP: Why did you decide to attend Texas State?
JGP: Who, if anyone, did you expect or hope would turn their chair around and choose you to be on their team for “The Voice”? RJ: I was hoping for all of them to turn their chairs, but with the nerves and little live experience I had, I got pretty overwhelmed and was just very happy that Blake (Shelton) turned his chair. JGP: What is the most common misconception about television reality talent show contestants? RJ: I think the most common misconception about television reality talent show contestants is that they are all just being discovered from nothing. I’ve made so many good friends through this show and these contestants are seasoned artists. Some have been playing shows their whole lives. Others have been signed or been on TV already. Yes, there are some that just love to sing and end
up making it, but most of these people have “paid their dues” in the music industry. JGP: Will you continue to pursue a career in music or one in rehabilitation? RJ: I hope to be able to do both. You never know what will happen with music. It’s always “hurry up and wait.” This show is a great launching pad for many artists, especially when you’re being seen by millions of people. Music will always be my number one, but we will have to see what happens in the future. JGP: Did you choose to sing Lonestar’s “Amazed” for your blind audition on “The Voice”? If so, why? RJ: The song itself is considered “country,” but it’s just a beautifully written pop song that can really transcend genres. It was a song I knew really well, as I grew up on country music, and I felt that I could do a lot with it vocally and stylistically. JGP: Were you a fan of “The Voice” prior to auditioning? RJ: I had watched both previous seasons of “The Voice,” and always thought it was a well-made show. The production aspect, as well as the talent on the show was always top notch, and that’s why it’s doing so well in the ratings.
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4 | Wednesday October 24, 2012 | The University Star | Trends
Student, alumnus bring old video games to new business By Xander Peters Trends Reporter San Marcos locals are bringing back “Pac-Man,” “Street Fighter,” “Mortal Kombat” and the rest of a lost social experience the 1980s arcade culture offered. Frank Dorval, studio art senior, and Dylan Morgan have always enjoyed the pastime of video gaming so much they opened an arcade of their own. The Joystick Arcade features a variety of classic and modern arcade games and is “BYOB.” Dorval said the original inspiration behind their project can be attributed to Morgan. “I’ve always been an avid gamer. I just want a group that truly appreciates arcade games,” Morgan said. “I’m not trying to change any American arcade culture, but I’d like to bring gaming to San Marcos for people to drink some beer and have fun with friends.” The two were able to get their project underway with Morgan’s handiness and Dorval’s woodworking skills. “(Morgan) came to me about a year ago with the idea to buy broken-down arcade games and restore them so that we could open what’s called a ‘bar-cade,’” Dorval said.
But the idea of their “bar-cade” was put aside when they decided permits and licensing to distribute alcohol were out of the business’ price range and would put it in competition with the numerous bars already located in San Marcos. This prompted the co-owners to create a BYOB option after 8 p.m. each night. Along with their idea of intertwining alcohol and video games, the local business collaborators are pushing for onetoken-per-play, much like the original arcades. “We figure as long as we keep it cheap and BYOB, then people will keep coming out. Our goal is to really reach the college crowd,” Dorval said. “Not only am I a student, but I’m an art student. So I understand what it is to be broke. And the one-token idea seems to be going pretty well so far.” The first weekend of business had a successful turnout of about 100 people. One individual helping with the launch of The Joystick Arcade is Lauren Mergele, English senior. She said that as Morgan’s roommate, she had been exposed to the idea for a while. “It seems to be getting a great reception from the community,” Mergele said. “It’s exciting to see the success they’ve had so far.” “Since the arcades died out in the late
80s, there has been a kind of merging between consoles and arcades,” Dorval said. “Now it is becoming the retro thing to come back to the arcades.” The Joystick Arcade’s co-owners hope that those who sit in front of a game console by themselves will take the time to come out and enjoy the interactive experience while possibly making new friends in the process.
“We’re calling out to all geeks and nerds of all age ranges in the video game community,” Dorval said. “You don’t get the same experience as walking into an arcade and seeing someone playing a game you love. By just that you have the opportunity to ask if you could play that game with them. That’s already a common interest you two have. You instantly have a friend right then and there.”
Austin Beavers, Staff Photographer
Frank Dorval, studio art senior and owner of The Joystick, plays Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Oct. 5 at his store’s soft opening. The Joystick held its grand opening Oct. 11.
