Defending the First Amendment since 1911
INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS Pages 1-4 River monitoring project will protect endangered species
Volume 99, Issue 30
05
Lottery holds fate for students’ on-campus living By Kosaku Narioka News Reporter
Lights out in dining hall means more revenue
OPINIONS Pages 5-6 Free speech ends and annoyance begins Everyone gets graded, ASG is no exception
TRENDS Pages 7-12 Style you sole, help another soul Renting textbooks saves money, helps Mother Nature A Bobcat to Know: Passionate art student makes her way to fulfill dreams S.M.A.R.T. outlet for local musician
Current university housing residents will have to draw lottery tickets early spring semester if they want to live on campus next fall. The Department of Housing and Residential Life introduced a housing policy that will require students under the age of 20 with fewer than 30 credit hours to live on-campus. The students who graduated from high school within a year will be required to live on campus regardless of their credit hours. The new policy will take effect next fall. The adjustment came in response to growing freshmen enrollment and delayed housing construction projects. Joanne Smith, vice president of Student Affairs, said the university staff will reserve about 15 percent of beds for those who will have met the requirements and is planning to conduct a lottery early spring for them.
By Amanda Venable Editor in Chief
SPORTS
Volleyball seeks revenge Soccer secures top seed in tournament Football prepares for road battle
Allie Moncrief/Star photo
The Boys are Back Supporters watched the Bobcat baseball team compete in its first Fan Appreciation Fall World Series. See story page 16
Thirty-two ballots could keep Place 5 candidates from runoff
Page 13
Cameron’s Commentary: Thank you losers
She said university officials expect freshmen enrollment will continue to grow. The university announced an adjustment to lower the credit hour requirement from 52 to 42 for this fall in the middle of last semester. Still, it turned out the number of students who are required to live on campus this fall exceeded the number of beds available. Smith said at the July 9 President's Cabinet meeting, the number of students who wanted to live on campus has exceeded the capacity by 330 beds with additional applications pending, according to the minutes. The cabinet endorsed a set of recommendations Smith brought and suggested appropriate departments start a comprehensive review of the housing policy. Rosanne Proite, director of Housing and Residential Life, said the the department staff sent e-mails to students and told them if they have more see RESIDENCE, page 4
Some Texas State students see a wall. Others see an opportunity. Students tumble across campus in the underground sport known as parkour, only at UniversityStar.com.
A waiting game
DIVERSIONS
Pages 15-16
Hardcore parkour
THURSDAY
NOV
www.UniversityStar.com
The winner of the Place 5 City Council seat has yet to be determined, but officials say a runoff election may not be necessary. The Hays County Elections Office is waiting on 32 ballots coming in from residents living outside the country, which could be all candidate Ryan Thomason needs to clinch the seat. Thomason needed three votes to avoid a runoff with Lisa Marie Coppoletta based on early voting and Election Day results. Thomason is 0.1 percent of the votes shy of winning. He will have to wait until Monday to hear if there will be another round of elections. “It would be an entirely dif-
ferent type of election,” Thomason said. “Everyone is in a state of limbo with the outof-country ballots yet to be counted.” Coppoletta received 26 percent of the vote, which is two percent more than candidate Shaune Maycock. Thomason needed 50 percent plus one of the votes to win Place 5. Joyce Cowan, Hays County elections administrator, said her office staff is doublechecking results and waiting for the 32 ballots to come in. The election office must wait five days for the ballots to reach the city’s jurisdiction by law. She said a runoff is still a possibility. “Sunday is the last day,” Cowan said. “We will check the mail on Monday. If we have any ballots that have been returned… We will count them
and the results could change.” A runoff date has not been set. Coppoletta declined to comment on Tuesday’s results. “I believe the most professional way to proceed is to wait for Ms. Cowan to do her job as elections admisitrator before commenting,” Coppoletta said. Thomason said he anticipated the possibility of entering a runoff with Coppoletta. Thomason, who received 54 percent of the early vote, said he was confident of a win, however. “I haven’t looked at the list (of voters),” Thomason said. “I was joking I was going to send everyone the list to see who they know who didn’t vote. Then (I was going to) mail them a bill of what it will cost see ELECTION, page 4
Voter apathy results in low turnout at polls By Heidi Morrison News Reporter Voter attendance on Election Day was low, said Joyce Cowan, Hays County elections administrator. “A lot of people didn’t turn out,” she said. Election day was Tuesday, and 8.11 percent of registered voters participated at the polls. Cowan said one of the main reasons she believes the turnout was small is because people do not educate themselves about the candidates or propositions. “If you don’t feel you have the information to vote wisely, then of course you don’t turn out,” she said. “It’s hard to get informed of whether to vote
for or against an issue without checking into it.” Cowan said San Marcos brought in 2,049 votes. She said that is not much with the nearly 29,000 San Marcos residents and more than 30,000 Texas state students. “By the knowledge I have right now, I don’t think we had a lot of our younger age group turn out,” she said. Mandy Domaschk, president of College Democrats, said Texas State officials were not as involved as they should have been. “We didn’t have anything on our homepage about voting,” she said. “Nothing.” College Democrats were in The Quad during early voting see TURNOUT, page 4
Prospective smoking ban in the works By Dj Nutter News Reporter
Today’s Weather
78°/50° Sunny Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 55% UV: 6 High Wind: E 6 mph
Friday
Sunny Temp: 77°/52° Precip: 0%
Saturday
Partly Cloudy Temp: 77°/58° Precip: 10%
A campus-wide smoke ban is being discussed in an ASG committee meeting. At least 365 campuses in the United States are smoke-free, according to the 2009 report taken by American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation. ASG Sen. Dallen Terrell, who is researching the potential legislation, said he wants Texas State to become 366th. He said the initiative for a campus-wide smoke ban is meant to direct and advise students to healthier lifestyles. Terrell said people who smoke on-campus absorb efforts for the university’s beautification and intrude on students’ right to a healthy, intellectually conducive environment. “When you obtrude on others rights (to clean air), your rights normally cease,” Terrell said. “Infamous smoking tables like the ones outside Elliot Hall blatantly disregard that a smoking policy even exists.” ASG Sen. Brice Loving, marLindsey Goldstein/Star file photo keting senior, said they have submitted a version of the SMOKING BAN: Research is being done in an ASG committee to initiate a campus-wide smoking 2008 “Opinion Survey on Toban.
bacco and Exposure” at University of Minnesota to the Institutional Review Board. Members of Texas State’s Institutional Review Board oversee which surveys will be distributed campus-wide. Loving said the review period has 13-steps, but the survey should be ready to administer by the end of the semester. Terrell said their argument encompasses three tenants and the bill would be publicly available as an oppressive feature, but they have the students’ health at heart. Smoking on-campus is illogical, Terrell said, as it poses public health and environmental issues. He said health professionals on campus like the Honors Health Professions Organization and Eta Sigma Gamma, stand behind a resoltuion enforcing stricter policies and consequences for those who light-up on campus. Terrell said the initiative focuses on ridding students addicted to smoking tobacco by publicizing the smoking cessation program at the Student Health Center. Physicians determine independent stusee SMOKING, page 4
Page Two
2 - The University Star
Oct. 24, 4:35 a.m. Criminal Trespass Warning/Butler Hall A police officer was dispatched to the location for a suspicious odor call. Upon further investigation a nonstudent was issued a criminal trespass warning. Oct. 25, 1:16 a.m. Warrant Service/Lindsey Street While on patrol, a police officer observed two students engaging in suspicious activity. Upon further investigation, a student was arrested on a warrant and was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date. — Courtesy of University Police
Michael Collins, archaeologist and director of the world-renowned Gault archaeological site in Central Texas, has joined the faculty of the Department of Anthropology at Texas State. Collins, who will hold the post of research professor, will continue his research on the Gault site through Texas State. Collins has received a $214,000, two-year grant from the National Science Foundation to continue his excavations, which will involve Texas State anthropology students and archaeologists from around the world. — Courtesy of University News Service
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Texas State University – San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System
CRIME ON THIS BL TTER DAY IN Oct. 24, 3:01 a.m. Public Intoxication/ Guadalupe Street While on patrol, a police officer made contact with a nonstudent acting suspiciously. Upon further investigation, the nonstudent was cited and arrested for public intoxication. The nonstudent was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date.
STARS OF TEXAS STATE
HISTORY
1605: The Gunpowder Plot failed when Guy Fawkes was seized before he could blow up the English Parliament. 1872: Suffragist Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for attempting to vote in a presidential election. 1956: Britain and France landed troops in Egypt during fighting between Egyptian and Israeli forces around the Suez Canal. 1974: Ella Grasso of Connecticut became the first woman elected governor in the United States without succeeding her husband. 1994: George Foreman became boxing’s oldest heavyweight champion at age 45 by knocking out Michael Moorer in the 10th round of their WBA fight in Las Vegas. 1998: A study showed strong genetic evidence Thomas Jefferson fathered at least one child by his slave, Sally Hemings. 2006: Saddam Hussein was convicted and sentenced by the Iraqi High Tribunal to hang for crimes against humanity. (He was executed the following month.) — Courtesy of New York Times
Correction:
In the Oct. 28 issue of The University Star, the column entitled “Abstinence is only protection against STIs,” the author implied that David Wiley, professor in the department of health, physical education and recreation, was encouraging students to have pre-marital sex. Mr. Wiley’s original quote reads: “Abstinence only education teaches students not having sex is the only 100 percent way to not contract an STI. This forgoes instruction on the proper use and effectiveness of condoms.” —The Star apologizes for this error
Jake Marx/Star photo PUMPING IRON: Gabe Recio, interdisciplinary studies sophomore, lifts weights Wednesday at the Student Rec Center.
