BOBCAT VILLAGE
upperclassmen on Nov. 5.
The Department of Housing and Residential Life (DHRL) announced changes for fall 2026 residency guidelines at Bobcat Village, an off-campus apartment complex, that will impact
The changes mean the upperclassmen will have to find off-campus housing, or reenter the lottery to be placed in off-campus university-owned housing. The announcement came just two weeks before residents were expected to make a decision for
university housing in the 2026-27 school year.
The email obtained by The Star from DHRL stated, “as we continue to grow at Texas State University, Housing and Residential Life will be utilizing Bobcat Village Apartments to assist in accommodating
Bobcats reflect on historic season despite tournament loss
By Hope Monte Sports Reporter
Although Friday night ended in a loss for Texas State soccer against the No. 5 Baylor Bears during round one of the NCAA Tournament in Waco, the Bobcats still had reason to celebrate as they continued their historic season for one more match in 2025.
Becoming SBC Tournament Champions for the first time in program history and earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 14 years was a feat in itself for the Bobcats.
our incoming first year students for the 2026/2027 academic year. As a result, you will only be able to recontract for Upper-Division Housing in Cypress and Balcones Apartments, as Bobcat Village will not be a selectable option.”
Students face challenges in San Marcos housing market
By Morgan Adams News Contributor
Texas State students have experienced surprise charges from unclear rental contracts, unexpected move-out fees to delayed maintenance and confusion over leasing terms, with off-campus apartments.
Jailen Towels, a human resources management junior, said her short time at The Village on Telluride during her (JUMP) sophomore year was due to inconsistencies in management.
“I think it just proves how hard we worked this season. It proves that all the dedication, the time, the blood, the sweat and tears that we put into this season, it just shows that it paid off and it was just another chance to play with a group of girls that I would consider my family,” Jones said.
Since head coach Steve Holeman’s arrival in 2022, every year has brought the Bobcats one step closer to reaching their goals and
Regardless of the result Friday night, the Bobcats didn’t take the opportunity to create lasting memories with their teammates for granted, especially outgoing seniors such as defender Chloe Jones.
cultivating a winning culture.
“When we were at my previous program, we turned things around in a year, so I jokingly said to Don Coryell, our athletic director, after we won the [SBC] title, ‘Sorry it took so long,’” Holeman said.
Texas State pushed further toward a ring with each season; in 2022, the Bobcats lost in round one of the SBC tournament, in 2023, they fell short during round two and in 2024, they progressed to the championship match, ultimately finishing as runner-up to James Madison University.
When searching for housing, Towels and her roommates toured several complexes, however, she ended up choosing The Village because of the townhouse option and her familiarity with the complex.
“This is my first apartment on my own,” Towels said. “Before that, I had lived with my parents, graduated from high school and then I went to a dorm, but that’s not really on my own. It’s my first lease ever.”
Towels said problems with her apartment started immediately.
AYDEN OREDSON | ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Texas State soccer associate head coach Nathan Stockie (center) rallies his squad in preparation for the second half against Baylor during the NCAA Tournament, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at Betty Lou Mays Field in Waco. The Bobcats lost to Baylor 3-0.
By Peyton Till News Contributor
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MEG BOLES AND CARSON RODGERS Bobcat Village sits on Aquarena Springs Drive, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 in San Marcos.
Legislature holds hearing on higher education speech
By Ryan Claycamp News Editor
The Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate held the first joint hearing for the Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education on Thursday, Nov. 13.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows created the committee in September following the killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. According to Patrick’s statement on the committee, its goal is to study and report on bias, discourse and freedom of speech across colleges and universities in Texas.
The meeting featured testimony exclusively from invited speakers. According to the committee chairs future hearings will include testimony from the public and members of the higher education community, but the initial meeting was just for informational purposes.
“This is an organizational hearing intended to build a common foundation of knowledge among the members of this joint committee,” Chairman Rep. Terry Wilson (R-Georgetown) said. “Before we move into broader public hearings next year, it is essential that we all begin with a shared baseline.”
The hearing invited testimony from representatives of UT Austin, Texas A&M, state higher education officials, law enforcement and Turning Point USA. No representatives from Texas State University or the Texas State University System were present.
According to Committee Chair Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) Texas State Student Government President Abby Meyers was invited
but could not attend due to a scheduling conflict. However, Meyers said her and her entire executive team were initially invited, but declined due to a lack of information on how the hearing would be conducted and who would be present. She said that she was later invited to the Nov. 13 panel, which she then declined, that time due to scheduling conflicts.
In an email to The Star, Meyers said that freedom of speech is a serious issue and that she believes recent changes to state law, such as Senate Bill 2972, have had a chilling effect on freedom of expression on campus.
