VOLUME 102, ISSUE 29
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OCTOBER 30, 2012
GO NE ONLI NOW
Dia de Los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos is a celebration honoring the memory of lost loved ones. To learn more, visit UniversityStar.com.
Speaker addresses media bias By Nancy Young News Reporter
Ethan Zuckerman gave the 2012-2013 Common Experience speech Monday to a full audience in Evans Liberal Arts Auditorium. This year’s Common Experience theme is “A Global Odyssey: Exploring Our Connections to the Changing World.” Zuckerman is an American media scholar, blogger and Internet activist, and the director of the MIT Center for Civic Media. The Common Experience is a year-long initiative at Texas State designed to cultivate a common intellectual conversation across campus, according to the university website. Zuckerman’s speech was titled “The Innocence of Newsweek: Why all Media is Biased, and What We Can Do About It.” His title was based off the controversial movie “Innocence of Muslims,” an anti-Islamic video that sparked demonstrations and violent protests in Egypt on Sept. 11 this year. News stations attributed the cause of the event to violent Muslim rage, which wasn’t the whole truth, Zuckerman said. Zuckerman said he wanted to talk about the simple question of media bias, starting with the argument that all news outlets are prejudiced. “When you are talking about media, you are always talking about a message they focus on,” Zuckerman said. “If you think about bias in terms of just left and right, you really miss critical information that we need to pay at-
Symposium discusses water shortage, student debt By Andrew Osegi and Megan Carthel The University Star The future of Texas State, water and the environment were on the table during a Texas Tribune discussion held Monday on campus. “The Future of Water” was an installment of “The Texas Tribune Festival: On The Road,” a series of one-day symposiums around the state. The symposium considered the economical, environmental and political complications to confronting the state’s water crisis. Speakers included House Speaker Joe Straus, Carolyn Brittin, deputy executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board and State Rep. Allan Ritter, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. Andrew Sansom, executive director of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, Texas State’s water research center, was also in attendance. “Water and the Land,” one of several panels held throughout the symposium, focused on the John Casares, Staff Photographer conservation of water in agricultural areas. Evan Smith, CEO and editor-in-chief of The Texas Tribune, holds a conversation with President Denise Trauth Oct. 29 at Bobcat Stadium. The pair discussed multiple topics regarding the future READ WATER, PAGE 3 of education in Texas and how Texas State would be affected.
HONORING THE DEAD
READ ZUCKERMAN, PAGE 3
Connection found between Texas State, A&M threats
Kristen Lefebvre, Staff Photographer
Emily Palacio, third grader, applies rhinestones to her Dia de Los Muertos face paint Oct. 27 at Centro Cultural de San Marcos.
Photo courtesy of Brazos County Sheriff’s Department
Dia de Los Muertos celebrates lives of the deceased READ THE FULL STORY, PAGE 5
By Taylor Tompkins Assistant News Editor Investigators have determined the bomb threats made to Texas State and Texas A&M University within a 24-hour span are connected. According to the Bryan-College Station Eagle, a man was charged Monday for a bomb threat made Oct. 19 to Texas A&M. Dereon Jayronne Kelly, 22, is the former or current boyfriend of Brittany Nicole Henderson. Henderson, 19, is the former Texas State student who made a similar bomb threat Oct. 18 to the university. Henderson was arrested Oct. 23 by Bryan police. The arrest occurred after investigators traced an email containing the bomb threat to an account allegedly belonging to her, said Daniel Benitez, University Police Department captain. Henderson is being held on $300,000 bail: $50,000 for each of her three counts of a terroristic threat and three counts of false alarm. Three emails were sent to a Texas State admissions counselor from a Yahoo address containing Henderson’s name. Investigators were able to track Hender-
READ BOMB THREAT, PAGE 3
Campus political organizations face off By Monica Solis News Reporter Students from Texas State political organizations mirrored their national counterparts Thursday, voicing views on higher education, social and economic issues during a University Star-sponsored debate. Representatives from College Republicans, Young Americans for Liberty at Texas State and the International Socialist Organization at Texas State participated in the debate. The representative from the College Democrats did not come to the event. Christina Webb, Joseph Sadler and Joshua Blakeney represented the Young Americans for Liberty. The College Republicans’ debaters were Megan Trexler, Kristopher Infante and Alex Jones. Matthew Korn debated for the International Socialist Organization. Several issues regarding higher education were brought up during the debate, and the affordability of a college degree was a point