Library Beat
Actress and storyteller brings Katherine Anne Porter to life Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winning author Katherine Anne Porter once said, “I never started out with anything in this world but a kind of passion, a driving desire.” Porter’s drive, along with her flawless pen and penetrating insights, made her a major voice in twentieth-century American literature. In a tribute to Porter’s life, work, and legacy, actress Pennylyn White brings to life the woman behind the pen in a probing performance using
extracts of Porter’s body of work, including her personal letters. Katherine Anne Porter, A Driving Desire will be presented at 7p.m. Nov. 14 at the Wittliff Collections on the library’s seventh floor. Co-sponsored by the English department, with special thanks to the Jane Hope Hastings Philanthropic Trust, this event is free and open to the public. Call 512-245-2313 for more information. Since Porter’s death, her reputation as a “Texas” writer has grown even though she lived most of her life outside the state and felt unappreciated
by it. Critic A.C. Greene, writing in The Fifty Best Books on Texas, calls Pale Horse, Pale Rider “the best Texas fiction ever written.” Two interesting collections of Porter materials are held at the Wittliff. A biography of the author and the archive inventories are online. Texas State’s Katherine Anne Porter Literary Center in Kyle was the author’s childhood home from 1892 to 1901. This dramatic biography performance by Pennylyn White is the first in a cultural literary program being developed as part of an
international tour series. An actress, writer and storyteller, White has developed several other one-woman shows and performed in many plays, including Story Theatre and Metamorphoses on Broadway. Her own play, In Bocca Alla Lupa, premiered in New York in 2008. A graduate of Northwestern University, White has taught courses in Movement, Storytelling, and Integrating Creativity at the University of Rio Grande’s summer graduate program for teachers for the last five years. — Courtesy of Alkek Library
San Marcos Veterans Day celebration starts this weekend The public is invited to join a city-wide salute to military veterans that kicks off in downtown San Marcos at 10 a.m. Saturday. Kids of all ages are invited to bring their bikes down to the San Marcos Kiwanis Club’s area on The Square. Kiwanis Club members will help decorate the bikes for the Kids Bicycle Brigade and will escort the group as they ride in the Veterans Day Parade. San Marcos’ annual Veterans Day Parade will start at 10 a.m. with the parade course including a portion of the downtown courthouse square. Parade check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. The check-in station will be located on Hopkins Street in front of the San Marcos Public Library. Hopkins Street will be closed to through traffic between Charles Austin Drive and Fredericksburg Street. The parade will travel on Hopkins Street towards the Hays County Courthouse. After passing the courthouse, it will turn right onto Fredericksburg Street, then right onto Hutchinson Street, travel down Hutchison and turn right onto C.C. Allen Parkway. The parade will then turn left on to Hopkins Street and the line-up area for disbanding. Leading the parade will be grand marshal
George Kumpe, who earned two purple hearts while serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Kumpe will be riding in a 1959 Edsel convertible provided by Dick’s Classic Car Museum of San Marcos. Seven of the remaining ten grand marshal nominees are expected to serve in an honor guard, riding on a float immediately behind Kumpe. Invited to participate in the honor guard are nominees U. S. Air Force veteran Lt. Col. Robert L. “Bob” Dentino; U.S. Army veterans Richard Cruz, Thomas Ivarra Sr. and Thomas Ivarra Jr.; and U.S. Marine Corps veterans Tom L. Bambrick, George Boemerman and Dr. Dick E. Hammond. U.S. Navy veteran Captain Bettye G. Nagy, the first female grand marshal nominee, will be driving her own vehicle representing the Retired Officers Association. Nominee Dr. Theodore Dake Jr., a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, is out of town attending a professional conference. Nominee Alan Cameron, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, will be the parade master of ceremonies. —Courtesy of City of San Marcos
Archaeologist, author to discuss Amelia Earhart mystery Thomas F. King, author and senior archaeologist for the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery, will give a talk at 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Taylor-Murphy Hall, room 101, about Amelia Earnhart’s disappearance. The talk is free and open to the public. The aircraft recovery group is an interdisciplinary scientific research team that has been working since 1989 to find answers to Earhart’s disappearance. King’s talk will review the history of the efforts to find out what happened. He will also discuss his novel Thirteen Bones, which tells the Earhart story based on the data and evidence collected. “Lots of wild speculation and minimallyresearched work has been generated by many different Earhart enthusiasts since the 1940s, but the TIGHAR has taken an interdisciplinary, fact-based approach to solving the mystery,” said Stephen Black, assistant professor in the department of anthropology. “King worked in the Pacific decades ago with his wife, a culture anthropologist. He brought both cultural familiarity with the region and an archaeologist’s perspective to the project.” Lynn Denton, director of the Public History Program, said the Earhart mystery has resonated
with the public and has endured for so many years. King’s talk, she said, will offer the audience a good perspective of the systematic work historians and archeologists undertake to answer research questions and how convoluted the pathways they follow can oftentimes be. “The public has always been fascinated with historical narratives that don’t have an ending. When you combine the record-breaking ‘firsts’ of Amelia Earhart’s life with the mystery of her disappearance, you have a very compelling story,” Denton said. In addition to the talk, King will be speaking to the Cultural Resource Management seminar (Anthropology 5334 and History 5375C) as well as leading a professional development workshop 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13 at the River Center. Pre-registration is required to attend the workshop. The cost is $60 for students and $125 for cultural resource management professionals. Individuals interested in attending the workshop can register at www. txstate.edu/anthropology/cas/. King’s visit to Texas State is sponsored by the Public History Program and the anthropology department. — Courtesy of University News Service
News
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Partnership with City and C.A.R.T.S. to benefit students, residents By Dj Nutter News Reporter The City of San Marcos is funding a transportation partnership with Capital Area Rural Transportation System in order to better mobilize residents without vehicles. Lyle Nelson, chief officer of operation at C.A.R.T.S. said he will be working in conjunction with Texas State buses in order to “mitigate some of the parking needs around the city.” Council members at Monday’s meeting agreed to fund Nelson’s transit project in the amount of $100,000. City Council member Chris Jones, Place 4, said he was skeptical in supporting the resolution because it does not consider the need for longer hours of operation. He said simply reinstating current hours – 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. – is negligent to the needs of those who get off work as routes are closing. “We’re trying to move to-
ward integration of two types of transportation,” Jones said. “People typically have time to run errands after (their evening shift), but can’t.” Nelson said hours of operation optimize C.A.R.T.S. limited budget. City Council member John Thomaides, Place 6, asked Nelson if adjusting routes to operate from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. would increase current ridership of 120,000 trips per year. Nelson was unable to answer the question. However, Nelson said he needs council members involvement in finding ways to increase the accessibility and use of transit systems. “The approach that seems to be working for the Council is education through youth,” said City Council member Kim Porterfield, Place 1. “Would bringing buses to schools to teach students’ routes and (features of the bus) be something you’d consider?” Porterfield asked Nelson. Nelson said he will consid-
er council members’ request as they know what typically works for the community. Porterfield said it is necessary for students to become familiar with a system officials’ expect them to use when they are adults. Additionally, she said the public is not aware of their current opportunities for public transit. Nelson said he is willing to work with the city and the university in publicizing more opportunities to get “from point a, to point b.” He said the community is allowed to ride on campus buses in order to better accommodate their daily routes. Nelson said students can similarly use C.A.R.T.S. if certain university bus routes are too congested. Jones tabled the discussion regarding council member compensation. “I want to table this item because it has become very political,” Jones said. Mayor Susan Narvaiz said the discussion of paying
council members started in February, before the political season. She said her request at the first meeting was not politically driven. “I’ve said since February that I ran for an unpaid public servant position,” Porterfield said. “However, I’d support $50 to $100 each meeting at the most.” Narvaiz said the ordinance also calls for an audit and finance committee to review council members’ expense accounts for irregularities. “It is unfair for it to be said that (council members’ expense accounts) are not audited,” Thomaides said. “I’d be happy if (all of my expenses for the past fiscal year) were put on the city Web site.” Thomaides said nothing would change with Narvaiz’s proposal for a finance committee because problems would still land in the City Clerk’s lap. “I know we can think more outside of the box,” Thomaides said.
River monitoring project will protect endangered species By Hollie O’Connor News Reporter All eyes are on the San Marcos Observing System as the proposed project becomes a reality. The Observing System is essentially a continuous monitoring project of the San Marcos River. Various aspects will be under constant surveillance because of this new project, said Thomas Hardy, research professor at the River Systems Institute. The project began as a paragraph proposal outlining basic concepts to learn more about the relationship between flow, water quality and ecology, which would in turn further understanding of the needs of the river system, Hardy said. The proposal led State Rep. Patrick Rose (D-45) to get a $1 million grant in funding over spring’s legislative session. Hardy said a better understanding of the river is need-
ed because of pressures from water development, existing and future growth of San Marcos and the endangered species in the river. The Observation System will help create this understanding, Hardy said. One constantly changing aspect that will be monitored is the river’s physical structure, or how it aggrades or degrades, Hardy said. “I don’t know if you’ve ever looked below Saltgrass, but there is kind of an island with vegetation growing up,” Hardy said. “That is from sediment coming down Sessom’s creek from the university construction. It deposited that and then the plants grew up. When I first mapped the river in 1991 that little island wasn’t there.” Hardy said the chemical and biological aspects of the river will also be monitored. There is already equipment in place to measure the river’s temperature, pH level
and levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, but a new crew of students has undertaken the task of making a three dimensional map of the chemical topography of the river, Hardy said. “Plants need (nitrogen and phosphorus) to create biomass, and if you have too much of it, it turns into green-pea soup,” Hardy said. “Now we’re going to monitor all the chemistry all through the system continuously.” Another crew consisting of Casey Williams, aquatic resources graduate student, and Joe Angermeier, alumnus with a master’s degree in biology, is mapping the river’s vegetation. There have already been maps of where the endangered Texas Wild Rice plants are, but Angermeier’s and William’s project will mark every kind of vegetation in the river system, Hardy said. “We will finally be able to show how complex and important it is,” Angermeier said.