At Texas State, SB 2972 has been adopted into the University’s policies. The policy has been used to limit where protests are conducted, how they are conducted and to remove multiple outside individuals from campus.
“The responsibility I carry in my role is to always be the strongest advocate I can be for students and their rights. In this case, participating in the aforementioned hearing under those conditions would not have allowed me to represent our students as effectively as they deserve,” Meyers wrote in her email.
Meyers said she informed Bettencourt that she would be willing to testify in the future.
Lawmakers also hoped to hear from Devion Canty Jr., a former Texas State student who withdrew after Gov. Greg Abbott shared a video of Canty acting out Kirk’s death at a memorial and called for Canty’s expulsion. Canty was unable to testify. He previously told The Star he was staying outside of the state due to safety concerns.
Thomas Alter, a former associate
history professor at Texas State, who was fired after speaking at a socialist convention, criticized the committee hearing for not being open to public testimony.
“This hearing needs faculty, additional students and staffers, not administrators and lawyers if they want to know what is going on on campuses,” Alter said.
The hearing testimonials opened with questions about Senate Bill 37 and its provisions, such as the changes to faculty senates, course audits Wand more.
Committee members questioned Commissioner of Higher Education Wynn Rosser about the role of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in enforcement and training surrounding SB 37.
“SB 37 outlines several new obligations for our agency,” Rosser said. “SB 37 requires our agency to establish the General Education
Advisory Committee (GEAC) to consider the knowledge and skills Texas graduates need to be prepared for the 21st century workforce.” Rosser said GEAC would seek to lower the number of core credits required for degrees in Texas. He said the number of core credits required has remained the same since 1998.
“The GEAC will not be examining specific courses nor the content of specific courses,” Rosser said. “That work is the responsibility of each institution and system as required by SB 37.”
Texas State is currently auditing all of its core classes and several other classes it chose to include in its first auditing phase.
No future hearings have been scheduled at this time, but Wilson said that more hearings will be held by the committee in 2026.
TXST offers entry-level job resources amidst AI concerns
By Miya Colemanr News Contributor
Texas State faculty and alumni provide students with connections and job resources as artificial intelligence remains in the job market.
The Medical Laboratory Science Program (MLS) helps train students to become medical laboratory scientists and early networking to prepare students for the job market.
Alumna Chrispina Harris, graduated from MLS and said she began working at the American Red Cross one week after graduating.
Harris said students have found full-time opportunities because of the working experience and unique certifications they received during their education.
McCoy College of Business Associate Dean David Wierschem said some students experience challenges finding entry-level positions as companies replace entry-level jobs with AI.
“AI is having a huge impact on education,” Wierschem said. “It’s having a huge impact on job placement because employers are decreasing the number of entry-level positions because they’re replacing them with AI.”
Wierschem said students should be open to finding new positions in response to the disruption caused by AI.
“I think there’s a lot of anxiety … but if students can focus on what they’re here for, which is education, they’re going to be just fine,” Wierschem said. “I think there’s also going to be a whole lot of opportunity for students to find new positions, different types of positions, different jobs.”
College of Liberal Arts Dean Mary Brennan said she understands the fears students have over not being able to find a job after graduation right now.
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“If I were a student today, I would probably be as anxious as you are,” Brennan said. “I know it’s very scary right now, but we are going to get through this. Every step that you take right now is preparing you.”
Brennan said building a reliable skillset in college is one of the most important factors students should consider.
“Gather as many basic skills as you can, because those are foundational skills,” Brennan said. “The ability to research, the ability to synthesize material, the ability to write … no matter what your first job is, you can be the one that stands out because you have those skills.”
Wierschem said the McCoy College of Business is focusing on having students build professional skills early in their education. He said 70% of businesses are hiring from internships, and around
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95% of businesses require that a student has had internship experience in the past. He said students should find internship experience quickly to meet those standards.
“As freshmen, we are preparing them with professional development, so their first assignment is their resume,” Wierschem said. “We explicitly address and discuss team concepts … because you’re going to be working in teams once you graduate.”
Rodney Rohde, chair of the MLS program in the College of Health Professions, said having work experience before graduation is part of how students are able to find a job.
“[MLS students] all do clinical rotations, and we work with hospitals to set that up,” Rohde said. “One of the great things about these programs is that students are basically getting automatic clinical experience.”
Rohde said the MLS program is assisting students by placing them in positions with the help of clinical coordinators that work with hospitals and clinics in the area.
“There are programs out there that put that on the student, and it’s very difficult because they don’t have the connections,” Rohde said.
After graduating from MLS, Harris and all 15 of her peers received full time positions within a month.
Carter English, Texas State alumnus and chief business officer at Higginbotham, an insurance and financial firm, said students should network with the people they meet in college to help grow their perspective.
