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Volume 99, Issue 37
02
WEDNESDAY
DEC
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BACK ON TRACK
The men’s basketball team takes its second victory after five consecutive losses. See story page 12
Room check Dorm occupants
Elections continue
Early voting on campus for City Council tie breaker
recieve charges upon move out By Beth Brown News Reporter
By Dj Nutter News Reporter
Students in dorms can receive fines for throwing footballs through windows, punching holes in walls and breaking furniture. However, damages like this are the minority. Kyle Estes, associate director of Housing Facilities Services, said most charges are avoidable. “The most common damage is trash,” Estes said. “People get lazy and don’t take out their trash at the end of the year. Other than that, it’s holes in walls. People are hanging pictures instead of using poster mount that can peel off the wall. They’d save themselves a repaint cost or a hole in the wall cost if they would use that stuff instead.” Small holes occur from nails and tacks. Students are fined $3 for the first small hole and $1 for every additional hole. A fist-sized hole in the wall can take up to $65 to repair. Approximately five years ago the Department of Housing and Residential Life did a study to find the average amount of fines students paid for damages. They discovered most students paying for damages fell into one of two categories. “Damage charges of $50 or less were the majority,” Estes said. “But once you cross that $50 threshold, there was a huge gap. The rest of the students were $200 or more. It was really interesting that there was no one in the middle there.” Students like Trevor Trentham, undecided health freshman, find the damage charges unnecessary. “The stupid thing is they are planning on tearing some of those dorms down and they are charging for damages,” Trentham said. “That doesn’t make sense to me.” Estes said students are only charged to repair damages and not to replace the items unless they are new. Students can accumulate fines regardless if their dorm is not damaged. Failure to return furniture to its original place or forgetting to schedule an appointment with a resident assistant to assess room damages can result in a fine. If students do not turn in their keys they can be charged an improper check out fee to replace the locks. A $45 to $150 fee result in lock changes. RA Daniel Allbritton-Lupo, exercise sports science senior, said he has seen people accumulate damages for their dorms without physical damage done to the room. “One guy kind of forgot to move out — his room was extremely dirty, he had a pile of trash in the corner still and he forgot to turn in his keys,” Allbritton-Lupo said. “He just
Early voters began casting their ballots Monday as the people of San Marcos head to the polls for the second time to elect a candidate to City Council Place 5. The only candidates on the ballot this time are Ryan Thomason and Lisa Marie Coppoletta — who got 49.9 percent and 26.2 percent of the votes Election Day Nov. 3, respectively, sending them to a runoff. Candidates said economic issues are proving to be the No. 1 priority for voters who have been going door-to-door around the city. “We have a $146 million budget for economic development,” Thomason said. “The most important thing either of us is going to work on is the budget, and well, Lisa has not been a part of that.” Thomason said his experience as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission and as a finance major make him the more experienced candidate regarding economic issues. Coppoletta, disagrees, saying her 20-year experience working on grassroots issues in San Marcos make her the more experienced candidate. Coppoletta said she has focused much attention to issues facing veterans. “(My proposals) are getting the ears of city officials,” Coppoletta said. “I’m also an activist in preserving the San Marcos River, and in making sure that graduating college students get good paying jobs in our community.” Candidates said they want to set the record straight regarding any factually inaccurate information causing negative see RUNOFF, page 3
see DORMS, page 3
Sara Strick/Star photo WORKING OUT POWER: Andrew Brooks, health and fitness management senior, and Jessica Siegmund, interdisciplinary studies sophomore, use the elliptical machines to exercise Tuesday night at the Rec Center. Thirty elliptical machines will be retrofitted with new equipment after next week which will convert the kinetic energy into electricity that will be sent to the university’s power grid.
Human Power Plant Rec Center becomes largest human power plant By Scott Thomas Web editor Krista Essen was working out on an elliptical machine Tuesday afternoon as she does two or three times a week at the Student Rec Center. Essen, exercise and sports science freshman, said she did not think much about sustainable or alternative energy while working out, but that might change. Essen and other students using the elliptical machines at the Student Rec Center will help power the campus while they burn calories beginning next week. Thirty elliptical machines will be retrofitted with equipment manufactured from a Clearwater, Fla. company called ReRev. The machines will convert kinetic energy into usable, renewable electricity that will be connected to the university’s grid and can be delegated anywhere on campus. “It makes sense,” Essen said. “It’s a really smart idea and an efficient way
to save energy.” According to the company, a 30-minute work out on the machines produces enough current to power a laptop computer for about an hour. Kristy Caldwell, associate director of the Student Recreation Center, said the project would turn the building into the largest human power plant in the world. It’s the only such project in Texas, she said. “When I tell people about this they pretty much all say ‘Wow, that’s a cool idea,’” Caldwell said. Retrofitting the machines will cost $19,750 and will be paid for by Texas State’s Environmental Service Committee along with the Department of Campus Recreation and Associated Student Government. The project could take eight to 10 years to pay for itself, said Blaire Hartley, a recreation management graduate student who has been working on
Sustainable energy hopefuls -Solar Uses panels to capture the sun’s radiant energy, converting it to usuable electricity. -Wind Uses giant wind turbines, can be found most prominently in California and West Texas -Hydroelectricity Flowing or falling water spins turbines to generate energy. Can be seen in dams. Most widely used form of renewable energy. -Biomass Uses living or recently living material, such as wood, algae or corn.
see POWER, page 3
Commuter rail within reach for residents, local areas By Megan Holt News Reporter San Marcos is closer to being one of the stops on a passenger rail route. City Councilmember John Thomaides, Place 6, said the initiative is undergoing a rebranding process with the goal of educating citizens and decision makers about the benefits a commuter rail would provide. “It’s a long-term project, and there are quite a few steps left,” said Thomaides, who is a member of the Lone Star Rail District board of directors. “We finally got funding.” The Texas Legislature approved Lone Star Rail District $91 million per year in 2005 for the Texas Rail Relocation and Reinvestment Act. The spending plan includes funds for Lone Star Rail District to work in conjunction with Union Pacific to
NEWS pages 1-5 ASG president’s job does not come without perks
build the railroad. “Along with TxDOT and Union Pacific, we will use federal high-speed funds to help build the railroad,” Thomaides said. “These funds are federal funds allotted to be used for freight rail building.” Allison Schulze, Lone Star Rail District senior planner, said the passenger rail is in the preliminary engineering and environmental process. “We have to wait for clearance of all planning aspects,” Schulze said. “In the preliminary engineering and environmental process in where you go through a strict process of public meetings, you submit information to the federal government to make sure everything will run smoothly and environmentally safe.” Thomaides said the board of directors, consisting of elected and private-sector officials, are now seeking addition funding approval
OPINIONS page 6 Main Point: ASG’s final grade is in
from state officials. “We need to convince the legislature and governor that this is an alternative to Interstate-35 and that this passenger rail is worth the money for some up front investors,” Thomaides said. The completion date for the new rail is projected to be 2011. Lone Star Rail will begin the final design phase and start construction. “If there are 30 steps in the process, we are at step 10,” Thomaides said. “Just recently, the Rail District (the agency responsible for the passenger rail) changed its name to the Lone Star Rail District and went through a new community branding process.” Thomaides said the Long Star Rail District agency, based out of San Marcos, is trying to expand awareness for not just a need for the passenger rail in the community, but promote different ways people will utilize it if built.