Williams said their project will help them understand how to best preserve the habitat of the endangered Fountain Dart, which lays its eggs in the river’s plants. They will be able to tell which kinds of plants the Fountain Dart prefers, and make informed decisions about managing the river based on that data, Williams said. They will collect information about how invasive plant species affect native plant species, Williams said. Williams and Angermeier said they have documented approximately 70 plant species in the river system so far. They are both passionate about preserving the river and are excited about their research. “I get pissed off when people are swimming in the river and they say ‘I wish they’d clean out these plants,’” Williams said. “It isn’t just for them. It’s a habitat for multiple species.”
The University Star - 3
news
4 - The University Star
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Lights out in dining hall Residence means more revenue By Maurah Ruiz News Reporter Lights are out at Harris, and maintenance is not rushing to fix them. It is part of a new money-saving initiative at Harris Dining Hall by Chartwells. Upon entering Harris, students may notice a poster explaining the “Dine-in-theDark” concept — a program aimed at conserving energy and saving the university money by turning off the lights. Leslie Bulkley, resident district manager of Chartwells, said the initiative is expected to save the university “countless dollars” in the course of a year. “The money we’re expecting to save, and the energy that will be conserved is just a drop in the ocean,” she said. “Every little bit we can do will count in the long run.” Bulkley said the exact amount of energy and money
Election
saved per bulb is left up to calculation. “In a typical classroom, an average of 2,048 watts of energy is used,” she said in an email. “If the lights are kept on for eight hours a day, five days a week, that’s about $50.00 per week.” Harris Dining Hall is bigger than a typical classroom. Bulkey said a lot can be saved if everyone on campus takes initiative to turn off lights in empty rooms. “Don’t forget about lights in the restroom too,” she said. John Root, director of Auxiliary Services, said it is difficult to pin point what exactly is being saved and where the money is going. “It does stay in the Food Services Department though,” he said. “The university pays one big bill. The savings at Harris would be less money the university would have to pay for everything.”
continued from page
for this runoff — everyone could have found three people to vote.” About 8 percent of registered voters in Hays County cast a ballot. Cowan said the low turnout is not uncharacteristic of odd-numbered years with constitutional amendments. Hays
Turnout
1
County is slightly above average in terms of voter turnout, she said. “If it does go into a runoff, I don’t think it will be as intense, and it will be a smaller turnout than what we saw Tuesday,” Thomason said.
continued from page
with signs encouraging students to vote at LBJ. “We didn’t do a big registration drive like we should have, but nobody else did,” said Domaschk, political science senior. “College Republicans didn’t try.” However, Kristopher Infante, College Republicans chairman, disagrees. “On the first early voting day we were cooking in The Quad,” he said. “We gave out push cards and told everybody who came where the voting place was. We directed people toward LBJ where the earlyvoting site was.” He said College Republicans’ vice chairman, Roseanne
Root said the excess money would go towards services, replacement of old or outdated equipment and bringing new concepts to campus dining like Panda Express. “We recently bought some new chairs for Harris,” he said. Brandon Coogler, criminal justice freshman, said he did not notice the lights were off in the dining hall because of the big windows. “I do kind of see it a little darker,” he said. “I thought it was for Halloween. I guess it’s pretty cool. Everyone is ‘going green’ now.” Bulkley said she would like to see programs like this at all or most of the dining halls. “When Commons opens up again, I am going to try to get something like this going there too,” she said. “Of course, less lights would be left off. It’s a lot darker in there.”
1
Rodriguez, sent e-mails to everyone on their list reminding them to vote and explaining the propositions. Cowan said students are not familiar with the candidates. Candidates were by the LBJ Student Center, introducing themselves and encouraging registered students to vote during early voting. However, the students do not know them, she said. Infante, political science sophomore, said that is one reason College Republicans invited candidates to speak. “We brought City Council candidates to our meetings to inform students,” Infante said. “(They) informed students
on the propositions that affected veterans and students as well.” He said College Republicans discussed Prop 4, more than others because it “impacts students the most.” “I was hoping more students would come out because these issues matter to them so much,” Domaschk said. She said students who do not vote have no right to complain. “Don’t complain when you’re walking down the street and see sidewalks aren’t finished or they’re broken or there’s no bike paths,” she said. “All these are decided by City Council members.”
than 30 credit hours and lived on campus last year, the university can cancel their contracts. “We had to let a lot of students out of their contracts and ask them to find some place to live off-campus,” Proite said. She said 500 to 600 students took advantage of the option, and more students might have done so had the university acted sooner. “They were away (from campus) and it was hard for them to try to find a place to live,” Proite said. Part of the policy that will require recent high school graduates to live on-campus is new. Proite said more students are coming to the university with credit hours through Advanced Placement. “We know by a large amount of research that has been done nationally that the freshmanyear experience is the most important experience (for their academic success),” Proite said. “That's why we continue to have a freshman requirement.” She said the adjustment is temporary and requirements could tighten again in five or six years.
Smoking
continued from page
This will depend on how fast the housing construction projects will progress. University officials originally planned to build new housing as they demolish a few halls. Michael Petty, assistant director of Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, said Falls Hall is scheduled to be demolished after spring 2011 when the performing arts center project kicks off in June 2011. The north housing project at Sessom Drive and Comanche Street has been put temporarily on hold. It turned out the site had been filled with rubble and excavation materials, which make it more difficult to establish the foundation system. There is also a large underground drainage pipe that goes through the middle of the site. He said those site issues are not “insurmountable challenge(s).” “Any site has site constraints...whether it would be soil conditions, whether it would be drainage, whether it would be easements,” Petty said. “Any number of those things could play a role in delaying a project.” Smith said the number of
continued from page
dent needs, recommending appropriate over-the-counter methods or prescriptive medication to reverse addiction. The smoking cessation program costs $10 for faculty and $5 for students. According to the university policy and procedure statement, “Smoking is permitted outside buildings in open areas provided that it is not within 20 feet of a building entrance, open window or air intake. The Quad, Alkek Library and Academic Services Building breezeways have been designated as smoke-free and no smoking shall be permitted in these open areas.” Terrell said students have been disregarding this policy for years. According to university policy and procedure, “Individuals and management officials who fail to follow or enforce the Texas State smoking policy are subject to disciplinary action.” Terrell said UPD would be able to “hit students where it hurts” and give tickets to offenders if the policy becomes law. Dr. Emilio Carranco, director of the Student Health Center, said officials who review
1 students who can be accommodated in the Sterry Hall will also decrease when a garage is constructed on the surface parking lot in two years. Proite said the department staff will begin the sign-up process for the next school year in January. She expects they will have about 1,000 returning students with less than 30 credits and 800 to 900 returning students with more than 30 credits wanting to live on-campus. Smith said the university has 6,139 bed spaces on campus. She said the lottery is new at Texas State, but a number of universities use the program. Smith said she gave quarterly updates on what is happening on-campus to Austin Apartment Association members, and owners and managers of San Marcos apartment complexes to ensure communication between the university and local housing. The university is developing a Achieving Community Together Ally program in which local apartment complexes may earn recognition as an ACT Ally if they meet the expectations the university outlines.
1
the 2005 University Policy and Procedure Statement strengthened smoking regulations in high-traffic areas on campus. He said enforcement of the policy is as strict as students, faculty and UPD will mandate. “I do not think anyone would support fining students, though,” Carranco said. “UPD could potentially turn (student’s) names over to Student Justice, however, this has not yet occurred.” Carranco said the jury is still out on whether temporary exposure to second-hand smoke can cause serious health risks. He said scientific research explicitly proves long-term second-hand smoke can cause coughing, itchy, watery eyes and have increased sensitivity for those with asthma. Ann Marie Ellis, co-chair of President’s Council for Women at Texas State and dean of liberal arts, said members are collecting data over the effects of permitting smoking oncampus. She said the council is in its preliminary stages, developing actions and decisions in the near future. “Someone once told me kicking their habit of tobacco was harder than stopping their
addiction to cocaine,” said Ellis, who spent seven years of her profession dealing with drug prevention. “Anyone who stops smoking tobacco is admirable.” Loving said they expect survey results similar to data collected at University of Minnesota. He said they have plans to use the data to prove the majority of students and faculty who do not smoke do not support those who pollute the campus with second-hand smoke and cigarette buds. According to University of Minnesota’s survey, 21.1 percent of faculty and staff answered it was “not likely” they would support an (indoors and outdoors) policy prohibiting smoking tobacco, 46.3 percent responded “very likely.” Of students survyed, 23.3 percent answered “not likely,” versus 41.5 percent who responded “very likely.” ASG Sen. Temitayo Gidado, exercise and sport science senior, said he is against his colleagues’ initiative. “We should put up more visual signage for impermissible locales,” Terrell said. “Let’s be honest, even President Obama smokes.”