“College is a tremendous time to mold and develop yourself and your network before beginning your journey, and your first job does not mean that will be your forever job, but attack every job like it will be,” English wrote in an email to The Star.
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“We were supposed to have a fully furnished apartment, but we weren’t given our barstools, a sectional and a TV that was supposed to be included. We didn’t end up getting those barstools or the TV for five months,” Towels said.
According to Towels, her experiences with management were inconsistent, especially when the air conditioning stopped working, causing her apartment to reach 90 degrees. Towels said she submitted work orders, sent emails and received little response, leaving her in “a condition that [was] not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous.”
“Going to the leasing office versus getting a solution was two completely different experiences. They’re going to make everything sound great to your face … You talked it out, but there’s still no solution,” said Towels
Towels said she hopes her story will encourage future renters to protect themselves by reading the lease, recording everything and getting everything in writing.
The Village on Telluride declined to comment.
According to the Texas State Attorney for Students (AFS) website, policies such as roommate matching, liability clauses and add-on charges often require outside guidance for students to understand fully.
AFS website states, “students and parents [should] explore all housing options before signing a lease ... including exploring joint leases in addition to individual/rent-by-the-bed housing contracts.”
The AFS website states that roommate agreements are not legally binding and do not guarantee placement with preferred roommates. When students sign at the same time, the complex may not place them together unless they share a joint lease.
Towels said she didn’t use AFS due to the fact that they were
completely booked, causing the wait to be a few months.
Jared Olivares, engineering junior, who formerly a marketing worker for a leasing agency, said he rushed to sign at Arba because the rates seemed low compared to others. After moving in, he said he started having issues with the washer and dryer breaking often.
“Most apartments understaff their maintenance team, so work orders can sit for two or three weeks, especially after move-in,” Olivares said.
Olivares said he advises students
Kaidyn Larotta, math and physics senior, former Resident Advisor (RA) and resident of Bobcat Village said, “this is a terrible idea, the whole point of mandatory housing for freshmen is to provide the ‘dorm experience… [freshmen] are less likely to have access to anything DHRL is trying to provide when they are in an apartment.”
Freshmen located at Bobcat Village would be relatively far from campus, relying on the Texas State bus system to get to and from class, impacting their ability to engage with “dorm life,” Larotta said.
Upperclassmen currently living at Bobcat Village were given approximately two weeks’ notice before the re-contracting date for the Fall 2026-27 semester, and have been given the choice for upperdivision Housing in either the Cypress or Balcones off-campus apartment complexes, with the ability to complete the contract from Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. to Dec. 2 at 10 a.m.
“They knew this deadline for reapplying was coming, but if they were going to consider doing the huge change of switching from upper-division to freshmen … it’s something that takes a lot of time and consideration … so they’re either bad at their job and it accidentally got pushed to the deadline, or they’re callous,” Larotta said.
Enrollment trends continue to grow higher year over year, with a record-breaking enrollment of 44,615 students for the 2025-26 year, approximately a 9.7% increase from the 2024-25 year, according to Texas State’s Division of Marketing and Communications Facts and Date website.
“They had way too many freshmen for the number of rooms available. My guess would be them reverting it back to freshmen [housing] would be to increase freshmen enrollment, and I guess it would be for a profit motive…this is going to hit international and upper-division students pretty hard.” Larotta said.
Kiara Poole, pre-nursing sophomore and resident, said during a student’s freshman year, they should be able to socialize and make friends and connections, and freshmen wouldn’t be able to do that living at Bobcat Village, as it is more independent living.
“I feel like every year the freshmen classes are bigger and bigger, which means that it’s pushing people that possibly can’t afford to pay rent and just pay it through tuition,” Poole said.
University-owned off-campus housing is paid through tuition in a lump sum, and ranges from
to be prepared for the leasing process, to always read the fine print and take all precautions possible, especially looking at the maintenance record.
Tyler Barstow, senior coordinator for Off-Campus Housing and Residential Life, said students often believe they must secure housing as soon as December or January.
According to the Housing and Residential Life website, on-campus freshman housing contracts opened on Oct. 1 and upper class men contracts opened Nov. 18.
“Sometimes the properties are on the wrong side of things,” Barstow said. “So we talk about it; what happened, what they’re going to do to fix the situation and how they can prevent it from happening to another student.”
Barstow said Off-Campus Housing and Residential life offers support for students going through the housing market and that the office communicates directly with local complexes when students report issues.
“Every student is different,” Barstow said. “Some may want to live closer to campus because they’re heavily involved. Others might prioritize cost or amenities.”
Despite concerns about availability, Barstow said San Marcos has not experienced major housing shortages.