TRENDS
SPORTS
pages 7-8
page 12
“We did a whole new media roll out that establishes a whole new brand for the agency,” Schulze said. According to the Lone Star Rail District Web site, the idea of a passenger rail has been kicked around since 1997, when the Texas Legislature authorized the creation of a rail district between Austin and San Antonio. Thomaides said a passenger rail would relieve drivers from congested highways, provide dependable travel time, bring travelers into smaller cities and connect urban, rural and university cities. The passenger rail is designed to span more than 120 miles and make 16 stops, one of which will be in San Marcos. The rail would include 12 trains running on existing Union Pacific tracks during the day and evening, seven days a week.
Women’s golf signs 18-year-old international standout
Today’s Weather
57°/35° Partly Cloudy Precipitation: 20% Humidity: 67% UV: 4 Moderate Wind: NW 15 mph
Page Two
2 - The University Star
STARS OF TEXAS STATE Jennifer Irvin of the department of chemistry and biochemistry, and Byounghak Lee and Wilhelmus Geerts of the physics department have been honored with the Cottrell College Science Award and the $100,000 prize for their two-year research project, “Chemistry and Physics of n-Doping Electroactive Polymers: Computationally Directed Synthesis for Improved Performance.” — Courtesy of University News Service
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Texas State University – San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System
ON THIS
DAY IN
HISTORY 1804: Napoleon was crowned emperor of France.
1859: Militant abolitionist John Brown was hanged for his Oct. 16 raid on a federal armory at Harpers Ferry in present-day West Virginia.
Allie Moncrief/Star photo ‘TIS THE SEASON: Members of the Young Conservatives of Texas stood by a satirical nativity scene in order to send the message “Keep Christ in Christmas.”
Library Beat
Alkek Library announces study hours for finals week Beginning Saturday, the Alkek Library will once again extend its hours to offer students increased study time as finals approach. Again this semester, the library will remain open throughout the weekend during finals. The following “study hall” schedule can be accessed anytime from the library homepage. The library will be open an extra two hours Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The library will open at 1 p.m. Sunday, as usual, and will remain open around the clock for study until 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Library service points will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 12. The Reference Desk will not be staffed during overnight study hours. Circulation and Reserve/ Periodicals/Media services will be available during overnight hours. The computer lab will be open overnight except Dec. 11 (close at 10 p.m.) and Dec. 12 (open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.); the lab will open at 1 p.m. Dec. 13. For operating hours of other library services, please visit the library homepage
or call 512-245-3681. While in the library, everyone is asked to be considerate of others and help maintain an atmosphere conducive to studying. New this semester: floors 5, 6 and 7 are designated as “Quiet Study” — those working in a group should use a group study room or go to another floor and keep voices low to minimize disruption to others. Remember, group study rooms are in high demand and are available on a first come, first served basis. Cell phone use is prohibited in the computer lab and on the 5th, 6th and 7th floors except in study rooms, copy rooms, fire stairwells and restrooms. Only certain food and drinks are allowed except in the First Floor Public Lounge. Courtesy for patrons is always greatly appreciated, but especially so during peak study times. The Alkek librarians and staff wish everyone a successful finish to the fall 2009 semester. — Courtesy of Alkek Library
1954: The Senate voted to condemn Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy, R Wis., for “conduct that tends to bring the Senate into dishonor and disrepute.” 1980: Four American churchwomen were raped, murdered and buried in El Salvador. (Five national guardsmen were later convicted of murder.) 1993: Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar was shot to death by security forces in Medellin. 2001: Enron filed for Chapter 11 protection in one of the largest corporate bankruptcies in U.S. history. 2001: A bomb went off aboard a bus in Haifa, killing 15 Israelis. — Courtesy of New York Times
CRIME
BL TTER Crime Blotter Nov. 24, 2:53 a.m. Possession of Marijuana/Falls Hall While on patrol, a police officer noticed a suspicious odor coming from one of the dorm rooms. Upon further investigation, a student was arrested for possession of marijuana and another was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. The student arrested was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date. Nov. 24, 1:12 p.m. Information Report/ The Tower Hall A nonstudent was engaged in a verbal dispute with a student. The nonstudent was issued a criminal trespassing warning. Nov. 24, 1:35 p.m. Criminal Trespass Warning/Music Bldg A nonstudent was issued a criminal trespass warning for being on property without permission. — Courtesy of University Police
Texas State student wins his second Emmy Award Dale Blasingame, graduate student, was awarded his second Emmy for “Best Evening Newscast” Oct. 17 at the seventh annual Lone Star Emmy Awards. An Emmy for “Best Evening Newscast” is one of the top honors a professional in television can receive. The particular category is awarded once a year to a producer in Texas. Blasingame received the Emmy for his 10 p.m. newscast while working for News 4 WOAI in San Antonio. “I worked with some really talented people at News 4 WOAI,” Blasingame said. “Awards like this are really team awards. The producer is just lucky enough to get his or her name on it.” Blasingame spent the past nine years as a producer at News 4 WOAI, where he won another Emmy in 2007 and earned a nomination in 2008. Blasingame was a news anchor and sports reporter for KTSA Radio before his career in television.
Currently, he is a senior travel writer for The Hotel Guide, a travel magazine that is distributed to two million people annually. Blasingame completed his bachelor’s in mass communication in 1999 at Texas State. He recently returned this fall, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in mass communication. Alongside his graduate classes, he aids in the production of the weekly Bobcat Update, a student-run newscast at Texas State, where he is able to utilize his industry experience and teach students new to broadcasting. “I love Texas State and have wanted to teach here for several years,” Blasingame said. “It was frightening to reboot my life at age 32, but I hope it leads to becoming a member of the faculty here.” — Courtesy of University News Service
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News
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Power
continued from page
the project. Hartley said it’s not about money, but getting people involved with sustainable energy. “We’re trying to change the mindset of people while they’re working out,” Hartley said. “If this is how much energy you created while working out on a machine, that’s only good to power your iPod for two hours... And that took you working out strenuously
Runoff
continued from page
opinions among voters. “I’ve heard people say that I want to fill the river with concrete just because I’m involved with economic development,” Thomason said. “Nothing has been too derogatory, and I’m surprised because five or six years ago we had a different kind of politics in San Marcos.” Coppoletta said being thrown into the political realm of name-calling was expected. She said putting debate videos on her campaign Web site is an effective way to dispel the legitimacy of any mudslinging.