Opinions
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The University Star - 5
Free speech ends and annoyance begins
By Robert Beckhusen Opinions Columnist In the past two months, three faculty members at San DiegoArea Southwestern College were banned from campus after they strayed from a “free speech patio” during a protest against school policies. A student reporter at James Madison University was charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct after attempting to interview students in a residence hall. A student resident at the University of Albany was forced to remove a sign from his door satirizing campus food because
it was “defacing school property.” A conservative group at Bucknell University was censored after they attempted to distribute fake money with President Obama’s face and the words, “Obama’s stimulus plan makes your money as worthless as monopoly money.” The excuse? Soliciting without prior approval. The school argued the stunt was on par with peddling products. I learned about these crimes through the non-partisan Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, whose president, Greg Lukianoff, spoke to a small group of student activists Monday. The students, mostly affiliated with the Young Conservatives of Texas, did good work bringing him here. F.I.R.E. has built a name pushing back against such infringements, and I support them for it. I’m not associated with any
Letter to the Editor
Several universities imposing stricter regulations on free speech
conservative or Republican group, but it’s a matter-of-fact that conservative students (particularly social conservatives) face greater challenges to speech than others. It’s troubling that individuals on the left (and universities are, with some outliers, bastions of the left) seem passive about a very eerie development. I would only suggest that if the roles were reversed, well, think about it. It’s not a “conservative” issue. There are examples from Texas State’s own history, if less clear cut. In front of Old Main, Nov. 13, 1969, students protesting the Vietnam War were threatened with suspension if they refused to disperse and accept an alternative time and place offered by the university. Ten students were suspended. A suit brought against the school by the suspended students was rejected by the Fifth Circuit court.
national average in virtually every sexual risk-taking behavior and Texas ranks third in the nation in teen births. The recent American College Health Association survey of students at Texas State found almost 85 percent had participated in oral, anal or vaginal intercourse in the past year. Of those who had had vaginal sex within 30 days of the survey, a full 25 percent did not use a condom. It should also be noted there is an 85 percent likelihood of pregnancy for those who are sexually active and not using any form of birth control. Clearly, no one needs any “encouragement” to be sexually active. It is all well and good to hope everyone remains sexually abstinent, but the reality is far different. Some of the highest percentages of unintended births and abortions occur to college-aged females. In fact, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy recently changed its name to the “National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy” to help focus attention on sexual risk-taking of college students. We should absolutely be talking with students at every opportunity about responsible sexual conduct. Most of our students have grown up in the “Conspiracy of Silence” around sexual health, so it’s no wonder they make such bad and ill-informed decisions. We have only ourselves to blame if the university actively or passively participates in this silence. The ignorance exhibited by Mr. Watson is but one example of why the Texas State community should have open dialogue about these other health issues important to college and life success.
By Ammie Jimenez Opinions Columnist Cell phones are huge part of everyday student life. We are attached to them as if they were a permanent part of our body. Between school and social lives, cell phones are the best, easiest way for most of us to stay connected. Unfortunately, it is not always the cheapest way. For those of us not fortunate enough to belong to a family cell phone plan and have to gather the money ourselves, it can become quite an overwhelming situation. Not only that, but with most major carriers, individual phone plans tend to be pretty outrageous. It is obvious the best deals are given to family plans. So we are left with a big question: what can we do about our phones? Stopping short of saving money for paying the cell phone bill and neglecting other bills…one can try to be smart about it and beat the system. I had to give up my old provider to continue getting service at all, which was a shame. One of the best ways to get around this dilemma is with a little research. Many business, schools and employers have deals with certain phone carriers to offer students, faculty and workers
discounts on cell phones and plans. It is a great way to try to lessen the burden of expenses, which seem to pile up during the semester. For example Texas State has a contract with AT&T, formerly known as Cingular, which offers students and staff members a discount through something called the Texas State Sponsorship. It is really great and very helpful. It is pretty easy to check if you qualify and see the available options. To get started is simple. Any student can visit the AT&T
Campus Pulse
mentary (these restrictions don’t make any distinction), but also terribly vague. What is vulgar, indecent or annoying is up to the person hearing the message. What is annoying to me might not be annoying to you, but in a society where one can be punished for annoying either of us, soon there’s little anyone could say. So to sum up, I’m not sure where F.I.R.E. would stand on these policies. I don’t speak for them. But a cursory look is a cause for concern, skepticism over whether these policies are warranted, and an impetus to ask whether they should be observed closely and resisted if there’s sufficient reason. If Texas State conservatives raise a challenge, I’ll stand with them. —Robert Beckhusen is a premass communication sophomore
Web site and search for the university advantage program. I’m not suggesting the only way to lower your cell phone bill is to drop your current carrier and switch to AT&T. However, when trying to figure out how to best shrink expenses, a good idea would be to utilize discounts that come from simply being a university student. When you go to the movies you take advantage of discounted tickets, so why should the same principle not apply in other areas? No one wants to give up
their much-beloved cellular device in order to make bill pay easier. The only other logical solution is to try to make the expense as little a burden as possible. So remember to look into all options and utilize all discounts. There is no need to make our wallets any lighter, right? —Ammie Jimenez is an English junior
Sunday marked the beginning of a month-long celebration of all things hairy. No Shave November is here but the questions is…
To beard or not to beard?
“I hate shaving because I’m too lazy and I think I look better with facial hair.” -Brandon Ruschak, applied arts and sciences sophomore “I love my beard. It’s nice and thick and I can grow it out in about three days so there you go.” -Ryan King, history graduate student
Sincerely,
David C. Wiley David C. Wiley, Ph.D. Professor of Health Education Chair, Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy President, American School Health Association
very much (if the restrictions were actually enforced). The Code of Student Conduct prohibits “abusive, indecent, profane or vulgar language” and “offensive gestures or displays.” The code also states that “knowingly or recklessly harassing or threatening, in person, in writing or by other means, to take unlawful action against any person, thereby causing or intending to cause annoyance or alarm” is restricted. Well, to make it clear, the university already forbids any activity which violates any federal, state or local law. Courts can issue restraining orders against persons who harass others, and for good reason. Wouldn’t this take care of whatever problems may arise? So, it’s not only too broad, since “vulgar” language is protected by the First Amendment and Supreme Court rulings when applied to social com-
Texas State students may qualify for discounts on cellular plans
Dear Star Editor, I wish to express my concern over an editorial in the Oct. 28 edition of The University Star that attributed blatantly incorrect statements to me. I was originally interviewed by Clay Thorp, a Star reporter, regarding a story about whether or not the Student Health Center should offer free sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening. In the editorial written by Tristan Watson about that story I was accurately quoted when I said “Abstinence-only education teaches students not having sex is the only 100 percent sure way to not contract a STI. This forgoes instruction on the proper use and effectiveness of condoms.” How do I know what goes on in abstinence-only sexuality programs? It just so happens I am co-author of the most comprehensive study ever undertaken on the status of sexuality education in Texas public schools. A copy of our highly acclaimed report is available at www.justsaydontknow.org. In Mr. Watson’s admonition to students to remain abstinent, he states, “Providing unsuited statements like this mislead students into believing casual sex is acceptable.” He then accuses me of “encouraging students to have premarital sex.” He continues, “Condoms and contraceptives are not 100 percent effective, and stating otherwise would be illogical.” He closes by noting, “... educating students about responsible sexual practices at Paws Preview and orientation is not a decision that should even be considered.” For the record, I have been a professional health educator for more than 30 years and have never once said condoms or other forms of contraception are “100 percent effective.” In addition, I have never “encouraged” premarital or casual sex. In short, Mr. Watson fabricated those statements. Here’s what is true. The 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of Texas high school students revealed 6 out of 10 graduating seniors had had sexual intercourse at least once. In addition, Texas youth rank higher than the
Texas State has a policy limiting speech to “campus expression areas.” It’s understandable universities fear liability. From The Fighting Stallions to the Psychology Building, the grassy mall in front of the J.C. Kellam Administration Building and the mall between the Alkek Library and the LBJ Student Center are the most trafficked areas. You can do your thing without prior approval. I don’t like limiting it in this way, but as I said, it is expansive for a university. As a point of comparison, according to F.I.R.E., the South Campus of Tarrant County College restricts speech to “an elevated, circular concrete platform about 12 feet across.” But that’s only part of the story. As the university permits a broad physical space to conduct discussion, its restrictions on student conduct is so broad, you couldn’t get away with saying
“I think the pirate beards, the long pirate beards are not sexy or not cool, but beards in general are nice.” -Ashley Parks, interdisciplinary sophomore
“I think beards are awesome. Not too long and not too short, but right in the middle looks great. -Jami Blomstrom, pre-communication disorders sophomore
Honor students get early registration
Poor class availability has many down, but not honor students
By Luis Baez Opinions Columnist There are two kinds of students at Texas State. There are the students who get to register early and students who have to make do with the classes that are not full — even though those full classes are probably the ones they need.
I bet you’re asking yourself, “Where can I sign up?” The answer is with the University Honors Program. Twice a year the honors program hosts an event where professors showcase the class they will teach the following semester and encourage honors students to sign up. After the meeting, honors students are required to fill out a form requesting permission to register for the classes and, if granted, they can enroll for them a day earlier than everyone else. Unfortunately, there are a couple of problems.