of contention among the organizations. Infante of the College Republicans said 50 percent of students think college isn’t affordable. He said administrative costs are “bogging down the system,” and he suggested restricting Pell grant requirements so only the neediest low-income students would be eligible. Korn of the International Socialist Organization, however, proposed increasing the amount of Pell grants being awarded. He said incentivizing a four-year degree plan would not be practical for students who have to work while attending school, among other examples. The use of race as an admissions standard received mixed opinions from the political organizations. The topic has received national attention as a result of a recent Supreme Court case. Korn said race is just another factor considered during the admissions process, along with others, such as alumni connections. He said racism is a fact of society “whether we like it or not,” and a person’s
background has to be considered in order to be better understood. Sadler of the Young Americans for Liberty said ethnicity should not be considered during admissions because it makes racism more prevalent, and that people’s backgrounds have nothing to do with their successes. “Just because you grew up in a bad place does not mean you can’t be successful,” Sadler said. Infante said he believes race should not factor into the admission process, expressing similar concerns as Sadler. “As a Hispanic, I don’t believe I should have any advantage over anybody else,” Infante said. “I want to get into a school for my merits.” The student organizations were presented with the topic of the war on drugs and how it should be handled. Korn said the war on drugs is one of the worst examples of racism in today’s society.
READ DEBATE, PAGE 3
2 | Tuesday October 30, 2012 | The University Star
PAGE TWO
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wild art
ON THIS DAY
IN HISTORY
1735 – John Adams, the second president of the United States, was born in Braintree, Mass. 1974 – Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in the eighth round of a 15-round bout in Kinshasa, Zaire, to regain his world heavyweight title. 1975 – The New York Daily News ran the headline “Ford to City: Drop Dead” a day after President Gerald R. Ford said he would veto any proposed federal bailout of New York City. 2003 – Lebron James made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers. 2005 – Civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks became the first woman to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. —Courtesy of The New York Times
CRIME BLOTTER
Oct. 19, 10:00 p.m. Bexar Hall Minor in possession A student was cited for minor in possession of alcohol. This case is under judicial review. Oct. 20, 1:42 a.m.. Comanche Street Driving under the influence of alcohol by a minor A student was arrested for DUI-minor and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center. The student is awaiting a court date. Oct. 20, 6:00a.m. Speck Parking Lot Possession of drug paraphernalia Two students were cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. This case is under judicial review. Oct. 20, 11:39 p.m. Providing alcohol to a minor Retama Hall A student was cited for minor in possession of alcohol and another student was arrested for providing alcohol. Kirk Owens, accounting junior, does a tre-flip Oct. 29 at the San Marcos Skate Park.
Shea Wendlandt, Staff Photographer
—Courtesy of University Police Department
library beat
Library features useful media and amenities
If your undergraduate experience is anything like mine was, you’re probably feeling the financial aid pinch about this time of year. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of ways Alkek Library can help you save a little bit of money. Printing is free, quick and easy on the 2nd floor or in the computer lab on the 4th floor, and there’s no limit to how many pages you can print. On the 4th floor, you can also print wirelessly from your own laptop, as long as it is Windows-based. Then you don’t even have to wait in line for a computer. Scanning is free too, on the 3rd and 4th floors. Our stateof-the-art KIC scanners allow you to copy and crop photos as well as scan articles or book pages, and you can email the files to yourself or save them on a USB drive. Instead of forking out for your favorite magazine or newspaper this month, check the Periodical List from the Library Homepage to see if we subscribe to it online or in print. You’ll find current magazines, newspapers and journals on the 3rd floor, as well
as older issues dating back to 1960. While you’re up on the 3rd floor, talk to our friendly staff about textbooks at the Reserve Desk. A lot of faculty ask us to keep books on reserve so students won’t have to buy them. You can usually check them out for two hours to read in the library. Next, head over to the media section on the other side of the Reserve Desk. There are plenty of DVDs and CDs (or videos, cassettes and LPs if you’re so inclined) that you can check out for free. If you want a particular book, article or DVD that we don’t have, we can borrow it for you from another library through Interlibrary Loan. Finally, be sure to check your library account online or talk to circulation staff to see when materials are due back, especially reserve materials, special materials, media and equipment. Your savings won’t seem so great if you end up paying late fees, and we want to help you save money!