Dorms
went home. He had bed sheets still on his bed. He then came back to us in the summer and was like ‘Hey, can I turn my keys in? I found them.’ We had to tell him no.” Students can be charged through the group damage process. Dorm directors are responsible for investigating the damage if it occurs in public areas like the dorm lobbies. If no one comes forward then the director must distribute the fine among everyone.
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“People know that I’m the first person to speak up, but I’m also the first one to compliment,” Coppoletta said. “I know what’s in my heart, but I’m still sensitive.” Coppoletta said she has been receiving donations since November, but still considers herself a grassroots organizer. Thomason said he spent less money on the runoff election because more than $20,000 was spent on November’s election for less than 2,000 votes. He said the consistent trickle of new people donating to his campaign have helped pay for writers and signage.
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Telerecruitment appeals to prospective Bobcats
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for 30 minutes. Maybe that will help people change the way they do things in their every day lives.” Caldwell said the project is part of the university’s continuing sustainability efforts. These efforts include a recycling program, building bike and pedestrian lanes and cutting down on power consumption in dining halls. Sustainable energy has be-
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Trentham said he was charged for multiple damages which occurred in his dorm when he was staying in Falls Hall. He said he never damaged anything. “I have seen damages occur on many occasions,” Trentham said. “I just knew from then on to expect charges on my bill. I, like many others, just looked the other way when I saw damages occurring because you don’t want to be the one to tattle on that person even
The University Star - 3
come a buzz term that may not have a clear-cut definition. But the movement for sustainable, sometimes called green, energy is for moving away from finite fossil fuels such as oil to By Lora Collins other forms of energy. Some News reporter popular proposals include solar, nuclear and biological, The admissions office may which can range from any- see an increase in student rewhere from corn to algae. cruiters soon. Fidencio Leija, Associated Student Government City Council liaison, said ASG wants to play a role in the recruitment of new Bobcats. “ASG wants to get the word out and have senators make phone calls as well,” Leija said. “Six different people used The telerecruitment team money in six different ways was created in 2001 through last election, and only 7.09 the admissions office. The percent of registered voters office held periodic phone-awent to the polls,” Thomason thons to call applicants. The said. “Signs can’t vote, money team currently has seven stucan’t vote. Only people can dent workers who make bevote.” tween 50 and 70 phone calls Early voters can cast their a night. ballots at Hays County ElecCraig Howard, undergradutions Office until Dec. 11 or at ate admissions counselor, said LBJ Student Center Thursday the calls are split between refrom 8 a.m. to 5p.m. gions each night. Election Day will be held “One of them is a general Dec. 15, with the polls open EPS phone call, basically differfrom 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ent markets around the state,” Howard said. “We divide the state so we will contact EPS 6, which is the Austin area.” Howard said the team has contacted 13,662 perspective Bobcats through phone calls and online messages this semester. The team works evenings in order to reach though they are costing you students and parents at an appropriate hour, said Howand others money.” Most students do not accu- ard. Approximately 3,429 mulate damage charges de- contacts were made directly spite the public charges. Less through conversation with than 3,000 work orders are prospective students so far put in every year, so less than this semester. Leija said students are half of the 6,500 residents living on campus have to fix their more open to hear from a fellow student. dorms. “You (students) feel more “The reality is, if you take care of your room you’re comfortable hearing it from a okay,” Estes said. “It’s just one college student than hearing of the common sense sorts of things.”
it from a 45 to 50 year old admissions adviser,” Leija said. Howard agrees with Leija, but said the students are helpful with the counselors’ workload. “Students on campus who are currently attending Texas state are probably the best resource for incoming freshman,” Howard said. “To try to break that among 12 or 14 admissions counselors is too
“We will do follow-up phone calls to inform students that a counselor is visiting their area,” Howard said. Leija said ASG would benefit from the telerecruitment team. “I think it would improve the access for students,” Leija said. “The majority of us know what it is like to be a senior in high school and that process.” Studunt telerecruiters left
big of a task.” The telerecruitment team hopes to make 24,000 phone calls this year, said Howard. “We will probably end up far surpassing that goal,” Howard said. Howard said families answered approximately 2,489 phone calls and messages this semester. Howard said repeat phone calls are helpful when a prospective student cannot be reached.
7,320 messages on answering machines of prospective students this semester far surpassing the numbers of active conversations. Leija said an increase in the callers would help decrease this number. “That is something we want to try and put into play next semester,” Leija said, “We want to take an initiative from us as senators in giving back to the university by going in and supporting that program.”
“Y
ou (students) feel more comfortable hearing it from a college student than hearing it from a 45 to 50 year old admissions adviser.” Fidencio Leija — Associated Student Government City Council liaison
ASG president reaps benefits for duties By Bianca Davis News Reporter The ASG president receives incentives to make the job worth while — a red parking permit, a fourthfloor corner office in the LBJ Student Center and Lyndon Baynes Johnson’s old desk — to name a few. ASG President Chris Covo said the job of student body president is time consuming but worth the work. “I’m always busy,” Covo said. “There are meetings all the time I go to, and then of course school.” The ASG president has an administrative assistant,
Kelsey Dukett, who aids with scheduling and manages the office. “For example, when I have meetings with Rep. (Patrick) Rose or Sen. (Jeff ) Wentworth, she deals with their secretaries because they don’t like talking to me,” Covo said. “They’re kind of weird about that, the same with a lot of people in the (university) administration.” Covo said his schedule is different from week-toweek. “There are weeks where it’s bad, like really bad,” Covo said. “Every Friday I always have meetings.”
The ASG president is required to sit on several committees. One committee, the Food Service committee, gives 30 free meal trades to anyone who serves on the committee. Covo said the ASG president and vice president can buy a red parking permit normally reserved for faculty. They can purchase the permit for the $85 commuter pass fee; however, a red permit costs $207. The university athletics department has a history of taking members of ASG to away game. This year, the ASG president and Student Foundation President
Clay Patterson flew with the team to Central Arkansas. Assistant Athletic Director Chris Park said the planes were charted and paid for in full. “When we have extra seats available we like to give them to friends of athletics and to people who support us,” Park said. “Students support us tremendously, so this is our way of saying thanks.” The ASG Code of Laws states the ASG president will “receive an hourly wage of $10.70 per hour for a maximum of 25 hours per week for nine months during long semesters and a
wage of $10.70 per hour for a maximum of fifteen hours per week for three months during the summer.” Each monthly total is $1,070. Covo said he gets paid for 25 hours but works a lot more. “I have no time to focus on school,” Covo said. “I don’t really have any personal time on the weekends either because there are always functions or athletic events, but it’s worth it. I love it when people come into the office with a problem and I can pick up the phone and fix it.”