Before I start though, let me make one thing clear. I understand the need for honors students to be able to hold a spot in a normal course just in case they do not get permission to register for the honors equivalent. This makes perfect sense. What does not make sense is if a student has no intentions to take an honors course, but are still in the system, they get access to early registration. This means the honors program might become the equivalent of a “register early pass” and students who take the extra effort get to do so. I doubt the program wants to
give the impression early registration is its sole benefit. There are 357 spots each semester for honors courses, but the mailing roster on TRACS shows more than 357 students in the program. This creates problems for students who have to register with everyone else. If a student tries to register for a class they need to take and see the dreaded “0” in the empty spots section, they are forced to take a guess between three choices. The class might be full because there are students who actually intend to take it.
The second possibility is the class is full because there are honors students who are holding seats in case they are not allowed to register for an honors course. The final option is there are “honors” students who are not taking honors courses but beat them in registration because they got to apply early. This leaves the student with finding a class they do not want to take, or hoping the same thing won’t happen to them next semester. The solution seems very simple. The honors program should
create a system that makes sure the only students who have access to early registration are students who intend to graduate in the program. If a student did not fill out a request form for an honors class, they should not have access to early registration. The program needs to make sure those who are doing the work to be honors students get to reap the benefits, especially when the options of every other student are at stake. —Luis Baez is a political science junior
Opinions
What’s your opinion?
Send your thoughts to staropinion@txstate.edu Remember to keep it between 400 and 500 words
Thursday, November 5, 2009
6 - The University Star
the main
point.
Everyone
gets graded ASG is no exception
Associated Student ment senators and execu Govern- of clear, open communication PASSED LEGISLATION should be no strange tive board quick action in implementingand — FAIL a opinions page. This semrs to the new application process for the est er, The committe We have not University Star has no t been very made pu e. ASG finances have been passed that aimseen a single bill outspoken on the perfo blic as well. Students can s to sig improve the quality of nificantly the student representat rmance of go to the ASG site and view wh Texas State. ive ere And really, what their money is going But we have been watch s. is the point of ing ... and having these other ac taking notes. tions, such as transparency and go ENFORCEMENT — PASS Now it is time to give AS G its midsentation, if at the end od represemester report card. ASG does not do its moof the day This ASG administratio These grades are not n is no fin t al tant job? Not to dim st imporand the first to opera ASG has time to fix any inish what te un de r a set or ruin its good grades. poor scores rules, but it is a breath of fresh of has been accomplished so far, Ex air tra cre but if the semester en dit to see these rules will be considered on ded today enforced. case basis. More than tw a case-by- mer senator John Nesselhauf For- the student body would not have wa o ab s sen gotten what they dese ces relieved from his will result in a failing gra rved from posit de ing to attend meetings.ion for fail- their representatives. We looked closely at the . Th e att en ir pe rfor- dance policies ha mance of representing ve been enfor PROPOSED LEGISLAT body. There’s no rea the student this semester and breaches of ced ION — l the nu me rical rules have been INCOMPLETE way of quantifying this, dealt with accordso we ’re go ing ly. On this issue, the ing off a pass/fail system instead. But wait, the semest tration passes with fly adminising colors. over yet. We have seen er is not TRANSPARENCY — PA SS ing on and researching ASG workREPRESENTATION — PASS tiatives that will hope sound iniThis year’s ASG has set a to fruition before the fully come new Senators have been precedent by putting end of the ho ldi online for all to see. Thits records grievance sessions every Wedn ng semester. ASG has looked into imis esinc lud portant issues, such es day in The Quad. bills, attendance and ho as free STI This keeps sen voted. You can find thi w senators tors aware of major problems a- tests, adding an extra dead day tha s on t AS an G’s perhaps only a ha d safe transportation page of the Texas State ndful for We know about and makes of students dents. But the semester is wistuA low point on the issb site. AS ndG mo re in ue cam ing e tune with the stude do when three of six sen nt body. Before Mond wn, and the clock is ticking. ato rs fro m ay the ’s se grievance sessions, ASG meeting was on one fraternity were pla e it cou newly formed tailgatinced on the have been difficult for students ld of the shortest in recent memory, g to co mm an itd on ly ge t a hold of their ASG rep thing accomplished wa tee. An application pro s resen been put in place to ho cess has tives, considering a good numbta- wrapping up a formality from the pe er ful ly pr en ev iou of s we students probably do ek. sure a conflict of intere not All of ASG’s other no does not happen again. st like this know who their chosen senato even r is. tions should not be in table acHopefully students will have been an extremeWhat could va uti liz e the ly em ba Each of you should getin. r- grievance sessions rassing situation for AS a bobcat an d ge t to kn a simple misstep throu G became their elected representatives whow sticker — keep it up and you degh the use they are at ile serve a pizza party it. .
The Main Point is the opinio n of the newspaper’s edi torial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Ma rcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.
Juan Ramirez/Star illustration
The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708
Editor In Chief.........................................................Amanda Venable, stareditor@txstate.edu
Managing Editor..............................................Claire Heathman, starcopychief@txstate.edu
Account Executive.......................................................Marissa Alonzo, starad3@txstate.edu
Letters.....................................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu
Copy Desk Chief...................................................Rikki Saldivar, starcopychief@txstate.edu
Office Manager...............................................Emily Gerngross, starclassifieds@txstate.edu
News Editor........................................................................Allen Reed, starnews@txstate.edu
Web Editor............................................................Scott Thomas, starwebeditor@txstate.edu
Media Specialist.....................................................................Matt Lynch, matty@txstate.edu
Trends Editor...........................................Ashley Dickinson, starentertainment@txstate.edu
Design Editor......................................................Anthony Reynolds, stardesign@txstate.edu
Advertising Coordinator.....................................................Jodie Claes, starad1@txstate.edu
Opinions Editor.............................................................Brett Thorne staropinion@txstate.edu
Art Director...........................................................Michelle Oros, starartdirector@txstate.edu
Publications Coordinator..........................................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu
Photo Editor......................................................................Sara Strick, starphoto@txstate.edu
Sales Manager.................................................................Krystal Slater, starad2@txstate.edu
Publications Director.............................................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu
Sports Editor....................................................................Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu
Marketing................................................................Samantha Manley, sm1299@txstate.edu
Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State UniversitySan Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Thursday, November 5. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.
Trends Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sole
Style Your , Help Another Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor Podoconiosis is a debilitating disease that swells the feet and legs, causing pain and making it almost impossible for its host to walk. According to Causecast.org, “It is estimated that in Ethiopia alone, 11 million people are at risk for podoconiosis. It is caused by barefoot exposure to silica rich soil and makes its way into the lymphatic system.” The prevention for the disease is simple: shoes. Bobcats for TOMS shoes is a new group on campus devoted to spreading the word about the brand. The difference between TOMS and most shoe brands is for every TOMS purchased, a corresponding pair will be donated to a child in need. The “TOMcats” will be in Sewell Park at noon Sunday for a Style Your Sole party. Leigh Morgan, journalism junior, said her goal is to raise awareness of the problem. “We have a 100 shoe goal this semester,” Morgan said. “We want to get as many people out as we can.” Morgan said there will be bedazzlers, spin art paints, regular paint and other arts and crafts to design the shoes. “It is basically a do-it-yourself, bring your own shoes (party),” Morgan said. “We’ve received donations from Mamacita’s and Los Cucos. Papa John’s is going to have a dollar per slice.” Morgan said the group members hope to grow and host fashion shows and movie nights.
Students have historically been faced with limited money-saving options as far as buying textbooks. Used or new, students say purchasing textbooks from the campus bookstore can be costly. According to the College Board, students spend an average of $1,000 a year purchasing textbooks. Students are given the option of re-selling textbooks to bookstores at the end of each semester, but at a fraction of the purchased price or with chances of rejection, thanks to new editions or changes in curriculum. Companies such as Chegg. com, BookRenter.com and CampusBookRentals.com have emerged to offer students another option: renting instead of buying. This new paradigm is a wake-up call in what Chegg.com cofounder Aayush Phumbhra calls, “a sleepy industry.” Through companies such as Chegg, students can go to the Web site, find and order their books, which are later mailed to them. Students send books back in the same rented box at the end of the semester, comparable to the popular system used by Netflix. By renting through their Web site, Chegg boasts to save students 40 to 70 percent on the cost of textbooks. Ashley Lengen, Chegg representative, said since the company’s inception in 2007, it has saved Texas State students almost $260,000 overall. Rachel Osterhus, psychology senior, said she chose to rent her textbooks online for the first time this semester using Chegg.com. “The main issue is cost,”
The MTV Europe Music Awards Thursday will be celebrating 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall at the O2 World Arena with host Katy Perry. The audience is predicted to be more than 17,000, marking what Bill Roedy, president of MTV Networks International, predicts to be the largest show in the history of MTV Europe.
Soul
The University Star - 7
Victoria David, social work senior, said she is passionate about TOMS and their mission. “This is something we are trying to do annually,” David said. “We hope to exceed our goal. We hope everyone who comes buys a new pair of shoes for the event.” Texas State students will receive a $5 discount when ordering shoes online by entering “CAMPUSTXSU.” David said slack lines, volleyball and games will also be Sara Strick/Star photo illustration available. HELPING SOLES: The Style Your Sole party will be held in Sewell Park at noon Sunday. Bobcats for TOMS shoes is a new group on “I know when people think campus devoted to spreading the word about Podoconiosis, a debilitating disease. of philanthropy they don’t think it is fun,” David said. “We are trying to show it is a really fun and great thing to do.” David said when she received her first pair of TOMS shoes, the timing was impeccable. “It was right around the Walk Without Shoes Day on campus,” David said. “I saw videos of these children unable to walk because of this horrible, horrible disease that could be cured by a pair of shoes.” David said TOMS is reaching out to a group of people who are normally neglected. “They are about $42 and up for a pair of shoes, which may seem like a lot, but think of it as $21 for your pair and $21 for a deserving child,” David said. “When you think about how much you spend on other things, $21 to shoe a child is such a little amount of money. I can’t say enough good things about it.” TOMS shoes are sold locally at Calli’s Boutique.