Religion & American Politics: A Panel Discussion
Ronald Johnson
History
Ivan Marquez
Philosophy
Richard Warms
Anthropology
Rebecca Raphael
Philosophy
Monday, October 29 5:00-6:15 p.m. Flowers Hall 341 Sponsored by:
NEH Distinguished Teaching Professorship College of Liberal Arts Department of Philosophy
The University Star | Wednesday October 24, 2012 | 5
SPORTS FOOTBALL
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UNDER THE HELMET Texas State preps for California trip
By Jordan Brewer Assistant Sports Editor The Bobcats enjoyed a rare second bye week of 2012 while preparing for their upcoming WAC matchup with San Jose State University. Now they are back to a normal routine, preparing for Saturday when the team faces the Spartans in San Jose. The team utilized its off week in similar fashion as before, working on itself and correcting mistakes seen in recent games. Instead of coming off a loss like their first bye week, which followed the Texas Tech defeat, the Bobcats came into the week after a 38-7 blowout win over the University of Idaho. “(The bye week) kind of goes both ways,” said senior quarterback Shaun Rutherford. “You want to (continue playing) but at the same time you get to chill on the victory a bit more. It’s unlike coming off of a loss.” Resting and nurturing injuries are common practices during an off week but it can give the players, and more notably the coaching staff, extra time to prepare for their next opponent. The Bobcats’ next opponent is a very “complete team,” as Coach Dennis Franchione pointed out in his weekly press luncheon. “We head into a tough stretch starting with San Jose State,” Franchione said. “This is a pretty complete ball team. Their numbers are pretty good on offense. San Jose is a pretty solid defensive club and is pretty good in the kicking game.” The Spartans feature a very balanced offense in terms of play calling. Though they utilize pass-heavy attacks, they pass out of all formations, including split back sets
with multiple tight ends. At Tuesday’s practice, the cornerbacks were pressured with goal line situations and jump ball passes. San Jose State’s wide receiver Noel Grigsby is 15th in receiving yards in the nation. Cornerback Darryl Morris said he is anxious for the potential matchup. “We approach a bye week as a chance to get better,” Morris said. “We just focus on Texas State not beating Texas State. I’m excited to go against all of their receivers. That’s the nature of the game. I know (Grigsby) is a great receiver. It’s a great challenge for me, and that’s what you want.” Offensively, the Bobcats are coming off one of their season’s better statistical performances, accounting for 519 total yards of offense. Younger receivers such as sophomore Ben Ijah, sophomore Deche Milburn, redshirt freshman Jafus Gaines and freshman Brandon Smith all received reps in practice. The Bobcats continued to practice on their option reads, including receivers taking the pitch. The Spartans’ defense ranks in the top 40 in points against, giving up an average of 22 points per game. Like their offense, the Spartans’ defense is balanced, effective in stopping the run and the pass equally. Junior wide receiver Isaiah Battle was held out of practice Tuesday, and it is unclear if he will be able to play this weekend at San Jose State. Battle has not recorded a reception in the last two games since his eight yards receiving against Nevada. The aforementioned receivers, along with seniors Tim Hawkins and tight end Chase Harper, are going to get their chances. The Bobcats have the advantage of fine-tuning their
repertoire for two weeks after the win over the Vandals. A win before a bye can bring an entirely different atmosphere to practice. A loss, in comparison, can cause the team to go back to the drawing board. “(The bye-week) was good,” Rutherford said. “Some guys got physically and mentally prepared for this week against San Jose State. We got a tough road from here, but we came in on our off week, and we put in a lot of work and focus on the things we need to get better on.” The Bobcats will travel to San Jose State this weekend for their Saturday noon kickoff. Texas State is 1-0 in conference after its home victory against Idaho. The Spartans are 1-1, dropping a contest to Utah State 4927 and beating UTSA 52-24 last weekend.