ASG President Chris Covo
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The future of education in new media 59
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a·dapt·a·bil·ity n. the ability to change to fit changed circumstances.
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By Beth Brown News Reporter Learning takes place outside of the classroom, especially for students in a particular music class this semester. Ian Davidson, music professor, is implementing technology into the way he delivers class content. Davidson is holding electronic media hours this semester — blocks of time in which he is available for live chat through his e-mail. He podcasts lectures on days he cannot attend class in addition to his new method. Davidson is not the only educator utilizing new media. Advances in technology have revolutionized the way professors are teaching courses. Davidson said his students hold full-time jobs, prohibiting them from attending class at times. He said his students’ success in class could be contributed to new technology. “I think as we’re looking at technology and as we’re looking at how we can be better teachers and better students, it’s the distance thing that I think we might look at,” Davidson said. “I think there are opportunities here for us to become
much more advanced in the whole academic community.” Davidson is putting lessons online for students missing class because of sports team obligations. “What if we were actually able to broadcast the lecture in real time, using say Skype, so that a student who’s on the road can log in? They can actually be in the room, taking notes, only they’re on a bus on the way to the baseball game or the football game.” Davidson asked. “Why not?” Football player Adair Campbell, biology freshman, is in favor of being able to get the exact information from class when he’s away at games. “There are a lot of road games that I miss class for, but if the class lectures were online for me I could watch them on the bus or on Sunday after the game," Campbell said. "That way when I go in on Monday, I won’t be completely lost.” Other professors have reciprocated Davidson’s efforts. Kym Fox, mass communication professor, said administrators should keep up with technology in order to use it for students’ benefit. “I think it’s difficult if teachers don’t have a basic understanding of technology, because then it’s hard for students to have a basic understanding on how to use it in their professional lives,” said
Fox, who uses Twitter in her classes. Potential efforts to close the technology gap are being discussed. Library staff invited administrators across campus to weigh in on the idea of installing computers on the fourth floor — turning it into a technology lab for student access. Programs provided in the lab would include InDesign and Photoshop. Fox said she believes students should be required to take a beginning technology class to gain basic knowledge in these programs. She argues these proficiencies are needed in their future careers. “The administrators all agreed that their students are relying on technology,” Fox said. “I think what we’re seeing is every discipline on campus has an increasing use for technology. Obviously, there’s a need for students to learn it.” Davidson and Fox hope education merges with technology to make delivery of content more efficient and meaningful for students during their transition from college to the workforce. “That’s what I think we all ought to be doing — looking for ways in which technology allows us to be better teachers and to reach more students and to have more meaningful delivery of content,” Davidson said.
Opinions
What’s your opinion? Send your thoughts to staropinion@txstate.edu. Remember to keep it between 400 and 500 words.
6 – The University Star
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
ASG’s final grades for fall semester
point. the main
T
he Associated Student Government has served the Texas State community well this semester.
The University Star gave the governing body a midterm report card Nov. 5 and now the final grades are in. Not to worry senators, you deserve a pat on the back. This report card has the same categories as the midterm with the exception of proposed legislation because ASG’s work this semester is done. TRANSPARENCY Let there be no misunderstanding — the efforts made by the executive branch to improve the transparency have been nothing short of phenomenal. This semester ASG has posted senator contact information, attendance and voting records online and initiated ASG evaluations. The only factor to watch for is updates. The list of senators on the ASG Web site is quite outdated and the legislation has not been updated for more than a month. Now this is almost giving ASG credit for actions that should have been taken long ago. However, it does not diminish the fact these services are now available for the student body. ENFORCEMENT For the first time in recent memory, ASG is adhering to its rules and regulations. Attendance is being enforced. Records are being kept as they should. Congratulations are in order. REPRESENTATION In this case, the senators snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. ASG started holding grievance sessions with students Wednesdays in The Quad this semester in order to better connect with students. However, ASG took a turn for the worse in this respect. There is still only a small group of senators who author and sponsor legislation. A small group working on bills
while the bulk sits idly by is not representative of the student body. Another problem is out of the 1,038 votes cast this semester, 1,030 were in favor of the bills. Granted most of the issues ASG tackled were vanilla, it is hard to believe 99 percent of the student body (aka who the senators represent) would have voted yes. Then, there is the Texas State Traitors Facebook group that is all but endorsed by ASG. The group is still a constant embarrassment to the university’s image. ASG’s job is not to harm the student body and that is what the group does, which leads to the next problem. The conception some senators have is they do not represent the student government at all times. Senators need to realize if they run for office, there are responsibilities that come with the job and their actions speak for the students. There is no “off” switch. For all of these reasons, ASG failed in its representation of the student body. PASSED LEGISLATION ASG passed this category with a resounding ‘meh.’ If the editorial board were giving letter grades, ASG would get a “D.” An extremely strong late push by a few senators and the executive branch saved the semester. The ReRev project at the Student Recreation Center, the information on parking tickets and the additional Dead Day are all quality pieces of legislation, which if passed by the President’s Cabinet, will significantly improve Texas State. However, all but the very end of the semester was spent creating bureaucracies and passing irrelevant legislation. Good job ASG. Texas State needs more semesters like this one from the student government. Just remember, complacency is a sure-fire way to earn poor marks next semester. The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.
Rising tuition raises concerns
University should save money, not continue wasteful spending
By Kaycee Toller Opinions Columnist Texas State has gotten too big for its britches. With all the excitement of increased enrollment, higher tuition and the hope to move to FBS, the university has been slipping on handling the responsibility of recent growth. Like a child who gets a puppy without considering the responsibility that comes with it, Texas State has focused too much on the excitement of the future rather than what needs to be done for current students. It’s time for Texas State to quit playing fetch and start picking up the poop in the backyard. I feel as though I’ve gotten an excellent education from Texas State thus far. The majority of my professors have been great in showing they really care about providing their students with tools for success. I am concerned, however, this education has been of-
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fered in an inefficient manner because of the lack of sections available for the classes I need. When registration time comes, it’s always a scramble to get into my required classes. Many times I’ll have to add a class or two that doesn’t go toward my degree just to make the 12 hours required to receive financial aid. On Sept. 9, an article ran in The University Star about art students trading classes through a black market in order to get the classes they need. Before Thanksgiving break, another article was published which revealed the growing population of Texas State has created a large gap in the student-to-faculty ratio. Texas State’s student-tofaculty ratio is the highest of all the public universities in the state. Texas State students pay less per credit hour than other universities, but as tuition keeps rising, students are going to want to see some payoff in the form of more faculty and more classes. I chose Texas State because I felt it was a bargain for a major university. With each glimpse of my bank account, I am beginning to wonder if I should have stuck around community col-
lege a little longer. Students need to see their tuition money going toward the things that directly affect their education, rather than paying extra for things that won’t benefit them in the future. Exactly what does the $60 academic advising fee pay for when the adviser is too swamped with appointments when the students need to ask questions? Why am I paying a $94 recreational sports fee when the thought of sweating makes me cringe? The $72 bus fee is a total scam to the student left to deal with the night bus. Texas State needs to look for ways to save money, instead of charging students fees to cover excessive costs. Students’ money should go toward the classes they need to be competitive in the workforce after graduation. Money spent on cosmetic procedures for campus could be better used to provide students with the tools they need for a great education. By offering more classes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, Texas State could be ensuring the success of its students at a much more efficient rate. —Kaycee Toller is a journalism senior.