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The University Star | Tuesday October 30, 2012 | 3
NEWS
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WATER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The panel consisted of Laura Huffman, executive director of The Nature Conservancy of Texas, David Langford, Texas Wildlife Association vice president, and Todd Staples, Texas agriculture commissioner. Huffman said agriculture uses about 60 percent of all water in Texas. The number of irrigated agricultural acres in Texas has decreased by more than 30 percent since 1974, but yields of cattle and cotton have doubled. This change is an example of how technology is leading the way in irrigation and agriculture, Staples said. “Technology has allowed us to conserve a lot of water just through changing out the irrigation technologies that are used,” Huffman said. Staples said $8.3 billion and more than one
BOMB THREAT
son after filing an emergency disclosure request, according to the affidavit of probable cause for arrest warrant. According to court documents obtained by The University Star, the first email was sent Oct. 18 at 8:20 a.m. from Henderson’s account. The email said Henderson planned to “blow Texas State up to small little pieces starting with the admissions office today at
three central time.” A second email received at 11:37 p.m. the same day reiterated the threat, the documents stated. “You called the police now i really will blow it up first thing in the morning dumb bitch i am glad i am not a student anymore and you will not find me i am deleting my account,” the email said. The third email was sent the next day, Oct. 19, from the same account. “I will not be arrested because they have no proof i did anything because i never brought the bomb on campus but i will tomorrow and they will not be able to find me because im at my house i hate texas state for life the police better not come back here to my house either :) my family will not tell where i am at or whose desktop im on,” the email said. Benitez said investigators are still looking into a motive, although one has not been confirmed at this time. Henderson is charged with a Class A misdemeanor for making a false claim and a third degree felony for making a terroristic threat, according to the documents. Henderson was enrolled at Texas State in fall 2011, Benitez said. Henderson, who is listed as a nursing freshman on Catsweb, withdrew Sept. 26 from the university.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“It’s a life-ruining thing for many people,” Korn said. “People are imprisoned for drug offenses not having to do with violence.”
ture that would charge those who use the most water more money. Huffman said this solution would incentivize using less water. “What we could do is make conservation not just a movement in cities, but a completely different way people look at the consumption of water,” Huffman said. “Growing a state from 25 million to 50 million means dialing back use, and we’ve just got to find a way to mainstream that.” Evan Smith, CEO and editor-in-chief of The Texas Tribune, had an hour-long conversation about higher education with University President Denise Trauth during the event. Smith said 70 percent of students who enter college do not graduate on time and asked Trauth what Texas State is doing to increase graduation rates. Trauth referred
ZUCKERMAN
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Read the enitre affidavit online at UniversityStar.com.
DEBATE
million jobs will be lost if the state does not develop necessary and needed water resources. Langford said 40 percent of the treated water in the state is used for landscaping and the rest is wasted. Huffman said there is not enough water to support the state. “I don’t know what we’re going to do. Our creeks are dry,” Langford said. The panel discussed a variety of ways to help the state and residents conserve water and natural resources. Huffman said San Marcos residents have voted to authorize a portion of the state’s sales tax to protect the land and water in the aquifer for more than a decade. There are many ways to solve the water dilemmas Texas is facing, Staples said. The panel proposed solutions such as a rate struc-
Trexler of the College Republicans said the drug wars are a “very real threat,” and to say drugs are not coming into the country is “absurd.”