Renting textbooks saves money, helps Mother Nature By Alejandro Martinez Features Reporter
Memories with Music
Osterhus said. “I don’t like buying from the bookstore because most of the time you have to buy new books, and you rarely get any money selling them back.” Chegg officials have begun offering a head-to-head challenge to university bookstores. Students are asked to price a semester’s worth of textbooks from the campus bookstore compared to the cost of renting the same books from their company. If Chegg proves to be more expensive, the company will refund the difference to the student in cash. “We’re not here to make a statement,” said Phumbhra. “We’re here to save students money.” Chegg employees emphasize renting from them benefits the environment with its “Rent-A-Book, Plant-A-Tree” program in partnership with the American Forests ReLeaf Program. The company celebrated planting over 1 million trees, making them the largest tree-planting partner in the Releaf program. These measures encourage the recycling and re-using of old textbooks. “Students love the environment, and so do we,” said Phumbhra. “Renting (textbooks) itself saves trees and repairs the damage already done.” The issue of expensive textbooks was recognized by the federal government. The Higher Education Opportunity Act, passed last year, included $10 million for grants to support textbook rental pilot programs. “Before companies like Chegg, there seemed to be a monopoly over the industry,” said Osterhus. “This could be the future of buying textbooks.”
8 - The University Star
advertisement
Thursday, November 5, 2009
trends
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A
The University Star - 11
TO
BOBCAT
KNOW
Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo portrait ARTISTIC ENTREPENUER: Chloé Yingst, drawing and communication design senior, has self-published a children’s book.
Passionate art student makes her way to fulfill dreams By Brittany E. Wilson Features Reporter When Chloé Yingst was four years old, she walked up to her mother and said, “Mom, I’m an artist.” Yingst is furthering her passion one art show at a time as a senior in college. Yingst, double major in drawing and communication design, is a self-published author, honors student, active artist and a budding entrepreneur. Yingst wrote, illustrated and self-published a children’s book through Blurb.com for her honors program thesis. “My story is about a fish party that gets out of control,” Yingst said. “The fish knock over the coral, and they make the water dirty by kicking up sand. The pages are done in watercolor.” Yingst sold several books to friends. Writing the story was the hardest part for her, but illustrating the graphics was “a blast.” Yingst said art runs in her genes with an encouraging artistic mother who works with fibers. Yingst’s mother took her to classes at the Southwest School of Arts and Crafts in San Antonio. Yingst said those classes helped train her eye, which is one of the most important exercises an artist can do. Drawing figures upside down helps train the brain to focus
on shapes and lines instead of defining the images, she said. Another exercise Yingst uses is focusing on the negative spaces behind images. Yingst said the art program at Texas State is a wonderful challenge. “The nice thing about going to school as an art major is it’s a structured art practice,” Yingst said. “Teachers push you in different directions and get you outside of your comfort zone to learn other things about what you’re capable of doing.” Yingst sells creations from her studio classes and others from completions in her spare time. Some inspiration for Yingst comes from the Italy study abroad trip she took with the art department last summer. “It was perfect,” Yingst said. “The birth of art is there. To go see it and hear it from somebody who knows what they are talking about was wonderful.” Tantra Coffeehouse will be hosting Yingst’s next art show at 9 p.m., Nov. 13. “This time I’ve been really pushing it and telling everyone, and I’m expecting a really big turn out,” Yingst said. “I’m really excited about it.” Yingst showcases her art portfolio on a personal Web site. Visit www.chloejane. carbonmade.com for more information.
“The nice thing about going to school as an art major is it’s a structured art practice. Teachers push you in different directions and get you outside of your comfort zone to learn other things about what you’re capable of doing.”
- Chloé Yingst, drawing and communication design senior
Sara Strick/Star photos FURNITURE FLARE: Ron and Audrey Hall’s new store Accentuate! on The Square features furniture designed and made in India.
Furniture company owners bring the likes of India to San Marcos Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor Ron and Audrey Hall have eaten enough curry to last a lifetime. The couple said they travel to India twice a year to work with craftsmen designing their furniture. Accentuate!, the Halls’ new store on The Square, is home to some of the collection. Filled with teak sideboards and rosewood armoires, Accentuate! is no Ikea. Audrey Hall, co-owner, said she and her husband wanted to be closer to family and craved the small town charm. “I went to high school here and graduated from Southwest Texas State,” Hall said. “We love San Marcos and are proud to be members of the community.” The Halls brought their knowledge of the wholesale industry to San Marcos. “We have a furniture wholesale company we started in Dallas, and we imported furniture from India,” Hall said. “As
we grew, we started importing from China, Indonesia, South America, basically everywhere, but mainly the hardwood pieces are from India.” Florence McNeal, San Marcos resident, loved the pieces, even though they would not fit in her apartment. “I love the quality,” McNeal said. “It is not made from compressed wood — it’s real wood with intricate details.” Ron Hall said the furniture in the store is meant to be treasured and passed down from generation to generation. “These are heirloom pieces,” Hall said. “We want people to keep these pieces in their family.” Hall said she designed furniture while in India. “We design it, travel to India, put it to paper and bring it to life with the help of my friend,” Hall said. “They come to be a piece of furniture in different ways.” Hall said some of the pieces are recycled. “If you’ve traveled to India,
you’ve seen how elaborate (doorframes are), and everything is embellished with color on it,” Hall said. “They take a doorframe and make a bookcase out of it. The bookcase could be, archeologically speaking, over 100 years old.” All the work is done by hand. “You’ve got craftsmen actually working on things,” Ron Hall said. “There is a guy working with a chisel and a mallet on these things, making these amazing carvings, and I think it is incredible. No two pieces are alike because
everything is done by hand. We want to give an appeal with something people can’t find anywhere else.” Accentuate! offers a 15 percent discount to students with ID, because the Halls said they want to be involved in the community. “We want to bring in students and have them be a part of Accentuate!,” Hall said. “We want to showcase local art here and have a monthly gallery. We want to keep it local and build our community.”
Trends
12 - The University Star
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Bowen taps boots at Cheatham Street Warehouse
By Kassie Kitchen Trends Columnist Kent Finlay’s Cheatham Street Warehouse, built in 1974, is still booming after 35 years of honky-tonk bliss. The warehouse proved its
ability to continue drawing in large crowds of western clad, country music lovers for Wade Bowen’s Tuesday night performance. The show kicked off with The Wes Nickson Band from Austin. The band was mostly Texas country with a hint of traditional southern rock. They play shows almost every other night, mostly around Driftwood and New Braunfels at Tavern on the Gruene. The Wes Nickson Band’s first independently released album came out in 2005 titled Tired of Waitin’. The band played its latest hit single called “Barely Holdin’ On,” and despite the
S.M.A.R.T. outlet for local musicians By Colleen Gaddis Features Reporter
S.M.A.R.T. Orchestra provides new local musical opportunities for all ages. Christopher Hanson, graduate in music education and composition, created the S.M.A.R.T. Orchestra, San Marcos Artist’ Retention and Training Orchestra, which is open to players of all ages with two years of playing and reading experience in their instruments. Those wanting to learn something new are also welcome to join. Hanson has been quoted as saying “we really want to design a system so at any point (if) any citizen of San Marcos wants to know what it is like to join a string orchestra, they can do so.” On the orchestra’s Web site, their mission statement denotes the organization’s intent on creating a musical outreach for the community. “Whether you are a member of our audience or performing in the S.M.A.R.T. viola section, your enthusiasm and curiosity is welcome in an environment of acceptance and growth,” the
keen ability to make listeners tap their boots and sing along, the band members currently remains unsigned. Wade Bowen and his band took the stage at 10:40 p.m. By that time, the crowd of people gathered closely and the bar nearly tripled. Bowen announced this was the band’s first time to play at Cheatham Street and they got a warm welcome. The band’s front man, Bowen, was born and raised in Waco. Bowen said he had a love for country and bluegrass music from an early age, and finally decided to break off and start making
his way in the music business in 2001. Other members of the band include Bowen’s longtime friend and fellow musician, Matt Miller, along with Gary Wooten, Brooks Robinson and Caleb Jones. The band played its current radio hit “You Had Me At My Best.” I could tell it was a fan favorite looking around the warehouse at all the people singing and toasting their drinks in the air. Ashley Westbrook, psychology senior, has seen Wade Bowen play a few times and said she is never disappointed. “They were amazing as usual,” Westbrook said. “He
Web site reads. The orchestra currently has 30 members, ranging from elementary school students to local San Marcos musicians. Texas State students also intern with the program. “As a student intern, I rehearse sectionals and perform with the orchestra. Eventually, I hope to conduct the orchestra,” said Ruben Balboa, music studies freshman. Balboa said the orchestra members are eager and passionate. “The students in the S.M.A.R.T orchestra always bring smiles to each rehearsal and are enthusiastic about performing,” Balboa said. “The parents have been very supportive.” The orchestra had a concert Oct. 29 at San Marcos’ First Baptist Church. Themed for Halloween, students and interns dressed in costume, and treats were served at the reception. During the rehearsal prior to the concert, the musicians smiled with anticipation for Sara Strick/Star Photo the concert and the beginning LASTING SUCCESS: Wade Bowen and his band played at of a historical first season. Cheatham Street Warehouse Tuesday night.
always puts on a great show, and he really knows how to entertain the crowd. I had a great time as always.” Currently signed with Sustain Records, Bowen wants to remain true to his Texas country roots. He turned down a music video opportunity for their latest single. “This ain’t no No.1 or No.2 on some CMT countdown,” Bowen said. Like other artists in the industry, Bowen claims to be in it for the music and not the fame. However, the music video for their song “Trouble” does happen to be posted on CMT’s Web site. I
found that rather interesting. The debut album Try Not To Listen was released in 2002, followed by Live at the Blue Light and Lost Hotel in 2006. The group’s latest album is titled If We Ever Make It Home and came out in Sept. 2008. The band has collaborated with artists such as Pat Green and Ray Wylie Hubbard and recently toured with the Randy Rogers Band, another Texas country favorite. Wade Bowen is heading east for the next couple of weeks to play shows in Huntsville and Victoria, but will be back Nov. 25. in New Braunfels at Gruene Hall.