Students suffer for admissions’ mistakes
By Tristan Watson Opinions Columninst One of the biggest issues Texas State faces is trying to resolve the unbalanced student-to-faculty ratio. Texas State’s efforts to set record-breaking enrollment rates has caused the university to become overcrowded. Students are the ones suffering as a result of the admissions staff accepting more students than the university has room for. If the admissions staff would execute logic, reason and practicality, there wouldn’t be a student-to-faculty ratio problem. It’s beyond my comprehension why a university would admit an abundance of students knowing there isn’t enough room to accommodate them with appropriate living conditions and a good selection of classes. According to an article in the Nov.19 issue of The University Star, Joel Meyer, director of Institutional Research, said University President Denise Trauth is aiming to decrease the ratio with a plan to hire
additional faculty. Along with hiring additional faculty, tuition rates will be raised. The additional faculty members hired in the last six years have been paid for through tuition increases, according to the same article. Students are having to endure the flawed decisions by admissions and university administrators trying to compete for high enrollment rates. Associate Provost Eugene Bourgeois said “the result of tuition increases have led to more faculty being hired. If students had not lent their support to the tuition increase, the student-to- aculty ratio would not have improved.” I disagree with this statement. According to the Nov. 3 issue of The Star concerning a public hearing on the tuition increase, “the proposed increase was met with opposition by students,” granted there were only 11 students in attendance. One student said, “People are already struggling. If you charge more, doesn’t this make it more difficult for everyone?” Craig Rice, recreation administration sophomore, said “Paying for school is difficult already, and if students can’t pay they drop out.” Clearly there were certain students who did not support an increase. Resolving the student-to-
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faculty ratio starts with admissions. If a reasonable amount of students were admitted this would ensure every student could get the classes they needed. The housing policy would remain stable and raising tuition wouldn’t be needed to hire more faculty. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board reports Texas State has the highest student-to-faculty ratio of all Texas public universities. This is a situation which needs to be balanced, but not at the expense of students. This is not a student problem. It’s an administration problem, but students are the one’s who suffer. It makes sense university officials are going to hire additional faculty, especially since the admissions staff is capable of admitting a mass quantity of students without considering the current faculty situation. But constantly raising tuition shouldn’t always be a factor to consider. Additional faculty is needed. Nevertheless, the student-faculty ratio dilemma cannot only be solved through increased faculty members, but through the university being practical and not admitting more students than it has room for. —Tristan Watson is a political science junior.
TheUniversityStaristhestudentnewspaperofTexasStateUniversitySanMarcospublishedTuesdaythroughThursdayduringthefalland springsemesters.ItisdistributedoncampusandthroughoutSanMarcos at8a.m.everyTuesday,WednesdayandThursdaywithadistributionof 8,000.PrintinganddistributionisbytheNewBraunfelsHerald-Zeitung. CopyrightWednesday,December2.Allcopy,photographsandgraphics appearinginTheUniversityStararetheexclusivepropertyofTheUniversity Starandmaynotbereproducedwithouttheexpressedwrittenconsentof the editor in chief.
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Black Eyed Peas Back on Tour
In 2010, after a nearly four-year hiatus, the Black Eyed Peas have announced their 100-date North American tour. According to Billboard.com “The E.N.D. World Tour 2010” starts Feb. 4 in Atlanta, Ga. After their stops in North America, the band is planning a tour of the United Kingdom and Europe.
The University Star – 7
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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By Brittany E. Wilson Features Reporter Greg Weatherford, management freshman, created his own million-dollar empire at the age of 19. When Weatherford was 12 years old he founded Young People Who Care, a nonprofit student service learning organization in Little Elm. The organization is a philanthropic company that enters schools to promote volunteerism. Weatherford started the company because there was a lack of student volunteer opportunities for adolescents. Service learning organizations differ from community service because they have an educational component. They create systematic change while simultaneously helping those in need. Weatherford progressively expanded his company and in 2008 had chapters across the nation. The original location in Little Elm broke the national record for student service by completing more than 75 service learning projects. The organization in 2008 became a for-profit organization with several entities. Greg created two sister companies, Weatherford Sports and Above the Rest Sports. Above the Rest Sports has earned several contracts with school districts such as Southlake, Frisco and Denton to host sports camps for youths. Weatherford wears many hats. His first book is a how-to for adolescents to start their own businesses. Weatherford had students read a draft and act out the steps outlined in the book as an editing process. Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo “There were many great fulfilling STARTING YOUNG: Greg Weatherford, sessions for us. It was awesome,” he management freshman, has his own said. million-dollar empire at the age of 20. Weatherford is on the Board of
Directors for Girl Scouts, a position that allows him to give a fresh, youthful perspective to the organization. He is a talent manager, a United Culture clothing line founder, a member of the State Farm Youth Advisory Board and a motivational speaker. Weatherford said he gets strength from his mother, a breast cancer survivor, and his father, a motivational speaker. “My dad is the most positive person you will ever meet,” Weatherford said. “We call him ‘Officer Friendly.’” Weatherford’s mother developed breast cancer while pregnant with his younger sister. She delayed chemotherapy treatments until her daughter was born. “It was the ultimate sacrifice,” Weatherford said. “She has a great survivor story.” Weatherford is taking 16 hours this semester and is on campus every day. Weatherford said education is important to him in addition to his business ventures. “It gives me joy to know I help support other people,” Weatherford said. Weatherford employs approximately 300 people in his enterprise, so he keeps organized. “I take pride in keeping a good schedule,” Weatherford said. “I’m a master scheduler.” It would seem the young businessman can barely spare a minute, but he has big plans on the horizon. Weatherford’s biggest project for 2011 is the opening of Above the Rest Learning Center. The location will house 97 different educational classes in one building. “This is one of the most proud projects I have ever come up with,” Weatherford said. Weatherford, at 20 years old, has accomplished all of the goals he has set for himself, expect for one. Weatherford dreams of having a television or radio show, which he calls a hybrid of The View and The Today Show.