to the Personalized Academic Career Exploration Center, which is designed to assist incoming freshmen in becoming successful graduates. Student debt was brought up during the discussion. Trauth was asked what Texas State is doing about the student debt crisis. She said nationwide, the average student is $26,000 in debt after graduation, but at Texas State it is a $21,000 average. “Considering the jobs our students earn after they graduate, $21,000 is lower than many other universities in Texas and is consequently paid off faster,” Trauth said. Concerning tuition costs, Trauth said Texas State must adjust cost to supplement the dwindling funding until the legislature stops decreasing state support toward education.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Shea Wendlandt, Staff Photographer
Ethan Zuckerman, director of the MIT Center for Civic Media, speaks Oct. 29 at Evans Auditorium. Zuckerman discussed geographical and political bias in the media. tention to.” Zuckerman said the media has a geographical bias. There are certain parts of the world consumers of media pay more certain attention to, whether they mean to or not. “We are very good at paying attention to celebrity news, but when it comes to world news, we spend very little time with it,” Zuckerman said. “There are parts of the world that we naturally pay a lot of attention to and parts of the world we pay very little attention to.” Jonathan Cronin, sociology sophomore, enjoyed listening to Zuckerman, and said he is an expert in his field of studies. “I’m very familiar with Ethan Zuckerman,” Cronin said. “It was nice that I was able to ask a media expert on ideas on politics and be able to have a conversation with
him. It was definitely an intellectually stimulating event.” Jake Warren, computer science junior, said he found it interesting Zuckerman approached the issue of media bias from several different angles. “(Zuckerman) is definitely well informed on other people’s views, and the thing he was really trying to pass by is that every source has a biased opinion,” Warren said. Zuckerman ended the night with an openmic discussion where students and faculty members were able to ask questions and voice opinions. Zuckerman responded and gave his advice about several subjects. “Ask yourself ‘What biases is that article making?’” Zuckerman said. “’What else might you add? Where else could the story have gone? What are you not seeing?’”
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4 | Tuesday October 30, 2012 | The University Star
OPINIONS
For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu
San Marcos’ best interest lies in Guerrero
Grace Perkins, Star Illustrator
W
ith a variety of personal and professional attributes, Daniel Guerrero deserves to be re-elected for a second term as mayor of San Marcos. Guerrero is the best choice to represent both long-time residents and Texas State students. Guerrero is the right person for the job due to his accessibility and involvement with the public, desire for environmental preservation, devotion to education and plans for city development. As a native resident, Guerrero graduated from San Marcos High School, received a bachelor’s degree from Texas State and went on to earn his master’s from St. Edward’s University. In the interest of the community, Guerrero frequently takes time out of his day for face-to-face interviews and is open to receiving and responding to emails from constituents. Guerrero puts forth an effort to go out and interact with his constituents to hear what they have to say about the city, instead of choosing to stay within the city hall office day after day. Residents and students need a personable, relatable figure such as Guerrero to lead San Marcos to success and development in the future.
Guerrero makes a solid commitment to improving San Marcos, from participating in community walks to supporting local organizations. He is part of several organizations, including the City of San Marcos Comprehensive Master Plan Steering Committee and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board. Likewise, Guerrero is a member of the Citizens Police and Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Associations. According to an Oct. 22 University Star article, Guerrero wants to ensure the city’s natural resources, such as the river, are preserved through appropriate ordinances and laws. Mayoral candidate Thom Prentice advocates for the environment with his efforts to warn the public of climate change. However, Guerrero has standout, detailed suggestions for San Marcos, including rainwater utilization and plans to use renewable resources for building projects. In addition, Guerrero is a huge advocate for education. According to an Oct. 8 University Star article, Guerrero said his biggest accomplishment is involvement with the city council and its efforts to further early education. He is the current Executive Director of the San Marcos Education Foundation, a member of the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and a participant of the Core Four Education Committee. These roles are in addition to his current mayoral duties. According to the Education Founda-
tion’s website, the entity was designed to assist and provide financial support to San Marcos CISD to improve the quality of education for teachers and students. According to a Sept. 4 University Star article, Guerrero said he believes it is important to develop areas around town. This development includes aiding infrastructure, redeveloping bike lanes, increasing pedestrian-suitable areas and potentially pushing for a new overpass over Loop 82. According to an Oct. 3 University Star article, Guerrero said the city council takes pride in its budget transparency regarding resident tax money. During the past two years as mayor, Guerrero has brought the right tools to bring positive improvements to San Marcos as a whole. It is vital the public cast its ballots Nov. 6 to reelect Guerrero to office.
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.