Fine Arts Calendar
Thursday Philosophy Dialogue Series: Designing the Future, 12:30 p.m., Psychology Building Amber Rivera: Senior trumpet recital, 8 p.m., Music Building Friday Philosophy Dialogue Series: Designing the Future, 10 a.m., Psychology Building Miguel Olivares: Junior jazz studies recital, 6 p.m., Music Building Somos Musicos: A concert series showcasing student performances, 8 p.m., Music Building Ensemble Series: Salsa Night, 9 p.m., LBJ Student Center Saturday Lauryn Gould: Student Recital, 2 p.m., Music Building Amy Ann Zuniga: Senior Saxophone Recital, 4 p.m., Music Building Crooked Still, 8 p.m., Glade Outdoor Theatre
Sunday Britni Lee Dunn: Senior Clarinet Recital, 2 p.m., Music Building Austin Chamber Players, “Romantic String Sextets,” 8 p.m., Music Building Monday Philosophy Dialogue Series: Meaning, 3:30 p.m., Psychology Building Positive Mental Regard Workshop, 3 p.m., Counceling Center Percussion ensemble and Steel Drum Band Concert, 8 p.m., Evans Auditorium Tuesday Philosophy Dialogue Series: Meaning, 12:30 p.m., Psychology Building Transforming Stress, 3 p.m., Counceling Center MFA Reading, 5 p.m., The Witliff Collections Percussion Ensemble Concert, 8 p.m., Evans Auditorium Wednesday Public Lecture: The Search for Amelia Earheart, 7 p.m., TaylorMurphy History Building Bat Boy: The Musical, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Center
Thursday, November 5, 2009
c ro s s w o rd
diversions
The University Star - 13
sudoku
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk
TOday’s sudoku solution
Courtesy of McClatchy-Tribune
© 11/5/09. The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.
Classifieds Classifieds Contact – starclassifieds@txstate.edu
Announcements
ASTROLOGY - NATIONAL COUNCIL OF GEOCOSMIC RESEARCH is forming a monthly study group Monday, November 16 at 7pm at South Austin Library, one block southwest of IH-35 and William Cannon Dr. Beginners and experienced. Free introductory class at San Marcos Library Tuesday, November 10 at 7pm. For more information, (512) 262-0463.
For Rent
208 UHLAND. 2BD/1BA. Renovated and ready to move-in. On the shuttle. Call Legacy Real Estate (512) 665-3321, legacyrealestate.biz
611 BRACEWOOD. 2BD/2BA. Renovated and ready to move-in. Call Legacy Real Estate (512) 665-3321, legacyrealestate.biz
For Rent–Apts
NORTH GATE ON LBJ has 1BD/1BA for $675 & a 2BD/2BA for $775. Both newly remodeled units. Walk to campus. Water/waste water paid. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Joe at (512) 665-3321 for a showing.
For Rent–Condos/ Townhomes
$810 PRE-LEASE TODAY for 1/9/10. 2BD/2.5BA Townhouse 1,000 sq.ft., 3 blocks from TxState, small, clean & quiet community. Free HBO, free internet, W/D. www.windmilltownhomes.com
For Rent–Duplex
519 HUTCHISON. 3BD/3BA CLOSE TO TSU. Full-size W/D included. Call Legacy Real Estate (512) 665-3321, legacyrealestate.biz
Help Wanted
!BARTENDING! UP TO $300/DAY. No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK. (800)9656520 ext. 157.
ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN FOR CALENDARS, GREETING CARDS, ETC. $100-200/hr., up to $1,000/day. No exp. needed, (512)684-8296. EARN EXTRA MONEY! Students needed ASAP, earn up to $150/ day being a mystery shopper. No experience required! Call 1 (800) 722-4791.
Help Wanted
PART-TIME FRONT DESK CLERK WANTED WITH A SMILING FACE! Must be able to work flexible hours, sometimes nights. Duties will include answering phones, reservations, typing, credit card and key machines, guest services. Math and Sales skills necessary. Need computer literate enthusiastic person. Must be willing to do some motel laundry. We have a non-smoking work place. Applicants must have a clean criminal record. Must indicate salary desired and any medical conditions. Apply in person at Americas Best Value Inn, 15101 IH 35 (Exit 220), Buda, TX 78610. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in San Marcos. 100% FREE to join. Click on surveys.
rates & policies Cost-25¢ per word (1-6 days); Cost-20¢ per word (7+ days); Deadline-2 business days prior by noon All classified ads must be paid in advance, unless credit is established. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. We do our best, but please check your classified ad for accuracy. Any corrections to your ad must be made by the second day of publication. As a free service to you, all classified ads will be published on-line on our web site at www.universitystar.com. However, since this is a free service, posting is not guaranteed. While The University Star attempts to screen ads for misleading claims or illegal content, it is not possible for us to investigate every ad and advertiser. Please use caution when answering ads, especially any which require you to send money in advance.
Help Wanted
TEACHERS NEEDED: Now hiring part-time afternoon teachers. Experience preferred but not required. Get paid to play. Must be available M-F 2:30-6:30 PM. Quality Child Development Center in Kyle. (512) 405-3700 or fax (512) 405-3701. www.rockinghorseacademy.com
Pesonals
$5,000 PAID. EGG DONORS. +Exps. N/Smokers, ages 19-29, SAT>1100/ ACT>24/GPA>3.0 Reply to: info@eggdonorcenter.com
Sublease
SUBLEASE AT THE EDGE. 1BD/1BA, $740 a month, all bills paid except electricity. Call (956) 655-2925.
TIRED OF COMMUTING EVERYDAY? Looking to sublease 4BD/4BA apartment within 5 miles of campus at The Edge! For more info., please call (713) 412-6378.
Wanted
NURSE AIDE TRAINING. Registering for classes. Contact Comfort Connection Nurse Aide Training (512) 392-4663.
SEMEN DONORS NEEDED! $150 per specimen, healthy college students age 18-39. For application go to www.123donate.com
14 - The University Star
advertisement
Thursday, November 5, 2009
sports
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Volleyball seeks Revenge
Cameron’s Commentary
Thank you
Losers
Ben Rondeau/Star file photo SETTING UP: AJ Watlington, junior right side hitter, serves the ball over the net Oct. 24 against Southeastern Louisiana at Strahan Coliseum.
By Eric Harper Sports Reporter Lamar and Sam Houston State handed the Bobcat volleyball team its first conference losses a month ago. The Bobcats will look to avenge those losses when they host Lamar Thursday and Sam Houston State Saturday at Strahan Coliseum. Mo Middleton, junior outside hitter, said the Bobcats remember the previous losses and trash talking from both Lamar and SHSU. “We are more pumped than ever,” Middleton said. “We have lots of reasons to have a fire lit under us and we’re ready to come out and let it all go at home.” The Bobcats are coming off a 3-0 sweep of Texas-Arlington on the road Tuesday. The Bobcats won the first and third sets by a wide margin but found themselves in a grind for set two. UTA served for set point at 24-23. However, the Bobcats were able to win the point and tie the set. The teams traded points, bringing the set to a tie at 39. Texas State took the next two points to win 41-39. The Bobcats ran out of substitute players late in the set, forcing Coach Karen Chisum to use some of her players out of position. Ally Buitron, junior libero, and Caleigh McCorquodale, freshman setter, were forced into front line action. Chisum said Tuesday’s win was an illustration of the Bobcats’ determination. “I think we saw the true character of this team,” Chisum said. “The girls were extremely proud of themselves for battling.” The victory extended the Bobcats’ win streak to six and provided a chance for the Bobcats to end this weekend at first place in the Southland Conference West Division. Two Bobcat wins over the Cardinals and the Bearkats, paired with Bearkat losses to Central Arkansas, put
Texas State in a tie with Sam Houston State. “This is what makes it exciting,” Chisum said. “Every time you step up to hit, it means something.” The Bobcats played what Chisum considers their worst match of the season Oct. 3 against Lamar in a 3-0 loss. Chisum said the Bobcats will have to deal with a balanced attack from Lamar that is similar to their own in order to have more success. “It’s kind of a grudge match for us,” Chisum said. “Lamar has a great setter and multiple hitters to contend with.” Middleton is coming off of a career-high 18 kills against UTA. Middleton said the intensity of the late season push has motivated her. “Knowing we have to win the rest of our games to have a chance at (the conference title) got me really excited,” Middleton said. “I have never been in a situation before with a chance to win conference and it really got my adrenaline pumping.” Middleton said the Bobcats have developed a strong on-court chemistry during their current win streak. She said team confidence and coaching adjustments have been crucial to the Bobcats’ success. “We were already a really closeknit team off the court, and the success has brought us together as a team on the court,” Middleton said. “The coaches have also gone through several theories this season and have been able to adapt to what fits us.” Chisum said the Bobcats are the most settled and consistent at exactly the right time. “We have reduced a lot of our errors. We have finally found a set lineup and the team chemistry is great,” Chisum said. “We are patient as coaches and the ladies have worked hard. We are playing our best volleyball at the finish, which is exactly what we wanted.”