Triple Crown trades donations for local band concert Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor Donating a non-perishable food item during Christmas at The Beaumonts Food Drive could create a long-lasting memory for a lucky concert attendee. Troy Wayne Delco of The Beaumonts band said the food drive at Triple Crown features unique door prizes. “A guitar from Mazak Music, a tandem sky dive from Sky Dive San Marcos and meals from places like Chuy’s, Zen’s Pizza and Chipotle,” Delco said. “Also, someone could win a tattoo from Mark Von Diehl and clothes from Vagabond.” Mark Von Diehl of Classic Tattoos said his portrait tattoos have received international attention and won numerous awards. Von Diehl thinks the food drive is a great idea. “I am just automatically willing to become a part of something like this,” Von Diehl said. “Anything I can do to help people out, especially when it involves my trade, I am going to be more than happy to help.” Delco said this was the third year for the Christmas show. The idea for a charitable event sprang from a love of San Marcos. “We have made a lot of friends here and San Marcos has been really good to us,” Delco said. “I know a lot of musicians (who live) here and many of them have taken advantage of the (Hays County Food Bank) to get them over the hump.” Delco said attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or cash donation. “We will give you a ticket to enter a drawing for one of the door prizes,” Delco said. “Our sponsors have been really gracious.” Delco said Arclight Records is donating their entire catalog. “It has a lot of underground and fairly popular Texas music, everything they’ve ever put out,” Delco said. Zen’s Pizza, Green Guy Recycling, Mazak Music, Vagabond, Sky Dive San Marcos, Mark Von Diehl of Classic Tattoos and Chuy’s are spon-
sors for the celebration and concert scheduled for 10 p.m. Dec. 12. Triple Crown will donate 10 percent of bar earnings for the evening. “Usually we just (perform shows) for ourselves, to get some gas money to make it back home,” Delco said. “Really, we’ve never done
any other type of charitable event, but if it works we will go ahead and keep doing it. It’s not really that hard.” Kate Shaw, activities coordinator for Hays County Food Bank, said she thinks Delco’s approach is a fun way to do a food drive. “Troy has a lot of energy and usually that bodes well
for a food drive,” Shaw said. “I would say the more enthusiastic you are about the food drive the better results you get, so I am expecting great things from them.” “We aren’t necessarily choirboys, but we are giving it a try,” Delco said. “Hopefully we can do something constructive, for once.”
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Founder of million-dollar company under the age of 25
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
‘Our Stories, Ourselves: A Feminist Art Show’ By Jovonna Owen Features Reporter
The slogan on a bright red bumper sticker displayed in the Honors Coffee Forum read, “Feminism, the radical notion that women are people.” The opening reception Tuesday for “Our Stories, Ourselves,” the feminist art exhibit, featured student artwork, photography, writing and performances. Lisa Okafor, computer information systems senior, heard about the exhibit through her roommate, Bridgette Cyr, who had artwork on display. “I think it’s really awesome seeing the different faces of women throughout — as a young girl, through her teenage years, through adolescents, all the way up to adulthood — it’s really cool seeing those stages in a woman’s life,” Okafor said. Okafor said she related to a bra titled “Chas – titties” made by Valerie Garza, a communication design senior. “The artist is explaining how she’s such a strong woman, which is something I can relate to,” Okafor said. “She’s talking about how we spend so much money buying heels that hurt us and doing all these hurtful things to make us beautiful. Sometimes we get hidden in all that stuff and don’t really see how strong we are. We don’t need all these superficial things to make us realize how beautiful and powerful we really are as women.” Cyr, photography senior, created the ceramic series, Cut, as a response to several weeks of research dealing with female genital circumcision, specifically in Kenya. “By forming abstract female genitalia, I hope to bring not only attention to the ritual, but also to invite the viewer to explore the culture today that continues to participate in the
ancient practice,” Cyr said in her artist’s statement. Jennie Tudor Gray, studio art senior and exhibit curator, said the show was an offshoot from an art history seminar. “I knew I wanted to deal with feminism in some way,” Gray said. “I just left it general rather than trying to get too specific to see what would turnout. It was a great … great response from everybody and it’s just interesting to see the different themes dealing with body images, or the body itself, sexuality, the stories of our families and how we are viewed. It’s interesting to see so much similarity is going on.” Gray said she received entries from artists all around campus for the exhibit. “It was open to all genders,” Gray said. Gray, who goes by the moniker “thee crafty librarian,” had mixed media collages on exhibit and displayed books on feminism. She has worked at the Austin Museum of Art, Austin Public Library and “every bookstore in Austin.” “Story telling is a huge part of my art,” Gray said. “When I worked at Half Price Books we would throw out books that were too old or damaged. I started collecting those and making art out of them. Now there’s a new altered book or altered art movement.” Gray said she defines feminism as a human rights issue. “Not all feminists would agree what I believe is feminist or not, but to me it’s about equal rights and having compassion for everybody and equal opportunity and pay,” Gray said. The art exhibit will be on display from Wednesday to Dec. 11 in the Honors Coffee Forum. The gallery is located in Lampasas 407A.
FEMININE QUALITIES: The opening reception for the feminist art exhibit “Our Stories, Ourselves” was Tuesday night in the Honors Coffee Forum.
— Bridgette Cyris is a photographer with The University Star.
Sara Strick/Star photos
Travelers save on accommodation expenses with new group By Miranda Serene Features Reporter
Sleeping accommodations while traveling are easy on the pocket when there is no monetary exchange. The CouchSurfing Project uses the concept of hospitality exchange to help travelers. San Marcos CouchSurfers have come together to start a local group. Rich Garwood, CouchSurfing moderator for San Marcos, organized the first meeting recently. Garwood noticed a significant amount of CouchSurfers in San Marcos.
“There are 53 CouchSurfers in the area,” Garwood said. “The people just needed a little push to get together and that’s what I did.” Garwood is an experienced CouchSurfer who has been traveling all his life. “I have CouchSurfed with around 15 people,” Garwood said. “I have hitchhiked all across America.” Through hitchhiking, Garwood discovered positive ideas of strangers. “I have learned most people in this country are truly nice,” Garwood said.
Katelynn Butler, English junior, is a moderator for San Marcos. Butler discovered CouchSurfing about a year ago through friends. “I took a bus trip last year around the country with some CouchSurfers,” Butler said. “I really want to travel more in the future.” Butler has ideas of where she wants to travel. “I plan on going to Costa Rica soon, and it’s hardly going to cost me anything,” Butler said. “The idea of CouchSurfing is a genius idea for anyone who loves to travel.”