More music venues, events needed in San Marcos
By Alex Pernice Opinions Columnist
S
an Marcos is in dire need of more music venues and events to bring a greater variety of musical talent to the community. Throughout the years, San Marcos has been a hub for a number of musicians, from big-time country singer George Strait to members of the rock band Blue October. In addition, some Texas State students have also gotten their musical start here. There have been a variety of
places for local artists to play, including Cheatham Street Warehouse and Texas Music Theater. However, a larger number of venues in the city and a more diverse set of performers would certainly be appreciated. In light of recent festivals such as Austin City Limits and the upcoming Fun Fun Fun Fest, it would be a smart idea for city organizers to hold a diverse music event in San Marcos. There is a great creative community in this city that revolves around all different kinds of art, with music being a large focus. San Marcos is situated close to Austin, which is known as the live music capital of the world. The proximity could be attractive to many artists who are looking for an audience. Recently, musicians and music enthusiasts in the city have encountered a few struggles. When Sundance Records, a renowned music store in San Marcos, closed its doors for good last April, a part
of the city’s culture suffered. Not too long after that, Tantra Coffeehouse decided to stop acting as a live music venue to focus on other aspects of its business. These two blows have lessened the luster that is San Marcos art culture, which is in desperate need of a recharge. Vendors, venue owners and artists alike should have no worries when considering San Marcos as a potential place to bring their businesses or talent. Efforts to revitalize creative entertainment in the San Marcos area should be pushed and embraced by the city. There is a lot of great talent in and around the city limits, and one of the best ways to pull artists in is to provide better performance venues. Also, improved venues could signal an increase in the quality of events. If live shows were brought back to places like Tantra, and new outdoor stages were built for concerts around the city, San Marcos could better embrace its music culture.
A great example of a successful music event in the city is KTSW’s My Radio Festival. The event is hosted by Texas State’s student-run radio station and brings diverse talent and music to the area. If more events like that took place in the community, the musical culture of San Marcos would be in much better shape than it is now. Music is just one of the many great things that bring whole communities together. Musical talent needs to be more significantly recognized as a true highlight of the city. By working to bring that vibrant culture to the forefront, students, residents and visitors could boost the local economy. The boost would come from frequenting both new and existing music venues while enjoying the unique artistic sensations that San Marcos has to offer. —Alex Pernice is a mass communication sophomore.
Dorms could benefit from additional security
By Molly Block Opinions Columnist
T
exas State officials should install more security cameras in heavy traffic areas to help prevent theft and lower the overall crime rate in residence halls. Currently, many residence halls on campus do not have security cameras in popular areas such as the laundry room or the community kitchens. Jeb Thomas, supervisor of Access Services, said the cameras are placed in varying areas, but the devices are mainly installed above public entrances. Thomas said the
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cameras are primarily used to document when students enter and exit the residence halls, and they tend to be effective. All incoming freshmen are required to live on campus during their first year at Texas State unless granted an exemption by the Office of Housing and Residential Life. Many students are already nervous about coming to a new school and starting classes. They should not have the added stress that comes with worrying about potential theft of their possessions. According to an Oct. 4, 2011 University Star article, University Police Department Capt. Rickey Lattie said that students should be cautious and wary of their belongings and need to learn to protect their personal property. “We get a lot of cases where the victims were careless and left their property out where it was easily stolen,” Lattie said in the same article. “People need to learn they are in a public environment with people they don’t know who come from all backgrounds. You’re in a new environment. You need to
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
be careful.” By taking simple precautionary steps such as locking bedroom doors and watching personal belongings at all times, students can prevent some instances of theft from occurring. But, as it so often happens when someone is living with others that he or she does not know, sometimes being careful is not enough. According to the UPD Clery Crime Statistics, there were 220 accounts of crimes against property in both residential and non-residential areas on campus in 2011. For students living in the dorms, this news is alarming. Each residence hall has at least one laundry room equipped with multiple washers and dryers, and a community kitchen. Because these places are accessible to all residents, many theft-related crimes can happen in these areas around campus. Although students should be observant and vigilant while using these amenities, sometimes issues arise where a student must leave the area to tend to other matters. Respect
Multimedia Editor.........................Alex Peña, starmultimediaeditor@txstate.edu Design Editor................................Michelle Wadsworth, stardesign@txstate.edu Account Executive........................................Christina Carr, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive...................................Casey Neubauer, starad2@txstate.edu Account Executive..................................Michelle Rohmer, starad3@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Hannah Wilson, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist.............................................Mary Scheske, ms88@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...........................Kelsey Nuckolls, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu
and honesty are two qualities that students should expect from each other. It is disappointing to realize that some people do not uphold these same values and choose to steal from one another. If Texas State officials want to see a lower crime rate in residence halls, it is vital to take the necessary security measures to achieve this objective. Installing more security cameras in the dorms would help provide peace of mind and a better sense of security for students. The devices might discourage overall criminal activity in these areas. Also, the cameras would be able to effectively provide information to UPD about any suspected crimes and could help correctly identify a perpetrator. Reducing the potential for theft and vandalism will ultimately lower the crime rate among residence halls by improving campus safety and aiding in the protection of students and property. —Molly Block is a mass communication 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 Tuesday, October 30, 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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TRENDS
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Day of the Dead celebrated with memorabilia from the past
Kristen Lefebvre, Staff Photographer
Gaby Palacio and Zoei Ramirez, second graders, decorate a sugar skull Oct. 27 at Centro Cultural de San Marcos in celebration of By Jordan Gass-Poore’ Trends Reporter A trail of orange marigold petals led Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos
visitors, alive and deceased, to the traditional Dia de Los Muertos altar during the organization’s observance of this three-day holiday. The color of the marigolds, referred to
as the “flower of the dead,” is thought to attract spirits. The souls of children are believed to return Nov. 1, with adults to follow the next day, toward the altar’s offerings. San Marcos resident Margie Villalpando left candles, crosses, bread, hot chocolate mix, candied pumpkin, sugar skulls and tamales among other offerings on the organization’s altar to honor family members. Black and white photographs of Villalpando’s grandmother and mother lined the covered altar’s top tier, symbolic of the Holy Trinity. Villalpando has included photographs in the organization’s altar for three years as a way to keep her loved ones’ memories alive. She said the process of choosing which photographs and offerings to include is still an emotional one. Her mother worked numerous jobs, such as creating funeral wreaths out of artificial flowers at a local general store, said Villalpando. She said she remembers helping with the delicate process as a child. “Dia de Los Muertos is a celebration of life,” she said. Other San Marcos residents learned how to construct their own altar during the organization’s Dia de Los Muertos event, aimed at teaching the community about the centuries-old traditions of celebrating the lives of the deceased.
“It is a joyous time. It is a time of remembering,” said Gloria Salazar, Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos coordinator. “We celebrate this day to educate the children, and really, a lot of adults, about what the Day of the Dead is all about.” The history of Dia de Los Muertos predates European colonialism, said Salazar, adding that in 1523 when Spanish Conquistadors arrived on what is present-day Mexico, they witnessed natives practicing rituals they initially believed mocked death. Salazar said the indigenous peoples kept the skulls of their departed and honored them in July or August, only changing the holiday’s date to coincide with All Souls’ Day. One of the most popular Dia de Los Muertos offerings is the sugar skull, made of a sugar mixture that has been pressed into molds, dried and decorated. Ofelia Vasquez-Philo, Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos founder, said the candy skull, much like the ones decorated during the organization’s holiday event, can be inscribed with the name of the person being honored on its forehead. Salazar said even though Dia de Los Muertos, or similar holidays, are celebrated worldwide, people participate in different ways. She remembered observing the holiday by going to a nearby family cemetery as a child to clean the area.
San Marcos High School students pay tribute to veterans By Jordan Gass-Poore’ Trends Reporter San Marcos High School theatre students breathed life into 13 veterans buried in the city’s cemetery Saturday during an educational walk through the site. The event, sponsored by Friends of the San Marcos Cemetery and the Heritage Association, will benefit improvements to the city cemetery’s outdoor carpenter Gothic chapel. The military veterans recognized by the first “If The Dead Could Talk” event were born in two different countries, spanning three centuries, and fought in seven different wars by land, sea and air. Some died in the line of duty, while others returned or moved to San Marcos and served as government employees, educators and doctors. These veterans are forever connected through their service in the U.S. military, as well as in their final resting place – the San Marcos City Cemetery. Among the oak trees and off the dusty paths of the historic cemetery lies U.S. Army veteran Thomas P. Yoakum, who was among the soldiers that liberated Nordhausen Concentration Camp during WWII. The subcamp was created by the S.S. for prisoners considered too weak or ill to work in the larger Mittelbau-Dora camp. “I was considered to be an old man by my friends. In fact, they call me ‘Pappy,’” said Traci Tucker, San Marcos High School stu-
dent, evoking Yoakum through monologue. “Our division was recognized as a liberating element of the Nordhausen Concentration Camp. The city of Nordhausen will remain forever in the memories of the 3rd Armored Division soldiers as a place of horror. The stench of decomposing bodies and the sight of live human beings starved to a placid skeleton…” Tucker said Yoakum twice refused the Bronze Star Medal, awarded by the U.S. Armed Forces for acts of heroism, merit or service in combat. He later became a San Marcos High School civics teacher. More than 100 years prior, Louis Lawshe, born in Pennsylvania, served as second lieutenant in the War of 1812, the second military conflict between the U.S. and Great Britain. Lawshe also served in the Seminole and Florida Indian Wars, where he was promoted to captain in 1817. “I began to think that my years of military service were behind me, but alas, this was not meant to be,” said San Marcos High School student Evan Valenta in his portrayal of Lawshe. “For in the midst of the Civil War, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant invaded my hometown of Water Valley and set fire to my family estate. It was perhaps the single most devastating event in my life.” Valenta said Lawshe knew then what he must do. At 75 years old, Lawshe served in the Second Battle of Manassas, or the second “Bull Run,” during the U.S. Civil War. He moved to
Sonja Burton, Staff Photographer
Traci Tucker, San Marcos High School drama student, re-enacts the life and death of an American war veteran at the “If The Dead Could Talk” cemetary walk, hosted by The Heritage Association of San Marcos.