Texas State offers free legal support through the AFS office, which encourages students to review documents with an attorney and explore all housing options before signing to make informed choices.
Off-Campus Housing and Residential Life hosts fall and spring housing expos for students to explore housing options to see what works best with their situation.
Disclaimer: The Village on Telluride has been a financial supporter of The University Star, which is partially funded by ad revenue. Financial supporters play no role in The Star’s journalism.
$5,665 a semester for a studio apartment to $4,120 a semester for a five-bedroom apartment, according to Texas State’s Division of Student Success’ website.
“I think as a freshman you need to have a strong connection with the school out the gate or it can definitely make you feel alienated,” Nalani Pennick, health care administration senior and resident, said.
Larotta expressed concern that having student who may have to live off-campus due to the changes may face difficulties they otherwise wouldn’t.
“We already have terrible retention rates, and a big cause of people dropping out is economic reasons … so having pretty affordable housing that provides free utilities, free maintenance, and all the basic
year, after allowing upperclassmen to move there this fall.
furniture you need is a huge boom to upper-division, who can then use that money to focus on paying for their tuition, and now its going to handicap them,” Larotta said.
“The lack of upper-division housing is an issue if they want to retain master’s students like me,” Pennick said.
The Department of Housing and Residential Life and Bobcat Village declined to comment on these changes.
FROM FRONT CAMPUS
MEG BOLES | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
NATALIE MURRAY | STAR ILLUSTRATOR
Bobcat Village sits on Aquarena Springs Drive, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 in San Marcos. Bobcat Village is becoming a freshman only complex for the 2026- 27 school
November 18, 2025
Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.
Texas’s drag ban limits freedom of expression
By Shar Kiefer Opinions Contributor
On Nov. 6, a federal appeals court reinstated Texas’s 2023 drag show ban, giving the state the ability to restrict certain shows deemed sexually explicit.
Art forms like drag provide avenues of free expression for LGBTQ+ individuals. With recent attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals by the state, supporting queer artists and students is vital.
In 2023, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 12 (SB 12) into law, restricting certain drag shows. SB 12 prohibits drag performers from suggestive dancing or certain attire on public property or in front of minors. The same year, a U.S. District Judge blocked the law due to fears over First Amendment rights, but the law has since been reinstated. The bill’s broad language risks undermining free expression for not just performers, but businesses too.
While the bill restricts access for sexually explicit drag shows, many venues already limit minors from attending suggestive performances. For example, Drag Show Bingo at Showdown in San Marcos requires all guests to be at least 21. Other establishments control access similarly, raising questions about the
bill’s need and whether the bill simply exists to police expression.
Jinx the Minx, local San Marcos drag performer, said bans on drag come from a misconception of drag as an art form.
“It’s a lot of misunderstanding and that echo chamber of what happens at these events,” Minx said. “As artists, we already know that we’re not gonna do the same thing we do at an 18-up bar that we’re gonna do at pride parades.”
According to the bill’s text, businesses that host drag shows can be subject to up to $10,000 in fines, and performers can be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor for violating the bill’s rules. The federal appeals
court claims not all drag shows will be targeted, but the act itself raises questions about how freedom of expression for LGBTQ+ individuals will continue to be challenged.
Texas universities have already felt the effect of drag show bans. West Texas A&M implemented a drag show ban in 2023, leading to a lawsuit over First Amendment Rights. In Feb. 2025, the Texas A&M University System implemented a drag show ban. Followed by the University of Texas System in March.
Freedom of expression is important on university campuses, and a complete ban on drag performances allows universities to police how students and individuals express
themselves.
Minx said that performers already have fewer avenues of expression in San Marcos and that the bill could restrict performances that were acceptable in the past.
“We don’t have a lot of venues at the moment,” Minx said. “I don’t know how that’s going to affect Pride next year because that would involve children.”
In Texas, outlets for LGBTQ+ expression have been limited. Queerfriendly bars have disappeared over the years due to increased antiLBGTQ+ legislation. In San Marcos, there are currently no dedicated LGBTQ+ bars after Stonewall Warehouse closed in 2023. Due to the lack of queer bars in San Marcos, free expression will be limited to the remaining bars, many of which may not want to take the risks imposed by SB 12.
Students must be in support of their LGBTQ+ peers and apply pressure to prevent further attacks on the community. While the University of Texas and A&M Systems have banned drag shows, TSUS has not, meaning students at Texas State can make it clear that they do not support these bans. Drag and other art forms that encourage free expression are essential for adequate representation, and limiting them can be dangerous.
-Shar Kiefer is a political science sophomore
More awareness is needed for first-gen resources
By Syghlas Morales Opinions Contributor
Texas State strives to support student success and advance academic excellence. However, due to a lack of awareness and outreach of resources, many first-generation students may be at risk of being left out of these goals.