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MEN’S GOLF
Team places fourth at Herb Wimberley Intercollegiate
By Sam Rubbelke Sports Reporter The Texas State men’s golf team finished in fourth place Tuesday at the Herb Wimberley Intercollegiate. The Bobcats scored a three round total of 853, the lowest in school history for a tournament. The Bobcats have experienced success at the Wimberley Intercollegiate before. The former three round record was 856, which was accomplished in 2009 at same event. Last year, they had a final round of 281, the third lowest score in program history at the time. A second round of 281 was shot Monday by the Bobcats. The three under par performance positioned them in third place, two strokes behind team leader Wichita State University. “It was a good week for us,” said Coach Shane Howell. “We wanted to work hard and turn our season around go-
ing into winter break. We placed ourselves in a great position to win.” The team concluded Monday evening one under par through 36 holes of play and a 567 cumulative score. This score marked the best start for the Bobcats all season. Prior experience at the Herb Wimberley Intercollegiate benefited the Bobcats in their highest finish of the year. “Four of our five guys have been to the Herb Wimberley,” Howell said. “The guys know and feel comfortable with the course.” Junior Juan Diego Plasencia and sophomore Juan Carlos Benitez both finished in the top 15 after two rounds of play. Plasencia’s first two rounds were under par, accounting for a total of 139 and a three under par first day. Plasencia was tied for third, three shots behind the leader. Benitez finished even through two rounds. On the final day, Plasencia finished with a total score of 210, tying him for the third lowest 54 hole total by a player
in program history. Plasencia’s final round concluded even to par and placed him sixth overall at three under par. “It was a great way to finish our last tournament,” Plasencia said. “ I was proud of our team effort.” Chris Gilbert of Kansas University and Blake Biddle of University of Nevada-Las Vegas shared individual leader honors. Both players shot identical rounds throughout the Herb Wimberley Intercollegiate marking 68, 68 and 69 for a total score of 205 for eight under par. The Texas State Bobcats shot a 286, 281 and 286 for a final score of 853. Wichita State’s level of play amplified as the tournament unfolded, shooting a 283, 282 and 276 for a total of 841. Second place went to UNLV with a total of 850 and University of Texas-El Paso, marking an 851, was awarded third. The Texas State men’s golf team will now enter its winter break. Competition will resume Feb. 11 at UTSA, the second tournament of the year in San Antonio.
CLUB WAKEBOARDING
New club finishes on top in first competition
Jack Guenther, president of the Texas State wakeboarding club, competed at the club’s first contest Oct. 6. By Lorenzo Almanza Sports Reporter The Texas State wakeboard club competed in its first tournament three weeks ago not knowing what to expect. After a first place finish at the Red Bull Boarder Wars Oct. 6, Bobcat sports clubs have a new winner. In the club’s first year together as an official team, Texas State proved to be the dominant school in what turned out to be a Cinderella story at its first tournament. With all five of its top riders competing and four advancing to the final round, Texas State was able to take home first place overall. Nine universities competed in the Boarder Wars, including Baylor University, the University of Texas and Midwestern State University. There were a total of 35 riders, including seniors Chase Schuster and Kaylin Mobley, who were two of the top five riders who represented Texas State. Texas State’s wakeboard club hopes to use its most recent success to make a name for itself. “Competition was stiff, but I knew if we rode how we were expected to, we would have a great chance,” said club president Jack Guenther. “We were fortunate enough to have five of our top best riders competing in the tournament.” Vice President Mobley is happy with the team’s kickstart to success. “There are so many teams who have been around for years, but with this being our first time together, I could not be more pleased with the team,” Mobley said. “It’s an amazing feeling to be ranked first overall in the nation knowing this is our first year together.” Texas State proved it could compete at a high level with various other wakeboarders. The team began this semester unsure of what to expect, but knew it would have to work hard to get where it wanted to be. “The skill level of each member did not matter to us,” Guenther said. “Seeing the teams other schools had made us want to be just like them, and we knew if that were to happen, we would have to push each other to learn new things.” The team consists of 40 members. Each Monday and Thursday the team practices three hours a day, sometimes
Photo courtesy of Jack Guenther
more. The team members’ goal is to continue competing at a higher level while having fun. “We’re a very social group and all get along with one another,” Mobley said. “I’m excited for what the future holds and anticipate a bigger and better team each year.” The team was able to form with the contribution from sponsors such as Texas Ski Ranch and Mastercraft. Texas Ski Ranch Jobs helps the team by supply- 2B/1 1/2B, tile and wood, ing a place to practice, cables to use and a boat to backyard, $775-$900 call improve the wakeboarders’ 512-392-6706. skills. “Seeing the team progress as it has done is an amazing !BARTENDING! Up to feeling,” said Carrie Wood- $300/day. No experience ard, Texas Ski Ranch spe- necessary. Training cial events and marketing Provided. Age 18+ OK. coordinator. “As a sponsor, we are glad to have chosen (800) 965-6520 ext. 157. Texas State to represent not only the school but also HERE IN BEAUTIFUL Texas Ski Ranch. This is a San Marcos, Tx we are strong group and (Mobley) and (Guenther) have done looking for new, talented an amazing job putting this and motivated real team together.” estate agents! Find The Bobcats planned to out more about us at continue their most recent dominance at the Empire MyGreatLocations.com Wake tournament last or email us at info@ weekend in Dallas and did mygreatlocations.com just that. The team finished first and second in open events while taking third STUDENTPAYOUTS. place in intermediate and COM Paid survey takers advanced portions. needed in San Marcos. Texas State’s next tour- 100% FREE to join. Click nament is Nov. 9-11 at the Beaumont Empire Wake on surveys. Tournament.
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6 | Wednesday October 24, 2012 | The University Star | Advertisement