CouchSurfers get in contact with each other online through the Web site. According to CouchSurfing. org, “(CouchSurfers) have a vision of a world where everyone can explore and create meaningful connections with the people and places they encounter.” Butler said it is amazing to see all the people in the world who are interested in the idea. “It’s exciting to find people here in San Marcos into the same things as I am,” Butler said. CouchSurfers all have at
least one thing in common: traveling. “People who have been places see the world differently,” Garwood said. “We all share the love of travel.” Garwood said it takes an alternative thinker to be open enough to let others in your home. “Not just anyone is willing to be a host to someone from another country,” Garwood said. CouchSurfers argue the practice allows traveling to be an easier conquest, whether it is in Texas or across the globe. According to CouchSurfing.
org, “We believe the more we see the world as an exciting mix of unique peoples, the more motivated we are to protect and preserve diversity.” The San Marcos CouchSurfing group plans to meet every week to become better acquainted one another. The object of the meetings is to share traveling experiences and expand the CouchSurfing community. “I have many future plans for the group including a mystery trip sometime soon,” Garwood said.
Entertainment Calendar: Wednesday • Scott Wood, 6 p.m., The Bayou City Outlaw Band, 10 p.m., Triple Crown • Stewart Mann and The Statesboro, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall • Open Mic, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon • Kent Finlays Songwriters Circle, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse Thursday • Ricky Stein, 6 p.m., The River Hymn, Mr. Gnome, Holly Psychedelic, 10 p.m., Triple Crown • Reckless Kelly, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall • Victoria and Zeta 5, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon • Brandon Rhyder, 8 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse Friday • Nathan Hamilton, 6 p.m., Spank, Moving Matter, 10 p.m., Triple Crown • Reckless Kelly, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall • Earle Brown, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon • Island Texas, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse
Sunday • Kelley Mickwee, Andrew Hardin, Jamie Wilson, 12-3:30 p.m., Porterdavis, 4 p.m. Gruene Hall • Karaoke, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon • First Sunday Blue-Grass with the Two High String Band, 4-8 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse
Monday • Gerry’s Kids, 6 p.m., A Mindivided, Hollow, Leprechaun Theory, 10 p.m., Triple Crown • Free Jukebox, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern • Bret Graham, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall • Matt Begley Song Swap, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon • Southside Union, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse Tuesday • Bruce Smith 6 p.m., Buck Jones and The Haggards, 10 p.m., Triple Crown • Adam Carroll Presents: Tuesday Night Songwriter Series with special guest Jason Eady, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall • Sasquatch Holler, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon • Midnight River Choir, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse
Saturday • Spread the word: Perseph One, Emcee Eats, Omari Kamau, Rocbox, Jaysin10 p.m., Triple Crown • Karen Abrahams Band, 1-5 p.m., Wednesday The Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison • RC Banks 6 p.m., Devil’s Hollow, Holiday Show, 9 p.m., Gruene Hall 10 p.m., Triple Crown • Matt Begley and Bitter Whiskey, • Stewart Mann and The Statesboro 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Revue, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall • Radney Foster, 8 p.m., Cheatham • Open Mic, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Street Warehouse Saloon • Kent Finlay’s Songwriters Circle, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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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
LIVE AT THE BEST ADDRESS IN SAN MARCOS–109 CRADDOCK AVE! Bishop’s Square has availability on 1BD/1BA and 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes for Jan. and Aug. FREE internet phone and cable, gated community, fitness center, resort style pool. Call or stop by today–tours available daily! Visit us online at www.bishopssquare.com to get pricing and floor plans. (512) 878-8728 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
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by3 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
2BD/2BA IN THE COUNTRY WITH STUDY. 1,000 sq. ft., located downstairs. 10 min. to TxState. Quiet neighborhood and non-smoking. Available Jan. 1. (512) 393-9236. 519 HUTCHISON. 3BD/3BA CLOSE TO TSU. Full-size W/D included. Call Legacy Real Estate (512) 665-3321, legacyrealestate.biz
For Rent—Houses
3BD/2BA, CENTRAL AIR AND HEAT, W/D, 1 BLOCK FROM WEST CAMPUS, 3 PEOPLE ONLY. $1,200 per month, references required. (512) 396-1717.
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ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN FOR CALENDARS, GREETING CARDS, ETC. $100-200/hr., up to $1,000/day. No exp. needed, (512)684-8296. DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Trucking Companies hiring NOW--No CDL, No Problem! Training available with Roadmaster! Call now! (866) 659-0565 HOLIDAY SEMESTER WORK •$15 base/appointment •Flexible schedules •Customer Sales/Service •No door-to-door or telemarketing •No experience necessary •Scholarship possible •Conditions apply •APPLY NOW!!! •Call (512) 392-7377 www.workforstudents.com
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.
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Must indicate salary desired and any medical conditions. Apply in person at Americas Best Value Inn, 15101 IH 35 (Exit 220), Buda, TX 78610.
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$5,000 PAID. EGG DONORS. +Exps. N/Smokers, ages 19-29, SAT>1100/ ACT>24/GPA>3.0 Reply to: info@eggdonorcenter.com
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FEMALE WANTED FOR NICE 3BD/2BA DUPLEX. W/D, on shuttle, $291/month and utilities. (512) 557-0305, (512) 557-0122. TIRED OF COMMUTING EVERYDAY?
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Looking to sublease 4BD/4BA apartment within 5 miles of campus at The Edge! For more info., please call (713) 412-6378. NURSE AIDE TRAINING. Registering for classes. Contact Comfort Connection Nurse Aide Training (512) 392-4663.
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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Joe Knows
Quarterback’s work ethic conVINCing Titans’ fans When a football team is winning, too much of the credit goes to the starting quarterback. When a football team is losing, By Joseph O. Garcia just the opposite Sports Columnist happens. But when that quarterback is Vince Young, everything is magnified. Young was injured and booed off his home field two years ago. He was criticized for being an immature young man with a fragile psyche. Some even wrote him off as a bust. In case you missed it last Sunday, Young led the Tennessee Titans on a 99-yard drive trailing the Arizona Cardinals 17-13 with 2:37 left on the clock. He converted three, fourth downs including the game-winning touchdown to rookie Kenny Britt with no time remaining. The Titans won 20-17. In the victory, Young threw for a career-high 387 yards. Receivers Britt and Nate Washington and tight end Bo Scaife all had at least 68 yards receiving. Young has now won nine consecutive starts, counting four in the 2007 season. His overall record as the Titans’ starter is 23-11. He is simply doing the one thing he knows how to do — win. Sunday’s 99-yard drive was Young’s fourth consecutive gamewinning drive after the Titans had either been tied or trailed. Now Young has led the Titans to a five-game winning streak, his critics praise him for turning the corner and becoming more mature. This may be true, but he isn’t doing it alone. In the backfield with Young is Chris Johnson. Johnson has proved to be an MVP candidate. He joins Earl Campbell and Eric Dickerson as the only players in NFL history with 125-plus yards in six consecutive games. He has averaged at least five yards per carry in each of those games, which surpassed Jim Brown, who managed the feat in five straight games. Johnson is on pace for 2,030 rushing yards, 2,458 total yards and 15 touchdowns. Along with the success of Young and Johnson, the Titans’ defense is finally playing the way it had been expected to all year. The Titans’ physical style of defense can compete with any team in the league. That same defense was shredded with a 59-0 rout in New England earlier this season. Now, it is giving up 18.2 points per game during the current win streak. Tennessee held Arizona to a field goal in the first half Sunday — the defense’s best performance this season. The Titans’ defense will be put to the test this weekend when they visit Indianapolis to play Peyton Manning and the undefeated Colts. After a 0-6 start to the season, the Titans have to margin for error. Tennessee has re-emerged as a playoff contender pulling into the loss column of the AFC’s sixth spot.