Texas State’s challenge is not getting first-generation students through the door; the problem lies in making sure these students are aware of the resources made specifically to help firstgeneration students succeed. While Texas State offers resources for first-generation students, many of these go unrealized and underused, leaving students uncertain and confused. Without visible guidance and resources, 42% of first-generation students at Texas State may be disadvantaged.
Texas State’s first-gen graduation and persistence rates are alarmingly low. Of the first-generation undergraduates admitted in 2020, only 31.1% graduated by 2024, and fewer than one in four were retained. These statistics indicate how many first-gen students can be left behind when pursuing their degree.
First-generation students can have an especially difficult time navigating university life; a lack of prior knowledge on navigating college creates information gaps for these students. Due to this, resources must be brought to these students, not sought.
According to Reality Changers, a nonprofit that prepares youth to
become first-generation college graduates, systemic barriers such as a lack of access to services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and mentorship programs, can hinder a student’s success and retention. Texas State has these resources, but a failure to provide adequate information about them can leave first-gen students feeling lost and unsure, ultimately causing them to leave before completing their degree. These resources are especially important for institutions like Texas State, where a large population of first-gen students is present.
Jasmine Rivera, a first-gen psychology sophomore, said she experienced difficulty when she first got to Texas State.
“[At] the beginning it was hard because I’m the only one on my side of the family that’s ever been into college, so I had to do it on my own,” Rivera said. “I’d ask my sister, but then again … my sister has never gone to college over here. She’s always stayed home. So it really wasn’t helpful.”
In an effort to bridge gaps like Rivera’s, First Gen Proud offers some relief for first-year students, providing resources such as laptop rentals, a first-gen directory, and financial aid through BobcatGold. These resources can help first-gen students navigate their freshmen year, but many of these go underused due to a lack of awareness.
When essential resources are underutilized, first-gen students move forward without a strong foundation. For upperclassmen, resources become harder to find as aid is aimed primarily towards freshmen students, creating extra struggles as these students continue through their education.
“I think [first-gen students] need a lot more information … they really
Letters to the Editor Policy
The University Star welcomes letters from our readers. Letters must be 300 words or fewer to be considered for publication. Writers must include their full name, mailing address, major and academic year designation (for students), phone number and e-mail address when submitting a letter. Submissions that do not include this information cannot be published. This information is seen only by the editors and is used to verify the identify of the letter writer. It is
do need a lot more services. I feel like they don’t have a lot to look at,” Rivera said.
If Texas State is serious about making education and opportunity accessible, it must focus on informing students of the help available to them. Without proper outreach, many of Texas State’s best programs remain hidden in plain sight.
Expanding academic advising and student outreach could be a significant step toward student success and persistence. Outreach initiatives create a stronger sense of belonging and keep students informed about ways their institution can serve them.
Disability Services (DS) provides a great example of how outreach can make a difference. Students registered through DS are aware of their resources and know where to go
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when they need help. It should be the same for first-gen students. By actively expanding and sharing resources with first-gen students, First-Gen Proud could offer support without students having to do extensive research to find help.
Texas State exists to serve its students, which means putting first-gen Bobcats at the top of the priority list. Texas State has an obligation to inform its students of the help they can receive. The university has resources at its disposal, but it must advertise them to be realized effectively. Without better outreach, some firstgeneration students may be at risk of being left behind.
-Syghlas Morales is a wildlife biology freshman
Letters become the property of The Star and may be republished in any format. The letter may be edited for length and clarity. An editor will contact the letter writer if their letter is a candidate for publication. The Star will not run letters that are potentially libelous, discriminatory, obscene, threatening or promotional in nature.
Letters can be submitted to staropinion@txstate.edu or by mail to Attn: Opinion Editor, The University Star, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666.
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LIFE & ARTS
Hope rises amidst cancellation of inaugural Texas Capital Air Show
By Abby Mosley Life and Arts Contributor
Content warning: This article contains discussions of suicide.
Bob Carlton, air show pilot, watched a bird soar across the sky over 60 years ago. After being told humans couldn’t fly, Carlton felt inspired to prove everyone wrong. He began flying at 19 — starting with his Salto sailplane and expanding his expertise to airplanes, hang gliders and helicopters — and became a pilot. Since 1993, he has performed in airshows across the nation.
These days, Carlton’s inspiration comes from the audience: the smiles, the autographs, the crowds laughing and the children awed by the nature of aerospace.
“Every show, I get to walk the crowd line, sign some autographs and just talk to people and see them smiling, see them believing that they’ve just seen something completely amazing, and I was able to provide that,” Carlton said.