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San Marcos after the war. Just feet away from Lawshe’s grave lies Ann Pearce Munson Caldwell, whose death predates the founding of the 45-acre San Marcos City Cemetery. Both Caldwell’s first and second husbands were Spanish-American War veterans. The walk also featured the lives of three British Royal Air Force pilots killed in 1952 and 1953 while training near San Marcos, as well as Emmie Craddock, first female city mayor and Southwest Texas State University history professor. Amber DeLeon, San Marcos High School
student, relayed a brief history of Craddock, who was a member of the WWII U.S. Navy division Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (W.A.V.E.S.). “At the end of the war, women would not be allowed to continue Navy careers,” DeLeon said. Despite the odds, Craddock achieved the rank of commander and hosted a radio show on the Armed Forces network. She later founded the Greater San Marcos Economic Development and Corridor Council, city food bank and river foundation, as well as the university’s honors program.
6 | Tuesday October 30, 2012 | The University Star
SPORTS
Check out more at UniversityStar.com
FOOTBALL
Losses continue to stem from second-half woes
By Jordan Brewer Sports Reporter The Bobcats continued their theme of getting shutout in the second half of games in their Saturday 31-20 loss to San Jose State University. “It’s frustrating because we had chances to win that game,” said Coach Dennis Franchione. “We had a lead at halftime, and as you know I’m really proud of my kids. They’re disgusted, dejected, down, (and) they’ll bounce back.” The Bobcats were led by junior wide receiver Andy Erickson, who contributed 53 receiving yards. Additionally, he made a 54-yard punt return. Texas State allowed 571 yards of total offense, the second most the team has conceded this season. The Bobcats allowed 591 to Texas Tech University. Texas State was shut out in the second half for the fourth time this season. The season’s shutouts have come in losses to Texas Tech, the University of Nevada-Reno, the University of New Mexico and most recently San Jose State University. Texas State has been outscored 55-0 in those second halves.