“I have never been in a situation before with a chance to win conference and it really got my adrenaline pumping.” —Mo Middleton, junior outside hitter
Thank you to the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks for being undefeated just so Texas State could clobber you 28-7. Thank you to the New York Giants for losing the last three games after everyone said you were the best. Thank you to the Oklahoma State Cowboys for giving us something Cameron Irvine to talk about after your embarrassing Sports Columnist loss to Houston earlier this year, ending your “this is our year” bunch of nothing. Thank you to the St. Louis Rams for “upsetting” the Detroit Lions for your first win in 150 years and giving us ESPN highlights we were forced to watch. To all teams that have fallen from the top, been injured for the season, lowered expectations, or benched a potential superstar, thank you. For example, thank you Carolina Panthers, for keeping grossly aging Jake Delhomme in the starting lineup because you really believe he still has talent. It’s a month to give thanks to teams like USC, Oklahoma and the Chicago Cubs who never fail to disappoint. Give thanks to Lane Kiffin, head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, for trash talking the Florida Gators only to lose so bad I could not stop laughing. Thank you Tom Cable, for your fists of wisdom have shined a light on everyone involved. For all the players who have ever shot themselves by accident (you come in here, Plaxico), or run down someone with their car. You provide a chance at redemption. You, and others, provide a time to boo when you depart and cheer when you return. Or, in Brett Favre’s case, cheer when you depart and boo when you return. Thank you to the Russia hockey team for losing to the United States in the Olympics. A thank you should go out to O.J. Simpson for not killing people and to Steve McNair for ruining his legacy. Thanks to the Panthers, Eagles and Rams for giving New England three Super Bowls by a combined nine points. You really have inspired everyone. Any team who has not had a winning season in years (yes you, Pittsburgh Pirates), any team who has faded from our memory (that’s you, New York Knicks) or any team that has so many thugs they practice in a prison (that’s you, Denver Nuggets), you have given the fans a reason to watch. University of Michigan, you are my hero for losing to the fifth grade-level Appalachian State football squad in your 100,000seat stadium. Thank you, Jerry Jones for being dumb enough to build something so outrageous it actually interferes with your drama club football team from doing its job. You are wonderful, Ron Artest, for going into the stands and decking the drunk that threw beer at you in retaliation for you lying on the Pistons’ scores table and causing one of the biggest sports brawls in history. Florida State, you are my favorite icon because your players cannot even read. These are some of the worst, funniest and most pathetic moments in sports, but all of these people and poor teams give us a reason to watch. Upsets, drama and stupidity fuel sports and America in general. So next time you feel the need to criticize these people, you should thank them for just doing their job.
The University Star - 15
Sports 16 - The University Star
PRESEASON POSITIONS Women’s basketball player Victoria Davis, senior guard, was named to the Southland Conference all-preseason second team Wednesday. The team is predicted to finish fourth in the West Division in both the Coaches and Sports Information Directors polls.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu
Bobcat baseball is back
Allie Moncrief/Star photo BATTER’S UP: Texas State students supported the baseball team Wednesday as the Bobcats played in the Fan Appreciation Fall World Series.
By Joseph O. Garcia Sports Reporter The Texas State baseball team held its Fan Appreciation Fall World Series Wednesday. It was an opportunity for fans to get a glimpse of the Texas State baseball team before the season begins in February. The Bobcats are coming off their best season, winning a record 41 games in 2008. The team received an at-large bid to the NCAA Austin Regional Championship Tournament as the No. 2 seed. “It shows what baseball and what athletics mean here at Texas State,” said Coach Ty Harrington. “The fans got a chance to come out and watch the team.” The three-game series was played between the maroon and the gold teams in a inter-squad battle.
The maroon team swept the series in two games, but the teams will compete again in the third exhibition game. The second game was highlighted by a pair of home runs from the maroon squad. Kyle Livingstone, junior infielder, hit a three-run homer to left field in the bottom of the first inning to make the score 3-0. The gold team scored two runs in the top of the fourth inning and another in the fifth when Kyle Kubitza, sophomore third baseman, tied the game at 3 with a base hit. The second home run came in the bottom of the sixth inning when Andrew Stumph, freshman catcher, hit the game-winning home run to make the score 4-3. Tailgating took place before the game beginning at 4 p.m. with entertainment from the Adam Scott Band featuring Court Nance.
Other activities included a hotdog-eating contest, a dizzy bat race, a dance contest and a home run derby in which fans participated. “I thought it was amazing to have so many students come out,” Harrington said. “The Diamond Sweethearts did an amazing job marketing-wise to get them out here.” Former players from last year’s Southland Conference regular season championship team made the trip to San Marcos to coach the teams for Harrington. “From a coach’s standpoint, it was really neat because you get to see guys you spent a lot of time with,” Harrington said. “They had their championship rings on and showed plenty of pride.” Despite the sweep, the third game of the series will be played at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Allie Moncrief/Star photo
“It shows what baseball and what athletics mean here at Texas State,” —Coach Ty Harrington
Soccer secures top seed in tournament By Cameron Irvine Sports Reporter
Natchitoches, La. is the site for the hopeful final six women’s soccer teams left standing in the running for the Southland Conference tournament. The winner of the competition gets a bid in the NCAA Tournament. Texas State secured its No. 1 seed with a win over Texas-El Paso Friday and a Southeastern Louisiana loss Oct. 25. “It is always great to win and accomplish part of your dream,” said Coach Kat Conner. “(Getting) another SLC title and finally beating (Texas-San Antonio) is a good feeling.” Texas State will play the winner of Thursday’s matchup between No. 3 seed Stephen F. Austin and No. 6 seed
McNeese State Cowgirls. The Bobcats outscored these two opponents by a combined 4-1 earlier in the season, which included a hat trick from Britney Curry in the 3-1 victory over the Cowgirls. Steven F. Austin took Texas State into overtime in the teams’ previous meeting before Serena Hines, freshman forward, notched the victory with her second goal of the season and career. However, the Lumberjacks came back to finish the season well enough to clinch their 10th conference tournament berth in 13 years. Southeastern Louisiana, as part of the projected championship matchup with Texas State, is making SLC records by appearing in its 12th tournament. Thursday’s other wildcard matchup is between the No. 5
seed Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners and the No. 4 seed Sam Houston State Bearkats. SHSU defeated UTSA 2-0 in their game earlier this year. “Southeastern has to get to the final and we have to get the win from our game before we can even think about that matchup,” said Conner. “The Southland has some great teams and you have seen a lot of parity in our own conference, so we will take each match one at a time. We will be ready for an orange team Friday night, whether it be Sam Houston State or UTSA.” Coach Conner said if Texas State wins the tournament, it would most likely play at Texas A&M and face a Big 12 school. The destination and matchups will be announced Monday after the conclusion of the SLC tournament.
Football prepares for road battle By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter The Bobcat football team held a 2-3 overall, 0-1 conference record three weeks ago. Now, after three consecutive victories, Texas State is 3-1 in SLC games and is in the midst of a consecutive conference championship. “Our guys have just continued to work week in and week out,” said Coach Brad Wright. “We’re in the business of ‘What have you done for me lately?’ and that’s what we’ve done. We’ve worked hard as a team to get better, but it doesn’t matter now. We have to go out there and play another one.” Texas State, Southeastern Louisiana, McNeese State and Stephen F. Austin are in a fourway tie for first place in the SLC with only three weeks left in the season. Each team holds a 3-1 conference record, but McNeese State and SFA are both 6-2 overall while Texas State and Southeastern Louisiana are 5-3. Texas State lost to Southeastern Louisiana 51-50. If Texas State beats McNeese State and wins its last two games against Central Arkansas and Sam Houston State, the Bobcats would need Southeastern Louisiana to lose a game in order to obtain the SLC title. Texas State will face Central Arkansas Saturday in Conway, Ark. The Bears own the same overall record as Texas State, but they have a 2-2 mark in SLC play. Central Arkansas defeated Texas State at the Bobcats’ homecoming game last year. The Bears finished the 2008 season with the best SLC record but did not receive the SLC title because of a transition
clause. Instead, the Bobcats were crowned SLC champions. Bradley George, senior quarterback, and Joe Bell, senior linebacker, were awarded SLC players of the week for their performances against SFA. George was named the Offensive Player of the Week after tying his school record of 30 completions as he threw 30 of 41 passes for 303 yards and a season-high four touchdowns. “The defense won the game for us, though,” George said. “Anytime you face a team that throws at every down, you expect to give up points. They only gave up seven. That’s the best defensive performance I’ve seen since I’ve been here.” Bell recorded 15 tackles — 1.5 for a loss — and a fumble recovery that gave the Bobcats possession on the 19-yard line. The two awards mark the first time they have been given to Texas State players in the same week. Travis Houston, senior defensive end, recorded the second interception of his career as a Bobcat. Houston feels there is something else he could have done despite his impressive statistics. “I didn’t score, though,” Houston said. “I didn’t know if I could take a hit like (George), so I thought I might as well jump out of bounds (and) see what the offense can do. (I) wish I would have put some moves on out there (and) show (George) how it’s done.” The game against Central Arkansas will be televised on the Southland Network. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. Saturday.