Carlton’s inspiration would have continued in what would have been the inaugural Texas Capital Air Show, an aviation show including classic and modern aircrafts as ground displays and flown by civilian performers. Originally set for Nov. 1-2, the event would have raised funds and awareness of suicide prevention for veterans and first responders. The air show was canceled on Oct. 22 amid the government shutdown that lasted from Oct. 1-Nov. 12. Due to the shutdown, all military involvement was pulled, meaning military acts weren’t possible.
Participants, like Carlton, were disappointed by the cancellation but remain hopeful for the Texas Capital Air Show to return on Nov. 7-8, 2026, especially with the shutdown ending. Those who bought tickets had three options, including holding onto them
for next year’s show.
“We’ve got [people who plan on going to the air show] penciled in again for next year, so we’re all good,” Carlton said.
The Texas Capital Air Show was also a fundraiser for Wings & Warriors, a non-profit organization promoting the eradication of suicide and providing post-traumatic stress disorder treatments for veterans and first responders. Tim Scherer, chairman and founder of the Texas Capital Air Show and founder and president of Wings & Warriors, said he was heartbroken over the cancellation and the impact it will have on the veterans and first responders that Wings & Warriors aids.
“Some men and women will not get funding for the treatments that we were going to make from this; ultimately, it will have an impact
on our nation’s bravest individuals,” Scherer said.
The San Marcos community was deeply involved in preparing for the event, including financial sponsors such as the city of San Marcos, , the San Marcos Regional Airport and residents who volunteered to organize the event.
“There’s a ton of people, including sponsors of the city of San Marcos itself, that put in a great amount of work, a great amount of funding to help support the air show,” Scherer said. “My daughter is currently at Texas State, my wife is an alumna, and so we have a love for the community. We wanted to bring a world-class air show to San Marcos, and ultimately that won’t happen.”
Cassidy Berenato, vice president of Texas Aviation Partners, wrote in an email to The Star that the San
Marcos Regional Airport was selected as the air show’s host location due to the airfield offering the necessary runway length, space and infrastructure to support an event of that scale. The unexpected unavailability of the aircraft and performers would have not made it possible for the air show to exceed expectations.
“Large aviation events require extensive coordination, and sometimes circumstances make it necessary to adjust timelines,” Berenato wrote. “Preparations will continue with strong momentum, and [the airport will] be working closely with the organizers to ensure a safe and successful event for the community.”
Although the event will not happen as originally planned, Scherer said organizers will not give up. The community has shown great support and understanding of the cancellation, and excitement knowing that the air show will take place next year.
“Most of [the community] have responded extremely positively,” Scherer said. “So, they understand that decision that had to be made. They also understand that we had a decision to save the air show for subsequent years and, along with that, save the nonprofit for subsequent years. Everyone’s disappointed, of course, but it’s one of those things that’s out of our hands, and most people understand that.”
Despite setbacks, organizers and pilots like Scherer and Carlton are determined to return next year to deliver thrilling aerial stunts and ultimately support the veterans and first responders of the San Marcos community. The Texas Capital Air Show will happen, if not now, then later.
“We put two years into this air show, and to have it postponed for nothing that we did personally or any failures of our own, it was very tough,” Scherer said. “We will move on. We will continue to grow the air show.”
Local run club gains momentum in San Marcos
By Linae Lewter Life and Arts Contributor
Every Tuesday evening, the back patio of Zelicks Icehouse at 336 W Hopkins St. hums with laughter and laced sneakers before dozens of joggers take off into the scenic Heritage neighborhood, transforming two miles of pavement into a snapshot of support and camaraderie.
The Texas Health & Racquet Club (THRC) Run Club began as a way for its employees to support one another’s fitness goals. After piquing the interest of the gym’s tight-knit members, the idea gained traction, and the official club began on May 27 with 40 runners.
“The front desk [staff] would be like, ‘[The club members are] going for a run,’ and it just gained interest,” Natalie Villalobos, THRC manager, said. “From there, we started promoting it as a run club. I created a GroupMe and would send running tips to help [the runners], but it was something I took on that I didn’t necessarily have to do. It was just me helping people.”
THRC has been a San Marcos staple since 2002 on E McCarty Lane. In September, the downtown location closed and was consolidated with the McCarty location. Wanting to keep the club local and accessible, Villalobos made Zelicks the run club’s new home.
Xan Hamilton, environmental science senior and THRC employee, said she toured many gyms in San Marcos but was blown away by the caring and welcoming environment at THRC after one visit. She noticed this energy also extended to the run club.
”I think we really started it, just because it’s such a sense of community,” Hamilton said. “It’s like our gym, everybody is so close with one another... Like every time somebody’s coming in the door, I know them by first name basis, and they all know me.”