TEXAS TEST The Texas State volleyball team (22-12 overall) will face Texas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Longhorns are ranked No. 2 in the country with a 24-1 overall record. The game will take place 6 p.m. Thursday at Gregory Gym in Austin.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu
Bobcats
defeat
‘We were definitely very, very hungry (to get a win).’
Dustdevils By Anthony Medina Sports Reporter The Texas State men’s basketball team finally secured a victory at home after losing five consecutive road games. The Bobcats defeated the Texas A&MInternational Dustdevils 71-60, improving their record to 2-5 overall. The Bobcats returning to the winning track by holding A&M-International to 60 points in the game. Texas State relenquished 108 points to Texas Christian in a triple overtime thriller last week. The game was a back-and-forth battle in the first half with 12 lead changes. The Dustdevils took a one-point lead with four seconds left in the half. Ryan White, junior guard, gave the Bobcats momentum as he shot a 3-point buzzer beater before halftime to give the Bobcats a 29-27 lead. The Bobcats started the second half with a 10-3 run in the first two minutes. Texas State extended its lead to 19 by the nine-minute mark in the second half and never fell behind. Cameron Johnson, junior forward, led the Bobcats with a near double-double scoring 16 points on 50 percent shooting while grabbing nine rebounds. “We were definitely very, very hungry (to get a win),” Johnson said. “I feel, as captain of the team, I need to set an example on the court so I just did what my team needed me to do.” The Bobcats had four players in double figures, including White, who is still recovering from a rib injury that sidelined him for the first three games of the season. “I feel the pain,” White said. “When I do stuff, I’m timid because I don’t want to fall on it. But I’ll be alright.” The Bobcats are now 2-0 on their home court, but have yet to win a game on the road. “A sexy record is not the most important thing right now,” said Coach Doug Davalos. “The most important thing is to make ourselves better.” Davalos hopes the tough games the Bobcats have faced are helping the team prepare for tough conference play, which begins in early January. The Bobcats will be back in action 4 p.m. Saturday at Strahan Coliseum as they take on TexasPan American.
—Cameron Johnson junior forward
Transfer students find nitch in Bobcat volleyball By Eric Harper Sports Reporter The Texas State volleyball team has benefitted this season from the contributions of two players who made the decision to transfer. Mo Middleton, junior outside hitter, and Jillian Wolpman, sophomore middle blocker, have each made successful transitions to the Bobcats’ Southland Conference West Division champion team. Middleton played in 13 games for New Mexico last season and saw an opportunity to play a more significant role for the Bobcats. Middleton had the second most kills of any Bobcat this season with 278, including a career high of 18 on two occasions. Coach Karen Chisum said the Bobcats knew little about Middle-
ton at first but decided to give her the opportunity to play. “Mo wanted a chance to play and we took a chance on her,” Chisum said. “I’m glad we did. She has made an impact for us.” Middleton saw the Bobcats as a close-knit team and felt San Marcos was a place she could call home. “I loved the team chemistry and I knew I would have a chance to play,” Middleton said. “I also loved the environment in San Marcos.” Middleton said the best part of her transfer experience has been the bond she has formed with teammates. “I have a great relationship with all the girls,” Middleton said. “We all want to be around each other. We have great cohesion.” Middleton said one of the most difficult parts for any transfer play-
er is adjusting to coaching changes and learning new philosophies. The ability to work through these obstacles has come from putting forth her best effort and willingness to take advice. “I really went after it and wasn’t timid,” Middleton said. “I have been open to suggestions and I have a good relationship with the coaches and players here.” Wolpman was a standout at San Marcos High School, setting school records in kills and blocks. She left San Marcos for college and a chance to play for the nationally-ranked San Diego volleyball program. Despite its ranking, San Diego was not the right fit for Wolpman. She transferred to Texas State after her first year of playing college volleyball. Wolpman liked the familiarity she had with San Marcos and the
chance to come to a bigger school. “I wanted to be closer to home,” Wolpman said. “San Diego is a small school and I wanted to go somewhere bigger.” Wolpman helped anchor the middle of the Bobcat defense with .65 blocks per set this season from the middle blocker position. Wolpman said coming back to play in her hometown has helped neutralize difficulties she may have had adjusting as a transfer student. “I’m more comfortable where I am now,” Wolpman said. “I’m used to being here.” Chisum said the Bobcats were pleased they had the chance to have Wolpman play in her hometown. “It’s nice to have her back home,” Chisum said. “She was one of the best high school players ever in San Marcos.”
Women’s golf recruits ‘international sensation’ By Dustin Porterfield Sports Reporter
The Texas State’s women’s golf team made a big time splash with the signing of international sensation Mara Puisite. “I am extremely excited to announce the signing of Mara Puisite,” said Coach Mike Akers. “Mara has a wealth of international playing experience and is a proven champion.” Puisite, at 18 years old, has numerous accomplishments and titles under her belt. She is a member of the Latvian national golf team and won the 2009 Latvian Amateur Championships and the Icelandic Junior Masters. Puisite placed second at the Latvian Junior Championships. She made the cover of Sport magazine in addition to her success. “We started recruiting
Mara two years ago when we flew to Miami to watch her,” Akers said. “She really made an impression on us. She is a very dynamic player who hits the ball a long way. She’s very capable with the driver or an iron. If she wants to break par she will have to fine tune her short game a little bit.” Akers believes Puisite coming to Texas State will make an immediate impact on the team for the fall 2010 season. “I expect Mara to compete for the top three players on the traveling squad. Her goal should be to be named Freshman of the Year in the conference,” Akers said. Akers said Puisite has left an impression both on the course and in the classroom. “She has the highest SAT score of anyone I have recruited,” Akers said. “She is extremely smart. She had nu-
Mara Puisite —Courtesy of Texas State athletics
merous opportunities to study and golf at various universities throughout the United States. She chose Texas State for the quality of our business school, our great climate and the direction our entire athletic department is moving toward.”