All of Texas State’s losses this season have been second-half shutouts (3-4 overall). A couple of the Bobcats’ losses this season were closer than the score indicated. Going into halftime, the Bobcats led twice against Nevada and San Jose State. In the other two losses, Texas Tech had a 38-10 advantage, and the Bobcats trailed 28-14 against New Mexico at the half. Against the University of Idaho, the Bobcats played contrary to their season norm: they did almost all of their damage following intermission, scoring 24 of 38 points. They ultimately won the contest 38-7. The Bobcat offense has struggled in second halves, averaging 91.5 yards in its two games against Nevada and San Jose State. The defense has been pushed back at times. Texas Tech and Stephen F. Austin State University gained an average of 275.5 yards. Possessions were stalled or ended by interception or penalty in four of the six drives in the second half against the Spartans. Two stalls were because of penalties, both of them holding. One of the holding calls was on a second
and long play. The other was on a third and short near midfield. Of the two interceptions, one came on the opening drive, the other on the final. “When you got to drive the field every snap, we have a hard time doing that,” Franchione said. “We hurt ourselves with the penalties and a turnover. They put together two scoring drives and kind of got us a little out of rhythm.” Against Nevada, the Bobcats had drives that ended abruptly because of several factors. The Bobcats reached the first down marker on the initial series of the second half before ultimately having to punt after a third down penalty. Senior quarterback Shaun Rutherford was sacked twice in a row leading to a punt after crossing into Nevada territory in the fourth quarter. The opponents scored a touchdown on their opening drive of the second half in three of the Bobcats’ four losses. San Jose State was the only team not to score on its initial drive. It tossed a 78yard touchdown pass on the first play of its second drive, the fifth of the third quarter. Texas Tech scored on four of its five drives in the second half. “We made a few corrections at half-
time and we talked about how good of a second-half football team we have been and are,” said San Jose State Coach Mike MacIntyre. “Texas State was ready to come back in the second half, but we are in phenomenal shape and have a lot of heart.” Repetitive issues have remained in the third quarter for the most part. The University of Houston, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho and San Jose State were held out of the end zone during the fourth quarter. Texas Tech scored on a field goal in the final period. Stephen F. Austin State University was the only team to reach the end zone against the Bobcats in the final 12 minutes. “I don’t know what happens in the second half,” Erickson said. “It’s a mystery to me. We need to fix it. We need to come out and execute. We had some penalties, and (San Jose State) made some adjustments.” The Bobcats have a tough three-week span of Utah State University (7-2), Louisiana Tech University (7-1) and the United States Naval Academy (5-3) approaching. Twitter: @jbrewer32
SOCCER
Bobcats claim No. 3 seed in WAC Tournament By Odus Evbagharu Sports Reporter The Bobcat soccer team defeated the University of Texas at San Antonio in double overtime on Sunday in San Antonio to clinch the overall No. 3 seed in the WAC tournament. Both teams were held to a stalemate in regulation and the first overtime period. The game would come down to the waning minutes of the last overtime half. Junior midfielder Kelsie Townsend was able to corral a loose ball around the penalty box with 1:28 left in double overtime. Townsend took a shot toward the goal and sent the ball over the keeper’s head for the game winner. It was Townsend’s first goal of the season. “We got fired up there at the end because we really wanted to score,” Townsend said after the game. “(The ball) built up from the defense and the midfield into the forwards, and it was bobbling around, and I just got on the end of it.” Texas State had to withstand an aggressive attack from the Roadrunners the entire match, which saw UTSA take 21 shots, five of them on target. “It was a great game,” said Coach Kat Conner. “UTSA came out very disciplined, very organized. They played a great game, and it’s very difficult to break down a team that is playing hard and working hard together. It was a great finish by Kelsie, and we’re trying to build off the momentum
going into the tournament next week.” Texas State took 17 shots and had 53 percent of its attempts on goal. The team took two more corner shots than the Roadrunners, 6-4, and junior goalkeeper Natalie Gardini had a successful game. Gardini pitched a shutout by accumulating five saves, which earned her WAC Goalie of the Week. Gardini picked up her fifth win of the year and collected her fourth shutout of the season. This marked back-to-back weeks in which a Texas State player was recognized for a play on the field. Senior defender Alissa Scott was the Defender of the Week last week. The Bobcats finished the regular season with an overall record of 7-11-1, and ended their first WAC conference season 4-4-0 to take third place in the conference. The girls locked up the third seed by winning Sunday night and will play the sixth seed University of Idaho (6-131, 3-4-1) Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. in Logan, Utah. Texas Sate and the Vandals opened up WAC play Sept. 28, and in the last nine minutes of the match the Bobcats achieved winning goals. The goals were made by their two leading scorers, freshman forward Lynsey Curry and sophomore midfielder Tori Hale. The nine-minute shift propelled the Bobcats to take the match 2-1 and gave the team its first ever win in the WAC. Twitter: @odus_Outputs
VOLLEYBALL This weekend the Texas State Volleyball team took on the University of Idaho and Seattle University as WAC Tournament seeding begins to take shape. For the complete story, scan here or visit UniversityStar.com.
John Casares, Staff Photographer
Caleigh McCorquodale, senior setter, sets up an offensive play against Seattle University. Texas State prevailed with a 3-1 victory in the team’s Bobcats Fight Against Breast Cancer match Oct. 25 at Strahan Coliseum.