THRC Run Club promotes that same sense of care and good sportsmanship. After jogging through a neighborhood of gorgeous Victorian homes and
The THRC Run Club poses for its weekly group photo, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Zelicks Icehouse. The run starts at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, and wrist bands are provided for those over 21 for food and drink specials after the run.
grand oak trees, the runners who finish first cheer on other club members as they finish on the corner of Moore St. and West Hutchison St. The group then walks one block back to Zelicks together as a unit. For these runners, it’s not just about the run, but also the support they give one another.
Shamal Sullivan, THRC Run Club member, competed in track and field for six years and started running with the club when THRC posted about it on Instagram. He said he likes to run in the back of the pack to make sure everyone finishes the two miles with a sense of accomplishment.
“For me, it’s basically about being supportive for people,” Sullivan said. “They might be having a bad day, or they might need that extra push. At the end of the day, it’s the same amount of mileage, so if you did two miles, I did two miles; it’s the same. Everybody’s journey is different; we’re getting fit together, improving ourselves.”
Inclusivity is a community pillar for THRC Run
Club, according to Villalobos. For a club that meets with about 50 members each week, that means welcoming all levels of fitness. While the exercise is important, Villalobos believes it’s essential that the club gives a sense of camaraderie to the citizens of San Marcos, inviting anyone to show up on Tuesday to join them.
“I make it a point whenever I see a new person at our club to introduce them to someone,” Villalobos said. “We want everyone to have a space to grow in that area of fitness and to also make friends while doing it and have a place to get better and do something that’s for them … ultimately that makes for a really fun experience.”
THRC Run Club meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. on the back patio of Zelicks Icehouse. It is open to members and non-members of THRC. Entry is free to all ages, but all runners must be 21-plus after 8 p.m.
LAURA WALKER | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Air show pilot Bob Carlton flies his FoxJet Sailplane at the National Championship Air Races and Air Show, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Roswell, N.M.
FOOTBALL
Bobcats keep bowl hopes alive with dominant victory over Southern Miss in Hattiesburg
By Ayden Oredson Assistant Sports Editor
With Texas State (4-6, 1-5 SBC) sitting just one loss away from missing bowl eligibility for the first time since 2022, the Bobcats traveled 600 miles east to M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Miss. Saturday afternoon, and blew out the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7-3, 5-1 SBC) 41-14.
This victory marked the Bobcats’ first since the end of September, when they won against Nicholls State at home 35-3. They then dropped five straight games in a constant struggle involving defense, poor discipline and bad playcalling.
In what was seemingly the complete inverse of the last month and a half, Texas State dominated in every direction against the Sun Belt West Division leader.
“We came to work with all the noise surrounding last week,” Kinne said at the postgame conference. “We silenced everybody ... there’s no quit in this team and we just beat the team that’s probably going to win the [Sun Belt] West.”
The scoring started with a 29-yard field goal from sophomore kicker Tyler Robles on Texas State’s first possession after the Bobcats narrowly turned it over by a fumble before it was reviewed and overturned.
Texas State’s defense would force its first of three turnovers when junior defensive end DonTerry Russell strip-sacked junior running back Jeffery Pittman as safety Javis Mynatt fell on the football.
With 2:07 left in the first quarter, freshman quarterback Brad Jackson ran up the middle on a designed QB draw and reached for his 10th rushing score of the season, pushing the lead to 10-0.
The Bobcats tacked on another score with a 50-yarder from Robles to extend it 13-0. This field goal marked his 16th overall in the season, which is a new single-season program record, previously breaking Mason Shipley’s record of 15 from the 2024 season.
After another stop from the defense, Texas State faced a third-and-six from it’s own 18-yard line as Jackson found junior wide receiver Chris Dawn Jr. wide open at the 35-yard line. In stride, Dawn Jr. capitalized on a stumble from senior cornerback Anthony Richard Jr. and took it to the house to go
FROM FRONT SEASON
Now, in 2025, the Bobcats realized a true full-circle moment after seizing their final opportunity to become SBC Tournament Champions, fulfilling a journey years in the making.
“To be able to lift a trophy, I think, is something special. I’m proud of the players that trusted in us, the [coaching staff], what we were trying to build, and happy that they get a ring on their finger at the end of this,” Holeman said.
Not only is it the end of an era for Texas State in the SBC, but also a close to a career for many seniors who have been integral to the program’s road to success.
One player who had their final outing with the Bobcats on Friday night was graduate student defender Kennley Bradley, who hasn’t sat out of a single match since transferring to Texas State in 2023.
“I’ve been grateful to the coaches who gave me a chance to come and play at Texas State, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I wouldn’t trade the program that I got to play for, the coaches that I got to play for or the team,” Bradley said.
Though the team is now sending off its veterans, the program holds high future value in a very young roster, including freshman goalkeeper Brooklyn Escobar, who has stepped up as the starting goalie in her debut collegiate year.
“She came in, didn’t know what the expectations were, she won the starting spot, and it’s just been phenomenal,” Holeman said. “What an experience for her to get to win a conference title and then playing in the NCAA [tournament].”
Escobar accumulated 58 saves after playing in all 20 matches of the 2025 season, paving a strong path to
up 20-0.
The Bobcats’ offense struck again. Almost immediately following a 61-yard rush from sophomore running back Greg Burrell, Jackson scampered to the corner of the end zone to go up a dominating 27-0 with 1:06 in the half.
To start the second half, the Golden Eagles drove to the Texas State 49-yard line as junior backup quarterback Landry Lyddy heaved it just behind his receiver and into the hands of senior cornerback Jaden Rios for an interception.
While the Bobcats didn’t take advantage of that turnover, they forced a turnover-on-downs at their own 34-yard line after graduate receiver Elijah Metcalf couldn’t hold onto the ball, giving defense yet another stop.
The Bobcats and Golden Eagles would exchange touchdowns after Metcalf made up for his drop with a four-yard receiving touchdown to finally get on the board late in the third quarter, while Texas State senior running back Lincoln Pare flipped into the end zone to give the Bobcats a 34-7 lead.
In what was essentially the cherry on top of the defense’s best game all season, redshirt freshman cornerback Christopher Jones hauled in his first collegiate interception from a pass that was thrown straight to him in the end zone and finessed his way for a 100-yard pick six to ultimately seal the victory for good.
“[The team] fought through the adversity, that’s what football and life is all about,” Kinne said. “It’s how you respond to things, and that’s why I’m so proud of these guys ... this is my favorite group I’ve ever coached, and they came and responded the right way with their backs against the wall.”
Jackson led an efficient offense for Texas State, throwing 192 yards on 14/17 attempts, averaging 11.3 passing yards while also having 49 rushing yards on 16 carries. He finished with three overall touchdowns, two on the ground and one in the air.
Dawn Jr. led the receiving room with 117 yards on five receptions, with junior Beau Sparks finishing behind him with 61 on six receptions.
The rushing attack was also lethal thanks to the combined efforts of Pare and Burrell, who combined for 225 rushing yards with Pare having the lone touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
Ultimately, the defense had its best game against an FBS opponent this season by switching to a 3-5-3 defense and blitzed considerably more, which resulted in holding the Sun Belt’s fifth-best offense to just 14 total points while forcing three turnovers, one fumble and two interceptions.
Texas State will head back home at for a showdown with the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (3-7, 1-5 SBC) at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, at UFCU Stadium. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.
continue as a leader in this team’s next chapter in the Pac-12.
With the momentum of a winning season and a roster with the potential to see many returners in the new season, Texas State soccer has set a precedent, ready to make its name known and compete at a high level as it takes on the West Coast.
Texas state senior wide receiver Mavin Anderson warms up pregame, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at M.M Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Miss. Texas State beat Southern Mississippi 41-14.
LESLIE BELLO | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
(Top) Texas State senior defender Angela Gatto (23) fights for possession against Baylor. (Bottom) Texas State senior forward Mady Soumare (9) dribbles through Baylor defenders, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at Betty Lou Mays Field in Waco, Texas. The Bears won 3-0.
AYDEN OREDSON | ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Star SNAPS
State freshman center Robert Fields (3) dunks
A Texas State fan high fives players after the game, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Strahan Arena. The Bobcats won against UTSA 80-69.
Texas State junior wide receiver Chris Dawn Jr. (1) runs through his defenders, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at M.M. Roberts Stadium. The Bobcats beat Southern Miss 41-14, ending their 5-game losing streak.
Texas State senior forward
Mady Soumare (9) battles for possession against Baylor during the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at Betty Lou Mays Field in Waco. Baylor defeated the Bobcats 3-0.
Cliffe Knechtle speaks to a full LBJ ballroom, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Texas State. Knechtle is a pastor with a large internet following who speaks to students on college campuses.
Texas State senior guard
Jalen Bolden (5) dunks the ball during warm ups, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Strahan Arena. The Bobcats won against UTSA 80-69.
Texas State freshman midfielder
Matsui Tsutsui (14) kicks toward the goal during the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at Betty Lou Mays Field in Waco. Baylor defeated the Bobcats 3-0.
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AVA MILLER | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Texas
the ball, Wednesday Nov. 11, 2025, at Strahan Arena. Texas State beat UTSA 80-69.
AYDEN ORESDON | ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
AIDEN FRITSCHE | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
AIDEN FRITSCHE | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
AYDEN OREDSON | ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
AIDEN FRITSCHE | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
LESLIE BELLO | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
